SARAJEVO, Bosnia (October 8,2008) - The Bosnian government adopted yesterday information by the Bosnian Ministry of Civil Affairs related to the activities regarding issuing personal documents and locations for issuing as well as the Plan of the activities for introducing biometric passports.
Bosnia's Prime minister Nikola Spiric announced after the session that this is one of the conditions for liberalization of the visa regime with the EU countries, and the end of the first half of 2009 stays as a date when Bosnia should introduce biometric passports.
He pointed out that the Bosnian Council of Ministers suggested that the entity, cantonal and local organs establish digitally authorized electronic record of citizens by January 1st 2010 the latest and that they should perform inspection supervision at every location at least twice a year.
He warned that it is less important if Bosnia would introduce biometric passports on May 31st 2009, since what Brussels will value is whether the data basis according to which the documents are issued are safe.
"That where this need comes from, since the registry offices are neuralgic points for issuing false documents and that is why the central base of data is needed," Spiric said.
A biometric passport is a combined paper and electronic identity document that uses biometrics to authenticate the citizenship of travelers. The passport's critical information is stored on a tiny computer chip, much like information stored on smartcards. Like some smartcards, the passport book design calls for an embedded contactless chip that is able to hold digital signature data to ensure the integrity of the passport and the biometric data.
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Showing posts with label nikola spiric. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nikola spiric. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Saturday, March 8, 2008
BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT DETERMINES PLAN OF ACTIVITIES FOR 2008
SARAJEVO, Bosnia (March 8,2008) – The Bosnian government has determined a plan of activities for 2008.Bosnia's Prime Minister Nikola Spiric emphasized that the main goals of the program are association of Bosnia to the EU and further progress towards fulltime membership to NATO.
According to him, the plan of activities is oriented towards creation of a united economic space in Bosnia and implementation of economic reforms.
Spiric added that this is the first time that the Bosnian government’s plan of activities will be sent to the parliamentary procedure in due time.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers determined Bill on High School Education and Training in Bosnia, defining guidelines and the main issues related to the high school education training and curriculum. It also deals with the department institutions, main issues related to the curriculum, examinations, schools’ autonomy, financing and management.
Spiric emphasized that it is of a special significance that the Bill foresees the frame curriculum at the Bosnian state level, including the joint circle of general subjects in primary and secondary schools for the purpose of achieving equal standards.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers determined Bill on ID Agency, Booking and Data Exchange which will take over the CIPS project jurisdiction. The Agency, situated in the northern Bosnian city of Banja Luka, will be organized as a management organization as a part of the department ministry.
The Council also determined Bill Changing and Amending the Law on Police Officers, ehich would, if adopted, enable implementation of the UN Security Council’s President from April 30 2007, as well as the implementation of the Bosnian government’ conclusions adopted in relation to the decertified police officers’ issue.
Changes and Amendments to this Law will enable the decertified police officers to apply for work at certain police structures.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers also determined Bill Changing and Amending the Law on Bosnia's Customs Policy which will regulate the issue of freeing from taxes the purchase of equipment for the needs of civil protection institutions and fire departments. Purchase of those goods is ensured by the Bosnian Ministry of Finance and Vault, in cooperation with the Bosnian Ministry of Security. The Council also determined the Bill on Control of Movement of Weapons and Military Equipment which will enable Bosnia to take over the EUFOR jurisdiction in the sector.
The Bill also foresees the ways and conditions of movement of the military equipment and weapons within Bosnia and movement of weapons during the transfer into some other country.
The Council of Ministers determined Bill on State Border Control, regulating the issues of crossing the Bosnian state borders.
The Bill adopted in accordance to the realization of Strategy of Integral Management of State Borders and the European legislative related to the issue, meaning the rules applicable to Bosnia.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers determined Bill Changing and Amending the Law on Judiciary Exam in Bosnia, which foresees the graduated lawyers to take this exam, provided that they have had two years of work experience in the praxis; including the probationers and volunteers. The Bill is aimed to help the young lawyers progress professionally.
