A.N.A. Bulletin, 31/10/96
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1027), October 31, 1996
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] GSEE announces nationwide strike after 'fruitless' meeting with
Papantoniou
[02] Gov't spokesman, opposition
[03] Arsenis meeting
[04] Contacts to continue
[05] Balance of payments deficit up by 47.3% in first half of '96
[06] Gov't spokesman says 1988 Greek-Turkish memorandum should be the
basis for rapprochement
[07] State Department comments on latest Cyprus incident
[08] Turkish drivers held for illegal transport of shotgun shells
[09] President, Gov't relations are 'harmonious'
[10] Tsohatzopoulos meets with SAE president Athens
[11] Youth in notorious drug case given a stay by court
[12] Greece buys ancient bust of Alexander the Great
[13] Crucial ND Parliamentary group meeting today
[14] Tsovolas criticizes Gov't for its economic policy
[15] Venizelos to meet in Rome today with his Italian counterpart
[16] Petsalnikos on tour of Australia
[17] Canberra will raise Cyprus issue during Clinton's visit to
Australia
[18] Papoutsis to visit Albania, FYROM
[19] Pegasus inquiry to be completed by week's end
[20] Geitonas calls for immediate overhaul of health system
[21] National economy under-secretary outlines nation's basic
economic goals
[22] Greek banks to submit proposals on taxation of state titles next
week
[23] Study shows Greek businessmen mostly satisfied with unified
European market
[24] New housing loan programs announced
[25] Greece ranked first on list of top maritime nations
[26] Gov't: Insurance increases to be shaped by inflation
[01] GSEE announces nationwide strike after 'fruitless' meeting with
Papantoniou
Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)
The government and labor unions are on an apparent collision
course following fruitless talks between National Economy
Minister Yiannos Papantoniou and the presidium of the General
Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) yesterday, after which
GSEE announced a 24-hour nationwide strike for November 28.
GSEE announced the protest because Mr. Papantoniou did not
accept the labor umbrella group's proposals for an index-related
amendment of the tax scale and an increase in the tax-exempt
income of taxpayers up to two million drachmas.
Mr. Papantoniou was also called upon by GSEE to make a more
precise prediction for inflation in 1997 because a high
deviation, like the one recorded this year, according to GSEE
weakens the content of the agreement at the expense of workers.
GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos said the minister assured
labor representatives that there will be no new taxation aimed
at the lower income brackets, while no new indirect taxation
will be imposed. He also said the minister stated that the
budget will have a social dimension and the increase in the
education ministry's expenditures will be double that of other
ministries. Small increases in public utility rates were also
promised.
Mr. Polyzogopoulos added that the GSEE would continue to press
for measures to combat unemployment and de-industrialization as
well as a real increase in workers' incomes.
He stressed the need to peg the tax scale to cost of living,
adding that he considered it "unacceptable" that tax brackets
had not been indexed for five years.
GSEE also requested taxation of interest on state titles.
In addition, pensioners' organizations are reacting strongly to
the government's intention to have a social solidarity bonus
only partially funded by the state budget, with the remainder
coming from insurance funds.
Mr. Papantoniou told GSEE during their meeting that only one
EKAS section (Social Solidarity Fund for those on low pensions)
will be funded through the budget.
Pensioners' organizations warned that they would sue those
responsible for the funds, asking that EKAS be funded solely by
the state budget. The same position was supported by the
leadership of the labor and social security ministry.
[02] Gov't spokesman, opposition
Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)
Meanwhile, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas called on those
criticizing the government to be patient and to await the
tabling of the budget before making their comments.
He said the government's pledges not to impose new taxes still
held, adding that pre-election promises were part of efforts for
economic growth and went hand in hand with the "sensitivity"
which must be shown to weaker social strata.
The government spokesman pointed to Development Minister Vasso
Papandreou's proposal for the establishment of a special social
solidarity fund.
