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Nobel Foundation reverses decision to invite Russian ambassador to awards

02 Sept 2023  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  War in Ukraine

The Nobel Foundation reversed its decision to invite ambassadors from Russia and Belarus to the Nobel awards ceremony in Stockholm after facing backlash. The initial decision to invite all ambassadors was intended to promote the values of the Nobel prize but was met with strong opposition, particularly from Swedish politicians and the Ukrainian foreign ministry. The foundation decided to maintain last year's exception and not invite the ambassadors from Russia, Belarus, and Iran. The Norwegian Nobel Institute will continue to invite all ambassadors to the peace prize ceremony in Oslo.

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Swedish Government Nobel Foundation Ukrainian Foreign Ministry

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Marshall Bwanya is a journalist based in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The untold struggles and heroics of Community Childcare Workers (CCWs) in Tsholotsho

01 Oct 2023  |  Zimbabwe News Now  |  English  |  Social Issues

Tsholotsho, a district in Matabeleland North province, faces a critical shortage of Community Childcare Workers (CCWs) who assist vulnerable children with welfare and identity documentation. Despite limited resources, volunteer Simangele Ndebele has fostered over 35 children, providing them with a safe haven. The government, with support from UNICEF and a $5.8 million donation from the Swedish government, has launched initiatives to help vulnerable groups obtain identity documents. However, challenges such as transportation and limited resources persist, impacting the psychological well-being and future opportunities of children without identity documents.

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Swedish Government Government of Zimbabwe UNICEF

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Alessandro Cappelli is a journalist based in Pozzuoli, Italy.

The Europeans Authorizing Ukraine to Strike Military Targets in Russia

01 May 2024  |  Linkiesta.it  |  Italian  |  Military Strategy

European countries are increasingly supporting Ukraine's right to use Western-supplied weapons against Russian military targets, with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg advocating for no restrictions on Ukraine's military actions. Sweden, Finland, the UK, Lithuania, and Poland have expressed support for Ukraine's military strategy, while the US, France, and Germany remain divided. The article highlights the ongoing debate within the US government, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken pushing for more robust support for Ukraine. The sentiment towards Russia is negative, with European leaders criticizing its aggression and advocating for Ukraine's right to self-defense.

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German Government UK Government Swedish Ministry of Defense NATO Ukrainian Military Finnish Ministry of Defense Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs US Department of State French National Assembly

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I am an experienced multimedia reporter and writer now focusing on sexuality, women’s rights and early childhood.
Earlier in my career I spent a decade as a foreign correspondent in Latin America. I worked for the BBC in Venezuela when Hugo Chávez died, and my work has appeared in numerous ...

Sweden to Submit Formal NATO Application on Monday

06 Oct 2023  |  Worldcrunch  |  English  |  Sweden Politics

Sweden is set to submit a formal NATO application on Monday, following Finland's recent decision to seek membership in the alliance. The move marks a significant shift in both countries' long-standing policies of neutrality, driven by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson will convene a government meeting to finalize the decision, with the Social Democrats expected to support the NATO plan. The article highlights the growing public support for NATO membership in Sweden and the potential vulnerabilities both countries face until their applications are approved. The UK and the U.S. have promised interim military support, while Germany is urged to strengthen defensive alliances with Sweden and Finland.

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Swedish Government NATO Social Democrats

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David Chazan is a journalist.

Bananaphobic minister has aides check rooms before she enters

14 Nov 2024  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Swedish Politics

Swedish minister Paulina Brandberg's phobia of bananas has gained media attention after leaked emails revealed her aides remove bananas from rooms before her arrival. Brandberg, who is seeking professional help for her phobia, has received support from Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and other politicians, who criticize the media's focus on the issue. The condition, though rare, can cause severe reactions in sufferers.

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Swedish Government Liberal Party Social Democrats

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Megan Clement is a journalist and editor specialising in gender, human rights, cities, international development and social policy. She also writes about Paris, where she has lived since 2015. Her reporting has appeared in The Guardian, The Sydney Morning Herald, Bloomberg, Al Jazeera, The New ...

