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YMCA CONVENES YOUTH CONFERENCE ON PEACE AND SECURITY

The Gambia YMCA in partnership with their counterparts in Finland organised a youth peace and security conference. The theme of the conference is youth inclusion for conflict prevention and sustaining peace.The forum brought together young people across the country to map out ways for youth advancement. Stakeholders say the conference was convened as part of the Gambia YMCA's advocacy component under the 'work 4 peace' project.  The conference looked into the role of young people in conflict prevention and sustaining peace as well as combating irregular migration through youth resilience. John Charles Njie, the national secretary of the YMCA, said youths have a choice to make and should avoid being used for issues that threaten peace.‘Make up your mind that you will not be a tool for upheaval in the country. I can tell you that if our country gets into trouble, all of us will leave in regret’, He said.Njie, further implored the young people to discuss and come up with resolutions, and ensure they become instruments of peace and social cohesion in this country. Priscilla Dunn the YMCA project director said young people are key contributors to peace anywhere in the world, thus the reason for the convergence by YMCA.  It is hoped that at the end of the conference, the participants will come up with resolutions and programs to pave a viable way forward for young people.

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African Commission on Human and People’s Rights holds 73rd extra ordinary session in The Gambia

The Vice president, Dr. Badara Joof on Friday presided over the official opening of the 73rd session of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights. Ansumana S.O Nyassi reports. In his opening statement, Vice President Badara Joof, described the commission as one of the most important pillars of development in Africa. He cited numerous reforms and human rights endeavours including the establishment of the truth commission, as a clear testament to the Gambia government’s political will to strengthen democracy and human rights in the Gambia and beyond.Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Human and People’s Rights, Remy NgoyLumbu, said the extraordinary session is a moment of stocktaking, to assess the current situation of Human Rights in Africa. She implored member states to amplify efforts to strengthen human rights in Africa. Hanna Forster member of the NGO Steering Committee and African Court on Human and Peoples Rights underscored the achievements of the commission. She said the aspiration of the commission is to create an Africa where people live in peace and enjoy freedom, justice, and development.Preceded by the swearing-in of a newly elected commissioner, the extraordinary session marks its 35th anniversary, the 20th anniversary of the resolution against the death penalty, the 10th anniversary of the Kampala convention, and the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa. Fridays’ event was attended by the Gambia’s Chief Justice, Hassan B. Jallow, who was recognized for his role in drafting the charter that established the commission in 1987.  Senegal’s minister of Justice and other high-profile dignitaries from across the continent were also present.  

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China: 20th CPC Congress opens in Beijing

Delegates from different cities and provinces across China are in Beijing for the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).President Xi Jinping, the General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee will preside over the opening session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.The Congress is the biggest political convergence in the Asian giant nation. The meeting is a platform to hear different opinions, make informed decisions and strategic directions in all facets of development under a people centred government led by president Xi.The spokesperson for the Congress Sun Yeli announced on Saturday that everything was set for the mega event, with over 2000 delegates confirmed to attend.The CPC was founded in July 1921 by the late visionary Chinese leader, Mao Zedong in Shangai, the current financial city of China.Since then the  party has been gaining momentum with growing public trust for pursuing examplary leadership. China boasts of communism with Chinese characteristics as manifested in Xi Jinping's thought of communism, creating a community of shared future for mankind.

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President Barrow Appoints Trade Minister

His Excellency, Mr Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, in accordance with section 71(4) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, has relieved Honourable Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof of the portfolio of Minister responsible for the Public Service, Administrative Reforms, Policy Coordination and Delivery.In the same vein, President Barrow in accordance with Section 71(1) and Section 71 (3) of the Constitution appointed Honourable Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof as Minister responsible for the portfolio of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment with immediate effect from today, 13th October 2022.Also, by the same Constitutional provisions, His Excellency, the President today, 13th October 2022, appoints Mr Baboucarr Bouy as Minister of Public Service, Administrative Reforms, Policy Coordination and Delivery, effective 1st November 2022.    

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President Barrow receives GFF new Executive

President Adama Barrow on Friday received the Executive Committee of The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) at the State House. The GFF was at State House to introduce its new leadership to the Gambian leader. The GFF delegation included its President Lamin Kaba Bajo, the Vice Presidents, and Executive committee members. The meeting came barely a month after the new executive secured another four-year mandate to run the affairs of football in the countryPresident Barrow congratulated them for securing a new mandate and encouraged the GFF leadership to remain committed to the development of football in the country. He promised the government’s continued financial support for football. The GFF thanked the government for its support of football, which they said helped the Gambia qualify for the first time to the African Cup of Nations. 

