Ambassador Gilchrist’s Remarks at the U.S. Embassy Independence Day Reception

It is an honor for me to be with you all today to celebrate the 247th Anniversary of Independence of the United States of America. I would like to start by saying to you Madam Speaker, thank you for joining us and saying a few words.  The idea of representative government, with strong legislatures, is at …

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Ambassador Gilchrist’s Remarks at Re-Opening of the Public Kupiškis Library in the former Great Kupiškis Synagogue

I wish to congratulate the administration of the library, Kupiškis municipality, as well as the local community, for showing respect and deep appreciation for the synagogue that was proudly housed here. This was a space of prayer, faith, reflection, and, most importantly, community building for the Jewish residents of Kupiškis and its region.

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Ambassador Gilchrist’s Remarks at the International Holocaust Remembrance Commemorative Event

  Ambassador Gilchrist’s Remarks at the International Holocaust Remembrance Commemorative Event and Panel Discussion January 27, 2023 National Gallery of Art, Konstitucijos pr. 22, Vilnius   Madam Speaker, VM of Foreign Affairs, Mantas Adomėnas, Fellow Ambassadors, Ms. Faina Kuklianksy, Director of Vilna Gaon State Museum, Simonas Strelcovas Distinguished guests and friends, I’m deeply honored to …

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Ambassador Gilchrist’s remarks at the National Forum on Human Rights

Ambassador Gilchrist’s remarks at the National Forum on Human Rights Vilnius, Lithuania Dear friends, it is an honor for me to be here today.  This is the fourth year the U.S. Embassy to Lithuania has supported the Human Rights Forum in recognition of Human Rights Day.  Every year on this date – December 10 – …

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Ambasador Gilchrist’s Remarks at the Commemoration event of the Sumner Welles Declaration

Ambassador Gilchrist’s Remarks at the 81st anniversary commemoration event of the Sumner Welles Declaration, Washington Square, Vilnius. Foreign Minister Landsbergis, Professor Landsbergis, Honorable Member of Parliament Emanuelis Zingeris, Distinguished guests, Having served so much of my career in this region, it is always an honor to represent the United States when we mark the anniversary …

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Ambassador Gilchrist’s Remarks at the Conference A Divisive Past: The Soviet-German War and Narratives of Mass Violence in East Central Europe

Ambassador Gilchrist’s Remarks for the Conference A Divisive Past:  The Soviet-German War and Narratives of Mass Violence in East Central Europe  Friday, June 4, 2021 As prepared for delivery Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen, Mayor Šimašius, Ambassador Levy, Ambassador Sonn, Dr. Nikžentaitis, Ladies and Gentlemen,   Thank you for the honor of joining you today as we mark this somber occasion — the 80th anniversary of the beginning of the Holocaust in Lithuania.  As …

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Joint Statement on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

Why equal rights and opportunities for all matters – Joint Statement on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia 17 May 2021 By the Ambassadors to Lithuania of Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and United States. For the statement in Lithuanian . For the statement in English .

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Ambassador Gilchrist took part in the opening of “The Path of Samuel Bak,” April 22, 2021

Today, April 22, 2021, Ambassador Gilchrist took part in the opening of a new cultural and historical route “The Path of Samuel Bak”, created by the Vilna Gaon Museum of Jewish History in collaboration with creative agency EZCO and artist Romualdas Inčirauskas. Ambassador Gilchrist’s Remarks at the Opening of the “Samuel Bak Path:” 🇺🇸| Mr. …

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Ambassador Gilchrist visits Paneriai Memorial to mark Yom HaShoah April 8, 2021

Ambassador Gilchrist joined the Jewish Community of Lithuania, leaders of Lithuania, and members of the diplomatic community at Paneriai Memorial to mark Yom HaShoah – the Day of Remembrance.  Six million Jews were murdered during the Holocaust. Today we remember those lives, honor their memory, and reaffirm:  we will never forget.   Ambassador Gilchrist’s Remarks: …

