Friday, March 17, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Parliament Approves Reduced Budget for 2017-2018

Posted: 17 Mar 2017 07:10 AM PDT

A Lower House lawmaker says that the budget for defense was not cut, in order to 'support the military becoming a standard army.'

The post Parliament Approves Reduced Budget for 2017-2018 appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Environmental Agency Praises Danish Divestment from Burmese Teak

Posted: 17 Mar 2017 07:03 AM PDT

Meanwhile, Burmese traders say that the Burmese authorities should have been contacted before any decisions were made.

The post Environmental Agency Praises Danish Divestment from Burmese Teak appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Where are the Assassins?

Posted: 17 Mar 2017 04:02 AM PDT

Rumors and questions around the death of U Ko Ni continue to run rampant as the authorities fail to bring his killers to justice.

The post Where are the Assassins? appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

New Suspect Revealed in U Ko Ni Murder as Case Goes to Court

Posted: 17 Mar 2017 03:31 AM PDT

Aung Win Tun is accused of harboring one of the alleged co-conspirators following the shooting of the NLD legal adviser.

The post New Suspect Revealed in U Ko Ni Murder as Case Goes to Court appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

China’s Complex Role in Burma’s Peace Process

Posted: 17 Mar 2017 03:19 AM PDT

USIP report: Beijing's official policy of non-interference is complicated by historic and economic ties in border regions.

The post China's Complex Role in Burma's Peace Process appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Health Minister Rushes Back to Burma Amid Nursing Students’ Protest

Posted: 17 Mar 2017 12:49 AM PDT

Dr. Myint Htwe will reportedly discuss licensing regulations and salary increases for nurses.

The post Health Minister Rushes Back to Burma Amid Nursing Students' Protest appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Rakhine Politics: A Great Success or another Great Rift Ahead?

Posted: 17 Mar 2017 12:32 AM PDT

Arakan National Party chief Dr. Aye Maung is courting renewed controversy with a comeback bid in the upcoming by-election.

The post Rakhine Politics: A Great Success or another Great Rift Ahead? appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

EU Seeks UN Probe into Crimes in Arakan State

Posted: 16 Mar 2017 10:30 PM PDT

UN Human Rights Council to vote on EU resolution next week.

The post EU Seeks UN Probe into Crimes in Arakan State appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Children Among Hundreds Detained in Arakan State

Posted: 16 Mar 2017 09:40 PM PDT

Documents show 423 men and boys are currently detained under 'Unlawful Association' law in Arakan State, 13 of them are minors.

The post Children Among Hundreds Detained in Arakan State appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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National News

National News

Court for unlicensed rental of properties

Posted: 17 Mar 2017 01:12 AM PDT

MANDALAY property owners have been warned that from July onwards, those who rent out their premises without a house rental business license, will be taken to court.

K50 million approved for road repairs in Bagan

Posted: 17 Mar 2017 01:10 AM PDT

THE Department of Archaeology, National Museum and Library (Bagan branch) has approved a request for K50 million from the Bagan Regional Development Association (BRDA) to repair and upgrade roads near the pagodas in the archaeological zone.

Regional govt wants to expand GAP certification

Posted: 17 Mar 2017 01:09 AM PDT

THE Mandalay regional agriculture and irrigation ministry is awarding 'Good Agricultural Practices' (GAP) certification to 15 kinds of fruits and vegetables grown by farmers in the region.

Hluttaw to recess after budget approval

Posted: 17 Mar 2017 01:07 AM PDT

THE 2017-18 National Planning Bill from the Union government was approved by Pyidaungsu Hluttaw on March 15, following a K296 billion cut from the original allocated amount.

State govt to support Kadu ethnic festival

Posted: 17 Mar 2017 01:06 AM PDT

A festival celebrating the little known cultures of the Kadu ethnic group will be held in the Sagaing Region.

Kyautaw fire destroys 45 shops, cripples business

Posted: 17 Mar 2017 01:03 AM PDT

SOME K50 million worth of business assets went up in flames when a fire broke out at a row of shops selling fuel in Rakhine on March 15.

Mon bridge name a state matter: Union minister

Posted: 17 Mar 2017 12:59 AM PDT

NAMING a bridge in Mon State after national hero Bogyoke Aung San should not be decided by the Hluttaw as it is a state matter and should be settled by the local authorities and residents, Union Minister for Ethnic Affairs U Nai Thet Lwin said.

Ministry to hear out nursing students

Posted: 17 Mar 2017 12:57 AM PDT

THE Ministry of Health and Sports will talk to nursing students who staged a protest on March 15, its permanent secretary Dr Thet Khaing Win said.