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President Barrow Summons Emergency Cabinet Meeting on AKI Deaths in The Gambia

President Adama Barrow said the recent Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) outbreak in the country is a challenging time for the government, families, and the people, and called on all to close ranks to come out of the crisis better prepared.  He made the call during an emergency Cabinet meeting he summoned on Thursday, 13th October 2022, for an update on the 66 plus AKI deaths associated with contaminated Indian-made syrups imported into The Gambia in June this year.According to updates, as of 13th October 2022, the number of AKI deaths related cases has risen to 70, and all may be linked to the use of the said contaminated drugs.  The President was emphatic that his government is determined to unearth the details of the cases, as “the children died in unusual circumstances.”  Accordingly, a directive was issued to open criminal investigations. The ongoing police investigations have established the importer, licensee, and quantity of, drugs imported in June 2022. Atlantic Pharmaceuticals Company Limited brought into the country a consignment of 50,000 units of medicinal syrup, of which the Health Authorities recalled over 41,000. However, over 8,000 units are still unaccounted for.The probe established that the Medicine Control Agency – MCA was established by the Medicines and Related Products Act 2014.   At the time it started product registration in 2017, there were thousands of unregistered products in the country.  This was due to a lack of testing facilities in The Gambia and the exorbitant cost involved in outsourcing the testing. However, Cabinet was informed that the World Bank has agreed to establish a medicines and drugs testing facility in The Gambia. Furthermore, there is an ongoing international medical investigation in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) of the United States of America and Africa, looking into the medical causes of AKI deaths among children in The Gambia and related medical matters.Having received an in-depth briefing on the AKI death cases, Cabinet concluded by setting up a broad-based Commission of Inquiry, whose terms of Reference and Composition will be gazetted shortly.  

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GAF GRADUATES NEW RECRUITS

 A rare sight, ground and occasion coming after five years of intense preparation and training. This is the passing out of recruit intake 37 of the Gambia armed forces which comes after the lifting of the moratorium on recruitment by the Barrow administration. This is a significant move joining efforts to rebrand the military into a more  professional force in line with international best practices. As an institution guided by a unique mandate to protect and safeguard the country’s territorial integrity, boosting numbers is vital for capacity to support national objectives in the execution of the army's constitutional role. The passing out is the culmination of twenty weeks of rigorous training building professionalism and high standards of regimentation for the new cohort.A   a total number of 226 out of the 234 initially enrolled are now ready to take up task as expected, serving with diligence, integrity, respect and loyalty. As elated as they are for completing their training, the journey ahead might be daunting but is duty bound with expectations to protect the aspirations of people they serve as enshrined in the constitution.

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ECOWAS NATIONS MEET TO DISCUSS ECONOMIC CRISIS

The African continent has been hit by unprecedented economic crises since the outbreak of covid-19 with slow recovery gravely disrupting growth and pushing millions of Africans into poverty. The decline in economic activity forecasted at 7.6 percent essentially marks the undesirable impact of previous years.A convergence of experts from Ecowas English-speaking countries in Banjul is discussing the slow pace of recovery, taking stock of the current inflation and microeconomic estimates for 2022. The convergence will shape tangible mechanisms and contribute to efforts orienting national and sub-regional policy development and programmes and assess the impact of the recent crises to produce short-term forecasts.Africa is faced with vast structural trials such as climate change posing environmental threats and disruption of supply chains in energy, food and agriculture inputs has drastically contributed to increased inflation and food scarcity.The war in Ukraine has dire economic consequences on African countries dependent on imports and has pushed millions below the poverty line as food and fuel prices escalate.The Gambia is amongst targeted countries including Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone sharing best practices assessing recent economic challenges to enhance institutional collaboration. According to experts’ progress has been made in the ECOWAS single currency, while in 2019 global GDP growth was marked at 2.5%, it sank in the following year with a tentative recovery in 2021. The emergence of global unrest and war has additionally decreased economic dynamics and growth.

