Security Council resolution 2297 (2016) [on authorization to the Member States of the African Union to maintain the deployment of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) until 31 May 2017]
Symbol: S/RES/2297 (2016)
Date: 2016-07-07
Status: adopted
Agenda: S/71 [84] SOMALIA SITUATION
S/ X The situation in Somalia.
Subjects: African Union Mission in Somalia|UN. Support Office in Somalia|Charter of the United Nations (1945). Chapter VII|PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS|SOMALIA|SOMALIA SITUATION|SUPPORT SERVICES
Votes in favour: 15
Votes against: 0
Abstentions: 0
Voting record:
country: ANGOLA
vote: yes
country: CHINA
vote: yes
country: EGYPT
vote: yes
country: FRANCE
vote: yes
country: JAPAN
vote: yes
country: MALAYSIA
vote: yes
country: NEW ZEALAND
vote: yes
country: RUSSIAN FEDERATION
vote: yes
country: SENEGAL
vote: yes
country: SPAIN
vote: yes
country: UKRAINE
vote: yes
country: UNITED KINGDOM
vote: yes
country: UNITED STATES
vote: yes
country: URUGUAY
vote: yes
country: VENEZUELA (BOLIVARIAN REPUBLIC OF)
vote: yes

               United Nations                                                                     S/RES/2297 (2016)
               Security Council                                                 Distr.: General
                                                                                7 July 2016




               Resolution 2297 (2016)
               Adopted by the Security Council at its 7731st meeting, on
               7 July 2016

                    The Security Council,
                     Recalling all its previous resolutions and statements of its President on the
               situation in Somalia,
                    Underlining its respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political
               independence, and unity of Somalia,
                    Condemning recent Al Shabaab attacks in Somalia and beyond, expressing
               serious concern at the ongoing threat posed by Al Shabaab, and underlining its
               concern that Al Shabaab continues to hold territory and extort revenue in Somalia,
                    Expressing outrage at the loss of civilian life, in Al Shabaab attacks, and
               paying tribute to the bravery and sacrifices made by the African Union Mission in
               Somalia (AMISOM) and the Somali Security Forces personnel i n the fight against
               Al Shabaab,
                    Reiterating its determination to support efforts to reduce the threat posed b y
               Al Shabaab in Somalia, and underlining its commitment to support an inclusive
               Somali-led political peace and reconciliation process,
                     Expressing grave concern at the continued violations and abuses of human
               rights and violations of international humanitarian law in Somalia,
                    Welcoming the positive contributions that the UN Support Office in Somalia
               (UNSOS) has made to supporting the gains made by AMISOM and the
               UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), and underscoring the importance of
               an effective partnership between the United Nations, the African Union (AU ) and
               Member States in Somalia,
                     Recognizing that the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) has a
               responsibility to protect its citizens and build its own national security forces,
               noting that these forces should be inclusive and representative of Somalia and act in
               full compliance with their obligations under international humanitarian law and
               international human rights law, and reaffirming the intent of international partners to
               support the FGS in achieving this,




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                     Welcoming the FGS and regional leaders’ endorsement of a new National
               Security Policy, calling on the FGS to accelerate its implementation in view of the
               remaining threat posed by Al-Shabaab, underlining the importance of further
               defining the composition of Somalia’s national security forces, identifying
               capability gaps in order to guide AMISOM and donors’ security sector assistance
               priorities and signalling areas of cooperation with the international community, and
               noting the international community’s intention to support the FGS in security sector
               reform,
                    Recognizing that a more stable Somalia is of vital importance to ensuring
               regional security,