Furthermore, the Council of Ministers determined Bill on Basis for Conclusion of the Agreement on the CEFTA Headquarters in Brussels, which will be submitted to the Bih Presidency for further procedure.
The Council of Ministers palso assed Decision Changing and Amending the Decision on Nomination of Workgroup for Development of Report on Participation of the Bosnian Armed Forces, Police and State Officials in Peace Support Missions Abroad.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers passed Decision on Formation of a State Body for Cross-State Border Cooperation, proposed by Direction for European Integrations of Bosnia, aimed to improve the implementation of the second component of the IPA.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers passed Decision on Seizure of the Bosnian Citizenship to Abduladhim Mohammed Maktouf,who is of Iraqi origin. He has been found guilty of crimes against humanity by first-degree verdict.
Also, the Bosnian Council of Ministers passed Decision on Seizure of the Bosnian Citizenship to Kamel Ben Karray who is of Tunisian origin.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers passed conclusion on submitting a part of the Report on the Bosnian government representatives’ Visit to the Bosnian Citizens Imprisoned at the Guantanama Bay Prison to Lakhdar Boumediene’s lawyer.The Bosnian Justice Ministry has been given directions to implement the conclusion.
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According to him, the plan of activities is oriented towards creation of a united economic space in Bosnia and implementation of economic reforms.
Spiric added that this is the first time that the Bosnian government’s plan of activities will be sent to the parliamentary procedure in due time.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers determined Bill on High School Education and Training in Bosnia, defining guidelines and the main issues related to the high school education training and curriculum. It also deals with the department institutions, main issues related to the curriculum, examinations, schools’ autonomy, financing and management.
Spiric emphasized that it is of a special significance that the Bill foresees the frame curriculum at the Bosnian state level, including the joint circle of general subjects in primary and secondary schools for the purpose of achieving equal standards.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers determined Bill on ID Agency, Booking and Data Exchange which will take over the CIPS project jurisdiction. The Agency, situated in the northern Bosnian city of Banja Luka, will be organized as a management organization as a part of the department ministry.
The Council also determined Bill Changing and Amending the Law on Police Officers, ehich would, if adopted, enable implementation of the UN Security Council’s President from April 30 2007, as well as the implementation of the Bosnian government’ conclusions adopted in relation to the decertified police officers’ issue.
Changes and Amendments to this Law will enable the decertified police officers to apply for work at certain police structures.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers also determined Bill Changing and Amending the Law on Bosnia's Customs Policy which will regulate the issue of freeing from taxes the purchase of equipment for the needs of civil protection institutions and fire departments. Purchase of those goods is ensured by the Bosnian Ministry of Finance and Vault, in cooperation with the Bosnian Ministry of Security. The Council also determined the Bill on Control of Movement of Weapons and Military Equipment which will enable Bosnia to take over the EUFOR jurisdiction in the sector.
The Bill also foresees the ways and conditions of movement of the military equipment and weapons within Bosnia and movement of weapons during the transfer into some other country.
The Council of Ministers determined Bill on State Border Control, regulating the issues of crossing the Bosnian state borders.
The Bill adopted in accordance to the realization of Strategy of Integral Management of State Borders and the European legislative related to the issue, meaning the rules applicable to Bosnia.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers determined Bill Changing and Amending the Law on Judiciary Exam in Bosnia, which foresees the graduated lawyers to take this exam, provided that they have had two years of work experience in the praxis; including the probationers and volunteers. The Bill is aimed to help the young lawyers progress professionally.
Furthermore, the Council of Ministers determined Bill on Basis for Conclusion of the Agreement on the CEFTA Headquarters in Brussels, which will be submitted to the Bih Presidency for further procedure.