On his part, main opposition New Democracy party leader
Miltiades Evert called on Prime Minister Costas Simitis to reply
why he "tolerates the sight of the national economy's
dissolution although he is aware of its disastrous
consequences," calling on M r. Simitis to brief Parliament on
which measures he intends to take to put an end to "these morbid
phenomena, achieve coordination of the government's work in the
economic sector and take decisions on restructuring the economic
system."
[03] Arsenis meeting
Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)
Meanwhile, Education Minister Gerassimos Arsenis said a recent
meeting between himself and Mr. Papantoniou was "fruitful."
Mr. Arsenis said the national economy ministry has agreed to
allocate the necessary funds to the education ministry to cover
the needs for 6,500 substitute teachers.
[04] Contacts to continue
Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)
In the framework of the government's further contacts with labor
unions on setting out economic policy, the leadership of the
Civil Servants Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY) will have
consecutive meetings today with Interior Minister Alekos
Papadopoulos and Finance Under-secretary Nikos Christodoulakis.
ADEDY will request implementation of the civil servants' new
salary scale as of January 1, 1997.
As previously announced, the government has decided to decrease
hiring in the public sector, where even the number of seasonal
workers will be drastically reduced.
[05] Balance of payments deficit up by 47.3% in first half of '96
Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)
The deficit in the balance of payments increased by 47.3 per
cent over the first half of the current year, amounting to
$3.155 billion compared to $2.141 billion in the corresponding
period in 1995. The deficit in the month of June amounted to
$456 million, exceeding the corresponding figure for June 1995
by $303 million.
The sharp increase in the deficit of the balance of payments
reflects repercussions emanating from exchange policy and a
decrease in inflows from the European Union.
In addition, the trade deficit increased by $300 million, the
invisible resources surplus decreased by $2.37 billion and as a
result overseas transactions in their entirety produced a
deficit amounting to $2.7 billion compared to a surplus of
$1.115 billion in the corresponding period in 1995.
Subsequently, foreign exchange reserves decreased from $16.5
billion to $13 billion. But according to an announcement by the
Bank of Greece, the foreign exchange reserves increased in the
following months and reached $16.8 billion at the end of
September.
[06] Gov't spokesman says 1988 Greek-Turkish memorandum should be the
basis for rapprochement
Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday that there
is no issue of confidence-building measures (CBMs) in the Aegean
for Athens. Mr. Reppas made the statement after being asked to
comment on a statement made by Foreign Under-secretary Christos
Rozakis on the "Flash" radio station.
The government spokesman repeated the government's position that
the Papoulias-Yilmaz Memorandum, signed in 1988 by the then
foreign ministers of Greece and Turkey, constituted a positive
basis for rapprochement between the two countries.
In a related issue, Mr. Reppas said the government will air its
complete opposition through diplomatic channels to a report
written by a US Air Force lieutenant colonel and published in an
official Naval War School journal, which apparently adopts
Ankara's positions on so-called Greek-Turkish differences.
However, the government spokesman noted that Athens isn't
assigning too much attention on the report.
[07] State Department comments on latest Cyprus incident
Washington, 31/10/1996 (ANA - T. Ellis)
US State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns yesterday condemned
an incident in which British soldiers were shot at by Turkish
forces in Cyprus, saying Washington issued a protest over the
event.
"We believe that Turkish Cypriot security forces should not fire
against people when they enter one or two meters inside a line.
Unfortunately, a young Greek Cypriot was murdered in this manner
a few months ago. We think such things must not occur in future.
And we stand beside the British, expressing our protest," Mr.
Burns said in reply to a question.
Two British soldiers were shot at by the Turkish side after
straying into the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus earlier this
week.
[08] Turkish drivers held for illegal transport of shotgun shells
Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)
Two Turkish nationals are being held by customs officials in the
Evros border region after they were found carrying 19 crates
containing a total of 390,000 hunting rifle shells.
According to reports, the shells were bought in Italy and were
destined for Istanbul, and although the drivers had the required
purchase papers for their cargo, they did not have the necessary
documents for transporting the ammunition through Greece - which
should have been issued by the Greek authorities.
Both trucks are being held at the Evros customs station, while
an Alexandroupolis prosecutor decides on further action.