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IMF Briefs President Barrow on its 5th Review Mission

President Adama Barrow called on IMF to consider in its advisory, the difficult economic situation impacting the lives of the poor citizens, as the economy recovers post-COVID-19. The President made the remarks on Tuesday, 4th October 2022, when the International Monetary Fund Mission Chief, Mr. Ivohasina Fizara Razafimaheta, paid a courtesy call on him at the State House in Banjul.  At the end of a closed-door meeting, the IMF Mission Chief said his team briefed the President on the conclusions of the 5th Review Mission of the Government's Programme, supported by the IMF under the Extended Credit Facilities arrangements. He added that they discussed the economic developments in the first six months of the year and the Government's policy direction for the next six to twelve months.  Speaking to the media on inflation, Mr. Razarfiaheta contextualised the inflation and price hikes in The Gambia, saying the inflation witnessed by the Gambia is one driven by external factors like the war in Ukraine, which is affecting global fuel and food prices. "Is an inflation being seen in many countries around the world, not only in The Gambia", He noted.While acknowledging the Government's efforts to relieve the hardship that higher prices of commodities are inflicting on the population, the IMF Mission Chief said they are advising Government on steps to contain the increase of inflation and the foreign exchange the country is facing. He added that they would consult with the Central Bank of The Gambia on policy options to address the economic situation.  Despite the floods that marred this year's rainy season and the weak performance, the IMF Mission Chief's assessment of the Gambian economy activities found that, even though tourist arrivals have not yet reached pre-pandemic levels, there are an increasing number of tourists arriving, a thriving construction industry, and an anticipated bumper harvest in 2022.

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NDLEA confirms suspected 840kg blocks seized are cocaine

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has conducted a forensic test on suspected 840kg blocks of cocaine seized from suspected traffickers in different locations. Six suspects, five Sierra Leoneans and a Gambian, were arrested by narcotics officers. The suspected substance tested positive for cocaine. The Public Relations Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Ousman Saidybah said the alleged drug trafficking is transnational with links across borders. 

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National Health Insurance Authority develop health benefit package for the National Health Insurance Scheme

The National Health Insurance Authority on Tuesday began a three-day meeting to discuss the development of a health benefits package for the National Health Insurance Scheme across the country. The meeting brought together medical and health experts to map out targeted disease or service areas, for the essential healthcare package. The Minister of Health Dr. Amadou Lamin Samateh said the Authority is engaging medical and health experts to identify critical areas under the scheme. He said the development of the scheme will accelerate efforts to meet SDG 2030. The health minister also said that the Health Insurance Scheme would be available to both the public and private health facilities. The World Health Organization’s country representative Dr. Desta Tiruneh advised participants to consider the benefits package in line with available resources for health care service delivery. 

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Fuel pump prices reduced

The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy has announced the reduction of fuel prices from the 1st of October 2022. The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the ministry in publishing a new price structure. Petrol will now be sold at D77.89 per litre and Diesel at D73.00 per litre. The Ministry said the reduction was prompted by a marginal decline in global oil prices. The reduction followed price hikes said to have been caused by global supply chain disruptions, and geopolitics of the world.  The statement says that the government will continue to continue to subsidise pump prices for diesel and monitor oil prices and pass on any reduction to consumers.

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PRESIDENT BARROW HOSTS STATE BANQUET FOR GABONESE PRESIDENT NGUEMA

The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, hosted a state banquet in honour of visiting Gabonese President, His Excellency General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, at State House.The banquet, attended by Gambian and Gabonese officials and invited dignitaries, marked the climax of President Nguema’s four-day visit to The Gambia.President Nguema was accompanied by First Lady Her Excellency Zita Oligui Nguema. They were received by President Barrow and First Lady Her Excellency Fatou Bah Barrow.The evening featured a toast to the enduring relationship between Gabon and The Gambia, followed by a dinner of traditional Gambian cuisine. Guests were entertained by a kora troupe and cultural performances showcasing Mandinka, Serer, and Jola music and dance.

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NPP AND GDC SIGN MOU, FORM ALLIANCE AHEAD OF DECEMBER 5 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

