tass--2020-01-12--Ceasefire largely holds in Syria’s Idlib and Libya, Turkish top brass says

ANKARA , January 12 .
/TASS/ .
Ceasefire in Libya and in the Idlib de-escalation zone in northern Syria introduced at the initiative of Russia and Turkey largely holds , Turkey ’ s Ministry of National Defense said in a statement on Sunday .
`` Ceasefire in Libya and Idlib entered into force from 00:01 on January 12 .
Ceasefire introduced in two regions is an important step for establishing peace and stability .
Since the ceasefire declaration the sides have been trying to observe truce .
The situation remains calm except for one or two incidents , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of National Defense reported on January 10 that Ankara and Moscow had agreed on the implementation of the ceasefire in the Idlib de-escalation zone in northern Syria from January 12 .
However , on January 9 Head of the Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Sides in Syria Maj. Gen. Yuri Borenkov announced introducing ceasefire in the Idlib de-escalation zone from 14:00 Moscow Time on Thursday .
Idlib is the only Syrian region that is still controlled by illegal armed groups .
A northern de-escalation zone was set up in Idlib in 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families who were reluctant to voluntarily surrender arms in Eastern Ghouta and in Syria ’ s southern regions .
Twelve Turkish army ’ s observation points are operating in the Idlib governorate .
On January 8 , at the Russian-Turkish summit in Istanbul , the two countries ’ presidents urged all the conflicting parties in Libya to stop fighting at midnight on January 12 .
On Saturday evening , the Libyan National Army announced backing the ceasefire , and the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord later voiced its support for the initiative .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the conflicting sides started trading blame for violating it .
Currently , Libya has two supreme executive authorities , namely the internationally recognized Tripoli-based Government of National Accord headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj , and the interim government of Abdullah al-Thani , seated in the east of the country , alongside the parliament , which is supported by the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar .
On December 12 , 2019 , Haftar announced the launch of a win-the-war offensive against Tripoli , aiming to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January 2 , Turkey ’ s parliament approved a bill that would allow the government to send troops to Libya .
This step sparked a wave of criticism across the region .
On January 5 , Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the beginning of Turkish troops ’ deployment to Libya .
Erdogan pointed out that the force would be `` tasked with carrying out coordination actions '' and with `` ensuring the security of [ Libya 's ] legitimate government , '' but would not be involved in fighting .

ANKARA, January 12. /TASS/. Ceasefire in Libya and in the Idlib de-escalation zone in northern Syria introduced at the initiative of Russia and Turkey largely holds, Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense said in a statement on Sunday.
"Ceasefire in Libya and Idlib entered into force from 00:01 on January 12. Ceasefire introduced in two regions is an important step for establishing peace and stability. Since the ceasefire declaration the sides have been trying to observe truce. The situation remains calm except for one or two incidents," the statement said.
Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense reported on January 10 that Ankara and Moscow had agreed on the implementation of the ceasefire in the Idlib de-escalation zone in northern Syria from January 12. However, on January 9 Head of the Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Sides in Syria Maj. Gen. Yuri Borenkov announced introducing ceasefire in the Idlib de-escalation zone from 14:00 Moscow Time on Thursday.
Idlib is the only Syrian region that is still controlled by illegal armed groups. A northern de-escalation zone was set up in Idlib in 2017 to give shelter to militants and their families who were reluctant to voluntarily surrender arms in Eastern Ghouta and in Syria’s southern regions. Twelve Turkish army’s observation points are operating in the Idlib governorate.
On January 8, at the Russian-Turkish summit in Istanbul, the two countries’ presidents urged all the conflicting parties in Libya to stop fighting at midnight on January 12. On Saturday evening, the Libyan National Army announced backing the ceasefire, and the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord later voiced its support for the initiative. Shortly after the ceasefire came into effect, the conflicting sides started trading blame for violating it.
Libyan crisis
Currently, Libya has two supreme executive authorities, namely the internationally recognized Tripoli-based Government of National Accord headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, and the interim government of Abdullah al-Thani, seated in the east of the country, alongside the parliament, which is supported by the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. On December 12, 2019, Haftar announced the launch of a win-the-war offensive against Tripoli, aiming to eradicate terrorist groups operating there.
On January 2, Turkey’s parliament approved a bill that would allow the government to send troops to Libya. This step sparked a wave of criticism across the region. On January 5, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the beginning of Turkish troops’ deployment to Libya. Erdogan pointed out that the force would be "tasked with carrying out coordination actions" and with "ensuring the security of [Libya's] legitimate government," but would not be involved in fighting.


tass--2020-01-12--Abkhazia’s presidential election rerun set for March 22 - CEC

SUKHUM , January 12 .
/TASS/ .
Abkhazia ’ s Central Election Commission has set March 22 as the date of the rerun presidential election after the previous vote ’ s outcome was canceled by the Supreme Court , its chief Tamaz Gogiya told reporters on Sunday .
`` March 22 [ has been set as the election date ] .
Everyone voted and this decision was passed almost unanimously '' , he said .
The political crisis in Abkhazia began on January 9 when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urgent meeting of the Security Council and said after it that a state of emergency was not ruled out .
Abkhazia ’ s parliament convened an early session and passed a statement urging the president to step down .
In response , Khajimba invited the opposition to negotiate .
On Friday , the country ’ s Supreme Court overturned the ruling of the country 's Central Election Commission ( CEC ) on results of the presidential election and ruled to set a rerun election .
Thus , the court board sustained opposition activist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful .
Earlier reports said Khajimba planned to appeal the court ’ s ruling and stand in the new election .
The CEC and the head of state insist that under the law Khajimba must continue ruling the country until the rerun election .
Opposition leader Aslan Bzhania said he would make a decision on running in the new election after ironing out the social and political crisis in the republic .
Kvitsinia , who was defeated by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decided on standing in the new polls .

SUKHUM, January 12. /TASS/. Abkhazia’s Central Election Commission has set March 22 as the date of the rerun presidential election after the previous vote’s outcome was canceled by the Supreme Court, its chief Tamaz Gogiya told reporters on Sunday.
"March 22 [has been set as the election date]. Everyone voted and this decision was passed almost unanimously", he said.
The political crisis in Abkhazia began on January 9 when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff. Khajimba called an urgent meeting of the Security Council and said after it that a state of emergency was not ruled out. Abkhazia’s parliament convened an early session and passed a statement urging the president to step down. In response, Khajimba invited the opposition to negotiate.
On Friday, the country’s Supreme Court overturned the ruling of the country's Central Election Commission (CEC) on results of the presidential election and ruled to set a rerun election. Thus, the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia’s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful.
Earlier reports said Khajimba planned to appeal the court’s ruling and stand in the new election. The CEC and the head of state insist that under the law Khajimba must continue ruling the country until the rerun election.
Opposition leader Aslan Bzhania said he would make a decision on running in the new election after ironing out the social and political crisis in the republic. Kvitsinia, who was defeated by a narrow margin, has not yet decided on standing in the new polls.


tass--2020-01-12--Abkhazia’s CEC to discuss new presidential election on Sunday

SUKHUM , January 12 .
/TASS/ .
Abkhazia ’ s Central Election Commission is due discuss at its meeting on Sunday setting the date of a new presidential election after the previous vote outcome was canceled by the Supreme Court , its head Tamaz Gogiya told TASS .
The CEC planned to discuss the date of the vote not earlier than on Monday .
Meanwhile , the opposition demands setting the election date as soon as possible .
`` Another agenda is the court ’ s ruling , '' Gogiya said .
When answering a question whether the new date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gogiya noted that `` this is highly likely and there is no need in delaying this . ''
The political crisis in Abkhazia began on January 9 when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff .
Khajimba called an urgent meeting of the Security Council and said after it that a state of emergency was not ruled out .
Abkhazia ’ s parliament convened an early session and passed a statement urging the president to step down .
In response , Khajimba @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday , the country ’ s Supreme Court overturned the ruling of the country 's Central Election Commission ( CEC ) on results of the presidential election and ruled to set a rerun election .
Thus , the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia ’ s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful .
Earlier reports said Khajimba planned to appeal the court ’ s ruling and stand in the new election if it is held .
The CEC and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the law Khajimba must continue ruling the country until the rerun election .

SUKHUM, January 12. /TASS/. Abkhazia’s Central Election Commission is due discuss at its meeting on Sunday setting the date of a new presidential election after the previous vote outcome was canceled by the Supreme Court, its head Tamaz Gogiya told TASS.
The CEC planned to discuss the date of the vote not earlier than on Monday. Meanwhile, the opposition demands setting the election date as soon as possible.
"Another agenda is the court’s ruling," Gogiya said. When answering a question whether the new date of the election will be set, Gogiya noted that "this is highly likely and there is no need in delaying this."
The political crisis in Abkhazia began on January 9 when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff. Khajimba called an urgent meeting of the Security Council and said after it that a state of emergency was not ruled out. Abkhazia’s parliament convened an early session and passed a statement urging the president to step down. In response, Khajimba invited the opposition to negotiate.
On Friday, the country’s Supreme Court overturned the ruling of the country's Central Election Commission (CEC) on results of the presidential election and ruled to set a rerun election. Thus, the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia’s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful.
Earlier reports said Khajimba planned to appeal the court’s ruling and stand in the new election if it is held. The CEC and the head of state insist that under the law Khajimba must continue ruling the country until the rerun election.


tass--2020-01-12--Abkhaz opposition seizing presidential administration building for fourth day

SUKHUM , January 12 .
/TASS/ .
Opponents of Abkhazia ’ s authorities have been seizing the presidential administration ’ s building in downtown Sukhum for the fourth day since Thursday .
On Sunday morning , the opposition members were inside the presidential administration ’ s building and were not letting anyone inside .
The activists expect that their leaders will make a number of statements .
According to the opposition , more than 400 people are staying in the building .
Another 20 opposition figures remain outside the parliament .
No one is in the philharmonia ’ s building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on January 11 with the vice president and the former vice president .
The supporters of Raul Khajimba plan to gather later .
A group of several people is heading to the state residence where the republic ’ s head is staying and more statements are expected to be made .
The political crisis in Abkhazia began on January 9 when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff .
Khajimba called an urgent meeting of the Security Council and said after it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruled out .
Abkhazia ’ s parliament convened an early session and passed a statement urging the president to step down .
In response , Khajimba invited the opposition to negotiate .
On Friday , the country ’ s Supreme Court overturned the ruling of the country 's Central Election Commission ( CEC ) on results of the presidential election and ruled to set a rerun election .
Thus , the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia ’ s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Central Election Commission is expected to consider the issue on the election date on January 13 .
The opposition demands Khajimba ’ s resignation while the president plans to appeal the court ’ s ruling and stand in the new election if it is held .
The CEC and the head of state insist that under the law Khajimba must continue ruling the country until the rerun election .

