tass--2020-03-09--Russia’s resources guarantee implementation of all social liabilities - finance minister

MOSCOW , March 9 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s resources make it possible to guarantee the implementation of all @ @ @ @ @ even in conditions of continuing low oil prices , Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said @ @ @ @ @ meeting chaired by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin .
`` Finance Minister Anton Siluanov noted that @ @ @ @ @ budget and the current resources make it possible for the state to guarantee observance of @ @ @ @ @ the implementation of national projects , as well as to preserve the macroeconomic and financial @ @ @ @ @ continuing low oil prices , '' the government ’ s press service said .
The @ @ @ @ @ a government meeting on measures to preserve stability of the Russian economy .
Participants in @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister Andrei Belousov , Deputy Prime Ministers Yuri Borisov and Dmitry Grigorenko , Finance @ @ @ @ @ Minister Alexander Novak , Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov , presidential aide Maxim Oreshkin @ @ @ @ @ Nabiullina .

MOSCOW, March 9. /TASS/. Russia’s resources make it possible to guarantee the implementation of all social liabilities of the state even in conditions of continuing low oil prices, Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said on Monday at a government meeting chaired by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
"Finance Minister Anton Siluanov noted that the stable administration of the budget and the current resources make it possible for the state to guarantee observance of all social liabilities, including the implementation of national projects, as well as to preserve the macroeconomic and financial stability even in conditions of continuing low oil prices," the government’s press service said.
The prime minister on Monday held a government meeting on measures to preserve stability of the Russian economy. Participants in the meeting included First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov, Deputy Prime Ministers Yuri Borisov and Dmitry Grigorenko, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Energy Minister Alexander Novak, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, presidential aide Maxim Oreshkin, Central Bank governor Elvira Nabiullina.


tass--2020-03-09--Russian, Kyrgyz prime ministers discuss situation on currency, oil markets

BISHKEK , March 9 .
/TASS/ .
The situation on the currency and oil markets was in focus of telephone @ @ @ @ @ Prime Ministers , Mikhail Mishustin and Mukhammedkaly Abylgaziyev , the press service of the Kyrgyz @ @ @ @ @ `` Kyrgyzstan ’ s prime minister had a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart .
@ @ @ @ @ on the situation on the currency and oil markets , discussed joint efforts to minimize @ @ @ @ @ global economic situation , '' the press service said .
Apart from that , the @ @ @ @ @ the topic of the `` Kyrgyz-Russian relations and the implementation of joint projects in various @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Special attention was focused on issues of cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union @ @ @ @ @ Year of Kyrgyzstan and Russia , '' it added .
According to the press service @ @ @ @ @ expressed commitment to continue mutually beneficial cooperation on the entire spectrum of the Kyrgyz-Russian relations @ @ @ @ @ states .
`` .

BISHKEK, March 9. /TASS/. The situation on the currency and oil markets was in focus of telephone talks between Russian and Kyrgyz Prime Ministers, Mikhail Mishustin and Mukhammedkaly Abylgaziyev, the press service of the Kyrgyz government said on Monday.
"Kyrgyzstan’s prime minister had a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart. Abylgaziyev and Mishustin exchanged views on the situation on the currency and oil markets, discussed joint efforts to minimize the impacts of the current global economic situation," the press service said.
Apart from that, the two prime ministers touched upon the topic of the "Kyrgyz-Russian relations and the implementation of joint projects in various spheres," it noted.
"Special attention was focused on issues of cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union and plans for the Cross Year of Kyrgyzstan and Russia," it added.
According to the press service, Abylgaziyev and Mishustin "expressed commitment to continue mutually beneficial cooperation on the entire spectrum of the Kyrgyz-Russian relations in the interests of both states.".


tass--2020-03-09--Novel coronavirus cases confirmed in 100 nations worldwide

MOSCOW , March 9 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
The number of countries reporting confirmed novel coronavirus cases has reached 100 , as follows from the latest update complied by TASS .
The last country to confirm a coronavirus case was Brunei .
Xinhua said earlier in the day citing that country ’ health ministry that a 53-year-old local resident had tested positive for the coronavirus after returning from Malaysia .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in late December 2019 .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency , characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple foci .
The most serious coronavirus situation is reported in South Korea , Iran and Italy .
According to the latest update , the number of confirmed cases of the disease in China has exceeded 80,700 , with more than 3,100 people killed by this coronavirus .
More than 58,600 have recovered .
The number of coronavirus patients outside China exceeds 100,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, March 9. /TASS/. /TASS/. The number of countries reporting confirmed novel coronavirus cases has reached 100, as follows from the latest update complied by TASS.
The last country to confirm a coronavirus case was Brunei. Xinhua said earlier in the day citing that country’ health ministry that a 53-year-old local resident had tested positive for the coronavirus after returning from Malaysia.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple foci.
The most serious coronavirus situation is reported in South Korea, Iran and Italy.
According to the latest update, the number of confirmed cases of the disease in China has exceeded 80,700, with more than 3,100 people killed by this coronavirus. More than 58,600 have recovered. The number of coronavirus patients outside China exceeds 100,000. Slightly more than 3,800 have died.


tass--2020-03-09--Russian, Iranian diplomats discuss situation in Syria

MOSCOW , March 9 .
/TASS/ .
The situation in Syria and settlements efforts in the Astana format , involving Russia , Iran and Turkey , were in focus of Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin ’ s meeting with Iranian Ambassador to Russian Kazem Jalali , the Russian foreign ministry said on Monday .
`` The sides exchanged views on the situation in Syria .
The ambassador was informed about the results of the Russian-Turkish top-level talks in Moscow on March 5 , '' the ministry said .
The sides stressed the importance of `` further close cooperation between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Astana format in the interests of ensuring lasting settlement in Syria , '' it said , adding that the meeting was initiated by the Iranina side .
Russian and Turkish Presidents , Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan , held talks in Moscow on Thursday to agree a ceasefire and a number of other measures to settle the situation in Syria ’ s Idlib governorate .
Under the agreements , hostilities are to be stopped along the entire contact line along with the enforcement of a ceasefire on March 6 .
Russia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ M4 highway from March 15 to ensure a security corridor .
Moscow and Ankara reiterated commitment to Syria ’ s sovereignty and agreed to continue fight against terrorism .

MOSCOW, March 9. /TASS/. The situation in Syria and settlements efforts in the Astana format, involving Russia, Iran and Turkey, were in focus of Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin’s meeting with Iranian Ambassador to Russian Kazem Jalali, the Russian foreign ministry said on Monday.
"The sides exchanged views on the situation in Syria. The ambassador was informed about the results of the Russian-Turkish top-level talks in Moscow on March 5," the ministry said.
The sides stressed the importance of "further close cooperation between Iran, Turkey and Russia in the Astana format in the interests of ensuring lasting settlement in Syria," it said, adding that the meeting was initiated by the Iranina side.
Russian and Turkish Presidents, Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, held talks in Moscow on Thursday to agree a ceasefire and a number of other measures to settle the situation in Syria’s Idlib governorate. Under the agreements, hostilities are to be stopped along the entire contact line along with the enforcement of a ceasefire on March 6. Russia and Turkey will begin joint patrolling along the M4 highway from March 15 to ensure a security corridor. Moscow and Ankara reiterated commitment to Syria’s sovereignty and agreed to continue fight against terrorism.


tass--2020-03-09--One of four suspects on MH17 crash case denies his responsibility - attorney

SCHIPHOL /The Netherlands/ , March 9 .
/TASS/ .
Russian national Oleg Pulatov , the only one of the four suspects in case MH17 crash case whose defense attorneys are present at the trial that opened on Monday , denies his guilt , his defense attorney , Sabine then Dusschate , said on Monday .
According to the attorney .
Her client ’ s position is that he bears no responsibility for the MH17 crash and all its consequences .
That is why he decided to defend himself .
His defense attorneys have conducted their own investigation based on thorough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Investigation Team and its work .
The defense puts the focus on the fact that the Ukrainian side had not closed its airspace over the conflict zone in Donbass .
This matter was raised by the Dutch parliament but the Ministry of Justice and Security claimed that this fact had never been part of the criminal investigation .
The defense attorneys insist it had been a wrong option not to close the airspace .
The other three suspects are not represented by attorneys at the trial that is why their position is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passenger plane operated by Malaysian Airlines crashed in eastern Ukraine on July 17 , 2014 , while en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur .
A total of 298 people , citizens of 10 countries , were killed in the crash .
The parties to the armed conflict in Donbass traded blame over the tragedy .
Despite active combat actions , Kiev did not close airspace over Donbass for international passenger flights .
The Joint Investigation Team ( JIT ) was set up to investigate the tragedy , consisting of representatives from Australia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Ukraine .
In June 2019 , the JIT said it had identified four individuals suspected of being involved in the MH17 crash .
They are three Russian nationals Igor Girkin , also known under the nickname of Strelkov , Sergei Dubinsky , Oleg Pulatov and a Ukrainian national , Leonid Kharchenko .
The trial began in the Netherlands on March 9 .
A team of two Dutch and one Russian attorneys represents Oleg Pulatov ’ s interests .
The other three suspects are tried in absentia .
Russia ’ s authorities have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s findings , pointing to the lack of evidence and its reluctance to take into account Moscow ’ s conclusions made during the investigation .
Analysts say the trial may take up to five years or longer .
The outcomes are uncertain as of yet .
Some say they hope for independence and unbiasedness of the Dutch judicial system whereas others say the judges have no options other than bring in the verdict of guilty .
Moreover , both the defense and prosecution sides can challenge the verdict , whatever it might be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was reported on March 8 that the countries of the Joint Investigation Team ( JIT ) probing into the downing of the MH17 flight in Ukraine had extended the cooperation agreement .
It is not ruled out that charges may be brought against more individuals .

