tass--2020-05-07--Yamal plans to export fish products to Belarus, Kazakhstan

TASS , May 7 .
The Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region plans to export fish products to Belarus and Kazakhstan , the @ @ @ @ @ Governor Alexei Sitnikov said .
Yamal plans to open the first Arctic zoo and museum @ @ @ @ @ formalities to license the Salekhard Plant to export fish products within the Customs Union , @ @ @ @ @ When we receive a document confirming compliance with the Customs Union ’ s requirements for @ @ @ @ @ we shall offer fish products to Kazakhstan and Belarus . ''
The region ’ s @ @ @ @ @ is 240 tonnes or about 1 million cans , he continued .
`` By 2024 @ @ @ @ @ fish products worth $ 2.3 million , '' he added .
The Salekhard Plant produces @ @ @ @ @ canned fish and 90 types of fish products , which big retailers sell in the @ @ @ @ @ St. Petersburg , and other Russian regions .

TASS, May 7. The Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region plans to export fish products to Belarus and Kazakhstan, the region’s First Deputy Governor Alexei Sitnikov said.
Yamal plans to open the first Arctic zoo and museum of Arctic
"We continue formalities to license the Salekhard Plant to export fish products within the Customs Union," he said. "When we receive a document confirming compliance with the Customs Union’s requirements for fish products’ export, we shall offer fish products to Kazakhstan and Belarus."
The region’s export potential of processed fish is 240 tonnes or about 1 million cans, he continued. "By 2024, we shall annually export fish products worth $2.3 million," he added.
The Salekhard Plant produces more than 60 types of canned fish and 90 types of fish products, which big retailers sell in the Tyumen Region, Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other Russian regions.


tass--2020-05-07--Italian defense chief promises assistance to Russia in anti-coronavirus fight

MOSCOW , May 7 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu held a telephone talk with his Italian counterpart Lorenzo Guerini who promised assistance to Russia , if necessary , to combat the coronavirus , Russia ’ s Defense Ministry reported on Thursday .
`` The Italian defense minister thanked Sergei Shoigu for his information on sanitary and epidemiological measures underway in the Russian army and expressed his readiness to provide medical assistance to the Russian side in the fight against the pandemic , if need be , '' the ministry said .
The telephone talk was held at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it added .
The Italian defense minister also thanked his Russian counterpart for the prompt and timely provision of the assistance in the fight against the coronavirus spread , Russia ’ s Defense Ministry noted .
`` The head of the Italian Defense Ministry specially emphasized the high professionalism , self-sacrifice and responsibility of all the Russian military specialists of radiation , chemical and biological protection and army medics who rendered assistance to the Italian side , '' the ministry said .
Following the results of their talk , the heads of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to continue their dialogue on the issues of mutual interest , Russia ’ s Defense Ministry stressed .

MOSCOW, May 7. /TASS/. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu held a telephone talk with his Italian counterpart Lorenzo Guerini who promised assistance to Russia, if necessary, to combat the coronavirus, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Thursday.
"The Italian defense minister thanked Sergei Shoigu for his information on sanitary and epidemiological measures underway in the Russian army and expressed his readiness to provide medical assistance to the Russian side in the fight against the pandemic, if need be," the ministry said.
The telephone talk was held at the initiative of the Italian side, it added.
The Italian defense minister also thanked his Russian counterpart for the prompt and timely provision of the assistance in the fight against the coronavirus spread, Russia’s Defense Ministry noted.
"The head of the Italian Defense Ministry specially emphasized the high professionalism, self-sacrifice and responsibility of all the Russian military specialists of radiation, chemical and biological protection and army medics who rendered assistance to the Italian side," the ministry said.
Following the results of their talk, the heads of the defense ministries of Russia and Italy agreed to continue their dialogue on the issues of mutual interest, Russia’s Defense Ministry stressed.


tass--2020-05-07--Oil prices drop highlights post-oil period, says Azerbaijani president

MOSCOW , May 7 .
/TASS/ .
The sharp drop of oil prices in the past several months highlights the beginning of the post-oil period in the global economy , Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said in an exclusive interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman .
`` I have repeatedly said that we should forget about the oil sector .
Today , with such oil prices , one can say that the post-oil period has started , '' Aliyev said .
Azerbaijan has succeeded in breaking the dependence on crude production and oil prices , he noted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ first quarter of this year industrial production in the sector not related to oil and gas output rose by 23 % , '' the president said .
`` That was an absolute record and I think that amid the pandemic that figure , of course , inspires respect for the work we have done , '' he added .
It is necessary to make efforts to bring the economy out of the shadows for creating a strong economy not reliant , first of all , on oil production and sales , to develop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tourism and tap the potential of information and communications technologies , Aliyev said .
`` And , of course , returning to the global economic issues , that is improvement of business climate both for local and foreign investors and support of small enterprises .
We are currently taking large steps in that direction .
It will ensure both employment and economic diversification .
We know that through the example of developed countries where the share of small and mid-sized businesses in GDP is more than half , '' he said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that example .

MOSCOW, May 7. /TASS/. The sharp drop of oil prices in the past several months highlights the beginning of the post-oil period in the global economy, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said in an exclusive interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman.
"I have repeatedly said that we should forget about the oil sector. Today, with such oil prices, one can say that the post-oil period has started," Aliyev said.
Azerbaijan has succeeded in breaking the dependence on crude production and oil prices, he noted. "Suffice to say that in the first quarter of this year industrial production in the sector not related to oil and gas output rose by 23%," the president said. "That was an absolute record and I think that amid the pandemic that figure, of course, inspires respect for the work we have done," he added.
It is necessary to make efforts to bring the economy out of the shadows for creating a strong economy not reliant, first of all, on oil production and sales, to develop infrastructure, bolster such sectors as agriculture and tourism and tap the potential of information and communications technologies, Aliyev said.
"And, of course, returning to the global economic issues, that is improvement of business climate both for local and foreign investors and support of small enterprises. We are currently taking large steps in that direction. It will ensure both employment and economic diversification. We know that through the example of developed countries where the share of small and mid-sized businesses in GDP is more than half," he said, adding that it is necessary to follow that example.


tass--2020-05-07--Russia’s Glonass contractor to develop Angosat-2 satellite for Angola

The former contractor will transfer allocated but unspent funds for the satellite ’ s development to the newly assigned one MOSCOW , May 7 .
/TASS/ .
The work to develop and launch the Angosat-2 telecoms satellite for Angola to replace its predecessor Angosat-1 that is out of order has been assigned to the Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems Company , the Energia Space Rocket Corporation ( the satellite ’ s previous developer ) said on Thursday .
`` During the work fulfillment , the foreign customer put forward a demand that the work for creating and launching the Angosat-2 satellite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corporation to the Reshetnev Satellite Information Company , '' Energia said in its 2019 consolidated financial statements .
According to the document , the Reshetnev Company will also assume all the rights and obligations for stating , maintaining and formalizing the rights to orbital frequency assignments .
In addition , the Energia Space Rocket Corporation will transfer allocated but unspent funds for the satellite ’ s development to the Reshetnev Company .
`` The Board of Directors of the Energia Space Rocket Corporation has also taken note of the fact that the Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about $ 104 million ] to other expenditures in 2020 as a result of this deal for the work re-assignment , '' the financial statements say .
The Angosat-1 telecoms satellite was launched by a Zenit-2SB carrier rocket with a Fregat booster from the Baikonur spaceport on December 26 , 2017 .
The contact with the satellite was lost on December 27 after its separation from the booster .
Attempts to restore the contact with the satellite had been made until mid-January 2018 while it stayed within the area of direct radio visibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angolan side recognized the Angosat-1 telecoms satellite as unserviceable .
At the same time , Energia reported that Russia and Angola had agreed on making the Angosat-2 satellite instead of the lost space vehicle .
The Russian side will also provide C- and Ku-band frequency resources to Angola for communications while the second satellite is being manufactured .
Deputy Head of the State Space Corporation Roscosmos for Relations with State Authorities Sergei Dubik said in the lower house of Russia ’ s parliament in late January that the Angolan side was choosing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enterprises : the Energia Space Rocket Corporation and the Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems Company .
`` As a result , they decided that Energia would be making the satellite , '' the Roscosmos official said at the time .
The Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems Company is the developer and manufacturer of Glonass navigation satellites , Luch relay and communications satellites and other space vehicles .

