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<p>The Burkina Faso junta said on Thursday (Sep 28) that it detained four officers a day after it announced that it thwarted a coup attempt. Citing an official statement, the news agency AFP reported that these officers were suspected of involvement in a "conspiracy against state security." Two other officers were on the run, the statement added. The identities of the four officers were not revealed.</p>

<p>However, security sources told AFP that at least two commanders of special units were among the arrested.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Junta to gather all info on coup plot</strong></h2>

<p>The coup attempt was foiled on Wednesday and the junta said it would seek to shed "all possible light on this plot". This development comes nearly a year to the day since junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traore seized power in the West African nation on September 30, 2022.</p>

<p>Traore's takeover was Burkina Faso's second coup in eight months.</p>

<p>On Tuesday night, thousands of people took to the streets of the capital Ouagadougou following a call from Traore supporters to "defend" him amid rumours of a coup on social media.</p>

<p>The streets were calm on Thursday with no special security arrangements visible.</p>

<p>Sharing a post on X on Wednesday, the junta leader stressed his "determination to lead the transition safely despite the adversity and different manoeuvres to stop our inexorable march towards assumed sovereignty".</p>

<p>Earlier in September, the military prosecutors said three soldiers had been arrested and charged with plotting against the junta.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Burkina Faso junta said on Thursday (Sep 28) that it detained four officers a day after it announced that it thwarted a coup attempt. Citing an official statement, the news agency AFP reported that these officers were suspected of involvement in a "conspiracy against state security.

The Burkina Faso junta said on Thursday (Sep 28) that it detained four officers a day after it announced that it thwarted a coup attempt. Citing an official statement, the news agency AFP reported that these officers were suspected of involvement in a "conspiracy against state security." Two other officers were on the run, the statement added. The identities of the four officers were not revealed. However, security sources told AFP that at least two commanders of special units were among the arrested. Junta to gather all info on coup plot The coup attempt was foiled on Wednesday and the junta said it would seek to shed "all possible light on this plot". This development comes nearly a year to the day since junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traore seized power in the West African nation on September 30, 2022. Traore's takeover was Burkina Faso's second coup in eight months. On Tuesday night, thousands of people took to the streets of the capital Ouagadougou following a call from Traore supporters to "defend" him amid rumours of a coup on social media. The streets were calm on Thursday with no special security arrangements visible. Sharing a post on X on Wednesday, the junta leader stressed his "determination to lead the transition safely despite the adversity and different manoeuvres to stop our inexorable march towards assumed sovereignty". Earlier in September, the military prosecutors said three soldiers had been arrested and charged with plotting against the junta. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Burkina Faso junta detains four officers after it claimed to have thwarted coup attempt

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<p>Ireland has seized its largest-ever drug haul valued at $165 million. According to a report by the news agency AFP on Wednesday (Sep 27), a cargo ship was stormed by Irish naval forces off the southern coast carrying the multimillion-drug haul. Addressing a press conference, the police said over 2.2 tonnes of cocaine valued at $165 million was found after searching the Panamanian-registered "MV Matthew" vessel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is the largest drug seizure in the history of the State," police spokesperson Justin Kelly said, adding three crew members were arrested and taken into custody. In a statement, Ireland's Justice Minister Helen McEntee said that the drugs on board would have "no doubt been destined for Irish and European markets".&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A Joint Task Force comprising members of the <a href="https://twitter.com/naval_service?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@naval_service</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/IrishAirCorps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IrishAirCorps</a>, Army Ranger Wing, Revenue Customs Service &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/gardainfo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gardainfo</a> have implemented a co-ordinated operation at sea. <a href="https://t.co/yPcrjiCOGe">pic.twitter.com/yPcrjiCOGe</a></p>
— Óglaigh na hÉireann (@defenceforces) <a href="https://twitter.com/defenceforces/status/1706761306357866720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"It will represent a blow to the organised-crime gangs involved in drug distribution internationally," Justice Minister McEntee added.</p>

<h2><strong>Navy fired warning shots before boarding ship</strong></h2>

<p>The naval forces had fired warning shots before boarding and escorting the ship to Cork port where it is currently detained. According to a report by the Irish Times, police were tracking the vessel on suspicion it was carrying cocaine from South America and making deliveries of the drug to smaller vessels at sea.</p>

<p>After a fishing trawler ran aground on a sandbank off the southeastern coast last Sunday, police rescued two men from the boat before arresting them on suspicion of organised crime offences.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police spokesperson Kelly told reporters on Wednesday that such a large shipment would not have entered Ireland's waters without the involvement of an Irish gang, pointing out that a number of gangs in the country had direct links to South America.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Ireland has seized its largest-ever drug haul valued at $165 million. According to a report by the news agency AFP on Wednesday (Sep 27), a cargo ship was stormed by Irish naval forces off the southern coast carrying the multimillion-drug haul.

