Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II has been barred from leaving Armenia as part of a criminal investigation and will not attend the funeral of Georgian Orthodox leader Ilia II, his attorney said.
The funeral of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II, who died at the age of 93 on March 17, is scheduled for Sunday in Tbilisi.
Garegin II, the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, was indicted in February in connection with an ongoing criminal case linked to his refusal to comply with a court order to reinstate a defrocked bishop. The case is tied to a broader dispute involving Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian and his campaign to oust Garegin II as the church leader.
The indictment led to a ban on Garegin II’s travel abroad, imposed days before a planned visit to Austria for a meeting of senior clergy that Pashinian had implicitly pledged to block.
According to Garegin II’s lawyer, Ara Zohrabian, a request was submitted earlier this week asking investigators to lift or ease the travel restrictions so the catholicos could attend Ilia II’s funeral following an official invitation.
Armenia’s Investigative Committee declined the request. Zohrabian said the decision rejecting the motion was received on March 21.
“This is another obviously illegal decision that will cause great damage to the reputation of our country,” Zohrabian wrote on Facebook.
Tensions between the Armenian government and the Church escalated into an open confrontation last year as Pashinian first accused Garegin II of violating his vow of celibacy and later described him as a threat to national security, alleging he serves the interests of a foreign country, an apparent reference to Russia. The prime minister has not provided clear evidence for these claims.
Critics of Pashinian note that the campaign against the catholicos intensified after Garegin II accused Azerbaijan of ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh and of destroying the region’s Armenian churches and occupying Armenian border areas during an international conference in Switzerland in May. They argue the Armenian government is thus seeking to appease Azerbaijan or weaken a prominent critic of its policies, allegations Armenian officials have dismissed.
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Pashinyan exploits public fear for political gain, ex-ombudsman says
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Could the war in Iran lay a path for peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan?
Addressing the European Parliament earlier this month, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan declared that, with the Iranian conflict on its border, efforts would be stepped up to realise a trade route with Azerbaijan.
The United States-brokered TRIPP project, negotiated by United States President Donald Trump last August, is seen as key to reconciling the two countries, after decades of conflict over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh enclave.
With both Armenia and Azerbaijan bordering Iran, the conflict is providing a powerful impetus for cooperation.
“This war in Iran has fostered much more of a localised regional identity where, despite the wars and the conflicts of the last several decades, Armenia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan are actually banding together,” said Richard Giragosiyan, director of the Regional Studies Center, a think tank based in the Armenian capital, Yerevan.
“Now is the one opportunity for consolidating regional connectivity in terms of trade and transport.”
Life after ruin: Aghdam’s fragile rebirth after the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
‘The Trump Road’
Pashinyan and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev signed the TRIPP agreement as part of a peace deal, committing to unimpeded connectivity between mainland Azerbaijan and the exclave of Nakhchivan, via Armenian territory.
The new trade route is expected to become part of what is dubbed the “Middle Corridor”, linking energy-rich Central Asian countries to Europe via Turkey.
Tehran strongly opposes the initiative, as the corridor offers an alternative to transiting through Iran to Central Asia. However, the Iran war has further curtailed Tehran’s diminishing influence in the Caucasus.
“We also shouldn’t forget the benefits of the Iran war,” said Turkey analyst Atilla Yesilada of the New York-based Global Source Partners consultancy. “They [Ankara] want a weak Iran so that they can expand their footprint in the South Caucasus against Iran.”
Yesilada says the fallout from the Iran war underscores the importance of the TRIPP agreement – or, as it’s sometimes dubbed in Turkey, the “Trump Road” – which is key to Ankara’s economic goals.
“We get the Trump Road because nobody would want to traverse Iran under these conditions,” explains Yesilada, “And you get [a] not immediate but gradual, but permanent, development boost from trade and investment along that route.”
US takes lead in Caucasus peace deal as France is pushed aside
A new route for Europe
The Middle Corridor is seen as an opportunity for Europe to diversify in terms of energy supply from the volatile Middle East.