The ruling National People’s Party and the opposition Gambia Democratic Congress on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding formalising their alliance ahead of the December 5th Presidential election.The signing ceremony at State House drew hundreds of NPP and GDC supporters who gathered to witness what both parties described as a historic political realignment.NPP National President Musa Drammeh and GDC National President Momodou Pateh Bah signed the MOU on behalf of their parties. The event was witnessed by Hon. Sidi Njai and Momodou A.S. Mboob.Party leaders President Adama Barrow of the NPP and Hon. Mama Kandeh of the GDC looked on as the document was signed amid jubilation, ending years of rivalry between the two parties.While the specific terms of the MOU remain confidential, both parties committed to work together to support the candidature of President Adama Barrow in the upcoming election.Senior officials said negotiations had been ongoing for months to reach a workable agreement based on compromise and national interest.Hon. Seedy SK. Njie, described as one of the key architects of the rapprochement, thanked President Barrow, Hon. Kandeh, and senior executives of both parties for their role in the talks.GDC senior members including National Women’s Leader Ndey Fatou Jallow, KM Desk Officer Haruna Jallow, Jarra Ndaw, and Momodou Bobb endorsed the agreement, calling it consultative and reflective of the party’s will.GDC National President Momodou Pateh Bah said the party’s core values of democracy, inclusive development, and good governance remain intact.  “We came in good faith. We believe in partnership and collaboration. This MOU will not erase the party’s identity,” Bah said.NPP National President Musa Drammeh thanked stakeholders for their work and praised both leaders for “putting The Gambia first.” He urged supporters to ignore critics seeking to sow division and vowed the NPP would uphold the MOU to secure victory for the alliance.NPP Women’s Mobilizer Aja Maimuna Baldeh welcomed the GDC “with open arms,” describing Hon. Kandeh as a patriot who would help deliver a landslide for President Barrow.Hon. Mama Kandeh defended the alliance as a decision driven by national interest.  “This alliance is not a betrayal of our principles or a compromise of our values. We have chosen to place national interest above party interest,” Kandeh said.He reaffirmed his commitment to the alliance, expressed confidence in a landslide victory, and thanked President Barrow, whom he described as a longtime friend.President Barrow welcomed the GDC to the alliance, saying it reflects a shared responsibility to maintain peace and development despite political differences.  He described the NPP-GDC pact as “the beginning of a new dawn” that will “redraw the political map and usher in a new era of politics in The Gambia.”The President also spoke of his longstanding relationship with Hon. Kandeh dating back to childhood, and called for unity in the interest of the country.President Barrow expressed confidence in the broader 8-party alliance backing him and predicted a landslide victory in December. He further urged his political godfather to join the alliance and endorse his candidature.President Barrow and Hon. Kandeh exited State House to cheers from supporters.The alliance comes just four months before the Presidential election and marks a major shift in The Gambia’s political landscape. As parties continue to realign, attention now turns to how the NPP-GDC partnership will shape the race to December 5.

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GOVERNMENT, WORLD BANK DISBURSE OVER D83M TO 25 TVET INSTITUTIONS UNDER SIE FUND

President Adama Barrow on Tuesday presided over the award of more than D83 million to 25 Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions under the Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund at a ceremony held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre.The SIE Fund is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and the World Bank, implemented under the Resilience, Inclusive Skills and Employment Project.The awards are aimed at strengthening TVET institutions, improving the quality of training, expanding access, and boosting the employability of young people, women, and persons with disabilities.The Fund focuses on key sectors including Agriculture, Engineering, Tourism, ICT, Business, and Creative and Performing Arts.Speaking at the ceremony, World Bank Country Representative Dr Franklin Mutahakana said this was the second award under the World Bank-funded project.“This is evidence of The Gambia’s growing commitment to investing in young people, who constitute 63% of the population,” Dr Mutahakana said. “Youth have tremendous potential and are eager to learn and work. This initiative will create pathways for them to acquire skills and enhance their productivity.”President Barrow said the awards will have far-reaching consequences for TVET institutions and the thousands of young people who will benefit directly.“Beyond strengthening and modernising these institutions, the awards will expand opportunities for our youth, particularly women and persons with disabilities,” the President said.He commended the RISE project for its impact on national development and for transforming the lives and livelihoods of young people. He urged beneficiaries to seize the opportunity to contribute to nation building.The President described TVET as a critical pillar for employment creation, enterprise development, industrial growth, and social inclusion.Under Window 1, 25 TVET institutions received over D33 million in grants for institutional improvement. The funding will support infrastructure, equipment, governance systems, program quality, and overall institutional performance.Under Window 2, 18 institutions received more than D49 million to train young people and women in labour market-relevant TVET programs.Student beneficiary Mathew Badjie, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, expressed gratitude to the government and the World Bank for the support.“This intervention has had a direct impact on young people,” Badjie said. “We are determined to honour this investment through hard work and service to the nation.”The award ceremony marks another major milestone in the government’s commitment to building a skilled, productive, and resilient young population to drive sustainable development.

