tass--2020-01-19--Senior diplomat: Russia doubts Sarraj-Haftar direct meeting is possible in Berlin

BERLIN , January 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has doubts that the leaders of Libya ’ s conflicting parties , Prime Minister of the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord ( GNA ) Fayez al-Sarraj and Libyan National Army ( LNA ) Commander Khalifa Haftar , will have a bilateral contact in Berlin , Russian president ’ s special envoy for the Middle East and African countries and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said on Sunday .
`` It depends on them .
I don ’ t know , '' he told journalists when asked about a possibility of such a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubts they will speak to each other . ''
`` Well , the refused to speak with one another in Moscow and we acted as a go-between , '' he recalled .
`` It was , as they used to say , shuttle diplomacy . ''
According to the Russian diplomat , unlike Turkey , Russia spoke with both Haftar and Sarraj , as well as with the parliament speaker Aguila Saleh Issa and head of Libya ’ s High Council of State Khaled al-Mishri .
`` We have contacts with all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only with Sarraj and al-Mishri , '' he added .
No concrete date for a visit to Russia by Commander of the Libyan National Army Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar has been agreed , Mikhail Bogdanov said on Sunday .
`` So far , we have no concrete agreements .
But , generally , we are maintaining contact with him .
He visited Moscow more than once and I think will come again.
, '' he told journalists when asked whether his visit ’ s date had been agreed .
He found it difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take place before end of January .
`` Frankly speaking , I don ’ t know . ''
`` Additional contacts with him [ Haftar ] , and with the opposing party , will be needed , '' he noted .
`` So , I think such visit , contacts in Moscow will be organized. ''
.
Mikhail Bogdanov said that the issue of a possible deployment of the United Nations-led international forces to Libya , which Prime Minister of the Libyan Government of National Accord Fayez Sarraj insists on , can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I think this matter is to be discussed on a consensus basis , '' he said .
`` It depends not only on Sarraj .
We are convinced that event the results of the Berlin conference will be discussed at the United Nations Security Council and only the Security Council has the authority to take decisions binding on all the parties . ''
Russia , in his words , believes that the Berlin conference ’ s final statement will be approved by the United Nations Security Council .
`` It reads in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ We shall bring the conclusions of this summit to the attention of the UN Security Council for consideration and call on SRSG [ UN Special Envoy for Libya Ghassan ] Salame and UNSMIL ( UN special mission in Libya ) to support the implementation of commitments made in the framework of the Berlin process , ’ '' he noted .
`` It means that all the provisions of this declaration are to be considered by the UN Security Council and decisions will be passed depending on the discussion ’ s results '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observed but there , despite sporadic violations , but there are provokers who are seeking to break it down , Mikhail Bogdanov said on Sunday .
`` There are sporadic violations [ of the ceasefire ] because , regrettably , there are some unruly elements .
That is why violations do happen , but there are very few of them , '' he said .
`` Our specialists , experts are keeping a close eye on the situation on the ground .
We can state that the ceasefire is being observed , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are provokers who are seeking to frustrate it .
But I think serious Libyan leaders will have enough will and possibilities to observe the ceasefire , to establish political dialogue , which is to be inclusive , we all believe , '' he said .
A ceasefire between the Tripoli-based internationally recognized Government of National Accord ( GNA ) led by Fayez al-Sarraj and the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) forces of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar took effect in Libya at midnight on January 12 within the framework of an initiative advanced @ @ @ @ @ @ @

BERLIN, January 19. /TASS/. Russia has doubts that the leaders of Libya’s conflicting parties, Prime Minister of the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez al-Sarraj and Libyan National Army (LNA) Commander Khalifa Haftar, will have a bilateral contact in Berlin, Russian president’s special envoy for the Middle East and African countries and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said on Sunday.
"It depends on them. I don’t know," he told journalists when asked about a possibility of such a meeting.
He said he "has doubts they will speak to each other." "Well, the refused to speak with one another in Moscow and we acted as a go-between," he recalled. "It was, as they used to say, shuttle diplomacy."
According to the Russian diplomat, unlike Turkey, Russia spoke with both Haftar and Sarraj, as well as with the parliament speaker Aguila Saleh Issa and head of Libya’s High Council of State Khaled al-Mishri.
"We have contacts with all of them, while our Turkish partners spoke only with Sarraj and al-Mishri," he added.
Date for Haftar’s visit
No concrete date for a visit to Russia by Commander of the Libyan National Army Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar has been agreed, Mikhail Bogdanov said on Sunday.
"So far, we have no concrete agreements. But, generally, we are maintaining contact with him. He visited Moscow more than once and I think will come again.," he told journalists when asked whether his visit’s date had been agreed.
He found it difficult to say whether such a visit could take place before end of January. "Frankly speaking, I don’t know."
"Additional contacts with him [Haftar], and with the opposing party, will be needed," he noted. "So, I think such visit, contacts in Moscow will be organized.".
Consensus
Mikhail Bogdanov said that the issue of a possible deployment of the United Nations-led international forces to Libya, which Prime Minister of the Libyan Government of National Accord Fayez Sarraj insists on, can be discussed only on a consensus basis.
"I think this matter is to be discussed on a consensus basis," he said. "It depends not only on Sarraj. We are convinced that event the results of the Berlin conference will be discussed at the United Nations Security Council and only the Security Council has the authority to take decisions binding on all the parties."
Russia, in his words, believes that the Berlin conference’s final statement will be approved by the United Nations Security Council.
"It reads in the last, 55th, paragraph: ‘We shall bring the conclusions of this summit to the attention of the UN Security Council for consideration and call on SRSG [UN Special Envoy for Libya Ghassan] Salame and UNSMIL (UN special mission in Libya) to support the implementation of commitments made in the framework of the Berlin process,’" he noted. "It means that all the provisions of this declaration are to be considered by the UN Security Council and decisions will be passed depending on the discussion’s results".
Ceasefire in Libya
The ceasefire in Libya is being observed but there, despite sporadic violations, but there are provokers who are seeking to break it down, Mikhail Bogdanov said on Sunday.
"There are sporadic violations [of the ceasefire] because, regrettably, there are some unruly elements. That is why violations do happen, but there are very few of them," he said. "Our specialists, experts are keeping a close eye on the situation on the ground. We can state that the ceasefire is being observed, but for minor violations."
"There are provokers who are seeking to frustrate it. But I think serious Libyan leaders will have enough will and possibilities to observe the ceasefire, to establish political dialogue, which is to be inclusive, we all believe," he said.
A ceasefire between the Tripoli-based internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) led by Fayez al-Sarraj and the Libyan National Army (LNA) forces of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar took effect in Libya at midnight on January 12 within the framework of an initiative advanced by the Russian and Turkish presidents.


tass--2020-01-19--Putin arrives at conference on Libya in Berlin

BERLIN , January 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived to the Federal Chancellery in Berlin , the venue of the international conference on Libya .
He was welcomed by Chancellor Angela Merkel at the entrance .
The conference will begin after a joint photo session of the heads of delegations from the participating nations .
Organizers expect the conference will last at least four hours .
`` An exchange of opinions on Libyan crisis regulation is planned , namely regarding the soonest establishment of a ceasefire , the reconciliation of the warring sides and the launch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ auspices of the UN , '' the Kremlin press service said ahead of the conference .
Along with Putin , the conference will be attended by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune , British Prime Minister Boris Johnson , German Chancellor Angela Merkel , Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisis , Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte , President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso , Crown Prince Of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed Al Nahyan , Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan , French President Emmanuel Macron , US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aboul Gheit , United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres , President of the European Council Charles Michel .
High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles , director of the Office of Foreign Affairs of the Communist Party of China Yang Jeichi , Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat .
Leaders of Libya ’ s conflicting parties , Prime Minister of the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord ( GNA ) Fayez al-Sarraj and Libyan National Army ( LNA ) Commander Khalifa Haftar , will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed for the press .
However , the Kremlin said earlier its key agreements would be committed to paper in a final document .
Russian acting Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told journalists on Friday that the Berlin conference ’ s final documents were practically ready .
They are in full accordance with the decisions taken by the [ UN ] Security Council on Libyan regulation .
`` They [ these documents ] do not include any points contradicting the Security Council ’ s decisions , '' he said .

