4 August, Belarus – Olga Karatch from Our House organization recently led a peace wave action in Belarus to commemorate the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and to advocate against nuclear weapons. She is pleased to share photos from the event, which saw a larger turnout than anticipated.
Karatch emphasizes the importance of unity and collective effort in the fight for nuclear disarmament and the right to be conscientious objectors. This action reflects their commitment to a world free from weapons and war.
As we remember the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Karatch encourages continued advocacy for a peaceful future and nuclear-free world.
Read the Statement by Olga Karach in memory of the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and on the use of nuclear weapons in Belarus.
Olga Karatch is a Belarusian activist, political scientist and head of the human rights organization “Our House” (Nash Dom), founded in 2002 as a self-financed newspaper. The 45-year-old Nobel Peace Prize candidate is active in the human and civil rights network, which is repressed in her country by the Lukashenko regime. She has been detained several times and also tortured; the KGB website publishes her name on the list of terrorists. Today she lives in exile in Vilnius, Lithuania, from where she continues her important non-violent work.
The International Peace Bureau (IPB) expresses deep concern over the recent targeted killings in West Asia, including the deaths of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah’s top military commander, Fuad Shukur, in Beirut. These actions are a violation of international law and pose a serious risk of escalating the conflict to a regional level. Such escalations not only endanger regional stability but also have global consequences, as they increase the risk of a wider conflict that could involve the use of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), leading to catastrophic outcomes worldwide.
These attacks have severely set back efforts towards achieving a ceasefire and a long-term resolution to the conflict, including the return of Israeli hostages. The timing and nature of these actions suggest a deliberate attempt to undermine diplomatic efforts, prolonging the suffering of civilians and obstructing peace processes.
Recent statements by Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, and various international responses underscore the fragile state of affairs. IPB urges all stakeholders, including regional and global powers, to work towards a peaceful resolution and avoid actions that could lead to uncontrollable escalation.
IPB emphasizes the critical importance of using diplomatic channels to de-escalate the situation. Resorting to violence only exacerbates the suffering of innocent civilians and brings the region closer to widespread conflict. We call on all states and non-state actors, both within the region and those with direct or indirect involvement, to prioritize peace and stability, respecting international law principles.
We urgently call for a ceasefire and comprehensive negotiations that address the root causes of the longstanding conflict, cycle of violence, and oppression in Palestine and Israel, and throughout West Asia. Long-term peace can only be achieved through dialogue, mutual understanding, and trust-building, ensuring the common security and dignity of all people involved.
Lithuania should protect Belarusian conscientious objectors and deserters, grant adequate legal protection and prevent their deportation!
The undersigned organizations are genuinely concerned by the threat of the Lithuanian authorities to immediately deport the Belarusian conscientious objector Vitali Dvarashyn and deserter Mikita Sviryd to Belarus where they are at risk of persecution, imprisonment, and death penalty. We demand immediate action from the Lithuanian authorities to prevent the deportation of conscientious objectors back to Belarus and grant asylum in Lithuania where they have been seeking protection.
Written by: Angelo Cardona, coordinator of Latin America and Representative of the International Peace Bureau (IPB) to the United Nations, Co-founder and President at the Ibero-American Alliance for Peace, and ambassador of Colombia to the Youth Assembly.
In July 2024, the United Nations convened its High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York. The HLPF happens at a pivotal moment when we are witnessing the surge of new conflicts and threats, such as the potential scalation of conflicts that could lead to nuclear confrontation, which would endanger human survival, and the perils of climate change affecting countries worldwide.
The Transnational Institute (TNI) published a critical briefing on July 8th, “Climate in the CrosshairsThe planetary impact of NATO’s spending increases” co-sponsored by the International Peace Bureau.
As NATO commemorates its 75th anniversary with a summit in Washington D.C., this briefing highlights the environmental repercussions of the alliance’s burgeoning military expenditures. Here are the main points covered in the briefing:
Key Findings:
Massive CO2 Emissions: NATO’s military spending in 2023, amounting to $1.34 trillion, generated an estimated 233 million metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e), surpassing the annual greenhouse gas emissions of countries like Colombia or Qatar.