“The most obvious security lesson [from the Iran war] is diversity,” said Tatiana Mitrova, a research fellow at the Center on Global Energy Policy at New York’s Columbia University.
“The real jewel is Turkmenistan’s gas, the third largest [supply] in terms of the world’s resources. I believe that there will be a lot of discussions about the middle corridor both in the region and in Europe.”
However, Mitrova remains cautious about the project’s viability, saying: “Economically it’s not attractive – too many risks and too low margins.”
The Caucasus is sandwiched between Russia’s war in Ukraine and the Iran conflict, raising questions over how secure any new energy route to Europe would be. These come alongside reservations over the viability of the billions of euros of investment needed, at a time when Europe is seeking to transition away from fossil fuels.
“The problem with the Brussels policy is they don’t want to invest in hydrocarbons, they don’t invest in gas,” said Farid Shafiyev, chairman of the Baku-based Center of Analysis of International Relations.
Frenchman convicted for spying in Azerbaijan, sentenced to ten years
Opportunity for peace
However, Shafiyev argues that, in addition to providing an alternative energy supply for Europe, there is an opportunity to build on the current momentum for peace.
“There is some hostility remaining… but overall, the feeling [is] we don’t want any new war and conflict in the South Caucasus. And indeed, [there is] a sort of window of opportunity to bring this alternative route, including for energy and gas.”
Interdependency in trade, and with it economic prosperity, is seen as key to strengthening the rapprochement between Armenia, Azerbaijan and their Turkish neighbours.
It’s a rapprochement that could also be vital to resisting any future threat from Russia, which is seeking to reassert itself in the region. However, such threats of renewed instability could also prove a major obstacle to any large-scale infrastructure investment by Europe.
Sports: Rangers line up Sunderland teen Finn Geragusian, FIFA rules open up ba
Mar 21 2026
Rangers line up Sunderland teen Finn Geragusian, FIFA rules open up bargain deal
Scott Mason
Rangers are interested in signing Sunderland teenager Finn Geragusian, with the Armenian forward’s scholarship contract paving the way for a bargain transfer.
The Gers face plenty of competition for the Black Cats’ youth talent as they seek to add to their forward options next summer.
Geragusian has yet to feature in a senior game at any level, but that is set to change ahead of the international break.
The Armenian has been called up for his national team, giving the Bears a chance to see how he fares at that level.
Ahead of Rangers’ summer transfer window, the signing of Geragusian could be secured for a nominal fee thanks to FIFA rules.
Rangers have had plenty of problems in the centre-forward department this season, and the arrival of a fresh striker would not be a surprise.
The arrival of Ryan Naderi has yet to bear its fruit, while Youssef Chermiti has been inconsistent for Rangers. Now, Geragusian could be an option for the Glasgow club in the summer.
| Statistic | Total |
| Appearances | 72 |
| Goals | 28 |
| Assists | 12 |
Finn Geragusian’s combined stats for Sunderland U18s and U21s
According to Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope, Rangers are one of the numerous clubs interested in signing Geragusian.
The 18-year-old’s contract for the Mackems expires in the summer, and due to FIFA rules surrounding scholarship contracts, the Gers could pay as little as £173,770 to Sunderland.
Teams outside of England are not subject to the same scrutiny when it comes to transfer fees for academy talents in other English clubs’ ranks.
Who is Rangers target Finn Geragusian?
Geragusian is an 18-year-old Armenian forward who has recently received his first senior international call-up.
Born in Durham, England, he qualifies for Armenia through his grandfather.
The young prospect primarily plays down the middle for the Sunderland youth squads. However, he has been shown to be versatile.
Throughout his time in the Black Cats’ academy, he has also been deployed as a right midfielder and right winger.
At 18 years old, he is already a physical presence up front, coming in at 6’4″. The Gers would be signing a promising player, who has been a key player for Sunderland’s academy sides.
https://www.ibroxnews.com/2026/03/21/rangers-line-up-sunderland-teen-finn-geragusian-fifa-rules-open-up-bargain-deal/
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Armenia must rethink air defense to meet future threats, Israeli expert says
Armenia needs to develop a new national security concept capable of addressing emerging threats, according to Zvika Haimovich, former Israel Air Defense Forces Commander.