In an unrelated incident, a Turkish soldier on the border near
the village of Kastanies fired a shot in the direction of a
Greek observation post at approximately 1 p.m. yesterday.
According to reports, the incident was considered closed after
the leaders of the two opposite observation posts, Greek and
Turkish, met, with an explanation for the firing given.
[09] President, Gov't relations are 'harmonious'
Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)
"The relations between the president of the republic and the
government are totally harmonious," an announcement issued by
the President's Office said yesterday.
President Kostis Stephanopoulos was quoted by recent press
reports as saying that he was not following developments but
merely being informed of them like everyone else. He made the
statement during a tour of northern Greece and was referring to
the Skopje issue.
The statement prompted an answer by government spokesman
Dimitris Reppas who said Tuesday that Mr. Stephanopoulos was not
involved in decision making but that his role was symbolic of
the nation's unity and his official statements had national (as
opposed to political) meaning.
Mr. Stephanopoulos' office said the president's statement
referred to "the uncertainty of diplomatic developments and had
no other meaning."
[10] Tsohatzopoulos meets with SAE president Athens
Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos held talks with
Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) President Andrew Athens
yesterday, reportedly focusing on issues concerning the course
of the SAE and of expatriate Greeks in the United States.
According to the reports, Mr. Athens, briefed Mr. Tsohatzopoulos
on the situation in the United States in light of the
presidential elections there next week.
In another development, Alternate Foreign Minister George
Papandreou held talks with Mr. Athens and Greek-American leader
Andrew Manatos. Their talks focused on issues also concerning
expatriate Hellenism.
[11] Youth in notorious drug case given a stay by court
Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)
A 17-year-old identified only as "Christos K." was granted a
stay until tomorrow to appear before a judicial investigator on
charges of repeated drug possession and trafficking.
According to reports, the youth offered a hashish cigarette to
an eight-year-old earlier this month, who was later found
unconscious on a bench in the Agios Panteleimon Square in
central Athens after smoking the hashish.
The young boy, "Lefteris", now resides at a welfare institution
in the city of Ioannina, since his mother is unable to take care
of him and since his father has abandoned the family.
According to reports, "Christos" claims that he did not know the
cigarette contained hashish and that it had been given to him by
a 20-year-old he identified as "Spyros".
[12] Greece buys ancient bust of Alexander the Great
Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)
The Greek culture ministry has bought a marble bust of Alexander
the Great, dating from the early third century B.C., that was
auctioned off yesterday by Christies in Vienna.
The bust belonged to the private collection of German baron Von
Heil before being confiscated by the Nazis in Vienna.
The work was purchased for about US$ 250,000, with bids
beginning at around US$ 45,000.
[13] Crucial ND Parliamentary group meeting today
Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)
The main opposition New Democracy party's Parliamentary group
will hold a crucial session today with the various groups and
trends in the party carefully planning their strategies and
tactics.
According to reports, party leader Miltiades Evert will not
refer to intra-party squabbles in his opening speech but only to
opposition tactics ND will apply. However, his close associates
said that if provoked he will reply to his intra-party rivals in
his closing statement.
George Souflias, who held contacts with several deputies
yesterday, will insist on carrying out an honest and fair party
congress with intra-party elections being held. According to the
reports, he will not consent to processes of disputing Mr. Evert
at the Parliamentary group.
Stephanos Manos will set out five proposals for a minimum
framework of understanding between leading cadres, while top ND
cadre Dora Bakoyianni does not intend to take the floor.
Meanwhile, a stir was created by a radio interview by Ioannis
Varvitsiotis, who let it be understood that he himself would
consent to the possibility of a transitional party president
until the congress takes place on condition that his candidacy
for the party's presidency will not be ruled out.
[14] Tsovolas criticizes Gov't for its economic policy
Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)
Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) President Dimitris Tsovolas
criticized the government yesterday of "improvisation and lack
of a program for the economy."
Mr. Tsovolas described the government's tactics as being
unacceptable in leaking to the press plans of new taxes, which
he said create a negative climate in the market and disorganize
the national economy.
