tass--2020-02-06--Russia to deliver two Project 11356 frigates to India in first half of 2024

`` In accordance with the existing work schedule agreed by the sides , the Project 11356 frigates under construction at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad are due to be delivered to the Indian Navy by the end of the first half of 2024 , '' the federal defense agency ’ s press office said .
LUCKNOW /India/ , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
India will get two Project 11356 frigates under construction at the Yantar Shipyard on the Baltic coast by the end of the first half of 2024 , Russia ’ s Federal Service for Technical and Military Cooperation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show in India on Thursday .
Under the plan , two more frigates will be built at an Indian shipyard .
As Russia ’ s Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation specified , the sides have started preparing India ’ s Goa Shipyard Limited for the frigates ’ construction .
`` In order to build the ships , it is necessary to further equip the Indian shipyard , develop and deliver the necessary documentation and train Indian specialists , including in the process of building the ships at the Russian shipyard , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and India signed contracts in November 2018 on the delivery of four Project 11356 frigates .
Under the deal , two frigates will be built at Russia ’ s Yantar Shipyard on the Baltic coast ( part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation ) and the other two at India ’ s Goa Shipyard Limited ( GSL ) .
Project 11356 frigates are designed to deliver strikes against enemy surface ships and submarines in the coastal and oceanic zones and fight air targets both independently and as part of a naval group .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A-190 100mm artillery guns , striking missile and air defense systems , including Kalibr and Shtil weapons and torpedo armament .
The frigates displace 3,620 tonnes , are 124.8 meters long , develop a speed of 30 knots and have an operating range of 4,850 miles .
The frigates can carry a Ka-27 helicopter and its modification .
The DefExpo-2020 international land , naval and homeland security exhibition runs in Lucknow in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on February 5-9 .

"In accordance with the existing work schedule agreed by the sides, the Project 11356 frigates under construction at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad are due to be delivered to the Indian Navy by the end of the first half of 2024," the federal defense agency’s press office said.
LUCKNOW /India/, February 6. /TASS/. India will get two Project 11356 frigates under construction at the Yantar Shipyard on the Baltic coast by the end of the first half of 2024, Russia’s Federal Service for Technical and Military Cooperation told TASS at the DefExpo international arms show in India on Thursday.
Under the plan, two more frigates will be built at an Indian shipyard. As Russia’s Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation specified, the sides have started preparing India’s Goa Shipyard Limited for the frigates’ construction.
"In order to build the ships, it is necessary to further equip the Indian shipyard, develop and deliver the necessary documentation and train Indian specialists, including in the process of building the ships at the Russian shipyard," the press office explained.
Russia and India signed contracts in November 2018 on the delivery of four Project 11356 frigates. Under the deal, two frigates will be built at Russia’s Yantar Shipyard on the Baltic coast (part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation) and the other two at India’s Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).
Project 11356 frigates are designed to deliver strikes against enemy surface ships and submarines in the coastal and oceanic zones and fight air targets both independently and as part of a naval group. The warships of this type are armed with A-190 100mm artillery guns, striking missile and air defense systems, including Kalibr and Shtil weapons and torpedo armament. The frigates displace 3,620 tonnes, are 124.8 meters long, develop a speed of 30 knots and have an operating range of 4,850 miles. The frigates can carry a Ka-27 helicopter and its modification.
The DefExpo-2020 international land, naval and homeland security exhibition runs in Lucknow in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on February 5-9.


tass--2020-02-06--Press review: Coronavirus to slow Russia’s growth and hackers threaten public health data

MTS Bank analyst Roman Dmitriev handed down one of the most pessimistic forecasts ( the loss of 0.2-0.3 percentage points from the annual GDP due to the spread of the disease ) .
Promsvyazbank sees the risk of a decline in the GDP by 0.2 percentage points by the end of 2020 and at least by 0.1 percentage points in the first half of the year .
According to its chief analyst Denis Popov , the epidemic could affect , first and foremost , transportation , tourism and machine-building industries focusing on China-made components .
Experts agreed that despite the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unlikely to affect inflation .
The reorientation to other markets may lead to some inflationary effect , but it will be noticeable only if official long-term restrictions on purchasing Chinese goods are imposed , said Alfa Bank Chief Economist Natalia Orlova .
The more efforts China ’ s authorities undertake to restrict the spread of the virus , the faster the GDP will fall , Sovcombank Chief Analyst Mikhail Vasiliev stressed .
According to Dmitry Kulikov from the ACRA agency , sales of travel packages and education services , as well as public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will decrease substantially this year .
Extended vacations at some enterprises could likewise cause an economic decline by the end of the year , he pointed out .
Cyber threats will become even more covert and targeted this year , while cyber attacks will be even more sophisticated .
Hackers will be increasingly more interested not only in people ’ s bank accounts but also in their medical diagnoses , the IT experts interviewed by Nezavisimaya Gazeta warned .
`` There will be more and more advertisements on the sale of patients ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cards or insurance certificates , across the dark net .
Even now , they sometimes cost more than bank card data , since they are a valuable resource for hackers , which helps them gain users ’ trust and deceive them or their relatives , '' said Kaspersky Lab Malware Analyst Dmitry Galov .
`` We will continue to observe massive information leakage , in particular , personal data .
Major companies are currently collecting an excessive amount of data , and few people care about the safety of that information , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Accenture , explained .
`` It is fairly difficult to predict future risks , because modern cyber threats often emerge at the crossroads of technology and social engineering , '' Alexander Vasilenko , Regional Director at VMware in Russia and the CIS , explained .
`` This being so , cybersecurity companies should focus on creating the technology , which not only searches for the signatures of existing viruses , but also looks at the entire system ’ s behavior .
In that case , any non-standard behavior will not go unnoticed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister David Zalkaliani visited the United States on Tuesday , and a delegation of the ruling Georgian Dream party led by parliament speaker Archil Talakvadze arrived in Washington the next day .
It is no coincidence that several Georgian politicians came to the US capital simultaneously , Kommersant writes .
Zalkaliani made it clear that he and his colleagues intend to represent their county in Washington as a showcase of `` democratic reforms '' in the post-Soviet space .
According to the delegates from the Georgian Dream party , the purpose of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the malicious misinformation '' disseminated by ex-Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili and his associates .
Saakashvili ’ s team launched a propaganda campaign in Washington in order to discredit the ruling party , Georgian MP and Chairman of the country ’ s Green Party Giorgi Gachechiladze told Kommersant .
`` Saakashvili and his accomplices are trying to mislead our American counterparts , '' he said .
During his visit to Washington , the top Georgian diplomat placed special emphasis on what he alleged was `` Russian aggression and ongoing occupation , '' in reference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also reaffirmed that Georgia remained the United States ’ most faithful ally in the region .
`` The main pathos of the Georgian politicians ’ statements in Washington can be defined as follows : Why change horses in midstream , if the Georgian Dream [ party ] guarantees that a pro-Western choice is unwavering , '' the paper quotes Sergey Markedonov , Leading Researcher at the MGIMO Center for Euro-Atlantic Security , as saying .
Saudi Arabia has given its consent to the United States to take part in creating a new Arab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writes citing media reports and Syrian sources .
The negotiations on the issue were earlier held in the city of Al-Hasakah .
According to media reports , the Saudis seek to limit Iranian influence and prevent any new Turkish offensive in the region .
Riyadh ’ s commitments will include training and financing Arab fighters .
These ethnic-based units are expected to form part of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces .
Evidently , the assassination of influential Iranian General Qasem Soleimani who oversaw Tehran ’ s operations abroad created suitable conditions for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces and some other groups will operate in Riyadh ’ s area of responsibility .
`` The al-Sanadid units are operating mainly in Syria ’ s Deir ez-Zor province .
Saudi Arabia has been working with them for a long time , because they consist of members of the Shammar tribe .
Large numbers of them reside in the kingdom , '' Kirill Semenov , who heads the Center for Islamic Studies at the Innovative Development Institute , told the paper .
The Arab population in northeast Syria sees any hint of Riyadh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Professor of the Modern East Department of History , Political Science and Law at the Russian State University for the Humanities Grigory Kosach stressed to Nezavisimaya Gazeta .
The expert noted that the kingdom ’ s financial assistance to region , which included the Kurds as well , helped the civilian population to survive .
Chinese companies , including China National Offshore Oil Corporation ( CNOOC ) , are reportedly exploring the possibility of temporarily rescinding long-term contracts for the purchase of liquefied natural gas ( LNG ) , Vedomosti writes citing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take control of the epidemic by closing cities and restricting travel , but demand for gas has decreased significantly , The Financial Times earlier reported citing some sources .
Russia ’ s energy giant Gazprom earlier said that the coronavirus situation in China had not affected gas exports through the Power of Siberia pipeline .
A source close to Gazprom informed Vedomosti that there had been no requests from The China National Petroleum Corporation ( CNPC ) to adjust export volumes through the Power of Siberia pipeline , adding that deliveries continued according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to assess now how the coronavirus epidemic could affect gas consumption in China .
If Beijing decides to reduce gas consumption , Chinese companies will be in no hurry to declare force majeure , the paper quotes Maria Belova of Vygon Consulting as saying .
In 2015 and 2016 , Chinese state-controlled companies reduced gas production in the country while maintaining LNG imports , she recalled .
`` It is currently difficult to assess the scale of the disaster , since it is unclear when the real decline in gas imports will begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is bad news for the overheated LNG market , '' she emphasized .
`` A ‘ perfect storm ’ has come for gas prices in Europe - the commissioning of new capacities , a warm winter , along with storage facilities filled to the brim , and now there is also a drop in demand for LNG from China .
The market will be recovering longer than many thought .
This year , prices in Europe are likely to be even lower than last year , when the market plummeted , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews

