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24 May 2011 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
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Current Operations

OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 24 May 2011 [PDF]

Pakistan Returns Helicopter Used In Bin Laden Raid RFE/RL 24 May 2011 -- The Pentagon says Pakistan has returned the wreckage of a U.S. helicopter destroyed during the raid that killed Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden.
Pakistan Returns US Helicopter from bin Laden Raid VOA 24 May 2011 -- The Pentagon says Pakistan has returned the wreckage of an American military helicopter that was destroyed during the U.S. raid that killed Osama bin Laden.

NATO and Libya - Operational Media Update: 23 May 2011
NATO Airstrikes on Libya Intensify VOA 24 May 2011 -- NATO planes stepped up their bombing of Tripoli early Tuesday.
UK yet to decide on sending attack helicopters to Libya, says minister IRNA 24 May 2011 -- Armed Forces Minister Nick Harvey: The UK government had yet to decide whether to deploy the Apache attack helicopters in Libya.
NATO strikes Pro- Qadhafi vehicle storage facility in Tripoli NATO 24 May 2011 -- Very early this morning a regime vehicle storage facility adjacent to the Bab Al Aziziyah complex in Tripoli was struck by NATO aircraft using a number of precision guided weapons.
NATO campaign aimed at ousting Gaddafi - Russian NATO envoy RIA Novosti 24 May 2011 -- NATO operations in Libya are only aimed at bringing down the Gaddafi regime, Russian ambassador to NATO Dmitry Rogozin said.
405th AFSBn-Italy supports humanitarian relief efforts to Libya Army News 24 May 2011 -- The 405th Army Field Support Battalion-Italy prepared a shipment of humanitarian aid supplies in support of a US AID mission to Libya.

DOD Announces Iraq Force Deployment DoD 24 May 2011
Gates Calls for Continued US Iraq Role VOA 24 May 2011 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates: US should maintain a troop presence in Iraq after the scheduled full withdrawal at the end of this year.
Army tells Congress Iraq on track to transition by year's end Army News 24 May 2011 -- It's up to Iraq now to be successful in their own future, said Secretary of the Army John McHugh.
Advisors from 3 bases converge for evacuation training AFNS 24 May 2011 -- Air Force and Army medical advisers from bases throughout Iraq converged here to conduct aeromedical evacuation training with their Iraqi counterparts May 18 to 19.

Officials Confirm Capture of Taliban Leader AFPS 24 May 2011 -- Afghan and coalition forces confirmed the capture of the suspected senior Taliban leader for Afghanistan’s Helmand province.
Roadside Bomb Kills 10, Wounds 28 In Afghanistan RFE/RL 24 May 2011 -- At least 10 people have been reported killed in a roadside bombing in southern Afghanistan today.
Roadside Bomb Kills 10 in Southern Afghanistan VOA 24 May 2011 -- Afghan officials say a roadside bomb struck a truck carrying road workers in southern Afghanistan Tuesday, killing at least 10 people.
Suicide attack thwarted in Kabul as NATO head visits RIA Novosti 24 May 2011 -- A suicide bomber attempted to assassinate Afghan's deputy head of national security in Kabul on Tuesday.
1st Cav takes over in Afghanistan Army News 24 May 2011 -- During a pivotal time in the war on terror and in Afghanistan's history, Regional Command-East's command authority shifted from Combined Joint Task Force-101 to CJTF-1.
Marine Corps Harriers return to Afghanistan USMC News 24 May 2011 -- One of the first Marine Corps Harrier squadrons to see action in Afghanistan has returned after nearly a decade.
Opening remarks by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen at the joint press conference with President Karzai NATO 24 May 2011
Secretary General assures Afghanistan of NATO's commitment NATO 24 May 2011 -- NATO's Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen met with President Karzai to discuss NATO's long-term commitment to Afghanistan.
RSC commanders help lead way for Afghanistan's future Army News 24 May 2011 -- Commanders from the six Regional Support Commands in Afghanistan concluded their three-day conference May 19 with recommendations that they believe will allow them to transition into the mid-term future.
Logistics Troops Support Soldiers in Afghanistan AFPS 24 May 2011 -- Army Lt. Col. Dave Preston and Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Holder are the command team for the 801st Brigade Support Battalion.
Polish prosecutor demands 12 years for Polish soldiers in Afghan war crimes case RIA Novosti 24 May 2011 -- Poland's military Prosecutor General demanded on Tuesday 12-year sentences for seven Polish soldiers who shot civilians in Afghanistan in 2007.
Kazakhstan Offers Token Troop Presence For Afghanistan RFE/RL 24 May 2011 -- Kazakhstan is close to making it official - the country's troops will return to Afghanistan.

