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"/>
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"/>
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"/>
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"/>
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"/>
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"/>
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"/>
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"/>
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oE6sD0xmYM1NNJ4jROhzAdovRQnaSjo49va01COYFsqjMEIKQsfQLnPJdzN8yiPKhS2C70R2TateHvkjwmlxE4JgMdiIJYnyKhesucXaWrFLzpDNOKJUI1aozOkqOyXDgO9r1a+SygHZC5DWX8kjVIUdZFgGSqUahegvpDgXqp5D7W6nOX7e2QoZ6Kj+PjyPQ5YDpURhhschckLeDmup1EUY3nAUy8qb6VJ2nC494xXQ98l5RWgpmMdHVcZ86WDJEOo7fs9kYUF2siI40jcwb6B7TK9sD1UNYkQkJBQrSetscQq6eTxYNhyV5M60UBkqFebkO9qEAdAvXBQRDUp6dFTcc4fVOmBLWHUrfmyUL1MgweQlwy5vIO41+9UrQNBhuMqXS2ZklddIdLc8UDCsjykzbOMpwQJqTvewz5HIQTOaDIUx2xMtdVd5SxGqhnEqEHlH8Ww1wHGQKojrE6herjIVRHqLc20/sCYaqY92yq+Q8jUhNFXaAOTJ/FOJ3EdEKaVKXoJd3PxcnRw7DlzHDSNmX6rw23atNpfYXcqZVQuzaTcExf6II5xugaOpIwrRKVmxxgbuW5JVLeGVt1FCx1yimCWwY0DM6V5r/++guAPaAdsQ4F/JpnjJ8r1TFU5zUgGxs4q6cl9TSo8ytck8lOfDxeoK56mjJdlNLjwwPhGv6CoSbZKZyV78KZylD1AtPSx3UJanBtZIMrkCrVnz0gU6HxVXxYUVUcYRqKU5XrBy4JlWnlFzKHJ2NcqRTKLt7cIDFdSlWgRkQHQ/E6Q30f+lvKWg8p66koPDubzhWHZPXe3ixQv6VQb08muxXqIfExjM9Fe1QdxXycJ74PdQ5cvVs9K8YnnpPSgahgsJEb4U1BFzWk5wEHFbxm/yFfu7nRxQWAGahnyjQn2jBIN9UjHO5UG23YEeuEmK4UJMXxkxL96xciO6iQQnVUIDdBgVzGpXunw+Kmw4PhYXlcrYdS1b1Q53XUSX3EdF5m+irPEW9veV2+m+EjOZfoPDsrpTR+l5GRgMF9TWnOBArx9MYorTzJswsfAauT6ns4F7wjGTIy/0JWJ2FCrkEI3TR3kmuidtP0B+ARgjSM0Sg6T3Ge2v8G+5Usgj2UeCjcQ4rVX2PK+irMFYdHMGmqOA3VWzT/4YV6Ok9cRVDvQKhDNi8+QIpM34HKpO4JczbJmyiFo2J9K4SPDppRfLuDoMgI8gQXbr0bF5dKefUS34oWCtzMayCmaUaB2E+YaGBki/NJJAo518UnoON+rXoaqOmqOiDT/0NWqP4ZNAihOixxOg9UxyUgCerNeUIdktRD6uMiPRWtk8QHOjP4zrBGhGes77RUdjOE838Cx2gpbauGVikguSKtv7QG0aWcJRzfOZGmRNepFxrzpQbhUvv+noQZWVZRqGtOhoY2Gqd/MaQT1ClWf685kJyvrlCfBKj3CtTD85e0B0h8pihDvVBTejWjl5MfeSlTCtQ1Qz100VCZ6mYhXyPJPBCs71gT189cgQ4lDbVcrfBoAock3nAtLPF1aZnBD/xBSS1cV25uYJog/dNvP0irKLPJOzbbsRQVyk4Xpku5sugASP/9txCsgQC5DU8XawLkLKwAycuakv5Yxw8VhTe6xkEdMx8Y6h8/ZP85oeb4aUzJ39IZkR68KeFaWjJpMh3jG+2JWrfr5FiGuspniV6SYfhJMmgC1XgxxvNCffdcUF8X9YGg/sGgNqiGAx5re2Fcv9UxcZHCsRaoRoNqk2lybVhotbAdAGNLiTzyfM6A+i8ON1UiUqiOKzG8c1831JVpCeqfEerHlAGJCZCUqn5WqGEGx4ZaoVpcxiBBjZ9PMlAeWP5Qe8Z2y56xfXFkKW6l23KJMzI6P1iG02U/NJR/VSNo52j9TYzWLNtau/yMUFek/0ZYQ6i/RahjsrpCffqc8gOlJe1YjaG+s6C+ZUzbnNTnEpHrB3VKJFDN5oNYguNimistWuFZ63MPDaa1HDCC+hc2ErAJ1hXtqgmfGuq//1SoPxOovzOodaplVX1vUM3jnxHmHvGjnwdrqi89M7ayb8bt8byxhbRItYgyTH14oP71q0l1E+pbYXXfHKH+m0L9Mz6BuS+iGkB9OhJqktJboSm9/ZrSKws/ANSPNFTbib1Hj/wgobofaoq1G+qvSqRuQA1LbjKtl+mhATWk2ik/KtZsMRFojm8q1PLDJ5Kmvs2PXigHHk39s2rqBzFSa1CvlvcEXFCv5sfk0sMXlKcOjfZAc+71qZYfacSsNVG0sMZQP/qhvjEitfqqnYi0JKrdkZqR3cpTy8HajtRKqBaYll5foitWQKwG81j86AVzDZFm2Y97lv3A8iNuQJYj9YoXar72gz8mv7rKTxRjbeDDl0ZCD2qPexQsbz3PX1opMnekxpk976N4BKySVRFGHrem9mT1Hr+pGgRClAH/y6ep6xMxmsO3Vt7clEWn7DE56Wqc6jqCpIcvCer6nPzy/Bw8fNnlTxT7oa4vc+3GzRGOpbUf0rOkHxbRSE9LgdB8SNfOLfg0Nc/rkfdLHFwz1YGESkODzJCrfvzWwBrlPQI4bL3ndyvOtFddlyViN3ndaY5ujyW/K3Q1jjScJtYnil/QE8VjFeq0p28T6qXyLnkW1WTpaXztJb2aCGJ16aONJU0PHSuaLK7upIyxpkzNhQ6ycux63H17J/VE1zygI7sOJoyPbAG+7/EiQlp4Efb+7ta9IUB+aTK/vID6nKj6sSL6WdbpocWnX9OLAlP1ARc07eG1H3CbJh/U5c0X8SWBvPT0c4X6Hq3S+64v833oZVqki4/yDapHQO0UIqZiaqdMfC+toJezBajrQhAH1PiZ4gNl+lZcPaAvp0VQ1/WafBQpULO1p9+goK5Qh1V68C0BsPdHN9Twda60k81eWNI07J4Wd2XKc8WbOvdlK3wBxsoSg1skZ6G4xc+zRL5uqRbxzsRYj0LS8Qt7CoPfh+9US1wwCXFYfJYvrFe5I2++kCWoDa7Fx+So2xPpQd7xgq8IoFdfbtArfSxHw+Q1JJowXd58SeupB6bDeur9+pJAgpq9JPC6+TZ5yVRv5PzHftogAVKddXWe/LJ3Lh4aSN2QZ3nSCn++DtQMiK6xnKpp7wsqUJyg98/a8019hYth8iwZTYlhHEFwE/tOVzPR1wbuapSmeyrgl7nomzDpHcVSNtTjpDcUYZnQu7dl2el13P3jrAbqvfo6eYba947im7JBE33ztqaqE9VBgYAFqHeNbBRdJaGGSIKzwFhGhmLDJbYR+7hwvG7v6PX5C3rr5Qvoftr7LGoP9K9YRX0E7xID31X8pr86IGhC+qpAKRB49YW/yFl+w+/e1rfJ61uUj3x/BNrBvtfSxDIIL96efjzOO39MJtubSH2Mgho+VEy7jp3EN7rg++R1B5P28ji8Q4K+lhnvmKW8TCW/hwKDoRn8+L46jhdlhQ5opXJBIUe/rsODP+66KDf/7Zu9zwYDmgxd1SXmW+X45Te42xgeSh75Rgm4SOWhRVLTdY6YmUbv3eZNqv1bJJQNIpfLWXPvQaiu247FHZrS1h/XYAaMVhrx54Gihi3RQN1LEv9VEQn8YWALFloEcW8OWIZrbYcO/wvuwnZVN/pblfnSUIV9QTH7VpwiS28wCktMaxOVOFO6ONnnH2xnI23DCjYd+1o3NhJKxZ7Ll6QB3Momh+mw8RgUH1v5RMU1oD4WfVC/JWdjhANBd3fTBpFl37HLy7pTwg2IIPp7nUKIlri1NrBRtyro2JDrK90QgL9T3tgmh7xS7XvzXNjT44tt4nVgLdkA+UCeqao7JljLymGMpvu6pV1SENZ5e0iwoSLLtOJChTKSR5hpN73IdN12rOx7ml5QTJv5trYdkzddrydzbYJQfRjWNZV9mi5KjcRlyElVSru6XfuGN7RLPtnBQNzdSH1hG72K9FkohL6Drrany3WrGw6f+/RMe/e1K7JJJNrgxjVPxiu/+ZLpdE/oj+Z+kXnf07JZ0+cvCO3mCrAie9D+kOdli+qjKqjrBpHr+CyBxTfm8RjCSQJlQ5uQ1gt7RAobn9ZtItv7BmCexc3a6NaLOm9XvMXF1EW7FPYWjsZ+cjb9XM1YG9+AsxiEvXbAtkjyCw30Gb60LuBWWH4HxywANN1GU+G6Buzrz+KG6+KLHXj/ubzbWFLTn+LRL0fpWWLZHoFv+rG0KGX0pDNfyPEYUYDE54qHR/UIo0T1JUjucIzQ5IvvuX4hbgmK9xtltKn7z7hiIt3vg7SgvXNwA+4LZ//TovvlVWNrvrrFPXnnnb3xxiGyXjmGhwpd8EOQpHOV6r7rAGu0cxMqlzpfTycJpP1OQ5g+y6d0HR7UkwREqBcXvQcZLfMESNr69AAfkFHOx7i84jxdW/t8de6GXLbhJWy5NgyTCiID3bPBtLCVL+iNrdh+1bk/K7rUFUb7s2fbMrLwjjQTGrO0UwVO2VkJjGvpzBflfSKoBWuUzltTp9Mx0Klz5dA5IVCrUC+gA29X8TmK2zFWo7OMzrIIqceMkU0Vr7SNRuFxRc0TLvTRT922/NLaFJKdpoROwbCL031sAY3zxl65za3c6R6W4vikzCv4Nid0B/bSMOw4QOM4pnyYUT775QL3umtll0OqecAZoRXptN9pZfp99+lc6MTbFXjsy0Y6HDRSXU9++UhOsuF7NktnzuGxTToRpf4mcKZC0yF5L3Skwd1O5eNePjXQZn8+F/pfLIB2VkJjaoaxNmcU8sMsYb810DAU6Y/0QBz8a8EanSCmbFPMpGA9SPH8UzkhtDId9jud6Ce++KBGZ5Ov1cOMUgoEHHmbDzuFJ9qEKl1ctBrrzHvqLTvqjzEmHtrQOnuAnGznL4B1dmfzzKMRp9KcaQfeSmfQoR12PyuncV7T6IzPNar+gMeWkaMh0fl8yTH4bDHpeIQrdYv3PECc5iNv4wnlUHvETXzf4VdeXFCTM29hBmSzHqYYJEjC+gScpsfOk1Aa6xPkWT6uz3WOH+VHit7lZ/2gRt8Nu49W1I7lOlPOCaKHG56FkzfpRc9O4z+kfRhKdXHnXQDRFTolCh1tnlsm8ew6wRcffJuLhmNLY9d70JlO8inOIUyXxEdZ9LG+is8m16BGVC+iUA2WgKTTFHf29oCyPi4VEgOSEsusQ7LVk7MNvlW2zTAIDwyU7siPEfWc92lpT3KCovvoR3YWHvY2Hp3kh0jiNvPCmU4fRaLhEev8zPUarzHYxlFN9OCkhHS+cThaO0iP4QSjIqjZGYp6oAYvlIPzBECoXgdUDxJkdw9Ga1ChxhmGwpnvR10mENc86w9GQa1nKeeKH5sncx83Dkz3HXbrOTYXX9E6HM/KOkoHcAkOqceTV34P0OHt0DDYJ7ho5rFkdMT8mJN4+VTy/b181m16lBgFNUp9DGuZSpaaQv2KCRAYqoOsDom9mK8GWKcKnRRl1T5strTS0SzGyDIGfq1znRhAd/ax42PxQGjOvvv0Z37BfElCtqjbeV5Rm9VQhxxDohO6+8XQL/H3g8z1ESqbOfOBfepjJTpJ6SA8hnPmCNP0LS7AtAb1a6aqE9VJVqdYHSTIMGHc2wdcH4kHILcOAidhoPR9+ln5vA55KuD+MAjLcthrffDDHqDqK6ur4ztStD/Sg5Vdh75zl+Tb5zbY9xkE+4gWDR9QScfwcvN063LbEKVj2iNrj8j0Ksx85By1DPUrBjWhOmC9WYN14ZrWyNVAmdv9XkPjoISXrQ3YfP6o9CD9buL9cT/DFv+CitfTC9CV5L6NK8tliaTC5IFK9keu7l6y3WLw5/BrDG6ZA7loerBBoSUJ6RSjA9JgjoheIZegfmVBHd/qwnk9oECSsi4iJA1BCKtGix0cjENaBcshC8S+Nr53kWJo1gjvhxh8iWbhnvBCIte6BhOmNcQhB4Tpwm9occEy1fsHhGtKdmO0zEjv76W7BaSnTJdkHj6+Oc0S33igLrnq8AgmPFisC/Y2Qmovch3F9S7tqUOlrFgDmohGAdP2iql8eZUBLBuJSfA+uWx7kj1FJxC/Jt4V1PdI1NxShJz+DEYrwSGlDKVVdlyGInYqnNAUOLBg5VdER43SQXnAXF6O0zzzEcSHDDWcKiYFAgRIUiAZaxSvmbuHMurhDxCz02EC33sKOKYcJgTBrqVFI7OTGTZyLKLdit11XwCI4d2eeEr+SDetbp8k256IhsGGVdanQyD0gZsXoAPRGWnINNi/hsVpDWqSqy4CZKVQnbFGMmRnl3RVM9rs9kUBm2+VH2c83NsbXRqD9x0Z/FYYlkBWbivzQ+A25jVi767uQDxvJxsaXDBANtPZcnvA8RveepcgvRmRrrm8HKiXyGOXyHQLaiRA4tKmLKwj1nExSJg0TugopIcZ3kbJadB5IAjQT+IXSCNTxDtCISvShFweB6NRva/dBXSASaicyHSLolvQ8VQRymMnxXnLYdvb27h0sDUkwoW4gngIV50SHZGG2gNkqGmgFqDmAqRgHWJ1FtYxWmOut7saPvkr/F/DWcVnmW4MvXj5MBYMnlQ1wS4VPqn9Js1eZRjvBbN1h0l1EwyKzNW7efgT6YaEC7qdRJ/KVRK0ES5uG+Dn1FLFS6Q1BKWW7ps/x3eusiMg/R6m8urj8cUYp81ZojhXzAokvLGIqE5Y5xpt1YbXo0wFZZJHs7GGRz7pvj0hscDbefO2yeLTjMW4N5Vuze/PLilL7uacRvHGloH0RjXIdSmcUWGtGWgbVOGRw3TVHmDJhxNqvFwP5kCKsgZcf8gVE5u8QYfgI9OQY5W2RgzpKFF01Ihk2gy9kZrqn632jRXItZ6tdCZSFNg0HzymEE7GGcFoA4BbpigdMnmrIEwXplvag0KNg/Vymi8O0hrH61Idd8sSmHUntenecrCteRKipHLb6luMNPjLKO5ZieT7+7BmeFt9e1tBi9v73PaFgdxgeqfbavbmfN96j3cJaRKli/hY6IZ6oDo/W4RYp3AdcyG1Ulozi6R8mMFo+3ZFxNiGHB57jNBu38C80f9gAaS+Be68QX/eaIXshpqfkLSGDFahi1gMafUH4pyeAa38GVY4XvldxAypaZjLy0w3oBawzlSX5B4I1yVig2qBVlf7eSr4B+AjbqITq2moe0WCOLy+77PxvdHsNsg9Wqk+GCAR0Lfs2MhGBOIL1jLrzGiLOStN3A/vt56BTsIDSg+U9mgjTRJ7KAuSsns5XFewcYXEoap8Hkud/6t7qTiqwbtCzqYZQAWcVW4bvW2+1Cudyy4D7zatLg2Eutyr8F3F1hlwSyY0mq/+8KalpuQOqyVKgzANlIf+2MWEugjrkrMuKgRUyN3cdpf3mNS2fWGRB0Z1vEAFfWcaqt8IwBVHGS6QLy2MWVJwll3BgyWnmJvcQL76owozomOUDmoa6OlRUAOqk7JGXCewC9q0VutuaNd6rAvzOm43PTm+f/V2woY5nbTeYsgZHVlPooXIN1yVbAVAUDhYG+EAXll8g+VlNkEESHvUB3kGw7HOXBeyYZXWWvTSJlrtMRflTpUgOXRtjjZrTzCc1AyRjQipjZw6zCsOa5XNW2F8v+WkO1CQhkgvuIg2gjXkGiiRWiWBO9IypIlWxpineWEj83Bh+HPViEqz9L92M+udXa0/vJERHxWKbbD4fZdlo4VbcftAqjG7XwG6PkMkU8QeqEWslwjWtFK5aOC/BA8L5OVxeK+MDRFjIlJHn0POMHt8E+TmzeIV1Nq/q5BrrljtpZnCvWw7Qqiw3oNKhEZIL0rCwwm1FKxBuCZov5W7rGXMIfUiHu+BS2ijYJshDR8xAtllEf6RCmFnD1l23blcWu89msJS+hFrnwIXs7fZEOC8gPwm9BN0O3DDRJ0kPPxE12C9QLHGUEs16muq8M23ovkBd0ZMdabTHZT6+t9oWyatLLhauUczRlpOkO65ZJnaaGNqK9xRZrofapHqKGgo10tdFHJ/cde99dv8CFppFW6EtTEf5Sbx8l0d20tWg2Y9ZkuV9wzYFtEy0z1QK9q6oC3Rzaq39HtsbJgn3Pz2Qsa7zufmduUNnOS4Qod+08ZW3fJ7ubiA81ieCdZiyK4au10v1cJX8WWES/bfxBlL3aWcQ9uO9E///dqdvO2BRZ+9mb8L6qUzZSLQY5GGUNN4DdAeXaPFcTYvsq1uNh+oRzoGfK11Q/XquJ6dDuDsmiYUbBzf/H6UOQjkqxlNJxtHbqmGei+fg80OvhB24KWfspC2V1w0aTfIlesPLeQWCy6bqcbSrS2YZ8fZlCEL6jzSj/NCtynUqDfvaM15FM8sZHdHd91m0XCAf5gM359Xw4yLbflCC78DajV5bbejbQtzsG52jAb9LcVzucV/f9e44FFQ86v4LGOads3XTwc11tiNuP3n2FN2qn9s5f/42r8W7NUTGb9Tuf/8Cm/bs/v2aQuJvzy/27hZTlftqOrcGiZf6DfB3Ia7o2av52x/CMhzKOSzO+D3N4l2hVe/G+kxtD9hz7N9OrJZnsM987rcQgd4T1Pz5/PwvxfqOdg/Gernr/m/C2q7Ts/dnZ7dy8+H0J8UbV692It1s/Tigxd7sRd7sRd7sRd7sRd7sRcbb/8HdIKwAqegYWMAAAAASUVORK5CYII="/>
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ARwanQuUmoqEuspScZMGa2jNoZ0GoQhlQXMFseEmbBnglaqSgchQxXkaRFv6N+Pwj7I8Wm8QRc5COSR9DKUMd/83EC8dY9e3QqFcZLAr2pGHZmusR3pj6u0Rndrvuym8giWcrKhw8ZipHiJ/SQlErZrjPUZjuW00ltx5I6bkCVHYBlBDFguzjEo/pcl2lzmDKU0I37VB+YGF0EAbQfBJ728fWYkUs6VEUlRlo5LnQ8IRVvSIw5G6gaCV1kInxgrIgFJkYXfZbtgp5Ho2k/uB/cZ1np7xSwJfvbnykBGhFeqG1jYAQpGn5kwaMu0LeM+FbytnfU1sZCMRhaww3Izj4gM7tM/9mNymS3w/ElCUcCXdKQItWNRgUSAn9H7AToL3mEUSsgPxAE9Go01k8DV8RR4Gt4ixF7hkv+GdlX+hOODfkwziPJHnwvFvOmtvjhtjgf4+e6Q3V+nhMU8kP9wacJQndOoTUB17sXq8/VGiM0USzI11TP0BcrUqqF/5WahHRxk1tjKDHFj6DFiiQtQpOkvvtAwahPD1a89IGodDRuQaNkrJwkScqlUqXmlrIlKMrjxP87xqJ6YJlJUuICVHdrRCIwJO7Tc2HUDtqFl4VTrxQKAX3I+PUe0pCA/zlQZISjIGylximqPEqBMy0jOEZug2wtJxHuxkMxA1oOwkwMtl1+8sNe+fX4qzFh9vIjGk9fvLj/2WcvX74kOV4WLl588Zejhw8fXrx48cXf0u/tj6jcvj36gkrw0Uf8fGEeAT4dfUTDbvTRRxetL2hs/UfwjMvLy7B/yQVvW3i0vv4aw+7y8ruQjUn46aff37MFtvhTLcwwtNA7W378tKzeTBT+5NPyD1TkiOcwen+/PBTr8j/+Ow77ca/8n8PvyNF+R/bja+p+Eguvvv76r/j5668RBf34/fff3/vO8wn/8bt79+gTKl+VIc5//rQc/vADB6DPxblui5H6DdmpH1nivX8qP//x3qdP6H9wYjT8u0v2RH/19dfBZf8L9aJkty7Zen0U9C9I7+2Xn7Rvf/LZ7U+CNoHgReGzh/eDEXQ/un3xYvRR/4uHqS9eX17++ut7331F9fz4/Y+fuvL969ffcUmRmCS3vPFa8h015MdPx9wglOesZFj758/Df+NCEv5b6nlAz9RuNvOj/kf4+eL+7UJw8clnnxXa7V/+ctr+xz8vmPLv//7vf97+x09++cv2Z7Pl9MVffha8IAQBG/DfX5DtC76+/PrevWjvN9G/dKO/6/5Dj0OyZ2nmtXHQKqOFocUF8DRfAYN/IzKbGtN4Iu0V6KddKGSonE6n09NMhoREKfTb/eksoZnSo+A9yE9MYa7ZUYzYPRBIA+culHbwgw+inrtojcCclWC0lEDbEpTHGpc6WoFHZEmHfhJK/sJlMvYcwkMO0Mf34O7IDxN9JDfHnIvkIX7DdPKiL9wmLkAqLhURf/buXLGpWb2sI6vj70Ohcn3lqcLyqM1wr/0L+4AhheIv+iUCQIaUPi1NtVAvFAqqe3bAfbhoOtMF0wUiDWOwMf0da/BhhJ9RJd7RQRcpFYcDEXovIYnSO0v6Lv52pHyVurjUVtkymVIpkzkqlSaNrUajhKf2pFQ6OaLP8c1MmaINhCmGCp8v4DaMKazbwzU2Tn9x5nX/zh1htUnQShS2v4+rYMvL6hDHEJzOVuifnmZOS5CpVHpcelzYKh1Bmil93G5bNxDoEKMPpu12xnkJOqjUnspRU/Il4Bbs5/iv/tEP+kIr+uo2mGZQHDo2P1pa5EHDEXvVS0KPiUzp6dI63BF+6JFydCPwfXiZ3qbE3WFsYngaKmP4jJYLdWEqAFMh4UEBSxUYty7ymEg5NJ4/ZO7Dr4JRODJEK8ahqP3OhRJaR4TJl9D6KSnb6F2fSqx/0iy0z4cG6m/7McH9CoTDtYS/hb4u+aXXcE+oljtIlNO/RE0XAazYKVXOoCCpjo62Hk8mjUZjIqWGpwZhd3JSajQg81GslLaApdIpDB/wgwEYjIIRWbJWiDzCcBuJhGjAF2PuAJ0LQJvm+THLuFSYekKYvRdiDE8LL0k4quYIkj09ejqZPD3aopdt6I5kZuV98omYXnrzSanU5i9Qjj4RIXFYm3lOH+gmZowngrH8HXkPJj2BRa3p4ERRBj0apQJ0gzLBFCdeXF8AU0A3UBMolE3wN46QwLskJikETesb3Z+FrZHFfT7ySL134JiTPEYag1knVDASkmpZqoWpcEIuGP0vafAX2qclVvzkMSBhytOjxuQIXcBo/oStxmekRzqhjz1TbisJVmQGzijElNlPjFaC58ynzKJH9wlgBcgGQDAmINTTyatGcTIpFouVpxU81ejlZPNpsTZ56sn+lH8I29QqtKBtsHtKsGCHQzY9QvhPwcDyMnt+JghxfiCMVubf9tKD5S7ndfYoRByx/y6cTkuZUqOEcdRobKLUaETxqDrZapDiYHUNSI2PeHxSgpAnJToEvoK+wZclcW59sIt+wSv2jaEdGHzkgAJlHv0YlXBEJBBXevHVhaUYLkQV7VOgCm/f0lyHIxxw+n2iBTgBeydmNUxoIOF0Cu+LcSS1jmZq17g48AXC369G8r7liSzxv0Taba2n7ZU+yJc4JiVhpEn6gfYmqvjapEhPm+iH2iasGKmfTBasrnW2hUSsTo7tvipRYNe/mFUp0OKrd1bV8il/U2j3ybtTXze2tgwmXpFcxWKnQ2jt1OqdSqdY7xQrxZ0OfVQjkTdrr4p4bG4WJ5XNRrHBjaAGsEHDyTIlcsjwFX1Elc/Lezx5oJuOeoP9feS9YqZWKW0aVxVw7aQ87GLCAzEhpp+FKaQjTVFVRYweyFGs1TpFqneTFXpClT/GoyFOgT6YSGO4TRP5lJB8VHo8VfNcKt1nLyclo4g30OfOmzJ6YZm9B7nCl0AVXCIMlJKKUd8zIfFwdTpidHme09ANMUDwqvgasGlbWqNQKvHzlHxwYUpxMHsC0smXAXh+m+Mi/tBGxtPR6Mt41sSZsT78frsPutT+Eg0s+cUowRRyqSePgUtCKGkbet8k1XfQBzU8EVQeM56hV/7/TIaFxalRJJLvi/stGA32lcxpazAmldtlvhT7QW/482nQTj7I/k/BYre+nGxBNAIFg7W206lXKp36TqVuS7NSqewQgHc6O8VX5zDBxcorAJoMMSAk0GVoTE6+bJSOpv+p0L9PIX8rbD3hjE45Wk7rRYaEqdXcwZrkDQbfRGVmfS3uU+qrDA/2TeiJqqp36kVUS+p7VetAmaQ7wShpTzC7ycOuKF/jAFgISDfZIjdH/o67B6zmyLE07SftOcMpEG/4SZRT9qAv+SE8emTYhUBVOEeQADqweeH8uGFpl0wlR2DtAVG0TMmNoziCgDM6gKtF/eg9k90p4UOvrlFgx4tUI86/IP6f3OCpqSZWRWYrzvrIV03ExtYYFEXSO6u+3tmB+mvQP7TbIG+7BY8Hm6sjfuqN/QwHFUrdZDiK5G1pzUuOQoiL0HjVw7h1MN2ncd3jn2FkH28x1jaLgglAoiJ4XW/WY2Wdfgm5FcVyRz8mfO/gP+kUAtzJpNQoEGzh5i6I74UInzH1sQtY7jN9TYIWhvbZPqaN4DIORWG/poBxBBdZojOSxewUd3bqO/Um/dbXjyELKQ8PdgDnBE8aN/SX35FKd3Zo6K1Ta+hFnd5CvSQhTtVQhL+pEKsAg986YkoxvyAEnXIgamNqeVeyr8w3zDf+MhB/H3d6iM/JxpxSV2RAaxA3iH8gGciW0DPHwzLQyJy5UlLhjkw1JU6stDmyj5W2lYVq2WrQib22bnmvmXzZV43iZo0UCsWvX5PlIkTgt97cWce7a1ItwZf0XZN/mojmDCUruScYBE/yrcczWs3oJxkT7k8zmeRB9AG1Hx0zqTUUE9csyvpNs3lzvJTbyB7kULI5KdnPm0vHx82r5sb6+nqzSS+03AC6JP4OjF+HkbsJMnlEnoH8VdhPjcvlEHOBeKaEM7UGtBKG3eF014C4ASYYUfRCHIjGFRSwqZqDyb+52Wg2N25uMKIqXHGdUVk8Jx7DeAVSCc7XGHpAbF2ge05fErC5O96MWAtq9o2lk8z8IhCyYM2UDHRLpUxC11NOERFwCaPB1OdySMSVCLPgj4DsSWLwHOkQIqSVMvFu5DcnJf+zjA6k6aJxBMa/eNAavApiCbINUidcLOm9XofipWwQREi/cMDULTtsKVitm8lTH2HolXggki0umREpOI4rU1vO6nYgjusbmm3gQDKQEA2QbdaPSTCSaCm3dJDLVqtVAS29qGZzBzn6mL4j6B4fLy0taQuWjgm21KbrnQogQucisrsJTZeIyyBSbY0jXGWIujxZkVhtErQy7WBfblIYdjF1AdlZ4gaE2Rq5eRKPjCtp7WaJ6s9l8dy82qBSV3dAuq2w7a8Ilj+2buLj+jr7iEpdpANtUM7QUA5RY55m35hv4TbI702IKzdcMuXEWShkTohelIw/5WTc5KiBUFtINhNt+GG4e+MaLX+AbyS/iLwNWdmthhAsE+889cfRBA4RVfM56ZQINSfK1qWeiZ/LYWEyR4bl2IzPiUeftM3uFTVdlcFPsBRFWAVWPGk8l9WfJe72pSbpn/QL7bPLg2at+BP5sQ2Y+EpELipRiGKIuidoHmsTAtt/l+ZtEccjqkiyweuT2d9osmAE12wViK3u0iPPz7uE2ip9TL/ZA5SsK8DQMY0+9tlwGOAZNFxPQBEIe5cBLo/tkaEdDtJrhNp5oJV812B5uYtZZ1GK4k3qUwrBqKdAVprHN00MILX7qJb19/lx8/j4Zh2Gt9lkP3Fz3CRx6De3QQ92BeQgyELDI1yvd5guFMkncEDXYUYRL8yTQDUa5zA4mwvKyUJuwRar5h130iCfacyHtYS/NIaZXCgfBFOHelkACEaegSU6xzeuZuO/zd+EfTvh6twPn9oYU/qFRyzG211UVeyI3eSywwyQ+MCxaJy1rl0uDvg4lz3OkZG7ufmc7O7OzvV6ccc/K4Kfc27JeaMo8uNFUS15TJvmLf0VaU88qT3nQHqoQbZzdPhxUySBTFWCal7L6qr83aVf+rjKuOVjtFggNQGXGyDnun7eOSFS2JhO27jMEIQUiKVkTqjwgyRoeaoMKK/Mmnw4RmamfVrAQCPMEottLh1gfGjFMliyXDfxFqYtACp8ABxFTrmNIju3ActAXm0dHo3pQh29trMDZkzUd32HCBpzCXqzo+W8Qz81th3C8GIPWCvnUl2BU20I4JBgAdo0wUJQIn4K/6fOXGHMrBLZkQ5j1VVP5ZrHWAeScLWbNdfNTOIbHEzEnPsM2zEyQhiqgcxnh5opfMvEJxXQKDSd35EemMhSbzabuQOLC68oesVoEVskm9AE8XVnrfO5EHdgKOwwfu0PPJqnTRuMUIN+JdpQXu24tmQ7ycoWd8BkNwDZbDXHchE2d3dXqeRXvZLfpR9CLmxv8lFlBBE4yG2T14ZnhrEFr223Rxd95LfD8nZ5WO72dDUDB1oTh8nsLmK0fxZFY1y1aVMMSt1JIKpfNY+X2PxnTZ15T2mET8NVSMMbAKoxB9mshS7zmCbbDlUkYjWEd8R+rxUo/B6fd9jpEajPRZVqgj29M5FDCFKLgZk/h73Z4eMqbGxqxYYJAMGTt3wqd0QWZSLJEThkjKIdN4DQ+g4kqfPpEh7hXDyC8e8NFojhKe+lnwWrIhrZKI6zm+t+jN1ksMLaCNgAPjazdTi4A2MsxHxJB2TzAl32wNQDHPBs3DS9sF2raK5XroFkblWFC16cx2C8w7EIByek1o4YBGMunHtB086LzADJRIpkxsTuClAP+WH+AMRkcHeN5bUPgS2zXrBN8hbHJBdR28mXJQQfFIxdpii62o7S5eXeIP0sCVqJw3ppuVvxN2HqIc/rOgVtL5KaiWWTcAeQjaqjEYVnKI1kqWKoHRzkmrljclV4BTNLqjzYPajuCo05OKCjDppZWNul9Y+Z4EJ1FWRCWIt4pqHBfytXZLavjlnNFRCeTmf9+vx657yy45fr6/PzY8ZZkV6cm9/O1Xn96lpKkwwaAe+a7OT5q/OTV5wE/4vG40njsZTGXxBXo7ebr2oURlYAWJICPU1s5pgfiDmbFQkqK1zrOsmDH3p33uxwILT+ihh9Z/38nIL5X52/elX8VYcf5yj0hoLUDokGcZo7zY3jK/KKN1LqGzdLZBOIVq1Tq4m5XrF+KvWNj8n8kH9DcJMFT9SORwfsrpoXxB7zuWouayN2jniOm3JyULdjsLPjY8LzceX6+Jo/qB9fX9ebvkIrHRpG9LxOJr9TOWcGQ4+KDtNi5VWnxqkMasrODo+mpZywWEixqwb2kMvZ6tnKGQq9ls932QznV3f1kQeEqruMngNxy2RuyU51YFwyhf6Xo/5oPMbtkuT5/65HsdidNe/qAoH2lgHtYAhTG6ZSYLSn0yMkDmjAEqmCeDxUrAsQJdKQx3DPmSKOTI/mA6qGhkG0JWa3Jnqrg8t8frx+09R0zo0r64YGS/Ivbpnqvgus1BO5QYoOuFwhydLUb3GFBmEgX7yJx+yEWbLnkkNs1gFSmK1j8RyAwJWJOJudK01Emuerpkk8ykc7EpOS/6cf9R/rHhFgf0+WpUrx7EaVfg+IOjWPr45tIUeviCPKuAQ8sntbzcccrwJgld0vdcKuMAZYLi/moTcUvdMv1Uj8gUO3qw344g2KgZq+3ujNOupESrOjMTMXcTYdJeFkkykwaQISOdSX58GkMh2eHTJaDwHXs8MV/ruymihigVd54Im9ZWdBgRm6idjdVum0AFaLebt7uGn3n3m215303btY/8/QA57hhYRX1B0S9x2PcYEchJa6ExZQ5MOI0mpNIcXtssos0Rbmlcf4Q2Fftmv8GGDL5PaG8Vq/sWmcm2N+taQ/nB1ZYo+3wfqUjM9S7AdQwnkUo1LoiyuQak5wyA8+0RiVkYuriYZ8wnuDGHBGD2fi/2FCs6QvidosCe9yI4L+4tAmxESlsM3rVxsSDbsizpis940R75jPaOmpOiLUsaF1oiZRCfI0OWguz3xR3e+Z9MDZaqwT4Psk5PFprw2AGMCoRSAtNR3H9Qmdc0CPNnTE7XQsK64LCUIeqd78mDyA2LFdI9Yqg5Qg+y2XFTG19AHge2jkFtZAqLbjjoWGiMwxidZSt2xlCu3+qH+ZGqdS4LS4r44isUfpu56lJdDeAWjTUXqb71Z42B+NStNSaYLeXDom7gLM5v2hckh1Ml+hEWO1hbGzyzDNK2iVvuTzgtucRg3AreD0Ru0LuzXJ4eHBqYcNzuzQMRtXAiFbliTZd4y8mz3HscSB1NXULaZzTIJIrCFwC9jWNovFV0I9EViQHa6bzJJJLOk/w3MdKCdf4iLiNrmq5saBZs95qNnx6DPLppxY8pR0MvSP4EgpP565CvZG2aWrDa6nyZ+qtTCAPeMuJ3zAB6+uOPuBjth1ySbxcruO9mY5ZHf5hwMOgeJlI4c8FAtf2dFoQ6IMZvUSQMMUNw010OhrVaC4cray8u2ZLcAuw5ZEPWSxSWLhD4eHq9beqrWlplPVO+dEprdKmdN+cIGZM9EegfZJega0RHD5fkYCbTfqllN7YSoI7weF6dYJMVrqyyYoatWQFiErZ0ZdpM7dvBcVMtfKO1+WVxpezWu4iGwDe92mgFTzYlDZBmBimYZ0JICNSy05m6S0mQl08wZO4L5p+rkhj7JgFCsr2eGM5rmfYOP0/THLwglHFRSFKbsJN00tn/OQYirEUn6eY5MsKT4MM+vqhWGovcZPNpszMZWXBshVbS4L9W7Ig9+xnc2Lcc3D8crvijhh9sPG95mYZzdvbAY0v+uMRqwYEnyQ89WHVBANwTjjanJeg00uLs3doD3sUq1khyzV2bdqZ23BR2crAlMW/dDY3xU1fOqsqyzMDa7vFhuT0rTwst8fha0wxE2zmF+wj1tqLGjTDrRYzgSgHeOSRAGJZIB2qYlYQMXTEcOqkgAxL5kNEySIylbZDrMtXvVRC101gSDbqaaHFAdNmwf2fJp+kTWdbICUzWW9nPWBfKmH7Xq5IYpUDnLi+pgb46qyyfxQaMHXIvlCn9q9WOdWNUXuMiH6QixmTsSUAFTEBWXg5qglY/tZNexJEjACK0eevLP7w5NbA/WuHrKNNb1+pu4Xf+CVV60D3l11z0J62RnmJeVvUg+a98/m5MqVSaCJvUOa58aFHQpbubZ53dxZ/9yAltls3oD2EAD9dha134q11WLkV6HzbNVIMpblZoPYc61xVJr+JSalhS3M6u6Wh3KL44N0LOXFaVpY2u42ligYty76hT6FYY3aOYGWbQODdmWVq8NAB4NZPTNZDSFVMrB38y5bZygEs4Rd7ZusB1prgwSYB15C0gGEIREDkxqonLJ484H+ZyIvWLV0msMRJgqYeSSJWMRo5MY3IArVw6bVI53Vat4kZ5SL5rRaMZnVbM7KnOMRciBDydGTXLbqyV2VsH/XJIJ2q3nfCCIXYzFbBWaBOXZy6OhDcbvfqvulJ7a59N3KoRdr+IVpJyN31yUgNOVfdSbexdIbkjtDBk4nO8gFY4IsMnP1q2Mb5LBoZxqBrcwYWuIH354ZwnBogLuyImNtBcMsr6moXWi0ScHCTvFkgulqmMyJ28tTQ6x4gUtfi0DL9GAsk2UYtEgpkh7zIp54JFGZjnsdLpxM2JVknRpY8mb5FTW3QhIEYrmmMISmenbn63OO5XlOLPEiEcXYt+JvmcntWouf18w2DCL8LlkRDqeud+w1BARouOzUdFbWnk2y5pwUzc4p7jpLLimncIusXn9RTpmVCFW5k7rx/G7eBCN8jHHbTcnEVJlqeR7Y4DXmgU3IrlyB8XDmInWxInk/WYpGaSNjpIG6B8SWsxd2ig5nToqc6QWOj3X8GhZo8fjtnHJmUXv2rRlu8tkhGI/YWlIDnfBgiUhtp7g5Ocpkgmn/shUyaMvpctqC9sMkaKMuArG9e6mAZz4dUYC9U9lAHMa8SomJqdmg9kzplDOtnP3IQyLzEYvFJiUnDCFBB/CRuEaLzaq1PBYT1uObbJr2tEu5a3Jo1+axJTOXFT7NV0GOOXvVlKi4LhemmuAGWbm8Y8+X1VS+PFWrczCbj38uPjfnIKzjUSWuap6b85R5AyRBkB0kHp/mtgujPcyz7g9nMYtghwMeC1tYZMmXrrA7NMDNe+kyGx/n8zOwFVaDfCPhdd3aWoz0nZ316+a6JkBkAEhgeDafHCR4wrcWvOIgBLUyfsVl3TQr9VoDoCVLO2qFlyncxy7XcReA1gvECqNCiUBbRI8KaGE7V1ltpnbWzRlbVOkDx2NJyaviN/KWI1js8JQ1AW0z5/ulbMzIVmMdnxWjk/evChnj6l319kCR16wKRgy8j1x+oS5BVgfXpeSBHI5wA3cRPe8xDDXWWY9/WMwysn1iUo3JXs16R+5KTtOE2z7lz5u2mIubWUeuFbQreRPqnCX9L0NWng9XFLfsglc0x2DC5nw80MjHcOt5DQNazqIjscyobfJly+ZOcx2GNgdhrUc9mxuFWbw64Frpz4TpHqqj5qtUqHqJSK2A9iIYtfotXnmiO4jeBbSjUaGfAT3okE1CRk58mu+hhKUcziiEHqThPBCOPyuWHoDT6kwJpgcagHuYTYA24Xrt9QpJaDuV5z0qkLcBo0nF5M1AzuosDUzRAGG70lDj2sz80GoUsv4wYPFNDlp7V9hpNWnwYxC2xMWdTMUDc1qJEStraHNe2oPPymNQcvXiV+dbMumXQ5dyktea6T/zGa+pNq8NTYD2mC+4N+Nx2I5e1ObZEMcmDssbduDlaOfZWE9IjzN4oJWmL1FlYmlx63YrHEcA7d90304PBLQFTLGs4YJY7kA6SGIBTyc8qCWFcGYRywafOoRRq3jOi8+uZg1mc5rj8lA7w2f9oDoOWlU1rgP6l7R3Lafm9FBeU0F2IGtdN9wl11cdogjN9U7TTldy9txdM7VTlbIWqg6Xctw7gDZvolSMKXjUvMec8oY5+ZSWk3+SHzNZWi+gmA9aZ00cfTzUjjIBxpmGGmY6AKuw6s++4jzLjZ/0Isg2dT5IBxP1OBYx+WNJHjBDWGBqzzy42j8Gs5LvZzWKka93ztXSArQjBu1gPmgfqKXFsgDlCCuI9QsZTJcpdjY2kKdlX3CoirOQFeZ/eOZZWSowswTZvPKVM0v9DQhNZrbp4jBLD3J+lOM4rY281dLqdYxsXrJHdkaGJdSod8XKxoklBsSBzZ83cbmdU2CcCbaXoKt5Ny1pV65da5Y+FnwxvLN5nx4sAm111yQD5ZpiXiiVGeq7bgKSBa3mnDlDsbprQjFDahdZ2lnQnpkMpdi0lfyhHci7ToVeEuEgt3FsZjbBYkmStqPTiDDMrzFVBuyfMQG3yjxw5fDb+ag985MdFrQrlh5oBylod4rFzaMJOG2/32qNiR4My3/Di1DemQUtXxHrLmMBizEu4waF06PG1mancs0zI6B5wFbTLisWtGw2VvJqZPP6RoY0JFI/xBrSxNHnuY1mMnuQdU8ep40xPDfPydhYEywJKcibqXE8ZGgwaSyYP9QOMlEgdYp2CWxIJwFawaJcV9o1ORGHqmqM1OYXgNa/fGAMraKWk0SweqtGbWD7eceG5XKFXmrheXWK2kM1aN/O47YLQWv5AVvYQxtm2Ox5DLScp5WbYURBTZ6CZiaMXmOCxo1mWvKGoGvufm7O61uNEs+8EN5GjsoOjCM8wCWxoqEHF0HQIjsL0C4vBC0mzHTLw9QeoRYTZjBfplYskvRLGhG4eTxqYldl+NowTC3eik3Tol/Y9rsgzFwQ4zytfzUrNpXRv8hpM0kGBFkb1SilFaooIkAevTh/uGoyybveFTkGLfMCdMv11TWSB0tmYruAkVqb3TX2Fj/Z6qKUV9WGXdVqzNA60FZddkuS2HkXn8p8JzutyFzolmvFwmvV3K9orvZMyW0sGeohYsbSGnogALN9tSuG1k8eQD9LV2xnr/ky7o5eCSte8/xiNrb1GzoAprbqrnwe4vrs/KTXWeKygiOXLpNR5UhXLi7s1DYlT9sPeO5BtF1e5tVqE6C9pfNpe4NudzuKyuPUKBi1CbUnjc0iRtaS2hXBwaHLB/qB8C7Xr5Epu8C8vYi7q5iRpBPPg+EQNXZFTC7CZmX2RM5O1zWXn7xMk7ACl5TS+Es1KHZWLtSbTKDHqJUeNPXqOrIHPLGr6S5gMPxw7iywW7UTJ3J+FtblB7yU3GwqmVG7am2t7WeRS5JPVXu9DYPKXHsR7si2Vtn6oUYVhzZxNIOOlQQ4jIE5c8GGSeYYRu4u9lUFswxakxKsCC3gCV4dzIWrNO3cg3zeXEnSa6Vn8zGrV/IOk6A9NH2T5TmKmJNX7xQbW5lpocBXxMI9LJbfi9IzoP0wbUEbgdVinaxWv/AyUzpqNDDB56p5oMmXXbauZoYRU3vhsW6ar/5hAO+uGu8quZzcks6AwdVtmX2XmD5+kDMmN2uTYMrvqrn4dSVHGU21u3mbAD1TlqAyslqEL1KvyByEHe0VJMzXMf9Faq7mZpKxhlznfLzKVVxnnnP+vTDxM2RdWCdzYWVIa9YA46Nqph+AUy7ZSQtLMs9a3IrJgDNNcNfGnPc9m2PUrE/kXAX3lSrEn52XdXnlJZ6jUQFmO51rM0XDzsTH1ESZ5cXzcIxgOOnKPNgqkzxjD31mvAR9ZNP7MnDyzGg3cLPYZuOodIo7bsatcIyFO7tP+C7yeaDle8TAD7aJ/Lb6F/32aSbTONns8KR6E6KY2Ym7Lmvirg6akrUBvZkCAINxcKDTaZtmEgZm0FrMClswfEGu3eJF86qZu9KgZBYR5lp+3swPMSnjM80hqhOo2ssLzStjSMzdEjyR9oYM8OdSu0ZDs7NLXNiYbebi83Ky8YxdLuu/qJqgTh29BqwaCblEIGZlLDW9+Y0k6pKbUMWaXrXTqlZWOS+btKqCaR+xJomiKBHnZ1i6XnqWK85U/Ybc/iO3yRXNxCK9sYyed86R9to4tnNmlPirVCs6OUUFWPGnULr7GuzU8LxOTaxWiUsfmztuSqUCr74SjsNIbrcZzIAWm/cJaNO8Xc7eXtTCgj6npyUKxTA7sX61sWRnye2KX9t1V0thS+Gzc3wTiMv1m3uBtEcB2Y0bnU0tt0hhzjVbXJlZy5NfcwoeO+fkeElmKfDE0+QcO6EL3qx+yONI9YpHDqqSON/A4g2dCk+040nOEGT98xtMpeW5g3z1NGdmeekkLEx/2PAoOBlEREx2tplMI/QugrlMHpukrAzmrFGYXr/Ny01MzPWXZMalYBb2H4qHC5KEreDDv7JlAiAB68qqXP/ima2maK56JW+uljrIVr3R+LnEfksIUTF3Xe6G7Mhtp+7euOIm38VQqS/Vl5aqcnV6V3MjxhHwzJ5Vr3r/Qqk/I0JnB1Z1/hN1DPXLeW2zcXJ0ium0wXiMNfq7w+ifZYflxNwDvRt3MEh3u7zBThhwqvY0c0IEAZNNaWhVbWrST0tzJJ/NKwck3IIHArzuYhGo0sES3zba1Av/fN9V/drcxGSvcrsJtsdifXmmKu7zbx43/Vk1Vccvs1XPlqnTFU/oriHn9QZQXMVtJuZ5gatxDmEdA4epZOKix7zJp0vHJvmxseRnQmJRZdZKWHXZXHsRWiZbybSIrEwPbkoQdC13OvJt0OtNHhAyPywrlMJcdxTkrnpTZQ4tnld9IxvzhyYXkpMJGVl4Mr1b44YXYYFuGvFbde3NupukMV7u4Kap41Qjzfzuqo3KZi5kuCumJkLX+xaydloI+qXSYcxmwGj74SVWmdkeRoO/6RFodTWv+GIdvG79IBoMsfnAeIz1sQrTaQk36jPCbgi3B/bedikHu+5Cik1PS0drEMLWkad1X/G1U0yIx20v9VpR7uWwaz/t6DJQckde058Yp5/zbQlm8jV7M7Z9B3LR31yxyrtElRLqXTsBHf/I3VIpyvIWfDciRKns6Lo+XM9GvbmkM77lFgoaUfSPS04eJN/5XoqNjRtzvwqmkOO2ZbkLwNz5sMHzvm1YZhBczdrLCVncWbFRN3ciVngRgBqpaEduFOC1BZaqcq/AgeTidGjqFC5775XgYtcBRsds/LYGxoq5f4EaJU2QFYwq9YbclOQviWAWP2DwykJIIFS84IFRfpUr0bn/u3ZmOucGZguMndxmw82HhncqfIfY1peZ9hQTD0a4HJYaDpe7vNfNDGixpPKdZ/u9dG8wjPaxSjnFYhdBv9DOYEEUvtG9zrBVh6mzVhWretNIbEEGWaKB8zcbzSthBdeYEchrURRrfBstL0lRkRs5+P6OHdxr1ZHeW9eLrPW6WdeMl1nB3S03fBeDTPBfkgn+OZcVM7qrmvy5YJbvq0SQUcdKWLXNol2GiJDbwQJqHTNy+G4DJi68eMqVQebMzWj1psc/eUqu/TcAV1dVsbPaWT92cq7OY6Q+M1eUMZx4zqQu3UH46FR4FRc6r0BE8a9ZZGbySpFdPtizbkoIql5aTTJryONQyKdds16vm0UzgNgG1gfzVirRJaK2sBIm7vcAHCrIFB6DJPFCHTJ/NcsIrRqrvlvNx+4B2o1Pc0aU08SgaQqP7pyTnd0iQ9u/+Nsg5O0EcDfuIDLrHiRAm35wR7YIGRCrTe3tjUNe/DFzirW8aHQVz4WDkuaWOEQ6YLwIgV+yU7aymsLCvXQ8f/Wmae9rxiAunjeKm2bpH2CGV9wz94Yzzax0bFSv95Ob9REq9nbCpq7NxHyYJ9If2CvBWZn9a4NCIU3URYadFO26Z+7WxqIspMZ3Udevd2LA1Pv/rq1QGryBdXbq6/bu9xioJTti7ok1WjEkgi896YpBdVnYCpypwvcTwgUUa3wPG40octXXdZOXu7F3mJmUU9WYMXPRpepNcRP6ljVpcjcD6UBWyXC3mO7ozTTnxfNN6aDEcmC6WN6E78MvItDZYYOCO4ngv6rNg1x8coZezrOfxQiTcK5mU+96bzJksQ7nUyzVPe1jHw9dzAsXFnr78au4dtXE9B3s04ilPonTlqNxC4toFtrTo6MjwPYV7qRar9Q/rtMAXSKDt1TnV0tLGzd8R5N0kk6U/bjJN0N/zMs9dvCzU/kV2HytKE5GVtjlcTspbk4mFV6O91cE0FeVIj/ov2oVWUVJ1mCRz+ROQdx+Lvfw45YlEsS482auWYXHcnb/oCoZc/QP7vsv6tIEJMOWrFA6ORK3R4b/V1hUtYMbICvxUq/UVAi5v69TrEnL4CJq0kSVyP6HfVW/EuHqVx8v8a2TvMgRtHf18Y0sKqgrUXY2i6SSp9AMaf1pAwsVg8PQt+s40cdXzFY2cAsik4UDkxM+2MU9+/JSDTE9DnY5hgQZaGZFCKkbqymRvB2RFIvKoiW1GvXF08ljXtwptoajWa+Mvnm61Xi6SZYGEVnlmv795uOPqWmQ64AXETiQ+zgwOPhOyiXTN0tmcvwS1tfa2Lj6WJXE+tzkxWCP/rE9xWqTrXGI/UvLXaxQq2t5zYA2zfmDXi89/C/D7vZeGGIq+AWW7ChlJieNLfLmHU4kVKznbtpXeg81+3XbU+xvZJkLLOpY49U+sUIwL7CFEcyLWda2apvCnGpsf19hKFMLajWsawWbI8t+1fjGrtoOW+TOTsXctC/hHO7svWHSq3c2GtCqA94Q58sLXvE6bSSFrlhVOmpgYTZ8VsNyq5u64GrRlQ5zmk1elAU375Jsm52i8RINvC+aNTvOOzVio7oMX6XIqyVUnJKcynSFM6zDhVstsTwGTCzJ8fjx0daRrkmG4fSKz47TXOPfsLoL3wos7cwlri9X3TuO3/iQz5eYCmyAvnDPyU2eWNKE20a6xm3JAM7kaCuDtc9k7Si7zKeuForVsxtHE7MiT4WZAvp7Hfcc85pjfpGbpr2bpfU+agYPls+T9d1qRV5+DquotLGqZSuFXblSWOuTMNvTVRPngVb3cY5kBzFCLS903S5g4X8swAbcCQuXCKrGCq8469ORhV38zoazQ582apOnT0+AEnI0dglMLFI70bHMNo966qm3TposxgyjwyuoARuKGa+OIq/cWrELqlDcUnd3RssyZ8ynZd0DsiVYQvSoVJBlF+kJryZm0wBZdhsiy4IqIOCg4GYRtxpWA9bopMYtk/8Rqg7uAXuFpU91qT38spoQgprxrKsjFNXG8Lil0xydYF8AUhBWdWcFHZFr5qqKMLkdXpm4IohvSmh6nLinlu8nNjf7LMmty7jpfd2tOwNZeLzhrmTTNrbsj7HKLVZhNig167Tro134T6dTXutdhKrZEQ47Uq/PLE+xbj7q2HfrHJBXeJFw1q1UTxSkMCU+S6YSdzRGe2XsONvVDVvXHjy46+3qbECbVlYLfoALDNHz1qjVD4IpUl+lrUaJBz3ZISTvavzj/vqFVwfihxBX44wbunrW1C0cm/EWk8Ragw2QfVm0zS4Sy0aZF6mcNNwCU14+BikaJqMmkHKrfjT1Jlwy9+fFc101/WSrxAutmrU4WY5MZksI3MnJghVj31r8/BC/LfLyXViw0y7lxMrbkRGOD3h9L39hU8KMJxhLhtU1sUIe67Io60TtaMKQF4+QhrrLNEvgzgcmZajrsoKq6xoGRVkRCU7NaxvWneXqCbJtrG3cn9pfb2nU/mkBhnjrMetp84T5SwPL5zFwO/XYY8dfUq/jrudQ42nQnFiqdgI+Mv3zAi/wH34VhGXeejHi7W3mrgT+YfrWXd1jtIfNjcnYYo+2VDgOeQH7fnt6WiqBkB9pj2y+uTT85Z+gjCP8+1FmWsi03YKy6JW27i8wlTVcQZsaX/LDvKzJqtaPS7Lk8exaicwkGuZaI7wyIimdV8d5+jrzkw6vqjY5OQJmSxks847F8QuZTGHaLkAsRBuZxpdYRbFh1jy0eNJQxKxRTKVmIxXSeM07uBRfbhCa+JWabk4K8NJ15JDt0ovkF09KpS9RPamoAB/Jhg26aU9FK1snE7PAHWy9YoRntigzWzelWT/mYStpgWZFrljL4mOy7vWvXCDKZoGMQmnrywYNZYpi/E22vM0XsHT6RTCa9tsvC1iDmrqEx9JfWFNSqzUSq0GyAUPbazBtNVl6G+vd1awAjA4GR/s0M7qPXRZHY94qF4vTDoY9CsOIBWAz8nRy0wVGLWG6t9+LsODnELPBwyBsySYavF9UBgTd2MLFP85cbulS9USQsEJ2m3eycBtr0MANZFuONjbNOOU1s80a3qXSzLrEusjvlr9bFSeSGxNdhRh7mJh1OnVkn8tS2Y3Nhuz7wCeBxyPta89M+1q9DCFe8dpfJxk1/7muje07h5K3OPgRfVpTEWsFg25B/2T+mtF2ueYtWR2aFxEnuUZWQwFrqC0rlaMGHri6eDgWtivKWOW18XjpapPbMH+LvK7qeY1ZSNGuUTqR9AAvtF6blqxZx9Y600C3M0nsFcLbhwXYyeMCG0cwa9Slw3ljmKOZ1jXetOr7CYXBpRNFB8CBzeqw8FwrvAxT4d72dnk4HPDuNnIhIb49rgGtTEDoYX2kMjay3tuLxq17uqlL0Jbl9jMZGmBsa2hwwqHN/MhX/PRYuhj9AZbUN/ucWX3YffGmvGuKALfAu+ydCjAK5oNTs5gsnZFRofXYXhSrVRR3zCsBMnbpxWbHLuxNDZjyRjC8BviF7usy9apvc1VxYB7Jtjx2ee+pvPFXybcgr8lzxihBRtaCNfplRe4Sn73NRJI0cV82kgl0z5kp9h1s87Dl5Ul55yBZQlTnAxR1Lot53jELsF+fd3RRz9gKtMYfnxQyPIb9HfXMDoUWrV9dtC6+km25sRcetqjAHhV9skAZ0yUZOApxhEmUTowpm0x807Zl1lxldjYtnMJ49afYzW0cjrFV4TZ2vwNme/sWtImNxJjVPkivpZ/Rcb10N0qXeWtcisfGQYseI+wfVQgKLpB0O8FI58WiTLMzhWxrVgjMLqoXspsd7wV4+be6JY1sCjTi8W221tCxjg7kfWH6vNlK3+yu59XB22MQx+JYaktCN8cdXvEy3hOOb3Troj6ubJtNZkkk3i6JN4/TrXGwNZNbLJx39mrzdm+8Hwk28CuMcMwFfUoy0Vscr7tJnZp2s4KgFsDNZI4yboM1WZw8g6XJ+23evw5wGOGnZTZw5y2UeEu7+31WpGwryLknuGd7ucpdt0ICBoGgrqj+StWBtdEnR6wjXpe8dHqqe4JIg9BsbG6Fnc5G4yBldnmUgj0FseXyZSsMxqMQu4kFjF3R0ame7LRUSm5yFy92bJ8aNfE2LoHuT5SiSsffY5viKOqWl9PdXs/sM5rc0VlAK2vYSzDWW8bm2d3taC9EFmGMjbB5b+EA3eO2/YrtfiI0zN8aTLuXAcGbHuLFWLaqo9/WaAxv0Hd7zXibA/bdNoF92dK40L8ve9k4LBV4hzjGLeuHNwYE+5s4PsrZLWIpdMD0VLZYwx7YDAcMH0gCES/tHorUVrcnHfavlh2XWB7qXN5ChzcxDuhFn7dhwod9b0MdHVttM4697St155mM2e2y3cd85/u8NVRfdDTWTSHpFzqSrZvxe78vuyJhp8YpcLv15eSIba9etjKXW8We1v5iIlsOYURvPc7orlc0iKhuZvS6heZ9sz83IEv9PRpfmo37tNxr3Rvfw+6WYWoUBtgglvfRu5D9hNDTjAZqEpttYXkUN7TbLoJx26YRtegziEbcp7LXJEzjOGxFmCWzvU2EVrkBb22TNLQArTW1FIvJhbFo0OU98MhQp0jSMByFvDOZQIhvhuBOs4/ElnM4pK9bU8IRk/EYwcPQsE2ZzW1lx/RAN5kdkTaClu7PehF4OwvK+75aQ2uUZSu5QsBkucA2DZ1SsHZNNjmSfYoKsptsQXZ6G8m27QGaFYZ9AUfAIwh+WcaLbNiqvlL2P1VX0O/bncHYOOuHAmv+Vf+RHGR9t7sfYY/H9H0x+9gKGFuc9Vu8Lb0ply3su9mXLVBH7HZw/x4BvY3tnbjBYs+8JoNg6tZuxt7pzprCt3hb3VFB9pSXDfHQRWhOyLNY74Vh5DYbLo91I/NwDzsPjyOSCKO9xcGZuiioTeBrdqaSlk912Me2JQNthy9lg8SQwiaEBIxxlCL/js2YBt3BMtbxTO9jOeXZXch1S2clCGpr08tpbPpelq3eo0vs0kmugcLH0YsXL+K7u81sWekhLpDd3QNs7s171IbYnJ01IRux3+N1ytE/BB0a47wNsdmoMwVYYaSL0QGUb9/ms97mAttAvy+gsE9km07jqVA+QeGdtIjYYPvQvmz0SeLgzER97qXYiPD2tdjXGHuC6j68QWwX0TH2M02Z70YYY2wQX9hde4OEDm6PfGfB5eHDh0p+XtCbAM+3ef+9EGcfY0CzikLZ7551lIqo8Sl47P54ZPY7fRE8HL347OXLzz57WfjkJdpp93j95JNSu32E3V3xCdpPz/T5Z58F7ZefvCiMPgvuvxi5TVVHrm1UdzhGd6P+Pb9EXMoRls4giUhxKeqrlPgEaar0zAstMnj73ERTGDb67W1UftvodTxGwwkXnDXgmV0DYBCQxWrKDwSeMdDKnFpFLRvbHmzt8nI07A5Jxj2QjBD6HIWB3evwTaBt2Z0RwY5IJGxuDLwqarXwJsuM3csUb61M5ZKYk+7MfMmbNPPustjCFtvaklmGBKG3KaLsWyxUOODh3S9kYpu2EWL796WfRnB/AXdOikUZf28k0epTqZbsBS2DRiBKbAtfQQjZJ1p/Qt5VWl97206HvnLiO+jy376hQEA0BMLZef/nFOOVJSqLYJHuOn0J7af4LGJ3L/AzQ5lkq0uzjR1vP8qbMwagIOIDZJdc20GovSWK5kQn11lO+WVbS4pxGzJsaZy3xJykMIL7sf2f/+u/fUmPJED6QWxnY6l6jK2uW6gWI7QcDbe70TJvxIQrYZgog7zWDGaNqZUUAlCb7jHQu8tYsw77iu3tgR4TwY3CS0aYmiW3Q3toTSN2kcc+DzCuYRSUGRxY/w6K2IP1N4X3laexG4Z7+IFpGfMUMyowyJGzyoRb9B32EQ9BKOwG39iKGdrSQIqxENsqmekmEwryQdQ15HtJIFwmZFFwY30LMpAosjU5ahrf+5EMMFUcYOvyIDK7QGsnknj8ho7QT8hgs7e4lA3IR6yckbIfoJjYFQM67JsBneIBTWqCNHRGnCwsl0OWa7iNhduhopQKx34J6m8xUsbe1tDWauL9/cDtH3rfbK5qGYAcE+K2gDF2b5cOUntCFpWMbHl7G3vXR+nI/XDpbnf5wlMkYBizOtBhAYxKS7eu5sdFKLTLtNH7ChjxsIG+KDM49sqyLwjvZzOI9j3M3o3nuzxWK4mvRw/IHu8/Itj2BoO/QzyGDZ7/W0pG2adh6vVrgOvTJ1RSD1+/fs2/7GR/ZLre+iEMf3iNPn7+vPwcLYPWn9MY2saILf99WYcttoHAR+gaAfFz9kW/UUjf4/vVgK0n9Cf1CxLgCbBCJ4+ocsH2D9G/fvXd68uvg9cPH45fvBh/dJuc50e3tRBVpGcKu4IvUh8hNi2Pf/0k+oEkeo4afgPGz7LgLZ1073m49wseR08oCA1RO0vw5Akp9RdUVDQShl9/+sQMQXr1g2hmXKaRB/l++IH0kyoH/0pgfvj60jD5169Zaal/BTmhLnvyaSr1XNv+afkXfyYqgli/Ien+niFEGgr3fqBaSPskGz1Tt1+OX6SIcPwV6Bq1kl3zRXABBUj5gj4mf/zFF7eD8YsvWg8vQ/qGzOnrH/6pFf0QUqPGJPIeteH1LwBYwDX6l23S/3D/m0G5PCgP5IeeqABO++X/Rf0Wbf+Qko7i3dxTe8/L40+pQyDX1//qisRv8vtc7ABj5DVs0rj8ei98AmWSRfxNGT3xm/9V7kbd7vIAVhbUIL3GfFZYwBzQCkO4m1Zjy9MQBiDDw2hIY55+CHTiR617N4ZHPJnn9E2xFIA8DClliAJyxAW7TMt7c0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</svg>) Here we are a part of something bigger NLB Group Annual Report 2024 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 2 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Forward-looking statements The expectations, forecasts and statements regarding future developments that are contained in this report are based on assumptions and are contingent on a number of factors that will come into play in the future. Consequently, the actual situation may turn out to be different. Contents OVERVIEW 3 NLB Group at a Glance 4 Statement by the Management Board of NLB 5 Statement by the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of NLB 8 This is where our community thrives. 10 Key Highlights 12 Key Events 16 Shareholder Structure and Market Performance of NLB’s Shares and GDRs 20 Macroeconomic Environment 23 Regulatory Environment 28 BUSINESS REPORT 31 Strategy 32 Funding Strategy, MREL Compliance, and Capital 34 Risk Factors and Outlook 39 Overview of Financial Performance 44 Segment Analysis 67 NLB Group Key Members 85 Risk Management 96 IT and Cyber Security 109 Human Resources 113 Corporate Governance 115 Compliance and Integrity 125 Internal Audit 128 Corporate Governance Statements 129 Disclosure on Shares and Shareholders of NLB 154 Events after the End of the 2024 Financial Year 156 Reconciliation of Financial Statements in Business and Financial Part of the Report 157 Alternative Performance Indicators 159 NLB Group Chart 166 Organisational Structure of NLB 167 Sustainability Statement 168 FINANCIAL REPORT 369 NLB Group Directory 555 Definitions and Glossary of Selected Terms 558 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 3 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report With an in-depth understanding of customer’s needs and business environment, NLB Group charts a path that ensures not only its long-term development, but also the development of wider economic environment in our home region, South-Eastern Europe. We invite you to explore the key achievements, financial performance, and strategic objectives of NLB Group in 2024. OVERVIEW ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 4 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB Group at a Glance Investment grade rating from Moody’s (A3 long-term deposit rating with positive outlook; as of 7 January 2025, solicited rating) and from Standard & Poor’s (long-term credit rating at BBB with a stable outlook). Strategic focus 2030 Sustainable banking Total assets EUR 3,411 million EUR 1,245 million more than 2.9 million 8,322 EUR 28,035 million A3 2024 A3 2023 Total capital Total operating income Number of active clients Employees Ratings 16.0 2023 10.5 2024 Vision 7 banks with 409 branches 5 leasing companies 3 asset management companies The Group will look after the financial needs of its clients and improve the quality of life in its home region – South-Eastern Europe. º In May 2024, the NLB Group launched its NEW GROUP STRATEGY 2030 , which will ensure the long-term development of NLB Group and the broader economic environment in Southeastern Europe. º Strategy 2030 foresees THE DOUBLING OF NLB GROUP’S BALANCE SHEET, REVENUES, AND PROFIT BY 2030 . • Sustainability is integral to the new Group Strategy and embedded in business processes. • NLB Group is committed to the Paris Agreement with a net-zero strategy to reduce emissions in lending, investments, and operations. • ESG Risk Rating: 10.5 (low risk), ranking us in the top 5 th percentile of global banks and earning Top Regional & Top Industry badges. Note: Number of active clients in NLB Group banking members. Core financial members include seven banks with 409 branches, five leasing companies and three asset management companies. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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"/>
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lVrazs1trUqDh3Z90rjI5XiNQfVSemK9CnHkhyvc8+pLnnzLbYvfHLTQngKO0jjg/tLWL2OEOVyxIPH5KT9KKq5Yq5tgan75vsdN+zR4aGlaZqeoOAxMosom/vLFncw9ix/Su3K6TXNUfocmeYjm5KS9X8z2HFeufPjhQIWgYUAKKBi9aAHoccVLQ0P/lUsaDmkO5wwNdRiPWkwHigBwpAOFSA4UXFccKQDhQIcKBjhVJDRyvxBs/3Nveo2MyqjrjrwcGvEzfDxt7Vb7HuZRiJc3sntuZOn6msA5PIr5tOzPpJU+ZDJ9fuL6/FpBIY0Ay7L/CK1c5SJjShBXsLpep6XdXksAvYmaEfvF3ZZT6EdjTjFJ66IJXt7px3j/UbCS8FuLuLzQ2cB+QKqnF6sc5Wiky14E8TWV3ZyWUxSVoGKqWAIIzSmnBgkprQs+IJNHaB3e0tgQOoiWoi5NlOCiiv4CbTn1eWKy2rvh3Y9Cf8A9VelS3seVXehveIrNNd1HQLWWZhPDcSPDHs3eYV2ZHtx3raUXU5YowpTVJSkz1nSLG306xjtLaFIY1ySqDAyTk/qTXvU6apxUUeBVqurNyZcAqzIdQCAUDF70rALjimMUUAOWkwJKgoKQ7nDDrXSjEeKYCimA9elS0A9RUWsIcBSEPAoGOFNIBcVVhjgMUwMLx4m7Qd+P9XOjH6Zx/WvNzSF8O/I9DK5qOIXmcBqUcjadP5LbZOgYD7vvXySWp9fzaGbous6TbM9n5vlMrbZGlY5c/U9TXRyvsYrmkx2vWVtf2UzadLGt1IcbkcBiK0Wm5XLNLY85vvAssd01zfyCabqGd8mt1VS0RzOhOXvMmtLi00pktTcLEXIUbTg5PTFTOKlqKNRwdjZ8Sw3FtoJmkleTJxnHPqK54pc1kdMptwuy/8AD23bStbjedsMsW5/yya6KUtbnJWj7tj3r4fxj/hHYbggbpmZ845wTXvYGNqV+589j5fvbdjolFdhwIeKChaBi0AKBQMWkAoFADlGKljQ4daQx1IDhAea6jG48UAOFVYZIvSkA9amwDgamwDhmmA4UxXHjrTC4ooAg1KzS/06eykJCzIVyOqnsfwNZ1IKpFxfUqnNwkpR3R5Hc/a7S6msrn926N5cvHQ9j9CMV8bXoOlNxfQ+zw9dVYKS6l64021uNLET28ci4yykA5Pr9awU7O5105OLMaXTNCjgxPp8isOd0W5SPyNdkaiaLlVs7rQ5jWNK0mdmMRvlUk53SOSfzo57PYt1abjqUfDvgrR21hNQlgd5ITuSSVixH0z0qaleSXKjk9nGTudB4ruI5p7DSYwAGfzZc9kHNRBbyM5vRIzE1BrjVHEDczP5SY9Aef8ACtoxsjCUtT6g0K1+x6NZ2o/5ZQqp+uOa+oox5KaR8rXnz1JSL6irZkOz2FA7BQMcKB2FxQAvGOakAXB6UAPz7VNyrCilcdh1ILHCYrrMLD1poB4FUFx6UAPFJoBw61NguPHSkFxy0wHAUAOFAhRQM5D4maYraY2tQR5ntQBKAP8AWR57+4zmvMzLCqrT51uj0stxTpVOR7M5bw/qltdQKodWr5WpTa3PqIVE9jQaWykD7tikdsc04qyHKV9jmNUv7KO52KEf6DmnySkV7SMdGZGqapaaaHuCQpYdM9cVpGm3oZyqxWpyE2tPO004I+03Xygk/cX2roULaHK6l9Tf+D+jx+JfGUNtID9ihXMreqjt+Jrqw9L2k7HJiKns4Nmp+x34nvrLWfFHw+1bUJbmHTr+RNPaVyxQBiCgJ7HGQPrXuU5dGeDOJ9MitCApgRy3dvCv7yVQfTPNNQk9guiodV8xtltCzn1Naext8TC5PEt5LzJKIx6KOahuC2KUX1LUUSjk5Y+rHNZuQ0kiYVAxaQC0AOpAcMBXZYwuOAp2C48CmA8UCHikAo60APWkMcKVhDxTsAtAA7pHGZJHVEHJZjgD8aAPPvGPxc+GmlJNpl94os7q4mBhNvZH7Q+Txg7MgfiazqSi04tlwUlJSR5XqEV5pF/I1mzRsrEhSOD7Yr5icPecZI+njLROPqZ+p+MJt+6e1ffjB29M+tSsMujKeKa1sZD+JnMpmFs7H+EFav6t5kfWb9DDv76/1O68y5YgE9OwquRRWhPtHJ6kkCySyLBbqXnk4yD90URpylLlSBzjFXbPaPhmq+EtGmupAFcxl3Y9yB/IV7+Hwaow13e54uIxXtZabHzl8PvEdxa+IvEGt29w8Mst29ysqnBGWJFYt63IWx9S/B345WPiuyXTNS2R6ygwr5AS4HqPRvauqi41HZsznG2qO/fU7y7fYjMc8BUFdypxiZas0LHSXfEl25Gf4AaynXtpE0jDubMEUUKhYkCj2Fczbe5aViYUgHoc1LAd6VACg0AKDQAtAHFdq7TnBaAH0DHigQ4GiwXFzQFzL8T+JvD/AIXsVvfEOr2um27HarzvjcfQDqfwFJtR3BXex5R4p/ad+H2lzNBpUGp626nHmQxCKI/RnIP/AI7WTrxWxaps46+/axlYH+zvBi7uxnvCR+SqP51LxPZFexOI8VftI/ErWUMOnz2GhRHqbODMh/4FIWI/DFZuvJlKkkeY694n8R64SdZ17Ub/AD18+5Zh+ROKycm9y0kjR+EukHWviRoGmIvE92rMMc7E+difwU1dON5IUnZH2J420FJL5GceWJ0DK3+0OD/j+NebmNJ06rmtmexgKiqUuR7o8/1HwbqTTMYmiYZ9Dk1xxxEep1Sw8jLufCmpxAmSNAMd+9arEQfQxeGn3K1p4V1O/mENpC0xzg7BhV+rdB/Ouyjhqtf4VZdzmq1adHd3fY9E8JeAYNHT7TdkSz+w+Vfp617OHwtOgtNX3PLr4idZ67HHftCeLI9E8LS6dZygXV5mIYPIX+L9KdepyxM4Ruz5is9QmsrWWKMjMwwxrzTcfo+oXWn3aXVrMySIcgg4ouM9q+FH7RGteHb8Qapm+sGbDJKMkD1VuoP5j2rRVZLRsmyPrj4ffEHwz42sEudG1CNpSPntnYCRD9O/1FaqalsKx1wqhDgaAHqaTQDwakBRUgOoAAaAOL6Cu2xzi07BcM0xXHLTsK5IKQzD8feKdN8GeFL3xDqj4gtk+VAcNK5+6i+5P9T2qJtRV2OKu7HwV498Xa5481+bX9cnMkknEEIJ8u3jzwqDsP51wTm5O7OqMUkYC2wHOMe+agY1vl+VelMZWmfHRsnvQIdCuIjczkbFPyr6mmk2xbH0v+yZ8PJotXi8YanGVmdCtqhGNqkcn8uPxrupwUVcwcrs+l/Fy6PHojyavqFtYQKRtnnkCBW7YJ6n2rKrTVWPLI1o1HSnzROQ07S9RvJnitoo5wvK3CsPKI9Qw6/hXg/2ZV9o1sj3/wC0qShzdTet/BNoyq2pObyQclcbY/y7j6mvXw+Co0dbXZ5FfHVaumyNSPTLaBRHFEkaLwFRcAfhXoc7OKxzPjy9h0vSLiZpFhSOMu8jHhFA5NOL6sTPhnx94jufFGv3N828Wy5jtlbqsYJwT7nkn6159Wpzyubwjyo5nyn3AYI4zWWxZbt4f3DOO3ftQxFCJCUyOtIDe8LeIdR0K8juLO5lidSCHRyCKEB9T/C/9pCNYYLHxYpnBAUXSffA9WHetY1GtGJo+hfDHiXQvElkLvRNTt7yPGSEb5l+q9RWqknsKxtLTYhwqWgHLSAcKQC0AcSDXoWOUcKeghcUXAUUgHg0hnyP+2N4w/tnxZbeELSUta6YQbjaeGnYZP8A3yvH1JrjxM7vlOilHS54sqYPAwPQVzGwj9SW6UMDKvXDSFOgPagCGCMzTqi8D+lAHoPwd8KTeMvHNpZJFmxgYNKSOMV00omU2fVXjbxjY/DTw4ktpaC7v5P9G02yXjzH9Tj+EdT9QO9ehGnz6GDlY+e7zU/E3izVJdR8VajJdXXmkBCcRw8/dVRwAOnAJ49+fLxU06jUdkdVJaamt4P+Ix8A65BfWUsl2B8k1sCSsqHquOgPcH19uKzpuSZUrM+wfCfiLSfFXh2013RrgT2d0gZT0KnujDswOQa7LHOWLk4PFWgPmb9rzxiLW2g8H2MmZ7tRNesDysX8Kf8AAjz9B71nXqWXKVCOtz5lBA45xXGbEbsDu45CkBuw9qAG/a1FssFvGZD3fouf60CIoYyFwR+NIY5k7AUCEjeaFtysfpQB1XhLx3rfhy8S5069nt5kOVZGI/8A10AfQ3w+/allYx2ninSRcYwDcWzbXPuVPB/AitVUfUGj6M8IeLvD/iuxW70PUorlSMtHnEiezKeRWqkpE2sb4c+tOyEPDGk0A/dU2GcWK77nJYetK4WFoCwtFwsU9c1O10XRbzV72QR21nC00jE9lGcfU9B7mhysrgldn59eIL6bWPFF/qtwd0s8jzP7M7FjXmN3bZ2pWVimRtz096kZBcttQnJOPWgDGdsuW75pgXIUMNqXH+smO1fpTirsl6H2L+y14OXRPBh1KSL/AEu6XOcc812QVkZS1NPxT4UGlWmr/ELxO323U7eEx6XZrzHahjtjUerFmDMfr6VvUxPJC0fvIjTu7s+dvEWqLa20emWjrJO6/vWBzz3z+Z9evvz5MU5M6W7I6n4F/CW58dXx1jU1ki0ONipkJ+a7YdQv+z1Ge9d9OEYK7MZSb0R9baPpdnoFjFZ6TapBbRKF8qMYGAMDHvTcubcVrFDxt4j0/wAN+Gb/AF7UJQtvaQl+eC7dFQe5YgfjTb5Vdgld2Pz/APFmtX/iPxBfa5qUpkuryUyOSc49FHsBgD6VwSk5O7NkrGRt/E0iiOdmB2jIYfpQAyNhEu5hnkDH1NIRNGNxJPSgZMqdAM0AK8IIwBk0wI/shY/XmgB8dsI23KxyD+ZoA7jwL4rm0rUYbgXdzBcwkeXJFKUK4+lNCPtL4M/EWy8caS0RdV1K1UeemfvjpvH9a3hK5LPQlNWIfupWA45TXTc5LjxRcLjqVxXDNFwueMftb6w1n4FsNJjk2tqF3l1B+8kYyc+24rWVeXum1LVnyXH/AK+4c95MfkBXEdIP+tAypqTAQBB1JoAzreDzZljA6nmgDrPh5oknifx/Y6XCm6GJwXx6CtaaIkfoL4e06HTNKtrKJQFjQL+lbsyPB/jz4xXXfFA8OWMjfYNIcm4cHiSfH8lzj65zxXPVl0NYo+dfE86XOqTEKNw+UYHQ4/pz+R5qYaK42ffPwztLex+HmgQWaKif2dBgAdMoCf1rrbMUbkgP3c8D0qRnyb+1r47TV9fXwdpsn+haa/mXjKeJJ8fd+ij9SfSsqs76FwR4G2CenNYmhGy5bAoA1NT1K3uNAstPXT4IpLcsZblVG+QH1OM8Y7k1bmuWyRKWpz0StcShhnYD8gx196zGa0NsxHKgCgCdIVU9OaAHxxZ5wMA9aYxrJ8/lJwcfMfQUICtODnagwo6Y7UwFtrK6kmUKCCeQc4oEz0D4JeI9R8H/ABG0y8kd44HmWG4BOA0bfKf8fwq4uzEz74inYAc7h611NXIuWRKhXdu6VNmM5QVqcQ8UDF7UAKtOwrnxv+0d4jk1z4p38Ak3W2mYs4l3cAry5/FifyFcdWV5HXSjaJ5eq/KcYGWJP51iaiEHvQMztSYGQDPAGKYDbT9xaS3jcHGFpIR9GfsW+ES63PiW7iOZGPlkjtXRTWlzOTPov4i+I08J+C9R1zCmWCIi3VujStwg/Pn8KqUrK4krnx7pTStZXN1cOzzyyM7ux5Zick/U8/qexFcj3NTjVtZZNRlZR83O09B7fQdOM9B+NNPoI/RHSLYadoVjZIMC3to4VH+6oH9K6zI4r45eO08A+BZ76KRP7VuswWEZ6mQj7+PRRyfwHepk+VFJXPha5mluJZZ55WlmmcvI7nLOxOSSfUmuY0ICM5NIZGvLYFMAaBrg+V0QH5j6n0oEX7a0SIDjNAFoqAOKAGxx7jk0hizHyotykE9FHqaYFWVvLUp1cnLt6mmBVjnaOUOU3JnDD1FAHSDw5q+p2cN/ok8UsOMLhsMp9D6GmkJszW1zVdOuRp2u2ZjdTgM64Ix6GjVCP0M8EakmseDtG1WNiy3VjDLk+pQZ/XNdkXdIhmzTAwK0scjQoNFhDqBGf4k1WLRPD2oavMQEs7d5jnuVBIH4mk3ZDSu7HwHfzT3l3Nc3DF555Gkd+5YnJP5157ep6CVkV2OFGfSpYxgzgk0AYszGacn1OKYmXLm2kuJLHSIAfMnkVfzoSEz7++DGgReH/A9jaRoFIjGa6rW0MjzD9qfxE93qdj4Ut3Pk26/ablQfvOR8oP0H/oVY1Za2NII8qEXl6YEA+92HX/P+B74zzlDvAehrqXjPR7IrkXN/CjHHbeCenHQE/h9RWlPWSE9j7ZuriKGKS5mdY4YlLMzHhQBkk+wFdRkj4X+OPjqXx/44mv49yaZa5t7CMnpGDy592PP5DtXNOV2apWOBYDPHHpmpKIXz6EUhDo4mdxGp+Y9T6CgDQhiWJNoHA70xkqrlKAGnk4oEPyEQk9h69aBlZZPOkMrY2pwo96YDGwevQ96AIJth4FK4Gv4Sv73R79Li2nHkscSR54YfSmB6lq1n4V8X6QsF7ewwXIG6J2YZQ/4Vd0Kx9KfA6I23wp0C0Mqy/Z7cwh1OQwV2AI/KumHwohnbDpVCOerU4hQaYDhRYDxv9q/xIdM8EW+hQTBZ9Vm/egdfJTk/m239awru0bGtFXlc+UJp/s+0yD5G/i9K4mdgTNuPy9CKQEM7eXaSN144oQzOsk3TIG7n1p7CO4+DOknXvi3aoV3R2p3H69qqlqyZPQ+9vMt9J0JrmchYLWAyOT2VRk10PQzR8c67qNxr/ia91e7OZLyYyMPQZ4Htgcf/AKjXHJ3dzZE0sYaAKec9fTOO/wCnH0HXBqBne/s/6Bcaj8QI9RWP/RdMiaSR25/eONqLn/vpvfaPSt6K1uRPY2f2s/Hv9maUvgjSrnbd30Ye/ZG5jg7IfQuRyP7v1rSpPSworU+WGHHFYFkUhxjHX3oGR4OVAXLscKp70hF+3hESbc5cjLN6mmMdux8p5zQA5TxjvQAqIB8xoAzdUu/3i28Zy7HGKEImdo7eEJu6DFO4yjJO8v3eBjpQA0Ru3OT04zQAqRHf88jYz/CaAOw8KJoE5/s7VTJA8n/HteKx+RvRvbNUibH278I7L+zPhn4fsWYM0VmoY5zkkkk/rXXBe6Qzq94A6iqsBz+a2SOIUU7AOBpiPj/9qbWzqfxUmtomMkGm26W3yno5G5vxy2Pwrz8RK8zsor3TzGMpND5coBHTnoa5zYjkTZhF4VRgUWAgvVzbbfUigY3TYv8ASM4GEUtQB7P+xxpP2rxBe6o67maXGcVtSVkZTPfv2iNfOleCF0uBsTapJ5TYPIiXlvzO0fjTquyHFHzdZJl9/wDd9+n19Onb0PtnlZaNIDKqMew/X/H8/bohnuHww1Cw8D/Bi+8X6gg2yPJMig8zkfIig+5HHsc11R92Gpm9WfJ/ibWb7xDr19rWpSeZd3kxkkPYZ7D2AwB7CsXq7lpWMt+AT7UgIX2oMsKYye0h2ZklGJDgcfwj0oAnPrigBjqc5xigB6AAgGkIr31yscfynkCmBi6U3mTTX8jcglIx6mhAXI7WeZ/Nlyq9cE80wJfJWIcLk45NAyJ2z0OPTFAEaTJG+ZBlc8j2oA3pNNM2mLPbuJIHPyyD+BvQ+lMR7j+y38RdVvbC98GahcP9o04eZbk9THnDL+BI/OtKc2tBM9rOoXhOftMv/fVXzMRuDrXeecOoC5R8Qanb6LoV/q90wWGyt3ncn/ZBOPqen40pOybBK7sfBWsXk+pandahcuTNdTPNIc/xMST/ADrynK7uz0krKxnTo23cLkKPcUhlnYWiQ7txwMn8KYIjvEAtT7EVIxunLiC4b/pmaGB9FfsTxIdHuX43Gdq6KexjLcf+0Hr51fx9LYREG30xBbJg8Fz8zn8zt/4D71jVd2aRWhxFqu0Dg5HcDn/H0/Ie1ZMZbUNIwiiAZ3IVQMck8AE/kPy9RTiruw+hoftDeLI5RpngHSbgNpmhQpHceWflluQuGJPfbkj6lq2qSuyIo8eA7jisihWC4LMOBzTGRwQLcSCdiQq8xgHqf73+FAFhowedzn8aAIZtyjhz+dAihcSzc7psCgY6G4ZIxuYnA6k80WAx9YvW2MAcZoYjY0SPyNMiUgqQuTnqSetAE814uMDJx7UDKrvNICcYHvTAiPypuJFAFOXDhsUAXPDXiCbQ7xkuIzPp842XER/iX1HoR1BpbEnqPwDt0j+N/wBotJ/PtbnSpJklHG8fKOR2Oeo9auO+gj6dBrUDpc16J5rF3U0gSPIP2rPEKaZ8PU0lZtkuqThSB18qMhm/DO0fjWGKlywt3N6EbyufIMusW8eQoZj7ivMO0zLjUzM2e1JsLnS6XIJNNt2z/B/I4qlsCJboA27dOxpWGM08A2049VOKQj3f9jzVINL8M6zf3JAhsvMmf6AE4/St4O0TNrU5K9u5r/UJ72dsyzytM59SxLHp9f5+grnbuaE8LBh6Z/DH+H/6/wAUxlfWdQOmQrcRy+XKnzxMOu8cL+ROfw9hVw0uxM4F5mlnLuxYk5JJySaQDwQP50AQvmeQARs8QzkjHzH069KAJfOkxgWx/FxQBGZLntCgHu//ANamBVnkmC8qg9fnJ/pRYDPkZ5GCsy4JHck0wGXcoijwpoAxoz9q1GGNuhcZ+lQI7OIKU3vwvarKIJJo0HABzQBWkcsDk/SlYCCRsYBPFMBjpkAxkYouARWcl+4giQlzwPQ0biPSP2fJ9S8NfE2y0u8WJ476OSJRkM0eRuyMdM7Rn6U4aMR9WAnFbCNwyn1NeyqZ5gec/wDequRAj5G/aK8QtrfxQu7ZpN8GmqtrGvYEct+O4n8hXj4uXNUa7HfQVonmGoooXdIsRT3jya5DYzHk0V1IdSreqqRSuI09FkhayVYGLIjMoz+f9ataoDQILRMB1IpFDdO/1cv+7ikB1vwu1gaf8P8AXLBXAe+vREAf7o+ZuO44GR7+9Ve0GR1L8LFioyfm45Pv/n+f0zLNS3AEgIH3fQ9OnQ9unvjA9OQDjPGuoLLqBgQ/JEAp4xk/5P8AnrVLYXUwEk59zSADM0knkRtju7Z+6PT6mmMtIxCBV4UDA+lACkqg696AK09yOfm79KAM+4n6880IRRkmPJBFMZnXs56Z/KpZJL4aVJNVXzBnCkj60IEdPdQsSGebauOgpsopuqIcKDz3NMBVRto2gk0AI1s7gbyF9fWkBGqC0cOsuf8AZPSncC3/AGxex25ewt02Dhii8rS1Fc9Z/Zu8MR6l4sbxh5rSRWtsUKuckXD8fkFDfmK0j3Ez6LzViNgnivoUjzhmckZp2JPgrx4Zrz4k+IZWnZG/tK4PH/XRq+cra1Jep6MPhRFayNNbHfjKnGfWsTQqSxRSbhJDGwJ/u4NAFrT7aO3R0jGF3Z/SqQF2EZf8aTGJp6/vJU7bTSEVvBk8h1W4ttx8uMyOB6k9f5UgR6FYckn0H9cf5/8ArmkMuzXJtbGW5C7ikRkAz6AHH/j36e5oA8vvZnlnZ5Dkklj9apAVpJWSMkAdO9AFuACFCBknuT3PrQA5rqRU4AoAqTXEjPgmgCBpGbBJpgVrh2DHmkwKFxKwFK4mUXYseaQi9oBI1EY/ummho6uK3WYB3ZjnjrVDEmiSIZC5+tICp9ocDCgAe1CAaZmYgmgCtcRB3+ZjkUIB+jX0+magjQkMknDow4YUupJ9Ffs74tdb1qzgG23nt47gp/dbJHH/AH1WyBns2aoA/9k="/>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 5 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Statement by the Management Board of NLB Esteemed Stakeholders, By now, you know us well. You know that our deepest commitment extends to continuously providing our customers with meaningful services and; between maintaining stability and fostering growth in the markets of our operations, as well as driving shareholder value and advancing their interests. You also know that we constantly strive to exceed expectations and that we do not shy away from seizing opportunities that lie beyond not yet discovered horizons. This was also the case for NLB Group in 2024. In the preceding year, we clearly and confidently demonstrated our ambition that reaches beyond the known by introducing NLB Group’s new business strategy for the following five-year period – a strategy designed to devote our Group and its talents to growth and development in a rapidly changing financial environment. The strategy called "New Horizons" that was presented during the second NLB Investor Day in May stipulates that the Group’s ambition remains to create sustainable growth to support individuals and businesses alike. It foresees the doubling of the NLB Group’s balance sheet (to more than EUR 50 billion assets), recurring revenues of more than EUR 2 billion, and a profit of more than EUR 1 billion by 2030 , combining organic growth with selected M&As in the targeted markets in South-Eastern Europe (SEE) – our home region . The strategy focuses on growth across three pillars: Retail, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Payments, along with operating platform enhancement initiatives that enable their delivery. One of the most prominent ones includes transitioning to a fully digital business model , which includes leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud services, and data analytics. We believe that with a thorough understanding of the business environment and a prudent consideration of the risks, the new business strategy paves a path that will continue to justify the trust of our shareholders – who will receive strong dividend payments – while at the same time fosters long-term development of the Group and, indirectly, also the wider economic environment and society in our home region. Hedvika Usenik Member Andrej Lasič Member Archibald Kremser Member ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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"/>
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"/>
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"/>
</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 6 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report However, the development of such an ambitious business strategy has been supported by the strong business results and milestones we have achieved in recent years, including 2024. Global economic activity held up well in the first half of the year but moderated later; moreover, in the European Union especially gave way to an evolving interest rate environment, as well as structural changes such as digitalisation, decarbonisation, and demographic shifts. Economic growth, interest rate cuts, and the gradual disinflation trends contributed to healthy credit activity and demand for banking services in all client segments, product lines, and geographies, which positively impacted NLB Group’s operations. All of this activity enabled the Group to reach EUR 515 million of net income after tax , further strengthening market shares across SEE geographies, with all banking members reporting solid net earnings and contributing 58.1% to the Group’s after-tax result . The Group’s robust performance in 2024 generated substantial value for our shareholders , as NLB honoured its commitment by increasing its dividend payment from the previous year’s distribution by 100% , resulting in a combined EUR 220 million pay-out in two tranches. The amount represents a 40% pay-out ratio of the previous year’s profit after tax. Furthermore, the Bank’s outlook for 2025 continues to surpass even this percentage, while at the same time will strive to maintain the capacity for organic and/or M&A-driven growth. The June General Meeting that confirmed the first dividend pay-out also confirmed rotations in the NLB’s Supervisory Board , as the mandates of three members expired in 2024. The General Meeting re-appointed Primož Karpe (later also confirmed as Chairman for the third time in a row) and appointed two new members, namely Natalia Olegovna Ansell and Luka Vesnaver. Also, in 2024, the NLB Workers’ Council appointed Sergeja Kočar for another term as an employee representative in the Supervisory Board. When it comes to expansion through mergers and acquisitions, NLB Group in 2024 marked another milestone in its development and the services and solutions it offers to its clients in the markets of SEE. The Group successfully completed the transaction and became the sole shareholder of SLS HOLDCO, Ljubljana the parent company of Summit Leasing Slovenija, Ljubljana and its Croatian subsidiary Mobil Leasing, Zagreb, together forming SLS Group . This transaction not only enabled NLB to become the leading provider of leasing services on the Slovenian market, but also marks NLB’s re-entry into the market of one of Slovenia’s most important business partners, Croatia , after three decades. The Group also strengthened its position in its home region by expanding its asset management into the North Macedonian market by NLB Skladi, Ljubljana acquiring Generali Investments, Skopje, later rebranded to NLB Fondovi , Skopje . Furthermore, to consolidate ownership of the asset management companies within the NLB Group under the umbrella of NLB Skladi, Ljubljana the ownership of the Serbian asset management company KomBank Invest, Beograd was also transferred and renamed to NLB Fondovi, Beograd . In line with its new strategy of pursuing selected M&As in the targeted markets, NLB also launched an all-cash voluntary public takeover offer aimed at acquiring control over Addiko Bank AG for all issued and outstanding Addiko Bank AG shares. As at 16 August 2024, th e offer had not achieved sufficient acceptance declarations to reach the required acceptance threshold of at least 75% of the issued shares, and so it was not extended. NLB nevertheless remains committed to further business development and delivering its new business strategy, including possible other takeover opportunities. Yet, in 2024, NLB was active not only on regional financial but also on international capital markets , successfully issuing EUR 300 million in 10NC5 subordinated Tier 2 notes in January to strengthen its capital position, and EUR 500 million in 6NC5 senior preferred notes in May for MREL purposes. The capital position remains rock solid and well above regulatory requirements, representing a firm foundation for further value accretive growth at a maintained and attractive dividend payout. NLB’s successful capital markets activity was also reflected in an ever more positive recognition of the Bank and stronger confidence among professional stakeholders and rating agencies . In June, therefore, S&P affirmed NLB’s long-term credit rating BBB with Peter Andreas Burkhardt Member Antonio Argir Member Blaž Brodnjak Chief Executive Officer ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 7 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report a stable outlook, reflecting its expectation that NLB will maintain solid financial performance over the next 12–24 months, while prudently expanding across its core markets in Slovenia and SEE and integrating newly acquired banks and non-banks. Later, in September, Moody‘s indicated a low credit risk and strong financial health. To top off these recognitions, the Ljubljana Stock Exchange, which traditionally recognises excellence among listed companies in various categories, has in 2024 once again awarded NLB the title of Prime Market Stock of the Year . In November, NLB Group also received a new, significantly improved ESG Risk Rating of 10.5 by Morningstar Sustainalytics, reflecting a low risk of material financial impacts from ESG factors. The rating places NLB Group in the top 5 th percentile of all banks assessed by the rating company. We are proud that our sustainability performance has been acknowledged once again, as we recognise sustainable practices as key drivers of our long- term business success . The Group’s commitment to sustainability extends across all its markets in SEE and three pillars: sustainable operations, sustainable finance, and contribution to society. As a systemically important financial institution in the region, NLB Group has set the goal to actively contribute to the sustainable transformation of the economy and society towards a greener, fairer, and more inclusive future. Therefore, the Group has integrated a sustainability perspective and ESG factors into its new business strategy and daily operations. Guided by the strategy, UN Principles for Responsible Banking, the Net Zero Banking Alliance, the Paris Agreement goals, and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, NLB Group actively manages its sustainability-related impacts, and financially material risks and opportunities. These stem from climate change, human capital, corporate culture and governance, digitalisation, broader societal issues, and other important sustainability-related topics. We are aware, however, that financial institutions also hold an important social function. Therefore, through corporate social responsibility activities, NLB Group also actively contributes to wider socio-economic development and an improved quality of life in our home region. This involves supporting communities with donations and initiatives such as NLB Youth Sports, promoting financial literacy , endorsing sports and culture , aiding affected communities when natural disasters hit, such as during October’s devastating floods in Bosnia in Herzegovina, and ensuring responsible relations with employees . The latter was once again recognised in 2024 by the Top Employers Institute, which awarded NLB the prestigious Top Employer certificate for the 9 th consecutive year. Additionally, the bank was once again, for the 13 th consecutive year, awarded as a Family-Friendly Company with special recognition for promoting the culture of a family-friendly company in Slovenia. All these achievements, strategically structured plans and ambitions keep us firmly positioned for further growth and development. Consequentially – and perhaps even more importantly – they also ensure our stability in supporting all the markets, societies and communities where we operate. More specifically, our dedication to South-Eastern Europe, our home region, goes beyond simply providing financial solutions and services. We are committed to fostering a thriving community where individuals and businesses identify new opportunities and explore new horizons. We know that here we are a part of something bigger . Yours truly, Mangement Board of NLB ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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"/>
</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 8 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Statement by the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of NLB 1 McKinsey & Co: "The Global Banking Annual Review 2024: Attaining Escape Velocity," October 2024. To Our Shareholders, the period of 2008–2020 has marked an extended decade during which the average banking sector players globally (but even more so applicable for the European market) did not show much, if any, value creation. But then there has been last 3 to 4 years, when banks in general returned more capital to their shareholders than any other sector of the economy. The later happened both in terms of dividend yield and stock performance, with underlying profitability exceeding the cost of equity by very solid margin for the best performing peers. These were the outcomes which a neutral observer would quickly pin only to the rising rates, net interest margin expansion, and long overdue economic post-pandemic resurgence of the economies. But is that really a case? The fact is that banking valuations and still prevailing valuation gap to other industries highlight both, different regulatory playground and the need for a banking business model to evolve. As the rates are now cut and the forward-looking yield curve flattens, the natural questions arise: Who will be the winners within the banking sector of the future? What’s the right strategy to create shareholder value going forward and what has changed compared to period prior to outperformance? In seeking the answers, we could dwell deep into the cost of equity consideration, and even deeper into the underlying structure of the balance and off-balance sheet trends of the banks, based on which we could easily make a strong case that best performing banks of today look nothing like they did 10 years ago (and your NLB Group should qualify in this bucket, as it falls into very top decile of all the banks in the world who were able to move up five or more deciles in their return on tangible equity over 2013–2023 period 1 ). Four operational metrics, along with avoiding risk, largely explain most of the outperformance of total shareholder return: revenue growth and its decomposition; better net interest margin management from lower cost deposit-gathering strategies or more efficient distribution and credit risk management; growing fee income (from expansion in wealth management, and other fee-heavy businesses) and of course cost efficiency, driven also by digitalisation. While all these four elements are already core pillars of NLB Group’s 2030 Strategy, your Supervisory Board is of the opinion that when it comes to the future, the rules of the game will predominantly evolve around two softer, yet crucial elements, and that’s learning and persistence. In other words: • Lazy bankers will lose to average ones • Average ones will lose to focused ones • Focused ones will lose to (positively) obsessed ones • And the champions will obsess and focus over fundamentals, not trophies. Primož Karpe Chairman ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 9 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Excellence comes from perfecting the basics – and when talking about the basics, I’m referring to the bank operating model: to end-to-end process optimisation and subsequent digitalisation allowing scalability, to understanding the technology and investing into it to transform, to understanding the data and use it to serve the clients better and with more tailor-made solutions. Furthermore, to applying AI where it brings clear optimisation of costs and better understanding of the risks, as well as an increase of competitive advantage for the professionally curious ones. But all of that must materialise in bolder go-to-market steps and moves and even more focus on talent and culture, all with the purpose to serve the clients the way they will feel they are getting more than just "value for money" when using the services of the bank. Least but not last, we are aware we need to understand "disruption" and "transition" of the future banking model equally well as those who sit behind the driving wheels of the largest digitally native banks of the today’s world. By saying that, we should relentlessly study: • The ways the people do digital today and the ways the 2 PYMNTS Intelligence: "How the World Does Digital;" 2024. people will do digital tomorrow (in all aspects of life: from how they "have fun," how "they communicate," to how they pursue "be well" initiatives). Having said that, these three categories respectively engage people in the digital world more than does digital banking, with the latter nevertheless being on the extremely high 4 th place of all the digital activities the people engage in today 2 . • The giants of the banking future, so one day we’ll also be able to stand on their shoulders. NLB Group has adopted the 2030 Strategy with the clear mindset of transformation. You must agree it does not lack ambition. You also probably agree it is focused to unlock even more shareholder value, backed by higher dividend payout ratios and/or inorganic equity value creation. As the rate curve changes and net interest margin naturally shrinks, the strategy assumes to compensate that in volume growth, it assumes to compensate that in expansion into new markets (both organically and inorganically), it predicts tapping into the untapped revenue pools that exist already today, and it should concretely materialise into 16 new customer proposition offerings across the corporate, retail, and payments business verticals. On top of all that, the Strategy does not shy away from continued deep awareness of the whole scope of ESG responsibilities, as fully outlined in the Sustainability Statement of this Annual Report. But to back our promise of the future, we need to invest, transformation-wise in both technology and talent. We need to invest into leadership and sustainability, we need to invest into knowledge and into persistence. Because by doing things with the right mindset and alongside the right direction, the future will eventually yield results through our valuation re-rating, in the erasing of perceived discounts vs. i.e. US banks, insurers, pure asset managers and other financial business models, embedding finance and financial decisions into every pore of today’s trade, investment, and funding ecosystem. This way we should enable ourselves to continue giving back to all our key constituencies to whom we remain committed to: To our shareholders, to our employees, to our wider society and of course, to our clients. Yours truly, Supervisory Board of NLB ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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"/>
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"/>
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"/>
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"/>
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"/>
