tass--2020-02-05--Forty-five Russians evacuated from China via provisional ‘corridor’ in Amur Region

`` According to official information , on February 5 , a total of 45 Russians and two Chinese citizens returned to Russia via a provisional transport corridor organized through the Blagoveshchensk-Heihe checkpoints .
Double temperature screening measures detected that one Russian man was allegedly showing symptoms of a respiratory disease .
By now , he has been taken to a hospital to undergo required examination , '' the statement says .
MOSCOW , February 5 .
/TASS/ .
A provisional border crossing ‘ corridor ’ opened on Wednesday for evacuation of 45 Russian nationals and two Chinese , who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese city of Heihe to the Russian city of Blagoveshchensk ( located on the Amur River ) , the Amur Region ’ s government said in a statement .
Russia ’ s consumer safety regulator Rospotrebnadzor explained that all the Russians , who had returned from China , would be quarantined for 14 days .
The employers will be obliged to provide their staff with official sick leaves .
The arriving Chinese nationals have been isolated for up to 14 days at a specially equipped medical facility .
Earlier on Wednesday , 32 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a separate corridor through the Blagoveshchensk checkpoint .
It is a fourth provisional transport corridor organized through the checkpoints in Blagoveshchensk and Heihe to retrieve Russian nationals .
Since January 28 , nearly 500 Russians have returned to their homeland through it .
On January 30 , Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed an order closing the Russian border in the Far East , as a preventive measure against the spread of the newly identified coronavirus .
On January 31 , traffic was suspended via checkpoints .
The authorities of Russian border regions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Chinese nationals to return home .
On December 31 , 2019 , the Chinese authorities reported to the World Health Organization about an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan , an economic and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million .
The virus - 2019-nCoV - was identified on January 7 , 2020 .
Apart from China , 24 other countries , including Russia , have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern , characterizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the latest reports , 24,300 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed in China .
The virus ’ death toll has now hit 492 , yet more than 900 patients have recovered from the disease .

"According to official information, on February 5, a total of 45 Russians and two Chinese citizens returned to Russia via a provisional transport corridor organized through the Blagoveshchensk-Heihe checkpoints. Double temperature screening measures detected that one Russian man was allegedly showing symptoms of a respiratory disease. By now, he has been taken to a hospital to undergo required examination," the statement says.
MOSCOW, February 5. /TASS/. A provisional border crossing ‘corridor’ opened on Wednesday for evacuation of 45 Russian nationals and two Chinese, who have residence permits in Russia, from the Chinese city of Heihe to the Russian city of Blagoveshchensk (located on the Amur River), the Amur Region’s government said in a statement.
Russia’s consumer safety regulator Rospotrebnadzor explained that all the Russians, who had returned from China, would be quarantined for 14 days. The employers will be obliged to provide their staff with official sick leaves. The arriving Chinese nationals have been isolated for up to 14 days at a specially equipped medical facility.
Earlier on Wednesday, 32 Chinese crossed into China from Russia via a separate corridor through the Blagoveshchensk checkpoint. It is a fourth provisional transport corridor organized through the checkpoints in Blagoveshchensk and Heihe to retrieve Russian nationals. Since January 28, nearly 500 Russians have returned to their homeland through it.
On January 30, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed an order closing the Russian border in the Far East, as a preventive measure against the spread of the newly identified coronavirus. On January 31, traffic was suspended via checkpoints. The authorities of Russian border regions have set up provisional corridors for Russian and Chinese nationals to return home.
On December 31, 2019, the Chinese authorities reported to the World Health Organization about an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan, an economic and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million. The virus - 2019-nCoV - was identified on January 7, 2020. Apart from China, 24 other countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases. The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations. According to the latest reports, 24,300 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed in China. The virus’ death toll has now hit 492, yet more than 900 patients have recovered from the disease.


tass--2020-02-05--Japan’s Foreign Ministry says 24 Russians on quarantined cruise ship

TOKYO , February 5 .
/TASS/ .
Japan ’ s Foreign Ministry has informed Russia ’ s embassy in Tokyo that 24 Russian nationals are on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship after some passengers tested positive for pneumonia caused by coronavirus 2019-nCoV , the Russian embassy told TASS on Wednesday .
`` Japan ’ s Foreign Ministry notified the embassy that there are 24 Russian citizens on the cruise ship .
The embassy stays in close contact with Japan ’ s Foreign Ministry and Health Ministry over the issue .
We have the situation under control .
Russian citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical care , '' the embassy said .
About 3,700 people from more than 50 countries are currently on the cruise ship , according to Japan ’ s Health , Labor and Welfare Ministry .
However , the ministry have not listed the countries .
The cruise ship departed from Yokohama on January 20 and returned on February 3 .
Among the passengers was a Chinese national who tested positive for the novel coronavirus .
He went off the ship in Hong Kong on January 25 .
The Japanese authorities ordered the cruise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people aboard to be given health screenings .
Medical officials shortlisted 273 people , who either had been in contact with the infected Chinese man or showed pneumonia symptoms .
Up to now , out of 31 tests , ten people have tested positive for the newly identified virus .
They are from Japan , China , the United States , Australia and the Philippines .
The ten people were taken ashore on the coast guard boats to a hospital and their condition is estimated as normal .
The cruise ship is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Carnival Japan , a Japanese operator of the ship , told TASS that the passengers on board would not incur any additional expenses , including accommodation and meals .
About the novel coronavirus On December 31 , 2019 the Chinese authorities reported to the World Health Organization about an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan , a trading and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million .
The virus - 2019-nCoV - was identified on January 7 .
Apart from China , 24 other countries , including Russia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern , characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .
According to the latest reports , 24,300 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed in China .
The death toll from the virus has hit 492 , while more than 900 patients have recovered from the disease .
In Japan , 33 coronavirus cases have been confirmed so far .
Of those , ten are passengers of the cruise ship .

TOKYO, February 5. /TASS/. Japan’s Foreign Ministry has informed Russia’s embassy in Tokyo that 24 Russian nationals are on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship after some passengers tested positive for pneumonia caused by coronavirus 2019-nCoV, the Russian embassy told TASS on Wednesday.
"Japan’s Foreign Ministry notified the embassy that there are 24 Russian citizens on the cruise ship. The embassy stays in close contact with Japan’s Foreign Ministry and Health Ministry over the issue. We have the situation under control. Russian citizens on board are provided with meals and medical care," the embassy said.
About 3,700 people from more than 50 countries are currently on the cruise ship, according to Japan’s Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry. However, the ministry have not listed the countries.
The cruise ship departed from Yokohama on January 20 and returned on February 3. Among the passengers was a Chinese national who tested positive for the novel coronavirus. He went off the ship in Hong Kong on January 25. The Japanese authorities ordered the cruise ship to be anchored off Yokohama for the people aboard to be given health screenings.
Medical officials shortlisted 273 people, who either had been in contact with the infected Chinese man or showed pneumonia symptoms. Up to now, out of 31 tests, ten people have tested positive for the newly identified virus. They are from Japan, China, the United States, Australia and the Philippines. The ten people were taken ashore on the coast guard boats to a hospital and their condition is estimated as normal.
The cruise ship is placed in 14-day quarantine. A spokesperson for Carnival Japan, a Japanese operator of the ship, told TASS that the passengers on board would not incur any additional expenses, including accommodation and meals.
About the novel coronavirus
On December 31, 2019 the Chinese authorities reported to the World Health Organization about an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan, a trading and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million. The virus - 2019-nCoV - was identified on January 7. Apart from China, 24 other countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases. The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations. According to the latest reports, 24,300 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed in China. The death toll from the virus has hit 492, while more than 900 patients have recovered from the disease.
In Japan, 33 coronavirus cases have been confirmed so far. Of those, ten are passengers of the cruise ship.


tass--2020-02-05--Rostech provides counter-drone systems to Russian oil companies

MOSCOW , February 5 .
/TASS/ .
The concern Avtomatika ( an affiliate of Rostec corporation ) has supplied the first batch of mobile systems providing protection from unmanned aerial vehicles ( UAVs ) to Russian oil and gas companies , the concern ’ s press-service has said .
`` Some systems of identification of and resistance to drones have been provided for the fuel and energy complex .
More supplies are being worked on , '' the concern said .
In November last year Rostec delivered the anti-drone systems Pishchal-PRO , Taran-PRO , Sapsan-Bekas , Luch and Kupol to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , National Guard , the largest airports , Rosneft , Transneft , Surgutneftegaz and others .
The anti-drone systems are capable of spotting , identifying and suppressing drones flying as far as 30 kilometers away .
The systems monitor the radio situation , process and analyze digital signals , identify drone signals , spot the location of the operator , and expose drones that operate under radio silence or disguise their radio signals as coming from other sources .
After the drones ’ attacks against oil refineries in Saudi Arabia Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill on unauthorized flights by drones over fuel and energy facilities .
Deputy Energy Minister Andrei Cherezov has said the restrictions may be imposed in the spring of 2020 .