               AMISOM
                     Commending the contribution of AMISOM to lasting peace and stability in
               Somalia, noting its critical role in improving the security situation, expressing its
               appreciation for the continued commitment of troops, police and equipment to
               AMISOM by the Governments of Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and
               other African nations, and recognizing the significant sacrifices made by AMISOM
               forces,
                     Welcoming the support of the international community to peace and stability in
               Somalia, in particular the European Union for its substantial contribution in
               supporting AMISOM, as well as support from other bilateral partners to both
               AMISOM and the Somali National Army (SNA), and emphasizing the importance of
               new contributions, including from the African Union Peace Fund, the private sector,
               civil society and other donations, in order to share the financial burden of
               supporting AMISOM,
                    Taking note of the African Union Peace and Security Council’s communiqué of
               28 April 2016 on the situation in Somalia and AMISOM,
                    Welcoming the holding of the Summit of the Heads of State and Government
               of the troop and police contributing countries of AMISOM in Djibouti on
               28 February 2016, and their commitment to improving coordination within
               AMISOM and to the revitalisation of AMISOM operations, welcomes the
               development of the revised Concept of Operations 2016 for AMISOM, as endorsed
               by the AU Peace and Security Council on 29 June 2016 and looks forward to its
               implementation,
                     Welcoming the AU’s investigation of allegations of sexual violence against
               some AMISOM troops, underlining the importance of the AU implementing the
               recommendations of the report, and in line with resolution 2 272 (2016), calling on
               the AU and troop-contributing countries to ensure that allegations are properly and
               thoroughly investigated and appropriate and timely follow -up action is taken,
               including full investigation of those cases of abuse referred to the AU investigation
               team,
                     Expressing concern over the continued activities of Al Shabaab and reports of
               pro-Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da’esh) elements in
               Somalia and the security implications of the situation in Yemen for Somali a,
                     Determining that the situation in Somalia continues to constitute a threat to
               international peace and security,



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                Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

           AMISOM
                1.    Agrees with the Secretary-General that conditions in Somalia are not
           appropriate for the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping mission;
                2.    Continues to agree with the revised benchmarks as set out in the
           Secretary-General’s letter to the President of the Security Council of 2 July 2015,
           agrees with his conclusion that the achievement of the benchmarks could pave the
           way for the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping operation which could
           help consolidate the peace process in Somalia and the development of Somali
           security sector institutions, and requests the Secretary-General to keep these
           benchmarks under continuous review, in consultation with the AU;
                 3.   Underlines that the increases in the force strength decided in resolution
           2036 (2012) and 2124 (2013) are to provide short term enhancement to AMISOM’s
           military capacity, and as part of an overall exit strategy for AMISOM, after which a
           decrease in AMISOM’s force strength will be considered in light of progress on the
           ground;

           Priorities and tasks
                 4.   Decides to authorize the Member States of the AU to maintain the
           deployment of AMISOM up to a maximum level of 22,126 uniformed personnel
           until 31 May 2017, and further decides that AMISOM shall be authorized to take all
           necessary measures, in full compliance with participating States’ obligations under
           international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and in full
           respect of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of
           Somalia, to carry out its mandate;
                5.     Decides to authorize AMISOM to implement the following strategic
           objectives:
                (a)   Reduce the threat posed by Al Shabaab and other armed opposition
           groups;
                 (b) Provide security in order to enable the political process at all levels as
           well as stabilisation efforts, reconciliation and peacebuilding in Somalia;
                (c) Enable the gradual handing over of security responsibilities from
           AMISOM to the Somali security forces contingent on abilities of the Somali
           security forces;
                6.    Decides to authorize AMISOM to carry out the following priority tasks:
                (a) To continue to conduct offensive operations against Al Shabaab and other
           armed opposition groups;
                (b) To maintain a presence in the sectors set out in the AMISOM Concept of
           Operations in order to establish conditions for effective and legitimate governance
           across Somalia, in coordination with the Somali security forces;
                (c) To assist with the free movement, safe passage and protection of all those
           involved with the peace and reconciliation process in Somalia, and ensure the
           security of the electoral process in Somalia as a key requirement;



