tass--2020-03-11--WTO suspends all meetings until March 20 over confirmed coronavirus case

GENEVA , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
The World Trade Organization ( WTO ) has announced suspension of all meetings @ @ @ @ @ WTO staff member was confirmed to have contracted the novel coronavirus .
`` Director-General Roberto @ @ @ @ @ that , as of March 11 , all meetings at the WTO will be suspended @ @ @ @ @ decision follows confirmation that one WTO staff member has contracted the COVID-19 virus , '' @ @ @ @ @ press release .
`` We take the health of Secretariat staff and our members very @ @ @ @ @ have taken this unprecedented step , '' Azevedo said .
`` We are monitoring the @ @ @ @ @ take whatever measures are necessary to protect health and safety , '' he added .
@ @ @ @ @ that `` the WTO has a coronavirus Task Force in place to monitor developments and @ @ @ @ @ in response to the evolving situation . ''
Switzerland 's health authorities said on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus were confirmed in the country so far , with three fatalities .

GENEVA, March 10. /TASS/. The World Trade Organization (WTO) has announced suspension of all meetings until March 20 after one WTO staff member was confirmed to have contracted the novel coronavirus.
"Director-General Roberto Azevedo has informed WTO members that, as of March 11, all meetings at the WTO will be suspended until 20 March. The decision follows confirmation that one WTO staff member has contracted the COVID-19 virus," the WTO said in a press release.
"We take the health of Secretariat staff and our members very seriously which is why we have taken this unprecedented step," Azevedo said. "We are monitoring the situation very closely and will take whatever measures are necessary to protect health and safety," he added.
The press release also noted that "the WTO has a coronavirus Task Force in place to monitor developments and is taking all precautions necessary in response to the evolving situation."
Switzerland's health authorities said on Tuesday that 476 cases of the novel coronavirus were confirmed in the country so far, with three fatalities.


tass--2020-03-11--Putin and Volodin discussing with Medvedchuk parliamentary dimension of Normandy format

Another Normandy Four summit may take place once final document is signed — Lavrov MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin is meeting with head of the political council of Ukraine 's Opposition Platform — For Life party Viktor Medvedchuk and Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin at the Kremlin .
The agenda for the meeting is creating a parliamentary dimension of the Normandy format .
`` We have talked about this , and Vyacheslav Viktorovich [ Volodin ] has recently informed me that you have an idea to create a parliamentary dimension of the Normandy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good idea , '' Putin said .
He reminded that this topic was already discussed with Medvedchuk some time ago .
`` Of course , there are parliamentarians in Russia , Germany and France that will support what is being done at the level of executive authorities .
I think it would be great , and I really hope that you will succeed .
I hope that the administration of the Ukrainian president will support this idea , '' the Russian leader noted .
He added that `` from our side , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

Another Normandy Four summit may take place once final document is signed — Lavrov
MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin is meeting with head of the political council of Ukraine's Opposition Platform — For Life party Viktor Medvedchuk and Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin at the Kremlin.
The agenda for the meeting is creating a parliamentary dimension of the Normandy format.
"We have talked about this, and Vyacheslav Viktorovich [Volodin] has recently informed me that you have an idea to create a parliamentary dimension of the Normandy format. I think this is a good idea," Putin said.
He reminded that this topic was already discussed with Medvedchuk some time ago.
"Of course, there are parliamentarians in Russia, Germany and France that will support what is being done at the level of executive authorities. I think it would be great, and I really hope that you will succeed. I hope that the administration of the Ukrainian president will support this idea," the Russian leader noted. He added that "from our side, we are always ready to join in."


tass--2020-03-10--Turkey, Russia stay committed to ceasefire in Syria’s Idlib — Turkey’s defense ministry

ANKARA , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
Turkey and Russia have reiterated commitment to lasting ceasefire in Syria ’ s Idlib de-escalation zone , Turkey 's National Defense Ministry said on Tuesday after telephone talks between the two countries ’ defense ministers , Hulusi Akar of Turkey and Sergey Shoigu of Russia .
`` Akar and Shoigu exchanged views on the ceasefire in Idlib and on the issues of the return of more than one million refugees .
The sides reiterated their commitment to the ceasefire , their liabilities under the agreement [ on Idlib ] , and efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the ministry said .
Russia ’ s Defense Ministry said earlier on Tuesday that the two defense ministers had discussed measures to stabilize the situation in Idlib .
`` The sides discussed issues of the implementation of the additional protocol to the memorandum on the stabilization of the situation in the Idlib de-escalation zone ( signed in Moscow on March 5 , 2020 ) , '' the ministry said , adding that the conversation was initiated by the Turkish side .
Russian and Turkish Presidents , Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday to agree a ceasefire and a number of other measures to settle the situation in Syria ’ s Idlib governorate .
Under the agreements , hostilities are to be stopped along the entire contact line along with the enforcement of a ceasefire on March 6 .
Russia and Turkey will begin joint patrolling along the M4 highway from March 15 to ensure a security corridor .
Moscow and Ankara reiterated commitment to Syria ’ s sovereignty and agreed to continue fight against terrorism .

ANKARA, March 10. /TASS/. Turkey and Russia have reiterated commitment to lasting ceasefire in Syria’s Idlib de-escalation zone, Turkey's National Defense Ministry said on Tuesday after telephone talks between the two countries’ defense ministers, Hulusi Akar of Turkey and Sergey Shoigu of Russia.
"Akar and Shoigu exchanged views on the ceasefire in Idlib and on the issues of the return of more than one million refugees. The sides reiterated their commitment to the ceasefire, their liabilities under the agreement [on Idlib], and efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region," the ministry said.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said earlier on Tuesday that the two defense ministers had discussed measures to stabilize the situation in Idlib. "The sides discussed issues of the implementation of the additional protocol to the memorandum on the stabilization of the situation in the Idlib de-escalation zone (signed in Moscow on March 5, 2020)," the ministry said, adding that the conversation was initiated by the Turkish side.
Russian and Turkish Presidents, Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, held talks in Moscow on Thursday to agree a ceasefire and a number of other measures to settle the situation in Syria’s Idlib governorate. Under the agreements, hostilities are to be stopped along the entire contact line along with the enforcement of a ceasefire on March 6. Russia and Turkey will begin joint patrolling along the M4 highway from March 15 to ensure a security corridor. Moscow and Ankara reiterated commitment to Syria’s sovereignty and agreed to continue fight against terrorism.


tass--2020-03-10--Mass gatherings of over 5,000 people to be banned in Moscow till April 10

MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow ’ s Mayor said on Tuesday he declared a ban on mass @ @ @ @ @ people in the capital city till April 10 .
The ban is seen as a @ @ @ @ @ of the novel coronavirus-associated infections .
`` Today , I signed a decree banning mass @ @ @ @ @ people in Moscow , '' he wrote on his blog .
`` Regrettably , we @ @ @ @ @ Crimean Spring festival , including celebrations of the anniversary of Crimea ’ s unification with @ @ @ @ @ to take place on Tverskaya Street on March 15 . ''
According to the mayor @ @ @ @ @ applicable to sports events , including ice hockey and football matches .

MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. Moscow’s Mayor said on Tuesday he declared a ban on mass gatherings of more than 5,000 people in the capital city till April 10. The ban is seen as a measure to prevent possible spread of the novel coronavirus-associated infections.
"Today, I signed a decree banning mass gatherings of more than 5,000 people in Moscow," he wrote on his blog. "Regrettably, we will have to cancel the Crimean Spring festival, including celebrations of the anniversary of Crimea’s unification with Russia that were originally planned to take place on Tverskaya Street on March 15."
According to the mayor, the ban will be applicable to sports events, including ice hockey and football matches.


tass--2020-03-10--Nord Stream 2 will be launched despite implementation delays — Uniper

`` The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is an important project to ensure the security of gas supplies to Europe .
We expect the Nord Stream 2 pipeline to be launched despite delays and will transport up to 55 bln cubic meters of gas per year to us , '' the report says .
At the same time , the company notes that , despite the suspension of pipe laying , `` all other work on the project continues according to plan . ''
MOSCOW , March 10 .
/ TASS / .
The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implementation , German company Uniper , one of Gazprom ’ s partners in the project , said in its annual report published on Tuesday .
Uniper also believes that , judging by forecasts , the volume of gas that will be supplied via Nord Stream 2 will not be able to cover half of the future growth in demand for this type of fuel in Europe .
Therefore , the company plans to build a terminal for the reception of liquefied natural gas ( LNG ) in the port of Wilhelmshaven .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 and the construction of the LNG terminal in Wilhelmshaven are examples of Uniper ’ s contribution to ensuring the long-term reliability of gas supplies to Germany and Europe , '' the company said .
Regarding the financial risks of Uniper that arise from participating in a gas pipeline construction project , the company notes , `` the financial division of the Uniper Group has certain contractual rights that can reduce financial risks . ''
`` Nord Stream 2 has confirmed that it is working to mitigate the negative consequences of the suspension @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commissioning of the gas pipeline , '' the report reads .
Nord Stream 2 is an international project for the construction of a gas pipeline that will run across the bottom of the Baltic Sea from the Russian coast to Germany bypassing transit states , such as Ukraine , Belarus , Poland and other Eastern European and Baltic countries .
The new 1,200 kilometer pipeline , basically following the same route as Nord Stream , will traverse economic zones and territorial waters of five countries , namely Russia , Finland , Sweden , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s capacity will be 55 billion cubic meters of gas a year .
In late December 2019 , US President Donald Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act ( NDAA ) specifying the annual budget and expenditures of the US Department of Defense for 2020 fiscal year ( started on October 1 ) , which obliges the Administration to impose sanctions on Russia 's Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream pipelines .
Swiss pipe laying company Allseas suspended its work on the Nord Stream 2 project in the Baltic Sea .
On February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diplomatic sources , that the US intends to impose new sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline if Russia attempts to complete its construction .
According to the newspaper , European investors or companies desirous to buy gas flowing over the pipeline can be affected this time .

