tass--2020-01-15--Putin urges banks to get involved in preferential mortgages for young families

MOSCOW , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin urged banks to become more actively involved in the implementation of the program of preferential mortgages to young families .
`` In the Far East , a social program has been launched for young families — mortgage at a rate of 2 % .
I urge banks to engage more actively in its implementation , '' the president said in his annual State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly .
On December 9 , 2019 , Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev announced that he had signed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Far East .
At least three banks represented in the territory of each region of the Far East are ready to accept mortgage applications .
Young families in which at least one spouse is registered in this region will be able to get mortgage at 2 % per annum .
Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Eastern Economic Forum ( EEF ) announced preferential mortgages for residents of the Far East in September 2019 .
The measure is needed to attract young people to the Far East , where there is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin urged banks to become more actively involved in the implementation of the program of preferential mortgages to young families.
"In the Far East, a social program has been launched for young families — mortgage at a rate of 2%. I urge banks to engage more actively in its implementation," the president said in his annual State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly.
On December 9, 2019, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev announced that he had signed a program of preferential mortgages for residents of the Far East. At least three banks represented in the territory of each region of the Far East are ready to accept mortgage applications. Young families in which at least one spouse is registered in this region will be able to get mortgage at 2% per annum.
Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) announced preferential mortgages for residents of the Far East in September 2019. The measure is needed to attract young people to the Far East, where there is a difficult situation with young and qualified personnel.


tass--2020-01-15--Putin suggests increasing number of state-funded places in universities every year

MOSCOW , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
The number of state-funded places in Russian universities needs to be increased every year , President Vladimir Putin said in his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly on Wednesday .
`` The number of school leavers will grow in the coming years .
There is a need to ensure equal and fair access to free higher education .
In this regard , I suggest that the number of state-funded places in universities be increased every year .
And - what I am going to say is very important - it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Putin pointed out .
According to him , Russia ’ s regions are facing the lack of doctors , teachers and engineers .
`` Clearly , there is a need not just to increase the number of students who enter universities , but also to ensure the development of regional universities in cooperation with the business community and employers , particularly boosting research and social infrastructure facilities and providing advanced training to professors from regional universities so that students are given up-to-date knowledge and can build successful careers in their native @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
`` The labor market is rapidly changing , new professions are emerging and professional requirements are getting more and more complicated , so the higher education system should respond flexibly and rapidly to these challenges , '' Putin emphasized .

MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. The number of state-funded places in Russian universities needs to be increased every year, President Vladimir Putin said in his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly on Wednesday.
"The number of school leavers will grow in the coming years. There is a need to ensure equal and fair access to free higher education. In this regard, I suggest that the number of state-funded places in universities be increased every year. And - what I am going to say is very important - it should first and foremost concern regional universities," Putin pointed out.
According to him, Russia’s regions are facing the lack of doctors, teachers and engineers. "Clearly, there is a need not just to increase the number of students who enter universities, but also to ensure the development of regional universities in cooperation with the business community and employers, particularly boosting research and social infrastructure facilities and providing advanced training to professors from regional universities so that students are given up-to-date knowledge and can build successful careers in their native regions," the head of state added.
"The labor market is rapidly changing, new professions are emerging and professional requirements are getting more and more complicated, so the higher education system should respond flexibly and rapidly to these challenges," Putin emphasized.


tass--2020-01-15--Press review: Will Haftar agree to peace and can Lavrov’s Sinhala bolster Sri Lankan ties

Kommersant : Moscow wants to boost defense cooperation with Sri Lanka The recent visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to Sri Lanka was clearly facilitated by the fact that he was perhaps the only top foreign diplomat who speaks Sinhala , as well as the fact that Russia is one of the top three importers of the key local product : Ceylon tea , Kommersant wrote .
Relations with countries such as Sri Lanka are of particular importance to Russia , the newspaper noted , because the fate of important Moscow initiatives at international venues , including the UN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position of numerous small states .
This meeting , however , brought new opportunities for Russia .
Moscow is ready to provide Sri Lanka with an export loan to purchase a wide range of weapons .
Russia has been promoting its military-industrial complex on the Sri Lankan market .
Deliveries under the last contract were completed in 2013 .
Colombo received 14 Russian Mil Mi-171E helicopters .
Under this deal , the Russian authorities allocated an export loan of $ 146 mln to Sri Lanka .
A source in the Russian delegation told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide Colombo with additional funds for the purchase of six Sukhoi Su-30 fighters and a BTR-82A armored personnel carrier on loan .
According to the newspaper ’ s source , Sri Lanka should now decide on the desired range of supplies .
According to Kommersant , the amount of the additional export loan may exceed $ 500 mln .
In addition , the sources noted that the Sri Lankan authorities are ready to provide Russian warships with preferential conditions for calling at Sri Lankan ports .
However , global politics were also discussed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s sources , during his meetings with Sri Lankan officials , Lavrov raised the issue of the US-promoted concept of a `` free and open Indo-Pacific Region , '' urging his partners to be skeptical .
The idea contradicts the Moscow-backed concept of an Asia-Pacific region , in which China also plays an important role , while the new US initiative is aimed primarily at containing China .
Meanwhile , Moscow supports the existing regional security organizations , such as ASEAN and the SCO , and does not want to see any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commander of the Libyan National Army Khalifa Haftar may continue the offensive against Tripoli , and force is still his preferred option , experts told Izvestia .
On January 14 , he flew from Moscow to Jordan , without having signed a settlement agreement .
The Russian Ministry of Defense assured that Haftar reacted positively to the Moscow-brokered treaty , but took two days to negotiate with tribal leaders .
The ceasefire continues to be in effect .
The Berlin conference , scheduled for next Sunday , will decide the fate of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the mediation of the Russian and Turkish foreign and defense ministers did not add clarity to Tobruk-Tripoli negotiations .
The fate of the agreement is still in limbo , as Haftar took another two days to think it over .
He insisted on a clause to withdraw Turkish troops from the country , but he refused to pull troops out of occupied positions near Tripoli .
On January 14 , Germany invited both Libyan leaders plus the US , Russia , the United Kingdom , Turkey , Egypt , the UN , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin will most likely represent Moscow at the talks .
It ’ s not yet clear what Haftar will do in the coming days , but it ’ s quite obvious : he still considers a military solution to be the best option , researcher at the Italian Institute for International Politics ( ISPI ) Matteo Colombo told Izvestia .
According to the expert , he might look for an excuse for resuming a military advance towards Tripoli .
If negotiations do not satisfy his interests , he can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force .
Colombo added that the worst scenario would be heavy fighting throughout the streets of the capital , which could lead to the collapse of the entire infrastructure of western Libya .
`` Even if Tripoli and Tobruk … would in the end agree to sign the Moscow or Berlin document , we should not expect a quick resolution .
The situation is very complicated in Libya , no less complicated than in Syria , '' Director of the Center for the Study of New Turkey Yuri Mavashev told Izvestia .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation in Libya exclusively as a confrontation between the two centers of power .
According to the expert , it is primarily a battle for the Eastern Mediterranean , for control over freight and migration flows .
Nezavisimaya Gazeta : NATO not ready for war in the Middle East On January 14-15 , NATO top brass met in Brussels to hash over key issues on the alliance ’ s defense and security .
At the gathering , ‘ Russian aggression ’ and the war on terror topped the agenda .
The second topic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assassination of General Qasem Soleimani , Commander of Iran 's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ' Quds Force in a US strike on January 3 .
According to Nezavisimaya Gazeta , right now , there is no solution on this score .
NATO has still not hammered out its stance on the situation in the Middle East regarding the ongoing confrontation between the US and Iran .
Some NATO countries have already withdrawn their armed forces from Iraq , fearing that they will be targeted for retaliatory action .
The United States , having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refuses to leave the country , urging partners and allies to beef up their military missions in the Middle East and carry on the fight against IS ( terrorist organization banned in Russia ) .
An agreement was reached to continue the participation of the alliance ’ s forces in the US-led international coalition against the Islamic State , and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization remains committed to fighting international terrorism , but it seems that in the end , these are all nothing more than just empty slogans , the newspaper wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US with revenge for the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani .
NATO troops may suffer ...
Such a threat can persist for a very long time .
This means that if there are no real steps to normalize the situation in the Middle East , then it is unlikely that NATO forces will resume training the Iraqi military in the coming months , '' military expert Lieutenant General Yuri Netkachev told the newspaper .
According to Netkachev , a further exacerbation of the military situation is possible not only in the Middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of NATO countries with Russia .
On January 15 , the fifth Raisina Dialogue international conference is scheduled to kick off in New Delhi .
Ahead of the international forum , Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev spoke to Izvestia about the state of Russian-Indian cooperation in the technical and economic fields .
The two countries may soon wean themselves off the SWIFT payment system , as they are moving towards other options , the diplomat told Izvestia .
`` We have a favorable situation in this area , despite all the problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ switching to settlements in national currencies .
`` About a third of the turnover is already handled in national currencies .
This is a very good indicator .
Moreover , the parties also consciously create conditions for it .
First , by cultivating interbank cooperation .
We are moving towards a transition to alternative payment systems in place of SWIFT .
The Russian Bank has such developments .
They were proposed to the Indian side through contacts , and the trial payments of these systems has been passed , '' the ambassador added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our friend , and our special and privileged strategic partner .
Recently , not without our participation as a friend , an ally , and a partner — India is increasingly expressing itself as an important , dynamic factor in world politics and , of course , in regional politics , '' Kudashev added .
According to the diplomat , India is interested in the Russian Far East .
`` Does India show interest ?
Yes , a lot .
The Pacific coast , the Far East , the Russian Arctic are huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he explained .
New car sales continue to decline in Russia .
Thus , by the end of 2020 , the drop will reach 2.1 % from 2.3 % in 2019 , the Association of European Businesses ( AEB ) forecasted .
According to Nezavisimaya Gazeta , the main problems of the market are heavier taxes and narrower consumer demand .
However , this spring , car prices may spike due to increasing recycling rates , market participants said .
The sales of new cars and light commercial vehicles in Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a row .
In the first half of 2019 , the increase in the value added tax was a painful blow .
Hopes for a recovery in the second half of 2019 were also not met and car market participants have reached the ceiling of opportunities in stimulating demand , AEB said .
Experts interviewed by Nezavisimaya Gazeta confirm that the decline will continue , but they diverge in their forecasts of what exactly will be a drop in sales .
`` `` It can be about 2-3 % , '' financial analyst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newspaper .
He believes that the main factor in the failure of the Russian car market in 2019 was weak consumer demand amid a decline and stagnation in real incomes of the population , as well as the Bank of Russia ’ s measures to cool off the consumer lending market .
In 2020 , all these trends will continue , the expert added .
`` In our opinion , the total growth of car prices in 2020 can be about 7-10 % , '' Deineka said .
`` Both growing prices and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subsidiary lending programs will not act in favor of increasing car sales , '' he told the newspaper .
There are other forecasts .
`` We predict a 5 % market reduction by the end of 2020 , '' General Director of the Avtospetstsentr dealership Denis Petrunin told Nezavisimaya Gazeta .
`` But this also requires large-scale demand stimulation programs covering the entire mass segment of the market , otherwise the decline may be even greater , '' he added .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews @

Kommersant: Moscow wants to boost defense cooperation with Sri Lanka
The recent visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to Sri Lanka was clearly facilitated by the fact that he was perhaps the only top foreign diplomat who speaks Sinhala, as well as the fact that Russia is one of the top three importers of the key local product: Ceylon tea, Kommersant wrote. Relations with countries such as Sri Lanka are of particular importance to Russia, the newspaper noted, because the fate of important Moscow initiatives at international venues, including the UN General Assembly, sometimes depends on the position of numerous small states. This meeting, however, brought new opportunities for Russia. Moscow is ready to provide Sri Lanka with an export loan to purchase a wide range of weapons. Russia has been promoting its military-industrial complex on the Sri Lankan market. Deliveries under the last contract were completed in 2013. Colombo received 14 Russian Mil Mi-171E helicopters. Under this deal, the Russian authorities allocated an export loan of $146 mln to Sri Lanka. A source in the Russian delegation told Kommersant that now Moscow is ready to provide Colombo with additional funds for the purchase of six Sukhoi Su-30 fighters and a BTR-82A armored personnel carrier on loan. According to the newspaper’s source, Sri Lanka should now decide on the desired range of supplies. According to Kommersant, the amount of the additional export loan may exceed $500 mln. In addition, the sources noted that the Sri Lankan authorities are ready to provide Russian warships with preferential conditions for calling at Sri Lankan ports. However, global politics were also discussed during the negotiations. According to Kommersant’s sources, during his meetings with Sri Lankan officials, Lavrov raised the issue of the US-promoted concept of a "free and open Indo-Pacific Region," urging his partners to be skeptical. The idea contradicts the Moscow-backed concept of an Asia-Pacific region, in which China also plays an important role, while the new US initiative is aimed primarily at containing China. Meanwhile, Moscow supports the existing regional security organizations, such as ASEAN and the SCO, and does not want to see any new US-led structures in the region. Izvestia: Moscow-hosted Libyan peace talks to continue in Berlin
Read also Haftar to take part in Berlin conference on Libya — media
Commander of the Libyan National Army Khalifa Haftar may continue the offensive against Tripoli, and force is still his preferred option, experts told Izvestia. On January 14, he flew from Moscow to Jordan, without having signed a settlement agreement. The Russian Ministry of Defense assured that Haftar reacted positively to the Moscow-brokered treaty, but took two days to negotiate with tribal leaders. The ceasefire continues to be in effect. The Berlin conference, scheduled for next Sunday, will decide the fate of the truce. Almost eight hours of negotiations through the mediation of the Russian and Turkish foreign and defense ministers did not add clarity to Tobruk-Tripoli negotiations. The fate of the agreement is still in limbo, as Haftar took another two days to think it over. He insisted on a clause to withdraw Turkish troops from the country, but he refused to pull troops out of occupied positions near Tripoli. On January 14, Germany invited both Libyan leaders plus the US, Russia, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Egypt, the UN, and the EU to the Berlin conference. Russian President Vladimir Putin will most likely represent Moscow at the talks. It’s not yet clear what Haftar will do in the coming days, but it’s quite obvious: he still considers a military solution to be the best option, researcher at the Italian Institute for International Politics (ISPI) Matteo Colombo told Izvestia. According to the expert, he might look for an excuse for resuming a military advance towards Tripoli. If negotiations do not satisfy his interests, he can always try to take the capital by force. Colombo added that the worst scenario would be heavy fighting throughout the streets of the capital, which could lead to the collapse of the entire infrastructure of western Libya. "Even if Tripoli and Tobruk … would in the end agree to sign the Moscow or Berlin document, we should not expect a quick resolution. The situation is very complicated in Libya, no less complicated than in Syria," Director of the Center for the Study of New Turkey Yuri Mavashev told Izvestia. However, he urged not to consider the situation in Libya exclusively as a confrontation between the two centers of power. According to the expert, it is primarily a battle for the Eastern Mediterranean, for control over freight and migration flows. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: NATO not ready for war in the Middle East
On January 14-15, NATO top brass met in Brussels to hash over key issues on the alliance’s defense and security. At the gathering, ‘Russian aggression’ and the war on terror topped the agenda. The second topic is at the forefront especially after the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani, Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force in a US strike on January 3. According to Nezavisimaya Gazeta, right now, there is no solution on this score. NATO has still not hammered out its stance on the situation in the Middle East regarding the ongoing confrontation between the US and Iran. Some NATO countries have already withdrawn their armed forces from Iraq, fearing that they will be targeted for retaliatory action. The United States, having reduced its military presence in Iraq, refuses to leave the country, urging partners and allies to beef up their military missions in the Middle East and carry on the fight against IS (terrorist organization banned in Russia). An agreement was reached to continue the participation of the alliance’s forces in the US-led international coalition against the Islamic State, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization remains committed to fighting international terrorism, but it seems that in the end, these are all nothing more than just empty slogans, the newspaper wrote. "Shiite groups still threaten the US with revenge for the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. NATO troops may suffer ... Such a threat can persist for a very long time. This means that if there are no real steps to normalize the situation in the Middle East, then it is unlikely that NATO forces will resume training the Iraqi military in the coming months," military expert Lieutenant General Yuri Netkachev told the newspaper. According to Netkachev, a further exacerbation of the military situation is possible not only in the Middle East, but also near the borders of NATO countries with Russia. Izvestia: India, Russia moving towards SWIFT payment alternative — ambassador
Read also SWIFT will disconnect some Iranian banks this weekend, Reuters says
On January 15, the fifth Raisina Dialogue international conference is scheduled to kick off in New Delhi. Ahead of the international forum, Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev spoke to Izvestia about the state of Russian-Indian cooperation in the technical and economic fields. The two countries may soon wean themselves off the SWIFT payment system, as they are moving towards other options, the diplomat told Izvestia. "We have a favorable situation in this area, despite all the problems," Kudashev said when focusing on switching to settlements in national currencies. "About a third of the turnover is already handled in national currencies. This is a very good indicator. Moreover, the parties also consciously create conditions for it. First, by cultivating interbank cooperation. We are moving towards a transition to alternative payment systems in place of SWIFT. The Russian Bank has such developments. They were proposed to the Indian side through contacts, and the trial payments of these systems has been passed," the ambassador added. "Of course. India is our friend, and our special and privileged strategic partner. Recently, not without our participation as a friend, an ally, and a partner — India is increasingly expressing itself as an important, dynamic factor in world politics and, of course, in regional politics," Kudashev added. According to the diplomat, India is interested in the Russian Far East. "Does India show interest? Yes, a lot. The Pacific coast, the Far East, the Russian Arctic are huge open spaces, generally unknown to India," he explained. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Russia’s car sales struggle amid falling consumer demand


tass--2020-01-15--Putin proposes monthly payments for children aged 3-7 starting January 2020

MOSCOW , January 15 .
/ TASS / .
Russian President Vladimir Putin , in his annual State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly on Wednesday , proposed to provide monthly payments for children aged 3-7 starting on January 1 , 2020 .
According to the President , these payments will be received by families whose incomes do not exceed one living wage per person , and the procedure for receiving these funds will be as simple as possible .
`` When the child turns three , the payments are terminated , so the family can immediately land @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is what actually happens , and it can not be allowed .
Due to this , I propose to provide monthly payments for children between the ages of three and seven .
To receive these payments , it will be enough to simply apply and indicate your legal , official income , '' President Putin said , noting that payments should be made starting January 1 , 2020 .
The President has also urged the government to simplify the procedure for granting benefits for families with children .
`` We need to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with children — TASS ] as convenient and simple as possible for citizens so that they can arrange everything without queues and obstacles , '' he stated .
Putin noted that it is also necessary to develop the remote procedure for the reception of benefits via a special federal portal .
The maternity capital program will be extended until the end of 2026 at the least and the payment amount will grow to 616,617 rubles ( $ 10,028 ) , according to the President .
`` This program is currently designed for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the head of state noted .
`` We will extend it until December 31 , 2026 at the least , '' Putin said .
`` A family will be entitled to the maternity capital in its current amount [ over 466,000 rubles ( $ 7,600 ) — TASS ] as early as when the first child will be born , '' the President stated .
`` I suggest increasing the maternity capital [ upon the second child birth ] by 150,000 rubles ( $ 2,400 ) , '' he specified .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family with two children will total 616,617 rubles ( $ 10,028 ) , '' the head of state added .
The maternity capital amount will be adjusted upward annually , Putin said .
If there is a child in a family , `` then the maternity capital shall be provided in a new , increased amount after birth of the second one , '' he added .

