tass--2020-01-20--Suspected IS terror group’s recruiter detained in St. Petersburg

ST.PETERSBURG , January 20 .
/TASS/ .
Law enforcement agencies in Russia ’ s St. Petersburg have detained a man @ @ @ @ @ having recruited Tajik nationals to fight in Syria on the side of the Islamic State @ @ @ @ @ in Russia ) , the Main Investigative Department of the Russian Investigative Committee told reporters @ @ @ @ @ case has been launched against the 32-year-old man , who is suspected of `` inciting @ @ @ @ @ suspect was apprehended by investigators in an operation conducted jointly with the Interior Ministry ’ @ @ @ @ @ and the Federal Security Service ’ s regional department with the National Guard ’ s @ @ @ @ @ house are underway .

ST.PETERSBURG, January 20. /TASS/. Law enforcement agencies in Russia’s St. Petersburg have detained a man, who is suspected of having recruited Tajik nationals to fight in Syria on the side of the Islamic State (terror group, outlawed in Russia), the Main Investigative Department of the Russian Investigative Committee told reporters on Monday.
A criminal case has been launched against the 32-year-old man, who is suspected of "inciting terrorist activity." The suspect was apprehended by investigators in an operation conducted jointly with the Interior Ministry’s Center for Combating Extremism and the Federal Security Service’s regional department with the National Guard’s assistance. Searches at his house are underway.


tass--2020-01-20--Russian envoy alarmed by increased activity from non-Arctic NATO members in the region

MOSCOW , January 20 .
/TASS/ .
NATO ’ s activity in the Arctic region , specifically the non-Arctic nations in the alliance , leads to tensions and undermines the status of the region as a zone of peace and stability , Russian envoy to the Arctic Council Nikolai Korchunov told journalists on Monday .
`` Of course , we are alarmed by the increasing activity of the North Atlantic alliance in the Arctic .
We are saying this to our partners and to the global public honestly and frankly , '' said Ambassador at Large Korchunov .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Arctic is of special concern to us , '' he said in reply to a reporter 's question .
`` We are facing a new phenomenon , when non-Arctic countries in NATO adopt their military arctic strategies or issue reports and other strategic documents which justify the expediency of their military presence in polar latitudes , '' the diplomat went on to say .
`` This undermines efforts to preserve the Arctic region as a zone of peace , stability and constructive cooperation , '' he added .
Commander of Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in late December that NATO was building up its training and reconnaissance activities in the Arctic .
`` NATO continues to increase the intensity and scale of its training activities in the Arctic .
The number of such drills increased by 17 % Meanwhile , reconnaissance activities increased by 15 % , '' he said .

MOSCOW, January 20. /TASS/. NATO’s activity in the Arctic region, specifically the non-Arctic nations in the alliance, leads to tensions and undermines the status of the region as a zone of peace and stability, Russian envoy to the Arctic Council Nikolai Korchunov told journalists on Monday.
"Of course, we are alarmed by the increasing activity of the North Atlantic alliance in the Arctic. We are saying this to our partners and to the global public honestly and frankly," said Ambassador at Large Korchunov.
"The growing activity of non-Arctic NATO member countries in the Arctic is of special concern to us," he said in reply to a reporter's question.
"We are facing a new phenomenon, when non-Arctic countries in NATO adopt their military arctic strategies or issue reports and other strategic documents which justify the expediency of their military presence in polar latitudes," the diplomat went on to say. "This undermines efforts to preserve the Arctic region as a zone of peace, stability and constructive cooperation," he added.
Commander of Russia’s Northern Fleet Alexander Moiseyev said in late December that NATO was building up its training and reconnaissance activities in the Arctic.
"NATO continues to increase the intensity and scale of its training activities in the Arctic. The number of such drills increased by 17% Meanwhile, reconnaissance activities increased by 15%," he said.


tass--2020-01-20--Russia to deploy more radars in Arctic capable of spotting hypersonic targets, says source

MOSCOW , January 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s General Staff has decided to increase the number of latest Rezonans-N radar stations capable of detecting hypersonic targets from five to ten in the Arctic , a source in the defense industry told TASS on Monday .
The Pentagon stated in the spring of 2018 that developing hypersonic weapons was a top priority for the US Army .
In November 2019 , the US Air Force announced it was developing two hypersonic prototypes , one of which or both should achieve their initial operational readiness by 2022 .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s north five more Rezonans-N radars capable of detecting hypersonic targets , in addition to the five stations already ordered , '' the source said .
After all the ten radars are deployed in the Russian Arctic , the `` north-eastern missile-dangerous area will be fully covered by the ‘ hunters ’ for hypersonic targets , '' the source added .
Today a contract is in place for the delivery of five Rezonans radar stations to Russia ’ s Defense Ministry .
As CEO of the Rezonans Research Center ( the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told TASS in November last year , two radars are on combat duty in the Russian Arctic today while the third station has been prepared for its operation on the Novaya Zemlya archipelago .
The fourth radar has been delivered but not yet deployed and the fifth station has been manufactured , he added .
Rezonans radars operate in the meter band and employ the principle of wave resonance , which allows detecting aircraft based on stealth technology and also hypersonic targets flying at a speed of up to Mach 20 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issuing target acquisition on aerodynamic targets at a distance of 600 km and at a range of 1,200 km on ballistic targets , at an altitude of up to 100 km .
As Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in December 2019 , today Russia is in the lead in developing hypersonic weapons .

MOSCOW, January 20. /TASS/. Russia’s General Staff has decided to increase the number of latest Rezonans-N radar stations capable of detecting hypersonic targets from five to ten in the Arctic, a source in the defense industry told TASS on Monday.
The Pentagon stated in the spring of 2018 that developing hypersonic weapons was a top priority for the US Army. In November 2019, the US Air Force announced it was developing two hypersonic prototypes, one of which or both should achieve their initial operational readiness by 2022.
"The General Staff has decided to deploy in Russia’s north five more Rezonans-N radars capable of detecting hypersonic targets, in addition to the five stations already ordered," the source said.
After all the ten radars are deployed in the Russian Arctic, the "north-eastern missile-dangerous area will be fully covered by the ‘hunters’ for hypersonic targets," the source added.
Today a contract is in place for the delivery of five Rezonans radar stations to Russia’s Defense Ministry. As CEO of the Rezonans Research Center (the developer of the radars) Ivan Nazarenko told TASS in November last year, two radars are on combat duty in the Russian Arctic today while the third station has been prepared for its operation on the Novaya Zemlya archipelago. The fourth radar has been delivered but not yet deployed and the fifth station has been manufactured, he added.
Rezonans radars operate in the meter band and employ the principle of wave resonance, which allows detecting aircraft based on stealth technology and also hypersonic targets flying at a speed of up to Mach 20. The radar is capable of detecting targets and issuing target acquisition on aerodynamic targets at a distance of 600 km and at a range of 1,200 km on ballistic targets, at an altitude of up to 100 km.
As Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in December 2019, today Russia is in the lead in developing hypersonic weapons.


tass--2020-01-20--Reconnaissance troops in Siberia to receive Taifun-K armored vehicles in 2020

MOSCOW , January 20 .
/TASS/ .
Eight Taifun-K armored vehicles will arrive for the personnel of the 41st all-arms @ @ @ @ @ press office of Russia ’ s Central Military District reported on Monday .
`` A @ @ @ @ @ vehicles with a remote-controlled combat module will replenish the auto pool of combat vehicles of @ @ @ @ @ is currently underway to train the drivers who will soon test the new armored vehicles @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement .
The Taifun-K armored vehicle is designated to carry personnel and @ @ @ @ @ the cargo and the vehicle ’ s assemblies from small arms with a caliber of @ @ @ @ @ and roadside bombs .
It features the enhanced off-road capability thanks to its 6x6 wheeled @ @ @ @ @ speed of 105 km/h .

MOSCOW, January 20. /TASS/. Eight Taifun-K armored vehicles will arrive for the personnel of the 41st all-arms army in 2020, the press office of Russia’s Central Military District reported on Monday.
"A batch of eight Taifun-K armored vehicles with a remote-controlled combat module will replenish the auto pool of combat vehicles of a reconnaissance unit. Work is currently underway to train the drivers who will soon test the new armored vehicles," the press office said in a statement.
The Taifun-K armored vehicle is designated to carry personnel and reliably shield the crew, the cargo and the vehicle’s assemblies from small arms with a caliber of up to 30mm, mines and roadside bombs. It features the enhanced off-road capability thanks to its 6x6 wheeled formula and develops a maximum speed of 105 km/h.


tass--2020-01-20--Serbian leader calls invitation to Victory Day Parade in Moscow ‘a great honor’

BELGRADE , January 20 .
/TASS/ .
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic told a meeting with Russian Ambassador to Serbia Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko he believes the invitation to visit the May 9 parade in Moscow marking the 75th anniversary of Victory over Nazi Germany is `` a great honor . ''
`` President Vucic said he believes it ’ s a great honor that this year he will take part in celebrating the 75th anniversary of Victory Day on May 9 in Moscow and will be able to again reiterate joint commitment of brotherly nations of Serbia and Russia to the great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service said on Monday .
Vucic also noted that he would take part in the Fifth World Holocaust Forum at the Yad Vashem memorial center in Jerusalem on January 23 .
Russian President Vladimir Putin will take part in the forum .
Earlier , the Serbian president confirmed that he would pay a visit to Moscow for the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of Victory .
Besides , the guard of honor of the Serbian presidential army will take part in the parade on Red Square .
Russia has also sent invitations to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Boris Johnson , North Korean leader Kim Jong-un , the heads of the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization , and European leaders .
The leaders of India , Cuba , France , the Czech Republic , Venezuela , Belarus , Armenia , Bulgaria and Serbia have confirmed plans to attend the parade .

