tass--2020-03-05--Lithuanian politician dismisses suspicion of spying for Russia as fake

`` The prosecutors ’ charges are based not on facts , but on their own opinion , '' he said , adding that there is no answer to such questions as what kind of information he had been allegedly gathering , or when , where and to whom it was passed .
`` There have been no spies or spy network .
There have been no facts , '' the daily quotes Paleckis as saying .
The opposition politician says that in his case no tangible evidence can be found .
VILNIUS , March 5 .
/TASS/ .
Lithuania ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of spying for Russia , says that the charges against him have been fabricated by the Lithuanian secret services .
He dismissed the accusations in a letter to one of the leading Lithuanian dailies , Lietuvos Rytas .
The case , handed to a court of law on Wednesday , involves two defendants — former leader of the Socialist People ’ s Front Algirdas Paleckis and businessman Deimantas Bertauskas .
They are accused of allegedly gathering information at the request of Russian secret services about the Lithuanian judges and prosecutors who had investigated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that of looking for medics that might agree to issue a fake certificate testifying to poor health of a convict in the same case , Yuri Mel , a citizen of Russia .
Paleckis has been under arrest since October 2018 .
He maintained he was not guilty but did not refuse to testify .
In 2004-2007 , Paleckis was a member of the Lithuanian parliament and vice-mayor of Vilnius in 2007-2008 .
Interviewed on the radio in 2010 he called in question the official version of the January 1991 crisis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period of dual power and armed clashes .
Paleckis quoted witnesses as saying that the bloodshed had been provoked by radicals in an attempt to seize power .
When the Vilnius TV tower was stormed , `` our own people were shooting at our own people , '' he argued .
That phrase was used as a reason to open a criminal case under an article envisaging punishment in accordance with Lithuanian laws `` for denying Soviet aggression and occupation . ''
At first , Paleckis was acquitted only to be eventually fined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him the 2014 international award World Without Nazism .

"The prosecutors’ charges are based not on facts, but on their own opinion," he said, adding that there is no answer to such questions as what kind of information he had been allegedly gathering, or when, where and to whom it was passed.
"There have been no spies or spy network. There have been no facts," the daily quotes Paleckis as saying. The opposition politician says that in his case no tangible evidence can be found.
VILNIUS, March 5. /TASS/. Lithuania’s opposition politician Algirdas Paleckis, suspected of spying for Russia, says that the charges against him have been fabricated by the Lithuanian secret services. He dismissed the accusations in a letter to one of the leading Lithuanian dailies, Lietuvos Rytas .
The case, handed to a court of law on Wednesday, involves two defendants — former leader of the Socialist People’s Front Algirdas Paleckis and businessman Deimantas Bertauskas. They are accused of allegedly gathering information at the request of Russian secret services about the Lithuanian judges and prosecutors who had investigated the case of the January 1991 crisis and that of looking for medics that might agree to issue a fake certificate testifying to poor health of a convict in the same case, Yuri Mel, a citizen of Russia.
Paleckis has been under arrest since October 2018. He maintained he was not guilty but did not refuse to testify.
Eye-witness accounts
In 2004-2007, Paleckis was a member of the Lithuanian parliament and vice-mayor of Vilnius in 2007-2008. Interviewed on the radio in 2010 he called in question the official version of the January 1991 crisis, when 14 people were killed during a period of dual power and armed clashes. Paleckis quoted witnesses as saying that the bloodshed had been provoked by radicals in an attempt to seize power. When the Vilnius TV tower was stormed, "our own people were shooting at our own people," he argued.
That phrase was used as a reason to open a criminal case under an article envisaging punishment in accordance with Lithuanian laws "for denying Soviet aggression and occupation." At first, Paleckis was acquitted only to be eventually fined 3,000 euros. His civic stance earned him the 2014 international award World Without Nazism.


tass--2020-03-05--Russian government to analyze potential revival of relations with OECD

MOSCOW , March 5 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s government will analyze a potential expansion of cooperation with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development ( OECD ) , a source in press service of Russia ’ s cabinet of ministers told TASS .
`` The Russian government consistently assumes efforts to analyze the prospects of cooperation with leading cross-border integrations and international organizations .
The focus is on the work within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union and CIS , as well as SCO , BRICS , G20 and WTO , '' the source said when asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between Russia and OECD and renewal of the country ’ s application to join the organization .
`` Cooperation with the OECD , which has wide competences in the issues of economic regulation , implementation of financial , monetary , tax and social policy , improvement of sector-specific legislation , technical regulation and in other areas , is also under consideration .
Following the analysis , decisions are planned to be taken on areas of further work with mentioned multi-sided structures , '' the source added .
Bloomberg reported on March 3 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mikhail Mishustin had tasked the government with drafting a plan of reviving cooperation with the OECD .
According to the agency , that may indicate Russia ’ s intention to join the Organization and improve relations with the west .
In March 2014 , the OECD suspended accession talks with Moscow following the worsening of the political situation in Ukraine and introduction of anti-Russia sanctions by the US and EU .

MOSCOW, March 5. /TASS/. Russia’s government will analyze a potential expansion of cooperation with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a source in press service of Russia’s cabinet of ministers told TASS.
"The Russian government consistently assumes efforts to analyze the prospects of cooperation with leading cross-border integrations and international organizations. The focus is on the work within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union and CIS, as well as SCO, BRICS, G20 and WTO," the source said when asked about the potential revival of the relationship between Russia and OECD and renewal of the country’s application to join the organization.
"Cooperation with the OECD, which has wide competences in the issues of economic regulation, implementation of financial, monetary, tax and social policy, improvement of sector-specific legislation, technical regulation and in other areas, is also under consideration. Following the analysis, decisions are planned to be taken on areas of further work with mentioned multi-sided structures," the source added.
Bloomberg reported on March 3, citing sources, that Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin had tasked the government with drafting a plan of reviving cooperation with the OECD. According to the agency, that may indicate Russia’s intention to join the Organization and improve relations with the west.
In March 2014, the OECD suspended accession talks with Moscow following the worsening of the political situation in Ukraine and introduction of anti-Russia sanctions by the US and EU.


tass--2020-03-05--Iranian revolutionary guard chief claims coronavirus may be a US biological weapon

TEHRAN , March 5 .
/TASS/ .
Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps ( IRGC ) Major General Hossein Salami stated on Thursday that the novel coronavirus might be a biological weapon elaborated by the US against China and Iran .
`` Today , we are fighting the coronavirus , which may be a US biological weapon , first aimed at China , and then Iran and other states , '' he told the Iranian news agency Young Journalists Club .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city of Wuhan , central China .
According to Chinese authorities , about 80,400 people have been infected with the virus in the country .
The death toll has exceeded 3,000 , while about 52,000 patients have recovered .
WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19 .
Cases of coronavirus have been reported in over 80 countries and territories , including Russia .
The largest outbreaks of COVID-19 outside of China have been detected in South Korea , Iran and Italy .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected with COVID-19 outside of China is nearing 12,700 , with over 210 people dead .

TEHRAN, March 5. /TASS/. Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Major General Hossein Salami stated on Thursday that the novel coronavirus might be a biological weapon elaborated by the US against China and Iran.
"Today, we are fighting the coronavirus, which may be a US biological weapon, first aimed at China, and then Iran and other states," he told the Iranian news agency Young Journalists Club.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. According to Chinese authorities, about 80,400 people have been infected with the virus in the country. The death toll has exceeded 3,000, while about 52,000 patients have recovered. WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19. Cases of coronavirus have been reported in over 80 countries and territories, including Russia. The largest outbreaks of COVID-19 outside of China have been detected in South Korea, Iran and Italy.
According to WHO, the number of people infected with COVID-19 outside of China is nearing 12,700, with over 210 people dead.


tass--2020-03-05--China begins animal testing of six types of vaccines against coronavirus, says expert

BEIJING , March 5 .
/TASS/ .
Chinese researches have begun animal testing of six types of vaccines against novel @ @ @ @ @ Institute of Laboratory Animal Science of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Qin Chuan informed @ @ @ @ @ Institute of Laboratory Animal Science is conducting animal testing of six vaccines , '' the @ @ @ @ @ Xina portal .
`` These are the six vaccines that have been developed in our @ @ @ @ @ far as I am aware , only our institute in cooperation with the expert group @ @ @ @ @ the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has the two experimental types of animals @ @ @ @ @ Science and Technology for such tests - transgenic mice and monkeys , '' Qin Chuan @ @

BEIJING, March 5. /TASS/. Chinese researches have begun animal testing of six types of vaccines against novel coronavirus, head of the Institute of Laboratory Animal Science of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Qin Chuan informed.
"Currently, the Institute of Laboratory Animal Science is conducting animal testing of six vaccines," the expert is quoted by the Xina portal.
"These are the six vaccines that have been developed in our country the fastest. As far as I am aware, only our institute in cooperation with the expert group on combating the coronavirus of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has the two experimental types of animals approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology for such tests - transgenic mice and monkeys," Qin Chuan explained.


tass--2020-03-05--Ukrainian resident of Wuhan says she has not been evacuated despite Zelensky’s promise