SCHIPHOL /The Netherlands/, March 9. /TASS/. Russian national Oleg Pulatov, the only one of the four suspects in case MH17 crash case whose defense attorneys are present at the trial that opened on Monday, denies his guilt, his defense attorney, Sabine then Dusschate, said on Monday.
According to the attorney. Her client’s position is that he bears no responsibility for the MH17 crash and all its consequences. That is why he decided to defend himself. His defense attorneys have conducted their own investigation based on thorough analysis of the findings of the Joint Investigation Team and its work.
The defense puts the focus on the fact that the Ukrainian side had not closed its airspace over the conflict zone in Donbass. This matter was raised by the Dutch parliament but the Ministry of Justice and Security claimed that this fact had never been part of the criminal investigation. The defense attorneys insist it had been a wrong option not to close the airspace.
The other three suspects are not represented by attorneys at the trial that is why their position is not voiced in the courtroom.
The Boeing-777 passenger plane operated by Malaysian Airlines crashed in eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014, while en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. A total of 298 people, citizens of 10 countries, were killed in the crash. The parties to the armed conflict in Donbass traded blame over the tragedy.
Despite active combat actions, Kiev did not close airspace over Donbass for international passenger flights. The Joint Investigation Team (JIT) was set up to investigate the tragedy, consisting of representatives from Australia, Belgium, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Ukraine.
In June 2019, the JIT said it had identified four individuals suspected of being involved in the MH17 crash. They are three Russian nationals Igor Girkin, also known under the nickname of Strelkov, Sergei Dubinsky, Oleg Pulatov and a Ukrainian national, Leonid Kharchenko. The trial began in the Netherlands on March 9. A team of two Dutch and one Russian attorneys represents Oleg Pulatov’s interests. The other three suspects are tried in absentia.
Russia’s authorities have repeatedly voiced doubt over the JIT’s findings, pointing to the lack of evidence and its reluctance to take into account Moscow’s conclusions made during the investigation.
Analysts say the trial may take up to five years or longer. The outcomes are uncertain as of yet. Some say they hope for independence and unbiasedness of the Dutch judicial system whereas others say the judges have no options other than bring in the verdict of guilty. Moreover, both the defense and prosecution sides can challenge the verdict, whatever it might be.
Meanwhile, the investigation continues. It was reported on March 8 that the countries of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) probing into the downing of the MH17 flight in Ukraine had extended the cooperation agreement. It is not ruled out that charges may be brought against more individuals.


tass--2020-03-09--Several rockets fired at Afghan presidential palace during inauguration ceremony - TV

TASS , March 9 .
Several rockets were fired at the presidential palace in Kabul during President Ashraf Ghani ’ @ @ @ @ @ television channel reported on Monday .
According to reports , at least three rockets were @ @ @ @ @ the palace when Ghani was delivering a speech after the presidential oath .
The head @ @ @ @ @ and asked those present to stay calm and then continued to speak .
According to @ @ @ @ @ hit a parking lot near the palace .
Several cars , including the one belonging @ @ @ @ @ were damaged .
No further details were reported .

TASS, March 9. Several rockets were fired at the presidential palace in Kabul during President Ashraf Ghani’s inauguration, the Al-Hadath television channel reported on Monday.
According to reports, at least three rockets were fire by extremist groups at the palace when Ghani was delivering a speech after the presidential oath. The head of state interrupted his speech and asked those present to stay calm and then continued to speak.
According to Al-Hadath, one of shells hit a parking lot near the palace. Several cars, including the one belonging to an Afghan vice-president, were damaged. No further details were reported.


tass--2020-03-09--IEA expects OPEC+ to extend cooperation amid rising production capacity surplus

MOSCOW , March 9 .
/TASS/ .
The rising oil surplus on the market indicates a greater role for OPEC+ @ @ @ @ @ years , which is likely to be extended , the International Energy Agency ( IEA @ @ @ @ @ Analysis and forecast to 2025 ’ report released on Monday .
Global oil production capacity @ @ @ @ @ 5.9 mln barrels per day by 2025 , which marginally outpaces growth in demand , @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Robust non-OPEC supply growth in the next few years suggests a likely role @ @ @ @ @ , '' the report said .
A sharp jump in the dollar and the euro @ @ @ @ @ oil price drop amid the news that OPEC+ countries failed to agree on an additional @ @ @ @ @ sliding demand due to the coronavirus .
OPEC proposed to deepen production cuts by another @ @ @ @ @ until the end of this year .
However , Russia and Kazakhstan opposed the proposal @

MOSCOW, March 9. /TASS/. The rising oil surplus on the market indicates a greater role for OPEC+ states' cooperation in coming years, which is likely to be extended, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in its ‘Analysis and forecast to 2025’ report released on Monday.
Global oil production capacity is set to increase by 5.9 mln barrels per day by 2025, which marginally outpaces growth in demand, IEA’s analysts suggest.
"Robust non-OPEC supply growth in the next few years suggests a likely role for continued OPEC+ market management," the report said.
A sharp jump in the dollar and the euro against the ruble followed the oil price drop amid the news that OPEC+ countries failed to agree on an additional reduction in oil production amid sliding demand due to the coronavirus. OPEC proposed to deepen production cuts by another 1.5 mln barrels per day until the end of this year. However, Russia and Kazakhstan opposed the proposal.


tass--2020-03-09--Three new coronavirus patients in Moscow in satisfactory condition

MOSCOW , March 9 .
/TASS .
The three coronavirus patients in Moscow are in satisfactory condition , undergoing treatment in hospitals , a spokesman for the city ’ s coronavirus response headquarters said on Monday .
As of today , nine coronavirus cases have been registered in Moscow , these three included .
One of the patients has already recovered and been released fromhospital .
`` All of the coronavirus patients are kept in isolated wards .
Two have mild forms of the disease .
One patient , a woman , is in condition of moderate gravity .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three new coronavirus patients in Moscow are in satisfactory condition , '' the spokesman said , adding that most of their contacts have been traced .
Medics are taking efforts to have them undergo coronavirus tests .
`` Two of the patients are a married couple .
They had not gone to work and had not contacted many people before they were hospitalized .
The third patient , a woman , made a trip to Italy in the company of her colleagues - they are under medical monitoring .
Her husband was taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are under medical supervision at a specialized center , '' the spokesman said .
Apart from that , all passengers who were onboard flights along with those infected have been notified by SMS about health risks and the necessity to stay home and call a doctor .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
The World Health Organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in China a global health emergency , characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple foci .
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from nearly 100 other countries , including Russia .
The most serious coronavirus situation is reported in South Korea , Iran and Italy .
According to the latest update , the number of confirmed cases of the disease in China has exceeded 80,700 , with more than 3,100 people killed by this coronavirus .
More than 58,600 have recovered .
The number of coronavirus patients outside China exceeds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died .

MOSCOW, March 9. /TASS. The three coronavirus patients in Moscow are in satisfactory condition, undergoing treatment in hospitals, a spokesman for the city’s coronavirus response headquarters said on Monday.
As of today, nine coronavirus cases have been registered in Moscow, these three included. One of the patients has already recovered and been released fromhospital.
"All of the coronavirus patients are kept in isolated wards. Two have mild forms of the disease. One patient, a woman, is in condition of moderate gravity. She is receiving all necessary treatment. The three new coronavirus patients in Moscow are in satisfactory condition," the spokesman said, adding that most of their contacts have been traced. Medics are taking efforts to have them undergo coronavirus tests.
"Two of the patients are a married couple. They had not gone to work and had not contacted many people before they were hospitalized. The third patient, a woman, made a trip to Italy in the company of her colleagues - they are under medical monitoring. Her husband was taken to hospital as well. Their children are under medical supervision at a specialized center," the spokesman said.
Apart from that, all passengers who were onboard flights along with those infected have been notified by SMS about health risks and the necessity to stay home and call a doctor.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple foci.
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from nearly 100 other countries, including Russia. The most serious coronavirus situation is reported in South Korea, Iran and Italy.
According to the latest update, the number of confirmed cases of the disease in China has exceeded 80,700, with more than 3,100 people killed by this coronavirus. More than 58,600 have recovered. The number of coronavirus patients outside China exceeds 100,000. Slightly more than 3,800 have died.


tass--2020-03-09--Russian oil producers prepared for oil price drop, expect output growth, says source

MOSCOW , March 9 .
/TASS/ .
Russian oil producers were prepared for a breach in relations with OPEC and expected a price decline to $ 32 per barrel and below , a high-ranking source in the sector , who participated in drafting Russia ’ s position on the talks with OPEC , told TASS , adding that such a possibility provides the country `` with opportunities that should be correctly estimated . ''
`` Yes , calculated .
It is normal practice to consider scenarios , '' he said when asked whether the Russian side had calculated the possibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 32 per barrel and below .
Companies may start boosting output earlier than April , the source added .
`` Possibly earlier , '' he said .
The current situation provides the country with `` opportunities that should be correctly estimated , '' the source said .
`` It is necessary to rely on most efficient projects , '' he added .
Another top-ranked official confirmed to TASS that such an outcome of talks with OPEC was considered .
A sharp jump in the dollar and the euro against the ruble follows the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OPEC+ countries failed to agree on an additional reduction in oil production amid sliding demand due to the coronavirus .
OPEC proposed to deepen production cuts by another 1.5 mln barrels per day until the end of this year .
However , Russia and Kazakhstan opposed the proposal .