BELGRADE, January 20. /TASS/. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic told a meeting with Russian Ambassador to Serbia Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko he believes the invitation to visit the May 9 parade in Moscow marking the 75th anniversary of Victory over Nazi Germany is "a great honor."
"President Vucic said he believes it’s a great honor that this year he will take part in celebrating the 75th anniversary of Victory Day on May 9 in Moscow and will be able to again reiterate joint commitment of brotherly nations of Serbia and Russia to the great tradition of freedom," his press service said on Monday.
Vucic also noted that he would take part in the Fifth World Holocaust Forum at the Yad Vashem memorial center in Jerusalem on January 23. Russian President Vladimir Putin will take part in the forum.
Earlier, the Serbian president confirmed that he would pay a visit to Moscow for the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of Victory. Besides, the guard of honor of the Serbian presidential army will take part in the parade on Red Square.
Russia has also sent invitations to US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the heads of the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and European leaders. The leaders of India, Cuba, France, the Czech Republic, Venezuela, Belarus, Armenia, Bulgaria and Serbia have confirmed plans to attend the parade.


tass--2020-01-20--First Su-30 jets equipped with BrahMos missiles enter service in India

The Air Force Station houses the 222nd `` Tigershark '' squadron , the first to receive the Su-30MKIs , reconfigured for BrahMos missiles .
NEW DELHI , January 20 .
/TASS/ .
The first squadron of Su-30MKI jet fighters , armed with an air-based version of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles entered service in the Indian Air Force Monday , The Times of India reports .
According to the article , the planes will enter service during a ceremony set to take place at Thanjavur Air Force Station in India ’ s Tamil Nadu .
`` These planes will become a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operational capabilities , '' The Times of India quotes Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria as saying .
The Air Chief noted that the jets would primarily conduct maritime operations .
According to the newspaper , the BrahMos-equipped Sukhoi fighters will become a `` platform to keep a ‘ strategic eye ’ over the Indian Ocean Region , especially the Bay of Bengal , '' and will be able to carry out `` long-range precision strikes against hostile aircraft carriers or other high-value targets by day and night in all-weather conditions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Ministry of Defense said the squadron would receive 18 fighters before the end of this year .
BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile , produced by a Russian-Indian joint venture known as the BrahMos Aerospace company , and developed by Russia ’ s NPO Mashinostroyeniya and India ’ s Defense Research and Development Organization ( DRDO ) .
The first test launch took place in 2001 .
All three branches of the Indian Armed Forces are equipped with different versions of the missile .

The Air Force Station houses the 222nd "Tigershark" squadron, the first to receive the Su-30MKIs, reconfigured for BrahMos missiles.
NEW DELHI, January 20. /TASS/. The first squadron of Su-30MKI jet fighters, armed with an air-based version of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles entered service in the Indian Air Force Monday, The Times of India reports. According to the article, the planes will enter service during a ceremony set to take place at Thanjavur Air Force Station in India’s Tamil Nadu.
"These planes will become a huge addition to the IAF’s operational capabilities," The Times of India quotes Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria as saying. The Air Chief noted that the jets would primarily conduct maritime operations.
According to the newspaper, the BrahMos-equipped Sukhoi fighters will become a "platform to keep a ‘strategic eye’ over the Indian Ocean Region, especially the Bay of Bengal," and will be able to carry out "long-range precision strikes against hostile aircraft carriers or other high-value targets by day and night in all-weather conditions."
A source close to India’s Ministry of Defense said the squadron would receive 18 fighters before the end of this year.
BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile, produced by a Russian-Indian joint venture known as the BrahMos Aerospace company, and developed by Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya and India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). The first test launch took place in 2001. All three branches of the Indian Armed Forces are equipped with different versions of the missile.


tass--2020-01-20--Russia’s state program on aircraft industry development implemented by 96% in 2019

MOSCOW , January 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s state program on development of aircraft industry was implemented by @ @ @ @ @ according to the files released by the Finance Ministry on Monday .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ expenditures on state programs , 67.9 bln rubles ( $ 1.1 bln ) were allocated @ @ @ @ @ in 2019 .
The state program on aircraft industry development includes subprograms on aircraft and @ @ @ @ @ components and appliances , science and technologies , as well as a subprogram on comprehensive @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, January 20. /TASS/. Russia’s state program on development of aircraft industry was implemented by 95.8% in 2019, according to the files released by the Finance Ministry on Monday.
According to the latest update on execution of expenditures on state programs, 67.9 bln rubles ($1.1 bln) were allocated on aircraft industry's development in 2019.
The state program on aircraft industry development includes subprograms on aircraft and helicopter manufacturing, aircraft-engine-building, components and appliances, science and technologies, as well as a subprogram on comprehensive development of the sector.


tass--2020-01-20--KHNP awards new uranium enrichment contract to Russia’s Tenex

MOSCOW , January 20 .
/TASS/ .
Tenex , a trading arm of the Russian nuclear corporation Rosatom , won @ @ @ @ @ Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. , Ltd. ( KHNP ) on a new uranium enrichment @ @ @ @ @ says .
The new contract with the term by 2030 is valued at $ 500 @ @ @ @ @ Tenex contracts with KHNP has increased to $ 2 bln as a result of the @ @ @ @ @ company said .
Tenex is providing uranium enrichment services for needs of South Korea ’ @ @ @ @ @ more than a quarter of a century , with the first direct contract concluded in @ @ @ @ @ enriched uranium products and provides uranium conversion and enrichment services for all key regional segments @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, January 20. /TASS/. Tenex, a trading arm of the Russian nuclear corporation Rosatom, won the tender staged by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. (KHNP) on a new uranium enrichment contract, the Russian company says.
The new contract with the term by 2030 is valued at $500 mln.
The portfolio of Tenex contracts with KHNP has increased to $2 bln as a result of the new contract award, the company said.
Tenex is providing uranium enrichment services for needs of South Korea’s nuclear power sector for more than a quarter of a century, with the first direct contract concluded in 1993. The company delivers enriched uranium products and provides uranium conversion and enrichment services for all key regional segments of the global market.


tass--2020-01-20--Lavrov vows Russia will continue countering attempts to rewrite history

`` This [ the preservation of historical memory and the fight against falsifying the history of WWII ] is the focal point in our initiatives and our priorities during Russia ’ s presidency .
In addition to the political , memorial and military aspects , there is the legal component as well , because attempts are being made to call into question the legal results of WWII , '' Lavrov stated .
MOSCOW , January 20 .
/TASS/ .
The fight against falsifying the history of WWII will be a top-priority issue in Russia ’ s work as chair of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , the post-Soviet security bloc , Acting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday opening a meeting with CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas .
`` [ Russian President ] Vladimir Putin has made a point of that more than once , Belarusian President [ Alexander ] Lukashenko has likewise regularly stressed that rewriting the history of that war is inadmissible .
I am certain that all CSTO member states see eye to eye on that , and our joint work shows that .
We will help you in every possible way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the head of state , '' he added .
In response , Zas noted that Victory Day celebrations were an event that is `` enormous in terms of its impact on people , '' adding that a series of exhibitions on the issue were planned .
`` We need to uphold the truth and counter all attempts to falsify [ history ] .
This is the primary objective of this work , the more so since we have such a good reason , the 75th anniversary of the Victory , '' he concluded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week that all the leaders of the CSTO member states had been invited to attend celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of the Victory on May 9 .

"This [the preservation of historical memory and the fight against falsifying the history of WWII] is the focal point in our initiatives and our priorities during Russia’s presidency. In addition to the political, memorial and military aspects, there is the legal component as well, because attempts are being made to call into question the legal results of WWII," Lavrov stated.
MOSCOW, January 20. /TASS/. The fight against falsifying the history of WWII will be a top-priority issue in Russia’s work as chair of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the post-Soviet security bloc, Acting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday opening a meeting with CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas.
"[Russian President] Vladimir Putin has made a point of that more than once, Belarusian President [Alexander] Lukashenko has likewise regularly stressed that rewriting the history of that war is inadmissible. I am certain that all CSTO member states see eye to eye on that, and our joint work shows that. We will help you in every possible way in all areas of activity approved by the head of state," he added.
In response, Zas noted that Victory Day celebrations were an event that is "enormous in terms of its impact on people," adding that a series of exhibitions on the issue were planned. "We need to uphold the truth and counter all attempts to falsify [history]. This is the primary objective of this work, the more so since we have such a good reason, the 75th anniversary of the Victory," he concluded.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said last week that all the leaders of the CSTO member states had been invited to attend celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of the Victory on May 9.


tass--2020-01-20--Russia backs idea of building international Arctic station on Yamal

MOSCOW , January 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Foreign Ministry of Russia backs the project of a year-round and fully @ @ @ @ @ the Yamal Peninsula , Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large , Russia ’ s Senior Official in the @ @ @ @ @ on Monday .
The project of building the international station called Snezhinka ( Snowflake ) @ @ @ @ @ of ensuring the sustainable development of the Arctic region , the high-ranking Russian diplomat stressed @ @ @ @ @ of Russia supports a new international project prepared by the Moscow Institute of Physics and @ @ @ @ @ build a carbon-free Arctic station .
It meets the Russian president ’ s guideline towards @ @ @ @ @ Arctic , supporting joint research by domestic and foreign scientists into environmental problems , climate @ @ @ @ @ the environment and the World Ocean that are common challenges to the global development , @ @ @ @ @ press conference on the project ’ s presentation .

