tass--2020-03-13--Over 100 new cases of novel coronavirus registered in South Korea in past day

MOSCOW , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in South @ @ @ @ @ in the past day and reached 7,979 , the country 's Ministry of Health and @ @ @ @ @ In the past day , one person died from the novel coronavirus , bringing the @ @ @ @ @ country to 67 .
A total of 177 people recovered and left hospitals in the @ @ @ @ @ start of the novel coronavirus outbreak in South Korea , 510 people have recovered .
@ @ @ @ @ outbreak of the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) in the city of Wuhan .
Cases @ @ @ @ @ in more than 100 countries and territories , including in Russia .
The World Health @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
Outside of China , most cases of the new @ @ @ @ @ Korea , Iran and Italy .
Over 118,000 cases of novel coronavirus were confirmed in @ @ @ @ @ and the death toll exceeded 4,300 .

MOSCOW, March 13. /TASS/. /TASS/. The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in South Korea has grown by 110 in the past day and reached 7,979, the country's Ministry of Health and Welfare said on Friday.
In the past day, one person died from the novel coronavirus, bringing the total death toll in the country to 67.
A total of 177 people recovered and left hospitals in the past day. Since the start of the novel coronavirus outbreak in South Korea, 510 people have recovered.
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the city of Wuhan. Cases of novel coronavirus were confirmed in more than 100 countries and territories, including in Russia. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. Outside of China, most cases of the new coronavirus were reported in South Korea, Iran and Italy.
Over 118,000 cases of novel coronavirus were confirmed in the world so far, and the death toll exceeded 4,300.


tass--2020-03-13--US conducts precision strikes against Kata'ib Hizbollah facilities in Iraq

US begins withdrawal of its troops from Iraq , media reports say WASHINGTON , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
The United States conducted precision strikes on Thursday against Kata'ib Hizbollah facilities in Iraq in response to an earlier attack on Camp Taji , the US Department of Defense said in a statement .
`` Earlier this evening , the United States conducted defensive precision strikes against Kata'ib Hizbollah ( KH ) facilities across Iraq .
These strikes targeted five weapon storage facilities to significantly degrade their ability to conduct future attacks against Operation Inherent Resolve ( OIR ) coalition forces.These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapons used to target U.S. and coalition troops , '' the statement said .
`` These strikes were defensive , proportional , and in direct response to the threat posed by Iranian-backed Shia militia groups ( SMG ) who continue to attack bases hosting OIR coalition forces , '' the statement added .
`` Yesterday 's attack on Camp Taji killed two U.S. and one U.K. service members and wounded 14 others , '' the statement noted .
`` The United States will not tolerate attacks against our people , our interests , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defense Mark Esper was quoted as saying .
`` As we have demonstrated in recent months , we will take any action necessary to protect our forces in Iraq and the region , '' Esper added .
`` There terror groups must cease their attacks on U.S. and coalition forces or face consequences at a time and place of our choosing , '' the statement concluded .

US begins withdrawal of its troops from Iraq, media reports say
WASHINGTON, March 13. /TASS/. The United States conducted precision strikes on Thursday against Kata'ib Hizbollah facilities in Iraq in response to an earlier attack on Camp Taji, the US Department of Defense said in a statement.
"Earlier this evening, the United States conducted defensive precision strikes against Kata'ib Hizbollah (KH) facilities across Iraq. These strikes targeted five weapon storage facilities to significantly degrade their ability to conduct future attacks against Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) coalition forces.These weapon storage facilities include facilities that housed weapons used to target U.S. and coalition troops," the statement said.
"These strikes were defensive, proportional, and in direct response to the threat posed by Iranian-backed Shia militia groups (SMG) who continue to attack bases hosting OIR coalition forces," the statement added.
"Yesterday's attack on Camp Taji killed two U.S. and one U.K. service members and wounded 14 others," the statement noted.
"The United States will not tolerate attacks against our people, our interests, our allies," US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper was quoted as saying. "As we have demonstrated in recent months, we will take any action necessary to protect our forces in Iraq and the region," Esper added.
"There terror groups must cease their attacks on U.S. and coalition forces or face consequences at a time and place of our choosing," the statement concluded.


tass--2020-03-13--First cases of novel coronavirus confirmed in Ghana — media

MOSCOW , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
The first two cases of the novel coronavirus have been confirmed @ @ @ @ @ Graphic newspaper reported on Friday citing health authorities .
Both people who tested positive for @ @ @ @ @ trips abroad — one from Norway , and the other one from Turkey .
Both @ @ @ @ @ The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) in the @ @ @ @ @ of novel coronavirus were confirmed in more than 100 countries and territories , including in @ @ @ @ @ Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
Outside of China , @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus were reported in South Korea , Iran and Italy .
Over 118,000 cases of @ @ @ @ @ the world so far , and the death toll exceeded 4,300 .

MOSCOW, March 13. /TASS/. /TASS/. The first two cases of the novel coronavirus have been confirmed in Ghana, the Daily Graphic newspaper reported on Friday citing health authorities.
Both people who tested positive for the novel coronavirus returned from trips abroad — one from Norway, and the other one from Turkey. Both patients have been quarantined.
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the city of Wuhan. Cases of novel coronavirus were confirmed in more than 100 countries and territories, including in Russia. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. Outside of China, most cases of the new coronavirus were reported in South Korea, Iran and Italy.
Over 118,000 cases of novel coronavirus were confirmed in the world so far, and the death toll exceeded 4,300.


tass--2020-03-13--First case of novel coronavirus confirmed in Gabon — media

MOSCOW , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
The first case of the novel coronavirus has been confirmed in @ @ @ @ @ newspaper reported on Friday citing officials .
A 27-year-old citizen of Gabon who recently returned @ @ @ @ @ the novel coronavirus .
The patient has been qurantined , and his condition is improving @ @ @ @ @ an outbreak of the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) in the city of Wuhan .
@ @ @ @ @ confirmed in more than 100 countries and territories , including in Russia .
The World @ @ @ @ @ declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
Outside of China , most cases of the @ @ @ @ @ South Korea , Iran and Italy .
Over 118,000 cases of novel coronavirus were confirmed @ @ @ @ @ , and the death toll exceeded 4,300 .

MOSCOW, March 13. /TASS/. /TASS/. The first case of the novel coronavirus has been confirmed in Gabon, the Gabon Matin newspaper reported on Friday citing officials.
A 27-year-old citizen of Gabon who recently returned to France tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The patient has been qurantined, and his condition is improving.
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the city of Wuhan. Cases of novel coronavirus were confirmed in more than 100 countries and territories, including in Russia. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. Outside of China, most cases of the new coronavirus were reported in South Korea, Iran and Italy.
Over 118,000 cases of novel coronavirus were confirmed in the world so far, and the death toll exceeded 4,300.


tass--2020-03-13--First case of novel coronavirus confirmed at UN headquarters — source

THE UNITED NATIONS , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
A staff member at the Philippine Mission to the United Nations tested positive for the novel coronavirus , a source at the international organization told TASS on Thursday .
This is the first confirmed case of the novel coronavirus at the UN headquarters in New York .
`` In the interest of transparency and public safety , I would like to inform you that a colleague at the Philippine Mission tested positive today for COVID-19 , '' the source said .
`` She last visited the UN last Monday , March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 12.50 to 1.20 pm .
She was asymptomatic then , '' the source added .
`` As of today , the Philippine Mission is in lockdown , and all personnel are instructed to self quarantine and to seek medical attention should they develop the symptoms , '' the source noted .
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) in the city of Wuhan .
Cases of novel coronavirus were confirmed in more than 100 countries and territories , including in Russia .
The World Health Organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pandemic .
Outside of China , most cases of the new coronavirus were reported in South Korea , Iran and Italy .
Over 118,000 cases of novel coronavirus were confirmed in the world so far , and the death toll exceeded 4,300 .

THE UNITED NATIONS, March 13. /TASS/. A staff member at the Philippine Mission to the United Nations tested positive for the novel coronavirus, a source at the international organization told TASS on Thursday.
This is the first confirmed case of the novel coronavirus at the UN headquarters in New York.
"In the interest of transparency and public safety, I would like to inform you that a colleague at the Philippine Mission tested positive today for COVID-19," the source said. "She last visited the UN last Monday, March 9, for about 30 minutes — from 12.50 to 1.20 pm. She was asymptomatic then," the source added.
"As of today, the Philippine Mission is in lockdown, and all personnel are instructed to self quarantine and to seek medical attention should they develop the symptoms," the source noted.
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the city of Wuhan. Cases of novel coronavirus were confirmed in more than 100 countries and territories, including in Russia. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. Outside of China, most cases of the new coronavirus were reported in South Korea, Iran and Italy.
Over 118,000 cases of novel coronavirus were confirmed in the world so far, and the death toll exceeded 4,300.


tass--2020-03-13--Number of novel coronavirus cases in US exceeds 1,450 — media

NEW YORK , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases in the United States has @ @ @ @ @ people died , CNN reported on Thursday citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention @ @ @ @ @ CDC said that novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in 46 states and in the federal @ @ @ @ @ cases of the novel coronavirus were reported in the state of Washington .
The Chinese @ @ @ @ @ the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) in the city of Wuhan .
Cases of novel @ @ @ @ @ than 100 countries and territories , including in Russia .
The World Health Organization ( @ @ @ @ @ outbreak a pandemic .
Outside of China , most cases of the new coronavirus were @ @ @ @ @ Iran and Italy .
Over 118,000 cases of novel coronavirus were confirmed in the world @ @ @ @ @ death toll exceeded 4,300 .