Rakhine Advisory Commission presents 30 recommendations

Posted: 17 Mar 2017 12:54 AM PDT

The Advisory Commission on Rakhine State yesterday presented almost 30 recommendations of action that the Myanmar government can take to immediately improve the situation on the ground in Rakhine as the commission released its interim report.

No permit, so village religious talk called off

Posted: 17 Mar 2017 12:53 AM PDT

A special religious talk to mark the completion of a Buddhist Ethics Summer Course in Kanbalu township's Thayet Kaung village in Sagaing Region was cancelled because permission was denied by the village administrator, said the organiser Sayadaw U Nanissara Tharra Lankara.
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Thursday, March 16, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Legal Adviser: Article 66(d) Case Against Ko Swe Win ‘No Longer Valid’

Posted: 16 Mar 2017 09:21 AM PDT

Citing statements by Ma Ha Na and the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, the accusations against the journalist are void, says the lawyer.

The post Legal Adviser: Article 66(d) Case Against Ko Swe Win 'No Longer Valid' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Health Ministry Stands Firm as Nursing Students Protest Delayed Licensing

Posted: 16 Mar 2017 08:58 AM PDT

Nursing students reject assertions that they do not want to complete state service—instead highlighting issues of late licensing.

The post Health Ministry Stands Firm as Nursing Students Protest Delayed Licensing appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

NLD Govt Reviews Thein Sein-Era Foreign Investment MoUs

Posted: 16 Mar 2017 07:36 AM PDT

The current government is reviewing 60 out of 101 MoUs signed between the previous government and international investors.

The post NLD Govt Reviews Thein Sein-Era Foreign Investment MoUs appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Arakan State Advisory Commission Releases Interim Report

Posted: 16 Mar 2017 07:31 AM PDT

The Kofi Annan-led commission's recommendations include the closure of IDP camps and better training for security forces.

The post Arakan State Advisory Commission Releases Interim Report appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Religious Affairs Minister: ‘Constitution Goes Against Buddhist Beliefs’

Posted: 16 Mar 2017 07:22 AM PDT

U Aung Ko has called for amendments to the controversial, military-drafted Constitution.

The post Religious Affairs Minister: 'Constitution Goes Against Buddhist Beliefs' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

UNFC Affirms Internal Disagreements

Posted: 16 Mar 2017 04:24 AM PDT

The alliance of ethnic armed organizations says top leaders within the bloc have different views on how to proceed with the peace process.

The post UNFC Affirms Internal Disagreements appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Two Civilians Killed in Clashes Between Burma Army, TNLA

Posted: 16 Mar 2017 02:02 AM PDT

A local mother and her 5-year-old daughter are killed, and two others injured, by artillery fire in latest clash in Kutkai Township.

The post Two Civilians Killed in Clashes Between Burma Army, TNLA appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Workers Replaced by Automation Demand Jobs Back

Posted: 16 Mar 2017 01:35 AM PDT

Despite negotiations, management and employees of Myanmar Mayson Industries Co. do not reach an agreement over a massive dismissal of factory workers.

The post Workers Replaced by Automation Demand Jobs Back appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Refugees Who Fled Arakan State Fear Losing Right to Return

Posted: 16 Mar 2017 12:48 AM PDT

Annual household survey in Muslim areas of northern Arakan State means returning refugees could face immigration charges.

The post Refugees Who Fled Arakan State Fear Losing Right to Return appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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National News

National News

Small water pumps banned at three sides of palace moat

Posted: 15 Mar 2017 11:43 PM PDT

The public will not be allowed to use small water pumps along three streets bordering the Mandalay palace moat this coming Thingyan (Water Festival), said U Ye Myat Thu, member of the Mandalay City Development Committee (MCDC).

New market building for Sittwe

Posted: 15 Mar 2017 11:39 PM PDT

A new building which will be constructed to replace the May Yu market in Sittwe township, Rakhine State, will include facilities such as a playground, hall, cinema and restaurants, as well as 268 shop lots offering goods such as clothing, commodities and electronic products.

Billboard guidelines for Bagan cultural zone

Posted: 15 Mar 2017 11:38 PM PDT

Guidelines for the erection of billboards in the Bagan cultural zone will be drawn up to ensure that they conform to the structure of ancient buildings in the area, said Daw Yu Yu Lin, coordinator with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for Bagan's tourism development project.

Bid for Pone Taung-Pone Nyar heritage listing

Posted: 15 Mar 2017 11:37 PM PDT

The Department of Archaeology, National Museum and Library is keen on getting World Heritage listing for the Pone Taung-Pone Nyar region, where fossils of the earliest primates have been discovered.