SUKHUM, January 12. /TASS/. Opponents of Abkhazia’s authorities have been seizing the presidential administration’s building in downtown Sukhum for the fourth day since Thursday.
On Sunday morning, the opposition members were inside the presidential administration’s building and were not letting anyone inside. The activists expect that their leaders will make a number of statements.
According to the opposition, more than 400 people are staying in the building. Another 20 opposition figures remain outside the parliament. No one is in the philharmonia’s building where the president’s supporters met on January 11 with the vice president and the former vice president.
The supporters of Raul Khajimba plan to gather later. A group of several people is heading to the state residence where the republic’s head is staying and more statements are expected to be made.
Situation in Sukhum
The political crisis in Abkhazia began on January 9 when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff. Khajimba called an urgent meeting of the Security Council and said after it that a state of emergency was not ruled out. Abkhazia’s parliament convened an early session and passed a statement urging the president to step down. In response, Khajimba invited the opposition to negotiate.
On Friday, the country’s Supreme Court overturned the ruling of the country's Central Election Commission (CEC) on results of the presidential election and ruled to set a rerun election. Thus, the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia’s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful.
The Central Election Commission is expected to consider the issue on the election date on January 13. The opposition demands Khajimba’s resignation while the president plans to appeal the court’s ruling and stand in the new election if it is held. The CEC and the head of state insist that under the law Khajimba must continue ruling the country until the rerun election.


tass--2020-01-12--Tripoli-based government declares ceasefire under Russian-Turkish initiative

CAIRO , January 12 .
/TASS/ .
The Tripoli-based Government of National Accord led by Fayez al-Sarraj has declared ceasefire as part of an initiative proposed by Russia and Turkey , the cabinet said in a statement posted on its Facebook page .
`` In response to a call of Turkish and Russian Presidents Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin , the head of the presidential council [ who acts as the head of state , this body is led by al-Sarraj ] and commander-in-chief of the Libyan Army declare ceasefire starting from January 12 , '' the statement said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that that GNA plans to take in order to implement ceasefire .
In particular , it declares that military committees proposed by both sides should immediately start working on the measures guaranteeing ceasefire under the UN auspices .
Al-Sarraj ’ s cabinet has also confirmed that it supports the course towards political settlement through the Berlin conference for arranging a nationwide meeting attended by all parties to the Libyan conflict .
It also recalled that it has a legal right to protect itself , responding to any possible attack or aggression of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Libyan National Army led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar also declared its agreement to stop combat actions .
LNA Spokesman General Ahmed al-Mesmari announced a ceasefire from midnight on January 12 local time ( 01:00 Moscow time ) .
He demanded that the opposite side back the ceasefire , vowing to give a harsh response in case of its refusal .
The presidents of Russia and Turkey called on all parties to the Libyan conflict to declare ceasefire starting from Sunday after their meeting in Istanbul on January 8 .
Shortly after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tripoli cabinet ’ s forces of violating the deal claiming that they had carried out attacks in a number of areas using all types of weapons , including the artillery .
According to Afrigatenews portal , fierce clashes were reported near oil fields close to the international airport and in Tripoli ’ s southern suburb .
The command confirmed that despite these attacks it remained committed to the ceasefire .
The GNA 's Volcano of Anger counteroffensive operation forces also accused Haftar ’ s troops of violating the ceasefire , Al Jazeera TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s forces had opened indiscriminate mortar fire on Salah al-Din .
Currently , Libya has two supreme executive authorities , namely the internationally recognized Tripoli-based Government of National Accord headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj , and the interim government of Abdullah al-Thani , seated in the east of the country , alongside the parliament , which is supported by the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar .
On December 12 , 2019 , Haftar announced the launch of a win-the-war offensive against Tripoli , aiming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On January 2 , Turkey ’ s parliament approved a bill that would allow the government to send troops to Libya .
This step sparked a wave of criticism across the region .
On January 5 , Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the beginning of Turkish troops ’ deployment to Libya .
Erdogan pointed out that the force would be `` tasked with carrying out coordination actions '' and with `` ensuring the security of [ Libya 's ] legitimate government , '' but would not be involved in fighting .

CAIRO, January 12. /TASS/. The Tripoli-based Government of National Accord led by Fayez al-Sarraj has declared ceasefire as part of an initiative proposed by Russia and Turkey, the cabinet said in a statement posted on its Facebook page.
"In response to a call of Turkish and Russian Presidents Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin, the head of the presidential council [who acts as the head of state, this body is led by al-Sarraj] and commander-in-chief of the Libyan Army declare ceasefire starting from January 12," the statement said.
The communique outlines a number of steps that that GNA plans to take in order to implement ceasefire. In particular, it declares that military committees proposed by both sides should immediately start working on the measures guaranteeing ceasefire under the UN auspices.
Al-Sarraj’s cabinet has also confirmed that it supports the course towards political settlement through the Berlin conference for arranging a nationwide meeting attended by all parties to the Libyan conflict. It also recalled that it has a legal right to protect itself, responding to any possible attack or aggression of the other party.
On Saturday, the Libyan National Army led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar also declared its agreement to stop combat actions. LNA Spokesman General Ahmed al-Mesmari announced a ceasefire from midnight on January 12 local time (01:00 Moscow time). He demanded that the opposite side back the ceasefire, vowing to give a harsh response in case of its refusal.
The presidents of Russia and Turkey called on all parties to the Libyan conflict to declare ceasefire starting from Sunday after their meeting in Istanbul on January 8.
Accusations of violating ceasefire
Shortly after the ceasefire declaration, the LNA accused the Tripoli cabinet’s forces of violating the deal claiming that they had carried out attacks in a number of areas using all types of weapons, including the artillery. According to Afrigatenews portal, fierce clashes were reported near oil fields close to the international airport and in Tripoli’s southern suburb. The command confirmed that despite these attacks it remained committed to the ceasefire.
The GNA's Volcano of Anger counteroffensive operation forces also accused Haftar’s troops of violating the ceasefire, Al Jazeera TV channel reported. They claimed that Haftar’s forces had opened indiscriminate mortar fire on Salah al-Din.
Libyan crisis
Currently, Libya has two supreme executive authorities, namely the internationally recognized Tripoli-based Government of National Accord headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, and the interim government of Abdullah al-Thani, seated in the east of the country, alongside the parliament, which is supported by the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. On December 12, 2019, Haftar announced the launch of a win-the-war offensive against Tripoli, aiming to eradicate terrorist groups operating there.
On January 2, Turkey’s parliament approved a bill that would allow the government to send troops to Libya. This step sparked a wave of criticism across the region. On January 5, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the beginning of Turkish troops’ deployment to Libya. Erdogan pointed out that the force would be "tasked with carrying out coordination actions" and with "ensuring the security of [Libya's] legitimate government," but would not be involved in fighting.


tass--2020-01-12--Russian military delivers food to residents of Syria’s Sharran village

ALEPPO /Syria/ , January 12 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian military has delivered humanitarian assistance to northern Syria ’ s @ @ @ @ @ 1.5 tonnes of food to its residents , an officer of the Center for Reconciliation @ @ @ @ @ Evloyev told reporters on Sunday .
`` Today we have carried out another event in @ @ @ @ @ out more than 500 food packages to civilians .
The packages are aimed for children @ @ @ @ @ , '' the officer said .
The food packages contain Russian-made flour , sugar , @ @ @ @ @ also tea .
According to the Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides , the Russian @ @ @ @ @ total of 2,300 humanitarian events in Syria .
The Syrian citizens have received nearly 4,000 @ @ @ @ @ water and essentials .

