Background Notes: Argentina
PA/PC
Source: Office of Public Communication, Bureau of Public
Affairs
Date: Aug 15, 19908/15/90
Category: Country Data
Region: South America
Country: Argentina
Subject: Travel, History, International Organizations,
Trade/Economics
[TEXT]
Official Name: Republic of Argentina
PROFILE
Geography
Area: 2,771,300 sq. km. (1.1 million
sq. mi.); about the size of the US east
of the Mississippi River. Cities: Capital-Buenos Aires (metropolitan
area pop. 10.5 million). Other major cities-Cordoba, Rosario, La
Plata, Mendoza. Terrain: Varied. Climate: Varied, predominantly
temperate.
People
Nationality: Noun and adjective-Argentine(s). Population (1989 est.):
31.1 million. Annual growth rate (1989 est.): 1.5%. Density: 27.8 per
sq. mi. Ethnic groups: European 97%, mostly Spanish and Italian.
Religions: Roman Catholic 92%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, other 4%.
Languages: Spanish (official), English, Italian, German, French.
Education: Years compulsory-7. Adult literacy-92%. Health: Infant
mortality rate-27/1,000. Life expectancy-70 yrs. Work force:
Agriculture-19%. Industry and commerce-36%. Services-20%.
Transport and communications-6%. Other-19%.
Government
Type: Republic. Independence: July 9, 1816. Constitution: 1853.
Branches: Executive-president, vice president, cabinet. Legislative-
bicameral Congress (46-member Senate, 254-member Chamber of
Deputies). Judicial-Supreme Court.
Subdivisions: 22 provinces, 1 district (federal capital), 1 territory
(Tierra del Fuego).
Political parties: Justicialista (Peronist), Radical Civic Union,
numerous smaller national and provincial parties. Suffrage:
Universal.
Flag: Horizontal blue and white bands emblazoned with "Sun of May."
Economy
GDP (1990 est.): $70.1 billion. Annual growth rate (1990 est.): -0.9%.
Per capita GDP (1990 est.): $2,134. Inflation rate (1990 est.):
1,000%.
Natural resources: Fertile plains (pampas). Minerals-lead, zinc, tin,
copper, iron, manganese, oil, uranium.
Agriculture (15% of GNP, about 70% of exports by value): Products-
grains, oilseeds and byproducts, livestock products.
Industry (23% of GNP): Types-food processing, motor vehicles,
consumer durables, textiles, metallurgy, chemicals.
Trade (1989): Exports-$9.5 billion (US-12%): grains, meats,
oilseeds. Imports-$4.2 billion (US-21%): machinery, fuel and
lubricating oils, iron and steel products, wood and lumber,
automotive equipment and parts, chemicals. Major trading partners-
European Community, USSR, US, Brazil.
Official exchange rate (free market since December 1989):
US$1=Austral 5,210.00 (June 26, 1990).
External financing: IBRD and IDA-$887 million in FY 1989 (July 1,
1988-June 30, 1989); IDB-$12 million in CY 1989.
Membership in International Organizations
UN and some of its specialized and related agencies, Organization of
American States (OAS), Latin American Integration Association,
Nonaligned Movement, Group of 77, Latin American Economic System
(SELA), New Group of 15, and the Rio Group (formerly known as the
Group of Eight).
GEOGRAPHY
Argentina shares land borders with Bolivia, Brazil, Chile,
Paraguay, and Uruguay. It is bounded by the Atlantic and the
Antarctic Oceans.
Extending 3,705 km. (2,302 mi.) from north to south and with
an Atlantic coastline 2,850 km. (1,600 mi.) long, Argentina is the
third largest country in the Southern Hemisphere, after Brazil and
Australia, and the eighth largest in the world. Its topography, as
varied as that of the United States, ranges from subtropical
lowlands in the north to the towering Andean Mountains in the west
and the bleak, windswept Patagonian steppe and Tierra del Fuego in
the south.
PEOPLE
The Argentine nation has been built by the fusion of diverse
national and ethnic groups. Waves of European immigrants arrived
in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, descendants of
Italian and Spanish immigrants predominate, but many trace their
origins to British and West and East European ancestors. Syrian,
Lebanese, and other Middle Eastern immigrants number about
500,000 and are concentrated in urban areas. In recent years, there
has been a substantial influx of immigrants from neighboring Latin
American countries. The native Indian population, estimated at
50,000, is concentrated in the peripheral provinces of the north,
northwest, and south.
