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| February 11, 2002 Happy and auspicious occasion! Letter to iranian.com: G. A. K. Nalin De Silva, 441, Galle Road, Colombo-06, Sri Lanka. 10th February 2002 His Excellency Hojjatoleslam Seyed Mohammad Khatami -Ardakani, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Office of the President, Tehran, Iran. In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful. Your Excellency, On the happy and auspicious occasion of the 23rd Anniversary of the Victory of the glorious Islamic Revolution of Iran, 11th February 2002, it gives me great pleasure to extend to you and through you to His Highness the Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, His Excellency the First Vice President Dr. Mohammad Reza Aref, His Excellency the Vice President and the Head of Presidential Office Seyyed Ali Khatami, His Excellency the Vice President and Head of Iran' Atomic Energy Organization (IAEO) Gholamreza Aghazadeh, His Excellency the Vice President in charge of Management & Planning Organization Mohammad Satari-Far, Her excellency the Vice President in charge of Environment Protection Organization Dr. Massumeh Ebtekar, His Excellency the Vice President and Head of the Physical Education Organization Seyed Mostafa Hashemi Taba, His Excellency the Vice President in charge of Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Hojatoleslam Mohammad Ali Abtahi, His Excellency the Minister of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics Vice Admiral Ali Shamkhani, His Excellency the Minister of Intelligence Hojatoleslam Ali Younesi, His Excellency the Minister of Interior Hojatoleslam Abdolvahed Mussavi Lari, His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Culture and Guidance Ahmad Masjed Jamei, His Excellency the Minister of Justice Hojatoleslam Mohammad Esmail Shoushtari, His Excellency the Minister of Education Morteza Haji, His Excellency the Minister of Higher Education Dr. Mostafa Moin-Najafabadi, His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ali Naqi Kamal Kharrazi, His Excellency the Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance Dr. Tahmaseb Mazaheri, His Excellency the Minister of Industries and Mines Eshaq Jahangiri, His Excellency the Minister of Agricultural Jihad Mahmoud Hojjati, His Excellency the Minister of Commerce Mohammad Shariatmadari, His Excellency the Minister of Labour Dr. Safdar Hosseini, His Excellency the Minister of Petroleum Bijan Namdar Zanganeh, His Excellency the Minister of Energy Habibollah Bitaraf, His Excellency the Minister of Housing and Urban Development Dr. Ali Abdolalizadeh, His Excellency the Minister of Roads and Transport Ahmad Khorram, His Excellency the Minister of Co-operatives Ali Soofi, His Excellency the Minister of Post, Telegraph and Telephone Dr. Seyed Ahmad Motamedi, as well as to His Excellency the Speaker of the Majlis ye-Shura-ye-Eslami, Hojatoleslam Mehdi Mahdavi-Karubi, Most Sincere Greetings and Warm Good Wishes for good health, happiness and every success in your continued mission, activities and endeavours as well as peace, prosperity and well being to the friendly Iranian people. Availing myself of this pleasant opportunity, I wish you also, Esteemed Excellencies, the best in hard work of leading Iran toward the great future, and I believe that this time is very close. I think Mr. President is doing all his best for Iran, and for it's future ! May God give your Excellency strength and shower his blessings upon your Excellency to carry out your duties to the acceptance of the people of your country !! May God open the way for you and all the Iranian people to achieve the good deeds, short-term targets and long term plans that you and they have in mind !!! May the Iranian government and people continue to achieve new successes in the cause of defending national independence, upholding national unity and building their own country !!!! "The noble people of Iran, through their great, conscientious and discerning presence and participation in the seventh presidential elections, created an epic of historical proportions; thus exhibiting their trust and confidence in their cherished system of governance. Now, the popularly elected Executive branch, along with the other two branches of government, carries heavy responsibilities in response to such a popular and national trust and expectation. The framework and the outline for this heavy responsibility are defined in the Constitution"- President Khatami delivering speech at the Presidential Inauguration on 04th August 1997 Your Excellency's appointment as President of the Islamic Republic of Iran on 03rd August 1997, was indeed a clear manifestation of the immense confidence that the Iranian people have re-reposed in your dynamic leadership to guide their destiny towards the new millennium. The overwhelming mandate given by the Iranian people to you following the resounding victory of the Reformists in the 08th June 2001 Presidential Elections for another four year term, is unparalleled in your country's history, reflecting their unequivocal endorsement of your policies and achievements under previous Reformists regimes, and your remarkable political career as a prominent political figure spanning many years involving in political activities