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Prof. Mesfin Woldemariam speaks out – audio

Posted on , Updated on by Elias Kifle

Renowned Ethiopian human rights advocate and scholar Prof. Mesfin Woldemariam speaks out on the ongoing leadership crisis inside Kinijit.

DW: Click here to listen [forward to the 16:00 minute mark].

VOA: Click here to listen [forward to the 27:00 minute mark].

Ethiopian Review begs to differ with the good professor on many points. His interview creates more confusion than solve problems or clarify issues…
– more on this later.

64 thoughts on “Prof. Mesfin Woldemariam speaks out – audio”

  2. Elias,

    This time you have to be careful with professor Mesfin. Of course, you have the right to disagree but not to call names or denigrate Professor Mesfin which happens to be easy for you to do. If you do, your reputation as well as the people you are supporting will loose credibility forever.

    I have heard the interview. He gave us a very interesting view on the inside working of Kinijit that we have not known before. He openly declared that Hailu Showel and Berhanu Nega are power mongerers especially Haily Showel.

    I like his conclusion. He wants Burtukan Mideksa to lead the party and asks every body to help her strengthen Kinijit for the good of the country.

  3. I know the Prof is a revered figure and all… but this was the biggest non-starter interview if I ever heard one, notwithstanding that VOA may have edited stuff out as they seemed to imply at the end. For a man who wanted to make a “death bed confession,” he said nothing… which may be more of a reflection on him than the (unidentified) faction of Kinijit he scolded. I couldn’t help but recall the infighting the Prof himself had with Dr. Tilahun Yilma some years back…

  4. Elias, I know you are digging hard to find the truth and I believe you stand for truth. I appreciate you for that.

    Ethiopians respect all the CUD leaders including Prof. Mesfin. He told us his side of the story. I think it is time for Dr. Berhanu to speak out too. He has to tell Ethiopians clearly about this issue. Ethiopians will then decide on who to lead them. I personally, I have problems with Ato Hailu and his groups because of the way they are handling the issue. Prof Mesfin clearly stated that there is no difference in objective among the two groups excepet the power thrust. However, Ato Hailu and Dr. Taye are telling us a different story, as there is a differnce in objective. It is time Dr. Berhanu to speak out about this serious issue. We all have listen and trusted him during the election campaign. We want to know whether he still stands for the same principles clearly by telling us why Prof. Mesfin came to this conclusion.

  5. As Ethio Zagol put it “when Prof. Mesfen talk I listen” That is exactly what I will be doing from now on. No more dictator Hail Shawel. KINIJIT ke Bertukan gar wedeffett. That is my gol. Follw our young and talented sister Birtukan Medekisa. KINIJIT is one and it is not for fudal!!!!!!

  6. Thanks! I listened to Prof. Mesfin’s voa interview.
    I was very immotional at the end of it.

    I took his message close to my heart.And deliver to my ability his plea to rally behind Ms. Birtukan Mideksa to save Kinijit and the rule of law in Ethiopia.

    Please post the his VOA interview too.

    I was very immotional at the end of the interview.

    I wish him the best of luck on his surgery.

    Thanks,

    Haily

  7. I don’t know where the confusion is, he clearly stated that the problem is due to power hungry individuals who puts the interest of the Ethiopia people aside and look for their own glory and power. The cause of the problem was known for a while and everybody talks about it, when we hear it from people like Prof. Mesfin it transform from rumor to a validated fact.

  8. His comments were open to interpretation by either side as he tried to show his dissatisfaction with both sides. But, he indicated the source of the problem broadly. In fact, on the VOA, he tried to address the issues more specifically. He seems to have little information or tried to avoid further aggravation, wanted not to talk about the escalation of the crisis after all the six arrived in the US.

    Most of us took sides following the development in the US, after listening to reckless interviews, defamations, etc., consistently seen on one group.

    In light of this, he gave few new details that we didn’t know. However, in my opinion, the highlight of his interview is the concluding remarks he gave on the VOA — His unequivocal support to the Vice President and her delegation.

  9. I heard Professor Mesfin interview and my take is he is very critical about Ato Hailu and Berhanu but he also confirmed the ability of Wz/ Birukan Mideksa as a leader. The message to the new generation is also great as it has Abatawi message.