MOSCOW, February 5. /TASS/. The concern Avtomatika (an affiliate of Rostec corporation) has supplied the first batch of mobile systems providing protection from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Russian oil and gas companies, the concern’s press-service has said.
"Some systems of identification of and resistance to drones have been provided for the fuel and energy complex. More supplies are being worked on," the concern said.
In November last year Rostec delivered the anti-drone systems Pishchal-PRO, Taran-PRO, Sapsan-Bekas, Luch and Kupol to potential customers, including the Defense Ministry, National Guard, the largest airports, Rosneft, Transneft, Surgutneftegaz and others.
The anti-drone systems are capable of spotting, identifying and suppressing drones flying as far as 30 kilometers away. The systems monitor the radio situation, process and analyze digital signals, identify drone signals, spot the location of the operator, and expose drones that operate under radio silence or disguise their radio signals as coming from other sources.
After the drones’ attacks against oil refineries in Saudi Arabia Russia’s Energy Ministry unveiled plans for drafting a bill on unauthorized flights by drones over fuel and energy facilities. Deputy Energy Minister Andrei Cherezov has said the restrictions may be imposed in the spring of 2020.


tass--2020-02-05--Top doctor commends Russia’s measures against spread of coronavirus

Roshal explained that massive flu epidemics strike Russia every five or six years , causing around a thousand deaths .
He added that more people have lost their lives in Russia from the flu than from the current coronavirus in China , if the populations of China and Russia are compared .
`` Russia was faced with such a mobilization of resources and means long ago .
Everyone is frightened , so Russia ’ s response is absolutely justified , '' Roshal explained .
`` We can not play down the danger of the coronavirus , but we must keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the flu , '' which he noted was just as hazardous as the coronavirus .
MOSCOW , February 5 .
/TASS/ .
All measures introduced in Russia to prevent and combat the newly identified coronavirus are absolutely imperative and justified , but Russians should fear the flu more than the novel coronavirus , President of the National Medical Chamber Leonid Roshal told reporters Wednesday .
`` Our pharmacies have enough supplies of medicines to prevent and treat the flu .
We are not panicking , rather we are tackling it , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hygiene measures and ventilation , since elementary things are crucial for us .
As for me , the flu is a greater risk than the coronavirus . ''
Earlier , the Russian Aerospace Forces had completed their air evacuation of Russian nationals from the Chinese city of Wuhan , the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak .
A total of 144 people were taken to a medical facility in the Siberian region of Tyumen .
Among them are 128 Russians and 16 foreigners .
About 60 medical staff will take care of them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ capabilities for accommodating those people .
We must n't abandon our own , but the quarantine regulations are valid and should not be feared , '' Roshal insisted .
On December 31 , 2019 , the Chinese authorities reported to the World Health Organization about an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan , an economic and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million .
The virus - 2019-nCoV - was identified on January 7 , 2020 .
Apart from China , 24 other countries , including Russia , have reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern , characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .
According to the latest reports , 24,300 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed in China .
The virus ’ death toll has now hit 492 , yet more than 900 patients have recovered from the disease .

Roshal explained that massive flu epidemics strike Russia every five or six years, causing around a thousand deaths. He added that more people have lost their lives in Russia from the flu than from the current coronavirus in China, if the populations of China and Russia are compared.
"Russia was faced with such a mobilization of resources and means long ago. Everyone is frightened, so Russia’s response is absolutely justified," Roshal explained. "We cannot play down the danger of the coronavirus, but we must keep absolutely calm. I would rather talk about the flu," which he noted was just as hazardous as the coronavirus.
MOSCOW, February 5. /TASS/. All measures introduced in Russia to prevent and combat the newly identified coronavirus are absolutely imperative and justified, but Russians should fear the flu more than the novel coronavirus, President of the National Medical Chamber Leonid Roshal told reporters Wednesday.
"Our pharmacies have enough supplies of medicines to prevent and treat the flu. We are not panicking, rather we are tackling it," he added. "People should practice hygiene measures and ventilation, since elementary things are crucial for us. As for me, the flu is a greater risk than the coronavirus."
Earlier, the Russian Aerospace Forces had completed their air evacuation of Russian nationals from the Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak. A total of 144 people were taken to a medical facility in the Siberian region of Tyumen. Among them are 128 Russians and 16 foreigners. About 60 medical staff will take care of them.
"Tyumen has certain staff and technical capabilities for accommodating those people. We mustn't abandon our own, but the quarantine regulations are valid and should not be feared," Roshal insisted.
On December 31, 2019, the Chinese authorities reported to the World Health Organization about an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan, an economic and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million. The virus - 2019-nCoV - was identified on January 7, 2020. Apart from China, 24 other countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases. The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations. According to the latest reports, 24,300 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed in China. The virus’ death toll has now hit 492, yet more than 900 patients have recovered from the disease.


tass--2020-02-05--North Korea’s new ambassador arrives in Moscow - embassy

MOSCOW , February 5 .
/TASS/ .
North Korea ’ s newly appointed Ambassador Sin Hong Chol has arrived in @ @ @ @ @ s embassy in Moscow told TASS on Wednesday .
`` The ambassador has arrived in @ @ @ @ @ for work , '' the diplomatic mission said .
North Korea ’ s former Ambassador @ @ @ @ @ returned home in May 2019 to head the foreign affairs department of the Central Committee @ @ @ @ @ of Korea .
Sin Hong Chol is a career diplomat .
Since 2014 , he @ @ @ @ @ s deputy foreign minister .

MOSCOW, February 5. /TASS/. North Korea’s newly appointed Ambassador Sin Hong Chol has arrived in Moscow, the country’s embassy in Moscow told TASS on Wednesday.
"The ambassador has arrived in Moscow and is getting ready for work," the diplomatic mission said.
North Korea’s former Ambassador to Russia Kim Hyung Jun returned home in May 2019 to head the foreign affairs department of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea. Sin Hong Chol is a career diplomat. Since 2014, he had been North Korea’s deputy foreign minister.


tass--2020-02-05--Russia, Cuba work on large-scale projects in energy and metallurgy, says Lavrov

MOSCOW , February 5 .
/TASS/ .
Russia and Cuba work together on large-scale projects in energy and metallurgy , as well as some other spheres , including high-tech ones , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in his interview for Cuba ’ s Prensa Latina news agency .
`` We work on implementation of large-scale projects in energy sphere , metallurgy , transport infrastructure ; information , communication and space technologies ; biopharmaceuticals and biotechnology .
We supply trains and cars , and create maintenance base [ for them ] , '' the top diplomat said .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a special place in its national economy modernization and actualization of socio-economic model of country ’ s development , '' the Minister noted , adding that practical cooperation of the two nations is multifaceted .
According to the top diplomat , Russia and Cuba continue to `` build a model of long-term mutually beneficial cooperation , '' which does not depend on foreign policy agenda and aims , among other things , to `` ensure energy and food security '' of the Island state .
Lavrov reminded that this goal has been defined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ September 2019 .
Lavrov pointed out a close foreign policy coordination between the two nations , based on `` adherence to unshakeable principles of the international law , including respect of sovereign equality of nations and non-interference in its internal affairs . ''
`` We look into Russian-Cuban relations , which we consider highly valuable , with optimism .
We know that our Cuban friends adhere to the same approach , '' Lavrov underscored .
Lavrov noted that Moscow and Cuba widen their cultural and humanitarian ties , including educational exchanges .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Havana international book fair , theatre and movie festivals .
The two capitals host Russian and Cuban movies weeks in turns , '' he said .
According to the minister , some 100 Cuban students come to Russia every year , to study Russian language and literature , among other things .
In the meantime , Havana University hosts the ‘ Pushkin Institute ’ Russian language study and testing center .
`` Together , we have celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Cuban capital , which successfully hosted Days of St. Petersburg .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , restored by Russian specialists , shines once again , '' Lavrov concluded .

MOSCOW, February 5. /TASS/. Russia and Cuba work together on large-scale projects in energy and metallurgy, as well as some other spheres, including high-tech ones, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in his interview for Cuba’s Prensa Latina news agency.
"We work on implementation of large-scale projects in energy sphere, metallurgy, transport infrastructure; information, communication and space technologies; biopharmaceuticals and biotechnology. We supply trains and cars, and create maintenance base [for them]," the top diplomat said.
"We appreciate that the Cuban authorities give Russia a special place in its national economy modernization and actualization of socio-economic model of country’s development," the Minister noted, adding that practical cooperation of the two nations is multifaceted.
According to the top diplomat, Russia and Cuba continue to "build a model of long-term mutually beneficial cooperation," which does not depend on foreign policy agenda and aims, among other things, to "ensure energy and food security" of the Island state. Lavrov reminded that this goal has been defined during a bilateral inter-governmental commission meeting in September 2019.
Lavrov pointed out a close foreign policy coordination between the two nations, based on "adherence to unshakeable principles of the international law, including respect of sovereign equality of nations and non-interference in its internal affairs."
"We look into Russian-Cuban relations, which we consider highly valuable, with optimism. We know that our Cuban friends adhere to the same approach," Lavrov underscored.
Cultural ties
Lavrov noted that Moscow and Cuba widen their cultural and humanitarian ties, including educational exchanges.
"Our country traditionally actively takes part in Havana international book fair, theatre and movie festivals. The two capitals host Russian and Cuban movies weeks in turns," he said.
According to the minister, some 100 Cuban students come to Russia every year, to study Russian language and literature, among other things. In the meantime, Havana University hosts the ‘Pushkin Institute’ Russian language study and testing center.
"Together, we have celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Cuban capital, which successfully hosted Days of St. Petersburg. The gilded dome of the Havana Capitol, restored by Russian specialists, shines once again," Lavrov concluded.


tass--2020-02-05--Macron’s visit to Moscow on Victory Day reflects approach to ties with Russia, says envoy

`` The decision of the president of the [ French ] republic to visit Moscow on May 9 on the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazism reflects his clear approach to ties with Russia , '' the envoy said .
`` Russians have special feelings about this date because they contributed decisively to the victory , '' he underscored .
Chevenement noted , `` More than 25 million Russians died in that war . ''
PARIS , February 5 .
/TASS/ .
The upcoming visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Moscow on May 9 , 2020 on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Second World War highlights the attention he places on developing relations with Russia , Macron ’ s special representative for relations with Russia Jean-Pierre Chevenement said Wednesday .
The French president ’ s representative recalled that in 2014 `` Russian leader Vladimir Putin accepted the invitation to travel to France to take part in celebrations in Normandy '' marking the 70th anniversary of the D-Day .
At the same time , Chevenement pointed out that `` no Western leader attended commemorative events held in memory of Stalingrad ’ s defenders . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he lamented .
In July 2019 , the Kremlin ’ s press service reported that the French president had accepted the invitation to pay a visit to Moscow on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of World War II victory .
Earlier , Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Moscow ’ s intention to hold large-scale celebrations of one of the most significant events of the 20th century .
The Russian leader spoke about the serious preparations to celebrating the 75th anniversary of the victory in May 2020 because it is important to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World War .

