tass--2020-01-30--All ends well: pardoned Naama Issachar returns to Israel

Issachar ’ s pardon has become one of the main topics of the day in the Israeli media , along with Washington ’ s `` deal of the century '' on Middle Eastern regulation .
Netanyahu arrived in Russia on Thursday to discuss the US plan with Putin ; however , the majority of reporters expressed more interest in Naama Issachar ’ s story .
Only a handful of correspondents were able to talk to Naama ’ s mother Yaffa , who arrived in Moscow two days earlier .
Russian and Israeli reporters accompanied Issachar to the airport , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sara before boarding the prime minister ’ s plane returning to Israel .
MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Israeli national Naama Issachar , who was sentenced to 7.5 years behind bars in Russia for drug smuggling and later pardoned by Russian President Vladimir Putin , has returned home on Thursday on Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu ’ s plane , accompanied by her mother Yaffa .
Her release fulfills the promise made by Putin to Yaffa Issachar in Jerusalem on January 23 , when he assured Naama ’ s mother that `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian and Israeli media closely followed Issachar ’ s release .
On Wednesday morning , Putin signed a decree pardoning Issachar , and on Thursday morning , it was reported that the Israeli national had already left the detention facility ; however , her whereabouts remained unknown for some time .
Following her release , Issachar was spotted at the airport , where reporters gathered to document Netanyahu ’ s departure .
After leaving the detention facility , the Israeli citizen and her mother left for the airport , where they waited for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Putin .
Naama and Yaffa Issachar declined to speak to the press .
No reporters were allowed at the first meeting between Naama , Netanyahu and his wife Sara , which was documented by the Israeli PM ’ s personal camera operator and later published on Netanyahu ’ s Twitter .
The video footage shows Netanyahu and his wife Sara hugging a smiling Naama Issachar and her mother .
The Issachars then exchanged words with Sara Netanyahu , which were not captured on camera .
The meeting lasted for about thirty minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Naama Issachar and her mother headed towards the Israeli PM ’ s plane with Russian and Israeli reporters gathered on the tarmac .
They boarded the plane hand in hand , declining to provide any comments to the media .
Naama Issachar , an Israeli and US national , was detained at Moscow ’ s Sheremetyevo airport on April 9 , 2019 , when she was in the airport ’ s transit zone before boarding a connecting flight to Tel Aviv after arriving from New Delhi .
The airport ’ s security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her luggage .
On October 11 , 2019 , the Khimki City Court in the Moscow Region found Issachar guilty of drug possession and smuggling ( Part 1 , Section 228 and Part 2 , Section 229.1 of the Russian Criminal Code ) and sentenced her to 7.5 years in a standard regime penal colony .
The Moscow Regional Court upheld the verdict on December 19 .
In October 2019 , Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin asked Putin to pardon Issachar .
On December 6 , Israeli Foreign Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the issue at a meeting with Russia ’ s top diplomat Sergey Lavrov in Rome , expressing hope that the Russian president would consider the request to pardon the Israeli national .
During a visit to Jerusalem on January 23 , Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Issachar ’ s mother , assuring her that `` everything will be alright '' regarding her daughter .
`` I am aware of the position of [ Israeli ] Prime Minister [ Benjamin Netanyahu ] who asks to make an appropriate decision .
All that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final decision is made , '' Putin said .
On January 26 , Issachar made an official pardon appeal .
On January 29 , Putin decreed to pardon Issachar .
`` Guided by the principles of humanity , I decree to pardon Naama Issachar , born in 1993 , sentenced on October 11 , 2019 by the Khimki City Court of the Moscow Region , releasing her from serving the rest of her sentence , '' Putin ’ s decree says .

Issachar’s pardon has become one of the main topics of the day in the Israeli media, along with Washington’s "deal of the century" on Middle Eastern regulation. Netanyahu arrived in Russia on Thursday to discuss the US plan with Putin; however, the majority of reporters expressed more interest in Naama Issachar’s story. Only a handful of correspondents were able to talk to Naama’s mother Yaffa, who arrived in Moscow two days earlier. Russian and Israeli reporters accompanied Issachar to the airport, where she met with Netanyahu and his wife Sara before boarding the prime minister’s plane returning to Israel.
MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. Israeli national Naama Issachar, who was sentenced to 7.5 years behind bars in Russia for drug smuggling and later pardoned by Russian President Vladimir Putin, has returned home on Thursday on Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s plane, accompanied by her mother Yaffa. Her release fulfills the promise made by Putin to Yaffa Issachar in Jerusalem on January 23, when he assured Naama’s mother that "everything will be alright."
Both Russian and Israeli media closely followed Issachar’s release. On Wednesday morning, Putin signed a decree pardoning Issachar, and on Thursday morning, it was reported that the Israeli national had already left the detention facility; however, her whereabouts remained unknown for some time.
Following her release, Issachar was spotted at the airport, where reporters gathered to document Netanyahu’s departure. After leaving the detention facility, the Israeli citizen and her mother left for the airport, where they waited for the Israeli PM to conclude the talks with Putin. Naama and Yaffa Issachar declined to speak to the press. No reporters were allowed at the first meeting between Naama, Netanyahu and his wife Sara, which was documented by the Israeli PM’s personal camera operator and later published on Netanyahu’s Twitter.
The video footage shows Netanyahu and his wife Sara hugging a smiling Naama Issachar and her mother. The Issachars then exchanged words with Sara Netanyahu, which were not captured on camera. The meeting lasted for about thirty minutes, after which Netanyahu, his wife, Naama Issachar and her mother headed towards the Israeli PM’s plane with Russian and Israeli reporters gathered on the tarmac. They boarded the plane hand in hand, declining to provide any comments to the media.
Issachar’s case
Naama Issachar, an Israeli and US national, was detained at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport on April 9, 2019, when she was in the airport’s transit zone before boarding a connecting flight to Tel Aviv after arriving from New Delhi. The airport’s security guards found 9.6 grams of cannabis in her luggage. On October 11, 2019, the Khimki City Court in the Moscow Region found Issachar guilty of drug possession and smuggling (Part 1, Section 228 and Part 2, Section 229.1 of the Russian Criminal Code) and sentenced her to 7.5 years in a standard regime penal colony. The Moscow Regional Court upheld the verdict on December 19.
In October 2019, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin asked Putin to pardon Issachar. On December 6, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that he had raised the issue at a meeting with Russia’s top diplomat Sergey Lavrov in Rome, expressing hope that the Russian president would consider the request to pardon the Israeli national.
During a visit to Jerusalem on January 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Issachar’s mother, assuring her that "everything will be alright" regarding her daughter. "I am aware of the position of [Israeli] Prime Minister [Benjamin Netanyahu] who asks to make an appropriate decision. All that will certainly be taken into account when the final decision is made," Putin said.
On January 26, Issachar made an official pardon appeal. On January 29, Putin decreed to pardon Issachar. "Guided by the principles of humanity, I decree to pardon Naama Issachar, born in 1993, sentenced on October 11, 2019 by the Khimki City Court of the Moscow Region, releasing her from serving the rest of her sentence," Putin’s decree says.


tass--2020-01-30--Russian Railways cancels order to terminate freight traffic with China

`` In connection with the clarifications received ( order by the Transport Ministry dated January 25 , 2020 ) , operational order 89 dated January 30 , 2020 is canceled , '' according to the new order , signed by Sergey Kolesnikov , first deputy of the Russian Railways Corporate Transport Service Center ( the document has been obtained by TASS ) .
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said earlier that from January 31 Russia would suspend railway passenger traffic with China .
She was speaking after a meeting on measures to control and prevent the import and spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The railway service will be maintained only on route Beijing-Moscow and Moscow-Beijing .
The Chinese authorities registered the pneumonia outbreak caused by the novel coronavirus in late December 2019 in the city of Wuhan , central China .
According to the latest data , more than 8,100 people have been infected with the novel coronavirus in China , and 1701of them have died .
Besides China , the novel coronavirus has been reported in 18 countries .
The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of national concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @

"In connection with the clarifications received (order by the Transport Ministry dated January 25, 2020), operational order 89 dated January 30, 2020 is canceled," according to the new order, signed by Sergey Kolesnikov, first deputy of the Russian Railways Corporate Transport Service Center (the document has been obtained by TASS).
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said earlier that from January 31 Russia would suspend railway passenger traffic with China. She was speaking after a meeting on measures to control and prevent the import and spread of new coronavirus infection to Russia. The railway service will be maintained only on route Beijing-Moscow and Moscow-Beijing.
The Chinese authorities registered the pneumonia outbreak caused by the novel coronavirus in late December 2019 in the city of Wuhan, central China. According to the latest data, more than 8,100 people have been infected with the novel coronavirus in China, and 1701of them have died. Besides China, the novel coronavirus has been reported in 18 countries. The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of national concern and sent its experts to China.


tass--2020-01-30--Moscow court arrests five ex-police officers in journalist Golunov case

`` The court hereby satisfies request of the investigation and orders to take Lyakhovets in custody until March 29 , '' the judge said .
MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow ’ s Basmanny Court has arrested for two months former head of synthetic drug trafficking police department of Moscow ’ s Western Administrative District Igor Lyakhovets accused of illegally detaining Meduza news outlet reporter Ivan Golunov , TASS reported from the courtroom .
Earlier , four former police officers , Denis Konovalov and Roman Feofanov , Maxim Umetbayev , Akbar Sergaliyev , were arrested as well .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alexei Kovrizhkin opposed his arrest .
Lyakhovets himself told the court that the police officers had evidence that Golunov had committed the crime , while he also decried the case as political .
Golunov was detained in downtown Mocsow on June 6 .
According to police , the reporter was carrying four grams of mephedrone , a synthetic stimulant drug , while five grams of cocaine were found during a search of his rented apartment .
Moscow ’ s Nikulinsky District Court placed the journalist under house arrest .
Golunov ’ s lawyer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planted on his client .
All charges were eventually dropped on June 11 and Golunov was set free .
President Vladimir Putin said at his annual news conference in December that Russia ’ s Investigative Committee had opened criminal cases against five former police officers following Golunov ’ s detention .
While speaking to TASS on Wednesday , Golunov was hopeful that a trial against the former police officers would be fair .

