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Egyptians are expected Wednesday to begin voting in an historic presidential election, capping for some the popular uprising that toppled longtime leader Hosni Mubarak more than a year ago.

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Old politics joins new in Egyptupdated Tue May 22 2012 16:56:23

The crowd of farmers in the Nile Delta's Sharqiya Province cheered loudly whenever the neatly groomed candidate came out with a new promise.

Islamist Abdelmonen Abol Fotoh appeals to broad spectrum in Egyptupdated Tue May 22 2012 14:25:53

Moderate Islamist Abdelmonen Abol Fotoh has gathered support from the left and the right since he was ousted from the Muslim Brotherhood over his decision to run for the Egyptian presidency.

Amre Moussa: A Mubarak holdover makes his caseupdated Tue May 22 2012 13:24:13

Amre Moussa sweeps through chaotic crowds in Egypt's Beheira province, hailed in the pandemonium by his supporters as "ar-rayis," the president.

Jury chosen in murder trial of newlywed in Mauritiusupdated Tue May 22 2012 13:17:46

Two men accused of murdering an Irish teacher on her honeymoon last year pleaded not guilty when they appeared in court in Mauritius on Tuesday, police on the Indian Ocean island said.

Ahmed Shafik: Egypt's 'counter-revolutionary candidate'updated Tue May 22 2012 13:12:55

Ahmed Shafik was Hosni Mubarak's last prime minister. Now he hopes to become Egypt's first democratically elected president.

Hamdeen Sabahy, a champion for Egypt's dispossessedupdated Tue May 22 2012 13:12:15

Hamdeen Sabahy, a leftist dark-horse candidate for Egypt's presidency, is a passionate proponent for the teeming nation's poor and an ideological devotee of the late firebrand nationalist leader Gamal Abdel Nasser.

Islamic presidential candidate promises democracy in Egyptupdated Tue May 22 2012 12:32:07

Mohamed Morsi is an American-educated engineer who vows to stand for democracy, women's rights, and peaceful relations with Israel if he wins the Egyptian presidency.

Egyptian police officers convicted of murder in protest crackdownupdated Tue May 22 2012 10:06:04

A court convicted five Egyptian police officers of murder Tuesday for killing protesters in the February 2011 uprising that led to the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak.

Miners trapped in Zimbabwean platinum mine, officials sayupdated Tue May 22 2012 08:24:19

Workers trapped by a fire overnight in a platinum mine in southern Zimbabwe are being brought to the surface Tuesday, a statement from the mine's owners said.

Bringing joy to refugees with danceupdated Tue May 22 2012 07:30:30

In a dusty corner of southern Chad's Moula refugee camp, the pounding beat of a skin drum drives a group of young men through a cluster of brick-made huts and into a makeshift soccer field.

Mali protesters storm palace, beat interim presidentupdated Mon May 21 2012 22:22:16

Dioncounda Traore, Mali's interim president, was beaten and rushed to a hospital after hundreds of protesters demanding his resignation stormed the presidential palace Monday.

Lockerbie bomber dies more than two years after releaseupdated Sun May 20 2012 09:29:56

Abdelbeset Ali Mohmed al Megrahi, the only person convicted in connection with the Lockerbie airline bombing that killed 270 people, died Sunday, the Libyan government and family members said. He was 60.

Schoolkids sit their exams, then flee gunfire for Rwanda refugee campupdated Thu May 17 2012 05:49:28

Tumsifu Gilaine was at school when she first heard the gun battles. The teenager said she and her friends were taking their final exams and every day from their classrooms they could hear the army and rebel soldiers battling it out for dominance.

Under fire, South Africa's former president repudiates apartheidupdated Wed May 16 2012 13:10:54

Under fire for his comments on apartheid, former South African President F.W. de Klerk clarified his position again Wednesday, saying that he repudiates the system of racial segregation as unacceptable.

Mali facing deep crisis, Amnesty International saysupdated Wed May 16 2012 10:21:02

Violence and the resulting displaced people have created a crisis in Mali that is the worst in its recent history, a new report by Amnesty International says.

In his last stand, Charles Taylor defends himself as a peacemakerupdated Wed May 16 2012 04:47:17

He stood before judges Wednesday not as the first former head of state convicted of war crimes since World War II but as a leader convinced he was wronged by corruption and a hypocritical hand of justice.