In an interview with Armenia TV on Friday, Haimovich described Armenia’s air defense capabilities as a “matter of life and death”, stressing that lessons from the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war must not be ignored.
He pointed to the vulnerability of Armenia’s airspace during the 44-day conflict, particularly to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which caused significant damage.
“The fact that the skies were not secured and that new threats, especially from drones, inflicted serious harm is undeniable,” he said. “Such risks cannot be overlooked. If you possess the knowledge, it must be used in service of the state and its interests.”
Haimovich argued that a more effectively structured defense system could have led to a different outcome in the war, which he described as “very dramatic”.
Now serving as a security adviser to the Strong Armenia party, he said his role is to help shape a modern strategic framework for the country.
“We are working to build a new concept and models that can withstand future challenges and threats,” he said. “Strength and peace are interconnected. Only a strong country can achieve peace.”
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Catholicos Karekin II barred from attending Georgian patriarch’s funeral
Armenian investigators have denied a request allowing Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II to travel to Georgia to attend the funeral of Georgian Patriarch Ilia II, his lawyer said on Saturday.
Attorney Ara Zohrabyan said he had submitted a motion seeking permission for the Catholicos to leave Armenia for several days to participate in the funeral ceremony and a divine liturgy scheduled for March 22, following an official invitation from the Georgian Orthodox Church.
The request was rejected by the investigator, Zohrabyan said, calling the decision “absolutely unlawful” and warning it could harm Armenia’s international reputation.
Ilia II, the long-serving head of the Georgian Orthodox Church, died on Tuesday aged 93.
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Lessons from Iran war: strategic takeaways for Armenia
Turkologist Varuzhan Geghamyan says the ongoing conflict involving Iran offers key strategic lessons for Armenia, arguing that wars should be studied for long-term implications rather than followed as daily news.
Material Advantage Not Decisive
Despite the United States and Israel holding overwhelming military and technological superiority, Geghamyan notes that such advantages have yielded only tactical gains, not a clear strategic victory. What may have been intended as a short operation has stretched for weeks, with Iran maintaining resistance and gradually shaping the course of events.
Asymmetric Strategy as Equalizer
According to Geghamyan, Iran’s approach relies on asymmetric tactics designed to maximize impact with limited resources. In the Strait of Hormuz, relatively low-cost tools, including drones, fast boats and short-range missiles, have disrupted stronger naval forces and affected global markets.
He argues that by widening pressure points, including targeting adversaries’ partners, Iran raises the cost of conflict and shifts the strategic balance.
Geography as Force Multiplier
Geghamyan emphasizes that Iran’s geographic position plays a central role in its strategy. Proximity to critical routes such as the Strait of Hormuz allows Tehran to exert global influence even with constrained capabilities. He describes geography as a decisive, often underestimated advantage.
Geghamyan concludes that Iran’s experience highlights the importance of strategic planning, adaptability and effective use of national advantages, lessons he says are directly relevant for Armenia amid ongoing security challenges.
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Hayk Marutyan named PM candidate of New Force party
Former Yerevan mayor and actor Hayk Marutyan has been named the prime ministerial candidate of his newly formed New Force party ahead of Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary elections.
Speaking at a party gathering on Saturday, Marutyan criticized the political climate since 2021, citing “disasters, humiliations and violations of law” that he said were unimaginable in 2018. He urged voters to look to the future rather than dwell on past setbacks.
Marutyan accused the ruling Civil Contract party of serving Azerbaijan’s interests under the guise of promoting peace, while other forces, he said, relied on street protests without offering sustainable solutions. “We are not selling our children’s future,” he declared, rejecting criticism that his background as an actor disqualified him from politics.
Positioning his party as incorruptible and independent, Marutyan said New Force would advance Armenia’s interests by aligning more closely with Europe, which he described as the country’s “cradle” of freedom, human rights and Christianity.