Izvestia: Russia may face economic slowdown due to China’s coronavirus The novel coronavirus outbreak in China might slow the growth rate of Russia’s GDP by 0.11 percentage points, analysts from the country’s major banks and analytical agencies told Izvestia. Prior to the 2019-nCoV outbreak, they had put the economic growth figure at 1.75%.
Read also China registers 19 cases of foreigners infected with coronavirus
MTS Bank analyst Roman Dmitriev handed down one of the most pessimistic forecasts (the loss of 0.2-0.3 percentage points from the annual GDP due to the spread of the disease). Promsvyazbank sees the risk of a decline in the GDP by 0.2 percentage points by the end of 2020 and at least by 0.1 percentage points in the first half of the year. According to its chief analyst Denis Popov, the epidemic could affect, first and foremost, transportation, tourism and machine-building industries focusing on China-made components. Experts agreed that despite the potential GDP losses, the coronavirus is unlikely to affect inflation. The reorientation to other markets may lead to some inflationary effect, but it will be noticeable only if official long-term restrictions on purchasing Chinese goods are imposed, said Alfa Bank Chief Economist Natalia Orlova. The more efforts China’s authorities undertake to restrict the spread of the virus, the faster the GDP will fall, Sovcombank Chief Analyst Mikhail Vasiliev stressed. According to Dmitry Kulikov from the ACRA agency, sales of travel packages and education services, as well as public transportation tickets and entertainment services in China will decrease substantially this year. Extended vacations at some enterprises could likewise cause an economic decline by the end of the year, he pointed out. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Cyber attacks threaten public health data Cyber threats will become even more covert and targeted this year, while cyber attacks will be even more sophisticated. Hackers will be increasingly more interested not only in people’s bank accounts but also in their medical diagnoses, the IT experts interviewed by Nezavisimaya Gazeta warned. "There will be more and more advertisements on the sale of patients’ medical data, including information from health cards or insurance certificates, across the dark net. Even now, they sometimes cost more than bank card data, since they are a valuable resource for hackers, which helps them gain users’ trust and deceive them or their relatives," said Kaspersky Lab Malware Analyst Dmitry Galov.
"We will continue to observe massive information leakage, in particular, personal data. Major companies are currently collecting an excessive amount of data, and few people care about the safety of that information," Andrey Timoshenko, an information security manager at Accenture, explained. "It is fairly difficult to predict future risks, because modern cyber threats often emerge at the crossroads of technology and social engineering," Alexander Vasilenko, Regional Director at VMware in Russia and the CIS, explained. "This being so, cybersecurity companies should focus on creating the technology, which not only searches for the signatures of existing viruses, but also looks at the entire system’s behavior. In that case, any non-standard behavior will not go unnoticed," he stressed. Kommersant: Georgia seeks US support ahead of parliamentary elections Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani visited the United States on Tuesday, and a delegation of the ruling Georgian Dream party led by parliament speaker Archil Talakvadze arrived in Washington the next day. It is no coincidence that several Georgian politicians came to the US capital simultaneously, Kommersant writes. Zalkaliani made it clear that he and his colleagues intend to represent their county in Washington as a showcase of "democratic reforms" in the post-Soviet space. According to the delegates from the Georgian Dream party, the purpose of their trip to Washington was to counter "the malicious misinformation" disseminated by ex-Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili and his associates. Saakashvili’s team launched a propaganda campaign in Washington in order to discredit the ruling party, Georgian MP and Chairman of the country’s Green Party Giorgi Gachechiladze told Kommersant. "Saakashvili and his accomplices are trying to mislead our American counterparts," he said. During his visit to Washington, the top Georgian diplomat placed special emphasis on what he alleged was "Russian aggression and ongoing occupation," in reference to Abkhazia and South Ossetia. He also reaffirmed that Georgia remained the United States’ most faithful ally in the region. "The main pathos of the Georgian politicians’ statements in Washington can be defined as follows: Why change horses in midstream, if the Georgian Dream [party] guarantees that a pro-Western choice is unwavering," the paper quotes Sergey Markedonov, Leading Researcher at the MGIMO Center for Euro-Atlantic Security, as saying. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Saudis, Washington to create Arab militia in Syria Saudi Arabia has given its consent to the United States to take part in creating a new Arab militia in northeast Syria, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes citing media reports and Syrian sources. The negotiations on the issue were earlier held in the city of Al-Hasakah. According to media reports, the Saudis seek to limit Iranian influence and prevent any new Turkish offensive in the region. Riyadh’s commitments will include training and financing Arab fighters. These ethnic-based units are expected to form part of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces. Evidently, the assassination of influential Iranian General Qasem Soleimani who oversaw Tehran’s operations abroad created suitable conditions for the Saudis.
In addition, the al-Sanadid forces and some other groups will operate in Riyadh’s area of responsibility. "The al-Sanadid units are operating mainly in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor province. Saudi Arabia has been working with them for a long time, because they consist of members of the Shammar tribe. Large numbers of them reside in the kingdom," Kirill Semenov, who heads the Center for Islamic Studies at the Innovative Development Institute, told the paper. The Arab population in northeast Syria sees any hint of Riyadh’s presence in a positive light, Professor of the Modern East Department of History, Political Science and Law at the Russian State University for the Humanities Grigory Kosach stressed to Nezavisimaya Gazeta. The expert noted that the kingdom’s financial assistance to region, which included the Kurds as well, helped the civilian population to survive. Vedomosti: China may reduce LNG imports over coronavirus fears Chinese companies, including China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), are reportedly exploring the possibility of temporarily rescinding long-term contracts for the purchase of liquefied natural gas (LNG), Vedomosti writes citing media reports. Beijing is struggling to take control of the epidemic by closing cities and restricting travel, but demand for gas has decreased significantly, The Financial Times earlier reported citing some sources. Russia’s energy giant Gazprom earlier said that the coronavirus situation in China had not affected gas exports through the Power of Siberia pipeline. A source close to Gazprom informed Vedomosti that there had been no requests from The China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) to adjust export volumes through the Power of Siberia pipeline, adding that deliveries continued according to the contract.
Read also Coronavirus can hit world economy harder than SARS did in 2003 — rating agency


tass--2020-02-06--Kremlin says Putin-Erdogan meeting possible but not agreed upon

MOSCOW , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
Kremlin does not rule out that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President @ @ @ @ @ to discuss the Idlib issue , but there are no concrete agreements yet , says @ @ @ @ @ `` We have no concrete agreements on this , but we do not rule out @ @ @ @ @ said .
He added that `` both Putin and Erdogan tend to make swift decisions @ @ @ @ @ . ''

MOSCOW, February 6. /TASS/. Kremlin does not rule out that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan might meet to discuss the Idlib issue, but there are no concrete agreements yet, says Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
"We have no concrete agreements on this, but we do not rule out a meeting," Peskov said.
He added that "both Putin and Erdogan tend to make swift decisions on meetings they deem necessary."


tass--2020-02-06--Kremlin hopes US stops demonizing Russia as 'boogeyman' in its domestic political battles

Asked at a news conference to comment on the US Senate ’ s acquittal of President Donald Trump , ending the recent impeachment trial , Peskov replied that Russia `` traditionally does not consider itself entitled to intervene in the domestic affairs of the United States . ''
MOSCOW , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin hopes that the United States will stop demonizing Russia using it in its domestic political battles .
In addition , Moscow hopes that bilateral relations between both countries will be normalized , Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists Thursday .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and well predicted by anyone , even by those , who are not experts in US domestic affairs , '' he stressed .
`` For us , the main thing is that during all the domestic political and pre-election struggles , the United States stops using Russia as the chief boogeyman and demon on the US arena of domestic politics since we deem this as utterly objectionable , '' Peskov elaborated .
The presidential spokesman also said that as soon as Washington ceases sacrificing US-Russia relations on the altar of domestic politics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ties . ''
The Senate voted on Wednesday to acquit US President Donald Trump of both articles of impeachment - abuse of power and obstruction of Congress .
The results of the vote on both charges were below the two-thirds majority required - the approval of 67 senators - which was needed for Trump ’ s conviction and removal from office .
A total of 52 senators voted against the first article of the impeachment , 48 - in favor .
The results of the second vote were largely similar , with 53 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 47 in favor .
The voting outcome is final and can not be appealed .
The US presidential election is scheduled for November 3 , 2020 .

Asked at a news conference to comment on the US Senate’s acquittal of President Donald Trump, ending the recent impeachment trial, Peskov replied that Russia "traditionally does not consider itself entitled to intervene in the domestic affairs of the United States."
MOSCOW, February 6. /TASS/. The Kremlin hopes that the United States will stop demonizing Russia using it in its domestic political battles. In addition, Moscow hopes that bilateral relations between both countries will be normalized, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists Thursday.
"This decision by the Senate was well predicted, and well predicted by anyone, even by those, who are not experts in US domestic affairs," he stressed.
"For us, the main thing is that during all the domestic political and pre-election struggles, the United States stops using Russia as the chief boogeyman and demon on the US arena of domestic politics since we deem this as utterly objectionable," Peskov elaborated.
The presidential spokesman also said that as soon as Washington ceases sacrificing US-Russia relations on the altar of domestic politics then "opportunities will arise to normalize ties."
The Senate voted on Wednesday to acquit US President Donald Trump of both articles of impeachment - abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The results of the vote on both charges were below the two-thirds majority required - the approval of 67 senators - which was needed for Trump’s conviction and removal from office.
A total of 52 senators voted against the first article of the impeachment, 48 - in favor. The results of the second vote were largely similar, with 53 senators voting against Trump’s impeachment and 47 in favor. The voting outcome is final and cannot be appealed.
The US presidential election is scheduled for November 3, 2020.


tass--2020-02-06--Foreign Ministry blames terrorists for death of Russian, Turkish military experts in Syria