and anti-Shah campaign by preparing, duplicating and distributing political statements - especially those issued by the Spiritual Leader His Holiness the late Imam Khomeini ñ and as a stalwart in political activities at the Association of Muslim Students of Isfahan University, that paved the way for your Excellency to work closely with His Highness the late Hojjatoleslam Ahmad Khomeini and His Highness the late Martyr Mohammad Montazeri, and to organize religious and political debates, as well as dedicated and dynamic stewardship forwarded as the Head of Kayhan Institute, and Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance in His Excellency then Prime Minister Mirhossein Mousavi's government and once again, in His Excellency then President Rafsanjani's government. Your Excellency's re-election as the President for a second term also bear ample testimony to their continuing confidence in your stewardship and vision for the future. The national vision that drove and sustained your Excellency, was to take a united and harmonious Iran further into the rank of the developed nations. Your Excellency knew better than most just how difficult that process was but your Excellency was convinced it could be done. The International community know, however, that His Excellency Seyed Mohammad Khatami will never stop believing in this nation and its people. "I think Iran is one of the greatest countries in the world. I have a good feeling that your Excellency will be an excellent President. Of all the hardships you and your people had been through good luck !!!!!"- Email sender With great ability, integrity and confidence your Excellency showed an exemplary manner in your qualities of leadership and statesmanship in the performance of your duties. Your leadership qualities as a visionary, a strategist and a non-violent revolutionary enriched by your long years of political culturing and experience. The service you rendered as Head of the Joint Command of the Armed Forces and Chairman of the War Propaganda Headquarters at the period of Iraqi imposed war during 1980-1988, was very valuable to the country. With your Excellency's considerable personal courage and inspiring guidance after becoming President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the basis of national sovereignty and civil society has been further strengthened, as well as priorities for stable development and prosperity of a united and harmonious Iran in the new millennium. I think Iran is one of the greatest countries in the world. I have a good feeling that your Excellency will be an excellent President. Of all the hardships you and your people had been through good luck !!!!! I am confident that with your long and distinguished involvement in public life, the Islamic Republic of Iran would continue to advance on the path of economic development and peace and prosperity for her people. May you successfully perform further this demanding and responsible task to steer the nation for the benefit of all the Iranian people !!!!!! Today, Iran is one of the fastest growing and dynamic economies in Middle East. We in Sri Lanka particularly marvel at Iran's achievements in all fields of national, economic and social development, which would undoubtedly help to uplift the condition of the masses not only in Iran but also throughout Middle East. Since Iran did make its fundamental historical choice when it took the path of building democratic statehood and a market economy, its industrious and talented people have scored remarkable achievements in all fields. In recent years Iran, under the inspiring leadership of His Excellency the President Seyed Mohammad Khatami, has made unremitting efforts and registered positive results in maintaining political stability, advancing economic development, promoting national unity and safeguarding state integrity, to which we offer our congratulations. May the Iranian people obtain many greater achievements further in the cause of constructing and developing a prosperous country and a happy life !!!!!! On this solemn occasion of the 23rd Anniversary of the Victory of the glorious Islamic Revolution of Iran, it is also fitting to salute and to pay your rich tribute to the Founder of the Islamic Revolution, His Holiness the late Imam Khomeini, who led your people to your long cherished national liberation. Throughout his public life he was accepted and acknowledged as an astute national figure with a unique mind of his own and inimitable leadership qualities. His Holiness the late Imam Khomeini also actively performed in any sort of activity he undertook. He always believed that firm handling of governance was necessary to run a country that needs to bring a relief to masses. His leadership qualities as a visionary, a strategist and a non-violent revolutionary enriched by his long years of political culturing and experience. "Politics reflects the will and the mood of the citizens, and the behaviour of politicians, in turn, influences the behaviour of citizens. '' - Email sender Your Excellency, This Liberation Day commemoration also causes us once again to note the ideals of freedom and democracy, which our two countries share. Our two countries are bound together by our common belief in the power of democracy as a force for