Tribunal In Pakistan Probes Killings Of Foreigners In Quetta RFE/RL 24 May 2011 -- An inquiry has opened in southwestern Pakistan into the killing last week of five foreigners by security forces.

Defense Policy / Programs

American Enterprise Institute (Defense Spending) DoD 24 May 2011
Remarks by Secretary Gates to the American Enterprise Institute DoD 24 May 2011
Reagan Centennial DoD 24 May 2011
Gates: Defense Cuts Must Be Prioritized, Strategic AFPS 24 May 2011 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said he is determined that the department not fall victim to the mistakes of the past.
Gates Urges Protection of Modernization Funding AFPS 24 May 2011 -- As the nation tightens its financial belt, modernization will be essential if the military is to maintain critical capabilities, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said.
Defense Cuts Must Be Part of Fiscal Solution, Secretary Says AFPS 24 May 2011 -- Curtailing defense spending must be part of the solution for the nation’s financial woes, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said.
Rodong Sinmun on US Nuclear Policy KCNA 24 May 2011 -- US pressured Japan to permit and connive at the military actions for its nuclear operations.
Dempsey outlines 9 focus areas for Army Army News 24 May 2011 -- Army Chief of Staff Gen. Martin E. Dempsey brought his intent for the Army of 2020 to the Association of the U.S. Army Institute of Land Warfare breakfast.
21st TSC hosts Korean Arms Verification Agency Army News 24 May 2011 -- It was a historic first to have a South Korean inspection team involved with a Conventional Armed Forces in Europe inspection.
Enterprise Lands 400,000th Aircraft NNS 24 May 2011 -- An F/A-18F Super Hornet from the Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Squadron 11 became the 400,000th aircraft to land on USS Enterprise's flight deck May 24.
New Competition Requirements Will Increase Procurement Lead Times NNS 24 May 2011 -- Commander, Fleet and Industrial Supply Centers announced May 18 that new competition requirements have lengthened procurement lead times.
Fuels Program Establishes Future Workforce, Supports Navy Mission NNS 24 May 2011 -- The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center-operated DFSP Puget Sound announced May 5, it has implemented a Fuels Occupational Degree program.
MCTOG, joint partners prep soldiers, Marines during capstone air-ground integration exercise Army News 24 May 2011 -- USJFCOM joint fires experts joined the Marine Corps Tactics and Operations Group and other partners during culminating command post exercise.
Phoenix Express Begins at Souda Bay NNS 24 May 2011 -- Phoenix Express 2011, a multi-national maritime exercise between U.S., North African and European naval forces, commenced May 23.
Gettysburg Participates in Saxon Warrior NNS 24 May 2011 -- Guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg participated in Saxon Warrior 2011 off the coast of England, May 20.
USS Avenger Arrives in Sembawang NNS 24 May 2011 -- USS Avenger arrived in Sembawang, Singapore May 23 for a port call.
Presidential Memorandum - Federal Fleet Performance The White House 24 May 2011
Operation Watershed: USACE's Mississippi River Flood Fight Army News 24 May 2011 -- Operation Watershed is U.S. Army Corps of Engineers front line flood fight to mitigate flooding impacts mitigate flooding impacts.
VA announces disaster assistance after tornado outbreaks AFNS 24 May 2011 -- Officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs announced May 17 that special disaster assistance may be available to veterans.