According to the ministry , Syrian government forces had to react to the unacceptable rise in terrorist activities .
In particular , terrorists from the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham terror group [ the new name of the Jabhat al-Nusra group outlawed in Russia - TASS ] , who seized the de-escalation zone , stepped up their attacks on Syrian troops and nearby cities , primarily , Aleppo , in December 2019 and January 2020 .
MOSCOW , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
Increasing terrorist activities in Syria have led to the death of Russian and Turkish military experts , the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
The Russian Foreign Ministry pointed out that over 1,400 militant attacks involving tanks , machine guns , infantry fighting vehicles , mortars and artillery took place in December 2019 .
Terrorists violently suppressed civilian protests and shelled humanitarian corridors to prevent civilians from leaving Idlib .
`` In fact , jihadists are keeping Idlib residents hostage , using them as human shields , '' the ministry added .
`` In mid-January , the Russian and Turkish militaries made another effort to introduce a ceasefire in the Idlib de-escalation zone .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , terrorists increased attacks , '' the statement said .
`` More than 1,000 attacks have been recorded in the past two weeks alone .
Hundreds of Syrian troops and civilians have been killed and wounded .
Russian and Turkish military experts have died tragically .
Drone attacks on Russia ’ s Hmeymim Air Base are ongoing , '' the Russian Foreign Ministry noted .
According to the document , all this points to an unacceptable increase in terrorist strength in Idlib , where militants have complete impunity and free hands , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ northeastern Syria and then to Libya has taken the number of radicals to dangerous heights .
`` Government forces had to react to these developments in order to protect hundreds and thousands of Syrians from terrorist violence .
A thing to note is that the Syrian army is fighting on its own soil against those designated as terrorists by the UN Security Council .
There can be no interpretations .
It is the Syrian government ’ s right and responsibility to combat terrorists in the country , '' the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached by the Astana trio ( Russia , Iran , Turkey ) and will continue coordination with Ankara and Tehran for the sake of achieving security in Syria , the Russian Foreign Ministry pointed out .
`` We reaffirm our commitment to the agreements reached at the Astana talks , which envisage fighting terrorist groups in Syria on the condition of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country .
We will maintain close coordination with our Turkish and Iranian partners for the sake of achieving lasting stability and security on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conducted by the Syrians themselves with the assistance of the United Nations and in accordance with UNSC Resolution 2254 , '' the statement added .

According to the ministry, Syrian government forces had to react to the unacceptable rise in terrorist activities. In particular, terrorists from the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham terror group [the new name of the Jabhat al-Nusra group outlawed in Russia - TASS], who seized the de-escalation zone, stepped up their attacks on Syrian troops and nearby cities, primarily, Aleppo, in December 2019 and January 2020.
MOSCOW, February 6. /TASS/. Increasing terrorist activities in Syria have led to the death of Russian and Turkish military experts, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
The Russian Foreign Ministry pointed out that over 1,400 militant attacks involving tanks, machine guns, infantry fighting vehicles, mortars and artillery took place in December 2019. Terrorists violently suppressed civilian protests and shelled humanitarian corridors to prevent civilians from leaving Idlib. "In fact, jihadists are keeping Idlib residents hostage, using them as human shields," the ministry added.
"In mid-January, the Russian and Turkish militaries made another effort to introduce a ceasefire in the Idlib de-escalation zone. However, instead of reducing their military activities, terrorists increased attacks," the statement said. "More than 1,000 attacks have been recorded in the past two weeks alone. Hundreds of Syrian troops and civilians have been killed and wounded. Russian and Turkish military experts have died tragically. Drone attacks on Russia’s Hmeymim Air Base are ongoing," the Russian Foreign Ministry noted.
According to the document, all this points to an unacceptable increase in terrorist strength in Idlib, where militants have complete impunity and free hands, while the movement of armed groups first to northeastern Syria and then to Libya has taken the number of radicals to dangerous heights. "Government forces had to react to these developments in order to protect hundreds and thousands of Syrians from terrorist violence. A thing to note is that the Syrian army is fighting on its own soil against those designated as terrorists by the UN Security Council. There can be no interpretations. It is the Syrian government’s right and responsibility to combat terrorists in the country," the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized.
Commitment to agreements
Moscow remains committed to the agreements reached by the Astana trio (Russia, Iran, Turkey) and will continue coordination with Ankara and Tehran for the sake of achieving security in Syria, the Russian Foreign Ministry pointed out.
"We reaffirm our commitment to the agreements reached at the Astana talks, which envisage fighting terrorist groups in Syria on the condition of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. We will maintain close coordination with our Turkish and Iranian partners for the sake of achieving lasting stability and security on the ground and advancing the political process conducted by the Syrians themselves with the assistance of the United Nations and in accordance with UNSC Resolution 2254," the statement added.


tass--2020-02-06--Russia’s latest artillery and mortar systems to go into serial production in 2021

LUCKNOW /India/ , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
The trials of the latest artillery and mortar systems developed by the Burevestnik Central Research Institute ( part of Uralvagonzavod manufacturer within the state corporation Rostec ) will end in the coming 18 months , after which they will go into serial production , the Uralvagonzavod press office told TASS on Thursday .
`` In the coming 18 months , there are plans to complete a set of trials of the 82mm Drok self-propelled mortar , the 120mm Floks self-propelled artillery gun mounted on the truck chassis and the 152mm Magnolia self-propelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ armored tracked two-section transporter , '' the press office said .
`` During this period , the serial production of these guns will begin , '' it added .
Russian Army Commander-in-Chief Army General Oleg Salyukov said in an interview with the Defense Ministry ’ s newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda in November 2019 that the defense industry was completing the Nabrosok R & D work to develop a whole family of highly mobile artillery and mortar armament based on various types of the chassis , including for operations in the Arctic region to increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ artillery .
Under its Nabrosok R & D work , the Burevestnik Central Research Institute has developed the Floks and Magnolia self-propelled artillery guns and also the Drok mortar .
The Floks self-propelled artillery gun is placed on the wheeled chassis of the Ural vehicle and the Magnolia on the two-section tracked platform for moving across soft-soil terrain while the Drok self-propelled mortar is mounted on the wheeled chassis of the Taifun-K vehicle .

LUCKNOW /India/, February 6. /TASS/. The trials of the latest artillery and mortar systems developed by the Burevestnik Central Research Institute (part of Uralvagonzavod manufacturer within the state corporation Rostec) will end in the coming 18 months, after which they will go into serial production, the Uralvagonzavod press office told TASS on Thursday.
"In the coming 18 months, there are plans to complete a set of trials of the 82mm Drok self-propelled mortar, the 120mm Floks self-propelled artillery gun mounted on the truck chassis and the 152mm Magnolia self-propelled gun placed on the chassis of the armored tracked two-section transporter," the press office said.
"During this period, the serial production of these guns will begin," it added.
Russian Army Commander-in-Chief Army General Oleg Salyukov said in an interview with the Defense Ministry’s newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda in November 2019 that the defense industry was completing the Nabrosok R&D work to develop a whole family of highly mobile artillery and mortar armament based on various types of the chassis, including for operations in the Arctic region to increase the mobility and the firepower of battalion-level artillery.
Under its Nabrosok R&D work, the Burevestnik Central Research Institute has developed the Floks and Magnolia self-propelled artillery guns and also the Drok mortar. The Floks self-propelled artillery gun is placed on the wheeled chassis of the Ural vehicle and the Magnolia on the two-section tracked platform for moving across soft-soil terrain while the Drok self-propelled mortar is mounted on the wheeled chassis of the Taifun-K vehicle.


tass--2020-02-06--China registers 19 cases of foreigners infected with coronavirus

BEIJING , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
The Chinese authorities have registered 19 cases of coronavirus 2019-nCoV-related pneumonia among foreign @ @ @ @ @ have been released from the hospital already , Foreign Ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said on @ @ @ @ @ 17 have been quarantined and are undergoing treatment , '' Hua told a regular news @ @ @ @ @ been taking active measures along these lines . ''
Hua avoided disclosing the citizenship of @ @ @ @ @ out that for the Chinese government the health and security of citizens of other countries @ @ @ @ @ that of protecting and saving the lives of Chinese .
The Chinese authorities at the @ @ @ @ @ an outbreak of coronavirus 2019-nCoV-related pneumonia in the city of Wuhan .
Apart from China @ @ @ @ @ have occurred in 24 countries , including Russia .
The World Health Organization declared the @ @ @ @ @ and an epidemic with multiple foci .
According to the latest statistics infections with the @ @ @ @ @ .
More than 560 died of the disease and 1,100 recovered .

BEIJING, February 6. /TASS/. The Chinese authorities have registered 19 cases of coronavirus 2019-nCoV-related pneumonia among foreign nationals, including two who have been released from the hospital already, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said on Thursday.
"The other 17 have been quarantined and are undergoing treatment," Hua told a regular news briefing. "We have been taking active measures along these lines."
Hua avoided disclosing the citizenship of those infected. She pointed out that for the Chinese government the health and security of citizens of other countries was no less important than that of protecting and saving the lives of Chinese.
The Chinese authorities at the end of December 2019 identified an outbreak of coronavirus 2019-nCoV-related pneumonia in the city of Wuhan. Apart from China individual cases of the disease have occurred in 24 countries, including Russia. The World Health Organization declared the outbreak as an international emergency and an epidemic with multiple foci. According to the latest statistics infections with the new coronavirus has exceeded 28,000. More than 560 died of the disease and 1,100 recovered.


tass--2020-02-06--Petrol bombs thrown at Moscow court, source says

MOSCOW , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
The building of Moscow ’ s Nikulinsky District Court caught fire after unidentified @ @ @ @ @ at it , a law enforcement source told TASS , adding that the fire had @ @ @ @ @ perpetrators threw several petrol bombs at the Nikulinsky Court , causing a small fire on @ @ @ @ @ was quickly extinguished .
Police are working on the site , '' the source said @ @ @ @ @ in turn , confirmed the incident to TASS but declined to provide further comment .

