The Saarland welcomed France’s Montchalin

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The Saarland welcomed France’s Montchalin

In the picture Premier Tobias Hans & State Secretary Amélie de Montchalin – Picture by Saarland.de.

Friday, 5 June 2020, The Saarland, Germany: Premier Tobias Hans received the French Secretary of State for European Affairs, Amélie de Montachalin, she is furthermore responsible for the Franco-German cooperation. 
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Saarland has treated many patients from the Far East region in France, which was terribly affected. Amélie de Montchalin, thanked Minister President Tobias Hans personally for this assistance during her jaunt. French Secretary of State for European AffairsFriday, 5 June 2020, The Saarland, Germany: Premier Tobias Hans received the French Secretary of State for European Affairs Amélie de Montachalin, she is furthermore responsible for the Franco-German cooperation. 
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Saarland has treated many patients from the Far East region in France, which was terribly affected. Amélie de Montchalin, thanked Minister President Tobias Hans personally for this assistance during her jaunt. 

As per statement below Premier Hans said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has put our Europe of open borders to the test. We have felt this particularly clearly in the Franco-German border region. We had to keep our distance from our friends on both sides of the border and this border, which had not really been one for many years, suddenly became visible again. But this distance in no way undermined the profound friendship between Germany and France, we mastered the situation side by side and helped each other. The coronavirus has impressively demonstrated that solidarity is the only possible way forward, and it will give new impetus to our close ties of cross-border cooperation. »

Amélie de Montchalin, State Secretary to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs with responsibility for European Affairs, and also responsible for Franco-German cooperation: “I am very pleased to come to Saarbrücken for my first trip abroad since coming out of confinement. During this unprecedented health crisis, the solidarity between our two countries has remained intact. Now, more than ever, Franco-German friendship remains at the heart of the European project. »

Jean Rottner, President of the Moselle Departmental Council: “I am very pleased to see Premier Tobias Hans again today. We are in a very unprecedented context, and Franco-German friendship is becoming more ambitious every day. Today, Saarland is a very valuable partner for the Far East Region, a border state with which we have daily exchanges through concrete and structuring policies. Today, more than ever, we must, more than ever, recall the absolute necessity of this European cooperation that we have once again tested in this crisis with transfers of patients with COVID 19. »

The programme of the visit included a meeting at the State Chancellery with the Ambassador of France, Anne-Marie Descôtes, the President of the Grand-Est region, Jean Rottner, the President of the Moselle departmental council, Patrick Weiten, the Consul General of France in The Saarland, Catherine Robinet, the MP Christophe Arend, the Minister of Finance and Europe, Peter Strobel, and the State Secretary at the Ministry of Finance and Europe and Plenipotentiary for European Affairs, Roland Theis, as well as a joint visit to the Winterberg Klinikum Saarbrücken in the presence of the Mayor of Saarbrücken, Uwe Conradt.

For further information:
https://www.saarland.de/SID-3B77922B-EB131603/6767_256140.htm

Anders Ahnlid to promote Swedish trade

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Anders Ahnlid to promote Swedish trade

Thursday, 4 June 2020, Stockholm, Kingdom of Sweden: The Government has announced the appointment of former Swedish Representative to the European Union, and incumbent Ambassador to Finland, Anders Ahnlid, as the novel director general of the National Trade Board (Kommerskollegium). The latter is the authority charged with promoting foreign trade, within the internal market as well as setting up the country’s trade policy. 

Ambassador Anders Ahnlid is ideal for the position being an experienced negotiator in trade issues. As per statement the Foreign Trade Minister Anna Hallberg stated highlighted that ‘the authority has an important task above all in improving possibilities for Sweden’s international trade in many ways’

Ahnlid begins his position as director general on 17 August 2020 for an authority that goes back to 1651. He has served as Swedish Permanent Representative to the European Union in Brussels, Delegate before the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in Paris, adviser for trade issues at the Foreign Minister, and has served as diplomat in at the Swedish Representation in Geneva, and at the country’s embassy to the United States in Washington D.C.