Russian air force denies firing pilot over wavering plane incident RIA Novosti 24 May 2011 -- The Russian Air Force denied media reports that it fired a pilot after videos of him losing control of a military aircraft posted.

Iraq says ready to buy Czech-made combat jets RIA Novosti 24 May 2011 -- Iraqi PM Nuri al-Maliki: Iraq is ready to buy light attack aircraft, offered for sale by the Czech republic earlier this month.

China Refuses to Confirm Reports it Will Run Strategic Pakistani Port VOA 24 May 2011 -- China says it has not heard of Pakistan’s request to operate a strategic port on Pakistan’s southwest coast and to help build a naval base there.
Philippines, China Support Discussion on South China Sea VOA 24 May 2011 -- China's defense minister has wrapped up meetings with Philippine officials this week pledging to resolve territorial disputes in the South China Sea through dialogue.

Iran's navy border guards to be armed with advanced boats ISNA 24 May 2011 -- Iran's Border Police Commander Brigadier General Hossein Zolfaqari said the country's navy border guards will be equipped with advanced boats soon.
Defense Min: Liberation of Khorramshahr cultural victory, fruit of great self-confidence IRNA 24 May 2011 -- Defense and Logistical Affairs Minister: Liberation of Khorramshahr was not merely military victory.

Former commander accused of wrongdoing over soldier's execution CNA 24 May 2011 -- The Taipei District Prosecutors Office accused former Air Force Commander Chen Chao-min of mishandling a rape-murder case.

Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney and Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications Ben Rhodes, 5/24/2011 The White House 24 May 2011
U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, May 24, 2011 US Dept. of State 24 May 2011

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for May 24, 2011
U.S. Defense Department Selects Northrop Grumman for $141 Million Task Order to Continue Support of the Automated Biometric Identification System Northrop Grumman 24 May 2011 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been awarded a follow-on task order valued at up to $141 million for continued development of the U.S. Department of Defense Automated Biometric Identification System (DoD-ABIS), which provides military personnel with reliable and timely identification of persons of suspected threat to U.S. national security.
Oshkosh Defense to Begin Full-Rate Production of New Vehicles for U.S. Marine Corps Oshkosh 24 May 2011 -- Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), will deliver more than 200 Logistics Vehicle System Replacement (LVSR) tractors and nearly 70 LVSR wreckers following an order from the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM).
Raytheon Awarded $84.7 Million for ALR-67(V)3 Full Rate Production Contract Raytheon 24 May 2011 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has received an $84.7 million U.S. Navy contract for continued production of ALR-67(V)3 digital radar warning receivers. The contract was awarded by the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md.
Next Generation Missile Warning Satellite Successfully Reaches Orbit Lockheed Martin 24 May 2011 -- The first Lockheed Martin-built Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous (GEO-1) spacecraft has successfully reached its intended orbit and is performing as required following its successful May 7 launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 24 May 2011 United Nations 24 May 2011
Press Conference on Implementation of Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord in Bangladesh, 24 May 2011 United Nations 24 May 2011

Libyan Opposition Accepts Invitation For Office In Washington RFE/RL 24 May 2011 -- U.S. State Department in Benghazi says the rebels have accepted an invitation to open a representative office in Washington.
Libyan Rebel Council to Open Office in Washington VOA 24 May 2011 -- A top U.S. diplomat for the Middle East says the Libyan rebel's TNC has accepted an invitation to open a representative office in Washington
Official: Libyan Rebels To Open Office In U.S. RFE/RL 24 May 2011 -- A top U.S. official says Libya's rebels have accepted an invitation to open a representative office in Washington.
Russia recognizes Libyan rebels as legitimate negotiators RIA Novosti 24 May 2011 -- Russia recognizes Libya's Transitional National Council as a legitimate negotiator on Libya's future, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
Creating a Safe Haven for Chadians Fleeing Libya VOA 24 May 2011 -- Humanitarian agencies are setting up a way station in a small, remote mountain town in Chad.
North Africa Migrant Influx Prompts EU Border Debate VOA 24 May 2011 -- The arrival of tens of thousands of migrants in southern Europe from North Africa has prompted a fierce debate within the EU on how to deal with the influx.