MOSCOW, January 15. / TASS /. Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his annual State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly on Wednesday, proposed to provide monthly payments for children aged 3-7 starting on January 1, 2020. According to the President, these payments will be received by families whose incomes do not exceed one living wage per person, and the procedure for receiving these funds will be as simple as possible.
"When the child turns three, the payments are terminated, so the family can immediately land in a difficult financial situation. That is what actually happens, and it cannot be allowed. Due to this, I propose to provide monthly payments for children between the ages of three and seven. To receive these payments, it will be enough to simply apply and indicate your legal, official income," President Putin said, noting that payments should be made starting January 1, 2020.
The President has also urged the government to simplify the procedure for granting benefits for families with children.
"We need to make this procedure [receiving benefits by families with children — TASS] as convenient and simple as possible for citizens so that they can arrange everything without queues and obstacles," he stated.
Putin noted that it is also necessary to develop the remote procedure for the reception of benefits via a special federal portal.
Expanding and increasing maternity capital
The maternity capital program will be extended until the end of 2026 at the least and the payment amount will grow to 616,617 rubles ($10,028), according to the President.
"This program is currently designed for the period until December 31, 2021," the head of state noted. "We will extend it until December 31, 2026 at the least," Putin said.
"A family will be entitled to the maternity capital in its current amount [over 466,000 rubles ($7,600) — TASS] as early as when the first child will be born," the President stated. "I suggest increasing the maternity capital [upon the second child birth] by 150,000 rubles ($2,400)," he specified. "Hence, the maternity capital for a family with two children will total 616,617 rubles ($10,028)," the head of state added.
The maternity capital amount will be adjusted upward annually, Putin said. If there is a child in a family, "then the maternity capital shall be provided in a new, increased amount after birth of the second one," he added.


tass--2020-01-15--Putin: Life expectancy exceeds 73 years for first time in Russia

MOSCOW , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
Life expectancy in Russia for the first time has risen to 73 years @ @ @ @ @ compared with 2000 , Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his annual State of the @ @ @ @ @ Assembly .
`` Last year , for the first time in history life expectancy in @ @ @ @ @ eight years more compared with 2000 .
This is the result of social and economic @ @ @ @ @ developing mass sports , promoting the values of a healthy lifestyle and certainly , the @ @ @ @ @ significant contribution here , '' Putin said .
According to the president , a record @ @ @ @ @ been recorded in the country .
`` The level of infant mortality in Russia has @ @ @ @ @ this figure here is better even than in a number of European countries , '' @ @ @ @ @ December last year , Russian Health Minister Veronika Skvortsova announced that average life expectancy of @ @ @ @ @ in the first ten months of 2019 .

MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. Life expectancy in Russia for the first time has risen to 73 years, or eight years more compared with 2000, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his annual State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly.
"Last year, for the first time in history life expectancy in Russia exceeded 73 years, eight years more compared with 2000. This is the result of social and economic reforms in the country, developing mass sports, promoting the values of a healthy lifestyle and certainly, the entire healthcare system makes a significant contribution here," Putin said.
According to the president, a record low infant mortality level has been recorded in the country. "The level of infant mortality in Russia has reached an all-time low, this figure here is better even than in a number of European countries," Putin noted.
In late December last year, Russian Health Minister Veronika Skvortsova announced that average life expectancy of Russians rose to 73.4 years in the first ten months of 2019.


tass--2020-01-15--Foreign Ministry invites new US envoy to ‘take a deep dive’ into Russia’s realities

MOSCOW , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Foreign Ministry , in the run-up to the arrival of America ’ s new Ambassador John Sullivan in Moscow , has posted a message of greetings to him on Twitter , inviting the US diplomat `` to take a deep dive '' into Russia ’ s realities , the way his predecessor did .
`` New US Ambassador John Sullivan is preparing to move to Moscow , and Russia has been waiting for him for a long time .
We ’ ll see to it whether the weather in Moscow is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wonder whether John Sullivan will want to follow in Jon Huntsman ’ s footsteps and plunge into Russia ’ s realities .
Russia is waiting , Mr. Sullivan .
Take a deep dive , '' the message reads .
Sullivan will arrive in Moscow on January 16 .
He will succeed Jon Huntsman who tendered his resignation in early August 2019 .
Huntsman had served as the US Ambassador to Russia for two years .
In January 2018 , shortly after his appointment , he took part in the traditional Epiphany bathing during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monastery in the Moscow Region , after which he told reporters that it was a new and unforgettable experience for him .

MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. The Russian Foreign Ministry, in the run-up to the arrival of America’s new Ambassador John Sullivan in Moscow, has posted a message of greetings to him on Twitter, inviting the US diplomat "to take a deep dive" into Russia’s realities, the way his predecessor did.
"New US Ambassador John Sullivan is preparing to move to Moscow, and Russia has been waiting for him for a long time. We’ll see to it whether the weather in Moscow is the same as in Washington. We wonder whether John Sullivan will want to follow in Jon Huntsman’s footsteps and plunge into Russia’s realities. Russia is waiting, Mr. Sullivan. Take a deep dive," the message reads.
Sullivan will arrive in Moscow on January 16. He will succeed Jon Huntsman who tendered his resignation in early August 2019. Huntsman had served as the US Ambassador to Russia for two years. In January 2018, shortly after his appointment, he took part in the traditional Epiphany bathing during his visit to the New Jerusalem Resurrection Monastery in the Moscow Region, after which he told reporters that it was a new and unforgettable experience for him.


tass--2020-01-15--Presidential Address to speed up solution of national tasks, Putin says

`` The Address to the Federal Assembly is being made for the first time at the beginning of the year .
We are to address large-scale social , economic and technological tasks facing the nation without delay , '' Putin said .
MOSCOW , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
The presidential State of the Nation Address is being made at the beginning of the year to accelerate the solution of important national tasks , President Vladimir Putin told the Federal Assembly .
Putin recalled that the content and benchmarks of the aforesaid tasks are reflected in the national projects , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state governance , operation of the government and all levels of power , as well as direct dialogue with the people .
`` In society a demand for change has now been clearly defined .
The people wish to see development and to move forward in their profession , in knowledge , and [ they wish to see development ] in achieving well-being and are ready to take responsibility for concrete tasks , '' Putin said .
In his opinion the people know better what , how and why should be changed where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and villages across the nation .
The president believes that the pace of change must grow with every year and yield tangible results for citizens to attain decent living standards .

"The Address to the Federal Assembly is being made for the first time at the beginning of the year. We are to address large-scale social, economic and technological tasks facing the nation without delay," Putin said.
MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. The presidential State of the Nation Address is being made at the beginning of the year to accelerate the solution of important national tasks, President Vladimir Putin told the Federal Assembly.
Putin recalled that the content and benchmarks of the aforesaid tasks are reflected in the national projects, whose implementation would require new quality of state governance, operation of the government and all levels of power, as well as direct dialogue with the people.
"In society a demand for change has now been clearly defined. The people wish to see development and to move forward in their profession, in knowledge, and [they wish to see development] in achieving well-being and are ready to take responsibility for concrete tasks," Putin said. In his opinion the people know better what, how and why should be changed where they live and work — in cities and villages across the nation.
The president believes that the pace of change must grow with every year and yield tangible results for citizens to attain decent living standards.


tass--2020-01-15--Putin dissatisfied with Russia's birth rate

The Russian president noted that , according to preliminary estimates , the total fertility rate stood at 1.5 in 2019 .
`` This is not enough for our country , '' he stressed .
`` Today , we have almost 147 million people .
However , we have entered a difficult , very difficult demographic period .
Its specific feature is that , thanks to those measures that have been taken since the mid-2000s , we have been able to achieve positive results in demography and even , at some point , achieve a natural population growth .
That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growing .
However , families are now started by the small generations of the 1990s , the number of births is falling again .
That ’ s the tenseness of the demographic period , which Russia is going through today , '' Putin said .
MOSCOW , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
There are almost 147 million people in Russia today , but the country has entered a tense demographic period , with birth rates falling again , Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his annual State of the Nation Address to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate in Russia is falling again , families are being made by the small generation born in the 1990s , said Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday in his annual State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly .
`` Families are being created by the small generation of the 90s .
The birth rate is falling again - this is the tense demographic period that Russia is going through today , '' the president said .
Accoring to Putin , the birth rate in the 1990s in Russia was worse than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , families rarely had two children .
`` To compare , [ birth rate ] in 1943 during World War 2 was 1.3 , but it was even worse in the 1990s - in 1999 it dropped to 1.16 .
It is worse than in the Second World War times .
Families with two children were rare then , people were even sometimes forced to put off having children , '' the president said .
He noted that the current negative forecasts are alarming .
`` By 2024 , the fertility rate should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Putin said that low incomes of most households with children directly threatens Russia ’ s demographic future .
`` Low incomes of most households , families is the most pressing issue , which directly threatens our demographic future .
According to various estimates , households with children account for around 70-80 % of families with low incomes , '' he said .