"The court hereby satisfies request of the investigation and orders to take Lyakhovets in custody until March 29," the judge said.
MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. Moscow’s Basmanny Court has arrested for two months former head of synthetic drug trafficking police department of Moscow’s Western Administrative District Igor Lyakhovets accused of illegally detaining Meduza news outlet reporter Ivan Golunov, TASS reported from the courtroom.
Earlier, four former police officers, Denis Konovalov and Roman Feofanov, Maxim Umetbayev, Akbar Sergaliyev, were arrested as well.
Prosecution and Golunov’s representative supported the investigation’s position.
In turn, Lyakhovets’ defense attorney Alexei Kovrizhkin opposed his arrest. Lyakhovets himself told the court that the police officers had evidence that Golunov had committed the crime, while he also decried the case as political.
Golunov case
Golunov was detained in downtown Mocsow on June 6. According to police, the reporter was carrying four grams of mephedrone, a synthetic stimulant drug, while five grams of cocaine were found during a search of his rented apartment. Moscow’s Nikulinsky District Court placed the journalist under house arrest. Golunov’s lawyer said that the drugs could have been planted on his client. All charges were eventually dropped on June 11 and Golunov was set free.
President Vladimir Putin said at his annual news conference in December that Russia’s Investigative Committee had opened criminal cases against five former police officers following Golunov’s detention.
While speaking to TASS on Wednesday, Golunov was hopeful that a trial against the former police officers would be fair.


tass--2020-01-30--Netanyahu’s plane lands in Tel Aviv with pardoned Israeli national Issachar on board

TEL AVIV , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ’ s plane has landed at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv with pardoned Israeli national Naama Issachar and her mother Yaffa on board .
Their arrival was transmitted by leading Israeli TV channels .
Several dozen people with Israeli flags , as well as reporters and photographers , welcomed Netanyahu and Issachar at the airport , TASS reported .
Earlier on Thursday , Netanyahu held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow , after which he met with Naama and her mother at Vnukovo International @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plane returning to Israel .
Naama Issachar , an Israeli and US national , was detained at Moscow ’ s Sheremetyevo airport on April 9 , 2019 , when she was in the airport ’ s transit zone before boarding a connecting flight to Tel Aviv after arriving from New Delhi .
The airport ’ s security guards found 9.6 grams of cannabis in her luggage .
On October 11 , 2019 , the Khimki City Court in the Moscow Region found Issachar guilty of drug possession and smuggling ( Part 1 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 229.1 of the Russian Criminal Code ) and sentenced her to 7.5 years in a standard regime penal colony .
The Moscow Regional Court upheld the verdict on December 19 .

TEL AVIV, January 30. /TASS/. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plane has landed at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv with pardoned Israeli national Naama Issachar and her mother Yaffa on board. Their arrival was transmitted by leading Israeli TV channels.
Several dozen people with Israeli flags, as well as reporters and photographers, welcomed Netanyahu and Issachar at the airport, TASS reported.
Earlier on Thursday, Netanyahu held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, after which he met with Naama and her mother at Vnukovo International Airport, inviting them to board his plane returning to Israel.
Issachar’s case
Naama Issachar, an Israeli and US national, was detained at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport on April 9, 2019, when she was in the airport’s transit zone before boarding a connecting flight to Tel Aviv after arriving from New Delhi. The airport’s security guards found 9.6 grams of cannabis in her luggage. On October 11, 2019, the Khimki City Court in the Moscow Region found Issachar guilty of drug possession and smuggling (Part 1, Section 228 and Part 2, Section 229.1 of the Russian Criminal Code) and sentenced her to 7.5 years in a standard regime penal colony. The Moscow Regional Court upheld the verdict on December 19.


tass--2020-01-30--Top Russian diplomat to visit Mexico on February 6

`` On February 6 , head of the Russian foreign policy agency will pay a visit to the United Mexican States .
Talks with the Mexican Secretary of Foreign Affairs are upcoming , they are expected to exchange opinions on current international and regional affairs as well as coordinate approaches of our states to various issues on the global agenda to further strengthen our bilateral cooperation on multilateral forums , '' she said .
`` Ministry plan to pay special attention to development of integration processes in Latin America and the Caribbean as well as deeper dialogue between Russia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Latin American and Caribbean States chaired by Mexico this year , I remind you , '' the diplomat added .
Zakharova informed that the ministers will study the current state of affairs in the bilateral relations in detail as well as prospects of their further development with an emphasis put on more active political dialogue , ramping up and diversification of trade , economic and investment ties , expansion of cultural and humanitarian exchanges as well as polishing and strengthening of legal bases for cooperation .
The diplomat noted that the meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the year when Russia and Mexico celebrate 130th anniversary since diplomatic relations were established between the two countries .

"On February 6, head of the Russian foreign policy agency will pay a visit to the United Mexican States. Talks with the Mexican Secretary of Foreign Affairs are upcoming, they are expected to exchange opinions on current international and regional affairs as well as coordinate approaches of our states to various issues on the global agenda to further strengthen our bilateral cooperation on multilateral forums," she said.
"Ministry plan to pay special attention to development of integration processes in Latin America and the Caribbean as well as deeper dialogue between Russia and regional associations, particularly with the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States chaired by Mexico this year, I remind you," the diplomat added.
Zakharova informed that the ministers will study the current state of affairs in the bilateral relations in detail as well as prospects of their further development with an emphasis put on more active political dialogue, ramping up and diversification of trade, economic and investment ties, expansion of cultural and humanitarian exchanges as well as polishing and strengthening of legal bases for cooperation.
The diplomat noted that the meeting between the top diplomats will take place in the year when Russia and Mexico celebrate 130th anniversary since diplomatic relations were established between the two countries.


tass--2020-01-30--Russia’s Utair flight returns to Moscow due to malfunction

KHANTY-MANSIYSK , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Utair Airlines ’ passenger jet travelling from Moscow to Rostov-on-Don is burning out @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Vnukovo Airport .
The plane ’ s flap-position transmitter went off , the @ @ @ @ @ told TASS .
`` The flap-position transmitter went off aboard the flight travelling from Moscow @ @ @ @ @ commander made the decision to return to the airport of departure .
The jet is @ @ @ @ @ the landing in accordance with rules , '' TASS was told .
The airline refuted @ @ @ @ @ preparing for an emergency landing .
According to a TASS source in emergency services , @ @ @ @ @ left Moscow for Rostov-on-Don at 18:59 Moscow time but the commander turned back after the @ @ @ @ @ the technical malfunction .

KHANTY-MANSIYSK, January 30. /TASS/. Utair Airlines’ passenger jet travelling from Moscow to Rostov-on-Don is burning out fuel before landing at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport. The plane’s flap-position transmitter went off, the airline’s press service told TASS.
"The flap-position transmitter went off aboard the flight travelling from Moscow to Rostov-on-Don and the aircraft commander made the decision to return to the airport of departure. The jet is now burning out fuel before the landing in accordance with rules," TASS was told.
The airline refuted reports that the aircraft is preparing for an emergency landing.
According to a TASS source in emergency services, the Utair Airlines’ Boeing left Moscow for Rostov-on-Don at 18:59 Moscow time but the commander turned back after the alarm went off notifying about the technical malfunction.


tass--2020-01-30--Russian human rights commissioner sends request to visit Vinnik in France

STRASBOURG , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova has addressed French Minister of Justice Nicole @ @ @ @ @ visit Russian national Alexander Vinnik , who was extradited from Greece to France .
`` @ @ @ @ @ request to French Minister of Justice Nicole Belloubet .
I am now awaiting response , @ @ @ @ @ take place without prior approval , '' Moskalkova told reporters .
She is currently visiting @ @ @ @ @ that in accordance with the existing procedures , a significant period of time will be @ @ @ @ @ , '' she added .

STRASBOURG, January 30. /TASS/. Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova has addressed French Minister of Justice Nicole Belloubet with a request to visit Russian national Alexander Vinnik, who was extradited from Greece to France.
"I have made an official request to French Minister of Justice Nicole Belloubet. I am now awaiting response, as the visit cannot take place without prior approval," Moskalkova told reporters. She is currently visiting Strasbourg. "I think that in accordance with the existing procedures, a significant period of time will be required to consider the request," she added.


tass--2020-01-30--Turkey to take additional measures to stop attacks on civilians in Syria’s Idlib

ANKARA , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Turkey is intending to introduce additional measures to prevent attacks on peaceful civilians @ @ @ @ @ Idlib de-escalation zone .
The decision was made by the Turkish National Security Council at @ @ @ @ @ that lasted more than four hours and was chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan , @ @ @ @ @ measures against attacks targeting peaceful civilians in Idlib will be introduced , '' the TV @ @ @ @ @ the final statement .
The council also discussed the situation in Libya and called on @ @ @ @ @ efforts to establish a permanent ceasefire .
`` .