NUSU holds protest over unlicensed nurses ban

Posted: 15 Mar 2017 11:30 PM PDT

Some 500 student nurses marched on the streets of Yangon yesterday in protest over the Ministry of Health and Sports' directive to bar nurses who do not complete the required three years' service in government hospitals from working at private hospitals.

‘Moe Pyar’ case proceedings delayed

Posted: 15 Mar 2017 11:27 PM PDT

The prosecution of 'Moe Pyar' doctrine founder U Nyana and his followers will be delayed as the authorities have yet to obtain court warrants to proceed, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture (MORAC) U Myint Oo told The Myanmar Times on March 13.

FDA testing foods in Pyin Oo Lwin

Posted: 15 Mar 2017 11:26 PM PDT

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Mandalay is testing jams and various other food items produced in Pyin Oo Lwin township, Mandalay Region, to ensure safety and raise awareness on cleanliness among consumers.

Myanmar Now chief reporter assailed

Posted: 15 Mar 2017 11:20 PM PDT

The chief reporter of The Myanmar Now was threatened by nationalists through Facebook after writing a follow-up story about NLD legal advisor U Ko Ni's assassination. He was also assailed on March 14 by three men.

Factory workers demand 10-day leave for water festival

Posted: 15 Mar 2017 11:19 PM PDT

About 500 workers at Running Tex, a Chinese-owned garment factory in Ngwe Pin Lae industrial zone in Hlaing Tharyar township, Yangon Region, launched a strike on March 15 to demand 10 days' leave during the Thingyan (Water Festival) ushering in the Myanmar New Year.

Advanced votes can be cast beginning March 22

Posted: 15 Mar 2017 11:16 PM PDT

Voter identification cards for the upcoming by-election will be issued by the Union Election Commission (UEC) and those ID cards can be collected at the respective UEC sub-offices beginning from March 17 until March 30, according to a UEC announcement.
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Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan Herald Agency for News

Burmese commander accuses Shan armies of undermining local development

Posted: 16 Mar 2017 06:57 AM PDT

Maj-Gen Than Hlaing, the commander of Eastern Central Command, has accused two ethnic Shan armies – the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) and the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA) – of undermining local community development, according to an official of the SSPP/SSA.

The SSPP/SSA soldiers
Speaking to Shan Heraldunder condition of anonymity, the SSPP/SSA official said that representatives of his group had gone on Monday to a meeting with Maj-Gen Than Hlaing at the Eastern Central Command headquarters in Kholam Township, southern Shan State. He said that the Burmese military commander had bluntly alleged that due to the actions of the SSPP/SSA and RCSS/SSA, the townships of Mong Nong and Kehsi were still underdeveloped.

"The way he [Maj-Gen Than Hlaing] spoke was disrespectful," the Shan army official said. "He accused us of failing to follow the 2012 ceasefire accord, and he insinuated that we are trying to expand our territory. He also called us 'narrow-minded'."

On the contrary, the SSPP/SSA official said, it is in fact the Burmese military which has launched offensives against ethnic people and expanded their positions into areas recognized as zones under the control of ethnic armed groups.

Fighting has broken out regularly in recent times between units of the Burmese armed forces and the SSPP/SSA and RCSS/SSA. This year alone, clashes have occurred between Burmese troops and SSPP/SSA forces in Mong Nong Township, while they have also engaged with the RCSS/SSA in Hsipaw Township.

The RCSS/SSA soldiers march on the Shan National Day
The SSPP/SSA officialsaid that the Shan armies were also accused of not following the Burmese military's so-called 'Six-point Principles'* The Burmese commander reportedly emphasized that the 2008 constitution was applicable to all parties, and reasserted that the military will protect it.

The RCSS/SSA was not immediately available for comment. The RCSS/SSA is one of eight ethnic armed groups which signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) with President Thein Sein in October 2015.

The SSPP/SSA opted not to ink the NCA in 2015. However, it has signed state-level and union-level ceasefire accords with the government.

*The Burmese military's Six-point Principles are: to maintain a keen desire to reach eternal peace; to keep promises agreed to in peace deals; to avoid capitalizing on the peace agreement; to avoid placing a heavy burden on local people; to strictly abide by existing laws; and to 'march towards a democratic country' in accordance with the 2008 Constitution.

By Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)

Report on report: China and Myanmar’s Peace Process

Posted: 16 Mar 2017 01:42 AM PDT

The first thing I would like to say is my sincere thanks to Ms Yun Sun for writing this report. She certainly knows more than us (that means me) about China, Wa and the Kachin.

