tass--2020-02-20--Russia delivers Meridian-M military communications satellite into orbit

MOSCOW , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
A Fregat booster has delivered a Meridian-M military communications satellite into orbit , the Defense Ministry of Russia reported on Thursday .
`` A Soyuz-2.1A medium carrier rocket that blasted off at 11:24 a.m. Moscow time on Thursday , February 20 , from the Russian Defense Ministry ’ s State Testing Cosmodrome ( the Plesetsk spaceport in the Arkhangelsk Region ) successfully delivered a Meridian-M satellite into the designated orbit at the required time , '' the ministry said in a statement .
The launch of the Soyuz-2.1A carrier rocket and the satellite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fregat booster proceeded in the normal mode , the ministry informed .
As a source in the domestic space industry told TASS earlier , the launch was initially scheduled for January 24 but was put off due to a short circuit in the electrical equipment of the rocket ’ s third stage .
After that , the rocket was removed from the launch pad and its faulty stage was replaced .
Russia ’ s Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems Company received an order in 2017 for the production of four Meridian-M military satellites , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replace Molniya and Raduga space vehicles .

MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. A Fregat booster has delivered a Meridian-M military communications satellite into orbit, the Defense Ministry of Russia reported on Thursday.
"A Soyuz-2.1A medium carrier rocket that blasted off at 11:24 a.m. Moscow time on Thursday, February 20, from the Russian Defense Ministry’s State Testing Cosmodrome (the Plesetsk spaceport in the Arkhangelsk Region) successfully delivered a Meridian-M satellite into the designated orbit at the required time," the ministry said in a statement.
The launch of the Soyuz-2.1A carrier rocket and the satellite’s delivery into orbit by the Fregat booster proceeded in the normal mode, the ministry informed.
As a source in the domestic space industry told TASS earlier, the launch was initially scheduled for January 24 but was put off due to a short circuit in the electrical equipment of the rocket’s third stage. After that, the rocket was removed from the launch pad and its faulty stage was replaced.
Russia’s Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems Company received an order in 2017 for the production of four Meridian-M military satellites, which represent second-generation communications systems intended to replace Molniya and Raduga space vehicles.


tass--2020-02-20--Russian embassy thanks Estonia for rescuing sailors from distressed trawler

Overnight to February 7 , the Pongoma fishing vessel with seven Russian crew members onboard sank off Estonia ’ s coast .
The country ’ s police and border guards received the distress signal at 23:40 local time on February 6 , some 15 nautical miles to the north of the Juminda Peninsula .
The rescue operation was carried out jointly with Finland and nearby vessels were notified about the trawler in distress .
TALLINN , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Embassy in Estonia has expressed gratitude to the country ’ s services that rescued Russian sailors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s coast .
Russian Ambassador to Estonia Alexander Petrov sent a letter to Estonia ’ s Minister of the Interior Mart Helme , conveying `` the words of deep gratitude for skills and highly professional activities in a situation , when a human life was at stake , '' a local ERR news portal reported .
The Russian diplomat stressed that all crew members , who were taken to Tallinn , received medical assistance .
In its turn , the republic ’ s police department and border guards helped to issue documents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St. Petersburg .
The ambassador has described this rescue effort as an example of mutual assistance .
`` I wish that such examples would characterize relations between our people in the future , '' he noted .
Earlier , the Russian Embassy in Estonia reported that five sailors from the vessel , including the captain , were airlifted by a helicopter to Tallinn , and two others were taken to Finland .
The crew members received all the necessary medical assistance in Tallinn .
Those sailors , who were hospitalized in Helsinki ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condition .

Overnight to February 7, the Pongoma fishing vessel with seven Russian crew members onboard sank off Estonia’s coast. The country’s police and border guards received the distress signal at 23:40 local time on February 6, some 15 nautical miles to the north of the Juminda Peninsula. The rescue operation was carried out jointly with Finland and nearby vessels were notified about the trawler in distress.
TALLINN, February 20. /TASS/. Russia’s Embassy in Estonia has expressed gratitude to the country’s services that rescued Russian sailors from a shipwrecked trawler near the republic’s coast.
Russian Ambassador to Estonia Alexander Petrov sent a letter to Estonia’s Minister of the Interior Mart Helme, conveying "the words of deep gratitude for skills and highly professional activities in a situation, when a human life was at stake," a local ERR news portal reported.
The Russian diplomat stressed that all crew members, who were taken to Tallinn, received medical assistance. In its turn, the republic’s police department and border guards helped to issue documents to enable the sailors to return to St. Petersburg.
The ambassador has described this rescue effort as an example of mutual assistance. "I wish that such examples would characterize relations between our people in the future," he noted.
Earlier, the Russian Embassy in Estonia reported that five sailors from the vessel, including the captain, were airlifted by a helicopter to Tallinn, and two others were taken to Finland. The crew members received all the necessary medical assistance in Tallinn. Those sailors, who were hospitalized in Helsinki’s Meilahti hospital, were in satisfactory condition.


tass--2020-02-20--Process of picking candidate for PM cannot be transparent, Kremlin says

MOSCOW , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
The process of selecting a candidate for the prime minister can not be @ @ @ @ @ Peskov said , commenting on Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s words that he had @ @ @ @ @ fifth one - Mikhail Mishustin .
Peskov refused to reveal other candidates for the post @ @ @ @ @ .
`` This process [ of selecting candidates ] can not be transparent , it @ @ @ @ @ some personnel decisions are made .
The president has not mentioned anything about this and @ @ @ @ @ about this either , '' Peskov said .
In his interview with TASS , Putin @ @ @ @ @ Mikhail Mishustin for the post of prime minister .
He said four candidates had been @ @ @ @ @ headed the Russian Federal Tax Service , was not on the list .
Putin said @ @ @ @ @ decision to put forward Mishustin for the post of Russia ’ s prime minister .

MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. The process of selecting a candidate for the prime minister cannot be transparent, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, commenting on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s words that he had four candidates but picked the fifth one - Mikhail Mishustin.
Peskov refused to reveal other candidates for the post, whom Putin had considered. "This process [of selecting candidates] cannot be transparent, it is not transparent anywhere when some personnel decisions are made. The president has not mentioned anything about this and I cannot say anything about this either," Peskov said.
In his interview with TASS, Putin disclosed how he had selected Mikhail Mishustin for the post of prime minister. He said four candidates had been submitted but Mishustin, who headed the Russian Federal Tax Service, was not on the list. Putin said that it was his personal decision to put forward Mishustin for the post of Russia’s prime minister.


tass--2020-02-20--Work on Russia-Iran-Turkey summit on Syria underway, date not agreed on yet — Kremlin

MOSCOW , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
Work on preparations for the Russian-Turkish-Iranian summit on the Syrian settlement process is in progress , while its date is yet to be agreed on , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said .
`` Indeed , negotiations on that score with the Iranian side have been held .
Work on that summit is in progress .
There is Russia ’ s consent for certain dates , '' he commented .
`` However , you do know that the three presidential schedules are yet to be agreed on .
This coordination is not over yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is done , we will inform everyone . ''
Russian Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov earlier said that the Russian , Iranian and Turkish Presidents , Vladimir Putin , Hassan Rouhani and Recep Tayyip Erdogan , could meet in Tehran in early March , if the Turkish leadership agreed .
The previous , fifth in a row , trilateral meeting between the presidents of the countries acting as guarantors of the Astana process to promote a peaceful settlement in Syria took place in Ankara @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also maintain contacts as part of the high-level meetings on Syria in Nur-Sultan , the last of which was held on December 10-11 , 2019 .

MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. Work on preparations for the Russian-Turkish-Iranian summit on the Syrian settlement process is in progress, while its date is yet to be agreed on, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
"Indeed, negotiations on that score with the Iranian side have been held. Work on that summit is in progress. There is Russia’s consent for certain dates," he commented. "However, you do know that the three presidential schedules are yet to be agreed on. This coordination is not over yet. As soon as and if that is done, we will inform everyone."
Russian Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov earlier said that the Russian, Iranian and Turkish Presidents, Vladimir Putin, Hassan Rouhani and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, could meet in Tehran in early March, if the Turkish leadership agreed.
The previous, fifth in a row, trilateral meeting between the presidents of the countries acting as guarantors of the Astana process to promote a peaceful settlement in Syria took place in Ankara in September 2019. The three countries also maintain contacts as part of the high-level meetings on Syria in Nur-Sultan, the last of which was held on December 10-11, 2019.


tass--2020-02-20--Kremlin concerned about issues with US visas for Russia’s UN diplomats

MOSCOW , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin is concerned about problems with the issuance of US visas to Russian diplomats working at the United Nations , Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters .
`` We see it as a huge issue because our diplomats involved in the activities of UN commissions and committees fail to receive US visas at all or on time , which impedes the work of the United Nations , '' Peskov pointed out .
The Kremlin spokesman added that Russia had repeatedly raised the issue through diplomatic channels , `` before the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` Undoubtedly , the trend causes concern , and our Foreign Ministry has pointed this out on numerous occasions , '' he noted .
Russian Permanent Envoy to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said on Wednesday that Moscow would ask United Nations Secretary General to address an emergency meeting on the visa issue next week .
The head of Russia ’ s delegation to a meeting of the UN Disarmament Commission Konstantin Vorontsov earlier failed to get a US visa .
As a result , the meeting had to be delayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly , the United States has failed to issue entry visas to 18 Russian delegates , including those who were supposed to participate in the UNGA High-Level Week .
In December 2019 , the UN General Assembly passed a resolution calling on the US authorities to promptly issue visas to foreign diplomats who visit the United States to attend UN events .

MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. The Kremlin is concerned about problems with the issuance of US visas to Russian diplomats working at the United Nations, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
"We see it as a huge issue because our diplomats involved in the activities of UN commissions and committees fail to receive US visas at all or on time, which impedes the work of the United Nations," Peskov pointed out.
The Kremlin spokesman added that Russia had repeatedly raised the issue through diplomatic channels, "before the United Nations, as well as before Washington." "Undoubtedly, the trend causes concern, and our Foreign Ministry has pointed this out on numerous occasions," he noted.
Russian Permanent Envoy to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said on Wednesday that Moscow would ask United Nations Secretary General to address an emergency meeting on the visa issue next week.
The head of Russia’s delegation to a meeting of the UN Disarmament Commission Konstantin Vorontsov earlier failed to get a US visa. As a result, the meeting had to be delayed for ten days.
Since the beginning of the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the United States has failed to issue entry visas to 18 Russian delegates, including those who were supposed to participate in the UNGA High-Level Week. In December 2019, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution calling on the US authorities to promptly issue visas to foreign diplomats who visit the United States to attend UN events.


tass--2020-02-20--Russian Black Sea Fleet ships repel cruise missile attack in drills

SEVASTOPOL , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
The frigates Admiral Makarov and Admiral Essen and other Black Sea Fleet ships @ @ @ @ @ notional enemy ’ s missile strike and eliminate its warships , the Fleet ’ s @ @ @ @ @ .
`` A group of the Black Sea Fleet ships held drills to eliminate a @ @ @ @ @ force at the Black Sea training ranges .
The Black Sea Fleet ’ s strike @ @ @ @ @ Makarov and Admiral Grigorovich , the small missile ship Vyshny Volochyok and the missile boat @ @ @ @ @ to conduct preparatory and qualification artillery and anti-aircraft missile firing exercises , '' the press @ @ @ @ @ .

SEVASTOPOL, February 20. /TASS/. The frigates Admiral Makarov and Admiral Essen and other Black Sea Fleet ships held drills to repel a notional enemy’s missile strike and eliminate its warships, the Fleet’s press office reported on Thursday.
"A group of the Black Sea Fleet ships held drills to eliminate a notional enemy’s naval force at the Black Sea training ranges. The Black Sea Fleet’s strike group comprising the frigates Admiral Makarov and Admiral Grigorovich, the small missile ship Vyshny Volochyok and the missile boat R-60 deployed to the sea to conduct preparatory and qualification artillery and anti-aircraft missile firing exercises," the press office said in a statement.


tass--2020-02-20--Wildberries owner Bakalchuk becomes richest woman in Russia

According to the publication , her fortune reached $ 1.4 bln .
Bakalchuk pushed off the permanent leader of the list of past years , Elena Baturin , the head of Inteco Management and widow of Moscow 's former mayor Yuri Luzhkov , with the fortune of $ 1.2 bln .
MOSCOW , February 20 .
/ TASS / .
The founder of the online retailer Wildberries Tatyana Bakalchuk topped the list of Russia 's richest women , Forbes magazine said in a statement on Thursday .
It is noted that a new assessment of Bakalchuk ’ s condition was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her main asset , the Wildberries online store .
According to the magazine , in 2019 , Wildberries turnover grew by 88 % and amounted to 223.5 bln rubles .
According to Forbes , for the first time Bakalchuk entered the list of the richest people in Russia in 2018 , and then her fortune was estimated at $ 600 mln .
A year later , it almost doubled , which allowed her to take second place after Baturina .
In 2019 , Wildberries turnover increased by 88 % and reached 223.5 bln @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the company ’ s statement .
`` In 2019 , Wildberries turnover increased by 88 % , to 223.5 bln rubles compared to 2018 , '' the company said , noting that 67 % of Wildberries turnover , or 150 bln rubles ( $ 2.44 bln ) was accounted for by clothes , shoes and accessories .
At the same time , the `` Food '' category in 2019 expanded 6-fold to over 1,500 brands .
The most significant dynamics of sales growth was noted in the Q4 of 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 82.7 bln rubles ( $ 1.34 bln ) , and the number of daily orders in December reached 750,000 .
In 2019 , the company completed 164 mln orders , which is twice more than in 2018 .
A total of 226 mln goods were sold ( + 111 % ) , while 75 % of orders were made from mobile devices ( in 2018 - 61 % ) .
At the highest rates , the turnover grew in such categories as tools ( +797 % ) , food ( +699 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , pet goods ( +522 % ) , health products ( +284 % ) , automotive products ( +256 % ) , books and stationery ( +222 % ) , sporting goods ( +152 % ) , beauty products ( +150 % ) , and goods for home and garden ( +138 % ) .
The leaders in the growth dynamics of Wildberries turnover in 2019 were the Moscow region ( +179 % ) , the Republic of Karelia ( +173 % ) , the Leningrad region ( +168 % ) , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Amur region ( +120 % ) .
Wildberries is an online retailer in the EAEU countries that has been operating on the market for 15 years .
The company is present in the markets of Russia , Belarus , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , Armenia , and Poland .
The range of Wildberries includes over 3.6 mln products , about 40 % of which are produced in Russia .
Wildberries turnover in 2018 increased by 72 % and reached 118.7 bln rubles ( $ 1.93 bln ) .
Wildberries is an online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been operating on the market for 15 years .
The company is present in the markets of Russia , Belarus , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , Armenia , and Poland .
The range of Wildberries includes over 3.6 mln products , about 40 % of which are produced in Russia .
Wildberries turnover in 2018 increased by 72 % and reached 118.7 bln rubles ( $ 1.93 bln ) .

According to the publication, her fortune reached $1.4 bln. Bakalchuk pushed off the permanent leader of the list of past years, Elena Baturin, the head of Inteco Management and widow of Moscow's former mayor Yuri Luzhkov, with the fortune of $ 1.2 bln.
MOSCOW, February 20. / TASS /. The founder of the online retailer Wildberries Tatyana Bakalchuk topped the list of Russia's richest women, Forbes magazine said in a statement on Thursday.
It is noted that a new assessment of Bakalchuk’s condition was the result of changes that occurred with her main asset, the Wildberries online store. According to the magazine, in 2019, Wildberries turnover grew by 88% and amounted to 223.5 bln rubles.
According to Forbes, for the first time Bakalchuk entered the list of the richest people in Russia in 2018, and then her fortune was estimated at $ 600 mln. A year later, it almost doubled, which allowed her to take second place after Baturina.
In 2019, Wildberries turnover increased by 88% and reached 223.5 bln rubles ($3.63 bln), according to the company’s statement.
"In 2019, Wildberries turnover increased by 88%, to 223.5 bln rubles compared to 2018," the company said, noting that 67% of Wildberries turnover, or 150 bln rubles ($2.44 bln) was accounted for by clothes, shoes and accessories. At the same time, the "Food" category in 2019 expanded 6-fold to over 1,500 brands. The most significant dynamics of sales growth was noted in the Q4 of 2019, when the turnover grew by 96% to 82.7 bln rubles ($1.34 bln), and the number of daily orders in December reached 750,000. In 2019, the company completed 164 mln orders, which is twice more than in 2018. A total of 226 mln goods were sold (+ 111%), while 75% of orders were made from mobile devices (in 2018 - 61%).
At the highest rates, the turnover grew in such categories as tools (+797%), food (+699%), electronics (+558%), pet goods (+522%), health products (+284%), automotive products (+256%), books and stationery (+222%), sporting goods (+152%), beauty products (+150%), and goods for home and garden (+138%). The leaders in the growth dynamics of Wildberries turnover in 2019 were the Moscow region (+179%), the Republic of Karelia (+173%), the Leningrad region (+168%), the Republic of Adygea (+121%) and the Amur region (+120%).
Wildberries is an online retailer in the EAEU countries that has been operating on the market for 15 years. The company is present in the markets of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, and Poland. The range of Wildberries includes over 3.6 mln products, about 40% of which are produced in Russia. Wildberries turnover in 2018 increased by 72% and reached 118.7 bln rubles ($1.93 bln).
Wildberries is an online retailer in the EAEU countries that has been operating on the market for 15 years. The company is present in the markets of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, and Poland. The range of Wildberries includes over 3.6 mln products, about 40% of which are produced in Russia. Wildberries turnover in 2018 increased by 72% and reached 118.7 bln rubles ($1.93 bln).


tass--2020-02-20--How consumer and enterprise IT antivirus security products protect customers in 2020

INNSBRUCK , Austria , Feb. 20 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Austrian antivirus testing lab AV-Comparatives has released its end-of-year reports on both consumer and enterprise IT security software .
Both include details of the respective test results , along with a detailed user-interface review for each product , thus providing users and system administrators with a clear overview of the strengths and weaknesses of each one .
For both the Consumer and Business Main Test Series , the participating products were put through the same types of test ( consumer products were tested separately from business products , so the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be compared with another ) .
The test types were as follows .
• Performance Test – a check on how much a security product slows down the PC • False-Positives Test – this assesses whether each program is prone to false alarms • Advanced Threat Protection Test – this optional test looks at protection against targeted attacks The December 2019 Business Report certified the following business security products ( in alphabetical order ) : Avast , Bitdefender , Cisco , CrowdStrike , Endgame , ESET , FireEye , Fortinet , K7 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Seqrite , Sophos , SparkCognition , VIPRE .
The 2019 Summary Report has details of all main-series tests carried out in 2019 on consumer security products , and awards given to each product .
Vendors receiving AV-Comparatives ' Approved Security Product Award – certification of an effective product made by a reputable manufacturer – are ( in alphabetical order ) : Avast , AVG , Avira , Bitdefender , ESET , F-Secure , K7 , Kaspersky , McAfee , Microsoft , NortonLifeLock , Panda , Tencent , Total Defense , Trend Micro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ type in the Consumer Main Test Series , Gold , Silver and BronzeAwards are given for the best scores .
Products winning awards for individual test types are , in alphabetical order : Avast , AVG , Avira , Bitdefender , ESET , F-Secure , K7 , Kaspersky , McAfee , VIPRE .
Products that achieve high scores across all the test types are rewarded with Top-Rated Product Awards .
These demonstrate that a program has achieved a high standard across all the test types .
3 different vendors won a Top-Rated Product @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , these are : Avast , AVG , Kaspersky .
Finally , AV-Comparatives ' prestigious Product of the Year Award goes to the program with the highest scores across all the test types .
It is a demonstration of excellence in all categories .
The 2019 Product of the Year Award goes to Bitdefender .
AV-Comparatives is based in Innsbruck , Austria , and has been performing rigorous independent tests of security software since 2004 .
These systematic tests help antivirus vendors to find any weaknesses in their programs , and so improve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information please contact the AV-C team via e-mail : contact @ av-comparatives.org

