Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-01-26

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From: The Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at <http://www.telpress.it/ata>

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CONTENTS

[01] Durres port - Albania's gate for passengers, too

[02] European Union accords 200 000 ECU-s for Gjirokaster court

[03] Police detain a criminal group

[04] Sarande hospital twinned with Cyprus hospital

[05] Telephonic connection reestablished with Polican

[06] OSCE urges parties to maintain official stand on troika statement

[07] Thieves of book warehouse fail - police intervene

[08] Commission urges Unity for Democracy to express remarks

[09] AUR asks full membership in constitutional commission

[10] Minister of State says they possess recorded talks of DP leaders

[11] Health center in Tale raided

[12] State budget offers large funds for education, science

[13] New governor presented in Shkoder

[14] Finalists of '98 Republic Cup in volleyball

[15] Inter-border cooperation of Saranda and Igumenica strengthened

[16] Government: draft-laws and draft-decisions to raise wages from February 1, '98 are ready

[17] DP of Albania on the declaration of the European Parliamentary troika

[18] Brojka and Shehu deny meeting Islami

[19] Violence in Kosova, part of Belgrade's strategy -Escalation of violence aims to radicalise Kosova stand-

[20] Democratic Party condemns Serb violence in Kosova

[21] Our pressure is a democratic way and state must not keep silence - Hunger strikers

[22] Some 2,3 leks of investment to rehabilitate schools

[23] Sister relations Protocol between Durres and Bari signed

[24] FILA expresses wish to hold exemplary sports activity in Albania

[25] Albania's Presidency discusses draft law on citizenship

[26] Solana highlights regional policy of Albanian Government - Solana- Milo

[27] Dossier on Albania is the most important for WEU - Cutileiro- Milo

[01] Durres port - Albania's gate for passengers, too

The Durres port is considered as Albania's gate not only for arrival and departure of ships carrying goods but also for passengers.

In the last six years, the number of the Albanian and foreign passengers, who travelled by ferries has been progressively increased.

Some 113 038 passengers have left the Durres port during 1997, while other 139 010 arrived there from other states.

Some 219 081 out of the total 252 048 are Albanian passengers, while 32 967 are foreigners.

Over 150 thousand passengers have travelled by Durres-Bari-Durres ferry line. While the others left or arrived in Brindisi, Ancona and Trieste or Copper and Patra. s.s/kled/sh/

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[02] European Union accords 200 000 ECU-s for Gjirokaster court

The chairman of this court, Tahir Novi, reported to ATA that "the credit will help reconstruct the court and equip its grounds. The contract has been just signed and the funds are expected to be used soon."

The Gjirokaster court was the only one in southern districts which was not destroyed during the unrest of last year, due to the courage showed by its staff to defend it. /a.ke/kled/mt/

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[03] Police detain a criminal group

The police checked their car and found a quantity of weapons, three police uniforms, a uniform of rapid intervention forces, two number plates of stolen cars and other military materials.

They have used these for carrying out penal offences, the same sources said. ake/kled/ak/sh/

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[04] Sarande hospital twinned with Cyprus hospital

Minister Solis stressed that "The very positive initiative taken by the doctors of both hospitals, under the care of the Ministry of Health of Environment, is the first step for the institutionalization of relations between both hospitals."

The deputy mayor of the town hall of Hrisopulos, Simeonidhis, considered this a very important act and message of cooperation to be followed even in other fields between Albania and Cypros. On this occasion, the Cypriot party has brought a large quantity of medical aid, which are actually in the port of Pieria and will soon arrive in Sarande.

According to the director of public health, Dhimiter Xhaferri, "the Cypriot doctors of the organization 'World doctors' were among the first ones to help the citizens of Sarande and the hospital not only with aid, but also to airlift the injured of the unrest in 1997."