"The decision of the president of the [French] republic to visit Moscow on May 9 on the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazism reflects his clear approach to ties with Russia," the envoy said. "Russians have special feelings about this date because they contributed decisively to the victory," he underscored. Chevenement noted, "More than 25 million Russians died in that war."
PARIS, February 5. /TASS/. The upcoming visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Moscow on May 9, 2020 on the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Second World War highlights the attention he places on developing relations with Russia, Macron’s special representative for relations with Russia Jean-Pierre Chevenement said Wednesday.
The French president’s representative recalled that in 2014 "Russian leader Vladimir Putin accepted the invitation to travel to France to take part in celebrations in Normandy" marking the 70th anniversary of the D-Day. At the same time, Chevenement pointed out that "no Western leader attended commemorative events held in memory of Stalingrad’s defenders." "I see certain inequality in this," he lamented.
In July 2019, the Kremlin’s press service reported that the French president had accepted the invitation to pay a visit to Moscow on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of World War II victory.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Moscow’s intention to hold large-scale celebrations of one of the most significant events of the 20th century. The Russian leader spoke about the serious preparations to celebrating the 75th anniversary of the victory in May 2020 because it is important to preserve the historic truth about the Second World War.


tass--2020-02-05--Macron’s special envoy Chevenement eyes visit to Russia in spring

PARIS , February 5 .
/TASS/ .
French President Emmanuel Macron ’ s special representative for relations with Russia Jean-Pierre @ @ @ @ @ to pay a visit to Russia in spring to discuss prospects for developing French-Russian cooperation @ @ @ @ @ said Wednesday .
`` I am planning to travel to Moscow in early spring to @ @ @ @ @ steps in cooperation on technology development , '' the envoy said .
He also intends @ @ @ @ @ outer space , digital technologies and various possible forms of cooperation '' during his visit @ @ @ @ @ Europe a continent of peace , which involves a broad dialogue with Russia .
President @ @ @ @ @ credited for taking up this initiative , '' he underlined .

PARIS, February 5. /TASS/. French President Emmanuel Macron’s special representative for relations with Russia Jean-Pierre Chevenement has expressed his intention to pay a visit to Russia in spring to discuss prospects for developing French-Russian cooperation in all areas, he said Wednesday.
"I am planning to travel to Moscow in early spring to discuss opportunities to make further steps in cooperation on technology development," the envoy said. He also intends to debate "issues of outer space, digital technologies and various possible forms of cooperation" during his visit. "We should make Europe a continent of peace, which involves a broad dialogue with Russia. President Emmanuel Macron should be largely credited for taking up this initiative," he underlined.


tass--2020-02-05--Moscow concerned over low-yield nuclear warheads deployed on US submarines

MOSCOW , February 5 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow is highly alarmed over the deployment of W76-2 new low-yield nuclear warheads on US submarines , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Wednesday .
`` We are reacting to this with a serious concern not because we see a threat to the security of our country - this security is reliably ensured as a result of the efforts that were taken with regard to the armament and with regard to developing advanced weapon systems , but from the viewpoint of doctrines and concepts , which the Americans are using in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alarming , '' the senior Russian diplomat said .
The deployment of low-yield charges on US strategic delivery vehicles suggests that `` the pronouncements made by the American side in the declarative form about the possibility of deploying such means in a hypothetical conflict are already being embodied in the metal and items , '' Ryabkov said .
`` This indicates that the US is really reducing the nuclear threshold and admits of a limited nuclear war for itself and the victory in that war , '' the deputy foreign minister said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposal to `` confirm again the commitment to the well-known formula that there can be no winners in a nuclear war and it must never be unleashed '' is becoming especially important , the high-ranking Russian diplomat said .
Russia formally handed over this proposal to Washington back in 2018 , he added .
`` All the developments in their entirety and all the signs I am speaking about set us up for the need to double efforts in order to try to contain the US further drift in the dangerous direction and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planning of absolutely inadmissible catastrophic scenarios , '' Ryabkov stressed .
US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy John Rood stated on Tuesday that the US Navy had started deploying W76-2 new low-yield nuclear warheads on submarines .
The US Department of Defense said in a statement that it identified the requirement to modify a small number of submarine-launched ballistic missile warheads `` to address the conclusion that potential adversaries , like Russia , believe that employment of low-yield nuclear weapons will give them an advantage over the United States and its allies @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, February 5. /TASS/. Moscow is highly alarmed over the deployment of W76-2 new low-yield nuclear warheads on US submarines, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Wednesday.
"We are reacting to this with a serious concern not because we see a threat to the security of our country - this security is reliably ensured as a result of the efforts that were taken with regard to the armament and with regard to developing advanced weapon systems, but from the viewpoint of doctrines and concepts, which the Americans are using in the nuclear sphere. This is very alarming," the senior Russian diplomat said.
The deployment of low-yield charges on US strategic delivery vehicles suggests that "the pronouncements made by the American side in the declarative form about the possibility of deploying such means in a hypothetical conflict are already being embodied in the metal and items," Ryabkov said.
"This indicates that the US is really reducing the nuclear threshold and admits of a limited nuclear war for itself and the victory in that war," the deputy foreign minister said.
In this context, Moscow’s proposal to "confirm again the commitment to the well-known formula that there can be no winners in a nuclear war and it must never be unleashed" is becoming especially important, the high-ranking Russian diplomat said.
Russia formally handed over this proposal to Washington back in 2018, he added.
"All the developments in their entirety and all the signs I am speaking about set us up for the need to double efforts in order to try to contain the US further drift in the dangerous direction and Washington’s further slide into the planning of absolutely inadmissible catastrophic scenarios," Ryabkov stressed.
US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy John Rood stated on Tuesday that the US Navy had started deploying W76-2 new low-yield nuclear warheads on submarines. The US Department of Defense said in a statement that it identified the requirement to modify a small number of submarine-launched ballistic missile warheads "to address the conclusion that potential adversaries, like Russia, believe that employment of low-yield nuclear weapons will give them an advantage over the United States and its allies and partners.".


tass--2020-02-05--Ukraine can’t take Crimea even if Russia gives it away, says Ukrainian leader’s envoy

KIEV , February 5 .
/TASS/ .
Ukraine is incapable of setting up work of public authorities in Crimea even @ @ @ @ @ hand the peninsula over , permanent representative of the Ukrainian president for Crimea Anton Korinevich @ @ @ @ @ the aggressor - the Russian Federation - tomorrow leaves Crimea , the Ukrainian state is @ @ @ @ @ be ready but what we see now is that we still need to keep working @ @ @ @ @ news agency , responding to a question whether Kiev is ready to realize a plan @ @ @ @ @

KIEV, February 5. /TASS/. Ukraine is incapable of setting up work of public authorities in Crimea even if Russia voluntarily agrees to hand the peninsula over, permanent representative of the Ukrainian president for Crimea Anton Korinevich said Wednesday.
"If the aggressor - the Russian Federation - tomorrow leaves Crimea, the Ukrainian state is not ready. It should be ready but what we see now is that we still need to keep working," he told Ukrinform news agency, responding to a question whether Kiev is ready to realize a plan to retake the peninsula.


tass--2020-02-05--Kazakhstan’s health minister thanks Russia for evacuating Kazakh nationals from China

`` Yelzhan Birtanov congratulated Mikhail Murashko on his appointment and thanked him for the assistance in the fight against the coronavirus epidemic and the evacuation of our citizens from the city of Wuhan , '' the statement reads .
NUR-SULTAN , February 5 .
/TASS/ .
Kazakhstan ’ s Health Minister Yelzhan Birtanov has held a telephone conversation with this Russian counterpart Mikhail Murahsko and expressed gratitude for the evacuation of Kazakh nationals from China , the Kazakh Health Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday .
Earlier on Wednesday , Birtanov held a phone call with Uzbekistan ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for evacuating Kazakh nationals from China .
`` The parties agreed to maintain contact and keep exchanging information through the Kazakh Health Ministry ’ s response center .
The Kazakh Health Ministry , together with the Health Ministries of Russia and Uzbekistat , will monitor those evacuated from Wuhan to Russia ’ s Tyumen ( three Kazakh nationals ) and the Uzbek capital of Tashkent ( five Kazakh nationals ) , who are undergoing a 14-day quarantine , '' the statement added .
On December 31 , 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
On January 7 , Chinese experts identified the 2019-nCoV coronavirus as the cause of the disease .
According to recent data , over 24,300 cases of patients infected with the virus and 492 deaths have been confirmed in China .
Over 900 patients have recovered from the virus .
Coronavirus cases have also been reported in 24 other countries , including Russia .
The WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency .

"Yelzhan Birtanov congratulated Mikhail Murashko on his appointment and thanked him for the assistance in the fight against the coronavirus epidemic and the evacuation of our citizens from the city of Wuhan," the statement reads.
NUR-SULTAN, February 5. /TASS/. Kazakhstan’s Health Minister Yelzhan Birtanov has held a telephone conversation with this Russian counterpart Mikhail Murahsko and expressed gratitude for the evacuation of Kazakh nationals from China, the Kazakh Health Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
Earlier on Wednesday, Birtanov held a phone call with Uzbekistan’s Health Minister Alisher Shadmanov, thanking him for evacuating Kazakh nationals from China.
"The parties agreed to maintain contact and keep exchanging information through the Kazakh Health Ministry’s response center. The Kazakh Health Ministry, together with the Health Ministries of Russia and Uzbekistat, will monitor those evacuated from Wuhan to Russia’s Tyumen (three Kazakh nationals) and the Uzbek capital of Tashkent (five Kazakh nationals), who are undergoing a 14-day quarantine," the statement added.
Coronavirus outbreak
On December 31, 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. On January 7, Chinese experts identified the 2019-nCoV coronavirus as the cause of the disease.
According to recent data, over 24,300 cases of patients infected with the virus and 492 deaths have been confirmed in China. Over 900 patients have recovered from the virus. Coronavirus cases have also been reported in 24 other countries, including Russia. The WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency.


tass--2020-02-05--Ancient paintings discovered during Moscow Kremlin’s Uspensky Cathedral restoration

MOSCOW , Fenruary 5 .
/TASS/ .
New paintings areas , dating to late XV century , have been discovered during the restoration of the Moscow Kremlin ’ s Uspensky Sobor , also known as the Assumption Cathedral , says Yelena Gagarina , Director-General of Moscow Kremlin Museums .
`` We have commenced a full-scale restoration of frescos [ of the cathedral ] and made a number of important discoveries , '' Gagarina noted .
Thus , new wall painting areas have been discovered in the altar space .
The paintings are lower parts of 'Synaxis of the Virgin ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baptist ’ compositions , and two new figures that belong to ‘ Celebration of Mother of God ’ composition .
`` These frescos have been created almost one and a half century before the main painting ensemble , which was painted by the order of Czar Mikhail Fyodorovich Romanov in 1643 , that survived to present day .
The cathedral frescos have been restored repeatedly throughout XX century .
They were restored and renovated but , sadly , for such ancient artifacts , the time is unstoppable .
It was 40 years since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dust and soot , '' Gagarina disclosed .
Russia has very few surviving frescos created in late XV - early XVI centuries .
Among them are Dionisius paintings in Ferapontov Monastery near Vologda .
This is why Uspensky Sobor frescos are even more valuable , Moscow Kremlin Museums head note .
The cathedral restoration is scheduled for a long period of 2017-2023 , and aims primarily at preservation and care , Gagarina said .
`` The restoration measures complex that we conduct is better described as ‘ conservation.
’ The restoration masters not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condition , but also remove soot , dirt , various layers , fix cracks , restore lost part , strengthen primer and paint layers , '' Gagarina says .
The Museum service head noted that the cathedral does not close for visitors during repairs ; despite the restoration works , the cathedral holds services , negotiated with the Patriarchy in advance .
The cathedral space has been divided into six zones , in accordance with six stages of reconstruction .
Only one zone is closed for repairs at a time , Gagarina said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second stage : we work in the northern part of the cathedral ’ s main space , '' she disclosed .
There are some 40 employees of the Ministry of Culture ’ s Interdisciplinary Science and Restoration Artistic Directorate involved , Gagrina added .
The museum ’ s strategic partner is Transneft JSC ; the company and the Museum service have signed a cooperation agreement on May 12 , 2017 .
`` This project ’ s budget is about 360 million rubles , '' Transneft president Nikolay Tokarev said , adding that Moscow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hologram installations .
`` In March , we plan to acquire five cutting edge devices , able to create full-scale holograms of the specimen .
We decided to grant three of these devices to the museum , '' he added .
Tokarev recalled that this is not the first joint venture of Moscow Kremlin Museum and Transneft .
The company and the Museum service have already conducted restorations and exhibits together .
The Moscow Kremlin Uspenksy Cathedral has been constructed between 1474 and 1479 by an Italian architect and engineer Aristotele Fioravanti .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ centuries .
Since late XV century the cathedral hosted coronation ceremonies of Russian great princes and later czars , it hosted enthronement of bishops and patriarchs .
Following the death of metropolitan Peter , the cathedral has become the burial site for Russian metropolitans and patriarchs .

MOSCOW, Fenruary 5. /TASS/. New paintings areas, dating to late XV century, have been discovered during the restoration of the Moscow Kremlin’s Uspensky Sobor, also known as the Assumption Cathedral, says Yelena Gagarina, Director-General of Moscow Kremlin Museums.
"We have commenced a full-scale restoration of frescos [of the cathedral] and made a number of important discoveries," Gagarina noted. Thus, new wall painting areas have been discovered in the altar space. The paintings are lower parts of 'Synaxis of the Virgin’ and ‘Nativity of Saint John the Baptist’ compositions, and two new figures that belong to ‘Celebration of Mother of God’ composition.
"These frescos have been created almost one and a half century before the main painting ensemble, which was painted by the order of Czar Mikhail Fyodorovich Romanov in 1643, that survived to present day. The cathedral frescos have been restored repeatedly throughout XX century. They were restored and renovated but, sadly, for such ancient artifacts, the time is unstoppable. It was 40 years since last restoration, and the paintings gathered dust and soot," Gagarina disclosed.
Russia has very few surviving frescos created in late XV - early XVI centuries. Among them are Dionisius paintings in Ferapontov Monastery near Vologda. This is why Uspensky Sobor frescos are even more valuable, Moscow Kremlin Museums head note.
The cathedral restoration is scheduled for a long period of 2017-2023, and aims primarily at preservation and care, Gagarina said.
"The restoration measures complex that we conduct is better described as ‘conservation.’ The restoration masters not only monitor the primer and paint layers condition, but also remove soot, dirt, various layers, fix cracks, restore lost part, strengthen primer and paint layers," Gagarina says.
The Museum service head noted that the cathedral does not close for visitors during repairs; despite the restoration works, the cathedral holds services, negotiated with the Patriarchy in advance. The cathedral space has been divided into six zones, in accordance with six stages of reconstruction. Only one zone is closed for repairs at a time, Gagarina said.
"We are currently at the second stage: we work in the northern part of the cathedral’s main space," she disclosed.
There are some 40 employees of the Ministry of Culture’s Interdisciplinary Science and Restoration Artistic Directorate involved, Gagrina added.
Holographic devices
The museum’s strategic partner is Transneft JSC; the company and the Museum service have signed a cooperation agreement on May 12, 2017.
"This project’s budget is about 360 million rubles," Transneft president Nikolay Tokarev said, adding that Moscow Kremlin Museum would be granted with special hologram installations.
"In March, we plan to acquire five cutting edge devices, able to create full-scale holograms of the specimen. We decided to grant three of these devices to the museum," he added.
Tokarev recalled that this is not the first joint venture of Moscow Kremlin Museum and Transneft. The company and the Museum service have already conducted restorations and exhibits together.
The Moscow Kremlin Uspenksy Cathedral has been constructed between 1474 and 1479 by an Italian architect and engineer Aristotele Fioravanti. It remains the main Russian cathedral for centuries. Since late XV century the cathedral hosted coronation ceremonies of Russian great princes and later czars, it hosted enthronement of bishops and patriarchs. Following the death of metropolitan Peter, the cathedral has become the burial site for Russian metropolitans and patriarchs.


tass--2020-02-05--Russian specialists arrive in China to discuss novel coronavirus outbreak

MOSCOW , February 5 .
/TASS/ .
Specialists of the Russian Ministry of Health and the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being ( Rospotrebnadzor ) have arrived in China to exchange information on the novel coronavirus outbreak , Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said on Wednesday at a meeting with Cabinet members chaired by President Vladimir Putin .
`` Today , our specialists from Rospotrebnadzor and the Ministry of Health , a total of six people , arrived in China to discuss the coronavirus infection issue with our counterparts , assess the situation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures we could take to protect our citizens , '' she said .
On December 31 , 2019 , Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , a large economic and industrial metropolis in central China populated by 11 million people .
On January 7 , 2020 , Chinese experts identified the infecting agent : coronavirus 2019-nCoV .
Cases of the new coronavirus were also confirmed in 24 other countries , including Russia .
On January 30 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak an international public health emergency .
According to the latest data , the number of people infected with novel coronavirus pneumonia in China exceeded 24,300 people , more than 490 people died , and over 900 others recovered .
A number of countries , including Russia , evacuated their citizens from China ’ s Hubei province .
On February 5 , 144 people , including citizens of Armenia , Belarus , Kazakhstan and Ukraine , were transported to Russia ’ s Tyumen Region .