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                     (d) To secure key supply routes including to areas recovered from
               Al Shabaab, in particular those essential to improving the humanitarian situation,
               and those critical for logistical support to AMISOM, underscoring that the delivery
               of logistics remains a joint responsibility between the United Nations and AU;
                    7.     Further decides to authorize AMISOM to carry out the following
               essential tasks:
                    (a) To conduct joint operations with the Somali security forces, within its
               capabilities, in coordination with other parties, as part of the implementation of the
               Somali national security plans and to contribute to the wider effort of training and
               mentoring of the security forces of the FGS;
                     (b) To contribute, within its capabilities as may be requested, to the creation
               of the necessary security conditions for the provision of humanitarian assistance;
                    (c) To engage with communities in recovered areas, and promote
               understanding between AMISOM and local populations, within its capabilities,
               which will allow for longer term stabilisation by the United Nations Country Team
               and other actors;
                     (d) To provide and assist, as appropriate, protection to the Somali authorities
               to help them carry out their functions of government, and security for key
               infrastructure;
                    (e) To protect its personnel, facilities, installations, equipment and mission,
               and to ensure the security and freedom of movement of its personnel, as well as of
               United Nations personnel carrying out functions mandated by the Security Council;
                    (f) To receive on a transitory basis, defectors, as appropriate, and in
               coordination with the United Nations;
                    8.   Requests the Secretary-General to report, in consultation with the FGS
               and AMISOM, on progress in securing key supply routes as described in
               paragraph 6 (d) in his written reports on the situation in Somalia to the Security
               Council;
                    9.    Requests that, in line with the recommendations of the Joint AU -UN
               Review, the AU enable a surge in its efficiency and ensur e that AMISOM is
               configured to conduct the full range of required operations effectively, in particular
               by strengthening command and control structures, enhancing cross -sector
               operations, examining sector boundaries, and generating a dedicated quick reacti on
               forces’ capability under the authority of the Force Commander, which should
               operate alongside existing Somali forces;
                     10. Recalls its request that the AU generate the specialised units set out in
               the annex to this resolution and as recommended by the Joint Report of 2 October
               2013 and set out in the Secretary-General’s letter of 14 October 2013, within in the
               existing troop ceiling, and authorized in paragraph 6 of resolution 2036 (2012), and
               ensuring that all force enablers and multipliers operate under the command of the
               Force Commander, and further requests that these are generated without delay and
               reflected in the revised Concept of Operations and requests regular updates on this
               force generation through the Secretary-General;
                    11. Stresses the critical need to source contingent-owned equipment
               including force enablers and multipliers as provided for in paragraph 6 of resolution


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           2036 (2012) either from existing AMISOM troop-contributing countries or other
           Member States, emphasizes in particular the need for an appropriate aviation
           component of up to twelve military helicopters under the command of the Force
           Commander, and urges the immediate generation of this component;
                12. Welcomes the Secretary-General’s commitment to work with the
           Chairperson of the African Union Commission, troop -contributing countries, and
           Federal Government of Somalia to help ensure that a surge in efficien cy materialises
           and is sustained over time, and reiterates its request to the Secretary -General to
           monitor implementation of the surge, including through performance indicators, and
           in this regard to keep the Council updated in the Secretary -General’s regular
           reporting;
                 13. Notes with concern that the delay in the appointment of the Force
           Commander has impacted the Mission's effectiveness, commends the decision of the
           Government of Djibouti to nominate the Force Commander, and looks forward to
           his immediate deployment;
                 14. Underlines the importance of AMISOM forces carrying out their
           mandate in full compliance with their obligations under international humanitarian
           law and international human rights law, and cooperating with UNSOM and UNSOS
           in implementing the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy on United Nations support
           to Non-United Nations Security Forces (HRDDP), and calls upon the AU to
           investigate and report allegations of violations and abuses of human rights and
           violations of international humanitarian law, as well as continuing to ensure the
           highest standards of transparency, and conduct and discipline;
                15. Requests the Secretary-General to ensure that any support provided to
           non-United Nations security forces is provided in strict compliance with th e
           HRDDP and to include progress made in implementing the policy in the Secretary -
           General’s reports to the Security Council;
                 16. Welcomes the commencement of activities establishing a Civilian
           Casualty Tracking Analysis and Response Cell (CCTARC) as reques ted in
           resolutions 2093 (2013) and 2124 (2013), and underlines the importance of making
           the CCTARC operational and effective without further delay, and in this regard
           urges the full support of troop and police contributors for the CCTARC, in
           collaboration with humanitarian, human rights and protection actors, and underlines
           the importance of ensuring information is shared with relevant actors including the
           United Nations;
               17. Requests AMISOM to use its CCTARC as part of its reporting on joint
           AMISOM operations with the Somali security forces;
                 18. Requests the AU to keep the Security Council regularly informed,
           through the Secretary-General, on the implementation of AMISOM’s mandate, and
           report to the Council, through the provision of oral updates and no fe wer than three
           written reports, every 120 days with the first written report no later than
           12 September 2016;

