tass--2020-03-04--Putin discusses Idlib crisis with Russia’s Security Council

MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and the permanent members of Russia ’ s Security Council have discussed the situation in Syria ’ s Idlib along with the Russian-Turkish relations , in the wake of talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan scheduled for Thursday , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday .
`` Along with the current Russian domestic affairs , the situation around Idlib was touched upon , '' he said .
`` Apart from that , the participants in the meeting focused on a range of issues in Russian-Turkish relations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkish President Erdogan ’ s working visit to Moscow scheduled for Thursday , '' Peskov added .
Russia ’ s Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin , Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko , State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin , Security Council ’ s Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev , Chief of Presidential Staff Anton Vaino , Security Council ’ s Secretary Nikolai Patrushev , Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov , Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev , Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu , FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov , Foreign Intelligence Service ( SVR ) Director Sergei Naryshkin and Russian Presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Transport Sergei Ivanov took part in the meeting .
On September 17 , 2018 , at their Sochi talks the Russian and Turkish presidents agreed to establish a 15 to 20-kilometer-deep demilitarized zone in Idlib along the line disengaging Syria ’ s government troops and armed opposition .
In spite of the agreements , militants were not withdrawn from Idlib and continued shelling the government troops ’ positions .
There have been several escalations in the region since then , including at the beginning of 2020 .
The tensions in Syria ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after militants unleashed a large-scale offensive , according to the Russian Defense Ministry .
The Syrian government forces conducted strikes on their positions , which , as Ankara claims , killed 36 Turkish soldiers .
In response , Ankara launched a new incursion in Syria dubbed Operation Spring Shield targeting the Syrian government forces and facilities .

MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and the permanent members of Russia’s Security Council have discussed the situation in Syria’s Idlib along with the Russian-Turkish relations, in the wake of talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan scheduled for Thursday, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday.
"Along with the current Russian domestic affairs, the situation around Idlib was touched upon," he said. "Apart from that, the participants in the meeting focused on a range of issues in Russian-Turkish relations, including within the framework of preparations for Turkish President Erdogan’s working visit to Moscow scheduled for Thursday," Peskov added.
Russia’s Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, Security Council’s Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev, Chief of Presidential Staff Anton Vaino, Security Council’s Secretary Nikolai Patrushev, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov, Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) Director Sergei Naryshkin and Russian Presidential Special Representative for Environmental Protection, Ecology and Transport Sergei Ivanov took part in the meeting.
On September 17, 2018, at their Sochi talks the Russian and Turkish presidents agreed to establish a 15 to 20-kilometer-deep demilitarized zone in Idlib along the line disengaging Syria’s government troops and armed opposition. In spite of the agreements, militants were not withdrawn from Idlib and continued shelling the government troops’ positions. There have been several escalations in the region since then, including at the beginning of 2020.
The tensions in Syria’s Idlib region escalated on February 27 after militants unleashed a large-scale offensive, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The Syrian government forces conducted strikes on their positions, which, as Ankara claims, killed 36 Turkish soldiers. In response, Ankara launched a new incursion in Syria dubbed Operation Spring Shield targeting the Syrian government forces and facilities.


tass--2020-03-04--Michael Bloomberg drops out of US presidential race, endorses Joe Biden

Russian medium and heavy rockets to be used to deliver cargo to the Moon The upcoming Soyuz-5 rocket , currently @ @ @ @ @ , could be used in the lunar station program

Ukraine crisis
US does not supply Kiev with new equipment, fearing Russia, China seize it — expert
Matthew Hoh pointed out that "the Russians, of course, figured out how to jam the GPS" used to control the HIMARS missiles
Read more


tass--2020-03-04--Ukraine’s parliament approves resignation of Prime Minister Goncharuk

The decision passed with a vote of 353 in favor , well beyond the 226 votes required .
Before the vote , in his address to the parliament President Vladimir Zelensky mentioned some achievements of Goncharuk ’ s cabinet , but also listed serious failures in its activity .
The president stated that the current government was the first lacking corruption .
`` However , it can not be enough not to steal , '' he said .
Among the cabinet ’ s achievements , Zelensky listed lower inflation , the Ukrainian National Bank ’ s lower interest rate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beginning of privatization and loans to small and medium businesses .
`` But !
The truth is that it is not enough for the Ukrainians , '' he said .
In particular , the president bashed the State Customs Service , recalling the ongoing industry slump .
He mentioned the government ’ s failure in explaining utility bills , primarily for gas , to the population .
Zelensky thanked the health minister for staying with the Ukrainians evacuated from China and placed in quarantine in Novi Sanzhary .
Nevertheless , he said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second stage of a healthcare reform starting on April 1 .
After that , Zelensky said that on Tuesday Alexey Goncharuk had filed his resignation with Verkhovna Rada and asked the lawmakers to put it to voting .

The decision passed with a vote of 353 in favor, well beyond the 226 votes required.
Before the vote, in his address to the parliament President Vladimir Zelensky mentioned some achievements of Goncharuk’s cabinet, but also listed serious failures in its activity.
The president stated that the current government was the first lacking corruption.
"However, it cannot be enough not to steal," he said. Among the cabinet’s achievements, Zelensky listed lower inflation, the Ukrainian National Bank’s lower interest rate, the measures against shadow markets, the beginning of privatization and loans to small and medium businesses.
"But! The truth is that it is not enough for the Ukrainians," he said.
In particular, the president bashed the State Customs Service, recalling the ongoing industry slump. He mentioned the government’s failure in explaining utility bills, primarily for gas, to the population. Zelensky thanked the health minister for staying with the Ukrainians evacuated from China and placed in quarantine in Novi Sanzhary. Nevertheless, he said that the health ministry was not ready for the second stage of a healthcare reform starting on April 1.
After that, Zelensky said that on Tuesday Alexey Goncharuk had filed his resignation with Verkhovna Rada and asked the lawmakers to put it to voting.


tass--2020-03-04--Syrian parliamentary election to take place on April 13

MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
Elections to the Syrian People 's Council ( parliament ) planned for April @ @ @ @ @ planned , Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 TV channel @ @ @ @ @ There is the Constitution and the state that lives by it .
We do not @ @ @ @ @ we do not follow the West ’ s bidding .
We do not abide by @ @ @ @ @ We have been told several times to postpone the implementation of its provisions regarding the @ @ @ @ @ did that during the war .
The parliamentary elections < … > will take place @ @ @ @ @ what , '' al-Assad said .
The 250 Syrian MPs will be elected by direct @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. Elections to the Syrian People's Council (parliament) planned for April 13 will take place as planned, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 TV channel shown on Wednesday.
"There is the Constitution and the state that lives by it. We do not succumb to Western threats and we do not follow the West’s bidding. We do not abide by anything except the Constitution. We have been told several times to postpone the implementation of its provisions regarding the president and parliament. We did that during the war. The parliamentary elections <…> will take place as planned, no matter what," al-Assad said.
The 250 Syrian MPs will be elected by direct vote for a four-year term.


tass--2020-03-04--US Democrats boosted Trump’s ratings by trying to create obstruction, says expert

MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
The US Democratic Party boosted President Trump ’ s popularity among voters by its efforts to discredit him , says Valery Garbuzov , Director of the Institute for the USA and Canadian Studies of Russian Academy of Sciences .
`` Over these years [ of presidency ] Trump has become one of their own for the Republicans , despite many party members liked him through their teeth , '' he said .
`` The impeachment situation proves it .
The President managed to use the power that exists in the Congress , his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself has become a fighter in the eyes of the Americans .
Therefore , the Democrats , by the impeachment and the investigation and by other obstructions , have only boosted his rating ahead of the elections . ''
`` The Democrats have provided such good service to Trump that he himself could have never organized .
And he does actively use this situation , '' the expert noted .
According to Garbuzov , the Republicans , who have more or less consolidated position in favor of Trump , are more competitive than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ divide .
`` The Democratic party faces the elections in a state of a deep divide .
The party consists of two factions that fight each other : the left Dems led by Bernie Sanders and the moderates , led by Joe Biden , who enjoys careful support of the party elite , '' the expert said .
He added that Sanders is considered a radical left , a socialist and a communist , which has traditionally been rejected by the US population .

MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. The US Democratic Party boosted President Trump’s popularity among voters by its efforts to discredit him, says Valery Garbuzov, Director of the Institute for the USA and Canadian Studies of Russian Academy of Sciences.
"Over these years [of presidency] Trump has become one of their own for the Republicans, despite many party members liked him through their teeth," he said. "The impeachment situation proves it. The President managed to use the power that exists in the Congress, his party members supported him, and he himself has become a fighter in the eyes of the Americans. Therefore, the Democrats, by the impeachment and the investigation and by other obstructions, have only boosted his rating ahead of the elections."
"The Democrats have provided such good service to Trump that he himself could have never organized. And he does actively use this situation," the expert noted.
According to Garbuzov, the Republicans, who have more or less consolidated position in favor of Trump, are more competitive than the Democrats, who face a serious divide.
"The Democratic party faces the elections in a state of a deep divide. The party consists of two factions that fight each other: the left Dems led by Bernie Sanders and the moderates, led by Joe Biden, who enjoys careful support of the party elite," the expert said.
He added that Sanders is considered a radical left, a socialist and a communist, which has traditionally been rejected by the US population.


tass--2020-03-04--Russian Black Sea Fleet sub to return after Mediterranean deployment in April, says source

MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
The Black Sea Fleet ’ s Project 636.3 diesel-electric submarine Krasnodar will wrap up its mission within the Russian Navy ’ s permanent Mediterranean taskforce in April , a source in Crimean defense circles told TASS on Wednesday .
`` The Krasnodar ’ s watch in the Mediterranean will end in April , after which it will arrive at one of shipyards in Russia ’ s northwest for repairs , '' the source said .
As was reported earlier , the Black Sea Fleet ’ s same-type submarine Stary Oskol arrived at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its deployment in the Russian Navy ’ s permanent Mediterranean taskforce .
The submarines of this type can also be repaired at the Admiralty Shipyard , which built them .
Both shipyards are part of Russia ’ s United Shipbuilding Corporation .
In late April 2019 , the Krasnodar and the Stary Oskol deployed to the Mediterranean from the Black Sea , replacing the same-type submarines Veliky Novgorod and Kolpino in the Russian Navy ’ s Mediterranean Squadron .
The latter two submarines had been deployed off the Syrian coast for eighteen months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the third generation of diesel-electric subs .
These submarines are considered among the world ’ s most noiseless vessels .
They develop a speed of up to 20 knots , can dive to a depth of about 300 meters and their sea endurance is 45 days .
The sub has a crew of 52 men and displaces about 4,000 tonnes .

MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. The Black Sea Fleet’s Project 636.3 diesel-electric submarine Krasnodar will wrap up its mission within the Russian Navy’s permanent Mediterranean taskforce in April, a source in Crimean defense circles told TASS on Wednesday.
"The Krasnodar’s watch in the Mediterranean will end in April, after which it will arrive at one of shipyards in Russia’s northwest for repairs," the source said.
As was reported earlier, the Black Sea Fleet’s same-type submarine Stary Oskol arrived at the Kronshtadt Marine Plant for planned repairs after its deployment in the Russian Navy’s permanent Mediterranean taskforce.
The submarines of this type can also be repaired at the Admiralty Shipyard, which built them. Both shipyards are part of Russia’s United Shipbuilding Corporation.
In late April 2019, the Krasnodar and the Stary Oskol deployed to the Mediterranean from the Black Sea, replacing the same-type submarines Veliky Novgorod and Kolpino in the Russian Navy’s Mediterranean Squadron. The latter two submarines had been deployed off the Syrian coast for eighteen months.
Project 636.3 submarines are referred to the third generation of diesel-electric subs. These submarines are considered among the world’s most noiseless vessels. They develop a speed of up to 20 knots, can dive to a depth of about 300 meters and their sea endurance is 45 days. The sub has a crew of 52 men and displaces about 4,000 tonnes.


tass--2020-03-04--Russian carriers fly back most passengers stranded in South Korea

MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s national carriers have flown back an overwhelming majority of compatriots @ @ @ @ @ the flights were suspended , Transport Deputy Minister Alexander Yurchik told reporters on Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ been returned , '' he said without giving the exact number of passengers .
Russia @ @ @ @ @ on March 1 .
Only Aeroflot and Korean Air ( the latter has already announced @ @ @ @ @ are allowed to operate regular flights so far , and only through Terminal F at @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier , S7 , Yakutia and the Far Eastern subsidiary of Aeroflot , Aurora @ @ @ @ @ South Korea .
However , those three carriers can operate only charter flights to fly @ @ @ @ @ can carry South Koreans from Russia , but only citizens of the Eurasian Economic Union @ @ @ @ @ .
Russia ’ s S7 carrier told TASS earlier that charter flights between Russia and @ @ @ @ @ minimum mid-March .

MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. Russia’s national carriers have flown back an overwhelming majority of compatriots stranded in South Korea after the flights were suspended, Transport Deputy Minister Alexander Yurchik told reporters on Wednesday.
"The overwhelming majority has been returned," he said without giving the exact number of passengers.
Russia and South Korea suspended flights on March 1. Only Aeroflot and Korean Air (the latter has already announced plans to suspend flights) are allowed to operate regular flights so far, and only through Terminal F at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport.
Earlier, S7, Yakutia and the Far Eastern subsidiary of Aeroflot, Aurora, had operated flights to/from South Korea. However, those three carriers can operate only charter flights to fly passengers back home: they can carry South Koreans from Russia, but only citizens of the Eurasian Economic Union’s member states back.
Russia’s S7 carrier told TASS earlier that charter flights between Russia and South Korea were scheduled until minimum mid-March.


tass--2020-03-04--Ukraine’s President Zelensky nominates Denis Shmygal as new prime minister

KIEV , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
Ukraine ’ s parliament , Verkhovna Rada , approved Denis Shmygal as the country ’ s new prime minister on Wednesday .
The decision passed with a vote of 291 in favor , well beyond the 226 votes required .
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky nominated Shmygal as new prime minister after the parliament had approved resignation of Alexey Goncharuk .
In his speech to lawmakers , Shmygal said that his cabinet ’ s policy would not change .
Among his priorities are the end to conflict in Donbass , the return of lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decentralization reform , the favorable investment climate , the improvement of healthcare and education , higher energy efficiency , and infrastructure development .
In general , he said that `` everything that was announced by [ Ukraine ’ s ] President [ Vladimir Zelensky ] on August 29 , 2019 when the former government was appointed , but has not been completed '' would be prioritized .
Denis Shmygal was born in Lvov in 1975 .
He had been doing business until 2009 , when he started his career in public service .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s regional governor and headed the Lvov regional administration ’ s economic department .
In 2014 , he served as deputy head of the regional tax service department .
In January 2018 , Shmygal took on the post of Director of Burshtyn thermal power plant in Ivano-Frankovsk Region , the region ’ s largest power producer owned by Ukrainian tycoon Rinat Akhmetov .
On August 1 , 2019 , Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky appointed Shmygal as Governor of the Ivano-Frankovsk Region .
On February 4 , 2020 , he was appointed deputy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and territory development .

KIEV, March 4. /TASS/. Ukraine’s parliament, Verkhovna Rada, approved Denis Shmygal as the country’s new prime minister on Wednesday.
The decision passed with a vote of 291 in favor, well beyond the 226 votes required.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky nominated Shmygal as new prime minister after the parliament had approved resignation of Alexey Goncharuk.
In his speech to lawmakers, Shmygal said that his cabinet’s policy would not change. Among his priorities are the end to conflict in Donbass, the return of lost territories (including Crimea), the decentralization reform, the favorable investment climate, the improvement of healthcare and education, higher energy efficiency, and infrastructure development.
In general, he said that "everything that was announced by [Ukraine’s] President [Vladimir Zelensky] on August 29, 2019 when the former government was appointed, but has not been completed" would be prioritized.
Denis Shmygal was born in Lvov in 1975. He had been doing business until 2009, when he started his career in public service. He worked as an aide to Lvov’s regional governor and headed the Lvov regional administration’s economic department. In 2014, he served as deputy head of the regional tax service department. In January 2018, Shmygal took on the post of Director of Burshtyn thermal power plant in Ivano-Frankovsk Region, the region’s largest power producer owned by Ukrainian tycoon Rinat Akhmetov. On August 1, 2019, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky appointed Shmygal as Governor of the Ivano-Frankovsk Region. On February 4, 2020, he was appointed deputy prime minister and the minister for community and territory development.


tass--2020-03-04--Russian Baltic Fleet warship visits Sri Lanka in anti-piracy deployment to Indian Ocean

`` During its anchorage in Colombo , the crew will replenish fresh water , fuel and food supplies and technically inspect the ship .
After completing its visit that will last through March 6 , the Baltic Fleet guard ship will continue its anti-piracy watch in the Indian Ocean , '' the press office said in a statement .
MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
The Baltic Fleet guard ship Yaroslav Mudry has made a planned business call at the port of Colombo in Sri Lanka in its anti-piracy deployment to the Indian Ocean , the Fleet ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ship ’ s combat team will hold planned drills to search for a notional enemy ’ s submarine with a Ka-27 helicopter ’ s take-off while the anti-terror squads on the ships and vessels will practice various scenarios of fighting pirates in the Indian Ocean , the statement says .
The Baltic Fleet ’ s naval group comprising the guard ship Yaroslav Mudry , the sea tug Viktor Konetsky and the sea tanker Yelnya embarked on their long-distance deployment from the Baltic Fleet ’ s main naval base of Baltiysk in the westernmost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off for the Indian Ocean .
In December , the warships took part for the first time in the naval phase of the Indra-2019 Russian-Indian drills and in the Maritime Security Belt Russia-China-Iran naval maneuvers .
On January 21-22 , 2020 , the Baltic Fleet ’ s naval group held anti-piracy drills with the destroyer Harusame of Japan ’ s Maritime Self-Defense Force in the Arabian Sea .

"During its anchorage in Colombo, the crew will replenish fresh water, fuel and food supplies and technically inspect the ship. After completing its visit that will last through March 6, the Baltic Fleet guard ship will continue its anti-piracy watch in the Indian Ocean," the press office said in a statement.
MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. The Baltic Fleet guard ship Yaroslav Mudry has made a planned business call at the port of Colombo in Sri Lanka in its anti-piracy deployment to the Indian Ocean, the Fleet’s press office reported on Wednesday.
The ship’s combat team will hold planned drills to search for a notional enemy’s submarine with a Ka-27 helicopter’s take-off while the anti-terror squads on the ships and vessels will practice various scenarios of fighting pirates in the Indian Ocean, the statement says.
The Baltic Fleet’s naval group comprising the guard ship Yaroslav Mudry, the sea tug Viktor Konetsky and the sea tanker Yelnya embarked on their long-distance deployment from the Baltic Fleet’s main naval base of Baltiysk in the westernmost Kaliningrad Region on October 1 and set off for the Indian Ocean.
In December, the warships took part for the first time in the naval phase of the Indra-2019 Russian-Indian drills and in the Maritime Security Belt Russia-China-Iran naval maneuvers. On January 21-22, 2020, the Baltic Fleet’s naval group held anti-piracy drills with the destroyer Harusame of Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force in the Arabian Sea.


tass--2020-03-04--Russia’s Aeroflot receives first Airbus A350 jet

MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
Aeroflot has received and presented today their first Airbus A350 passenger jet , @ @ @ @ @ ceremony .
Aeroflot has become the first Russian air carrier having this aircraft in their @ @ @ @ @ aircraft presentation , the A350 jet is planned for used in routes to the American @ @ @ @ @ Miami , Los Angeles , and Havana .
An option is also considered to use @ @ @ @ @ to New Delhi , Singapore , Denpasar , Guangzhou , Beijing , and Osaka .

MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. Aeroflot has received and presented today their first Airbus A350 passenger jet, TASS reports from the official ceremony. Aeroflot has become the first Russian air carrier having this aircraft in their fleet.
According to the aircraft presentation, the A350 jet is planned for used in routes to the American continent, to Washington, Miami, Los Angeles, and Havana. An option is also considered to use it for flights from Moscow to New Delhi, Singapore, Denpasar, Guangzhou, Beijing, and Osaka.


tass--2020-03-04--Russia’s top brass to unveil new heavy flamethrower at Moscow’s Victory Day parade

MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
This year , four latest TOS-2 ‘ Tosochka ’ heavy flamethrower vehicles will @ @ @ @ @ s Victory Day parade on Red Square for the first time , the Defense Ministry @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The military hardware has arrived at the Alabino [ training ground ] in @ @ @ @ @ preparing to take part in rehearsals .
Nine TOS-1A ‘ Solntsepyok ’ and four TOS-2 @ @ @ @ @ through [ Red Square ] as part of a mechanized column , '' the ministry @ @ @ @ @ military parade on Moscow ’ s Red Square on May 9 to mark 75 years @ @ @ @ @ s victory in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany will involve 225 weapon @ @ @ @ @ 20 latest models will be demonstrated for the first time .
The TOS-2 ( the @ @ @ @ @ Tosochka ’ ) is a derivative of the TOS-1A ‘ Solntsepyok ’ heavy flamethrower system @ @ @ @ @ As compared to its predecessor , it is mounted on the wheeled chassis .

MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. This year, four latest TOS-2 ‘Tosochka’ heavy flamethrower vehicles will take part in Moscow’s Victory Day parade on Red Square for the first time, the Defense Ministry of Russia announced on Wednesday.
"The military hardware has arrived at the Alabino [training ground] in the Moscow Region and is preparing to take part in rehearsals. Nine TOS-1A ‘Solntsepyok’ and four TOS-2 ‘Tosochka’ will roll through [Red Square] as part of a mechanized column," the ministry said.
Overall, the military parade on Moscow’s Red Square on May 9 to mark 75 years of the Soviet Union’s victory in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany will involve 225 weapon systems, of which over 20 latest models will be demonstrated for the first time.
The TOS-2 (the R&D work ‘Tosochka’) is a derivative of the TOS-1A ‘Solntsepyok’ heavy flamethrower system with improved performance characteristics. As compared to its predecessor, it is mounted on the wheeled chassis.


tass--2020-03-04--Six patients undergo coronavirus infection treatment in Hainan hospitals

HAIKOU , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
A total number of patients ungergoing special treatment for coronavirus infection reduced to six on the Island of Hainan .
According to the provincial Committee on Hygiene and Health of China , 168 coronavirus cases were registered in the province , five people died , 157 patirnts recovered .
The largest number of cases ( 54 ) was recorded in the resort city of Sanya , which is followed by the administrative center of the province , Haikou ( 39 cases ) and Danzhou ( 15 cases ) .
The sanitary control measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak made it possible to track over 6,200 contacts with the infected , and take precautions .
More than 270 people , the agency said , are still under medical supervision until the test results are confirmed .
On February 26 , the Hainan authorities downgraded the emergency response level in the province after assessing that health risks from the coronavirus outbreak have receded.The authorities made that decision after thorough assessment of the situation around the epidemic by experts responsible for combatting the virus .
As the epidemiological situation on the island @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experts believed that the virus ' spreading in individual communities was quite unlikely .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
Coronavirus cases have also been reported in more than 80 countries and territories , including Russia .
According to the WHO , over 93,200 people have been infected with the virus across the world .
The death toll has passed 2,900 in China , and over 160 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19 .

HAIKOU, March 4. /TASS/. A total number of patients ungergoing special treatment for coronavirus infection reduced to six on the Island of Hainan. According to the provincial Committee on Hygiene and Health of China, 168 coronavirus cases were registered in the province, five people died, 157 patirnts recovered.
The largest number of cases (54) was recorded in the resort city of Sanya, which is followed by the administrative center of the province, Haikou (39 cases) and Danzhou (15 cases). The sanitary control measures taken by the authorities during the nocel coronavirus outbreak made it possible to track over 6,200 contacts with the infected, and take precautions. More than 270 people, the agency said, are still under medical supervision until the test results are confirmed.
On February 26, the Hainan authorities downgraded the emergency response level in the province after assessing that health risks from the coronavirus outbreak have receded.The authorities made that decision after thorough assessment of the situation around the epidemic by experts responsible for combatting the virus. As the epidemiological situation on the island improved following tough sanitary control measures, experts believed that the virus' spreading in individual communities was quite unlikely.
Coronavirus outbreak
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. Coronavirus cases have also been reported in more than 80 countries and territories, including Russia.
According to the WHO, over 93,200 people have been infected with the virus across the world. The death toll has passed 2,900 in China, and over 160 people have died in other countries.
The WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19.


tass--2020-03-04--Russian scientists plan to study permafrost thawing in coastal Arctic

ST. PETERSBURG , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russian scientists plan an expedition to study changes in the permafrost in coastal Arctic regions , leader of the Russian Scientific Arctic Expedition to Spitsbergen of the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute Yuri Ugryumov told TASS .
`` This year , our studies will focus on the permafrost , '' the researcher said .
`` We shall drill the coastal area to analyze the unexplored layer . ''
`` Nobody has done it before , '' he added .
Researchers plan to install special equipment into the permafrost to watch its continuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with emissions of greenhouse gases , for example , methane , '' the scientist stated .
`` It is a new phenomenon , and nobody can say what it may lead to . ''
`` It [ degradation ] could have been caused by the warming , but anyway too many factors are connected and thus it is impossible to name reasons or consequences , '' he continued .
`` This is what we shall be working on . ''
Studying permafrost is an important direction for Russia , as almost 60 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the permafrost zone .
The data received will also be used to forecast climate changes in the Arctic , Ugryumov added .
`` The expedition will begin in March , as the period of spring and summer is the best time for such studies .
A few research teams will arrive at different time — a total of about 50 people .
Besides , a permanent station is operational on the archipelago , where 10 scientists work , '' he noted .
`` The groups will be carried to Spitsbergen from St. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head concluded .

ST. PETERSBURG, March 4. /TASS/. Russian scientists plan an expedition to study changes in the permafrost in coastal Arctic regions, leader of the Russian Scientific Arctic Expedition to Spitsbergen of the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute Yuri Ugryumov told TASS.
"This year, our studies will focus on the permafrost," the researcher said. "We shall drill the coastal area to analyze the unexplored layer." "Nobody has done it before," he added.
Researchers plan to install special equipment into the permafrost to watch its continuing degradation.
"The degradation continues along with emissions of greenhouse gases, for example, methane," the scientist stated. "It is a new phenomenon, and nobody can say what it may lead to."
"It [degradation] could have been caused by the warming, but anyway too many factors are connected and thus it is impossible to name reasons or consequences," he continued. "This is what we shall be working on."
Studying permafrost is an important direction for Russia, as almost 60% of the country’s territory is in the permafrost zone. The data received will also be used to forecast climate changes in the Arctic, Ugryumov added.
"The expedition will begin in March, as the period of spring and summer is the best time for such studies. A few research teams will arrive at different time — a total of about 50 people. Besides, a permanent station is operational on the archipelago, where 10 scientists work," he noted. "The groups will be carried to Spitsbergen from St. Petersburg by plane," the expedition head concluded.


tass--2020-03-04--Demand for medical robots in Russia may grow tenfold in 2020, experts say

`` Robots , developed by Russian companies , could be used in isolation facilities and fever clinics to increase effectiveness of COVID-19 prevention and control .
[ … ] According to Vladimir Konyshev ’ s prediction , procurement of medical robots in 2020 [ in Russia ] would exceed 10,000 units , '' the NTI said , adding that currently , this market in Russia is about 1,000 units .
MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
Coronavirus spread might increase demand on medical robots in Russia tenfold in 2020 already , the National Technical Initiative ( NTI ) information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vladimir Konyshev .
Robots could be used in medical facilities to measure body temperature and to dispense medication , serving as an additional barrier for the coronavirus spread .
Fight against the coronavirus might facilitate development of new class of mobile robots , which could be used in public places to identify the infected .
The National Technical Initiative ( NTI ) is a long-term program on creation of new markets and securing of Russian technical leadership by 2035 .
The NTI goals are integrated to the National Project on Science .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NTI centers have been created in Russia .
Roadmaps on technology development in `` Aeronet , '' `` Autonet , '' `` Marinet , '' `` Neuronet , '' `` Healthnet , '' `` Energynet , '' `` Technet '' markets , as well as Hobbyist movement have been approved .
The NTI also encompasses universal technologies , such as artificial intelligence , Internet of Things , big data , quantum technologies , new and portable energy sources , neurotechnology and others .
To develop these markets , eponymous industry unions have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which include the Neurobiotics company .