The DHKKI leader estimated that the 1996 budget will end on a
deficit to the tune of 450 billion drachmas, stressing that this
fully confirms the failure of what he called "dead end and
anti-popular economic policy, which has been implemented over
the past few years."
He said his party will submit draft bills to Parliament aiming
to protect the incomes of salaried workers and pensioners, the
social and individual rights of citizens and the protection and
development of democratic institutions.
Mr. Tsovolas said DHKKI's predictions regarding national issues
are being confirmed, saying that immediately after the US
presidential elections, implementation will begin of a "plan of
the great powers of the west for the carving up of the Aegean, a
bi-federal solution in Cyprus and the closing of the Skopjan
issue in the beginning of 1997 with a composite name."
[15] Venizelos to meet in Rome today with his Italian counterpart
Rome, 31/10/1996 (ANA - L. Hatzikyriakos)
Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos will have a meeting today
in the eternal city with his Italian counterpart and government
Vice-President Valter Veltroni. He is also due to meet with the
chief of the Democratic Party o f the Left, Massimo D' Alema. On
Saturday, Mr. Venizelos will visit Venice to attend the opening
of the Department of Modern Greek Studies at the University of
Venice.
Meanwhile, Culture Ministry Secretary General Evgenios
Yiannakopoulos represented Greece at a Council of Europe
conference on the European film industry, held in Budapest.
The conference, entitled "European Film Industry: A Common
Future," was held between Oct. 27-29.
[16] Petsalnikos on tour of Australia
Sydney, 31/10/1996 (ANA - S. Theologidis)
The minister of Macedonia and Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos began
an eight-day tour of expatriate Greek communities in Australia
yesterday at the invitation of the Pan-Macedonian Unions of
Melbourne and Victoria, as part of events included in the
Dimitria Exhibition.
The exhibition started on Oct. 13 and will end tomorrow.
After Sydney, Mr. Petsalnikos will then visit Melbourne,
Adelaide and Perth. In these four cities, where most of the
700,000 Greek expatriates live, he will have a series of
meetings with politicians of Greek origin from both federal and
state level, as well as with Archbishop of Australia Stylianos,
members of the Greek Community presidium and the board of the
Pan-Macedonian Union, whose presidency is currently held by the
Sydney Union.
Mr. Petsalnikos will give a press conference to the expatriate
media in the afternoon and will address a gathering of Greek
expatriates. He will leave for Melbourne tomorrow.
[17] Canberra will raise Cyprus issue during Clinton's visit to
Australia
Melbourne, 31/10/1996 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)
Australia will broach the issue of the Cyprus problem when US
President Bill Clinton visits Australia next month, Foreign
Minister Alexander Downer has told representatives of the
Australian Cypriot and Greek communities.
"Australia supports the immediate resolution of the problem and
believes that it cannot be resolved without the immediate
intervention of the United States. We aim to bring the Cyprus
issue up for discussion with Mr. Clinton during his visit here
next month," he said after the meeting.
The meeting, attended by representatives of the Cypriot and
Greek communities, was followed by a meeting with the shadow
(opposition) foreign minister Laurie Brereton and the leader of
the opposition Labor Party Kim Beazley.
Mr. Downer said he based his optimism that the Cyprus problem
would be resolved on the commitment made by Mr. Clinton that, if
he is re-elected, he would take a leading role in achieving this
aim.
The Australian foreign minister, however, refused to condemn
Turkey for its provocations in the Aegean saying the policy of
equal distances gave Australia the chance to play a more
effective role in the initiative to resolve the problem.
Meanwhile, Australia may proceed with establishing a diplomatic
mission in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM)
following the November 6 talks between FYROM and Greece on the
issue of the name, Mr. Downer added.
He said however that any such move would be accompanied with
"strict terms", particularly on the issue of the name, and would
occur after consultations with representatives of the Greek
community.
[18] Papoutsis to visit Albania, FYROM
Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)
Greek EU Commissioner Christos Papoutsis will visit Albania and
the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia at the official
invitation of the governments of the two countries.