The Council of Ministers palso assed Decision Changing and Amending the Decision on Nomination of Workgroup for Development of Report on Participation of the Bosnian Armed Forces, Police and State Officials in Peace Support Missions Abroad.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers passed Decision on Formation of a State Body for Cross-State Border Cooperation, proposed by Direction for European Integrations of Bosnia, aimed to improve the implementation of the second component of the IPA.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers passed Decision on Seizure of the Bosnian Citizenship to Abduladhim Mohammed Maktouf,who is of Iraqi origin. He has been found guilty of crimes against humanity by first-degree verdict.
Also, the Bosnian Council of Ministers passed Decision on Seizure of the Bosnian Citizenship to Kamel Ben Karray who is of Tunisian origin.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers passed conclusion on submitting a part of the Report on the Bosnian government representatives’ Visit to the Bosnian Citizens Imprisoned at the Guantanama Bay Prison to Lakhdar Boumediene’s lawyer.The Bosnian Justice Ministry has been given directions to implement the conclusion.
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Thursday, February 28, 2008
SPIRIC URGED PIC TO SUPPORT BOSNIA'S EU INTEGRATION
BRUSSELS, Belgium (February 28,2008) – Bosnia's Prime Minister Nikola Spiric stated that the political situation in Bosnia is much better now comparing the situation at the time of the last session of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) Managing Board.
Spiric stated that the activities of the Bosnian Council of Ministers are based on two ideas – further integration of Bosnia into the EU and the full membership in the NATO.
”Bosnia on December 4 2007 initialed the Stabilisation a nd Association Agreement (SAA) with the EU and the Bosnian Council of Ministers took obligations derived from it very seriously”, stated Spiric.
Regarding the police reform, he informed PIC that based on the Mostar Declaration and Action Plan for police reform,the Bosnian Council of Ministers on February 14 confirmed and sent into parliamentary procedure draft law on the Direction for police bodies coordination and agencies for the support to the police structure in Bosnia as well as the draft law on independent supervisory bodies of the police structure.
”Both laws were adopted in the first reading in the Bosnian Parliament's House of Representatives and House of Peoples. I expect for these laws to be presented in the House of Representatives for the second reading in the session’s Agenda on March 5”, stated Spiric.
He added that every reform is a matter of process, not moment. “I have appealed to all chosen authorities to choose further integrations over ideal laws”, added Spiric.
He estimated that the issue of further integrations needs a wide consensus but that no one has the right to stop the processes and for Bosnia to waste the chance given by Brussels. He expressed optimism that reason and responsibility will prevail and both laws would be adopted at the second reading.
”I appeal to you to encourage those political forces which expressed doubts since it is clear that these two laws do not complete the police reform but they make those first steps which would not allow us to go back any more”, added Spiric.
He concluded that there is progress in the public management reform which was noted in the report of European Commission last week.
Spiric underlined that the basic program goal of the Bosnian government, except from the EU integrations processes, is the full membership in NATO.
He informed PIC that the Bosnian Council of Ministers concluded a number of other important draft laws such as budget law, law on criminal proceedings, law on medications and other medical supplies, law on salaries and employment fees in the Bosnian state institutions, as well as the law on fiscal council.
Spiric stated that the Bosnian Council of Ministers has the list of priorities such as solving the status the state property, attracting foreign investments, economic development, and census, strategy for the fight against corruption and framework employment strategy.
He added that these days the issue of the future of the Office of the International Community's High Representative in bosnia (OHR) is very much discussed.
Spiric appealed to PIC to support Bosnia on its road towards the EU and again underlined the importance of signing the SAA as soon as possible.
"As I have already mentioned, after the Dayton Agreement, the SAA is the most important agreement for Bosnia which should bring together all creative potentials and ensure that Bosnia rises above futile and somewhat hysteric political games”, concluded Spiric.
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Spiric stated that the activities of the Bosnian Council of Ministers are based on two ideas – further integration of Bosnia into the EU and the full membership in the NATO.
”Bosnia on December 4 2007 initialed the Stabilisation a nd Association Agreement (SAA) with the EU and the Bosnian Council of Ministers took obligations derived from it very seriously”, stated Spiric.