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Ambassador Gilchrist’s Remarks at the Opening of the Exhibition to Mark the 120th Birthday of Chiune Sugihara at the Seimas

Thank you for the honor of participating in this exhibition opening.  It is a great privilege for me to pay my respects to Chiune Sugihara today. As a career diplomat, it is awe-inspiring and deeply moving to hear Mr. Sugihara’s story — how he chose compassion and humanity in the face of violence and war.  All …

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Ambassador Hall’s Remarks at the Dedication of LMFA’s Blue Hall in Honor of Sen. J. McCain

It is my great privilege to join you today as you honor the legacy of Senator John McCain, an American foreign-policy giant and an unwavering friend of the Lithuanian people.  Throughout his remarkable career, Senator McCain championed the idea of an international system that advances the cause of human freedom.  The inherent dignity of human …

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Ambassador Hall’s Remarks At “Apollo 11” Anniversary Exhibit Opening in Molėtai

Fifty years ago a man stepped onto the moon and forever changed mankind’s vision of what is possible. I am sure you have all heard Neil Armstrong’s famous quote when he set foot on the moon, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Indeed, it was a giant leap. The Apollo …

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Ambassador Anne Hall’s Remarks at Cyber Security Seminar at the U.S. Embassy in Lithuania

I am delighted to welcome you today to the U.S. Embassy for this important seminar on cyber security.  We have a very distinguished group of individuals with us today, and I’d like to start by thanking our participants from the AmCham for your dedication and commitment to expanding commercial engagement and business opportunities between the …

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Ambassador Hall’s Remarks at the American Chamber of Commerce in Lithuania Christmas Gala

  Ambassador Hall’s Remarks at the American Chamber of Commerce in Lithuania Christmas Gala Saturday, December 8, 2018 Vilnius Grand Resort   Dear Chamber members, guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Happy holidays!  I am pleased to join you this evening for this festive gala, to celebrate the season and all of the AmCham’s accomplishments over the …

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Ambassador Hall’s Opening Remarks at #That’s Harassment Panel Discussion at Vilnius University Library

Thank you for joining us this afternoon to discuss an incredibly important topic – sexual harassment and sexual violence. We began this conversation last year and as we have seen worldwide, it is vital that we continue addressing this issue.   

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Ambassador Hall’s Remarks at “Women, Peace and Security Capacity Building Conference”

I am delighted to join you today at the Women, Peace and Security Capacity Building Conference.  It is wonderful to see so many international experts gathered to discuss the role of women in peacebuilding and security.  I am especially delighted to welcome such a strong American delegation joining us here today, including representatives from the …

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Ambassador Hall’s Remarks at the Ceremony to Present the Truman-Reagan Medal of Freedom to President Valdas Adamkus

It is a great honor and privilege for me to take part today in this ceremony to present the Truman-Reagan Medal of Freedom to President Valdas Adamkus.  Each year, the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation bestows this medal on individuals and institutions that have demonstrated a life-long commitment to freedom, democracy, and opposition to communism …

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Ambassador Hall Remarks at the Current Time TV Launch in Lithuania

Gyvename skaitmeniniame amžiuje iš visų pusių apsupti informacijos srauto ir tampa vis sunkiau įvertinti jos tikrumą ir patikimumą. Mūsų dienomis informacija tapo ginklu kibernetinėje erdvėje. Į Lietuvą nukreipta organizuota dezinformacijos kampanija, kuria siekiama paminti lietuvių pasitikėjimą savo vyriausybe, Jungtinėmis Amerikos Valstijomis ir demokratinėmis institucijomis, kurioms Lietuva priklauso. Kaimyninės šalys taip pat patiria panašias atakas.