“By choosing New Force, the people are choosing Armenia, whose roots are in Europe,” he said.
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Analyst slams travel ban on Armenian church leader
Political analyst Suren Surenyants has criticized a politically motivated decision preventing Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II from traveling abroad, calling it a “dangerous manifestation” for Armenian statehood.
The travel restriction barred the Armenian church leader from attending the funeral of Georgian Patriarch Ilia II despite an official invitation from Tbilisi. Surenyants argued that legal justifications in this case are unconvincing and warned against using the law as a tool for domestic political retribution.
In a social media post on Saturday, Surenyants warned the situation places Armenia in a “vulnerable and embarrassing” diplomatic position, undermining its ability to ensure representation at a significant event. He added that the absence of Armenia’s spiritual leader risks casting a shadow over Armenian-Georgian relations.
He concluded that the incident reflects a broader pattern of weakening state institutions, with consequences increasingly visible both domestically and internationally.
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Nikol Pashinyan: The Diplomat Who Inherited a Broken State and Repositioned Ar
How Armenia’s Post-Revolution Leader Navigated War, Oligarchic Legacy, and Geopolitical Pressure While Advancing Economic Reform and Democratic Realignment
By Vic Gerami
When Nikol Pashinyan rose to power in Armenia’s 2018 Velvet Revolution, he did not inherit a stable or prosperous country. He inherited a post-Soviet state weakened by decades of entrenched corruption, oligarchic dominance, institutional fragility, and unresolved geopolitical threats. His critics portray him as reckless or weak. Yet a closer examination suggests a more complex reality: Pashinyan has pursued a pragmatic diplomatic strategy while attempting structural reforms that have significantly reshaped Armenia’s economic trajectory and foreign policy orientation.
Inheriting a Post-Soviet System Defined by Corruption
Pashinyan’s ascent followed mass protests that forced longtime leader Serzh Sargsyan from power, ending years of rule by political elites widely associated with corruption and economic stagnation.
For nearly three decades following independence from the Soviet Union, Armenia’s leadership failed to adequately prioritize national security or long-term strategic preparedness. As a result, Pashinyan inherited a nation that was institutionally fragile and insufficiently fortified at a time when Azerbaijan, backed by Turkey and supported by geopolitical actors including Russia and Israel, was preparing to exert overwhelming military pressure and commit genocide.
During those same years, entrenched oligarchic networks had become accustomed to exploiting state resources for personal enrichment. Corruption, privatization under opaque terms, and systemic patronage hollowed out key sectors of the economy and weakened public trust in governance. Former President Robert Kocharyan presided over the transfer of significant industrial assets to Russian control and later emerged as a billionaire, raising enduring questions about how a lifelong public servant in a small nation could amass such wealth. His successor, Serzh Sargsyan, faced similar accusations of entrenched corruption and has likewise been associated with vast personal fortunes.
One of the new government’s earliest priorities was combating systemic corruption. Observers noted that anti-corruption initiatives and institutional reforms became a central pillar of governance in the immediate aftermath of the revolution.
While reform efforts have faced obstacles, analysts acknowledge that corruption indicators improved after 2018, reflecting a shift in public administration and accountability norms.
These efforts formed the foundation for broader economic and political reforms aimed at stabilizing the country’s governance model.
Economic Growth and Structural Transformation
Despite Armenia’s exposure to regional conflict and global shocks, the country’s macroeconomic indicators have improved during Pashinyan’s tenure.
Between 2021 and 2024, Armenia’s GDP grew by approximately 36.6 percent, reflecting sustained annual growth rates.
More broadly, official figures suggest that overall economic expansion since 2018 has approached 40 percent, alongside a significant increase in tax revenues.
Labor market indicators also point to structural change. Registered wage-paying jobs rose sharply, with hundreds of thousands of new formal positions recorded and average salaries increasing substantially compared with pre-revolution levels.
Financial sector stability has likewise strengthened. Investments in Armenia’s banking system increased by more than 160 percent after 2018, suggesting growing investor confidence.