Increasing Carbon Footprint: The $126 billion increase in NATO’s military spending in 2023 is predicted to add an extra 31 million tCO2e, comparable to the annual emissions of approximately 6.7 million average US cars.
Unmet Climate Goals: Despite the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) urging a 43% reduction in emissions across all sectors by 2030, NATO’s military emissions rose by about 15% in 2023.
Climate Finance vs. Military Spending: NATO’s 2023 military expenditure could fund the minimal climate financing demanded by developing nations 13 times over, highlighting the misallocation of resources during a climate crisis.
Projected Emissions: If NATO members meet the 2% GDP military spending target by 2028, the collective military carbon footprint could reach 2 billion tCO2e, exceeding Russia’s annual emissions.
Challenges and Concerns:
Dependency on Fossil Fuels: Despite NATO’s acknowledgment of climate change as a critical issue, increased military spending on equipment, heavily reliant on fossil fuels, exacerbates emissions. For instance, the popular F-35 combat aircraft consumes significantly more fuel than its predecessor.
Arms Trade and Environmental Impact: NATO’s initiatives to support the arms industry promise lucrative profits for arms companies but push aside environmental regulations, further fueling global militarization and conflict amidst climate breakdown.
This briefing underscores the urgent need for NATO to reevaluate its spending priorities to address the climate crisis effectively.
For more detailed insights, you can read the full briefing on TNI website:
IPB supports this call from organizations and individuals around the world, demanding an end to wars and the dissolution of NATO. As the NATO Summit approaches, taking place from July 9 to 11, 2024, in Washington DC, we feel compelled to voice our collective concern over the increasing global conflicts, military spending, and the resulting insecurity. This letter highlights the critical issues and calls for immediate, non-violent resolution of disputes, urging the United States and NATO countries to act responsibly and prioritize peace.
You can find and sign the original Spanish letter here. Supporting signatures will be collected until Sunday, July 7, 2024.
Phyllis Joyce Manning Creighton, MA – Died at 94, on June 25, 2024 at the Sunnybrook Holland Centre, Toronto.
Predeceased by her beloved husband and best friend, Philip Creighton, FCA. Loving mother of Lisa (Tim), Jane, Angus, and Stephen (Liz); grandmother of Margaret, Shannon (Kasper), Victor, Ross, Jack and Claire; great-grandmother of Lennox. Dear sister of Mary Blackstock and Carol Pollen.
She was born on February 8, 1930 in Toronto, youngest daughter of Harold Ernest Manning and Mary Adelaide Endicott.
Phyllis was educated at Bishop Strachan School (BSS), Trinity College, University of Toronto, and the Sorbonne. While teaching at BSS she met Phil, her future husband and life-long companion, and left to raise four children. From 1967 on Phyllis worked as a researcher and translations editor with the Dictionary of Canadian Biography/Dictionnaire Biographique du Canada, University of Toronto, eventually retiring at the age of 87.
Phyllis was a deeply religious woman, an intellectual with rigorous standards, charm, enthusiasm and deep commitment to the causes she believed in. At the center of her efforts, in her own words, were “how to make and keep life human; how to show love and respect for human beings and for Earth and to raise awareness that the moral is the practical.” She asked the difficult questions, found ways forward, and promoted solutions and strategies to achieve them. Caring deeply for her friends and family, she gave her time and attention generously.
A life-long volunteer, Phyllis started by teaching and advocating for natural childbirth, and continued at Planned Parenthood, the Ontario Mental Health Foundation, the Addiction Research Foundation, the Anglican Church of Canada, Project Ploughshares, Health Canada, the Conservation Council of Ontario, Science for Peace, the Canadian Network to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, No Weapons in Space, the Canadian Pugwash Group, the Hiroshima Nagasaki Day Coalition, and Veterans Against Nuclear Arms, to name a few.
Phyllis was a member of the Raging Grannies for more than 20 years. The protesting, writing and singing of satirical songs against injustice and in support of peace, justice and care of people and the earth, in crazy hats and costumes, and with lots of buttons, came naturally for her. She loved to sing for people in public and in the church choir.