The Argentine population has one of the lowest growth rates in
Latin America (l.5%). Eighty percent of the population reside in
urban areas of over 2,000, with more than one-third of the
population living in the metropolitan Buenos Aires area. The
sprawling capital, with more than 10 million inhabitants, serves as
the focus for national life. Argentines have enjoyed comparatively
high standards of living; half the population considers itself middle
class.
More than 90% of Argentines are Roman Catholic. Religious
freedom is allowed, although all non-Catholic denominations are
required to register with the government. The Protestant
community is small but active. Argentina's Jewish community of
350,000 (est.) is concentrated in Buenos Aires.
The Argentine educational system is compulsory for grades 1-
7. The adult literacy rate is 92%-one of the highest in Latin
America. Literary and artistic tastes have been influenced mainly
by Western Europe and, more recently, by the United States.
A large number of Spanish daily newspapers are published in
the greater Buenos Aires area; a dozen community newspapers are
published in English, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian,
Japanese, Polish, Ukrainian, and Yiddish. All the community
newspapers are periodicals except the daily English-language
Buenos Aires Herald.
HISTORY AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS
What is now Argentina was discovered in 1516 by the Spanish
navigator Juan de Solis. A permanent Spanish colony was
established on the site of Buenos Aires in 1580. Argentina was
further integrated into the Spanish empire following the
establishment of the Vice-Royalty of Rio de la Plata in 1776, and
Buenos Aires became a flourishing port.
The formal declaration of independence from Spain was made
on July 9, 1816. Gen. Jose de San Martin-who campaigned in
Argentina, Chile, and Peru-is the hero of national independence.
Following the defeat of the Spaniards, a lengthy conflict was waged
between centralist and federalist groups to determine the future
structure of the nation. National unity was established and the
constitution promulgated in 1853.
In the late 19th century, two forces created the modern
Argentine nation-the introduction of modern agricultural techniques
and the integration of Argentina into the world economy. This
economic revolution was aided by foreign investment-primarily
British-in such fields as railroads and ports and by the influx of
European manpower necessary to develop Argentina's resources.
Conservative forces dominated Argentine politics until 1916,
when their traditional rivals, the Radicals, won control of the
government through a democratic election. The Radicals, with their
emphasis upon clean elections and democratic procedures, opened
their doors of power to the nation's expanding middle class as well
as to the elites previously excluded for various reasons. Radical
rule came to an end in 1930 at the hands of the Argentine armed
forces as they threw out aged Radical president Hipolito Yrigoyen
and, thereby, ushered in another decade of Conservative rule. Using
fraud and force when necessary, the governments of the 1930s were
only temporarily able to contain forces for economic and political
changes that emerged with the government of Juan Domingo Peron.
In 1943, a military coup-led by, among others, Col. Juan
Domingo Peron (1895-1974)-ousted the constitutional government.
In 1946, Peron was elected president. He pursued a dynamic policy
aimed at giving an economic and political voice to the working
class. The number of unionized workers increased significantly,
which helped consolidate the powerful General Confederation of
Labor (CGT). In 1947, Peron announced the first five-year plan
based on nationalization and industrialization. He was aided by his
energetic wife, Eva Duarte Peron (1919-52). She enhanced his
appeal to labor and women's groups and helped women obtain the
right to vote in 1947.
Peron was reelected in 1952, was ousted by the military in
1955, and went into exile, eventually settling in Spain. In the
1950s and 1960s, the government passed between military and
civilian administrations, as each sought to deal with diminished
economic growth and continued social and labor demands. When the
military government of Juan Carlos Ongania (et. al., 1966-73)
brought economic failure and escalating terrorism, the way was
open for a return of Peronism.
On March 11, 1973, general elections were held for the first
time in 10 years. Peron was prevented from running, and his stand-
in, Dr. Hector J. Campora, was elected. The Peronists also
commanded a strong majority in both houses of the National
Congress, which assumed office on May 25, 1973. Campora resigned
in July 1973, paving the way for Raul Lastiri, a Peronist Party
loyalist, to assume the presidency and call for new elections. Peron
won a decisive victory and returned as president in October 1973
with his third wife, Maria Estela (Isabel) Martinez de Peron, as vice
president.