"The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is an important project to ensure the security of gas supplies to Europe. We expect the Nord Stream 2 pipeline to be launched despite delays and will transport up to 55 bln cubic meters of gas per year to us," the report says. At the same time, the company notes that, despite the suspension of pipe laying, "all other work on the project continues according to plan."
MOSCOW, March 10. / TASS /. The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline will be commissioned despite a delay in project implementation, German company Uniper, one of Gazprom’s partners in the project, said in its annual report published on Tuesday.
Uniper also believes that, judging by forecasts, the volume of gas that will be supplied via Nord Stream 2 will not be able to cover half of the future growth in demand for this type of fuel in Europe. Therefore, the company plans to build a terminal for the reception of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the port of Wilhelmshaven. "Uniper’s participation in Nord Stream 2 and the construction of the LNG terminal in Wilhelmshaven are examples of Uniper’s contribution to ensuring the long-term reliability of gas supplies to Germany and Europe," the company said.
Regarding the financial risks of Uniper that arise from participating in a gas pipeline construction project, the company notes, "the financial division of the Uniper Group has certain contractual rights that can reduce financial risks." "Nord Stream 2 has confirmed that it is working to mitigate the negative consequences of the suspension of pipe laying and to ensure the commissioning of the gas pipeline," the report reads.
Nord Stream 2 is an international project for the construction of a gas pipeline that will run across the bottom of the Baltic Sea from the Russian coast to Germany bypassing transit states, such as Ukraine, Belarus, Poland and other Eastern European and Baltic countries.
The new 1,200 kilometer pipeline, basically following the same route as Nord Stream, will traverse economic zones and territorial waters of five countries, namely Russia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany. The pipeline’s capacity will be 55 billion cubic meters of gas a year.
In late December 2019, US President Donald Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) specifying the annual budget and expenditures of the US Department of Defense for 2020 fiscal year (started on October 1), which obliges the Administration to impose sanctions on Russia's Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream pipelines. Swiss pipe laying company Allseas suspended its work on the Nord Stream 2 project in the Baltic Sea.
On February 4, Handelsblatt newspaper reported citing US diplomatic sources, that the US intends to impose new sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline if Russia attempts to complete its construction.
According to the newspaper, European investors or companies desirous to buy gas flowing over the pipeline can be affected this time.


tass--2020-03-10--Two Syrian Pantsyr systems damaged in Turkey’s attacks — Russian Defense Ministry

US asks Turkey to guarantee S-400 systems will not come into operation — Erdogan MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
Two Syrian Pantsyr air defense missile/gun systems were damaged in Turkey ’ s attacks .
They will be repaired soon , the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday .
`` As a result of mass attack by Turkish combat unmanned aerial vehicles , two Syrian Pantsyr air defense missile/gun systems were damaged , '' the ministry said , adding that repair works were nearing completion .
Turkey ’ s statements that its drones destroyed eight Syrian Pantsyr air defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top brass added .
`` Reports submitted to Turkey ’ s head of state about the combat efficiency of the use of armed unmanned aerial vehicles in the Idlib governorate , which allegedly destroyed eight Syrian Pantsyr air defense missile/gun systems , have nothing to do with the real state of things and are nothing but an exaggeration , '' the ministry stated .
According to the Russian Defense Ministry , most of Syrian air defense systems , including the Pantsyrs , are deployed near Damascus , with only four Pantsyr systems being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated earlier on Tuesday that Turkish drones had destroyed eight Pantsyr air defense systems of the Syrian armed forces in Idlib .

US asks Turkey to guarantee S-400 systems will not come into operation — Erdogan
MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. Two Syrian Pantsyr air defense missile/gun systems were damaged in Turkey’s attacks. They will be repaired soon, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.
"As a result of mass attack by Turkish combat unmanned aerial vehicles, two Syrian Pantsyr air defense missile/gun systems were damaged," the ministry said, adding that repair works were nearing completion.
Turkey’s statements that its drones destroyed eight Syrian Pantsyr air defense systems are not true, the Russian top brass added.
"Reports submitted to Turkey’s head of state about the combat efficiency of the use of armed unmanned aerial vehicles in the Idlib governorate, which allegedly destroyed eight Syrian Pantsyr air defense missile/gun systems, have nothing to do with the real state of things and are nothing but an exaggeration," the ministry stated.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, most of Syrian air defense systems, including the Pantsyrs, are deployed near Damascus, with only four Pantsyr systems being used near the Idlib de-escalation zone.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated earlier on Tuesday that Turkish drones had destroyed eight Pantsyr air defense systems of the Syrian armed forces in Idlib.


tass--2020-03-10--Russian billionaires lost $8.8 bln due to oil prices collapse — Forbes

Forbes experts calculated that as of 11:00 am Moscow time the co-owners of Lukoil oil major Vagit Alekperov and Leonid Fedun lost $ 2.1 bln and $ 904 mln , respectively , and at that time their fortunes were estimated at $ 19.9 bln and $ 8.3 bln .
MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russian billionaires lost a total of $ 8.81 bln due to a collapse in oil prices and the withdrawal of investors from Russian assets , according to the data published by Forbes .
CEO of Norilsk Nickel Vladimir Potanin lost $ 613 million and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 25.9 billion .
The fortune of the beneficiaries of independent gas producer Novatek Leonid Mikhelson and Gennady Timchenko shrank by $ 607 mln and $ 594 mln , respectively .
As of 11:00 am Moscow time , co-owner of Rusal Oleg Deripaska lost $ 528 million and the wealth of Alfa Group co-owners Mikhail Fridman and Herman Khan reduced by $ 472 mln and $ 302 mln , respectively .
According to Forbes Real Time , currently , Vagit Alekperov ’ s fortune amounts to $ 17.9 bln and the fortune of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vladimir Potanin ’ s fortune is $ 25 bln , Leonid Mikhelson ’ s wealth is $ 20.1 bln , Gennady Timchenko owns $ 17.1 bln .
Oleg Deripaska ’ s fortune is estimated at $ 3.2 bln , Mikhail Fridman ’ s fortune is $ 14.4 bln , Herman Kahn owns $ 9.3 bln .

Forbes experts calculated that as of 11:00 am Moscow time the co-owners of Lukoil oil major Vagit Alekperov and Leonid Fedun lost $2.1 bln and $904 mln, respectively, and at that time their fortunes were estimated at $19.9 bln and $8.3 bln.
MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. Russian billionaires lost a total of $8.81 bln due to a collapse in oil prices and the withdrawal of investors from Russian assets, according to the data published by Forbes .
CEO of Norilsk Nickel Vladimir Potanin lost $613 million and as a result his fortune decreased to $25.9 billion.
The fortune of the beneficiaries of independent gas producer Novatek Leonid Mikhelson and Gennady Timchenko shrank by $607 mln and $594 mln, respectively.
As of 11:00 am Moscow time, co-owner of Rusal Oleg Deripaska lost $528 million and the wealth of Alfa Group co-owners Mikhail Fridman and Herman Khan reduced by $472 mln and $302 mln, respectively.
According to Forbes Real Time, currently, Vagit Alekperov’s fortune amounts to $17.9 bln and the fortune of Leonid Fedun is $7.5 bln. Vladimir Potanin’s fortune is $25 bln, Leonid Mikhelson’s wealth is $20.1 bln, Gennady Timchenko owns $17.1 bln. Oleg Deripaska’s fortune is estimated at $3.2 bln, Mikhail Fridman’s fortune is $14.4 bln, Herman Kahn owns $ 9.3 bln.


tass--2020-03-10--This year’s first Proton-M launch postponed due to problems with components

According to Varochko , quality control tests revealed mismatch of one of the components ’ parameters .
`` In order to ensure proper serviceability and guarantee the implementation of the Khrunichev Center ’ s liabilities , it was decided to replace the components set , including in the Proton-M carrier rocket , which is kept at the Baikonur space center , to put Express satellites into orbit , '' he said .
MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
This year ’ s first launch of a Proton-M carrier rocket with Express-80 and Express-103 communications satellites from the Baikonur spaceport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to problems with the carrier rocket ’ s components , Khrunichev Space Center Director General Alexei Varochko told TASS on Tuesday .
He added that the launch of the carrier rocket would be postponed to late May to have time to carry out routine tests after the replacement of components .
Head of Russia ’ s State Space Corporation Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin wrote on his Twitter account earlier that the launch of the Express-80 and Express-103 satellites from the Baikonur spaceport was scheduled for March 31 .
The satellites had been manufactured for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Their active service life in orbit is 15 years .
Alfastrakhovanie , an insurance company , said earlier the two satellites had been insured to a sum of ten billion rubles ( 139.4 million US dollars under the current exchange rate ) each for a term of one year after the launch .
The Express-80 and Express-103 satellites have been built on order from the Russian Satellite Communications Company and are based on the standardized Express-1000 medium-class platform developed by the Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems Company .
The European firm Thales Alenia Space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian Satellite Communications Company for the supply of payloads for new satellites .
The payload will include 38 ( for the Express-80 ) and 37 ( for the Express-103 ) basic transponders for operation in the C- , Ku-and L-bands .

