tass--2020-01-22--Top Chinese diplomat congratulates Russian counterpart on staying in office

BEIJING , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has extended his congratulations to his Russian counterpart @ @ @ @ @ top diplomat office .
Wang Yi also expressed willingness to continue joint work to achieve @ @ @ @ @ relations .
`` Over many years the diplomatic agencies of both countries have maintained close @ @ @ @ @ and constructive role in promoting joint interests of China and Russia as well as facilitated @ @ @ @ @ stability , '' Xinhua News Agency quoted the Chinese diplomat as saying on Wednesday .

BEIJING, January 22. /TASS/. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has extended his congratulations to his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov for keeping his top diplomat office. Wang Yi also expressed willingness to continue joint work to achieve greater progress in the bilateral relations.
"Over many years the diplomatic agencies of both countries have maintained close contacts and played an important and constructive role in promoting joint interests of China and Russia as well as facilitated regional and global peace and stability," Xinhua News Agency quoted the Chinese diplomat as saying on Wednesday.


tass--2020-01-22--Russian senate speaker lauds amendment on constitutional supremacy as timely

The speaker stressed that Russia would provide a major archive of World War II materials as accessible not only in Russia but worldwide MOSCOW , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
Speaker of Russia ’ s Federation Council ( upper house ) Valentina Matviyenko believes that it is a very timely move to adopt an amendment to the Russian constitution enshrining its primacy over international treaties .
`` The foreign policy situation remains complicated .
In these conditions , we are obliged to take every measure to protect our sovereignty .
Therefore , the president ’ s proposal to enshrine constitutional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very timely , '' Matviyenko said opening the council ’ s spring session .
At the same time , she noted that senators would continue pursuing constructive cooperation with foreign partners bilaterally and in the framework of inter-parliamentary organizations .
The speaker recalled that this year Russia chairs the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS ( Brazil , Russia , India , China , South Africa ) adding that it is a great resource to expand connections with parliaments of these associations ’ members .
Matviyenko also stressed that parliamentarians intend to continue bolstering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) partners .
`` We particularly planned a meeting of the Integration Club at the Eurasian Economic Commission forum , '' she announced .
The upper house speaker also informed that senators outlined a plan of events commemorating the 75th anniversary of World War II victory .
Matviyenko then lamented the fact that on the eve of the glorious anniversary attempts to besmirch the war history continue by equating Soviet liberators to Hitler ’ s troops .
`` In his [ State of the Nation ] address , the president declared creation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ materials which will be accessible not only to our citizens but also to the whole world .
These documents will be objective , archival and historical .
I request that our Foreign Affairs Committee joined this important job and informed foreign parliaments about the creation of such a global source of historical truth , '' she said .
On Monday , Russian President Vladimir Putin submitted the draft bill on constitutional amendment to the State Duma .
On January 15 , the Russian leader delivered his annual State of the Nation Address to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposing a number of constitutional amendments .
In particular , Putin envisages vesting the State Duma with the right to appoint prime minister , deputy prime ministers and federal ministers .
He also suggested that heads of power structures should be named after consultations with the Federation Council , upper house , while a new notion is also planned to be introduced — senator of Russia .
The Russian constitution will also be expanded by adding a new body — State Council — which will be formed by the president .
The bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia from 10 to 25 years for candidates vying for Russian presidency and bans them from possessing foreign citizenship or permit residence at any point in time .
At the same time , it is specifically mentioned that the citizenship qualification is not applied to Russian citizens who previously held citizenship of a foreign state that was accepted into Russia or a part of it was accepted into Russia in accordance with a federal constitutional law .
Moreover , Putin stressed the need to enshrine the constitution ’ s priority over international treaties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number of social guarantees into the constitution .

The speaker stressed that Russia would provide a major archive of World War II materials as accessible not only in Russia but worldwide
MOSCOW, January 22. /TASS/. Speaker of Russia’s Federation Council (upper house) Valentina Matviyenko believes that it is a very timely move to adopt an amendment to the Russian constitution enshrining its primacy over international treaties. "The foreign policy situation remains complicated. In these conditions, we are obliged to take every measure to protect our sovereignty. Therefore, the president’s proposal to enshrine constitutional primacy in the Russian law is undeniably very timely," Matviyenko said opening the council’s spring session.
Read also Public vote on constitutional amendments will be held on the law as a whole — official
At the same time, she noted that senators would continue pursuing constructive cooperation with foreign partners bilaterally and in the framework of inter-parliamentary organizations. The speaker recalled that this year Russia chairs the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) adding that it is a great resource to expand connections with parliaments of these associations’ members. Matviyenko also stressed that parliamentarians intend to continue bolstering cooperation with Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) partners. "We particularly planned a meeting of the Integration Club at the Eurasian Economic Commission forum," she announced. The upper house speaker also informed that senators outlined a plan of events commemorating the 75th anniversary of World War II victory. Matviyenko then lamented the fact that on the eve of the glorious anniversary attempts to besmirch the war history continue by equating Soviet liberators to Hitler’s troops. "In his [State of the Nation] address, the president declared creation of a major archive of Second World War materials which will be accessible not only to our citizens but also to the whole world. These documents will be objective, archival and historical. I request that our Foreign Affairs Committee joined this important job and informed foreign parliaments about the creation of such a global source of historical truth," she said. Constitutional amendment bill
Read also Putin submits constitutional amendment to Duma authorizing president to form State Council


tass--2020-01-22--Russian consumer watchdog steps up monitoring over new coronavirus

According to her , the watchdog `` has stepped up public health monitoring at all border crossings , not only @ @ @ @ @ . ''
MOSCOW , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s consumer watchdog has @ @ @ @ @ country ’ s borders over the new coronavirus that emerged in China , head of @ @ @ @ @ surveillance department Yelena Yezhlova told reporters on Wednesday .
Death toll in outbreak of new @ @ @ @ @ On December 31 , 2019 , the Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( @ @ @ @ @ of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
On @ @ @ @ @ identified the 2019-nCoV coronavirus as the cause of the disease .
The Chinese authorities have @ @ @ @ @ infected with the virus and six deaths .
Coronavirus cases have been reported in Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ Shenzhen and other Chinese cities .
On January 22 , WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom @ @ @ @ @ meeting of the WHO Emergency Committee over the coronavirus outbreak .

According to her, the watchdog "has stepped up public health monitoring at all border crossings, not only on the border with China."
MOSCOW, January 22. /TASS/. Russia’s consumer watchdog has stepped up monitoring along the country’s borders over the new coronavirus that emerged in China, head of the watchdog’s epidemiological surveillance department Yelena Yezhlova told reporters on Wednesday.
Death toll in outbreak of new coronavirus in China reaches 9
On December 31, 2019, the Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. On January 7, Chinese experts identified the 2019-nCoV coronavirus as the cause of the disease.
The Chinese authorities have confirmed 291 cases of patients infected with the virus and six deaths. Coronavirus cases have been reported in Wuhan, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and other Chinese cities.
On January 22, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus plans to hold a meeting of the WHO Emergency Committee over the coronavirus outbreak.


tass--2020-01-22--Parliamentary republic in Russia is possible in theory, but ‘inadvisable,’ says Putin

USMAN/Lipetsk Region/ , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
Any experiments with the system of government in Russia and the switch @ @ @ @ @ are inadvisable , Russian President Vladimir Putin told a meeting with members of the public @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday .
The head of state noted that parliamentary republics are widely spread across the @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Is this possible here ?
In theory yes .
Is this advisable or @ @ @ @ @ ’ s own opinion about this .
I believe that no , '' Putin stressed @ @ @ @ @ not carry out any experiments , '' Putin said , noting that in some cases @ @ @ @ @ setbacks . ''
Russia , which has huge territory , many religious denominations and a @ @ @ @ @ `` still needs a strong presidential power .
`` .

USMAN/Lipetsk Region/, January 22. /TASS/. Any experiments with the system of government in Russia and the switch from presidential to parliamentary republic are inadvisable, Russian President Vladimir Putin told a meeting with members of the public in the Lipetsk Region on Wednesday.
The head of state noted that parliamentary republics are widely spread across the world, especially in Europe. "Is this possible here? In theory yes. Is this advisable or not? Everyone has one’s own opinion about this. I believe that no," Putin stressed.
"We should better not carry out any experiments," Putin said, noting that in some cases parliamentary republic has certain "setbacks." Russia, which has huge territory, many religious denominations and a large number of nations, "still needs a strong presidential power.".


tass--2020-01-22--Azerbaijan’s president says plans to meet with Putin in 2020

DAVOS /Switzerland/ , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
Azerbaijan ’ s President Ilham Aliyev plans to meet with his Russian @ @ @ @ @ the year , as he himself said in response to a TASS question on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ been determined so far but they will be set , '' Aliyev pointed out .
@ @ @ @ @ president and I held five or six meetings , which means that we meet on @ @ @ @ @ we will definitely meet again , '' he added .

DAVOS /Switzerland/, January 22. /TASS/. Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev plans to meet with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin later in the year, as he himself said in response to a TASS question on Wednesday.
"No dates have been determined so far but they will be set," Aliyev pointed out. "Last year, the president and I held five or six meetings, which means that we meet on a regular basis. And we will definitely meet again," he added.


tass--2020-01-22--Lukoil to sign agreement with Azerbaijan’s Socar on new Caspian projects, says CEO

`` We are discussing a number of projects , including the Nakhichevan block , the offshore block and the so-called transition zone in the north of Absheron .
At least our geologists consider them promising , '' he said .
DAVOS , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
Lukoil plans new joint projects in the Caspian Sea with Azerbaijan ’ s state oil company Socar , Chief Executive Officer of Russia ’ s oil major Vagit Alekperov told reporters on Wednesday , adding that the sides might sign a respective agreement during the World Economic Forum in Davos .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The agreement most likely will be signed at the forum today , '' Alekperov added .
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Lukoil CEO earlier discussed the issue of the company ’ s participation in the development of Nakhichevan and Goshadash fields .
The agreement on joint exploration of the oil and gas potential of the Goshadash block was signed on September 1 , 2018 in Sochi as part of Aliyev ’ s visit to Russia .
The Nakhichevan field was discovered in 1960 .
Investment in its development is estimated at $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ projected at 110 mln tonnes of oil and 85 bln cubic meters of gas .