The Russian president noted that, according to preliminary estimates, the total fertility rate stood at 1.5 in 2019. "This is not enough for our country," he stressed.
"Today, we have almost 147 million people. However, we have entered a difficult, very difficult demographic period. Its specific feature is that, thanks to those measures that have been taken since the mid-2000s, we have been able to achieve positive results in demography and even, at some point, achieve a natural population growth. That’s why the number of schoolchildren is growing. However, families are now started by the small generations of the 1990s, the number of births is falling again. That’s the tenseness of the demographic period, which Russia is going through today," Putin said.
MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. There are almost 147 million people in Russia today, but the country has entered a tense demographic period, with birth rates falling again, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his annual State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly on Wednesday.
The birth rate in Russia is falling again, families are being made by the small generation born in the 1990s, said Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday in his annual State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly.
"Families are being created by the small generation of the 90s. The birth rate is falling again - this is the tense demographic period that Russia is going through today," the president said.
Accoring to Putin, the birth rate in the 1990s in Russia was worse than that in the Second World War times, families rarely had two children.
"To compare, [birth rate] in 1943 during World War 2 was 1.3, but it was even worse in the 1990s - in 1999 it dropped to 1.16. It is worse than in the Second World War times. Families with two children were rare then, people were even sometimes forced to put off having children," the president said.
He noted that the current negative forecasts are alarming. "By 2024, the fertility rate should reach 1.7," Putin recalled.
Putin said that low incomes of most households with children directly threatens Russia’s demographic future.
"Low incomes of most households, families is the most pressing issue, which directly threatens our demographic future. According to various estimates, households with children account for around 70-80% of families with low incomes," he said.


tass--2020-01-15--Putin's annual State of the Nation Address

MOSCOW , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s State of the Nation Address to the @ @ @ @ @ at the Manezh Central Exhibition Hall today .
Nearly 900 journalists working for Russian and @ @ @ @ @ accredited to cover the event .
About 1,300 people have been invited , including lawmakers @ @ @ @ @ officials from the Constitutional and Supreme Courts , regional governors , regional assembly speakers , @ @ @ @ @ .
The address to the Federal Assembly is one of the most important annual events @ @ @ @ @ schedule .
The document , which outlines the goals and tasks for the country , @ @ @ @ @ government and the parliament to follow .
The content of the document is usually not @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly is taking place at the Manezh Central Exhibition Hall today.
Nearly 900 journalists working for Russian and foreign media outlets have been accredited to cover the event. About 1,300 people have been invited, including lawmakers, cabinet members, top officials from the Constitutional and Supreme Courts, regional governors, regional assembly speakers, religious leaders and public figures.
The address to the Federal Assembly is one of the most important annual events in the president’s schedule. The document, which outlines the goals and tasks for the country, becomes a guideline for the government and the parliament to follow. The content of the document is usually not made public in advance.


tass--2020-01-15--Russia’s top diplomat urges not to discuss sanctions when considering world’s future

NEW DELHI , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has urged not to discuss sanctions and @ @ @ @ @ the future of the world .
`` The 21st century is the time when we @ @ @ @ @ methods of dealing in international relations , which smack of colonial or neocolonial times .
@ @ @ @ @ work , this is not diplomacy , so I do not believe we should discuss @ @ @ @ @ when we think about the future of the world , '' he told the Raisina @ @ @ @ @ Delhi on Wednesday .

NEW DELHI, January 15. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has urged not to discuss sanctions and other non-diplomatic means when considering the future of the world.
"The 21st century is the time when we must get rid of any methods of dealing in international relations, which smack of colonial or neocolonial times. Sanctions are not going to work, this is not diplomacy, so I do not believe we should discuss sanctions and other non-diplomatic means when we think about the future of the world," he told the Raisina dialogue 2020 conference in New Delhi on Wednesday.


tass--2020-01-15--Iran’s Rouhani apologizes for delayed plane crash admission

TEHRAN , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has offered an apology for delaying the admission that the national military was responsible for downing the Ukrainian plane , Iran ’ s state TV broadcast the speech on Wednesday .
`` I would like to offer an apology for the delay and for our tone , '' the president said .
Rouhani has also dismissed as nonsense the suspicion Iran seeks to go nuclear .
`` Rumors to the effect Iran seeks to obtain nuclear weapons are nonsense that has been repeated so many times , '' Rouhani @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that `` the steps Iran has taken ( to reduce its commitments under the nuclear deal - TASS ) are reversible and all of its activities are being carried out under the supervision of the IAEA . ''
US Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin on Monday said , `` We will continue to apply economic sanctions until Iran stops terrorist activities and commits to never having nuclear weapons . ''
The future of the deal over the Iranian nuclear program was called in question after the United States ’ unilateral pullout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s introduction of oil export sanctions on Tehran .
Iran argues that all other participants in the nuclear deal , first and foremost , the Europeans , have defaulted on some of their economic obligations , so the agreement in its current shape makes no sense .
In this connection Iran started to gradually suspend compliance with its liabilities under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action concerning the enrichment of uranium and research activities .
At the beginning of January it declared that this process was completed .

TEHRAN, January 15. /TASS/. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has offered an apology for delaying the admission that the national military was responsible for downing the Ukrainian plane, Iran’s state TV broadcast the speech on Wednesday.
"I would like to offer an apology for the delay and for our tone," the president said.
Rouhani has also dismissed as nonsense the suspicion Iran seeks to go nuclear.
"Rumors to the effect Iran seeks to obtain nuclear weapons are nonsense that has been repeated so many times," Rouhani said on television on Wednesday.
He added that "the steps Iran has taken (to reduce its commitments under the nuclear deal - TASS) are reversible and all of its activities are being carried out under the supervision of the IAEA."
US Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin on Monday said, "We will continue to apply economic sanctions until Iran stops terrorist activities and commits to never having nuclear weapons."
The future of the deal over the Iranian nuclear program was called in question after the United States’ unilateral pullout on May 8, 2018 and Washington’s introduction of oil export sanctions on Tehran. Iran argues that all other participants in the nuclear deal, first and foremost, the Europeans, have defaulted on some of their economic obligations, so the agreement in its current shape makes no sense. In this connection Iran started to gradually suspend compliance with its liabilities under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action concerning the enrichment of uranium and research activities. At the beginning of January it declared that this process was completed.


tass--2020-01-15--Rubens painting discovered in Urals to be examined in Moscow

The painting , a sketch for a larger canvas exhibited in Rome , was transferred from the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg to Irbit in 1976 .
According to Karpov , Irbit specialists suspected that the painting is a Rubens ’ s original during its restoration in 2016-2017 .
The Hermitage experts later verbally confirmed their suspicions .
YEKATERINBURG , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
`` The Entombment ( Lamentation of Christ ) , '' a painting by Peter Paul Rubens from the Irbit Museum of Fine Art , in the Sverdlovsk Region , which was previously considered a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Museum Director Valery Karpov told TASS .
`` Moscow ’ s Pushkin Museum of Fine Art employs first-class experts who specialize in Flemish and Italian paintings in particular , so we suspect this painting was created under the powerful influence of Italian masters .
First , Moscow experts will provide their conclusion , and then the painting will head to the Hermitage , so that we can compare all opinions , '' Karpov said .
He added that the painting would be sent to Moscow in early February .
The Hermitage will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Another Rubens ’ s work from the Irbit collection , `` The Penitent Mary Magdalene and Martha , '' previously considered a copy , was found to be the original after its restoration in 2012 had revealed certain signs indicating this .
The picture is believed to have been painted by Rubens together with his apprentices Anthonis van Dyk and Jacob Jordaens , with the figure of Magdalene herself painted by Rubens alone .
According to Karpov , both Irbit paintings are insured for hundreds of millions of euro .

