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A daily review of media coverage of media and communications issues. |
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Blocking of Channels in Sindh
PBA refutes MQM’s allegations of biased reporting |
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Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) has denied the biased reporting as alleged by MQM in a press release in which it said they felt that the coverage related to Chief Justice's procession from Islamabad to Lahore was aired throughout the day while the coverage of MQM rally was not aired. The MQM claimed that the party rally was attended by thousands of people, which was ten times bigger than the chief justice's gathering at Jhelum and Gujrat. The blackout of private TV channels angered the people.
(Ummat-1)
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http://www.thepost.com.pk/NatNewsT.aspx?dtlid=95954&catid=2 |
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Muttahida accused of suspending TV transmissions |
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Activists of the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) staged a protest demonstration here on Sunday against the suspension of transmissions of three private television channels and blamed the Muttahida Qaumi Movement for depriving viewers in Hyderabad and other parts of Sindh from viewing live coverage of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry’s visit to Lahore. Carrying banners and placards and holding party flags, the JI activists gathered outside the Hyderabad press club and raised slogans against the Muttahida.
District President MMA Abdul Waheed Qureshi, JI Ameer Sheikh Shaukat Ali, Rao Masood Ali Khan and others addressed the gathering and condemned the Muttahida’s attitude, which they said was an attack on freedom of media. They said the ruling parties were afraid of the courageous chief justice and added that the overwhelming welcome given to his caravan from Islamabad to Lahore was a referendum against his opponents. They demanded that attempts to gag the press should be stopped immediately and assured the television channels and the media community of their complete cooperation.
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http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=54693 |
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Private TV channels transmission blocked |
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During the journey of Chief Justice to Lahore, transmission of private channels was blocked in different cities including Karachi, Hyderabad, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad. Transmission of Geo, ARY and Aaj was interrupted by cable operators in different cities of the country. Pemra has said it was not our decision to block broadcast. Different political parties and civil society organizations have condemned the act to curb media and information access to people. Pemra chief Ifthikar Rasheed has said that Pemra had no such connection about suspension of transmission of different TV channels in country. Pemra had no such information about responsible for blockage of broadcast.
(Ummat-1)
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Cable operators say MQM behind the transmission jam |
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Cable operators have said that they blocked the transmission on directives of MQM. According to private channel, operators were directed to block the transmission till the end of chief justice’s rally. MQM leader Hader Abbas had rejected the allegation against MQM. Addressing an emergency press conference, Federal Minister for Communication Shamim Siddique categorically rejected that MQM issued any such directive to block transmission in Sindh and Karachi. MQM condemned the action and had no link with any such suspension of transmission in country.
(Ummat-1)
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Blockage of channels reaction against journalistic dishonesty: MQM |
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MQM has denied any MQM connection with jam of TV transmission in Sindh. Mustafa Azizabadi of Central information cell of MQM has clarified that it was wrong to allege MQM responsible for blockage of TV broadcast of different channels. MQM had strong belief in freedom of press. Such incident of blockage was a reaction against journalistic dishonesty. On one side live coverage was given to Chief justice while in same time MQM rally outside press club was totally ignored. The lack of coverage to MQM rally was clear indication of journalistic dishonesty.
(Ummat-1)
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PM says there were some problems with cable operators |
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Prime Minister Shukat Aziz has said that government strongly believes in freedom of press and independence of expression. He was addressing a meeting in PM House Islamabad. He said balance reporting was essential for benefit of the society. Environment should be envisaged with balanced and responsible reporting. Reporting should not be one sided or focused on personalities. On a question about blocking of channels in Sindh, he said according to the reports given to him, there were some problems with cable operators, by evening channels were restored.
(Jang-8)
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Durrani for Freedom of press through balanced and responsible reporting |
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Information Minster Muhammad Ali khan Durrani has urged that freedom of press should be developed through responsible and balanced reporting. It was our duty that development of freedom of press should be followed through responsibly and balanced reporting. People could reach on better decision through live coverage of events. He said that no one could stop the progress of freedom of media. He said that government was trying to introduce new system for cable operators to address the problems. He said there were vast network of cable operators in country. A pile of complaints had been reported to government against such cable operators, which were being disposed off on frequent basis. He said that Geo was on air from all cities, if some complaints were reported, it had been reciprocated on urgent basis.