For further information:
Press release by the Swedish Government: https://www.regeringen.se/pressmeddelanden/2020/06/ny-generaldirektor-for-kommerskollegium/?fbclid=IwAR33pIYKgjBLNJvqR_I5lBHkFPvFmNpJW2V0Rba17AYss2dNo83x18vVKBw

Anders Ahnlid’s CV: https://www.regeringen.se/49baf2/globalassets/regeringen/dokument/eu-representationen/cv/cv-anders-ahnlid.pdf

National Trade Board: https://www.kommerskollegium.se/en/

Anders Ahnlid – Picture by Katinka Igelberg/Kommerskollegium

Ambassador Hoekstra’s declaration on recent events in the US

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Ambassador Hoekstra’s declaration on recent events in the US

Recently, together, we commemorated Memorial Day at the Netherlands American Cemetery at Margraten.  In my opening remarks there I quoted our Founding Fathers who famously wrote, “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”.

Recent events in America, demonstrate we still need to work hard to achieve that vision outlined at our nation’s birth.  Racism and discrimination have no place in a society based on these principles.

George Floyd’s death was tragic and heart-wrenching to watch.  The resulting peaceful demonstrations are what a free and open society allow.  They encourage us to focus attention on serious issues that must be addressed.  The demonstrations that devolved into rioting resulting in further loss of life and property only compounded the pain many of us already felt.

Yes, the events have been painful to us as a country and as individuals.  Most Americans know a city, community, or someone that has been deeply affected. Yet even in the midst of our distress, we can take comfort in the fact that the expressions of grief and anguish at Mr. Floyd’s brutal death and the demands for justice have come not just from one group or region of the country, but from the country as a whole.  The calls for justice we have witnessed here in the Netherlands and across Europe and the world are similarly heartening.  It is evidence of our shared values and the expectation that we do better.

U.S. Department of State Seal

In the coming days and weeks, we as a nation will move to confront the challenges we face. We hope and pray for recovery from the pain.  We are confident that we will continue to move forward to make “home” a better place.  The aspirations of our Founding Fathers are still bedrock principles to which we are committed.

To our Dutch friends who have expressed their concern and support for our families and our communities as we heal, we say thank you. Jullie zijn echte vrienden.

Sincerely,

Ambassador

Summer exhibition ‘Textiles from Egypt’ in Leiden

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Summer exhibition ‘Textiles from Egypt’ in Leiden

For the first time in almost 25 years, the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden in Leiden (the dutch National Museum of Antiquities) shows a beautiful selection of textiles from Egypt most of which are over 1,000 years old.

This summer, the colourful exhibition ‘Textiles from Egypt’ focuses on fanciful canvases, fragments of garments and interior textiles from the first millennium AD, in stories about fabrics, styles, weaving techniques, materials, motifs and symbolism. In the hot desert sand of Egypt, these textiles have been exceptionally well preserved for centuries. Nowadays, the material is very fragile and is therefore rarely exhibited.

Modern textile art by thirteen artists of textile group QS2, inspired by the museum’s collection, is displayed alongside the centuries-old fabrics. ‘Textiles from Egypt’ can only be visited for a few months due to the fragility of the antique fabrics, from 1 June until 27 September 2020. All visitors are required to book a start time via www.rmo.nl

Egyptian fabrics were cherished as precious possessions. They usually consist of a simple linen base with beautiful woven, embroidered or stitched details in coloured wool. Some fabrics were used daily, and other pieces were specially made for burials. Almost all fabrics in museum collections were excavated at the beginning of the last century and sold  via the art market. Coloured parts were particularly interesting for trade. They were therefore often cut out of the garments, after which the rest was thrown away.

The exhibition ‘Textiles from Egypt’ gives visitors a spectacular impression of the craftsmanship of ancient textile artists and of the wardrobe and personal taste of the Egyptians in Late Antiquity. It It highlights materials and techniques, and the economic role of textiles in Egyptian society.