MOSCOW, February 5. /TASS/. Specialists of the Russian Ministry of Health and the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being (Rospotrebnadzor) have arrived in China to exchange information on the novel coronavirus outbreak, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said on Wednesday at a meeting with Cabinet members chaired by President Vladimir Putin.
"Today, our specialists from Rospotrebnadzor and the Ministry of Health, a total of six people, arrived in China to discuss the coronavirus infection issue with our counterparts, assess the situation, understand what is happening and what additional measures we could take to protect our citizens," she said.
On December 31, 2019, Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, a large economic and industrial metropolis in central China populated by 11 million people. On January 7, 2020, Chinese experts identified the infecting agent: coronavirus 2019-nCoV.
Cases of the new coronavirus were also confirmed in 24 other countries, including Russia. On January 30, the World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak an international public health emergency.
According to the latest data, the number of people infected with novel coronavirus pneumonia in China exceeded 24,300 people, more than 490 people died, and over 900 others recovered.
A number of countries, including Russia, evacuated their citizens from China’s Hubei province. On February 5, 144 people, including citizens of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine, were transported to Russia’s Tyumen Region.


tass--2020-02-05--Youngest Russian national evacuated from Wuhan is seven months old

`` The youngest [ passenger on the flight ] was seven-month-old Fyodor Yurievich , who had a very good flight .
He was very brave .
Now he is feeling well , he is under the supervision of pediatricians , '' Popova said , adding that the child has been quarantined at a rehabilitation center in the Tyumen Region along with his parents .
TYUMEN , February 5 .
/TASS/ .
The youngest Russian national evacuated by Russian Aerospace Forces from China ’ s Wuhan is seven months old ; he is in good health , head of the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Protection and Welfare Anna Popova told reporters on Wednesday .
She informed that four children had been evacuated from China ’ s Wuhan to Russia .
The oldest child is four and a half years old .
Earlier , 144 citizens of Russia and other states were evacuated from Wuhan .
Neither of them has shown symptoms of coronavirus so far .
All passengers have been quarantined for 14 days on their arrival .
`` Everyone is healthy ; no symptoms of an infectious disease have been detected in any of the passengers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including accompanying persons .
Everyone has a normal temperature , '' Popova said .
The Russian Embassy in China informed earlier that there were 341 Russian citizens on the territory of the Hubei province , with 183 having contacted the Russian embassy .
Russian President Vladimir Putin decreed to send Russian Aerospace Forces planes to evacuate those citizens wishing to return to Russia .
On February 5 , two Russian military planes evacuated 144 people from Wuhan to Russia ’ s Tyumen .
On December 31 , Chinese authorities informed the World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan - a large trade and industrial center in central China populated by 11 million people .
On January 7 , Chinese experts identified the infecting agent - coronavirus 2019-nCoV .
The virus spread to 24 more countries apart from China - Australia , Belgium , Cambodia , Canada , Finland , France , Germany , Japan , India , Italy , Malaysia , Nepal , the Philippines , Russia , Singapore , South Korea , Spain , Sri Lanka , Sweden , Thailand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United Kingdom , the United States and Vietnam .
WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency .
Currently , the total number of people infected with coronavirus exceeded 24,300 in China with over 490 people reported to have died from the disease .
Meanwhile , 916 people are said to have recovered from it .

"The youngest [passenger on the flight] was seven-month-old Fyodor Yurievich, who had a very good flight. He was very brave. Now he is feeling well, he is under the supervision of pediatricians," Popova said, adding that the child has been quarantined at a rehabilitation center in the Tyumen Region along with his parents.
TYUMEN, February 5. /TASS/. The youngest Russian national evacuated by Russian Aerospace Forces from China’s Wuhan is seven months old; he is in good health, head of the Russian Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare Anna Popova told reporters on Wednesday.
She informed that four children had been evacuated from China’s Wuhan to Russia. The oldest child is four and a half years old. Earlier, 144 citizens of Russia and other states were evacuated from Wuhan. Neither of them has shown symptoms of coronavirus so far. All passengers have been quarantined for 14 days on their arrival.
"Everyone is healthy; no symptoms of an infectious disease have been detected in any of the passengers or crew. Everyone has undergone tests, including accompanying persons. Everyone has a normal temperature," Popova said.
The Russian Embassy in China informed earlier that there were 341 Russian citizens on the territory of the Hubei province, with 183 having contacted the Russian embassy. Russian President Vladimir Putin decreed to send Russian Aerospace Forces planes to evacuate those citizens wishing to return to Russia. On February 5, two Russian military planes evacuated 144 people from Wuhan to Russia’s Tyumen.
On December 31, Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan - a large trade and industrial center in central China populated by 11 million people. On January 7, Chinese experts identified the infecting agent - coronavirus 2019-nCoV. The virus spread to 24 more countries apart from China - Australia, Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, India, Italy, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam. WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency.
Currently, the total number of people infected with coronavirus exceeded 24,300 in China with over 490 people reported to have died from the disease. Meanwhile, 916 people are said to have recovered from it.


tass--2020-02-05--Two charter flights to/from China scheduled for Wednesday

MOSCOW , February 5 .
/TASS/ .
Russia limited the number of charter flights to China , to two , on Wednesday , said Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova , the chairwoman of the center for prevention of entry and spread of the novel coronavirus on the territory of Russia .
`` We are curbing the number of charter flights .
Today , there will be only two .
Starting from February 14 , we are planning to cancel charter flights to ensure safety within the country .
Everyone has been already warned , '' she said at Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cabinet members .
On December 31 , 2019 the Chinese authorities reported to the World Health Organization about an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan , a trading and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million .
The virus - 2019-nCoV - was identified on January 7 .
Apart from China , 24 other countries , including Russia , have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern , characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24,300 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed in China .
The death toll from the virus has hit 492 , while more than 900 patients have recovered from the disease .

MOSCOW, February 5. /TASS/. Russia limited the number of charter flights to China, to two, on Wednesday, said Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, the chairwoman of the center for prevention of entry and spread of the novel coronavirus on the territory of Russia.
"We are curbing the number of charter flights. Today, there will be only two. Starting from February 14, we are planning to cancel charter flights to ensure safety within the country. Everyone has been already warned," she said at Russian President Vladimir Putin’s meeting with cabinet members.
On December 31, 2019 the Chinese authorities reported to the World Health Organization about an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan, a trading and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million. The virus - 2019-nCoV - was identified on January 7. Apart from China, 24 other countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases. The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations. According to the latest reports, 24,300 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed in China. The death toll from the virus has hit 492, while more than 900 patients have recovered from the disease.


tass--2020-02-05--Putin calls on new ambassadors to ‘feel the pulse’ of Russia

MOSCOW , February 5 .
/TASS/ .
President Vladimir Putin believes that the newly arrived ambassadors would get to know Russia better and would facilitate multifaceted relations between Russia and their home countries .
During the Credentials Presentation Ceremony Wednesday , the Russian leader noted that the new ambassadors are going to face `` tense , but extremely interesting work . ''
`` I expect you to get to know Russia better , feel its pulse , become witnesses of how our nation solves important large-scale tasks of political , economic and social development , '' Putin said as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their diplomatic work in Moscow and wished them success .
`` You have an important and responsible mission : to facilitate development of multifaceted relations between the nations you represent and our country .
We count on that issues of widening of political dialogue , and trade and economic ties ; deepening of cultural and humanitarian exchanges and people contacts , would stay in your field of view , '' Putin said , stressing that Russian authorities are extremely interested in foreign embassies ’ successful work in these directions .
The President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on assistance from Russian government , social and business circles .
`` All your beneficial initiatives would undoubtedly receive support , '' the President concluded .
The Ceremony was attended by 23 newly arrived ambassadors , including envoys of the US , the UK , France , China , Iran , Iraq , Australia , Germany , Greece and Sweden .

MOSCOW, February 5. /TASS/. President Vladimir Putin believes that the newly arrived ambassadors would get to know Russia better and would facilitate multifaceted relations between Russia and their home countries.
During the Credentials Presentation Ceremony Wednesday, the Russian leader noted that the new ambassadors are going to face "tense, but extremely interesting work."
"I expect you to get to know Russia better, feel its pulse, become witnesses of how our nation solves important large-scale tasks of political, economic and social development," Putin said as he congratulated the ambassadors with the official start of their diplomatic work in Moscow and wished them success.
"You have an important and responsible mission: to facilitate development of multifaceted relations between the nations you represent and our country. We count on that issues of widening of political dialogue, and trade and economic ties; deepening of cultural and humanitarian exchanges and people contacts, would stay in your field of view," Putin said, stressing that Russian authorities are extremely interested in foreign embassies’ successful work in these directions.
The President assured that diplomatic mission heads might count on assistance from Russian government, social and business circles.
"All your beneficial initiatives would undoubtedly receive support," the President concluded.
The Ceremony was attended by 23 newly arrived ambassadors, including envoys of the US, the UK, France, China, Iran, Iraq, Australia, Germany, Greece and Sweden.