Rights are never eternally acquired

02 Oct 2023  |  Les Glorieuses  |  French  |  International Relations

Sweden's feminist diplomacy, initiated by Margot Wallström, aimed to prioritize women's rights in international relations. Despite initial ridicule, it focused on rights, representation, resources, and reality. Wallström's criticism of Saudi Arabia's treatment of women led to diplomatic tensions, but Sweden continued to advocate for gender equality in international forums. The recent right-wing government has decided to abandon the feminist diplomacy label, citing political and international factors, but maintains gender equality as a core value. The shift signals that rights are never permanently secured.

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Swedish Government United Nations Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

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I’m an experienced foreign correspondent, and work for some of the world’s leading English-language news publications. For a number of years I’ve covered Central Europe for the UK’s The Telegraph, and also write about the area and Eastern Europe for The Scotsman. In addition to this I write ...

Nato needs Sweden’s military build-up after opening 2,000 mile Russian border

26 Feb 2024  |  The Telegraph  |  English  |  International Relations

Sweden's significant military expansion will bolster NATO's eastern flank against Russia following its accession to the alliance, which was approved by Hungary and no longer vetoed by Turkey. The Swedish military, equipped with over 120 Leopard 2 tanks, a strong air force with Gripen jets, and a formidable navy, will defend NATO's new 2,000-mile Baltic Sea border. Despite defense cuts in the 1990s, Sweden has increased spending to 2% of GDP, aiming to double its armed forces to 90,000 by 2026. The 2020 defense bill allowed for new high-tech equipment, including upgraded Gripen warplanes and submarines. Sweden's technological prowess in aeronautics and underwater warfare remains significant, with its air force operating over 70 Gripen jets and the navy having five diesel-electric attack submarines, plus two A26 submarines on order. However, the scale remains a challenge, as highlighted by the disparity in artillery systems compared to Ukraine.

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Swedish Defence University Swedish Government Swedish Defence Research Agency NATO

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Sema Fonkem is a multimedia journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa. 
Fonkem has been practicing uninterrupted since 2022. His professional career kicked off as a freelance multimedia consultant, Public Relations Officer, Researcher and Writer. Fonkem communicates in both French and English ...

Julian Assange walks out of Saipan court a free man

05 Oct 2023  |  Orgella Entertainment - Informative. Empowering. Entertaining  |  English  |  Espionage

Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, has been released after a plea deal concluded a 14-year legal battle with the US government. Assange, who had been held in HMP Belmarsh, pleaded guilty to charges related to the disclosure of classified US defense documents. He was sentenced to time served and is set to return to Australia. The article details his legal struggles, including accusations of endangering US citizens and a dropped rape case in Sweden. Assange expressed regret for his actions and was seen celebrating with supporters upon his release.

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Swedish Authorities US Government WikiLeaks HMP Belmarsh Ecuador Embassy

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Antonio García is a journalist based in La Crucecita, Mexico.

Sweden temporarily closes its embassy in Beirut

03 Aug 2024  |  Noticias Prensa Latina - Actualizando minuto a minuto  |  Spanish  |  Middle East Conflict

Sweden has temporarily closed its embassy in Beirut due to regional security concerns and potential escalation between Israel and Lebanon. Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström announced the closure, advising Swedish citizens to leave Lebanon promptly. The decision follows recent Israeli airstrikes in Beirut targeting Hizbullah leader Fouad Shukur, which also resulted in civilian casualties. The Lebanese government condemned the strikes as direct aggression. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved a large-scale operation against Lebanon in response to an attack in the Golan Heights, attributed to Hizbullah.

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Israeli Government Swedish Foreign Ministry Hizbullah

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I am an Iranian-American Journalist and Iran Analyst.
 When I was 14 I was lucky enough to get a work experience placement at newspaper in Iran. That was begining, From 1997 through today and I have worked with such as great Media inside and outside of Iran. 
I worked as a beat reporter for many ...