MOSCOW, January 20. /TASS/. The Foreign Ministry of Russia backs the project of a year-round and fully autonomous international Arctic station on the Yamal Peninsula, Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large, Russia’s Senior Official in the Arctic Council Nikolai Korchunov said on Monday.
The project of building the international station called Snezhinka (Snowflake) is important from the viewpoint of ensuring the sustainable development of the Arctic region, the high-ranking Russian diplomat stressed.
"The Foreign Ministry of Russia supports a new international project prepared by the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MFTI) to build a carbon-free Arctic station. It meets the Russian president’s guideline towards using resource-saving technologies in the Arctic, supporting joint research by domestic and foreign scientists into environmental problems, climate change, and pollution of the environment and the World Ocean that are common challenges to the global development," he commented at a press conference on the project’s presentation.


tass--2020-01-21--Erdogan calls on Putin to facilitate ceasefire in Idlib — Turkish top diplomat

`` Our president cited statistics to explain how serious the situation was [ in Idlib ] .
He told Putin frankly that ceasefire violations must come to an end .
We also made the same appeal to the international community , '' the Turkish top diplomat pointed out .
ANKARA , January 21 .
/TASS/ .
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to help end ceasefire violations in Syria ’ s Idlib , Turkey ’ s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday , adding that the two presidents had discussed the issue on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Libya on January 19 .
On January 10 , the Turkish Defense Ministry announced that Ankara and Moscow had reached an agreement to declare a ceasefire in Idlib starting on January 12 .
At the same time , Chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Sides in Syria Major General Yuri Borenkov stated that a ceasefire had been declared in the Idlib de-escalation zone on January 9 .
Idlib is the only region in Syria that is still controlled by illegal armed groups .
A de-escalation zone was set up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lay down their arms moved there from the Damascus suburb of Eastern Ghouta and the country ’ s south .
The Turkish army has 12 observation posts in the Idlib province .
On January 19 , the German capital of Berlin hosted an international conference on resolving the Libyan crisis .
The event ’ s participants adopted a statement , calling for a ceasefire , the creation of a unified government and reforms aimed at restoring the country ’ s statehood .
They also committed to refraining from interference in Libya ’ @ @ @

"Our president cited statistics to explain how serious the situation was [in Idlib]. He told Putin frankly that ceasefire violations must come to an end. We also made the same appeal to the international community," the Turkish top diplomat pointed out.
ANKARA, January 21. /TASS/. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to help end ceasefire violations in Syria’s Idlib, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday, adding that the two presidents had discussed the issue on the sidelines of the Berlin conference on Libya on January 19.
On January 10, the Turkish Defense Ministry announced that Ankara and Moscow had reached an agreement to declare a ceasefire in Idlib starting on January 12. At the same time, Chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Sides in Syria Major General Yuri Borenkov stated that a ceasefire had been declared in the Idlib de-escalation zone on January 9.
Idlib is the only region in Syria that is still controlled by illegal armed groups. A de-escalation zone was set up there in 2017, and militants reluctant to lay down their arms moved there from the Damascus suburb of Eastern Ghouta and the country’s south. The Turkish army has 12 observation posts in the Idlib province.
On January 19, the German capital of Berlin hosted an international conference on resolving the Libyan crisis. The event’s participants adopted a statement, calling for a ceasefire, the creation of a unified government and reforms aimed at restoring the country’s statehood. They also committed to refraining from interference in Libya’s affairs.


tass--2020-01-21--Bill on amendments to Russian Constitution may be changed, lawmaker says

`` We have discussed it today at a meeting of the working group [ on constitutional amendments ] , '' he told reporters in response to a question .
`` There is a provision in the Constitution ’ s article dedicated to amendments , which says that such a document needs to be considered as a federal constitutional law , '' he explained .
`` That said , there will be a first reading , while changes can be introduced between the first and the second readings , and the third reading will be followed by a legal and linguistic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , January 21 .
/TASS/ .
The bill on amendments to the Russian Constitution may be changed , Chairman of the State Duma ( the lower house of parliament ) Statehood and Constitutional Legislation Committee Pavel Krasheninnikov said .
He was confident that State Duma members would come up with some changes .
`` We already know that there are some initiatives and who is going to put them forward , '' he said .
`` Besides , as far as the working group is concerned , we will present some changes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointing out that the head of state himself had suggested that the working group ’ s members initiate changes to the bill .
On January 15 , the Russian president signed an order to create a working group to hammer out constitutional amendments .
The working group consists of 75 members , including politicians , lawmakers , researchers and public figures .
Head of the Federation Council ( the upper house of parliament ) Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building Andrei Klishas , Head of the State Duma Statehood and Constitutional Legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law under the Government of the Russian Federation Taliya Habrieva co-chair the group .
On Monday , the president submitted a bill on constitutional amendments to the State Duma .
The bill comprises the amendments that Putin proposed in his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly on January 15 .

"We have discussed it today at a meeting of the working group [on constitutional amendments]," he told reporters in response to a question. "There is a provision in the Constitution’s article dedicated to amendments, which says that such a document needs to be considered as a federal constitutional law," he explained. "That said, there will be a first reading, while changes can be introduced between the first and the second readings, and the third reading will be followed by a legal and linguistic review," Krasheninnikov added.
MOSCOW, January 21. /TASS/. The bill on amendments to the Russian Constitution may be changed, Chairman of the State Duma (the lower house of parliament) Statehood and Constitutional Legislation Committee Pavel Krasheninnikov said.
He was confident that State Duma members would come up with some changes. "We already know that there are some initiatives and who is going to put them forward," he said. "Besides, as far as the working group is concerned, we will present some changes to the president," Krasheninnikov noted, pointing out that the head of state himself had suggested that the working group’s members initiate changes to the bill.
On January 15, the Russian president signed an order to create a working group to hammer out constitutional amendments. The working group consists of 75 members, including politicians, lawmakers, researchers and public figures. Head of the Federation Council (the upper house of parliament) Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building Andrei Klishas, Head of the State Duma Statehood and Constitutional Legislation Committee Pavel Krasheninnikov and Director of the Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law under the Government of the Russian Federation Taliya Habrieva co-chair the group.
On Monday, the president submitted a bill on constitutional amendments to the State Duma. The bill comprises the amendments that Putin proposed in his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly on January 15.


tass--2020-01-21--Upgraded BMP-2M combat vehicles to arrive for Russia’s military base in Tajikistan

MOSCOW , January 21 .
/TASS/ .
A batch of 18 upgraded BMP-2M infantry fighting vehicles will arrive for Russia @ @ @ @ @ in Tajikistan in 2020 , the press office of the Central Military District reported on @ @ @ @ @ infantry fighting vehicles will be delivered to Tajikistan by railway and will enter service with @ @ @ @ @ motor rifle units instead of outdated military hardware , '' the press office said in @ @ @ @ @ combat vehicles feature an automatic fire control system that allows the commander and the gunner @ @ @ @ @ whole during the day and at night , the press office explained .

MOSCOW, January 21. /TASS/. A batch of 18 upgraded BMP-2M infantry fighting vehicles will arrive for Russia’s 201st military base in Tajikistan in 2020, the press office of the Central Military District reported on Tuesday.
"The upgraded infantry fighting vehicles will be delivered to Tajikistan by railway and will enter service with the military base’s motor rifle units instead of outdated military hardware," the press office said in a statement.
The upgraded combat vehicles feature an automatic fire control system that allows the commander and the gunner to act as a single whole during the day and at night, the press office explained.


tass--2020-01-21--Pompeo’s remarks confirm US meddles in independent countries’ affairs, says diplomat

MOSCOW , January 21 .
/TASS/ .
Statements by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that Washington ’ s objective @ @ @ @ @ confirm that Washington has been pursuing the policy of meddling in the affairs of independent @ @ @ @ @ Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Tuesday .
`` We heard the US secretary of state @ @ @ @ @ ’ s campaign to destabilize the situation in sovereign countries , '' Zakharova wrote on @ @ @ @ @ fact , Mike Pompeo ’ s two phrases provided the evidential base for Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ , sovereign Internet and so on . ''
According to Zakharova , Pompeo ’ s @ @ @ @ @ the United States `` has never abandoned the tactics of meddling in the affairs of @ @ @ @ @ of regime change . ''

MOSCOW, January 21. /TASS/. Statements by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that Washington’s objective is regime change in Venezuela confirm that Washington has been pursuing the policy of meddling in the affairs of independent nations, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Tuesday.
"We heard the US secretary of state openly admitting to his country’s campaign to destabilize the situation in sovereign countries," Zakharova wrote on Facebook. "In actual fact, Mike Pompeo’s two phrases provided the evidential base for Russia’s laws on foreign agents, sovereign Internet and so on."
According to Zakharova, Pompeo’s remarks prove once again that the United States "has never abandoned the tactics of meddling in the affairs of independent countries and the policy of regime change."


tass--2020-01-21--Great Stride in Hainan's Economic Transformation and Development