"We are discussing a number of projects, including the Nakhichevan block, the offshore block and the so-called transition zone in the north of Absheron. At least our geologists consider them promising," he said.
DAVOS, January 22. /TASS/. Lukoil plans new joint projects in the Caspian Sea with Azerbaijan’s state oil company Socar, Chief Executive Officer of Russia’s oil major Vagit Alekperov told reporters on Wednesday, adding that the sides might sign a respective agreement during the World Economic Forum in Davos.
"We are going to negotiate exploration with Socar. The agreement most likely will be signed at the forum today," Alekperov added.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Lukoil CEO earlier discussed the issue of the company’s participation in the development of Nakhichevan and Goshadash fields.
The agreement on joint exploration of the oil and gas potential of the Goshadash block was signed on September 1, 2018 in Sochi as part of Aliyev’s visit to Russia.
The Nakhichevan field was discovered in 1960. Investment in its development is estimated at $2 bln, while the reserves are projected at 110 mln tonnes of oil and 85 bln cubic meters of gas.


tass--2020-01-22--Bank of Russia expects continuation of inflation drop in Russia in early 2020

Number of citizens declared bankrupt in Russia up over year by 70 % MOSCOW , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
@ @ @ @ @ going down in Russia early this year , the Central Bank says on Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ Russia , inflation in the country totaled 3 % in annual terms in December 2020 @ @ @ @ @ Russia forecasts continuation of annual inflation decline in early 2020 , in particular on account @ @ @ @ @ VAT rate increase at the beginning of 2019 from the estimate , '' the regulator @ @ @ @ @ to 2.5-2.6 % year-on-year by the end of January in Russia , department head of @ @ @ @ @ told reporters earlier .

Number of citizens declared bankrupt in Russia up over year by 70%
MOSCOW, January 22. /TASS/. Inflation is expected to continue going down in Russia early this year, the Central Bank says on Wednesday.
According to the Bank of Russia, inflation in the country totaled 3% in annual terms in December 2020.
"The Bank of Russia forecasts continuation of annual inflation decline in early 2020, in particular on account of withdrawing the effect of VAT rate increase at the beginning of 2019 from the estimate," the regulator says.
Inflation can decelerate to 2.5-2.6% year-on-year by the end of January in Russia, department head of the Central Bank Alexander Morozov told reporters earlier.


tass--2020-01-22--Russian PM Mishustin appoints heads of government departments

MOSCOW , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has renewed the structure of the government staff , appointing new heads of government departments , the decree published on the official website of the Russian Cabinet of Ministers informs .
Nikolai Arkhipov has maintained his position as head of the Defense Industry Department .
Head of the State Defense Order Department Boris Nakonechny has also retained his duties .
Viktor Kuznetsov was appointed head of the Department of the Development of International Cooperation instead of Elmir Tagirov , who now serves as Deputy Chief of the Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government ’ s press service .
The Department of Culture has been transformed into the Department of Culture , National and Youth Policy , with its former head Pyotr Skorospelov as acting director .
Alexander Valyayev was assigned as head of the Protocol Department .
The decree also appoints Kirill Lysogorsky as head of the Industry Department , Yevgeny Komar — as chief of the IT Department and Alexander Vishnyakov — as head of the HR Department .
Yevgenia Bozhenova now serves as head of the Regulatory Policy Department , while Maxim Stepanov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Infrastructure .

MOSCOW, January 22. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has renewed the structure of the government staff, appointing new heads of government departments, the decree published on the official website of the Russian Cabinet of Ministers informs.
Nikolai Arkhipov has maintained his position as head of the Defense Industry Department. Head of the State Defense Order Department Boris Nakonechny has also retained his duties. Viktor Kuznetsov was appointed head of the Department of the Development of International Cooperation instead of Elmir Tagirov, who now serves as Deputy Chief of the Government Staff. Boris Belyakov now heads the government’s press service.
The Department of Culture has been transformed into the Department of Culture, National and Youth Policy, with its former head Pyotr Skorospelov as acting director. Alexander Valyayev was assigned as head of the Protocol Department. The decree also appoints Kirill Lysogorsky as head of the Industry Department, Yevgeny Komar — as chief of the IT Department and Alexander Vishnyakov — as head of the HR Department. Yevgenia Bozhenova now serves as head of the Regulatory Policy Department, while Maxim Stepanov heads the Department of Regional Development and Infrastructure.


tass--2020-01-22--Artillery troops repel enemy attack on S-400 missile systems in Crimea drills

`` Under the scenario of the planned drills , a notional enemy employed unmanned aerial vehicles to attack the positions of S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ anti-aircraft missile systems .
During the training exercise , the crews of Pantsyr-S1 systems detected , identified and destroyed air targets at a safe distance , '' the press office said in a statement .
SEVASTOPOL , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
The combat teams of Pantsyr-S1 anti-aircraft missile/gun launchers practiced defense of S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ surface-to-air missile systems against a drone attack during drills in Crimea , the press office of Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Pantsyr-S1 anti-aircraft missile/gun launchers are deployed on the Crimean peninsula to provide for its air defense and shield the positions of S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ surface-to-air missile systems , the press office said .
For the purpose of creating an environment close to real warfare during the drills , the security forces `` repelled an attack by a notional enemy ’ s subversive and reconnaissance group . ''
`` The personnel of the missile systems successfully accomplished the assigned task within the required time limits of fulfilling the algorithm of operations to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack weapons , '' the statement says .
Russia ’ s S-400 Triumf ( NATO reporting name : SA-21 Growler ) is the latest long-and medium-range surface-to-air missile system that went into service in 2007 .
It is designated to destroy aircraft , cruise and ballistic missiles , and can also be used against ground installations .
The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of up to 400 km and at an altitude of up to 35 km under intensive enemy fire and jamming .
The Pantsyr-S1 ( NATO reporting name : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surface-to-air missile/gun system designated to shield military and civilian facilities , including long-range air defense systems , from all modern and future air attack weapons .
The Pantsyr mounted on the truck chassis for greater mobility is armed with two 30mm guns , each of which is capable of firing up to 40 rounds per second , as well as 12 anti-aircraft missiles .

"Under the scenario of the planned drills, a notional enemy employed unmanned aerial vehicles to attack the positions of S-400 ‘Triumf’ anti-aircraft missile systems. During the training exercise, the crews of Pantsyr-S1 systems detected, identified and destroyed air targets at a safe distance," the press office said in a statement.
SEVASTOPOL, January 22. /TASS/. The combat teams of Pantsyr-S1 anti-aircraft missile/gun launchers practiced defense of S-400 ‘Triumf’ surface-to-air missile systems against a drone attack during drills in Crimea, the press office of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet reported on Wednesday.
Pantsyr-S1 anti-aircraft missile/gun launchers are deployed on the Crimean peninsula to provide for its air defense and shield the positions of S-400 ‘Triumf’ surface-to-air missile systems, the press office said.
For the purpose of creating an environment close to real warfare during the drills, the security forces "repelled an attack by a notional enemy’s subversive and reconnaissance group."
"The personnel of the missile systems successfully accomplished the assigned task within the required time limits of fulfilling the algorithm of operations to repel a notional enemy’s air attack weapons," the statement says.
Russia’s S-400 Triumf (NATO reporting name: SA-21 Growler) is the latest long-and medium-range surface-to-air missile system that went into service in 2007. It is designated to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, and can also be used against ground installations. The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of up to 400 km and at an altitude of up to 35 km under intensive enemy fire and jamming.
The Pantsyr-S1 (NATO reporting name: SA-22 Greyhound) is a ground-based self-propelled surface-to-air missile/gun system designated to shield military and civilian facilities, including long-range air defense systems, from all modern and future air attack weapons.
The Pantsyr mounted on the truck chassis for greater mobility is armed with two 30mm guns, each of which is capable of firing up to 40 rounds per second, as well as 12 anti-aircraft missiles.


tass--2020-01-22--Who’s who in Russia's new Cabinet following the sweeping government reshuffle

The new Russian government was appointed on January 21 .
The Cabinet consists of 21 ministers , eight of whom were new appointees to their positions .
That said , Russian President Vladimir Putin picked Mikhail Murashko as Minister of Health , Olga Lyubimova — as Minister of Culture , Valery Falkov — as Minister of Science and Higher Education , Sergei Kravtsov — as Minister of Enlightenment , Oleg Matytsin — as Sports Minister , Anton Kotyakov — as Minister of Labor and Social Protection , Maksut Shadayev — as Minister of Digital Development , Communications and Mass Media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Governor of the Perm Region Maxim Reshetnikov as Minister of Economic Development and lastly , Konstantin Chuichenko was chosen to be Minister of Justice .
Meanwhile , Vladimir Kolokoltsev is staying in place as Minister of Internal Affairs , while Yevgeny Zinichev is sticking to his post as Emergencies Minister .
Dmitry Kobylkin will be keeping his position as Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment , while Denis Manturov will stay on as head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade , Alexander Kozlov has secured his tenure as Minister for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arctic , and Dmitry Patrushev will carry on as Minister of Agriculture .
Vladimir Yakushev was re-appointed Minister of Construction Industry , Housing and Utilities , along with Yevgeny Dietrich ( Minister of Transport ) and Alexander Novak ( Minister of Energy ) .
Anton Siluanov will be remaining on board as Minister of Finance , while Russian Ministers of Defense and Foreign Affairs Sergei Shoigu and Sergey Lavrov are going to keep their positions within the new government .