The former contractor will transfer allocated but unspent funds for the satellite’s development to the newly assigned one
MOSCOW, May 7. /TASS/. The work to develop and launch the Angosat-2 telecoms satellite for Angola to replace its predecessor Angosat-1 that is out of order has been assigned to the Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems Company, the Energia Space Rocket Corporation (the satellite’s previous developer) said on Thursday.
Read also Contact with AngoSat satellite restored
"During the work fulfillment, the foreign customer put forward a demand that the work for creating and launching the Angosat-2 satellite be reassigned from the Energia Space Rocket Corporation to the Reshetnev Satellite Information Company," Energia said in its 2019 consolidated financial statements. According to the document, the Reshetnev Company will also assume all the rights and obligations for stating, maintaining and formalizing the rights to orbital frequency assignments. In addition, the Energia Space Rocket Corporation will transfer allocated but unspent funds for the satellite’s development to the Reshetnev Company. "The Board of Directors of the Energia Space Rocket Corporation has also taken note of the fact that the Group will additionally post 7.8 billion rubles [about $104 million] to other expenditures in 2020 as a result of this deal for the work re-assignment," the financial statements say. Angosat-1 satellite
Read also Russian experts working to restore contact with AngoSat satellite


tass--2020-05-07--Serbian leader congratulates Putin on Victory Day, thanks Moscow for coronavirus aid

BELGRADE , May 7./TASS/ .
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has thanked Russia and President Vladimir Putin for assistance in combating Covid-19 and congratulated the Russian leader on the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War .
President Vucic handed over a telegram of congratulations to Russian Ambassador to Serbia Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko on Thursday , the press service of the Serbian leader revealed .
`` Victory Day is one of the happiest dates in the history of mankind and a symbol of the unwavering free spirit of our forefathers .
It is an honor for me that our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a noble mission to liberate the world from the preeminent evil of the 20th century , '' the president said in the telegram .
`` Serbia and Russia are once again engaged in a fight , but this time against an invisible enemy , the coronavirus , which knows no borders .
I want to thank you for showing Serbia care during these hard times for your country , thank you for humanitarian and state solidarity , illustrated by the generous assistance to Serbia by specialists from the Russian Armed Forces , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this is a confirmation of your personal attitude towards Serbia as well as the confirmation of the special relations and the extremely close friendship between our countries .
Our relations are based on respect , understanding , and mutual support , which is confirmed by Russia ’ s active backing for Serbia ’ s territorial integrity , for which we are sincerely grateful , '' President Vucic stressed in the telegram .
He also extended condolences to the families who had lost their loved ones to the coronavirus pandemic and wished a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Botsan-Kharchenko discussed bilateral relations between Serbia and Russia , and both hope that the circumstances would soon make it possible to exchange top-level visits .
Serbia has reported 9,791 coronavirus cases since the epidemic hit the country , along with 203 fatalities .
On Thursday , Serbia lifted the state of emergency and canceled the curfew , it had imposed earlier this year due to the novel coronavirus pandemic .
Public service vehicles are operating once again , and cafes and restaurants have reopened .
Shopping centers will reopen on May 8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restart flights from May 18 .
The parliament also lifted restrictions on movement for urban residents aged 65 or over and rural residents aged 70 or older , who were earlier prohibited from leaving their homes .
The ban on public gatherings will remain in place , while schoolchildren will continue studying remotely .
Theaters and cinemas will be closed , but parks will be open for individual walks .
Earlier , Serbia requested Russia ’ s assistance in its battle against Covid-19 .
On April 3-4 , the Russian Aerospace Forces airlifted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which in particular , included infectious disease experts , and delivered special medical equipment .
The Russian teams disinfected 156 facilities in 30 Serbian cities and towns and assisted in the treatment of over 780 coronavirus patients .

BELGRADE, May 7./TASS/. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has thanked Russia and President Vladimir Putin for assistance in combating Covid-19 and congratulated the Russian leader on the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War. President Vucic handed over a telegram of congratulations to Russian Ambassador to Serbia Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko on Thursday, the press service of the Serbian leader revealed.
"Victory Day is one of the happiest dates in the history of mankind and a symbol of the unwavering free spirit of our forefathers. It is an honor for me that our peoples had withstood these hardships together in a noble mission to liberate the world from the preeminent evil of the 20th century," the president said in the telegram.
"Serbia and Russia are once again engaged in a fight, but this time against an invisible enemy, the coronavirus, which knows no borders. I want to thank you for showing Serbia care during these hard times for your country, thank you for humanitarian and state solidarity, illustrated by the generous assistance to Serbia by specialists from the Russian Armed Forces," the telegram stressed.
"For us, this is a confirmation of your personal attitude towards Serbia as well as the confirmation of the special relations and the extremely close friendship between our countries. Our relations are based on respect, understanding, and mutual support, which is confirmed by Russia’s active backing for Serbia’s territorial integrity, for which we are sincerely grateful," President Vucic stressed in the telegram.
He also extended condolences to the families who had lost their loved ones to the coronavirus pandemic and wished a speedy recovery to Covid-19 patients.
Vucic and Botsan-Kharchenko discussed bilateral relations between Serbia and Russia, and both hope that the circumstances would soon make it possible to exchange top-level visits.
Serbia has reported 9,791 coronavirus cases since the epidemic hit the country, along with 203 fatalities.
On Thursday, Serbia lifted the state of emergency and canceled the curfew, it had imposed earlier this year due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Public service vehicles are operating once again, and cafes and restaurants have reopened. Shopping centers will reopen on May 8, and plans are in store to restart flights from May 18.
The parliament also lifted restrictions on movement for urban residents aged 65 or over and rural residents aged 70 or older, who were earlier prohibited from leaving their homes.
The ban on public gatherings will remain in place, while schoolchildren will continue studying remotely. Theaters and cinemas will be closed, but parks will be open for individual walks.
Earlier, Serbia requested Russia’s assistance in its battle against Covid-19. On April 3-4, the Russian Aerospace Forces airlifted a group of military servicemen to Serbia, which in particular, included infectious disease experts, and delivered special medical equipment. The Russian teams disinfected 156 facilities in 30 Serbian cities and towns and assisted in the treatment of over 780 coronavirus patients.


tass--2020-05-07--Hainan's Sanya ranks one of most popular tourist destinations in China during May holidays

SANYA , May 7 .
/TASS/ .
Hainan 's Sanya along with Chengdu ( southwestern Sichuan province ) and Shanghai was listed as one the most popular tourist destinations in China during the past May holidays , according to the report conducted by the largest Chinese online travel agency Ctrip .
Over the five day holiday weekend in China , the authorities recorded an increase in the activity of citizens in terms of making tourist trips to various regions of the country , associated with an improvement in the epidemiological situation .
Sanya , which is one of the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enjoyed a significant influx of tourists .
Only on the first day of the May weekend in a popular `` The End of the World '' park the number of visitors increased from 300 to 3,500 people .
The occupancy rate of hotels in the city and surrounding areas , the report indicates , reached about 60 % .
However , it is not yet possible to restore the tourist flow at the city 's main tourist attractions amid the existing quarantine measures , which envisage the restriction of the daily number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level .
According to the news agency , the island ’ s tourism industry has welcomed about 1.3 million tourists , about 60 % of them visited panoramic attractions — parks , forest and coastal recreation areas , volcanoes , pagodas .
According to estimates , over 5,000 people made purchases in Hainan 's duty free stores over five days , spending 298 million yuan ( $ 42 million ) .
By 2025 , the Chinese government intends to create an `` international center for tourism and consumption '' on Hainan .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eastern Hawaii '' with their unique natural landscapes , thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels , which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline .
The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world .
Last year more than 83 million Chinese and foreign tourists visited the island .
The tourism industry 's revenue on Hainan increased by 11 % reaching 105 bln yuan ( about @ @ @ @ @