HAIKOU , China , Jan. 21 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 17 , the representative of People 's Government of Hainan Province revealed at the second press conference held at the Third Session of the Sixth National People 's Congress of Hainan Province that the People 's Government of Hainan Province had been actively promoting the construction of the free trade zone and free trade port in 2019 .
The province 's economic society showed steady progress , better structure , stronger momentum , improved benefits and more sustainable high-quality development .
The Hainan Provincial Development and Reform Commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 saw steady growth .
In 2019 , Hainan 's export-oriented economic development and transformation achieved positive results , bringing a lot of highlights and vitality to the development of foreign investment , foreign trade and other fields .
In addition to Hong Kong , Singapore and the United States , foreign direct investment in Hainan Province from Germany , Canada and other developed regions in Europe and the United States also achieved breakthroughs .
At the same time , Hainan further strengthened its trade with the countries along the Belt and Road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trade '' project , and optimized its trade structure around the purpose of building an international tourism consumption center , making the import of duty-free products a new highlight in the development of foreign trade .
In 2019 , Hainan achieved fruitful results in its structural adjustment and transformation of growth engines .
In terms of tropical agricultural development , Hainan actively facilitated the integration of primary , secondary and tertiary industries and put its emphasis on the three pillar industries of rubber , coconut and betel nut , and the research , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vegetables .
New space was explored for modern service industry .
Hainan 's Internet industry was developing rapidly , and its support for key industries and major projects was strengthened in terms of the financial industry .
Hainan also launched Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City , Lingshui Li'an International Education Innovation Pilot Zone and other projects .
The development of high-tech industries was accelerated .
Hainan was actively developing emerging land , sea and air industries , extending the oil and gas industry chain and expanding the development space of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of increased economic downward pressure , the number of high-tech enterprises in Hainan has reached new highs to 566 , '' said Xie Jing , Director-General of Hainan Provincial Department of Science and Technology , noting that scientific and technological innovation is effectively boosting Hainan 's economic transformation and development .
In terms of tourism , Hainan received 83.112 million domestic and foreign tourists in 2019 , bringing the total tourism revenue to RMB 10.578 million .
Among them , 1.4359 million inbound tourists were received , up 13.6 % year on year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an international tourism consumption center as its key task in 2019 to promote the transformation and upgrading of the tourism industry in the overall deepening of reform and opening up , '' said Sun Ying , Director-General of the Department of Tourism , Culture , Radio , Television and Sports of Hainan Province .

HAIKOU, China, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 17, the representative of People's Government of Hainan Province revealed at the second press conference held at the Third Session of the Sixth National People's Congress of Hainan Province that the People's Government of Hainan Province had been actively promoting the construction of the free trade zone and free trade port in 2019. The province's economic society showed steady progress, better structure, stronger momentum, improved benefits and more sustainable high-quality development.
The Hainan Provincial Development and Reform Commission introduced that Hainan's main indicators in 2019 saw steady growth. In 2019, Hainan's export-oriented economic development and transformation achieved positive results, bringing a lot of highlights and vitality to the development of foreign investment, foreign trade and other fields. In addition to Hong Kong, Singapore and the United States, foreign direct investment in Hainan Province from Germany, Canada and other developed regions in Europe and the United States also achieved breakthroughs. At the same time, Hainan further strengthened its trade with the countries along the Belt and Road, promoted the "Windows to Global Trade" project, and optimized its trade structure around the purpose of building an international tourism consumption center, making the import of duty-free products a new highlight in the development of foreign trade.
In 2019, Hainan achieved fruitful results in its structural adjustment and transformation of growth engines.
In terms of tropical agricultural development, Hainan actively facilitated the integration of primary, secondary and tertiary industries and put its emphasis on the three pillar industries of rubber, coconut and betel nut, and the research, development and production of winter fruits and vegetables.
New space was explored for modern service industry. Hainan's Internet industry was developing rapidly, and its support for key industries and major projects was strengthened in terms of the financial industry. Hainan also launched Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City, Lingshui Li'an International Education Innovation Pilot Zone and other projects.
The development of high-tech industries was accelerated. Hainan was actively developing emerging land, sea and air industries, extending the oil and gas industry chain and expanding the development space of the pharmaceutical industry. "Against the background of increased economic downward pressure, the number of high-tech enterprises in Hainan has reached new highs to 566," said Xie Jing, Director-General of Hainan Provincial Department of Science and Technology, noting that scientific and technological innovation is effectively boosting Hainan's economic transformation and development.
In terms of tourism, Hainan received 83.112 million domestic and foreign tourists in 2019, bringing the total tourism revenue to RMB 10.578 million. Among them, 1.4359 million inbound tourists were received, up 13.6% year on year. "Hainan took the construction of an international tourism consumption center as its key task in 2019 to promote the transformation and upgrading of the tourism industry in the overall deepening of reform and opening up," said Sun Ying, Director-General of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Hainan Province.
CONTACT: Ms. Wang, Tel: +86-10-63074558


tass--2020-01-21--New sea tanker enters service with Russia’s Northern Fleet

The solemn ceremony of hoisting the flag took place aboard the new sea tanker in Severomorsk with the participation of Fleet Commander Vice-Admiral Alexander Moiseyev .
MOSCOW , January 21 .
/TASS/ .
The new sea tanker Academician Pashin with improved technical characteristics has entered service with the Northern Fleet ’ s logistics and rear support forces , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Tuesday .
`` Today , a solemn ceremony of hoisting the flag of the Russian Navy ’ s auxiliary fleet took place aboard the medium sea tanker Academician Pashin at the Northern Fleet ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now the tanker has been officially accepted for service with the Northern Fleet , '' the press office said in a statement .
As the Northern Fleet commander said , the Academician Pashin features improved performance characteristics and is a universal logistics support vessel .
It broadens the surface forces ’ capabilities in long-distance deployments .
The new logistics support vessel underwent trials in the Barents Sea where such combat ships as the heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser Pyotr Veliki and the frigate Admiral Gorshkov provided assistance for the tanker ’ s trials at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests , the new tanker refueled three combat ships at a time .
`` The tanker ’ s successful trials confirmed … its increased capabilities for transferring dry and liquid cargoes to combat ships at sea , '' the press office quoted the Northern Fleet commander as saying .
The Project 23130 medium-sized sea-going supply tanker Academician Pashin has been built at the Nevsky Shipyard on order from Russia ’ s Defense Ministry .
The tanker is equipped with a diesel single-shaft propulsion unit and a bow thruster and is an Arc4 ice-class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the service premises are located in the aft-end living superstructure .
The vessel is equipped with mechanisms for the transfer of liquid and dry cargoes while on the move at sea .
The vessel ’ s cargo system can simultaneously transport eight types of cargoes .
The tanker is 130 meters long and 21 meters wide , develops a maximum speed of 16 knots and has an endurance of 60 days .
It displaces 9,000 tonnes and has a crew of 24 .

The solemn ceremony of hoisting the flag took place aboard the new sea tanker in Severomorsk with the participation of Fleet Commander Vice-Admiral Alexander Moiseyev.
MOSCOW, January 21. /TASS/. The new sea tanker Academician Pashin with improved technical characteristics has entered service with the Northern Fleet’s logistics and rear support forces, the Fleet’s press office reported on Tuesday.
"Today, a solemn ceremony of hoisting the flag of the Russian Navy’s auxiliary fleet took place aboard the medium sea tanker Academician Pashin at the Northern Fleet’s main naval base of Severomorsk. Now the tanker has been officially accepted for service with the Northern Fleet," the press office said in a statement.
As the Northern Fleet commander said, the Academician Pashin features improved performance characteristics and is a universal logistics support vessel. It broadens the surface forces’ capabilities in long-distance deployments.
The new logistics support vessel underwent trials in the Barents Sea where such combat ships as the heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser Pyotr Veliki and the frigate Admiral Gorshkov provided assistance for the tanker’s trials at various stages. During one of the tests, the new tanker refueled three combat ships at a time.
"The tanker’s successful trials confirmed … its increased capabilities for transferring dry and liquid cargoes to combat ships at sea," the press office quoted the Northern Fleet commander as saying.
The Project 23130 medium-sized sea-going supply tanker Academician Pashin has been built at the Nevsky Shipyard on order from Russia’s Defense Ministry. The tanker is equipped with a diesel single-shaft propulsion unit and a bow thruster and is an Arc4 ice-class vessel. The crew and passenger rooms and the service premises are located in the aft-end living superstructure.
The vessel is equipped with mechanisms for the transfer of liquid and dry cargoes while on the move at sea. The vessel’s cargo system can simultaneously transport eight types of cargoes. The tanker is 130 meters long and 21 meters wide, develops a maximum speed of 16 knots and has an endurance of 60 days. It displaces 9,000 tonnes and has a crew of 24.


tass--2020-01-21--Moscow court rules searches at homes of Anti-Corruption Foundation employees unlawful

MOSCOW , January 21 .
/TASS/ .
The Moscow City Court has ruled several search warrants at residences of Anti-Corruption @ @ @ @ @ court ’ s press service informed TASS on Tuesday .
The Anti-Corruption Foundation was established @ @ @ @ @ Alexey Navalny .
`` During the consideration of appeals , the Moscow City Court has @ @ @ @ @ Basmanny court due to violations of the Russian Code of Criminal Procedure .
The materials @ @ @ @ @ of first instance for consideration , '' the press service stated .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ 56 search warrants were considered unlawful .
All the warrants are dated October 2019 .