MOSCOW, March 9. /TASS/. Russian oil producers were prepared for a breach in relations with OPEC and expected a price decline to $32 per barrel and below, a high-ranking source in the sector, who participated in drafting Russia’s position on the talks with OPEC, told TASS, adding that such a possibility provides the country "with opportunities that should be correctly estimated."
"Yes, calculated. It is normal practice to consider scenarios," he said when asked whether the Russian side had calculated the possibility of an oil price drop to $32 per barrel and below. Companies may start boosting output earlier than April, the source added. "Possibly earlier," he said.
The current situation provides the country with "opportunities that should be correctly estimated," the source said. "It is necessary to rely on most efficient projects," he added. Another top-ranked official confirmed to TASS that such an outcome of talks with OPEC was considered.
A sharp jump in the dollar and the euro against the ruble follows the oil price drop amid the news that OPEC+ countries failed to agree on an additional reduction in oil production amid sliding demand due to the coronavirus. OPEC proposed to deepen production cuts by another 1.5 mln barrels per day until the end of this year. However, Russia and Kazakhstan opposed the proposal.


tass--2020-03-09--36 contacts of coronavirus patient in Moscow region traced

MOSCOW , March 9 .
/TASS/ .
The Moscow region ’ s authorities have traced 36 contacts of a woman with confirmed coronavirus disease .
All of them have tested negative for the novel coronavirus but nevertheless are under medical monitoring , the press service of the Moscow region ’ s health ministry said on Monday .
According to the press service , the woman , who returned from Switzerland ’ s Zurich , and her family are staying in isolated wards of a Moscow region hospital .
The woman has a mild form of the disease .
`` Her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traced .
Thirty-six people underwent coronavirus tests .
All have tested negative but were placed under quarantine , '' the press service said .
According to earlier reports , the woman returned from Zurich on February 25 .
Although showing no symptoms , she opted to undergo coronavirus tests to confirm her having the disease .
She and her family members were placed in isolated wards at a regional hospital .
They are in satisfactory condition , with no visible symptoms .
According to the latest update , two more coronavirus cases have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kaliningrad and Belgorod regions , in the past day .
The third case was reported from the Moscow region .
On Monday , Russia ’ s consumer rights watchdog reported three more coronavirus cases , all in Moscow .
There patients visited Italy in the past two weeks .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
The World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency , characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple foci .
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from nearly 100 other countries , including Russia .
The most serious coronavirus situation is reported in South Korea , Iran and Italy .
According to the latest update , the number of confirmed cases of the disease in China has exceeded 80,700 , with more than 3,100 people killed by this coronavirus .
More than 58,600 have recovered .
The number of coronavirus patients outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3,800 have died .

MOSCOW, March 9. /TASS/. The Moscow region’s authorities have traced 36 contacts of a woman with confirmed coronavirus disease. All of them have tested negative for the novel coronavirus but nevertheless are under medical monitoring, the press service of the Moscow region’s health ministry said on Monday.
According to the press service, the woman, who returned from Switzerland’s Zurich, and her family are staying in isolated wards of a Moscow region hospital. The woman has a mild form of the disease.
"Her contacts in the Moscow region have been traced. Thirty-six people underwent coronavirus tests. All have tested negative but were placed under quarantine," the press service said.
According to earlier reports, the woman returned from Zurich on February 25. Although showing no symptoms, she opted to undergo coronavirus tests to confirm her having the disease. She and her family members were placed in isolated wards at a regional hospital. They are in satisfactory condition, with no visible symptoms.
According to the latest update, two more coronavirus cases have been reported in Russia, in the Kaliningrad and Belgorod regions, in the past day. The third case was reported from the Moscow region. On Monday, Russia’s consumer rights watchdog reported three more coronavirus cases, all in Moscow. There patients visited Italy in the past two weeks.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple foci.
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from nearly 100 other countries, including Russia. The most serious coronavirus situation is reported in South Korea, Iran and Italy.
According to the latest update, the number of confirmed cases of the disease in China has exceeded 80,700, with more than 3,100 people killed by this coronavirus. More than 58,600 have recovered. The number of coronavirus patients outside China exceeds 100,000. Slightly more than 3,800 have died.


tass--2020-03-09--Russian ruble up to 73.69 against US dollar, and up to 84.24 to euro on Forex

MOSCOW , March 9 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian ruble has slightly strengthened against the US dollar on the international Forex exchange as of 6:00 pm Moscow time to stand at 73.69 rubles per dollar , according to the trading data .
The drop in the ruble exchange rate against the previous closing rate was 7.6 % The rubles exchange rate against the euro dropped by nine percent , to 84.24 rubles .
Meanwhile , the price of futures contracts of Brent crude oil for May 2020 delivery fell by 19.5 % on the previous closure on London 's ICE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The lowest level reached by the oil price was $ 31.02 per barrel ( down 31.5 % ) .
The price of futures contracts of WTI crude oil is $ 33.76 per barrel ( down by 18.22 % ) , with the lowest level reaching $ 27.34 per barrel ( down by 33.8 % ) .
The oil price is falling amid the reports that OPEC+ countries failed to agree on an additional reduction in oil production in conditions of sliding demand due to the coronavirus .
OPEC proposed to deepen production cuts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until the end of this year .
However , Russia and Kazakhstan opposed the idea .

MOSCOW, March 9. /TASS/. The Russian ruble has slightly strengthened against the US dollar on the international Forex exchange as of 6:00 pm Moscow time to stand at 73.69 rubles per dollar, according to the trading data.
The drop in the ruble exchange rate against the previous closing rate was 7.6% The rubles exchange rate against the euro dropped by nine percent, to 84.24 rubles.
Meanwhile, the price of futures contracts of Brent crude oil for May 2020 delivery fell by 19.5% on the previous closure on London's ICE, to $36.44 per barrel. The lowest level reached by the oil price was $31.02 per barrel (down 31.5%).
The price of futures contracts of WTI crude oil is $33.76 per barrel (down by 18.22%), with the lowest level reaching $27.34 per barrel (down by 33.8%).
The oil price is falling amid the reports that OPEC+ countries failed to agree on an additional reduction in oil production in conditions of sliding demand due to the coronavirus. OPEC proposed to deepen production cuts by another 1.5 mln barrels per day until the end of this year. However, Russia and Kazakhstan opposed the idea.


tass--2020-03-09--Saudi Arabia denies plans to wage price war with Russia on oil market

MOSCOW , March 9 .
/TASS/ .
Saudi Arabia has not launched a price war against Russia and considers Moscow an important partner on the oil market , a source in OPEC familiar with the plans of the Saudi authorities told TASS .
`` That is not true .
Saudi Arabia does not plan any price wars against Russia .
On the contrary , Russia is still a very important partner for Riyadh and a most important player on the energy market , '' a high-ranking source said , adding that the OPEC+ mechanism is alive and can work .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing restricts Saudi Aramco ’ s April plans .
`` All participants of the agreement , particularly its biggest participants , are responsible for current developments on the oil market , '' the source noted .
Meanwhile , Bloomberg reported , citing a person close to Russia ’ s top oil producer Rosneft that the company is ready to boost output as soon as April 1 when the current OPEC+ deal ends .
It can increase output by 300,000 barrels a day within a week or two , the agency said .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ euro against the ruble follows the oil price drop amid the news that OPEC+ countries failed to agree on an additional reduction in oil production amid sliding demand due to the coronavirus .
OPEC proposed to deepen production cuts by another 1.5 mln barrels per day until the end of this year .
However , Russia and Kazakhstan opposed the proposal .

MOSCOW, March 9. /TASS/. Saudi Arabia has not launched a price war against Russia and considers Moscow an important partner on the oil market, a source in OPEC familiar with the plans of the Saudi authorities told TASS.
"That is not true. Saudi Arabia does not plan any price wars against Russia. On the contrary, Russia is still a very important partner for Riyadh and a most important player on the energy market," a high-ranking source said, adding that the OPEC+ mechanism is alive and can work.
He confirmed though that without OPEC+ decision nothing restricts Saudi Aramco’s April plans. "All participants of the agreement, particularly its biggest participants, are responsible for current developments on the oil market," the source noted.
Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported, citing a person close to Russia’s top oil producer Rosneft that the company is ready to boost output as soon as April 1 when the current OPEC+ deal ends. It can increase output by 300,000 barrels a day within a week or two, the agency said.
A sharp jump in the dollar and the euro against the ruble follows the oil price drop amid the news that OPEC+ countries failed to agree on an additional reduction in oil production amid sliding demand due to the coronavirus. OPEC proposed to deepen production cuts by another 1.5 mln barrels per day until the end of this year. However, Russia and Kazakhstan opposed the proposal.


tass--2020-03-09--Rosneft to start boosting crude output in April, says Bloomberg

MOSCOW , March 9 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s top oil producer Rosneft is ready to increase oil production @ @ @ @ @ Monday , citing a person close to the company .
Rosneft could start boosting output @ @ @ @ @ ( when the current OPEC+ deal ends ) , the agency said , adding that @ @ @ @ @ by 300,000 barrels a day within a week or two .
The oil major has @ @ @ @ @ Bloomberg said .
TASS has not yet obtained a commentary from Rosneft .
A sharp @ @ @ @ @ the euro against the ruble follows the oil price drop amid the news that OPEC+ @ @ @ @ @ an additional reduction in oil production amid sliding demand due to the coronavirus .
OPEC @ @ @ @ @ by another 1.5 mln barrels per day until the end of this year .
However @ @ @ @ @ the proposal .

