tass--2020-02-12--Bargaining impossible over Crimea, Kremlin says

Peskov pointed out that Crimea was a Russian region where water was supplied in accordance with development programs .
`` If there are any initiatives concerning additional water supplies , perhaps commercial ones , they could be considered , '' the Kremlin spokesman added .
MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
There can be no bargaining over Crimea , Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters , when asked if Moscow could return control over the Russian-Ukrainian border in Donbass to Kiev to make sure that Ukraine resumed water supplies to Crimea .
Ukraine can ’ t take Crimea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Ukrainian leader ’ s envoy According to Peskov , the situation in Donbass was Ukraine ’ s domestic affair .
`` We are doing our best to facilitate efforts to resolve [ the conflict ] , '' he noted , adding that Kiev needed to discuss the border issue with the self-proclaimed Donbass republics .
`` As of now , one can assume with a high degree of certainty that they will not agree to change the essence of the Minsk Agreements signed by their leaders , '' Peskov emphasized .
Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the presidential faction , suggested on Tuesday that Ukraine should establish water supplies to Crimea in return for control over the border with Russia in Donbass .
However , Ukraine ’ s new Presidential Chief of Staff Andrei Yermak said later that he had `` never discussed water supplies to Crimea with Russian officials during talks on Donbass . ''
He added that Arakhamiya had only expressed his personal opinion .
After Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich was ousted in a coup in February 2014 , mass protests erupted in Crimea and eastern Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crimea ’ s Supreme Council and Sevastopol City Council adopted a declaration of independence .
On March 16 , 2014 , Crimean authorities held a referendum on reuniting with Russia .
Over 80 % of voters participated in the plebiscite , most of them supporting the idea ( 96.7 % in Crimea and 95.6 % in the city of Sevastopol ) .
On March 18 , President Vladimir Putin signed the treaty on Crimea ’ s reunification with Russia and the Federal Assembly ( parliament ) approved the document on March 21 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to acknowledge Crimea as part of Russia .
In May 2018 , Ukraine stopped supplying water to Crimea through the North Crimean Canal built in 1961-71 .

Peskov pointed out that Crimea was a Russian region where water was supplied in accordance with development programs. "If there are any initiatives concerning additional water supplies, perhaps commercial ones, they could be considered," the Kremlin spokesman added.
MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. There can be no bargaining over Crimea, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, when asked if Moscow could return control over the Russian-Ukrainian border in Donbass to Kiev to make sure that Ukraine resumed water supplies to Crimea.
Ukraine can’t take Crimea even if Russia gives it away, says Ukrainian leader’s envoy
According to Peskov, the situation in Donbass was Ukraine’s domestic affair. "We are doing our best to facilitate efforts to resolve [the conflict]," he noted, adding that Kiev needed to discuss the border issue with the self-proclaimed Donbass republics. "As of now, one can assume with a high degree of certainty that they will not agree to change the essence of the Minsk Agreements signed by their leaders," Peskov emphasized.
Ukrainian lawmaker David Arakhamiya, a member of the presidential faction, suggested on Tuesday that Ukraine should establish water supplies to Crimea in return for control over the border with Russia in Donbass. However, Ukraine’s new Presidential Chief of Staff Andrei Yermak said later that he had "never discussed water supplies to Crimea with Russian officials during talks on Donbass." He added that Arakhamiya had only expressed his personal opinion.
Crimean reunification
After Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich was ousted in a coup in February 2014, mass protests erupted in Crimea and eastern Ukraine. On March 11, 2014, Crimea’s Supreme Council and Sevastopol City Council adopted a declaration of independence.
On March 16, 2014, Crimean authorities held a referendum on reuniting with Russia. Over 80% of voters participated in the plebiscite, most of them supporting the idea (96.7% in Crimea and 95.6% in the city of Sevastopol).
On March 18, President Vladimir Putin signed the treaty on Crimea’s reunification with Russia and the Federal Assembly (parliament) approved the document on March 21. However, Kiev has so far refused to acknowledge Crimea as part of Russia.
In May 2018, Ukraine stopped supplying water to Crimea through the North Crimean Canal built in 1961-71.


tass--2020-02-12--No Putin-Assad contacts on situation in Idlib planned yet, says Kremlin

MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday that there were no plans @ @ @ @ @ between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Syrian counterpart Bashar Assad .
According to Peskov @ @ @ @ @ representatives maintain permanent dialogue .
`` No , there are no contacts so far , @ @ @ @ @ whether the talks between the two presidents were required because of the situation in Idlib @ @ @ @ @ representatives , including our military , naturally , maintain permanent contacts with Syrian representatives .
@ @

MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday that there were no plans yet to arrange a conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Syrian counterpart Bashar Assad. According to Peskov, the two countries’ representatives maintain permanent dialogue.
"No, there are no contacts so far," Peskov said when asked whether the talks between the two presidents were required because of the situation in Idlib. "However, our representatives, including our military, naturally, maintain permanent contacts with Syrian representatives.".


tass--2020-02-12--Kremlin assures Damascus strikes only terrorist targets in Idlib, not civilians

MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
The Syrian government ’ s military forces carry out strikes in Idlib only @ @ @ @ @ , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov reassured reporters Wednesday , when commenting on a statement by @ @ @ @ @ .
The Turkish leader earlier claimed that the Russian and Syrian militaries had delivered strikes @ @ @ @ @ `` Regarding the strikes on Idlib , which the Syrian military is carrying out , @ @ @ @ @ and not against civilians , '' Peskov said , noting that these strikes pursue the @ @ @ @ @ and their belligerent activity .
`` .

MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. The Syrian government’s military forces carry out strikes in Idlib only against terrorists and not civilians, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov reassured reporters Wednesday, when commenting on a statement by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The Turkish leader earlier claimed that the Russian and Syrian militaries had delivered strikes on civilians in Idlib.
"Regarding the strikes on Idlib, which the Syrian military is carrying out, these are strikes against terrorists and not against civilians," Peskov said, noting that these strikes pursue the goal of "neutralizing terrorists and their belligerent activity."
Peskov noted that the situation in Idlib, northwestern Syria, "was rather tense and still alarming." He also stressed that "the Kremlin adhered to the Sochi agreements, under which the sides had undertaken certain commitments."
"In particular, under this document, Turkey made a commitment on ensuring the neutralization of terrorist groups concentrated in Idlib. Now we still regret to say that these groups from Idlib are delivering strikes on the Syrian forces and also carrying out aggressive acts against our military facilities," Peskov said.
The Kremlin spokesman emphasized that this situation was unacceptable and ran counter to the Sochi agreements.
Russian-Turkish agreements
In late October 2019, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan met in Russia’s Sochi to agree on a ten-point memorandum on joint operations to control the situation in northeastern Syria. Under the deal, Russian military police and Syrian border guards were deployed to Syrian territories adjacent to Turkey’s 30-kilometer buffer zone.
Turkey’s national defense ministry said on January 10 that Ankara and Moscow had agreed on a ceasefire in the Idlib de-escalation zone in northern Syria from January 12.
Idlib is the only large Syrian region that is still controlled by illegal armed groups. A northern de-escalation zone was set up in Idlib in 2017 to give shelter to militants and their families who were reluctant to voluntarily surrender arms in Eastern Ghouta and in Syria’s southern regions. Twelve Turkish observation points are operating in the Idlib Governorate.


tass--2020-02-12--Russian scientists accidentally create universal all-purpose computer vision algorithm

`` To put it in simple terms , the new architecture implements the laws of [ optical ] perspective as mathematical constraints .
This new approach allows intuitive perception of geometric laws of the physical three-dimensional world , laws of perspective and dynamic scene change while moving , '' the company says .
MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russian mathematicians and programmers have developed a universal neural network that can improve computer drone vision systems , while they were developing a smartphone document scanning app , says Smart Engines company press service says .
In the last few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of neural networks , capable of recognizing obstacles and calculate optimal movement trajectory for autonomous cars , drones and other gadgets that need to `` see '' the surrounding world and classify it into various categories .
For example , such systems are being used for automatic document scanning , production quality check on factories and visitors count in restaurants .
These systems are usually optimized for one single task , and they tend to be rather bad at different tasks .
A team of Russian scientists , led by Dmitry Nikolayev and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Information Transmission Problems and ‘ Informatics and control ’ Federal Research Center of Russian Academy of Sciences , have accidentally created a universal neural network , which is equally good at solving all these tasks .
The researchers were developing a document scanning app .
The scientists explain that the key difficulty in developing such app is that the users make document photo not perfectly flat , but at some angle .
As a result , the algorithm sees not a flat image , but a 3D image with some kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem for humans , but development of artificial intelligence systems , capable of solving this simple task , usually requires introducing several dozen or even several hundreds of neuron layers .
This significantly increases the system ’ s energy consumption , making them unfit for mobile devices and prevents creation of universal neural networks .
Arlazarov , Nikolayev and their colleagues solved this problem by using several new mathematic principles , including the so-called Hough transform - an algorithm developed by US mathematician Paul Hough in the mid-20th century for bubble chamber particle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formulas allows finding straight lines and certain types of geometric figures in an image , received from a smartphone or drone camera .
By introducing the algorithm in one of the neural network layers , the scientists created a universal system , equally good for solving all most important computer vision tasks .
The first tests revealed that the system is one hundred times more effective than the classic U-net system .
According to the researchers , this algorithm could be applied not only for document scanning or improving drones and self-driving cars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and images from other branches of science where computer vision is not used yet .