SANYA, May 7. /TASS/. Hainan's Sanya along with Chengdu (southwestern Sichuan province) and Shanghai was listed as one the most popular tourist destinations in China during the past May holidays, according to the report conducted by the largest Chinese online travel agency Ctrip.
Over the five day holiday weekend in China, the authorities recorded an increase in the activity of citizens in terms of making tourist trips to various regions of the country, associated with an improvement in the epidemiological situation. Sanya, which is one of the most favorite resorts among the Chinese, also enjoyed a significant influx of tourists. Only on the first day of the May weekend in a popular "The End of the World" park the number of visitors increased from 300 to 3,500 people.
The occupancy rate of hotels in the city and surrounding areas, the report indicates, reached about 60%. However, it is not yet possible to restore the tourist flow at the city's main tourist attractions amid the existing quarantine measures, which envisage the restriction of the daily number of visitors to 30% of the usual level.
According to the news agency, the island’s tourism industry has welcomed about 1.3 million tourists, about 60% of them visited panoramic attractions — parks, forest and coastal recreation areas, volcanoes, pagodas. According to estimates, over 5,000 people made purchases in Hainan's duty free stores over five days, spending 298 million yuan ($ 42 million).
By 2025, the Chinese government intends to create an "international center for tourism and consumption" on Hainan. In order to do so, the "Eastern Hawaii" with their unique natural landscapes, thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels, which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline. The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world.
Last year more than 83 million Chinese and foreign tourists visited the island. The tourism industry's revenue on Hainan increased by 11% reaching 105 bln yuan ( about $14.89 bln).


tass--2020-05-07--Putin emphasizes need to ensure smooth operation of transport system amid pandemic

NOVO-OGARYOVO , May 7 .
/TASS/ .
Ensuring the smooth operation of the transport system amid the coronavirus pandemic is a strategic goal for Russia , President Vladimir Putin said during Thursday ’ s online meeting on the situation in the country ’ s transport industry .
`` We can see that freight and passenger traffic has fallen , revenues are declining , while financial problems are piling up as many companies are facing losses , '' the head of state pointed out .
`` In such a situation , our transport and logistics companies continue operation , maintaining transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is a strategic goal for a country as big as ours , '' Putin noted .
The meeting ’ s participants focused on the current situation in Russia ’ s transport industry , including support measures for the transport system , as well as long-term development plans .
`` Russia ’ s transport industry employs about 4.5 mln people .
Their stable employment is crucial for the speedy development of the country ’ s regions and various companies , in fact , of the entire county , '' Putin stressed .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key industries , the transport system is going through tough times because of the coronavirus pandemic and related restrictions . ''
To date , a total of 177,160 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 23,803 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 1,625 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, May 7. /TASS/. Ensuring the smooth operation of the transport system amid the coronavirus pandemic is a strategic goal for Russia, President Vladimir Putin said during Thursday’s online meeting on the situation in the country’s transport industry.
"We can see that freight and passenger traffic has fallen, revenues are declining, while financial problems are piling up as many companies are facing losses," the head of state pointed out.
"In such a situation, our transport and logistics companies continue operation, maintaining transport links between various regions and areas, which is a strategic goal for a country as big as ours," Putin noted.
The meeting’s participants focused on the current situation in Russia’s transport industry, including support measures for the transport system, as well as long-term development plans.
"Russia’s transport industry employs about 4.5 mln people. Their stable employment is crucial for the speedy development of the country’s regions and various companies, in fact, of the entire county," Putin stressed. According to him, "just like other key industries, the transport system is going through tough times because of the coronavirus pandemic and related restrictions."
To date, a total of 177,160 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 23,803 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 1,625 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-07--Kiev eyes retake of Donbass until end of 2020 but drafts plan B

The chief of the presidential staff did not disclose any details of plan B , just clarifying that it is not about building a wall KIEV , May 7 .
/TASS/ .
The Ukrainian leadership will do everything possible to retake uncontrolled areas of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions before the end of this year but is also preparing a backup plan , chief of the Ukrainian president ’ s staff Andrei Yermak told reporters on Thursday .
`` We are not planning to hold futile talks for years .
We have been demonstrating that Ukraine is doing everything possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quotes him as saying .
Yermak asserted that the authorities `` will do everything in their capacity '' to bring back the Donbass territories under control .
`` However , we also have a detailed plan B .
But we will talk about it when we see that plan A is not working , '' Yermak added .
The chief of staff did not disclose any details of this plan , just clarifying that it is not about building a wall .
Last December , when he served as an aide to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an option on the table to separate Donbass from the rest of the country by constructing a wall if peaceful settlement fails , pointing to the Israeli experience .
Last Thursday , Normandy Four ( Russia , France , Germany and Ukraine ) foreign ministers held a videoconference meeting on the Donbass conflict settlement .
The ministers acknowledged that the countries were unsatisfied with implementation of the agreements reached at the latest Normandy Four summit in Paris and called on the parties to the conflict to set a ceasefire date and make preparations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also underlined that foreign ministry-level contacts should continue , acknowledging that conditions for a new Normandy Four summit are yet to be met .

The chief of the presidential staff did not disclose any details of plan B, just clarifying that it is not about building a wall
KIEV, May 7. /TASS/. The Ukrainian leadership will do everything possible to retake uncontrolled areas of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions before the end of this year but is also preparing a backup plan, chief of the Ukrainian president’s staff Andrei Yermak told reporters on Thursday. "We are not planning to hold futile talks for years. We have been demonstrating that Ukraine is doing everything possible to end the war," Liga.net quotes him as saying.
Read also Ukrainian president vows to settle Donbass issue before his presidential term expires
Yermak asserted that the authorities "will do everything in their capacity" to bring back the Donbass territories under control. "However, we also have a detailed plan B. But we will talk about it when we see that plan A is not working," Yermak added. The chief of staff did not disclose any details of this plan, just clarifying that it is not about building a wall. Last December, when he served as an aide to the president, Yermak revealed that there is an option on the table to separate Donbass from the rest of the country by constructing a wall if peaceful settlement fails, pointing to the Israeli experience.
Read also OSCE mission demonstrates full paralysis in Donbass - DPR head


tass--2020-05-07--Normalization of economic life requires smooth work of transport companies, says Putin

NOVO-OGAREVO , May 7 .
/TASS/ .
The quick recovery of the economic life will require concerted work of transport @ @ @ @ @ Putin said on Thursday at the meeting on support of the transport industry .
`` @ @ @ @ @ business life will largely depend on concerted efforts of transport , logistical companies , '' @ @ @ @ @ potential will certainly enjoy the demand as the economy enters the growth path , Putin @ @ @ @ @ this is inevitable , when the demand for trips and carriage of goods will start @ @ @ @ @ .

NOVO-OGAREVO, May 7. /TASS/. The quick recovery of the economic life will require concerted work of transport companies, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday at the meeting on support of the transport industry.
"Quick normalization of economic and business life will largely depend on concerted efforts of transport, logistical companies," he said.
The transport potential will certainly enjoy the demand as the economy enters the growth path, Putin said. "We understand this is inevitable, when the demand for trips and carriage of goods will start recovering," he added.


tass--2020-05-07--Pandemic may prompt lifting of sanctions, stronger ties, says Italy’s ex-foreign minister

`` Time is ripe for reconsidering the policy of sanctions against Russia , '' said Frattini , the president of a section at the Council of State , head of the Italian Society for International Organization and chief of the Institute for Eurasian Studies .
`` This is an ideal moment : Russia has certain problems and the Europeans have the same problems .
Hiding behind sanctions is a great mistake . ''
ROME , May 7 .
/TASS/ .
The COVID-19 pandemic offers an opportunity for revising the policy of sanctions against Russia and strengthening cooperation at the international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Italy ’ s former foreign minister , Franco Frattini , told TASS in an interview on Thursday .
`` This crisis will revamp international relations .
It will require fundamental revision of the wild globalization that defies all rules .
The pandemic will teach an important political lesson .
Today there should be more cooperation and less discord , '' Frattini said .
`` All of the problems that had existed before the pandemic - in the Middle East , in the Persian Gulf , in Libya , and in relations with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a comprehensive solution , which is to be looked for jointly .
The pandemic offers a chance for such a rapprochement and stronger cooperation .
The problem of terrorism remains .
In this context there are more opportunities for joint efforts by Russia and the European Union .
It is obvious that the situation that will emerge after the pandemic will require greater political cooperation by the countries of Europe , Russia , the United States , China and India , '' Frattini said .
`` I believe that Russia is interested in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that the West will change its attitude to Russia , '' he said .
Frattini recalled that Russia had made a tremendous contribution to the victory over Nazism and the emergence of a new world order .
`` The Soviet Union , the United States and Britain in Yalta created conditions for establishing the United Nations .
This year marks the 75th anniversary since the creation of the UN .
Russia is one of the organization ’ s founding nations .
This year must see a message of peace .
There should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cold wars , '' Frattini said .
On assistance in the struggle against pandemic Frattini sees nothing that might be interpreted as signs of manipulations by Russia or attempts to use the pandemic for assertion of some spheres of influence , contrary to charges being made by representatives of some countries .
`` Russia has become a victim of the pandemic itself .
It has done nothing that might look like attempts at manipulations .
In particular , this concerns assistance to Italy , which is a manifestation of friendly relations between countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which was the first to have provided assistance - most important and essential , including personnel and material supplies , '' Frattini said .
`` It is absurd to claim that the very instance of getting aid from Russia means distancing from NATO , '' he added .
Frattini recalled that assistance had been provided by other countries , too .
Traditionally Italy seeks to maintain good relations with all countries in the East and in the West .
At the same time , he remarked that some non-EU countries , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States in a number of respects turned out to be more friendly than some EU partners .
In particular , he mentioned the Netherlands , which impeded the approval of certain mechanisms of financial assistance .