MOSCOW, February 6. /TASS/. The building of Moscow’s Nikulinsky District Court caught fire after unidentified perpetrators had thrown petrol bombs at it, a law enforcement source told TASS, adding that the fire had been extinguished.
"The perpetrators threw several petrol bombs at the Nikulinsky Court, causing a small fire on the first floor, which was quickly extinguished. Police are working on the site," the source said.
A court spokesperson, in turn, confirmed the incident to TASS but declined to provide further comment.


tass--2020-02-06--Coronavirus can’t spread beyond quarantined health camp near Tyumen — Russian watchdog

MOSCOW , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
The novel coronavirus will not spread beyond a health camp , where people evacuated from China are undergoing a quarantine , even if any of them is diagnosed with the infection , Head of the Russian Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare Anna Popova told the Rossiya-24 TV channel .
`` The necessary measures have been taken so that nothing happens beyond the building , no matter how the situation develops , she said in response to a question about the possibility of the coronavirus spread .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the evacuees will not leave the camp for 14 days .
People evacuated from the Chinese city of Wuhan include Russian nationals , citizens of other members of the Eurasian Economic Union and Ukraine .
Upon arrival in Russia , they were taken to a health camp 28 kilometers away from the Siberian city of Tyumen for a 14-day quarantine .
According to the Russian embassy in Beijing , 183 out of 341 Russians in Wuhan contacted the diplomatic mission .
Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier handed down instructions to use military planes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city at the center of the coronavirus outbreak .
On February 5 , 144 people evacuated from China arrived in the Siberian city of Tyumen in two military planes .
Popova pointed out that all of them were well and showed no symptoms of respiratory diseases caused by the novel coronavirus .
On December 31 , 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
On January 7 , Chinese experts identified the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease .
According to recent data , over 28,500 cases of patients infected with the virus and 563 deaths have been confirmed in China .
Over 1150 patients have recovered from the virus .
Coronavirus cases have also been reported in 24 other countries , including Russia .
The WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency .

MOSCOW, February 6. /TASS/. The novel coronavirus will not spread beyond a health camp, where people evacuated from China are undergoing a quarantine, even if any of them is diagnosed with the infection, Head of the Russian Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare Anna Popova told the Rossiya-24 TV channel.
"The necessary measures have been taken so that nothing happens beyond the building, no matter how the situation develops, she said in response to a question about the possibility of the coronavirus spread.
According to Popova, medical staff who will monitor the evacuees will not leave the camp for 14 days.
People evacuated from the Chinese city of Wuhan include Russian nationals, citizens of other members of the Eurasian Economic Union and Ukraine. Upon arrival in Russia, they were taken to a health camp 28 kilometers away from the Siberian city of Tyumen for a 14-day quarantine.
According to the Russian embassy in Beijing, 183 out of 341 Russians in Wuhan contacted the diplomatic mission. Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier handed down instructions to use military planes to evacuate Russians from Wuhan, the city at the center of the coronavirus outbreak. On February 5, 144 people evacuated from China arrived in the Siberian city of Tyumen in two military planes. Popova pointed out that all of them were well and showed no symptoms of respiratory diseases caused by the novel coronavirus.
Coronavirus outbreak
On December 31, 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. On January 7, Chinese experts identified the 2019-nCoV coronavirus as the cause of the disease.
According to recent data, over 28,500 cases of patients infected with the virus and 563 deaths have been confirmed in China. Over 1150 patients have recovered from the virus. Coronavirus cases have also been reported in 24 other countries, including Russia. The WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency.


tass--2020-02-06--Austria’s OMV invests 113 mln euro in Nord Stream 2 project in 2019

MOSCOW , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
Austria ’ s OMV company , one of Gazprom ’ s five European @ @ @ @ @ 2 gas pipeline project , invested 113 mln euros in the project in 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ report .
`` Cash flow from investing activities in 2019 included a cash outflow of @ @ @ @ @ related to the financing agreements for the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project , '' the @ @ @ @ @ OMV , 25 mln euro were invested in the project in the fourth quarter of @ @ @ @ @ 2 gas pipeline , set to run from the Russian coast along the Baltic Sea @ @ @ @ @ , is designed to connect the Russian resource base with European customers .
Gazprom ’ @ @ @ @ @ project include Austria ’ s OMV , Germany ’ s Uniper and Wintershall , France @ @ @ @ @ Royal Dutch Shell .

MOSCOW, February 6. /TASS/. Austria’s OMV company, one of Gazprom’s five European partners in the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project, invested 113 mln euros in the project in 2019, the company said in a report.
"Cash flow from investing activities in 2019 included a cash outflow of EUR (113) mln related to the financing agreements for the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project," the report reads.
According to OMV, 25 mln euro were invested in the project in the fourth quarter of 2019.
Nord Stream 2 project
The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, set to run from the Russian coast along the Baltic Sea bed to the German shore, is designed to connect the Russian resource base with European customers. Gazprom’s European partners in the project include Austria’s OMV, Germany’s Uniper and Wintershall, France’s Engie and British-Dutch Royal Dutch Shell.


tass--2020-02-06--Soyuz spacecraft undocks from International Space Station

KOROLYOV /Moscow region/ , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
The Soyuz MS-13 spacecraft carrying Russian cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov , NASA @ @ @ @ @ Space Agency astronaut Luca Parmitano has undocked from the International Space Station ( ISS ) @ @ @ @ @ Center said in a statement .
Soyuz rocket ’ s malfunction will be eliminated in @ @ @ @ @ sources According to the Mission Control Center , no incidents were reported during the undocking @ @ @ @ @ to land 147 kilometers southeast from Kazakhstan ’ s city of Zhezqazghan at 09:12 GMT @

KOROLYOV /Moscow region/, February 6. /TASS/. The Soyuz MS-13 spacecraft carrying Russian cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov, NASA astronaut Christina Koch and European Space Agency astronaut Luca Parmitano has undocked from the International Space Station (ISS), the Russian Mission Control Center said in a statement.
Soyuz rocket’s malfunction will be eliminated in one or two weeks - sources
According to the Mission Control Center, no incidents were reported during the undocking.
The spacecraft is scheduled to land 147 kilometers southeast from Kazakhstan’s city of Zhezqazghan at 09:12 GMT.


tass--2020-02-06--Professional Fighters League To Launch PFL International Qualifier Series In Russia

NEW YORK , Feb. 6 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Professional Fighters League ( PFL ) , the first organization ever to present MMA through a Regular Season , Playoffs and Championship format , today announced that the PFL International Qualifier Series will debut in Russia on February 22nd at RCC Arena .
In partnership with Russian Cagefighting Championship , four lightweight fighters will compete in a fight twice in one-night tournament , with the winner earning his shot at a coveted spot in the 2020 PFL season .
The event will air on MatchTV in Russia , starting at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Series will take place in February and March in PFL priority markets outside the United States , including Russia and United Arab Emirates , with others to be announced .
Four fighters from each market will compete in a tournament requiring each fighter to fight twice and win twice in the same night to be considered for a PFL 2020 season contract .
`` This preseason , we 're excited to launch the PFL 's first-ever International Qualifier Series in Russia , a country known for producing elite MMA athletes and a key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Peter Murray , CEO of the PFL .
`` We look forward to seeing which RCC fighter can withstand the toughest test in MMA , fighting and winning twice in one night , to earn a contract with the PFL for the 2020 season . ''
The PFL International Qualifier Series lightweight tournament features local favorite Timur Nagibin ( 15-4-0 , 1 NC ) , who is coming off a TKO victory over former UFC fighter Mike Santiago .
Nagibin will face Muratbek Kasimbay in the semifinals .
Kasimbay has won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three of which came in the first-round .
His nine career victories ( 9-1 ) have all come by stoppage , bringing knockout power to the fight twice in one-night tournament .
On the other side of the bracket , former World Warriors Fighting Championship lightweight title holder Mikhail Odintsov ( 16-2 ) enters the tournament on a five-fight win streak , four by early stoppage .
His opponent , Vladimir Kanunnikov ( 10-2 ) , began his MMA career with eight straight victories .
He 's looking to rebound from just the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PFL International Qualifier Series live tournaments will be staged and distributed by the PFL 's co-promotion partners in their respective markets .
The PFL will distribute the fights outside of those markets with its official broadcast partners in addition to streaming across the PFL Live App and the league 's digital channels on YouTube , Facebook and Twitch .
The Professional Fighters League ( PFL ) presents MMA for the first time in the sport-season format where individual fighters control their own destiny , competing in a regular season , playoffs , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exciting fights sparked breakout growth for the league .
PFL events are broadcast live in primetime on ESPN2 and ESPN+ in the United States and also distributed to 160 additional countries around the world on premium sports networks .
The PFL 2020 Season features elite MMA athletes across six weight classes with each fighter having two fights during the PFL Regular Season in May , June , July , and August .
The top eight fighters in each weight class advance to the single-elimination PFL Playoffs in October , where fighters must fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night to advance to the finals .
PFL Championship is New Year 's Eve with the winners of each title bout being crowned PFL World Champion of their respective weight class and earning $ 1 million .
Viewers will be delivered next-gen stats never before seen in MMA through the PFL 's proprietary SmartCage™ platform and Cagenomics™ technology .
PFL is backed by an investor group of sports , media , entertainment , and business titans .
For more info visit www.PFLmma.com and follow PFL on Instagram ( @ PFLmma ) , Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( /ProFightLeague ) .

NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the first organization ever to present MMA through a Regular Season, Playoffs and Championship format, today announced that the PFL International Qualifier Series will debut in Russia on February 22nd at RCC Arena. In partnership with Russian Cagefighting Championship, four lightweight fighters will compete in a fight twice in one-night tournament, with the winner earning his shot at a coveted spot in the 2020 PFL season. The event will air on MatchTV in Russia, starting at 5:00pm GMT.
The PFL International Qualifier Series will take place in February and March in PFL priority markets outside the United States, including Russia and United Arab Emirates, with others to be announced. Four fighters from each market will compete in a tournament requiring each fighter to fight twice and win twice in the same night to be considered for a PFL 2020 season contract.
"This preseason, we're excited to launch the PFL's first-ever International Qualifier Series in Russia, a country known for producing elite MMA athletes and a key market for PFL's global growth," said Peter Murray, CEO of the PFL. "We look forward to seeing which RCC fighter can withstand the toughest test in MMA, fighting and winning twice in one night, to earn a contract with the PFL for the 2020 season."
The PFL International Qualifier Series lightweight tournament features local favorite Timur Nagibin (15-4-0, 1 NC), who is coming off a TKO victory over former UFC fighter Mike Santiago. Nagibin will face Muratbek Kasimbay in the semifinals. Kasimbay has won four-straight fights, all by stoppage, three of which came in the first-round. His nine career victories (9-1) have all come by stoppage, bringing knockout power to the fight twice in one-night tournament.
On the other side of the bracket, former World Warriors Fighting Championship lightweight title holder Mikhail Odintsov (16-2) enters the tournament on a five-fight win streak, four by early stoppage. His opponent, Vladimir Kanunnikov (10-2), began his MMA career with eight straight victories. He's looking to rebound from just the second loss of his career.
The PFL International Qualifier Series live tournaments will be staged and distributed by the PFL's co-promotion partners in their respective markets. The PFL will distribute the fights outside of those markets with its official broadcast partners in addition to streaming across the PFL Live App and the league's digital channels on YouTube, Facebook and Twitch.
About Professional Fighters League
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) presents MMA for the first time in the sport-season format where individual fighters control their own destiny, competing in a regular season, playoffs, and championship. PFL's differentiated format and exciting fights sparked breakout growth for the league. PFL events are broadcast live in primetime on ESPN2 and ESPN+ in the United States and also distributed to 160 additional countries around the world on premium sports networks.
The PFL 2020 Season features elite MMA athletes across six weight classes with each fighter having two fights during the PFL Regular Season in May, June, July, and August. The top eight fighters in each weight class advance to the single-elimination PFL Playoffs in October, where fighters must fight twice and win twice in the same night to advance to the finals. PFL Championship is New Year's Eve with the winners of each title bout being crowned PFL World Champion of their respective weight class and earning $1 million. Viewers will be delivered next-gen stats never before seen in MMA through the PFL's proprietary SmartCage™ platform and Cagenomics™ technology.
PFL is backed by an investor group of sports, media, entertainment, and business titans.
For more info visit www.PFLmma.com and follow PFL on Instagram (@PFLmma), Twitter (@ProFightLeague), and Facebook (/ProFightLeague).
CONTACT: Tyler DePina, 646-6403645, tdepina@mww.com


tass--2020-02-06--World Leaders Brave Coronavirus for Peace Talks in Asia

SEOUL , South Korea , Feb. 6 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite the global panic around the coronavirus outbreak , 7,000 heads of state , entrepreneurs , academics , media and religious leaders journeyed to the KINTEX Exhibition Center in Korea from February 3-5 for peace talks to contribute their expertise to bringing solutions to conflict on every level of society .
The Universal Peace Federation ( UPF ) has been the architect behind these talks with industry heavy hitters for the past 14 years .
UPF is an NGO in General Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2005 by Rev .
Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon , it is a global network of individuals and organizations dedicated to building a world of peace centered on universal spiritual and moral values .
More than 2,000 national and 5,000 regional representatives of governments , parliaments , religions , media , academia , the private sector and civil society , representing 171 nations , discussed how to be better custodians of our world and advocates for peaceful solutions to the many problems we face .
In his opening plenary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commended UPF for its many inclusive programs and activities that bring together people of diverse backgrounds and faiths and encourages peaceful resolutions to the world 's complex challenges .
Newt Gingrich , former U.S. Speaker of the House , acknowledged the uniqueness of the occasion .
`` It is a reminder of how connected we all are .
We are all bound together out of a common concern .
The recent coronavirus outbreak and the wildfires in Australia are a reminder of why we need a movement of people working together in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in her Founder 's address that the first step towards peace `` is to understand God 's essence and follow His will . ''
She continued , `` The way to solve the world 's critical problems is by becoming true filial sons and daughters to God , our Heavenly Parent . ''
Other esteemed speakers included the current prime minister of Cambodia Hun Sen , the vice president of the Philippines , current Deputy Speaker of Korea 's National Assembly Hon .
Lee Joo Young , Leni Robredo , former heads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nigeria , Stephen Harper of Canada , Chūichi Date of Japan , Felipe Gonzalez of Spain , Dominique de Villepin of France , Carl Bildt of Sweden , Enda Kenny of Ireland , Enrico Letta of Italy and José Manuel Barroso of Portugal .
`` Without Mother Moon 's vision , leadership and her absolute commitment — her love for God , her love for humanity — UPF 's work would not be possible , '' said Dr. Thomas Walsh , Chairman of UPF International .
Extra precautions were taken to ensure the @ @ @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite the global panic around the coronavirus outbreak, 7,000 heads of state, entrepreneurs, academics, media and religious leaders journeyed to the KINTEX Exhibition Center in Korea from February 3-5 for peace talks to contribute their expertise to bringing solutions to conflict on every level of society.
The Universal Peace Federation (UPF) has been the architect behind these talks with industry heavy hitters for the past 14 years. UPF is an NGO in General Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Founded in 2005 by Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, it is a global network of individuals and organizations dedicated to building a world of peace centered on universal spiritual and moral values.
More than 2,000 national and 5,000 regional representatives of governments, parliaments, religions, media, academia, the private sector and civil society, representing 171 nations, discussed how to be better custodians of our world and advocates for peaceful solutions to the many problems we face.
In his opening plenary, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon commended UPF for its many inclusive programs and activities that bring together people of diverse backgrounds and faiths and encourages peaceful resolutions to the world's complex challenges.
Newt Gingrich, former U.S. Speaker of the House, acknowledged the uniqueness of the occasion. "It is a reminder of how connected we all are. We are all bound together out of a common concern. The recent coronavirus outbreak and the wildfires in Australia are a reminder of why we need a movement of people working together in a peaceful way."
Dr. Moon said in her Founder's address that the first step towards peace "is to understand God's essence and follow His will." She continued, "The way to solve the world's critical problems is by becoming true filial sons and daughters to God, our Heavenly Parent."
Other esteemed speakers included the current prime minister of Cambodia Hun Sen, the vice president of the Philippines, current Deputy Speaker of Korea's National Assembly Hon. Lee Joo Young, Leni Robredo, former heads of state and government Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria, Stephen Harper of Canada, Chūichi Date of Japan, Felipe Gonzalez of Spain, Dominique de Villepin of France, Carl Bildt of Sweden, Enda Kenny of Ireland, Enrico Letta of Italy and José Manuel Barroso of Portugal.
"Without Mother Moon's vision, leadership and her absolute commitment — her love for God, her love for humanity — UPF's work would not be possible," said Dr. Thomas Walsh, Chairman of UPF International.
Extra precautions were taken to ensure the safety and health of all participants.
For further information visit www.upf.org
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1087082/UPF_World_Summit.jpg
CONTACT: UPF Press Relations Peter Zoehrer, +43 664 523 8794, media@europe.upf.org.


tass--2020-02-06--Great Wall Motor debuts at India's Auto Expo, advancing its globalization strategy

NEW DELHI , Feb. 5 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On February 5 , the 15th Auto Expo opened in Delhi , India .
Centered around a theme of how Great Wall Motor ( 601633.SS/02333.HK ) , a world-renowned SUV and pickup manufacturer , is leading the world through intelligence , the carmaker debuted its Haval and Great Wall EV brands at the event , showcasing the company 's strong product lineup and leading technologies to Indian consumers .
Great Wall 's presence at the expo signals the automaker 's formal entry into the Indian market .
Haval , a China-based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not only staged the world debut of its Concept H and the Indian debut of its Vision 2025 , but also exhibited four high-end intelligent SUVs - F7 , F7x , F5 and H9 – all of which have established a solid reputation in world markets .
Great Wall EV , operating as an independent electric vehicle brand under Great Wall Motor , highlighted two of its flagship products , EV R1 and EV iQ .
According to its strategy for the Indian market , Great Wall Motor plans to establish a presence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supply and sales in the country .
Great Wall Motor plans to upgrade its R & D center in Bangalore with a focus on creating intelligent and safe vehicles for Indian consumers while continuing to increase investment in local research and development .
In terms of production , the company will accelerate its acquisition of GM India 's Talegaon plant , in a move to build its 10th full-process vehicle plant worldwide and further localize production .
In addition , Great Wall Holdings Group will invest in auto battery production in India by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Haval brand will launch a full range of SUVs in the country , while Great Wall EV will roll out a variety of models for travel and private use .
In addition to selling products in India , Great Wall Motor will also export vehicles made at its India-based plants to other countries .
The overall expansion in the Indian market will not only help Great Wall Motor to further advance its global strategy , but also enhance its competitiveness in the global automobile industry of the future .