The painting, a sketch for a larger canvas exhibited in Rome, was transferred from the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg to Irbit in 1976. According to Karpov, Irbit specialists suspected that the painting is a Rubens’s original during its restoration in 2016-2017. The Hermitage experts later verbally confirmed their suspicions.
YEKATERINBURG, January 15. /TASS/. "The Entombment (Lamentation of Christ)," a painting by Peter Paul Rubens from the Irbit Museum of Fine Art, in the Sverdlovsk Region, which was previously considered a copy, will be examined in Moscow, Museum Director Valery Karpov told TASS.
"Moscow’s Pushkin Museum of Fine Art employs first-class experts who specialize in Flemish and Italian paintings in particular, so we suspect this painting was created under the powerful influence of Italian masters. First, Moscow experts will provide their conclusion, and then the painting will head to the Hermitage, so that we can compare all opinions," Karpov said.
He added that the painting would be sent to Moscow in early February. The Hermitage will present their own report later that month.
Another Rubens’s work from the Irbit collection, "The Penitent Mary Magdalene and Martha," previously considered a copy, was found to be the original after its restoration in 2012 had revealed certain signs indicating this. The picture is believed to have been painted by Rubens together with his apprentices Anthonis van Dyk and Jacob Jordaens, with the figure of Magdalene herself painted by Rubens alone. According to Karpov, both Irbit paintings are insured for hundreds of millions of euro.


tass--2020-01-15--Russia sees EU’s interest in cooperation with Moscow, says senior diplomat

MOSCOW , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
The interest of the EU member-countries in cultivating bilateral ties with Russia is @ @ @ @ @ Minister Alexander Grushko said at a session of the Gaidar Forum on Wednesday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ more and more signs indicating that the EU member-states are interested in developing cooperation with @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Of course , if we look at the intensity of contacts at all @ @ @ @ @ ’ s leadership , we see that attempts to isolate Russia have completely failed and @ @ @ @ @ of the most sought-after partners in tackling truly global issues facing us , '' Grushko @ @

MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. The interest of the EU member-countries in cultivating bilateral ties with Russia is growing, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said at a session of the Gaidar Forum on Wednesday.
"We note that there are more and more signs indicating that the EU member-states are interested in developing cooperation with us," he said.
"Of course, if we look at the intensity of contacts at all levels, starting from Russia’s leadership, we see that attempts to isolate Russia have completely failed and that Russia is currently one of the most sought-after partners in tackling truly global issues facing us," Grushko added.


tass--2020-01-15--Key OPEC+ states start consultations to postpone meeting from March to June — source

MOSCOW , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
Key OPEC+ participating countries have started consultations on postponement of the decision on @ @ @ @ @ production cut deal from March to June 2020 , a source in OPEC told TASS @ @ @ @ @ OPEC+ ministers on that issue have begun , '' he told TASS on Wednesday , @ @ @ @ @ in question .
Late on Tuesday , the source said that it is `` unreasonable @ @ @ @ @ meeting in early March as the secretariat would not have obtained updated production data by @ @ @ @ @ more reasonable to postpone the talks to June , he added .
The March meeting @ @ @ @ @ Back then , OPEC+ ministers decided to boost output reduction from 1.2 mln barrels per @ @ @ @ @ per day .
Certain countries with poor compliance rates were criticized .
Saudi Arabia urged @ @ @ @ @ to bring compliance with their quotas to 100 % as soon as possible .

MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. Key OPEC+ participating countries have started consultations on postponement of the decision on the future of the crude production cut deal from March to June 2020, a source in OPEC told TASS.
"Consultations between key OPEC+ ministers on that issue have begun," he told TASS on Wednesday, declining to specify the countries in question. Late on Tuesday, the source said that it is "unreasonable" to hold another OPEC+ meeting in early March as the secretariat would not have obtained updated production data by that time. It is more reasonable to postpone the talks to June, he added.
The March meeting was agreed in December. Back then, OPEC+ ministers decided to boost output reduction from 1.2 mln barrels per day to 1.7 mln barrels per day. Certain countries with poor compliance rates were criticized. Saudi Arabia urged the laggards in the deal to bring compliance with their quotas to 100% as soon as possible.


tass--2020-01-15--Talks on Libya in Moscow contribute to upcoming Berlin conference, Lavrov says

NEW DELHI , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
The January 13 talks in Moscow on settlement in Libya were initially viewed as part of a peaceful settlement process that would continue at a conference in Berlin , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told the Raisina dialogue 2020 conference in New Delhi on Wednesday .
`` Unfortunately , the document was not signed by everybody but it was signed by [ Prime Minister of the Government of National Accord Fayez ] al-Sarraj and [ Chairman of the Libyan High Council of State Khalid ] al-Mishri and as I said [ Commander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Haftar and [ Speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives Aguila ] Saleh Issa said that they needed more time to consult .
We never pretended that this would be the final meeting to resolve each issue , '' Lavrov stressed .
`` We have been promoting this meeting in Moscow as a contribution to the conference in Berlin which will be held this coming Sunday , '' Lavrov said , noting that Russia had recommended that Germany should invite all Libyan parties to take part in it .
According to Lavrov , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Haftar refused to sign a ceasefire deal and took a pause for consultations with the parliament .
`` Haftar and [ President of the Libyan House of Representatives ( parliament ) Aguila ] Saleh Issa said they needed more time to consult with the people .
Saleh was saying that he is the head of parliament , '' Lavrov noted .
`` We don ’ t overdramatize this situation .
This thing happened in the past , there were meetings on Libya held in Paris , Palermo and Abu Dhabi , '' he @ @

NEW DELHI, January 15. /TASS/. The January 13 talks in Moscow on settlement in Libya were initially viewed as part of a peaceful settlement process that would continue at a conference in Berlin, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told the Raisina dialogue 2020 conference in New Delhi on Wednesday.
"Unfortunately, the document was not signed by everybody but it was signed by [Prime Minister of the Government of National Accord Fayez] al-Sarraj and [Chairman of the Libyan High Council of State Khalid] al-Mishri and as I said [Commander of the Libyan National Army Khalifa] Haftar and [Speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives Aguila] Saleh Issa said that they needed more time to consult. We never pretended that this would be the final meeting to resolve each issue," Lavrov stressed.
"We have been promoting this meeting in Moscow as a contribution to the conference in Berlin which will be held this coming Sunday," Lavrov said, noting that Russia had recommended that Germany should invite all Libyan parties to take part in it.
According to Lavrov, Russia is not overdramatizing the situation after Haftar refused to sign a ceasefire deal and took a pause for consultations with the parliament.
"Haftar and [President of the Libyan House of Representatives (parliament) Aguila] Saleh Issa said they needed more time to consult with the people. Saleh was saying that he is the head of parliament," Lavrov noted. "We don’t overdramatize this situation. This thing happened in the past, there were meetings on Libya held in Paris, Palermo and Abu Dhabi," he said.


tass--2020-01-15--Russia pursues policy of gradual de-dollarization, says foreign minister

MOSCOW , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
Amid the US ’ sanctions , Moscow pursues the policy of gradual de-dollarization @ @ @ @ @ of settlements in national currencies , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview @ @ @ @ @ newspaper .
`` Against the background of the increasingly aggressive use of financial sanctions by @ @ @ @ @ continues its policy aimed at gradual de-dollarization of the economy .
Together with our main @ @ @ @ @ we work on developing economic and legal mechanisms to reduce the negative impact of restrictions @ @ @ @ @ ties , '' the minister said .

MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. Amid the US’ sanctions, Moscow pursues the policy of gradual de-dollarization of its economy and expansion of settlements in national currencies, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with The Times of India newspaper.
"Against the background of the increasingly aggressive use of financial sanctions by the US Administration, Russia continues its policy aimed at gradual de-dollarization of the economy. Together with our main partners, including India, we work on developing economic and legal mechanisms to reduce the negative impact of restrictions on bilateral trade and investment ties," the minister said.


tass--2020-01-15--Lavrov: G20 development showed that G7 no longer plays such an important role

NEW DELHI , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
The creation of G20 confirmed that G7 can no longer solve important issues , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told the Raisina dialogue 2020 conference in New Delhi on Wednesday .
`` The creation of G20 was the recognition that G7 can not anymore decide any issue of any significance , '' Russia ’ s top diplomat said .
`` And G20 which embraces G7 , BRICS and like-minded countries who support the BRICS position on many occasions .
This is a workable organization , especially in a situation when developing countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the reform of the UN Security Council . ''
Lavrov stressed that the main deficiency of the UN Security Council is underrepresentation of developing countries .
`` We repeatedly reiterated our position that India and Brazil absolutely deserve to be on the Council together with an African candidate .
And our position is that the purpose of the UN reform is to make sure that the developing countries have a better treatment in the central organ of the United Nations , '' he said .
Russia ’ s top diplomat highlighted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any discussions on global issues .
`` The principles such as sovereign equality of states , non-interference in internal matters , respect for territorial integrity , peaceful resolution of disputes should be applicable to each and every situation in the world .
They should be the guiding point for any discussion to develop any new ideas on the world arena , '' Lavrov noted .