(Jang-8)
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Press club Karachi president sought apology from journalists |
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Press club Karachi president Subieh ud Din Ghoazi has sought apology from journalists for misconduct and misbehavior during MQM press conference that turned to rally. MQM workers placed hurdles and made entry to press club difficult for journalists. Press club members have complained that MQM should differentiate between press conference and public rally. He told that MQM leader Shoiabe Bokhari had also sought apology. Being a president of Press club he accepted the responsibility for mismanagement and sought apology from press club member journalists.
(Ummat-1)
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News channels blocked, music channel transmission working |
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Citizens telephoned to Nawa-i-Waqt to inform that Music Musti was only channel working for last 24 hours on cable while transmission of other channels were being interrupted frequently. Callers told that a dancer girl was dancing on channel in strange style followed by some other female dancers. Serious and informative channels were barred. Citizens have protested that it would not happen.
(Nawa-i-Waqt-9)
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Action against TV channels criticized |
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The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed concern at the ‘forced closure’ on Saturday of three private television channels in Karachi. Zohra Yusuf, vice-chairperson of the HRCP’s Sindh chapter, said in a statement on Sunday that some cable operators had told the commission’s representatives that they had been intimidated and forced to stop the transmission of the channels. The statement said that “channel representatives also seemed to be under pressure”. Some held the government responsible, while others blamed ‘non-state actors’. “The HRCP would like to remind the government that its threatening attitude towards the media goes against all principles of freedom of expression and freedom of the press,” it said. Such policies, the statement said, had led to Pakistan being placed among the world’s 10 worst violators of press freedom by the Committee to Protect Journalists.
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/05/07/top16.htm |
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Action against TV channels criticized |
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Journalist staged a demonstration outside the press club here on Sunday to protest against suspension of transmission of three private TV channels on Saturday, reportedly at the behest of a party in the provincial coalition. Speaking on the occasion, Saleh Biloo, Ismail Domki and other journalists said that the suspension of transmission for hours showed that the rulers were afraid of media coverage of Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry’s Lahore visit. Our Hyderabad correspondent adds: Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal activists staged a demonstration outside the local press club to condemn suspension of transmission of some TV channels in Hyderabad and other cities of Sindh on Saturday. Speaking on the occasion, Maulana Abdul Waheed Qureshi said the historic reception accorded to the chief justice by the people of Punjab had baffled the government which was now targeting the media after judiciary.
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/05/07/nat18.htm |
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Blocking of TV channels criticized |
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The information secretary of the Pakistan People’s Party Women Wing, MPA Shazia Marri, has criticized the authorities for keeping three television channels off air for some hours on Saturday. In a statement issued here on Sunday, Marri said: “Pemra's decision, which affected Geo, ARY and Aaj television networks was the direct result of government instructions relayed due to the coverage these channels were giving to the judicial crisis.” She termed it extra-judicial and unconstitutional, given that it was in clear violation of Article 19 of the Constitution.
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/05/07/local22.htm |
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Lawyers flay govt for blocking TV channels |
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Lawyers at the reception of the CJP on Sunday morning passed a resolution condemning the government for allegedly blocking the telecast of various TV channels across the country. The resolution was moved by Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) president Ahsen Bhoon, which also demanded the government for independent judiciary. The resolution also demanded return of all exiled political leaders to Pakistan. It demanded the military to go back to barracks and free and fair election be held under an interim government. Delivering his host address at the reception of the CJP, he said, days of the military government were numbered.
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http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\05\07\story_7-5-2007_pg13_3 |
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Pakistan Peoples Movement initiates countrywide protest against blocking channels |
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Pakistan Peoples Movement President Ashfaq Chudhary has announced to hold countrywide protest rallies against the political party responsible for blocking transmission of different TV channels in different countries of Pakistan. He termed the attempt to curb the voice of truth.
(Nawa-i-Waqt-3) (Khabrain-2)
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Govt’s pressure on media criticized |
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Speakers at a seminar on Sunday said the government was not ready to give complete freedom to the media. The seminar titled "Freedom of Expression in Pakistan" was held at the press club here. Several journalists and social workers, including Maula Bukhsh Khaskheli, Mushtaq Gillani, Lala Asad Pathan, Shabbir Bhutto and Liaqat Leghari addressed the seminar. They said that people would have to raise their voice in favour of freedom of expression in Pakistan, adding that change would only come when the people tolerate criticism. They said the media was keeping the people informed about the things going on in the country, so it was under pressure from the government and some of its allied political parties due to which incidents of closure of private TV channels and attacks on their offices were taking place, besides journalists were also being threatened.
