INFORMATION DIGEST OF PRESS OF UZBEKISTAN # 183

September 18, 2017

POLITICS
On the visit of the president of Uzbekistan to the USA

On telephone conversation of Presidents of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan

MEETING OF THE PRESIDENTS OF UZBEKISTAN AND KAZAKHSTAN IN TASHKENT
A new stage of cooperation based on friendship and mutual interest

Uzbekistan – Kazakhstan business forum

VISIT OF THE PRESIDENT OF UZBEKISTAN TO TURKMENISTAN
President of Uzbekistan has arrived in Turkmenistan

ENERGETICS
The largest project in the coal industry of Uzbekistan - the upgrade of JSC Shargunkumir – has been launched

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
Uzbekistan Government will handover relief goods to BDRCS as humanitarian aid to Rohingya refugees

SOCIETY
In Uzbekistan passed the Law “On the protection of children from the information that is harmful to their health”

POLITICS

On the visit of the president of Uzbekistan to the USA
On September 18-20, 2017, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will visit the United States of America and will deliver a speech at the general debate of the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly.
The President of Uzbekistan will meet and hold negotiations with the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Christine Lagarde, President of the World Bank Group Jim Yong Kim, leaders of other countries who arrived at the UN General Assembly, during his stay in New York.
The head of our state will also take part in Uzbekistan – US business forum. It is expected that, based on its results, the leaders of leading Uzbekistan and the USA companies will sign a significant package of bilateral documents in trade, economic, financial and investment spheres.
(Source: Press Service of the MFA of the Republic of Uzbekistan)

On telephone conversation of Presidents of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan
On September 17, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev had a telephone conversation with the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Almazbek Atambayev.
The head of our state at the beginning of the conversation sincerely congratulated the President of Kyrgyzstan on his birthday.
The role and active efforts of the President of Kyrgyzstan on development and strengthening the traditionally close and good-neighborly relations between our two fraternal people, expanding the mutually beneficial Uzbekistan – Kyrgyzstan partnership were noted with deep satisfaction.
It was emphasized that the historic state visit of the head of our state to Kyrgyzstan on September 5-6 this year brought bilateral relations to a qualitatively new level, contributed to filling them with concrete practical content.
Intensification of contacts at various levels was noted. Intergovernmental commission on bilateral cooperation is actively operating, negotiations are being actively conducted on finalizing the legal registration of the state border under the chairmanship of the prime ministers of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
The most significant result of the joint work was the signing during the visit of Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Agreement on the state border between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
The trade turnover is growing. It has increased by 60 percent since the beginning of the year. Prospective projects on cooperation in automotive industry, agricultural machinery and other sectors of the economy are being developed.
The importance of further development of contacts between the parliaments, regions and businessmen of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, acceleration of organization of practical activities of the established Council of khokims of the border regions under the patronage of the heads of governments of the two countries, as well as implementation of new programs in cultural and humanitarian sphere was noted.
Particular attention was paid to the preparation of the forthcoming state visit of the President of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambayev to our country.
In conclusion, the President of Uzbekistan, once again sincerely congratulating the head of Kyrgyzstan, wished him good health, wellbeing and success, and to the brotherly people of Kyrgyzstan – peace, tranquility and prosperity.
(Source: UzA)