"Time is ripe for reconsidering the policy of sanctions against Russia," said Frattini, the president of a section at the Council of State, head of the Italian Society for International Organization and chief of the Institute for Eurasian Studies. "This is an ideal moment: Russia has certain problems and the Europeans have the same problems. Hiding behind sanctions is a great mistake."
ROME, May 7. /TASS/. The COVID-19 pandemic offers an opportunity for revising the policy of sanctions against Russia and strengthening cooperation at the international level to the benefit of all countries, Italy’s former foreign minister, Franco Frattini, told TASS in an interview on Thursday.
"This crisis will revamp international relations. It will require fundamental revision of the wild globalization that defies all rules. The pandemic will teach an important political lesson. Today there should be more cooperation and less discord," Frattini said.
"All of the problems that had existed before the pandemic - in the Middle East, in the Persian Gulf, in Libya, and in relations with Iran - are still there and require a comprehensive solution, which is to be looked for jointly. The pandemic offers a chance for such a rapprochement and stronger cooperation. The problem of terrorism remains. In this context there are more opportunities for joint efforts by Russia and the European Union. It is obvious that the situation that will emerge after the pandemic will require greater political cooperation by the countries of Europe, Russia, the United States, China and India," Frattini said.
"I believe that Russia is interested in being a reliable partner of the West and that the West will change its attitude to Russia," he said. Frattini recalled that Russia had made a tremendous contribution to the victory over Nazism and the emergence of a new world order. "The Soviet Union, the United States and Britain in Yalta created conditions for establishing the United Nations. This year marks the 75th anniversary since the creation of the UN. Russia is one of the organization’s founding nations. This year must see a message of peace. There should be no place for new walls and cold wars," Frattini said.
On assistance in the struggle against pandemic
Frattini sees nothing that might be interpreted as signs of manipulations by Russia or attempts to use the pandemic for assertion of some spheres of influence, contrary to charges being made by representatives of some countries.
"Russia has become a victim of the pandemic itself. It has done nothing that might look like attempts at manipulations. In particular, this concerns assistance to Italy, which is a manifestation of friendly relations between countries. We are very grateful to Russia, which was the first to have provided assistance - most important and essential, including personnel and material supplies," Frattini said. "It is absurd to claim that the very instance of getting aid from Russia means distancing from NATO," he added.
Frattini recalled that assistance had been provided by other countries, too. Traditionally Italy seeks to maintain good relations with all countries in the East and in the West. At the same time, he remarked that some non-EU countries, such as Russia, China and the United States in a number of respects turned out to be more friendly than some EU partners. In particular, he mentioned the Netherlands, which impeded the approval of certain mechanisms of financial assistance.


tass--2020-05-07--Twenty four wildfires active in Russia’s Trans-Baikal Region out of 634 recorded this year

MOSCOW , May 7 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Ministry for Civil Defense , Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters ( EMERCOM ) has registered 634 wildfires since the beginning of this year in the Trans-Baikal Region , the Ministry 's press service told TASS Thursday .
`` Since the beginning of this year , 634 wildfires were registered in the Trans-Baikal Region .
The fifth fire hazard class was established in 15 districts and the fourth one — in 11 districts .
As of May 7 , 24 wildfires were recorded , 14 of them active and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to settlements and industries , '' the ministry informed .
On Thursday , EMERCOM head Yevgeny Zinichev arrived in the region and conducted a meeting on wildfires .
`` We must ramp up explanatory education on fire safety and rules of behavior in the woods , as well as responsibility for such a violation .
On the one hand , we must take human factor into account , and on the other hand — we must do a huge job ourselves , including funding of firefighting activities , '' the minister told his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The wildfire fighting group in the region will be reinforced by a Mi-8 helicopter .
The group already involves over 36,000 people and over 4,400 vehicles , including the Be-200 firefighting plane .
The settlements are protected by 277 firefighting units , equipped with 532 vehicles .
Voluntary firefighting teams are also involved .
`` Some 1,000 raids and territory observations have been conducted , covering almost 30,000 residents .
This work must continue .
Besides , daily house to house inspection must take place .
Working with the population is one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must not forget about that , '' the minister added .

MOSCOW, May 7. /TASS/. The Russian Ministry for Civil Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters (EMERCOM) has registered 634 wildfires since the beginning of this year in the Trans-Baikal Region, the Ministry's press service told TASS Thursday.
"Since the beginning of this year, 634 wildfires were registered in the Trans-Baikal Region. The fifth fire hazard class was established in 15 districts and the fourth one — in 11 districts. As of May 7, 24 wildfires were recorded, 14 of them active and nine localized. There is no threat to settlements and industries," the ministry informed.
On Thursday, EMERCOM head Yevgeny Zinichev arrived in the region and conducted a meeting on wildfires. "We must ramp up explanatory education on fire safety and rules of behavior in the woods, as well as responsibility for such a violation. On the one hand, we must take human factor into account, and on the other hand — we must do a huge job ourselves, including funding of firefighting activities," the minister told his subordinates and representatives of the regional authority.
The wildfire fighting group in the region will be reinforced by a Mi-8 helicopter. The group already involves over 36,000 people and over 4,400 vehicles, including the Be-200 firefighting plane. The settlements are protected by 277 firefighting units, equipped with 532 vehicles. Voluntary firefighting teams are also involved.
"Some 1,000 raids and territory observations have been conducted, covering almost 30,000 residents. This work must continue. Besides, daily house to house inspection must take place. Working with the population is one of the most important tasks, we must not forget about that," the minister added.


tass--2020-05-07--Putin urges to increase competitiveness of Russian commodities, food products

NOVO-OGARYOVO , May 7 .
/TASS/ .
President Vladimir Putin has urged to increase the competitiveness of Russian commodities and @ @ @ @ @ race .
`` The international commodities and food selling race has intensified amid the falling @ @ @ @ @ should act together with transport companies to succeed in that race , increase the competitiveness @ @ @ @ @ he said at a meeting on transport issues on Thursday .
The president expects domestic @ @ @ @ @ logistics patterns that will be able to support , encourage export , including products with @ @ @ @ @

NOVO-OGARYOVO, May 7. /TASS/. President Vladimir Putin has urged to increase the competitiveness of Russian commodities and food products in the selling race.
"The international commodities and food selling race has intensified amid the falling global demand. Our exporters should act together with transport companies to succeed in that race, increase the competitiveness of Russian goods," he said at a meeting on transport issues on Thursday.
The president expects domestic carriers to offer "efficient logistics patterns that will be able to support, encourage export, including products with high added value."


tass--2020-05-07--Passenger traffic on all types of transport in Russia in April falls by 70-95%

MOSCOW , May 7 .
/TASS/ .
Passenger traffic on all types of transport in Russia in April fell by @ @ @ @ @ Minister Evgeny Dietrich said at a meeting on the development of transport in the country @ @ @ @ @ gloves on public transport , in shops from May 12 , lockdown to May 31 @ @ @ @ @ we saw a decrease of about 3-4 % in terms of freight and passenger traffic @ @ @ @ @ situation changed dramatically : in the field of passenger transportation on all types of transport @ @ @ @ @ % to 95 % , '' Dietrich said .
According to the minister , the @ @ @ @ @ Russian Railways network in April amounted to 11 % , while for metals and oil @ @ @ @ @ of Russian Railways - loading fell by 20 % in annual terms .