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http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=54694 |
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BB assails govt for blocking TV channel programmes |
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Former premier and Pakistan People’s Party Chairwoman Benazir Bhutto has deplored the action against private TV channels covering non-functional Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Ifthikar Muhammad Chaudhry’s tour of Punjab and brutal baton-charge and pelting petrol bombs on lawyers’ procession in Sahiwal on Friday. In a statement issued here Sunday, she said the people had come out to show their love for the democracy and the judiciary as they wanted rule of the law and independent judicial system.
(News-9)
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http://www.thepost.com.pk/IsbNewsT.aspx?dtlid=95867&catid=17 |
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Media in Courts
SC to issue special cards to journalists |
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The Supreme Court will issue special cards to journalists for the hearing of the presidential reference against chief justice Ifthikar Chudhary and 17 other constitutional petitions. The decision was taken to control crowds during the hearing SC.
(Daily Times-A4) (Express-3)
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Media Regulations
TV on Mobile being legalized: Sources |
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Sources of Ministry of Information Technology have told that ministry is considering legal protection for TV transmission on mobile phones; it was initiated by a local mobile company while Pemra declared it illegal.
(Jang-3)
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Media Bodies
Humara Penal demands polls in photo journalists association |
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Senior members of Rawalpindi Islamabad Photo Journalists Association (Humara Penal) have demanded polls in Rawalpindi Islamabad Photo Journalists Association. A unanimous resolution was passed with consensus. It was demanded to summon the general body meeting to finalize arrangement for polls as mandate of current body has already expired. Meeting urged to conduct independent audit and establishment of scrutiny committee before polls.
(Nawa-i-Waqt-10)
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Media Miscellaneous
Wasi zafar puts foot in mouth again |
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Federal Law Minister Wasi Zafar again got into an argument with a reporter on Saturday, some six weeks after a similar altercation landed him in hot water. Zafar, in hospital after heart trouble, got irritated when a Geo reporter asked him why he had chosen May 5 for his angioplasty when his party was rallying in Lahore. Zafar replied: “May Allah give you and your elders the same pain, then you will get the answer of your question. If you ask me questions like this, I will answer you in the same manner.” The reporter said, “After your treatment you will contest the elections with extra energy and enthusiasm.” Zafar answered, “God willing, you will also have cardiac pain and then you will come to know the enthusiasm and energy I feel.” When the reporter asked whether there were any chances of early elections, the minister said, “If this is your wish then it will never be fulfilled.”
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http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C05%5C06%5Cstory_6-5-2007_pg7_33 |
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Letter to Editor “Press Freedom Day” |
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Samina Kamal, “The International Press Freedom Day focused on the freedom of the media in various countries of the world. In the absence of any objective criteria, it is difficult to assess in comparative terms press freedom at the international level. The struggle for press freedom should be treated as an ongoing process. The aim of journalists and human rights activists should be to remain vigilant and to react promptly when curbs are imposed on the media. Another issue directly related to press freedom that is hardly ever discussed is that of the impact the media has on any given situation.”
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http://www.thepost.com.pk/LetNews.aspx?dtlid=95972&catid=4 |
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Media has pivotal role in national image building |
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Media role is very important to project national identity and image. World has turned to Global village due to media. It was stated by Nazim Pothar Town Rawalpindi Hamid Nawaz Raja in a farewell reception given to final semester students of mass communication department of Allama Iqbal Open University in Rawalpindi.
(Khabrain -2)
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Television
Mayo Hospital Samjhota victims’ TV taken away |
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Mayo Hospital administration took back a television donated to Samjhota Express victims on request of the donor who alleged they were watching obscene Indian movies and songs, Mayo Hospital Burn Unit Dr Fareed told Daily Times on Saturday. He further mentioned that the unknown hospital employees took away the TV set they were given by a philanthropist, saying that the ward in-charge Dr Fareed has instructed to keep the TV away for ruining the atmosphere of the ward with their films and dancing. However, Punjab Health Secretary Syed Raees Abbass Zaidi told Daily Times that the government has not issued any such orders and that he would speak hospital Medical Superintendent regarding the issue.