</svg>) We connect with societies and their people like no other bank in the region. The NLB Group is the only financial institution headquartered and focused on the SEE region. This is our home. We know the languages, customs and people, and we share a common history. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 12 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Non-performing loans (NPLs) (in EUR millions) Gross loans to customers (in EUR millions) Robust normalised performance over five years, fuelled by strong loan demand and revenue growth, along with stable asset quality Profit a.t. (in EUR millions) 204 2018 194 2019 270 2020 236 2021 447 2022 515 2024 Net interest income (in EUR millions) 2018 313 2019 318 2020 300 2021 409 2022 505 2023 833 31 Dec 2018 7,627 31 Dec 2019 7,938 31 Dec 2021 10,903 31 Dec 2024 16,721 31 Dec 2018 622 31 Dec 2019 375 31 Dec 2020 475 31 Dec 2021 367 31 Dec 2022 328 31 Dec 2023 301 31 Dec 2020 10,033 1,877 KB 31 Dec 2022 13,397 954 N Banka Key Highlights 173 NGW (i) N Banka 138 NGW (i) KB 551 2023 52 DT (ii) 2024 934 14,064 31 Dec 2023 970 SLS Group 31 Dec 2024 330 (i) NGW = negative goodwill = gains from bargain purchase (ii) DT = deferred tax: increase of deferred tax assets and first recognition of deferred tax liability for withholding tax on dividends 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 13 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report (EBA definition) 14 bps Capital Asset quality EUR 1,672.5 million EUR 220 million 18.73 % 37.47 % 1.1 % MREL TCR Dividend pay-out in 2024 MREL ratio MREL funding (stock) cost of risk NPE ratio vs. 15.50% requirement (incl. P2G) representing a 100% increase over the previous year’s distribution vs. 35.04% requirement New MREL funding in 2024: EUR 800 million Governance Social Environmental EUR 439 million of new sustainable financing, supporting the green transformation of our clients 54 % increase of employee engagement (+28 p.p. vs baseline year 2015) 10.5 (low risk) by Sustainalytics ESG Risk rating (improved by 5.5 points) ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 14 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Key performance indicators Table 1: Key financial indicators for NLB Group and NLB NLB Group NLB 2024 2023 2022 2024 2023 2022 Income statement data (in EUR millions) Net interest income 934 833 505 432 373 177 Net non-interest income 311 260 294 378 266 189 Net non-interest income (BoS) 354 300 503 389 277 199 Net revenue 1,683 1,454 1,181 1,069 830 461 Total costs -602 -502 -460 -312 -238 -208 Operating costs (BoS) -642 -541 -496 -323 -249 -218 Result before impairments and provisions (i) 643 591 338 498 401 158 Impairments and provisions -37 -14 -29 14 78 6 Gains less losses from capital investments in subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures 3 1 1 - - - Result before tax 608 578 483 512 479 164 Result of non-controlling interests 16 13 11 - - - Result after tax 515 551 447 478 514 160 Financial position statement data (in EUR millions) Total assets 28,035 25,942 24,160 16,975 16,015 13,939 Gross loans to customers 16,721 14,064 13,397 8,816 7,277 6,157 Impairments and valuations of loans to customers -358 -329 -324 -158 -121 -95 Net loans to customers 16,364 13,735 13,073 8,657 7,156 6,062 Financial assets 6,324 4,804 4,877 4,548 3,016 2,961 Deposits from customers 22,206 20,733 20,028 12,294 11,882 10,984 Equity 3,226 2,883 2,366 2,526 2,249 1,603 Non-controlling interests 72 65 57 - - - Total off-balance sheet items 7,336 6,301 5,449 6,108 5,291 4,046 Key financial indicators a) Capital adequacy Total capital ratio 18.7% 20.3% 19.2% 24.4% 25.2% 25.6% Tier 1 ratio 15.8% 16.9% 15.7% 19.6% 19.7% 19.1% CET 1 ratio 15.3% 16.4% 15.1% 18.8% 18.8% 18.1% Total RWA (in EUR millions) 18,216 15,337 14,653 11,153 9,207 7,833 RWA / Total assets 65.0% 59.1% 60.6% 65.7% 57.5% 56.2% b) Asset quality NPL coverage ratio 1 (coverage of gross non- performing loans with impairments for all loans) 108.7% 110.0% 98.9% 107.2% 87.9% 86.1% NPL coverage ratio 2 (coverage of gross non-performing loans with impairments for non-performing loans) 62.7% 64.6% 57.1% 70.4% 61.2% 58.1% NPL coverage ratio (EBA definition) (ii) 63.5% 65.6% 58.1% 70.6% 61.4% 58.2% NPL coverage ratio (EBA definition) (BoS) (iii) 63.5% 65.6% 58.1% 70.6% 61.4% 58.2% NPL volume (in EUR millions) 330 301 328 148 138 111 NPL ratio (internal def.; NPL/ Total loans) 1.6% 1.5% 1.8% 1.4% 1.2% 1.1% Net NPL ratio (internal def.; net NPL / Total net loans) 0.6% 0.5% 0.8% 0.4% 0.5% 0.5% NPL ratio (EBA definition) (ii) 2.0% 2.1% 2.4% 1.6% 1.9% 1.7% NPL ratio (EBA definition) (BoS) (iii) 1.6% 1.5% 1.8% 1.4% 1.2% 1.1% NPE ratio (EBA definition) 1.1% 1.1% 1.3% 0.8% 0.9% 0.9% NPE ratio (EBA definition) (BoS) (iv) 1.1% 1.1% 1.3% 0.8% 0.9% 0.9% Received collaterals / NPL 55.9% 58.1% 61.0% 48.5% 58.7% 58.4% ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 15 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB Group NLB 2024 2023 2022 2024 2023 2022 NPL Collateral received / NPL (EBA definition) 67.0% 45.6% 54.7% 61.3% 67.1% 75.6% Credit impairments and provisions / RWA 0.1% -0.1% 0.1% 0.3% 0.0% 0.2% c) Profitability Net interest margin (BoS) (v) 3.5% 3.4% 2.2% 2.6% 2.5% 1.3% Financial intermediation margin (BoS) 4.8% 4.6% 4.4% 5.0% 4.4% 2.9% Operational business margin (vi) 5.0% 4.8% 3.6% 3.8% 3.7% 2.5% ROE b.t. 19.1% 21.6% 20.6% 21.2% 26.0% 10.5% ROA b.t. 2.3% 2.3% 2.1% 3.1% 3.3% 1.2% ROE a.t. 16.5% 21.0% 19.9% 19.8% 27.9% 10.2% ROA a.t. 1.9% 2.2% 1.9% 2.9% 3.5% 1.2% d) Business costs Operating costs / Average total assets (BoS) 2.4% 2.2% 2.2% 2.0% 1.7% 1.7% CIR (vii) 45.7% 45.9% 57.6% 34.5% 37.3% 56.8% Total costs / RWA 3.3% 3.3% 3.1% 2.8% 2.6% 2.7% Total costs / Total assets 2.1% 1.9% 1.9% 1.8% 1.5% 1.5% e) Liquidity Liquidity assets / Short-term financial liabilities to non-banking sector 43.7% 51.9% 48.5% 54.7% 66.5% 61.8% Liquidity assets / Average total assets 34.5% 41.0% 40.7% 40.0% 51.5% 49.8% Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) 197.2% 245.7% 220.3% 235.6% 299.7% 276.5% Net stable funding ratio (NSFR) 167.6% 187.3% 183.0% 155.1% 175.0% 177.6% f) Leverage ratio Leverage ratio 9.9% 9.6% 9.1% 12.4% 10.9% 10.3% g) Other Market share in terms of total assets - - - 31.3% 30.2% 27.6% LTD 73.7% 66.2% 65.3% 70.4% 60.2% 55.2% Total revenues / RWA 6.8% 7.1% 5.4% 7.3% 6.9% 4.7% Key indicators per share Shareholders (viii) - - - 4,649 3,457 3,025 Shares - - - 20,000,000 20,000,000 20,000,000 The corresponding value of one share (in EUR) - - - 10 10 10 Book value (in EUR) 157.1 139.9 114.1 122.1 108.3 75.9 Branches Number of branches 409 418 440 69 68 71 Employees Number of employees 8,322 7,982 8,228 2,523 2,554 2,418 NLB Rating NLB Outlook 2024 2023 2022 2024 2023 2022 International credit ratings S&P BBB BBB BBB Stable Stable Stable Moody's A3 A3 Baa1 Positive Stable Stable (i) The result before impairments and provisions of NLB Group for the year 2022 does not include negative goodwill. (ii) Loans and advances without loans and advances classified as held for sale, cash balances at central banks, and other demand deposits. (iii) Loans and advances, including cash balances at CBs and other demand deposits. (iv) The carrying amount of debt instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) is increased by value adjustments due to impairments. (v) Calculated on the basis of average total assets. (vi) Calculated as Net income from operational business (NII - Tier 2 expenses + Net fee and commission income + Recurring net income from financial operations)/Average total assets. (vii) Tax on the balance sheet excluded from a calculation from 2024 on. (viii) As per the share register of Central Securities Clearing Corporation (KDD). The shares are listed on the Ljubljana Stock Exchange. The Bank of New York (the "GDR Depositary") represented in the share register of KDD as a single holder is not the beneficial owner of shares. It holds shares in its capacity as the depositary for the GDR holders. The GDRs representing shares are issued against the deposit of shares and are listed on the London Stock Exchange. Therefore, the number in the share register of KDD does not represent all final beneficial owners of the Bank shares. The rights under the deposited shares can be exercised by the GDR holders only through the GDR Depositary, and individual GDR holders do not have any direct right to either attend the general meeting of Bank’s shareholders or to exercise any voting rights under the deposited shares. Further details on the definition of certain indicators in this table are available in the chapter Alternative Performance Indicators . ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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"/>
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"/>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 16 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Key Events 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Issuance of Tier 2 Notes Top Employer certificate Apple Pay available to NLB customers NLB Skladi, Ljubljana as Best Asset Management Company New NLB Group Strategy 2030 Issuance of senior preferred notes Acquisition of Generali Investments, Skopje First tranche dividend payment New NLB Supervisory Board appointments New NLB website Acquisition of Summit Leasing and entering the Croatian market Re-election of the Chairman of NLB Supervisory Board Sponsorship of NLB Ljubljana Marathon NLB Group donations for flood relief in Bosnia and Herzegovina KomBank Invest, Beograd renamed NLB Fondovi, Beograd Regulatory approvals to acquire Summit Leasing Generali Investments, Skopje rebranded to NLB Fondovi, Skopje NLB awarded Prime Market Stock of the Year Second tranche dividend payment Improved ESG risk rating New NLB Group website 10.5 LOW RISK 2024 EUR 110 million EUR 110 million ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 17 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report January · Issuance of Tier 2 Notes: The Bank issued 10NC5 subordinated Tier 2 notes in the amount of EUR 300 million (ISIN: XS2750306511). In parallel, the Bank conducted a liability management exercise (LME) repurchasing EUR 219.6 million of its two outstanding Tier 2 notes with approaching call dates. · Top Employer certificate: The Top Employers Institute awarded the Bank the prestigious Top Employer certificate for the 9 th consecutive year. February · Apple Pay: Apple Pay became available to NLB customers in Slovenia. March · Notifications of major holdings change: The shareholding of Schroders plc in the Bank changed from 5.12% to 4.98%. April · NLB Skladi, Ljubljana declared the Best Asset Management Company over a three- and ten-year period: The financial magazine Moje Finance awarded NLB Skladi, Ljubljana the Best Asset Management Company over a three- and ten-year period in the category Naj Skladi 2023. · Apple Pay: Apple Pay became available to NLB customers in Montenegro. May · Early redemption of notes: The Bank executed an early redemption of subordinated Tier 2 notes in the aggregate nominal amount of EUR 45 million (ISIN: SI0022103855). · New NLB Group Strategy 2030: The NLB Group revealed its new Group Strategy until 2030 at NLB Investor Day in Ljubljana on 9 May 2024. · Announcement of NLB’s intention of Addiko Bank AG public takeover offer: On 15 May, NLB announced its intention to launch an all-cash voluntary public takeover offer aimed at acquiring control over Addiko Bank AG for all issued and outstanding Addiko shares for a consideration of EUR 20.00 per Addiko Bank AG share on a cum dividend basis. 3 The company was removed from the court register on 1 July 2024. 4 The company was removed from the court register on 1 July 2024. · Issuance of senior preferred notes: NLB issued senior preferred notes in the aggregate amount of EUR 500 million for MREL purposes (ISIN: XS2825558328). · Acquisition of Generali Investments, Skopje by NLB Skladi, Ljubljana: NLB Skladi, Ljubljana has expanded into the North Macedonian market by acquiring Generali Investments, Skopje. The acquisition was completed after receiving all relevant approvals. · Award from the Slovenian Marketing Association: NLB received the leading award from the Slovenian Marketing Association for Excellence in NLB Brand Management. June · Addiko Bank AG public takeover offer: On 7 June 2024, NLB published a voluntary public takeover offer to acquire control of Addiko Bank AG and publicly presented the offer at a webcast held on 10 June 2024. · Dividend payment: The Bank paid the dividends (the first tranche) of EUR 110 million or EUR 5.5 gross per share. · Appointment of three members of the Supervisory Board: The NLB General Meeting re-appointed Primož Karpe and two new members Natalia Olegovna Ansell and Luka Vesnaver. · New NLB website: NLB successfully renovated its website (nlb.si). · Google Pay: Google Pay became available to NLB customers in Kosovo. · Garmin Pay: Garmin Pay became available to NLB customers in Slovenia. · The merger of NLB Leasing, Ljubljana – in liquidation with NLB Lease&Go, leasing, Ljubljana: NLB Leasing, Ljubljana – in liquidation ceased to exist 3 , its assets and liabilities were transferred to NLB Lease&Go, leasing, Ljubljana. · The merger of PRIVATINVEST, Ljubljana with NLB Real Estate, Ljubljana: Company PRIVATINVEST, Ljubljana ceased to exist 4 , and its assets and liabilities were transferred to NLB Real Estate, Ljubljana. July · Re-election of the Chairman of NLB Supervisory Board: The members of the NLB Supervisory Board re-elected Primož Karpe as their Chairman for the third time. · Improved Addiko Bank AG public takeover offer: NLB announced the improved offer price for the voluntary public takeover offer aimed at acquiring control over Addiko Bank AG by increasing the Share Offer Price from EUR 20.00 to EUR 22.00 per Addiko share on a cum dividend basis. Following the announcement of the improvement of voluntary public takeover, the Bank published the addendum to the Offering Memorandum and revised Presentation on 22 July 2024. · Early redemption of notes: The Bank executed the early redemption of NLB senior preferred notes in the aggregate nominal amount of EUR 300 million (ISIN: XS2498964209). · NLB as general sponsor of NLB Ljubljana Marathon: NLB has taken on the role of general sponsor of the largest running event in SEE, now known as the NLB Ljubljana Marathon. August · Regulatory approvals to acquire SLS HOLDCO, Ljubljana: NLB obtained all required regulatory and supervisory approvals from the Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency (HANFA), the Slovenian Competition Protection Agency (AVK), and the ECB in relation to the completion of the transaction contemplated in the Sale and Purchase Agreement to acquire a 100% shareholding in SLS HOLDCO, Ljubljana, the parent company of Summit Leasing Slovenija, Ljubljana and its Croatian subsidiary Mobil Leasing, Zagreb. · Results of Addiko Bank AG public takeover offer: The public takeover offer aimed to acquire control over Addiko Bank AG did not obtain sufficient acceptance declarations. · NLB Fondovi, Skopje: Asset management company Generali Investments, Skopje, was rebranded on 7 August 2024 to NLB Fondovi, Skopje. September · Completion of the acquisition of the SLS Group and entering the Croatian market: After obtaining all regulatory approvals in August, NLB completed the transaction on 11 September 2024 and became the sole shareholder of SLS HOLDCO, Ljubljana, the parent company of Summit Leasing Slovenija, Ljubljana and ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 18 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report its Croatian subsidiary Mobil Leasing, Zagreb, together forming the SLS Group. · Completion of the acquisition of KomBank Invest, Beograd by NLB Skladi, Ljubljana: After obtaining regulatory approval, NLB Skladi, Ljubljana successfully completed the transaction on 19 September 2024 and with this, the NLB Group consolidates the ownership of the asset management companies under the umbrella of NLB Skladi, Ljubljana. · Beginning of a mandate of a Supervisory Board member: On 30 September 2024, Luka Vesnaver took up his office as a member of the Supervisory Board of NLB, following the ECB's decision not to object to his appointment to the function, to which he was appointed at the 42 nd General Meeting of NLB on 17 June 2024. October · NLB Group donation to eliminate the consequences of the devastating floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina: NLB Group donated EUR 1 million to help eliminate the consequences of the disastrous floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina that occurred in October. The donation was directed to humanitarian organisations – the Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Pomozi.ba, to ensure that the aid reaches those most in need. · NLB Fondovi, Beograd: KomBank Invest, Beograd was renamed NLB Fondovi, Beograd. November · Beginning of a mandate of a Supervisory Board member: On 8 November 2024, Natalia Olegovna Ansell took up her office as a member of the Supervisory Board of NLB, following the ECB's decision not to object to her appointment to the function, to which she was appointed at the 42 nd General Meeting of NLB on 17 June 2024. · Prime Market Stock of the Year: Ljubljana Stock Exchange awarded NLB for Prime Market Stock of the Year. · Garmin Pay: Garmin Pay became available to NLB customers in Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. · Early redemption of Tier 2 notes: The Bank executed an early redemption of subordinated Tier 2 notes in the aggregate nominal amount of EUR 9.9 million (ISIN: XS2080776607). December · NLB MUZA: The Bankarium Museum has been renamed to NLB MUZA. · New NLB Group website: NLB Group successfully renovated its website (nlbgroup.com). · Dividend payment: The Bank paid the dividends (the second tranche) of EUR 110 million or EUR 5.5 gross per share. · Improvement of ESG risk rating: NLB received an ESG risk rating of 10.5, reflecting a low risk of material financial impacts from ESG factors, placing NLB in the top 5 th percentile of all banks assessed by Morningstar Sustainalytics. · Google Pay: After migrating its card issuing to a new service provider in December, NLB Komercijalna Banka, Beograd introduced Google Pay to its customers. · Notifications of major holdings change: Brandes Investment Partners, L.P. has increased its shareholding in the Bank above 5%, reaching 5.03%. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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9i1cXyzbImdm29c981PJYOYgWT5iFYDnitEI0Y5AYwznaTwSOlOwDZbWU4QEMDyD0zSY7CX1rFsCbMEjkk4oTEzGeJxEMAsM847VRIIGEY4XGec1AiXdFtBXtxgGkxoNxIJGANvUVLKQJuXliueuaRIyQAMHChDnPHFUgIkncy5/vcdabQXJ97Zzk59RRYLnp19Pol/b2yRzohiGzaepJ6fzrxNY7nr+7I5zUbCSzuWhlw43DeoPbsa3jNMycLPQ2bzQ7p9DmwMx7QYwTnbWanyyK9lzI5ElrGTy5tmzoWzXdH3kcb90vWsOB9pjBaEEc+lYVENGnMqySLIrqQB0HJFcyuhlC8MMkoVY2ODjOO9a03y7iaKt3YlJkkhBEbZ3r2WtoT1IcTNiAM8kpOAhwB61vcktSiQQRTRkYJ5HoKzGFzG0kqSDG8AAAHrQBLbNMTlhtdfugVEncBzhJJPPzhjy2aUdhk8bRTph9oPqajqMgEc9rIGwQo+Zc1e4mQyTA3AmUr83LYPersBbkUyBJ4GwQMkDvUPsDLthI8gxMx3VlUjYZLc26kIw4KnnJ5pQlYdtDMvYTLJuYncPvYHau2nUSM2it5bKZIp1kEf8BJ/iroU0wQWzOJAFydvDD0q7iIPPK3T7XZwBwaTFYlWVmly6iMIOWHO6mBBdZOzaxGevNMZmXkqFhuBKj+VUkJjd48nahwD0XuadiRLGM+Yxx90c5pAXljZmTCjd39qTGh4iXMmPmZfSqTGNRCy7lCbh1yaZIuGCDbEfnOOaljRMsLIhaVRgHAK9qYiEOftflkEsOcAcYoQEpk3IJEGcHkUwM2+do7pgCNrckgfpSENnKLGrI2M8kUIY7Tp9mJFTgN602hIWa4ld2l5IPX1oGRl1ZCG3FuoGOBQAxixALFV46H0pMCS2iUSLtYnnFJjHu0scjYw3PWoGie1DbiTwhpMaLUUAS5LxnAHrWL3KLV8TsV5I/3nQMOmKAGiRkieRehGD35o6gUkmMmBMDwM47VbQGjayKLR4uknVR2rMCOCOAwOzOGY8bRVNjGYDSKsYOFPTPSpEIQZpQd2ADz7GmgB0jiKkn5j+tO4CxYMhExI98UmMjj+WQrtOwng+tICzbAlykjEL2wM4qG0Uky/cWqpCpicSBuWHfj1qLopxZatLaS5hKRxAAjDHv8AhSbsNIW/mj0yKQw7YZR8rIThj70R97UcnZHM20jys3mNne2SfaugwLUYIJDPuU9Ceo9qTGh9xEzwMTgN296IiZXs5U2PEW2seFJ9fSrcWK4ySeJpFVx86DH401ELjYpnaBjLMmzkY9KpKwr6GZu2gkM3zHANU9yUSu7NlMc7c8UxkY/domMA+ppoTFXJBDBck8n2piBwzFX2hABhcd6AFAbaVK/OBn8KTAEb98AQOB26GkwLEHzyCTCn6dqSKL1rOPLdcDIPTriqYyzCQsgkkkLZHapYCXc4CdM44yR0pWEzEcybgu8YJzimSIznIBX5R68UmBH8juVGMdSQelIC3hEPByCvApNANYgqrDgUWArSShnOTuz2prQGKEYjptA6U2IVgTgcjb196QzvfDtibPVvs95H8uN6t2x615NR8x6cVympqXm6heMEtUk8hSCy9XHasoLlZbVyj4d1hdN1ZbS9YiGU7HR+g961nSctUSp8pg+PLK5ttblYRKlrIcoy8qfeurDNW1OevF7oh0ozvatbxuSwUkKO9OdrkxV0XrVhLEkxJUqcNnpmuaaVxmhI6eZtkUFW5BFc12BWvbdo7Msgzgk7T3qqctRPUw9RtJEn87jZjlR1FdsJp6GbQlrtmjaNXy23GPSqsIFmjjYxzsQYxgChq4F4kOy/Z2BJHFZ2sNDHEkcrDaGC4zQ0FxcrLNyhwf4fSpC4r3QLmGTapA289cVSixEFrbxqu3fuI6+laXAkaGSGYGFiEA+7/Ws20wsTSrJkOVwPTNJeY7mppbpMMH5iOoNc1X3WaRI72GGK5dm+XcPzqoSuSyqXTyfLmOUbo1dMJNEMybhhFcqDJ8p6Cu6LuJlOc7L0bDww6iqYIkkjkjlVUwd/Y00JkF1cNby4kO5c/hVJEt2K0o+0RtImD6CrAihQnDFdnPzZpCJ40dtyxqRk9e9JgWQ6ooDAgng46j61O4yWGUPGSoG4+lUkFxQAq/MuMnnHeqENlnPyRhgVznB7UmBYgJ83EYyMc56UXKKjszX2SwUHjihEkLyNvMa4RVPLetMRWvXYt8rBi3RqQEEg6Bjv45NNAya3YpAWLcr0psEMLH3bPJ96ljuOtFTzArtjJzimFx90QZmbHyDjFIB8JMboyqef50mh2H3MJaQAPhyMt9Ki40h6piPHmcJ3/vVLKsX7HzfIUMpJzwTWTGW2SWeARrglMkBupNTcYuoWhsbAPLJky8jParjuIxosySbHbr0IrR6CLEUcm0h8qFbG6smMszw+XIscRznnikBaAgiClYj52cf/AF6QyO2tpZbhgV4zlsdqLisVtWgEE5jVs5OQfSqQMW22iROfNdhjFTN2Q0rna6d4WjfTRcSsVlk+6B2rD2qsdMKfU2Y9F0qwiiEpic7ecnnNc8pO5rypFWe30iVXjS6ihZ+GHtWd5A+UxNelgsAi2DMyL1YdzXRSTe5jNpHMX9xLqEruWBZvXrXZGKRzt3IbeNQ6ktsCn5j2zVMSLd4YWnEqZdRjmpYEUsgd2WNyin73vTigbMy7HlylY3Lc5z6VulcggZ5M7iBuPeqsK5paJEsiyrIowRzuqWtQuSXMUBi8lQu9OR9KGwRRtU2vljljxj2oGMmCebsYHGc8U0IUpswFHHqadwsOtogeWYIo9aoAu/lVMchTjjrUiIJ8DDMuGNJgWYkwu5cFT1HpTiMs2UhaSRVAA9T1qmMuSNGrKSoZh2qGBQnlzlAuBu6etICnK5jAJUEY5HegRCS2wKueaQh8YUP82NxHWgBCpGSpIPoaQXFwTE6s23ByDQIcBvk5GSR1HTNACcM5J6Dt2FMGNUliPm2/yNIZ6vdWsUWnwaiJ33SfunDH5cf5NeDGUj2JRsWodO+y2Uk9jeuJSuUbsSOgoUm5Cex574gknurlprkhZict6DHFenCzRyTbRpSazFN4WFlPA87ofkfulYqlyzutinNOOplaLdTwym5gG11wu7H6VtUS6GMTantLmCOC6eI/Ybp8v/stz/hXNKStY0cRbx2t40CxHyGbbGfYVlGNwsMvbwIqOo+Tpg9mq1TtqSJCUuZX4Byvzk0SfKrktGXf2n9l3K3MDB1kPYcCtac+cloguETUIJGRQHUjBB5NbLQQ2Jp7Zwd2QPXvTsmBfVnYh4CVduWye1YtMCcSLJG0hRdynbnvU2Apy2kV3OXYlJCPl29z71rF2ApYkguDDKcbW5BrXRk7GpZXImUrjaB0J61hONmXe44ERXTBkIBGV9D9KizEX7BjA7SoMROuCe5NZVFcpOxPqO2d4gETfj8BUR0GyjJCqM6urbeoGeK1UiGZWp2nnP5i4Codxx1rsoVbaMTHzW0E1kvksVmUZyeldV7iKoZiiluW6E96pCuUNVjJZQrZ461SJkVreUR5Xdxnn3qgRaiBVBsUE9eaAHwMPMy/HvmpY0TSqsnKLn1A71IytIPLCyInPcHtVJiJkmjaE/PjnJ4qhFS3YyzEIeexNAGhGAiEEnnv2pWGUbxFEqsPlH1pksoyHNxy/A9OpoYiW4dSUZQyr0A70DIZAcBj90mhAyaBGVTgh8DOfSmwIwAWIHzZ6H1NICWEM0se4DcM9aAJrkgXoA+UMOvpQMHDAAlhjPGfWkyi35scuxWTaQOvrWQ0WILQTSvvOVUZ2gVEpWKtc0tHs2kZcxs3ynBI6Vi5FKJo6elnAsklyW3q2ABS3Y3YytcuYXctjLZxg963jGxDZQaGJ7VZSvO48DtQ2Bbs5XW0mjADK47+lZsZPdgPb2xjKsyjGRQA63VSD5zYxyfekND21GKGbFuhVVHzHs1CQNmPNNLNqEksuCx6Y6GrRL1NHTY4nuIpJf3SlgpIrOpsyobnodlqUKo9pFOjAJhfWuFU5N3O3nSRxWq6i8+qByhxGcEf3q6VFHO5tlS5n2tNMUK7xwvpT5EQ5sjguMwCLkZ6EnirUOUnmuZ7WrxMVLblHOa0QmSbWFuPc5xTERtOoRkIUHsMdapRJbKcEztNs5z2B71SiK5algkEpaWMNGR+VaJCKssJ4RQdxPJpiJYC8EICk72O3ae1AEtjbmaYxswjZuOKTGVryNYpXRuJFOAfWhLQCMtL5vG05HQ0WAsq/wAqu6EovUHrSGMuQJ5hKkbDnGKEmDJp4gYgpcAj1HWrsSMVFNuxdQHUjA9BQ0AjI6ptUkbxwQKErFEMTCOQLyrDjPXJpgXWBk5Mmcdz3NQ0BWAVmVVJ560gH3MKKhdhnA7d6BMqeQAyupGM5NAh+1YZNmc55zUsTGEO3KYxmkAjkuR+7OfXtQA1Wc5wSozxjpQAKqsCBwT1pgSKu87c/KKQzv5pnubOS1MhaJG3qu6vFjdPU9VzuWNB1uIrLp7korrt+bjBonSt7yJjPWzJfEmj6WukRXkQe5lBxIqNnAp0azvZlVYK1zO8HRWbSyx3ahECFVU9WOOBXROTT0OeKVzGnMzah9higaJVc4jA7561aelyZLXQ6fTbry7X+zr1/Ngm6qOqmuOrFt3RvDbUk1C0WK2FpPIrWpi3W0o7n3qIt3CUTlo3+0OEf5dvyn3rs6HP1JJJPsd3tkOUfGO2KmceYkvIiTRGCTYUNYRTgNu5jajaf2bcrLCjLGTheM12U5qSIaGXVu1zG8qvu28kDirTsIPORFRoiC+3GTQkBYsJFe3mj67+oPX3rNrUCKyOGDs+cZHTp9atpCG3cLXe6XZub+Nh3/CmnYChBLcrOqrlkzjHrVtXQGxHKxt97nLAZC/3awa1AisLuWWPZICULevQ0pQshmn91licgLjOc5I/Gudodx5RpYSQ2ApxyeSKm9gII4kSRlCEseOfSr5xFSdlt2wY8+ZkAAV3Uql0IznYfaiqEIR94HpXYm2SVHCliUBXdxg1SJZWEIAy4AGck+tUBPhhGkoO4HqP6UARyK+928ohDyR0pMaLVtMUt1MQ6HIOc1Fiijqc7NIRG52+nvVIhsjt5SIyrn6k96oRJB9/zFYZz24xQBYkuY41bGSR1460DKUshmlVQCM8gk0CEkXy8H5SfQU2IWN1EndyvB/wpDJpLKTy2mfAJP3PapQyBMqGUZVW4wDTAVEIGFIOPemIcEbzgQBzySKARYlVWcMNpwOh70hjQS6MxAwrZK9aLDJ4CGjMgjwBwf8A61ZvcqOp23g3TU+yS3c6BgRgE+tcNWbUjeETcjxaq4MUe9l2qRWV2zSxi32k+WrzSsTn5uDxmtqcrsymrHEXgYTEbs7W5ya7oq6MHoy7p6RTBo2fHcVjURaZsy21tY6ageVZHfpjtWKNNilFDGLY7SVYdCaokZcv5luuFGApG7+KkBUQmQR7GCDow9qokcsOyVXL8emKYGvb2L+Wrj5kJz0xispS6GkYkGpXECXUYsndZB99uwogglLsSaTciFrk3aiUFSVPpTkhJlG6lWSy8wM3J6H/ADxRDcUipZgSziJST6c1rJWIWpqXVhMlkJipEe7G7tWSnZ2NXDS5n30jRMySL95RsNbJ3MiihXZmbqOhrVIhjbSbE4JUHt0qrCNJ3kkQGRDtBx1pgRO3+kJ8wIBxwKQDYhm5dc7sjPNIC3FFhlY/xH7wHSgaF1K0jmAZjtZRywHWgdjNSzlSQHG8Z7mmmItSxSBgGUlcc47Gk2MntEYo+wjOfvEdKEwG3bbYwhAdh/FjpVkopKC7hVXOejZ70ygupJIkCkkMOBigCOMB5V3qQ2CSRQBLtCcOdy9uKhgJIhjClTjPINAEpxJGM8gdQtAFOQhJNqAHA6dKUiSv5m9i+do6YxUgLGNuXwVA7E1SAQyfPtLkr3xRYAZDuKliqEZFJiY+LAI5AH60gBC3zbX796BnS6dKY7kOjbnJwyZyCPavMaUonWm+o3V7qNrpmjiKFWw5FVThpqDZYsr28ih2QEkE85OeKmVKKehSqSejJdKuUlv/AD7siKWM5GFwDVNPoJStI6m0ga81G2v44EXB2u5XjPb8656krI3UU3cr61a2+n61KbthG7jMagcZIpw1iEkkx9tosl9oU0SyvLLbnzBk8D1H6VnNWZVrowtRsgksRMTxNt3HA/WtIS0OeUbGReKZxiQs3YEDNdMDJkmmOLWYRSMWcHv0x61M432FE1r/AGvEHf7jZ+ZulYU5e9ZFSRj2EkYtZlY/MSQhXmut6kWKDjYqs6DDYwRxzVpoRMimIAqWJ3c/jU2AbKZEmCbdqk+mM0JCLkDl2eALtfswPUVLAzbuFoG2MxEhOVx0+taJ3BksN8lu4BUOx45PWlKPYCwqKjebEQd/VQelQ2BpebAf3bHAwBkckVzuLGmSRMwYeYVK+x61k0UOMZaX7SjZVjtYA/dpdLCGXlsnkEbS205DZ5rWnU5RNGLdWrwwGRVWUbufWvTpVrohlVJYJ2OC6tjkba6ESV5IgYWWRyR24qgI7N/3TKScDmgCXzyCASW3etA0SwxeVuDRllIzxxipYzJvF3OxUHGevpTIYqrCihpGZu2AaYDrdgrFlQmJu/pTQmTXEiAB1wB7jrSGJbiGWEsoJI5B/pVElY7WlPJ5PFIaF+aKTeAAQeKQyWe6lmGQfmHGegpDuRTy5iUcZHXFAhbdyY2RUAwfvUwJ4TJGQPLJ3DuOBSYIl2AqVAO4jilco2PDukyTWd3KY+w+brg1jKpYtRuaEmnWtjaiOcbpnTcGU8CnGV2O1ipbavdyRC080xQr/CBjJ+tZypJu41Johiu7kTM81xIoP95jU+zSDnZZh1C5ljYPcFkB9c8VPKo7Bdsr32lygrNGu+M8k55NXGr0Bw6i6PHH9tC4C7guCelOYKxauopTcy2zAYByG7VmipFRZSy+U2QR3BzVEDRcqTsO0oOCe4osFyNIYZFkRcso53A9aAJYpo4YE2oztnb83QUAWrm7lW3WNZCYwRnsRUuNylJlO6kK7mwOV9K0SJbI45g0cbsSMDkUmguWZAktsPK2qxyMGojuNmeI1VgQWEi91rRkmyl7K2kNb4OxhjDe3es1FNmnNpYzLhJri2Qyso8sgKQO3vXTGJk2ZEzSLcfMcnoPTFa2IuPtwDcZ3H/69FhXNGZWXaDKSH/KmA9EU2oYLwh+bmlYETynDmGKFWVl4YUmUPtfNMflAAMjcg/1qRkk90/yxbVK5xwM0WYXIZd3nsAylfQ1SWgmSFX2bQxIPUYqWkCIjK+Hg+UgnAK9vrQkMa8L+WVbOcc5qxWKYlUSKAQAMgmmMfebGxvGM96AKkfLKeQoGGOaALKyYI2LuAHBNQwFuA55Yggfd9akY5nSGE4IPB9iaaEUH/epkYUfyNDJGTIEjLKMluntSAhZ324IyGHPNO4DH7FDwO1MCaNTKxDPzjjmpaAYqncxB3MD64oWwIk3bwQPlz0I5pWFY7G8ngYrLBAsTDqwryaafKdzaKMyNI0tzEcjGXX1NdEGQXNAEj3EMkXIZsMrVnWHBE/iPS5vtxeCJiMgrt6HJqadVJalOFzU0S/1S1E1ggUysmfLbvj+tZT95mkboaktrdavLcX5kuMptJP/ACzYY4/SrtaJakmb+hapFE13DaxPLFJbtn1BweawmnctSRz99LOqIly5yiAq2OoI4FXEymc8PPukl6Bw3b0rqTsjmsMZS11HKM4U7W9RT6BY2biaI6dJu/eKRgD3rlUbTTKeqMXTSsMhEybUYHbntXa9djJlK5aSNjFIo8s5Kk9q0ViblW2mmcNHgkH9fSqaQGtbu7vGrr5nGMDtWMgCA+ROw2uELbQMVNxFiaGOdGjCneOVJqUxso3NtGVMqYRujAevtWsZAQxzxxbQBIuB1x1NVZDJrM+ZOr+blXODntWcopAazTbUZ1IwvBHoaw5VcZYgy0YUAKXXnnvWElaQxxVoIWSMGQqOc9R9aSWoivNCQrHbktyRXZRnYlo5ueN47h7gIVjJxn0r0oMzeg+6WNdPDhvvnp3rQEZtvvG4ISR3GOlAE0mdinaPUj0p2AdbS3E7kdQeCoNS0O41rbLbWPJ6EdKYrFaaAJImSWJOMdsUCsaMMCJIVRSEYc+lANGddiRJTGWUrnigQxJdkeQwQg0DIQzO+4AAk8GhATDOAD06Y96GBJL5eFUdF/nQOw2QxsQGHPfikhMY+0SON3FMB6TSZ2gnHTn0pMEXoZd+HBA2jH4VL2LTO+0i+srHRYwYwrSJhiOd3Fc0ots0TSMrUr1JkZTtEYGVNaqJLZzFxcRyTARkhgcj0rS2grk8vmsoZ4ieckn0rC9ykSWcIll/csSQM7ahjRbW6mMUhwQ6jGOxqUtRtkulXAkRpPKSSbPCHjGKctQRHdzXU82549jY/h6UITZnOJIlYbwr+lVYQgRGhZVkCs/XPtTQEullWldGJjIGKTQrklojSRyleqnNFgGtcMzbPLO7HQ9adhlV2k3Y3HGaZJZt2eZiqBSoHU1MhomtNtvKqTgOpOflNZos1LSwj3TSLCzr1HoKTk7mnKrGbrFzCW8mNBhe4PQ1rBGMnYrGeK3VdzE7lrpSM2zHuSTMwU+4qyRpwF3biDQ2SaNpNvsyhlDMOcEUrlFmKYpscEBmG107UxovWrrJg+xAHvSY0QSMYrlssQjL8zH1qQIJeRncwOep6VoIgYuHaRmIAPHuO9SBbacyw/u2IXv61LGid4HjAaJSsbDknvRFjKkkzxAqHyQeM9xVoVyjKzq+7G4P1AHSmwuRCQtu+8QPXtSC4JIpUK2QO3v7UAXUlDIqMu1icYFQxhcjgnPRv6UkBVMjYwcE+lOxJC79mG1u4FKwCSDCoVfJ7g0WAUSoFIbnHTiiwDGCZGOh/nTAZn94oKke4oYDl4yApIz1PegBQzFGI+6OcCkB2V9bSQ3SSKyyRMMk15EJ3VjpISsK3gSd9kTjluwrVLQC1BDFEjPbSmZQMnb2PtUyd9yk7F1NTKXEJmnw6Yxms5U+xUZml4qaOEi9jI33MQKuv8PHP86VODvqVKZy91qO28hu7cH5lxIR0J9TXT7O6MVM3/Ct4mW8khL1+HZumD2rlrwaZ0U5Jm4lnH9mvmvYi0+zKoO+BxisFJo0ktDiLYIruIwzEMen8P1rtWtjmZFeRtGvB3bj/DVElu1nRYYoFH3j8x96zaGihqrlTwdwJ5FbUjOZi3lwJCQTkDAX2roUTJkEUkfmFWycclhTcWFzStJwuCWORyGrNxHcvurSyo2QFJyuf1rICK4uJra4xs3E/df+lCQyYPbTW6lZNsueV9aTTAS+sonlLP8A6wjGRTUmtxlS0geGaRpc8DGPanKSaA1I4UubHMZUHdxzz+NY7MB1iZFMkcjN8p4J6momuZ3QF6OV4wNmNpH4NWYxNWWCSwS4gV0ZSVlU9+Ota03qBxEt7MPOt/vRk5A7nHpXqxMWNup/PSNFTaAORWoD9PvBDE8TRlmfgH0pgK6tHvHysCM/jTAlt4440J8zY7DLelIAuZyCFiAbB5IoAq3EOyUvkDIzgUAWHMggErMcAcLQBnXDbpDIw4bpQJkaIGzgD8aAFjHzFWyD/KgB+5UIyoIHT0oBEgC+USuBxkmgYw/MAwYMQM0gH4TOT87dTTAYpw/mcZ6ke1JiRaDKBtjADsMjPSpGWotVk8uOGeIsq9CvaqSQNjLi98wlSu3PSiyC5QDssuDgkHrSewJ6m9cXS3FqkcmQQuFYd65ramtxmlEJPHE8m0E8sByKUtBxNq3tHE7bSrxsOPesHM05bmNdf6PcyLH8rK2eOtbR1RnLQbBM00pVn25pkhDEJZ5BO+G6L9aQyz9jV4HLIqtGvUVSYFO1m8u4LbdzHjb/AFoYi3P5aHz4ZAN/BA6ZpiM799HN94FgfzpgWJNpfYUHPftUoAjkeKJgqKxBwD60pDRpwGGZUWSPI25yOxrNuxa3OjcT2vh5hEFKyL+Oaxi7zNZaI8+vNxlyDnJOR713ROST1JIYsGKRsZxxnn8K1Qh0lkjSErnD8nNUIje2RceXGCQMMPWgNCSC0VWXCFN46UDHajby+R9wcNnI60wJLOfCxqU2/wC0e5pMaC/3FTK/BzxnqakGJaEEr5sef9rNUSVruGR9wjBIJ4B9KXQoXTifL2ySbEz82R1x2qWMtGQyK0Szt5SnOaIgZ10rGY7XOMZB9q0JZG8hiQM+flGcDvTEMMoAc5I3dqGNDoV3KFJyCeR3FIDREZJjC/KB09aiQyDUpFClcYyOn9aEDKGWDEk8L0xTEPgEhjHynrmpAV0RoiSpVhTQEexsbejHv7U7AIRtfDfNTQCKQAMYIXqaGJCoqk5EmSex7UhjgCWO0cDj5aQHZvK3lrBLht3AIPavHUNdDoIJCmWtrpBIjL8pHatU9dAYaNmHzI2fEX8KmifvAVtQiJRd7ZUN26047CZpxytd2iWTyeWsa/KSeoqHoy1sYl5vsmW1aPO5sqw+6a6Yu6IsWbd3ikEwyrDB4HBrOpFNGkXY659WuzZRXsT4Z12nCk9K4XCxvzXRVjksboThG2yBdxULgMa11WpmrNkctk0EcckW10kQEj0z3q+a+wpRsZF4n9mzpMrebEW3EdOauNpIzehNdtDdRrdW8IyRiQe1VG8XqTJ3OX1WIxXTIQAhHArsjqZMqQIxdgMLnviqJNG0iZZXUOrFRnHr9KykBea5TKgjYe5I5rCzZdyww+1orqoby+o9RUu6YxFggdRLGAjKeB2WgCSI4mF3ICfl+YDoPeosMZC0dy0iRYB6rnofrVcoEAZolUbdjocFgetVyoDRs5IbiVfNLZQcMOpPrWM4tbATN5iIQr78HqfSs2hllyyqVOCp6gjmoTsBzniHT4483McYxu7DpXp4epzGUkY0ds7oSp3HPAHpXWTqTWqNGQxQMDwGPaqA0LaKGWR9iZGPmHv60DG2do32lklK+V2VjQFyGQQxSYiUhj6dqQGfcybpWDJghuo70wLV9L5caE9McYoC5nN8xIZtvfNAmOVd4GDkeuKAGqVjlKqxJ/Q0AWIIcw7yVAzjnvQMSZR8yEYAH50ARlBsXoPYUgF2hAEycn0FMBWt5AFZgqjoPekwLs3kmzhcjEq9anUCk0ixN5Q6joKYiGVmYnb90dfrVIBLdvnJbk5pMS3NKSVgyJESGPIrJo1uWFcfaE2EgsMN2yahpW1Gjc0y8ltTG527AcsO5rnnBdDWLaKOu3UF3qDzoQiScAY6VpFWREncqQRxqAcEtng+lUyUS20oZizMhz0GKVmO5csWMtx5ZXah4bNS3YChNAiXcqI+Xz8hNaR2ExkkLmD5zkLyCOlF0AghJg3FQTjOQKTYWJLWHzU8pXCgckHpSbCwFWUKmN3PyFRxSHY3dLs2ldg0RYDnaDjFYTdjSKdzS8Q6wr6Wlnb2/lsowDRQjrdmk9EcS6M6YO7cehHWu5I4txtooiuOWJReOOorQCf7QU3DBbnjjtQgESVoLkSIoJPXiqETROVvHMr5VueOTQNFy8QS2pf7rKvNAFdEY6cHXbvVvun0qWMr3k8k6CPy8Mp+8aSBkahgypKuBn07+tV0EXmUQqWjUuw6CkhlMzhpAqIQeS26gQ+WIBcA43DnA6U7AVCsZcDzdzYweKBMhmhMbb42Dj3FMCMiN4yWGNvX1NNjLVvENgkBCD370gFuXZZA0Yx8uc9qlsCu6SSlXPzikgLCxRiNgQAT60wInd1gITj3qQKmWdwCenJNNAKxlfpkj3NMBCh24GBzksaaBiLGA+0fNxk0MQ6CINk5AI5IHXFAySVVGNvy45x60mBsPcIZIwsmAoxnuK83lNrktw+3aWbYrAHmpC5dhSDA3SBkb35pajuV74BJWjYc7uATjI9acWDEmK+SqMTj7px1p2HctxeTc2kdrKmEzgN1K+9F7DSJ4MyxrYyQkeSOJB3zxms5txNYpHS6RBBbwW8MrjaJAD36965XUubqKMq5sFs/E12C4VEw4445x/jXRvAz5UpE/iSNG+yz2ExBPDw9MCopBUMu+2XVvJ9pQJ5fCdsVrHRmDMfTJZLd2iYEqrZGP4hXRLYzRU8Qw5l8wErnjnuK3pMiRTiRmhZQoJHoea1JsS/NbMJWAbnjbUuNxFm3nW8chvvN93IxzWbjYpF23tLuzZJGZRGxw21sjFc0y7GjdwRHakSqEIznPWsot9R2Kr4hDpIp8rHBzVJ6iKlmIkLPuIUnC4NbNATIFDCBirlzkH2qbgWooPKkQ4AbGc5/SsXK5VicB5J1LMq54YDgCs5MCe8Ox/NUhlH3uepqNwG3Fv8AbbVyoAUjoBV0m4SE0cuAbW6wy7DzxXsRaaujJqxXt/M+0EOMxk8Ecj8K0QiQ+dZ3bhEdVbBUnj9aYmVb25n+2bpG/KqsIdbzLLdqZDjj86kq4+8aAziOIjGdxPXmgBmpywsE8s5OMegoEUnjcAKGVifWkgZYI+zxquVJK84piKsWBN82MDnNAyVA7HOePegLlhArh9x4xigdyJcKWYEMD0B7UANMhEuD1PNAEoDSrl3xtzg5pMBy7fLAY7ueTQhMikiDXDOCqkDqe9NiIDncSoI/SgZqWVpBJD5zZDnuOgrKci4k7222QMNhOOAOtZ3ZRWRzG7M+N2eCe1N6oXU2E2zxqcDcRxgdawloaJ6GfMix3pWfC7D0x1rZLQh7hcxyRoJUkVkk/unpU3Aqn92gBB45Uiq3EbNhdeYqoyBWGBk9xWE4u5aIdQhzf4gwGIycmto7EsguHaODynGc8VKAfYSgRmJgTGDk89R2FDQy/DDp52ziRoZM8o9Q7jREJolvFRY2AXpz1pajNCK+eGB/KfarZ57is3FyKUrFK71KOTSngk5lzlXXqK2pQaInO5n6fIWRSDuYDnA6V0mJAnyXTKOcmquA/KiYkMRjkZ70wFMqFUG07iPm54zVCYlu8a3MewYbPJY0DRsFf3bRxOrk9Q3rSHYqxefHExMQcFs7hSYFZo5XZkZgC3K47UIGSBHRUWZg4PcnpSuFiNZZl3Fec9PTFFxjfNTuoD9fXNUSSTiSKIOMZbpz0phcoBBJJ5gyGbr9aQiRCgDRk8AcimBXjgQzHflsjgjoDQMmunDQ+So+70P86QEKO7gKBwB09qlgS28asC8bMcdfShbDGzMQG5Bb1NJAyAGUsNxyCMUxCFdgGMdOaYCKW2jZhhjv2oAV45EUORw3UZzmqEQg4LBWAz0oEJb5Ej44b19aSGTvO0hVSFAxjgc0hl24EQuG8sgOuN3NcSWmpqarjz7NAq/NjPIrHVMCpE0uBlTtU53Vo0rBc1EH20RysoO0fePesmuUe5WuWNvcszqdvReOBVJplFiyiubiVYUH7x/u4HWpk7FRNWOK7VAiAeZt+df51hJpmqRr+GprbyzaSKZZH/i7isZrQ6Kb7lDXLwf2/cyQJ5gEQD7unGK6YNOBjN+8VLu5F3a200G1ZdnKg0+SwnqVJJJftam9CtGwGVHWqSVtDFprcS5tFWRzDnaw+QCrb01JsUNWhea0EPlsZYmywPWtac7MlxMm1QqxcHkcbR1+ldd0Z2HXKSBQxO0Hgj0pXEybS7dlcyonmFenPaom+5SOgW2a4tI3lDQhm7niuBzVzdRIrlEik8u2lM4boB1p2uQ0DXAnRobiLbxw4HH0o5dREEVurfuY2UgDOewrRyBCwyxRube5jCsT8rA9qmWqGXPJ2sgjmWRO244asEimSWBj894XJDk5UEdamaESKDykjBw5wSOi1mBJBIYGVEQkHp71LdgMjxPbgSGfYfn4yBwpr0sNUurESRjQR7bfzllxtbgV231IL99qUd3aRwzKMgdQOauLJZg6lIzSRjYA2OK0uSQBiuNxGcdqljGjO4HPGfxoSGx7FpXI4Ye3WgRetokgiUz8dwD1NICjcyefKRjblufagQM0YyiqWOMA4oAcu/aQnII60DGqxVwGJA4BoESxIFwc5DdCaBiug4yucHA9RSYxqujAgtgZxjHWgCzbEFCpG1u2e9NCY3UGJlDEAEDHFNiZUjUcFiSw7UWGi9Zn5QAxCDqKxlEtMvTxSy2/mJ8uOOOtZt2KK95EzWyM67SvUimthM0NMBkgMKZLYzkfw1hU7lpXRn6lE/n77lirA8+tbRkpR0E0TW0sap5fVf4c1OgiOb5Sxbj2x0podh1ttby2Zjg4zjtRICfUreUyI6kgDvntUp2QWNG/0959HhvY9pVeHx2pJ6lW0MfzwGQrHwvB96uRBcIeZxIkZbjpjpUSGiw9v5bJPE2SwB5HSouUN1ONY9xQ8sAWB7/SrgtSWYVsyNO6gsTjuOK6TInR2gYrGrBWPXFIAwoPyo2c5yTS6gHylZFf72MrWoEAeZ8PtCoBgcdaYDrPeZVJjJ2nOKTEjo45IShaQKjHkBe/FSWiAzIIGWEYOT1NK4MzvOkliLNkMDgcYpgKJMxBp1JUHAPQUANCM0YMUq5Ucr6CnbUA8nYolQ7pOwPeqJIbh5MA4J7gUCZAsqYDB8P1IoEQoxeVmBx7UAi/Z7sblKbTxg9qCgjiCqXkIy2ckdqQFYEq5PTPYelIBXn8pRGHUMeCKLDuQg5LOxz3OaloBobKFc9eQR2poCL5wXO0gMKYggxvXk884piZcADKRuGB/CTzTApPHKIsbAcnt6UCsOiITjoTwM9aQ7DSWLBVwO5PpUsYr3KzAFY9pHU/3vesXEq5o2V1IYlGSRng+lYyiNMuQ3CssqcoWGF9GqdShbF3T5nkCxqenpUzVwNLVLyKS1Xy1BZhwD396zSaHc19BMO6Kae4ELBe3rWdRmkDQjhjaeBlmUksTnPbFc7lZnVG1ibw9sl1GY/6uUThSQOByauotEFP4iDxLY/ZdSkIB2yD52HT8KmnLoKpHU1tMsIBY2N7cRR/ZEXYQvX6n86lyk3Y0jFIyfHVpYQ6al5YkOrS4Uj6100E76mVVIyLVFWJFvcogIyB2+laT30MIov+JoLSARXNkvmRSjDN71MJO42jlZbMR3P2mLp12nrmu+MjBopXW9oTwSM5b1q0yGXtPtmitASrM7kcjt7VnULitT0LWtJEvhW1KyIrKmRnu3pXnpLnOu1onm73Nxb3zhFAw2GB6fhXZyqxy31Jr24KSrcI/LHJWkkgLWm3MLTGVE2Aj5l9TUSQIsXltG6LeeUMBsMPSs1IZS8wJcbkyy5GBWjikCNBYJYdRV2XBdNwFYy1RVidt4kaTBAJ7dKxSuOxIJv3BZoQQx+X2PrUqN2FhmqQyXFuYGkCbgCpI9q3oPlkS0crcRGIKhk3816kHfUyloUyjRqWYFgG/GtUQRXMRlkXaTnvTuKxAY1AC7trd80ALHG3mKq5PqfSqQM1rHSSu6UsGOMketS3qFjIu45VuWUlh6KewoAbFG2/C5Yk8DvQBIYX8w722kHlaYmJI5jjUFQzHoB2ouIcimaUSHb0xgetIaJZcKxBA4/hoGLC+Qc4+Ykc9qQyOFcsyBM5OB7UwLUYEDATHr2PUUCZXvJRI23bt28ZoYmRiSNgViIGBgt3zTuCLMDDyArDOGyPU1m2UjT02dDJMsmfmjI57cGsWjRFK4jdOBkqDnrVIll7QrmW2kDxncc5x6VjVhdGkHqdX4gFrNZw3k1uvmSKA/ua5qPNFm0oqxyc9uqNIQUIAz3rqRgRNF50YCSbnI7darqJEKI6R7GLFgRnHalIZqwo7wBdxJ4wPWs7lWNB4ZrXR2tmcgFsstRfUfQzLuDEO/aA44HvW6IIYLiRPLUkjB5K0pIEaIubaWKO2lBw33GHas7FdCjrds9uhQOSF5BzWsCGYyyRxuG6hhj6VuZjT5n3Sc+57UgL8MwQKDtO0daLaiI5pQ9wONu8ZJPStBsjm2eR+5Yht3zD0ouBJaiWSZWjbYCMEnvTA1obPMWWkwwOOO9Q0UhjW4iaSXeWGeFqQI2kuI04hXymOd1UBASxVsvgN1qiSBiY1KR8L3ajqND45XTjaW44BpiIJlZ5VBLKcZxQJkUSNEzHaCHFADioV1+X5h/KgCaSRFBRDtPUUDI5eEzu74wOmaAFClwMsD/SlYCtOAz8sOuARRYBsnT5kx2zSAR0VgHHUDoKAGlyylmk29gKAJIkWNsE/Nj9KaEwkbDBsEH1FADjIpQuBjHrSDQq7GOW4wTwaBixK4L5QsO/vSYBFCRIRLggdB6ms2wLVkCgIGMEZOKzkUi4ZF2iIgD0IHSsyjRt1jubLyVVd45D+tZNjKISeK5CycjHy59KrRoLG9DsktInA+VWw3tXLU3NIk0jva3ETr65z6VlZPUtSsbeknyC824tJKcls+tc9SbbNqci14mW4t9PicqcSDIXuaqmyqjIvD91DeW19p1w7RoYywXtwD0rZJXuJSM66Uv4QXT2j82UuzQv3AB//VXTDRmcrszoI5xZRzPuaNjtYHtVSavoZpNEEd4olFhK+bfdlF/uGqURXG36yw3AU8xkcSCnFksyZBIZQm4Lu68V1QMmbmk6hDpvltNH5gjGNp/ipVI3Q1ozYXVradJrve7JswluTxk+lcHs3GR0890cRdso1NSQShPI9Pau2K0Odl+5gbULxY7eMD+FFFZt2dykrkwsLuxuXhuW2lQCQOcUSaY3GxJZ3ORNDKSQ5/Ws7JDsRQWssbFZVIz0btiqbuJIlhuJXOwTk4O1V9KzklYtLU3r+CTT7OGLysM/zMx7D1rOKRTRRuiY7VULKWLcc9R7U+XUksXJf7OjFC6oOVNZrRsDB1C0MkP2iMlXJzs7Yrvo1Psmc4mYjM0ZjkwAMn6mu4wK8JTeUfHy9aAI3ha4ncbd2ehouFi1DY+TtYgg4/E0cw7F5ThNxkLcdRUSGkVruKEwOJHy5+61UhNGa1s0cW9WUMP4vWmSylJIXYE5ODzTEx0CB2OWPsaQyZmRITwRKOpHSgCJi8qHeRnGc0APtkeQZJwAcg0rBct8RlSGznqT2phcjuBvmDFgzEcZ9KTQXGT7sbuM9MUwK0C4+6uMnnBoYkWoojvJxgCoZRPC/wA4kJwgrNlIsCEyRkKwVJDnJFIY+weW0n3sgJXgBu/vUtXBaFq51OaWIRM37oNkCj2aLc7kJYY3pu2s3zUhCTptA8p94J4I6ihgXDbyuY5ohuG3a2PWobGkbEEsdpBDLPZxgA4+tZttl7DvOWMz3EkKOpGQp70JO4bmDqN7bylsjDbcgDoDW8YsybMdb1443jAG5j1rZwQuYJbyRtjEYA9KFTE5Ek+oSXSjLEdue9HJqK7IwqhwZGyB6dqqwElyYkjUxx5wfmZqBFm0WGQqrRg55DDrRYAukh8oKgBweppoCJxH5ZKMNx6mnYCZJPLtiz5bb90etFwLMNycqQ3yEYIB5BpbjvYQ3OWyuRnjFNIV7jLiQpD/AKwsV5x6UAVolkkhbJ2hu1FgIFdg7K0Zfbx7fWmBJdSRpb/eJZehpARpMJTv3E44xihARsCZdgGcnimBMqsARt5A5FADU8vHz/eI4HpTBELEIUjOWBByakBy5j9BupiI8KHG0HB6Y9aBjbpWDlipHPekwIWwGyQc+uaQAuWZl24JHHpQCHwl1OGyy+voaAHy7DIpQFRQAwh1+8jKuMH3oFZEwCNAqoSX6AVDkMX7PIsisPmUdcetLmHYmvkXzPM6gjGQKyTG0M0+WOJmUjLEcClLXYESO0gZmjG0HvUlF608lYBuDAsc7l9axmNaq6Jrss5RFBBwOcVMZLZlWdrsbb3MsasFf5M4INJxV9QTsrmvHulxJJztAAA5zXJLQtlu3uzG6phkAOQSOlZtJlRkzetJxc6lDPfSGaBF4QnipWhrdvcr6eqtqF2/2ZUtpiTGFHK5rZvQqCMyd5bLXn3yjy4Y8gEdAa6Y6wuQ20zT1c2jaTbvG/BOVx3rKF0wkcfrcIW98yPOw8HA6fjXZTd0c8iwrPPZxx+ZyOB6YFJqzBGdqIeLUUaTADjG5RmtqciGiW6EZlQFi3HfrW4iKyExuj5X3V6KKznFPUpNlfVRNBdxs42vIMmlBCZ0Hg5ojrNnuYIpzyetc1d2RrT3sauuQJF4hlQM+6UcbujVCfu3NKis7FFNNMc/Rd56EHv1o57oloimnaeHymPzqcEDjGKCR5NtEqN5UQkHO4DrQ7saZc1vWW1O4jMcZRRFsKnvRGJVzELK8PkyqyyI4CkDgVTIN6zLfYiJtrPj7pNc0r3GjNvIkmsriMHY4+76fhW9J2dxS1OTummswqtESRzz3r04S5jmaK0jG4fevDE9PSqEbugxRCQlgzHHI9aljRdunSaUORsKDDD1pRKZRe4WJWiVBlz061bRNytcRYjCNGMk5xTQFG/yZNnO1QDhT0pklKUx9VX5ulMkntdzNuULgfkaQ0SzIqxs3Uk9AaBsgiiEvCjj+I07CuTIfKfYBuHdcdKQXFxhW3gH27mlcdiAqyMp+9np6U2A+cMHAfGCM4pAQxnnO3gGmSWll3RsBnceck1JSZoaZYrcDOTgjoPWuec7GkY3J7rMEaxOnKHgDvSUrjasV7qQ3MYeVw3YDHK1aVhMrzQ4gVwjDb39abEWoHKW3lsAzHnNSUEiCJAYiqg/Mcd6THuSw3s2VkRyjEYPYAVDiNOxcmne98uGRwF/hIHGam1h3I5ZX8prSRwHPAbGcVcUrktnPzK4lKHJdepPSupLQzY1tjQtgMXUZpkshj3Opycj0oYyURyRpkoSpPXpRYVxUYbt3YHpQMtOGdimB75oRLG27FQyqSW7E0AiS4VhERKMNjP1plEUB226uE6DkY60tQFLvLGWOTjsOgqXcY6NwYQgUKS3SmhMcXlS4AMR20XALqQhTuDZB6Y60wEtpeWB7joeKYDFll89lB+b7uOwoAZdpsk5PBHI9DQAsMgA+5tzQBLCv74tJnaPumgCabIjJH3jzuB7UrgVdrOxbhiPummBFKDlIwFHPXPU0gI513AouSR96mBPBGQ4IbCL69jQAt5cebGEyGUdef1oEVhBvYM2M44wOtKwXBUEbEAnOOtDC47GxC3zE9BSBEaMd4DAnnOR2oGWLubO3oTj8BQwQ63jSPYxfaTWUkBbjUWx+aUbW5xUXLKizk2zAMHJPPHSlyibGxIbnY2AGXqV70m7AjSjiMcQWUZRumDyKwlIpEFtLZm6+xXEzwTMf3Tn7pNZVajjrY6aFJTdjY06/DX58P6zALW4b/j3uOiv/wDr4rk5vtpncqSf7tjNQtZbC/a1li28g/8A166oTVSNzz6tF0pWNrSLR53It8yPtztXtXLWetgs3sUdRvnFykIwZBkMKunC6Fexp2F4n2c4yCo53DtUzh2KUzb0ILMjMGJjT5wV6/jWTbOmnYzvEn2X+1IdQcEWzL5cx2554xx+dddOfu2ImtTO1W3KWqrFN5lvnehHYeme1VBdyJlaW0d41QPvJQsoBzx71pF2MrXIrK3UWDeYxEqv6/WrkSit5iq7+eAVc4/3aqDEypdxTq0cm0FGbG4dCK6EyS3o8kdnLL5wIRuSRzx6CiY0HiKf+0bq2JRIQFxGvQkc8mogJl3w1Aja9ZAlSqkbiTwa58R8LNaXxI6j4p2siywXkDLtjIJI9MVz0JrZnTVhd3OVH2ryWuxNt39ielbu1znvYRJhJMoZNr4y+D96lYQXMJkXManngAnnNNOwE0bDy03LuZFxx6UXuBTWRmmVUXKDvnkVQFozyYPdM4JxzWbiNE8+EtGaMBoh93PJzSWjEzC1qJ7iFJipJHUiuunKxi0ZsMQMJxwAec9TXXe5mT2M9xaXDFvuuP0pMZZuLkNGXTr/AA//AF6aQNlDz5Fbe4G7ufSmyBizytICzk49aCkVJmdZnkJ+UnOKYgCq7bm4A74xQCRciWGOJkjDFz69AKB2K2CE5JDFqQMWLMOSVxuPrVkCs7GRjkLg9e+PekAjshBCliTyD3pFD41Gwb+inp60MBbsK+NrZIHHFAikCYyTkY6c0CJljHl7mJzjnBqRpHTeDZ4zIY2jOBxycVxYhHTSNLxBBGz7fJ8vIJRs9aypSLqROcS1n+1lXA2gE88EiurmMQT5rVtrEkHgHsK0RIy7lDyRony7Rk+ppATJFMsYlcA56VnLctEJjlWYbQPLccgnvTsBNC1xGpYLuQHsOlS1cQ6/nSSQ3MIw5+8DVxjYTZl3bSO28kknG4gVuiCNd6udqkBu9UJhbALJvI3bTyPWgRoNcxzAJFGEHcMc0CIfLR0KkbTnsKTKGPGsY/1jFvWhCY21lkSX+Ej1x0oY0WWLSg8+YegpjG2jXEVq8RiA+XA3ClcBsSvGmVcBWGD65ouBbt0Qyo9xtABwSB1oYF0qs04WJAVHGTUjMzUw1tcOPvMOlUmIqyyvKoO1cnr2xTAYynJfkbj19KAHXDMWjjZcqcYPU/jTAFWPzdqliw9ecUgLcSOVIHADZwfWgCO4YqpyDnOM9AKkCNFJTgFTnPXrQBVbKFsKTn9KAD5vs4XlW61Qi/Cjva5YDcTgUrjKbW7o7Lgj3xTEx8QcMCcDA59KBDjtQbuBJ2Vu9JgyvPIXHD7eeRikNCYOcL1br6UDY5RsbDfPnqPSkxJj5OY2C8nrz2qBofEssoyvYZw1Q9CrlKCbaXUDGBwMU2SamlxjyzIJAHbrWM0UmW0gnKtlwh9G71kyinf2sd4RFOwUquQw7HtzSnG6saU6lmV7vVhe2K6Lqg2X1sR9luR1I7ZP5VxqmoO62PUjVVSPI9+h0/hPVY9f006RqBH9qW3EEp/jX0NctdyoS5ofCxyh7WNnuizpGqf2N4khWbcgkBjbPGMjFRPmnHmXQ0w8IrSSLHiWAwtJcRYMyksnH3lPIrpwdRy0Zw4mh7ORkWl1PJbMD9/uK9CUEmclzV06+nsImFuSJXG0r2rKUImsZWNvTyJ/Dc9vcukk4PmSIw574xWMmk9DeD5tzKvrY2tmwlDfZm+ZMHge1axaZlUVirY3McY8mNDyMKGrTqQiEqH3NETGyNzGehPpVkEUqiePy3UIwGPrTTJY/SVdrNrOUZRDke1U5WCw1pYIlcumeCoX+tPmbFYh1Mm8t4rkwupU7fMUcY9KpaBuWtPt2bUbZ7VyNuC4HU4pyipR1CN7npNzfRXXhe4W6s12RLtdj1GehryGuWZ6Kd4nntzZMVZoWUwtyvNdqehyzWpnpFPG6gIzFjhT61VzKzL1tPPZ3Q85FLdWQ9R7ilYdxYZS1+wRC8bnIwOAKNhpmhdWVqtqJYCwlVwSAOgNRzM0cUUfkinaGWNgr8g0+a5Fh9q6Rs0SjhgcA1LY7CxrCkfkOOG+8T601JpktIwNc0a6sD52cwyH5SK7KdS6MZxsZnmMcDJB9/St1dmbLMRAhI9QcVqBVDLtODkNx+NAh7D5OmRnGaBojMC7T1J7Y9KAsLLCgs2dcA0kBPahJLcu64YelMoo3J3PvQcdKCWJCC4BY8Dj60Esm8oRrtc84wc96Yhluj7HwBuzwT6U2Owrf6wpk5J5qWA29GxVQE4z+NAMqKCZODk4zzSsImRt7jIIXuaUtho6XS4vsenw6hkPhxkDpxiuSonLQ6IaGj4i1K31KaMWMb+Y6gbR2bHaojT5S5SuVIGuYUCy27MVOGUjlRTuRZkV7YRRl3jfaW5CHtmt4SuKUTHePyH3v8zDtmqaM9mdJpO260Wa1nMcZA3Rnv8ASued+Y2jaxzckpilbb8xX1NbpXRm2V/tsxlxF/F95atQJciu5cE8s3rg1dibkkbOYwSflPUjpQA0sQFbdgg4WmAPLtkJbA/rSYIZkhgyk8H86Q2X4bmSOHMZUg9Qe1UTcrNIZZtzDtnjvQBNEpJXewUHpQM1bOC3eINFIRKOi0nsNDl2kvDIpBAPPvWaZRS2Kx+VhnoF96tIVx9vA07iP5k2ck+9UI0La3Cbz5hynUZ4pNAPMKXQPyDdj5WPQ0rAZUtgqZR2MbE/KT0qgGSWzqxVHBQcigCCWB/lcjLe3pQAiBl5ChDn5jQBfsZGlUREfN1zjrUsBt+0ezyyMtnLDtQgM558FxFlQh5z3osBGGWRiR1J5oAUjfKFLKo6daoRaM628gRf4TzzSaGXnaNk3iMnA/E0ARhIvKdofmPVlPamBnMzTSHOMjv6UmBG0bxj5ipOakCeH92yuwB75qWwJd8E9wWUbGHUnvU3FYbdoFwNwye3pRcYg3xYIXrwGqWBniYIR8gOfSraAv2V3EjCRlyn3SPes5RuNMVtT5aIBsZ4NR7Mdya0kSeVUn3Kf73rUyVkVHcyfGMey5CPH0XMcgHX2rhjuzuhqjDttQu7a6iuVlZZYz8pFOUFJWZpztSuepWzQ+L/AA+k0rrFqSENC39/HavKnJ0JNPY9iKVWmpLc3NQtrmTSLOZ4iJ1TypSexGAK0wdSKk1c4cbBy9448EwXsiPwxOAewNe1HVXPG66mhpsknnETMSoHU9/cVMtile502lz2coWYqVZflcHoR71yTTTOmLuN1OJWgRLctP1IA7U4aE1GZcbkQrJPKnmEkAEcqa3TTMjKupJlnMcrfK/O4dQfWtorQjmLMcJnt4jHE3mb8Ef3vepbsUlcn1WCbSoDIYiVZth9j/k1MZqUrFShZXItRRbmxjePapAG7Het4mTNbwRbm80LUbSaMtHtLK3cEYrOpJo0pxuL4Cmj0+/Sa9tswSDYzEZwadR+7dDitTrbWYjUb7SmKzWd5GSje3+TXDLudkXpY5u90V7a2U+a3loD82OM+lOM7mUoEL2U934dQQuI5YJeffGOa2U7bkuPMrnP3K3BnJmLNIoxmtlscz3Lenv9nuFkEibQMBfepYGlJcMkYRYnw5GW9/SsTUrXUs0IKunmK/Of7tWkJstTXKm3V3hUOR8pFS7DKVzECgkRSzH5qCWi0xj1HTRBIdh9KlycXoS1c5/xDpe2COSKMqE7j0rso1u5k4mLGJY3yVypHeu3nvsRYbMyqpXB55B9KsklRUICrwfagY1V2uwLZHegC59nbywFAcsOAKhsrlvsVCHETRAEKeNvfNProLYrvbugyQcKPmwaYmJajIeMnGBnFMkkALNh2JKgZp3CwrlRCeCCQeaGxiKEZFZSCSOc9RSAbPHuiUjknqe9Aio5KuAPlYdqBCLuRvlY/NyQe9MFudDYSGbSZLbfsjXLKT0J9Kw5bO5tfQi03zIZ4jH8zhtygdzRU2CG536Wb3xNzJLBEzp8zd64ZStodaSsY+tWCSaSGZx9qtm2tj+ICtaUjKaOVvsO0aMpB6n2rq3OdlYXE0U37lipHHtRyJhcilLyuxLgS4yferSsJlWUuSABhu4HeqJCRtvIOCe3pTTELE5K45wTSAUhdp+YIQehoKJY/KxgkMB+ZpMEQS7gQFXp19KQ2JCzb2BXap4wPWqIFbcrgY2n3oGieDiQu5yrcDPakxkxuZYdrRnGDgkUkM0La+NzbKhwGPG7vmjlHcpmOdLpSY84zg9jVIljYmuWc4jZATxTEaiWkvlrO5cAjHXjNIogkuGhTY2S/YjtQIiMp2Ahmyeu6iwxkdzK7jzCMd/pQUKGO85DFckj2FIkilkjM5wodR1ApgPt5lgZ5EyOePpSaAhuJWuJPMYAJ1+tFrAVZo9u1izY9B0oEPVAiA/xMeBRYLi7Mkbic+goAuQ6fG6/aJSW55xTbGXFxHEUdNi4ypPekhmRdXLDKo+32HemTcjjJ8z5uhFJiuSKSFbv6E1JSEdiEU4DEfpUtARFysgdW3Me/pSETiWJnUyAuxH4ChoZK8gDBWl4IyvtUWYzMt4CJVReWPf0rRsm5Paxql8InJCg/NU3BAChd0A2puPTvRcZoWUPlOrnkjkCsZvQ0RY8Vqt1YqGUfKM5P8NcMtztpO6PO7t1MxUfdHXNWOTOx+Ht6s8Mli7bHh/eROOv0/SvPxtNx99bPc9HBVOZcrPY9OJvvCFwzH97GoYEewNeVSahU0Omv78bnDazYOJRdZ3QuMjn7pr6HD4hSjY+fqwtI3NCstP1fSxDay/6bCnzJ/e+laTdi4JSRnxSS2fn2jjbLyvzdjSXvEP3Sppmq31tf7eG/hJHTFVOCsQpXNq8giu44jDtDqQDgVypuJqlcyfFlmYHjlwCwA6Dg110avMmZyp2ZrQ6ZeWGn2d+hJVyMegqpK5cY2NLxZaXUdvG97kpK+TjnriuWC5arNZq8Tm72JLBDglo8bsCu1SuzlasaHhW+ltLsJbkiO44IPbis6prROl0fT4tPu7iO7cPDIu7Dcrk55qIvmiaSjYzZ7j+ztSi8t98MbZjz0Oe1N07xBTsdHLDq154UZ3hWOFjv2jk4zXHa0ja90cfa3wtWvLLAaMr8jdcHmuv2XNqYufKrGBO86yJIcmMk49+elaLY53uTpELeU7hviI3DHrUsZpLK0NuhV8xyjG3+6ahLUbZztzqN3DcyBCHQnGGrpULozuzb0ueG4slQqBIR0Y8/hXNUi0zSLJxlb1IpxhVA+YikMiucW124j5Rvuj1otdEt2HGeNohvBJY/cxxWbjbYm9ylqmn21zA0gjSNwOBjpW9Gs07EuNjkZ7gqTC43Y+XJHWvWWxgJBgKUUBR3PrTAtRIjwqjDJY4z6UmCJbXUn026gkCl/3oX5uhHpXDi5OMbo9DBJOWpreKFhGqSskIRZCWVQOlLATlUhdixkFCd0YDKGddrEFR6c16BwMjjjTp9zn52xkmhiQx5UAcBcAcc9TQMBOhhwTg44oQCJumx8qjHIPrTYE87K48xV2sDgkUh2K0kDNl2OcjpQIqyjY7Kw3YHGeaZJbtJmVVD5GBwoPSpaKTNWxaJW8+dWbjHB5HvWc9TSJKusz252MBJzx7CsfYpvUv2liuuqTmeQTFmjboM9K1VNR2Ic7kzypPZeZkMV4296pEGUxDgKQS3p6VSFcgbnerADA5PenYLlcuDKqgAcdRVEhKQBnO4qeuKABV53EHk9aQCjy93zpn0FBQ8sqyMVOM8UmCEBOcA555pDZIisku7Ksp55HSqIHXgbzMlSQRkEUDQsUiNB5bqQRyM0mMap2sRglf4c9jSQMerSRXAlxt55PY1QGslyhVeGB+vWmhAJxODITtdT8pFDBE15MyxKsjfIOmKkooSTGfIMYCnjJHNMTFXbycMcLgAGqWwFM797ZGMdjUjLUDvGjZLEMPm56UCuV/MRXaTPNAXG+ZIQwOCpPXvQAio5ZWBG0elAErkLEDkHJ4oAIY2lLlx8vQZHegaLMVsHQeUpyO59aCrBFJPaq8agkE/Nk0mSyveXEhUksCp4waETcokAgZHJ7imA9yvmAH8BSERspQ7mP5VLGmT4WTLfdwOKRRXVjnCqBg4PvRYCTYYxndyOo9qYEZkEgYnIUDGcUWAjtJpUcOAMrySD2pcpKZM1wJrjei8t6nrSsUMYqsoZc8/e+tKwiVbiTIKyY5/GhwQ02WWkeeCS2kc5kGMt2rGdO5rCbWhxep2k1ncGKXB9D6iuaSsdOiRY0O9k0+/jnXtwfoaxrQ5otG9GfJK57b8MdZjuoJ7EuG89CqbjjBNeHXounJM9dPnjoQlrURS6ZdqQ+8jg9K7qMJXVRHjVWldMh8MOmga9FcK4ePoWIrvnJzgYU5csza8eafFNfrq9mytDcoN2D901lSqNaGtWKepzqQ/ZLpCUHzjGK3c+Y51oXIbh7Y+SEDDPy4bk1k1dFKRa1xhc+H5BlfOBG38jRRXKy3K5HNrch0rTtOmk3xIQWbpjrxXQ9ULnsdhquLvSYXjYTpHz5eec1xOTubR1Rw3iYxqRcKvlxhdrr3Brupu5hNWdy7FAEFpdWrqwVQWye1Zz0kVTetzQ8XNvtI76ymZrbARyD0NOm7MqpqiWaCLUPBttMu1pbV8t2O3J/+tV8+6FG7sdVoWrONJWDy5diptwQcEV58ladzdI4aa3jtfEF/bFVQzLviB5BznGK7YScomElaRiXBeCV7WVDuXlFx0NWZtWZMHMttGkaKFcYBPakxk1nFdEyRLGsiqmT7Y71Leokmc9eptud8inZnkAd66oWa0IaaLEIRZ1kjbO3kDNTNOwRNi4mNwIt/O8dPSuRI0uS2UMlzItq5Hy8o+M4oZIskUkUwBCb0OOB1qWiWCFJZDHOgUNwT71NpJhuc7rWnxu7w2oXzOxIr0KVZ21M5QMQW/kB4pyRnv3zXVCfMYtcpLZyfuTGVJKZ5HWrb1HHYq+IXCC3mVhtUhtmec151d8zsenhfdXMdVeX0V/plvPJCUuygDjHX3qcFHlTQ8dJSs2Y7xweeiy3AhMhCqe9dk8TGGpyQw7qIi1CCSxuDC5D+jDpirpVFUjzIyq0/ZysZ8kZckHOec8VpYzKxZxtAAPbNWJF20+QFnB45HFHQaJJZovnzgE4yOwNJDHKCpQAEseQKQircRhpJHUkbfve1USFmu4AElRn73c1I0WZGkGGwQinAAPWk0UIX6lyCPXGMUxMjVVLbGk2jqOeaAJ0V44GLOApoBldWKSMRlj3oAbIcuzbM+tBJWZQGIGF9KYA4LYwOnH1NABIz4G5u/agBgUiVSrZBPQ0iiSUDzMjp3qRMJsZHlrhQOvvTEOtygy7MSoOMUwLU0m6MqCVPtQURW+MGOXJHY96ALMUJliZm5VD+lCRL3IZ22R7SeccDFBRDHKyjBfOKAHicIuWDZzng8UAXpbt5YWKqMYyARQMqpO+QrZGD1FAmTozIwYD5s9fWqEV5+ZdzO230FSUiXdJHb/d+Q5wf8aAI2UPGCF2EH/vqgQ0HMCpgAHqelDEiWPd8qrgED86BkTszybWTAU8YoAsxTSAKvDAZGKBotWU6xqRvOM9D1FBVyq8m6Qhjz3PrSZJTuMrIRyw7UhMjkdvLIQAYHFMSGLlm3u4OT2pDY6eUjkbSOnSgkZHv2g5PNModuCDkfXFFh3G5leM8444BoQmxY9yjY+FzzyOtDFcoje3KnGeKqwidBnYASNvbFZvcpMt2EP2uR4ySMCpm7Ba4TW6W1x5YkDnGc+9RdsrQlDbpFLDtyPftQNMLnT4tRhZJARg8NjkGsKiNYswrvSJrD5bjAUDKsOc1yPc642asXfDWpT6bfxTxSkBGDVlVgpo6qE3Fnquo2sF5ax6/bAsJU/eBezev6Vx0KvJLklsVi6PMuZGIJHlAMhAyegHINena6ujylo7E7ai8Mn2UTO0bL91uealU0ynN7E88k0pS4Kq0YTGalKzsK5CzqJEKkYBHIPSqQiR7mRJdrL8sh+UkcVUUIXV5Y/KtWeNGCnDFR9aqOwGtpuvQWdxtjJXcAMHkCsJU29TeErDfGsNs2jm5V98krjBUcHrxWlG63FU2EW0EGm2U0qyRAJ17HrSqSvLQIr3TS8Losy3OlXYBiu1LQ+zf5xU81mUtVYfoAX9/4e1AbC0hjWRTjI5q2nuWtDY0R7+yhvbUweckIKhu44rnlqy46HnWrXsuoalFJcy/ZvLOwk8EAV3wjaByTfvXJ5JFlmUsxkVRgPjr+NRewWuFnDbQ2nly3BMxc7PQCpciki1aXNxbSyRRsigjnJ6iokr6lJ2NWHTtPv7JpgAXVSW9KzVSUXZF8qaOenskikVoceUcgn0NbqpJoxlGwxGECsA24k7QT2oWpJPbTXNkxeIh8c0couYYL1pLgPcIyM7ZIHWlKIrmlKFnCPlUQ9+5rKzTAx5ovLvx5iMQ3TNbc2gjP8W28Q+eIFeOc9c1vRk2ZzRz1rKyABTjPGTXY3ZXIgruxnXU4XX4JLr5oI2G8DmvKr3admepQ0aTN3xP4rtrnUDPp1vsUrtHGOPpWWHU4R95nVXVOctCC3dtUtYzeWxjcMGSUHHH0rWEHKb7ETqxhDbUs3TGaffIw4AA5zmvTpQUI2R5FWbm7sgnIVzGpPPUkc1vYxINiEAg7eeB3NFwLoheaNQpCbjyPagZDPEp44AB5GOaEFxqszOuSQB370AQztK4JwArcmhsQ+NsHn7uBg44pXGTHDthydoHGKBlSU7QVPIoExtuykYwD3BJ7U7CuXl3FPKYZTGeaSGVpG8hgM4B6e9NqwhnmF3y33j1A7UWERrE0sjEngdscmgBWiZVwSRj1oAZtGSV+bbQBGE3SfIGyOaB3JpMGMrjkHPvSEC/NGRjk9BSAasYQfOxXHQHvTGWIJUKncjAgcd8UDIpJmZyxCjIwMUATQzOINpbBPXA60hND4ovtCFSxJC4JxximMrrGgbbHk44Oe9ADhvgRtyqVPY0AOglO5VA2jHA60XHYWRcIXKnjqc9KBWHR3H7oAAhhw2adwsMjTzXjQv0HOTjNIZcnMTpsLH5cdDQBSdmbAPAX7pzTsIepCxEkcY70CFiU+ZuGRxyWpDJmSNkI5B6n3oYEAmVJtwB29jikMmVlH71sHHWmBA8ykZYdO9JgRNIxOQw+mKRLZXYuWIbG3PI9KYhCpY7VI4pjAKzMdpGR+RoCw9JBtIJxjjFAxY2H3sZGOaBEchKk7jnjjtihCJFdWgYMQzdvak2BC1uxGS3OeMU0x2HRxM2RnaB1NZsa0LMckttINi4DDr61L1GJBMftG903MfWlYCVyWuCxAUnp7Uug0bKp5Vv5gxIGIwe1c8nc0Qus2MdzpLknJ6j2rnmjaEtTh2HlMUHY81B1rY9E+GmupEx0+5fdbyDaQegry8ZRd7o9GjNThys0PEFm1jq+xyPK6xkdHHau3CVr0+Vnl4mj7ORW1ezeaGO6hZRt6qO1dVOdtDlluWk3fZo23BSxwV7Cs5P3gRDfA21yYkQSLgEAVaBk4iie3eSViGUcY6ClcRJ5cV1aNAcHK9R2ocrATaVpUDOqmQb8YJNROuzSKL+rWQk8OSeY2zyJgOf4hzV0XzFz0RZbV1m01LCSH90EwCR096zlHlkUn7pW0K6tbW9hlZ2lEeAD3+tU1qKMhmpiT+2/wC0bVWa2Dbyc9DXQtrA3rc6/wAG6nFqlneTEgMxPmD8AK4aq5GaJ8yPN9fsY7bXZ4JpcxN86Htz61305XgjnmtTd0+zsLjTI5FcbIziTHauectTWK0DT9Nsp7gmSZf3XRaz5y4QuTi20uS+cvOIk/zxU8zRMo2K1g4stXHkMHgJwfTFaaMQurWLWnmKsJe3kbcrr2PpT5rAyva2atazLINk/GARzR7WwuTQyr2I28ghjkL8ZYntW0ZcyMJRsx0sTqkTovmEfeHqKCbCxyRrPu8zy1bqp6AjsKGrgWJpiSMKJCOQT2rOwivf20NzCxZl3Yxx2rSE+UmRzl5pf2cGUSBkYfKx7Vs610OnGzOK1R5muCioQueT/WudWd7no9jc0waLZ3dvL9pV1Kfvg3euOXtHdWPQhKlDVM2b7WNIvrlLWzlZFGFXAHFdmG5oL3jjxUo1H7o6aIQI25lD+vYivVhqjxprUozsv8HJ9a2S0IJ40BtBu2Rn261NhkLxtDhvMIx79aYDJHAjDKMjPzZ7UAQliW3JJj0FOxNyKQcnBPB6dqTQyQTRYK5KH+6O9IYvn9SfYA0rCuRyGOVCzKVPpTQgAGFfPyjigC7Arvbhicrn8xQUVZmZ5WJQAA4UelMTGCXBwRls9RSEOicKSxYfWgBbo4YOpyCOaAKis2NpwMnJoAeHHlr1znkigCUBHBIP0zQBGoYuBjp6UgLDlkChlByMgUAVt58w4GBigdx0cq/KrA46Yx0pDLKYYD95tVe2KEA6De7Mowue470wI5MRAhjhxQAx97sGcnAFA0NWQb8qORytAFyRHeBXYbSRzQBGEI5AyT1pWAaPmUDhWXnmgCwgCReYy7v6U0BDbmMSDf8AMOoqrCI5ZMF1KZIIx7UmAGdgNvDlup9KQEtq7bSCO3JNIdhZLZUKrlj3pgFwdzFY1BAAyKTApSO6sVAADUIlshLMZNoJJz2psQ3edxCKcg45oAfkE7lfk9aChgDYA6AnrQAAbYjuz9aAFc5iABIPamJjxkxAsN2fSkIQLuGwgYJySO3tUgBnkYn5eO5H8VMoUHbDgHBOMg1EgZYt5iGG4ByOakaLF26TSDy0VGXnipsA6NN6tKAMrzg9TSY0a2nXAFs0cihsjIX0rCUbmiZLDdtMTC6hu+30rKULIpSszl/Etp5F8Zo48LIMiufZnXTnzFPTLhrW6Qhj9BU1I8yOqjU5ZHruhSW3iPRFs5pB58AzE/fOOleUn9Xq6HXiIe2V0UUjntiYJgfMVirLj9a9KM+ZXPDlCUXZki2qSwSRCQCTqpHY1XPYm5TuIpEtI1d/njb53FappyCwebHJBIYjkMMc9sVWzFYfpzLHbO2AG/iGaU1cLGrpUsKSQs6nLEZ9q5po0i9S34+u7eaO3tIBgKVZgO9dGF0uaT1sbN7psS6bpty8kUkbptYDv1rCpOzNYQuY0unR28hMR+QfdJHAb0pKs7kuFncz4ftVley22/mSMsiHoc13Q1Rkzb8CRxmwlYYhmBIlweTXHika0mYHi3TTDrUTSSs3mtz7V1YafNEirG0rl25uQmlm2s7MRkEAyqPvVk17wRdycQxTaH58wZLhW5PQmsub3i9iDTreXNyzW/mMqEjNU9yNyDT7cSMBHG5mDZA9aakCRsRambe0mtbxC6Dop6g0nDmKvYxH1RbjZIspDI3Kkc4p+xsT7S47XLeOdYbu3YOXG119Kum7ETVynahxayIWUkHOe4qpu5KRWuYskM6jb61cWRJCm3eGdfMkBjZcgr0oZIm+TzGVlGTyTmodg5bmX4muoRYbFO1zkYFY892dNKnfVnB2kUuo6xDZo/8ArH2hquc+SLZ0QTlLlOo1Xwpp+j3z2107XD4BUg8A0YWUqurDE8tLQrQW1rb7vJRVbpu716kKcUeX7W5okq8agfPjua6EktiJO5RuvJKn7wYHBAq0QSRgBV+boOhpWGJLLGAAM+pGaLBcpzTSMduCo71VhE8IzDwAc96TGiJ9zBVOVIOKQDAu3O5SCM7cd6YgIDQ44LdwO9CBjUZzKyPjAFICaHCqBu4IzSAtRKRZsd33j/3zQyiuA6A4yyN+lIRGI8jLnOc5I9aYhjKYmAz96iwBKGZQB9MelIBI0RQwJzIOvtQBFcbMZTPTpTAF2/xuRt6L701sAqkbj8wHcUmMvkpNYKRkyRnk+1Jk9SpuGGcDHrSRYsWwbgU3g/pQA4oi/MoOB+lCGSwMigFgRz0piH3A3OTswGHy0xDE3Jw+MY49qQyuyDzc78egpoCzFMvlhSMncApzSAWKUK3C7uOeaBjxhlCGJhz1oAtXJ223UADAx70IDOLrChJOX9KpsRWedmdtw+XPGKgBbjBZVTO0jJHpQwRYOI13YyPrSHcc1wS2S/AHA9BTsK5Te4ZpQV4weTRYTYze2SSSAelMQmMPxkE/zoAYAQxEgPXp2+tMAdWGNo2+9AE9mu+TYw3AHpSeg1uadxZCOA71BBGc9/pUKVy2jJcEE4OMcEVZIicOvzEHGaGJCtJsI5HPWkMjGOhztB5BpLUdwkI3AKpwf5UhJ3JYpAHPrjsKVhkqttkBOcHr71LQjRhkWT5dyg9OmKzYxJ7poZfLVAeOTjrRy3Hcl0t2lkOWGTzt7mpqKw07mhrNul9pbBWPmoMqD1+lcFSL3OqnKzOLt4pHmCIGZ2OMDrTiuh2JpansHwe8I3ks6XGoXH2WEkbF/iYVU8Ep2ZSxfIrHv0fw78N6vEruJBLt2+YrYz+lU8NFHHKrzvU8L8SWUPh/xLd6cwIMMmAW/iGOtck4TTshNIpXhhmtC0ADE8sMVNO6kQYkUoGUCkAHO4da7UIhuSscqpHn9594/wCNV0EbENwkNrGeS0ZAb3rmlAaZdv5oNSQS5MUigBAVPI75pwvE2Tub9hFGmgPZ3JErwr5gO4DYPWspK7ZtF+Z5D8RfiLcXMq2WiSyRWyH55OfnNdVOlFbkVaqtZFrwP4+0u7t1tPEryi7jOLe7XnA/un/PatbW2MotNanoPhu1uPtTajBOksLEEshyGH4VxYiSbszppRsHxJMX9p20ts5YPH84I6H1rXCpKJnX0JLRZ7XQ5Xc/IFBweuMdRTluKOyIr+C+l01N2DApyJF/i+prni7S1HLUm0u9GnBomTzZWXIOcjHpTkrk7FptRiihg1CC2MOGwVxkE0iyC3EN/Jdm4UuXTerBT8pppuJM9TkLhWhusiNiXOGI6cV1p3RzWaNmwsZbiEmE7mP8LOP0rmcrGsdUWZtHP2AkhhIn38t1qVVRXKY6y2+zaw3DdtIxzW6VzN6EPlyQ58qQlOmxuo+laX0M2ipqN0tvZ+a2FkPVj1NclSTudFGnzHA65q7zzFBwtXCnqbyklsO8JwXv9pxahHERHEc7sVq4RmuUhTcPfOl1i9lvrkTTKDk5YHtXZRpqnFJHBWquo7szpmJy6qNnTmuhJGN0TW8zxwMoBIxk1aC5DcjciLlVJJyR3q0JjUVo2CupkJHHPFWJEYyshkCAZHH1qb3GTeW/l+ZIRnuPWncBsc39xR7EjgUnqAh5mVD3PLUWHcW4mVn5BCjjigRW8xlB2kAn7rAUIBqsQfM79PegCZZN6lGJ4GeaAJbWRnVgc7cc4qWUTyFzGwAyMYGe1CAi2OkQJzjp160xCYVXBlJIHTFIBJJUdMqmSOOaAIlWSIs6rvB657UCEuSjINoC+uOtCGyJcbju5759PrVIQAhjjHNJgTWs7RMVT5wTznpipAJ1ZZPN2/Kx4xSHcRQQcMOrZ5pDuWpXEe7eeGGBjtTQMhSRThVTLDufSqQmStMNqnHzKenYUWERTSiRsoeO4PekMcxjbaWXDe1NDIisa/KFYKT0J5+tIB1okckgGSCOnGadhmnaFkfepyuOQfakIo6heB5iq8AnmgVyjuOcO2SfxxSuA4kK4II2+tCDYUbTtJBycimxXFaQsu19vHShARM+AAo68UCGqQWy2QCMYoAdJu2rnlR79KAAbAOc0DQpcKVZRvGcDimBJKgYZIAJ7Uh2H6dkXIXPPqKUtio6GnqM4eMRj5W7471lFWZTdzE+cc5HPGcdK2IEB2Ntbk+ppiEm2MwHPPXFFguOlwmE659qh6Dew5iD8oHyjqPeiwIZxv8AmbHpigY4SbWx+WamxA9XYN8v3u9DSGmSzSMULHkngj0o0Hcu6GwinLrguV6nkCsahUWakCyTXIZGAYnp2rnlHQ1TsangvQbddUnu5Qp5+UZzg+tNJJnTGd0ehedJDJF5LMBHjgV6FJq1jNnqvw/8Qi5iVGfDJ949qxrQS1ZKRm/F/wCH6+JE/t7SNq3UaZmRh98D0rhqK60Ltc8KtvkkO8bNvylTwAfSuRqxLVhktosMvmxoGkHzbSeCKuEyL3M4oqOLqZS8ZbkDtXQpXAn+Z4/NiX59+VUnoKhsaN/R4Jpmw1sWJxn5eKwqT5TeEbkHiPw/rbwyGG4dLZ1xI6k7selR7dI1VJs42bwTp/2Jg7rFEi53dyah4lo1jQjbUd4W8CeEry0u7Oa/lkvZEPkbRjYex61DxlVSTa0H9WikzF8L+Ita8I6itmHeSCOXYyHkfl9K7KlGNZc6MI1HSdmex67ap4n8P2+taVh9q/vY1PNZ4eoqUuSRtWpqavEn8PuNT8My2lwixyqpjJPUCrm2pXMoxbWpR8P+azz6Nc3HlxoCPm6E9aJx5ldBEzGtzG37iUkiTy3BPQUWuZS3JpbqGBUjicyRIfmOdwBoUdQuQjWZorgTRbAFOJNowCpq3C4rlXU5ojDL9kdT5hyVbnH+FUotGbkUl1M2jrHGxBGCHqnRUkCnY1LjxBcMUhZFZWHzMKw9gky1MzZyEmE0GGKHcRitoLQzkULm9f7UZnUopHfsaU3ZGlOHOzkfEerPNnc3I4HpWKV2dckqS0Ocs4pL3UEiXku2K2lJRjzdjJK8rnp9/FFpenRWMLBQqguPU4rPCRbnzvYMZJJJIxHZ3iJyPevX63PL3RGY1JwW/h+7TRItpcm3mywBXPIP8Q9KtFJnb6f4R03xLpqXulymCYH97CedpqZysW1czdc8K32jOouQrxnjcDyBTjO5LRjiyhy5J4H507isQXFushCISO4z6U7isVp4xbx7GIbcewp3CxFIoCBjuLEYBA4FMCI7vpjj60xCRAMu0ABs8Z6UIBPKGSCw3duaTYh+wo3Tp17ii40y1ZEJM2EDKwxj0pdSguJUyfLJwo+YdabQEIm3IAclc/jijoSNkdnXA47D3qR2B2QKEHryaBiJIFBUElT1zQIjkCsrMM4FNCZHtJXcrYJ4xnrVIBwVI5A2SQfbpSYAhXDnJTnjPepAmBdrQgEFV5HrQBEH3hZMHOD8vepAlV1kjUMfn7+1UFxFIGUzj+9mqQEqgmXYwyG/lTAglUqzA7dufu96ljQJkKoLE/h0oQx0hO4t1470AXrZli2gKMngnHQVQixI8UUZJk3MeF7VAGDcjdK2CS9DEEZDEjoT1JqQFmUK2AwOPXpTQ2DfdDg5A5ouIifJ5HJNCAkLKwGGxgenemSRnaq/Nk5NAyXjnAwKBDZA5bt05FBSCMhUBOSR6f4UdBodkKp3H5mpDBHljY7cA+tMQ55pG4Zu3HFKwDVRy3QnnoBTGEsWULEkEHvTEyNT5IIODk5pCHkcMxOCRwDUopjYh8mfmLk/hVEgoUHKjLd6kCaRQwVdu3HOfWkAiKQePkbPegCTymddx6jqPWpY0PsmZJjgcdamSuUma0N2ZJkUgxAn7w71m1Yq5f06/uNM1MEZaOTiQ+lSXCR6Fb3EH2Y3Hmny0Hze9VTnY6kzd8Ea3H9s2I4COfpgUVql0I9t8L6gtzb8fMmMcjrXJHRgzxT46+GY9H199UtYvLtL3naBwJO/8xWFRa3FJXR57uZ4gzMQRw2aixjsQXRhmhKRnkngVrBWAn8JWpub2RLpWRY/vHHBFZ4moqaubUo8xu63rkkcsWn6WyRKcK7bRmuBS5tTthTsbfgPff3EtncylwVOQecisZu0kavQ4PxfZCy1u60x5SY43Owe1axdxyd7HPWSy6fqS3FmAWx2q2+ZcrITakZ3i21uLvWoboR+X543lQP4h/8AWFdeCqaOLZy4mEm7nd/B3VpbLUzYEf6PcLnyz0B71ljF9tG9DY62902PT9enuDP5VsR5igngn0opv2iRVSyOJ1vVVn1ua5jDLuPyBTjJr0YUrROCc1fQLOW8vXkTB83BOAMcetJwSJTuOsLcrMizzhY3bBPqfSk7dBpajr2PybmVGRQ3YjpiiOopGTdQyqwn3Ahjge9bpGQkuFVluIwuMFTWiQiKO6zOAmJB2Ao9lcEybWdtjAkrhoZXG5c9Grmq3p6HTSp8+pyGr6w75Vm+uO9cyTkzt0ijlbucySEtkZrblsjlm7s6X4f2YF6L2dD5cQ3ZxWFZ83urqdFFWXM+hu6he/a7x5Hwd/Ar0aFL2cbHmVp88rlSRSi43fpW5iRh2Od8eT2aqRBCyMXII98+laIDW8J+Ib/R77davjcQGB6Gk1cpHQ+Jtcn1rUom3GNFTle2eM0KNhmRdIRCQpCNTaAqmAYDMWYnpimIoXMiCT5l4Hr2p3BiNIotdm4EZ5+lNCZQUFiDklevNAhwVlwV5570wGedgk4BOeaAHxyMxfPQnigCZlYlCjYPt3pMaHyI3zgLgH9aBjWYNEoiChlGMGmSJIAYwCcf41mykNYFUKY+760wG85x+mKEIGiZUJf+LtnpTQmQyjy2K5yfamAgdcjORjjnvSAHBHB5HUH0oAktySwVePX3oAJYikpBPbI20mtQGxEKSnXnNMCWYH+Dkd6aAfau6RndyexoYBK4dC3A7mpKIzuVASSB2OKpCY9clw7AAYHemIsW4L+Zg4CnIGaAK2oSeZP+7bhalgVAT5hKkc9aQIkihZVbOM9c1JYMAUXcucdxQFhmdzNtPyAYpisK4Ii5yG7fShCZEM45B39waZLJkhBUqWHAzQAxpEbChuR29aBkm4NGNwO78qGA2Mkv8qgnuKT2Gh8qxqqvkk+lJAwwWjDnCnPHNUA+DCybpVIOepHFAx8s2TwORxxQIrySM3yds9TQFxCd42qoJ7GgLgqlfnwTx0FCBjl2shzlSe/pSYiTESjcisxFIBGUs26RlJbsO1IAwOFMhz1oAmjwp3bsntUsaLkiBQsm4AlelZptjQtpA7K8m8cD5c9KUmUXLMscA5kPpUPQcTZlv5JNISzZjG279OK5nJpnXDUt+HHnjvUlyQq8Lz981qnfcp6H0F4A1e5ntljVV2xjoD0qZx7E3On8QaRb+JNGk0+6QSBgSpPVD2NYyWg09T5g8S2N9o+uXOnvCxe3cjnuvY/lSjG25jUWpUilEjqpGGB/P6Upu2xKNa6uFsdNBXAklJye+K8upJzlZno0IWVzm7m/8swNuGXk5PcU6cb6HTex3HwcvfP8TOpzx1H4Vz1ouLTG7Mz/AI+WyW2v298nyrcAocd2H/661wz5k12InokzyhL8JcshlaGUcAnoa7XC60MuZ3O5kC3XhKG5Zkaa3k4kHfP/AOuuOjN/WGraG1R3iUbDVvs99btFEEkgnx8v8QJFehUhdO5hTlrY9s1HTovE3hfjiYIGVh2OOlefh6vKzpnT5keSnQZYblx9pUzIclT3r34T5ldHlVKfLKxPb3zRXQlWJQ6qQwPSm4Iz5rEVpPbnd5kmCr7gP4c1nKnZaDjI0tXlivowiQAvxtkXvU09GOWpTs40j863nj3L0Ynt9K6EZsxLsKXktoo2cjgZ7/SqEdT4F8MSQyx6rfYEceSIyPat4MEhnxU07+17IXFuqJdRZKKOjLWVeCkdlN8qPC9Qkl8145EKsOCDXCo8pUp3G6TZSXt2qICWzwPaipLlVyYRcmd+qpp2npZ+Xtz9/wBSfSnhqXNLnY8RVUY8iKSs8UhwMnrj0FelY81hK/m4AwAfSjYTIf3gYqBuXrzTRJLEreaxZgExVAPERJVlKlc8j0qho0ryB304Sx5BT7xFAxmlXyyQ/Z5Vy+eDQNM04BE4VmP74ghQR0HrSHuZOo6czGTdgSEHaPWgTRjtD5MLI4JP6irTJIEzu2v3FMQEE4x2PSi4EYDqWJyFzQA8YyFByR3FAFyILKg5ClfSouMsjZHHsY7sj5T6U0MzTwzkjO7k1RIisc5PPse9SxksasxLBtwPehK4DXRkIIbLEU7WAGHyHc45HX0NJAQyKT87suOmaYhigsBntSAWZy2Tg56UwHKrR/N91s/nQgJ5W3p8vDAfrTYFUKNuT8xzz7UrATK5K5wfamAqt8rbMhge9ACyKoG4Hk9amw7jlRvLDbhmqSEK+4NtZMcdPWgCR222zBBye/egDOtySXBUnnOKlgTCFCuRkE880mxoQn95jccKOakoVmB3AMNp4GaBXGxRqGweOOlAXHtNH5wGPYHtTQmQs8m9ieuTg1SEJEWAORu3dfagCNgAwIAJ7n1osBMJNq/MMbulJgICcq2cEfnSewEjyggDA92pLQCMr3ycf3qoLkzctgP8pXnNAyDc+5yATgc0CAkN7FRQARv8v3uvYUAPyoI5KknpUjYydmB4GVPUUCHQsIxnBJNADhG33hkEdaQDm5AIXP0oAeuVcbQCRUsaLFxceaURTwByKSiFy3ZsGTchIAPK1nIo09MuImufI2bUxlgaxmmXE04LW1vbuKJZhHg5yx7Vk0zoUijr+oSNrsVtaPsjhYIpXue5qrtmi8zuPDOv6ha3PlWE0sbIvzP2JppXEem+D9W1uSTzTqTbz94YOKc0kK5Z8Y+E7PxOz3c26PUSgCzJ91jjvXLLV6A7M8T1fR7jStbNpcAo8Rxz0PvUymkiFDUpeLWdI40LgEIAc+teYtZs9CGkTiL27Juo1HY8c8V0QjaLYpPY9C+Dl08ficOf4h69a4sW7JM1itzovjzYvd+E5LuPIe0utykdQCR/hWeCn++8ipr3TwolLtFygEuM4PrXrtuJzJX1OlSSSHwyFMhX94FdT+HIrGk06lzWp8JFDfRDUEEy4AlUBvXmuuo/dZlT+M+gfD0rx6ZGsQwkiDH5V88r856iRxGt3Ef22VlgZHQ4J7mvpsO/cR5GJspGTNYwXECXAWTBYggHpXSmcbRRdDFBItuiNhs5btV7k7EAvriyxOswExOSvbFCpCchNR1iO/hZ2UCRgOnrVKm0FzT8A2q3eqrd3jALB2YZzQ9C4nW6xqpWUhSBEwI2ijn5TRJHHalqySb4Jjgr9w9qHO6HzWOa1HwxJfXccl7pc8kUv3ZoBn88ZrkqOyuaR10Oj0v4f6f4c02XWLvUiItuI0MZDbvqR71g4uraxtzKmtDj7+6+03YJ525I/CvUpU+WJ5tWpzSKlyyPJlXODwTWyWhgxqRhSQrHgcH2osIVGUMFGSvcmiwEhlcgglQvpSAs2P7uTjDelUNHQW0Sz28lvu7AqvoaYznrhHsLhiPw/wAKGwRZhv3UAkYfgqaB3Lv2v7Qu+aMOQMBu4osK5lX2yQjam1j1OKAM9drXD5Ax0p3JHJEyZwSxY8UAVplZpBHnaB1GaoCQbPKGzlxQBNbS7GI2/MwqbFCOzqudxI6UARtvb5w/tin0JGOFQghcH0pMoljZvL3DAHTPenETGghTjfkHqTzQxEU2W+X+HtipRQhVjhAQd1UySWJByrfw8g+poARw3zjOO5p2AjYsyKxOOfmoAngVucAYHI96ACRcbiQoyOAtADIWAO3bweDQA4pIGZU4TtjvQBHJtYkMclRwD2NK4EkKny95bpyR60wHNOj4IBxjO0UAOZwsXAGKTYWKmPTHJznFIBGkIBXbxnvSsAJgMSw5x+GKRQKylVYrjI6ehpiYyUNk56kcUCEbbtVTz3oQMYsm4/Kp4pgSRHGWYcHtQApVsgdMjigBm352yfqPSkwHbFOHD89hQApJLYPHFSAFsoEGGNMCQDK5U4BGDn1ouVYj3NypGD/SmSxDtKZX/wCuaAGRDKsCvynpSuKxMYwWErZJxwKkYjhmUMOxoQDOVXJJ60wJ0dzwhwMdakBFLAEjg9Cc0wH7kCqOenI7mkAzGfm4AxmmBYhmZYDhenv0qWkO5KlxIo3HJLdDis2ikW7F3DcSYYngg8ilJJIpN3NDQ9PeTWjd3DMba3HmMwPU1zXOpSudl4fuBduwtIvKgBzJI5xxVRZTO6s9cmsljFikE8J/i3AZq+S6MzvPD+uzTFJJ7LauBwjZH5Vk4WHc5z436El9aafr1lAd0Mm2YAcleeo/EVz14rlLgeFeM5jJqUsQwwQfL/WvLitTuS0OCvVc3S5OFPTFdcNrGLTuehfDp/s+p28hOOfp2rzcZrGx1Q2PQvGyveeFNTi37wwEoxzkDJrioT5ZpI0ktDw200mR5Y7m2YMpbjPY+4r2ZV+kjCMbsi8Tar5t7Bp6AqYTmXaflzW+Dp6OTMsTU+yjFn1Ey6tCC3yLKpPp1rplH3WZUZe+rn1H4Ov2u9EiEibWRFCkdCMV843aVj3asFHVHnvijV0TW7tMHIbC+mK+pwVNumj5/GT98pjXPs2nuidZAcADPNdapHJzmTFqFw9u4kClDy2RgmrVOxPNcqXl4ZSG2Aj6dK0SsS2aHhLRptUYnYRAjZcnoBRLRFQVzu7/AOw2VkLSxQQsgGX6kmuSUtToUTjtS1OeYMUwHUkSDHI96yqSNIxtucxfXkxUq6+emeCO1EHpcTjzPQ9L+C1xqsV/FavqIe2mGUikOQP1rz8VX1sjojTtEtftCeIxdXaeG4oki+zHe5AxuP8AkV6GBXNE5K0rI8cDfKwOd+08ivSOEbG6rHgp8vf1oEyWM7UKliMDPWkxoZ8+0NgnPPSkA+IqQQRuI6mkIes5jk39VJ5x1pjLlndzRymeOQ5HXPpVAT3GJlaV5Fbdzg+tA0Nih3WzB0IZXypxxQMRiAVijfYTySDQCIb5/JXEZPA5Ld/pQgZlRkAqxHfDcUySZXZc/NkdsGgCCEF2dSMlucn0pgNiQpKAh9qQ0XVjPmABQNxxuJqhE8ixxsysCRjOKTAqKCXysWV5xTAhCksPdsAntQkA6LcIzu+bnGRQgGuVUgDAHoKTASQjIIU5Pqakoa6lfmzz0GD0piY+NyGC9f6UCEk3CTr948Z71QCkKRgcEHGKAJW3K3yAg7eaAK7s28DGGbqT2osA/YQw+bCk0ALI7xzLtJIB5oAZKys2eAM8nvRYCeJwOAPv96QD4Io1kYk+oHamASPCqYJJY9aTArOQCQOF9P8ACpGRox34JwvXJoAQ5IZWJJB4x3FAwCnkDI4poTGEHgs3sOaBDwvUhTjHNADQp2gqBnHBxwaYDcN0PIz60gDzXzgkYoARzhtwBJOeMUmJiqfmxjjHGfWkBJHyOmSTjPpSGN6OyrgEd6AFbdjtnv6UgFDBiWcDnvTAQbVI284HHrQAwnGFJwDyc0xE65O4yZUqMfSpGSICYssuPTFAEZ/eDIxweRTAdEyE+WWAPWmxDGxgjnJqRjrfapHBJPTPNADuCSSuccY9aAHRgY9SeMelIC/GpWAqxXd6npUMpbDIHAkUAgcc0NAjY0i98uN4i37on5hnqKxcDWMjaXVFWCa2gwkCqASOrZI/xrNaM3vodlYeXp1vENsSQhRtLtz+RrqhotSWacfja4tnS10+0M0o6HoBWc0CZ6JFqhvvD0v2uNd0sX70A8Vw10+U1paux8teLZ1PiK7Ef3AxCnOOK82CudzdjnZ0VpCMHgZGa0joyTtfDThGtT8qkrxXDWWrNqZ6tbQfbfC7qAG3RPG2PpxXnJ8sro1lojwzUGm0GxvCh+dHYKSMg8mvYhD28lc55S5Is83nv5pJJJc5eQ/M1e1GnGNrHmubbOp8E+Gp9ehWKEDzC4OSe3rXFi8WqUkd+Fw/Ornvej+b4S022sdTnDxEgCTuoIrzaVN1qnMtjvxFRRhY4b4i6ZJp94Zd4kSQ71Yehr6bDO0bI8DEu7uczFkx7g564x14rsOUvLsW3HVgD8wPWlcdixoWiS67cGKOUQJnJY8AVaaW4WOyWKTwzpf9lgrP5j58wcE1nVd9jWkrGLqeoTCQg8Ifbk/jXHJG0XZnN6jPDMA6zeTcL8rKT1/CsHqW2aHgvRrXVblIp1miBfLTRjeB9R0xXPXm4aG1OJ7X4W8I2mjS/b5LmCQQLuRwQo6elctKHtJ6l1J+7Y8G8e6pLrHii91KUrueUqpA4NfR0qahFJHlVZcxhBFDBiSDnkj1rUxI8/vSFBKj+93oEx5HAwBz3zSYIcjxrEAxYk5/CkMcIzkbckgZyO9SIRpVAKmML70wLGlyIzHdgBuMU0M1Ft7WaMeXuHOearcB8A2SNGZNxcH5SaB2M51ja5aJTjP6Ggor6krSL5khbA4AHQU0JmZkAZydp607kk0catEWRhtxwc96LARB2Td2oAVZSHVgvB6fWkMuwTRtujkO3I4Y9jTEXYpVjZTMoO08cZzSbHYbqJt3XfbMUdyd6AcU0FjNdgkhTktjg44BqhDWkdo+igDqRSAaoV8bRnHU5qQFdQqAtu646UXHYbGhbIHXpz0piEhQpMAfmB6miwE06HaGIDKvK4pgNfEjnaMdxigC2iDAdj0HPNFx2KMyRiR2YnHYU20IWXdIqYyCKV0OwLhTh3OT6dqLoLBIq52AHnnOKYiaJR5SDOGPXPGBSAZdHA2ZwTwD61IECbmbaAvHXJoAc64lz1B64NIY2IEK4YAjPGe9AyVkdcFl2r2OOtAEc8jttUAbBwMDk00JkUuNuVU8HGD3oEOUsrdcbhyD0oAsWY2rhQCR/CeeKAILsEScowPp7UXAYYyu0MML16UAPMRzxkqfTrSEIykyAMAAOnvQFhQdwABINSMHCMvBII5OBQAuQCGRd5I4BpAN24B3YPPHNMBpJUcgD0p2C4r7sFcL7ZoEWAeVZhkkYI9akYZYEqB3/KgBoQBm4Iz1poBYlAO9lGfWi4hHyZASRxQMjgJWVt/GO1ICTcOvRj0oAkjJR+Tgkc0gLtokbwyHedwHeoZSKrKQcDjPSgC3YNvuFiJwrcGplsVHc6e3Nr/Y8kasC+8E+uK53ubp6Gjp7NJDLqdy7Mxfyo1J4UeuPxqotjZpm4cI8kH7uJFCvMR1OK30ZPU09Pvbu30qVkaQrj5izH9K4cb7sTqwy948n8SBzeyO/wAgkY4ry6ex1TM51HmIS2Gxtx61QupuWd20TQr0YdCe1YyhzXNdjvvB/iO7sxKkybo8ZbPpXNOinZo1vpqeR/Fu0uLbXpLpZHexu8vHtPAJ6j869jBxhy26nnYm5y3hnT473UNlxuC4PTvW2IrcsbIxpxvLU9L+Hs66benyy27O0LivHxj59T2sMrRPXdT059figjkYKxj4z3rTLppaMxxKbRyfiGyna3htb8ndBld/UGvfpHkVTiY9Gu7m8KWUUkoDdR0Fd6gmc/KdnpfhqKxMF1f3gkJPzQY/nVciQJHQNPY2ifZ7a2jg3nIxWUy7GH4slN3Y+asgSaP7pB5Fc7kaRRyV7rFnMi290THPtwW7Gs2xoyZdNmuLgeRiRieinrXLUlymsYtnr3wt/wCEd02Mi9tpoLtQA6Ht6nk15k5KpKzZ1WSWgfHPxHpnl2ltoN+ZCyfvBGcfga9XCYVR1OOpV01PFmk82Vmlk564r1kee3dkbbiD02c0ARkr5m9VzkYoEx2OFVhgkUCIjuRzG56n5TSsO5MrBVVGY5zSYDpsgEFwVPQ96BhGzKVIOMUAaljdBovJcjBP3h2NA0JHM6zh2YKRxTKC6UOy3CEejsKYrlfUHjij8lmLZHFNCZlHBGH+XHAFVYRMrfLgpgEdqAKzBt7E8+nvSYBuyoOcFecUgFEzOMOmUJ6DtQBo2twEKkkOyjjNIoknlhkkLx4VscehpoRTmZSScjJ4OKoQ2QxBiq9CM0AIp2x5YYA7ikABlwCoYg+tICPJAO5Mc8GmgBG3bSGJ5pgXijeSGVufQ0AVSBuKqSrUmNE0DlF2OuTQBXlO5GbIOGoYIYWdlDLkgdhUoY6FC0gcjAPUGmId5ibG2nOO3pTuIC2I95xyM0wI3leVFLYXBqQIlISQ46nqPWgB4JCKXcj6DpSGxoBWRTkkHoKYzSQyTxCCTCKDkGkBDdKkZMfDMOCR2ppCZSl4IHOR0HrTsIcApHOSw6H0pATW+5SCp7daTeo+gks6yYWT7wPWmIQOBJgqWBHSkA4yAA7fl7igCIuWBO0g54JoATai4JY4PSpAcuQTjj0z3pMBOOFJJb0XtQA8gEYz83qaYEbEhTkjjtVEiLv68kEdDQBLGxY5De1QUOL4kII644/rQAFsEsOc8UwFXLkrkAN0pAKwCsoNADVQGQ5U/WgB/DEFk4HagBsmxDk/e60AP83ynJByuODSsNCq2AMrlSeM0WKLFrK0UyunGDx7VLV0CN7T57YzBrn93vGcdq53E2TLmmStJai3WT5Vuf6ip1RorM6ua3UyW9ig3bsuw9T/AJNaXAtau5gsXjViBjDEdM152Om2rHVhkea+Koy8AKKA0chI/SuWmtLm9TyMa6UOgljIJ2g0riRdtH+2ywOPlZDyPWofu3LTO/0623MArYE0JH44rDoVJ3OOuLhbWWXQPENsXt5XYxSEfc54x+ddSTfvwdjnfZmZc+F7+yuopbG2Zo+qyL0YUe3UtHuS4dUdl4Y8Nam7/a3jSIudxHfNeXVxGvKlc7KVVRR6PuFnYxSXFyqyRDqOn0rvy/DSb5ia1eLVjGi1PT/tTvcQC8LH5Qx4FfUwpKMTyJu7IJb+ARyC1iSA55UCnsSZmr6gsttEQ37yN+1HMwSK93rEV46xoWVkHKnqDScrjsczqs8s8jxhmCkEe4965Z6GqM5bC8eFzJYtdwryWUjcPrWDqxDlOk8GroDRgXFteWc6kFZjjYD/ADriructEdNNpLU6D4neIrKS10/TtNZGmRP3tyn8Z4rXBYK2sjGtXfQ841QZj3LJuJPzc8g17cFY4JO5QyAMnqBgGrM0T27o6N0AxzmkFyFym3AIU/zoAiOUUYbcTQIVgxUfJn1FACKuyLeRnnoe1SUPjYuAgGeODTEAZUYCQDrk0hj4pHSTevbkegpgaalr62MjbQUAyBTRVwRY0BjkJKOBgqelAiC7t4gjROS7r/GapAyk1sqsA4weu71qiRJkZsKv3RSGR3KqADvJ7YHagCrImecjP6UgHcYVT25NIB8ZZG+XJOelFh3LEpDIG3dD0HanYLj0jUjLcjs1MQ+RYwyyKF29MHtQA2aIjAzlepNICFk8uMBWGc5p2AWJsMAvzeue1IaIpF8uZip5DZAHegCQuWVCRt5yRRqBHMu6UsM89MUWC447lK5IYEcmgLjvLXymAwWz09aQgDrt2hCCO4oGSbHCEHgkdTRcZVmTZwMYPcd6EIHIPBf3AFMTIWYb+ccelSMHVFJIbmmImiLuwOQw7gUDLssMaRBzHk+lAx9ouQCwHThe1AFa+DgkgcZxxSuIqsu3cW7+lMQwBgN2cDtQBZtnKR4bnAwKTAa7MQElIGeQfSgTIzlUBDZH60AKqkqGJx3x60DBNqtn9KAEZgrsSOD0pWAUsQN59KVgGs2FyoxxRYBySqWDFD0piEkKoGY/KSapAM4wCd3PGaBliJFdTsbBzmswHn5XyRuOMUARSBtwxkAdgaYFmNNrF1GccYPapegD5ole2YlPmBzk9KVwKqHB5ySByO1MB+WZjhuG/nQA+AAzBGwR3NMBtxsVioAKjgUDQoOxQv3gPzFIdx0p2rhSMHnNCWgIn+0nyY43RWI/i71PKUmbvh+eEF9vHQk571nKLNYyTOy0u483UopUbJ8vBPvxWXMa2Zc17culTJnHy7yPU5rzMVrI66Jw0kKzWyXcsmfMBVYwOnv+tKDSjY2M3UrZU8vagA28kVzX1Ymh8UH2drXbk5bceO1Tzc1ykdV5888Dw2zBZYn3x88YHUfpWMfi1FJlC+vbXUHjl1aBmngPO4c1qm7WiZu27Lz+KYCIobKEg9CT6Vj7Jt6g5roasGtTw2rzRn5RwxPrXsYDAx3kc1WdnoY+qaxcfZR5z71lPQGvdp0YxRjKdxLSZSoBU7WGdwPNKpJoViSe4EdtlckHof7tY8zHZGfeXS/a7eMEeW45x60nLuBnaw22+M1s+yULkjPJrNyGVotRWeRRKNs2AFYjrWM5e6VHc6+z05Lm1F5ouptYaoqYmgIOJR/nFeZzWlqdPKM1y/l03wzFpU8MLX0p3M69V/ziurDU1KV0c1WXKcPuZ/8AWAlt1etFHG22NnWOFCsqEFh19atX6iKJXGCpBHUZqiUPjZCrDyjzzQSJ8zRbsqOwFAxiqA5yeAP1oESxsEIByVIyaAHBVQ7GfhvujsPakMgC5kKocHtTEKULKSyqcH/JoAIjvIUNyO2OtAyzav5M7LvY5xnBxmhaDJlUrdFyG2YyvNA0W727hnaB2i2t91uMZpjKdyu59rMcj8jVJiYwEhTgYYUMEV7ncDgKA2eoFJAyqQeM8k5yD0piCOMs2cjJ6H0pAPQtGzZYHPShMdhsbE5YnHPIxTuKxPDcmL5lGfr0/KgCSRhIG2Dryc9aTAjWSRYyoK59c9KQDHR0jyhBDDNUAoJA3jlsZP0oGID5jCTIXjgU7BcciosGSWGTkg0bCEmcgDBwAfzoAiDHcOQMnBUVLAeVOCCN5HQ0gsTIrbEIBGKQ0Esm8hdp9zmgorXSkxsY2+71Ge1NCK+0BPlBH40CFKjcFbO0joOtKwD48hxnaQaYWNDT48cR7MnqcUDSFnYyS7XPIGPamMdAWTrhQf1osISVO7EAUrMDOuVCygqMg0EgME7mG3PSgCQ7XjIz84560ARNN5ibmwWHA4oExqNj5jyW/SkITeVDc89PpQUhwDOgyOaQmLz5eeCD+dMRHISBjmgB5DYy2Qe3NIYqnd8hJIpgJIjE/eLKOxoANj4A6KO2aYywu3yxjgniswE3FMqSfagBgYFuGPHTjvRcVyeFmi+YkFfekwRbe6WRPLICrt9O9Q0UyNPKJAUZbHSmIqzHZIeBirAVMY+X68d6YEqxiQbVABP97mgAMLMU2k7xwT2pWAaysH8pxjuc80ykRru3YPIY8elAya3kkt5wyS7Vyc47/hSktAUrHd+FL3e9tIrbSSV+ozXBWXKdlN3R094DeXl1bAlVMeSW/CuStG8bm0NDz4tLbXf2eRgqK/ykdAK8+c7G3MP1Zop1jEDAjOH/AMayg31KbuM85f8ARwWwY2491ojsw5h93PPBe+ZAWyGyp7MKIPmWopM0G1C01CNUvIdkvUSKvI+tCi1qK5XsLCFLuWUTo8Y5JH8q9LCUfbbmUmkWNRuPOkSOH5bYH5j06V9BTpxjHQ5JtsytbuIJdRgSIgRgYwK0uZmkJdiEh9oUDAxWFQ1RBPcmVCqkgnJOOhrBuw7GVfXTYSOMhGxwaych2Me+lnWZLiN2L9Oam4E9jc/ar2ISJg5xuArOclZoa0Z6PqOuWdtHbSw28X24ReW7AD8DXFDDym7sqpVstDnb2B7u5eV5wZW5OTk16VK1NWRxubk9StFDJbyhXj+Y9CR/KuiNQkfq9vDdDYcgquRxitFO7EY01i8cCkAsCPrWlyWivC45AyGIwOKCSJgAckEMe2aBiAE5z/D1oEOUIc7mPPQUABIO3AJweDQMSULliuSc/SgQ2DBTdknk5zQA8feJXAPegADneGUdR3oGbUS+dBHGcKQuUYmpVy0Pdlm3Ws0CiUDCkdqtAzOuGeJlSZSJE445FXoJiDcSGAXB45qWwsNuGLNsK43dCBSGVDbSJ+8OcYqkSQxgsGXJAznFADmVeCo56UkNjZV4IJwVpiDYzQhs7Sfu80ATxsPK3MSW6daACSNCUwDz971pWAbu8vMaMHVj0x0oY0K+5U+UU0DBQjcAhT0zVIRJcJjgMMYpS3EitcylY1IA5HcUhkUIYPvcDPoPSkwL8d2kabRjBPOVzSAdeXAKjy1x6Yp2ArSTARKUAYnrmlYZFg4LN0x2oGRlucDH1oAezLjnG71AzQAoGSDjAxwSKALGmyiGZVZgOeT60AT3mGleRAAM44oC4ko/0dUDggDIweRVITKl1I7qpYDgfN70MRWaSQ/KuM1NwFYkgNjPY0AAzvOV3Lj8qOghTuyCCM96BgoYSbSM5pEinywSOf50ykOVmUjjheakBPlyxxjJ7UyRrZ79M4oAcdzHJ59KAHKAXAz0GfrQA84I65U/pQA1IyQWX5lHQk0XKQnmZbcfl/2RUASkqVJweByKQDUUpg7cE9KYEyqdpB+YdaQkK6kJgDk9QaEMSJ/L+8vJ6etMBZk5yifNjkUx3IkY4O5QrL0HegVybcR/BliOMUgH+afNRM7Rjk9xQAlxw4KEsfUjrVICuCxULt24PWm9B3FCSs/ADL2+lJiNjw5fSWV6qN80JbD/AOz71z1oJxN6c7Hp+rq8eiw3aMB5y7S2efWvKxV4wO+m7o4srDLFMswEk20njqK8WpUk9QTMwWjRWQIJyTupqr73KjVPQxb29dLjypDscnIB9K6YR92+5EpWNyz81bX985duMVg5q9h3JtItbrUrxliUJEPvMegxXfRoc2pPMjeksEtrRoogo+XJOf1r16EVBGM3cxNVuVtNNSEYzJxk9c13KXQxkctapcNqUewOfm71dzK50V7cbFKNxu5xWM3oaJlae68u3BDDIHQdKwnoWmY8rPPMGYknPy4rmemrK1Zv6D4avdWlDW480j+H0rjqYpR0RcYt7nV+LvCsPhvwra6lkC5eQI8ePu5xzW+Gh7VXkY1W1scQ8qTbXdwNwOCDXaoWVjmcmSLc+VtKMQwGAx70chNx/wBvbKlnJcdj60clhpk8mpFguYVbHHuKqKaYNkFxckxsIkH0B6Vu2SZU7hyPLX5h2ppiElXfk4GQOST3qhEWFxuLfX3poALYYNuXGemKQCqeSwwO/WgAcfKNoJNCGQxuoLHJ64IoESxkEF1DHHQ460ADAqqrzxzQBZinOAu/5h92mikywCsxVXd/MQZVh3+tAx0ga7ChcCVepPemAgUlSpGFHU470rjKzwzHBAKqvQ/3qYXI7q4UJswQRww9KaEVhH5gyGXA96BDFba2OxOVJpIB+VbcX5waYAWyxyvGMAUAS2yxmJtw+YHj2poQ2ORkmYEgofvGpYx2yJwWRtjjrQMUbsFVIIJzz2pgJLGIpN6upNMQjFpYjjqeppAVpg3lbMFsdyKVwJI9pj5OOOlDAgk+bpkCkhAry+WpySBwMDrVDJI08xPnO0CkxoJVkVQqgcdPekhkagDIIG4jpnpQBMkaGHa/DZ6iqsTcHV42GSNp9aQxTtXJUDaByevNACtI+FVmAQ9TTFccuCBsYEfWkBEX+c569hS3AilXDlR9TigBAn7tqACLhTycjsR1pMTHMuIiQSM9qYwKsM4IPH5UhIaoO4LlRx1NMZJJ8wBUHdUgIMncMYHqKZI09Mbu3NAChWBHPJ6UDHZcN8o4x+dIBQ2Cc445+lMBEkCkhTgHn6UxokeHoNw9zUAOh+4SAWA4b3pADqhG4ljjpQA6DP3gcHP50hDmYEnf07+lCGIJApUnlfUdqYDvcKeegFACNIM8HPY5oQD0eNcE5JPagAZkyQoOB39aAGSbGjGGKkfnVIBLYMco2WT1pyAZt2zlMnGc8elJiRpaaqtMqEY3HBIrKo9DWCPYPEULP4XhhgQt5SA4HWvOxkXKFkehT0Ry76QkOmvqcTMZHXDAjpmvlanPGfK9jRpGfpaQXEP2abmRclSe1E/dldAjL1vwpHf3Ec4nAkU8kdxW9DGezTjYThc39E0ITiK0hcNt5dvatqFN1ZFPRG/qsMelWawxW4QKud/Y+tfRUqahGyOeV7mFp1he63JI8WVijGST0NZzq8rsxpXON1O6Goa9PCv3LQ7PxFddGfMYyRe8L2M15etJCjEjgEjqa6/aKJk1qR6/FdW2ogMnyg4z2+lZ86aKSGPZzzbYmj27yMAiuWeiuXCJ02geB7wSxfbVVUblW9q+azHNOSLitzshSPTtKs00h7GLTLdZA8mJvUivIy/ESqT9/U0cdNCj+0Pc6NJ4btktI2juHl5jPbBGa+1wmuxw11pc8CBBbA6Yr0nqcGo7zijiPGcelFgCMM0p2v74NJoCaJnErhnDAc5pWAckvGCS2T+FAyQhCMBgGzn3NNMRAyIyl+vPftVXGMMBCMGXj+EU7iaK7qc7ccetMQ6MjdsYEf1oAUrzuVjjd+YoQyFkUMxAbHXApAOgYIuAxQj7opgS5bo43E8n0oEIMljhSp9aRRq6YZfIcKAx75649qY0XLcRSqE+4QaBlDVYTb3BZXODjn1NOwD4ZB5QU4IbqfemSRywJIp3ABuxPf0ouBBaWgUPvIJY8DvQmFipOh81/l+UdKpCYx1fzSdmwY4JoAiU8tk84/WlcZaVNqAvnkYFK4CLGgLFmBbutAywkayIoRSoxjNSMGtfKiJZiHx+dNMTKBmPK4GfeqEMjEm/O7juKAEmDZx2PIPpUtCGxMQTxux3o1AY2SnC5wc0IEOTPIzgA5+lWMsySokYVRuBAyKljIJZA5UbdpA6ikkAyNTvUkEe/rTAtwTRq+GC49BTEEwWSQlWIPaqERvK0UTKCODyPWkMjMrNtIAI6YqWAR4JJX5T3qRXEJDv8q8nrTGJI2F+7jBwfWgBQq+UQucmgA5jBJXd2zSYmDksPvDp19qYwAUqX8zBXt60ISIjggsVL+g9BQMliO8YOAccUhMdgKmecdKAEIUcKRgfrQFhRhofk4cdjQA5BheW5x0HagLCDaWA4zjkmgLEZC4dc/KT1pjJhu2E44qGAgbccbdgB5NICTAPABJoAVUAYlc+uM0CAkt67e4zQMmj8vICLSAcUGMqQAvegCD7xJJ6UwuWBGSy5UDjpnrQBCybf3eMr1GKLAJEEVyDgBuCfSjW4CxsoHlplXz+YqncCaKMKnqT0qWwLVlIqzxuEyUOSfpUPUuOh7XZXBntIZ4DhvKDfUdK5qkTspyuOb7Je25QxrHIOGXoPeuarhadRarUttowtS8JW08pmtbhIyRyorgeWyRftLmdP4V1OzKtLdQvAOfvYIrmlgnHoUpnQWl1pejaaiRyKzMMtt6k120aXs1crcxWl1HxTfeSoK2inBBHGPSutVeWOpEomt4wv7fwl4Xe3tCDdyxlY1HUe9edUrupUSDRI+f/AA7cyHW5HuJcGY5dz6161Gooo5JO7PUvCGp2NtcSRxsMKmQx6MaKtVt6AomdGz6nqZW5+e2WXd9TmtlJqIWO78YaGqQaZcW8XlhhwfXGK451G7nTTidLaxkxW2+Mgqo69q+Hza/OdsLFuSYWWsaacgHeOPqajK0/aImTSTOa/ae0+5TVbTUIFxaTIQcD7rcZr9DwqSPNrt8p4c4wcEjceld5xDAc4wdr9qaExyvJu5xuHf1osFyNiQWKDaD1oGPikKnDH5R2FTYViYybsbW+Udz2otYCZG8uPduVgecUDT1HvKC6lsH2ouNkd3bFx5qBWORlaEySrgku3QjoDVgJsKdGyc5AoAJyWcHau4DPFSMcQrbnIBB7elNCY0Y2885FMQ6PKfefJHSpKLtpd+U21RtYcn3ouNF17lZwCmMhvm96aYwvIvtVlIBFh05GT1pgV9NKShIUAGBhs+tMRcnijjuRE5LAd+1ILCzCEq5QAkLy3cVPUbMhVcg5PTk1siRsgAUGXsaTAWaKJrTfGQWznBqUDFj3yQ4Kg56LmmBTmk8qU7lIIOPpSAvR/wDHushkwp/gHUmkUQ3M52GJmznpigDOfJZjj7oqyGLbybG5QDI6+lK4yduQVBJyOtMCuVVchj83pQA+CMk7i2APukUkhDm2IQOCD3qhlaR0UMNu3Pp3pALDgspUfKepoAlkAIOwfd7e1JgRKVI6EDP40ATxTbT93gVVxWI5HEr7iDj096V9QEjOSV2jINKQCfM0i4AA9akRMjMeMYK9aCkQzMoPzKW70wHxjgHdknn6UANlBBBXPuDQA1QO/wAw/uigB0aJuIZSB6UAOHlkFT09qAEVQeo2gHjPehgP4A2sDz6UhIheNNwIJI7j3pjJAeMOMZ4GKAGk7SdvU9KAEXJUufXkUAAxyVA9qAJsfIxLdOozUMB8e3YDgkkZJJpAKkmMqGJWgBYzknA696kBxRdvI5bjGaLgPjCCMgluuMelMQ7dgEHJBHB7UDIhsOfXsKAH7tzCRcLt4xTAa5AyVOOKYAUUoBxzyeOtFxsRNyOGReAOuKbYiyWIGTnA6GoYkMgYsCRlTngY4NSM9Y+Gt691orQsw8+2O0bj95f/ANZrnlUi3Y66dzfuoGKuGiXGOD/WnyWNrmSE1KFf9ETeufpScWCaZl6lZatPNiYuSf4fM6VDhJle6QQ+FdSMkayyLFExBIB+YisJ2i9SoncLc6d4c0ZmKqwjTIUHLE15mIr62RpY8G1TxNda74we+upSsWWCg9FXB7U507UrdWctSXYpnQd3hy412LaVS629ecE+lOniGq6ovsQjQszuSGMY3EA8dq9OBR0vh+LdcxxggKGBbB64rWctLDjG57HCLXxP4VkitZcy2RDqD1BHb9K4pJ7m0NHYtxrutbRGOSVw3rmvkM4XLPQ6oHG/EbURazwTIdpS5VQc9MEGtsqpPnuKokkd18XrePW/hLHqSbXMapIWB9smvssPJ30OCor6M+XnCs7MAMDjBr007o4ZblaQgygKMEc+1MQrMPJZiuST0pkkbcoPLI98mgB23Ch1AzUlANzfOwyPQGgB8RA3Ocn0FSxBv2PtwDxk0x7liNmWNsZORxzSEJcBZlAQYOM9apAVmQxkGRcE96oBpbZHyvzE8Uhixt8xBXbmgRIqqOCcnHAouFhMq+GGS2cYNSA8MQZDnlemaNxkEMjgF+SvsapBc1dOv1+SJpNo65600h3I7TYl42wjIbr61dkMsX120Vz5TLvA5HvSsK5WmvJZCPkCg9cDtSUQuMdmyVBOPar2AinUt8vzY9c1LAhJEaEZ4I5pCY+wYqQwIZM9KAJ5/JllKPGwHUED+tBSQqQNCm9MFVOc5pDKNzIPM4jwVPUGmkJkQw24AZY88mmQyMFd+H6DrikgRYil3KxIOwdMUxhFCJcSMQAemTzTAkeNFTbHnnrmgCp82OBtxyfemMjdQGYFcn+VIRJbqCoj2/MemadhXJkiVWbLYFKwEMihGz196Vhiq+JBuX6mhiIz3K9TU3AUIQC/Re/qaGwFA3clsD0FAiRFy5CEZ7nPakMjmTbuYAtgcUwFRuOcDPQUxkmC4JPoe9K4iuFXICthc4Y96LhckZS0gCsV5556ii4XFZQqH5ScHg0ykIyk7QzYHakFh4JVGx82W9egpiIzhScKSp96AFYBY8A7l6g0ARhiTuUALnvQBIHAQ/LknvQA0YPyKu1Tz1oAmiGW5X5ccGoAftyV2/MO9ICVwBHgBeaQEYVQDtYp6570wHrIiHO07gOKTAXzQHZ1XgjkUxCNIuMA8dgTSARyuVJUcHjtmhgEZZsrx1zQMACTkEDnBzVATqfl5XJHfFIADKoDE5HpmhiAACRjIWCHtUgSoQCMEnnHApPXQa3Ol8Iam9nqMYZcW03ytzjHvXzuIqunV0PQorQ9GnutSER+yQpOo+6Ce1evh63OgnGxCup6j5Q+0Rw2wPU9BW0pWBRuVH8RafEzOJBPLnnjhaydexSiYWteOYbRnfeGfHB9PpXDVbmyrpHI3PjGW5Rpbl1YFsRgHp9RXnVMLKUhuppY5HyC2rvGgJMrcY6Yrrc0qfoYSjqdJqRVdGaytnYQIVVsHAZs1x4eHNW5nuxPQdpcflomceY2BkV7F7DWpuwziGIJaqTcycZA+5RzXNeax6V8IpW0kSm5felxx0/WspzVilqjsNbe3skaYHC7SRivkc0j7SskjqhojiNFhg1zxpbWF9Gs1qVMjg89civRy2m4rXqZzZ3HiW1kt/DmqeErRg0Hl74Cx5UEHC19BSfI7HLLVnzFdo8DyQyLtZHIbA7g16sHdHHJWZVk24LAc9cVZm0RnHl5GWPdugFUQRnagOOc9SaAJIAGXnOAOO9AxyKy4CrkH34qRhGQM7sAn1PWpYhCRuCke/PpTAmikMjDae+BmgQx3ZGx3FNDQhLMQ0oJX+dMCSa3JXEZyGwRmkMr+U27MhK46ClcRLHGVIy2R2agBWkQocYyp5IFADFKlQVBx2YnrTQA7AAoqKEA/M1VgIgcEKin34oAmR2Qjch4p3HcsGYSziRgRxTuBFLlgyjOCaOYQ9Zd6BBwQcDnrRe5SLMiZK5ww/2aBlPVhtxGFGPUU0SyvZSFIgrKORxUsReSQvZltw+Xt3xSKKsNzsLAltrcYNNCuVrhgsrMhLKelMGyNSpbPJ70gHbQZM8YPY0BYs2yKgJzuwenamgGzMwJXYCeox0pgRwuwlXfnJ4xSAssiCLDAhiM/WmhlKVS23ZxnqKBE0AwGJwwHIJ7VRJFK+5wcnHTAqWNCSZ69eKm4EfzMcjqaGDH4HPlgk45FIQKVaNUz82e9AAAu4g9fY0DEwxbCdc5PHWkBMzbUI9eTTAZEnUkHdn9KYxw3Zxx8vQDvSExm0qSxG0GgQxRk4LZPpQBIzAnGT06ZoZaIw5OeM4oAeF+X52xkdQaYgYHYVXgY5oAQHdGAucgYxjrQIjY4C9OvNAx4+Yk8KCaAE2lOMH2zQBYHAIbkY4AqAHIwSMbiQGHFJiYqsVi5Jy3tQIHkAI3Lle1Fh2GmQMP3eDzTQDhgv8ANn8KBkpCLGPMHzNyMUrCIZEwOpwfWiwx8bBSpUA/TvQInjVGU/L17D1oBCtkIE4z6UDGeUQ+SMnH4UgJEJ3FlAYZ4zRcVhjiRjlGwxPI9KTY1ubJ3RWw5AwMivl8Yv3p6FJ6Fm08UXcFsbSSUhQPlkB6fWtKFScNEW3cx9T8RSzN+9u2Pb73FegpuSE7JGRLr+ZDFb4c98HrSasZczMi+Z3Jklclz0GahMm5SOchicYP3c9apb3C51NxFLDFbX4YR7o8KCOTXG2pScOhvsLp08k8MkMko2xncyEcnPemlGM00DszSsXkZ1WDBPQetdaszNM7Pw/ppt8TTKHlbt3JpNmiR3Wg6fNFIt3ICHB4j7AVzSTZrDYrfFnxJDp8VnZtJ5fmY3sOcexrinhHKalYrmsUfBc1lDqb6un2jypAqiXHyA59c1nTrOnNQY3qTfF3xFdQ+I47uxnZYHgQFh0YgdK93DtTOWd0jyTUrr7XPJckYYtknsTXqxVkcbd2VY3BTaUBY1RLGSJz1xjqKdyLETKSpA/DNMATKOAVOOhJ6UCFDIrldx68elAyWBQXBwDnqe1QDEbBwjtxn05FAEahlk+UE+gPFNAhCMksVy3Q4NAxVDKf3nzdh7VQiUAbc5bgHA9KgY5hCwBmkJYfdIoExhVlDyqcnPIpCGSK27cq4BAyKaGNY9s49hVIGNj35IUY46VQhAu1Wbcc0gBC+MtkKT96gCRyB8gzkHNBQsSuZCwcKMd6AYhwHUnJweooEjUhIaPIPyt2FWVcy9VAifCE+wNAitDuHqMetSxEqSFSdp69R6mkAyRchgwK980IEEEavkdQDxmmUiwLQjDBhmgCNYykmduVPegY8lmGyMcY7UwFgjwAxYAHqD1osIY0RMnUAKePeqYInjXeUDvjHSkMgvVRGITt0oJK4LlfQYpNsQ3+IMBjIpXAbyEKdBnkmkIcYySjKuQOuKABWGMcqKAEyCQOtAxoYgfd/KmMUSEMMDGKAJJJSATtHI6UAJHI7KflI296AHsWI4BAPOaQEbOWAXIx3JoEPJUYOASKBDCSQWGOTyKCkIGCyfKOnWqAkUjc3ce9IBQUZSM7QKABmAwvTHU0hELKxDEKDnkUAhyElR0+U8jvTGLLnzA55xwM96AJRGGQZJBx0qAJIWVV+c5JOB7UmJjnAPO7GOlADHG0gbST2ouFxIsK+3bsYnmmmAkXNwQ3C+hpsBOrfdyM9T2oC4sql5doIb0ApDJreMYZmHfGewpMTHxgxMUOCeoIoAVwThwCTj5jQApB5wwGBkg96TGRvKImyF3HPbpRYCWBiGUsm4ZzUsFuX7ncsKsnAPGPWvnMWv3lzvpuyMXUVUlQTyTz6VNN2HJGbLa+a5DjgHvXQptE7iLbJG2I1GR19qTk5CK84TeWc8joK0V7ibLGi6Y9/ciQ8IvJJ6AVFesqat1KUbmzLc/2hJb2HlD92+2NvWua3JBzZrudDf6JFpthdb0VrhguCv8ADnPFclDFOpONtipWWw7RNP8AIjW4k2rkcDuD617EZprQxa1Or026EUq+VA07DkuK0TLTJPEmu6iumvO7G3RR8qg81SppvQcZtI4NkvfEQ82eSR23YO7riubEVVTZWsmezeCLCS18Pw6XdoNnmbgh644r5qVVVq6aZslZGL8YUjsbFbeLEsUzNhT1jI7/AK19XgI2Oau/dPImZDFglgSeK9lHnbEblgxQtgjpimDY4uCilgCW60CGBiCQTvx0piIsgjbuxk5I9KYhxjPmbSRgjrQMBlCF+Xrx7VLAc6ndk5BB5PrSAczHAUEFj1NNDIQdkgbkjOAKdhXJNrFcBT97JpgOnBaL5c5XoPWpsMfbbXjyTtwcY9KT0EPSAmdh36n6VNwsKwP3BhsnqaaYEZg2BuAzdeaq4FbOPujA/iqkIVCCMbjsNAApKSHILZ4A7UDHuSMcAnODQMjkw5ByAB2NAiZWGSu0NxwKANrQfK+z5CbiDyDWiGJrNol3L5kUWwAYxSbK5TBeGWBjuAf27VJNiD52bkDrg+1FhWJkQypskwpU9+4pAiS2CZIj42nn3plIsgKQJACpXoPWhDGSLngKST29aAFjQxFlcduCKoBIViZDuIEnbNAirIXc7V4z1NAWLERUEjcA3QZoGQXXzYUAHnk+9K4rFeUFCFJ/KmxEQJPJBPNQxDt25SXzjtQIVXKxnI68AUAIQqqGABIGMGgYbyFyFxxyadgsIxycbSc0DEZlONvPGOaYD2dQemQBzQAA4yd4wf4aTAc6FMMkmR6Gi4rjSm7Abv3ouAvlsm453L0pCHLCNnLDpn6UDRECRI3y5xz9aYx4Bble3egBATnDKPc0ADFd3OGGMZFOwrCRkhSAckdBUiFjfkjaFINMocMg9ie1AEhk2kgjqeDUgSIQzluq4+lJiE3xMuShABoGIAM7WYgHpk0AGQshA+bH5U0JjclmLHkE8ChgWPLYsECbV9fWk2A3ydzhzwVPakMmnXbnqV6gHpSEICAoYAE9KYhRyhDE5PakMaZfMfac4AweOtJjFRflKKRkEk0xMLUkSBS3LEipm7IcdwvbqRPMhBwIxxmvn60eaZ3Q2Mqa6eRBuwQD2oVOzY7kUt0UkwCcEVShoJlczna244Jq1AllLe0021eSa10WpO50yTjTdE8lCC833vXFcEo+1qXfQ3joV9KuUsrhbgrmTd8g9TWlaDmuVCcrHemOZ4LaW5csJv3jn9a86hZStHoClc2vJsLpYorKB5P727jNetTTtYGdEEt9DjVPsrQoy7lXrk10xhcDh/HFy2owBkO0c5UVuo8gk7mz8N5Lae8sdPNsdyHMhK9R9a+aziryQbR1UlZnoHiq8/s+aPUo4DIsBAmVe65r5zLJN1kmbzWhw/xYurXUtNt9Vs5Q0TuSF3cjOK/QsGjzcS9DzAj5WI5wOCe1eqjiZHgSKCwJBpiBotidd3PAoAjLlV5HJ7CqENTdn5cAjrmgRIB5mSxwyjgetAEYWSRgOARSauMHdw25STigB0b5yepOc0Ax2RJCQRhhTEJFgDcCS2eeaBj1ZHkwzEA9CO1QgHxeXFuERJ3HDUMY2YvHhgcg8HmkAC53R4fJ7DFCESISUxgMq84xzTBjZIfNG+I9Bkii4FdjgkMcDHHFWIUEkMqPggUDCMEkLIucenSgYFEySPujrmgkAQRx8uO9AE9netbSkxHG7qBVJlGyl4L2MFW+bocHGamTNIvQrXUQViijDY5apQmZRUJcHHzMe9aIhijYQoVSG3fMDSAaqhJNhbOTzxS6lF9I1SAhWJ781pZWAijBZld3x/So6gPhPmjO0DnnPeqAiaJfMJwOpBX0pkldwGbBBIHp2oAlKoyrlhz0JHSkxogcFXwCGz6dKQEc8ZKcEDvQxEGMsCGzg45qSR8idgc9TQhiODtBbBagBsuQoAXpQgQ9dphwD82f1pjI3LFhk5PagAUggjIHPOKpAOddgLYzxRYBik7vukEdfeiwD9wHOBjOOaVhAj5baeQf0pWCwB23srNntikAL3QHJ7j1oQIQh/NxjOOlMY9SQ+MAH9KVxXGSNksdpxnqehpjI8gHAXr6dKoBwYqNxO49ABUEjocFskbgOoNAyRiuzcBjPai4XFdXTeR2696kYqjKDdkDsabEhVXA+UHnrxQgYNs2/OCxzwaXUCPJ+YggjNUBYiQBd+05+tSwRdjZA5Vi23b3qQRBGQrsCeKGMUfNGV35GfypALEm1Ccjjg8U0JhsAkAJxx1oAXcFVlKgN39aLBcbLKvnBUHJIzxRYCSAbb4AJkdayxCbpsqG5W8TWsrs01u2SBkqK8ClNc1mda2OSS7kRsZOem0jkV3OKYrsDNI397dn0pWS0HuCsXY7ySx7Yp6LYLGjpseyQqYwpxncR0rGbuXFD5CZJMklgvc1EV0JZBBMxuDLjcI+QKtx0sJq56Roes2F7Y2qm4VZlXa0T8YOOua4I0nTk1bQqKO98B20NzfbJGU7BuBx1r0Kfu6I0iWPEd8LmZbRHMrxttUAdK7IOwSjc5nV9N8kFHtma5kyCic7V9aznU1bHGB6Z8N9N0oaM/2aMNdWwBZiPmwecV8xmsFVg2dFPQ1tFS0uru9F6Fa32EPnpivHyum3XRrNniPxJtLO2vng0wn7CGPlANkH1r9Cwi0PNxJxkjKx2NlU6jmvQOEjO7cGPQjj0qkAwO+485B65oASKHe4Ytz9aLiFljVJjg5HqKYEeFVwPXndnFMQocs5cEYHTmgBGChMg47nNAxIpBgA557igB8gDIzKSpPHNAhqL5ZI6kCgYFSuGToBzxSQMImUDJJUsaGCHM3zbCpwehPSkMf5AQAhiR6mkSOEmxwoJ+Yc8cUmMltyFVim7kn8qQxpRHffsLDp0qrgQSo0ZAVRg85ppiDOF3A5OexqgGxZ5U8Z680CEkwvIOB2FSUKACVZhjHTbVCLWmYS6O5tgbpj1pMqJu3EWYVLQkYHLZ60kWzKNoquSgzjuatMkbHGFcM2CSeuKAJFRJH3qq5HAz6U7DC6nWOIu6ZA44FK5JRkvFkKhEAx3xTYIlSMng7l9CO9AxYQBuUk49e+apCZGy4GRnk8Y70xEV0G2BUYhM/epMCC4YoybTgADPvUsB2QUDsMZ6ZpNiZCrbpSqjHHA96QhQX2FGGG/vUAQnceCMAevegY4cnHVh0oEJkhcknA5PpTQ0LEA43g/KaoYgQL8gAGTk5oQDvmKMoBI/WgBgJOQWNAAUJHy8j0oAWJew6jmpbEDK5kAIAOO9K4CYKyHHT2ouAqyEkFiMjrQBIzFztwAO1AiN2OwxuOD0INNFIbuOMFT6cUhEhT92V4B68HpQIQfuxnHzfzoGOlAaMMcgD3oES7/l2tx689aSGxSwVQGGQehoAM5xk8+goAczDGGA68CkBE6DflVbaT196q4Flz8i44xSYIkBV8uz5GOKkERugChi5Dd/akxjxESgVcHPXmkAKkkYyTkN2oTAlTBTJIzjGKdxELBo3wWB+vUU7CIFmLMrDGQeKYzQBeHbNsyCea4sVUtFq5rCNilL5kt1IyyHax6CvE0N0JNpEN9EzTBLdk/jIxmj20o6LUCnFY2ouAr3K7F9AOa0daTWiGirqa2yyrHboeD9/FXSfcZE80m5kwCzd89arlVr3KuRzzMkRTI3Y5q0ldMlshhJSHIJBJ644olZsSdi5oflvq0SznO0j+LbmprS5aehcXc9KGoat4XkW6w0umyqCsqcmP2Nc2FxkK0uV6MqzR0PhO6uxeDWHt1e2YEh34yf8AGuqtiEtOo1oV9U1mIeKo57a4EpkyW56Z7Gsedzi2WpnaeEfFcVtNIs1sttvO1pVHyt9TXhYutdtI1TR1EH2C40bUWhky8kTZ2njOK58DyRqXuU5XPnzUBcHSHWUMRbTMFYntn/61fb4SScbnFiUYaOjqMjOK70cAwMQxO7CqeBTQDyvmsOePYVVhXInLJ8pUr7+tKwEsR3gDGFHtyaaAhkizubIK0xDYlcnBjA4496AEZcx5CnryDQAwFcsAw46dgKVh3JYmGzazZx096AJIzGSfmG8jPPGKYEUwkVWydoPYUkDGoVICnn1PrTEPfLHaxIAOAMVLKJXZo4zlTxU3FYeh3KsYwwP6UmMcmFiZecjoO+KQDbV/LfJc4z0oYEpYSq20A88GmhMhntypV8rjHaruBXmTY4xnOM07gCDdER97HSiwXIwxjYdSGP5UAWFRfMyrMCvOaGUmdFaXrTWawTFcLzupRHzXCfj5thZMZXFUMz5FJ6gfNzgnFFwDZI4LoNqAcmmARpG8JBfeSOKZJBFawPKF2lWH3lobBFrypfMwFxtPT2pDB4oxG8kgww/D6cU0xGcWGzliCT0NUIjkkMfI+b0FJsCIMjgKMHJ571NxXBXzldy5XpmkBExPm7sYYCgQ5cBcsxyOTmnYCvkmcHcMmkBKVABdW785oGRNmRQuPlz0pqwEsUasSN3I+7iqGNdSkmH4570ACcuQDjI9aAFMZ2ElSW7H2pXAFD7vu444AFG4AuN2Pu1JIojdvnIJ44oAaCV5OMg8UDELKPmKrknPFFgsOJz97r24oEMGxvu5JxzTRSHA/uwVbkcdOKBCxhWUk7unWkIbs2Y3ksD09qBiMcfKfu+/egCzn5QCOAOaSBi5QrhsYzQwQ8xg/dPPqKQw8v5j82SOxoQkPbgfKcq3b0NNANjPOTzSGOJXZjbhs0hA37x/L6Bh1pMZLGcQsuMsO4pAIzZRSVIz0NJANjcq+QDhv50wI7lx8pPHHOatAQQMPNGe3Sm9gRql1aCMsCOoNeBjZPnOqK0JYYoFUyL90ck153Nd2KsZ+pXRlDeWNsY9a0grCMK/kMhAi4AHLV1wSjqxBHMmAsgDKB1703GzuguPtxZ4MhuVyT91utTK6Ww7FJrdprliJAVzx71rGSitUFi41hPLbx+UAFBxnsaxVWKlqKxc0/Qgs6XFzcgNkHanXis6mKUouMYmsVY743jvo+WhzHEuArfxj3rx1Hkq6PVm6asObxb9q0K5tEVVidNqJ0KYPUYrZ0akaid7mMmcRolxJDqjSybm2/NyeSK9ZpOFiI3OjivZ7q5imsL17cz5BVgCDjtXlVKcYJqSua3Z6N8PtTvrQLZamylnbKt2PtXmVow5+enojSJD8SP+EemtLu2SVLXUQQzRjo/Wvq8sqc0CK60PIhG47gFWxj2r3Eea9xrK5yWGRjk1SJGRtySODVDFmVpFDlu9AghBVAoJOe9MQ4kk+W2P8KABWOcOe+M0AORTwQRwCDmkMrOm7KhQrfzpiAxSJEMH6k0ALHgAYGSOrGgCZ5A6gMpz60DIZkCyrtPXtQIGZfNwAeKTGStLuUHHTgiklYCCNwGG1GIPcUNXAtJJk8pknjA7VLQEqL84BTANSxkcYKzEBABnnnrTQEsbSEdBjpg07isRSA5aSPDY600wIpcEA5CknOKoCF1RmQ8gEnp0piHrtXIDHIOc+tJjRfs7ownO3cp6A96EMvG8b7vlY3D7p7UykIsT3ER2IxGcH2oGVLpngkEalsdCfWgCb7sfyISeKZI1HfzARgHtnqaGBajkPzThSWz0oQyncXDTBtyHPbHpQIotIGfA5GeM07iGNkynavGOnpUtgRk4w64waVwGIMgZwcmmIWTHyvxwO1NCGuu3ryDgigCM5V94XJFICRW+8uCRjv60AJsxExj5B70IYxPlIIzxVNgSZ3ncQSQOaLjIy+0HjJbp7UXAc0pU5CZbpSAQlt+7cdxHNDExVJZgWHOKQh/mcn58UDImZe64PpTQ0DoBhlPWgB6LlWbnK0iRAHKZKBc96CiMoQmB65PvQIkil8vIP5UCHysNg4yGOc+lADMhkI25A6GhDJyGbLI3IHSgQ0ByMkAZFJjRZtyBbsSOe5pMGQoXcbgoAHc96BjoySeoB7imhMlPytgkYFIY3IYPu+U460MCeMKqBgu8ADrSAhUncyliMnnHpSAeYgBh8lOi4pAKBnDBgu2mDK2S0jbiMg8e9WhAqhrpCqlMnBBqZvQcdzTXbPeLGBtEfBFfMYuTUmd0NiPVCtvGMPuI6qDWFK82VI5+6lad8yAIn90V2wjYzZWClgQTtWrT1JY0RhhjAwDim5WCwht4gclSc9hT5mOwoiRW4jY+lJz7gkX0eZLYQDGDzxWDir3KOk0WwUwRvJzt6Z6k1w1qtpNI0ijckwIiF7CuOO5b2POdQuZIruW2jJUCXKkele9GF0pHO9zXwfPDdMwjt3xWcNmxosWty9rawxhf3obK1zyp+0m+xopM9k+FMtvcafNca7A+y3G9JGHWudYKHPuXFHN/EFLXWNam1e2iAjVcIR3Ar2cHHlHXj7h54Wy7Mpyc8+teykeUwLx7wM8kcj1qhDCYywyOOmPSmMckStuU5IHTmkxMayBJABgIOmaYxTsYAE7QTjI60ARyAKxB5XPFNCY5yxdW/vDpQAIpZWLn5hwKLhYZcBtiBuVPWl1AZbsoJIU7M8etUA+Zw3T5cfmKBDHQMoJbnrzQAx8Dac56jmgByZGI2OM0AR5KscY6cEUwLFvJlUUqVz1NQ0MuBwW2K3yjv6VmxhuJUquSO7GhKwDQ7xqrY3ZGAKAE3MBzgbmycUwCaFJWLKdpHT0qkxFZlUL5Z3bs54p3AaqgZQ8ntincB0cjpcFWwRkYqhG7LsnhU4XcOgpGiZNpoMM5G47SORQCNGa60/8As6S0urEvKeYpR1FMo5pjLlQ5OP73amiWx1vGjSLvbHP3qTESzeXE8hV8gHnFIDMuZmaQqpx3B7UCZBnO7cQuehoJGphG4J5HWkykSMcICMdOT6UCK8hPl/cBJ6EUxCKGBIDADGRQA/lk6cgUANRdpHzCncB7ELIDkHI5pARKG5VehNADl6kYwD0ouMVNu4ogJK8k0ALIo2hxg+1AEBZlbcwxTGORcqCvDDnPtQApLY+TOM9aAGlQUxklwaEBIh2tkjoOaAHIFfccZB4ANMBjDy8IrnJHOelICRXIQLuLBelAAyhssQc+3ekIZtTcmQc9SfWgLEsxUJlVAB6CgLEEm8jgAcZFAE4yZPlAANAC7NzbWJ2459qTAsK8ax7du7sMUhjN2UZlAznoRTER5VPm25b1osFxysWxlBxSYxzRSHpjB6HNAD1kbbtYfL04pAOjyGxtBBPJ9qAJpflxlfl71NgI12lcZG0nJBpiZGF/fbT17ECqQxsYcsrFsnOSaUnfQFuW5vkb7QnG4Yr53FU7Tud0JaGG+8u2csTySxpJK1ypFNvvFmzgVqjNjN+MEgYFO3QRo2KR7ftO1WQjDqex9axm3sNCCONgSDj1pczEKphQ4H3u1PVoaJ7KEPMpcAAt61lOWlikdN9rELqi7didxXC4X1Nbl6SRHjI6AjO4HrWKVgbPOLpS+rzMxGQxr3YX9mkYM3vD8x1C5hV1+4djEDlh2qJR5ItF09T0P/hCIontr+VvNWZgFTGOfpXn160oQtFanWqatc7z4kQT6L8PoDany0lIjZQOoGDXRltOc480mZyaPP8ATpzLok4BC4jOARyOK9GMXGQ6jvCxwc+BJxgZJyQOc168NjyZbkTQkrncCR371VybjQFMeCuSO9FwuPhj2/vASM+tADbnDPuI3ID2oAZE6l3LAqOx70xkolQKTsJPbjimISRjlScEZ4HpSGSSbgwd2GG64pXFcR2Z4CrJgk5B9aYEEauuCQp9xVAB25YKCH65NAhV2E8jJ6UAR3A/d7em08H3oABvbb1JxjmgCJ4yuCp5oAkjdnVZGDNikMnWRPLxH8pzU2AVJMHGSoxwCepoaAn85pIwDjcBwMVL0GJhQMMCMjoKQCb3Xo2MDj3+tMB52GPH3iDjIoAgnRVmC4OOp5poRGB+8IQbv6VdwsXbNZAh2kE570wL1q4a5AYleOSexoKJ9Tuonwiliy8YppDuZrTM0hjYA+naqRJFJdMQQ/0OKlgVZGIckE7j1NSgIvMH8LY9c9KLCuRyL91lxx1piHx4PXIH86QxwVGQqehzyKLhYbEDnlvlHUDvTEQANknJ2/SmMcXkxggBQOuOtIAdAWzjbxQIe4+VTsyDzmlcdhobHVcelMAVXOQSPbI6UCFwyt0A7HFADVLIQBk5PH0oGK/JYbySR37UBcajbWxknp07UDJGyconAPXmi4CGPC7gMEcfjQmAyJZMYyAO/vTuAoJERIYfKfSi4XEdy7BRtHqaABii4AyS2RikwHliyhAMbR9KBCjeV35HTAFAyQDJHmDJHKmgBJoy0bMAM4pXAcY90Zk569KYWHqVRA0mSh6jvU7gJK6rsABA7YpiEUDBYE5zyDTEMmwDtUHB5xQA5BjB6kdqTGgaRsYIKrk8GgBys3UHK4x0pASqyN869eh56UrBYcRIygbge2D6UWGOhKqrZXLA8ZHagTGylS+VOcUxjEX5MdsYznFJ6ITEaXZbsr7mVfSuTEUFNXNKcmilNtADEEBuhrx/ZuErM6k7lV1AY/Lz3q0wKxA3cZyeM44q/MkW2jk8wpG7AN1HY0p2tcCeSZ0YxONrLwcCojG4XEtgJJsE9s5zRLQEa1ig35Dcqa55stFqVj93BOT61nFdSrl/7UIdHkLfwDqfWsOTmqJDucvFaG61JXQHZIeTjvXrU3pYze56Xpfh600bV9K8z5WuFDyA8DtSS50dMYpHbeHk1LV/FMbSDFrbv+7UcDA71P1RPc0ctDe+NvmTfD6J1J/dT8gdugrupU1BWRzt6njsEzwR+ShLBlPUda0STdyZy0OWmJWZ93Xca7Yu6OCe4HYc9jjiqIIkIz1Oe4PSmUTxL/CX3LnODSYmOlRNuRnI4xmmhlZUDPtYEEDPNUIkbdt4AxjigQwl2ODgGpZQ5mwuNoJx1xSJLEIYx4bGR0PpQMpPuViGPy54wODVIBQxc7v4R3zTARSccdPbvQIUlG/1mQB1xQAgJEmQ3ykZGKAEKZQlmxnvQAqphWVX6cfhSGKgyGXvjrQAJCXxklwDj6UMEWS0cQCsCB0BrLcY/GeVIf370wGjYqEMMEnnNNCYKu0n7yqRkECkMbJExAYMGA70IBbGFXcK7bctg46iquNK5aubc29wYxu+U5BH8VUmFhqQTTTHyTwBzk8mqERXTtGEcn94BtIPWncCs8m9yxYg0XFci3NkL03cZqQCQuy+p7nGBQBXcKDvkzwOmKBDQ5IJU8GgCXzRuCt0XoMYzQA5wWXIBGewoGNjlIlJVcHouaBCxgoM9OxoAfKFdNucCgYwKoUrvJbqDSsFxDNvQAAgDt60JALu80jCkEUxDmVxuDc8dR2FADAwcFTkH1oAFBLAHkDpQAkagsxA6nvQA0pnkMM5x1oKRJhhhsANnGKQCAyO5z17e1ACINwwx2sO3rTExj71DcZA5ORQCCMbthIxkZ6U7jHqmXz6dKTYDW3EBRg80XAItwYqSSQMnPQUAP3gnIBBI9aVwJIZEAAYEHuc0DRejxFB5bdWHpVNiKk26Mqh6EdTUoCEncp9j1piZMgAAAGfr2oEE53Ku0/MOlAAnyRDOQT1zQAxhuBzyegOeopDHxRsoAfIz0xSGSeUvQNyOtK4rhE4jHXdnofSgCfcrKAy/U+9IBqjLHawwB0pgNB3BV2gspyeetACOqCMksFXPzA96lscTo/hlpmj6691HqU6Qxr8sURPzOfauGvS5jrpMpeNfB8+iO0kJZ7bOAccge9cM4OmzXlOOVAwI6EHj3qeaxDIt5RwRwQe9Va6IZJqbpJMs6cFhhgfWpp3joBBDI0cquqkgnHFaSjdWBHQac6ND5gICE9D1NcEr35S0PeTDY5GTwTS5XaxZU8R3UhSHTrfLF8FyO9a4aleXMxN9Dufhn4YmktxNdRHAO4kjvXXyty0LUeXU39eH2vxhYWv3gq7Vx7YreFOxo3c9b8O6fHptsCBhyMmtkrGdyh8QoPP8DanAV3LxIv5iqJPCI9jWyvuYELwfShbinsc1cODcMQpOT3rrjscM9wZWkj3EgY6VRIxH/eldygdgaoY8jDFuQDUsBWbftUE4HU00BIyrJGwU8juaaBldJGLYBGOhGaBE5wwBOOP5UpAL8r529hwPWkAQSMUIAIGcH1oAjyIn+8Np4AaqQDAylmIwR6dKYCoM424HtQIlZVkBdgMg84oGivNGVPyvgnjBoEHl7x8rDAPP1oYDimMjhmPpSGQksgIHU9jTEODyKAqgkg0dBlkyeZ8shwcdx0rPlsMfFscgBsAD5qLAI5fbsZeTwKBMQeapHBJA5pMESxyFkKMBtHJ9aBjY7jY5KYBU4HuaaAnednI3ZEnXJpgNV5Sfl+Vl5DZq7gQ3jMSC5yzdaBMpyNhiu0qDyaYhgQ5APRuhpAK7HoT1oAa4DHyz1PQ0AMjUAlj+VAD5Suem4nkY70AAPyghsMOoPagBjSDHOBjofWiwwU55JyOpoEKXGzKnvzmgB7BSSQAFx69aBkRzuPYehoAcG+bcp28dc9aBD0DsdwbaDw2e9AwwEBC9c80kDG7sMAQQOuaYiRnJXK4+lAEajLfMCe4ApMpCFJE+Ytj+lIB6swJbIPFAD22Mm/BJHcVRJCXBchj1FJsZLhSgK53AdKVxghAAU8MRmgAwFYLIM9+BTERyLhxgNg9TTGJ0+Zlzg8UCHqVPHGSOtAFvdvRFI4A+9UjIpRuwMkgdMU0AeT/ABBsewpvQQ/btTnqe9K4WGyDyx8h5piFg2lTnr70AKqBm5APcCpKJI1LR7g+1s4waRIGPDZkYDjigBmNo5AZc5BHSgBTg8BmIPf0oGMXcHwpwCOvrQIkPDbt2OzH0oGVtYKiz2K3zu2FxWU2aRWhh+IJ5bKWGK2laNo15KnHPrWTNYk1l461uK2+y3Vy11bsMMj44rGtDnjoaxnbRl0MlzZfa4SojJ59q8uzi7Mb11RRkYyHCAgD9a22RNrjLmKRdofg44BpwaaHyu9hxnKvGUGcDDr/AFqtdQcbCxXM7ybI2IjHQVDgtwRdginc7QxeRj8oqVC7KWp2XhTw3DFcx3eoPufrg9q6qdIrRHpL6lFp9qIYcZYYUCulU7bDcrmPpiSL8QtOa4C/OhYZ/CpluNaI9bnn+fapxtFVYhMl1CBbzw7dwsQA8Tcn6ULUHofOTxiNpIwylo2KnB6gUW1Ilqjm5vmlccg5OPeuuOxxy3FTsp+U+lUIZHGdzHKnnkntTbAlkjUIGPPtSuBXKhm5yAPSqEWFbagbOAOMUIbI5grFT0wOvrTEEDEqV4yev0qWBNxHgsS3oRQncY2KVWJCgD19aQglABGBkdjVICE48w4xxwfamIOSVCAA9CfWgB+zZG2ScZxmgZEfmjdSd3IwfSgQmWwVUjjgGhjBXVUB+83cVIxsqNyw5B7VRI07SfmPJ6GgYJ80o2jAI60PUCWKbY2CN2O/apGSq6nIIyP71IRJGwD8E47e9SCGliJs9F6ZoHcinysh2gH5s00JkqNmRWY8qM4P8qYFuOVX3MfvHoKBlO+UGRXAOe4qkBXlK7CApLEdfSi4rEaAbd27cQODTESCVQ/KA8daQyF2HIYHk5GKYhmxmGFJGOaAD5WXBySOlAARsI3Ak+lAxrFR8pXPeqTGL8uMjj2pMTH9WULjr0pAOeMs23/IpMY2UtGcsOtNCEQgHCDLfzptWAlIywBIIA5pANAVTkPu7c0kDBWPO4KB2piGFsk44WgByPgqRkH2pDQ5ieqAbSeSfWkMb3Dq2CeoNAD2baQw+4OTimxIY+35Zc7ieoqWApy5LJhcdqBjRnbl8HimgFVjtUgFj/SqEISdqkE9efagQSEyE45PrQAREqcnG4UAX5X3MXXgdwPWpKI0zg7mwoOTTQmNR+SoHGOT0ovcAUnj5hQMbICUYAKCeBTJHROVYBlH1oAQly4256VNiidHVV3NkMcDNIQ6U7UYs2VPSgRFuUqzDgDoPWgCWBt3HRv0oAjmJ3cYGPSgBARjBHA5waBld8XGtQK+CqDPH4VhPc3ijlfEUwk1CZgCecCoZWxjg/vFVzgd6WyBX6nQvf2WneTDZ3TT20ihpgR0OOf61zVKXPqa3S2FvdZsreRDaMJMcjI6VjDDyk/eBysUxq/2u6DzMWYnv2rX2CjsOEveRPJeRPL5SuEPcmkqcnuVVfvGnpmnSTMhinjIJ/vCr9mZXOr0nTvsMxkO1n9Sc4rVQQ27HQWTnzS0kq5xxk8VdrC1NrSxC14j3F5FtA7sKHOxaRPrup6bY+KtMv8A7Uk0EK4kKc7elZc9tzVLQb4h+L+j211tsI5LhwcDsDVR1Ik0jC8SfELX7/TZFiuRbwsvITg4Par5bGLnc47ww0r3eGnfe+cc8Nmi2or6CT+Ytw6MoyrHnNdcdjne44yFuWX6cU7CIzKN4+UL6ihoCYyMVw3JPQjpRYCJmbPC5FMQpV24IxnqKENkoDbG3/MD0PpQ0ITbDFImcgNwKVmAt0M4AAKjoR3oiBXjIUMGXHpjtTsIVJBkg56ZFFwGY3I7hfnx1ouMkG4AZbIPBFMCVhgcNx6UrhYglQDGCQOpouFhoGHG1s8cimAm3Y+QvPQD1qRgrtu5HPb2qiRViZlyR74oATaN5wMDHGe1K4wCHOCuM9qkBAWLnqCKAJIJCkg9fWiwE0xZhyAc89aQDlMQi5jOT0pANCLIxZcK3ancLEADRSlmB56UDLI+YYbBIXINFwKTE5ZRkZ61aAiC7TxgAdfWmSLlQfnLH0oARcMpPIx70AN3YbaOe+TTYCrudgOmRkUgHvnZk4JxQBCyPneeSOh9KAHRqWUl85HrQMkZd20/KpoEKuQ3AIJpMaFeXLYK7j6+1C2AjJAfCg+xp7gKjN0xgEc0CGzcRjPr1oAhG7OcnHagB0bMjlQcg9c0ATIx8ogc+9ADQQiFGBG7v61NihEYsck4wOlUJkykYIUjHtSARSAoG4cnk4pMYGJSPkYAH9aQDNkg2p6U0AYZTk5AHY1RJDltjELg5/OgBy5VQA+33FAEiM2DkfQnvQBdGxMqFPA4NIY0McEHoT1HegBuwsmWwcHsaAECbidgUZ60IGPZAUVMjnjPpTEIBu/d44X8KAGqJNxIYBT69qQx4ZUC8kg5pMAlKkIO3UilYLDpSNikEELxkUWCw6FwpAXBwMknvRYBXMYUjGW68c0gK8e5nw2c9RkVQECt5dxeztwyR8f41lKxtE4q7mLSuxyeayZZRmdQSwGT3pAQSPlMgZ3GgBqdN2OtAE9sAkytnoQaUi6e5Y1Zf3+4fdKg1MC6ytIjt7qeHlJGQdiGxVmJfTXNUCcXcmB7mgLk413UuCbpx+NA7sd/bN8w+a4kYe7VNhqTOs0F2n8M39yzbpFXv+NZTj7yNozumcgJHMoYnnNbJWMG7naSxNPpce0fOU5Aro05TBX5jQ8Gtp8MoE8jKQCDuWufqdHQp3QQ3EzpuI3kg9f0rrjscz3ERyYzhtp6HI61QmIm0zLu5Tof/wBVAkSyIgKk8L2AoQMYoAl4PGaYhziReRgktwc9RSGIhk3srsqnuPWhAxty33cDOOBzTEIxY4Gc4HJNAD1ztKkgZHakAka8hch1x6daAHuAHBIwB1xSKIQ+Zd4/AGmImDNsY8Y9KQyNjvAO4L2J7UAI6orBlGQfegBqZIOR0ORQBGWIfcwGe2KokkEkjLuz+uaAGqS33wAT0IpMZMGYlAAMjjFSA3ruDHb70AMRNj5YHLdD61QMsovmINwGVPTNQwG72DnIypHT0pDEjxggjp3xSAfv3YBIOR0NMBFVgwJ+6e3pQAXCIznICsOBmmmBTZRHLtdecfnVJgNYgna2FI9aoTG4/eEAgn1oEBVty/KDzxzQAdD/AHc0AOAwowN2RzQAqklwBnAHIoAVCC3IBHbtQAyZA0hIkGMd16GgY9GbHOC3YdaGMaQWOeBj9KSExshbIAPGeD2pgK64Cj8zQIHj3xZZ+D0FAEUaMWOe3HNNDQxhlvUjrQwZMmFQsvQCkA9X3sN4DA/pQAhwSfk2jPWkwQ50ESD1PTFLUYqAliGAwBmkwG8gZwQAOPQ0rAP3bkUMQre1UgI5DyCSSRVCIyC2QOB2BoEM2Y+6fpQA6PPl5fJx6UDNAltxBGcDgCpGPZFUAbsNgZA5piIU3oSNuVJ+9SGSMAv3Bn1JpoTIZFbPoMdKYiVlAHyk/dxzQBHtyBkEAnHJ60DFIbHy42+nekwQ/ACqMZYc0hjtoAAxwe2OtADNqbSq5zmgCJ92/auQR14oAPNcIdzDd0piKOtM9ras/wB7zk2k1hPQ2icfcMPmIYe9ZFlNx8rc498UAR7AUDMcegFABxsyoOQKAJrcjIJ4Pp60mVHcs6rjzIip6pyPSpiaVtXcpMV/i546VZiKCOTng/pQBIh3AAc80AToR0NAHoHhRFbwHqpxgDBDZ+tZS+NGsNmcXGAX3Z6dq1Zkd5ojxvpEcmTuXgitY/CZPR3EtYj5/mZXaWzg9awT96xt0J5Btfyyqgt79a64vQ53uVGjaNypGPXnpV3EAGw7mxgnGc80yRzlujfgfUUDGZwcjlc4xQImU4VjkbR2NIYh8tnBIBbH5UAJLt2g7cc4znrVIREVYuSvQCkBIyhCr5OWFAC9ht4wePepYDhKc7Wxlu1IY2cBSpdODz9KYwU5fKn5BwMjtSEKU4cquSR07U7hcj2+W2wjPHODQmAiptB+ZmHYelUBGNjt84O7PQcUCJXUjIAK49utAEWWX73AHGaAHeaN+5Tkr3FJoZNgSJvc7XxwO1TYCIEP8rMdw7f1qhgBMGG3n6mpAlVyoO7gkYqWA6LATO7nOMUh2DlhnCgCmIWGR3T7vTgZpMCV1LSqpPPHNFxjL6ArzjzGHOfSmmOxSz5gxIBk+nWrTJY1kBUjPOOWHamIMEfx9BxxTEKSmQpPAHJoATJyQOB60AOLYBPAbp9aAIWzkHJ2jtQMaeQDnNAD3bCKCMEdDQIVixChQAc+tAwcMF24z3yelAhzxsVVSwJI7UAAjZW2seB0zQMSZi2YwQAR2poCJCWHTB6AetDBitn+7jjFIBFBVMkgH2NMBzOSu/JPtSBCb2MgP4DNAyRQQ2HJ3Z4pAO+UvsJY+o9KQC7VVgMZ9T6UANkGCw6jFUIgj3bCGz7E9hQIcNpAAyQO4oAIycOoyB6d6ALiviQtnBx+lQihzt84zkK3Q1ZI8TbQQ/5YpDIwee+c80IGPL4QDJwD1x1piGSSBBtHzg9KQyTog3DLd/ahAwZiSX4AAxk0wGxMQM4z70hizMXOVHHUH0pAR4zhujGmJDmUpljydtIYxcF1JwM4/E02Io+NZE+xwKqgMM5weK56hvE4eZssV7HrWZRVJwuEHsc0AIzkkE59MCgBM/K3OO4oAmhcAqcHjmkxxdmdh47vfDF7oOiz6XGYNQSIpdr6nIwfyFRBNM0qSUji8rvOSOehrVmKFOAD846ZNNNAPibHHQevtUsEWIsEAk5xQM9F8Mqf+Fc6mRwpZc/rXPN/vEaR2ZwqMMkciugzOs8GTh1lgJ3HbwK1WxMkacdysVwYvLLAMcGsUvfK6BOcM0pJ69DXVFGDGu7sijbkk9T6VdibiugP3T0PT0piE3fPt6hemaAIH+Xkhsk/lQBIV3A7M9MZoAlVUAAH3/X1pXHYMBiWUbgByPSmICP7vGOfrQAoOQcqB6ZoAjAbfyR0FQwI2DB2GCM9DTAsYZmAX5scHPagYoOBsYhiOtIBc5+UMA2Rx7UCK8g+Zstge9NDGEbI9+fmPFUA1VZgxPVcc0APbI3Etk9gaBCAqzlW5yM4oAawH3lXC96TGh4Kuo+YKV6A96QxFO1ixHOegpCHrIfM3jkY6UAhQ2GJK8HpSGSswCKMbSe9ICIoQ24E4H5E0wJY5A+QT+89qQDVmzvR/lYnrQBMZW+QE5KdfpRsNsidFjkEiRjDjOaaYiCVSrZJ4PaquIi34ySBimA2QADKjIPGPWmIeAXj4GCOMUARsCW8v+L+lACFAzKQ/tigBXhKnKde49KBjpUYqCuB9aBDUABJ2ksAAaAHFmUc420AMdSVDB2z2I6UAPWRg+Aw3dwe9CGhiguxC4z1NMZIo3bcfeA44oYmExy27acEdqQiLDB9vY9KAGscoQTyD0ppDQ1VH3VUls8+1DBlhScLuBHb61IAQQMnhieooaGOj2DIDdepNIBpPbnaetO4rCKFG7PJYcegouFiMo6nORgjt60wGbhtZQcZ6t6UCLyr84OADjGTUlCMvVck85yKoQ9mZl29l7etJgBXjIBAz196YC87fmzjPSkIFUMdyrzikMkmyI1xkk9/ShAQspdtvQevvVASwnAZXIIxgUgEQFFPzZJ647UIbDDBeeWzgYoEJO4bAyBgYIoAhyCvK7cYoYIzPGIxZWzv1OaxqI1gcXMQdw2nb61iaELoW4PA7mgBhXaDubr0oAVWy3Y+tAEi42lS+M9KAGc7GUnr3oAJAMqTjPTFACEDaTtPsRQBPFyuSQT60ATRMOM4FAHp3hWNZPhnqYGT82SB14zWFRLmTNacW0zzzjkg9+lb3MjW8O3X2a+jcdzindgdBc3cSagUdWBLZ9sUR3Bst3CjzQCOo4B9K6Y6o53uRlXB44A4z6UwJY1+Trx3IpgNVmEobaCem6mSK7BlLsOvNAESSL0BAFADzuLDI5/hx0pMY7LNGUUc46ihAN2/u8HO4UxCKqcbj16Z7UMBxU+YXUZB7GpYCh2OSeoIAzQgHxyJCwLE/OOSOooY0PnaI24aJSdp5PekBWYuAG7nv6UADMjqTINzetUgY0Y8nyzyOwpiK6syq2QAAeRTAexBYKAWPfNJgStGDtdOWPGKTGhJU8ohSeTzj0pMYyNcNgck9CaQmSPKAChA3dMigBWih2ghsHFIBsaeUQC4bPQdqEMdMFWLKtliOR6UARxsflZs+/tQJDo/kYseT2x3pDFbIDn7xxx+NOwgQDzVJODjn1oYyZ3DwFQTtB6elICMDag3Dg+tAEUtusgZoycjoKpMRAu/cgMfy44JqrhYkG0KT3/nRcLEchCKCCMkdaYiEN8xf35oAsr8yhiMj+dADC28Y5XB6CgBm7DbA23A5oAcuRGV6nHWgBHbcipjAHegBC2D2AHTFNDQQ7sA8Ak8A0DJIicnGc55oYmSkE8hsCkIgl4cMrZI70AREbp+euc59Kdx3JYlO5jgHJ6UmMViRkE59D6VCAVMxuCWyBz9aYA5+YBCOTk+1ADmZMAEY96YhC46MmfSkMhP32fOOelNCHABkY4Iz60xFtyQ2NwBFNK4DQw5Ibr2osA4rhVcZBIxSaGShSI1Dt8o/U0hEg2hDljj3pARbdkmQwzjpSARy+ztzzgdqENDcSMmAO9VcBIyxlIKcHii4WHSIfMO5QAPTvQAtsSrnIAb+lDBCyxHedsgx1HHSgZWkLRvhhuHrmgRS8TxibSBKMny2H4VlVNIM4aZV3k549KwRqyFjgMM5J5psRC5zwMZ+lIYjHA+UY96AHxMGG3AOBQA8gYxsBJoAFA3D3/SgA5L4ccA9qAJFILYHAPTFAE/A6gGgDqPDXiVtL0y5sWhLpcIV68DIqJRuaRnyqxiDbvyONxzirMyxatiYEfwmgDsoI4p4opJI9+V5at4xVrmMm0xXbcxHIA6CtIkMkGDGU6BqYDF3BvLPA9qAY5ThmAAJHbtTELC0ZVgQfQ5NAAVV48BBjvx1oAbFk54246DPWkxknkZ4Viox0JpIBVTI27gTjAqhAVj4BUbl7n1pgNzjgYz1yKQAUbzFY8gDNDAXZnK5PTIxSGNibjkAZ/nSsMSRFmAIUh+/vTsIZ0BywyOlMBA+e/PqKBCNg5yvzdzTAhRtpy5NICSJi0mUBAHSkxonmKSAEDL9zSYxoVlGNvbkntQgIJC3VWA+tADlA2bihI70mJkh2gZ2jaOhoACxACkjn9adgGSKeVzgd6QBEVUjDtgjkHqKEMWMlW3DvwSTTAkiIGWzgE8AVLAZIrxs+GOc4x7UgHQsZMq3BHTJosBMFUoQo2lhhmovYCGJjFHtddwHA+lO4CPGrw+Yi4PSjURTkAKbQuTnhiOlWgInjO4L07596q6AlgICcN35+tIQFd0mAB74oAQAM+XG30IoAUnllQHaeuaAAbimGPI6UAOYptGVBOewoAac8gDn3oGIjPGevPtQDJQ24gt+P1oEEm05GBj6UANC/u8/Lk8UAJECGwDwD1Peh7DFYBm64A5qUAF13r2U8dKoQbMsc/nSGI2Q3ygnjigBp3DGM5PrSGNJz8rAe/FCEKWYrjJwOnNUBaZgpZiDk9MjNNMQgClR6nrTAnIULt35xzz6UgFEivlsYA4UUmAR/vDkqSQeme1SBMscTvkkgqckipYx6NBtyPmPOeKAIyyhWkUEA9Qe9UA0sSw2kDI+UHtQMU9GQnJx1FUSRkKIcHJYjsaTGhZHjJDcklcHFIZVuFBcPzsz68VRJHeoG0q5jzwRlQPWplG6LizgZkCMTgk+lcr0ZsU2GGO0Hv1pDGMp4P3sdqAGn5jjdxQAJlfmzgjigCQDBGOnfvzQAbWIIBoAaZOoxz9aAJI+D0P1oAm3AYOc7qAJVZsAE4IoAsJ8xGTxQBbhO2QYPAoA7HRG3aZkt8m4g/Wt46xMKhJN8sgA28961WxA5UbeVJGAelIoJmHnYXJPHT2piY0LiTdn60xDxGzEkFQOv1oAIy4G1h1756UDHiSFH4UufX3oAT58M5YHPUd6BCqkZG9X247H1oAVEGctznrxQAYTPyjC9PelcY1cbsEsQ3GaAF+UkhWK+3rQgGSBDgtgDqMHrTEOViTk7gO/HSgCORV37lXg9c9KAIgGCKx/i4wO1MAk+RMZ+Yck0gIgrCXvz0yO1MB6l1bjPX9KQD45QpwuOf4j2pFD/NUqN5PuaQDwsLllGDgZHtQAyGQk7eqngjpmhiYxjtDBuB24pAAAz22jrmmwFzlTnBB9+aW4Ecm1WXJOSOtMYZyThdwz0oAkizj7v05qWBKwBkBZyT3wKEBESi5AbnJOTTAsxE7PLxw3IrN7gDxExDAIp3HYhcmIhScL3ppisMJV8hjwR0FNMRC8I2go5PHFVcCOOMKMlflzxTuAgwvPGPrTAIyhf2PrQIVgysX3DI64oAYXZmww2/1oAUOYzzyB6UANV/lOTkk5GaAHNJwRxn6UAOzkAg5B5oAXIYElwPagBEK56ZAoAUMWOSBgnjFAxAwckN1B5pDI9xBO75vamIWNmI9QaBDzIyyAq2eKQx28sckcj3pDEJBALcN2pAN2jcT07ketUIstu5fAI7D0psAjPIbAGP1ouIe5JUgKORRcBASGGVAB7U2BKAcuqZ39sVID14jJ5LdDxUgOTMUYLoPmOAT2osMfIhL5YfJgcimhEEm0o24EEfdx3oKGxksQuduOtO4rDZS+04GADgUAOkJZAeBx2FFguQSqTFgHOO1MQlqeASu7nGDTsHU4nXITHfSoAOG4rlkveOlbGW/3ueCaiwxgyc7RkfShgMJXGVX2H1pAN2/Oc+mTzQA+MkH5cbTQBI31x9aAImAyeOB+tACIwXDHOT2oAmQo7ZVhn0poRPGVJHPXvQMsRY3bVNIC3AT/EvIPNAHW+GJMwPEMED5j7Ctqb6Gc0XZlDt93DjkVuYilto2yRHceCwpDB8IM7SCeOKYhqFiGGAc0APdgo/eDA7ACgBY9ylcYY/zpDElOWDbdpB5AFCBjed2S31piAlI1LEfQ0AOXeybwjY9T3oAQ4TGWLAg9u9JoY5cbNpBBHQUAB+aQYwCo5xQA4qoGdvBpXAj2sm7Ln1AoTAiZgpUSE4cfpVCElYLICrDAwKAJZEBwqjhupI6GgCKT5QFZwSDgfWgY1jjJBJU85oEVyAckN8p6U7ATYIiw5HpSsMcrscYUE9DjtSAVNqvgng8D60mANkkrtYe/WkgQi4KdSc8HIoYDpFMa7uMdge9CBEc2MDcBmmMSMeW5BBwfSgBXKRNncSme55pNATSSKU+Q8etIBI/KYK8nCihgTRvhicfL2apsNixEn+LeM5HtSsAHbJIySDJ659KBFZ9sZ2jv90mqAWHgbSwAI+WgLCsGPC9O5x0piIFiKA8Z55zVDI2jAOefoBTAWSJyN+MHHemIaE27f4j+dAgEYORzuxwtADChADsMEUAIhAbLfxcY9aAJBlMgBcdKAFwN2SAAByKAA4WUc8MKAE6SdsY4zQAi5VzhQwI5NAxkhGcA4A7+tAiIOUbcDjNAFrIcb+MYxj3pDQ3GRyTnuR2pMY4RkIATz3zUiG5Y5HAIHeqQy6ehViAcciqEQhVC7i3HTHvTQImTO4OCCPT1pAO3bj1GBzimxCI4Y7V6t1PpUsB42hSoPLcZ9qQDg+7CKQAvPNOwriyE7gC2BiiwxNu75u4PekVccYiedue4oC4nyFCcYPcetMRA/yOAdwB6CmAjLKEUADGetAhrZBCheM54p3DqYnjqziSWC6jGFlXp6GuSTfMdMbWORkCgdC3p61IyJvl+9+OKGAwlegUAdR9aQCEfN8qgDHPvQAx87to4FADlzkgnA6UAD/Mo2qRjvRYBMNw2QcUAOXC4wOWoAsR/KMY70AWYDgEnnnigC7Dgg8nJoA6Pw1ORehVGNy4rWGhMzcuMCUgkiTuPWugwGbF3EtIV4+XHekA3o+W3AYpgJt3HgYBHWgRIgDfIyAMvc0AKSoyBnf/AHhSY0MUYYE7mz396EDB2WTYfug9T60xCoDztJ2DqO1ACcbjhiw9PSgBcgHAOQfWkxj0wSoz1NFwsD7Qn91iefegAC7SNo3g8/SkAx9pJzuC5oQFfDE5jbgcZNUIJHCuFdQe2aAJAS5EcfAHXNAC7WOWwCMc0DK4JYEA4CcfhTQiJVAJK5Ue9AErfL8znIJ4pMCSP92SGxk/rSGNUN52V4wc4NJgOTcWIHTrikA0fLklgoz0pMCRgTFgnr0NMBGjynqvbPamMhXIuGwM4oAe5dU9T2zQgI0YFGXdjHI9zTAFLn52HTHFSxD2bcq8/d7UgB5HUjyjxSYInjbdGCAC/ekMbKjHBGCew9KYDN7KNrYVf5UAOV8HlunHtigB8pSQBlyBTQivLHgnK54z9KYXExIkY24K9Sf6U7jGhyCOAeKYrDSG3Z4yR+VAAcugAPABoAjYLsUEHrwfSmIk+ZgwVevIoAjdTsJJAIHJ9KAJCNo2v1x1oAF+YA9wcc0DA5KcY64IoAZKVjYKRuIHHtQBENu0k8EkmgRMGJQs3AxSGP2gdMEMMGkwJNkeQpJ3Dv61IDAu4khfbNUmBakgAZnHOO9UIixkMCTkcjPrQAZ3D5SFb1oAexKp9fSmARltwO0bqTAlk+eQYwPUUrgJIoQZxyOKYCM4MZLk4OARTAep3ECNjhR0NSwJW3FCzDBB4xQBAHZWIHfvTAcNpz5nOOpqRorqW3MGyU6jNUIfn5sx8A8c0AUfFcaz6UrfxRnmsakTSEjgp8AZHHODWBsQSZHINNiQwnLBuaQwUDH3iKAGkHlc8560AXtK0251B2jhTcyqWNMLlWQOp8vOCDSAY4wT3Y8UAKvIyRg9KAJoCMbRk55BNAFmMcjpigC6hAAJOOaANrw/Ltv4mZuN3I9apPUT2OovQRIZNwKnt3FdC2MCAqQFGQMYwKYEjqZH27wPT3psENYlflwcZ5piJY4yz842AfrQIUJufcTwlADZmTgqCT7HmgAKMXyCVxz+FADOQ3B/KhgPCAK0gweOBQBGw7FgMcmgB3lgcht3HFSUPDhlA+Ujse9NCYAOSdpCA9DSEIxDMoPJAxQURo8YkZT+AqhEcqZZiqkdzTEM87bkk/e7UrATQFSu4Ah29OlAyKQAJ8vryfWgCOHDEgHGKAEcBY9rn5uw9aBDQcbQeTnjNAEhYKpJGCDwPWkxoVHI3McknqPSl1AkV1kQKyKCoyKUgGjCsQ3OelAh0yAJvIx7UDIBl8fKcGmMftXbgjPH3aYEI27ipySOmKQChgAWOT7e9JiY4DPJINAg2HaTxjPFACKGEm0AOKkdyaN/4QNuTQMdIEJIYkg9M+tAEUi7Rt68UANDkSAOQcDgU0JlgyGQKXUA+tMRA6nmMjaW5JoGNI8rBb5h2ppjIW3NKcKF3c1QiVMKuGGeaQxjurEhRtx196ZIzc3l+g7YoAeAHjII46tQAgBJOWycUDG5HVgcj9KSBjkOM5A56E0xFqOHzopDnoPzpX1KSKU0TR7SRj0PpVbg0N5DAKcjvmlYViUN5bDAzSYEjyF4wxGD3qbABkG4rg9OlFgsXpiDIM5zjkEdKoBpZVBG3Ix19apARsh29ufanoMWVHXCqOc9O1AhsZI3YOH+tIRNGw2ncvPcipaAa23IYljnoKYAMgMpAYHk0wGocSYGVB9OtFgJDI3yhSPLz360WAj3bZ/vkLnPqKLAShx8wbAJ79jSaGLIyNlG6gUCISQvzcbcY4FAMraspl02dBxhP61NTYcEefXH3+e3Nch0lYhn6j8KAEPy8c5z0oAbJmTGAQRQAq5PXjHWmB3nwuCRXk13KcqiEFSOuRj+tXGNyJOxgeLtM+x6m7oAIZCWQ0pR5WOLuYSgtu559agoQMA2ASR3yKAJkJ4AHAoAsoBnmgC2hJUBufpQBo6S228iOeAwzVR3E9jtJhllLFSCO3FdJzsYSodso2CeOKdgEUjndnjnjihhcJGzkfLgdOeaYhwYYUDcB1oAejsNwyMk9DQA2RFUkrgAmgBryA8buGHcdKAECmJOgcdc96AGrKGk2jIYHuOMUwHSFH+YjPqM0CuIobySwX9e1IYxSGcZ2pjgE9TTAmlZkVdw3txu2ipYAcud4HPUDpxSKGOuAJeN/wDIUCsDS7yxIIBOKoRUmQpcEMd4x27VSAmthlWYODkd6ljEkjbaQAM9CKBDIImQfyzzQAjggfMfnzx6UAOjjKurFQVIoAHGwEk8f3fWgZG/CDgk+wpAP3OuOPl4pPUCQugYeZgAc5FSIsA+bCzAKeePYUMZSlJ3gDOB1qkNEkJUE4GAfSgCMoy/dx83pQAmxz90AMaAGqjbezEnBpCJI0byyD8x92xQBCpO75RjtmiwD0YjJ5/LNSMnyWXcxzk8e1AC7kJI24/GgCCYKMMWyp60xCK4cAkdDxTAnLK0YJPz/SgQhjGcDle3tQMjMCrh1bgjoaL2AhlWULnopB6U7gMBLnGeB2xVCFTBIXhCOOTQAoOx+PSlcdhqnIztyx5BFDBD8jYHUjB6gigBdxwPl/wouFi7YBWGVBDAc1NikSXCJIpZgPlGBz1qrjaMY4EjAdfeqJHhcpnnJ6Y7UiRUV84JHHqaQxQTknHz+vtQB6HrXhJhNN9mlBSNdxJ4JFZRmauByklq0ZAeNiM/L6VspGdrEqW4MmNvQc7uxouA2ZoWLqcnuMcZoFYquI8DyuQRzmmAIcJgEAk9/SkIXGMkjjmgBIiBFlQ2O5xTQA6q0Y4O7tzjFAEZUqwRwQx68cUAI65UjOAKYBG2WAZeD3PakA4k8MCOehx2pARyFsEgHaTg+1HQLB8n2eaN8nch2nvUzV4lRaR57eDDYIGa5DoKhPOFyOKAGMhOG7jrzQAjB1A6kcc0AKM7wcZHfHemlcDvfByNb6Y8mOX9u1dFPQwqMtaxZjU7FoduXHzJ9aJxUtCYydzz25gkhkdJF2uDgiud9jpRCuPTH4UgHwnknPFAFtGORuAoAswsPXHpQBe09mW5Qjkhh2prcGdy8Z2qwIClQea6Ucz3Gs0jpnOQO4qhCZDYzjJ65PWhgMRV3YGN1MBSDgDPIosA9Bk+Yx5I2igCRXj24K9O9ADJNu04XIJz0oAaTtQhhnBzg+lADYXYkhkHTOQKYDYVBc7QQAcY60ASBic7Bhc9RzSGJIEEmSu7IznHANNCHRAeXwf3hOTk1LARSBuRBhs8knP5VIx78ZyBz2HJoAY8ZcjYNrqckUwK1wR5g4Oc59KtbCHxIcHdgEDj0qXuMUktgnj1piEkfcmD8ueCR3oASTaYwH4J5HHNIY1RgEkkp25pgLKVGPLI2nj5uSKQD1yuBhSo7ihghhceYQOQTzSGRzSJlk649RSQkEcjLkMNpPTB4pjC4G0LJnD+nagBIztbg84zQA7A8wbXwe69c0hCyZZc9MdB60ALEy8qEIPU0BYQRkJkEFR60AIwRmU85HUAYpgPxhNqrj360hDZFURg5IBODSGJwJAOcetFgB1SRDGD8p6fWmIjh3I2xhuHqKBk25nbBUALxxQIUIc7g3Xnr0oAYGXhWP0FFhkwKyp1AABpWArCAkOVUrxxmrTAgKvgKVBYjii4DlOQVZeR0IFK4xCMHKH6e1MSGEMGxxkdaQx6jJXGfcUAWrV9mS5K46EUAh7SrI4UAg9TQWULlQZCyj2qyBiblJO5hSAlQBhnd8woEwPzEAnkdSKQH0bbSWF/+/iKOrDjHf2Nc+x1uzKeqeE7C7RpHh8tjwPTNHOS4o8/1rwxdWnmyR5dB/CvJxWvMY21ObkQopXbyOOlNSJaI0RVI5yB1GKq4gkjRsNkA56UXAZMkvl4UAAHO496VwIlzt3A7T6VQAry87lzmmIbKXZ9zMOO1AEcrv8ALlRyeM0ABOTv2556CmJiKVB+997oPSk0MFyrE5yooQDcbiTkDPFBNrHDaxEI7uRTnaGIrjkrM60zLk447D0qRjerDZye9AEwBYYYdBTEKg+ZUx/9ahAz0rQYdmiQx9CRmtjB6ksYJkwCQFHWmmI5/wAY6QZIP7Qhjwy8SAenrUTjc0jLocW/GPQ1kaiLy5GRjHFAFiJ3LAMvA6H1oAtxZIBBHFAGjYczKDxyMn0px3Gd07DClfmGwAGupHNLcjJI+URsAOoqiRECCM5zz+lKwAg4XK5IP5igB7goOuFJ6Y5ouAcJ83O3ORmmBG/zqVHCk8laAJT8i7FYFe2etADWy2GPJHX6U0BEZFV8bs/zoAI3ZHbOAeevpRYBJJ9sQ8s4Unk+lIY3f1OdynqfemIVWCLsU7iP0osBKVVm4JGQP/r1Ix4ZUPALY6GpYMcw8wBg23nmgRQvxi6CgncR+laLYBzTAHaoJ4qbjH7jnGMDP5UXCw2cBZFywINADUzht2GPalcBPMkjxlckH8KBknmJt+YLtYcexpiFi2Dcqjd+NS2BGq5lOxfnGcildgNYZbIUYx19TTQwi2jGT+JoYhZVZ1bJAx3qhkYbamPvH+VTYBJZV2h8YJNOwD1kGzccFTx7ikKxJhCuGJAI/E0CI5AFPy5UehNNDQpAIGARmkAvmqMAsVOOhpAEXzKCTgZ/WgQMfMYr370wEcFFXjkHg0AKSd/yjtzQAzARjzkgdjQMdCyhmUKxNAWBgWjyAA2aAEiZdpVvlZT09aBEiZzkk7R0pDEV1DDgdMZNACtEmQVwoB6Z70hkDq2SMDHtVCGFG2jBySefpQwYbSGIVScUASwyKGKuPrRYZMCqMwwCx6HtVJAVJGLZ+UAjqRQArFDsA6gUgGNtfJHAziqExVbaeCB60AdjY6jeWwxaylBnJTPpWDVylJnfaL4vF5aR2d4uJX4aXt7VnyGqkV9R122OpxQ2wWZgcM396rQro0ZLbT9QtHzp8MMvX5u/05pXsN6nI6poELSyTwMEPQoK0WpnY5ae0MEu4qzsDz7VV7EkizszGHbikIjmiDbiu0np7U0wM2VTCNpJB7itEAbWkwC3y0CIlKcOedjYwaAHOS0vAwB1FUDQSsA+wKCOzUgGjCDaRwTyRSARcAAjBxTA5TxTEFvpHA+8K46nxHRDY58sd+OeOpqBjc7eRzmgZJGTjd0JHNMRas0Vp1Hcmhbg9j0eFtlukCAh4kAPvXRbQ5uo1eQexxyOxpFD1jDxkSJujxgg96EC3PO/EVqtpfvEg+UnK+n0rKZuncygADg9e1QMeG6AdAaALdq+ME55oA1dOw06hj1IxVR3Bux25O0iJePkBz+FdSOZ7jcDdu3kA96Ygc8ElsigB8TEJkEAjsaTAkeRmAVyNxHXHSkARR5XBkxjvVAR5OSmSSe9AC5wyoDkt607AMZD5xLZHt60AAQdUAb1HemAxmxMx8nII/KiwDEISbcwwMfdpAOMgkQ4ABJyaAE+TcWKKM+lO4EkchTpgipAe7huRkEenepYxWcH5Mfd5z3pXAZdFTtc4yBVJhYrrzx0Y80BsSlcJlcj696LBcjZfMwpGD69qQXJWiRI8J8zHqR2pAV5QUkyCCpz16VSAhk4AYnJB5UdMUATrFmMFWIPpQBJHyd2OR196QyJypyQhCjoPekA2HqxA3DtmmA9YwGLkZBGMGgBCh3BIwNp6n1oAPKVlLMw/Ci4CABW46elAh24B33DA7D3pCIsE7Wbn29KBokVtzjev/1qQClcfLkHPTPaiwyPc4cBT9KaQhVIbByA+etFgsPkcGMAHeP1zQAj7gisq8dCB1pBYajqeWQBs8Z60wHqis/y8HrQFx8ewJyAW9aAGFQpLso3E9O9JhYFKrKJPvL0x6UhiOwDE4yBQALKRgBwFPbvRYBQx80YIIPWmhWE43ZDA/0p2HYJEYnIxjHJFAiKPbkknJI4FO4yz8jR/MCQOwpoRUbaAcZAz0NDGDlMDCYwKQEQGFPzDBxiqEOVgRhht9vWgDoQ6ld7E7iOQO1ZDJonngjBSRtueOaa0JbLFrcLBeLczgyKedtSxo6231zSLu32XCzxSkYTDcD9KTRomYkurG1vWdG3Kpxn1qrCM+/1F7q4aRUVQ4wwUdabRJUjQOrOyBTnjPWkBL5ESNkSEjGWHrSAj8iCcqScFehpqVhMfJYx4BjGCo9e9HMBTl01sZQZyeT6E1SmFim0Eqyncp4PJxVuYETJjc3TnBouIGizhcknGetAEXyDIOTnimgMLxYoDpKGJUrjNc1X4jenscpIT5hwSPesixqliCQe/IoAkhXILHjJyaYjS0uJpLyJSc5amtxPY9KSKIENIf3jDqe1bvYwZE6Rsxym044560hkJO1lCsRnqPQ0Acx46siUiu0X7338VE0XCRxxK424zzwKyNQBAB2jB9KALCHcBt4x1osBs6AxfUIlPADCtIrUmT0O4kZ2baGGcY/Cuk5xIQu7btBoAeyKJcgj6dqLAPMRB2sFyecjtSAUq5BAIAA4xSAYNqxB8HnrVAOYEt8z7168dqQEcp8tVU/dHp1NMB0B8w7mxx2oAY43bmQ456A4pgBkcbtuOeKYCCNZCpUAsBznvSAbGi7ypQZzQAHCswycYxigLjiVAUBiR3B70gJI5AWy6grn8qlgBZfOYhB15pAJKishLMOnemhorZUllbPHQ00DF3/KAc5/rTEIhZQSF4zyTUgTb+oTr3IqRkEo2NsJyMZqkBEQ44DDB5yKoQqswON2ABwRSY0SpnBXf1waQw+TzDuXnpmkgGEmMqN2B6daYCLIrAtnOeKAHxsI1BGGJ9RQA0NuXPP0pMTFVlcEOOAKBDGKB+MZ9/SgYOpzvxjPFAICSB356UAJ/GHGSfT0p8wCEqvy4J5ovcY0qiEj7ufSgCSNSDsBOTz+FISHFsSPtX2AoGKUAIPAwPmpABGGLFDj1ouKxFIu3D5LAdBQhj4mz8xyH7GgCWFCAVJ5J7mkAs6BUKOoyT2ouIpmOVGIVR65NO4xQzIQTjLdcUIBxdAxGzGTyaoCRVPHUL3IpCAhMMxALg8fSgBVkxG2W3Z6ZFO4yPKHJ2kDHbvSAjmiI+cDg+tCGyKQHIVflwOapCEi2t8zA5BpgdUixtIoVxk/e+tYgBVkZg3zoODt6CkJiOziIEAPt7DkiqQiGMkvuVyDnGPSm0Aty8inftVh/EetOKGOgkjdSQSpxke1DAa8pyuW3d/fFADxLG42K/HbPUUmCJI3OQix4C8sRzUjJ2fNuwxzwMdDSEOtpjkKQTxge2PWhoYS3EflSFl3dvqaBMptZxTJGU+8Tlh6Gq5gK02mkeYfMw3UDNCnqMypVZVZTwwOMY610KzQjF8WsohhGCCF5Arnq2NoHJy45w3vXOWQ7yx7A5/OgC0gwBg//WoA3PDNs8t9HsOSDnmtaauZzdjto9xVjI33R1rWehincYwLINrc9frSGBVlHHLeh7UAypquyfTpYJF4C8nHQ1LGjzaeIqx6EgnkCsWjdEYUn3OPSnYZcgXdtUjB9hSsK5taHGft6bBznIq4IiZ2cuQFOB0zkV0JGCGpwolAzmmMA5IyyhQe1UgJbd23ELyp6E+tDE9ya4YGyESLtcHJYc5qUMgt8CJ8nJPY02AqFMfKMHvSAhlVgRhtx7ZFAEqMTyygY4JHegBp4boDmncCLkPjZgdSc0APVWEZccj6c4oARQVRtwPPfvQAiofvdfQYpMBGBjXOM88/WmAQsm12I4XqKljJQjSE/wAOeppALj59rggdM+tKwWIbiEq24IeDzTQESEb2yvA702IkOCNwOQeMUMBN7RyA8be4zjNSMRyuSCOnTFUMhaNslweCMEUyRFDK+DyMcUhkiPkAMNv9aLBceqrhdpJBPO7tSGRyBTICqfMePYU0JivECoYDn0BpgLuUEfLggVIxqlAeCSe4pMTFYoGAClifXtQIjfJJbAz0FNFIckhaPY7D1HtQAf8ALQAMDnv2FADV35YA5I/I0mJj16biAeOme9JAREByP7w9uDVDERm3gFjk9waGBLGCW3tw2MYFITJJA3lN3P1pMCMSueM9PUUhkqkFRnoRgimhMjYEEtjp0oYACzIC33ieKQxxV1k3Zz6+1JgOWU7TuAJ69KYEbtHxiP73XnpTQDdoK8HP8zVXFcljZQpV8g+1SBEV7ngk+lMY5SUDKy5Ge1ACuTu+4uOwpMBGbCiNxnnoKEAShZeNvlkUwIJY2DHoB796YG+m1GYv+YqWhEqXGMBF4PDD2pWBjDIC7SKduOD700rCEk2SOGAGePummAxgzEgK3zHHToPWmgHW6FN3mcAjAwOtAEduSJn+XkfoKBkhMe8SEpgHjsD9aQkTqGU74yNvf2qGO45m2qWJHzdDSEQRyOs+5Adh5znrVWGTsPlVgnB656CkMSESxuCpVl9aQCujmQvuDDPPNJICCSKGU7jGC/QVXMwOJ8dMy3oifaNi9FrFybN0rHIv9z5cgZ4yOaQxsSAkqPvDvigCwAc4FAHZ+BkjAkdo2OB97+7W9PQxqM3fM2LtBD57etbS1Mkh4YmPoM+oHSoGQOB94liR15pIdytqzomlzH2pS0HHU89uHzJjpn9awOgjTg8/yp3F6ly3wuNtK6A3vDg230bY3YPNaUyJo61MHIcDdn7vtXQY2EWQJyU+TPSmAyZMlip+XHU0wIofk3b5MY647UMLFkygxhVUk/w+lTsAb8bSV68GmwCRCuWK4J7ngAVIC7CATldw6470wGAOYzgAAnqTQxjUVizMccDP1pANMe7cygjPIBpiEjEpZiDgEYIz3ouMVWlUYYfMOMGmIRTOo+XAXqaTAUBmUkLnHamBERhdoU8jr6UgFjMjJ6FexOM0rDuTFyY921m46gdDSGLFhhtZm3d8mgRXmgdclM4NUIbGu0rxt9TSAdKNzJjnBznFKwxJdpfk847CqEMVgMl8hD3oAYUxD5kb7gTz7UAOtVLMGyDgd6AByPKbjKg5zmkMdCVKt3OKAGmcqmwLg+tFwJeH6soyKm4EKtslKqFoBkkihkO44b1oEQoQGI+8Rx+NNFDCNjg4J460wD5Qc4AJ5OTQIdIGTB3Hb9OaTQCjG1j0PTNSAAMSCvAA60wGyjaN4I4p3C4y3lcHPOCaW4FhgcYycHkmkADkA9u1FguSI2OG+U+uKAGlnwGYA80AgIIYMvzA+g6Uhj2zKCAME9/WgCBgNuFJZugBGMUwI96lvnJGD1AoAfvwQy8ke1MVhUyr7ncAH1osMdIRuJDZHbigByFjyAFBHJJpANYByCgz75ouAkpWRBjIIbrQgBVDLvIYMP1piGzsr4DAg0xm4u0Rsz/PxjPYVIiJwEjR4yDu/U07ASiWJ0+ZCpxj6+9FhEUbRCMjlWz1oAfIcZCEnC84700BGHk8vnK56A9RTsA9mdgWKbTjBI7mgCIsqS527cDjPQ0MSJfP2LsUgjvUtDHx8yeW7LtPKjuKLAPijKkhGBwcn2oQwVpFbgE7eoPSk0AkrvuKnK/L8tFguQgyRxqC2e+6kwuSAlnL42qD/SpZSPP/ABXOtxq875+6cY9axNzBIy3AzQARL98Hv3HagCeBTu6fjTA7nwxF5Oms5IBk/WumC0OepuXZSuPlG4Dn3qkQmOADjcW2tn7vpSBMcYvlbJOD3pobVzL8TpI2nLHGuTIe1YVJ2N6cLnJDR7p/+WbHB/Ksec3VKRNB4ev3DFYC3FLnXUfsJvoPOkX0K72t5Ag68Ue0iDpTXQvaFxeBSSPWtqTMJo6snbnJ5xxXSc48KEUfOrn+7TAVogY1LHAOc/0oIIJEy4BHUc470ykx7o2QocAe1IdxUcAnhmI7YoAkmGdqucg0gIZiqxqAM7uCfemA5MhCu3HHc0mAyJnjQgJmgB0bEK+7IwvNAxEaNowMduM9aSBiFAJBiQmqQhSuAVLHg0gEb5WXZkZI/KmBHwF2swwOp9aEgEDSs2NoPr7UASc5KjOW6n0qWUhWicgCMgt/OkA7naFdhuH60xDJNisdvJ/lTERzbm5xgHkGkMgcHcRkkj09KYhyhSMt0HagAkA27FPGaAG8GUoo+YDr2oAYx+Q7jhT+VAw3HytoGMd6QDWcjgZ57mkMmjYBMZUtjrQAjMrbfUDH1pMTHxHdHtPBB6UhAm0K6jCsD1pjGOpIVlOTVILkcqZK4wM9c0ASIygsJT16e1JgKywlvkbPoe1SBEJChKscgnjFUMNyvBsbr2oAh2Sr7KKALEMnzKu0sMdfSkIlwAGfK4PSgQwNwF3DOOtADsh0wCQR1qWNASwi3An8KBiAuUyBn0I60AI79mz7GmBFKWIAC5Cnk0XAVNrqFYcA8kfyoTEx21Gzs5+vamAu5RgAfWgY9F3ZBYYHIxSATBC7gDk0ARuo5ZGJA9aYgU8DgkkdaAYsm3uv1pjN5I1CcMQG9elK4rlcxhJDsJYAd+1AD4y0ikrwVFAhuMupkUc9fSmA4leicHoW9qACSI4BCZGcBqAEcFZNuCgA7dD700AyQlpQJOcDn3pgQu6u+77mPQdaYEisCVO0jaeoNJgWFdS7MnzN1571ADVkYRqxyWHb3oAsTxyPKGYABRzUAV3VhAV5LckfSmxoeiZVQx/1nH0NZzdoGlOPNI5rWfDCmZ3S8V3Jycg81xrEN7npfVLLRnP3Hh6+jk4j3DGeK1VWJhKhJFQabeRDDQuMHqRVc8SHTl2H/ZpYxlkcZPcU4SixSpytsdvo8Jj0+MKeCuRmuuNrHJO9yXaxzyAQaoi5N8x2n16nuKCh6tubgFyOD70mMdrRVbdP3YGOw6mvMqu8j1aCtExCxKhgxyexrE2sWrRpFC84NDNI6HZ+Hp1EREsccqMMFWHavPrt3OpQ5kZ/iLw/psMbarZR+QWbDR9h7ivRwFWc7XPNxtDkiYsB6ZwT2zXtnkDiNzfL9/uTQIeu9WBySQMAHvQiWJcA7ixcKcc0xESnO0gh0A/GpAkQybgVwfcUmXYncIY8sBkdj1oF1IJthcZUFcZ+WmMjZl4dM4FDAWJyy/MfmoALhSsoUt1+8PWkMkUBWyFBYdAe1JAxrSEMAFG7qfrVCHLLjLuuQcgigBkMbll8tAwYHg9jSAhulCsUzhgaAAFy+N2CODnoaAFjdsPzuzwDQAsOTyXII7UkNj1OVOeAOnrTAjAUrhlwfWpGPxiIkZOBlSaAImVfLBAIY/eJpiIkwFPG4ZpiBvmACArk80kNjZF2udrGmIjl/vMpYfxA0AGRv56d8UASSIGjyvFADbdWMbOrAkdd1IoJIypVgM57ZpCHFlUhSN2Txg96VgsRyuxbd3B5NMYnmbtvGD3NAD0fe3lD0/OqEIVVCBuY565pPQByrmNcLkdhU3uBXdWVuSSOp/wqkDHc4XjPGcUMESgFmAbBOOVpDGq/lg7uD2FIRLH0GTtbrmgRHLEdwZc7HPegYhbaCOvrikxlhXOAcAg9hSAj8wr8oXGfTrQBKCGXkDGOfWgCNY9u7IJB6YoAhlzsyMqM4poTGA7TvAIx3pgP3hSxAouMd5gVNuOPWgB6SdGVufftSAJMFV3HO7ngUwDBA+UEehFIBqgk4kY4PemBuo7NFwmFByF9KVxWI/8AlmziNlbsfagCG3YrIAPX8KYixvILIIxjPzDHWi4A7IyBNpUdgadxjmuUcqAR8o6YoCw+V2JG0DI4wR2poWpC2GO/ZlB15xmqQFWRtzgx4QseQR2pgLb5aTjnbnNJgWCdpztxx09vSoGP3YJYLjJzjNDAsbmkI3OvrgnpUWEJG7Sbw7Bg3Ab2ptB1HWjKpcSANgen8q56+kTpw6vIybuUyTNu4IavNWp7NkVfOkEu0Oce1UkiL2L0MjEgNtwfaolc1TudDb2umXVoY7mzikK9wvb61yupNS3NlTUlZkZ0+yigMccYwMle/HpXt4ebcTxMZSjTloZTWLCRsHoeCO/tXUnY4WMkRtp2xsTkc+9VcQsYkE2GQDPJwORSctBpEGsFvMA4zjtXlTfvNnr0o2ijLG4AFlGBUmqLNuodlPr0qZGkVc7DRYh5GBkKBx61wVXqd1NWQ/xE6JYQo7cMT1716mWp2Z5uZStE5gKWyDl2/pXsLY8IYm/aPvEDkA0AK/mNJuBGB1FAmh87KY+YzwO1O4WK2W42KuFPSkFiZY3VcqOp6Z70MZKmGlJBBO3mkFg2DcRwfl6g0wKy/u2IJGKdh2HBlbvg45OKLBYbhnmwQpapAVeZPLkUg9iO9ACTKSylD8ueaLiJTsx1zuHzHPekAsUgU5WTDLTQEc/zIZNwLd+KGgIUVm+ZjyRwD0oAUAK6EZVSMfjQA/LgkLnb9aQx4GMMeB7UAROSZMLyepBpDHFsrkZIHGPSgBgKbSGJ39TmmhMY5wwUYGRTEJGhBAJ4UZPNLYYuVwN45Pp6UXCxHLEVg8zcTzjFK4EQXKZAy2PXoKdwHOh2fLwOmCaYgjVwpOdy9KVh3AECPaB8xFIY2FFRfmUHB696LiuG0liFxs78daYC+WQfvfLntQMBtHIU5z1pADHcn7zIQdDSuJDUkwFC9exp2CwsgaSNtzHPXimgYyJXXBwSD1BpjHbdrZAy2OeakBwQFww649Km4hFY7DuUk0XCxOrDYY+Tg8Z6UXCwhjV8smAR1HrQAwbgvyjr0xxikMaxYN83B6bvWgB4JDAxkY6HNAD4mdGZWOe/Bp2AcQGZ2K7gegoEyF0dFywwOvWmCIzHhQVc7m7UDFAAG1lyR1NABGo53Dbzwc9qQDwW2jGQB05ouAsZ3EA5zj1pAN+YKenWmmB0ALAjeNvqBU3AkaSDywcNuU9CeDRcBsUVtKzAHacZ4HGadxWIFRgx656Ek/yqhCxleRKTnsT0NAxQqI5CKuRyOOtMYMX+7vGT0pkjJ4doO5iOnHvTAhlKs2AuCeORRcCW1jaKTJAC880MCVVDoxUY579akCb7MqbUBJYDJzQwE8ourHYMNkLzyKSAjt43hQh8YHaiQLcnSZSeU5K8HHQ1lVjeJtSdpGDfkrcsCfc8V5drHsuVyvGNzfKwA7Z9afQSNW2jAQBhnjg9qykbRN3TEIt+/PFcs3qdcEOvZFVkKjarDGPcV7OFd4niZh8ZVDMlvlfuk8AjnNdZ5gRFpHIZwrA5+7TuCLICSxPKgBVQQeO/pUTdjSCvJI5TU2P2h+Ttz+QrznqewlayKq4ZdobK9QPWkNIv2ChnXbxjkZ9aznsbU1qd1o8LiMBcc9fpXBLVnfFaGZ4x2STRwHACfMBnHNe9gocsEzwMyneVjBI2sgDYJ4r0TyxFbnGcDPNIBXTMjbgSO20ZoAcHKDIUFe4I60IBr7HIkUKOeQKABUZ84YZzggdqGA7yURQPmAPcUgI3UR/dyAOnPNUgIJcF1JUcDJOaZRHM5OwEDae4oAljBaQFMgr/ACqGIeTulBjOSOuaBCgljJlPlx92gBqbVwAODng9qTAlMKjDKVYYPHcmjYCD5QM57YwTmncCFd6Ar98dOe1AxS4AXrx2pXCwHewPp/eB5ouFiWAtIoVu3RsUgHvGC/mA5wOSKVwuR7NqbFbGe/egCAK6ytxuIHWqAfhnA/dAn69KVwI87QVGQxoGIeSCOmMfSgCaNAImwxb1pPcCB4xGN6sMdwapCYyUEkcjJXtTEIgcYDcp6KeaADP7wdgeKkomg2eeFP4jFIQ1wE8w9FJ4HrSswGI27qMe1MBuCPmb7vpmi4DiTgEsCvZcUkAyZTncOARxxTAZFIQ+04JNNDJJ5OV6iqEgRm2jK4YUmMkiMjL90Lg8GpsIiO9Xzvzg9MdqQEgZA4yCAB60WAejpkuuaOUBpJOD69TSGNmz5a8ZPrQAiDDZOCM/rQA9JNxyygY6H1qgCJ2L7SM56AUh2JJhwA5OB3pXCxETk7vwFFwsL8xzlRtHBPrTQhHCqMqMj3oYCDcmMjJpAGQXYpznr7UBYDtHOC3qMUBY3ZcuquHAcHkH+IUgJGRRCzCQBvftQAtv0CsOf4sdaAI5Q5lIQ5UdD6VZIKUxsZs54HFNDRISjRlUbdtGOBzQMhEbkrKQVHQCqJHvudSjADIwG96VrjKjHYoDDBX8z70+UB5cyfLuywOabEPWaUlsR8gUgJJnkQKQSzEc59KlgOik2tuzkN2PY0cgXJAzO5LsrJjp6miwiS3YL5b7l3DsazaNIuxia4jLesdwUtzjtXmTVpM9mm+aCZmBgpyxyAegpDvqbVnNvjU/w1jURvB3OjsHQRHZyccCuSZ1Reg3VMqiE7SoxwBzmvYwS9w8TMH+8KDys0axAbHzkAc13o81jIiQGL53sfx+tAiVFkW5CgHDj8Kma0NKfxHO6ijfapck8HpXmdz2Iu6KwXa3OPXikUamior3CnBxn5vesqnwm8Nz0DRX/cHKkZHHsa4GuWZ1ufLE5fXS730jvnrgk9q+lwqtBHzWKnzVLmaEIxt5wevoa6TkGxqzHKkZ7570wJE/dzbG4OMk560mDFnADlSMDHHNMSIIxscMc5brQMaxXexUsOfyoAnkeQoqjlD1NIBtwp645PYVUQIZ8s6/KAABkUyiNkbyzwQAeOKBMcGJy2MEdR6/SgQowrjbxI2OD0x2qQJNrhSZHCc9R3pMAbPlb2AAz3pANAKZlHAB4oAHTILqny9aYEG48EJg9CM0mNDsB8IcA/0pDFUDcQAAB6GgATfwCPyoEOCqGKhuSKQXE2lDwSSe2KACUMzmQd+OKAGOXVcIuCeD70DREckb+FIPOaAAjPzRfMD6UwFQ7ULoSexFJ7gDRxS8Fsk849KaBledEA2rkbfeqJCPcwyo56daADb5bjfnHrUlC7v3mFP40AOLsYjuxkHgHvQAoaMg9jnjFIQyTa3AJwBn8aQB5amHeOw5oQMQ7XQLk8DimBAqhXDE4YDH1pjCWRsLkc5poA3ZAAJPrTAlXcyHaSGH8JqQGEsAB2A/OgBZ0zGNuQev4UAOgK7GUZIHINAAW3AlScL2pMBdxAyDz2FJAOicspEi7aYEbo/D5GOvWqEORlLAbgpHOSahlIlWXaGDc56VKGMJXAJ/nVDHF1bgfKDjJ96BNiu6YUenb1piuAwUyuR6+1IRGuC7A/L/AHT61LGhxbrhe360IDemcZWPbtUc/jQIYuFLK+Sx5z2osISNP3m7cyH19aAJJ0LozxsYypyw9aq4WI3R5AHjABNUBIpQjYH2seCKdguI+xEKtMXZTwR3prUQTZ8naH3sRnHpQBQu5BujYKQejH+lMCQsgQljk4+UelMB4lO0EsCVA69/akDJXmLbsHYew9KVibjLdXllL4wpGMmmxFvDIojODno1QNMZhlYxnOWPXsKTsUUNejlIViTheCK82v7sz18K/c1MKQMsm49D+VZI0Zo6XMyuNrd6maNqTsdZZSq0asBh16iuKS1OtO6I9SBNwrI/XqtezhF7h4WOd6hCu5pN5ZcjpjpiuxHCxz5YhwQSD1ouAivNvD5GC2M+9D2HHR3MbxAqpeSFMrnnmvKlpJo9ik/dKKryNgDE96RtY2dDj/0lXU4bv6VzVpaG0Frc7i0Cwac8zFi2MfjWVGPPOwYufLC5z2pyAv8A6sE4zn0r6CnpGx85J3K1xaxPGpDHevJHY1rzE2K32WSNwXKlc8KOtVcBskEiAybGG4/KD2pNgVC+IyTyynFWtREhCHgDDdzTAiJDSlVPA6k96LgPdVEQKkt6gUmARTLEFyGw3ykntQhizpsYPu+UcincLkLsWcYUsOvNNagQ7mD+Yctjp7UCJYiVBaRgeMg9jUgPL5hDcuoPIHYUmAEpIoMa/MOuakAkaQL+6Cn1FOwDI5UJ2oPm70ARykeYJMlXzg0DHBGkIZCN27mkMNrqpCjJJ/SkxMajqMoScigQ4MQ4KcA8c0ASRvjAJHJoALkSJlY+hGfpQBHhnhIHBAzn1oGiAyclHXCY/WgYrHCKwkwMfdHamAqhvKyqq2T07/WhgQrjLq5wRzTExZ8NB5qDGFwaYivGzbACp3UASuXGEYEg8ikURkPyByc/lSAlXBQvk5HGPSmIZgqoKtkg9R3pNAO4kQsCaVgsIFLKCrBcDmkA1vmdSWyAelNMYku0knuDj61QhrYPzADpxTGNV9nJUMT19qAJ0kwu9/pSAA25GGAPU+tAAkjK2zgjFJiFKI0RKNjB6UgsMUZGRwe49aQwQMGyVBpgPKFWBJzuHQUWAiMnzkDp0qhCSAAevpUsaHklUyDkkcYqepVxASTggnPJqguOUGIghe3SgTGucg5O7vQIWNmKBkTB757Uh2JGAZd3IORyalgIx+bJGRQB0hhDjJUIR1NIRHKxC5AGCcZxzTQD4wSNm7gnIJ9aGAySJssSwLdNo70wJHWZIfkQYxxTTEVbeNSQ7YLKckVVxEkyn/XL1AwRVRAktoWTDAA5657U0TcrzRLkj7pPPNAXGsoJ5HA6D096ooi3gNkKBzgt60mDLKCONyz/ADkjrSIJbV/LQtjKdMH+lJgSog2Bvf5QetQxolkyrEgD8T1qLFFbV7ZXsndB845wD0rmrwvqd+Fn0OSmznA6+9cp2SLWm7Sw3EE4wBUyLpnU2OVjBI4x0rj3Z2R2LDxDCO3BIPIPWvbwq9w8LG/xCnKpJCJhSeoFdVjjInYjKjHPTFFgLMKKGjK8gEce9TLYpblHxECLlUYg8fWvJmnznsUV7hkj5pBtHH6UnsarVnTeHIN0yd1zk1x1mdUFodBqsqxWqwhyCxwDXXgad1zHBmE7LlMC4KvIVBLDgA57168UeKLJEXC5ww7mlcY0YCJJjlRjB7CqEXATNbNGwPT5T7+1RcZiyWbxklhuOePrWyYiDbIHw2V9RVIBFPzlgAOcD3FAFgxRPF5cYOe7CkxEMg2jnOwdMd6BiyfvIyhXJxwc9KVwsV3zEmMGqTEQ7tp3FWIPFUBICQFfGFBx9KVgFLHdgLlT1B9KTAl+QocZ2Z7d6lgKiQrjIO5gdvt9aYFe4j2NuU4z6daAGMVb727AHagATc4BDbV9aTKRJCcx/fIdehqWJg0R3bh1A5Oe9AhRgKHXLeo96AHq4LYIznqR2oGJlDuDyFgBxmgQrxq8eUbaCPlFAytMOcbcgfePpQMaVXG7O4AYz6U0wJIljdVkX5T/ADpNgJ8jN8q4bPemAjbGVjjHYr707iIJkdGDZ+X+VK4CtubAznJ5FMY2ZfKOVTIxjHpUiFxzgEAnqapAyMqwbOeKYiQBjFuUAFjwKQxWYyAhSNwHIpXAYo3Ekk4HrU3GRyI2T1APSqTAARvUMN3ancBrqm4cnHT8aAHEnOwggihiFVR5bE/MvX3qbhcA7rhj1PSgB7RK7ZU7BjNAIB5iEbiGA7igY3A8wpjbnnPrQBISeBn5RzTAi2jzCxxQA8LuQtn5OwoAjjBMRwoHpUjQ1gxOASOOaYMU78BuRj170CJPlkILAAUDQig8kZKseg7UmUyVQfu89cCp6EkattU5BODznpQM6a3k3OVlI3Y4IOKZIrKWPYKeBzyDSExrfLGpY52HpSBCI6LhgpLdMk/ypoEWJiphUn7vbnvVIGRFVVHKxhcDJ96aEQzcxrhicYbb3qkBHHPLJdui5UMoypq7Ek9yrSKjY3HpjHAqUIq7pAc56fwirHcGYJgsgGTzkcYoYCkffZeeOeOKQhYpJMgsG6YApMCaBJZWZSSqgcH0NQ2Mn3nHlrAW2feJpFDjIsiNA2NuMH1rKqrxsa0ZcszlbxFR3Xptfv8ApXmvQ9bdXHaUoacK2OelTLY0gdTbhYo3VuV+7+NcyWp1LREcvzOiQkgLyFYfrXuYZe4eBipXmMbaQSQQWONwroOUYgRE4OJBwcdqYE0eV2lVxg5z61DRS3KOu7DdhkzwORXkz+JntwVooowxneNo5PQVDehrFana+FrRxIu/jPXHSuKa5tjrirK5F4kfdM8aD5VPY17ODp8tOx4GPqXmYqI2xWXdnGQTXWzhLltICAoAVupGakYXUkW8u+/Lc429apDHx3UpVVWMEDgfWiwrixO8qvuGCD6cA0wGXVsk5LA/Njk//Wp3AzntnVgRhgO+MZp81wGRuylweA3TPSqAbdN5aKCvBPB9KEhCxmFUyhy2OTQMSYeYq5GAefrQhFadh5jIHwccEe1UAyVt2FDfMRk8U0BJGyM+JAcYxmpYEu0JDtjY4H61IDFkbaWY89OtMBhZi3IznpxQBFIdqg8jnA4oARsCEjPv9algSdVyRwRwPSkAK287Wbb60ADDawGDhu46UACSFZAvGT196BjDKqylimR6dqAJw77SylWwMgUgGSh3jDEbc/Nz/KlcYxAwk424I5FMAIMeCOh60CI8lcj/ACKYD1kBZsAFsdfWgAYB8ZH1FICsflY4fHoAe1AxwbzE2ndjPPoacQGygAfKDu7c1ZIhGVRmfnuKTGhwZR+9GQRxjtSGNZTlZFx74NJoBSeQu4470gEcZ3Ak7SOM1QDQEbBHBHemBGJDnDD3yRQJk24NyeQaGAkag9BjHUipEMdcPkZ3HnrxSGhhYlcAHJPPagZOrBVMZJyaYDJY2TcQQQCDQgHlyQVRfkx696AI9xEZGzkGmwFVioBB25HWkUhMADhzlu/pQDFyPMLksfwoJCU5UPu3gHpQAiyKyjIBPpikCHqwCkDKknpSsygYSKgKtgenemkOwxJAOJcgA9qLCZ0IVPO3DO8jkelIgnj4bAJ8s9SRSBjpGV28oNn8O1IBuxRLtHzN29BTAlnbaixrtK9wOoNMZEVcAtkkE8elUIWWEMvmoOG71aEUkE/2neq7vfuKvoSXZN7RncWUAdAKhMLEEJyThFYn+63IpiInjm3kMm5c5OaYExict5g+UEcJ61LYD418uRsksw6AjpSuOxYxIE2AArjcTWbGkSeeDBkfK/QH1pXKIwFABERzuwcCqauCdmYWvwCK5aQKQGwRnvXmVItSPWozUo2KNmRFL5oJA3d6zktDdaM6VWCxIoBJZsj6Vzx3sbt9Ca+cq+1gFJXBI6ivdo6RPBxHxsq+fv8AdV4xtxWxgKcCMTMvz57d802AsU43KX4X0z0rOWxcNzH1XVdPe5Z1nyQcV5E4S5j2YVY8qLGkalppcGW5RW98VlUpz6I2jWhfc7TRNZ0xoGRLuMvjjBFZU6UlLU1qYiCjoY13MtzcsRkgHAOeCa9ykrLQ+cqy5p3GIhUiMnLj5sZ4q2ZjCSqM68NnrjpSSGTN+/gEmQNo79qtAV4mIkU7TlT/AHsUWETfaCGCKDgHLGgZMFMlzlH+QcmpYXFZoskzIw5wMelK4XEe1jaBkMeV6qaLsDMvbUQkSPuKPxk9AauMgKyIYIjhM/N9cirEOZUkjBdiDn5cGkBVkUPICBhc5qkFxrMfmPBIOOBTQCDIcbj74psCbfgDaxHse1SAxpFMbsRgjFADoZPmH8QB5+lJgNlyycgkZ4yO1ACxBDzJ06DFJjFV1YBidoBxmpYCSIWkx19DjANAhAMAqz/KDwKBiRyorsGHCjIOKLBYHdJY8pjnjkUALA+1wqgEd6ljRYOTFggfe4zSSYFeHAlYKRzzzTC5JKd8TBVGfSiIipFnYx25PfNXcZCuDKOTnPC9KAJULbwDlhnPWkIjuFO7Aj2+vtQCGDcNuBuX+IdKaVhisSVGGA9u9USRllbAzwD0NADwSFKgDJOQDQAIcghR06DNKwxWc5OEBAHWpaGIM7Sxbj0pgBwexx7UXAbITt7HjpTQCAZUbiB369BSAlXy+QS2G7CkKw5Sm0AgDB9c1IxpK+YFyDVCIt7KzMwBzxTsFhTJ8+WBwOMUDG/IG6lTng5oAeoGD84JJ5GaGAOq8EEZx36UhpiBQzBuaB3GgnzCCflosSGSkfHBJzj2oAfvDv0AAHYc0DQ4hSNztjFBQqKclg2fTNS0JiMRtw4ye/FArnR2jsTuCgkcbvagRNkKGY8Lnn2pCY5l89l2uAGHysBSENghaOUmTDDoM0AJPCVZirck8AVRRDcSSRwAKNwb5W9qpMQluWRAQNwHqaYErN5aMUXdvOWx2p8wrD55HeKNhgjo3pigCKCHe/7sY44ai4rEZ3JvBc4x196dwsEm4xpsO/nk+lAWHbJN24owVl7d6m4yWXd5eNxUAD5fWk2gEDHzvKQfKRyTTSQDl8z5gCR8venoMrajF5+nlVYMUOc964sTDVNHbhqiWhgr8r5YZGa4dT0WbsVzDGIyWCRquRk96mFP3jSU7K5ZubmO8KzRyAgr29q9iitDxMS053RXj3bwwXJY8ntW9jnGrGfOLyAnnBGaGBleLdSj0+EmFl8wjAAPSsakraGkEeexm5uZiQGOTzjpXPZG/MzqfDWhtPcxCfdtJ5FNxXcaUj0e9Gl+HtGLQWa+YcBix5I9qy5U3cG5WszO0+6s9QglmtixAGSo/hrrps5Zbi7gZU2g4IGT6DvWjRmmK8u/JT5dxwF/vCkkUNUHydjHPuD0+tVYBoUpllJ39xQxjGMkkZZRjJ6elCBk8a3CRnfggds8496UrCLENxFK6hhtx1J6VFirDg7JG7A5jB+X3pMQ6OSK5RY5hn5ckUr2JsxklpGwYxtsQcg01IaM6WKRGynIPqK0UhlSeB43YIACBnJPWq5hFPcQPuHn73tTQEsS71G3LgHt1psB0sWG24IPoaQDY1YlWIyDxigBYmy3yDHqBSYnuJIzuCRy2evtQMRQzfNkAfypMZNCxWMgqCvc1IiP5vMby8kdQTQAwHDBjnn06UyhUYAcgBT1HrTEAKq23HuD2FIY1gEYnOSRx71LQhySrIpVgc9qEDHQkFQWAGKAGzMp5XIz1xSsAmxXYHPGOMUwIvIXghi2c49qLgPblVAI3dgKQ7Axyj7j8w6imhFVN3JYZ9x0q2CEGAvzEAHvRcLDAMqDkbm6Ci4WHPgc45AwAO9AACHAyNoHGR60hjlQBCu/JHT/ABoAUxqUyhJalcAVCV2t8px1oARl+Uc4HTPvTWwCHIiJUjcDx70mwEDZCgDaw6k0AKN7kNkAjp70AIPlJLoQ3c0wDAcEnqxzQARuEb5kycUAOYq0e4AA+9AESHliB1pAOjPXIyR2PpQA7cBwjYHU0DWw3PGQud3Iz3oEBwWzjBx0oAjDEOV4z1zTsA4sZFJJ5FFgHqSRjHX9KTAcV+XB9OtSB0UYjChQc8cn3piHscZjIIU9z6UhiRS+WhI/1fQjsaAJY4kWJZUlZiT9wdqRJIJE8wZP3uB7GhDQwF1hJ2gjfVCFKZcMSvlt2x0FO47g8ZaN1jxg9B3PpQAjJKkQSVAi+lMRD+8SLaqgA8ZHUUwI5VYrkDYAvNAkTQQqbdcOA3WkMsgMIgjOSFz06VNwuRT72i+REYKOSe9FrgQsc5cqAcdapIBEIblW6Dkf1oGPRR5UixDIKkn3rGqrmkNGecX+uTQzvF5fIYgH0rlVNXOz2zSKEurXtz8pY49PWrUEiJVZPdnaeC5vJ0+f7Y+AFyimt4SsYTjzG5CxVNyYYHlST1FdF7mHLYdLvH70RjPRh/WgDivHSk3qyMuFYCsK26NqexW0828UQ3EKetYmhtWer29s5kiVml6j0qWmUmaulCbXfOmvPMmhiQsUXqKwnJwY9zI0Z3s5GeBmUZ5T++v+NdUJGE4o6K2lSZ98L5jYDaD1rti00c+xajVTM2QDgcZ/hpWsNO4JhoyySYb6cZoHYjgJ+9I4PqakYqhS7AOcdeKQEtqzM3mhmB6ZPU0hDrkH53Zdrbc5FDGJbSFowsseFxkZ61DGCFllBiDkDvStcRI8mGZuoK9qdrDC1lUuUcLvI6nsKbAbc2kU43BSMn5fYUrsDIksnjbcDuySOa2UkIgQSx5IXBX7w9armTELNv3jGCG+bNAMRmZoiwfBB5HtQDIwXjJIONwyMelDEiZgGVn+b39hUjIBsAwAWGc5oYyyztICcYzxtFSwYzzSACFIIH4YoAr75s7gMJnpVgEpEhG3PHWgQ0DKbwSc0AEmN428nHWpY0OBYLg8kVIMeg3L1x60xDykiktt7daTGh8S5BPQ9hSBgUDA8fN7UhilFxkt82MKKAISrByUAcDqapCZHKikAAEc8mncERTREEgjfx1p3GQqpyFQHCjnNADnJTaGTA9fSgBRjABUkDoaQgBbZ1wxoAcCu3BznPagBpZsMrZI6gCgY5D0JGBQIQ7UchcsD0xSAfuVgSUz79xQFyNRGzbhnCnpVDAuxYjHyntSAjdgWKgNnpQhIVXDEHsBg0xjiUEqqeUI5pAEiSB8heB09hQAkcZkDY4z0JoAMnO0qAwGOe9ACj7uCOo/KgBi7sDIPoDTQEEnySbWGe4qgJEYBcjg9cUgJ3xIyk/cxyR61LAMhnG4Hj7opAdBEuIPlwM889qBE0km+32n5nIyWPNILiWcbPCY2xuPQD0pXGSQKoDK4K7Txt4/CixIhMe4dRkn5u4p2GOkWKKNTFI3mL3x1qhCRO2GlZuo24FK47D4yiToDGAuAdx6ihgT3MqMVVFzzwOuRQBBcLtiHlrkZ6d6YilKXOCfutwwqhIkV1QEEkjp06UhjsSy5cs3HRQeKLIgAXO6I5GQOccZp2AXG4ESbV5xz0NUNEjwRBlbJwRzg9SKmxREhZWJQDaO44rOadi4vU4LxRZQrcvcLGQGb5q5k9TdlCws4wgmxnuuapEs0DfmONkyNzrjpxV6Bdmv4Z1FI82F0GHmcxMexpqTRnJX2OiUHnEmSByD61tuQc148t8W0UjDAJ7Gsau5rTONBbdgkkdqyNDV0WGKS5RZpfKQnG70oGj3HwFo+i6XNBOt+POcfOqnKyg9jWM9Skcz478NafpOuQz6VcI1vM53xBxlTjmtoOxE0cyLyPT7xwqtLbE52qv3DWinYx5Lmpa3UV2SqnG4ZX3rSNRMThY04onEZRlLZ/StLoghVCQYmHzZ5Oeg9KQXJkQq5ZcKuMAVI0Iflj3YySfk9jSGLIQkTvJneo+6w65pANEgiCM6ht3Q9SKdgsWHbcwZTtY9c9qVgIZB+8Iifk/dPQZoAglRjKXJHmCgC1LJJEixnOAOcHrSAcsduyIZDtA5P0pAyld2Z3tKrcdgO9XGQFN7K4BCFSVK8e1W5pbhZlOWJ4g24cDggiqTTFYG3bgobkdMDrQ2BLE+IcGXluDmpvcCNPlJUc5PrTbAF+YhgzBgalsCRTvLBzzg4WgCDaxyqEIRVgRkSmXkdvzoEORZGjKoCB60DJI48w7mUZHBx1qAuPOQ20fdHPNIGNgUF8gDGe/emIc5kLYd/lH8IPakxoUDD8/KccHtUsYuSpUj5Gxkkd6QDvuqJAASTg0AMlCIoMYyxPSqQmI4V8kgh+4ptghjISMMCQOlSmMifZGp8tdwFUBXYnKqy7vbvQKxIzSZCsCAOcZpiEzuIbGOPSgYhDLjPBPpSARxtYEHPuKYx3B5A5HAyaQDYw6SAORk9DSAc3zEnG3JxTuIa0CqxCNhR37k0xjWHJJ7YxjtSAQsxPytjHtTECyKA2QRn9aYxqM0hJ6EdqAJS0mEQ5564pWAZIQpGc4B60AOciRuWPA4oARGLxNzznrQAqzBcgj8KpAMKoyiQZpANiC7ctjA4pgKxVGAwcHGcVLKSHRnac5AB6UgaN2OR1G3gI3dqdjMmbH3VGAOB3osBIkrRTK557AjtSaAlyJImkLkZb86SAUQrMCfm4GR7VQCQOI2+U+aDwQRzQAQ+SsjM54PKj3qSh9wd8qkEMeOT0FUIdIwLqANuOQynvRYLEl1M7Qt5Sjf69c1LeojMlEm+NSAMnB+taoSJVKFdvQ56460mMsxMm0tGSSTgA9KZBE8252ZsKyjkU0h9CG4lSeIRoCu09euactAiWN2FCEgJgc9M1JRGWRA6plwFyF9/WonsNbnnWs30twHhOSisdtclrM6ehlxXEyoq5OOlUhEkHmSvxyfrVIR3Mmm/bfDNu6RlLqHlGA5aqsQ3Ym8O3y3lqWYjz4sK6Hrn1rWD0IkU/iAStjbIxGGycCsqiNKexxKBi3qPSsjQvQrtXoetDGjrvAmoSQXLsXBRBkBznBrComUjv8AWNC0nUNRjv8A7QFjuFDcSYCt3ppu4NXJNSHhqxUaesdtJ9pj8ppeDtJGMmlKpK+glE8zhgm07WJLN3DRK5KspyMdq1hO4pI9K8H6OdctT5cxjI4GT1+ldF2YcpuP8PpZD5KXCl+uTxu9qhzZSpmZrXgrWNPTeVWaIdAp5qee43TsVtP8LX1zFgREMnzbWNaKYuRlW/0bVXdzNbOI14B2ntQpImUH0KsGj37BTHbO+Tn7tPmE4MfNpGqoWM9k4B+Y4H8qOYlwZV2StH5MkIRmOFZhii9wSfUgMTE7st+6OPc0xiyy7GG4FoyOT3pANLlbfIwQW4zzxSKaJMyLGJHBy3QY6Ur2JsTQpMiq7SAp1PaolNMtRFlt4DuLgFX7kdKj2/KXylRbCDyd6TKW75q1iExchly28KkqUbKnGPWtozIcSKMMJTmMADgirckTZkiExb12Alu+am9wtYiBClZHU+hPpVIQ2faI3lUEkH5RVIGBdSCzde4Hb6UxAZAqbRnaSdpzQMfG5UFSNuRx3zUAI7bikbEn+9QIRlXIC5IXtmgByYUsWGNo4z3qWNDQwYKOTjk80himRTLjGfQUWAcyMwLqRt6EZ6UgHBeETBHcHHNNAJIpLh8jcpx9aGA2RZUO8sCo7e9CAhV9zcqPTgcCmAyQAShkGaaAbJKzMNo5HXNMkRskfMCvbigBpHCgNjPBNIaD7rKw5A7etMYjDbtxyQealgKSWZWJG0Hgd6AFcOW3Z46UANUMgyN2RxmmhMB907hx345NAERyGxnd68dqYxZm3Deo+XIAxQAAFScn5TzxTuADewO1iDnj2oAk2hlK9COGzSYEWGjf1ShACMO2Bk5pgLndKHwM46YoQICPkIBwaAGIrqnzU2wHNwMcnHp3qSkMYtkIMDuBQNm5GXKldgZO/OSKtoyJUUBQFY4x1PWpAkVS7qBIBgf5zSYFmVNqjau7ngZ61L0AliYxg/PyByD39qExjYZh5rOsQyeMU7hYfEkDsqYxvPze30oASeB1Z1SNmT0700BGEfzkk8srgY2Z60AW7eJ2jPzbFznpz9KliMmWTbctuBYK3H1rWIE9v/qfMb5ccjIoaYEiOn3QCAByPT3osQNkW2MgKscgY65+tNXAcQhweEAHAx96n6lIjkbdJtGNwGce3rUjYIyo4ww3MuDntUy2Enqeea5EY9QnXbjDVy9TqvoZRyGPGRnigB0RMbCRTyvb1ouB12jazemKNYmUHPAbv7U+exLimI0/2bXVvbaB45P+XiIDgep/nTjOwnC6E8bymVLeVcmNxlc1c2mtBU00czkK2VGcVijVm9pM0bR7JUUoRwQOc0mMv/Z4VVjCWVguWA6fjStfcfQyxe6hJP5EM0zDOAoY9fanygmyX7JqrXPkSxzeaRwpJzTsB2WjeC9au/JB2wyOMgynrSi0mO1z1PwbotxoWlqNVj2SRnO9T0Fbcxm0aN14u0u3lV5bmIoDjcDWU9TSNjeLw6pYJdRSeZbuMrIpyKlRsN3exmxMltcC3tLhPNYcb8dfSk3YaiW401GSGSLUIYJYmHJj6j9KXMK1yKzS0heSOGRDt6qygEVpGQSiy6il4/lWNxnOCAa0sRY53xTp9nd4S4tVQdmjGP5UbCcUzBHh3SpoT+9dXX+EUXYuRFS98JxXFsYLeUlxyqnqfapbD2aOcvdHktBieTyyOCjdah1VHcr2TK9wwtLRZWbzNx+U9gK4cRi39kapFIajb7SqygAHO1jzWEMRNrUtQRTfXoTG6sQDu4Bq3zSHyoIdWi8tYpSFyeDipjzIGkSvfQ3M21E3hBgMO9dUa0kZuKIsRoxaUsWPQV1Qqcxk9BJyrKA4YSHgADrW8VYzbIJcc7lwQMda0RJG0jgA4G08U0AyKRW37to4/EVQgjwrg4zjs1AxJHUZILHnOKVhkxkVyCAATUiYj79+ARnpSAGJwSQWUdfekMduUYcLgHhh6UgFUruKEd+DigBjblJ25K07ABlOV+Y8dDQAIxDYfAOc8nmgBXdWYZ3kHgnHSkBG+BCAAcA9R3oTARo5M7xgBccetMBiuTuPHJ4NArASGyGP0FAWDG5SoAwB196Bjdu+RQcgAdBRcBSu44Gcg9cdaAB1UjcpAI7UAIwddu44buBQAjk9myCM/SmAiF3X5cHtmkA2Qg4x1WgBpHy7cHBOTQAo5YdCFNMBVcl8/L159adwHZbP3cA9z3oH0CVVfPBHHSmhEJQ7MbPfNIABzjkUAP27lIGCe5pgC+WAA5Yn2oAJAuRs6e9IdxrnnJXjHPFAXubEQ8tF3Md2Oa0ZBYTMit0DLgg+tShMislMd3uzkOehpMVmXZ9wRdpYPnA9AKRRdtNPvblC0NvLKU5LAUtENK5bTT72JWX7FInGeByPepuOzI7bT7y92vDbStIvBwOlMdjTt/Cusz7Y1ifa5wzEdKV7BysxdXsLnS757CYNlCGzVJktWH42jBJwDnIotqTczL6FjcEkEBhkn1rROwJiKzPGqA4UDGT3qrjNHw9ot5fXCrEhcscDPQ1EpjSua+u+CNX0aD7VNFuhflnXnb7VCqD5Gc46kEjO/A5J6KPStFqSyNAkZLlSWfgr7etJCZMjxI8ZA6nqegpTBHD+LVj/ALVndHJBNcraudMU7GB8uBnkUDJ40hmBRRsPrSAmsL9bRyrDJT7p9KLAdF4avjNrkcz7XWdTE6nuDx/WpaKRr+NtM1G20BLCexCGGTfBIfvbGycfqKSlcrlOPsfD+rXkyRRWzEucAjvVkpM6yx+H/ieGSFZLYwh2ABPSgGrHe2fgiDS7UXGruTLJ8pXsapISZo2vh/R9NuI5ILCJ5T82Rk1Ts0NlbxCsVy6zyWBNxGf3RUAFsURVxlebUn1NreKMmB1IQY7H3pOCQ72O80q6lhtRaamDMo+USHoKzUkmLVnFfEiC102Jr2wEUrHIkjPRlPpWkmpLQnVM848LePNY0OWeG0nYW0xOYmOQp9RXLJNM0TL1nr8d9qYvbu8mW4zkMDgZ7U+ZjudBZfE7VrG7MTosig4LMeo9al7FrzOjT4l2Ekkfm2Yw+N0i9V+vNRGo4vVFNJrQ6J0v7949W8OajBcDHzQuflb2GBnNd0Kt0YtWJrTxJDeFtP1awk07UBwI3HyufY80kyDNGrCG+miNmG8vuvWncZaOuWEtsZpIwkmDlR1pbjuYGn6/ZXlztmiiYrIRsl6sM+1EqaLTVtw8WeBotQt/tugymBsZe2PI/CuWpQTV7CjI811PwdrcVvPdRQmYQjdIi/eUetZulZaoL3OIluXEhDIQRVqOhLYhu36KSVpcgrmpZzziAPA24g5I71LggNKw1NZ9qP8AK2eSetON4icTXkAYcbZMjjb2rZVmS4BdWDLEXBO4LkqK6ITuS4FBw5YAAOQv5VujIYU2B/7wPPvVXEyGUkkh92SABj0pgRZO3CH5fT0oAm3AZHtn6VIyWNjuTewwTgUhDgvyMAMfN1pMADgpukG4k0hiMMMZATnoBQBLC+9cFMEcZ9KAGzQFCCpVgOlADG5YbVOD60AOVgjYx26VLAeXQqFQEZ60IBmcuWwfl4pgRSx4TrwaYDUQkfLwccUADpIMkKCO496AI2LK4ZiVwecUANJZELFiuTyKAHMxPOc5GBQAO4KgjOOhz2oAY3Efy4btxTAkKBgm1dv0pAKTtJOz2zQBEyNuGGJHXb6UAK2/aCQOvagBhUHO5gGx0FO4CKWHKsw9vWgY8sykFhjPSgQ8hgCFAIIouBXZf9nBA5pBYIjgbgxVaoLDmYOwx1HemAh9yCCOvpSAMHGFOQRxQCNZuDlW4B6elaNklxXCxg4DBs5FQwFUgybguFA9OlICWJUDrjJLDk0DR3Gl+IYfDUcaujP5qruHfpXNUkdEIGzH4zEF4ZTam5tAuWAXPBrJTZq4Kxdub97u1OoeHFW3M3IR1xu/Cr52jPlRzth8RNX0HXhZeK9NItc/fjHQetDncpRJvijfaRqekQeINGmiuFQ7ZFQ/Nj6daI1bbkuFzh01CyEEG+4XEq5BAPH1qvbGPsjXg0tdYshNatulXgncBmqjXuP2JjaTaR3lxLbmdUeE7WOeetauqieRnqPhfS5YtLCWuAFGfMHVqxlJs3jBHY6NdQXen/Z54PMhJ8uRZe/Y1nc05dDy3xR4TWHxBOluwNsfmBHb2rWE2YTpmbdeD7hS0olj2BcrzitPaaEKmcnqk13GZIra1klfG0sq5ArGVRm0aaOR1Kx1G4uCzWU5dup2GpQyMeFNdXLNpk2B3K9vWnoHKyNdE1SByPsUjcfwjNANWMqTTNRFyc2sv02GmI19L03VEj8+O2m2JycKcik2gRrm/wBd1dorGQzyqpwgcHI9qlpFpnUaRa+JdD1Gwt7mykMLyhlk68VUUPY9w1WZRbfMynj5QP4T61OoOxwvi3WZL3T7i1dZPMjTMOe7CtFsRYwPBXiTUZrlbS9s3C/d34wVpJga/i7W9O0sK1xOySqf3TD+dVzaAWPhzN4W1+7uL03C29+OkX9/jrUO8ikb0l5t0+6EsLbYurHt71k6TRaseS+Mdagud1ujcNznPWkpNCqWZys1lAts/mISequv9aV7maZTsITcziMEliQF96C0rnfzfDHWZ9Fjv7RknYjJizhloSZTgzmzZ6jpN2bS9spMr95G71nJCWhq+GvEV1pF809jcPGgb95CTxSjJotHoem/EjTrt1TWIo5BuykmOV9609s0DUTaur7STI17ZSI73CYcDuP8gU1WuTyXOAu72WH7Qkqs0Z4Vx1xW0J3IlCxjuz20kd7EnnAsM+qn1rqik1qQd/4Y8QztZI0z+ZDuC7l/hPvWFTQaZualNc6drS3EQSe3uF2y+u08Z+nNZztYpJnkPxM8LRR3dzqOmR5hB3uF55PPasVJXsEkefRfum+6DjqDVsg1NPMcisAxjbsB3qGhoa1tMmZY0dgTz60XKJo5ZYZAyykKw/KjlQmb+lXE1zt3PvYd88CqTsxMtXFm8LM24DfyK64SMWjOmKHhSc5xWqZBDMhJ2hvm/ipgQrEVyzYqiQIz8wBz6mkxoFywGSBg0hkqfPJuXcGHX3pCHIocMqkLg5BpWC4ux/us/wA3WkMcPuEsQWB5x3oAV1fA2vlRQA2RpI41Yr8oP40gFO2QY/iPtRYAdZEOMlR/KkA3byrM2UHWgAlLhgyvnPQCmALKS+cMPlw3vTAanK+pJ6GgBpd4wNoB/vA0AEmx2Py9uR2pAQSKpbYD+HpTAANynH3fSgBgYIDkEdqaAmUgZ2kkEcH0pMALsZdoPyY5FACNhnJU49ff2oAJGXYAMnnrQBG2QN2NwbrQAqfNkgbl/lTQCs7HGBkdKAFUeUoZR35pAISCRKqHHcUXKRFOCWDDoe3pVXB7DQdpAU9uaZIIBJyBggd+9JgPIBKkDaR096ANuVMSCM4A6k461TZJZRF42ffzn2AqGwRZ+TJSM5LHnsKG0FmPcBmVVYKc9R0/ChtWKSdzqtKhtLwF75I3CIqgkjqBXJLc647HRaXBZxSrJbtbx2xXbIMgkn6VUFFCdzL8TxX0NzFe22oIlhA4GYzyuTjGM1FR2dgijO8eTSXNzai5EM9q8OS5wCwwO9ck3rdGrPJb0S6RqJks5JEt3J4Hp6VtCSlHUhpomt5leASjAO4ZFTJFJo0p9SmtrctZXckTAfMUbGKiF7lu1tDIsNUS3km+bMknR/eunWxgrXPYPhvqWoJoES/bCFzu3SHGOnrWE8XCHxGsabsaepeJHs74SyXayKBnap4NcFbHOT9xG8KatqUbrxLDe3cQjbyQTkkd6VLGzj8QSpJkOpXcP29Hubreg6oG7V3rELlTJ9ibwbR20XztLQqVOdqdW/GtIT5zKceUfbXtrqFgz29n5UgOHDrgitmZFC/169sYRBcLGyvxs3DkehoaNLlY6natpzw2VisVwRlSF4HrVRREtSlpur2LyLBeWUTXAOGO3PNWwSRWfxba6Rqd1Hc20AgAKhFUdee1c80wKun6tYXc41BWggAk+VQtSr3A6VNTm1CRJFmMdvGchC3H5V1Q2E2V55Lq5vNlrcModjn+IE/QUuVoC1baXPdxPNfBfMX5QcYI96b2A4bxdr8uj6pDZLEUKHLEjLH8ayQGjJqHhLxBaC1122eGZkHlzL/CffiqSYjh7Ozm8N+N4V0u4julDgxsOhB7Gh6CPS/iHrgmsJjaTG2uvLG9OzCnJ6FHh0kzNM0jSMCTk5qHYRYtLyREJV8hjghu9RYC94ctp59VUWqHG8E+gqlAake/eG2volRop2kkjUBkPQiqsaSLXinQbPxCEa7fyL2Mfu7hePwNROCYoHjmueEdYmu5oreJWnjJGVON4rGCu7BU02MfTvCniSXzWWykBh+8rDB/LvWriZxLmmz6pa3qQyNJHNnaFcEA1KhcrmZ6voPh9b3TgLuBlRxlvY11U4qO4ndmf4t8JPYoLrRCZY9mZYGPzHHcetW5E2Kei2b2XhmXUrWNpXBJe39R6Y/Wspu5UVY4q71rxbdXcc1j9tWJTtjjdWPy/wB33rOUbormZ12r2WpWvhdNehc2skoEd5Zyj5X9wOPT9axcLsfMedahp8V6Ga2iEU464OA1NN7EysYluDBIfMYrIlWQatjqZEg3bQO4HeolAq5alt47jeRtVGHH1qItrQRY8O7bZnV2HPynca0HY2ZZCGUSYYdBjniumGhlJMq30AeIvEg+XqcYrRSM+VlaOFpCA4Hzd6HUsPlCSxdVKx889O5oVa4chRaKYZ3K2Om0CteZMmzEO1SFUZxx0oBCgtjnCgHsKAEDgKSMBT+dFhWJUMjADcdw6H2qWgFyqvjByetIY9ioXyxjAOR7UNCQrzFkCkDA4z70rDGqSFyWxzzjvTAmSQMCGHbj1pARYydnDAnmlcBrlY5V+TFADWZuSAPwqgFJVW3dscduaAGlT0DDJ6gUgBWAAUg59xRYBpEYJ3k7uvJqkgAN+7wEJGfypAROCDliWBp2AZHs2YJOCaLAOOUPBIHrjNIBQQ5wWC9x70AEhlH8GB6igBQXUcdCOBQAB8jpgd/SgBiFQdpzzyKAHhVbCN90fN1oaHcQoVU7T8vcZ5qRkcm3GVyVXr7+1WthlckCTdwVNNCsSbgE6ng8fSnILDg25dyvjB9KSJO6fRr2eT9zauUVcj5eTUXuCTKF5DLYxTT3ERiwMYIxWc52LUNTBuNalf5laMBP4QoGR/WsPas6PZqxFda7e3rpBZQjf0wq1SkyXFEep6jremBbPUVmgJG7JJXcDUtXGm0R2uq6l8rwXkgCnKjzDS2Hc6my1i6aF4dQY7ZV3kK3Gaicm1oWkYOpazcTMY0leSKM/KrHp7VlGKY7kS3ClVSVPM3cjPO2hKzsN6kN3LbhGWNQvPIHGauKtuQ9ClFdLFHJEBuV+MntWrSIUid9Angt7e7eaEpMcqA3IqJTsgOuk1G4i0mGxVtsaAKSOCTXjTtOd2dcX7pnXF08br9oc9OCTwRVRppu0QcyO01hSZInGwr0PtVPDMPaCR3Qnmlczu+AcZPFdCjZLQOZs7bwTJPLpyxi4EcWSc9xXfSRk0dpZN5CNI80YA9QOfrWrIcTI8T2tpHHLqdw4J2Erg/LVIGjC0G4bUtHku7eTJj3KCO3PSk3YFA5nVr6awU3TKBM52g55qOcXKchqt7JdXL3BdnZuDzTuTLfQu6OjyskWXBY4wprN3uCO2gvp/DiiPWrabDr+6cggMK2UmhDbbxBq5fzNNjiQNkqSBx+NOVUSLT+OLmewawvj5V3nDSJwDXPKbNFYw9Uu4L67tpbqQXLrxvIwWoUmSy3DpUVxH/o8Ekk4JIBGQBVqoOzMW/sbW3tp5y1xHfRNlCmSBRz3Y1ErDW7vU7X7PcMm8jG4jk/jUyk7iaOfvbK8V2OzcVODgcUKSFYk0jTmnDtKWUL2AolKwWO7+HJs47h7UqXk7VtSd0TbU9n8NGOC6KT7VcqCopysbNm9cWcD27AYfJzj0qE9SVocx4u0O4bZPZLIksZDFkyOBUxjaVxy1Oc8ba+58LPPaEw3sDKruPlZhznP5VdrslLQZ4DsrTWYIZNRRXmPIdl5z6ZrblUVch7npB/0S3K+Qdo+XCjqKz5uY1itDM1TUNMbyTJI9nPAeHZflwexPpQKx5vqmn+INL1gXEFzFJp99N+7eNsqpx3H4VDaHaxvzrqelX0cepW0Jwu5fKUc/TAqoaiaOV+Ini66hkjYRebaEAMkifdI+tDjoJo6Tw9p2j+JdBTUoNOQSKuXSM7T9Rip5UxJXMDVvhzpGrPJdWOpCJm4VWA5PoeabiHKeZ+IvD2paBqMlpdQt8vzB1GQR61PQGmhmmzOJl3v1656Vk431A2G017uaSJHOMfKy9zSTKSK2mw6vY37eYruin+Kr9qkPkN6bxMxbabSDbtw+Mc/hip9ow5EV7nVdNntN5jaOdTgBelZzqMlxH2d3vRcgDP8R4qFNlcmhbHmiN2KxlcdcV1UqmpjKJmzIgTe5VC55AFdyehzvQqTJGpIV8g8igCBynlghc+tMCRWwqkHaPSkwBy2xmGN46c0hj1Y7WL4yR2FMSGnCIM/MD+tIY5SyjbtwOvNAD4iJIyenuKQD1AUsMAkDg5qQF38lXQEngGhAQ+UuPkyG9M1SAjaE5LNk45wKY0OBRlO0FZKSGxikyHBzuByKZI2ZHkw+BgHFNARhtsjEbjxSAN6kZdsqeAKdwG7Qinb0FFwHbt2MdfrSAVRGy/MORQAMW2leduOo60ANjkkTOVBxxg96AFBBbDjCg8CgBhKhiQeP5UASAN98Dg9aGBK6L5Wc54646UiiIowB4yuM9OapAU2U5ycKueKaHccGHRu3oKJCDcqnBHB9ulKIrH1LqU+mWmmmcvDCI1ypPauB4hR2Oz2aPE/GfiBdTaaNES5j5+ZRjJ/Co9snqx8qOa0Hw1qGrzCG2tyF/iY9OvSo9tFlOJ6V4U8FWNpJCJNpvUOQw5U10QkmS7I3fFllpc5W21+xieJh/rejL6VqrdSG+x53/wjXg+y11Wl1GYWrNhQoBH86zqNCRe13wtYQZurXUFeJOAueoNcnMaKRxuu6ZZW8mUmOWGcLzTuPRkdtDaJZyGJ2duM7h0pXZSRLo+j2+q6p5ExdGb73YCtUQ4m1efD6wED3NjemQJJtIb9a0V2jNxsY/iXTLrQUjW6jZ435hOTxWUotDSKFxeTy2Q8oktuyw9BXJ7OMZm6d4kEolu0RWlDDoDnpTVoa9w3KWpztFKibdrJwD61rShd3MpuwumNNLLsg3EMRmtuRXCMj1jwA0carbXCEyuRsX0+tdEEkNMZr11Np101ncyPmQ5GOw9q5Z1feNEjndb8Qai1pJpUo8y1dcKw61cKtyaisctps+oabFJHBJNGuc7R3FW9TNSZvaP4futclM01w0cLDJZv6U0h7nV6N4J0Tyw+y5uZ4z3XCk/nSd0NRudbougeGrCfzHgRb1cERyHBH4URdyuSxo6/ptj4gtF0W9ZMuu6NgBmM+1XsJxPPrD4ea7FrNzpQn8qLaxWU9/Q1HJcixyfirwd4l0WZxc2sjxnkSgZDD1p8onoc/EzpGAScqeM1LQrs1NP8QX1jKMSlXXGPcVm4l3NfVvFSahbeTiBCy4dgoyT70crSuFzlLmB7aITrKGBb+HtSjJvcRPaagyriUZVupqnEZaSRSMxtt3fxdqWoFrwfPJH4mjCsOTjNbU20iGtT3W2lZrPaYf3gH7uUfyNUU9De8L6lBqdsVGUuYuJIj1PvTsSpM1UkLXG1CHUDIH9KLBc8V+P+k3um3MWr6du+wXPyzqo4Vx/k1cSmL4AfVJ7eKRZF8qNOQo5JqpyEkaJ+J9zY3IS/sz+6k2SBh2rC7NFY7fSNV0HxXCz6dNBKrL+8jYDKH3p2JbsLPp1v5Bt3tysKtkL2B9RRyE8zKfiNZtQ00GxXdc2fzID1cDqP0px0DmOA1C8sPE7iwvLNbKTmNsjo/rWrV0Nk/hyx8S+GtUNvZR/aLVFyNnIasrCTsXLfTI9cvpLtpZrG4Em94RwM5zVbjTNu60eO+UmWISyKu3Y4yXHtVNIJVEzxHx5o0WjaiWtHYxO2dh6r7VnKJncz7LULySERxeZvHTaOTWFkWrjX1fUImYXW4c4YHtScE9ilJ9SKS8VnBTBJqbMaZDcSyBuV9+KOW4pF3TbyRnVT90cnmplFItPQ6XTr1Y23Ebkc9D/AA1ClykuJHq8Er3JmiUGI8YHp6130Kya1MKlMzpYnWVfMVjk9u9dCmmZONhJwqucrjHFVckRFZSS2CCOPagBrbdojkJ+blcetIBnmFf3YUs2aoB6M7DaVOB1pMCUrmMDPPuaQC7N3yklPpUgPjweCcZ9aAJEG3LO2cDFJANCkbCpzx81MA3gbiH+U+3FNARMobaWbafamA1toG5sqOgIoAajYbGMgdhQA44xv5xjkAUICIKroHzwelACEYGW4HT8aABioYHG0YxmgCEsNpJUkDvTQEsUhZAOMGgBpjOCwfp1BpARbgFDAk4PzUAOO1sguVx2x1oAkjk2u2BnHrSsO47fuUYbgnNMTDzD8zDkkYwKaAhLBk2OOQeKYCNH1KkEjtQUiMq+PmxuoGdB4l8T3XktpgmJVW5IPBFeBGk9zpcmVdJlu9kPyfuwciT+hrGpbXUabOwg1uSzkF0luFiACPs6A+tc6fZ6nTzKx2FprtoumpPEAshXg9ia2pY2UW00XyxZmar4vtLnTyNQt8XaAqEPRlrthiXNGUoxR5TfXMZmfaJlDsWUHHy1MuZnM99CJtTu5VBEkkgUbXT1FVGFwY6GO5ucNBDKwU9CtXaw4orSSXlpM/mW7pz8wI4q1FFXLvhvXhBr0G9N0buAx7jJrWMLE8x7TrWn6fB4da6im2vJ8ysDxk9vrW2hTOD8Q65ot5bR20zNeMOFI6xmspknOaBYR3l5dxzSi3jVSdx6d64MRJJJo1htYqTaHJbTsyyboQchweCPao9pzKw+UrTaO1zcj58gfrW0KllYlwudF4M0e3iuC90wiVOtaKquawlE6G/Nrp8M99ZXfmzHhOeh9q1dVWJdzj9Z8RXF3NvuAXIHf+GuXk5nctTsZ0l9PebFJL8/KvYVtCHKKUrnonhPRraKGO6u7bzuPmDdBXTZCidFrNrcx2yNotvBDE3KoAfm/OgGaPhOz1JFS7vMQxOcGI9d1KTHTR0i6dpt9fD7Usa3KD5HJINTBFyZzOt29/oWvzs6A286funHY1rvuZ3ubfh3VDe6Z5VxNvnj+5IRycdqL2BG7qURvdJaMosivHtII6GpbBpHyd4jsbzS9cuLe6iaMq5Kq3es5Ikzbq6SSI70KuOjDtQtBMr27hpBlsg9xVslJiea3neWzFlzSsht2LcbEYVgNnXFTsO5ctt86wxW+TuOAvcc0Jaha56Vp/w7vNIW012KYTrgNIoHK1ukhWZ2l74j022sPLSUi6IHHrUsqxX0LV7i/wBVjuIIXjMYyWXgNSUmVZJHVavfy200V/bo5bA3KOhFUQtRmvWuneNvC89i0hikY7tp6qwzzQtCrXRR0/w3/wAI/oqQAl3Tkuv8VOTuTYo3vhvTNZRpLu3BEoz8w5J/ChaDsZuneE7Dw2/27S7uSG5YlTETwRRcSR2ulXVwAhmCFHHzA+tDdxF1Qtpefao/ngI2uP7tNAeafF/R5Y5P+EgsI/ljI3qo+8PX9KptIGzd8O6ij2dleB1aZ0AwO4qG1YW7OivdXt4blRLp+4uMh1ArLnsbKmrFW6ButUhuYJVg4yEPenczsrnH/Ebw2uo6pDfnTnkQA+ai4z0PNROTsOyPMk1SztL5rFbUwIkvDkfMOa5pUm1e5pGSR0Gt+FZPE2mNfwvGt1EvynH+tGOB9ainU5HZhKNzyy7VoLjyiMFDz711mexJJMXgDqDkHB9qloZoWiqbTeGUOD92s2NGxpc6xP05YYJPSs2WjZSV2VgvAA49DUa3BoSxs7m9n8oTRhk+ZAe/tXVSm0ZSiZGoW80F3LHcxGJgeRXfCSaOWS1IuVYfLvBGBWlu5Ix0BztyCBzmiwrjHB3gBgRjp3FNDF37eBx2Oe9DAfn5x8y7e2akCdZQ+CU24HNKwEV1IV24yV67qQEiyjG08Drk0AOYYIKHIpgMk8phnftHp70wIfNZFBZfvd6AHHazAqWGetACjJ9ODSAWNCFJQZyefei4EW7huCCf4aYBIcgA7t1ACRhGUhjg9qAIyrBiCDz2pgMjbDZRMAdaVwJYZMZ4ZgaVx2EYgjgLgn5hRcQ0xjZuBHXGDTARW2jpuJ7GgBgU5Lhvl9PSlcBsbMHUA8ZqkBIWy+5Bvx/DTAYrdQQRk8igpAGC/KePU0DNGXRrZ9QdTLuUj5ee9fP1K73R1SRE169jMIBuBTggd6j2SmnIm9iwt8wy6yMsT/6xfWs/Z6We5adyKLXLpJDEGP2dPuLWroRaut2Um0F7Pd6lbJdFxuBK7c4IFOEYwfKyJSbMm9vJlKiRfu98V1QpqWxCZreDH+16/awNGHUncVatVGxSZ61qup2umhLe0tYNjc+WuM571EppGqSOb8S6jaaj4fvVtLSMyN8sqnGVPHNCqxRDOJ0LTLJxOLhTDdIu+FieOOf6VqqiewlEjPiDVprd9PluWaCQ7cA8AjjNPnsKxlyaXcxXTBiYmHJLcVLmmM0dPgvIjK0b+ZG6/MT3Fc07NpFRJpp7n7MLWE5GM89qXLFSuPmK1vNdmY74WBTk59atxitQ5jaupgdPSWSTynC5BB/nWcLORTZz093KsoaNiwHOGORn1rp5U+hk2ULu5aSbEnQ8YA4qlC2xD1PSvhp4ImvY4r+8C+UceWD396topI7XUYPs19Ha2zr5eNoYdFP0oZaZV/4SaJ7I6fdwrJNE37t4xjn1pcwmdFoM0up2kUF3OSUk3rg8gjkCmyo6DvEkUragh+YHYQHT+E8U46AzUnt7jUNI+xXEqOQv7p29femSkYFjb3thdwoYCSgOR1BNaKzQI6qyvGOnvPFvjJ4KNztP+FZt6gzlfG/g7RfFUQurpjb3oXhl6fjUyZaimefr8Kk+0mOXUY3g25zjpUpkNF3TPhlo9ofPm1SJgDjY6nDUXuJIZqXw40Bnjhiumgmduo6Y9qZThcytV+FWo2s4WG8jkiY8NjkCmiHEteHvBsmh3qXsuy8AbGAPu+9N6MqB6n4c1qB7c20xPkDK4P0qrjnoZHirw1ofkjUNO3LuJLbe3rSJLPge1U2z25Uhk+aIt3FILm29wts/lPFujI+YDtRcLGLaXkcWsN9hWVQDwmD8/rVlLY62yvoSqrNL856q44+lKTJsW7qyRAskKK0bjPHb6Uou5LOJ8QadGt0Lpp5FGcMhouVFGppWmqyCSOdwSM7GNNMmSsakQCRSxYC7uBz19apMRSn025lga2ZvMgI5VhxikxpHkV7F400bVLhbPTEe0hbcojXt7c1mxrRnceCNdGuafLFqVnLa3UQ3LuXGf84rOSNOY31S0v8AFzC2HjAGR0yKaZBaguGe4VZAARx9RVWuhtHAfFD4fQX80mvaRiO4GTNF2f3H60SdkTaxwWi69faPA0LPIjq3Cn/PSuSdNOVzVS0OK1t1vb2a5VdpZ84A6VvF2VjKWrKxEkcW0Lkk8+9AE1qku8gqckcY70pagiyjzEeWWZSD+VZ2KRo2k0qKQJJAx9eRRZDJm1KW1vI7iORsLg8VSQmdXr2pWut+Hhdx2qteRYJKjlh3rak2jOcLmEY7K601buwnzIgCyQNww9cV2qXMYShYolo2UR4Iye/UVRmRMihSR6daaGiPJIAVQfUmhgAxnjt61IEkBLORyPT2FAE5jEq7ZGwR0pAMRMKDkF19qQAJZjnG7Oe9NAK5KYDAEkfNimAq4BVSDgjv2ouA2T5TtVeB3pALEwMZO4d6TAAZPvBj05x0pDsIzDIGAT60xMbIGdTjG6mBEmBheOe9MB8pGTubPGKYiBcq3ygDH60hhvYyE8kDqKkokRgUZggPP40xMR/n+8MemaYhpQEnAI55OaAFc4+QKcY5pICCNQGC9AapAAYq55HHoKYDwQx3KxOTzUtlIY5CuRjnvmhMBul3Fw0xeSUcfeJ6/lXl1aOh07luQC5vPMBHHIPSufWKshtGxp8MGrCS12CKTb8pPQmued6T5ioxK+n6XtiLzFWEb7XjJ5NaTqNWsNO5BqFtBFqqC3V1iwCRuqYz5ou43E6MeG7HULFZGOGTk4PJFKni3DQr2SaMa5hg0OUXenMXmB4JGNvtXYqnNuZWsV1vJdVnLi8aC7PQMcfjStZ7CTNTR/DPie4iZI7WTym4aXJ+b3zVuCfQTL134P8AEpsokfTWkCttEijn86ShyscdSvD4EneZrOTfb6gcFB/Cfqe1ZTrSTt0NVC+ppTeEPEeoRf6farKy/IGVcZx70KSXwonmT0ZlHT5tLL/ah5bLlCncD6VMm7laGYIhLBJFGw+ckxv0IPpV3sTr0IrOz1S4lLtKN4HJLfeH9aUpx6FKLK1/D5kypPKyIBjA9fetIaETKM0Pkt5bMGYngjpit4yuZsr3TqU+fbvB4wKtSEz1b4d+Jri78JLYwsBcWrn5ieqcYH6Gho0iy6lxd6/qKQiaO2lTPypxvA9ab0QXNhdK0mxsBPNgXUakcnmpQMwtC1K6j15Y4XKpIwJBOMr609Lko9Kuw2PPiXzlaPpnnNXdGiK09zAskEiylPM4KMeFNKwypc+NNO0m/e21RlQZ+VhznPenFCdja0nWbHULR/s0eFkOVIGQRQSRqrXiyrCsZx23Dd+VRI0Rj3mm30Ns2xRIDndjqBUoRSuvDN6bRLi2lW4tZOWDD5kNadBdSk8U7NHauyGSF9wJ64pJjZ1ReO5+zQ42yMMsxGOakixz832u3FyDCeGIU9iKqRpAh8NtDdJPFPE8bE5IAxg1ERyR11hZW/8AZbQbfkOd2eta2MiPSYkgxGXAKnCEn9KTAe0cUmp7i5XZ1XOdxpWGi0jWkF+UW3Cuw3B8fnTGUdVguftiTQqjQrznHWhoSlYj1V9bjsV/syYLzna56e1Q5WBK5zsOs3sWriHxDHutSBuYJyKlzuyrHQzXEEV5FfWEzvEq8ZPA+orSLXUiS1NZ7izuykwPlswDAg4XNWpIDRtbgyRKGcM47jpQyNR21BD5kYIKfeXPWs2kO7MXXrQNIl3ZrEAFImUDGahpFI4iRdVsb6V7C4AimP8Aqz0Hrg0FNFzQru9XW1dm89V++uc8UnKw7G/KpMl3PHdl7U5Ow9V9qfMFjgfHfh6y1RYbzTEAnxiTHFS1cpLQ8s1XTpbO5a1nUCSNvmAHBpX0M2rMqyYiYYKtjkg0khFm1nhkuUKlUcHBx0qZXQ0yzfG2QlpMGUnBx3qVzMdyzaxeaqMmCuMnFJtDKeqBAFjxhTn5gOQauLsDVyto+tXOlXR7xEYYVrFkpk+pataz+ReW1kLeZW/eMnAYfStosiRoy3Gn3m2a0VkYj94PQ10RZhNWKkkJBAyCh+6M1ojMaY2jTYwzk4x6UwGkZIyo4oATztpywxxRYCRJjsyQpPvUtAO+0AsCoA/CgBJJAF5yGPvxQALIm0hcs3YdcUgJG+7k8A+1MBrRuJWfcMketIBuzbjJOOppDQv7wlWX7vcAUIoaoBLPnn6UyWJtCjGCd3O7NIENdSqjABGeDimgZHPuQ5HPuO9UIVvmUKMg+tIBgyVLZ2kcfWpKED5UBeOOapCY4srcE/LjApiDmFipG4HqD2pAPXhAFcAjpkUABXncPTGMUAMWPax45xxnvT5h2BUO9SE24657mpAiuOHO4ZPegZ6f8RvDGkWttHd+H7QTBmwwU8p+FYShdHTHQ4e78JeJlTzv7OmRVG7hT09awVPoNnbfBTw1cTalP/bdsywvGRHuGGByORWNehzLQcGdXqHwmhuL2byL940Iyg759+ay9hNdBJEN58HzJYxP9pf7Ug2kjoaxdGouhalbcyNb8N+IdCt45UsHkWJcGRASMe4xWccHK92X7RHnWr3ZugZd6CYvnaOMH0xXdTp2M5HdfDDw1a36rqOt2I2DhCvG+uuNNbmaPbbH7NaWywx2jCEDjjOB71dgJyYI496SqEf7vpSsWPS2s5SbpoIXYDG7YM1nyK9wbZDK6w8hVKbsjA61dkQ2ZGreFdE1i5N1dWZ8/qSpIB98d6z9jGY+Znnnin4U3jXTy+HriMRSAlkk42n26+9ZTolRZ5vqGlatoOovYa1FLBLj90wJAfnqD+dYypvojWMmVb4wyzPbqfuD5mI5ogjObMO9NzAvzoHQH7wHatomRQdU2FnyVY1dmBreDdUXT2lfzAFbjYTjIq7lJnfeFphq1vcy2jCO4j+bIOCR6Vb2GkLq1+3kItzIxmY7Rz0rB6MZPouq2+nXKLdW/myIMiTHUelF2xpHVf29i2XVdOaTyd22VHHCH/Iouy0cd8RPE16ZLaK1Ef7wZUoeVNaIzkzJ0zwlrGu2rXlzNJJIvQEk1aYki9qH/CR+D7i1khn2wOBgMePofSgL2Oq0TxcLxVll2wSE4facZNRLUtSNDX7q6g23dlfSLuGdv3gfzpqID/DGqaii/wClSKyzHCgHj8qprQlGu5hVmluoAP7rqO9ZFD2vraWKJ5QQVkAUqOapahI2h9h1MbLZlLoBuUjnPrV2ITaKS6aLe8lKwhSw+c4oUSuZsclxDJavFDOjspwwU8/SmIyvEM8XlJBiWM5GWXqKljRIkkdxbIscnmXOBsYHBNAybxBBqH9mQyQDbIoAkz1PrigRd8NSCSH7A0hIUZUP1zRzENamfKZhezWtzKVjVshlPAP1rGZrExPEd/ZWtxFbX7745Qdsm0ZFTHcJJnPyajdWNyP7PJuIpjjnkfl2ro5UZu5vWWoXDRC1vohCo5+Q5yfrUtDTOh0B5hhlmL/MN0ffb6ilYrcXX9YMUjW0r+TIoyjg43iocilBWKUGtaei+YboyCRQrpnoT3pbhYzNUa7sLaTyhFPAfnGT8wzyMGqsDG+HvLN7Fe2hZ4m/1mTyrelS1qJO5f1tWs7qdbeT93cgMAT0PcVaWgCR2263t5ETa7fK3YUILnO+N/CJvLSSaLAuolJ4FZSdmPc8Ovo5o5Tub7pwfY+9VEyloVobgJNn7pp2QiaS5LXAYsWHfNFguaVveywRnBKq33eazaVzRM0Uura5tBGylpMZJxUS90tNNGBf43YB6nkHrWsb2uZW1JTCDb5R8SKu7b2IrSLuKRt6R5clkBEh2twxx3rpgzGY2d1Vtinp71ujEbJlcnfkEcd6YDHYmJXPGRzg0ANUK0W4t06A9qLgKfundkZ9utAri9gwIY/7PapGS/uxHnJ+bjB6UAJGmGDAjjuO9Kw7jzISQCMAmi4gBO4gZ2L39aAHhgXPHykUgHybsr82M9wOtK5SdytODkAAhfUVQWGq/Qc+gpBYcQRlVzjrzTQmRupZRhSQOciqECMCrOAePXtSAcWLZUqMjkD1qSiGbI2ggAd8VSExCRGQDzTEOYjC7iWHcikAfLn5SevHFA7DkLlSP4aVwJYHwCHXkfdBpWKAyE5D8nr9KAsNmQP3GCKBH1DaWOnW6NHHZ7m/iL1HQ6SS5by4dyqpXoMjpUpBchjm8oxOYVWZeMAYz9KrlTCJqRXi7BLtKlR81TZFF2C+jntC8Mq5NFktRadTA1XUNRiflC6g8jaCrj0pN8wWR4p8WPD0dssfiawtmt4bqXFzbkcRtxyPbmk4pDOt8GXTN4ftkcERIvysvarUiWd22v31na2ry2XmxSfKWUdRg81QinpmgXtut1PHcySQXDmSOJjnafSskWP0TxSzXM+k6hYy6fdQDJDjh0/vA1DAll8W+GYla2fUk9cj60OdhNGbq/jO1g1GxgtLhGtZRhnz/F2zSjVT2K5TrtKv1nUxF1y4yrds1dmQ9zxz9ojUYTcWOmXMRS7ifcrgcFOe/wBaykmWnY8puihUEkIwP3s/eFYoUjNubiTYwClkBxWsYk2Egt2lXeEf5jgccU72CxK2mtHbfMmFz96jn1Hyljwv4hm8O6l5+wyQEbXHqKp+8JOxS1PxFLqepSzbyqyHj2o5Q5iJNX1CK7VYrgvg5Gf5U+UfOd74Z8W3Js5o5UREcbXRhwfepkrFKR0OrWnh3U9Jjvv9XeKMnYfu+9AmYeiaxc6PePPYXjSsv3kP3WqrDWx2/wDwlun+JdK8q40+K4mK4aI8HPtTsQ0cz/wiwnla70h5oOc+S/QH0FNEnSW8VxLaQQXgKlQQc9Mimi4hdQ3NmAqTKMDgDsPWiWiKTuaMPiDTotHeO4k8xwP9W3Un2rn5tTRIhsNatLzTnjiUll+85HzD0FacxLDSX1e4uFlSYJGvygdGP1p84uU3Wub25zHPK0M0a7lYfxexpqY7FTStOeO8a+85ZGkOXKnge1W5XJRHDqEGpX8ySN5ckJ2kEcEVBRZ03SWinaPzPkY748HnHtQBL4nuZbF7eE7pIZcHHfjrUk2K+t2V5BHa31hOVkA/eRjptpPcdiO0uYYra4m1K4jRiNwOfve1Syloef65r8F9rX2eQLFHtwHb+lFrC5jodNvbEi0s7qEF0OYnT+Ie/wCtaJi3OvudBs7mI3NtKQkg5XNMLGfFb3GnOLd2cyn5onHUD/OKN0CMfxGury3n2l4xNahgHAHIrGUNTRM2I/DunTWokti0TOv3W9aaiRJ2K+p2zxm1gdlMicDJ61XJYlO5Pp0sdkWLQeUrn5mHQn1pFFnxDp9xJo5vEdSYCHDf3hTFfUW1uIZvD4vklG0fMfQEdaQ2RTyztYrf26+ZHI3zEc8elQ1cZ478WPD8tpf/ANs20BFneHJGPuv3/nVJGcjz50VnyOo6ikKw3O3tn+lMRrK8UlkqMwrNlk+kREsY1kG7s1RVdkOBMLaMakq3eOnBHQms3UbjoU46lm/04Sr/AKOQsn932rOlVlfyG4j9CimtLYwzocFsj616VKVzmqIfdwiQmWPAWuxM5yqCCzAjkdfpVIYrmMx4VStMkFGEBC5Ge9ABJliTkHHYdKAIkLjnG36UgHqWK7TjmkA6TIO3PQZH1oHYVSxUFsAsfypCHklZuSSDSAcj8BsYxwRQNDo5WLbWBGfu57UihI2OCrEHHBNMBZAVwwI4GMY7UARs/ZwQzDtQJjVbaM5O0DFO4rCMcZwoUHoTQFhGcuAwABHUUhkRyzZPT0NUhMcdvG773tVCG7dse1WyO+algNyu0nonQGkxocACBhtpoGSgjYG6kUACOrHBHXjikMVim5hzkcUCZ9PvqDtAywoWYcKSOc+tNROhlfQpLuW6m+2h3U9M9KJRsBblt5E1OMyO7xSfdP8Ad9qkaZqzLBMhjdGC45b1qCiGLT1jVI7dFCtzjvRa4F9rULb7ZUVx3HepJaPIv2iiNL0+ytLabzFvW+eBu2Oh/OkxpWMv4Y6DrkyxR3eqfYI1UNEmfvqaExNWPWJZZtG0d7lriG6iA4z39qicuUqCcjObVro6G2saRCGiZdzQZ+7WfMyuVIwbfx4Lu3itNX0yUtcMY1njXOB7n2ovfUEeUfEDRdR8Oas25jPaXJ3QuO4NKN5CmjN0G8urUrNdQSS2yc4ZTgEVXJqKLsj3LwP4w0e/0D7VbKiyRfIYieQf8ituhD1ZwvxQvLDxgsMjk2uo2pKoG6OvPT86xmzWMdDy6YTwkw3CD5WxUb6ok0/D76fYXzG7i823dNwDDv6UJ8w07F2KW21a+EOmQiJWOEQDgn3qnEblcNX0nWreQ27afIX3EOgGRU8uornJX2m3Tb8wlWRiDGRjFbJGb1OflhMcrKwOc8j0qkItWm7cHA5z1NJvQaPTWSzj0S18+KNiyZcj71ZJmr2MprkWs+2QuYj/ABDqR6GrRCIb2e3hCvYS58zkqO1Gw0dH4VtLiSEXbBo3Rsgr6VXMVa51U3jGGwUAo0wXjLD/AApEuNjMk8TwX8qS2YaLDfMh6HNUmJM29SvEh0KaW6IcOnyt3HsKJO5SRwUbnUrny4dzxjnIPINZtFHS6TpWuRpGVdlSY4TI6EdM0gsdgkF9DHCJ/kmH8YH3jTsPY0p4riCHzXb96eTgcYqkhXK1kJzLhCfnGQg6U7CuMv7OKALLHFiUf6wd6Bk2mXkt3crYXULW7xxFoJ/oDVEEumXQuYjJqEiu0EhXJ788Y/Ks5Ow1qWfE+oIlhuto183GBuHWplLQtRPOAwuL6WDVQUGCAew9KL3Q5Iwbzwu93e7Y5VB6xsTwRVJmNi5BCLe5gt5XKMp2s+fu1SdijpLK81TRZJJluzPbM3ypnIAp3BHb6Nd22qvbyON04GWHepRTJdcuQY4ILeBl81sM4H3SM9fypvYaKk6XMFoJoV8+RWxIg7D1rNCOe8fWV3LFZ38e6KZR970FVz3IcTC0nxcJC0M6iYJw2Oual6DTsdjba9/aHhq9R4jGi27hX9flNSpO9gfc434V310tlqFtMxltsMUR+h5q56NAm2dB4L1yyaKXS2OxUc7gTxUKVmD1NDxHFZ3mm3tlMI3ieMsqn1AOCKHMLHzVq9tFBqUiRv0YjinchorPAwO7jHap5rjHQpIHVG5DUXCxft1FtOyh9sg6ZrOXvbjWhbgaa/lO/bGy87vWsZWgjRal0TiPDyfMyn5RRBc2xUn0Ne2uItStisaMXA7kZBreEnTdmZTV0VpYJBiPYFxyc9674VE1ocziZ19EUkJXgHnGK1i7k2EdxsUHJbHFWTYfIWWMKQF9/WlcQxVUFwOCRmmAxFKtjvjjNIBxUj5OM9cjvUspiSvuBAXsOT2oEOt2DZBOSOTQxC7lbDAEA1LGh0keSvluMjnJp3KHKruu52zg8CkAgdWxuB3ZzkUwJCUJwc49KAGiPEgJOR2oE0NdRsOAc7sj3oBIHjYnoCMZ20BYZjA6DJHFCCxA5G7ByT2NNCYjgq2QaYhcMAQ2cDqB3pXHYYRtIx93+EUAIcFcleh5pDJdxVQy5HoKAAuyjPT1IoAWNlk3Z+9/OgD7Be3tW+cIgLDJIHWmze5DdmG2EeMsCcAdSalN9QJbiL7TEgWYKRyBjpQxilVS2d5WJ2dahllDzXjia7WXpyh9B6UrgabTte6Q/wBmIExTK57GlewHhfiu0ufG/wAQ7HQtSkNpNAn32HXGTSjqOWh03ibw3q+jRxXVtMJoLRVUMg+YYH/1ql6ApJs53xT4khj8O3um3ZmtzPH5luxBH7zjv6YzWMbt6ms2ktDJ+GF34z1vR7rT9PvFhtSp3SuMkeuOa1k0jGN2d/8ADVZdN0uTRdTmhurgSM0T5yOp/wDrVnzK4yHxnq/hu7u4dL16yktrm1cNbXKDKfRsDpye9bxSBq5sWum+Grm2mczWPkTpiSPKgHPcc9aZmzEg+GGi2eqLLpGqeTHcL9xjuCk+4oQ9jzT4x6dfaH4gjtHBwFykgGA49RWM7FJs53Tliu4p3d8sF+6x6GuWc3F2RViqQ8aCOQs+DwoHIq4yQmi/4akk06UyQqSWPLbeR+Nac6bsNI7LR/FmrG7817l3SMYw57fShrXQpI1NQXSfE1q91Hp7W92o2lk6MfXpW8VYlo8i8W6Be6bqLGVP3Z5BHQ02ZtGS8RQAAYPpWaYWNHR9RlEwW7kZkUfKDyBUtXKvoal5qcV3KUjUYIxnoDVLQCFbS3haK4ikRwCN8eaG7jR2ttqUKwRiyd0jCfMp9alJlGFq1/N5zRh1ZGOSaoljHvbXTowZlwx5UA9aErhdIj1LxRcapbx2SkbD8oUdfrRsNyOr8J+GrmxEF22RkZZKYJndpqSXVm1tayPuVwNoOGQ+tBVyy19fCwAlljuJkbCnb2pCuN0vXZ7vUTpt/aGMkZVj0NWiGa8cDNMs0AEYU7WPcCgCrrcM8VzG5O8P98n+IVLdykWdXuYNMt7eVohLb8AMoztB4qkSzK0dIbl7y4aHEYfejg9QM1E1ccSzdX+n6lY3EXVkIELH+E/X86z5SuY5zUbWGOWR5grF4iGTqQefmFX0E3c5myBh8+yllLhhmJu49qQ1oRJb+Zct58mY2+Xceq1cXoSzQtbW5t1x5jGMkcf1ochpWOp0Sa3sLlbj7QFlIHTp+dJMqx01/dm3SC5KqIp/ve59aroI5bxb4lg0PUIpJLgrGzYyv3TUqNxN2NGTXILry0umFxZ3EeeBzzihJXHc8c8e6NdeD9d/tHTplayujlOensaHqzNsitNe1y90a6tLSfbBt3smccd6GkgWqL/w611baGXS7p9qy8xyEco3+FRV1dy42SNg6XicyRXIiLHLY6N/hWSeo9zoPDIl1APZuRLIgIRieoND2KR4j41tvsfiC7tyhULIcg+taU9UZT0ZkwXRVSq8qe1DgJMu28m4ocA+/eoasVc0dQsVmlEm7YCBgk8ZxUcxNivY38dnM0dwS4xxg8UqlLnWhcJcpAb3zJ3VB8jHKj0rSEbRE5XZv+FhcOjtH8hB6ircObcm5qxXqXFyvmrk52sTSXuqxNiPU4wJHWNc4GfXIrpo1CHEzrqzngZHZcqwyMDgVvzpkNEcjFn5AbA5z2pkkbOQc7BjpVdAsDMxJLY4HUVIrCrLg7HAIUHBp2HYIhvj+YDeelFgHKUA4HPcUmSSuUaMNEoB7j1osNEUbk/J+BqbDFMjBiAduOlAx5G4FlO0k549aAGF9o3k7nzigBwkYtgAZoAcsjMylhnaO3SmCGsxPz7sNngGkAoRyhc4I7YoQDJlVjuCbSB27VSJe5HEHBySSvrRcLEnyuhO4kj04pDIgpbnPI9TQA0oQcZBoAk3DyxjGBwOaAIW67SePSmkFhY2UltvGBjdTsFj6xvL4RRQSM4VTwQeM0tzoKt5NPHcRvG6yRFSQ2M7TRYCe1lMqLcPN85ONq8CiwWNM3MICh8FWGDioaLLDaZaXFp86lR22tgVDE0YPiPXLfw7fQWTIVM0RaJuzkdqlaiseYeAb278QfEq91W5gzLGNsYxjA5/xp2sVue2NB9osyrLhGGGRuhptEbHmHxd8Farr2nQ21jaQlYm3K5O0jrx+tCihu7OC0/S/iF4Ks3htbFmhbJyi7gc9e1LkiwTsSeHtG8X6vE2rWN5HDKzlXjLbcHPpRyJbFI6jSvh9rd3HPD4h1BWjmX5nHzMp9jVOVugHSaN8OtJXQvs7PNduhAd1kIPFZ2JZasvDNzLP9nie4t4IgApJJIx70JDuVfit4Mk17wdLvlL3unJvhkPVl7j9TWc4jTR82abaTSzIiuUJ569awaS3GkahhZJlRixkBxvIxWfmXax0Hh+7tZ2ktZ7bYOm8etYVW0rmkLMvPFpSwSC4cJKgJV1bG7HaoU6ikrFtJIi0jWpbW1V7FWZd+GQjk/SvXgnbU5nLU3NUTRNb0tcyEuvVGOHQ+nvTkC1PP8AxP4ansLpVhR5oSdykDJxUCaOaukjSZ1bcpxwMUCM29MsSB4ZCVz+IpkXGadHfXdwscLvkngZrS6Bts6waR4gtIQJZPLVxxk9qNATaCDS9Vnjy2CF6n0qXG5VzI1i11BXEtyHaJTjdjtTSJbNbRLPTQkN1b34EwOWVx0H51DZRs6l45vImNrC26MfKJFbk+9HI2FxPCHiBrfW3nur5ozKv3yeM9s0bDO307x7Z20jpfi3ZGON0ZB/Gk3cpaHUaTquj6rKslvIsjLzGc8n2q0wbOh3xpayiJj5+CSu7kk0ySDUbxo7OGW6eIjG0dD+FZ3sUiKKWFtLaEFZVdc+WeSfpTGVtLKQ6bNayDy5HyUi7kVN7sTRJFpMBsGmtGXLH5424x71TRJmTaVC9+JZpnSOMcH19jSsNEN3a6fJI8iQROu3PykbiPpQUYWtWcizRyJAPKA6/wCNCZLEjuZLq2TzWVHi4yp6igaINQEaQyFZG2NjkHv60Io7jw/qVnqOjWkdwryiP5JM8Ae9aJEXOd+Ifhe11Mi385lEb/JxkBfWk9AWpOtnZQeEls4Z8XduuYXJ+/WUYtMo5m9gh8RaUtpdbhcJ0BPf2p7MUkcd4g0XUPDCoXLKknKuDww9M1e5mnYo6PeQTXy+YFTcMFh2qXEdzo7nXRC3lxAPGSC3tU8o72N7RPFmkWsglMnkyKoKle575qXAamZniTT/AA/r+orqn2h/Ln4kOOjVSVhN3OD8a+G/7AvB9nuVnjbpjqv1qhGHbXBLBCSOeSKlq4rnV2ebvTJrdgCQuUJ6k1g3ZlHJ3cTxzkPnBreDTRMjT0nTpLmBniwXXnANZVayi7FQjdHYeDjaSW0kJdorlT8yEda2py5kS0P8XaTfaM6aj5W+0mXPy9FNKUQZDoN/FcICeWwVJPOBWNmiC7fTrGXhiYSRMMAkdPpXTRg+omzEmi3FiGwV/hrrM3qQsCWDbePfv+FMQxnwh4XmqSGMKjaCTn2p2AergFPkI/wosJiswYbMY96kkahZH+Y4AzgUJAOjKspBzyc5oaKJV8ssDn61Ix0TLuJXhWGQTQAxkwcqcnuKQCKcsD0GPmNACvuGFjJYdRgdaBIaW+U8H0FAyQscY5/OhAJuwSCcj61Quoqn5Nu4EP29KQ7DCF8xl2MoH60BYTADYxn0xQFhHMbHkEH09aBDSIw23PB/SgBCgDcncccY9KYETMVQqq0AfVfiBDcwW0UkZhMrbc44WjmNya70XytJe0gnOBjDZzScrjC4TyY7WCBDK4wCQO9JBctzRskKoYT8wwdvOKbGyxY280MBHnMQOgPSs2gPKPjTqD6tq+k6LAjreRS7gR128/40lG47nceBtGstLj+0QwEXcg/eFhzT5Rc1zpluTPG6cbQcHsRTsKwt3qFtb2tw8sg2wx7juPUU0B5zDdS+JNO+2aHqM6bSdqOoIJ9KLFLQ890y48R6T4zOnywsiXEu7aOm7PJ/WiwI7u41jxJL9nS3KxRE7WyM4+vFS4jOr0uaeyLNNKxkKbiqDhhUDaRHDrd9qOsLFZOBagYaQdm9D+tF7E2N7T9SgmvJbC7Qh9mOejA8VEncaVj5n+MPh0+GvG88NmrrZ3H72D/ZyTwKhrQL6mNbmeaDzXQuNuN47EVz6XsaC6Zc3ALMxACnsOtFSnGw4ysaerQjUIPtMDfKnL49a54PkfKypu5hLfXVhdRhWVo87jj0rvhKyMGtSLVb+afUIpoWdeRu2HFUphI9Jj8T2Vl4diuJ4BPMmMbh+lcrm5S0NE9DlPGGseF9d03zoLQ2eo9RtHy/zq4RmnqQ2ed3G4OVI47j1rp0ZGxf8K6hBpmqpdPjKnoRkEUNAj2xNR03W7C2luIVSJuFPQfjVxGXxaaRZ2rkJkSdEHP60xmV4nsLHU9CdbeJVlWNsjHUAVDY2jz3RvDMC2LS6h5kLh8KvTK+tFxcp148GaBJpJmtJ3lljILbBkj61Vibmm3wwtdW8PebApimK5SQdz7ilYfMeZaB4duJvFf9iXLhZUfaQx60tgPbtN0HRvCFo15EHk6CQE/c9xUuQ7XNK6vtFuljvDLIny8MpwGHvzTvcNjlPFl/++tBYO0ttK+TzkA88Utg5jrNPEP9kxagkbCUDBjPak2Umc3rl1cgNcSRyxzZzbqOpH+cVnzF9De0DVrO70hPtAeGcja56YrRMzZtRW9nf6Y1lJOqmRflI6t7imCZjz2lrplsEmyZYjhWbgEUXKMPWzCGbiVEdecc7T61C3A5Z47pYirMrMpw4B5x61oJhezQ2F5axyCTyXwcN39aLgztNA26VeeWuJLe4wzIeqipcrAldHRa7Ppxhkltj5j4574Hei9xbHF+I4RdeE7yS1V4pY+Vx3HPemmBznh1Ha3smSYeeTtJPXvTe4j03xFolhqfhBLG/t2dGx+9Ucxn1phY+cfFGiX/AIa1uW0KOYuqMR1U9KbIasMgluoYvNQLIsi8+3NSI1dN06S8uo4reAvcOMhOxpFo2dWtHh0mQeXJbT2jAzQkYyPWkJnNeLbxL2C1YODIU+c/nRYSZy9uubjA796TWgzbstQaCbj7wGMVi4l3KOsxzDFw0bBH6HtWkCZDdH1GSyYNEx60qtJTHGVjZ0TUg2tfaZTtd+m0cGnSi6eiG3c9m8IahpuuaTLod9H57CM7if4OODW8tETy3POZvDl3o2uyIx22xYlW7Fc8Vh1JcbEd0siyZAznp9PWuqmYy3K+DJIWHHf8a1YgEaZCyZ81vTtQT1KskUZVmVSGB4Bp3GQyKVjDhTtJxVLcBGcjDc47VTAMuwPqKQxHZtvzZz60AIhUnAJOaQFgMSwBA6dqgQ0FVJVTn19qYLckjBaMlm5FIYAAFVxx3xSADlcfMQw6UCQjuCS27nuPegYgLMABkk9aAHpkgfJ06E0AL5e1fMQ/Nnp7UwHSMMFtpJXrQAyMgncQMnkUxDXG6YuBnoKQxrw5djtJ+lACLw5I4UcZoEIcKQBjJ5qrgfYl5Dbz2rRTKG3Dj1H0rM6DHjtplVLZZH8lyVJPWhlKwsVhd2EpCyNcNjgGiItC1p66gW3XCCNhyFrTce5k+MPEk1hbmC3hH2wfOsYP3gKykhcp5T4X1WTxP8XYdREJUQD94h/KojILH0FatGELjZ8o/Sr5iERhrLz0bZsEn8fbNIo8y+Mes31otroVvGHa/fGV67ef8Kdy0a/hW4TTdITTo7MJFF0fHOfepuQyp4m0rT7zV7LV1uHtJY+GBA2y5x/hRcESa74u0bRZVspbcyuV4Kjr9KLlPQ3/AAd4t8N+ILc2FrIYb6NCVSZcM3HQdqmTCzGaff6Wq3SpbGCaJzvQ4BzzzSTQuVmRoXjXS7zxELe7xGzZROOpoVimmHxP0jS9Xt7V7giWCVvKV1HMZOAp/M0midj5/wBRkfQr6402Q+YI5GCv2cAnFc8qd9S4yNSG1tbjS/tUZEbtyq9mrFuzszTRmf4bu9us3FpcrsjlGQhPHGeKqpC8fMm9ilf2s8t5NNb2zNCpK4UZwK0j8KRLRVg3C4MMY69/SqSsI1Yn+UrLIrFcAoejUPe5SNTwj4ZtNa8SoiRqIguZIz0PSqu0Fup1Pib4XWyW3mQH92WyhxyP/rVcI9yZzT2OD8SfDe60+E3NtJ9rQjd8nUVoloRYu+DZdMs9O/0mSVpgceWegpbDTOpu9V+0aZ50lo8Vtu2+YRwKnmLUbkGr6esVjb3lnfOHIyYyeGX2rKUtbGqhpcqasBfWJuGkEZjwrD8KmM9bClF2uZOi69HoqSxx5uNx6k9K1cm9jKK6mjp3izxBd6mi2cvkwMwGwdDUynYpRudAfCKLrT649632vhgq+uB7VSdxcpu2l+moRT213+7ngGAGHD0NWKRuaZbWCeFLyJLeMN5bMgP97HaqhYmascBoSv8AZPNlhzsn5hPbr0rV2sRFHY3FxAkoaK5CxSgbk7oa5Zp30NVaxG1pIl4stwWljkGYS4GKnlDmFsLU3cVzalVSVBlWA4qybmbam73/AGd3YTW/Rh0FUgINUha88uDVLqSMO3BHQj3qJMo5yTW/7L8/TLrdd26n5N/3h7CiwmzIsdWAuz58TrbucE91BqxXN2/Gm6xpP2Y3A+22jBoP9tPT+VNDvcrWurz2KvqcdzvaHqj9x0xSaTDY2vDniyDVrqaSaJYYpozwOxwalqwJpjdJ1m0SO6gib7QjMVfPahCbOeuNGa31iO4s5JPKn5AB4Q/5FNsRLd+L/FEVw9qFMsdumx4z396aYHeaNLZa34Rt/wC27aEzHPOOdvpTYJXPJPiL4Ru/Cmpq0JafTrrmOQDgexoRLQeEbQvqNtcz3awGNgQpPVc9qHoUkT+LjfW7anP57TW8vy5f6VKZLR5ncSMxCljjHT0q3Ykht9wmByRSGWfNMVwNxJzU2uO5vWOqxCwaylhE8bjIDfwmsXFp3KTVjAlG2Q7VIGelaxdyGIjski7c+2KrbYaO/wDhfrH9nag73EuFZdu496Um2OLsei+KZNOvfCa3NrMssqNlgO4pRWo5PmR5zPMj5ZA2QOP8K60rI5nuVQzIjbkwTQhD45RtBYfMvOaoVgBjMnXk80DuAYSqY2UZzxil1AjNoVGCNw603IREUbztoIAA4JouFiNlOGxxgd6pBexDCDggj5s8UwuWIy20gcVNhXFKAbScA9M0DRL5amM7Xxjue9JjIl3bBk5ApAOBGwKy7sd6AQ0jYTuyc9MUACSbCC3U0wF3DG0kkA5GaAAFFO7JOfWk2A5/us6k5boBVLYRGmV2spye+aQyUPFtzjgfex60MLjI5GxgMOvFIBLkZGdgX6d6aAaFRlCkEe9O4H1xLJLcWEb2kiLjrkfpUm9mN0eZ5VlSIM8oOGJ7fSpYbEtnNerqQV0DIvD45qtgKvjjW/7HKShSQe/86p7Eo+bfib4rvNS8VvqFrcMiogC7TxxWF7so6/4EaUZ9KvtblkaO5MnySZ7d6JyQ4q53vijxNHolnDcw3Kuc7ZUJ4xWakU4lHRfiLZTXcdjqbfu7hgASeEz0NVzE2OOl1ufUPio7vJHLDY/LFuOAQfT86OYNj0O0W8aNoWaIITuD7hyKokyPH+pTaFoSI22dpifLB5AoBHK2PiQPpkv9pacCY/mieReYz/s1LZa1NPwNqVr4ylurHUvIivol3WVzH8rK/OOT7gUmVGK6HnniXVfGNt4rmt7ua4a+gJQOoPzgcA+/SjluJyY29vPFOlTWmr6hp5hBbckpXG760nFIOds7/wD4WXo2q6GsAaTTr2MBjwSrt+VCCx5r8TLNhqsF7HdJJFdIHYL2OBn+dK6E1Yo24uY4Ej+0gRP0XriokkCbHXFr5dzGzTE7TtJ7qfWs1K+hTO00iT+yLaeFJy8VxFyxHUkU1qykzhtdDxai9zHE3lu38IwBW6RDHrNbgZZT5kgBBPas20B1nwy8SRad4jEN6N8MqbNwP3enNUtRuWh7/o2o2H2LynlEgUZwOa2gjK559411bTbfxTFDoDpNLcRkTQN0De350PQdmea67peqQ6h58GlSxOGJfYNwJzntSewbM72w8TaVN8M7zTtWA8yYbNu3lGGKxNUcA2oLpumxwPIbjYA1s7A5A9P5Vna8jX4Yme2s3mo7bMwIDKflIHem1y6icnLQu23hycyk3QYAnBwO9F9LkJa2Lr6dNo1zEYVLKTu6VnN6GqjodFJ4xsDbRs0UiXQ+Vhngn1reGxlJ2ZQ1LxZMtm1pPDEsrjMcwFUtSOY1tD8X79Ce3mUpdwx5V2+6/HFU2F7mPB4z0dtRjkuPOiZjiVF6E+vShNsDpNY1XTftVpJp7LO5VQzjvz3pMrodD4uu5T4btlhG1gylcj+dCWhCZg+HvFl7/b1pY3FpEdh2zFerD/OKE0kOR2Pi0Wv2uIWaiO5KZYAfeHoaEJXPOfFerXUVjJ59gUeEkK2PlINQ0U2ce2qW+ppumiU3MQ+VsdR6UbAtSIeIWRPKnsE2lSmQvUUxWFSDyZoJhvjD8xt2B96L3ATVZry0VonVJFm4Y+tAPUgtIp9OHEhicDKZ5DA9qNxJWNPQr2JZGAiVHlOGGOM0MZ0sLywuVkAeLGVGeh9qncpM6jRdF0a9eDWL0lZpDslQ9D7n86EwbLfj6C20NLVbaBYoZOUcH5c05t3EtEJFLD4h8F3VjqMaOMFY26lW7Gkr3EtT511eK/07VJNOk3hoGwAK26CaaZoeIPEz3Ohx6dMh81cfN/eGO9ZOLG2jjmz5mD0xxVWsQSRwsAXYE/hSuOww4kbd2FMRdtF+YBRyKykUia6CEAhSrg4INKLArGFsBgNozWlxGnpMLT3SQBuWYDI96dwtc9JhhvNAtho2pov2SVd8Uv1qlYGmjnruDZMyrtUZ4x3rdMwluQSRsdsjfez830oERT2rGbzFcY9KaYDI0K55w47+tUAodSGxwwPOaTAlikGCRk54yaliHq0QGFwQT39aEMgmQOCQoUn8qpMlle7i8mJWUZA5zVXBDBu27z+GKQxGfaAGOVPOKYDlYImCchu3pSGOKkLuJ+WgAzyN+AGGBQA2YMhyOM8daLAw2kBCwBJ65oEhz7hHkKCV70DFUjcokwRjJxQAiy4bavIzxQAk2Fn4wOO/emA7oDGCMMKTABj7hA3DmgBdxJwygg8dOlJAImAjhhyOlMD6uiurWztVaaWOPedvHSpTudEmOhuYrPVIGgBeJ1O5lPFVyibNm2W3hZ7mN/LV/vBqG0hWPNvjHqF9cE2dnaiWJEy0g5znjFRKVxxR84apaTRXrI8TxjPAZSKzsPqe9+E4IdK0PTEaQWtvJb5l56/NUyRWxpXuneHby6ilKR3iM+0xZHJ9azSKbsZ3xD8FaBLo8t5YMlpcQFSRkDaoz2quUhO55l4Y0hb+GW4MrNOs2NwPOKpIGeoaBbzzWMUV0zrsG1JEPzYHrViaHa1a2esQJYSNK4ST5WYHqKLhFXLOoaf4buNCMbyC6W0/1yBgHI9vzqG7lRjZnN6T4R8NahP/AGr4Y1Wa3jhILxSE71Pp2qdSttj0PS9Lsb28huLtYZp1QJ5zY3cY6n8K1irrUiTZU+J+ktrGmR6NNsMLAvFIDwh5pOwlJnjNl4dXT45xqVq3mQsQrleMDv8AjUpXQ1I1JfCdp4ztRHoRVL+CPd5THAcD0pcllcp6o4qysjaamtvfW8sZV9p3A/L25FZVFeOhEXqdPqPhmSExzpLE4I3Z4+YeuK4o1e5tykiWV3dRxQRMHkJ5Ujkr7VrSrXeo3HQqalFJp8clpqMCeU4wrHk4/wAa6ubmWhlaxymoiG3v/JQ74HXCN3FS46XFe2hKtuunNFdyqdj989KiM7luFkbtl4s1S1Y/Yb4KuML6Y/OtoNoz5Ta8CNpA1ttQ1e7SS4J8wseffircrjOx1/xcLHUorrRfLuLcriVCnUVHMNI4e+8U6Rd3F5HcaVDBJI275cAZ+mKlq+xUZJbnK+KdasruxWJAFnhO2MgYytEYtDnNHPaXrMlpcxu2XVWyAauUbozU7HeS/EKK4gQRwhTGOQe9TGDL57mVdeO5ryNomRVKnKsD09qmVJMr2hl32vC7O4wIrgY+QdapQa0Jckx8N7DLA4n3F9vyg/w1aRm0D65JNYLZ7CxQ8MPvCjlHcRM6jEkSQAMv4Mxo+EaPRNJbQ7bQrPeyi/XCzL6+/wBawTdyrHXXusWl3oK2yS75YwDu9B71unoSlqZraXaWV/a6xbyIYhh5eQCT04rG7NOW5vf2xaatrEk9peRmVAAqH+IE1pEm1jnPjha6vb6bbTW8ZFnKAswxnDev86aVhNnE+F9MivrJ53xFLCPTBapeokZ0UyxXMlrcRgqWyoI6VSgHN0Ox0O1S7sDp91GrofmRs4KZ6VMnYDTvvDGlyaA8V3MFmjGYpQ3DGoUrsEjiptN1PU0jsbRd2zO18dq1THIpwPJaSGzu4N7RkjKDDKw75oYkdRbXFldaZFvleOWM8A9zUjOj8OyeYqweYfLfkZ6g1F9So2Nn4g2Vzf8AgJrSdyZoT5kTgcHGcc/jWj1EkcF4G1xrFPsd3KZFnO1iT901LKSsS+NfD8cOsQ6rIpZJVw2Rx9f1qlMiTueOa2Vl1OcRj5Q5Cj8au5mymjYKnGSDzUsDbeWKKzMm1WR1wPUGotqWYBbnpxmtCDpNCNu9tudQGHAb0rnnuWgJSW92Pjk4Y9ql3sM2F0q0mQCBlyeDnvWPtnHctQubXhnQU0i6Se7hDkkMig10U6qm7oXLynTfFOSLUPD0V7ESPKUBQOw71qnqTJHA6ZM0topkY7lPFbQld2ZzSRPLJwVzkHjiqTI3IlbIEbctxiqAjwVJdsgZwKpMYjDcxcBSw6+9DEghCO25jggdB0pDJG2KFXAPqaGAw/d2Oc8Yx7UIlgqFsoB8gHGTTKIoo8DJG7PYdhTFYhkBZm8uLGOme1FxjDycsCuPancmxKjL5RViTnge1IYgG5geNqjpTGOdQ3+sAZBz1pARu+4ZQ4A6UCHxANuy3B70wEHKnJAA/M0hiBOpYZGOMUACKsiHzRgdj3oJYNiORSQCMcc0gQ4nOHBAI6+poKGF2VvmPBIpoXUepyDuIGenvQM9UF9JdXTWUUk81tFy8uSQo9axppo65pHpei/2VZ+HkKXZmWQZWTfk59K05mRoPuLhLzTvsrXJBb7jA4qGDVjh9S16G10y/wBMupgLg/KjNyciiKEmef6vaS6he6RZsY2lnkCnPXkjrVWA7rUdL1C9jj0e6UwSQINgHGfcVE2h3FuNGn0LRherOfPT/wAerFMu1yr4/wBQj1DwTazTSNBc3I2HBwTjg5q4yFy2MP4babHHZI0l9HG5fOM5IHvVEs9asbXyrUMxVpQmW2gYPvUpjKVmCb64XyQrhd6Db1pvYFozyfxZFqek6lNqluxCPJiWE9h9KxV72KbsyxZa7Y6fb+daQSRyyKpkA6FqtwYk0VpviDdi2nAidMnClSQQaNehpdWKNt8QteQbluBL2KSjIH0zS1ITQy+8VatqqxqWQux2yAjj2qoXIaSN34YaXqieOIg1z5DopkCq+NwODgetaPaxNzqviLb2UEcMrwB3SQiRggz0PU/WuLES5VZDpnJ2dxb3aywPcPAlsuPMbkHPavKk5RqeR0xehjalqeox6na3NiR5lv8AdZRw4rup2s7kSbuamtmHW2juGkVTI2Giz9w47VrSvG9xPU5ybQ5Rqc1j5W91G5B/9erdT3bgodTF8QNqNqW028iKSAbgD6UoW3QSbKGg3sIcQzxnr27V0JaGdzpY4tPdCySlGB+Uf3qlpopI6HwvdWxk8t5kODyjAfN9KmSZascj4406abVmubGFljJx8vc1cLdSJrsWvDHgebU7GS9un8tUIU565NU3YmxH458L6dodvC0V2rzYyyjt9acbks4qXBUrF35JoYIpSGWMfKRk00kMu6c0rODu5ApW7Aa20kF2b5j1wKWoD98KIoUbJCfvUXZVxi300VwGjcAp0I4zRuhNmpouoW0GopJfBpI3PzndzUuKsCkdPdeItKjlkj0+VzE0e05HNEYtIrmVyvqviy2n0iGxhlZPK4JHf/OaSiNzsV/DF1ZfbfMhvZYZhhlyeG9utN+QKVz1G18e2GtaX/wj2uW2Gdgiy/wjHAOadw0F0/Q9NkuSElEU6Dai4wsg6ikglochqGk7tcljnsyWEhDEdA3+FPmEkmVPF2rLpU0Ntaxst2igZB4P1Hela4M6vRb6DxP4O8iaHyLuIgEjv7/rWMtJFRNLw1ouq6LqLXQjimtZlCuh5I9xx71fNYdrnMfEjwxcadP/AGlA++GUlj6jNNSQmji01BInABJcHK8dD70yTqvC+vqJWWaLJfAOO3uKmzHE7a5u7uXw/PbJcLcwSjgn7yURetizz7Q9OS7uUWPAVTg+uc1TE2bfjW9v4tBubXyjIIogFYjOODmhIzPCkeQTtKwzkmrZAkxUvuUY3UhsaHcOqk/KO2aLANkIckjAouBYs5mjUheAetQ0mx3JIZnSbdu3DNHKrBc6jTJmktQzgqOxXt71yThFOxtFuxau9V1B1WJZC6x8bh6VtShYTk2dJpes2l74WktLhS08bfID3HfNa2SZm22ZunvYSxyW0pSOTqhAH61w4mpUpSTgEY8xU2BZWUYYg/pXoUa/tI3ZnOFmROMycBRnoc10JmbRE6CMMJGJBHSmmKxVRMKxy23rgelWCJMbYCEP3jn3pAJ87NtUZGOlAtR020kcnOcE+9IVg3MoO0/WmUOEiBV2AjbySe9LUCRpYz82ASeMYo1Ai2REMSxU54xQgIp4+m0EHFVcVxFxt5IXjv3pDQileS5wD1oAiYAyFWOFA4pgInJwT8uKAJNmRk+nAoACrgrtb5T1pAJICMMBkDjrQA8MhX58Z7cUAIScYKj60ALvUrsbaTjHI6UC6kY5bGBxQM94hs7XSoRYRjbIB++yOXrBSsdci1Do6QQLJbNJFE2WVHPAz6VdzFmpouipfQq0sgYAk5DEYokUrs8l+L9s2nay9oH3Kx3IwoiNxsc78Nxe3viuGZSzfYj5p3c8LzSbEtT2ySfVLzdqFwItuNsZ/ipPURtSWKX/AIeQXkZQkDPqCKVkF2cJ8XtDVfA8V7HLlYX2qPc//qpWKTKfgPTI5PDtvIwCPINrP7ZqyWz06xtHSAfvCVQhBj0pDuZ/iW3SGWDVbSRt1q4Mqeo/yKfS5Vyp480uy1/ww8cDxx386ZjPTcfSstNy2jxhvDnieyZla1beo6MOoq+YyascT4gOpWd59jvIWgkJ3bCMHmmgbYllpmofLPKJPJPU+lJWYHY2Gj28FqJJrgFWG4sD1x2+tGwjsdK1zRLW70vUklbfaH5hnnA7H8qnnsaWVjmvFviu4vvFFzdW2+Ozu2G6J+Rjjp+Vc9WHOJKxoX4gtFd4JEdLtFDA/wABP/664qeu/QabRXgItbiC2MakA4bPcHnNU23qNlLVAdKujIVfyZX3xk9vb9KuLbGmdF4c1G0vtRgvZUVyhB+Y4JFRaUVaRvCzRk/HrSrhNVttftFzYXKBVI/gbAyD+RrspOLVkYVHqecWOn3JuEOGTzPutjg1spW0M7XO+0T4aeKtStFubdoQ3JjRyQX+nFVuDTRl6Vo2rReIXTUYHhMDYce4qWi0dDCJrS8+0XSg2ztw2M4pRRTO6sEtbPRJ7u0IeG4Tg4HDY4oZNtDzf4geG7ibTDqP2hZZMbnwecfStLpGVjz7w/BBPqCRXBCq2Rz2NQ9SkQa/aLbXTxIwO1iMinETIrNvJXn5W96dwLTea7l0bI9qQDIpiZ8NyRQwLMk8WwHYA+cUICvI26QhTke1MCWJXVwkpwD6dqBGnapBFcIxCyZGPx9KQ2b+ltYeRtmh+dSSAo5HtWTTNIND9VmsJ7Jfst6YpVyPLYYOauKJky34a8ZzaZvWZfPXbtDP1HuKbjcVze0PxJd6jetK8IKRrvRsfePvWM42LiVNbsf7b1yGa3x9qcZ8sj7p4pxlYGtS7pt7PoxuLV4cTAYcAd/WoklJ3NEtC94f8YXq3yx6jIqRIMqv96rTZNxvjHxTcu7xxok8BG5dvOPalyc2pV9DzeO6s7u8dXtysjH5SOma0TIYBbmPU/LWTa2QQR2oYI9K8IXVyly8VwhBEOXB+6emCKxi/eKM3WtDvzNHrOm5jUSjei9q2Ikal8l61xMrhXWa3KlG9SDzSvYEeKXGmSx6jNBKm0hyBn61V7mbM68tpoZiroRt5HvRcZAqOxyVOTTuKwjJJGfnXBPY0uZMAhbccN1NDQEwXaduOAaQzqdIJW1DqMlf4fUVy1NGaRZ0elaerSpKmBFMuGz2NZyxHIrF8o6xgk07xHHpTW6PHdMNpY4Bz7/jXVBqcbmbVibxR4L1aya6vooXSKMb2HqPaiSfVCgcZb3NxvBLYyetNLl0QvU2oZkYeYoy64yPWuiLMpEN5IHQMvKk4PtWqIYkDouV4LVQhrSAozkDjjPpQBXwEfeMrnn60ATx4eI/MF9KQDHaRW2tjAGc0wI9rKNwxn3pgKQxhDdCetIBqZIDc7e9AE22VoW+YcdfelcQ1YlKhXGT6+lFx3I5U6oByvc9xRcAQqchhknpTuBGy7s8DPU0XAejNj5WwByc0wAsDuUsQO2BRYBGXCbgc+gpANB3Juk4FAD2X5flz05NAC4QrtOD6ml1AcCh5xggUMD3oT6Vcamt/LPux8uz0A5zXJc62rlbWPFkRuyhnhNpH02deK1UieRl2HUdPubIXumXUlvu4ZOxPrTckEIs8X+IF/dza/NDdT+YYifn9acWEyn4WvpbPS7qaBWDzNtDjqOtRNkxOkt/GuuJZxWXmARKwbPsKm7Cx2UHxVFyjW80CROYvlftuo5mNQOP8R+Nb3xFpx0SbCAyBsDo2KSkxtI1NJe80VIIp1kFm2CyqfmFacwrHYat4iuNO0WO4025imh3Y4PzfQ0rjsOs9ekuxFGxBMyfvsdBmhvQaRkb9Q1fV7q0tJY0itwCee3HT3rN2sUdHpetaa15HZayiw3O3Cu3X61MaiYSPF/ijrWk6r46eJlUxQjyhIOpIwM/pWyTMiGyvREvkxSRyhl27T1AppWGmWE029mszDDKQXYlMjqfShtCsYFst3FcyLMu4KxV0b1rNlaDhcRo6scFA2dpqGgub9vdrfXOzOwBAB/tYrklHlNEky3Y6bcXtjcgNicNiNiealSXOoilF2Op8R+DvEF74bs3uLJmk25EgxkfWu2NNLYjmsjjvDsF3ouuGHVrGVIgpyxHH4VniKd46blwkzZ1jxXpN74cu9DvgDA+fs7HrG3Y/wA6mlGURysedaZrlxp9xC4KzRQyfcboRW99djK9j27wh8RtC1HUInkkNptQARv0B74xTU+XctvmOA8feNZbnxlcy2BU2zfLx0OOM1fMmLVGVd69c3cKQkHI6e9K6G1c0NC1a7tXQTzusCnMka+ntSlIXQu6vrFkba4ns7suSuCj1PUUdjymaYm9aRflBbPHatCQZi8245Prml1A7t9Bs9R0G3uIEAnKfNjtzis03cu10YtxpF1ZfLH0zg565rS5Li0Z15ZzQZmdcEntTQil5UuS7A4pgWS0Rg4OG+lLUBsLt5gLYI6UwNCzRpZjsYDA4qQLctzckIFjZHQ4dvWnYRUvY5ml3tyRycU1sB3PhGPSdXsBZTqsEypjefXNZttM00salhYtolzNBaOXIGQSODWUndlRiSXXiHTftT3M1sLaVYtrY6s2ByPyp8rY2cLN4pu7eaRnuPNBY7c1apoXOVYNUOp3++aUIzZwatxtsQ5Fm3ublJZYZnbOCFPrSsCkNFuwugwG/IyaBledsXQUbhzhW70JdxNs7Twvq9+uoJFeRsYvK2qw/Co5FfQpSPStIhN3oflI65mHBX1zRfl0L5lY5zW4L/QtetI7t/tEMiEO2KpJMykzhfFNqD9pvIoiYVfCnHTNO1iDIs7W4u4j5lmzxEcyAZwaTRRk3WkNBKZFDMqt83HQUWuhB4hjjvGEluy/KgGAOvFYU5cu4bmBbW0sjBVHzZ/Gt5ztHmHYuy2tzbnE0bAHvipjUjJaD5WjY0S4khiJ2A+hPasqiBOxraVrU0IlOQBjBU9z7VhOkp6F85e0Vvtuoq92zfKcxHP3T6VpGSgkK9zvdd8ZyWdrb2k6CSzmTy5A/UV0e2U42Q0uVnjOotHHqUscbhU3HA7U1qiXqzQ0RTNviZgG/hNXAykWZYXVijoeO46GuhGbICQgBxt96sQ15A6+gNADwBKh3bUIGBSAao4Pz8elACb8BlIGMcZoAdIuTuZxj2oARhjKgkg9jTYCq6RBMjcM4+tSA9gpTd0B6UhEfmjcQeV6ZoAkLptBILN0GaYDYwAjFUBIPNMZWmXk7QQuMmmgI2IVCf0oBiwkNJsJ3Z5zQwJjhBs4IFIBJGG7gjGORQA1ZDvVu/cUMB8jBwdpAH61K3AWNwFKABgeuaGBoRa9qI3RyFlyOCgOTXNZM63oUo5gZ2Nw74k5Jx3qrCUmty+ni7Voo4rWF1W3h4GO4qbCczG8Waj9vvDcqhVZBjnrVw2FJ3NbwlALm2FmAqs2D87ADH1NKYom7qHhmSWSLM0EYA2sfMBAH51N7FNFWbw3ptrdr5+swsqgFsDP+TRz9gUTn/Gx0rTZorjSbprjPJLAgg0o3e4SViHSvFutXEqiW8kZQNoUnjHpVOwIs3F68MrJA7gStkjOQDUJ3GbOmX99bYPnjP8AEVOMihq6C5lalr+saPc+Zby7Wm5DKe1HImrBzFjTNU1vXTJcXTvcyW678MCcgf8A6qTgosL3OH1kvPqUszRGGRmJwRjFbJ6EEmnXVyJgN27b1ouB6Z4W8RW8r2lrqG4CNsowOMH61k7tlo5rV9SiW91JDhg8zGNh16mqIbMpLeVbf7WJCqOeh71N1ewrk+iXEk17HEZCCrZXPf1FRVWly4yseo2MNtbXcRIO2ZQTxkKcc5rzoaSv2O1K6PYk1QvoUUaO06GPaCvBr0KNXnOaUEmVbGG31mxS31G3WQR5UFhk4rqlFSMb2PH/AIqfDS7s/E8C6b5f2K+IWIdFDeh/WslH2cWNyueP61p11pOqzWN0hSaFtrihSugYxJHVkweDzg9KVk0COhtbe1uABEh3ED8653KSepqlc6TS/D63oeRJvISNN2GFaQlcJJozLi+tUjlhaVS0eQM+ta8pmmjjdSv2ZSiLgk84FNCZQj5PPrVMlG9pGmNcyRylcr3I9KHozSMbnqfh+KxewLQYQKNpU/zrGW5q0uhzfiS/FveeQseWU7SeuauNyJsyrwrcQJBF8zE8g9BVohlVbYRkecpZFPOKpImw63h02e+e1uYWG8Hy2B4zSaAn03w1HfvLb20wS5TOzJxuxSYGHdJfWLuXAzEcMc0gJ7a8muH+Vx8wyfQmr2EaulWslzciKXO89RnrSuNHbaJ4bEFsJ5ti7j6jpWcho6DS7aaSWRmv0EcqlQ4POMUlBGkZWOD+Imj6hBPFdbsoDs8wdx2P6VSdtwZwmpWoYjGQVPzHtVIzYIsFqV3HdkDDDtVEm3bXVvPcRLC5c4waiTKijYkucwSPEoYL1OORWavc0aOfeZ0uPOYKyZBwRzWhmzrNL1JZbBwkyMWGFjxgqfWp23GkaWk6/e+Hmjl815Uzl4jzke1LcpIteOvH1r4g0aaOwieCdGBBY/MPXFUgsjH0TxFNqnhq40e+thPMo/dSAcitLXM3oaPwqvrux1j7BJtltZ+GRueaTQI2PEltoja7cOU8tB8jgDg+1R6FWtucX430HTtImt73S5VktZuCmeUaspwugascrAlv/ax+byxnis5SkoWHDfU09anWe1igWVTtJFc1CLjK7N6ji1oZdq09qdxXzI+49a6mzFpFhIA9q8iEbs5A74qbtSsRY3dKEi20V1bgOUPzKeorkqzSnys1jG+xZ8VXMOomCSHcwQDdGR0Peumgkkxy1KHjWz0xl0+80+ExPJGPNX0NdELtWM3uVre2ERO04OMjPeuiCMpk7tKpBkfYcZx2rVGRWJ8zLbcsMjnvVgMAiwvykY60AOCp5ZZj1PAzSFcAHztLA5HWgZG0bA8MOOop2Aa0hRSFHXrQAB8qR1Ynr7UMCRXXHAB/pSAlJDHHXA456UWAhdS2Ai/Nk5FAChndQdvK8ZoASJxGx460ANc7WLAhgeopoCPAbGQcY4FAAqKhIRSD6mgCJi4bPQmkgFOBg556mmA5XUncMHsaAJF2YC5ADdxSsAxcJuK4JPFDQGpBY6/NJ5I06XcRnIjOcVzRR1t2Lk/hXxHbWP2qbSZjGQW3KCcfXir5TNs517DVPLYrp84BPXYcUWEZl99qiVYbiCRDngsCKErAdP4f8MeJNStUlsLSV0x945xU8wyxL4X8YSiRDBcYXggZ/lSuAmn+A/FmoLK8NuWMQJ+bgmnyoq5yutadqkEz297avE8ZwQyEUWBmfbytaSfKvB45qWiU7G/ol1b3bqrcOrDdk9aOUtNHU6xbWItR9mlCZGS+e9Qhs4y/likIVp9xTgVaVjNncfCjxNpHhy/lbUohPDOnlsMZx1/xqGmy4tFL41jQbzVbS/0F4yk0REiIANpGMVcXpqTI8+t90bd8jvTuhHQ29w0mmrDKgXncrY5P41lf3i1sULuE3EgjSPMhB5z1oU0mRIqS3V3FELORztQ8Ke1aWT1FYntLiV5lkCBHTkMvFJq6A9U8M65HLp8TTxqzfckz1x615lSm4s7qc1ynqfw+v7BJpbK7uQcDdGexHpW+GVjKq7m/rs1jpVzbzwyp5MwxtByM/wCTXo3OY5D4weILWLwcJY5QLiCVZISeuQDWMnfQqx84eLtWm1vXZtVkUB5sFh+GKldgK0cS3Nv8qkyDtipvYqxf0kXFvL8wkAHTHapnZlRujttKkZ4CBI7I6ckN90+lYt8rNWro4TxBYT2V+zSIVBOea64TTMJxsY7ShrjLLkHuKsgedojH7kn/AGu1FwPTPhRBY3FrIgUTSPyYm7Y6VMmaxZNrMF7okLXkcJ+yzOUcf3P84oSRLucrK5kvllmDe2eQfxqxXL6CIzLNwrDqAPvCkMmYwJG3nWrPC33yp+770+YLXMu7gi0zVre4hcXFseUJ9PSquQy/C0ct+01oG80ncMHAFS9wMbVLa4ufNjbcrnlsjrTSHYp2Vq1larOTkbsEY6VT1JsdJ4WK6hrUEbzeSx4R88E9qLKw4nofiO2t4NMTbfqJYRzEr5JrCzvqaM5O2e88kXkTv5QcHZ+PPFX0EdH4x1ayuvBlzZ+bAboRB1XIzjHb35rCUZcyHfQ8Mvb95F2Mx6Y//XXSjMorI/KFifTuKZJJp1zLBceYrFdvINTJFJnXSajbfZUnikKyOP3ig1CLbIGhe5tJL2LlI/vDuM1SFYv6EbHyfONx5c4/hPSlJFRsjoLbWbC+lWG5jTzIlwGTo34UrWGnc5fxBEkUpeIiMStkfSrjqTLQ7D4O6QNS1dcygeX8zf7XtVvYhbnd2/h2ysfEL3lsflyWePP3DjtXNPmvY2SSOL8Ui+kv7i5dgltI5wdvpWsFoTLUqzw6d4h0OS0SZba8t/uFmwJOKiY7cyPOdQSSO5IYglDjj1oVjNgrTMgLn6YpOKBSZr2EyMyRuAVPGKzaKJjBHDdlSWQnlRU76iaLcV0dIdmBzHOp4b171jVoc2xpCVkQaRPLd3RRD95sitlHlQN3NbWIXhjjWWM5UZUYrroWZhUumU98csBDOVYDsua3S1Mm7kIuAwAlBbtVWEI2AU2tyKaAjYg7mYd+KAGFgF+YZPY+lIBpII+UndTQDUOScnII5NAXHkLtAyfSgBhjj3ltzFgOcUARiUk4PC07CJUYY+8QSeaQx/mFVznknk0AJk53livGKLAAUlsoynHvRYBJW3ZHl7T6+tAAARtLZxjpQA7IT94CTu/SpAQcruG1sdcihAVphuIcEdOnSqAIkAXaOpouASQlOCxx1pXECkBxuxnHSmM+ntOnhsp47a4hjV26MyAZ/GsUkdF2zblvbYW7LGitHyCGH9KvckxpYIreXfFaQrBICWBjBwfUZpWCx4542uzr/im306Szhit4nAZ44wDjPXgUpKwJM9M0KxbR1gW2v1/s8+wrGLtuU4smuPGvhi3vzavdEP2ZQDk/nWl0TZlWHW7QaiZtGvBMkh+ZR2+tK6LjF9RdQu7C7mH9oWFtLJnGSo+YenShWKtc4PVPhrpd94idbedrWCXnYR9wnsKeguU5jxn8Ltc8NRyX0KtcWa9JY+dv1pEPQ4fzb3Aikkcr6E9alod2W7TT4bkbTOFfHFS2xpXFudP+zWwYyMwBwDSUw5bEmnwLPHj7/XHrmpk7CSuTPp0gi+0wR+ZFE2G46fWp5yuQTUN8ccYjx5MoyoPGDSi0wegloWjZJS6kL9xvf0pSiSVr7bdXDySxBXbqRWkdrBYrkeQgPvitEyWbWgyzNN5O/CMMjB5rnqo1gd9cNcWttaXdoJGmQfvVzgEVFEcy7beMP7Rtxo+p2snLBreRCcqfQ/pXY7pEJqSMH4xayjaNaWIjCsMkknnA4rKF5MtqMUeXQq8jhEOd3NNtLUyWpZ0wyC5KHKnPA9aT1KizsdPt0mt2idyHIzuA5Wued1sbxV9zSuZBYaeq7kiZz8w7n3FTFc245NI67wVp+h+KdHms9Rj82ePhWxg1qouOxm3fc868cfDzVNDvJJ7WBrizySGX+Ee9bRfcza7GNoCW14UtpsI/3StNiLOmXDaD4iZYJGjQEgNntWady0uU9E1CZNV8PzTQSrPuwzw56EDFWrlto5TVYIxaRTQJsC9j2rTYzaIYArWMk0iNnIww6UgOh8Mw37Wzyw2S3MCn96SOGHpRYakkYXiuGDzmMETRp/cPRDV2M3qU9BYXFxCkIYSgHIH8VJoaNBZIYLljKRJnIbd1X2NCLuQaNa2UuoNbXkhFvOp5Xnb6VRDYur2FjpCiOyu/PdnyjjqKT03EiGxiuRq1sHnaYysCSWJ4qXJNFHpN3DY2NzCI3URMMAMOKlXZSPH/ABtBdw63dom7ZuyCp4APIqrkyTOTdX5yOaCERoex4qmIdEo+0Jy2D1FF9ANo21uIHmWTDJj5T3qOo7m34PltmeU3DlY2G1l7DPepk7PQ0jqi/Y2ujfbJ7W+ysZB8uVP0zSk5DSRr+IfA8VjoNj4i8O3bXsR/4+EHVD/nFJSezBq2qOT8SKlzGl1aSM8Y5kRhzGfStIvl3E3zGp8PNTu7DU42t5fLL8ZzxTm2loKOr1PeJ57LbGt7IsV0E+YjgPkdaE7lMwbh9Lm0K/sLuWNl5aJsDOeaHuLY8K1G/NtfyRRfKykgEHrSlG4lO2xRZhNNuyTu+9U7CvcaCUmIUkgHim9ULY2dMhW4ZWiI8xOdvrWM77GsVc9N07wjFqWiRXmoRvGT/Go6UU0xS0OR+JPhOXR4Le6hnae3kyOeoNawVmZsf8OtIEl9FJPu8v1UZrOo76Fx0NrxBcWrmWAxkCMlVYjmtaKsRUlc4yZZVmJVSOePcV17HOhY3JIBwcD0oGN3hNv98nmgAaQM/UAd80XACAGAKgKec5oQEe0dVIJHU9qYEcT5O0rjJ6igBZXPQKSOtAEUzkYJXH0pqwELP83Oee1MRYUKV27ySKkAXgFCcg9KAsLucpjPGOpoCwxMlA27GDxigLEhLKxZj/hQHUGkJZVZgAR1pDHK6jgHIpAORlZsdBjmmAJDuc7iAD92i4Dx+7fjbz1qXcYjfOcnaccL6UJCYxkUSHcyjHenqI9k1LxX/aoJgiVQWwHB6D2rC52JFzQNU8i6Be+FxGFbdG38P1pqVieUzvFPj6T+zruzEKxyoP3cgPajmBqxwXgG/N5q99PcFSzAbQ3uecU5SCJ3d4L1LE6fb8hjuVg3K/nWa1NWYfiHwrfjyLiG2YEr85HUmtLGTudb4Ks9I/4R+a2eEx6jBkh8/eqbIpthp9kt1cobxmaPdiRB3FOw72F0m41W21+4svsjXMRBFuzjpx7U+UXMbfhLVdavVm0rX9GmgYH5ZGAKMPzoJavqO8TfD/QNRiZpLARSbcmRBg0IlnmvjX4bG1shf+HVkuEj/wBagHK+9JxFzWOQ0yUbltdUg+QfKdwwc1jKFtiubudJoHgGHU71kiu1tdw3Rhj61Ei0V9W8Oarol5dQ3NrKIiPvKMhhxzWfI2aJmHBpl7qVubaC0eUqf7uCK09m0RoZ+n6TPHeyWU9pKJC20A9RTauSkdLD8PNf+0Wk7WTvaTPjeP4frWkYsfKjvpPgzp02UnuXtnccY6A1fKZtGZH8IbhYZjp19m6tj91ujD24rGUb7mkWbXhnQtSs5fsUsQZ2OJd44zjtUxhYt2Zo2Pl6ZqrRX2kFtrcuEGMetbRT6mckraHI/tFeD42sLPxJpysbdxtnUD7pPQ/pVOy2M/U8gtbX7JKqlkZW5WUVzz1HaxSnlL37fP8AMpPI6VUQWha0/VXiugwJU9D6GlKKLU2dVd30dzaW6DE7bOR7VkouL1NLpm54I1CDT7yG9hkYRJxcp7ev86HOxNj1Cyez1m1kms7hLqNxyBzitYu+40jzzxf8Mpw0us+HZWaYNva3IwR9KtvQlRcnoeYa3aanFeNJfWksMnuKUIoU7p6jdMu7wy7bW4ZJOy561WwGzb6/NPD/AGZLGqyMdrFvWnuBp6aHhRtOWFnlfn1BpBY1dG1qfSYxarFtDEiQGqQOJQ162lkZpGJ2kcN/fqybGPpCz2upRywRM7KwOMfpQI66bwZc30b3Vurea43FT0FLQLnNmy1zQ53gu9Pk2qflYjpSbKSKl3eHUkdDEsU8WSR3apCx2XheG2v9AJZEivIpAyMe4xjFTJghutx3sF4sMvMLEGJv7ufSqQzz3XLy+0/WJhLknPRh94dqBNnO3srSyvIcKW9KZJWQkEdCTVMkmOFUE/e7VDKHrJI3JOR/EKBHoXwgtba71VorlAUCE4PfjpWM3qjWK0O5v9H8PGPfHYu8gcq4XqB69a1M0y1FoMEuizWWmamVZl3LE38Q9Knl1uaKXQ8lnvJtM8RyW80CRhsxyqeh7Zq2uYfNYXQmt11Xy3fZGZMg+lKWsSI6M9Vvr9L0KkTidYVA3jsamNxnEeN9aC2r2C4WZcHeD1rWImebTSs7l3OWHehsgk066aFwwIJzyD0NQ0wR2t1pdtq+kRanp6hJQNskY9aiF76llvwdopnvoX+7GpxIO9NxGpWPY9AvW0uR9KvWWWF0PlE9Me9OKsS22cn8RomXQtoG9fNyqjnvU3aYWOe0a8ht9Cl2SG3ul/g7n3oULsV7IwdRvHubgsxIJ+99a6oxsjGUrlXPzBzL8w4ArRCGko+7AwR1oAjOAcoAWIpoAgXL8ruHQg0PYB8pDMMEjsAelQhDWQsMAYOeDVoZA6ShiCQC3f0oAVspgHOccGgBH5PqaBERTeMnrmgByD5sDjPBzQAmw/dz92gABI4YnaentQBIpAQjGRQMbkEfdJAPIoF1HbQ3zL17UDEOXBzwaAEiYohOMk8/SgB4mcR4xuxyDSsA5ZmlxhOe9FgGnKnOflJoARyGbDjHHBoAk0nW7qzia3AZgx4ZeornsdKZs6bqupQQyiOGQiXO6THX1qWi7mRq11cXIf8AdSBOhJFUkTM7z4ZaPpkXhmbUNWjUFm/dkjkdKiTYRR1Ok2mk61K1rBduXwQoQ4+nXtRE0ex1l9JN/Zv9lXUJeZY9iTKOVrUyucSLS9trGRYBJLLMcE/xCki2zX8F6Xd2t35N/Kcsm/Y/Uj2qiGz0XwounSSuqx7ivdh0NNhub8x+TAAxnBXHSsmxIgeJZsbhjHGRRF6jkc/HY3uh6pJLFuns5z8y9dtakKJ5t+0B4b0uLT4NYs1EN5LJhwOj9P15rORTRx3ga/j0zWLeS/eSWFk+Zc/d6VLgmJSsfQkSWs0EJ+WWOdB5bEZx7U1FBzMzpLLSoJ5QbdYJRkM6jkGqsFzidS+GcOoa4byDWJ0MnzAjn+lJxE2zpfDYm0aObTtQnaeG2GQ7/wAQ9RVqw1JmtdazokqQTtc5jbkv70D5iv4gNzA/9o6JKJdyjchPDrj+dTuUVB4htop4jrOLNnG4SbTRYpFl9X8P6w2LXW4FlB2spPXPeiWhNrlL7SFnj0G9C31pcMVcnlQprJ1LDUD5t+KWgjw94lvrSynV7ZX+TbzxSjOLJkrHEqz7yW3GtGkQi5YhpX2gDB7GpQG3pguVu1jPC9jjg0puLNFc7jTreOFXZI9iyREO3bOK4273NEUvh54im0HX5bWaUrZzP8xU/dPrWq7kWbZ65D4y02C5hWScPztYnuPWrcrmnJbY1tbs9F1vyZ5I7eaMrw+Ox6CtI2FJHjPxR+HkmjTNq+jKTbH5mVRkpRcxaaPNLq5llfcR++HG4VokhXLWnatqGmzRySSuvOQalocWegaBeWXiG5ggm2efJ/y0NOJpdM62XwpEkQhuBtijHL+tUKyKzP4dthHbxyqlyjAL70biaR0MTXWn2z3cm2WOVdrqh5246/yqb6iaOOtfEst5aXNhJcxsoz5KTcke1Eik7Hn+pFftT3RYQzK2DH2OKIols2/DKtIokMpjjJ59M1MgR041oXiRxJbAmH5Nzc5WpixkmvaFpetJbtdRNHcEDbKB1HoaG7FNJnnHi7wlJZ37f2eGntsZBApxl3IcTkmtlDHcSGB+YVbZNh8kDKvIzxxmpvdhYqRSFCcnJB6VpYR1vgjxENGuQ8ib0YfNjrWM4XdzSEtLHp+l+NPDu5fMJRm5DH+GjUlrUtajrmmlf7Ssp0VlB78MKe5atY8a8UaguqazJcqoUs3OKtaEt3IoSySITk88VDYup6J4PvJra4X90ZEm4bFRzW1LSON8flf+EguSpON2MenPStIu+pMkcvN0B6Zp21IIoCDLjoapgj1j4XOscZtJQrpMMjP8JFNJWGd5o+kxW+qG5hHPUgDqPela4mWNftyQJYFO7sPQUuUEYfiJ5U8NLLdcSxyh1J6EUuUt7HA6pdSX10ZyojJGOO9bwikYyZUxlcEbhVWM0NwgB5OaY2IiNuJBDjP5UxIRB1Y4BHWhDHwM2CVI2559aGA5g74bAyKkCJTtc5PTnFUAhcGQ8HkUAL82AGPGaAYyVwrFhj5eMjvQIRzkB+hNADWwp5yaAGSHkueSfSgBUBKdjQMkIKptAHNADVVhwDQLqIC4YgjgHIoGLJuO444PpQA1T74IHegA+Uxkg4oAVsqFYEjNAhdwI6nAoGgX5iM5z2osB6T4a8K6E+nrtVjery5boPw71gdKR2sWh6fbaMqSRAvgsAB1Wla5TVjhjNZ6hpV0oWCIQTbSAuCRVJCOwNvYr4UNrDbs1z5GY8rkEVDSBMZ8Mba3S8triTT3t7oKV3heCxx14pFNnogmkgupVvoY0Zh1yGH19qE7kWIdPvdLuroGCGFhu+djjOfaqG0yx4jisoFM5U79hKSAZ2iqJZc8FOlzYrJsBjcHa/fOabBuxtTxyCTehUg9jUWuLmK11dG2tJJmQsUBO1eSfaiyQJlfSPEWnapYrcWTNJGW2uuPmQ+4qho4X9ouzV/Dth9lK580sPTtmsajLSujxpLaWKxNwY2knRg2z1WnCSMHF3Ox8D/FeBJINMvLCRdrYDM3Ef6VehpHQ9ceew1Jor2Ly2Mnfswqou+4jK0XxRplj4pl05kfywwAG0naf8KbBK5wHxK8avpnji4to2WW1df3JznaD2+nWsmmVypFCPdqFnFNBJ5UeceWDhc96blYr2djqtK1BIVgjnvtsKrgxlsMD65qOcaiZnxEkubzw5dKNl3bRrviugPujPQ+9Uhni2iSXP2hXigdzuBDKOKGTGR3Vjr/AIj0mB7yWEvbScbj2/CoaQ+e5wmv6sb6/vJtqsLn7wPJX6VmlYTdzmrmAqoP5mtEZ2LGjwGW5VA3l5705DR12nzL8trK0WE+4zdT7VzyizSLJ9a1uOyURI5KPEMpnviojTb3G5I4cX7ee8iueua6uQy5jqdEnmeNPO+YkcEnqK56isaxZ3dlrN2NKS1sYpWGcsi5JB/CsYyadmbrY6Dw/wCPLG8tpdB1xDBKylFkdcA+xz0rqUXuYM8sufDCalrLxadPGqkkI24c4que25PKhsHhu61A3NrcIBdWo27B1OO4/KqclZWJUdTn4mutF1D5CyMrdOnNaE2sz2/wV440nxHpyWOqzJb3salcvwHGPU0m2Umcx4u8PRNqvmWcqSqnzFkYE4/Co5wsWrDVruw05GilkmiB2OHOcClzajRx2t20KeIWeBTtkIYAc96vcGiv4ntLONROs7eYACY2HX1oi2Eo2KeleIRYlIghkhU5ZDTlBsmLRu6hqy3ssU2gxS2m8APGfX17VMY9y2ux23gi4uXkEGqb5pY8Eo/932osJXNrVWsNJu0QxK9pcdiOVJpumUmeMfEvSvsOtSyWtrItuWysm04aqsZyRzkEm9Nj/eHQmspKz0Dcr3NqxZnVfl65q4ysSMs4pwdoU/MfSqbQ0XMSISJBz6kVAx/2i52GMZCHjFAtySGybZ5h5YDpQ5DSsWEABQuM54z6VLGj0nwTZ3B0ee9iP/HoN7epFY3voaXPMvE1+LzWrm4dPvsTxW8FZGcmYly6E/LnP0rWxmJEDuJ4NDGjs/BE9yLiIrIQQ4xipvYtJHtlnff2bDHeTkvG2NxxnihMckZ914osYNYlhlkAhJ3Jg9jVx8zPUx/HWpWWq6DJa2D73Rg3/Ae9K6uN3SOCbP2fYw5HQ45rWJgytA5Zyo/hHJ6Zq7CQsoZhTFcSMqqhjwwNJlIkMkZY7Bhm5NCAYSqtnBAz0oBjwQwLLzketBNwCCYYb5JF6570DuQtLtfAUnHX3oAcrxtuyp3HpQMhZVBLHPXgUCsP3RkgdAOaAGDec4PGe9AAMhiu3GaACNM5OMD3NAAMrwef6UAIGKjn6cfzoBCyOdmST6GgYwMxA2Bgvc0AO3K+QPzNADDhT0z6cUxD1lTYd6/lQCHqVIz6CkMbInRh8ue9AHr2iaZeXOrskchaFFzuTgn8qwZ1I7GTVLSDRrjCE3NrGWKOOTx0/SpT1HI8y8F2J1v+1AkSRwyOW3Z6HritHsTc9Gt3S10SKJiBOkYDEj7orJspGUl+Y7nzbe+XaMYVWyS30pIolu9S+zq6arqTfv8A5ic/Nj0HNNAZnhrW4W1gx26PJEjfMRwQPX3o6hJnqtjfW88gYbZoSoJDDIx6VoYm7ZGw0+R1i2xQuN6qOg+npSuJXZZjuLW5h823nSVc4+U5waTZfIzO1hpbcLdxDcqtypFK4kjybRdbttC+JV9pNtcL9n1I71Uf8s3wOP0plJGd8a9R1TT7y20+adZbckNjqQ1YvUG7HKRanBcmJ3cxSD5W7CotZCvdnoXgHQ/Dd8ktnqmmDzJTlJl69PWuiC0FNHSarYf8IzbpDbzLJaq4QIx5UZx1qgSuV7iHRb63uNYhHkyW64lkB5Ax3/Kk5F2PAviK8V/rf2i1YsinllOeKVyZCaVqr6ZG+2eaeMYYDnGaXLcFJrcdd+LbnU7uMQxBJAMA4yTS9mkV7W+x0mlHXoNA1Cyvd62V5HkKTypyOg/CnsVfQzvDek6zocVtdvbN9nkcbd6cH86i5mkepatbadrnhlFjjEbZ2uOgzzk1L11QI8F8SeH7vRdSZZlVoWb93IpypH1rNTUnYLlG40x5I/NjO5cZYClGprqU0QWVldmXEcZGOTWkppIlIfqbSLs3A7064og7g9DMnE0z7pCzH39K0TJsxn2cIAVbJ7YptsDpdIBkthuYgr93HrWFTU0iejfDa6SzvI5Z8Fic1yy+LQ6I7HqOveE/DniewMRt47e8nXMcyAAhq6U27GT3PFtW8NXvhbUnhuZGinThcHhx6iqmibkngq8MesmfUlkds/LKCcn2PrUz0SKjuXfG3hS2vTLe2jblPPyjkGqVWzsJxueX6jp9zYyBZg8f91xxXRuYtEFprur6Zcb0uJGz03MSCKNAbOo8K+JbOeCaG/mKFufbNTKOpUGdJpFl9viW5t4UmRDuyDyo9DUOVjbTcx/FtmNYge6s4NjQNskUHkf5xVKRM9TmNM0SVNWWO4Qld3zH8KrmuY2sz3Hw/wCH7JdEgjitkLDib5RuyOhz1FCiU5WL15YT2upRpaxo1zJCfKZh3GMA0mrMblc8d8Q6nq1xq0lpcPN58cnEfPB9qtMi7GXOp69qNs1jLD5wU5KsvIpscdTjb4SpMVliaFgeRioauJsvWt+kdk8DIrE9Cw6VnbUZY0y6tXlHmoFbd17UpN9ANjWLe3aSKZTGVIwwAHNZqbNOVFf7FCYVkJ+UdMU+di5bEMkEsYLgF1PGV5AouIFECptcFQecetO+gHS+FtTukmaxtZwEuY2Uo3TOOlYzuldFnnOupPa6nPbSxskiuQynsa7Ie8jKRQj3EfPjPpitGQPJK8AgZqNRo6fwddPYX0E0g3RowLL6j0qraDT1PfDBBe6LDJBIDZ3CYb1UmoSsbaM8h8RaRcWE80V0X86J8xMScMv+c076mb3KxvoWt4ooiY5S3zuDxULSQSd0OljckM2CAfvKc5rdTMXEgki+8Rxn0q1K5LTRCpZT8o3fjVk2GmTL8gDPGAKBjduyUkNkUASZDjJHzL0+lMTIi7A7l4HcAUWJFik8xwS3T1NA0OY4clgSW6UhiqCVG5QPp1oGEkmEC7ehxmgA3LuxgHjrQALtKElxz2xQIjK7iVBOPXNADguASTn0oART94r0PY0DYxGPmHcgOe+eKAQ5tpXG4AdSKAFQjYTuwtAEUfBJx8p6E0AKHUygNz6UAEg25Kj6ZoAfAA3GTgcsCKAHDe3ysBgH9KAPTbXXZdGdXhy65wWPrXFzXO21jotG1iG9jkWeAAuSHI5GG681USGzD+GBjgm1dFJ8oTnavvVy2JWpt63dXc8QjSNiH4DqOntWb1NIoydN050uzNj96hwrH7ufeqSGzHjv31vxM8F55aSw/IOflNUyYmhqWlTaZPbXumShME7/APa9RStctnTahql1pOlWerLmSGQASovQHvQ7mbiWL3xQbrTEvLSV0JGFB6lvSpaYJWOH03xBqraxNby6g1gd25Ru43elZ3bNOY9i0XxBIdCjtNdG55V2i4XooPetItENM8T+IPhHV/BHiyDWHc6hYTyCSG4Qkj6E9j1q2yHc6v4sSaTrvg/RvF2n5ScN5F3C55RuMfqaynoU1eJ5o86I58+WPdKp246VFrozR2Hgy/1nSNR0+61VGGmzjEUntz/hW8dIlJXPZfEmj2niLwvBe2tyflw24H0wTmp1HFtHA+JYrnQLGeO0RriC9gKzIenTqKzerNEeHRTBJCXBzuIIPatYoiWpOtxGLeWCNBufHPaqM9yXStN8qVJS6jJy3sKGUonW6FrF7Pqdkt4Q8Vu4Cr2dfekW9j2j4h21rrHgVZ9OjGzcrgoPu45xSbitSIo8e0PxO1sbywSYJJ0UPyOOMVjJ63RRl6jqdvc6FcwXiBpFPy+qmufl966Go2OV0ac20wgkBkiccexq5xurhFnSpBbeQG24kPIIrk5pN2ZpZFmz8N2+oWrmP5rg9iO9Q68ouxoqSaOX1a2fTZ2tLrT/AJVOAfeuui/aLmTMXGxz8tuFuSoyvfafSutbGdjXgV1tMwjLDtn+VS1cZ6H8MLDUdQljuXtm8iIjMmOmKznFKWhtGdke1XyqlvEyKQ6gFcDHNa6Kxm3cyfGGkW/i/SIvPQxXcLDDqOcVo7MmOh534u8C6roluuo6XObyIDLoB8ymueStuUmYFzrN+bMSW+QkAzNGwwQazjHU1tdXOd1rU21WGS1WBXMnKkDkH0roT5FqYytLYx7Pw607tbzkpKBkKetDrpK6IUG3ZmXf6LPYXgjk4H972qozUtQcLGrp819pccdzbXriJ+GAPFKWoKTL1veySzFoJzGHILZ6E0raFpnQ20SPfgecsTyJyW6MfaoUrA0ei+BNUuW0+YR24lmtxhwT97FaRqXFyHQ2d/aa3ZyTRobe/jBCIx6GiUtR2seEeINUSDx00t1GN4Yq2PX1rWLuRLQ1NK33OoySRrhnztI7miQkWtQ0z+34Ps13aRyTQZCzQrgn2NStgtqQa/8ADS3TwqdR0u5NxNGMugHIqC+TQ8raKSObJOGXgg1XQi3cnW5lYqGkJUds1HIPmL9tI/HmMyxN3PSs3YpM2IL1RanaRvRsFccEUrDuV70gSx3Cj5SvIIqosTIIr5o089T82eq9RTlHWw0zM1sSXsguSdznq3c1cPd2FLUxJop0k+dTyfzrVMzYsKO8qnv6U7iOptABaBFPoc+hqkNHruk22oWvgiKWAtLDjc4/u+9RJWdzRLQ5n4j+ILe+0SyKhXnjBV3FZvcSPPNJnLXDBlyG4ApNiRppNPDdIhJMeentSuI6C/tA9tG0GASu8/SrpVEE0YrsSu9MdcYNdd00c+orDbHhuSec0XGMBDKqhVJPXmgQ3eSrK3HvTEMcqMZBz2xTECGPruwaTKWw58MAwJYgUgG5LYYN+FADXYsoJPJ6igCaJBs56HpQMY0JGVB+lAEZwuctg5oEOCtjPVTQMAAoAPegBjgtgJjjqaBCAZ69vWgB33VPcd6BsTllAHOaAQiqA4GQKAJGIwEY9O9ACohAz27mgB+RxsOT6+lSwO+1OBZ7JniKx/PzGen1rjid0zW8O+HHm0m48y/WJzHviVT9844FaXuZFL4e+fp+l3k08bJC1wVabrg8/wCFEmOmjZGq3cVxcFRm0bhG4/Os+pomY1vrxsb65t7wgq67hJnjFaJk3OIlvDDqMt1bFnkdiQfam2TexGusar9pEkrOVVgWz6ZprQXMeg6Hr6HSLmKRxNaTgYibqjYPSspybLVh0kySafELG6WNN+cHtQrkyaOZ8QaTcf2rK4uWkQhZFI6nmjSwkaN74omtbO3tWw8O0DeDzn3+lRa7NLndeD/FenSaFJo2oMl7BdEKN5yYye/NVFvqTKxz3xG0C78NreafLIptJ4hJbMx4IGT+fFKWrK6WPK9Jsjr2rW9nHJs3MFLE8CrfurUy5Wz6dn8B2MXga20/7Rv+zKCrH+H/ADmqWqHdo5u21HUfCmoppNyGOn33ETKfl57j9KbdkN3uc18StVfR9OuNOaYusnzx88qTz/WsU7s2aSjc8yt7WbAvTHtQHLbu9arsYXNe48P3d/YSapZIghRdzNnj6fWmhGVbSTSWEkTkrKvKg9SPamxxZpaTDcxxQTBisqcg+lS2O57v8HLgXvh+dhdmSbcRLA/p6iplqiYs+f8Ax5Gll401KOFio80nIpLsOSMyPVVmvBDcP+5b5S1RKNth8wl0r290URhIM/Iw7ikldag3qa2liWSLOWLBuQfT2rnqWNInVaHLe2t5kbgpGTu6GuSryyRvFMj8WTC4i4CMCMuD1RvUVWG0kTVPOYYkn1YRPIVDHBc9q9RNPY5lud14P0LdrrWNyAYVx+8UcNVRVxPex9DeH49OsdMitYERNgAJxjd71okgNC5t47iArwQelOyEmU7G1+xzmPGR6mk0O4++gdkZoTjPbFQ4XE2cH4t8JW2rCRUH2K6YcSgcMfeo9nbUqMnY8R13Sr3TNYktdQRoJ4jw4HDn1FS2th2Zs6ohu/DqXSgCWMYaVOo+tc8WlKx0S1jdHFy3907C3f5yOMHvXTy21MHK+hLb3CxxyQXMZViOhHIptJ6ohaPUZp/ySls4TGSDTYkdHpqGVlkM4VScgHrmueehsjan1ufSbs3NjITIpAmQfxCop36jMXW/FUz3Lz2cskSSYLoD91vat4q5EmcxFbT6lq3mPLvZz98mt3LlRFnI3Irq90Z4btCVlicc54aoVVSDkaLWk+MLyw12TUIIhtm+8OoyetO4JHaw+O7CSVWXZEsg2yr/AHqRtGx5d46iik126uLZAsLtuGzpzTRFVdjmSZBgdT2xTtoZHb6Pe2t54XOnzRqJ4zlXxzXLOHLK4JlEWyhVVmaObqD2aqb5tjQnWWbyDbzwAgfcc9D7Ula4zCYMsjFAdp6itnsQiO8jZI1kjBI9RREb0M+6kleMk4yO1aJEBpsavKpJIqgOy022tyyfONjEB/arQkemXt1q+ieEWsEtWuLa4AEcw6BTUTdzVHm/izRrrSVt47x2aCcblZR09qzYnoc75EaThYpCR61m3oSjVCmDYW/efSp5tBHUadd2rW8YZQ6soHutck3JPmRotUUNYtbWK5+SQNGeQR2r06E24Js55qxnzEI23aGB710IzRV5IOw81YmLE/tjbQNDQ6ncDknNAAuANhHXoaAFQGM4DDBPNIBmFXcCSfQ0DsAQgAgbvQUCJVVtpznPagYkgbaDtxjvQBFHKyrggcjr3oAljUAcN170AG1slXPSgCP7jleQD0NArBJzztOB+tA7AU3MqjgHnNADvLKkoD2oAQIpxtGfXNACFBjOOOhoARW24H8Pr60ASIUDbuuaQHpOueUEeK3dDgbZVPXHtXFA7ZsZbX9laaWfKn3SoP3YJxgirRCMzR/Ebjwde6SZPLlmuPMBzx34okEdEQWmoAWxSSZxKeMBvlx700rgmZAhku7t4kbfKWxn0pkbnT/8IlFpEcd5qEkcuVyRGensabLUTJ1iC1urgLaOFgk6jPINIVrl+2h0rSWjjuH3xEAyL1JrN7lWsdBcaFpq6UNT8P3DXVo43y238cdNMXJc5GbXoI5WjVm2oTgN6UmgtYxLe4i1K+kR5hGjElc9qTXLqNah4rt00O6thY3XmBgGfB6NRSnzXuKSNbxp43vfFXhvT9N1CTzJ7E4Wb++vA5/KtFZrQbYmkav4Z0zw5sWzL6qHyJ/Tr7Vm3Juw7pBd/EzxY0CwR6jIkK8AZOSKaSvqLmLV546uL3w/aQ3Mpe4tn3IT2PH+FD1Hc5XXNcu9cvA93IXdQOp7CmoWFKVzX1e4kvtKtLOD5HVeeeTURl7wOPukUF3rmmeH7rS59xtbnDHPYitFJMzs0YcOtAXEC3CZSI4JHXFU0FzrdS8V217HGLWCKB1AAcDrUMpFfQfGOq6Pezm1kUzSZG4dc0hI5bUL2S+1C4kvZW82ViS/vRsDdynBZyGQh3zzlTTYGhMJY9rKwY9N1JC2L9jqAikj2syEjDegrGpSujWMzrNG1topljvSJEf7rA5yK4alFyV0dEapV8RtazNItscPu+XNVTU1qxS1MHQ5oLTWAb2COWEn5kYZ3V2JPl0MI7nsmh32hS6Yktmn2eRD88QH8qqnJ9Qa1N6yu/tirGsm9B93tt/Otkx2Om8P3UmTbucqvrWkSZKxtldzHgA/zp2M2NO1V2kgE0CK06RPGVmGfRvSperKTOT8W6FY67oM0UsKvdRAmOUj5gQPWsKsOxsmeJ+G723i1gaZqRbyjIYpVzwecVhOl9oIzt7pm/EXQB4Z8WwMjeZZzYliP+z71vTlzRsZyVnc0vihL4Y1XSNP1TSD5d6yBZowO4/D3qYXUrFTs1c4GCVg5R16CtWZLc3bIzxRqyFTuHA9Kzdmao1rOWPassiB8rjA6/jWbi3sO5zWqxlrx1hjIDNwBXTTV0ZyOn0T4e6/fWK3NvtXIyqk4JpyS6iTZn6npGu28ctpeWM5kjP3gpYH8RWfKuhV2VPDmmX99ctaW6HeAcqeD+tVYS1Na48BatKx8uPZIBnBNA3HqcpqkWoaVdyWN7uEg+UgniqsJsZp1mlxuY/MB+lROXKJK5rwxi0jZWjG8DKMP4h6Vg5cw3GwxZRczRCXcoyAB2FVbl2BM0n8xLeW1nQOqjdGayS97mL6GHZhY3mLsQcfdI6V0XIRS3K5IY4HrT2Gypf2xSPIyUNVFkspWUoiuVycc1qSdWvmxxiRkISQZHvRcdj1nwf4mF34Ll0y9f8A1I/dFh+lSykyl8Q9b0a88L2un3W2SdeUYDlayYM8ujhi8zzMAhTwe9RLXQi5PPMp2tFEwC9TjNSo2BEUV9suAYnKLn5aOVPQpM33dXtuRuDjjNdFH4bGcykV+UIoHJ6V0IyKssaBwobk9TVoTJIoNg5P5dxQNFeVSrHBHzHvQMUbtq84J6D0oESbNvzBhkcbT3oATBYc7T7elAxFjffuXKgd6BD85OJDgnrSGIWZQQucduaLgV5oi3zBc880yWIhbcNp4HUetAK48SsWywy3QfSgolJDIo444zQAwHuTgZoAjHYE4549qYXAArJhmyTyDQA5WIfjIA70gBXIkPGR2HagBpKkEHoPSmAilcFW6Y4zSA2Z755djh90jk/MPSuY3ILpXi0uWaRGHPrmk2NFO0mjuYgsZBlUdDRYGJNcyCRFMTKS2SSOtNAi3YXckdzI6hoiQRuqdh3NO51kSWDRXNzKGX7qgnn61VwuY32hUnRonwM8+9MkuXN6Jm3sys6jmixVzqPA3iSDTdNmgmQKZ8gOp5FZO6LUjjNRSE6lKlxuALnaemaZJUaBEmCrn0BFFxkV7C4nWO6kPHXPYUElO8VUmK2z+ZH3oWgNXFtnQr5bJ8p745pPTYEXpbY7lG4MhHy+tNWCxq6Z4U1XVLeQ2VsZFC547etJsbRmXXh3VLC1e6lgYIrFSccg1W6JSsy9oSyXunPMvNxbc5J5A/yawmrGqNC88QtL4flsprVnkfG2Qj7tQoWle5W6OKjtpZpThcn0xXTzaHO00wW1nBbyd2R2oTTFqXtPimDLLsO5SOTSZSuWNY0jUEk+2fZWCOuSQuRSjqPlM43NzaOFaPHpkVdhXaJPt7S/J5QBz1xQ1YSJHiu0tWdoHMbnhttJajsN0nU5YQ9sfmRjlc9VNKVO4RlYuXWqPIx8w4YDBH9az9mXzFKe5MpjYH7vQijbQm51PhbXp4LgRSAEkZBPtWU422NIs9v8G63omsxRxuscUwUBiuBXTTvyjmzt4bSC1AdZAyv0NbIy5ibUmcabK0DYmVDgjmm2TqZXhDWl1OzMV3j7TEdrHH60Cbuad9FMkqSKytCxw4pAhLnTykZaBc46r/eqWirngnxP8Ox6F4mTV7eEfYrlsuP7snf9c1jPRGiRo+JdKtfHmiWd5aXUUd5BHs8liASBXPCrGnK0inG5zlx4Dul8MvJFbkzQfOTnPA5NdV4vVC5DzeVs34YAjs2fWqSMWX5JtkYVN2fUUlHW5oma/h+5WVDFnkjnjNZT0dylqaME9hp+twz3ttmEDD8Z9ORVU5Ng4nqHhLWbK7ji8u6WLB4VnwMVuiGrGzc2GpWeore2N1Hd2MrDzIJfmxn0JosI43xzrGm6N46tlGmJaTNGP3sQCqc4OSAKAZ2Vkwu9PS5Ty5UYfMQRn86YHjPxV8Kakt/NqqZntCcg9WUe9TJiaOB029ktLoHGR/OolHmEpWNuz1OCd3jnUYb7n+yax9nYvmuQSP5c4jHzIp4zVJaCuat7O39mMYSSMAqxHK1hFe8XfQ55Lljl26kYJ7mt7amZUwOTzg1p0EXLtibEKy7cLxUx3KZgRFTMAQN2fTrW5B1VpeH7OkVy5KIPkB7UtxpnW+GjLH4fuLlIzLCX2txyKh7jucjq92tzdNsbgDABpdAIYgZrACFT56HnFRsyRlnqU1iX3AOGGGV+a0cbjRMkUk1ulzHau0Snl1HT61CjqVfqdNbwmfSY7m3PmIpwwPUGrhoyJK5mksHZjxtPQ9a6FsY2sJcRK8AdBhmPFUthWEi3MOQD/SlcVhGjDruIwRQNEThg64+oNMZJ5fmKTjk9frQBG6+UeF5z60IB0k/A29+CKYuoFtwBUAnGOaQxhIHB59KbAeGK5B4BpCQwxhG8xl49RQMGTeGIwuBnPegCNI5BnnA96AHIvGDwD3pgQT537h0WmiWMX5sMWwfaqYIkDEjB6GoKBWbaAxCgUALG/GCO/NACH5jnhh/KgR3njHwDqvhJUliH2qNfvygZC+xrn5Tc5W91W4uYJLWS3UM64GOhpcpSItH8KeI3T7Vb2Um0H723irURNms/hHxTJEXFsJeeoGT/ACqvZsSZn3mm6/bJIlxYPhBlsL0qeRrcdjGupp52UPCRIvAOMUrCFgS4uCIxCRJ60DNGx0PVZC4eLZjnkdaLgk2aI8LavDaNdhkMY+6c8GockXyM29I8KX17p/257J7oxH94q5Jx61Ng2N+KTwy3h6SxOlTHUM7VBjwQeam2pZ554h8Pa3cWVxrLWrpbwvtbj7v1q7GckZuii0AKttLFc5NZzKjYhuhB9oZYhnI5xSsDOh0CytJ8xzbg235Se1Y1JSjsNI7bwJdtoN00TXZRlbpjcHB+tVGfMDidt4visdQ0YtFDGqXa+WZAo2I57n9a2i7k2tuUvAXgLw/qmgRsGaK9XKz7T97n0z9KclcvXoZNz8PJrfXry0sAt1Z28ZOSMkMc8fpWTpc2409DyfWbC+0HXybqyltssdquvBFaez0sZ3NnQ47O/ukheJIZCc7vWued4FpJnqSeCdI1DwlLaoog1HaWidRnewFa03zBY5XwntawudJ1R0imgYqwm9vTNbctioNNamrofhrw/rEcto8Uc7RjLMh5HvTSZE7Ijufhn4fivLUQ3LAyPkdwRxx1py1M4j7rT9E0+5GizlBCG/eSHkDP8utZWszVWscD45+Gmo6bfPcaaRPbN88ZU8kVpzozaOCu4p4JmS4VlkHDBhS3JJdOdA+xwAD+lRJOw0Wbi+TcGRdrpwCp60Ri7ahc9M+CWo6bJfzfb+FABHPOa6IRshpnvEzQz2iiLeYwNyEHgihvoFhlrcfarOSG2k2zKflz/EKmzKepShsksrv7fJ+5b/lptGA1BKLC30kt0WtZPNgfhl6gUbDNIauluqxyKfTce1HMKxl+JfDcPifTJoFAZiCU+vapceZFJ2PAEWbRPEQ028eS1Pm7GYnaV9DXn16Dmro0TPTbBtTso5UaPzrFk3eaf4kPX9KrDRklZjbPFPiRor6Zrrzwx4s7r97Cw6EHnH613owZz9jI7T+W38XC5okF7nS+HtA8QxOt5bWTPGTjkcc/hUSSasXDQ9m0jwVp+seCpopYQL08tn7yNz+lOMEhzkcfa+ECs3kwTEFG2uA5BFUjM7Tw3ZXWkFbS7uJXtydwLk5U0WGecfHN76fxHGWhU28aDypV4yMDqaAeppeDNXv7SRbY7jA0QKAn73NWloTsdss1te2M0aBJYyoWZG9DWchpng/xC0KLStVZrJ99tKSyeq+1Sn3CUTB0wA3MaPkc4Jx0pvVEo6nVvDmpR2aXyRGSIDOVFKKAk01pdTto7CNUE24BRjGfasnGzuWa3xA8GRaBpdqBHvml+Y4bke1OL7isedSxvHJgg4/lWvQksXskktmqkcoOvrUpalMwtrLNlfmyfyrYzN7T7ZpVXec+xNJKw7nrPgaCNPC19yNjrgjrj3rOpoOJ5VraxR3T+Rzhjg04oclYteGoWv4rmOBttxGhdR2YDrUTWpKIrTTJb6cb0Jfdjpxmto7Az2H4faXHpdmEmsQwfh0cZB/A1Lh71xp6Ha2vgrSY9OuZ4Lby4bvl1H8B9R+dWklqNHm3xC8IGyga9tAR5Qw6f3h61pF3M5ROCjlk8hQ2MeuKdjOxKSG25I+gpCIxknLN3wBTHYrPKxcox6HgimA5ZdoJ3Ee1OwCiQDmTo1IAUxg5ByM07i6j9hZWC9e1AyBQyt1Bx1BoYBJKC2e/pmkgRIHIAwc47GhoCUfKdzc56ipC5GZFxlDkdwe1NARem08HnmmBFKQc/NniqRLISSsZzwe3vVIEJDL8vvng0mhkisOrHOakBUYK3zEkGgLjWYZypx7UAfaOs6bDqemsqRoXGVkB5B45rNqx0JHmNl4c8HXWoPprwhJo5cKT3bPNJMp6Hd6fpYt7NrGxWJlQfOhHb1qkyOW5k/2RdnVFCMptCDvTuKPaMpRsPvtP+WRWt18oLtLbQeKalcp2Z5RrfhqKXVJo44gjN9zI609CbGtpPgIXuhm1vYvslyOElXqT6mokFjCvdA8T+HJoo5rVbhEfHmZ4ZfesnG4arY6I27xRwbAmJE3MjdAfSl7M3V7Gx4Un1a2cy28EaKxCtnpjNaKJnN2NXXPDml3d956KI5pOd6dC9DgTznJ+OdG1nTvDl9BEgmt51/eBenbn9KjlDmPA57a4tJMkNHkfLmhxJegy2mbzNso7ckVLiNG5Z3ciSLcq5MYG1/YVm1cpM1ZdQFw7PbSMrJyje1ZcljTnN7QfiFO2iXHhrUFVYrg7Um7ofX9a1SshxtJ6nQ+FrzXoLvbb5V4ThyvRxj/69VDUqpFrY9Z8FojWUl5ErJcyk+crc7jW9jCbsJ4g0jTvEkR0vWLCJVdTtbHzIfUGqSMrnjfiH4Waz4duHu7KZbu3UlgQTlQPWuepG5rFnW/DfVp9YjhSBg00C+XIx6elKEOU1WqOt8W2ehnwzef2tpKxy+U2Zo+GHv1rZ7GCTbPnLwzqz6ddzMLySI7iqEHgr71CkEke5fB7QdJ1rw1NqNvfNPeK7ExlifL9KdxqJxPxN8P3q6yRDMiBx86knmlJotRM7wsuu3FzJaPcgtGu2HccqfasZNFI0774YX+vq/227t4boJuQAfe9jxVwl5ETWpwsHw0uri/Nml9bicMV2Eng/lVpq9hchYi+FWtC7e2mKjy/vE0+ZJ2IaNK8+GGqaPBFe2V8rg4DYPr2pudgiacd1490m1ItWaWBQAzLyB+dZv3jWx2XgDXrmeeOy1GNo7vP+sHRqpW7iselzRo6GKRVcnpnvVEopQ2UNpOZoAoB+8nbNTIZV1C90sMpaZIpHPyhujVIF9ZBCqeTMImYfJ6VpHYTdjn/ABv4RtvFOk3AaGMajGu6FwMEmplpqUmcX4A12JI5vCepsVuURkUyeuPu1jre5TZLo1lpl9pl34c1+FSRKxty3VeTjBrXmuRY5m58EaXZXBigheaSJsnd1Wi1xtWNjQdXFhPFFcOsaK4G1h0GafKI9CtJ401AXGnPG6vjzYwTg56GqRmcd4r0i7W+a5tCwMr5GD1NVBXZojS8Mm/nib+0gWeMY2kdBVyjYTN6/wDCmmXmk+feReerDv2HtWchJnEaH4dudOtJrWZVmgWUmCQ9VU9qLjaNZQunRrbzRKHP8Q7iobFY5a80nR9UuXhvnARyfl/iQ+oqOTm1NIq6OO8aeBn0TUbe50yQ3VjJyXxyvsataKxm1qb3hLVYlnXTLmcCHqpb+VUnoKxt6p4N0y31rTdW0242208mJtvQN/kVk2WbfjKG3vbbbLGrywYYZ6kVHLcDxbxpp6Ram1zaxbYZD+APeqvYDmL2GYJu3Hb7dqqJLMuOTypQxUHHWqEbGnXfmXKMACp7VSYmetpataeEJpICVZ4CcfjWfNeVgSOO8H+D7rxAXmVkKDlgTzVXsWkdMvhGx0O8SaV3i2j5mHT8aT1Bqxe8L2OlRXE13bXKXBjO5kIq4qxLR18XifSZIhG9vhlI5X09qtsR1+i6qk1l+5y8WR97rzSsMs6vY2dxaywXESyROvU9Qaa0Fe58/eMvC6aTqExtQ72zHIz/AA1bdyJ7nMGHA8zzN3pjtU3IsV3IR+uVNUgGSqxfAA61SAYsTeaB2PTNAE+zB+dfuj86kTGeVvI2knjOBQgW43LMcBiOMYqhskRQG24BY0CWxWlj+Zj0OelACMxTDDkEUBcFfPG8k459qLBcfARk+lIaH8q+4kYI/KgCNo2JB25pgN2K4yck46U7isIsUbAKAd3qO1FxjCmFx6UhDOc4AzQA5UBJOccUAP/Z"/>
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"/>
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v+/Lkvnf6GiTqi9fhTnx5LmL179641Ez1/np7DbHGmjotREqqcxeBd6bW8h48cqZbgZ1x2nhQxBqmLnnIPw+/neB2nJu9xbhMZ8CJXBT0iU+7OUcYs1S5mzEHYVVEX82QgmeotzI5NAVuFonWm1gLANUsNhu0SwrQ0U1Rnhkrgdf2mGBxAcgPDc7GBYbtZXFqi7HsFMAzhuFT/tImxuG4z6tsQiqVn/Mg2i0nw8ZGF8HUoiTvcYSK3gLW1XVMQv7548aLItV4uv1gWbw/VYOIwLK4efwrzaRkZtW0T5QHMz2uD1WfamlCZCz5nA7TnLtvU8hh84I69RwqZKw+JZvacF0Oz1KdqHpXyZw6+pz8n+ApdxYH3qeiqJs/s7M51sLtL2HUpMzzxLbfssmUMt0BFNX+A5WyrRcmxSYZLZ1uAO4tTPqPF4mgDXsGbmZkBeMf8bXRmdJQ+moE7zczQvWb00XA2VwEEdKtlMu2micdvDZDNDb6ZusTiuq6MJRYHZbEIMBU9fYlHIMjqQ2s9XFEclU7bfPrYx38KDC9Z+B5QN91MRD1fwgT7Xy9u3VjWdgpftEYGMcGqJf5ZNWzVT2IBzD8I/hSfX+5M4KXvksC7DEkzEM1rjF0TeV8Ldt8AdjHqInYZunWDjiph16DmCdSmmB8jqFqALx+1M4zahgGqgaeBKXxswAAVgEt3+e11cxssDsCN7gXwZrSbV4N0t4YC8RIFdgjz8C3UkOpagfQdMFyVdpMVdFGTaeyRiD5emR/vjZV7PLDZ9FW0CSDB1u7u2pn53TOTF9mjB9Raf+fOU0ynJRaTO4+q7D7+EXYEQOgec+WfCkPX1HPZGhJGnURfWhzLZ5df+OZkqnCkdBrL4S/umqeGY639YqI1+VOvu8jwvfe5wBe6vDcxPeAeL3V4L55Z3F2zSTOoIVeZYwYhFQVeG3frtWqZ427zByUT++o1CrpY2DJ2A+BCqB0dJdDaW2ZUnYFxczNwNS/qLrODg4Tv0QENYsmwz7YIxDO1xttWy5TK9UZ9CYhqk1HXOb2v1XUYhpL4Fiu3VDqNFbEHYZtOr7KL3uLrzjzLtZa3IZ+mceJrshhCQGwKp3s4TmzbJT8yyAWB0TEscOmZTE/l588ZuODTsI1YfWkNCS+Kxa877iPb22T8iyYKOIJ9587TO7oIER4BU+ljx76IRPoK5Mw3KWd2/ovBZcrPK7S6B7596hu96+9cAu/xZaGaoUuE4gxImqm9a6Dr2kNMUwX5soFtE5LlJYNajLc2TRbENiiiAkSLCqcD6qxPrfM7cPiDU3j03QykByzE6auN2suCeVGJNRJeSJGZGrlpEuqZetHkBjqhdr0mDMZjxG1xKHbp9AMfyJBPo80HNZlen5nvnAmorRd+RhVJqd/njJrD7ekg3PpOhNb1V/sQRtxCvddrvmPoRRnCnveGsJ/bSEwU0M3PUQBxRTggN9fu2y+K37Eci2H5bdtv/N3Dl79XFmgg1Qy/ka3F3bnJ1a1LV6Xg9XPmMRN2maLimAtiiyrkyhD1BLkq0gLOKAUe9WE7pc84nwyccX3sXRDkHpwJxBi5Kbvm/9LVxojhJWC5mqViCTPqlVIDG8+A4HLtseWnpSR2okvVJ159EJDTnE1jJJ7E5ySbAry0l2Up7+j3en7Zr+6saut9AvEVGTNj/19b9j0j1+4da61CRt0ebPvzDBW/URn7mnS2ZCoQLzoSVx6qz627G1S74uK2E90soH7V+Gv+/NALEjDMEPDK+tTSVbu7lq0S7BJ0uT10W8XdFrBUX+N+EBW5FrtFIqNmEFMBcGNQC6eQiTsFPHFwxiDNX3icUuxZ+A8xsfayakiql7BdVYL2VQ2kIsBP18r1qpN8cEWMrNYt1WACvZadKV54sIC2W1gRg/ke9ZfsNDGmjzTBtE2utW4RBObT551n7Wkmqd+PhBqi7jFnIYrj3SS8YzszLGi3GbmLgtvV1S3raUYeK1eVV6j9iDUlWyUcr2lvQb7qLVsIP5dMmq52SAG+0zwafnZ3zZIrlko1ZBWIqgo0gOFSTWkDXXLeKfN2BUMvXGiEryLwLqI8AyPv6+sLD2y9C9j99vSj8hPkfz6tmbBVf2zKXFNHGkSYBBXwYXH754hogrxWxVoInOuzNsBmMoDACYvFQo+jI/Wshfa4+YoWzSoijxo0Dzbh0gG1c2Pm/5qZ+XPwDbZaJp3+NSjKTT79tb9YL/7AIHkFuK3fegLTEQTkJ0/+xfL3/p2f/vb/MP0fv3r16A/+4A8++R+/N/bqn7169W/80YU/uvDPfvej1dd/9sGD3114/avXf/X69V//tzpXf/6/PPG//I3fW/2X5jq/snjmf/rHi/+3gfLfpY0QO/8pPDH/6os7f/I3n177uWc/9+z5jf8Z9kCc/+6x7353+Rf+w+PHf+bfvvevXjFP0H/9C8qnr3wJFYH3fub4f7S8/N+f/yWkav76079pQHt8+28ZzP4X25N/97+7+It/f5ENf39ldetvoAPhz5sC69d/nfwRfrWL+6B5lP59sUL5z03m8vP3L5kH7BfNU+1XOpPma35n8fd+kcwF/w8kA//qHYOdv/5zzwyOfumXbhhI/cIv/MzP3Lv514797M9+/PDw3X3NVetfQegeP3+DCkkDyP/gbxlc7rBwSaoE+5rxu+PaD1z8Lr/7ri8IOG/eszXvHbiuYuCFBAixy0Qzd3dhpP4y5sy22l2BYtdAt0EdXMTIzKCJejOjMzZV1rHWZcaZviFrz3g8kjNepq0LZReQByGnLnKBjNEY8+kado1LS9V6EYJxs9bAiriuW0y3WewxLdn0J+bxeHVBVcQLUhJDhAFvj61LEIzmXJEHv2TJqOG3LAki/KbDiUS7BeKLyJYdy8qZMofbbWseiilyxMrs9UKC92DgFRqxJbt037XkOi6ZJjqf4/AzF4dtJXzscK9xwFTZBtGic2CM1Pc7W1toxLi7u7XT4VrJle5S+xJz9S7RK4F3+TxkzVDzAte8hVnziUsdUlYZ7L6xSfN0mQVVj2ugo0IFVa2FyMWoC4SRge76KIM3o8tbXdN2Re5EIWf++K/5luoSkGdnOcdWIFYYXoc4PDozMIBU9eDgDAlBoCJeKjbetgyIl1BfDXMTpdKvlanFVHcQhmz6Fmg9Hrmh4jdv2NrDo6evMj9tILyKcg/JDy9O+gY93DDRqi1MqMGiB0jqh5+HhvoKaqfM/3eXaWUklYVQ5kSZoGuQu4pG3eTNgPK71w60vjVo9Kz6QH5tCQQ1fr32/yCXTwjmTFo34847VcyhqbOuALNOl67z7Fl+zSXM4Z4BdTqIZZs/L2v4YuX7zkpfoMW5PLfyKhJoTFKfaEHAKwUvSqqq3CAC6L6ttaCn26KWUIPrXI664wjddQm5Us/OzmrQjmM4nZ11YJ1NzZqP5Apt73XOvMm0M/DJidRsCu9emC24ctgheXYWcCwfp9J4nUE8vp4prg+uDwKMi8XBwUFQdCGIQYfZaLxtNFqk3GqCzgtr4hoOM1V5kgnGmB7dwooYh5ioIkbN5Wck2HpgnpT8vLx69SpKp3mGCaeYQLO1Terpl9QxQZct22Y6L1vHCcSk53+Xw0xX/hNUAyrkXrv29A4G3Zcvt7fN93vRfNvmmzc/BUxkgSMvhdvXrx1ocYYL/Bm6HGjDwUFpm5iSyaNFWQs+WHNrqG/r8EMl016wRZKuc9KIY3nWQS9wkIJ6Lm5Y5FMjbB4aXXbXwNyuWhTC72+5XVuWel68IfB9R0wbpM0yUYSDvDsvwT3j+2sdoB4o8jJb9YkB761pxm4dc+Zms16dKaFeuYVqR4q6BrmDVOhKqszhNhppJZ4CLgspeAOvUpmJ3ESu4G78ksrNAoQn4K6pCbm//Xzbfb0wKKu0mqPxuHmRXtMM1cSDXpMJ2tQg2mot1aBXXELNVrleqgaCLSanH01Pe/Q0xuIfBvw0JoiQU8/JeiaST6usyzlePvebTCIFPmzPQhx9u+m5/tpkmd26F/GZuop01FUxQrLzoc4JqR+zwU/GYjzJPgrUbdfdzBcZ/Jq05Qxl0tbFSBqrms8S9n6vD4As17N6B5nQ0Y7liwxY2RLS4U1bIN3RtdFLa+xA8H1nTV9o9ArbzHzV/BmT0M91WKCxYCte7hE5mrlUrz429S72UTFlbmBFaRDhoDvA0C1Y6GpYpQCHEE0Lgt0UoXYCb6lCO8N/+CWTgjvTp1NwX3zfvDOL/56BnimkbBDXINY5teO2zDea4ZqYNVyDg8JQwzhErdFs4RxEfYU7TFawVXXptG0wPfJMet6YEPPD1TfyxHwthZ6JxlsnIBh3THxZWzyzaNJpJGq2X+5ALOaE+hlJhj0R9V0rBn545eCxmEiPe5ZZJhMkEtrNT6Jah+lkJpKvOw8zkx9ToLW4FQ+zR9p4MHJ79MiDsfUy+sxy+Y4+QIJ6la51VAsTb/DihYdgVliyvvwYsdJX+it0oaV9k22PJerSQ7BD5YL1YOSteG4bF+/lEQTb/Fm4q0WG77tD7z3FNuPVdmt+F7PmS9goMtmQy5pNxSsFb/1xuVGF/lDLgJdFVNgYMtDlQnfdIXdWYDtBKTKAKzU+y6iFVylAbcqUtG1zg9eb8KEUfBDDL70utOHd1Lj55HguNd6mu5sbwn4C0+mURHEIzLMuuR7XObVtPE2tW3raFMWzg+sYhweKBOEGdJgaS1QTQ1ptfmR0EoC0Gnk7Tqe/ZdJpGkW8JR0mTKhpgskNMXGWSPn09zFJpIR6l7PEr2OWSDZby5BO0yYXHmXidHH5LnaZWLa1/+cFlLomWZSnLSXLy+BJ8HJ78qKB7iJmyquUKVN5S0ky5sgmQWbcImwfIWjRFWG6/Ej7gj6iY10F4TECFAOOP/nE2gpy5cGzIq7uuE+P0hw7J1ykcU0uOPDBMQ+P+QEkkwZTX2UB8CVn9OGe96Igg1L/G3fdKmq8fN0hkm570iPpVmNW6G25KEzp8xmVPBPvLMTVu2GsmG02mQI5Rpr0AOVVrK66gMoqEWeUQctcBbJqpVFvgSxjyUJ3hhNmR08JM6USZZvjIswAs6kcZ8T095zBpzmp3FQOoi/8actr8xbehbf4B0+B/iDEEe+Cf4ri9D/RfxtGY+w3FSxLvY75tNV9DCI/3RiUdBro6aUiCrZaIPaoqVjsDSNqjx7Ua0lC7dLE1QVoFtMMxHVYzWRCGzZAwX168TUkihfheTD5kkTBL/6O+f08faZtes7reSZMGfcYdY8J4cHy3TsUbmyuPImZsmOTOdyqYCsuSLfESsUaDVZ72AyKf4JvLvjJWETa5gZFrlLNQQ11p2pz5YbTl2PEI2Ka1IqB4/Jp+ZheIf/8mTUsF46Kt4TwkI63lqvjqHKCMCfQyD9T60jgy03fd8FY3STzOQYv6KvmJldpjncBflsXLogu8tFlyhih4G0AzwyyjJZol4u61h3wKl1FIktIxKQZK1tIhyW2IhAzBpdAUBl8FgC2uU3zh1+n4E9us72ZQmBT2IW3Fs4p/KcTOYjd8PlNyq0JwZhV5yxrPc6xWNrFmqEWCNuZCK265LFEHHoEUx/Qa9XF3+ObDsH45AzF024jRJxoi9w9OnOoJlSyLeRdlZb2eYhgq2K40u+Fm4SA592KDPJQkWSZ7X5D5F54E9qFQmwNTZA8+zL/VvdQrCxCeWZTxKnKAcXVwlfxAVoloNiJa27A3dEKy/Pn2V4fQWydA5A8uMsfkslGrUSxXV3Kl1Vf7NLOQifmwGew2UXh16TPkwRf86si0ZUorg499JorEBbqzDZPQs3bkchrueZPoJAhtsqAt1oqNaGnstSCvLLGTJXJOAdHdcZM+fIUw2QWmSasdTESQlWbMgjbRNymELupFMXY1KY57RQiVk7OgNM/5oObeMz94I4YdfGjKbwMmCQaAQ9XCCySzf+Sov8+B6x1CmjrWaa7udfkhFycUAM9vV7MQD6N2TTQ0431IufTwE63FDuNdls0/yAjxZRPCz2tEkUmqMVkS1y2rl8lhhpTxck1N1V8kQlqYF4pYbwmE+/n7RTEXWkw9WJXTaX3G3eBXQZuGd1+kVelZHludRW6QYBcypSRTQYeGYFrfgJMkjE/fnQZvMQYtOAvZrVqbKmCHmTletkz/0Uc1+2jBF+CBkVuubrDzolIzWErjksnbL1B7P0kOZBZC7JrT92Dgw+POuwggEf8A55hxcA7MXGwjrKPtTnKluHBuBq/trbjdavnEMAXNXzhQkLB95ArX2Ss7mrwTm7BRdc1ij6TwDtNkmZgmgG7OIdAOXORWrtFHXWRo/JoZaCRgTKmYNtOYZqM+bEJnrm2QRmgkCHahmPwa17am7k23eDF/mnj2xS/t0l3N9hniKcY05h4twnLlKVvAvtl3p+gjJprZE6ox13bmGMxBOPMlOTTkE0PsPLTstMrbPQB7HSNYnEJHLci5h63vUTxkfK8/P3AftpyWwusYIBnxU/KVPFFijf/mud5+VWPnVaOl7FTb5xvWfsU4qfmQdX+FZssI6WME2WSKatgeznO/giNyshEpdZsNlfwD4pfYETTfkwKDpkRcQygzGz6EnM/EHtx2CFGnLkpFM878t4pzCOHPquUn3YF9ZpE3IX74U49fbTaBL+ZVc7q+dvAti+XvoccfHmuCH+NkDbv0EyRkM3mNwdtAM01A9NM2G01WQ/JLLN5XhdstavzZcqWM4QYLHHbSDxhkgt572ZuM5WSaApRl8rb6E2/Cd8KwAHEKYIzozjF6TZEdPxPOUeHhhNWxbOYESia2ibU0mYaj2TUxUyRO8W6w9SAyQyTT6Pcow5PU3yGVvnp+Wnw7CS3PMyoP1FVsV7m8loLkU7wXrVd9VT1xnKcs4NtMN2MYPgKslTSIATovqQscRHtU04s2ElQqprEg0HSZA1bAq619EXZTnPFRF/0HKu20LSo1KQ/TfO6WK+Cs6AJuksmVwEQG2CXaEiEw3FwoXNWZGOvJBALf+/s9SGV5vWv3H+zeyMhEV52VgHBRO6OGheyAXfOpsoOuYl7phd8/4b7cjE5w8wzlr7L74C4Qk0cMVaC3q0doCpwHhAiL88kIHjHysg0m19T0/x6WjSxa5JmHPnD+pDjLhFVHHYRDm3qBBWw/CTeODWVy1HMhRiJMdeETgm1CsD0roTbuBMH9bYNypJkb2LZjFUyXCwwxYZAbHJ3KIuZqebvGIUi45aipukIwvC6010Org+an7mo2GmSe0BRzGKPt+YGJj0Gw+hYW+NUsXybGGoegVBDEGO/z661H7l8mkB83RSh38cu01wHqa0zmFBz0sj8q2WnqSL+LifTp4l7BYL5JuXLi5AvY7r8dUiWd9cwWSZamZALvSBKlJFMxjTZTXJTggyJMUyWNRpEAbxdAqNBvDXetkozpaJ1QKKbKTSaaGpWAvqe/X0N6EFbDgl2VWRtVWsnKLI2zqTFhEyl0i6XnhP/IiCmYYp4/uX8tp0iNs9wfO8lHmsesA3s+kVLLbsytxNdqxev+pT+tCmML22R0HPeoffZu6CdqdNrrsI0VrRM47zQKkKmwumrDHjB3LX603UCb5W6RC1kq9DCZpSy5qlxW+2OYwRjOJicOTeBJDDxTFSftqlUTXGQhNSXE2S+fQj4GxkZgTcfjiSdD7vCOMdJNefUVCfTZQMSd6CoJyCXL2xC7zglfSZuRPsKTFMLjI/PQkG8vj5uMbwOo0ykuhThdMNkJQbDjQY679Hzk1LFehmlHpa1+Ys/dfnybXbZ+rZrgiq5Bz5Lf7iw8Md//Pqf//Pr1/+w84eX7v+Fv3Bi9V/eWv3/5uCp+m+emf/HJtb8mT8z/4/+0c7O//5/vvh7f+npT/zEs//1ny5+9as3zv+Df2Cwevz4X75J5xt3j/+7QDH/02c/8feAozJP3O8s7v6Tubn/bIvLXMyW/+ijH1648D0yYADG4xbxUrCN5psGuf8vBlzELbCXMJ7SWFKOoNj/L579bTwt8RQkV8FWQxxDiyYGIM6XwBq0LBa/EMernrhcmL/ANcESWn/s5dEQhkkIYx6Zzne+8x2cWzKPDxwMyjwZZFD9dfiInZES/Sf2te+fua6X2Tq0fhRZDx/qSwi+tu2LwfcGpM6Hit6PKfJKo9f8HNQqun+dCCvb5Z02vzea4TW5EWREkDVzkwiySBt2x1W5iykzC6XahRRRykAnm3BnDla3m3DLtW2AlaCJsBweaTuMDo/0c4ZDTPvJdcpm1G28bGBVjKjOfIhA5j6xaLukyeTDeNZnp8cHInqtQZdNg98eXOhKM9AoLq40n9SkwxTx2IqsgfC3I2ohEvdP7nOrUc/IbrNJjxCwz6z1m4zWX2OnUPO8Be3QKi3GuM4tBmtYBpwyLrKhgKtsj9CGG54JS29rFGrBtnfJMywLzMfsUe6CZ6nagFFwcgU2gRhK5iYPXAtnkFgLv3Lj1qrMQAIJyoxVJYNyRxwBnFgZwu2cbeSKbFsUKRawF6LHgdjlz5I8YwovufMN7BodYuHLnd4b2Ct6Sms9SaTRQb7iI6l5b7G8ChwiGzh7X2vhFBHN7BYHbHtXpcw57s3kJibaII4qUKjLITuF0DXJrLBRKjXWMCQsttvDI3hLOCP6FsblD0dcWKbXm5sUjaUsNqg1cbiNpDa8Mpk0ZvcTBsyz2NuaSqH6etbS04UpUnuMF6x+mtlpGICYhQEIyqaZnSbxtIlLJo9cQhdqmH9osMdWVahX8Lu0xCsmi7IDgiTUrKAmMZLk007JQIoPqwp+6bLpa+oAs7q88xKSxTOLax3QYVwiEQYyyyi/QORSrgyEskuUkT82F3DyCltCH08DP3ToZdw22NFkcHBQOY+pV4ODgxbIDTEiKy2Rh1ETFW1YEsOECKrL7YCI1BoqkSYtzAVbZiwIby/EtGzIkEPWoKQ1J/UFfJTGLWhU6rqXKXuL49WCuwDBD1Qh3uHNOrvS9n1BuTM1jQ6VslpWMg24WHTUJL6teblRBGlzE7RVtRkwcKWKlyf/ALwFBV4odjNIVLWp/4q9XIx4KeKUOU/OqapWh0+G5TBBcrh7vFUvFtN+NP5Q5db0n24SYc1VcU7aTTkitHKky4SsesJWxObNrKfzoDBsMTzAumk2BhhYBzNMpbk8u2SeoW8xwazic3SlUSLhdB2nmELS9dYnVjwtIoY3FzyjLSKnvwJPVTubs/2TUPhd/OVfprIP2ii/IwdnhV7+lW12K1s9wW19cCt7w5I6ag9SkXtbzH2rlCk3YCuNqVZdkrwESViRx8qgcYgoxfbhqDgIBq8GnKPgoO8mCIwB59I1fHy+5WwE604Ho2XlPp0ltkWvF/BhibgDkKpi1Qodf15cA4IJRxdzL0RXx6sTxS+Rz2iUtIXMsyOuDpF1tuP4rG7GvZ7S6GVpM6XN3OXFRtEKapoxaebRXUqavbDLmgzUYqRUzEVCCurbtodZlx7rUConO+zfzmXDQ3fh1/yP6F8qPPuBeZiLaT8mtymhxrSe4Zyj0hhS7JTJ+icmWPIhbTCvLrajxVPKqwegLE5bDd9mCzwvYZNEnUYgyGWrHOuydVll1Jg4+puKQ+4EVyOiNtjPFc2rM1TebVGcCcx9RU93ObQqqzVX3oKvL5W07L3AhkfodzSjXAU9Q0F9Rv1Dd7cOhY0Z38KI1mfMgKANHh26zGkz0Ms+L633RYZVqeruxBwQvTFiVah9pffGI+s+FnP0/2jDL8IX5waZuaJpBer5HpZtD6FXdXpN1avoZvyGy9+jKXykq772ttpq1UzgncHAi+AdtUSzgJeGhVBGBWqMHJPMSE+lfDbZwy7HT/yThRfApgOu+es5c8uOBDf+ML4/TIAexr/pQti/KNB7H+pym/gtSailKG5nKGeAa9BsmyYoqFNdaM9OZHIxU0wcidUTFkjpUegviclWQ+G3iOPExXp96S1aApRgVWL922DRU/f0SHbnuO0T26o4iMWdwER+d00myOd3d39yF5kZO7ZN8qlXOED2iAz1x25LkQuUcgutyqDEBW1ODb3zJdZCdtwYIL8jwK6F7kCv4wDMVoKjo2Ke5Ipi8hCUTBpJPxOCVZICWyOZ0fL2NwtToAeJF7qcBzH1bQDd6MzUmLefkre969oXRVekeH76LtDLlNUdLnp3YSaQwLtKRS+yzaBsflx+u/ItIJtboNBokKaZ2kRU8dr+ruSYBap3TciCWJtCcghYI0sqh8j1c2TE7QjEWrllCamnwht+eMTcAeEtiB4mJPMXa2ddaj0iafVwkFEjgrEqxlIc1SObwI1TnxhQi/NOE7lZ0myh3IPIOaqIxRugoGTTMv1gKuJ1A2I02Rqc4eUQpJuuNbCPskTP00bZTjG5DhOWfezs4YmRxmQMwtZ+rsfEmi2uiunQYC5kiNIVevMGxFPToAajMhclU7Uqp8oruG7KIHfG1LcUdAW45qebGSWf7fH1TOB6FJxx/6/rGsVoejLIitRBz/RkiTTl2H0D3r5W4q6STaVvi5UvPijcd8ML2xsqM/gQYQC6NpkVkWNqBj6fuc3xDrjJk47+gBTDdwGDLzLPuztbO4Je7BodGnrZeN0WvSZv7syJPpIHEzCNul2VtLnqp81Q8UrctcoMYZlBozhBKTMkom1UP8XAtu0ltZwB47HglHOqxwkS6vDfS4LtRXqf6Boe0ew3fquk3+KfA0clSO6Bw4ssQClIYawnIJThlpTF40EwhudqoxhEmyIVfsVavUgL1nTOWLfB2Ao+hIX9RE3LfvZRuKlYZ4kQav43sRfEkW2cHLvMG9wEtWCkv9Qkf8GzUtkOatcFF2XXUZA27jmBZgLvFOc+5huFOv8im05bC1IFY0zZwVufyowGq2A0LW1HQ26N2SojGCV+FSWe3ryKpsjTagW13Oy41Jj9mMOwDcA2/F6CoQUTfScnJ1XqfPxwKl+wHTtuq955oKyg6PXoZvgOL19m8Jrcpdqi3yT2iSzV7BPN0nHBqEvlIndzrdaxrQLusE2TKeM9R3mwBztBZ7rHScKyBGkO4HRxGNaUl06pmeb2UIy6a86oQcoFP1oGB514NAqni6lVPCvB2GsUu2g8ta5DzuwMmWypKaYSsTdvW7RbrYG94majzEXxYw/F3o5TiTz+yPtqEGg+4hkhKXNvyd44agdVQecIHmVNLHKVu6CBrQm1GGvHLW5D914fsP4wdxCN3WSIemCUrS8/MmAH2uDmW7E2UwRrfeKlgdOyj8mn1XDUmlHMtJ+H5PgzHRlN1iOOrqM3Pa3GonxDBoFvh+A7SZIrhC+PGh0GegOJJIReyNIvMZFxAYpemzZjnxf2EbVKMy2YSaCsmeQZKvKSyAEBTCwzaiJwpm8z11Zhd9gly5aZ4ox3hJGWiNsIaZXtAeUIiEdchaw56+EgEAckNXBtfCUixVYO5Z4sHSugQQD89G2Owjk/DruI40kui2TXp5ynJQov0fKYFvdQcCX5Skn1QZ9EquKxMcXfjKko49QFtqAT4SPvn8Iqlxy5UelICzDOyviYlKQzYsQ9EDim+KDtx1fQx3AmPgiLKbdj+5jrE4mHeVpylfFY81lqdTORWg5o3U4UtZd5Qxecscv6eA+4Y8yIQOTgu9UhyZX0fA8VvW44wYR3ZKzu67yZvntJm1mjQeqqGZrh1WTVbJtjb3sWyVrz/Eb58mYqkjDbZNmCSEVbD7AKo5W9nThkazyrtPocZdUqFHstJwGyJclJuEXFQHsT1R4FZKZRu025x4SdhIwm1C5vNH+ZmXLZ9IBLGQN6GvQMIJ82V09guHixmt46Pl0NphJtSu3FHfccnWbUTtdI/foYRgg44J4VT1CeHGO7Bety5EJtDFonnN1RShr/BZuOTCQaF8HjMqWsi7QT6ExweWvhYgwwUsM1VW+BlQaZFnSXCMZP9AzibQ07zzPADSVHT7nLESgLhqURINUvJM9k6gMDC/Pzyy9esF7yEPRWV66A/5hB7zNRWU3icMIlHgrkRi+pNJhtrok2EiNv0QVe+zuAX9KEzA6lMO46jjmH4B1WQTcrQZeKVB1ufew6TKb7OxEQOxjHB2SA8LDluDgE+6HYEdSWnjbQlU6xxGJMOiAyZ2SGCW0Icqj2UE/V2YzG8LrnWQsBZ9SFu4ZzBaBojN3Qt7TmFPciQ+hpegWgG2a6FZrS4BR9+VNSKyOtXP8BlkW4Lg7cfKUZhMj1PI4kTy5ELBeUBSgx9G2e+7DYFareGRfl4iDsj4VIioI1BvYnG65BjGtjazM4Zt0gMWqzKkNLAuK6bwfg4rI7Y+52O4rTJGMBRPDYT5c5Akv6zITDa0AvwLezuwVdoxcOvQcPvjZxtt0iUFkt+KEXO70QeqHhV682kW2G0LtONS8pI23WnCtkcqQYNs/pqTapMlJtqnZHPOxKS5baQA66WZcle8CNR2bc0Xc8pe8fSbM9GBOGufh2bWNOqIfbgf7SG4ag+QqYtSB3gAxb+YDaQzreVjpdmJjVY4h+1uiBeHCUdZcaxC1a5FIjaquEgwFLzeaTRqmMZCz55YnK/zbuKg6OjOJSlQuDQTTt2QRO+awjp0BtwSGXeSmL21mL23E1/8k/YjsjTkeWBUFSbxadGJxpUWoKSIJcxH3Mx7ByHoOpEGs75lrDJrlH70BeiwHpNE126fXrLhZHsNwdq/7R5TVdBxC+Tr7pal8TfGneaJf0kqx2Xj5+8/TpQ0Av93pltEgS54UF3KmN2wGBzIC8Gbr10Co6W7R5MzaKFF81UWD+tU3pI87IA3gVdl3YHeZaF2pQoacISyFuKxHM9ht1K/iX8BPZdHIodlUxM1sjEXrNT6SllN9kSosmETGlnspZiy6QraRSs/yUbk8Fei1/kthPGNk63tKvWsqAOn/sM1Vx2m6ltGItespq4fivfZOeab/GBz72m7Un30TtVOMxQPct6qasETf5cAs55czJrMmRC7mzE9bliMNrAX5S0pmC0tRaK6RwuixDLqGsCBAzUK0mH4+qX9SDsl4c+O3Ifio2058hrh7SEojCP8ARiprsixQQh0COQ2jyzRbXIeWAFALnzgLfzqWdhS2gkyj4StPowGrJK7iziBTONNWLKis3FUhsJDNWUPTC3LnM8lq+KsO/SPplCHYhb4Snc9vVu6rcpbCbZXrK4taGWw1R+27/OXNXPMuXOxUTjFU6bcktEYsEFXGAYheGqR42T9Q2i7WAmEYKADwBNifYx1aes2HEmQ0Na9UwcXHQPWmLKnnkApCIHMJxEabf3640am/LpMGkp5wKMLgWfQXGPE0ybmIurb4QzwHzC84oO1CG7ayXJ89yVUtxFRGLRVObEo8JecVuYwjZNjB8pOFBgwTQ0Gb4IckV3DVgIloOe40lOxISVBctVr/UiCAo1ZEhWCk30RGArACw99alnH0sw8rWacC7mQ/W8C4ea6gEX2NS+yJ1haIN6hrN7+zwrMLBW75X7M4itl53hDPyzWymARfxx9gsAv8qeEGBFdW8U8g1TzFNgV0TVjNjQ6Wdosg0EoKXQtuIzZcJui7g+qiLgWK+vz9dsOz/F15p7FXFrstE6i1WYGIC0WZEh2oPmE/GGaZU26CYpR7siwmGIm1rsSWeHjm12SUK4nVP05AZlJXkpPnQJSCUxcUiNJparSVcBQEGAT/gXlOJDjyVmyC+WGrB6guIt+YpH+bKPnA52o4LbHOFWZURF9DgCH+0nBS3NPSZcti1lgj0qZT1Dyy0hSXgC0HbOgfOxhkHalLaWSQoMTmviUSKADbbFNGzqFFnLwCg5kA7XYo/dSwlGKvi3+1u5g5EMtRdl4oCsIOvMM8s2gDaGXgr6vkKeq8cSuL83KAXBsUgb0bt3IKE3ke3piX0AmNVMr9pdMAxv+JiYZQ0GuDxOm5ZiVmYjU2RDRVO8njtXYQu17pc7ErczTJ409mYsGsPgTIPH8z3/EMApn+SHI79v6lQnHUYFjXXOY7C+MJxGAYYCcZeOYxyLRBNpyiTpkckNQVviNMi71q2kc+EaSM+XWmGSVgtWWJMHlu2l8K6LZnVgfCDw0w1XgXRWiLDrRp0jaEsXMLTWsLxgqWlBs0EDQ5CJBu0yF1flxp3dla5khFs2wWJtuT1B5PROXE5KpCsBSa1wDYFvVPaKWr7k9QdHULJ4YQfDjY6QTEqD3VhAq7b5uSQUCh4l7QBp3txayLt7vWSE6JSg2lJHD9QBFM2qTW9vG14p/kER43pLvIOvy7zZRAAXBUzH+SvHvnJM/aNQOx2/8Tq2u7imcntnZ3lp9cgdb57794hoPc4LS168QIoq0kI8oHK6vJYFQSSwFjxkhO44HOriEKvNAjQNCNHbBWVgDL754fdYdsd0gyVCroxDJVBrGBSACyv+nybpls6KShHoKwy6qAszloRJpcA0iiOdomtVmuTAxFm02jroeIOz3JYajbqV8sUjkVyZkotHXcbx10l6O0qpm4TRGXkq2d4Ur6oM2XegD5uvmwm8DUa53ArPqDoTkZeBgUL2Rw59aKkfTNl427OuQi21R92HDOPw4d4fU+xAl4SbnYdm7Vkn3Yc8x4MvzucsT+8fSAUjkuk1sLHgEaJm2DW0wKqy2Qh5gU9PuDPEl3qIHux7/BfmzBhRQgmFwHe9+zCLzHPrvSFru8cVb6k2ICW78E2kl0h9ILOCgnnLTCs3VnokHkzdYtu2dkEVGmYy3qNCCtSNluNhqt5scKj30SqnQBeC91sTL7sQReBS7C1OLSvK2kJrQRPxCa9cjHXvdh/lU+n5T6R2B4lycJ8+pRltrLCkfs67eEkDLsBJhonhvq4kLIgzrRF6sFcLQAmFUTjyCYXfzkilMY0LLCuWFkblf2BedQ7Dtg+rs8p6wp3wmbInDZg5iBu29QpA5ZDDFJYVpcim0C2GEuRt+AmeJYpryIsLyZQFJCiC0DG5tTkfpaT2UzVL7aZdNAZHtCb16UktoPERQ/I0GdiAxB8Cxc39uuhm31XfUwIsSemGCHrPUijXf6s4EtdX1Y8o2Rji9D7FPVWJnU+yMY0sLM6TtNFxFntmv/EVL0LQDi70Et5c60JV6ciS6yUwko5V9EVmbOm3GY7EGdYknnklJNkEHgr2ThmiiMmvVOxOCUASiRNu7cVe7OfUS8VPxjLP43NrGPDcDYgtri9JNy06xHHI1ixWvic3bQWefSQKck0h2HIIrXiMiBiM1ogHOoLeeX4jMzQDnrGFvTBAd4y5Tjl8XDhRUF1gWZzFkgccFNkboTC0U1rKNjVoMibLEOAp5giIA05AphrZpbrtQvKR98zOfEeCs1nWZXlqGL5Rn0M26yEMxObZKuboBttQ2AwsoXWHzWYy278FgCYNF7SZufoS8kzE1c07bsFtPMZnlVg9B6It7rC2xNYqQFGdI5wxqHe6fKjcpmnAkFjxeJm2yqyaXOOaQt8IrbRpMJLmodV0nxOiCrXz5XGTkXXt5Ld5nUAdXhlENqbvON/tBJAWnBsgSw4llicj6mMLUHtwdjSWh41LYwWMdPtcI5Y+YfYKURKIXMyB4H0DwJjopDK6f1qqSCj9lT/DsnrwfzdepEya3Xzxm6n/E6Qb99LG9+AGZYFFQgzzJHJGD/H1r2bFGlzgSkZU5YxkHb323QPSJuybjTQbzPNNZHi/Tj4Hj0ikd6wJ+9Y9+YyKSEZnVFAbniXsvij0Q2c/lnCcxMnjptokEL1cxM2eSFV/WmVuWemri5Y5gpT513q+QJvRYKNAzSNeDYQVJLc60Ub+OsPgHBWKivkm79mLjo18o7kWXyoeadszZsyv98MLx+hPpG0iYatNAPHD0ZOnXLtobh8uYL4csCVvJhv3dCpURx7kze2AvaqY5ehx+TTGtHULrbJtJJ6BDqPrJZxx0wiOrtLGSUu8OwDp9NE6LgdEHYYcaLQLaX2BhPdUpdwWB5AO+W0F4Ug3qYYuHQJYftepuDERLDNWbADpMZqkg8KfRbsijY9m1+RrtEgCD0e5j+aFUaLmD6RrvnWvYEzQpiRcD6NPSalgLGjITPd8WxhbONyEwSrRWKxIYUuNz99zMUvJc+auerQqOAZi152pztA7D3tofcMtYvQRFK6RVj1Qj+/WW+0QJ1XRM+TATHSQLaZ8ryJNi8tyZHlzab0eIdH2oJdKBQhZxamCsEbUMt5fFfHUYFaz5u5H73AnfMCVn0X/43Lqf3o7hLqBIY6ILVC2TTrLbNeh9i36GoHWSSHMLTz2KR1TVO5ttR+KWrFSWvVJpBx5Nbs7GwwfMdP5HDQllTK5p9JiUtmXVHf7U0mh2mH1GZOp8ibUfvdwK4ocBkLPxCTZbfFqYjcx+C6gdx0jidB2tYwMJJKFyLqU48Y0F4enFW70RA/vU7CsxBfiF8Kv29hdAQS6OpjP3m28DXB9+olMMmZn5zc3ll+IYKNA8VenlB4+vQONHvnGb3YLbrwioQat1EiKTqNs6zTkLxZs82cV+HvN+VVvDKIYJu7lqqKxl2uaVW7Nk85bTQtBqCGf+wLB2rvFbz4WXZeva9yagtlh+1KLK+lZFt+Mq0CcaDzsOLpuDic4qctslr2lslZftqVxnaIy/JbE641qqd3MvFn1g0WTPmJMurBzH+QaeNSuAzAFBbVIFmeI95p05FxsT69EavA4ANxnmNtVVuwoT4/PJvUfRS7MXRHSE2wiW+c5WdkUbMXigd8FOuAPDo64+XXo5rDVz6YFIkhjW6RoZEBcBnY55UnjnnG0vcVlb5IO092qOcLvBW3fA/YLwKpBnnRkZuV6vWiRhIsJNG6GYU8qNMQdTMXvSryojRyM0WpFINXt4mIafZzZsUP5S2a80I158PEF+OqxaoLtjr0CnTj4EsfrkST7LwK9B5NravlXsRWbDJ9DmktwnBW4nA7tKHOeVa4bWtXyxkksVsptwBClDEFaY3yCyaTs/0M5znhBYk3M8KYUXCzRkay4qJNtr057f35YQBa5SDocZUjsR/Au4YWoIFroLMMhO8Ei2EQoMqCSGLSOAZ7M9W+WDoTegBEHLYULxBa6OlqWeO3hjRWa8mmz3Vb+/LAr4EvGV1x02inQ3orYZ2vHLBfhOh9aSXO1xcW/MS59sTk9OhCB6F3hkysFGNVkOZfIdfmgSL6HY8ob0hMmkc48J4KcmaLXc5ZXXs2iLaRyEp4xlNxf/M/5F5VHJwjVXTwH0XbTum4RnGo9QgaxBrAZOmRje8sxVLTKNdqU9ecuFjieXEdKqFYMmqRKAkty2l1OL3jn1m3yjGTolEBGcmWnl87xfVt22bJbkIyzJAZtXG2n+I9Fme7baNxrFOgtMuFp9+kS5lLpGW/qxVah2E4CcEKwyocF6M+eYLhogvC2nEL+8aSPpsi87FtHLm2EaIXmkaTWzAnuCNTvjdPHxS9OKHAdlaXdjq+UgM5K+gWVVseZcUWVgzeTGpC5vBRHEnWzHI1xoBDmshsEHgj2LWZa6TOtVyT4C+va1sGLGPbvuWUWu4pF4B0kGwnEdSW2HZZfAjgoDvsU9KKkz6VtQgeyWoED6shxMBaC2PdZo47xHZ4SZY/zcoQk7A5VrRIwRhKWvD68ICcssM8uVlpxKRmmQqCXVKpibY4D3D7tp2KXFbabd+z11YE1pHM+opltaXgSOAk6P6Fdzkbjr+a5driSkpJAfeFWZ/Fm12lEk51BXAchHUYBpc8jsODoxbCxcao8yeQIhiGNVtLVRd9V6xsQ+B7AXkrdNnY7Vwk3or2CZ5+eCAT9hsWvRB671/qYOh9RX4406SRrDWfLJmkuQRVL4mslIcVPVMmKG0Gzj9F20baFrsj5CkHgZeYZpczp33oMmsUEMt+TctATVuY5lWkPZnPWyhbUFfyQUy2qI6Nx5Uoy5XO6x6V/R5jmsQceBPisOewJYE4a6OPyig3lc7DYXmznZJoTC31NikQZfV4gVAHL1OkNyYzebciUVjrHMiloP+SaYt5EbeC0I8+JYVn0PMRbLbl2x1W8dRiNMZU7Jy2StHHGYVqP9HIJFfb+Ytt8sPi1B32Z0d9lkhPbSEhfMB4LB0QD+Zx8zLuufmyAiQy6wVGPTXy+Cg+wQUuaOOL8B2z0ZeaRjircAbnBMWXfb+ps0HvzbvLNF+0DIzzGjqw28QZfLgx9NZN3gwmoNTrFZEV5s3juHQPq15Jm1P84CpVMzZ5XdYsSbNq7Tr9I6eoOgTmIQpKGpx2yHW4TOcjJ+ZDOp1O67BccZcD++XTPqXFtFY+nfaF0/m4UFxJkmllo9VwNjsyko1z1orLpnGCGA21rLyBGqMQe5nSsfyW67HY5eTE18JLBj+3ichNcdJEKmSqfMhBUAU+nzRW+bFDq7X9jPp9hq5E9sbuvufQNlS7Iihz0XbI0lNrmbtKvIuyzYtdAb6zdMnSfEBQD0cdeQrjYVCeisRkZ5RnyWnJnxuudVS2zDMGXxRtfLQKc/o0qzA/uT1P1rAHQe/Hvkxynjycrys3KzKzKtNUL40WwdiYWOFMcZ4CBRN74OAv3rZ5h7nkRZsqlTV7OTM9+bXa0UuWGVUKu7qM7Qeu3ucF9id92KurgUd0eVGYEwGt28qnkyDsAJz2xg/5WSyDSzJqxT4Fw2pwiRESGV4iacOmcDnUcjWQBjlFmza7YXGMmkaajEDxx6YQXhNYMecKokTmHjMa7SnkEpFmmSn8poadfaAaE2MvMt9FMC7QRh0CCdqIYR4ACSGssvF2xANcauFNyaTd/guansAlPKqxlIuHsGbmVaMpmNC0URi4Hx7RtCZbJYm+JVP6OviWWXKFtPN92Cv4lR1JnVnrfDCtxjUwtELGmdDrc1ag1HBjvbbqpV2YBTuVjf1A5xnZthdp5ppd4IWntoddO3Zg+zOqeZvWGa+A7hAPKzyYx2YmTIfjtBWBaBCL4EtrL7sE4rQ/85D2jADkCe+2QGQ1lxNjVevRvva57BqxtG8cPKjxWY2xt20bUG1C6yYJL3hkoG3dPuUL+9JtoqOy1jpwWH//PjC7e38mmfeKYI2/9PBICOIoJ60JaZx6kDkHvEa1M5JtTKTC7vBEkjleaFXrx2FXFI8ygJ0vABgHNuorzZVStdwk0SShd5q6RgtEO8NiFDGXhJ0oB0Mv7z+h7SceeqfLorPCbYEt2fIJ6FUbE3TRuylss0c242VZ0VWq4pX6l3XHFhqOoVIBuNJ/oN3fqXglsaA4nfcDsZ9LWx1nxc4sRuej0n4kztrpQ686FF7LDT0MR5Y/jPid0cjKcf10tk9oRDIuH8/xKzdOQKMDwRf5MNRWDOvKlpLjbDbeZDvb1ffT9wcMYexi8Yga/xBiwLYw4uh55ubZziWSZpBngJ3/TyUQ8vE1sW4zSQQeRRaLtu8hftHiEj0/ZeaIKt/ymA2+MMAHLV+N3v0KNgL0ntnFZdvXaeuYc7P6drG8VFuC0Ks0ksJZ5QpWsd5WQ0WOf+R5oqDiVTwzt4UqXn/IcssSA98xbEMIR8tqR5qF1LRtLOXt+BJ8JHloKXQBCJ+4XAFmwxJwWK9+cAhO3DjO5GE75dBMXdScVSa3N936xjiplN8CEjeFbDbeHt8HbDx240CcDSKxjFJzSp5VychwHCPtdlBpbr7Aey+wr5aSpe/4l4xvxBML4ohfvO9TK11hmv5g+OJ8Ia4tLSNxdXksTJ07UPnOd8iXXawlD4jenZ2dyZ2tDsskcTbQGuKYNH4FvayoXURCDWeGA48KT4RIO4P7vMPD1vyG466reBm7roWq9RNOOyWZbX+wPXmS38Sc/WTUis/SbJeE4qDDlA5kHm6YOJ3cH44dIPag4a19UPS0R1D7WbWXWdvnt12y5v6ey2k58rDXtxUXhaxipczF5VQUrhEHsr6sx5IseyOhWCapo2uo2l4eLT8U9YXblGkUeOdFzhr1wMfQwGPCjn/kcC9tXDBOsJrWCB5l+kqav636Enh8lkvQ9hXFJNLODx48kFmFM9zyBa3zft2tDHqPC3pfwv6TOPTCVD4pNYrCOFuBM419TmC9W2DjFzdWNDxi2WZFV1Vs1kzPcF+Z4SQZ6bzwzf1htxtSDwhlU2wr5kwLRgLJJYdib5jYXqASUmnfHS/ibumtffAz6uRdxTowewHaz6+DONsOF0iJ1ec5zxlfF7VxFtvpXr6f3TAcsRazAI70yZUvaXTuQ5pfEIfbOSHyrL6lnWGBC2+vmSpgUi1a0aRMOnTVogS6KBvTeNlhvfZ2pVSrf7tWr5Zvg2n0mDSNGL2d3UWe0T8Qek+fPr68zCMKuP+ELXEYvdNiA9usthoQeotQpmeURnJCjJsLJNFIsW+kPMSWbbZ8lYddkUZ6gUxBNp/vD7Pmbb4nZPmO9t29w7hyUitCAlFmZIRRDxPj0zQfP3jIII411FK07IhNqbP+VvIwrQ44nmEE5Ycfbn44ol/8hS8kV/ST5Cz706tcwOE26o3vcxn9nRgYxxkhZD2X3mDtReKsg+Xkaf4S00J2+KSojCo1xnDO1oD0rI4FMeI343t5YPos9iQYfZF6bhr4lnATFJS+3DQig7pLW3OTyFtx6nxvn8awHnpRJsmeOBccepFx/trbVgP9cGDHtg69vOCT3Bak06vp5pEg8tq0GUGr5gB86FYcS5XugduuaI1NoNU/3HNArvjyrYpqEkuPuFKxn0nnlZ9AXg1fVOKbw5WwKvRpWX+bmjRrsoGiOBgLiAgyLVr1imQmh9xaZBdso6G2Ehm22ptFfqKxWIw9YHAlI/oz2D3l2xHlYuRZPH+JXWF8w2MfYOED6g7WqYlMLbZBHEZgDd9R2sdHwiuY3Yeur4m+XPqSYoNnFWBQEOYEZaPRvXuHgF7c+nnJoRe3BrJK8knRxN6iWGowZ8V+KROsN21bvrltiUor0nDgTVecZ0YQeNUUkB/rIggO4GYB+OWeJzGB7h/D6Yh0K630HZRBx4gtrdJSJiCTtdKJhlqBTe1INhtlZ8NBAGFr3S1Gi0x9VhFbuEtEdJ9FrI1f+qAn1h3QH7/0vPJH5CfOOieT4fggzDEYUJv7cJNWajlDPKyDUyK15DwaKmO26s3F4Vf58FD6PEPZMybPYJcF26Zg+zIQV7dt8MVZBVFs0JSvoPfKvtB70w33ztvYix7sYxB60YKdBhTEBVaavWKokcmRlofMX7lZpLYTsTzSgVcu2CwY1oHXCSHT+WSq6mQ0dn55XycOyHuIxEqfVVGd4XQo0Mo70w4L4HwldPGIj8J+ayUiPhToDtukejg7EjMK4IuL/TsINcbeIB5jlgzdrvF23069weRlvFKNvj0tcunREabld+JjQj6JMG2Yy3BjmMYyyMQEs2ZTB1ME9tdARmx4bPidkeiL7hstDr7lMhNXYzr43sc5QYve88fv7U9u9bGsH4Od2x2ZzFfoLcNwYK1pyt4WSTXWgWNzc73It+fccALzzXbrPYqbffB6kVdzzZW8HRfw4m4UuhpnXz6cE4FsLwg7yZduSTsuqxJtK2k3Pfskr0QYaVneoggt7r7ELzTNIrPFkXgkGwqNBbPDI2pQwJa19i7Ujw96QJgzyTdwKoiOCZjVXbOuf+ylO7AiSqv9FzEWCMEiV0+Z5c1Ot6NTStw7S23yogt05CJME3xZ8j3Bq1okAgez/9pFC+Fb9KJvDXPnFZBcNT8VubOg9wHpreZI64yp8/F9GsOS1MqEXhjNB18NXoDCMkkhrVbKtdYMd3udxJmbvTQYyJxAzhs+IbNmavRagZWNvGl/kEjrMSrJpe47QG5cMN5bNl3J58PBxQT/nrQ/66DicLJXfHxF7OJRsG38XLDf1MpAsiJChg+cimw0j9v6FpPSxyW8/MskTGpzg64uvTYPISQHP7+vNoXrWDQLoR9yOCDjY3c++pXwptOIM3uFwx0i8XB0VqrgtlHnossf3UqHURV9azXQPD9u1sBo8lPweL4FPd8xGhS0Ld95dtg4fvzesX04S7ItjkHvU1E5X/LQK0awJnOuLfkqSdvsZfdmstNwrd4RJJw59FLRa9PmvKTNruRVOWc6NmH2IPXld3sioO2K4XREpJV3mUQ6H9sXVuYdIYorCbx0CON45WF3OXEgC0kQNqokOckPP52uhM4F6dB1SP+M7q1nkC+2g2zPm4+x9uxlf+DtqlFTSjGJtO6ZbW4Km5UiVXeKZdJkK2a9dygGR7a3WvcsG30HcIIfO0dgkl1rLdVXaNoI4EujRmyRg2rJ3Q5qnZ+Rr/N+BBsOvTCj0NntwHigQi8lzib2vq22ij56EbwTPHQG4wm0rshr9SJ6sc8g6HW+GfTL9kveLkFX0cTvHrwxQTjfTwwOrjza6CMshPOikK54BXAlkkWmYynZip9VZ+P0w3FIzsaqkbOBppFyZM2nxe6yYAZOsXIeUCXNSMe69nouYhU77OEw3k3d4sRZoUJtZMQ39FSsXSArNUk0e4SI9NvugKBhDwPfDFpY2pHpoABW8GXh80yRjDfOlmawaYSKq8dVGTXS6J3szHfYnG5xn3IrH72ok+TxwFcWvbVvvyVPnCWRSWK/CNHLfjiZNrXQSOXStvI6BC9RVlj0urEEZV6lphGsqimdEHd75ctD+zp7CsS9U2kr1BZmOp0Ug8USz5NOuyCU7yJPimmrdpcTx51s0lLkeDKKwmLeWee6UOsafxFb7ai/gjIZ9Py08952m+4OJh4h75mIcW0fIbOGR/xpLZm1FBcxyqJTNCzMG9Tb1nqIc+ic46B19gzRd4B8sYpc+hJxtcK8Fa4GhVkFSp2vY+q8NTn/0qL39EHRi2KNSw690xR7609KP3gLHuxFdPYG9I4zerlfxFUDKZwNerVv8ykGL6GXH/60T1cpO4x0F56qG3KHDnLw3/cXjfuFsD/+r37GiO1Axd/N4gJxPp2wfSlZ6BCL4e6nkg0L2rjqNl9RnvheWlzx3LV73TSaKxq+ymzfsQD5Sj7JxESz0f6iKZaGqSw6TKPj5hushdjmpiyuzTkHWtqenqNNU5aDJvoKe0eYPOPYQpFFGzVwmgST5+an9WqVTTZw0ojRyzP6T0WwcQD0vngxD5mzMtaw6IW6dwl0ki2MvYM4XgToFaFViiXOm7Tn0w3kD9NgkVBWruhlrjXtj99Xklu7AphDx+2egnAchPudJvYV0s54uuKzWRX9HK4objbKa/UUHqoM2926KZ5i+z/q+3CjkBUl6k73BdskY22bblRsFHZzKmqZRiQIx3mIuXYXM+8+gkmWNezPZwVThrA6ncYnxTuMlJWpjO97F2bPVPpiatrggYVmawlsrrhpZGcVTPAltSTM6KO15LN9yq1U7J3fnkSxhs2cp6dvccMIFs+1ZIUCajWcnxWaB+VM7tyekOXalrIaydrpBCp6fWmzm+O1DdNKEnbz7x66/eM40Gx1hXDas+nR9h1pSTt8aUc+WLFmA7EuL2N7rF1kiKfsLYr8SkJojxleVh9OR9ZXJP7F/1h3GGsrQFVKxBiJWfshb97SJ91DE8ARbeMZR0azbSan0GRgjZYTkkHLdOFETuHXJs9WM4m8s4FMFVLnpoEvW+RYhxyQW63tdia3d17cecq7QPeB3nv3lm/cQFOr+Unyk7ToxRkFsrSqmtgrA0bFcYfeiQwZ2ov7eq6tZvJ5CBQ7hkR92LSZil6vy9tlZigp7A6989MLw/0TWt6YY0UXCuno6gfGjU4zKZNOB0xXpR8M96MxloomrScrHLNsl0zER1qvvx2Y/ak3augzrYdAg/JYX8KUOX46H+0KR4w8TwXrWqkhLFSWNr4bjoGwy6FTRGK1ZZVSW3pIYoM/oapfRV2RZtLg5CzuuCbJBsz5Xh67bEcVYKfRpUv358TXGRZx392HMWyI3s7W/bkAvY9rPJlf4tibGXDoxUWQbeoX5XLaUYNH8kWoodArtlBeq0hF4OjA3/7Bu5Hwcij43WsdXLFVr6fMit3dYtNS9Qy2aFULl7qvF9/TsU57ac9JM9+lsA15i7TWm2npWdpnNtK+wWDs6hqfm5ZLSV5fsXzLg1j4igev0Fi+nmNYNB2+b3Sb9yhhT6mABkPSQCLySnV+Cyr4smgDSl/YnjyDOxZKJRhVqF7G4DtGowoGvVd3FgBvgN471wx6j9+7uWfBRn+xt0Sxl8cDB5TIucD9MNA455T7Ois1aLTInyyq2K2APmGVj8PuyYScuX/MDsW/ptuesNy7Et7b6GGlmzwrZhNixWdx1eI0hyzJq/s++YpHHulNqZXITsZKTNMrQGveV6nrNxX/ncg/TSdIWzQhHamDowaA6YiockQ8s7KOfB6OOv95xtGi5WCTxSm25wAET9A4oUWwV/oO0JYRJK5qsDmo1ixj8KUpfRt82VuSHTYWUbCxZ3+caOyNoDcSe4vjbjqwzX5WtNhGTRehUgMI51Ou6q1I9lNxMkkbctPRTq8d59sDdB0cHU7jXtu7bHy5bwz3FYZ7ReG0cqlN50OL6iAOB77waX9myYkhXPxMpyt9SoxtPqpjuau30wnY9YqdtLYbsSLXim/Wqw1A1Wop3zQl3ctUW19oAkd8D8HZWFVlljloX5GlYrAaTVIuHdYFjOIv8lewSCqTsnZuFHwzLnfOGIg0CL1O7WxARC1fDL4PeKuCddg4JPTObe0s9Iq9BbU30IqcU7IQcqStrLjPnXKUVdpOKOS1PNL1efP5viJvL9hGcGrfDClkb3h/l3v1A+PeCO4C4HTUP6uSD6x3JJCmg7YSf1SIJM8j3ppL9yMvTkco5Ly6ILjMuUuenPbXzOQtIeX9mOk4Q6PAEdSZASbDt+I1xa1KOh9DY8X2gi0NTSP+0QF/K4t2G0lxrbA40qfatBIGZNDY/OWYNVXw4KumfbnnC00jg95m+TG4S/JSI9pI1ulYX+enKLfau7vVfmLvqEMvDua3U06p4WKvcFZKI6l1Gl7JlI8RR1ok9IvdCE43PEzaVFk+FNxjL6H4kIgsx135uWQ+OqYUR2qJ4DAfCan9SIzVW2aYbXUbC1nf4NPzFdG/Q29zo0Wp22JRyUdsyioRXVoMiIM1j5KG5Ls0kvyVcDLdP6w6ScNxlu++y12bhdAYf2XXD+1xnPD6RkI7Y+lLqXOLmkYrsNV3hfRW6Oxs0duZhJ7R/PKLfYol91b38s5trHunrJvkBHn4sXJUGUlmGb1c9Qbz+GHo9ePvyTylzX0kzd0zZf9VgGK5nw9q92f/dfDJPjHsOVL7PWG9Wa3bJmIMS5zsBpLiXm8tXuNbtgFkfUlNxYffnjx6XePI1k3RgjhgsitBM8nWCnlPRWqfaEEVHNLQw9nEXaRaTbnpTDnZ4542JrFuciKnVRtS+nLX6CxIJFoglyw3xwKLDRBs4EoU9sdZ3I8/zt44Z/aPHx/wYi/4sCsvSZn7zjLjrNGbl8S5klY2GrFNXnrTk63y4qwKtOHHNGo1bEMCK8DvxgF5rHy/A0oBIsINiEkAjl/WEistjnnbQ0sRWbtYca1r5YKtBjnTcab3vUzJ0m6pTcVbNOX93P6qZWU/lK4oYUcwfBwbgMUii9tIGr4sh9YMNM30U3ySUeDUhFVuTETRS7OCSDvXWjVQbNTKuNbo8liIXugZzcM2wcNBbz+xN6NjL0KXNihw7B12lPO5U5HYG9MuquTjQm9fabNf0HrwDd9sJMXejaDoDWJv92r44PhN+++lI2ubunKyle6McAxsu14DAocT3erxfbTTydDs4iEYLZIq0cBtOa/YH9qbxWLWvZLsM5QN+0jijoVSyuFYJaVzt9fwhfF+gW8qk1MWWNHcmVlnaPk2SyZ1LpfKNTejL1pnpK12aRfo/tyt9lb3UuxVmTO2e8k0t21jr7WStKOBdj4hH8NZdZFG9gFdi90Nr8Z12HSv9C0BzV4kVgG6RyJ9KEx0Pm6rS0WzP0FCne6WUvsSJvU2Kf/2+OO0ZpwqntSi8o5ctdP5iHSnEux5lSUWvgG+I/QqfgjWZn/ePINavZLNRsyxhqOLGnDRCq8stOsKJ7ToijQbU0JcjdJ+BTTZwEmjchk2gl6edjP64I8DPaOdSWtOd+/e6b0N+e6Nc6bYqzLnAq/czgEpR3vdRhRp5aHXjn+J+7oTakQiL9k99lPxbngg29gY2tfNT6sjXzXkp/cahfeQRHv5aTrvqyHS0Vc9AZyYFEcgnA6WllcCiWecaOwdHe9b8OsHtb5RITgi0vZTaK8NfMp6zGqTWe2so/hnb+uoLIGycwttK7rSqTMGX0QvzQkS68xrFZQ/Drlb/X0rt9qzP85+Yq/KnNHUaoLGMdo03Dsiu27C2KtUkkz/q8UEsX3ebuBVaa4DcTRNllfhH/pgV0gPRbtO+8+i96CojFOuVHx2Nx3RLCWPIHaraX0Jo7dqphJLCb8j0KYTeLy0IgWiGx0rsSx0NP5GxpGySsZBYiyfvwq3KFvyGZ7kGfbQaRdYdaWbvkHq3Dpbs1O+j7nwxZ0o4o8DxrAm9s6zP87xPfrj6CkFg9452INy3ZsxspsUinYBGY/3il/IRNtuDnSxF12czzmhFRsoeAtDEp4QMeCNS5o3fNbJJb6CV4dPD65eNq1h7kHe/dUDcO+GcB+VcH5P1pW6qWY7qxWP7QqS3kBonCQ5VuvMK1FzTN3O+yKO+8mDbyxJyWHVZ1q+EiLYE2JJF5in+tXaFymApf2LjpQ8Ass+MoW2iCYLkeALc74AFlqsQMG3hvZWdlLhgfXHAd7qxYuni+DKvseWb4BeMoT1pvPZENb1ewcVer26l9Z++iMKPnor2lUj8nxLLnq7cFUbPoTDwCvhNvzLRhiX48thPxb3EX97FcH9BuF0TCoZjhtWwtFhL70OhIyRz6uNqn6vuY/vpn+P/AOsoPHCbyWfT9g+441t5CVXzldid1YE8I0joLWLroIvc1e4c0CCL2wWjU2di2SyUSwWaS0KTypY9F7Q6N3pTAJ6ny8yeq/sH71gCGsyZ+WMY8ptNIStitaK53tJKanrXht7h23qHAwHVnj0La2rr7iiN+gVxWNXJI9JCbMH4QC+ceF5IxHAQRuqF4r7Ma3s8rRO50O7d3+bk1KFV/TUUiWQTqfz8bD2lBP5gIaK1rl9Q/dkbz/8PUK3EmQc3liD3lLhEGxnk9izxyuAw/zZm+UfjrR/fe6KKl9yz0mR4Jmd6nJO7syDghlmiJi2gp1GEXcr3gW6u7UD6H2BPaN7947tH70xnpJlA99yHVZvF4tnI+jlTYpB3Uv7T7Ddy/NFae2HE+mKxI0EduWrNoaGAg1VBKoxSFUfDNLoMG+Op6Q1YEWWdeBecP7kHotgD6ZBYFaKCiV4qsSFcWWdF/1y+wqw/eBT3zFheU2Xn72SuAFOrEkqzuMu2kQC+OoWUlaLKIdHIvqNYW8tgyp9UxmoFDNtNy7ohhWsQx0qI1CwQYUv7RNU7la0EYXdrXZe4E6F43sbE/Sccbbn4/ycDXrLpeaTJRCOqMIXaatZXfdazjnMnCFxZo9PxTU45+ZKzDxvEng3+sKuq2sdbIc86Do0R1mtoTgAB1G4D0nWYVbAUVTxDvK0EjukrXIiHXaS9aBewkDXfnLjLq2wXpDuD+/pIMnQaqxKPugDa3u7fNqOFeoV0YqB9i3tzln22ZNPtvWaxRyODRZobBBp51ShUHA2OSr4gqC4ITP69aZJnR/jRqNpuxLlAXV8t+Y6O5MwqfCMU+e9KDYcesHPuZOA3mYZY28jgl7YoeD6vW1V96LFbojevDJhD0wk032iN1aXkRB9FQSjodeDs49d9bmhpCi80Zckaw8V8Ml9lYX52IaOorUqUZBGI3J6X/XsgTNnXgO3p8tXJR9r8ufGNJyKo+I8L/1J/rj8mT3r/RVuw3r2t81Tv6jZ4JWEkHYKgEmxYVPnUUqdYUaf/HEwdZ6WKUFE7/WrJvjubp2xm3yPH7+5J73Vxyr2ohu7Rq+jrUrNOtvSsRu7JZ3JLZMuSVZrxWs3FHpltFdEkjIhlu7FN8cTVh52YyhlH7QeoMPY61Dsp9IxAI6TVQ51E3PsgcHq8zmczkfGodPxkIxk27FZdH7PyxqT0Xuy9xq4pC/Z0xfMC7+xMiwZHXTDj/nACdtDrw9f9sEasczVcKDbkNIXt3rTqnngrQrYOVJ6K3HImdGxl7zpHltnSYtecpbcMejdefrsOezhvnf62P7Qq/cYsbEVecLyAlBOndch+IojrAjGaJGC1lqRWoPQa6cDIxMK+ZjEuWvkDbRVQWM3GnpVfA0+56E4+NBQl75wVNOx0U2M1Ze/3d5H+xPDZhep8QFS5DiQhcjc/+aovVl0BoPD3v5kO0jIXkJuJLhL94hXMuBI3LBvIxvODeKgETnGpsQmNpOL9Iwgc24wbdVipTPY47jC16J3bheMYdlaEgQbe6l81SYU3GOkdggiPVbGHYL10kqzBJtQMKEvOjf2Al2GcjSe31YzRopzrtix3rQbUKgwiZqOu353LXo3olmzS4d9pPqAjA3FEcx7gTxe1qHllH10gftd2LDf9krYYAke0/ThIDcZuvCTHGjvW88yOB2IvCqRrY16+DevJ5Wj8TcdM8AgJjrS+o2Uvhx722iXQ9CdRcHGVFzPCDJnnPHF2FtFpXP9saKtXilXZ5pUeCoLjfaDXtm+bWMvbt+22xRKzVqzRjsEsfAl9E5xy0i86DeD2HsuLvYKv5AOBfquFOpHYhWB79BGEikVxtaYkBsfjBNT6I2IAcBQ1wK479Vnjo49sGbpgF3bbjHycHZI7TECa9g6KWkkg9bwdbsZ8onw9Yrfc9aBMlL6OvjmUrLpqO1GBQP0DkjLqFRs1WhIsOyh9zNB79auCZmI3qfEOu9Fb0XopQ2gLyc7Ox0qfB98RKkzb1OAwtdkzmdbsgFU9hjRtmIKvhx7h5NiL3SMlI1z3Gxg18Q5nqrymSgvlvZ7hiI5s4bsRpiXJ+G4Bwfd7/rCA6kc8oeVKccD+R3unMn3n4FU8jGbomLWRFk7WbWzRamf45u/wxHuyo++At5Uzpm0u54RGbOjXGNUvOmg8C3BOjLf1fkB+8Lu7orcimb09xJ8NXp3Jre2JjV6HW1VK62UWzXzrfAiI7uFbKKdwRUvKXKE1bHX9XudKw49oBUl0vMj78k+2kUbPmHl8cpDGxt7Am63EtivgaNFcHSOuMc0Uh/p5N4rwcMFbbdg+3mtfOtjHKuikulYOw695k0WVobhV5NXjno+58YWwuhLuweJoYVoRWvnXdPIdnxRroHOkiBxatV4n5FF77Rzx8HCd57R+2zP6P343vHj5xcXCb07W3OA3s71B1D4muD7iGmrcqmxRAt8sRofHbAbQIm1ahfs5m3rjGOH861QMp/WPs7pSELXrV204WfOfvyNYaT2HIHjYvFQXOEb/D0sxLul0P1HoPznHYFPdl1E/k7RuxcCIK1VKb4XRyXa8OXmkfBVed8Ay0evop6zI9L41Zorgi8LNnK8NnQi5+k1TOxd58x5hlydIXdeajZU3Vt2I75uxpfRex4FGw/7Ry8EX0DvC4i9O2uolUTa6oIufOu0DMVaW4kp7CxZW3HwTTk7Z2trlbX93kpFD/fGNIwiOqsg8iYkzkNRHrkraj8wp0cMHgo/FCA6jsDqYxC4n/z5ZJ+80SED9uTnlinvZdtbX0qsuPkFtRmKMmnfgzK2+HX+z0mSK4FvQZiriQmaVGCLDUCvXQdKmXPRpM4wp1DGRb68UeGVDAlC7J3c3cIZ3xfPnj27sbfgq9D7YmfyDO4hQ/Q+uCBSZ5nxhW0opRhLZ1A6ywpB5cYutlbZrF0cWHG+GrGa+IjCeSg29mqlRWTioB/oftANvzGxW2fOceMM/jh/DwDvn449eXiQjYdu8PEvf94nuvm8a/KsNujE0M+ueSS9o0oi9awavyzbyHrjvlqygSZXqHXGmQVMnWVE36GXRnxN4owN31oT0PuYZgQD9HZM8J0ksSSgF/VW/fJWPnpxDxnAdwFSZ4deO+NbPCtLQKd4nQKwzhMpWJdI21ARvTyyYbeg8HhRnj2ItMi5EpFqdJktiibOfuDtnSl/8EEA3w96lMBDURRvJMDXJ6H3kz5/OR6p+xf8d/sqXT69T/Ttf7nb/iaxvCI4HU4whNyVk04G1JUufUeyvuBZgq+LvZvU8eUZX/S3olkjD70Zu1GhSbawibF3srMrpuwWvQ/7hO/HQltdQ/ROmhxcBvT1Dl+TOjdXYAtoS7vCZqbEmK5AvvObbOjsPCX1jJFsSrdaq0o+UEkmoncjVqbhyR5jI28kxGr0dovCQxFRVjCE5BfAwQTDvrPnveC3fxD3oVlk1B4s5B4Cej0CvlcHqeLhN2q057JnVk5WXPFb8aYGQ8eNwK7Oi72QY7LBlRS9EMJmp2Iy57Ol0RZsVHCxF81xvNg7ibsEaZmgKXyXseW7N/QuPnsBG3wnz9AK3+savZQ6N5ugtaIR/eKoCr48JmWwm9oM9BrnaMs501b5CsfecCRVj9wkV72xQ4A90+SN/qJx1xJ4KAS0hW9CAr3fGWB+/iYm0fneUuL+RcYHCraf05rVxGtU2vOWzWubJd9jUwmfI43fEL1B5espJi1ttSm8Fa9FyUnDdyomc24BaSWZc0Ldi7QVrwKlGf17H/c5pH9FoXfZoHd+d62zc//S9dcLH5FgY+zWNBtsmMq3+nYJeKsBb1Jh1g4JcvDlfAMFaJp0tgy+9maJiJy7V72xEwlDoSZSA7PPXDruMxE4DyXXv6ESrEf9u09J0v7Q2zMaf57g3Q98u3V+PR8Qf5GMdasT5UZebyqOT53PucrXBd8w9qK6OUfOzrZj5KE3M8ADvga+JZZKVuPr3knInH30nt4Leo/foMJ3HgpfcoX15FZQ+T6ulRqQO3PwHRgd4JYv9atxQp/GjHTsdejVyz8TpnsD9CZUvYEBztA+omrSfWNi9VCX+BtvbBeT6h/kKXzYfNWBYPvFrUjux4AjZpsbb0yxM/yBcXs6Fr6e0xXTVnZOEGMv653VRl9lC0vOVjKlAGqN5pOZUvntYzKFFaEzo/c+bVTgwtegF+ytTveZO1/Bhu8NU/iiMd08ss4k2MCmEU0q3K5iz7dZXUJryUGsfNetsyQPXUjLl3XevIWMCt+KI53TynE4hrXqWvVGG71+7HVhMyGkfhChrXoH4qGk+Bumzf4Y0pcPGoEOAcMnDwGy73Jhcl/0VbefXZv1VdQSKBEE2U3mTnWVT4KvXjk44ik2wtib4qW3otaYcKyVKCV5SqFkEFxfaU7Xys1Pq1L3TqvYi8G3I+jl4Ls39JrU+flTHBKcxBnfLWoaSeU7DcRVuWy+i2qxBrlzcXQQaecCOWzM8g5fGaVyA/qotkL0VqwzTj7MnNN9xt4gdY6MASqcJSK0B3oT/2HEtGMoaYIhYnZ5MPjul20+RNx+kevNVfztw8FPZc96FaJ2rKv4jlcxxBVuCs12jb05xVqlXN3rzRi5CcFqc6UpOuew7r2P6D0TQW9/8BX03lh8igP6kzipgOhd4KaRge8jkEvWn9RM8IU5wZlBIJ4x+GZkxhfrgJTVOuOE/khW0CsknxvwjZnvTUZvVOIcelP5kTcOgB8knKR7dZFz+Ex3wvBRz+HfPTdS9k9YHQS8Q+/27KF7lBh+K1o3qayoNXHFjnV5tclbSSbjmkbZLrEX4Ws92Qu5UYdens4vNjJqQrCZWPd6mfNT8sfpO/gCeu8hemnMCCpfaBqRN50E37HL5XLtSbVUxjHfs3bSyDWNCmjWFRFLnoM+eFpZwoaFb791b/xGk/iyN0TfB32cuOj7QQjZobiJ/ljtc8S47pAA/Lng9XPA7J7y5y7N33Sce2609HUKSieajEHvKYm92DTqFnvbvFCQnen86XweMWrQGkFypXN1r1qG4mXOoLay6O3TXPIKkc40qABiSbCm66ye4Clfhu+tR9Q1qjXqOKTvFBuFqcI4zQliAzvlwVcFX+n4pu0qhYrnctir7g3ryqgUOUTfnsD7QRc9R0IbOOIJHTR+Nw6Hfj0YgH8UsNsffLuUDRXPNcfv+nIt7Lod2q7dOcVq9I7IoG9c7M0x55zLoNiKC98JnlHI2MSZHGF5mUJzpaSdcUzZm5A5E3qXj9/ts2kUond+cp5p5+u28qWmLwquas1WbYZmFbBpNCW+zig6yUnmTOi1I76C3nzYMopbgJI0HTiUMJQ/FBS9+8FuBKuJxW/UGTrBerI///YD6QkPO95+UdjtbydyAnqDsd+YdaZ2yVHFrrHsil4n2LBiKzdlRENGxDi3MzkeEMwF6BVHWF6msNKEhQbsSqemFCRz7uxsOfQifCn49kyeAb2n7y1j6vz0DvJWEHy3RO2Mo0afmNz5ESmuVupL0DVi2tmpnUW4ndILFUZkCEuGBO0CUFusaAgnojdurCgBuyF6P/jgUOAbM7/Uzfo5onjeOET0vuMzNPT+ofdkf3MLKp3Tla/EXiqC7axvMnojLSM1Y0QDvlM5IGrbajbf+TnbHaC8S0Hc2B/bAUE738uZc2frTIBernz7Q68Uvqi3ukjElYHv64WF1c9wUtDA9zblzs1qvVFsCe28zuhtF2RUgVq+w3YdikwqEHrzPm1V6bfu1es4o8uJhg5W88Ymyh8kNY/CyBuvmXQA7ird+FOG3Y3kl33jtyfzrAd+3by+r5h0sbd35nzOGtT5da/E3k3aJNgOGkZ6l4JaAVqr196WTNlbA8GGRe8FQS9mztHYi+jtDV+DXkmdaVLBBN+tHVY7k8EVTSvcQsVVtdxsVls18oYtjiNxNUu084R12KCWr+TOWSXYkM6bdbYKSWetc+4ae4cSJvH3H3kTcJ84exRsbIhfHrpxqHXvewnbPiG6sV/4Bo3f+KB7Uo0pBMmz3rWQ1z5XXWNvbL9XYi9NB6bI1qpNWivbL+Idgg23hQycNdwuhTItMjLovX5dMmfYp7A/9F5R6OWe79ZOB3Ln+9I2YsnVbRRMNmBS0A0rjI9n2Ba2TZVv4At76pxCb95TW6XDDYJJ6A3Wn4Su6TqFPih6P+gitByKiK024kf1A6eNjUPhnN8/6EYRu5+Qu9cljD3ccmz6HATfCuNWrzjqEnv9IaO22iW4SZsEaYugSpyd0MptAC069KIZO29CsRt8JXOOxl6Bb39aSYEvEleTFxd312zp++DCG1P6PoKFgtX6YwPfaqvRgNJ3gHjnAtnqsVEX0c4yaITBl+1xpOOrXSX9KaNgvjfWBTYYCxyKapMPCb3h34dikueEVd4axu957MXv4UCw7YrVvaG4F3GV7zaxEJn2VeBNuzXdbsVREnqFs8qORDYqsKEzRKkJir3mKZ+Z8E2tyM3ZoPdsibQazTJ3e709Rpg44xLQ79N4fgx6P+4HvacVenHSCDca0aCvmtOfLpNJTn2JFgoWUe08NU601ewE7Vez7lY8JihaZ9vxtYWvYhj6KXxjXCSHQptID3Ef7O90U10NbUQ98PTa0PD5+k5I5y8y6m74HETwoyXG3n4jco/w24u2SiuPeY91rrBiw9W9eU8qqb1hsyyVtBNGrt3rVhlx4gyBl2WSAN5xW/baxLlWbz7R3d4xmzgjemk6nztGLzR67/WNXkydpfLl0neu4+XOn1jBJLhsyKTgOM758pA+a51TYsqOwXfkFLd83Yyv9aWLNddIir1JHs5eAH7X6A3yZ6/jG2WdN4be69i796gb77zXFZR7S6D7QO/JbktSlI7A01t5Bs9h5hwMCVqhpGTOzhgnh6QVdXsneItCTsrecd8OFhPnFpharZQx9FqllULvJVzA7Wmt9hh7IXVmtSRG32VMnrd2d9dWUTL5+sGD1QtvTMR/NP3odrX6GKzZa6y4GhwfGFhHtXNq1rzAMrICW2yI2BkfEmGd85Q6qxHfSnS1TbxWMiqVTJoJfCfojXPiiTaOIk9lvXTw/QLv0H6Rm+hC34VrPgzeubvgqhI6bVQ82sp6tVe6oxdD74hHOSulFUbddrvAK0BlvmjWZ5yLtMMIhVa8SGEFOSskrcagX6QbRib07oDUymet+kTvlwS9BN9rUPrinP48hl9p+74hwfNtU/rWSisguYKOFs7pk9oZrZ1hnSDzVm3flD2r7XHUKiMfwL4beyT2hvCN4vfdx94NPds0tJFoc/W+E877YqliQBguVowNzP67G4eL3shiptBlQ8aM3PZ3i149pWBDbwheF3pzm5ttlkn6ixSw14uMsyknMfJCsxcH88ulcrP8GKveaWn2klbjuil7aRVKiN57OKjQH3oVfJ9x7QvJ89bu3OQC1b4omfwEBc/AO5fJHnamuE7bfFmxkWGnPez5tq1gg1q+Tizp9inEx96TiXMKbrg3bBkNfV6Zc2zRGzMp2DvwDv0ogXcjfgucx6frVlls/R8YLfT/oPRsGqUVa6Vt6yRj9tYM6thrSSuHXqXVUL44bVv2FsTUKkWzsYXcbGFKoZerXgy9dfRyJsLZLVIAxpnQe8lktxB6Rea8P/QyfJm6urO88/Ll/PbFrcXd1a1LV69ff72w+gaJ57FHl29XTQ4Pmo0l800ODphLzdT4+CzANwWzglM53Ghkgu+HbbWNzBrDStMorScV0v2JJWPVVt3EGofAOduPDPWQOW8Em8l6yay+UPTul6caSlqFHsZefu/LQwF3tb/cuTt60yGI055Jjl2NInD153tJDagYZ5ovssYaw1bkzBsEublCdpK5cZM4qwEF52iFbpLVOkqcudkL4NUi585VCr3zNvQ6nfPpvutehV6KvrRR0CTPHditcBVlG+zOfpmib7MOTV/gnYujjrgCHj1nd4HyJt+IP45mnUODnHj0biQMCXrri2JatAfr9250ib0bnrVWNPoODQV93/cIvPvu7oazmh5mw7mqjWC4JNj4dLixV/cu4jpGzugqGb1qPtBXSdrEuU3TgeLlbAnnKTeXT1kzO1oVS6KS/FTZakDVy+jF0KvL3mcSerns7QO9yDqr4IvJM43q73zfSp4/grYvlL6Xy/UqrQQtwqTvQGbAfPMwrJCbJZeNTQ6+w7by1WpJaholmVslx96g5Zugtjq82OuDdyjSMArWhEauML2ERj8aSXO3fHcjwOxQpPbd2PtFYt+Zs5sTDKSSFTviy95Wer6XFypoQ+fhEd+M3baLcmB6TEKrFEfeiEpSQi/v3a6r5Z9CODN6qV8EjPPWDifOMp2/B/QifDn6GgCfN/g1AL5258WL5Zfz86DbwOz59YNVpK4e3QLmqorRF0vfgfXRgYHxAo3pwyLuguzyHVG27GrKlztGaT2p4G1gjxdL+uuLwsX3SZsSDitvDsJuvLNGGGQ23tNO0dChRN+hoD7Y6FL7bvTFWfVEb9ch37Q/Z+SNCFpb5x6Js+dIF6l6yRKnrb1gIWQVMm4sf2BUlgfOoI9z0+SpX6PQC6O9Y0G7CEPvRQq9bK0h6O1nxkhyZ4EvZs8SgE36vH3xzDxsR7lqoi/Dd8zAt1YtN6o4bQTb0mhOn8BbwBUvrCuTnq+pfLNqTtBlMr6jGKM333t/r1d0+qMKByl9+zHI2Yjf6xvorLrOF/2IKDTiZBkbfg/Pr3k3hqK170Ziw3hjn+jtai8ZM5+vrHHS1tcqcLXi0JuNjBcN+1sUoKViAJvj5ZmFyHSRTPaaxBR9nE3orbNQg0LvGILXzRdB5J204LXoPb039LroS/AV2SSkz2u4k9sxz1L6LmHlOwA7BVHuPM7NaztqpGcVojP6tpEexN58Eusct0Gwl7PGwdAb64gTWNFGphM2egwW/aigNwl7G/HvhT6a8bKsjYPUvUnodUyz2kmmrHEqYkcnSquKQq8lnJ3MKuj18vJPUDhT4tzG9UVtvX0snC6awekiWLuNebPsHxujvFnmiyY7Fr1PBb3HHXr7s4VVwVfIK4i+d16wcGNua+uqNbpyG7lN6duCHN92jXBY2fyA7ZQiriT2utSZMJtWWudKD/RG3DVivJwPofTtOmA0lDBjFCzy7V31/WioIzfixVQbQ2HE9XOOjbCz29vfa2/o7bKXW3RWjrTSw/laaGUt6bI+esWRzt+iwMNFmzxahC7sObv4kxPnKVE4N/RYvuWsxljirFWS9yFxhtleVfW6xLnfXWRXGL6nmb1S9PMdU/1OXlxcm1u9SrKNV69AL1IuV8EuAE2uGgPk7swuGynai5LLOXdJmlVwxs5c/NpNUunE4JuoDNhInBEMkbd37EbBPBQawkY8cfwJo4P1eE/28ND4XOvejW6CjWiXyGvsRtXevSJvH6RVvpc5TqBylmUo0XaRGlBwrV4eThj21o8xeEHJYIteu3NbuTgPcK8XjWCL4KnBjjiXZT7h1Svkm5lwBs5qZ4sJZ7bFWd5b5BX0Cn5vAoTv8sC+we/y/PzXtxbXtk5g7QulL+fOYLTRaJ0tkrszmjvP0mI1tJckc1iZVbC8VXzLN2lM8MvJcwpDMeZwcVnvwcG7kWRKFy5T6LmB+9DNq94pehNnLTZiGkIR77Hu9e1eaore/SJNOKf9qtfWvel8QDgjelXkPZXV2z9Vt6gt3SJycTYBCrLmXJg3Qw1p8+YSg5eHi5TC2eestiZt6IW82So1rvSNXoAvA5gQfFopn6/dgfT5zOLc1vex9v0MmKvpy+XHj+sAX1wKiqOCGZrThx9PRjGsN6ybNBJfdtnx5hp16T5cneN3oSR4Mu8Nvt1NNQI/nIiNpHs2bxwsZX5fTF434t+LcsuxaA6BG3Z8Nw4v9KbVNlC1CdRztRI/WC9x1rOBsnvb3/3JVS9u7d2krb2yctuAd8BRVuMCXuoWteClWgfwluqfVqu3ReE8dkFPF2HoPaN1VhJ6P/54L+jVIL4iefRNtmn/E5M9z29f3N1dPUHFLxjV3XpUrn5axVnfpQZPG42jS8gs5RZtsLjCyrdNO42k55sOFBv24U/Y4jvUn2RjqJetzd70kXFeGkORv0fY5i4LFHpgNgrcPSwvemcROIEj3gg7eSpV3ogtmg843pvvsdHXGjtbb9hAqUHDMZXIFgVuFnl2Vk5kZQkr2tpLhJV0ehG7BRV5R0VlVStaldWnTuDsNJIGvFch8mrC2fZ6+50u6pFLH4MAvHx+8avXnt7Zebk9eWatw8nzq1folFOtY9e3cZZ8NkByRT8WJs7+oK/f8/WWKsT4OvdoGnlq5+5bevfpxp5oxZ4ortqIUQbuxXZcr57uIcY/HBDvK/zGS5fDcj9m1ioUSu9tRCHfTSVZyWvJrRd6rRm7zOXL/k/X6tU2zh54nR9ODju9PAA74RW9TFhNKZEV70+AvLncJPA+wvUn0248gSLvrkReLbM6fvz0nqrexN2gNLxwHpf7Lr+cnzTJMzaOEL1l8Lkq16u1eqtVlJW+UPpO4GY1tLhyS41GeFYhLbSzFq+lQ+6q6zqj2CH9cCnZftGbrNEY8p1w4j3Y9yy/j0mWD7Ci6F1UvxtJc/nd34+Jvfvda9zPPoVwtLfi5c12C0pEqBHYOI/oDQo2b4ah3s2U7D4RKzql0/CaRaSykqKXBc5quGhBaSS3djR6b2hHqy8d+Fx5+PDuXQi/i9fuLM9fvLiI0ff16kefjY19Ml2+XK3BvMJScQlsctaJuYJsApdEwJR+Cmnntlg7Zz3aWW1ViJNL9lyq4KezfUTf/laBRv/FUFzkDXePdXl69kbt/nZmR+70jsmrvsJw4nzvAUZ7u5uxuwUo6WC017V6lSOO6hVh0Zt1vSLd6XVzgbg+AW0nxA2HYu+slWmMUq+ITGCLaKhB+maYyb+sil6r07hPRe+WUlnZuV6seQ8BvRCBT9+8+d3zN55fwyVHi7trBr4PHqy+gb4RSiap9C02BgfspC9cljah6ZtqW7mzjBqJRU6eKl+/a5TuMWnkS+Djom8/YNwT2oMV3EkajX0wVfvfr31YGN7vbO9Gl4i8sV9rjf1N9ipfpYoFsHbEyTudRmyn1zZ6g6J3xCt6eXUROTi7olf8NEb9uUBcn/Atr9PrjCQXtMrqIjFWL2zk3YtEsr/4+/HN5eUbz2HTAji1g+YZZBu4HwVL3waMKxRneLHRVGE8Jy45m26loPWns8G3klZKVJ+36h18o23fRKON/uDLd/wgaXlCMm43utlG9twQsP+V2vrfv7v8eaNHGynmbomRd2OfdrA9x/Il5noCZ3bScLs/oxJJDr1ENw9T3uy74diiF/zXC9zpbWdktGh83M0FohFdEff1VmlzEabNngM7z+TL/pN5pdPg8YR+twf2j99j37i7fMMkzy9ebmPte/36AiTPn0z/1OXbIJlcWmqchXWlg1T60maUWeoageJqM4Avd43S/qxCvg+95IbvL7kRnRNMDsH9sNA9tVVdBgJjnp/dYm48cvda63b79KGF4DjCaaNfl7r+cuceJW/XyGt390ametN29Wd8zZtWswnD2QhhRXYaKZQ3Q9o8a179/+29/W/beX4n5rKds04ENJblgI0QRqJIoYwg0hzGh0qOUGlBVxVrgTicChmtK8VSSAjkyq5Zyqc7LZA46iFbwIWkXHwHgQ0RZNEqe+lBjd31brTCohdhi016UpeNhcsPgQI4SIH2v+jn/fR5+H6/pCSP7bFn+JVn/DC2Z6zhi++n14PC7hhjl/00bCcr9NMo0bo5k8nLrQjozWeTBrx66HWkRbryXnmnz9PhYRh+fzRfUfBdawLrCkhX4BK7pXpnHH13Eb5xuPqiz0YIzNnhD143dGc3V4E8cmKG7uzNNWpTfL0WNG0G4MuzNXwH3s1WcYEBlN7LYPddBGu3A/f7Ex1ttnWpu/Fu6JHngtfLtGJ5ggGv3IqyFnj57z7wOnm9LsUqhHdemnmjbMA4JnYajpOVZAYCeNczJOrFrtmmabAV3cisy282l94r7xi+C8PAvXq1r6rvyPEaNs9Amfxt8HhWoy8QnktJ4jv3kVAf36okWkHTnSMRr7VzizBQEgq2sJfc9Kdwt7j7vk0CqJ9bdcNV43sFgZc4gLhQ/VLgjV3gNPy+VEeB2N1sCe0bb+nw5SybP28ZgBJ2AlB8jhqM4oBLL029kp1gts3GfR3FNmCFY6ITWBsodhpy6cWNFfXN5QJsrBwrK7n0YnyCvW8OWDcvXHnXz1OMOirOHxydpBrFhmqeH9QOtdwITOoKJXC5UqMvueRE+zDdFCgbZDDpMK4QujEPfMMXSyRzKE1WBok7/V4Ow5utt8ytok/OSUlon+hhEBb7sk8ggt9D93yxTJPNixnZXXwjf4EAlJi1+HRVvVoXKKXXWTdft5UJkVYekpicANG2SNPAvC4T1muxm3tl3VziW9HzAugC6dI75Fx6VeVtprotL6sXVvrJ07t33zl61ey7uNp1+49ezK+c7O0dr9XobnT2bGtJjb75cjVfgmij3l7kbCj05kKqeQ4lHMqG+vQAY+O6rTVqM/m6dOcWeaDwt80LdM/t0Nsyo/dGa36Gd+LdPO/16KZ5vBPgtp+b33cDvdliI7X5bvhVFyBYhd3R16PpDWctOm6Y9yzh1tvmSPC2mcwmRjXHKhEdY2WCBV6+FaE0Ib8Omt70r+XzHjOcDQ3ehvZfd2gal9D0vlX5Rd7G0Sw0z0i6OnytRt+ZZbr6VpFp0iMOk1FHrXANjr7aZSNraY24wxHeVbYF4yogk8x3+t302l689XMjIC/QB+BWlfe8FLx3CVw/WmOBVfi9mm5sXmLCvcwlvA1HI+zdW/m2zTFHVxSzPCQd8F43Cytv4hhvm8mEbge5zSHXx2rM6IpwYYXgheSEsoB3CP00zujSS6ljTRh6/R6wcum98n6ehYeweX4BrKvmceNO88HGxiHEkwFpI7P+vPTmpiyu4vbiKmoTJlHpez0ixZdpVqb6ZttU3xvBJlf+aJQbAWvjC4P2RpB5VVBOUQuG0bkJlu8Fut566/+xjzC/91ypRttPWdaW9LpnXp06FjOVV7fNzrLZkJv7faeiugh6IZwraqzXTWaRBu+Eqbzlx4V0WasChWJlDr2Pms1UszhyFHQreo/gvXL36dXVimqeVyp7qam1Wvc91Txj7wxX33y6WkoWbqLFpBp9aXMF71mhekj2znU6G4lJDh99w5pwZV/t2l99NwOJG479xVvU3hsBqgQ/KcRW02ye84K8SHjle0Xx577W+qPB73nYbfd2F461MaGzJIEBgl4DXkoL9HA0+i01Pl+KYF+FthPyjCW48PKpCI1VyXo9j6knGbLCwXWzI02wdUVG0iuqwPeIXWqeVyuV4o9WTmb3RtZqd5oKvpNgUzeTyW+X899KFthog4svXrdV4zzqFN/rtsVVWG8Gg/wlY8Gj72ZQ9d30pXJvbl4Gwy6n6samVzjs8c/YvMjAe6Hoyg8B30ufkT4m8LZhR8ZEVOSyIylwLKu9NGKGYWXljXFaoBPU6902a+vmUQn8zI0l7LYZjrx65i2Uk6ptLq8/N4pen6S3ifzI4FvR+0XvFTgc3VfwrZykRtZAsbBxaxJH33zheeb74JNTnZiYML1zFAUZ6tOwg6MvGUx+cd2SCoZ9UkF/Gndw9d284XMWdjvfVmSLzfYbZr/lXAByNz87t+5+dr6RWkCGh/+vbMCPXXISfrs91oeH7QXblbCP4OxwNBjIgl27AruZJ5L0GcyODO1QZgLsq3TPHM8ZPW/PYDw50ZOkbXMhWd0lB0nVNZOuSC+sDm/VjK5oDdyb92Y9iYG0bb7yfp+7Cr6V2yBZ2Jsq1hp3Th9s1M6GnpFHbHU9Dz4bmEwGJhvUO4dCdqqg6+7MSYxhG76e4dcD389uBNnU+fX6Hl3QuWPuDdcyI1BItGm9a3x2zovSLh/ngUyv6rJukDSPdZ/7fvzyCA5cT38lc/CloNti4P3cjLkWv8qpvF5+lR1Y5K6rIgGKQDJ/rePIS/6RIddJQ5tYTbiJRaAJfE4edDNLYt58S2+bcdksWb0OxepyXhpv3TtfXeyq3Ma70RSK9U83Js9Iql9IP06XSuQQC/7OY4lRiBUMjUZJ1hzo7syJMnagb7adTU4Lh9gbPvmP60R1I9hHvZXxTQCpatOxQL0gdi8QmeVBZtiWqdowtX9e9suust6GEP2eS+6FsRu247ZN02wVXoobI/f1mD+vyDLSCJIlCMGKZ15MCiTzyFEtTBiz91UC3nx5PV1gA8llVXkJvGfaS2POZVh5Esfez53XV31/52FXpfhq/uBob+QYRt8Htw5/Oj6uRl+QK+R3SzcnVDdBcoUcUa4SqvaGjMHkgJ1rxNDNmv8Bvr1zm+a5nejXGog3fWkIfph6hbst4HsBasa5BmoubPW0H7Yynewf8P7zrF2wL9hKt7kGfygAXwa755x4ZUdlm0daYYF6XxWO+fdV173kSP/ESyMvmjvJxDvo87DqiSeTGrww8xLBynJ/3bJG3lOuvCAras7StnneWVgtfADsIm1jePU2cCYrqZFi7c7c6UZtcoiuvplMtbRbSOqrLzjUYaYvrN7r5M5OlCusvhHAb1Zm37C1dw671be13mjT1n1bpKtgFPvSdz0uc/Y/DIoG3LyAtfq5Ee9ZN26Hv581mXcx719Z/fq0fqVvxPhSRfiiGL5xCTBf4m3Bz0KLtceuxYzkTw8HJQi5Kmwpinx6QJPy2S8Qtu9EGDWG3MhcXat5IaDazkwwThpIsMoLePMe7Naw8N678+hODfZVI3bM9n3jYnX3w4AXBb+V+/fn9w/2cHN1D32uxsczy+q/O13CbCMYB55A9Y2jQ2w0NFbfwUxQoxVEypXOVtC2Q/r/0OcXWV15wr42XQh7G+hNT2C3M+i2iPPcvBHEitx8O/Bab0ph183LIhz4Pxwoewqyf6n1AZroC8H3LcF7Lp0lbLs2212zYWi0ixqL8L5Ke0cODAx4woqQ2UyrZiRH6lvRmBe8OmK75FReZkeynhfQO3fnSBVeMpBMBbq/XvlQz92F7+HoezQ7VZwGrX5t8qcg1f/W83x+XRXfCfDJAa0gMCZDOb4b+YKNsHkOy+irUxWyEukbbjn7+lnPwZvnG77FsX895U3yDBIhXJDN7BqGfx7o9q/Dxj141T1H0N7Z/ES3WIcdC+MLVmIfqfJdGkVf/gn6T2m/k7dsrLxnopjfOjJsyQEjvK76IuLR8tqSIiy8sKgZBX4VJvtwvjbvq1jN25OUylsVajNg11Cbh2DZbFJ6G2vHtG0+qhwczBuOBi6srnzABxbPxRf7ldm9f90Ese/G5CT4XGXyBYj1Ve9G7HKlz0Z1SuSum0TugesSjeJqBbMxP+XKK1jwJiz4C6/EDN7wNMn+k9KNgCxPn1lkywztNuBtc6LUQ5uL27AXyOZr+5tWakDAUutCJbjlIenD4/ei4A2bNiNrhXwahoYU4az4Vzn7KltQpMFrpwSymlcKL7J8iV9FtKOcZ19Fvs2u63pa7COHMuOWkwZsm7spptcKLHphgXfhygd9ri6u3i6+WqmcTBVRr7Bx62xofGkZKFdv1tNI2e6Nw945l4iHkDEJiyucK66RXAGvvhHj76zd2S3JV7Z18/xZCxmLr/ENjEy5Eeim3pIOeRH9X7v7UNamFmRdRpnmmWWdqHfvh4N3G+naF0xfPWNvfQ5+y13Wl4Gtp2E+9x6edWwjPSlj+kwUs468/m1VxJXy6lUzK/GhS8QczFDChJ3kxsZyqAd8Ip7ryYkqF16R826/dGZey/v1TncNmM1HDYcdiV3z4oeceY3gqOt28cVKZTZVRL1CDQnPQLnKZ8BoozqBwYJwNorD0Xd0J5RAQ1zTO6v3QDeRm0/rtto33HJ19VkQVX4zMG8hEMyBHEi/uXpLu7nPLjrtZp1DT9jb8WUtxAbB1oGvtIiWBZshCVqF+S2W0Z9/WAAHNu9t9/PhFkrAmCsF9Ovww062tt9Ew2ZoMK8Zh15SFIWQMgh1N6E9cHo549MqvHDmLeOVN7MkI++ha6QxMqUK78nRwYrFr1r8EByNIPg+XCX4Tp2mEL6Tr1HrW8iU1/OwuuqdML0zZaNwrGBdn40ilr9zzJp9+TXqc5lsKxjcbHU8av/RZtzdbC1aDeiYW0M3zGgKu9YPl/rwgdjj5BTzHNsuxetoLxB+xzBu+e869z8zaykBg3pmJlnZ5lXhwFWzowY0AZ808WLXDBAehaY5qoOKKOGTfV9xLwu7ZkroxZGX9YBmX1UTWQISrIymaN9yjxz+4IWX4Du82FUsvvhPj2anjqe7kTE5tKXgm9/OrK+Xk9rgGezZiXKlWpE655LR6Nv/hUO50lrfbGC+QhvexmZgNvTFoOvvlVskRp+7ZG4FXds0LRyEzHAsLLx69nMJe0l/XhDbdcfUYr3PCusXezZ2yW107Euxsi7ZLl/Q80a/GuyyG/NQq7hp9myaZeDVpq/9PgccPfFGRVAUDfWhnld1zXErZYzXVZxUBAyNgiq86xDxWdZX3gzzq2w1r901H+zb+6qFrwa8vLl6BUZXavS9o0bfQ6Rc5csFPBuVkr09E3Hwd6ajL6yd1VvbTv2aGn3rMvpGhLQhciN4LVsGRf7Vc+zztieLTV+I+wWLsIcyfUF7V5bT0lettixh84oLu9FYpJDkto/AamzUuBehnyg/tVVHHQ7aa3nJWZcpwy0L8aXA/Lk336X91N1q7PAQmoPTAc2RSLAbCUe8EWM2qbkuE++OxBSFxnDkzYXgUJLI4a4Khl5cNT9R2I1j19xLkqIquM9V0wq7ebjyLs9sLamJ95nC7tnkYW1j45RH3ubacXEqtXdyUlFd8/wrhd3blcqqwu7VhadXvqLn7sIiiX1nR4prSLmafA1qo7xcfe29c7QvgSZXOzsSyY3VF+QKJl1BPCbZLMebLBjQPAd1zx6X1gvB90ZQ/b2A0ZzumVvFUYYtqUHWTtYR1PKLj9l9MfPF/TobjrkV2t9SO5tqa83VkuB/Gfi+pdudm+8SOFyfc9g1M0LWuZG7xlUxb1ACfisS8YCXsxIsFb65E0lMEblXUdM8mvBRIyVl7GYynWT/Kqq8JuLTIymaBuNXCOidPZCYwMqHEQSew3herdx+hYRnplydvR7CaMF8vlzaBZerwfjgk3ic3sBQqV8ng1j2ybnm85jMhj0XPP9rq83lN9g258aNVozHzRsB9OULm8y1bJndFGjN3tNZlFkbtUzmE7WGfCOsq4iDZanKATD2rLQcpxjvYfjyOSuXM4u3f1mLIn4B5YYzf4SDRbzGPcMVE1mc5ut+6yoA7zWnZ8ZoXkzfQuwmOOrEapqJGYkjL068VbB9FXoV+r4u0a75zOVGriFDY+/oqLJC2FWFt2v1PSvxLwLfRYLv7N7UdKMbzkavQW0E6ShV9Se7mZzo6U3GMdIXXK5U8wxvbqF6XXJBKRyFOVdZw3gOWy863+zLC6KL4dcfV7np85L1+MveuHFx6LbCrrMXDVudsi6yNkQFn/TQN6Thdn+S9UW31oELavu05GyhnW+/tVvHOSA+r6JfZEGl1wRmgRnQNLN7RszbMztXIuRoYNPc7z0TETEyVNfxgGKgwT2zs2pmgkY1ebOkJt71Kky8+TxPvAG+r3N3GtA1I0PD7Jo/PDey9eireuf9o5O942k1+m5svIZ0FNU7FyBYsGCnKyB82ScHwIuL534KR4mYu5GwNsIOn+ac9vmzII8lzw3YM9veaKk8aEHMaI3dz30FIxvznnMt4MYMj0CgnA37HwvL2sxUKGlWey1TcYsqbKHYwWz2wryOFji9xK+6rGe1Z92RjVkLP2vNrKVEhFjX7jUctrH7hdYjBKqJKJgXXWCiVkaRJUl4gtjtxaa5qtdVOllbr6u0BQ51zZqhMYv0KpIDfjX0qhYe7b+JJrGzjePmkRp9Jw9BrpABtdF6yd47E+VK9SUYyY3wrWvCM8cr6JexsSWy+AfhS3bPXgDfCPBO9y2ZL5T+15JSlbXC2+2h1JrOaDwT3weDSKt5th+CedhCvrFKFHoC/2CLKhyOWZfhrJcefTmJw1vntVzcUyTsvRCFHdsbZytvYj1jvsILPbO9rKKR1y/jjaLvHFyJopxxEsKoBJvVLLaRhhm5i66v1bTXOJLAe8sciuTKa8zn7tPEO/yVV14cfX+pUny1cnAyVTzunrt3b6N2ODQ+BA6xeVhc7VZ7k70w+iZU/wEHtFHYxocok/uaQnBEnDYiohbUFs9hE68QDiBOBqxOWtsdBpfec4bc1u6QwQo2W59rtf7S9Fovr1hQkZXHwDbWqiDHAlrpWDhoGLYvw56lj2cvfple+oLj72V/s7Al33DG9bDvvJa1Bl4HuVx3jWOkZlbhpgp6vmt1aZrhi3ot7qCMN5S4hpxm6JlHDXiRXBVP9vYO9vQCdpOlEk68SSq8L9+QlHcJds1DZ4eHFr2qUZs+Lo5A11zZWyFe823KOllY+OorL7lMdjmcDTX6Qi4oaAXX89WJ3eoEF98+4myM7ujNlU+vIHcjajJFceTHriDHh99W/XMr4//NC8TctRTdBy6qsi6RKmwR52PuhirsotX34zaqY57KrG8kFoqzMVPdAxbS3oOS3ITDb1WFWyP5bX9x2O2SbdWV/zQuvYvlFmnKLjn9+45EAV7NbDvHi+Yo6nhJhY+k5j5HkjCYNGLAEt54Cxm+E1mF10k6gX2VKrwntmWzapsXhz+CmVeK78MKwJc5Gw82auwQu50pPy7tFm5WoXcei4tDbIKsrQm+/TqZjEdf++xrXGID1W/nwzcgNNQ31W62ywFoEyTbcskcsyKZLAqQhVIHstl2TzDSNZSdkdguxNkWs7C7zfJj5UtV4S/zhH07Zqdj9nAirc+ppUVwnG+0GuG6hd26Z+Cts9F6go5EuShTq6JIau5ztlUYzFtFZmTVnngzpCfCcE8JCDxtwroKmubiyBSsqxC8r4hetfrw4dWPBbtslIOj717jePrbqnc+PHs9PrS0DLmgj8vVm3g2AqU+6BXg6guaSUgm21GD7zW9eb4esdS+uHnOWoyjS9Tfy/s/2E7M7S3mWoj/rBe+9rYNy2Y5bPbLVhiHt+pG+DRpf41vZ/hcb1ev9e7GyjIPKsMxTx0OW7KGrIvk2AdDcNheoHloJy2qLpPhHUqkU3avX7eIVe6uyo7TVmU3FEUhoORp12XTPOYOvHglAuiWELqF9Z+kM5mMOfHqlCJgRp5yVsI0mr7CxLtim74+/DgmXosxCZQriFdAzsbpxiHk+s5k8hlIJivdTPaC1LdHK/VhQxBixrNmbUQknIzh6ySkBAjSXfxeFMAXjXFvGcpxkduuk37lMQLnryMRQWn7JyKPC1l/Zea7iXzHt5EOB0PYS84ypOxsLHbZw9Iln6zPyctjMpCNBV2HsiIA9DEiww52idE8wAfeAY3iuvTMOxSmHUXjJttzTucTIXjJ/YYSiqpIzyivq5d2frvwPJ+RhDEjBrxHWQmNWtMyfTU5J4vDHxl4QSzYVSnuH5ykUse1O3PIdx7aUn+uX8tUVfFlyhWpjbAxgbMRqwWj/QMm19dSLJhFK73dBvg8t4Xvu3ZfaovdsImx04HP2pvFP5Th2xRdM+SBP7r5yjweFLuV11iume/rydqlbgVvpF3tsI9fGX6rw9Ilyq33rub0A+5h19zbyJg55ltV2XmeouAdYAmvh9Fs5l2oujt04h2zwsVk3hX/jKTVMxfWYdOssFumiXdpCLZVRoZPXfP0Ma2r4FAE7lU6HnD4I1lX2c3zw67KH82vnMxONWvdczj6ImejnMmsl3cnktUeVX6R8DwWzwF+Q2QSy2LfgX7UbMEn3KyeDc03xjXYFzF4Tv29NIjbJmF97jvt2hYtmjdvxrJYNuuYKtGf6nqYccr1odVHxH0sJIflU2QaRu/qK6snQouAmfXupK3JxGFoGealZybNxr7chivrcRCwBAjhmBuHELaLrjm+0b3Ndx7i667ORxBaFZVde9ytE6EZGc3UL49GmVUVhauIwm5OfT3GVs29JCaCusuk5sfVtCq5Zf+Jl8hV92DTzOZVCN2V+RdEa4Yb7+LCV0drbo/e+y/2j2ZTf9FEl6tJ4GyMP88XMtXyLlx9J+BaJqHcxEYLUTDoAMsFjWIhot9XqV8KW5pOk/jo8gFa4fdLg7eNK3jW3YvGnOuj7pedI0ZEcBsIUfvxA9kqxtJ4ewqxfTM2JBBDlxYtU4Bk2G/O45uF9XgcbA7f5i/HTc+TWhJzOgA/hVuvmLMsIM16ycz2uKvXzHzcDRASYdmFutsncbw2ozlhaYniZM6GV6Ldm3ziBV4knHgzhtWsT7wPzMRLBA098d7/SsWA50++vLgaSdW6mw8eiE3OdiZdKidvMmcDrr5jiVw9QZ4jIW2UI72zeziS5tkpEdmAt//PW+6vLgbhC8VxtBrbwjGbDKmtSEUczi+x61bmleCxH7VqLb7wIt6CccTqqyO+dtqdrQ2lwxyVdP1yy5mNY9uoJ2u5b7mf8Owlvw64CmVNTx6OBa6o9Hth2PVpzlpHM+lpeMsc0S3zgGma+/17ZiA01xOiRqBFc3zUw84wpnM08RbArJlOvI9fckIRZ2qrntk2W58Oso0UWvOVj/FZuLpYuf9qf+VkqlGsAWfjFlCuMF2hjKm+1d6eXhALxnOqPQlR7wyjL+yeySnH4jzTvS5rXoVhyzTfmxHqr8CfvysVamuHKntTpXv7sETF6qqr22VdEwiykQFtY9jyCz/8K2woe2txcB3OWsIH833TS0tdC8KxETvYFjxWR531Gca3+TrsLfWuUVcLqYUe3bPOut6ddfnH9JL5uk4Ui4gEcKDuTrvUM6PH+mg0R6xIZjRr4xvcVU30JHvlwFst5UsKuWoS3C5D3V3eGl/KDG09M56RsGme64ZlVbExJazmeb4Sda0uDl/9SKFL0YJw9N2HbKPj7rnmBsoVFHyBMVkitZHCbs8T0iuM1vtGIWBBXCa9EQtodSWaI949hx2pTNA7u93kfmnsxs6FrrtiCeu8Zyt3I2xj1+L86Kau9QcFlQuOuUoHQdgehv1LLa/GwaOJiInu0FPzHP8Zj4OHYwPgDeF0uuusMzH7fytf/+4lQYpDc9bRIGTd+7nZUwmdWbQIdedCpNMRQmN1zOJNCLGKMwE1NQP3zBq7sKxar+KuKvPHws5YgivRM5fU/Ki7Nr1WHEFuFS+rzJnoQ9vOXbL6diHl6ig1VZy+8+jBRg1H35mM+tOu53d9hOdEVLpnA1/sdyjgiN3EGAdmwcIVONsavybv9csaHLaBrj3TyXWXG7mYGXbDfufvAVfl0vaxkczF2oJwxO2m9ak40g7B2MfEDNEjZlM73GtxC7GScQhxDeKzDv/S/X7WjYLwCf2cTtmDXfM5dZPEPDtmLrv8SbYORHbHTC0zut4kjMU6HELoRtRneWdMWLZVet61Enm3oGfGQG1vrif3zCv7ruHrx1t5Sa7QRQ6xqZEULq4OFXqHMJS7jJwNNngm9KIAC85taM/uscqJXI8w7YpuLzLBWS+mrDfixw/f2Nvg9/NzwGuE9mGrTPF0HjNNHl8fLfvRAdt+VPag1NZZj/2PBmyeARfjATMqyzxs+uiIW4R9u6xw2HZK9dAr7RIcLP8Px1q40/ryrx03m7APtJ6lsuzTpBFwtViOmsP+Y0W8ByJREUGkWL9LicRdVR1rRUjAC2fLsYSR3yN4xwYt8GK+yURyt7BbLpWB+Jv5YwLvn9HAC11zjTbNCN6GdeI9cHI9h3994cpHjd4rC+BRN09awUbz3umtycmh8aVx2FwV1kuFpNlcSfENkU1dVKyu+nU4KO+udJPEvGcGiH2oCR6AneTXzy+H2tY2S57IA4fIbK+Xs3bVZQ+0iGtgSLOY2AfbX5hLYKGZf1G/ZT2s52FTh/UkHPF20kG34ZhFMtSDsF38ApQO+tthiw/qoW3F7CQIA9eW863eo1nCA7NsC5h1raprQdeZdm2fSN0zCzcjIbFEpL6P5oDPDCRAY53Rq5tmkgEW0LZq/Xkh/5KPREKLJOMqmXjJaX1WCu8rViR8mGTAdxCO8puYTDbbWJtuUqovF19IJoPeuXciCXIj0CvA54+zyTBb0ASkyOWI/xfJAOzdPYft7PQ2ZPk2Vi6BgpjWmZOWMWnW8DI0F8JsqmDDHJG7Y795TdUZufx+hV5K3idqPqL6xcdHcY3ifnsgpk+ZNQwLhv2NtHsZ5htwzEOwjGnnjnCAEV5AcW5hPH1Rr0ytOciaZtkd060WwmyYPfchD3j7B+o2JbIeIm5GCIN4uWfu43k3Z3hVg4N44O0F+T2FAu7moWlOQ8jAS5p44Ug0juA9tIIBUUw0O4V+r1x34cS7+tFPvCbWV/XO//FB5STVWLvzCMRGZ0NbQJjczoBSv+TaXMGePhQS+GrBERUUijiynGJld2ELx7Sg5zy5i1+59lmgkK2NrM1TdrMmrI7Lr7NlZtqU5eYwwD4smjBABcH/yD/UICYcDzCCLcafvZkmAAets6yrUiDJ0r6fhh0nLaNRbG1O2x7A50BYv0XYbtZMzc7aQkpPv+w97dIyQK/5pLuJ2hnaO3wcgrpr2bwyN0OfiMhinSMBVd0tIXZh0/yvXooeAZZV4H1zSCreJoUkoHEVGr6KmuijPvEGTL4Lq5Xb91/Mr8xOjdRo9D1jylUBRt/k7k0N3xzSWtBmMoGRMZJPRq2hLr/28kqOqTEt/r2IWVMrsenFI6/0oBs2ZdeGrrVlJtoAR8OqV1OdJaWC3B1h+uzQ5aJeT9Trzt+j8mHhfMeUYt1PO3N0RFfhL6wLsVuHfZXXS+/QSI65Zj0WWSvmTMfhNi617sBskaYYsj4fPg/jJOY7DYnuL2JTIa0cMVEQXaubjjlap09miOPEVKMMUoTcKINXqq7lejM4wfkIEMa7/hxEgAXeM+toIokFZD0ChiR0H03xptkZeK9+jNyqVour1Qra5OylmrXuJlGuKF0hUwWtbwn0CpCOoldXodEQrZ5RdKT/R8BOhpZXWnQUNpafzvzl+jZdEMAX1ZBnXS5uOCaLKjnu8lZNl90IplzxHCYXH4U/M34xvRYNv+ELxrIjTz5KP1SPhqwPKcghxrBeoQqE6wzhSP0Lz1ba7qQjrbgdRmIX86v/s25dNGNxONzanzYb1IYbS1ufx57j2eVle1oQjriHXUNjNrsAN9JEu0RKHtFoyK66CaNEYF5Vkl1vkBQpZpEZbVplWJFs1Ay0yEfdYLN+3MCemZrmV0aR8GHitN9pMtn80WzquNloYu/8enwpg2qjx9rlCuDbpzfPuMKHlya8OnU7yK89KyZFL5+5fbY8X85j0AcPt5dwevDuXfRUFjNuDsSo4o4ZXld1KgvX6jzioiANTxb4agKZcyhR7wtFc/W+OnwLvptgXOPLDXEc2sFYHYDsjtVRUzPt2UzLyzkiKVFfWDRpi2QZDrdqpKUsCmPCa1JrLaid3jrsQtr5hnOP8n6R+TvrNsthZ20eibizrnjd9HsvcP0Wp0qs5sbQaw5sIUS+CydeyiTCnnmQNIATHCmWLKDfHCp4FXgf56lntnLFhBYpWqLiSINjAZFbdZ9JzcDP+ITAC/7OXfctraAqvqAVzGQgXG29UNq9KXIjmH3H+OqLcW0UcCQvSCogbPUcMbIjjrrIemIf9Qo6+45MImxSbjbmXCftHXPWSmVnu/7rvKhSLyhN89GKFiJ449fqpUTJkrQ7YR9D9QqDfwBnjVAfjmrXoCYDjrmphmbQdNNU0q95F9O6lw7YSZuVdNiVCgfZfAT4BFj2egGm05bPrWtT7fO+zdrmXs5B1/4PCkfC9pzruetGhJPBn2pnx7wDHbP6JEK3DJ9V9daYG3VDeO1ck0EadwtonPF4vZouZzjNE/bMko/A3hk47iJ0U2RbhWXXVvEOfzIDr1t87xf3D45SI8e1O81T3Dtz74wek8J4NqwNbBpDkEBR94Wk0O0oaPrNhj3OR2GP+++7kJ5mfSpxR0Ak7AFhMlt1FyF0jZfL6oVUJwcH6JBzoT6WkqJ70ijRVhLaxTBKkN6hAl2nshGi41rIgJjFMnqt5dyK+62llm6lnToMKL5uaR18Ph/OWiuWbcVZtP3x7AE567HuCfr5jktI1nOjNnJdL5tKk5idA5qtIBJvZmAUJEJCy8ixlAhIVQkWACIjkgLFmBKJJ6IyUDPyCN1l5DObsmvSTbopmugI6u7sATCrXjjhRAufGHZh9P3vuiq3f7R/MLs3BWKj0w0gbWwtjS/z3ahaSlZ7J3qTcbDaALF+NJ6gd0fc1OxILcFVTIRvvxHRxOk+lVdGVmi6phBkY+dMwe1BG455PGOyNnblFWwl1JnjLm2qBDU06+LIioBUE74qs6F4LpELxRPIF024T04DuEcEL1G2AsOemt7omKEGiy8pxN5x2OFq6a20RdGyQEwCCu9i2gKy194y5hMP+x59AYpZnOpsONbGZc9LxzCwtXErFHGXr+as8uWyGwLVPe4URi3ZvXr6rPsQ5SL06kVVmgLFCul8ZptMbxRylzK8ZUa7uY3TU842STXROwMc5w6IWXWf4k2A0vz004Mu9M6//lCNvsTZqDXuNHH0HRqCcJTtMlRfokyixzMYB41yFcLCBBFH2BHqXarU34gElenLjKbm+JXm2QA16cWVp9mYk+sV9mRMxrLhsOYSyLQbuW7ZsCB8r+GrCdMksXKKPT9jFvacSIrvgwWA+TAPrgTUW1uUqzHexvH1GArpqZircN2ySBxwENzvXJZkK20dlmwTAK/WIRBeXjCf8yOtfjjgvSGb1aYjxrrA9MqOMaSB7jWhvfAJDqouhAAyFTLE2I0mEgEaop7BCYXfalLKLkgRKFAMV1UzOO1SEC/FEj2QsgvUDCRWETcDXavoRjT81QR6viut4MMuiDZSo+9xE0ffWzj6InzzBYTvYFXBF6pvfExeqlFYPtNLMUq3335n+mXdIPP8uADa+nKf8W84FpRk21J8amI6A7KuwrIvY8NLm0USCYtkV7bMvKiq4+g1FmXoUb0lyELj5n8Qy305BDb83DhNFvjrQvwFOu8Ewzcq55CQPhTzNDzg3JX8ELaUhwEI9usdPOZ5LeAZO9fnJ2ycMgOAbLyCrttjrvTK/X6SuIbujvTLcGlLcBRRXX2uxoBVoJfMCXFWNxciShMj7JYL6+uE3Tz2zKru6hPRIYd56jTPkdmmcCLnXxB2OSDhk5t3LfReHV69XSweGH9nHH2XUCyYf1MoV6vJqiq94PFMPnWJEMi0RndCMOXtqE5w51pUNc91Xr/0s1+saZ/FvMnYJMfsE6Sdbu1ee9qIT23zLDvO3lgYcsfIqxVjI4ycquuyqcJOLso2wXRlxAtjLi45dPDqgZeP/xmjR5A81iflOB5N9I1KAYkihhPEsycPcWifbQzbjXTdqcIRpwzr87DbSdt+Wq45bRsP6gs8QbWXqdmmT75u2RfQW6I+DHnkHYa0pkfdEBu70idHtzCE3DFeMZuWmRN4aVOVX19/DjvmfOG5qHe12dzkLQniJTECaxEwznNfZIBYeK8ufLLINUrf4v5BJTXS+C1VfDdqt15j8YXPS5qKb9VdXUH7TAdPeMN0ym9EshbM9tmsekW+kHXPjkYKk3WX0GFbER5zhegxd0NlJ+lazlBWx0zftq67vP+Eww73zFAYiVGLPZuquIRbkKA9UU9PEj7ig/TgP+npeSIQVoCnSow0XKrCWhcTCjGCqSmHXTZdzfm2tGPNwi7L0uZoWQCW9vS6zZX2grh1F32Rx49nx5vPLrg0h6A/hg4O8xZdwzalIJMQHeOoNcHPTtQsF6DlSci4S54ZyIdkl0jwZ0YF4HqhnOcDUUZHed66JVqEO4/u0ImIFLya0Cy7qoVPHLxImLx9f3//YDY18nuNOYDvJMI3kwefHFALImUSjK40bSMHr0DVE0LJEsnvNd49a/jiyymbNSoZHRTqMz41MlRH0RKLuVo1b/qBY2QYjll0BdeG5Xo2bMwc7OuuahnwP5+ZeTTswgsI6Xg9OVhxQhjOBL581ASBf8PvTiCWDZLdOmzNxNE+yKNAJCsIj6JOi3rpPlpKA4uL9lmyktY1uO67DWuetN1Lm3Y64jO39GE5GNABP8X+ma6l5vXr3ouQ5WIQ8ddc0y9LBhENEtAsq085QhevQ1Ej/hNOFXtVDU7guFtgs6p1EgCWUYigycyW5w3uqhqYB8h0ZlLwvtCeVZ/0wGvg+zurlcorMrmabsDoW5s8e7Y1tLUMWl81+5aSpZvVXsQvNM/ImhwV2lWC8Iu1g9vn+hdsmiOuV1bfmtUMLNtjzZPh45epOTI3K4k9bFGEWIZgh5cwivE/RFIlhRRP0KULEUofIb0ZiHkoYHmiXja9vT29veoNH1426m+/WPrFpDxV9UA16E0mnyCUe6G3o3qM1ViBGLalWImxD4SN1qjw1dTrdRR4Hwm9k67zbRgnwrp1G/ZttEwv7Yj/Lc+tAItLL54dJ+pAX1v7u5aTpm3OF9HLKUvqFwBcu13e0baueF5LcC+SGOUVIWvuxWXuiQ7wlCVzWc1yDN1t8KpanqGqKyIiiSSicZdCiaRlts67i5/gebfF1Whxtav4ar5yMvtbazXKRpkcejY+tDWzXC6gxXMyjfBNwivTsCaJpkCLGIKvcXvuD7gemcAyrS7ztNBOeIDj7BAOCMixVlTalMVyUpLay7mSEYcQiVRmauSgFOSwZVYTfVz1bImxJz3xJ709T7BVgxicEuB1d70Ky5JkQX3/JlonVXES6xUMKwT3PeFK/IQAzL00zMLcS1M/HeWldI4HP7wv7/AsHLLIHVH3qGTUDi0K8Rc+Z8tAJF/gcf1vXUtNC7Uau34Xg7rNgsSiWwfqGrXLqNmly3m9T/cp2pfZhN5rJnNV5H8/wUSTwkvOErPZzCy91y2zoUSC3Zy1q1I989OvBXivXMG186uDo6PUyFqt+54qvmDwPJQZn8mUtzPVx+nkBM2+Ezj7Cm+DpjrY0qLZ1Y5xzOnn9pnJV2Gpv0LPibmpIA4cs0bUF/Y4prcwVJJfra/Kdq6kNoaUuhshevw17VeIbrf83p8ABcsTYPMovCarpDlLQjA5jFrqbZ++7KpPR3UCmxIpxgBeyM6RKizNNLfSvNCKR01WZYiYL3Xa2YQsipZ7VvKsswZsL54BL4Zdd8uWSD7/cX6l1y2zf8CspmzkuoLoqEul4qIrVZdPa0SnCtGayqyYe5gMyQKiZLWgxt0SeTOXVdktW5EmPO1Smpg2aG6m1nBXtXeCUZ7zGAdIIsBPjRJ5zuLqP4Jko/kD8NlYQ8pV7fDs9bOhzNAyOW3sqtfpL2L1BaM6uHxi40wZZeSQLXaT5ngEq+cvxNgYL5OaNRHO2l77Mb9tcZYTSsItReLM3bUkLyZeJCvvFXY+DvfM+Hey5oc+lSZQGOPH8NQTfxLvUS2zwuAvwmKztP6tb30rXfiDcvnNm0ym/AfqSZcL6cK3HqfX/6dqqVx6vJukinwzebMKixXcig4m7V76icbwWII7aWwWsRKPYftMJEz4b0EDk7qmWe5oTwBupDXLsu7BMUnu+gdsEwAtQmxpO+19gpyqrV+jm2Q55Lrp2HazHNX+Ngq6dTmaYXoJ8k6x9I7pFfNYHw0aPbJjnphIGkZVmuiQEJ2N6bscirBk6e71hWhOe7z+ryAAPDnYX3mB1IzKdysVZlV9baBLi6sK2DsfHO3NNlPdd+49eHCLNldw9VXwhea5cHMCd1ckOVIvRHCbDKHkF5gbO6EQS3OuYWhjvzkeSf8czurA31g47HoX2xA+Xx1uAnJimolhHL81VZ5WzMzLiBiaLW1QorRn5uI3mqO62xPvmehVOCxVS6X8ejmfgddKmZ/CczhP5NHdW4E4XX2s6nEBc1NBoga2LFKGB6vcSwuAZRSGVjpBW2n15teXo9GPVtIh9s2WlTTnV2iSpQfCnsW0KYa2UW0b3+lzLeWdUhuxK62v3JpzbtRylcMV1c5OQnfLIfSFjPIUQWwYFCD0aS4knYfwtIuZ9wXV6qiq++YxUpnzXHbRaG4LNURnk8zMIMcbiPEEBWCKzOZW9o29OvCqFr5m4FXovdqFDpNHs6nGdOMRq41Aqg93o3y6sK7QW4LmuQdZVwDfnDXDJUTjSrejaxZpl48JVIDDWdfD2LFliOkUMAn0866mta+ECcgJOykbYSuXzrhUsQsL22Vck/sutHIhOeUAmEZBv6L+eBPqz6kmrGqeIucyy8CdhSfDD+B5G5CceZMupFVFWFdYfgNehgrD1EwTdqF4DJp9ltVJ5/gyTFU4xwQtkKLTu2HCsDt2dhx2hxEsuQOxIbw5CrwBn+209WFvi/tb2FU7mO33sR7NQchBbpSaZSFBGgIbRYeFNI15LMExJtAwD+rrEFmqy44ZGFWguS8UdIDnkuUzV9uwy24N6u7I1KxeMxctNvPVT0oDeFH4PkSLupWjvalj2jvfmpx8/WwLRl/VPGfAKecNGtXhK1HDl/4nQEB3ImB7JWllwhAi7ysvgGPGM8IvS7VUa8YiwzF1iIV9yUPG7NvjdVMXw9E6p+IQOYP4tHHoKiaSvdVqCdq0zPbzPE5WsBZZyoxn0Ms7s2VwDCDGZKtSOg1eSjAYqzJcmIAyDK89vjMB0YCOSwxhQnACi3AiF6eX8Sjfq+QwXI8KR6u+I6LDKLU3HvF/oK1lv+NdYT1+qFofrcwyrVLr/R37DW5Nxm60LsAl/eQOKHXpqMt6DwoxGevj2E7JD+vBRVWVl8xVFBAhowoXVc60Sz0zLqpoU0VChKZQM4BWtbJvrrscwvt1wy4urhaBcbV/cDLbQPiebjDnamYZm2dVXkrqNamq0pOJiTgur6h65ELiNknwtfBLZCEyvroukYMCYEdyHnN9E2N+qZqtDw8O1dVf4aH5us1kpi1zPwtbkJqxw7UOFAihOPIcn/Qke3tU01yqqrKbL6OB99Yz9Qzp5xk+W1tbS0tLCshbM8sZ6qwRxDAQV3/yGApxqYRbLTUM2xstaqQHe8wsDDtp5ieEgOQxGrJo0qxNJE8Avgzv+CSH2kqrnUWtryz3287ynh+JeOEaZIhr+XrZPX1UL6jYUg7fIes8FyRs/cEYCRAkPUysIYkLSZbqQmTOM6MKMu8VdJGWAS3zoQ1do//bI+jyiei2hd0rX89nePgh2WycpIrHTXS5Qqm+epMD+G4X8HBUulnlaoL1NzeWwNNvTlYuNn6v8UxW/0Ko9pzFZ8QxPvasw8UNxKwOzDQ0Xe+7wXVtDkmid02IFHa8vLiujfL8BYzIJz1wz55Q2N0tlzJ/8JPM/7s1PvQPVF82eXgIwRnwgOBsUr3fg3XuM3jzzzxT9ZhKscIwNNPqW2nopvPlpBqH06qVrtqdtAthMwxrjiW+vOPYW8JCa3SHqzCjWMx4tPjfNvCwDPFsR62WYD7vw+7K/aj1wJbXU9Qs18VzhJErjDMnsZP6ZWqYWfcnol2YdtWrDapumojMZQNdUhAxldnY3WDHLNMuVN35FybUhNbMV76uz8LwYuX+/Vek9E2h2GiDN1fjy9A8pzO4Xt0lxpH6hENKimSUjTL9j+Y0Q500b+e8g9YbaFOCjY7NIVIGEOtFZO5hCJmgTq/nqBPjzKI05maooov6AQAMbIIBvJjZvFtaL+TRvPvnP5083NjAI8SDDXo0iAnBcGfMwAf30nl8n9tWjUqmysMwdNLJwk2nk3a4HYRg0jvYBC26oyA7i9jXIVz9RFmtVA9JK10PxnBwNX7L55rjoenFrd5OkRMJDe34lgM7OJoIbM2fFF1jcgPQ7eHrECA3CdMuSu6ZlsGn3aUh9mXmDECHmMGkqlmcdvWqSqgZT7++2OXFFYy+B+AwCZwNJG28fjY+tLSF6WQZWK++ScLuqhdFC6QZzImkRr2+QgzfkOb7DfD+OSKK8+t6g2WpzANdIgykY8FyGG82jsT9XY94qy69+naIYIvyXb01icumubdHDfU3q6V8Nb+9vLU0NDR5+Nf/3+m9ub3u0705eiCn+d4pgbl269bh5OQZleFn41tbQ5klHIqXl00nvV3FNrqsBukqkDxuJp2VtN5IE1eayzBhWH0bzAByIWFYEiE4R66AeFRCj7wdbKa9hngWkr2G05d9XBNr1xc3yvVWkob4KgQBu/RuTjsqVFqxBIv4y0Y4pBfMDiejlBeTKl4xg8ecgu6WXXbJ6wacqrBjBn9X4jJT1ZWWeXh4+Ondu19n7Cr04uLqf8OrUaq4No2UqxrEK4xvLanXJBj1VR+/gZchFJHeZC8khJJkf0w1eTkkve1ATZP18w6n/fabAiwAJuqPJ2L+goT6gNyB6xq6Ej7E5yHxYGEJEW1ScurlRcSqBBOanwzGceKdeFNaV6+V/NbQ+P88ufHg97tBF7q29j/U6Gl0nzKE752eqjf+2plqqifPzkAQ/QwgPDSzlBlXw/AyLrTK2/lM+WUaSJWPyyXVtlTfJGEjXQWmx0QvbqR7iZ/V0+OZhQHBuXgO1wo5ZmiBtIttO3JRpqnyWQnX5xbJA2C8E/JZTV/2i2NXvbPjgBb+fTuhHWs5Bf/nMRkbDUlyIdFX5RIWch3oxpO9verPjqehquFk5JGUkQf5UJmkf1vjS3AeevZsCM9DesnMO+Y1cIhM7ZFVFS6qUHj/s9WH5BL59YYuwvfp8MOu7xbnYXE1cnw8/Qjhq6oLNs8z6rOo3goLmHAEu+cJzJ4YHHO2z+pVlavL9Uj657q3gTaeTU4PfY60PBwgYOV0bGNcqKFrGIU6j047VXEELL6kcnHcNCcnenpVx7ZbUoU3D83Z2eGDue7p2f8FFiCze6nUVOOocXR83Ew1G+rpvjPXbDZVd4IttdVL0zA8NM6tNNyVkIybLqhOuvAGLsOFpGqk9ShMmodeUi71OMyOvjG7jxbDCfxqFN6B6omoHJaMpWWdSnHUcsVzHeMv+eFUYVNqWd3Hlhh0MkzIkMvBB3avLGwMzWCWEIQJuovrBbNFyshsF/JCZIaqaxhVNX3afWR2zGSrTgmeRkMELfOVb8RzdZEWV5WTqZHjZuPO3D3gXE0ODeFwB83zm+dVWD2rMS6Jahsuv/G+HJ4+Ejk2X/Scf3EAq/dbwUcmjsuTptda9eLHcCQgS3JARC52/Dq0zOjv3YesMLQqRLYEJOGAHKGnpxfWVdA1l/NbS1v/5eHGg7+ant3bW1lZmZ9fWTmo7B2dnJzs7e2lpqamRorHa1iJu+fmmliHH2AhvoWdNGF4awsb6S3eSXMjXahWn5dgIY0ELaeTftJDddi7kdbDcJy0/tpJC/4Uo+Thgyc7XhrSUFxP1Hccm1ofLH2xENFA+EbJyXrH9rPmYLCopOlCn6zeTkZNPqck/cVN+EHCWlERgdkadDHChBbMz1XVhSFNGuatcQ7/E0N1w6jqbiAto3HE6r8Ky/9Iu/u131T5FlfDXbeLGMk9BaMvw/dMvRq5eX6O+YKlXdijqukXtjzxwR7SHY2RbF/9BeTJBPXPQi/gBTS5GOscAb93caS1hs3zY9QsO3F0dNetD7Dw/pqBLmE3RNoA6kHjlpRokLhVaqpX4F1eGh86rJ2ePmr+7/vF+0V4Xr36l/9SYfh/rOxVTgDEKULw2nStpqrw3NzvM4RrZzXVSp/JSlrNwkvqb3BWoj4aEFxKVx+ngTnECL5psaSfTAiCkZ71xIzCLHQIjSVIkQNLafUWhF01NNFciGHQJHvaaDRkoze044CZ+mzPs+P7ObSCJLiSrw/+1rTfSKAsC9dpCrU5lgpFc/AGkxNVBo25Brn2iorcqQi6oNgtl5jEnKG77jL6qUvDLNDlCLG5buqYi90WdPWiqtL1KZtVvb3QF4rvCoy+UH0fNe/BeuYMZl/VDC4Dw6iUVq897P+AeYWGV4JfKguA4VEUzzDLxjTQRrBtgkBMD22p2FobPfDP9MlLRfyq84dsBxbmx4eY6hOlnhnE38CF7wE9ws3qbvlxOrOdn8lsDU3WHjS7G7PFhavDi2pyWu2qVO7fV0B+Mb+/v39w8CdHJ9xMqwEjVYNG+hF20rSartk7ab3Mohq8XXieybxBbsd6oVxIJ3d3sZOmYQQKEYqH2QLASJX6mAQsfaik2HLpTbAtbR/xLLH/GdVG02wg6HGN938wRt0fI+Ma7Vk9yq0VxhxEyaSBLQjwvWMsZ22WtRmkCA8CoFvAEARYiMJxCKyIyUx9mdzU+Tw0OcmKe82oqlHHLDvmA6MgskhVV75JDy6u0B92NjWlXpjAuTrFsy+eRrYg25dYz+UCjr9/N8HwReozXX/5HRgulpiZsoN0YuQFXdO03IhW8UfcDJA2atQAXbhNnLe8HK4x3Ye1LeymPirjLiyEcpAeqV5NCim9f6fe/eFOlFEvmv/n344PTf61mnmLJyvFYfys/Pv/ycJ/O/zfLPzj/6zy3f/+/1Yg/o35v1Eo/t3fPfnB7J/+aerHqb/4i1/+vd87/nHj29/+wz+88/u/3/zht//dg40f/vDWX/7l5Ouzn/986M///Nlvq9Fj6+c///nMTD4/s/1SfTwv/Fk5k/5+GhJnVC/zJone2XRU6oXgc2CU0yw8ETf0LCnDY5aBJeOGqzIMxShcqo/Bhlq2wBT6wGa2Btb2B2o9zfcoikS+jWrGel+dLKxJZmBAO6qH3Lg5CYl3+hiMV4PJuPoTgXRrIjnxd0BEvcmJf9CIqH4Z9suZP84TNRVtboBNBdehydck/Nv4IV6H5hp3yNm1qKbdPRTuYsf8zyT0/uEwcJmfXvmmPXfB3RkzfYHvfNysNcil7vA1wndJ9YB5EPyqygHwLdzE5TMIF3j87RP8QjUg1VuCjCP4kHHN3mB5wriuBwrLA3Vr+qdryUu/pIwMGB8Htj0bw7KSGzUxdEishZ45qcoAEOFh4k2XVdc8o9rms9rGve7a/3GyX/yeJYF+enVxcXVVfXpuQzf9an5+H8bhE1WFVSM9Mqsa6ekmVuE7c7jOoip8qCfhLdgdjAPNcpkplts4Cmeqqggny9JHp28mPeQsPQuPuUKHMQ0W/IP1hPREbGQP0dFRMoyn0IdcPbEDd+IcfUdkxfxXqA98qescIISL7Rz5TUEOGF7ZuNLrjdQonvpdAlVOtlNa6icLKrvkAosFDkO8o6Kg7HLeyO2ZxWwJ/zC3EwlVYA/Jmnsj3LWn3W9Y1RX4DkPxBZsNBV/onbubdPaFaFDYXVH1BeYGqY52qX1G05wxvB5pn+MQ0+1lf6UPj9dc10RHXe5XowYK2CJWs+z481+zczVkMUoGyyFRtYwBswqWVeoVlewFrBRK+XVQJCyrHvfs7HDj3lzj+LcqL4r/5KnnprawMPy9LtVHV6CPfvXiBfTRFfW5mp1NpRpHjeNp2knDRpouw3AWpkZ6iKxbkKBrk7NwIQ2zsGoeYaEwYUZhESrZJOknxnyHvSwdT9rRhPHCSwjY2NsS8QzcDyybCfoG/mBCfpCzIbB6R3MhvZ3Hr8fk9xYzG/peXLOnzHoKect8z6Vm2YUuDrrACmdjOYDuNp91OTuMOBlnnoaZDNUhyASSTIgNSSoEdrv52vMy2l+NVgG+2DvPNmHxTHqjW5OwuwL4qt4PqobCL7zYoH1G4VEvcid5fcXqI7oh0BZ0h4wVJHzBqBi0RURkwNWvBUpNjSjG0Oe1Xcw1K0QytGPuQ3WzBCWvOWTEI0dgonqzBEeKdEb1bMtbQ+PPzm7VTpvd08ezlRf3/4mfF6vak2E1CnfJKPwjRPDBEUAYJuHuY1WEUwrAj+44NyVZR6uXJYzCPgijVqmwjmrDdFKzs8RNy8zCQVolD0OLvhqN6oY26sQ+GERHtWu188MJ++ATtf5yOVPxEFtdJ0bZ6FoDl3Br1dxBT9GFbHswUS+ky2m8qlHDDJKQJYHuGeUgbOiqSxIEBd2plCSI7b+Q+xBQqnDavfsNxS69OB9CKOj+fuUEqu+a6gVp9qXyC7os6PwK23DChPEXdg5ku4HsSbz/Cu2ezbXJ/AXXnlZK60BArK1RvBhpqUe/Fpg7YDl8RzlEkka7uvSS6oUcp9hmPFrggRdfT1U18VYz+TLIibaGhs5ubZze614rTv2blRf3V4eH7wYzW55ehYUWrLOgkX6lyrDqpBWGT2apk1YYbqbgqKTLMLOzzjTFErpDOgzDJ/SloWc9R3qWrsPmNKwlw7qZ1jCWxRY5Wgqa41EPorHZHeU4l1E02hrliCb+CLnvA1H3XSFhjOnxk8k9cl+cvXEt1A5qVihrDnDK3SVbKhhzMXaIc4do0HVqLusPTsnlphsECJD8dwSjrsfohq1uri58Y6uuhV7cO0v1VVWkydX3te6ewWzyOYy/+fIuVQnMc5P6C+K3BLqwqTmTWQUsNzcUjnrdSrQVL0ojYBuIDLTWr/V7wGty6CS4GfwasehicDMYZ8i4C3tmMF1BseNNBG+6kC+8XJ7ZGno29Hqy9uDencbxSOoHCr1dD4eftvxEqSKsqrC00aqPVkX46IjbaBiEj1UjXbOKMNdg2UfrPnpIijBqHKgGg+h/F/bRhWSaAIxggBv7BJD5jQNej+UpzfbwY3o5ndN/S9jlU1LoxcMx4TTgNlRzztcEW+Jd6Ok2HtfI1UNuD2OX+n74PKe1x5D600G3DDVXm2TAZwBZLsJhNiRm1uw+mk41j0eOKC6bs/9Qg2DHEN39ZoMXvdmhKYRsBVV8p4rT8Pq7h9X3cBK8rsZhAzND+H0jAJ7g/hm1R1r8G7e6NabmQgdd3xGNeVB8QGSghcZUEy5t9cs1j9mo3IaQIO9mauSoZc7huAsqNDI5W6++zGyXf7L8ckmBV71qHqihd7o4NVvZR/Tebcctfbqw8OuL31Nt9G/CpwwuSvPYR/NJCSbh41+GPhoGEIAw0joIwz99/fofWDUYb0qZnyCEoQQjiMslctPmRrpqirCY4CWNs7SL43guFxeQ5bAcj3F4CwGQHjuaKTSm813ob/rvuUSffhIOYi3MojaXzXNpxhUiRjqZZBIV7JYzaYXcPytI0c3MvBzPiDkV22QgcrXsr/tXUsBibohmt4KRuzahClfM33jkMnyx+KrRl+5Ga9PYPEPpgMZvaOjZFo6/5Pas/l9IAab9FTR1iF/qn/XYhayCMbY+1UfgoExbK0MgYn/DpzL1+p6RB0WCNfdR4vdjoAlYr8RpUwXcjCTumWHezZerNPHOZJbUq0e9cKBvrq1N7R0dzBcRvee9KO4+hS5ajsJYhFUXDcusE+RYTjWK0EbLVZi7aBY5cBv9DMowaxzEuAO7aGZ2QBu9W5gA86y0I3TokU5aHOJ7NGF6rA+RPOaLb7Gg2Prx/aox6zFhEoMObGG+rSJsyYoTh1yyTs+zYAhk4oXnSF7WG6qhLUYu7qhucfiQbKmQxDyrJl2yuTkQCQIqEHDW/cY3zO7Nl46++1h9gfGM8EW9L7fPW3D7XQYW73ZZvdBg1VKtIt+gF/dXJHtL9LH6CA4UQKRL7EQ1hxL7XFOCrzl61HprrWm9vWNhiII7kVMwFqKbCrgmJeh8Ecc1MznyV4GXV8WwpszW0tDWs6Gzw5oC71xjrbh3UvnOi2IF0XuBVwaMwVcXFx/iGMwHpZUDoFdCEZ6amiqeEjOr4eFWWiIHZGYtgeBfIxhEDuWX6lOryVlA7ShROSOlA0K4B/2kaR5+4qL4CTK2nCd+kcfza9wkGPpXxJ/0AWx7qdpKuSXcokC3pDfL6I0B0IUNnYauQu7SDOns0d9GF91Ts2BGOhXJ7U9IgUB8Kr7swrTbqbr283R4cRVccmD0PdlLqdIxXXt0hyY3oBHx+Ls0PoPnIzC9quZx/1zS/XOcDkjYtMXJ9IViMYFCGUXnYrwCu5nUgXrUeoDONOoAV3uNkuvZKJMIRp0ASc7TAKfCKjJ8YFmVRpiosWtpa1yNvGjjfacxfTwyWzmYf3Uf0HvBFaYCOU7CtI0GCGMJ3l+BdTROwrSPnm6aNlr30bf4s4rsSinCeiG9ncm8yewW0kjOAq1h4Q22orzPmmAveCKeT8iByYp5MGBumcTkVlTPM2g98ltzugTHS/Q6sC2UkoU3u2liUK2z0A9vQu6GCi66sqNiPgYB1+yXcU2V4hyEA8z90wlEXy9P5ndXfHFzVQSXq4MTOGQWwSpHveL4gDnJ829miAiAuMCC/XOpygBO4tKxhxfQnJySwxuwWNgJJ8+fHhBtIzO17Aop3h6J81F9mxoNOW6Fxu4MGuYJKwennF8Ha1FVDpZnloYyZ0Ovz9TLR71yVNtcnNo7Wdl/UST0Lixc7uS2gNvoLlOGcRvNjTQSpFUdnq6hUOmRPgu7cmEFYhmGUfT/EgXDdBlWdewxojidTCffcCm+qT2lBcvAahqU7/Mj0Lvwx6D5tT0mBoaLLA+2PNvSKUiBtoR6ZnD5Wv8JkpZ99Zb1Qtwr27iVittMNaHkHrHFDS6YNYf5Z1Rzv3bOkO8MvjT6YvOsXnEjs8i6egSvNGqfqf7Cgn8oQxluPP/uIv0KXdtpf4UFeMw6HJL9uFG17Xi91s6RnFr+SSGQ0YgdHrKFRs1CFY67OvlVlswTvESBCCvyBQZiD7wTARlPdc1NrLyp2QOMZn4L9BKnA2rwaqUi7OgX89ZNWH06m7iOhmVWk4rwPa/QUC+kjWnHtmykM4gMHIbJt4NWWhrCGlmD1T5C2+DEl3zot6EvLnAZuukJ2ADurgPtMSkkDCi565nnBXuzDGOuuQu5y2XcUUHy0DQk7aLoLyWMjH3pl/ms29kwn0OYvK9ediuqeU6lmkeqg0EGEb3OBL9A31CvL5Sx5vmAVEjS/jn5ZAJZuk9Ivj/GtmtoIDvKTDxE3A6YDzqy8vZS06jI1uqkTwsxbX60j2NGQmNC2IvTbRdN+TkJB2y9S3k17mYy5LayhXbeZ2Aq+uDe3J1G8xjIswq9/+z+/a6ut8uYoy56ETZZsI6Gi/CvKgjPH3AbvYdqYdXRNOf/lipwUxCsb0qEYGikyTlrmTbS/4o7abC/g6spn4YhQz6JgiUAMY7FDpL9T69VS+2/9Z6HYxu0JQqGwcUUHXIfr2fUF2qVoVcuW8AdX4K4IdMsk2RIVlQk1sWqy0m7bOgqPEiMyl6VBXMHuW0YV1B84epL1Rfkvilo9fjqodq8yb+k+rvF4gXYP5cLqB58fDO5i1R7cd8YE3nMGBfHUSZS4BGJWugdtmmyYVwP0oaL2I3a7yjspuD3wxVVFKKb4zk4SCbGeNiFaoFkZlVxgS5QKn8/TUkaz5d/PjPzGjTfZ4e3Hqi2ea7RWIPKe3S0z43z2ydEqhb67+FF+B9pWhbIGw4OvnNw9LuzPxCJEhKzFIC/bXpoGoTVp/eHBOE/H8r89rhdhXkj/X1wg8/IVjpfWlcg/j4qlpLJx0mqxrvqSXqfCxVb37OLD/yujx8nHz9GadD6Ll6C4C1k/fvrqO/jivv95y5yM9rDFUouOds8YB4VT7p3fox8jOKPR/40lfoBXHW/c7DyN/u/Qbehn1Uq/1hnh3XA23ZxhZPvbZTEYb0AHr7q9mrIAOQ6UbtFSla4IC2RhBUCB9dhg1X1bLAguizR1ycULNG2jaKgbZRiXEn5XQ/VW0rY4J8DZNkSpo8cWKAlzxH9NpfAiBbhx8dhjdPDhvxVOlvAhQjZ8DCCoRP/GfisqNfQnUc1NWyp93z1fq9eMRzv+iVfKHASRlYW0rJu3+eDEuv9qQ6TVLgJav87j+ZwI022OzUchc/YOYtnYbLOIr1hHsMd0Iq2vJ1BtjSutlQVhB11CcGV3AVv2uTbfFSrb9QX/l3wowSfRIpyWlf/sqoabcFBs1yA/6DnM4VyGf+7yL+eeI845ZK4ngouVlwadOdks5xa0+xlWi6L0N6S6xKZqoPbC0y+w11YfV8hgYg5+OQLQ7sWwi/2eOO0wKL9VQHDQXZVlaMJWPw3iILFLTTT5LXvOAlHMTpA3Mf1Y8BrhG119N9BLj0xqRKj4C6nc1+f9OiGOSlBOEDMWE+DmIXH3SUKnkMjfsp6bR6PqMo7i+Yq1De/k5DIu3d/Z1jI0bTJ4nV05QgvSvDW2IQqzEdhaaRpSHEMLNnBctz2g0f3nfLzcoY4HsTV0l01QXmXeU6Au5KNxlYf9FNhkF1PluX3gdOPgix8Wc/sQn9ckHCJx5wQQwQMAi7sp3jE1TMunoSsZrnRIKGugi5gl1VD0C7bxnKrPOoudKB7YcIkNc8vEL64bTmmiweTDh4AffKQ6M9b+IqC/jkP/TMGdhduJkVAOMjlN26bnnIedYKShGj9RN1wVCvFEzjciiSVDR4S9b7QqBgWerRpibgxGR3ssbGbJ34eZZuAUxJiVxVe3JmAC38TK+/s0cr+fpFWVu/MvhsrsH1PAgTv72uJEixoGkytRJWhRrC9zZJheAijHSjTQezg8bYE04tqW0EDhl017reQd5nX0IPBtLD+vGQQ6X4g7p/jL4Rvqa8f49sB/V4I2XImjf+acgHsbwtgP/WStX2UM4H0MWs5ZZD7QAOXIzpTqPaDOVf2y6gaIgqzXHU7s+5lF6cPkcN7v0j8ezx4qM8wtnkKwt36grRRm0QGFpyAZ8h+AxpoNfXgAekxuLf34Ag8yPo2DgChy86oaF0wVR41pvW+kMYu0C9yaAtct5K6QvSLR3PC9Mv1gb3cGAsQUD1EopZqCRkD+fWfFNhbFJ2StraewaqKe+bmXDdoRuFSBNeJF3hSXB1+5977QK0kcQOwo1EnLAclFjjQJ/hYTkqscDhlsfCtw0ORKqH9HZhn6fMwIxmg/FJ31TOFbWyt81wXoUADujNvsFYHPm+ev4EyDugEIcE6tFSF5/D7wF/cGsPzMmMinjAvZgmKLeyl+ByEq6lD6ZStCddqlqe4WeZueV42VFxzFzs33bfjbAxTp4dVgrelsMJvYgNdszpokA/SBku9jljBoNo37J/RQYcMdEihShXY0sFomzUxbYiS1RpgWMR94ugQkp1yNGHkbwlKW2eFCwc202VXTFfWkQ8JhivLM9wyv35NytFTcBUFF371QgLF6ApaElao8r6HKevuXVWEwW4HqZUs9cf1Al2UEMAgcZhupvCTPHfHOipxHZZWGisx6v4pZsmblKYfwJ/52EYoUtn0fWz/Gv6j7Zf4pfBcgf9l3nn495/RhVb9q5ek2GKfzI3yJFrX6075XlOfhLDkqoo7hc0yppbIXej+fXa3QY+My1/sOg+8yrjPw4PlvsBXd9DHuv7eYwI0XZCWxpFBCZfJdWDYpzF8YYLx22cmYCJxICEqKnJ+LScf1UjWH6IRp5sT77+Qfm8YGTTq6n75Jtqu5FXnl8lnuO5CU7eF4+4hB+BAzzy9hlYN4Cg6/4Jm3nc19Aafkxau0hzc1WUJ/fGTTJusv28fhT2N9MYtp5UmEG/RQIwXvK3xjK7EmSAse9B43uOW5mUHteOMW6m4pubeMkMuETGE+6je+3WzLHMu3YVeaCKVqIY6/fJbPsC4kuqLLy7o77jDgxa6SP0dbUmhgUYEg/vk+NYyGuiouSgD9u0Qiql6WPZMxB20xrDMwSRUi2rtqVcXPqqJj1ETg+MYe6ua2/OE+2U4RGK/rEZdhVrYMZOh9xYsP2nLTC3zHeyZGwhdCovEsyKNWu/zdaO6aF5HUyNNRfgVrrNwUCHLHfLcIYo0ed/dM700mNACU3pS99O0nKamGgG9hLGH4/yV9UWabe+z5fuZ/GVJ3h+GMur3pn+J5LO9xnUyJj7dqp3xXuqUOmW7VT5maT33ynvAoeL1FJhj3CZnm852+R0RJqn6yp3DMIYAv1Ae9BUYKZSHuIHGDVYGiAV5LQFmA3fS8CfZH0Li5F2hGhZWWkr5/mKlqY6wkuDIQc6NHKR+GYoumnrDhjnPjisY1fwMezrcVLGZN5o1HKmXEwvPELxdH4r8DlY7BGDsookeLdRKPQmzVpjr8JyQpK1SfAshjBh+reMOx8f1knrLQA+vTgBHKp2+LxR46vx8+i3G9aMTFV/TM8mllkUGD3S1hUYZ6i3slRG6zpi7QuupIqt0NXm5s1x+J8UBXlhdwvdT4y/5OBkAw4aFBOhzTSJxwOsH++fMMgUJlLfXMdO2ABJCtpDtlRHY5G9ZXqdeD373GXPS5yyX0R5t7F1FOpXCLlhEbuvAV/Lip6hm2ntCy5zCnhkIGtC8kbXZlyFpvM2bpEawVvoXWeCgEWzolUyQnmuau9IDHZBGGJ58rR+ejMf1jDwuTfZ4q4cbcP+PezFL1ZZxW5NLEA64AlyIndDIlb0yWtqQNQZvqO5LswyGch0K5DutvhVN2C0ShqEIQxtdURj+hdRUAyTAje7/q3nv37GIEAex/1w10Bk8IaUL1ecljOEiBE/oFtqXG8A2TWPs76I/SB+e0Oo18ioE2PbSXQiFQ1XkUoEfP7LjhZSxNPRvJUSDDc74WrEG/ABUja6QtRm1bvAS+tAvoLt8U1pc7bIFDj4UcyGm27AuxdRPUz0mKNduAdkDttTyTMpzRs9k8BPwTw/th6NQ/zlnKlKllVIrs22j8c+nU03YKZ82cTW19wtIwtjDtfI80zCIh9G1uvpwcXH4aqdZfvdlYZjIugDg29DZ8YuKEQy3yr0UHpHIQecUb8BnbKFjNljUQCsAV8nkBQ1eLHsXIzttrxbXUlMShWOUUq94r8BtCEgG6XSJYtYzy8uqDxzaIlaGwu5fb3DqXKPBmyqKeuVdFXusfFVrTpqEF81FKQDB2EoThNeY3tHdHYBhSSy1Yku/5LPhPFjzGbYMXBhvEbmwUj4+1psprrcYdiCtsqm4OOZ2vDHe11Q2LLtRqcH3DdmANtEpxm83+k9i7C/ur+CMQRp+tOAgET9OwGzvwgmYBOH20nGP6xnYOYjpGY26peQu9cuYpMEKBPHil7RXNltha8IUe3nToeK2mJt9lcozuAgTL+thl5lZbAST0DBlnLNSzWkpw9RPC4gf6GfjXTzmt6PmWKMWe2TskuG/BVUGx42jBsQcYITbid4q66KLUy5uqESk24Hu+ym+/FJCAGsU44KFF9Gqgf7BrHotqUrwY5Ahnf5wY8NQsJBBmd8uK/wCsh6DLAUNi6sMvkG2SBz0ycWNs4MlE0fdKTt7/x2bjD4G5RCcdR9vp82aamZmKPPnRPb5S9xTka8ouBP+BURoiDUh7U1+BnV38atomgMvSqxvYAh/V/0HvnjxG0TO+s4RYfgHkmzYYBSnfo/iDRFMXI01lr3P6YPg5/Rei4d/sz/Er749x/8WrLUEW0BtsQG4/VOC7ezs7x4dfUcB9280cL+LcgOecmG3/Pc6yH2PryR6ISGC7UemM5yDAcFgAIPRet13rA0WGTaNkwdWPsMhDGUUpXrsir1uEL5Hy8WTVmYkZWmghQMarxT0kmqczrqs/lavSkIu0ARU1d1DY0IjG9X3xY/olQSN9LC1z6JOGucWvXjASkwXPAUbcNCCZ20NsMyRwxagv9QHNcXSGdPHGv7riiNHDZpu8T+GuuQDvVN+VbSGXKm3w087BKoPA1/Er/d5yC8q4mKtoAcWdNBkgnVKFI7Xr8nCnTWEz/MUwkAjsPZX4zE42NPF9WJh5GpHfjkNVYF4O4OSNPAoRENv3DDfohSNe7/SxAiNFKq+99ivAWcwzs8YprJ796P89OtOWraHv2otDw/+5EiPxLicVtXv6K+O+Zmmdhb/3ni7x/odmoJY9Hhscn+cMi0ykqYEt/qQW2HylAy5He7jBzxoEH4X+LmLTqgLSPjjCvxqHqVIYCF7fPwIFljigvWa6i9RsEjEj8E9aJMIO6ybSR291cYHQrTjlssoEKmoXaakZlKTziCtgCwKOQCHWBkKur98jFGvuKcy+RmkYPmIZy/mZg3rlqci60O64uECAiZiOuRxMZ4iVKUoNNx+1hDQx62eaRes6u/2P0XITqXwyjbLxXaW/t0022rSlH3G5TuusDA60P2AYxhVAJ8kWlOF4PVEdMoKrrCO1yC5ew51/MyhBG0qp2BijEoBt9A69aNkodhBq3ZiSRoLJai46QkQhP8aSF7SZWIwZ2YQuWhRyFmvD2jD3N1N16EpdvJeoYb5tpjwX/0kHJKYm2VxpGX/wCBGlhYR4g6Ojhw076Xe7vmvp+BJ6eo6y63xCZbZCv27CLO6R2bSlCm3D6XcdkD71aD3brAFGG1IF5lPiTbGFfVSmSriAfiO5kBrEeHWMri7lCk8L80lGL2ZXEMX202NrQqrN3fBiqVA0XOlcnK98AZqbt6adVXDTCrwQ7JcoTUV0QUwcu6EM5p/VVgZyIj8ZF5X+D8CADxsFokCYJ6IsZ8WVqtqqg/cmnzJB/ia+tv4nBjQIs0Ray0EwbySOxCpg7q6RJWLiX6devtVorf1Z5/a6u8hfl+REdYsuFCqAbgx17QWWEPUQJPRKXm7kJCcx+AkeroYayb7ryR5PYh9knYZ5SgNiljP4FmXTFeQGv8rGKFBPklcduG1plcoJD/75F5XeiltnQN0P40HJuLUcFO9T5tq9xEEVo68T+Wg9QNvC9waw/OjYlF3yNwjE24fmgG3Q5z6BJ6rxKlEPdJKBQfghqQwQIqKDjHjAExxSQQhOVCx2AYC0En+aoRX/KLaZIrRKFfhnKuAC0YSHPaKYpclynqlBbNkzt15RKLdkb9PZiusHaXS8BDJPU8//TfWp9BP82pal2OE8u3bZjwuvrKfF5d85JcZsN6mhzkAXdDJ00oKGVPq6WD2k3qeXh2GYYw2WCtwQEqNqAa61t0tB6RDfUEaymASQyZPsXnldBkyqKuPM+TukIdmWhxa0kkyUkJfiGo+zVka22IQvJVhBjPNujW9pcIIDXThhyGtsmL8gCmg+etzsbjLciX1DroIRC148DhfMbOx/RQv+8gvw7b4Ni+QdXOMZVb9i9W//2oHtZ/qa+gpeKCuSv09AB1hA2XAaATNMUivJbQHnMZJdApycXBwEEcmcG/JwBdyaCGLJnB6KZBxExkooTqcYpoBuT+lGA0kGzTR5QZyq2jUpfuFQe7Dr6niWxYUatCE2XhRzvSrXQZt0mYLkiv+x/cP9C8yv82iPhzKFaLTIn/yz7/39OriqmywoIH+BYjgasoGS0SEpHwBIdJ/gBpy8UZEGGfeoDUTWoumyRi4/Gdv1I9sG9szUqHq2DlNyCDgNmrN/7M48q/ZyVsVXXImvI398j/9JrAE9K4CmtiFf3p1+JfcW72qlP9i8SKPwr7+pb+E7wegAVq4unD37nn7kM7zKRZgfK+/DTlcKwe6gW7W0MiONlgU9/FMwgK2tE0xBm+hb4v4OKxn8uziQnZKGSdN45kd03x6SkGvGFs1NYXsAVow85aKKLXfwNcbXAae2s/ChR9cGDtPB7Ff+/75IVOwVtDpZaoBDIFubYNV06Fb4skkAfIeA5f89kvHm0WMRtnW+7VUXWqYccGsoAuEjD08bKygawOvqTqRVf7SfJGn8+n6Zr00wLNpFWXmeAA+IiusaRbxc5QKmiMOeQJ7bE81+5mxjUa3xCB4krdULBzqxsy5IgmH/oQpGShDQ2fC/6KTWdV5Os9FCjAvoNEtcQVE/HtTxeO1Zoo0DBKad8huTM/E0WEJ7Vps0yV2WVoSbxby5CfXM4uQ0d3daHLOK2rA9YK5a3V18dM/DXWezvNhG2jqn4HBARIGzFI5+iugcBgvd+qhTWietmXxfFjWLK6xt0j+WDgE6oOK9hXV2oNOye08nedy+HX6Z5AwoBqVTHQo7OPUl/QxFOS2ZNspsUWwOART7Bw2zGDGLHLdPyKLGzoNdfrlztN53grAQuB4MU9pDJibRwCea96zQ/MOxRHRMkU0BmhkgXZLEiM5v6qbgjQAuXuyYNZkKiD+dJZUnafzvHX//OtIoGT87vMFabaIaUjdYm1Kzi1/y0Ef5IxGiNXmaBin8bdOnAb1y8fdRw2sun8CG2YSDv2MGMxPO8Nu5+k8Xwa/XH/vOxr+qQZ7m5J/yz2TElATCzTLa9SyCT610jSoX8bYuaMDvuuycKjr4fDVTsPceTrPl36eLgD/iiMZ5hHAJ3sgGu/GJTRtsTSExUPN/YYVpXEHvb1lwUzygxWLwgz9csd0pfN0nneF36tEgK4gfucPcALGkA8MU2nYER9smHYqXxvHUTYKhklX5zSzXPcVsakUdDuzbufpPO++f8YDMBZgHVqbkjAGiPS2DU2bjo/hnDYcndZhr1MYX1VBM1eypurqWkUSbuez3Xk6z7sG8AIX4NtsT8x5ZnvohQhmS5Qq6jVAJCPDmjiO/sORKQDuv0Ee5H/I7sC3/yu04796tcPr6zyd5/3gFxroxVWMZMAOGqIY9hDAFA7QTekACsQ19jKs1TRsu4vdRUDuHrXLB5Zct4LIvdpZMXeezvMeH0qt7WJb0xc6S0VHEh51W6aHZMrvSdRA68L9fa0cwpjdDp2q83SeDzD/Dg8/1InTnKVypPGLPvyYlecakB6hp+GswS7OuvcrOu2v0zF3ns7zAZ6nT8VF9jblTb/AtGmMBUADw709y750z7jzi8f3K7Yc7aIVc6fsdp7O8wEr8MKC8XG/L7HA+8bh8GTW40J6RH6G5M1/X5iQ4MPcqbqdp/N88A4aXWQf6rRp8S7V3qNHFm7J7ltC1k3SX+ey23k6z1fySLjo6qodsPXKOBDDamqewnDI6BvNDMFVbrED3c7Teb7a+kuxAJQOLFaGnAdgHjsPR1IjO2uqztN5PgIAP6V8PAu/Prth8SeVKKuOYrfzdJ6PBcJPwUacQ2olCMB9yPObzEg7DXPn6TwfVQm2svE449JyDl/l8MhOdGTn6TwfKYLRPviq2P/rB8bc4eFOCF3n6TyfwBzsPJzV3AFu5+k8nwaCO2bgnafzdJ7O03k6T+fpPJ2n83SeztN5Ok/n6Tydp/N0ns7zAZ//H3CqMEjgBfRMAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC"/>
</g>
</svg>) In a dynamic banking world, we seize opportunities. Our new business strategy foresees doubling the NLB Group’s balance sheet (to more than EUR 50 billion assets), recurring revenues of more than EUR 2 billion and profit of more than EUR 1 billion by 2030. We lead with vision and grow with purpose. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 20 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Shareholder Structure and Market Performance of NLB’s Shares and GDRs Shareholder structure of NLB The Bank’s shares are listed on the Prime Market sub-segment of the Ljubljana Stock Exchange (ISIN SI0021117344, Ljubljana Stock Exchange trading symbol: NLBR), and the GDRs representing shares are listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (ISIN: US66980N2036 and US66980N1046, London Stock Exchange GDR trading symbol: NLB and 55VX). Five GDRs represent one NLB share. Table 2: NLB’s main shareholders as at 31 December 2024 (i) Shareholder Number of shares Percentage of shares Bank of New York on behalf of the GDR holders (ii), (iii) 9,659,425 48.30 of which EBRD / >5 and <10 of which Brandes Investment Partners, L.P. (iv) / >5 and <10 Republic of Slovenia (RoS) 5,000,001 25.00 Other shareholders 5,340,574 26.70 Total 20,000,000 100.00 (i) This information is sourced from the NLB’s shareholders’ book that is accessible at the web services of CSD (Central Security Depository, Slovenian: KDD - Centralna klirinško depotna družba) and available to CSD members. The information on major holdings is based on self- declarations by individual holders pursuant to the applicable provisions of Slovenian legislation, which require that the holders of shares in a listed company notify the company whenever their direct and/or indirect holdings pass the set thresholds of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 1/3, 50%, or 75%. The table lists all self-declared major holders whose notifications have been received. In reliance on this obligation vested with the holders of major holdings, the Bank postulates that no other entities nor any natural person hold directly and/or indirectly ten or more percent of the Bank’s shares. (ii) The Bank of New York holds shares in its capacity as the depositary (the GDR Depositary) for the GDR holders and is not the beneficial owner of such shares. The GDR holders have the right to convert their GDRs into shares. The rights under the deposited shares can be exercised by the GDR holders only through the GDR Depositary, and individual GDR holders do not have any direct right to either attend the shareholders’ meeting or exercise any voting rights under the deposited shares. (iii) The information on GDR ownership is based on self-declarations by individual GDR holders as required pursuant to the applicable provisions of Slovenian law. (iv) The information on GDR ownership is based on self-declarations made by Brandes Investment Partners, L.P. on 5 December 2024. 25% + 1 share Republic of Slovenia 26.70% Other shareholders 48.30% Shares in GDR format GDR holders with shares >5% and <10%: • EBRD • Brandes Investment Partners, L.P. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 21 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Market performance of NLB’s shares and GDRs The EURO STOXX 600 Index saw a steady rise in Q1, supported by robust performances in the technology and healthcare sectors, while in Q2, there was some volatility due to geopolitical tensions and fluctuating commodity prices. The index experienced a slight dip in July and August due to market corrections, but rebounded in September as investor confidence returned. In Q4, the index closed the year with a gain of approximately 8.9% YoY, reflecting the overall positive market sentiment and strong performances in the industrial and consumer goods sectors. The EURO STOXX Banks Index had an impressive year in 2024. In the first two quarters, the index benefitted from high capital ratios, more substantial earnings, and expectations of consolidation in the banking industry. The H1 saw significant gains as banks reported better- than-expected quarterly results. The momentum continued in H2, with the index climbing 21.4% over the year, marking its best performance since 2021. The banking sector was buoyed by still high interest rates and cost-cutting measures, which improved profitability. The SBITOP Index grew throughout the year for the most part, driven by positive market sentiment and strong performances from key blue-chip companies. The index experienced only two meaningful falls, both in mid-July to the first part of August, as the beginning of the third quarter brought some volatility, which was influenced by broader market corrections and economic uncertainties. A steady recovery ensued, supported by improved corporate earnings and investor confidence. In 2024, the index gained approximately 33.4% YoY. Throughout 2024, the NLB stock experienced various fluctuations, reflecting broader market trends and company-specific developments. The stock started the year at around EUR 84.8 and steadily increased, reaching EUR 110 by the end of March. This increase was likely driven by positive market sentiment and strong quarterly earnings. During Q2, the stock continued its upward trend, peaking at EUR 126.5 in June. The period saw consistent growth, indicating investor confidence and favourable market conditions. In Q3, the stock experienced some volatility, while the highest price of the year, EUR 136, was recorded at the end of July. However, the stock saw a slight decline towards the end of the quarter, closing at EUR 120 in September. It showed resilience and recovery in Q4, closing the year at EUR 127.5, reflecting a positive end to the year despite some mid-quarter volatility, gaining more than 50% in value during the year compared to YoY. Figure 1: NLB share price movements on the Ljubljana Stock Exchange and NLB GDR price movement on the London Stock Exchange (in EUR) Source: Ljubljana Stock Exchange, Bloomberg. GDR Shares (NLBR) GDR (NLB) Shares 30.00 29.00 28.00 27.00 26.00 25.00 24.00 23.00 22.00 21.00 20.00 19.00 18.00 17.00 16.00 140.00 135.00 130.00 125.00 120.00 115.00 110.00 105.00 100.00 95.00 90.00 85.00 80.00 Jan 2024 Feb 2024 Mar 2024 Apr 2024 May 2024 Jun 2024 Jul 2024 Aug 2024 Sep 2024 Oct 2024 Nov 2024 Dec 2024 Share price growth in 2024 above 50% and more than 63% total return (including dividends) Ljubljana Stock Exchange awarded NLB as "Prime Market Stock of the Year" ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 22 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB shares and GDRs Table 3: NLB share information Share information 31 Dec 2024 Total number of shares issued 20,000,000 Highest closing price (in 2024) EUR 136.0 Lowest closing price (in 2024) EUR 84.8 Closing price as at 30 December 2024 (i) EUR 127.5 NLB Group book value per share EUR 157.1 NLB Group earnings per share (EPS) EUR 25.7 Price/NLB Group book value (P/B) 0.81 Dividend per share (for the previous business year) EUR 11.00 Market capitalisation (i) EUR 2,550,000,000 (i) No market on 31 December 2024. Indices The Bank’s shares are included in several indices: the SBITOP index, SBITOP TR index, and ADRIA prime index of the Ljubljana Stock Exchange, FTSE Frontier Index, MSCI Frontier, and MSCI Slovenia, S&P Eastern Europe BMI, S&P Emerging Frontier Super Composite BMI, S&P Extended Frontier 150, S&P Frontier BMI, S&P Frontier Ex-GCC BMI, S&P Slovenia BMI, as well as the STOXX All Europe Total Market, STOXX Balkan Total Market, STOXX Balkan Total Market ex-Greece & Turkey, STOXX EU Enlarged Total Market, STOXX Eastern Europe 300, STOXX Eastern Europe 300 Banks, STOXX Eastern Europe Large 100, STOXX Eastern Europe Total Market, STOXX Eastern Europe Total Market Small, STOXX Global Total Market, and STOXX Slovenia Total Market, among others. The Investor Relations function The Bank participated in various forms of engagement, such as investor meetings, calls, conferences, and roadshows to meet the requirements of the Bank’s ownership. Transparent communication with investors and analysts allowed for a dialogue on strategic developments, as well as on the financial performance of the Group. The Bank promoted greater awareness and understanding of operating businesses, developments, and events, which influence the performance of the Bank's share price. The performance of the Bank is covered by analysts from Deutsche Bank, Wood & Company, Citi, InterCapital, Raiffeisen Bank International, Erste, Ipopema, Capital AM, PKO BP, and Ilirika BPH. Throughout 2024, the Bank participated in more than 18 conferences, roadshows, and organised a very successful Investor Day in Ljubljana. Representatives from the Bank met 170+ investors on 360+ investor interactions. Those meetings covered various topics, including governance (including remuneration), sustainability, digitalisation, strategy, and finance. In 2024, the Bank obtained its second credit coverage from Raiffeisen Bank International, expanding analysts’ coverage beyond equity research and helping the Bank with capital markets activities. In addition, in December 2024, the Ljubljana Stock Exchange awarded Bank shares (ticker "NLBR") the "Prime Market Stock of the Year" accolade. IR presentations, financial reports, and important information are available on the Bank’s website in line with IR’s Financial Calendar . Expanded analyst coverage of NLB by Erste, Ipopema, and Capital AM on the equity side and Raiffeisen Bank International on the fixed income side More than EUR EUR 1.2 million in combined average regular trading volume per day (excluding block trades) ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 23 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Macroeconomic Environment The hope was that the euro area economy’s growth would gain traction in 2024, but it stagnated instead. Household consumption was the main driver of growth. The hardship of its industrial sector never got a break in 2024, while wage growth remained elevated, helping to reaccelerate inflation in the final quarter. The global and European economies The U.S. dollar hit a two-year high versus the EUR and posted an annual gain against almost all major currencies, as the prospect that the FED would hold interest rates higher than peers led the U.S. currency to dominate rivals. The USD has received a boost by rising growth concerns elsewhere against the background of geopolitical risk. The EUR registered an approximate 6.2% yearly decline against the USD. Geopolitical tensions, demand fluctuations, and economic indicators shaped oil prices in 2024. Chinese demand growth was underwhelming, leading to periods of price depression. At the same time, conflicts in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Hamas, and the broader regional instability caused temporary spikes in oil prices due to fears of supply disruptions. Strong global oil production growth and slower demand growth exerted downward pressure on prices. In 2024, the U.S. economy experienced growth, driven primarily by consumer spending, which remained robust throughout the year, supported by a strong labour market and increased household incomes. Business investments increased significantly, particularly in technology and infrastructure. Fiscal policies and government spending also contributed positively, although concerns about the fiscal deficit remain. The U.S. saw a continued decline in inflation rates that enabled the FED to cut interest rates, which was accommodated by supply chain improvements (reduced bottlenecks) and the stabilisation of energy prices. Inflation re-accelerated towards the 3% YoY mark in Q4, partly driven by the low base effects from last year, particularly in energy and an increase in food prices. In 2024, China’s economic growth was driven by strong exports, high-tech investments, and stimulus measures that boosted economic activity, especially in Q4. Despite these positive factors, China faced challenges such as weak domestic demand and demographic issues. The manufacturing sector significantly contributed to a sizeable growth in industrial output. China’s economic performance in 2024 provided stability and confidence to the global economy, reinforcing its role as a key driver of global growth. However, the euro area economy was hoping for a rebound in 2024 that never materialised, with growth lingering below the 1% YoY mark in the first three quarters, but reaccelerated above that mark in Q4 to reach an average of 0.9% YoY in 2024, while inflation reaccelerated in Q4. Household consumption, aided by increasing government consumption, posed as the main driver of growth, even if it seemed a little pent-up by the not-too-optimistic consumer sentiment, which caused the retail trade to swing between mild contraction and soft growth in 2024. Therefore, the savings rate jumped by more than one p.p. during the first three quarters compared to YoY. Returning to GDP components, the gross fixed capital formation was in contraction in all four quarters, boding poorly for future growth. Exports started the year in contraction, but broke into positive territory in remaining quarters, while imports contracted in H1 and returned to growth in H2. Industrial production spent most of the year in contraction, as the euro area industry has been rapidly losing its competitiveness on the global market, leading to stagnation. While households saved more than in 2023, their investment rate diminished slightly, and their gross disposable income slowed down notably in Q2 and Q3 in QoQ terms. In 2024, the Middle East oil exports to Europe were down more than 20% YoY due to disruption in the Red Sea shipping lane. The gas transit deal between Russia and Ukraine expired on the last day of 2024, affecting Europe’s energy prices. The euro area economy is in danger of plunging even deeper into crisis, and the room for the ECB manoeuvres is diminishing rapidly. The economic engine is in danger of further stalling, the inflation trend is on a negative trajectory, and governments are wrestling with high deficits. Germany's recessionary economy hangs like a weight on the euro area. Inflation in the euro area receded towards its 2% YoY goal, even dropping below the mandated target in September. However, inflation reaccelerated from then on, to the highest level in five months in December which mainly reflected higher service costs. Services appeared to be very sticky throughout the year, while food prices growth was slowing down for most of the H2 (but started to growth in December again). Core inflation was slower in coming down under the 3% YoY mark and stabilised at around 2.7% YoY in the last quarter. On average, prices grew by 2.4% YoY in 2024. Inflation in the euro area accelerated in November and December 2024, supporting the European Central Bank’s gradual approach to reducing interest rates. The increase was primarily driven by energy costs, which climbed for the first time since July, as a large part of the increase comes from fuel price base effects. The boost was not surprising to the ECB, which has repeatedly warned that the path back to its 2% target will be bumpy, and that it only expects to hit that milestone toward year’s-end sustainably. 