The new Russian government was appointed on January 21. The cabinet consists of 21 ministers, eight of whom were new appointees to their positions. That said, Russian President Vladimir Putin picked Mikhail Murashko as Minister of Health, Olga Lyubimova — as Minister of Culture, Valery Falkov — as Minister of Science and Higher Education, Sergei Kravtsov — as Minister of Education (Enlightenment), Oleg Matytsin — as Sports Minister, Anton Kotyakov — as Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Maksut Shadayev — as Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media. The Russian leader also nominated former Governor of the Perm Region Maxim Reshetnikov as Minister of Economic Development and lastly, Konstantin Chuichenko was chosen to be Minister of Justice. Meanwhile, Vladimir Kolokoltsev is staying in place as Minister of Internal Affairs, while Yevgeny Zinichev is sticking to his post as Emergencies Minister. Dmitry Kobylkin will be keeping his position as Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, while Denis Manturov will stay on as head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Alexander Kozlov has secured his tenure as Minister for the Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic, and Dmitry Patrushev will carry on as Minister of Agriculture. Vladimir Yakushev was re-appointed Minister of Construction Industry, Housing and Utilities, along with Yevgeny Dietrich (Minister of Transport) and Alexander Novak (Minister of Energy). Anton Siluanov will be remaining on board as Minister of Finance, while Russian Ministers of Defense and Foreign Affairs Sergei Shoigu and Sergey Lavrov are going to keep their positions within the new government.


tass--2020-01-22--Turkish artillery shells six settlements near Syria’s Afrin

Second blast reported in Syrian city of Afrin in 24 hours — agency MOSCOW , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
@ @ @ @ @ six settlements near Syria ’ s border city of Afrin , the Al Arabiya TV @ @ @ @ @ According to the news outlet , the attacks involved heavy weapons .
However , there @ @ @ @ @ consequences of the shelling .
In the spring of 2019 , Turkey carried out Operation @ @ @ @ @ area , which targeted the Kurdish-led People 's Protection Units ( YPG ) .
In @ @ @ @ @ launched Operation Peace Spring east of the Euphrates River .

Second blast reported in Syrian city of Afrin in 24 hours — agency
MOSCOW, January 22. /TASS/. The Turkish artillery has shelled six settlements near Syria’s border city of Afrin, the Al Arabiya TV channel reported on Wednesday.
According to the news outlet, the attacks involved heavy weapons. However, there were no reports on the consequences of the shelling.
In the spring of 2019, Turkey carried out Operation Olive Branch in the Afrin area, which targeted the Kurdish-led People's Protection Units (YPG). In October 2019, Turkish forces launched Operation Peace Spring east of the Euphrates River.


tass--2020-01-22--Dudley to stay on Rosneft’s board

Dudley to stay on Rosneft’s board

DAVOS /Switzerland/ , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
Chief Executive Officer of the British oil and gas producer BP Bob Dudley will continue representing the interests of the company in the Board of Directors of Russia ’ s Rosneft , in which BP holds 19.75 % of shares , after leaving it on March 31 , 2020 .
That is important for keeping trust relations with Rosneft ’ s CEO Igor Sechin , Dudley said in an interview with TASS on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos .
`` As you know , trust is really important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to build the trust and I think we have the trust ; there is no reason why not to continue , '' he replied when asked whether that decision is connected with a special relationship with Igor Sechin .
He also described the reaction of Rosneft ’ s management to his decision to leave BP .
`` It was charming reaction , because Igor Ivanovich [ Sechin ] and the team said , 'why ? '
I think it just caught everyone a little bit by surprise , '' Dudley commented .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and others that it is fine , it is a good thing , I am happy with it but I stay in Board , '' he added .
Dudley revealed that he would be working both in London and the US .
`` Well , after March I will continue on with Rosneft in the Board , continue in the industry someways , in the Climate Initiative [ OGCI , headquartered in London , brings together major energy companies — TASS ] .
I will keep an office in London , I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US , '' he said .
Dudley added that he was going to treat his time `` really carefully . ''
`` For forty years I worked almost seven days per week , continuing as the CEO .
I think it is time I ought to my family , to just spend a little time and carefully think of what I want and what I have to do .
I am excited about it .
I am very pleased with passing in BP , very smoothly , to a really good CEO and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , Dudley announced his decision to leave BP in March 2020 .
However , he will remain in the Board of Directors of the Russian state oil company Rosneft .
Dudley worked for BP for 40 years , including 10 years as CEO .

DAVOS /Switzerland/, January 22. /TASS/. Chief Executive Officer of the British oil and gas producer BP Bob Dudley will continue representing the interests of the company in the Board of Directors of Russia’s Rosneft, in which BP holds 19.75% of shares, after leaving it on March 31, 2020. That is important for keeping trust relations with Rosneft’s CEO Igor Sechin, Dudley said in an interview with TASS on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
"As you know, trust is really important in Russia. It takes a long time to build the trust and I think we have the trust; there is no reason why not to continue," he replied when asked whether that decision is connected with a special relationship with Igor Sechin.
He also described the reaction of Rosneft’s management to his decision to leave BP. "It was charming reaction, because Igor Ivanovich [Sechin] and the team said, 'why?' I think it just caught everyone a little bit by surprise," Dudley commented. "I explained to team in Rosneft and others that it is fine, it is a good thing, I am happy with it but I stay in Board," he added.
Dudley revealed that he would be working both in London and the US. "Well, after March I will continue on with Rosneft in the Board, continue in the industry someways, in the Climate Initiative [OGCI, headquartered in London, brings together major energy companies — TASS]. I will keep an office in London, I have a place in London and in the US," he said. Dudley added that he was going to treat his time "really carefully."
"For forty years I worked almost seven days per week, continuing as the CEO. I think it is time I ought to my family, to just spend a little time and carefully think of what I want and what I have to do. I am excited about it. I am very pleased with passing in BP, very smoothly, to a really good CEO and management," he explained.
Last year, Dudley announced his decision to leave BP in March 2020. However, he will remain in the Board of Directors of the Russian state oil company Rosneft. Dudley worked for BP for 40 years, including 10 years as CEO.


tass--2020-01-22--Russia’s Ka-52 attack helicopter gets broadband communications system

`` We are developing a broadband communications system for helicopters .
It is mounted on the Ka-52 helicopter as a communications suite .
The Ka-52 is the world ’ s sole helicopter , which is equipped with the high-speed data transmission system , '' the chief executive said .
MOSCOW , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Kamov Ka-52 attack helicopter is the world ’ s sole gunship that has received a broadband communications suite , which provides for high-speed data transmission , CEO of RTI Group Pavel Laptayev told TASS on Wednesday .
This communications system is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is already installed on helicopters in their export configuration , Laptayev said .
The Ka-52 ‘ Alligator ’ reconnaissance/attack helicopter is designated to destroy tanks , armored and non-armored vehicles , manpower , rotorcraft and other enemy aircraft on the frontline and in the tactical depth , in any weather conditions and at any time .
The ‘ Alligator ’ is furnished with modern avionics while its coaxial rotor system and enhanced longitudinal control enable it to effectively maneuver and perform complex aerobatic operations .
Besides , the Ka-52 features the radio-electronic protection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , dissipate and distort the engines ’ thermal trace .
It also has active countermeasures capabilities .

"We are developing a broadband communications system for helicopters. It is mounted on the Ka-52 helicopter as a communications suite. The Ka-52 is the world’s sole helicopter, which is equipped with the high-speed data transmission system," the chief executive said.
MOSCOW, January 22. /TASS/. Russia’s Kamov Ka-52 attack helicopter is the world’s sole gunship that has received a broadband communications suite, which provides for high-speed data transmission, CEO of RTI Group Pavel Laptayev told TASS on Wednesday.
This communications system is also of interest for foreign customers and is already installed on helicopters in their export configuration, Laptayev said.
The Ka-52 ‘Alligator’ reconnaissance/attack helicopter is designated to destroy tanks, armored and non-armored vehicles, manpower, rotorcraft and other enemy aircraft on the frontline and in the tactical depth, in any weather conditions and at any time.
The ‘Alligator’ is furnished with modern avionics while its coaxial rotor system and enhanced longitudinal control enable it to effectively maneuver and perform complex aerobatic operations.
Besides, the Ka-52 features the radio-electronic protection system and low signature devices that reduce, dissipate and distort the engines’ thermal trace. It also has active countermeasures capabilities.


tass--2020-01-22--Russian Senate committee to draft bill outlawing foreign citizenship for envoys soon

`` The committee will draft the bill banning ambassadors from having a second citizenship and permanent residency in the shortest @ @ @ @ @ said .
Earlier , the Federation Council approved a list of instructions to implement provisions @ @ @ @ @ ’ s annual State of the Nation Address delivered on January 15 .
The document @ @ @ @ @ s committees on foreign affairs and constitutional legislation and state building are instructed to introduce @ @ @ @ @ in cooperation with the Russian Foreign Ministry `` regarding extending the ban to obtain permanent @ @ @ @ @ citizenship of foreign states to include ambassadors extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Russia . ''
Speaker @ @ @ @ @ Matviyenko officially opened the spring session on Wednesday and proposed to expand the list of @ @ @ @ @ allowed to hold permanent foreign residencies or citizenships by adding diplomats to it .
According @ @ @ @ @ cases of diplomats receiving such documents and insufficient level of attention to this issue `` @ @ @ @ @ state . ''

"The committee will draft the bill banning ambassadors from having a second citizenship and permanent residency in the shortest time frame," he said.
Earlier, the Federation Council approved a list of instructions to implement provisions of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s annual State of the Nation Address delivered on January 15. The document reads that the council’s committees on foreign affairs and constitutional legislation and state building are instructed to introduce changes to the federal legislation in cooperation with the Russian Foreign Ministry "regarding extending the ban to obtain permanent residency and (or) citizenship of foreign states to include ambassadors extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Russia."
Speaker of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko officially opened the spring session on Wednesday and proposed to expand the list of persons who will not be allowed to hold permanent foreign residencies or citizenships by adding diplomats to it. According to her, there are cases of diplomats receiving such documents and insufficient level of attention to this issue "may cost dearly to the state."