Press Conference on Emergency Relief Coordinator's Recent Visit to Israel, Occupied Palestinian Territory, 24 May 2011 United Nations 24 May 2011
Press Conference on Plight of Indigenous Bedouin Palestinians, 24 May 2011 United Nations 24 May 2011
Abbas Aide: Israeli PM's Speech Creates 'Obstacles' to Peace VOA 24 May 2011 -- A spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has criticized Israeli PM Netanyahu's parameters for a new round of negotiations.
US Congress Gives Netanyahu Speech An Enthusiastic Response VOA 24 May 2011 -- Israeli PM Netanyahu has received an exuberant welcome from a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress.
Netanyahu: No Compromise on Pre-1967 Borders, Refugees or Jordan River Presence VOA 24 May 2011 -- Israeli PM Netanyahu says he is ready to make "painful compromises" for peace with the Palestinians.
Netanyahu Says Israel Ready For 'Painful Compromises' RFE/RL 24 May 2011 -- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today said Israel would never give up its quest for peace with the Palestinians and was ready to make "painful compromises" to achieve it.
Netanyahu Says No 1967 Borders in Peace Deal VOA 24 May 2011 -- Israeli PM Netanyahu spoke to AIPAC just three days after meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House.
Netanyahu Says Israel Will Not Return To 1967 Borders RFE/RL 24 May 2011 -- Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu says his government will not agree to return Israel to the borders it held before 1967's Six Day War.
For Many Israelis, 1967 Borders Moot Point VOA 24 May 2011 -- U.S. President Barak Obama triggered shock and anger among many Israelis last week when he called for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to be resolved along the pre-1967 lines.
Palestinian group accuses Obama of u-turn RIA Novosti 24 May 2011 -- U.S. President Barack Obama's recent assertion that the UN will never vote for an independent Palestinian state represented a "complete turnabout" by the White House.
Fatah, Hamas praise Russia's role in reconciliation, statehood bid RIA Novosti 24 May 2011 -- Palestinian movements Fatah and Hamas said they appreciated the support of Russia in their efforts to reach national reconciliation and establish a sovereign Palestinian state.
Palestinian Prime Minister Hospitalized In U.S. After Heart Attack RFE/RL 24 May 2011 -- The Palestinian National Authority prime minister, Salam Fayyad, is reported in good condition at a hospital in Texas after suffering a heart attack.
Palestinian, Israeli civilians face brunt of violence - UN aid chief after visit to region UN News Centre 24 May 2011 -- Palestinian and Israeli civilians are bearing the brunt of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Lebanese government formation discussed as UN envoy meets Hizbollah official UN News Centre 24 May 2011 -- The UN envoy for Lebanon today met with a senior official of Hizbollah to discuss the continuing impasse.

UN human rights chief urges immediate end to violence in Abyei UN News Centre 24 May 2011 -- The UN human rights chief condemned the recent attacks in the disputed Sudanese region of Abyei.
South Sudan Accuses Khartoum of Depopulation Campaign in Abyei VOA 24 May 2011 -- South Sudan is accusing the Khartoum government of waging a campaign to depopulate southerners from the contested Abyei region.
Northern Sudan Official Outlines Abyei Peace Issues VOA 24 May 2011 -- As northern Sudanese troops continue to occupy Abyei, a Sudanese official has outlined what he says are major stumbling blocks to peace in the area.