           Support and partnership
                19. Requests the Secretary-General to work closely with the AU in
           supporting the implementation of this resolution, further requests the



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               Secretary-General to continue to provide technical and expert advice to the AU on
               the planning, deployment and strategic management of AMISOM through the
               United Nations office to the AU, and reiterates its request to the Secretary-General,
               in view of the need to increase AMISOM’s efficiency, to enhance the provision of
               technical advice to the AU through existing United Nations mechanisms;
                    20. Agrees with the Secretary-General that a joint AMISOM-United Nations-Somali planning mechanism should assess and facilitate the delivery of AMISOM’s
               mandate in line with paragraphs 5, 6 and 7 of this resolution, ensuring in particular
               thorough coordination and consultation ahead of, during and after offensive
               operations;
                    21. Reiterates its call for new donors to support AMISOM through the
               provision of additional funding for troop stipends, equipment, technical assistance
               and uncaveated funding for AMISOM to the United Nations Trust Fund for
               AMISOM, calls upon the AU to consider how to provide sustainable funding for
               AMISOM, and underlines the AU’s call for its Member States to provide financial
               support to AMISOM;
                    22. Emphasizes the Report of the Joint United Nations-African Union
               Review of AMISOM of 2 October 2013 and the revised benchmarks as set out in the
               Secretary-General’s letter to the President of the Security Council of 2 July 2015,
               and agrees with the Secretary-General that progress towards the further degradation
               of Al-Shabaab’s capacity to launch attacks, in parallel with improving the capacity
               of Somali forces to progressively sustain control of areas recaptured from
               Al-Shabaab allowing the return of State authority, can enable a gradual reduction of
               AMISOM’s role in Somalia, and allow a transition to a role of oversight and rapid
               response in support of the Somali security forces;
                     23. Requests that the AU, taking into account progress achieved in offensive
               operations against Al Shabaab and other terrorist organisations, by gradually, and in
               a limited manner, and where appropriate, reconfigure AMISOM uniformed
               personnel in favour of police personnel within the authorized AMISOM personnel
               ceiling, and provide updates on the reconfiguration as appropriate through the
               Secretary-General;
                     24. Requests the Secretary-General, in consultation with the African Union,
               to conduct a joint assessment mission of AMISOM, after the 2016 electoral process,
               to ensure that AMISOM is properly configured to support the next phase of state -
               building in Somalia, and to present options and recommendations to the Security
               Council by 15 April 2017;
                     25. Stresses the importance of the FGS accelerating the strengthening a nd
               improved coordination of the Somali security institutions, and enhancing efforts to
               move towards the eventual handover of security responsibilities to the Somali
               security services, including through the establishment of a forum between the FGS,
               AU and United Nations to specifically plan for, and regularly monitor, the handover
               of security responsibilities, which is an essential part of AMISOM’s eventual exit
               strategy, and requests regular updates on this trilateral coordination through the
               Secretary-General;