MOSCOW, May 7. /TASS/. Passenger traffic on all types of transport in Russia in April fell by 70-95%, Russian Transport Minister Evgeny Dietrich said at a meeting on the development of transport in the country.
Moscow decrees masks, gloves on public transport, in shops from May 12, lockdown to May 31
"In the first quarter we saw a decrease of about 3-4% in terms of freight and passenger traffic, then in April the situation changed dramatically: in the field of passenger transportation on all types of transport - a drop from 70% to 95%," Dietrich said.
According to the minister, the decrease in loading on the Russian Railways network in April amounted to 11%, while for metals and oil - the main profitable cargoes of Russian Railways - loading fell by 20% in annual terms.


tass--2020-05-07--Russian Northern Fleet ships to search for enemy submarine in Arctic drills

MURMANSK , May 7 .
/TASS/ .
The Northern Fleet ’ s small anti-submarine warfare ships Yunga , Brest and Snezhnogorsk have deployed to the Barents Sea to search for a notional enemy ’ s submarine in interaction with aviation during planned drills , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Thursday .
`` At the Northern Fleet ’ s combat training ranges in the Barents Sea , the naval search and strike force has started qualification tactical drills to search for and eliminate a notional enemy ’ s submarine .
These drills are running in interaction with Il-38 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Air Force and Air Defense Army , '' the press office said in a statement .
On May 6 , the small anti-submarine warfare ships left the port of Polyarny , which is the main naval base of the Kola Flotilla of All-Arms Forces .
The minesweepers Vladimir Gumanenko , Kotelnich and Solovetsky Yunga provided mine countermeasures support for the hunter-killer group and its deployment to the designated areas of the Barents Sea , the statement says .
During their deployment to the sea , the crews of the small anti-submarine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practice the elements of joint maneuvering as part of a naval group and conduct several ship damage control exercises .
At the final stage of the drills that will last several days the Northern Fleet sailors are planning to hold a number of combat training exercises , including torpedo firings , the press office specified .

MURMANSK, May 7. /TASS/. The Northern Fleet’s small anti-submarine warfare ships Yunga, Brest and Snezhnogorsk have deployed to the Barents Sea to search for a notional enemy’s submarine in interaction with aviation during planned drills, the Fleet’s press office reported on Thursday.
"At the Northern Fleet’s combat training ranges in the Barents Sea, the naval search and strike force has started qualification tactical drills to search for and eliminate a notional enemy’s submarine. These drills are running in interaction with Il-38 anti-submarine warfare planes of the Northern Fleet’s Air Force and Air Defense Army," the press office said in a statement.
On May 6, the small anti-submarine warfare ships left the port of Polyarny, which is the main naval base of the Kola Flotilla of All-Arms Forces. The minesweepers Vladimir Gumanenko, Kotelnich and Solovetsky Yunga provided mine countermeasures support for the hunter-killer group and its deployment to the designated areas of the Barents Sea, the statement says.
During their deployment to the sea, the crews of the small anti-submarine warfare ships will hold communications drills, practice the elements of joint maneuvering as part of a naval group and conduct several ship damage control exercises. At the final stage of the drills that will last several days the Northern Fleet sailors are planning to hold a number of combat training exercises, including torpedo firings, the press office specified.


tass--2020-05-07--Media: Hainan to introduce urgent measures to revive economy amid pandemic

HAIKOU , May 7 .
/TASS/ .
Hainan will take a number of urgent measures to restore the economy after the novel coronavirus outbreak in order to ensure the implementation of the island 's development goals for 2020 , the Hainan Daily newspaper writes .
According to the news outlet , the local party committee , taking into account the intended goals , has already announced a list of incentives for the investment sector , consumption , creation of favorable conditions for the agricultural sector , regulation of the actions of the competent authorities to improve the social atmosphere and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensuring security .
According to the document , the authorities currently intend to deal with the damage the national economy suffered from the pandemic , restore the regular work of the enterprises and guarantee sustainable growth in all sectors of the economy .
`` We will use all means at our disposal to stimulate the implementation of emergency measures , inclusing enhanced [ government ] support .
This applies to the exploitation of land and sea territories , assets , environmental protection , assistance to enterprises and skilled personnel , '' said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued by the authorities , emergency measures will stay in place until the end of 2020 .
Particular attention will be paid to attracting investments and their effective targeted use .
According to official figures , due to the pandemic in the first quarter the province ’ s GRP decreased by 4.5 % to 111.52 billion yuan ( $ 15.76 billion ) , which is still by 2.3 percentage points higher than the national figure for the same period .
Hainan 's gross industrial product decreased by 12.5 % to 18.07 billion yuan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services sector — by 3.9 % to 68.4 billion yuan ( $ 9.66 billion ) .
The agricultural sector , however , even despite the general slowdown in the Chinese economy , grew by 0.4 % year on year to 25.05 billion yuan ( $ 3.54 billion ) .
As the regional authorities informed earlier , in 2020 they intend to ensure the dynamics of development will be implemented according to initial plans , despite the obvious difficulties .

HAIKOU, May 7. /TASS/. Hainan will take a number of urgent measures to restore the economy after the novel coronavirus outbreak in order to ensure the implementation of the island's development goals for 2020, the Hainan Daily newspaper writes.
According to the news outlet, the local party committee, taking into account the intended goals, has already announced a list of incentives for the investment sector, consumption, creation of favorable conditions for the agricultural sector, regulation of the actions of the competent authorities to improve the social atmosphere and increase the welfare of the population, ensuring security.
According to the document, the authorities currently intend to deal with the damage the national economy suffered from the pandemic, restore the regular work of the enterprises and guarantee sustainable growth in all sectors of the economy.
"We will use all means at our disposal to stimulate the implementation of emergency measures, inclusing enhanced [government] support. This applies to the exploitation of land and sea territories, assets, environmental protection, assistance to enterprises and skilled personnel," said the local administration.
According to the statement issued by the authorities, emergency measures will stay in place until the end of 2020. Particular attention will be paid to attracting investments and their effective targeted use.
According to official figures, due to the pandemic in the first quarter the province’s GRP decreased by 4.5% to 111.52 billion yuan ($ 15.76 billion), which is still by 2.3 percentage points higher than the national figure for the same period. Hainan's gross industrial product decreased by 12.5% to 18.07 billion yuan ($ 2.55 billion), the services sector — by 3.9% to 68.4 billion yuan ($ 9.66 billion). The agricultural sector, however, even despite the general slowdown in the Chinese economy, grew by 0.4% year on year to 25.05 billion yuan ($ 3.54 billion).
As the regional authorities informed earlier, in 2020 they intend to ensure the dynamics of development will be implemented according to initial plans, despite the obvious difficulties.


tass--2020-05-07--Abe congratulates Putin on 75th anniversary of Victory in phone call

MOSCOW , May 7 .
/TASS/ .
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe congratulated Russian President Vladimir Putin on the 75th @ @ @ @ @ the Great Patriotic War in a phone call on Thursday , the Kremlin press service @ @ @ @ @ congratulated Vladimir Putin on the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement following a telephone conversation initiated by Japan .

MOSCOW, May 7. /TASS/. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe congratulated Russian President Vladimir Putin on the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War in a phone call on Thursday, the Kremlin press service reported.
"Shinzo Abe congratulated Vladimir Putin on the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War," the press service said in a statement following a telephone conversation initiated by Japan.


tass--2020-05-07--Moscow decrees masks, gloves on public transport, in shops from May 12, lockdown to May 31