MOSCOW, March 9. /TASS/. Russia’s top oil producer Rosneft is ready to increase oil production starting April, Bloomberg reported Monday, citing a person close to the company.
Rosneft could start boosting output as soon as April 1 (when the current OPEC+ deal ends), the agency said, adding that the company could increase output by 300,000 barrels a day within a week or two.
The oil major has prepared for any scenario, Bloomberg said.
TASS has not yet obtained a commentary from Rosneft.
A sharp jump in the dollar and the euro against the ruble follows the oil price drop amid the news that OPEC+ countries failed to agree on an additional reduction in oil production amid sliding demand due to the coronavirus. OPEC proposed to deepen production cuts by another 1.5 mln barrels per day until the end of this year. However, Russia and Kazakhstan opposed the proposal.


tass--2020-03-09--Number of coronavirus cases in Russia up to 20 in 24 hours, says emergency response center

MOSCOW , March 9 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases registered in Russia has risen from 17 to 20 over the past 24 hours , Russia ’ s emergency response center reported on Monday , adding that the three infected persons are currently staying in Moscow , all visited Italy over the past two weeks .
`` Over the past 24 hours , in Russia three cases of Russian citizens infected with the coronavirus have been registered in the city of Moscow , '' the emergency response center said , adding that all of them had visited Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those hospitalized stay under medical observation , it noted .
`` In Russia , 20 coronavirus cases have been registered as of today , with two being the citizens of the People ’ s Republic of China , 17 Russian citizens that have returned from Italy , and one Italian , '' the report said .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization ( WHO ) declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern , characterizing it as an epidemic with `` multiple foci . ''
Outside China , major coronavirus outbreaks have been reported in South Korea , Italy , and Iran .
The cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed in almost 100 countries , including Russia .
In China , the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak , more than 3,100 people have died , over 80,700 have been infected and another 58,600 have recovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worldwide has surpassed 100,000 , with the death tall slightly exceeding 3,800 people , according to the figures provided by the World Health Organization ( WHO ) .

MOSCOW, March 9. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases registered in Russia has risen from 17 to 20 over the past 24 hours, Russia’s emergency response center reported on Monday, adding that the three infected persons are currently staying in Moscow, all visited Italy over the past two weeks.
"Over the past 24 hours, in Russia three cases of Russian citizens infected with the coronavirus have been registered in the city of Moscow," the emergency response center said, adding that all of them had visited Italy over the past two weeks. All those hospitalized stay under medical observation, it noted.
"In Russia, 20 coronavirus cases have been registered as of today, with two being the citizens of the People’s Republic of China, 17 Russian citizens that have returned from Italy, and one Italian," the report said.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, characterizing it as an epidemic with "multiple foci." Outside China, major coronavirus outbreaks have been reported in South Korea, Italy, and Iran. The cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed in almost 100 countries, including Russia. In China, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak, more than 3,100 people have died, over 80,700 have been infected and another 58,600 have recovered. The number of novel coronavirus cases worldwide has surpassed 100,000, with the death tall slightly exceeding 3,800 people, according to the figures provided by the World Health Organization (WHO).


tass--2020-03-09--Brent crude oil price partially bounces back to over $37 per barrel

MOSCOW , March 9 .
/TASS/ .
The price of futures contracts of Brent crude oil for May 2020 delivery @ @ @ @ @ $ 37.03 per barrel ( down 18.2 % ) on London 's ICE on Monday @ @ @ @ @ data as of 1:00 pm Moscow time .
The lowest level reached by the oil @ @ @ @ @ a 31.5 % decrease since the previous closure .
Meanwhile , the price of futures @ @ @ @ @ is $ 33.5 per barrel ( down 22.5 % ) after bouncing back 22.7 % @ @ @ @ @ Monday ’ s trade .
The dollar exchange rate gained 8 % on the international @ @ @ @ @ , while the euro exchange rate added 9 % to over 84.22 rubles .
The @ @ @ @ @ the news that OPEC+ countries failed to agree on an additional reduction in oil production @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus .
OPEC proposed to deepen production cuts by another 1.5 mln barrels per @ @ @ @ @ this year .
However , Russia and Kazakhstan opposed the proposal .

MOSCOW, March 9. /TASS/. The price of futures contracts of Brent crude oil for May 2020 delivery has partially bounced back to $37.03 per barrel (down 18.2%) on London's ICE on Monday, according to the trading data as of 1:00 pm Moscow time. The lowest level reached by the oil price was $31.02, a 31.5% decrease since the previous closure.
Meanwhile, the price of futures contracts of WTI crude oil is $33.5 per barrel (down 22.5%) after bouncing back 22.7% of the lowest price of Monday’s trade.
The dollar exchange rate gained 8% on the international Forex market to 73.98 rubles, while the euro exchange rate added 9% to over 84.22 rubles.
The oil price is falling amid the news that OPEC+ countries failed to agree on an additional reduction in oil production amid sliding demand due to the coronavirus. OPEC proposed to deepen production cuts by another 1.5 mln barrels per day until the end of this year. However, Russia and Kazakhstan opposed the proposal.


tass--2020-03-10--Turkish top diplomat provides details of joint patrol mission with Russia in Idlib

ANKARA , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has held a meeting with the Anadolu news agency ’ s editors , providing them with information concerning the joint Turkish-Russian patrol mission in Syria ’ s Idlib province .
`` We would like a ceasefire to be declared in Syria and we continue efforts to ensure a permanent ceasefire .
We will patrol areas north of the M4 highway and the Russians will carry out a patrol mission south of it .
A Russian delegation has arrived in Ankara to discuss what needs to be done to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Cavusoglu pointed out .
On Tuesday , Russia and Turkey are expected to begin consultations on the joint patrol mission set to kick off on March 15 .
Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey agreed at their Moscow talks on March 5 y 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Besides , Moscow and Ankara reaffirmed their commitment to preserving Syria ’ s sovereignty and agreed to continue a determined fight against terrorism .

ANKARA, March 10. /TASS/. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has held a meeting with the Anadolu news agency’s editors, providing them with information concerning the joint Turkish-Russian patrol mission in Syria’s Idlib province.
"We would like a ceasefire to be declared in Syria and we continue efforts to ensure a permanent ceasefire. We will patrol areas north of the M4 highway and the Russians will carry out a patrol mission south of it. A Russian delegation has arrived in Ankara to discuss what needs to be done to safely open the M4 highway for traffic," Cavusoglu pointed out.
On Tuesday, Russia and Turkey are expected to begin consultations on the joint patrol mission set to kick off on March 15.
Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey agreed at their Moscow talks on March 5 y 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--2020-03-10--Coronavirus spread did not affect Putin’s travel schedule — spokesman

MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
The coronavirus spread did not affect Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s travel @ @ @ @ @ not be ruled out that timetable of major foreign forums could be adjusted , Kremlin @ @ @ @ @ .
`` There are no corrections [ in Putin ’ s travel schedule ] yet @ @ @ @ @ regions , it ’ s [ his ] usual working schedule , '' the spokesman @ @ @ @ @ not rule out that timetable of some major international events will be corrected , but @ @ @ @ @ has no special limitations in his schedule . ''
When asked whether the coronavirus affected @ @ @ @ @ European leaders , Peskov noted that `` in nearest perspective '' Putin has no contacts @ @ @ @

When asked whether the coronavirus affected Putin’s meetings with European leaders, Peskov noted that "in nearest perspective" Putin has no contacts planned in Europe.
"There are no corrections [in Putin’s travel schedule] yet, he tours the Russian regions, it’s [his] usual working schedule," the spokesman said. "We cannot rule out that timetable of some major international events will be corrected, but the [Russian] President has no special limitations in his schedule."
MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. The coronavirus spread did not affect Russian President Vladimir Putin’s travel schedule, although it cannot be ruled out that timetable of major foreign forums could be adjusted, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.
Peskov also underscored that summits of Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, scheduled for July 21-23 in St. Petersburg, had not been postponed.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center, in late December 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations. Besides China, major coronavirus outbreaks have been reported in South Korea, Iran and Italy. More than 110 countries and territories, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases.
Over 3,130 people have died in China, which accounts for the majority of novel coronavirus cases, more than 60,110 patients have recovered, while the total number of infected people stands at 80,760.
According to the World Health Organization, over 110,000 have been infected globally; slightly more than 4,030 patients have died.
Coronavirus situation in Russia
The Kremlin appreciates the steps that the national coronavirus-response center is taking to prevent the spread of the infection, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
"The government has set up a response center. The global situation does leave much to be desired, to put it mildly," he commented.
"Compared with other European countries, our situation is better thanks to the measures and steps that are being taken," Peskov added. He pointed out, though, that "it is not a reason for complacency." The Kremlin spokesman reiterated that Russia was taking "the most energetic steps to combat the virus."


tass--2020-03-10--Putin to shortly have his say on early election to the State Duma

MOSCOW , March 10./TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin will shortly give his view on the suggestion to have an @ @ @ @ @ Duma lower house of parliament , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ heard in the State Duma [ about an early election to the lower house ] @ @ @ @ @ president will shortly state what he thinks about these initiatives , '' he told the @ @ @ @ @ to comment on the idea .
When asked whether the issue of an early election @ @ @ @ @ been brought up at a meeting with the leaders of Duma factions last week , @ @ @ @ @ `` witnessed the meeting '' .
`` Practically all of it was in an open @ @ @ @ @ pay attention that this topic was not discussed there , '' he pointed out .

MOSCOW, March 10./TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin will shortly give his view on the suggestion to have an early election to the State Duma lower house of parliament, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.
"Initiatives that can currently be heard in the State Duma [about an early election to the lower house] will be considered and the president will shortly state what he thinks about these initiatives," he told the journalists. Peskov himself refused to comment on the idea.
When asked whether the issue of an early election to the State Duma had been brought up at a meeting with the leaders of Duma factions last week, Peskov said that the journalists "witnessed the meeting". "Practically all of it was in an open mode, and you could pay attention that this topic was not discussed there," he pointed out.


tass--2020-03-10--Russian-made coronavirus test systems shipped to 10 nations

MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russian-made coronavirus test systems , developed by the State Research Center of Virology @ @ @ @ @ Vector institute ) of the Federal Service for Surveillance in Consumer Rights Protection and Human @ @ @ @ @ have been shipped to ten countries already , Rospotrebnadzor press service said Tuesday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ test systems , developed by the Vector Institute , have been shipped to 10 foreign @ @ @ @ @ and beyond .
In particular , they helped to diagnose the coronavirus disease in Armenia @ @ @ @ @ message says .
Recently , Russia has also shipped these systems to Mongolia .
The @ @ @ @ @ Anna Popova met with the Mongolian delegation to discuss coronavirus prevention issues .

MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. Russian-made coronavirus test systems, developed by the State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR (the Vector institute) of the Federal Service for Surveillance in Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-being (Rospotrebnadzor), have been shipped to ten countries already, Rospotrebnadzor press service said Tuesday.
"By this point, the test systems, developed by the Vector Institute, have been shipped to 10 foreign countries, both CIS members and beyond. In particular, they helped to diagnose the coronavirus disease in Armenia and Belarus," the message says.
Recently, Russia has also shipped these systems to Mongolia. The press service says Rospotrebnadzor head Anna Popova met with the Mongolian delegation to discuss coronavirus prevention issues.


tass--2020-03-10--Russia considered different options before OPEC+ talks, Kremlin says

MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow was considering different options of developing the situation on the markets before @ @ @ @ @ , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters .
`` Now we see how the situation @ @ @ @ @ negotiations in Vienna ] , we see relative volatility in the markets , which , @ @ @ @ @ continue for some time , '' the Kremlin spokesman said .
At the same time @ @ @ @ @ A variety of options were calculated and considered in advance . ''

"Now we see how the situation is developing [after the negotiations in Vienna], we see relative volatility in the markets, which, most likely, will continue for some time," the Kremlin spokesman said.
MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. Moscow was considering different options of developing the situation on the markets before the OPEC+ negotiations in Vienna, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
At the same time, he stressed: "A variety of options were calculated and considered in advance."
Peskov recalled that on March 1, President Vladimir Putin held a special meeting before the OPEC+ ministerial meeting in Vienna.
"That meeting was held behind closed doors," after the head of state’s speech "there was a closed discussion," the Kremlin official said.
"Indeed, amid the situation on international oil market and in anticipation of the discussion of this issue in Vienna, various scenarios were considered, indeed, different scenarios and different positions were voiced among representatives of the oil sector and among the relevant heads of departments," Peskov noted.
The Kremlin representative did not answer the question about the role of the head of state-run oil company Rosneft Igor Sechin in shaping the position of Russia for the meeting in Vienna. "Different participants in the meetings over the years voiced different positions, this is absolutely normal, absolutely normal process," he said.
Situation on the markets
On March 9, the ruble fell sharply against the US and European currencies amid a severe collapse in oil prices after the failure of negotiations on reduction of oil production in Vienna.
The dollar-to-ruble rate on the international Forex market exceeded 75 rubles. The euro-to-ruble rate rose above 85 rubles. Last time, both foreign currencies were at this level in 2016.
At the height of the trading on the ICE Exchange in London, the cost of futures for Brent crude oil with settlement in May 2020 fell to $31.02 per barrel. Later Brent crude price began to win back positions. The cost of the April WTI oil futures fell to $27.59 per barrel. Later WTI also recouped the losses a bit.
Oil prices fell amid the news that OPEC+ countries had failed to agree on an additional reduction in oil production following lower demand due to the outbreak of coronavirus. OPEC proposed to further reduce production by 1.5 mln barrels per day until the end of this year. However, Russia and Kazakhstan opposed this proposal.


tass--2020-03-10--Kremlin says no plans to postpone vote on constitutional amendments due to coronavirus

MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that there are no plans to put off a nationwide public vote on amendments to Russia ’ s Constitution because of the spread of coronavirus .
On January 23 , Russia ’ s State Duma ( lower house of parliament ) unanimously voted to approve the bill in the first reading on the constitutional amendments submitted by Russian President Vladimir Putin .
The document , in particular , stipulates expanding the powers of the legislature and the Constitutional Court , a ban on high-ranking officials from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limiting the number of presidential terms , placing the supremacy of Russia ’ s constitution over international agreements and strengthening the state ’ s social obligations .
The presidential bill also provides for a nationwide public vote on the law on amendments to Russia ’ s Constitution .
The second reading of the bill is taking place in the State Duma on Tuesday , while the nationwide public vote is scheduled to be held on April 22 .
Putin has stressed on numerous occasions that the amendments to Russia ’ s Constitutions would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approved by citizens .

MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that there are no plans to put off a nationwide public vote on amendments to Russia’s Constitution because of the spread of coronavirus.
On January 23, Russia’s State Duma (lower house of parliament) unanimously voted to approve the bill in the first reading on the constitutional amendments submitted by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The document, in particular, stipulates expanding the powers of the legislature and the Constitutional Court, a ban on high-ranking officials from holding residence permits in other countries, limiting the number of presidential terms, placing the supremacy of Russia’s constitution over international agreements and strengthening the state’s social obligations.
The presidential bill also provides for a nationwide public vote on the law on amendments to Russia’s Constitution. The second reading of the bill is taking place in the State Duma on Tuesday, while the nationwide public vote is scheduled to be held on April 22. Putin has stressed on numerous occasions that the amendments to Russia’s Constitutions would come into force only if they were approved by citizens.


tass--2020-03-10--Trump will not come to Russia for Victory Day celebration in May

MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow has been informed by the US via diplomatic channels that US President Donald Trump will not come to Moscow for the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists .
`` We have been informed via diplomatic channels that the [ US ] president won ’ t come , '' Peskov said , adding that Kremlin does not know yet who will represent the US during the celebration events .
The 75th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moscow on May 9 , 2020 .
The invitations to the event have been sent to Donald Trump , UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson , North Korean leader Kim Jong-un , leaders of CIS member states and Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states .
Leaders of India , Cuba , France , the Czech Republic , Venezuela , Belarus .
Armenia and Bulgaria have already confirmed their participation .
Speaking in an exclusive interview for TASS , the Russian President noted that leaders of the Allied nations should come to Moscow for the 75th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the participation of the foreign leaders would be , Putin said it `` won ’ t be important at all , '' because `` it is our celebration . ''

MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. Moscow has been informed by the US via diplomatic channels that US President Donald Trump will not come to Moscow for the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.
"We have been informed via diplomatic channels that the [US] president won’t come," Peskov said, adding that Kremlin does not know yet who will represent the US during the celebration events.
The 75th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War celebration parade will take place in Moscow on May 9, 2020. The invitations to the event have been sent to Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, leaders of CIS member states and Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states.
Leaders of India, Cuba, France, the Czech Republic, Venezuela, Belarus. Armenia and Bulgaria have already confirmed their participation.
Speaking in an exclusive interview for TASS, the Russian President noted that leaders of the Allied nations should come to Moscow for the 75th Victory Anniversary. When asked how important the participation of the foreign leaders would be, Putin said it "won’t be important at all," because "it is our celebration."


tass--2020-03-10--Oil prices recovery to take several months, says energy minister

`` As for futures recovery , I think it will take several months , '' he said .
MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Energy Ministry expects oil prices to recover after Monday ’ s crash within several months , Minister Alexander Novak said in an interview aired by the Rossiya-24 TV news channel on Tuesday .
The recovery of oil prices will depend on a number of factors , the minister said .
`` I think that first of all it is necessary to estimate the developments regarding the measures assumed by countries to prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ epidemic .
That influences the demand and consumption .
And that will largely depend on how the economy recovers as a result of neutralizing the situation in this regard , '' he explained .
Moreover , additional demand for oil and petroleum products in the period of low prices is another factor that is expected to influence the market , Novak added .
On Monday , the price of futures contracts of Brent crude oil for May 2020 delivery plunged by over 30 % on London 's ICE , with the lowest level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Tuesday , the price of Brent futures contracts has narrowed losses adding 4.7 % to $ 36.02 per barrel as of 12:20 am Moscow time , while the price of futures contracts of WTI crude oil gained 5 % to $ 32.7 per barrel .
The oil price fell amid the news that OPEC+ countries failed to agree on an additional reduction in oil production amid sliding demand due to the coronavirus in Vienna .
OPEC proposed to deepen production cuts by another 1.5 mln barrels per day until the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kazakhstan opposed the proposal .

"As for futures recovery, I think it will take several months," he said.
MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. Russia’s Energy Ministry expects oil prices to recover after Monday’s crash within several months, Minister Alexander Novak said in an interview aired by the Rossiya-24 TV news channel on Tuesday.
The recovery of oil prices will depend on a number of factors, the minister said. "I think that first of all it is necessary to estimate the developments regarding the measures assumed by countries to prevent the coronavirus spread and protect against the epidemic. That influences the demand and consumption. And that will largely depend on how the economy recovers as a result of neutralizing the situation in this regard," he explained.
Moreover, additional demand for oil and petroleum products in the period of low prices is another factor that is expected to influence the market, Novak added.
On Monday, the price of futures contracts of Brent crude oil for May 2020 delivery plunged by over 30% on London's ICE, with the lowest level reached being $31.02 per barrel. On Tuesday, the price of Brent futures contracts has narrowed losses adding 4.7% to $36.02 per barrel as of 12:20 am Moscow time, while the price of futures contracts of WTI crude oil gained 5% to $32.7 per barrel.
The oil price fell amid the news that OPEC+ countries failed to agree on an additional reduction in oil production amid sliding demand due to the coronavirus in Vienna. OPEC proposed to deepen production cuts by another 1.5 mln barrels per day until the end of this year. However, Russia and Kazakhstan opposed the proposal.


tass--2020-03-10--Press review: Oil prices collapse and Russians stockpiling food amid coronavirus fears

