(2020-02-06). Russian General Staff chief, NATO commander in Europe meet in Baku to discuss incidents prevention. rt.com 
The chief of the Russian Armed Forces' General Staff, General of the Army Valery Gerasimov met in Baku, Azerbaijan with the Commander-in-Chief of NATO forces in Europe General Tod Wolters and discussed incidents prevention, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday. | They exchanged opinions of strategic stability and situations in crisis regions and discussed practical steps to prevent military incidents, according to the Russian military. | Earlier on Thursday, Gerasimov met with Azerbaijan's President Ilkham Aliyev and hold a meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart Colonel-General Nijmeddin Sadykov, TA…
(2020-02-06). Russian General Staff chief, NATO commander in Europe meet in Baku to discuss incident prevention. rt.com The chief of the Russian Armed Forces' General Staff, General of the Army Valery Gerasimov met in Baku, Azerbaijan with the Commander-in-Chief of NATO forces in Europe General Tod Wolters and discussed incident prevention, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday. | They exchanged opinions of strategic stability and situations in crisis regions and discussed practical steps to prevent military incidents, according to the Russian military. | Earlier on Thursday, Gerasimov met with Azerbaijan's president, Ilkham Aliyev, and held a meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Colonel-General Nijmeddin Sadykov,…
(2020-02-06). Russian, Turkish military specialists among hundreds killed & injured in Syria's Idlib terrorist attacks — Moscow. rt.com 
Terrorists took over the Idlib de-escalation zone and carried out thousands of attacks in the last two months, Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement, adding that the West is portraying them as "moderate opposition." | Idlib governorate, the last stronghold of anti-government forces in Syria, saw a surge of violence by radical jihadists who have no desire for a peaceful resolution to the almost nine-year-long conflict, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday. Most of the attacks are carried out by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the latest iteration of al-Qaeda in Syria. | The area was proclaimed a de-escal…
(2020-02-06). Nord Stream 2 investors pledge to meet their commitments despite renewed threats of US sanctions. rt.com 
European companies have already invested billions of dollars in the Nord Stream 2 underwater pipeline from Russia to Germany, and are not going to ditch the project despite the threat of new US sanctions. | Washington could be preparing to target the massive Russian-European energy project again after last year's restrictions failed to completely stop it. US lawmakers want to approve another sanctions bill, this time imposing restrictions on the European investors involved in it or the potential buyers of the gas, delivered via the route after its completion, the German business outlet Handelsblatt reported ea…
(2020-02-06). BBC struggles to pronounce Irish politician's name, makes him 'Russian' as on-air gaffes continue. rt.com 
BBC's Newsnight has been ridiculed this week after an online clip of the program was shared on social media, showing the presenter struggling to say a politician's real (and rather simple) name. | With its non-phonetic pronunciation, the English language can be an impenetrable tongue-twisting maze. But as tourists struggle to say the places Leicester Square and Edinburgh correctly, it seems the BBC has problems with simple names. According to BBC Newsnight's policy editor, Lewis Goodall, the next taoiseach (prime minister of Ireland) could be a man called 'Mikhail' Martin. It's obviously not an easy denominati…
(2020-02-06). 'There was no suicide attempt' – Soldatova coach DENIES attempt to take own life by gymnast – reports. rt.com 
The coach of Russian rhythmic gymnast Alexandra Soldatova denies her charge has been hospitalized after a suicide attempt, claiming the 21-year-old is undergoing unspecified tests and will be released from hospital tomorrow. | On Thursday, it was reported that Soldatova had been rushed to a Moscow hospital on February 5 for treatment in its critical care unit for multiple deep cuts…
(2020-02-06). Pragmatic agenda: Lavrov tours Latin America to foster cooperation, not to spite Washington. rt.com 
The Russian foreign minister's three-day trip to Latin America has provoked nervous reactions in the US, where it is assumed to be part of an anti-American agenda even though Moscow has legitimate economic interests in the region. | During the trip that started on Wednesday, Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to pay one-day visits to Cuba, Mexico and Venezuela — setting the tongues wagging in Washington. | The Hill