    One thing not clear for me is his take on Berhanu’s book called “Yenestanet Gohe Sikide”. The book by enalrge is the writer mini biography including the history of Kinijit since its inception to imprisonment. (ofcourse it is his story) I don’t think Dr Berhanu either claimed the book is the history of kinijit. It will be hard to imagine and write a hefty book about few months old party too. But, Dr Berhanu demonstrate in his book all political feud between AEUP, EDEPA-Medhin and the rest of political parties in kinijit including the small Rainbow coalation and the rest.

    For a person who was in Addis at a time of the book release, it was a great relief and assurance for Ethiopian democrats who support Kinjit to see something is coming out from the prison.

    I think, in my opinion, Dr berhanu shows a leadership quality to read a need for the minds of the youth as well as the political supporters of Kinijit.

    Although I take most of his points as valid, with due respect Professor Mesfin’s own book titled “Yekehedet Kulkulet” seems a bit biased with lack of clarity and substance compare to Yenesanet Gohe sikede. And, I truly can’t buy his point on that.

    Having said that, I like him dearly and he is an Ethiopian civil and human right hero. His name will be in Ethiopian history for ever for his work to EHRCO.

    All the best and wish him a speedy recovery.

    Zemeta

  10. Elias, please listen his VOA interview …. it is a very expanded and has a clear message. Post his VOA interview and When you comment , make sure to comment based on the two interviews so that you can base it on complete info.

    Thanks

  11. Elias,

    I am with you. I don’t think Prof. Mesfin helped much. Let’s say there was power mongering by the Berhanu and Hailu. Who is acting so arrogantly dicatatorial right now even telling the diaspora who gave its money to Kinijit go to hell and defending Yoseph? I really don’t think the
    Prof. is well informed. Lidetu and Hailu were at each others throat long before Berhanu came to the scene. I understand that Prof may want to be easy on Hailu considering his age and physical condition, but I don’t think he should give him a free ride. Anyway, I will take Berhanu anyday over Hailu. He has the vision thing down pat!!!

  12. Dear Prof. Mesfin,

    You always speak truth to power. You always tell it as it is. I knew you would be the one single person who would tell us the truth, the whole truth. Thank you for remaining the model of integrity in our country throughout the years. Wish you a successful procedure and quick recovery. God bless!

  13. I was literally crying when I was listening Prof. Mesfin’s interview. Especially at the end it touched my heart. The whole interview gives me an idea about the whole Kinijit controversial. Now, both groups need to come together, worked out their difference, and the rest of us should stop fanning and supporting one group over the other one. Elias Kifle, I like to believe that your parents raised you in Ethiopia as any other Ethiopian kid. Prof. Mesfin’s advice is a typical and kind father figure advice. Don’t you dare to call him names! I noticed that it is very easy for you to put people down. Don’t you dare to do that to Prof. Mesfin!

  14. Elias,

    I don’t expect you to agree completely with professor Mesfin. And nobody does. But at the end of the day, he made a suggestion that is very beneficial. He recommended Burtukan Mideksa to lead the party. By doing so, he gave Hailu Showel, the dictator, a major blow. This is good news for me and for Ethiopian people.

    If Hailu Showel is listening, it is time to take professor Mesfin’s advice. Stop attacking everyone like a mad dog just to satisfy your thirst for power. Professor Mesfin already told you that you don’t give a damn for Ethiopian people except to use them to get to power. He told you clearly to stop it if you have any sense of shame.

  15. ER – I totally agree with your assessment. What Prof Mesfin is doing is standing above all and being moral judge of the rest. All I say is another EGO labelling someone and expecting people to be convinced! NO BEEF! Give us example and we might listen.

    Whatever Prof Mesfin will have to say about Dr Berhanu’s desire for power it does not compare to Emperor HAILU and his gang.

  16. I listen pro.Mesfin interview and it was a good info to unify Kinijit again.Eventhough the 5 Delegate made minor error like not including others or coming early to USA,They are the ligitemate Kinijit leadres over the corrupted,unrespectful(to his presion commored) X-kinijit EPRP Hailu Shawel.

  17. Prof Mesfine’s message is well taken. One thing clear from the interview is that he has some kind of beef with Berhanu. For instance, presenting the problem between Lidetu and Hailu as that of Berhanu versus Lidetu has been the most biased. Anyway, I wish him speedy recovery. No doubt as he is the father of modern politics in Ethiopia.