MOSCOW, January 21. /TASS/. The Moscow City Court has ruled several search warrants at residences of Anti-Corruption Foundation employees unlawful, the court’s press service informed TASS on Tuesday. The Anti-Corruption Foundation was established by prominent Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny.
"During the consideration of appeals, the Moscow City Court has overturned several decisions of the Basmanny court due to violations of the Russian Code of Criminal Procedure. The materials were sent to the court of first instance for consideration," the press service stated.
According to the foundation, 14 out of 56 search warrants were considered unlawful. All the warrants are dated October 2019.


tass--2020-01-21--Kremlin says unaware of plans to give Ukrainian, Belarusian regions right to join Russia

MOSCOW , January 21 .
/TASS/ .
There is no discussion of giving the regions of Ukraine and Belarus the right to join Russia through constitutional amendments , Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said , commenting on media reports .
`` I haven ’ t heard about such ideas so I can not not say anything .
I haven ’ t heard how it was phrased .
On the whole , there has been no discussion of the matter so far .
This is the first time I hear about it , '' he said .
On January 15 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create a task force to hammer out constitutional amendments .
The task force consists of 75 members , including politicians , lawmakers , researchers and public figures .
Head of the Federation Council ( the upper house of parliament ) Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building Andrei Klishas , Head of the State Duma Statehood and Constitutional Legislation Committee Pavel Krasheninnikov and Director of the Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law under the Government of the Russian Federation Taliya Habrieva co-chair the task force .
On Monday , the president submitted a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Duma .
The bill comprises the amendments that Putin proposed in his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly on January 15 .

MOSCOW, January 21. /TASS/. There is no discussion of giving the regions of Ukraine and Belarus the right to join Russia through constitutional amendments, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, commenting on media reports.
"I haven’t heard about such ideas so I cannot not say anything. I haven’t heard how it was phrased. On the whole, there has been no discussion of the matter so far. This is the first time I hear about it," he said.
On January 15, the Russian president signed an order to create a task force to hammer out constitutional amendments. The task force consists of 75 members, including politicians, lawmakers, researchers and public figures. Head of the Federation Council (the upper house of parliament) Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building Andrei Klishas, Head of the State Duma Statehood and Constitutional Legislation Committee Pavel Krasheninnikov and Director of the Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law under the Government of the Russian Federation Taliya Habrieva co-chair the task force.
On Monday, the president submitted a bill on constitutional amendments to the State Duma. The bill comprises the amendments that Putin proposed in his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly on January 15.


tass--2020-01-21--ZTE and MTN launch the first 5G SA network in East Africa

SHENZHEN , China , Jan. 21 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ZTE Corporation ( 0763.HK/000063.SZ ) , a major international provider of telecommunications , enterprise and consumer technology solutions for the Mobile Internet , today announced that ZTE and MTN Uganda have jointly launched the first 5G SA network in East Africa , demonstrating 5G use cases at an event themed `` Experience the Future Together '' , taking place in the Nyonyi Garden , Kampala , Uganda .
ZTE and MTN Uganda have showcased a high-speed 5G SA network under the 60 MHz spectrum bandwidth with an actual rate of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support a variety of applications , such as Gigabit without Fiber Connectivity , Cloud XR , ultra-HD live broadcast , automatic driving and remote surgery .
It is the first 5G SA network in East Africa .
Its deployment and operation adopt ZTE 's end-to-end 5G equipment , including Common Core , to achieve the complete separation of the signaling plane and the data plane without relying on the existing LTE core network EPC .
Furthermore , the network can further support typical 5G applications , including uRLLC and mMTC , through smooth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ network , the demonstration also featured the real-time communication of an on-site fixed-wireless access network , bionic robot , Cloud VR and other vertical industries , fully showcasing the 5G network 's capability as the foundation of an intelligent society as well as ZTE and MTN 's commitment to exploring 5G development in Africa .
In addition , ZTE also presented its end-to-end commercialized 5G solutions , including the 5G Common Core , Beyond 100G Transmission , 5G Flexhaul , 5G New Radio and Big Video , as well as its 5G terminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5G smartphones , 5G indoor and outdoor routers .
`` ZTE is very keen on sharing new technologies with MTN , '' said Bill Yi , Vice President at ZTE .
`` We have been constantly enhancing our 5G capabilities and have become a core supplier of end-to-end solutions in the global ICT industry . ''
As South Africa 's largest telecom operator and the largest multinational telecom company in Africa , MTN Group is currently operating in 21 countries in Africa and the Middle East .
To date , the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ZTE has been a partner of MTN since 2009 , involving the fields of wireless , core network , transmission , energy infrastructure , terminals , and O & M services .
ZTE has collaborated with the 11 branches of MTN in different projects .
ZTE is a provider of advanced telecommunications systems , mobile devices and enterprise technology solutions to consumers , operators , companies and public sector customers .
As a part of ZTE 's strategy , the company is committed to providing customers with integrated end-to-end innovations to deliver excellence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technology sectors converge .
Listed in the stock exchanges of Hong Kong and Shenzhen ( H share stock code : 0763.HK / A share stock code : 000063.SZ ) , ZTE sells its products and services in more than 160 countries .
To date , ZTE has obtained 35 commercial 5G contracts in major markets , such as Europe , Asia Pacific , Middle East and Africa ( MEA ) .
ZTE commits 10 percent of its annual revenues to research and development and takes leadership roles in international standard-setting organizations .

SHENZHEN, China, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ZTE Corporation (0763.HK/000063.SZ), a major international provider of telecommunications, enterprise and consumer technology solutions for the Mobile Internet, today announced that ZTE and MTN Uganda have jointly launched the first 5G SA network in East Africa, demonstrating 5G use cases at an event themed "Experience the Future Together", taking place in the Nyonyi Garden, Kampala, Uganda.
ZTE and MTN Uganda have showcased a high-speed 5G SA network under the 60 MHz spectrum bandwidth with an actual rate of more than 1.494 Gbps, which can support a variety of applications, such as Gigabit without Fiber Connectivity, Cloud XR, ultra-HD live broadcast, automatic driving and remote surgery.
It is the first 5G SA network in East Africa. Its deployment and operation adopt ZTE's end-to-end 5G equipment, including Common Core, to achieve the complete separation of the signaling plane and the data plane without relying on the existing LTE core network EPC. Furthermore, the network can further support typical 5G applications, including uRLLC and mMTC, through smooth upgrade.
Underpinned by the SA 5G network, the demonstration also featured the real-time communication of an on-site fixed-wireless access network, bionic robot, Cloud VR and other vertical industries, fully showcasing the 5G network's capability as the foundation of an intelligent society as well as ZTE and MTN's commitment to exploring 5G development in Africa.
In addition, ZTE also presented its end-to-end commercialized 5G solutions, including the 5G Common Core, Beyond 100G Transmission, 5G Flexhaul, 5G New Radio and Big Video, as well as its 5G terminal devices, such as Axon 10 Pro 5G smartphones, 5G indoor and outdoor routers.
"ZTE is very keen on sharing new technologies with MTN," said Bill Yi, Vice President at ZTE. "We have been constantly enhancing our 5G capabilities and have become a core supplier of end-to-end solutions in the global ICT industry."
As South Africa's largest telecom operator and the largest multinational telecom company in Africa, MTN Group is currently operating in 21 countries in Africa and the Middle East. To date, the number of MTN users has exceeded 230 million. ZTE has been a partner of MTN since 2009, involving the fields of wireless, core network, transmission, energy infrastructure, terminals, and O&M services. ZTE has collaborated with the 11 branches of MTN in different projects.
ZTE is a provider of advanced telecommunications systems, mobile devices and enterprise technology solutions to consumers, operators, companies and public sector customers. As a part of ZTE's strategy, the company is committed to providing customers with integrated end-to-end innovations to deliver excellence and value as the telecommunications and information technology sectors converge. Listed in the stock exchanges of Hong Kong and Shenzhen (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), ZTE sells its products and services in more than 160 countries.
To date, ZTE has obtained 35 commercial 5G contracts in major markets, such as Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (MEA). ZTE commits 10 percent of its annual revenues to research and development and takes leadership roles in international standard-setting organizations.


tass--2020-01-21--Helicopter crews practice defense of strategic facilities in Crimea drills

SIMFEROPOL , January 21 .
/TASS/ .
The crews of army aviation of the Southern Military District practiced defense of @ @ @ @ @ for transport helicopters with paratroopers in adverse weather conditions during drills in Crimea , the @ @ @ @ @ Sea Fleet reported on Tuesday .
`` The crews of helicopters based on the territory @ @ @ @ @ flights in complex weather conditions , practicing operations to protect strategic facilities .
In the @ @ @ @ @ , the helicopter crews also practiced escorting and providing fire support for transport helicopters involved @ @ @ @ @ force , '' the press office said in a statement .
More than 10 helicopters @ @ @ @ @ , including Ka-52 ‘ Alligator , ’ Mi-28N ‘ Night Hunter , ’ Mi-35 and @ @ @ @ @ .