(2020-02-06). Stop using Russia as chief 'bogeyman', let's normalize relations — Putin spokesman to US politicians. rt.com 
After a few years of 'Russiagate', which bizarrely mutated into a Ukraine-inspired impeachment trial, now that Donald Trump has been declared 'not guilty' by the Senate, the Kremlin would like to move on. | Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, says it's time for American politicians to stop using Russia as the main "bogeyman" in their internal battles. He added that as soon as Russian-American relations are taken off the domestic agenda in Washington, it should be possible to "normalize" relations between the two countries. | Asked to comment on the Senate's verdict, Peskov noted that R…
(2020-02-06). ÔªøRussian champion gymnast Alexandra Soldatova hospitalized after 'suicide attempt'. rt.com 
Russian four-time world champion rhythmic gymnast Alexandra Soldatova has been hospitalized in Moscow after an alleged suicide attempt, according to reports. | The 21-year-old was taken to a hospital with multiple deep cuts on her left arm which led to severe blood loss on Wednesday. | "The 21-year-old Soldatova was taken to a Moscow hospital on February 5th with bodily injuries re…
(2020-02-06). Russia was second-biggest energy exporter to US in Autumn 2019, volumes hit 8-year high. rt.com 
Given the dire state of Russia-US political relations, and Washington's steadfast defense of its alliance with Saudi Arabia, it seems almost unbelievable that Moscow sends more energy exports America's way than Riyadh. | Nevertheless, figures recently published by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) say it's true: Russia is America's second-biggest source of crude oil and petroleum products. | Despite years of sanctions, the autumn of 2019 saw the amount of Russian 'black gold' sold to the US reach levels not seen since before the 2013/14 Ukraine crisis. Last October, imports sharply increased, with…
(2020-02-06). Russia praises China for transparent coronavirus updates. rt.com 
Moscow welcomes the prompt and transparent information exchange with China on the new coronavirus outbreak, said Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media, Aleksey Volin. | "China is providing transparent updates on developments around the new coronavirus outbreak. Every day they report the number of new cases, deaths and recoveries, detailing their steps to fight the epidemic. There is enough information to gauge the real picture," Volin said in an interview to Russia-China: Top News. | Volin stressed that the transparency and verifiability of the coronavirus-related updates is bei…
(2020-02-06). Russia's modernized Tu-160M nuclear-capable bomber takes to the skies for the 1st time (VIDEO). rt.com 
A modernized Tu-160, Russia's iconic strategic bomber, with brand new avionics, controls, and other equipment, took its maiden flight. The changes are said to have doubled its combat effectiveness. | Footage of the modernized plane was released by the Russian military on Thursday, though the test flight took place earlier this month at the Kazan aircraft plant proving grounds. The plane took a short trip, remaining in the air for about half an hour at an altitude of 1,500 meters. | The Tu-160 nuclear-capable supersonic bomber was introduced at the end of the Soviet era and has remained in the service of the…
(2020-02-06). Historian: With Impeachment Acquittal, the GOP Has Given Trump a Blank Check to Do Anything He Wants. democracynow.org 
The U.S. Senate has acquitted President Trump of two impeachment charges in just the third presidential impeachment trial in U.S. history. Trump was accused of abusing power and obstructing Congress to aid his re-election campaign by pressuring Ukraine to investigate his political rival Joe Biden. Every Democratic senator voted to remove President Trump from office, but they were joined by just one Republican: Senator Mitt Romney of Utah, who supported impeaching Trump on abuse of power. Romney became the first senator ever to vote against his own party's president in an impeachment trial. President Trump respond…
(2020-02-06). Fascists align with conservatives to kick out Die Linke in eastern Germany. peoplesworld.org 
Protests were sparked in Germany's eastern state of Thuringia Wednesday after the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party—which has ties to neo-Nazis—joined forces with two conservative parties in the state parliament to oust incumbent Die Linke (Left Party) President Bodo Ramelow. State elections were held in October, but the left-wing premier was unable to form …
(2020-02-06). 'Taboo gone': Ruling coalition in Germany shaken by fresh crisis after Merkel's CDU breaks ranks on not cooperating with AfD. rt.com 