INNSBRUCK, Austria, Feb. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Austrian antivirus testing lab AV-Comparatives has released its end-of-year reports on both consumer and enterprise IT security software. Both include details of the respective test results, along with a detailed user-interface review for each product, thus providing users and system administrators with a clear overview of the strengths and weaknesses of each one.
For both the Consumer and Business Main Test Series, the participating products were put through the same types of test (consumer products were tested separately from business products, so the results of one test series should not be compared with another). The test types were as follows.
Real-World Protection Test – this checks protection against Internet-borne threats
Malware Protection Test – this verifies a program's ability to detect malicious files
Performance Test – a check on how much a security product slows down the PC
False-Positives Test – this assesses whether each program is prone to false alarms
Advanced Threat Protection Test – this optional test looks at protection against targeted attacks
Enterprise Endpoint Protection
The December 2019 Business Report certified the following business security products (in alphabetical order): Avast, Bitdefender, Cisco, CrowdStrike, Endgame, ESET, FireEye, Fortinet, K7, Kaspersky, McAfee, Microsoft, Panda, Seqrite, Sophos, SparkCognition, VIPRE.
Read the full enterprise antivirus security report here:
https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/business-security-test-2019-august-november/
Consumer Endpoint Protection
The 2019 Summary Report has details of all main-series tests carried out in 2019 on consumer security products, and awards given to each product.
Vendors receiving AV-Comparatives' Approved Security Product Award – certification of an effective product made by a reputable manufacturer – are (in alphabetical order): Avast, AVG, Avira, Bitdefender, ESET, F-Secure, K7, Kaspersky, McAfee, Microsoft, NortonLifeLock, Panda, Tencent, Total Defense, Trend Micro, VIPRE.
For each individual test type in the Consumer Main Test Series, Gold, Silver and BronzeAwards are given for the best scores. Products winning awards for individual test types are, in alphabetical order: Avast, AVG, Avira, Bitdefender, ESET, F-Secure, K7, Kaspersky, McAfee, VIPRE.
Products that achieve high scores across all the test types are rewarded with Top-Rated Product Awards. These demonstrate that a program has achieved a high standard across all the test types. 3 different vendors won a Top-Rated Product Award this year. In alphabetical order, these are: Avast, AVG, Kaspersky.
Finally, AV-Comparatives' prestigious Product of the Year Award goes to the program with the highest scores across all the test types. It is a demonstration of excellence in all categories. The 2019 Product of the Year Award goes to Bitdefender.
Read the full consumer antivirus security report here:
https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/summary-report-2019/
AV-Comparatives is based in Innsbruck, Austria, and has been performing rigorous independent tests of security software since 2004. These systematic tests help antivirus vendors to find any weaknesses in their programs, and so improve their protection and performance.
#avcomparatives #rsac2020 #cybersecurity #antivirus #antimalware #antivirus #ATP #endpointprotection
For more information please contact the AV-C team via e-mail: contact@av-comparatives.org
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1093031/AV_Comparatives.jpg
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1093032/AV_Comparatives_Logo.jpg
CONTACT: Peter Stelzhammer, Managing Director, Tel +43 6641611444


tass--2020-02-20--Nearly 30 foreigners contract coronavirus in China

`` Regarding the confirmed cases among foreign nationals living and working in China , we have shared this data with these countries ’ embassies and consulates .
As far as I know , there are no Russians among them .
As of 18:00 ( 13:00 Moscow Time ) on February 19 a total of 29 cases of the virus were confirmed among foreign nationals , '' the official said .
BEIJING , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
Doctors have confirmed that 29 foreign nationals have contracted the novel coronavirus in China , and no Russians are among them , Deputy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told TASS .
`` Among those ill , ten are in the Hubei Province .
According to our data , 18 of them have been discharged from medical facilities , two have died and nine others have been isolated and are undergoing treatment , '' he said .
Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in Wuhan , a densely populated city in central China , in late December 2019 .
The WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have also been reported in 25 other countries , including Russia .
According to the latest data , the overall number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases has exceeded 75,000 and the death toll has hit 2,130 .
Nearly 17,000 patients have recovered to date .

"Regarding the confirmed cases among foreign nationals living and working in China, we have shared this data with these countries’ embassies and consulates. As far as I know, there are no Russians among them. As of 18:00 (13:00 Moscow Time) on February 19 a total of 29 cases of the virus were confirmed among foreign nationals," the official said.
BEIJING, February 20. /TASS/. Doctors have confirmed that 29 foreign nationals have contracted the novel coronavirus in China, and no Russians are among them, Deputy Secretary-General of the State Council Ding Xiangyang told TASS.
"Among those ill, ten are in the Hubei Province. According to our data, 18 of them have been discharged from medical facilities, two have died and nine others have been isolated and are undergoing treatment," he said.
Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in Wuhan, a densely populated city in central China, in late December 2019. The WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19. Coronavirus cases have also been reported in 25 other countries, including Russia.
According to the latest data, the overall number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases has exceeded 75,000 and the death toll has hit 2,130. Nearly 17,000 patients have recovered to date.


tass--2020-02-20--Putin says Russia’s cyber security should be set up in advance

MOSCOW , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russia should protect itself from cyber threats in advance as well as ensure @ @ @ @ @ communication technologies and satellite communications , Russian President Vladimir Putin told a session of Russia @ @ @ @ @ ( FSB ) board on Thursday .
According to him , a number of countries @ @ @ @ @ to carry out cyber attacks and are developing strategies of preemptive cyber means use .
@ @ @ @ @ rapidly developing , the power of such information weapon undeniably will only increase .
We @ @ @ @ @ into account but also carry out our duties to protect Russian interests in advance , @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. Russia should protect itself from cyber threats in advance as well as ensure secure development of fifth generation communication technologies and satellite communications, Russian President Vladimir Putin told a session of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) board on Thursday.
According to him, a number of countries have already created special centers to carry out cyber attacks and are developing strategies of preemptive cyber means use. "As digital technologies are rapidly developing, the power of such information weapon undeniably will only increase. We should not just take it into account but also carry out our duties to protect Russian interests in advance," the president stressed.


tass--2020-02-20--Press review: Erdogan’s Idlib offensive a ‘question of time’ and why Haftar visited Moscow