Regarding the police reform, he informed PIC that based on the Mostar Declaration and Action Plan for police reform,the Bosnian Council of Ministers on February 14 confirmed and sent into parliamentary procedure draft law on the Direction for police bodies coordination and agencies for the support to the police structure in Bosnia as well as the draft law on independent supervisory bodies of the police structure.
”Both laws were adopted in the first reading in the Bosnian Parliament's House of Representatives and House of Peoples. I expect for these laws to be presented in the House of Representatives for the second reading in the session’s Agenda on March 5”, stated Spiric.
He added that every reform is a matter of process, not moment. “I have appealed to all chosen authorities to choose further integrations over ideal laws”, added Spiric.
He estimated that the issue of further integrations needs a wide consensus but that no one has the right to stop the processes and for Bosnia to waste the chance given by Brussels. He expressed optimism that reason and responsibility will prevail and both laws would be adopted at the second reading.
”I appeal to you to encourage those political forces which expressed doubts since it is clear that these two laws do not complete the police reform but they make those first steps which would not allow us to go back any more”, added Spiric.
He concluded that there is progress in the public management reform which was noted in the report of European Commission last week.
Spiric underlined that the basic program goal of the Bosnian government, except from the EU integrations processes, is the full membership in NATO.
He informed PIC that the Bosnian Council of Ministers concluded a number of other important draft laws such as budget law, law on criminal proceedings, law on medications and other medical supplies, law on salaries and employment fees in the Bosnian state institutions, as well as the law on fiscal council.
Spiric stated that the Bosnian Council of Ministers has the list of priorities such as solving the status the state property, attracting foreign investments, economic development, and census, strategy for the fight against corruption and framework employment strategy.
He added that these days the issue of the future of the Office of the International Community's High Representative in bosnia (OHR) is very much discussed.
Spiric appealed to PIC to support Bosnia on its road towards the EU and again underlined the importance of signing the SAA as soon as possible.
"As I have already mentioned, after the Dayton Agreement, the SAA is the most important agreement for Bosnia which should bring together all creative potentials and ensure that Bosnia rises above futile and somewhat hysteric political games”, concluded Spiric.
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Thursday, February 21, 2008
EUROPEAN UNION PROVIDES 440 MILLION EUROS FOR BOSNIA IN PRE-ACCESSION AID
SARAJEVO, Bosnia (February 21,2008) - The European Union and Bosnia signed an agreement yesterday in the Bosnian capital sarajevo providing Bosnia with 440 million Euros (645 million US Dollars) aimed at helping reforms and bolstering the Bosnian economy."This is a very clear sign and demonstration of EU confidence and support," EU enlargement official Pierre Mirel told reporters after the signing ceremony.
Mirel, the head of the 27-nation bloc's enlargement department for the Western Balkans, signed the agreement with Bosnia'S Prime Minister Nikola Spiric.
Mirel said the new assistance instrument to countries that are potential candidates will assess each of them according to their needs and evolution, monitoring institution building, cross-border cooperation, regional development and other.
"The new assistance the European Union is providing is not in the form of credits but in the form of grants," he said.
The funds are for the 2007-2011 period and are meant to help implement reforms needed to meet EU standards and help Bosnia make progress in EU integration, said Mirel.
The grant comes under EU pre-accession funds available after Bosnia in December initialled its Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA), seen as the first step towards full EU membership.
Bosnia was expected to start implementing the reforms and formally sign the SAA deal in the first half of 2008.
Key police reforms were a condition set by the European Union before the membership process could begin.
In order to complete the signing, Bosnia must implement them and show progress in reforming public media and cooperation with The Hague-based UN war crimes tribunal.
However, the leaders of Bosnia's ruling political parties are yet to agree on laws defining the police reforms.
