• Blog: Brown's silence is looking increasingly surreal
• Megrahi: Bomber to write book 'which will argue his innocence'
• Lockerbie: Britain faces backlash over bomber's release
• Commentary: He comments on Boyle and Goody but not a major national issue

Reader views (73)

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"A website boycottscotland.com has been set up. It says: "We urge all Americans to protest this action by boycotting the United Kingdom and Scotland in full."

I grew up experiencing the full force of IRA terrorism on the streets of London. The Americans openly supported the IRA and I would read about the events held in the US to raise money for this terrorist organisation. What hypocrites with very short memories.

- Goggs, London

I believe my government was complicit in the farce being played out around the world. The Obama Administration could have easily issued an arrest warrant which Great Britain would have honored. A delay at least until an extradition hearing would have played out.

The outrage from our government is false and falls in line with Mr. Obama's desire to reach out to the Arab world. Our President doesn't feel honor bound to express truth or transparency. This story has a long way to go before the truth is known. If Obama wants a truth commission it could start with this case.

- James Andrews Kwby, sacramento, California USA

Accusing the US of hyprocrisy here is completely irrelevant. Our laws are based on precedent, so what kind of message does this release send? Our compassion may show that we are a civilised people but this man was convicted in what is presumably a fair and just Scottish legal system. Does this now mean that we need to release every prisoner at some point just because they may die in a UK prison? As a purely legal matter, what type of precedent does this set? If we wanted to show compassion, we could have arranged for his family to come and see him in prison before he died. In addition, if there were any doubts as to whether he was the only person involved, this could have still been pursued within the court system so we may know the full truth. Now with his appeal dropped, we may never know the truth. The Scottish justice minister also has argued that because of his cancer Al Megrahi is now facing a death sentence from a higher power - but don't we all?? we will all die one day - as an argument for release the cancer simply does not make sense. We will surely now see many prisoners petitioning for early release and on the basis of this precedent, would we not be bound to release them all?

- Abf, London

There are a lot of questions to answer.
Dr. Jim Swire lost his daughter on this flight. He has maintained for along time that the primary evidence against Megrahi was slim, although not in the early stages of this case. The evidence from the Maltese shopkeeper is full of contradictions. His identification in a lineout of Megrahi came after the shop keeper had seen his picture in a paper/magazine. That is not on. Also, it is well known that the type and method of the bomb was a well used method by PFLP who had direct connections with Syria and Iran. Experts on both sides of the Atlantic have also stated that the detonation/timing device used, could not have worked if loaded in Malta. The day before the flight, a shed/secure baggage area at Heathrow was broken into. Once again, why was this not strenuously followed
up? Since the bombing of Tripoli Gaddafi has not been too much trouble. An Iranian civil aircraft was shot down mistakenly by the USA. Deals deals deals. What next?
At the time of Lockerbie the West needed Syria. Now we want deals with Libya and not just for trade. Why do we trust any of these countries that have always swung in any direction they wish?
Finally, there is no doubt in my mind that Syria and Iran were involved, but, why did Gaddafi go along with this?
Mending bridges, building future deals who knows?

- Macdangler, Wimbledon SW19

Mandelson = Slime
Brown = Slime

- Joseph Nelson, bromley england

I have just completed a 2 month bicycle ride across America. If you think the American public give a damn about the UK think again. This country would be lost in a corner of Montana; it has a GDP less than California. We are an island off the coast of Belgium, run by Brussels.

- John Bell, Nottm, UK

Disgrace. Shame, shame, shame.

- John Schaefer, Herndon, Virginia

This decision highlights the stupidity of Labour’s devolution policy. The imprisonment of a convicted terrorist who blew up a plane that took off from an English airport is decided by a Scottish politician because the plane exploded over that country. What a nonsense. This is a British matter and should be decided by a British government.

To Captain Black and Peace Maker, the US has commented on this decision even though it has no jurisdiction (presumably because it thinks it has an interest as many its citizens were killed). So it would be perfectly reasonable to expect the UK government to comment and indeed lobby the Scottish government.

- Cary, London

What a load of drivel spouted here.The man was clearly not a one man operation and there is more culpability further up the chain.He is dying so he has to meet his maker like we all do and he will be judged by a higher authority than Kenny Mcaskill.By releasing him we have shown moral superiority and they know it.