`` On March 1 , they officially introduced a ban on transporting animals from China to Ukraine , '' Zinchenko wrote .
`` Two weeks after the president called me and promised to help take me and my dog back to Ukraine , Ukraine introduces the ban .
The reason is a case in Hong Kong where a dog is suspected of having contracted coronavirus .
For some reason , only Ukraine has introduced this ban . ''
Zinchenko refused evacuation in February , as she was not allowed to take her dog with her .
She fears that she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the end of the coronavirus outbreak , the Ukrainian national said .
Earlier , Ukraine introduced a ban on transporting animals from China to the country .
KIEV , March 5 .
/TASS/ .
Anastasia Zinchenko , a Ukrainian national residing in the Chinese city of Wuhan , where an outbreak of novel coronavirus has been reported , says that she still has not been evacuated to Ukraine despite President Vladimir Zelensky ’ s promise made two weeks ago , she wrote on Instagram on Wednesday .
Anastasia informs that no one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` There is no information about evacuation and about what we should do next .
< … > Once again , Ukraine has stalled the evacuation for so long that new problems arose , '' the woman complained , adding that she could have already been home if Ukrainian officials had fulfilled their promise to evacuate her before the ban on importing animals from China was introduced .
The young woman added that despite all the problems , she would not leave her dog , as she is responsible for the animal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ her stance , she noted .
On February 20 , Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky called Anastasia Zinchenko , promising to find a way to get her home .
On February 25 , Ukrainian Health Minister Zoryana Skaletskaya informed that Ukrainian officials do not plan to evacuate any more citizens from China ’ s Wuhan .
She noted that Ukrainian diplomats are trying to find countries that plan to evacuate their citizens from Wuhan and ask them to take the remaining Ukrainian citizens from the city with them .
In late December 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( WHO ) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
According to Chinese authorities , about 80,400 people have been infected with the virus in the country .
The death toll has exceeded 3,000 , while about 52,000 patients have recovered .
WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19 .
Cases of coronavirus have been reported in over 70 countries , including Russia .
The largest outbreaks of COVID-19 outside of China have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Italy .
According to WHO , the number of people infected with COVID-19 outside of China is nearing 12,700 , with over 210 people dead .

"On March 1, they officially introduced a ban on transporting animals from China to Ukraine," Zinchenko wrote. "Two weeks after the president called me and promised to help take me and my dog back to Ukraine, Ukraine introduces the ban. The reason is a case in Hong Kong where a dog is suspected of having contracted coronavirus. For some reason, only Ukraine has introduced this ban."
Zinchenko refused evacuation in February, as she was not allowed to take her dog with her. She fears that she will not be able to return home before the end of the coronavirus outbreak, the Ukrainian national said. Earlier, Ukraine introduced a ban on transporting animals from China to the country.
KIEV, March 5. /TASS/. Anastasia Zinchenko, a Ukrainian national residing in the Chinese city of Wuhan, where an outbreak of novel coronavirus has been reported, says that she still has not been evacuated to Ukraine despite President Vladimir Zelensky’s promise made two weeks ago, she wrote on Instagram on Wednesday.
Anastasia informs that no one has contacted her for a week. "There is no information about evacuation and about what we should do next. <…> Once again, Ukraine has stalled the evacuation for so long that new problems arose," the woman complained, adding that she could have already been home if Ukrainian officials had fulfilled their promise to evacuate her before the ban on importing animals from China was introduced.
The young woman added that despite all the problems, she would not leave her dog, as she is responsible for the animal. Her family and every pet owner share her stance, she noted.
On February 20, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky called Anastasia Zinchenko, promising to find a way to get her home. On February 25, Ukrainian Health Minister Zoryana Skaletskaya informed that Ukrainian officials do not plan to evacuate any more citizens from China’s Wuhan. She noted that Ukrainian diplomats are trying to find countries that plan to evacuate their citizens from Wuhan and ask them to take the remaining Ukrainian citizens from the city with them.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. According to Chinese authorities, about 80,400 people have been infected with the virus in the country. The death toll has exceeded 3,000, while about 52,000 patients have recovered. WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19. Cases of coronavirus have been reported in over 70 countries, including Russia. The largest outbreaks of COVID-19 outside of China have been detected in South Korea, Iran and Italy.
According to WHO, the number of people infected with COVID-19 outside of China is nearing 12,700, with over 210 people dead.


tass--2020-03-05--Russian and American scientists discover new microbe fighting mechanism in Baikal bacteria

`` Irkutsk University biologists , together with their Florida counterparts , have examined metabolism of Baikal actinobacteria — large micro-organisms capable of synthesizing biologically active substances .
It turned out that these bacteria lack genes that code enzymes , required for antibiotic production .
This means these bacteria fight microbes using other proteins and , possibly , chemical compounds unknown to the science , '' the message says .
MOSCOW , March 5 .
/TASS/ .
Researchers from the Irkutsk State University ( Russia ) and University of North Florida ( United States ) have discovered that Lake Baikal ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as similar organisms do , but fight microbes using other compounds that were never researched before , Russian Science Foundation said Thursday .
Actinobacteria is a class of bacteria of large size and complex shape , capable of breaking down toxic chemicals that pollute the environment .
They produce secondary metabolism products , which they do not need for growth and development , but which fulfill other roles .
These chemicals include compounds used in medicine to suppress growth of pathogen bacteria and fungi .
Under the new study , Russian and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 strains of actinobacteria , discovered in Lake Baikal sediments .
They have isolated their DNA and examined the genes that code biologically active compounds .
It turned out that these strains lacked genes for flavin adenine dinucleotide ( FAD ) -dependent halogenases .
FAD is an enzyme , used in many biochemical processes .
This enzyme is responsible for combination of halogen atoms , such as bromine and iodine , with various molecules .
This leads to creation of antibiotics , such as tetracycline , chloramphenicol , and others .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ genes , biological activity was observed in 75 % of the examined strains , so the researchers have concluded that it happens due to some other enzymes .
`` Normal actinobacteria might include halogen atoms into chemical molecules they synthesize .
The lack of such ability in Baikal bacteria is their unique feature , which suggests long evolution in ultra-fresh environment .
Special features of Baikal actinobacteria indicate their significant potential for production of yet unknown antibiotics and natural compounds , '' says lead researcher Maxim Timofeyev .

"Irkutsk University biologists, together with their Florida counterparts, have examined metabolism of Baikal actinobacteria — large micro-organisms capable of synthesizing biologically active substances. It turned out that these bacteria lack genes that code enzymes, required for antibiotic production. This means these bacteria fight microbes using other proteins and, possibly, chemical compounds unknown to the science," the message says.
MOSCOW, March 5. /TASS/. Researchers from the Irkutsk State University (Russia) and University of North Florida (United States) have discovered that Lake Baikal’s large bacteria do not produce antibiotics, as similar organisms do, but fight microbes using other compounds that were never researched before, Russian Science Foundation said Thursday.
Actinobacteria is a class of bacteria of large size and complex shape, capable of breaking down toxic chemicals that pollute the environment. They produce secondary metabolism products, which they do not need for growth and development, but which fulfill other roles. These chemicals include compounds used in medicine to suppress growth of pathogen bacteria and fungi.
Under the new study, Russian and American researchers examined secondary metabolism products in 24 strains of actinobacteria, discovered in Lake Baikal sediments. They have isolated their DNA and examined the genes that code biologically active compounds. It turned out that these strains lacked genes for flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-dependent halogenases.
FAD is an enzyme, used in many biochemical processes. This enzyme is responsible for combination of halogen atoms, such as bromine and iodine, with various molecules. This leads to creation of antibiotics, such as tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and others.
In the meantime, although Baikal actinobacteria lacked those genes, biological activity was observed in 75% of the examined strains, so the researchers have concluded that it happens due to some other enzymes.
"Normal actinobacteria might include halogen atoms into chemical molecules they synthesize. The lack of such ability in Baikal bacteria is their unique feature, which suggests long evolution in ultra-fresh environment. Special features of Baikal actinobacteria indicate their significant potential for production of yet unknown antibiotics and natural compounds," says lead researcher Maxim Timofeyev.


tass--2020-03-05--Putin, Erdogan may make statements for media following talks in Moscow - Kremlin

MOSCOW , March 5 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan can make @ @ @ @ @ the talks in the Kremlin , Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS .
`` @ @ @ @ @ such an opportunity , '' he said responding to a question on the issue .
@ @ @ @ @ going on for nearly five hours now .
The two presidents had a face-to-face meeting @ @ @ @ @ the delegations .
The talks were initially expected to last four hours .
The meeting @ @ @ @ @ longer than planned .

MOSCOW, March 5. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan can make statements for the media after the talks in the Kremlin, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS.
"We do not rule out such an opportunity," he said responding to a question on the issue.
The Russian-Turkish negotiations have been going on for nearly five hours now. The two presidents had a face-to-face meeting and were later joined by the delegations. The talks were initially expected to last four hours. The meeting has thus been going on longer than planned.


tass--2020-03-05--China welcomes Russia’s initiative to hold UN Security Council summit

BEIJING , March 5 .
/TASS/ .
China welcomes the initiative of Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold a summit of UN Security Council permanent members ( the UK , China , Russia , the US and France ) , maintaining contact with all sides , Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian stated on Thursday , commenting on US President Donald Trump ’ s intention to participate in the summit .
`` China has repeatedly confirmed its positive stance .
As far as I am aware , the sides are currently holding consultations regarding the summit ’ s organization .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues with other permanent members of the UN Security Council , '' he noted .
On March 3 , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that US President Donald Trump had confirmed his participation in the summit .
In response to a question by TASS at a press briefing held in the White House , Trump said that the summit might take place in New York to discuss the issues of arms control .
Head of the Russian Foreign Ministry ’ s Department of International Organizations Pyotr Ilyichyov told reporters earlier that such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York in September , however , no agreements were reached yet .