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Saturday, February 16, 2008
COUNCIL OF MINISTERS ADOPTED POLICE BILL WITHOUT APPROVAL OF SDA PARTY
SARAJEVO, Bosnia (February 16,2008) – The Bosnian Council of Ministers in Sarajevo adopted,with majority votes,without the approval of the SDA Party,the draft law on Direction for Coordination of Police Authority and Agencies for Support to the Police Structure in Bosnia, as well as draft law on independent supervisory bodies of police structures in Bosnia.
Legislature office of the with majority votes is obliged to, based on the agreement of the Work Group for Police reform, prepare a draft law and send it to the Bosnian Parliament for discussion.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers Chair Nikola Spiric stated at the press conference that it is good that a level of agreement was preserved according to Mostar Declaration and expressed his expectations that this dedication will be shown by the Bosnian Parliament as well.
He pointed out the importance of these legislative projects on the road to EU with belief that representatives of Peace Implementation Council will be in opportunity to conclude the progress in this segment.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers adopted the presentation document if the Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) which was proposed by the Bosnian Ministry of Defence. The Bosnian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is obliged to deliver this document to the Bosnian Presidency for further procedure.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers adopted the agreement on disposal of all rights and obligations of movable assets which would be used for defence needs and authorized Spiric to represent the Council in signing of this agreement after which it will be delivered to entity governments for adoption.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers also concluded the draft law on protection and saving of people and material goods in case of natural and other disasters in Bosnia.With this law, an operative communication center in Bosnia is introduced as well as a system of unique European number for emergencies 112.
As it was stated by Spiricr, by adopting these documents, that is draft laws, another step forward has been made in the Bosnian defence reform as well as in Bosnia’s road to full membership in NATO and signal was sent before the summit in Bucharest planned for beginning of April.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers also discussed on the draft law on salaries of the Bosnian government employees.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers also adopted the draft law on changing and amending the law on criminal procedure in Bosnia.Important changes and amendments of this law, which was forced by the International Community's High Representative in 2003 and later confirmed by the Bosnian Parliament came from the practice in which some earlier made legal solutions were hard to implement.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers also adopted the draft law on medications and medical aids.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers obliged the Bosnian Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees to prepare decisions on the naming of Board members of the Genocide Memorial Center Srebrenica-Potocari and cemetery of the genocide victims and deliver it to the Bosnian Council of Ministers by the end of February.
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Legislature office of the with majority votes is obliged to, based on the agreement of the Work Group for Police reform, prepare a draft law and send it to the Bosnian Parliament for discussion.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers Chair Nikola Spiric stated at the press conference that it is good that a level of agreement was preserved according to Mostar Declaration and expressed his expectations that this dedication will be shown by the Bosnian Parliament as well.
He pointed out the importance of these legislative projects on the road to EU with belief that representatives of Peace Implementation Council will be in opportunity to conclude the progress in this segment.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers adopted the presentation document if the Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) which was proposed by the Bosnian Ministry of Defence. The Bosnian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is obliged to deliver this document to the Bosnian Presidency for further procedure.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers adopted the agreement on disposal of all rights and obligations of movable assets which would be used for defence needs and authorized Spiric to represent the Council in signing of this agreement after which it will be delivered to entity governments for adoption.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers also concluded the draft law on protection and saving of people and material goods in case of natural and other disasters in Bosnia.With this law, an operative communication center in Bosnia is introduced as well as a system of unique European number for emergencies 112.
As it was stated by Spiricr, by adopting these documents, that is draft laws, another step forward has been made in the Bosnian defence reform as well as in Bosnia’s road to full membership in NATO and signal was sent before the summit in Bucharest planned for beginning of April.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers also discussed on the draft law on salaries of the Bosnian government employees.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers also adopted the draft law on changing and amending the law on criminal procedure in Bosnia.Important changes and amendments of this law, which was forced by the International Community's High Representative in 2003 and later confirmed by the Bosnian Parliament came from the practice in which some earlier made legal solutions were hard to implement.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers also adopted the draft law on medications and medical aids.