Germany's Christian Democrats — the ruling party of Angela Merkel — have found themselves in a fresh crisis after members in the state of Thuringia defied 'recommendations' to avoid working with the anti-establishment AfD party. | The political mayhem stems from the election in eastern Germany's Thuringia region last October, when the Alternative for Germany party (AfD) more than doubled its support and came in second after the ruling Left Party. Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), on the other hand, was left red-faced, losing 13 seats in regional parliament and finishing t…
(2020-02-06). PM of Germany's Thuringia resigns, calls for dissolution of state parliament after scandalous vote brought him to power. rt.com 
The PM of the German state of Thuringia has called for the regional parliament to be dissolved after his election unleashed a massive scandal when Chancellor Angela Merkel's CDU joined forces with right-wing AfD to support him. | A vote for Thuringia's new prime minister in the regional legislature sent shockwaves across Germany as an unlikely candidate was elected through a alliance of the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) and anti-establishment forces from Alternative for Germany (AfD), something widely considered taboo. | Last October's polls left Thuringia in a sort of limbo since the previous broad l…
(2020-02-06). 'Shame on you': Protests in Germany after surprise election of Thuringia's chief with AfD's support sparks uproar. rt.com 
Demonstrations were staged in German cities after the head of the state of Thuringia was elected with the backing of the anti-migrant AfD party. The vote created a fresh dent in the ruling coalition in Berlin. | Protesters gathered for a vigil outside the State Chancellery in Thuringia's capital Erfurt on Thursday to denounce pro-business Free Democratic Party's (FDP) Thomas Kemmerich, who was unexpectedly elected the region's Minister-President (MP) with the support of the Alternative for Germany (AfD). | The Left party and antifa groups began marching and rallying in front of the State Chancellery and region…
(2020-02-06). Farmers protest Socialist Party-Podemos government in Madrid. wsws.org As thousands of farmers don yellow vests, echoing mass social protests in France, the reactionary Socialist Party-Podemos government fears a social explosion in Spain.
(2020-02-06). Syrian Army's Offensive in Idlib Deepens Rift Between Russia and Turkey. globalresearch.ca Major strains are appearing in Russian-Turkish relations, particularly over the Syrian Army's latest offensive against Turkish-backed jihadists in Idlib and Russia's non-agreeance with Turkey's support for the Muslim Brotherhood government based in the Libyan capital of Tripoli. Last week Turkish…
(2020-02-06). Video: Syrian Army Advance in Idlib Province. Netanyahu and Erdogan to the Rescue of Al Qaeda. globalresearch.ca In Greater Idlib the defences of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other favorites of the foreign powers supporting 'Syrian democracy' are collapsing. | On February 5, the Syrian Army, supported by Russian airpower, took control of a number of villages in southeastern …
(2020-02-06). Russia-Belarus Relations: 'The Moment of Truth' Has Arrived. Belarus Drifting Westward? globalresearch.ca Belarusian President Lukashenko's dramatic declaration that "the moment of truth has come" for bilateral relations ahead of his meeting with his Russian counterpart on Friday raises all sorts of questions about the future of their ties, though nobody should be …
(2020-02-06). Federico Fellini: Author of Cinema. counterpunch.org The cinema world is marking the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of Federico Fellini (b. January 20,1920-d. October 31, 1993) in Rimini on the shores of the Adriatic Sea on the east coast of Italy. Exhibits of his films and his life are being shown all over Italy, while a major show, "Fellini 100",
(2020-02-06). NASA's Record-Setting Koch, Crewmates Safely Back From Space. truthdig.com MOSCOW — NASA astronaut Christina Koch, who spent nearly 11 months in orbit to set a record for the longest spaceflight by a woman, landed safely Thursday in Kazakhstan along with two International Space Station crewmates. | The Soyuz capsule carrying Koch, station Commander Luca Parmitano of the European Space Agency and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov, touched down southeast of Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan, at 3: 12 p.m. (0912 GMT). | Koch wrapped up a 328-day mission after her first flight into space, providing researchers the opportunity to observe the effects of long-duration spaceflight on a woman. Th…
(2020-02-06). America's Newest Proxy Battle Could Spark World War 3. truthdig.com The Trump administration has put the U.S. on a collision course with Russia in Central Asia. It risks nothing less than a nuclear cataclysm.