In parallel, Armenia has sought to diversify its economic base, investing in technology and education while attracting foreign firms and diaspora capital. This strategy aims to make the country more resilient in a volatile geopolitical environment.
A Delicate Diplomatic Balancing Act
Perhaps Pashinyan’s most consequential legacy lies in foreign policy. Armenia’s geographic position leaves it surrounded by powerful enemies and dependent on shifting alliances.
Historically aligned with Russia, Yerevan has gradually deepened engagement with the European Union as dissatisfaction with Moscow’s security guarantees grew.
Pashinyan has gradually and diplomatically worked to reduce Armenia’s dependence on Russia’s political and security orbit while cautiously strengthening ties with the European Union and the United States. This delicate geopolitical balancing act reflects an effort to diversify Armenia’s strategic partnerships, enhance sovereignty, and reposition the country within a broader framework of democratic alliances.
This reorientation culminated in legislation establishing a legal framework for potential EU accession, signaling a strategic pivot toward Western integration.
European leaders have simultaneously expanded financial and technical assistance, including major investment initiatives designed to support Armenia’s long-term development and connectivity.
Analysts argue that this diplomatic recalibration reflects a pragmatic attempt to diversify Armenia’s security partnerships rather than an ideological break with Russia. The country continues to navigate complex economic and defense dependencies even as it explores closer cooperation with Europe and the United States.
Managing Conflict and Pursuing Peace
Pashinyan’s leadership has unfolded amid one of the most turbulent periods in modern Armenian history. The aftermath of what many Armenians and international observers describe not as the Nagorno-Karabakh “war,” but rather as the Artsakh Genocide, marked by mass displacement, ethnic cleansing, and humanitarian devastation, alongside Azerbaijan’s military advances and ongoing border tensions, has severely constrained policy options.
In this context, his controversial peace initiatives and territorial concessions have been framed by supporters as attempts to avoid renewed war and stabilize Armenia’s internationally recognized borders.
Supporters argue that his restraint in the face of repeated provocations from Azerbaijan demonstrates a commitment to preventing further large-scale conflict in the region. Despite ongoing border tensions and continued Azerbaijani incursions into internationally recognized Armenian territory, he has largely resisted calls for retaliatory escalation that could trigger a devastating regional war. Advocates contend that this measured approach reflects conflict-avoidance diplomacy aimed at preserving lives and maintaining fragile stability.
At the same time, his government has sought to modernize the armed forces and increase military professionalism through reforms and targeted investments.
Such measures illustrate the dual challenge facing Armenia: maintaining security while pursuing diplomatic normalization with hostile neighbors.
Democratic Legitimacy and Electoral Mandates
Despite intense domestic polarization, Pashinyan has repeatedly secured electoral mandates. His Civil Contract party won a decisive parliamentary victory in 2021, with results broadly accepted by civil society and international observers.
Another profound challenge he has confronted has been persistent resistance from entrenched political structures. Unlike in systems where a change in leadership results in a sweeping replacement of administrative personnel, Armenia’s bureaucratic and institutional apparatus remained largely intact following the Velvet Revolution. This meant that elements of the old guard continued to exert influence within the state, at times obstructing reform initiatives and complicating efforts to modernize governance. Navigating these political landmines while maintaining national stability required both resilience and strategic restraint.
He has also emphasized democratic consolidation as a strategic national objective, arguing that Armenia’s future lies within a European-style political and institutional framework.
This narrative positions Armenia as a small but resilient democracy attempting to chart an independent course in a region dominated by authoritarian or hybrid regimes.
Tourism, Investment, and International Visibility
Economic modernization efforts have coincided with increased international attention. Technology investment, diaspora engagement, and global events hosted in Yerevan have boosted Armenia’s visibility as an emerging innovation hub.
Foreign investment flows and EU funding initiatives further underscore Armenia’s growing integration into global economic networks.
Tourism and services have also benefited from improved infrastructure and marketing strategies, although growth remains vulnerable to regional instability.