Prosecutor seeks new Congo war crimes warrantsupdated Tue May 15 2012 19:28:58

International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo has announced new charges against a former Congolese rebel leader who is also a general in the Congolese Army despite having been already accused of war crimes.

Concern grows over jihadist numbers in eastern Libyaupdated Tue May 15 2012 12:12:36

Diplomats and other observers in Libya say that with elections one month away, the National Transitional Council is struggling to exert control over various militia prominent in the uprising against Moammar Gadhafi.

Gunmen raid, destroy villages in Nigeriaupdated Tue May 15 2012 09:41:44

Machete-wielding gunmen raided several remote villages in northeast Nigeria, killing at least 12 people and wounding 48, the Red Cross said.

S. Africa's first black dean teaches 'reconciliation over revenge'updated Mon May 14 2012 08:21:57

It's graduation day and professor Jonathan Jansen strolls around the campus of the University of the Free State. Every now and then he stops to greet his gown-clad students, standing out amid a crowd of beaming parents and proudly grinning teachers.

Opinion: Mother's Day is not so rosy in Africaupdated Mon May 14 2012 05:10:48

Baby showers herald the transition to motherhood. Roses, greeting cards and invitations to lunch, celebrate mothers every May -- well at least in most parts of the world. In Africa by and large the story isn't so rosy.

Uganda displays captive Kony lieutenantupdated Mon May 14 2012 00:06:43

Uganda says it has captured a top commander of the Lord's Resistance Army, the guerrilla movement notorious for its attacks on civilians and use of child soldiers.

Fighting threatens gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congoupdated Sun May 13 2012 21:47:43

Fighting between the national army and rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is threatening mountain gorillas, a critically endangered species, the Virunga National Park said Sunday.

CARE lawyer: Niger felt like 'Hunger Games' on steroidsupdated Sun May 13 2012 08:01:07

From his Toyota Land Cruiser, Kent Alexander couldn't stop clicking his camera.

'Separate but equal' comment taken 'out of context,' de Klerk's rep saysupdated Sat May 12 2012 13:17:05

Controversial remarks by the last white president of South Africa, F.W. de Klerk, in which he validated the origins of "separate but equal" nation states, have been used by critics "unfairly out of context," his foundation said.

My big, fat Nigerian wedding: Inside Lagos' bridal boomupdated Sat May 12 2012 10:06:15

Weddings in Nigeria are colorful, creative and extravagant productions, with guest lists of up to 2,000 people considered standard.

Algeria's ruling party wins parliamentary election updated Sat May 12 2012 04:33:47

Algeria's ruling National Liberation Front (FLN) has won nearly half the 462 seats up for grabs in parliamentary elections, state media reported.

The Himba: Namibia's iconic red womenupdated Fri May 11 2012 12:58:32

For years, an ancient tribe of semi-nomadic herders known as the Himba has drawn photographers to Namibia's barren northwest.

'Transition is taking its time' in South Africa, de Klerk saysupdated Fri May 11 2012 12:08:38

The last white president of South Africa said the post-apartheid land is still trekking toward prosperity for all and a better democracy.

S. Africa's ruling party proposes changes to controversial 'state secrets' billupdated Fri May 11 2012 10:58:41

South Africa's ruling party has suggested changes to controversial "state protection" legislation that critics say is a threat to press freedom and anti-corruption efforts.

Egyptians abroad start voting in presidential election updated Fri May 11 2012 05:45:32

Egyptians living abroad began voting at diplomatic missions worldwide Friday in what is considered the nation's first free and fair presidential election in modern history.

Voters go to the polls in Algeriaupdated Thu May 10 2012 10:28:44

Voters in Algeria went to the polls Thursday to choose members of parliament.

How corrupt Nigerian politician was brought to justice in the UKupdated Wed May 09 2012 06:05:43

The arrest of a Nigerian politician who deposited millions of dollars of stolen money in UK accounts has raised questions about the role of British banks in corruption.