BERLIN, January 19. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived to the Federal Chancellery in Berlin, the venue of the international conference on Libya. He was welcomed by Chancellor Angela Merkel at the entrance.
The conference will begin after a joint photo session of the heads of delegations from the participating nations. Organizers expect the conference will last at least four hours.
"An exchange of opinions on Libyan crisis regulation is planned, namely regarding the soonest establishment of a ceasefire, the reconciliation of the warring sides and the launch of an expansive political dialogue under the auspices of the UN," the Kremlin press service said ahead of the conference.
Along with Putin, the conference will be attended by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisis, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso, Crown Prince Of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed Al Nahyan, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, French President Emmanuel Macron, US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, Secretary General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, President of the European Council Charles Michel. High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles, director of the Office of Foreign Affairs of the Communist Party of China Yang Jeichi, Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat. Leaders of Libya’s conflicting parties, Prime Minister of the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez al-Sarraj and Libyan National Army (LNA) Commander Khalifa Haftar, will also take part.
The conference is closed for the press. However, the Kremlin said earlier its key agreements would be committed to paper in a final document. Russian acting Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told journalists on Friday that the Berlin conference’s final documents were practically ready. They are in full accordance with the decisions taken by the [UN] Security Council on Libyan regulation. "They [these documents] do not include any points contradicting the Security Council’s decisions," he said.


tass--2020-01-19--Medvedev calls time factor one of reasons behind his cabinet’s resignation

MOSCOW , January 19 .
/TASS/ .
Former Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has explained his government ’ s resignation by the tasks of carrying out political reforms in the country and the factor of time .
`` First and the most important what I said when we met with President [ Vladimir Putin ] after he had delivered his address [ to the Federal Assembly ] on January 15 this year is that the address outlined such large-scale tasks on reforming the political system , and to a certain extent even changing the balance of powers in the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the parliament , partly the president and the judicial system - that in order to make all these decisions , the president should have absolutely a free hand in discussing them and taking them without a backward glance to other factors , including the factor of government , '' Medvedev said in his interview with Channel One .
Speaking about the second reason , Medvedev mentioned the factor of time .
Medvedev recalled that he had served as the chairman of the government for nearly eight years .
`` This is a huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time in modern Russia , '' the former prime minister said .
`` New government should focus on income growth '' Medvedev said he is generally satisfied by his cabinet ’ s work in 2012-2020 despite some vulnerable decisions and unsolved issues .
The former prime minister noted that the key goal of the new cabinet led by Mikhail Mishustin would be to increase citizens ’ real income .
`` I will put this bluntly as a person who has been responsible for the government ’ s work for nearly eight years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things have been going and how the highest executive authority has worked , '' Medvedev said , stressing that `` it ’ s up to people to give final assessments . ''
Medvedev noted that his government had been forced to make really challenging and vulnerable , but necessary decisions such as a pension reform .
`` There were also unsolved tasks < ... > I mean that [ our citizens ’ ] real disposable income nearly did not grow .
This is certainly the outcome of the general economic situation , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is saying about this and President [ Vladimir Putin ] spoke about this in his address [ to the Federal Assembly ] .
And this is probably , a key task for the new government , '' he stressed .
On January 15 , Medvedev and his government resigned after Putin had delivered his address to the Federal Assembly .
Medvedev was appointed as deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council , while other cabinet members were instructed to continue carrying out their duties .
The president nominated Mikhail Mishustin , the head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for prime minister .
On January 16 , the lower house of Russia ’ s parliament , the State Duma , backed the candidate at its plenary session and Putin immediately signed a decree appointing Mikhail Mishustin as the country ’ s prime minister .
Soon , Mishustin is due to present his proposals on the structure and members of the new cabinet .

MOSCOW, January 19. /TASS/. Former Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has explained his government’s resignation by the tasks of carrying out political reforms in the country and the factor of time.
"First and the most important what I said when we met with President [Vladimir Putin] after he had delivered his address [to the Federal Assembly] on January 15 this year is that the address outlined such large-scale tasks on reforming the political system, and to a certain extent even changing the balance of powers in the country - this refers to the government, the parliament, partly the president and the judicial system - that in order to make all these decisions, the president should have absolutely a free hand in discussing them and taking them without a backward glance to other factors, including the factor of government," Medvedev said in his interview with Channel One.
Speaking about the second reason, Medvedev mentioned the factor of time. Medvedev recalled that he had served as the chairman of the government for nearly eight years. "This is a huge term. This happened for the first time in modern Russia," the former prime minister said.
"New government should focus on income growth"
Medvedev said he is generally satisfied by his cabinet’s work in 2012-2020 despite some vulnerable decisions and unsolved issues. The former prime minister noted that the key goal of the new cabinet led by Mikhail Mishustin would be to increase citizens’ real income.
"I will put this bluntly as a person who has been responsible for the government’s work for nearly eight years, in general I’m satisfied how things have been going and how the highest executive authority has worked," Medvedev said, stressing that "it’s up to people to give final assessments."
Medvedev noted that his government had been forced to make really challenging and vulnerable, but necessary decisions such as a pension reform.
"There were also unsolved tasks <...> I mean that [our citizens’] real disposable income nearly did not grow. This is certainly the outcome of the general economic situation, but this needs to be done. Everyone is saying about this and President [Vladimir Putin] spoke about this in his address [to the Federal Assembly]. And this is probably, a key task for the new government," he stressed.
On January 15, Medvedev and his government resigned after Putin had delivered his address to the Federal Assembly. Medvedev was appointed as deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, while other cabinet members were instructed to continue carrying out their duties.
The president nominated Mikhail Mishustin, the head of Russia’s Federal Tax Service, for prime minister. On January 16, the lower house of Russia’s parliament, the State Duma, backed the candidate at its plenary session and Putin immediately signed a decree appointing Mikhail Mishustin as the country’s prime minister. Soon, Mishustin is due to present his proposals on the structure and members of the new cabinet.


tass--2020-01-19--Putin hopes dialogue will continue on Libya and conflict will be solved

BERLIN , January 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday he believes that Russia and Turkey have made a good step by calling for ceasefire in Libya and thus creating preconditions for holding a conference in Berlin .
`` In my view , together with you we have made a very good step during a meeting in Istanbul by calling on the Libyan parties to cease fire , stop fighting and although some incidents are taking place , both parties listened to our call and large-scale combat actions have been stopped , '' the Russian president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counterpart , Recep Tayyip Erdogan .
`` I believe this is a very good result , which created preconditions for today ’ s meeting in a multilateral format here in Berlin . ''
He also said he hopes dialogue on Libya will be continued and the conflict in that country will be ultimately resolved .
`` We don ’ t lose hope that the dialogue will be continued .
And we will spare no effort to have this conflict resolved , '' Putin said at a meeting with his Turkish counterpart , Recep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Moscow talks between Libya ’ s conflicting parties .
The Russian leader noted that Russia and Turkey have been efficiently cooperating on the key matters of international politics , especially of the regional agenda .
`` I mean Syria .
I mean everything that is linked with the Iranian nuclear program .
I mean , of course , the settlement of the Libyan conflict , '' he said .
Putin stressed that Russia supports German Chancellor Angela Merkel ’ s position on the Libyan settlement .
`` Everyone is worried over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we , as the leaders of the countries that are located close to this region , of course , are worried about it , and the entire Europe is worried about it because flows of refugees from the Middle East and Africa are flooding Europe via the `` Libyan gate ’ wide open after Gaddafi ’ s murder , '' he noted , adding that Turkey and Russia `` jointly worked towards positive outcomes of the Moscow meeting between the conflicting parties . ''
According to the Russian president , the very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had talks not only with us but also with each other deserves a commendation to the foreign and defense ministers who had done their utmost so that the conflicting parties could reach accord and support a joint statement .
`` Indeed , not everything went smoothly .
One of the parties has not signed the statement , at least until now , '' he said , adding he still hopes for a constructive outcome of the talks .
Greeting his Turkish counterpart , Putin noted he is satisfied with the results of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He tanked Erdogan for the warm atmosphere that was created during the launch of the Turk Stream project .
In his words , it was a major event in Russia ’ s , Turkey ’ s and Europe ’ s energy sector .
`` Indeed , we have very good , constructive , trust-based relations in practically all spheres we have been working , '' Putin said .
`` Dialogue is not always smooth but we have learnt how to reach agreement , we have learnt to look for and find compromises acceptable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good example of constructive cooperation between neighbors . ''

BERLIN, January 19. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday he believes that Russia and Turkey have made a good step by calling for ceasefire in Libya and thus creating preconditions for holding a conference in Berlin.
"In my view, together with you we have made a very good step during a meeting in Istanbul by calling on the Libyan parties to cease fire, stop fighting and although some incidents are taking place, both parties listened to our call and large-scale combat actions have been stopped," the Russian president said at a meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. "I believe this is a very good result, which created preconditions for today’s meeting in a multilateral format here in Berlin."
He also said he hopes dialogue on Libya will be continued and the conflict in that country will be ultimately resolved. "We don’t lose hope that the dialogue will be continued. And we will spare no effort to have this conflict resolved," Putin said at a meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, commenting on the results of the Moscow talks between Libya’s conflicting parties.
The Russian leader noted that Russia and Turkey have been efficiently cooperating on the key matters of international politics, especially of the regional agenda. "I mean Syria. I mean everything that is linked with the Iranian nuclear program. I mean, of course, the settlement of the Libyan conflict," he said.
Putin stressed that Russia supports German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s position on the Libyan settlement. "Everyone is worried over this situation: both the Libyan parties and we, as the leaders of the countries that are located close to this region, of course, are worried about it, and the entire Europe is worried about it because flows of refugees from the Middle East and Africa are flooding Europe via the "Libyan gate’ wide open after Gaddafi’s murder," he noted, adding that Turkey and Russia "jointly worked towards positive outcomes of the Moscow meeting between the conflicting parties."
According to the Russian president, the very fact that they came to Moscow and had talks not only with us but also with each other deserves a commendation to the foreign and defense ministers who had done their utmost so that the conflicting parties could reach accord and support a joint statement. "Indeed, not everything went smoothly. One of the parties has not signed the statement, at least until now," he said, adding he still hopes for a constructive outcome of the talks.
Greeting his Turkish counterpart, Putin noted he is satisfied with the results of his visit to Istanbul on January 8. He tanked Erdogan for the warm atmosphere that was created during the launch of the Turk Stream project. In his words, it was a major event in Russia’s, Turkey’s and Europe’s energy sector. "Indeed, we have very good, constructive, trust-based relations in practically all spheres we have been working," Putin said. "Dialogue is not always smooth but we have learnt how to reach agreement, we have learnt to look for and find compromises acceptable for both sides. It is a good example of constructive cooperation between neighbors."