ALEPPO /Syria/, January 12. /TASS/. The Russian military has delivered humanitarian assistance to northern Syria’s Sharran village handing out some 1.5 tonnes of food to its residents, an officer of the Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides, Adam Evloyev told reporters on Sunday.
"Today we have carried out another event in northern Syria where we handed out more than 500 food packages to civilians. The packages are aimed for children, women and poor people," the officer said.
The food packages contain Russian-made flour, sugar, rice, condensed milk and also tea.
According to the Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides, the Russian military has carried out a total of 2,300 humanitarian events in Syria. The Syrian citizens have received nearly 4,000 tonnes of food, drinking water and essentials.


tass--2020-01-12--Three crossing points for civilians in Syria’s Idlib area to open on Jan 13

TASS , January 12 .
Three checkpoints for civilians willing to return to their homes from the Idlib de-escalation zone to the territories under the control of the Syrian government will open on January 13 , Major General Yuri Borenkov , chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria , told reporters on Saturday .
`` The Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria is receiving numerous requests from Syrian civilians from the Idlib de-escalation zone controlled by armed groups to return to their homes located on the territories liberated from militants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of civilians to territories under the control of the Syrian government , three crossing points will begin to function in Abu Ed Duhur , Habit and Hader , '' Borenkov said .
The general added that the crossings would provide first aid to those who need it , give out water , food and basic necessities .
The Russian center will also transport the civilians to safe regions .
Employees of the Russian reconciliation center continue to fulfill the tasks assigned to them after the completion of the military campaign in Syria .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ liberated areas to assess the humanitarian situation .
The main efforts of the Russian military are now focused on aiding the refugees who are returning to their homes and evacuating civilians from the war-torn country ’ s de-escalation zones .
In total , since the beginning of the regulation process , the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria has held 2,325 humanitarian actions .

TASS, January 12. Three checkpoints for civilians willing to return to their homes from the Idlib de-escalation zone to the territories under the control of the Syrian government will open on January 13, Major General Yuri Borenkov, chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria, told reporters on Saturday.
"The Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria is receiving numerous requests from Syrian civilians from the Idlib de-escalation zone controlled by armed groups to return to their homes located on the territories liberated from militants. In order to organize the exit of civilians to territories under the control of the Syrian government, three crossing points will begin to function in Abu Ed Duhur, Habit and Hader," Borenkov said.
The general added that the crossings would provide first aid to those who need it, give out water, food and basic necessities. The Russian center will also transport the civilians to safe regions.
Employees of the Russian reconciliation center continue to fulfill the tasks assigned to them after the completion of the military campaign in Syria. They regularly travel around the country's liberated areas to assess the humanitarian situation. The main efforts of the Russian military are now focused on aiding the refugees who are returning to their homes and evacuating civilians from the war-torn country’s de-escalation zones. In total, since the beginning of the regulation process, the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria has held 2,325 humanitarian actions.


tass--2020-01-12--Abkhaz security chief notes high level of trust towards Russian delegation

SUKHUM , January 12 .
/TASS/ .
All parties involved in the current political crisis in Abkhazia have a high level of trust towards the members of the Russian delegation to the country headed by Deputy Secretary of the Russian Security Council Rashid Nurgaliyev , Abkhazia ’ s Security Council Secretary Mukhamed Kilba informed TASS on Saturday .
`` In Abkhazia , Rashid Nurgaliyev is well received ; there is a lot of trust towards him .
He came with a delegation that involves representatives from various Russian institutions , they are seen as arbitrators and experienced colleagues , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first stage , members of the Russian delegation hold meetings with representatives of various sides to the conflict that led to the wave of protests in the country , and only after that , they would be ready to propose a course of action .
`` The priority [ of the Russian delegation ] is to study the situation in detail .
It would be wrong to use the information from one side , so they are planning to meet with representatives of various political entities .
In any difficult situation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of trust towards Russia , and its position is of interest to the public and our politicians , '' Abkhazia ’ s security chief stated .
A Russian delegation headed by Deputy Secretary of the Russian Security Council Rashid Nurgaliyev arrived in Abkhazia on Friday .
On Friday and Saturday , Nurgaliyev held several meetings with the country ’ s officials and opposition members .
Earlier , leader of the Abkhaz opposition Aslan Bjania informed that he had met with the Russian official to discuss the situation in the country , adding that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and positive manner .
The political crisis in Abkhazia erupted on January 9 , when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff .
Khajimba called an urgent meeting of the Security Council to declare that the introduction of a state of emergency was not ruled out .
Abkhazia ’ s parliament met in early session on the same day to vote for a message to the president urging him to step down .
In response , Khajimba invited the opposition to negotiate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Supreme Court overturned the ruling of the country 's Central Election Commission ( CEC ) on results of the presidential election and ruled to call rerun elections .
Thus , the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia ’ s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful .

SUKHUM, January 12. /TASS/. All parties involved in the current political crisis in Abkhazia have a high level of trust towards the members of the Russian delegation to the country headed by Deputy Secretary of the Russian Security Council Rashid Nurgaliyev, Abkhazia’s Security Council Secretary Mukhamed Kilba informed TASS on Saturday.
"In Abkhazia, Rashid Nurgaliyev is well received; there is a lot of trust towards him. He came with a delegation that involves representatives from various Russian institutions, they are seen as arbitrators and experienced colleagues," Kilba said.
He noted that during the first stage, members of the Russian delegation hold meetings with representatives of various sides to the conflict that led to the wave of protests in the country, and only after that, they would be ready to propose a course of action. "The priority [of the Russian delegation] is to study the situation in detail. It would be wrong to use the information from one side, so they are planning to meet with representatives of various political entities. In any difficult situation, the Abkhaz society has a high level of trust towards Russia, and its position is of interest to the public and our politicians," Abkhazia’s security chief stated.
A Russian delegation headed by Deputy Secretary of the Russian Security Council Rashid Nurgaliyev arrived in Abkhazia on Friday. On Friday and Saturday, Nurgaliyev held several meetings with the country’s officials and opposition members. Earlier, leader of the Abkhaz opposition Aslan Bjania informed that he had met with the Russian official to discuss the situation in the country, adding that the talks were held in a constructive and positive manner.
The political crisis in Abkhazia erupted on January 9, when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff. Khajimba called an urgent meeting of the Security Council to declare that the introduction of a state of emergency was not ruled out. Abkhazia’s parliament met in early session on the same day to vote for a message to the president urging him to step down. In response, Khajimba invited the opposition to negotiate.
On Friday, the country’s Supreme Court overturned the ruling of the country's Central Election Commission (CEC) on results of the presidential election and ruled to call rerun elections. Thus, the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia’s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful.


tass--2020-01-12--Libyan National Army accuses Tripoli forces of violating ceasefire

CAIRO , January 12 .
/TASS/ .
Units of the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord have violated the ceasefire several times since its declaration , commander of the Western district of the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) Mabrouk al-Gazavi stated .
`` These formations have violated the ceasefire in various areas , using all types of weapons , including the artillery , '' he said , quoted by Afrigatenews portal .
`` We still follow the orders given to us before midnight .
We await further instructions . ''
Earlier , LNA spokesman Ahmed al-Mesmari informed that the LNA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the country starting midnight on Sunday local time ( 01:00 Moscow time ) .
`` The Libyan army declares a ceasefire in the western region starting 00:01 January 12 , '' the statement informs .
`` The ceasefire will remain in place as long as the other side adheres to it .
In case of any violations , the response will be tough . ''
On the outcomes of the January 8 meeting in Istanbul , Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish colleague Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on all sides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ceasefire starting midnight January 12 .
Currently , Libya has two supreme executive authorities , namely the internationally recognized Tripoli-based Government of National Accord headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj , and the interim government of Abdullah al-Thani , seated in the east of the country , alongside the parliament , which is supported by the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar .
On December 12 , 2019 , Haftar announced the launch of a win-the-war offensive against Tripoli , aiming to eradicate terrorist groups operating there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s parliament approved a bill that would allow the government to send troops to Libya .
This step sparked a wave of criticism across the region .
On January 5 , Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the beginning of Turkish troops ’ deployment to Libya .
Erdogan pointed out that the force would be `` tasked with carrying out coordination actions '' and with `` ensuring the security of [ Libya 's ] legitimate government , '' but would not be involved in fighting .
On Tuesday , Libya ’ s Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group of Turkish service members had arrived in Tripoli .

CAIRO, January 12. /TASS/. Units of the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord have violated the ceasefire several times since its declaration, commander of the Western district of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Mabrouk al-Gazavi stated.
"These formations have violated the ceasefire in various areas, using all types of weapons, including the artillery," he said, quoted by Afrigatenews portal. "We still follow the orders given to us before midnight. We await further instructions."
Earlier, LNA spokesman Ahmed al-Mesmari informed that the LNA had declared a ceasefire in the western part of the country starting midnight on Sunday local time (01:00 Moscow time). "The Libyan army declares a ceasefire in the western region starting 00:01 January 12," the statement informs. "The ceasefire will remain in place as long as the other side adheres to it. In case of any violations, the response will be tough."
On the outcomes of the January 8 meeting in Istanbul, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish colleague Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on all sides to the Libyan conflict to declare a ceasefire starting midnight January 12.
Libya crisis
Currently, Libya has two supreme executive authorities, namely the internationally recognized Tripoli-based Government of National Accord headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, and the interim government of Abdullah al-Thani, seated in the east of the country, alongside the parliament, which is supported by the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. On December 12, 2019, Haftar announced the launch of a win-the-war offensive against Tripoli, aiming to eradicate terrorist groups operating there.
On January 2, Turkey’s parliament approved a bill that would allow the government to send troops to Libya. This step sparked a wave of criticism across the region. On January 5, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the beginning of Turkish troops’ deployment to Libya. Erdogan pointed out that the force would be "tasked with carrying out coordination actions" and with "ensuring the security of [Libya's] legitimate government," but would not be involved in fighting. On Tuesday, Libya’s Government of National Accord confirmed that the first group of Turkish service members had arrived in Tripoli.


tass--2020-01-13--Abkhazia’s Parliament to consider President’s letter of resignation on Monday