"To put it in simple terms, the new architecture implements the laws of [optical] perspective as mathematical constraints. This new approach allows intuitive perception of geometric laws of the physical three-dimensional world, laws of perspective and dynamic scene change while moving," the company says.
MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. Russian mathematicians and programmers have developed a universal neural network that can improve computer drone vision systems, while they were developing a smartphone document scanning app, the Smart Engines company press service says.
In the last few years, the scientists have developed tens of neural networks, capable of recognizing obstacles and calculate optimal movement trajectory for autonomous cars, drones and other gadgets that need to "see" the surrounding world and classify it into various categories.
For example, such systems are being used for automatic document scanning, production quality check on factories and visitors count in restaurants. These systems are usually optimized for one single task, and they tend to be rather bad at different tasks.
A team of Russian scientists, led by Dmitry Nikolayev and Vladimir Arlazarov, lab chiefs from Institute for Information Transmission Problems and ‘Informatics and control’ Federal Research Center of Russian Academy of Sciences, have accidentally created a universal neural network, which is equally good at solving all these tasks. The researchers were developing a document scanning app.
Neural network 'eyes'
The scientists explain that the key difficulty in developing such app is that the users make document photo not perfectly flat, but at some angle. As a result, the algorithm sees not a flat image, but a 3D image with some kind of perspective.
This is usually not a problem for humans, but development of artificial intelligence systems, capable of solving this simple task, usually requires introducing several dozen or even several hundreds of neuron layers. This significantly increases the system’s energy consumption, making them unfit for mobile devices and prevents creation of universal neural networks.
Arlazarov, Nikolayev and their colleagues solved this problem by using several new mathematic principles, including the so-called Hough transform - an algorithm developed by US mathematician Paul Hough in the mid-20th century for bubble chamber particle detector image analysis.
This set of formulas allows finding straight lines and certain types of geometric figures in an image, received from a smartphone or drone camera. By introducing the algorithm in one of the neural network layers, the scientists created a universal system, equally good for solving all most important computer vision tasks. The first tests revealed that the system is one hundred times more effective than the classic U-net system.
According to the researchers, this algorithm could be applied not only for document scanning or improving drones and self-driving cars, but for analyzing medical tomography images and images from other branches of science where computer vision is not used yet.


tass--2020-02-12--Increase in flu cases detected in Russia

MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
A rise in flu cases has been detected in Russia , along with an increase in viral respiratory infections , deputy head of the epidemiological control department of the Russian Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare Albina Melnikova informed on Wednesday .
`` We are witnessing a rise in incidence in Russia .
< … > However , we have to point out that the rise in the majority of Russia ’ s regions is moderate - from 10 % to 30 % , and only nine regions are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flu cases ] , '' she told reporters .
Melnikova noted that the Primorsky , Siberian , Ural and Central Federal Districts had reported the highest number of cases .
The consumer rights watchdog has also detected an increase in cases of influenza type A .
The official added that special measures are being implemented to avoid the spread of flu and viral respiratory diseases , namely , introduction of quarantine at schools .
On February 11 , the watchdog reported that weekly flu and common cold epidemic threshold had been exceeded in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most effective means of flu prevention .
Each year , from 5 % to 10 % of the planet ’ s population get the flu , a disease that kills up to 650,000 people every year , according to the World Health Organization ( WHO ) .
In September 2019 , head of the Russian Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare Anna Popova informed that since 1996 , when the flu vaccine was first introduced in Russia , the flu rate in Russia had decreased 196 times .

MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. A rise in flu cases has been detected in Russia, along with an increase in viral respiratory infections, deputy head of the epidemiological control department of the Russian Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare Albina Melnikova informed on Wednesday.
"We are witnessing a rise in incidence in Russia. <…> However, we have to point out that the rise in the majority of Russia’s regions is moderate - from 10% to 30%, and only nine regions are showing a 50% increase [in flu cases]," she told reporters.
Melnikova noted that the Primorsky, Siberian, Ural and Central Federal Districts had reported the highest number of cases. The consumer rights watchdog has also detected an increase in cases of influenza type A.
The official added that special measures are being implemented to avoid the spread of flu and viral respiratory diseases, namely, introduction of quarantine at schools.
On February 11, the watchdog reported that weekly flu and common cold epidemic threshold had been exceeded in 37 regions of Russia.
Vaccination is the most effective means of flu prevention. Each year, from 5% to 10% of the planet’s population get the flu, a disease that kills up to 650,000 people every year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
In September 2019, head of the Russian Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare Anna Popova informed that since 1996, when the flu vaccine was first introduced in Russia, the flu rate in Russia had decreased 196 times.


tass--2020-02-12--Turkey plans to drive Syrian forces beyond Idlib observation points

ANKARA , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
Turkey is determined to drive Syrian forces beyond its observation points in Syria @ @ @ @ @ Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said before the Parliament Wednesday .
`` Turkey is determined @ @ @ @ @ the regime [ of Syrian President Bashar Assad ] beyond the Idlib de-escalation zone boundaries @ @ @ @ @ , before the end of February , '' he said , adding that Ankara is @ @ @ @ @ necessary force . ''
He underscored that Turkey would conduct strikes on Syrian army positions @ @ @ @ @ outlined in Sochi memorandum in cases of attacks against the Turkish military . ''
Since @ @ @ @ @ under the control of terrorists .
In 2017 , a de-escalation zone was created there @ @ @ @ @ other Syrian regions who refused to surrender .
There are 12 Turkish observation points in @ @ @

ANKARA, February 12. /TASS/. Turkey is determined to drive Syrian forces beyond its observation points in Syria’s Idlib province, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said before the Parliament Wednesday.
"Turkey is determined to drive the forces of the regime [of Syrian President Bashar Assad] beyond the Idlib de-escalation zone boundaries, beyond our observation points, before the end of February," he said, adding that Ankara is "ready to use any necessary force."
He underscored that Turkey would conduct strikes on Syrian army positions "even beyond the territories outlined in the Sochi memorandum in cases of attacks against the Turkish military."
Since 2012, Idlib has been under the control of terrorists. In 2017, a de-escalation zone was created there, which accommodated militants from other Syrian regions who refused to surrender. There are 12 Turkish observation points in the province.


tass--2020-02-12--Press review: Turkey may be using proxies in Syria and Russian envoy chides US visa policy