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           Somali Security Forces
                 26. Calls for the rapid implementation of the National Security Policy, and
           the federal policing model, and expeditious agreement on a Somali federal security
           sector architecture, which clearly defines the roles, responsibilities and structures of
           relevant security sector institutions as a way of improving coordination between
           AMISOM and the Somali security forces and ensuring coherence and sustainability
           of international assistance by UNSOM;
                 27. Underscores the importance of bilateral partners delivering on any
           pledged support as well as supporting UNSOM in implementing its mandate to
           assist the FGS in coordinating international donor support on security sector
           assistance, and in this regard emphasizes the importance of UNSOM’s mandate to
           assist the FGS in coordinating international donor support on security sector
           assistance;
                 28. Welcomes the support already provided by the international community
           and bilateral donors to the Somali security sector, encourages partners to further
           enhance their support to the FGS for the development of the Somali security sector
           and calls upon new partners to come forward to support this development, and
           reiterates the importance of coordination amongst all partners;
                29. Underlines that it is essential that military operations are followed
           immediately by national efforts to establish or improve governance structures in
           recovered areas and by the delivery of basic services, including security;
                 30. Welcomes the commitment of the FGS and emerging Federal states to
           establish basic policing services across Somalia, as envisaged in the new federal
           policing model, encourages donors to support the FGS in its implementation, and
           welcomes capacity-building for the maritime police force in line with resolution
           2246 (2015) by the FGS with the support of UNSOM, and looks forward to progress
           towards its implementation;
                 31. Takes note of the Secretary-General’s examination in his letter of
           7 October 2015 (S/2015/762) of the concept and feasibility of the options available
           for entities to provide logistics support to the Puntland forces that are to be
           integrated into the SNA, further notes that such support to the SNA in Puntland be
           provided by a United Nations entity other than UNSOS, and welcomes the intention
           to continue to work towards identifying the best mechanism;

           Logistical Support
                32. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to provide a logistical
           support package for AMISOM and 70 AMISOM civilians, the SNA on joint
           operations with AMISOM, and UNSOM, as set out in paragraph 2 of resolution
           2245 and requests the Secretary-General to expedite the necessary procedures to
           implement resolution 2245;
                 33. Requests the AU, the United Nations and troop-contributing countries to
           jointly determine the equipment requirements for AMISOM and to conclude
           negotiations on the trilateral Memorandum of Understa nding (MOU) without delay,
           and requests the Secretary-General to report on the status of the tripartite MOUs in
           his regular reporting;




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               Somalia
                     34. Welcomes President Hassan Sheikh’s and the FGS’s commitment to an
               inclusive and credible electoral process in 2016 and underlines the Council’s
               expectation that there should not be an extension of electoral process timelines for
               either the executive or legislative branches, underlines the importance of
               implementing the electoral process set out in the 22 May 2016 Presidential decree
               without further delay, calls on all parties to engage constructively to achieve this
               and emphasizes that this year’s electoral process is a critical step towards one
               person one vote elections in 2020 and in this regard urges the National Leadership
               Forum to adopt a roadmap to the 2020 elections;
                     35. Underlines the need to ensure progress in the constitutional review
               process without further delay in order to establish an effective federal political
               system and a comprehensive reconciliation process that brings about national
               cohesion and integration, and underlines in this regard the importance of supporting
               the peaceful and inclusive completion of the state formation process and providing
               effective mediation when necessary and encourages close dialogue between the
               FGS, regional administrations, civil society and the Somali public in this regard;
                     36. Calls on President Hassan Sheikh and the FGS to implement
               commitments to security sector reform, including on increasing the transparency
               and accountability of security sector financial management, and to deliver early
               implementation of the endorsed national security policy, resulting in a clea r,
               sustainable and agreed architecture of security sector institutions, urges the
               President and FGS to undertake this comprehensive security sector reform as soon
               as possible, including by providing timely, regular and predictable payment of
               stipends for the SNA, and underlines in this regard the need to ensure full and
               regular consultation with, and support from, all Federal states and Interim Regional
               Administrations;
                    37. Welcomes the FGS’ active engagement with the Universal Periodic
               Review Process and encourages implementation by states of all accepted
               recommendations;
                     38. Expresses concern at continued violations and abuses of human rights
               and violations of international humanitarian law in Somalia and underscores the
               need to end impunity, uphold human rights and to hold accountable those
               responsible for such violations and abuses, welcomes the recent passage of
               legislation to establish Somalia’s National Human Rights Commission, encourages
               its rapid formation and further encourages the FGS to pass legislation aimed at
               protecting human rights and ensuring investigations and prosecutions of perpetrators
               of crimes involving violations of international humanitarian law and human rights
               violations and abuses;
                     39. Expresses concern at the increase in forced evictions of internally
               displaced persons (IDPs) from public and private infrastructure in major towns in
               Somalia, stresses that any eviction should be consistent with relevant national and
               international frameworks, calls upon the FGS and all relevant actors to strive to
               provide concrete durable solutions for internal displacement, and encourages the
               FGS, with the support of partners, to create an environment conducive to the
               voluntary repatriation of refugees, and the voluntary, safe and dignified return, local
               integration or resettlement of IDPs;