OPEC members and Russia failed to agree to extend their oil output cut deal , triggering a slump in oil prices .
An ideal storm has struck the oil market as prices have been declining since the beginning of the year due to the coronavirus outbreak , which has got economists talking about a looming recession , Vedomosti writes .
`` Trade wars are likely to resume on the oil market in April , '' Chief Analyst at BCS Premier Anton Pokatovich said .
Saudi Arabia plans to increase its oil output instead of reducing it and is already offering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asia and the US .
The situation is very tense , Skolkovo Energy Center expert Yekaterina Grushevenko pointed out .
According to her , global oil supply may grow by 2-3.9 bln barrels a day depending on Saudi Arabia ’ s strategy .
The country is capable of increasing oil production further , while Russia ’ s production capacities are limited , Fitch analyst Dmitry Marinchenko noted .
Both countries seek to force US shale oil producers to retreat from the market , experts emphasize .
`` It ’ s hard to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make Russia return to the OPEC+ group or kill shale oil production , '' Marinchenko said .
Russia is also facing the task of putting pressure on the US oil industry , ING analysts noted .
However , shale oil producers have a safety margin .
According to the International Energy Agency , shale oil companies may have to start reducing output when oil prices fall below $ 25 per barrel .
Besides , `` they are major US employers , so the government will hardly allow mass bankruptcies to happen , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be no winners in the price war , KPMG Global Head of Oil and Gas Anton Usov said .
`` The parties need to resume talks and try to stabilize the market , though it will be difficult in the short term , '' he noted .
Nezavisimaya Gazeta : Saudi Arabia may see new king amid oil price war Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman is thought to be planning to take the throne from his father , King Salman , ahead of time , Qatar ’ s media wrote , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another crackdown on royals following the collapse of the OPEC+ deal .
Some senior members of the royal family have been detained , who were believed to be able to compete with the crown prince , Nezavisimaya Gazeta notes .
Those detained include King Salman ’ s brother Prince Ahmed and the king ’ s nephew Prince Mohammed bin Nayef .
According to sources cited by the Middle East Eye news outlet , King Salman had tried to persuade his brother to support the transit of power but Prince Ahmed refused , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fight for the throne , there were better candidates than the incumbent crown prince .
Experts believe that the reported detentions in Saudi Arabia did not follow the OPEC+ deal ’ s collapse for no reason .
`` Given the current economic situation in Saudi Arabia , the termination of the deal may pave the way for a crisis , encouraging some members of the royal family to oppose the crown princes ’ policy , '' Professor at Moscow State University ’ s School of World Politics Grigory Kosach pointed out .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saudi Arabia that the ruling monarch remains on the throne regardless of his health , until he passes away , '' Kosach noted .
`` Although the crown prince represents a new generation in the royal family , which has little respect for the Saudi establishment ’ s traditions , I believe that he will wait for his father to pass away before entering office .
At least , he has not yet been involved in attempts to downplay his father ’ s role , in word or deed .
On the contrary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s authority in his speeches , '' the expert emphasized .
However , Kosach admits that a struggle for influence continues in Riyadh .
Izvestia : COVID-19 impacts global economy more than other 21st century epidemics The novel coronavirus has already surpassed other 21st-century epidemics as far as its impact on the global economy is concerned .
Experts at Plekhanov Russian University of Economics compared the impact of global epidemics like COVID-19 , the Ebola virus , swine and bird flu , and SARS , and came to the conclusion that past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stock indexes that much .
Experts say that it ’ s not the consequences of the disease but the measures to prevent its spread that are the reason why COVID-19 has dealt such a blow to the global economy , Izvestia noted .
`` Unlike previous epidemics , the coronavirus is starting to affect the economy because of its rapid spread outside Asia .
Its influence is growing even more because of large-scale media coverage , '' Plekhanov Russian University of Economics Professor Denis Domashchenko said .
`` The global economic slowdown is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but stock exchanges are beginning to panic , waiting for a decline in the global GDP growth rate , which will follow measures aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus , '' Head of Equities at Otkritie Asset Management Vitaly Isakov said .
When a SARS epidemic broke out back in 2003 , China ’ s share of the global GDP stood at only four percent , but now it has grown to reach 16 % and the issues that the Chinese economy is facing have far more impact on global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investment strategist at VTB My Investments .
According to him , most global companies either sell much of their products in China or have Chinese suppliers .
Investors are concerned that the coronavirus outbreak may mark the start of a recession due to a decline in economic activities and consumer confidence , the expert explained .
Chief Economist at the PF Kapital consulting company Yevgeny Nadorshin believes that if the global epidemic has already passed its peak , then global economic growth rates will slow down to an annual average of 1.5 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for at least another four months , the world may have to face a recession .
Two parallel presidential inauguration ceremonies have taken place in the Afghan capital of Kabul .
Incumbent President Ashraf Ghani was proclaimed the country ’ s new head of state at one of the ceremonies , while the other honored his main rival Abdullah Abdullah , who had refused to recognize the outcome of the September election .
The feud puts into question talks between Kabul and the Taliban movement ( outlawed in Russia ) , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insurgents , which paves the way for the withdrawal of foreign troops , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
According to the TOLOnews TV channel , Ghani and Abdullah held a meeting and tried to come to an agreement .
Ghani offered 40 % of cabinet seats to Abdullah , as well as the position of the chairman of the High Peace Council that will hold talks with the Taliban .
However , according to people from Abdullah ’ s close circle , he demanded that the election ’ s outcome be cancelled .
Arkady @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Afghanistan , points out that Ghani ’ s inauguration will provide him with the opportunity to form Kabul ’ s delegation for talks with the Taliban .
`` However , on the other hand , two inauguration ceremonies pave the way for a dual administration system .
In such a situation , Kabul will have limited opportunities to make decisions .
It is also possible that the Taliban will seek to put stronger pressure on the government .
The matter is that they don ’ t recognize Ghani because they consider him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue attacks to make sure their prisoners are released .
Ghani opposes such a step .
And people in the country ’ s north , controlled by Abdullah , may initiate the release of Taliban prisoners they hold .
This is what a dual administration system will lead to , '' the expert said .
The US-Taliban agreement stipulates that Trump will leave Afghanistan .
The parties also agreed that the Taliban will not attack Americans .
It is reminiscent of the troop withdrawal agreement that Soviet commanders made with the Mujahideen in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not rule out that the deal ’ s classified annexes outlined a safeguard mechanism that would be used if the Taliban violated their obligation to prevent Al-Qaeda ( outlawed in Russia ) and other terrorist organizations from using Afghan soil to carry out attacks on other countries .
The demand for long shelf-life products , household chemicals and personal hygiene items skyrocketed in Russia in February , Vedomosti wrote , citing spokespersons for a number of retail networks and manufacturers .
People are getting emergency supplies for the possible expansion of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mikhail Burmistrov believes that coronavirus fears are the main reason for the growing demand .
Many Russians still remember the late Soviet period , when stores often had little to offer , while others fear that the country will be hit by a crisis like the ones it has seen in the past several years , when the price of certain goods - for instance , buckwheat - could suddenly rise .
Canned goods , cereals and pasta are cheap and often sold with discounts , so many people can afford stockpiling them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to understand the reasons behind a feverish demand for food , household chemicals and personal hygiene items in online stores , the expert went on to say .
People are afraid to go outside for fear of contracting the virus .
Visiting an offline store bears the risk of getting infected .
At the same time , online trading platforms provide customers with an opportunity to avoid potentially dangerous public places .
Given the lack of information about the coronavirus and the unprecedented preemptive measures that the government has been taking , people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make themselves safe and create an impression that they have the situation under control .
This is why they are hoarding surgical masks , medicines and long shelf-life products , psychologist at the Agressia.Pro center Vladislav Volkov pointed out .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews

Vedomosti: Russia, Saudi Arabia trigger oil price collapse OPEC members and Russia failed to agree to extend their oil output cut deal, triggering a slump in oil prices. An ideal storm has struck the oil market as prices have been declining since the beginning of the year due to the coronavirus outbreak, which has got economists talking about a looming recession, Vedomosti writes. "Trade wars are likely to resume on the oil market in April," Chief Analyst at BCS Premier Anton Pokatovich said. Saudi Arabia plans to increase its oil output instead of reducing it and is already offering significant discounts to customers in Europe, Asia and the US. The situation is very tense, Skolkovo Energy Center expert Yekaterina Grushevenko pointed out. According to her, global oil supply may grow by 2-3.9 bln barrels a day depending on Saudi Arabia’s strategy. The country is capable of increasing oil production further, while Russia’s production capacities are limited, Fitch analyst Dmitry Marinchenko noted.
Read also Current oil market situation within anticipated frames - Russian energy minister
Both countries seek to force US shale oil producers to retreat from the market, experts emphasize. "It’s hard to say whether Saudi Arabia is more willing to make Russia return to the OPEC+ group or kill shale oil production," Marinchenko said. Russia is also facing the task of putting pressure on the US oil industry, ING analysts noted. However, shale oil producers have a safety margin. According to the International Energy Agency, shale oil companies may have to start reducing output when oil prices fall below $25 per barrel. Besides, "they are major US employers, so the government will hardly allow mass bankruptcies to happen," ACRA analyst Vasily Tanurkov stressed. There will be no winners in the price war, KPMG Global Head of Oil and Gas Anton Usov said. "The parties need to resume talks and try to stabilize the market, though it will be difficult in the short term," he noted. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Saudi Arabia may see new king amid oil price war Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman is thought to be planning to take the throne from his father, King Salman, ahead of time, Qatar’s media wrote, citing sources. Saudi Arabia has seen another crackdown on royals following the collapse of the OPEC+ deal. Some senior members of the royal family have been detained, who were believed to be able to compete with the crown prince, Nezavisimaya Gazeta notes. Those detained include King Salman’s brother Prince Ahmed and the king’s nephew Prince Mohammed bin Nayef. According to sources cited by the Middle East Eye news outlet, King Salman had tried to persuade his brother to support the transit of power but Prince Ahmed refused, saying that though he himself had no wish to fight for the throne, there were better candidates than the incumbent crown prince.
Read also Saudi Arabia denies plans to wage price war with Russia on oil market
Experts believe that the reported detentions in Saudi Arabia did not follow the OPEC+ deal’s collapse for no reason. "Given the current economic situation in Saudi Arabia, the termination of the deal may pave the way for a crisis, encouraging some members of the royal family to oppose the crown princes’ policy," Professor at Moscow State University’s School of World Politics Grigory Kosach pointed out. "There is a long tradition in Saudi Arabia that the ruling monarch remains on the throne regardless of his health, until he passes away," Kosach noted. "Although the crown prince represents a new generation in the royal family, which has little respect for the Saudi establishment’s traditions, I believe that he will wait for his father to pass away before entering office. At least, he has not yet been involved in attempts to downplay his father’s role, in word or deed. On the contrary, he often points to the king’s authority in his speeches," the expert emphasized. However, Kosach admits that a struggle for influence continues in Riyadh. Izvestia: COVID-19 impacts global economy more than other 21st century epidemics The novel coronavirus has already surpassed other 21st-century epidemics as far as its impact on the global economy is concerned. Experts at Plekhanov Russian University of Economics compared the impact of global epidemics like COVID-19, the Ebola virus, swine and bird flu, and SARS, and came to the conclusion that past outbreaks did not affect the economy and stock indexes that much. Experts say that it’s not the consequences of the disease but the measures to prevent its spread that are the reason why COVID-19 has dealt such a blow to the global economy, Izvestia noted. "Unlike previous epidemics, the coronavirus is starting to affect the economy because of its rapid spread outside Asia. Its influence is growing even more because of large-scale media coverage," Plekhanov Russian University of Economics Professor Denis Domashchenko said. "The global economic slowdown is not due to a stock market panic, but stock exchanges are beginning to panic, waiting for a decline in the global GDP growth rate, which will follow measures aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus," Head of Equities at Otkritie Asset Management Vitaly Isakov said.
Read also Novel coronavirus cases confirmed in 100 nations worldwide
When a SARS epidemic broke out back in 2003, China’s share of the global GDP stood at only four percent, but now it has grown to reach 16% and the issues that the Chinese economy is facing have far more impact on global markets, said Barry Erhlich, an investment strategist at VTB My Investments. According to him, most global companies either sell much of their products in China or have Chinese suppliers. Investors are concerned that the coronavirus outbreak may mark the start of a recession due to a decline in economic activities and consumer confidence, the expert explained. Chief Economist at the PF Kapital consulting company Yevgeny Nadorshin believes that if the global epidemic has already passed its peak, then global economic growth rates will slow down to an annual average of 1.5%. However, if the epidemic lasts for at least another four months, the world may have to face a recession. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Afghanistan faces dual power crisis Two parallel presidential inauguration ceremonies have taken place in the Afghan capital of Kabul. Incumbent President Ashraf Ghani was proclaimed the country’s new head of state at one of the ceremonies, while the other honored his main rival Abdullah Abdullah, who had refused to recognize the outcome of the September election. The feud puts into question talks between Kabul and the Taliban movement (outlawed in Russia), as well as the deal between Washington and the insurgents, which paves the way for the withdrawal of foreign troops, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. According to the TOLOnews TV channel, Ghani and Abdullah held a meeting and tried to come to an agreement. Ghani offered 40% of cabinet seats to Abdullah, as well as the position of the chairman of the High Peace Council that will hold talks with the Taliban. However, according to people from Abdullah’s close circle, he demanded that the election’s outcome be cancelled. Arkady Dubnov, an expert on Central Asia and Afghanistan, points out that Ghani’s inauguration will provide him with the opportunity to form Kabul’s delegation for talks with the Taliban. "However, on the other hand, two inauguration ceremonies pave the way for a dual administration system. In such a situation, Kabul will have limited opportunities to make decisions. It is also possible that the Taliban will seek to put stronger pressure on the government. The matter is that they don’t recognize Ghani because they consider him to be a puppet. They will continue attacks to make sure their prisoners are released. Ghani opposes such a step. And people in the country’s north, controlled by Abdullah, may initiate the release of Taliban prisoners they hold. This is what a dual administration system will lead to," the expert said. The US-Taliban agreement stipulates that Trump will leave Afghanistan. The parties also agreed that the Taliban will not attack Americans. It is reminiscent of the troop withdrawal agreement that Soviet commanders made with the Mujahideen in 1988-1989, Dubnov pointed out. He did not rule out that the deal’s classified annexes outlined a safeguard mechanism that would be used if the Taliban violated their obligation to prevent Al-Qaeda (outlawed in Russia) and other terrorist organizations from using Afghan soil to carry out attacks on other countries. Vedomosti: Russians stockpiling food amid coronavirus fears The demand for long shelf-life products, household chemicals and personal hygiene items skyrocketed in Russia in February, Vedomosti wrote, citing spokespersons for a number of retail networks and manufacturers. People are getting emergency supplies for the possible expansion of the coronavirus outbreak.
Read also Russian government restricts exports of face masks, other medical goods till June 1


tass--2020-03-10--Next St. Petersburg Economic Forum will take place in 2021

`` The 24th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum will take place in 2021 , '' the organization said on its @ @ @ @ @ 10 .
/TASS/ .
The next St. Petersburg International Economic Forum ( SPIEF ) will @ @ @ @ @ the Roscongress Foundation announced on Tuesday .
According to the statement , the 2020 Forum @ @ @ @ @ decision of the World Health Organization to give the coronavirus outbreak the status of a @ @ @ @ @ 5 , Chairperson of the SPIEF organizing committee Andrei Belousov said that the organizing committee @ @ @ @ @ forum in 2020 .
This year , SPIEF was supposed to take place June 3-6 @ @ @ @ @ panel discussion `` New coronavirus - old challenges : how to reduce the economic consequences @ @ @ @ @ among the scheduled events at the forum .
The organizers planned to invite heads of @ @ @ @ @ the field of healthcare , representatives of the science community and international business to participate @ @ @ @

"The 24th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum will take place in 2021,"the organization said on its website.
MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. The next St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) will take place in 2021, the Roscongress Foundation announced on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the 2020 Forum was cancelled due to the decision of the World Health Organization to give the coronavirus outbreak the status of a global emergency.
On March 5, Chairperson of the SPIEF organizing committee Andrei Belousov said that the organizing committee decided not to hold the forum in 2020.
This year, SPIEF was supposed to take place June 3-6 in St. Petersburg.
A panel discussion "New coronavirus - old challenges: how to reduce the economic consequences of epidemics?" was among the scheduled events at the forum. The organizers planned to invite heads of international and Russian organizations in the field of healthcare, representatives of the science community and international business to participate in the discussion.


tass--2020-03-10--Russian hi-tech firm creates data protection device for Meridian military satellite

`` The software and hardware system integrated into the space vehicle ’ s equipment encrypts and decodes data .
The corresponding equipment was also installed at ground-based control stations and data receiving/transmitting and processing centers , '' the press office said in a statement .
MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
Avtomatika Group ( part of Russia ’ s hi-tech state corporation Rostec ) has developed a device to protect data transmitted from Earth to the Meridian military communications satellite launched on February 20 , the Rostec press office reported on Tuesday .
`` The installment of such equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transmitted to the Meridian from the ground and also to prevent the satellite control interception .
The device is a fully domestic invention , which guarantees the absence of ‘ bugs ’ and other undocumented functions , '' the press office quoted Rostec Executive Director Oleg Yevtushenko as saying .
Russia has already equipped various space vehicles with data cryptographic protection systems developed by Avtomatika Group .
The company is also developing control and measuring and control and testing systems for ground tests of onboard equipment before satellite launches , Rostec said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ atop a Soyuz-2.1a medium carrier rocket from the Plesetsk spaceport in the northern Arkhangelsk Region on February 20 .
The satellite separated together with the Fregat booster from the rocket ’ s third stage in the normal mode .
The satellite was delivered into the target orbit and placed under the control of the ground-based systems of Russia ’ s Main Testing Space Center of the Aerospace Force ’ s Space Troops .
The Meridian-M is designated to provide communications of sea vessels and aircraft of the ice reconnaissance service along the Northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to expand the network of satellite communications stations for the northern areas of the Siberia and the Far East in the interests of the Russian economy .
The satellite ’ s onboard systems are functioning in the normal mode .