  19. “When Prof. Mesfin talks, I listen”…….Ethio-Zagol.
    Prof. Mesfin told us to follow Kinijit’s principles, not individuals. I don’t know why Ethiopian Review is confused this time. Elias, if you are really confused with his message, please listen to it time and again. It is crystal clear and he criticized both Ato Hailu and Dr. Birhanu for creating personal cliques with in Kinijit’s leadership circle. As the saying goes, “a problem understood is half-solved”. Prof. Mesfin told us the real problem so that we will be able to better understand the crisis in Kinijit. We should focus on resolving this problem than blindly adoring people and aligning ourselves with individuals. He also humbly requested the people to help Birtukan in solving the problem. Let everyone of us do whatever is expected from our part.
    Ethiopian Review should continue as a source of truth, integrity and critical analysis as it has been doing especially in the past few weeks. I felt this time, however, that Elias is trapped with personal biases.

    God Bless Kinijit
    God Bless Ethiopia

  20. Thanks for posting this. This was helpful. I have been waiting for Prof. Mesfin to speak out. Elias is always on one side. I have been waiting for a day that you(Elias) would just tell the news without being biased, as it is the most important part of your job as a journalist, if you call yourself one. But right now, telling that Prof. Mesfin is confusing you is not the place to say it. Prof. Mesfin was clear, right to the point, and he has read the mind of all Ethiopians, who didn’t take side and try to understand the whole situation. I have much respect for Prof. Mesfin than I have for the Engineer, Dr. Berhanu and Birtukan combined. What a great and educated comment he gave. To all the other comments, he didn’t say Birtukan should be the leader, he said if she comes out of this fire in a proper way, that means she would show her talent and leadership skills. One, we abeshoch, you like to twist words and spice it up. That has to stop as it could leads us in a wrong direction. Second, you like to flip back and forth and boil up everything (too much hoy hoy). Rega belu, tegenzebu before you start supporting any group. This is not an individual race but a cause for our country. I suggest that Dr. Berhanu and Engineer Hailu Shawel should resign from Kinijit or they need to resolve their issue. Long live Kinijit!

  21. Many Thanks to Prof. Mesfin

    Long Live GASHE MESFINE!!!

    To Elias (the editor), I believe you heard the professors, if the worst comes, his last advice to all Ethiopians. I wrote you many times on an issue to think ” Many times” before putting down a person. As I read many comments, they beg you to not let the Professore down as you have the web page as a weapon. Had you not called the Engineer dictator…whatever you called him, may be many of us wouldn’t have changed our view much to the negative of Hailu. Please, it is really not good for us to side with a person. What is good for us (Ethiopians) is to side with ideology. Again please listen what to the professor’s advice. Do not rush to disrespect people.

    regards,
    Yehualaw

  23. Elias, this time you will need to be very careful. You have been very careless with facts for a while. You have an opinion that is so clouded. You have not been willing to give others the benefit of the doubt, which have lead you to denigrate Hailu Shawel and other brave Ethiopians.

    I wrote about the apparent power struggle between Hailu Shawel and Berhanu Nega. Anyone who has not been able to recognize that has been bamboozled by the ‘Kinijit Five.”

    If these two people were concerned about Kinijit and the Ethiopian people, they would not have done what they have done so far. These are two power hungry individuals that we may be better off pushing to the side. We Ethiopians should be able to produce other politicians with vision and passion for what they believe in. Don’t forget power is an aphrodisiac.

    I also believe that Birtukan is being used by the Berhau Nega. She may be smart and have a lot to give in the future, Birtukan is a rookie politician who has not been able to do much. By the way, what is her background, beside being a judge at one time. I think they’re using her as a figurehead (a woman, smart, good looking, college grad, judge.) Do not take me wrong, but non of the are ready for prime time yet.

    Ermias

  24. Yehualaw,

    Your comment is assinine! You are saying that just because Elias said Hailu Shawel is a dictator you changed your mind? If someone has that much control over you, you are in big trouble.