BEIJING, March 5. /TASS/. China welcomes the initiative of Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold a summit of UN Security Council permanent members (the UK, China, Russia, the US and France), maintaining contact with all sides, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian stated on Thursday, commenting on US President Donald Trump’s intention to participate in the summit.
"China has repeatedly confirmed its positive stance. As far as I am aware, the sides are currently holding consultations regarding the summit’s organization. We aim to maintain contact on specific issues with other permanent members of the UN Security Council," he noted.
On March 3, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that US President Donald Trump had confirmed his participation in the summit. In response to a question by TASS at a press briefing held in the White House, Trump said that the summit might take place in New York to discuss the issues of arms control.
Head of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department of International Organizations Pyotr Ilyichyov told reporters earlier that such a meeting might be held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York in September, however, no agreements were reached yet.


tass--2020-03-05--OPEC expects Russia’s decision on additional crude production cut on Friday

VIENNA , March 5 .
/TASS/ .
OPEC ministers expect to hear Russia 's position on crude production cuts on @ @ @ @ @ take a final decision .
On Thursday , the cartel agreed an additional reduction of @ @ @ @ @ mln barrels per day in the second quarter of 2020 by OPEC+ countries to neutralize @ @ @ @ @ to the coronavirus spread , Venezuelan Oil Minister Manuel Quevedo told TASS .
`` Agreed @ @ @ @ @ 1 mln [ barrels per day ] plus 0.5 mln , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ expects Russia ’ s Energy Minister Alexander Novak to provide his suggestions `` tomorrow .
@

VIENNA, March 5. /TASS/. OPEC ministers expect to hear Russia's position on crude production cuts on Friday to be able to take a final decision. On Thursday, the cartel agreed an additional reduction of crude oil output by 1.5 mln barrels per day in the second quarter of 2020 by OPEC+ countries to neutralize the decline in demand due to the coronavirus spread, Venezuelan Oil Minister Manuel Quevedo told TASS.
"Agreed [to reduce] by 1 mln [barrels per day] plus 0.5 mln," he said.
The minister added that OPEC expects Russia’s Energy Minister Alexander Novak to provide his suggestions "tomorrow."


tass--2020-03-05--Wuhan resident dies five days after being discharged from hospital

MOSCOW , March 5 .
/TASS/ .
A resident of China ’ s Wuhan who recovered from novel coronavirus has died five days after being discharged from hospital .
His death certificate names the novel coronavirus as the cause of death , the South China Morning Post daily informed on Thursday .
On February 12 , the 36-year-old man was taken to a hospital ward for patients with mild symptoms .
After a two-week treatment course , he was discharged from hospital and ordered to remain quarantined for 14 days .
According to his wife , the man felt unwell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 2 , he was admitted to the hospital once again , where he passed away .
His death certificate states that the patient had died due to lung failure and respiratory intussusception caused by the novel coronavirus .
On March 4 , a hospital in Wuhan informed that some of the discharged patients had been hospitalized for a second time after exhibiting symptoms of the disease .
The hospital stated that all patients would undergo tests to detect coronavirus antibodies before leaving the medical facilities .
In late December 2019 , Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHO ) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
According to Chinese authorities , about 80,400 people have been infected with the virus in the country .
The death toll has exceeded 3,000 , while about 52,000 patients have recovered .
WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19 .
Cases of coronavirus have been reported in over 70 countries , including Russia .
The largest outbreaks of COVID-19 outside of China have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy .
According to WHO , the number of people infected with COVID-19 outside of China is nearing 12,700 , with over 210 people dead .

MOSCOW, March 5. /TASS/. A resident of China’s Wuhan who recovered from novel coronavirus has died five days after being discharged from hospital. His death certificate names the novel coronavirus as the cause of death, the South China Morning Post daily informed on Thursday.
On February 12, the 36-year-old man was taken to a hospital ward for patients with mild symptoms. After a two-week treatment course, he was discharged from hospital and ordered to remain quarantined for 14 days. According to his wife, the man felt unwell two days after returning home. On March 2, he was admitted to the hospital once again, where he passed away. His death certificate states that the patient had died due to lung failure and respiratory intussusception caused by the novel coronavirus.
On March 4, a hospital in Wuhan informed that some of the discharged patients had been hospitalized for a second time after exhibiting symptoms of the disease. The hospital stated that all patients would undergo tests to detect coronavirus antibodies before leaving the medical facilities.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. According to Chinese authorities, about 80,400 people have been infected with the virus in the country. The death toll has exceeded 3,000, while about 52,000 patients have recovered. WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19. Cases of coronavirus have been reported in over 70 countries, including Russia. The largest outbreaks of COVID-19 outside of China have been detected in South Korea, Iran and Italy.
According to WHO, the number of people infected with COVID-19 outside of China is nearing 12,700, with over 210 people dead.


tass--2020-03-05--Syrian Foreign Ministry slams Western politicians’ statements on Idlib as hypocritical

MOSCOW , March 5 .
/TASS/ .
The statements that some Western politicians have recently made on the situation in Syria ’ s Idlib province show their hypocrisy , a Syrian Foreign Ministry Official said in a statement to the Syrian Arab News Agency ( SANA ) on Thursday .
The official said that `` the statements and wailing of the West with regard to the humanitarian situation in Idlib province due to the operations carried out by the Syrian Arab Army against terrorist organizations , and their ignorance of the crimes committed by these organizations and by Erdogan ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them against Syrian civilians , show the hypocrisy… of these countries , '' SANA reported .
He added that `` these statements also show that those states continue to politicize every humanitarian issue for achieving their interests heedless of the killing , displacement and the deterioration of the living conditions of the Syrians . ''
The Syrian Foreign Ministry official also emphasized that Syria had every right to fight terrorism on its own soil .
He pointed out that `` Syria calls on the international community , particularly the European officials , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once , give up their cheap colonial agendas ... condemn the hostile behavior of the Turkish regime and its exploitation of the suffering of the Syrian people , and force it to abide by the regulations of the international humanitarian law . ''
The situation in Idlib escalated on February 27 , when militants attempted to carry out a large-scale offensive .
The Syrian Army conducted a strike on them , which , according to Ankara , killed 36 Turkish troops .
After that , the Turkish Air Force carried out airstrikes on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit more than 200 targets .
Turkey earlier conducted three military operations in Syria , dubbed Euphrates Shield , Olive Branch and Peace Spring .
As a result , Turkey created a safe zone between the border cities of Azaz and Jarabulus , occupied the city of Afrin and took control of areas east of the Euphrates River .

MOSCOW, March 5. /TASS/. The statements that some Western politicians have recently made on the situation in Syria’s Idlib province show their hypocrisy, a Syrian Foreign Ministry Official said in a statement to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on Thursday.
The official said that "the statements and wailing of the West with regard to the humanitarian situation in Idlib province due to the operations carried out by the Syrian Arab Army against terrorist organizations, and their ignorance of the crimes committed by these organizations and by Erdogan’s forces, which are fighting with them against Syrian civilians, show the hypocrisy… of these countries," SANA reported.
He added that "these statements also show that those states continue to politicize every humanitarian issue for achieving their interests heedless of the killing, displacement and the deterioration of the living conditions of the Syrians."
The Syrian Foreign Ministry official also emphasized that Syria had every right to fight terrorism on its own soil.
He pointed out that "Syria calls on the international community, particularly the European officials, to take a sincere humanitarian stance even just once, give up their cheap colonial agendas... condemn the hostile behavior of the Turkish regime and its exploitation of the suffering of the Syrian people, and force it to abide by the regulations of the international humanitarian law."
Situation in Idlib
The situation in Idlib escalated on February 27, when militants attempted to carry out a large-scale offensive. The Syrian Army conducted a strike on them, which, according to Ankara, killed 36 Turkish troops. After that, the Turkish Air Force carried out airstrikes on Syrian positions. Turkey claimed to have hit more than 200 targets.
On February 27, Ankara launched Operation Spring, targeting the Syrian Army’s positions.
Turkey earlier conducted three military operations in Syria, dubbed Euphrates Shield, Olive Branch and Peace Spring. As a result, Turkey created a safe zone between the border cities of Azaz and Jarabulus, occupied the city of Afrin and took control of areas east of the Euphrates River.


tass--2020-03-05--Putin expesses condolences over former UN Secretary-General Perez de Cuellar’s death

`` With his work as the head of the Peruvian government and at his important offices within the Foreign Ministry , Javier Perez de Cuellar earned high respect of his compatriots and high international recognition .
As the first ambassador of Peru in Moscow , he contributed a lot to the development of friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between our nations , '' the President said .
`` Please , relay words of compassion and support to [ Cuellar ’ s ] relatives , as well as the Government and the people of Peru . ''
MOSCOW , March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Putin has expressed condolences to his Peruvian counterpart Martin Vizcarra over the death of former UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar in a message published on the Kremlin website Thursday .
Putin also relayed his condolences to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as well as the UN Secretariat .
The message reads : `` Javier Perez de Cuellar rightfully enjoyed high international respect .
During his service as the UN Secretary-General , he did a lot to foster the role of the United Nations in international affairs , to settle a number of regional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the President underscored .
`` Blessed memory of this outstanding man will , undoubtedly , remain in Russian people ’ s hearts . ''
Perez de Cuellar actively engaged in mediation work .
In 1982 , he worked to solve the British-Argentinian conflict over the Falkland Islands ; in late 1980s , he assisted in settling the Iran-Iraq conflict ; in 1990 , he sought to persuade Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein to withdraw forces from Kuwait .
In 1991 , Perez de Cuellar participated in negotiations on ceasefire between Morocco government forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as negotiations on El Salvador ’ s civil war peace treaty .
Javier Perez de Cuellar died on March 4 in Peru , at the age of 100 .