MEETING OF THE PRESIDENTS OF UZBEKISTAN AND KAZAKHSTAN IN TASHKENT

A new stage of cooperation based on friendship and mutual interest
On September 16, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev arrived in our country with a state visit at the invitation of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Nursultan Nazarbayev, accompanied by Shavkat Mirziyoyev, visited the Mustakillik square. The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan laid flowers at the Monument of Independence and Humanism, which is a symbol of our bright future and noble aspirations.
The presidents visited Sheikh Khovandi Tokhur and Tolebi mausoleums, located in our capital, gave a brief interview to the mass media representatives.
There is a deep sense that Nursultan Abishevich began his visit from the sacred places of worship, said Shavkat Mirziyoyev. After all, our ancestors Tolebi and Sheikh Khovandi Tokhur all their life called upon people for peace and tranquility. The work carried out today in the name of unity of our people is also aimed at further strengthening these ancient bonds of friendship.
Our people have always respected their great ancestors, said Nursultan Nazarbayev. The ardent son of the Kazakh people Tolebi was buried in the land of Uzbekistan, who was a famous kazi and one of the authors of the code of laws “Jeti Jargi”, always called on people for unity. I express my gratitude to Shavkat Miromonovich for great attention to the landscaping of the burial place of the great son of the Kazakh people – Tolebi. Let the spirit of our great ancestors rejoice.
The heads of the states laid flowers at the monument to the First President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, paid tribute to his memory.
The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev got acquainted with the National exhibition of products of Kazakhstan that is being held at Uzexpocentre.
The main objective of the exhibition on “Uzbekistan – Kazakhstan: a new stage of cooperation” is to establish stable relations between the companies of the two countries and to assist in implementation of new joint trade, economic and investment projects. Products of more than fifty companies operating in automotive industry, oil and gas, military equipment, aviation, pharmaceutical, textile, information technologies, construction materials and other industries, as well as innovative technologies developed by higher educational institutions, research and production centers are presented here.
The Presidents, getting acquainted with the exposition, noted that such exhibitions are of great importance in further development of multifaceted cooperation between our countries, and emphasized that the expansion of interrelations between the economic sectors of the two countries will serve to improvement of production and further increasing the competitiveness of products.
The main events of the visit were held in Kuksaroy residence.
After the ceremony of an official meeting, negotiations of Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Nursultan Nazarbayev in a narrow format were held.
The President of our country, warmly welcoming the President of Kazakhstan on the Uzbek land, noted that this state visit of Nursultan Nazarbayev is a historical event in further development of relations between the two countries.
We consider this visit as a vivid confirmation of commonality of our long-term strategic interests, aspirations on the way of joint solution of tasks facing us, said Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This year has become a historical in development of Uzbekistan – Kazakhstan relations. We are meeting with Nursultan Nazarbayev for the sixth time this year. This indicates a high level of mutual trust.
The President of Kazakhstan expressed gratitude to the President of Uzbekistan for the invitation, noted that relations between our countries are increasingly strengthening.
Our fraternal people, both throughout history and in the years of independence, mutually supported and are supporting each other, said Nursultan Nazarbayev. The state visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan in March of this year marked the beginning of a new stage in development of cooperation between our countries. Over the past short period, high results, which previously had not been observed, were achieved in development of bilateral relations. The economies of our countries complement each other. Kazakhstan is ready to expand cooperation with Uzbekistan in all spheres.
Indeed, people of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan lived side by side, in friendship and harmony since ancient times. Our history, languages, culture, values are similar. This closeness serves as a solid foundation for today’s interstate cooperation. Relations between our countries are developing in the spirit of the Agreement on eternal friendship between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan signed in 1998 in Tashkent and the Agreement on strategic partnership between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan signed in 2013 in our capital.
Bilateral cooperation covers all spheres. Interaction between parliaments, ministries and agencies is regular.
Our countries are also constructively cooperating within the framework of such international structures as the UN, the SCO, the CIS, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. Positions of the sides on issues of regional and international importance are same or close.
As a result of an open and pragmatic policy of the President of our country Shavkat Mirziyoyev, meetings at the highest level became more active. The state visit of the head of our state to Kazakhstan on March 22-23, 2017 raised bilateral relations to a new level. The Strategy of economic cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2017-2019, signed during the visit, gave a powerful impetus to the development of trade and economic relations.
During the negotiations, the current state and prospects of further development of multifaceted cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan were discussed. The sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Negotiations continued with participation of official delegations of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Issues of further development of trade-economic, investment cooperation between our countries, strengthening of interrelations in the spheres of transport and communications, energy, cultural-humanitarian and other fields were discussed.
Kazakhstan is one of the most important trade and economic partners of Uzbekistan. As a result of 2016, the trade turnover between the two states exceeded 2 billion dollars. In January-August this year, the trade turnover increased by 35 percent.
The Presidents noted the inconsistency of this indicator with the huge potential of our countries, the need of opening joint trading houses, expanding the range of mutual trade. An agreement has been reached on supplying the markets of the two countries with products that are in demand, development of cooperation between the regions, creation of favorable conditions for business entities.
The Joint intergovernmental commission on bilateral cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan is tasked to bring the volume of trade turnover to 5 billion dollars.
The sphere of transport communications is a priority direction of our cooperation. The roads and railways of our countries are mutually integrated. This important communication network also performs a transit function for the third countries. During the negotiations it was noted that establishment of mutual preferences and additional benefits in transportation of foreign trade cargo through the territories of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan will serve as a radical expansion of partnership in this sphere.
At the meeting, the need of further strengthening cooperation in the fight against international terrorism, religious extremism, illegal migration, illicit drug trafficking, transnational organized crime and other challenges posing a threat to international security was noted.
The Presidents, exchanging views on the situation in Afghanistan, noted that they are interested in ensuring peace and stability in this country, restoring its economy. The importance of including Afghanistan in regional trade and economic relations, implementation of infrastructure projects was emphasized.
It was noted that waters of the transboundary rivers of Central Asia are the common property of all people of the region, the fate of millions of people, the stability and prosperity of the entire region depend on the rational and fair use of these water resources.
The heads of the states expressed a common opinion on construction of new hydrotechnical structures on these rivers on the basis of a constructive approach, taking into account the interests of all countries in the region.
An agreement was also reached on developing cooperation in the spheres of science, education, healthcare, culture, art, tourism, sports and others. In particular, it was decided to hold the Year of Uzbekistan in 2018 in Kazakhstan, and the Year of Kazakhstan in Uzbekistan in 2019.
Then the signing ceremony of bilateral documents took place. The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev has signed the Joint Statement.
More than 10 documents on various spheres of Uzbekistan – Kazakhstan cooperation were signed. These include documents on reconstruction and modernization of border crossing points, Uzbekistan – Kazakhstan state border roads, cooperation in the sphere of water relations, energy, combating smuggling and violation of customs legislation, strategic cooperation in the railway sector.
Documents that serve as a basis for direct contacts between the regions of the two countries have also been adopted. Memorandums on cooperation in trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres between the khokimiyats of Syrdarya, Tashkent regions and the akimat of the South Kazakhstan region, the khokimiyat of Navoi region and the akimat of Kyzylorda region, as well as other documents were signed.
At the meeting with representatives of the mass media, the Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Nursultan Nazarbayev emphasized that the negotiations were held in the spirit of mutual understanding and sincerity inherent in Uzbekistan – Kazakhstan relations, the sides are unanimous on all strategic issues. It was emphasized that the agreements reached between the Presidents of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, the signed documents will raise cooperation between our countries to a qualitatively new level.
On the eve of the state visit of the President of Kazakhstan to our country, the book of Nursultan Nazarbayev “XXI asr bo’sag’asida” (“On the threshold of the XXI century”) was published in Uzbek with the foreword of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The head of our state presented this book to the President of Kazakhstan. Shavkat Mirziyoyev praised the activities of Nursultan Nazarbayev as the founder of independent Kazakhstan.
According to the decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev of September 15, 2017, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev was awarded the “El-yurt khurmati” (“Respected by people and homeland”) order for his great contribution to strengthening of traditional friendship and strategic partnership between our countries. The head of our state handed over this high award in a solemn atmosphere. Nursultan Nazarbayev expressed deep gratitude to Shavkat Mirziyoyev for the award, respect and attention.
The state visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev to our country continues.
(Source: UzA)