On China, these are the things I've learned:
·        Its official policy is "persuading for peace and facilitating dialogues"
·        There are certain Chinese special interest groups and individuals who have offered direct financial support for ethnic armed organizations in Myanmar:
1.     Yunnan Jingcheng Group, founded by Jingpo (Kachin) businessman Dong Lecheng. His hotel in Ruili was the venue for negotiation between Kachin Independence Organization/Army (KIO/KIA) and the Myanmar government in 2013
2.     Yucheng group, a private financial company founded by a 34 year old Ding Ning, currently under criminal investigation, had reportedly provided funding to six armed groups active on the border: Arakan Army (AA), KIO/KIA, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA),National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and United Wa State Army (UWSA)
On Kachin
·        The political and financial support KIA enjoys from their Chinese Kachin brothers is perhaps the strongest among all ethnic armed groups. Such strong support carries important sway in China, because the local governments are keen to pacify ethnic minority groups for the sake of social stability
·        But China is not really happy about the KIO/KIA on several factors: Not always supportive of Chinese investments, maintaining close ties with western countries and organizations, attempts of "internationalization of the Kachin issue" by proposing to invite the United States, the UK etc into the peace process, its radical hardliners opting for independence and "stalling the peace process" through the alliance under its leadership, the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC)
On Wa
·        Among all the ethnic groups in Myanmar, UWSA perhaps has the closest ties with and elicits the most sympathy from China, to the extent that some local officials regard UWSA as China's "illegitimate child"
·        China will not push UWSA to quit the peace process; however, neither will it push UWSA to embrace by any settlement it is unwilling to accept. In the view of both China and UWSA, such an imposed settlement would be fragile, unsustainable, and only live likely to cause greater instability in the future
·        China supports the tacit leadership role of UWSA among the ethnic armed groups in northern Myanmar
·        Chinese authorities seem to tolerate Wa's illicit economy, including drug trafficking and casinos, for revenue, and instead pursue tighter law enforcement within China to combat the crimes

Other than these six groups, according to her, the Shan State Army North and Shan State Army South also matter to China even though they are farther south from the border. However, compared to other groups, why they matter so much is something the author has only a few general answers, such as their stand on the NCA and cooperation with the government military, which "affect the unity and politics of ethnic armed groups". For example, the current hostilities between the SSA South and the TNLA.

My thought is that perhaps Ms Yun Sun would like to find out more. And it wouldn't have been difficult for a researcher of her stature to do that.

A great country is like the lowland toward which all streams flow. Hence, if a great country can lower itself before a small country, it will win over the small country; and if a small country can lower itself before a great country, it will win over the great country. The one wins by stooping; the other by remaining low.


Chapter 61, Dao De Jing, by Lao Zi
Author: Yun Sun, Henry L. Stimson Center
Publisher: United States Institute of Peace
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Wednesday, March 15, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Bertil Lintner: ‘China is the Most Important Foreign Player in the Peace Process’

Posted: 15 Mar 2017 08:42 AM PDT

The Irrawaddy revisits this 2016 article exploring interests at play in China's ongoing involvement in Burma's peace process.

The post Bertil Lintner: 'China is the Most Important Foreign Player in the Peace Process' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

‘No Scope for Complacency’ as Corporate Human Rights Benchmark Reveals 2017 Findings

Posted: 15 Mar 2017 08:30 AM PDT

A survey of 98 companies looks into human rights-related practices in three industries: agricultural products, apparel, and extractives.

The post 'No Scope for Complacency' as Corporate Human Rights Benchmark Reveals 2017 Findings appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Analysis: Is China ‘Interfering’ in Ethnic Politics in Burma?

Posted: 15 Mar 2017 07:50 AM PDT

Burma's northern neighbor is eager to demonstrate the importance of its role in the country's peace process.

The post Analysis: Is China 'Interfering' in Ethnic Politics in Burma? appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

The Fall of U Wirathu

Posted: 15 Mar 2017 07:37 AM PDT

The latest round of hateful comments from Burma's infamous firebrand nationalist monk U Wirathu finally lands him in trouble with the government.

The post The Fall of U Wirathu appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

What is Wrong With the NLD’s Policy?

Posted: 15 Mar 2017 07:25 AM PDT

The top-down naming of a Mon State bridge—despite local objections—shows how the NLD government is wavering in its bid for national reconciliation.

The post What is Wrong With the NLD's Policy? appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Underground Mining in Dawei

Posted: 15 Mar 2017 05:47 AM PDT

Meeting the miners who take deadly risks to extract Burma's metal.

The post Underground Mining in Dawei appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Karen State Chief Minister: ‘Our State Needs Electricity: Coal Could Be The Answer’

Posted: 15 Mar 2017 04:28 AM PDT

In the second part of an interview, Nang Khin Htwe Myint discusses natural resource exploitation and the future of coal in Karen State.