tass--2020-02-05--Russia to reduce fish supplies to China due to coronavirus

MOSCOW , February 5 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s fish supplies to China may be reduced due to the novel coronavirus-induced pneumonia , head of the Federal Agency for Fishery Ilya Shestakov told reporters on Wednesday , adding that local fish producers will have to redirect supplies to other markets .
`` In terms of supplies to China , the situation may result in a certain decline of consumption volumes and , consequently , of supplies volumes .
We are keeping a close eye on that situation now .
Fish producers are considering the option of redirecting available volumes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding that the issue is about substantial supplies volumes , including export of around 600,000 tonnes of pollock .
Meanwhile , the Federal Agency for Fishery estimates China ’ s fish supplies to Russia as minor and considers it possible to substitute them with locally made products , Shestakov said .
`` ( China ’ s ) supplies to ( Russia ) are minor , they virtually slightly exceed 100,000 tonnes , '' he said , adding that Russian `` fish producers will be able to substitute available volumes of the domestic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center in central China populated by 11 million people .
On January 7 , 2020 , Chinese experts identified the infecting agent as coronavirus 2019-nCoV .
This new strain of coronavirus has already been identified in another 24 countries , including Russia .
Currently , the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in China has exceeded 24,300 with the deal toll amounting to almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, February 5. /TASS/. Russia’s fish supplies to China may be reduced due to the novel coronavirus-induced pneumonia, head of the Federal Agency for Fishery Ilya Shestakov told reporters on Wednesday, adding that local fish producers will have to redirect supplies to other markets.
"In terms of supplies to China, the situation may result in a certain decline of consumption volumes and, consequently, of supplies volumes. We are keeping a close eye on that situation now. Fish producers are considering the option of redirecting available volumes to other markets," he explained, adding that the issue is about substantial supplies volumes, including export of around 600,000 tonnes of pollock.
Meanwhile, the Federal Agency for Fishery estimates China’s fish supplies to Russia as minor and considers it possible to substitute them with locally made products, Shestakov said.
"(China’s) supplies to (Russia) are minor, they virtually slightly exceed 100,000 tonnes," he said, adding that Russian "fish producers will be able to substitute available volumes of the domestic market."
On December 31, 2019, Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center in central China populated by 11 million people. On January 7, 2020, Chinese experts identified the infecting agent as coronavirus 2019-nCoV. This new strain of coronavirus has already been identified in another 24 countries, including Russia. Currently, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in China has exceeded 24,300 with the deal toll amounting to almost 500 people, while 900 patients recovered.


tass--2020-02-05--At least 8-10 months needed to develop coronavirus vaccine, says Russian health minister

TYUMEN , February 5 .
/TASS/ .
At least 8-10 months are required to develop a vaccine against the novel coronavirus originating from China , Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko told reporters on Wednesday .
`` Currently , vaccines can not be developed in a short amount of time .
The vaccine is developed at least within 8-10 months , and this is just the beginning stage , without clinical trials , '' he said .
The Russian Embassy in China informed earlier that there were 341 Russian citizens on the territory of the Hubei province , with 183 having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vladimir Putin decreed to send Russian Aerospace Forces planes to evacuate those citizens wishing to return to Russia .
On February 5 , two Russian military planes evacuated 144 people from Wuhan to Russia ’ s Tyumen .
Neither of them have shown symptoms of coronavirus so far .
All passengers have been quarantined for 14 days on their arrival .
On December 31 , Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan - a large trade and industrial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million people .
On January 7 , Chinese experts identified the infecting agent - coronavirus 2019-nCoV .
The virus spread to 24 more countries apart from China - Australia , Belgium , Cambodia , Canada , Finland , France , Germany , Japan , India , Italy , Malaysia , Nepal , the Philippines , Russia , Singapore , South Korea , Spain , Sri Lanka , Sweden , Thailand , the United Arab Emirates , the United Kingdom , the United States and Vietnam .
WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak in China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the total number of people infected with coronavirus exceeded 24,300 in China with over 490 people reported to have died from the disease .
Meanwhile , 916 people are said to have recovered from it .

TYUMEN, February 5. /TASS/. At least 8-10 months are required to develop a vaccine against the novel coronavirus originating from China, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko told reporters on Wednesday.
"Currently, vaccines cannot be developed in a short amount of time. The vaccine is developed at least within 8-10 months, and this is just the beginning stage, without clinical trials," he said.
The Russian Embassy in China informed earlier that there were 341 Russian citizens on the territory of the Hubei province, with 183 having contacted the Russian embassy. Russian President Vladimir Putin decreed to send Russian Aerospace Forces planes to evacuate those citizens wishing to return to Russia. On February 5, two Russian military planes evacuated 144 people from Wuhan to Russia’s Tyumen. Neither of them have shown symptoms of coronavirus so far. All passengers have been quarantined for 14 days on their arrival.
On December 31, Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan - a large trade and industrial center in central China populated by 11 million people. On January 7, Chinese experts identified the infecting agent - coronavirus 2019-nCoV. The virus spread to 24 more countries apart from China - Australia, Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, India, Italy, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam. WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency.
Currently, the total number of people infected with coronavirus exceeded 24,300 in China with over 490 people reported to have died from the disease. Meanwhile, 916 people are said to have recovered from it.


tass--2020-02-05--India to boost licensed production of Russian T-90S tanks, says federal agency

LUCKNOW /India/ , February 5 .
/TASS/ .
India ’ s military industrial sector will increase licensed production of Russian @ @ @ @ @ Deputy Director of Russia ’ s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Vladimir Drozhzhov said at @ @ @ @ @ exhibition in India ’ s Lucknow on Wednesday .
`` Last year a contract was @ @ @ @ @ ( of T-90S tanks ) by December 2028 .
It is suggested that over 460 @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
India is one of the largest operators of T-90S tanks .
@ @ @ @ @ by the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies ( IISS ) it its Military Balance @ @ @ @ @ Army has more than 1,025 T-90S tanks in its inventory .

LUCKNOW /India/, February 5. /TASS/. India’s military industrial sector will increase licensed production of Russian T-90S main battle tanks, Deputy Director of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Vladimir Drozhzhov said at the DefExpo 2020 international defense exhibition in India’s Lucknow on Wednesday.
"Last year a contract was signed to increase licensed production (of T-90S tanks) by December 2028. It is suggested that over 460 tanks will be produced," he said.
India is one of the largest operators of T-90S tanks. According to the data provided by the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) it its Military Balance 2019 report, the Indian Army has more than 1,025 T-90S tanks in its inventory.


tass--2020-02-06--Failed impeachment crusade against Trump won’t affect Russian-US ties, says expert

According to the political commentator , Washington ’ s policy in general and in relation to Russia in particular is unlikely to change until the end of 2020 .
`` There is no special agenda in relations between Russia and the United States , which is important for Trump , so now we can only wait for the outcome of the election , '' he said when asked to comment on the potential aftermath of the failed impeachment bid on Russian-US ties .
MOSCOW , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
The collapse of the impeachment bid against US President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , they could change only after a new White House occupant is elected , Research Director of the Valdai International Discussion Club and Editor-in-Chief of Russia in Global Affairs magazine Fyodor Lukyanov told TASS on Thursday .
Moreover , even Trump ’ s new presidential term will not guarantee any changes to Washington ’ s Russia policy , he went on to say .
`` If Trump is re-elected , then , on the one hand , his hands will be untied to a greater extent .
On the other hand , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s significance for Trump is rather low on his agenda .
That ’ s why I do not think that we can expect something , but , anyway , all that can be discussed after the election , '' he expert pointed out .
Outcome of domestic political feud in US Referring to the botched attempt to oust Trump from power , Lukyanov noted that the Republican Party had rallied around the US president , while the crusade by the Democrats , who are divided , failed to pan out .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his party and is in full control of his base .
He boasts an unprecedented level of support among the Republicans , which , in general , gives him a certain moral and political head start , '' he said .
`` The aim [ of the proceedings ] was , of course , to set the tone for the entire election campaign and turn it into Trump ’ s personal case , '' the expert stressed .
`` Objectively , all that plays into Trump ’ s hands , because there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Winners are respected , while losers are not very welcome , '' Lukyanov noted .
The Senate voted on Wednesday to acquit US President Donald Trump of both articles of impeachment - abuse of power and obstruction of Congress .
The results of the vote on both charges were below the two-thirds majority required - the approval of 67 senators - which was needed for Trump ’ s conviction and removal from office .
A total of 52 senators voted against the first article of the impeachment , 48 - in favor .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ largely similar , with 53 senators voting against Trump ’ s impeachment and 47 in favor of it .
The outcome of the vote is final and can not be appealed .
The US presidential election is scheduled to be held on November 3 , 2020 .

According to the political commentator, Washington’s policy in general and in relation to Russia in particular is unlikely to change until the end of 2020. "There is no special agenda in relations between Russia and the United States, which is important for Trump, so now we can only wait for the outcome of the election," he said when asked to comment on the potential aftermath of the failed impeachment bid on Russian-US ties.
MOSCOW, February 6. /TASS/. The collapse of the impeachment bid against US President Donald Trump will not affect Russian-US relations. However, they could change only after a new White House occupant is elected, Research Director of the Valdai International Discussion Club and Editor-in-Chief of Russia in Global Affairs magazine Fyodor Lukyanov told TASS on Thursday.
Moreover, even Trump’s new presidential term will not guarantee any changes to Washington’s Russia policy, he went on to say. "If Trump is re-elected, then, on the one hand, his hands will be untied to a greater extent. On the other hand, not much will change, because Russia’s significance for Trump is rather low on his agenda. That’s why I do not think that we can expect something, but, anyway, all that can be discussed after the election," the expert pointed out.
Outcome of domestic political feud in US
Referring to the botched attempt to oust Trump from power, Lukyanov noted that the Republican Party had rallied around the US president, while the crusade by the Democrats, who are divided, failed to pan out. "During the impeachment proceedings, Trump consolidated his party and is in full control of his base. He boasts an unprecedented level of support among the Republicans, which, in general, gives him a certain moral and political head start," he said.
"The aim [of the proceedings] was, of course, to set the tone for the entire election campaign and turn it into Trump’s personal case," the expert stressed.
"Objectively, all that plays into Trump’s hands, because there is a certain political culture in America. Winners are respected, while losers are not very welcome," Lukyanov noted.
Senate impeachment proceedings
The Senate voted on Wednesday to acquit US President Donald Trump of both articles of impeachment - abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The results of the vote on both charges were below the two-thirds majority required - the approval of 67 senators - which was needed for Trump’s conviction and removal from office.
A total of 52 senators voted against the first article of the impeachment, 48 - in favor. The results of the second vote were largely similar, with 53 senators voting against Trump’s impeachment and 47 in favor of it. The outcome of the vote is final and cannot be appealed.
The US presidential election is scheduled to be held on November 3, 2020.


tass--2020-02-06--Russian Navy ships hold live-fire exercise in Norwegian Sea

MOSCOW , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
The Northern Fleet naval group comprising the anti-submarine warfare ship Vice-Admiral Kulakov and @ @ @ @ @ Kondopoga held drills in the Norwegian Sea for repelling a notional enemy ’ s air @ @ @ @ @ s press office reported on Thursday .
Under the drills ’ scenario , the naval @ @ @ @ @ of the notional enemy ’ s aircraft .
`` During the exercise that took place @ @ @ @ @ the Norwegian Sea , the Northern Fleet sailors practiced firing artillery guns and Kinzhal surface-to-air @ @ @ @ @ , '' the Fleet ’ s press office specified .
The ships Vice-Admiral Kulakov and @ @ @ @ @ Norwegian Sea heading for the Northern Fleet ’ s main naval base of Severomorsk .
@ @ @ @ @ arrive next week .