(2020-02-06). The Shambles of English Votes for English Laws. globalresearch.ca The idea of Scotland as a valued member of a Union based on consensus is in tatters. The idea of a parliament representing the whole of the United Kingdom is no longer credible. In a week in which Westminster democracy …
(2020-02-06). Turkey Gives Assad Deadline to Pull Back or Face Military Action. theantimedia.com Turkey has given the Syrian government until the end of this month to withdraw from recently seized territory in Idlib province.
(2020-02-06). Germany's IG Metall union offers to collaborate in restructuring the steel and electronics industries. wsws.org In a recent document titled "Moratorium for a fair transition," the union offers wage freezes as part of its plan to negotiate a "Pact for the Future," which will cost tens of thousands of workers their jobs.
(2020-02-06). UK Intercepts Over 40 Migrants Near Country's Shore – Reports. sputniknews.com MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The migrants arrived on several boats near the coast of the UK county of Kent, prompting a rescue operation by the UK and French patrol boats, according to the Sky News TV channel.
(2020-02-06). Johnson Pushes Ken Clarke, Philip Hammond Upstairs Despite Brexit Opposition — Reports. sputniknews.com Former Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond and veteran Conservative Party politician Ken Clarke publicly opposed the UK's bid to leave the European Union, an issue which the prime minister made the central plank of his platform after assuming office in the summer of 2019.
(2020-02-06). Erdogan's Spokesman Slams European Parliament for Inviting PKK Members to Conference. sputniknews.com ANKARA (Sputnik) – On Wednesday, the parliament began hosting a two-day conference called "The European Union, Turkey, the Middle East and the Kurds," in which PKK members were among the participants, although the party is considered to be a terrorist group by both Ankara and Brussels.
(2020-02-06). 'Bad Day for Democracy': Merkel Slams Free Democrats Over AfD Backing in Thuringia Vote. sputniknews.com On Wednesday, Thomas Kemmerich of the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) beat incumbent Left party candidate Bodo Ramelow 45 to 44 to become Thuringia state premier, gaining votes from the right-wing AfD.
(2020-02-06). There is No Suitable Alternative to Huawei's 5G Technologies for UK, EU — Italian Academic. sputniknews.com The UK and the EU have opted for limited use of Huawei 5G telecom equipment, defying the US' repeated requests to totally ban the Chinese company amid threats to cease intelligence cooperation over security concerns. Fabio Massimo Parenti has explained what's behind Europe's reluctance to follow Washington's suit.
(2020-02-06). India Unveils Domestically Developed Anti-Ship Missile for Naval Helicopters, Warships. sputniknews.com New Delhi (Sputnik): The Indian Navy deploys short-range anti-ship missiles on its frigates and destroyers. But for longer-range targets, it has decided to equip all of its warships with the Indo-Russian BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
(2020-02-06). Austrian OMV Invested $124Mln in Nord Stream 2 Project in 2019 – Report. sputniknews.com MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Austrian oil and gas company OMV invested 113 million euros, or $124 million, in the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project targeted by US sanctions in 2019, the company said in a report published Thursday.