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                 40. Expresses concern at the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Somalia and its
           impact on the people of Somalia, commends the efforts of the United Nations
           humanitarian agencies and other humanitarian actors to deli ver life-saving
           assistance to vulnerable populations, condemns the increase in attacks against
           humanitarian workers and calls on all parties to respect and protect humanitarian
           personnel, facilities and assets; further condemns any misuse or obstruction of
           humanitarian assistance, and reiterates its demand that all parties allow and
           facilitate full, safe and unhindered access for the timely delivery of aid to persons in
           need across Somalia; underlines the importance of proper accounting in
           international humanitarian support, and encourages national disaster management
           agencies in Somalia to scale up capacity with support from the United Nations to
           take a stronger leadership role in coordination of humanitarian response;
                41. Underlines the importance of respect for international humanitarian law
           and the protection of civilians, especially women and children, as well as relevant
           Security Council resolutions, by all actors in Somalia;
                 42. Reaffirms the important role of women and youth in the prevention and
           resolution of conflicts and in peacebuilding, stresses the importance of their
           participation in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security,
           recalls in this regard Security Council resolution 2242 (2015), notes that women are
           not adequately represented in the assemblies of the new interim regional
           administrations and urges the FGS and Interim Regional Administrations to
           continue to promote increased representation of women at all decision -making
           levels in Somali institutions, including meeting the agreed 30% quota for women in
           both houses of the Federal Parliament in the 2016 electoral process, and encourages
           UNSOM to enhance its interaction across Somali civil society, including women,
           youth, and religious leaders in order to ensure that the views of civil society are
           incorporated in the various political processes;
                 43. Welcomes Somalia’s ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the
           Child (1989) and calls for increased implementation of the two Action Plans signed
           in 2012 and strengthening of the legal framework for the protection of children,
           especially in light of continued abductions and unlawful recruitment and use of
           children in armed conflict as well as detention of children for association with
           armed groups as detailed in the annual Report of the Secretary-General on Children
           and Armed Conflict of 20 April 2016 (S/2016/360), and encourages the FGS to
           consider the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of
           the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict;

           Reporting
                44. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the Security Council regularly
           informed on the implementation of this resolution, including through oral updates
           and no fewer than three written reports, with the first written report by
           12 September 2016, and every 120 days thereafter;
                45.    Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.




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Annex
               Units to be generated:
                     (a) A training team of 220 troops to assist the coordination and consolidation
               of bilateral training on one agreed instruction doctrine and to take the lead in
               training, mentoring and partnering the SNA;
                     (b) Logistics Mission Enabling Units of 190 personnel per sector and
               240 personnel at headquarters to reinforce command and control as well as to
               upgrade linkages between sector commands and AMISOM Headquarters in line with
               the expansion of operations;
                    (c)   An engineering unit of 190 personnel;
                    (d)   A signals unit of 117 personnel;
                     (e) Port Security component of 312 troops to be confined to patrols in the
               vicinity of key seaports and to operate jointly with Somali port security units;
                     (f) Civilian Casualty Tracking Analysis and Response Cell (CCTARC) of
               six personnel;
                     (g) An aviation component of up to a maximum of 3 utility helicopters and
               9 attack helicopters.




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