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http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C05%5C06%5Cstory_6-5-2007_pg7_42 |
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Music
Threatening pamphlets continue to harass Dir people |
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Police are still clueless about elements responsible for issuing threatening letters and pamphlets to barbers and video shop owners. After barbers, hotel owners and nurses, now fresh threatening letter have been issued to public call offices (PCOs) and mobile phone sellers for displaying “obscene” pictures to attract customers. A pamphlet was dropped at Badshah Zada PCO here. The two-page pamphlet reads: "You have been committing a great sin by displaying obscene pictures. Your business can grow without these pictures, then what is the need for their display?" However, the pamphlet asked the PCO owners to remove the “obscene pictures”, otherwise millions of losses would be inflicted on them.
(Aaj-1)
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http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=54698 |
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Video Shop owners fear attack |
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The local administration of the federal capital has withdrawn police force deployed at Aabpara market to protect video/audio CD’s shop owners from possible attack or action by religious students and supporters of Lal masjid, it has been observed. The sudden disappearance of police personnel from the market has brought back a sense of insecurity among the owners of CD shops as the one month deadline given by hardliners of lal Masjid to wind up business ended this week.
(Dawn-13)
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Ultimatum to close Video Shops |
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Unknown people have displayed a warning pamphlet in commercial areas to close the business of audio / video CD’s. The ultimatum for three days have been given to all business community dealing in Music CD’s and Music shop owners to close business or be ready for severe circumstances. In Shabqader, threatening pamphlets had been sent to net café owners to close cafes before May 30. Owners of net cafes are asked to close internet café and switch to some other business.
(Aaj-1)
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Folk singer from Gujrat arrives in capital in wheelchair |
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Mohammad Nadeem Lohar, a folk singer, poet and composer has come all the way from Gujrat to Islamabad in his wheelchair with a ray of hope to meet president and seek grant for forming a musical group. Offended though that no transporter showed readiness to accommodate him along with his wheelchair, Lohar continuously travelled in the scorching heat in his wheelchair to reach Islamabad, but his sweating suntanned face was still full of determination. Talking to Daily Times Lohar said that he had been singing for the last 25 years and recently he had launched his debut album ‘aaja aaja meray saathi’.
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http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\05\07\story_7-5-2007_pg11_10 |
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Telecommunication
Telemedicine |
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Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan has directed the provincial health authorities to allocate money in next provincial budget for the provision of telemedicine facilities to the citizens. He asked the authorities to concentrate on the provision of better health facilities to the masses, monitoring of counterfeit medicines and enforcement of laws vis-a-vis hospitals and medical stores. He gave these instructions on Sunday while presiding over a meeting at the Governor?s House to discuss health related issues in the province.
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http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=54726 |
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Internet
Internet cafes’ misuse goes on |
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An official order aimed at checking alleged immoral activities and misuse of the internet facility in ‘cafes’ is being grossly ignored but the local administration seems to be least bothered, it has been observed. The additional deputy commissioner (general), Zafar Mahmud Khan, had invoked Section 144 of the Cr PC on April 11, banning construction of new cabins in internet cafes and calling for removal of existing ones or keeping their doors open so that receptionists could keep a watch on the movements of clients. The order was issued after the attention of the administration was drawn to the problem in mid-March by SSP Dr Liaquat Ali who had pointed out that the cabins were promoting to unethical activities in internet cafes and therefore, needed to be removed.
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/05/07/nat17.htm |
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Announcement
Reference for Ahmed Ali Khan |
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A reference session will be held today (Monday) to pay homage to late Ahmed Ali Khan, former editor of Dawn, at 4pm at the Arts Council Karachi. Renowned Economist Aftab Ahmed Khan will preside over the reference while seasoned journalists, including Sultan Ahmed, Dr Muhammed Ali Siddiqi, Mahmood Sham, Prof Tahir Maqbool will address the meeting.
http://www.thepost.com.pk/NatNewsT.aspx?dtlid=95960&catid=2
http://www.dawn.com/2007/05/07/local14.htm
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DISCLAIMER: The contents, including news and headlines, in this newsletter are reproduced from their respective publications ad verbatim as a public service to media observers. Internews does not author the contents and these, therefore, do not necessarily reflect organizational policy.
Updated at 11:00 PST (06:00 GMT) |
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