(2020-02-06). EU calls for end to Idlib bombardment. yenisafak.com Top EU officials urged on Thursday for "bombings and attacks on civilians" in northwest Syria to stop.EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and Janez Lenarcic, the European commissioner for crisis management, said all parties should respect international humanitarian law, including granting access for humanitarian aid and protecting civilians, In a joint statement, Borrell and Lenarcic said the "extraordinary human suffering" of the people near the province of Idlib was "unacceptable."The EU pledged to continue to provide humanitarian assistance to support the most vulnerable people inside Syria and in neighborin…
(2020-02-06). ISS 61st expedition successfully lands in Kazakhstan. yenisafak.com Three crew members of the 61st expedition to the International Space Station (ISS) successfully landed in Kazakhstan on Thursday.A capsule with Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Skvortsov, U.S. NASA astronaut Christina Koch and Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano from the European Space Agency made touchdown in the Kazakh steppe 147 kilometers (91 miles) from the city of Jezkazgan, the Russian Mission Control Center said in a statement.The landing went smoothly and the crew members' general physical and mental health is in good condition, it said.During the 126-day expedition of the 61st expedition, Christina Koch set a n…
(2020-02-06). Kazakhstan stops sending mail to and from China. yenisafak.com Kazakhstan's postal operator, Kazpost, has stopped moving mail to and from China amid the new coronavirus outbreak there, Kazpost said on Thursday.Kazpost said it has made the move, which may hurt the e-commerce business of companies such as Alibaba and will also affect Kazakhstan's mail exchange with a host of countries in Southeast Asia, at China's request.The Central Asian nation has previously suspended all travel links with China and placed dozens of people in quarantine upon their return from the neighbouring country.
(2020-02-06). Turkey hosts events to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day. yenisafak.com The disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir, huddled between South Asian nuclear powers India and Pakistan, is a pressing issue that the international community should take up, said speakers at several events on Wednesday held to commemorate the Kashmir Solidarity Day. "The [United Nations] decisions on Kashmir have been accepted by India, its first leader Jawahar Lal Nehru," said Burhan Kayaturk, the head of the Turkey-Pakistan Cultural Association, at an event at the Pakistan Embassy International School in the capital Ankara.Under Nehru's term, India went to the UN with the Kashmir issue where the international b…
(2020-02-06). Anadolu Efes pursuing unbroken series in EuroLeague. yenisafak.com Turkey's Anadolu Efes will face Zalgiris Kaunas from Lithuania in a EuroLeague basketball game on Thursday.The Istanbul game will be held at Sinan Erdem Dome at 1730GMT.Anadolu Efes will seek to crown their winning series with victory over Zalgiris Kaunas as they won the last eight games in the Turkish Airlines-sponsored league.They won games against Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv, Khimki Moscow Region, Barcelona, Armani Exchange Milan, ASVEL Villeurbanne, Real Madrid, Crvena Zvezda, and CSKA Moscow.Zalgiris Kaunas are currently sitting 11th with 9/14 win/loss record as they won their last three games
(2020-02-06). 'I've made no mistakes': French Skating President Didier Gailhaguet admits 'errors but no fault' over sex absue scandal. rt.com 
French Federation of Ice Sports president Didier Gailhaguet says he "made no mistakes" over a current sex abuse scandal, despite admitting "errors and fault", and will await inquiry results before deciding whether to resign. | On Tuesday, French prosecutors opened an investigation into underage sexual abuse within the sport, arising from claims by former skater Sarah Abitbol that she had suffered systematic sexual assaults from her former coach Gilles Beyer while she was underage. | "Ladies and gentlemen, there is no perfect federation because society and people aren't perfect. To be in a position to resign, I…
(2020-02-06). Will 2020 Be Another Victory Year for Trump and Brexit? counterpunch.org In early 2017, Europe's far-right parliamentary bloc met in Koblenz, Germany, to plot its political future. The meeting of the bloc's leaders — which included Marine le Pen from France, Matteo Salvini from Italy and Geert Wilders from the Netherlands — took place shortly after the inauguration of US President Donald Trump. The group was