She worked actively to create peace in the world and an end to nuclear weapons, speaking, writing, presenting, and even travelling internationally to support these efforts. We remember her trips to Volgograd as a participant in the Toronto-Volgograd Initiative citizen exchange, and the nesting dolls and vodka toasts that followed. She also visited Hiroshima and Nagasaki twice to attend the peace memorial ceremonies and to speak at the World Conference against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs.
In recognition of her contributions to the church over many years, Phyllis was made a Canon of the Anglican Church of Canada, a rare distinction for a lay person. She researched and wrote on many issues, served on committees and taskforces, attended synods, asked questions, made speeches, moved motions. She raised awareness of, and support for, social justice issues within the church.
Among many other achievements, Phyllis chaired the Ontario Mental Health Foundation and the Addiction Research Foundation’s clinical institute. She also received the Anglican Award of Merit for service to church and community, the Order of Ontario, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and was named a Bishop Strachan School Distinguished Old Girl.
Phyllis loved to dress in beautiful, colourful clothes and wear her many pieces of jewellery, particularly her sparkly earrings, brooches and rings. She was an active woman, swimming regularly, on the go from morning to late into the night. With a deep love of nature and the outdoors, she enjoyed the beautiful garden Phil created at their home. Phyllis adored her Siamese cats: Nicholas, Natasha, Katrina, Alexander, and Oliver. There was always a cat perched on a chair nearby or in her lap.
Hosting and later attending family dinners and celebrations gave Phyllis joy. Every year she baked shortbread at Easter and a selection of cookies at Christmas. Phyllis enjoyed visiting with her grandchildren, and regularly looked after them when they were young. Photography was another passion. As was Paris, a city she lived in as a student, and visited with Phil.
She also loved the cottage in Muskoka. It offered wildness, peacefulness, the ability to get away from the phone and computer and the chance to swim daily and sail her beloved Laser. Being in Muskoka would often jump start her creativity; she would sometimes write passionately early in the morning, while everyone else slept. Those of us who went to Muskoka with Phyllis quickly realized there was an alternate reality where normal time and routines did not apply. We had to keep a straight face for the first swim at 12:30 p.m., lunch at 3 p.m., second swim at 6:30 p.m., and dinner after sunset. The rest of her family members rarely matched her enthusiasm, politely declining when asked if we wanted to swim in the early evening, when there were whitecaps and no sun at the beach. Muskoka was an experience for everyone, but soul fulfilling emotionally for Phyllis; she used it to recharge for all of her social justice, peace and environmental efforts.
Phyllis was loved and will be greatly missed. Many of her words live on in publications, and her voice can be heard in recordings and videos online. Phyllis once said, “I don’t expect I’ll give up questioning until my voice is silenced.” May her spirit of love and questioning, and the peace she wanted for the world, live on in us all.
Our sincere thanks to the many doctors, nurses and other health care professionals who provided such excellent care to Phyllis in the last few years, particularly the team at the Sunnybrook Holland Centre.
Visitation at Morley Bedford Funeral Home, 159 Eglinton Ave. W., Toronto (2 stoplights west of Yonge St.) on Sunday, July 7, 3-5 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at the funeral home chapel on Monday, July 8 at 1:00 p.m. with a reception to follow.
No flowers please. Donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
From your IPB family, thank you Phyllis for being part of IPB and sharing generously your wisdom and dedication for peace with us. We will always remember.
June 20, 2024 – New York – The International Peace Bureau (IPB) had the privilege of honoring Alfredo Lubang, a prominent advocate for peace and disarmament from the Philippines, with the Seán MacBride Peace Award. Fred is also the first recipient of this award from the Philippines. This award was given in recognition of his unwavering work and commitment toward peace, disarmament, common security, and non-violence, especially in the face of ongoing wars. Without him, the Philippines would not be the only country that has ratified nearly all humanitarian disarmament treaties today.