"The creation of G20 was the recognition that G7 cannot anymore decide any issue of any significance," Russia’s top diplomat said. "And G20 which embraces G7, BRICS and like-minded countries who support the BRICS position on many occasions. This is a workable organization, especially in a situation when developing countries have grievances regarding the lack of progress on the reform of the UN Security Council."
Lavrov stressed that the main deficiency of the UN Security Council is underrepresentation of developing countries. "We repeatedly reiterated our position that India and Brazil absolutely deserve to be on the Council together with an African candidate. And our position is that the purpose of the UN reform is to make sure that the developing countries have a better treatment in the central organ of the United Nations," he said.
Russia’s top diplomat highlighted that the UN Charter is the anchor of any discussions on global issues. "The principles such as sovereign equality of states, non-interference in internal matters, respect for territorial integrity, peaceful resolution of disputes should be applicable to each and every situation in the world. They should be the guiding point for any discussion to develop any new ideas on the world arena," Lavrov noted.


tass--2020-01-15--Eurasian Economic Union and India negotiating free trade zone agreement, Lavrov says

MOSCOW , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
An agreement on establishing a free trade zone between the Eurasian Economic Union @ @ @ @ @ is currently being negotiated , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview to @ @ @ @ @ `` Currently , New Delhi and Moscow are vigorously working to prepare a new intergovernmental @ @ @ @ @ of investments , which will by far increase investor protection for both sides , '' @ @ @ @ @ agreement on a free trade zone between the Eurasian Economic Union and India which is @ @ @ @ @ contribute to this , '' he added .
The EAEU earlier signed agreements on establishing @ @ @ @ @ Vietnam , Singapore and Serbia .
A temporary agreement on establishing a free trade zone @ @ @ @ @ .
Talks on establishing a free trade zone are underway with Egypt , Israel and @ @

MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. An agreement on establishing a free trade zone between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and India is currently being negotiated, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview to The Times of India.
"Currently, New Delhi and Moscow are vigorously working to prepare a new intergovernmental agreement on the mutual protection of investments, which will by far increase investor protection for both sides," Lavrov said. "The agreement on a free trade zone between the Eurasian Economic Union and India which is currently being negotiated should also contribute to this," he added.
The EAEU earlier signed agreements on establishing a free trade zone with Vietnam, Singapore and Serbia. A temporary agreement on establishing a free trade zone was also signed with Iran. Talks on establishing a free trade zone are underway with Egypt, Israel and Argentina.


tass--2020-01-15--Japan and US agree that escalation in Middle East should be avoided

Japan will try to help ease tensions between US and Iran — defense minister TOKYO , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi has met with US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo in San Francisco on Tuesday , the Japanese Foreign Minister said in a statemenet released on Wednesday .
`` The sides openly exchanged opinions on the situation in the Middle East , '' the foreign ministry said .
`` Minister Motegi said that he is deeply concerned over the escalation in the region and called on all interested partoes to make diplomatic efforts to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it is important to avoid escalating the situation in the Midde East , '' the ministry added .
Motegi and Pompeo also discussed the situation on the Korean Peninsula .
The situation in the Middle East escalated on January 3 , when the United States delivered air strikes at the area near the Baghdad airport , killing commander of Iran 's Quds Force Major General Qasem Soleimani .
In response , Tehran delivered air strikes at two facilities in Iraq used by US forces — Ayn al Asad air base and airport @ @ @

Japan will try to help ease tensions between US and Iran — defense minister
TOKYO, January 15. /TASS/. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi has met with US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo in San Francisco on Tuesday, the Japanese Foreign Minister said in a statemenet released on Wednesday.
"The sides openly exchanged opinions on the situation in the Middle East," the foreign ministry said. "Minister Motegi said that he is deeply concerned over the escalation in the region and called on all interested partoes to make diplomatic efforts to help ease tensions. The sides also agreed that it is important to avoid escalating the situation in the Midde East," the ministry added.
Motegi and Pompeo also discussed the situation on the Korean Peninsula.
The situation in the Middle East escalated on January 3, when the United States delivered air strikes at the area near the Baghdad airport, killing commander of Iran's Quds Force Major General Qasem Soleimani. In response, Tehran delivered air strikes at two facilities in Iraq used by US forces — Ayn al Asad air base and airport in Erbil.


tass--2020-01-15--People returning to Deir ez-Zor in Syria's north — Russian reconciliation center

DEIR EZ-ZOR , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
Residents are returning en masse to the city of Deiz ez-Zor in @ @ @ @ @ city was besieged by militants for over three years .
The Russian Center for reconciliation @ @ @ @ @ Syria told reporters that civilians are returning to the city en masse .
This is @ @ @ @ @ pontoon bridge over the Euphrates river which was built by Syrian specialists with the help @ @ @ @ @ .
The bridge was built to replace the one-hundred-year-old structure which had been destroyed by @ @ @ @ @ buildings in Deir ez-Zor were destroyed by air strikes of the US-led international coalition .
@ @ @ @ @ that local authorities are ready to restore the city by themselves but they need more @ @ @ @ @ There are around 200,000 residents currently living in Deir ez-Zor .
In 2014-2017 , the @ @ @ @ @ Islamic State terrorist organization ( banned in Russia ) .

DEIR EZ-ZOR, January 15. /TASS/. Residents are returning en masse to the city of Deiz ez-Zor in Syria's north. The city was besieged by militants for over three years.
The Russian Center for reconciliation of the conflicting sides in Syria told reporters that civilians are returning to the city en masse. This is possible mainly because of the pontoon bridge over the Euphrates river which was built by Syrian specialists with the help of Russian servicemen last autumn. The bridge was built to replace the one-hundred-year-old structure which had been destroyed by militants.
Around 85% buildings in Deir ez-Zor were destroyed by air strikes of the US-led international coalition. The Russian reconciliation center said that local authorities are ready to restore the city by themselves but they need more people to do this.
There are around 200,000 residents currently living in Deir ez-Zor. In 2014-2017, the city was besieged by the Islamic State terrorist organization (banned in Russia).


tass--2020-01-15--Pompeo discusses situation around Iran with Israel's prime minister — spokesperson

Japan will try to help ease tensions between US and Iran — defense minister WASHINGTON , January 15 .
/TASS/ @ @ @ @ @ Michael Pompeo has held telephone talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
`` Secretary Pompeo and Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed recent regional developments related @ @ @ @ @ , '' Ortagus said.
`` Secretary Pompeo reiterated that the U.S. commitment to Israel 's @ @ @ @ @ he added .
The situation in the Middle East escalated on January 3 , when @ @ @ @ @ strikes at the area near the Baghdad airport , killing commander of Iran 's Quds @ @ @ @ @ .
In response , Tehran delivered air strikes at two facilities in Iraq used by @ @ @ @ @ Asad air base and airport in Erbil .

Japan will try to help ease tensions between US and Iran — defense minister
WASHINGTON, January 15. /TASS/. US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo has held telephone talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.
"Secretary Pompeo and Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed recent regional developments related to Iran's destabilizing actions," Ortagus said. " Secretary Pompeo reiterated that the U.S. commitment to Israel's security is unwavering," he added.
The situation in the Middle East escalated on January 3, when the United States delivered air strikes at the area near the Baghdad airport, killing commander of Iran's Quds Force Major General Qasem Soleimani. In response, Tehran delivered air strikes at two facilities in Iraq used by US forces — Ayn al Asad air base and airport in Erbil.


tass--2020-01-15--Japan will try to help ease tensions between US and Iran — defense minister

Parliamentarian blames US for tensions that led to Ukrainian plane crash in Iran WASHINGTON , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
Japan will make consistent diplomatic efforts to help ease tensions between the Unieted States and Iran , Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono told a press conference on Tuesday after talks with his US counterpart Mark Esper .
`` First of all , we have discussed with the Pentagon chief the situation in the Middle East , including the latest developments in Iran .
Mark Esper explained how the US forces are operating in the region .
I said that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tensions and stabilize the situation in the region , '' Kono said .
`` I also talked about the [ Japanese ] government 's decision last December to send Japan Self-Defense Forces to the region , '' he added .
The situation in the Middle East escalated on January 3 , when the United States delivered air strikes at the area near the Baghdad airport , killing commander of Iran 's Quds Force Major General Qasem Soleimani .
In response , Tehran delivered air strikes at two facilities in Iraq used by US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and airport in Erbil .

WASHINGTON, January 15. /TASS/. Japan will make consistent diplomatic efforts to help ease tensions between the Unieted States and Iran, Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono told a press conference on Tuesday after talks with his US counterpart Mark Esper.
"First of all, we have discussed with the Pentagon chief the situation in the Middle East, including the latest developments in Iran. Mark Esper explained how the US forces are operating in the region. I said that we will make consistent diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and stabilize the situation in the region," Kono said.
"I also talked about the [Japanese] government's decision last December to send Japan Self-Defense Forces to the region," he added.
The situation in the Middle East escalated on January 3, when the United States delivered air strikes at the area near the Baghdad airport, killing commander of Iran's Quds Force Major General Qasem Soleimani. In response, Tehran delivered air strikes at two facilities in Iraq used by US forces - Ayn al Asad air base and airport in Erbil.


tass--2020-01-15--Republika Srpska does not plan to join NATO — leader

BELGRADE , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
Republika Srpska , one of the two entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina , does not plan to join NATO and will maintain military neutrality , Serb member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Milorad Dodik told RTS TV channel on Tuesday .
Responding to a question on whether Republika Srpska will join NATO , he said : `` No . ''
`` The first article of the approved reform plan states that it does not envisage membership of Bosnia and Herzegovina in NATO , and any movement toward NATO will need a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Herzegovina .
Our goal is military neutrality , and we do n't want NATO 's border along the Drina river , on the Serbian border .
The document never mentions joining NATO , '' Dodik explained .
Dodik earlier told TASS in an interview that Republika Srpska is pressured into joining NATO .
He said that the West would want all countries to join NATO , but Republika Srpska does not plan to change its strategic priorities , which include maintaining military neutrality .
Dodik noted that joining NATO after 1999 bombing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions in the now-defunct country .