"Robots, developed by Russian companies, could be used in isolation facilities and fever clinics to increase effectiveness of COVID-19 prevention and control. […] According to Vladimir Konyshev’s prediction, procurement of medical robots in 2020 [in Russia] would exceed 10,000 units," the NTI said, adding that currently, this market in Russia is about 1,000 units.
MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. Coronavirus spread might increase demand on medical robots in Russia tenfold in 2020 already, the National Technical Initiative (NTI) information bureau said, citing Neurobiotics company CEO Vladimir Konyshev.
Robots could be used in medical facilities to measure body temperature and to dispense medication, serving as an additional barrier for the coronavirus spread. Fight against the coronavirus might facilitate development of new class of mobile robots, which could be used in public places to identify the infected.
About the NTI
The National Technical Initiative (NTI) is a long-term program on creation of new markets and securing of Russian technical leadership by 2035. The NTI goals are integrated to the National Project on Science. According to the National Project passport, 14 NTI centers have been created in Russia.
Roadmaps on technology development in "Aeronet," "Autonet," "Marinet," "Neuronet," "Healthnet," "Energynet," "Technet" markets, as well as Hobbyist movement have been approved. The NTI also encompasses universal technologies, such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, big data, quantum technologies, new and portable energy sources, neurotechnology and others. To develop these markets, eponymous industry unions have been created, including the Neuronet union, which include the Neurobiotics company.


tass--2020-03-04--Russian watchdog to restrict access to websites spreading coronavirus misinformation

`` Roskomnadzor has received a request from the Prosecutor General ’ s Office , which contains a number of links to posts on social media , including the VKontakte and Facebook networks , related to the spread of the novel coronavirus , '' the statement reads .
`` According to the Prosecutor General ’ s Office , socially relevant information that those resources contain is unreliable , which is why it creates the risk of public order disturbances and impedes the operation of retail facilities , '' the watchdog added .
The media watchdog pointed out that work was underway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include the relevant links in a register of illegal content .
In addition , notifications have been sent to website owners and hosting providers .
Earlier on Wednesday , Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with cabinet members that bogus stories about the scope of the coronavirus spread in the country were mostly coming from overseas though nothing extraordinary was actually happening .
According to Putin , `` these bogus stories are clearly aimed at sowing panic , '' and authorities need to provide reliable information to the country ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

"Roskomnadzor has received a request from the Prosecutor General’s Office, which contains a number of links to posts on social media, including the VKontakte and Facebook networks, related to the spread of the novel coronavirus," the statement reads. "According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, socially relevant information that those resources contain is unreliable, which is why it creates the risk of public order disturbances and impedes the operation of retail facilities," the watchdog added.
The media watchdog pointed out that work was underway to restrict access to such websites and include the relevant links in a register of illegal content. In addition, notifications have been sent to website owners and hosting providers.
Earlier on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with cabinet members that bogus stories about the scope of the coronavirus spread in the country were mostly coming from overseas though nothing extraordinary was actually happening. According to Putin, "these bogus stories are clearly aimed at sowing panic," and authorities need to provide reliable information to the country’s people in order to thwart such attempts.


tass--2020-03-04--Tanker with Russian oil for Belarus arrives in Klaipeda

MINSK , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
The first tanker with Russian oil purchased by Belarus from traders has arrived @ @ @ @ @ , Lithuania , press secretary of Belneftekhim holding Alexander Tishchenko told reporters on Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ tankers has already arrived in Klaipeda port ; it will be set for unloading in @ @ @ @ @ Belarus [ to Naftan company — TASS ] by rail will begin tomorrow , on @ @ @ @ @ press secretary said .
The port of Klaipeda confirmed arrival of the vessel to TASS @ @ @ @ @ Ocelot flying the flag of the Marshall Islands delivered an oil batch with the volume @ @ @ @ @ The feedstock will be taken by the terminal of Klaipedos Nafta , '' spokesman of @ @ @ @ @ .

MINSK, March 4. /TASS/. The first tanker with Russian oil purchased by Belarus from traders has arrived in the port of Klaipeda, Lithuania, press secretary of Belneftekhim holding Alexander Tishchenko told reporters on Wednesday.
"The first of two tankers has already arrived in Klaipeda port; it will be set for unloading in the evening. Deliveries to Belarus [to Naftan company — TASS] by rail will begin tomorrow, on March 5," the press secretary said.
The port of Klaipeda confirmed arrival of the vessel to TASS. "The tanker Front Ocelot flying the flag of the Marshall Islands delivered an oil batch with the volume of about 80,000 tonnes. The feedstock will be taken by the terminal of Klaipedos Nafta," spokesman of the port Nijole Dvarionaite said.


tass--2020-03-04--Russian investigators filed charges against Ukrainian Armed Forces commander in absentia

MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Investigative Committee has filed charges in absentia against a Ukrainian Armed Forces @ @ @ @ @ Committee spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko told TASS .
`` The investigation obtained objective information on Yaroshevich @ @ @ @ @ under Russian Criminal Code Article 356 [ organization of use of means and methods , @ @ @ @ @ , in armed conflict ] , '' Petrenko said .
According to the Committee , @ @ @ @ @ 4 , 2014 , Yaroshevich , acting on superiors ’ command , ordered precision shelling @ @ @ @ @ ballistic missiles .
Four civilians , including one child , died as a result of @ @ @ @ @ and Lugansk People ’ s Republics , Five move adults and one child were injured @ @ @ @ @ , as well as a railroad .
On February 14 , 2015 , on Yaroshevich @ @ @ @ @ ballistic missile was fired on DPR ’ s Ilovaysk , injuring one civilian .

MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. Russian Investigative Committee has filed charges in absentia against a Ukrainian Armed Forces brigade commander Fyodor Yaroshevich, Committee spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko told TASS.
"The investigation obtained objective information on Yaroshevich’s involvement in crimes under Russian Criminal Code Article 356 [organization of use of means and methods, prohibited by Russian international treaty, in armed conflict]," Petrenko said.
According to the Committee, between August 22 and September 4, 2014, Yaroshevich, acting on superiors’ command, ordered precision shelling of Donbass settlements with Tochka-U ballistic missiles. Four civilians, including one child, died as a result of shelling of settlements in Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, Five move adults and one child were injured, several houses were damaged, as well as a railroad.
On February 14, 2015, on Yaroshevich’s command, another ballistic missile was fired on DPR’s Ilovaysk, injuring one civilian.


tass--2020-03-04--Bacteria 3D printing in space to help inventing new antibiotics, says Russian company

The E. Coli bacteria have been printed at the orbital station in September 2019 , and then delivered to Earth in airtight containers aboard the Soyuz spacecraft .
In October , the specimen were transported to the Gamalei Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology , where specialists researched them .
MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
E. Coli bacteria , printed at the International Space Station using the Organ-Avt 3D bioprinter , has become resistant to antibiotics .
According to 3D Bioprinting Solutions , a company that developed the Organ-Avt 3D bioprinter , this experiment might allow learning how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the researchers tested on how resistant to antibiotics the E. Coli bacteria has become in space .
`` Morphological analysis complete .
The bacteria has become resistant to antibiotics , '' the company reported .
The company notes that experiments on printing bacteria in space should allow researchers to come up with new types of antibiotics to cure antibiotic-resistant chronic diseases back on Earth - and , probably , new diseases found in space .
During the experiment at the ISS , E. Coli bacteria assembled into membranes , which on Earth occurs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ therapy of such chronic diseases yields no results .
The company added that ISS experiments posed no threat to spacemen ’ s health , since containers for bacteria are airtight , and all operations were conducted in sealed glovebox .
The Organ-Avt bioprinter has been delivered to the ISS in late 2018 .
Using this printer , cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko conducted the first ever experiment on growing human cartilage tissue and mouse thyroid in space .
Three-dimensional bioprinting happens inside special containers using the special cellular material .

The E. Coli bacteria have been printed at the orbital station in September 2019, and then delivered to Earth in airtight containers aboard the Soyuz spacecraft. In October, the specimen were transported to the Gamalei Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, where specialists researched them.
MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. E. Coli bacteria, printed at the International Space Station using the Organ-Avt 3D bioprinter, has become resistant to antibiotics. According to 3D Bioprinting Solutions, a company that developed the Organ-Avt 3D bioprinter, this experiment might allow learning how to fight antibiotic-resistant diseases.
In particular, the researchers tested on how resistant to antibiotics the E. Coli bacteria has become in space.
"Morphological analysis complete. The bacteria has become resistant to antibiotics," the company reported.
The company notes that experiments on printing bacteria in space should allow researchers to come up with new types of antibiotics to cure antibiotic-resistant chronic diseases back on Earth - and, probably, new diseases found in space.
During the experiment at the ISS, E. Coli bacteria assembled into membranes, which on Earth occurs in chronic bronchitis cases. Traditional antibiotic therapy of such chronic diseases yields no results.
The company added that ISS experiments posed no threat to spacemen’s health, since containers for bacteria are airtight, and all operations were conducted in sealed glovebox.
Bio printer
The Organ-Avt bioprinter has been delivered to the ISS in late 2018. Using this printer, cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko conducted the first ever experiment on growing human cartilage tissue and mouse thyroid in space. Three-dimensional bioprinting happens inside special containers using the special cellular material.


tass--2020-03-04--Lavrov, Zarif discuss Iran nuclear deal, Syria

US denies visa to Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif for trip to UN Security Council meeting MOSCOW , March 4 .
@ @ @ @ @ Sergey Lavrov and his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif discussed the situation concerning the Joint @ @ @ @ @ JCPOA ) on Iran ’ s nuclear program and the Syrian settlement process over the @ @ @ @ @ Russian Foreign Ministry reported .
`` [ The two sides ] had a meaningful conversation @ @ @ @ @ including the situation regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran ’ s nuclear @ @ @ @ @ [ process ] from the perspective of the agreements reached by the Astana process guarantor @ @ @ @ @ said .
The Russian Foreign Ministry added that the sides discussed prospects for trade and @ @ @ @ @ bilateral issues .

MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif discussed the situation concerning the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran’s nuclear program and the Syrian settlement process over the phone on Wednesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported.
"[The two sides] had a meaningful conversation on pressing international issues, including the situation regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran’s nuclear program and the Syrian settlement [process] from the perspective of the agreements reached by the Astana process guarantor nations," the ministry said.
The Russian Foreign Ministry added that the sides discussed prospects for trade and economic cooperation along with other bilateral issues.
Fight against coronavirus


tass--2020-03-04--Gang member neutralized in Russia’s Ingushetia

MAGAS , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
A gang member is killed in a special operation in the rural area @ @ @ @ @ Caucasus region of Ingushetia , the head of local administration told TASS on Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ ended .
Law enforcement officers said they had eradicated one militant .
It is reported @ @ @ @ @ resident of the village nor a resident of Ingushetia , '' the official said .
@ @ @ @ @ the village is small and its residents have not seen any strangers recently .
`` @ @ @ @ @ pickers come to the nearby forest at this time of year , '' he added @ @ @ @ @ district administration told TASS that the militant killed in the special operation lived in another @ @ @ @ @ Dagestan .
`` The [ man ] killed by law enforcement officers was not a @ @ @ @ @ lived in Dagestan , '' the official stated adding that they had no other information @ @ @ @ @ s identity .

MAGAS, March 4. /TASS/. A gang member is killed in a special operation in the rural area of Russia’s North Caucasus region of Ingushetia, the head of local administration told TASS on Wednesday.
"The special operation has ended. Law enforcement officers said they had eradicated one militant. It is reported that he is neither a resident of the village nor a resident of Ingushetia," the official said.
According to the official, the village is small and its residents have not seen any strangers recently.
"However, many wild garlic pickers come to the nearby forest at this time of year," he added.
Ingushetia’s Sunzhensky district administration told TASS that the militant killed in the special operation lived in another Russian North Caucasus region, Dagestan.
"The [man] killed by law enforcement officers was not a resident of Ingushetia, he lived in Dagestan," the official stated adding that they had no other information as to the man’s identity.


tass--2020-03-04--TI Fluid Systems To Supply Thermal Products On New Ford Full Battery Electric SUV

AUBURN HILLS , Michigan , March 4 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- TI Fluid Systems , a leading global supplier of automotive fluid systems technology , announced today that it will provide thermal management systems to the new Mustang Mach-E , Ford 's all-new all-electric SUV .
The new vehicle , which arrives late in 2020 , was first unveiled to the public in November last year ahead of the 2019 LA Auto Show .
TI Fluid Systems will be supplying air conditioning refrigerant lines for cabin comfort as well as battery chiller lines for battery thermal management using a combination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Building on TI Fluid Systems ' more than 40 years of experience in the Automotive Thermal space , we were able to work with Ford 's Engineering teams on technical support , best practice design and production integration , as well as onsite design support , '' said Stefan Rau , Executive Vice President , Fluid Carrying Systems .
`` We are excited to work with Ford as they enter the market with the all-electric Mustang Mach-E and look forward to continuing to support Ford in their future needs . ''
TI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplying to Ford , beginning with providing the fuel lines on the first Model T in 1922 .
Since then , TI has partnered on hundreds of vehicles with Ford .
`` It 's really great that TI can continue to build on its 98-year relationship with Ford in supplying fluid handling products and systems for tomorrow 's electrified vehicles , '' said Bill Kozyra , President and CEO , TI Fluid Systems .
TI Fluid Systems is a leading global manufacturer of fluid storage , carrying and delivery systems primarily for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 years of automotive fluid systems experience , TI Fluid Systems has manufacturing facilities in 108 locations across 28 countries serving all major global OEMs .

AUBURN HILLS, Michigan, March 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- TI Fluid Systems, a leading global supplier of automotive fluid systems technology, announced today that it will provide thermal management systems to the new Mustang Mach-E, Ford's all-new all-electric SUV.
The new vehicle, which arrives late in 2020, was first unveiled to the public in November last year ahead of the 2019 LA Auto Show. TI Fluid Systems will be supplying air conditioning refrigerant lines for cabin comfort as well as battery chiller lines for battery thermal management using a combination of optimized materials for these assemblies.
"Building on TI Fluid Systems' more than 40 years of experience in the Automotive Thermal space, we were able to work with Ford's Engineering teams on technical support, best practice design and production integration, as well as onsite design support," said Stefan Rau, Executive Vice President, Fluid Carrying Systems. "We are excited to work with Ford as they enter the market with the all-electric Mustang Mach-E and look forward to continuing to support Ford in their future needs."
TI Fluid Systems has a long history of supplying to Ford, beginning with providing the fuel lines on the first Model T in 1922. Since then, TI has partnered on hundreds of vehicles with Ford.
"It's really great that TI can continue to build on its 98-year relationship with Ford in supplying fluid handling products and systems for tomorrow's electrified vehicles," said Bill Kozyra, President and CEO, TI Fluid Systems.
About TI Fluid Systems
TI Fluid Systems is a leading global manufacturer of fluid storage, carrying and delivery systems primarily for the light duty automotive market. With nearly 100 years of automotive fluid systems experience, TI Fluid Systems has manufacturing facilities in 108 locations across 28 countries serving all major global OEMs.
For more information, visit www.tifluidsystems.com.
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/811902/TI_Automotive_Logo.jpg
CONTACT: Domenic Milicia, Chief HR & Communications Officer, dmilicia@tifs.com, +1-248-296-8400


tass--2020-03-04--Doctors do not confirm poisoning of Abkhazian presidential candidate Bzhania

KRASNODAR , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
Doctors have ruled out the poisoning of Abkhazian presidential candidate Aslan Bzhania who was taken to Regional Clinical Hospital No.1 in Russia ’ s southern city of Krasnodar on March 2 , a source in the hospital informed TASS .
On Wednesday , Bzhania was diagnosed with double pneumonia .
`` Syndromic therapy is being conducted .
The patient ’ s condition stems from respiratory syndromes .
We have no data on poisoning yet .
The preliminary test results have been obtained , there is no data suggesting that he could be poisoned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday , a spokesman for Abkhazia ’ s opposition foundation Apra told TASS that Aslan Bzhania , a candidate for Abkhazian president , had been taken to a hospital in the Russian Black Sea resort city of Sochi after he had felt sick on his way back to Sukhum from Moscow .
On the evening of March 2 , Bzhania was transported to Krasnodar ’ s Regional Clinical Hospital No.1 and put in an intensive care unit in a critical but stable condition .
On Tuesday morning , Bzhania emerged from a medically @ @ @

KRASNODAR, March 4. /TASS/. Doctors have ruled out the poisoning of Abkhazian presidential candidate Aslan Bzhania who was taken to Regional Clinical Hospital No.1 in Russia’s southern city of Krasnodar on March 2, a source in the hospital informed TASS.
On Wednesday, Bzhania was diagnosed with double pneumonia.
"Syndromic therapy is being conducted. The patient’s condition stems from respiratory syndromes. We have no data on poisoning yet. The preliminary test results have been obtained, there is no data suggesting that he could be poisoned," the source said.
On Monday, a spokesman for Abkhazia’s opposition foundation Apra told TASS that Aslan Bzhania, a candidate for Abkhazian president, had been taken to a hospital in the Russian Black Sea resort city of Sochi after he had felt sick on his way back to Sukhum from Moscow. On the evening of March 2, Bzhania was transported to Krasnodar’s Regional Clinical Hospital No.1 and put in an intensive care unit in a critical but stable condition. On Tuesday morning, Bzhania emerged from a medically induced coma.


tass--2020-03-04--China publishes coronavirus patients autopsy results, says infection sources determined

The article provides data on infection degree and pathological changes of lungs , and reports significant shrinkage of spleen and degradation of myocardial cells .
The report notes that the coronavirus was found in the human excretory system , which might also serve as the source of contact and aerosol infection mechanism .
MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
China ’ s National Health Commission has published autopsy results for deceased coronavirus patients , and claimed that infection sources have been determined , Xinhua agency reported Wednesday .
Aerosol infection mechanism implies transmission of the virus while talking , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dust transmission , when dust particles containing the virus get inside the lungs of a healthy human .
Besides , Chinese researchers have discovered two subtypes of the novel coronavirus with different virulence , Beijing Daily reported Wednesday citing Chinese Academy of Sciences .
The researches have examined 103 coronavirus specimen and discovered that it underwent 149 mutations an evolved into two subtypes - S-and L-type .
These subtypes were discovered in 101 specimen , and 70 % of those were L-type , while 30 % were S-type .
The L-type is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The S-type coronavirus resembles more the virus found in bats .
The researchers believe that the S-type is an `` old '' version of the coronavirus .
During the early days of the outbreak in Wuhan , the L-type was widespread , but after the first week , its incidence reduced .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December .
The World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern , describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .
Besides China , major coronavirus outbreaks have been reported in South Korea , Iran and Italy .
More than 70 countries , including Russia , have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
In China , which accounts for the majority of the novel coronavirus cases , the death toll is nearing 3,000 , while almost 80,000 people have been infected and another 50,000 have recovered .
According to the WHO , the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more than 160 have died .