A folk dancing group from Cyprus performed an artistic program for the participants in the ceremony. /a.ke/kled/mt/

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[05] Telephonic connection reestablished with Polican

A radio-relay with four channels functions now in Polican, financed by the Albanian Telecom. Even the district of Skrapar, Southern Albania, will be soon connected with the rest of the country through the same system.

The telephonic line, which connected Polican with other districts of the country, was destroyed during the riots last year. The same thing happened to the telephonic line Polican-Çorovode. /s.sh/pas/mt/sh/

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[06] OSCE urges parties to maintain official stand on troika statement

"The OSCE Ambassador in Tirana told me that he will request, through official papers, any Albanian political party, commission member, to maintain a clear-cut stand on the troika statement," said Sabri Godo, co- chairman of the parliamentary commission for drafting a constitution.

"This will help the constitutional commission understand the attitudes of different parties about it," said the co-chairman.

After the publication of the statement, PM spokesman and other representatives of the government coalition parties, and of the opposition of the United Right, agreed with all the points of this statement; while the parties of the Union for Democracy, contrary to this statement, continue to support the idea of holding early elections, cast question mark over the legitimacy of parliament, constitutional commission, and others. /s.s/mt/sh/

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[07] Thieves of book warehouse fail - police intervene

Still unidentified persons fled away by leaving on the spot the vehicle with 26 000 copybooks, stolen from the warehouse.

According to the same sources, the thieves had stolen the vehicle with number plate TR 6899 B to the citizen Gjergj Kratellari./s.sh/pas/mt/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Commission urges Unity for Democracy to express remarks

The commission, convened early today, discussed a point of the European troika statement, visiting Albania recently, which suggested acceptance of remarks on changes to the composition and procedures of commission.

The leaders of the Democratic party, Christian Democratic party, Legality Movement, Social Democratic Union, Democrat Union did not attend the meeting.

Sabri Godo, one of the co-chairman of the commission, presented the proposal, which was backed by other members. They set February 16 as the deadline for a reply from the Unity for Democracy political grouping.

But one of the Socialist leaders, the minister of State at the Council of Ministers, Kastriot Islami, was sceptical.

He said: "The Unity for Democracy will remark on a round table for commission, thus it is better not to join such tables because they (tables) aim at preventing the constitutional process, negating the legitimacy of parliament and urging new elections."

"We should not wait for long for the parties, which do not join the commission because a crisis that occurs somewhere is projected on the commission," Islami. "We should aim at reaching a wider consensus on constitution and at the same time we should localize those who reject it."

"Why should we look back after the troika statement," Pandeli Majko, the Socialist party Secretary General said, adding "we should not drag the feet for certain forces." s.s/ak/sh/

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[09] AUR asks full membership in constitutional commission

This decision was taken early on Monday by the members of this commission, after a proposal of Right Democratic Party chairman, Petrit Kalakula, member of the Albanian United Right.

"According to a document of the People's Assembly Presidency, all the parties of the Albanian United Right, which has two deputies in Parliament, are parliamentary parties, said Kalakula, that's why we do not consider rational that the Right Democratic Party and Movement for Democracy, members of the United Right, take part in the constitutional commission with the status of the special observer: to discuss, but they have not the right to vote."

Along with the full right members, such as the parliamentary parties, attending the commission are also observers from the Right Democratic Party, Movement for Democracy, Conservative Party, the Right Republican Party, the two firsts have special status. /s.sh/pas/mt/sh/

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[10] Minister of State says they possess recorded talks of DP leaders

"We have recorded their talks despite what Shehu and Brojka can say now," Islami told journalists refusing to elaborate.

Islami said to Genc Pollo, the DP deputy chairman, in the TV "Sunday debate" program, that the Tirana Mayor and member of the DP leadership Brojka, and former DP deputy Shehu had come to "our offices" (not "to my office", he said) to declare their position pro legitimacy of the present parliament.

Shehu and other members of the DP leadership have told the press, even on Sunday's edition of Gazeta Shqiptare, that they favour return to parliament.