Ireland has seized its largest-ever drug haul valued at $165 million. According to a report by the news agency AFP on Wednesday (Sep 27), a cargo ship was stormed by Irish naval forces off the southern coast carrying the multimillion-drug haul. Addressing a press conference, the police said over 2.2 tonnes of cocaine valued at $165 million was found after searching the Panamanian-registered "MV Matthew" vessel. "This is the largest drug seizure in the history of the State," police spokesperson Justin Kelly said, adding three crew members were arrested and taken into custody. In a statement, Ireland's Justice Minister Helen McEntee said that the drugs on board would have "no doubt been destined for Irish and European markets". A Joint Task Force comprising members of the @naval_service, @IrishAirCorps, Army Ranger Wing, Revenue Customs Service & @gardainfo have implemented a co-ordinated operation at sea. pic.twitter.com/yPcrjiCOGe — Óglaigh na hÉireann (@defenceforces) September 26, 2023 × "It will represent a blow to the organised-crime gangs involved in drug distribution internationally," Justice Minister McEntee added. Navy fired warning shots before boarding ship The naval forces had fired warning shots before boarding and escorting the ship to Cork port where it is currently detained. According to a report by the Irish Times, police were tracking the vessel on suspicion it was carrying cocaine from South America and making deliveries of the drug to smaller vessels at sea. After a fishing trawler ran aground on a sandbank off the southeastern coast last Sunday, police rescued two men from the boat before arresting them on suspicion of organised crime offences. Police spokesperson Kelly told reporters on Wednesday that such a large shipment would not have entered Ireland's waters without the involvement of an Irish gang, pointing out that a number of gangs in the country had direct links to South America. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ireland's largest-ever drug seizure valued at $165 million. Here's what happened

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<p>North Korea has made nuclear weapons status part of its constitution, state media reported on Thursday (Sep 28) quoting Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un. At a meeting of the State People's Assembly that was held Tuesday and Wednesday, Kim said that North Korea's nuclear force-building policy has&nbsp;been made permanent as the basic law of the state, which no one is allowed to flout.</p>

<p>"This is a historic event that provided a powerful political lever for remarkably strengthening the national defence capabilities," he added. The supreme leader urged officials to "further promote solidarity with the nations standing against the US and the West's strategy for hegemony," denouncing trilateral cooperation between the US, South Korea, and Japan as the "Asian-version NATO."</p>

<p>"This is just the worst actual threat, not threatening rhetoric or an imaginary entity," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>A record number of weapons tests this year</strong></h2>

<p>This year, North Korea carried out a record number of weapons tests, and now Kim has pledged to accelerate production of nuclear weapons to deter what he called US "provocations." According to a report by the news agency AFP on Thursday, Pyongyang might conduct its first nuclear test since 2017. It has conducted six in all since 2006.</p>

<p>Last week, Kim came back from Russia during which he and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to boost military cooperation. Officials from the US and South Korea expressed concerns that Pyongyang could be seeking technological help for its nuclear and missile programmes while Moscow tries to acquire ammunition from the North to supplement its dwindling stocks for its offensive in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>At UNGA, Pyongyang's dig at Seoul, Washington</strong></h2>

<p>On Tuesday, North Korea's United Nations (UN) envoy Kim Song addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) where he blamed the United States and South Korea for creating the situation in which Pyongyang "is urgently required to further accelerate the build-up of self-defence capabilities."</p>

<p>“The Reckless Act of the US and its foreign forces are exerting irreversibly destructive impact on the regional, political, military situation and security structure as they drive the situation of the Korean Peninsula into actual armed conflict. Given the prevailing circumstances, the DPRK is urgently required to further accelerate the build-up of self-defence capabilities to defend itself impregnably," Song said.</p>

<p>“Owing to the reckless and continued hysteria of nuclear showdown on the part of the United States and its foreign forces, The year 2023 has been recorded as an extremely dangerous year, that the military security situation in and around the Korean Peninsula was a threat even closer to the brink of a nuclear war,” he added.</p>

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North Korea has made nuclear weapons status part of its constitution, state media reported on Thursday (Sep 28) quoting Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un. At a meeting of the State People's Assembly that was held Tuesday and Wednesday, Kim said that North Korea's nuclear force-building policy has been made permanent as the basic law of the state, which no one is allowed to flout.

North Korea has made nuclear weapons status part of its constitution, state media reported on Thursday (Sep 28) quoting Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un. At a meeting of the State People's Assembly that was held Tuesday and Wednesday, Kim said that North Korea's nuclear force-building policy has been made permanent as the basic law of the state, which no one is allowed to flout. "This is a historic event that provided a powerful political lever for remarkably strengthening the national defence capabilities," he added. The supreme leader urged officials to "further promote solidarity with the nations standing against the US and the West's strategy for hegemony," denouncing trilateral cooperation between the US, South Korea, and Japan as the "Asian-version NATO." "This is just the worst actual threat, not threatening rhetoric or an imaginary entity," he said. A record number of weapons tests this year This year, North Korea carried out a record number of weapons tests, and now Kim has pledged to accelerate production of nuclear weapons to deter what he called US "provocations." According to a report by the news agency AFP on Thursday, Pyongyang might conduct its first nuclear test since 2017. It has conducted six in all since 2006. Last week, Kim came back from Russia during which he and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to boost military cooperation. Officials from the US and South Korea expressed concerns that Pyongyang could be seeking technological help for its nuclear and missile programmes while Moscow tries to acquire ammunition from the North to supplement its dwindling stocks for its offensive in Ukraine. At UNGA, Pyongyang's dig at Seoul, Washington On Tuesday, North Korea's United Nations (UN) envoy Kim Song addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) where he blamed the United States and South Korea for creating the situation in which Pyongyang "is urgently required to further accelerate the build-up of self-defence capabilities." “The Reckless Act of the US and its foreign forces are exerting irreversibly destructive impact on the regional, political, military situation and security structure as they drive the situation of the Korean Peninsula into actual armed conflict. Given the prevailing circumstances, the DPRK is urgently required to further accelerate the build-up of self-defence capabilities to defend itself impregnably," Song said. “Owing to the reckless and continued hysteria of nuclear showdown on the part of the United States and its foreign forces, The year 2023 has been recorded as an extremely dangerous year, that the military security situation in and around the Korean Peninsula was a threat even closer to the brink of a nuclear war,” he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