tass--2020-01-20--Preparations underway for meeting between foreign, defense ministers of Russia, France

\\\MOSCOW , January 20 .
/TASS/ .
Preparations are underway for a `` two-plus-two '' meeting between the foreign and @ @ @ @ @ France , a Russian Foreign Ministry official confirmed to TASS .
`` Preparations for such @ @ @ @ @ '' the official said .
The previous `` two-plus-two '' meeting took place in Moscow @ @ @ @ @ .
The parties discussed the fight against terrorism in Syria and ways to resolve the @ @ @ @ @ confirmed plans to maintain dialogue on security issues , including those concerning intermediate and shorter-range @ @

\\\MOSCOW, January 20. /TASS/. Preparations are underway for a "two-plus-two" meeting between the foreign and defense ministers of Russia and France, a Russian Foreign Ministry official confirmed to TASS.
"Preparations for such a meeting are underway," the official said.
The previous "two-plus-two" meeting took place in Moscow on September 9, 2019. The parties discussed the fight against terrorism in Syria and ways to resolve the Ukrainian crisis. They also confirmed plans to maintain dialogue on security issues, including those concerning intermediate and shorter-range missiles.


tass--2020-01-20--Construction of Tianwan NPP’s seventh unit may start 5 months in advance, says Rosatom

MOSCOW , January 20 .
/TASS/ .
Rosatom expects to start first concreting of the seventh power unit of the @ @ @ @ @ NPP ) in China in December 2020 , five months ahead of schedule , the @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
`` The site [ for building power units No .
7 and 8 @ @ @ @ @ TASS ] is fundamentally ready .
The parties express hope that first concreting of power @ @ @ @ @ be made in December 2020 , five months in advance of the schedule , '' @ @ @ @ @ The Tianwan NPP is the largest facility of the Russian-Chinese economic cooperation .
The first @ @ @ @ @ ( the first and the second power units ) was launched in 2007 .
The @ @ @ @ @ Tianwan NPP was launched in December 2017 , while the fourth - in October 2018 @ @ @ @ @ in construction of the seventh and eighth power units of the Tianwan NPP was signed @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, January 20. /TASS/. Rosatom expects to start first concreting of the seventh power unit of the Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in China in December 2020, five months ahead of schedule, the Russian nuclear corporation said on Monday.
"The site [for building power units No. 7 and 8 of the Tianwan NPP - TASS] is fundamentally ready. The parties express hope that first concreting of power unit No. 7 will be made in December 2020, five months in advance of the schedule," the Russian company said.
The Tianwan NPP is the largest facility of the Russian-Chinese economic cooperation. The first stage of the Tianwan NPP (the first and the second power units) was launched in 2007. The third power unit of the Tianwan NPP was launched in December 2017, while the fourth - in October 2018.
The protocol on cooperation in construction of the seventh and eighth power units of the Tianwan NPP was signed in early June 2018.


tass--2020-01-20--Prime minister has not yet submitted new government line-up to Putin

The deadline established by the law has not expired as of yet , he added .
`` No , we would have informed you if this report had taken place .
The deadline has not yet expired , '' Peskov added .
He said the respective report would be presented to the president `` within the constitutional term '' .
MOSCOW , January 20./TASS/ .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has not yet submitted to President Vladimir Putin the line-up of his new government , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Monday .
Peskov did not rule out that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have information on the structure of a new Cabinet of Ministers and on its members .
`` [ The report may have ] both , '' he said .
`` Different options are possible , depending on what the prime minister and the president consider expedient in this case , '' Peskov added , once again emphasizing that `` there is still some time left , the deadline has not yet expired '' .
On January 15 , Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and his government resigned after Putin had delivered his address to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council , while other cabinet members were instructed to continue carrying out their duties .
The president nominated Mikhail Mishustin , the head of Russia ’ s Federal Tax Service , for prime minister .
On January 16 , the lower house of Russia ’ s parliament , the State Duma , backed the candidate at its plenary session and Putin immediately signed a decree appointing Mikhail Mishustin as the country ’ s prime minister .
Soon , Mishustin is due to present his proposals on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cabinet .

The deadline established by the law has not expired as of yet, he added. "No, we would have informed you if this report had taken place. The deadline has not yet expired," Peskov added. He said the respective report would be presented to the president "within the constitutional term".
MOSCOW, January 20./TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has not yet submitted to President Vladimir Putin the line-up of his new government, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Monday.
Peskov did not rule out that Prime Minister Mishustin’s report will have information on the structure of a new Cabinet of Ministers and on its members. "[The report may have] both," he said. "Different options are possible, depending on what the prime minister and the president consider expedient in this case," Peskov added, once again emphasizing that "there is still some time left, the deadline has not yet expired".
On January 15, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and his government resigned after Putin had delivered his address to the Federal Assembly. Medvedev was appointed as deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, while other cabinet members were instructed to continue carrying out their duties.
The president nominated Mikhail Mishustin, the head of Russia’s Federal Tax Service, for prime minister. On January 16, the lower house of Russia’s parliament, the State Duma, backed the candidate at its plenary session and Putin immediately signed a decree appointing Mikhail Mishustin as the country’s prime minister. Soon, Mishustin is due to present his proposals on the structure and members of the new cabinet.


tass--2020-01-20--Putin to hold meeting with Palestinian leadership this week

MOSCOW , January 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning to hold a meeting with the Palestinian @ @ @ @ @ spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday .
`` Yes , we have contacts with @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
Peskov clarified that the talks will take place during Putin ’ @ @ @ @ @ Earlier , Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki revealed that Palestinian authorities are awaiting Russian leader @ @ @ @ @ to him , Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas is planning to discuss Middle Eastern issues with @ @ @ @ @ is expected to travel to Jerusalem this week to take part in events commemorating the @ @ @ @ @ of the Nazi Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp and the International Holocaust Remembrance Day .
Putin is @ @ @ @ @ Holocaust Forum held in Jerusalem on January 23 .

MOSCOW, January 20. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning to hold a meeting with the Palestinian leadership this week, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday.
"Yes, we have contacts with the Palestinian leadership planned," he said. Peskov clarified that the talks will take place during Putin’s visit to Israel.
Earlier, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki revealed that Palestinian authorities are awaiting Russian leader’s visit. According to him, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas is planning to discuss Middle Eastern issues with his Russian counterpart.
Putin is expected to travel to Jerusalem this week to take part in events commemorating the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp and the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Putin is invited to the fifth World Holocaust Forum held in Jerusalem on January 23.


tass--2020-01-20--No decisions on form and timeframe of vote on constitutional changes — Kremlin

MOSCOW , January 20 .
/TASS/ .
There are no decisions on the form and timeframe of a vote on proposed constitutional changes and they are expected to be made after the constitutional commission completes its work , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters .
`` In legal terms , this vote , its form and the timeframe will be known after the constitutional commission is through with its work , '' Peskov said , noting that this would be either a separate law or an article to the law on these changes .
The Kremlin spokesman pointed out that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a vote . ''
He stressed that generally speaking , this is not obligatory `` because this concerns changes that do not refer to fundamental articles of the key law . ''
`` But the president believed it was necessary to consult with the people ’ s opinion .
That ’ s why he spoke about this vote , but I will repeat that de jure this is not obligatory , '' Peskov noted .
The presidential spokesman declined to answer the question whether the vote outcome could influence the constitutional amendments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Address to the Federal Assembly on January 15 , Putin suggested adopting a number of amendments to the Constitution , in particular to entrust the State Duma ( lower house ) with the right to approve candidates for the Russian prime minister , deputy prime ministers and federal ministers .
Putin also proposed appointing heads of security agencies after consultations with the Federation Council ( upper house ) .
The president called for cementing the supremacy of the Constitution over international treaties within Russia ’ s domestic legal space , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggested holding a vote on the package of constitutional amendments .
The Russian Constitution was adopted in a referendum on December 12 , 1993 .
Experts say it is one of the most stable legal acts of this sort in the world .
A number of amendments have been made to it over the past 25 years — extension of the presidential term of office from four years to six and of the powers of State Duma members from four years to five , the merger of the Supreme and Arbitration courts and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subjects .
The president also received the right to appoint 17 senators .
The basics of the fundamental law , such as the rights and freedoms of citizens , the functions and responsibilities of the state and the principles of federalism and the distribution of powers remain the same .