"With his work as the head of the Peruvian government and at his important offices within the Foreign Ministry, Javier Perez de Cuellar earned high respect of his compatriots and high international recognition. As the first ambassador of Peru in Moscow, he contributed a lot to the development of friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between our nations," the President said. "Please, relay words of compassion and support to [Cuellar’s] relatives, as well as the Government and the people of Peru."
MOSCOW, March 5. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed condolences to his Peruvian counterpart Martin Vizcarra over the death of former UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar in a message published on the Kremlin website Thursday.
Putin also relayed his condolences to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as well as the UN Secretariat. The message reads: "Javier Perez de Cuellar rightfully enjoyed high international respect. During his service as the UN Secretary-General, he did a lot to foster the role of the United Nations in international affairs, to settle a number of regional conflicts and to strengthen global security," the President underscored. "Blessed memory of this outstanding man will, undoubtedly, remain in Russian people’s hearts."
Perez de Cuellar actively engaged in mediation work. In 1982, he worked to solve the British-Argentinian conflict over the Falkland Islands; in late 1980s, he assisted in settling the Iran-Iraq conflict; in 1990, he sought to persuade Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein to withdraw forces from Kuwait. In 1991, Perez de Cuellar participated in negotiations on ceasefire between Morocco government forces and the Polisario Front in Western Sahara, as well as negotiations on El Salvador’s civil war peace treaty.
Javier Perez de Cuellar died on March 4 in Peru, at the age of 100.


tass--2020-03-05--Czech president says anti-Russian sanctions are ineffective

PRAGUE , March 5 .
/TASS/ .
Czech President Milos Zeman has spoken in favor of removing anti-Russian sanctions in @ @ @ @ @ newspaper Pravda published on Thursday .
`` I have always opposed not only anti-Russian sanctions @ @ @ @ @ [ in general ] , because I consider them ineffective , '' he noted .
@ @ @ @ @ with economic sanctions against Cuba .
`` The sanctions against tiny Cuba have been in @ @ @ @ @ Nothing has changed , and the regime created by Castro [ still ] exists .
@ @ @ @ @ politicians and students visited Cuba , the situation in that country could be totally different @ @ @ @ @ .
According to Zeman , sanctions , to a large extent , affect those who @ @ @ @ @ counter to social , political and economic progress , he emphasized .

PRAGUE, March 5. /TASS/. Czech President Milos Zeman has spoken in favor of removing anti-Russian sanctions in an interview with the Slovak newspaper Pravda published on Thursday.
"I have always opposed not only anti-Russian sanctions, but also any sanctions [in general], because I consider them ineffective," he noted.
He also drew a parallel with economic sanctions against Cuba. "The sanctions against tiny Cuba have been in effect for 50 years. Nothing has changed, and the regime created by Castro [still] exists. If tourists and businesspeople, politicians and students visited Cuba, the situation in that country could be totally different now," he said.
According to Zeman, sanctions, to a large extent, affect those who impose them. They run counter to social, political and economic progress, he emphasized.


tass--2020-03-05--Russia does its utmost to create conditions for young specialists, Kremlin says

MOSCOW , March 5 .
/TASS/ .
Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov believes that young people ’ s decision to leave Russia to seek employment in other countries should be regarded as `` routine rotation , '' because mobility is a quality inherent in any country ’ s youth .
As he answered media questions on Thursday , Peskov commented on Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s remark in an interview to TASS the authorities would do their utmost for creating conditions in which good specialists would be able to display their potential to the maximum extent .
While speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to retain good specialists Peskov mentioned `` promotion of a friendly environment where businesses create new jobs , the implementation of a program for supporting small and medium businesses that should constitute the backbone of the economy , the way it should be in a sound economy , the development of different programs and grants , programs to support young talent , scientists and grants for the laboratories where some scientists return . ''
`` Those who have preferred to spend a while working abroad have an opportunity to return home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many Russians who at a certain point had left the country to take jobs abroad were now returning .
`` Some young people in all countries around the world wish to go elsewhere , while others prefer to stay .
If some young people leave , this should not be interpreted in negative terms .
Some go , while others return , '' Peskov said .
He recalled Putin ’ s remark people were looking for places where conditions were better .
`` At some point a particular place , a particular country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But then it turns out that some people find it more reasonable to return to Russia , '' Peskov said .
In his opinion , `` this is a routine rotation and it happens in absolutely all countries around the world . ''
This is precisely why Putin emphasized the task of ensuring the most lucrative conditions in Russia in different fields .
Peskov pointed out that using Soviet methods in modern Russia to retain young people was impossible .
He is certain that in Russia there are very many young talented people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ footing with US businessman Elon Musk .

MOSCOW, March 5. /TASS/. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov believes that young people’s decision to leave Russia to seek employment in other countries should be regarded as "routine rotation," because mobility is a quality inherent in any country’s youth.
As he answered media questions on Thursday, Peskov commented on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s remark in an interview to TASS the authorities would do their utmost for creating conditions in which good specialists would be able to display their potential to the maximum extent. While speaking about the measures the authorities were taking in order to retain good specialists Peskov mentioned "promotion of a friendly environment where businesses create new jobs, the implementation of a program for supporting small and medium businesses that should constitute the backbone of the economy, the way it should be in a sound economy, the development of different programs and grants, programs to support young talent, scientists and grants for the laboratories where some scientists return."
"Those who have preferred to spend a while working abroad have an opportunity to return home," Peskov said, adding that many Russians who at a certain point had left the country to take jobs abroad were now returning.
"Some young people in all countries around the world wish to go elsewhere, while others prefer to stay. If some young people leave, this should not be interpreted in negative terms. Some go, while others return," Peskov said.
He recalled Putin’s remark people were looking for places where conditions were better.
"At some point a particular place, a particular country offers better conditions for certain specialists. But then it turns out that some people find it more reasonable to return to Russia," Peskov said. In his opinion, "this is a routine rotation and it happens in absolutely all countries around the world."
This is precisely why Putin emphasized the task of ensuring the most lucrative conditions in Russia in different fields.
Peskov pointed out that using Soviet methods in modern Russia to retain young people was impossible. He is certain that in Russia there are very many young talented people that might be put on the same footing with US businessman Elon Musk.


tass--2020-03-05--Putin approves Russia’s Arctic state policy framework

MOSCOW , March 5 .
/TASS/ .
President Vladimir Putin has approved Russia ’ s state policy framework in the Arctic through 2035 .
`` The framework is a document of strategic planning in the field of ensuring national security of the Russian Federation , which has been developed for the purpose of protecting national interests of the Russian Federation in the Arctic , '' according to the presidential decree released on the official portal of legal information on Thursday .
The document defines `` the goals , main areas and targets , as well as mechanisms of implementation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Arctic . ''
`` Ensuring sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Russian Federation , preserving the Arctic as a territory of peace , stable and mutually beneficial partnership , ensuring high quality of life and wellbeing of the population of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation , development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation as a strategic resource base and it efficient use for the purposes of speeding up economic growth of the Russian Federation , development of the Northern Sea Route as a globally competitive national transport communication @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protection in the Arctic , protection of primordial living environment and the traditional way of life of native minorities inhabiting the territory of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation '' have been specified as Russia ’ s national interests in the Artic .

MOSCOW, March 5. /TASS/. President Vladimir Putin has approved Russia’s state policy framework in the Arctic through 2035.
"The framework is a document of strategic planning in the field of ensuring national security of the Russian Federation, which has been developed for the purpose of protecting national interests of the Russian Federation in the Arctic," according to the presidential decree released on the official portal of legal information on Thursday. The document defines "the goals, main areas and targets, as well as mechanisms of implementation of state policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic."
"Ensuring sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Russian Federation, preserving the Arctic as a territory of peace, stable and mutually beneficial partnership, ensuring high quality of life and wellbeing of the population of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation as a strategic resource base and it efficient use for the purposes of speeding up economic growth of the Russian Federation, development of the Northern Sea Route as a globally competitive national transport communication channel of the Russian Federation, environmental protection in the Arctic, protection of primordial living environment and the traditional way of life of native minorities inhabiting the territory of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation" have been specified as Russia’s national interests in the Artic.


tass--2020-03-05--Oldest bridge across Ob in Novosibirsk to be repaired by 2023

NOVOSIBIRSK , March 5 .
/ TASS / .
The Oktyabrsky bridge across the Ob River , built in Novosibirsk in 1955 , will be repair for the first time for the World Youth Hockey Championship , which will be held in Novosibirsk in three years , the head of the Department of Transport and the road-improving complex of the Novosibirsk City Hall Roman Dronov told TASS on Thursday .
The construction is slated to begin in 2021 .
The Oktyabrsky Bridge in Novosibirsk is the oldest of the three existing automobile bridges across the Ob , built in 1955 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ construction its never been repaired .
`` The Oktyabrsky bridge requires major repairs .
We all know that we have the Youth World Hockey Championship ahead .
Now we are reconstructing the dam of the Oktyabrsky Bridge , and it is necessary to combine these two projects so that we have major repairs completed before the championship , '' Dronov .
According to Dronov , the bridge hasnt been repaired yet .
In order to start a full-fledged repair , it is necessary to replace the waterproofing - a reinforced concrete screed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The authorities plan to begin overhaul in 2021 , this year another patching will be carried out .
In addition , local residents repeatedly complained about the structural damage at the junction of the left bank of the Ob .
They reported that the pit creates traffic jams and impedes full movement .
Dronov noted that the failure was due to the construction of an underground pedestrian crossing .
Currently , the facility is undergoing underground drilling , which will be completed in May , after which the pavement will be brought into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a major overhaul of the Oktyabrsky Bridge after the opening of the fourth bridge across the Ob , which will be built at a concession signed in 2017 .
It was planned that the fourth bridge will be paid , but at the time of closing for the repair of the Oktyabrsky bridge it will be made free of charge .

