tass--2020-02-13--Number of new coronavirus cases in China stabilizes — WHO chief

GENEVA , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
The number of newly confirmed novel coronavirus cases in China has stabilized over the past week , WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters on Wednesday .
`` The number of newly confirmed cases reported from China has stabilized over the past week , but that must be interpreted with extreme caution .
This outbreak could still go in any direction , '' he said .
The WHO chief said that the number of countries who reported the infection on their territory has also remained unchanged since February 4 .
Besides , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed on Tuesday outside China , 40 were detected on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship , which is now quarantined off Japan .
`` We are in constant contact with the Japanese government , the International Maritime Organization , and the owner of the ship to protect the health of all passengers , '' he said .
`` Now we have three cruise ships that have experienced delayed port clearance or have been denied entry to ports , often without an evidence-based risk assessment . ''
`` Together with the International Maritime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to all countries to respect the principle of `` free pratique '' for ships and the principle of proper care for all travelers , in accordance with the International Health Regulations , '' Ghebreyesus continued .
On February 11 and 12 , Geneva hosts a two-day global forum aimed at establishing measures to fight the novel coronavirus .
The forum brings together around 400 experts from across the world .
The main goal of the forum is to identify knowledge gaps and research priorities in order to produce scientific information and medical products @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak .
A team of experts from the Russian Health Ministry and the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare ( Rospotrebnadzor ) is taking part in the event .

GENEVA, February 12. /TASS/. The number of newly confirmed novel coronavirus cases in China has stabilized over the past week, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters on Wednesday.
"The number of newly confirmed cases reported from China has stabilized over the past week, but that must be interpreted with extreme caution. This outbreak could still go in any direction," he said.
The WHO chief said that the number of countries who reported the infection on their territory has also remained unchanged since February 4. Besides, out of the 48 newly confirmed cases confirmed on Tuesday outside China, 40 were detected on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which is now quarantined off Japan.
"We are in constant contact with the Japanese government, the International Maritime Organization, and the owner of the ship to protect the health of all passengers," he said. "Now we have three cruise ships that have experienced delayed port clearance or have been denied entry to ports, often without an evidence-based risk assessment."
"Together with the International Maritime Organization, we will issue a communique to all countries to respect the principle of "free pratique" for ships and the principle of proper care for all travelers, in accordance with the International Health Regulations," Ghebreyesus continued.
On February 11 and 12, Geneva hosts a two-day global forum aimed at establishing measures to fight the novel coronavirus. The forum brings together around 400 experts from across the world. The main goal of the forum is to identify knowledge gaps and research priorities in order to produce scientific information and medical products most needed to minimize the impact of the outbreak.
A team of experts from the Russian Health Ministry and the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor) is taking part in the event.


tass--2020-02-13--Kremlin: Putin did not offer Lukashenko to create "super state" of Russia and Belarus

MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin did not offer his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko to @ @ @ @ @ '' between the two countries , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS on Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ not true , '' he said when asked about reliability of Bloomberg ’ s Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ made such a proposal to Lukashenko .
Lukashenko had already dubbed as `` small talk @ @ @ @ @ the two countries to form one state .
He reiterated that `` there has never @ @ @ @ @ a thought to do it . ''
In the meantime , Vladimir Putin pointed out @ @ @ @ @ afoot , nor goals , nor grounds to unite Russia and Belarus .
Last March @ @ @ @ @ potential merger of Russia and Belarus , which could allow Putin to stay in power @ @ @ @ @ at the time that `` those free exercises have nothing to do with issues discussed @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin did not offer his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko to create a "super state" between the two countries, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS on Wednesday.
"No, it is not true," he said when asked about reliability of Bloomberg’s Wednesday article alleging that Putin had made such a proposal to Lukashenko.
Lukashenko had already dubbed as "small talk" the rumors about uniting the two countries to form one state. He reiterated that "there has never been even an idea or a thought to do it." In the meantime, Vladimir Putin pointed out that there are no plans afoot, nor goals, nor grounds to unite Russia and Belarus.
Last March, Bloomberg reported about a potential merger of Russia and Belarus, which could allow Putin to stay in power after 2014. Peskov said at the time that "those free exercises have nothing to do with issues discussed at the Kremlin."


tass--2020-02-13--WHO to draft coordination plan for anti-coronavirus measures — head

GENEVA , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) is currently working on a master plan that would coordinate clinical research on coronavirus , WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters on Wednesday .
`` WHO is now developing a master plan for coordinating clinical trials and ensuring they are done coherently and consistently , '' he said .
In his words , research groups are currently meeting with leading research funders to start work on the most pressing questions immediately .
`` Some of these issues include easy to apply diagnostics , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ therapies that could be used to treat patients , existing vaccine candidates and how to accelerate them , '' Ghebreyesus added .
As part of its measures to respond to the crisis , the World Health Organization has sent masks , gloves and medical gowns to 18 countries worldwide to protect health workers amid the novel coronavirus outbreak .
`` We continue to support countries with the tools and equipment they need now to diagnose cases and protect health workers , '' Ghebreyesus said .
`` We have shipped diagnostic kits to laboratories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to do so , '' the WHO chief continued .
`` And we ’ re also sending supplies of masks , gloves , gowns and other personal protective equipment to protect frontline health workers in 18 countries that need our support , and we have more in the pipeline . ''
Besides , Ghebreyesus said that a frontline group of experts , sent by the WHO to China , has achieved certain progress in its work .
The group , led by a Canadian epidemiologist and emergencies expert , Dr. Bruce Aylward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrival of a larger international team .
The group comprises 10 experts , but can be increased to include 15 members if necessary .
`` Our advance team in China has made good progress in working out the composition of the team and the scope of its work .
We hope to have more news to announce soon , '' the WHO director general said .
On December 31 , Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ central China populated by 11 million people .
The source of the outbreak is the COVID-19 coronavirus .
The disease spread to 24 more countries outside China , including Russia .
WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency .
The Chinese authorities have confirmed 44,600 cases of the novel coronavirus infection .
More than 1,100 of those infected have already died , while over 4,700 recovered .

GENEVA, February 12. /TASS/. The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently working on a master plan that would coordinate clinical research on coronavirus, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters on Wednesday.
"WHO is now developing a master plan for coordinating clinical trials and ensuring they are done coherently and consistently," he said.
In his words, research groups are currently meeting with leading research funders to start work on the most pressing questions immediately.
"Some of these issues include easy to apply diagnostics, the best approaches for infection prevention, potential therapies that could be used to treat patients, existing vaccine candidates and how to accelerate them," Ghebreyesus added.
As part of its measures to respond to the crisis, the World Health Organization has sent masks, gloves and medical gowns to 18 countries worldwide to protect health workers amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.
"We continue to support countries with the tools and equipment they need now to diagnose cases and protect health workers," Ghebreyesus said.
"We have shipped diagnostic kits to laboratories around the world, and we will continue to do so," the WHO chief continued. "And we’re also sending supplies of masks, gloves, gowns and other personal protective equipment to protect frontline health workers in 18 countries that need our support, and we have more in the pipeline."
Besides, Ghebreyesus said that a frontline group of experts, sent by the WHO to China, has achieved certain progress in its work. The group, led by a Canadian epidemiologist and emergencies expert, Dr. Bruce Aylward, is supposed to prepare for the arrival of a larger international team. The group comprises 10 experts, but can be increased to include 15 members if necessary.
"Our advance team in China has made good progress in working out the composition of the team and the scope of its work. We hope to have more news to announce soon," the WHO director general said.
On December 31, Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan - a large trade and industrial center in central China populated by 11 million people. The source of the outbreak is the COVID-19 coronavirus. The disease spread to 24 more countries outside China, including Russia. WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency.
The Chinese authorities have confirmed 44,600 cases of the novel coronavirus infection. More than 1,100 of those infected have already died, while over 4,700 recovered.


tass--2020-02-13--Teenage boy killed in fire opened by US troops in Syria — Russia’s Defense Ministry

MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
A 14-year-old boy was killed in the Syrian region of Al-Hasakah in a clash of US troops with local civilians , while another civilian was wounded , Major General Yuri Borenkov , the chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Parties in Syria , said on Wednesday .
According to the general , `` a conflict broke out [ between the US service members and locals ] triggering the US troops to open fire on the civilians with the intent to kill . ''
Borenkov pointed out that `` one local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14-year-old boy Feisal Khalid Muhammad - was killed . ''
The Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Parties in Syria explained that the conflict broke out after the US military convoy deviated from its route and was stopped by Syrian government units outside Harbat Hamo in Al-Hasakah Province at 10.30 a.m. local time on Wednesday .
`` Only thanks to efforts of the Russian soldiers who had arrived at the scene was it possible to avoid any further escalation of the conflict with local residents , '' Borenkov said .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helped to `` ensure the exit of the US Forces ’ convoy towards their base at the inhabited locality of Himo in Al-Hasakah Province . ''
The Russian reconciliation center continues to fulfill assigned tasks after the completion of the military campaign in Syria .
The center ’ s officers regularly travel around the country 's liberated areas to assess the humanitarian situation .
The main efforts of the Russian military are now focused on assistance to the refugees returning to their homes and evacuation of civilians from de-escalation zones .

MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. A 14-year-old boy was killed in the Syrian region of Al-Hasakah in a clash of US troops with local civilians, while another civilian was wounded, Major General Yuri Borenkov, the chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Parties in Syria, said on Wednesday.
According to the general, "a conflict broke out [between the US service members and locals] triggering the US troops to open fire on the civilians with the intent to kill."
Borenkov pointed out that "one local civilian was wounded. Another - the 14-year-old boy Feisal Khalid Muhammad - was killed."
The Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Parties in Syria explained that the conflict broke out after the US military convoy deviated from its route and was stopped by Syrian government units outside Harbat Hamo in Al-Hasakah Province at 10.30 a.m. local time on Wednesday.
"Only thanks to efforts of the Russian soldiers who had arrived at the scene was it possible to avoid any further escalation of the conflict with local residents," Borenkov said.
According to the general, the Russian service members also helped to "ensure the exit of the US Forces’ convoy towards their base at the inhabited locality of Himo in Al-Hasakah Province."
The Russian reconciliation center continues to fulfill assigned tasks after the completion of the military campaign in Syria. The center’s officers regularly travel around the country's liberated areas to assess the humanitarian situation. The main efforts of the Russian military are now focused on assistance to the refugees returning to their homes and evacuation of civilians from de-escalation zones.


tass--2020-02-12--Russian diplomat warns against fake reports on coronavirus in Western media

MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
During a briefing on Wednesday , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has called on the Western media to refrain from publishing fake reports on the outbreak of novel coronavirus in China .
`` Having read today ’ s media reports , having monitored the messages of Western news agencies and TV channels , I am simply horrified by what is published on the territory of states that consider themselves civilized , profess the high ideals of democracy and defend human rights on international platforms , '' the diplomat said .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China and the Chinese nation by the authors of numerous publications who use disinformation and fake news with no consideration for the country and its people faced with an outbreak of a new virus . ''
`` I suppose , it is useless to call for honesty , morality and decency in the modern world , '' Zakharova lamented .
`` It is necessary to reconsider and reread everything that was signed and declared within the walls of the UN its entities , '' the Russian diplomat stressed .
`` One should not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sessions , one should live by them .
If the country and its people are going through such an ordeal , it would be right to show compassion . ''
On December 31 , Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan - a large trade and industrial center in central China populated by 11 million people .
The source of the outbreak is the COVID-19 coronavirus .
The disease spread to 24 more countries apart from China - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Finland , France , Germany , Japan , India , Italy , Malaysia , Nepal , the Philippines , Russia , Singapore , South Korea , Spain , Sri Lanka , Sweden , Thailand , the United Arab Emirates , the United Kingdom , the United States and Vietnam .
WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency .
Currently , the total number of people infected with coronavirus exceeded 44,600 in China with over 1,100 people reported to have died from the disease .
Meanwhile , over 4,700 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .

MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. During a briefing on Wednesday, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has called on the Western media to refrain from publishing fake reports on the outbreak of novel coronavirus in China.
"Having read today’s media reports, having monitored the messages of Western news agencies and TV channels, I am simply horrified by what is published on the territory of states that consider themselves civilized, profess the high ideals of democracy and defend human rights on international platforms," the diplomat said. "I have never seen such direct mockery of China and the Chinese nation by the authors of numerous publications who use disinformation and fake news with no consideration for the country and its people faced with an outbreak of a new virus."
"I suppose, it is useless to call for honesty, morality and decency in the modern world," Zakharova lamented. "It is necessary to reconsider and reread everything that was signed and declared within the walls of the UN its entities," the Russian diplomat stressed. "One should not simply bring up these principles during political sessions, one should live by them. If the country and its people are going through such an ordeal, it would be right to show compassion."
On December 31, Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan - a large trade and industrial center in central China populated by 11 million people. The source of the outbreak is the COVID-19 coronavirus. The disease spread to 24 more countries apart from China - Australia, Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, India, Italy, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam. WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency.
Currently, the total number of people infected with coronavirus exceeded 44,600 in China with over 1,100 people reported to have died from the disease. Meanwhile, over 4,700 people are said to have recovered from it.


tass--2020-02-12--Russian Orthodox Church head to attend pan-Orthodox summit in Jordan in late February

ROME , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia , the primate of the Russian @ @ @ @ @ to Jordan for a summit meeting of all Orthodox Churches scheduled for late February , @ @ @ @ @ Bartholomew of Constantinople comes to attend it , Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk , the chairman @ @ @ @ @ Church Relations , told Russian reporters on Wednesday .
`` The dispute in the Orthodox @ @ @ @ @ with the help of the Pope .
The solution to this dispute should be found @ @ @ @ @ .
Maybe , this summit meeting that is being arranged by Patriarch [ Theophilos III @ @ @ @ @ will take place in Amman [ Jordan ’ s capital - TASS ] after the @ @ @ @ @ helpful , '' Metropolitan Hilarion said .
`` I think our Church will be represent @ @ @ @ @ he pointed out .

ROME, February 12. /TASS/. Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, the primate of the Russian Orthodox Church, will travel to Jordan for a summit meeting of all Orthodox Churches scheduled for late February, even if the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople comes to attend it, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, the chairman of the Department of External Church Relations, told Russian reporters on Wednesday.
"The dispute in the Orthodox world cannot be solved with the help of the Pope. The solution to this dispute should be found within the Orthodox Churches family. Maybe, this summit meeting that is being arranged by Patriarch [Theophilos III] of Jerusalem and that will take place in Amman [Jordan’s capital - TASS] after the 20th this month will be helpful," Metropolitan Hilarion said.
"I think our Church will be represent by the Primate," he pointed out.


tass--2020-02-12--Russian foreign ministry establishes task force to combat spread of coronavirus

MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Foreign Ministry has established a task force with the aim to combat the spread of novel coronavirus , the ministry ’ s spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during Wednesday ’ s briefing .
The diplomat reminded that earlier , Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin had established a coronavirus prevention task force headed by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova .
`` The Russian Foreign Ministry contributes to the work of this task force along with other competent federal bodies , '' she said .
`` The Russian Foreign Ministry has also established @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area . ''
Zakharova noted that Russian diplomatic missions abroad are providing up-to-date information to Russian citizens regarding the spread of the virus .
`` Russia ’ s embassies and consulate generals in China are carefully monitoring the situation , maintaining contact with Russian citizens located in the areas where the disease is spreading . ''
On December 31 , Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan - a large trade and industrial center in central China populated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the outbreak is the COVID-19 coronavirus .
The disease spread to 24 more countries apart from China - Australia , Belgium , Cambodia , Canada , Finland , France , Germany , Japan , India , Italy , Malaysia , Nepal , the Philippines , Russia , Singapore , South Korea , Spain , Sri Lanka , Sweden , Thailand , the United Arab Emirates , the United Kingdom , the United States and Vietnam .
WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency .
Currently , the total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 44,600 in China with over 1,100 people reported to have died from the disease .
Meanwhile , over 4,700 people are said to have recovered from it .

MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. The Russian Foreign Ministry has established a task force with the aim to combat the spread of novel coronavirus, the ministry’s spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during Wednesday’s briefing.
The diplomat reminded that earlier, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin had established a coronavirus prevention task force headed by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova.
"The Russian Foreign Ministry contributes to the work of this task force along with other competent federal bodies," she said. "The Russian Foreign Ministry has also established a task force coordinating efforts in this area."
Zakharova noted that Russian diplomatic missions abroad are providing up-to-date information to Russian citizens regarding the spread of the virus. "Russia’s embassies and consulate generals in China are carefully monitoring the situation, maintaining contact with Russian citizens located in the areas where the disease is spreading."
On December 31, Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan - a large trade and industrial center in central China populated by 11 million people. The source of the outbreak is the COVID-19 coronavirus. The disease spread to 24 more countries apart from China - Australia, Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, India, Italy, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam. WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency.
Currently, the total number of people infected with coronavirus exceeded 44,600 in China with over 1,100 people reported to have died from the disease. Meanwhile, over 4,700 people are said to have recovered from it.


tass--2020-02-12--Court ends detention of 3 defendants in Calvey’s case placing them under house arrest

MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
The Moscow City Court ruled to release three persons involved in the case of the founder of the Baring Vostok private equity firm , Michael Calvey - Vagan Abgaryan , Ivan Zyuzin and Maxim Vladimirov - from pre-trial detention center and to place them under house arrest , a TASS correspondent reported .
`` The court hereby rules not to uphold the request of the investigation to extend the preventive measure in the form of detention to Abgaryan , Zyuzin and Vladimirov until May 13 and to impose a preventive measure in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the judge announced .
The court granted the defense in connection with the fact that the collection of evidence in the case had been completed and the accused spent a year in custody .
According to the decree , the three defendants will be held under house arrest until April 12 .
Earlier the court extended the period of house arrest to Michael Calvey , Philip Delpale , partner of the Baring Vostok fund , and Alexei Kordichev , former director of Vostochny Bank , until May 13 .
The court ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force and can be appealed in the court of appeal .
On February 7 , 2019 , Serzod Yusupov , a minority shareholder in Vostochny Bank filed a complaint with Russia ’ s Federal Security Service ( FSB ) .
In addition , Artyom Avetisyan , another Vostochny shareholder , along with the deputy chairman of the bank ’ s board Konstantin Rogov testified against Michael Calvey .
Russia ’ s Investigative Committee launched a criminal case into the embezzlement of 2.5 bln rubles ( $ 37.5 mln ) from the Vostochny Bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Calvey is the key defendant in the case .
On February 15 , 2019 , law enforcement agencies arrested Calvey and five others : Vagan Abgaryan , partner at Baring Vostok , Philippe Delpale , an investment partner for the financial industry sector at Baring Vostok , Ivan Zyuzin , Investment Director at Baring Vostok and also General Director of the First Collection Bureau Maxim Vladimirov and Advisor to the Management Board of Norvik Bank , Alexey Kordichev .
They are all facing charges under part 4 article 159 of Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large scale by an organized group ) .
Baring Vostok is one of the largest private equity firms focusing on Russia and the CIS with $ 3.7 bln in capital .
Since 1994 , the fund has poured more than $ 2.4 bln of investments into 70 projects in the areas of financial services , oil and gas , telecommunications and media , and into the consumer sector .

MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. The Moscow City Court ruled to release three persons involved in the case of the founder of the Baring Vostok private equity firm, Michael Calvey - Vagan Abgaryan, Ivan Zyuzin and Maxim Vladimirov - from pre-trial detention center and to place them under house arrest, a TASS correspondent reported.
"The court hereby rules not to uphold the request of the investigation to extend the preventive measure in the form of detention to Abgaryan, Zyuzin and Vladimirov until May 13 and to impose a preventive measure in the form of house arrest for them," the judge announced.
The court granted the defense in connection with the fact that the collection of evidence in the case had been completed and the accused spent a year in custody. According to the decree, the three defendants will be held under house arrest until April 12.
Earlier the court extended the period of house arrest to Michael Calvey, Philip Delpale, partner of the Baring Vostok fund, and Alexei Kordichev, former director of Vostochny Bank, until May 13.
The court’s decisions have not yet entered into force and can be appealed in the court of appeal.
Baring Vostok’s case
On February 7, 2019, Serzod Yusupov, a minority shareholder in Vostochny Bank filed a complaint with Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). In addition, Artyom Avetisyan, another Vostochny shareholder, along with the deputy chairman of the bank’s board Konstantin Rogov testified against Michael Calvey.
Russia’s Investigative Committee launched a criminal case into the embezzlement of 2.5 bln rubles ($37.5 mln) from the Vostochny Bank on February 13, 2019. Michael Calvey is the key defendant in the case. On February 15, 2019, law enforcement agencies arrested Calvey and five others: Vagan Abgaryan, partner at Baring Vostok, Philippe Delpale, an investment partner for the financial industry sector at Baring Vostok, Ivan Zyuzin, Investment Director at Baring Vostok and also General Director of the First Collection Bureau Maxim Vladimirov and Advisor to the Management Board of Norvik Bank, Alexey Kordichev. They are all facing charges under part 4 article 159 of Russia’s Criminal Code (fraud committed on a large scale by an organized group).
Baring Vostok is one of the largest private equity firms focusing on Russia and the CIS with $3.7 bln in capital. Since 1994, the fund has poured more than $2.4 bln of investments into 70 projects in the areas of financial services, oil and gas, telecommunications and media, and into the consumer sector.


tass--2020-02-12--Russia rejects Turkey’s accusations of attacking civilians in Idlib

The diplomat added that in the near future , Russia might hold talks with Turkey to expand on all difficult issues existing between both states .
`` We reject these accusations .
We are stating our position .
We do not deny that Turkey and Russia do not coincide on many issues , including this one , '' she said .
`` This is why our experts have recently returned from Turkey , where they met with the Turkish side . ''
MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Foreign Ministry rejects Turkey ’ s accusations of Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ province , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during a briefing on Wednesday .
On Wednesday , Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed that the Russian and Syrian armed forces might be attacking civilians in the Idlib province instead of terrorist targets .
Earlier , the Russian Foreign Ministry noted a rise in tensions in the Idlib de-escalation zone in the past few weeks .
The Russian and Turkish military made another attempt to establish a ceasefire , however , terrorist attacks persisted .
As a result , military specialists from Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 , Syrian government forces entered the town of Saraqib , an outpost of the Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group ( banned in Russia ) in the Idlib province .
Saraqib is a town of strategic importance that sits at the junction of two main roads connecting Latakia and Damascus with Aleppo .
On February 3 and 10 , the Turkish military came under attack of the Syrian army twice .
In response , Turkey hit over 120 targets of the Syrian military in Idlib .
Idlib is the only Syrian region that has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2012 .
A northern de-escalation zone was set up in Idlib in 2017 to give shelter to militants who refused to surrender arms in Eastern Ghouta and Syria ’ s southern regions .
The Turkish army has 12 observation outposts in the province .

The diplomat added that in the near future, Russia might hold talks with Turkey to expand on all difficult issues existing between both states.
"We reject these accusations. We are stating our position. We do not deny that Turkey and Russia do not coincide on many issues, including this one," she said. "This is why our experts have recently returned from Turkey, where they met with the Turkish side."
MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. The Russian Foreign Ministry rejects Turkey’s accusations of Russia and Syria attacking civilians in the Idlib province, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during a briefing on Wednesday.
On Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed that the Russian and Syrian armed forces might be attacking civilians in the Idlib province instead of terrorist targets.
Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry noted a rise in tensions in the Idlib de-escalation zone in the past few weeks. The Russian and Turkish military made another attempt to establish a ceasefire, however, terrorist attacks persisted. As a result, military specialists from Russia and Turkey were killed.
On February 5, Syrian government forces entered the town of Saraqib, an outpost of the Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group (banned in Russia) in the Idlib province. Saraqib is a town of strategic importance that sits at the junction of two main roads connecting Latakia and Damascus with Aleppo.
On February 3 and 10, the Turkish military came under attack of the Syrian army twice. In response, Turkey hit over 120 targets of the Syrian military in Idlib.
Idlib is the only Syrian region that has been controlled by illegal armed groups since 2012. A northern de-escalation zone was set up in Idlib in 2017 to give shelter to militants who refused to surrender arms in Eastern Ghouta and Syria’s southern regions. The Turkish army has 12 observation outposts in the province.


tass--2020-02-12--Working group on amendments to Russia’s constitution likely to meet February 14 deadline

MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
The working group on amendments to Russia ’ s constitution will have time to consider incoming proposals by February 14 , the deadline set by the State Duma ’ s profile Committee on State Building and Legislation , Pavel Krasheninnikov , the group ’ s co-chair , told reporters on Wednesday .
`` The amendments are to be submitted [ to the committee ] until February 14 , '' he recalled .
`` We will keep up with it .
We do have time , '' the lawmaker said adding that no plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deadline to be extended .
The lawmaker added that the date for the group ’ s final session had not been yet fixed .
`` I think that after [ February ] 14 we [ members of the Committee on State Building and Legislation - TASS ] will understand the state of amendments .
We will be tallying up , '' Krasheninnikov added .
He specified that afterwards the committee would suggest the date for the second reading of the presidential bill on amendments to the country ’ s constitution .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Duma ( lower house ) unanimously voted to approve the bill in the first reading on the constitutional amendments submitted by Russian President Vladimir Putin .
The document , in particular , stipulates expanding the powers of the legislature and the Constitutional Court , a ban on high-ranking officials from holding residency permits in other countries , limiting the number of presidential terms , placing the supremacy of Russia ’ s constitution over international agreements and strengthening the state ’ s social obligations .
The presidential bill also provides for a nationwide public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s constitution .

MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. The working group on amendments to Russia’s constitution will have time to consider incoming proposals by February 14, the deadline set by the State Duma’s profile Committee on State Building and Legislation, Pavel Krasheninnikov, the group’s co-chair, told reporters on Wednesday.
"The amendments are to be submitted [to the committee] until February 14," he recalled. "We will keep up with it. We do have time," the lawmaker said adding that no plans had been announced as of yet for the deadline to be extended.
The lawmaker added that the date for the group’s final session had not been yet fixed.
"I think that after [February] 14 we [members of the Committee on State Building and Legislation - TASS] will understand the state of amendments. We will be tallying up," Krasheninnikov added.
He specified that afterwards the committee would suggest the date for the second reading of the presidential bill on amendments to the country’s constitution.
On January 23, Russia’s State Duma (lower house) unanimously voted to approve the bill in the first reading on the constitutional amendments submitted by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The document, in particular, stipulates expanding the powers of the legislature and the Constitutional Court, a ban on high-ranking officials from holding residency permits in other countries, limiting the number of presidential terms, placing the supremacy of Russia’s constitution over international agreements and strengthening the state’s social obligations. The presidential bill also provides for a nationwide public vote on the law on amendments to Russia’s constitution.


tass--2020-02-12--Kazakhstan suggests laying Power of Siberia 2 gas line to China over its territory

MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
Energy Minister of Kazakhstan Nurlan Nogaev suggested considering an opportunity of laying the @ @ @ @ @ pipeline over the territory of the republic with further connection to the West-East gas pipeline @ @ @ @ @ meeting with Russian counterpart Alexander Novak , official spokesman of the Ministry Serikzhan Ermantaev told @ @ @ @ @ Nogaev suggested considering an option of routing the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline over @ @ @ @ @ of Kazakhstan with subsequent connection to the West-East gas pipeline system of the People ’ @ @ @ @ @ Ermantaev said .
The ministers also shared their opinions on bilateral cooperation in the fuel @ @ @ @ @ interaction within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union , the spokesman said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ Russian-Kazakh energy interaction and mutually beneficial partnership of two countries , including in the sphere @ @ @ @ @ , '' he added .

MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. Energy Minister of Kazakhstan Nurlan Nogaev suggested considering an opportunity of laying the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline over the territory of the republic with further connection to the West-East gas pipeline system of China at the meeting with Russian counterpart Alexander Novak, official spokesman of the Ministry Serikzhan Ermantaev told TASS on Wednesday.
"Nogaev suggested considering an option of routing the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline over the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan with subsequent connection to the West-East gas pipeline system of the People’s Republic China," Ermantaev said.
The ministers also shared their opinions on bilateral cooperation in the fuel and energy sphere and discussed interaction within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union, the spokesman said.
"Novak noted meaningful nature of Russian-Kazakh energy interaction and mutually beneficial partnership of two countries, including in the sphere of oil and gas transportation," he added.


tass--2020-02-12--Ten freight cars derail in Amur Region

Ten freight cars derail in Amur Region

MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
Ten cars from a freight train derailed in Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ the Trans-Baikal Railway said in a statement .
`` On February 12 , 2020 at @ @ @ @ @ to preliminary reports , ten cars from a freight train derailed at the stretch connecting @ @ @ @ @ the Mogochin section of Trans-Baikal railway .
No injuries were reported and no hazardous materials @ @ @ @ @ statement said .

MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. /TASS/. Ten cars from a freight train derailed in Russia’s Amur Region on Wednesday, the Trans-Baikal Railway said in a statement.
"On February 12, 2020 at 17.50 Moscow Time, according to preliminary reports, ten cars from a freight train derailed at the stretch connecting Yerofei Pavlovich and Segachama at the Mogochin section of Trans-Baikal railway. No injuries were reported and no hazardous materials were involved," the statement said.


tass--2020-02-12--Over 150 Russian children return home from Syria and Iraq in past year - official

The official added that she had personally visited Iraq and Syria seeking the handover of underage Russian citizens .
`` A few days ago , we managed to return 26 Russian children from Syria .
In the past year , approximately 156 underage citizens of the Russian Federation have returned home from Syria and Iraq , '' Kuznetsova said .
VIENNA , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
Over 150 Russian children have returned from conflict zones in Syria and Iraq in the past year , Russian Presidential Commissioner for Children ’ s Rights Anna Kuznetsova said during the joint high-level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Addressing Current Challenges . ''
She added that since December 2018 , Russia had organized seven flights to return Russian children home from conflict zones : four from Iraq and three from Syria .
All the children have been returned into custody of their relatives .
The official noted that the majority of children are under 4 years old , which eases the process of rehabilitation .
The problem of Russian children in Iraq and Syria emerged after certain Russian citizens left the country to join the Islamic State terrorist group ( outlawed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They concluded marriages and fathered children , or brought their wives and children with them .
Many of those children were orphaned as a result of hostilities .
In 2017 , terrorists started sending them to militant training camps for indoctrination and combat training , expecting that one day they would join their ranks .
The active work to return those children to Russia from conflict zones is underway upon instructions from Russian President Vladimir Putin .
A special commission was set up in 2017 by the office of the Russian children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian children from areas of combat operations .
The commission elaborated an algorithm of repatriating Russian children jointly with the Russian Foreign Ministry , the Ministry of Emergencies , the Ministry of Health and the Interior Ministry .

The official added that she had personally visited Iraq and Syria seeking the handover of underage Russian citizens. "A few days ago, we managed to return 26 Russian children from Syria. In the past year, approximately 156 underage citizens of the Russian Federation have returned home from Syria and Iraq," Kuznetsova said.
VIENNA, February 12. /TASS/. Over 150 Russian children have returned from conflict zones in Syria and Iraq in the past year, Russian Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights Anna Kuznetsova said during the joint high-level OSCE conference "Foreign Terrorist Fighters - Addressing Current Challenges."
She added that since December 2018, Russia had organized seven flights to return Russian children home from conflict zones: four from Iraq and three from Syria. All the children have been returned into custody of their relatives. The official noted that the majority of children are under 4 years old, which eases the process of rehabilitation.
The problem of Russian children in Iraq and Syria emerged after certain Russian citizens left the country to join the Islamic State terrorist group (outlawed in Russia) in Iraq and Syria. They concluded marriages and fathered children, or brought their wives and children with them. Many of those children were orphaned as a result of hostilities. In 2017, terrorists started sending them to militant training camps for indoctrination and combat training, expecting that one day they would join their ranks.
The active work to return those children to Russia from conflict zones is underway upon instructions from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
A special commission was set up in 2017 by the office of the Russian children’s rights ombudsperson to help evacuate Russian children from areas of combat operations. The commission elaborated an algorithm of repatriating Russian children jointly with the Russian Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Emergencies, the Ministry of Health and the Interior Ministry.


tass--2020-02-12--Coronavirus will not stop Russian electronic industry, ministry says

MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
A shortage of radio electronic components produced in China is not ruled out @ @ @ @ @ to shutdown of the Russian industry , head of department of the Russian Ministry of @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday .
`` I do not believe it will be critical .
Yes , @ @ @ @ @ some individual positions but this will not lead to a stop of the Russian electronic @ @ @ @ @ across the whole product range , '' Shpak said .
The case in point now @ @ @ @ @ components supply because of extended holidays in Chinese enterprises , the official said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ for certain positions exists in such conditions , if Chinese manufacturers continue delaying .
However @ @ @ @ @ China ’ s government controls the situation , it is interested in this , and @ @ @ @ @ safety measures maintained is in its interests , '' Shpak added .

MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. A shortage of radio electronic components produced in China is not ruled out but this will not lead to shutdown of the Russian industry, head of department of the Russian Ministry of Industry Vasily Shpak told TASS on Wednesday.
"I do not believe it will be critical. Yes, the shortage may occur for some individual positions but this will not lead to a stop of the Russian electronic industry or a sizable deficit across the whole product range," Shpak said.
The case in point now is a weekly delay in components supply because of extended holidays in Chinese enterprises, the official said. "The risk of shortage occurrence for certain positions exists in such conditions, if Chinese manufacturers continue delaying. However, I am confident the China’s government controls the situation, it is interested in this, and the production start with required safety measures maintained is in its interests," Shpak added.


tass--2020-02-12--Diplomat advises US to spend money earmarked to counter Russia on science

MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has advised the US authorities to spend @ @ @ @ @ countering `` Russian influence '' on science or humanitarian aid .
`` The money can @ @ @ @ @ , on supporting research centers , which should find answers to the most important threats @ @ @ @ @ , '' she told reporters at a press briefing on Wednesday .
According to previous @ @ @ @ @ plans to earmark at least $ 700 mln in the 2021 fiscal year to counter @ @ @ @ @ These funds will be used to provide assistance to Europe , Eurasia and Central Asia @ @ @ @ @ ; safeguard the territorial integrity of US allies ; support partner countries ’ efforts to @ @ @ @ @ equipment ; and address weaknesses in the macro-economic environment that the government of Russia seeks @ @ @ @ @ dependence on energy and trade .
`` .

MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has advised the US authorities to spend $700 mln earmarked for countering "Russian influence" on science or humanitarian aid.
"The money can be spent on humanitarian aid, on supporting research centers, which should find answers to the most important threats and challenges of our time," she told reporters at a press briefing on Wednesday.
According to previous reports, the US administration plans to earmark at least $700 mln in the 2021 fiscal year to counter "Russian influence." These funds will be used to provide assistance to Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia "to advance shared security; safeguard the territorial integrity of US allies; support partner countries’ efforts to transition away from Russian military equipment; and address weaknesses in the macro-economic environment that the government of Russia seeks to exploit, such as dependence on energy and trade.".


tass--2020-02-12--Russia hopes for future contacts with Turkey on Idlib

`` We expect that in the near future Russian and Turkish representatives will carry on working out a complex solution to the Idlib problem .
The other day , the Russian inter-departmental delegation visited Ankara , and now a schedule of regular contacts between agencies is being drafted , '' she said .
MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow plans to continue cooperation with Ankara aimed at resolving the situation in the Syrian region of Idlib , for this purpose a schedule of contacts is in the works , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkey may be using proxies in Syria and Russian envoy chides US visa policy The diplomat emphasized that `` all the de-escalation zones were established as a provisional measure which at no means should undermine the country ’ s sovereignty and territorial integrity , '' should not hamper the fight against terrorist groups , '' in case they were `` designated as such by the United Nations Security Council . ''
Earlier , Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that a delegation representing the foreign and defense ministries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moscow in the near future .
Idlib is the only Syrian region that has been controlled by illegal armed groups since 2012 .
A northern de-escalation zone was set up in Idlib in 2017 to give shelter to militants who refused to surrender arms in Eastern Ghouta and southern Syria .