tass--2020-01-22--Russia to create submillimeter radars to detect small drones

`` The terahertz technology [ featuring radio wave length below one millimeter ] will be converted into a product within five years .
These radars can detect small drones , and function in space , '' Laptayev explained .
MOSCOW , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
The RTI Joint Stock Company , a developer and producer of high-tech products , will create new radars that operate in terahertz frequency range and are capable of pinpointing the smallest drone , RTI CEO Pavel Laptayev told TASS .
According to the CEO , the submillimeter radar enables a beam to be aimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ precision , impossible for other ranges , and identify its shape , material , speed and trajectory .
Laptayev admitted that RTI managed to achieve significant success in the terahertz range only in 2019 , with the company mastering the components for such stations , and learning to identify objects and materials .
According to the CEO , the RTI specialists now work on radar software that would swiftly and effectively classify a target and relay this information to the operator .
`` This task will take more time than creating a prototype @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implementing machine learning methods , '' the CEO specified .
Small drones are considered a serious threat because they can go unnoticed by conventional radars , especially when flying at low altitudes and low speed .
For instance , drones rigged with explosives , attacked Saudi Aramco ’ s two largest refineries on September 14 , 2019 .
The blasts and fires caused by the strike sent the world ’ s biggest oil exporter ’ s daily extraction plunging from 9.8 million bpd to 4.1 million bpd .

"The terahertz technology [featuring radio wave length below one millimeter] will be converted into a product within five years. These radars can detect small drones, and function in space," Laptayev explained.
MOSCOW, January 22. /TASS/. The RTI Joint Stock Company, a developer and producer of high-tech products, will create new radars that operate in terahertz frequency range and are capable of pinpointing the smallest drone, RTI CEO Pavel Laptayev told TASS.
According to the CEO, the submillimeter radar enables a beam to be aimed on a relatively small object with extraordinary precision, impossible for other ranges, and identify its shape, material, speed and trajectory.
Laptayev admitted that RTI managed to achieve significant success in the terahertz range only in 2019, with the company mastering the components for such stations, and learning to identify objects and materials. According to the CEO, the RTI specialists now work on radar software that would swiftly and effectively classify a target and relay this information to the operator.
"This task will take more time than creating a prototype, because it requires accumulating data and implementing machine learning methods," the CEO specified.
Small drones are considered a serious threat because they can go unnoticed by conventional radars, especially when flying at low altitudes and low speed. For instance, drones rigged with explosives, attacked Saudi Aramco’s two largest refineries on September 14, 2019. The blasts and fires caused by the strike sent the world’s biggest oil exporter’s daily extraction plunging from 9.8 million bpd to 4.1 million bpd.


tass--2020-01-22--Press review: Russia’s new PM culls cabinet and did the USSR help to create Israel

Media : Half of cabinet fails to make the grade in major government reshuffle As many as 15 members of the previous Russian government have failed to make it into the new cabinet that was announced on Tuesday .
The deputy prime ministers ’ corps underwent the biggest shakeup .
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin opted to reduce the number of subordinate premiers from ten to nine , with only three deputy PMs maintaining their positions and six new appointees coming on board .
What ’ s more , nine out of 21 federal ministers are new , Izvestia writes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ government .
`` It seems that since the cabinet was formed very quickly , there are few politically motivated appointments .
I can see many professionals who are known , first and foremost , for their previous professional activities , '' said President of the Russian Association of Political Consultants Alexei Kurtov .
Director of the Institute of Socio-Economic and Political Research Dmitry Badovsky , in turn , pointed to continuity in areas where the ministers showed effectiveness .
The main thing that the previous cabinet ’ s financial and economic section lacked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Chief Economist covering Russia and CIS countries at ING Bank Dmitry Dolgin said , adding that the new government was likely to focus on that goal through boosting the National Projects .
The makeup of the new cabinet ’ s economic section implies a focus on economic growth and efforts to ensure a stable and surplus budget , Academic Director of the Research Center for Financial Technologies and Digital Economy at Skolkovo-New Economic School Oleg Shibanov emphasized .
As for the defense and foreign ministries , experts say that the complicated international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministers retained their posts .
According to Director of the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies Ruslan Pukhov , Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu is directly involved in efforts to resolve highly important military and political issues concerning the crises in Libya and Syria .
As for Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov , replacing him with someone else `` would mean a real foreign policy shift , and that would be too radical of a step , '' political scientist Nikolai Petrov pointed out .
Media : Had it not been for the USSR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may not have come to be , says Israeli top diplomat On Thursday , Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Israel for the first time in the past eight years .
On this occasion , Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz spoke to Russian newspapers about relations between the two countries .
In an interview with Kommersant , Katz pointed out that Israel considered Russia to be a very important strategic partner and sought to boost relations at the bilateral and regional levels .
The Israeli top diplomat was positive about progress in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , priorities in relations include efforts to contain Iran ’ s nuclear program , ensure the withdrawal of Iranian troops and pro-Iranian forces from Syria and put an end to arms supplies to the Lebanon-based Hezbollah movement from Syria and Iran .
The foreign minister said that Israel was working to promote cooperation in various areas , particularly in the economic and cultural areas .
In an interview with Izvestia , Katz emphasized that had the Soviet Union not triumphed over Nazism , the world ’ s history would have been completely different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would not have been established .
The victory gained by the Red Army and the Anti-Hitler Coalition was part of a historical process that resulted in the creation of the State of Israel , Katz pointed out , adding that the country remembered the contribution of Soviet soldiers who had fought against the Nazi oppressors .
The Red Army liberated the Jews from most of the death camps , including the infamous Auschwitz concentration camp , the 75th anniversary liberation of which is being celebrated in Jerusalem .
It is one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who died during World War II and the Holocaust , Katz noted .
India seeks to bolster its jewelry exports , Nezavisimaya Gazeta reported , citing Convener of the Indian Gem and Jewelry Export Promotion Council ’ s Diamond Panel Committee Sanjay Shah .
According to him , if Russia reduced import tariffs on diamonds and jewelry , bilateral trade would grow as the demand for diamonds is increasing in Russia .
Indians have unique diamond-cutting skills , so the country is one of the world ’ s leaders in diamond production .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 15 diamonds in the world are polished in India .
However , competition on the global market is getting tougher as Belgium , Israel and other countries fight for consumer attention .
In this regard , Sanjay Shah believes that boosting cooperation between India and Russia would make sense .
Although India helped establish diamond-cutting enterprises in Moscow and Vladivostok , in Shah ’ s view , it would be more economically feasible if the work was done in India , while Russia reduced tariffs on Indian jewelry .
India currently imports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Russia every year .
The demand for diamonds has been growing in Russia , particularly among middle-aged people , so Russia is a promising trade partner for India .
The two countries also need to boost cooperation in the fight against the illegal export of diamonds , which fuels rebel groups , particularly in Africa , Shah emphasized .
Media : Vaccine for new coronavirus can be created in six months The development and trials of a Russian vaccine for the new coronavirus that emerged in China will take at least six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry ’ s Center for Strategic Planning German Shipulin .
`` It won ’ t be difficult to create a vaccine because the virus is a conserved one .
However , the main issue with RNA viruses is that they are highly changeable , particularly those that have been spreading among humans for quite a while .
This is why there is a risk that a vaccine will be made that would not work for certain virus strains , '' Shipulin pointed out .
Pavel Volchkov , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institute of Physics and Technology ( MIPT ) , in turn , told Kommersant that the virus family that the Chinese coronavirus came from was the same one that had produced some previous viruses , and earlier outbreaks had made it clear `` that they can be stopped by introducing barrier measures . ''
`` However , the virus is a respiratory one and in theory , it can spread rather easily , which is what we have been seeing lately . ''
Meanwhile , Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nikiforov believes that `` an epidemic resulting in hundreds of deaths is highly unlikely to happen . ''
`` China has reported less than 500 infection cases and four deaths .
It means that the human-to-human transmission rate is lower than the common flu .
Another fact proving that the virus is not highly-contagious is that the population of the city of Wuhan stands at 19 mln and if the contagiousness of this virus was comparable to that of the flu or measles , thousands would have been infected by now , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hysteria is far too big for the situation , '' Nikiforov emphasized .
Internet users ’ trust in bloggers has been plunging in Russia as well as across the entire world , Kommersant wrote , citing research by the UM media agency .
According to the report , the number of Internet users who trust bloggers ’ opinion about goods and services dropped globally in 2019 .
The previous poll , conducted in 2017 , showed that 44 % of respondents trusted bloggers , while in 2019 , the rate came to 42 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ users from 81 countries , aged between 16 and 54 .
As for Russia , the level of trust in the 16-54 age group has also been declining , UM experts told the newspaper .
The downward trend primarily refers to the most popular bloggers .
`` Prices for advertising through such influencers are high , while investments don ’ t usually pay off .
As a result , many advertisers lose interest in them , '' said PR Director at Epicstars ’ Blogger Service Yulia Magas .
Market participants expect that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .
Meanwhile , forecasts say that the amount of blogger advertising will keep growing , particularly based on increasing advertising rates , the establishment of new platforms and a rise in Instagram audience numbers .
`` The level of trust in native advertising by opinion leaders will decrease as the market segment expands but it will not affect growth rates , '' Market Communications Director at Brand Analytics Vasily Cherny pointed out .
The company estimates the size of `` the white and grey market of influence marketing '' at 20 bln @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on figures for the end of 2019 .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews

Media: Half of cabinet fails to make the grade in major government reshuffle As many as 15 members of the previous Russian government have failed to make it into the new cabinet that was announced on Tuesday. The deputy prime ministers’ corps underwent the biggest shakeup. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin opted to reduce the number of subordinate premiers from ten to nine, with only three deputy PMs maintaining their positions and six new appointees coming on board. What’s more, nine out of 21 federal ministers are new, Izvestia writes.
Political scientists welcomed the changes in the government. "It seems that since the cabinet was formed very quickly, there are few politically motivated appointments. I can see many professionals who are known, first and foremost, for their previous professional activities," said President of the Russian Association of Political Consultants Alexei Kurtov. Director of the Institute of Socio-Economic and Political Research Dmitry Badovsky, in turn, pointed to continuity in areas where the ministers showed effectiveness. The main thing that the previous cabinet’s financial and economic section lacked was the ability to ensure economic growth, Chief Economist covering Russia and CIS countries at ING Bank Dmitry Dolgin said, adding that the new government was likely to focus on that goal through boosting the National Projects. The makeup of the new cabinet’s economic section implies a focus on economic growth and efforts to ensure a stable and surplus budget, Academic Director of the Research Center for Financial Technologies and Digital Economy at Skolkovo-New Economic School Oleg Shibanov emphasized. As for the defense and foreign ministries, experts say that the complicated international situation was taken into account and the ministers retained their posts. According to Director of the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies Ruslan Pukhov, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu is directly involved in efforts to resolve highly important military and political issues concerning the crises in Libya and Syria. As for Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, replacing him with someone else "would mean a real foreign policy shift, and that would be too radical of a step," political scientist Nikolai Petrov pointed out. Media: Had it not been for the USSR’s victory over Nazism, Israel may not have come to be, says Israeli top diplomat On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Israel for the first time in the past eight years. On this occasion, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz spoke to Russian newspapers about relations between the two countries. In an interview with Kommersant, Katz pointed out that Israel considered Russia to be a very important strategic partner and sought to boost relations at the bilateral and regional levels. The Israeli top diplomat was positive about progress in its relationship with Moscow. According to him, priorities in relations include efforts to contain Iran’s nuclear program, ensure the withdrawal of Iranian troops and pro-Iranian forces from Syria and put an end to arms supplies to the Lebanon-based Hezbollah movement from Syria and Iran.
The foreign minister said that Israel was working to promote cooperation in various areas, particularly in the economic and cultural areas. In an interview with Izvestia, Katz emphasized that had the Soviet Union not triumphed over Nazism, the world’s history would have been completely different. Perhaps, the State of Israel would not have been established. The victory gained by the Red Army and the Anti-Hitler Coalition was part of a historical process that resulted in the creation of the State of Israel, Katz pointed out, adding that the country remembered the contribution of Soviet soldiers who had fought against the Nazi oppressors. The Red Army liberated the Jews from most of the death camps, including the infamous Auschwitz concentration camp, the 75th anniversary liberation of which is being celebrated in Jerusalem. It is one of the most important events aimed at commemorating those who died during World War II and the Holocaust, Katz noted. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: India sets sights on Russian diamonds India seeks to bolster its jewelry exports, Nezavisimaya Gazeta reported, citing Convener of the Indian Gem and Jewelry Export Promotion Council’s Diamond Panel Committee Sanjay Shah. According to him, if Russia reduced import tariffs on diamonds and jewelry, bilateral trade would grow as the demand for diamonds is increasing in Russia. Indians have unique diamond-cutting skills, so the country is one of the world’s leaders in diamond production. Shah told the newspaper that 14 out of 15 diamonds in the world are polished in India.
However, competition on the global market is getting tougher as Belgium, Israel and other countries fight for consumer attention. In this regard, Sanjay Shah believes that boosting cooperation between India and Russia would make sense. Although India helped establish diamond-cutting enterprises in Moscow and Vladivostok, in Shah’s view, it would be more economically feasible if the work was done in India, while Russia reduced tariffs on Indian jewelry. India currently imports $2-3 bln worth of rough diamonds from Russia every year. The demand for diamonds has been growing in Russia, particularly among middle-aged people, so Russia is a promising trade partner for India. The two countries also need to boost cooperation in the fight against the illegal export of diamonds, which fuels rebel groups, particularly in Africa, Shah emphasized. Media: Vaccine for new coronavirus can be created in six months The development and trials of a Russian vaccine for the new coronavirus that emerged in China will take at least six months, Izvestia wrote, citing Deputy Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Center for Strategic Planning German Shipulin. "It won’t be difficult to create a vaccine because the virus is a conserved one. However, the main issue with RNA viruses is that they are highly changeable, particularly those that have been spreading among humans for quite a while. This is why there is a risk that a vaccine will be made that would not work for certain virus strains," Shipulin pointed out.
Read also Death toll in outbreak of new coronavirus in China reaches 9


tass--2020-01-22--Russian military instructors to train 500 specialists for Tajikistan’s army

MOSCOW , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
Instructors of Russia ’ s 201st military base stationed in Tajikistan have started training 500 junior specialists for Tajikistan ’ s army , the press office of the Central Military District reported on Wednesday .
`` Now 500 servicemen are undergoing training in more than ten military specialties at the Lyaur and Sambuli training centers .
The course lasts three months on average , after which the trainees will be required to accomplish a firing exercise , employing the basic guns of combat vehicles , small arms and grenade launchers , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia is training junior specialists for the army of Tajikistan under an agreement on the stay of the Russian military base on the territory of the Central Asian republic .
Overall , Russian military instructors will train 1,000 personnel for the army of Tajikistan in 2020 .
The 201st military base stationed in Tajikistan is Russia ’ s largest military facility outside its borders .
The military base is stationed in the cities of Dushanbe and Bokhtar .
The military base ’ s armament includes T-72 tanks , BTR-82A armored personnel carriers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Akatsiya artillery systems .
Under an agreement signed in October 2012 , Russia ’ s military base in Tajikistan will remain until 2042 .

MOSCOW, January 22. /TASS/. Instructors of Russia’s 201st military base stationed in Tajikistan have started training 500 junior specialists for Tajikistan’s army, the press office of the Central Military District reported on Wednesday.
"Now 500 servicemen are undergoing training in more than ten military specialties at the Lyaur and Sambuli training centers. The course lasts three months on average, after which the trainees will be required to accomplish a firing exercise, employing the basic guns of combat vehicles, small arms and grenade launchers," the press office said in a statement.
Russia is training junior specialists for the army of Tajikistan under an agreement on the stay of the Russian military base on the territory of the Central Asian republic. Overall, Russian military instructors will train 1,000 personnel for the army of Tajikistan in 2020.
The 201st military base stationed in Tajikistan is Russia’s largest military facility outside its borders. The military base is stationed in the cities of Dushanbe and Bokhtar. The military base’s armament includes T-72 tanks, BTR-82A armored personnel carriers, Grad multiple launch rocket systems, Gvozdika and Akatsiya artillery systems.
Under an agreement signed in October 2012, Russia’s military base in Tajikistan will remain until 2042.


tass--2020-01-22--Lavrov to meet with UN Syria envoy on January 24

MOSCOW , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s top diplomat Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to hold a meeting @ @ @ @ @ for Syria Geir Pedersen on January 24 , the Foreign Ministry told TASS on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ meeting with Pedersen is scheduled , '' the ministry said , commenting on a statement @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier , Lavrov told reporters about the upcoming visit of the UN Syria envoy @ @ @ @ @ is also expected to arrive in Damascus .
Russia ’ s top diplomat voiced hope @ @ @ @ @ with the Syrian leadership would contribute to preparing the schedule of the Syrian Constitutional Committee @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, January 22. /TASS/. Russia’s top diplomat Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to hold a meeting with United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen on January 24, the Foreign Ministry told TASS on Wednesday.
"Lavrov’s meeting with Pedersen is scheduled," the ministry said, commenting on a statement of Pedersen’s office.
Earlier, Lavrov told reporters about the upcoming visit of the UN Syria envoy to Moscow. The latter is also expected to arrive in Damascus. Russia’s top diplomat voiced hope that these talks and contacts with the Syrian leadership would contribute to preparing the schedule of the Syrian Constitutional Committee’s future work.


tass--2020-01-22--Russian, Japanese navies wrap up anti-piracy drills in Arabian Sea

`` The sailors from the navies of both countries fully practiced all the episodes of the drills stipulated by the joint plan , '' the press office said in a statement .
On January 20 and 21 , the ships from the Russian and Japanese navies practiced several episodes .
The Baltic Fleet ’ s naval group comprising the guard ship Yaroslav Mudry , the tanker Yelnya and the sea tug Viktor Konetsky , and also the destroyer Harusame of Japan ’ s Maritime Self-Defense Force practiced the elements of joint maneuvering , conducted an operation to free a vessel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ artillery firings against naval targets .
Meanwhile , naval aviation helicopters from the Russian and Japanese ships performed cross flights with landings on the deck of the guard ship and the destroyer .
At a meeting on the results of the drills that took place aboard the Russian guard ship on Tuesday evening , the sides noted that the program of joint anti-piracy maneuvers had been implemented with a high level of interaction between the crews of the ships and vessels of both countries and in full .
Representatives of the Russian and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guard ship Yaroslav Mudry .
The guard ship Yaroslav Mudry , the tanker Yelnya and the sea tug Viktor Konetsky embarked on their long-distance deployment from the Baltic Fleet ’ s main naval base of Baltiysk in the westernmost Kaliningrad Region on October 1 and set off for the Indian Ocean .
In December , the warships took part in the naval phase of the Indra 2019 Russian-Indian drills and in the Maritime Security Belt Russia-China-Iran naval maneuvers .