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Ambassador Hall Remarks at the Opening of the International Art Exhibition “Manuscript”

It has been a great honor for me to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania during the centennial celebration of the restoration of Lithuanian statehood.  The United States is proud of its long, rich history of friendship with Lithuania and its neighbors, Estonia and Latvia.  This friendship has endured many challenging days yet we …

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Ambassador Hall Remarks at the Fulbright Tea at the Ambassador’s Residence

Thank you for joining us today to welcome our newest Fulbright participants to Lithuania and to celebrate the importance of the Fulbright program with our alumni and guests from the Ministry of Education. Senator J. William Fulbright, for whom this program is named, said many decades ago that “The Fulbright Program aims to bring a …

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Ambassador Hall Remarks at Symposium “Diplomats Who Saved Jewish Lives” in Kaunas

 It is a great honor and privilege for me to take part in this symposium, and to pay my respects to Chiune Sugihara, to Jan Zwartendijk, and to all those who assisted them in their efforts to save lives.  As a career diplomat, the stories of these brave officials, who defied the odds, often defying …

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Ambassador Hall Remarks at the Signing of Science, Technology & Innovation Agreement

I would first like to thank Minister Petrauskiene for arranging and hosting this ceremony.  And, of course, thank you everyone for being here today. It is a great honor to greet you on this occasion, as we sign the third cooperation agreement on science, technology, and innovation between governments of Lithuania and the United States.  …

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Ambassador Hall Remarks at the Graduation Ceremony for the International Program Students of VMU

Good afternoon. It is a tremendous pleasure for me to be here to address you at this important milestone in your lives as you graduate from Vytautas Magnus University.  I am especially honored to be asked to participate in the graduation ceremony for the International Program students.  It is wonderful to see that the Lithuanian …

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Ambassador Hall Remarks at the Reception for International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia (IDAHOT)

Together with fellow like-minded embassies, I would like to thank you all for joining us today to recognize the International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia (IDAHOT).  It is a special honor for me to hold this year’s reception at my residence, and I would like to thank the governments of Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, …

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Ambassador Hall Remarks at the Reception Honoring U.S. participants in Exchange Programs

The United States has proudly called Lithuania a friend for the past century and that is, in large part, because of the strength of the ties between the people of our two great countries. As we look forward to the next 100 years of U.S.-Lithuanian relations, we know that the strength of our bond will …

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Ambassador Hall Remarks at the Reception Honoring Emerging Young Leader Zina Salim Hassan Hamu

Welcome and thank you all for coming to this very special event.  On May 2, in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Department of State presented its Emerging Young Leaders Award to Zina Salim Hassan Hamu, who is currently studying at LCC International University in Klaipeda.  Each year, the U.S. presents this award to only ten outstanding …

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Ambassador Hall’s Remarks for #ThatsHarassment Panel Discussion at Vytautas Magnus University

Dear students, faculty, and experts: Thank you for joining us this afternoon to discuss such an important topic – sexual harassment and sexual violence. The topic of sexual harassment may make people uncomfortable, as it is not always easy to talk about, but we have seen – in the United States, in Lithuania, and across …

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Ambassador Hall’s Remarks at the Lithuanian Protective Seminar for Lithuanian State Police

Good morning everyone, and thank you for coming to this training led by our Department of Homeland Security Attachés from the U.S. Embassy in Tallinn.  It is nice to see so many Lithuanian law enforcement and security representatives as well as U.S. law enforcement officials.  I’d like to thank our DHS representatives from U.S. Embassy …

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Ambassador Hall’s Remarks at the CEPA US-Poland-Lithuania Roundtable Discussions on Security and Defence

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, it is my honor to be here today with Minister Karoblis, Undersecretary Marek Łapinski, and President Peter Doran.  The United States and its NATO Allies have one of the closest military relationships in the world.  The U.S. recognizes that the Baltic States and Poland, on the border of our Alliance, …

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Ambassador Hall’s Remarks at the Amber Alert / Women of Courage Reception

Esteemed Ministers, ladies and gentlemen, honored guests, good evening. Thank you for joining us tonight to commemorate the launch of Facebook’s Amber Alert program in Lithuania.  Tomorrow, we will celebrate a symbol of the Lithuanian-American partnership, a tangible outcome of what happens when our two countries work together.  The U.S. Embassy is proud to have …