Media : Turkey gearing up for military operation in Syria ’ s Idlib A military operation in Syria ’ s Idlib is just `` a question of time , '' Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said , vowing that Turkey ’ s forces were prepared for the offensive .
The Turkish leader ’ s emotional pledge to `` pay any price '' came the next day after another round of Russian-Turkish talks on Idlib , which did not bear any fruit .
The Kremlin stressed that Erdogan ’ s looming military operation against the Syrian army would be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at loggerheads now over whether Turkish observation points will remain on the territory controlled by Damascus , Kommersant writes .
According to Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar , Ankara won ’ t abandon its positions , while Moscow believes that Turkey would have to recognize a new reality .
While Ankara and Moscow are bickering , the Syrian army is continuing its offensive in Idlib and the de-escalation zone is rapidly shrinking .
Russian International Affairs Council expert Timur Ahmetov told Kommersant that Turkey was unlikely to violate international law and start a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arab state .
`` Turkey is fulfilling the concept of coercive diplomacy , flexing its military muscle , while its major goal is to improve its negotiating positions and diplomatic clout , '' the expert noted .
Moscow is calling on Ankara to iron out the situation in Idlib by diplomatic means , stressing that a military scenario would only worsen things , First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma ( lower house ) Defense Committee Andrei Krasov told Izvestia .
According to him , only the terrorists would benefit from a direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A Turkish lawmaker , Ozturk Yilmaz , told Izvestia that Ankara still believed there was a chance to settle the crisis in Idlib by diplomatic means .
Turkey is ready to continue talks with Moscow before launching a military operation , he said , noting : `` But the negotiations should be held soon since tensions in the country are running high over the death of Turkish troops in Idlib .
The Syrian army continues its offensive deeper into the province and that ’ s why Turkey won ’ t hesitate to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But at first talks with Russia should be held to rule out a direct clash between the two countries ’ militaries . ''
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu and Commander of the Libyan National Army Khalifa Haftar held talks in Moscow amid the sharp rise in violence in the North African country .
The veteran Libyan commander ’ s chief foe , the government of Fayez al-Sarraj , has announced it was pulling out of the peace process because of the LNA ’ s recent attack on Tripoli ’ s port @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian Defense Ministry , during the Moscow-hosted talks , the sides confirmed the need to fulfill the decisions announced at the Berlin conference on Libya in January .
At the meeting , Shoigu and the LNA commander agreed that there is no alternative to a political settlement for the Libyan crisis .
The recent spike in violence in Libya was caused by a supposed violation of the arms embargo .
Haftar ’ s forces allegedly struck a Turkish cargo ship near Tripoli , which was carrying ammunition and weapons .
Sarraj ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Geneva meeting of the so-called 5+5 Joint Military Commission on Tuesday .
This is the only platform for talks between the forces of Haftar and Sarraj , the paper notes .
The European Union has laid out plans to create a new mission to Libya to stop the flow of weapons into the country .
This mission will impact the balance of powers in Libya , the paper says .
Leading researcher at the Center for Arab and Islamic Studies at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ influence on Haftar are more important than military ones for Sarraj .
`` It ’ s clear .
Sarraj ’ s government is dangling by a thread .
It controls just Tripoli and a small part of the coastline , and not in it ’ s entirety .
This government would have collapsed if Turkey had not helped it , '' the expert said .
Now , Sarraj will focus on destroying the coalition of countries supporting the LNA and will try to stonewall oil supplies to the territory controlled by Haftar while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Whether he will succeed or not , this is really an important issue .
And the refusal to take part in the Geneva talks is just a small episode , which should not be overestimated , '' Isaev said .
Izvestia : Hacker activity and data breaches on the rise in Russia Last year , the volume of stolen data of financial organizations around the world grew 27-fold compared with 2018 , surpassing 1 bln in confidential records from banks , insurance companies and pension funds , a study carried out by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The number of these incidents globally grew only 7.9 % , while in Russia these breaches rose 57.6 % last year , with some 2.7 mln records stolen .
This is six times more than in 2018 .
Analysts blame this situation on expanding databases , explaining that companies are amassing more information about clients , including their interests , seeking to use it for marketing goals .
Hackers mostly target personal data about Russians , which accounts for nearly 77 % of all stolen confidential information .
Perpetrators also seek to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and commercial secrets .
Last year , 218 leaks of financial organizations ’ data were reported around the world , including 33 in Russia .
A significant number of personal data leaks is related to its insufficient protection when information is stored on cloud services , the research says .
Igor Bederov , who heads an Internet research company , noted that the volume of stolen data in Russia is on the rise amid the growing digitalization of the economy .
Russia ’ s Central Bank told the paper that it plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of controlling the information flow of financial organizations and safeguarding data .
Nezavisimaya Gazeta : US targets Nord Stream 2 but invests in Gazprom This year , Russia could face more economic sanctions but market participants are calm about the looming prospects and the new restrictions are unlikely to stir up panic among investors , S & P Global Ratings found out , according to Nezavisimaya Gazeta .
According to the ratings agency , Russian companies are now less exposed to the risk of slumping prices on raw materials than a few years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian currency will decline some 5-10 % .
However , S & P assures that a depreciating ruble would be good news for exporters of raw materials , who will benefit from less spending dollar-wise .
The forecast was confirmed by the news that Russia ’ s energy giant Gazprom has announced a record-high placement of Eurobonds to the tune of $ 2 bln at 3.5 % .
The demand exceeded the supply threefold , with one-third of the bonds purchased by US investors .
Other bonds were bought by investors from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 17 % ) , Asia ( 15 % ) and the United Kingdom ( 10-11 % ) , according to First Vice President Denis Shulakov of Gazprombank .
This placement of bonds shows that Western investors ’ relation to Russia is better than for Iran , the paper says .
If they really feared that `` sanctions from hell '' could shatter Russia ’ s economy , they would not have decided to buy the securities of the Russian company , which has come under pressure .
Shulakov notes that Gazprom ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate in the company ’ s history on international capital markets .
This means that Gazprom , led by CEO Alexei Miller , has offered more advantageous terms than other companies such as Saudi Arabian Oil ( Saudi Aramco ) and Total .
Natalya Milchakova , deputy head of Alpari think-tank says that this shows investors ’ trust in the emitter and in the entire Russian economy .
Russia ’ s agricultural watchdog , the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance , has prohibited the deliveries of meat products from China , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) outbreak .
The new measure is aimed at preventing the spread of the deadly disease from China , which has killed more than 2,000 people , as well as African swine fever .
Head of the National Meat Association ’ s executive committee Sergey Yushin told Izvestia that most often Russians order Chinese sausage and byproducts , for example , pig ears .
Other popular Chinese delicacies are spicy chicken feet in jelly , chicken necks or legs , as well as pork and beef jerky .
The Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop passengers carrying prepared meat products from China in their luggage .
Russia has beefed up control over people traveling from Southeast Asian countries since the beginning of this year , and 100 % of their baggage has been checked .
However , heat-treated products and factory-sealed goods , which were earlier allowed , have now been banned .
Executive Director of the National Association of Remote Trading Mikhail Yatsenko told Izvestia that the volume of orders for meat products from China is not large in Russia .
Usually , Chinese delicacies are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The expert also notes that the Russian agricultural watchdog ’ s prohibition won ’ t target Chinese non-food packages since they don ’ t pose any threat .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews

Media: Turkey gearing up for military operation in Syria’s Idlib A military operation in Syria’s Idlib is just "a question of time," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said, vowing that Turkey’s forces were prepared for the offensive. The Turkish leader’s emotional pledge to "pay any price" came the next day after another round of Russian-Turkish talks on Idlib, which did not bear any fruit. The Kremlin stressed that Erdogan’s looming military operation against the Syrian army would be the worst scenario. Russia and Turkey are at loggerheads now over whether Turkish observation points will remain on the territory controlled by Damascus, Kommersant writes. According to Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, Ankara won’t abandon its positions, while Moscow believes that Turkey would have to recognize a new reality. While Ankara and Moscow are bickering, the Syrian army is continuing its offensive in Idlib and the de-escalation zone is rapidly shrinking.
Read also Kremlin views possible Turkish operation in Syria’s Idlib as worst scenario
Russian International Affairs Council expert Timur Ahmetov told Kommersant that Turkey was unlikely to violate international law and start a war with another UN member and an Arab state. "Turkey is fulfilling the concept of coercive diplomacy, flexing its military muscle, while its major goal is to improve its negotiating positions and diplomatic clout," the expert noted. Moscow is calling on Ankara to iron out the situation in Idlib by diplomatic means, stressing that a military scenario would only worsen things, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma (lower house) Defense Committee Andrei Krasov told Izvestia. According to him, only the terrorists would benefit from a direct clash between the Syrian and Turkish armies. A Turkish lawmaker, Ozturk Yilmaz, told Izvestia that Ankara still believed there was a chance to settle the crisis in Idlib by diplomatic means. Turkey is ready to continue talks with Moscow before launching a military operation, he said, noting: "But the negotiations should be held soon since tensions in the country are running high over the death of Turkish troops in Idlib. The Syrian army continues its offensive deeper into the province and that’s why Turkey won’t hesitate to respond militarily," the politician said. "But at first talks with Russia should be held to rule out a direct clash between the two countries’ militaries." Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Libya teetering between war and peace Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu and Commander of the Libyan National Army Khalifa Haftar held talks in Moscow amid the sharp rise in violence in the North African country. The veteran Libyan commander’s chief foe, the government of Fayez al-Sarraj, has announced it was pulling out of the peace process because of the LNA’s recent attack on Tripoli’s port, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, during the Moscow-hosted talks, the sides confirmed the need to fulfill the decisions announced at the Berlin conference on Libya in January. At the meeting, Shoigu and the LNA commander agreed that there is no alternative to a political settlement for the Libyan crisis.
Read also Lavrov urges competing, conflicting initiatives be avoided in Libyan settlement process
The recent spike in violence in Libya was caused by a supposed violation of the arms embargo. Haftar’s forces allegedly struck a Turkish cargo ship near Tripoli, which was carrying ammunition and weapons. Sarraj’s government responded by pulling out of the Geneva meeting of the so-called 5+5 Joint Military Commission on Tuesday. This is the only platform for talks between the forces of Haftar and Sarraj, the paper notes. The European Union has laid out plans to create a new mission to Libya to stop the flow of weapons into the country. This mission will impact the balance of powers in Libya, the paper says. Leading researcher at the Center for Arab and Islamic Studies at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences Vladimir Isaev noted that political levers of influence on Haftar are more important than military ones for Sarraj. "It’s clear. Sarraj’s government is dangling by a thread. It controls just Tripoli and a small part of the coastline, and not in it’s entirety. This government would have collapsed if Turkey had not helped it," the expert said. Now, Sarraj will focus on destroying the coalition of countries supporting the LNA and will try to stonewall oil supplies to the territory controlled by Haftar while relying on Turkey’s support. "Whether he will succeed or not, this is really an important issue. And the refusal to take part in the Geneva talks is just a small episode, which should not be overestimated," Isaev said. Izvestia: Hacker activity and data breaches on the rise in Russia Last year, the volume of stolen data of financial organizations around the world grew 27-fold compared with 2018, surpassing 1 bln in confidential records from banks, insurance companies and pension funds, a study carried out by InfoWatch company revealed, according to Izvestia. The number of these incidents globally grew only 7.9%, while in Russia these breaches rose 57.6% last year, with some 2.7 mln records stolen. This is six times more than in 2018. Analysts blame this situation on expanding databases, explaining that companies are amassing more information about clients, including their interests, seeking to use it for marketing goals. Hackers mostly target personal data about Russians, which accounts for nearly 77% of all stolen confidential information. Perpetrators also seek to obtain data about payments (13.5%) and commercial secrets. Last year, 218 leaks of financial organizations’ data were reported around the world, including 33 in Russia. A significant number of personal data leaks is related to its insufficient protection when information is stored on cloud services, the research says. Igor Bederov, who heads an Internet research company, noted that the volume of stolen data in Russia is on the rise amid the growing digitalization of the economy. Russia’s Central Bank told the paper that it plans to pay special attention to the issues of controlling the information flow of financial organizations and safeguarding data. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: US targets Nord Stream 2 but invests in Gazprom This year, Russia could face more economic sanctions but market participants are calm about the looming prospects and the new restrictions are unlikely to stir up panic among investors, S&P Global Ratings found out, according to Nezavisimaya Gazeta. According to the ratings agency, Russian companies are now less exposed to the risk of slumping prices on raw materials than a few years ago. Meanwhile, analysts expect that the Russian currency will decline some 5-10%. However, S&P assures that a depreciating ruble would be good news for exporters of raw materials, who will benefit from less spending dollar-wise.
Read also Russian energy chief vows Nord Stream 2 construction to be finalized despite US resistance
The forecast was confirmed by the news that Russia’s energy giant Gazprom has announced a record-high placement of Eurobonds to the tune of $2 bln at 3.5%. The demand exceeded the supply threefold, with one-third of the bonds purchased by US investors. Other bonds were bought by investors from Russia (20%), Europe (17%), Asia (15%) and the United Kingdom (10-11%), according to First Vice President Denis Shulakov of Gazprombank. This placement of bonds shows that Western investors’ relation to Russia is better than for Iran, the paper says. If they really feared that "sanctions from hell" could shatter Russia’s economy, they would not have decided to buy the securities of the Russian company, which has come under pressure. Shulakov notes that Gazprom’s bond placement was with the lowest rate in the company’s history on international capital markets. This means that Gazprom, led by CEO Alexei Miller, has offered more advantageous terms than other companies such as Saudi Arabian Oil (Saudi Aramco) and Total. Natalya Milchakova, deputy head of Alpari think-tank says that this shows investors’ trust in the emitter and in the entire Russian economy. Izvestia: Russia bans Chinese delicacies over coronavirus fears Russia’s agricultural watchdog, the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance, has prohibited the deliveries of meat products from China, which has been hit by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The new measure is aimed at preventing the spread of the deadly disease from China, which has killed more than 2,000 people, as well as African swine fever. Head of the National Meat Association’s executive committee Sergey Yushin told Izvestia that most often Russians order Chinese sausage and byproducts, for example, pig ears. Other popular Chinese delicacies are spicy chicken feet in jelly, chicken necks or legs, as well as pork and beef jerky.
Read also Scientists debunk rumors of unnatural coronavirus origin