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However, concern about inflation in the services sector remains. The rate has been stuck at about 4% for over a year due to rising wages. The stickiness of services inflation means that the ECB will likely keep cutting interest rates only slowly as the economic outlook remains poor. The ECB’s indicator for wage growth was nearing the 5% YoY growth mark in Q1 of 2024, and slowed by more than one p.p. in Q2. However, it accelerated by more than two p.p. in Q3. One of the primary drivers was the need to compensate for the high inflation rates experienced in previous years. The tight labour market gave workers and unions more negotiating leverage, leading to higher wage settlements. Also, as businesses (slowly) recovered and profitability improved, there was more room for wage increases. Some governments implemented policies to support wage growth, such as increasing minimum wages or encouraging sectoral agreements. The ECB is worried about the inability of the euro area economy to gain momentum while geopolitical risks remain elevated. Should Donald Trump enact tariffs, this would pressure international trade, which might cause China to (as was the case with steel) offer its products at lower prices, thus exporting its deflation to Europe. In 2024, the FED worked to back its narrative of achieving an economic "soft landing" – avoiding a recession while guiding inflation towards the mandated goal in times of heightened geopolitical uncertainties and an elevated political risk due to presidential elections. The FED took significant steps to address economic challenges, mainly focusing on inflation and the labour market as it cut key interest rates three times yearly. It initiated its first rate cut in over four years in September 2024, reducing the federal funds rate by 0.5 p.p. This move was aimed at providing relief to borrowers and addressing a slowing labour market, while the second rate cut of 0.25 p.p. followed in November 2024, continuing the FED’s efforts to support economic stability. The final rate cut of the year by another 0.25 p.p. arrived in December 2024 and brought the target range down to a range from 4.25% - 4.50%. Additionally, the CB was deflating its balance sheet, reducing its long-term treasury and MBS securities. These actions in combination were part of the FED’s strategy to balance its dual mandate of maximum employment and price stability. Despite this, the FED signalled a slower pace of rate reductions in 2025, reflecting ongoing concerns about inflation and economic growth. The economy in the Group’s region A widely expected rebound in growth of the euro area economy never materialised, having a subdued Slovenia as the only country in NLB Group’s region to experience similar trends of development. At the same time, other countries were growing faster, with stronger (in comparison) household consumption being aided by government consumption, both being in most cases the driving factors of growth. It was a good year for the region, attracting foreign and domestic investment. However, it was a weak year for industrial sectors and exporters due to the weak rebound of the euro area economy as the most important regional trading partner. While Slovenia’s exports performed reasonably well only in Q3 2024, they grew throughout the year in Serbia and in H1 in Kosovo but mostly contracted in other countries. Industrial production swung between soft growth and contraction during the year in most countries. At the beginning of the year, prices grew above the 5% YoY mark in Serbia. The downward trend in prices persisted in H1 thanks to slower growth in food prices and the contracting prices of energy – but prices reaccelerated in Q4 in most cases (predominantly due to food prices). Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia exhibited the highest YoY growth rates in retail trade, hinting at more vital household consumption. At the same time, the economic sentiment at the end of the year surpassed its level from the year’s opening, with retail and services confidence indicators improving the most among the sub-indicators. The unemployment rates in the region were subsiding throughout 2024, reaching historically low levels in most countries. Slovenia was the only country to register a deterioration (+1 p.p. from Q2 to Q3) as the rate rebounded to 4.4% in Q3 from its historical minimum. In Q4, it rose further to 5.0%, bringing the average rate for 2024 to 4.1%. In historical context, this is a tight labour market, but the first cracks started to appear in the second half of the year. In Slovenia, FDI flows slowed marginally YoY, reflecting the uncertainty regarding the relatively stagnant growth and calls for additional taxation. Despite the softer industrial momentum, the manufacturing sector attracted the most investments. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the YoY change was even more minor, predominantly due to a slowdown in Q2. In North Macedonia, conversely, the FDI inflows sped up YoY, especially so in Q3, reflecting a favourable investment climate and growing investor confidence in the country’s economic prospects. Similarly, in Serbia, FDI flows sped up compared to YoY, reflecting Serbia’s strategic focus on diversifying its economy and enhancing its industrial base, as investments were focused on mining and construction, followed by IT and communications and the processing industry. In Kosovo, the FDI flows posted a marginal uptick compared to YoY, with real estate and leasing activities being the most significant beneficiaries. 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In Serbia , GDP growth in 2024 remained amongst the highest in the SEE region, albeit losing steam throughout the year, more than one p.p. from Q2 to Q3. This resembled the movement in household consumption which was very solid but grew at a slightly slower pace in Q3. It was, nonetheless, the main driving force of the economy, along with gross fixed capital formation, which grew throughout the year and even started approaching a double-digit annual growth in Q3, confirming the good work done in attracting investment. Government consumption also slowed its pace in Q3 (-2 p.p. QoQ). Growth changed little in Q4 (from Q3), bringing the rate for 2024 to 3.9% YoY. Exports picked up from Q1, while imports accelerated notably in Q3, well into double-digit growth. Inflation gradually came down from January until June. However, it rose again in July and stayed above the 4% mark for the rest of the year, following similar dynamics exhibited by food prices. Housing and electricity prices were slowing down for the whole year. Industrial production started the year strong, but fluctuated following the euro area’s slow growth and expectations of a rebound that never materialised. Retail trade confirmed strong private consumption, but its growth slowed in Q3. The economy in Bosnia and Herzegovina held a steady pace in 2024, propped by household and government consumption. There was a notable jump in the annual growth of gross capital formation in Q1, and the rate was close to double digits in Q2 and Q3. Exports contracted in H1, while imports were slow to gain pace. The inflation rate hovered above the 2% YoY growth mark until July. Then, it slowed to under the 1% mark, only to accelerate again in November and December due to food prices accelerating again (above levels exhibited at the beginning and mid-year). Industrial production was mainly in contraction (compared YoY) in 2024, while retail trade confirmed the resilient household consumption, growing vigorously in H1 but slowing down in H2. The economy steadily gained pace in 2024 in North Macedonia thanks to strong governmental consumption, which grew throughout the year, exceeding the 13% YoY mark in Q3, while household consumption grew at a much softer pace during the year. Gross capital formation started the year strong, but stumbled in Q2 and in Q4. Exports contracted in the first three quarters of the year as did imports, only to a lesser degree. In Q4, growth accelerated further to bring the average for 2024 to 2.7% YoY. Inflation lingered in the 2.2%–4.3% YoY range, reaccelerating in H2 following the dynamics in food prices. Industrial production contracted in all quarters, following the disappointing growth of the euro area, while retail trade started the year slow but picked up in H2. The Slovenian economy grew at a stagnant pace of 1.6% YoY in 2024, primarily relying on household (averaging to 1.6% YoY in 2024) and state consumption; the latter picked up notably in Q2 and subsided in Q3 and Q4 averaging to 8.5% YoY in 2024. While the gross capital formation accelerated from Q1 to Q2, it plummeted into a deep contraction in Q3 and improved slightly in Q4, contracting by 2.4% YoY in 2024. Exports were stagnant at best in H1 but picked up the pace in Q3 and Q4, while imports grew throughout the year. Inflation subsided below the 2% mark in June, slowing down to a halt in October and back to the 2% mark at year’s end, as food prices reaccelerated again (and prices of energy broke back into growth from contraction). Industrial production mainly contracted in YoY terms in 2024, following a very soft demand from abroad, while retail trade switched between contraction and smooth growth which resulted in a 0.6% YoY contraction in 2024, hinting at not-too- confident domestic consumers. The economy in Montenegro exhibited solid YoY growth propped by household consumption, but with a fading momentum as government expenditure slowed throughout the year. Gross fixed capital formation YoY growth was among the region’s highest, while exports contracted throughout the year. Imports contracted in Q1 but turned to growth in the following two quarters. Inflation sped up from January to March, but began slowing down from June to October when it reaccelerated again. Industrial production contracted notably in Q2, to a much milder degree in Q3 and swung into expansion again in the last quarter of the year, finishing the year strong. Retail trade confirmed strong household consumption, growing throughout the year and finishing the year strong. The economy finished the Q4 in similar pace to the previous two quarters, bringing the average for 2024 to 3.2% YoY. The GDP grew at a solid pace in Kosovo , led by the substantial household consumption that, however, started losing momentum through the year along with robust governmental consumption. Gross capital formation grew at a solid pace throughout the year, while net exports contracted. It started the year strong, but slowed into contraction in Q3. Inflation was already under control in January, but picked up slightly in H1 to slow down fast from August onwards. Industrial production mostly grew at a solid pace amid an occasional contraction, while retail trade grew strongly in Q1, contracted in Q2, and remained slow in Q3. 2.9% economic growth in the Group’s region in 2024 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 26 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report The banking system in the Group’s region 2024 was a stellar year for regional banking sectors, as profits remained high and the countercyclical capital buffers helped the banking system’s resilience, while promoting financial stability. Table 4: Movement of key banking systems indicators (i) in the NLB Group region in 2024 Corporate loans Household loans Corporate deposits Household deposits Net interest margin NPL CAR in EUR millions ∆ % YoY in EUR millions ∆ % YoY in EUR millions ∆ % YoY in EUR millions ∆ % YoY 2023, in % 2024, in % in % ∆ p.p. YoY in % ∆ p.p. YoY Slovenia 9,762 -2.1 13,311 6.0 10,910 -0.3 27,309 3.0 3.0 3.1 1.5 0.1 19.7 (i) -0.7 Serbia 15,988 7.9 13,814 10.4 18,433 15.1 21,840 13.4 4.0 4.1 2.5 -0.7 21.9 (i) -0.3 N. Macedonia 3,940 13.9 4,057 8.8 2,866 9.2 6,454 13.8 3.5 3.6 2.7 0.1 18.9 (i) 0.8 BiH 5,445 9.0 6,585 9.2 4,143 14.6 9,025 9.9 3.3 3.0 (i) 3.5 (i) -0.5 19.5 (i) 0.2 Kosovo 3,475 15.8 2,325 22.6 2,299 13.9 4,623 13.9 3.2 2.5 1.9 -0.1 16.2 2.5 Montenegro 1,678 14.9 2,028 17.0 2,142 -2.7 2,981 9.2 4.7 3.7 4.0 (i) -1.0 19.8 (i) -0.9 (i) Data as of Q3 2024. Source: Statistical offices, CBs, NLB. Note: Net interest margin calculated on interest-bearing assets. Residential loans and deposits for Montenegro. Slovenia was the only country where NFC loans contracted, while in two countries of the region, they grew at double-digit rates, and while in two more, they clocked in right under that milestone. The decrease in corporate loans suggests potential challenges in the corporate sector, possibly due to economic uncertainties and strict lending criteria. Household loans grew strongly (the least in Slovenia) in the NLB Group’s region, with double-digit growth rates in three countries, while one finished the year right under that mark. The healthy household loan and deposit growth indicated consumer confidence and economic stability. In Slovenia, the variable interest rates for new corporate loans persisted above the 5% mark. From there, they started diminishing towards year-end to 4,3% in December. In contrast, interest rates for consumer loans went down only marginally, opening the year with 6.7% and stood at 6.4% in December, while real estate loans followed similar but a touch more intense dynamics, declining to 3.1% in December from 3.9% in January. In Serbia, a similar dynamic ensued in all three categories as during the year, corporate loan rates subsided by 0.8 p.p., consumer loans by 1.8 p.p., and real estate loans by almost 0.4 p.p. In North Macedonia, the corporate loan rates declined by 0.6 p.p. during the Figure 2: ROE ratio in the euro area and NLB Group region Source: ECB, National CBs. Note: Return on average equity (ROAE) used for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Data for the euro area, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro are for Q3 2024. Slovenia Euro area Serbia Montenegro Kosovo N. Macedonia BiH 9.3% 10.2% 20.6% 18.9% 18.0% 20.2% 16.1% 17.6% 16.7% 17.9% 19.7% 19.9% 19.3% 22.1% 2023 2024 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 27 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report year, while real estate loan interest rates decreased by 0.3 p.p. in the same comparison. However, rates for consumer loans went up by 0.15 p.p. from the start of the year. The situation differed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where all rates went up during 2024, corporate by 0.3 p.p., real estate loans by 0.2 p.p., and 1.4 p.p. in consumer loans. In Kosovo, the rates for corporate loans decreased by 0.35 p.p., and by 0.75 p.p. in consumer loans, while in real estate, they fluctuated but stayed roughly the same. In Montenegro, corporate loan rates have decreased by 1.1. p.p., in consumer loans by approximately 1.0 p.p., and 0.6 p.p. in real estate loan rates during the course of the year. The decrease in NPLs in most countries indicates better asset quality and effective risk management. Historically high capital adequacy, with stable and solid liquidity and good credit portfolio quality, means that the banking system can support economic growth – particularly investment. Due to ECB lowering rates, subsequent decreases in net interest margin and ROE were anticipated but never really materialised, as both categories improved in 2024 in most countries of the NLB Group’s region. There were fewer challenges (than anticipated) in maintaining profitability; hence, 2024 was a year to remember for banks. LTD ratios grew throughout the region, implying banks tried to maximise their profits by using their deposit base to generate higher income, albeit increasing credit risk and reducing liquidity at the same time. Figure 3: Loans to non-financial corporations and household loans (% GDP) in the euro area and the NLB Group region in 2024 Source: National CBs, National Statistical Offices. Note: Data from Q3 2024 for Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, Residential loans for Montenegro. Figure 4: LTD ratio in the euro area and NLB Group region Slovenia Euro area Serbia Montenegro Kosovo N. Macedonia BiH Loans to non-financial corporations, % GDP Household loans, % GDP 34.3% 45.8% 14.9% 19.8% 18.1% 16.7% 24.6% 26.1% 20.5% 24.7% 31.6% 21.6% 20.2% 26.0% Slovenia Euro area Serbia Montenegro Kosovo N. Macedonia BiH 2023 2024 Source: ECB, National CBs, NLB. . 94.3% 92.9% 60.1% 60.4% 74.3% 73.0% 81.6% 81.5% 75.1% 76.2% 80.2% 84.0% 62.2% 68.9% ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 28 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Regulatory Environment The Group consistently monitors regulatory developments to maintain full compliance and adapt to new standards. By leveraging technology, strengthening internal controls, and fostering a culture of responsibility, the Bank reinforces its position as a reliable and forward-looking financial institution committed to meeting the challenges of an evolving regulatory environment and ensuring full compliance with the existing and new requirements. Disclosure of the most relevant changes in legislation and regulation that influence the Group is presented herein. Regulatory environment in Slovenia In 2024, significant regulatory developments at both the EU and Slovenian levels influenced the banking sector, prompting the Bank to adapt its operations and strengthen its compliance framework. These changes reflect the dynamic nature of the regulatory landscape and the Bank’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of compliance, governance, and risk management. Finalisation of Basel III (CRR III/CRD VI) The adoption of the revised Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR III) and Capital Requirements Directive (CRD VI) marked a significant milestone in the implementation of the final elements of Basel III within the EU. Effective as at January 2025, these regulations introduce enhancements to credit risk, market risk, operational risk, and capital adequacy frameworks. The Bank has proactively assessed the impact of these changes, updated its risk management systems, and initiated measures to ensure a smooth transition to the new requirements. Instant Payments Regulation In 2024, a new EU regulation on instant payments denominated in euro was adopted, making instant payments the standard across the EU. This framework aims to enhance affordability, security, and accessibility for all users. The changes will come into effect gradually, with staggered deadlines throughout 2025. The Bank is implementing the necessary measures and activities to ensure full compliance with these deadlines, aligning its payment systems and processes to meet regulatory expectations while enhancing the customer experience. Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) In December 2022, the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) Regulation was published in the EU’s Official Journal alongside the revised directive on the security of network and information systems (NIS2 Directive). In 2024, significant progress was made in the DORA regulatory framework by adopting Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) and Implementing Technical Standards (ITS). These standards outline detailed requirements for ICT risk management, major incident reporting, testing of operational resilience, and oversight of third- party ICT service providers, further clarifying DORA’s implementation ahead of its application in January 2025. The Bank has taken significant steps to align with DORA’s provisions, prioritising enhancements to its ICT risk management framework, refining incident reporting processes, and strengthening governance over third- party ICT service providers. These efforts ensure that the Bank is well-prepared to meet the regulation’s requirements and can maintain the high standards of digital operational resilience. ESG regulations Sustainability remained a key priority in 2024, as several regulatory advancements shaped the ESG landscape: • The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) introduced requirements for identifying, mitigating, and addressing environmental and social risks in the value chain. • The regulation on ESG Ratings established standards for transparency and reliability in ESG rating activities, enhancing comparability for stakeholders. • Amendments to the Companies Act (ZGD-1M) incorporated EU sustainability reporting requirements under the CSRD, mandating companies to disclose sustainability information using the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). In line with these developments, the Group is publishing its sustainability statement, fully aligned with the CSRD framework, reflecting its commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainable growth. Regular internal policies and process updates ensure the Group remains aligned with evolving ESG standards and regulatory expectations. Anti-Money Laundering Directive VI (AMLD VI) In 2024, the EU adopted the sixth Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AMLD VI), further harmonising measures to combat money laundering and terrorist financing across member states. This directive introduces stricter penalties for non-compliance, enhanced cross-border cooperation, and additional 180 NLB / 107 NLB Group number of changes in the regulatory environments with material effects, published in 2024 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 29 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report requirements for beneficial ownership transparency and risk-based due diligence. Payment Services, Electronic Money Issuing Services, and the Payment Systems Act In 2024, Slovenia adopted amendments to Payment Services, Electronic Money Issuing Services, and the Payment Systems Act (ZPlaSSIED-B) to align with evolving EU regulations. The updated act focuses on enhanced transparency, user protection, and operational security in payment systems. The Bank is analysing these amendments and will adapt its operations to ensure full compliance with the new requirements, further reinforcing its commitment to providing secure and transparent payment services. Regulatory environment in the Group’s region The regulatory environment in the rest of the region where the Group operates was dominated by actions to ensure the stable functioning of financial systems. In Serbia , the Law on Amendments and Supplements to the Law on Payments Services, implementing the PSD2, was adopted in July 2024, with an application date set for May 2025. This law aims to enhance competition and transparency in providing payment services, primarily by introducing a payment initiation service and account information service. It also strengthens customer protection and security while executing payment transactions and regulates the actions of payment service providers in case of suspected fraud and abuse. The obligations regarding strong customer authentication and communication standards between payment service providers, payers and payees, introduced by this law, are further detailed in the Decision on Technical Standards for Strong Customer Authentication and Common Secure Open Standards of Communication, which shall be applicable as at 1 January 2026. Additionally, the new Decision on Minimum Information System Management Standards for Financial Institutions has been adopted, with an application date as at 1 January 2026. This decision provides detailed regulations on managing ICT system risk – ICT incidents and their reporting and overall information security. Drafts of the Law on Amendments and Supplements to the Law on Banks, and the Law on the Protection of Financial Service Consumers were also published. Novelties of the Law on Banks mainly focus on the internal control system, competencies, and organisation of the Bank’s bodies, corporate governance, risk management and supervision authorities of the National Bank of Serbia (NBS). One of the main novelties is mystery shopping in the area of financial services, along with the possibility of audio recording of employees without their explicit consent during the supervision of the Bank. Additionally, the Law on Amendments and Supplements to the Law on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism, and the Law on Amendments and Supplements to the Law on Freezing of Assets with the Aim of Preventing Terrorism and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction were adopted in November 2024. The most significant amendments relate to the definition of a beneficial owner, the obligation to assess the risk of financing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction while conducting various actions, the requirement for a payee’s payment service provider to reject payment transfers if it has not collected and verified the payer’s data, restrictions on cash transactions, new obligations for banks to retain and provide certain data to the competent authorities upon request, and more. In 2024, North Macedonia continued the process of harmonising its legislation with the Law on Payment Services and Payment Systems, along with related by- laws. Several new by-laws were adopted or amended in various areas related to this law and are in the process of implementation in the bank or already implemented. Two new laws were adopted: the Law on Prospectus and Transparency Obligations of Issuers of Securities, which largely aligns with the European regulations (such as Directive 2004/109/EC of the European Parliament, and of the Council of 15 December 2004 on the harmonisation of transparency requirements in relation to information about issuers whose securities are admitted to trading on a regulated market), and the Law on Financial Instruments, largely aligned with Directive 2014/65/EU on markets in financial instruments and Regulation (EU) No. 600/2014 on markets in financial instruments – MiFID II, as well as other EU directives. These laws were adopted with a delayed application period of 18 months from their entry into force. Also, many new by-laws related to these laws were adopted throughout the year. The National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia adopted several significant acts, including: the Decision on Amending and Supplementing the Decision on the Methodology for Credit Risk Management; the Decision on Amending and Supplementing the Decision on the Methodology for Determining Capital Adequacy; the Decision on Mandatory Reserve; the Decision on Amending the Decision on Determining the Requirements for Enhanced Authentication and General, Secure and Open Communication Standards; and the Guidelines for Consumers with Disabilities in the Banking Sector from the NBRNM. Additionally, a new Rulebook on the security of personal data processing with a prolonged application was adopted. In the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina , the most important regulatory decision in 2024 was the adoption and implementation of the new AML/CFT Law. This regulation harmonises local legislation with elements of the 5 th and 6 th AML/CFT Directives, while incorporating certain local specifics such as the special risk assessment of clients, additional indicators of suspicious transactions, specific methods for determining and recording the beneficial owner, and more. In the same year, implementing acts related to this law were also adopted. The implementation of the Financial Regulator’s Guidelines related to ESG continued throughout 2024. In August 2024, the regulator published a draft of a new Decision for Managing the Information Systems in Banks. The draft proposes a clearer and more robust framework for managing information systems in banks, as well as detailed requirements for the supervision of information systems by the regulator. Banks provided comments on the draft, but the Decision has not yet been adopted. Following the catastrophic floods in one part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the regulator adopted "Specialist ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 30 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report supervisory expectations regarding the treatment of banks and ensuring business continuity in emergency situations". The aim of these expectations is to ensure adequate business continuity plans (BCP) placed in banks for unforeseen events. In November 2024, the regulator introduced a set of decisions related to the reporting on persons in a special relationship with the bank and maintaining mandatory reserves. The mentioned regulation is in the implementation, or has already been implemented by the bank. To preserve the stability of the banking sector in the Republic of Srpska , several decisions on temporary measures have been made, among which the most important are a Decision on Temporary Measures for the Approval of Reliefs to Private Individuals for Settlement of Credit Obligations, and a Decision on Temporary Measures for the Approval of Reliefs to Legal Entities for Settlement of Credit Obligations. These measures aim to grant relief to bank clients by reprogramming or restructuring loans. Moreover, the National Assembly of the Republic of Srpska has adopted the Law on Amendments to the Family Law (the amendments exclude "cash" from the property of minors that parents could dispose of with the prior consent of the guardianship authority), and the Law on Amendments to the Law on Foreign Exchange Operations. The latter includes: (i) allowing foreign exchange payments and disbursements of cash foreign currency to be made, not only between accounts of the same person, but also to the foreign exchange account of a close family member with the same or different bank; and (ii) the institute of syndicated loans, defining the procedure for payments and collections on behalf of participation in syndicated loans. At the national level, the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina has passed the Law on Preventing Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing, which introduces several updates, such as new terms like "virtual currency," "provider of services related to virtual currencies," "electronic money," and alignment of the definition of politically exposed persons (PEP) with EU regulations. The law also provides enhanced identification and monitoring measures for clients from high-risk countries, provisions on cash payment restrictions, and new reporting obligations to the Financial Intelligence Unit. The manner of cooperation between supervisory authorities is additionally regulated, and penalty provisions are defined more clearly and strictly. In late November 2024, the Kosovo Assembly adopted a package of laws, including the updated Law on Banking and the Law on Payment Services. This legislative package will be effective in 2025. Through the Banking Association, the bank actively participated and contributed to the amendment of these laws which impact banking processes. Following the enactment of the Payment and Services Law, within the SEPA (Single Euro Payment Area) project, which drives payment system upgrades in alignment with EU requirements, the Central Bank adopted several regulations which will come into force in 2025, 10 days after the law becomes effective. In addition to SEPA-related regulations, the Central Bank of Kosovo has introduced several other regulations. The bank’s main activities concerned the implementation of the requirements from the Regulation on Register of Banking Accounts, the Regulation on Directors and Senior Managers of Banks, the Regulation on Country and Transfer Risk Management Principles, the Regulation for the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism, the Regulation on Information That Should Accompany Fund Transfers, Guidance on Policies and Procedures for the Effective Management of the Risk of AML/FT; QR code Standard, and more. It is also worth mentioning the ongoing efforts and activities by the bank and the banking sector to implement electronic/digital signatures. In 2024, the main activities in Montenegro focused on implementing the Law on Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing and relevant bylaws. The most important novelties introduced by the law include: the obligation for an authorised person to possess a license for the prevention of money laundering and terrorism financing; supervision over the Register of Beneficial Owners, as well as enabling the public to access the Register of Beneficial Owners (a certain data set); preventing clients from using falsified personal documents by prescribing the possibility for the obligee of the Law to use the Central Population Register; introduction of electronic and video-electronic identification of the client; strengthening of the supervision over the obligee of the law (direct and indirect supervision); establishment of the Register of Politically Exposed Persons, and the Register of Accounts and Safety Boxes to which the financial intelligence unit will have access; the obligation to appoint a member of the governing body – responsible for the implementation of the law; additional data needed when transferring funds; verification of PEP status for life insurance beneficiaries; exceptions to the confidentiality principle in relation to correspondent banks in the event of customer identification and verification; the amount of penalties in case of non-compliance with the provisions of the law up to EUR 1 million. To integrate the Montenegrin financial system into the European Economic and Market Area, the Montenegrin Central Bank (MCB) adopted the Decision on the Requirements for Credit Transfers and Direct Debits in Euro within the SEPA, which requires certain adjustments to banks’ operations. With the assistance from NLB, the bank is working on implementing these SEPA-related requirements. An important amendment has also been made to the Decision on the Remuneration in Credit Institutions. By amending the Decision, the postponement applies only to employees whose variable remuneration on an annual basis exceeds the sum of EUR 30 thousand and 30% of fixed income on an annual basis. There is no deferral of remuneration for employees whose variable remuneration is equal to or below the stated thresholds. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 31 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Collaboration, dedication, and a shared vision drive business success. The Business Report provides a detailed analysis of the NLB Group’s financial and operational performance, highlighting strategies, sustainability performance, achievements, and challenges, while addressing compliance, risk management, and key business updates. BUSINESS REPORT ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 32 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Strategy \* NLB Group introduced its new Group Strategy 2030 in May 2024. The new strategy equally balances revenue generation based on best practices (housing financing, bancassurance, consumer finance, trade finance, transition finance, and payments) and the transformation of NLB into the leading operating platform in the region through rigorous simplification and digitalisation, while maintaining its prudent risk practices. The Group has continued implementing its medium-term strategy, protecting and strengthening its market position in its home region, actively participating in market growth and consolidation, and promoting the ESG agenda. In May 2024, the Group introduced its new Group Strategy 2030, key performance indicators, and expected future development. With the new Group Strategy 2030, the Group responds to the changing banking environment and upcoming challenges and addresses new opportunities. The Group’s ambition remains to create sustainable growth to support individuals, businesses, and society. Overall, the new strategy foresees the doubling of the NLB Group balance sheet to more than EUR 50 billion in assets, recurring revenues of more than EUR 2 billion, and a profit of more than EUR 1 billion by 2030 (combining organic growth with selected M&A) across the SEE region. The Group focuses on the following four areas: prioritising customers’ needs, delivering on its shareholders’ expectations, ensuring stability, nurturing talent, and fostering culture. Firstly, the Group continuously focuses on enhancing the external and internal customers’ user experience across all channels by providing best-in-class support, products, and solutions. It also focuses on providing all mass banking services and their seamless experience through digital platforms, using advanced technology to deliver fast, secure, and convenient solutions. Secondly, the Group is committed to delivering excellent returns to its shareholders, aiming to increase the pay-out ratio to 50–60% of the previous years’ profit after tax throughout the period. The Group is also committed to ensuring stability by being a trustworthy partner and a systemic provider of client-relevant universal financial services across all SEE target markets, supporting the economy, the community, and sustainability, as well as promoting culture and sports. Additionally, the Group focuses on developing future employees by uplifting, enhancing, and renewing their skills. The Strategy 2030 foresees doubling NLB Group’s balance sheet, revenues, and profit by 2030 Figure 5: NLB Group's Strategy 2030 key focus Delivering on our shareholders expectations: NLB Group aims to increase the dividend pay-out ratio to 50-60% throughout the period. Ensuring stability: By prudent risk management and strategic investments, we are safeguarding the financial welfare of the Group and broader economy, supporting Southeast Europe’s development. Nurturing talent and fostering culture: By uplifting, enhancing, and renewing their skills, we are developing employees of the future, ready to thrive in the face of tomorrow’s challenges. Prioritising customer’s needs: We will focus on enhancing our customers’ user experience across all channels, providing best in class support, products and solutions in mortgages, bancassurance, consumer finance and sustainable financing, and increase digital penetration in our home region. Ambitious growth across the SEE region: NLB Group aims to double its balance sheet, revenues, and profit by 2030. EUR > 50 billion in total assets EUR > 2 billion of recurring revenues EUR > 1 billion profit \* Incorporation by reference: The reference is made to this chapter from the Sustainability Statement chapter SBM-1 Strategy, business model, and value chain. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 33 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Retail banking segment \* In the retail banking segment, the strategic goal by 2030 is to be the leading bank in SEE, to increase the number of customers to over 3 million and achieve more than 80% digital penetration. The Group’s strategy is built on three lines of attack: better monetising its existing client base, doubling down on attractive sub-segments, and scaling its product verticals around key customer needs. At the same time, the Group will consciously include additional success markers, digitise its franchise, and move to a customer-centric delivery model with mobile as the core channel. The Group will move to an advisory-driven branch model, offering a market- leading customer experience on par with international best practices. The Group aims to positively contribute to the societies it serves, with a solid commitment to developing the market for investments and financial protection/insurance across the region. Corporate and investment banking segment \* The Group aims to become the strategic banking partner for corporations across the SEE region, making it the leading local corporate and investment banking bank and achieving profitable growth across markets, while keeping close control of risk (with CoR lower than 50 bps). The Group’s strategy is based on three lines of attack: being consistently better in its existing core, becoming the transition finance leader in the region while driving SME and trade finance, and remaining stewards of prudent risk management. To enable the strategy, the Group will innovate its operating model end-to-end by digitising and streamlining processes, especially in onboarding and underwriting. At the same time, the Group remains deeply committed to the region; accordingly, the Group Corporate and Investment Banking will position itself as the leader in transition finance in SEE by 2030 – leveraging NLB’s balance sheet and providing attractive investment opportunities to outside investors. Payments \* The Group’s ambition in the field of payments is to support NLB’s growth path towards becoming the leading bank in SEE with best practices across customer and operating models, introducing digital payment solutions, and driving the cash transition in the markets in which the Group operates. The Group’s strategic goal in the field of payments is that by 2030, the share of mobile active users will exceed 80%. The Group’s strategy builds on the solid basis of the existing payments strategy through three lines of attack: driving the regional cash transition, focusing on merchant acquiring, and developing new propositions. Payments will also positively contribute to the societies the Group serves – by actively driving the markets’ cash transition. The Group will help the societies prosper, increase financial inclusion, and combat the shadow economy. Further information on the Group Strategy 2030 is available on the NLB website . \* Incorporation by reference: The reference is made to this chapter from the Sustainability Statement chapter SBM-1 Strategy, business model, and value chain. 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4yWiIgY2xhc3M9Imc2XzM0Ii8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik01NDUuNywxMTEzLjNoODYzLjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnN18zNCIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNNTQ2LjgsMTE2NS4xaDEwLjciIGNsYXNzPSJnOF8zNCIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNNzcwLjgsMTE2NS4xaDEwLjciIGNsYXNzPSJnOV8zNCIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTEyMi45LDExNjUuMWgxMC43IiBjbGFzcz0iZ2FfMzQiLz4KPC9zdmc+) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 34 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Funding Strategy, MREL Compliance, and Capital Fostering strong client relationships is vital for maintaining a stable and growing deposit base. At the same time, wholesale funding focuses on meeting MREL requirements and optimising capital, which leads to increased average funding costs. Nonetheless, the overall funding costs remains low thanks to a reliable deposit base and the stability of sight deposit pricing, which remains unaffected by market fluctuations. Deposit strategy Deposits from customers represent the primary funding source for the NLB Group, and each bank within the Group has established processes that enable prudent strategic deposit management aligned with business targets and regulatory requirements. Regularly monitoring deposits and their structure enables timely reactions whenever necessary due to business or regulatory-related reasons. Following the disruptive 2020–2023 period, when NLB Group still maintained a healthy liquidity profile, year 2024 brought inflation stabilisation and a general decrease in interest rates. NLB Group’s liquidity profile remained robust, with a slightly increased LTD ratio still cruising below 75% through 2024, thus representing a strong structural liquidity position that enables the realisation of investment opportunities as set in the adopted NLB Group Strategy. A strong market position, proactive client relationships, and a sound franchise name are crucial for maintaining a stable deposit base. The Group’s fund pricing adheres to international standards, and effective deposit pricing plays a key role in prudent risk management and strategic decision-making. In 2024, the significance of agile deposit pricing and active client engagement was further emphasised in competitive markets. All Group banks defended their market positions, aligning with strategic objectives. By initiating the interest rates cutting cycle in 2024, the ECB also induced trend reversal on deposit markets, prompting NLB Group banks to gradually stabilise deposit interest rates to align with interest rates dynamics on the asset side in terms of business profitability. NLB Group retail deposits represent a majority in the structure and are the most stable funding source, with around 80% insured by the Deposit Guarantee Scheme. Despite persistently competitive circumstances in deposit markets, Group retail deposits recorded strong single-digit growth in 2024. Sight deposits maintained structural dominance as they represented 82% of the Group’s total retail deposits, signalling a stable deposit structure supporting planned business performance. Corporate sector deposits represent around 30% of the NLB Group deposit base. Despite increased price levels, combined with uncertainties related to the economic outlook in recent years, the Group’s corporate deposit base became stronger, grew at a notable pace, and remained structurally stable also in 2024 as well. The overall cost of funding remains low thanks to a reliable deposit base and the stability of sight deposits. Figure 6: Average cost of funding (quarterly data) Q1 2024 Q2 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2024 6.13% 0.98% 0.53% 5.96% 1.04% 0.55% 6.10% 1.04% 0.55% 5.78% 1.01% 0.56% Total average cost of funding Average interest rate for deposits from customers Average cost of wholesale funding ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 35 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Wholesale funding and MREL Wholesale funding activities in the Group aim to achieve diversification, improve structural liquidity and capital position, and fulfil regulatory requirements, especially compliance with the MREL requirements. The Bank was active on international capital markets in 2024, issuing 10NC5 subordinated Tier 2 notes in January to improve the capital position and 6NC5 senior preferred notes in May for MREL purposes. The Preferred Resolution Strategy (PRS) for the NLB Group is based on the Multiple Point of Entry (MPE) strategy. Bail-in at the level of NLB is the primary resolution tool to be applied during the stabilisation phase. Within the NLB Group, seven resolution groups are designated. The resolution group in the Banking Union is headed by NLB, and the remaining six resolution groups are headed by the banking subsidiaries located in non-EU countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia, while Kosovo and North Macedonia have not yet implemented MREL legislation). Figure 7: Resolution groups within NLB Group NLB d.d. & NLB Lease&Go, leasing, SLS Group, NLB Skladi, Other SLO SRB NLB Komercijalna Banka, Beograd MNE NLB Banka, Podgorica BIH NLB Banka, Banja Luka BIH NLB Banka, Sarajevo RKS NLB Banka, Prishtina MKD NLB Banka, Skopje The NLB Resolution Group consists of NLB as the only banking member and other non-banking members, the latter representing 13% in TREA. The entities and their contribution to TREA of the NLB Resolution Group are presented in the table below. Table 5: Contribution to NLB Resolution Group’s TREA in EUR millions Entity 31 Dec 2024 NLB d.d. 8,782 SLS Group 830 NLB Lease&Go, leasing, Ljubljana 279 NLB Lease&Go Leasing Beograd 96 NLB Skladi, Ljubljana 66 Other 63 TREA total: 10,115 NLB has to ensure a linear build-up of its own funds and eligible liabilities towards the MREL requirement applicable as of 1 January 2024, which amounts to: • 30.66% of TREA + applicable CBR (4.38% on 31 December 2024), • 10.69% of LRE. On 31 December 2024, the MREL ratio amounted to 37.47% TREA and 21.43% LRE, which was well above the required level. SEE banking members in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro are subject to local MREL requirements. Figure 8: Evolution of MREL eligible funding (in EUR millions), MREL requirement and realised MREL ratio 31 Dec 2022 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 2,733 1,057 2,358 964 2,041 489 36.31% 40.24% 37.47% 35.04% 31.91% 28.69% Realised MREL ratio CET1+T1+T2 MREL requirement (including CBR) MREL deposits and senior funding Resolution group MREL legislation not implemented yet ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 36 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Capital and capital adequacy Pillar 1 Pillar 2 TSCR Combined Buffer P2G OCR+P2G 1.00% 2.53% 1.90% 11.07% 4.38% 2.00% 0.53% 2.53% 1.50% 0.40% 1.90% 4.50% 1.19% 5.69% 8.00% 2.12% 10.12% OCR+P2G 15.50% OCR 14.50% T2 CET1 AT1 Capital requirements The NLB ensures ongoing compliance with capital adequacy requirements set out by the applicable regulatory framework. These requirements are defined by the Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process (SREP) and are complemented by capital buffers to mitigate risks and enhance financial stability. At the end of 2024, the Bank’s Overall Capital Requirement (OCR) on a consolidated basis was 14.50%, which is slightly lower (by 0.01%) than at the end of 2023. However, the reduction in the SREP requirement by 0.28% was offset by an increase in the Countercyclical buffer by 0.26%. The OCR comprises: Total SREP Capital Requirement (TSCR): 10.12% , which includes: • 8.00% Pillar 1 requirements and • 2.12% Pillar 2 requirements (P2R). Combined Buffer Requirement (CBR): 4.38% , consisting of: • 2.50% Capital Conservation Buffer, • 1.25% O-SII Buffer, • 0.52% Countercyclical Buffer (CCYB) 5 and • 0.11% Systemic Risk Buffer 6 . In addition to the mandatory capital requirements, the regulator has recommended a Pillar 2 Guidance (P2G) at 1.0% of Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1), which the Group maintains as a safeguard against severe economic stress scenarios. 5 The Bank of Slovenia has increased the countercyclical capital buffer for exposures in Slovenia from 0% to 0.5%. The Bank had to meet the required buffer from 31 December 2023 onwards. The level of the countercyclical capital buffer for the NLB Group is also affected by the CCYB buffers of the Group members. 6 Starting from 1 January 2023, the Bank of Slovenia has made it mandatory for banks to maintain a systemic risk buffer for sectoral exposures. The required rates are 1.0% for all retail exposures to natural persons secured by residential real estate and 0.5% for all other exposures to natural persons. Key developments during the year • Effective from 1 January 2024, NLB has lower capital requirements. On 1 December 2023, NLB received a new SREP decision on a consolidated basis for 2024. As per the decision, the Pillar 2 Requirement was reduced by 0.28 p.p. to 2.12%, reflecting an improved overall SREP assessment. At the end of 2024, the Pillar 2 requirement remains unchanged. • The countercyclical capital buffer for the NLB Group was 0.52% (or 26 p.p. increase YoY), also affected by the CCYB buffers of the Group members (NLB, NLB Banka, Skopje, and NLB Banka, Prishtina in 2024). Future changes in buffer rates Effective 1 January 2025, changes to capital buffer rates in Slovenia will be implemented. • The CCYB rate for exposures in Slovenia will increase from 0.5% to 1.0%. • The sectoral systemic risk buffer for retail exposures to natural persons secured by residential real estate will be reduced from 1.0% to 0.5%. In addition, the CCYB for the Group is expected to be higher due to the introduced CCYB in the Group members (NLB Banka, Skopje, and NLB Banka, Podgorica). Figure 9: NLB Group capital requirements as at 31 December 2024 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 37 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Capital adequacy Table 6: Capital realisation YoY and surplus over the regulatory requirement of the NLB Group as of 31 December 2024 in EUR millions 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 Change YoY Surplus over OCR+P2G 31 Dec 2024 Common Equity Tier 1 capital 2,786 2,510 276 769 Tier 1 capital 2,872 2,598 275 510 Total capital 3,411 3,109 302 588 Total risk exposure amount (RWA) 18,216 15,337 2,879 Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio 15.29% 16.36% -1.07 p.p. 4.22 p.p. Tier 1 Ratio 15.77% 16.94% -1.17 p.p. 2.80 p.p. Total Capital Ratio 18.73% 20.27% -1.55 p.p. 3.23 p.p. As at 31 December 2024, the Group’s TCR stood at 18.7% (or 1.5 p.p. decrease YoY), and the CET1 ratio stood at 15.3% (or 1.1 p.p. decrease YoY), which is well above requirements. The lower total capital adequacy derives from higher RWA (EUR 2,878.9 million YoY), although capital increased by EUR 302.1 million YoY. The Group increased its capital by partially including 2024 profit (EUR 257.0 million) and revaluation adjustments (EUR 56.5 million). Figure 10: NLB Group capital (in EUR millions), realised total capital ratios and regulatory thresholds Figure 11: NLB Group CET1 (in EUR millions), realised CET1 ratio and regulatory requirement Figure 12: Capital (in EUR millions) and capital ratios of NLB Group – evolution YoY 31 Dec 2022 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 2,872 539 2,598 511 2,296 511 3,411 3,109 2,806 15.50% 15.51% 15.10% 19.15% 20.27% 18.73% TCR realised OCR + P2G requirement Tier 1 Tier 2 31 Dec 2022 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 2,786 2,510 2,208 11.07% 10.96% 10.46% 15.07% 16.36% 15.29% CET1 ratio realised CET1 (OCR + P2G) requirement CET1 31 Dec 2023 Result OCI + other SLS Group impact RWA impact 31 Dec 2024 20.3% 1.4% 3,109 3,411 0.3% -0.8% Capital -2.5% 18.7% ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 38 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Dividend payout The total cumulative payout in the year amounted to EUR 220.0 million. The dividend payout was structured into two tranches. The first instalment of EUR 110.0 million was paid in June 2024, followed by a second instalment of the same amount, EUR 110.0 million, in December 2024. Total risk exposure dynamic In 2024 (YoY), the RWA of the Group for credit risk increased by EUR 2,340.3 million due to lending activity in the corporate and retail segments, of which the acquisition of the SLS Group companies contributed to a higher RWA by EUR +698.0 million. RWA for high- risk exposures increased due to new project financing loans and withdrawal of previously approved project finance loans. Furthermore, higher RWA for liquidity assets resulted from EUR-denominated placements with central banks and liquidity surpluses placed at commercial banks. Starting from 1 January 2025, the calculation of RWA for credit risk is based on CRR3 regulation. NLB Group is using the Standardised approach; therefore, no materially significant changes in the calculated volumes are expected. Nevertheless, the cumulative result of the new regulation will lead to the increase in RWA, primarily due to increased credit conversion factor (CCF) for unused credit lines and the introduction of an FX lending multiplier for lending to private individuals in non-domestic currency. Partially, the increases will be compensated by more favourable risk weights for residential real-estate collateral. The increase in RWAs for market risks and Credit Value Adjustments (CVA) by EUR 59.8 million YoY was driven by a higher RWA for FX risk of EUR 58.6 million (mainly the result of more open positions in domestic currencies of non-euro subsidiary banks), and slightly higher RWA for CVA risk of EUR 2.4 million (calculating exposure value for derivative transactions subject to CRR risk based on OEM method). 31 Dec 2021 31 Dec 2022 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 10,205 1,244 12,667 59% 61% Figure 13: RWA structure (in EUR millions) 59% 65% RWA / Total Assets 14,653 15,337 18,216 1,218 1,410 1,445 1,707 1,462 2,186 1,522 11,798 12,168 14,508 Credit risk Market risk incl. CVA Operational risk CAGR: 12.9% YoY: 18.8% The increase in the RWA for operational risks (EUR 478.9 million YoY) derived from the higher net interest and net fee and commission income, mainly from the NLB, NLB Komercijalna Banka, Beograd and Summit Leasing Slovenija, resulting in a higher three-year average of relevant income. There were no significant deviations from previous years in the other components used in the calculations. Further information on capital and capital adequacy is available in the Financial Report of this Annual Report and in Pillar 3 Disclosures . ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 39 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Risk Factors and Outlook Risk factors Risk factors affecting the business outlook are (among others): • The economy’s sensitivity to a potential slowdown in the euro area or globally • Potential liquidity outflows • Widening credit spreads • Worsened interest rate outlook/Persistence of high inflation • Energy and commodity price volatility • Increasing unemployment • Geopolitical uncertainties • Potential cyber-attacks • Litigation risks • Regulatory, other legislative, and tax measures impacting the banks The growth of the euro area economy stagnated in 2024, while other countries in NLB Group’s region were growing faster, with household consumption being the main driving factor of growth. Wage growth remained elevated, impacting to reaccelerate inflation. Lending growth, which was modest in the previous year due to increasing interest rate trends, peaked in 2024. Nevertheless, potentially high inflationary pressures, increased unemployment, lower-than-expected GDP growth, and geopolitical and other uncertainties could lead to a slowdown in private consumption and investment growth. Credit risk usually increases considerably in times of an economic slowdown. During 2024, the Group’s credit portfolio remained high-quality and well-diversified, with a stable rating structure and lower NPLs level. There was no large concentration in any selected industry sector. The latter is particularly important as geopolitical tensions, the green transition, and other macro developments could materially impact specific industry sectors. The Group monitored the macroeconomic and geopolitical circumstances closely and remained very prudent in identifying any increase in credit risk at a very early stage and proactive in NPL management. Furthermore, unfavourable trends in the German automotive industry did not severely influence the Slovenian export-oriented industry. Having that in mind, the bank downgraded some selected clients in stage 2 and formed additional impairments, though the overall cost of risk remained at a relatively low level. The aforementioned adverse developments could affect the cost of risk and NPLs. Notwithstanding the established procedures in the Group’s credit risk management, there can be no certainty that they will be sufficient to ensure the Group’s credit portfolio quality or that the corresponding impairments will remain adequate. The investment strategy of the Group, referring to the Group’s bond portfolio kept for liquidity purposes, adapts to the expected market trends in accordance with the set risk appetite. Investment activity continued with a balanced approach to finding attractive market opportunities while pursuing a well-managed credit spread, interest rate risk, and capital consumption. Geopolitical uncertainties impacted the volatility in the financial markets, particularly shifts in credit spreads, interest rates and foreign exchange rate fluctuations. The Group closely monitors its prominent bond portfolio positions, mostly sovereigns, and carefully manages them by incorporating adequate early warning systems to limit the potential sensitivity of regulatory capital. So far, no material movements regarding the Group’s significant FX positions have been observed. Current developments, market observations, and potential mitigations are closely monitored and discussed. While the Group monitors its liquidity, interest rate, credit spread, FX position, and corresponding trends, their impacts on the Group positions, and any significant and unanticipated movements on the markets or a variety of factors, such as competitive pressures, consumer confidence, or other certain factors outside the Group’s control, could adversely affect the Group’s operations, capital, and financial condition. Special attention is paid to the continuous provision of services to clients, their monitoring, and the prevention of cyber-attacks and potential fraud events. The Group has established internal controls and other measures to facilitate adequate management. However, these measures may only sometimes entirely prevent possible adverse effects. With regard to litigation risk, in recent years, and even more so in recent periods, the Bank has seen a shift in case law that is generally more favourable to consumers, e.g. litigation cases related to loan processing fees and loan insurance premiums in Serbia and CHF litigations in Slovenia. In the latter case, we have noticed an increase in the number of proceedings against the Bank, which was expected. The current litigations against the Bank referring to CHF are less material, but the Bank is closely monitoring developments. The Group is subject to various regulations and laws relating to banking, insurance, and financial services. Respectively, it faces the risk of significant interventions by several regulatory and enforcement authorities in each jurisdiction in which it operates, including changes in the tax treatment of banking business and changes in the interpretation of legislation. The SEE region is the Group’s most significant geographic area of operations outside the RoS, and the economic conditions in this region are, therefore, crucial to the Group’s operations and financial condition results. The Group’s financial condition could be adversely affected by any regional instability or economic deterioration. In this regard, the Group closely follows the macroeconomic indicators relevant to its operations: • GDP trends and forecasts, • Economic sentiment, • Unemployment rate, • Consumer confidence, • Construction sentiment, • Deposit stability and growth of loans in the banking sector, • Credit spreads and related future forecasts, • Interest rate development and related future forecasts, • FX rates, • Energy and commodity prices, • Other relevant market indicators. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 40 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report In H1 2024, the Group regularly reviewed the IFRS 9 provisioning by testing the relevant macroeconomic scenarios to adequately reflect the current circumstances and their future impacts. The Group established multiple scenarios (i.e., baseline, optimistic, and severe) for the Expected Credit Losses (ECL) calculation, aiming to create a unified projection of the macroeconomic and financial variables for the Group, aligned with the Bank’s consolidated view of the future of economic development in the SEE. The Group formed three possible scenarios with an associated probability of occurrence for forward- looking assessment of risk provisioning in the context of the IFRS 9. These IFRS 9 macroeconomic scenarios incorporate the forward-looking and probability- weighted aspects of the ECL impairment calculation. Both features may change when material changes in the future development of the economy are recognised and not embedded in previous forecasts. The baseline scenario presents a forecasted macroeconomic view for all the countries of the Group. This scenario is based on recent official and professional forecasts, with specific adjustments for individual countries of the Group. Key characteristics include decreasing inflation as the energy-related impact on goods and services prices abates, a slightly less tight labour market, GDP growth supported by declining interest rates, and strong private consumption due to real wage growth, a resilient labour market and positive expectations, industry and export activity pick- up, and the limited spillover effects of financial system issues/major trading partners’ growth slowdown on the real economy. The alternative scenarios are based on the plausible drivers of economic development over the next three years. The optimistic alternative scenario demonstrates supply-driven positive developments. Supply chains adapt swiftly and support an optimistic economic stance – keeping a lid on inflation pressures. Labour skill mismatches are addressed through targeted training programs. Automation and technology adoption create new job opportunities, offsetting any displacement. In the short term, financing conditions ease, and business confidence rebounds. Consumer spending picks up, contributing to overall growth. The ECB considers both demand and supply factors when setting interest rates. In this scenario, the ECB maintains a dovish stance, easing aggressively until the inflation rebounds towards the ECB target. The severe alternative scenario paints a picture of bleak economic developments, where supply constraints, geopolitical tensions, technological shifts, and labour market disruption hinder economic recovery. Moreover, high public debt diverts funds from productive investments. Policymakers must navigate these challenges to ensure stability and sustainable growth. This adverse scenario results in a prolonged global recession, with growth falling well below the levels needed to achieve sustainable development goals in the mid-term. The ECB carefully considers demand and supply factors when setting interest rates to prevent abrupt economic shifts. The Bank considers these scenarios when calculating expected credit losses in the context of IFRS 9. On this basis, the Group revised scenario weights in H1 2024. The assigned weights were 20%–60%–20% (alternative scenarios receiving 20% each, and the baseline scenario 60%). The Group established a comprehensive internal stress-testing framework and early warning systems in various risk areas with built-in risk factors relevant to the Group’s business model. The stress-testing framework is integrated into the Risk Appetite, the Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP), the Internal Liquidity Adequacy Assessment Process (ILAAP), and the Recovery Plan to determine how severe and unexpected changes in the business, geopolitical, and macro environments might affect the Group’s capital adequacy or liquidity position. The stress-testing framework and recovery plan indicators support proactive management of the Group’s overall risk profile in these circumstances, including capital and liquidity positions from a forward- looking perspective. Risk Management actions that the Group might use are determined by various internal policies and applied when necessary. Moreover, the selection and application of mitigation measures follow a three-layer approach, considering the feasibility analysis of the measure, its impact on the Group’s business model, and the strength of the available measure. Outlook The indicated Outlook constitutes forward-looking statements subject to several risk factors and is not a guarantee of future financial performance. The NLB Group is pursuing various strategic activities to enhance its business performance. The interest rate outlook is uncertain, given the adaptive monetary policy of the ECB and local central banks to the general economic sentiment. GDP growth in the euro area should accelerate in 2025. Private spending will gain traction on lower inflation, and fixed investment is set to rebound due to looser financing conditions. Higher U.S. tariffs pose a downside risk, along with a sustained weakness in Germany’s industrial sector. Still, high long-term interest rates could pose a problem for new investments (especially in industry) and governmental borrowing. In Slovenia, economic growth in the coming years will be supported by private consumption underpinned by high employment, real income growth, and gradually improving consumer confidence. Public investment is expected to improve due to the increased use of EU funds. Export demand is likely to increase as the economies of Slovenia’s main trading partners recover. Predominantly negative risks accompany the growth forecast, while those on the inflation side are slightly tilted to the upside. The domestic economic environment remains subject to structural challenges, which are, among other things, related to low past investment activity, pressures on export competitiveness, and an unfavourable demographic picture. The unemployment rate is forecast to rise marginally in 2025 and remain low for the remaining years, suggesting a tight labour market. Economic growth in the NLB Group’s region is forecast to improve in 2025 compared to 2024. Private and public spending should accelerate. Moreover, exports are expected to rebound due to stronger EU demand. Cooling inflation and looser monetary conditions will boost household spending, while exports will accelerate on sturdier EU demand. That said, public spending growth could ease fiscal consolidation efforts, and looser financing conditions will underpin a sharper rise in fixed investment. The NLB Group’s region is growing by 2.9% YoY in 2024, and is expected to grow by 3.3% in 2025, and 3.4% in 2026. 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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 41 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 7: Movement of key macroeconomic indicators in the euro area and the NLB Group region GDP (real growth in %) Average inflation (in %) Unemployment rate (in %) 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Euro area 0.4 0.9 1.2 1.4 1.5 5.4 2.4 2.2 2.0 2.0 6.5 6.4 6.6 6.5 6.3 Slovenia 2.1 1.6 2.3 2.6 2.6 7.2 2.0 2.5 2.2 2.0 3.7 4.1 4.0 4.0 3.9 Serbia 3.8 3.9 4.2 4.2 4.0 12.1 4.7 3.7 3.2 3.0 9.5 8.6 8.3 8.1 7.9 N. Macedonia 1.0 2.7 3.1 3.2 3.2 9.4 3.5 2.8 2.4 2.2 13.1 12.4 12.1 11.5 11.0 BiH 1.9 2.5 2.7 3.0 3.1 6.1 1.7 2.0 1.9 1.9 13.2 12.7 12.3 11.8 11.7 Kosovo 3.3 4.5 4.0 4.0 3.9 4.9 1.6 2.0 2.1 2.0 11.0 10.5 10.0 9.5 9.2 Montenegro 6.3 3.2 3.4 3.3 3.4 8.6 3.3 3.2 2.6 2.5 13.1 11.5 10.7 10.3 10.0 Note: NLB Forecasts are highlighted in grey. Source: Statistical offices, Focus Economics. The financial performance in 2024 provided a solid base for the Group to deliver on its guidance, with some key indicators exceeding initial expectations. Recurring income surpassed the forecasted EUR 1,200 million, reaching EUR 1,246 million, supported by robust organic loan growth of 12%, which exceeded the initial "high single-digit" target. The Cost-to-Income Ratio (CIR) was in line with our guidance at 45.7%, reflecting the seasonality of year-end bonuses, strategic investments, and other one-off costs. In contrast, the cost of risk remained below the forecasted 20 bps, landing at 14 bps for the year. The RoE a.t. of 16.5% and normalised RoE of 25.5% further highlight the Bank’s ability to generate value for shareholders. The Bank paid the second tranche of dividends, approved at the 43 rd General Meeting on 9 December 2024. The total distribution of EUR 220 million, which amounts to EUR 11 gross per share, represents 40% of the 2023 profit and underscores the Bank’s commitment to meeting its established targets. Looking ahead to 2025, recurring income is expected to stabilise at around EUR 1,200 million. This forecast reflects a balanced approach to maintaining profitability amidst a forecasted lower interest rate environment. Despite these headwinds, the Group remains committed to disciplined cost management. The CIR is projected to transitionally increase in 2025 (expected to be at approximately 48%), influenced by the integration of SLS Group, coupled with ongoing strategic investments into the acceleration of mobile/digital-first transformation, and in 2030 the targeting of at least 90% of new production of standard transactions through end-to- end digital solutions. These efforts aim to enhance the Group’s operational capacity and position it for sustained growth in the medium term. The cost of risk in 2025 is expected to normalise between 30 and 50 bps, reflecting a prudent but proactive approach to risk management in a dynamic lending environment. Loan growth is expected to remain robust at high single-digit levels, driven by the Group’s strategic focus on core market expansion while preserving sound asset quality. This sustained growth in lending activity is supported by relatively higher GDP growth rates and lower indebtedness across both retail and corporate segments in the region. The continued momentum in loan growth is anticipated to enhance revenue generation while maintaining a well-diversified and balanced loan portfolio. For 2026, the Group projects recurring income to exceed EUR 1,300 million, reflecting the benefits of strategic initiatives and improved operational efficiencies driving the CIR below 48%, and realising the benefits from continued investments in technology and digitalisation efforts. The cost of risk is expected to remain within the 30–50 bps range, maintaining the Group’s conservative risk posture. Loan growth is forecasted to sustain its high single-digit trajectory, accentuating the Bank’s ability to support economic activity while delivering consistent financial performance. Shareholder returns will remain a priority, with dividend payouts expected at 50% of 2024's profit, presumably in two trenches in 2025, and reaching 50–60% of the 2025's profit by 2026. The RoE a.t. is projected to stabilise at approximately 15%, while the normalised RoE should remain above 20%, underscoring the Group’s strong capital generation capabilities and resilience in achieving its strategic objectives outlined in Strategy 2030. The provided guidance collectively reinforces the Group’s commitment to delivering sustainable value to investors and maintaining its leadership position in the market. Table 8: Market performance and outlook for the period 2025-2026 Last Communicated Outlook for 2025 Revised Outlook for 2025 Outlook for 2026 Recurring income ~ EUR 1,200 million ~ EUR 1,200 million > EUR 1,300 million CIR ~ 48% ~ 48% Below 48% Cost of risk 30-50 bps 30-50 bps 30-50 bps Loan growth High single-digit High single-digit High single-digit Dividends More than 40% of 2024 profit 50% of 2024 profit 50-60% of 2025 profit ROE a.t. ROE a.t. normalised (i) ~ 15% > 20% ~ 15% > 20% ~ 15% > 20% M&A potential M&A capacity of up to EUR 4 billion RWA (ii) M&A capacity of up to EUR 4 billion RWA (ii) (i) ROE a.t. normalised = result a.t. divided by the average risk-adjusted capital. An average risk-adjusted capital is calculated as a Tier 1 requirement of average RWA reduced by minority shareholder capital contribution. (ii) Assisted with the combination of capital from issuing AT1 notes and a temporary reduction of the dividend payments. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 42 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report In May 2024, the Group launched its new Group Strategy 2030, outlining key performance indicators and expected future development. Table 9: NLB Group’s Strategy 2030 key financial indicators Realisation on 31 Dec 2024 Impact ambition 2030 Recurring income EUR 1,246 million > EUR 2,000 million Recurring profit ~ EUR 550 million > EUR 1,000 million CIR 45.7% < 45% ROE a.t. 16.5% > 15% (1-2 p.p. upside from strategic plays) ROE a.t. normalised 25.5% > 20% RTSR (i) 63.44% > Banking peer group Payout ratio 40% of 2023 profit towards 50-60% P/B 0.8x > 1 Tier 1 capital ratio 15.8% ~ 15% CET1 ratio 15.3% > 13% Cost of risk 14 bps 30-50 bps (i) Banking peer group: UniCredit, OTP, RBI (Raiffeisen Bank International), Erste Group, Intesa, Addiko. Performance measured for the full year 2024. Further information on the Group Strategy 2030 is available on the NLB website . ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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7NQPaL4XMhGHQCNDDxZehtboZMtXe8/RdawEz9bZcByy4G26pu/ARf491uemms6q7q7u7GX4Kbqia421WEcdPf0bDcovnkX7RAwgzxNVbAOpqNmtdEK4bWblenu3NoEU42Pp/TU4DAujDqx8A6tLSUCGQSiXVFyWTW1StH9s6dh5dcPizK3PeklYuc+JalFGLZbd3bE5dFsUa+KZ+Tp+S5vZfSKXVvSr2USkVyl6bSUzJ6Y/ny5xhJz4jSaYEThLkfpr2PKonQMu8vYOkqPzLiRhIGTXqbOzrGe/SiFIFumwHbbnCwiNDGxkb4aGrqhg/4Gm6ZNZKrcZf8rLG7CX8fL/gXuqlfruoyoG32y7T61TPeE+sYIx0pDcjokrGb3Okeib4EjzvqJHH1oUIYG8nLkCFPe70KJMhY69qVeyFyJJK6IJ87L4vym7JUc1HkUCfEOlItKw8PjgN0LKwJ6XQqok4dSKlZYqqaOpDdFdn7L3dxr3KCWMNd/pwgvH9F3CfL8PDSitcbWBoMhUc9+bwzGnW50fsS+I41x9rbmVNkETPzsIC77qpGhCLCkqCzAezYHRv8sgniGpirmDtngXcVDbINKLeP9/TFOnYAlI0uFBbJXRMQWXcuRl+K5n3OfLAQ9PR7Dvl5cplODCYDSkLJKur19AE1NSek5DVBeFW+IUqSIL4uSn9ohdWWlaBjBk7vN3+8cGFqSo5cz10f+LaS9KoZFa5eJZsZ2KWmUlOX0sKCwF0UpLc+p0coLpy8sHcglw0EEjgamK8MOjs7h0nuS/E7Nt5OI2dEbxvJagl4G9HVUn/agFiEj2NbAK8Zxuyj8UnmnYlvJqlzlQZl4vJJ4cuoeGGWHOtA+gg1miIDkt3uETc45DP5aNCJlGvPaLg/zi+HngphghxIqklFQXJmZO95bgoLABwnrbwi7EMqiCUpYJmGjhVJkt4+uZaSs59mrx9QlHUl4w0op7xwSa4nA9/IwLcikYgQWUBdx8unP4cQYZ8Mh6+QU5VkwBsK8XFP3pMfIbUrUgLu6Ij1jLdozteoSZFYubGpseHYBo97HK/6Ba9ljfyIXDYCGrFM/34TIpmdMYz4WvPH+MBovSvW19vM2k9Y6yI4bnW73Y+MIOPaGcUEmdS6DoUgrkZOF7jjZCaZHTigQl6zJpyHRGJNqOEkuebPpH0zT1hDT5aJT4iiVCOcQ3yk1EwWMELEKVDGIpFIJAMQ0ymqkp06EBGEw4LISW+Jn/kppuYVQZbTA9ez3sRS2B+O+3zOqNtNst9WgG9vX7uR91Jf2A3ZLvG7DRswy6BZZ8C0jmH1Fmb8OoWzGdFNAGWSP2N23a17Y70hZQTWv2gZ7+lFnhcSw/RKF2FcP+7u7HRHF5HX5StghswX/Mv9J5b6A0vT7y7BOdWrDqznBiI5OfLH35JrTr4nyodF7nsXP8EGsmiRM3+LHfBXsOsrRNYHcgqBr/fE9FOhEFaK/Mv+0GAoMYhaM9lMLptWuZR89qwk/uFnXMLiuAUhlcomE3+35PfzwWA+Gu10TUxg7bl5LBZrJ96X9HGp821E8DYd090uIo4hFJF4TEct+aKuDj/qZuvMRr6P39QxXlfqm3XnfNzwyWCNGGPDCaRKC6+rtMo1gzIE+pAgQ4rcAZn7mNZEhmTgYKtr+HHX09fcQy914kBjpdMzWhmuHOXDfr9/MLQUCHiTalY5kHnxwK71P07JhyMXvrom/JiTpK9I4ndEK67+LcSvdFlaucFdkHORnJrNEgmpEzgm5wcIU9EZf2j5qcHEY4EApMVT6V3nBUGskT7LnhJkwK8JECDsyniTEECH4858Pjpy0DVMaRsdMRo9d9HSFTpfWqeiqW5piIzYnJ2tm6V4nZ2td9TXO3QzfWm2WXKpczCQEzjX3TrMbsBTSCOWvGguzlBcVVy07iOVruYxwrnWC9YTrcMHIUN2R6POKHygQw57eD6MCXJoehrj6qx6IHNAzam7Uil4bc6/yqGQrvyaIEkrMy/PiFZkvekRTzW/Z14uMQhh9n8Bx7chAcbsMi0fmMq+qyTB+37X3w+uN3woXOD7PXyBRzIgwHj6qccCcNgoufTe8wuCVMN9ZnH0jLRPkrm5qR9mlUTiKYgLgvkg+N9WUr4C+LbT3Je1jDDv7dbi5uOmmBlhR4CLMNUxW49Gb+sJeivKArie/YYJ0QzOs3UGlI/N6hG2qfQFJxM4pTQSj4wNaCND7iI18xaMrNv7cJaiA2tdWoKMOTIZmTgDDjl6xud0Vubj4XhwNB5aDod+kPCeeiwZUN/NHvi2mv1hKp1On/8WtyC9Jt+8XPOfai5yr791+qH9Vg+ZghagCWnGO0+8zkkcJBxkVQdZ1MEJ2hV3ApApHu4/PyHN/PXMF6P//ofwoDlhLTX1w/VHVSUwvfQx7/9TMpxXiJPpdbwpBOOAZwjilgJ/E1Ay6i557kfyVXHfzGcFYOkV+UdC5AgAeJoP8QUcXSABNPZ+Y72k78vcL7aLIO1tMOBLol8SIxNn69DQWs+Qip8qKip21lfsdOysYBfHTvM9/LoefgV+rQJ+tx4/w7+HC/1jxD1TMDMsHzteiuSGY7QJRTpQehNZo2vqDnm8tycGKb3WetJGk3GEkbSekAqSB4d8qBA+5B/ll5eXlxKAZHhXvOq7mUg6lY5EBFk+TArW8B79nLss/s8zz/62lrr2z8w8K56WxMucKH0FQHr2rAwg/fHbkDLiTg5Rhot2vUn4w2+DicLPxdd+LHDvS6g7+tCzD/CLN/NvviO8yZ0U5tLZ68lsIrEc4v3heBiBm/cEnU4nJGJ5nxNFZTyj/CjG1d4kQHhdmONkcIyfzYOcEVdqhH/IzWWySYzuK5HAwerPHWPjtHqFWIALFpIatMhZKzwhrgBj1IFW1ANmAbU7jQteGU7hpuhWh7KD/gb9iYMgGq4AZzgjVGj+G25YhF1XEl0bOKaF6+5uWuyi7eS2Lo10TWvWpGLdYXC6tMCaOGSAsXPIGc0HncF4kPeEid4mP53wBh4LJBWvkl1HbV1hDjl13NpJODDP1rwvYefptyuu3r9fPH35Mie9L7wmiTc5mbspSPLJV4VzWPA5eXJKAJcgyBH4xK4QiML3Ty7gFp6T8oW3cRTg5gpXI7y/jxNfFh9IhyyuvC/XwOP98kAOq1cfL6OGYxxCVJ8TlaQg/cKbvDPq82F/A7IwPx94LOn9Rionr3Hcn/0Pn0UcLUrim2sLeyPZjDK9zHv4vNPpdk0M04mjdpr9dtHct7HJhN7Z48TtzjoIdOuZv6WQZdA0mWPnVsxhRjrAG6/ElbNAG27RHx+frTNXvYpia1pno5SQbpIjV2mlrja9/dQ+Pg4pMkTWX9KBPIzzyOiPO+EdGsrnK9Ejx/1kWmIZzrCBQPJUIOnNritqNr0uqEe4C3DAgks+K8mSIEqvQ/y4/zfd70oirru6Kolvy4IsAmgXBHlXRI5MrUfWI1cOpLORiBLJ5F5cH8gZ1xdz6yp8X12/snc9FTnyAiekz0cA7dwavHg3URxJ5GbE//HBefH2v7wiiB8I/37vFVXJJL0nQnw/qsEFo064ov4bSr114qGy2BkdcmKDIz56CNzwtBLwRlR5TZCEy/f/6ZzG7WSCnMl5lUE/3w8RAU4vkAD6Sz0tWu8XEICAIADWY+e62fpZEuWi16WoY37UsR3YbjDqkjUYEydeQfw7htckvnbgOaSutHRtrnQRGENkrTG7aBvZVOlCj4yTTzvGmnVu5vAEzk4OTyCQR5yoKeAMVhY8WLAI8ShujSL13mwgox7AGeTIFByLwpog4+4niRNX9n1H/A2Vsgb0rqw8Aycq8WbNSU4+t4bcftQuVdcjkZyayak5VVEyWVzIgTs6HlWKzesdyA14c0pu4Hru0VxqPR1J7Zo6hxvxuFflN2/KK9IzKw/KSzeD0ugAwwNTb3i9CS8kuXwhHHR6nEPRl6Ju94SbZF5EewKPEzjh43ECPvq7J6a9yoC6N3WOk8T7zut4ed9VmTu/d0D1JpaWMT44Aw+KTB6BA6b5L+VLNjU9qeW+JPEFF0h8IUIKsFWvhcWbmm3nzlq4wGfzpZZdbOQXbmP1mn9GX1/hoJky4BjOJDRN3sQhN1CWJiFbaxyykh5yS0t7X0+sHWV/tM4Tm5Vwua91RjvzdAp5NB8uQFT9/CH/8lIIMuS/CSQySTWznkmtp3JX5PThC5AfH5bF770vCtJl7p3TcDT+ZsTW+yG2WDkNzwrO+NKCcFgW5uRILh15I/3uwC8/zL6r/H+BxLuKNwMvyik43pe8g97BpVJLDi4lfgq/8DcZJNFkksob2czAlX9Sr3w69ek/cuBILgg/5i7LNZBBf95jnzPviBz39jkhMpDFp/MUhM+FOLrZl0YobF0uIh5D1N0omqNOVGYsxFGNMeDNqnIaAoz77YSlfbLICbmUmgiE4BQDkUDnI6SC1dwxzurPhHUFAG7Q4MsS33pEkOF7y3hcROZ87TwAdd5ms9XWwpXe2IyLZuyn8/PzZmRvHl47WHhN/XEFiaxLQVyUIDc0PdlEHbIB5BIYA5AhQY71xWImShfREBrGd+iRzqEznT4clUBVEGw8gTteXk4sJxKJTMI7kAW/gqtipoTzkOhxb2Ot6xUBp5BnZr7gU8jwBC6joMxZTjr8o9QFcLv/cCC7PqC8qHy4rniT3lMB7/J04gSc1PxY+1taxtvncR9HiS0vLfvhxyEMZE4A1HE3T3Lg68iGU7IQY09hsswJNzhOwHL251dZEFckmfsgtTeiZDOJJM8vxwsezHlfcj/uGsYRPeRJuKhyzNdaSQnlcfdI55loIRj/U54/gTIxOI1+U7q/xSyk8QvCHCbpIT8clhhBtyKAaQGLjuGT/PeYGb+Y+aLzZVWoDc6WYBHhSRBaa7fZwXSwGl8Z39J+bKcftfgZHDP+oZ3zm+XK9Epia/DGWs+ZVKzxYZr8cVGli9C3u/XMuKpoiJGOIo/3oqJAs2nmCd8zMoTsdi5GndEhiJfgdMuH+fBoPw/58ceJhFdJJJTsh3AkqqqQigh7BeECdwNi61e4Gu79T2ita+YL1n7aP3NaXHlG4mRRxqkceF6pSFpRBr6tZnE/FoovQX44iPSGfj9pp8fhg/ccCoY9o/ARDvLm2zh4qHhhNNw/SguE/v7pj08kfvU3OMDtVd/Iqtdzu1JpOSK8yi3Iovj+f43D2599UP2QyOFisIgaySjJxFP9/nAw6HOeWYx2PkI0HUsFWOEb6I/d7kWUcPP4/UsJCDFyA3A2Eu/rkNLLgrjApSF9UbwQJATzzhF3K3XAOPjLKlg4sUDwS3u+sw6W+uo1K5PPpV62CJMEvcRsdrtxp9hKv18E9nn4BGcEQHJtuVSZfWD1mmbIpKxWV5whFwO54VgjHYGiXBAGZDMThIxK9PSOo0YfahkglgHHB7HMBUC+tvhSdAhwnC84ffHgoUI/0RPwh546sQRAfhfe9kxAUUnvae6wEMGYkzsL0af4vnhZfOv0FwXDM/9cWuEugjMC1wtpviqsp9Xrb7yrKpmvB5a8AUAunLtG+fAhng/GC4WCJx8M5vMeot2Pl2gwClciFxzFO8G8z+eEOwU4zAvYRR0NHoKT4DJqFS6F4BwI6bM3+/13UzkVC9ryyXOijJt+VsTPNIYRnxC/Ki6cjBz5pqKga1sOFzw+BIfbhSrKw7qkY7PpHM8w3AnJcLDgH11OJAOP5mRh4c2L968c/V9In7z2npBOq4HE4DLv8VUuuidah/GB9RgJcHdTI2EykqiUBM8YtNKKlRm88/OI3XmKPgOKu/G627bbrl/gTtkP++7d9FfxQv5hMZzZZzsG2hugXMGSZNZYpgwR4pSxWn6LijUdZWxCemZXt6ExoDEzCZR7iEOOsSlk2nkCl4za2Nh6wmYC5si4BKq/338oxC/5B5ew+xSAAFPNQHCYBZ+8a0r4aE1eE7ganEN+Dk7yT7x1+sHtP+0/vcJJNWdv1ojySfC8qYgK2X7Wm0x6E6eewvCYh2t/IR4E3DoLZE8HvAyL+c5850v6jo5FWqslrXYkpJNNHSOLIy915qO4qGMIBYudBR/ZtAOnAT+Z30YRcMDyQOYAnAHlOW7hnCytCNLKZ/Rizay8InHvpVK5AcWb+BhC0zDSI0bcw6hvQZXhOibHOprHdsSadyBBaGyS1kCH8bh4ZBEOhaBndDSUSGay6+CEuftH63jiGe5fCMIbmUxikB+N54Od11w4xGDKgLswgKb+91id5n4rNO+rYRgdJAmY9UhYR6L5omPVRm+KPht3Sy/wp2xwWxx0w7li3kbrXyU4Zo8MHiEpWtPm0ywC2dxDNgO5gRS6GkkPuatb1xXowtnJo/rMU/s4iuXC22VSBZmcoCq4cHhGfXgQEzHrcJCI7UHOtzw4fSqQhAOSsEHAsQiptJCakx+GUzMWXiVBQq200w+aogBkvT+RXjvLYYlETsGDTq0rqjcDDml6MNQP8IUIuBD35H2VWNxz5p1DAMvFa51Pd5ICj9v1OK30TJhuzUZ/DK/aIkLcSbb0+CqdhdHCKNUOBhifguh1QFXW1XQaHgIuoBUFQXpdut/DAvufkDgcML2+CwVq+BDP5+FN7bzmRtVjXVyqA07qqA7X09cHnzs6qDfGIG3ioHskmg+OQmQRSCqpnLDA1azcrxBaksS/iESUhPeEfzQMwY2bkij7EMB4+JKRX4bf4xq7ucLoFdGc11SNgmC4CHoEstqtjmG4rTa+q38uMd0zkz+GMN6t/ycGlGttEFvbzEA2ZcdYH6+oN5GxScFaZ4MUV7qYO+6m7riryyTb1dbVwtxxWy+8Y0TdZ7JDK1hPsor1NTgkh7DQhZGiBwPE8KH+OF2/ijvQP0wqOL+optAhz6UW5JNczQUBJUFeQaL1iiTNPPsARNf7Z/7DiiigUOnJv/1vscGrqoqS9Aa83kToxPP+UX94tADPzhlEMlL0pSH3GffjBwGlrY9jbRbZbZNEPNxY2aHfMV0PTmDfnYipuK49fa2zc+glujYLQnB/mO8/xPd/zAcCgVNeNZn5fkqN7EUkCLLE/dk+Cdmb9+vcJf6LVxZOQsixrioJqi+VD+YXMXqmzvdLEIz1xnra21t6W6jkU8t4e09fb2xMC9AAwhCUBQv88omEoqryGiffJyd8et9NgUuls97ECQih89HoNUKD7hg72sJawN10WJ+2j0jj11FcuQLomB1vMXRtt8LnLY3E03poTf+E9jdJRI5Rth5Vkzo2IrlMyauCccHqsdKFN1hAr6tnU1FlMmRC6SLGBp7IbZtZTIAUunqwXI07J5pNQ8itXyOq9NcgRR6i/rgQhHeyPw5Oa3nJDx4ZgPyrdwPffPTDv7r+b9VU7svC374qyIeR1HCDk/4SkCyieObnyECCnPOVq4BeTpgSIutfjihvZAG6gVNLoaXvgnv0HPJhrgvghaQQIuKDroMTZPh6eHKiZFVH86ShR7iZIcQJlidosX/kpZcwlnGi4Oioxx8Pf+xf/rU38XcQxLyopr+ckhfWFv5LWTwriCvS/aCxik9IK/LCwlzuekZNnOBHR8N5j9MZdWPtGR9tc/NYbHy8vW3cRAqiek+EGTTGQjOSDAfh5H0i8MJ6akrmhPtSjob4TVgTBh71Jp4iNawojaBjPXoFqxEzYMQvHu0Ozf+aUl9WN0bPy5LYO7Rq8lFdze5Ub/xx9UaPrOOZeWaaLWtnEIpoTMbLlLscO7XIGpvXGkUTPfLs8U0y5KZjTVRRAEnW3XrJulSqqx2xjEpdtI/canSRSeI3FO0cgqO94AQo92MDikcR3METkEsGvO8qGe+L386sq4fXIdtDzb0PDv8/HDKI0QW+c1p89rOsWu+fQYGWmrPCYfm8kP40m/ml8oY3ecp7YmmZ5/v9cR94I4jThpyLlMWA7lbfsKPBFXKM2I4dHX19fe1jcNNHl3P0GV/C1729EHXu2AHHO+YkpgFuDGYO4rYs92InKS4EK+H8R/S//ZgaK5lMJqLKkf9LFoWbELv8/CfiPWy17595RxQ5OJtCzAEnrWV4zoVgNO8eaSXAgGc31hfra29r2UQJvaUdfDMGZtgeBgj7ghBInEpmIn8rC1fvhxMW9/1cPid8ewBjhX4EMCtCkyFC4oHp1D7Jf0kCTPyvFkDbMPNFzGj1KZvJ7xahsRqhym7uzFbZ53JINkfYLLymKLZrAXatvQyKaejvMKOYjGBQSpcRVpsCa9QbadIkfujootZ26jpawugaH+/t29EMDvlL2tEIBziulvjahHtkhByNzspgMOjxjIbD8XCI90+HQtO/ng54kwlcpfp9VR1QX5jae/4fBOFhTn4FRX5uChKq/IgPfUb0o5V9NfKb0oVX5wT13x7IHsi8mE0Gpsn0a3jUMwoJb9AXjXYiFck1MXyQ9FNadXfbTDbsYHyJ2WHPODVUBzasvc+439MDiO7p7QAcf2lMq+cOEzIc+OOnWx+BXDLqBEeW9xQqMRHBTORXyWQ2m1EH0i8Ie7lX4YyHG6PvlUrwzMwzb3LyufNHBjJveAOh5RDvCUKK3+km7heT347YeLtJUplg5KjpWMDeRR9xw+Cy3UPwyEdDS3DaeUG4cD+c8EOXRXDu344oP4W3KOhkXaTm2DjiF9kOjSQDJgE0bf9WmDhXSL8gkGFh7Saetgwq2b0NVvLjEkyXDbQNx6wVwLSQngCZ9JNrd27SfqpgMxOk9VRfP0spXTodBJ+4oTrS0Ejr1Y2avg+rdRUPPZHpRTYroedEGFNNuFwHsRgb7XT6hgAKuCKdh1xvFBzyMh9IJLAZmnhDVXLZdC6biqRwGhkVDzn5pvh+zXPiiii9fP/qsDMvP7EiPodLQzhBgND+uqoQ7ZgQ+F4+jAN0kBBEfU7iepG6oCMX6wFjHb19gNh2Y59Oy63Xdeh7OVj8Od6DnNZeOAfsYHr+BMfgjfFFIwuyIJQNB8l0yYlAAhLjD5XrqXTu4fNEZ/0qJ+y7DK/PXeB4v/gWnDP/14WpVBqe+88ST/H9lTw855fIWiF8SGMdfe1MXoouMWDDMvRD71xAKE3S4dZW9zWnrzAaDgW8Sjb1MJxp7nU0NfPOf3ODE9YzSmLJ3+/xOTtZEbqnjYbQVU3dTzIHTALoCm1sSHO/pLvDykwbnG/1beB6Z7bROd/OH9MkvIQwstEjV+hFazYv4WADzLMOo/F0rLSD3KB1nbq7TSJdbSY9a1Kzbu8Z74FoqjfWbKyJQV6XaxiJd4+PLKJKV9SJPg2wMRp83n8ojDvUP34sAOlmIplN/r+qsr7renrqyhx3Xv6PD//Hr8qcdFV8TuJECKzv9ZGwf7/0E+m/+wCHeIVLV9Ts9Vw2eSozjbE+z8cLGDnjBM6i+5HHXXSjLD0/dTTHOsCLxto1zWGyacdwUS1dLV1tm1xauswQpxXCX7SMt8dwWqyZkVqJALgL41GMYZy+fLDgiYdHf7AcWpoOKMk3Mur1gV1Twr8XFm5c5d6URWnfivSvtzPetF+UvnPx6s0FLrVXzR14N5Bc5kc9Hsj0F6+5XaTz2zzW29NOz0sMulVVZkXzoyYMt8eaGYTdkMzH/zSUVL4tRMAH3+MT8O+hpA525386uByGU+zII8OtbJCQsii7mxoMANdTAFdojV+a/Oru11YEXYK9VeJ1iwG5x7hudtE/Vd8SzFomXa7+pbWeSYhvp/QuRLFtQ5lLG8BghS597KneEABi1nDcpKJJCl0QWlc16uI+WOkq3jGBsiDjkDU1k+bTDo2dOTl8cHhieNjlHu50n4m+FEX/EnQWCqMFODb5UQBNKDT4GLafvFlvIPeoGkGq9ZXU4QvvcRcgP76I6iCXIXK8R5vbHoLU9+eiJEOUlwKnlnlU9QYCS6HQKN8f9vvguEAWYaebCA1PMB5Dc3MH5At9433jbWYc0k0dR5m2P+7ZgZuqMrs6cD1Hm8ZMx3ZdlRnM6JH74OzwpQ49sB7GIOba1xaHnHAu8RTiBTy3IPkjqaiZgcxUBKmL72HAIoqCKOH6jTuuH8zMPHsaNQhqhPOp9C+z68kESuZ44Hyx2OkapuLoEOmPj7e1adXdLr28WWVEZFVk7wh5BpANY1fJ5bq2OOQb9fPwQLNTMldzjxEsSfLbci7lTU4v82FIb9wuMglMaBxVGgmLMDhmyVGtF7AofO12vcNb5HZXS1xuKWK1e7cEcbXp5+xaimXt82YuuTiuthudJ9J7KjsvwZggtFxNkmSm81PWH2MDGYmZ3agKYsw8VZXOSqBHHqctf635NIkjT3QQ2XVtBOkgZKQl6PMgO+mQfzT0/Mf+0ImENxFQEl/3Ksob6UfTqXRa2IsDjB9wN1AAowapenfLzpx5i4PY+aZMxBfTA+rfB5LTCex/Ir3Kk88PRXGnuwsfLoubOyZjqHaI8aS22U7b1NGmd9GrjI0dWltdP9C7Shdz6L9YnJD0Ud3gSV1LhQgwdI6gQGHQ6Rnt5/388/4TuG026c0MqGpKnjvPrZ2U3ubEq6+tSNzKEy9jy2nmlpUr8R1OEgD2uBw7m/V6vacgqQkHg07c7DfRyuSl+tp1bVamjN7dRdcZEDnzJmNhEF4gK4h1jE2SgvRi0Nk/6vcq14/8yzX53jrhh0T5R1zkh98ITCORAx4v9qpxFLiNqnB0N2klLNJGNfDLWr8l+DVyXR25Gy7GJ+NOmd8p+kwv1exTqW/ePLgu5o2wZrKJpQlPotzUhFawJjohjgoNxrNF/phK7jVo8vRP6r0nNr6ojUu0mdpPR9uYBG5sRwyOiR07qHdBNevhVvTJeHSSVarRfGXeA8EXoRbjMPJSKBCYVsgg40B2Xb1yaa+QvgDZ39s3b9ysqaEu5/e2cQT8MxHsR/IrX4WjN7v+Ta8S8E7D/4cOKIhKQ9ERMmE6zHLeZggldsTAF7WQp0MO6CoNtIZLwkUdVXhca9bUaDJWFiTWzWKYKq0+yHBwtKhrh/m1RqGhCgyuYSTPLEZ9QU88iKwwP38Kso+AN5FdV1I5NXJEEOaIfsphjij64FJfbkaSpNNgePf0aemd11/nkEtzA5cvyGk1B+hNnsLuryeY9+VHOjvp827uiNGNYCZxR3iCVBSd3ZDySHc3o/OxZLiDcDtckMQX4vxyIhs58u+4mns6ZChyV9ciqUzS2//dYKVv8RHaRhon7wvSOCiAZ9EDw1FsUK9Y9msrahuZk92NoC266h9ljf2OGcpm8Jt99x0B2cCxzWZ0nuzUK9faylasHTrHmoC4gta5SHq8iShIg6a316QvmGBHI7JBjhrHI5l7QqI1pMjNxopz1BMgw2muiUdwZiLqPAPHpxNSZM9oGMLF5f7pj6enE9MQW+N+CfV6al1QhdTvk4MUj9LnnlkRt5ge7//z7/wnSebkC0Lkuqpks48lp6f7Q7ieI5hHD0T4vxO6620eG+uLgefVwmZ4VgS+TO6X4JYcxxpIjX06KCra0FTGGpkCOJFSYUMmNL88WhTHjPf1xMZwUozSFjGmxim+zqhvqDKPdQTsz/HwAiUD8PJk1UdVVZ3bG0mdk9eEjy4Ib755lhNvXr268pxmNTVijcSJHwiysCYIe3fhvoVkYvrjEI9zPfkh59N4ViVnrVhPe5EyOhGYIm91A9tEQp4dHXdjm/zogyYQftrV6fTFw8sJJZOaWrt6D3lZ+8WLHJx6kpmEPxT3BbFeTnJgUsRC9XYGYEqBrjD6RwZtQ4ewqVilx8AlPlWHZRFWN4Db9KM9Rf9mo9euNgG5WoexDuYN/liPq20GscvwyeWAzGhdDlbookNP9ajUdbyuPMW6QedmNsFBaRSsNVmQkuUSPUjsItqZHWaG5oTLfbDTPeTu9AGOiS593OOHmHEUFdRCicFEJgmBo6pczw2kI0cupYULr+Ii1avfE8TL4F3urB4rvvUMJyHX+RLCVwH0Li/zy/FgHJVjOhfJ6OuExh8ca26Pjbe3GDGzERV3Uan/bgpH+GA7Ou5oyw4FALxkDQz0dCuHPvNJOu/6pnhILvt6m/WxbQhRD2KFCxnIvkK4MPr8IR4C4BOJwVPexDrgOHM9t55Kr6eE1HvCt3Bc8T2B2nsXBFRj/9Y/plNz6fVfPqpkkgHvUoj/Ae+pxOVCj1+j4qwdkx299Fl36fPx5FFufHKsNMLYuDSQxoo0hOFwnon3+5e8iio8zEnP3jsPfPGqLOTSSeXEd+OFfH6E1MtJFZquX6Ap8CymwCYKh22e+V/DAes5b7U5eYWvt2Or5b7cgPtqk1uu1h0zgS/DM0vHy7ae7BrPerddH2O0s+HkckyQCh3IJu3NWTopUXfcpItdrJxJnEsjA7KWPBXnejTba8cZRvQwet16YpIlycNu94hzBHV+opVOTzB4yANxNcqo+bFgnUgmk9nvZwdyqSOXhPML8psfCABKqUYk84v7b5n9vT4jnVxYk6cyagb+yt8NYs8IfFkBvP/I1+B07qKLoSFOgHNMTwl4WRmWON1u6m3L4fW4cS29lMr4m2v97PSnUdNNw9uk7d7TC6+Vtju6FWe23SMvRaNDOFYfjHv4Ubj4Q6ETuEEhoSS8SjagoFNOPZp6dCCdup6CMHsgPYAbF7KqovwB/Mr0MnjwsCfszPuii6jNOsHW2bezZ60tNmjUBabK7BRpIFGYpsiGD3cHemF4E8/kPT8IPZZ5Y0oQPrlnibD4v68cFtZVbxIeO1mJhB64g0X7XfocYV0djs3rBWgyLGiKn5nPY8632hQmr+4p53bvzlbL+O+NRbCSchfjkZQWrk1ZstZ6srMrCa3LMDNZ2ZoI/FQw+UzHLJOv38QlYxe5Afc+0WNSH0OuKlnByBYjg0/GsQm9k0xWPrkQy+5rbqqkVokrnw4F42GeMEIGIbAOJMGJfpj6q3RkbxpcCxasIe0TvvMdqaw73i9Kn9wUzp+H3PcAON/EIO6AC3rynqE8HL9uwC4ZvQGUjGEBtqVFK8G2mXbPdWuB5DFjK9bxYtFhKgl8B3asVKXQpABe1a2Xec1lLhRgQCBTHA/Tme2RxU5nFPxxZSEYL/BxPxk8HgyFAqdOJTDHxTyf2HoA5ZES04nBEP9dPlTJx4NEsi7qnhhmST+uxC7yvpgdNBlLDYqXjuj8nwaidawF0u19HTht+PTimULc7/UqU6mFm/esoy/WcLKwHgkkQpj2jDxOmVhH6fmmW+NBExZWBVW12VlrKmDpAK4uzXzvJWRvA+RVM5pLG1IGjBmYy2bHZXvIlGNddnZR08atJ3q4VPgaZbpmzTA+tkEXpIHGiDj11Giq1rYVueRftDFiQ2+zvki1VZf5GSYbkYk/RsI8RNbI1+P9/v5lnNFNKhkl8wbEjHJEPjK3dvgCd1b6ESdKlzegeEaUVv4drsVKravZRCCEpatg0OP0DeFuDhSNwf8VA8iO8R6NPsiKzdT10mWyjQ1N5h07x7Vr3fFt2UYtf/KqkdHt7i690Mt2cWCBH2c9x3TWDBaqMTkeGULWpxNzD9RhP+THYUUqCbK0/JQm8/Oxf6l/aXmJaF75IQb1OZ3RIXj2JPJoRmkppg3XxVJ9DDWOFUujl2wCY4+cpMMMwi09O7AePdHpzIcPPf9TRd27xgn3CMHicxz3rRd/+XXU7Qrm3UjFgpSdAZg+VvTA6GUYfqkDtpvLz1r+qRWK7zt2N8OzDmVzUF3ikHVElyV22fTYmgwim9QFsNRVlmHN4uqKCkOnHitds2ZS14b1Eo108gn3TFHtzK4uUxfiqMklo1wXClob1S4kQpEk2dXZ6X4JkUxWTIA/9vfzIUgAIayGoDGpKAfWD0SO7MKMTxbkV1boNmSIq1HjSqyR/lbYm4bwK0CmXuPhIDKd4U8OU2VwZDX3QuRcHDfjg8QyVVNRxFzqi7BAMEtHsYl8Kck1jFv24WDfopt2WDpSx9RUjpXuymI7sjQcF/XqWlp6sU3H+B+k4UTTD7KmMoqxNfboPPg6hQu4rdJzqBD3wCWITJogtuKxaeR+hBK86bPvYM+9y+R9mzY+X2NnUF2RI6bbvBDCcEbe0THZOuxadGKtLamuIwn0ngD4ryVpTUjlMokQhE9D0YMkB0YiB75EuHyQilCaHbDmf+lM4G6tdGUuVn2+VuyaiztTxbH1Zm1knZiika3NakC1tnLkTAZneJU0VXvmlmfpJHLdJpJ7ROSnkbKtq7o20/lpo3RDgHJzDJxih9FQaWUczehLQ04fcTijQcAxGY4/AflfIJn1Zgaup9KRlBARuAWkW0GKzAk/Fo6kBjKBwE8TPMB3NOhBUX8sW7Gt7uB6e/uMxZRa75OQA5qaGs2rsYz9dXXsxEWrBHQjh1YxoF25UmOdunqtOliPs9vsr7C2XenUZ4OhGqztjzYBuadjbAynxLTxCCR+MiJrJ75MOCWR71yES34x2gnXzhGUh0WOKJlZwJwf/nVvb6+2FowK05DBvKZjJnEpKjA16zDOPxqDDx8xPedoEG5rw0h/eGIimi/4/YlkdkoQL98LJzzzHe7ttb0RRQmFD0EIPYGish09v6CzDI1sFAkVoPUu8Hyt3W6On1dJ3WjP5+h7b++TjR6U9lVRcK2XrEvL1iy81iJrnZdJb2pL9AQ0d8zKXRWmojXzNeZNMaU+uYlsitFUBarMPIgi5T2SJMd6IUnWRvUmyKqYCdpFfsl5xgn+BB0LyvzgxoBB3IjsTWaVzN5cKjIVEdLpC2khraaU5IHEr9H58uh7o5TmTHO/DkLbNxZT0vNKN26yadITXtNqLFICmEWVf31jjg5R1Pqn1/IXdq0o+ac4ZkLbduX0zZoaniST292lNS6m+t0X6+0d08MWbaPO8ATdqmOyCSy0k1YZ63V3TMbGeseZ723T+mNNdC7AUEYn64Tqip5pPRs5xzlVhuGGRhpJYxzd14ypsDsf7PefSKqqfO7/vhdO+B3hqnw+pSSml/0eH4T/eALqbaHDDN2NehfJUc+K0DYywWAAmPpfLXjes+fBwnBxiqzVvJgrNjFCbsm11n0xm0Rm85NETJMoCZXlgjB6JvEwFQ4mgD9br0WMxmbVhuOmqk3DsSefbGx6krE0uxkzgjaUyRLGo4xAgQ2K8b6+DmSDNGs4Hh6e+NrBR659LRr9IzKN7IQMmS7v+e7zWJD1/hoXywfWv6GsD2SURGB60P88H47ng1EiCT5B895JQpI0ImeNnkFZGA0mhX9zFKk53HpKSK2o0EUP2c4NNgym7+zQ7tZrQv56eZDqjVZQVivRG501c2iMWtGxJ+kKafZCabRMHcd9fT19fUT029Rvp0g1iwuwghVO+zZDhDMOT/5om866gj9Ksn32vOmbhm+jY1ZbJlRfQVcPMEU2VgfBx0k6S7T2BqfeDiTguTvzQT4U+Fep1MNn7wGCZ1ZkQdh7XUn6eU/hTJQQtztoI7iL9YG1ELqCOmCbzWbKgKtXjd7vgwhfM4jLEMCqi0jXpiby5qQu+uztxviibd5eW67YxVwyvdYTOoi+pZGoWR+v23QWGVc+HSN0CBJZF3EQS5Y+4dREX8eY5msIb3iCCv2MYMU67/P5PHEfJLlIsMLAejow6E0kTny33/+Dfj6I0hqdxPkyshU2TsaNne60d0J4R00Nx45tQC85v9N0gVbmjY05mvCSY+fO2wiH059W6FL+lNNKo+sK5txm60rVzfSX6knMQ6p0hcJiKivRQ0LRjN4vIZcV3PIYVaTrIMCG6xgid6yjfaynB09cLS0GeLHU3sR2YbPnTHb5adB1EOySBWB0wxedbZutm9UfYxPtDJM4GtmVB935wqg/4c2mhJP3gFn5RM0ra3MHMtkTgOChqJuMM7QTFwznXI0KjW8QfRvmCQ26CMBG2/dBxW8ZmpcBYw3F5uxY88mbCoboMn16rctuJ/LW87XlxTMdJjkBB10Eh+/zbGnzaaMsfVNJS7TLWPpkEEL6erDUZeh1QUQ47CKbYjo7KdEaS9ZB3DDBI479vD/sH8UhUg9AfNHtbh2mbU9wvn3tbWwtpU5daNS0wYvRS9Jd/dk4DJ1wx20Be9sNO/pfoeF1BVuS5TC9YsXJMa0KNhrca1rbN71ILT3t40TFqheFkTB86ehA5YG+3rFYz3g76ZUVU7vZOnvWTzWtJWFE+Qo231Oh7Q+BeIKNpzoohimEm7Q4uh3eotaDE05noT+UTH5Z5sS7dsIz0l9yfxs5gPqZnnz+GkmCYwzA3ZoHrjdC6J1EfaNMBvzFwG8511zcSi6THheD2VY6v2jfXcQEYbIgteXWTWgKP3QUmR6WJEfeMPxUimRcb140kKzNs7VVmaHc3oMaayahHyZqfdDtXnRHUQknfyYfLPiCvnwhH3SegXO2C+fzSdukeQfWrVpailiDjd1Neu/E8LvIj69jGykrHLrKcP2tfG0t/WCy/bWmy60cc73mlevpuY/tyCrqu5sWwTeyRh0jV9PXqq2oImhm0LTobrpNp3azsyTLfBuKnjpxvlSbxmE+XRUt7INbEmmxGhw+qiaM8jGOjsUg23F1OoO835vNpWSJu1sEX36tRtj7w6w3xPMsCe7YMV6UBNcdN0JorQtsHj4iXZsvMnw3OuXiirURWu8uHWK0GdUuu1awtpsV7FGpq9ysxE56aJYsTp5lgWIdwQgjQRTxrSlvvpttRe4ybzdnE7YkZsQNE2yu1ihYTzxOtrddc0dxvNbtHnJPuImc1TCdzNcCSI0niWWrsoEzK9/Q49hh+EtHOdSibtpOtoDjloa7AGqLFQo3xjGUC6dpFeqlQUaDKyoJNjVVNepjJXR+USvud7W16YDGpJm63DYyR6FxQ0nsU3ziIgEH3XZNFgo5yj1lGmntpKeaOva4GprIiRd5HeiEW5/uDHr+NJTIRFLyV8S7bQXfXOPU/0Xxkv2iRJhyRw8twDEuJd2lQh9qcQS9SvG7+kC0j+6+YL3BFW+A8aYkaxM7UwutdTF7ujWmHM+6QtsKR4eR6yu01IqNI2s8zYa6cjsm6OCENjdRRaT3jqIPMe18Go/1fSk2+aVmk6h1K9GOJKYN508SLZw+egKo0utW5qJVAwVJnRFC1msBpCHzULRYB9IJDERq4fnb52128qVZ7HuDpj/8GKXF4R/Ms/pgGedcz14yeMXqK1j3SasL1plOdw1UEYkNPWllLq3hXtXWVTzPqFM2q7owWyHFsWMlYUedvtZg50Zl9HIoJqc48taRvnB3F3PCmAm7OyuDkAkrA3OcdLcI5r7HqVlvIBQKBvOLrA5NJ4KbGICxO8DONZQHrXlgNnv0hUbvJpDWYVyiLmBoA2029WTo0++mVBA7FdyrrS1fszao1pTbxRYjOzRSyPEN1a7SLYyNRmBdVSQQYiyLIYF1h6kay64IXkh8yTa7FjPP2cwaNJWskH5RTwtWTGKs2AnN09U680xLQceozbxzQwPxbmMLgK1ofwf9x9jxoNnIfLkhE4xfEMYsEakv5bKaxrYb2ZhFt17a1wrXXboeA+FqdDca7NDisIOh11GhP+/b5vH46AjRlmGYeGF0wjEi1xF19o+GAtdx88VdjXSLIrcgpDNeLx8uRPOQMDVjGYtysYwytMNhjBLqHrjalAGv/qYg1/RcNkwlmzzyLRUFbMUDE+xgNnQFasvlfo6dxkp00oypNygO2oaJuvJAbmowtqlqx6W2K6bL0D7tae/raceaNVly3oubYzp6Yj3jLS3mlm9XFVUEN8WPlBlJI0gm7l+xIYAkEuFEaok+S8O/7rYbdT+ThBm22IvWdthL93KYCTQbK/2UObOzgq7H0kOX2bryJzvA8pOATLoeq8mYTtZGlsn38VdKmKGsa8R2ghXLorO1JLiXjykb15rPM/U7qdxaHatmkb41NoWbiRP2xXn+6wPrAvfaXSF4pYaTI7lM4Ck+XBkdIQMN47QD2N1NuVhI5WBnHZoC240a9J4vfAB9W07XhlFks6RAUXpchptp9JBtu21G+Ej2S5TtPlWYbli5SxcI0dYi1x0v2085duxJtmMCs79ujeNwtKjUZVRlNbpmm0lqgvjeJt35GlnvLI600MC5YmPQDLnrPFlqx5prBLxGuV5fvmEEKXbzVh32YVYW18BsN3PTSe+9XDJiSDBQh1xS3i9SKKTRtVEdbDCUktiraKJKkkZBPfO9G594LUEuhfA8UnwwYzA/wvqddNyFkDsg8aEIbmsjPeHOqCfuD6znUvJdMStn9l29ILywnpzGtsKiy4VD/TSG1jvB2LPeqVMpTWMMjEX5mwngMqUuM6Vrs6mnckSQ0nkJc6nLbp/fZITRvCmGlmFZCZR45DqtfHOsBMeYIT9Jh+RZc1QfmihTjiXKc1rDt4pO4x8rhu9xdgzjQezYcBDbdurA1dR9TWC0mxZzGMKHturd5Zd2GL9pXrlj3223FTNaSzLkCqPtpAt/19OKYNFKnVKGdZnZx+NmigpzvfiSb0AvAre2zMZNexF1nsRTeOYlcXRDA61Ht7XFOkgY7fOMLiXX5X84ezdz/qelNznhQPaxQUBwlOz4jo23UBfcqMXQ2jw/VdMxhdC/SfHznZe6TAnyHpM//l2i5fe71fRmA4hL2082w7vUUo5mLd2PvKmuAL4N9RUOzSHPmrV+jpVKdhEuCEn9KI51FU2Df8iAzQo4KMKyEb11rOZc4XCUc71k5TMVOLHr6znsJVqHtq1v6LAVi6nQc4KNDXDTNJnIFG4IqymaK7RNlexlwrClSExlk2EojSFXR6YUiBi6Q9/nV2EOOWzGUiHttGXX31O78dAIJYV4YfL2YCaM8VA7Qti1GPWM+hOB9NTC3STCEEQL6wcCkAUHo52PYGmDtYK7G+lE4ayD7jTDmAG50DqADRLWb5OZtb302afi/Fgflagu3TNhKz0qMdbU0kbiXMAj28pvONd4iRVkIlnzxyTLMi19Kqu9x9RwtXJrlT6Tz+o43dj2bNLENEwd31m6krJep1gVL6U0LXk2Ve9M7fI72NFx6y07u3eXrMkqecFKwxfSPDZtj6avESU5EikVjCiOl593rKMa6JTnTNP9+jJlK1InZ4kQXeZnNys26efleaNIiW8SLWY1dENygz0/RPBBdzQY5n8WmIrI3PbD6N/jpB+l0op3EMUpF5HS3oz7VaqoC4YzEibBGoBpH8nsgX/b8FsGyZsI4poV7TctWhv1LruePmqBoq0cH0SfYmRdUUbRrCeFrlnTdFCxNH0Dq3Qx8b1uQ4CukQrQFZVeZ3XnS/74xoXQtp21jL+iO17d71aXRSo7mxUphZt1w8u+TNW3IKbbddlgyp4pPuuZKdeGUR7IbH2dY9YYZtQGivD5zjo0xBPyq8beLtoHpm3B1jZxavVKnS+/W5czrt2pu2HihBm7kmTC42NIjh5yekKhX69Prf3l9sNoFIhOp7yJULjS6XQDgDt6CYC7qthIIZ6FdSqHXUOwPsf/W4rh1SIhgT1ldHB/91Yd5JIY0QQC2oDR+zCbNUX1XTH1lNjl0OiGdY4NJRyzCFUDlq2pDht2ehuNmo42H6hN2xjFm+J+Ec3/WG3dxC3dfasNHabafSnPbbV4J4cmK051VKo3nS7RRZE0IM/PlyGzVmhkLodDZ87Um8aIiuBNv6+TujekDLRFZtNSfV0Z3VayUlN7H80QriBeGM+qTYxbGWtGCPuCPO/NpARu+x1haUU+mVOSiXC80ud2T0zSTlKbQafUG0m22t/WHHgrc0/lBX7Mknu3WKlqlK1NzpjUYMli5J2bB9f1GkWTaWiaStbHbl/BMUlpEB00WrshkVd9Ua8XsDuvZ73FpSp7mc06qyal8OqtL+ZYXb3dyU8rWBsv1cbmMWN61utjTw6mqGKaTaZTVPVae3vDEEbtPJ0lNS/S3Xw9LtVBJQ1tU0WacLOYE65qa2nvmJwchjC6n19Sc4Kw/T1YK7LArZOVqL6haxMkC6aFaKZMOVvP2JS1bCD4tzkHvpOadXEHeU85Zfryc8glWbImKWAvXhVTptblMCQ0NfE9g55ZMpFnUqHSeiYm1zvLhusp4bcIvZQVqSW+mx7EZt+6Wn45x0al/6LwZc+t1uxsHsSUrtQpv6my3jTzqb9u+nfKMiSJ6621GZLKt0JviSAERAZ6NctBi1kNpKOEXYCxyUlX64jTc+iEokbuop8krXBzKe/0YNyTX3RNtOJIA82CKRtrtsgFlwDYstuzM8uIWZNZzM1TZLtpw4RetTb1n8pH1hXaXJ6+ZcJhEDQ19b26TQo48INZRpQ07cIy1V5tdJ7UZrcb8WNp0quHwUXgLd60wSoFG2MVpmq6qfg3C79XN3/BdO1v7ZxXS893m48xGuAtb/M7KU+b1b61ROdOSnQagG02PZB2kJYSJWYRdjSG0cPufNC/nFQEgduu8ru4T167oirT/rgHFxo3kzWjZJy5ibaCNWVobZzBRsjQqw+gFscDO79Yfurptqwu86oYu85usNuNnmM5Rgir4dDAmrhUnTtcT+ggTAZm9rimSuXQu710D0dJ2YqsUdc2Me8u1fU3oZfFvSXALbNM506+WC37iq1qofUmZz1Tm84gztiZHpLtzucaIRAnVG6DAmrKeDdfxFmifWon9TbWVMKonTnhbtoTRmrlxETUM7r8q/8qu/BjYZv9pJe5G+fVXGJwlPdF3dhKGvsFEXhnLtgYaCB1aPJKmamUlt2KzFVEByk+PEuSQ4NpXb1RA1dP+vQUq4TeABnyxnGeCr3gRRI9yoWs1/eqOgwXrYlpGPP4euQ8r/l9TVKpZCMl6X6vlizFMgBYtGfDXAAsrqGslqiMlt/BU+SRKY6LRsSqjQenVfeL91XSE9FOeqFX4yt6hwUbZqKG3fQ3N561dFqeHu//rskNUw0XlgsjhOuoE8a5ihZSy3ItOuOjpwLp82vbHfNfkReESPLUz8LB/BBuWenooWPBTQ0aG6tCI2PZWcWRPm4LwNsaQWYH9mp5xb3byPyQCM5uMx0d+gE6v1lkrc8yEgkJMsdbJC6nV14dpZQjyP7YKpqSRq+ewJNDuLrsVqwNSsOrt1TsL/PTkrFt/dUr0URaLR34LFkebSzVMaJrbcqRhDE2Y+rR0Pun0LWbe35lHO/G6hyNEYpiaYwA6Bvg0JhZjY2kGt3bgXpZUQ8/nVCunJTe2R6Cue8Jc+uBQCjs8bkJJbqdjBVSNgdS2WlNY6fRCtZcsGXbzpE3jiHfednamEPWky27WdQaAusNobU+t2uqeRmjrRUbUsFasgvavqHyatsQNq9Wl+S6ZZKrW93bLH4pHdsuCmBKznurZeNqo9du1xpPGvlkc2N0ryKKdhnwFgUdJfU30xun9/mNrvAszYTJlGFLjxZGhxQlIsufbAvAz0rcBTmbSPCjeefTZM9ZS0tXW3eVlgUbuhxGGYuOM1gYvovIupTXtboNHJvphru1SR67XRvj2UT4oqJM9auYJjlPKUem9M++e+Mm91XzVrvqYvCa9tPdKW5vPyhWfiNt8bznJiSv4pkoMvi0215iu80TVLZyT9pAb3VpvlDClDe9Z6yepdWycEiJQRj3KBGpjjP5fv+0qnKvfm97Yw0CJ+BYUsgT7Hx8uPVLsT4yVshWNNCxYC2I1mLoVQvA94mhqUfYxcL0Wtq3qaPRaVG6k9FoXbbN9S7KSWmYmfomyoIxy7K7uMdbvPT5MyAIrG4cMCmq8W/0xzaj1mUrOumZHK3Z325CCK0u2V6/p1ytTjur6JE0IVsiZ4xBuMLkhCkva2JixBcMLSXTEY7bViIsiUJKzST6/Z4/GnEP46rRFjqVxADMFjTM26xO0n1zyhtj6/LTyJsMP+0uHX6ya/PIWmQ9r4nh1paDbS2tvM7ro1Ks4LGh5lwUP5bskv0c6vylZ79NBPw328hRPAxF79nLcVNKkt7Ndl+XKpBr/z/bvEUgTBGM8w1NpBrdgsrR16KF0Y+9Xjm1PVrWOyvgg7+ZWOKdPrJnpY/wsboJgo9TBLNCNIOw5YLvDztzQ3xtUrMuEdDciGM768yyHNk0jWyzGyIYKPZDbjRD0f7a2lqb3ayjsbtsx6jatNGu1PPu+Tw2dKzuKdd7Wr2tYHCpe7bfcvBCZ4KWe+Kr5fuHpliavSVaVxhHHByzhBzHWB0QRruGFyt53qukzm+L07GfE4XIgDL9fLAwhIzKsfY2Q2H2eF0dW1JYaytiY1nwvY8ueZPyzcahidXN/IzNNFtr14vW+o5zs1JVkSBfCd3IVpz1lhzExhG8+oCcBO/khbqzySgTYXu1KOetLkFu8W568xtHY3pTKjyvkSvr9IZSF5HqgDA67zkUWs8Jwve2EUbv3wdR9JXE0nLcGUUE7xg3NYMJm6NCX5FUosph2WfE6ypOtnRHc5vWUzHl0Ggk7y5TgTX/Ssm0PRXzry6H3tUHBL2ma3V5HZXqIpL1Jq9X9W7TqMWmOe+ePbdKHIr1x/U4mrSziBN2UFoHSs+S8Yb2GEAYEOwPJTJ7ue3sbpgRbgiRNxIhf2WeILiPTQYzF+xgPUJjrJ9mwZZ9TuyustTh2wWMpf0nkyaVXSvw2MsWb8xtEwaPB/f0XW411mp5VnrpObAY6BsYoWX727d8JPS/1ZtKJMih1X9KzGLV6La2PqxGRyv9fCIj/DG3jQlDceWkoD6a6fd78tdcrZq8jkbnQIr7zg29YMsFf54tqM1XMK7e0iFvFAy5xSB+UdxcZhX06oP9eplLbOVi69tYcXNsdRtpvrbLh70XVJOgVhv2p6wOKphFwuiXfPHwY97cwsltCHXMvHYynVtPLPuDTpxLao6RNRuNjXoQTSrRxkyDlQV/7inyJuThcsSu8qICpsm86s2TwA3toi9a+XID2brMVFQJJWPPJu2x1a2/XXo5y/DCtZRaiXPCdEKJ8LJ24JDwmbA/kXkxJTy39QlDSRLS6kDCH67MPz08PNncTlwwIWTNAoId2p5Cmy5OaRWiP1ccr5Yt4FSXupnixM9Uuam+RRmnuqjgbOyE+6LNgW8s76+Wkxst2kC7Z7X84MW2nzfNy1k1i1YfNFoHrWUxqY4+cMKdUWf/U95ceqFm6/2k1+UfTanZ6RDvjKJIJV1X2M0q0bOOekqonLfbDDaH5YMflMy4/ODTnk1na3XXXE2rNsbNRpqvmWj1hT1jm895q+aKwmpJpXDjt+9JAGA4YRJH03K0g4p1HGtsxDC6Zbx5shXVsr6byM6tSa9vGcHf2Seks+uD4ULl0MTEZHMHqWPRKBrTYFaJnrdrzWAriH6gQ8ZNZnnKwbiMbRwt+oKustsUyWa652o5zJZKC9/d/2oUpElHSe8J67UspGXFJidao764f+mAKshb98FcDZf7pvcEXzjTiWMNY6SQ1d14rEEbLCyiRFtsjgc4XtzoXDYOyt+2hLOBILn6m/zSFaH3Hne3dS9cXRJHowQKKWWRZaRtyI12gRNeXvKm5gRhyx1h8Yac/tC7zMejnThZ2Ee7wSgTPYubVrShBsbnWLWC6C9CtWvV7GtWN1KJjV3JpgSwKP/bY52n7817osfRlNZRpNWBUh3ghHuoWtYhf+CALGydlvUct5DKKH6+AAienJxkfI7GBjqXVFGhL0qym2Jo66194HFsgm9RdF29p7T0Wlq8seQL7yWAaSBN6dG7bWQJLQ4Z0jCa9pOI6uyi89DzgewLa29utSO8/7mauVTC+xQg2P1462TzOC1FN0EUjQimUw21+qIka6bhi58ll15LmArWu3vPnTBrBti0ESVUR8F1sseaCDf6aIyIznr4REA9v+VEeL8gXEglvf6w70znQbbwrKuqqVEb7qelaLKnwTQYbNkXLNErI6RZIn/zm571fo5OmMXRVHeUOGHWEj7WSJiVLbGOyQn3UJB/zKsK8sUtJsIzIidnvIllv8/pAgT3jeMWLGRkYSGrnhayaimdw1ZtScxaZtl2MMyIWdoiFgepRjeQMBqr0c2Tw66hfH9/Ut318FaXr0jSmpAJeP3ByihyKjuwFN3V3U2U3slwPyNF2wl9x2JU/sZkyg84OfI3LY5mvCy7zc640ThjSEgdVQTBra4RJ88n1L3CVqnREvdm5Hpmqf9QnuhU9tK1301M6Z0KZOH8KC1krVrdYMss24YPrjYGHFgmPMuq0eCFx3uxn5T3HEoEsn8sf7J/iwodNRElsdRfyEddE2SuoUsXiq5jnMp5jVKpL1qxzDLL7tSqjZ6wnbI6HDsZLauB9pP6sJ805OSfSlxPnavZGjVaEmqOXH/Xy3vy0daJyY4+sq2Bbg3Gpc8kiJ5ne54sSqVllm2zmIUQpipmVP3dUU9bwt1VGEbjJuFO7AirRxauPrE1Qgf44DeSS/6CM4qEjnGqctdoDAdTH6z3kqx6pWWWbRXEmhMmvCzDCR873tSI0u9tv9gxOeFazIdHA8m08Mn/scXNo6+mB7xLhwpkvH+szxRF12mTSbV2NhxskaIts+xuM+FaxqykYXQTeMyjLT2TkxMjziB/IpFOCTVbSoTFm1w6E1jig2dGiA+m08EEwcbKQpvdUsiyzLK7gTDzwZAIz5PpBtwPSxLh7qqjhFjZ6s77RkPJ7wsPy1vqCK8QBD/FF/Ijw5OMFs0mkzSZSlKKxnYw09exIGyZZVtDMJG9M1ejcWcVJsKI4CoiOjvR2unz+3/2/VTNm1tFcE5Rlkc9efDBzTEqVNnUxBBMKVl2JnJHGFnVFoAts2ybTphkwvO0JVxPOsJNTWQ+qRn7Sc7gU9NKLvXqloiV3E3uhdyppbATEMxWJuF8v3m2sFZX2LHawZZZtg0A67UsukVJW8CiKXWgbHRHq8t9JshPB168JG9JqEO6+tGuTNLPow+eQB/c1VbV1cgoWfU0Da5l48EWocMyy+4CwsQJsylh1hJuaCD9pJaeL022uqJOf2haubSwpVXgoiy8oHiX/c682zXZ3NzT0lZV1YVBdEPdbD3rB+v6HNZcg2WW3VUYbdcV7xxsuqGJ7CHF3Q1ud36U9/5TRBAvb4lVORV5I7AcLiCCaRRNEHys7rh5sIHWoletvd+WWbbtYpaml1WrVaOp1g5Rfu8FH+xyFsKQCMtbEuqQXuUyXq8/HCQ+uGOcRNGMVOmgPrgoDyYyLJZZZtlWfbBWy9I0KyvodEMDnW5A2eiDUewnKX+8IIlbYVWmptTEEp8HBFNOFo2ikdFRT4UqSRRttypZllm2fQybWsI2zQlTUgfd3YDzSa1RH+9PvPj76a0h+HxOSSzFfXk3q0VXkdEkgmCH3g9mKllWHmyZZXdZytptSL+z6QYi/N43OenqzMdHTyXXL2xFLEsSHlYz1AcfJAjWouhjSKpkUbSdDRdWW3mwZZZtF8PVNBG20Y5wvZYIN+ASw6OA4NbWp52VfMirCsJr4lZ88MC3E88fQh/c2hFrJ1E0sirrUKmSTjZgC2u3FUVbZtk9CKPpeANTfqd7SHENKQmjH4nm435vNiLcfGuLUTRB8EGN0YEIJj6YLk0CH2zNJllm2V1Y9Z4iuSxNa4c44YYn6ZAw7k/qdHpC038fEbbQEaZRNCDY59Y5WZRVSaPoojzYUqq0zLLthtFaP0kjVjq03Q24xPBoW0sH6t05g+FQQuUuSDNbiaIfBQTnMYpupnlwd7fugx1surBodbCFYcss2xaEq01RNBnzpwgm/aQYCnWcqRz9OHFA3YITxm6SlyKYMDpaSC1amy7cyVR27NZ8sGWW3WUlS5/zt9s1JzxLV6BVaYmwa6gyzD+W2SVw3Myd++A/GUg8z+fpZEOfaT74uIMJvs/r88GW1qxllm3XBe+h0u9FC5TqcJNwI+0ndeCQsDPoHwysT4l3TMuSTl5KewPLYR9ONhRN+B9DVqWu0UH6SdVWImyZZXeTCFebhDoqdpoUK9sIsXIY55P82R9OLUh3jmBBPeBdDnswD54c62szqexoi89qNU6WRemwzLK7gTCLopneXb2WCBNiZUvPGOrd+Q7x3uS6IEn773Sy4aMjdDZJj6JRq7IBi9Ga2uxOG9PJYomwhWHLLNtOFM06wiZipYPNCGMi3BKbbG11Bwv+RPK6LNTM3Ol0ITeg0Plg5EXHmFYlW13o0AaEDVqlVYy2zLLtgpj6YJ1Y6WC0LLoBDWWjXY84Pf7pv1PSh+90xJCTBSGjLI0GfboPPtqNe5MwjNa2rpBitCV1Z5ll9yIP1n1wfYWuWFnFtq9MuIbyYXDCKnenmfDKm1w2E1j2B/OPTLTSnQ1duHyUUDpQKKtof7BVjbbMsm1DGLc3sDWkmuissboBnHD72OTExOKZ+OgJ5UpKvsMVaCsSh3rRfMGH04W4PpiQsujuQodWjLbprCzLCVtm2TYhvGrmdNTSdhLdgNZEOsJUqCNaiIeSmYjMXb7DPLgmrXhP8J4CQTBuPjva1d3UWFqMLmJlWRC2zLJt+ODSCUNNqKNB7ydNtrqjzn7/dDaS4qRn7wzBr6YPvLvkx81nk61jsRZCyqJrV7CUpYfRRjXaiqIts2xbPniP0RCmCK5gYfQxsgoc9ycND7vzQT//rpLmLt5RGI17k5R3l/hRH9k+SmR2KIKJWmUFVYyutWlSWXT5mQVhyyzbVh6sDTew8SSAMEUwCaOpbLQvGD+RVI5AInwnLWGR7C5M8EFf1HVwcrKvnTWECSlLZ2XNz+thtEXqsMyybUJYT4RtVDUaV4HXmzrCmAijWhbPexVVEO5IqkMSuVQ2s9Q/mj/jam1tHiMIrqKUDhwwpD54p82uh9Hog63FDZZZtv0wGqBUW2twOo4T3XeEcE/HZOtwpy/ODyaUI+fuqBotrfxFJJ1Z9gfp8kIUjG7rYguEUSqrwugnGdvPrDDaMsu2V8kyEmEtiibF6GO4fKWlpX1ssnXCFXWCE/ampm7U3EEtS5L+IpLzenm+cKazdWKyOUZGG6oaaRhNOsL1lFeJYbTNgrBllt19FG3S6cBS1nGtIzy+oxkgPJTv9y9BGP3RX67cCS/6TXkgAwjORxeHJycnY8QH01JW3XF9yH/nvL1oDbiFX8ssuwsI221sC6nGymokmrMtMZxuiJ4JxkOBgBzhBPEOfPBJOZcM+MPBM9ceb52c7G2hpSwyX4jDDfXEB7Mw2mYoVlr1LMss2yqA9+gL0ADDzAfTRLipkRAr22OTwxMuZzDMe9VMRJZu74RnOCmivuvt5z3ORRdTyiIyHQ2sI6zNJ81jS9hqKFlm2d354GqNlWWvpT6Yrk9qIFtI29rGJidbh4eco4dOBLJTF2585aHbIXi/wC1EsgrkwdEo6uyMtZPppKpuNtygzSeZnDBhdVjVaMss2yqCATdEpsOOebC9aMr/GENwb/OkyzWShzD6VC6VXjt72/GG/dKbwroaCI2GfUOPt7ZONve1mYYbiBNmHSWbTsyqtjagWWbZtiBs9sFsEXixDx4HH9w6ks/zfCIwkF6Tpf/ptgj+QI7kvEv+QtD59MQkS4SxlNWoLU9iTpgMCdtNcbQFYMss22IeXG0Uo22mYjTjdACE+zCMnuh0jvKhhKJe4LjbZcL7xQ+E3IveQZ4Pkt1nRK6SkDqoVhZqzuqSlRqrw1hDaqHYMsvuHMLV2myDNl9Yrw0Yav2klmYIoyfcvspDy4HM9SNyjXA73dl9NWtTBwKn/GHcAT48ObljvAU1o/Uwus7hYA0l27zdbiJmWQC2zLItF7IIggmjg842YDH6ONXp6O5q6yJCHcOtrqE87x9MZlPnL0i3053dx3GRda/X7w86X3JNoExHSwv2k6qQWGmUo9l8A9uBZk0ZWmbZtsLokglhHPJ3kIZwA6NG9zZDGP30iC/o9z+WTKtrNTW36Qm/LslCLhtY9nt8TjdAuHmsp41KzmIijANK2hZSOmRoImZZXtgyy7ZaySpGcEVFvcNhcDqQlhWDPHii0xeM9w8m1UhaFm+zTXhFPpc+oJ4K+YM+57UJSIQRwRhGV+msDgdCmJSja7WGEkK4eo/VFrbMsi26YI2TxXwwQlgrZSGlg+xPam11532j4acS3lTkwpp86ylDcUUQ1PXECT5eGXUjgpsZsbKqkQm/zyK3Uqd12LQ42lpFapllW0+EKSdL98E7K/Q1wo1kPKkFhTqG3VFnPNw/HTiwfuFhThRnbknKEoW04k0sxQvOkYOotIMThrQlrBWz6tn6FU0xy0iFLQxbZtmWEWzKgwFZ9XV6O6mt6+j4eAcJo6NBfjQUeDS9a+FV6ZaylTM13PncdcXr93uCQ0+TWhZrCdOe8HGyh7SeQbgWJxyK+NEWhC2z7M4BbIqibWy0gRKjye6VLoBejOxPcjt9Yf6ppPJPkZRQIz5zi0BarJHldMqb6PfH89FriODmZuKE27q66ZgwaQo7WCpcW6uVoy0vbJll24Aw7QfvNhgdBMHHaS26q60FfTAJo0fjvDeg5C5NrXHivs0hLIpXhcifKImnQrzTGXURUkdPC51QqmpkcbRpwoF0hU09JcsLW2bZneGXEDpW2fpCe4kPbniym0wntfRAIjwx4Yr6wof8S3+QuX4kdfik/JXXZzaLpGck7tUpVVWW/PGgk9ayJmM9LUTwrqtbgzBOODiY4I6JXWkJwFtm2RZc8B6T3Kyu0sGi6AakVR5FH4xT/u7OfDAeDiUU5UBKkOWViyublbNmnpG4dGo98NN+3pN3LroOohOOjVNqZVWjMeGgrWAh7Ep7sXy0BWHLLLs9gqtNGh0MwMjKmtUQXEUQ3IthtCvq9BTioZ+9m/lh5NI5gasRxZmZspH0/n3yYWH9ipIIgRPOLxJuNG5AI16YiXUYECbVrFqzArzVU7LMsi1mwWTCn0ndadvPKIJxOql3snly2LU4VPCEQtMBZddeYU6+IXPPiKfLUjv2c5IgyOveQMjPe5xnFjuHW1s7yCpwxuvQ2JWE2GFuC1te2DLLthhDU71oorJDCR31ug8mtWgAHfrg4daJaNQZHvWHEoGBXER4mMNiliSWc8L7V8T/n733AW7rvu8EOVBYiqToIUGCoU1eCFgMSB6cPVcoAIrc6pUlhQaEBjCXPHXQR8CvNl+J3h3miXIf5/llu66pg1xLeYYUzGpWl4BhlIrWRSqWoCu2RykM7GpaboaX3np1abXd+OI0qaudTnbWnTvq6Hbuft/fn/cHpGQ5kWSJel9Slqz/It8H33+f7+cjSa0zmbC4OJbyVI+wJIxPlMhO6Zi+FgZ+tINZoTXW2wxpO+z4ZEm4Dg+icR9cQ2bRLuBFH9fPC7un4L4QNcIJD7fOnXg6nM+3qp+VEISXlFO5bc8LG3hJyhczs1w0tV6d8Hu7RnUIEwcWvFNqa24+DV03KaTnTBC2GdJ22HG3RbS+SyKK7zDJwmKVOoJRH9w5PZ32+s6WI9ziiTe011e/q0rSBR7l4FO3UauU5qXVA0HxRDQWWPeU/V4wbwBehxtvhWtrCTcL1sKwU3JVOCnZ9/522HG3VTRlZDmdzjliP6rfBxMEHyUI7kqnfWc9QkyIzmbyRSnPS7f4a8ptThxOKQjDr5e0sChExyKhRMKHinAE4ckpwq4khTS2Iz1+mh0awpGDTu2we2E77PgEKRifB88RALtwG0xvk/Akq6cX7gtxDl4XZmczPyqsSoBg+XYI/pqsbkqFVe1A+LWokIqUQ1/1dwE1y1RI13YQctZxkoV1R1IsAl9nt8J22HGXXbDu2EAQ7GjRR9EdWCirz93dPwE6O+nzqA8WuBPfCf6bfOGMJPGKsnQbUscTL/Gq9Nfx1pI2KwhcCmVhvz+d9iIIdxLFHd1IiY6zWoxr4UaTZIedhe2w4441dJ1lmUQukxyuFjrIApWdvm63exAj2Dt+NhJACBaBV5n9bIPM/+Gzt1GefYJXGg5fPhIvojp6MZpaD3gSX/V5u8hE2rRUMqgdDoeLtcJmemWdDWA77LhTEb1CpWYZIasGdknNx9kyCY+iwbZhejTt8ydCyRgnhoM386o0j7KsfDtq9L4leXNNig8fuJ4Ro9HkUMAT8vh9ae8o3AoPgBMaMDv6ao1bQ2ZoODdnuha2ZeDtsOPOYyyWgmEUTbbBNS0uXeiOjqLdk/SyoRxJCUIwXPqnfPYMf+uGcu22J4bPfkPlJal1eFVDEOYEIRYpe8rjvjQ+9++ccNPFMM7CbZja4WCaHXONFUcONoTtsGMbAFsEdurnGucoIcvhoHLR7R1w19B31D21i6yDRyLrMe7gbLiY311Q+cPy3j+Ub28hrCAIFwr5zxWD4oeLnDAUCUTKCaikSSnd3Y2170A5Cxs5nHYx5awmMznrMyu2kYMddmwL4Dqcg+updzCdY7kMiZ1jHftpGzyAiujpUe+4xyMI3IIobuy+uiydVKRLp+6k0sFfXMvOFEpfCYZFASXhVGQdKmlfugur7kzhSrqWkKTxUgllYQe7cjCRs2w/NDvsuF0GrjPUOZxOetXgIAIdx9vadEbWIJiAd704klhPCdFgRhvOF9Rlnn/pDko78jVJ4T87X8iWSl/RxKcPRgUumVyPnE0k/IfwsSEW7YCJtOEM7tL3wiZmh30tbIcd20K4DgbRdcZhYZMxxwIEt7WBWjTWuevpJIyssqdaEF4IixsHZgrzf6y+fO0OQjv7viZfuKWuSfEjBS1fRGn4aSGKMnEItcN+Hzn5nxgkm+E+/V7Y1dJCINxksiUl0yw77LBjmxRcr98V4i4YZkkuqpEFRTTJwf2d+L7f7wklOeGE9pvFQjy+pip776RXuU/53tKmNK9eja9e1orDmihmoqgbFlKRkCdE9kqdvf36PIvcOTRjR7SKtTDeKdlZ2A47LBA2yBz0tJ9p3Llcp5vxHAvlYJyCu91w3t/l9SVCqA1eFJ8O5lsLF9XNN5fupHW373+4JC3dkqTLBfXAgfzuYqaYEWGiNTYWiHhgogWlNLZygCwM3I7jeJzloBK0TVtODe2www49BVccBtO7QszHMqXgPpKCJ4AUfcgf8sQEDhQ6vjujqpsy/7U7ir6funSlYfMWz0tStlCIt86UhkvFTFg8+MqiMBTxYOkdyMNTZJ5FFCzpvbDuS0p2SrYtqR12bIdfkoLxTRJJwSDO4cCD6OOEUVkLKnf9vZPTXdM+X+JsZCzGhcMbq3HpJH/lznKzIHYnS/KmugZHSlcLV+MbM6WbqyVNC4tRYTFQhlKanDowY1JaSG+7U6qzIWyHHRUQrtNPGurpJgkLRRtsDpKBCSe6y+s/60kNCQuiNpw/o57jFfljrJNk5ZK8dGNT/R5CsLQmfcRnYTucDZeCQVEYE9YjZb8PzpU6+900C7cRgiXzcjAgbKvu2GHHNhmY9sD1bIwF6jp0kwSESsbHmoAU7PX5ywEhyYkZbXWmwDfwyscZkFadWlKUhgtLyuGGH/P89y8u84cvLkvZI4VVrSi+wXGBgCdBvIUnaCHdAXcOzRYI276kdthxGwiTDIzvghvnqEy0A2VgKlKJjxqAjzVBBtHjIc9Y7MODmWBpRpUO31De/TgAV8nPLsmKIsk8r1y4geKKpMq3pD9eU1tnNvKieGJM8OCz4enOAXIzbMrCdKfkbGy0fUntsOO2QyxUPtcjmDTROTRKwbrKbDuRuHNP4aukQ36PJ8ZxH2aKw69Ll1VVWcp9LIJzp569tFcGCMu8osh7eeUlpWGJV1VpdzyPaukhrCWdBukO4shCrEkRhFvAj8VlYXbYkh122LFliAUdsJMd9sMiqYWNsdo7amvJKomOsfyeiJAUxEyxFJc+UN/c+7E1NEKwrLz7f126pCiXns0hBOd+4RfQ9+VklJcP85dbs6K2wA0hCJO1EpCk6TgLQ9jB1sJOw09pj11I22FDGDbBdZYhlq6O5SI3Scc7EIDxGAtqaNgFe33nE+up2IeiVspuLP9vPP/tuwBw1T5ZBuQqSq6CfKkoqiJ9d3f+B8GokPKEwNGhd3Kq292nF9KmVhgKad2X1AawHXYGhgRsTLF0NiXCr4Nq68AqmJiOYq+GdJd3fKScCnCvBcNa9ogq3ZD/vOpuIgcZNyc/kdvqySLxt9TXDwTDi0IslHgKFsMDkPCpCi3W3dEP/gk5q47eONhhx+MNYDMVy6lfJEETjLpgAuC2Yx1skwRzaPBqCAXGOCGY0VbjM+qmdBdNMMnCCMPbezpUKW+elOJ5TTsojEXKvnR6ehe1CIeJNBiEt7QQZ1JSRjfavqR22AC2qHKwDKz3wA5LEwxcDmo62pX2lyMRjhPD2pd/Q+J5SblLAAOG71Bjb0rSxoHSrBBLefzQC/cQV6X9zx0jEKanhniaZZ8p2WHjF3fAFWRomoHxJtilK8ziGtrdjRdJXWmfrxyJpaJiJlNYnZnnv/4JAHxHcPOyms2+JS5EYyHcCz85QaR3OiAL40K6hkLY6bTn0XbYFTTJv8YUWs/AUEJTt0JQmMV8aEjBPZ29RJnDExkCebvVQvzivHqPAAwLY16a/+5PtLcXueoyQLhz4CjOwh2MXkkgDKo79o2DHTaEV3SHFT0DN9Xoi+AWcpHEAAxsyt4nwStpHA4aYlFUQ+el5XO/ryhV9yzkK99rKOQz4mwyEhr3IghPkGPDDiq7QyHcZJ1m2RC24/GDr75E0ltgpwnALS0sA7e1EXnKPmIZDIukRHUkILwmlorZOH/yHmZgHHsVPp7NiNEhT+I8LJWwP2kt3Snp+pVb7ZTssOMxHGHVGQm4Xu+BHZhM6bKwoWGR1DOwa3ra6x1PeIQAx4nBYumyelKVc/vuKYKr/kGVjtwUfyrEPGU4VerswXU0iHYQCVo8j55rYq1wvT3MsuPxbYHrDAAbF8GkBz6NxSlhEYwQ3I3aUfdgLwAYITiynhQymeLqVek/87xcda9D3lR3F4uzUSE08t7z5F6Y6O60YWaHo4XYg+sE6RVbrsOOxzIB69eEMBXSudAwhHY4WAnd3tHeV0uGWJOdGMDnyxEhJQTf1vLfiktyw6V99xzB4BX+3VLpDUHwJPzAr5wiFGm8FW5GrbB+aWgS3bFBbMdjh9+KCprK2tVgJhbeA7cda8N+31BC9w+Si8LzIY8w9ruz4WI2L63JV3L3HsAIwnv5tcLwby5EI+XE86iQHsStMLZFIyLSmNkB9uSEIG13wnY8ZiW01aGQyNrpMywX9kiiohx0Co1PgmGPlEAZmPvdYKZY2i1J/F1TsT4phBXpSx9pWnQsQHdK+FpYb4VdtI52msUr7Sxsx+OE3ooM7DS2SKZrBhhikXskyuTwjntCqcDCwbCWjxdOXpAVuer+xD5J/ct8XuOSEQ8++R/AF//AzQKGdEuLa4unoQ1gOx6bAtp0DKxvgZv0YyQXY1JCBmaqOrBGOuRN+xOR2Bg3G76+OiOpKAPvq7pf8U1FKmwEw1ysnPCRVhicDclWuJmZseiehnYdbcdjk4K30rCcTmMI7XA4XKeZMKWuTNmNRTm6DvnLnhTHncgUb8ZV6eSNvXLV/QtZ5bMzxQUhFfL4UCs80e82ETtaHIxdaRpm2aakdjwm8K0zE6GdusUovkWiFTSz+sb4HYST/nTa5/eUY4IwK14vrGb5WxfkXNX9jNzm4UIxP5tMevyQhQcIsYO0wlApWK1YWCNsg9iOHVxB6xMs3Zeh3gpgF5alpKJY++kaaap3GoZYz/tDkbFY9GBmYyML50j3sYQmwfNqXMsscoEEFNKdg0T7rg23wjAv1yFM6ug6eytsxw7HLxth1bMCGupnowXeWkF397nd7kEQdx/t8nnKkYAQFTNa9o9Ooh742fsN4KpcA381/3tBTojgJNxJ5Cs7yKEhdUQDb3DLUtgOO3ZsAb2FhWW5ZMBLpNN0i3QMmJRY1q57Ck+hvf6RcjmW5MRwPv/6Vf6CrNx3AFdV/eo3pL8slJ4WYpGEf3R6upccC+NDQ9gKt2x1YrHLaDt2agLGZ8DmETQW43A2sltgcGZg18Btz+1nx0g9A3DQn06fT4RSMe7pN0rFbFaV5PdzVQ8iFPWdy5/LzEbXI4nRrukn+1En3L1/P740BF4Hk81yWpbCdtixEwtoaBLrLAkYeNDsmB8gTGShaQKure07So+RurpG076QJzIkLP6FuJFv/ezhTUX5fNWDgfCP1ZlhUYit461wL7k0xJo7p0H5DgbSTbpghw1hO3Zq/sUZuM6QoyRnDLo3Ib5E0iXtQNidFNDuqV1EkSPh8aQ4YVYMb6xe/f78BUmpekCRU/7qTFwLvxarLr+IWuHBfjKP7iAi8I4tvA6se2dj2I4d1gCbN8AmGjTpgPES2OVqZkskYwbt7sdDaK9vvOyJCUMvBEtadmaZl/lvVj2wkN+8OJPVgqgV/ipMsyaIbFYHmUfTOnrOXEfb+LVjZ8HXGEEbapQ4Ac/REZaDXDIwPZ32/e19ZA3sJpp2vsSIJyJwXDBcKhUk6ST/aq7qAcY1/lurw+ETY6DYkZ6e6CGyWXQeTZxYYB7daNK9szFsx47KwGSGZU7ATp0GTTTdaQUNp0jtxJ7Q3QdMaLAI7vInypHqJBfNBIcLMxdVXpGrHmgo6rcKmbDAeTy+rq7OgUG4Fa5tf64NGwsTI5YmXEY7Ma+jzi6j7dhJ6LVQsIghg1MfQcMlIVTQzNmsDctx1HbXdndPDUz2To92dY36PXDOPyuK+Xj2gzVeesD4Ra2wdEvayIcXOTAIx76k2JaU1dGGEYtNrrRj5w2wzGf8uP2FFZJeQJM7JFcz0bMDNY5aukSawreE0z7v+TLKv4snMsEfbWS/Jckvv1v1wEO+wRc2Ng4KqQR4C3fia3/Q3Dl+7DRI7jjMtsL2maEdOwa/+gbYfMSAedBMTtbR4oBDQnrLf4wmYEAwysBwyQDn/NUxgZvN5PNfkNbm+Sunqj6F4Hn16kb4hVjIA4IdnW53d21tbfsxyuvA/5g5p8XP0A47dkD+raszcSjJCslpScBEUPY4A7DubNbd34tnWM/4ymcjwpiQCQc/J2WXpRuncp8GgKv2vSxJG8Xw4ljED6fCEz/sptqVuBMmqlmG+KxtDG7HTsCvnn4tSnaWAhoScDOzNXuOVtBAhMYz6PQz3oQnlOS4hXA4n1VVnn9zaV/VpxOn/q16WdNOJGMJf1cXqqOxK6kuIO3SRbPq2ZGS3Qrb8Yjj13yCZMKviQQNzsA6CYuNoGEJTDWhvb5EKMIFouIbJW13/DKvyO9+WgCuqnp1c61Q/JUoVz4Lp8KDU4DgPkKuZBBGdbTTaTCzbAjb8Sjjt66ucoBlMkQCANfQBpgCmMnZAQ8aMnB61JtIlFNjHPfG9beyMwXUActy1acXufcl6eYfLXCx6sQzXdO99FSYJWFy6z/nbDT7sNhhxyOcf+sMCrTOgWYcLAdQsKABPq0n4P3MFal7cADEONJe/0hoPZXkoqK2cfPIGVW+dul3qj7NUDalI8PBE6mIB+bRvT2wEybDLGwrTJhZJuVKu46241Gun+tM+ZcsgBudTp1D2cLugLGYHQi69wEPus+NKugBTKNECdiznootir8ZvJk98y1VvvJs1accf8ar+Yz4SiwCNg7Y0RAhuF1Pwi7aCTvtCwc7HmX87mFeoiwB6yW0jl96Rkj13ImpGaFBd09NTWBThqdgBp0SXlgQi/lsVlpTFeXTBnCV3PD9czf/u6CQ8mA7tH7zMKvFNMxy2gi24xHG74rJCYmq6DQaSrKo/UXp19HSYuCXTLBIBzwxAfl39JDfk4gEBCGaCQJ+1VsvX8tVffrxrILqaFEQIiEYZvUCgvuIaFYza4WNS2F7o2THIwXfFTq/ogW0fsPvrBhg4fTLSNDkDIkqcbi7cQENl4T+ciiQHFqczWg3C2dUSf0zuephiJxy6293B0VuKDTyfHp6F62jO2gSZvRoY5hld8J2PELp18SfNGlwNDqJnaiJQ+lgZ8CoAyYTLELCck9RRXffSKicGhNOiNrG8JEzEs/LuaqHI5QrfDwffkGIVIOLw8AgdhUGS9Lm45RbWTPnZLf+WPbOhrAdj1T5jOvnOgsBy0llKKkOltEAwwSacTigA+7FliqjXr8ntJ4a4ha0zHB+eV5V+Vf3VT0scYpX42+FOSFUBuXKgR92u2sJPboZOym5iJNSY6O9FLbjkcSv9YSfEDiMAbTDpMMBHMp244rBPTUwCVo6aTAGXk+OxV4Qw9rNI7+EErByqurhCblBKWQzQUEoAzOrd9CtXzjoGyUyy6KtMAgL2WHHwwxfC37NNiqk/zUoWDCARvhl8NXdGKgfAxTQXV4v6oAjY8KHoljM5wszKs9f21f1MMXS3surw+FoLJLAzKyj2JGUDrNQEnYwO0PmKWwPs0xdlh0P4SfGhF7z/BnlX6dT9yLEN8B4ggX5tw0A/BweYNXiKwaUgDF+08/4EolI9SscJODCmZlvXVSVXNXDFTmJl7JhTRgKnQfFnf5uYGZhbuVxYxzdSOvolcdccWfF+m7D+KEsn+usAjqGD6Fxww83hDUtDldLM2uA4Yqwj0rZ/XCqF1ZI06Np33goFBCGFhcyX9RKBYlX+UsPG4CrqpSv81I+czCW8pMzQyijyY2SGcL1JsWdusfx2dDtZ7Z8Y8X0g3Z86vkX609urZ8rBlgGhRJX0B34CpiugN0DT5IE7PMlPKExgROCwXz+yN9KvCydqnoI4xqvzmiZaKw8giDcO/nDbjfqhMmZYUulcmXdY+hnuAWudMdIXuutELaB/Gl+jkz6k5b0CwV0o5OJUGIR6BZXizGANhpgNyjZkQ1Sl3e87FlPcdwLQU0r5uPS8o8blvY9jACukl+WCvnMApbrGJ0mmln7O9oAwjDLclEE68qVex4nCK+YRiMMu7pV1h7921YA2yj+NHqbree/9HwBp1+TiCzc8LsMM0JUP1NHb7gCxhRKnID9Ho+Qii2eCJbC2UJBmle+8VAmYDzM+kspng8vDgXKXu/09ARhZrXjcXQL43UwuY7HS3yWkQL21JnUWUxzEuv/7jE5PdrJ+EHPntlr6oqZ/EzuFyz5Fy4IHS7TDSEwONgGqWcQC2E9433+PErAgeQrJ8RwaTW7e1m9xT+kCRgPs36fL2QzYjQQ8qe7pif7gZjV1/FcG/FCI/RonZr1GM2jia+OiRlAXt71r6BWM1C8B8sBkgsu+uGxGWwPaHalN7+W4wUnswFuMgiUNS04/bIBVhvbABMA9xMzhi6f73wolIxEowczpWC2tfB9XpUe2gRM6NEXV7UgNxYop1ES7nETwR1GjyYbJV2ugyXhlcfi4bCsJurqTE/Iyko9+X+mXGpKxnqHbFfUDyT/bl8+U/yy/REuoImKXbPu5m3aALv7Bzt7UQL2eqGADggCKqDDwY3W+GG1gb9U9XCHfC67Ovw0N5Y4D0l4stssuOOg2rOwTKtnunePHX514G4XdRTLdXWVMLZ2x3bcp+HVnsrtL66eCYFDhy8wOBwtLosGRzvdAEMBPYXy73TaC24qoch6cuigGNZKq1clSVWufO0hB3DV13jpcj44y0U8PtIJYyMlLFzZTF1YzEZKKzt9IL2it7+sWq7/+KirrwQxU0UwmmM77ul6gN0emT9DjRb6VY3pALilpYWe8OP5VRvGL6mfu6d6d9ENcMITiSS52Gtvi6VS4fXv8/zXlaVc1UMf3+alfDB8IhD5qjdtPRRuRoWHQ/cUdj4OwyxdVgnwa0Fv4zZvdMKnw7jegPEevUW2V033ZT5BBle4QrKQn+sx+6qxpsnE38AuKkb+bevYr7t5d08NTEyTG6TESMjDJWOgZFfMF+KSKvN7HwH8VlXl1HmUhE9wqdB41/R0bzfU0UDrwGeG2I8UZ2E6kDYGrzv0+dii6WCA10kGJPXGG8GxFcj1ZMplJGRWU9swvjfZ1yoda4YvABiuf1n6dbAErOO3DXsB4wb4KN4AT02SDZLX78cULO4FMRg8kFe/pDZceQiEOO6SmSUtZ0uZRcGT8GHVO+zCQupoF5XraDRNs1Z2Nn6tYxH6ZLDBSKNRo5FjcVK21TdWZuOKWXVd5ebYjp9jc7SnzhgumpdH9ex4ocm432/BB/zMCBga4P2MgeV2/7BnEAu5p7t8ZU8ownHc4qxW1A4UsudO3pDk3CMC4KonJH55uCgK1WW/d7QTu7DU9rUfa6N1dE1L5bH/jszCFldK61bRSYTR6PPRaA0neXYIfa+yriabJ2PnZI+3fvbZhMl0sM4yXqTcDbOBKNv+OnQJWRIwf2YL4G73YCc0wF3TPp8n5ImBjI4oasVsdnn+3KYi76t6dEKW1RlNFLhqfKOEknB3LRtmsTNDPI82+7DsQPwasg71JltZbC3rZOqGJJx6Hsb/ceJZPf74OFmHbM3GW3gf9njrk6G3cjtQQZ3U8+8cyb+ocHTh6TObX2EI6wQOSMCggkVuCH3+EY+Hi41x4Tc0rZSX4ApYlqsepchdW76aFU+kImfHR6dBehb7keIbpeYWuhRuMrXCO9ENTfelrKuYi1iFWYxorEFQnqO8H1ZhUxTXk7GfORXXbU/gsivqu+h8rc1vnTG7IsNEJ32NbTLyL3ZgAAI0wBcUdECCEovIYvyiHNU/0IkLaC/cEK4HkpywkNE2NuJHJFXlryhVj1jIe6UNTYvG1j1wZTjFuJVmFxbTkVI9swVf2VkZuCL/UujONVVi1xoI23NzTTRH44RMqmr8cuc0QFxv6oz3GCi2QXzH1ldf7umqOZXVM1WvczLyFbPwdujptw26X7z/xfNn4qMySRjQz/sSZc96MsmJYiZzM5uVzvHqm3LVIxc5/iRfKgWjkTJYoU0alsLoI9DCIIzrRXgm6+p23K1wXQV+yUkL+hfPmcHqovXZdjBG/XFT45xeW9c3brdvYiV1nbEwtodbH7f1pTe/ZMBvgq+TVc+o+zU+TzB8BgGsFpOFCjkgZCLQbnfPRCcbYCH8BsZiXHRWLJVmDkjqX6vytSeqHsFY2jxc0MQhIZJ4Cjrho4TW0UbraAezYaFL4Xo6ntkZjx2dbu4xTUeoqr+Jkwe6/vDajr7UwH04HpSQTZsRc5hDzupqstuod5pBXDmk3sressO0NTJ3vhWi7QTAZLTYZP08uazrX6Jg16cTKHsmJnH/2+X1jnvKAQTgxXB4YzibL6jL7/DyI4lfkJ7lL69qs1x1tT+dnu6d7DYl4dMtLnZn6KwYSO+Eh05vgCmAGamWSTo4sKghCcztaSHfcmFrCyCeVqTlppq5OVpPO0nVQlfI5vhM3W3YW485jC07XwO/KxZqjVO3TjENn9n0GdDbzNhX1MWbpN+j0P+S9AsJ+MXzCU8gOSZwGVEbzmcLvyxtyrxc9ajGqR9LM8O/GR0KQCfc2dltokcfdzF+dJM+zKqv2yn3/sYSyQpg46QFBFnQfyh0ocdC33JgOOtJ2WFNx7iophMup9PC4qokflhPFB/r8ZYVvXV3gC9ZDsDhr7l6psMrffqMFdw7yPj5KE6/7h6QwJqG/ZFvvFyOrHOogIYGOK/G5/+Ef3QWwNvEPkVSDxRFIenx+6ijcG0tmUc3g1wHIVfONTqNcVbdDsjClSMs3L86GaeWUHoweE+jwK/sQBc/3Xz6tOt0C87HLRjg+Hbc4ajIxY1NVODFSV76Gumg2lJT0654j2Vf/PgtjC1qKHV7LCdhFdw4J13RO63ptwZ/Qk6bt0ew/t2vj5+7pwbwARI4AZ8vJ8oBAawIg5n8hpqVeOV95VEGcFWVoqypQW2WELOAHu2m8+jjhocDaoUBwk4jCz/y6QL9/ev2WITRnGZJUlw169A9fuy4JdAPnMZAdiCYO3CvQQkwpp1TY5O+bXIy5ocx4KInEYSkQBV8LHPqx42xgY1CVz5DbjbN1FYnOxvEynWG7hU9/YXZlWV6pQu493XX4vxL6+d0+pAvUQ6FuMArYCWaKa1ePfn9c5vS0qONXxSX1qTdB0RBKJef8k5PD+IbJWzhAIo7MBzAD2QTzsKsF360F8OVzu6N9RZJYRBEIwMR9kyYA5dpLCefhltqnJIdkIi3JOM5mogJLQbvmSuG1PWWC8XHaGG8Ukm4YlahddvWzvQz1GSCb4uLUp+bm83wbd+/v4+dH7ndA6R8xvyNRGI9EksJqHwOaoW8JJ3jdwJ+q6py8gdf+nI4KsQ8CW/XdO9EN1sKHz/W3MxEs0h/ZxTSj3AlbbHWYQB2OnX8wuSZVGRt5Jk41nGsowP+09Z2jH4fQTLFMeRjBxTVYOUBJbWlOW7Cg0AngbKz3rRvMhfVKyQbGxxMEx14h4LXTNfYU8cmipa1ES6M6pvoVMFY8Dnwp8nh0Ivn42R41QbTq/369WB3P8ZvFzlAKntCXHKImw2Gv3M9uzHzn3levbIkV+2E4Dc/iBfDQqqc8KMkPEmTMCNXunRuFmYaGq6kj2watioLQ1bURUmxJUeLiQ7fvr9jP4l29La/vb3juWMd9MdMCbkZ2mWQcnHhxODaZsJFedU0GTMa5u0IXHsqDhR3JHjrjOS77UWnUydN6qahRLa9hmZfVinpnyw6fe6mDirk+mj0ed/4SMgTEIZi3MHwdZR/41cldZ5/eYfgFzrhw7uHg9HFCBlm9bvJmSG5cDhNj/3xNMvaCz+KPP2VLSV0faMZwNjR7rRuiNVeizsq/F5bWwvjEYRpFEY6hp/bzGpqeKxgfo3raZe1MwYqZqM+qCbr4satO2P9zHinaehZ/y0W8cC67Q6yGxk7DhZHJteyGrbUO22ePZPPFiU/97nd3T2TE6R8Rvn3fMiznoqBhmz497T8RiG7hinQVTsmrvEXL2tBToiUsaNwD94otRNyJRA7mBFLEzlyaDSWSo8ahFcqzxga6QXDnD7BogkYXtD7aimdFr/BOwYzenlDUG7v6LB2x6ykJsw+jGO2caogYtKymu6MKxvjeirC9RkLkh/pM+OVCqV8qJo/YygJmv7tTtb4Oplf2ZyZGgecGpgduoh1N2Ne6aeDTDynZ4K0v+muQ97ziVAkIKReWZx9QywVCxuSpPKqdClXtYNCfnmtsJH5DhdAdfQouVGidbRZAZ4dCzdaeIIrj9DQheg8WDtgk64SrIewoDCWE6Zq4G68jsDG0OgLPCAkIYPJBcJxB3rlr+yNm6FwwetjUlPXWOdbNewsgmTjelpVm9ZNdVtPIuoe0XVTpdXFHotur1XIiAm1k/SLSVeV8CVreZd5c4QvB9trdfMFGD4PTE53EvKVLxEKeYRY8pUXgmLpZj6vIvw2XHj/kbogvJvYq67l8yIXW/e8mE73TkzhJNzXbjgp0UvDJtbGGRDe88jQOwwdHZM3B2FB67x4F0nAxI6DPA5u99RU/1SPGyOYwbmvu48W17g3bm9vYxBmufj46dMUxZi81eKqbIybnDqOKxZNRl9MBT+ocrWejB+Ns4gVy3X+Hqv2dt3K9pVzPVujo5e5mibL3ggmV4bsBtPdoNLttex2obtncJBMn4G9MZIIeVJDHBcVw+FSIZuVDqvq0pU/+OdVOy1k5Y8l7cAsl/QkRkene3e58ZkhnUcf1yXgQQS+sZHd0bFE8YhMWygHC+PCNOxkSyTCq202AEzNdAY6J3unJ3t7JycmOgcn+gfdFMNHCYihO4bmGHJx2zHaHeslNZlu4TE1ziCWxrixhh1EkJKaCQaYG+PP6Dtjtmuq29IcrzyUr5QVlbNVXhL+YfXbKJE11jdRBJvOwhyUH+docRlbPlo+w+lRba3hHgrLXx2//kTCE0oJ3ALg9/du5hF+JfmCcmpf1Q6Ma5vq6rAYjXlCPi+C8JQbfJQohI9jCDPdrCb8wNU3Wirphx7C+IGvnEET4ZwmCmBTBb0fnggE1V6yioDnIT1NohMBemJqys0Ka9Yc1+JkbO6NGYxPN7c0t5BwkS2IZdc018iOIsjypH6bVZOlpN5julE06B8rD03SXdmzLXiNzGvpew0dMifjsDXNWZIvOIbi7OvSN0d08/schm8fu9xHn41BAt/prtFDfr/HEwmMxYa48NNi6fpqtoDaX+VNPle1MyPXoP4yXBkKoUQahllTVDOrg2yFT7vYRBqOcCyPGX226h5yEK8YZZzpENhIwGCLdZpa2iEAdx/9Yf8E8YL2vefzef1er7fLi5CM48nezl0Ixj1Hu1lNjRWI+2gybiPl3XEzik/Dh5Dyqklf7DBdNhGpGNKi6Iofzvqtgh91pr64znzeZJHwWXnQmF2pPMlnBEkTybnOcqHP0AvQ1YVPYOpsUlRwkHtBWLM7XIwgxzZHzxHiFXzUSfXsHqT4BftBaH8jqeSYEA2Gw1o+e3V5eU29Iik7Fb9wZfjOcuHfiNFkIAG0jukJ9Ip2tFY/cQAIO1juaDQs0SwMrYc1E1eIHBoSD8YMC6i1FMBtHagqAzJA73SXN+1LJBIh9OZJjIw/7/OlvemuNGRlnIw7B/ppe9xHkjE8TrX7cWfMYGxC8Wk8pSbHTTWEKGMacDXSkpqp6m1zEFFft1WbmkjpVWD5Pvc1xp9RoaRhmjTrf7mtvheWutmpi7Q3NlnkUFx0tYd5G7R2NihyHeiDjOHLhhX9E72w/MWvud5x1P1WV8eSwmLwjXC+uHr1zPKyql65tIPxC57gilQqilwgkkDZprOXWKHhOhoPpOlEWteBd5oeMNMG8+Hry8zcH7OQDp6ZkAraUUO3E8eOdxxrx4bQ7oHp6VGvP7SeWufQWyqyXl2OJBIjCZ9vFNJxGqN4GrXHqKZ2k96YzKnxG+RinIyPbVkZ4wk1kBEcWy+bCPGNiX7UN94exiuWqnplGzNUyxBpO7PUu3i//ZvlmytbrwL1jfvKFvAy/YPGen03XrE0wk6/OPnC5Moonln1TG0H9eYXLhfo8mgUcydR+o0JAhcOh4ulbDYuSZJ642V5R+MXkjAPXoYvCEDrQHV0Z4+JmkXO/WEXZzxoZPTCFpjmfvghw7CxQrLau+OazQRgeIUHSx28Q0IdsDddBhHD2dnZaFSYjSajyVQo5Qmht4TPewhV1F0kGU/jzriH7pvItok0xpCKGYqPAz3mmIHiFkwpIkPqSt6HrrBX79yWvaUzP+q2eCmazJtWboO5PabW+WPwezscm3/vOutFoDFrYIl3W/SSOxIn+Xdaci8dFbhcJrln0t1g0Ry4Wmgn6zwDvhOTlLsxCqeDnkAqluKETFgsDWfjWYTfTfklZafjt6rqiTf57EZe5OBGKU2SMNSFtBXG8rP4/MbFTA0tzbCZ4bHysBXQdZYCmi4d0cOjA7jFQQEMPXBtd9/gFCqhfaGI8NpfhIvFYObtt0UxOitwUUEYCkUiHs/ZxPnx9w6lD9GK+snOyV0DU1N6Kj5aS1lcmIup87f0mwi4V8RutkQsoMZlWRg3mWbUtC0m/eJtXJvqLNjBHbJ53FWJZysArUyLj3szmyfXraxs585K2vXb5V4n1eY1ji8t+HWRNxan9b0RRi9o5lDRSbY6AuFJXD53TY92pdOofC4HkpHUYvSFYDiotW60Xrws8eoVeefjFzZKPF/IB2eBHu0dTU/v6u/GSXg/3QrjQtrYajY1NVr4HfWmJ6nuIcExzSB15jv+el3loVFPwA4KYDDlgGfD3YMysNcTOSitqYfVb30gtcYPFLSMFsyIHy4uCkNDQigSKKNcPI464/Ro1ygZcPV2Tk4Out09LBf3sYp6v2VGrVfU9ELRZRpSb3tj3KgrfjRuQ+AyPvJ1W72OjZy4x/jM1BnFLrM2rxgZm37QglMLeFe2/oot/MiKEyMycWaFs3VnRA80Hbh4Nl12UsokOIa2d7DFr07d6AXhZ0qd9I8kIoFkMvkKFxbDwdX8brV1Wb11QfnvlarHI3LSZmEVdcKxUMIHz2QPg3BH2zF9nGVwffUdSKNpKl1nwe/KwzC/2oNvTs0dsNPAbw3c57MMDK4cZA2MMvCoL5ISh5Wq3JLcwB9Wl2fi2UKpqOW1TPiNhegixwmRVCBUTiT8qKb2pllJTXZNjPeBszEAGbOpKXurzTKkPt1ymqRifNdUAeNGrFBNpfeIOKOT8g63wXE9zXxUF51C6jM6e9FsqVoB2D3brKpWTOBm8RkI46WijrI/yR/4mW2wq18o1DPckq+brDqg5F+O2xl62qmTrkAutg23vu19jPZM8DsByz7MnETwpdlX4IQTYjGj3SzEr8Z5XuaVnFz12MT/sSn96YFMVEiGPGnqR0qnWW10nHVar/uMobQ5LxhF3ads7bBiEXI3PLKcrIKjdD1sz4G1heFJwfMRaKymp0d9noCQiav40/+EvJfn1VvfP6mu5gslLRwM//RgNMpxyUgsUvaUy4lxvw+mWxjEvdO9E8bGmBCqaTLWZ9RtplVTM2HMULUA8ixbFsZN5KTEafWJqG/cosBFamtTdW2ycdpmil2ROisaapZQja/0wdRKXeUfUb+dy6Mhgk8WRvWMgmadOROmCz6ubqHnRjT5HjNujgjr2TD9RfCdmqCrX6/X5xv3hEIRbiwmCOHg9WDxZqFVuvr9eUWW/yBX9RhFrmHt8Opw8KdCpHz+KSzXgZNwX20764WPn24xuB2wyKQvrPVmtvRKneUw7lMcP287wALWDzsUh6rNADDeL3b3uft7p9NdifKQoB3hX6av4PvkpSt/cuvw/LekQrywsYpSsXYwusAJiwIXCYSqyyMjfp+PpuIncS4emOifotMtAmNcAKJc3I4pmG3mhTFcNbVgTR8sa0Rc5yydMcnFzCXCWX87Ca7tHVLvWdTfTTiNvEtU2Z1UTxsP/63wJZMVB3FZgFt9Y2t0HMYHxzowejHvqrbbdDZI0i8ePo8nUP5NRYa4V6LBTDg4HN+4WpAuqrKUy32+6vEKnpdULXNQEEKJ8RcBwj0UwrQXPkbIvlh9Va/z5uhmqXKm9entllb2bLMArjfWj41zc7qWDpRslCZAx9AwxZru8nkiXDQTl+RXjSLs87lrSoN88qQ0c6a1sFrSvlLUxIUPo4tj3FAkFfGso4oa9cUvPt9FiR+Tk714vAXLpj43IW8B8QN9OOFAcQt3i+6LW8iQ2lFTIdsDMG5yNppb4wpH1NuCue4TffcdfuAO0Wi1aXVSTRxmPLUFu7BLgxbGRTRiTbmXZV94TYXBM94bMdZkd8/gBBk9o5fZrjRUz6FASojFXogGg2+Xfu9zhay09mNelV7dmeTJj5llyaqUFbUPk7HqhK8rjcpBvFLCl4aY2kEgDImihlG0asjRq2m1ZMy0sJTqg0XxisXHzCQEbcJvk9F7OciRmp6BQZcUVWddPn9oXTj4xdbLh9+00ABysnLtfZWX0GvdR1fzq1r+J6jpEk/AkFqIRAKwaUr4fIegMcY8zM7pzonBCTalNnEwjfFWmxnGIKVHVfQc+KippUKb2qQUoM+D6p0s621rbnxfw+KozOxq6pnblM61qnC/IPKALYSx4SJygs0W9ILWpH6xwErn7u7+id5Jln1hdlUOJUKpSBKE24PFTL703atZdV76j/wvynLV4xif/9rm4dabbwWFZBlbOEx39vZ00zOl/R3sOWsm60zj7pU0asxzpN6sDP+A10smn6w9W/FLLgiajLWj3gLjRQVMsY6Crew0ejrOh4TFWW1VUhUpV/laLj/70subKn+Yl45kNwrD+VJQFMUoaoyFiACrpsTIuA9PtyjtA6G4cwKzt9y0oqa8D1ZRs33xMXZhjGHsgNiW94GzcRM7oG1k6tS6um2jqQc1Ybpxm3r39l/unGKNzZD+zUbKj3SyQw1sGDdX6TvVgqmSeOqMC+eWZjN625jWFRN7Nk2uegZ7Ge3ZS4rnRCQwlFrkuLAoZoKl7EbrxbV5VeH3KvuqHtMAYtbGavhDIeYpjwM/unPCzcZZ+0nZR+o9Qg/UWzWah7dZED9ArqWZF7THcnvK8Gu6edElws0lNG2C0Qv8i+jZ4IKZeOGzvPJSbus0JJfjeeWvVL5Bbb18OV84kNd+kBGji8JYakgIeCKRkOerft8zfgTj9PQoWTUNTA7ivth9VKdgYs0PItzT1matqelVk4sqU2/R+8D+azWGD6rJJJV6kjgNdJF18jYY1NG93dcmdNLrZWfFDzj16xBKITP+Gk4sa1XhO4UvfGFu5aKFM5s5G0IboBMLRmUVgysguQ4Qx27QvALi1UiiHIitC1FhNhgM/lZ+oxD/7uVzh/9e3RHSdT97vLopqSUtCPRov8/fNd073U8gDBLSuBnGhw6UJ+3QSVo1pB12mkBcZz1cut8Y3sbnzrL/JWnBmoB1/Or3wEeBjDU96h0pRzhB1DZmJOm2dICccqqhYfOkKknZI4X8zbc0LRwMihypqAPlSNkTQh9D7zNdXp27NTCJ+hJ3j9sypMYVdQfhfVjuIQiKqVAAbhkrt00Ux7onqtnbmFkq4uTs1I9v6xuNzNlY+b2Wr80nu/V06+Bkv6GpRmZ/Hv3/OdLwVprG0SsFB9XNd7maKV2Dlc6YcIWXRrUUvnry7e6ZmJykN4Ojz3h954E4GUgKsSTHHXw6E9aGS2ckaU2alxv4U1WPd8jSDZSErx9Ez2Doq75RuFIa0CGMskWbfvxKJKFM/TBmIDidjdYD1wdz9bBF/+Ez1vIZ/8WcjSaRf6tBdDvMOkFc2D2BauhDXT5POSAsikH0wn7xHdgp3ubDtS8nX1K+8U6DNM9flmbyXz6Q/0lGfHr2oMBFk6lAJBCpPuuB+ZbXO8ruIQDHg5hJ7e42ziGgMe7oaDf088wnxphKbRC4CA3TtdVIEfrjOR1XxBebzK6pm/nPFfVOJtSnz8SdTjOCm2oaa7Yxe6QXCqTmYc5GlZkXdHKASQ65l3a+TBllanCQ7X3TeHKV8JSrI0Oo9509OJvJ5K/nDxSAOamqkqLkqh77yPHq8s1gWBA4T+irsBrpnRh0s/u5/bRrYysQLAhlzKVpLY0hY7ofvt/LpQqb6DqLjZkuBd1o1M8ObJyCBWUxWNrImRo8LnBROI1e5BMxQVgIlzay8+rHmULvO5V7X1YvzKNcLK2+no9rbwUzmdkTwmKUGxtaDwRCZU/CD6umrlF2DjHd2zsFtA823qLqW/Sqqa2trWK8ddwgb9EhYotrey/FJuzdhC3BzCnSwGHjzxCGZlXF98Jl89zcXM12OVc/7aWvOZSq4WrZBr4YvR0EvWTsfJS1vhO92C0UWFddXrjZL3sCkTFUPHPRN0D1+ebq6zOSOn+S568s2fCF+FoD/0FhOPyDoWTAU/bhadbE1FHaC+O1UpvODKQ3r6S8MylAOZ2meSiRQjaJ4t1bGK/cdvlbb5yNN+oMjhqiIGk4zOK+C9+pwT9yCtVqXaPe8XJ1aIwTM1p2Bki1yqWPK81yp/j3+XfeOcyr0pmN/7WgfTkjfic4u8B9GI2NRWKBSChxNnH+vbTXlz5Exlud05MTkybyFj1qwmof7ZbxlllcvoUJBZDXTbxw2mKjaJabpzMvPRorEvGdMGv6WXOoMp6D/5CoMd62D7zk1e1oHA4Xe/XRPTCMqVUbvvTFU2fMd8alM3wujrqnJgamSfYdTadHIf2ixiSwnhRQ8yseDGuatpG/Kqn8mqq++dI3bfyyOlpVZ1aL4Wg0FYr4vXia1dvvpqkCjl/ptQ0ZS0Medpnn0jWNZpuReosWz72fSzOnaEBvXQUrl90fGUfAjLzHPLJwCmAGs24YMgFHvuuQb8QT4ARhNrxxcyaOUrBy6W6qsyf+fC+/9I6q8pK0u/XI8M2foP4sPCu+InBjyWTME4BFU8KHaR9povjRSU4Tuy2bJkzBhI9yB6Z9tFWIy5OlMb1PxCp6LM9t625s6pcr3pvu4s38K+4u6NCNvMBgkzjyknO6mXE1yEedqXGbpla1NPfij4a7f2BgYrqXUp7hZD9RDnkikTHU+kZfmM1o4Z8Mr76e/a/SZ5dVhVeW5M/byGWh/Dp/NVsQRe6VZChx/inIwr1kIk1ObvAe03iumsluqcWUDJh5n5n1x6Se7mUxrR+31en6kxZCHwOwbpPlgBWk7pFFniJ4+acqDyCxND2d9qbPJzwxgTsoFkuFI6qkKsrd9lc5ZUnhEYRRQV1Qs9lCUNPCYXH2Q+4VQRhaT8FsywMMTF9a3zRNdvZODLADY5yLa0k2hpumDkbesjTGcBBB2dREL8DB7psc9LbngYaLlstUP8hB7vIdROIPXmea9boZ9u46XQOmVlA5Mz3u7m6mdNUzQa59iVWo99Co/zwITgaSkaExjguGw+Hg6pcL2S+h+kjdRC+wp2zUWnbCvLJZyGrBWS4V8cBWGM9f+gfZ84Wn0kYehjMbaNJgd6nnYbKrdJop+NYruJ97Oq0Xz3XMAXjFnH3p+aD5goHenba4LEqleAtc242fn6lByMBe7/jI2cBYbGFWDOazr8+vQRX9CSYkn5dluWGJb/hAkmY+WP2NA6V/yoczT88ejM7GkkkhEFmvhmT8VBrl4vQo2TShXLwL+mIWtCumMG5/Tqd9tJk8myyHTURnHh/Fkzk7vbGtqWBn3ivIEsNAkv4dNfqfCX8TrKjRQjmSZuc4Pe9C6n2O5F7S9hpDZ3d3T//gBNbaIIznp158z5fwnPUEUoHkWFSIzv4087lMPpufkS7zy/w7/PtLsg3ZLYnkSoMklfLBxWgsEEr4D3WN4m3mhGl4CoPT9o7KoRbe8xlHD6TLsl4u1a1YnTZ/3s0RU44yVc90G9poLZ8dTLLFddoQW2pDDSdTGXajuu1JrNGC6rVIdSy6IIY38nGUTVEZvfQJGQK5nLy3gX9HPcfzUrb19Ww2jyrqzKw4KwhCTAikytUe1Bgn3jMlYyBvDQz04CJSnxwSJcz9NBub9GxBLKBZt0PV3Y3p6gnvW+mXmor/q3Hd/XuN6ec7tvxe+hf9jyZfkVkz2xRZaFbgyg0f9A7ibQT/PuzuS+bOwHae7J2mPkdpb5fvRdT5ni2HAsmUMMQJC6ieyecPlNTsl/hf++DHqiS/K++z8bpNLF3ZnIkfCIucwHnOnvU9NeqFl8SB3h5aSvex1VJHB7tbZ0JaDtNLPr5Sd1bKp1qYWj8Djle20J4rymem/+BkEjqMBoR7MubxfpzqhPfVklNx99QU5tqmD/n8njLqgofCGW24tVWa5zd5Wf4Z6rR9vyNLb6q3+DVpTSqsxrMHNC0vZsSDswInxFLrkYAnkiiP+3yjaUzBJENqKKl73BUUzFqmvYUX8m0WB0WKY5AMgMqaTYxamPcLyYrwb2f1bU3LJ4GwsYV2YEe3FuLPCCuIFnKKQezHqIEv/DX0tKt3vMfJ3xrqZvQhp1UzpWvQwnmqZ2AQq7QDfL1AufKjT0QiUQ6sC0KS46KzYljUisVCtrUwPy+pqLVZstF7205YUvmZ1XxRjHIxT3XC70t3kWJvgrA72PoDrz6MQctp1hAbx4dN5CrFDOJtEvHKJ+x8dTm1CuaGLlqKl5N69cwU0ygFmuC3rY24ZNXWgu4z9ciCmQl6bjyxsSR3UNOK+bgUV3lF3vuzkmxRX7z36wqPMvFlNft6obiqYdZHdHFR4FCTElj3lMtlv38U9PNoLkYg7p2cgmTMQHyUcTD3k9bYhGKLEyrlY5KszFBMbhaxYDULB255XHcR4IDuYL/SQXdZ9ITKpQ/GqUW6Cbkm7Lbp3o/tFL21VrYGHApODUx2TpoaXx/ZGlUHUOU8JoDQUVjMaBv51QJs7NZ4mf8z2S6e75iEFemDq8V85kMulvSEEr4XqcoqVljVlx99ROjcUky7dBageUPc2GiaapmMNs0Ciyt3mXv3mC7O67Zk33p6x9Zo8XgnNrOuCo/odl0qzY064En84u9FAI7E1pMLJzLwyKhxaX6Tv3JJeeLnaEpOLb3Mq+r3pfmL2UI8XxguFjMIxQsor6Cncz0S8pQ958f9PkN4CxWSk5MD/e4ppvWB655aetZUS2GsL40rrFBZj0xCF/Ohs2tXC6t37ybYT7Pg+jTWfcVJH740m5HL2l1GsoLES5ZFqNzR171HqUIO1rjqB7FAHb1g8uvzj6AXtsB6TBga4xajQfG/hEtaaSN+5Iw0v6yq8t4/t+H7salD/cvL