On display is a wide selection of fabrics and ornaments with motifs from Greek mythology, ancient Egyptian culture, and Christian faith, sometimes in a wondrous mix. There is also an abundance of geometric and figurative images. Eye-catchers include an ornamental piece with scenes from the biblical story of Joseph from the collection The Phoebus Foundation in Antwerp. Several other objects are on loan from the Allard Pierson in Amsterdam, the Textile Research Centre in Leiden and the dutch National Museum of World Cultures, including masterpieces such as a complete embroidered tunic, a cap and a colourful sock. 

Modern textile art

At the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, textile group QS2 is exhibiting new work inspired by the museum’s collection as an integral part of the exhibition ‘Textiles from Egypt’. Visual artist Monika Auch coached QS2 in the developments of these contemporary interpretations of Egyptian textiles.

More summer exhibitions

In addition to ‘Textiles from Egypt’, the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden is staging the exhibition‘Romans along the Rhine’ for families and the come back of the successful exhibition ‘GLASS’, which was shown earlier in 2019 (both until 28 February 2021). Also on display is the (small) exhibition ‘Saqqara – Living in a City of the Dead’ about the museum’s archaeological excavation in Egypt (until 22 November 2020).

Main image: Orbiculus decorated with the story of Joseph
On this ornament, the story of Joseph is told in nine scenes. On the left, you can see how he is thrown into the well and how a brother takes away his multicoloured cloak. On the right, Joseph is taken by the Ishmaelites on a camel to be sold to Pharaoh.
Linen; c. 650-900 AD; from Egypt
© The Phoebus Foundation, Antwerp, inv. 625

Déclaration de Fatou Bensouda sur la situation en République Démocratique du Congo.

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Déclaration de Fatou Bensouda sur la situation en République Démocratique du Congo.

Déclaration du Procureur de la Cour pénale internationale, Fatou Bensouda, sur la situation en Ituri, en République Démocratique du Congo.

Je suis profondément préoccupée par les nombreux rapports signalant une montée de violences graves depuis plusieurs mois en Ituri, en République démocratique du Congo (« RDC » ), et plus particulièrement dans les territoires de Djugu et Mahagi.

Des informations crédibles indiquent de nombreuses attaques armées, contre la population civile. Ces attaques se sont intensifiées ces derniers mois sur plusieurs territoires de l’Ituri. Ces mêmes informations rapportent également des attaques répétées contre des camps de personnes déplacées internes et des communautés ciblées. De plus, elles signalent le meurtre et la mutilation de nombreuses personnes civiles, dont de nombreux enfants; des enlèvements et des exécutions sommaires ou extrajudiciaires; des crimes sexuels et à caractère sexiste contre des femmes, des filles mineures et des hommes; des pillages systématiques; des incendies et des destructions de maisons, de propriétés privées et d’édifices publics.

Ces actes pourraient constituer des crimes relevant de la compétence de la Cour pénale internationale (« la CPI » ).

Je tiens à rappeler à tous les groupes et parties concernés que nous avons ouvert une enquête en RDC en 2004, et que mon Bureau continue de surveiller avec une extrême vigilance la situation sur toute l’étendue du territoire congolais, y compris celle qui prévaut actuellement dans les territoires de l’Ituri.

J’appelle tous les groupes et toutes les parties à cesser sans délai toutes les attaques, notamment contre la population civile, et à s’abstenir de recourir à toute violence criminelle contraire au Statut de Rome de la CPI.

J’encourage les autorités compétentes de la RDC, conformément au principe de complémentarité qui est au cœur du Statut de Rome et qui confère aux Etats parties la responsabilité première de poursuivre et de juger, à intensifier leurs efforts pour que des enquêtes véritables soient menées. Ceci afin de faire la lumière sur les crimes allégués, et à traduire en justice tous les auteurs et complices impliqués dans la perpétration des actes criminels, enregistrés dans la région de l’Ituri.