good and for development, and by our shared commitment to the right of all individuals to be free. Democracy is a system based on trust in the human sense of responsibility. It ought to awaken and cultivate this responsibility. Democracy and civil society are thus two sides of the same coin. Today, when our very planetary civilisation is endangered by human irresponsibility, I see no other way to save it than through a general awakening and cultivation of the sense of responsibility people have for the affairs of this world. The relationship between citizens and their politicians in a democratic society is always two-way. Politics reflects the will and the mood of the citizens, and the behaviour of politicians, in turn, influences the behaviour of citizens. A political power intent on creating a civil society will not be concerned merely with issuing appropriate laws, but also with the creation of what is understood as political culture. To be specific, if politicians wish to awaken in citizens their best strengths and characteristics, their will to serve the whole of society, and their responsibility toward it, then they themselves should think less about making their mark and belittling others and more about the common good. A positive political climate is one of the most important prerequisites of a positive social climate. States cannot be built upon wishes, nor can hopes be achieved by dreams. Your country has stood firm in the face of crises. It has prospered through hard work, perseverance and sacrifice and by placing the interest of the nation above any other. The Islamic Republic of Iran could not have been established nor could it have prospered, had you not followed from the outset a clear path of mutual inter-dependence and collaboration, a path in which each part is of service to the whole, and in which each part will do all that is required in order to help the whole, the Republic. Only thus can you attain your goals, strengthen the foundations of your state, preserve its stability and safeguard its achievements. Such is a summary of your past experiences, but it is, too, your path for the future if you are to achieve your hopes and dreamsÖ Twenty-three years after the establishment of the Republic, you can say with full confidence that the building of towns and of schools, of roads and of hospitals and the provision of a decent life for the citizens are important aspects of the Republic's achievements. "As a nation firmly committed to the international co-operation, the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka looks forward to the Islamic Republic of Iran continuing and strengthening its efforts towards global peace and security. '' - Email sender Despite the distance Iran and Sri Lanka, we have a number of common features uniting us. Both Iran and Sri Lanka are countries with time-honoured history and brilliant culture. In Sri Lanka like in Iran, great importance is attached to traditions and customs. We are also bound together by our common belief to give our people a better future. We can and must work together to better confront the many common challenges of a fast changing world. No state can survive on its own any longer today. In the course of increasing globalization, we are experiencing the age of huge networks and small entities. On international level, Sri Lanka therefore fosters close and good co-operation with its partners around the world in four continents. We are convinced that learning from each other and joint action are becoming more and more important. The process of sharing experience and co-operating with our partners is giving us the bid chance to shape our common future. Your Excellency, Globalisation, with its fast paced economic activity, is here to stay and will mark the lives of our peoples, although we may not like or welcome some of its consequences. It is a reality that small countries like ours will have to be especially nimble in adapting our ways to stay in the game. In this context, no society can survive in this technologically open world without co-operation among like-minded countries. This globalise world is full of hope and harshness. With entrepreneurial leadership, we can meet the challenge head on. We applaud Your Excellency's effort to personally provide leadership in taking Iran towards becoming an economic model of prosperity in Middle East. Discussing the Iran-Sri Lanka relationship is a source of both pride and joy. In the area of foreign and international relations, the specific policy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has always been based on detente and peaceful co-existence and expansion of relations with other countries on the basis of equal relations and mutual respect. Both Iran and Sri Lanka have participated in many international conferences such as the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the different U.N. conventions and many World Trade Organisation (WTrO) meetings thus sharing a common understanding and belief in the need to further strengthen the solid relationship between the two countries. Successive leaders of the two countries, since the establishment of diplomatic links, have provided impetus and substance to the nurturing and development of the relationship between Iran and Sri Lanka. The close