MOSCOW, February 6. /TASS/. The Northern Fleet naval group comprising the anti-submarine warfare ship Vice-Admiral Kulakov and the large amphibious assault ship Kondopoga held drills in the Norwegian Sea for repelling a notional enemy’s air attack, the Fleet’s press office reported on Thursday.
Under the drills’ scenario, the naval group came under an attack of the notional enemy’s aircraft.
"During the exercise that took place in the southern part of the Norwegian Sea, the Northern Fleet sailors practiced firing artillery guns and Kinzhal surface-to-air missile systems against air targets," the Fleet’s press office specified.
The ships Vice-Admiral Kulakov and Kondopoga are sailing cross the Norwegian Sea heading for the Northern Fleet’s main naval base of Severomorsk. The ships are expected to arrive next week.


tass--2020-02-06--Russian MP says question whether US ties can improve after impeachment failure rhetorical

MOSCOW , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
The question about whether Russian-US relations can improve after US President Donald Trump survived the failed impeachment attempt remains a rhetorical one despite the fact that the American leader ’ s standings received a significant boost , Chairperson of the Russian State Duma ( lower house ) Foreign Affairs Committee Leonid Slutsky said via his Facebook account on Thursday .
Citing a Gallup poll results , the lawmaker noted , `` Trump ’ s approval rating has hit the highest level over his whole presidency '' , while the attempt to impeach him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his popularity .
`` We can spend a long time here discussing and analyzing the results , although it is all a US domestic affair .
However , generally speaking I personally have a question whether Donald Trump ’ s stronger position can in any way reflect positively on the Russian-American relations , '' he wrote .
According to him , `` it is not a secret that anti-Russian steps of the current US administration are a result of a fierce struggle between the [ political ] parties in which the Democrats made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moscow of `` election interference and all deadly sins in general . ''

MOSCOW, February 6. /TASS/. The question about whether Russian-US relations can improve after US President Donald Trump survived the failed impeachment attempt remains a rhetorical one despite the fact that the American leader’s standings received a significant boost, Chairperson of the Russian State Duma (lower house) Foreign Affairs Committee Leonid Slutsky said via his Facebook account on Thursday.
Citing a Gallup poll results, the lawmaker noted, "Trump’s approval rating has hit the highest level over his whole presidency", while the attempt to impeach him only invigorated it instead of bringing down his popularity. "We can spend a long time here discussing and analyzing the results, although it is all a US domestic affair. However, generally speaking I personally have a question whether Donald Trump’s stronger position can in any way reflect positively on the Russian-American relations," he wrote.
According to him, "it is not a secret that anti-Russian steps of the current US administration are a result of a fierce struggle between the [political] parties in which the Democrats made Russia the main target," accusing Moscow of "election interference and all deadly sins in general."


tass--2020-02-06--Russian Helicopters signed roadmap on Ka-226T helicopter assembly in India

LUCKNOW , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Helicopters signed a roadmap on localization of Ka-226T helicopter manufacturing in India @ @ @ @ @ IRHL ) , press service of the Russian holding told reporters on Thursday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ be the basis for further development of the Ka-226T localization project in India after contract @ @ @ @ @ service said , citing General Director of the company Andrei Boginsky .
The document determines @ @ @ @ @ of production of Ka-226T and its components in India after the signing date of the @ @ @ @ @ Limited , the joint venture of Russian Helicopters , Rosoboronexport and India ’ s HAL @ @ @ @ @ in May 2017 to implement the Ka-226T production localization project .

LUCKNOW, February 6. /TASS/. Russian Helicopters signed a roadmap on localization of Ka-226T helicopter manufacturing in India with Indo-Russian Helicopters Limited (IRHL), press service of the Russian holding told reporters on Thursday.
"The roadmap signed today will be the basis for further development of the Ka-226T localization project in India after contract signing," the press service said, citing General Director of the company Andrei Boginsky.
The document determines milestones and deadlines for organization of production of Ka-226T and its components in India after the signing date of the relevant contract.
Indo-Russian Helicopters Limited, the joint venture of Russian Helicopters, Rosoboronexport and India’s HAL, was founded in India in May 2017 to implement the Ka-226T production localization project.


tass--2020-02-06--Russian Black Sea Fleet new ships hold first drills in Mediterranean

SEVASTOPOL , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
The Black Sea Fleet new ships practiced negotiating mine obstacles during drills in the Mediterranean Sea , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Thursday .
The naval group included the minesweeper Ivan Antonov and the patrol vessel Dmitry Rogachyov that recently entered service with the Black Sea Fleet , the press office specified .
`` The exercise was held in compliance with the combat training plan for the Russian Navy ’ s ships fulfilling assignments as part of the permanent taskforce in the Mediterranean Sea .
These are the first joint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vessel Dmitry Rogachyov and the mine countermeasures ship Ivan Antonov in the distant maritime zone after the ships were accepted for service in the Black Sea Fleet , '' the press office said in a statement .
Under the drills ’ scenario , the crew of the ship Ivan Antonov employed its sweeps to lead the patrol vessel Dmitry Rogachyov and the frigate Admiral Essen also involved in the exercise through a notional minefield .
The warship also used an underwater mine search and detection system for anti-mine reconnaissance .
`` The minesweeper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of making passage in the minefield for the group of ships , which sailed through the cleared water area and practiced operations by artillery teams to destroy floating mines , '' the statement says .
The base-type minesweeper Ivan Antonov is the third built and the second serial-produced ship of this class .
The contract for its construction was signed with Russia ’ s Defense Ministry in April 2014 .
It was laid down at the Sredne-Nevsky Shipyard in St. Petersburg in northwestern Russia on January 25 , 2017 and floated out on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mine countermeasures ship was delivered to the Russian Navy on January 26 , 2019 .
Project 12700 mine countermeasures vessels ( minesweepers ) have their hull made of glass-fiber reinforced plastic .
As its advantage , this solution provides for the ship ’ s higher strength compared to the steel hull .
The hull made of the monolith glass-fiber reinforced plastic has a longer service life than the hull made of low-magnetic steel while its weight is considerably smaller .
Project 12700 warships displace about 900 tonnes and are over 60 meters long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a speed of 16.5 knots and have a crew of 44 .
The warship can use various mine-sweeps , as well as remotely-operated and autonomous underwater drones .
The Project 22160 second serial-produced patrol vessel Dmitry Rogachyov built by the Zelenodolsk Shipyard in the Volga area entered service with Russia ’ s Black Sea Fleet in June 2019 .
The Project ’ s lead ship Vasily Bykov joined the Black Sea Fleet in December 2018 .
Project 22160 corvettes ( also called patrol vessels ) have been developed by the Severnoye Design Bureau @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United Shipbuilding Corporation ) .
They are designated to protect and defend the country ’ s maritime economic zone .

SEVASTOPOL, February 6. /TASS/. The Black Sea Fleet new ships practiced negotiating mine obstacles during drills in the Mediterranean Sea, the Fleet’s press office reported on Thursday.
The naval group included the minesweeper Ivan Antonov and the patrol vessel Dmitry Rogachyov that recently entered service with the Black Sea Fleet, the press office specified.
"The exercise was held in compliance with the combat training plan for the Russian Navy’s ships fulfilling assignments as part of the permanent taskforce in the Mediterranean Sea. These are the first joint drills for the crews of the patrol vessel Dmitry Rogachyov and the mine countermeasures ship Ivan Antonov in the distant maritime zone after the ships were accepted for service in the Black Sea Fleet," the press office said in a statement.
Under the drills’ scenario, the crew of the ship Ivan Antonov employed its sweeps to lead the patrol vessel Dmitry Rogachyov and the frigate Admiral Essen also involved in the exercise through a notional minefield. The warship also used an underwater mine search and detection system for anti-mine reconnaissance.
"The minesweeper Ivan Antonov successfully accomplished the assigned task of making passage in the minefield for the group of ships, which sailed through the cleared water area and practiced operations by artillery teams to destroy floating mines," the statement says.
The base-type minesweeper Ivan Antonov is the third built and the second serial-produced ship of this class. The contract for its construction was signed with Russia’s Defense Ministry in April 2014. It was laid down at the Sredne-Nevsky Shipyard in St. Petersburg in northwestern Russia on January 25, 2017 and floated out on April 25, 2018. The latest mine countermeasures ship was delivered to the Russian Navy on January 26, 2019.
Project 12700 mine countermeasures vessels (minesweepers) have their hull made of glass-fiber reinforced plastic. As its advantage, this solution provides for the ship’s higher strength compared to the steel hull. The hull made of the monolith glass-fiber reinforced plastic has a longer service life than the hull made of low-magnetic steel while its weight is considerably smaller.
Project 12700 warships displace about 900 tonnes and are over 60 meters long and 10 meters wide. They develop a speed of 16.5 knots and have a crew of 44. The warship can use various mine-sweeps, as well as remotely-operated and autonomous underwater drones.
The Project 22160 second serial-produced patrol vessel Dmitry Rogachyov built by the Zelenodolsk Shipyard in the Volga area entered service with Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in June 2019. The Project’s lead ship Vasily Bykov joined the Black Sea Fleet in December 2018.
Project 22160 corvettes (also called patrol vessels) have been developed by the Severnoye Design Bureau in St. Petersburg (part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation). They are designated to protect and defend the country’s maritime economic zone.