J’encourage également les autorités congolaises, avec l’appui de leurs partenaires, à poursuivre résolument leurs efforts, en vue de protéger et de sécuriser les populations civiles et leurs biens, ainsi qu’à prendre les dispositions appropriées afin de prévenir la commission de tels actes à l’avenir.

Mon Bureau va intensifier ses contacts avec les autorités congolaises pour renforcer le travail déjà initié en vue de cartographier les incidents relevant potentiellement de la compétence de la CPI et d’échanger avec les autorités sur les mesures urgentes à prendre, en particulier dans le cadre du traitement des cas prioritaires par la justice congolaise.

Une mission de mon Bureau sera déployée en RDC dès que les conditions liées à la crise sanitaire de la COVID-19  le permettront.

Constantinian Order joins effort to relieve during the pandemic

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Constantinian Order joins effort to relieve during the pandemic

In the picture HM King Felipe VI of Spain & HRH don Pedro of Two Sicilies, Duke of Calabria – Picture by Constantinian Order of St George.

At the behest of His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain, all the nobiliary corporations, military orders, the five royal masters, the international orders with activities in Spain, as well as other noble and chivalrous corporations, have joined together with a group of members of the titled nobility, to acquire 38. 604 litres of long-lasting milk, – which translates to more than 193,000 breakfasts –  as well as ca. 25,000 litres of the best quality extra virgin olive oil, in order to facilitate its distribution to needy families throughout Spain.

The delivery of these basic foodstuffs have been carried out in the Autonomous Communities of Castile-Leon, Castile-La Mancha, Extremadura and Andalusia, as requested by the Spanish Red Cross, for their subsequent distribution and delivery to families and people in vulnerable situations, thus contributing to the plan “Red Cross RESPONDS to Covid-19”, initiated when the state of alarm was decreed; thereby the organisation has already reached more than 2,100,000 people in need, fostered social inclusion, education and employment, and shall continue to intensify its activity until the end of the year.

This initiative also supports the Spanish countryside and its products, through different cooperatives in the countryside, such as COVAP, Dcoop and the Interprofesional de aceite de oliva de España.

It should be noted that since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, these nobiliary institutions have collaborated intensely, especially with Caritas and different soup kitchens, as well as with charitable organisations, to alleviate the suffering of many families. They have delivered protective material, medical equipment, medicines to hospitals, residences and didactic material (tablets) so that children from families without resources could follow their classes and do their homework.

The role of the Constantinian Order of St George 

The Constantinian Order has played a leading role in this venture of solidarity promoted by His Majesty the King of Spain. HRH Prince Pedro of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, The Duke of Calabria, as President of the Royal Council of Spanish Orders, has coordinated this solidarity initiative together with HE The Count Zamoyski, José Miguel Zamoyski de Borbón.

Moreover, The Duke of Calabria, in his capacity as Grand Master of the Constantinian Order, contributed with a donation from the Sacred Militia (and one further on a personal capacity). The participation of the Constantinian Order in this campaign is part of the determined effort it is making at the international level to alleviate the dramatic consequences of the Covid-19 crisis.

For further information: The full statement in the Spanish language by the Constantinian Order of St George: https://ordenconstantiniana.org/la-orden-constantiniana-se-suma-a-la-llamada-solidaria-s-m-el-rey-de-espana/?fbclid=IwAR1shbW-drc8JPkc_CXn1VOkSh6pnEANjwVqDewLU4Mh3ENkvz8ezIroTiw

Royal House of Two Sicilies: http://www.borbone-due-sicilie.org

Fundraising for the NHS by Boris Saxe-Coburg

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Fundraising for the NHS by Boris Saxe-Coburg

Main image the artwork by Boris Saxe Coburg.

Artist Boris Saxe-Coburg (Prince Boris of Bulgaria, The Prince of Tirnovo) is fundraising for NHS Charities Together.

The purpose of this campaign is to raise funds not only for those affected directly by the Covid-19 virus, but to relieve the pressure from the other hospital branches that have also been affected indirectly. His take on this fundraiser are his artworks i.e. sculptures. At the end of the campaign, on 30th June this sculpture below shall be given to the highest overall donors.