According to Varochko, quality control tests revealed mismatch of one of the components’ parameters. "In order to ensure proper serviceability and guarantee the implementation of the Khrunichev Center’s liabilities, it was decided to replace the components set, including in the Proton-M carrier rocket, which is kept at the Baikonur space center, to put Express satellites into orbit," he said.
MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. This year’s first launch of a Proton-M carrier rocket with Express-80 and Express-103 communications satellites from the Baikonur spaceport has been postponed to late May due to problems with the carrier rocket’s components, Khrunichev Space Center Director General Alexei Varochko told TASS on Tuesday.
He added that the launch of the carrier rocket would be postponed to late May to have time to carry out routine tests after the replacement of components.
Head of Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin wrote on his Twitter account earlier that the launch of the Express-80 and Express-103 satellites from the Baikonur spaceport was scheduled for March 31. The satellites had been manufactured for three years, since December 2016. Their active service life in orbit is 15 years.
Alfastrakhovanie, an insurance company, said earlier the two satellites had been insured to a sum of ten billion rubles (139.4 million US dollars under the current exchange rate) each for a term of one year after the launch.
The Express-80 and Express-103 satellites have been built on order from the Russian Satellite Communications Company and are based on the standardized Express-1000 medium-class platform developed by the Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems Company. The European firm Thales Alenia Space traditionally acts as a partner of the Russian Satellite Communications Company for the supply of payloads for new satellites. The payload will include 38 (for the Express-80) and 37 (for the Express-103) basic transponders for operation in the C-, Ku-and L-bands.


tass--2020-03-10--Duma approves procedure for nationwide vote on constitutional amendments

Under them , the constitutional amendments will be considered approved if they are supported by more than half of the voters .
The minimum voter turnout was not determined as the relevant committee of the lower house had earlier rejected the corresponding amendment .
Adult citizens of the Russian Federation will be able to take part in the vote with the exception of those declared by court as legally incapable or inmates serving prison terms .
In accordance with the amendment that came early on Tuesday , the date of the vote will be established in a presidential decree .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ April 22 .
However , prior to that , the Constitutional Court must approve the bill on amendments as being in conformity with the provisions of chapters 1 , 2 and 9 of the Constitution , which are inviolable .
Thus , the regulations regarding the voting will come into effect only if approved by the Constitutional Court .
Amendments envisage the possibility of online voting in Russian regions having the necessary conditions .
However , this format can not be used nationwide , the chief of the Central Election Commission ( CEC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is possible only in Moscow , where online voting was tested during the election to the Moscow City Duma , she pointed out .
The Moscow authorities have already signaled readiness to arrange the online voting .

Under them, the constitutional amendments will be considered approved if they are supported by more than half of the voters. The minimum voter turnout was not determined as the relevant committee of the lower house had earlier rejected the corresponding amendment. Adult citizens of the Russian Federation will be able to take part in the vote with the exception of those declared by court as legally incapable or inmates serving prison terms.
In accordance with the amendment that came early on Tuesday, the date of the vote will be established in a presidential decree. Earlier plans were to have it on April 22. However, prior to that, the Constitutional Court must approve the bill on amendments as being in conformity with the provisions of chapters 1, 2 and 9 of the Constitution, which are inviolable. Thus, the regulations regarding the voting will come into effect only if approved by the Constitutional Court.
Amendments envisage the possibility of online voting in Russian regions having the necessary conditions. However, this format cannot be used nationwide, the chief of the Central Election Commission (CEC), Ella Pamvilova, said earlier. It is possible only in Moscow, where online voting was tested during the election to the Moscow City Duma, she pointed out. The Moscow authorities have already signaled readiness to arrange the online voting.


tass--2020-03-10--OSCE ODIHR not to be invited to monitor Russia’s voting on constitutional amendments

MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will not invite observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) to monitor the nationwide voting on amendments to the Russian Constitution , Russia ’ s Permanent Representative to the OSCE Alexander Lukashevich said on Tuesday .
`` We don ’ t expect any international scrutiny of the upcoming constitutional referendum .
The Central Election Commission is not planning to invite the ODIHR and other institutions , '' he told a news conference in the Moscow-Vienna video linkup format .
`` It is beyond the mandate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ electoral monitoring .
It will not be a general election . ''
According to the Russian envoy , the issue of amendments to the Russian Constitution is not addressed within the OSCE .
`` Luckily , this topic is not tackled in our organization , unlike the Council of Europe and the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe , as well as the Venice Commission .
It is a purely domestic affair .
We are able to decide how to live further , how to rearrange our society by ourselves , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A bill on constitutional amendments submitted by President Vladimir Putin to the Russian State Duma lower parliament house envisages nationwide voting on these amendments .
The voting has been scheduled for April 22 .
The bill , in particular , stipulates expanding the powers of the legislature and the Constitutional Court , a ban on high-ranking officials from holding residence permits in other countries , ensuring the supremacy of Russia ’ s Constitution over international agreements and strengthening the state ’ s social obligations .

MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. Russia will not invite observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) to monitor the nationwide voting on amendments to the Russian Constitution, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the OSCE Alexander Lukashevich said on Tuesday.
"We don’t expect any international scrutiny of the upcoming constitutional referendum. The Central Election Commission is not planning to invite the ODIHR and other institutions," he told a news conference in the Moscow-Vienna video linkup format. "It is beyond the mandate of the institutions, which specialize in electoral monitoring. It will not be a general election."
According to the Russian envoy, the issue of amendments to the Russian Constitution is not addressed within the OSCE. "Luckily, this topic is not tackled in our organization, unlike the Council of Europe and the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, as well as the Venice Commission. It is a purely domestic affair. We are able to decide how to live further, how to rearrange our society by ourselves, without external tips," he stressed.
A bill on constitutional amendments submitted by President Vladimir Putin to the Russian State Duma lower parliament house envisages nationwide voting on these amendments. The voting has been scheduled for April 22.
The bill, in particular, stipulates expanding the powers of the legislature and the Constitutional Court, a ban on high-ranking officials from holding residence permits in other countries, ensuring the supremacy of Russia’s Constitution over international agreements and strengthening the state’s social obligations.


tass--2020-03-10--Russia’s top brass to unveil T-90M tanks at Victory Day parade on Moscow’s Red Square

Overall , the military parade will involve 225 weapon systems , of which 24 latest models will be demonstrated for the first time , according to the top brass MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Defense Ministry confirmed on Tuesday that T-90M ‘ Proryv ’ main battle tanks would roll across Moscow ’ s Red Square during the Victory Day parade on May 9 .
A source in the defense industry earlier told TASS that these tanks would pass through Red Square for the first time in a mechanized column during the Victory Day parade .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ part in the military parade in Moscow devoted to the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War .
Historical models of the legendary T-34-85 tanks will lead a mechanized column .
The modern family of tanks operational in the Russian Armed Forces will be represented by T-72B3 models with additional armor protection , and also by T-80BVM and T-90M ‘ Proryv ’ tanks that will move in a parade formation for the first time within the mechanized column , '' the ministry said .
The mechanized column will also include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Overall , more than 50 tanks will take part in the military parade on Moscow ’ s Red Square , according to the Defense Ministry .
The T-90M ‘ Proryv ’ has received a principally new turret that differs from the serial-produced module and a more powerful engine .
The Proryv is outfitted with a new multi-channel sighting system that allows employing weapons at any time of day or night and , as its major advantage , it can exchange data with other vehicles in real time .
The T-90M ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that used on the latest T-14 Armata tank .
Overall , the military parade on Moscow ’ s Red Square on May 9 to mark 75 years of the Soviet Union ’ s victory in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany will involve 225 weapon systems , of which 24 latest models will be demonstrated for the first time , Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said earlier .
The mechanized column will include Armata and Kurganets-25 infantry fighting vehicles with the new Kinzhal and Epokha combat modules , S-300V4 and S-350 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ artillery system , a remotely-controlled mine-clearing vehicle and the family of Taifun armored vehicles , the defense minister informed .
Also , the Tosochka flamethrower system will be demonstrated during the military parade for the first time , according to the Defense Ministry ’ s data .