Uzbekistan – Kazakhstan business forum
On September 16, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan business forum was held in Tashkent within the framework of the state visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev to our country.
The event was attended by the heads of ministries and departments, companies of the two countries responsible for such spheres as foreign economic relations, trade, investment, banking and finance, fuel and energy, air transportation, automotive industry, agriculture and water resources, construction, mining and metallurgy, food, chemical, light, textile industries, production of electronic products, transport and transport communications, logistics, insurance, export-import, communications, information technology and telecommunications, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, tourism, science, education, and others.
Consistent development of multifaceted cooperation between our countries was noted, therefore this business forum is of great importance in raising the level of interrelations in trade, economic, investment and social spheres to a new level.
Natural gas, means of transportation, mineral fertilizers, textile, electric power, fruit and vegetable products, construction materials and other types of goods are supplied to the neighboring country from Uzbekistan. Oil and oil products, metal, flour, butter are imported from Kazakhstan to our country. There are about 230 enterprises with participation of Kazakhstan capital in Uzbekistan, in Kazakhstan – over 130 enterprises, organized jointly with partners from our country. The achievement in the current year of an agreement between “AllurGroup” Kazakhstan national company on production of vehicles and “GM Uzbekistan” on establishing production of cars under “Ravon” brand in Kustanai indicates that the expansion of activities of joint ventures is given priority.
The trade turnover is steadily growing as a result of decisive measures taken by the heads of the two states on bringing the trade and economic relations between our countries to a new level.
The forum was attended by representatives of more than 400 companies of Kazakhstan, operating in such sectors as agriculture, trade, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, mechanical engineering, chemical, construction, food, military, light industry and others.
Interest of Kazakhstan in cooperation, as well as of many other states, is increasing due to huge economic potential of our country, modern transport communications and a favorable investment climate.
At the forum, businessmen of Kazakhstan were provided information on socio-economic reforms implemented in our country, investment prospects, factors of development of small business and private entrepreneurship. Implementation of joint projects in various spheres, carried out by Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan entrepreneurs, was noted.
According to experts, there is an opportunity of increasing the trade turnover between the two countries not less than two times. An effective factor in accelerating this process is implementation of joint measures on strengthening relations between businessmen and other concerned agencies of the two countries.
Participants of the business forum discussed the prospects for establishing cooperation in various spheres, issues of implementation of new investment projects, in particular, their key parameters and sources of financing were considered.
(Source: UzA)