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THE GAMBIA AND GABON SIGN 5 AGREEMENTS TO BOOST TRADE, DIPLOMACY AND AGRICULTURE

The Gambia and Gabon have signed five agreements to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, diplomacy, and agriculture.The signing followed a three-day visit by Gabonese President His Excellency General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema to The Gambia, aimed at deepening bilateral ties. Both leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to African unity, Pan-Africanism, and South-South cooperation.President Oligui Nguema was received with full honours on arrival at State House for talks with President Adama Barrow.The two leaders held private discussions for nearly an hour before presiding over an expanded meeting with senior officials from both sides. They reaffirmed their joint commitment to strengthen Banjul-Libreville relations.President Barrow welcomed the Gabonese delegation, describing the visit as “an important milestone” in the friendly relations between The Gambia and Gabon.He commended President Nguema’s leadership, saying it has made Gabon a bastion of democracy, peace, and development in Africa.  “The Gambia shares these values and is committed to working with other African countries, including Gabon, to strengthen cooperation in all areas of development,” President Barrow said.In his remarks, President Oligui Nguema thanked President Barrow for the warm hospitality.  “The Gambia and Gabon have dynamic and positive relations. I look forward to strengthening this partnership for the mutual benefit of our two countries,” he said.The Gabonese leader noted that both countries share common positions on many issues, and called for joint action to tackle piracy, illicit trafficking, and other illegal activities in West and Central Africa.The two leaders presided over the signing of five cooperation instruments. The agreements were signed by The Gambia’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dawda Jallow, and Gabon’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marie-Édith Tassyla-Ye-Doumbeneny.The agreements are:1. General Cooperation Agreement between The Gambia and Gabon2. Agreement Establishing the Gambia-Gabon Joint Commission 3. Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemptions for holders of diplomatic and service passports4. Memorandum of Understanding on Political and Diplomatic Consultations between the two Foreign Ministries5. Joint Communiqué reaffirming commitment to deepen cooperationA joint communique read by Ministers Jallow and Tassyla-Ye-Doumbeneny described the visit as successful, saying it has laid a “solid and concrete framework” for partnership.The communique reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to continue dialogue and consultations to deepen cooperation in education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure. It also pledged to increase exchanges to promote peace, African unity, Pan-African solidarity, and South-South cooperation.At the end of the meeting, President Barrow saw off his counterpart, who proceeded with other engagements, including a visit to the Katchikally Crocodile Pool in Bakau.

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NYIMANSATA JAWNEH KEEPS GAMBIA'S ATHLETICS HOPES ALIVE IN GLASGOW

Team Gambia endured mixed fortunes on the athletics track at the Glasgow Games today, with Nyimasata Jawneh delivering the highlight by advancing to the semi-finals.It was a day of highs and lows for the national team.Nyimasata Jawneh produced a composed and determined performance to book her place in the semi-finals, keeping Gambian medal hopes alive.Her qualification stood out on an otherwise challenging day for Team Gambia.Lamin Camara looked to have secured progress in the men’s 200m after clocking an impressive 21.19 seconds. Isatou Sey also delivered a strong run and appeared set to advance.But celebrations were cut short after both athletes were disqualified for lane infringements.The disappointment continued as Ebrima Camara and Alieu Joof bowed out in the opening rounds, bringing their campaigns to an early end.Despite the setbacks, Head Coach [First Name] Sallah praised the athletes’ commitment and determination.She acknowledged the disqualifications were tough to take, but said the performances showed the growing standard of Gambian athletics.  “The experience gained on this international stage will be invaluable as the athletes continue their development,” Coach Sallah said.With Jawneh still in contention, Team Gambia will now turn its focus to the semi-finals, where she will carry the nation’s hopes.Jawneh will be aiming to secure a place in the final as Team Gambia looks to end its athletics campaign on a high.  For the rest of the team, Glasgow has provided valuable experience and further proof of the country’s growing potential on the international stage.

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DR. FATOU BENSOUDA NAMED GNOC GOODWILL SPORTS AMBASSADOR

The Gambia National Olympic Committee has appointed Her Excellency Dr Fatou Bom Bensouda, High Commissioner of The Gambia to the United Kingdom, as its Goodwill Sports Ambassador.The appointment was announced during the Gambia Day Celebration in Glasgow, Scotland, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Gambian sport, international diplomacy, and the promotion of Olympic values.A former national volleyball player and ex-Female Vice President of the GNOC, Dr Bensouda was praised for her leadership in promoting women in sport and advancing athlete welfare, integrity, and sports development.In her new role, she will help raise The Gambia's profile on the international sporting stage, strengthen partnerships with global sports organisations, and promote sports diplomacy to support national development.The GNOC states that the appointment reflects Dr Bensouda’s distinguished service to sport and her ongoing commitment to inspiring future generations of Gambian athletes and sports leaders.  

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