personal rapport between Her Excellency the President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and His Excellency the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, and His Highness the Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and His Excellency the President Seyed Mohammad Khatami of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the mutual admiration and affection they hold for each other has added a new dimension to the two countries relationship. As a nation firmly committed to the international cooperation, Her Excellency the President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and His Excellency the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe of Sri Lanka and the Colombo government looks forward to working with His Highness the Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and His Excellency the President Seyed Mohammad Khatami of Iran, and the Tehran government continuing and strengthening its ties towards global peace and security. "The terrorist attack in the United States of America was a ' last wake-up call ' for the whole world to fight against terrorism, an evil that endangers the whole world. '' - President Chandrika Kumaratunga of Sri Lanka Your Excellency, May I say both Iran and Sri Lanka believes that the world community is now confronted with tasks and challenges that effect in equal measures the security and prosperity interests of all states. Therefore our efforts on the international scene go in two complementary directions - it is, on one hand the consistent uphold of national interests, and on the other - a search for collective solutions to major international problems. Sri Lanka has been confronted with the problem of terrorism for nearly two decades. In recent times, terrorism has begun to cross countries and territories with considerable ease. Indeed, the reach of terrorism is vast. Therefore, today more than ever, we need to co-operate internationally to combat this menace. Today terrorism is a well-organised - also sophisticated - international network linking each and every corner of the world. It has become a global cancer that affects almost all the nations irrespective of its power, wealth or political status in the global scenario. Some countries - mainly the United States and the United Kingdom - took measures during the past couple of years to proscribe dozens of organizations, which they saw as terrorist groups, but according to many analysts it could have been done much earlier. Unless we stand together, we all fall together. It is absolutely high time for it. Expressing a clear political will and commitment to tackle terrorism together is a must. No longer can the developed countries say that it is not our problem, it is somebody else's problem. Now it has become the problem of all us. Your Excellency, Sri Lankan President Her Excellency Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga said on 16th September 2001, that it was not sufficient to hunt down terrorists and perpetrators of terrorism, but it was also essential to understand the deep-rooted causes of this most dehumanising phenomenon of the 21st century. "The recent attack on the heart of democracy caused heavy losses not only to the United States of America but also its economy and to the global economy. The time has come to join hands to solve the terrorist problem. The terrorist attack in the United States of America was a ë last wake-up call ' for the whole world to fight against terrorism, an evil that endangers the whole world,"she asserted. She said it was not strategically possible to eliminate terrorism and all developed nations, whatever their differences should unite in creating an atmosphere to root-out the reasons for the emergence of terrorist groups. Sri Lankan President Kumaratunga pledged Sri Lanka's fullest support in this regard. Sri Lanka has been faced with problems of terrorism caused by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a merciless terrorist group that has chosen to reject the democratic path. While we resolutely confront the acts of terrorism perpetrated by the LTTE with its heavy toll of innocent lives, the Sri Lankan government is deeply committed in findings a lasting solution to the genuine grievances of the minority Tamil people. The government is following a three-fold strategy to resolve the minority problem at the origin of the current military conflict. The first stage is to guarantee all rights to communities living in Sri Lanka, through a new Constitution. The second is an extensive programme for the development of impoverished regions, where minorities live. The third is to persuade the LTTE to give up its policy of violence and to negotiate a peaceful solution. We remain confident that a peacefully negotiated settlement is not only imperative, but also indeed possible. While pursuing this political process, we greatly appreciate the consistent support, which the Presidency, as well as Iranian government exhibit towards the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka, within the context of the process initiated by the Sri Lankan government. The International community has played an effective role in ending conflicts in different parts of the world. I think the time has certainly come for the International