"The sailors from the navies of both countries fully practiced all the episodes of the drills stipulated by the joint plan," the press office said in a statement.
On January 20 and 21, the ships from the Russian and Japanese navies practiced several episodes. The Baltic Fleet’s naval group comprising the guard ship Yaroslav Mudry, the tanker Yelnya and the sea tug Viktor Konetsky, and also the destroyer Harusame of Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force practiced the elements of joint maneuvering, conducted an operation to free a vessel seized by notional pirates and held joint artillery firings against naval targets. Meanwhile, naval aviation helicopters from the Russian and Japanese ships performed cross flights with landings on the deck of the guard ship and the destroyer.
At a meeting on the results of the drills that took place aboard the Russian guard ship on Tuesday evening, the sides noted that the program of joint anti-piracy maneuvers had been implemented with a high level of interaction between the crews of the ships and vessels of both countries and in full. Representatives of the Russian and Japanese delegations held joint photographing aboard the guard ship Yaroslav Mudry.
The guard ship Yaroslav Mudry, the tanker Yelnya and the sea tug Viktor Konetsky embarked on their long-distance deployment from the Baltic Fleet’s main naval base of Baltiysk in the westernmost Kaliningrad Region on October 1 and set off for the Indian Ocean. In December, the warships took part in the naval phase of the Indra 2019 Russian-Indian drills and in the Maritime Security Belt Russia-China-Iran naval maneuvers.


tass--2020-01-22--New Russian prosecutor general highlights importance of fight against corruption

`` Corruption is an offence that degrades the business community and the state system as a whole .
Corruption exists only because officials have a chance to manage resources they don ’ t own through decision-making processes , '' he pointed out .
MOSCOW , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
One of the challenges before the Russian prosecution is to reduce corruption as much as possible , newly appointed Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov said , addressing a meeting of the Federation Council ( the upper house of parliament ) on Monday .
`` These processes cover the management of budget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state orders and so on , '' Krasnov specified .
`` In this regard , our goal is to reduce this scourge as much as possible by improving the legal environment healthier and giving a tough response to all manifestations of corruption , '' he added .
The prosecutor general emphasized the need to focus on areas particularly vulnerable to criminalization .
In this regard , he mentioned housing and utilities and the need to ensure people ’ s right to housing , especially as far as orphaned children and large families are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also important to monitor compliance with the law during the current reform of supervisory system , which has triggered the so-called `` regulatory guillotine '' mechanism .
`` I believe that once the project is implemented , businesses will no longer have to bear financial and institutional expenses and corruption-related costs because officials will have less opportunities to take advantage of complicated and contradictory administrative regulations for personal gain , '' he noted .

"Corruption is an offence that degrades the business community and the state system as a whole. Corruption exists only because officials have a chance to manage resources they don’t own through decision-making processes," he pointed out.
MOSCOW, January 22. /TASS/. One of the challenges before the Russian prosecution is to reduce corruption as much as possible, newly appointed Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov said, addressing a meeting of the Federation Council (the upper house of parliament) on Monday.
"These processes cover the management of budget funds, state and municipal property, state orders and so on," Krasnov specified. "In this regard, our goal is to reduce this scourge as much as possible by improving the legal environment healthier and giving a tough response to all manifestations of corruption," he added.
The prosecutor general emphasized the need to focus on areas particularly vulnerable to criminalization. In this regard, he mentioned housing and utilities and the need to ensure people’s right to housing, especially as far as orphaned children and large families are concerned.
According to Krasnov, it is also important to monitor compliance with the law during the current reform of supervisory system, which has triggered the so-called "regulatory guillotine" mechanism. "I believe that once the project is implemented, businesses will no longer have to bear financial and institutional expenses and corruption-related costs because officials will have less opportunities to take advantage of complicated and contradictory administrative regulations for personal gain," he noted.


tass--2020-01-22--Upper house speaker suggests Russian diplomats be banned from holding foreign citizenship

MOSCOW , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
Chairwoman of Russia ’ s Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko proposed widening the list of functionaries prohibited from possessing foreign citizenship or residency permits to include diplomatic staff .
Russian diplomat brushes off ‘ fake news ’ about US citizenship of her family '' There are cases of diplomats obtaining foreign citizenship or residency permits .
The lack of attention to this problem may cost our state dearly , especially considering the complex international situation .
I believe that we should consider expanding the list of occupations that those with dual citizenship or foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matviyenko asked the Committee on Foreign Affairs `` to attentively and , most importantly , prudently study the issue . ''
`` This should not be a witch-hunt , but rather a solid safeguard of Russia ’ s sovereignty .
[ It should be ] about removing the slightest loophole to meddling in our country ’ s internal affairs , '' she emphasized .
The upper house speaker believes that the proposed amendments to the Russian Constitution put forth by President Vladimir Putin on prohibiting dual citizenship for top officials was an answer @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, January 22. /TASS/. Chairwoman of Russia’s Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko proposed widening the list of functionaries prohibited from possessing foreign citizenship or residency permits to include diplomatic staff.
Russian diplomat brushes off ‘fake news’ about US citizenship of her family
"There are cases of diplomats obtaining foreign citizenship or residency permits. The lack of attention to this problem may cost our state dearly, especially considering the complex international situation. I believe that we should consider expanding the list of occupations that those with dual citizenship or foreign residency permits cannot hold."
Matviyenko asked the Committee on Foreign Affairs "to attentively and, most importantly, prudently study the issue."
"This should not be a witch-hunt, but rather a solid safeguard of Russia’s sovereignty. [It should be] about removing the slightest loophole to meddling in our country’s internal affairs," she emphasized.
The upper house speaker believes that the proposed amendments to the Russian Constitution put forth by President Vladimir Putin on prohibiting dual citizenship for top officials was an answer to a long overdue problem.


tass--2020-01-22--PM requests drafting proposals on refining National Projects by February 20

MOSCOW , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has requested that proposals on refining National Projects @ @ @ @ @ of President Vladimir Putin ’ s State of the Nation Address to be submitted to @ @ @ @ @ , the official website of the cabinet reported on Wednesday .
`` Heads of federal @ @ @ @ @ National Projects ( programs ) to submit proposals on refining respective National Projects ( programs @ @ @ @ @ the Russian Federation by February 20 , 2020 , '' according to the list of @ @ @ @ @ on revising state programs should be submitted by February 28 .
Russia ’ s Economic @ @ @ @ @ federal executive authorities is to draft proposals on refining the joint plan on achieving the @ @ @ @ @ goals through 2024 and submit them to the cabinet by February 20 .

MOSCOW, January 22. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has requested that proposals on refining National Projects and programs for the implementation of President Vladimir Putin’s State of the Nation Address to be submitted to the government by February 20, the official website of the cabinet reported on Wednesday.
"Heads of federal executive authorities — heads of National Projects (programs) to submit proposals on refining respective National Projects (programs) to the government of the Russian Federation by February 20, 2020," according to the list of requests. Moreover, proposals on revising state programs should be submitted by February 28.
Russia’s Economic Development Ministry together with relevant federal executive authorities is to draft proposals on refining the joint plan on achieving the country’s national development goals through 2024 and submit them to the cabinet by February 20.


tass--2020-01-22--Upgrade project for Russia’s missile warning system to be completed this year

`` We are currently working on a project that lays out the existing radar stations ’ upgrade logic .
This project will be finished in 2020 , and then we will get down to the research and development stage to compile the evidential base , and formulate technical solutions for each station upgrade separately , '' Laptayev said .
MOSCOW , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s RTI Joint Stock Company will complete the upgrade project for Russia ’ s missile attack warning system radar stations by the end of this year , RTI CEO Pavel Laptayev told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans to introduce artificial intelligence ( AI ) elements to the radar system ’ s electronics .
An individual upgrade plan will be put together for each radar station .
The few remaining analog stations , built on 15-20 year-old principles , will be fully switched over to digital technologies .
In particular , the company plans to `` implement data center-level computing powers , Big Data analysis and artificial intelligence ( machine learning ) , '' the CEO pointed out .
Laptayev explained that machine learning significantly speeds up the identification of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with their flight direction .
`` We already tested these systems at a number of our stations , including those on active duty .
Implementation of artificial intelligence would result in identifying a larger number of tracked objects , faster and more precise identification of [ their ] coordinates and flight directions , '' he said .
Besides , all radar stations will be plugged into one information system , `` which will relay all data required for decision making , '' Laptayev noted .
The Russian missile attack warning system is designed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about an incoming missile attack on Russian territory , provide data for Moscow ’ s missile defense system , as well as to furnish data about space objects for space control .
The system includes two echelons : a ground-based one and a space-based one .
The ground-based echelon consists mostly of ‘ Voronezh ’ radar stations that can detect ballistic missiles at a range of 6,000 km .