Iran's Judiciary Confirms Detention Of Swedish EU Diplomat

12 Sept 2023  |  www.rferl.org  |  English  |  Diplomatic Tensions

Iran's judiciary confirmed the detention of Swedish EU diplomat Johan Floderus, who has been held in Iran for over 500 days under harsh conditions. The European Union and Sweden are actively working to secure his release. The detention has strained relations between Iran and Sweden, especially following the life sentence of Iranian citizen Hamid Noury in Sweden. Iran has detained around 40 foreign nationals amid ongoing political tensions with the West. The European Union's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, and European Commissioner Ylva Johansson have expressed concern over Floderus's situation.

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Swedish Government Iranian Judiciary European Union

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Vanessa Gonye is an award winning journalist based in Harare, Zimbabwe. She is currently focusing on print journalism, with health reporting being the major area she covers. 

She is however an all rounder and can take up any task at any given time. 

Vanessa has a passion for grassroots ...

Zim’s anti drugs campaign receives boost

05 Oct 2023  |  The Zimbabwe Independent  |  English  |  Youth Issues

Zimbabwe received a US$1.9 million boost from Sweden to combat drug and illegal substance abuse, with Swedish ambassador Per Lindgärde emphasizing the need for joint efforts. The campaign, 'The Strength Is in You,' aims to reduce drug supply and demand through prevention, treatment, and control. President Emmerson Mnangagwa and legislators called for stiffer penalties and the establishment of rehabilitation centers. Youth Empowerment Minister Tinoda Machakaire highlighted initiatives to retool vocational centers and provide loans for youth projects. The National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse leads the fight against drug abuse.

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Swedish Embassy Government of Zimbabwe Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drugs Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drugs Network Empower Bank National Youth Service

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I am a freelance journalist, based in Turkey. I mainly cover Turkey's national news, the Syrian war-related issues, the refugee crisis, and Turkey's foreign policy towards Middle East, Africa and Central Asia. I've been contributing to international media outlets as a reporter. Besides, I've been ...

Nato, PKK and Olof Palme: Turkey and Sweden's complicated history

29 Oct 2023  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Turkey-Sweden Relations

Sweden and Turkey have a complex history marked by strategic alliances and tensions over Kurdish groups. Sweden's recognition of the PKK as a terrorist organization in 1984 and its liberal asylum policies have led to friction with Turkey, which accuses Sweden of harboring terrorists. The recent application of Sweden and Finland to join Nato has further strained relations, with Turkey demanding that Sweden distance itself from the PKK and PYD. Despite some cooperation, such as Sweden's extradition of PKK members, the countries remain divided over their approach to Kurdish groups, impacting their diplomatic and strategic relations.

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Swedish Government Turkish Government Nato PKK PYD YPG

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Teresa Küchler is the Brussels-based EU affairs correspondent for Swedish daily Svenska Dagbladet since 2010. 

She also broadcasts a bi-monthly podcast about European affairs in her native Swedish, called Brysselbubblan, and writes columns for 3 regional newspapers in Sweden. 

Teresa also ...

Magdalena Andersson: 'Not Lied to the Corona Commission'

01 Oct 2023  |  www.svd.se  |  Swedish  |  Government Accountability

The Swedish government, led by Magdalena Andersson, has faced criticism for allegedly withholding information from the Corona Commission, which is set to release its final review of Sweden's pandemic response. The controversy intensified after revelations that the government did not provide requested data on infection spread calculations from March 2020, despite the commission's specific requests.

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Swedish Government Corona Commission

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Henrik Pryser Libell is a journalist based in Oslo, Norway.

Nordic countries update their crisis preparedness advice

20 Nov 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  Spanish  |  Climate Threats

Nordic countries, including Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Norway, have updated their crisis preparedness guidelines in response to global security threats, misinformation, cyberattacks, and climate disasters. Sweden's new emergency preparedness booklet, influenced by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, is being distributed to households. Finland has released an online version, while Denmark and Norway updated their guidelines earlier. The updates aim to better prepare citizens for a world with increasing security challenges.