North Korea changes constitution and declares itself a nuclear state

<p>An explosion was reported near the airport in Uzbekistan's capital city of Tashkent Wednesday overnight (Sep 27) into Thursday (Sep 28), the news agency AFP reported citing local media. The explosion took place at a customs warehouse near the Tashkent International Airport with videos circulating on social media showing a column of flames and smoke rising into the night sky.</p>

<p>The explosion caused a fire which resulted in injuries. A report by the news agency Reuters said that fire, rescue crews, and vehicles arrived at the scene and were extinguishing the blaze.</p>

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— READY ALERTS (@ReadyAlerts) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadyAlerts/status/1707172919384944745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Sharing a post on Telegram, the health ministry said that an unspecified number of injured people had been taken to hospital. "At the moment, there are not any seriously injured among them. Right now, doctors are furnishing all necessary medical assistance," the ministry said.</p>

<p>It added that emergency medical care was being provided to people injured in the fire at the scene of the accident and in the surrounding apartments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to data shared by FlightRadar24, flights at the airport appeared to be taking off and landing as normal. On Wednesday, a notice was issued to airmen at 22.15 GMT which said that the airport would be closed for takeoff and landing at 2.00 GMT and 7.00 GMT, but a segment would be available for taxing.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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An explosion was reported near the airport in Uzbekistan's capital city of Tashkent Wednesday overnight (Sep 27) into Thursday (Sep 28), the news agency AFP reported citing local media.

An explosion was reported near the airport in Uzbekistan's capital city of Tashkent Wednesday overnight (Sep 27) into Thursday (Sep 28), the news agency AFP reported citing local media. The explosion took place at a customs warehouse near the Tashkent International Airport with videos circulating on social media showing a column of flames and smoke rising into the night sky. The explosion caused a fire which resulted in injuries. A report by the news agency Reuters said that fire, rescue crews, and vehicles arrived at the scene and were extinguishing the blaze. BREAKING | A Massive explosion has reportedly occurred near the airport in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. pic.twitter.com/1a9sw2QM2Y — READY ALERTS (@ReadyAlerts) September 27, 2023 × Sharing a post on Telegram, the health ministry said that an unspecified number of injured people had been taken to hospital. "At the moment, there are not any seriously injured among them. Right now, doctors are furnishing all necessary medical assistance," the ministry said. It added that emergency medical care was being provided to people injured in the fire at the scene of the accident and in the surrounding apartments. According to data shared by FlightRadar24, flights at the airport appeared to be taking off and landing as normal. On Wednesday, a notice was issued to airmen at 22.15 GMT which said that the airport would be closed for takeoff and landing at 2.00 GMT and 7.00 GMT, but a segment would be available for taxing. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Uzbekistan: Explosion reported near airport in Tashkent

<p>Burkina Faso's military government said on Wednesday (Sep 27) that it foiled a coup attempt the previous day. As per an official statement read out on state television, the government said, "A proven coup attempt was foiled on September 26, 2023 by intelligence and security services."</p>

<p>"At present, officers and other alleged participants in this destabilisation attempt have been arrested and others are being actively sought," the statement added. The government also said that the alleged perpetrators "had the sinister intention of attacking the institutions of the Republic and plunging the country into chaos".</p>

<p>Those behind the coup attempt have not been identified yet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In September last year, Junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traore seized power&nbsp;in Burkina Faso's second coup in eight months. The two takeovers were each triggered in part by discontent at the failure&nbsp;to stem a raging jihadist insurgency.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, thousands of people took to the streets of Ouagadougou following a call from Traore supporters to defend him amid rumours of a coup on social media. This came a day after the junta suspended French news magazine Jeune Afrique for publishing "untruthful" articles that reported tension and discontent within Burkina Faso's armed forces.</p>

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Burkina Faso's military government said on Wednesday (Sep 27) that it foiled a coup attempt the previous day. As per an official statement read out on state television, the government said, "A proven coup attempt was foiled on September 26, 2023 by intelligence and security services.

Burkina Faso's military government said on Wednesday (Sep 27) that it foiled a coup attempt the previous day. As per an official statement read out on state television, the government said, "A proven coup attempt was foiled on September 26, 2023 by intelligence and security services." "At present, officers and other alleged participants in this destabilisation attempt have been arrested and others are being actively sought," the statement added. The government also said that the alleged perpetrators "had the sinister intention of attacking the institutions of the Republic and plunging the country into chaos". Those behind the coup attempt have not been identified yet. In September last year, Junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traore seized power in Burkina Faso's second coup in eight months. The two takeovers were each triggered in part by discontent at the failure to stem a raging jihadist insurgency. On Tuesday, thousands of people took to the streets of Ouagadougou following a call from Traore supporters to defend him amid rumours of a coup on social media. This came a day after the junta suspended French news magazine Jeune Afrique for publishing "untruthful" articles that reported tension and discontent within Burkina Faso's armed forces. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Burkina Faso's military govt says it foiled coup attempt