Clashes in south-western Côte d'Ivoire hamper UN humanitarian efforts UN News Centre 24 May 2011 -- Armed clashes in south-western Côte d’Ivoire have displaced thousands of women and children, halted a vital polio immunization campaign, and are threatening other forms of life-saving assistance.
COTE D'IVOIRE: Reluctant to return home IRIN 24 May 2011 -- While outright conflict has abated in Côte d’Ivoire’s commercial capital, Abidjan, many of the thousands of displaced people there are still too fearful to return to once conflict-ridden neighbourhoods.

Battle for Mogadishu's Bakara Market Proves Costly, Complicated VOA 24 May 2011 -- Analyst from the International Crisis Group is warning that seizing the critical position could prove to be complicated and costly.
SOMALIA: Mogadishu's "lost generation" IRIN 24 May 2011 -- Most Somalis, especially in the capital, Mogadishu, have always lived amid war and joblessness.
2 More Somalis Plead Guilty in US Piracy Trial VOA 24 May 2011 -- Two Somali men have pleaded guilty to piracy for their roles in a yacht hijacking in February that left four Americans dead.

Aid Groups: US Must Do More to Stop LRA in Central Africa VOA 24 May 2011 -- A coalition of human rights groups says the United States should do more to stop the rebel Lord's Resistance Army in central Africa.

UN war crimes tribunal charges jailed Serb leader with contempt of court for third time UN News Centre 24 May 2011 -- The leader of the Serb Radical Party, on trial for alleged war crimes, has been charged with contempt of court.

News Reports

Yemeni Tribesmen Take Control of Government Buildings in Sana'a VOA 24 May 2011 -- Yemeni opposition tribesmen have taken control of several government buildings in the capital, Sana'a.
Yemeni tribesmen seize ministry, media office in Sanaa RIA Novosti 24 May 2011 -- Armed tribesmen killed a dozen of servicemen and seized ministry and media offices in the capital Sanaa, Xinhua said on Tuesday.
UK regrets Yemen refusal to sign PGCC deal IRNA 24 May 2011 -- Britain's Middle East Minister Alistair Burt expressed concern at the continued unwillingness by Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh to sign a peace agreement.

What Went on in Bahrain During the Night of March 16? VOA 24 May 2011 -- The Kingdom of Bahrain has released more than 500 detainees who were arrested in the aftermath of anti-government demonstrations in February and March.
UK MPs call for arms embargo on Bahrain, Saudi Arabia IRNA 24 May 2011 -- A group of MPs are calling on the UK government to pressure Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to end “their repressive measures” in Bahrain by suspending arms sales to both countries.

Syrian leader assures Russia's Medvedev reforms are underway RIA Novosti 24 May 2011 -- Syrian President Bashar al Assad said he would do everything possible to ensure peace and boost reforms in the divided country.

Could Muslim Brotherhood Take Over Egypt? VOA 24 May 2011 -- As political Islam grows as a force in post-revolution Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood is forming its first political party.
Egypt's Ex-President Mubarak, Sons To Face Trial VOA 24 May 2011 -- Egypt's former President Hosni Mubarak is to face trial for his alleged role in the deaths of protesters during the uprising that drove him from power.
Hosni Mubarak to go on trial over protester shootings RIA Novosti 24 May 2011 -- Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and his two sons will go on trial over the shooting of peaceful protesters.
Mubarak And Sons To Be Tried For Killings, Corruption RFE/RL 24 May 2011 -- Ousted Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak and his two sons will face trial before a criminal court over the deaths of anti-regime protesters and corruption.

Tunisia: UN human rights expert urges setting up of safeguards against torture UN News Centre 24 May 2011 -- A UN human rights expert urged Tunisia’s interim Government to seize the opportunity of the current transition.