Even after Peron's dramatic return, extremists on the left and
right continued to threaten public order. The government resorted
to a number of emergency decrees, including the implementation of
special executive authority to deal with violence. This allowed the
government to imprison persons indefinitely without charge.
On July 1, 1974, Peron died and was succeeded by his wife, the
first woman president in the Western Hemisphere. Mrs. Peron's
administration was undermined by economic problems, Peronist
intraparty struggles, and persistent terrorism from both the left
and the right. As a result, Mrs. Peron was removed from office by a
military coup on March 24, 1976. Until December 10, 1983, power
was formally executed by the armed forces through a military
president and a three-man junta composed of the three service
commanders.
The military quashed terrorists and their sympathizers,
silenced armed opposition, and restored basic order. The costs were
high in terms of lives lost and basic human rights violated. The
events of this "dirty war" remain controversial and divisive in
Argentine politics, having fueled military discontent that produced
three aborted military uprisings against President Raul Alfonsin
(1983-89).
Serious economic problems, defeat by the British in June 1982
after an attempt to take control over the Falkland/Malvinas Islands,
human rights abuses, and charges of growing corruption combined to
discredit the military regime, which moved to a period of gradual
transition leading the country toward democratic rule. Bans on
political parties were lifted and other basic political liberties
restored. The military implemented a successful and generally
peaceful process for the return of elected government.
On October 30, 1983, Argentines went to the polls to choose a
president, vice president, and 14,000 other national, provincial, and
local officials in fair, open, and honest elections. Raul Alfonsin,
candidate of the Radical Civic Union (UCR), was elected, winning
52% of the popular vote. He began a six-year term of office on
December 10, 1983. In 1985 and 1987, large turn outs for mid-term
elections demonstrated continued public support for a strong and
vigorous democratic system. The Radical Civil Union-led
government took steps to resolve some of the nation's most
pressing problems, including accounting for the "disappeared,"
establishing civilian control of the armed forces, and consolidating
democratic institutions. Its effectiveness was hindered by
constant friction with the military and chronic economic problems.
In May 1989, Carlos Saul Menem, the Peronist candidate, was
elected president with 47% of the popular vote and a clear majority
in the nation's electoral college. The Peronists and their allies also
won control of both houses of the new Congress, which took office
in December 1989. President Menem was to have succeeded
Alfonsin in December 1989, but a rapidly deteriorating economy and
resulting loss of confidence in the national government led Alfonsin
to resign, and Menem to succeed him in July. Although the
transition came five months earlier than planned, the transfer of
power was the first between democratically elected presidents in
over 60 years.
Menem surprised most observers, including members of his
own party, by adopting economic policies antithetical to Peronism's
traditional statist approach. He initiated economic emergency and
state reform legislation to cut government spending, increase
revenues, and reduce state involvement in the economy. Menem has
chosen to battle inflation through conservative fiscal and monetary
policies, and he has moved quickly to privatize government-owned
industries such as Aerolineas Argentinas and the telephone
company. These policies have generated resistance among sectors
historically allied to Peronism as well as the Radical Party.
However, the opposition remains fragmented, and the President's
personal popularity remains relatively high.
GOVERNMENT
The 1853 Argentine constitution, similar to that of the United
States, mandates a separation of powers into executive, legislative,
and judicial branches at the national and provincial level. Each
province also has its own constitution.
The president and vice president are elected to a six-year
single term and cannot immediately run for reelection. Senators
are elected by provincial legislatures (with the exception of the
two senators representing Buenos Aires, who are elected by an
electoral college) for nine-year terms, with one-third standing for
reelection every three years. Deputies are elected for four years in
alternate terms, with half up for reelection every two years.
Cabinet ministers are appointed by the president. Considerable
power, including a line item veto power, is granted to the president
by the constitution.
The Argentine judiciary functions as a separate and
independent entity of the government. The apex of the court system
is the Supreme Court, whose nine judges are appointed by the
president with the consent of the Senate. The Supreme Court has
the power, first asserted in 1854, to declare legislative acts
unconstitutional.