tass--2020-02-20--Russians living abroad will be able to vote on constitutional amendments

MOSCOW , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russian citizens living abroad will be able to vote on the proposed constitutional amendments , Deputy Chairman of the Central Election Commission Nikolai Bulayev said on Thursday , noting that this issue was coordinated with the Foreign Ministry .
`` Our people living abroad will take part in the vote .
We have held a meeting with the Russian Foreign Ministry .
We will prepare ballot papers with the same degree of protection as in Russia , '' Bulayev told a meeting of the working group on constitutional amendments .
Although this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it out in order to ensure `` absolute trust '' in the outcome of the vote in any place on the globe , he said .
On January 23 , Russia ’ s State Duma ( lower house ) unanimously voted to approve the bill in the first reading on the constitutional amendments submitted by Russian President Vladimir Putin .
The document , in particular , stipulates expanding the powers of the legislature and the Constitutional Court , a ban on high-ranking officials from holding residency permits in other countries , limiting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supremacy of Russia ’ s constitution over international agreements and strengthening the state ’ s social obligations .
The presidential bill also provides for a nationwide public vote on the law on amendments to Russia ’ s constitution .
Initially , the second reading was scheduled for February 11 , but later it was delayed until February 14 and March 2 due to a large number of proposals .
Earlier , State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin announced that the lawmakers could consider the presidential bill in the second reading on March 10 .

MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. Russian citizens living abroad will be able to vote on the proposed constitutional amendments, Deputy Chairman of the Central Election Commission Nikolai Bulayev said on Thursday, noting that this issue was coordinated with the Foreign Ministry.
"Our people living abroad will take part in the vote. We have held a meeting with the Russian Foreign Ministry. We will prepare ballot papers with the same degree of protection as in Russia," Bulayev told a meeting of the working group on constitutional amendments.
Although this is a costly procedure, Russia will carry it out in order to ensure "absolute trust" in the outcome of the vote in any place on the globe, he said.
On January 23, Russia’s State Duma (lower house) unanimously voted to approve the bill in the first reading on the constitutional amendments submitted by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The document, in particular, stipulates expanding the powers of the legislature and the Constitutional Court, a ban on high-ranking officials from holding residency permits in other countries, limiting the number of presidential terms, placing the supremacy of Russia’s constitution over international agreements and strengthening the state’s social obligations. The presidential bill also provides for a nationwide public vote on the law on amendments to Russia’s constitution. Initially, the second reading was scheduled for February 11, but later it was delayed until February 14 and March 2 due to a large number of proposals.
Earlier, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin announced that the lawmakers could consider the presidential bill in the second reading on March 10.


tass--2020-02-20--Russia launches Soyuz rocket with Meridian-M military satellite from Plesetsk spaceport

`` At 11:24 a.m. Moscow time on Thursday , February 20 , a combat team of the Aerospace Force ’ s Space Troops successfully launched a Soyuz-2.1a medium carrier rocket with a Meridian-M satellite from launch pad No .
3 of site No .
43 at the Defense Ministry ’ s State Testing Cosmodrome ( the Plesetsk spaceport in the Arkhangelsk Region ) , '' the ministry said in a statement .
MOSCOW , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
A Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with a Meridian-M military communications satellite has blasted off from the Plesetsk spaceport , Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the rocket ’ s pre-launch operations and its liftoff proceeded in the normal mode .
The ground-based equipment of the Russian orbital grouping ’ s spacecraft automatic control system exercised control of the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket ’ s launch and flight , the statement says .
`` This is the first launch of a Soyuz-2 carrier rocket from the Plesetsk spaceport in 2020 .
The flight tests of the Soyuz-2 carrier rocket started at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome on November 8 , 2004 .
Over the past 15 years , 43 launches of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1B and 1V upgrade levels have been carried out from the northern cosmodrome , '' the ministry said .
As a source in the domestic space industry told TASS earlier , the launch was initially scheduled for January 24 but was put off due to a short circuit in the electrical equipment of the rocket ’ s third stage .
After that , the rocket was removed from the launch pad and its faulty stage was replaced .
Russia ’ s Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems Company received an order in 2017 for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which represent second-generation communications systems intended to replace Molniya and Raduga space vehicles .

"At 11:24 a.m. Moscow time on Thursday, February 20, a combat team of the Aerospace Force’s Space Troops successfully launched a Soyuz-2.1a medium carrier rocket with a Meridian-M satellite from launch pad No. 3 of site No. 43 at the Defense Ministry’s State Testing Cosmodrome (the Plesetsk spaceport in the Arkhangelsk Region)," the ministry said in a statement.
MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. A Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with a Meridian-M military communications satellite has blasted off from the Plesetsk spaceport, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Thursday.
All of the rocket’s pre-launch operations and its liftoff proceeded in the normal mode. The ground-based equipment of the Russian orbital grouping’s spacecraft automatic control system exercised control of the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket’s launch and flight, the statement says.
"This is the first launch of a Soyuz-2 carrier rocket from the Plesetsk spaceport in 2020. The flight tests of the Soyuz-2 carrier rocket started at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome on November 8, 2004. Over the past 15 years, 43 launches of Soyuz-2 carrier rockets of the 1A, 1B and 1V upgrade levels have been carried out from the northern cosmodrome," the ministry said.
As a source in the domestic space industry told TASS earlier, the launch was initially scheduled for January 24 but was put off due to a short circuit in the electrical equipment of the rocket’s third stage. After that, the rocket was removed from the launch pad and its faulty stage was replaced.
Russia’s Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems Company received an order in 2017 for the production of four Meridian-M military satellites, which represent second-generation communications systems intended to replace Molniya and Raduga space vehicles.


tass--2020-02-20--Putin vows to help US fight against terrorism

MOSCOW , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin is grateful to Washington for providing data that enabled @ @ @ @ @ attack in late 2019 , pledging that Moscow would help Washington fight against terrorism .
@ @ @ @ @ , provided by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation , on December 27 last year @ @ @ @ @ State terror group , outlawed in Russia ] followers were detained in St. Petersburg , @ @ @ @ @ attacks for the New Year holidays , '' Putin told a meeting with the Federal @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Certainly , we are grateful to our partners for this support and for @ @ @ @ @ a common threat .
No doubt , we will respond in kind , '' Putin @ @

MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin is grateful to Washington for providing data that enabled Russia to prevent a terrorist attack in late 2019, pledging that Moscow would help Washington fight against terrorism.
"Thanks to well-timed information, provided by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, on December 27 last year two ISIL [the Islamic State terror group, outlawed in Russia] followers were detained in St. Petersburg, who had plotted bloody terrorist attacks for the New Year holidays," Putin told a meeting with the Federal Security Service’s board.
"Certainly, we are grateful to our partners for this support and for professional solidarity in fighting against a common threat. No doubt, we will respond in kind," Putin stressed.


tass--2020-02-20--FSB busts large network of illegal arms dealers in 19 regions

MOSCOW , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service has thwarted the activity of a large @ @ @ @ @ active in 19 regions across Russia .
The group of 39 individuals configured firearms from @ @ @ @ @ rounds of ammunition , the FSB said .
Officers have seized 76 pieces of firearms @ @ @ @ @ , including machine guns , rifles , submachine guns , carbines , handguns and pistols @ @ @ @ @ ammunition , more than eleven kg of explosives , eleven fragmentation hand grenades and seven @ @ @ @ @ five suppressors and components for producing weapons were found .
`` Four clandestine workshops for @ @ @ @ @ were eliminated , '' the FSB said , noting that an effort was underway to @ @ @ @ @ manufacturing and selling arms .

MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. Russia’s Federal Security Service has thwarted the activity of a large clandestine network of arms dealers active in 19 regions across Russia.
The group of 39 individuals configured firearms from civilian weapons and also manufactured rounds of ammunition, the FSB said.
Officers have seized 76 pieces of firearms made in Russia and abroad, including machine guns, rifles, submachine guns, carbines, handguns and pistols. Some 3,000 rounds of ammunition, more than eleven kg of explosives, eleven fragmentation hand grenades and seven detonators, as well as five suppressors and components for producing weapons were found.
"Four clandestine workshops for modernizing weapons and producing ammunition were eliminated," the FSB said, noting that an effort was underway to thwart illegal activity related to manufacturing and selling arms.


tass--2020-02-20--Moscow court arrests six Kyrgyz nationals suspected of creating extremist community

MOSCOW , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow ’ s Meshchansky District Court has arrested six Kyrgyz nationals suspected of @ @ @ @ @ a court spokesperson told TASS .
`` The court has arrested six Kyrgyz nationals suspected @ @ @ @ @ the Russian Criminal Code ( creation of an extremist community ) , '' the court @ @ @ @ @ to provide details .
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service ( FSB ) said earlier @ @ @ @ @ police had exposed a clandestine cell of the Tablighi Jamaat extremist religious organization , which @ @ @ @ @ Central Asia .
According to the FSB , three chieftains and four active members of @ @ @ @ @ had held meetings to spread the ideas of Tablighi Jamaat that undermine the principles of @ @ @ @ @ members to participate in their destructive activities .
Extremist literature was seized from the homes @ @ @ @ @ banned items , as well as the organization ’ s banned paraphernalia .
The FSB @ @ @ @ @ Moscow region has opened a criminal investigation into the matter .

MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. Moscow’s Meshchansky District Court has arrested six Kyrgyz nationals suspected of creating an extremist community, a court spokesperson told TASS.
"The court has arrested six Kyrgyz nationals suspected of violating Article 282.1.1 of the Russian Criminal Code (creation of an extremist community)," the court spokesperson pointed out, declining to provide details.
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) said earlier that FSB officers and Moscow police had exposed a clandestine cell of the Tablighi Jamaat extremist religious organization, which consisted of people originating from Central Asia.
According to the FSB, three chieftains and four active members of the cell were detained who had held meetings to spread the ideas of Tablighi Jamaat that undermine the principles of Islam, and recruited new members to participate in their destructive activities.
Extremist literature was seized from the homes of the detained, including banned items, as well as the organization’s banned paraphernalia.
The FSB branch in Moscow and the Moscow region has opened a criminal investigation into the matter.


tass--2020-02-20--Messi, Salah, Pogba and Sterling showcase world-class skills in the New Pepsi campaign

DUBLIN , Feb. 20 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Thursday 20th February - # FORTHELOVEOFIT – Pepsi is premiering its 2020 international football campaign in celebration of its ongoing partnership with the UEFA Champions League .
Featuring a never-before-seen collaboration of four of the world 's best footballers , the campaign is led by a fast-paced , sharply-styled commercial guaranteed to excite football fans around the globe .
This year , Pepsi welcomes two new players to its impressive roster of football talent .
World champion Paul Pogba , and Manchester City 's domestic quadruple sensation , Raheem Sterling , join @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Leo Messi , and reigning UEFA Champions League victor , Mohamed Salah .
The four players go head to head in the international ad entitled , `` Play Never Stops '' , showcasing otherworldly skill and agility as they battle it out for the last can of Pepsi .
Pepsi enlisted award-winning film producer and director Henry Scholfield , best known for creating iconic music videos for top artists , to direct the ad .
`` Play Never Stops '' features a creative mash-up of swag-arrific storytelling in quick-fire cuts that show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go for the delicious taste of Pepsi .
`` It was a privilege to work with such superstar players on this year 's Pepsi football ad , '' said Scholfield .
`` Each delivered an excellently accentuated version of their off-the-pitch personality to the spot , as naturally and skillfully as they would on the field .
Pepsi , our creative team , and all of our post-production partners were awesome collaborators to work with .
Each of them smashed it on every level , making the film the epic piece it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Latin song , `` Presidente , '' which is of-the-moment , fast , fun and full of energy , much like the 2020 Pepsi football campaign .
The track by emerging artist/producer WOST featuring singer Ginette Claudette demonstrates the brand 's commitment to supporting next-level music talent .
The campaign will be activated in more than 80 countries worldwide and sits under the brand 's international platform and tagline , PEPSI , FOR THE LOVE OF IT , which launched last year and encourages fans to go all-in for the things they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind-the-scenes content , a collection of limited-edition player-themed cans , and out-of-home and in-store point of sale materials across Pepsi and Pepsi Black ( also known as Pepsi MAX in select markets around the world ) .
Leo Messi commented : `` As ever , being a part of the Pepsi football campaign has been so much fun .
With a new team of players , exciting challenges , and a fun and creative film , the campaign will definitely not disappoint . ''
Mohamed Salah said : `` It 's great to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for another global football campaign .
I know fans will like it . ''
Paul Pogba commented : `` It 's been so much fun filming the new Pepsi ad .
I hope this year 's campaign continues to encourage our fans to embrace their passions and go all in for the things they love . ''
Raheem Sterling said : `` I 'm buzzing to be a part of the Pepsi football squad !
This year 's ad is packed full of great energy , with a true mash-up of music , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skills . ''
While filming the 2020 football ad , Pepsi captured the players showing off their hidden talents for the # PepsiCanBalance Challenge including Pogba perfectly balancing his limited-edition can on the edge of a glass and Sterling impressing crew members by balancing his can on his famous right foot .
Salah and Messi follow suit , with Salah achieving the Can Balance on a football , and Messi 's steady hands balancing two cans simultaneously .
The players inspired influencers and football fans to replicate the # PepsiCanBalance Challenge for themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which features all four players across Pepsi and Pepsi Black / MAX cans , offers a new interactive experience for football lovers .
Fans can bring their packs to life through QR codes found on selected cans and unlock the opportunity to interact with mini augmented reality versions of Messi , Salah , Pogba , and Sterling .
When scanned , consumers can play a keepie-uppie game with their favorite players and share their scores to Instagram Stories .
Natalia Filippociants , Vice President , Marketing , Global Beverages , PepsiCo commented : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launching this lively and upbeat campaign .
We 've taken some of the best football players , incorporated their cultural influences off the pitch , and put them in unconventional situations with unexpected twists and turns , with plenty of laughter and swagger .
Our aim was to play with the energy of the ad and to entertain people , rather than show people being entertained .
Hopefully , our fans will enjoy these 'Play Never Stops ' stories as much as we enjoyed making them ! ''
Pepsi is a proud sponsor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world .
PepsiCo generated more than $ 67 billion in net revenue in 2019 , driven by a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito-Lay , Gatorade , Pepsi-Cola , Quaker and Tropicana .
PepsiCo 's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages , including 23 brands that generate more than $ 1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales .
Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Beverages by Winning with Purpose .
`` Winning with Purpose '' reflects our ambition to win sustainably in the marketplace and embed purpose into all aspects of the business .
For more information , visit www.pepsico.com

DUBLIN, Feb. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Thursday 20th February - #FORTHELOVEOFIT – Pepsi is premiering its 2020 international football campaign in celebration of its ongoing partnership with the UEFA Champions League. Featuring a never-before-seen collaboration of four of the world's best footballers, the campaign is led by a fast-paced, sharply-styled commercial guaranteed to excite football fans around the globe.
This year, Pepsi welcomes two new players to its impressive roster of football talent. World champion Paul Pogba, and Manchester City's domestic quadruple sensation, Raheem Sterling, join returning stars, six-time Ballon d'Or winner, Leo Messi, and reigning UEFA Champions League victor, Mohamed Salah. The four players go head to head in the international ad entitled, "Play Never Stops", showcasing otherworldly skill and agility as they battle it out for the last can of Pepsi.
Pepsi enlisted award-winning film producer and director Henry Scholfield, best known for creating iconic music videos for top artists, to direct the ad. "Play Never Stops" features a creative mash-up of swag-arrific storytelling in quick-fire cuts that show fans just how far the players will go for the delicious taste of Pepsi.
"It was a privilege to work with such superstar players on this year's Pepsi football ad," said Scholfield. "Each delivered an excellently accentuated version of their off-the-pitch personality to the spot, as naturally and skillfully as they would on the field. Pepsi, our creative team, and all of our post-production partners were awesome collaborators to work with. Each of them smashed it on every level, making the film the epic piece it is."
This year's commercial features the Latin song, "Presidente," which is of-the-moment, fast, fun and full of energy, much like the 2020 Pepsi football campaign. The track by emerging artist/producer WOST featuring singer Ginette Claudette demonstrates the brand's commitment to supporting next-level music talent.
The campaign will be activated in more than 80 countries worldwide and sits under the brand's international platform and tagline, PEPSI, FOR THE LOVE OF IT, which launched last year and encourages fans to go all-in for the things they love. The international campaign also boasts behind-the-scenes content, a collection of limited-edition player-themed cans, and out-of-home and in-store point of sale materials across Pepsi and Pepsi Black (also known as Pepsi MAX in select markets around the world).
Leo Messi commented: " As ever, being a part of the Pepsi football campaign has been so much fun. With a new team of players, exciting challenges, and a fun and creative film, the campaign will definitely not disappoint."
Mohamed Salah said: "It's great to be back for another year with Pepsi for another global football campaign. I know fans will like it."
Paul Pogba commented: "It's been so much fun filming the new Pepsi ad. I hope this year's campaign continues to encourage our fans to embrace their passions and go all in for the things they love."
Raheem Sterling said: " I'm buzzing to be a part of the Pepsi football squad! This year's ad is packed full of great energy, with a true mash-up of music, fashion and most importantly, amazing football skills."
While filming the 2020 football ad, Pepsi captured the players showing off their hidden talents for the #PepsiCanBalance Challenge including Pogba perfectly balancing his limited-edition can on the edge of a glass and Sterling impressing crew members by balancing his can on his famous right foot. Salah and Messi follow suit, with Salah achieving the Can Balance on a football, and Messi's steady hands balancing two cans simultaneously. The players inspired influencers and football fans to replicate the #PepsiCanBalance Challenge for themselves.
The campaign's limited-edition packaging, which features all four players across Pepsi and Pepsi Black / MAX cans, offers a new interactive experience for football lovers. Fans can bring their packs to life through QR codes found on selected cans and unlock the opportunity to interact with mini augmented reality versions of Messi, Salah, Pogba, and Sterling. When scanned, consumers can play a keepie-uppie game with their favorite players and share their scores to Instagram Stories.
Natalia Filippociants, Vice President, Marketing, Global Beverages, PepsiCo commented: "We are so excited to be launching this lively and upbeat campaign. We've taken some of the best football players, incorporated their cultural influences off the pitch, and put them in unconventional situations with unexpected twists and turns, with plenty of laughter and swagger. Our aim was to play with the energy of the ad and to entertain people, rather than show people being entertained. Hopefully, our fans will enjoy these 'Play Never Stops' stories as much as we enjoyed making them!"
Pepsi is a proud sponsor of the UEFA Champions League.
Join the conversation online with #FORTHELOVEOFIT.
Notes to Editors
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Beth Porter: Beth.Porter@pepsico.com
About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $67 billion in net revenue in 2019, driven by a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker and Tropicana. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including 23 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.
Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Convenient Foods and Beverages by Winning with Purpose. "Winning with Purpose" reflects our ambition to win sustainably in the marketplace and embed purpose into all aspects of the business. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1091760/PEP_Football_2020_Blue.jpg