- Tony ,Essex, Harlow,UK

Brown must be waiting for a half plausible yarn, from one of his script writers, before he dares come out of hiding to face the media, regarding this crisis.

- Dee Jay, Fleet Hampshire

Jimbob,many brave men died on the beaches in France,not just americans,but of course !THE AMERICANS ONE THE WAR!I have seen the Tom Hanks movie. I have heard americans in Paris say, but for them the french would be speaking german,please get real,have a good day.

- Ken, Paris,France

Why should Gordon Brown say anything? It's a Scottish govt decision. The US boycott Scotland? I don't think so. Before you accuse anyone of being terrorists and committing heinous crimes, you have to look at who you back, who you sell arms to and whose countries you interfere with in the interests of 'western democracy'.

- Anil, glos

Show some compassion people
The poor guys suffering, he knows his days are numbered.
Al-Megrahis not feeling too clever either.
You can come out now Gordon. You've been rumbled.

- Edgar, Not Scotland

Whilst the Libyans MAY or MAY NOT be guilty of murdering 270 people in the PAN-AM disaster - the Americans certainly ARE guilty of aiding and abetting the IRA in their campaign of terror in Northern Ireland resulting in the loss of thousands of lives.

- R.F., Yorks, UK

Labour have form for releasing terrorists ie republican terrorists when it suits them,but while i feel for the victims of Lockerbie i can't help but be a little angry at the Americans holier than thou stance,many Americans funded the Ira terrorists for decades,yet they have the gall to want to boycott Scotland and the rest of the uk.As for trusting Gaddaffi on the promise that this terrorist would have a low key return,Gordon Brown is completely out of his depth .

- Carol Taylor, Romford england

I do not often admire Gordon Brown, but this is one occasion when I do, and when discretion is clearly the better part of valour in the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The decision to release the dying Megrahi was taken on compassionate grounds and in accordance with Scots law and it may also possibly have reflected the fact that there are at least some grounds to believe that Megrabi was scapegoated and was not chiefly or solely responsible for the attack on Pan Am Flight 103. The legal decision was a matter for Scotland, not for the US. I find it extraordinary that some Americans should now apparently be considering boycotting British goods. Are they not aware of the number of young Brits who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan fighting what are primarily American wars? Not so long ago I heard on the Today programme an American pundit saying, in all seriousness, that much of Britian's influence rested on its special relationship with the US, but that the importance of that relationship was bound to become less to America as it forged closer links with countries like China that were more vital to its economic interests, and that Britian's influence in the world would therefore decline. And much as I believe that the strength of the UK rests on the unity of the countries that compose it, I for one applaud the independence and the honourability of the Scots in sticking to their moral and legal codes and refusing to be bullied by Uncle Sam.

- Cassie, Crouch End

The outrage expressed by America is quite hypocritical - they exerted an enormous amount of pressure on the UK government to release convicted IRA and loyalist terrorists as part of the Good Friday agreement. Some of these men had committed atrocious murders. But if Scotland, following careful consideration, deicdes to release a man who by all accounts appears to be a scapegoat for others who will never face justice, there is a storm of protest. How are relations ever to be normalised with Libya with such an attitude? It's the reason why we are bogged down in Afghanistan and losing countless young lives for no discernible purpose. I think the Scots have been brave, compassionate and sensible and they should be backed by our pusillanimous government at Westminster, not hung out to dry because they have failed to follow policies which operate only in the interests of the United States.

- London Lass, London

Jimbob of london is a complete idiot, it would never had happened if the idiots had not shot down the Iranian jet at the cost of 270 lives, it was,t lybia, it was iran that was behind the plot.

- Brian Freth, mielan france

Mandelson, fired from two jobs, given a top job in the EU, now a lord and running the country, the man is unelected and yet he has so much power WHY, he and Blair are set to destroy this country.

- John D Rooney, lincoln england

Brown is not made of stern stuff but Mandy fairs better.All weekend I have been thinking that Mandy could have killed three birds with one stone.Secured oil and gas,thereby securing his next EU appointment. Destablised the SNP,in the hope of gaining indifferent and angry voters.Shown Brown can remain silent,faithfull to Scotland,and their Law above all else.
You just can't make this up...except when you are dealing with Brown and Mandy.What's in it for Brown? Now there lies the rub.