Libya: Ex-rebels attack prime minister's office in pay protestupdated Tue May 08 2012 14:36:33

Former rebels attacked the office of Libya's interim prime minister in central Tripoli on Tuesday in an apparent protest over outstanding payments promised by the government to ex-fighters, witnesses said.

Vusi Mahlasela: 'The Voice' on spreading African spirit through songupdated Tue May 08 2012 06:50:59

He is lauded as one of Africa's most unique voices, with a fanbase stretching across the world, but South African singing sensation Vusi Mahlasela remains faithful to his roots.

Militants kill 26 soldiers after al Qaeda operative is killed in Yemen airstrikeupdated Mon May 07 2012 04:28:12

A day after an airstrike killed a senior al Qaeda operative in southern Yemen, militants attacked two government military posts in the region, killing 26 soldiers and taking 16 hostage, officials said.

Senior al Qaeda operative killed by airstrike in Yemenupdated Sun May 06 2012 11:32:39

A senior operative of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula wanted for his role in the USS Cole bombing was killed by an airstrike in Yemen on Sunday, Yemeni officials said.

Rebels burn Timbuktu tomb listed as U.N. World Heritage siteupdated Sat May 05 2012 15:07:53

Elderly men were keeping watch Saturday over Timbuktu's main library after Islamists burned a tomb listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

He raped as a teenager and now works to stop sexual violence in South Africaupdated Sat May 05 2012 11:49:22

Dumisani Rebombo is no ordinary advocate for women's rights in South Africa. He is a rapist.

Group plans to airlift South Sudanese stranded at Sudan river port updated Sat May 05 2012 05:24:19

Thousands of South Sudanese stranded for months at a river port in neighboring Sudan will be airlifted to their homeland under a new agreement, the International Organization for Migration said.

Opinion: 'African women need a hand-up not a hand-out'updated Fri May 04 2012 08:26:09

When I think of the story of African women, I immediately think of my mother and I want to use her story as a frame of reference in how African leaders can improve the lives of women.

One killed, more than 300 injured as clashes break out in Egypt updated Fri May 04 2012 05:58:01

One person died and more than 300 were injured Friday when clashes broke out in Cairo as protests against the country's military government turned violent, state media reported.

Four African leaders to join food security talks at G8 summitupdated Fri May 04 2012 03:34:22

President Barack Obama has invited four African leaders to join food security talks at the annual G8 summit this month.

Official: Dozens killed, injured in Nigeria cattle market attackupdated Thu May 03 2012 10:55:05

Thirty-four people were killed and 30 wounded in an attack on a cattle market in Nigeria's northern Yobe state, a government official briefed on the investigation said Thursday.

4 minors suspected in South Africa gang rape released on bailupdated Thu May 03 2012 09:53:54

Four minors accused in a brutal videotaped gang rape of a mentally disabled teenager were released on $67 bail Thursday, their lawyer said.

Egypt: Call for mass protests amid election controversyupdated Thu May 03 2012 05:31:41

Hundreds of demonstrators extended their sit-in outside Egypt's defense ministry to a sixth day Thursday, as organizers called for mass protests following violence that killed at least 11 people.

Ghost towns and wild horses in world's oldest desertupdated Wed May 02 2012 09:46:12

Vast and inhospitable, the Namib Desert in south west Africa is a land of ghosts. Along a notorious stretch of shoreline known as the Skeleton Coast lie the wrecks of ships stranded in the morning seafogs.

Egypt's military backs transition; 11 killed in clashesupdated Wed May 02 2012 01:47:43

Egypt's military may hand over power to a civilian authority in the next three weeks should a presidential vote be decided in the first round, a spokesman for the armed forces chief of staff said Wednesday.

U.N.: Thousands stranded at Sudan way stationupdated Tue May 01 2012 15:25:42

Thousands of people trying to return to South Sudan from Sudan have been stranded for months at the Kosti way station and are running out of "means of support," a United Nations official said Tuesday.

11 dead in suicide attack in Nigeriaupdated Mon Apr 30 2012 14:52:42

A suicide attack on Monday in northeastern Nigeria killed 11 people and wounded another 26, a spokesman for the Nigerian Red Cross in Abuja told CNN.