One of the suggestions of the European troika is the recognition of the legitimacy of parliament. s.sh/ak/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Health center in Tale raided

"The equipment, hypertension apparatus, stabilizers, radiators and others were grabbed and part of the documentation was damaged," Marie Marku, chief of the center, said to ATA on Monday.

The value of stolen materials is estimated at $10 thousand.

They also grabbed the dentist's equipment, operating within this five- room center. s.sh/kled/ak/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] State budget offers large funds for education, science

Ethem Ruka, minister of Education and Science, said that the funds of the state budget and foreign donors are estimated at over 2,3 billion leks or some 56 percent of the fund accorded by the government during '92- '97.

He said that if one considered the most difficult conditions facing the country, this fund should be relatively big, what shows the priority the government gives to that sector.

In the first four months of '97-'98, some 4,1 billion leks were accorded by the state budget and foreign donors to afford the spending, which includes even those for the reconstruction of school buildings.

Now, the fund guarantees even the wages of teachers in all levels.

Ruka said that "they have considered the experience and training of teachers, an increase of 20 percent of wages, a special fund of 5 percent for teachers' training, and others." s.sh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] New governor presented in Shkoder

Ali Lecej was appointed governor of Shkoder by the Council of Minister on Thursday, right after the irrevocable resignation of former governor Gezim Podgorica from this post, under the pressure exerted by a group of armed people and deputies of the Democratic Party.

The Director General of local government close to the Secretariat of Local Government, Taulant Dedja, made the presentation of Lacej before the local authorities of Shkoder, Puke and Malesi e madhe.

Dedja said that the government is actually working to give more scopes to local bodies for the solution of problems they are facing and asked a closer cooperation with the prefecture, as a bridge between central and local government.

The new prefect, Ali Lecej, has been for two successive times candidate for deputy of the Democratic Alliance Party in the Shkoder city. /s.s/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Finalists of '98 Republic Cup in volleyball

Female finalists will be the Lushnja teams and Studenti (group A) and those of Tirana and Teuta (group B). They will meet on February 19 and 20.

Male finalists are Olimpik and Teuta (group A) and Erzeni and Partizani (group B) scheduled to meet on February 26 and 27.

These matches and the semifinals will be held in the premises of the Palace of Sports Asllan Rusi for group A and the "Farie Hoti" gym of Sportclub-Tirana for group B. s.sh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Inter-border cooperation of Saranda and Igumenica strengthened

"Today's meeting was in the course of the previous meetings with our counterparts in Igumenice, with the aim of preventing organized crime, theft and illegal traffic of Kurds," the chief of the Saranda district police commissariat, Ardian Resuli told ATA.

The police director of the region of Igumenice, Jani Kondo, said that "we are pleased with the cooperation we have had so far with Saranda counterparts and in order to promote it will also exchange information on level of experts to prevent organized crime, theft in our region, etc."

Attending the meeting also was the representative of the Albanian Interior Ministry, Arian Hajdini, who said to ATA that "the meeting also dwelt extensively upon the question of preventing the illegal arrival of Kurds, of which," they said, "the control on both sides of the border must be strengthened."

Inter-border cooperation between the police of the two countries was institutionalized after the signing of respective protocols in 1997 by Albanian and Greek ministers, respectively Ceka and Romeos, first in Ionanina and than in Athens. /s.sh./mima/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Government: draft-laws and draft-decisions to raise wages from February 1, '98 are ready

Nano asked the ministers to elaborate the draft-laws and draft- decisions on civil service, rules to recruit and dismiss officials from work, creation of the Civil Service Commission as well as procedures of organizing courses for the candidates for civil officials, according to the prime minister's spokesman.

The adoption and implementation of these decisions will finally legally adjust all the defects and deformations inherited in public sector, making it more flexible and efficient in resolving the people's problems, said Nano.

Also, Nano stressed that the package of draft-laws to raise wages and pensions will help motivate the public sector's officials, in order not to feel inferior to the relatively higher payments of the private sector, as well as increase the responsibility and engagement in work.