- Tithonus, Athens Greece

Peace Maker, Battersea

If Brown does feel something (and care) for our troops then why doesn't he listen to the generals? They are the ones who know what is needed NOT Brown. I am not fabricating this - it is a fact! This is why Brown doesn't care about our troops. You are the one fabricating and twisting the truth!

I also find it remarkable that our useless leader chooses to comment on such mundane and naff matters as Susan Boyle and Michael Jackson but cannot bring himself to comment on a matter of national and international importance. Brown is as dumbed down as the society nulabour have created.

- Margy, London

To those defending the decision based on Megrahi's supposed innocence, he was not released because he was innocent. In fact the legal case challenging his conviction will now never be heard so the truth will never come out.

- Kevin T, Beckenham, Kent

I for one have been crying out along with many that British justice is pathetic.How can British people live safe and happy, when terrorists are released like this.So he is ill and going to die.Any compassion for the people he murdered?Or will the government do the normal and say it was not him?Can anyone tell me who actually runs Britain now?

- Allan Clarke, Brasil

'If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen' Whenever the heat is turned up,as now, our illustrious leader disappears, and, not a word from his muppet at the Foreign Office, David Milliband either. We as a nation certainly are now centre stage, the only problem is we have become the joke, the international clown, the country that other countries laugh at! Somebody should tell the national hero, who 'saved the world' that if you do get out of the kitchen when it gets to hot, you do not slink back in when it cools down, or, should not if you have any principles or moral standing. Then again I suppose there must be a different set of rules for 'sons of the manse' and politicians in general. Incidently, I suppose that we can take some comfort from the fact that the Scottish government of Scotland runs its affairs almost as disasterously as the Scottish government of the UK, lessons to be learnt?

- Kevin Sullivan, Roehampton, London.

Irrespective of the rights or wrongs of the matter Brown should be back in his office to deal with what is a diplomatic crisis. He sees fit to take to take 4 weeks holiday when not only Lockerbie is on his desk but there is a growing problem with Afghanistan not to mention the economy. I believe that David Cameron will have a golden opportunity to nail Brown at the first PM's question time after the recess. We cannot wait for May 2010 for Brown to go.

- Robin Brittain, Wolverhampton UK

Mandelson's grubby fingers are on this.

His track record is entirely consistent with this form of underhanded dealing.

New Labour started 12.5 years ago by fooling all the people all the time, now they have descended into a situation where they cannot fool anyone; perhaps only themselves and their party followers.

- J R J, Glen Vine

Bingham, I do not see where it was said below that the US government financed the IRA, but american citizens most certainly did and, more to the point, Judges of the American courts often thwarted extradition attempts, particularly when there was Democrat in The White House.

The Americans are two-faced on this one. There were too many votes from Irish-Americans to lose if the "bhoys" were sent back to the Uk for trial, no matter the atrocity.

- Captain Black Of The Mysterons, London, England

they seek him here, they seek him there, that damned elusive . . . is he in heaven? . . .is he in hell?
little doubt he'll pop up when all embarrassing problems
have melted away and he can claim credit for somebody else's achievement, or foist some hyped piece of nonsense
to grab the headlines and deflect other bad news.

- M.O'Brien, london.uk

If the great high tech US Navy hadn't shot down Iran Air Flight 655 none of this would have happened in the first place.

- Rodders, SWTLand, England

In a deal brokered by an un-elected spokesman, with no word on the subject by the un-elected PM , I think Britain can safely assume that the lunatics really are not only running the asylum, but running it into the ground.

- Linda, London

you may recall that before the lockerbie bombing,the us shot down an iranien airline,full of civilians,an accident they say,and reagan awarded the navy personell involved medals. As far as the americans boycotting scotland is concerned,I dont suppose this will apply to their nuclear submarine and air bases there?

- Ken, Paris,France

He was amazingly quick to enquire about Susan Boyle's condition when she had a breakdown on a pathetic TV show, but when it's something that actually matters....

- Colin, London

Brown comments on everything normally eg Jady Goody and ex factor - all the important things.

He is a disgrace - he cannot cope with running the country - he is totally out of his depth. The only thing he is good at is shifting paper around and "fixing" figures.