Egyptian military source: No Cabinet shuffle pendingupdated Mon Apr 30 2012 14:27:28

Egypt's ruling military council does not plan to reshuffle the nation's civilian government, a military source told CNN Monday, contradicting a leading lawmaker's assertion that a Cabinet overhaul was imminent.

Al Qaeda offers to free hostage in exchange for Britain's release of Abu Qatada updated Mon Apr 30 2012 03:48:46

The North Africa arm of al Qaeda is offering to release a British man abducted in Mali in exchange for Britain releasing accused terror fundraiser Abu Qatada, whom authorities describe as the spiritual guide of a 9/11 hijacker, according to a statement posted on a militant web site.

U.S. lends support in hunt for notorious African warlordupdated Sun Apr 29 2012 22:12:35

The lush, green forests of central Africa have long been the playground and refuge of the continent's most-notorious warlord, Joseph Kony.

Speaker: Egyptian military leaders will shake up government soonupdated Sun Apr 29 2012 10:12:06

The speaker of Egypt's lower parliament announced Sunday night that the country's military leaders plan to shake up the Cabinet under Prime Minister Kamal Ganzouri over the next 48 hours, state television reported.

Sudan president declares state of emergency along southern borderupdated Sun Apr 29 2012 09:25:43

The president of Sudan declared a state of emergency Sunday for cities along the hotly contested border with South Sudan, where Sudanese fighter jets launched at least one attack against their neighbor's ground forces.

Saudi envoy leaves Egypt in dispute over arrestupdated Sun Apr 29 2012 09:19:20

The Saudi ambassador to Egypt left Cairo for home on Sunday amid tensions between the two Arab powers, the official Saudi news agency reported.

Witness: Gunmen attack Nigeria university campusupdated Sun Apr 29 2012 07:09:08

Gunmen attacked Christians worshipping on a Nigerian university campus on Sunday, with witnesses reporting multiple explosions and gunfire.

Gunman hurls grenade at Kenyan church, killing 1 updated Sun Apr 29 2012 05:15:21

A grenade attack targeting a church in the Kenyan capital left one person dead and 16 others injured Sunday, authorities said.

ElBaradei launches new Egyptian partyupdated Sat Apr 28 2012 21:08:48

Egyptian reform leader Mohamed ElBaradei on Saturday launched a new political party that he said would "rescue the great revolution."

Sudan arrests foreigners in disputed regionupdated Sat Apr 28 2012 17:48:16

Sudan has arrested foreigners in the disputed region of Heglig, its defense ministry said Saturday, the latest in the spiraling conflict between the Sudans.

Sudans conflict leaves 37,000 desperate for water, agency says updated Fri Apr 27 2012 05:16:16

The spiraling conflict between the Sudans has exacerbated issues for tens of thousands of Sudanese refugees who are desperate for water and facing the threat of fatal diseases, an international aid organization says.

For victims in Sierra Leone, Taylor's verdict brings reliefupdated Thu Apr 26 2012 14:24:37

Jabati Mambu has lived all his adult life without his right hand.

Bombs target newspapers in Nigeriaupdated Thu Apr 26 2012 11:23:36

At least eight people were killed, including one suicide bomber, and dozens were wounded in three bomb blasts in central and northern Nigeria on Thursday, the Red Cross said.

Real-life 'Lion Kings': African big cats caught on filmupdated Thu Apr 26 2012 08:43:52

Filmmaker Keith Scholey has a PhD in zoology and three decades of experience filming and photographing wildlife. Yet when it came to predicting the behavior of the lions and cheetahs of Kenya's Maasai Mara Nature Reserve, all that proved of little use.

How diamonds fuel Africa's conflictsupdated Thu Apr 26 2012 06:06:10

Much of the war crimes trial of former Liberian president Charles Taylor focused on the role played by so-called "conflict diamonds" in funding rebels in conflict areas.

Charles Taylor: Lay preacher and feared warlordupdated Thu Apr 26 2012 05:03:25

A lay Baptist preacher or a brutal national leader found guilty of war crimes by an international court: in Charles Taylor, the myth and the man, became inseparable.

Court finds Charles Taylor guilty of aiding war crimesupdated Thu Apr 26 2012 03:19:24

In a landmark ruling, an international tribunal found former Liberian President Charles Taylor guilty Thursday of aiding and abetting war crimes in neighboring Sierra Leone's notoriously brutal civil war.