The post Karen State Chief Minister: 'Our State Needs Electricity: Coal Could Be The Answer' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Now Journalist Assaulted

Posted: 15 Mar 2017 02:37 AM PDT

Myanmar Now chief correspondent Ko Swe Win is threatened by three strangers who attempt to attack him in Rangoon's Sanchaung Township.

The post Myanmar Now Journalist Assaulted appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Taik Kyi Quake Claims 2 Lives

Posted: 15 Mar 2017 01:35 AM PDT

The 5.8-magnitude earthquake that jolted Rangoon's Taik Kyi Township claims two lives, according to new reports.

The post Taik Kyi Quake Claims 2 Lives appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Chinese Envoy Asks Northern Alliance to Halt Offensives

Posted: 14 Mar 2017 11:43 PM PDT

Sun Guoxiang meets with Northern Alliance members and the United Wa State Army in Kunming, China to discuss the peace process.

The post Chinese Envoy Asks Northern Alliance to Halt Offensives appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Critics Skeptical of New Privacy Legislation

Posted: 14 Mar 2017 11:34 PM PDT

Civil society groups say the law is "incomplete" and fails to fully ensure the protection of individuals' privacy and freedom of expression.

The post Critics Skeptical of New Privacy Legislation appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Lower House Names Mon State Bridge After Gen Aung San Despite Protests

Posted: 14 Mar 2017 09:56 PM PDT

Mon locals protested against the name, favoring Yamanya or Salween Bridge instead.

The post Lower House Names Mon State Bridge After Gen Aung San Despite Protests appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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National News

National News

Ecotourism plan still faces challenges to implement

Posted: 14 Mar 2017 11:56 PM PDT

Residents' involvement is a major challenge to implementing Myanmar's Ecotourism Policy and Management Strategy, according to industry sources.

Over 5 visses of gold panned at Mahamuni Pagoda

Posted: 14 Mar 2017 11:28 PM PDT

More than five visses (one viss equals 3.6 pounds) of gold have so far been recovered in the annual gold leaves debris panning process at Mahamuni Pagoda in Mandalay, said U Aung Moe, convener of charity at the pagoda.

Sibin Guest House claims unsettled bills by MPs

Posted: 14 Mar 2017 11:26 PM PDT

The owners of Sibin (Municipal) Guest House in Nay Pyi Taw have submitted a letter to the Hluttaw Rights Committee of the Pyithu Hluttaw, seeking to claim unsettled room charges for over 400 Hluttaw representatives amounting to more than K20 million, the committee's secretary Dr Hla Moe told The Myanmar Times.

New Bagan guide map in the works

Posted: 14 Mar 2017 11:23 PM PDT

Visitors will find their way around the Bagan ancient cultural zone with greater ease soon with the local tourism authority working on a guide map.

Taikkyi earthquake aftermath

Posted: 14 Mar 2017 11:17 PM PDT

The earthquake that shook Yangon on Monday night injured 26 people and damaged a school, two bridges, six houses and 29 religious buildings, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Resettlement.

Ma Ba Tha member suing journalist faces suit

Posted: 14 Mar 2017 11:13 PM PDT

U Kyaw Myo Shwe, a member of the Buddhist nationalist group Ma Ba Tha (Myanmar acronym for the Committee for the Protection of Nationality and Religion) in Mandalay, has been accused of defaming State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on Facebook.

K30b from reserved fund for Yangon’s power needs

Posted: 14 Mar 2017 11:11 PM PDT

President U Htin Kyaw has asked the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw to approve the allotment of K30 billion from the reserve fund of the 2016 Union budget for the purchase of generators to meet the increasing electricity needs in Yangon Region.

Naming bridge after Bogyoke is dictatorial: USDP MP

Posted: 14 Mar 2017 11:10 PM PDT

Renaming the bridge over the Thanlwin River between Mawlamyine and Chaungzone after Bogyoke Aung San is a dictatorial act, said U Maung Myint, Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) lawmaker from Mingin constituency, during the Pyithu Hluttaw session yesterday.

Former ASEAN chief to give lecture

Posted: 14 Mar 2017 11:04 PM PDT

Yangon – Former Secretary General of ASEAN, Dr Surin Pitsuwan, is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech on Myanmar's role in ASEAN on March 22, 2017.

Govt to probe villagers’ claims over gold mines

Posted: 14 Mar 2017 10:59 PM PDT

After two months of protests by farmers from Mandalay's Thabeikkyin township over alleged encroachment of their land by gold miners, the regional government has decided to investigate their claims.
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