ANKARA, January 30. /TASS/. Turkey is intending to introduce additional measures to prevent attacks on peaceful civilians residing in Syria’s Idlib de-escalation zone. The decision was made by the Turkish National Security Council at its first meeting in 2020 that lasted more than four hours and was chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, NTV reports.
"Additional measures against attacks targeting peaceful civilians in Idlib will be introduced," the TV channel quoted an excerpt of the final statement.
The council also discussed the situation in Libya and called on all countries "to support efforts to establish a permanent ceasefire.".


tass--2020-01-30--Putin can opt not to sign constitutional amendments if citizens don’t back them

KRASNOGORSK /Moscow Region/ , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has revealed that he can decide against @ @ @ @ @ amendments into law if citizens do not support it at a nationwide law .
`` @ @ @ @ @ arrive at polling stations of this vote and say whether they want this change or @ @ @ @ @ our country be that ultimate authority which either accepts this bill on amendments or rejects @ @ @ @ @ at a meeting with public figures .
`` And only after people make their voices @ @ @ @ @ or not sign it , '' Putin added .
At the same time , he @ @ @ @ @ necessary to pass the bill in parliament and gather the specified number of approvals from @ @ @ @ @ proposed constitutional amendments .
`` However , I believe that the ordinary procedure in this @ @ @ @ @ into force is not enough , '' he concluded .

KRASNOGORSK /Moscow Region/, January 30. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has revealed that he can decide against signing the bill on constitutional amendments into law if citizens do not support it at a nationwide law.
"It is necessary that people arrive at polling stations of this vote and say whether they want this change or not, that citizens of our country be that ultimate authority which either accepts this bill on amendments or rejects it," he said at a meeting with public figures.
"And only after people make their voices heard, I will sign or not sign it," Putin added.
At the same time, he recalled that it is only necessary to pass the bill in parliament and gather the specified number of approvals from regional authorities to adopt the proposed constitutional amendments. "However, I believe that the ordinary procedure in this case for them to enter into force is not enough," he concluded.


tass--2020-01-30--Russia’s FSB tracked kept woman who threatened to blow plane up in Moscow under control

MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Two officers of the Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) kept the @ @ @ @ @ towards the crew of the S7 Airlines ’ passenger plane travelling from Crimea ’ s @ @ @ @ @ , the FSB Public Relations Center told TASS .
The female passenger acted erratically and @ @ @ @ @ might happen aboard the aircraft .
`` Two FSB officers who were also on board @ @ @ @ @ plane decided to continue travelling towards the airport of destination , taking into account the @ @ @ @ @ in Simferopol ’ s airport , '' the FSB stressed , adding that the officers @ @ @ @ @ the whole flight .

MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. Two officers of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) kept the female passenger who made threats towards the crew of the S7 Airlines’ passenger plane travelling from Crimea’s Simferopol to Moscow under control, the FSB Public Relations Center told TASS.
The female passenger acted erratically and told crewmembers that an emergency might happen aboard the aircraft. "Two FSB officers who were also on board assessed the situation aboard the plane decided to continue travelling towards the airport of destination, taking into account the strict luggage and passenger checks in Simferopol’s airport," the FSB stressed, adding that the officers kept her under control throughout the whole flight.
The plane successfully landed in Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport.


tass--2020-01-30--No plans to swap Whelan for Russian citizens jailed in US, says US ambassador

MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
There are no plans to exchange US national Paul Whelan , charged in Russia with espionage , for any Russian citizens jailed in the US so far , US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan told reporters on Thursday after visiting Whelan at a detention facility in Moscow .
`` We ’ re focused on Paul ’ s case .
Paul ’ s case is a case of an individual whose rights have been denied , who has been detained unfairly and unjustly , without evidence , period , '' he said , answering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia John Sullivan visited jailed US national Paul Whelan , accused in Russia of espionage , at a detention facility in Moscow earlier on Thursday , US Embassy Spokesperson Rebecca Ross informed on Twitter .
`` Paul ’ s health and welfare are of great concern for the U.S. Government , '' she wrote .
This was the first time Sullivan has visited Whelan .
His predecessor Jon Huntsman repeatedly visited the jailed US national during his term as ambassador .
US citizen Paul Whelan , who also holds British , Canadian and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) on December 28 , 2018 in Moscow while on an alleged spy mission .
A criminal investigation was launched against him on espionage charges carrying a punishment of up to 20 years behind bars .

MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. There are no plans to exchange US national Paul Whelan, charged in Russia with espionage, for any Russian citizens jailed in the US so far, US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan told reporters on Thursday after visiting Whelan at a detention facility in Moscow.
"We’re focused on Paul’s case. Paul’s case is a case of an individual whose rights have been denied, who has been detained unfairly and unjustly, without evidence, period," he said, answering a corresponding question.
US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan visited jailed US national Paul Whelan, accused in Russia of espionage, at a detention facility in Moscow earlier on Thursday, US Embassy Spokesperson Rebecca Ross informed on Twitter. "Paul’s health and welfare are of great concern for the U.S. Government," she wrote.
This was the first time Sullivan has visited Whelan. His predecessor Jon Huntsman repeatedly visited the jailed US national during his term as ambassador.
US citizen Paul Whelan, who also holds British, Canadian and Irish citizenship, was detained by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) on December 28, 2018 in Moscow while on an alleged spy mission. A criminal investigation was launched against him on espionage charges carrying a punishment of up to 20 years behind bars.


tass--2020-01-30--‘Criminal and amoral’: Russian diplomat blasts Zelensky’s remarks on USSR ‘causing’ WWII

The diplomat also pointed to a recent comment by former Ukrainian President Leonid Kravchuk that Hitler and Stalin had allegedly met in Lvov at the onset of World War II MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky ’ s comments that the USSR was ‘ complicit ’ in starting World War II are criminal and amoral , says Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova .
`` The statements made by President Zelensky who effectively equated the role of the Soviet Union with that of the Third Reich ‘ in sparking World War II , which enabled the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that was the Holocaust in motion , ’ are beyond all boundaries , '' she insisted .
`` And after that the Ukrainian authorities ask themselves why their people don ’ t want to live with them in the same country ? ''
`` Such statements exceed all boundaries in principle , they are a blatant betrayal of [ Zelensky ’ s ] own people , '' the diplomat emphasized .
`` To conjure up the same responsibility of the killer and the victim is criminal and amoral . ''
Zakharova also pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Leonid Kravchuk that Hitler and Stalin had allegedly met in Lvov at the onset of World War II .
`` What are you taking out there ?
Are you insane ?
Is there anybody left in Ukraine , who can provide some basic books on the history of the Great Patriotic War , World War II ? ''
Zakharova quipped with irony .
During his visit to Poland , Zelensky accused the USSR of 'causing ' World War II along with Nazi Germany .
According to Zelensky , Poland and the Polish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he called a `` conspiracy of totalitarian regimes , '' which led to the beginning of the war .
Earlier , speaking on Rossiya 1 TV channel , former President Kravchuk claimed that Hitler and Stalin had met in Lvov , but then backpedaled and admitted that he knew nothing about any documented evidence that this meeting had ever taken place .

The diplomat also pointed to a recent comment by former Ukrainian President Leonid Kravchuk that Hitler and Stalin had allegedly met in Lvov at the onset of World War II
MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s comments that the USSR was ‘complicit’ in starting World War II are criminal and amoral, says Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. "The statements made by President Zelensky who effectively equated the role of the Soviet Union with that of the Third Reich ‘in sparking World War II, which enabled the Nazis to launch their machine of death that was the Holocaust in motion,’ are beyond all boundaries," she insisted. "And after that the Ukrainian authorities ask themselves why their people don’t want to live with them in the same country?"
"Such statements exceed all boundaries in principle, they are a blatant betrayal of [Zelensky’s] own people," the diplomat emphasized. "To conjure up the same responsibility of the killer and the victim is criminal and amoral." Zakharova also pointed to a recent comment by former Ukrainian President Leonid Kravchuk that Hitler and Stalin had allegedly met in Lvov at the onset of World War II. "What are you taking out there? Are you insane? Is there anybody left in Ukraine, who can provide some basic books on the history of the Great Patriotic War, World War II?" Zakharova quipped with irony.


tass--2020-01-30--Russian scientists peek into skull of Earth’s top predator from 250 million years ago

MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
A computer tomography has allowed the scientists to create a 3D reconstruction of the only available skull of a Garjainia - one of the Earth ’ s most ancient predators , the Moscow Health Department ’ s Scientific and Practical Clinical Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine .
The Garjainia reptile genus that inhabited the Earth approximately 250 million years ago , was an archosaur - the ancestor of the dinosaurs .
Now , scientists have the ability to trace the evolution of the ancient reptile ’ s brain , the center ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out the research in conjunction with the Saint Petersburg State University ( SPSU ) and the Borissiak Paleontologocal Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences .
`` Thanks to the specially developed high resolution scanning protocol , we were able to create a high-definition three-dimensional skull reconstruction , which would allow us to study small anatomical details and trace the evolution of the brain and other intracranial structures in one particular archosaur group , '' says the center ’ s statement .
The scientists explained that some 250 million years ago , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food chain stood Erythrosuchidae , or `` red crocodiles , '' a family of now extinct reptiles , believed to be the ancestors of the dinosaurs and modern crocodiles .
The family included several genera , the Garjainia being the earliest of them .
Soviet paleontologist Vitaly Ochev identified this genus in 1958 , and he named it after Vladimir Garyainov , an archaeologist , who discovered an entire burial ground of reptiles in the Orenburg Region in the 1950s .
Unfortunately , the scientists were able to recover only one Garjainia skull @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undergone three-dimensional scanning of the cranial and inner ear cavities .
We expect that this would provide new information about its structure , give us some insight into its sense of hearing , balance , head position and maybe even behavior , '' says Ivan Kuzmin of SPSU ’ s Faculty of Biology .
`` However , our main goal is to reconstruct its lineage , based on the newly discovered anatomical features of the cranial section of the skull , as well as to discuss the relations of different genera and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular archosaur group over 250 million years , '' he added .
The scientists have created a photorealistic 3D reconstruction , which would make it possible to precisely measure the internal structure , calculate the inner volume , and trace the blood vessels and nerves through the natural bone orifices .
This should allow scientists to map out the evolution of blood and nerve canals over time .
The scientists have also managed to scan the reptile ’ s teeth .
`` This would allow us to obtain additional data from the cores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ external influence under its firm enamel - the most durable part of the reptile ’ s body .
This unique `` time capsule '' waited 250 million years .
Now , using modern spectral computer tomography , we will attempt to compare the [ garjainia ’ s ] dentin with teeth of its modern relatives - crocodiles , '' says Viktor Gombolevsky , who heads the Center ’ s Radiology Quality Development Department .

MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. A computer tomography has allowed the scientists to create a 3D reconstruction of the only available skull of a Garjainia - one of the Earth’s most ancient predators, the Moscow Health Department’s Scientific and Practical Clinical Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine.
The Garjainia reptile genus that inhabited the Earth approximately 250 million years ago, was an archosaur - the ancestor of the dinosaurs.
Now, scientists have the ability to trace the evolution of the ancient reptile’s brain, the center’s press-service told TASS.
The center carried out the research in conjunction with the Saint Petersburg State University (SPSU) and the Borissiak Paleontologocal Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
"Thanks to the specially developed high resolution scanning protocol, we were able to create a high-definition three-dimensional skull reconstruction, which would allow us to study small anatomical details and trace the evolution of the brain and other intracranial structures in one particular archosaur group," says the center’s statement.
The scientists explained that some 250 million years ago, at the top of the world’s food chain stood Erythrosuchidae, or "red crocodiles," a family of now extinct reptiles, believed to be the ancestors of the dinosaurs and modern crocodiles. The family included several genera, the Garjainia being the earliest of them. Soviet paleontologist Vitaly Ochev identified this genus in 1958, and he named it after Vladimir Garyainov, an archaeologist, who discovered an entire burial ground of reptiles in the Orenburg Region in the 1950s. Unfortunately, the scientists were able to recover only one Garjainia skull intact.
"Erythrosuchidae have never before undergone three-dimensional scanning of the cranial and inner ear cavities. We expect that this would provide new information about its structure, give us some insight into its sense of hearing, balance, head position and maybe even behavior," says Ivan Kuzmin of SPSU’s Faculty of Biology.
"However, our main goal is to reconstruct its lineage, based on the newly discovered anatomical features of the cranial section of the skull, as well as to discuss the relations of different genera and the evolution of the cranial section in this particular archosaur group over 250 million years," he added.
The scientists have created a photorealistic 3D reconstruction, which would make it possible to precisely measure the internal structure, calculate the inner volume, and trace the blood vessels and nerves through the natural bone orifices. This should allow scientists to map out the evolution of blood and nerve canals over time.
The scientists have also managed to scan the reptile’s teeth.
"This would allow us to obtain additional data from the cores of the intact teeth, hidden from external influence under its firm enamel - the most durable part of the reptile’s body. This unique "time capsule" waited 250 million years. Now, using modern spectral computer tomography, we will attempt to compare the [garjainia’s] dentin with teeth of its modern relatives - crocodiles," says Viktor Gombolevsky, who heads the Center’s Radiology Quality Development Department.


tass--2020-01-30--World Anti-Doping Agency closely monitors situation with spread of novel coronavirus

`` We are aware of the situation regarding the coronavirus outbreak and we are closely monitoring the public health warnings that are issued in that regard , '' the statement from WADA reads .
MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS , Artyom Kuznetsov/ .
The World Anti-Doping Agency ( WADA ) is closely monitoring the situation regarding the spread of the novel coronavirus and maintains the system of doping tests in line with the schedule , WADA ’ s press service said in a statement to TASS on Thursday .
Young people and kids least susceptible to the new coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of athletes and others involved in the anti-doping process is our key concern , '' according to the statement .
`` This is not the first time that such an outbreak has occurred ( you will remember SARS and , more recently , Zika ) . ''
`` The anti-doping system allows for flexibility and cooperation between Anti-Doping Organizations ( ADOs ) - including National Anti-Doping Organizations , International Federations , Major Event Organizations etc .
- to ensure that the integrity of the program is upheld and that athletes are still being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` As ADOs are responsible for testing , it is up to these organizations to ensure that the system is maintained , while also operating in line with directives from health , law enforcement and border protection authorities , '' the statement added .
On December 31 , 2019 , Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center in China populated by 11 million people .
On January 7 , 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as coronavirus 2019-nCoV .
The new strain of coronavirus has already been identified in 18 countries , including in Australia , Vietnam , Cambodia , Canada , Malaysia , Nepal , the Republic of Korea , Singapore , the United States , Thailand , France , Germany , Sri Lanka and Japan .
The World Health Organization recognized the pneumonia outbreak in China as a national emergency but stopped short of declaring it an international one .
The World Health Organization specialists were dispatched to China .
According to China ’ s authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exceeded the figure of 7,700 , while the number of reported fatalities exceeded 170 .
The scale of the 2019-nCoV coronavirus spread has exceeded the 2002-2003 outbreak of SARS ( severe acute respiratory syndrome ) , which lasted for half a year .
At that time , 5,327 people were infected , and 349 cases were lethal .

"We are aware of the situation regarding the coronavirus outbreak and we are closely monitoring the public health warnings that are issued in that regard," the statement from WADA reads.
MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS, Artyom Kuznetsov/. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is closely monitoring the situation regarding the spread of the novel coronavirus and maintains the system of doping tests in line with the schedule, WADA’s press service said in a statement to TASS on Thursday.
Young people and kids least susceptible to the new coronavirus, says Health Ministry
"The safety of athletes and others involved in the anti-doping process is our key concern," according to the statement. "This is not the first time that such an outbreak has occurred (you will remember SARS and, more recently, Zika)."
"The anti-doping system allows for flexibility and cooperation between Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) - including National Anti-Doping Organizations, International Federations, Major Event Organizations etc. - to ensure that the integrity of the program is upheld and that athletes are still being properly tested, despite the outbreak."
"As ADOs are responsible for testing, it is up to these organizations to ensure that the system is maintained, while also operating in line with directives from health, law enforcement and border protection authorities," the statement added.
On December 31, 2019, Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center in China populated by 11 million people. On January 7, 2020, Chinese experts identified the infecting agent as coronavirus 2019-nCoV.
The new strain of coronavirus has already been identified in 18 countries, including in Australia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Canada, Malaysia, Nepal, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, the United States, Thailand, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Japan.
The World Health Organization recognized the pneumonia outbreak in China as a national emergency but stopped short of declaring it an international one. The World Health Organization specialists were dispatched to China.
According to China’s authorities, the number of infection cases has exceeded the figure of 7,700, while the number of reported fatalities exceeded 170.
The scale of the 2019-nCoV coronavirus spread has exceeded the 2002-2003 outbreak of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), which lasted for half a year. At that time, 5,327 people were infected, and 349 cases were lethal.


tass--2020-01-30--US, Canadian sanctions create poor conditions for their envoys in Russia — diplomat

MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Anti-Russian sanctions of the United States and Canada do not create the best @ @ @ @ @ ambassadors in Russia , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ made by these states to expand sanctions against Russia .
`` I would also like @ @ @ @ @ the US and Canada by taking these hostile steps are creating not the best conditions @ @ @ @ @ arrived in Moscow to start working .
Their assurances of striving to establish constructive relations @ @ @ @ @ she said .

MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. Anti-Russian sanctions of the United States and Canada do not create the best working environment for their own ambassadors in Russia, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday commenting on the latest move made by these states to expand sanctions against Russia.
"I would also like to note that authorities of the US and Canada by taking these hostile steps are creating not the best conditions for their ambassadors who recently arrived in Moscow to start working. Their assurances of striving to establish constructive relations were immediately challenged," she said.


tass--2020-01-30--Russia puts billionaire tycoon on wanted list

MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Investigative Committee asked Moscow ’ s Basmanny Court to arrest Boris Mints in absentia , a well-known businessman , accused of embezzlement , the court ’ s spokeswoman Irina Morozova told TASS .
She added that the businessman had been put on the international wanted list .
`` The court received a petition from the investigation to take a preventive measure against Boris Iosifovich Mints accused under Part 4 of Article 160 of Russia ’ s Criminal Code ( Misappropriation or Embezzlement ) in the form of remand in custody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to her , the court is going to consider the investigation ’ s petition on January 31 at 10:00 Moscow time .
Morozova said that the oligarch ’ s two sons are also on the wanted list and are likewise accused of embezzlement .
`` The investigation asks to arrest the sons of Mints - Alexander and Dmitry - in absentia , '' the court ’ s representative said .
Earlier , Vedomosti reported that the Investigative Committee had been checking Mints ’ activities following a statement by Mikhail Zadornov , chairman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to one of the newspaper ’ s sources , it concerns the O1 Group Finance ’ s unsecured bonds on the balance sheet of Otkritie .
Boris Mints is the founder of the investment company O1 Group , which focuses on financing and real estate .
In 2018 , he transferred control over the Future Financial Group and the O1 Properties development company ( part of the O1 Group ) to the Cyprus-based Riverstretch Trading & Investments ( RT & I ) .
The magnate is also the founder of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress put Boris Mints on the so-called Kremlin list .
This list includes businessmen , who have fortunes of more than $ 1 bln and can be subject to sanctions .

MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. Russia’s Investigative Committee asked Moscow’s Basmanny Court to arrest Boris Mints in absentia, a well-known businessman, accused of embezzlement, the court’s spokeswoman Irina Morozova told TASS.
She added that the businessman had been put on the international wanted list.
"The court received a petition from the investigation to take a preventive measure against Boris Iosifovich Mints accused under Part 4 of Article 160 of Russia’s Criminal Code (Misappropriation or Embezzlement) in the form of remand in custody in absentia," she specified.
According to her, the court is going to consider the investigation’s petition on January 31 at 10:00 Moscow time.
Morozova said that the oligarch’s two sons are also on the wanted list and are likewise accused of embezzlement.
"The investigation asks to arrest the sons of Mints - Alexander and Dmitry - in absentia," the court’s representative said.
Earlier, Vedomosti reported that the Investigative Committee had been checking Mints’ activities following a statement by Mikhail Zadornov, chairman of the board of Otkritie FC Bank.
According to one of the newspaper’s sources, it concerns the O1 Group Finance’s unsecured bonds on the balance sheet of Otkritie.
Boris Mints is the founder of the investment company O1 Group, which focuses on financing and real estate. In 2018, he transferred control over the Future Financial Group and the O1 Properties development company (part of the O1 Group) to the Cyprus-based Riverstretch Trading & Investments (RT&I). The magnate is also the founder of the Museum of Russian Impressionism.
The US Congress put Boris Mints on the so-called Kremlin list. This list includes businessmen, who have fortunes of more than $1 bln and can be subject to sanctions.


tass--2020-01-30--Number of coronavirus infections in China springs to 8,100, 171 people died

BEIJING , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed cases of pneumonia caused by coronavirus 2019-nCoV has jumped to 8,152 on Thursday evening .
Statements issued by Chinese regional health committees say that 171 people died from the disease .
Medics suspect 12,000 more Chinese citizens of having contracted the new type of coronavirus .
According to the latest reports , more than half of the infections ( 4,900 cases and 162 deaths ) are concentrated in the Hubei Province , with its administrative center of Wuhan being the outbreak ’ s epicenter .
Beijing has identified 114 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while 112 people were diagnosed with this disease in Shanghai .
On December 31 , Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhah - a large trade and industrial center in central China populated by 11 million people .
On January 7 , Chinese experts identified the infecting agent - coronavirus 2019-nCoV .
Apart from China , the new virus was detected in 18 more countries .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) recognized the pneumonia outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent its specialists there .

BEIJING, January 30. /TASS/. The number of confirmed cases of pneumonia caused by coronavirus 2019-nCoV has jumped to 8,152 on Thursday evening. Statements issued by Chinese regional health committees say that 171 people died from the disease.
Medics suspect 12,000 more Chinese citizens of having contracted the new type of coronavirus.
According to the latest reports, more than half of the infections (4,900 cases and 162 deaths) are concentrated in the Hubei Province, with its administrative center of Wuhan being the outbreak’s epicenter. Beijing has identified 114 cases of pneumonia caused by the coronavirus, while 112 people were diagnosed with this disease in Shanghai.
On December 31, Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhah - a large trade and industrial center in central China populated by 11 million people. On January 7, Chinese experts identified the infecting agent - coronavirus 2019-nCoV. Apart from China, the new virus was detected in 18 more countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognized the pneumonia outbreak in China as a national emergency and sent its specialists there.


tass--2020-01-30--No proof whatsoever Bolivia’s Morales rigged elections — Russian diplomat

The diplomat explained that a dangerous power vacuum emerged in the country , which can lead to longstanding civil confrontation , particularly on ethnic grounds MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Radical forces in Bolivia have failed to prove that the October election was falsified by then President Evo Morales following instigating events that led to his resignation with help from overseas , Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry ’ s Latin American Department Alexander Shchetinin said in an interview with TASS .
`` Evo Morales ’ resignation request , which by the way was formally approved by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after almost three months , came as a result of developments that spun out of control and were orchestrated by radical forces with foreign assistance under the pretext that the presidential election on October 20 , 2019 was rigged which nobody managed to prove then or now ( including the infamous Organization of American States ) , '' he said .
`` These developments had a coup d ’ etat written all over them , particularly because the Bolivian power structures intervened decisively . ''
The diplomat explained that a dangerous power vacuum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead to longstanding civil confrontation , particularly on ethnic grounds .
`` Against this background , many states declared similar positions — the leadership that was formed then is viewed as interim ( in Spanish , they even have a term ‘ referencia de autoridad ’ ) , de-facto before a new election is held and a legitimate leadership is formed , '' Shchetinin said , adding that Russia also treats the current Bolivian leadership as temporary .
The diplomat stressed that Moscow analyzes the situation in Bolivia based on provisions of international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in assessing the developments and their consequences .
Shchetinin also pointed out that Russia disapproves of any foreign state ’ s interference into Bolivia ’ s electoral process as inadmissible .
He also underscored , `` Peaceful Bolivia is important for Russia as a significant economic partner and respected political player in Latin America and the Caribbean . ''
`` We are convinced that stable Bolivia is needed by all citizens of this state , '' he added .
Bolivia held a presidential election on January 20 , 2019 which showed then incumbent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ votes , according to the Bolivian Supreme Electoral Tribunal .
Carlos Mesa , his key opponent , refused to concede the election and recognize Morales ’ first round victory .
After the results were officially released , Morales ’ opponents organized protests and the country plunged into unrest and turmoil .
After three weeks of chaos , Morales stepped down branding the developments as a coup d ’ etat .
Second Deputy Speaker of the Bolivian Senate Jeanine Anez representing the opposition assumed the presidency until a new election is held .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she would run in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for May 3 , contrary to what she said previously .
After the news emerged , Communications Minister Roxana Lizarraga tendered her resignation , rebuking the decision made by Anez .

The diplomat explained that a dangerous power vacuum emerged in the country, which can lead to longstanding civil confrontation, particularly on ethnic grounds
MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. Radical forces in Bolivia have failed to prove that the October election was falsified by then President Evo Morales following instigating events that led to his resignation with help from overseas, Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Latin American Department Alexander Shchetinin said in an interview with TASS. "Evo Morales’ resignation request, which by the way was formally approved by the parliament, as the constitution requires, after almost three months, came as a result of developments that spun out of control and were orchestrated by radical forces with foreign assistance under the pretext that the presidential election on October 20, 2019 was rigged which nobody managed to prove then or now (including the infamous Organization of American States)," he said. "These developments had a coup d’etat written all over them, particularly because the Bolivian power structures intervened decisively."
Read also Bolivian authorities say Morales will be arrested upon crossing border
The diplomat explained that a dangerous power vacuum emerged in the country, which can lead to longstanding civil confrontation, particularly on ethnic grounds. "Against this background, many states declared similar positions — the leadership that was formed then is viewed as interim (in Spanish, they even have a term ‘referencia de autoridad’), de-facto before a new election is held and a legitimate leadership is formed," Shchetinin said, adding that Russia also treats the current Bolivian leadership as temporary. The diplomat stressed that Moscow analyzes the situation in Bolivia based on provisions of international and national law as well as realism in assessing the developments and their consequences. Shchetinin also pointed out that Russia disapproves of any foreign state’s interference into Bolivia’s electoral process as inadmissible. He also underscored, "Peaceful Bolivia is important for Russia as a significant economic partner and respected political player in Latin America and the Caribbean." "We are convinced that stable Bolivia is needed by all citizens of this state," he added. Bolivian crisis
Read also Russian diplomat compares developments in Bolivia to Ukrainian events


tass--2020-01-30--Russia scientists develop oil waste burner that does not harm ecology

MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
The scientists from Institute of Thermophysics , Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences , and Novosibirsk State Technical University , have invented a burner device that would allow burning oil waste and spent motor oil without harming the ecology , the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia press service said Thursday .
`` The scientists from Siberia have discovered a new method of oil waste and spent machine oil disposal , which does not harm the ecology , '' the statement says .
`` The newly developed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world that can dispose of liquid and dangerous hydrocarbons using overheated water steam . ''
Every year , Russia stocks millions of tons of oil waste that can not be burned traditionally for a number of reasons : unstable ignition , highly unstable burning or high concentration of toxic combustion products .
According to various estimations , only 3 % to 20 % of oil waste is processed in Russia today .
The newly developed burner allows incinerating such waste types as spent motor oil , lubrication liquids , which burn poorly in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oil processing waste , substandard fuel , mazut and even crude oil .
Its distinctive feature is burning that happens in a stream of overheated water steam .
`` The fuel burns completely , emitting much less toxic components ; this increases both burning effectiveness and ecological parameters , '' says Igor Anufriyev , one of the designers .
He added that such burner might have various applications .
For example , they can be used to build mini-power plants that will not only dispose of the oil waste , but will also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service , this burner can be effectively developed in small-scale energy generation , in limited access areas , such as the Arctic , where disposing of the oil waste is too costly .
In the future , the burner could be used in households : for heat , drying or for decoration .
The designers currently seek industry partners that could help launch the invention into mass production .

MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. /TASS/. The scientists from Institute of Thermophysics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Novosibirsk State Technical University, have invented a burner device that would allow burning oil waste and spent motor oil without harming the ecology, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia press service said Thursday.
"The scientists from Siberia have discovered a new method of oil waste and spent machine oil disposal, which does not harm the ecology," the statement says. "The newly developed burner is the first device in the world that can dispose of liquid and dangerous hydrocarbons using overheated water steam."
Every year, Russia stocks millions of tons of oil waste that cannot be burned traditionally for a number of reasons: unstable ignition, highly unstable burning or high concentration of toxic combustion products. According to various estimations, only 3% to 20% of oil waste is processed in Russia today.
The newly developed burner allows incinerating such waste types as spent motor oil, lubrication liquids, which burn poorly in normal conditions, oil slurry, various oil processing waste, substandard fuel, mazut and even crude oil. Its distinctive feature is burning that happens in a stream of overheated water steam.
"The fuel burns completely, emitting much less toxic components; this increases both burning effectiveness and ecological parameters," says Igor Anufriyev, one of the designers.
He added that such burner might have various applications. For example, they can be used to build mini-power plants that will not only dispose of the oil waste, but will also generate electricity.
According to the press service, this burner can be effectively developed in small-scale energy generation, in limited access areas, such as the Arctic, where disposing of the oil waste is too costly. In the future, the burner could be used in households: for heat, drying or for decoration. The designers currently seek industry partners that could help launch the invention into mass production.


tass--2020-01-30--Russian Baltic Fleet amphibious assault ship strikes air and naval targets in drills

KALININGRAD , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
The Baltic Fleet ’ s large amphibious assault ship Korolyov successfully repelled a notional enemy ’ s attacks from the air and the sea by artillery fire , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Thursday .
`` The actions by the personnel of the large amphibious assault ship Korolyov received high marks from the commanders of the squadrons of surface ships and their deputies , and also from the chiefs of the leading departments and services of the Fleet ’ s headquarters who stayed at that time aboard the amphibious assault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press office told TASS .
The warship ’ s personnel practiced artillery fire against naval and air targets in the course of a qualifying combat training exercise as part of the Fleet ’ s general training in the methods of receiving and evaluating an assignment upon a solitary ship ’ s operations at sea .
The maneuvers were supervised by Baltic Fleet Commander Admiral Alexander Nosatov .
`` The participants in the drills observed the personnel ’ s actions to operate the shipborne systems , organize every-day activity at sea and hold training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press office said .
Admiral Nosatov checked the quality and the fullness of accomplishing the assigned missions and positively assessed the skills of the crew in coping with the tasks of combat training and every-day activity , it added .

KALININGRAD, January 30. /TASS/. The Baltic Fleet’s large amphibious assault ship Korolyov successfully repelled a notional enemy’s attacks from the air and the sea by artillery fire, the Fleet’s press office reported on Thursday.
"The actions by the personnel of the large amphibious assault ship Korolyov received high marks from the commanders of the squadrons of surface ships and their deputies, and also from the chiefs of the leading departments and services of the Fleet’s headquarters who stayed at that time aboard the amphibious assault ship," the Fleet’s press office told TASS.
The warship’s personnel practiced artillery fire against naval and air targets in the course of a qualifying combat training exercise as part of the Fleet’s general training in the methods of receiving and evaluating an assignment upon a solitary ship’s operations at sea. The maneuvers were supervised by Baltic Fleet Commander Admiral Alexander Nosatov.
"The participants in the drills observed the personnel’s actions to operate the shipborne systems, organize every-day activity at sea and hold training in ship damage control," the press office said.
Admiral Nosatov checked the quality and the fullness of accomplishing the assigned missions and positively assessed the skills of the crew in coping with the tasks of combat training and every-day activity, it added.


tass--2020-01-30--EU sanctions against Crimean officials won’t be left without a response, Moscow says

MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
New sanctions of the European Union against several Crimean officials will not be @ @ @ @ @ Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated during Thursday ’ s briefing .
`` Of @ @ @ @ @ tit-for-tat measures in response to the decision of the European Council , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ the EU blacklisted seven Crimean officials , among them Acting Governor of Sevastopol Mikhail Razvozhaev @ @ @ @ @ Yuri Gotsaniuk .

MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. New sanctions of the European Union against several Crimean officials will not be left without a response, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated during Thursday’s briefing.
"Of course, there will be tit-for-tat measures in response to the decision of the European Council," she said.
On January 28, the EU blacklisted seven Crimean officials, among them Acting Governor of Sevastopol Mikhail Razvozhaev and Prime Minister of Crimea Yuri Gotsaniuk.


tass--2020-01-30--Indian astronauts to arrive in Russia for training in February

SAMARA , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
A group of Indian astronauts will arrive in Russia in February to undergo training , Chief of Russia ’ s Cosmonaut Training Center Pavel Vlasov announced on Thursday .
`` They are arriving in February and the program is intended for one year and a half , '' Vlasov said .
The Indian astronauts will be training in ‘ the spacecraft commander ’ and ‘ spacecraft flight engineer ’ specialties .
They will undergo training on Russian Soyuz spaceships .
It was earlier reported that four representatives of India would undergo a selection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center .
India ’ s Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in August 2018 that his country would independently send the first national crew into orbit by 2022 when the country celebrates the 75th anniversary of its independence .
So far , the flight is scheduled for the end of 2021 .
Before that , two spaceships are expected to be launched in their uncrewed version .
The first Indian manned mission is called Gaganyan ( from the Sanskrit word ‘ gagana ’ - the sky ) , i.e .
the @ @ @

SAMARA, January 30. /TASS/. A group of Indian astronauts will arrive in Russia in February to undergo training, Chief of Russia’s Cosmonaut Training Center Pavel Vlasov announced on Thursday.
"They are arriving in February and the program is intended for one year and a half," Vlasov said.
The Indian astronauts will be training in ‘the spacecraft commander’ and ‘spacecraft flight engineer’ specialties. They will undergo training on Russian Soyuz spaceships.
It was earlier reported that four representatives of India would undergo a selection procedure and training at Russia’s Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in August 2018 that his country would independently send the first national crew into orbit by 2022 when the country celebrates the 75th anniversary of its independence. So far, the flight is scheduled for the end of 2021. Before that, two spaceships are expected to be launched in their uncrewed version. The first Indian manned mission is called Gaganyan (from the Sanskrit word ‘gagana’ - the sky), i.e. the sky vehicle.


tass--2020-01-30--Russia to cooperate with Palestine, Israel to resolve conflict

MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow is ready to closely cooperate with Palestine and Israel in order to @ @ @ @ @ Middle East , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ to closely coordinate our activities with our Palestinian and Israeli partners , as well as @ @ @ @ @ East and North Africa , members of the Quartet of international mediators , and all @ @ @ @ @ peace in the Middle East as soon as possible , '' Zakharova said , adding @ @ @ @ @ Israeli need to have the final say on finding a long-term and fair solution to @ @ @ @ @ was at stake .
`` At the same time , we are keeping a close @ @ @ @ @ are reacting to the US initiative .
As of now , their reaction has been @ @ @ @ @ '' the Russian diplomat noted .

MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. Moscow is ready to closely cooperate with Palestine and Israel in order to resolve the conflict in the Middle East, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Thursday.
"We are determined to closely coordinate our activities with our Palestinian and Israeli partners, as well as with countries in the Middle East and North Africa, members of the Quartet of international mediators, and all parties interested in establishing sustainable peace in the Middle East as soon as possible," Zakharova said, adding that the Palestinians and the Israeli need to have the final say on finding a long-term and fair solution to the issue because their future was at stake.
"At the same time, we are keeping a close eye on how Arab countries are reacting to the US initiative. As of now, their reaction has been mostly negative and skeptical," the Russian diplomat noted.


tass--2020-01-30--Falsifications of history spread like epidemic — diplomat

MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
The trend of rewriting the history of World War II and its causes @ @ @ @ @ lately , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a news briefing on Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ statements , … absurd in form and sometimes wild in content , which prompt one @ @ @ @ @ of rewriting history and unceremonious and systematic dictating of alternative versions of the causes , @ @ @ @ @ main tragedy of the 20th century has gained critical momentum .
Just like when we @ @ @ @ @ of resisting them and look for vaccines and antidotes , we should understand that we @ @ @ @ @ real historical virus , '' Zakharova said .

MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. The trend of rewriting the history of World War II and its causes and consequences gained critical momentum lately, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a news briefing on Thursday.
"Recent days saw many statements, … absurd in form and sometimes wild in content, which prompt one unconsoling conclusion: the trend of rewriting history and unceremonious and systematic dictating of alternative versions of the causes, progress and consequences of the main tragedy of the 20th century has gained critical momentum. Just like when we confront pandemics and consider ways of resisting them and look for vaccines and antidotes, we should understand that we have to deal with a real historical virus," Zakharova said.


tass--2020-01-30--Russian embassy in Paris to deliver demarche due to violation of Vinnik’s rights

MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Embassy in France will deliver a demarche due to the violation of the rights of Russian national Alexander Vinnik , extradited from Greece to France , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during Thursday ’ s briefing .
`` The Russian Embassy in France will deliver a corresponding demarche .
We will continue the efforts aimed to ensure the rights and interests of our compatriot , and we are ready to demand that the French officials hand over the suspect to Russia , and , of course , that his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commented .
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has lashed out at the pressure put on Russian national Alexander Vinnik , who was extradited from Greece to France , by the French law enforcement .
`` We find such pressure on the accused unacceptable from the side of French judicial and law enforcement bodies , '' she stated during a briefing on Thursday .
On January 23 , Vinnik was extradited from Greece to France despite an extradition request from Russia .
`` We can not accept the unconstructive position of the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the arrival of Alexander Vinnik in France on time and of his transfer from one hospital to another on January 24 , '' Zakharova said .
`` For over three days , employees of the consulate have been denied a visit to the Russian national under various pretexts .
This is a blatant violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations from April 24 , 1963 , '' she continued .
The diplomat added that neither Vinnik nor his attorneys had been given an opportunity to speak during the court session on January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the accused unacceptable from the side of French judicial and law enforcement bodies , '' she stressed .
On January 23 , Russian IT specialist Alexander Vinnik , detained in Greece on July 25 , 2017 at the request of the United States , where he is accused of laundering $ 4 billion- $ 9 billion , was extradited to France .
The final decision was made by the State Council — the Supreme Court of Greece .
Vinnik ’ s extradition was also sought by Russia and the United States .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ against him and expressed readiness to return home .
On January 28 , a Paris court decided to leave Vinnik under arrest .

MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. The Russian Embassy in France will deliver a demarche due to the violation of the rights of Russian national Alexander Vinnik, extradited from Greece to France, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during Thursday’s briefing.
"The Russian Embassy in France will deliver a corresponding demarche. We will continue the efforts aimed to ensure the rights and interests of our compatriot, and we are ready to demand that the French officials hand over the suspect to Russia, and, of course, that his rights are adhered to," she commented.
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has lashed out at the pressure put on Russian national Alexander Vinnik, who was extradited from Greece to France, by the French law enforcement.
"We find such pressure on the accused unacceptable from the side of French judicial and law enforcement bodies," she stated during a briefing on Thursday.
On January 23, Vinnik was extradited from Greece to France despite an extradition request from Russia. "We cannot accept the unconstructive position of the country that failed to inform Russian representatives of the arrival of Alexander Vinnik in France on time and of his transfer from one hospital to another on January 24," Zakharova said.
"For over three days, employees of the consulate have been denied a visit to the Russian national under various pretexts. This is a blatant violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations from April 24, 1963," she continued.
The diplomat added that neither Vinnik nor his attorneys had been given an opportunity to speak during the court session on January 28. "We find such pressure on the accused unacceptable from the side of French judicial and law enforcement bodies," she stressed.
On January 23, Russian IT specialist Alexander Vinnik, detained in Greece on July 25, 2017 at the request of the United States, where he is accused of laundering $4 billion-$9 billion, was extradited to France. The final decision was made by the State Council — the Supreme Court of Greece. Vinnik’s extradition was also sought by Russia and the United States. The Russian national dismissed all charges brought against him and expressed readiness to return home. On January 28, a Paris court decided to leave Vinnik under arrest.


tass--2020-01-30--‘Monroe Doctrine obsolete’: Russian diplomat says US’ Latin American schemes backfired

`` The past year showed what Washington didn ’ t seem to expect .
Its schemes have begun to run out of steam , '' the diplomat noted .
`` The region turned out to be more complicated and diverse than the simplistic calculations of American radicals .
Thus , despite the choking sanctions and the color revolution strategies , they [ the Americans — TASS ] failed to carry out their blitzkrieg against Venezuela , Cuba and Nicaragua . ''
MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Washington ’ s calculations regarding Latin American countries have failed to pan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US , even by using economic pressure , Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry ’ s Latin American Department Alexander Shchetinin told TASS .
The diplomat noted that Washington ’ s attempts `` to remold the Latin American region according to its geopolitical interests raise concern . ''
`` The obsolete Monroe Doctrine was taken as its ideological basis .
Efforts aimed at toppling unwanted regimes or ‘ steering ’ those undecided on the ‘ right path ’ , tearing apart the regional integration processes and imposing rigid neoliberal models have become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Shchetinin noted .
The diplomat stressed that unlawful restrictions and pressure had been one of the main tools of Washington ’ s policy .
`` The tightening of the US economic blockade against Cuba is a vivid example of that . ''
He added that Moscow was opposed to attempts to destabilize Latin America and would continue `` to provide the necessary political and diplomatic support to its partners and friends in the international arena and cultivate trade and economic ties [ with them ] .
`` .

"The past year showed what Washington didn’t seem to expect. Its schemes have begun to run out of steam," the diplomat noted. "The region turned out to be more complicated and diverse than the simplistic calculations of American radicals. Thus, despite the choking sanctions and the color revolution strategies, they [the Americans — TASS] failed to carry out their blitzkrieg against Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua."
MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. Washington’s calculations regarding Latin American countries have failed to pan out, despite the steps taken by the US, even by using economic pressure, Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Latin American Department Alexander Shchetinin told TASS.
The diplomat noted that Washington’s attempts "to remold the Latin American region according to its geopolitical interests raise concern." "The obsolete Monroe Doctrine was taken as its ideological basis. Efforts aimed at toppling unwanted regimes or ‘steering’ those undecided on the ‘right path’, tearing apart the regional integration processes and imposing rigid neoliberal models have become an integral part of that course," Shchetinin noted.
The diplomat stressed that unlawful restrictions and pressure had been one of the main tools of Washington’s policy. "The tightening of the US economic blockade against Cuba is a vivid example of that."
He added that Moscow was opposed to attempts to destabilize Latin America and would continue "to provide the necessary political and diplomatic support to its partners and friends in the international arena and cultivate trade and economic ties [with them].".


tass--2020-01-30--Russia's top diplomat to visit Mexico on February 6

MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will have negotiations with his Mexican counterpart Marcelo @ @ @ @ @ Mexico on February 6 , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters at a @ @ @ @ @ `` On February 6 , Russia ’ s top diplomat will pay a visit to @ @ @ @ @ Talks are planned with the Mexican foreign minister , during which the sides are expected @ @ @ @ @ international and regional issues and coordinate our countries ’ approaches to various issues on the @ @ @ @ @ to further strengthening bilateral cooperation at multilateral platforms , '' Zakharova said .

MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will have negotiations with his Mexican counterpart Marcelo Ebrard during his visit to Mexico on February 6, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters at a press briefing on Thursday.
"On February 6, Russia’s top diplomat will pay a visit to the United Mexican States. Talks are planned with the Mexican foreign minister, during which the sides are expected to exchange views on pressing international and regional issues and coordinate our countries’ approaches to various issues on the global agenda with a view to further strengthening bilateral cooperation at multilateral platforms," Zakharova said.


tass--2020-01-30--Foreigners can leave China’s Hubei province after 14-day quarantine

MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Foreign citizens who are currently in China ’ s Hubei province can leave @ @ @ @ @ quarantine and with the permission from local authorities , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova @ @ @ @ @ briefing on Thursday .
`` The Hubei province is ready to help provide foreigners with @ @ @ @ @ medical assistance , '' she noted .
`` Foreign citizens can leave the Hubei province @ @ @ @ @ but only after a 14-day quarantine and after obtaining the consent of the province ’ @ @ @ @ @ are dictated by medical standards and are necessary to localize the coronavirus infection .
`` @

MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. Foreign citizens who are currently in China’s Hubei province can leave the area after a 14-day quarantine and with the permission from local authorities, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters at a press briefing on Thursday.
"The Hubei province is ready to help provide foreigners with everything they need, including medical assistance," she noted. "Foreign citizens can leave the Hubei province not by public transport, but only after a 14-day quarantine and after obtaining the consent of the province’s authorities. These requirements are dictated by medical standards and are necessary to localize the coronavirus infection.".


tass--2020-01-30--Top Russian diplomat to visit Venezuela on February 7

MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will pay a visit to Venezuela on February 7 where he will be welcomed by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro , Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday .
`` On February 7 , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov ’ s visit to Venezuela will take place .
Talks with the Venezuelan executive vice president and foreign minister are scheduled .
The head of the diplomatic agency will be received by President of the Bolivarian Republic [ of Venezuela ] Nicolas Maduro , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the situation in Venezuela , around it and prospects of finding political solutions to internal disagreements based on nationwide dialogue in the constitutional frameworks without destructive or , even more so , military intervention from overseas . ''
Zakharova recalled that Russia and Venezuela are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year and noted that cooperation of the two states have reached the level of a strategic partnership in the 21st century .
According to the ministry ’ s spokeswoman , the sides are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bilateral agenda during the scheduled meetings as well as practical steps to deepen cooperation between the two countries in such spheres as energy , mining , transport , agriculture , healthcare , pharmaceutics , military and technical cooperation .
`` The talks are expected to discuss steps to continue coordinating bilateral cooperation at the world arena and countering illegitimately introduced sanctions that worsen social and economic situation in Venezuela , '' the diplomat concluded .

MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will pay a visit to Venezuela on February 7 where he will be welcomed by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday.
"On February 7, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s visit to Venezuela will take place. Talks with the Venezuelan executive vice president and foreign minister are scheduled. The head of the diplomatic agency will be received by President of the Bolivarian Republic [of Venezuela] Nicolas Maduro," she said. "Opinions will be exchanged on the situation in Venezuela, around it and prospects of finding political solutions to internal disagreements based on nationwide dialogue in the constitutional frameworks without destructive or, even more so, military intervention from overseas."
Zakharova recalled that Russia and Venezuela are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year and noted that cooperation of the two states have reached the level of a strategic partnership in the 21st century.
According to the ministry’s spokeswoman, the sides are going to consider current issues on the bilateral agenda during the scheduled meetings as well as practical steps to deepen cooperation between the two countries in such spheres as energy, mining, transport, agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceutics, military and technical cooperation.
"The talks are expected to discuss steps to continue coordinating bilateral cooperation at the world arena and countering illegitimately introduced sanctions that worsen social and economic situation in Venezuela," the diplomat concluded.


tass--2020-01-30--Ukraine hands over new prisoner exchange lists to Contact Group

KIEV , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Kiev has handed over new prisoner exchange lists to the Contact Group for @ @ @ @ @ order to hold a new prisoner swap with Donbass , Ukrainian Presidential Aide Andrei Yermak @ @ @ @ @ Pravda daily .
`` Yesterday , the list was handed over at the session of @ @ @ @ @ '' the Ukrainian presidential aide stated .
According to Yermak , the talks on the @ @ @ @ @ with Russia and the Donbass republics .