SUKHUM , January 13 .
/TASS/ .
Abkhazia ’ s Parliament is expected to consider the letter of resignation of the country ’ s President Raul Khadjimba on Monday .
The opposition leader Aslan Bzhania told reporters that the meeting will be held no later than 11:00 on January 13 .
According to parliament speaker Valery Kvarchia , the question of accepting the resignation and appointing the acting president will be resolved `` very quickly . ''
The speaker noted that , according to the law , most likely , the duties of the head of state will be transferred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the opposition noted that there is a preliminary agreement with the Prime Minister on his appointment as acting president .
Khajimba , who offered his resignation on Sunday , has thanked his supporters and noted that he values an opinion of any resident of the republic regardless of his or her political position .
`` Thanks to everyone who understood and supported me , showed integrity in the common cause .
I appreciate the opinion of anyone , whether in power or in the opposition .
< ... > God protects our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best sons have laid their lives , '' he said in a statement published on the president ’ s official website .
Khadjimba stressed that he would remain with his people and would continue to serve for the good of Abkhazia .
`` I will be with my people , your troubles are my troubles , your hopes are my hopes .
I will be in my homeland , for the future I will continue to do everything in my power , '' he concluded .
On January 12 , Khajimba referred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Assembly , or Abkhazia ’ s parliament .
Khajimba ’ s resignation is now to be accepted by the parliament .
According to the press statement , Khajimba steps down as president `` for the sake of peace and stability in the country . ''
Khajimba has been Abkhazia ’ s president since 2014 .
He was reelected for another office term in September 2019 .
A political crisis erupted in Abkhazia on January 9 when protesters broke into the presidential administration building demanding resignation of President Raul Khadjimba .
The president convened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Security Council and said after it that a state of emergency could be imposed in the country .
Abkhazia ’ s parliament gathered for an extraordinary session on the same day and issued an appeal to the president calling on him to step down .
On Friday , the Abkhazian Supreme Court ’ s cassation board cancelled the Central Election Commission ’ s decision on the results of the presidential polls and ruled to call a rerun election .
Thus , the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia ’ s appeal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful .
The country ’ s Central Election Commission ruled to call the rerun elections on March 22 .
Khajimba however said he would challenge both the Central Election Commission ’ s decision and the court ruling .

SUKHUM, January 13. /TASS/. Abkhazia’s Parliament is expected to consider the letter of resignation of the country’s President Raul Khadjimba on Monday.
The opposition leader Aslan Bzhania told reporters that the meeting will be held no later than 11:00 on January 13. According to parliament speaker Valery Kvarchia, the question of accepting the resignation and appointing the acting president will be resolved "very quickly." The speaker noted that, according to the law, most likely, the duties of the head of state will be transferred to Prime Minister Valery Bganba. Representatives of the opposition noted that there is a preliminary agreement with the Prime Minister on his appointment as acting president.
Khajimba, who offered his resignation on Sunday, has thanked his supporters and noted that he values an opinion of any resident of the republic regardless of his or her political position. "Thanks to everyone who understood and supported me, showed integrity in the common cause. I appreciate the opinion of anyone, whether in power or in the opposition. <...> God protects our sacred land, for which thousands of the best sons have laid their lives," he said in a statement published on the president’s official website.
Khadjimba stressed that he would remain with his people and would continue to serve for the good of Abkhazia. "I will be with my people, your troubles are my troubles, your hopes are my hopes. I will be in my homeland, for the future I will continue to do everything in my power," he concluded.
On January 12, Khajimba referred a letter of resignation to the National Assembly, or Abkhazia’s parliament. Khajimba’s resignation is now to be accepted by the parliament. According to the press statement, Khajimba steps down as president "for the sake of peace and stability in the country." Khajimba has been Abkhazia’s president since 2014. He was reelected for another office term in September 2019.
A political crisis erupted in Abkhazia on January 9 when protesters broke into the presidential administration building demanding resignation of President Raul Khadjimba. The president convened an emergency meeting of the country’s Security Council and said after it that a state of emergency could be imposed in the country. Abkhazia’s parliament gathered for an extraordinary session on the same day and issued an appeal to the president calling on him to step down.
On Friday, the Abkhazian Supreme Court’s cassation board cancelled the Central Election Commission’s decision on the results of the presidential polls and ruled to call a rerun election. Thus, the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia’s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful. The country’s Central Election Commission ruled to call the rerun elections on March 22. Khajimba however said he would challenge both the Central Election Commission’s decision and the court ruling.


tass--2020-01-13--US Secretary of State Pompeo says he is "outraged" by attack on Iraqi air base

WASHINGTON , January 13 .
/TASS/ .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed his indignation at an attack of the Balad air base in Iraq and called on the authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable .
He posted the corresponding message on Twitter on Sunday .
`` Outraged by reports of another rocket attack on an Iraqi air base , '' he tweeted calling on the Iraqi government `` to hold those responsible for this attack on the Iraqi people accountable . ''
`` These continued violations of Iraq ’ s sovereignty by groups not loyal to the Iraqi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier , an official representative of the headquarters of the Operation Inherent Resolve ( OIR ) told TASS that the US personnel are not present at Balad Air Base .
OIR is carried out both in in Iraq and Syria by a coalition of countries led by the United States .
Earlier Reuters reported that at least four Iraqi soldiers were wounded in an attack on Balad air base in northern Iraq on Sunday .
Reuters referred to military sources saying that seven mortar bombs had hit the base ’ s runway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces were also at the base .
It has not been reported yet about who was behind the attack .

WASHINGTON, January 13. /TASS/. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed his indignation at an attack of the Balad air base in Iraq and called on the authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable. He posted the corresponding message on Twitter on Sunday.
"Outraged by reports of another rocket attack on an Iraqi air base," he tweeted calling on the Iraqi government "to hold those responsible for this attack on the Iraqi people accountable."
"These continued violations of Iraq’s sovereignty by groups not loyal to the Iraqi government must end," he added.
Earlier, an official representative of the headquarters of the Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) told TASS that the US personnel are not present at Balad Air Base.
OIR is carried out both in in Iraq and Syria by a coalition of countries led by the United States.
Earlier Reuters reported that at least four Iraqi soldiers were wounded in an attack on Balad air base in northern Iraq on Sunday. Reuters referred to military sources saying that seven mortar bombs had hit the base’s runway. The agency noted that the US forces were also at the base. It has not been reported yet about who was behind the attack.


tass--2020-01-13--US forces are not present at Balad air base in Iraq-OIR

WASHINGTON , January 13 .
/TASS / .
The US personnel are not present at Balad air base in Iraq @ @ @ @ @ Sunday , a spokesman with the headquarters of the Operation Inherent Resolve ( OIR ) @ @ @ @ @ OIR is carried out both in Iraq and Syria by a coalition of countries led @ @ @ @ @ `` No Coalition personnel are present at Balad Air Base , '' he said responding @ @ @ @ @ US servicemen had been wounded during the attack .
Earlier Reuters reported that at least @ @ @ @ @ in the attack on Balad air base in northern Iraq on Sunday .
Reuters referred @ @ @ @ @ seven mortar bombs had hit the base ’ s runway .
The agency noted that @ @ @ @ @ at the base .

WASHINGTON, January 13. /TASS /. The US personnel are not present at Balad air base in Iraq, that was attacked on Sunday, a spokesman with the headquarters of the Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) told TASS on Sunday.
OIR is carried out both in Iraq and Syria by a coalition of countries led by the United States.
"No Coalition personnel are present at Balad Air Base," he said responding to a question if the US servicemen had been wounded during the attack.
Earlier Reuters reported that at least four Iraqi soldiers were wounded in the attack on Balad air base in northern Iraq on Sunday. Reuters referred to military sources saying that seven mortar bombs had hit the base’s runway. The agency noted that the US forces were also at the base.


tass--2020-01-12--Abkhazian president’s resignation officially confirmed

SUKHUM , January 12 .
/TASS/ .
Abkhazian President Raul Khajimba ’ s letter of resignation has been referred to the country ’ s parliament , as follows from a press statement posted on the official presidential website late on Sunday .
`` On January 12 , Abkhazian President Raul Khajimba referred a letter of resignation to the National Assembly , or Abkhazia ’ s parliament , '' the statement reads .
Khajimba ’ s resignation is now to be accepted by the parliament .
According to the press statement , Khajimba steps down as president `` for the sake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Khajimba has been Abkhazia ’ s president since 2014 .
He was reelected for another office term in September 2019 .
A political crisis erupted in Abkhazia on January 9 when protesters broke into the presidential administration building demanding resignation of President Raul Khadjimba .
The president convened an emergency meeting of the country ’ s Security Council and said after it that a state of emergency could be imposed in the country .
Abkhazia ’ s parliament gathered for an extraordinary session on the same day and issued an appeal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step down .
On Friday , the Abkhazian Supreme Court ’ s cassation board cancelled the Central Election Commission ’ s decision on the results of the presidential polls and ruled to call a rerun election .
Thus , the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia ’ s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful .
The country ’ s Central Election Commission ruled to call the rerun elections on March 22 .
Khajimba however said he would challenge both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the court ruling .