(2020-02-06). Goodbye to All That: The UK after Brexit. zcomm.org Brexit could see the UK eventually lose Scotland, Northern Ireland, and a great deal of its prosperity…
(2020-02-05). US Space Force conducts first ICBM launch after Moscow warned of threat of renewed arms race (PHOTOS). rt.com 
The newly-created US Space Force has test-fired a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) for the first time as Russia blasted it for "lowering the bar" on using nuclear weapons. | The unarmed land-based missile was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California shortly after midnight on Wednesday. It was the first such development test since the facility became part of the US Space Force, which was established as an independent military branch in late December. The US previously test-fired a missile of this type in October. | The Minuteman missiles are the key component of the US' land-…
(2020-02-05). Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas dead at 103. rt.com 
Kirk Douglas, a legendary actor from the golden age of Hollywood, has passed away at the age of 103, his son and fellow actor Michael has announced. | "To the world, he was a legend," the younger Douglas said in a statement on Wednesday. "But to me and my brothers Joel and Peter he was simply Dad." | Born Issur Danielovitch Demsky to impoverished Jewish immigrants from Russia, Douglas worked a variety of odd jobs before making it big in Hollywood. He is perhaps best known to modern audiences for his titular role in Stanley Kubrick's 'Spartacus' (1960), but film connoisseurs remember him for a range of roles, f…
(2020-02-05). The facts about Ukraine that no one mentioned during the impeachment trial. peoplesworld.org 
As the Senate impeachment trial comes to its preordained conclusion, we need to keep a number of points in mind that no Democrat or Republican has been talking about during all these weeks and months of political drama—points related to the matter of Ukraine. The overwhelming majority of Americans would not question the competence, honesty, …
(2020-02-05). Don't be confused by Romney jumping ship — impeachment is about sticking to party lines. rt.com 
Impeachment supporters earned two more allies in Senators Mitt Romney and Doug Jones, but this process is about sticking to partisan camps when it comes to Donald Trump, not looking for truth. | Romney is the latest conservative hero to the left as he has announced he will vote to impeach the president on one of the two counts against him, abuse of power. Trump has been accused of attempting quid pro quo with Ukraine by withholding federal aid in exchange for an investigation into Joe Biden. | After an "unbiased look at the evidence," Romney says he has no choice but to follow his "conscience." | Since Romney…
(2020-02-05). Medics oppose restricting NI abortion to 'arbitrary' points before 24 weeks. thecanary.co 
Restricting abortion access to "arbitrary" points before 24 weeks in the north of Ireland will only create barriers for women, healthcare workers said.Nobody must be excluded from reforms legalising the procedure, medical professionals and campaigners including Amnesty International said.Unrestricted terminations would be available in the north of Ireland up to 12 or 14 weeks under government proposals.Nobody must be excluded from reforms legalising the procedure, medical professionals and campaigners including Amnesty International's Grainne Teggart said (Liam McBurney/PA)A joint submission by midwives and obste…
(2020-02-05). 2020: the year for action, to 'rise up' and safeguard ocean life. news.un.org With the ocean in deep crisis, members of civil society and philanthropic organisations are urging governments and corporations to take bold action to safeguard the ocean. After a two-day preparatory meeting in New York ahead of June's UN Ocean Conference in Portugal, activists handed over what they termed "A Blue Call to Action" to the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, on Wednesday.
(2020-02-05). EU Rejects Trump Middle East Peace Plan, Annexation. globalresearch.ca The European Union rejected Tuesday some of the proposals outlined by U.S. President Donald Trump for the Middle East, prompting an angry response from Israel, which has actively supported the U.S. plan. | Following deliberations of the 27 members, the European …
(2020-02-05). US Blockade to Affect Medical Treatment of Venezuelan Children. telesurenglish.net The Latin American Foundation for Human Rights and Social Development ( RELATED: | The organization explained that the affected children, who are being treated in Italy and Argentina, will rece…