MOSCOW, January 20. /TASS/. There are no decisions on the form and timeframe of a vote on proposed constitutional changes and they are expected to be made after the constitutional commission completes its work, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
"In legal terms, this vote, its form and the timeframe will be known after the constitutional commission is through with its work," Peskov said, noting that this would be either a separate law or an article to the law on these changes.
The Kremlin spokesman pointed out that "there is understanding that this should be a vote." He stressed that generally speaking, this is not obligatory "because this concerns changes that do not refer to fundamental articles of the key law." "But the president believed it was necessary to consult with the people’s opinion. That’s why he spoke about this vote, but I will repeat that de jure this is not obligatory," Peskov noted.
The presidential spokesman declined to answer the question whether the vote outcome could influence the constitutional amendments.
Composition of working group on constitutional amendments
The working group on proposals for amendments to the Russian Constitution was put together from representatives of various social groups, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.
"It is hard for me to comment [on this]. Naturally, representatives from diverse backgrounds, representatives of very different occupations, social groups and people of various specialization [were selected]," Peskov said, answering a question on the working group’s membership.
On January 15, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an order to create a working group to hammer out amendments to the Russian Constitution and approved its membership. The working group included 75 politicians, lawmakers, academics and social activists.
The group is co-chaired by Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building Andrey Klishas; Chairman of the State Duma Committee on State Building and Legislation Pavel Krasheninnikov; and Director of the Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law under the Government of the Russian Federation and the Vice-President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Taliya Khabrieva.
In his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly on January 15, Putin suggested adopting a number of amendments to the Constitution, in particular to entrust the State Duma (lower house) with the right to approve candidates for the Russian prime minister, deputy prime ministers and federal ministers. Putin also proposed appointing heads of security agencies after consultations with the Federation Council (upper house). The president called for cementing the supremacy of the Constitution over international treaties within Russia’s domestic legal space, as well as a number of social guarantees. He suggested holding a vote on the package of constitutional amendments.
The Russian Constitution was adopted in a referendum on December 12, 1993. Experts say it is one of the most stable legal acts of this sort in the world. A number of amendments have been made to it over the past 25 years — extension of the presidential term of office from four years to six and of the powers of State Duma members from four years to five, the merger of the Supreme and Arbitration courts and specifications to the list of Russian federal subjects. The president also received the right to appoint 17 senators. The basics of the fundamental law, such as the rights and freedoms of citizens, the functions and responsibilities of the state and the principles of federalism and the distribution of powers remain the same.


tass--2020-01-20--Possible pardoning of convicted Israeli woman to be discussed by Putin in Israel — Kremlin

When asked about possible pardoning of the Israeli woman , Peskov stressed , `` We never announce such matters . ''
He noted however he knew that this was a high-profile topic in Israel .
MOSCOW , January 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin expects that the topic of possible pardoning of Israeli national Naama Issachar , who was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison in Russia on drugs smuggling charges , will be raised during Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s contacts with the Israeli leadership later this week , Putin ’ s press secretary , Dmitry Peskov told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highly likely that this topic will be raised during [ Putin ’ s ] upcoming contacts with Mr. [ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin ] Netanyahu , '' he said , adding that it was better to wait and see .
Naama Issachar , 25 , was detained at Moscow ’ s Sheremetyevo Airport on April 9 , 2019 when she was in the airport ’ s transit zone before boarding a connecting flight to Tel Aviv after arriving from New Delhi .
The airport ’ s security guards found 9.6 grams of cannabis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2019 , the Khimki City Court in the Moscow Region found Issachar guilty of drug possession and smuggling ( part 1 , Article 228 and part 2 , Article 229.1 of the Russian Criminal Code ) and sentenced her to 7.5 years in a standard regime penal colony .
Issachar admitted her guilt of possessing the drug but denied smuggling charges , saying she had no access to her luggage checked in for the transit flight .
She claimed she never took drugs and had no idea of how the cannabis could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moscow ’ s region court upheld the verdict on December 19 .
In October 2019 , Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin asked the Russian president to pardon Issachar .
In December 2019 , Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said he had also raised this issue at a meeting with his Russian counterpart , Sergey Lavrov , in Rome to express the hope that the Russian president would look at possible pardoning of the Israeli woman .

When asked about possible pardoning of the Israeli woman, Peskov stressed, "We never announce such matters." He noted however he knew that this was a high-profile topic in Israel.
MOSCOW, January 20. /TASS/. The Kremlin expects that the topic of possible pardoning of Israeli national Naama Issachar, who was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison in Russia on drugs smuggling charges, will be raised during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s contacts with the Israeli leadership later this week, Putin’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Monday.
"It is highly likely that this topic will be raised during [Putin’s] upcoming contacts with Mr. [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu," he said, adding that it was better to wait and see.
Issachar case
Naama Issachar, 25, was detained at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport on April 9, 2019 when she was in the airport’s transit zone before boarding a connecting flight to Tel Aviv after arriving from New Delhi. The airport’s security guards found 9.6 grams of cannabis in her luggage.
On October 11, 2019, the Khimki City Court in the Moscow Region found Issachar guilty of drug possession and smuggling (part 1, Article 228 and part 2, Article 229.1 of the Russian Criminal Code) and sentenced her to 7.5 years in a standard regime penal colony. Issachar admitted her guilt of possessing the drug but denied smuggling charges, saying she had no access to her luggage checked in for the transit flight. She claimed she never took drugs and had no idea of how the cannabis could happen to be in her backpack. Moscow’s region court upheld the verdict on December 19.
In October 2019, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin asked the Russian president to pardon Issachar. In December 2019, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said he had also raised this issue at a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in Rome to express the hope that the Russian president would look at possible pardoning of the Israeli woman.


tass--2020-01-20--Kremlin says media reports of potential snap election to Russian Duma unconfirmed

MOSCOW , January 20 .
/TASS/ .
The reports on a potential snap election to the Russian State Duma ( lower house of parliament ) are unconfirmed , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Monday , adding that media outlets should have a `` clear-headed assessment '' of the situation .
`` We never comment on unconfirmed reports of this kind , especially taking into account that there has been a lot of them lately .
We urge the media to have a clear-headed assessment of all sources , '' the Kremlin spokesman said in response to a request for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the election to the lower house of parliament would take place earlier than 2021 .
In his January 15 State of the Nation Address , Russian President Vladimir Putin put forward a number of initiatives changing the framework of power structures at all levels , from municipal authorities to the president .
The initiatives particularly stipulate that the powers of the legislative and judicial branches , including the Constitutional Court , will be expanded .
The president also proposed to expand the role of the Russian State Council .
On the same day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group tasked with drafting amendments to the Russian constitution taking into account the proposed changes .
Later , the Kommersant daily informed , citing a source close to the presidential administration , that the Kremlin does not rule out the possibility of a snap election to the State Duma , as the new constitution may include an amendment on the self-dissolution of parliament .
Co-chair of the working group and Chairman of the Federation Council ( upper house ) Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building Andrey Klishas dismissed the reports as `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media to refrain from coming up with `` nonsense . ''

MOSCOW, January 20. /TASS/. The reports on a potential snap election to the Russian State Duma (lower house of parliament) are unconfirmed, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Monday, adding that media outlets should have a "clear-headed assessment" of the situation.
"We never comment on unconfirmed reports of this kind, especially taking into account that there has been a lot of them lately. We urge the media to have a clear-headed assessment of all sources," the Kremlin spokesman said in response to a request for comment on a media publication claiming that the election to the lower house of parliament would take place earlier than 2021.
In his January 15 State of the Nation Address, Russian President Vladimir Putin put forward a number of initiatives changing the framework of power structures at all levels, from municipal authorities to the president. The initiatives particularly stipulate that the powers of the legislative and judicial branches, including the Constitutional Court, will be expanded. The president also proposed to expand the role of the Russian State Council. On the same day, the Russian president established a working group tasked with drafting amendments to the Russian constitution taking into account the proposed changes.
Later, the Kommersant daily informed, citing a source close to the presidential administration, that the Kremlin does not rule out the possibility of a snap election to the State Duma, as the new constitution may include an amendment on the self-dissolution of parliament. Co-chair of the working group and Chairman of the Federation Council (upper house) Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building Andrey Klishas dismissed the reports as "a joke", calling on the media to refrain from coming up with "nonsense."


tass--2020-01-20--Kremlin spokesman says no Putin-Haftar meeting expected this week

MOSCOW , January 20 .
/TASS/ .
There is no clarity regarding Libyan National Army ( LNA ) Commander Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar ’ s visit to Russia , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters , pointing out that Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s agenda for the week did not include a meeting with Haftar .
`` Putin is not expected to hold a meeting with Haftar this week , '' he said .
According to the presidential spokesman , `` it is unclear whether the visit will take place in the coming days . ''
`` We will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have any information , '' Peskov added , when asked to comment on media reports saying that Haftar would depart for Moscow on Monday .
The Kremlin ’ s press service announced earlier in a statement that Haftar had sent a message to the Russian president on January 17 , welcoming Moscow ’ s initiative to host peace talks on Libya and accepting an invitation to visit Russia in order to continue dialogue .
The full text of the message was published on the Kremlin ’ s website .
Russian President Vladimir Putin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Palestinian leadership this week , the Kremlin spokesman informed .
`` Yes , we have contacts with the Palestinian leadership planned , '' he said .
Peskov clarified that the talks would take place during Putin ’ s visit to Israel .

MOSCOW, January 20. /TASS/. There is no clarity regarding Libyan National Army (LNA) Commander Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s visit to Russia, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, pointing out that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s agenda for the week did not include a meeting with Haftar.
"Putin is not expected to hold a meeting with Haftar this week," he said.
According to the presidential spokesman, "it is unclear whether the visit will take place in the coming days." "We will make an announcement as soon as we have any information," Peskov added, when asked to comment on media reports saying that Haftar would depart for Moscow on Monday.
The Kremlin’s press service announced earlier in a statement that Haftar had sent a message to the Russian president on January 17, welcoming Moscow’s initiative to host peace talks on Libya and accepting an invitation to visit Russia in order to continue dialogue. The full text of the message was published on the Kremlin’s website.
Meeting with Palestinian leadership
Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning to hold a meeting with the Palestinian leadership this week, the Kremlin spokesman informed.
"Yes, we have contacts with the Palestinian leadership planned," he said. Peskov clarified that the talks would take place during Putin’s visit to Israel.


tass--2020-01-20--Kremlin commends results of Berlin conference on Libya

When asked about the Kremlin ’ s assessment of the Berlin conference ’ s results , he said , `` Positive . ''
`` A very important step has been made towards eventual settlement [ in Libya ] , '' he said .
MOSCOW , January 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin commends the results of Sunday ’ s international conference on Libya in Berlin as a major step towards settlement in that country , Russian president ’ s press secretary Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Monday .
Settlement efforts will be continued `` based on this first step '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
Berlin hosted a high-level international conference on Libyan settlement on January 19 , with at least ten heads of state and government , including Russian President Vladimir Putin , taking part .
In their final document , participants in the Berlin meeting called for a ceasefire in Libya , reaffirmed their commitment to refrain from interfering into Libya ’ s affairs , suggested a unified government be formed and reforms be launched to restore Libya ’ s state system destroyed by NATO ’ s intervention of ten years ago .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a commission to monitor the ceasefire .
Libya currently has two parallel bodies of executive power , namely the internationally recognized Tripoli-based Government of National Accord ( GNA ) and the interim government , seated in the east of the country , along with the parliament , which is supported by the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) .