KIEV, January 30. /TASS/. Kiev has handed over new prisoner exchange lists to the Contact Group for settlement in eastern Ukraine in order to hold a new prisoner swap with Donbass, Ukrainian Presidential Aide Andrei Yermak said, quoted by Ukrayinska Pravda daily.
"Yesterday, the list was handed over at the session of the Trilateral Contact Group," the Ukrainian presidential aide stated.
According to Yermak, the talks on the prisoner swap are held both with Russia and the Donbass republics.


tass--2020-01-30--Russian Navy ship visits Cyprus in Mediterranean deployment

SEVASTOPOL , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
The Black Sea Fleet missile frigate Admiral Essen has called at the Cypriot @ @ @ @ @ Fleet ’ s press office reported on Thursday .
`` As part of its business @ @ @ @ @ replenish supplies while the crew will make excursion tours of the city ’ s historical @ @ @ @ @ , '' the press office said in a statement .
The frigate has called at @ @ @ @ @ accordance with the plan of the ship ’ s deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and @ @ @ @ @ .
The frigate Admiral Essen has been accomplishing assignments in distant waters since December 2019 @

SEVASTOPOL, January 30. /TASS/. The Black Sea Fleet missile frigate Admiral Essen has called at the Cypriot port of Limassol, the Fleet’s press office reported on Thursday.
"As part of its business call, the ship will replenish supplies while the crew will make excursion tours of the city’s historical sites as their leisure time," the press office said in a statement.
The frigate has called at the port of Limassol in accordance with the plan of the ship’s deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and the schedule of replenishing supplies. The frigate Admiral Essen has been accomplishing assignments in distant waters since December 2019.


tass--2020-01-30--Swedish foreign minister to visit Moscow on February 4-5

MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will hold talks with his Swedish colleague Ann @ @ @ @ @ Moscow , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during Thursday ’ s briefing .
@ @ @ @ @ the Swedish foreign minister will come to Moscow on a working visit at the invitation @ @ @ @ @ .
The talks between both foreign ministers will take place on February 4 , '' @ @ @ @ @ plan to discuss a wide range of bilateral issues and cooperation between Russia and Sweden @ @ @ @ @ Europe and in the Arctic , and on international affairs , namely taking into account @ @ @ @ @ the OSCE in 2021 , '' the diplomat added .

MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will hold talks with his Swedish colleague Ann Linde on February 4 in Moscow, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during Thursday’s briefing.
"On February 4-5, the Swedish foreign minister will come to Moscow on a working visit at the invitation of Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The talks between both foreign ministers will take place on February 4," Zakharova said.
"They plan to discuss a wide range of bilateral issues and cooperation between Russia and Sweden within regional structures in northern Europe and in the Arctic, and on international affairs, namely taking into account Sweden’s chairmanship at the OSCE in 2021," the diplomat added.


tass--2020-01-30--Chemical troops kick off large-scale drills in Urals, Volga area and Siberia

MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Over 700 radiation , chemical and biological protection troops of Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ comprehensive drills in the Urals , the Volga area and in Siberia , the District @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday .
The drills are running at training ranges in the Samara , Sverdlovsk @ @ @ @ @ Altai Regions , the press office specified .
`` Radiation , chemical and biological protection @ @ @ @ @ assignments of reconnaissance , aerosol countermeasures , decontamination and also heavy flamethrower units .
Chemical @ @ @ @ @ radiation , chemical and biological reconnaissance aboard their RKhM-6 vehicles along with conducting a chemical @ @ @ @ @ the soil and particles of toxic agents in field conditions , '' the press office @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. Over 700 radiation, chemical and biological protection troops of Russia’s Central Military District kicked off comprehensive drills in the Urals, the Volga area and in Siberia, the District’s press office reported on Thursday.
The drills are running at training ranges in the Samara, Sverdlovsk, Chelyabinsk, Orenburg and Altai Regions, the press office specified.
"Radiation, chemical and biological protection specialists are accomplishing combat training assignments of reconnaissance, aerosol countermeasures, decontamination and also heavy flamethrower units. Chemical reconnaissance squads are carrying out radiation, chemical and biological reconnaissance aboard their RKhM-6 vehicles along with conducting a chemical analysis and collecting samples of the soil and particles of toxic agents in field conditions," the press office said in a statement.


tass--2020-01-30--US ambassador to Russia visits jailed US national Paul Whelan

The ambassador lashed out at the fact that Whelan had not been able to contact his relatives for 13 months MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan has visited jailed US national Paul Whelan , accused in Russia of espionage , at a detention facility in Moscow , US Embassy Spokesperson Rebecca Ross informed on Twitter .
`` Ambassador Sullivan is meeting with # PaulWhelan today in Lefortovo Prison in Moscow .
Paul ’ s health and welfare are of great concern for the U.S. Government , '' she wrote .
This is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His predecessor Jon Huntsman repeatedly visited the jailed American during his term as ambassador .
Sullivan later commented that the situation of the US national Paul Whelan , who remains in custody in Russia ’ s Lefortovo prison and has n't been able to contact his parents for a long time , is concerning .
`` Among the most important parts of my job here as the US ambassador is to protect the welfare of American citizens , and I would like to reiterate our concerns about Paul Whelan ’ s continued detention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not been able to speak with his parents for over 13 months .
Paul has in fact submitted multiple formal requests to make phone calls .
The investigator has denied some requests , and ignored others , '' the envoy said .
`` I ’ d say that , in contrast , prisoners in the United States , including Russian citizens , convicted of serious crimes , have access to telephones to contact their family and friends .
Some have even held press conferences while in prison and gave interviews to the media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mother and father , would simply like to hear their son ’ s voice , which they haven ’ t heard in over 13 months , '' Sullivan concluded .
US citizen Paul Whelan , who also holds British , Canadian and Irish citizenship , was detained by the Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) on December 28 , 2018 in Moscow while on an alleged spy mission .
A criminal investigation was launched against him on espionage charges carrying a punishment of up to 20 years behind bars .
Russian Foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s complaints about contact restrictions are baseless , since he has never filed a relevant request .
John Sullivan has assumed office on January 16 , superseding Jon Huntsman Jr , who resigned in August 2019 .
Earlier , Sullivan served as the US Deputy Secretary of State .

The ambassador lashed out at the fact that Whelan had not been able to contact his relatives for 13 months
MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan has visited jailed US national Paul Whelan, accused in Russia of espionage, at a detention facility in Moscow, US Embassy Spokesperson Rebecca Ross informed on Twitter. "Ambassador Sullivan is meeting with #PaulWhelan today in Lefortovo Prison in Moscow. Paul’s health and welfare are of great concern for the U.S. Government," she wrote.
Ambassador Sullivan is meeting with #PaulWhelan today in Lefortovo Prison in Moscow. Paul’s health and welfare are of great concern for the U.S. Government. @mfa_russia https://t.co/ZiJKc99461 — Rebecca Ross (@USEmbRuPress) January 30, 2020
This is the first time Sullivan has visited Whelan. His predecessor Jon Huntsman repeatedly visited the jailed American during his term as ambassador. Sullivan later commented that the situation of the US national Paul Whelan, who remains in custody in Russia’s Lefortovo prison and hasn't been able to contact his parents for a long time, is concerning. "Among the most important parts of my job here as the US ambassador is to protect the welfare of American citizens, and I would like to reiterate our concerns about Paul Whelan’s continued detention, and the fact that he has not been able to speak with his parents for over 13 months. Paul has in fact submitted multiple formal requests to make phone calls. The investigator has denied some requests, and ignored others," the envoy said.


tass--2020-01-30--Russian police apprehend woman threatening to blow up aircraft in Moscow airport

MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Police officers have detained a woman who was threatening to detonate an explosive @ @ @ @ @ at Moscow ’ s Domodedovo Airport .
She was not carrying any explosives , a @ @ @ @ @ told TASS .
`` The woman has now been arrested .
She was not found @ @ @ @ @ devices or explosives .
According to preliminary reports , she is intoxicated , '' the @ @ @ @ @ the source , 195 people were aboard the plane , they are all now leaving @ @ @ @ @ into the incident was launched .

MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. Police officers have detained a woman who was threatening to detonate an explosive device aboard a passenger flight at Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport. She was not carrying any explosives, a source in law enforcement agencies told TASS.
"The woman has now been arrested. She was not found to be carrying any explosive devices or explosives. According to preliminary reports, she is intoxicated," the source said.
According to the source, 195 people were aboard the plane, they are all now leaving the aircraft. A probe into the incident was launched.


tass--2020-01-30--US ambassador meets with Russian media chief editors at TASS News Agency

New US Ambassador John Sullivan to arrive in Moscow on Thursday MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
John Sullivan @ @ @ @ @ Russia , has met with editors-in-chief of the leading Russian media at TASS News Agency @ @ @ @ @ place in the traditional TASS Chief Editors Club format and featured a friendly atmosphere .
@ @ @ @ @ journalists ’ questions in detail , and assured them he intends to do his best @ @ @ @ @ and Washington .

New US Ambassador John Sullivan to arrive in Moscow on Thursday
MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. John Sullivan, the US ambassador in Russia, has met with editors-in-chief of the leading Russian media at TASS News Agency Thursday. The meeting took place in the traditional TASS Chief Editors Club format and featured a friendly atmosphere.
The US diplomat answered Russian journalists’ questions in detail, and assured them he intends to do his best to improve relations between Moscow and Washington.