The Bosnian Council of Ministers obliged the Bosnian Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees to prepare decisions on the naming of Board members of the Genocide Memorial Center Srebrenica-Potocari and cemetery of the genocide victims and deliver it to the Bosnian Council of Ministers by the end of February.
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Monday, January 28, 2008
SPIRIC MET WITH BRITISH DIPLOMATS
SARAJEVO, Bosnia (January 28,2008) – Bosnia's Prime Minister Nikola Spiric had a meeting in the Bosnian capital Sarajevo with British Ambassador to Bosnia Matthew Rycroft and British Coordinator for the Southeastern Europe Michael Tetham. He informed them on the activities of the Bosnian government in the process of fulfilling conditions for signing the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with the European Union.
Spiric stated that after the Dayton agreement, the SAA is the most important document and that its signing will bring Bosnia's political leaders into a new position related to fulfilment of the EU association obligations.
British Coordinator for the Southeastern Europe stated that his country has supported the integration of West Balkans into the EU, the Bosnian government announced.
Spiric stated that after the Dayton agreement, the SAA is the most important document and that its signing will bring Bosnia's political leaders into a new position related to fulfilment of the EU association obligations.
British Coordinator for the Southeastern Europe stated that his country has supported the integration of West Balkans into the EU, the Bosnian government announced.
Friday, January 25, 2008
WORLD BANK TO SUSPEND 10 MILLION USD FROM BOSNIAN EDUCATIONAL SECTOR
SARAJEVO, Bosnia (January 25,2008) – Bosnia's Prime Minister Nikola Spiric met in the Bosnian capital Sarajevo with Head of the World Bank Office in Bosnia Marco Mantovanelli and his associates. Spiric proposed that the World Bank should help the regional project aimed to fight fire and flood disasters. The project is directed from Bosnia.
World Bank representatives stated that the idea is very interesting and announced that they will consider it carefully.
Spiric stated that the World Bank could help support public purchase related to fight against crime and corruption and development of statistics in the sense of equipping and educating the statistic agencies’ personnel for the census which will take place once the political decision is passed.
The officials also talked about the problems related to implementation of education restructuring project.
Mantovanelli stated that the project will be suspended but also expressed willingness of the World Bank to change the arrangement of its implementation and added that it would be a shame to “lose 10 million USD”.
Spiric also informed Mantovaneli that he will sign a memorandum of understanding for formation of Conference of Ministers of Education in Bosnia.He emphasized that the Conference will look for answers related to implementation of education restructuring project.
They also talked about servicing of Bosnia’s debt to the World Bank and on formation of the Bosnian Fiscal Council and about possibilities of increasing efficiency in the process of monitoring the realization of loans.
Mantovanelli informed Spiric that World Bank representatives visited the Brcko District for the purpose of including the District into the Sava River-related projects, in accordance with the last year’s calls to make Brcko District a part of the partnership strategy, the Bosnian Council of Ministers announced.
World Bank representatives stated that the idea is very interesting and announced that they will consider it carefully.
Spiric stated that the World Bank could help support public purchase related to fight against crime and corruption and development of statistics in the sense of equipping and educating the statistic agencies’ personnel for the census which will take place once the political decision is passed.
The officials also talked about the problems related to implementation of education restructuring project.
Mantovanelli stated that the project will be suspended but also expressed willingness of the World Bank to change the arrangement of its implementation and added that it would be a shame to “lose 10 million USD”.
Spiric also informed Mantovaneli that he will sign a memorandum of understanding for formation of Conference of Ministers of Education in Bosnia.He emphasized that the Conference will look for answers related to implementation of education restructuring project.
They also talked about servicing of Bosnia’s debt to the World Bank and on formation of the Bosnian Fiscal Council and about possibilities of increasing efficiency in the process of monitoring the realization of loans.
Mantovanelli informed Spiric that World Bank representatives visited the Brcko District for the purpose of including the District into the Sava River-related projects, in accordance with the last year’s calls to make Brcko District a part of the partnership strategy, the Bosnian Council of Ministers announced.
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