NOVOSIBIRSK, March 5. / TASS /. The Oktyabrsky bridge across the Ob River, built in Novosibirsk in 1955, will be repair for the first time for the World Youth Hockey Championship, which will be held in Novosibirsk in three years, the head of the Department of Transport and the road-improving complex of the Novosibirsk City Hall Roman Dronov told TASS on Thursday.
The construction is slated to begin in 2021.
The Oktyabrsky Bridge in Novosibirsk is the oldest of the three existing automobile bridges across the Ob, built in 1955. According to Dronov, since its construction its never been repaired. "The Oktyabrsky bridge requires major repairs. We all know that we have the Youth World Hockey Championship ahead. Now we are reconstructing the dam of the Oktyabrsky Bridge, and it is necessary to combine these two projects so that we have major repairs completed before the championship," Dronov.
According to Dronov, the bridge hasnt been repaired yet. In order to start a full-fledged repair, it is necessary to replace the waterproofing - a reinforced concrete screed, on which asphalt concrete is laid. The authorities plan to begin overhaul in 2021, this year another patching will be carried out.
In addition, local residents repeatedly complained about the structural damage at the junction of the left bank of the Ob. They reported that the pit creates traffic jams and impedes full movement. Dronov noted that the failure was due to the construction of an underground pedestrian crossing. Currently, the facility is undergoing underground drilling, which will be completed in May, after which the pavement will be brought into compliance.
Earlier it was reported plans for a major overhaul of the Oktyabrsky Bridge after the opening of the fourth bridge across the Ob, which will be built at a concession signed in 2017. It was planned that the fourth bridge will be paid, but at the time of closing for the repair of the Oktyabrsky bridge it will be made free of charge.


tass--2020-03-05--South Africa confirms first coronavirus case

MOSCOW , March 5 .
/TASS/ .
The first coronavirus case has been confirmed in the Republic of South Africa , the country ’ s Health Minister Zweli Mkhize told reporters .
`` The patient is a 38-year-old male who travelled to Italy with his wife .
They were part of a group of ten people and they arrived back in South Africa on March 1 , '' Mkhize said , as cited by the News24media outlet .
`` The patient consulted a private general practitioner on March 3 with symptoms of fever , headache , malaise , a sore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
Coronavirus cases have since been reported in more than 70 countries , including Russia .
Most cases outside of China have been recorded in South Korea , Iran and Italy .
According to the WHO , about 93,000 people have been infected with the virus across the world .
The death toll has passed 3,200 .
The WHO declared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19 .

MOSCOW, March 5. /TASS/. The first coronavirus case has been confirmed in the Republic of South Africa, the country’s Health Minister Zweli Mkhize told reporters.
"The patient is a 38-year-old male who travelled to Italy with his wife. They were part of a group of ten people and they arrived back in South Africa on March 1," Mkhize said, as cited by the News24media outlet. "The patient consulted a private general practitioner on March 3 with symptoms of fever, headache, malaise, a sore throat and a cough," he added.
Coronavirus outbreak
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. Coronavirus cases have since been reported in more than 70 countries, including Russia. Most cases outside of China have been recorded in South Korea, Iran and Italy.
According to the WHO, about 93,000 people have been infected with the virus across the world. The death toll has passed 3,200. The WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19.


tass--2020-03-05--Turkey to deploy 1,000 Special Forces at Greek border over refugees situation

MOSCOW , March 5 .
/TASS/ .
Turkish authorities have made a decision to deploy 1,000 Special Forces police officers on Greek border to curb attempts of migrants - most of whom are Syrians - to return to the Turkish territory , Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said Thursday .
`` [ Greece ] has once more attempted to push 4,900 people into Turkey .
This is one of the most serious infringements .
We deploy 1,000 Special Forces police officers to prevent this .
They would be fully equipped .
Up to this point , 137,000 people have crossed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the [ Turkey ’ s ] Edirne province , '' the minister said , according to NTV report , adding that `` Greek authorities are bogged in lies '' and that `` no one in the world wants to object to such violation of human rights . ''
The interior minister noted that Turkey `` does not stop migrants who would like to voluntarily cross into Greece . ''
At the same time , he said , Athens use weapons against the refugees , being unwilling to let them through , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the buffer zone back to Turkey . ''
The minister also noted incidents , in which Greek forces threw gas grenades at Turkish checkpoints .
Following a clash with the Syrian Army , which led to death of 36 Turkish servicemen , Ankara made a decision not to stop Syrian refugees who seek to enter the European Union .
According to the Turkish authorities , 100,000 refugees have crossed the border .
However , these reports have been debunked by both the Russian military in Syria , who do not observe such mass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and by Athens .
Athens accuse Ankara of organized transport of migrants and report almost 25,000 violations since March 1 .

MOSCOW, March 5. /TASS/. Turkish authorities have made a decision to deploy 1,000 Special Forces police officers on Greek border to curb attempts of migrants - most of whom are Syrians - to return to the Turkish territory, Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said Thursday.
"[Greece] has once more attempted to push 4,900 people into Turkey. This is one of the most serious infringements. We deploy 1,000 Special Forces police officers to prevent this. They would be fully equipped. Up to this point, 137,000 people have crossed the [EU’s] border from the [Turkey’s] Edirne province," the minister said, according to NTV report, adding that "Greek authorities are bogged in lies" and that "no one in the world wants to object to such violation of human rights."
The interior minister noted that Turkey "does not stop migrants who would like to voluntarily cross into Greece." At the same time, he said, Athens use weapons against the refugees, being unwilling to let them through, and "seek to push the refugees from the buffer zone back to Turkey."
The minister also noted incidents, in which Greek forces threw gas grenades at Turkish checkpoints.
Following a clash with the Syrian Army, which led to death of 36 Turkish servicemen, Ankara made a decision not to stop Syrian refugees who seek to enter the European Union. According to the Turkish authorities, 100,000 refugees have crossed the border.
However, these reports have been debunked by both the Russian military in Syria, who do not observe such mass movement of refugees towards the border, and by Athens. Athens accuse Ankara of organized transport of migrants and report almost 25,000 violations since March 1.


tass--2020-03-05--Launch of Soyuz rocket from Kourou spaceport delayed over problem in booster — source

MOSCOW , March 5 .
/TASS/ .
The launch of the UAE ’ s Falcon Eye 2 satellite atop a Soyuz-ST carrier rocket from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana has been rescheduled from March 6 for March 7 over a problem with a cable in the Fregat booster , a source in the space industry told TASS on Thursday .
`` A problem in one of the booster ’ s cables was revealed during the pre-launch tests of the carrier rocket ’ s electrical equipment , '' the source specified .
A source in the Russian space industry told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the United Arab Emirates ’ Falcon Eye 2 for electro-optical reconnaissance had been tentatively delayed for 24 hours over problems with the rocket ’ s booster .
The launch may be delayed for a longer period .
A final decision will be made after a repeat of the rocket ’ s major tests , the source added .
Arianespace satellite launch company earlier reported that at least three blast-offs had been scheduled from the Kourou spaceport using Russian Soyuz carrier rockets .
Next on the list is the launch of the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifted off in December 2019 atop a Soyuz ST-A rocket ) .
Arianespace also expects to orbit two more groups of OneWeb satellites with the help of Soyuz launch vehicles from the Kourou spaceport in 2020 .

MOSCOW, March 5. /TASS/. The launch of the UAE’s Falcon Eye 2 satellite atop a Soyuz-ST carrier rocket from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana has been rescheduled from March 6 for March 7 over a problem with a cable in the Fregat booster, a source in the space industry told TASS on Thursday.
"A problem in one of the booster’s cables was revealed during the pre-launch tests of the carrier rocket’s electrical equipment," the source specified.
A source in the Russian space industry told TASS earlier on Thursday that the lift-off of the United Arab Emirates’ Falcon Eye 2 for electro-optical reconnaissance had been tentatively delayed for 24 hours over problems with the rocket’s booster.
The launch may be delayed for a longer period. A final decision will be made after a repeat of the rocket’s major tests, the source added.
Arianespace satellite launch company earlier reported that at least three blast-offs had been scheduled from the Kourou spaceport using Russian Soyuz carrier rockets. Next on the list is the launch of the second military satellite CSO-2 for France (CSO-1 lifted off in December 2019 atop a Soyuz ST-A rocket). Arianespace also expects to orbit two more groups of OneWeb satellites with the help of Soyuz launch vehicles from the Kourou spaceport in 2020.


tass--2020-03-05--Putin discusses situation in Idlib with head of European Council over phone

MOSCOW , March 5 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of the European Council Charles Michel discussed the current tensions in Syria ’ s Idlib over the phone , the Kremlin informed on Thursday .
`` They have discussed the situation in Syria in light of the escalated tensions in Idlib caused by aggressive actions of terrorist formations , '' the message informs .
`` In this context , Michel spoke about the measures taken to combat illegal migration to EU states . ''
The Kremlin added that the sides had focused on humanitarian matters during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to maintain contact .
The phone call was held in the run-up to the talks between Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan currently taking place in Moscow .
Before the talks with the Turkish leader , the Russian leader stressed that they must discuss the current situation in Idlib face to face to avoid deterioration of Russian-Turkish relations .
Putin expressed condolences to Erdogan over the death of Turkish soldiers in Syria , noting that the Syrian army was not aware of their whereabouts .
He added that the Syrian army had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed to begin the talks face to face , and then to involve delegations from both countries if necessary .
Tensions in Syria ’ s Idlib escalated once again on February 27 , when Turkey stated that more than 30 of its military had been killed in an attack of the Syrian government forces .
On the same day , Turkey announced the launch of Operation Spring Shield in Syria .
Turkey had previously held three military operations in Syria , creating a buffer security zone between the border towns of Azaz and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the territories to the east of the Euphrates .