"We are currently working on a project that lays out the existing radar stations’ upgrade logic. This project will be finished in 2020, and then we will get down to the research and development stage to compile the evidential base, and formulate technical solutions for each station upgrade separately," Laptayev said.
MOSCOW, January 22. /TASS/. Russia’s RTI Joint Stock Company will complete the upgrade project for Russia’s missile attack warning system radar stations by the end of this year, RTI CEO Pavel Laptayev told TASS. In particular, the company plans to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) elements to the radar system’s electronics.
An individual upgrade plan will be put together for each radar station. The few remaining analog stations, built on 15-20 year-old principles, will be fully switched over to digital technologies. In particular, the company plans to "implement data center-level computing powers, Big Data analysis and artificial intelligence (machine learning)," the CEO pointed out.
Laptayev explained that machine learning significantly speeds up the identification of characteristics and type of objects discovered along with their flight direction. "We already tested these systems at a number of our stations, including those on active duty. Implementation of artificial intelligence would result in identifying a larger number of tracked objects, faster and more precise identification of [their] coordinates and flight directions," he said.
Besides, all radar stations will be plugged into one information system, "which will relay all data required for decision making," Laptayev noted.
Missile warning system
The Russian missile attack warning system is designed to alert the government and military brass about an incoming missile attack on Russian territory, provide data for Moscow’s missile defense system, as well as to furnish data about space objects for space control. The system includes two echelons: a ground-based one and a space-based one. The ground-based echelon consists mostly of ‘Voronezh’ radar stations that can detect ballistic missiles at a range of 6,000 km.


tass--2020-01-22--Guangzhou Night Debuted in WEF Annual Meeting

DAVOS , Switzerland , Jan. 22 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On the night of January 21 ( GMT+1 ) , Guangzhou , China organized Guangzhou Night event in the World Economic Forum ( WEF ) Annual Meeting for the very first time .
Guangzhou Night is co-organized by the People 's Government of Guangzhou Municipality and Cedar Holdings , a Guangzhou home-grown conglomerate .
According to public information , as a world-leading Chinese commodities company , Cedar Holdings ranked 301st on the Fortune Global 500 with US $ 40.6 billion in total revenue .
During the Guangzhou Night , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purchase the entire share capital of Stemcor .
Headquartered in the UK , Stemcor was a Top 3 global independent steel and raw materials trading company .
Guangzhou introduced itself to the world , shared information about the development opportunities of Guangzhou and communicated its willingness to be open and cooperative .
Representatives of governments from dozens of countries and regions , senior executives of Fortune Global 500 companies and WEF participants from dozens of countries and regions attended Guangzhou Night .
Wen Guohui , Mayor of Guangzhou and King Cheung , Chairman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a speech on the event .
With sophisticated creative design , Guangzhou Night brought the urban landscape , Cantonese food and cultural & artistic performance unique to Guangzhou to Davos in winter , showcasing the vitality and culture of this thousand-year-old trade hub .

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On the night of January 21 (GMT+1), Guangzhou, China organized Guangzhou Night event in the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting for the very first time. Guangzhou Night is co-organized by the People's Government of Guangzhou Municipality and Cedar Holdings, a Guangzhou home-grown conglomerate. According to public information, as a world-leading Chinese commodities company, Cedar Holdings ranked 301st on the Fortune Global 500 with US$40.6 billion in total revenue. During the Guangzhou Night, a SPA was signed that sees Cedar Holdings purchase the entire share capital of Stemcor. Headquartered in the UK, Stemcor was a Top 3 global independent steel and raw materials trading company.
Guangzhou introduced itself to the world, shared information about the development opportunities of Guangzhou and communicated its willingness to be open and cooperative. Representatives of governments from dozens of countries and regions, senior executives of Fortune Global 500 companies and WEF participants from dozens of countries and regions attended Guangzhou Night. Wen Guohui, Mayor of Guangzhou and King Cheung, Chairman of the Board of Cedar Holdings gave a speech on the event.
With sophisticated creative design, Guangzhou Night brought the urban landscape, Cantonese food and cultural & artistic performance unique to Guangzhou to Davos in winter, showcasing the vitality and culture of this thousand-year-old trade hub.
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tass--2020-01-22--Federation Council appoints Krasnov Russia's Prosecutor-General

Federation Council Chairwoman Valentina Matviyenko has praised Krasnov ’ s charateristics , describing him as `` young and someone who thinks outside the box '' who is also well-educated and has vast professional experience .
She recalled that Krasnov had investigated a number of high profile cases .
`` It is very important that the candidate for the prosecutor-general ’ s post is someone ‘ from within the system , ’ as it is often said , and not a political appointee .
He is a self-made man , who has walked all the way up the career ladder from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kholmogory , the Arkhangelsk Region .
In his day Lomonosov left Kholmogory to make headway in Moscow .
Igor Krasnov , too , has steadily moved up to deputy chief of the Investigative Committee .
Today he has been proposed for the position of prosecutor-general , '' Matviyenko said .
President Vladimir Putin submitted Krasnov ’ s candidature to the Federation Council on Monday .
Krasnov , 44 , Lieutenant-General of Justice , in his previous capacity of deputy chief of the Investigative Committee oversaw the Main Directorate for Special Investigations and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different positions at prosecutors ’ offices since 1997 .
In 2007 , when the Investigative Committee was formed , he was moved to the IC , where he began as a special investigator under the IC chairman to eventually end up in the seat of IC deputy chairman in April 2016 .
Krasnov investigated such criminal cases as the assassination attempt against Anatoly Chubais , the murder of Boris Nemtsov , lawyer Stainslav Markelov and journalist Anastasia Baburova and embezzlement at the construction site of the Vostochny spaceport .
Under the Constitution , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his deputies is a competence of the Federation Council .

Federation Council Chairwoman Valentina Matviyenko has praised Krasnov’s charateristics, describing him as "young and someone who thinks outside the box" who is also well-educated and has vast professional experience. She recalled that Krasnov had investigated a number of high profile cases.
"It is very important that the candidate for the prosecutor-general’s post is someone ‘from within the system,’ as it is often said, and not a political appointee. He is a self-made man, who has walked all the way up the career ladder from a rank-and-file investigator in the city of Kholmogory, the Arkhangelsk Region. In his day Lomonosov left Kholmogory to make headway in Moscow. Igor Krasnov, too, has steadily moved up to deputy chief of the Investigative Committee. Today he has been proposed for the position of prosecutor-general," Matviyenko said.
President Vladimir Putin submitted Krasnov’s candidature to the Federation Council on Monday. Krasnov, 44, Lieutenant-General of Justice, in his previous capacity of deputy chief of the Investigative Committee oversaw the Main Directorate for Special Investigations and the Main Investigative Department.
Krasnov has held different positions at prosecutors’ offices since 1997. In 2007, when the Investigative Committee was formed, he was moved to the IC, where he began as a special investigator under the IC chairman to eventually end up in the seat of IC deputy chairman in April 2016. Krasnov investigated such criminal cases as the assassination attempt against Anatoly Chubais, the murder of Boris Nemtsov, lawyer Stainslav Markelov and journalist Anastasia Baburova and embezzlement at the construction site of the Vostochny spaceport.
Under the Constitution, the appointment and dismissal of the prosecutor-general and his deputies is a competence of the Federation Council.


tass--2020-01-22--Attorney slams Greece for failing to keep its promise to extradite Vinnik to Russia

The lawyer drew attention to the fact that no charges had been pressed against Vinnik in Greece itself ATHENS , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
During his visit to Russia last year , Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias promised to analyze the information provided by Russia to ensure Russian national Alexander Vinnik ’ s extradition to his home country , but this promise has not been honored so far , Vinnik ’ s Attorney in Greece Nikos Konstantopoulos told reporters at a news conference in Athens .
`` This is not a typical extradition case , and it is used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case , which will show our country in an unfavorable light in many international organizations , '' he said , adding that the Greek authorities `` decided to ignore Moscow ’ s diplomatic demand to extradite Vinnik to Russia . ''
`` All of us remember that during Dendias ’ visit to Russia after a certain chill in relations between our country and Russia , the first issue raised by Russian Foreign Minister [ Sergey ] Lavrov was Vinnik ’ s release and his extradition to Moscow , '' the attorney stressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do that , that ’ s why Russia later on said publicly that Greece had deceived it . ''
He noted that Greek Justice Minister Konstantinos Tsiaras who decided to extradite Vinnik to three countries in succession `` could choose his extradition to one country , that is , his homeland , because Vinnik is ready to go there , and Russia has requested his extradition . ''
`` The decision to extradite him to France is inadmissible as long as no explanations have been provided why he is not extradited to Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right to life and health is violated .
Greece has obligations for imprisonment in conditions , which do not allow torture and bullying , '' the attorney pointed out .
Konstantopoulos drew attention to the fact that no charges had been pressed against Vinnik in Greece itself .
`` The United States and France demand his extradition , while in Greece is he not prosecuted .
That is , the Greek judicial system puts forward illegal demands , violating human rights .
Russia insists on its citizen ’ s return to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shame but also anger because of such behavior by our justice and state , '' he concluded .
Vinnik , a Russian IT specialist , was detained while vacationing in Greece on July 25 , 2017 , at the United States ’ request , where he is accused of laundering four to nine billion US dollars through a no longer existent Internet exchange of cryptocurrencies BTC-e .
The Thessaloniki Court of Appeals and the Greek Supreme Court ruled that Vinnik be extradited to the United States and France .
Russia is also seeking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corresponding verdict of the Greek Supreme Court .
Vinnik denied Washington ’ s and Paris ’ charges and agreed to be extradited to Russia .
On December 19 , 2019 , Greek Justice Minister Konstantinos Tsiaras decided to extradite Vinnik first to France and then the United States and Russia .
Vinnik ’ s defense attorneys filed several complains with the Council of State — the Supreme Administrative Court of Greece , and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights , which handles cases related to illegal detention .