community to make a tangible contribution towards the resolution of the conflict in Sri Lanka. If in order to safeguard sovereignty, some form of International involvement and assistance has become inevitable, it would be like the proverbial ostrich that buried its head in the sand, to remain oblivious to the reality. It would indeed be much more pragmatic and honourable to solicit the required International participation to bring about a just and effective resolution of the conflict, which has caused large scale violations of fundamental human rights, with disastrous consequences unless the war is brought to an end. The enthusiastic Sri Lankan Prime Minister His Excellency Ranil Wickremesinghe had a lengthy telephone discussion with his Norwegian counterpart His Excellency Kjell Magne Bondevik, on 27th December 2001. "The Sri Lankan Prime Minister requested the Norwegian Prime Minister to continue the action so far taken by Norway to settle the North-East conflict, in the same manner,"the Prime Minister's Office said in a press release. Earlier, the newly elected Sri Lankan Prime Minister told the media that he had made a formal request from Norway to continue its role in the peace process. "I have asked the Norwegian government formally to become the facilitator again. They indicated that they are willing to become a facilitator acceptable both to the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The Indian government has welcomed the role of Norway,"the charismatic and energetic Prime Minister of Sri Lanka told a media briefing. "I want the first steps to be slow and steady. It is only then we can build a firm foundation for the peace process,"he said. "There will be obstacles and the challenge is to overcome them." Norwegian Prime Minister His Excellency Kjell Magne Bondevik has told the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in an interview that he was optimistic of bringing the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE to the negotiating table by the middle of this year. In an interview broadcasted on 07th February 2002, the Norwegian Prime Minister said the "only realistic approach to any lasting peace agreement would be for the LTTE to give up their long-standing claim to the creation of a separate Tamil homeland. "This they appeared to be willing to do, "he said. The Norwegian Prime Minister also said the Sri Lankan government must in return do a "great deal of work "to achieve equal conditions for the minority Tamil community. Meanwhile, Norwegian Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Vidar Helgesen, leading the Norwegian peace delegation to solve the crisis has stressed that it is up to the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE to find a solution to the conflict. During his recent visit to Colombo, Honourable Vidar Helgesen said that Norway will continue to assist the parties in the process, but has no options regarding the substantive elements of a future negotiated settlement between the parties. The Norwegian Deputy Minister is hopeful that further discussions with the Government and the LTTE will lead to a formalised ceasefire, the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Colombo said in a press release. The Norwegian peace delegation held extensive talks with the LTTE negotiator Mr. Anton Balasingham in London en route to Colombo on the declaration and the proposed Memorandum of Understanding. Your Excellency, Iran's deep understanding and concern at challenges facing Sri Lanka and the expressions of support for its endeavour at surmounting them are deeply appreciated. Let me mark this treatise with words on our Executive President. I like my President and Prime Minister both, very much. Both of their Excellencies are good politicians and they can manipulate the foreign affairs, which is very useful for Sri Lanka nowadays. Her Excellency the President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga was born on 29th June 1945, to one of Sri Lanka's most distinguished families. Her father, His Excellency the late Solomon Dias Bandaranaike, was a senior Minister of the Government at the time of her birth. He was later to become the Prime Minister of the country, while her mother, Her Excellency the late Sirimavo Bandaranaike, was to become the world's First woman Prime Minister, in 1961. Her Excellency the President Kumaratunga inherited the liberal political philosophy of her father, His Excellency the late Prime Minister Solomon Dias Bandaranaike. In her student days in Paris, she was also greatly influenced by the radical student movement of the 1960s. The abiding element of that influence in today's vastly changed world circumstances is her deep commitment to the welfare of the deprived, the underprivileged and the disadvantaged. Her unshakable commitment to the imperatives of a plural society has been the other consistent strategy in her approach to politics. She has been a full time political activist from her early youth, establishing grass root contacts far and wide throughout the country. Your Excellency, Her Excellency the President Kumaratunga has had more than her fair share of personal tragedy in life. She was a schoolgirl, when political opponents assassinated her father, His Excellency then Prime Minister Solomon