Judging by reports from Ankara , Turkey sent its proxy army into combat in Syria ’ s Idlib province on Tuesday .
Photos available in open sources show joint actions by Turkish troops and militants from the Free Syrian Army , now rebranded as the Syrian National Army ( SNA ) .
Izvestia ’ s sources in the Syrian government army say that SNA groups have moved into Idlib from the country ’ s north to help jihadists active in the region .
Washington ’ s unwillingness to issue visas to some members of delegations to the United Nations undermines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UN , Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said in an interview with Izvestia .
He also pointed to the absence of official statements from the US about plans to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies and expressed concern about the prison conditions of Russian nationals jailed in the US .
`` Talks on the final status of the Turkish safe zone are the reason for the current rise in tensions in Idlib , '' Timur Akhmetov , an Ankara-based expert from the Russian International Affairs Council , told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the political dialogue are interested in stabilizing the situation , there will be only a limited military confrontation , '' he added .
However , it is for resolving such issues that the Astana process was launched in January 2017 , the expert pointed out .
Head of the Political Research at the Center for Modern Turkish Studies Yuri Mavashev believes that it will be highly difficult to organize a meeting of the trio under the current circumstances .
With tensions escalating between Russia and Turkey over the situation in Idlib , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Astana meeting because half a year has passed since the last summit between Russia , Turkey and Iran that took place in Ankara in September 2019 .
`` Turkish proxies are better equipped than the Idlib Islamists , '' the expert explained .
`` They have been provided not only with advanced weapons and equipment but also with M113 armored personnel carriers .
The militants won ’ t be able to turn the tide unless the Turkish army joins the conflict .
The situation may change only if they secure artillery and air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Kurds , '' he added .
Many experts consider the so-called Free Syrian Army to be Turkey ’ s proxy forces fighting in Syria and Libya .
They previously took part in Ankara ’ s Operation Olive Branch and Operation Peace Spring against the Kurds .
And now , they have been relocated to Idlib to fight Syria ’ s government troops , military expert Vladislav Shurygin told Izvestia .
According to the envoy , `` there are a lot of rumors about the United States ’ intention to leave the Treaty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no official confirmation yet . ''
`` However , we believe that the treaty ’ s participants need to discuss all issues and concerns at the meetings of the Open Skies Consultative Commission established within the treaty .
We still consider the Treaty on Open Skies to be an important tool for ensuring European security , along with the 2011 Vienna Document on Confidence-and Security-Building Measures , '' Antonov stressed .
When speaking about the visa issue , he noted that the situation kept getting worse .
`` In the fall of 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the plenary sessions of the UN General Assembly and its committees failed to receive visas , '' he said .
`` UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged Washington to resolve the visa problem because apart from Russians , other delegations are also facing the consequences of this visa policy .
As a result , it hampers the effectiveness of United Nations ’ activities and undermines important negotiating processes , '' the Russian ambassador emphasized .
He also highlighted concerns about the health and prison conditions of Konstantin Yaroshenko , Viktor Bout and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States .
`` We keep calling on Washington to consider the humanitarian aspect of the issue .
Meanwhile , the US authorities haven ’ t contacted us with any requests concerning Americans jailed in Russia , '' Antonov pointed out .
The New Hampshire primaries are the last chance for former US Vice President Joe Biden to win the presidential nomination after he came in fifth at the Iowa caucuses , Vedomosti writes .
Boris Makarenko who heads the Center for Political Technologies believes that much will depend on independent voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predict where their sympathies will lie .
In addition , New Hampshire voters often cast ballots to spite Iowans and let another candidate win , the expert added .
`` However , this time , all frontrunners except Biden can consider the Iowa results to be a success .
Besides , New Hampshire ’ s neighboring state of Vermont is the state that Bernie Sanders represents in the Senate , so his chances there look better , '' Makarenko noted .
On top of this , Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar has gotten a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during Friday ’ s debate , the expert pointed out .
`` The moderate ones like her and they think that Bernie Sanders is too much of a leftist candidate to run in the final race , so they are searching for a suitable centrist .
Biden used to be their favorite but he has performed poorly so far , '' the expert explained .
If Biden manages to overcome this defeat , he may be able to achieve more success in other states .
The number of African-American voters is the lowest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they support Biden the most , the political scientist explained .
At the same time , if the former vice president fails to regain his morale , new opportunities will open up for ex-NYC Mayor and tycoon Michael Bloomberg , who is hovering in third place in nationwide polls though he hasn ’ t participated in the primaries yet .
`` When choosing their candidate , the Democrats are mostly focused on his or her ability to defeat Trump .
Wise men say that a candidate needs to win over swing centrist voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do so in 2016 and still clinched a victory , '' Makarenko pointed out .
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has officially terminated the 1998 Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States .
In 180 days , US troops will have to start pulling out of the country unless Washington comes to terms with Manila .
However , even if US troops leave the Philippines , it won ’ t seriously affect the US ’ position in Southeast Asia , Nezavisimaya Gazeta notes .
Duterte started talking about plans to end the treaty a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an incident involving his close ally , Senator Ronald Dela Rosa , whose US visa had been cancelled , prompted the president to move from words to action .
Dela Rosa used to be the national police chief and the one who carried out the Duterte-initiated campaign against drug trafficking , which killed thousands of people suspected of links to the drug mafia .
According to Dmitry Mosyakov , who heads the Southeast Asia Department at the Russian Academy of Sciences ’ Institute of Oriental Studies , the fact that Duterte took offense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not the only reason behind the move .
`` The Philippine leader can surely see that US President Donald Trump ’ s policies are aimed at reducing America ’ s military presence overseas .
The Philippines can not accept it because the country is involved in a long low-intensity conflict with Islamists , '' the expert said .
Mosyakov does not rule out that by terminating the treaty , Duterte only seeks to make the United States increase assistance to the Philippines .
However , even if it is true , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The Americans tend to rely less on their traditional allies in the region .
As for the Philippine bases , they are not that important for the US right now as Singapore provides port access to US Navy ships and there also is a US base on the island of Guam .
This is enough to contain China , '' the expert explained .
Rossiyskaya Gazeta : Coronavirus may harm Apple more than any other tech giant China ’ s Foxconn factories that make gadgets for Apple are gradually restoring their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are expected to return to work at Foxconn ’ s facilities in the Chinese cities of Shenzhen and Zhengzhou .
However , at the end of the week , regional authorities plan to once again check out whether the necessary measures have been taken to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus , which brought factories to a grinding halt , Rossiyskaya Gazeta wrote .
The coronavirus outbreak made Apple and its biggest Chinese rival Xiaomi temporarily close their retail facilities in China .
Stores will reopen at the end of the week @ @ @

Judging by reports from Ankara, Turkey sent its proxy army into combat in Syria’s Idlib province on Tuesday. Photos available in open sources show joint actions by Turkish troops and militants from the Free Syrian Army, now rebranded as the Syrian National Army (SNA). Izvestia’s sources in the Syrian government army say that SNA groups have moved into Idlib from the country’s north to help jihadists active in the region.
Washington’s unwillingness to issue visas to some members of delegations to the United Nations undermines important talks and damages the effectiveness of the UN, Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said in an interview with Izvestia. He also pointed to the absence of official statements from the US about plans to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies and expressed concern about the prison conditions of Russian nationals jailed in the US.
"Talks on the final status of the Turkish safe zone are the reason for the current rise in tensions in Idlib," Timur Akhmetov, an Ankara-based expert from the Russian International Affairs Council, told Nezavisimaya Gazeta. "Since participants in the political dialogue are interested in stabilizing the situation, there will be only a limited military confrontation," he added.
However, it is for resolving such issues that the Astana process was launched in January 2017, the expert pointed out.
Head of the Political Research at the Center for Modern Turkish Studies Yuri Mavashev believes that it will be highly difficult to organize a meeting of the trio under the current circumstances.
With tensions escalating between Russia and Turkey over the situation in Idlib, the question arises if there will be another Astana meeting because half a year has passed since the last summit between Russia, Turkey and Iran that took place in Ankara in September 2019.
"Turkish proxies are better equipped than the Idlib Islamists," the expert explained. "They have been provided not only with advanced weapons and equipment but also with M113 armored personnel carriers. The militants won’t be able to turn the tide unless the Turkish army joins the conflict. The situation may change only if they secure artillery and air support, like when they fought against the Kurds," he added.
Many experts consider the so-called Free Syrian Army to be Turkey’s proxy forces fighting in Syria and Libya. They previously took part in Ankara’s Operation Olive Branch and Operation Peace Spring against the Kurds. And now, they have been relocated to Idlib to fight Syria’s government troops, military expert Vladislav Shurygin told Izvestia.
According to the envoy, "there are a lot of rumors about the United States’ intention to leave the Treaty on Open Skies but there has been no official confirmation yet." "However, we believe that the treaty’s participants need to discuss all issues and concerns at the meetings of the Open Skies Consultative Commission established within the treaty. We still consider the Treaty on Open Skies to be an important tool for ensuring European security, along with the 2011 Vienna Document on Confidence-and Security-Building Measures," Antonov stressed.
When speaking about the visa issue, he noted that the situation kept getting worse. "In the fall of 2019, many members of our official delegation to the plenary sessions of the UN General Assembly and its committees failed to receive visas," he said. "UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged Washington to resolve the visa problem because apart from Russians, other delegations are also facing the consequences of this visa policy. As a result, it hampers the effectiveness of United Nations’ activities and undermines important negotiating processes," the Russian ambassador emphasized.
He also highlighted concerns about the health and prison conditions of Konstantin Yaroshenko, Viktor Bout and Roman Seleznev - Russian nationals jailed in the United States. "We keep calling on Washington to consider the humanitarian aspect of the issue. Meanwhile, the US authorities haven’t contacted us with any requests concerning Americans jailed in Russia," Antonov pointed out.
Vedomosti: Biden’s presidential hopes hinge on New Hampshire primaries
The New Hampshire primaries are the last chance for former US Vice President Joe Biden to win the presidential nomination after he came in fifth at the Iowa caucuses, Vedomosti writes.
Boris Makarenko who heads the Center for Political Technologies believes that much will depend on independent voters, but it is more difficult to predict where their sympathies will lie. In addition, New Hampshire voters often cast ballots to spite Iowans and let another candidate win, the expert added. "However, this time, all frontrunners except Biden can consider the Iowa results to be a success. Besides, New Hampshire’s neighboring state of Vermont is the state that Bernie Sanders represents in the Senate, so his chances there look better," Makarenko noted.
On top of this, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar has gotten a boost in support after her strong performance during Friday’s debate, the expert pointed out. "The moderate ones like her and they think that Bernie Sanders is too much of a leftist candidate to run in the final race, so they are searching for a suitable centrist. Biden used to be their favorite but he has performed poorly so far," the expert explained.
If Biden manages to overcome this defeat, he may be able to achieve more success in other states. The number of African-American voters is the lowest in Iowa and New Hampshire, yet they support Biden the most, the political scientist explained. At the same time, if the former vice president fails to regain his morale, new opportunities will open up for ex-NYC Mayor and tycoon Michael Bloomberg, who is hovering in third place in nationwide polls though he hasn’t participated in the primaries yet.
"When choosing their candidate, the Democrats are mostly focused on his or her ability to defeat Trump. Wise men say that a candidate needs to win over swing centrist voters, though Trump did not bother to do so in 2016 and still clinched a victory," Makarenko pointed out.
Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Philippine leader terminates troop agreement with US
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has officially terminated the 1998 Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States. In 180 days, US troops will have to start pulling out of the country unless Washington comes to terms with Manila. However, even if US troops leave the Philippines, it won’t seriously affect the US’ position in Southeast Asia, Nezavisimaya Gazeta notes.
Duterte started talking about plans to end the treaty a long time ago. It seems that an incident involving his close ally, Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, whose US visa had been cancelled, prompted the president to move from words to action. Dela Rosa used to be the national police chief and the one who carried out the Duterte-initiated campaign against drug trafficking, which killed thousands of people suspected of links to the drug mafia.
According to Dmitry Mosyakov, who heads the Southeast Asia Department at the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Oriental Studies, the fact that Duterte took offense at the sanctions against his close ally is not the only reason behind the move. "The Philippine leader can surely see that US President Donald Trump’s policies are aimed at reducing America’s military presence overseas. The Philippines cannot accept it because the country is involved in a long low-intensity conflict with Islamists," the expert said.
Mosyakov does not rule out that by terminating the treaty, Duterte only seeks to make the United States increase assistance to the Philippines. However, even if it is true, the Americans may not be willing to cooperate. "The Americans tend to rely less on their traditional allies in the region. As for the Philippine bases, they are not that important for the US right now as Singapore provides port access to US Navy ships and there also is a US base on the island of Guam. This is enough to contain China," the expert explained.
Rossiyskaya Gazeta: Coronavirus may harm Apple more than any other tech giant
China’s Foxconn factories that make gadgets for Apple are gradually restoring their operations as about ten percent of personnel are expected to return to work at Foxconn’s facilities in the Chinese cities of Shenzhen and Zhengzhou. However, at the end of the week, regional authorities plan to once again check out whether the necessary measures have been taken to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus, which brought factories to a grinding halt, Rossiyskaya Gazeta wrote.
The coronavirus outbreak made Apple and its biggest Chinese rival Xiaomi temporarily close their retail facilities in China. Stores will reopen at the end of the week at best.