<p>Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Munir Akram, and his Afghan counterpart Naseer Ahmad Faiq had a faceoff during a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting on Tuesday (Sep 26). Akram criticised Faiq by saying that Afghanistan’s Charge d’Affaires to the UN solely represented himself and not any broader constituency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Once Akram finished his speech, Faiq requested permission from the council’s chair to respond to Akram’s comment. Faiq, who was appointed to the position by the previous Ashraf Ghani government, said that he was representing Afghanistan at this council and speaking about the anguish and the misery of the country's citizens who have suffered from interference from countries that played a double standard.</p>

<h3><strong>Here's what Faiq said:</strong></h3>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">UNSC: Pakistan envoy to UN humiliates Afghanistan representative. Says credentials of Afghan representative to UN <a href="https://twitter.com/faiq_naseer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@faiq_naseer</a> "questionable" after he points that "countries play double standard, show victim of terorism, but normalise terror" <a href="https://t.co/7GpdKtihTf">pic.twitter.com/7GpdKtihTf</a></p>
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<p>Faiq said that one of these countries on the one hand showed that it had been a victim of terrorism, and on the other hand it lobbied and normalised and supported another terrorist group in Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Responding to Faiq, Akram said that the Afghan envoy's credentials were questionable.&nbsp;"He has no government, he has no representative, he has no credentials and it is an anomaly that the Security Council is obliged to invite him to speak to this council,” the Pakistan envoy added.</p>

<p>Akram accused Faiq of presenting disinformation before the UNSC.</p>

<h3><strong>Watch | Pakistan, Afghanistan face off at UNSC meet</strong></h3>

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<p>Meanwhile, Akram also said that Afghanistan is a strategic imperative for Pakistan. "On the positive side, the Afghan interim government has remained stable with no major internal threats to its authority. The law and order situation in Afghanistan has improved significantly. The Afghan interim government has taken action against Daesh. Corruption has declined drastically," he added.</p>

<p>However, Faiq highlighted during his speech that since the Taliban seized power in 2021, the situation in Afghanistan has not improved. "It has only deteriorated across humanitarian, human rights, social security, and political spheres. Economic and humanitarian crises have deepened," Faiq said.</p>

<p>"The rights and freedoms of women and marginalized communities have been severely curtailed. Women and girls face strict limitations on their mobility, access to education and participation in public life," he added.</p>

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Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Munir Akram, and his Afghan counterpart Naseer Ahmad Faiq had a faceoff during a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting on Tuesday (Sep 26).

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Munir Akram, and his Afghan counterpart Naseer Ahmad Faiq had a faceoff during a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting on Tuesday (Sep 26). Akram criticised Faiq by saying that Afghanistan’s Charge d’Affaires to the UN solely represented himself and not any broader constituency. Once Akram finished his speech, Faiq requested permission from the council’s chair to respond to Akram’s comment. Faiq, who was appointed to the position by the previous Ashraf Ghani government, said that he was representing Afghanistan at this council and speaking about the anguish and the misery of the country's citizens who have suffered from interference from countries that played a double standard. Here's what Faiq said: UNSC: Pakistan envoy to UN humiliates Afghanistan representative. Says credentials of Afghan representative to UN @faiq_naseer "questionable" after he points that "countries play double standard, show victim of terorism, but normalise terror" pic.twitter.com/7GpdKtihTf — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) September 27, 2023 × Faiq said that one of these countries on the one hand showed that it had been a victim of terrorism, and on the other hand it lobbied and normalised and supported another terrorist group in Afghanistan. Responding to Faiq, Akram said that the Afghan envoy's credentials were questionable. "He has no government, he has no representative, he has no credentials and it is an anomaly that the Security Council is obliged to invite him to speak to this council,” the Pakistan envoy added. Akram accused Faiq of presenting disinformation before the UNSC. Watch | Pakistan, Afghanistan face off at UNSC meet × Meanwhile, Akram also said that Afghanistan is a strategic imperative for Pakistan. "On the positive side, the Afghan interim government has remained stable with no major internal threats to its authority. The law and order situation in Afghanistan has improved significantly. The Afghan interim government has taken action against Daesh. Corruption has declined drastically," he added. However, Faiq highlighted during his speech that since the Taliban seized power in 2021, the situation in Afghanistan has not improved. "It has only deteriorated across humanitarian, human rights, social security, and political spheres. Economic and humanitarian crises have deepened," Faiq said. "The rights and freedoms of women and marginalized communities have been severely curtailed. Women and girls face strict limitations on their mobility, access to education and participation in public life," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

At UNSC meeting, Pakistan envoy criticises Afghan counterpart, says this

<p>Hyundai and&nbsp;Kia&nbsp;are recalling a combined 3.37 million vehicles in the United States due to the risk of engine fires, telling owners to park outside and away from structures until repairs are complete.</p>

<p>The automakers say internal brake fluid leaks can cause an electrical short that could lead to a fire. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said owners should follow the advice of automakers and park vehicles outside until repairs are made.</p>