MOSCOW, March 5. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of the European Council Charles Michel discussed the current tensions in Syria’s Idlib over the phone, the Kremlin informed on Thursday.
"They have discussed the situation in Syria in light of the escalated tensions in Idlib caused by aggressive actions of terrorist formations," the message informs. "In this context, Michel spoke about the measures taken to combat illegal migration to EU states."
The Kremlin added that the sides had focused on humanitarian matters during the phone call. Putin and Michel agreed to maintain contact.
The phone call was held in the run-up to the talks between Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan currently taking place in Moscow. Before the talks with the Turkish leader, the Russian leader stressed that they must discuss the current situation in Idlib face to face to avoid deterioration of Russian-Turkish relations.
Putin expressed condolences to Erdogan over the death of Turkish soldiers in Syria, noting that the Syrian army was not aware of their whereabouts. He added that the Syrian army had also suffered numerous losses. The presidents agreed to begin the talks face to face, and then to involve delegations from both countries if necessary.
Tensions in Syria’s Idlib escalated once again on February 27, when Turkey stated that more than 30 of its military had been killed in an attack of the Syrian government forces. On the same day, Turkey announced the launch of Operation Spring Shield in Syria. Turkey had previously held three military operations in Syria, creating a buffer security zone between the border towns of Azaz and Jarabulus and establishing control over Afrin and the territories to the east of the Euphrates.


tass--2020-03-05--Meduza reporter Golunov to undergo psychiatric evaluation

MOSCOW , March 5 .
/TASS/ .
Ivan Golunov , a Russian investigative journalist with the Meduza online outlet , will undergo a psychiatric evaluation within the criminal case launched against former police officers accused of Golunov ’ s unlawful detention , his attorney Sergei Badamshin told TASS .
`` Golunov will undergo a psychological-psychiatric evaluation within the framework of the case .
This is a standard procedure , '' Badamshin said .
`` As a child , he went to a psychologist because he mispronounced the ‘ r ’ sound , it was obligatory back then .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evaluation and received a sailor ’ s passport .
This is a one-day evaluation , the so-called five-minute assessment , '' Badamshin explained .
The date of the evaluation is unknown .
Golunov told TASS that he had undergone a psychiatric assessment back in 2013 , on the outcomes of which he was granted a sailor ’ s passport .
Golunov , an investigative correspondent working for the Riga-based Meduza online newspaper , was detained in downtown Moscow on June 6 , 2019 .
According to police , the reporter was carrying four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drug , and five grams of cocaine had apparently been discovered during a search of his rented apartment .
Moscow ’ s Nikulinsky District Court placed the reporter under house arrest .
Golunov ’ s defense attorney said that the drugs could have been planted on his client .
All charges were eventually dropped , and Golunov was set free on June 11 .
According to Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev , a decision was made to drop the criminal case against Golunov over a lack of evidence proving his involvement in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moscow ’ s Basmanny Court arrested five former police officers Roman Feofanov , Maxim Umetbayev , Akbar Sergaliyev , Igor Lyakhovets and Denis Konovalov on charges of abuse of office , evidence tampering and drug trafficking in the Golunov case .
In February , Golunov stated that he had received a formal apology from the local prosecutor ’ s office .

MOSCOW, March 5. /TASS/. Ivan Golunov, a Russian investigative journalist with the Meduza online outlet, will undergo a psychiatric evaluation within the criminal case launched against former police officers accused of Golunov’s unlawful detention, his attorney Sergei Badamshin told TASS.
"Golunov will undergo a psychological-psychiatric evaluation within the framework of the case. This is a standard procedure," Badamshin said.
"As a child, he went to a psychologist because he mispronounced the ‘r’ sound, it was obligatory back then. However, in 2013, he underwent a successful evaluation and received a sailor’s passport. This is a one-day evaluation, the so-called five-minute assessment," Badamshin explained. The date of the evaluation is unknown.
Golunov told TASS that he had undergone a psychiatric assessment back in 2013, on the outcomes of which he was granted a sailor’s passport.
Golunov, an investigative correspondent working for the Riga-based Meduza online newspaper, was detained in downtown Moscow on June 6, 2019. According to police, the reporter was carrying four grams of mephedrone, a synthetic stimulant drug, and five grams of cocaine had apparently been discovered during a search of his rented apartment. Moscow’s Nikulinsky District Court placed the reporter under house arrest. Golunov’s defense attorney said that the drugs could have been planted on his client. All charges were eventually dropped, and Golunov was set free on June 11.
According to Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, a decision was made to drop the criminal case against Golunov over a lack of evidence proving his involvement in the alleged crime.
On January 30, Moscow’s Basmanny Court arrested five former police officers Roman Feofanov, Maxim Umetbayev, Akbar Sergaliyev, Igor Lyakhovets and Denis Konovalov on charges of abuse of office, evidence tampering and drug trafficking in the Golunov case.
In February, Golunov stated that he had received a formal apology from the local prosecutor’s office.


tass--2020-03-05--Erdogan says meeting with Putin on Idlib very important for the region

MOSCOW , March 5 .
/TASS/ .
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan voiced confidence at a meeting with his Russian @ @ @ @ @ that the Moscow talks on the situation in Syria ’ s Idlib province were very @ @ @ @ @ `` We were to hold this meeting in Turkey .
However , because of your @ @ @ @ @ the Constitution , we decided to accept your invitation and come here .
Of course @ @ @ @ @ on Idlib is of great importance , because the situation in the region is very @ @ @ @ @ the world is closely following our negotiations today .
I believe that our decisions and @ @ @ @ @ agreed on today , will ease the situation in Idlib , '' he said .

MOSCOW, March 5. /TASS/. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan voiced confidence at a meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Thursday that the Moscow talks on the situation in Syria’s Idlib province were very important for the region.
"We were to hold this meeting in Turkey. However, because of your work on the amendments to the Constitution, we decided to accept your invitation and come here. Of course, today’s meeting on Idlib is of great importance, because the situation in the region is very tense. I know that the world is closely following our negotiations today. I believe that our decisions and steps, which will be agreed on today, will ease the situation in Idlib," he said.


tass--2020-03-06--Several Estonian veterans to attend WWII victory celebrations in Moscow

TALLINN , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
Several Estonian veterans of the Great Patriotic War will attend the celebratory events @ @ @ @ @ of the Soviet victory in the Second World War ( WWII ) on May 9 @ @ @ @ @ Russian Ambassador to Estonia Alexander Petrov said on Friday .
`` Two veterans of the @ @ @ @ @ to Moscow with accompanying persons , '' he told the ERR portal .
`` Five @ @ @ @ @ St. Petersburg in May . ''

TALLINN, March 6. /TASS/. Several Estonian veterans of the Great Patriotic War will attend the celebratory events timed to the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the Second World War (WWII) on May 9, 2020 in Moscow, Russian Ambassador to Estonia Alexander Petrov said on Friday.
"Two veterans of the Great Patriotic War will come to Moscow with accompanying persons," he told the ERR portal. "Five more veterans will come to St. Petersburg in May."


tass--2020-03-06--Zelensky expects Normandy Four meeting to be held in late April

KIEV , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is hopeful that the next Normandy Four meeting will take place in late April , as he himself said during a working visit to the country ’ s Poltava region on Friday .
`` We are working to carry out another [ detainee ] exchange before the end of March , '' he said while talking to local residents .
`` We are also working to make sure that we hold the next meeting in late April .
I think it will happen .
We are seriously working on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous Normandy Four summit , which took place in Paris on December 9 , involved French President Emmanuel Macron , Russian President Vladimir Putin , German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky .
The four leaders reaffirmed their commitment to securing a full-fledged ceasefire in Donbass .
They also voiced support for a plan to carry out the disengagement of forces in three more areas in Donbass , conduct an all-for-all prisoner exchange and launch the development of laws providing special status to Donbass in accordance with the Steinmeier Formula .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointed out that other members of the Normandy Four group had not taken any steps to encourage Kiev to implement the Paris summit ’ s decisions .
He added that in Moscow ’ s view , there was no use in holding such summits for no reason .