  25. Dear Elias,

    I really admire the work you do for us Ethiopian people. i myself is a graduate of Engineering. i was born and raised in Ethiopia. i lived half of my life here in america and the other half in Ethiopia. i really don’t know what is up with our elder politician. they say that they want to see Ethiopia succeed but i don’t think they have any idea how. I personally think that Dr. Birhanu understand and knows how to be a leader.

    i don’t think there is any problem with wanting to be a leader if one knows how to lead. i listned and followed every interview Eng. Hailu and Prof. Mesfin gave and what i conclude from those interview is that they have some sort of problem with a person who wants to be a leader. for me it is hard to say that these people have lived outside of Ethiopia. here in America people actually compete to lead the country in a better place and none of us are having a problem.

    to conclude i just want to say Dr. Birhanu is great for us young people and our country Ethiopia. i am reading his recent book and he has great ideas and open minded.

  26. Thank you professor.

    As you have confirmed, Birtukan is a telented young Ethiopian who will lead kinijit and Ethiopia in to the new mellinnium. Don’t worry, she has millions of troops and millions of truth with her. VIVA SISTER!!!

  27. I am glad that Prof. Mesfin is finally speaks out.

    I find Prof Mesfin’s assertion that the problem within CUD is rooted in untimely straggle for power between Berhanu and Hailu is very plausible.

    I don’t have any problem with his endorsement of Birtukan for CUD headship. Nevertheless, I want to wait and see how she going to handle this crisis before I jumping on her bandwagon.

  28. The prof said a lot of good things such as the lack of leadership on Hailu Shawel’s part. He also forcefully endorsed that Birtukan Mideksa should lead the party forward. IMO, that is very important. Hailu’s attempt to hijack the kinijit party from us and parade it for his own personal glory is becoming bankrupt by the day. Hailu failed to lead. This point was stressed very clearly today. Hailu should retire and try to recover his bruised imaged.

  29. Ermias of comment #23.

    I just have a simple question to you. What leads you to that conclusion i.e Dr. Berhanu being power hungry? What evidence do you have? Please, please, indulge me with an answer.

  32. OH, Lord

    Save us from the feudals such as Taye and Hailu.

    This people are from 3rd century. They talk about democracy

    but thet don’t have any respect for anyone except themselves

    Hope prof Mesfin doesn’t join the feudals.

    DOWNWITH FEAUDALS

  33. The Professor has told us about the power struggle between Hailu and Birhanu. When did that happened? Didn’t they tell us that they had a very democratic process when they elected Hailu to be chairman, Birhanu to be Mayor of Addis, and so on? Wasn’t that just few weeks before they were thrown to jail? If that was the case, when did they have the time for a power struggle between them? After they were released? They were released just about few weeks before they came to USA. So, when did the power struggle happened and how? That’s why I think what Professor Mesfin said is confusing. He also said that the power struggle has been there before they were jailed. Does he mean that Birhanu didn’t accept his Mayor of Addis position and wanted to be Kinijit’s leader? I may sound naïve, but I am confused.
    I agree with some of the things he said. But, he also sounded to have some kind of personal issue with Dr. Birhanu. He reflected that when he talked about Birhanu’s book.

    Lot’s of questions remained to be answered. I hope, this time, Dr. Birhanu comes out and gives us some information on this.

  34. Any way the truth is out thanks to professor Mesfin W/M he even gave us the clue for the solution let us focus on that.

    Pro. Mesfin we Ethiopians love U, we respect U our prayer is with you May The Almighty GOD have his MERCY on YOU

    GET WELL SOON!!! ETHIOPIA need’s you

  35. Well, Great leadrs are power driven vain and smart ones. It might be right that Both Berhanu and Hilu are on Power stragle but I admire Berhanu for his paitence and silence. He is a very good politician. His silence has brought out the true color of Hilu’s. from what I can see Hilu is on a mission trying to kill everyones rep by going againest the group in general that cause he doesn’t want to be the first to point finger. what this does is put him at odds with the most educated and supported politicians. It will be too late before he weaks up and realize that he is cutting his own hand by reacting emotionaly. He is lose trust and support from the people. Hilu may have the shroodness deep down to be politican but he doesn’t have the gesture and the ethics. The more he speakes the more he sounds incapable. On the other hand all Berhanu has to do is be quite he is watching his opponent sinking like Titanic. what a great man! fells what we need is this kind of people to face Makavelians like Meles. It is so easy for Meles to lable Hilu like a dictator and prove the world he is not the right man but he can not do that to Berahnu. If anyone reads history and politics read about Bismark and Tallyrand then you will understand what true politicians are made of. ER I think you should come down. You sound more like Hilu cause you are being pulled to one extrem and let your emotions do the talking cause you are more like that die hard supporter than anything. just report what is happening not your comment. have you ever imagined your self being one of the politicans? We have to learn from Meles the reason why he is still in power is because he knows how to play the game.