Baroness Olympia von Woellwarth-Lauterburg, Boris Saxe-Coburg, Royal Bridges’ Managing Director Henri Estramant – Credit to Metamorphosis Art Projects (https://www.facebook.com/metamorphosisartprojects/)

To support his initiative please follow this link:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/art-for-covid19
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The 74th anniversary of the Italian Republic

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The 74th anniversary of the Italian Republic

The Ambassador of Italy, H.E. Mr. Andrea Perugini address the Italian community and The Netherlands during the celebrations the 74th anniversary of the Italian Republic in unprecedented circumstances. ” I cannot welcome you to raise your glass together and to emphasize the importance of this celebration – highlighting the innumerable, always astonishing, excellent Italian products in many areas.” he expressed.

“Italy has been hit hard by the pandemic. ” Ambassador Perugini said. “We have added a sad page to our history, but at the same time, we witness extraordinary individual, collective and institutional resilience, dedication, sacrifice and tireless effort. In Italy, I would particularly like to mention doctors, nurses, pharmacists and all other health workers, many of whom died in the performance of their duties. Our thoughts go out to all victims of the pandemic and health workers in particular. We have seen them work with the utmost effort to save lives with great professionalism and generosity.”

Ambassador Perugini remarked that European countries need long-term choices to tackle the economic crisis, and mentioned the new mass financial aid instruments put forward by the European Commission on 27 May.

“The recession effect occurs almost everywhere. Italy is not currently asking Dutch citizens to pay the Italian debt. We don’t even ask the Dutch taxpayer for a euro. Dutch citizens have no reason to think that they are economically disadvantaged in their relationship with Italy. We expect Europe to be able to act coherently and effectively in a common market benefiting both the Netherlands and Italy, because it is inconceivable that anyone could take advantage of this crisis. The crisis is affecting all of us, so a coherent and united approach to it is in our best interest.” Perugini said.

Westphalian Peace Prize for Tsipras and Zaev

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Westphalian Peace Prize for Tsipras and Zaev

2020, Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia:  The International Peace Prize of the Peace of Westphalia goes to Alexis Tsipras (Hellenic Republic), Zoran Zaev (Republic of North Macedonia) and Plant-for-the-Planet. 

As announced by the the Economic Society for Westphalia and Lippe (WWL). The politicians are honoured for their agreement in the Macedonian name dispute. The children and youth of Plant-for-the-Planet receive the award for their active involvement against climate change. The award ceremony shall take place on 19 September 2020 in the City Hall of Münster.

The prize money inamount of 100.000 Euro – donated by the board of trustees, that is, Westphalian entrepreneurial personalities. The latter sum is traditionally divided amongst the awardees.

Alexis Tsipras and Zoran Zaev ended through their agreement the decades long of conflict over the name -North- Macedonia and thereby contributed to the stability in the whole Balkan region. 
On 12 February 2019, Macedonia took the state of ‘Republic of North Macedonia’;- thus an over three decades of bitter conflict between the neighbours was settled. Hitherto Greece had not accepted the country name Macedonia, as a region in the north of
own country is also called thus. 
 “Without Tsipras and Zaev, the name dispute would not have ended, and the feud would continue to destabilise the entire Balkan region” said Chairman Dr. Reinhard Zinkann as per statement below. 

For further information:
https://www.wirtschaftliche-gesellschaft.de/fileadmin/user_upload/presse/2020_pi_friedenspreis.pdf

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internationaler_Preis_des_Westfälischen_Friedens

____________________

In the main image, former premiers Zaev and Tsipras – Picture by INTERNATIONALE PREIS DES WESTFÄLISCHEN FRIEDENS 2020

US Threats Over China’s Hong Kong Law

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US Threats Over China’s Hong Kong Law

By Umer Jamshaid.

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik – 28th May, 2020) Washington‘s interference and threats to Beijing over its plans to impose new legislation on Hong Kong, along with mounting pressure over the coronavirus crisis, are a part of a broader long-term strategy to diminish China‘s influence, and the US will likely try to get more countries to join its anti-China efforts, experts told Sputnik.