SIMFEROPOL, January 21. /TASS/. The crews of army aviation of the Southern Military District practiced defense of strategic facilities and fire support for transport helicopters with paratroopers in adverse weather conditions during drills in Crimea, the press office of the Black Sea Fleet reported on Tuesday.
"The crews of helicopters based on the territory of the Crimean peninsula performed flights in complex weather conditions, practicing operations to protect strategic facilities. In the course of planned training flights, the helicopter crews also practiced escorting and providing fire support for transport helicopters involved in notionally landing an assault force," the press office said in a statement.
More than 10 helicopters took part in the drills, including Ka-52 ‘Alligator,’ Mi-28N ‘Night Hunter,’ Mi-35 and Mi-8AMTSh ‘Terminator’ rotorcraft.


tass--2020-01-21--Risk of Chinese coronavirus spreading to Russia is low, watchdog assures

According to the Xinhua News Agency , by January 20 , a total of 224 possible pneumonia patients had been identified , and 217 of those were found to be infected with the coronavirus .
MOSCOW , January 21 .
/TASS/ .
The probability of importing the 2019-nCoV coronavirus recently discovered in China can not be excluded completely , but the probability of it spreading across Russia is estimated to be low , the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being 's press service told TASS.. '' We can not totally rule out the importation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with any other virus .
Every year , more than 1.5 billion citizens of People ’ s Republic of China travel to the Russian Federation , and approximately the same number of our citizens visits China .
[ … ] However , even if the new coronavirus gets imported into the Russian Federation , the chances of a widespread outbreak of the virus are estimated as low , '' the statement says .
Besides , the agency notes that the genetic structure of the virus is already known , and work is underway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease early during the incubation period .
At the moment , all air passengers coming from China are scanned using thermal imaging in order to identify those with heightened body temperature .
`` All relevant agencies in the Russian Federation are notified about the possible emergence of cases of the disease , and are ready to carry out anti-epidemic measures .
Sanitary and epidemiological control is being ramped up across the entire territory of the Russian Federation , '' the watchdog added .
According to the agency , the new coronavirus is dangerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lethal to humans . ''
Besides , it can be transmitted from person to person via airborne droplets , causing outbreaks of the illness in confined spaces .
`` We still have too little data , but the closest relative of the new coronavirus - the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ( SARS ) coronavirus , which sparked the outbreak of the so-called ‘ atypical pneumonia ’ epidemic in 2003 - was transmitted via the fecal-oral route .
[ … ] That virus remained infectious on plastic surfaces and was contagious for 48 hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the agency said .
According to the National Health Commission of China , there is objective proof that the virus is communicable , which calls for emergency measures .
The main symptoms of the new coronavirus is a fever , fatigue , and a slightly wet cough .
Later , the patients may develop shortness of breath .
According to lab tests , during the early stage of the virus , patients had normal or low leukocyte levels , and a reduced lymphocyte level .
Other patients displayed elevated liver and muscle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced that they ’ ve developed their own test systems to diagnose the disease .
The test is performed by a trained specialist using special equipment , therefore the tests are not sold in any pharmacies , the Russian watchdog says , adding that any local clinic can take samples for lab testing .
The Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization about the outbreak of an unknown disease in the city of Wuhan on December 31 .
On January 7 , Chinese specialists identified the new 2019-nCoV coronavirus as the culprit .

According to the Xinhua News Agency, by January 20, a total of 224 possible pneumonia patients had been identified, and 217 of those were found to be infected with the coronavirus.
MOSCOW, January 21. /TASS/. The probability of importing the 2019-nCoV coronavirus recently discovered in China cannot be excluded completely, but the probability of it spreading across Russia is estimated to be low, the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being's press service told TASS..
"We cannot totally rule out the importation of the coronavirus into Russia, just like with any other virus. Every year, more than 1.5 million citizens of the People’s Republic of China travel to the Russian Federation, and approximately the same number of our citizens visits China. […] However, even if the new coronavirus gets imported into the Russian Federation, the chances of a widespread outbreak of the virus are estimated as low," the statement says.
Besides, the agency notes that the genetic structure of the virus is already known, and work is underway to create test systems to confirm the disease early during the incubation period. At the moment, all air passengers coming from China are scanned using thermal imaging in order to identify those with heightened body temperature.
"All relevant agencies in the Russian Federation are notified about the possible emergence of cases of the disease, and are ready to carry out anti-epidemic measures. Sanitary and epidemiological control is being ramped up across the entire territory of the Russian Federation," the watchdog added.
According to the agency, the new coronavirus is dangerous primarily because it "causes a disease lethal to humans." Besides, it can be transmitted from person to person via airborne droplets, causing outbreaks of the illness in confined spaces.
"We still have too little data, but the closest relative of the new coronavirus - the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) coronavirus, which sparked the outbreak of the so-called ‘atypical pneumonia’ epidemic in 2003 - was transmitted via the fecal-oral route. […] That virus remained infectious on plastic surfaces and was contagious for 48 hours after being exposed to environmental objects," the agency said.
According to the National Health Commission of China, there is objective proof that the virus is communicable, which calls for emergency measures.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of the new coronavirus is a fever, fatigue, and a slightly wet cough. Later, the patients may develop shortness of breath. According to lab tests, during the early stage of the virus, patients had normal or low leukocyte levels, and a reduced lymphocyte level. Other patients displayed elevated liver and muscle enzyme levels.
Some nations have already announced that they’ve developed their own test systems to diagnose the disease. The test is performed by a trained specialist using special equipment, therefore the tests are not sold in any pharmacies, the Russian watchdog says, adding that any local clinic can take samples for lab testing.
The Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization about the outbreak of an unknown disease in the city of Wuhan on December 31. On January 7, Chinese specialists identified the new 2019-nCoV coronavirus as the culprit.


tass--2020-01-21--Kremlin stresses Medvedev’s cabinet resigned amid initiatives proposed by president

MOSCOW , January 21 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian government led by Dmitry Medvedev stepped down on January 15 amid @ @ @ @ @ Vladimir Putin proposed in his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly , @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday .
Peskov commented on media reports that Putin allegedly decided to dismiss the @ @ @ @ @ criticized the address while it was being drawn up .
`` This information can also @ @ @ @ @ extent because as you know it was Dmitry Medvedev , the former head of government @ @ @ @ @ ’ s decision to resign amid the president ’ s serious initiatives .
It was @ @ @ @ @ government believed it should resign .
You should consider whether these reports are true from @ @ @ @ @ said .

MOSCOW, January 21. /TASS/. The Russian government led by Dmitry Medvedev stepped down on January 15 amid the initiatives that Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed in his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized on Tuesday.
Peskov commented on media reports that Putin allegedly decided to dismiss the cabinet after some ministers had criticized the address while it was being drawn up.
"This information can also be true to a certain extent because as you know it was Dmitry Medvedev, the former head of government, who announced the government’s decision to resign amid the president’s serious initiatives. It was he who said that the government believed it should resign. You should consider whether these reports are true from this angle," Peskov said.


tass--2020-01-21--Press review: Putin lays out sweeping constitutional reform and WADA to face legal battle