NEW YORK, March 13. /TASS/. The number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases in the United States has reached 1,459, and 39 people died, CNN reported on Thursday citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC said that novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in 46 states and in the federal district of Columbia. Most cases of the novel coronavirus were reported in the state of Washington.
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the city of Wuhan. Cases of novel coronavirus were confirmed in more than 100 countries and territories, including in Russia. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. Outside of China, most cases of the new coronavirus were reported in South Korea, Iran and Italy.
Over 118,000 cases of novel coronavirus were confirmed in the world so far, and the death toll exceeded 4,300.


tass--2020-03-14--Russian national charged with $26 mln securities fraud in US

NEW YORK , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
The US Securities and Exchange Commission has announced charges against Florida-based Russian @ @ @ @ @ alleged participation in a fraudulent scheme to lure US investors into buying fictitious Certificates of @ @ @ @ @ in a statement posted on its website on Friday .
The complaint was filed in @ @ @ @ @ District of New Jersey .
`` Since November 2014 , the alleged scheme involved spoofing @ @ @ @ @ 24 actual financial firms or using at least 8 fictitious entities , resulting in over @ @ @ @ @ investor losses - with many of those losses from older investors who used their retirement @ @ @ @ @ reads .
According to New Jersey Prosecutor ’ s Office , Sotnikov has been apprehended @ @ @ @ @

NEW YORK, March 14. /TASS/. The US Securities and Exchange Commission has announced charges against Florida-based Russian citizen Denis Sotnikov over his alleged participation in a fraudulent scheme to lure US investors into buying fictitious Certificates of Deposit, the commission said in a statement posted on its website on Friday.
The complaint was filed in the federal court in the District of New Jersey.
"Since November 2014, the alleged scheme involved spoofing the websites of at least 24 actual financial firms or using at least 8 fictitious entities, resulting in over $26 million in known investor losses - with many of those losses from older investors who used their retirement savings," the statement reads.
According to New Jersey Prosecutor’s Office, Sotnikov has been apprehended and brought to trial.


tass--2020-03-14--Guatemala reports first coronavirus case

MEXICO CITY , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
Guatemala ’ s doctors have confirmed the first novel coronavirus case in @ @ @ @ @ ’ s President Alejandro Giammattei wrote in a Twitter post on Friday .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus in Guatemala , we have the first case , '' he wrote .
`` @ @ @ @ @ to panic and take preventive measures to prevent the spread of the virus . ''
@ @ @ @ @ the virus has been taken to the hospital .
There is no information on his @ @ @ @ @ the new coronavirus-related disease was registered in central China at the end of December 2019 @ @ @ @ @ the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic .
COVID-19 infection cases have been registered @ @ @ @ @ .
According to official statistics , about 134,000 people have contracted the virus .
More @ @ @ @ @ .
A total of 45 cases have occurred in Russia so far .

MEXICO CITY, March 14. /TASS/. Guatemala’s doctors have confirmed the first novel coronavirus case in the country, the country’s President Alejandro Giammattei wrote in a Twitter post on Friday.
"I officially declare the appearance of coronavirus in Guatemala, we have the first case," he wrote. "I ask the population not to panic and take preventive measures to prevent the spread of the virus."
The person who had contracted the virus has been taken to the hospital. There is no information on his condition.
An outbreak of the new coronavirus-related disease was registered in central China at the end of December 2019. On March 11, the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic. COVID-19 infection cases have been registered in more than 110 countries. According to official statistics, about 134,000 people have contracted the virus. More than 5,000 of them died. A total of 45 cases have occurred in Russia so far.


tass--2020-03-14--Ecuador confirms first coronavirus death

MOSCOW , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
The first death from a disease caused by the novel coronavirus has been @ @ @ @ @ country ’ s Minister of Public Health Catalina Andramuno told reporters at a news conference @ @ @ @ @ patient who was the first to contract the coronavirus has died today , '' she @ @ @ @ @ the new coronavirus-related disease was registered in central China at the end of December 2019 @ @ @ @ @ the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic .
COVID-19 infection cases have been registered @ @ @ @ @ .
According to official statistics , about 134,000 people have contracted the virus .
More @ @ @ @ @ .
A total of 45 cases have occurred in Russia so far .

MOSCOW, March 14. /TASS/. The first death from a disease caused by the novel coronavirus has been registered in Ecuador, the country’s Minister of Public Health Catalina Andramuno told reporters at a news conference in Quito.
"The patient who was the first to contract the coronavirus has died today," she said.
An outbreak of the new coronavirus-related disease was registered in central China at the end of December 2019. On March 11, the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic. COVID-19 infection cases have been registered in more than 110 countries. According to official statistics, about 134,000 people have contracted the virus. More than 5,000 of them died. A total of 45 cases have occurred in Russia so far.


tass--2020-03-14--Russian MP: PACE spring session cancelled due to coronavirus outbreak in Europe

MOSCOW , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
The spring session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe ( PACE ) scheduled to be held in Strasbourg in April has been cancelled because of the novel coronavirus outbreak in Europe , Chairman of the Russian State Duma ( lower house ) Foreign Affairs Committee Leonid Slutsky told reporters on Friday .
`` The PACE spring session , which was scheduled to be held in Strasbourg from April 20 to April 24 , has been cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak in European countries .
The decision was made at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s leadership , '' he said .
`` Security measures are the primary concern , '' he added .
Slutsky earlier said that Russia would react with understanding to such a step , considering it logical amid the pandemic declared by the World Health Organization and the need for steps to prevent the virus from spreading further .
An outbreak of the new coronavirus-related disease was registered in central China at the end of last December .
On March 11 , the World Health Organization recognized it as a pandemic .
COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 110 countries .
According to official statistics , about 134,000 people have contracted the virus .
More than 5,000 of them have died .
A total of 45 cases have been confirmed in Russia so far .

MOSCOW, March 14. /TASS/. The spring session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) scheduled to be held in Strasbourg in April has been cancelled because of the novel coronavirus outbreak in Europe, Chairman of the Russian State Duma (lower house) Foreign Affairs Committee Leonid Slutsky told reporters on Friday.
"The PACE spring session, which was scheduled to be held in Strasbourg from April 20 to April 24, has been cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak in European countries. The decision was made at the level of the Council of Europe’s leadership," he said.
"Security measures are the primary concern," he added.
Slutsky earlier said that Russia would react with understanding to such a step, considering it logical amid the pandemic declared by the World Health Organization and the need for steps to prevent the virus from spreading further.
An outbreak of the new coronavirus-related disease was registered in central China at the end of last December. On March 11, the World Health Organization recognized it as a pandemic. COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in more than 110 countries. According to official statistics, about 134,000 people have contracted the virus. More than 5,000 of them have died. A total of 45 cases have been confirmed in Russia so far.


tass--2020-03-14--Trump declares national emergency over COVID-19

WASHINGTON , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
US President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency in the USA over the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) .
Trump has made the corresponding statement during a special press briefing held at the White House .
The national emergency will allow the US to use federal funds to aid the states in combating the spread of the disease .
Earlier , the US administration received $ 8.3 bln from Congress to contain the outbreak .
`` To unleash the full power of the federal government to this effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national emergency - two very big words , '' Trump said .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
On March 11 , WHO officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) as a pandemic .
The disease has spread to over 110 countries .
According to official data , over 134,000 people have been infected with the virus globally , and over 5,000 have @ @

WASHINGTON, March 14. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency in the USA over the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Trump has made the corresponding statement during a special press briefing held at the White House.
The national emergency will allow the US to use federal funds to aid the states in combating the spread of the disease. Earlier, the US administration received $8.3 bln from Congress to contain the outbreak.
"To unleash the full power of the federal government to this effort today, I am officially declaring a national emergency - two very big words," Trump said.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. On March 11, WHO officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic. The disease has spread to over 110 countries. According to official data, over 134,000 people have been infected with the virus globally, and over 5,000 have died.


tass--2020-03-14--Russian reconciliation center: no attacks documented in Idlib zone in past 24 hours

MOSCOW , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
Illegal militant formations have not violated the ceasefire in the Idlib de-escalation zone in the past 24 hours , Oleg Zhuravlev , chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria , stated on Friday .
The ceasefire in the Idlib de-escalation zone was introduced in accordance with the Russian-Turkish agreements starting March 6 , 2020 .
`` In the past 24 hours , no attacks by illegal militant formations under control of Turkey have been detected , '' Zhuravlev said .
The Russian military police have conducted two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian aviation has conducted air patrolling from the Qamishli airfield .
Units of the Russian military are also patrolling the M5 motorway in the provinces of Hama and Idlib .
The defense official noted that Russia had held four humanitarian actions in the provinces of Al-Hasakah , Raqqa and Aleppo , handing out over 4 tonnes of food rations .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan approved a ceasefire in Syria ’ s Idlib province and other measures aimed to regulate the situation in the region during the talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hostilities in Idlib must be stopped on the entire line of contact starting March 6 , the declaration signed on the outcomes of the meeting informs .
Starting March 15 , Russia and Turkey will begin joint patrolling on the M4 motorway in Syria , along which a security corridor will be created .
Moscow and Ankara have confirmed their commitment to maintaining Syria ’ s sovereignty , agreeing to continue the decisive fight against terrorism .