The article provides data on infection degree and pathological changes of lungs, and reports significant shrinkage of spleen and degradation of myocardial cells. The report notes that the coronavirus was found in the human excretory system, which might also serve as the source of contact and aerosol infection mechanism.
MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. China’s National Health Commission has published autopsy results for deceased coronavirus patients, and claimed that infection sources have been determined, Xinhua agency reported Wednesday.
Aerosol infection mechanism implies transmission of the virus while talking, coughing and sneezing. It also includes the dust transmission, when dust particles containing the virus get inside the lungs of a healthy human.
Besides, Chinese researchers have discovered two subtypes of the novel coronavirus with different virulence, Beijing Daily reported Wednesday citing Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The researches have examined 103 coronavirus specimen and discovered that it underwent 149 mutations an evolved into two subtypes - S-and L-type. These subtypes were discovered in 101 specimen, and 70% of those were L-type, while 30% were S-type.
The L-type is more virulent, the research says.
The S-type coronavirus resembles more the virus found in bats. The researchers believe that the S-type is an "old" version of the coronavirus.
During the early days of the outbreak in Wuhan, the L-type was widespread, but after the first week, its incidence reduced.
About the infection
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations. Besides China, major coronavirus outbreaks have been reported in South Korea, Iran and Italy. More than 70 countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases.
In China, which accounts for the majority of the novel coronavirus cases, the death toll is nearing 3,000, while almost 80,000 people have been infected and another 50,000 have recovered. According to the WHO, the number of coronavirus sufferers outside China has exceeded 10,500 and more than 160 have died.


tass--2020-03-04--Zeus Adds Most Flexible Extruded PTFE Catheter Liner to StreamLiner™ Product Family

ORANGEBURG , South Carolina , March 4 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Zeus Industrial Products , Inc. ( Zeus ) , a leading polymer solutions provider and material science innovator , has expanded its StreamLiner™ family of thin , extruded PTFE catheter liners .
Using a proprietary process , Zeus can now extrude liners over-the-wire ( OTW ) in sizes comparable to film cast tubing , but with greater strength .
The new StreamLiner OTW UT , the thinnest extruded liner yet , offers a nominal wall thickness as low as 0.0004 '' ( 0.0102 mm ) with a tolerance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
By extruding over wire , Zeus has produced the desired combination of wall thickness , flexibility , and strength .
Zeus ' StreamLiner OTW products allow medical device manufacturers to develop safer , smoother and stronger catheters that can navigate deeper into a patient 's vasculature .
With the release of StreamLiner OTW , Zeus offers medical device manufacturers several advantages : • A product with a similar wall thickness and the flexibility of film cast PTFE liners but with greater strength .
• Shorter lead times to speed time-to-market and reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drawing capabilities increase wire availability , reduce turnaround times and shorten delivery schedules .
• Simplified production processes .
Zeus supplies straight , cut-to-length liners that allow you to take the product from packaging to production and eliminate multiple timely processes .
Specific catheter applications for the StreamLiner OTW family include occlusion balloon catheters , micro catheters , mechanical and aspiration thrombectomy catheters , intermediate catheters , guiding catheters with and without balloons , and support catheters .
`` Zeus continues to lead with its technological innovations in PTFE liners .
Using a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lineup opens the doors to new possibilities for catheter manufacturers .
Currently , no other polymer solution provider can supply an extruded PTFE liner with comparable wall thickness , flexibility and strength .
Zeus is the only company in the market capable of delivering flexible PTFE liners extruded over wire with the lowest wall thickness . ''
– Bob Chaney , Senior Vice President , Global Sales & Marketing , Zeus Industrial Products , Inc. '' StreamLiner OTW bridges the gap between film cast liners and free extruded liners by providing extremely thin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These features enable more catheter design options , which ultimately translates to better tractability , deliverability and overall performance – all without compromising patient safety . ''
– Matt Allen , Senior Product Line Manager , Zeus Industrial Products , Inc. • Zeus has launched StreamLiner OTW , a new product lineup within its StreamLiner™ family of thin , extruded PTFE catheter liners .
• StreamLiner OTW uses a proprietary process that extrudes PTFE liners over-the-wire in a range of sizes with comparable wall thickness and flexibility to film cast tubing , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ product lineup offers nominal wall thicknesses as low as 0.0004 '' .
• The new liners are provided in discrete straight lengths over silver-plated copper .
Zeus Industrial Products : Learn more about the company and its products on the Zeus website ; or call toll-free 1-800-526-3842 or +1-803-268-9500 outside the U.S. Zeus Industrial Products , Inc. , is headquartered in Orangeburg , SC , USA .
Its core business is the development and precision extrusion of advanced polymeric materials .
The company employs over 1,700 people worldwide with manufacturing and sales facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Orangeburg , South Carolina ; Branchburg , New Jersey ; Chattanooga , Tennessee ; Guangzhou China ; and Letterkenny , Ireland .
Zeus products and services serve companies in the medical , automotive , aerospace , fiber optics , energy , and fluid management markets .
For more information , visit www.zeusinc.com .

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina, March 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Zeus Industrial Products, Inc. (Zeus), a leading polymer solutions provider and material science innovator, has expanded its StreamLiner™ family of thin, extruded PTFE catheter liners. Using a proprietary process, Zeus can now extrude liners over-the-wire (OTW) in sizes comparable to film cast tubing, but with greater strength. The new StreamLiner OTW UT, the thinnest extruded liner yet, offers a nominal wall thickness as low as 0.0004" (0.0102 mm) with a tolerance of +/- 0.0002" (0.0051 mm).
By extruding over wire, Zeus has produced the desired combination of wall thickness, flexibility, and strength. Zeus' StreamLiner OTW products allow medical device manufacturers to develop safer, smoother and stronger catheters that can navigate deeper into a patient's vasculature.
With the release of StreamLiner OTW, Zeus offers medical device manufacturers several advantages:
A product with a similar wall thickness and the flexibility of film cast PTFE liners but with greater strength.
Shorter lead times to speed time-to-market and reduce operational costs. Zeus' in-house wire drawing capabilities increase wire availability, reduce turnaround times and shorten delivery schedules.
Simplified production processes. Zeus supplies straight, cut-to-length liners that allow you to take the product from packaging to production and eliminate multiple timely processes.
Specific catheter applications for the StreamLiner OTW family include occlusion balloon catheters, micro catheters, mechanical and aspiration thrombectomy catheters, intermediate catheters, guiding catheters with and without balloons, and support catheters.
COMMENTS
"Zeus continues to lead with its technological innovations in PTFE liners. Using a state-of-the-art process, our new StreamLiner OTW lineup opens the doors to new possibilities for catheter manufacturers. Currently, no other polymer solution provider can supply an extruded PTFE liner with comparable wall thickness, flexibility and strength. Zeus is the only company in the market capable of delivering flexible PTFE liners extruded over wire with the lowest wall thickness." – Bob Chaney, Senior Vice President, Global Sales & Marketing, Zeus Industrial Products, Inc.
"StreamLiner OTW bridges the gap between film cast liners and free extruded liners by providing extremely thin walls, flexibility, and strength. These features enable more catheter design options, which ultimately translates to better tractability, deliverability and overall performance – all without compromising patient safety." – Matt Allen, Senior Product Line Manager, Zeus Industrial Products, Inc.
QUICK FACTS
Zeus has launched StreamLiner OTW, a new product lineup within its StreamLiner™ family of thin, extruded PTFE catheter liners.
StreamLiner OTW uses a proprietary process that extrudes PTFE liners over-the-wire in a range of sizes with comparable wall thickness and flexibility to film cast tubing, but with greater strength.
The new product lineup offers nominal wall thicknesses as low as 0.0004".
The new liners are provided in discrete straight lengths over silver-plated copper.
RESOURCES
Click here to request free samples.
Zeus Industrial Products: Learn more about the company and its products on the Zeus website; or call toll-free 1-800-526-3842 or +1-803-268-9500 outside the U.S.
ABOUT ZEUS INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS, INC.
Zeus Industrial Products, Inc., is headquartered in Orangeburg, SC, USA. Its core business is the development and precision extrusion of advanced polymeric materials. The company employs over 1,700 people worldwide with manufacturing and sales facilities in Aiken, Columbia, Gaston, and Orangeburg, South Carolina; Branchburg, New Jersey; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Guangzhou China; and Letterkenny, Ireland. Zeus products and services serve companies in the medical, automotive, aerospace, fiber optics, energy, and fluid management markets. For more information, visit www.zeusinc.com.
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/790870/Zeus_Logo.jpg
CONTACT: Jennifer McQuesten, VP of Corporate Communications, 803-268-9500


tass--2020-03-04--WhatsApp calls for checking coronavirus-related content

The press service of Russia ’ s VKontakte social network , in turn , said that moderators maintained constant monitoring , banning users and bot networks that share large numbers of identical reports MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
The WhatsApp messaging service is taking measures to prevent the spread of misinformation about the novel coronavirus and calls on users to check coronavirus-related content , a WhatsApp spokesperson told TASS on Wednesday .
According to WhatsApp , the service is doing its best to combat viral misinformation .
`` In this regard , we have introduced several product changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with state agencies and civil society institutions across the world , '' the spokesperson pointed out .
In particular , the messaging service has taken steps to restrict the number of times content can be forwarded to others as well as to label messages that have been shared .
`` We call on all users to check online reports before sharing them with others and turn to reliable and official sources for crucial information , '' the spokesperson pointed out .
The press service of Russia ’ s VKontakte social network , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monitoring , banning users and bot networks that share large numbers of identical reports .
`` We limit access to misleading information , particularly related to the coronavirus .
Besides , we are working on information materials about the coronavirus together with the World Health Organization , '' the press service specified .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
Coronavirus cases have also been reported in more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia .
According to the WHO , over 93,200 people have been infected with the virus across the world .
The death toll has passed 2,900 in China , and over 160 people have died in other countries .
The WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19 .