Russian President Vladimir Putin introduced a bill to amend the Constitution of the Russian Federation .
The bill provides for amendments to article 22 of the Basic Law : all of them relate to Chapters 3-8 , that is , they can be adopted by the Federal Assembly with the approval of two-thirds of the regional parliaments .
The first reading of the bill is scheduled for January 23 , the second may take place in February , and then in the spring a nationwide vote on the amendments can take place .
Experts interviewed by Kommersant believe that Putin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system to function once he leaves his post , but so far they can not see how exactly the redistribution of power will occur .
A bill introduced on Monday to amend the Basic Law is not much different from the constitutional reform proposed by Putin in his Address to the Federal Assembly on January 15 .
The head of state suggested clarifying that one person can not hold the post of president of the Russian Federation for more than two terms , and excluding the word `` consecutively '' from the constitution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this update will not be a reason for a new presidential term by Vladimir Putin .
The presented amendments cover the entire range of the president ’ s proposals , stated in the address , but it is difficult to draw clear conclusions about them , experts told Kommersant .
Some of them noted that the key issue is the future powers of the State Council .
The constitution has neither the principles of forming a new constitutional body , nor its powers .
Details will be disclosed in a separate federal law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the State Council is unlikely to become an important authority .
`` There is no reason for this either in the president ’ s message or in his speech at a meeting with members of the working group preparing the amendments , '' he said .
On the other hand , political scientist Dmitry Badovsky noted that the State Council would deal with rather important issues , like outlining the main trajectories of foreign and domestic policy , and ensuring the coordinated functions of the authorities .
`` Most importantly , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body of strategic analysis and national development planning is set forth , '' Badovsky said .
That being said , Article 11 of the Constitution establishes that state power in the Russian Federation is exercised by the president , the Federal Assembly , the government and the courts and that remains unchanged .
The State Council will not be a body exercising power , Badovsky said .
In his opinion , there is a final division into executive bodies controlled by the president and the prime minister .
As for the State Duma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formation of the Cabinet are being strengthened .
Meanwhile , the powers of the Federation Council are also changing .
The president will now appoint regional prosecutors after consultations with the upper house of parliament but consultations with federal subjects are excluded .
Izvestia : France , Germany not backing Trump 's plan for new Iran nuke deal Berlin and Paris call for maintaining the existing nuclear deal with Iran , and not concluding a new one , as Washington insists , the ruling coalition of Germany and the French Foreign Ministry told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the INSTEX settlement system is not working at its full potential because of Tehran .
What ’ s more , the EU is still waiting for an approval from the Islamic Republic to conduct the first transaction .
Berlin also said that on January 14 , they launched a dispute settlement mechanism under the Iran deal to preserve the current accord , avoiding its final breakdown .
However , experts interviewed by Izvestia believe that by launching this mechanism , Europe will only accelerate the final collapse of the nuclear agreement .
German @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would do everything possible to maintain the current agreement with Iran , if it would agree to the terms of the Europeans .
The Bundestag ’ s Foreign Policy Speaker from the CDU/CSU ruling faction Jurgen Hardt told Izvestia that Germany primarily wants to maintain the JCPOA , and he is convinced that the agreement is also in the interests of the US , since they also do not want Iran to have nuclear weapons .
At the same time , he noted that activating the dispute settlement mechanism was inevitable and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go beyond uranium enrichment and heavy water production established by the nuclear deal .
France also does not support the US decision to quickly break existing agreements , conclude a new deal and introduce restrictions against Iran .
`` On January 6 , 2016 , the EU lifted all sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council , as well as sanctions that were adopted by Europe .
Not a single sector of the Iranian economy is subject to sanctions by the EU or its member states , '' the French Foreign Ministry told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Institute for International Studies at MGIMO , told the newspaper that Iran may start negotiations on a new nuclear deal , but this will take place after the US presidential election .
`` The Iranians are determined to diplomatically resolve this issue , '' he added .
The EU ’ s problem now is that it has no leverage over Iran , Andrei Baklitsky from the PIR Center explained to Izvestia .
`` Europe ’ s only pressure valve is to completely break the agreement with Tehran , but that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now .
Iran , in turn , did not begin to withdraw from the JCPOA … Obviously , they are going to wait in the wings for November , for the US presidential elections , '' the expert said .
A number of Russian athletes and federations may join a legal battle as third parties in the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne ( CAS ) that will determine the fairness of the sanctions imposed by the World Anti-Doping Agency ( WADA ) against Russia .
Sources told Kommersant that their addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more detail '' to questions related to the sanctions , and thus increase the chances of canceling or mitigating many of them .
Other experts believe it is futile to attract third parties , and the fact that enlarging the scale of the process could delay any consideration of the case .
If it does not end before the start of the Tokyo Olympics , which starts in late July , the Russian team will go to it in full status and avoid any `` filtering '' .
However , the negativity just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only worsen the situation .
The dispute between WADA and the Russians about a large package of harsh sanctions started when on December 9 the WADA Executive Committee stripped the Russian Anti-Doping Agency ( RUSADA ) of its compliance status and Russia of the right to host major sports events .
In addition , Russian athletes wishing to participate in the Olympics under a neutral status will most likely have to go through tough screening .
The Russian sports community has various opinions about major athletes and sports associations wanting to join the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ source in one of the leading Russian sports structures told Kommersant , `` it is unlikely to be a turning point in the process '' , however `` it can provide some positive things for the Russian side '' .
`` The more interested parties there are , the more questions they have for the other side , the more detailed the answers would have to be to explain all the decisions made , and all the points , '' the source said .
The speaker noted that participation of third parties would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wide range of interpretations .
Meanwhile , sports lawyer Artem Patsev believes , `` from the point of view of the effectiveness of the process '' for the Russians , the recent events `` change little for the Russian side '' .
`` They can only show the massive … scope of the sanctions , how many people can suffer because of them , and [ it can ] show that everyone in the Russian sports community considers them excessive , '' he told the newspaper .
RUSADA Deputy General Director Margarita Pakhnotskaya @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prolong the process , `` If the case is lost a few days before the Olympics , '' the IOC , international federations or WADA may simply not have the time to formulate criteria for the admission of neutral athletes and this will only worsen the situation for Russia .
Speaking at the opening session of the parliament , Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he would speed up negotiations with Russia on the territorial issue and on a peace treaty .
He also indicated that joint economic activity was being established @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive changes in bilateral relations , the prime minister , however , did not mention that Moscow and Tokyo remain at their former positions , Nezavisimaya Gazeta wrote .
Tokyo wants to return the four islands of the South Kuril Ridge , and Moscow says that Japan must first recognize the outcome of World War II .
In an interview with the newspaper , Valery Kistanov , head of the Center of Japanese Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences ’ Institute of Far Eastern Studies noted , `` The prime minister is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no choice but to harp on this topic , therefore , until the end of his tenure as head of government in September next year , he will talk about it all the time '' .
The positions of Russia and Japan diverge sharply , the expert said , noting that for Japan , this means transferring all four islands and Russia would never do that .
Moscow ’ s stance , according to him , is that Japan should recognize the legality of Russian ownership of the four islands following World War @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem , the expert stressed .
Negotiations are at an impasse , but they are continuing , although Tokyo ’ s hopes are unfounded , he added .
`` There are two factors .
First , the political situation in Russia is extremely unstable .
Ratings are falling , and the Crimea effect has run out of steam .
Given these conditions , no one will go to transfer the islands .
Second , there is the problem of the US-Japan military alliance .
The Russian Foreign Ministry once again indicated that two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Japan , '' Kistanov noted .
The political commentator believes that , `` before the end of Abe ’ s term and the end of Putin ’ s presidency in 2024 , the territorial problem will not be resolved and a peace treaty will not be concluded .
New people will come , and then it will be possible to talk about something.
`` Kommersant : Russian software to be installed on Huawei servers Huawei and Red Soft , a Russian IT company , have agreed to install the Red OS operating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data centers as part of a cooperation agreement signed by the companies , Kommersant wrote .
Red OS is a Linux-based operating system for servers and workstations , registered in the Unified Register of Russian computer programs and databases of the Ministry of Communications .
It will be installed on the Huawei TaiShan 200 Server ( the 2280 model ) .
Huawei could also use other Russian Linux-based operating systems .
According to Liu Yu , director of Huawei 's Intelligent Computer Systems Department in Russia , `` Huawei intends to foster partnerships @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hardware solutions for a wide range of customers '' .
The new solution `` may be of interest to organizations of various profiles , '' Rustam Rustamov , deputy director general of Red Soft said .
Cooperation with Huawei will allow Red Soft to bolster its competitiveness , he added .
Developers of other Russian Linux-based operating systems , interviewed by Kommersant , said that their products could also start working on Huawei servers .
Commercial Director of ITV Group Andrey Khristoforov said that Russia ’ s Astra Linux OS was going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The correct functioning of the Huawei TaiShan 100/200 servers and Astra Linux OS was confirmed in October 2019 as part of a technology partnership deal with Huawei , an Astra Linux representative told Kommersant .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews

Kommersant: Vladimir Putin presents his constitutional amendments Russian President Vladimir Putin introduced a bill to amend the Constitution of the Russian Federation. The bill provides for amendments to article 22 of the Basic Law: all of them relate to Chapters 3-8, that is, they can be adopted by the Federal Assembly with the approval of two-thirds of the regional parliaments. The first reading of the bill is scheduled for January 23, the second may take place in February, and then in the spring a nationwide vote on the amendments can take place. Experts interviewed by Kommersant believe that Putin is paving the way for the political system to function once he leaves his post, but so far they cannot see how exactly the redistribution of power will occur. A bill introduced on Monday to amend the Basic Law is not much different from the constitutional reform proposed by Putin in his Address to the Federal Assembly on January 15. The head of state suggested clarifying that one person cannot hold the post of president of the Russian Federation for more than two terms, and excluding the word "consecutively" from the constitution. Experts interviewed by Kommersant believe that this update will not be a reason for a new presidential term by Vladimir Putin.
Read also Putin submits bill on constitutional amendments to State Duma
The presented amendments cover the entire range of the president’s proposals, stated in the address, but it is difficult to draw clear conclusions about them, experts told Kommersant. Some of them noted that the key issue is the future powers of the State Council. The constitution has neither the principles of forming a new constitutional body, nor its powers. Details will be disclosed in a separate federal law. According to political analyst Boris Makarenko, the State Council is unlikely to become an important authority. "There is no reason for this either in the president’s message or in his speech at a meeting with members of the working group preparing the amendments," he said. On the other hand, political scientist Dmitry Badovsky noted that the State Council would deal with rather important issues, like outlining the main trajectories of foreign and domestic policy, and ensuring the coordinated functions of the authorities. "Most importantly, the role of the State Council as a body of strategic analysis and national development planning is set forth," Badovsky said. That being said, Article 11 of the Constitution establishes that state power in the Russian Federation is exercised by the president, the Federal Assembly, the government and the courts and that remains unchanged. The State Council will not be a body exercising power, Badovsky said. In his opinion, there is a final division into executive bodies controlled by the president and the prime minister. As for the State Duma, its powers in terms of the formation of the Cabinet are being strengthened. Meanwhile, the powers of the Federation Council are also changing. The president will now appoint regional prosecutors after consultations with the upper house of parliament but consultations with federal subjects are excluded. Izvestia: France, Germany not backing Trump's plan for new Iran nuke deal Berlin and Paris call for maintaining the existing nuclear deal with Iran, and not concluding a new one, as Washington insists, the ruling coalition of Germany and the French Foreign Ministry told Izvestia. The Germans also noted that the INSTEX settlement system is not working at its full potential because of Tehran. What’s more, the EU is still waiting for an approval from the Islamic Republic to conduct the first transaction. Berlin also said that on January 14, they launched a dispute settlement mechanism under the Iran deal to preserve the current accord, avoiding its final breakdown. However, experts interviewed by Izvestia believe that by launching this mechanism, Europe will only accelerate the final collapse of the nuclear agreement. German and French politicians told Izvestia that they would do everything possible to maintain the current agreement with Iran, if it would agree to the terms of the Europeans. The Bundestag’s Foreign Policy Speaker from the CDU/CSU ruling faction Jurgen Hardt told Izvestia that Germany primarily wants to maintain the JCPOA, and he is convinced that the agreement is also in the interests of the US, since they also do not want Iran to have nuclear weapons. At the same time, he noted that activating the dispute settlement mechanism was inevitable and it had no alternatives after Iran decided to go beyond uranium enrichment and heavy water production established by the nuclear deal.
Read also Iran enriches uranium in greater amounts than before nuclear deal — Rouhani
France also does not support the US decision to quickly break existing agreements, conclude a new deal and introduce restrictions against Iran. "On January 6, 2016, the EU lifted all sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council, as well as sanctions that were adopted by Europe. Not a single sector of the Iranian economy is subject to sanctions by the EU or its member states," the French Foreign Ministry told Izvestia. Adlan Margoev, an analyst at the Institute for International Studies at MGIMO, told the newspaper that Iran may start negotiations on a new nuclear deal, but this will take place after the US presidential election. "The Iranians are determined to diplomatically resolve this issue," he added. The EU’s problem now is that it has no leverage over Iran, Andrei Baklitsky from the PIR Center explained to Izvestia. "Europe’s only pressure valve is to completely break the agreement with Tehran, but that’s not what the EU would like now. Iran, in turn, did not begin to withdraw from the JCPOA … Obviously, they are going to wait in the wings for November, for the US presidential elections," the expert said. Kommersant: Russian athletes join fight against WADA A number of Russian athletes and federations may join a legal battle as third parties in the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne (CAS) that will determine the fairness of the sanctions imposed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) against Russia. Sources told Kommersant that their addition will force WADA to "respond in more detail" to questions related to the sanctions, and thus increase the chances of canceling or mitigating many of them. Other experts believe it is futile to attract third parties, and the fact that enlarging the scale of the process could delay any consideration of the case. If it does not end before the start of the Tokyo Olympics, which starts in late July, the Russian team will go to it in full status and avoid any "filtering". However, the negativity just before the start of the competition will only worsen the situation.
Read also Russian athletes join RUSADA’s CAS appeal against WADA decision
The dispute between WADA and the Russians about a large package of harsh sanctions started when on December 9 the WADA Executive Committee stripped the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) of its compliance status and Russia of the right to host major sports events. In addition, Russian athletes wishing to participate in the Olympics under a neutral status will most likely have to go through tough screening. The Russian sports community has various opinions about major athletes and sports associations wanting to join the legal fight as third parties. A source in one of the leading Russian sports structures told Kommersant, "it is unlikely to be a turning point in the process", however "it can provide some positive things for the Russian side". "The more interested parties there are, the more questions they have for the other side, the more detailed the answers would have to be to explain all the decisions made, and all the points," the source said. The speaker noted that participation of third parties would make the verdict clearer, without a wide range of interpretations. Meanwhile, sports lawyer Artem Patsev believes, "from the point of view of the effectiveness of the process" for the Russians, the recent events "change little for the Russian side". "They can only show the massive … scope of the sanctions, how many people can suffer because of them, and [it can] show that everyone in the Russian sports community considers them excessive," he told the newspaper. RUSADA Deputy General Director Margarita Pakhnotskaya told Kommersant commenting on an alleged attempt to prolong the process, "If the case is lost a few days before the Olympics," the IOC, international federations or WADA may simply not have the time to formulate criteria for the admission of neutral athletes and this will only worsen the situation for Russia. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Japan seeks to improve relations with Russia Speaking at the opening session of the parliament, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he would speed up negotiations with Russia on the territorial issue and on a peace treaty. He also indicated that joint economic activity was being established on the disputed islands. Emphasizing the positive changes in bilateral relations, the prime minister, however, did not mention that Moscow and Tokyo remain at their former positions, Nezavisimaya Gazeta wrote. Tokyo wants to return the four islands of the South Kuril Ridge, and Moscow says that Japan must first recognize the outcome of World War II. In an interview with the newspaper, Valery Kistanov, head of the Center of Japanese Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Far Eastern Studies noted, "The prime minister is engaging in public relations. He has no choice but to harp on this topic, therefore, until the end of his tenure as head of government in September next year, he will talk about it all the time".
Read also Tokyo will strive to sign peace treaty with Russia, Japanese PM says