During his visits, Mr. Papoutsis will exchange views on
relations between the European Union and the two countries with
particular emphasis on the energy sector, small- to medium-size
businesses and tourism.
In Albania, Mr. Papoutsis will be received by President Sali
Berisha, Prime Minister Alexander Meksi and Foreign Minister
Tritan Shehu. He is also expected to meet with the ministers of
energy and resources, finance and tourism.
Mr. Papoutsis will also inaugurate, along with Mr. Meksi, the
"Albanian-European Energy Center."
He will also inaugurate a seminar on energy policies in Albania.
In FYROM, Mr. Papoutsis will be received by President Kiro
Gligorov. He will also have talks with Prime Minister Branko
Crvenkovski, and the ministers of foreign affairs and finance.
[19] Pegasus inquiry to be completed by week's end
Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)
The findings of the investigation into last week's Pegasus ferry
accident are to be completed by the end of the week, Merchant
Marine Minister Stavros Soumakis said yesterday during a press
conference.
Mr. Soumakis said 210 passengers on board the ferry had not been
declared to the authorities, meaning the ship traveled with 450
passengers instead of the 240 declared by company
representatives.
The merchant marine minister repeated his intention to
immediately implement the electronic issuing of boat tickets.
Mr. Soumakis described the Pegasus accident as being "tragic and
incomprehensible", and said that in these cases, the main cause
is usually human error as all ships, however old, conform to all
safety standards.
Mr. Soumakis said 'we aim to modernize the coastal fleet and we
will soon announce the measures we will take, following a
meeting with the sailors, which will concern passenger safety."
Meanwhile, the company owning the Pegasus sent a letter to the
merchant marine minister stating that owners of the cars and
motorbikes damaged in the ship's hold during the accident are to
be fully compensated. It added that payments had begun on
Tuesday, while compensation for those injured would be made
according to each individual case.
The US Ambassador to Greece Thomas Niles made a day-long private
visit to Kavala and the island of Thassos yesterday.
The ambassador visited the off-shore drilling installations of
the Prinos oil field and archaeological sites on Thassos.
[20] Geitonas calls for immediate overhaul of health system
Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)
State hospitals owe more than 180 billion drachmas in contracts
for perishables and pharmaceuticals, while social security funds
and the state owe hospitals 49 billion drachmas, Health and
Social Security Minister Costas Geitonas said yesterday.
The minister told the directors of Athens hospitals attending a
seminar yesterday that the situation was heading to a deadlock
if immediate measures to restructure the national health system
(ESY) and upgrade emergency services and primary health care w
ere not taken.
A further 3,900 medical and nursing staff will be hired, he
announced, adding that this number covered only 10 per cent of
current hospital needs.
Legislation overhauling the health care system, drafted by
previous minister Anastasios Peponis, will be tabled in
Parliament by the end of the year, Mr. Geitonas added. The bill
foresees the establishment of a single health body, the
appointment of man agers in hospital administration, the
establishment of the 'family doctor' or general practitioner and
the afternoon operation of outpatients clinics in state
hospitals.
[21] National economy under-secretary outlines nation's basic
economic goals
Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)
National Economy Under-secretary Alekos Baltas referred to the
basic goals of Greece's economic policy during a speech
yesterday attended by most the commercial attaches of foreign
embassies in Greece.
In his address, Mr. Baltas noted a deflationary trend, a
decrease of the national deficit, acceleration of the growth
rate and an emphasis on social solidarity.
The national economy under-secretary said that a new government
was planning to increase its financial activity in and
co-operation with the countries of eastern and central Europe,
to increase its activities in the Middle East and create an
appropriate trade co-operation network with Asian countries.
Mr. Baltas said Greece was pursuing greater economic
co-operation with these countries in the sectors of services,
tourism, public works, joint ventures and investment.
[22] Greek banks to submit proposals on taxation of state titles next
week
Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)
The Union of Greek Banks (EET) will submit its proposals on the
possible taxation of state titles and financial derivatives in
money and capital markets next week, EET Secretary-General
Ioannis Manos told a press conference yesterday.