BELGRADE, January 15. /TASS/. Republika Srpska, one of the two entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, does not plan to join NATO and will maintain military neutrality, Serb member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Milorad Dodik told RTS TV channel on Tuesday.
Responding to a question on whether Republika Srpska will join NATO, he said: "No." "The first article of the approved reform plan states that it does not envisage membership of Bosnia and Herzegovina in NATO, and any movement toward NATO will need a new decision of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our goal is military neutrality, and we don't want NATO's border along the Drina river, on the Serbian border. The document never mentions joining NATO," Dodik explained.
Dodik earlier told TASS in an interview that Republika Srpska is pressured into joining NATO. He said that the West would want all countries to join NATO, but Republika Srpska does not plan to change its strategic priorities, which include maintaining military neutrality. Dodik noted that joining NATO after 1999 bombing of Yugoslavia would justify the Alliance's actions in the now-defunct country.


tass--2020-01-15--Decoding of downed Ukraine plane's black boxes to start on January 20

KIEV , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
An international group of experts will start decoding balck boxes of the Ukraine International Airlines passenger plane downed in Iran on January 20 , head of the Kiev Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise Alexander Ruvin said after returning from Tehran .
`` The black boxes of the downed Boeing will be decoded in Ukraine .
On January 15 , the chairman of Iran 's aviation bureau and all specialists will come here , and decoding of the black boxes will start on January 20 , '' Ruvin told Ukraine 's TSN TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on identifying the victims in the crash , with DNA analysis being used in the process .
`` The Iranian president set out a task to hand over all remains by January 19 , '' the expert noted .
Talking about working on the site of the crash , Ruvin said that Ukrainian specialists quickly realized that the passenger plane was hit by a missile .
`` Thanks to the emergency service that set up lighting during the night , we found the parts that indicated that the plane was downed by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We we planning to share our final conclusion in the morning , but then the Iranian side admitted downing the plane , '' he added .
An Ukrainian commission flew to Tehran on the day of the crash , and experts started working on the site on the next day , January 9 .
On January 8 , the Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 plane en route from Tehran to Kiev crashed shortly after takeoff near Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport .
There were 176 people on board , and no one survived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Germany , Iran , Canada , Ukraine , the United Kingdom and Sweden .
On January 11 , Iran 's General Staff of the Armed Forces issued a statement saying that the plane was accidentally downed by an Iranian missile after being mistaken for a cruise missile .

KIEV, January 15. /TASS/. An international group of experts will start decoding balck boxes of the Ukraine International Airlines passenger plane downed in Iran on January 20, head of the Kiev Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise Alexander Ruvin said after returning from Tehran.
"The black boxes of the downed Boeing will be decoded in Ukraine. On January 15, the chairman of Iran's aviation bureau and all specialists will come here, and decoding of the black boxes will start on January 20," Ruvin told Ukraine's TSN TV channel. He added that work continues on identifying the victims in the crash, with DNA analysis being used in the process. "The Iranian president set out a task to hand over all remains by January 19," the expert noted.
Talking about working on the site of the crash, Ruvin said that Ukrainian specialists quickly realized that the passenger plane was hit by a missile. "Thanks to the emergency service that set up lighting during the night, we found the parts that indicated that the plane was downed by a missile," he noted. "We we planning to share our final conclusion in the morning, but then the Iranian side admitted downing the plane," he added.
An Ukrainian commission flew to Tehran on the day of the crash, and experts started working on the site on the next day, January 9.
On January 8, the Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 plane en route from Tehran to Kiev crashed shortly after takeoff near Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport. There were 176 people on board, and no one survived. Among them were citizens of Afghanistan, Germany, Iran, Canada, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and Sweden. On January 11, Iran's General Staff of the Armed Forces issued a statement saying that the plane was accidentally downed by an Iranian missile after being mistaken for a cruise missile.


tass--2020-01-15--Israel's Air Force responsible for missile attack in Syria's Homs — media

MOSCOW , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
A missile attack at the T-4 military aerodrome in the east of Syria 's Homs province was delivered by Israel 's Air Force , SANA news agency reported on Wednesday citing sources in the Syrian military .
`` Israeli aviation carried out a new aggression against Syria by attacking the T-4 military aerodrome from the Al-Tanf region bordering Jordan and Iraq , '' the source said .
`` Our missile defense systems have repelled the missile attack and struck several aerial targets of the enemy , '' he added .
SANA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Air Force launched an attack on Tuesday at 1:10pm local time .
Four missiles landed on the territory of the T-4 aerodrome in Syria 's Homs province , which resulted in material damage .
No reports have been made yet about casualties .
In June last year , Israeli Air Force delivered an air strike at the T-4 base in Syria 's Homs province , killing one Syrian servicemen and injuring two others .
Moreover , an ammunition depot was damaged , along with two buildings , military equipment and aerodrome 's infrastructure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an address to the UN Security Council notifying it about the incident .

MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. /TASS/. A missile attack at the T-4 military aerodrome in the east of Syria's Homs province was delivered by Israel's Air Force, SANA news agency reported on Wednesday citing sources in the Syrian military.
"Israeli aviation carried out a new aggression against Syria by attacking the T-4 military aerodrome from the Al-Tanf region bordering Jordan and Iraq," the source said. "Our missile defense systems have repelled the missile attack and struck several aerial targets of the enemy," he added.
SANA's military source said that Israel's Air Force launched an attack on Tuesday at 1:10pm local time. Four missiles landed on the territory of the T-4 aerodrome in Syria's Homs province, which resulted in material damage. No reports have been made yet about casualties.
In June last year, Israeli Air Force delivered an air strike at the T-4 base in Syria's Homs province, killing one Syrian servicemen and injuring two others. Moreover, an ammunition depot was damaged, along with two buildings, military equipment and aerodrome's infrastructure. The Syrian Foreign Ministry then sent an address to the UN Security Council notifying it about the incident.


tass--2020-01-14--Hainan authorities simplify medications import through Lecheng zone

HAIKOU , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
The Hainan authorities simplified the import procedure for medications and medical equipment through the pilot tourism zone by easing the approval and granting permits in three days , www.hinews.cn .
Currently , the relevant authorities have issued permits for more than 50 items of imported drugs and equipment in the Lecheng pilot area of international medical tourism in Boao .
In order to make the drug screening and approval process more efficient and faster , a provincial healthcare committee created a special working group .
The customs service , according to the news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relevant approved medications and equipment to arrive at customs warehouses before customs inspection .
According to the news outlet , the cluster gained 365 million yuan ( $ 53.7 million ) in 2018 , which is 2,3 times more than the 2017 indicators .
By 2030 , at least 100 projects are expected to be implemented at Lecheng — 71 of those have already obtained an official approval .
According to the Chinese authorities , Lecheng is intended to become the world 's largest research and development base , equipped with advanced medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for personnel exchange and international cooperation in the healthcare sector .
The cluster is also expected to contribute to the development of China ’ s medical tourism industry .

HAIKOU, January 14. /TASS/. The Hainan authorities simplified the import procedure for medications and medical equipment through the pilot tourism zone by easing the approval and granting permits in three days, www.hinews.cn.
Currently, the relevant authorities have issued permits for more than 50 items of imported drugs and equipment in the Lecheng pilot area of international medical tourism in Boao. In order to make the drug screening and approval process more efficient and faster, a provincial healthcare committee created a special working group. The customs service, according to the news outlet, also gave permission for the relevant approved medications and equipment to arrive at customs warehouses before customs inspection.
According to the news outlet, the cluster gained 365 million yuan ($ 53.7 million) in 2018, which is 2,3 times more than the 2017 indicators. By 2030, at least 100 projects are expected to be implemented at Lecheng — 71 of those have already obtained an official approval.
According to the Chinese authorities, Lecheng is intended to become the world's largest research and development base, equipped with advanced medical equipment, as well as a platform for personnel exchange and international cooperation in the healthcare sector. The cluster is also expected to contribute to the development of China’s medical tourism industry.


tass--2020-01-16--Tear gas grenades explode near Russian embassy in Beirut — diplomat

BEIRUT , January 16 .
/TASS/ .
Two tear gas grenades detonated on the premises of the Russian Embassy in Beirut on Wednesday , minister-counselor Vyacheslav Maksudov told TASS .
`` Two grenades landed on our territory .
No injuries were reported among the embassy staff and their family members , '' he said .
`` The embassy has taken additional security measures . ''
The diplomat said the embassy ’ s security had been tightened amid clashes between police and protesters in Beirut .
Earlier , Lebanese police used tear gas and rubber truncheons to disperse a crowd that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Internal Security Forces .
Protesters demanded the release of activists , detained during Tuesday ’ s clashes with police on one of the Lebanese capital ’ s central streets , Hamra .
In total , police apprehended 59 people during the unrest .
Protests took to the streets in Lebanon on October 17 , 2019 and prompted the resignation of Saad Hariri as prime minister on October 29 .
On December 19 , Lebanese President Michel Aoun chose the independent politician Hassan Diab to form a new cabinet .
Diab won the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parliament .
The appointment of a new prime minister failed to appease the protesters , whose leaders demand the parliament be dissolved and early elections be called for .