<p>Hyundai said it has reports of 21 fires and 21 other thermal incidents since 2017 related to the recall, while&nbsp;Kia&nbsp;has reports of at least 10 confirmed fires and melting incidents. Neither automaker has reports of any crashes, injuries or fatalities or crashes tied to the recalls, NHTSA said.</p>

<p>Kia&nbsp;America's recall covers 1.73 million Borrego, Cadenza, Forte, Sportage, K900, Optima, Soul Rio, Sorento, and Rondo vehicles. The recall covers various model years for each vehicle from 2010 through 2017, according to a filing with NHTSA.</p>

<p>The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) in the vehicles may experience an electrical short as a result of brake fluid leaks, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving, the automaker said.</p>

<p>Hyundai is recalling 1.64 million Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, Accent, Azera, Veloster, Santa Fe, Equus, Veracruz, Tucson, Tucson Fuel Cell, and Santa Fe Sport vehicles from model years covering 2011 through 2015.</p>

<p>The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving, the carmaker said in the filing.</p>

<p>Hyundai plans to notify owners to bring vehicles to a dealer to replace the ABS module fuse.&nbsp;Kia&nbsp;is still working on a remedy, NHTSA said. The automakers plan to notify owners of the recall in November.</p>

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Hyundai and Kia are recalling a combined 3.37 million vehicles in the United States due to the risk of engine fires, telling owners to park outside and away from structures until repairs are complete.

Hyundai and Kia are recalling a combined 3.37 million vehicles in the United States due to the risk of engine fires, telling owners to park outside and away from structures until repairs are complete. The automakers say internal brake fluid leaks can cause an electrical short that could lead to a fire. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said owners should follow the advice of automakers and park vehicles outside until repairs are made. Hyundai said it has reports of 21 fires and 21 other thermal incidents since 2017 related to the recall, while Kia has reports of at least 10 confirmed fires and melting incidents. Neither automaker has reports of any crashes, injuries or fatalities or crashes tied to the recalls, NHTSA said. Kia America's recall covers 1.73 million Borrego, Cadenza, Forte, Sportage, K900, Optima, Soul Rio, Sorento, and Rondo vehicles. The recall covers various model years for each vehicle from 2010 through 2017, according to a filing with NHTSA. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) in the vehicles may experience an electrical short as a result of brake fluid leaks, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving, the automaker said. Hyundai is recalling 1.64 million Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, Accent, Azera, Veloster, Santa Fe, Equus, Veracruz, Tucson, Tucson Fuel Cell, and Santa Fe Sport vehicles from model years covering 2011 through 2015. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving, the carmaker said in the filing. Hyundai plans to notify owners to bring vehicles to a dealer to replace the ABS module fuse. Kia is still working on a remedy, NHTSA said. The automakers plan to notify owners of the recall in November. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kia, Hyundai recall 3.37 million US vehicles over fire risks

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<p>Ma. O Ranada Aplasca, the chief of the Philippines' Office for Transportation Security (OTS), stepped down from the post on Tuesday (Sep 26) days after an OTS staff was investigated for swallowing $300 supposedly stolen from a passenger at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). According to a report by GMA News Online, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista confirmed the development.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a letter addressed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Aplasca said, “I am not in any way ready to sacrifice my organization but I consider this as a noble undertaking for a greater interest."</p>

<p>Aplasca's resignation came a day after House Speaker Martin Romualdez said he would block the approval of the 2024 proposed budget of the OTS and the Department of Transportation (DoTr) should he stay in office.</p>

<h2><strong>The money-swallowing incident</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this month, <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cash-gobbling-scandal-philippines-airport-employee-swallows-allegedly-stolen-passenger-money-watch-638889">an OTS personnel was seen swallowing </a></strong>a reported stolen $300 from a foreigner at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. A video of the incident showed the personnel concealing something in her waist and trying to swallow folded dollar bills. Despite almost choking and disregarding a bystander, she carried on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The personnel denied the allegations (of stealing) and said she was eating chocolate.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>OTS staff swallowed money, not chocolate</strong></h2>

<p>On Tuesday, Transportation Secretary Bautista said an administrative investigation found out that the OTS personnel swallowed money and not chocolate. Three other OTS personnel were found liable in connection with the missing money, Bautista said, adding the DOTr would be stricter in its recruitment of OTS staff.</p>

<p>As per another report by GMA News Online, these four OTS personnel were suspended and might be dismissed from service.&nbsp;</p>

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Ma. O Ranada Aplasca, the chief of the Philippines' Office for Transportation Security (OTS), stepped down from the post on Tuesday (Sep 26) days after an OTS staff was investigated for swallowing $300 supposedly stolen from a passenger at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Ma. O Ranada Aplasca, the chief of the Philippines' Office for Transportation Security (OTS), stepped down from the post on Tuesday (Sep 26) days after an OTS staff was investigated for swallowing $300 supposedly stolen from a passenger at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). According to a report by GMA News Online, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista confirmed the development. In a letter addressed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Aplasca said, “I am not in any way ready to sacrifice my organization but I consider this as a noble undertaking for a greater interest." Aplasca's resignation came a day after House Speaker Martin Romualdez said he would block the approval of the 2024 proposed budget of the OTS and the Department of Transportation (DoTr) should he stay in office. The money-swallowing incident Earlier this month, an OTS personnel was seen swallowing a reported stolen $300 from a foreigner at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. A video of the incident showed the personnel concealing something in her waist and trying to swallow folded dollar bills. Despite almost choking and disregarding a bystander, she carried on. The personnel denied the allegations (of stealing) and said she was eating chocolate. OTS staff swallowed money, not chocolate On Tuesday, Transportation Secretary Bautista said an administrative investigation found out that the OTS personnel swallowed money and not chocolate. Three other OTS personnel were found liable in connection with the missing money, Bautista said, adding the DOTr would be stricter in its recruitment of OTS staff. As per another report by GMA News Online, these four OTS personnel were suspended and might be dismissed from service. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Philippines money swallowing incident: Top transportation security official resigns, says govt