Dias Bandaranaike. Her charismatic film idol cum politician husband Vijaya Kumaratunga whom she married in 1978 was also slain by political opponents in 1988. Her Excellency the President Kumaratunga is the mother of two children, daughter Yasodhara and son Vimukthi. "A New Path for a New Generation.'' ñ Newly Elected Prime Minister and charismatic mass leader Ranil Wickremesinghe of Sri Lanka Speaking further about my country, There were various elections that show commitment of our country to democracy and civilisation principles that have been implemented comprehensively every time. We held Municipal and Provincial Council Elections throughout the country in 1999, as well as Presidential Elections, and Parliamentary Elections was held on 05th December 2001. This indicates the reliance of the government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka repose on the massive support of the people with rich culture and Buddhist civilisation. In this way our country has enriched its political, economical and social foundations. Your Excellency, The opposition United National Party (UNP) in Sri Lanka was returned to power after seven years in opposition, following a strong performance in the country's Parliamentary Elections. The UNP has swept many districts in the country; winning 114 seats (49% of the votes) in the 225 members Parliament compared to 77 seats (39% of the votes) for the governing People's Alliance (PA) of Her Excellency the President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. However, even if Her Excellency the President Kumaratunaga's PA loses the election, she will continue as Executive President for the next five years and will have to work with an opposition government. The 52-year-old Newly-elected Prime Minister His Excellency Ranil Wickremesinghe has polled the highest number of preferential votes in Sri Lanka's Elections history obtaining 415,686 votes from the Colombo District. The present leader of the United National Party, His Excellency Ranil Wickremesinghe is its seventh leader. He was also Sri Lanka's Prime Minister from May 1993 to August 1994. He commenced re-building the party, which had been defeated at three consecutive elections, within his first week as Party Leader. When he assumed leadership, the UNP was in the doldrums. Apart from the electoral losses, it had also lost many of its leaders. Finances and party morale were at an all time low. He re-fashioned the party policies to reflect aspirations of a new society - "A New Path for a New Generation. '' He has commenced the process of restructuring the party to take Sri Lanka into the 21st century. His Excellency the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was born on 24th March 1949 as one of the four sons of the late Mr.Esmond Wickremesinghe, one time Managing Director of the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (ANCL) and educated at Royal College and University of Colombo. He passed out from the University of Colombo with a Legum Baccalaureus (LLB) and took his oath in 1972 after completing studies at the Colombo Law College and practised for a few years before taking to politics. He was elected a Member of Parliament for "Biyagama", suburb Colombo, at the General Elections in 1977 and was the youngest Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. While in University of Colombo as an undergraduate he took an interest in student activities and was the President of the Law Faculty Student Union and Vice-President of the Student Council. He has travelled widely and, in March 1978 he was elected Chairman of the 34th session of the Economics and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) held in Bangkok, Thailand. He married Maitree, a lecturer at the University of Kelaniya, in 1995. Speaking about myself, I am a Singhalese, 36 years old and a Technical Officer (Civil) in a private construction company. I am not related to any government institution that has reference to Foreign Relations. I m genuinely interested in World Politics since my school days, and now a freelance writer, who enhance and promote reputation of Sri Lanka. My correspondence with Heads of State and other statesmen started as I wrote a treatise about Papua New Guinea's Sixth Anniversary of Independence to His Excellency then Prime Minister Sir Julius Chan of Papua New Guinea, when I was a 16 year old schoolboy, in 1981. Sir Julius, in his Radio Broadcast to the Nation on 16th September 1981 said "Nalin's letter indicates the position of PNG in world todayî. My knowledge of World Politics is on a highest degree, and I know about "Who's Who "in the International political arena very well. Let me also extend my sincere greetings and best wishes to your family, while hoping for their perpetual good health, happiness, and hoping the country more progress and prosperity. Your Excellency, Pleasures shared are pleasures increased. With Warmest Personal Regards, I remain, Yours Respectfully, (G. A. K. Nalin De Silva) nalindes@sltnet.lk Funny stuff, interesting stuff, important stuff, stupid stuff, all sorts of stuff... Hundreds of daily tidbits were featured in The Iranian Times. They will be gradually archived here. Have you got something for this page? Email us
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