KIEV, March 6. /TASS/. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is hopeful that the next Normandy Four meeting will take place in late April, as he himself said during a working visit to the country’s Poltava region on Friday.
"We are working to carry out another [detainee] exchange before the end of March," he said while talking to local residents. "We are also working to make sure that we hold the next meeting in late April. I think it will happen. We are seriously working on it," Zelensky added.
The previous Normandy Four summit, which took place in Paris on December 9, involved French President Emmanuel Macron, Russian President Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. The four leaders reaffirmed their commitment to securing a full-fledged ceasefire in Donbass. They also voiced support for a plan to carry out the disengagement of forces in three more areas in Donbass, conduct an all-for-all prisoner exchange and launch the development of laws providing special status to Donbass in accordance with the Steinmeier Formula.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov pointed out that other members of the Normandy Four group had not taken any steps to encourage Kiev to implement the Paris summit’s decisions. He added that in Moscow’s view, there was no use in holding such summits for no reason.


tass--2020-03-06--British authorities violate consular convention in Skripal case, says Russian diplomat

`` Over the past two years , we have never given up our insistent demands regarding arranging a meeting with the Russian citizens who suffered during the incident , '' she noted .
`` Diplomatic notes were sent , statements were made , the issue was raised during diplomatic contacts , with no response .
Britain ’ s authorities have ignored Russia ’ s demands for no good reason and neglected their international legal obligations , which arise from the 1965 bilateral consular convention .
We believe that Britain ’ s approach is out of sync with international law and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
London ’ s reluctance to provide consular access to the Russian citizens who were the victims of the Salisbury incident two years ago is an overt violation of international legal obligations stemming from the consular convention , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters at a press briefing on Friday .
Zakharova drew attention to the fact that the UK refuses to discuss the issue in earnest and conduct a joint investigation into the Salisbury incident .
London continues to use the Skripal case as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fuel anti-Russian sentiment in British society , she went on to say .
`` We strongly condemn London ’ s attempts to hold Moscow responsible for what happened in Salisbury and insist on a professional and impartial investigation into the incident .
We reaffirm our readiness for substantive cooperation between the law enforcement agencies and relevant experts , '' the diplomat pointed out .
On March 4 , 2018 , former Russian military intelligence Colonel Sergei Skripal , who had been convicted in Russia of spying for Great Britain and was later swapped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughter Yulia were found unconscious on a bench near the Maltings shopping center in Salisbury , the UK .
Police said they had allegedly been exposed to a nerve agent .
London immediately accused Russia of being involved , but failed to furnish any evidence .
Russia has flatly rejected these allegations pointing out that neither the Soviet Union nor Russia had any programs to develop that substance .

"Over the past two years, we have never given up our insistent demands regarding arranging a meeting with the Russian citizens who suffered during the incident," she noted. "Diplomatic notes were sent, statements were made, the issue was raised during diplomatic contacts, with no response. Britain’s authorities have ignored Russia’s demands for no good reason and neglected their international legal obligations, which arise from the 1965 bilateral consular convention. We believe that Britain’s approach is out of sync with international law and any law in general."
MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. London’s reluctance to provide consular access to the Russian citizens who were the victims of the Salisbury incident two years ago is an overt violation of international legal obligations stemming from the consular convention, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters at a press briefing on Friday.
Zakharova drew attention to the fact that the UK refuses to discuss the issue in earnest and conduct a joint investigation into the Salisbury incident.
London continues to use the Skripal case as a tool to exert pressure on Russia and fuel anti-Russian sentiment in British society, she went on to say.
"We strongly condemn London’s attempts to hold Moscow responsible for what happened in Salisbury and insist on a professional and impartial investigation into the incident. We reaffirm our readiness for substantive cooperation between the law enforcement agencies and relevant experts," the diplomat pointed out.
On March 4, 2018, former Russian military intelligence Colonel Sergei Skripal, who had been convicted in Russia of spying for Great Britain and was later swapped for Russian intelligence officers, and his daughter Yulia were found unconscious on a bench near the Maltings shopping center in Salisbury, the UK. Police said they had allegedly been exposed to a nerve agent.
London immediately accused Russia of being involved, but failed to furnish any evidence. Russia has flatly rejected these allegations pointing out that neither the Soviet Union nor Russia had any programs to develop that substance.


tass--2020-03-06--OPEC+ countries perform oil production reduction deal by 112% of target — source

VIENNA , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
Countries participating in the OPEC+ oil production limiting agreement performed the deal by @ @ @ @ @ vs. 145 % in December , two sources in delegations told TASS on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ therefore slashed oil production by 1.9 mln barrels daily against the October 2018 level taken @ @ @ @ @ instead of agreed 1.7 mln barrels a day .
The deal compliance was 136 % @ @ @ @ @ and 55 % for non-OPEC countries vs. 168 % and 95 % respectively in December @ @ @ @ @ .
The OPEC+ ministerial meeting for discussion of further oil production cuts is scheduled to @ @ @ @

VIENNA, March 6. /TASS/. Countries participating in the OPEC+ oil production limiting agreement performed the deal by 112% from the target vs. 145% in December, two sources in delegations told TASS on Friday.
Countries participating in the agreement therefore slashed oil production by 1.9 mln barrels daily against the October 2018 level taken as the base one, instead of agreed 1.7 mln barrels a day.
The deal compliance was 136% in January for OPEC countries and 55% for non-OPEC countries vs. 168% and 95% respectively in December 2019, sources told TASS.
The OPEC+ ministerial meeting for discussion of further oil production cuts is scheduled to take place today.


tass--2020-03-06--Children and adults equally as likely to contract novel coronavirus, experts say

MOSCOW , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
Chinese researchers have found that children and adults are equally as likely to @ @ @ @ @ the South China Morning Post daily informed , citing experts from the Center for Disease @ @ @ @ @ Chinese city of Shenzhen .
`` There was no significant association between the probability of @ @ @ @ @ index case , '' the researchers stated .
They studied data from 391 confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ from January 14 to February 12 as well as 1,286 people who had been in @ @ @ @ @ The experts found the probability of disease transmission for children under 10 is about 7.4 @ @ @ @ @ average is about 7.9 % .

MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. Chinese researchers have found that children and adults are equally as likely to contract the novel coronavirus, the South China Morning Post daily informed, citing experts from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention from the Chinese city of Shenzhen.
"There was no significant association between the probability of infection and age of the index case," the researchers stated. They studied data from 391 confirmed cases in Shenzhen in the period from January 14 to February 12 as well as 1,286 people who had been in close contact with patients. The experts found the probability of disease transmission for children under 10 is about 7.4%, while the population average is about 7.9%.


tass--2020-03-06--Indices falling on Moscow Exchange

Indices falling on Moscow Exchange

MOSCOW , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
Russian stock indices accelerated the decline during the trading session on the Moscow @ @ @ @ @ lost 5.6 % and declined to 1,250.4 points , according to trading data .
The @ @ @ @ @ % to 2,695.34 points .
The Index was below 2,700 points last time on 15 @ @ @ @ @ Aeroflot , Gazprom Neft , Sberbank , Surgutneftegaz , Mechel , NLMK and Yandex are @ @ @

MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. Russian stock indices accelerated the decline during the trading session on the Moscow Exchange. The RTS Index lost 5.6% and declined to 1,250.4 points, according to trading data.
The MOEX Russia Index fell 4.3% to 2,695.34 points. The Index was below 2,700 points last time on 15 October 2019.
Stocks of Aeroflot, Gazprom Neft, Sberbank, Surgutneftegaz, Mechel, NLMK and Yandex are falling most.


tass--2020-03-06--Damascus, legitimate partners responsible for fighting terrorists in Syria — diplomat

`` I would like to point out without referring to yesterday ’ s talks [ between Presidents Vladimir Putin of @ @ @ @ @ of Turkey ] that as far as efforts to eliminate militants and terrorists go , @ @ @ @ @ such , they must be eradicated , first and foremost , by the Syrian Armed @ @ @ @ @ countries that legally cooperate with the Syrian authorities , '' the diplomat said , when @ @ @ @ @ that Turkey will eliminate terrorists in Idlib on its own '' was still relevant following @ @ @ @ @ Russian and Turkish presidents agreed at their Moscow talks on Thursday that a ceasefire would @ @ @ @ @ a number of other measures would be taken to improve the situation in the Syrian @ @ @ @ @ Russian and Turkish troops will launch joint patrols along the M4 highway , where a @ @ @ @ @ .
Besides , Moscow and Ankara reaffirmed their commitment to preserving Syria ’ s sovereignty @ @ @ @ @ determined fight against terrorism .

"I would like to point out without referring to yesterday’s talks [between Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey] that as far as efforts to eliminate militants and terrorists go, if they are designated as such, they must be eradicated, first and foremost, by the Syrian Armed Forces and the forces of countries that legally cooperate with the Syrian authorities," the diplomat said, when asked if "the agreement that Turkey will eliminate terrorists in Idlib on its own" was still relevant following the Putin-Erdogan talks.
The Russian and Turkish presidents agreed at their Moscow talks on Thursday that a ceasefire would be declared in Idlib and a number of other measures would be taken to improve the situation in the Syrian province. In addition, Russian and Turkish troops will launch joint patrols along the M4 highway, where a security corridor will be created. Besides, Moscow and Ankara reaffirmed their commitment to preserving Syria’s sovereignty and agreed to continue a determined fight against terrorism.


tass--2020-03-06--Russia expects US, Taliban to fully implement peace agreement — diplomat

MOSCOW , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow expects that a peace agreement between the United States and the Taliban movement ( outlawed in Russia ) will be fully implemented , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Friday .
`` We do hope that the agreement signed by the US and the Taliban movement will be fully implemented , '' the diplomat pointed out , adding that the agreement had not led to immediate positive changes in Afghanistan .
Zakharova stated that establishing sustainable peace should be a top priority for all of the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We also expect that all obstacles hindering the implementation of the agreement will be removed in the near future .
It particularly concerns the release of 5,000 Taliban members and 1,000 government troops ahead of the launch of intra-Afghan talks on peace and a post-war government , '' the Russian diplomat emphasized .
The US and the Taliban signed a peace agreement in Qatar ’ s capital of Doha on February 29 .
According to the deal , the US and coalition forces will withdraw from Afghanistan within 14 months .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Afghan soil will not be used to plot or carry out attacks against the United States and its allies .
Intra-Afghan talks on a comprehensive ceasefire are set to begin on March 10 .
Up to 5,000 Taliban prisoners and up to 1,000 Afghan government captives are expected to be released ahead of the talks .

MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. Moscow expects that a peace agreement between the United States and the Taliban movement (outlawed in Russia) will be fully implemented, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Friday.
"We do hope that the agreement signed by the US and the Taliban movement will be fully implemented," the diplomat pointed out, adding that the agreement had not led to immediate positive changes in Afghanistan.
Zakharova stated that establishing sustainable peace should be a top priority for all of the country’s political and social forces.
"We also expect that all obstacles hindering the implementation of the agreement will be removed in the near future. It particularly concerns the release of 5,000 Taliban members and 1,000 government troops ahead of the launch of intra-Afghan talks on peace and a post-war government," the Russian diplomat emphasized.
The US and the Taliban signed a peace agreement in Qatar’s capital of Doha on February 29. According to the deal, the US and coalition forces will withdraw from Afghanistan within 14 months. The Taliban, in turn, guarantee that Afghan soil will not be used to plot or carry out attacks against the United States and its allies.
Intra-Afghan talks on a comprehensive ceasefire are set to begin on March 10. Up to 5,000 Taliban prisoners and up to 1,000 Afghan government captives are expected to be released ahead of the talks.


tass--2020-03-06--First case of novel coronavirus documented in the Vatican

The discovery was made on March 5 , Bruni stated , adding that outpatient services in Vatican clinics have been suspended to sanitize the facilities .
The Vatican has already informed the Italian health authorities about the documented case of the virus , the spokesman noted .
VATICAN CITY , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
The first case of novel coronavirus has been documented in the Vatican , Holy See Spokesman Matteo Bruni informed on Friday .
Vatican officials do not disclose the identity of the patient .
Every day , up to 2,000 people come to the small sovereign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people permanently reside in the Vatican , including Pope Francis and former Pope Benedict XVI , who abdicated in 2013 .
Since the start of the outbreak , 3,858 coronavirus cases have been documented in Italy , with 148 people succumbing to the disease .
Earlier , the 83-year old Pope Francis cancelled several events due to him feeling `` slightly unwell , '' the Vatican informed .
These reports caused media speculation in the light of the novel coronavirus outbreak in Italy .
The MCM News portal claimed that several people from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have contracted coronavirus , which led to quarantine measures being introduced in the Vatican .
The Vatican press service dismissed these reports as false .
So far , no special measures have been introduced in the Vatican to combat the spread of the coronavirus .
Visitors were recommended to maintain a distance of at least one meter between one another in the St. Peter 's Square .
Entry to the Vatican Museums remains open .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city of Wuhan , central China .
According to Chinese authorities , about 80,500 people have been infected with the virus in the country .
The death toll has exceeded 3,000 , while about 53,500 patients have recovered .
WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19 .
Cases of coronavirus have been reported in over 80 countries , including Russia .
The largest outbreaks of COVID-19 outside of China have been detected in South Korea , Iran and Italy .
According to WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 outside of China is nearing 15,000 , with 267 people dead .

The discovery was made on March 5, Bruni stated, adding that outpatient services in Vatican clinics have been suspended to sanitize the facilities. The Vatican has already informed the Italian health authorities about the documented case of the virus, the spokesman noted.
VATICAN CITY, March 6. /TASS/. The first case of novel coronavirus has been documented in the Vatican, Holy See Spokesman Matteo Bruni informed on Friday.
Vatican officials do not disclose the identity of the patient. Every day, up to 2,000 people come to the small sovereign state surrounded by Rome. About 500 people permanently reside in the Vatican, including Pope Francis and former Pope Benedict XVI, who abdicated in 2013.
Since the start of the outbreak, 3,858 coronavirus cases have been documented in Italy, with 148 people succumbing to the disease.
Earlier, the 83-year old Pope Francis cancelled several events due to him feeling "slightly unwell," the Vatican informed. These reports caused media speculation in the light of the novel coronavirus outbreak in Italy. The MCM News portal claimed that several people from the Pope’s inner circle might have contracted coronavirus, which led to quarantine measures being introduced in the Vatican. The Vatican press service dismissed these reports as false.
So far, no special measures have been introduced in the Vatican to combat the spread of the coronavirus. Visitors were recommended to maintain a distance of at least one meter between one another in the St. Peter's Square. Entry to the Vatican Museums remains open.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. According to Chinese authorities, about 80,500 people have been infected with the virus in the country. The death toll has exceeded 3,000, while about 53,500 patients have recovered. WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19. Cases of coronavirus have been reported in over 80 countries, including Russia. The largest outbreaks of COVID-19 outside of China have been detected in South Korea, Iran and Italy.
According to WHO, the number of people infected with COVID-19 outside of China is nearing 15,000, with 267 people dead.


tass--2020-03-06--First coronavirus infection case registered in Serbia

`` I inform you that we have the first coronavirus case , '' the minister said , adding that the patient is a 43-year old man , and that his condition is stable .
BELGRADE , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
The first case of COVID-19 coronavirus infection has been registered in Serbia , Health Minister Zlatibor Loncar announced at the press conference Friday .
The patient , who lives in Subotica in northern Serbia , has been infected during his stay in Hungary ’ s Budapest .
He has been isolated in Subotica hospital , and everyone he contacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earlier , two coronavirus cases have been reported in Banja Luka , the capital of Republica Srpska , a part of Bosnia and Herzegovina .
Before that , a number of Balkan states , including North Macedonia , Croatia and Slovenia , have also reported coronavirus cases .
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan .
Cases of novel coronavirus were confirmed in more than 70 other countries , including in Russia .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Outside of China , most cases of the new coronavirus were reported in South Korea and Italy .
In China , the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus exceeded 80,500 , while the death toll surpassed 3,000 , and over 53,500 people recovered and left hospitals .
Outside of China , 267 people died from the new coronavirus , and the number of confirmed cases nears 15,000 .

"I inform you that we have the first coronavirus case," the minister said, adding that the patient is a 43-year old man, and that his condition is stable.
BELGRADE, March 6. /TASS/. The first case of COVID-19 coronavirus infection has been registered in Serbia, Health Minister Zlatibor Loncar announced at the press conference Friday.
The patient, who lives in Subotica in northern Serbia, has been infected during his stay in Hungary’s Budapest. He has been isolated in Subotica hospital, and everyone he contacted undergo testing, the minister said.
Earlier, two coronavirus cases have been reported in Banja Luka, the capital of Republica Srpska, a part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Before that, a number of Balkan states, including North Macedonia, Croatia and Slovenia, have also reported coronavirus cases.
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan. Cases of novel coronavirus were confirmed in more than 70 other countries, including in Russia. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. Outside of China, most cases of the new coronavirus were reported in South Korea and Italy.
In China, the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus exceeded 80,500, while the death toll surpassed 3,000, and over 53,500 people recovered and left hospitals. Outside of China, 267 people died from the new coronavirus, and the number of confirmed cases nears 15,000.


tass--2020-03-06--Russian diplomat blasts Bolivia’s allegations of Moscow’s involvement in illegal processes

The diplomat pointed to the complicated situation in Bolivia ahead of the May 3 presidential and parliamentary elections .
`` We can see that preparations [ for the elections — TASS ] have turned into an open — and sometimes behind-the-scenes — struggle between various political forces , which particularly concerns the registration of candidates .
Meanwhile , some media say that there was no legal reason behind events that triggered political instability in Bolivia , which followed reports about irregularities and tampering with the election held on October 20 , 2019 , '' Zakharova added .
When speaking about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We read these statements with regret because they are groundless and sometimes even false , as they refer to some Russian mafia allegedly involved in illegal processes in Bolivia . ''
`` The Bolivian interim government has failed to provide evidence of illegal actions either by the Russian authorities or any Russian nationals .
The Russian embassy has received no requests from the Bolivian authorities , and no information has been obtained through other channels , '' the Russian diplomat noted .
`` If these are deliberate attempts to set us and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would like to point out that they will fail , '' Zakharova emphasized .

The diplomat pointed to the complicated situation in Bolivia ahead of the May 3 presidential and parliamentary elections. "We can see that preparations [for the elections — TASS] have turned into an open — and sometimes behind-the-scenes — struggle between various political forces, which particularly concerns the registration of candidates. Meanwhile, some media say that there was no legal reason behind events that triggered political instability in Bolivia, which followed reports about irregularities and tampering with the election held on October 20, 2019," Zakharova added.
When speaking about allegations concerning Russia, she said: "We read these statements with regret because they are groundless and sometimes even false, as they refer to some Russian mafia allegedly involved in illegal processes in Bolivia." "The Bolivian interim government has failed to provide evidence of illegal actions either by the Russian authorities or any Russian nationals. The Russian embassy has received no requests from the Bolivian authorities, and no information has been obtained through other channels," the Russian diplomat noted.
"If these are deliberate attempts to set us and the Bolivian people against each other, I would like to point out that they will fail," Zakharova emphasized.
Political turbulence in Bolivia