When asked about the Kremlin’s assessment of the Berlin conference’s results, he said, "Positive." "A very important step has been made towards eventual settlement [in Libya]," he said.
MOSCOW, January 20. /TASS/. The Kremlin commends the results of Sunday’s international conference on Libya in Berlin as a major step towards settlement in that country, Russian president’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Monday.
Settlement efforts will be continued "based on this first step" under the United Nations auspices, he added.
Berlin hosted a high-level international conference on Libyan settlement on January 19, with at least ten heads of state and government, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, taking part. In their final document, participants in the Berlin meeting called for a ceasefire in Libya, reaffirmed their commitment to refrain from interfering into Libya’s affairs, suggested a unified government be formed and reforms be launched to restore Libya’s state system destroyed by NATO’s intervention of ten years ago. The conflicting parties also agreed to set up a commission to monitor the ceasefire.
Libya currently has two parallel bodies of executive power, namely the internationally recognized Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) and the interim government, seated in the east of the country, along with the parliament, which is supported by the Libyan National Army (LNA).


tass--2020-01-20--Baghdad to send delegates to Russia, Ukraine, China to buy latest air defense — Iraqi MP

According to al-Ziyadi , the lawmakers are looking into obtaining weapons in exchange for Iraqi oil shipments , similar to the `` oil for reconstruction '' agreement signed with China recently .
`` The delegations intend to visit such countries as Russia , China and Ukraine , to negotiate the purchase of modern systems to protect Iraq ’ s airspace , '' he told As Sabah newspaper .
`` The Iraqi parliament is right now forming a joint executive and legislative delegation to visit the developed countries and sign contracts on procuring advanced weapons . ''
CAIRO , January 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ store to send delegations to Russia , China and Ukraine to discuss buying modern air defense systems to protect its territory from any possible aggression or violation of its sovereignty , says Badr al-Ziyadi , a member of the parliament 's security and defense committee .
`` Many nations indicated [ their ] readiness to ship modern weapons to Iraq in exchange for oil , '' the lawmaker said .
`` This is the best way to ensure the shipment of good weapons to Iraq without corruption and bribery . ''
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like to talk over completing the installation of modern thermal imaging devices at the border , which will help detect and prevent any terrorist infiltration .
`` The inadequate arming of border forces with modern weapons was the result of a mistake in relying on an agreement with the United States which spent enormous sums of money and never fully the finished [ the project ] , '' al-Ziyadi said .
`` This is why the Iraqis must count on themselves and turn to the eastern bloc to equip its army . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Journal reported citing Iraqi lawmakers that Baghdad was mulling over buying Russia ’ s S-400 air defense systems and were in negotiations with Moscow .
According to the legislators , Iraq decided to step up the consultations because of a looming US troop pullout .
According to the WSJ ’ s sources , Russian officials earlier offered these systems to Iraq .
On January 14 , US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Joey Hood opined that Washington might impose sanctions on Iraq if it does buy the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on these threats , Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said that Moscow did not fear Washington ’ s sanctions , and knows how to counter those restrictions .
Meanwhile , this past September , Al-Ziyadi said that the Iraqi legislature would provide the government with all kinds of support and furnish it with all the legitimate authority and power in the event of a decision to purchase the S-400s .
The S-400 is a Russian medium-and long-range anti-aircraft missile defense system , designated to hit planes and cruise missiles at a distance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than Mach 10 at a distance of 60 km .

According to al-Ziyadi, the lawmakers are looking into obtaining weapons in exchange for Iraqi oil shipments, similar to the "oil for reconstruction" agreement signed with China recently.
"The delegations intend to visit such countries as Russia, China and Ukraine, to negotiate the purchase of modern systems to protect Iraq’s airspace," he told As Sabah newspaper. "The Iraqi parliament is right now forming a joint executive and legislative delegation to visit the developed countries and sign contracts on procuring advanced weapons."
CAIRO, January 20. /TASS/. Iraq has plans in store to send delegations to Russia, China and Ukraine to discuss buying modern air defense systems to protect its territory from any possible aggression or violation of its sovereignty, says Badr al-Ziyadi, a member of the parliament's security and defense committee.
"Many nations indicated [their] readiness to ship modern weapons to Iraq in exchange for oil," the lawmaker said. "This is the best way to ensure the shipment of good weapons to Iraq without corruption and bribery."
According to the legislator, the delegations would also like to talk over completing the installation of modern thermal imaging devices at the border, which will help detect and prevent any terrorist infiltration.
"The inadequate arming of border forces with modern weapons was the result of a mistake in relying on an agreement with the United States which spent enormous sums of money and never fully finished [the project]," al-Ziyadi said. "This is why the Iraqis must count on themselves and turn to the eastern bloc to equip its army."
Buying Russia’s S-400s and US intervention
Earlier in January, The Wall Street Journal reported citing Iraqi lawmakers that Baghdad was mulling over buying Russia’s S-400 air defense systems and were in negotiations with Moscow. According to the legislators, Iraq decided to step up the consultations because of a looming US troop pullout. According to the WSJ’s sources, Russian officials earlier offered these systems to Iraq. On January 14, US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Joey Hood opined that Washington might impose sanctions on Iraq if it does buy the Russian missile defense systems.
Later, commenting on these threats, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said that Moscow did not fear Washington’s sanctions, and knows how to counter those restrictions. Meanwhile, this past September, Al-Ziyadi said that the Iraqi legislature would provide the government with all kinds of support and furnish it with all the legitimate authority and power in the event of a decision to purchase the S-400s.
The S-400 is a Russian medium-and long-range anti-aircraft missile defense system, designated to hit planes and cruise missiles at a distance of 400 km and ballistic targets travelling faster than Mach 10 at a distance of 60 km.


tass--2020-01-20--Tehran says Baghdad was notified ahead of Iranian missile strike on US bases

MOSCOW , January 20 .
/TASS/ .
Iran warned Iraqi authorities about the Iranian missile strike on the Ayn al-Asad @ @ @ @ @ , says Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyyed Abbas Mousavi , according to Tasnim News Agency @ @ @ @ @ was informed [ by Iran ] ahead of the missile strike on US Ayn al-Asad @ @ @ @ @ said , adding that `` Iraqi security is very important for Tehran . ''

MOSCOW, January 20. /TASS/. Iran warned Iraqi authorities about the Iranian missile strike on the Ayn al-Asad US military base in advance, says Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyyed Abbas Mousavi, according to Tasnim News Agency.
"The Iraqi government was informed [by Iran] ahead of the missile strike on US Ayn al-Asad air base," Mousavi said, adding that "Iraqi security is very important for Tehran."


tass--2020-01-20--Putin suggests sacking Russia’s top prosecutor

MOSCOW , January 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested dismissing Prosecutor General Yuri Chaika and nominated Deputy Head of the Investigative Committee Igor Krasnov as a candidate for the post , the presidential press service said on Monday .
`` Vladimir Putin submitted for consideration by the Federation Council the candidacy of Deputy Head of the Investigative Committee Igor Krasnov for the post of the Russian Prosecutor General and a proposal to dismiss Yuri Chaika from this position due to his transfer to other work , '' the press service said .
Chaika , 68 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecutor since 2006 .
Krasnov , 44 , was in charge of the Main Department for investigating particularly important cases and the Main Investigative Department .
He has worked for prosecution bodies since 1997 .
Since 2007 , Krasnov started working as a senior investigator in the newly-formed Investigative Committee and was appointed as the deputy head of the IC in April 2016 .
Krasnov investigated such cases as a plot to kill Russian politician and businessman Anatoly Chubais , and the murders of opposition figure Boris Nemtsov , lawyer Stanislav Markelov and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during Vostochny spaceport ’ s construction .

MOSCOW, January 20. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested dismissing Prosecutor General Yuri Chaika and nominated Deputy Head of the Investigative Committee Igor Krasnov as a candidate for the post, the presidential press service said on Monday.
"Vladimir Putin submitted for consideration by the Federation Council the candidacy of Deputy Head of the Investigative Committee Igor Krasnov for the post of the Russian Prosecutor General and a proposal to dismiss Yuri Chaika from this position due to his transfer to other work," the press service said.
Chaika, 68, has served as Russia’s top prosecutor since 2006.
Krasnov, 44, was in charge of the Main Department for investigating particularly important cases and the Main Investigative Department. He has worked for prosecution bodies since 1997. Since 2007, Krasnov started working as a senior investigator in the newly-formed Investigative Committee and was appointed as the deputy head of the IC in April 2016. Krasnov investigated such cases as a plot to kill Russian politician and businessman Anatoly Chubais, and the murders of opposition figure Boris Nemtsov, lawyer Stanislav Markelov and journalist Anastasia Baburova as well as embezzlement during Vostochny spaceport’s construction.


tass--2020-01-20--Iran to quit Non-Proliferation Treaty if EU sends nuke deal issue to UNSC — top diplomat

TEHRAN , January 20 .
/TASS/ .
Tehran will leave the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if EU countries submit the Joint @ @ @ @ @ JCPOA ) issue to the United Nations Security Council , Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad @ @ @ @ @ `` If the Europeans submit the Iranian case to the Security Council , we will @ @ @ @ @ Treaty , '' he said , as cited by the Islamic Republic News Agency .
@ @ @ @ @ the Europeans ’ statements can not be viewed as legal . ''
`` If Europe @ @ @ @ @ , we will return to compliance , '' Zarif went on to say .
`` @ @ @ @ @ EU countries ] continue playing political games that have no legal basis , we will @ @ @ @ @ respond ] , '' the Iranian top diplomat emphasized .