BEIRUT, January 16. /TASS/. Two tear gas grenades detonated on the premises of the Russian Embassy in Beirut on Wednesday, minister-counselor Vyacheslav Maksudov told TASS.
"Two grenades landed on our territory. No injuries were reported among the embassy staff and their family members," he said. "The embassy has taken additional security measures."
The diplomat said the embassy’s security had been tightened amid clashes between police and protesters in Beirut.
Earlier, Lebanese police used tear gas and rubber truncheons to disperse a crowd that gathered outside barracks of the country’s Internal Security Forces. Protesters demanded the release of activists, detained during Tuesday’s clashes with police on one of the Lebanese capital’s central streets, Hamra. In total, police apprehended 59 people during the unrest.
Protests took to the streets in Lebanon on October 17, 2019 and prompted the resignation of Saad Hariri as prime minister on October 29. On December 19, Lebanese President Michel Aoun chose the independent politician Hassan Diab to form a new cabinet. Diab won the support of 69 members of the 128-member parliament. The appointment of a new prime minister failed to appease the protesters, whose leaders demand the parliament be dissolved and early elections be called for.


tass--2020-01-16--Putin signs decree to establish working group on constitutional amendments

MOSCOW , January 16 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to establish a working group to prepare proposals on amending the Russian Constitution , the Kremlin said on its website on Wednesday .
The presidential decree orders `` to set up a working group to prepare proposals on introducing amendments into the Constitution of the Russian Federation . ''
The group , has three co-chairs : Andrey Klishas and Pavel Krasheninnikov , who preside committees on legislation and state building at the upper and lower chambers of the Russian parliament , respectively , and by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Comparative Law under the Government of the Russian Federation , Taliya Khabriyeva .
The body would comprise 75 politicians , legislators , scientists and public figures .
Among the group ’ s members are Rusfond charity organization ’ s President Lev Ambinder , Ataman ( head ) of the Kuban Cossack society Nikolay Doluda , former pole vaulter and two-time Olympic champion Yelena Isinbayeva , Head of the Union of Theatrical Figures of Russia Alexander Kalyagin , Kaspersky Lab co-founder Natalya Kasperskaya , President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sergei @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actor Vladimir Mashkov , Director of St. Petersburg Hermitage Museum Mikhail Piotrovsky , internationally acclaimed pediatric surgeon and President of Research Institute of Emergency Pediatric Surgery and Traumatology Leonid Roshal , Head of the Russian Union of Journalists Vladimir Solovyev , State Tretyakov Gallery Director General Zelfira Tregulova , Mosfilm studio Director General Karen Shakhnazarov , President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Alexander Shokhin and others .
The inaugural meeting of the newly-formed working group will take place on Thursday , one of the group ’ s co-chairs , Klishas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the goal to agree on the working procedure and meet with the president , will take place tomorrow [ on Thursday ] .
The first working meeting is scheduled for Friday , '' said Klishas , who chairs the Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building of the Russian parliament ’ s upper chamber , the Federation Council .
The senator said the working group will also need to determine the timeframe for preparing proposals on amending the constitution .
The presidential press service , contacted by TASS , `` confirmed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newly ] formed working group on Thursday . ''
In his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly , the Russian president suggested amending the country ’ s Constitution , including vesting the State Duma with powers to approve the prime minister , deputy prime ministers and the federal ministers .
According to the proposal , the president will be obliged to appoint the proposed candidates .
Putin said that at the moment , in accordance with Article 111 and Article 112 of Russia ’ s Constitution , the president just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appoint the chairman of the government , and after that he appoints the head of government , his deputies and all ministers .
The president also suggested appointing heads of security agencies after consultations with the Federation Council .

MOSCOW, January 16. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to establish a working group to prepare proposals on amending the Russian Constitution, the Kremlin said on its website on Wednesday.
The presidential decree orders "to set up a working group to prepare proposals on introducing amendments into the Constitution of the Russian Federation."
The group, has three co-chairs: Andrey Klishas and Pavel Krasheninnikov, who preside committees on legislation and state building at the upper and lower chambers of the Russian parliament, respectively, and by the head of the Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law under the Government of the Russian Federation, Taliya Khabriyeva. The body would comprise 75 politicians, legislators, scientists and public figures.
Among the group’s members are Rusfond charity organization’s President Lev Ambinder, Ataman (head) of the Kuban Cossack society Nikolay Doluda, former pole vaulter and two-time Olympic champion Yelena Isinbayeva, Head of the Union of Theatrical Figures of Russia Alexander Kalyagin, Kaspersky Lab co-founder Natalya Kasperskaya, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sergei Katyrin, renowned pianist Denis Matsuyev, actor Vladimir Mashkov, Director of St. Petersburg Hermitage Museum Mikhail Piotrovsky, internationally acclaimed pediatric surgeon and President of Research Institute of Emergency Pediatric Surgery and Traumatology Leonid Roshal, Head of the Russian Union of Journalists Vladimir Solovyev, State Tretyakov Gallery Director General Zelfira Tregulova, Mosfilm studio Director General Karen Shakhnazarov, President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Alexander Shokhin and others.
The inaugural meeting of the newly-formed working group will take place on Thursday, one of the group’s co-chairs, Klishas said.
"The kickoff meeting, with the goal to agree on the working procedure and meet with the president, will take place tomorrow [on Thursday]. The first working meeting is scheduled for Friday," said Klishas, who chairs the Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building of the Russian parliament’s upper chamber, the Federation Council.
The senator said the working group will also need to determine the timeframe for preparing proposals on amending the constitution.
The presidential press service, contacted by TASS, "confirmed the presidential intention to meet with the [newly] formed working group on Thursday."
In his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly, the Russian president suggested amending the country’s Constitution, including vesting the State Duma with powers to approve the prime minister, deputy prime ministers and the federal ministers. According to the proposal, the president will be obliged to appoint the proposed candidates.
Putin said that at the moment, in accordance with Article 111 and Article 112 of Russia’s Constitution, the president just secures the State Duma's consent to appoint the chairman of the government, and after that he appoints the head of government, his deputies and all ministers. The president also suggested appointing heads of security agencies after consultations with the Federation Council.


tass--2020-01-16--Government’s resignation not to affect Russia’s relations with foreign countries — expert

MOSCOW , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
The resignation of the government will not have a drastic impact on Russia ’ s ties with other counties , since the head of state defines the country ’ s foreign policy , Chairman of the Board of the Foundation for Development and Support of the Valdai Discussion Club Andrei Bystritsky told TASS on Wednesday .
`` It will not affect the foreign policy .
Some slight changes are likely but they are not going to be significant , as Russia ’ s foreign policy is headed by president .
He keeps on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediate objectives of Russia 's foreign policy in his address , including the role of permanent members of the UN Security Council and so on , '' he said .
When asked how this pivotal event in Russia ’ s domestic political life can be perceived by other states , the political scientist pointed out that it is unlikely `` to have a fundamental effect on Russia 's relations with the neighboring countries . ''
`` I do not think that the government ’ s resignation will somehow shake up the perception of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ones .
Another thing is that they will become more concerned about who are to come in charge of certain sectors in the Russian government , who will handle the foreign policy , economy and so on .
It will be curious , as the people who come and bring something new are always interesting .
I think that the making up of a new government will prompt a more substantial response than its resignation , '' he added .
The expert pointed out that in his State of the Nation Address Putin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country ’ s growth .
`` The economy , healthcare and education .
We should be looking forward to certain changes in these fields , '' Bystritsky said .
`` I feel that if taking into consideration the seriousness of the address , having opted for resignation , the government has opened a blank page for the president from the point of view of some reshuffling , which is needed to implement his plans , but it is hard to say how radical they are going to be . ''
On Wednesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cabinet members , Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said it was right for the government to resign in conformity with Article 117 of Russia ’ s Constitution .
Russian President Vladimir Putin in his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly ( both houses of Russia ’ s parliament ) put forward a proposal of amending Russia ’ s Constitution .
In particular , he spoke about delegating to the State Duma the authority of approving the candidate for prime minister , along with the deputy prime ministers and ministers nominated by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president will be obliged to appoint the candidates confirmed by the lower house of parliament .

MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. The resignation of the government will not have a drastic impact on Russia’s ties with other counties, since the head of state defines the country’s foreign policy, Chairman of the Board of the Foundation for Development and Support of the Valdai Discussion Club Andrei Bystritsky told TASS on Wednesday.
"It will not affect the foreign policy. Some slight changes are likely but they are not going to be significant, as Russia’s foreign policy is headed by president. He keeps on acting and he quite clearly announced the immediate objectives of Russia's foreign policy in his address, including the role of permanent members of the UN Security Council and so on," he said.
When asked how this pivotal event in Russia’s domestic political life can be perceived by other states, the political scientist pointed out that it is unlikely "to have a fundamental effect on Russia's relations with the neighboring countries."
"I do not think that the government’s resignation will somehow shake up the perception of Russia by other countries, including Western ones. Another thing is that they will become more concerned about who are to come in charge of certain sectors in the Russian government, who will handle the foreign policy, economy and so on. It will be curious, as the people who come and bring something new are always interesting. I think that the making up of a new government will prompt a more substantial response than its resignation," he added.
The expert pointed out that in his State of the Nation Address Putin quite clearly outlined the problems hampering the country’s growth.
"The economy, healthcare and education. We should be looking forward to certain changes in these fields," Bystritsky said. "I feel that if taking into consideration the seriousness of the address, having opted for resignation, the government has opened a blank page for the president from the point of view of some reshuffling, which is needed to implement his plans, but it is hard to say how radical they are going to be."
On Wednesday, during Putin’s meeting with the cabinet members, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said it was right for the government to resign in conformity with Article 117 of Russia’s Constitution. Russian President Vladimir Putin in his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly (both houses of Russia’s parliament) put forward a proposal of amending Russia’s Constitution. In particular, he spoke about delegating to the State Duma the authority of approving the candidate for prime minister, along with the deputy prime ministers and ministers nominated by the new prime minister. Moreover, the president will be obliged to appoint the candidates confirmed by the lower house of parliament.