MOSCOW, March 14. /TASS/. Illegal militant formations have not violated the ceasefire in the Idlib de-escalation zone in the past 24 hours, Oleg Zhuravlev, chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria, stated on Friday.
The ceasefire in the Idlib de-escalation zone was introduced in accordance with the Russian-Turkish agreements starting March 6, 2020. "In the past 24 hours, no attacks by illegal militant formations under control of Turkey have been detected," Zhuravlev said.
The Russian military police have conducted two patrols in the province of Aleppo. Russian aviation has conducted air patrolling from the Qamishli airfield. Units of the Russian military are also patrolling the M5 motorway in the provinces of Hama and Idlib.
The defense official noted that Russia had held four humanitarian actions in the provinces of Al-Hasakah, Raqqa and Aleppo, handing out over 4 tonnes of food rations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan approved a ceasefire in Syria’s Idlib province and other measures aimed to regulate the situation in the region during the talks in Moscow on March 5. All hostilities in Idlib must be stopped on the entire line of contact starting March 6, the declaration signed on the outcomes of the meeting informs. Starting March 15, Russia and Turkey will begin joint patrolling on the M4 motorway in Syria, along which a security corridor will be created. Moscow and Ankara have confirmed their commitment to maintaining Syria’s sovereignty, agreeing to continue the decisive fight against terrorism.


tass--2020-03-13--Dollar to return to 61 rubles in two years — Goldman Sachs

MOSCOW , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
The ruble rate will return to 61 rubles per dollar after the recent @ @ @ @ @ two years , Goldman Sachs analysts say in their review .
Oil prices will stay @ @ @ @ @ during six months to come but will gradually rise to $ 60 per barrel within @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Our commodity team now forecasts oil prices at $ 30/bbl for the next @ @ @ @ @ a gradual rise back to $ 60/bbl in 24 months , '' according to the @ @ @ @ @ that under this scenario the ruble would initially depreciate to 75 USD/RUB before starting a @ @ @ @ @ , '' analysts say .
Inflation in Russia will remain much lower than 4 % @ @ @ @ @ than 3 % in 2021 , Goldman Sachs say .
The Bank of Russia is @ @ @ @ @ rate at the coming Board meeting but will most likely keep it as is until @ @ @ @ @ noted .

MOSCOW, March 13. /TASS/. The ruble rate will return to 61 rubles per dollar after the recent collapse to 75 rubles within two years, Goldman Sachs analysts say in their review.
Oil prices will stay at $30 a barrel during six months to come but will gradually rise to $60 per barrel within 24 months, analysts predict.
"Our commodity team now forecasts oil prices at $30/bbl for the next 6 months, followed by a gradual rise back to $60/bbl in 24 months," according to the review. "We find that under this scenario the ruble would initially depreciate to 75 USD/RUB before starting a trend appreciation back to 61," analysts say.
Inflation in Russia will remain much lower than 4% and will drop to less than 3% in 2021, Goldman Sachs say. The Bank of Russia is expected to reduce the key rate at the coming Board meeting but will most likely keep it as is until the mid-year, the bank noted.


tass--2020-03-13--EU prolongs sanctions against Russian citizens

BRUSSELS , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
The EU has officially prolonged individual sanctions against Russian citizens for another six @ @ @ @ @ the European Council published on Friday informs .
The sanctions were set to expire on @ @ @ @ @ Council today decided that current sanctions in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial @ @ @ @ @ of Ukraine should be extended for a further six months until 15 September 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ `` These restrictive measures provide not only for a freezing of funds , but also @ @ @ @ @ or other economic resources available to the listed persons .
They currently apply to 175 @ @ @ @ @ following the removal of two deceased persons from the list , '' the message informs @

BRUSSELS, March 13. /TASS/. The EU has officially prolonged individual sanctions against Russian citizens for another six months, a statement by the European Council published on Friday informs. The sanctions were set to expire on March 15.
"The Council today decided that current sanctions in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine should be extended for a further six months until 15 September 2020," the statement says.
"These restrictive measures provide not only for a freezing of funds, but also a prohibition against making funds or other economic resources available to the listed persons. They currently apply to 175 persons and 44 entities, following the removal of two deceased persons from the list," the message informs.


tass--2020-03-13--Ukraine to suspend all passenger flights starting March 17

KIEV , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
Ukraine will suspend all passenger flights starting March 17 due to the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 ) , Verkhovna Rada ( Ukrainian parliament ) Speaker Dmitry Razumkov said on the @ @ @ @ @ Starting March 17 , 00:00 , it [ passenger air service ] will be fully @ @ @ @ @ Speaking of land and maritime [ service ] , first and foremost land , our @ @ @ @ @ return to the territory of our state , '' he said .

KIEV, March 13. /TASS/. Ukraine will suspend all passenger flights starting March 17 due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) Speaker Dmitry Razumkov said on the NewsOne TV channel.
"Starting March 17, 00:00, it [passenger air service] will be fully suspended. <…> Speaking of land and maritime [service], first and foremost land, our citizens will be able to return to the territory of our state," he said.


tass--2020-03-13--Russia partly suspends air service with EU states

MOSCOW , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
Starting March 16 , Russia will partly suspend regular air service with all EU states excluding flights between Moscow and EU capitals .
Flights to Switzerland and Norway , except the ones to Geneva and Oslo , have also been suspended , Russia ’ s task force for combating and preventing the spread of novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) told reporters on Friday .
`` In order to ensure the security of the state , to protect the citizens ’ health and to avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus infection on Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to suspend passenger flights starting 00:00 March 16 , 2020 Moscow time from the territory of the Russian Federation to the territory of EU member states and back , excluding regular flights between Moscow and EU capitals arriving and departing from Sheremetyevo Terminal F , '' the message said .
Regular air service with Switzerland , excluding flights from Moscow to Geneva , and with Norway , except for flights from Moscow to Oslo , has also been suspended .
Charter flights to these states will still be operated to transport citizens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their home countries and to transport Russian citizens to the Russian Federation .
Earlier , Russia partly suspended air service with China , South Korea and Iran .
On Wednesday March 11 , Russia partly restricted flights to and from Germany , Spain , Italy and France .
Regular flights to Barcelona , Munich and Frankfurt were still operated under those measures .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHO officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) as a pandemic .
The disease has spread to over 110 countries .
According to official data , over 134,000 people have been infected with the virus globally , and over 5,000 have died .
There are 45 confirmed cases in Russia .

MOSCOW, March 13. /TASS/. Starting March 16, Russia will partly suspend regular air service with all EU states excluding flights between Moscow and EU capitals. Flights to Switzerland and Norway, except the ones to Geneva and Oslo, have also been suspended, Russia’s task force for combating and preventing the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) told reporters on Friday.
"In order to ensure the security of the state, to protect the citizens’ health and to avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus infection on Russian territory, the task force has decided to suspend passenger flights starting 00:00 March 16, 2020 Moscow time from the territory of the Russian Federation to the territory of EU member states and back, excluding regular flights between Moscow and EU capitals arriving and departing from Sheremetyevo Terminal F," the message said.
Regular air service with Switzerland, excluding flights from Moscow to Geneva, and with Norway, except for flights from Moscow to Oslo, has also been suspended.
Charter flights to these states will still be operated to transport citizens of the EU, Switzerland and Norway back to their home countries and to transport Russian citizens to the Russian Federation.
Earlier, Russia partly suspended air service with China, South Korea and Iran. On Wednesday March 11, Russia partly restricted flights to and from Germany, Spain, Italy and France. Regular flights to Barcelona, Munich and Frankfurt were still operated under those measures.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. On March 11, WHO officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic. The disease has spread to over 110 countries. According to official data, over 134,000 people have been infected with the virus globally, and over 5,000 have died. There are 45 confirmed cases in Russia.


tass--2020-03-13--Russia will not face recession this year, first deputy PM says

MOSCOW , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will not face recession and GDP will remain positive unless extra shocks @ @ @ @ @ Minister Andrei Belousov told reporters on Friday .
`` You know , risks always exist @ @ @ @ @ remains , I believe we will not face recession , unless we have further pushes @ @ @ @ @ reach growth parameters we would like to see but as far as I can see @ @ @ @ @ will remain with positive values , '' the official said .

MOSCOW, March 13. /TASS/. Russia will not face recession and GDP will remain positive unless extra shocks arise, First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov told reporters on Friday.
"You know, risks always exist but if the status quo remains, I believe we will not face recession, unless we have further pushes. We will not probably reach growth parameters we would like to see but as far as I can see from preliminary estimates, we will remain with positive values," the official said.


tass--2020-03-13--Europe has become the epicenter of coronavirus pandemic, WHO chief says

`` Europe has now become the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic , with more reported cases and deaths than the rest of the world combined , apart from China , '' he said .
`` More cases are now being reported every day than were reported in China at the height of its epidemic . ''
GENEVA , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
Europe has become the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic , World Health Organization ( WHO ) Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated during Friday ’ s briefing in Geneva .
He informed that over 132,000 cases of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and territories .
The majority of states have national plans in place for combating the virus , he noted .
WHO continues to provide support to countries all over the world .
`` We ’ re encouraged that many countries are now acting on the 8 pillars of WHO ’ s COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan , '' Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said .
`` Most countries now have a national plan ; most are taking a multi-sectoral approach and most have laboratory testing capacity . ''
`` We ’ re continuing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have shipped supplies of personal protective equipment to 56 countries , we ’ re shipping to a further 28 , and we ’ ve sent almost 1.5 million diagnostic tests to 120 countries , '' the WHO chief stated .
`` Our message to countries continues to be : you must take a comprehensive approach .
Not testing alone .
Not contact tracing alone .
Not quarantine alone .
Not social distancing alone .
Do it all , '' he stressed .
`` The experience of China , South Korea , Singapore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and contact tracing , combined with social distancing measures and community mobilization , can prevent COVID-19 infections and save lives , '' the WHO director general said .
`` This is a new virus and a new situation .
We ’ re all learning and we must all find new ways to prevent infections , save lives , and minimize impact .
All countries have lessons to share , '' he concluded .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified WHO about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 11 , WHO officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) as a pandemic .
The disease has spread to over 110 countries .
According to official data , over 134,000 people have been infected with the virus globally , and over 5,000 have died .
There are 45 confirmed cases in Russia .