TEHRAN, January 20. /TASS/. Tehran will leave the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if EU countries submit the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) issue to the United Nations Security Council, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Monday.
"If the Europeans submit the Iranian case to the Security Council, we will withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty," he said, as cited by the Islamic Republic News Agency. According to Zarif, "the Europeans’ statements cannot be viewed as legal."
"If Europe remains committed to its obligations, we will return to compliance," Zarif went on to say. "However, if they [EU countries] continue playing political games that have no legal basis, we will have many options [to respond]," the Iranian top diplomat emphasized.


tass--2020-01-20--Russia’s National Wealth Fund almost doubled in 2019 — Finance Ministry

MOSCOW , January 20 .
/TASS/ .
The volume of Russia ’ s National Wealth Fund ( NWF ) increased @ @ @ @ @ to 7.773 trillion rubles ( $ 126.2 bln ) .
This is according to the @ @ @ @ @ of the Finance Ministry .
Russia advised not to spend funds of National Wealth Fund @ @ @ @ @ notes that as of January 1 , 2019 , the total volume of NWF in @ @ @ @ @ trillion rubles ( $ 65.5 bln ) .
Earlier , the Finance Ministry reported that @ @ @ @ @ volume of NWF decreased by 2.18 % .
Russia ’ s budget is based on @ @ @ @ @ blend for 2020 , which was set in the fiscal rule ( $ 42.4 per @ @ @ @ @ from oil sales above this level will go to the National Wealth Fund ( NWF @ @

MOSCOW, January 20. /TASS/. The volume of Russia’s National Wealth Fund (NWF) increased by 1.9 times - up to 7.773 trillion rubles ($126.2 bln). This is according to the documents published on the website of the Finance Ministry.
Russia advised not to spend funds of National Wealth Fund, says IMF
The ministry notes that as of January 1, 2019, the total volume of NWF in ruble terms amounted to 4.036 trillion rubles ($65.5 bln).
Earlier, the Finance Ministry reported that during December of 2019 the volume of NWF decreased by 2.18%.
Russia’s budget is based on the price of Urals oil blend for 2020, which was set in the fiscal rule ($42.4 per barrel). Additional revenues from oil sales above this level will go to the National Wealth Fund (NWF).


tass--2020-01-20--Armored units of Russia’s 201st military base hold live-fire drills in Tajikistan

`` The troops conducted a vehicular march to the area of the drills and carried out an offensive operation against a notional enemy ’ s mechanized units that had negotiated the mountainous terrain and assumed defensive positions .
The crews of combat vehicles held tactical live-fire exercises , employing the entire range of the armament of T-72 tanks against the targets located on the mountainous terrain , '' the press office said in a statement .
MOSCOW , January 20 .
/TASS/ .
Armored units of Russia ’ s 201st military base held a tactical live-fire exercise at the Lyaur @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office of the Central Military District reported on Monday .
During the drills , more complex conditions were created for tank gunners to conduct the fire : the time of showing the targets had been cut and their usual position had been altered , the statement says .
`` The tank personnel also practiced measures within their units to employ such tactical methods as setting up tank ambushes , making maneuvers into the enemy flank and the enemy rear , carrying out raids and interacting with attached motor rifle troops upon deployment on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specified .
The one-day exercise that took place on January 20 involved over 500 personnel and about 100 items of military hardware .
Russia ’ s Central Military District is based on the territory of the Volga , Urals and Siberian integrated federal districts and 29 Russian regions .
Structurally , the Central Military District also includes some overseas facilities : the 201st military base in Tajikistan , the Kant integrated military base in Kyrgyzstan and units stationed on the territory of Kazakhstan .
The 201st military base stationed in Tajikistan is Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ borders .
The military base is stationed in the cities of Dushanbe and Bokhtar .
The military base ’ s armament includes T-72 tanks , BTR-82A armored personnel carriers , Grad multiple launch rocket systems , Gvozdika and Akatsiya artillery systems .
Under the agreement signed in October 2012 , Russia ’ s military base in Tajikistan will remain until 2042 .

"The troops conducted a vehicular march to the area of the drills and carried out an offensive operation against a notional enemy’s mechanized units that had negotiated the mountainous terrain and assumed defensive positions. The crews of combat vehicles held tactical live-fire exercises, employing the entire range of the armament of T-72 tanks against the targets located on the mountainous terrain," the press office said in a statement.
MOSCOW, January 20. /TASS/. Armored units of Russia’s 201st military base held a tactical live-fire exercise at the Lyaur mountainous range in Tajikistan, the press office of the Central Military District reported on Monday.
During the drills, more complex conditions were created for tank gunners to conduct the fire: the time of showing the targets had been cut and their usual position had been altered, the statement says.
"The tank personnel also practiced measures within their units to employ such tactical methods as setting up tank ambushes, making maneuvers into the enemy flank and the enemy rear, carrying out raids and interacting with attached motor rifle troops upon deployment on the terrain," the press office specified.
The one-day exercise that took place on January 20 involved over 500 personnel and about 100 items of military hardware.
Russia’s Central Military District is based on the territory of the Volga, Urals and Siberian integrated federal districts and 29 Russian regions. Structurally, the Central Military District also includes some overseas facilities: the 201st military base in Tajikistan, the Kant integrated military base in Kyrgyzstan and units stationed on the territory of Kazakhstan.
The 201st military base stationed in Tajikistan is Russia’s largest military facility outside its borders. The military base is stationed in the cities of Dushanbe and Bokhtar. The military base’s armament includes T-72 tanks, BTR-82A armored personnel carriers, Grad multiple launch rocket systems, Gvozdika and Akatsiya artillery systems.
Under the agreement signed in October 2012, Russia’s military base in Tajikistan will remain until 2042.


tass--2020-01-20--First 100 trains transport 85,000 passengers across Crimean Bridge

`` One hundred passenger trains crossed the Crimean Bridge in just under a month .
They transported 85,000 passengers .
The peak traffic was observed on January 3 — 2,800 people went under the railway arch .
The one hundredth train was the one travelling from Sevastopol to St. Petersburg .
It crossed the Kerch Strait on January 19 at 23:10 Moscow time , '' the statement reads .
SIMFEROPOL , January 20 .
/TASS/ .
The first hundred trains that ran on the newly-opened Crimean Bridge have transported 85,000 passengers , the Crimean Bridge information center told reporters on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officially launched , the Crimean Bridge is crossed daily by 2-4 Tavriya long-distance passenger trains that connect Crimean cities and towns with Moscow , St. Petersburg , Tver , Ryazan and a few others , the information center noted .
`` The intensity of bridge traffic will only increase as the number of year-round and seasonal routes of transporting companies expands , '' the statement adds .
The center also clarified that the railroad is operating as normal .
`` Automation systems are working on the bridge which communicate with the command post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side .
Officers on duty are tracking the schedule of trains live , correcting their speeds and train intervals , '' the statement underlines .
The 19-kilometer Crimean Bridge , the longest one in Russia and Europe , links the Taman Peninsula ( Russia ’ s Krasnodar Region ) and the Kerch Peninsula ( Crimea ) .
The bridge consists of two parallel rail and car roads built concurrently .
It ensures an uninterrupted transport link between Crimea and other regions of Russia .
The vehicle section of the bridge opened in May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the bridge was officially completed on December 18 , 2019 .
On December 23 , Russian President Vladimir Putin took part in the official opening ceremony of the crossing .
The railway bridge will open to freight traffic in July 2020 .