MOSCOW , May 7 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow authorities will make face masks and gloves compulsory on public transport and in shops from May 12 , Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Wednesday .
`` We are imposing additional self-isolation measures on the metro , there will be stricter requirements now .
They include mandatory face masks and gloves on public transport .
Other requirements , digital passes for example , remain in force , '' Sobyanin noted .
`` From May 12 , the use of masks , respiratory protection masks or other means to protect the respiratory system , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in shops , shopping centers , as well as for trips on any kind of public transport and in taxis , '' Sobyanin wrote in his blog .
Sobyanin noted that when enterprises and construction sites reopen , the public service vehicles will inevitably have many more passengers , and it will be more difficult to observe the social distancing rules .
According to him , research has shown that the possibility of contracting the novel coronavirus in shops is real .
The use of masks and gloves will be a reasonable precaution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disease .
The self-isolation period is extended in the capital until May 31 although the authorities will begin easing coronavirus restrictions on May 12 .
All public services , trade , educational , cultural and sports facilities will remain closed , Sergei Sobyanin said .
`` The temporary restrictions on the work of trade , public catering , service-rendering , cultural , educational and sports facilities , as well as citizens ’ self-isolation will be extended until May 31 , 2020 , '' the mayor wrote .
Sobyanin noted that it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sports facilities .
As part of the first stage of lifting the restrictions , industrial enterprises and construction companies will reopen on May 13 provided they abide by sanitary requirements .
`` Only workers whose presence in workshops , offices and on construction sites is essential will be allowed to return to work , '' Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin pointed out .
In addition , employers will have to ensure social distancing and randomly test their workers for the coronavirus .
All employees will need to wear protective masks and gloves .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy gloves and masks not only in the pharmacies and general stores : the retail network will be extended , Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced in his blog Thursday .
`` The mask and gloves retail network will be extended .
Aside from pharmacies and general stores , they will be sold at Moscow Metro stations , '' Sobyanin wrote .
The mayor called on Muscovites to abide by the self-isolation rules during the second half of the May holidays .
`` It is important to abide by the self-isolation rules for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used to the need to wear protective masks and gloves , '' he pointed out .
According to Sobyanin , the city ’ s chances of entering the second stage of easing coronavirus restrictions depend on whether the first stage is successful .
`` The more effort we make to abide by the current rules and take care of each other , the more the chances that the city life will return to normal despite long-term restrictions , '' the mayor noted .
`` Many Muscovites have been using masks and gloves for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are very grateful .
Other people may see this requirement as yet another inconvenient restriction .
However , this is not so in reality .
By demanding the compulsory use of protective means , we are not imposing more restrictions , on the contrary , we are taking a leap towards returning to normality , '' he emphasized .
Digital permits for traveling on transport , which were introduced in Moscow on April 15 , will remain in place .
The existing permits will be extended and people who plan to return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to apply for travel permits .
Volunteers and those traveling to hospitals will be able to receive one-time permits every day , and permits for travelling for personal reasons can still be received twice a week .

MOSCOW, May 7. /TASS/. Moscow authorities will make face masks and gloves compulsory on public transport and in shops from May 12, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Wednesday.
"We are imposing additional self-isolation measures on the metro, there will be stricter requirements now. They include mandatory face masks and gloves on public transport. Other requirements, digital passes for example, remain in force," Sobyanin noted.
"From May 12, the use of masks, respiratory protection masks or other means to protect the respiratory system, as well as gloves will be compulsory in shops, shopping centers, as well as for trips on any kind of public transport and in taxis," Sobyanin wrote in his blog.
Sobyanin noted that when enterprises and construction sites reopen, the public service vehicles will inevitably have many more passengers, and it will be more difficult to observe the social distancing rules. According to him, research has shown that the possibility of contracting the novel coronavirus in shops is real. The use of masks and gloves will be a reasonable precaution and insurance against any new outbreak of the disease.
The self-isolation period is extended in the capital until May 31 although the authorities will begin easing coronavirus restrictions on May 12. All public services, trade, educational, cultural and sports facilities will remain closed, Sergei Sobyanin said.
"The temporary restrictions on the work of trade, public catering, service-rendering, cultural, educational and sports facilities, as well as citizens’ self-isolation will be extended until May 31, 2020," the mayor wrote.
Sobyanin noted that it was too early to reopen restaurants, theaters and sports facilities.
As part of the first stage of lifting the restrictions, industrial enterprises and construction companies will reopen on May 13 provided they abide by sanitary requirements. "Only workers whose presence in workshops, offices and on construction sites is essential will be allowed to return to work," Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin pointed out. In addition, employers will have to ensure social distancing and randomly test their workers for the coronavirus. All employees will need to wear protective masks and gloves.
Expansion of masks, gloves retail network
Residents of Moscow will be able to buy gloves and masks not only in the pharmacies and general stores: the retail network will be extended, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced in his blog Thursday.
"The mask and gloves retail network will be extended. Aside from pharmacies and general stores, they will be sold at Moscow Metro stations," Sobyanin wrote.
Self-isolation
The mayor called on Muscovites to abide by the self-isolation rules during the second half of the May holidays. "It is important to abide by the self-isolation rules for the remainder of the May holidays and get used to the need to wear protective masks and gloves," he pointed out.
According to Sobyanin, the city’s chances of entering the second stage of easing coronavirus restrictions depend on whether the first stage is successful. "The more effort we make to abide by the current rules and take care of each other, the more the chances that the city life will return to normal despite long-term restrictions," the mayor noted.
"Many Muscovites have been using masks and gloves for several weeks already, for which we are very grateful. Other people may see this requirement as yet another inconvenient restriction. However, this is not so in reality. By demanding the compulsory use of protective means, we are not imposing more restrictions, on the contrary, we are taking a leap towards returning to normality," he emphasized.
Travel permits
Digital permits for traveling on transport, which were introduced in Moscow on April 15, will remain in place. The existing permits will be extended and people who plan to return to work after the May holidays will need to apply for travel permits. Volunteers and those traveling to hospitals will be able to receive one-time permits every day, and permits for travelling for personal reasons can still be received twice a week.


tass--2020-05-08--Most coronavirus cases in Moscow asymptomatic

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Most people who test positive for coronavirus in Moscow are only carriers of the virus , while the share of hospitalizations in the total number of confirmed infections in the capital has remained steady for two weeks now , Moscow Deputy Mayor Anastasia Rakova told reporters Friday .
`` We currently have around 100,000 people who tested positive for the coronavirus infections , most of them are not sick and only carry the virus .
Our key task is to timely identify them and isolate , breaking the chain of transmission , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to be frightened by the fact that the number of newly confirmed infections [ is rising ] , because the key parameters - the number of people ill with flu and pneumonia as well as the share of hospitalizations which has stabilized in the last two weeks - are not growing . ''
The deputy mayor added that Moscow is constantly ramping up its testing capacities , and the number of people who should be tested is increasing as well .
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin earlier told reporters that the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours in Moscow .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,900,000 people have been infected worldwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,344,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 187,859 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 26,608 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 1,723 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. Most people who test positive for coronavirus in Moscow are only carriers of the virus, while the share of hospitalizations in the total number of confirmed infections in the capital has remained steady for two weeks now, Moscow Deputy Mayor Anastasia Rakova told reporters Friday.
"We currently have around 100,000 people who tested positive for the coronavirus infections, most of them are not sick and only carry the virus. Our key task is to timely identify them and isolate, breaking the chain of transmission," she noted. "There is no need to be frightened by the fact that the number of newly confirmed infections [is rising], because the key parameters - the number of people ill with flu and pneumonia as well as the share of hospitalizations which has stabilized in the last two weeks - are not growing."
The deputy mayor added that Moscow is constantly ramping up its testing capacities, and the number of people who should be tested is increasing as well. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin earlier told reporters that the number of recoveries had overtaken hospitalizations in the 24 hours in Moscow.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,900,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 270,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,344,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 187,859 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 26,608 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 1,723 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-08--Putin, Netanyahu agree on two countries’ cooperation in developing COVID-19 vaccine

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s and Israel ’ s specialized organizations will cooperate in order to develop a coronavirus vaccine , the Kremlin press service reported on Friday following a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu .
`` The two leaders informed each other about measures to prevent the spread of the infection taken by Russia and Israel .
An agreement was reached on regular interaction between specialized agencies , including as part of research to develop a vaccine against the virus , '' the press service said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against coronavirus , Putin and Netanyahu raised a number of pressing global issues , in particular , the developments in Syria .
`` Topical issues of the bilateral agenda were discussed as well as various aspects of the developments in Syria , '' the press service said .
Putin and Netanyahu also exchanged congratulations on the 75th anniversary of the Great Victory , which is officially celebrated on May 9 in Israel as well .
They are certain that it is essential to preserve the historical truth about World War II .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ importance of preserving the truth about events of World War II , countering attempts to revise its outcome and falsify history . ''
`` In this regard , Benjamin Netanyahu noted the Red Army ’ s decisive contribution to the cause of the liberation of Europe and the defeat of Nazism , '' the press service stressed .
The Russian president wished good health and prosperity to Great Patriotic War veterans in that country .

MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. Russia’s and Israel’s specialized organizations will cooperate in order to develop a coronavirus vaccine, the Kremlin press service reported on Friday following a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"The two leaders informed each other about measures to prevent the spread of the infection taken by Russia and Israel. An agreement was reached on regular interaction between specialized agencies, including as part of research to develop a vaccine against the virus," the press service said.
In addition to discussing the fight against coronavirus, Putin and Netanyahu raised a number of pressing global issues, in particular, the developments in Syria. "Topical issues of the bilateral agenda were discussed as well as various aspects of the developments in Syria," the press service said.
Putin and Netanyahu also exchanged congratulations on the 75th anniversary of the Great Victory, which is officially celebrated on May 9 in Israel as well. They are certain that it is essential to preserve the historical truth about World War II. The two leaders pointed to "the fundamental importance of preserving the truth about events of World War II, countering attempts to revise its outcome and falsify history." "In this regard, Benjamin Netanyahu noted the Red Army’s decisive contribution to the cause of the liberation of Europe and the defeat of Nazism," the press service stressed.
The Russian president wished good health and prosperity to Great Patriotic War veterans in that country.


tass--2020-05-08--Africa’s coronavirus infections top 53,000

PRETORIA , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Africa has reached 53,609 with 2,370 new infections recorded in the past 24 hours , while 2,061 patients died from the virus-related causes , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) Africa branch said Friday .
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of infections ( 8,232 ) and 161 deaths .
Algeria , meanwhile , has the highest coronavirus death toll ( 483 ) and 5,182 infections .
Egypt reported 469 fatalities and 7,588 cases , while Morocco identified 5,505 cases and 183 deaths , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fatalities .
In Sub-Saharan Africa , Nigeria is ranked second after South Africa with 3,526 coronavirus infections and 107 fatalities , followed by Ghana ( 3,091 and 18 ) , Cameroon ( 2,265 and 108 ) , Guinea ( 1,927 and 11 ) , Ivory Coast ( 1,571 and 20 ) and Senegal ( 1,492 and 13 ) .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,900,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 270,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,344,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

PRETORIA, May 8. /TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Africa has reached 53,609 with 2,370 new infections recorded in the past 24 hours, while 2,061 patients died from the virus-related causes, the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa branch said Friday.
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of infections (8,232) and 161 deaths. Algeria, meanwhile, has the highest coronavirus death toll (483) and 5,182 infections. Egypt reported 469 fatalities and 7,588 cases, while Morocco identified 5,505 cases and 183 deaths, and Tunisia registered 1,025 cases and 43 fatalities.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria is ranked second after South Africa with 3,526 coronavirus infections and 107 fatalities, followed by Ghana (3,091 and 18), Cameroon (2,265 and 108), Guinea (1,927 and 11), Ivory Coast (1,571 and 20) and Senegal (1,492 and 13).
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,900,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 270,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,344,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-05-08--Putin highlights importance of Russia-France cooperation in current global situation

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin underlined the significance of cooperation between Russia and France @ @ @ @ @ in the world .
The Kremlin press service reports that the Russian leader sent congratulatory @ @ @ @ @ nations of France , the United Kingdom and the United States on the occasion of @ @ @ @ @ World War II victory .
In particular , Putin addressed his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron @ @ @ @ @ heroism of the Normandy-Neman Air Regiment pilots , who fought at the Soviet-German front , @ @ @ @ @ hearts of Russians .
Thousands of Soviet patriots who joined the French Resistance also made @ @ @ @ @ Victory . ''
`` The Russian leader underscored the need for Russian-French cooperation now given @ @ @ @ @ '' the Kremlin press service added .

MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin underlined the significance of cooperation between Russia and France in the current uneasy situation in the world. The Kremlin press service reports that the Russian leader sent congratulatory letters to the leadership and nations of France, the United Kingdom and the United States on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the World War II victory.
In particular, Putin addressed his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, saying, "The heroism of the Normandy-Neman Air Regiment pilots, who fought at the Soviet-German front, will be forever in the hearts of Russians. Thousands of Soviet patriots who joined the French Resistance also made a considerable contribution to the Victory."
"The Russian leader underscored the need for Russian-French cooperation now given the difficult international climate," the Kremlin press service added.


tass--2020-05-08--Effective lockdown prevented western scenario of COVID-19 in India, expert says

NEW DELHI , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
The Indian government ’ s timely introduction of a strict and effective lockdown has helped prevent a dramatic upsurge in the number of novel coronavirus cases , in contrast to situations in Italy , the United States and other Western countries , India ’ s famous chest surgeon , Professor Dr. Arvind Kumar , founder and managing trustee of the Lung Care foundation , told TASS in an interview on Friday .
He recalled that India ’ s authorities imposed tough restrictions on March 25 , when several hundred COVID-19 patients had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lockdown , when our cases were about 600 total .
Very early .
When you apply the lockdown so early , you prevent a large number of people from getting infected .
The reason why Europe and the US saw a large number of cases , while India has not seen anything like that is India applied the lockdown very early and very effectively .
The two reasons are : very early and very effectively , '' Dr. Kumar said .
The way he sees it , the European countries and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Their eventual response to the epidemic was belated , he believes .
Drastic measures followed only when the coronavirus started claiming dozens of lives a day .
In Dr. Kumar ’ s opinion the policy of social distancing eventually turned out effective in Italy , France , Spain and Britain .
In the United States , though , such measures were less effective , because `` people kept mingling , people kept meeting and the infection kept spreading , '' Dr. Kumar said , adding that in enforcing the lockdown discipline was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yoga are of little help Dr. Kumar disagrees with speculations a warm climate is a factor that helps fight against the infection .
`` I do not subscribe to that view that a hot climate contributes to this , because Singapore is also as hot as we are .
But in Singapore it [ the infection ] is spreading .
[ It is spreading ] even in our country in areas where the social distancing could not be maintained as well .
For example , there is a slum area in Mumbai .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This shows that it is not the temperature , it is this social distancing that makes all the difference , '' he stressed .

NEW DELHI, May 8. /TASS/. The Indian government’s timely introduction of a strict and effective lockdown has helped prevent a dramatic upsurge in the number of novel coronavirus cases, in contrast to situations in Italy, the United States and other Western countries, India’s famous chest surgeon, Professor Dr. Arvind Kumar, founder and managing trustee of the Lung Care foundation, told TASS in an interview on Friday.
He recalled that India’s authorities imposed tough restrictions on March 25, when several hundred COVID-19 patients had been identified nationwide.
"India applied the lockdown, when our cases were about 600 total. Very early. When you apply the lockdown so early, you prevent a large number of people from getting infected. The reason why Europe and the US saw a large number of cases, while India has not seen anything like that is India applied the lockdown very early and very effectively. The two reasons are: very early and very effectively," Dr. Kumar said.
The way he sees it, the European countries and the United States had wasted too much time. Their eventual response to the epidemic was belated, he believes. Drastic measures followed only when the coronavirus started claiming dozens of lives a day. In Dr. Kumar’s opinion the policy of social distancing eventually turned out effective in Italy, France, Spain and Britain. In the United States, though, such measures were less effective, because "people kept mingling, people kept meeting and the infection kept spreading," Dr. Kumar said, adding that in enforcing the lockdown discipline was of the essence.
Hot climate and yoga are of little help
Dr. Kumar disagrees with speculations a warm climate is a factor that helps fight against the infection.
"I do not subscribe to that view that a hot climate contributes to this, because Singapore is also as hot as we are. But in Singapore it [the infection] is spreading. [It is spreading] even in our country in areas where the social distancing could not be maintained as well. For example, there is a slum area in Mumbai. There, it is spreading very fast. This shows that it is not the temperature, it is this social distancing that makes all the difference," he stressed.


tass--2020-05-08--Putin: Russia grateful to Austria for careful treatment of wartime burial sites

VIENNA , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is grateful to the authorities and people of Austria for careful and respectful treatment of Soviet war memorials , Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his address broadcast by Austria ’ s ORF channel on the 75th anniversary of liberation of Austria from Nazism .
`` The Great Victory saved humanity .
It paved way to rebuilding of the independent , dynamically developing Austria .
Over 26,000 Soviet soldiers sacrificed their lives for its liberation .
There are over 200 military graves on the Austrian soil .
We are grateful to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , respectful treatment of these memorials that are very important for us , '' Putin said .
According to the president , the memory of the fallen and of the war events , protection of truth and honoring of true heroes is more than just a common duty .
`` This is a matter of conscience before the entire generation of victors .
They sacrificed everything so that us , their heirs , would never know the tragedy of war .
And now we must also do the best we can so that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new one again .
This is our responsibility before future generations , '' the president said .
Every year on May 8 , Austria celebrates the anniversary of the end of World War II .
A solemn event , the Festival of Joy , marks this occasion .
It is organized by the Austrian Mauthausen Committee .
Following the 1938 Anschluss , Austria became a part of Nazi Germany .
Restoration of its statehood began after its liberation from Nazis and creation of interim government on April 27 , 1945 .
At that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occupation zones by the anti-Hitler coalition forces and the de-Nazification process began .
Austria gained complete independence in 1955 , after Soviet , UK , US and French forces withdrew and the Treaty for the Re-establishment of an Independent and Democratic Austria was signed .