tass--2020-02-12--Zelensky ready to meet with Putin if necessary, presidential office says

KIEV , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is ready to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin if this is necessary , but no talks on the issue are underway now , new Ukrainian Presidential Office Head Andrei Yermak said on Wednesday .
`` Speaking about the meeting with Putin , it ’ s up to President Zelensky to make this decision .
If he sees that this meeting is necessary and that it could become a step towards achieving a real outcome of talks in the Normandy format , we are not ruling this out .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue have been held , '' Yermak told reporters , answering a question if the two leaders could meet before the summit of the Normandy Four ( Russia , Ukraine , France and Germany ) scheduled for April .
Earlier Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced that the Russian and Ukrainian leaders had established a working contact .
The first phone conversation between Putin and Zelensky was held on July 11 , 2019 , a month and a half after Zelensky ’ s inauguration .
The two leaders talked over the phone several times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December 9 at the Paris summit of the Normandy Four group .

KIEV, February 12. /TASS/. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is ready to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin if this is necessary, but no talks on the issue are underway now, new Ukrainian Presidential Office Head Andrei Yermak said on Wednesday.
"Speaking about the meeting with Putin, it’s up to President Zelensky to make this decision. If he sees that this meeting is necessary and that it could become a step towards achieving a real outcome of talks in the Normandy format, we are not ruling this out. But so far no talks on the issue have been held," Yermak told reporters, answering a question if the two leaders could meet before the summit of the Normandy Four (Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany) scheduled for April.
Earlier Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced that the Russian and Ukrainian leaders had established a working contact. The first phone conversation between Putin and Zelensky was held on July 11, 2019, a month and a half after Zelensky’s inauguration. The two leaders talked over the phone several times. Their first meeting was held on December 9 at the Paris summit of the Normandy Four group.


tass--2020-02-12--Russia waits for India’s order to supply MiG-29K fighters for Vikrant aircraft carrier

Russia earlier provided all the necessary information to the Indian side on a possible contract , the source specified .
MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has not yet received any requests from India for the delivery of a new batch of MiG-29K deck-based fighters for the Indian-made aircraft carrier Vikrant , a source in the aircraft-building industry told TASS on Wednesday .
As the Indian newspaper , The Financial Express , reported earlier , citing India ’ s Defense Minister Sripad Naik , the wait for the country ’ s first indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivery of aviation equipment from Russia . ''
`` Russia is waiting for a request from the Indian Defense Ministry for the delivery of deck-based MiG-29K fighters for the Vikrant .
That is why , it is not quite correct to claim that the delivery of the aircraft carrier to the Indian Navy is being delayed because of Russia , '' the source stressed .
The Indian side has not yet issued even a call to bid in a tender for the supply of deck-based aircraft , although the Indian side made the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s behalf , the state arms seller Rosoboronexport will take part in the tender , the source said .
According to India ’ s plans , the light aircraft carrier Vikrant is due to be delivered to the Indian Navy in March 2021 .
The warship is expected to carry up to 14 MiG-29K fighters and several helicopters .
Russia earlier delivered a batch of MiG-29K/MiG-29KUB fighter aircraft for the Indian aircraft carrier Vikramaditya ( the former heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser Admiral Gorshkov ) .

Russia earlier provided all the necessary information to the Indian side on a possible contract, the source specified.
MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. Russia has not yet received any requests from India for the delivery of a new batch of MiG-29K deck-based fighters for the Indian-made aircraft carrier Vikrant, a source in the aircraft-building industry told TASS on Wednesday.
As the Indian newspaper, The Financial Express, reported earlier, citing India’s Defense Minister Sripad Naik, the wait for the country’s first indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant has been extended "due to issues with the delivery of aviation equipment from Russia."
"Russia is waiting for a request from the Indian Defense Ministry for the delivery of deck-based MiG-29K fighters for the Vikrant. That is why, it is not quite correct to claim that the delivery of the aircraft carrier to the Indian Navy is being delayed because of Russia," the source stressed.
The Indian side has not yet issued even a call to bid in a tender for the supply of deck-based aircraft, although the Indian side made the relevant inquiry back in 2017. On Russia’s behalf, the state arms seller Rosoboronexport will take part in the tender, the source said.
According to India’s plans, the light aircraft carrier Vikrant is due to be delivered to the Indian Navy in March 2021. The warship is expected to carry up to 14 MiG-29K fighters and several helicopters. Russia earlier delivered a batch of MiG-29K/MiG-29KUB fighter aircraft for the Indian aircraft carrier Vikramaditya (the former heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser Admiral Gorshkov).


tass--2020-02-12--Erdogan claims at least 14 Turkish servicemen dead during shelling in Syria’s Idlib

`` As of today , we lost 14 soldiers because of the attacks of the regime [ of Syrian President @ @ @ @ @ he said in the Parliament .
ANKARA , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
At least @ @ @ @ @ two shellings in Syria ’ s Idlib province , Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed @ @ @ @ @ just sit and wait for further developments in Syria 's Idlib — diplomat Earlier reports @ @ @ @ @ 3 civilian staffers died in the shellings .
The situation in Idlib escalated sharply after @ @ @ @ @ attempted to introduce yet another ceasefire , only for the terrorists to ramp up their @ @ @ @ @ deaths of Turkish and Russian military specialists .
The Syrian army took responsive action , @ @ @ @ @ city of Saraqib in Idlib .
On February 3 and 10 , the Turkish military @ @ @ @ @ army shellings .
In response , the Turkish military conducted strikes on more than 120 @ @ @ @ @ .

"As of today, we lost 14 soldiers because of the attacks of the regime [of Syrian President Bashar Assad]," he said in the Parliament.
ANKARA, February 12. /TASS/. At least 14 Turkish servicemen died in two shellings in Syria’s Idlib province, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed Wednesday.
Russia cannot just sit and wait for further developments in Syria's Idlib — diplomat
Earlier reports indicated that 10 servicemen and 3 civilian staffers died in the shellings.
The situation in Idlib escalated sharply after the Russian and Turkish military attempted to introduce yet another ceasefire, only for the terrorists to ramp up their attacks, which led to deaths of Turkish and Russian military specialists. The Syrian army took responsive action, on February 5 capturing the city of Saraqib in Idlib.
On February 3 and 10, the Turkish military got hit twice by Syrian army shellings. In response, the Turkish military conducted strikes on more than 120 Syrian army targets in Idlib.


tass--2020-02-12--Putin, Erdogan discuss situation in Idlib in phone call

MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan have held @ @ @ @ @ the Syria issue , including rising tensions in the Idlib de-escalation zone , the Kremlin @ @ @ @ @ statement .
Russia can not just sit and wait for further developments in Syria 's @ @ @ @ @ the statement , the two leaders discussed `` various aspects of activities aimed at resolving @ @ @ @ @ , focusing on the situation in the Idlib de-escalation zone and the need to fully @ @ @ @ @ the memorandum of September 17 , 2018 . ''
The Kremlin press service added that @ @ @ @ @ initiated by Ankara .

MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan have held a telephone conversation to discuss the Syria issue, including rising tensions in the Idlib de-escalation zone, the Kremlin press service said in a statement.
Russia cannot just sit and wait for further developments in Syria's Idlib — diplomat
According to the statement, the two leaders discussed "various aspects of activities aimed at resolving to resolve the Syrian crisis, focusing on the situation in the Idlib de-escalation zone and the need to fully implement Russian-Turkish agreements, including the memorandum of September 17, 2018."
The Kremlin press service added that the telephone call had been initiated by Ankara.


tass--2020-02-12--Coronavirus incidence rate in China experiences 48.2% drop

`` The current epidemiological situation remains very serious , but the measures taken have brought some positive trends .
The incidence rate goes down with a wave-like graph .
On February 4 , the biggest number of 3887 cases was registered .
By February 11 , this figure went down to 2015 new cases per day , '' the ministry said .
BEIJING , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
The novel coronavirus incidence in China have reduced by 48.2 % last week , the China ’ s National Health Commission said Wednesday .
`` The largest increase of suspected cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
By February 11 , it ebbed to 3,342 .
These two figures went down by 48.2 % and 37.3 % , correspondingly , '' the agency said .
According to the statement , the share of the recovered patients increased from 1.3 % to 10.6 % in two weeks .
`` The number of people released from hospitals grow rather fast .
The lowest figure of just 1.3 % was registered on January 27 , but by February 11 , it increased to 10.6 % , '' he said .
On December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported a cluster of cases of acute respiratory illness to the World Health Organization in Wuhan , an economic and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million .
The virus - 2019-nCoV , otherwise known as the novel coronavirus - was identified on January 7 , 2020 .
Apart from China , over 24 other countries , including Russia , have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
According to the latest data , the overall number of people who contracted the novel coronavirus in China has exceeded 45,000 and a total of 1,115 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovered .
The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern , describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .

"The current epidemiological situation remains very serious, but the measures taken have brought some positive trends. The incidence rate goes down with a wave-like graph. On February 4, the biggest number of 3887 cases was registered. By February 11, this figure went down to 2015 new cases per day," the ministry said.
BEIJING, February 12. /TASS/. The novel coronavirus incidence in China have reduced by 48.2% last week, the China’s National Health Commission said Wednesday.
"The largest increase of suspected cases happened on February 5 with 5,328 cases. By February 11, it ebbed to 3,342. These two figures went down by 48.2% and 37.3%, correspondingly," the agency said.
According to the statement, the share of the recovered patients increased from 1.3% to 10.6% in two weeks.
"The number of people released from hospitals grow rather fast. The lowest figure of just 1.3% was registered on January 27, but by February 11, it increased to 10.6%," he said.
On December 31, 2019, Chinese health officials reported a cluster of cases of acute respiratory illness to the World Health Organization in Wuhan, an economic and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million. The virus - 2019-nCoV, otherwise known as the novel coronavirus - was identified on January 7, 2020. Apart from China, over 24 other countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases. According to the latest data, the overall number of people who contracted the novel coronavirus in China has exceeded 45,000 and a total of 1,115 people have died and over 4,700 have recovered.
The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations.


tass--2020-02-12--Turkey sends additional troops to Syria — media

According to the TV channel , Turkish troops crossed the Syrian border at dawn , heading for the western areas of the Aleppo province .
Sky News Arabia added that Turkish troops were establishing an observation point on a road connecting the Atarib and Al-Jinah settlements .
On Saturday , Turkey ’ s Anadolu news agency reported that Ankara was sending a convoy of 300 trucks and armored vehicles to the Syrian border , adding that the troop deployment had been going on for several days .
Four de-escalation zones were set up in Syria in May 2017 in accordance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran and Turkey - the guarantors of the Syrian ceasefire .
The four zones include the Idlib Province , certain parts of neighboring areas in the Latakia , Hama and Aleppo provinces , as well as some areas in the Daraa and Quneitra provinces in southern Syria .
Damascus took control of three of the four zones in 2018 , but the fourth one , which covers the Idlib province and certain parts of the Latakia , Hama and Aleppo provinces , is still controlled by terrorists from the Jabhat al-Nusra terror group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , the Syrian Foreign Ministry accused Turkey of violating Syria ’ s sovereignty by deploying additional forces to the provinces of Idlib and Aleppo and carrying out strikes on areas where civilians resided , as well as on military facilities .
Damascus believes that Ankara ’ s actions are aimed at shielding militant groups that are about to be defeated in an offensive conducted by Syrian government forces .

According to the TV channel, Turkish troops crossed the Syrian border at dawn, heading for the western areas of the Aleppo province. Sky News Arabia added that Turkish troops were establishing an observation point on a road connecting the Atarib and Al-Jinah settlements.
On Saturday, Turkey’s Anadolu news agency reported that Ankara was sending a convoy of 300 trucks and armored vehicles to the Syrian border, adding that the troop deployment had been going on for several days.
Four de-escalation zones were set up in Syria in May 2017 in accordance with a decision made by Russia, Iran and Turkey - the guarantors of the Syrian ceasefire. The four zones include the Idlib Province, certain parts of neighboring areas in the Latakia, Hama and Aleppo provinces, as well as some areas in the Daraa and Quneitra provinces in southern Syria. Damascus took control of three of the four zones in 2018, but the fourth one, which covers the Idlib province and certain parts of the Latakia, Hama and Aleppo provinces, is still controlled by terrorists from the Jabhat al-Nusra terror group (outlawed in Russia).
On Tuesday, the Syrian Foreign Ministry accused Turkey of violating Syria’s sovereignty by deploying additional forces to the provinces of Idlib and Aleppo and carrying out strikes on areas where civilians resided, as well as on military facilities. Damascus believes that Ankara’s actions are aimed at shielding militant groups that are about to be defeated in an offensive conducted by Syrian government forces.


tass--2020-02-12--Meteor-M satellite launch delayed until 2021 over additional tests

MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
The Meteor-M satellite number 2-3 , scheduled for launch in 2020 , would @ @ @ @ @ the Russian Space Agency ( Roscosmos ) press service told TASS .
`` Roscosmos confirms @ @ @ @ @ delay from 2020 to 2021 , '' the press service said .
`` The spacecraft @ @ @ @ @ '' In late December , the Meteor-M number 2-2 went offline because of a micrometeoroid @ @ @ @ @ the satellite entered non-oriented flight .
The agency specialists managed to re-establish communication with the @ @ @ @ @ it back online .
In early February , the satellite malfunctioned again , but later @ @ @ @ @ satellite orientation was restored and that the unit is operational .
Meteor-M is a member @ @ @ @ @ spacecraft for weather surveying .
These satellites gather information for weather forecasts , ozone layer @ @ @ @ @ the Earth proximity .

MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. The Meteor-M satellite number 2-3, scheduled for launch in 2020, would be launched next year, the Russian Space Agency (Roscosmos) press service told TASS.
"Roscosmos confirms Meteor-M satellite number 2-3 launch delay from 2020 to 2021," the press service said. "The spacecraft would undergo additional testing."
In late December, the Meteor-M number 2-2 went offline because of a micrometeoroid impact. Roscosmos reported that the satellite entered non-oriented flight. The agency specialists managed to re-establish communication with the satellite and attempted to bring it back online. In early February, the satellite malfunctioned again, but later the agency reported that the satellite orientation was restored and that the unit is operational.
Meteor-M is a member of a family of perspective spacecraft for weather surveying. These satellites gather information for weather forecasts, ozone layer condition and radiation situation in the Earth proximity.


tass--2020-02-12--TOJOY starts Smart Business option, promises no layoffs or salary cuts in epidemic period

BEIJING , Feb. 12 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- At 9:00 am on February 4th , TOJOY 's 6,000 employees across 40 cities on 4 continents gathered for a unique online business kick-off ceremony .
This was the kick-off for TOJOY 's new Smart Business online work model for the epidemic period .
At the meeting , Ge Jun , Executive Director of the Board of Directors and Global CEO of TOJOY , announced TOJOY 's Ten Measures for Disaster Relief and Self-Care .
He announced that as of February 4th , TOJOY has officially and permanently implemented a remote work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promises no layoffs or salary cuts during the epidemic period .
This move is commendable as Chinese companies are facing pressure to resume work .
It is cause for celebration for everyone at the beginning of the Chinese New Year in the face of the epidemic situation .
Knowing what a full-company remote work system would require , TOJOY began developing its Smart Business suite with world-class application standards from the very beginning .
In 2016 , TOJOY founded the TOJOY Network Technology Group to construct the Smart Business platform .
`` TOJOY @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IBM , sought out for its reputation as the world 's largest information technology and business solutions provider .
A team of over 500 top talents , 3 years of research and development , and an investment of over 200 million yuan went into the creation of the `` TOJOY Smart Business '' system , which now easily supports TOJOY 's 6,000 employees across different time zones around the world in the smooth implementation of their remote work .
At present , many small and medium-sized enterprises are facing a hard situation across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For this reason , TOJOY will be opening the `` TOJOY Entrepreneur Cloud '' to certified members free of charge , in order to help them regain confidence and achieve `` online resumption of work '' as soon as possible .
From this news , as well as that of the implementation of the permanent `` Migratory Working System '' remote work program for all its employees , we can see that TOJOY is not only considering the health and safety of its employees and partners , but has also observed the pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and made every effort to contribute to the resumption of orderly operations throughout the economy and society .

BEIJING, Feb. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- At 9:00 am on February 4th, TOJOY's 6,000 employees across 40 cities on 4 continents gathered for a unique online business kick-off ceremony. This was the kick-off for TOJOY's new Smart Business online work model for the epidemic period.
At the meeting, Ge Jun, Executive Director of the Board of Directors and Global CEO of TOJOY, announced TOJOY's Ten Measures for Disaster Relief and Self-Care. He announced that as of February 4th, TOJOY has officially and permanently implemented a remote work system for all employees.
TOJOY also promises no layoffs or salary cuts during the epidemic period. This move is commendable as Chinese companies are facing pressure to resume work. It is cause for celebration for everyone at the beginning of the Chinese New Year in the face of the epidemic situation.
Knowing what a full-company remote work system would require, TOJOY began developing its Smart Business suite with world-class application standards from the very beginning.
In 2016, TOJOY founded the TOJOY Network Technology Group to construct the Smart Business platform. "TOJOY Smart Office" was created jointly with IBM, sought out for its reputation as the world's largest information technology and business solutions provider. A team of over 500 top talents, 3 years of research and development, and an investment of over 200 million yuan went into the creation of the "TOJOY Smart Business" system, which now easily supports TOJOY's 6,000 employees across different time zones around the world in the smooth implementation of their remote work.
At present, many small and medium-sized enterprises are facing a hard situation across China due to the epidemic situation. For this reason, TOJOY will be opening the "TOJOY Entrepreneur Cloud" to certified members free of charge, in order to help them regain confidence and achieve "online resumption of work" as soon as possible.
From this news, as well as that of the implementation of the permanent "Migratory Working System" remote work program for all its employees, we can see that TOJOY is not only considering the health and safety of its employees and partners, but has also observed the pressure on other enterprises to return to work, and made every effort to contribute to the resumption of orderly operations throughout the economy and society.
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1089494/TOJOY_Publishes_Ten_Measures.jpg
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1089497/At_the_2020_New_Year_s_Online_Business_Kick_Off_Mobilization_Meeting__TOJOY_promised__no_layoffs__no.jpg
CONTACT: Xiaoyu Guo, +86-18611740095, guoxiaoyu@tojoy.com


tass--2020-02-12--Kazakh leader to attend 2020 Munich Security Conference

`` President of the Republic Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has been invited to this conference by the organizers .
He has respectively @ @ @ @ @ take part [ in it ] , '' the top diplomat said .
Tleuberdi underlined @ @ @ @ @ invited to attend the event .
`` Naturally , I intend to primarily accompany the @ @ @ @ @ in it myself .
We have bilateral meetings planned with my counterparts , the president @ @ @ @ @ scheduled ] , '' the minister explained .
The 2020 Munich Security Conference takes place @ @ @ @ @ attendees traditionally take this opportunity to hold bilateral and multilateral contacts apart from plenary meetings @ @ @ @ @ .