VISIT OF THE PRESIDENT OF UZBEKISTAN TO TURKMENISTAN

President of Uzbekistan has arrived in Turkmenistan
On September 17, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Turkmenistan at the invitation of the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Esenmyrat Orazgeldiyev met the head of our state at the international airport of Ashgabat.
A meeting of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was held. During a sincere conversation, it was noted that recently the relations between our countries have been developing dynamically in all spheres. An important role in this is played by close friendship, trust and sincerity established between the heads of the two states.
The regularity of contacts at the highest level indicates a high level of intergovernmental relations.
The President of our country highly appreciated the preparatory work carried out for the V Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in the city of Ashgabat.
The President of Turkmenistan wished the sportsmen of Uzbekistan a successful performance at the Asian Games.
After the ceremony of the official meeting, the delegation of Uzbekistan went to the allocated residence.
The head of our state will take part in the opening ceremony of the V Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat.
Within the framework of the visit, a number of bilateral meetings between the head of our state and leaders of other countries will be held.
* * *
On September 17, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended the opening ceremony of the V Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat.
Qualitative preparations for conducting this prestigious international sporting event at a high level were carried out in the capital of Turkmenistan. All conditions are created for sports delegations of participating countries, accommodation, preparation for competitions, training and cultural leisure of participants of the games in the Olympic village.
The head of our state visited the Olympic stadium in Ashgabat. Heads of the states and governments of many countries, the leadership of the Olympic Council of Asia, honorary guests, thousands of sports fans gathered in this magnificent place, which accommodates 45 thousand spectators.
The opening ceremony of the V Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games began at the Olympic stadium.
The Asian Games have been officially declared open by the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
President of the Olympic Council of Asia Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah congratulated everyone on the beginning of this sporting event.
The anthem of the Asian Games sounded, the flag of the Olympic Council of Asia was raised. The fire of the competition is lit.
Athletes from more than 60 countries are taking part in the V Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games. The sports delegations of the participating countries are joining the stadium.
Delegation of Uzbekistan headed by the silver medalist of the World Weightlifting Championship Ulugbek Alimov, carrying the National flag of the Republic of Uzbekistan, enters the stadium. The fans greeted the athletes of our country with applause.
Our delegation, 189 sportsmen – experienced athletes who have achieved high results in world and continental championships, various prestigious tournaments, as well as young talents are protecting the honor of the Motherland in competitions on 20 kinds of sports.
Our country has a rich experience in training athletes who can competently perform at such major sporting events. In particular, the regular games “Umid nihollari” (“Sprouts of hope”), “Barkamol avlod” (“Harmoniously developed generation”) and the Universiade, established by the First President of our country, play an important role in upbringing of the younger generation as physically healthy and spiritually developed personalities, training of professional sports masters who are able to worthily defend the honor of the Motherland in the international arena.
The resolution of the head of our state on training athletes of Uzbekistan for the XXXII Summer Olympic and XVI Paralympic Games of 2020 in Tokyo (Japan) of March 9, 2017 served as an important guide to action for careful preparation of our athletes for the prestigious competitions in Ashgabat.
We wish success to our athletes in the V Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games.
(Source: UzA)