The spokesman said that the meeting stressed that the budget of 1998, adopted by the government, envisages an average increase up to 20 per cent, which will vary according to the sectors, in which of priority will be public order, prosecutor's office, courts, customs, which will benefit a greater raise.

For this purpose, the Minsitry of Labour, Social and Women's Affairs, in cooperation with the Finance, Interior and Justice ministries, have made ready a package of draft-decisions, which stipulate a raise in pensions, a raise and change in the salaries of the budget workers as well as special changes in the salaries of the militiaries, lawyers, assistant lawyers and prosecutors. a.ke/lm

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[17] DP of Albania on the declaration of the European Parliamentary troika

During the visit to Albania last week, the European parliamentary delegation refuted the idea of new parliamentary elections in Albania.

"If the Albanians think that it is better that a technocrat government be created, then the European parliamentarians could not say they are against it," declared Berisha.

Berisha did not agree with the stand of Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano in the meeting with the Troika, in which, as the leader of that party said, DP was described as a terrorist political grouping, encouraging in this way all the terrorists and killers in Albania to hit the opposition.

The DP also supported the stand of the U.S. State department on the visit of the Parliamentary troika in Tirane, considering it a great contribution to bring the country out of the crisis. On this occasion, DP asked from the U.S. Government to use its influence and authority so that the government coalition in Albania accomplish the obligations stemming from the package of advice from the European troika.

Opposing this package, the Democratic Party of Albania keeps insisting in the realisation of new elections and continues to boycott the Parliament and the commission for the drafting of the Constitution. xh/

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[18] Brojka and Shehu deny meeting Islami

This is what Tirana mayor Brojka told the public opinion, as regards Islami's statement in the TV programme "Sunday's debate", that "democrats Albert Brojka and Tritan Shehu have come to our offices to oppose the political line of DP chairman Sali Berisha".

"Implementing my duty as Mayor, I have always tried to have a sincere cooperation to serve the capital and such statements do nothing but hinder this cooperation," said Brojka.

Former DP chairman Tritan Shehu said that "I have always openly expressed my political views on every issue to the media. And, as to the talks in the office of Mr. Islami, I say that I have never visited the Prime Minister's building since the end of the elections. So I have never been in his office and I even do not know where he is". lm

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[19] Violence in Kosova, part of Belgrade's strategy -Escalation of violence aims to radicalise Kosova stand-

"This strategy serves Serbia to keep the Kosova issue unresolved as well as to discourage the political move of the Kosova leadership, a move which is receiving international support, the DAP secretary General, Prec Zogaj, told ATA.

The escalation of violence means a provocation to radicalise the Kosova stand.

"This violence has no perspective", he said stressing that the use of force runs counter to the current developments not only in Europe but also in the Balkans," said Zogaj.

Zogaj also sees in the escalation of violence a tendency by the Belgrade authorities not to take part in talks.

"The strategy of Serbia's violence aims at crushing any resistance of Kosova for the rights of its people, president of the DAP Assembly, Shahin Kadare, told ATA.

Kadare said that Serbia is not characterised by the good will to conduct dialogue and the means it is using is tensioning the situation in the region to the extreme.

"If Serbia takes part in talks, this will be a merit of the pressure exercised by the European Community," said Kadare, also referring to the latest initiative of Greece for a Nano-Milosevic-Rugova meeting.

Meanwhile, RP chairman Fatmir Mediu supported the request of Kosova leader Rugova to establish international troops in Kosova, as a means to prevent a conflict outbreak there.

The Serb authorities, since January 22, have been exercising violence through Serb police forces in a series of regions in Kosova, including the commune of Skenderaj, county of Malisheve and other regions.a.ke/lm

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[20] Democratic Party condemns Serb violence in Kosova

The escalation of violence and terror against the unprotected Albanian population means a further aggravation of the situation, which is likely to lead to more dangerous developments, of unprecedented consequences for Kosova and the region in general, the release says.