  36. Eng. Hailu Shawol has to step down imediately because he has betrayed principles of Kinijit and associated with the Adamant historic enemies of the people’s strugle of Ehtiopia .

  37. Hailu shawel is another ledetu, he is the reason for the death of professor Asrat Woldeyes, now he is gang up with the woyane agent Bedru Adem and once again started destablizing our struggle for freedom, everybody of us have a responsiblity of exposing of his ill motivation, even if the professor Mesfin untimely confession accuses other leaders of kinijit,But the root cause for the problem emanets from the betrial nature of Hailu, we never forget Professor Asrat Woldeyes forever, whoever fell from our struggle, “Aluta Continua” “tigelu yeketelale”, till our opperesor woyane completely eradicated from our land Ethiopia.

  38. Elias,
    *STOP* to swing like a pendulum. Weigh your reporting in terms of whether it supports the genuine cause. Don’t take sides and focus on personalities. Focus on issues and report objectively. I believe the professor has spoken clearly for all of us to take note of it seriously.
    No doubt you have your own backers lined up behind each and every story. You have your own agenda to promote one group over the other depending on the political barometer. For the gullible and for the un-informed, it appears differently, though.

    Don’t get me wrong. As much as I hate the type of language you used to criticize the Eng. and his group, I have come to conclude that the engineer and his co deserve no less. Their trashy bravado on last Sunday’s meeting is unbecoming of a leader and nauseating at worst. Don’t also forget your previous diatribe and bashing of Dr. Berhanu and exalting Lidetu.

    Now that the damage between the factions inside Kinijit is beyond repair, we all have to look for the way forward in the spirit of “Kinijit.” Otherwise, we remain hashing and re-hashing same stories ten years from today thereby furthering the suffering of the Ethiopian people.

  39. Dear Elias,
    This time you have to stand on the side of the poor Ethiopian people, remember those who gave their precious life for freedom by supporting kinijit.
    Don’t you see the power thirst of Birhanu, how he manuplates everything arround him, he is the one with a hidden power thirst. As to Hailu it is clear that he is the leader and he is doing his job just as a leader – it is not being a dictator.
    That is what Ethiopian’s are known – respecting people. I believe you will continue your service doing so.
    Thank you.

  40. Hi ER and readers,

    I have few points to make regarding the interview by professor Mesfin.

    1. He was right about the mistake of not including all council members. Eventhough what Ms Bertukan and Dr Araya gave as a reason sounds OK it was not 100% convincing to me. As the professor said they should have at least invited them via an official letter.

    2. Professor Mesfin is right about the power-greedyness of Hailu Shawel. This was demonstrated more than enough with the episode in 2005 with Lidetu vs Hailu Shawel.

    3. Professor Mesfin has every right to find Dr Berhanu’s and Lidetu’s books not objective. But I am not convinced why professor Mesfin would find Dr Birhanu’s book not objective. The only reason I could think of is because Dr Birhanu critisizes some of Hailu Shawel’s actions in this book. The professor might think that Dr Birhanu should have been more careful in critisizing the old fashioned Hailu Shawel not to create more problems inside Kinijit. But I think deep down his heart, professor Mesfin knows that Dr Birhanu is not “power-hungry”– definitely not to be compared with Hailu Shawel. That’s why he endorsed Ms Birtukan as a deserving party leader knowing full well that she is more with Birhanu than she is with Hailu.

    4. All in all it was a good interview.

    AleQa Bru

  41. I didn’t hear the interview.

    My feeling is that Dr. Birhanu is a very democratic person and hailu show us that he can also be a dictator. So, it is expected that Dr. Birhanu may had a problem with hailu shawel. This must not be expresse about power hungry.

  42. His comments was more divisive than bringing these people togather. I would have done it with out going to public. In the country where policies change frequently It
    was wise for them to make a quick dicision to come to America at the best earlier time. This has made it possible to raise more money at this critical time. They should not be blamed for this. The comment about Berhanu’s book was also a cheap shot. I respect Mesfin Woldemariam as an elderly states man but his comments has a little bad effect to our spirit(Kingit) Elias you are right again!