"We expect that in the near future Russian and Turkish representatives will carry on working out a complex solution to the Idlib problem. The other day, the Russian inter-departmental delegation visited Ankara, and now a schedule of regular contacts between agencies is being drafted," she said.
MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. Moscow plans to continue cooperation with Ankara aimed at resolving the situation in the Syrian region of Idlib, for this purpose a schedule of contacts is in the works, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Wednesday.
Press review: Turkey may be using proxies in Syria and Russian envoy chides US visa policy
The diplomat emphasized that "all the de-escalation zones were established as a provisional measure which at no means should undermine the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," should not hamper the fight against terrorist groups," in case they were "designated as such by the United Nations Security Council."
Earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that a delegation representing the foreign and defense ministries as well as special services would visit Moscow in the near future.
Idlib is the only Syrian region that has been controlled by illegal armed groups since 2012. A northern de-escalation zone was set up in Idlib in 2017 to give shelter to militants who refused to surrender arms in Eastern Ghouta and southern Syria.


tass--2020-02-12--France’s ambassador visits TASS to discuss joint projects for 75th anniversary of WWII end

`` It is my first visit to TASS news agency .
Also , it is a first visit to a @ @ @ @ @ in Moscow on January 15 .
It is really interesting to talk about a variety @ @ @ @ @ to discuss , in particular , the French-Russian relationship in the multifaceted and dynamically changing @ @ @ @ @ stressed .
MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
France ’ s Ambassador to Russia @ @ @ @ @ with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman on Wednesday .
`` I have no @ @ @ @ @ way for our solid relationship , '' he added .
At the meeting , Levy @ @ @ @ @ issues related to implementation of the joint projects commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Soviet @ @ @ @ @ Nazi Germany in the Second World War .
Pierre Levy came to Russia in mid-January @ @ @ @ @ he , alongside other foreign ambassadors , handed his credentials to Russian President Vladimir Putin @ @ @ @ @ the Kremlin in Moscow .

"It is my first visit to TASS news agency. Also, it is a first visit to a media outlet since I arrived in Moscow on January 15. It is really interesting to talk about a variety of topics with you and to discuss, in particular, the French-Russian relationship in the multifaceted and dynamically changing context," the diplomat stressed.
MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. France’s Ambassador to Russia Pierre Levy held a meeting with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman on Wednesday.
"I have no doubt that it will pave way for our solid relationship," he added.
At the meeting, Levy and Gusman touched upon the issues related to implementation of the joint projects commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in the Second World War.
Pierre Levy came to Russia in mid-January. On February 5, he, alongside other foreign ambassadors, handed his credentials to Russian President Vladimir Putin at a gala ceremony in the Kremlin in Moscow.


tass--2020-02-12--No known or suspected coronavirus cases: Nobody ill on board Westerdam, says passenger

HONG KONG , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
The situation on board of the Westerdam cruise liner is calm .
@ @ @ @ @ and no one is wearing masks , Russian passenger Alexei traveling together with his family @ @ @ @ @ `` Everything is good with us .
We will be in Sihanoukville ( Cambodia ) @ @ @ @ @ morning ( 03.00 am Moscow time ) .
Nobody has gotten ill on board .
@ @ @ @ @ , and the meals are excellent , '' Alexei specified .
Passengers are in a @ @ @ @ @ been swimming and shopping , the source said .
`` [ The liner ’ s @ @ @ @ @ , '' he affirmed .

HONG KONG, February 12. /TASS/. The situation on board the Westerdam cruise liner is calm. Moreover, nobody is ill and no one is wearing masks, Russian passenger Alexei traveling together with his family told TASS on Wednesday.
"Everything is good with us. We will be in Sihanoukville (Cambodia) tomorrow at 07.00 in the morning (03.00 am Moscow time). Nobody has gotten ill on board. No one is wearing masks, and the meals are excellent," Alexei specified.
Passengers are in a good mood, and have been swimming and shopping, the source said. "[The liner’s] temperature control is operating," he affirmed.


tass--2020-02-12--Russian foreign intelligence chief focuses on war on terror at talks with UAE counterparts

MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Intelligence Service Director Sergei Naryshkin held talks with top officials of @ @ @ @ @ United Arab Emirates ( UAE ) , focusing on new risks and threats in the @ @ @ @ @ Sergei Ivanov , the spokesman for the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service , told TASS on @ @ @ @ @ 12 , Director of Russia ’ s Foreign Intelligence Service S.E .
Naryshkin held talks @ @ @ @ @ UAE special services , which focused on the prospects for cooperation in the field of @ @ @ @ @ new challenges and threats to the two countries ’ national interests , '' Ivanov said @ @ @ @ @ the approaches assessing regional crises and solutions to them are similar or close . ''
@ @ @ @ @ ( WAM ) reported about a visit of the Russian delegation headed by Naryshkin to @ @ @ @ @ UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum focused on the current @ @ @ @ @ bilateral ties .

MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Intelligence Service Director Sergei Naryshkin held talks with top officials of the special services of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), focusing on new risks and threats in the fight against international terrorism, Sergei Ivanov, the spokesman for the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, told TASS on Wednesday.
"On February 12, Director of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service S.E. Naryshkin held talks with top officials of the UAE special services, which focused on the prospects for cooperation in the field of fight against international terrorism, new challenges and threats to the two countries’ national interests," Ivanov said. "They stated that the approaches assessing regional crises and solutions to them are similar or close."
Earlier, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported about a visit of the Russian delegation headed by Naryshkin to Dubai. The talks with UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum focused on the current state of and prospects for bilateral ties.


tass--2020-02-12--Israel’s strikes in Syria destabilize situation in the country, says Russian diplomat

MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
Israel ’ s air strikes in Syria are destabilizing the situation in the @ @ @ @ @ Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during a briefing on Wednesday .
`` Israel ’ s strikes @ @ @ @ @ among the destabilizing factors .
Not only do such unilateral actions undermine Syria ’ s @ @ @ @ @ lives and security of civilians at risk .
This is what took place on February @ @ @ @ @ aircraft with 172 people onboard nearly came in the line of fire due to the @ @ @ @ @ forces , '' she said .
Earlier , the Russian Defense Ministry informed that on @ @ @ @ @ passenger aircraft was in danger of coming into the line of fire of Syria ’ @ @ @ @ @ Damascus .
The plane made an emergency landing at Russia ’ s Hmeimim airbase .

MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. Israel’s air strikes in Syria are destabilizing the situation in the country, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during a briefing on Wednesday.
"Israel’s strikes on the Syrian territory are among the destabilizing factors. Not only do such unilateral actions undermine Syria’s sovereignty, they put the lives and security of civilians at risk. This is what took place on February 6, when a passenger aircraft with 172 people onboard nearly came in the line of fire due to the actions of the Israeli air forces," she said.
Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry informed that on February 6, an Airbus-320 passenger aircraft was in danger of coming into the line of fire of Syria’s air defense systems near Damascus. The plane made an emergency landing at Russia’s Hmeimim airbase.


tass--2020-02-12--Lavrov may meet with German, Chinese, Japanese top diplomats in Munich

MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov plans to meet with his German , Chinese and Japanese counterparts at the Munich Security Conference , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters at a press briefing on Wednesday .
`` Work on the schedule [ of informal contacts ] is in progress .
< … > Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and top German diplomat Mr. [ Heiko ] Maas are expected to take part in a traditional business breakfast with representatives of the German and Russian business communities .
A number of bilateral meetings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - German Foreign Minister Mr. Maas , Chinese Foreign Minister Mr. Wang Yi , the Japanese foreign minister , the Croatian foreign minister < … > , EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Mr. [ Josep ] Borrell - are planned , '' she said .
According to the diplomat , Moscow continues to receive requests for bilateral meetings with Russia ’ s top diplomat .
Zakharova added that , during his trip to Munich , Lavrov would take part in a ceremony of awarding the anniversary medal `` 75 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ War of 1941-1945 '' to Russian veterans .
The 56th Munich Security Conference will be held on February 14-16 .

MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov plans to meet with his German, Chinese and Japanese counterparts at the Munich Security Conference, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters at a press briefing on Wednesday.
"Work on the schedule [of informal contacts] is in progress. <…> Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and top German diplomat Mr. [Heiko] Maas are expected to take part in a traditional business breakfast with representatives of the German and Russian business communities. A number of bilateral meetings between Sergey Lavrov and his foreign counterparts - German Foreign Minister Mr. Maas, Chinese Foreign Minister Mr. Wang Yi, the Japanese foreign minister, the Croatian foreign minister <…>, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Mr. [Josep] Borrell - are planned," she said.
According to the diplomat, Moscow continues to receive requests for bilateral meetings with Russia’s top diplomat.
Zakharova added that, during his trip to Munich, Lavrov would take part in a ceremony of awarding the anniversary medal "75 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945" to Russian veterans.
The 56th Munich Security Conference will be held on February 14-16.


tass--2020-02-12--Russian, Italian foreign and defense ministers to meet in Rome on February 18

MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russian and Italian foreign and defense ministers will hold a ‘ 2+2 ’ @ @ @ @ @ February 18 , Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ Rome will host a regular meeting between Russian and Italian foreign and defense ministers , @ @ @ @ @ ‘ 2+2 ’ .
The Russian side will be represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov @ @ @ @ @ , while Foreign Minister [ Luigi ] Di Maio and Defense Minister [ Lorenzo ] @ @ @ @ @ the talks on the Italian side , '' she said .

MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. Russian and Italian foreign and defense ministers will hold a ‘2+2’ format meeting in Rome on February 18, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Wednesday.
"On February 18, Rome will host a regular meeting between Russian and Italian foreign and defense ministers, the very format we call ‘2+2’. The Russian side will be represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, while Foreign Minister [Luigi] Di Maio and Defense Minister [Lorenzo] Guerini will take part in the talks on the Italian side," she said.


tass--2020-02-12--UN discussing ‘deal of the century’ shows Palestine is in worse position, says expert

`` The fact itself that after the deal was initially received very negatively , like stop messing with us , but is now turning into a certain basis for diplomatic action shows that the situation is far different to what it was 10-15 years ago , or even more so 25-30 years ago .
Time works against Palestinians because the longer no real premise for statehood is emerging the more difficult it will be to create this very state , '' he underlined .
`` More so that the Israeli policy of seizing Palestinian territories , annexing their parts and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is very much unclear to what extent Arab countries are ready to put the spotlight on the Palestinian issue in the new situation emerging in the Middle East . ''
MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
The fact alone that the UN Security Council convened to discuss the US plan for Israeli-Palestinian settlement , the so-called ‘ deal of the century ’ , in spite of Palestine and a few other Arab nations rejecting the imitative demonstrates that the Palestinian side ’ s positions are weakening as time goes on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Club Fyodor Lukyanov told TASS on Wednesday .
The expert believes that Palestine ’ s reluctance to negotiate only compromises its positions in conflict with Israel .
He recalled that in the late 1990s-early 2000s then US President Bill Clinton managed to win significant concessions from Israelis , however , Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat still rejected the `` generous proposals of the American president . ''
`` After that , the situation has been gradually declining for 20 years now , '' Lukyanov continued .
According to him , the US plan is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couldn ’ t but spark backlash because it is `` excessively skewed to one side '' and primarily takes Israeli interests into account .
At the same time , Arab countries ’ stark criticism of the deal does not fully reflect their real position , he noted .
The expert underlined that containing Iran is now a top priority for Arabs and not supporting Palestinians in their fight against Israel .
Therefore , they might be `` not so opposed '' to the US initiative , Lukyanov added .
Commenting on the results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting , Head of the Center of the Near and Middle East at the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies Vladimir Fitin underscored that positions of the sides did not get any closer .
`` Everyone stayed where they are - the majority of Muslim states , Europeans , China and Russia all believe that the plan is one-sided and it will be tough to achieve ultimate settlement on its basis , '' the expert stressed .
Fitin emphasized that calls to resume negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis backed by the Middle East Quartet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United Nations and the United States ) were voiced a number of times at the UN Security Council meeting .
Russia ’ s Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas were particularly calling for that .
Nevertheless , the expert believes that there should not be hopes that a possible conference for Middle Eastern settlement with the Quarter ’ s participation can immediately come up with a solution to the problem but the resumption of talks in this format in itself is vital .
`` Many conferences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the conflict ] have been taking place for decades and because the conflict itself is very deep and intertwined with a lot of irresolvable problems , it is hard to suggest that a certain breakthrough can be secured at a specific meeting , '' Fitin said .
`` Nevertheless , the main thing is that talks [ with participation of the Middle East Quartet ] , which can lead to at least something ultimate , resume . ''
Lukyanov shared a different point of view , saying that the Quarter players such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries are not tangibly influencing situation in the Middle East , while their role in resolving conflicts in Syria , Libya and Yemen `` is very restricted if it is there at all . ''
According to him , Russia is playing an important role in the Middle East .
At the same time , `` European states have almost lost all their leverage '' , while even though the US still holds on to them `` it is unclear how and to what end it is ready to apply them . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ see how the format that reflected a completely different situation and balance of power can be adapted to what we have today , '' the expert concluded .

"The fact itself that after the deal was initially received very negatively, like stop messing with us, but is now turning into a certain basis for diplomatic action shows that the situation is far different to what it was 10-15 years ago, or even more so 25-30 years ago. Time works against Palestinians because the longer no real premise for statehood is emerging the more difficult it will be to create this very state," he underlined. "More so that the Israeli policy of seizing Palestinian territories, annexing their parts and expanding settlements will carry on. Moreover, it is very much unclear to what extent Arab countries are ready to put the spotlight on the Palestinian issue in the new situation emerging in the Middle East."
MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. The fact alone that the UN Security Council convened to discuss the US plan for Israeli-Palestinian settlement, the so-called ‘deal of the century’, in spite of Palestine and a few other Arab nations rejecting the imitative demonstrates that the Palestinian side’s positions are weakening as time goes on, research director at the Valdai Discussion Club Fyodor Lukyanov told TASS on Wednesday.
The expert believes that Palestine’s reluctance to negotiate only compromises its positions in conflict with Israel. He recalled that in the late 1990s-early 2000s then US President Bill Clinton managed to win significant concessions from Israelis, however, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat still rejected the "generous proposals of the American president." "After that, the situation has been gradually declining for 20 years now," Lukyanov continued.
According to him, the US plan is formulated in such a way that it couldn’t but spark backlash because it is "excessively skewed to one side" and primarily takes Israeli interests into account. At the same time, Arab countries’ stark criticism of the deal does not fully reflect their real position, he noted. The expert underlined that containing Iran is now a top priority for Arabs and not supporting Palestinians in their fight against Israel. Therefore, they might be "not so opposed" to the US initiative, Lukyanov added.
Return of the Middle East Quartet?
Commenting on the results of Tuesday’s UN Security Council meeting, Head of the Center of the Near and Middle East at the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies Vladimir Fitin underscored that positions of the sides did not get any closer. "Everyone stayed where they are - the majority of Muslim states, Europeans, China and Russia all believe that the plan is one-sided and it will be tough to achieve ultimate settlement on its basis," the expert stressed.
Fitin emphasized that calls to resume negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis backed by the Middle East Quartet (Russia, the European Union, the United Nations and the United States) were voiced a number of times at the UN Security Council meeting. Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas were particularly calling for that. Nevertheless, the expert believes that there should not be hopes that a possible conference for Middle Eastern settlement with the Quarter’s participation can immediately come up with a solution to the problem but the resumption of talks in this format in itself is vital.
"Many conferences, meetings and attempts to settle [the conflict] have been taking place for decades and because the conflict itself is very deep and intertwined with a lot of irresolvable problems, it is hard to suggest that a certain breakthrough can be secured at a specific meeting," Fitin said. "Nevertheless, the main thing is that talks [with participation of the Middle East Quartet], which can lead to at least something ultimate, resume."
Lukyanov shared a different point of view, saying that the Quarter players such as the UN, the US and EU countries are not tangibly influencing situation in the Middle East, while their role in resolving conflicts in Syria, Libya and Yemen "is very restricted if it is there at all."
According to him, Russia is playing an important role in the Middle East. At the same time, "European states have almost lost all their leverage", while even though the US still holds on to them "it is unclear how and to what end it is ready to apply them." "Therefore, I don’t see how the format that reflected a completely different situation and balance of power can be adapted to what we have today," the expert concluded.


tass--2020-02-12--NATO intends to avoid costly arms race with Russia, Stoltenberg says

BRUSSELS , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
NATO would like to avoid a costly arms race with Russia , and this would require development of new weapons control measures , especially new generation missiles , NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday .
`` We want to prevent or avoid a new arms race .
Therefore , we are going to look into what more we can do related to arms control .
A new arms race would be dangerous , and also extremely expensive .
Therefore , we regret very much the demise of the [ Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work on new effective arms control , because that 's the best way to keep tensions down , '' the Secretary-General said .
He noted , however , that NATO also looks into its military capabilities , including `` conventional capabilities '' and `` nuclear posture '' to ensure the bloc provides deterrence even without the INF treaty .
On February 11 , answering a question regarding INF demise , Stoltenberg said that this step demonstrated the `` strength of NATO . ''
`` I think the demise of the INF Treaty , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , shows the importance and the strength of NATO , '' he said .
`` We [ NATO ] have agreed on every step .
First , we all agreed , [ … ] that Russia was violating the treaty .
[ … ] And then we agreed that we called on Russia to come back into compliance .
Russia did not come back into compliance .
Then we set a time limit and Russia didn ’ t come back to the compliance .
And then we all agreed on the US decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is only respected by one side doesn ’ t work .
And then we have agreed , after close consultations , on the way forward . ''
According to the US and NATO , Russian 9M729 missiles violate the now-defunct INF Treaty .
In January 2019 , Russian Ministry of Defense conducted a presentation of the 9M729 missile for all military attaches in Moscow , showing that these missile comply with the terms of the military agreement .
However , representatives of the US and leading NATO countries refused to show up at @ @ @

BRUSSELS, February 12. /TASS/. NATO would like to avoid a costly arms race with Russia, and this would require development of new weapons control measures, especially new generation missiles, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday.
"We want to prevent or avoid a new arms race. Therefore, we are going to look into what more we can do related to arms control. A new arms race would be dangerous, and also extremely expensive. Therefore, we regret very much the demise of the [Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, INF] Treaty. We will work on new effective arms control, because that's the best way to keep tensions down," the Secretary-General said.
He noted, however, that NATO also looks into its military capabilities, including "conventional capabilities" and "nuclear posture" to ensure the bloc provides deterrence even without the INF treaty.
On February 11, answering a question regarding INF demise, Stoltenberg said that this step demonstrated the "strength of NATO."
"I think the demise of the INF Treaty, which is a bad and negative thing, shows the importance and the strength of NATO," he said. "We [NATO] have agreed on every step. First, we all agreed, […] that Russia was violating the treaty. […] And then we agreed that we called on Russia to come back into compliance. Russia did not come back into compliance. Then we set a time limit and Russia didn’t come back to the compliance. And then we all agreed on the US decision to withdraw, because a treaty which is only respected by one side doesn’t work. And then we have agreed, after close consultations, on the way forward."
According to the US and NATO, Russian 9M729 missiles violate the now-defunct INF Treaty. In January 2019, Russian Ministry of Defense conducted a presentation of the 9M729 missile for all military attaches in Moscow, showing that these missile comply with the terms of the military agreement. However, representatives of the US and leading NATO countries refused to show up at the event.


tass--2020-02-12--Haikou pharmacies begin to register customers purchasing antipyretics

HAIKOU , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
Haikou city phapmacies ( the province of Hainan ) stopped free sale of @ @ @ @ @ According to www.hinews.cn , now customers should show their IDs while purchasing these drugs .
@ @ @ @ @ issued by the local healthcare authorities and market regulator , the pharmacies are now obliged @ @ @ @ @ medications in case customers fail to share their personal information .
District administrations , street @ @ @ @ @ within their jurisdiction for monitoring the health status of those who purchase antipyretic drugs and @ @ @ @ @ is a slight sign of a coronavirus , the new rules indicate that it is @ @ @ @ @ the authorities and take preventive measures .
Similar rules have been introduced in many other @ @ @ @ @ .
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city @ @ @ @ @ new coronavirus were confirmed in 24 other countries and territories , including in Russia .
@ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern .

HAIKOU, February 12. /TASS/. Haikou city phapmacies (the province of Hainan) stopped free sale of antipyretics and cough medicine. According to www.hinews.cn, now customers should show their IDs while purchasing these drugs.
According to a joint statement issued by the local healthcare authorities and market regulator, the pharmacies are now obliged to refuse to sell these medications in case customers fail to share their personal information.
District administrations, street and housing committees are responsible within their jurisdiction for monitoring the health status of those who purchase antipyretic drugs and cough medicines. If there is a slight sign of a coronavirus, the new rules indicate that it is necessary to report this to the authorities and take preventive measures. Similar rules have been introduced in many other Chinese cities amid coronavirus outbreak.
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan. Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in 24 other countries and territories, including in Russia. The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.


tass--2020-02-12--Serbian leader lauds upcoming WWII victory celebrations

The Serbian leader ’ s press service informed that Vucic and the Russian envoy had discussed the celebratory events timed to the 75th anniversary of victory in the Second World War .
`` This will be another opportunity to highlight the traditions of freedom of two brotherly nations , '' Vucic said .
BELGRADE , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
Various celebratory events organized by Russia and Serbia in honor of the 75th anniversary of victory in the Second World War reflect the traditions of freedom prevalent in both states , Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Wednesday during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Botsan-Kharchenko .
The Serbian leader and the Russian diplomat have also discussed the schedule of high-level visits .
Earlier on Wednesday , the Serbian Ministry of Defense informed that Russian defense chief Sergei Shoigu plans to visit Belgrade on February 17 .
Earlier , Vucic confirmed his attendance of the celebratory events in Moscow on May 9 , 2020 , deeming the invitation `` a great honor . ''
The celebratory events timed to the 75th anniversary of victory in the Second World War will take place on May 9 , 2020 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US President Donald Trump , UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson , North Korean leader Kim Jong-un , leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States ( CIS ) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( SCO ) , as well as a number of European leaders .
Leaders of India , Cuba , France , the Czech Republic , Venezuela , Belarus , Armenia , Bulgaria , and Serbia are among those who confirmed their attendance .

The Serbian leader’s press service informed that Vucic and the Russian envoy had discussed the celebratory events timed to the 75th anniversary of victory in the Second World War. "This will be another opportunity to highlight the traditions of freedom of two brotherly nations," Vucic said.
BELGRADE, February 12. /TASS/. Various celebratory events organized by Russia and Serbia in honor of the 75th anniversary of victory in the Second World War reflect the traditions of freedom prevalent in both states, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Wednesday during the meeting with Russian Ambassador to Serbia Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko.
The Serbian leader and the Russian diplomat have also discussed the schedule of high-level visits. Earlier on Wednesday, the Serbian Ministry of Defense informed that Russian defense chief Sergei Shoigu plans to visit Belgrade on February 17.
Earlier, Vucic confirmed his attendance of the celebratory events in Moscow on May 9, 2020, deeming the invitation "a great honor."
The celebratory events timed to the 75th anniversary of victory in the Second World War will take place on May 9, 2020 in Moscow. Russia has sent invitations to US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), as well as a number of European leaders. Leaders of India, Cuba, France, the Czech Republic, Venezuela, Belarus, Armenia, Bulgaria, and Serbia are among those who confirmed their attendance.


tass--2020-02-12--China's Haikou introduces obligatory registration for taxi passengers

HAIKOU , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
Haikou authorities in the Chinese province of Hainan ordered the taxi companies to @ @ @ @ @ , according to www.hinews.cn .
In conformity with the new rules , taxi drivers should @ @ @ @ @ special book after they get into the car .
If a client refuses to provide @ @ @ @ @ phone number , the driver has the right to decline the order .
The city @ @ @ @ @ news outlet reports , intend to launch a passenger registration system via QR-codes .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ of pneumonia caused by a new type of coronavirus the Hainan authorities had to temporarily @ @ @ @ @ in Haikou and Sanya .
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan .
Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in 24 other countries and territories , @ @ @ @ @ World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern .

HAIKOU, February 12. /TASS/. Haikou authorities in the Chinese province of Hainan ordered the taxi companies to register passengers before the drive, according to www.hinews.cn.
In conformity with the new rules, taxi drivers should register their passengers in a special book after they get into the car. If a client refuses to provide their ID and a mobile phone number, the driver has the right to decline the order.
The city authorities for transport, the news outlet reports, intend to launch a passenger registration system via QR-codes.
Earlier, due to the outbreak of pneumonia caused by a new type of coronavirus the Hainan authorities had to temporarily suspend online taxi booking services in Haikou and Sanya.
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan. Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in 24 other countries and territories, including in Russia. The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.


tass--2020-02-12--Putin, Italian prime minister exchange views on Libya - Kremlin

MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italy ’ s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte held @ @ @ @ @ views on the situation in Libya , the Kremlin press service said on Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ views was held on the situation in Libya , including in the context of implementing @ @ @ @ @ 19 international conference in Berlin , '' the press service said .
`` The Russian @ @ @ @ @ coordinating with Libyan sides all issues of settlement , which are being worked out these @ @ @ @ @ Security Council , '' according to the statement .
The conversation was held at Italy @ @ @ @ @ expressed interest in continuing a joint effort focusing on achieving a long-term settlement in Libya @ @ @ @ @ issues of Russian-Italian cooperation .
An agreement has been reached on continuing contacts at various @ @ @ @ @ service said .

MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte held a phone conversation to exchange views on the situation in Libya, the Kremlin press service said on Wednesday.
"A substantive exchange of views was held on the situation in Libya, including in the context of implementing the outcome of the January 19 international conference in Berlin," the press service said.
"The Russian president stressed principal importance of coordinating with Libyan sides all issues of settlement, which are being worked out these days at the United Nations Security Council," according to the statement. The conversation was held at Italy's initiative.
The sides expressed interest in continuing a joint effort focusing on achieving a long-term settlement in Libya. "They discussed certain issues of Russian-Italian cooperation. An agreement has been reached on continuing contacts at various levels," the press service said.


tass--2020-02-12--Putin instructs cabinet to launch new investment cycle to boost Russia’s economic growth

MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
President Vladimir Putin marked positive trends in Russia ’ s macroeconomic indicators and instructed the government to launch a new investment cycle , which will help the national economy grow above the global average .
`` Our common main task is to make economic growth more solid , high-quality and sustainable , taking into account external challenges and risks , '' the head of state said at a meeting on economic issues on Wednesday .
He called the high rate of economic growth the basic condition for successful social development , creation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian citizens , as well as for the positive demographic changes Russia needs .
The President noted that last year , Russia 's GDP growth totaled 1.3 % , while in the fourth quarter of 2019 , its dynamics increased to 2.3 % .
`` The key indicator such as the industrial production index is up 2.4 % last year ; agricultural production added four percent , retail sales are growing , '' Putin noted .
`` Inflation dropped to three percent in 2019 , now it is 2.4 % in annual terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level : 4.6 % on average over the past year , '' the head of state added .
Putin recalled that the safety margin of the country 's economy and financial system is guaranteed by accumulated reserves .
According to him , the amount of the National Wealth Fund exceeds $ 125 billion , while the international reserves amount to $ 560 billion .
`` All these factors provide us with macroeconomic stability and make the national economy less sensitive to changes in the global environment , '' Putin concluded .
President Vladimir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new investment cycle so that the country 's economy can grow faster than the global economy in 2021 .
`` The main task of the economic agenda is to launch a new investment cycle , to achieve an annual investment growth rate of at least five , and preferably five to seven percent , to ensure economic growth rates above the world level next year , '' he said at a meeting on economic issues .
`` In this respect , I am counting on the joint work of the government and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Putin drew attention to the fact that each percentage point of investment growth means new jobs and modernized jobs , as well as additional demand for professional and qualified personnel with decent wages , not only in large cities , but throughout the country .
He invited the participants of the meeting to share their ideas about what needs to be done in the near future to improve the business and investment climate .
`` This has always been on our agenda in recent years , but we need to update these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laws that were mentioned in the Address [ State of the Nation Address to the parliament in 2020 ] , '' Putin said .
The President also stressed that all the social and investment plans stated by Russian authorities should be supported with funding in full scope .
`` All the declared social , investment plans must be supported with funding to the full extent , '' he said .
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin , Head of the Presidential Administration Anton Vayno , First Deputy Prime Minister Andrey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heads of the Energy Ministry , Economic Development Ministry , Finance Ministry and the Central Bank .

MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. President Vladimir Putin marked positive trends in Russia’s macroeconomic indicators and instructed the government to launch a new investment cycle, which will help the national economy grow above the global average.
"Our common main task is to make economic growth more solid, high-quality and sustainable, taking into account external challenges and risks," the head of state said at a meeting on economic issues on Wednesday.
He called the high rate of economic growth the basic condition for successful social development, creation of new jobs, growth of incomes of Russian citizens, as well as for the positive demographic changes Russia needs.
The President noted that last year, Russia's GDP growth totaled 1.3%, while in the fourth quarter of 2019, its dynamics increased to 2.3%.
"The key indicator such as the industrial production index is up 2.4% last year; agricultural production added four percent, retail sales are growing," Putin noted.
"Inflation dropped to three percent in 2019, now it is 2.4% in annual terms. Unemployment is at a reliably low level: 4.6% on average over the past year," the head of state added.
Putin recalled that the safety margin of the country's economy and financial system is guaranteed by accumulated reserves.
According to him, the amount of the National Wealth Fund exceeds $125 billion, while the international reserves amount to $560 billion. "All these factors provide us with macroeconomic stability and make the national economy less sensitive to changes in the global environment," Putin concluded.
New investment cycle
President Vladimir Putin instructed the government to launch a new investment cycle so that the country's economy can grow faster than the global economy in 2021.
"The main task of the economic agenda is to launch a new investment cycle, to achieve an annual investment growth rate of at least five, and preferably five to seven percent, to ensure economic growth rates above the world level next year," he said at a meeting on economic issues.
"In this respect, I am counting on the joint work of the government and the Bank of Russia," he added.
Putin drew attention to the fact that each percentage point of investment growth means new jobs and modernized jobs, as well as additional demand for professional and qualified personnel with decent wages, not only in large cities, but throughout the country.
He invited the participants of the meeting to share their ideas about what needs to be done in the near future to improve the business and investment climate.
"This has always been on our agenda in recent years, but we need to update these tasks, in particular to adopt the laws that were mentioned in the Address [State of the Nation Address to the parliament in 2020]," Putin said.
The President also stressed that all the social and investment plans stated by Russian authorities should be supported with funding in full scope.
"All the declared social, investment plans must be supported with funding to the full extent," he said.
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Head of the Presidential Administration Anton Vayno, First Deputy Prime Minister Andrey Belousov, Presidential Aide Maksim Oreshkin, Heads of the Energy Ministry, Economic Development Ministry, Finance Ministry and the Central Bank.


tass--2020-02-12--Passengers of Westerdam cruise ship will be allowed to disembark in Cambodia

MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
Cambodian officials have allowed the Westerdam cruise ship to disembark in one of its ports ; the passengers will be allowed to leave the ship , the Holland America Line company informed .
There are 1,455 passengers and 802 crew onboard the ship .
`` Westerdam is now sailing for Sihanoukville , Cambodia , arriving at 7am local time on Feb 13 & will remain in port for several days for disembarkation .
All approvals have been received & we are extremely grateful to the Cambodian authorities for the support , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will disembark in Sihanoukville over the next few days and transfer via charter flights to Phnom Penh for forward travel home , '' the press service stated , adding that the company will pay for all flights home in addition to the full cruise refund for all passengers .
`` All guests on board are healthy and despite erroneous reports there are no known or suspected cases of coronavirus on board , nor have their ever been , '' the cruise line stressed .
The cruise ship with 1,455 passengers and 802 crew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 .
It was planning to call at a number of Japanese ports - on Ishigaki Island , in the city of Naha ( Okinawa Prefecture ) in the south of the country , as well as Nagasaki and Hakata Bay ( the city of Fukuoka ) .
Yokohama was its port of destination , from where a new tour was scheduled .
These plans were aborted upon insistent demands from Japan , because it feared that some passengers or crewmembers on board could have been infected with the pneumonia caused by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan - a large trade and industrial center in central China populated by 11 million people .
On January 7 , Chinese experts identified the infecting agent - coronavirus 2019-nCoV .
The virus spread to 24 more countries apart from China - Australia , Belgium , Cambodia , Canada , Finland , France , Germany , Japan , India , Italy , Malaysia , Nepal , the Philippines , Russia , Singapore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lanka , Sweden , Thailand , the United Arab Emirates , the United Kingdom , the United States and Vietnam .
WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency .
Currently , the total number of people infected with coronavirus exceeded 44,600 in China with over 1,100 people reported to have died from the disease .
Meanwhile , over 4,700 people are said to have recovered from it .

MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. Cambodian officials have allowed the Westerdam cruise ship to disembark in one of its ports; the passengers will be allowed to leave the ship, the Holland America Line company informed. There are 1,455 passengers and 802 crew onboard the ship.
"Westerdam is now sailing for Sihanoukville, Cambodia, arriving at 7am local time on Feb 13 & will remain in port for several days for disembarkation. All approvals have been received & we are extremely grateful to the Cambodian authorities for the support," the company stated on Facebook.
"Guests will disembark in Sihanoukville over the next few days and transfer via charter flights to Phnom Penh for forward travel home," the press service stated, adding that the company will pay for all flights home in addition to the full cruise refund for all passengers.
"All guests on board are healthy and despite erroneous reports there are no known or suspected cases of coronavirus on board, nor have their ever been," the cruise line stressed.
The cruise ship with 1,455 passengers and 802 crew on board left Hong Kong on February 1. It was planning to call at a number of Japanese ports - on Ishigaki Island, in the city of Naha (Okinawa Prefecture) in the south of the country, as well as Nagasaki and Hakata Bay (the city of Fukuoka). Yokohama was its port of destination, from where a new tour was scheduled. These plans were aborted upon insistent demands from Japan, because it feared that some passengers or crewmembers on board could have been infected with the pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus.
On December 31, Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan - a large trade and industrial center in central China populated by 11 million people. On January 7, Chinese experts identified the infecting agent - coronavirus 2019-nCoV. The virus spread to 24 more countries apart from China - Australia, Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, India, Italy, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam. WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency.
Currently, the total number of people infected with coronavirus exceeded 44,600 in China with over 1,100 people reported to have died from the disease. Meanwhile, over 4,700 people are said to have recovered from it.


tass--2020-02-12--Putin says inflation in Russia declines to 2.4%

MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
Inflation declines in the country and the inflation level is `` confidently low , '' Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday at a meeting on economic issues .
`` Inflation declined to 3 % in 2019 ; now this indicator amounts to 2.4 % in annual terms , '' the president said .
`` Unemployment is at a steadily low level : it is 4.6 % in average over the last year , '' Putin noted .
Growth of domestic GDP was 1.3 % in the last year , with upward dynamics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` All these factors provide us with macroeconomic stability , reduce sensitivity of the national economy to fluctuations of the global market situation .
Accumulated reserves provide the safety margin for the domestic economy and the financial ; system of the country , the president said .
All the social and investment plans stated by Russian authorities should be supported with funding in full scope , the head of state said .
`` All the declared social , investment plans must be supported with funding to the full extent , '' Putin added @

MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. Inflation declines in the country and the inflation level is "confidently low," Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday at a meeting on economic issues.
"Inflation declined to 3% in 2019; now this indicator amounts to 2.4% in annual terms," the president said. "Unemployment is at a steadily low level: it is 4.6% in average over the last year," Putin noted.
Growth of domestic GDP was 1.3% in the last year, with upward dynamics in the fourth quarter of 2019. "All these factors provide us with macroeconomic stability, reduce sensitivity of the national economy to fluctuations of the global market situation.
Accumulated reserves provide the safety margin for the domestic economy and the financial; system of the country, the president said.
All the social and investment plans stated by Russian authorities should be supported with funding in full scope, the head of state said.
"All the declared social, investment plans must be supported with funding to the full extent," Putin added.


tass--2020-02-13--Moscow Court fined Twitter for breach of personal data laws

MOSCOW , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
The judicial district of the Justice of the Peace in Moscow ’ s @ @ @ @ @ worth 4 mln rubles ( $ 62,800 ) on US-based Twitter because of violation of @ @ @ @ @ reports from the court room .
`` The court ruled to recognize Twitter as the @ @ @ @ @ of Article 13.11 of the Russian Code of Administrative Offenses ( Breach of Russian Federation @ @ @ @ @ ) and imposed a fine amounting to 4 mln rubles , '' the judge said @

MOSCOW, February 13. /TASS/. The judicial district of the Justice of the Peace in Moscow’s Tagansky District imposed a fine worth 4 mln rubles ($62,800) on US-based Twitter because of violation of personal data legislation, TASS reports from the court room.
"The court ruled to recognize Twitter as the guilty party under Part 8 of Article 13.11 of the Russian Code of Administrative Offenses (Breach of Russian Federation laws in personal data sphere) and imposed a fine amounting to 4 mln rubles," the judge said.
The case against Twitter was opened on the initiative of Russian mass media and telecom regulator Roskomnadzor due to refusal of the company to provide data about Russian users. Twitter will have to pay the fine within 60 days.
Under the Russian law on personal data, which took effect on September 1, 2015, national and foreign companies are obliged to keep and process personal data of Russian users in the territory of Russia.