"President of the Republic Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has been invited to this conference by the organizers. He has respectively accepted the invitation and will take part [in it]," the top diplomat said.
Tleuberdi underlined that he had also been invited to attend the event. "Naturally, I intend to primarily accompany the president as well as participate in it myself. We have bilateral meetings planned with my counterparts, the president also has bilateral meetings [scheduled]," the minister explained.
The 2020 Munich Security Conference takes place on February 14-16. Conference attendees traditionally take this opportunity to hold bilateral and multilateral contacts apart from plenary meetings and sessions at the forum.


tass--2020-02-12--Relatives of Chinese national diagnosed with coronavirus to stay under medical supervision

On January 26 , a Chinese national sought medical attention and he was taken to an infection hospital on the same day .
It took two tests to diagnose the coronavirus infection .
His relatives were also put into isolation chambers for supervision .
The man was released from hospital Wednesday after full recovery .
MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
The wife and daughter of the Chinese national who underwent coronavirus treatment in Russia ’ s Trans-Baikal Region will remain under medical supervision , Regional Health Ministry said in a statement .
`` The wife and the daughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain under medical supervision .
As soon as their tests would be twice confirmed as negative , they would be released as well , '' the message says .
The woman and the child are expected to stay in the hospital until February 14 .
The man told journalists he would stay in Chita , where his home and relatives are .
In late January , two confirmed coronavirus cases were diagnosed in Chinese nationals in Trans-Baikal Region and Tyumen Region .
Both were hospitalized .
The recovery went without complications .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus on January 31 , was released from hospital on February 11 .

On January 26, a Chinese national sought medical attention and he was taken to an infection hospital on the same day. It took two tests to diagnose the coronavirus infection. His relatives were also put into isolation chambers for supervision. The man was released from hospital Wednesday after full recovery.
MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. The wife and daughter of the Chinese national who underwent coronavirus treatment in Russia’s Trans-Baikal Region will remain under medical supervision, Regional Health Ministry said in a statement.
"The wife and the daughter, who contacted the Chinese national, remain under medical supervision. As soon as their tests would be twice confirmed as negative, they would be released as well," the message says.
The woman and the child are expected to stay in the hospital until February 14. The man told journalists he would stay in Chita, where his home and relatives are.
In late January, two confirmed coronavirus cases were diagnosed in Chinese nationals in Trans-Baikal Region and Tyumen Region. Both were hospitalized. The recovery went without complications.
The Tyumen Industrial University student, diagnosed with coronavirus on January 31, was released from hospital on February 11.


tass--2020-02-12--Patient with coronavirus recovers in Russia's Far East

Russia can not just sit and wait for further developments in Syria 's Idlib — diplomat Head of the Russian @ @ @ @ @ International Organizations Pyotr Ilyichev said that the positions of Syrian army and Russian forces in @ @ @ @ @

West was covering up crimes of Kiev regime that led to Ukraine’s tragedy, Lavrov says
"During this entire period, the population of DPR and LPR was subjected to abuse, perennial shelling on the part of the Kiev regime that openly adopted a course towards Russophobia and genocide," the Russian top diplomat noted
Read more


tass--2020-02-12--Number of confirmed cases of new coronavirus in China exceeds 44,600

BEIJING , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus COVID-2019 in China has surpassed 44,600 , the death toll climbed to 1,113 , and 4,740 people recovered from the virus , China 's National Health Commission reported on Wednesday .
On Tuesday , the commission reported over 42,600 confirmed cases , 1,016 deaths and 3,996 cases of recovery .
Most people infected with the new coronavirus are reported from Hubei province ( 33,300 ) , where the death toll climbed to 1,068 and 2,639 people recovered .
In the southern Guangdong province , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each Henan and Zhejiang province , around 1,100 cases were confirmed .
In Beijing , 342 cases of the new coronavirus were confirmed , three people died and 48 more recovered .
In the Heilongjiang province bordering Russia , 378 cases were confirmed , eight people died and 28 others recovered .
According to the authorities , over 185,000 people in China remain under medical supervision after contacts with those infected , and over 16,000 people remain quarantined .
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus COVID-2019 ( earlier referenced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan .
Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in 24 other countries and territories , including in Russia .
The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern .

BEIJING, February 12. /TASS/. The number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus COVID-2019 in China has surpassed 44,600, the death toll climbed to 1,113, and 4,740 people recovered from the virus, China's National Health Commission reported on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, the commission reported over 42,600 confirmed cases, 1,016 deaths and 3,996 cases of recovery.
Most people infected with the new coronavirus are reported from Hubei province (33,300), where the death toll climbed to 1,068 and 2,639 people recovered. In the southern Guangdong province, over 1,200 cases were confirmed. In each Henan and Zhejiang province, around 1,100 cases were confirmed.
In Beijing, 342 cases of the new coronavirus were confirmed, three people died and 48 more recovered. In the Heilongjiang province bordering Russia, 378 cases were confirmed, eight people died and 28 others recovered.
According to the authorities, over 185,000 people in China remain under medical supervision after contacts with those infected, and over 16,000 people remain quarantined.
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus COVID-2019 (earlier referenced as 2019-nCoV) in the city of Wuhan. Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in 24 other countries and territories, including in Russia. The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.


tass--2020-02-12--Four people infected with new coronavirus on cruise ship in serious condition

TOKYO , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
Four people who have contracted the new coronavirus on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan 's Yokohama port are in a serious condition , Japan 's Ministry of Health , Labor and Welfare reported on Wednesday .
The ministry said that the four people in a serious condition are between the ages of 60 and 70 .
Among them are three Japanese citizens and one foreigner .
The ministry earlier said that the new coronavirus was confirmed in 34 more passengers of the Diamond Princess cruise ship which had been quarantined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yokohama .
One employee of the quarantine service working on the cruise ship had also contracted the coronavirus .
Thus , the number of people infected with the new coronavirus on the Diamond Princess cruise ship has reached 175 .
There are currently around 3,700 people from 50 countries , including Russia , on board the cruise ship .
All people who were infected with the virus have been evacuated from the ship and hospitalized in Kanagawa prefecture .
The ship left Yokohama on January 20 and returned on February 3 .
Among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus who left the ship on January 25 in Hong Kong .
In accodance with the decision made by the Japanese authorities , the ship was anchored near Yokohama and quarantined for two weeks , until February 19 .
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan .
Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in 24 other countries and territories , including in Russia .
The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern .
According to latest reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were confirmed in China , the death toll surpassed 1,000 , and over 4,000 people recovered from the virus .

TOKYO, February 12. /TASS/. Four people who have contracted the new coronavirus on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan's Yokohama port are in a serious condition, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare reported on Wednesday.
The ministry said that the four people in a serious condition are between the ages of 60 and 70. Among them are three Japanese citizens and one foreigner.
The ministry earlier said that the new coronavirus was confirmed in 34 more passengers of the Diamond Princess cruise ship which had been quarantined for two weeks near the port of Yokohama. One employee of the quarantine service working on the cruise ship had also contracted the coronavirus.
Thus, the number of people infected with the new coronavirus on the Diamond Princess cruise ship has reached 175.
There are currently around 3,700 people from 50 countries, including Russia, on board the cruise ship. All people who were infected with the virus have been evacuated from the ship and hospitalized in Kanagawa prefecture.
The ship left Yokohama on January 20 and returned on February 3. Among passengers was a Chinese citizens with the coronavirus who left the ship on January 25 in Hong Kong. In accodance with the decision made by the Japanese authorities, the ship was anchored near Yokohama and quarantined for two weeks, until February 19.
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan. Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in 24 other countries and territories, including in Russia. The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. According to latest reports, over 42,700 cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in China, the death toll surpassed 1,000, and over 4,000 people recovered from the virus.


tass--2020-02-12--Number of confirmed coronavirus cases on cruise ship in Japan reaches 175

Novel coronavirus will reach its peak in China in mid-February , official says TOKYO , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
Pneumonia cauased by the new coronavirus was confirmed in 34 passengers of the Diamond Princess cruise ship which had been quarantined for two weeks near the port of Yokohama , Japan 's Ministry of Health , Labor and Welfare reported on Wednesday .
One employee of the quarantine service working on the cruise ship had also contracted the coronavirus .
Thus , the number of people infected with the new coronavirus on the Diamond Princess cruise ship has reached 175 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 50 countries , including Russia , on board the cruise ship .
All people who were infected with the virus have been evacuated from the ship and hospitalized in Kanagawa prefecture .
The ship left Yokohama on January 20 and returned on February 3 .
Among passengers was a Chinese citizens with the coronavirus who left the ship on January 25 in Hong Kong .
In accodance with the decision made by the Japanese authorities , the ship was anchored near Yokohama and quarantined for two weeks , until February 19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan .
Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in 24 other countries and territories , including in Russia .
The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern .
According to latest reports , over 42,700 cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in China , the death toll surpassed 1,000 , and over 4,000 people recovered from the virus .