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Finnish Government Swedish Government NATO

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Laura Llach is a freelance journalist based in Madrid, Spain.

Scotland adopts a new feminist foreign policy: Sweden shows how difficult it can be in reality

15 Nov 2023  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Gender Equality

Scotland has adopted a feminist foreign policy, announced by International Development Minister Christina McKelvie, focusing on anti-colonialism, anti-racism, and targeting patriarchal structures. This move follows similar policies by other European countries, though with mixed results. Sweden, the first to adopt and later repeal such a policy, faced challenges balancing feminist ambitions with national interests, highlighted by a diplomatic dispute with Saudi Arabia. The policy's effectiveness and symbolic value remain debated, with internal disagreements and external criticisms influencing its implementation and reversal.

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Swedish Government Scottish Government Human Rights Watch Barcelona Centre for International Affairs

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Mwangi Maina is a Multimedia journalist working for KTN News, Kenya's leading 24 Hour TV Channel in Eastern Africa as a Content Producer. I cover topics ranging from Politics, Regional affairs (Africa's Great Lakes Region), Media Freedom, Fake news as well as human interest stories. I also write ...

Kenya launches treaty database

30 Oct 2023  |  www.standardmedia.co.ke  |  English  |  Technology

Kenya has launched a new database compiling all treaties signed by the government since independence, aimed at enhancing diplomatic transparency and accessibility. The database, accessible on the Foreign Ministry's website, includes details on adoption, signature, ratification, and effective dates of treaties. The initiative follows criticism and misinformation regarding the ratification of the Malabo Protocol. The project, supported by the UNDP, African Union, and the Swedish Government, underscores Kenya's commitment to international agreements and the role of technology in diplomacy.

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Swedish Government Kenyan Government United Nations Development Programme African Union Kenya Human Rights Commission Muslims for Human Rights

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Nhau Mangirazi is a multimedia, award winning investigative, health and environment freelance journalist based in Karoi.
He has contributed to both national and international news organizations including Radio Voice of the People, BBC, Al Jazeera, The Africa Report, Financial Gazette, The Standard,...

Zim’s anti drugs campaign receives boost

05 Oct 2023  |  Southern Eye  |  English  |  International Aid

Zimbabwe received a US$1.9 million boost from Sweden to combat drug and substance abuse, with Swedish ambassador Per Lindgärde emphasizing the need for joint efforts. The campaign, 'The Strength Is in You,' aims to reduce drug supply and demand through prevention, treatment, and control. President Emmerson Mnangagwa and legislators called for stiffer penalties and rehabilitation centers. Youth Empowerment Minister Tinoda Machakaire highlighted initiatives to retool vocational centers and provide loans for youth projects. The National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse leads the fight against drug abuse.

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Swedish Embassy Government of Zimbabwe Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drugs Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drugs Network Empower Bank National Youth Service

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Alex Maxia is a journalist based in Gothenburg and has been living in Sweden since 2016. 

He works as a freelance journalist for The Times, covering mainly topics related to Scandinavia and is Nordic Correspondent for the Italian news agency Agenzia ANSA. Alex often works within the news team of ...

Sweden urges parents to ban screen time for toddlers

09 Oct 2024  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Public Health

Sweden is advocating for reduced screen time for children, with recommendations from the Swedish Paediatric Association suggesting limits for different age groups. The government, led by Forssmed, plans to invest in an 'activity card' scheme to encourage physical activities as alternatives to digital media. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address concerns about excessive screen use among Swedish youth, which is linked to insufficient sleep and other health issues.

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Swedish Government Swedish Paediatric Association

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Andrew Naughtie is a journalist based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

The Swedish fighter plane that could make a difference in Ukraine

18 Sept 2023  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Military Technology

Sweden is considering sending Gripen jets to Ukraine, potentially enhancing Ukraine's military capabilities against Russia. The Gripen, manufactured by Saab AB, offers advantages such as operating from damaged runways and countering Russian missile systems. This move could symbolize strong Western support for Ukraine, especially as Sweden's NATO membership is pending. The article highlights Ukraine's ongoing efforts to secure Western military aid and its recent successes against Russian forces, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Gripen in the conflict.