For all those anti- american comments - perhaps they will be able to do what the British can't do and that's get rid of Brown. He certainly won't be on Obama's christmas card list.

- Pat Morgan, spain

Mr. McGreegan. In no way can people in administraton in NI be called terrorists. They are former terrorists, who have renounced violence and become democrats. They'e not the only ones. The British wanted Ariel Sharon as a terrorist in the 1940s; he lader became PM of Israel. All sides get their hands dirty in a conflict sitution. We move on.

- Dr. J. Melvin, Dublin

Ken (Paris),
Calling the Americans two-faced is ignorance dressed up as insight (what, all 300m of them supported the IRA?). In fact, the responses generally have the usual knee-jerk brainless anti-Amercianism. A complicated case with real victims turns into a "butt out Yanks" message. Pathetic. Please consider this:
1) The vast majority of victims were American - some sympathy for those left with nothing but their anger please,
2) Lockerbie was one act in an escalating tit-for-tat battle between an extremist who had hijacked his country illegally and a democractically elected government with the rule of law and a track-record of defending democracy around the world (to its great cost - visit Omaha Beach if you want some evidence),
3) Megrahi is the only conviction for the atrocity. Legal process may find him innocent in time - but that means somebody else (almost certainly working for the Libyans) is guilty. The onus of proof in this respect is on Gadaffi (who was most certainly involved),
4) This issue arises in an atmosphere where Gadaffi is trying to reconcile himself with the West. Post 9/11 he knew he was on the wrong side in a global war on terror. That war is being undermined cos the left didn't understand what was at stake. Luckily Gadaffi did so he wanted to get onside - and he is now reaping the reward. Sure we also need the gas.
Realpolitik means Gadaffi will be embraced, and the innocent pay the price. Let's not add insult to injury.

- Jimbob, London, E1

Back in the 1980 we in the UK witnessed numerous IRA terrorists being feted on the other side of "the pond". We also had to contend with American individuals' funding of the IRA and endless encouragement of that organization by Irish Americans. Now that the boot is on the other foot it does not seem so nice does it? Why don't Americans mind their own business. I thought Obama was trying to be different to his predecessors? Clearly not.

- Mark, London

Typical Gordon Brown - his old reputation of being strong and silent is actually forged from the fact that he cannot think of anything to say.

mind you, hats off to somebody that can make Colonel Qadaffi look dignified!

- Carl, London

Bingham, Hampshire

Yes, the funds were mainly private to the IRA but did include major corporate donations. And it's a flimsy distinction because if the US government had a problem with it they would have legislated to prevent it. Plus you only had to attend a Patrick's Day parade in Washington DC (as I did back in the 90s) to witness how enthusiastically the Yanks backed Irish terrorism. The one trait the US population do share with the UK is good, old fashioned hypocrisy. They're well up for white, Irish freedom fighters and still arming themselves against anyone darker - basically modern day Injuns. Kapow!

- David, London

Bottler Brown is living up to his nickname, as per usual.

- Dee Jay, Fleet Hampshire

Peace Maker said "This decision lay in the remit of the devolved administration and is not a matter for Westminster, so why should Brown give an opinion?"

But he manages to comment on things like X Factor contestants?

Something tells me he has his priorities all wrong.

- Claire, Stone Uk

The truth about the so-called "Special Relationship".

A good way to gauge how "special" a "special relationship" is with any US regime is to look at how many congressional bills are passed involving a particular country. You can look this up in the online congressional database.

Looking at the results for the 110th Congress I would say that the US has only one "truly special" relationship and its not with Britain...

Israel: 588 (!!!) congressional bills
Mexico: 301 congressional bills
Canada: 126 congressional bills
China: 111 congressional bills
Russia: 79 congressional bills
Japan: 60 congressional bills
United Kingdom : 60 congressional bills
Germany: 36 congressional bills
Australia: 23 congressional bills
France: 33 congressional bills
Spain: 16 congressional bills
Italy: 14 congressional bills
Brazil: 8 congressional bills

- Kate, London

Why doesn't any body remark that a deal was done with Gaddafi ages ago? We release their man and we get the oil and the open gates to trade with the Libyans. The US is mad and jealous because Hilary, who just toured Africa, and is DESPERATE for oil for her country, could only do a deal with Angola. Gaddafi hates her old man. Nigeria's no good because their reserves are running dry - and fast. So there we are. Oh, also, why no mention of the 'Vincennes' shooting down an Iran Air 747, and then Washington honouring the men who did it? That would have really irked the Ayatollah! Al-Magrahi, while I'm sure, no pillar of virtue, is NOT the man we're looking for. Enquiry? Don't make me laugh. Oh, asnd finally, puur wee Gordie1 As a laddie, he must've always been found hiding uder the table....like now...