"The EET is in favor of a solution which will promote these
products and, at the same time, guarantee the state's
interests," Mr. Manos said.
Mr. Manos met with Finance Under-secretary George Drys yesterday
on the same issue. He said there was a very good climate on
talks between the government and banks on the issue of taxation
and the possible repercussions on banks.
Mr. Manos added that the EET board of directors would be
considering a report on the possible merger of bank employees'
pension funds in early November and that an economic information
data-bank would be set up within the next six months to offer
analytical economic figures on Greek banking.
[23] Study shows Greek businessmen mostly satisfied with unified
European market
Brussels, 31/10/1996 (ANA-M.Spinthourakis)
Greek businessmen are very content at the institutionalization
and operation of the Community's unified market, according to
research published here yesterday by the Community's Statistical
Service.
In the industrial sector, 42 per cent of the Greek businessmen
who answered a questionnaire said they had benefited by the
operation of a unified European market. Nineteen per cent said
they had not been benefited, while 39 per cent did not express
an o pinion. The corresponding Community percentages are 33, 27
and 40.
In the commercial sector even more Greek businessmen appear
satisfied.
According to the statistical service's report, 49 per cent of
the Greek businessmen who were asked on the subject said they
were content, as opposed to 16 per cent of the remaining
Community businessmen. Five per cent expressed dissatisfaction
as against 21 per cent of Community businessmen, while 46 of
Greek businessmen did not express an opinion, considerably less
in comparison to 63 per cent of Community businessmen asked on
the subject.
The most dissatisfied among the community businessmen were the
Spanish, French, Portuguese and the Dutch.
According to research, the reasons for the satisfaction of
Community businessmen are abolition of time-consuming
bureaucratic procedures in customs, harmonization of technical
standards and liberation of national markets.
[24] New housing loan programs announced
Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)
Labor and Social Security Minister Miltiades Papaioannou
yesterday announced new housing loan programs by the Labor
Housing Organization (OEK), totaling 730 billion drachmas and
concerning 50,000 housing loans, 11,000 new buildings by OEK and
loans t o beneficiaries to complete or repair residences.
OEK will begin receiving new applications for 50,000 housing
loans amounting to 400 billion drachmas as of Nov. 1.
Mr. Papaioannou said one basic change will take place. The draw
system will be abolished and a list will be initiated for
beneficiaries. He said that special care will be taken for
beneficiaries with large families and from border regions.
He also announced that a draft law is ready on the settlement of
outstanding debts owed to OEK and called on debtors to fulfill
their obligations.
[25] Greece ranked first on list of top maritime nations
Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)
Greece rates first on the list of the most important maritime
countries in the world, according to a "Sea Transport" report by
UNCTAD, the UN's subsidiary organization for commerce and
development.
According to the report, 2,989 commercial vessels are recorded
on the Greek registry, of which 1,019 are under the Greek flag.
The number corresponds to 17.98 per cent of the international
commercial fleet.
Regarding dead weight tonnage, Greece is at the top of the list
with 120,661,795dwt. It is followed by Japan with 86,769,729dwt.
[26] Gov't: Insurance increases to be shaped by inflation
Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)
Development Under-secretary Mihalis Chrysohoidis reiterated
yesterday that increases in insurance premiums for 1997 will be
shaped within the limits of inflation and in extreme cases
should reach 10 per cent.
Mr. Chrysohoidis, who was speaking to reporters after a meeting
with the board of the Union of Insurance Companies, said
insurance company representatives gave him a memorandum
containing their observations on the new law concerning the
insurance market . Insurance companies want the 30-day limit for
paying compensation to a beneficiary to start on the day all
preliminary processes will have been completed.
He did not accept this amendment, insisting on what is defined
in the draft law, namely that compensation should be paid in 30
days from the day the insured person submits relevant supporting
documents.
Mr. Chrysohoidis also said no problem exists with the operation
of auxiliary capital - it provides compensation for
beneficiaries from insurance companies which have closed.
End of English language section.
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