Earlier in the awarding ceremony, we hosted an intergenerational panel discussion on the Current State of Disarmament and Civil Society, Visions, and Aspirations. This discussion featured Alfredo Lubang; Binalakshmi Nepram, IPB Board Member and Founder of the Global Alliance of Indigenous Peoples, Gender Justice, and Peace; and Gene Gesite Jr., Youth Vision Moderator. The panel highlighted the efforts and commitments of civil society in advocating for disarmament. Fred emphasized the urgent need for more advocates and elaborated on both regional and international efforts to strengthen and spread this critical work. He also called on the younger generation to utilize their skills and talents to take part in promoting disarmament, peace, and common security.
This award celebrates all the people who have struggled and become voices of the suffering they have experienced. I am fortunate to have reached the age of disarmament conference which is half of century. This is not just a project; we need more people willing to dedicate their lives to disarmament. It’s about living that experience. I still vividly remember the first death I witnessed during military and armed group conflicts, and the cries of my classmates when it happened. These lived experiences, shared by me and my colleagues, should guide us, as we understand how to solve these problems simply.
The issues we would like to bring in and strategies we put in could be actually successful. But the way global civil society and advcote framed as a new way of again taking advantage of other..But when you look the capacities and look at the people who would like to offer their lives for disarmament, they should be given an opportunity to lead Global Campaigns.. It’s really now about the people who live in conflict areas and excluded groups should be leading the way. We may have left the wars or left your communities but if you lived in conflic areas, the wars would never leave you. To solve this conflict we should have that eyes of lived experience.
For humanitarian disarmament to succeed, we must move beyond a human-centric perspective and embrace a decolonial approach. We must stop exploiting the vulnerabilities of others, whether due to lack of funds or being a small NGO not speaking English like others. There are many ways to achieve our goals, and now is our opportunity to show the world that there are alternatives. I encourage the younger generation to take up this challenge. I will continue to be here for many more years. Thank you. Shukran. I am humbled in this opportunity. Again, this is not about me but having the opportunity that my voice is also someone’s voice.
During the ceremony, Sean Conner, IPB Executive Director, provided an overview of Seán MacBride’s legacy, emphasizing his lifelong dedication to peace and disarmament. He highlighted MacBride’s impactful work with the International Peace Bureau (IPB) and how it relates to Alfredo’s work. This was followed by a congratulatory message from Tak Mashiko, Programme Officer at the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, who has been a long-time friend and collaborator of Fred in disarmament. Tak highlighted Fred’s hard work and dedication in promoting disarmament both in the Philippines and globally.
Binalakshmi also emphasized Alfredo’s inspiring legacy and lifelong commitment to peace and disarmament. She expressed gratitude to Alfredo and his wife Mitzi Austero, who is also a Program Manager, Nonviolence International Southeast Asia, for their tireless efforts to advance policies and agreements related to disarmament. The event concluded with remarks and appreciations from Emily Rubino, IPB Board Member, and Joseph Gerson, former IPB Vice-President and current President of Campaign for Peace, Disarmament, and Common Security. They acknowledged all the participants who attended and celebrated Fred’s legacy in disarmament, peace, and common security.
Together with Alfredo Lubang and all other peace and disarmament advocates, we continue to reimagine a world without wars.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung New York, especially Ms. Mariana Fernandez, RLS-NY Project Manager, for providing the space and making this event possible. We also appreciate the unwavering efforts of the Manipur Gun Survivor Women for their gift to Fred and No War Factory as our patron sponsor. The entire event would not have been possible without the overall coordination and nomination by Bina, our IPB Board Member, and the behind-the-scenes assistance of Gene, Ate Mitsky, and Emily Rubino. Thank you to everyone who participated in this event, including SCRAP Weapon partners, esteemed experts in disarmament, and all those who celebrated with us at this momentous event. Thank you very much.
The whole event can be watched on our IPB YouTube channel
The whole event can be watched on our IPB YouTube channel:
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On June 22-23, 2024, the International Peace Bureau and World BEYOND War held the third annual 24-hour Peace Wave, a global event dedicated to promoting peace and opposing military buildup. This extraordinary event unfolded over a 24-hour Zoom marathon, featuring live peace actions in various locations around the world, moving westward every two hours. Participants engaged in different ways to spread the word of PEACE. Each segment throughout the event concluded with a live Q&A session, fostering real-time interaction and engagement.