SUKHUM, January 12. /TASS/. Abkhazian President Raul Khajimba’s letter of resignation has been referred to the country’s parliament, as follows from a press statement posted on the official presidential website late on Sunday.
"On January 12, Abkhazian President Raul Khajimba referred a letter of resignation to the National Assembly, or Abkhazia’s parliament," the statement reads.
Khajimba’s resignation is now to be accepted by the parliament.
According to the press statement, Khajimba steps down as president "for the sake of peace and stability in the country."
Khajimba has been Abkhazia’s president since 2014. He was reelected for another office term in September 2019.
A political crisis erupted in Abkhazia on January 9 when protesters broke into the presidential administration building demanding resignation of President Raul Khadjimba. The president convened an emergency meeting of the country’s Security Council and said after it that a state of emergency could be imposed in the country. Abkhazia’s parliament gathered for an extraordinary session on the same day and issued an appeal to the president calling on him to step down.
On Friday, the Abkhazian Supreme Court’s cassation board cancelled the Central Election Commission’s decision on the results of the presidential polls and ruled to call a rerun election. Thus, the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia’s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful. The country’s Central Election Commission ruled to call the rerun elections on March 22. Khajimba however said he would challenge both the Central Election Commission’s decision and the court ruling.


tass--2020-01-12--Putin, Macron call on all parties in Iran to show restraint - Kremlin

MOSCOW , January 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russian and French Presidents , Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron , discussed the situation in Iran and called on all the parties to show restraint , the Kremlin press service said on Sunday after their telephone conversation .
`` In the context of the tense situation around Iran , the Russian and French presidents stressed the necessity for all the parties to show restraint and spoke in favor of further efforts towards saving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action , '' the press service said .
Apart from that , the two leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ukrainian conflict and the situation in Syria , the press service added .
Tensions around Iran escalated following a US drone strike near Baghdad 's airport on January 3 , which killed General Qassem Soleimani , the head of Iran 's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ' Quds Force .
On January 8 , Iran targeted Iraq ’ s Ain Al-Asad air base and a facility in Erbil , which house US troops , in retaliation for the attack .
After that , US President Donald Trump declared that Washington would instantly tighten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same time , he remarked that the US was ready for peace with Iran .
Iran ’ s permanent representative to the UN , Majid Takht Ravanchi , told TASS Teheran believed that its retaliation was proportionate and did not plan to take further military action .
Apart from that , a Boeing-737 of the Ukrainian International Airlines bound for Kiev crashed on January 8 minutes after takeoff at Tehran ’ s Imam Khomeini Airport .
The crash killed all 176 people on board - citizens of Afghanistan , Germany , Iran , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Swedish subjects .
On January 11 , Iran ’ s Armed Forces General Staff released a statement admitting the plane had been mistakenly shot down .
According to Iranian Brigadier-General Amir-Ali Hajizadeh , the plane was misidentified as a cruise missile by the air defense force .

MOSCOW, January 12. /TASS/. Russian and French Presidents, Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron, discussed the situation in Iran and called on all the parties to show restraint, the Kremlin press service said on Sunday after their telephone conversation.
"In the context of the tense situation around Iran, the Russian and French presidents stressed the necessity for all the parties to show restraint and spoke in favor of further efforts towards saving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action," the press service said.
Apart from that, the two leaders also discussed issues of the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict and the situation in Syria, the press service added.
The president agreed to continue personal contacts.
Tensions around Iran escalated following a US drone strike near Baghdad's airport on January 3, which killed General Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force. On January 8, Iran targeted Iraq’s Ain Al-Asad air base and a facility in Erbil, which house US troops, in retaliation for the attack.
After that, US President Donald Trump declared that Washington would instantly tighten economic sanctions against Tehran. At the same time, he remarked that the US was ready for peace with Iran. Iran’s permanent representative to the UN, Majid Takht Ravanchi, told TASS Teheran believed that its retaliation was proportionate and did not plan to take further military action.
Apart from that, a Boeing-737 of the Ukrainian International Airlines bound for Kiev crashed on January 8 minutes after takeoff at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Airport. The crash killed all 176 people on board - citizens of Afghanistan, Germany, Iran, Canada and Ukraine and also British and Swedish subjects. On January 11, Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff released a statement admitting the plane had been mistakenly shot down. According to Iranian Brigadier-General Amir-Ali Hajizadeh, the plane was misidentified as a cruise missile by the air defense force.


tass--2020-01-12--Abkhazia’s PM may act as president - parliament speaker

SUKHUM , January 12 .
/TASS/ .
Abkhazia ’ s prime minister is most likely to act as president after Raul Khajimba ’ s resignation .
The matter will be resolved after negotiations , speaker of Abkhazia ’ s parliament Valery Kvarchiya told TASS on Sunday .
`` Yes , he is leaving office right now .
He addressed [ his resignation papers ] to me as parliament speaker .
I think everything will be clear by tomorrow .
The issue of who will act [ as president ] has not yet been decided .
So far , it may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a matter of talks , '' he said .
A political crisis erupted in Abkhazia on January 9 when protesters broke into the presidential administration building demanding resignation of President Raul Khadjimba .
The president convened an emergency meeting of the country ’ s Security Council and said after it that a state of emergency could be imposed in the country .
Abkhazia ’ s parliament gathered for an extraordinary session on the same day and issued an appeal to the president calling on him to step down .
On Friday , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancelled the Central Election Commission ’ s decision on the results of the presidential polls and ruled to call a rerun election .
Thus , the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia ’ s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful .
The country ’ s Central Election Commission ruled to call the rerun elections on March 22 .
Meanwhile , the Abkhazian president ’ s press service said that the president would challenge both the Central Election Commission ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @

SUKHUM, January 12. /TASS/. Abkhazia’s prime minister is most likely to act as president after Raul Khajimba’s resignation. The matter will be resolved after negotiations, speaker of Abkhazia’s parliament Valery Kvarchiya told TASS on Sunday.
"Yes, he is leaving office right now. He addressed [his resignation papers] to me as parliament speaker. I think everything will be clear by tomorrow. The issue of who will act [as president] has not yet been decided. So far, it may be prime minister. But it is a matter of talks," he said.
A political crisis erupted in Abkhazia on January 9 when protesters broke into the presidential administration building demanding resignation of President Raul Khadjimba. The president convened an emergency meeting of the country’s Security Council and said after it that a state of emergency could be imposed in the country. Abkhazia’s parliament gathered for an extraordinary session on the same day and issued an appeal to the president calling on him to step down.
On Friday, the Abkhazian Supreme Court’s cassation board cancelled the Central Election Commission’s decision on the results of the presidential polls and ruled to call a rerun election. Thus, the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia’s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful. The country’s Central Election Commission ruled to call the rerun elections on March 22.
Meanwhile, the Abkhazian president’s press service said that the president would challenge both the Central Election Commission’s decision and the court ruling.


tass--2020-01-12--Abkhazia's President Raul Khajimba tendered his resignation

SUKHUM , January 12 .
/TASS/ .
Abkhazia ’ s President Raul Khajimba has taken a decision to step down , as follows from his statement read out by the country ’ s former Prime Minister Sergei Shamba in front of the protesters who gathered near the president ’ s residence on Sunday .
`` I inform you that I step down as president for the sake of stability in the country , '' he cited the president ’ s statement .
Vice President Aslan Bartsits confirmed to TASS that the president has opted to resign .
`` He signed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to preserve stability in the country , '' he said .
By now however there is no official confirmation of Khajimba ’ s resignation .
Hundreds of opposition activists gathered on Sunday at the Abkhazian president ’ s country residence demanding his resignation .
A political crisis erupted in Abkhazia on January 9 when protesters broke into the presidential administration building demanding resignation of President Raul Khadjimba .
The president convened an emergency meeting of the country ’ s Security Council and said after it that a state of emergency could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s parliament gathered for an extraordinary session on the same day and issued an appeal to the president calling on him to step down .
On Friday , the Abkhazian Supreme Court ’ s cassation board cancelled the Central Election Commission ’ s decision on the results of the presidential polls and ruled to call a rerun election .
Thus , the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia ’ s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful .
The country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call the rerun elections on March 22 .
Meanwhile , the Abkhazian president ’ s press service said that the president would challenge both the Central Election Commission ’ s decision and the court ruling .
Nevertheless , according to the president ’ s supporters , Khajimba will run for president at the new elections if they were ultimately called .

SUKHUM, January 12. /TASS/. Abkhazia’s President Raul Khajimba has taken a decision to step down, as follows from his statement read out by the country’s former Prime Minister Sergei Shamba in front of the protesters who gathered near the president’s residence on Sunday.
"I inform you that I step down as president for the sake of stability in the country," he cited the president’s statement.
Vice President Aslan Bartsits confirmed to TASS that the president has opted to resign. "He signed his resignation in order to prevent bloodshed, to preserve stability in the country," he said.
By now however there is no official confirmation of Khajimba’s resignation.
Hundreds of opposition activists gathered on Sunday at the Abkhazian president’s country residence demanding his resignation.
A political crisis erupted in Abkhazia on January 9 when protesters broke into the presidential administration building demanding resignation of President Raul Khadjimba. The president convened an emergency meeting of the country’s Security Council and said after it that a state of emergency could be imposed in the country. Abkhazia’s parliament gathered for an extraordinary session on the same day and issued an appeal to the president calling on him to step down.
On Friday, the Abkhazian Supreme Court’s cassation board cancelled the Central Election Commission’s decision on the results of the presidential polls and ruled to call a rerun election. Thus, the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia’s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful. The country’s Central Election Commission ruled to call the rerun elections on March 22.
Meanwhile, the Abkhazian president’s press service said that the president would challenge both the Central Election Commission’s decision and the court ruling.
Nevertheless, according to the president’s supporters, Khajimba will run for president at the new elections if they were ultimately called.


tass--2020-01-12--Putin discusses situation in Libya with Italian PM Conte - Kremlin

MOSCOW , January 12 .
/TASS/ .
The situation in Libya was in focus of Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s telephone conversation with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte , the Kremlin press service said on Sunday .
`` The sides exchange views on the situation in Libya .
The leaders discussed the ongoing efforts to settle the Libyan crisis .
In this context , Giuseppe Conte hailed the Russian-Turkish agreements reached in Istanbul on January 8 , '' it said .
`` They specially stressed that it is important that both parties to the conflict observe the ceasefire that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also expressed readiness to promote successful organization of an international conference on Libya in Berlin , '' the Kremlin said , adding that the conversation was initiated by the Italian side .
At their January 8 summit in Istanbul , Russian and Turkish Presidents , Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan , called on all the parties to the Libyan conflict to stop hostilities from midnight on January 12 .
The Libyan National Army said on Saturday evening it was supporting this initiative .
The Tripoli-based Government of National Accord followed the lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ceasefire came into effect , the conflicting parties started trading blame for violating it .
Currently , Libya has two supreme executive authorities , namely the internationally-recognized Tripoli-based Government of National Accord headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj , and the interim government of Abdullah al-Thani , seated in the east of the country , along with the elected parliament , which is supported by the Libyan National Army led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar .
On December 12 , Haftar announced the launch of a win-the-war offensive against Tripoli .