"Europe has now become the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, with more reported cases and deaths than the rest of the world combined, apart from China," he said. "More cases are now being reported every day than were reported in China at the height of its epidemic."
GENEVA, March 13. /TASS/. Europe has become the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated during Friday’s briefing in Geneva.
He informed that over 132,000 cases of COVID-19 had been documented in 123 states and territories. The majority of states have national plans in place for combating the virus, he noted. WHO continues to provide support to countries all over the world.
"We’re encouraged that many countries are now acting on the 8 pillars of WHO’s COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. "Most countries now have a national plan; most are taking a multi-sectoral approach and most have laboratory testing capacity."
"We’re continuing to support countries to prepare and respond. We have shipped supplies of personal protective equipment to 56 countries, we’re shipping to a further 28, and we’ve sent almost 1.5 million diagnostic tests to 120 countries," the WHO chief stated.
"Our message to countries continues to be: you must take a comprehensive approach. Not testing alone. Not contact tracing alone. Not quarantine alone. Not social distancing alone. Do it all," he stressed.
"The experience of China, South Korea, Singapore and others clearly demonstrates that aggressive testing and contact tracing, combined with social distancing measures and community mobilization, can prevent COVID-19 infections and save lives," the WHO director general said.
"This is a new virus and a new situation. We’re all learning and we must all find new ways to prevent infections, save lives, and minimize impact. All countries have lessons to share," he concluded.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified WHO about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. On March 11, WHO officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic. The disease has spread to over 110 countries. According to official data, over 134,000 people have been infected with the virus globally, and over 5,000 have died. There are 45 confirmed cases in Russia.


tass--2020-03-13--Brazilian president says he has tested negative for COVID-19

`` The military hospital has confirmed that President of the Republic Jair Bolsonaro has tested negative for COVID-19 , '' the Facebook post informs .
The politician has published the message accompanied by a photo where he is making an offensive gesture .
RIO DE JANEIRO , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro informed on Facebook on Friday that he had tested negative for the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) .
Earlier on Friday , Brazil ’ s O Dia daily informed that Bolsonaro had allegedly tested positive for the novel coronavirus .
The Fox News TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citing the Brazilian leader ’ s son , Eduardo Bolsonaro .
Earlier , it was reported that Bolsonaro ’ s press secretary Fabio Wajngarten , who formed part of the delegation that returned from Miami on Wednesday , had contracted the novel coronavirus .
During the trip to the USA , he was in close contact with the Brazilian president .
The official also published a photo on Instagram with US President Donald Trump and US Vice President Mike Pence .
Wajngarten was quarantined .
Bolsonaro , who will be 65 on March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delegation , including ministers of defense , state security and energy , have all provided test samples for COVID-19 .
The results are expected on March 13 .
The first case of COVID-19 was documented in Brazil on February 26 .
Currently , there are 150 confirmed cases in the country , with five people receiving hospital treatment .
The rest are quarantined at home .
About 1,500 people are under surveillance for the virus , while over 1,100 people have tested negative for COVID-19 .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
On March 11 , WHO officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) as a pandemic .
The disease has spread to over 110 countries .
According to official data , over 134,000 people have been infected with the virus globally , and over 5,000 have died .
There are 45 confirmed cases in Russia .

"The military hospital has confirmed that President of the Republic Jair Bolsonaro has tested negative for COVID-19," the Facebook post informs. The politician has published the message accompanied by a photo where he is making an offensive gesture.
RIO DE JANEIRO, March 13. /TASS/. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro informed on Facebook on Friday that he had tested negative for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Earlier on Friday, Brazil’s O Dia daily informed that Bolsonaro had allegedly tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The Fox News TV channel reported the same information, allegedly citing the Brazilian leader’s son, Eduardo Bolsonaro.
Earlier, it was reported that Bolsonaro’s press secretary Fabio Wajngarten, who formed part of the delegation that returned from Miami on Wednesday, had contracted the novel coronavirus. During the trip to the USA, he was in close contact with the Brazilian president. The official also published a photo on Instagram with US President Donald Trump and US Vice President Mike Pence.
Wajngarten was quarantined. Bolsonaro, who will be 65 on March 21, and members of the Brazilian delegation, including ministers of defense, state security and energy, have all provided test samples for COVID-19. The results are expected on March 13.
The first case of COVID-19 was documented in Brazil on February 26. Currently, there are 150 confirmed cases in the country, with five people receiving hospital treatment. The rest are quarantined at home. About 1,500 people are under surveillance for the virus, while over 1,100 people have tested negative for COVID-19.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. On March 11, WHO officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic. The disease has spread to over 110 countries. According to official data, over 134,000 people have been infected with the virus globally, and over 5,000 have died. There are 45 confirmed cases in Russia.


tass--2020-03-13--Kaspersky Lab temporarily closes offices in Italy due to coronavirus

MOSCOW , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
Kaspersky Lab has temporarily closed their offices in Italy due to the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ the remote work in other EU countries and the US , the press service of @ @ @ @ @ TASS on Friday .
`` Company ’ s offices in Italy are temporarily closed for @ @ @ @ @ to work remotely in other European countries and the United States .
We request all @ @ @ @ @ in the near time from business trips , particularly to countries where many coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ recommended to work from home and monitor their health status after the return from these @ @ @ @ @ says .
No coronavirus cases have been registered among company ’ s employees .
On @ @ @ @ @ temporarily closed their offices in Beijing , Tianjin and Shanghai , TASS reported earlier .
@ @ @ @ @ from home in China .
The company set a flexible working schedule in other Asia-Pacific @ @

MOSCOW, March 13. /TASS/. Kaspersky has temporarily closed its offices in Italy due to the coronavirus and employees were transferred to the remote work in other EU countries and the US, the press service of the Russian software company told TASS on Friday.
"Company’s offices in Italy are temporarily closed for quarantine and employees are recommended to work remotely in other European countries and the United States. We request all the employees to possibly refrain in the near time from business trips, particularly to countries where many coronavirus cases were registered. Employees are recommended to work from home and monitor their health status after the return from these countries," the company says.
No coronavirus cases have been registered among company’s employees.
On March 4, Kaspersky temporarily closed its offices in Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai, TASS reported earlier. All the employees are working from home in China. The company set a flexible working schedule in other Asia-Pacific countries.


tass--2020-03-13--About 900 citizens file applications to qualify for Russia’s cosmonaut team

`` By now , about 900 Russian citizens have filed applications and they will have to undergo the toughest selection procedure , '' the Roscosmos chief said at the festive meeting devoted to the 60th anniversary of the Cosmonaut Training Center .
MOSCOW , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
About 900 Russian citizens have filed applications to qualify for the cosmonauts ’ team , Head of Russia ’ s State Space Corporation Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin said on Friday .
Cosmonauts are envoys of the country and of the world .
Roscosmos knows about the big contribution made by cosmonauts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin .
This is what the current members of the cosmonauts ’ team will deal with , Rogozin said .
As the Roscosmos chief stressed , `` the work [ for sending humans into orbit ] will not turn into a routine . ''
A new recruitment campaign for the cosmonauts ’ team kicked off in Russia on June 3 , 2019 .
The selection procedure will be completed on June 1 , 2020 .
During his visit to the Progress Space Rocket Center , Rogozin said that Roscosmos expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the recruitment campaign .

"By now, about 900 Russian citizens have filed applications and they will have to undergo the toughest selection procedure," the Roscosmos chief said at the festive meeting devoted to the 60th anniversary of the Cosmonaut Training Center.
MOSCOW, March 13. /TASS/. About 900 Russian citizens have filed applications to qualify for the cosmonauts’ team, Head of Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin said on Friday.
Cosmonauts are envoys of the country and of the world. Roscosmos knows about the big contribution made by cosmonauts to developing diplomatic relations, beginning with the first cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. This is what the current members of the cosmonauts’ team will deal with, Rogozin said.
As the Roscosmos chief stressed, "the work [for sending humans into orbit] will not turn into a routine."
A new recruitment campaign for the cosmonauts’ team kicked off in Russia on June 3, 2019. The selection procedure will be completed on June 1, 2020. During his visit to the Progress Space Rocket Center, Rogozin said that Roscosmos expected women to take a more active part in the recruitment campaign.


tass--2020-03-13--Experts: Aquaculture companies in Arctic expect sufficient infrastructures, incentives