The 2024 Peace Wave took place against the backdrop of the RIMPAC military exercises in the Pacific and the lead-up to protests against NATO’s 75th anniversary Summit in Washington, D.C., in July. The event aimed to support global peace initiatives and oppose military alliances like NATO and AUKUS, which are contributing to global military buildup and conflicts.
Event Overview
Europe and Africa (13:00 – 15:00 UTC) The Peace Wave kicked off with peace actions in the UK, contributions from Ireland around the topic of neutrality, followed by a panel with activists from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ghana, and peace actions from Cameroon and Djibouti. This segment highlighted the diverse approaches to peacebuilding in different cultural and geopolitical contexts.
South America (15:00 – 17:00 UTC) The event then moved to South America, featuring actions from Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Colombia. A large solidarity March with Palestine was held in Santiago de Chile, the session was enriched with songs.
North America (Eastern Time Zone) (17:00 – 19:00 UTC) In the USA and Canada, the Eastern Time Zone saw a variety of activities. A notable segment was led by Kathy Kelly, who moderated discussions and live interactions with peace advocates. In addition to videos of peace walks, live outdoor rallies, and Q&A sessions.
Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean (19:00 – 21:00 UTC) The Peace Wave continued through Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, where peace activists held numerous events that emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and grassroots activism in promoting peace and justice.
North America (Pacific and Mountain Time Zones) (21:00 – 23:00 UTC) In the Pacific and Mountain Time Zones of the USA and Canada, the Peace Wave featured contributions from activists like Elizabeth Murray, who shared insights from Ground Zero and the Peace Pagoda. Notable segments included a video presentation from the Peace Caravan and an anti-war demonstration in Portland, Oregon.
Hawaii and Guam (23:00 – 01:00 UTC) The event moved to Hawaii and Guam, where peace activists engaged and elaborated on their work to promote peace globally. These segments highlighted the strategic importance of these regions in global military dynamics and emphasized the local efforts to promote peace and demilitarization.
Australia and New Zealand (01:00 – 03:00 UTC) In Australia and New Zealand, the Peace Wave featured a variety of activities and events. These events underscored the role of cultural heritage and indigenous wisdom in peacebuilding efforts.
Japan and South Korea (03:00 – 05:00 UTC) The segment in Japan and South Korea included a video presentation by the Japan Council against A & H Bombs (Gensuikyo) and a pre-recorded video about Japan by Joseph Essertier. This was followed by a live Q&A session with contributors from Gangjeong Village on Jeju Island, highlighting local resistance to militarization and the impact of global military policies on local communities.
Southeast Asia (05:00 – 07:00 UTC) In Southeast Asia, peace activists from the Philippines, Cambodia, and Myanmar organized various events, with peace activists engagements. These activities focused on regional conflicts and the need for peaceful resolution through dialogue and cooperation.
South Asia (07:00 – 09:00 UTC) The South Asia segment included contributions from Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Highlights included a panel discussion on regional cooperation and peace, featuring messages and videos from various individuals and organizations. This segment emphasized the interconnectedness of regional peace efforts and the importance of collective action.
Central Asia and the Middle East (09:00 – 11:00 UTC) The Peace Wave then moved to Central Asia and the Middle East, with activities and contributions from Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Syria, focusing on the ongoing conflicts and the urgent need for peace and reconciliation in these regions.
Russia, Ukraine, the Nordic Region, and Central Europe (11:00 – 13:00 UTC) The final segments included contributions from peace activists from Russia and Ukraine, a video describing the worrying militarisation of the Nordic Region, and several speeches and actions from Kosovo, Romania, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and Italy. This part of the event featured powerful speeches and demonstrations, highlighting the global nature of the peace movement. Contributions from Ukraine and Russia underscored the need for dialogue and understanding amidst the ongoing conflict.