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<p>The US state of California will now ban people from carrying firearms in most public places while doubling the taxes on guns and ammunition sold in the state under two new laws Governor Gavin Newsom signed on Tuesday (Sep 26). The federal government already taxes the sale of guns and ammunition at either 10% or 11%, depending on the type of gun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, gun control advocacy group Brady said that the new law Governor Newsom signed added another 11% tax on top of that, making California the only state with a separate tax on guns and ammunition.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Tax money to pay for school safety</strong></h2>

<p>The report said that the tax money would pay for security improvements at public schools and a variety of gun violence prevention programmes. The two new laws were among nearly two dozen gun control measures Newsom signed on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, he acknowledged that many of these laws might not survive legal challenges now that the Supreme Court imposed a new standard on interpreting the country's gun laws.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It may mean nothing if the federal courts are throwing them out. We feel very strongly that these bills meet the (new standard), and they were drafted accordingly. But I’m not naive about the recklessness of the federal courts and the ideological agenda," the governor said.</p>

<p>The report further said that the California Rifle and Pistol Association already sued to block one new law Newsom signed that banned people from carrying guns in most public places, including parks, churches, banks, zoos, and any other privately owned commercial establishment that is open to the public unless the owner puts up a sign saying guns are allowed.</p>

<p>Chuck Michel, the president of the association, said that these laws would not make people safer. "They are an unconstitutional retaliatory and vindictive response to the Supreme Court’s affirmation that the Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to choose to own a firearm for sport or to defend your family," Michel added.</p>

<h2><strong>Violent crimes in California increase</strong></h2>

<p>Even though California has some of the lowest gun death rates in the country, violent crimes have increased recently. As per the state's Department of Justice, the violent crime rate increased by 6.1%.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The taxes on guns and ammunition sold will have some exceptions. They will not apply to police officers and it would not apply to businesses with sales of less than $5,000 over three months.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The US state of California will now ban people from carrying firearms in most public places while doubling the taxes on guns and ammunition sold in the state under two new laws Governor Gavin Newsom signed on Tuesday (Sep 26).

The US state of California will now ban people from carrying firearms in most public places while doubling the taxes on guns and ammunition sold in the state under two new laws Governor Gavin Newsom signed on Tuesday (Sep 26). The federal government already taxes the sale of guns and ammunition at either 10% or 11%, depending on the type of gun. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, gun control advocacy group Brady said that the new law Governor Newsom signed added another 11% tax on top of that, making California the only state with a separate tax on guns and ammunition. Tax money to pay for school safety The report said that the tax money would pay for security improvements at public schools and a variety of gun violence prevention programmes. The two new laws were among nearly two dozen gun control measures Newsom signed on Tuesday. However, he acknowledged that many of these laws might not survive legal challenges now that the Supreme Court imposed a new standard on interpreting the country's gun laws. "It may mean nothing if the federal courts are throwing them out. We feel very strongly that these bills meet the (new standard), and they were drafted accordingly. But I’m not naive about the recklessness of the federal courts and the ideological agenda," the governor said. The report further said that the California Rifle and Pistol Association already sued to block one new law Newsom signed that banned people from carrying guns in most public places, including parks, churches, banks, zoos, and any other privately owned commercial establishment that is open to the public unless the owner puts up a sign saying guns are allowed. Chuck Michel, the president of the association, said that these laws would not make people safer. "They are an unconstitutional retaliatory and vindictive response to the Supreme Court’s affirmation that the Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to choose to own a firearm for sport or to defend your family," Michel added. Violent crimes in California increase Even though California has some of the lowest gun death rates in the country, violent crimes have increased recently. As per the state's Department of Justice, the violent crime rate increased by 6.1%. The taxes on guns and ammunition sold will have some exceptions. They will not apply to police officers and it would not apply to businesses with sales of less than $5,000 over three months. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US: California doubles taxes on guns and ammunition sold. Details here

<p>Canada's parliamentary speaker Anthony Rota resigned on Tuesday (Sep 26) after he publicly praised a former Nazi soldier in Parliament. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Rota told legislators he had made a mistake by inviting ex-soldier Yaroslav Hunka, 98, to attend a session in the House honouring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last Friday (Sep 22).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rota publicly recognised Hunka, calling him a hero. "That public recognition has caused pain to individuals and communities, including the Jewish community in Canada and around the world ... I accept full responsibility for my actions," Rota added.</p>

<p>He also said that his resignation would take effect on Wednesday. Until then a deputy speaker will be in charge.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Trudeau (and his Liberal Speaker) have brought shame on Canada.<br />
<br />
The Liberal Speaker will have to resign.<br />
<br />
But that does not excuse Justin Trudeau’s failure to have his massive diplomatic and intelligence apparatus vet and prevent honouring a Nazi.</p>
— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) <a href="https://twitter.com/PierrePoilievre/status/1706673367460290694?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The parliamentary speaker had been facing growing pressure to step down following the Sep 22 incident. Rota paid homage to Hunka and hailed him as "a Ukrainian-Canadian war veteran from the Second World War who fought for Ukrainian independence against the Russians" and "a Ukrainian hero and a Canadian hero."</p>