NEW DELHI, Feb. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On February 5, the 15th Auto Expo opened in Delhi, India. Centered around a theme of how Great Wall Motor (601633.SS/02333.HK), a world-renowned SUV and pickup manufacturer, is leading the world through intelligence, the carmaker debuted its Haval and Great Wall EV brands at the event, showcasing the company's strong product lineup and leading technologies to Indian consumers. Great Wall's presence at the expo signals the automaker's formal entry into the Indian market.
Haval, a China-based global leader in the SUV segment, not only staged the world debut of its Concept H and the Indian debut of its Vision 2025, but also exhibited four high-end intelligent SUVs - F7, F7x, F5 and H9 – all of which have established a solid reputation in world markets. Great Wall EV, operating as an independent electric vehicle brand under Great Wall Motor, highlighted two of its flagship products, EV R1 and EV iQ.
According to its strategy for the Indian market, Great Wall Motor plans to establish a presence covering R&D, production, supply and sales in the country.
Great Wall Motor plans to upgrade its R&D center in Bangalore with a focus on creating intelligent and safe vehicles for Indian consumers while continuing to increase investment in local research and development. In terms of production, the company will accelerate its acquisition of GM India's Talegaon plant, in a move to build its 10th full-process vehicle plant worldwide and further localize production. In addition, Great Wall Holdings Group will invest in auto battery production in India by building a complete supply chain system. The Haval brand will launch a full range of SUVs in the country, while Great Wall EV will roll out a variety of models for travel and private use. In addition to selling products in India, Great Wall Motor will also export vehicles made at its India-based plants to other countries.
The overall expansion in the Indian market will not only help Great Wall Motor to further advance its global strategy, but also enhance its competitiveness in the global automobile industry of the future.
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1086557/Great_Wall_MOtor_Expo.jpg
CONTACT: Zhang Jiajia, +86-18611847477, gwpr@gwm.cn


tass--2020-02-06--Russia ready to supply India with more kits to assemble T-90S tanks

LUCKNOW /India/ , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is ready to continue supplying India with kits to assemble T-90S @ @ @ @ @ Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation told TASS during the DefExpo 2020 exhibition in India ’ @ @ @ @ @ `` In 2019 , a contract was signed with India ’ s Ministry of Defense @ @ @ @ @ licensed production of T-90S main battle tanks until December 2028 ( previously valid until December @ @ @ @ @ their number by 409 vehicles , '' the service said .
`` In turn , @ @ @ @ @ Defense placed an order with the Heavy Vehicles Factory ( HVF ) in Avadi to @ @ @ @ @ '' `` If necessary , Russian enterprises are ready to supply the Indian factory with @ @ @ @ @ tanks .
The delivery of readymade products is not envisaged , '' it said .
@ @ @ @ @ tank in service with the Ground Forces of India .

LUCKNOW /India/, February 6. /TASS/. Russia is ready to continue supplying India with kits to assemble T-90S main battle tanks, the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation told TASS during the DefExpo 2020 exhibition in India’s Lucknow on Thursday.
"In 2019, a contract was signed with India’s Ministry of Defense to extend the contract for licensed production of T-90S main battle tanks until December 2028 (previously valid until December 2020) and to increase their number by 409 vehicles," the service said. "In turn, India’s Ministry of Defense placed an order with the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) in Avadi to assemble additional 464 tanks."
"If necessary, Russian enterprises are ready to supply the Indian factory with items for the production of tanks. The delivery of readymade products is not envisaged," it said.
T-90s is the main battle tank in service with the Ground Forces of India.


tass--2020-02-06--IAEA detected no fresh nuclear deal violations by Iran — head

WASHINGTON , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
The International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA ) has detected no new violations of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) by Iran since the Islamic Republic ’ s fifth stage of reducing its nuclear commitments under the deal , IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said .
`` After the fifth step , there has n't been any follow-up , '' he told the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington , but admitted that `` of course they continue to enrich . ''
`` I keep my eyes on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the IAEA chief continued .
`` We obviously do not carry out our inspection activities mechanistically , so we listen to what is being said and we prepare ourselves for every possible circumstance . ''
On January 5 , Iran announced its steps for the fifth phase of reducing its obligations under JCPOA , signed in 2015 .
The fifth step of Tehran implies that it will not meet restrictions set by JCPOA on the number of centrifuges for uranium enrichment .
On January 14 , the UK , Germany and France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mechanism within the JCPOA claiming that Iran fails to adhere to its obligations under the deal .
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Monday that European nations have not yet triggered the mechanism .
The future of the Iranian nuclear deal was called into question after the United States ’ unilateral pullout on May 8 , 2018 and Washington ’ s unilateral oil export sanctions against Tehran .
Iran argues that all other participants , Europeans in the first place , ignore some of their own obligations in the economic sphere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current shape meaningless .
Due to this , Iran began the process of stage-by-stage suspension of its commitments under the deal .

WASHINGTON, February 6. /TASS/. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has detected no new violations of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) by Iran since the Islamic Republic’s fifth stage of reducing its nuclear commitments under the deal, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.
"After the fifth step, there hasn't been any follow-up," he told the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, but admitted that "of course they continue to enrich."
"I keep my eyes on what’s going on Iran," the IAEA chief continued. "We obviously do not carry out our inspection activities mechanistically, so we listen to what is being said and we prepare ourselves for every possible circumstance."
On January 5, Iran announced its steps for the fifth phase of reducing its obligations under JCPOA, signed in 2015. The fifth step of Tehran implies that it will not meet restrictions set by JCPOA on the number of centrifuges for uranium enrichment.
On January 14, the UK, Germany and France announced the launch of a dispute resolution mechanism within the JCPOA claiming that Iran fails to adhere to its obligations under the deal. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Monday that European nations have not yet triggered the mechanism.
The future of the Iranian nuclear deal was called into question after the United States’ unilateral pullout on May 8, 2018 and Washington’s unilateral oil export sanctions against Tehran. Iran argues that all other participants, Europeans in the first place, ignore some of their own obligations in the economic sphere, thus making the deal in its current shape meaningless. Due to this, Iran began the process of stage-by-stage suspension of its commitments under the deal.


tass--2020-02-06--ISS crew returning to Earth boards Soyuz MS-13, closes hatches

MOSCOW , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
Russian cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov , European Space Agency astronaut Luca Parmitano ( Italy @ @ @ @ @ Koch boarded the Soyuz MS-13 spacecraft that would take them back to Earth on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ .
Preparations for the spacecraft ’ s departure from the International Space Station ( ISS @ @ @ @ @ the website of Russia ’ s space corporation Roscosmos .
The crew is to put @ @ @ @ @ check the operability of the spacraft ’ s systems and air-tightness of hatches .
Soyuz @ @ @ @ @ the ISS at 08:50 on Thursday .
The landing is scheduled for 12:12 Moscow time @ @ @ @ @ of the Kazakh city of Zhezkazgan .
Russian cosmonaut Oleg Skripochka , and NASA astronauts @ @ @ @ @ are to continue working aboard the orbital outpost .

MOSCOW, February 6. /TASS/. Russian cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov, European Space Agency astronaut Luca Parmitano (Italy) and NASA astronaut Christina Koch boarded the Soyuz MS-13 spacecraft that would take them back to Earth on Thursday, closed hatches behind them.
Preparations for the spacecraft’s departure from the International Space Station (ISS) are broadcast live on the website of Russia’s space corporation Roscosmos.
The crew is to put on their flight spacesuits, check the operability of the spacraft’s systems and air-tightness of hatches.
Soyuz MS-13 is to undock from the ISS at 08:50 on Thursday. The landing is scheduled for 12:12 Moscow time, some 147 km southeast of the Kazakh city of Zhezkazgan.
Russian cosmonaut Oleg Skripochka, and NASA astronauts Andrew Morgan and Jessica Meir are to continue working aboard the orbital outpost.


tass--2020-02-06--Trials of Russia’s newest Koalitsiya-SV self-propelled gun to be completed in 2022

LUCKNOW /India/ , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
The trials of Russia ’ s Koalitsiya-SV self-propelled gun ( SPG ) will be completed in 2022 , the press service of the gun ’ s manufacturer Uralvagonzavod told TASS on Thursday during the DefExpo 2020 exhibition in India ’ s Lucknow .
`` Trials of the 152-mm Koalitsiya-SV self-propelled gun are envisaged to be completed in 2022 , '' the press service said .
The press service did not elaborate on when the weapon is expected to enter service , saying that the issue `` is within the competence of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Koalitsiya-SV self-propelled gun is designed to conduct counterbattery fighting , destroy tanks and other armored vehicles , antitank weapons , manpower , air defense and ballistic missile defense systems , command and control posts and fortifications , and cause maximum fire damage to the enemy in tactical depths .
The SPG has an automatic real-time fire control system .
The 2S35 gun is accurate at a range of up to 50 kilometers ( 31 miles ) .
The Koalitsiya-SV is loaded by a transporter-loader vehicle that has two conveyers with rounds and propellant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , taking a munition with a manipulator and transporting it to the loading chamber .