A Leader Defined by Context
Ultimately, evaluating Nikol Pashinyan requires understanding the constraints under which he governs. He did not inherit a consolidated state or secure borders. Instead, he assumed leadership of a country shaped by decades of corruption, geopolitical isolation, and unresolved conflict.
His supporters argue that he has pursued realistic diplomacy, institutional reform, and economic modernization while navigating existential security threats. Critics contend that these policies have entailed painful compromises.
What is clear is that Nikol Pashinyan has governed Armenia during one of the most volatile and dangerous periods in its modern history, while pursuing reforms and diplomatic strategies few leaders would have had the political courage to attempt. Rather than inheriting stability, he assumed responsibility for a state burdened by corruption, weakened institutions, and existential security threats.
Despite these constraints, his tenure has been marked by measurable economic progress, democratic consolidation, and a gradual repositioning of Armenia on the global stage. While critics continue to question individual decisions, supporters argue that he has not received sufficient credit for steering the country through crisis while avoiding a wider regional war. In a geopolitical environment defined by constant threats and pressure from Azerbaijan and Turkey, his emphasis on restraint, pragmatic diplomacy, and conflict avoidance has helped preserve Armenia’s sovereignty and democratic trajectory.
If his conduct is examined closely in the broader context of regional instability and repeated provocations, a compelling case can be made that his commitment to preventing escalation and prioritizing peace over populist militarism reflects the very principles recognized by international peace honors. For many Armenians and observers, such leadership in the face of sustained external threats merits serious consideration for recognition at the highest global levels, including potential nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.
For many Armenians, the defining legacy of his leadership may ultimately be his determination to modernize the state and safeguard its future under extraordinarily difficult circumstances.
Sources
Economic Growth / GDP / Investment
World Bank – Armenia Economic Updates
https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/armenia
(GDP growth, labor, macro indicators)
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Country Reports – Armenia
https://www.imf.org/en/Countries/ARM
(growth projections, fiscal reforms, inflation, structural changes)
EBRD Transition Report / Armenia country data
https://www.ebrd.com/armenia
(investment climate, banking sector strength, private sector development)
Armenia Statistical Committee (Armstat)
https://armstat.am
(official employment, wages, GDP data)
Anti-corruption / Governance Reform
Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index
https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/armenia
(Armenia’s score improved after 2018)
Freedom House – Nations in Transit Reports
https://freedomhouse.org/country/armenia
(democratic consolidation, governance changes)
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace analyses
https://carnegieendowment.org
(Velvet Revolution reforms, institutional transformation)
Foreign Policy Shift / EU & West Alignment
European Council / EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
https://www.consilium.europa.eu
(legal framework for deeper EU integration)
European Commission Armenia investment package announcements
https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu
Chatham House South Caucasus analyses
https://www.chathamhouse.org
(Russia dependency, diversification strategy)
Council on Foreign Relations backgrounders
https://www.cfr.org
(regional geopolitics and Armenia’s strategic balancing)
Conflict / Security Context
International Crisis Group reports on Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict
https://www.crisisgroup.org/europe-central-asia/caucasus
Human Rights Watch reports on Nagorno-Karabakh humanitarian situation
https://www.hrw.org
Amnesty International regional briefings
https://www.amnesty.org
European Parliament resolutions on Artsakh humanitarian crisis
https://www.europarl.europa.eu
Tourism / Tech / Economic Modernization
UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Armenia data
https://www.unwto.org
Armenian Ministry of Economy investment and tech sector reports
https://mineconomy.am
IT sector growth coverage – Reuters / Bloomberg regional reporting
(searchable articles on Armenia tech boom and Russian relocations)
Elections / Democratic Legitimacy
OSCE election observation mission reports (Armenia elections)
https://www.osce.org/odihr
Freedom House democracy scorecards
https://freedomhouse.org
https://thebluntpost.com/nikol-pashinyan-the-diplomat-who-inherited-a-broken-state-and-repositioned-armenia-in-a-dangerous-region/
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