"One hundred passenger trains crossed the Crimean Bridge in just under a month. They transported 85,000 passengers. The peak traffic was observed on January 3 — 2,800 people went under the railway arch. The one hundredth train was the one travelling from Sevastopol to St. Petersburg. It crossed the Kerch Strait on January 19 at 23:10 Moscow time," the statement reads.
SIMFEROPOL, January 20. /TASS/. The first hundred trains that ran on the newly-opened Crimean Bridge have transported 85,000 passengers, the Crimean Bridge information center told reporters on Monday.
Since the railway traffic was officially launched, the Crimean Bridge is crossed daily by 2-4 Tavriya long-distance passenger trains that connect Crimean cities and towns with Moscow, St. Petersburg, Tver, Ryazan and a few others, the information center noted. "The intensity of bridge traffic will only increase as the number of year-round and seasonal routes of transporting companies expands," the statement adds.
The center also clarified that the railroad is operating as normal. "Automation systems are working on the bridge which communicate with the command post (electrical centralization) on the Kerch side. Officers on duty are tracking the schedule of trains live, correcting their speeds and train intervals," the statement underlines.
The 19-kilometer Crimean Bridge, the longest one in Russia and Europe, links the Taman Peninsula (Russia’s Krasnodar Region) and the Kerch Peninsula (Crimea). The bridge consists of two parallel rail and car roads built concurrently. It ensures an uninterrupted transport link between Crimea and other regions of Russia. The vehicle section of the bridge opened in May 2018.
The construction of the railway part of the bridge was officially completed on December 18, 2019. On December 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin took part in the official opening ceremony of the crossing. The railway bridge will open to freight traffic in July 2020.


tass--2020-01-20--Russia to ship first Pantsir-S1 air defense systems to Serbia in late February — source

MOSCOW , January 20 .
/TASS/ .
The first shipments of Russia ’ s Pantsir-S1 surface-to-air missile systems to Serbia @ @ @ @ @ this year , a source in the military-industrial complex told TASS .
`` [ At @ @ @ @ @ , in accordance with the terms of the contract , '' the source said .
@ @ @ @ @ that Belgrade had ordered the Pantsir systems ( NATO code name SA-22 Greyhound ) on @ @ @ @ @ This past November , Rosoboronexport Chairman Alexander Mikheyev told TASS that Russia would ship the @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, January 20. /TASS/. The first shipments of Russia’s Pantsir-S1 surface-to-air missile systems to Serbia will commence in late February this year, a source in the military-industrial complex told TASS.
"[At the] end of February, in accordance with the terms of the contract," the source said.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced that Belgrade had ordered the Pantsir systems (NATO code name SA-22 Greyhound) on October 24, 2019. This past November, Rosoboronexport Chairman Alexander Mikheyev told TASS that Russia would ship the systems in the upcoming months.


tass--2020-01-20--Press review: Has Libya gained from Berlin’s talks and will Assad break up Russia, Turkey

Izvestia : Takeaways from the Berlin conference on Libya The participants in the Berlin conference have called for a political solution to the conflict in Libya without outside interference and acknowledged that the issue could not be resolved through the use of force .
However , they were unable to bring delegates from Tobruk and Tripoli to the negotiation table .
The experts interviewed by Izvestia are certain that an intra-Libyan conference is required to resolve the crisis .
The Berlin conference is undoubtedly a positive step , member of the German Bundestag ’ s Foreign Affairs Committee Waldemar Gerdt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Libya needed a strong leader who would be able to bring numerous groups and clans under his control .
Only then will it be possible to gradually shift to democratic principles in order to shape the country ’ s statehood , he added .
Prime Minister of Libya ’ s Government of National Accord ( GNA ) Fayez al-Sarraj earlier called for the deploying international forces to Libya in order to stop Haftar ’ s offensive to seize Tripoli .
However , according to Grigory Lukyanov , a senior lecturer at Higher School @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sciences , such initiatives will only scare away supporters of the GNA ’ s leadership .
`` According to the public perception , that would be associated with intervention .
The relatively recent historical period , when Italy colonized Libya , is still fresh in people ’ s memories .
Haftar ’ s propaganda extensively uses the foreign intervention factor to show the failure of his opponents , '' the commentator stressed .
The problem is that , despite the weakness of the Government of National Accord , most of the political actors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people live ( that ’ s slightly less than one half of the country ’ s population ) are still not ready to recognize Field Marshal Haftar ’ s victory .
`` There is a lot to discuss here , but inside Libya , not at international conferences , and this is Berlin ’ s major shortcoming .
However , the meeting in the German capital can be a forerunner for a conference of that kind , '' Lukyanov concluded .
Moscow and Minsk will apparently not step up negotiations on the conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
No substantial rapprochement has been achieved between the parties , while the transit rate will be adjusted for inflation by 6.8 % starting from February 1 , Kommersant writes .
Belarus is ready to concur with the transit rate inflation adjustment so as to begin new talks on oil prices by this coming summer , taking into account the environmental tax and calculations for compensation payouts for last year ’ s contaminated oil supplies , the paper ’ s sources familiar with the situation said .
The latest round of bilateral consultations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no information on new meetings so far , a spokesman for Acting Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak , who is involved in the talks , informed Kommersant .
According to one of the paper ’ s contacts , at the last working meeting on the issue it turned out that Minsk calculated the tariff based on the volume of delivery to its refineries standing at 17.5 mln tonnes , while Russia builds on the agreement to supply 24 mln tonnes .
`` It is logical that , if Belarus focuses on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mln tonnes , it will want to compensate for the lost profits with a higher tariff , '' he explained .
On the other hand , Sergey Garamita of Raiffeisenbank believes that , if Minsk insists on raising the tariff by 20-30 % or more , Russian companies could redirect part of the flows from the Druzhba pipeline to seaports .
Russia ’ s Transneft oil transporting company is capable of increasing the capacities at Primorsk , Ust-Luga and Novorossiysk by at least 30 mln tonnes .
Another option could be redirecting oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requests from shippers for 2020 , deliveries to Russia ’ s refineries will rise by 13 mln tonnes .
Nezavisimaya Gazeta : Maduro ready for talks with US and Venezuela ’ s opposition Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has expressed his willingness to foster ties with the United States despite the fact that Washington ’ s policy towards Caracas has failed , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
In an interview with the Washington Post , he also made a number of statements regarding the domestic political feud within his country .
Referring to relations with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to contact President Donald Trump directly to promote dialogue .
He mentioned US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , whom he believes is responsible for the failure of Washington ’ s policies in the Latin American country .
Contacts with the Americans would be desirable for Maduro , because that would show the world that the US recognizes him to some extent , Viktor Kheifets , director of the Ibero-American Studies Center at St. Petersburg University , explained to Nezavisimaya Gazeta .
`` However , Washington ’ s readiness has not been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not been much pressure from the White House over the past two weeks .
As for the statements about [ his ] willingness to foster dialogue with his opponents inside the country , here Maduro is just trying to buy time , since he has nothing to offer the opposition , and they are not inclined to meet him halfway , '' he stressed .
The expert noted that Venezuela ’ s incumbent president has a certain resistance resource and that the military servicemen loyal to him have no intention of defecting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s prospects to remain in power in the long run are bleak , Kheifets projected .
The situation in Syria ’ s Idlib de-escalation zone has rapidly deteriorated over the past few days despite the ceasefire brokered by Moscow and Ankara , Kommersant writes .
According to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan , his patience is running out .
He earlier discussed the situation in Idlib with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin at the talks in Berlin .
Meanwhile , media reports say that Ankara is handing over weapons to pro-Turkish Syrian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s offensive .
In turn , Moscow accused the West of preventing the total mop-up of terrorist pockets of resistance in Idlib .
According to the Russian military , terrorists from Jabhat al-Nusra ( outlawed in Russia ) are responsible for the deterioration of the situation in the Idlib de-escalation zone .
At the January 8 meeting between the two presidents in Istanbul , they announced the cessation of hostilities in Libya .
However , it turned out that the next day that an agreement on Syria ’ s Idlib had been reached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involving high-ranking delegates from Turkey and Syria .
The agreement on Idlib stipulates setting up a 15-20 kilometer deep `` safe zone '' around Idlib .
It also envisages the pullout of Jabhat al-Nusra militants and heavy equipment from the area .
`` Bashar Assad ’ s forces has continued bombing towns in Idlib and a ground offensive .
Accordingly , efforts to establish a truce in Idlib failed .
This is not in Assad ’ s interests , since the Russian-Turkish agreements prevented him from entering Maaret Naaman , a strategically vital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ International Affairs Council ( RIAC ) expert Kirill Semenov told the paper .
He added that Russia was ready to abide by the ceasefire agreement , but `` Assad is rushing to solve the Idlib dilemma by dragging Russia into new operations . ''
Foreign investors poured over $ 26.9 bln into Russian non-financial companies in 2019 , Vedomosti writes citing data provided by Russia ’ s Central Bank .
That ’ s 4.6 times more than a year earlier ( $ 5.9 bln ) and slightly less than in 2017 ( $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of investment into Russia ’ s economy amounted to a mere $ 600 mln , but this is the first positive result since 2016 .
In 2018 , the net outflow exceeded $ 23.7 bln , the record figure held since 2014 .
In 2018 , investment fell due to geopolitical risks and businesses ’ concerns that new restrictions were on the horizon , the paper quotes Dmitry Polevoy , Chief Economist at the Russian Direct Investment Fund , as saying .
In 2019 , geopolitical fears weakened substantially , risks decreased , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the uncertainty of foreign investment , he explained .
That said , 2018 was an abnormal year , with anxiety soaring in the business community , recalls Dmitry Dolgin , Chief Economist for Russia and CIS countries at ING Bank .
In previous years , when the situation was more stable , direct investment into the non-financial sector came to $ 20-30 bln annually , the expert noted .
`` We have returned to the normal trajectory , '' he pointed out .
The global struggle against offshore companies has affected the investment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fundamental happened in 2018 and 2019 , says Rustam Vakhitov , International Tax Partner at Crowe Expertiza .
However , the balance could be affected by the overall deoffshorization process and capital amnesty .
Thus , due to the drop in foreign investment , the money went directly to Russia .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews

Izvestia: Takeaways from the Berlin conference on Libya The participants in the Berlin conference have called for a political solution to the conflict in Libya without outside interference and acknowledged that the issue could not be resolved through the use of force. However, they were unable to bring delegates from Tobruk and Tripoli to the negotiation table. The experts interviewed by Izvestia are certain that an intra-Libyan conference is required to resolve the crisis. The Berlin conference is undoubtedly a positive step, member of the German Bundestag’s Foreign Affairs Committee Waldemar Gerdt told the paper. He stressed that Libya needed a strong leader who would be able to bring numerous groups and clans under his control. Only then will it be possible to gradually shift to democratic principles in order to shape the country’s statehood, he added.
Read also Putin hopes dialogue will continue on Libya and conflict will be solved
Prime Minister of Libya’s Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez al-Sarraj earlier called for the deploying international forces to Libya in order to stop Haftar’s offensive to seize Tripoli. However, according to Grigory Lukyanov, a senior lecturer at Higher School of Economic s’ Faculty of Social Sciences, such initiatives will only scare away supporters of the GNA’s leadership. "According to the public perception, that would be associated with intervention. The relatively recent historical period, when Italy colonized Libya, is still fresh in people’s memories. Haftar’s propaganda extensively uses the foreign intervention factor to show the failure of his opponents," the commentator stressed. The problem is that, despite the weakness of the Government of National Accord, most of the political actors in Tripoli, where about 2.5 million people live (that’s slightly less than one half of the country’s population) are still not ready to recognize Field Marshal Haftar’s victory. "There is a lot to discuss here, but inside Libya, not at international conferences, and this is Berlin’s major shortcoming. However, the meeting in the German capital can be a forerunner for a conference of that kind," Lukyanov concluded. Kommersant: Belarus, Russia struggle for breakthrough in oil transit Moscow and Minsk will apparently not step up negotiations on the conditions for pumping Russian oil through the country. No substantial rapprochement has been achieved between the parties, while the transit rate will be adjusted for inflation by 6.8% starting from February 1, Kommersant writes. Belarus is ready to concur with the transit rate inflation adjustment so as to begin new talks on oil prices by this coming summer, taking into account the environmental tax and calculations for compensation payouts for last year’s contaminated oil supplies, the paper’s sources familiar with the situation said.
The latest round of bilateral consultations was held on January 16. There is no information on new meetings so far, a spokesman for Acting Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak, who is involved in the talks, informed Kommersant. According to one of the paper’s contacts, at the last working meeting on the issue it turned out that Minsk calculated the tariff based on the volume of delivery to its refineries standing at 17.5 mln tonnes, while Russia builds on the agreement to supply 24 mln tonnes. "It is logical that, if Belarus focuses on volumes that amount to less than 18 mln tonnes, it will want to compensate for the lost profits with a higher tariff," he explained. On the other hand, Sergey Garamita of Raiffeisenbank believes that, if Minsk insists on raising the tariff by 20-30% or more, Russian companies could redirect part of the flows from the Druzhba pipeline to seaports. Russia’s Transneft oil transporting company is capable of increasing the capacities at Primorsk, Ust-Luga and Novorossiysk by at least 30 mln tonnes. Another option could be redirecting oil for refining in Russia. Based on requests from shippers for 2020, deliveries to Russia’s refineries will rise by 13 mln tonnes. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Maduro ready for talks with US and Venezuela’s opposition Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has expressed his willingness to foster ties with the United States despite the fact that Washington’s policy towards Caracas has failed, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. In an interview with the Washington Post, he also made a number of statements regarding the domestic political feud within his country. Referring to relations with the US, Maduro said he was trying to contact President Donald Trump directly to promote dialogue. He mentioned US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, whom he believes is responsible for the failure of Washington’s policies in the Latin American country.
Read also Maduro expresses readiness for direct dialogue with US
Contacts with the Americans would be desirable for Maduro, because that would show the world that the US recognizes him to some extent, Viktor Kheifets, director of the Ibero-American Studies Center at St. Petersburg University, explained to Nezavisimaya Gazeta. "However, Washington’s readiness has not been seen so far, though there has not been much pressure from the White House over the past two weeks. As for the statements about [his] willingness to foster dialogue with his opponents inside the country, here Maduro is just trying to buy time, since he has nothing to offer the opposition, and they are not inclined to meet him halfway," he stressed. The expert noted that Venezuela’s incumbent president has a certain resistance resource and that the military servicemen loyal to him have no intention of defecting to the opposition yet. Nevertheless, Maduro’s prospects to remain in power in the long run are bleak, Kheifets projected. Kommersant: Russian-Turkish deals on Syria’s Idlib remain unstable The situation in Syria’s Idlib de-escalation zone has rapidly deteriorated over the past few days despite the ceasefire brokered by Moscow and Ankara, Kommersant writes. According to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, his patience is running out. He earlier discussed the situation in Idlib with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin at the talks in Berlin. Meanwhile, media reports say that Ankara is handing over weapons to pro-Turkish Syrian groups in order to stop Assad’s offensive. In turn, Moscow accused the West of preventing the total mop-up of terrorist pockets of resistance in Idlib. According to the Russian military, terrorists from Jabhat al-Nusra (outlawed in Russia) are responsible for the deterioration of the situation in the Idlib de-escalation zone. At the January 8 meeting between the two presidents in Istanbul, they announced the cessation of hostilities in Libya. However, it turned out that the next day that an agreement on Syria’s Idlib had been reached as well. Moscow earlier hosted negotiations involving high-ranking delegates from Turkey and Syria.
Read also About 100 Syrian soldiers and civilians killed in militants’ attacks since January 16
The agreement on Idlib stipulates setting up a 15-20 kilometer deep "safe zone" around Idlib. It also envisages the pullout of Jabhat al-Nusra militants and heavy equipment from the area. "Bashar Assad’s forces has continued bombing towns in Idlib and a ground offensive. Accordingly, efforts to establish a truce in Idlib failed. This is not in Assad’s interests, since the Russian-Turkish agreements prevented him from entering Maaret Naaman, a strategically vital inhabited community in Idlib," Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) expert Kirill Semenov told the paper. He added that Russia was ready to abide by the ceasefire agreement, but "Assad is rushing to solve the Idlib dilemma by dragging Russia into new operations." Vedomosti: Foreign direct investment in Russia returns to stable level Foreign investors poured over $26.9 bln into Russian non-financial companies in 2019, Vedomosti writes citing data provided by Russia’s Central Bank. That’s 4.6 times more than a year earlier ($5.9 bln) and slightly less than in 2017 ($27.1 bln). The net inflow of investment into Russia’s economy amounted to a mere $600 mln, but this is the first positive result since 2016. In 2018, the net outflow exceeded $23.7 bln, the record figure held since 2014. In 2018, investment fell due to geopolitical risks and businesses’ concerns that new restrictions were on the horizon, the paper quotes Dmitry Polevoy, Chief Economist at the Russian Direct Investment Fund, as saying. In 2019, geopolitical fears weakened substantially, risks decreased, and global growth slowed down, increasing the uncertainty of foreign investment, he explained.
Read also Putin urges faster adoption of laws to protect, promote investments


tass--2020-01-20--Troops in Russia’s east receive robotic mine clearance and tank killer vehicles

`` During the year , the District ’ s engineering units received a batch of the latest Uran-6 and Uran-9 robotized systems that make it possible to carry out dangerous operations in a remote-controlled mode , the BMR-3MA armored mine-clearance vehicle and other most advanced types of military hardware , '' the press office said in a statement .
MOSCOW , January 20 .
/TASS/ .
Engineering troops in Russia ’ s Eastern Military District received a batch of the latest robotized Uran-6 mine-clearing and Uran-9 tank killer vehicles in 2019 , the District ’ s press office reported on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eastern Military District also received equipment sets for deploying temporary roads , a pontoon pool for building temporary bridges across water obstacles , engineering electric power stations , loader tractors and other hardware , the statement says .
As of now , the District ’ s engineering troops are 70 % provided with modern equipment , according to the statement .
The Uran-6 robotic vehicle weighing up to six tonnes and mounted on a light tracked platform is designated to make breaches in minefields and carry out area mine clearance .
When clearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes it possible to exclude combat engineers ’ direct contact with munitions during operations for detecting them and preparing them for their destruction .
The Uran-9 vehicle weighing 12 tonnes is designated to conduct reconnaissance , provide fire support and destroy tanks .
It is armed with a 30mm 2A72 automatic gun , a 7.62mm machine-gun , a Shmel-M rocket flamethrower and Ataka anti-tank missiles .

"During the year, the District’s engineering units received a batch of the latest Uran-6 and Uran-9 robotized systems that make it possible to carry out dangerous operations in a remote-controlled mode, the BMR-3MA armored mine-clearance vehicle and other most advanced types of military hardware," the press office said in a statement.
MOSCOW, January 20. /TASS/. Engineering troops in Russia’s Eastern Military District received a batch of the latest robotized Uran-6 mine-clearing and Uran-9 tank killer vehicles in 2019, the District’s press office reported on Monday.
The engineering troops in the Eastern Military District also received equipment sets for deploying temporary roads, a pontoon pool for building temporary bridges across water obstacles, engineering electric power stations, loader tractors and other hardware, the statement says.
As of now, the District’s engineering troops are 70% provided with modern equipment, according to the statement.
The Uran-6 robotic vehicle weighing up to six tonnes and mounted on a light tracked platform is designated to make breaches in minefields and carry out area mine clearance. When clearing the area of explosives, the vehicle makes it possible to exclude combat engineers’ direct contact with munitions during operations for detecting them and preparing them for their destruction.
The Uran-9 vehicle weighing 12 tonnes is designated to conduct reconnaissance, provide fire support and destroy tanks. It is armed with a 30mm 2A72 automatic gun, a 7.62mm machine-gun, a Shmel-M rocket flamethrower and Ataka anti-tank missiles.