MOSCOW, January 12. /TASS/. The situation in Libya was in focus of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s telephone conversation with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, the Kremlin press service said on Sunday.
"The sides exchange views on the situation in Libya. The leaders discussed the ongoing efforts to settle the Libyan crisis. In this context, Giuseppe Conte hailed the Russian-Turkish agreements reached in Istanbul on January 8," it said.
"They specially stressed that it is important that both parties to the conflict observe the ceasefire that was declared from January 12. They also expressed readiness to promote successful organization of an international conference on Libya in Berlin," the Kremlin said, adding that the conversation was initiated by the Italian side.
At their January 8 summit in Istanbul, Russian and Turkish Presidents, Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, called on all the parties to the Libyan conflict to stop hostilities from midnight on January 12. The Libyan National Army said on Saturday evening it was supporting this initiative. The Tripoli-based Government of National Accord followed the lead on Sunday. However shortly after the ceasefire came into effect, the conflicting parties started trading blame for violating it.
Currently, Libya has two supreme executive authorities, namely the internationally-recognized Tripoli-based Government of National Accord headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, and the interim government of Abdullah al-Thani, seated in the east of the country, along with the elected parliament, which is supported by the Libyan National Army led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. On December 12, Haftar announced the launch of a win-the-war offensive against Tripoli.


tass--2020-01-12--Abkhazian opposition leader says handed over to president demand to step down

SUKHUM , January 12 .
/TASS/ .
Abkhazia ’ s opposition leader Aslan Bzhaniya said on Sunday after negotiation with @ @ @ @ @ had handed over to the president the opposition ’ s demand to step down .
@ @ @ @ @ with Khajimba , '' he told journalists .
`` We handed over a demand for @ @ @ @ @ He heeded us .
Now the ball is in Khajimba ’ s court .
I @ @ @ @ @ an answer .
`` .

SUKHUM, January 12. /TASS/. Abkhazia’s opposition leader Aslan Bzhaniya said on Sunday after negotiation with President Raul Khajimba that he had handed over to the president the opposition’s demand to step down.
"We had a meeting with Khajimba," he told journalists. "We handed over a demand for him to step down. He heeded us. Now the ball is in Khajimba’s court. I think we will soon have an answer.".


tass--2020-01-12--Russia will finish Nord Stream 2 without foreign assistance, Gazprom CEO vows

MOSCOW , January 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will finish the construction of Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline on its own since there are no technological obstacles requiring foreign assistance , Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller said in his interview with `` Moscow .
Kremlin .
Putin '' program on Rossiya-1 TV channel .
`` Technological risks today are solved by our facilities and that ’ s why Nord Stream 2 will be completed .
This will take a little longer but we don ’ t have technological obstacles to do this on our own , '' Miller said .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel that he had no doubt that Russia would be able to finish Nord Stream 2 construction on its own .
The Russian leader noted that Russia highly appreciated Germany ’ s position on supporting the project .
Nord Stream 2 is an international project for the construction of a gas pipeline that will run across the bottom of the Baltic Sea from the Russian coast to Germany bypassing transit states , such as Ukraine , Belarus , Poland and other Eastern European and Baltic countries .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same route as Nord Stream , will traverse economic zones and territorial water of five countries , namely Russia , Finland , Sweden , Denmark , and Germany .
The pipeline ’ s capacity will be 55 billion cubic meters of gas a year .

MOSCOW, January 12. /TASS/. Russia will finish the construction of Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline on its own since there are no technological obstacles requiring foreign assistance, Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller said in his interview with "Moscow. Kremlin. Putin" program on Rossiya-1 TV channel.
"Technological risks today are solved by our facilities and that’s why Nord Stream 2 will be completed. This will take a little longer but we don’t have technological obstacles to do this on our own," Miller said.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said after talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel that he had no doubt that Russia would be able to finish Nord Stream 2 construction on its own. The Russian leader noted that Russia highly appreciated Germany’s position on supporting the project.
Nord Stream 2 is an international project for the construction of a gas pipeline that will run across the bottom of the Baltic Sea from the Russian coast to Germany bypassing transit states, such as Ukraine, Belarus, Poland and other Eastern European and Baltic countries.
The new 1,200 kilometer pipeline, basically following the same route as Nord Stream, will traverse economic zones and territorial water of five countries, namely Russia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany. The pipeline’s capacity will be 55 billion cubic meters of gas a year.


tass--2020-01-12--Putin says Syrian president should invite Trump to visit Damascus

MOSCOW , January 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin said during his visit to Damascus that his Syrian counterpart Bashar Assad should invite US President Donald Trump .
In his interview with the TV program ‘ Moscow .
Kremlin .
Putin ’ on the Rossiya-1 TV Channel on Sunday , the Russian leader expressed readiness to send this invitation to the US president .
During Putin ’ s visit to Syria , Assad spoke about Apostle Paul , whose conversion occurred on the road to Damascus .
The Syrian leader joked that `` if Trump traveled that road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inviting Trump to Damascus saying that he would `` cope with that . ''
`` Invite him and he will come ! ''
Putin said .
Assad voiced readiness to do that and Putin said : `` I will tell him this . ''
Putin paid a visit to Damascus on Tuesday .
The Russian leader met with Syrian President Bashar Assad in the Russian command point in Syria .
The two leaders listened to the military ’ s report on the situation in the country ’ s region .
Later they held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Umayyad Mosque , also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus .
Later Putin visited an Orthodox church in Damascus , the Mariamite Cathedral , where he met with Patriarch John X , the primate of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All The East .

MOSCOW, January 12. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin said during his visit to Damascus that his Syrian counterpart Bashar Assad should invite US President Donald Trump.
In his interview with the TV program ‘Moscow. Kremlin. Putin’ on the Rossiya-1 TV Channel on Sunday, the Russian leader expressed readiness to send this invitation to the US president.
During Putin’s visit to Syria, Assad spoke about Apostle Paul, whose conversion occurred on the road to Damascus. The Syrian leader joked that "if Trump traveled that road he would be OK." Putin suggested inviting Trump to Damascus saying that he would "cope with that." "Invite him and he will come!" Putin said.
Assad voiced readiness to do that and Putin said: "I will tell him this."
Putin paid a visit to Damascus on Tuesday. The Russian leader met with Syrian President Bashar Assad in the Russian command point in Syria. The two leaders listened to the military’s report on the situation in the country’s region. Later they held bilateral talks. The presidents also visited the Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus.
Later Putin visited an Orthodox church in Damascus, the Mariamite Cathedral, where he met with Patriarch John X, the primate of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All The East.


tass--2020-01-13--Libyan agreement envisages UN control, freeze on deployment of Turkish forces — media

`` The agreement envisages mutual and unconditional pullback of forces and a freeze on sending Turkish forces to Libya , '' the broadcaster reports .
`` The army will be responsible for the security of oil and gas fields . ''
CAIRO , January 13 .
/TASS/ .
The agreement on ceasefire in Libya , to be signed in Moscow on Monday , envisages the pullback of conflicting parties , a moratorium on the deployment of Turkish forces and international control of the observance of agreements , the television channel Al Arabiya quoted its sources as saying .
The United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the observance of the ceasefire .
`` The function of ceasefire control will be placed in the hands of Russia as a foreign party , '' which will be sending inspections to Libya for monitoring the situation .
Also , according to the document the United Nations will undertake to control the enforcement of the agreement .
Sea and land ports will remain under international observation .
The disarmament of some Libyan militias has been agreed on .
The Libyan National Army and the Government of National Accord are to redistribute powers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LNA will assume the `` anti-terrorist '' mission .
A Russian-Turkish meeting at the foreign and defense minister level , devoted to the Libyan settlement , began in Moscow on Monday .
The Russian Foreign Ministry said the representatives of the Libyan factions have arrived in Moscow already and will join the talks soon .
A ceasefire between Fayez Sarraj ’ s Government of National Accord and Khalifa Haftar ’ s Libyan National Army took effect at midnight on January 12 within the framework of the initiative Russian President Vladimir Putin and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January 8 .
The head of Libya ’ s Supreme Council of State , Khaled Mishri , said the GNA and the LNA are to sign a ceasefire agreement in Moscow on Monday .
Currently Libya has two bodies of executive power : the internationally recognized GNA and Abdullah Abdurrahman al-Thani ’ s interim government , operating in the country ’ s east together with parliament and supported by Haftar ’ s LNA .
After a prolonged standoff near Tripoli since April 4 Haftar on December 12 declared the beginning of a decisive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 , the Turkish parliament supported a bill envisaging the possibility of sending Turkish forces to Libya in accordance with the memorandum on cooperation , including military cooperation , which Ankara and the Cabinet of Ministers in Tripoli signed at the end of November .
On January 5 , Erdogan declared the beginning of redeployment of troops , adding that their tasks were to carry out `` coordination '' and maintain `` the security of the legitimate government . ''
The Turkish troops will not be involved in combat operations .