<p>Rota's remarks (about the veteran) prompted a standing ovation from members.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This incident played into the narrative promoted by Russian President Vladimir Putin that he sent his army into Ukraine in February last year to "demilitarise and denazify" the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly joined the calls for Rota's resignation. Addressing a press conference in parliament, Foreign Minister Joly said, "What happened on Friday is completely unacceptable." Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, meanwhile, called Rota's remarks shameful.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Canada's parliamentary speaker Anthony Rota resigned on Tuesday (Sep 26) after he publicly praised a former Nazi soldier in Parliament. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Rota told legislators he had made a mistake by inviting ex-soldier Yaroslav Hunka, 98, to attend a session in the House honouring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last Friday (Sep 22).

Canada's parliamentary speaker Anthony Rota resigned on Tuesday (Sep 26) after he publicly praised a former Nazi soldier in Parliament. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Rota told legislators he had made a mistake by inviting ex-soldier Yaroslav Hunka, 98, to attend a session in the House honouring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last Friday (Sep 22). Rota publicly recognised Hunka, calling him a hero. "That public recognition has caused pain to individuals and communities, including the Jewish community in Canada and around the world ... I accept full responsibility for my actions," Rota added. He also said that his resignation would take effect on Wednesday. Until then a deputy speaker will be in charge. Trudeau (and his Liberal Speaker) have brought shame on Canada. The Liberal Speaker will have to resign. But that does not excuse Justin Trudeau’s failure to have his massive diplomatic and intelligence apparatus vet and prevent honouring a Nazi. — Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) September 26, 2023 × The parliamentary speaker had been facing growing pressure to step down following the Sep 22 incident. Rota paid homage to Hunka and hailed him as "a Ukrainian-Canadian war veteran from the Second World War who fought for Ukrainian independence against the Russians" and "a Ukrainian hero and a Canadian hero." Rota's remarks (about the veteran) prompted a standing ovation from members. This incident played into the narrative promoted by Russian President Vladimir Putin that he sent his army into Ukraine in February last year to "demilitarise and denazify" the country. On Tuesday, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly joined the calls for Rota's resignation. Addressing a press conference in parliament, Foreign Minister Joly said, "What happened on Friday is completely unacceptable." Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, meanwhile, called Rota's remarks shameful. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Canada: Parliamentary speaker Anthony Rota resigns after tribute to Nazi-linked veteran

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid1TuCNvDcz8KZ" /><meta charset="utf-8" />More than 100 people were killed and 150 were injured in a fire at a wedding party in Al-Hamdaniya district in Iraq's Nineveh province on Wednesday (Sep 27). According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Nineveh Deputy Governor Hasan al-Allaq said that the death toll stood at 113.</p>

<p>Citing state media, Reuters reported the fire ripped through a large events hall in Al-Hamdaniya&nbsp;town after fireworks were lit during the celebration. Preliminary information indicated that the building was made of highly flammable construction materials, contributing to its rapid collapse.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ambulances &amp; medical crews dispatched to site</strong></h2>

<p>Eyewitnesses said the fire broke out at around 10.45 pm local time (19.45 GMT) and that hundreds of people were in attendance at the time of the incident. As per official statements, ambulances and medical crews were dispatched to the site by federal Iraqi authorities and Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.</p>

<p>According to a report by the news agency AFP, the main hospital in Al-Hamdaniya&nbsp;saw several ambulances arriving with sirens blaring and dozens of people gathering in the courtyard to donate blood.</p>

<p>Some people were also seen gathering at the doors of a refrigerated truck carrying several black body bags.</p>

<h2><strong>'We saw the fire pulsating...'</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking to Reuters, Imad Yohana, a 34-year-old who escaped the inferno, said that those at the site saw the fire pulsating, coming out of the hall. "Those who managed got out and those who didn't got stuck," Yohana added.</p>

<p>Civil defence authorities reported the presence of prefabricated panels that were "highly flammable and contravened safety standards" inside the event hall. "The fire caused some parts of the ceiling to fall due to the use of highly flammable, low-cost construction materials," an official statement said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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More than 100 people were killed and 150 were injured in a fire at a wedding party in Al-Hamdaniya district in Iraq's Nineveh province on Wednesday (Sep 27). According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Nineveh Deputy Governor Hasan al-Allaq said that the death toll stood at 113.