ENERGETICS

The largest project in the coal industry of Uzbekistan - the upgrade of JSC Shargunkumir – has been launched
The volume of foreign investments in various sectors of the economy, which have a positive effect on creation of new jobs, has been growing in Uzbekistan in recent years. New technologies enhance the efficiency of companies, thereby bringing the quality of products, works and services in accordance with international standards. Meanwhile, it should be noted that this state policy is primarily aimed at improvement of the well-being of the population. The dynamic progress is particularly noticeable by the example of the coal industry.
Jointly with foreign partners, Shargunkumir specialists have embarked on modernization, which will allow the company to increase the extraction of hard coal up to 900,000 tons per year. In particular, the consortium of Chinese companies incorporated in China Railway Tunnel Group and China Coal Technology & Engineering Group Corp. have commissioned basic preparatory works in the framework of a large-scale investment project.
The project total cost is $94.5 million. It is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2020. At the moment, the Shargun field in the Surkhandarya region produces no more than 150,000 tons of coal per year.
China Railway Tunnel Group has many years of experience in Uzbekistan. Together with Uzbekistan Railways, it carried out the project on the construction of the electrified railway Angren-Pap, which runs through a 19-kilometer tunnel at the Kamchik Pass. Its total value exceeded $1.7 billion.
This July, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev enacted the transfer the coal industry of the country (JSC Uzbekugol, JSC Shargunkumir) to the JSC Uzbekiston Temir Yullari.
(Source: «Uzbekistan Today» newspaper)

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

Uzbekistan Government will handover relief goods to BDRCS as humanitarian aid to Rohingya refugees
To provide the humanitarian assistance to the people fled from Rakhine state of Myanmar to Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society will receive one of the biggest supports in terms of urgently needed items from the government of Uzbekistan. Each of 8000 vulnerable families (about 50 thousand people) will get 14 types of food and other essential items including puffed rice (Muri), sugar, Beaten rice (chira), Peanut, Milk Powder, Energy Biscuit, Mosquito Net, Sari, Lungi, Blanket, Tshirt and pant set (children), Sandle, Basic Medicine and mineral water.
The repsenartatives of the government of Uzbekistan will hand over these relief goods as a humanitarian aid to Bangladesh Red Crescent Society at 11am tomorrow at BDRCS NHQ.
Honorable Chairman of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, Mr. Hafiz Ahmed Majumder, will receive the goods from H.E. Mr. Farhod Arziev, Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan.
Vice Chairman of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society Prof. Dr. Habibe Millat, MP, Treasurer Advocate Touhidur Rahman, Member of the Board of Management, Secretary General of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society BMM Mozharul Huq, NDC and repsestatives from goverenment of Bangladesh and Uzbekistan will be present on the occasion.
Hon’ble Chairman of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, Mr. Hafiz Ahmed Majumder, sincerly thanked the Government of Uzbekistan for fast coming forward to provide such necessary humanitarian assistance to the suffered people from the State of Rakhine of Myanmar.
(Source: UzA)

SOCIETY

In Uzbekistan passed the Law “On the protection of children from the information that is harmful to their health”
Soon all media, print and audiovisual products on any kinds of media, as well as information distributed using software and placed in telecommunications networks, the Internet, computer games will be marked taking into account age classification.
These changes occurred due to the entry into force of the Law “On the protection of children from the information that is harmful to their health”. The law approved two lists: one of them identifies products banned for distribution among children, and the other - limiting the distribution of information products among children of certain age categories.
The document clearly specifies what information relates to the prohibited for distribution among children. It includes the information which encourages for actions posing a threat to their lives and /or health, as well as harm to their health, suicide, and the promotion of such actions. There will be banned the materials that affect intellectual and volitional activity which can cause children to wish to use alcohol and tobacco products, narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or other substances, participate in gambling, mass riots, engage in prostitution, vagrancy, begging or other forms antisocial behavior. It is impossible to disseminate the information among children that justifies or gives proof for the permissibility of violence and cruelty, or encourages people to carry out violent actions towards people or animals.
In the list of banned information, there are six more classifications, including information denying family values, propagandizing destructive ideas in society. Among other things, the information about children who was injured as a result of unlawful acts, including the names, names, patronymics, photo and video images of such a child, his parents and other legal representatives, the date of birth, the audio record of his voice, the place residence or temporary residence, the place of his studies or work, other information that allows his or her identity to be directly or indirectly established.
At the same time, the law also specifies the information, distribution of which among children is possible taking into account their psycho-age developmental features. This includes the information presented in the form of an image or description of cruelty, physical and (or) mental violence, crime or other antisocial action. The materials that cause fear, horror, or panic in children are also not for everybody. The restriction is liable for the dissemination of information provided in the form of an image or description of sexual relations between a man and a woman, containing abusive words and expressions that do not relate to obscene language.
Producers and distributors of information have the right to invite experts from the Intellectual Property Agency to help classify it during their labeling.
However, will not the restrictive signs attract even more those whom they are called upon to protect from access to the illicit? Well, time will show.
(Source: «Uzbekistan Today» newspaper)

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