"The software and hardware system integrated into the space vehicle’s equipment encrypts and decodes data. The corresponding equipment was also installed at ground-based control stations and data receiving/transmitting and processing centers," the press office said in a statement.
MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. Avtomatika Group (part of Russia’s hi-tech state corporation Rostec) has developed a device to protect data transmitted from Earth to the Meridian military communications satellite launched on February 20, the Rostec press office reported on Tuesday.
"The installment of such equipment on space vehicles helps reliably protect data transmitted to the Meridian from the ground and also to prevent the satellite control interception. The device is a fully domestic invention, which guarantees the absence of ‘bugs’ and other undocumented functions," the press office quoted Rostec Executive Director Oleg Yevtushenko as saying.
Russia has already equipped various space vehicles with data cryptographic protection systems developed by Avtomatika Group. The company is also developing control and measuring and control and testing systems for ground tests of onboard equipment before satellite launches, Rostec said.
Russia launched the Meridian-M military communications satellite atop a Soyuz-2.1a medium carrier rocket from the Plesetsk spaceport in the northern Arkhangelsk Region on February 20. The satellite separated together with the Fregat booster from the rocket’s third stage in the normal mode. The satellite was delivered into the target orbit and placed under the control of the ground-based systems of Russia’s Main Testing Space Center of the Aerospace Force’s Space Troops.
The Meridian-M is designated to provide communications of sea vessels and aircraft of the ice reconnaissance service along the Northern Sea Route with coastal and ground stations and to expand the network of satellite communications stations for the northern areas of the Siberia and the Far East in the interests of the Russian economy.
The satellite’s onboard systems are functioning in the normal mode.


tass--2020-03-10--Russian stock market crashes following oil price drop

Russian stocks crashed amid a record oil price drop following the failed talks on crude production cuts in Vienna .
On March 9 , the price of futures contracts of Brent crude oil for May 2020 delivery plunged by over 30 % on London 's ICE , with the lowest level reached being $ 31.02 per barrel .
On Tuesday , the oil price has narrowed losses adding 8.3 % to $ 37.22 per barrel .
MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
The ruble-denominated MOEX Russia Index dropped by 10.4 % to 2,436 points as Tuesday trading opened on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RTS fell by 16 % to 1,056 points , the lowest levels since the winter of 2019 .
The oil price has fell amid the news that OPEC+ countries failed to agree on an additional reduction in oil production amid sliding demand due to the coronavirus .
OPEC proposed to deepen production cuts by another 1.5 mln barrels per day until the end of this year .
However , Russia and Kazakhstan opposed the proposal .
The ruble has weakened against the US and European currencies , as the dollar is trading at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while the euro - at 81.58 rubles ( up 5.25 % ) .
Shares of Russian energy blue chips plunged by 12-15 % ( Rosneft , Lukoil , Surgutneftegaz ) , consumer sector firms - by up to 28 % ( M.Video , Magnit , X5 Retail Group ) , according to the MOEX trading data .
Shares of Sberbank lost 13 % , VTB dropped by 12 % , Yandex - by 7 % , Rostelecom - by 9 % , Sistema - by 12 % .
As of 10:40 am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by around 10 % : Rosseti shares lost 7.2 % , TGK-1 - 9.5 % .
Meanwhile , shares of Polymetal , Polyus , PhosAgro and Severstal are in the green zone ( up 7.1 % , 3.5 % , 2.9 % and 1.6 % , respectively ) .
On Monday , March 9 , shares of Russian companies crashed on the London Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange .

Russian stocks crashed amid a record oil price drop following the failed talks on crude production cuts in Vienna. On March 9, the price of futures contracts of Brent crude oil for May 2020 delivery plunged by over 30% on London's ICE, with the lowest level reached being $31.02 per barrel. On Tuesday, the oil price has narrowed losses adding 8.3% to $37.22 per barrel.
MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. The ruble-denominated MOEX Russia Index dropped by 10.4% to 2,436 points as Tuesday trading opened on the Moscow Exchange, while the dollar-denominated RTS fell by 16% to 1,056 points, the lowest levels since the winter of 2019.
The oil price has fell amid the news that OPEC+ countries failed to agree on an additional reduction in oil production amid sliding demand due to the coronavirus. OPEC proposed to deepen production cuts by another 1.5 mln barrels per day until the end of this year. However, Russia and Kazakhstan opposed the proposal.
The ruble has weakened against the US and European currencies, as the dollar is trading at 71.86 rubles (up 4.8%), while the euro - at 81.58 rubles (up 5.25%).
Shares of Russian energy blue chips plunged by 12-15% (Rosneft, Lukoil, Surgutneftegaz), consumer sector firms - by up to 28% (M.Video, Magnit, X5 Retail Group), according to the MOEX trading data.
Shares of Sberbank lost 13%, VTB dropped by 12%, Yandex - by 7%, Rostelecom - by 9%, Sistema - by 12%.
As of 10:40 am Moscow time, energy stocks are down by around 10%: Rosseti shares lost 7.2%, TGK-1 - 9.5%.
Meanwhile, shares of Polymetal, Polyus, PhosAgro and Severstal are in the green zone (up 7.1%, 3.5%, 2.9% and 1.6%, respectively).
On Monday, March 9, shares of Russian companies crashed on the London Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange.


tass--2020-03-10--Central Bank considers to give more flexibility to Russia's financial system

MOSCOW , March 10 .
/ TASS / .
Russia 's Central Bank considers it necessary to give more flexibility @ @ @ @ @ the current situation for its smooth passage , First deputy chairperson of the Russian Central @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday .
`` According to our estimates , there should be enough liquidity both @ @ @ @ @ .
Nevertheless , it seems to us that we need to give more flexibility to @ @ @ @ @ to calmly act in the current situation , '' she said .

MOSCOW, March 10. / TASS /. Russia's Central Bank considers it necessary to give more flexibility to the financial system in the current situation for its smooth passage, First deputy chairperson of the Russian Central Bank Ksenia Yudaeva told reporters on Tuesday. "According to our estimates, there should be enough liquidity both in currency and in rubles. Nevertheless, it seems to us that we need to give more flexibility to the financial system in order to calmly act in the current situation," she said.
Yudaeva also emphasized that the regulator has consistently pursued a policy of increasing Russia's financial stability to external shocks. "We are constantly analyzing this stability, it shows that indeed our system can work regularly in conditions of fluctuations in foreign markets," she added.


tass--2020-03-10--Hengtong Rockley Reveals 400G DR4 Silicon Photonics Optical Transceiver Module

SUZHOU , China , March 10 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Hengtong Rockley Technology Co. , Ltd. announces the release of a 400G QSFP-DD DR4 optical module based on Silicon Photonics technology for the next-generation data center network .
Hengtong Rockley will have a live demo from March 10th to March 12th , 2020 at the OFC exhibition in San Diego , CA , USA .
The new 400G QSFP-DD module is the first 400G Silicon Photonics optical module product revealed by Hengtong Rockley .
The DR4 optical module will be used in next generation Cloud-scale datacenter networks for the connection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consumption optical connection solution .
The deployment of 400G transceivers enables datacenter networks to deliver a 4x increase in network speed compared to existing deployments using 100G .
Hengtong Rockley 's 400G QSFP-DD DR4 module uses the industry 's most advanced 7nm DSP chip .
The optical chipsets , that form the key building blocks of the transceiver , are from Rockley Photonics , Ltd. , which will also live-demo their Silicon Photonics TX and RX PIC chipsets used in the Hengtong Rockley 400G DR4 transceiver in their booth at OFC .
Rockley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the passive and active optical components , to greatly reduce the need for optical sub-assembly , but also introduces a special design to ease fiber coupling .
As a result of the automated passive alignment process for light sources and fiber arrays , the manufacturing process for the optical module has been simplified and made suitable for mass production .
Hengtong Rockley Technology Co. , Ltd. is a joint venture established by Hengtong Optic-Electric Co. , Ltd. , China and Rockley Photonics Limited , UK .
Hengtong Rockley designs and manufactures high-end optical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the design of Silicon Photonic chips and their integration , packaging , and testing , for improved competitiveness of optical module design and manufacturing .

SUZHOU, China, March 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Hengtong Rockley Technology Co., Ltd. announces the release of a 400G QSFP-DD DR4 optical module based on Silicon Photonics technology for the next-generation data center network. Hengtong Rockley will have a live demo from March 10th to March 12th, 2020 at the OFC exhibition in San Diego, CA, USA. The new 400G QSFP-DD module is the first 400G Silicon Photonics optical module product revealed by Hengtong Rockley. The DR4 optical module will be used in next generation Cloud-scale datacenter networks for the connection between switches as a low-cost, low-power consumption optical connection solution. The deployment of 400G transceivers enables datacenter networks to deliver a 4x increase in network speed compared to existing deployments using 100G.
Hengtong Rockley's 400G QSFP-DD DR4 module uses the industry's most advanced 7nm DSP chip. The optical chipsets, that form the key building blocks of the transceiver, are from Rockley Photonics, Ltd., which will also live-demo their Silicon Photonics TX and RX PIC chipsets used in the Hengtong Rockley 400G DR4 transceiver in their booth at OFC. Rockley's Silicon Photonics technology not only integrates the passive and active optical components, to greatly reduce the need for optical sub-assembly, but also introduces a special design to ease fiber coupling. As a result of the automated passive alignment process for light sources and fiber arrays, the manufacturing process for the optical module has been simplified and made suitable for mass production.
Hengtong Rockley Technology Co., Ltd. is a joint venture established by Hengtong Optic-Electric Co., Ltd., China and Rockley Photonics Limited, UK. Hengtong Rockley designs and manufactures high-end optical modules. It is also committed to the design of Silicon Photonic chips and their integration, packaging, and testing, for improved competitiveness of optical module design and manufacturing.
CONTACT: Hui Yuan, yuanh@htgd.com.cn, +86-15852391319


tass--2020-03-10--Ex-chief sanitary inspector commends China’s efforts to curb coronavirus spread

MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
China has been able to bring the novel coronavirus outbreak under control and @ @ @ @ @ in the near future , Russia ’ s former chief sanitary inspector , member of @ @ @ @ @ Gennady Onishchenko said on Tuesday .
`` I can state with certainty that China has @ @ @ @ @ and large .
If they retain that pace and those measures , which they take @ @ @ @ @ disease in the Wuhan province will be eliminated in the near future .
The criterion @ @ @ @ @ the last patient [ from the hospital ] and the maximum incubation period of 14 @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. China has been able to bring the novel coronavirus outbreak under control and can fully solve that problem in the near future, Russia’s former chief sanitary inspector, member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Gennady Onishchenko said on Tuesday.
"I can state with certainty that China has coped with the situation by and large. If they retain that pace and those measures, which they take, the hotbed of the disease in the Wuhan province will be eliminated in the near future. The criterion will be the discharge of the last patient [from the hospital] and the maximum incubation period of 14 days," he said.