LUCKNOW /India/, February 6. /TASS/. The trials of Russia’s Koalitsiya-SV self-propelled gun (SPG) will be completed in 2022, the press service of the gun’s manufacturer Uralvagonzavod told TASS on Thursday during the DefExpo 2020 exhibition in India’s Lucknow.
"Trials of the 152-mm Koalitsiya-SV self-propelled gun are envisaged to be completed in 2022," the press service said.
The press service did not elaborate on when the weapon is expected to enter service, saying that the issue "is within the competence of the Russian Defense Ministry."
The 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV self-propelled gun is designed to conduct counterbattery fighting, destroy tanks and other armored vehicles, antitank weapons, manpower, air defense and ballistic missile defense systems, command and control posts and fortifications, and cause maximum fire damage to the enemy in tactical depths.
The SPG has an automatic real-time fire control system. The 2S35 gun is accurate at a range of up to 50 kilometers (31 miles).
The Koalitsiya-SV is loaded by a transporter-loader vehicle that has two conveyers with rounds and propellant charges. The operator rotates the conveyers, taking a munition with a manipulator and transporting it to the loading chamber.


tass--2020-02-06--Lavrov arrives to Santiago de Cuba for talks with his Cuban counterpart

SANTIAGO DE CUBA , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived on a brief visit to @ @ @ @ @ de Cuba on Thursday , where he is to make his first stop of the @ @ @ @ @ TASS correspondent reported .
He is expected to meet with his Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez @ @ @ @ @ interview with Prensa Latina , published in the run-up to his visit , the minister @ @ @ @ @ tribute to Cuban revolution leader Fidel Castro ( 1926-2016 ) .
He also plans to @ @ @ @ @ , where other Cuban independence fighters were laid to rest .
After the brief stopover @ @ @ @ @ head to Mexico , where he is to meet with Mexican Secretary of Foreign Affairs @ @ @

SANTIAGO DE CUBA, February 6. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived on a brief visit in the Cuban city of Santiago de Cuba on Thursday, where he is to make his first stop of the Latin American tour, a TASS correspondent reported.
He is expected to meet with his Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla there.
In an interview with Prensa Latina, published in the run-up to his visit, the minister said he planned to pay tribute to Cuban revolution leader Fidel Castro (1926-2016). He also plans to visit the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, where other Cuban independence fighters were laid to rest.
After the brief stopover in Cuba, Lavrov will head to Mexico, where he is to meet with Mexican Secretary of Foreign Affairs ·Marcelo Ebrard.


tass--2020-02-06--No chance to assess damage to Syria’s ancient city of Ebla so far due to mines

MOSCOW , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
Syrian experts have so far been unable to assess the damage done by militants to Syria ’ s recently liberated ancient city of Ebla in the Idlib province , because the territory is yet to be cleared from explosives , the head of Syria ’ s Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums , Mahmoud Hammoud , told TASS .
Syria ’ s SANA news agency reported that the governmental troops gained control over the historic site on February 5 .
Prior to that , Syrian troops liberated the city of Maarat al-Numan , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , located on the strategic Damascus-Aleppo highway .
Experts of the Syrian Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums regularly visit liberated territories to assess damage dealt to the country ’ s cultural heritage .
`` It is not yet safe to visit [ Ebla ] , the territory is yet to be cleared from mines , '' Hammoud said .
According to Hammoud , militants turned the ancient city into a training camp and ransacked archaeological sites .
They also dug trenches and conducted illegal excavations , mixing up cultural layers .
Ebla , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aleppo , is one of Syria ’ s most ancient cites that thrived roughly between 3,000-2,000 B.C .
Excavations in the area began in 1964 .
Archaeologists managed to find the city 's archive , dated somewhere about 3,000 B.C .
In an earlier interview to TASS , Mahmoud Hammoud said that militants who captured Idlib in 2015 , stole about 16,000 cuneiform tablets from a city museum .

MOSCOW, February 6. /TASS/. Syrian experts have so far been unable to assess the damage done by militants to Syria’s recently liberated ancient city of Ebla in the Idlib province, because the territory is yet to be cleared from explosives, the head of Syria’s Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums, Mahmoud Hammoud, told TASS.
Syria’s SANA news agency reported that the governmental troops gained control over the historic site on February 5. Prior to that, Syrian troops liberated the city of Maarat al-Numan, the second largest city of the Idlib governorate, located on the strategic Damascus-Aleppo highway.
Experts of the Syrian Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums regularly visit liberated territories to assess damage dealt to the country’s cultural heritage.
"It is not yet safe to visit [Ebla], the territory is yet to be cleared from mines," Hammoud said.
According to Hammoud, militants turned the ancient city into a training camp and ransacked archaeological sites. They also dug trenches and conducted illegal excavations, mixing up cultural layers.
Ebla, a city-state in the vicinity of modern Aleppo, is one of Syria’s most ancient cites that thrived roughly between 3,000-2,000 B.C. Excavations in the area began in 1964. Archaeologists managed to find the city's archive, dated somewhere about 3,000 B.C. In an earlier interview to TASS, Mahmoud Hammoud said that militants who captured Idlib in 2015, stole about 16,000 cuneiform tablets from a city museum.


tass--2020-02-06--Novel coronavirus death toll in China rises to 563

BEIJING , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
The number of people who contracted the 2019-nCoV novel coronavirus in China topped 28,000 by Thursday , 563 of them died , China ’ s National Health Commission said .
Earlier on Thursday , the Wangyi news portal reported citing regional authorities that the number of people who contracted the 2019-nCoV novel coronavirus in China rose to 27,400 by Thursday , 563 of them died .
A total of 1,135 patients have recovered by Thursday .
According to the commission , more than 186,300 people have been quarantined .
More than 23,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the novel coronavirus infection , but have not yet been diagnosed .
They were placed under medical supervision until their diagnosis is either confirmed or not .
The majority of confirmed cases - about 19,600 - were registered in China ’ s Hubei province , where the respiratory illness was first identified .
A total of 549 people have already died of the novel coronavirus there , and 633 have recovered and been discharged from hospital .
The provinces of Zhejiang and Guangdong reported 895 novel coronavirus cases each , but no deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have been discharged from hospitals in those two regions , respectively .
A total of 253 cases have been confirmed in the capital Beijing , one person died .
The Heilongjiang province and Inner Mongolia , both bordering Russia , reported 190 cases ( two deaths ) and 42 cases , respectively .
On December 31 , 2019 , Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center in central China populated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 , Chinese experts identified the infecting agent as coronavirus 2019-nCoV .
Cases of the novel coronavirus were also confirmed in 24 other countries , including Russia .
The WHO declared the novel coronavirus outbreak an international public health emergency .
A number of states , including Russia , evacuated their citizens from Hubei .
On February 5 , a total of 144 people - citizens of Russia , Belarus , Kazakhstan and Ukraine - were taken to Western Siberia ’ s Tyumen region .
Wednesday ’ s report put the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the death toll at 491 .

BEIJING, February 6. /TASS/. The number of people who contracted the 2019-nCoV novel coronavirus in China topped 28,000 by Thursday, 563 of them died, China’s National Health Commission said.
Earlier on Thursday, the Wangyi news portal reported citing regional authorities that the number of people who contracted the 2019-nCoV novel coronavirus in China rose to 27,400 by Thursday, 563 of them died. A total of 1,135 patients have recovered by Thursday.
According to the commission, more than 186,300 people have been quarantined.
More than 23,000 people have developed symptoms similar to those of the novel coronavirus infection, but have not yet been diagnosed. They were placed under medical supervision until their diagnosis is either confirmed or not.
The majority of confirmed cases - about 19,600 - were registered in China’s Hubei province, where the respiratory illness was first identified. A total of 549 people have already died of the novel coronavirus there, and 633 have recovered and been discharged from hospital.
The provinces of Zhejiang and Guangdong reported 895 novel coronavirus cases each, but no deaths. A total of 46 and 78 people have been discharged from hospitals in those two regions, respectively.
A total of 253 cases have been confirmed in the capital Beijing, one person died. The Heilongjiang province and Inner Mongolia, both bordering Russia, reported 190 cases (two deaths) and 42 cases, respectively.
On December 31, 2019, Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center in central China populated by 11 million people. On January 7, Chinese experts identified the infecting agent as coronavirus 2019-nCoV.
Cases of the novel coronavirus were also confirmed in 24 other countries, including Russia. The WHO declared the novel coronavirus outbreak an international public health emergency.
A number of states, including Russia, evacuated their citizens from Hubei. On February 5, a total of 144 people - citizens of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine - were taken to Western Siberia’s Tyumen region.
Wednesday’s report put the number of infected in China at over 24,300, and the death toll at 491.


tass--2020-02-06--Ten more passengers of quarantined cruise ship diagnosed with coronavirus

TOKYO , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
Ten more passengers of the Diamond Princess , a cruise ship quarantined since February 3 , have been diagnosed with novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV , the Japanese Ministry of Health , Labour and Welfare said on Thursday .
The citizenship of those passengers is yet unknown .
The ministry said that all passengers who are diagnosed with the virus will be taken to medical facilities of Japan 's Kanagawa prefecture .
About 3,700 people from more than 50 countries , including 24 Russians , are currently aboard the cruise ship , according to Japan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministry .
The Russian embassy in Japan said on Thursday that no Russians were among the ship 's passengers who contracted the coronavirus .
The embassy said in a Facebook post it `` continues its work to help the Russian citizens who are on board the cruise ship . ''
The cruise ship departed from Yokohama on January 20 and returned on February 3 .
Among the passengers was a Chinese national who tested positive for the novel coronavirus .
He went off the ship in Hong Kong on January 25 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be anchored off Yokohama for the people aboard to be given health screenings .
Medical officials shortlisted 273 people , who either had been in contact with the infected Chinese man or showed pneumonia symptoms .
Up to now , out of 31 tests , ten people have tested positive for the newly identified virus .
They are from Japan , China , the United States , Australia and the Philippines .
The ten people were taken ashore on the coast guard boats to a hospital and their condition is estimated as normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14-day quarantine .
A spokesperson for Carnival Japan , a Japanese operator of the ship , told TASS that the passengers on board would not incur any additional expenses , including accommodation and meals .
On December 31 , 2019 , Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center in central China populated by 11 million people .
On January 7 , Chinese experts identified the infecting agent as coronavirus 2019-nCoV .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed in 24 other countries , including Russia .
The WHO declared the novel coronavirus outbreak an international public health emergency .
According to the latest report , the number of people who contracted the 2019-nCoV novel coronavirus in China topped 28,000 by Thursday , 563 of them died .
A total of 1,135 patients have recovered .