The DP, after calling on the international community to exercise pressure on the Belgrade regime to prevent killings and the war mongering policy in Kosova, confirms once again its approach in support of the demands and rights of the Albanian people in Kosova, the release concludes.

Shortly after the events in Kosova, the Albanian government and the main political parties have harshly condemned the Serb policy against the Kosova people. a.ke/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Our pressure is a democratic way and state must not keep silence - Hunger strikers

The strikers representative, Ndre Molla, called their pressure as a "democratic way used nationally and internationally, towards which the state must not keep silence."

With regard to the failure to meet Ms Fischer, Molla said that "we met with the Council of Europe, with the 7 member political commission, which confirmed to us they had knowledge of their our requests and that they would tell Ms Fischer of those demands." For Molla, the meeting with Ms Fischer was not important but pronunciation on her part and by the European Troika were important, and "one of the points to be observed by the Albanian government was to guarantee independence to the judiciary."

"The declaration of Mr Islami last Sunday evening on TV regarding failure to observe the rules of the strike, is the same as the one he made when referring to the strike of miners of Valias, years ago. I would like that the declaration of Islami be only his," said Molla.

Speaking in general of the consequences and worrying syndromes in the lawyers as a result their hunger strike, the surgeon Gazmend Vilcani, who is following closely the health of the strikers, said referring to the possible consequences, that "the Ministry of Health and the Hospitals Department must adopt measures to constant observe and protect the health of the strikers."

"Why are no consequences these days" was one of the questions which Vilcani replied that it is "thanks to their young age and the good conditions in the house where the strike is being staged," adding that "consequences up to great calamities may occur from day to day."

Through an appeal, the strikers inform of the decision according to which "they cut, beginning with 3 p.m. of January 26, 1998, every communication with media, politicians, family members, every medical aid up to self-denial, until their public requests are not met."

During a meeting of the President of Albania, Rexhep Meidani on January 15 with representatives of the association of jurists "Dura Lex Sed Lex" the latter accepted that the law "On organization of judiciary" is an achievement in this field, but some of its articles and in particular Article 48, affects the independence of the judiciaries and set categories of lawyers.

President Meidani told again those present in the meeting that "the law affects none of the categories of lawyers or prosecutors." He assured them that "as envisaged by the law, the decisions regarding punitive measures for any lawyer can be adopted only if legal abuses in the office are noticed and which run counter to professionalism and the ethic of work, as is acted so far and that the right of complaint to the Supreme Court is a new rather significant feature of the new law." /a.ke/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Some 2,3 leks of investment to rehabilitate schools

Ruka says that the project of this year "satisfactorily covers all the needs of this ministry". According to a study of this ministry, the rehabilitation of the whole school network in Albania after European standards needs some six billion leks, normally, while nearly half of this sum is needed to meet the adequate demands "satisfactorily".

Another 1,6 billion leks are required to meet the most necessary demands to reconstruct the destroyed schools and rehabilitate those risking to be demolished.

In the meantime, around 1,5 billion leks are earmarked through the state budget and this sum totals 2,3 billion leks by adding foreign donations by the World Bank and the European Community.

Ruka says that the investment will cover reconstruction and building of new schools at all levels, from preschool to university level. The number of these schools total 242, of which 225 will be completed by the end of the year. a.ke/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] Sister relations Protocol between Durres and Bari signed

Mr Goreas and Mr Abbresci told a joint news conference that the cooperation between the two cities will be all-sided.

"The establishment of the sister-relations with Bari is an historic event for the city of Durres, which is resorting to the traditions of friendship and cooperation with the city of Bari," Gorea said to reporters.

"We shall work so that Durres feel the cooperation not only with Bari but with Italy and Europe as well," said Abbresci.

A delegation consisting of 25 municipal advisers of Bari led by Abbresci visited recently important institutions and enterprises of the district of Durres.