Principal Government Officials
President-Carlos Saul Menem
Vice President-Eduardo Duhalde
President Pro Tempore of the Senate-Eduardo Menem
Speaker of the Lower House (Chamber of Deputies)-Alberto Pierri
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court-Ricardo Levene
Ministers
Interior-Julio Mera Figueroa
Foreign Relations and Worship-Domingo Cavallo
National Defense-Humberto Romero
Economy-Antonio Erman Gonzalez
Education and Justice-Antonio Francisco Salonia
Labor and Social Security-Jorge Alberto Triaca
Health and Social Action-Eduardo Bauza
Public Works and Services-Jose Roberto Dromi
Ambassador to the US-Guido Jose Maria di Tella
Ambassador to the OAS-Juan Pablo Lohle
Ambassador to the UN-Jorge Vasca
Argentina maintains an embassy in the United States at 1600
New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20009 (tel. 202-939-
6400). Argentina has consulates general in Houston, Miami, New
York, New Orleans, San Francisco, and San Juan and consulates in
Chicago and Los Angeles.
ECONOMY
Argentina has impressive human and natural resources, but
political conflict and uneven economic performance since World War
II have impeded full realization of its considerable potential.
Nonetheless, it remains one of the richest countries in Latin
America.
Among the reasons for the military coup of March 1976 was
the deteriorating economy, caused by declining production and
rampant inflation. Under the leadership of Minister of the
Economy
Martinez de Hoz, the military government, in 1978, embarked on a
new developmental strategy to move away from the closed-economy
model and establish a free-market economy. The strategy also
featured the removal or reduction of restrictions in the
manufacturing sector and financial markets as well as the search
for foreign and domestic investment. Despite those efforts, by late
1980, Argentina entered a period of recession, with declines in
production and real wages. After a notable economic recovery in
1986, economic growth again has slowed. Argentina has recorded
successive declines in economic activity in 1988 and 1989.
Faced with healing a scarred society, the Alfonsin
administration was slow to tackle the root causes of the economic
problems. In an attempt to control inflation and set the country on
a prudent fiscal course, in June 1985, the government introduced a
"shock" plan (the Austral Plan), which succeeded temporarily.
Inflation in 1986 slowed to double digits (86%) for only the second
time since 1972. But in 1987, with a significant increase in the
public sector deficit accompanied by very large price and wage
increases, inflation climbed 175% and reached 386% in 1988.
Another economic plan, the Spring Plan, was announced in
1988; its collapse in February 1989 marked the start of a rapid
deterioration of the economy which was worsened by political and
economic uncertainties surrounding the May 1989 elections. Unable
to instill confidence in an economic program, President Alfonsin
advanced by five months the date of his departure from office.
President Menem, who took office in July, moved quickly to
change expectations and to combat rapidly escalating prices.
Inflation reached 198% in July, a Western Hemisphere one-month
record. In contrast with earlier reform efforts, Menem's economic
program includes a serious effort to reduce the government's role in
the economy. Menem's economic team has taken steps to reduce
import barriers, slash subsidies and transfers, and privatize public
sector firms (e.g., the telephone company and the national airline).
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a stand-by
agreement for Argentina in November 1989; however, a second bout
of hyperinflation caused Argentina to fall short of negotiated
targets, and the program was revised in May 1990. Argentina is a
major debtor country; foreign debt stands at about $60 billion. In
June 1990, for the first time since April 1988, the government
made an interest payment on its foreign commercial debt. Interest
arrears on the debt are currently over $6 billion.
The heartland of Argentina is the rich temperate plains known
as the pampas, which fan out for almost 800 km. (500 mi.) from
Buenos Aires. Argentina's richest natural resource is this farmland,
producing large quantities of wheat, corn, sorghum, soybeans, and
sunflower seeds and providing year-round pasturage for Argentina's
cattle industry. The country is one of the world's largest exporters
of foodstuffs. The crops and livestock of the fertile pampas have
long provided it with abundant food for domestic consumption in
addition to unusually plentiful exports.
Agricultural products constitute the major source of foreign
exchange earnings. In a good year, grains and oilseed harvests can
total some 40 million metric tons. The cattle industry, with an
estimated 50 million animals, provides for domestic consumption
and export markets.
Argentina exports to a variety of buyers. In the early 1980s,
the Soviet Union became the major purchaser of grains, while, more
recently, Iran, Brazil, and China have served as major markets.