Novel coronavirus will reach its peak in China in mid-February, official says
TOKYO, February 12. /TASS/. Pneumonia cauased by the new coronavirus was confirmed in 34 passengers of the Diamond Princess cruise ship which had been quarantined for two weeks near the port of Yokohama, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare reported on Wednesday.
One employee of the quarantine service working on the cruise ship had also contracted the coronavirus.
Thus, the number of people infected with the new coronavirus on the Diamond Princess cruise ship has reached 175.
There are currently around 3,700 people from 50 countries, including Russia, on board the cruise ship. All people who were infected with the virus have been evacuated from the ship and hospitalized in Kanagawa prefecture.
The ship left Yokohama on January 20 and returned on February 3. Among passengers was a Chinese citizens with the coronavirus who left the ship on January 25 in Hong Kong. In accodance with the decision made by the Japanese authorities, the ship was anchored near Yokohama and quarantined for two weeks, until February 19.
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan. Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in 24 other countries and territories, including in Russia. The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. According to latest reports, over 42,700 cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in China, the death toll surpassed 1,000, and over 4,000 people recovered from the virus.


tass--2020-02-12--Russian military inspectors to visit military facility in the Netherlands on February 12

MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russian military inspectors will visit a military facility in the Netherlands on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ National Nuclear Risk Reduction Center Sergey Ryzhkov told the Krasnaya Zvezda ( Red Star ) @ @ @ @ @ the inspection will be held `` in accordance with the 2011 Vienna Document on confidence-and @ @ @ @ @ inspection will be held on 12 February 2020 and last for one day .
`` @ @ @ @ @ with the aim of verifying information about military forces and plans on deployment of main @ @ @ @ @ Inspectors will visit the military facility at its usual location during a peceful time , @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. Russian military inspectors will visit a military facility in the Netherlands on Wednesday, head of the Russian National Nuclear Risk Reduction Center Sergey Ryzhkov told the Krasnaya Zvezda (Red Star) newspaper.
Ryzhkov said that the inspection will be held "in accordance with the 2011 Vienna Document on confidence-and security-building measures." The inspection will be held on 12 February 2020 and last for one day.
"Such assessment visits are held with the aim of verifying information about military forces and plans on deployment of main weapons systems and equipment. Inspectors will visit the military facility at its usual location during a peceful time," the newspaper noted.


tass--2020-02-12--Death toll from coronavirus in China's Hubei province climbs to 1,068

WHO chief says vaccine against coronavirus may be developed in 18 months BEIJING , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in China 's Hubei province has surpassed 33,300 , and the death toll has climbed to 1,068 , while 2,639 people have recovered after contracting the virus , the regional health commission said on Wednesday .
Reports on Tuesday morning said that over 31,700 cases of the new coronavirus were confirmed , 974 people died from the virus and 2,222 people recovered .
The commission said that the number of confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where the outbreak was first registered , exceeded 19,500 .
Around 2,700 cases were confirmed in the city of Xiaogan , and around 2,300 — in the city of Huanggang .
Over 11,200 people in the province have been quarantined .
Over 77,100 residents remain under medical supervision as they came into contact with those infected .
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan .
Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in 24 other countries and territories , including in Russia .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a public health emergency of international concern .
According to latest reports , over 42,600 cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in China , the death toll surpassed 1,000 , and over 3,900 people recovered from the virus .

WHO chief says vaccine against coronavirus may be developed in 18 months
BEIJING, February 12. /TASS/. The number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in China's Hubei province has surpassed 33,300, and the death toll has climbed to 1,068, while 2,639 people have recovered after contracting the virus, the regional health commission said on Wednesday.
Reports on Tuesday morning said that over 31,700 cases of the new coronavirus were confirmed, 974 people died from the virus and 2,222 people recovered.
The commission said that the number of confirmed cases in Hubei's administrative center Wuhan, where the outbreak was first registered, exceeded 19,500. Around 2,700 cases were confirmed in the city of Xiaogan, and around 2,300 — in the city of Huanggang.
Over 11,200 people in the province have been quarantined. Over 77,100 residents remain under medical supervision as they came into contact with those infected.
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan. Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in 24 other countries and territories, including in Russia. The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. According to latest reports, over 42,600 cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in China, the death toll surpassed 1,000, and over 3,900 people recovered from the virus.


tass--2020-02-12--Moscow hopes Russia's position will be considered in resolution on Libya

THE UNITED NATIONS , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow hopes that Russia 's position will be considered in the resolution on Libya which will be submitted for voting at the UN Security Council on Wednesday , Russia 's Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya told TASS on Tuesday .
A source earlier told TASS that the United Kingdom 's draft resolution in support of the Berlin conference on Libya will be submitted for voting to the UN Security Council on February 12 .
`` We still have time for discussion .
There are several questions which we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that our position will be considered , '' Nebenzya said .
Neogtiations on the resolution have been held for several weeks .
UK 's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Karen Pierce said earlier that London hopes to coordinate a draft that will be acceptable for everyone .
On January 19 , a conference on Libyan settlement was held in Berlin at the level of heads of state and government .
In the final document , participants in the conference called for a ceasefire , pledged to refrain from interfering into Libya 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a unified government and launch reforms for restoring statehood .
The sides in the conflict also agreed to setting up a special commission for ceasefire monitoring .
There are currently two executive bodies operating in Libya - the internationally recognized Government of National Accord , and the transitional cabinet in the east of the country which is supported by the House of Representatives ( parliament ) and the Libyan National Army .

THE UNITED NATIONS, February 12. /TASS/. Moscow hopes that Russia's position will be considered in the resolution on Libya which will be submitted for voting at the UN Security Council on Wednesday, Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya told TASS on Tuesday.
A source earlier told TASS that the United Kingdom's draft resolution in support of the Berlin conference on Libya will be submitted for voting to the UN Security Council on February 12.
"We still have time for discussion. There are several questions which we are coordinating with them, and we hope that our position will be considered," Nebenzya said.
Neogtiations on the resolution have been held for several weeks. UK's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Karen Pierce said earlier that London hopes to coordinate a draft that will be acceptable for everyone.
On January 19, a conference on Libyan settlement was held in Berlin at the level of heads of state and government. In the final document, participants in the conference called for a ceasefire, pledged to refrain from interfering into Libya's internal affairs, suggested to set up a unified government and launch reforms for restoring statehood. The sides in the conflict also agreed to setting up a special commission for ceasefire monitoring.
There are currently two executive bodies operating in Libya - the internationally recognized Government of National Accord, and the transitional cabinet in the east of the country which is supported by the House of Representatives (parliament) and the Libyan National Army.


tass--2020-02-11--Hainan's Sanya supports enterprises suffering from coronavirus outbreak

SANYA , February 11./ TASS/ .
The Sanya authorities ( the southern Chinese province of Hainan ) began to provide financial assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises affected by the outbreak of pneumonia caused by the new coronavirus .
According to the Hainan Daily newspaper , the local business support program will run until June 30 , 2020 .
Thus , according to the news publication , small and medium-sized enterprises that do not dismiss their employees amid coronavirus outbreak will receive 50 % of the compulsory insurance contributions for unemployment benefits paid last year .
Support measures also include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If companies failed to pay in due time , they will not be charged late fees , and will be allowed to pay within three months after the end of the epidemic .
Cost reduction includes cuts in rent for the first quarter of 2020 .
This works for small and medium-sized businesses renting a state-owned space .
This category also includes deferment of utility payments , reduction of certain types of taxes .
Financial support includes funding receivables of small and medium companies , boosting financial support for logistics companies transporting anti-epidemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the number of cases of coronavirus infection in China exceeded 42,700 , 1017 people died , more than 4,000 recovered .
The largest number of cases in China was registered in the central province of Hubei , where the virus was first detected — about 32,000 cases , 974 people died .
On the Island of Hainan the number of cases reached 142 , three people died and 19 — recovered .
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan .
Cases of new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and territories , including in Russia .
The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern .

SANYA, February 11./ TASS/. The Sanya authorities (the southern Chinese province of Hainan) began to provide financial assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises affected by the outbreak of pneumonia caused by the new coronavirus. According to the Hainan Daily newspaper, the local business support program will run until June 30, 2020.
Thus, according to the news publication, small and medium-sized enterprises that do not dismiss their employees amid coronavirus outbreak will receive 50% of the compulsory insurance contributions for unemployment benefits paid last year. Support measures also include deferred payments for compulsory social insurance. If companies failed to pay in due time, they will not be charged late fees, and will be allowed to pay within three months after the end of the epidemic.
Cost reduction includes cuts in rent for the first quarter of 2020. This works for small and medium-sized businesses renting a state-owned space. This category also includes deferment of utility payments, reduction of certain types of taxes. Financial support includes funding receivables of small and medium companies, boosting financial support for logistics companies transporting anti-epidemic materials.
According to the latest reports, the number of cases of coronavirus infection in China exceeded 42,700, 1017 people died, more than 4,000 recovered. The largest number of cases in China was registered in the central province of Hubei, where the virus was first detected — about 32,000 cases, 974 people died. On the Island of Hainan the number of cases reached 142, three people died and 19 — recovered.
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan. Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in 24 other countries and territories, including in Russia. The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.


tass--2020-02-13--UNSC adopts resolution on Libya without consensus — Russian envoy

UN , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
Russia did not support the UN Security Council resolution on Libya because Libyans @ @ @ @ @ implement its provisions , Russia ’ s envoy to the UN , Vasily Nebenzya said @ @ @ @ @ the only country that abstained during the vote , but did not veto the document @ @ @ @ @ Security Council members supported it .
According to Nebenzya , Russia did not support the @ @ @ @ @ present , `` there is no clear understanding that all the parties [ to the @ @ @ @ @ to implement this decision . ''
`` We got a resolution on Libya on which @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
‘ There is nothing we can say about this , except @ @ @ @ @ .
`` .