The priority fields of cooperation determined by eight bilateral commissions created during the two days of the stay of the Italian delegation, are: health sector, education, town-planning and public services. /a.ke/mima/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] FILA expresses wish to hold exemplary sports activity in Albania

Fino is at the same time chairman of the Organising Committee of the European Wrestling Championship.

FILA's Deputy President, Pellicone, said that the wish of this international sports organisation is to hold an exemplary activity in Albania for the European participants to leave Albania after the championship with good impressions.

He said that holding this championship at the Palace of Congresses, which meets all conditions for such international activity will also serve this wish.

Fino assured the FILA top officials that this issue would be discussed and that the good performance of the Organisational Committee for this championship was constantly made known in all the government's meetings.

Attending the meeting also were the deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Kreshnik Tartari.

After the meeting, the FILA delegation and the presidency of the Albanian Wrestling Federation, had a news conference with sport reporters.

The Secretary General of FILA, Michael Duson, pointed out that the FILA delegation was very satisfied with the work made so far and that the tasks they laid in their first visit to Albania, were realised. "FILA," he said, "agreed to hold the championship in Albania after noting the good Albanian tradition in wrestling," thus expressing the will of FILA that through sport Albania have the greatest possible positive image in the world.

Pellicone said that "FILA has prepared a special program for the European Wrestling Championship," which, according to him, "will influence a lot in the progress of this sport." He also spoke of the concrete assistance of the Italian Federation for the Albanian representative juniors team, which will take part in the tournament of Milona in Faenza and then will be trained in Rome for two weeks.

Aldo Albaneze, chairman of the international lawyers college, said that all possibilities exist that Albanian arbiters take part in this European championship. /a.ke/lm/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] Albania's Presidency discusses draft law on citizenship

According to the President's press and Information office, there are about 7 thousand requests for the removal, the granting or regaining of the Albanian nationality. Only a law of 1954 was the legal authority for this problem. Answers to these requests have been suspended until a new law is approved as soon as possible.

The specialists called by the President discussed the text of the draft-law, which makes up the first test for the creation of a complete and democratic legal framework on this very significant issue.

The text aims to finally coordinate the constitutional principles of equality between the man and wife, protection of children's rights, clear legal procedures and terms, structures assigned to decide on removing, gaining or regaining Albanian citizenship.

It is part of a series of consultations also to be conducted in other institutions to conclude with a quick and final adoption in parliament. a.ke/xh/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[26] Solana highlights regional policy of Albanian Government - Solana- Milo

Speaking of the situation in the region, Solana highlighted the regional policy of the Albanian Government and especially the recent steps in the relations with Macedonia. Regarding the situation in Kosove, he stressed that "the viewpoints of the Albanian Government have a strong support by the international community" and that more pressure must be exerted on Belgrade. "Peaceful a solution is the only road to follow and there is no time to lose in this direction," said Solana.

Minister Milo made a panorama of the political situation in the country under the light of the latest visits of senior international representatives; of the efforts the government is making to translate into life its program as soon as possible. He also focused on the situation of the public order, the difficulties the police forces are encountering, and their need to have a greater support from all the political classes and social groups in the country, and from the international community.

Minister Milo expressed his thanks in particular for the implementation of the Individual Program of Partnership and the valuable assistance that NATO is giving for the rehabilitation of Albanian armed forces. a.ke/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[27] Dossier on Albania is the most important for WEU - Cutileiro- Milo

Cutileiro said that "the mandate of these forces will be extended beyond April." Cutileiro said to Minister Milo when the latter asked that the MAPE activity be more present also in other parts of Albania, that this issue is in the plans of the organization.

Besides Tirane, a training centre will also be set up in Durres and, dependant on the situation, also in other cities of Albania, the WEU senior official said.

"We have sensitised the member countries and appropriate logistic equipment will arrive in Albania soon," Cutileiro said.

He and Minister Milo also exchanged views on the political and economic situation in Albania, as well as on the situation in the region. a.ke/xh/lm

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