The press service of Russia’s VKontakte social network, in turn, said that moderators maintained constant monitoring, banning users and bot networks that share large numbers of identical reports
MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. The WhatsApp messaging service is taking measures to prevent the spread of misinformation about the novel coronavirus and calls on users to check coronavirus-related content, a WhatsApp spokesperson told TASS on Wednesday. According to WhatsApp, the service is doing its best to combat viral misinformation. "In this regard, we have introduced several product changes and we also continue training efforts together with state agencies and civil society institutions across the world," the spokesperson pointed out.
In particular, the messaging service has taken steps to restrict the number of times content can be forwarded to others as well as to label messages that have been shared. "We call on all users to check online reports before sharing them with others and turn to reliable and official sources for crucial information," the spokesperson pointed out. The press service of Russia’s VKontakte social network, in turn, said that moderators maintained constant monitoring, banning users and bot networks that share large numbers of identical reports. "We limit access to misleading information, particularly related to the coronavirus. Besides, we are working on information materials about the coronavirus together with the World Health Organization," the press service specified. Coronavirus outbreak
Read also Russia to speed up development of coronavirus vaccine


tass--2020-03-04--Russia calls for avoiding hasty assessments of situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russia calls on its foreign partners to avoid hasty assessments of the situation @ @ @ @ @ which can escalate the situation in the region , the Russian Foreign Ministry stated in @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We consistently support future-oriented inter-Bosnian dialogue based on equality and mutual respect .
@ @ @ @ @ partners interested in steady stabilization in Bosnia and Herzegovina will facilitate the building of bridges @ @ @ @ @ the expansion of the constructive agenda .
We also call on them to avoid unbalanced @ @ @ @ @ situation further , '' the ministry noted .
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that tensions @ @ @ @ @ Herzegovina due to a lack of trust between the three state-forming nations — Bosniaks , @ @ @ @ @ key justice reforms .
`` We believe that a search for solutions on all current @ @ @ @ @ by Bosnians within the framework stipulated by the Dayton Agreement of 1995 without any outside @ @ @ @ @ stressed .

MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. Russia calls on its foreign partners to avoid hasty assessments of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which can escalate the situation in the region, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated in a commentary published on Wednesday.
"We consistently support future-oriented inter-Bosnian dialogue based on equality and mutual respect. We hope that all foreign partners interested in steady stabilization in Bosnia and Herzegovina will facilitate the building of bridges between the Bosnian sides and the expansion of the constructive agenda. We also call on them to avoid unbalanced assessments that can complicate the situation further," the ministry noted.
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that tensions had escalated in Bosnia and Herzegovina due to a lack of trust between the three state-forming nations — Bosniaks, Serbs and Croats — regarding key justice reforms.
"We believe that a search for solutions on all current issues must be carried out by Bosnians within the framework stipulated by the Dayton Agreement of 1995 without any outside interference," the ministry stressed.


tass--2020-03-04--Most coronavirus patients in nearly all Chinese regions recover, says health official

`` As of March 3 , the share of those who recovered from diseases caused by the coronavirus in Wuhan reached 50.2 % and 76.8 % in [ counties ] of the Hubei province , while in other Chinese regions the number of those who recovered is 87.3 % , '' the official said , according to the China Central Television .
MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
More than 87 % patients in all Chinese regions , except for the Hubei province in central China , have recovered from diseases caused by the novel coronavirus , a spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told a news conference on Wednesday .
`` In Wuhan , Hubei and across the entire country the percentage of those who have recovered from the coronavirus has been on the rise over the past 19 days , '' Mi Feng said .
In the past 24 hours , the number of recovered coronavirus patients has reached nearly 25,000 out of some 49,500 .
In Hubei , some 38,500 out of 67,300 patients have recovered .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern , describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .
Besides China , major coronavirus outbreaks have been reported in South Korea , Iran and Italy .
More than 70 countries , including Russia , have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
In China , which accounts for the majority of the novel coronavirus cases , the death toll is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been infected and another 50,000 have recovered .
According to the WHO , the number of coronavirus sufferers outside China has exceeded 10,500 and more than 160 have died .

"As of March 3, the share of those who recovered from diseases caused by the coronavirus in Wuhan reached 50.2% and 76.8% in [counties] of the Hubei province, while in other Chinese regions the number of those who recovered is 87.3%," the official said, according to the China Central Television.
MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. More than 87% patients in all Chinese regions, except for the Hubei province in central China, have recovered from diseases caused by the novel coronavirus, a spokesman at the National Health Commission Mi Feng told a news conference on Wednesday.
"In Wuhan, Hubei and across the entire country the percentage of those who have recovered from the coronavirus has been on the rise over the past 19 days," Mi Feng said.
In the past 24 hours, the number of recovered coronavirus patients has reached nearly 25,000 out of some 49,500. In Hubei, some 38,500 out of 67,300 patients have recovered.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations. Besides China, major coronavirus outbreaks have been reported in South Korea, Iran and Italy. More than 70 countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases.
In China, which accounts for the majority of the novel coronavirus cases, the death toll is nearing 3,000, while almost 80,000 people have been infected and another 50,000 have recovered. According to the WHO, the number of coronavirus sufferers outside China has exceeded 10,500 and more than 160 have died.


tass--2020-03-04--Chinese researchers discover two different subtypes of the COVID-19 coronavirus

The researches have examined 103 coronavirus specimen and discovered that it underwent 149 mutations an evolved into two subtypes - S-and L-type .
These subtypes were discovered in 101 specimen , and 70 % of those were L-type , while 30 % were S-type .
MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
Chinese researchers have discovered two subtypes of the novel coronavirus with different virulence , Beijing Daily reported Wednesday citing Chinese Academy of Sciences .
The S-type coronavirus resembles more the virus found in bats .
The researchers believe that the S-type is an `` old '' version of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the outbreak in Wuhan , the L-type was widespread , but after the first week , its incidence reduced .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern , describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .
Besides China , major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Korea , Iran and Italy .
More than 70 countries , including Russia , have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
In China , which accounts for the majority of the novel coronavirus cases , the death toll is nearing 3,000 , while almost 80,000 people have been infected and another 50,000 have recovered .
According to the WHO , the number of coronavirus sufferers outside China has exceeded 10,500 and more than 160 have died .

The researches have examined 103 coronavirus specimen and discovered that it underwent 149 mutations an evolved into two subtypes - S-and L-type. These subtypes were discovered in 101 specimen, and 70% of those were L-type, while 30% were S-type.
MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. Chinese researchers have discovered two subtypes of the novel coronavirus with different virulence, Beijing Daily reported Wednesday citing Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The S-type coronavirus resembles more the virus found in bats. The researchers believe that the S-type is an "old" version of the coronavirus.
During the early days of the outbreak in Wuhan, the L-type was widespread, but after the first week, its incidence reduced.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations. Besides China, major coronavirus outbreaks have been reported in South Korea, Iran and Italy. More than 70 countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases.
In China, which accounts for the majority of the novel coronavirus cases, the death toll is nearing 3,000, while almost 80,000 people have been infected and another 50,000 have recovered. According to the WHO, the number of coronavirus sufferers outside China has exceeded 10,500 and more than 160 have died.


tass--2020-03-04--Sberbank CEO reveals professions to be in future demand

MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
The rollout of artificial intelligence ( AI ) will lead to rise of @ @ @ @ @ biomedical engineers , neural information specialists and neurointerface designers , said Chief Executive Officer of @ @ @ @ @ `` Technologies in today ’ s world are the dominating factor determining all the other @ @ @ @ @ economy , social life , society , and the daily life of each citizen .
@ @ @ @ @ point of view , is a key long-term technology that will drive all other technologies @ @ @ @ @ individual , whatever he is dealing with , shall master artificial intelligence technology .
Simple @ @ @ @ @ from the list of professions with the aid of the artificial intelligence , '' Gref @ @ @ @ @ biomedical engineers , neuroinformatic specialists and neurointerface designers will enjoy huge demand in the future @ @ @ @ @ artificial intelligence , the banking executive emphasized .

MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. The rollout of artificial intelligence (AI) will lead to rise of new occupations, such as biomedical engineers, neural information specialists and neurointerface designers, said Chief Executive Officer of Sberbank Herman Gref Wednesday.
"Technologies in today’s world are the dominating factor determining all the other things — politics, the economy, social life, society, and the daily life of each citizen. Artificial intelligence, from our point of view, is a key long-term technology that will drive all other technologies, without exception. Any individual, whatever he is dealing with, shall master artificial intelligence technology. Simple majors will soon be excluded from the list of professions with the aid of the artificial intelligence," Gref noted.
Occupations such as biomedical engineers, neuroinformatic specialists and neurointerface designers will enjoy huge demand in the future because of the evolution of artificial intelligence, the banking executive emphasized.


tass--2020-03-04--Putin to discuss constitutional amendments with leaders of parliamentary factions

MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold a meeting with the leaders of parliamentary @ @ @ @ @ of the second reading of a bill amending the Russian Constitution , the Kremlin press @ @ @ @ @ .
Head of the United Russia ’ s faction in the State Duma ( the @ @ @ @ @ Sergei Neverov proposed such a meeting on February 18 .
Putin supported his proposal , @ @ @ @ @ to meet with lawmakers in the near future to discuss related matters .
On January @ @ @ @ @ State Duma passed the first reading of the bill , which had been submitted by @ @ @ @ @ bill expands the authority of Russia ’ s parliament and Constitutional Court , bars officials @ @ @ @ @ residence permits , limits the number of presidential terms , ensures the supremacy of the @ @ @ @ @ legal system and stipulates a nationwide vote on the amendments .

MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold a meeting with the leaders of parliamentary factions on March 5 ahead of the second reading of a bill amending the Russian Constitution, the Kremlin press service said in a statement.
Head of the United Russia’s faction in the State Duma (the lower house of parliament) Sergei Neverov proposed such a meeting on February 18. Putin supported his proposal, saying that he would like to meet with lawmakers in the near future to discuss related matters.
On January 23, Russia’s State Duma passed the first reading of the bill, which had been submitted by President Vladimir Putin. The bill expands the authority of Russia’s parliament and Constitutional Court, bars officials from holding foreign passports and residence permits, limits the number of presidential terms, ensures the supremacy of the Constitution within Russia’s legal system and stipulates a nationwide vote on the amendments.


tass--2020-03-05--Hainan authorities vow coronavirus fears will not undermine foreign investments

HAIKOU , March 5 .
/TASS/ .
The coronavirus outbreak in China has had a short-term impact on the enterprises with foreign capital on the Island of Hainan , however , a difficult epidemiological situation can not in the long run undermine foreign investors ' trust in the island 's economy , said the head of the foreign investments department at the provincial commercial office Jin Jing .
`` The coronavirus oubreak did indeed impact the enterprises with foreign capital [ on Hainan ] in the short term .
However it will not have an effect on the foreign investors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zone and free port '' , the newspaper quotes the official as saying .
As Jin Jing noted , `` currently the island continues to implement key foreign projects , some of those are managing to work online '' .
`` Several foreign enterprises have already said that as soon as the coronavirus epidemic recedes , they are ready to send their representatives to Hainan to sign contracts '' , the official stated .
In April 2018 , President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ island province .
By 2050 , according to the authorities , the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy , developed tourism , top-notch scientific , technical and financial potential , and modern medicine .
The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan .
By 2025 , the Chinese government intends to create an `` international center for tourism and consumption '' on Hainan .
In order to do so , the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ landscapes , thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels , which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline .
The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world .

HAIKOU, March 5. /TASS/. The coronavirus outbreak in China has had a short-term impact on the enterprises with foreign capital on the Island of Hainan, however, a difficult epidemiological situation cannot in the long run undermine foreign investors' trust in the island's economy, said the head of the foreign investments department at the provincial commercial office Jin Jing.
"The coronavirus oubreak did indeed impact the enterprises with foreign capital [on Hainan] in the short term. However it will not have an effect on the foreign investors' trust in Hainan's free trade zone and free port", the newspaper quotes the official as saying.
As Jin Jing noted, "currently the island continues to implement key foreign projects, some of those are managing to work online". "Several foreign enterprises have already said that as soon as the coronavirus epidemic recedes, they are ready to send their representatives to Hainan to sign contracts", the official stated.
In April 2018, President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province. By 2050, according to the authorities, the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy, developed tourism, top-notch scientific, technical and financial potential, and modern medicine. The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan.
By 2025, the Chinese government intends to create an "international center for tourism and consumption" on Hainan. In order to do so, the "Eastern Hawaii" with their unique natural landscapes, thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels, which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline. The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world.


tass--2020-03-05--Air defense troops to strike enemy missiles and drones in large-scale Urals drills

`` The field exercise will take place at the Donguz training range in the Orenburg Region for the first time and involve over 10,000 troops and more than 1,100 items of military hardware , '' the commander said .
MOSCOW , March 5 .
/TASS/ .
Over 10,000 anti-aircraft gunners will practice fighting enemy cruise missiles and drones during drills in the Orenburg Region in the Urals , Central Military District Commander Colonel-General Alexander Lapin said on Thursday .
The anti-aircraft gunners will hold a series of drills to fight cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles , `` employing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ command and control , surface-to-air missile fire , electronic warfare and aerosol countermeasures subsystems , '' he added .
The troops of the Central Military District are simultaneously conducting other field exercises at the training ranges in the Altai and Chelyabinsk Regions and on the territory of Tajikistan , the District ’ s press office said .
In September last year , the Donguz practice range was the scene of the Center-2019 strategic command and staff drills aimed at practicing military security measures in the Central Asian region .
The maneuvers involved 128,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , China , Pakistan , Tajikistan and Uzbekistan .
The Central Military District is the largest in Russia .
It is based on the territory of the Volga , Urals and Siberian integrated federal districts and 29 Russian regions .
Structurally , the Central Military District also includes some overseas facilities : the 201st military base in Tajikistan , the Kant integrated military base in Kyrgyzstan and units stationed on the territory of Kazakhstan .

"The field exercise will take place at the Donguz training range in the Orenburg Region for the first time and involve over 10,000 troops and more than 1,100 items of military hardware," the commander said.
MOSCOW, March 5. /TASS/. Over 10,000 anti-aircraft gunners will practice fighting enemy cruise missiles and drones during drills in the Orenburg Region in the Urals, Central Military District Commander Colonel-General Alexander Lapin said on Thursday.
The anti-aircraft gunners will hold a series of drills to fight cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, "employing a comprehensive system that consists of reconnaissance, command and control, surface-to-air missile fire, electronic warfare and aerosol countermeasures subsystems," he added.
The troops of the Central Military District are simultaneously conducting other field exercises at the training ranges in the Altai and Chelyabinsk Regions and on the territory of Tajikistan, the District’s press office said.
In September last year, the Donguz practice range was the scene of the Center-2019 strategic command and staff drills aimed at practicing military security measures in the Central Asian region. The maneuvers involved 128,000 troops, including military contingents from India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
The Central Military District is the largest in Russia. It is based on the territory of the Volga, Urals and Siberian integrated federal districts and 29 Russian regions. Structurally, the Central Military District also includes some overseas facilities: the 201st military base in Tajikistan, the Kant integrated military base in Kyrgyzstan and units stationed on the territory of Kazakhstan.


tass--2020-03-05--OPEC ministers approve additional reduction of oil production — source

Putin says most ‘ fake news ’ on coronavirus spread in Russia comes from abroad According to Putin , fake @ @ @ @ @ by timely and reliably informing people about the situation

It would be US ‘golden dream’ to have nuclear weapons in Ukraine — diplomat
Maria Zakharova recalled that Italy and many other countries possess the US nuclear weapons but do not have access to them
Read more


tass--2020-03-05--Putin highlights need for face-to-face conversation with Erdogan amid Idlib crisis

MOSCOW , March 5 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday that a face-to-face meeting was necessary amid the escalation in Idlib .
`` We always have something to talk about , but now the situation in the Idlib zone has escalated so much that this requires our face-to-face conversation , '' the Russian leader said opening the Russian-Turkish talks .
According to Russia 's president , the situation in Idlib must be discussed so that it does not ruin Russian-Turkish relations .
`` We must definitely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have today , so that similar things [ … ] never happen again and so that [ … ] it does not destroy the Russian-Turkish relations , which we — and I know that you too — treat carefully and prize highly , '' Putin stated .
Vladimir Putin reiterated his condolences over the death of Turkish troops in Syria to Recep Tayyip Erdogan , noting that the Syrian Army had been unaware of the Turkish forces ' location .
`` I would like to reiterate my deepest condolences over the death of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addressed Erdogan .
The Russian president added that `` the loss of human life is always a tragedy . ''
`` Unfortunately , as I told you before in a phone call , no one , including the Syrian troops , was aware of their [ Turkish military ] location , '' Putin said .
He added that Syrian troops had likewise sustained losses recently .
Putin thanked Erdogan for finding the opportinity to travel to Moscow to hold the meeting .
He noted that the conversation would begin in private , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later , if necessary , the two countries ' delegations would join it .
Russia , Turkey and Iran signed a memorandum , according to which the Idlib province became part of one of the four de-escalation zones in Syria , in May 2017 .
In September 2018 , the Russian and Turkish presidents reached an agreement to set up a demilitarized zone in that province along the line of engagement of Syrian government forces and the armed opposition .
Despite the agreements , extremists were not withdrawn from Idlib and continued to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then , the situation in the region has deteriorated several times , including at the beginning of 2020 .
The situation in Idlib deteriorated dramatically once again on February 27 when , according to the Russian Defense Ministry , militants attempted to launch a major offensive .
The Syrian military carried out a strike against them , which , according to Ankara , killed more than 30 Turkish soldiers .
Later in the day , Ankara launched a new military operation in Syria dubbed Spring Shield against Syrian forces .

MOSCOW, March 5. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday that a face-to-face meeting was necessary amid the escalation in Idlib.
"We always have something to talk about, but now the situation in the Idlib zone has escalated so much that this requires our face-to-face conversation," the Russian leader said opening the Russian-Turkish talks.
According to Russia's president, the situation in Idlib must be discussed so that it does not ruin Russian-Turkish relations. "We must definitely discuss everything, the entire situation we have today, so that similar things […] never happen again and so that […] it does not destroy the Russian-Turkish relations, which we — and I know that you too — treat carefully and prize highly," Putin stated.
Vladimir Putin reiterated his condolences over the death of Turkish troops in Syria to Recep Tayyip Erdogan, noting that the Syrian Army had been unaware of the Turkish forces' location. "I would like to reiterate my deepest condolences over the death of your troops in Syria," Putin addressed Erdogan. The Russian president added that "the loss of human life is always a tragedy." "Unfortunately, as I told you before in a phone call, no one, including the Syrian troops, was aware of their [Turkish military] location," Putin said. He added that Syrian troops had likewise sustained losses recently.
Putin thanked Erdogan for finding the opportinity to travel to Moscow to hold the meeting. He noted that the conversation would begin in private, as the Turkish leader had asked, and later, if necessary, the two countries' delegations would join it.
Situation in Idlib
Russia, Turkey and Iran signed a memorandum, according to which the Idlib province became part of one of the four de-escalation zones in Syria, in May 2017. In September 2018, the Russian and Turkish presidents reached an agreement to set up a demilitarized zone in that province along the line of engagement of Syrian government forces and the armed opposition. Despite the agreements, extremists were not withdrawn from Idlib and continued to shell government forces’ positions. Since then, the situation in the region has deteriorated several times, including at the beginning of 2020.
The situation in Idlib deteriorated dramatically once again on February 27 when, according to the Russian Defense Ministry, militants attempted to launch a major offensive. The Syrian military carried out a strike against them, which, according to Ankara, killed more than 30 Turkish soldiers. Later in the day, Ankara launched a new military operation in Syria dubbed Spring Shield against Syrian forces.