Argentina also exports agricultural goods to the United States,
primarily canned, precooked, and frozen beef; sugar; and fruits and
fruit products.
Argentina obtains about 21% of its imports from the United
States. Total imports in 1989 were $4.2 billion, of which $9
million was from the United States. Capital equipment, computers
and peripherals, telecommunications, chemicals, and electronic
components were the principal items sold to Argentina. In 1980,
Argentina exported $9.5 billion worth of goods and services; $8
million (12%) went to the United States.
Argentina was a net energy importer in 1987. However, it has
reserves of petroleum and natural gas and was self-sufficient in
crude oil in 1989. An effort begun under the Alfonsin
administration to open the petroleum sector to private investment
and increase petroleum production has expanded since July 1989. In
addition, significant deregulation of the petroleum sector, including
an end to price controls, is scheduled to take effect January 1,
1991. Argentina also has large electrical production capacity,
mostly from hydroelectric sources. It has indicated it wants to
reduce the size and cost of the massive Yacyreta hydroelectric
project (2,400 megawatts) being jointly constructed with Paraguay
and scheduled for completion in the mid 1990s.
DEFENSE
The armed forces of Argentina (army, navy, air force) are
organized under the control of the president, who is commander in
chief of the armed forces, and the Ministry of Defense, which is
headed by a civilian; three under secretaries are also civilians. The
joint staff, established in 1984, is directly under the Ministry of
Defense and is staffed by officers of all services. The joint staff is
an advisory and planning body with no operational or command
responsibilities. The senior military officer of each of the armed
services is the chief of staff. The paramilitary forces under the
control of the Ministry of Defense are the Gendarmeria and the
Naval Prefectura (Coast Guard).
Since the return of democratic government, the US and
Argentine armed forces have developed a growing, mutually
beneficial defense relationship through an extensive range of
contacts, including professional exchanges, visits, training, and
joint exercises. There are modest international military education,
training, and foreign military sales programs. Argentina has
offered its Pampa trainer aircraft as a candidate for US Air Force
adoption. The Argentine armed forces also maintain defense
cooperation and military supply relationships with a number of
other countries, principally Israel, Germany, France, Spain, and
Italy. The lack of budgetary resources is the most serious problem
facing the Argentine armed forces. Current economic conditions and
the government's commitment to reduce public sector spending have
slowed modernization and restructuring efforts.
FOREIGN RELATIONS
Argentina pursues a pragmatic foreign policy and maintains
relations with almost all countries. Maintaining political
sovereignty and encouraging trade and foreign investment in
Argentina are major priorities. Relations traditionally have been
closest with Western Europe and Latin American neighbors.
President Menem is publicly committed to improving relations with
the United States and Europe, while encouraging Latin American
regional integration.
Having settled its Beagle Channel dispute with Chile in 1984-
85, Argentina currently has only one active territorial dispute; this
is with the United Kingdom over a group of islands some 480 miles
northeast of Cape Horn. The Argentines refer to the islands as the
"Malvinas Islands"; the British call them the "Falkland Islands."
Historically, European powers, notably Britain and Spain, made
competing claims to sovereignty over the islands. In the early
1800s, Spanish and then Argentine authorities administered the
islands. However, in January 1833, Britain reasserted sovereignty,
and the islands first became a crown colony and later a self-
governing dependency.
In an effort to establish its sovereignty claim, Argentine
military forces occupied the islands on April 2, 1982. After a brief,
costly war, the Argentine forces were defeated. Direct talks
between Argentina and the UK began in September 1989 in an
attempt to reestablish normal relations, which were severed
following the Falklands/Malvinas conflict. The talks took place
under a formula that separated the sovereignty question from
discussions on bilateral relations. The two countries reestablished
formal relations in February 1990. Argentina continues to press its
sovereignty claim in a variety of forms. The United States has
taken no position on the merits of the two countries' sovereignty
claims.
US-ARGENTINE RELATIONS
The United States and Argentina have maintained diplomatic
relations since 1823. Both countries have sought a constructive
relationship based on reciprocal respect and understanding, but
bilateral relations often have been turbulent.