Earlier this week, US President Trump has warned China that Washington is preparing a strong response to Beijing‘s plans to implement new security legislation in Hong Kong that would ban the secessionist and subversive activity.

The bill, which has the support of leading ministers in Hong Kong, including Chief Executive Carrie Lam, has been met by a wave of protests. More than 500 demonstrators have been detained over the past week, including many individuals carrying deadly weapons, law enforcement officials in the region have said.

The bill was approved by the Chinese parliament on Thursday.

“The Trump administration tries to insert itself into the dispute between Hong Kong and Beijing as part of its strategy aimed at reducing the Chinese sphere of influence at regional and global level. US interference is another example of Washington‘s willingness to maintain a hegemonic residue in Asia,” Tiberio Graziani, the chairman of Vision and Global Trends, International Institute for Global Analyses, told Sputnik.

Inderjeet Parmar, a professor of international politics of City, University of London, similarly noted that the US threats were interference in China‘s domestic affairs.

“In that regard, it would be a bit like you China were to comment on the armed protests in Michigan … So, yes, it certainly is an interference,” the researcher told Sputnik.

Over the past 10 years, especially in the last three years of the Trump administration, the United States has taken an approach to contain Chinese influence, according to Parmar. The bilateral tensions have covered maritime operations in the South China Sea, trade and tariffs, Taiwan, the one-China policy and protesters in Hong Kong, and the latest threats by the US could further ignite them, the analyst noted.

“I think that is the kind geopolitical tension, which has erupted from time to time in a variety of ways and are likely to be exacerbated by this kind of threatening moves,” Parmar said.

“Overall, this has joined the new COVID-19 pandemic, the whole issue about the ‘Wuhan virus’ and or ‘the Chinesevirus’ and President Trump claiming that there was a deliberate or accidental leak from the laboratory of the Institute of Virology in Wuhan.

Basically, the amount of pressure and the international encouragement of investigating China through the World Health Organization and other kinds of pressure seems to be building up,” he added. “Clearly, this has to do with the [US presidential] election coming up in November.”

According to Graziani, Washington will likely try to get more countries on board with its opposition to the Hong Kongsecurity law.

“Considering the peculiarity of Hong Kong as a financial hub and geostrategic base, it is likely that the US will try to involve many Western allies in their dispute with China, in particular UK and, most likely, Japan. This will have important repercussions on the delicate and unstable regional and global balances,” the researcher said.

According to the State Department, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has already discussed with his UK counterpart coordination of bilateral diplomatic efforts to prevent China from imposing new national security measures on Hong Kong.

The “Greater Bay Area”.

On Wednesday, Pompeo has also certified to the Congress that Hong Kong no longer warrants the same treatment in accordance with US laws applied to the territory before 1997. Under the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act passed last year, the State Department has to certify at least annually to the Congress that the territory retains enough autonomy to enjoy special commercial and trading privileges from the US. Now that Pompeo asserted otherwise, Trump may decide to end some of those privileges.

Trump’s economic adviser, Larry Kudlow, in turn, pledged that Washington could pay full expenses of US firms wishing to move from Hong Kong or China back to the US. 

According to Parmar, such a move seems to be aimed at diminishing the reliance on China of strategic industries, such as high tech.

“It looks like is really a very powerful, concerted attempt to contain the rising importance and power of China with a view to basically preventing it, I guess, in the longer run from becoming a hegemonic challenger to the United States,” the researcher said. “As you know, the 2017 national security strategy declares that Russia and China are strategic rivals and I think this is a continuation or the implementation of that broad strategy.”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has hit back at Washington for getting involved in China‘s domestic affairs. Beijing considers the ongoing political situation in Hong Kong to be a purely domestic matter.

Source: Hurdu Point / Sputnik / https://www.urdupoint.com/en/world/us-threats-over-chinas-hong-kong-law-part-of-932058.html

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