More than 100 people were killed and 150 were injured in a fire at a wedding party in Al-Hamdaniya district in Iraq's Nineveh province on Wednesday (Sep 27). According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Nineveh Deputy Governor Hasan al-Allaq said that the death toll stood at 113. Citing state media, Reuters reported the fire ripped through a large events hall in Al-Hamdaniya town after fireworks were lit during the celebration. Preliminary information indicated that the building was made of highly flammable construction materials, contributing to its rapid collapse. Ambulances & medical crews dispatched to site Eyewitnesses said the fire broke out at around 10.45 pm local time (19.45 GMT) and that hundreds of people were in attendance at the time of the incident. As per official statements, ambulances and medical crews were dispatched to the site by federal Iraqi authorities and Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region. According to a report by the news agency AFP, the main hospital in Al-Hamdaniya saw several ambulances arriving with sirens blaring and dozens of people gathering in the courtyard to donate blood. Some people were also seen gathering at the doors of a refrigerated truck carrying several black body bags. 'We saw the fire pulsating...' Speaking to Reuters, Imad Yohana, a 34-year-old who escaped the inferno, said that those at the site saw the fire pulsating, coming out of the hall. "Those who managed got out and those who didn't got stuck," Yohana added. Civil defence authorities reported the presence of prefabricated panels that were "highly flammable and contravened safety standards" inside the event hall. "The fire caused some parts of the ceiling to fall due to the use of highly flammable, low-cost construction materials," an official statement said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iraq: 113 killed, 150 injured in fire during wedding in Al-Hamdaniya town

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid1TuCNvDcz8KZ" /><meta charset="utf-8" />Former United States president Donald Trump committed fraud by inflating the value of his real estate and financial assets, New York judge Arthur Engoron ruled on Tuesday (Sep 26). This ruling is a setback for Trump, 77, ahead of a trial in the case due to begin on October 2, and it is a partial win for New York State Attorney General Letitia James, the news agency AFP reported.</p>

<p>Attorney General James had filed a civil case against Trump and his two eldest sons-&nbsp;Eric and Don Jr- accusing them of submitting "grossly inflated" numbers to banks and insurers to secure loans and insurance coverage.</p>

<h2><strong>The accusations</strong></h2>

<p>James accused the trio (Trump and his sons) and other Trump Organization executives of lying to tax collectors, lenders, and insurers for years in a scheme that routinely exaggerated the value of their properties.</p>

<p>AFP reported that she asked for a summary judgment, however, seeking that the former president be found liable ahead of the trial and the judge sided with the attorney general.</p>

<p>James is seeking $250 million in penalties and the removal of Trump and his sons from management of the Trump Organization. The New York State attorney general claims that Trump and his associates submitted "grossly inflated" numbers to banks and insurers each year between 2011 and 2021 "to secure and maintain loans and insurance on more favourable terms."&nbsp;</p>

<p>They allegedly fraudulently overvalued the net worth of Trump company assets by billions of dollars, which resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in ill-gotten savings and profits.&nbsp;</p>

<p>James also alleged that the overvaluation of Trump's assets was between $1.9 billion and $3.6 billion per year.</p>

<h2><strong>'This is a fantasy world'</strong></h2>

<p>New York judge Arthur Engoron ruled on Tuesday that Trump and his lawyers relied on bogus arguments. "In defendants' world: rent-regulated apartments are worth the same as unregulated apartments; restricted land is worth the same as unrestricted land," Engoron said, adding, "This is a fantasy world, not the real world."</p>

<p>Among the properties overvalued -- by between $114 million to $207 million -- was the 77-year-old's apartment in Manhattan's Trump Tower, whose square footage was given as 30,000 square feet when it is 10,996 square feet.</p>

<p>"A discrepancy of this order of magnitude, by a real estate developer sizing up his own living space of decades, can only be considered fraud," the judge said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Former United States president Donald Trump committed fraud by inflating the value of his real estate and financial assets, New York judge Arthur Engoron ruled on Tuesday (Sep 26).

Former United States president Donald Trump committed fraud by inflating the value of his real estate and financial assets, New York judge Arthur Engoron ruled on Tuesday (Sep 26). This ruling is a setback for Trump, 77, ahead of a trial in the case due to begin on October 2, and it is a partial win for New York State Attorney General Letitia James, the news agency AFP reported. Attorney General James had filed a civil case against Trump and his two eldest sons- Eric and Don Jr- accusing them of submitting "grossly inflated" numbers to banks and insurers to secure loans and insurance coverage. The accusations James accused the trio (Trump and his sons) and other Trump Organization executives of lying to tax collectors, lenders, and insurers for years in a scheme that routinely exaggerated the value of their properties. AFP reported that she asked for a summary judgment, however, seeking that the former president be found liable ahead of the trial and the judge sided with the attorney general. James is seeking $250 million in penalties and the removal of Trump and his sons from management of the Trump Organization. The New York State attorney general claims that Trump and his associates submitted "grossly inflated" numbers to banks and insurers each year between 2011 and 2021 "to secure and maintain loans and insurance on more favourable terms." They allegedly fraudulently overvalued the net worth of Trump company assets by billions of dollars, which resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in ill-gotten savings and profits. James also alleged that the overvaluation of Trump's assets was between $1.9 billion and $3.6 billion per year. 'This is a fantasy world' New York judge Arthur Engoron ruled on Tuesday that Trump and his lawyers relied on bogus arguments. "In defendants' world: rent-regulated apartments are worth the same as unregulated apartments; restricted land is worth the same as unrestricted land," Engoron said, adding, "This is a fantasy world, not the real world." Among the properties overvalued -- by between $114 million to $207 million -- was the 77-year-old's apartment in Manhattan's Trump Tower, whose square footage was given as 30,000 square feet when it is 10,996 square feet. "A discrepancy of this order of magnitude, by a real estate developer sizing up his own living space of decades, can only be considered fraud," the judge said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ex-US president Donald Trump committed fraud by inflating value of assets: NY judge

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