  43. Getachew/Ermias (Comment #23 and #29)

    Getachew if you don’t think that Dr. Berhanu is power hungry, just go back and listen to what Prof. Mesfin said. Loud and clear. Ermias doesn’t need to explain anything to you. Listen and understand.

    Ermias, I give credit to Birtukan and how brave she is. But I also agree with your point that she is a rookie politician and she needs to mature with time. If she comes out from this turmoil peacefully, then she would show us that she got potential. If she doesn’t do that, she is cooked. But I agree, I think Dr. Berhanu is using her.

  44. Come on Elias, i am sure Dr Birhanu himself will like this interview…I think he puts all the facts clear…now we want these two guys to come out and say and show practically that they are not fighting for power…Hailu should resign…and may be not for Dr Birhanu…Dr can be a good spokes person for the party…(he can be a good leader too, but lets save him to lead the country)

  46. Thanks for posting:
    I beleive the cloud is cleared – VP Bertukan Mideksa will save kinijit from powermongers. I’ve no doubt that Dr. Berhanu will work under VP’s leadership. In case of Mr. Hailu, I’m not sure. Perhaps, EPRP’s will merge as it has in the past ( Meiso, COEDF, Hibret and so on).

  47. The Professor’s suggestions doesn’t seem right. It sounds like he has some personal issues with Berhanu. He didn’t have to gut to acknowledge Berhanu’s book. It is clear and true that there is a problem between Berhanu and Hailu. But it could be due to the fact that Hailu is a dictator
    and Berhanu cannot stand it not neccessarily a power struggle. Berhanu should tell his story to the people. Another point is Hailu and the like are so scared that the guy is smart and they fear that they are overshadowed. Mengistu didn’t like people who are active and smart. Hailu shares the samething because he was a derg too.

  48. I listened the interview with at most interest. Yes I was a little confused by some of his assertion but Prof. Mesfin spoke his mind and he is entitled just like anyone. What I see and what was said by Prof. Mesfin regarding Dr. Berhanu Nega did not make sense. One thing, I seriously doubt Dr. Berhanu has any desire for power. Kinijit needs Dr. Berhanu and he should be supported by all of us.

    Supporting Eng. Hailu after listening his last sunday’s meeting, it is just flat out embarrassing.

    Only Weyane wants Dr. Berhanu out of the political struggle cause they know he can inspire millions of young and old Ethiopians with his electrifying speech.

    KINIJIT needs DR. BERHANU.

  50. As usual prof Mesfin came forward with a workable but incomplete solution. His biggest contribution being his clear indication of the two major culprits of the whole mess. HAILU and BERHANU.
    The power struggle between Berhanu and Hailu started to show its ugly face during the formation of KIL. there was a ressentment by some in former AEUP being marginalised in to the minority in the organization where they think to have controlled more than 95% of the members.
    This kindled a small but affordable friction which soon grow in to big flare when Shaleka took that drastic measure to bring the balance in to his groups favor. When that too failed the next step by the AEUP was to try to bring the balance back to their favor by injecting new blood in to KIL by reforming it to be KIC. The former KIL rejected the idea and remained out of KIC. That is when the two faction scenario went public. In hind sight was it ok for KIL people to accept the decission to be swallowed in to KIC and work from there? Was there rejection worth the open war that we have now that started to shrugg the very foundation of KINJIT?
    Can the people who are a party to the infight show magnanimity to save KINJIT by resigning from any post in KINJIT and give KINJIT a fresh start?
    THE ROAD AHEAD IS POSSIBLE IF EVERY BODY BUERIES HIS EGO AND SHOW MODESTY AND MAGNANIMITY TO SAVE KINJIT.

    HAILU SHAWUL, BERHANU NEGA , ANDARGACHEW TSIGE, BERHANE MEWA , TAYE WOLDESEMAYAT, SHALLEKA YOSEF YAZEW ALL KIL AND KIC PEOPLE

    PLEASE RESIGN AND STOP COMPETING FOR ANY OFFICE IN KINJIT GIVE KINJIT A CHANCE TO SURVIVE AS ONE PARTY !

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