`` The development of aquaculture in the Arctic zone is among priorities for the current year .
We have been working on incentives for this sector in the Arctic .
We have positive experience of developing aquaculture in the Far East , where over two years the production grew by five times , '' the ministry told TASS .
The Ministry for Development of the Far East and Arctic jointly with the Arctic regions has been working on a list of incentives to develop aquaculture in the Arctic .
Suggested mechanisms could be tested in 2020 .
ST. PETERSBURG , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of aquaculture , which the Russian government has named a promising sector for the Arctic regions , is hindered by insufficient incentives from local authorities and by poor infrastructures .
TASS writes about what officials and market players say about the sector ’ s current problems and their possible solutions .
Russia ’ s Arctic regions are the Murmansk , Yamalo-Nenets , and Chukotka regions , as well as a few districts in the Krasnoyarsk Region , Arkhangelsk , Karelia , Yakutia regions and one district in Komi .
Due to the climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is most promising in three Arctic regions : Karelia , Murmansk and Arkhangelsk , the ministry added .
Experts of the national Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography ( VNIRO ) point to favorable natural conditions for growing river and sea fish species , which are of demand in the market .
For example , the Murmansk Region has good conditions for growing salmon , north of the Krasnoyarsk Region - for growing sturgeon , and Karelia - for trout and whitefish .
`` Fish farming has a few products : first of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be put into natural water reservoirs to restore the population .
It is most important , because , for example , sturgeon spawns for the first time only at the age of 25 years .
Fish farming may increase the population within limited time .
Secondly , we shall get the commodity product , '' Vladimir Zadelenov of VNIRO ’ s branch in Krasnoyarsk told TASS .
Director of the Institute ’ s branch in Karelia Sergei Korkin stresses the ecosystem of many Arctic water reservoirs is fragile and may be destroyed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said , producers must take into consideration how quickly and to what extent the used water reservoirs would be able to self-clean when the fish population grows .
Officials in the Arctic regions say only few companies are involved in fish farming nowadays - due to the climate conditions and to high costs of any business in the North .
For example , in the Arkhangelsk Region , only two out of eleven fishery companies are in the Arctic zone .
Karelia has more than 60 companies working in aquaculture , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ districts .
The Murmansk Region offer to fisheries good conditions for loans ; and the Arkhangelsk Region subsidizes some expenses on feed and baby fish .
The regions say the offered benefits have favored development of aquaculture .
The Arkhangelsk Region reports the growth of almost 40 % over five years , the Murmansk Region - 150 % over three years .
`` The production in 2019 made 33,800 tonnes , '' the Murmansk Region ’ s official , supervising fishery and aquaculture , Andrei Alekseyev , told TASS .
The Murmansk Region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baby fish of salmon and trout .
Karelia will produce from 2024 fish fry and caviar .
`` Trout farms in Karelia produced 32,700 tonnes of fish in 2019 , and plan the annual output will reach 65,000 tonnes by 2025 , '' Karelia ’ s official Oleg Avramkin told TASS .
The support for aquaculture businesses in the Arctic is not sufficient , companies and authorities told TASS .
The Murmansk Region ’ s third part of the support causes the regional budget ’ s deficit .
The Arkhangelsk Region does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production infrastructures .
`` The re-circulatory water systems for aquaculture require reliable energy supplies for circulation and heating , and the region can not afford compensating for such expenses on its own , this problem should be settled at the federal level , '' the Arkhangelsk Region ’ s Ministry of Agriculture and Trade told TASS .
Besides , producers experience a shortage of operating assets , a farmer from the Arkhangelsk Region , Maxim Kudryavtsev , told TASS .
`` Farmers normally do not have property to pledge .
Special conditions for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be pledged .
Presently , if fish is accepted at all , it is taken at very high discounts , '' he said .
Another problem , he continued , is that the region does not have fish fries producers .
`` We have to bring baby fish from Murmansk , which is too far , '' he explained .
The incentives , the ministry will offer to aquaculture businesses in the Arctic , on one hand , will be based on the successful experience in the Far East , and , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Arctic region ’ s peculiarities , the ministry told TASS .
Thus , specialists will have to adjust accordingly the successful practice of allocating slots in the sea , because in the Arctic most farms grow fish in lakes .
`` Here is another aspect - the State Duma now discusses a package of bills on the Arctic , where one of the suggestions is to lower the initial investment level required to enter projects unrelated to mining .
We hope the incentives will begin working this year and they will favor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the ministry said .

"The development of aquaculture in the Arctic zone is among priorities for the current year. We have been working on incentives for this sector in the Arctic. We have positive experience of developing aquaculture in the Far East, where over two years the production grew by five times," the ministry told TASS.
The Ministry for Development of the Far East and Arctic jointly with the Arctic regions has been working on a list of incentives to develop aquaculture in the Arctic. Suggested mechanisms could be tested in 2020.
ST. PETERSBURG, March 13. /TASS/. The development of aquaculture, which the Russian government has named a promising sector for the Arctic regions, is hindered by insufficient incentives from local authorities and by poor infrastructures. TASS writes about what officials and market players say about the sector’s current problems and their possible solutions.
Russia’s Arctic regions are the Murmansk, Yamalo-Nenets, and Chukotka regions, as well as a few districts in the Krasnoyarsk Region, Arkhangelsk, Karelia, Yakutia regions and one district in Komi. Due to the climate and geographic conditions, development of aquaculture is most promising in three Arctic regions: Karelia, Murmansk and Arkhangelsk, the ministry added.
High potential
Experts of the national Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography (VNIRO) point to favorable natural conditions for growing river and sea fish species, which are of demand in the market. For example, the Murmansk Region has good conditions for growing salmon, north of the Krasnoyarsk Region - for growing sturgeon, and Karelia - for trout and whitefish.
"Fish farming has a few products: first of all, baby fish, which would be put into natural water reservoirs to restore the population. It is most important, because, for example, sturgeon spawns for the first time only at the age of 25 years. Fish farming may increase the population within limited time. Secondly, we shall get the commodity product," Vladimir Zadelenov of VNIRO’s branch in Krasnoyarsk told TASS.
Director of the Institute’s branch in Karelia Sergei Korkin stresses the ecosystem of many Arctic water reservoirs is fragile and may be destroyed by uncontrolled growth of aquaculture population. Thus, he said, producers must take into consideration how quickly and to what extent the used water reservoirs would be able to self-clean when the fish population grows.
Incentives
Officials in the Arctic regions say only few companies are involved in fish farming nowadays - due to the climate conditions and to high costs of any business in the North. For example, in the Arkhangelsk Region, only two out of eleven fishery companies are in the Arctic zone. Karelia has more than 60 companies working in aquaculture, though none of them is the Arctic districts.
The Murmansk Region offer to fisheries good conditions for loans; and the Arkhangelsk Region subsidizes some expenses on feed and baby fish.
The regions say the offered benefits have favored development of aquaculture. The Arkhangelsk Region reports the growth of almost 40% over five years, the Murmansk Region - 150% over three years. "The production in 2019 made 33,800 tonnes," the Murmansk Region’s official, supervising fishery and aquaculture, Andrei Alekseyev, told TASS.
The Murmansk Region plans to organize modern factories to grow baby fish of salmon and trout. Karelia will produce from 2024 fish fry and caviar. "Trout farms in Karelia produced 32,700 tonnes of fish in 2019, and plan the annual output will reach 65,000 tonnes by 2025," Karelia’s official Oleg Avramkin told TASS.
What is lacking
The support for aquaculture businesses in the Arctic is not sufficient, companies and authorities told TASS. The Murmansk Region’s third part of the support causes the regional budget’s deficit. The Arkhangelsk Region does not have enough money to maintain and serve production infrastructures.
"The re-circulatory water systems for aquaculture require reliable energy supplies for circulation and heating, and the region cannot afford compensating for such expenses on its own, this problem should be settled at the federal level," the Arkhangelsk Region’s Ministry of Agriculture and Trade told TASS.
Besides, producers experience a shortage of operating assets, a farmer from the Arkhangelsk Region, Maxim Kudryavtsev, told TASS. "Farmers normally do not have property to pledge. Special conditions for loans could be helpful so that fish could be pledged. Presently, if fish is accepted at all, it is taken at very high discounts," he said.
Another problem, he continued, is that the region does not have fish fries producers. "We have to bring baby fish from Murmansk, which is too far," he explained.
Solutions
The incentives, the ministry will offer to aquaculture businesses in the Arctic, on one hand, will be based on the successful experience in the Far East, and, on the other hand, will mind the Arctic region’s peculiarities, the ministry told TASS. Thus, specialists will have to adjust accordingly the successful practice of allocating slots in the sea, because in the Arctic most farms grow fish in lakes.
"Here is another aspect - the State Duma now discusses a package of bills on the Arctic, where one of the suggestions is to lower the initial investment level required to enter projects unrelated to mining. We hope the incentives will begin working this year and they will favor development of the fish farming business," the ministry said.


tass--2020-03-13--Over 210 trees toppled in Moscow due to strong winds

MOSCOW , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
Over 210 trees have been toppled in Moscow due to strong winds in @ @ @ @ @ officials informed TASS on Friday .
`` On March 13 , strong southwest and west @ @ @ @ @ meters per second ) have been forecasted [ in Moscow ] .
As of now @ @ @ @ @ toppled trees in the city and cleaned up 117 , '' the officials stated , @ @ @ @ @ damaged .
All city services have been placed on high alert due to unfavorable weather @ @

MOSCOW, March 13. /TASS/. Over 210 trees have been toppled in Moscow due to strong winds in the Russian capital, local officials informed TASS on Friday.
"On March 13, strong southwest and west winds (up to 20-25 meters per second) have been forecasted [in Moscow]. As of now, we have documented 216 toppled trees in the city and cleaned up 117," the officials stated, adding that 48 cars were damaged.
All city services have been placed on high alert due to unfavorable weather conditions.


tass--2020-03-13--Crews of Su-34 fighter-bombers strike ground targets in southern Russia drills

At the first stage of the drills , the pilots made a flight from the Voronezh Region in Russia ’ s south to the Tver Region in central Russia .
MOSCOW , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
The crews of Su-34 multirole fighter-bombers from the Leningrad Air Force and Air Defense Army held drills for breaching a notional enemy ’ s air defenses and struck ground targets with air bombs , the press office of Russia ’ s Western Military District reported on Friday .
`` During the flight , the pilots carried out counter-measures against ground electronic warfare forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the elements of an aerial battle , '' the District ’ s press office said in a statement .
The notional enemy was simulated by the combat teams of S-300 surface-to-air missile systems and the crews of Su-30SM and MiG-31BM fighters , the statement says .
`` At the final stage of the drills , the Su-34 planes eliminated the simulated enemy ’ s command posts , according to the statement .
`` Over 20 crews practiced dropping air bombs to strike targets at the Pogonovo range in the Voronezh Region , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The drills involved more than 600 personnel of aviation units , electronic warfare and air defense forces of the Leningrad Air Force and Air Defense Army , the press office specified .