TOKYO, February 6. /TASS/. Ten more passengers of the Diamond Princess, a cruise ship quarantined since February 3, have been diagnosed with novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare said on Thursday.
The citizenship of those passengers is yet unknown.
The ministry said that all passengers who are diagnosed with the virus will be taken to medical facilities of Japan's Kanagawa prefecture.
About 3,700 people from more than 50 countries, including 24 Russians, are currently aboard the cruise ship, according to Japan’s Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry.
The Russian embassy in Japan said on Thursday that no Russians were among the ship's passengers who contracted the coronavirus. The embassy said in a Facebook post it "continues its work to help the Russian citizens who are on board the cruise ship."
The cruise ship departed from Yokohama on January 20 and returned on February 3. Among the passengers was a Chinese national who tested positive for the novel coronavirus. He went off the ship in Hong Kong on January 25. The Japanese authorities ordered the cruise ship to be anchored off Yokohama for the people aboard to be given health screenings.
Medical officials shortlisted 273 people, who either had been in contact with the infected Chinese man or showed pneumonia symptoms. Up to now, out of 31 tests, ten people have tested positive for the newly identified virus. They are from Japan, China, the United States, Australia and the Philippines. The ten people were taken ashore on the coast guard boats to a hospital and their condition is estimated as normal.
The cruise ship is placed in 14-day quarantine. A spokesperson for Carnival Japan, a Japanese operator of the ship, told TASS that the passengers on board would not incur any additional expenses, including accommodation and meals.
On December 31, 2019, Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center in central China populated by 11 million people. On January 7, Chinese experts identified the infecting agent as coronavirus 2019-nCoV.
Cases of the novel coronavirus were also confirmed in 24 other countries, including Russia. The WHO declared the novel coronavirus outbreak an international public health emergency.
According to the latest report, the number of people who contracted the 2019-nCoV novel coronavirus in China topped 28,000 by Thursday, 563 of them died. A total of 1,135 patients have recovered.


tass--2020-02-06--Syrian defenses repelling Israeli air raid on Damascus — SANA

MOSCOW , Febraury 6 .
/TASS/ .
Syrian air defense units are trying to repel an Israeli air strike on @ @ @ @ @ Damascus , the SANA news agency reported on Thursday .
According to the agency , @ @ @ @ @ of the Syrian capital .
No information about deaths or damage on the ground is @ @ @ @ @ said the majority of projectiles were intercepted before striking their targets .
The air raid @ @ @ @ @ Syrian troops entering the strategically important city of Saraqib in the Idlib governorate .
Saraqib @ @ @ @ @ two main roads connecting Latakia and Damascus with Aleppo .
The Syrian army ’ s @ @ @ @ @ result in the defeat of the armed groups operating in the country ’ s north @

MOSCOW, Febraury 6. /TASS/. Syrian air defense units are trying to repel an Israeli air strike on the country’s capital Damascus, the SANA news agency reported on Thursday.
According to the agency, Israeli forces attacked western districts of the Syrian capital.
No information about deaths or damage on the ground is available so far.
SANA said the majority of projectiles were intercepted before striking their targets.
The air raid coincided with media reports of Syrian troops entering the strategically important city of Saraqib in the Idlib governorate. Saraqib sits at the junction of two main roads connecting Latakia and Damascus with Aleppo. The Syrian army’s control over the town could result in the defeat of the armed groups operating in the country’s north.


tass--2020-02-06--Death toll in Turkish plane’s crash-landing rises to three — ministry

ANKARA , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
At least three people were killed and nearly everyone on board received injuries @ @ @ @ @ ’ s crash-landing of a plane at an airport in the Turkish city of Istanbul @ @ @ @ @ Koca said on Thursday .
`` Regretfully , three our citizens died .
179 people @ @ @ @ @ them are in intensive care , '' the minister was quoted as saying by Turkey @ @ @ @ @ According to updated information cited by the minister , the plane had 183 people on @ @ @ @ @ members .
A Boeing 737-800 plane of Turkish low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines , en route @ @ @ @ @ crash-landed at the Sabiha Gokcen International Airport on Wednesday .
The aircraft skidded off the @ @ @ @ @ and caught fire .
According to preliminary reports , bad weather is seen as the @ @ @ @ @ fatal accident .

ANKARA, February 6. /TASS/. At least three people were killed and nearly everyone on board received injuries of varying degrees during Wednesday’s crash-landing of a plane at an airport in the Turkish city of Istanbul, Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said on Thursday.
"Regretfully, three our citizens died. 179 people were hospitalized, three of them are in intensive care," the minister was quoted as saying by Turkey’s NTV channel.
According to updated information cited by the minister, the plane had 183 people on board, including six crew members.
A Boeing 737-800 plane of Turkish low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines, en route from Izmir to Istanbul, crash-landed at the Sabiha Gokcen International Airport on Wednesday. The aircraft skidded off the runway, split in three and caught fire. According to preliminary reports, bad weather is seen as the most likely cause of the fatal accident.


tass--2020-02-07--Upper stage with 34 OneWeb satellites separates from carrier rocket's third stage

MOSCOW , February 7 .
/TASS/ .
The upper stage of the Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket with the Fregat-M booster and 34 OneWeb satellites have successfully separated from the third stage , according to a live broadcast on the website of Russia 's Roscosmos space corporation .
`` The upper stage has separated from the third stage of the carrier rocket , '' a commentator said .
The Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket with the Fregat-M booster and 34 OneWeb satellites was launched from the 31st platform on the Baikonur spaceport at 12:42am Moscow time .
This is the first launch of OneWeb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will take 3.5 hours to deliver the satellites to the orbit .
OneWeb satellites were initially planned to be launched from Baikonur in December 2019 , but the launch was postponed because the manufacturer needed more time to test the satellites .
Before that , the satellites manufactured by the British company were only launched from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana by the Soyuz-ST carrier rocket on 28 February 2019 .
Six satellited were delivered to the orbit then .
In total , OneWeb plans to deploy around 600 satellites on the @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, February 7. /TASS/. The upper stage of the Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket with the Fregat-M booster and 34 OneWeb satellites have successfully separated from the third stage, according to a live broadcast on the website of Russia's Roscosmos space corporation.
"The upper stage has separated from the third stage of the carrier rocket," a commentator said.
The Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket with the Fregat-M booster and 34 OneWeb satellites was launched from the 31st platform on the Baikonur spaceport at 12:42am Moscow time. This is the first launch of OneWeb satellites from the Baikonur spaceport. It will take 3.5 hours to deliver the satellites to the orbit.
OneWeb satellites were initially planned to be launched from Baikonur in December 2019, but the launch was postponed because the manufacturer needed more time to test the satellites.
Before that, the satellites manufactured by the British company were only launched from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana by the Soyuz-ST carrier rocket on 28 February 2019. Six satellited were delivered to the orbit then. In total, OneWeb plans to deploy around 600 satellites on the Earth's orbit.


tass--2020-02-07--Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket with 34 OneWeb satellites launched from Baikonur

MOSCOW , February 7 .
/TASS/ .
The Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket with the Fregat-M booster and 34 OneWeb satellites has @ @ @ @ @ platform on the Baikonur spaceport , according to the live broadcast on the website of @ @ @ @ @ .
The Fregat-M booster and satellites will separate in about nine minutes .
It will @ @ @ @ @ the satellites to the orbit .
This is the first launch of OneWeb satellites from @ @ @ @ @ satellites were initially planned to be launched from Baikonur in December 2019 , but the @ @ @ @ @ manufacturer needed more time to test the satellites .
Before that , the satellites manufactured @ @ @ @ @ only launched from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana by the Soyuz-ST carrier rocket on @ @ @ @ @ satellited were delivered to the orbit then .
In total , OneWeb plans to deploy @ @ @ @ @ Earth 's orbit .

MOSCOW, February 7. /TASS/. The Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket with the Fregat-M booster and 34 OneWeb satellites has been launched from the 31st platform on the Baikonur spaceport, according to the live broadcast on the website of Russia's Roscosmos space corporation.
The Fregat-M booster and satellites will separate in about nine minutes. It will take 3.5 hours to deliver the satellites to the orbit. This is the first launch of OneWeb satellites from the Baikonur spaceport.
OneWeb satellites were initially planned to be launched from Baikonur in December 2019, but the launch was postponed because the manufacturer needed more time to test the satellites.
Before that, the satellites manufactured by the British company were only launched from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana by the Soyuz-ST carrier rocket on 28 February 2019. Six satellited were delivered to the orbit then. In total, OneWeb plans to deploy around 600 satellites on the Earth's orbit.


tass--2020-02-07--Next meeting on Syria in Astana format may take place in March, says Ankara

ANKARA , February 6./TASS/ .
A new summit on Syria in the Astana format may take place in March , @ @ @ @ @ Ibrahim Kalin said on Thursday .
`` A meeting in the Astana format may take @ @ @ @ @ is underway on that issue , '' he told a news conference in Ankara .
@ @ @ @ @ that a military delegation from Russia was expected to arrive in Turkey to discuss Syria @ @ @ @ @ of the Astana trio ( Russia , Iran and Turkey ) was held in Turkey @ @ @ @ @ three countries also maintain contacts within the framework of high-level meetings on Syria in Nur-Sultan @ @ @ @ @ recent meeting was held on December 10-11 .
It was decided then to hold the @ @ @ @ @ March 2020 .

ANKARA, February 6./TASS/. A new summit on Syria in the Astana format may take place in March, spokesperson for the Turkish president Ibrahim Kalin said on Thursday.
"A meeting in the Astana format may take place in March, work is underway on that issue," he told a news conference in Ankara. Besides, the spokesperson said that a military delegation from Russia was expected to arrive in Turkey to discuss Syria.
The most recent summit of the Astana trio (Russia, Iran and Turkey) was held in Turkey in mid-September 2019. The three countries also maintain contacts within the framework of high-level meetings on Syria in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. The most recent meeting was held on December 10-11. It was decided then to hold the next Astana format summit in March 2020.