UN, February 13. /TASS/. Russia did not support the UN Security Council resolution on Libya because Libyans themselves were not ready to implement its provisions, Russia’s envoy to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya said on Wednesday.
Russia was the only country that abstained during the vote, but stopped short of vetoing the document. The remaining 14 UN Security Council members voted in support of it.
According to Nebenzya, Russia did not support the resolution, because, at present, "there is no clear understanding that all the parties [to the Libyan conflict] are ready to implement this decision."
"We got a resolution on Libya on which there is no consensus," he said. ‘There is nothing we can say about this, only express deep regret and disappointment."
"We doubt that ultimatums of this kind can spur Libyans to start negotiating as soon as possible," he continued. "We do want UN Security Council resolutions to be implemented. We want this document to be viable. However, we are not sure of this, judging by the text that we had received. That’s why we were unable to support it, and, if this resolution is not implemented, we will remind you of what we had said today."
According to the Russian diplomat, Moscow strongly asked its partners to take time while preparing the document.
"The Libyans have just started a dialogue, including within the framework of the joint 5+5 military commission," he said. "The parameters of the ceasefire mentioned by the Berlin communique should be determined specifically within the framework of their dialogue."
Resolution’s contents
The draft resolution, obtained by TASS, calls upon all UN member nations to uphold the weapons embargo [towards Libya], imposed by Resolution 1970, including "ceasing all support for and withdrawing all armed mercenary personnel."
The draft document calls on all nations "not to intervene in the conflict or take measures that exacerbate the conflict."
It also welcomes negotiations held within the framework of the 5+5 military commission meeting in Geneva and calls upon committee participants to continue talks for achieving a ceasefire agreement.
In order to oversee the implementation of a ceasefire, the UN Security Council asks the UN Secretary General to create a special monitoring mechanism.
Berlin conference
On January 19, a conference on Libyan settlement was held in Berlin at the level of heads of state and government. In the final document, participants in the conference called for a ceasefire, pledged to refrain from interfering into Libya's internal affairs, suggested to set up a unified government and launch reforms for restoring statehood. The sides in the conflict also agreed to setting up a special commission for ceasefire monitoring.
There are currently two executive bodies operating in Libya - the internationally recognized Government of National Accord, and the transitional cabinet in the east of the country which is supported by the House of Representatives (parliament) and the Libyan National Army.


tass--2020-02-13--WHO extends international emergency over Ebola outbreak in DR Congo

GENEVA , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has extended by another three months the current international public health emergency status for the Ebola fever outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo ( DRC ) , WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters on Wednesday .
The emergency situation has been in place since July 2019 .
`` The Emergency Committee on Ebola has advised that the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to be a public health emergency of international concern , and I have accepted that advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long as there is a single case of Ebola in an area as insecure and unstable as eastern DRC , the potential remains for a much larger epidemic . ''
WHO ’ s risk assessment is that the risk of spread is high nationally and regionally , and low globally , Ghebreyesus said , adding that the signs in the eastern DRC `` are extremely positive . ''
`` I hope that by the time the Emergency Committee reconvenes , we will be able to declare an end to the outbreak , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ghebreyesus said he would travel to DRC on Thursday to discuss measures against Ebola with the country ’ s authorities .
He also called for strengthening the health system in the country to prepare for a new possible outbreak .
As of February 9 , a total of 3,431 cases of the highly lethal Ebola fever have been registered in DRC .
A total of 2,249 people died and 1,164 recovered .
In the week of January 29-February 4 , only four new confirmed cases were reported .
This is 30 times less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the peak of the outbreak in April 2019 .
The World Health Organization describes the Ebola virus disease ( EVD , formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever ) as `` a severe , often fatal illness in humans .
EVD outbreaks have a case fatality rate of up to 90 % . ''
The virus was first recorded in Zaire ( now the Democratic Republic of the Congo ) in 1976 , with outbreaks reported in Sudan , Gabon , the Republic of the Congo , Angola and Cote d ’ Ivoire .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2014-2016 took the lives of more than 11,300 people , with more than 28,600 contracting the disease .
The most lethal outcomes were reported in Guinea , Sierra Leone and Liberia .

GENEVA, February 12. /TASS/. The World Health Organization (WHO) has extended by another three months the current international public health emergency status for the Ebola fever outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters on Wednesday.
The emergency situation has been in place since July 2019.
"The Emergency Committee on Ebola has advised that the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to be a public health emergency of international concern, and I have accepted that advice," he said. "As long as there is a single case of Ebola in an area as insecure and unstable as eastern DRC, the potential remains for a much larger epidemic."
WHO’s risk assessment is that the risk of spread is high nationally and regionally, and low globally, Ghebreyesus said, adding that the signs in the eastern DRC "are extremely positive."
"I hope that by the time the Emergency Committee reconvenes, we will be able to declare an end to the outbreak," the WHO chief said.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he would travel to DRC on Thursday to discuss measures against Ebola with the country’s authorities. He also called for strengthening the health system in the country to prepare for a new possible outbreak.
As of February 9, a total of 3,431 cases of the highly lethal Ebola fever have been registered in DRC. A total of 2,249 people died and 1,164 recovered. In the week of January 29-February 4, only four new confirmed cases were reported. This is 30 times less than the number of confirmed cases during the peak of the outbreak in April 2019.
The World Health Organization describes the Ebola virus disease (EVD, formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever) as "a severe, often fatal illness in humans. EVD outbreaks have a case fatality rate of up to 90%."
The virus was first recorded in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) in 1976, with outbreaks reported in Sudan, Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, Angola and Cote d’Ivoire. The latest Ebola epidemics in West Africa in 2014-2016 took the lives of more than 11,300 people, with more than 28,600 contracting the disease. The most lethal outcomes were reported in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.


tass--2020-02-13--Russia waits for OSCE response to media discrimination in Baltic States — diplomat

MOSCOW , February 12 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Foreign Ministry hopes that the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe ( OSCE ) will assess the current state of the mass media in the Baltic States , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday .
`` We are calling on the international human rights non-governmental organizations and profile international institutions to give their assessment concerning the current situation around the mass media and journalists in the region .
First of all , we are awaiting response from the OSCE , '' she said .
Zakharova recalled that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Security Service ( VDD ) in cooperation with Estonia ’ s Security Police ( Sipo ) conducted several unsanctioned searches on the premises of the Baltic Media Alliance Ltd. in Riga and its outskirts as well as in Tallinn .
The VDD claimed that the searches had been triggered by possible violations of international sanctions .
In the searches , documents and data carriers were confiscated .
The diplomat pointed out that the persecution of media sources broadcasting in Russian has become systemic , and against this background the case `` looks absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Latvian special services is an attempt to whitewash the discriminative , repressive policy towards the media , '' she stated .
On Tuesday , the Latvian president submitted a proposal to the Saeima ’ s ( unicameral parliament ) commission on human rights and public affairs to amend the law on the media .
In particular , he suggested that the requirements for rebroadcasting foreign channels be expanded in such a way that the share of television programs in Russian was not more than 20 % .
Levitas based his legislative changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s information space . ''
Out of Latvia ’ s 1.9 million residents , about 40 % are people whose native language is Russian .
The only official language in the republic is Latvian , while Russian and other languages were declared foreign .
In 2012 , human rights activists attempted to attain second official language status for Russian at a nationwide referendum , but the majority of the citizens did not support the initiative .

MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. The Russian Foreign Ministry hopes that the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) will assess the current state of the mass media in the Baltic States, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday.
"We are calling on the international human rights non-governmental organizations and profile international institutions to give their assessment concerning the current situation around the mass media and journalists in the region. First of all, we are awaiting response from the OSCE," she said.
Zakharova recalled that last week, Latvia’s State Security Service (VDD) in cooperation with Estonia’s Security Police (Sipo) conducted several unsanctioned searches on the premises of the Baltic Media Alliance Ltd. in Riga and its outskirts as well as in Tallinn. The VDD claimed that the searches had been triggered by possible violations of international sanctions. In the searches, documents and data carriers were confiscated.
The diplomat pointed out that the persecution of media sources broadcasting in Russian has become systemic, and against this background the case "looks absolutely stitched-up."
"These statements from the Latvian special services is an attempt to whitewash the discriminative, repressive policy towards the media," she stated.
On Tuesday, the Latvian president submitted a proposal to the Saeima’s (unicameral parliament) commission on human rights and public affairs to amend the law on the media. In particular, he suggested that the requirements for rebroadcasting foreign channels be expanded in such a way that the share of television programs in Russian was not more than 20%. Levitas based his legislative changes on the necessity of "bolstering Latvia’s information space."
Out of Latvia’s 1.9 million residents, about 40% are people whose native language is Russian. The only official language in the republic is Latvian, while Russian and other languages were declared foreign.
In 2012, human rights activists attempted to attain second official language status for Russian at a nationwide referendum, but the majority of the citizens did not support the initiative.