At the first stage of the drills, the pilots made a flight from the Voronezh Region in Russia’s south to the Tver Region in central Russia.
MOSCOW, March 13. /TASS/. The crews of Su-34 multirole fighter-bombers from the Leningrad Air Force and Air Defense Army held drills for breaching a notional enemy’s air defenses and struck ground targets with air bombs, the press office of Russia’s Western Military District reported on Friday.
"During the flight, the pilots carried out counter-measures against ground electronic warfare forces and breached air defenses and also practiced the elements of an aerial battle," the District’s press office said in a statement.
The notional enemy was simulated by the combat teams of S-300 surface-to-air missile systems and the crews of Su-30SM and MiG-31BM fighters, the statement says.
"At the final stage of the drills, the Su-34 planes eliminated the simulated enemy’s command posts, according to the statement.
"Over 20 crews practiced dropping air bombs to strike targets at the Pogonovo range in the Voronezh Region," the District’s press office said.
The drills involved more than 600 personnel of aviation units, electronic warfare and air defense forces of the Leningrad Air Force and Air Defense Army, the press office specified.


tass--2020-03-13--Ukraine reports first death from coronavirus

KIEV , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
The first death from the novel coronavirus has been reported in Ukraine , @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian Health Ministry informed on Friday .
`` The first death of a person infected @ @ @ @ @ documented in Ukraine .
A 71-year-old woman from the Zhitomir Region , who was taken @ @ @ @ @ and diagnosed with COVID-19 on the outcomes of lab tests , has died , '' @ @ @ @ @ Deputy Health Minister Viktor Liashko confirmed her death during a press briefing on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ , the woman who was hospitalized yesterday in the Zhitomir Region has died , '' @ @ @

KIEV, March 13. /TASS/. The first death from the novel coronavirus has been reported in Ukraine, the press service of the Ukrainian Health Ministry informed on Friday.
"The first death of a person infected with the coronavirus has been documented in Ukraine. A 71-year-old woman from the Zhitomir Region, who was taken to hospital on March 12 and diagnosed with COVID-19 on the outcomes of lab tests, has died," the message informed.
Ukrainian Deputy Health Minister Viktor Liashko confirmed her death during a press briefing on Friday. "Unpleasant news: unfortunately, the woman who was hospitalized yesterday in the Zhitomir Region has died," he said.


tass--2020-03-13--Brazil’s president tested positive for coronavirus — media

There has been no official confirmation of this information yet .
On Thursday , Bolsonaro underwent coronavirus tests , after @ @ @ @ @ accompanied the president during his meeting with US President Donald Trump , was diagnosed with @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, March 13. /TASS/. Initial coronavirus test results of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro were positive, Rio-based Jornal O Dia newspaper reported Friday.
There has been no official confirmation of this information yet.
On Thursday, Bolsonaro underwent coronavirus tests, after an administration official, who accompanied the president during his meeting with US President Donald Trump, was diagnosed with the coronavirus infection.


tass--2020-03-13--Russia’s Energy Ministry does not see conditions for new OPEC+ deal right now

KOSTROMA , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
The possibility of concluding a new OPEC+ deal was not discussed on March 12 at a meeting of Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak with oil companies , he said on Friday .
He added that he does not see conditions for a new agreement at the moment due to the actions of OPEC partners .
`` We did not discuss this .
We do not see conditions for such proposals ( on a new agreement - TASS ) .
We do not see conditions forming .
You see how OPEC participants behave , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this background , '' Novak said .
He added that Russian oil companies can restore oil production reduced by the OPEC+ agreement in April 2020 - by 200,000 barrels per day , further growth will take time .
`` We can restore production that was reduced due to the OPEC+ agreement against October 2018 quite quickly .
As for additional production , it will take some time to ensure investment expenditures , '' he said .
`` I think the full volume , which was reduced , 200,000 , can be restored , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks on March 6 , the OPEC+ ministers were unable to agree on further parameters of the deal to reduce oil production .
OPEC proposed to further reduce production by 1.5 mln barrels per day until the end of this year , but Russia did not agree to this .
Starting from April , all production restrictions will be lifted .

KOSTROMA, March 13. /TASS/. The possibility of concluding a new OPEC+ deal was not discussed on March 12 at a meeting of Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak with oil companies, he said on Friday. He added that he does not see conditions for a new agreement at the moment due to the actions of OPEC partners.
"We did not discuss this. We do not see conditions for such proposals (on a new agreement - TASS). We do not see conditions forming. You see how OPEC participants behave, therefore, movement is hardly possible against this background," Novak said.
He added that Russian oil companies can restore oil production reduced by the OPEC+ agreement in April 2020 - by 200,000 barrels per day, further growth will take time. "We can restore production that was reduced due to the OPEC+ agreement against October 2018 quite quickly. As for additional production, it will take some time to ensure investment expenditures," he said.
"I think the full volume, which was reduced, 200,000, can be restored," the minister added.
At the talks on March 6, the OPEC+ ministers were unable to agree on further parameters of the deal to reduce oil production. OPEC proposed to further reduce production by 1.5 mln barrels per day until the end of this year, but Russia did not agree to this. Starting from April, all production restrictions will be lifted.


tass--2020-03-13--Ukraine seals border over coronavirus threat

`` In 48 hours , our country would close the border for the foreigners , '' he said , adding @ @ @ @ @ remain in force for two weeks .
KIEV , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
In @ @ @ @ @ close its border for foreigners for two weeks , Alexander Danilov , the Secretary of @ @ @ @ @ Council of Ukraine , announced Friday .
`` Ukrainian citizens , who are currently abroad @ @ @ @ @ return '' home , he added .
On Thursday , Ukraine introduced quarantine that will @ @ @ @ @ All educational facilities , cinemas , entertainment centers are closed , mass events are banned @ @ @ @ @ Ministry , amount of the infected increased to 3 .
The first infection case in @ @ @ @ @ March 3 .
The novel coronavirus-induced pneumonia outbreak was registered in late December 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ .
On March 11 , the World Health Organization declared it a global pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ including Russia , have reported coronavirus infection cases .

"In 48 hours, our country would close the border for the foreigners," he said, adding that the entry ban will remain in force for two weeks.
KIEV, March 13. /TASS/. In 48 hours, Ukraine will close its border for foreigners for two weeks, Alexander Danilov, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, announced Friday.
"Ukrainian citizens, who are currently abroad, will be allowed to return" home, he added.
On Thursday, Ukraine introduced quarantine that will last until April 3. All educational facilities, cinemas, entertainment centers are closed, mass events are banned. According to Ukrainian Health Ministry, amount of the infected increased to 3. The first infection case in Ukraine has been registered on March 3.
The novel coronavirus-induced pneumonia outbreak was registered in late December 2019, in China’s Wuhan. On March 11, the World Health Organization declared it a global pandemic. More than 100 countries, including Russia, have reported coronavirus infection cases.


tass--2020-03-13--Powerful Moscow storm leaves one dead

Powerful Moscow storm leaves one dead

MOSCOW , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
One man died in a hurricane-like storm that battered Moscow on Friday and several others have been injured , Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin wrote in his Twitter account .
`` Unfortunately , a hurricane-like wind was not without consequences : one person has died and others have been injured .
I offer my sincere condolences to the victim ’ s family , '' Sobyanin said .
The mayor asked citizens to be cautious and stay at home .
`` A high level of danger in the city remains in force .
All services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alert , '' Sobyanin stressed .
Earlier , Moscow ’ s traffic police confirmed that a driver died in eastern Moscow when a tree fell on his car .
The tree broke the car ’ s roof .
After the incident , the car drove several meters before colliding with two parked vehicles .
The man died of sustained injuries .
During the storm , more than 50 trees fell in Moscow , two people were injured and ten vehicles were damaged .
On Thursday , Moscow ’ s Emergencies Ministry issued warnings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 25 meters per second .

MOSCOW, March 13. /TASS/. One man died in a hurricane-like storm that battered Moscow on Friday and several others have been injured, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin wrote in his Twitter account.
"Unfortunately, a hurricane-like wind was not without consequences: one person has died and others have been injured. I offer my sincere condolences to the victim’s family," Sobyanin said.
The mayor asked citizens to be cautious and stay at home. "A high level of danger in the city remains in force. All services in the city have been put on alert," Sobyanin stressed.
Earlier, Moscow’s traffic police confirmed that a driver died in eastern Moscow when a tree fell on his car. The tree broke the car’s roof. After the incident, the car drove several meters before colliding with two parked vehicles. The man died of sustained injuries.
During the storm, more than 50 trees fell in Moscow, two people were injured and ten vehicles were damaged. On Thursday, Moscow’s Emergencies Ministry issued warnings that strong wind gusts could reach up to 25 meters per second.


tass--2020-03-13--Number of coronavirus cases in Russia rises from 34 to 45

Eleven COVID-19 patients have been identified in Russia over the past day , the officials informed .
All of them visited Italy , France and Austria lately .
`` Currently , there are 45 cases of the coronavirus infection in the Russian Federation : among the infected are 42 Russian citizens , two Chinese citizens and one Italian citizen , '' the task force stated .
MOSCOW , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
The total amount of coronavirus cases in Russia has risen from 34 to 45 in the past 24 hours , Russia ’ s task force for combating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( COVID-19 ) told reporters on Friday .
`` Over the past 24 hours eleven new coronavirus cases have been registered in Russia : five in Moscow , one in the Moscow Region , three in St. Petersburg , one in the Leningrad Region and one in the Perm Region .
According to the inquiries made , all of them had visited coronavirus-affected countries ( Italy , France and Austria ) over the past two weeks .
One newly-sick contracted the virus from the previously diagnosed patients , '' the task force said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alexander Beglov told reporters that one out of five infected persons in the city is a 10-year-old child .
`` According to the federal task force , there are five infected people [ in St. Petersburg ] .
Their condition is satisfactory .
One of them is a 10-year-old child .
All of them arrived from other states , sought medical help , and now they are being treated at the Botkin Hospital , '' he said .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
On March 11 , WHO officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) as a pandemic .
The disease has spread to over 110 countries .
According to official data , over 134,000 people have been infected with the virus globally , and over 5,000 have died .