"The agreement envisages mutual and unconditional pullback of forces and a freeze on sending Turkish forces to Libya," the broadcaster reports. "The army will be responsible for the security of oil and gas fields."
CAIRO, January 13. /TASS/. The agreement on ceasefire in Libya, to be signed in Moscow on Monday, envisages the pullback of conflicting parties, a moratorium on the deployment of Turkish forces and international control of the observance of agreements, the television channel Al Arabiya quoted its sources as saying. The United Nations and Russia will be responsible for the observance of the ceasefire.
"The function of ceasefire control will be placed in the hands of Russia as a foreign party," which will be sending inspections to Libya for monitoring the situation. Also, according to the document the United Nations will undertake to control the enforcement of the agreement. Sea and land ports will remain under international observation.
The disarmament of some Libyan militias has been agreed on. The Libyan National Army and the Government of National Accord are to redistribute powers and tasks in running the country. The LNA will assume the "anti-terrorist" mission.
Meeting in Moscow
A Russian-Turkish meeting at the foreign and defense minister level, devoted to the Libyan settlement, began in Moscow on Monday. The Russian Foreign Ministry said the representatives of the Libyan factions have arrived in Moscow already and will join the talks soon.
A ceasefire between Fayez Sarraj’s Government of National Accord and Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army took effect at midnight on January 12 within the framework of the initiative Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan proposed on January 8. The head of Libya’s Supreme Council of State, Khaled Mishri, said the GNA and the LNA are to sign a ceasefire agreement in Moscow on Monday.
Currently Libya has two bodies of executive power: the internationally recognized GNA and Abdullah Abdurrahman al-Thani’s interim government, operating in the country’s east together with parliament and supported by Haftar’s LNA. After a prolonged standoff near Tripoli since April 4 Haftar on December 12 declared the beginning of a decisive push towards the capital.
On January 2, the Turkish parliament supported a bill envisaging the possibility of sending Turkish forces to Libya in accordance with the memorandum on cooperation, including military cooperation, which Ankara and the Cabinet of Ministers in Tripoli signed at the end of November. On January 5, Erdogan declared the beginning of redeployment of troops, adding that their tasks were to carry out "coordination" and maintain "the security of the legitimate government." The Turkish troops will not be involved in combat operations.


tass--2020-01-13--Moscow, Minsk fail to agree on oil and petroleum products transit tariffs

MINSK , January 13 .
/TASS/ .
Anti-monopoly regulators of Russia and Belarus failed to reach agreements on Russian oil and petroleum transit tariffs , a representative of the Belarusian Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade said following the talks in Moscow on Monday .
`` Representatives of antimonopoly services of Belarus and Russia failed to reach agreements on tariffs on transit of Russian oil and petroleum products via the territory of our country .
The talks will continue shortly , '' the representative was quoted as saying by the BelTA news agency .
According to the Belarusian Ministry of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggested that the tariff on the transit of the Russian oil and petroleum products via its territory should be adjusted for inflation plus revenues lost due to reduced transportation volumes in 2019 .
`` In August , we agreed that we would look into virtual transportation volumes of 2019 and revenues lost by Gomeltransneft Druzhba last year due to reduced transportation volumes and take that into account in 2020 .
That is why it was recommended that the tariff should be adjusted for inflationary component ( as envisaged by the methodology ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make up for it this year , '' the representative was quoted as saying by the BelTA news agency .

According to the Belarusian Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade, Minsk has suggested that the tariff on the transit of the Russian oil and petroleum products via its territory should be adjusted for inflation plus revenues lost due to reduced transportation volumes in 2019.
"Representatives of antimonopoly services of Belarus and Russia failed to reach agreements on tariffs on transit of Russian oil and petroleum products via the territory of our country. The talks will continue shortly," the representative was quoted as saying by the BelTA news agency.
MINSK, January 13. /TASS/. Anti-monopoly regulators of Russia and Belarus failed to reach agreements on Russian oil and petroleum transit tariffs, a representative of the Belarusian Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade said following the talks in Moscow on Monday.
"In August, we agreed that we would look into virtual transportation volumes of 2019 and revenues lost by Gomeltransneft Druzhba last year due to reduced transportation volumes and take that into account in 2020. That is why it was recommended that the tariff should be adjusted for inflationary component (as envisaged by the methodology), as well as for lost revenues to make up for it this year," the representative was quoted as saying by the BelTA news agency.
Meanwhile, the Russian side has certain questions regarding the calculations made by Gomeltransneft Druzhba, the spokesperson added. "That is why we agreed to continue meetings at experts’ level in the near future to refine those calculations," the latter noted.
In late 2019, Minsk proposed raising the transit tariff by 21.7% as one of the options to compensate for losses due to contamination of the Druzhba oil pipeline with Russia’s off-spec oil last April. As part of an unplanned revision, the tariff on oil transportation via the Belarusian territory has been increased by 3.7% starting September 1, 2019. Belneftekhim Deputy Chairwoman Svetlana Gurina informed in October that when revising tariffs on the transit of Russian oil in 2020 Minsk planned to return to discussion of the compensation for lost profit due to the incident with off-spec oil to the Belarusian operator of Druzhba with Russia.
Head of Belneftekhim concern Andrei Rybakov also confirmed in December 2019 that Minsk wanted to include the losses related to the incident with off-spec oil in the tariff on the transit of Russian oil in 2020. Sources in the oil sector of both countries said then that the Belarusian side wanted to increase the Russian oil transit tariff by 16.6%.


tass--2020-01-13--Iranian authorities learned cause of Ukrainian plane crash only on January 10 — government

TEHRAN , January 13 .
/TASS/ .
Iran ’ s authorities learned that the Ukrainian passenger jet had been shot @ @ @ @ @ country ’ s own missile defense systems only on January 10 , i.e .
the @ @ @ @ @ admitted , Iranian government spokesperson Ali Rabei said on Monday .
`` The General Staff @ @ @ @ @ received the results of the probe only on Friday and the Supreme National Security Council @ @ @ @ @ the same day , '' IRIB quoted him as saying .
`` No one , @ @ @ @ @ President Hassan Rouhani , knew the cause of the plane ’ s crash before January @ @ @

TEHRAN, January 13. /TASS/. Iran’s authorities learned that the Ukrainian passenger jet had been shot down by mistake by the country’s own missile defense systems only on January 10, in other words, the day before it was officially admitted, Iranian government spokesperson Ali Rabei said on Monday.
"The General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces received the results of the probe only on Friday and the Supreme National Security Council gathered for a meeting on the same day," IRIB quoted him as saying. "No one, including the country’s President Hassan Rouhani, knew the cause of the plane’s crash before January 10."


tass--2020-01-13--Two Moscow courts receive bomb threats, says source

MOSCOW , January 13 .
/TASS/ .
Two Moscow district courts have received anonymous bomb threats on Monday , a @ @ @ @ @ informed TASS .
`` Koptevsky and Golovinsky courts in Moscow have received emails with bomb @ @ @ @ @ being evacuated , '' the source stated .
A wave of bomb threats began in @ @ @ @ @ other Russian regions in late November 2019 .
Unknown persons repeatedly call in bomb threats @ @ @ @ @ , schools , hospitals , airports , train stations .
All the previous threats resulted @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, January 13. /TASS/. Two Moscow district courts have received anonymous bomb threats on Monday, a source in the emergency services informed TASS.
"Koptevsky and Golovinsky courts in Moscow have received emails with bomb threats. They are not being evacuated," the source stated.
A wave of bomb threats began in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other Russian regions in late November 2019. Unknown persons repeatedly call in bomb threats to various facilities: courts, schools, hospitals, airports, train stations. All the previous threats turned out to be false alarms.


tass--2020-01-13--Troops in central Russia to receive 850 new weapon systems in 2020

`` In 2020 , the District ’ s units and formations will receive about 850 new and upgraded weapon systems .
The District ’ s troops will get 19 aircraft , 10 radar stations , 145 items of armored vehicles ’ armament and the armor , and also armament for the troops ’ other military branches , '' the general said .
YEKATERINBURG , January 13 .
/TASS/ .
Troops in Russia ’ s Central Military District will receive over 850 weapon systems in 2020 , Central Military District Commander Colonel-General Alexander Lapin said on Monday .
Also , four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medium-and long-range surface-to-air missile system will arrive for the air defense troops of the Central Military District , he added .
`` The rearmament of two regiments with the S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ anti-aircraft missile system will help boost the air defense of the Volga area and the Urals , '' he specified .
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu earlier said that Russia ’ s Aerospace Force would get four regiment sets of S-400 air defense systems .
The press office of the Central Military District also informed that this year S-400 missile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the District ’ s regiments stationed in the Samara and Sverdlovsk Regions .
The S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ is the most advanced long-range air defense missile system that went into service in Russia in 2007 .
It is designed to destroy aircraft , cruise and ballistic missiles , including medium-range weapons , and can also be used against ground installations .
The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km .