In the 1970s, US-Argentine relations entered a particularly
difficult period. Concerned about serious human rights violations
by the Argentine military government in the campaign against
terrorism, the United States restricted both military assistance
and the sales of military and other controlled-export items to
Argentina. Congress prohibited both military sales and assistance.
Argentina consistently maintained that these actions were
attempts to influence domestic politics. In the early 1980s, better
relations seemed possible as Argentina demonstrated some
improvements in human rights. The Falklands/Malvinas war,
however, placed additional strains on bilateral relations. The US
position on the non-use of force for the resolution of disputes led
the United States to impose new sanctions on Argentina and to
provide limited assistance to the United Kingdom in its campaign to
regain the islands.
US-Argentine relations improved after the Falklands/Malvinas
war. Sanctions imposed during the fighting were lifted, and the
United States supported Argentine-sponsored UN resolutions on the
Falklands/Malvinas calling for renewed negotiations.
The Argentine human rights situation and political climate
improved dramatically following the military's mid-1982 decision
to return the country to democracy. During 1983, all remaining
political prisoners being held without trial under state-of-siege
powers were released. Also in 1983, the nine-year-old state of
siege was lifted, and restrictions on trade union activities and
press censorship virtually ceased. Legal prohibitions on military
sales were removed upon the inauguration of the democratically
elected government of President Alfonsin in December 1983.
Argentina maintains its independent stance in world affairs
but cooperates with the United States in resolving bilateral
differences. The countries consult regularly on hemispheric issues.
Argentina's relatively advanced economy prompted the United
States to phase out its bilateral economic assistance program in
1971, although some training assistance continues. While the
program existed, the Agency for International Development (AID)
and its predecessor agencies authorized development loans and
grants to finance such projects as road building, housing,
feasibility studies, and agriculture. There are no Peace Corps
volunteers in Argentina.
Many US industrial firms and banks maintain subsidiaries in
Argentina. Licensing agreements with local companies are common.
US private investment totals more than $2.6 billion, primarily in
manufacturing, chemicals, agricultural manufacturing,
transportation equipment, and banking. Several thousand US
citizens reside in Argentina.
Principal US Officials
Ambassador-Terence A. Todman
Deputy Chief of Mission-Thomas A. Forbord
Counselor for Agricultural Affairs-Marvin L. Lehrer
Counselor for Public Affairs-Michael P. Canning
Counselor for Scientific and Technological Affairs-Paul Maxwell
Counselor for Political Affairs-James D. Walsh
Counselor for Consular Affairs-Barbara Hemingway
Counselor for Economic Affairs-James M. Derham
Counselor for Labor Affairs-Donald R. Knight
Counselor for Administrative Affairs-Bernard Segura-Giron
Counselor for Commercial Affairs-Rafael Fermoselle
Defense Attache and Air Attache-Col. Kenneth J. Monroe, USAF
Drug Enforcement Administration-James D. Miller
Military Group-Col. George A. Carpenter, USA
The US Embassy in Argentina is located at 4300 Colombia,
Buenos Aires 1425. The APO address for the embassy is APO Miami
34034-0001 (tel. 774-7611; 774-8811; 774-9911). n
TRAVEL NOTES
Visas: Visas are not required of US citizens entering Argentina
for tourism for periods up to 90 days. Visas are required for visits
to Argentina for all other purposes.
Climate and clothing: Climate ranges from the hot, subtropical
lowlands of the north to cold and rainy Tierra del Fuego in the south.
The seasons are reversed: the weather in January in Buenos Aires is
like July in Washington, DC; weather in July is similar to that of
San Francisco in January.
Health: Competent doctors, dentists, and specialists are
available in Buenos Aires. No particular health risks exist, and no
special precautions are required. Tapwater is safe.
Telecommunications: International services are adequate;
however, long delays in placing international calls may occur due to
the overburdened system. Most provincial cities and Uruguay also
can be dialed directly from home and business phones.
Transportation: Buenos Aires' Ezeiza Airport is serviced by
many international carriers, with flights originating in the US,
Europe, and Latin American cities. Buenos Aires has an extensive
subway and bus system. Taxis are plentiful. Outside Buenos Aires,
travel by train, air, bus, or auto.
Time Zones: Argentina is one hour later than US Eastern
Standard Time (EST). Daylight savings time is observed from
October to April, during which time clocks are set one hour ahead.
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