Eleven COVID-19 patients have been identified in Russia over the past day, the officials informed. All of them visited Italy, France and Austria lately.
"Currently, there are 45 cases of the coronavirus infection in the Russian Federation: among the infected are 42 Russian citizens, two Chinese citizens and one Italian citizen," the task force stated.
MOSCOW, March 13. /TASS/. The total amount of coronavirus cases in Russia has risen from 34 to 45 in the past 24 hours, Russia’s task force for combating and preventing the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) told reporters on Friday.
"Over the past 24 hours eleven new coronavirus cases have been registered in Russia: five in Moscow, one in the Moscow Region, three in St. Petersburg, one in the Leningrad Region and one in the Perm Region. According to the inquiries made, all of them had visited coronavirus-affected countries (Italy, France and Austria) over the past two weeks. One newly-sick contracted the virus from the previously diagnosed patients," the task force said.
On Friday, St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov told reporters that one out of five infected persons in the city is a 10-year-old child. "According to the federal task force, there are five infected people [in St. Petersburg]. Their condition is satisfactory. One of them is a 10-year-old child. All of them arrived from other states, sought medical help, and now they are being treated at the Botkin Hospital," he said.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. On March 11, WHO officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic. The disease has spread to over 110 countries. According to official data, over 134,000 people have been infected with the virus globally, and over 5,000 have died.


tass--2020-03-13--Russia’s FSB busts crime network that forged papers for more than 1,000 migrants

MOSCOW , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) officers have apprehended seven members of @ @ @ @ @ stopped operation of three laboratories that forged papers of illegal migrants , FSB press service @ @ @ @ @ TASS .
According to the press service , the organized crime group ’ s annual @ @ @ @ @ .
`` During the operation , seven active members of an ethnic organized crime group @ @ @ @ @ illegal presence of more than 1,000 foreigners on Russian territory , were apprehended , '' @ @ @ @ @ Forged migration papers , and fake border crossing stamps for passports were discovered at the @ @ @ @ @ gang was busted by the FSB in cooperation with the Interior Ministry ’ s Main @ @ @ @ @ included citizens of Russia and Central Asian countries , and featured a network structure .
@ @ @ @ @ press service informed .

MOSCOW, March 13. /TASS/. Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) officers have apprehended seven members of an organized crime group and stopped operation of three laboratories that forged papers of illegal migrants, FSB press service for the Moscow Region told TASS.
According to the press service, the organized crime group’s annual income exceeded 10 million rubles.
"During the operation, seven active members of an ethnic organized crime group, involved in facilitation of illegal presence of more than 1,000 foreigners on Russian territory, were apprehended," the press service said.
Forged migration papers, and fake border crossing stamps for passports were discovered at the three underground laboratories.
The gang was busted by the FSB in cooperation with the Interior Ministry’s Main Directorate on Transport. It included citizens of Russia and Central Asian countries, and featured a network structure. The investigation continues, the press service informed.


tass--2020-03-13--This week in photos: Airborne dancers, an Olympic flame ceremony, and an empty stadium

Many leaders now share Munich speech ideas , despite being angered at the time — Putin Today , the German @ @ @ @ @ that it is inadmissible that the United States imposes secondary sanctions , Putin said

Biden says alternative to sanctions against Russia would be Third World War
"Russia will pay a serious price for this short term and long term, particularly long term," the US leader stressed
Read more


tass--2020-03-13--Number of people dead from novel coronavirus surpasses 5,000 globally

MOSCOW , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
The number of people dead from the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) in the world has surpassed 5,000 , the statistical data accumulated by TASS informs on the outcomes of official statements from over 100 countries with reported cases of the disease .
Currently , the number of people infected with the virus has risen to 134,000 globally , with 5,055 people dead ( about 3.75 % of those infected ) .
The largest outbreak of COVID-19 is reported in China , where , according to local officials , the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 81,000 people have been infected with the virus , about 3,200 have died , and over 64,000 have recovered from the disease .
In the past 24 hours , only eight new cases have been reported in the country .
Outside of China , cases of coronavirus have been documented among nearly 54,000 people in 117 countries across the world , with 1,874 people dead .
The average lethality rate of the virus outside of China reaches 3.48 % .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
On March 11 , WHO officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) as a pandemic .
The disease has spread to over 110 countries .
According to WHO , over 132,000 people have been infected with the virus globally , and nearly 5,000 have died .
The largest outbreaks of COVID-19 outside of China have been detected in South Korea , Iran and Italy .
There are 34 cases of the virus documented in Russia .

MOSCOW, March 13. /TASS/. The number of people dead from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the world has surpassed 5,000, the statistical data accumulated by TASS informs on the outcomes of official statements from over 100 countries with reported cases of the disease.
Currently, the number of people infected with the virus has risen to 134,000 globally, with 5,055 people dead (about 3.75% of those infected). The largest outbreak of COVID-19 is reported in China, where, according to local officials, the spread of the disease has already peaked. In China, 81,000 people have been infected with the virus, about 3,200 have died, and over 64,000 have recovered from the disease. In the past 24 hours, only eight new cases have been reported in the country.
Outside of China, cases of coronavirus have been documented among nearly 54,000 people in 117 countries across the world, with 1,874 people dead. The average lethality rate of the virus outside of China reaches 3.48%.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. On March 11, WHO officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic. The disease has spread to over 110 countries. According to WHO, over 132,000 people have been infected with the virus globally, and nearly 5,000 have died. The largest outbreaks of COVID-19 outside of China have been detected in South Korea, Iran and Italy. There are 34 cases of the virus documented in Russia.


tass--2020-03-13--Russian Baltic Fleet corvettes hold anti-ship drills in North Sea

In the North Sea , the Baltic Fleet ’ s naval group `` conducted electronic launches from Uran missile systems against the targets that simulated a group of the notional enemy ’ s combat ships , '' the press office said in a statement .
KALININGRAD , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
The Baltic Fleet ’ s Project 20380 corvettes Steregushchiy and Soobrazitelny currently on their deployment in distant waters conducted notional missile launches in the North Sea , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Friday .
The corvettes delivered missile fire simultaneously , notionally striking all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ships ’ crews also practiced electronic warfare measures , the statement says .
After accomplishing their firings , the crews of the Steregushchiy and the Soobrazitelny held ship damage control and anti-saboteur defense drills and practiced ships ’ inter-operability and communications and joint deployment elements .
Project 20380 ships developed by the Almaz Central Design Bureau of Marine Engineering ( St. Petersburg ) are designed to accomplish green-water escort and strike missions , patrol coastal waters and provide fire support during amphibious assault operations .
The Project 20380 corvettes carry Uran anti-ship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as their main armament .
They are also armed with 100mm A-190 artillery guns and 30mm AK-630 small-caliber air defense missile systems .
The corvettes can carry a Ka-27 helicopter .

In the North Sea, the Baltic Fleet’s naval group "conducted electronic launches from Uran missile systems against the targets that simulated a group of the notional enemy’s combat ships," the press office said in a statement.
KALININGRAD, March 13. /TASS/. The Baltic Fleet’s Project 20380 corvettes Steregushchiy and Soobrazitelny currently on their deployment in distant waters conducted notional missile launches in the North Sea, the Fleet’s press office reported on Friday.
The corvettes delivered missile fire simultaneously, notionally striking all the designated targets. During the maneuvers, the ships’ crews also practiced electronic warfare measures, the statement says.
After accomplishing their firings, the crews of the Steregushchiy and the Soobrazitelny held ship damage control and anti-saboteur defense drills and practiced ships’ inter-operability and communications and joint deployment elements.
Project 20380 ships developed by the Almaz Central Design Bureau of Marine Engineering (St. Petersburg) are designed to accomplish green-water escort and strike missions, patrol coastal waters and provide fire support during amphibious assault operations.
The Project 20380 corvettes carry Uran anti-ship missile systems and Redut surface-to-air missile launchers as their main armament. They are also armed with 100mm A-190 artillery guns and 30mm AK-630 small-caliber air defense missile systems. The corvettes can carry a Ka-27 helicopter.


tass--2020-03-13--Three Russian tourists rescued from raft adrift at sea in Vietnam

HANOI , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
Vietnamese fishermen assisted in rescuing three Russian tourists adrift on a raft in @ @ @ @ @ southern province of Kien Giang , VnExpress website reported Friday .
The fishermen reportedly discovered @ @ @ @ @ aboard a makeshift motor-powered raft .
The motor died , and the tourists were stranded @ @ @ @ @ hours .
The crew informed the emergency services , who helped the Russian nationals to @ @ @ @ @ them over to the province ’ s foreign affairs office .
The tourists , Sergei @ @ @ @ @ Grigoryev , 35 , and Anna Kosolapova , 27 , disclosed that they came to @ @ @ @ @ intended to conduct a maritime trip to remote islands on their makeshift raft .
The @ @ @ @ @ world-famous Phu Quoc island resort is located , enjoys high popularity among Russian tourists .
@ @ @ @ @ Russian nationals visited Phu Quoc , while the total number of Russians who visited Vietnam @ @ @ @ @ .