South Sudan president cuts short trip to China amid dispute with Sudan updated Wed Apr 25 2012 04:08:00

South Sudan's president, who accused Sudan of declaring war on his nation, cut short his trip to China on Wednesday as tension between the two neighbors intensified over border and oil disputes.

Boys accused in South Africa gang rape will face full prosecutionupdated Wed Apr 25 2012 01:06:20

Three of four minors accused of taking part in a brutal videotaped gang rape of a teenager will face full prosecution, a spokesman for a South African court said Wednesday.

South Africa's ANC expels youth leaderupdated Tue Apr 24 2012 00:20:52

South Africa's ruling African National Congress denied Tuesday the appeal of its youth leader, Julius Malema, expelling him.

U.S. Embassy warns of Kenya threatupdated Mon Apr 23 2012 10:06:41

Terrorists may be planning to attack hotels and government buildings in Kenya, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi warned Monday.

Witness: Sudanese warplanes strike at South Sudan border townsupdated Mon Apr 23 2012 04:50:44

Sudanese warplanes crossed a disputed border region to strike Monday in South Sudan, escalating fighting that threatens to return the neighboring African countries to full-scale war, a witness said.

South Sudan accuses Sudan of aerial, ground attacksupdated Sun Apr 22 2012 15:22:24

South Sudan accused Sudan of launching ground and aerial attacks inside South Sudan's territory Sunday.

Mom of gang-rape victim says system 'failed' daughterupdated Sat Apr 21 2012 14:42:12

The mother of a South African girl seen gang-raped in a cellphone video slammed authorities for neglecting to protect her mentally disabled daughter when she was raped before.

South African president marries fourth wife updated Sat Apr 21 2012 06:24:57

South African President Jacob Zuma married his longtime fiancee in a private ceremony at his rural home, making her one of his four current wives.

Obama urges Sudan, South Sudan to resolve issues through dialogue updated Sat Apr 21 2012 03:50:10

U.S. President Barack Obama urged Sudan and South Sudan to resolve their outstanding issues through dialogue and avoid a return to war amid soaring tensions between the neighboring nations.

South Sudan says it is withdrawing from disputed oil regionupdated Fri Apr 20 2012 08:22:31

South Sudan announced Friday it was withdrawing its troops from a contested oil-rich area it seized last week in a move that escalated tensions and fears of a return to war with Sudan.

Ahead of elections, Egyptians protest military rule updated Fri Apr 20 2012 08:06:52

The scene Friday in Cairo's Tahrir Square felt familiar. Only this time, the protest came ahead of critical elections.

Guinea-Bissau coup leaders announce transition president updated Fri Apr 20 2012 02:06:04

Guinea-Bissau political parties announced a president to lead a transitional government that would rule for up to two years, the proposed timeframe for planning new elections.

Libya has 'great evidence' against Gadhafi's son, ICC prosecutor saysupdated Thu Apr 19 2012 09:43:24

Libyan prosecutors have gathered "great evidence" against the son of former dictator Moammar Gadhafi, International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo said Thursday, reopening the controversial question of where Saif al-Islam Gadhafi will be tried.

Sudan president vows to 'punish' South Sudan updated Thu Apr 19 2012 06:05:09

The Sudanese president has vowed to "never give up" a disputed oil-rich region that has escalated tensions with South Sudan and sparked fears of the two neighbors' return to war.

Guinea-Bissau coup leaders announce transition planupdated Wed Apr 18 2012 21:16:44

Guinea-Bissau's military announced Wednesday that it would hand over power within days to a civilian transitional government that would rule for up to two years.

Shocking rape video goes viral in South Africaupdated Wed Apr 18 2012 07:10:21

South Africans woke up on Wednesday morning to the claim that a group of Soweto youths had filmed themselves raping a 17-year-old girl believed to be mentally ill.

Ban on Egyptian presidential candidates upheldupdated Wed Apr 18 2012 01:08:58

Ten candidates, including the leader of the Muslim Brotherhood and a former spy chief, have lost their appeal against disqualification from upcoming presidential elections in Egypt, according to official news agency egynews.