World Bank Sends Billions to Aid Egypt, Tunisia VOA 24 May 2011 -- The World Bank says it will give up to $6 billion in aid to Egypt and Tunisia over the next two years to help modernize their economies.
The US has plotted against Arab countries: Ahmadinejad ISNA 24 May 2011 -- The US has plotted against all Arab states, said Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

US Widens Sanctions on Iran Amid Nuclear Impasse VOA 24 May 2011 -- The United States has announced sanctions against seven foreign entities, including Venezuela’s state oil company, for engaging with Iran.
Iran has repeatedly announced readiness for talks with 5+1 IRNA 24 May 2011 -- Foreign Ministry spokesman Mehmanparast: Tehran has repeatedly announced its readiness for talks with the Group 5+1.
Iran Rejects New Sanctions by EU VOA 24 May 2011 -- Iran has rejected the European Union's plan to extend sanctions against Iranian entities over its disputed nuclear program.
U.S. Sanctions Firms On Iran Trade RFE/RL 24 May 2011 -- The United States has announced it is imposing sanctions against "seven foreign entities."

IAEA: Suspect Site In Syria 'Very Likely' A Nuclear Reactor RFE/RL 24 May 2011 -- The IAEA says a remote desert site in Syria that was bombed by Israeli planes in September 2007 was "very likely" a nuclear reactor.
IAEA: Syria Site 'Very Likely' Nuclear Reactor VOA 24 May 2011 -- The United Nations nuclear watchdog agency says a Syrian site bombed by Israel in 2007 was "very likely" a nuclear reactor.

US Officials Conducting Food Assessment in North Korea VOA 24 May 2011 -- An American team, led by a U.S. ambassador, has arrived in Pyongyang to assess the food situation in North Korea.
Delegation of U.S. Department of State Here KCNA 24 May 2011 -- A delegation of the U.S. Department of State arrived to consult humanitarian issues between the DPRK and the U.S.

Japan sets up panel to probe Fukushima crisis RIA Novosti 24 May 2011 -- Japan's government approved plans to set up an independent commission to investigate the crisis at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.
TEPCO confirms fuel meltdown in three Fukushima reactors RIA Novosti 24 May 2011 -- The Tokyo Electric Power Company confirmed fuel meltdown in 3 reactors at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

Analysts: Thai Political Parties Competing With Very Different Visions VOA 24 May 2011 -- Thailand’s political parties are registering candidates this week for a July 3 nationwide election.

Residency Requirement Change Could Reshape Liberian Presidential Race VOA 24 May 2011 -- Liberia's electoral commission is asking voters to change the residency requirement for presidential candidates.

Rights Group Says Guinea Needs Rule of Law VOA 24 May 2011 -- Human Rights Watch says Guinea's new government should address what it says are profound rights and governance problems that have underscored decades of abuse.

Khodorkovsky, Lebedev to get out of prison in 2016 RIA Novosti 24 May 2011 -- The Moscow City Court ruled that jailed former Yukos CEO Mikhail Khodorkovsky and his partner Platon Lebedev would be set free in 2016.
Khodorkovsky, Lebedev Seek To Overturn Second Jail Sentence RFE/RL 24 May 2011 -- A Moscow Court has upheld the fraud conviction of jailed oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky and his former business partner Platon Lebedev.
Prosecutor says no grounds to reduce terms for Khodorkovsky, Lebedev RIA Novosti 24 May 2011 -- A prosecutor for the Russian government said there were no grounds for reducing the sentences of jailed former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky and his business partner Platon Lebedev.

Remarks by President Obama and Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom in Dinner Toasts The White House 24 May 2011

Lockheed Martin Statement On NASA MPCV Announcement Lockheed Martin 24 May 2011 -- NASA's designation of the Orion crew exploration vehicle as the Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) provides our nation with a sound solution for deep space mission capability within the currently proposed budgets. This path forward will soon enable humans to venture out into the cosmos to explore and study interplanetary destinations never before seen or touched by mankind. NASA's commitment will ensure that our nation maintains a strong global leadership position in space exploration through a robust program designed to be safe, affordable and sustainable over the next several decades.

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