The lawyer drew attention to the fact that no charges had been pressed against Vinnik in Greece itself
ATHENS, January 22. /TASS/. During his visit to Russia last year, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias promised to analyze the information provided by Russia to ensure Russian national Alexander Vinnik’s extradition to his home country, but this promise has not been honored so far, Vinnik’s Attorney in Greece Nikos Konstantopoulos told reporters at a news conference in Athens. "This is not a typical extradition case, and it is used to demonstrate strange absolutism. This is the case, which will show our country in an unfavorable light in many international organizations," he said, adding that the Greek authorities "decided to ignore Moscow’s diplomatic demand to extradite Vinnik to Russia."
"All of us remember that during Dendias’ visit to Russia after a certain chill in relations between our country and Russia, the first issue raised by Russian Foreign Minister [Sergey] Lavrov was Vinnik’s release and his extradition to Moscow," the attorney stressed. "The Greek minister promised to do that, that’s why Russia later on said publicly that Greece had deceived it." He noted that Greek Justice Minister Konstantinos Tsiaras who decided to extradite Vinnik to three countries in succession "could choose his extradition to one country, that is, his homeland, because Vinnik is ready to go there, and Russia has requested his extradition." "The decision to extradite him to France is inadmissible as long as no explanations have been provided why he is not extradited to Russia. The family is broken up, the right to life and health is violated. Greece has obligations for imprisonment in conditions, which do not allow torture and bullying," the attorney pointed out. Konstantopoulos drew attention to the fact that no charges had been pressed against Vinnik in Greece itself. "The United States and France demand his extradition, while in Greece he is not prosecuted. That is, the Greek judicial system puts forward illegal demands, violating human rights. Russia insists on its citizen’s return to his home country. I feel not only shame but also anger because of such behavior by our justice and state," he concluded. Vinnik case


tass--2020-01-22--Blockchain Can Achieve Inclusive Sustainable Development, OKEx Executive Says in Davos

Davos , Switzerland , Jan. 22 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- At the same time of the 50th World Economic Forum ( WEF ) Annual Meeting , OKEx , the world 's largest cryptocurrency spot and derivatives exchange by trading volume , is also in Davos exploring how a new blockchain-driven financial system should take shape .
Lennix Lai , OKEx 's Financial Markets Director , has attended two major events in Davos , Russia House 2020 and EmTech Investment Meeting 2020 , to share his views in this regard .
Highly developed as many countries are , there are still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excluded from traditional financial services because of the high operational cost in setting branches in the under-developed areas .
`` Unbankedness '' , on one hand , is one of the biggest hurdles in human wellbeing .
On the other hand , it is a great opportunity for blockchain and fintech to make a difference .
`` Unbankedness has been a global challenge .
The underprivileged who are not able to afford or return with enough economic benefits to the bank are left behind from a decent living standard , '' said Lennix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blockchain and cryptocurrencies appear to be a solution to the problem by providing a digital , decentralized financial system that can work mutually-beneficially with traditional markets to substantially lower the operational costs and serve the areas traditional banking can not cover . ''
`` As a leading crypto exchange with a vision of financial inclusion , we are committed to bringing a robust and trustable environment to cater to crypto users , '' said Lennix Lai at EmTech Investment Meeting 2020 .
`` We see the endorsement from global regulators .
Hence , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them and performing the best compliance practice in the industry .
We also see the volatility of bitcoin getting lower , making it become a favorable alternative asset for mainstream finance .
And the recent surge of DeFi reflects that people are starting to brace a free , open , permission-less financial system .
With our recently launched options , coupled with our futures and spot markets , crypto users can now manage the price fluctuation of crypto .
In 2020 , we will continue our effort on developing stablecoin , OKEx wallet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we believe blockchain can achieve an inclusive sustainable development as well as financial inclusion for all , banked and unbanked . ''
Dedicated in promoting decentralized finance and blockchain technology , OKEx offers a comprehensive suite of crypto trading products to offer great flexibility for traders to employ their own strategies .
The BTCUSD Options is the latest offering of their derivative product .
OKEx is a world-leading cryptocurrency exchange headquartered in Malta , offering comprehensive cryptocurrency trading services including fiat-to-token trading , spot trading , futures trading , and perpetual swap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Currently , the exchange offers over 400 token and futures trading pairs enabling users to optimize their strategies .

Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- At the same time of the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, OKEx, the world's largest cryptocurrency spot and derivatives exchange by trading volume, is also in Davos exploring how a new blockchain-driven financial system should take shape. Lennix Lai, OKEx's Financial Markets Director, has attended two major events in Davos, Russia House 2020 and EmTech Investment Meeting 2020, to share his views in this regard.
Highly developed as many countries are, there are still over 2 billion of global population being excluded from traditional financial services because of the high operational cost in setting branches in the under-developed areas. "Unbankedness", on one hand, is one of the biggest hurdles in human wellbeing. On the other hand, it is a great opportunity for blockchain and fintech to make a difference.
"Unbankedness has been a global challenge. The underprivileged who are not able to afford or return with enough economic benefits to the bank are left behind from a decent living standard," said Lennix Lai at Russia House 2020. "Blockchain and cryptocurrencies appear to be a solution to the problem by providing a digital, decentralized financial system that can work mutually-beneficially with traditional markets to substantially lower the operational costs and serve the areas traditional banking cannot cover."
"As a leading crypto exchange with a vision of financial inclusion, we are committed to bringing a robust and trustable environment to cater to crypto users," said Lennix Lai at EmTech Investment Meeting 2020. "We see the endorsement from global regulators. Hence, we do the best in engaging with them and performing the best compliance practice in the industry. We also see the volatility of bitcoin getting lower, making it become a favorable alternative asset for mainstream finance. And the recent surge of DeFi reflects that people are starting to brace a free, open, permission-less financial system. With our recently launched options, coupled with our futures and spot markets, crypto users can now manage the price fluctuation of crypto. In 2020, we will continue our effort on developing stablecoin, OKEx wallet and also derivatives products. At OKEx, we believe blockchain can achieve an inclusive sustainable development as well as financial inclusion for all, banked and unbanked."
Dedicated in promoting decentralized finance and blockchain technology, OKEx offers a comprehensive suite of crypto trading products to offer great flexibility for traders to employ their own strategies. The BTCUSD Options is the latest offering of their derivative product.
About OKEx
OKEx is a world-leading cryptocurrency exchange headquartered in Malta, offering comprehensive cryptocurrency trading services including fiat-to-token trading, spot trading, futures trading, and perpetual swap trading to traders globally with blockchain technology. Currently, the exchange offers over 400 token and futures trading pairs enabling users to optimize their strategies.
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1080401/EmTech_Investment_Meeting.jpg
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/973767/OKEx.jpg
CONTACT: Vivien Choi, media@okex.com, +85237582732


tass--2020-01-22--Lucid Motors Opens Reservations for the Lucid Air in Europe

NEWARK , California , Jan. 22 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Lucid Motors , which seeks to set new standards for sustainable transportation with luxury EVs powered by next-generation technology , today announced it has begun accepting reservations for its groundbreaking Lucid Air sports sedan in select European countries .
Lucid initially intended to start accepting reservations from European customers as planned deliveries to the region approached in late 2021 , a year after the Air 's start of production at the company 's factory in Arizona , but high demand in the EV-friendly region accelerated these plans .
For the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Austria , Belgium , Denmark , Finland , France , Germany , Iceland , Italy , Monaco , Netherlands , Norway , Spain , Sweden , and Switzerland will secure their place in line for the Lucid Air .
Specific markets were selected due to a combination of charging infrastructure and market acceptance and size .
Expansion in Europe is planned in the future , including a right-hand-drive model for the UK .
`` This is an exciting time for Lucid .
We 've been moving at an incredible pace , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first production Airs expected in late 2020 , '' said Peter Rawlinson , CEO and CTO , Lucid Motors .
`` With deliveries in Europe expected just a year from those milestones , we felt the time was right to open up reservations in a region that has truly embraced the core tenets of environmentally-friendly transportation , and one that we expect will be a major market for Lucid . ''
Lucid will unveil the production version of the Air in New York in April of 2020 .
In addition to the vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new details on production specifications , available configurations , and pricing information will also be shared .
Currently , in-house development on what is intended to be the world 's most advanced electric car continues at a rapid pace , including battery packs with unmatched energy density and electric motors that are incredibly powerful yet efficient .
Lucid is manufacturing 80 beta prototypes at the company 's Silicon Valley headquarters , which will be used for comprehensive testing and validation for key vehicle dynamics , as well as crash testing to confirm exhaustive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspire the adoption of sustainable transportation by creating the most captivating electric vehicles , centered around the human experience .
The company 's first car , the Lucid Air , is a state-of-the-art luxury sedan , featuring a California-inspired design underpinned by race-proven technology .
Featuring luxurious interior space in a mid-size exterior footprint , the Air will be capable of over 400 miles range and 0-60 mph in under 2.5 seconds .
Production of the Lucid Air will begin in late 2020 in Lucid 's new factory in Casa Grande , Arizona @

NEWARK, California, Jan. 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Lucid Motors, which seeks to set new standards for sustainable transportation with luxury EVs powered by next-generation technology, today announced it has begun accepting reservations for its groundbreaking Lucid Air sports sedan in select European countries.
Lucid initially intended to start accepting reservations from European customers as planned deliveries to the region approached in late 2021, a year after the Air's start of production at the company's factory in Arizona, but high demand in the EV-friendly region accelerated these plans.
For the equivalent of $1,000 USD, customers in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland will secure their place in line for the Lucid Air. Specific markets were selected due to a combination of charging infrastructure and market acceptance and size. Expansion in Europe is planned in the future, including a right-hand-drive model for the UK.
"This is an exciting time for Lucid. We've been moving at an incredible pace, with the completion of our factory and the first production Airs expected in late 2020," said Peter Rawlinson, CEO and CTO, Lucid Motors. "With deliveries in Europe expected just a year from those milestones, we felt the time was right to open up reservations in a region that has truly embraced the core tenets of environmentally-friendly transportation, and one that we expect will be a major market for Lucid."
Lucid will unveil the production version of the Air in New York in April of 2020. In addition to the vehicle's final interior and exterior designs, new details on production specifications, available configurations, and pricing information will also be shared. Currently, in-house development on what is intended to be the world's most advanced electric car continues at a rapid pace, including battery packs with unmatched energy density and electric motors that are incredibly powerful yet efficient. Lucid is manufacturing 80 beta prototypes at the company's Silicon Valley headquarters, which will be used for comprehensive testing and validation for key vehicle dynamics, as well as crash testing to confirm exhaustive simulations.
About Lucid Motors
Lucid's mission is to inspire the adoption of sustainable transportation by creating the most captivating electric vehicles, centered around the human experience. The company's first car, the Lucid Air, is a state-of-the-art luxury sedan, featuring a California-inspired design underpinned by race-proven technology. Featuring luxurious interior space in a mid-size exterior footprint, the Air will be capable of over 400 miles range and 0-60 mph in under 2.5 seconds. Production of the Lucid Air will begin in late 2020 in Lucid's new factory in Casa Grande, Arizona.
Media Contact
Andrew Hussey
media@lucidmotors.com
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