- Michael Spencer, Toronto, Canada

Why do people think puppet Chairman Gordiechov is running the country? The poliburo runs the Country, coordinated by Lord Mandinski.

- Bj, London

The ghastly pair in the photo deserve each other.

- Dee Jay, Fleet Hampshire

I admire the Scots for their show of compassion. It's refreshing to see a nation put into practice what we are all taught at Sunday school when children. It's just a shame the Americans who are mostly Christian can't see it for what it's worth.

- H Skyes, London

People are being very harsh on McBroon, there’s a strong possibility that he’s been unable to get hold of Mandelspin to ask what to say.

And some people will STILL vote Labour and try to keep this man in charge of Britain. No wonder the country’s in such a mess.

- St, London

The funds remitted from the US to the IRA came from private sources, NOT the US government.

- Bingham Macnamara, lymington, hampshire

Gordon's missing. Missing what? Bottle. QED.

- Ted, London

I doubt if Brown is in any position to comment when one of his own ministers - David Miliband - openly supports terrorism. It seems to be the norm these days, first we had terrorists and their supporters in Government in Northern Ireland, and now we see the supporters of terror in the UK Government and in the Scottish Parliament.
What a mixed up despicable world we have become.

- Eoin Mcgreeghan, Derry, NI

The world of New labour has finally and completely lost it. I'm so ashamed to be British.We have a foreign secretary who thinks terrorism is OK in the right context but says we must continue to crush the terrorists in Afghanistan. (Never mind our troops not having enough resources Mr. Ainsworth!! - another cabinet minister completely out of his depth and pay grade) A non existent and unpleasant man as prime minister who is sitting on his hands over this Lockerbie fiasco. A very defensive Peter Mandleson on the same subject- and when he gets defensive you know there's something very unpleasant brewing! Still, its good to see Gordon found time to congratulate the England cricket team. If this government want to behave like idiots then they must surely know the heavy price they will pay next may. But please please, do not insult our intelligence as once proud citizens of a once noble, fair and great nation. Go now, you are an utter disgrace and embarrassment as a government with the duplicitous morals of the gutter.

- David S., Ealing

have to agree with peace maker on this one.
the decision to release the prisoner was a legal process undertaken without the involvement of Brown's Govt. There are strong arguments for and against the release and not forgetting that many of the UK victims families believe he is in fact innocent. Brown expressing his opinion of the outcome of another countries jurisdiction would not be productive and would be seen as meddling in the democratic process. It is also noted that he did write to Gadaffi to request a low key home-coming.

The idea that Brown and Nu Labour is supportive of the SNP (as stated by Frank - Home Counties) is hilarous.....

- Martin_Clerkenwell, london

As always the americans are two faced, who were the biggest fund raisers for the irish terrorist.I recall they went off the french over the iraq war, no more french fries. Please dont tell Mr Brown was not involved,it will be interesting to see what happens when this man starts to tell his story,I wonder who were involved in the bombing..watch this space.

- Ken, Paris,France

Shame we didn't boycott the US when they were paying for arms for the IRA in Northern Ireland to blow civilians and our troops up! Some people have short memories.

- Sue, Orpington, Kent

The Scots were right to release this man as he was jailed on doubtful evidence. Alex Salmond should hold two fingers up to the US and others. It is a proud Scottish decision. Roll on, an Independent Scotland !
T H Leeds

- Thomas Hayes, Leeds UK

I hardly think a Scottish nationalist like Broon is going to condemn his old mates is he?

- Frank, Home Counties, England.

As usual, when there's any kind of crisis, our wonderful leader goes missing. Invisible doesn't tell half the story, he is actually non-existant.
I look at the Mandy/Brown partnership and can only see Laurel and Hardy without the bowlers. And then what do you get?
"Another fine mess you got us into!"
And they have, haven't they?