Overall, the military parade will involve 225 weapon systems, of which 24 latest models will be demonstrated for the first time, according to the top brass
MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed on Tuesday that T-90M ‘Proryv’ main battle tanks would roll across Moscow’s Red Square during the Victory Day parade on May 9. A source in the defense industry earlier told TASS that these tanks would pass through Red Square for the first time in a mechanized column during the Victory Day parade.
"Five types of tanks will take part in the military parade in Moscow devoted to the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War. Historical models of the legendary T-34-85 tanks will lead a mechanized column. The modern family of tanks operational in the Russian Armed Forces will be represented by T-72B3 models with additional armor protection, and also by T-80BVM and T-90M ‘Proryv’ tanks that will move in a parade formation for the first time within the mechanized column," the ministry said. The mechanized column will also include the latest T-14 ‘Armata’ tanks. Overall, more than 50 tanks will take part in the military parade on Moscow’s Red Square, according to the Defense Ministry. The T-90M ‘Proryv’ has received a principally new turret that differs from the serial-produced module and a more powerful engine. The Proryv is outfitted with a new multi-channel sighting system that allows employing weapons at any time of day or night and, as its major advantage, it can exchange data with other vehicles in real time. The T-90M’s armor features special anti-slip coating similar to that used on the latest T-14 Armata tank.


tass--2020-03-10--Polar city’s library is renovated to become a modern cultural center

SYKTYVKAR /Komi Region/ , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
Authorities of Vorkuta , a mono-industrial city in the Komi Region , began to renovate a library , which will be the first modern library , upgraded under the Culture national project .
The renovation will be completed by October , the director of the city ’ s library network , Natalya Kuzmina told TASS .
`` The library in Vorgashor [ Vorkuta district ] will be the first model library , renovated under the national project and at the expense of federal and local budgets .
Last year , our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country , I believe because we had been working on it thoroughly for two years , '' Kuzmina said .
`` The project takes into account suggestions from the staff on how to organize zones for readers of different ages and interests .
Vorgashor is Vorkuta ’ s northernmost and the most remote district , and we shall try to make the library there bright , warm and cozy . ''
The federal budget allocates 5 million rubles ( $ 68.7 thousand ) , and another 1.5 million rubles ( $ 20.6 thousand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Kuzmina said .
`` The first stage is almost complete — we have replaced windows and radiators , and inner works are about to begin , '' she continued .
`` We pay special attention to energy saving technologies — < ... > we shall have LED lamps , all electric grids will be replaced , and we shall be saving a lot on electricity bills . ''
The snowstorms , which have become frequent in Vorkuta , do not affect the works .
However , contractors and suppliers sometimes find it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The project was developed by a designer from St. Petersburg , Nadezhda Karpova , a specialist in library construction .
Earlier , she implemented a project to renovate Syktyvkar ’ s central library , which was welcomed by the local public .
Vorgashor ’ s librarians had earlier presented their ideas of how work at the new library should be organized , including the zones it must have .
The library will have two traditional halls — for adults and for children .
The hall for children will sport soft cozy furniture with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The zone for adults will feature armchairs and sofas .
Other two zones with screens and projectors will host events .
The reading hall will have zones for co-working and IT activities .
The library will additionally buy game stations and complexes for children .
`` Different zones , modern technologies , comfort and a good look — we shall do our best to make sure that readers will want to come here more often and stay longer , '' Natalya Kuzmina said .
Presently , the library ’ s book collection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have analyzed the collection < ... > and we shall spend more than 500,000 rubles ( $ 6,800 ) to buy new books , '' the director of the Vorkuta library network commented .
The library ’ s staff is taking training courses at the federal expense .
At the same time , the Russian State Library and other big libraries offer free courses for specialists , working at upgraded libraries .
`` The modernized library will open before October 1 , 2020 , '' the official said .
`` Presently , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including about 800 children .
Vorkuta ’ s six libraries have an audience of about 12,000 readers .
We hope to attract more visitors , which is not easy in a polar city with shrinking population .
However , the experience of other libraries shows that the number of readers grows significantly following overhaul , including in the polar regions . ''
`` In Vorgashor , the staff organize captivating club events .
They have a wonderful sewing club for adults and another one for children , '' she continued .
`` They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writers , as it is obviously problematic to have writers travel to Vorkuta .
Thus , we begin working via the Internet platform . ''
Vorgashor is the most remote settlement from Vorkuta .
The distance makes about 20km .
In view of this the authorities have been doing their best to make sure that the local people do not feel isolated from the rest of the world , the city ’ s Mayor Igor Guryev told TASS .
`` Vorgashor is the biggest settlement , where almost 9,000 people live , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ target group of such projects , '' he said .
`` Teenagers will not hang around , < ... > they will spend time at the library , where they can watch movies , participate in events , talk about books . ''
In 2019 , the settlement beautified its central square .
`` The library is another step , so that our people do not feel abandoned .
We shall continue to renovate settlements , '' the mayor said .
`` Vorkuta and the settlements have future , and stable jobs will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a polar coal-mining mono-industrial city in the Komi Region .
It is the fourth largest city north of the Arctic Circle .
Greater Vorkuta includes seven localities — the city and settlements .
About 7,000 people are employed in coal mining .
Vorkuta produces valuable grades of coal , which almost entirely are used in metallurgy .

SYKTYVKAR /Komi Region/, March 10. /TASS/. Authorities of Vorkuta, a mono-industrial city in the Komi Region, began to renovate a library, which will be the first modern library, upgraded under the Culture national project. The renovation will be completed by October, the director of the city’s library network, Natalya Kuzmina told TASS.
"The library in Vorgashor [Vorkuta district] will be the first model library, renovated under the national project and at the expense of federal and local budgets. Last year, our application was among the best across the country, I believe because we had been working on it thoroughly for two years," Kuzmina said. "The project takes into account suggestions from the staff on how to organize zones for readers of different ages and interests. Vorgashor is Vorkuta’s northernmost and the most remote district, and we shall try to make the library there bright, warm and cozy."
The federal budget allocates 5 million rubles ($68.7 thousand), and another 1.5 million rubles ($20.6 thousand) will come from the municipal budget, Kuzmina said.
"The first stage is almost complete — we have replaced windows and radiators, and inner works are about to begin," she continued. "We pay special attention to energy saving technologies — <...> we shall have LED lamps, all electric grids will be replaced, and we shall be saving a lot on electricity bills."
The snowstorms, which have become frequent in Vorkuta, do not affect the works. However, contractors and suppliers sometimes find it hard to get to the library.
For kids and adults
The project was developed by a designer from St. Petersburg, Nadezhda Karpova, a specialist in library construction. Earlier, she implemented a project to renovate Syktyvkar’s central library, which was welcomed by the local public. Vorgashor’s librarians had earlier presented their ideas of how work at the new library should be organized, including the zones it must have.
The library will have two traditional halls — for adults and for children. The hall for children will sport soft cozy furniture with bean bag chairs and different shelving units. The zone for adults will feature armchairs and sofas. Other two zones with screens and projectors will host events. The reading hall will have zones for co-working and IT activities. The library will additionally buy game stations and complexes for children.
"Different zones, modern technologies, comfort and a good look — we shall do our best to make sure that readers will want to come here more often and stay longer," Natalya Kuzmina said.
Clubs and online meetings with writers
Presently, the library’s book collection consists of 35,000 volumes. "We have analyzed the collection <...> and we shall spend more than 500,000 rubles ($6,800) to buy new books," the director of the Vorkuta library network commented.
The library’s staff is taking training courses at the federal expense. At the same time, the Russian State Library and other big libraries offer free courses for specialists, working at upgraded libraries.
"The modernized library will open before October 1, 2020," the official said. "Presently, there are about 1,600 readers in Vorgashor, including about 800 children. Vorkuta’s six libraries have an audience of about 12,000 readers. We hope to attract more visitors, which is not easy in a polar city with shrinking population. However, the experience of other libraries shows that the number of readers grows significantly following overhaul, including in the polar regions."
"In Vorgashor, the staff organize captivating club events. They have a wonderful sewing club for adults and another one for children," she continued. "They also plan to organize online meetings with writers, as it is obviously problematic to have writers travel to Vorkuta. Thus, we begin working via the Internet platform."
Library for locals
Vorgashor is the most remote settlement from Vorkuta. The distance makes about 20km. In view of this the authorities have been doing their best to make sure that the local people do not feel isolated from the rest of the world, the city’s Mayor Igor Guryev told TASS.
"Vorgashor is the biggest settlement, where almost 9,000 people live, including about 1,000 children, who are the target group of such projects," he said. "Teenagers will not hang around, <...> they will spend time at the library, where they can watch movies, participate in events, talk about books."
In 2019, the settlement beautified its central square. "The library is another step, so that our people do not feel abandoned. We shall continue to renovate settlements," the mayor said. "Vorkuta and the settlements have future, and stable jobs will be reality here."
Vorkuta is a polar coal-mining mono-industrial city in the Komi Region. It is the fourth largest city north of the Arctic Circle. Greater Vorkuta includes seven localities — the city and settlements. About 7,000 people are employed in coal mining. Vorkuta produces valuable grades of coal, which almost entirely are used in metallurgy.


tass--2020-03-10--Lavrov discusses situation in Middle East with Lebanese movement leader

MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
The situation in the Middle East was in focus of Russian Foreign Minister @ @ @ @ @ with the leader of the Lebanese Marada movement , Suleiman Frangieh , the Russian foreign @ @ @ @ @ `` The key topics for discussion included the development of the socio-economic situation in Lebanon @ @ @ @ @ the Middle East in general , and current issues of further strengthening the traditionally friendly @ @ @ @ @ ministry said .
`` Lavrov reiterated Russia ’ s principled policy in support to Lebanon @ @ @ @ @ and territorial integrity , '' the ministry said .
The sides stressed the inadmissibility of @ @ @ @ @ s domestic affairs and pointed to the importance of resolving domestic policy matters `` within @ @ @ @ @ the basis of constructive dialogue between the leading political forces '' of the country , @ @ @ @ @ in the day , Frangieh had consultations with Russian president ’ s special envoy for @ @ @ @ @ countries and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov .

MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. The situation in the Middle East was in focus of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s meeting with the leader of the Lebanese Marada movement, Suleiman Frangieh, the Russian foreign ministry said on Tuesday.
"The key topics for discussion included the development of the socio-economic situation in Lebanon, the geopolitical situation in the Middle East in general, and current issues of further strengthening the traditionally friendly Russian-Lebanese relations," the ministry said.
"Lavrov reiterated Russia’s principled policy in support to Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity," the ministry said.
The sides stressed the inadmissibility of foreign interference into Lebanon’s domestic affairs and pointed to the importance of resolving domestic policy matters "within the frames of law on the basis of constructive dialogue between the leading political forces" of the country, the ministry said.
Earlier in the day, Frangieh had consultations with Russian president’s special envoy for the Middle East and African countries and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov.


tass--2020-03-10--United States cancels upcoming crude oil sale

WASHINGTON , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
The US Department of Energy made a decision to cancel the planned sale @ @ @ @ @ strategic reserve , Department ’ s spokeswoman Jess Szymanski said on Tuesday .
`` In @ @ @ @ @ in global oil markets , the U.S. Department of Energy is suspending the recently announced @ @ @ @ @ the Strategic Petroleum Reserve ( SPR ) .
The sale was designed to raise revenue @ @ @ @ @ upgrades .
Given current oil markets , this is not the optimal time for the @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` The Department continually monitors and evaluates global oil markets and will provide @ @ @ @ @ change , '' Szymanski noted .

WASHINGTON, March 10. /TASS/. The US Department of Energy made a decision to cancel the planned sale of crude oil from the strategic reserve, Department’s spokeswoman Jess Szymanski said on Tuesday.
"In light of the recent fluctuations in global oil markets, the U.S. Department of Energy is suspending the recently announced sale of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). The sale was designed to raise revenue for SPR facility maintenance and upgrades. Given current oil markets, this is not the optimal time for the sale," the spokeswoman said.
"The Department continually monitors and evaluates global oil markets and will provide updated information as market conditions change," Szymanski noted.


tass--2020-03-10--Russian State Duma supports constitutional amendment mentioning God and children

Should the bill become law , the Constitution would receive the new article 67.1 , mentioning God .
The necessity of this has become a subject of hot discussion .
As a result , the Presidential amendment included a language that mentions God in context of history .
MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian State Duma supported the constitutional amendment mentioning God and calling children a priority of Russian state policy .
Putin submits amendment on recognizing marriage as union of man and woman to parliament '' The Russian Federation , united by its thousand-year history , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who handed us ideals and belief in God , as well as succession of development of the Russian state , acknowledges the historic national unity , '' the amendment reads .
Another paragraph of this article says that Russia `` preserves memory of the protectors of the Homeland , secures the historic truth , '' and that `` diminution of people ’ s feat in defending the Homeland is unacceptable . ''
This amendment was voted upon separately because a statement on children was corrected .
Initially , the document mentioned children as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final version includes language that calls children `` the most important priority of the state policy of Russia . ''
The state creates conditions , which facilitate comprehensive spiritual , moral , intellectual and physical development of children , fostering of patriotism , civility and respect for the seniors .
The state , `` while securing the priority of family upbringing , takes responsibilities towards children left without support .
`` .

Should the bill become law, the Constitution would receive the new article 67.1, mentioning God. The necessity of this has become a subject of hot discussion. As a result, the Presidential amendment included a language that mentions God in context of history.
MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. The Russian State Duma supported the constitutional amendment mentioning God and calling children a priority of Russian state policy.
Putin submits amendment on recognizing marriage as union of man and woman to parliament
"The Russian Federation, united by its thousand-year history, by preserving memory of the ancestors, who handed us ideals and belief in God, as well as succession of development of the Russian state, acknowledges the historic national unity," the amendment reads.
Another paragraph of this article says that Russia "preserves memory of the protectors of the Homeland, secures the historic truth," and that "diminution of people’s feat in defending the Homeland is unacceptable."
This amendment was voted upon separately because a statement on children was corrected. Initially, the document mentioned children as heritage of the Russian Federation. The final version includes language that calls children "the most important priority of the state policy of Russia."
The state creates conditions, which facilitate comprehensive spiritual, moral, intellectual and physical development of children, fostering of patriotism, civility and respect for the seniors.
The state, "while securing the priority of family upbringing, takes responsibilities towards children left without support.".


tass--2020-03-10--Lower house approves amendment lifting restrictions on number of presidential terms

According to the initiative , the amendment `` applies to an individual who held and ( or ) holds the @ @ @ @ @ , without taking into account the number of terms , during which he held and @ @ @ @ @ position at the time when the amendment to the Russian Constitution comes into force , @ @ @ @ @ out an opportunity for him or her to hold the position of the head of @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the lower house of parliament saying that lifting @ @ @ @ @ presidential terms was inexpedient .
However , Putin said that he thought it possible to @ @ @ @ @ would enable him to run for another presidential term .
However , in his words @ @ @ @ @ to be assessed by the Constitutional Court .

According to the initiative, the amendment "applies to an individual who held and (or) holds the position of the Russian president, without taking into account the number of terms, during which he held and (or) holds this position at the time when the amendment to the Russian Constitution comes into force," and does not rule out an opportunity for him or her to hold the position of the head of state again.
Earlier on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the lower house of parliament saying that lifting restrictions on the number of presidential terms was inexpedient. However, Putin said that he thought it possible to amend the Constitution that theoretically would enable him to run for another presidential term. However, in his words, such an amendment is to be assessed by the Constitutional Court.


tass--2020-03-10--Russian Baltic Fleet corvettes eliminate enemy submarine during drills in Atlantic

KALININGRAD , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
A Baltic Fleet naval group comprising the Project 20380 corvettes Steregushchiy and Soobrazitelny held drills to search for , detect and eliminate a notional enemy ’ s submarine in the north-eastern portion of the Atlantic Ocean , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Tuesday .
`` The corvettes ’ crews held scheduled drills in the Atlantic Ocean to search for , detect , maintain contact and track and also to fight a notional enemy ’ s submarine , employing anti-submarine armament , '' the press office said in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ repel the notional enemy ’ s air attack weapons from various altitudes and directions , notionally firing the ships ’ air defense systems , the statement says .
`` The ships ’ crews will soon practice electronic missile launches against sea targets that will be engaged with the help of the onboard target acquisition systems .
The missile firings will be conducted using the ships ’ main strike weapon - the Uran anti-ship missile system , '' the press office said .
`` The basic goal of the deployment of the corvettes Steregushchiy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ naval presence of the Baltic Fleet ’ s ships in the area of its responsibility , '' the press office specified .
Project 20380 warships are multi-purpose corvettes developed by the Almaz Central Marine Engineering Bureau ( St. Petersburg ) .
These green-water warships are designed to fight enemy surface combatants and submarines , and also to provide fire support during amphibious assault operations .
These warships are based on stealth technology and are armed with Uran anti-ship missile systems , Redut anti-aircraft missile launchers , Paket-NK anti-submarine warfare systems , 100mm A-190 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ artillery launchers .
The corvettes can carry a Ka-27PL helicopter .

KALININGRAD, March 10. /TASS/. A Baltic Fleet naval group comprising the Project 20380 corvettes Steregushchiy and Soobrazitelny held drills to search for, detect and eliminate a notional enemy’s submarine in the north-eastern portion of the Atlantic Ocean, the Fleet’s press office reported on Tuesday.
"The corvettes’ crews held scheduled drills in the Atlantic Ocean to search for, detect, maintain contact and track and also to fight a notional enemy’s submarine, employing anti-submarine armament," the press office said in a statement.
The crews also held an exercise to repel the notional enemy’s air attack weapons from various altitudes and directions, notionally firing the ships’ air defense systems, the statement says.
"The ships’ crews will soon practice electronic missile launches against sea targets that will be engaged with the help of the onboard target acquisition systems. The missile firings will be conducted using the ships’ main strike weapon - the Uran anti-ship missile system," the press office said.
"The basic goal of the deployment of the corvettes Steregushchiy and Soobrazitelny is to ensure the constant naval presence of the Baltic Fleet’s ships in the area of its responsibility," the press office specified.
Project 20380 warships are multi-purpose corvettes developed by the Almaz Central Marine Engineering Bureau (St. Petersburg). These green-water warships are designed to fight enemy surface combatants and submarines, and also to provide fire support during amphibious assault operations. These warships are based on stealth technology and are armed with Uran anti-ship missile systems, Redut anti-aircraft missile launchers, Paket-NK anti-submarine warfare systems, 100mm A-190 artillery guns and two six-barrel 30mm AK-630M artillery launchers. The corvettes can carry a Ka-27PL helicopter.


tass--2020-03-10--Russia needs strong presidential rule, dual power is risky — Putin

MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has come out against delegating presidential level powers to the State Council or the Security Council , adding that this would result in society ’ s split and dual power .
`` Delegating some serious presidential level powers to other bodies or centers of power , such as the Security Council or the State Council , let alone those not elected directly by the people , would be very wrong , to my mind .
Moreover , it would be risky , '' Putin said .
He explained that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ democracy '' and would `` inevitably result in society ’ s split and dual power and cause the most negative , possibly , tragic effects on the future of the country and its citizens , '' he stated .
`` Let us not do this . ''
Putin is certain that `` Russia absolutely needs a strong presidential vertical chain of command . ''
The current situation in the economy and security is a fresh reminder of this .
`` First and foremost this is crucial to stability , '' Putin commented .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a type of government , Putin said that at the current stage it was not applicable in Russia .

MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has come out against delegating presidential level powers to the State Council or the Security Council, adding that this would result in society’s split and dual power.
"Delegating some serious presidential level powers to other bodies or centers of power, such as the Security Council or the State Council, let alone those not elected directly by the people, would be very wrong, to my mind. Moreover, it would be risky," Putin said.
He explained that "this has nothing to do with democracy" and would "inevitably result in society’s split and dual power and cause the most negative, possibly, tragic effects on the future of the country and its citizens," he stated. "Let us not do this."
Putin is certain that "Russia absolutely needs a strong presidential vertical chain of command." The current situation in the economy and security is a fresh reminder of this.
"First and foremost this is crucial to stability," Putin commented. As he dwelt on the parliamentary system as a type of government, Putin said that at the current stage it was not applicable in Russia.


tass--2020-03-10--Norwegian Minister of Defense quarantined over coronavirus, reports say

HELSINKI , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
Frank Bakke-Jensen , the Minister of Defense of Norway has been quarantined over the coronavirus , Aftenposten newspaper reported Tuesday .
According to the newspaper , the minister cancelled all visits and meetings planned for upcoming days .
The Ministry of Defense confirmed the reports .
However , the Ministry refused to clarify why such measures have been taken and under what circumstances the minister could have contacted the infected .
On December 31 , 2019 , the Chinese authorities reported to the World Health Organization about an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industrial megalopolis with a population of 11 million .
The virus was identified on January 7 as 2019-nCoV .
As of today , 115 countries and territories , including Russia , have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern , characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .
WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated on February 11 that the organization gave the novel coronavirus an official name of COVID-19 .
According to the latest reports , over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus have been confirmed worldwide .
The virus ’ death toll has reached 4,091 , yet more than 64,640 patients have recovered from the disease .

HELSINKI, March 10. /TASS/. Frank Bakke-Jensen, the Minister of Defense of Norway has been quarantined over the coronavirus, Aftenposten newspaper reported Tuesday.
According to the newspaper, the minister cancelled all visits and meetings planned for upcoming days. The Ministry of Defense confirmed the reports.
However, the Ministry refused to clarify why such measures have been taken and under what circumstances the minister could have contacted the infected.
On December 31, 2019, the Chinese authorities reported to the World Health Organization about an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan, an economic and industrial megalopolis with a population of 11 million.
The virus was identified on January 7 as 2019-nCoV. As of today, 115 countries and territories, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases.
The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations. WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated on February 11 that the organization gave the novel coronavirus an official name of COVID-19.
According to the latest reports, over 116,350 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed worldwide. The virus’ death toll has reached 4,091, yet more than 64,640 patients have recovered from the disease.


tass--2020-03-10--Russia needs evolution, not revolutions, says Putin

MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that Russia does not need more upheavals , @ @ @ @ @ has been used up already .
`` It is the president who is the safeguard @ @ @ @ @ more simple terms he is the guarantor of our country ’ s security , of @ @ @ @ @ , evolutionary development , '' Putin told the lower house of parliament .
`` Let @ @ @ @ @ evolutionary.
’ We ’ ve had enough revolutions .
Russia ’ s quota for revolutions @ @ @ @ @ '' Putin said .

MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that Russia does not need more upheavals, because its quota for revolutions has been used up already.
"It is the president who is the safeguard of the Constitution. In more simple terms he is the guarantor of our country’s security, of its inner stability and internal, evolutionary development," Putin told the lower house of parliament. "Let me stress the adjective ‘evolutionary.’ We’ve had enough revolutions. Russia’s quota for revolutions has been used up," Putin said.


tass--2020-03-10--Artillery troops kick off large-scale drills in Volga area, Siberia and Urals

MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
Over 8,000 artillery troops of Russia ’ s Central Military District have kicked @ @ @ @ @ the Urals and the Volga area , Central Military District Commander , Colonel-General Alexander Lapin @ @ @ @ @ Over 8,000 personnel of the District ’ s missile troops and artillery have moved to @ @ @ @ @ Kemerovo , Orenburg and Chelyabinsk Regions and over 1,700 items of military hardware are involved @ @ @ @ @ the month , the servicemen will hold a series of tactical drills for accomplishing fire @ @ @ @ @ , strike and fire systems , '' the commander stated .

MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. Over 8,000 artillery troops of Russia’s Central Military District have kicked off drills in Siberia, the Urals and the Volga area, Central Military District Commander, Colonel-General Alexander Lapin said on Tuesday.
"Over 8,000 personnel of the District’s missile troops and artillery have moved to the training ranges in the Kemerovo, Orenburg and Chelyabinsk Regions and over 1,700 items of military hardware are involved in the exercise. Throughout the month, the servicemen will hold a series of tactical drills for accomplishing fire assignments as part of reconnaissance, strike and fire systems," the commander stated.


tass--2020-03-10--State Duma passes bill on constitutional amendments in second reading

Putin says no need for snap election to State Duma MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russian State Duma @ @ @ @ @ passed in the second , main reading the constitutional amendments bill , which sets a @ @ @ @ @ extends parliamentary powers and cements state social guarantees , the priority of the Constitution over @ @ @ @ @ status of Russian language as the language of the constituent people .
The bill also @ @ @ @ @ amendments .
A total of 382 lawmakers voted in favor of the bill , 44 @ @ @ @ @ it .
The first part of the bill involves amendments to Constitution chapters three to @ @ @ @ @ well as the first , second and ninth chapters of the basic law remain unchanged @

Putin says no need for snap election to State Duma
MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. Russian State Duma (lower house) has passed in the second, main reading the constitutional amendments bill, which sets a limit on presidential terms, extends parliamentary powers and cements state social guarantees, the priority of the Constitution over the international treaties and the status of Russian language as the language of the constituent people.
The bill also stipulates nationwide vote on the amendments.
A total of 382 lawmakers voted in favor of the bill, 44 abstained, no lawmakers opposed it.
The first part of the bill involves amendments to Constitution chapters three to eight. The preamble as well as the first, second and ninth chapters of the basic law remain unchanged.


tass--2020-03-10--In future, Presidential power in Russia will not be tied to single person, says Putin

However , he noted that `` all [ Russia ’ s ] history was shaped exactly like this and , of course , we can not take it into account . ''
`` I am certain that a time would come when the supreme presidential power in Russia would not be so personified , will not be tied to a certain single person , '' the head of state said , speaking in the lower chamber of the Parliament .
MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin is assured that , with time , the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as today .
`` I very well realize my own responsibility before the Russian citizens , '' the head of state said .
`` I see that people , or at least the majority of the society expect my own estimations , my decision on key issues of forming of the power of state , both now and after 2024 . ''
Putin considers internal political stability one of the most vulnerable points of Russia .
`` Everyone understands clearly that a lot of things have been done , what is called ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still have a lot of vulnerable things , '' the head of state said .
`` I ’ m speaking about internal stability , enthnic and religious accord , economic and social development . ''
According to the President , he believes `` it is clear , why the issue of forming of [ … ] presidential power is being discussed more and more sharply over the course of work on the constitutional amendments . ''
`` It is the president who is the guarantor of the Constitution , or , simply speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state , its internal stability and internal , evolutionary development . ''
`` It is ‘ evolutionary ’ specifically .
We had enough of revolutions .
Russia has fulfilled its plan on revolutions , '' Putin underscored .
The President disclosed that he sees during his trips across the country that these issues concern the citizens no less than the lawmakers .
`` These concerns are understandable , '' Putin said .

However, he noted that "all [Russia’s] history was shaped exactly like this and, of course, we cannot take it into account."
"I am certain that a time would come when the supreme presidential power in Russia would not be so personified, will not be tied to a certain single person," the head of state said, speaking in the lower chamber of the Parliament.
MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin is assured that, with time, the top state office would not be as personified as today.
"I very well realize my own responsibility before the Russian citizens," the head of state said. "I see that people, or at least the majority of the society expect my own estimations, my decision on key issues of forming of the power of state, both now and after 2024."
Putin considers internal political stability one of the most vulnerable points of Russia.
"Everyone understands clearly that a lot of things have been done, what is called ‘with chewing gum’, and we still have a lot of vulnerable things," the head of state said. "I’m speaking about internal stability, enthnic and religious accord, economic and social development."
According to the President, he believes "it is clear, why the issue of forming of […] presidential power is being discussed more and more sharply over the course of work on the constitutional amendments."
"It is the president who is the guarantor of the Constitution, or, simply speaking, a guarantor of security of our state, its internal stability and internal, evolutionary development."
"It is ‘evolutionary’ specifically. We had enough of revolutions. Russia has fulfilled its plan on revolutions," Putin underscored.
The President disclosed that he sees during his trips across the country that these issues concern the citizens no less than the lawmakers.
"These concerns are understandable," Putin said.


tass--2020-03-10--Putin does not plan to hold extra meeting with oil producers, says Kremlin

MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin does not plan to gather chief executives of Russian @ @ @ @ @ the situation on the global oil market , presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov told reporters @ @ @ @ @ , there are no such plans , '' the press secretary said .
Russian President @ @ @ @ @ of federal ministers and chief executives of Russian oil and gas majors on March 1 @ @ @ @ @ the oil market and the coronavirus effect on the world ’ s economy were discussed @ @ @ @ @ to decide on further oil production cuts in view of the falling demand due to @ @ @ @ @ .
All the limitations of oil production will be lifted from April 1 .

MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin does not plan to gather chief executives of Russian oil majors again to discuss the situation on the global oil market, presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday.
"No, there are no such plans," the press secretary said.
Russian President held a meeting with participation of federal ministers and chief executives of Russian oil and gas majors on March 1, where the situation on the oil market and the coronavirus effect on the world’s economy were discussed.
OPEC+ agreement participants failed to decide on further oil production cuts in view of the falling demand due to the coronavirus spread last week. All the limitations of oil production will be lifted from April 1.


tass--2020-03-10--Putin thinks removal of presidential terms limit unviable

`` Stability may be more important , and should be a priority , especially at a time , when the country still has a lot of problems , '' the head of state stated .
However , he continued , `` after gaining political , economic and social sustainability and maturity , when a state becomes more powerful and less vulnerable to external shocks , then it is the rotation of power that takes center stage . ''
MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
It would be inappropriate to remove the limit on presidential terms in Russia , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a country ’ s dynamic development , Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday .
Putin says no need for snap election to State Duma '' It is required for the dynamics of development of the nation , '' the president explained .
`` This is why I believe it would be inappropriate to remove the limit on presidential terms from the Constitution , '' Putin concluded .
A proposal was put forth to extend the incumbent president ’ s presidential term based on people ’ s vote on constitutional amendments , Putin noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to take place in April , but this would mean that the presidential term is being extended as a result of de facto uncontested elections , which , in my opinion , is also wrong .
We should not do it , Russian citizens must have options at any , any elections , '' Putin stressed , adding that elections must be open and contested .

"Stability may be more important, and should be a priority, especially at a time, when the country still has a lot of problems," the head of state stated. However, he continued, "after gaining political, economic and social sustainability and maturity, when a state becomes more powerful and less vulnerable to external shocks, then it is the rotation of power that takes center stage."
MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. It would be inappropriate to remove the limit on presidential terms in Russia, because rotation of power is needed to ensure a country’s dynamic development, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday.
Putin says no need for snap election to State Duma
"It is required for the dynamics of development of the nation," the president explained.
"This is why I believe it would be inappropriate to remove the limit on presidential terms from the Constitution," Putin concluded.
A proposal was put forth to extend the incumbent president’s presidential term based on people’s vote on constitutional amendments, Putin noted.
"Yes, the nationwide vote is to take place in April, but this would mean that the presidential term is being extended as a result of de facto uncontested elections, which, in my opinion, is also wrong. We should not do it, Russian citizens must have options at any, any elections," Putin stressed, adding that elections must be open and contested.


tass--2020-03-10--Putin says zeroing out previous office terms possible if approved by Constitutional Court

Addressing the State Duma lower parliament house , Putin noted that one of the initiatives voiced earlier by lawmaker Valentina Tereshkova `` as a matter of fact means that there will be no limits for any one , any citizen , including the incumbent president , to run for president < … > only in case the citizens support such an amendment , say ‘ yes ’ at the nationwide voting on April 22 . ''
MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday he thinks it possible to amend the constitution to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another presidential term .
However , in his words , such an amendment is to be assessed by the Constitutional Court .
`` Generally , such an option would be possible but only under one condition : the Constitutional Court is to officially say that such an amendment would not run counter to the principles of the constitution , '' he stressed .
`` Let us keep in mind : we are not working on a new constitution , we are only introducing amendments , significant but few amendments , '' Putin said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inexpedient to change the constitution `` even to settle matters of the presidential authority . ''
The current constitution , in his words , `` has not exhausted its potential , on the contrary , it has proved its efficiency . ''
`` That is why , once a law on the constitutional amendments is adopted in the format I am speaking about it should obligatory be referred to the Constitutional Court for an official opinion , '' he said , adding however he thinks it inexpedient to `` remove from the constitution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
At a plenary session of the lower house earlier , Valentina Tereshkova suggested lifting restrictions on the number of presidential terms making it possible for the incumbent head of state to run for president once again .
Under this amendment , the rule about not more than two presidential terms can not bar an individual who was and/or is Russian president at the moment of the amendment ’ s enforcement from running for Russian president after the enforcement of the amended constitution .
The number of previous presidential terms thus doesn @ @ @ @

Addressing the State Duma lower parliament house, Putin noted that one of the initiatives voiced earlier by lawmaker Valentina Tereshkova "as a matter of fact means that there will be no limits for any one, any citizen, including the incumbent president, to run for president <…> only in case the citizens support such an amendment, say ‘yes’ at the nationwide voting on April 22."
MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday he thinks it possible to amend the constitution to make it possible for him to run for another presidential term. However, in his words, such an amendment is to be assessed by the Constitutional Court.
"Generally, such an option would be possible but only under one condition: the Constitutional Court is to officially say that such an amendment would not run counter to the principles of the constitution," he stressed.
"Let us keep in mind: we are not working on a new constitution, we are only introducing amendments, significant but few amendments," Putin said, adding that he still thinks it inexpedient to change the constitution "even to settle matters of the presidential authority." The current constitution, in his words, "has not exhausted its potential, on the contrary, it has proved its efficiency."
"That is why, once a law on the constitutional amendments is adopted in the format I am speaking about it should obligatory be referred to the Constitutional Court for an official opinion," he said, adding however he thinks it inexpedient to "remove from the constitution restrictions on the number of presidential terms."
At a plenary session of the lower house earlier, Valentina Tereshkova suggested lifting restrictions on the number of presidential terms making it possible for the incumbent head of state to run for president once again. Under this amendment, the rule about not more than two presidential terms cannot bar an individual who was and/or is Russian president at the moment of the amendment’s enforcement from running for Russian president after the enforcement of the amended constitution. The number of previous presidential terms thus doesn’t matter.


tass--2020-03-10--First coronavirus case reported in Northern Cyprus

The infected person is a 65-year-old German tourist who arrived as part of a group of 30 people , and stayed at a hotel in the area of Famagusta city .
Late on Monday , she was hospitalized with fever and quarantined .
The tourists who arrived together with her are also in quarantine , having been isolated at a hotel .
The official Nicosia reported the first cases of the novel coronavirus on Monday .
At an emergency cabinet session of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus , the decision was taken to increase the number of beds for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to double the numerical strength of the medical personnel at the points of crossing into the Greek part of the island , as well as at the sea ports in the norther part of Cyprus and at the Turkish-Cypriot Ercan Airport .
The cabinet also ruled to establish an anti-crisis committee that will apply additional measures of anti-virus control if an epidemic breaks out .
The incident with the German tourist is a third coronavirus case in Cyrus that until Monday remained the last EU country to be virus-free .
Cyprus ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday about two first cases of the novel coronavirus , in which two Cypriots arriving from Italy and the UK were infected .
One of them is a surgeon who was treating patients for several days after his return from the trip .
As many as 150 people have been tested for coronavirus at the cardiac wing of the hospital in Nicosia where he works .
The clinic won ’ t be receiving any patients or visitors in the next two days , while the emergency department will keep operating in the routine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center , in late December 2019 .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern , describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .
Besides China , major coronavirus outbreaks have been reported in South Korea , Iran and Italy .
More than 100 countries , including Russia , have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
Over 3,100 people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the majority of novel coronavirus cases , more than 59,900 patients have recovered , while the total number of infected people stands at 80,700 .
According to the World Health Organization , over 110,000 have been infected globally , slightly more than 3,800 patients have died .

The infected person is a 65-year-old German tourist who arrived as part of a group of 30 people, and stayed at a hotel in the area of Famagusta city. Late on Monday, she was hospitalized with fever and quarantined. The tourists who arrived together with her are also in quarantine, having been isolated at a hotel.
The official Nicosia reported the first cases of the novel coronavirus on Monday. At an emergency cabinet session of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, the decision was taken to increase the number of beds for putting the ill persons on quarantine, to double the numerical strength of the medical personnel at the points of crossing into the Greek part of the island, as well as at the sea ports in the norther part of Cyprus and at the Turkish-Cypriot Ercan Airport. The cabinet also ruled to establish an anti-crisis committee that will apply additional measures of anti-virus control if an epidemic breaks out.
The incident with the German tourist is a third coronavirus case in Cyrus that until Monday remained the last EU country to be virus-free. Cyprus’s Minister of Health Constantinos Ioannou reported on Monday about two first cases of the novel coronavirus, in which two Cypriots arriving from Italy and the UK were infected. One of them is a surgeon who was treating patients for several days after his return from the trip. As many as 150 people have been tested for coronavirus at the cardiac wing of the hospital in Nicosia where he works. The clinic won’t be receiving any patients or visitors in the next two days, while the emergency department will keep operating in the routine mode.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center, in late December 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations. Besides China, major coronavirus outbreaks have been reported in South Korea, Iran and Italy. More than 100 countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases.
Over 3,100 people have died in China, which accounts for the majority of novel coronavirus cases, more than 59,900 patients have recovered, while the total number of infected people stands at 80,700.
According to the World Health Organization, over 110,000 have been infected globally, slightly more than 3,800 patients have died.


tass--2020-03-10--Brent crude oil price exceeds $38 per barrel on London's ICE

MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
The price of futures contracts of Brent crude oil for May 2020 delivery @ @ @ @ @ % trading at $ 38.08 per barrel on London 's ICE on Tuesday , according @ @ @ @ @ of 2:34 pm Moscow time .
The Brent crude oil has already bounced back over @ @ @ @ @ closure during the trading session on March 10 .
Meanwhile , the price of futures @ @ @ @ @ gained 10.6 % to $ 34.44 per barrel .

MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. The price of futures contracts of Brent crude oil for May 2020 delivery has accelerated growth to 10.8% trading at $38.08 per barrel on London's ICE on Tuesday, according to the trading data as of 2:34 pm Moscow time.
The Brent crude oil has already bounced back over $3.5 since the previous closure during the trading session on March 10.
Meanwhile, the price of futures contracts of WTI crude oil gained 10.6% to $34.44 per barrel.


tass--2020-03-10--Supermicro unveils MegaDC servers designed exclusively for hyperscale datacenters

SAN JOSE , California , March 10 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Super Micro Computer , Inc. ( Nasdaq : SMCI ) , a global leader in enterprise computing , storage , networking solutions and green computing technology , today launched its new MegaDC line of servers – the industry 's first COTS systems designed exclusively for large scale deployment in hyperscale datacenters .
Supermicro 's breakthrough MegaDC servers are purpose-built and flexible COTS platforms specifically designed for hyperscale infrastructure deployments .
By reducing the component count and optimizing the power distribution and backplane designs , MegaDC servers deliver increased cost-effectiveness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these new servers support open standards including OpenBMC for customized control over functionality and versioning , advanced I/O modules ( AIOM ) that support OCP V3.0 SFF cards , as well as common redundant power supplies ( CRPS ) .
`` As we continue to rapidly expand our production capacity , Supermicro is now well-positioned to service hyperscale datacenters , '' said Charles Liang , President and CEO of Supermicro .
`` With that in mind , we have designed the new MegaDC server product line exclusively for internet-scale datacenter customers .
MegaDC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and deliver optimal performance per watt and performance per dollar .
We understand that large datacenters often face long lead times for upside demand as well as occasional downside challenges , and Supermicro can help alleviate these demand fluctuation concerns by maintaining healthy inventory levels for our new MegaDC servers . ''
Today 's MegaDC launch introduces five new X11 systems comprised of two 1U systems and three 2U systems available for cloud quantity deployments with sufficient economies of scale .
All of these MegaDC systems support two of the new 2nd Gen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slots , an AIOM slot , dual 25G Ethernet ports , and OpenBMC .
Additional features include bulk packaging designed to reduce unboxing time , optimized mechanical designs to maximize airflow to the CPUs , memory and GPUs , and low-resistance 12V single-source power distribution to increase system availability and energy-efficiency .
For more information on these new Supermicro products , visit www.supermicro.com/MegaDC .
Follow Supermicro on Facebook and Twitter to receive their latest news and announcements .
Supermicro ( Nasdaq : SMCI ) , the leading innovator in high-performance , high-efficiency server @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advanced Server Building Block Solutions® for Data Center , Cloud Computing , Enterprise IT , Hadoop/Big Data , HPC and Embedded Systems worldwide .
Supermicro is committed to protecting the environment through its `` We Keep IT Green® '' initiative and provides customers with the most energy-efficient , environmentally-friendly solutions available on the market .
Supermicro , Server Building Block Solutions , and We Keep IT Green are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Super Micro Computer , Inc. All other brands , names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners .

SAN JOSE, California, March 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Super Micro Computer, Inc. (Nasdaq: SMCI), a global leader in enterprise computing, storage, networking solutions and green computing technology, today launched its new MegaDC line of servers – the industry's first COTS systems designed exclusively for large scale deployment in hyperscale datacenters.
Supermicro's breakthrough MegaDC servers are purpose-built and flexible COTS platforms specifically designed for hyperscale infrastructure deployments. By reducing the component count and optimizing the power distribution and backplane designs, MegaDC servers deliver increased cost-effectiveness and reliability. For better flexibility, these new servers support open standards including OpenBMC for customized control over functionality and versioning, advanced I/O modules (AIOM) that support OCP V3.0 SFF cards, as well as common redundant power supplies (CRPS).
"As we continue to rapidly expand our production capacity, Supermicro is now well-positioned to service hyperscale datacenters," said Charles Liang, President and CEO of Supermicro. "With that in mind, we have designed the new MegaDC server product line exclusively for internet-scale datacenter customers. MegaDC servers are optimized to reduce deployment times and deliver optimal performance per watt and performance per dollar. We understand that large datacenters often face long lead times for upside demand as well as occasional downside challenges, and Supermicro can help alleviate these demand fluctuation concerns by maintaining healthy inventory levels for our new MegaDC servers."
Today's MegaDC launch introduces five new X11 systems comprised of two 1U systems and three 2U systems available for cloud quantity deployments with sufficient economies of scale. All of these MegaDC systems support two of the new 2nd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors, 16 memory slots, an AIOM slot, dual 25G Ethernet ports, and OpenBMC. Additional features include bulk packaging designed to reduce unboxing time, optimized mechanical designs to maximize airflow to the CPUs, memory and GPUs, and low-resistance 12V single-source power distribution to increase system availability and energy-efficiency.
For more information on these new Supermicro products, visit www.supermicro.com/MegaDC.
Follow Supermicro on Facebook and Twitter to receive their latest news and announcements.
About Super Micro Computer, Inc.
Supermicro (Nasdaq: SMCI), the leading innovator in high-performance, high-efficiency server technology, is a premier provider of advanced Server Building Block Solutions® for Data Center, Cloud Computing, Enterprise IT, Hadoop/Big Data, HPC and Embedded Systems worldwide. Supermicro is committed to protecting the environment through its "We Keep IT Green®" initiative and provides customers with the most energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly solutions available on the market.
Supermicro, Server Building Block Solutions, and We Keep IT Green are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Super Micro Computer, Inc.
All other brands, names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
SMCI-F
CONTACT: Michael Kalodrich, Super Micro Computer, Inc., PR@supermicro.com


tass--2020-03-10--Changes in the world are crucial, irreversible — Putin

Russian economy is strong enough to get through volatility in oil market — Kremlin MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ @ @ @ @ @ world are crucial and irreversible , Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday , adding that @ @ @ @ @ the global economy shapes out with difficulties .
`` The world is , indeed , @ @ @ @ @ These changes bear crucial , I would say , irreversible character .
We see how @ @ @ @ @ politics , security , global economy shapes out , '' the President said .
Putin @ @ @ @ @ noted global changes taking place in all spheres of life .
In particular , he @ @ @ @ @ , explosive character of development of technologies , '' and to changes in other spheres @

Russian economy is strong enough to get through volatility in oil market — Kremlin
MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. The changes in the world are crucial and irreversible, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday, adding that the situation with security and the global economy shapes out with difficulties.
"The world is, indeed, changing. […] These changes bear crucial, I would say, irreversible character. We see how difficult the situation in world politics, security, global economy shapes out," the President said.
Putin agreed with the lawmakers who noted global changes taking place in all spheres of life. In particular, he pointed to the "turbulent, explosive character of development of technologies," and to changes in other spheres.


tass--2020-03-10--Putin says no need for snap election to State Duma

`` If Russian citizens vote in favor of the amendments to the basic law , including handing over some presidential powers to the State Duma [ lower chamber ] and the Federation Council [ upper chamber ] , these changes must enter force immediately after the amendments are published , and therefore , the State Duma must instantly assume new , extended powers , '' Putin noted .
`` If there is no consensus [ on this issue ] in the parliament — and the speaker [ Vyacheslav Volodin ] has told me there is none — then I see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Duma , '' the head of state said .
MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
Vladimir Putin sees no need for snap election to the State Duma , the Russian president said Tuesday , speaking at the lower chamber of the parliament .
According to the head of state , `` a question arises — whether the current Duma membership has [ the right ] to accept these powers . ''
`` In my opinion , of course , it does , '' the president asserted .
`` All legal , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Of course , in the end it is your decision , '' the head of state told the lawmakers .
`` If citizens come to the voting stations on April 22 and vote , that would mean they confirm the powers , the new powers of the State Duma .
The people — the only source of power — will have a say .
That is all .
The issue is closed , '' Putin explained .
According to the president , `` a significant expansion of parliamentary powers is on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toward closer cooperation between representative and executive branches . ''
`` That would mean increase of their mutual responsibility for the results achieved , or for the lack thereof , '' the president underscored .
He believes that `` at this stage of development of the society , such changes are justified and enough , '' and that `` this is already a qualitative step forward from democracy development standpoint . ''

"If Russian citizens vote in favor of the amendments to the basic law, including handing over some presidential powers to the State Duma [lower chamber] and the Federation Council [upper chamber], these changes must enter force immediately after the amendments are published, and therefore, the State Duma must instantly assume new, extended powers," Putin noted.
"If there is no consensus [on this issue] in the parliament — and the speaker [Vyacheslav Volodin] has told me there is none — then I see no need for snap elections to the State Duma," the head of state said.
MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. Vladimir Putin sees no need for snap election to the State Duma, the Russian president said Tuesday, speaking at the lower chamber of the parliament.
According to the head of state, "a question arises — whether the current Duma membership has [the right] to accept these powers."
"In my opinion, of course, it does," the president asserted. "All legal, legitimate grounds for this exist."
"Of course, in the end it is your decision," the head of state told the lawmakers.
"If citizens come to the voting stations on April 22 and vote, that would mean they confirm the powers, the new powers of the State Duma. The people — the only source of power — will have a say. That is all. The issue is closed," Putin explained.
According to the president, "a significant expansion of parliamentary powers is on the table, and this is a way toward closer cooperation between representative and executive branches."
"That would mean increase of their mutual responsibility for the results achieved, or for the lack thereof," the president underscored.
He believes that "at this stage of development of the society, such changes are justified and enough," and that "this is already a qualitative step forward from democracy development standpoint."