tass--2020-02-20--Scientists debunk rumors of unnatural coronavirus origin

`` We stand together to strongly condemn conspiracy theories suggesting that COVID-19 does not have a natural origin , '' the 27 scientists say in their joint statement .
`` Conspiracy theories do nothing but create fear , rumors , and prejudice that jeopardize our global collaboration in the fight against this virus . ''
MOSCOW , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
Medical experts from Germany , the Netherlands , the US and other nations debunked rumors of unnatural origin of the COVID-19 coronavirus , according to Xinhua report citing The Lancet journal .
Earlier , some media speculated that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laboratory .
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan .
Outside China , cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in 25 other countries and territories , including in Russia .
The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern .
In late December 2019 , an outbreak of the pulmonary disease caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , an economic and industrial megacity with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern , characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .
Apart from China , 25 other countries , including Russia , have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
According to Thursday morning data , the number of lethal cases in China grew to 2118 people , while more than 16,100 people have recovered .
The total amount of infection cases is more than 74,500 .

"We stand together to strongly condemn conspiracy theories suggesting that COVID-19 does not have a natural origin," the 27 scientists say in their joint statement. "Conspiracy theories do nothing but create fear, rumors, and prejudice that jeopardize our global collaboration in the fight against this virus."
MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. Medical experts from Germany, the Netherlands, the US and other nations debunked rumors of unnatural origin of the COVID-19 coronavirus, according to Xinhua report citing The Lancet journal.
Earlier, some media speculated that the virus could have originated from a laboratory.
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan. Outside China, cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in 25 other countries and territories, including in Russia. The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.
In late December 2019, an outbreak of the pulmonary disease caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 11 million. The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations. Apart from China, 25 other countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases.
According to Thursday morning data, the number of lethal cases in China grew to 2118 people, while more than 16,100 people have recovered. The total amount of infection cases is more than 74,500.


tass--2020-02-20--Hanau shooting victims number increases to 9

MOSCOW , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
The number of victims of the shooting in Germany ’ s Hanau has @ @ @ @ @ police said in a statement Thursday .
`` The number of victims , mortally wounded @ @ @ @ @ scenes , have increased to nine , '' the message says .
The police currently @ @ @ @ @ and the shooter .
Earlier , the police reported that the suspected shooter was found @ @ @ @ @ along with another unidentified body .
`` The suspected criminal was found dead in his @ @ @ @ @ Police special forces have also discovered another body , '' the local police tweeted earlier @ @ @ @ @ a shooting took place in two hookah bars in Hanau .
Initially reports said eight @ @ @ @ @ were injured .
The police does not know the shooter ’ s motive yet and @ @ @ @ @ another shooter .
The investigation continues .

MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. The number of victims of the shooting in Germany’s Hanau has increased to nine, local police said in a statement Thursday.
"The number of victims, mortally wounded at the Heumarkt and Kurt-Schumacher-Platz scenes, have increased to nine," the message says.
The police currently works to identify the victims and the shooter.
Earlier, the police reported that the suspected shooter was found dead at his home, along with another unidentified body.
"The suspected criminal was found dead in his home in Hanau. The Police special forces have also discovered another body," the local police tweeted earlier.
On Wednesday evening, a shooting took place in two hookah bars in Hanau. Initially reports said eight people were killed and five were injured. The police does not know the shooter’s motive yet and does not have evidence of another shooter. The investigation continues.


tass--2020-02-20--Industrial enterprises in Weifang, Shandong resume work while fighting epidemic

WEIFANG , China , Feb. 20 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In order to respond to the epidemic of novel coronavirus pneumonia ( NCP ) , the government of Shandong Province has issued a notice that requires enterprises that are key to national economy and people 's livelihoods to immediately resume work and production under the premise of strictly implementing the epidemic prevention and control measures so as to fully ensure the supply of important production and living materials .
According to the website of Weifang Industrial and Information Technology Bureau , the municipal government of Weifang strictly implements national , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the resumption of work and production of industrial enterprises .
The government provides 100 key enterprises with `` one-on-one '' contact services , supervises and guides them in epidemic prevention , keeps updated about the production and operation of the enterprises in a timely manner , and coordinates and solves related problems .
Its goal is to ensure early resumption of work and production at the enterprises and to provide supplies and support for epidemic prevention and control .
For example , Weichai Group , while ensuring epidemic prevention and control , had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of January , being one of the first to do so in Shandong .
Caption : On February 11 , at Futian Shandong Multifunctional Vehicle Factory in Weifang , the staff were testing and debugging the negative pressure ambulances that would be sent to Wuhan , Hubei for first-line epidemic control .
The factory organized employees to return to their posts on the first day of the Chinese New Year to resume production and work overtime to increase the capacity .
Caption : On February 11 , workers were working in a punching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Qingzhou , Weifang .

WEIFANG, China, Feb. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In order to respond to the epidemic of novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP), the government of Shandong Province has issued a notice that requires enterprises that are key to national economy and people's livelihoods to immediately resume work and production under the premise of strictly implementing the epidemic prevention and control measures so as to fully ensure the supply of important production and living materials.
According to the website of Weifang Industrial and Information Technology Bureau, the municipal government of Weifang strictly implements national, provincial, and municipal policies and promotes the resumption of work and production of industrial enterprises. The government provides 100 key enterprises with "one-on-one" contact services, supervises and guides them in epidemic prevention, keeps updated about the production and operation of the enterprises in a timely manner, and coordinates and solves related problems. Its goal is to ensure early resumption of work and production at the enterprises and to provide supplies and support for epidemic prevention and control. For example, Weichai Group, while ensuring epidemic prevention and control, had gradually resumed normal production by the end of January, being one of the first to do so in Shandong.
Image Attachments Links:
Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=358010
Caption: On February 11, at Futian Shandong Multifunctional Vehicle Factory in Weifang, the staff were testing and debugging the negative pressure ambulances that would be sent to Wuhan, Hubei for first-line epidemic control. The factory organized employees to return to their posts on the first day of the Chinese New Year to resume production and work overtime to increase the capacity.
Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=358016
Caption: On February 11, workers were working in a punching and welding workshop of an automobile manufacturer in Qingzhou, Weifang.
CONTACT: Ms. Zhang, +86-10-63074558


tass--2020-02-20--19-year-old jailed for plotting mass shooting in Russia's Far East

KHABAROVSK , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
A district military court in Russia ’ s Far Eastern Khabarovsk region sentenced a 19-year-old young man to eight years behind bars for plotting a mass shooting at a local school , the press service of the Khabarovsk Region FSB department said on Thursday .
`` The First eastern district military court sentenced Onufrienko A.K.
, a 19-year-old resident of the regional administrative center [ Khabarovsk ] , to eight years in prison for attempting and preparing to commit a terror attack on School No.30 in the city of Khabarovsk , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man was also found guilty of illegal acquisition and possession of firearms ; making public calls for extremism ; making public calls for terrorist acts and publicly expressing views that justify and promote terrorism ; and undergoing training for performing a terrorist act .
According to investigators , the young man was a follower of the so-called school shooting ideology and planned to carry out a mass killing motivated by political hatred .
He planned to legally acquire a shotgun and had already submitted the required documents to state authorities .
Simultaneously , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , looking for gun dealers online , FSB said .
`` Officers of the Federal Security Service ( FSB ) department in the Khabarovsk Territory managed to establish and record Onufrienko A.K.
’ s plans to carry out an armed assault on School No.30 in Khabarovsk .
Therefore , the plotter was detained and placed under arrest , '' the statement says .
In his home , law enforcement officers seized leaflets of a far-right movement , symbols of the ‘ school shooting ’ ideology , an ammo belt , a sawed-off double-barreled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The man pleaded guilty and cooperated with investigators .
The sentencing is yet to enter force and can be appealed within ten days .