Last of the bush trackers on the trail of a dying art updated Tue Apr 17 2012 06:37:55

Deep inside the South African Bushveld, a thunderous lion roar pierces the air as a parade of elephants ambles quietly through the flat terrain. Somewhere in the distance, a herd of leopards lurk in a dense riverine flora, while a group of giraffes stretch their long necks to munch on tree leaves.

Guinea-Bissau suspended from African Unionupdated Tue Apr 17 2012 04:54:28

Guinea-Bissau has been suspended from the African Union in the wake of last week's military coup.

Guinea-Bissau military leaders, political parties announce transitional council updated Mon Apr 16 2012 05:01:23

Military leaders and a group of political parties in Guinea-Bissau have announced the formation of a Transitional National Council after a recent coup plunged the African country into deeper chaos.

Portuguese leaders condemn Guinea-Bissau coup updated Sun Apr 15 2012 01:56:59

A group of Portuguese-speaking countries condemned a coup that has roiled the tiny nation of Guinea-Bissau, plunging the African country into more chaos after nearly four decades of instability.

Official: 5 killed, 5 wounded in aerial attack in South Sudanupdated Sat Apr 14 2012 21:11:25

Five people were killed and five others wounded after an airplane dropped bombs Saturday on a town in South Sudan, a military spokesman in that fledgling country said -- though a Sudanese military spokesman denied any such attack.

Portuguese leaders meet to discuss Guinea-Bissau coup updated Sat Apr 14 2012 04:30:30

A group of Portuguese-speaking countries plans to meet Saturday to discuss a coup that roiled the tiny nation of Guinea-Bissau, plunging it into more chaos after nearly four decades of instability.

Up close with Rwanda's endangered mountain gorillasupdated Fri Apr 13 2012 11:55:18

Hidden high among the forested volcanoes of central Africa, the mountain gorilla was unknown to science until 1902, when two were first encountered by a German explorer -- and promptly killed.

Guinea-Bissau's acting president, prime minister arrested in military coupupdated Fri Apr 13 2012 07:26:34

Guinea-Bissau's military has arrested acting President Raimundo Pereira and Prime Minister Carlos Gomes Jr., a military spokesman said, in a coup that has drawn widespread condemnation from the international community.

U.N. demands end to Sudan, South Sudan clashesupdated Fri Apr 13 2012 05:05:03

The U.N. Security Council has called for an immediate end to the escalating conflict between Sudan and South Sudan over a disputed oil-rich border region.

Disaster looms for people of Mali as country is split by revoltupdated Thu Apr 12 2012 18:59:30

Africa has seen some ugly divorces in recent times: Eritrea and Ethiopia, Sudan and South Sudan. Now Mali is threatened with partition as a rebellion flares in the north and political uncertainty grips the capital, Bamako. Mali's neighbors and western governments are looking on anxiously as drug traffickers and Islamist groups affiliated with al Qaeda take advantage of the vacuum -- in a region already blighted by hunger, poverty and weak government.

Yemen government says it killed 42 in clashes with militantsupdated Thu Apr 12 2012 17:12:31

At least 42 suspected al Qaeda militants were killed in Loder, in Yemen's Abyan province, in continuous government bombardment on their hideouts over the last 24 hours, two security officials in the province told CNN on Thursday.

Egyptian lawmakers vote to bar Mubarak officials' presidential bidsupdated Thu Apr 12 2012 15:46:53

Egypt's Parliament unanimously passed a bill Thursday that aims to ban former members of ousted leader Hosni Mubarak's regime from running for president for 10 years.

Timbuktu: Mali's treasure at risk from armed uprisingupdated Thu Apr 12 2012 13:42:04

For centuries, Timbuktu has existed in the Western imagination as a byword for the most exotic, far-flung place conceivable.

Mali swears in new president, restores civilian ruleupdated Thu Apr 12 2012 12:23:29

Mali's new interim president vowed that he would not let the country be split by rebels as he was sworn in Thursday, restoring the country to civilian rule after a brief military coup.

South Sudan says it has seized disputed oil-rich area updated Thu Apr 12 2012 04:05:10

South Sudan forces have captured a disputed oil-rich area along the border with Sudan, escalating tensions between the two longtime rivals and threatening a return to war.

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