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Ambassador Hall’s Remarks at the Lithuanian-American Innovation Award Ceremony

It gives me great pleasure to be here today to help present the Lithuanian-American Innovation Award.  This award is a combined initiative of the American Lithuania Business Council, the U.S. Embassy, and the Baltic American Freedom Foundation.  I’d like to express special thanks to BAFF for their financial support – without which this award would …

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Ambassador Hall’s Centennial Message to Lithuania and Lithuanians

It is a great honor to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania during the centennial celebration of the restoration of Lithuanian statehood.  The United States has proudly called Lithuania a friend for the past century.  We congratulate the Republic of Lithuania on this important milestone in the history not only of this country and …

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U.S. Ambassador Invites to Apply for Lithuanian-American Innovation Award

U.S. Ambassador in Lithuania Anne Hall announces the new round of applications for the annual Lithuanian-American Innovation Award worth of €10.000. Launched in 2016 by the Baltic American Freedom Foundation (BAFF), the American-Lithuanian Business Council (ALBC), and the U.S. Embassy in Vilnius, the Award highlights and promotes innovative cooperation between the United States and Lithuania.

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Ambassador Hall’s Opening Remarks at #ThatsHarassment Panel Discussion

Dear students, faculty, and experts, thank you for joining us this afternoon to discuss such an important topic. Every year at this time, the United States, Lithuania, and the rest of the world commemorate 16 Days of Activism to address the issue of violence against women. For too long, this subject was rarely discussed in …

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Ambassador Hall’s Remarks at Press Conference for the Samuel Bak Museum Opening

It is a great privilege for me to be here today. The opening of the Samuel Bak Museum in Lithuania is a historic milestone for U.S.-Lithuanian friendship. We are enormously grateful to the Vilna Gaon Jewish Museum and the Pucker Gallery in the United States for their phenomenal efforts.

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Ambassador Hall’s Opening Remarks at International Conference “#RemembranceResponsibilityFuture in Lithuania”

The United States strives to support a Europe committed to democracy, pluralism, human rights, and tolerance.  As Secretary Tillerson has said: “No one should have to live in fear, worship in secret, or face discrimination because of his or her beliefs.”  And so that is why we have come here, to remember and through remembering, …

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Ambassador’s Remarks at the Groundbreaking for Hollister Inc. Plant in Kaunas

I’m honored to be celebrating the groundbreaking ceremony of Hollister Incorporated in Lithuania – and the arrival of another U.S. company to Lithuania.  Hollister’s arrival demonstrates the strong and growing ties between our countries’ economies.  Known worldwide for its advanced medical products sold in 80 countries, Hollister will serve the European market with this manufacturing …

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Ambassador Hall’s Remarks at a Concert of “Lumenaria Chorale” from Washington D.C.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome the “Lumenaria Chorale” from Washington D.C. to Vilnius to celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation. I have no doubt that your performance will be both beautiful and uplifting. While Lithuania prides itself on being a “singing country,” Washington, D.C. prides itself on being the Choral Capital of …

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Ambassador Hall’s Remarks for the U.S. Logistics Battalion Award Ceremony in Marijampolė

The United States and its NATO allies have one of the closest military relationships in the world.  Lithuanian and American soldiers have been working together since 1993, in hundreds of exchanges between our two countries, and on important deployments to international missions.

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Ambassador Hall’s Remarks for the U.S. and German Flags Raising Ceremony at NATO ESCOE

I thank you for this opportunity to address you as we celebrate the 5th anniversary of the NATO Energy Security Center of Excellence. As Vice President Pence said in Tallinn on July 31, a strong and united NATO is needed more today than at any point since the collapse of Communism a quarter-century ago.

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Ambassador Hall’s Opening Remarks at the Baltic Institute of Corporate Governance Professional Board Member Education Program

I am pleased to join you today as you take an important step toward becoming a professional board member.  The Baltic Institute for Corporate Governance’s Professional Board Member Education program will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to make this region a true global leader in corporate governance.