tass--2020-01-21--Putin-Johnson meeting in Berlin had 'elements of conciliatory approach' — Kremlin

`` In general , the contact was brief , but , at the same time , [ it was ] quite constructive , with elements of a conciliatory approach , let ’ s put it that way , '' he said .
MOSCOW , January 21 .
/TASS/ .
The meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson held on January 19 in Berlin on the sidelines of the international conference on Libya was constructive and reflected a conciliatory approach , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters .
The Kremlin spokesman stressed that British reports on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that meeting .
`` At least , the essence of the contact is clearly different from the essence of Downing Street ’ s report on the conversation .
We can state that , '' he said .
Peskov declined to provide more specific information and did not go into detail .
On January 19 , the British prime minister ’ s office said that Johnson had told Putin that relations between the two counties could not get back to normal as long as Russia posed a threat to the security of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stressed that Britain ’ s stance on the 2018 Salisbury poisoning incident involving former Russian military intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia who , according to London , were exposed to the Novichok nerve agent , had remained unchanged .
The British prime minister told the Russian president that `` they both had a responsibility to address issues of international security , including Libya , Syria , Iraq and Iran . ''
Putin and Johnson met for the first time since the latter was elected the leader of the ruling Conservative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last July .
At the end of June 2019 , the Russian president met with then British Prime Minister Theresa May on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka .

"In general, the contact was brief, but, at the same time, [it was] quite constructive, with elements of a conciliatory approach, let’s put it that way," he said.
MOSCOW, January 21. /TASS/. The meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson held on January 19 in Berlin on the sidelines of the international conference on Libya was constructive and reflected a conciliatory approach, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
The Kremlin spokesman stressed that British reports on the issue did not convey the atmosphere of that meeting. "At least, the essence of the contact is clearly different from the essence of Downing Street’s report on the conversation. We can state that," he said. Peskov declined to provide more specific information and did not go into detail.
On January 19, the British prime minister’s office said that Johnson had told Putin that relations between the two counties could not get back to normal as long as Russia posed a threat to the security of the United Kingdom and its allies. Johnson stressed that Britain’s stance on the 2018 Salisbury poisoning incident involving former Russian military intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia who, according to London, were exposed to the Novichok nerve agent, had remained unchanged.
The British prime minister told the Russian president that "they both had a responsibility to address issues of international security, including Libya, Syria, Iraq and Iran."
Putin and Johnson met for the first time since the latter was elected the leader of the ruling Conservative Party and appointed the UK Prime Minister last July. At the end of June 2019, the Russian president met with then British Prime Minister Theresa May on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka.


tass--2020-01-21--Kremlin says presidential initiatives implemented as matter of priority

MOSCOW , January 21 .
/TASS/ .
Initiatives put forward by the Russian president , including those aimed at amending @ @ @ @ @ , are implemented as a matter of priority , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters @ @ @ @ @ constitutional amendments proposed by the head of state were going through parliament so fast .
@ @ @ @ @ with an initiative .
All initiatives that the head of state puts forward get much @ @ @ @ @ and implemented as a matter of priority .
This is our reality and it is @ @ @ @ @ pointed out .
He added that there was no estimated timeframe for completing all the @ @ @ @ @ , nothing will be put on the back burner . ''
On Monday , Russian @ @ @ @ @ bill on constitutional amendments to the State Duma ( the lower house of parliament ) @ @ @ @ @ amendments that Putin proposed in his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, January 21. /TASS/. Initiatives put forward by the Russian president, including those aimed at amending the country’s Constitution, are implemented as a matter of priority, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, when asked why the constitutional amendments proposed by the head of state were going through parliament so fast.
"The president came up with an initiative. All initiatives that the head of state puts forward get much attention. They are discussed and implemented as a matter of priority. This is our reality and it is perfectly understandable," Peskov pointed out.
He added that there was no estimated timeframe for completing all the necessary procedures but "clearly, nothing will be put on the back burner."
On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin submitted a bill on constitutional amendments to the State Duma (the lower house of parliament). The bill comprises the amendments that Putin proposed in his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly on January 15.


tass--2020-01-21--Renewed bomb scare triggers evacuation of Moscow, St. Petersburg courts

January 21 , TASS .
Courthouses in Moscow and St. Petersburg are being evacuated over bomb threats once again , @ @ @ @ @ TASS .
Five courts in Moscow and at least six in St. Petersburg were cleared @ @ @ @ @ in a similar bomb threat email , the perpetrator demanded a cryptocurrency ransom , saying @ @ @ @ @ were booby-trapped with explosives .
The culprit threatened that the evacuations would take place twice @ @ @ @ @ The Gagarinsky , Chertanovsky , Zelenogradsky , Scherbinsky and Ostankinsky district courts have been evacuated @ @ @ @ @ Court ’ s press service said .
`` The Petrodvortsovy , Oktyabrsky , Primorsky , @ @ @ @ @ district courts are being evacuated , '' the St. Petersburg united court press service added @ @ @ @ @ erupted in November 2019 with anonymous perpetrators emailing bomb threats to courts , schools , @ @ @ @ @ All threats were checked by bomb squads , but not a single one was deemed @ @ @ @

January 21, TASS. Courthouses in Moscow and St. Petersburg are being evacuated over bomb threats once again, the court press services told TASS. Five courts in Moscow and at least six in St. Petersburg were cleared out Tuesday.
Earlier, in a similar bomb threat email, the perpetrator demanded a cryptocurrency ransom, saying St. Petersburg’s bridges were booby-trapped with explosives. The culprit threatened that the evacuations would take place twice a day now.
"The Gagarinsky, Chertanovsky, Zelenogradsky, Scherbinsky and Ostankinsky district courts have been evacuated," the Moscow City Court’s press service said.
"The Petrodvortsovy, Oktyabrsky, Primorsky, Leninsky, Krasnogvardeysky, Kuybyshevsky district courts are being evacuated," the St. Petersburg united court press service added.
The bomb scare wave erupted in November 2019 with anonymous perpetrators emailing bomb threats to courts, schools, shopping malls and colleges. All threats were checked by bomb squads, but not a single one was deemed to be genuine.