KHABAROVSK, February 20. /TASS/. A district military court in Russia’s Far Eastern Khabarovsk region sentenced a 19-year-old young man to eight years behind bars for plotting a mass shooting at a local school, the press service of the Khabarovsk Region FSB department said on Thursday.
"The First eastern district military court sentenced Onufrienko A.K., a 19-year-old resident of the regional administrative center [Khabarovsk], to eight years in prison for attempting and preparing to commit a terror attack on School No.30 in the city of Khabarovsk," the department said in a statement.
The man was also found guilty of illegal acquisition and possession of firearms; making public calls for extremism; making public calls for terrorist acts and publicly expressing views that justify and promote terrorism; and undergoing training for performing a terrorist act.
According to investigators, the young man was a follower of the so-called school shooting ideology and planned to carry out a mass killing motivated by political hatred. He planned to legally acquire a shotgun and had already submitted the required documents to state authorities.
Simultaneously, he tried to purchase a gun illegally, looking for gun dealers online, FSB said.
"Officers of the Federal Security Service (FSB) department in the Khabarovsk Territory managed to establish and record Onufrienko A.K.’s plans to carry out an armed assault on School No.30 in Khabarovsk. Therefore, the plotter was detained and placed under arrest," the statement says.
In his home, law enforcement officers seized leaflets of a far-right movement, symbols of the ‘school shooting’ ideology, an ammo belt, a sawed-off double-barreled shotgun and 95 cartridges for it.
The man pleaded guilty and cooperated with investigators.
The sentencing is yet to enter force and can be appealed within ten days.


tass--2020-02-20--Russia, Turkey, Iran working to agree on date for Syria summit

ANKARA , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
Turkish , Russian and Iranian representatives are working on coordinating the date for @ @ @ @ @ Syrian settlement process , a source in the Turkish Foreign Ministry informed TASS on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ working to agree on the date for the summit .
As soon as an agreement @ @ @ @ @ reached , the date of the summit will be announced to the public , '' @ @ @ @ @ .
Russian Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail @ @ @ @ @ a trilateral Russian-Iranian-Turkish summit could be held in Tehran in early March , if the @ @ @ @ @ previous , the fifth in a row , trilateral meeting between the presidents of the @ @ @ @ @ the Astana process to promote a peaceful settlement in Syria took place in Ankara in @ @ @ @ @ countries also maintain contacts as part of the high-level meetings on Syria in Nur-Sultan .
@ @ @ @ @ held on December 10-11 , 2019 .

ANKARA, February 20. /TASS/. Turkish, Russian and Iranian representatives are working on coordinating the date for a trilateral summit on the Syrian settlement process, a source in the Turkish Foreign Ministry informed TASS on Thursday.
"The parties are working to agree on the date for the summit. As soon as an agreement between the three countries is reached, the date of the summit will be announced to the public," the Turkish Foreign Ministry stressed.
Russian Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov earlier told TASS that a trilateral Russian-Iranian-Turkish summit could be held in Tehran in early March, if the Turkish leadership agreed.
The previous, the fifth in a row, trilateral meeting between the presidents of the countries acting as guarantors of the Astana process to promote a peaceful settlement in Syria took place in Ankara in September 2019. The three countries also maintain contacts as part of the high-level meetings on Syria in Nur-Sultan. The last such meeting was held on December 10-11, 2019.


tass--2020-02-20--Sunon UD wins iF DESIGN AWARD 2020

Sunon UD wins iF DESIGN AWARD 2020

HANGZHOU , China , Feb. 19 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunon , a leading office furniture supplier , is recognized as a winner of iF DESIGN AWARD 2020 .
This year , Sunon UD won over the 78-member jury made up of independent experts from 20 countries across the globe .
The competition was fierce : 7,298 entries were submitted from 56 countries in hopes of receiving the seal of quality .
Inspired by the shape of wine glasses , UD delivers a style of pure and simple elegance .
The smooth and rounded curves of this sofa chair help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together without the use of screws .
With high resilience sponge filling , UD seat cushion can disperse body weight and provide comfort to relief pressure and sciatica .
UD 's base with a built-in gas spring generates a soft suspension .
It can provide 360-degree swiveling , which gives maximum comfort and flexibility .
100 % wool fabric gives UD a luxurious , great texture and feels that brighten any office .
Prior to this , UD has received several awards such as Good Design and German Design .
In addition to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , design excellence badge , were presented to Sunon in the Product category : • SAMU , a whale-like chair breathing new life into discussions and talks , breaking through the dull atmosphere in office ; • Leading , an impressive office desk that adds a touch of prestige and authority to the office , inspiring daily work ; The iF Design Award award has been organized annually by the design organization , iF International Forum Design GmbH since 1953 .
The iF label is renowned worldwide for outstanding design services , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most important design prizes in the world .
Design submissions undergo a comprehensive evaluation in the following categories , including Product , Packaging , Communication , and Service Design/UX , Architecture and Interior Architecture as well as Professional Concept .
Founded in 1991 , Sunon has risen to the ranks of a global leader in workspace furniture .
Following intensive R & D and state-of-the-art design solutions Sunon has become a headlining manufacturer in the workspace design sector .
By December 2018 , Sunon had obtained 852 patents , and built a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunon has served over 160 Global Fortune 500 companies .

HANGZHOU, China, Feb. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunon, a leading office furniture supplier, is recognized as a winner of iF DESIGN AWARD 2020. This year, Sunon UD won over the 78-member jury made up of independent experts from 20 countries across the globe. The competition was fierce: 7,298 entries were submitted from 56 countries in hopes of receiving the seal of quality.
Inspired by the shape of wine glasses, UD delivers a style of pure and simple elegance. The smooth and rounded curves of this sofa chair help create an inviting workplace. Everything fits together without the use of screws. With high resilience sponge filling, UD seat cushion can disperse body weight and provide comfort to relief pressure and sciatica. UD's base with a built-in gas spring generates a soft suspension. It can provide 360-degree swiveling, which gives maximum comfort and flexibility. 100% wool fabric gives UD a luxurious, great texture and feels that brighten any office. Prior to this, UD has received several awards such as Good Design and German Design.
In addition to UD, two other iF Design Awards, design excellence badge, were presented to Sunon in the Product category:
SAMU, a whale-like chair breathing new life into discussions and talks, breaking through the dull atmosphere in office;
Leading, an impressive office desk that adds a touch of prestige and authority to the office, inspiring daily work;
The iF Design Award award has been organized annually by the design organization, iF International Forum Design GmbH since 1953. The iF label is renowned worldwide for outstanding design services, and the iF DESIGN AWARD is one of the most important design prizes in the world. Design submissions undergo a comprehensive evaluation in the following categories, including Product, Packaging, Communication, and Service Design/UX, Architecture and Interior Architecture as well as Professional Concept.
About Sunon
Founded in 1991, Sunon has risen to the ranks of a global leader in workspace furniture. Following intensive R&D and state-of-the-art design solutions Sunon has become a headlining manufacturer in the workspace design sector. By December 2018, Sunon had obtained 852 patents, and built a sales network covering over 110 countries. Sunon has served over 160 Global Fortune 500 companies.
Website: www.sunonglobal.com
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1092399/UD_1.jpg
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1092400/UD_2.jpg
CONTACT: Vivienne Tang, +86-18857893192


tass--2020-02-20--Two more Russian passengers of quarantined cruise ship diagnosed with coronavirus

`` As a result of tests made by Japanese doctors , coronavirus was confirmed in two more Russian citizens .
They will be taken to hospital soon and receive all necessary medical assistance there .
The Russians feel well , the disease proceeds without acute symptoms , '' the embassy said in a statement , posted on its Facebook page .
TOKYO , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
Japanese doctors have diagnosed two more Russian nationals aboard the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship with novel coronavirus , the Russian embassy in Japan said on Thursday .
This increases the total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Princess to three .
Earlier , one Russian national was hospitalized over coronavirus infection .
His wife was also put into hospital for supervision , although she was not diagnosed with the disease .
The embassy said it stays in contact with the two Russians , adding that they fell well .
There are 621 people infected with the coronavirus aboard the Diamond Princess , quarantined in the Yokohama port .
On Thursday , first deaths were reported .
According to the Japanese Ministry of Health , Labour and Welfare , two passengers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a 87-year-old man .
Both were Japanese nationals .
The Diamond Princess cruise ship left Yokohama on January 20 and returned on February 3 .
Among them was a coronavirus-infected Chinese citizen who left the ship on January 25 in Hong Kong .
In accordance with the decision made by the Japanese authorities , the ship was anchored near Yokohama and quarantined for two weeks since February 5 .
Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in Wuhan , a densely populated city in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19 .
Coronavirus cases have also been reported in 25 other countries , including Russia .

"As a result of tests made by Japanese doctors, coronavirus was confirmed in two more Russian citizens. They will be taken to hospital soon and receive all necessary medical assistance there. The Russians feel well, the disease proceeds without acute symptoms," the embassy said in a statement, posted on its Facebook page.
TOKYO, February 20. /TASS/. Japanese doctors have diagnosed two more Russian nationals aboard the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship with novel coronavirus, the Russian embassy in Japan said on Thursday.
This increases the total number of infected Russians aboard the Diamond Princess to three. Earlier, one Russian national was hospitalized over coronavirus infection. His wife was also put into hospital for supervision, although she was not diagnosed with the disease. The embassy said it stays in contact with the two Russians, adding that they fell well.
There are 621 people infected with the coronavirus aboard the Diamond Princess, quarantined in the Yokohama port. On Thursday, first deaths were reported. According to the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, two passengers have died: a 84-year old woman and a 87-year-old man. Both were Japanese nationals.
The Diamond Princess cruise ship left Yokohama on January 20 and returned on February 3. Among them was a coronavirus-infected Chinese citizen who left the ship on January 25 in Hong Kong. In accordance with the decision made by the Japanese authorities, the ship was anchored near Yokohama and quarantined for two weeks since February 5.
Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in Wuhan, a densely populated city in central China, in late December 2019. The WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19. Coronavirus cases have also been reported in 25 other countries, including Russia.