- Ronnie, Billericay England

What is there to say,we got oil they got our blood on their hands.

- David, london

I agree with Peace Maker; this was a decision of the Scottish Assembly alone. The little I know of Alex Salmond, had Gordy tried to intervene, he would have chased him off down Princes Street.

I also think that if people like Jim Swire believe Megrahi is innocent, some weight should be given to that view. There may still be a "special relationship" between the US and ourselves but let us be under no doubt, the Americans do do things differently from us. They may believe in The Bible but it is more the Old Testament than the New.

- Captain Black Of The Mysterons, London, England

I notice that the Yanks did not feel quite the same outrage about them giving aid and succour to the IRA.

- Fred, Horsham

Is it safe to come out yet Peter?
Not yet Gordon, trust me I'm you friend. It's the others that don't think your up to it. Not me, I know you are no pushover. So shall I be pm again for now? Good. Now eat all your porridge up.

- Gordon B., Anywhere but Scotland

Its difficult to decide which one of those two people pictured is the most despised.

- Auf Deutsch, Canterbury Kent England

Macavity, Macavity, there's no on like Macavity, he's broken every human law, he breaks the law of gravity.

His powers of levitation would make a fakir stare and when you reach the scene of crime Macavity's not there!

You may seek him in the basement, you may look up in the air, but I tell you once and once again, Macavity's not there!

- Jjh, Stratford on Avon UK

Browns new Ideology given to him when he was a child, hear no evil, see no evil, do no evil, that way he cannot put his number 10 boot in his number 11 mouth

- Robert, Wales

This is what is called ''A LAME DUCK'' government.They have no known agenda for their remaining time in office,and the so called PM is to say the least a disgrace to the UK People.No wonder the UK is in a turmoil,and that people are leaving the Country.Mr Brown is a disgrace to the UK, and all the people who have fought the Wars in the past,WHAT DID THEY DIE FOR,your Government have many questions to answer.Your silence now just reiterates the type of person you really are...a sleaseball of a human being.....

- European, Hong Kong China

Let's organise a new game that can be played across Britain. It's called 'Where is Gordon?'

- Steve Dawborne, London

This decision lay in the remit of the devolved administration and is not a matter for Westminster, so why should Brown give an opinion? As to the comment that Brown holds Gaddafi as a hero but does not think of our slain in Afghanistan that way, that is beneath all our contempt and absolutely without foundation. Slag the man for what he does do wrong, but don't fabricate issues just so that people can spill their bilge.

- Peace Maker, Battersea

How fortunate that Brown did not wish the England team good luck before the Ashes, it's well known that the Jonah effect would have ensured their defeat.

- Albert Hall, kettering

Just wondering if Brown and the rest of them involved saw that with the new Appeal by Megrahi coming to court,that he was probibly innocent and the Lockerbie disaster had nothing to do with Libya.
Yet again the cowboy justice of the USA had prevailed and UK justice would be shown up.The UK had excepted evidence form the US which was deeply flawed(remember Weapons of Mass Destruction for example)which is now suspect.
Either way the governments of both England and Scotland are in the poo,and Brown being Scottish would be in both camps.

- Grumpy As Hell, Wimbledon

Whenever the political waters get "Choppy" - McCavity Broon is nowhere to be found - and he had the cheek to write a book on Courage !!!! - roll on the General Election.

- Alan, Essex

They seek him here, they seek him there, they seek old Gordon everywhere, is he in heaven, is he in hell, that damned elusive ne'er-do-well?

- Paul Freeman, London, England

As usual Gordy boy sticks his head in the sand and sounds the national anthem through his bum!
This bunch flap from crisis to crisis making all the wrong decisions cos they ain't got a clue and nor do they have all the facts before making the decisions.
THEY HAVE GOT TO GO!!!!
Mind you upsetting the yanks might just be a good thing you never know.

- David Elliott, Stisted UK

Brown's priorities - youth football not lockerbie bombers

- Mike Owen, bristol

It's finally clicked....
Readers may remember Brown wrote a book about heroes and with all those medals, Gadaffi has got to be one of them!!
In Brown's world, it's highly unlikely the troops who gave their lives in Afghanistan fall into the same category.

- Bingham Macnamara, lymington, hampshire

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