VIENNA, May 8. /TASS/. Russia is grateful to the authorities and people of Austria for careful and respectful treatment of Soviet war memorials, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his address broadcast by Austria’s ORF channel on the 75th anniversary of liberation of Austria from Nazism.
"The Great Victory saved humanity. It paved way to rebuilding of the independent, dynamically developing Austria. Over 26,000 Soviet soldiers sacrificed their lives for its liberation. There are over 200 military graves on the Austrian soil. We are grateful to the authorities and people of Austria for careful, respectful treatment of these memorials that are very important for us," Putin said.
According to the president, the memory of the fallen and of the war events, protection of truth and honoring of true heroes is more than just a common duty. "This is a matter of conscience before the entire generation of victors. They sacrificed everything so that us, their heirs, would never know the tragedy of war. And now we must also do the best we can so that no one ever dares to wage a new one again. This is our responsibility before future generations," the president said.
Every year on May 8, Austria celebrates the anniversary of the end of World War II. A solemn event, the Festival of Joy, marks this occasion. It is organized by the Austrian Mauthausen Committee.
Following the 1938 Anschluss, Austria became a part of Nazi Germany. Restoration of its statehood began after its liberation from Nazis and creation of interim government on April 27, 1945. At that time, Austria was split into four occupation zones by the anti-Hitler coalition forces and the de-Nazification process began. Austria gained complete independence in 1955, after Soviet, UK, US and French forces withdrew and the Treaty for the Re-establishment of an Independent and Democratic Austria was signed.


tass--2020-05-08--Putin, Merkel congratulate each other on anniversary of Victory over Nazism

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel congratulated each other on the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Europe and the world from Nazism in a telephone conversation , the Kremlin press service reported on Friday .
`` Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel exchanged congratulations on the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Europe and the world from Nazism , '' the press service said .
`` [ They ] highlighted the importance of preserving the historical memory of tragic events of those years .
In particular , they were confident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ German patriots who selflessly fought against the Nazi regime . ''
German government spokesman Steffen Seibert commented on the outcomes of the meeting that the sides shared the opinion that it ’ s important to preserve the memory of World War II forever .
`` Both [ leaders ] have honored the memory of millions of victims and remembered the immeasurable sufferings that the war unleashed by Nazi Germany had led to , '' Seibert said .
Merkel and Putin believe that `` the memory of the war and its horrors must be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
The leaders confirmed their intention to advance bilateral relations in a constructive manner , the Kremlin press service reports .
`` It was underlined that today Russia and Germany are partners in addressing many current international problems .
The intention to advance bilateral relations in a constructive manner was confirmed , '' the statement reads .
In exchanging opinions about the coronavirus pandemic developments , Putin and Merkel `` expressed an intention to provide mutual assistance and continue close cooperation on infection spread prevention established earlier , '' the Kremlin added @

MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel congratulated each other on the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Europe and the world from Nazism in a telephone conversation, the Kremlin press service reported on Friday.
"Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel exchanged congratulations on the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Europe and the world from Nazism," the press service said. "[They] highlighted the importance of preserving the historical memory of tragic events of those years. In particular, they were confident that both countries would never forget those German patriots who selflessly fought against the Nazi regime."
German government spokesman Steffen Seibert commented on the outcomes of the meeting that the sides shared the opinion that it’s important to preserve the memory of World War II forever. "Both [leaders] have honored the memory of millions of victims and remembered the immeasurable sufferings that the war unleashed by Nazi Germany had led to," Seibert said. Merkel and Putin believe that "the memory of the war and its horrors must be preserved for all time," he added.
The leaders confirmed their intention to advance bilateral relations in a constructive manner, the Kremlin press service reports.
"It was underlined that today Russia and Germany are partners in addressing many current international problems. The intention to advance bilateral relations in a constructive manner was confirmed," the statement reads.
In exchanging opinions about the coronavirus pandemic developments, Putin and Merkel "expressed an intention to provide mutual assistance and continue close cooperation on infection spread prevention established earlier," the Kremlin added.


tass--2020-05-08--Putin congratulates British PM Johnson on Victory Day

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated the leadership and people of the UK @ @ @ @ @ is confident that the experience of cooperation between the two countries is relevant now as @ @ @ @ @ Victory became the most important event of the 20th century , which is of lasting @ @ @ @ @ all mankind .
It was won thanks to joint efforts of the Soviet Union and @ @ @ @ @ coalition .
This invaluable experience of cooperation is very relevant today as well , '' @ @ @ @ @ his message of congratulations to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson , the Kremlin press service @ @ @ @ @ also `` expressed confidence that the memory of the combat brotherhood of the war era @ @ @ @ @ dialogue and cooperation in the fight against threats and challenges of our time . ''

MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated the leadership and people of the UK on Victory Day. He is confident that the experience of cooperation between the two countries is relevant now as well.
"The Great Victory became the most important event of the 20th century, which is of lasting importance for the destinies of all mankind. It was won thanks to joint efforts of the Soviet Union and the countries of the anti-Hitler coalition. This invaluable experience of cooperation is very relevant today as well," the Russian leader wrote in his message of congratulations to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the Kremlin press service reported on Friday.
Putin also "expressed confidence that the memory of the combat brotherhood of the war era would help develop constructive Russian-British dialogue and cooperation in the fight against threats and challenges of our time."


tass--2020-05-08--Putin congratulates leaders, nations of former Soviet Union on WW2 victory anniversary

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended congratulations on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of victory in the Second World War to leaders and nations that formerly made up the Soviet Union , the Kremlin press service reports .
`` Vladimir Putin sent congratulatory messages to the leaders and citizens of Azerbaijan , Armenia , Belarus , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , Moldova , Tajikistan , Turkmenistan , Uzbekistan , Abkhazia , South Ossetia as well as the peoples of Georgia and Ukraine , on the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Russian leader emphasized that these countries treasure the memory of heroes whose bravery on the frontlines and selfless labor in the rear contributed to the defeat of Nazism , which became our shared heritage .
`` It is the sacred duty of today ’ s generations to preserve forever the memory of those who defended the freedom of their native land at the cost of innumerable sacrifices and hardships , and to surround our dear veterans with care and attention , '' noted Putin .
The president also urged `` resolute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results of the Great Patriotic War , to whitewash or consign to oblivion the inhuman crimes committed by the Nazis and their accomplices . ''
He expressed confidence that `` the shared memory of the heroic deeds of our fathers and grandfathers would have a constructive impact on bilateral cooperation in a variety of areas and on partnering to confront modern threats and challenges like the coronavirus pandemic . ''
The Russian leader extended words of sincere gratitude and good wishes to veterans , partisans and homefront workers .

MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended congratulations on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of victory in the Second World War to leaders and nations that formerly made up the Soviet Union, the Kremlin press service reports.
"Vladimir Putin sent congratulatory messages to the leaders and citizens of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Abkhazia, South Ossetia as well as the peoples of Georgia and Ukraine, on the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War," the press service noted.
The Russian leader emphasized that these countries treasure the memory of heroes whose bravery on the frontlines and selfless labor in the rear contributed to the defeat of Nazism, which became our shared heritage. "It is the sacred duty of today’s generations to preserve forever the memory of those who defended the freedom of their native land at the cost of innumerable sacrifices and hardships, and to surround our dear veterans with care and attention," noted Putin.
The president also urged "resolute opposition to any attempts to rewrite the results of the Great Patriotic War, to whitewash or consign to oblivion the inhuman crimes committed by the Nazis and their accomplices."
He expressed confidence that "the shared memory of the heroic deeds of our fathers and grandfathers would have a constructive impact on bilateral cooperation in a variety of areas and on partnering to confront modern threats and challenges like the coronavirus pandemic."
The Russian leader extended words of sincere gratitude and good wishes to veterans, partisans and homefront workers.