HANOI, March 13. /TASS/. Vietnamese fishermen assisted in rescuing three Russian tourists adrift on a raft in a sea near Vietnam's southern province of Kien Giang, VnExpress website reported Friday.
The fishermen reportedly discovered two men and one woman aboard a makeshift motor-powered raft. The motor died, and the tourists were stranded at sea for almost 24 hours.
The crew informed the emergency services, who helped the Russian nationals to reach the shore and handed them over to the province’s foreign affairs office. The tourists, Sergei Borisov, 53, Nikolai Grigoryev, 35, and Anna Kosolapova, 27, disclosed that they came to Vietnam several days ago and intended to conduct a maritime trip to remote islands on their makeshift raft.
The Kien Giang province, where world-famous Phu Quoc island resort is located, enjoys high popularity among Russian tourists. In 2019, some 180,000 Russian nationals visited Phu Quoc, while the total number of Russians who visited Vietnam in 2019 exceeded 650,000 people.


tass--2020-03-13--St. Petersburg bans all mass events over coronavirus fears

ST.PETERSBURG , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
Authorities in St. Petersburg , Russia ’ s second largest city , have banned all mass events to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus , the city ’ s government press service said on Friday .
Under a decree , signed by Governor Alexander Beglov , starting from March 16 and until April 30 , 2020 a ban will be introduced on holding theater and entertainment , cultural and educational , sports and other mass events `` with more than 1,000 participants . ''
Public organizations and associations have been ordered to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entities and individual entrepreneurs , who are engaged in activity in the places of mass gathering and transport services , have been advised to carry out disinfection measures on a regular basis .
The same recommendations are for private and state educational organizations .
Besides , Russian citizens who live or temporarily stay in St. Petersburg have been advised to refrain from trips abroad and also visiting mass events .
Those individuals , who have arrived in St. Petersburg from China , South Korea , Italy , Iran , France , Germany and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves at home for 14 days since their return and be examined by a doctor .
Authorities in St. Petersburg have also canceled or delayed international educational events , including the 11th St. Petersburg International Educational Forum , which was scheduled for March 17-29 .
This year , the organizers received nearly 3,000 applications , a record-high number over the past four years .
The delegates from 10 countries and 59 Russian regions were expected to attend the event .
On March 10 , Moscow City Mayor Sergei Sobyanin banned mass public events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 .
The mayor pointed out that the coronavirus situation was worsening , so extra restrictions should be imposed to protect public health .
The outbreak of a disease caused by the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) was registered in central China in late December 2019 .
The World Health Organization recognized the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic on March 11 .
Outside China , the worst affected countries are Italy , South Korea and Iran .
Overall , more than 110 countries , including Russia , have reported confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the novel coronavirus cases globally have exceeded 125,000 , with nearly 4,600 deaths ( 3,173 in China ) .
A total of 34 coronavirus cases have been registered in Russia .

ST.PETERSBURG, March 13. /TASS/. Authorities in St. Petersburg, Russia’s second largest city, have banned all mass events to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, the city’s government press service said on Friday.
Under a decree, signed by Governor Alexander Beglov, starting from March 16 and until April 30, 2020 a ban will be introduced on holding theater and entertainment, cultural and educational, sports and other mass events "with more than 1,000 participants."
Public organizations and associations have been ordered to refrain from holding public events. Legal entities and individual entrepreneurs, who are engaged in activity in the places of mass gathering and transport services, have been advised to carry out disinfection measures on a regular basis. The same recommendations are for private and state educational organizations.
Besides, Russian citizens who live or temporarily stay in St. Petersburg have been advised to refrain from trips abroad and also visiting mass events. Those individuals, who have arrived in St. Petersburg from China, South Korea, Italy, Iran, France, Germany and Spain, have been asked to self-isolate themselves at home for 14 days since their return and be examined by a doctor.
Authorities in St. Petersburg have also canceled or delayed international educational events, including the 11th St. Petersburg International Educational Forum, which was scheduled for March 17-29. This year, the organizers received nearly 3,000 applications, a record-high number over the past four years. The delegates from 10 countries and 59 Russian regions were expected to attend the event.
On March 10, Moscow City Mayor Sergei Sobyanin banned mass public events of more than 5,000 people until April 10. The mayor pointed out that the coronavirus situation was worsening, so extra restrictions should be imposed to protect public health.
The outbreak of a disease caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was registered in central China in late December 2019. The World Health Organization recognized the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic on March 11. Outside China, the worst affected countries are Italy, South Korea and Iran. Overall, more than 110 countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases. The WHO says that the novel coronavirus cases globally have exceeded 125,000, with nearly 4,600 deaths (3,173 in China). A total of 34 coronavirus cases have been registered in Russia.


tass--2020-03-13--Russia to review coronavirus preventive measures after April 1

MOSCOW , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
The need for preventive measures in Russia amid the coronavirus pandemic should be reassessed after April 1 , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday .
`` There is still a lot of time before April 22 [ date of a nationwide vote on constitutional amendments ] , '' Peskov said , commenting on whether Moscow had considered Tehran ’ s experience on holding elections amid the spread of coronavirus .
`` As you know , all preventive measures in Moscow , the Moscow Region and starting from today in St. Petersburg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Peskov said .
`` Then we will have to thoroughly weigh up the situation depending on the developments and make a decision regarding all other events , measures and precaution measures . ''
The outbreak of a disease caused by the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) was registered in central China in late December 2019 .
The World Health Organization recognized the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic on March 11 .
Outside China , the worst affected countries are Italy , South Korea and Iran .
Overall , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
The WHO says that the novel coronavirus cases globally have exceeded 125,000 , with nearly 4,600 deaths ( 3,173 in China ) .
A total of 34 coronavirus cases have been registered in Russia .

MOSCOW, March 13. /TASS/. The need for preventive measures in Russia amid the coronavirus pandemic should be reassessed after April 1, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday.
"There is still a lot of time before April 22 [date of a nationwide vote on constitutional amendments]," Peskov said, commenting on whether Moscow had considered Tehran’s experience on holding elections amid the spread of coronavirus.
"As you know, all preventive measures in Moscow, the Moscow Region and starting from today in St. Petersburg will be in effect until April 1," Peskov said. "Then we will have to thoroughly weigh up the situation depending on the developments and make a decision regarding all other events, measures and precaution measures."
The outbreak of a disease caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was registered in central China in late December 2019. The World Health Organization recognized the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic on March 11. Outside China, the worst affected countries are Italy, South Korea and Iran. Overall, more than 110 countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases. The WHO says that the novel coronavirus cases globally have exceeded 125,000, with nearly 4,600 deaths (3,173 in China). A total of 34 coronavirus cases have been registered in Russia.


tass--2020-03-13--Russia, Belarus to launch new jointly developed satellite in 2025

`` There are plans to approve the conceptual design by the end of April , after which we will switch to detailed designing and manufacturing .
This will take four-five years .
We intend to orbit this satellite in 2025 .
Initially , we spoke only about one joint satellite but now we are talking about a grouping of two satellites .
Most likely , we will launch the second satellite in 2027 , '' he said .
MINSK , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
The launch of a new Russian-Belarusian satellite is scheduled for 2025 , Director of GeoInformation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sciences Sergei Zolotoi said in an interview with the newspaper SB .
Belarus Segodnya published on Friday .
The new 35 cm resolution satellite will be able to carry out video and stereo imaging and identify wildfires in the infrared band .
The stereo imaging will allow the satellite to make images of the same object from different sides while specialists will be able to build a 3D model of any structure or terrain , Zolotoi said .
`` It is possible to talk about the pluses of the high resolution for long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministry will be able with the help of such quality images to control the environmental situation and expose unauthorized dumpsites .
Satellite images will also enable us to see details of bridges and clearly identify the type of an aircraft or a ship , '' the scientist noted .
The satellite is tentatively called RBKA but its name may be changed , Zolotoi said .
Belarus has never experienced any problems with Russians in the space sphere , he said .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said at a meeting with Head of Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rogozin that outer space was `` a priority area '' for Belarus , the scientist noted .
For example , Russia is considering expanding the group of cosmonauts to include biological engineers , chemists and physicists and these may be employees of Belarus ’ National Academy of Sciences , he pointed out .

"There are plans to approve the conceptual design by the end of April, after which we will switch to detailed designing and manufacturing. This will take four-five years. We intend to orbit this satellite in 2025. Initially, we spoke only about one joint satellite but now we are talking about a grouping of two satellites. Most likely, we will launch the second satellite in 2027," he said.
MINSK, March 13. /TASS/. The launch of a new Russian-Belarusian satellite is scheduled for 2025, Director of GeoInformation Systems at Belarus’ National Academy of Sciences Sergei Zolotoi said in an interview with the newspaper SB. Belarus Segodnya published on Friday.
The new 35 cm resolution satellite will be able to carry out video and stereo imaging and identify wildfires in the infrared band. The stereo imaging will allow the satellite to make images of the same object from different sides while specialists will be able to build a 3D model of any structure or terrain, Zolotoi said.
"It is possible to talk about the pluses of the high resolution for long. For example, the Environmental Protection Ministry will be able with the help of such quality images to control the environmental situation and expose unauthorized dumpsites. Satellite images will also enable us to see details of bridges and clearly identify the type of an aircraft or a ship," the scientist noted.
The satellite is tentatively called RBKA but its name may be changed, Zolotoi said.
Belarus has never experienced any problems with Russians in the space sphere, he said.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said at a meeting with Head of Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin that outer space was "a priority area" for Belarus, the scientist noted.
For example, Russia is considering expanding the group of cosmonauts to include biological engineers, chemists and physicists and these may be employees of Belarus’ National Academy of Sciences, he pointed out.