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Swedish Government NATO Ukrainian Military Russian Military

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Richard Orange is a journalist based in Malmö, Sweden.

We screen everything: How Sweden's Migration Agency handles your work permits

29 Nov 2024  |  The Local Sweden  |  English  |  Swedish Migration Agency

The Swedish Migration Agency has implemented a more efficient system for handling work permits, prioritizing highly qualified workers to expedite decisions. The agency's work permit division, particularly in Malmö, processes a significant number of applications, with a structured approach to categorizing and prioritizing cases. The new system has improved efficiency and organization, allowing for quicker decisions on complete applications. The agency emphasizes impartiality and adherence to the law, ensuring that decisions are made based on case specifics rather than external pressures. Despite complaints about processing times, the agency maintains that differences in case details justify the variance.

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Social Democrat government Swedish Migration Agency Supreme Court EU Court

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Award-winning former BBC broadcaster available for freelance audio, video, print and digital projects in Stockholm.

Swedes cheer end of long wait to join Nato

05 Jan 2024  |  BBC News فارسی  |  English  |  International Relations

Sweden has officially joined NATO, ending a nearly two-year application process. The decision marks a significant shift from Sweden's long-standing neutrality, driven by increased Russian aggression and the invasion of Ukraine. Public opinion in Sweden largely supports the move, with many citizens feeling safer under NATO's protection. However, opposition remains from the Left and Green parties, who fear entanglement in foreign conflicts. The accession faced delays due to objections from Hungary and Turkey, which were eventually resolved. The Swedish government and military emphasize enhanced security, though some warn of potential conflicts. The development is seen as a major expansion of the Western military alliance.

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Social Democrat government Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society NATO

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Anchal Vohra is a Beirut-based TV and Print journalist. She is a freelance Correspondent for AJ English and a writer on the Middle east for Foreign Policy. She also contributes to the Times, the Atlantic, the Telegraph, the New Statesman, and Berlin Policy Journal. Ms Vohra has been Deutsche Welle ...

New Women Leaders, Same Old International Politics

12 Aug 2024  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  International Politics

Several women have recently ascended to top positions in international politics, including Kamala Harris as the lead U.S. Democratic presidential candidate, Ursula von der Leyen re-elected as European Commission president, Kaja Kallas as EU foreign policy chief, and Rachel Reeves as Britain's first female chancellor. Despite these advancements, feminist scholars argue that the presence of women in high offices alone won't significantly alter the male-dominated nature of international politics. The article highlights the slow progress towards gender equality in power, the challenges of implementing feminist foreign policies, and the influence of far-right ideologies and geopolitical conflicts on these efforts. It also discusses the mixed success of feminist foreign policies in countries like Sweden, Canada, and Germany, and the potential impact of a Harris presidency on global gender equality.

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Spanish Government Mexican Government French Government Canadian Government Swedish Government United Nations European Commission European Union Luxembourg Government German Government Chilean Government International Centre for Defence and Security International Center for Research on Women

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Erin Zaleski is a versatile journalist based in Paris specializing in France, travel, features, culture, human rights, politics, and international news. She covered the 2015 terror attacks in Paris, as well as politics, features, and entertainment. She has written for Newsweek, Agence France-Presse,...

Sweden Labels Assault a ‘Terrorist Attack’

05 Oct 2023  |  www.thedailybeast.com  |  English  |  Public Safety

A hijacked beer truck plowed into a popular department store on Drottninggatan in Stockholm, killing at least three and injuring eight in what Swedish authorities are calling a terrorist attack. Prime Minister Stefan Lofven confirmed the incident as a terrorist act. The city went into lockdown, with the metro system closed and armed guards stationed downtown. Eyewitnesses described the chaos and fear as they sheltered in nearby bars. The suspect remains at large, with police releasing images of a potential suspect. This attack follows a similar incident in 2010 on the same street.

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Swedish Police Swedish Government

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