tass--2020-02-06--Over 1,700 Russian citizens waiting to leave China by February 29

MOSCOW , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
Over 1,700 Russian citizens are waiting to leave China by February 29 , the Russian Ministry of Transport informs .
`` In total , there are 1,765 Russian nationals with tickets dated February 6 to February 29 , they are waiting to return to Russia , '' the message says .
The ministry added that 1,135 passengers were set to fly with S7 Airlines , a Russian carrier that cancelled all flights to China .
They are expecting to be put on a different flight or to get their money back , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flights between Russia and China in the period from February 1 to February 5 , including 26 charter flights .
Chinese carriers operated 11 regular flights in the same period .
The Russian Ministry of Transport informed that today , one charter flight and six regular flights are planned , with three additional flights operated by Chinese carriers .
Only two Russian carriers continue to operate flights to China currently : Aeroflot and Ural Airlines .
Ural Airlines will cancel all flights to and from China starting February 7 .
On February 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China , cancelling all regular flights except those operated by Aeroflot .
The Russian Ministry of Transport allowed charter flights between Russia and China to transport Russian citizens remaining in China back home .
Starting February 14 , all charter flights between both countries will be suspended .
On December 31 , Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan - a large trade and industrial center in central China populated by 11 million people .
On January 7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - coronavirus 2019-nCoV .
The virus spread to 24 more countries apart from China - Australia , Belgium , Cambodia , Canada , Finland , France , Germany , Japan , India , Italy , Malaysia , Nepal , the Philippines , Russia , Singapore , South Korea , Spain , Sri Lanka , Sweden , Thailand , the United Arab Emirates , the United Kingdom , the United States and Vietnam .
WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency .
Currently , the total number of people infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 560 people reported to have died from the disease .
Meanwhile , over 1,100 people are said to have recovered from it .

MOSCOW, February 6. /TASS/. Over 1,700 Russian citizens are waiting to leave China by February 29, the Russian Ministry of Transport informs.
"In total, there are 1,765 Russian nationals with tickets dated February 6 to February 29, they are waiting to return to Russia," the message says.
The ministry added that 1,135 passengers were set to fly with S7 Airlines, a Russian carrier that cancelled all flights to China. They are expecting to be put on a different flight or to get their money back, the ministry explained.
Russian airlines operated 51 flights between Russia and China in the period from February 1 to February 5, including 26 charter flights. Chinese carriers operated 11 regular flights in the same period. The Russian Ministry of Transport informed that today, one charter flight and six regular flights are planned, with three additional flights operated by Chinese carriers.
Only two Russian carriers continue to operate flights to China currently: Aeroflot and Ural Airlines. Ural Airlines will cancel all flights to and from China starting February 7.
On February 1, Russia partly suspended air service with China, cancelling all regular flights except those operated by Aeroflot. The Russian Ministry of Transport allowed charter flights between Russia and China to transport Russian citizens remaining in China back home. Starting February 14, all charter flights between both countries will be suspended.
On December 31, Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan - a large trade and industrial center in central China populated by 11 million people. On January 7, Chinese experts identified the infecting agent - coronavirus 2019-nCoV. The virus spread to 24 more countries apart from China - Australia, Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, India, Italy, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam. WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency.
Currently, the total number of people infected with coronavirus exceeded 28,000 in China with over 560 people reported to have died from the disease. Meanwhile, over 1,100 people are said to have recovered from it.


tass--2020-02-06--Turkish foreign minister vows tough response to clashes in Syria

`` Our patience also has its limits .
If attacks by the regime ( the Syrian government , according to Turkey - TASS ) continue , we won ’ t stop , our response will be tough , '' the Turkish top diplomat said .
BAKU , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday during a press conference in Baku that Ankara would provide a tough response to ongoing clashes in Syria , which Turkey blames on Damascus .
Earlier , Cavusoglu noted that Turkey continues to apply joint efforts with Russia to alleviate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He added that Ankara and Moscow wish to establish a permanent ceasefire , providing an opportunity for stable political regulation .
On February 5 , Syrian government forces entered the town of Saraqib , the outpost of the Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group ( banned in Russia ) in the Idlib province .
The Syrian government forces previously encircled the enemy ’ s outpost from three sides , blocking its supply lines .
Syria ’ s army command issued an ultimatum to the militants , demanding that they lay down arms or leave the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives .
Saraqib is a town of strategic importance that sits at the junction of two main roads connecting Latakia and Damascus with Aleppo .
The Syrian army ’ s control over the town could result in the defeat of the armed groups operating in the country ’ s north .
Idlib is the only Syrian region that has been controlled by illegal armed groups since 2012 .
A northern de-escalation zone was set up in Idlib in 2017 to give shelter to militants who refused to surrender arms in Eastern Ghouta and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkish army has 12 observation outposts in the province .

"Our patience also has its limits. If attacks by the regime (the Syrian government, according to Turkey - TASS) continue, we won’t stop, our response will be tough," the Turkish top diplomat said.
BAKU, February 6. /TASS/. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday during a press conference in Baku that Ankara would provide a tough response to ongoing clashes in Syria, which Turkey blames on Damascus.
Earlier, Cavusoglu noted that Turkey continues to apply joint efforts with Russia to alleviate tensions in Syria’s Idlib. He added that Ankara and Moscow wish to establish a permanent ceasefire, providing an opportunity for stable political regulation.
On February 5, Syrian government forces entered the town of Saraqib, the outpost of the Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group (banned in Russia) in the Idlib province.
The Syrian government forces previously encircled the enemy’s outpost from three sides, blocking its supply lines. Syria’s army command issued an ultimatum to the militants, demanding that they lay down arms or leave the city for the sake of civilians’ lives.
Saraqib is a town of strategic importance that sits at the junction of two main roads connecting Latakia and Damascus with Aleppo. The Syrian army’s control over the town could result in the defeat of the armed groups operating in the country’s north.
Idlib is the only Syrian region that has been controlled by illegal armed groups since 2012. A northern de-escalation zone was set up in Idlib in 2017 to give shelter to militants who refused to surrender arms in Eastern Ghouta and Syria’s southern regions. The Turkish army has 12 observation outposts in the province.


tass--2020-02-06--Kremlin says US, UK have not yet responded to proposal to hold UN founding states' summit

MOSCOW , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has not yet received responses from the United States and the United @ @ @ @ @ hold a summit of the UN founding countries this year , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov @ @ @ @ @ `` There has been no response from Washington and London yet , '' he said @

MOSCOW, February 6. /TASS/. Russia has not yet received responses from the United States and the United Kingdom to its proposal to hold a summit of the UN founding countries this year, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday.
"There has been no response from Washington and London yet," he said.


tass--2020-02-06--Map from Skyrim video game discovered in Ukrainian school textbook — media

KIEV , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
Readers have discovered a map of a fictional land from the Skyrim video game in a geography textbook , says Ukraine ’ s Strana news website .
The fictional country map was used as an illustration in the sixth grade textbook ’ s ‘ Earth on a plan and on a map ’ chapter .
The textbook , authored by Valeria Pestushko and Anna Uvarova , was published in 2014 and recommended by the Ukraine ’ s Ministry of Education .
The Skyrim video game - the fifth installment in The Elder Scrolls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Over the course of the game , the players travel and explore the fictional province of Skyrim , located on the Tamriel continent .
Earlier this week , the media reported that the authors of a Ukrainian modern history textbook used a doctored image featuring actor Keanu Reeves instead of the world-famous `` Lunch atop a Skyscraper '' photograph .
The illustration had a `` sad Keanu '' meme image photoshopped next to the original 11 skyscraper builders .
Following the media uproar , the textbook author claimed he included the doctored image @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among the students .

KIEV, February 6. /TASS/. Readers have discovered a map of a fictional land from the Skyrim video game in a geography textbook, says Ukraine’s Strana news website.
The fictional country map was used as an illustration in the sixth grade textbook’s ‘Earth on a plan and on a map’ chapter. The textbook, authored by Valeria Pestushko and Anna Uvarova, was published in 2014 and recommended by the Ukraine’s Ministry of Education.
The Skyrim video game - the fifth installment in The Elder Scrolls franchise - was published in 2011. Over the course of the game, the players travel and explore the fictional province of Skyrim, located on the Tamriel continent.
Earlier this week, the media reported that the authors of a Ukrainian modern history textbook used a doctored image featuring actor Keanu Reeves instead of the world-famous "Lunch atop a Skyscraper" photograph. The illustration had a "sad Keanu" meme image photoshopped next to the original 11 skyscraper builders. Following the media uproar, the textbook author claimed he included the doctored image on purpose, allegedly to spark interest among the students.