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“Marshall Plan” 70th Anniversary Commemoration Event at Seimas

On June 5, Ambassador Hall gave remarks at the “Marshall Plan” 70th Anniversary Commemoration Event at Seimas. This day marks the 70th anniversary of United States Secretary of State George C. Marshall’s address at Harvard University, unveiling the European Aid Program, a program that has become known to all as the “Marshall Plan.”

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25th Anniversary of the US-LT Educational Exchanges

On May 16, Ambassador Hall gave remarks at the Reception Marking the 25th Anniversary of the US-LT Educational Exchanges. For 25 years the U.S. Embassy in Vilnius has been proud to sponsor the academic and professional development of Lithuanians through our exchange programs, which include the Fulbright program, the International Visitor Leadership Program – more …

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US & Lithuania Sign Fulbright Memorandum of Understanding

On March 30th, Ambassador Hall and Lithuanian Minister of Education and Science Jurgita Petrauskienė signed a memorandum of understanding of the Fulbright Exchange Program. The memorandum will provide a stronger framework for the program that has existed in Lithuania for 25 years.

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United States and Lithuania signed Defense Cooperation Agreement

On January 17, the United States and Lithuania signed a Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA), which establishes a framework for enhanced partnership and defense and security cooperation between our two countries. This new bilateral agreement will supplement existing agreements between the United States and Lithuania concluded bilaterally and through the NATO alliance, further supporting a broad range …

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Ambassador Hall’s Remarks at the Defense Cooperation Agreement Signing Ceremony

January 17, 2017 Minister Karoblis, thank you for hosting this event today, which marks an important milestone in our bilateral defense partnership. The defense cooperation agreement we are signing is more than just a document that governs the presence of U.S. troops in Lithuania. It reaffirms our two countries’ mutual commitment to work side by …

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Ambassador Hall’s Video Statement at the Conference on Lithuanian Foreign Policy for Regional Media

December 16, 2016 Thank you for this opportunity to share my thoughts on Lithuanian-American relations with the distinguished journalists and participants of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Conference on Lithuanian Foreign Policy for Regional Media. It has been an honor and a privilege for me to return to Lithuania as the U.S. Ambassador.  It has …

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Ambassador Hall’s Remarks at the Reception for the “Sixteen days against domestic violence”

November 28, 2016 Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests, good evening. I am happy to have this opportunity to commemorate “Sixteen days against domestic violence” campaign together with you all. Every year, this campaign aims to draw public attention to the problem of violence against women and to encourage people to not remain indifferent towards the …

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Ambassador Hall’s Statement to the Press Following the U.S. Presidential Election

November 9, 2016 Good morning. After a long presidential election campaign season, the American people have chosen the 45th president of the United States. The results are in, Secretary Clinton has conceded, and the media outlets have announced Donald Trump as the winner. Now that the American people have made their choice, we will see …

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Ambassador Hall’s Remarks at the Opening of the Baltic Institute for Corporate Governance Executive Education Program

October 27, 2016 Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests, I am pleased to join you today to as you begin your course work for the Baltic Institute for Corporate Governance Executive Education Program. The U.S. Embassy in Lithuania enjoys a strong relationship with the BICG, and it is a pleasure for me to witness the Institute’s …

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Ambassador Hall’s Remarks at the American Chamber of Commerce “Taste of America” event

October 27, 2016 Dublis Restaurant This is my first American Chamber of Commerce event since returning to Lithuania a month ago as the American Ambassador. I am so pleased that our first meeting centers around American food! American cuisine is as diverse as America itself. Throughout the country’s history, as people arrived in America from …

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Ambassador Hall’s Remarks at the Meeting of the Security Policy Directors in the “Bucharest 9” Format

October 24, 2016 Last July, at NATO’s summit in Warsaw, our leaders reaffirmed our enduring Article 5 obligations to our common security and committed to the most significant reinforcement of our collective defense since the Cold War. Building on the Readiness Action Plan and the U.S. European Reassurance Initiative — our Alliance is enhancing our …

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