"In 2020, the District’s units and formations will receive about 850 new and upgraded weapon systems. The District’s troops will get 19 aircraft, 10 radar stations, 145 items of armored vehicles’ armament and the armor, and also armament for the troops’ other military branches," the general said.
YEKATERINBURG, January 13. /TASS/. Troops in Russia’s Central Military District will receive over 850 weapon systems in 2020, Central Military District Commander Colonel-General Alexander Lapin said on Monday.
Also, four sets of the S-400 ‘Triumf’ medium-and long-range surface-to-air missile system will arrive for the air defense troops of the Central Military District, he added.
"The rearmament of two regiments with the S-400 ‘Triumf’ anti-aircraft missile system will help boost the air defense of the Volga area and the Urals," he specified.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu earlier said that Russia’s Aerospace Force would get four regiment sets of S-400 air defense systems. The press office of the Central Military District also informed that this year S-400 missile systems would arrive for the first time for the District’s regiments stationed in the Samara and Sverdlovsk Regions.
The S-400 ‘Triumf’ is the most advanced long-range air defense missile system that went into service in Russia in 2007. It is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, including medium-range weapons, and can also be used against ground installations. The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km.


tass--2020-01-13--Iranian leader approves bill that places Pentagon on list of terrorist organizations

TEHRAN , January 13 .
/TASS/ .
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has approved the bill of the Iranian parliament , @ @ @ @ @ the list of terrorist organizations , the Tasnim News Agency informed on Monday .
The @ @ @ @ @ in Iran last April , which places the United States Central Command of the US @ @ @ @ @ ) on the list of terrorist organizations .
Now , this list also includes all @ @ @ @ @ any institutions related to it .
Previously , the bill was approved by the Guardian @ @ @ @ @ tasked with verifying that the Iranian laws adhere to the country ’ s constitution .
@ @ @ @ @ place the Pentagon on the list of terrorist organizations on January 7 , with 228 @ @ @ @ @ in favor of the bill .
This initiative came as a response to the US @ @ @ @ @ on January 3 , which killed General Qasem Soleimani , the head of Iran 's @ @ @ @ @ Quds Force .

TEHRAN, January 13. /TASS/. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has approved the bill of the Iranian parliament, which places the Pentagon on the list of terrorist organizations, the Tasnim News Agency informed on Monday.
The bill amends the law approved in Iran last April, which places the United States Central Command of the US Department of Defense (CENTCOM) on the list of terrorist organizations. Now, this list also includes all employees of the Pentagon and any institutions related to it.
Previously, the bill was approved by the Guardian Council of the Constitution, tasked with verifying that the Iranian laws adhere to the country’s constitution.
The Iranian parliament voted to place the Pentagon on the list of terrorist organizations on January 7, with 228 MPs out of 238 voting in favor of the bill. This initiative came as a response to the US strike near the Baghdad airport on January 3, which killed General Qasem Soleimani, the head of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force.


tass--2020-01-13--Checkpoints opened to evacuate civilians from Idlib de-escalation zone

DAMASCUS , January 13 .
/TASS/ .
Three checkpoints have been opened for evacuating civilians from the areas in Syria ’ s Idlib de-escalation zone controlled by militants , the Russian Center for the Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria said on Monday .
Turkish president points to new wave of refugees from Syria ’ s Idlib '' Abu al-Duhur checkpoint is located in the Idlib province , al-Hader checkpoint is in the Aleppo province and Habit checkpoint is in the Hama province , '' the center reported .
At these checkpoints civilians will receive medical assistance , drinking water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Special vehicles will take them to safe areas in the country .
People are informed about the checkpoints ’ work through SMS messages , leaflets , TV and radio reports , according to the center .
Earlier , Syrian citizens living in the Idlib de-escalation zone asked the Russian Reconciliation Center to help them come back home to the areas liberated from militants .
The ceasefire in the Idlib de-escalation zone in northern Syria entered into force on January 12 .
Meanwhile , the Syrian government forces stopped fighting at 14.00 p.m. @ @ @ @

DAMASCUS, January 13. /TASS/. Three checkpoints have been opened for evacuating civilians from the areas in Syria’s Idlib de-escalation zone controlled by militants, the Russian Center for the Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria said on Monday.
Turkish president points to new wave of refugees from Syria’s Idlib
"Abu al-Duhur checkpoint is located in the Idlib province, al-Hader checkpoint is in the Aleppo province and Habit checkpoint is in the Hama province," the center reported.
At these checkpoints civilians will receive medical assistance, drinking water, hot meals, medicines and essentials. Special vehicles will take them to safe areas in the country. People are informed about the checkpoints’ work through SMS messages, leaflets, TV and radio reports, according to the center.
Earlier, Syrian citizens living in the Idlib de-escalation zone asked the Russian Reconciliation Center to help them come back home to the areas liberated from militants.
The ceasefire in the Idlib de-escalation zone in northern Syria entered into force on January 12. Meanwhile, the Syrian government forces stopped fighting at 14.00 p.m. on January 9.


tass--2020-01-13--Abkhazia’s parliament authorizes PM Bganba to act as president

The decision was taken unanimously by all the 34 lawmakers present at the session .
Earlier , Abkhazia ’ s parliament voted to accept President Raul Khajimba ’ s resignation .
`` To accept resignation of President of Republic of Abkhazia Raul Khajimba .
To authorize Prime Minister Valery Bganba to act as president till the elections of the Abkhazian president .
This order enters into force on the day of its approval , '' the document supported by Abkhaz lawmakers says .
According to parliament speaker Valery Kvarchiya , Bganba already has such political experience as he once acted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 67 , has been working with Abkhazia ’ s power bodies since early 1990s .
In 1991 , he was elected member of Abkhazia ’ s parliament ( Supreme Council ) .
During the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict of 1992-1993 , Bganba was a member of the defense headquarters of the city of Gagra .
In the late 1990s-early 2000s , he worked in power bodies of the Gagra district .
In 2007-2012 , he was member of Abkhazia ’ s parliament ( National Assembly ) , becoming its speaker in April 2012 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alexander Ankvab in May 2014 , Bganba was appointed acting head of state to cede the office to Raul Khajimba after elections in August 2014 .
Abkhazia plunged into a political crisis on January 9 when protesters broke into the presidential administration building demanding resignation of President Raul Khadjimba .
Abkhazia ’ s parliament gathered for an extraordinary session on the same day and issued an appeal to the president calling on him to step down .
On Friday , the Abkhazian Supreme Court ’ s cassation board cancelled the Central Election Commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the presidential polls and ruled to call a rerun election .
Thus , the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia ’ s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful .
The country ’ s Central Election Commission ruled to call the rerun elections on March 22 .
Khajimba however said he would challenge both the Central Election Commission ’ s decision and the court ruling .

The decision was taken unanimously by all the 34 lawmakers present at the session.
Earlier, Abkhazia’s parliament voted to accept President Raul Khajimba’s resignation. "To accept resignation of President of Republic of Abkhazia Raul Khajimba. To authorize Prime Minister Valery Bganba to act as president till the elections of the Abkhazian president. This order enters into force on the day of its approval," the document supported by Abkhaz lawmakers says.
According to parliament speaker Valery Kvarchiya, Bganba already has such political experience as he once acted as Abkhazia’s president.
Bganba, 67, has been working with Abkhazia’s power bodies since early 1990s. In 1991, he was elected member of Abkhazia’s parliament (Supreme Council). During the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict of 1992-1993, Bganba was a member of the defense headquarters of the city of Gagra. In the late 1990s-early 2000s, he worked in power bodies of the Gagra district. In 2007-2012, he was member of Abkhazia’s parliament (National Assembly), becoming its speaker in April 2012. Following resignation of the then Abkhazian President Alexander Ankvab in May 2014, Bganba was appointed acting head of state to cede the office to Raul Khajimba after elections in August 2014.
Abkhazia plunged into a political crisis on January 9 when protesters broke into the presidential administration building demanding resignation of President Raul Khadjimba. Abkhazia’s parliament gathered for an extraordinary session on the same day and issued an appeal to the president calling on him to step down.
On Friday, the Abkhazian Supreme Court’s cassation board cancelled the Central Election Commission’s decision on the results of the presidential polls and ruled to call a rerun election. Thus, the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia’s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful. The country’s Central Election Commission ruled to call the rerun elections on March 22. Khajimba however said he would challenge both the Central Election Commission’s decision and the court ruling.


tass--2020-01-13--Macron stresses importance of UN humanitarian operations in Syria in phone call with Putin

PARIS , January 13 .
/TASS/ .
French President Emmanuel Macron has highlighted the importance of the United Nations ’ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday ’ s telephone conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin , the Elysee Palace said @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The president once again expressed concern about the situation in Idlib and highlighted @ @ @ @ @ for the United Nations to effectively respond to civilian needs throughout the country , '' @ @ @ @ @ addition , the two presidents reaffirmed their commitment to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action @ @ @ @ @ ’ s nuclear program .
Macron and Putin announced their intention `` to call on @ @ @ @ @ compliance '' with the nuclear deal .

PARIS, January 13. /TASS/. French President Emmanuel Macron has highlighted the importance of the United Nations’ humanitarian operations in Syria in Sunday’s telephone conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, the Elysee Palace said in a statement on Monday.
"The president once again expressed concern about the situation in Idlib and highlighted the need to maintain conditions for the United Nations to effectively respond to civilian needs throughout the country," the statement reads.
In addition, the two presidents reaffirmed their commitment to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran’s nuclear program. Macron and Putin announced their intention "to call on Iran to return to full compliance" with the nuclear deal.