Context, Significance, and Importance:
In a world often fraught with conflict, violence, and political tension, the role of peace activities and campaigns cannot be overstated. Initiatives like the annual 24-hour Peace Wave, serve as critical platforms for advocating peace, fostering global solidarity, and challenging the pervasive culture of war. These efforts are essential not only for preventing conflicts but also for building a sustainable future grounded in mutual respect and understanding.
Promoting Awareness and Education: One of the most significant impacts of peace activities is raising awareness about the devastating consequences of war and the benefits of peaceful resolutions. Educational components, such as panel discussions, workshops, and cultural events, help disseminate knowledge about the complexities of conflicts and the importance of diplomacy and negotiation. For instance, during the Peace Wave event, various segments were dedicated to discussing the impacts of military alliances like NATO and AUKUS, and the necessity of global cooperation to address these issues. By educating the public, these campaigns empower individuals to advocate for peaceful policies and support nonviolent solutions in their communities.
Encouraging Global Solidarity and Collaboration: Peace campaigns often bring together a diverse range of participants from different countries and cultural backgrounds, fostering a sense of global solidarity. This unity is vital in addressing the root causes of conflict, such as inequality, injustice, and resource scarcity. The Peace Wave, for example, featured live peace actions from dozens of locations worldwide, including rallies, concerts, and public demonstrations. This global participation not only highlights the universal desire for peace but also demonstrates the power of collective action in challenging the status quo and pushing for systemic change.
Challenging Militarism and the Arms Industry: A core objective of many peace campaigns is to challenge the normalization of militarism and the influence of the arms industry on global politics. By opposing military build-ups and the proliferation of weapons, these activities aim to redirect resources towards more constructive and humanitarian endeavors. The Peace Wave specifically targeted military exercises underscoring the urgent need to reduce military spending and promote disarmament. Such actions spotlight the disproportionate impact of militarization on marginalized communities and the environment, advocating for a shift towards policies that prioritize human security and well-being.
Inspiring Future Generations: Engaging youth in peace activities is essential for sustaining long-term peacebuilding efforts. By involving young people in dialogues, educational programs, and activism, these campaigns nurture a new generation of peace advocates. The inclusive nature of events like the Peace Wave, which features contributions from various age groups and communities, ensures that the message of peace resonates with and inspires future leaders. Empowering young people to champion peace not only secures the continuity of these efforts but also brings fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the challenges of conflict.
Building a Culture of Peace: Ultimately, peace activities and campaigns contribute to the broader goal of building a culture of peace. This involves transforming societal values, norms, and institutions to prioritize peace over conflict. By celebrating and promoting peace, these campaigns help embed the principles of nonviolence, cooperation, and empathy into the social fabric. Events like the Peace Wave create opportunities for individuals to experience and practice these values, reinforcing the idea that peace is not just the absence of war but a proactive commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity.
Conclusion
The 2024 Peace Wave was a resounding success, bringing together peace activists from around the world in a unified call for peace and demilitarization. The event highlighted the importance of global cooperation, local activism, and the power of collective action in addressing the challenges of militarization and conflict. As the world continues to grapple with these issues, the Peace Wave serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the enduring human spirit’s capacity for peace and reconciliation.
The G7 lacks vision and commitment to address the root causes of today’s and tomorrow’s crises.
The depth of inequalities, human rights violations, threats to the planet, and fragility of global peace call for urgent and concrete multilateral cooperative actions. A “new peace agenda” is needed to overcome the current polycrisis, which particularly affects women, children, youth, and the most marginalized. It must be an agenda able to ensure a future of rights and social and personal development for all, building trust on respect for shared rules, such as international law, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), Human rights and the 2030 Agenda, consolidating the role of international multilateral bodies called upon to enforce these rules, avoiding double standards and attacks on institutions. Collective and shared security must be seen as a pillar of “Positive Peace”, pursuing mutual security instead of at the expense of another state. The G7 should invest in trust, solidarity, universality and global disarmament (both nuclear and conventional) instead of in a ‘muscular confrontation’. Resources should be allocated to addressing structural and systemic challenges, to pursue justice and sustainability for all. The almost unconditional support of the G7 to Ukraine must be oriented in this perspective.
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