8d/6YmaBi1XHIAt7UZbAa8zJzonBbpPvCKHnU6MCXEzj12iDbQnFtLOymrY4Xm8noLhVjHgbNUSTiFqjufl16tQgDF+aNcxS4fTohTRh3W7C+RlFr/7nEx7wyFoURS2/Eb8al5Yv8NJLSu7nLdh+9V1Z+rPNW6iglv46PvMfflsrlsLh/yTORgVUUwdi1QEPeqVM+MZ93tH0KFWX79010Tk42KNPuPC8jdTUMEwEkutzbRD6nEuX4jKj2QJsPU7fTTRjdDbTr28Tx3QZK/grHCd/ow5ym9BOOZJUTLvvKOa9kY/51NGpQZR68dAqPZ1GdZ7P97xvJAEy7RGhWhiLclFRzGRK2s1stvUDaW1+nlf/RPlXObt4vosW7hJq/o6UtIz4QlSIRTyJEdA791IVmUlUTLvN+8v92G/kmH5A3EIul4wL4iZdyoNl4rp6s16qxbe+Uu3YbFdpkg+3Vs+6DgSRDLekX8AvHT+TeG4/lQoniaAHKx3C2tF3PhHyoB4VNV2ZHwzHV6U19eSNBnkpdy/IAvsU5RfVTfUiv3ZGbc3mPyqiilrMvHGCW0R14joI9kTKCT9Kxk/pDEyUjHs7J6b6cWPsNpGpGZ2aoMQkTa1X1qaJ1/H7EPSFQn8362kwilUH9lsm07g+U9MLdbN7qn+gl82cSemMku/4+bMIvxHU+Y4lFxZPzAaL4aCWLcYLWemvl0/yS1Lu1D+30Xl3nbDCL0v/Z1YLixwXgzXmyDOg6DZNH6xOHcS0nNY7YjrUohjW10uNxtGMviKuq7eILG7JxNvYVZrsoo38q6dfXD3PNVkkh0n7ppfPx8n8mSRgsgJGBfSTJAt4feNnPYHYWGwhGhaDxfhqfJ6fl2Xl1dw9Y/vIytIvNoDz5ck1tRDPxjUtExZFcfYFhOKkEFiPlIGB6QMtW0NYHkR7BvpNF8ZkmKjTqffXdpApV4dx4GSAWUeWjrWf7c14P3bM/JvqAWpWAFvMbsbHCbUUumbswpXC1AQsjFjfOwqV83s+oFuFqgPJVIRDyfdgOHMdlc4381LrP8I24HvKm8pS7gkbmXddRi9dOcnHdx/QwrOcIMRSnrNAJ3rK6x3tGmXZARV43fpsGgx1rRiuYGo10aGWtZiur6sQVbSKhxtCqfTal2lu1G2RQHRaRcOxzRgRbqHTZ3aCBASOWkq9deMujHDmfb7zIx4QCk9yImpTb64CofLwJq9cevbe0vX2yYpyQb0ArI/4TCGbj6MnNZMRXwMUp2BIHfKEzo6MYyJ1Os38mqB7wYNEM4OLLJxqaWG9v53mZCiJ8KFP27E20+jaBDboUUFAjrasbfjb236hvLC245VwZdkW97ksSMlM/j54yk84kozl3N0P4KWVcxdWqPPB2CqRAI3nSCqQ4gSOCx/MhIPFvIY+NNkC6jp4+dck2V77fuIkvKnOZLP5cHh2QUgNrQc86CUSztbJpRxZfUxO9mMBGXpgwzDMGmJ2QWzJw+zKbYsfEL7oNaRR6wzcmhnPW5vfev06ttFiVEm0H1t0o7s2wuGj05SjZIDVT4T+URcGSyRPSBgSogvBsKYVs1lJ/ceTCMDXlPsgNbxPWZLfbOBP8pJ0+Uj2rXj+ZibzFVH8EPXFY0NCKhIJVXtGygmfHx5y0LKlG+POid5JoGGypTHTptbnXOTgGEYT+zsYrJ7DWG63ABAWs8fIl7Zj24Cz4sfajnVYfw5qwZ/DLxWwkcPF8n4GXKLFjqHbx8AL/q1TE53kxAgXzqDt7H0PwJvwlFHjG4vFBJg6/6fg5zJfyZSGdwN4eWmtQVW+wSs2fD/5I7bUoB6+vFr4CmRhbmxsbL064gmVQVj1KZ++v+zsxU7D+lSLqMMzuiVpiB3GBQ0xI8BULYu+Zb1JUtEsbrqHQNpQXKzwm9WFY52NpurZUeNg+leuZqb2b7LqqGXzK2Yzi7uw8UQoIgRiqaEFMRMc/u2sWliTVBX1wPftXi2HCnRZuXDyf1TnpfiR+GqxmNEy/+WNaHSB47ihVDmCsjEcJvr9eErNVsbTWAmzH+v2uA0WF2XakIkRtScHLIO90P79mGbNAspca3Rsie1/rJ0e32MZe1hu7e+jlGZqpdxnQNfYFbmnJoAl2UuXvV1E3Bnf6HvOetYjkcDQGDfGcbNBMfwrv1csrg7Hs5clFPwm+gTkcvbFws8Up2ReXeN/lNc2RDE6tJgUxgKxSDmCR6bn/aN4OE3l3Dqn3G7DbMRcTGMME52YGgtlugLDlcLlKyZjoG01Eglrw7h5azIpuADboKVFd3mnJFy8i+yj0ys3vgPuZWpp4+dHQjAA5ZLCghgOF2/m1eyXTv5Y5l9Wcqfu6/OT+9UcD0Tqc6p0mc/GW/PDpbyWEWejs6gXjI5FUkDB9JSxJPUo6H3ouj14oghqmHTI5XZbwUynXYQRUsu+ScbYJFOb3/pMbxU/ZoT+m5q/rfe5fSbYkhLB3TM1ONBLPs7khfIQquBAHec8lM1ny4H1JGobUN0zKwJfoxTUdq/Gr85clvjlk7zaoPCKPXf+OZ6tS5KiSoWNbDGsYQ2oJDe2DkwiDGMsBHUoPTpKPPwmJnp0k4Jaul2ipqXNLqoDYD57cFKF2grl8rrbqqKatBMNz7v6irsjypzEPAaLzywesOw3i4Wj8nmCPFbPoGQwkhhZj6SEmBCNXs/ki6vxI1lV5fkH9AjtQ42xrPKyem75ahz1fvliqYSykXhCgCF1IBYoR0IRVGyO+0Z8aVi6dBnZeLpzoBe1x1M93SQj6/5rDMndrMLuY5hj3zChsrZ2K07Z/1SClVG2MW77WKkMM0HiIEi4zYNTAxODkxOd07RsJgbM+MRofHwk4YGdXWQsmRS4xejsbDCcyQS1Un4mu4oy7wzAV5F55V/YKPy54pt7eXWejx/Jb4ia+HR4VjgoRFGSGoslqwMRgPHZROKpQ6OQFaand3UOTBEVN0Ie6qgcTLe0mM8eKIi3c7u2ap3WbaPM5tQ1c7CQmrl6rmnBJCK2O6I7SlQSAguXrX/dhtY/9gb2owQcCyQRflH+zfxPxeyMdPXcMr8k7ZUfWP+Vy6F2u0H+Pi/9khRvLcS1m18J5v9C++nsC7Pc2FAqlQpgx7WzCf/486h5fB4VDodGmSd55/SuyV27BkER8ygG0FE3HNgexUPG7qP0a/hSexTVuLBWru2uJQC8i/da/N6Hf+HRWvid4LfGvyvuccl/YSoIS97BQUDurl1P0o53FHqUQ+iV55kX3xtHqfdsIlQdCMRiqRiHut6Db8xqwR+Uiv/0o/zuX7osfXBu+Z1bX+clRbaT7z1IDf+NJJ+UUIeWH9ZKwUxYDIrRFwSOi3JCkksNBdZTkIvPjwM3H0+newdZBsAsXtNdazM1BnI4rMU0O3y4O9lyk2gTvfqdM0Rd6F0bphGam1/KvTJ1vz+coodrhL6XQPXzemwsGX3hoBgsbeRRAS3Nn1Q3pb2XTj1Y2vy+3LOypGzya4fXzkit2cJqUSttZERRXARzCPQKg2pqXAGhoto/7huFrTHMqkcpVjqf3DXduWtg12Dv4FT/D0mp0U3QdRRh+ihADYTAMKeCzJju9h1+ca2OVVYpH9ULZvQHTgwO7pronNylz6rwR9gLfFEU4+AIWkYf6UhkDOwgBU74joheMDdKG8VsMX7k9ZllXpLeQXWPjF7KbPTeo05YeZM/J12WVvNxDei8qJhGLVo4jLC8EAU1t8VUIOYJlRPjqEHDbA9UTRM9VXL40NFBz+EIZZrKPFlVpokyqUkZ9c6SxI2NevptajS7dlDhSZe5eMY20RS+9FHrQRmC3a2BWinwf2AEyp2ADfDwFzauqtK8dOFGgyKf+lQGKLncEs+/qd5Cr51rJ6V8/MjNtzZKWlAU3whGuQVhTIiluEBg3QNOL4kRnw8syX1emHOR2rqLVdeTsLTvRCX2RM8UCuJT3o3pdIPARKbvtw238e7G/jHk9RkK5alu+A0HQb0KfcYneqcnTcUyKgzQK+Mowq7P63ve50c1cxk9JJF19IoPfQp6bBZmF4KZzPWwlp8pnlGzZ1TpW9/jFZR59+a+ZsPunm48ZP6ChB7o1ezwah69l7TMgS/+0a+IpUz46bffiEaHhGgsFYGc4HvRh4tp9ND0HNUbYmYugu9nsA4AkcVrMQyBGq2CHmZx0y3axE7C2mg0a7abzgYJ8dlY/bbh3W8tI0/i+9+pwV0EwKPoNee9xNlyqDolpARg74VLmeHdhd+4/MH8PH9B4T9NxTT52b0N/9Bw4ZwqfXC1sDu7mi0dKP0gE559OzMrzHKpaArVoKiRqfbAWBEGEumvpmE5M4rPjXUYd04/2bkLLgYmduG8PNCP0Nw/hWOQxdRtgv5oP4T5O8l/d6F0C6cIkHE7jZyLlSSBoJFOP+V7Cu560YcYVc3VmCaZ4oRYNBoNhw+GtS8GtQNvzVz9gqTubljm/+9NEGiX7ZnzPX+SFFlSv3dRAlnzqwDjwvWZA6WZfCmr5fNa/jevZ56GSzkBlXaonAZfe0zmHYDX7T53rWlDzAbTLnrqZrLmmzOESp3OLRB2mqbO+sXvXKNF1AVkmMjq18TcADY9VT3EVaN7sGeK6pWip933vD/hCUVQWZpKCrPBjFgs5VezcWn5MM+/840rr37qM9BcDjsmKuh9/r9eLmRnCgc2DuTDWiYYfvqnb8y+tjgU5WIp9JFHgf4hHqyH+VTa53vKm/YBy2kUwDw6zVplCmn29qTx7e3jSfKj1l9b8V1d8LvjP2Z0FAwU0Kti+sXxBGx4z6KSOYLXvIFULInKhuTs4tOzImoJ8vnwaj6fRXF5nufP8RcaeEl+9ZSN3vtE65CXNtU1SZpB7XDr1d1XW7MzZ1DE42phNV5YPVAMhoF3GQV1ZLDSHcWHxL2Tg9SagNTS7dahloN5XpvcrhmEqTSqUwcuk3nWzYIa5ywCxMRxFip0C3Ojg65++/qYTXTPRCfjbnSlnwfB0kAkheAbPTgbzmgIv69/q6DOSw1qwyfS47jPOFaUl2SVh+NE6XJcXY235g8UUSWEPuoHxdfQx31MiI4NpdaFyHooEAp5QtAin/eNYy0uYoiKWlGosEl1S/Nz1/QnDfbr6Bs5IsKHRDAMhCbK7xtHBfP5MpCrQp71wHokFQskubHo0KJw8MTsbFAMaujDfDM/k30dnwiCb80NXtorf80G733shJcUflOVDl9cho+5NP+3vPRrvApx8jB/5vLuQiGvlTRNjApcMoVaM7/vEC6me3snoR+mtgQITYYOAMgAYC8Ri70mrad1h01mtOnU6VZbHWexEmILPVswp99jz3Xo6ZdEzyDx2oH295APFXehUATEwoe+c1AMF/PaaqEQl67OH+b/XtqbO/VwkW9zivwPPP919eTayeXLCMYF9EEvavnPFTOiFl6EldMiKoM4lOhSoVT1OmRk4FbDtMuPoPzeKAaYD6+SvQTRXTBbGsWBv7ldjNLAvyI9Db+86xD5lWlY6cIY4T30SjGO/hg/gm0oUUZ/MEJuMgAOoNxQkkN/sYMLMAANanltI39zNbuqZqW4Ks1f5Hn5RoPyN/a6974/Pad4GRXSvKTOo+Clk7z6jnoFdSynTh1W/t9b/GGV311YHS6GxQVgT3siCMNeLDHd24unoX3UroUI8ujilvhkvMJ9oGmuyRhQbwlQOjVJm7qorBoejllWv8C8YrLD3YS80T8wQbgbYLXjGx8JhULCOiwixWBQC27kN7Iz0pp67pYqK8rDmRD2PaFckhuuqD8+fHj+sCplj3z3SP5HN4sbWlFDHQDCyIkXFhe4Be53x4ShZABScjVs+xCszpZHUH09nsB52edPj/ueeuqp0UNeXzoNyKbhvX34SBw6dGh0FCSB/LDQ9Z1PINSOjJw9C1MqD/rD1lGru54ci6XGuEVuYYF7YUE8KD6NqhuE3uFi4UC+UDiifvSPh5elC7L6JnqE7Lr5AUH4XUVZuqHwt1BckG+8LCl/k/sa+djnUIl37U8QuhviR17PBova7EFuKODxnE34CFkLy6jio1bCun/umD6ZbgaaB9aKb3FsNQMCIM/hwCYAjZVKxHjv6yDleEuzlTepu2UR2dL+qYkplny78OlCdTV0ZoIQfjscLg0fyMZ3X1UlKFRf3fvsQy44nPsXsnLtSsPLL/P8Z39Z+uv5j7JqtpBdbf1tTfuJJoroXyTOPr3w4YnXOOE1jhNiY7GxwNh6MrKOwLXuQdm52hNKwPgLogxvoQSJs4mtgX8C/apcrsbD70goVF0OraO+G/2WkWQggiC7nkpyAvdaVIhGhddOBJ9+Iyy+Ba8s+c8N58HKaOaDP/0gzvPqyYbNX5MbJHnpf7E5zg90mIXyUoN8A/RWb/AIzRWvnPuWrty4oKr8auGAWAyiio4LhBKecYLhzgHK1CJky45KYTysk0pUSrfxHWCC4k0V1juY9kzeWqiamu7bYWTfPt3qjrRxUEhC8xtCWSIJTndhUdM2WuMzV/lzkqrwVx6ZJSTcRPziBZX/dxJ/WFKl76K6Ol7YKGy89SOU734ShIwcXIguLgxBFRtFWflfp2Jj69z6WIhbj5SFUGg9guBM3sqo4F6H9/Ut4fEEPBFPOVBGPw1+SQgVyKnyurAeQ2Uy+mooiX7TV8ZAn+CVRW5xAeXcheAX0euIVvrK9f+Q31jNfnT1I1VFRfNFVTopXwGtoqVv/o4t6vzg6+g/4AHDqJiWthdNlpX3G27xZz46c3MVYfjDWAw9J4nxNJbl6e3E9sPY+hpIHh0mPRgmMw1tMYgBOO5OSxyfDDow8dkK3zaqf8iIz3B3RL2yMHHDj5JI9ZiQFLgTYjiY1/KleBxoBD9GxfO1R22TIef+5ZIi8yp/i19e5tckKSsVWuNXW0uF/PDn8oBjLYzKa5SUxYMoNw6d4DguOoQSM0hlJslbKpVCNbeQEgTgk1a+wfcKQjIl0J8tCIBWLoYaXPQVtziEcm74hIjiL4AhIAIpUhu+mV3NF+KtM+jvI61Jy8snVdTBw4NzKmdn3k8Rwnv3yvJeZem2n4Tcu5KCyul463DpV56GhwS9eI97n8EYnh5gPn00EVvsgJqp1jEzlN1e2dhBzd4dDiK9CExrImXKjt3wwQxVHibCsf0DvegPR9XzIS+YIKFScB1ofOAzi/Bb+O7qGdT78jKPyrpH9XRtX05W0F9eki+o8q35NfXwmqrOSFJhQ80WZ+KfK5a0jXzpuhYMYxWBDGaFzC4shg/OHpxdQGkaB3y6hMWtweGAH4lGFxZOoAS7CG9vIKwGM2+Ew0EtvKGVSl8pavliPr6ab40X1DPSkTPqRdSoQ1uiXmiQruy9JudshtWn/JjIpy5d4hX+knLHB/1r/JvwmftCKR/MnAA+fihxHq5psLJWfzcZTBO/B6pQy3bEzVgKADsB4aLaRb12MNEK0rPDRZyziHEWaBE3n7aoEJuP9jGHqH+wd4K6vHeh4hmOx9dTKGeAT2Xxc8PxjVb0sKkqKi2undoJz9fv5JRrexUJmh0etgQIyvEvSdIZ9aPCRxtXC4WNjY0sTL3Q18Xf2whevw4Uu0wwWATfclEsineK4vViEP3069eLxWCxiH4LrTi88f99eXUD/d4fXT3zUfzMGTU+rx4+/O8On/x9uM+A15RXl3Kn7KPAh6YTluWlJThlvfOznnvpCi/NZFf/KKgdPJEcKq+P+P34jLhzegBOZ+jVg2H3oHfEcIJIlE1r2KbYgLBLF2qHxRE2nW22Os7i7peIXhHPHYTfSd3rbjwR8pSFyBhKKgsoEWnD8S8UpD8FvWGUvnaUVSXMd1Gzo6gweFQlWACuSYelM4UZKV6YWY3nV1/PF0o3Dxy4qRVLw5q2ir7SPj5KxeJbw6ViXCsVNkqF4dV8Nl94fSarSjMFVHZJaxelw7yk3rrAb6KXRAk+pvZVwkNWRqMeEb2gyh+frHJQlKqF3cNfBDN7BGKopalny+QAOSGmvl4dHVv86k8TGVOXVdzU9D8W00paOz+HfbuN2VV3z1RvZy+ZPY92+UZCifXq2FgyhQrHTCZYWi1czl5GxTMM5nZodbcP1dbyv5dRTlYa/hm/pCqb77wD3CeVn5dQaRvHl/PS5QLCdbZVjaMMfadAP+OIdHWmcJmPS5cvwzoadUvnPssvn+P5d97Z3FR4vkHi0cv70r8EVuQ+G7oPabt1t5xVWUGf0O/vLm0Ew8HomBBD9SvIp2IMk91SN1UBYFQtnEpxEM+BFurKx1wAHMQWyOQEcEz3rSSCagZ+4WpwsLOTEK98KPueTUQCyVgKrgbFUklDvdqRZfQao6IH7tRjUOLlcvty7767dO3vrlyTJVVGYONvHZYuSifPSXyDqkLXc3FNvXOgFCsdRrD9QDp37px07qSqNvA8jz7P0pW/+ztefvdd9PJuw/bhfxJyd610gvKwxH+QjRfDYVEQhgKRhIfuhzs7ewfcJt8lYmLaZvXWRB0udqk87cJvp1uopnildxagl6TfWuo3C76DvYQ4CTd34/5EqByIxJLR6IlZUSvlN1DS2S1J31MbFPkx7NBOgf0i+Cp+W/72t//jr//6y5IsoQSt7H3pr+4QL/F7FRgXyC+//Ot/88++/e1v89eWZOXunRzteGiy8Ceoj3J7r6j8TCFeAoGtaCoZSYyc9412eckFcTdjW2IdAATidouZl0mbHL9t1SfGvA1DMBYf/YLEzOAEI16lseaVJxCBM9QT/08mUxrOx2dU6bPShRvS3k9qYbYT4xd+4Rfw6/KpraFcerbyu3JP5PAvsVe5j3Rz9YlyNv/mOyfjUikP6jxg8hXygPMS1eOZ0hMxceVjFojHmEq5WaT8mNnFg0gS45NBRryiMdg7wTwX/D4/2LynhjhY/GrhoraabZ1Z5vlN/n1b8tAOG8F3FcrLvPqXVwuo9wwvCFwsEkp4fAzDJkktNtVqp271x0xWA6bM3GbSOMW1M/GtZHJQU1MEvyDERIlXKSAdvBYMi9rwFwqFgjqPejfl0v9ul3522HGXaViWFVW6XCgd0DInoviCOOHzjY5SB8SpHiJcrsuiwmCrnTgAsSE1KJIbbkBtbR3P7e+gF4O1TDHnqLt7aoCujtKjXh9CL/AmYyB5lRG1fHZjdwEWv18/tWR3bnbY8YnimxJ/UZI2VuPid97gxsZCKbhBP+RLk+VS71SP2+qQ207a4o42os3TcYxqjHeAb2UHdZ2tNRm+I/ROoeTbSza/XT7fuCdUFgLcGLcQDms/GI5vSK0XpQbFPkG1w46fJT7/h28qkiRdBf+0NzgORAA8Iz5fF8Fw78REP/NsOUr1jLFQLdYR18XG27G4eC2dOuteZWC3MNU7uYtm3y7f8+dDnnJESKZeEYKZt+GWfEZV+ZO//4t7l07Znwo77PiZQlZu/P68FM9eRxhGpXQS3zz4QTSCSGoxl2s6mybGIfv3YxCzN/T/fbqOse743u0eHJygmhtdoz6/v+zxBJIpYPiGw8Hfuln4x4IqzcsXFN5m5dphx8/RD//Nm+9IyzPxeLH0NqjxpCKh6rP4+BDrN3V2Dk4ZcolYw5ilY4swObbywGqpoJ4K6J2kyohwsp8IVYequWSMOzH7Rj44nI/HpXM8f0Pa+007/dphx8+bh1/6t+pJ6Wohr4mZWWEoxZUjibN+EGkhni29nYP9U8zEy93N/Duo0zsVmSQnC7R27h3oNeSeUfVcDgVSoOtyIiMWi/nVLJZguiDbqyM77Lg3eVhWUS1dyGrFYHgWBtOgrvhVn8/f1UXFjXsnwTaEVtRErLabwraP/R+++J0aILQrsL6Do19wW4hEEH45QRTFA8PZvJpVpQtqw6u2hosddtyzUKRNSZLyrTczG5lZThgbA4fchA8lYjLWgrnW5ER/f4/bTcxM3WblcWBc4YPfiQnmfufFR/sgsJZcj41x0ROiFtQ2sqvx+cPSrSvS0p//z/YH3Q477mUtrdxQeemjbL5YDIsfLkRjQmC9uhw673sxTfyIyYoJgXTK8KrHXl7ufjD0gMq5k5lGe70+r/+8pxyJrMe4KIJvWCtdX80euSyt8X//vs20t8OO+1FKy7cuqupq/sB1VEu/wKE8vO4JjZw/78NC8RjEndhTfFfv4NQEcxSYQH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"/>
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</svg>) NLB is systemically important and the most reputable Slovenian bank, managing 70% of the cash, 40% of the payments, and nearly 40% of all the assets in the country. We are more than just a bank – we are one of the driving forces behind the region's economy. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 44 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Overview of Financial Performance The financial year concluded with a strong profit after tax result of EUR 514.6 million, with the profit before impairments and provisions up a respectable 9% YoY (EUR 51.2 million). Profit after tax was, however, still down EUR 36.1 million or a 7% decline compared to the previous year, which was positively influenced by the booking of deferred tax, increase of deferred tax assets (EUR 61.9 million) and first recognition of deferred tax liability for withholding tax on dividends (EUR 9.6 million). The year 2024 also showed a moderate, but still positive cost of risk of 14 bps (2023 still had a negative cost of risk). The following key drivers influenced the Group’s performance in the year 2024: • The Group achieved exceptional YoY organic growth in gross loans to customers of EUR 1,687.4 million, driven by healthy demand, with an additional EUR 970.4 million growth deriving from the acquisition of SLS Group. • Although interest rates began to decrease in the second half of the year, the Group successfully grew its deposit base by EUR 1,473.6 million YoY, with EUR 1,051.7 million from individuals and EUR 445.4 million from corporates. • A 12% YoY increase in net interest income was driven by healthy loan demand, the effects of favourable interest rates on loans, and higher income from securities. Despite declining interest rates in the second half of the year, the annual net interest margin improved YoY by 0.14 p.p. to 3.64%, mostly due to strategic M&A activities, which offset the decline from banking operations. • Net interest income sensitivity simulated by a 100-bps immediate parallel downward shift in interest rates, yields to EUR -70.7 million or -2.47% of T1 capital, driven mainly by the cash (EUR -17.1 million) and floating rate loan positions (EUR -63.3 million). • Net fee and commission income grew by 13% YoY as it benefitted from strong economic activity, increased engagement in investment funds and bancassurance, and renegotiated conditions with the service providers. • Total costs of the Group in 2024 amounted to EUR 602.2 million. Excluding EUR 33.2 million of the tax on the balance sheet, the costs grew by EUR 67.2 million, of which approximately EUR 45 million or 9% was the result of like-for-like cost increases (i.e., normalising for tax on the balance sheet introduced in 2024, SLS Group integration, and some other smaller one-offs). • The Group closely monitored the macroeconomic and geopolitical circumstances, remaining very prudent in identifying any increase in credit risk at a very early stage and proactive in NPL management. Furthermore, unfavourable trends in the German automotive industry did not severely influence the Slovenian export-oriented industry – considering that the Bank downgraded certain clients in Stage 2 and formed additional impairments. Nevertheless, the cost of risk remained at a relatively low level and confidently within the guidance, with 14 bps. Net established impairments and provisions for credit risk in 2024 amounted to EUR 20.6 million. The established impairments derive from portfolio development, new financing, and any portfolio deterioration. In contrast, material repayments of written-off receivables and changes in models contributed to a lower total impact. • Other impairments and provisions were net established in the amount of EUR 16.9 million. The vast majority were established mainly in the last quarter due to provisions for legal risk (of which EUR 4.0 million in NLB and EUR 3.8 million in NLB Komercijalna Banka, Beograd) and restructuring provisions (mostly in Slovenia, EUR 2.5 million in NLB and EUR 1.4 million in Slovenian leasing companies). • The effective tax rate (calculated as income tax divided by profit before tax) for the year 2024 for the NLB Group was 13%, and for NLB, 7%. The effective tax rate of NLB was significantly influenced by non-taxable income, which consisted mostly of received dividends and the release of impairments of equity investments in subsidiary banks. The overall contribution rate, which includes income tax and the tax on the balance sheet for the year 2024 for the NLB Group was 18% and for NLB 13%. • A sound financial position was confirmed by a robust Total Capital Ratio (TCR) of 18.7%, well above requirements. • The multi-year declining trend of the non-performing credit portfolio stock stopped, as the growth of new NPLs slightly exceeded repayments and recovery of existing NPLs. Additionally, new NPLs from the acquired SLS Group were recognised. The combination of a slight increase in the non-performing credit portfolio stock and credit growth of a high-quality portfolio resulted in the decrease of gross NPL ratio (EBA def.) from 2.1% to 2.0% YoY. The NPE ratio (EBA def.) remained almost unchanged at the previous year- end level and stood at 1.1%. • Unencumbered liquidity reserves portfolio amounted to EUR 9,287.5 million (33.2% of total assets). 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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 46 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report All banks recorded a profit on a standalone basis and positively contributed to the Group’s result. The largest contribution again came from NLB, followed by NLB Komercijalna Banka, Beograd. The YoY decrease in NLB was mostly attributed to the booking of deferred tax assets in 2023 and the establishment of provisions in 2024. The SEE banks contributed 58.1% to the Group result, with all bank reporting growth. For more information on bank operations, see the chapter NLB Group Key Members . . Figure 15: Result before impairments and provisions of NLB Group (in EUR millions) -17.7 -3.4 1.1 -2.0 -7.5 -7.5 -7.5 -14.9 -0.9 3.6 165.8 163.2 171.3 142.3 2023 2024 Q1 2024 Q2 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2024 645.4 683.7 179.9 174.2 177.7 151.9 Result before impairments and provisions w/o non-recurring income and regulatory costs Non-recurring net non-interest income Regulatory costs 591.4 642.6 +9% -40.2 -39.1 (i) Merger of NLB and N Banka on 1 September 2023. NLB (i) N Banka (i) NLB KB, Beograd NLB Banka, Skopje NLB Banka, Banja Luka NLB Banka, Sarajevo NLB Banka, Prishtina NLB Banka, Podgorica 2023 2024 12.7 201.0 269.6 -25% 131.7 139.0 +6% 39.7 58.5 +47% 24.3 29.6 +22% 12.5 14.0 +12% 29.5 30.4 +3% 24.5 27.7 +13% Figure 16: Profit a.t. by company – contribution (in EUR millions) ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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Without the contribution from SLS Group (EUR 11.0 million), the growth of the net interest income would be 1 p.p. lower. All the Group banking members reported increased net interest income, driven by loan volume growth from healthy demand for loans and higher interest rates. The growth mainly came from loans to customers (EUR 140.8 million, with EUR 77.2 million to individuals and EUR 63.6 million to corporate and state) and securities (EUR 64.3 million). At the same time, interest expenses increased due to higher expenses incurred from MREL-eligible wholesale funding (EUR 37.7 million) and higher expenses for customer deposits (EUR 46.8 million). In the last quarter of the year, the Group successfully compensated the drop of interest rates with mitigation measures and important contribution from the acquired SLS Group loan portfolio (EUR 11.0 million). Profitability stabilisation is one of the NLB Group’s priorities. To protect future interest income from a declining interest rate environment, the Bank hedged issued securities in the additional amount of EUR 1,070.0 million in 2024. Assuming interest rate dynamics are in line with market expectations, these hedges should positively impact the net interest income in the coming years. Figure 17: Net interest income of NLB Group (in EUR millions) 232.2 228.3 233.7 240.0 2023 2024 Q1 2024 Q2 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2024 993.4 1,207.6 292.8 291.9 306.2 316.8 -160.1 -60.6 -63.7 -72.4 -76.8 Interest income Interest expenses 833.3 934.2 +12% -273.5 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 49 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report The net interest income sensitivity, simulated by a 100-bps immediate parallel downward shift in interest rates, yielded a net interest income sensitivity of EUR -70.7 million or -2.47% of T1 capital, driven mainly by the cash (EUR -17.1 million) and floating rate loan positions (EUR -63.3 million). The focus on stabilising the net interest income includes ongoing increased fixed interest rate loan stock, active management of the funding mix, liabilities hedging activities, and increasing duration and volume of the banking book securities portfolio. In 2024, NII sensitivity improved by EUR 30.7 million or 145 bps (from -3.92% to -2.47% relative to T1 capital, or EUR 30.7 million to a level of EUR 70.7 million in case of -100-bps parallel shift). NLB Group significantly reduced the NII sensitivity in 2024 by increasing the volume of fixed interest rate loans (EUR 2,853 million) and new interest rate hedges (EUR 1,070 million), while reducing the central bank balances (EUR 2,368 million), and increasing of investments in high-quality debt securities (EUR 1,509 million). Figure 18: NII sensitivity to various rate shocks of NLB Group (in EUR millions) -70.7 -34.8 29.7 58.2 Scenario -100 bps Scenario -50 bps Scenario +50 bps Scenario +100 bps The Group’s annual net interest margin and operational business margin increased, by 0.14 p.p. YoY to 3.64%, and by 0.21 p.p. to 4.97%. However, the growth in these margins was affected by the monetary easing, marked by four consecutive ECB key interest rate cuts from June onwards. The decline on a Group level was effectively mitigated by replacing less profitable central bank balances with a more lucrative loan portfolio acquired from the SLS Group. Margins were declining in the last quarter in NLB and the SEE banks, which is a function of the declining rates. The net interest rates are expected to decrease further as the central bank and Euribor rates decline. Due to the balance sheet management activities that have significantly reduced the Group’s net interest income sensitivity, the pace of the net interest margin decline should nevertheless be considerably slower than the pace of the increase during the ECB’s hiking cycle. Figure 19: Net interest margin (quarterly data, in %) (i) (i) Calculated based on average interest-bearing assets. Figure 20: Operational business margin (quarterly data, in %) (i) (i) Calculated based on average interest-bearing assets. NLB Group NLB SEE banks NLB Group NLB SEE banks Q1 2024 Q2 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2024 Q1 2024 Q2 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2024 4.44% 5.59% 5.84% 5.69% 5.46% 3.73% 4.98% 5.00% 4.97% 4.93% 3.02% 3.94% 3.80% 3.76% 3.69% 2.89% 2.81% 2.75% 3.63% 3.60% 3.61% 4.41% 4.36% 4.22% 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 50 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Net non-interest income Figure 21: Net non-interest income of NLB Group (in EUR millions) -8.7 -3.5 -2.0 -14.9 -0.9 2023 2024 Q1 2024 Q2 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2024 278.0 312.9 71.1 78.9 81.9 81.0 Net fee and commission income Recurring other net non-interest income Non-recurring other net non-interest income 3.6 65.9 2.2 77.7 86.2 1.0 3.3 1.8 80.8 260.0 310.6 +19% -1.4 -3.1 The overall YoY increase in the net non-interest income derives from higher net fee and commission income. The non-recurring net non-interest income was positively influenced by the early redemption of Tier 2 notes (EUR 2.7 million) in Q1, but negatively affected on the account of the modification loss recorded for interest rate regulation on housing loans in NLB Komercijalna Banka, Beograd in Q4 (EUR 3.9 million in 2024, compared to EUR 15.3 million in 2023). Regulatory charges, a part of recurring other net non-interest income, were higher by EUR 1.1 million YoY due to a higher deposit base, mostly occurring in Q1 as a result of the accrual of one-off expenses in Slovenia. Figure 22: Net fee and commission income of NLB Group (in EUR millions) Net fee and commission income, a significant component of the net non-interest income, increased by 13% YoY. This growth can be attributed to the positive impact of heightened economic activity and consumption, resulting in higher fees across banking members, renegotiated conditions with the service providers, and increased activities in investment funds and bancassurance. Notably, NLB Skladi, Ljubljana, recorded an exceptional sale of investment funds, with EUR 395.4 million gross inflows in 2024, reflecting over a 50% YoY increase. The decline in the last quarter derives mainly from a one-off in NLB Komercijalna Banka, Beograd, due to an adjustment of receivables related to card operations (around EUR 2 million) and some minor positive accrued revenues in the third quarter. 56.6 24.4 81.0 2023 2024 Q1 2024 Q2 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2024 207.1 225.2 87.8 50.3 20.8 58.2 20.7 60.0 21.8 70.9 Payment transactions, Basic accounts, Cards and ATM operations Other 71.1 78.9 81.9 278.0 312.9 +13% ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiIHN0YW5kYWxvbmU9Im5vIj8+CjwhRE9DVFlQRSBzdmcgUFVCTElDICItLy9XM0MvL0RURCBTVkcgMS4xLy9FTiIKImh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnL0dyYXBoaWNzL1NWRy8xLjEvRFREL3N2ZzExLmR0ZCI+Cjxzdmcgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDE4MTggMTI4NiIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIj4KPGRlZnM+CjxzdHlsZSB0eXBlPSJ0ZXh0L2NzcyI+PCFbQ0RBVEFbCi5nMF81MXsKZmlsbDogIzIzMDA3ODsKfQouZzFfNTF7CmZpbGw6IG5vbmU7CnN0cm9rZTogIzIzMDA3ODsKc3Ryb2tlLXdpZHRoOiAzLjA1NTsKc3Ryb2tlLWxpbmVjYXA6IHJvdW5kOwpzdHJva2UtbGluZWpvaW46IHJvdW5kOwp9Ci5nMl81MXsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjQTdBOEFBOwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDAuNjExOwpzdHJva2UtbGluZWpvaW46IHJvdW5kOwp9Ci5nM181MXsKZmlsbDogIzRGMzM5MzsKfQouZzRfNTF7CmZpbGw6ICM3QjY2QUU7Cn0KLmc1XzUxewpmaWxsOiAjQTdBOEFBOwp9Ci5nNl81MXsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjN0I2NkFFOwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDMuNTA3Owp9Ci5nN181MXsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjQ0FDQkNDOwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDUuNjcyOwp9Ci5nOF81MXsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjQ0FDQkNDOwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDUuODg5Owp9Ci5nOV81MXsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjN0I2NkFFOwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDMuNTk0Owp9Ci5nYV81MXsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjQ0FDQkNDOwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDYuNzU1Owp9Ci5nYl81MXsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjN0I2NkFFOwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDMuNzI0Owp9Ci5nY181MXsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjQ0FDQkNDOwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDYuODg1Owp9Ci5nZF81MXsKZmlsbDogIzYzNjY2QTsKfQouZ2VfNTF7CmZpbGw6IG5vbmU7CnN0cm9rZTogI0ZGRjsKc3Ryb2tlLXdpZHRoOiAxMC42OTQ7CnN0cm9rZS1taXRlcmxpbWl0OiAxMDsKfQouZ2ZfNTF7CmZpbGw6IG5vbmU7CnN0cm9rZTogI0ZGRjsKc3Ryb2tlLXdpZHRoOiAyMS42NTM7CnN0cm9rZS1taXRlcmxpbWl0OiAxMDsKfQouZ2dfNTF7CmZpbGw6ICNDQUNCQ0M7Cn0KLmdoXzUxewpmaWxsOiAjQTc5OUM5Owp9Cl1dPjwvc3R5bGU+CjwvZGVmcz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTE1MDAuNiwxMTMuN2MzNy43LDAsNjguMiwtMzAuNiw2OC4yLC02OC4yYzAsLTM3LjcsLTMwLjUsLTY4LjEsLTY4LjIsLTY4LjFjLTM3LjcsMCwtNjguMiwzMC40LC02OC4yLDY4LjFjMCwzNy42LDMwLjUsNjguMiw2OC4yLDY4LjJaIiBjbGFzcz0iZzBfNTEiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTE1MDAuNiwxMzk5LjljMzcuNywwLDY4LjIsLTMwLjUsNjguMiwtNjguMmMwLC0zNy43LC0zMC41LC02OC4yLC02OC4yLC02OC4yYy0zNy43LDAsLTY4LjIsMzAuNSwtNjguMiw2OC4yYzAsMzcuNywzMC41LDY4LjIsNjguMiw2OC4yWiIgY2xhc3M9ImcwXzUxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xNjA2LjgsMTE2My4ybC0xMy43LDEwLjd2MTYuOGMwLC44LC4zLDEuNiwuOSwyLjJjLjUsLjUsMS4zLC44LDIuMSwuOGgyMS40Yy44LDAsMS42LC0uMywyLjIsLS44Yy41LC0uNiwuOSwtMS40LC45LC0yLjJ2LTE2LjhsLTEzLjgsLTEwLjdabS00LjYsMzAuNXYtMTUuMmg5LjJ2MTUuMm0tMTAuNywtMTI1LjhsLTcuNiwtNy43bDcuNiwtNy42bTEwLjcsMTUuM2wtNy42LC03LjdsNy42LC03LjZtMzcuOCwxNS4zbDcuNywtNy43bC03LjcsLTcuNm0tMTAuNywxNS4zbDcuNywtNy43bC03LjcsLTcuNiIgY2xhc3M9ImcxXzUxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik01NDUuNyw1MjloODYzLjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnMl81MSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNNTQ1LjcsNTgzLjFoNi45di02LjloLTYuOXY2LjlaIiBjbGFzcz0iZzBfNTEiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTY3MCw1ODMuMWg2Ljl2LTYuOUg2NzB2Ni45WiIgY2xhc3M9ImczXzUxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05NzAuNiw1ODMuMWg2Ljl2LTYuOWgtNi45djYuOVoiIGNsYXNzPSJnNF81MSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTEzMC40LDU4My4xaDYuOXYtNi45aC02Ljl2Ni45WiIgY2xhc3M9Imc1XzUxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05OTcuNiw1MTkuOWg2OC4yVjUwM0g5OTcuNnYxNi45WiIgY2xhc3M9ImczXzUxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05OTcuNiw1MDNoNjguMlY0NzEuN0g5OTcuNlY1MDNaIiBjbGFzcz0iZzBfNTEiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTEwNjUuNSw1MjEuOGw4LjYsLTguNmgzLjgiIGNsYXNzPSJnMl81MSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNOTk3LjYsNTIxLjZoNjguMiIgY2xhc3M9Imc2XzUxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xMDY1LjUsNTI2LjFsOC42LDguNmgzLjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnMl81MSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNOTk3LjYsNTI2LjJoNjguMiIgY2xhc3M9Imc3XzUxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xMTA1LjUsNTE5LjZoNjguM1Y1MDAuOGgtNjguM3YxOC44WiIgY2xhc3M9ImczXzUxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xMTA1LjUsNTAwLjhoNjguM1Y0NjcuM2gtNjguM3YzMy41WiIgY2xhc3M9ImcwXzUxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xMTczLjUsNTIxLjVsOC42LC04LjZoMy44IiBjbGFzcz0iZzJfNTEiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTExMDUuNSw1MjEuNGg2OC4zIiBjbGFzcz0iZzZfNTEiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTExNzMuNSw1MjUuOWw4LjYsOC43aDMuOSIgY2xhc3M9ImcyXzUxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xMTA1LjUsNTI2LjFoNjguMyIgY2xhc3M9Imc4XzUxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xMjEzLjUsNTE4LjdoNjguM1Y0OThoLTY4LjN2MjAuN1oiIGNsYXNzPSJnM181MSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTIxMy41LDQ5OGg2OC4zVjQ2NC42aC02OC4zVjQ5OFoiIGNsYXNzPSJnMF81MSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTI4MS41LDUyMC42bDguNiwtOC42aDMuOCIgY2xhc3M9ImcyXzUxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xMjEzLjUsNTIwLjVoNjguMyIgY2xhc3M9Imc5XzUxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xMjgxLjUsNTI1LjVsOC42LDguNmgzLjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnMl81MSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTIxMy41LDUyNS43aDY4LjMiIGNsYXNzPSJnYV81MSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTMyMS41LDUxOC40aDY4LjNWNDkzLjJoLTY4LjN2MjUuMloiIGNsYXNzPSJnM181MSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTMyMS41LDQ5My4yaDY4LjNWNDUxLjdoLTY4LjN2NDEuNVoiIGNsYXNzPSJnMF81MSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTM4OS41LDUyMC41bDguNiwtOC42aDMuOCIgY2xhc3M9ImcyXzUxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xMzIxLjUsNTIwLjNoNjguMyIgY2xhc3M9ImdiXzUxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xMzg5LjUsNTI1LjRsOC42LDguN2gzLjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnMl81MSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTMyMS42LDUyNS42aDY4LjIiIGNsYXNzPSJnY181MSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNNzgxLjYsNTI5aDY4LjJWMjkxLjJINzgxLjZWNTI5WiIgY2xhc3M9ImdkXzUxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik01OTkuNywyOTEuNFYyMTYuMmgxMDh2MjQuNyIgY2xhc3M9ImcyXzUxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik03MDcuNywyNDcuOWwzLjQsLTkuNGMwLDAsLTMuNCwyLjQsLTYuOSwwWiIgY2xhc3M9Imc1XzUxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik02MzIuNCwyMTcuNmg0Mi41IiBjbGFzcz0iZ2VfNTEiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTY3My42LDQ4OS40aDY4LjJWNDA3LjdINjczLjZ2ODEuN1oiIGNsYXNzPSJnM181MSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNNjczLjYsNDA3LjdoNjguMlYyNjguMkg2NzMuNlY0MDcuN1oiIGNsYXNzPSJnMF81MSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNNTY1LjYsNDMzLjloNjguMlYzMTEuN0g1NjUuNlY0MzMuOVoiIGNsYXNzPSJnMF81MSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNNTY1LjYsNTA3LjdoNjguMlY0MzMuOUg1NjUuNnY3My44WiIgY2xhc3M9ImczXzUxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik01OTkuNCwyMDYuOUw4MDguNywxODcuMyIgY2xhc3M9ImcyXzUxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik04MTUuNywxODYuN2wtOS44LC0yLjZjMCwwLDIuOCwzLjIsLjcsNi45WiIgY2xhc3M9Imc1XzUxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik02NTAuNywxOTloMTEzIiBjbGFzcz0iZ2ZfNTEiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTY3My42LDUwMy44aDY4LjJWNDg5LjRINjczLjZ2MTQuNFoiIGNsYXNzPSJnNF81MSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNNTY1LjYsNTI5aDY4LjJWNTA3LjdINTY1LjZWNTI5WiIgY2xhc3M9ImdnXzUxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik02NzMuNiw1MjloNjguMlY1MDMuOEg2NzMuNlY1MjlaIiBjbGFzcz0iZ2dfNTEiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTYyMiw4NTYuNmg1MnYyMjEuOEg2MjJWODU2LjZaIiBjbGFzcz0iZzRfNTEiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTEwNzYuNyw5NDAuNWg1MnYxNTEuMmgtNTJWOTQwLjVaIiBjbGFzcz0iZzRfNTEiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTgyNi42LDg0MC41aDUydjIyNS4zaC01MlY4NDAuNVoiIGNsYXNzPSJnNF81MSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTI4MS4zLDk0NC40aDUydjE0Ny4zaC01MlY5NDQuNFoiIGNsYXNzPSJnNF81MSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNNjIyLDc0Nmg1MlY4NTYuNkg2MjJWNzQ2WiIgY2xhc3M9ImcwXzUxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xMDc2LjcsOTExLjFoNTJ2MjkuNGgtNTJWOTExLjFaIiBjbGFzcz0iZzBfNTEiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTgyNi42LDczMS4zaDUyVjg0MC41aC01MlY3MzEuM1oiIGNsYXNzPSJnMF81MSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTI4MS4zLDkxNC41aDUydjI5LjloLTUyVjkxNC41WiIgY2xhc3M9ImcwXzUxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik02MjIsMTA3OC40aDUydjEzLjNINjIydi0xMy4zWiIgY2xhc3M9ImdoXzUxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik04MjYuNiwxMDY1LjhoNTJ2MjUuOWgtNTJ2LTI1LjlaIiBjbGFzcz0iZ2hfNTEiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTY0Ny4zLDcyNC4zdi0zOEg4NTIuNnYxNi4zIiBjbGFzcz0iZzJfNTEiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTg1Mi42LDcwOS42bDMuNCwtOS40YzAsMCwtMy40LDIuNCwtNi44LDBaIiBjbGFzcz0iZzVfNTEiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTExMDIuNiw4ODkuNFY4NjguN2gyMDQuN3YxNy4yIiBjbGFzcz0iZzJfNTEiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTEzMDcuMyw4OTIuOWwzLjUsLTkuNWMwLDAsLTMuNSwyLjUsLTYuOSwwWiIgY2xhc3M9Imc1XzUxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik03MzEuMyw2ODcuOGgzN200MjcuNiwxODIuNGgxOC4yIiBjbGFzcz0iZ2VfNTEiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTU0NS43LDExMzkuNWg2Ljl2LTYuOWgtNi45djYuOVoiIGNsYXNzPSJnMF81MSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNNTkyLjEsMTEzOS41SDU5OXYtNi45aC02Ljl2Ni45WiIgY2xhc3M9Imc0XzUxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik02NzguNywxMTM5LjVoNi45di02LjloLTYuOXY2LjlaIiBjbGFzcz0iZ2hfNTEiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTEwMDAuNCwxMTM5LjVoNi45di02LjloLTYuOXY2LjlaIiBjbGFzcz0iZzBfNTEiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTEwNDYuOCwxMTM5LjVoNi45di02LjloLTYuOXY2LjlaIiBjbGFzcz0iZzRfNTEiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTU0NS43LDEwOTEuN0g5NTQuOW00NS41LDBoNDA5LjIiIGNsYXNzPSJnMl81MSIvPgo8L3N2Zz4=) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 51 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Total costs Figure 23: Total costs of NLB Group (in EUR millions) 2023 2024 Q1 2024 Q2 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2024 Employee costs Other general and administrative expenses Tax on balance sheet Depreciation and amortisation 39.0 72.2 132.4 8.1 13.1 43.6 77.3 142.7 8.1 13.6 47.8 77.0 148.7 8.3 15.6 58.3 95.7 8.6 178.5 15.9 Excl. 53.0 BS tax 33.2 SLS Group 16.0 Other 3.8 549.2 +20% 188.6 322.2 602.2 282.2 170.5 501.9 +9% normalised 33.2 49.2 58.2 Total costs of the Group in 2024 amounted to EUR 602.2 million. By excluding EUR 33.2 million of the tax on the balance sheet, the costs grew by EUR 67.2 million, of which approximately EUR 45 million or 9% is the result of like-for-like cost increases (i.e., normalising for the tax on the balance sheet introduced in 2024, the SLS integration, and some other smaller one-offs). This elevated cost dynamic is a reflection of the strong inflationary pressures of 2024 in HR (around EUR 30 million increase, of which EUR 23 million in banks, the rest across other core businesses) with the remainder mostly in continued investments into improvement of branches and IT environment. The considerable HR cost dynamic in the core banking operations is a function of effects of repricing and variable compensation (EUR 31 million) more than offsetting effects of headcount reductions, amounting to around EUR -8 million. It is clear that this tension will continue to put pressure on costs in 2025, although measures to address headcount efficiencies will be substantially increased. Total costs increased mostly in the fourth quarter, by EUR 29.8 million, of which the majority (approximately EUR 24 million) is seasonal (approximately EUR 10 million in regular general and administrative costs seasonality and EUR 14 million of variable compensation given very strong financial performance). A smaller part is related to labour cost inflation (approximately EUR 2 million or 3% QoQ). As SLS Group was acquired in September, Q4 showed a full cost effect, being EUR 2.3 million higher QoQ. The Cost-to-Income Ratio (CIR - excluding the tax on the balance sheet from the calculation) declined by 0.2 p.p. YoY to 45.7%. Figure 24: Number of employees Figure 25: Number of branches 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 5,121 349 5,202 340 2,554 68 2,523 69 307 597 7,982 417 8,322 409 +340 -8 NLB SEE banks Other NLB SEE banks ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 52 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Impairments and provisions 0.6 -0.3 -1.0 2023 2024 Q1 2024 Q2 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2024 11.8 -20.6 -4.4 16.0 -32.9 -25.9 -16.9 -3.2 -12.4 -14.1 -37.4 -4.7 -2.6 -45.3 15.1 Impairments and provisions for credit risk Other impairments and provisions -7 14 CoR (bps) Figure 26: Impairments and provisions of NLB Group (in EUR millions) The Group monitored the macroeconomic and geopolitical circumstances closely, remaining very prudent in identifying any increase in credit risk at a very early stage, and proactive in NPL management. Furthermore, unfavourable trends in the German automotive industry did not severely influence the Slovenian export-oriented industry. Still, the Bank downgraded certain clients in Stage 2 and formed additional impairments. Nevertheless, the cost of risk remained at a relatively low level, at 14 bps. Impairments and provisions for credit risk were established mainly in Q4 in the amount of EUR 32.9 million. The established impairments derived from additional provisions of EUR 35.6 million for portfolio development, mostly in the corporate segment (new financing, transfer to Stage 2 and Stage 3), repayments of written-off receivables in the amount of EUR 10.7 million due to a favourable environment for NPL resolution, and additional impairments and provisions in the amount of EUR 7.9 million related to the change in models/risk parameters in NLB. The Group net established impairments and provisions for credit risk in the amount of EUR 20.6 million in 2024. The established impairments derive from portfolio development, new financing and any portfolio deterioration. In contrast, material repayments of written-off receivables and changes in models contributed to a lower total impact. Further information is available in the chapter Risk Management . Other impairments and provisions were net established in the amount of EUR 16.9 million. The vast majority were established mainly in the last quarter due to provisions for legal risk (mainly in NLB and in NLB Komercijalna Banka, Beograd), and restructuring provisions (mostly in Slovenia, EUR 2.5 million in NLB and EUR 1.4 million in Slovenian leasing companies). 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 53 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Income tax The effective tax rate (calculated as income tax divided by profit before tax) for the year 2024 for NLB Group was 13%, and for NLB, 7%. The effective tax rate of NLB was importantly influenced by non-taxable income, which mainly consisted of received dividends and the release of impairments of equity investments in subsidiary banks. In addition, tax losses carry-forward decreased by 50% of the taxable base. The effective tax rate of NLB, excluding non-taxable dividends and non-taxable reversal of equity investments, amounts to 14% at NLB, and at the Group level 14% (also excluding non-taxable interest from state securities, according to the local tax legislations). In the year 2024, several changes related to taxes occurred. Based on the Reconstruction, Development, and Provision of the Financial Resources Act, the tax rate for corporate income tax in Slovenia was increased from 19% to 22% for the years 2024 to 2028. Based on the same law, the tax on balance sheet was introduced for 2024–2028 in Slovenia. Tax on the balance sheet is recognised in other general and administrative expenses and included in the contribution rate. For 2024, the tax on the balance sheet amounted to EUR 33.2 million. Based on the OECD Pillar 2 Model Rules and the related EU Directive, the global minimum top-up-tax was introduced in the year 2024. NLB Group is liable to pay the top-up tax for the group members in jurisdictions where the effective tax rate, calculated by the rules related to the global minimum top-up tax, is below 15%. NLB, as the parent company, recognised a global minimum top-up-tax in the amount of EUR 3.9 million related to subsidiaries in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo, where the statutory corporate income tax rate is 10%. North Macedonia, where a 10% statutory corporate income tax also applies, introduced a domestic top-up tax. Therefore, NLB Banka, Skopje recognised a EUR 2.2 million top-up tax. The overall contribution rate related to profit before tax, which includes income tax and the tax on the balance sheet for the year 2024 for the NLB Group was 18% and for NLB 13%. Until 2028, when tax measures due to the flood in 2023 are effective, the overall contribution rate is expected to be slightly less or around 20% on NLB Group. From 2029, the effective tax/contribution rate related to profit before tax is expected to be around 14% for NLB and 18% for NLB Group. Table 11: Effective tax and contribution rates in EUR millions NLB 2024 NLB 2023 NLB Group 2024 NLB Group 2023 Profit before tax 512 479 608 578 Non-taxable income -266 -236 -44 0 Non-taxable dividends received -212 -138 0 0 Non-taxable reversal of equity investments -54 -98 0 0 Non-taxable interest from state debt securities 0 0 -44 -40 Taxable income 246 243 564 538 Adjustments -138 -145 -260 -232 Utilisation of tax loss carry forward -123 -115 -126 -117 Other adjustments (i) -15 -30 -134 -115 Tax base 108 98 304 306 Corporate income tax (at 22%) 24 18 67 58 Withholding tax (mainly dividends) & other 11 8 10 8 Global minimum top-up-tax 4 6 Recognition and increase of DTAs -6 -62 -7 -62 Non-recognised deferred tax assets on current loss and other 1 0 2 11 Total tax 34 -36 78 15 Effective tax rate related to profit before tax 7% -7% 13% 3% Effective tax rate related to taxable income (ii) 14% 11% 14% 12% Tax on balance sheet 33 33 Donations to state and municipalities 9 9 Contribution (total tax, balance sheet tax and donations) (ii) 67 35 111 75 Overall contribution rate related to profit before tax (ii) 13% 7% 18% 13% Overall contribution rate related to taxable income (ii) 27% 14% 20% 14% (i) Effect of different tax rates in other countries is included in other adjustments. 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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 54 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Statement of financial position Table 12: Statement of financial position of NLB Group in EUR millions 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 Change YoY 31 Dec 2024 30 Sep 2024 30 Jun 2024 31 Mar 2024 ASSETS Cash, cash balances at central banks, and other demand deposits at banks 4,039.6 6,103.6 -2,064.0 -34% 4,039.6 4,137.9 5,116.3 5,481.1 Loans to banks 458.9 547.6 -88.7 -16% 458.9 433.4 410.7 416.3 Net loans to customers 16,363.6 13,734.6 2,629.0 19% 16,363.6 15,739.3 14,399.3 13,859.9 Gross loans to customers 16,721.4 14,063.6 2,657.8 19% 16,721.4 16,071.4 14,726.7 14,197.1 - Corporate 7,471.2 6,437.8 1,033.4 16% 7,471.2 7,156.6 6,703.6 6,412.8 - Individuals 8,735.0 7,235.3 1,499.7 21% 8,735.0 8,469.1 7,632.5 7,394.8 - State 515.2 390.4 124.8 32% 515.2 445.7 390.6 389.5 Impairments and valuation of loans to customers -357.8 -329.0 -28.8 -9% -357.8 -332.0 -327.4 -337.2 Financial assets 6,324.5 4,803.7 1,520.8 32% 6,324.5 6,106.9 5,919.9 5,485.9 - Trading book 19.6 15.8 3.8 24% 19.6 15.8 14.6 15.0 - Non-trading book 6,304.9 4,787.9 1,517.0 32% 6,304.9 6,091.1 5,905.3 5,470.9 Investments in subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures 14.7 12.5 2.1 17% 14.7 13.9 12.3 13.5 Property and equipment 310.0 278.0 32.0 12% 310.0 300.0 280.9 276.0 Investment property 26.1 31.1 -5.0 -16% 26.1 24.6 25.8 30.0 Intangible assets 100.5 62.1 38.4 62% 100.5 86.9 64.9 60.5 Other assets 397.4 368.7 28.7 8% 397.4 400.5 383.6 402.5 TOTAL ASSETS 28,035.4 25,942.0 2,093.4 8% 28,035.4 27,243.4 26,613.7 26,025.7 LIABILITIES Deposits from customers 22,206.3 20,732.7 1,473.6 7% 22,206.3 21,373.9 20,693.8 20,471.5 - Corporate 6,304.6 5,859.2 445.4 8% 6,304.6 5,894.0 5,356.8 5,504.3 - Individuals 15,512.0 14,460.3 1,051.7 7% 15,512.0 15,074.3 14,899.9 14,554.6 - State 389.7 413.2 -23.5 -6% 389.7 405.6 437.1 412.6 Deposits from banks and central banks 136.0 95.3 40.7 43% 136.0 139.5 94.3 134.7 Borrowings 225.1 240.1 -15.0 -6% 225.1 210.1 218.8 209.4 Subordinated debt securities 560.1 509.4 50.7 10% 560.1 583.4 558.7 597.3 Other debt securities in issue 1,048.8 828.8 220.0 27% 1,048.8 1,034.8 1,315.3 838.0 Other liabilities 560.9 587.6 -26.7 -5% 560.9 590.9 586.8 674.7 Equity 3,226.0 2,882.9 343.1 12% 3,226.0 3,242.1 3,081.3 3,035.6 Non-controlling interests 72.1 65.1 6.9 11% 72.1 68.7 64.7 64.4 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 28,035.4 25,942.0 2,093.4 8% 28,035.4 27,243.4 26,613.7 26,025.7 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 55 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report The Group’s balance sheet volume reached EUR 28,035.4 million at the end of the year, reflecting a EUR 2,093.4 million YoY increase. Growth in the customer’s deposits and additional MREL funding supported the organic loan book growth, while the liquidity reserves were used for the acquisition of the SLS Group. Figure 27: Balance sheet structure of the NLB Group on 31 December 2024 (in EUR millions) 560 Subordinated debt securities 561 Other liabilities 1,049 Other debt securities in issue 361 Deposits from banks and central banks & Borrowings Loans to state 3.1% Loans to corporate 44.6% Loans to individuals 52.3% 16,364 Deposits from state 1.8% Deposits from individuals 69.9% Deposits from corporate 28.4% 22,206 Liabilities Deposits from customers 22,206 28,035 Assets Net loans to customers 16,364 28,035 Cash equivalents & placements with banks 4,499 Financial assets 6,324 Other assets 849 Total equity 3,298 The LTD ratio (net) increased by 7.4 p.p. YoY to 73.7% at the Group level. The increase was driven by the acquisition of SLS Group, which led to a higher growth in net loans compared to the deposits. The leverage ratio, which takes into account both on-balance sheet and off-balance sheet items, increased by 0.23 p.p. YoY to 9.9% at the Group level. The increase was driven by higher on-balance exposures to retail and corporates. 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 13,735 20,733 16,364 22,206 66.2% 73.7% LTD Net loans (in EUR millions) Deposits (in EUR millions) Figure 28: NLB Group’s LTD ratio movement ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 56 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Assets (i) The geographical analysis includes a breakdown of items with respect to the country in which individual NLB Group members are located. 752.5 848.7 6,651.2 4,498.5 13,734.6 16,363.6 4,803.7 6,324.5 Cash equivalents, placements with banks and loans to banks Net loans to customers Financial Assets Other Assets 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 25,942.0 28,035.4 +8% Figure 29: Total assets of NLB Group – structure (in EUR millions) The distribution of total assets between countries was similar to the previous year, with growth in the SEE members outpacing the growth in Slovenia. 55.5% of the total assets related to the Group members were located in Slovenia and 20.1% in Serbia. Figure 30: Total assets of NLB Group by country (year-end, in %) (i) 55.5% Slovenia 2024 2023 0.5% Other 0.1% Other 3.4% Montenegro 3.6% Montenegro 5.1% Kosovo 4.7% Kosovo 7.7% BiH 7.5% BiH 7.7% N. Macedonia 7.3% N. Macedonia 20.1% Serbia 19.6% Serbia 57.2% Slovenia ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 57 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Growth of lending in 2024 was very strong. In addition to a EUR 970.4 million YoY increase in gross loans from the SLS Group, the NLB Group achieved a 12% organic loan growth, expanding from EUR 14,063.6 million to EUR 15,751.0 million. Notably, high growth was recorded in NLB and SEE banks in both segments, individuals and corporate and state. NLB recorded a 10% growth in gross loans to individuals, with stronger growth in the second half of the year. The new loan production was impressive, with over EUR 500 million in housing and consumer loans approved in 2024, reflecting a YoY increase of 30% and 38%, respectively. Corporate and state loans grew by 10%, excluding the intragroup loan to the newly acquired Summit Leasing Slovenija, Ljubljana. In SEE banks, the 16% increase was recorded in loans to corporate and state, with especially strong growth in the last quarter in all bank members. The growth of the individual loans was similar, 15%. Figure 31: NLB Group gross loans to customers dynamics (in EUR millions) SEE banks (ii) NLB Group NLB (i) 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 8,164.1 570.9 7,586.9 7,235.3 3,608.8 3,523.1 6,828.2 3,667.8 3,245.4 8,735.0 3,965.2 4,056.9 7,986.4 4,850.5 3,751.3 +21% +13% w/o SLS Group +10% +15% +17% +11% w/o SLS Group +32% +10% w/o intragroup loan to SLS Group +16% Gross loans to individuals 399.5 Gross loans to corporate & state Gross loans SLS Group (i) On a stand-alone basis. (ii) Sum of data on a stand-alone basis as included in the consolidated financial statements of the NLB Group. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 58 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Following the ECB’s key interest rate cuts, quarterly interest rates for loans to customers began to decline in NLB and the SEE banks. However, on NLB Group level, this decline was partly mitigated due to higher yielding SLS Group portfolio. Figure 32: Interest rates for loans to customers (quarterly, in %) Q1 2024 Q2 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2024 Q1 2024 Q2 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2024 Q1 2024 Q2 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2024 5.94% 5.25% 6.61% 5.93% 5.29% 6.52% 5.88% 5.11% 6.45% 5.80% 4.87% 6.33% SEE banks (ii) NLB Group NLB (i) (i) On a stand-alone basis. (ii) Sum of data on a stand-alone basis as included in the consolidated financial statements of the NLB Group. 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 59 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Despite significant portfolio growth in all NLB Group banks in the 2024, and the acquisition of the SLS Group, the loan portfolio remained well-diversified, and there was no large concentration in any specific industry or client segment. Consumer loans and leasing growth were noticed in the retail portfolio, however housing loans prevailed. Most of the loan portfolio is in the euro currency, while the rest in local currencies of the Group banking members. Looking at the type of interest rate, almost 66% of the loan portfolio was linked to a fixed interest rate, and the rest mainly to the Euribor reference rate. Figure 33: Loan portfolio (i) by segment, geography, currency, and interest rate type (in EUR millions) Institutions 409 2% State (ii) 3,767 18% Retail consumer 4,213 20% Retail housing 4,522 22% Corporates 3,138 15% SME 4,633 22% EUR 20.7 billion by segment (iv) Other (iii) 919 4% N. Macedonia 1,705 8% Montenegro 802 4% Kosovo 1,208 6% Serbia 4,624 22% BiH 1,674 8% Slovenia 9,751 47% EUR 20.7 billion by geography Other 1% BAM 5% MKD 5% RSD 10% EUR 79% EUR 20.7 billion by currency Floating 34% Fixed 66% EUR 20.7 billion by interest rate (i) The loan portfolio also includes account balances, required reserves at CBs, and demand deposits at banks. (ii) State includes exposures to CBs. (iii) The largest part represents EU members. (iv) Segmentation following the company size defined in the Companies Act of an individual country in the region. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 60 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report The banking book debt securities portfolio increased by EUR 1,506 million (book value) YtD, constituting 22.1% of the Group’s total assets, compared to 18.1% in 2023. This increase was intentional to manage NII sensitivity in the declining rate environment. At the end of 2024, the portfolio’s average duration was 3.6 years (up from 2.8 years in 2023), with an average yield of 2.49% in 2024, reflecting an increase of 0.82 p.p. from the previous year. The ESG portfolio expanded in 2024 and now represents 10.8% of the entire portfolio. Additional information is available in the Sustainability Statement of this Annual Report. Two business models are implemented, dividing the portfolio into securities valued at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) and securities valued at amortised cost (AC). In managing NII sensitivity, the FVOCI portfolio declined by 6.34 p.p. in 2024, accounting for 39.84% of the total Group debt securities portfolio at year-end, with an average duration of 2.1 years. The negative valuation of the Group’s FVOCI debt securities portfolio during 2024 amounted to EUR 30 million (the net of hedge accounting effects and related deferred taxes). The AC portfolio amounted to 60.16% of the total Group debt securities portfolio at the end of 2024, with an average duration of 4.6 years. Unrealised losses of the Group’s AC debt securities portfolio during 2024 amounted to EUR 18 million. Figure 34: Banking book debt securities portfolio by asset class, geography, currency, rating 7 , and maturity profile as at 31 December 2024 (in EUR millions) 7 92% of non-investment grade securities relate to NLB Group’s markets, i.e. exposures to Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, etc. Information on intangible assets and their contribution to value creation within the Group is available in the chapter Strategy , and further in the Financial Report of this Annual Report. Government bonds 4,225 Corporate bonds 22 Subordinated debt 59 Covered bonds 228 Bank senior unsecured bonds 699 Multilateral bank bonds and GGB's 961 by asset class EUR 6,193 million Other 32 BAM 118 MKD 204 USD 225 RSD 506 EUR 5,108 by currency EUR 6,193 million BBB 17% BB 6% B 4% NR 0% A 28% AA 24% AAA 21% by rating EUR 6,193 million Finland 216 The Netherlands 249 Austria 271 Luxembourg 278 N. Macedonia 323 Germany 370 France 573 Slovenia 928 Other 1,700 Serbia 647 by geography EUR 6,193 million Belgium 637 % of total portfolio Slovenia SEE International 2025 2026-2027 2028-2029 2030+ 165 388 698 284 368 1,175 28% 41% 30% 40% 1,251 1,827 148 239 957 1,345 332 248 1,190 1,770 maturity profile ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 61 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.1% Liquidity position The Group’s liquidity remains strong, with a high level of unencumbered liquidity reserves in total assets (33.2%) reflected in the LCR ratio of 197.2%, compared to 245.7% at the end of 2023. The Group holds a comfortable liquidity position, with liquidity ratios well above the risk appetite limit at the Group and individual banking member levels. The Group’s unencumbered liquidity reserves consist of cash, balances at central banks excluding the minimum reserve requirement, the debt securities portfolio, and credit claims eligible for CB-secured funding operations. Among others, these liquidity reserves provide the basis for future strategic growth. In 2024, the Group’s unencumbered liquidity reserves decreased by 9.0% YoY. The decline was primarily due to a reduction in Cash & CB reserves, mostly resulting from the acquisition of the SLS Group, with funds being transferred to the loan portfolio. At the same time, banking book debt securities increased, while values in other categories remained stable. Encumbered liquidity reserves, used for operational and regulatory purposes, increased by 0.5% YoY to EUR 41.7 million (excluding obligatory reserves) and were excluded from the liquidity reserves portfolio. Figure 35: Evolution of NLB Group unencumbered liquidity reserves (in EUR millions) 31 Dec 2023 31 Mar 2024 30 Jun 2024 30 Sep 2024 31 Dec 2024 ECB eligible credit claims Cash & CB reserves Trading book debt securities (market value) Banking book debt securities (market value) 10,207.1 10,329.5 10,182.9 6.6% 48.6% 44.8% 6.1% 38.9% 55.0% 4.1% 29.8% 66.0% 6.5% 42.0% 51.5% 6.5% 31.1% 62.3% 9,529.2 9,287.5 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 62 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 95.3 Liabilities 20,732.7 240.1 509.4 828.8 587.6 2,948.0 22,206.3 136.0 225.1 560.1 1,048.8 3,298.0 560.9 Deposit from customers Deposit from banks and central banks Borrowings Subordinated liabilities Other debt securities in issue Other liabilities Total equity 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 25,942.0 28,035.4 +8% Figure 36: Total liabilities of NLB Group – structure (in EUR millions) The total liabilities of the Group increased and amounted to EUR 24,737.3 million, with an additional EUR 3,298.0 of total equity. The Group’s funding base was dominated by customer deposits , accounting for 79%. Sight deposits prevailed; however, due to increased interest rates and attractive offers on term deposits – as a response to market conditions – the share of term deposits continued to grow in the first half of 2024, reaching 18% by the year-end (compared to 16% at the end of 2023). The majority of customer deposits came from individuals, accounting for 70%, the same as at the end of 2023. 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BkPSJNMTEyNS40LDYyNC4yVjU4MS44aDE1OS4ydjI4LjMiIGNsYXNzPSJnMl82MyIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTI4NC42LDYxNy4xbDMuNCwtOS41YzAsMCwtMy40LDIuNSwtNi44LDBaIiBjbGFzcz0iZzVfNjMiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTExODcuMyw1ODQuN2gzNS40IiBjbGFzcz0iZzZfNjMiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTc5NS44LDcwOC41SDg2NFY2MjAuOEg3OTUuOHY4Ny43WiIgY2xhc3M9ImcwXzYzIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik03OTUuOCw2MTYuMUg4NjQiIGNsYXNzPSJnN182MyIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTA5MS4zLDEwMjYuOGg2OC4yVjk2Mi41aC02OC4ydjY0LjNaIiBjbGFzcz0iZzBfNjMiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTYzNi42LDcwOC41aDY4LjJWNjIzLjZINjM2LjZ2ODQuOVoiIGNsYXNzPSJnMF82MyIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNNjM2LjYsNjE5LjhoNjguMiIgY2xhc3M9Imc4XzYzIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xMTI1LjQsOTI5Vjg4NS42aDE1OS4ydjI0LjgiIGNsYXNzPSJnMl82MyIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTI4NC42LDkxNy40bDMuNCwtOS41YzAsMCwtMy40LDIuNSwtNi44LDBaIiBjbGFzcz0iZzVfNjMiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTExODUuNiw4ODguNWgzOC44IiBjbGFzcz0iZzZfNjMiLz4KPC9zdmc+) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 63 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Deposits from customers increased by 7% YoY. The largest increase of 15% was recorded in corporate and state deposits at the SEE banks due to the region’s improved economic situation, especially in the second half of the year. The Bank’s corporate and state deposit base remained stable, supported by an upswing in the second half of the year. Moreover, deposits from individuals grew across all Group member banks. In the SEE banks, deposits increased by 11%, with steady growth throughout the year. NLB recorded a 5% growth in deposits from individuals. The volume of term deposits in NLB increased by EUR 163.6 million in 2024 as clients shifted from sight to term deposits starting in Q3 2023. Most of these term deposits matured in the last quarter of 2024, and due to declining interest rates, not all were renewed. Instead, these funds were either allocated to alternative investments (e.g., mutual funds) or transferred to savings accounts. Consequently, the share of term and savings accounts in total deposits from individuals gradually rose to 51% (or EUR 4,537.5 million) by the year-end, compared to 48% (or EUR 4,061.9 million) on 31 December 2023. For more information on the average cost of funding, please refer to the chapter Funding Strategy, MREL Compliance, and Capital . 702.3 865.9 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 5,276.9 995.6 2,833.0 504.7 5,474.3 1,220.0 2,827.8 500.5 509.1 2,703.7 738.2 Sight deposits Term deposits 6,272.4 6,694.3 +7% 3,337.7 3,328.3 0% Deposits from corporate & state 4,336.1 1,580.4 12,177.7 2,282.6 12,785.8 2,726.2 4,686.3 1,860.3 SEE banks (ii) 14,640.3 15,512.0 +7% 8,543.8 8,965.4 +5% 5,916.5 6,546.6 +11% NLB Group Deposits from individuals NLB (i) 8,099.5 2,474.2 7,841.6 2,983.3 3,441.9 +15% Figure 37: NLB Group deposits from customers dynamics (in EUR millions) (i) On a stand-alone basis. (ii) Sum of data on a stand-alone basis as included in the consolidated financial statements of the NLB Group. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 64 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report The ECB key interest rate cuts were reflected in the decrease in interest rates on deposits from customers in the Bank. However, some SEE banks increased the interest rates on deposits in the last quarter, particularly in December, to attract additional funding to support the loan portfolio growth. Figure 38: Interest rates for deposits from customers (quarterly, in %) (i) On a stand-alone basis. (ii) Sum of data on a stand-alone basis as included in the consolidated financial statements of the NLB Group. Q1 2024 Q2 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2024 Q1 2024 Q2 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2024 Q1 2024 Q2 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2024 0.53% 0.46% 0.63% 0.55% 0.48% 0.66% 0.55% 0.49% 0.65% 0.56% 0.47% 0.68% SEE banks (ii) NLB Group NLB (i) ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 65 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Off-balance sheet items Figure 39: Off-balance sheet items of NLB Group (in EUR millions) +16% 34.6 41.0 2,832.3 2,663.2 1,631.6 1,805.6 2,140.8 2,487.5 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 Guarantees Letters of credit Loan commitments Derivatives 6,300.8 7,335.7 The Group’s off-balance sheet items, primarily consisting of guarantees (25%), loan commitments (36%), and derivatives (39%), increased to EUR 7,335.7 million by the end of 2024. 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"/>
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"/>
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</svg>) We provide comprehensive banking and financial solutions – in one place. We put our customers first by providing extensive, innovative and simple services – from banking products to investments, leasing and insurance. After nearly 30 years, we re-entered the Croatian market, becoming the only bank offering at least one form of financing across all the markets of a former common country. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 67 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Segment Analysis \* Core Segments \* 8 On 10 October 2024, KomBank Invest, Beograd was renamed NLB Fondovi, Beograd. \* The reference is made to this chapter from the Sustainability Statement chapter SBM-1 Strategy, business model, and value chain, the Table 13 excluded. • Retail Banking in Slovenia covers individuals and micro companies, asset management (NLB Skladi, Ljubljana), and part of NLB Lease&Go, leasing, Ljubljana and Summit Leasing Slovenija, Ljubljana operating with retail clients; as well as part of the result of the associated company Bankart. • Corporate and Investment Banking in Slovenia covers Key Corporate Clients, SMEs, Cross-Border Corporate Financing, Investment Banking and Custody, Trade finance, Restructuring and Workout, and part of NLB Lease&Go, leasing, Ljubljana and Summit Leasing Slovenija, Ljubljana operating with corporate clients. • Financial Markets in Slovenia include treasury activities and trading with financial instruments while also presenting the results of asset and liability management (ALM). • Strategic Foreign Markets consist of strategic banks in the Group operating in strategic markets (Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Montenegro), as well as the investment companies NLB Fondovi, Skopje and NLB Fondovi, Beograd 8 , NLB DigIT, Beograd, and the leasing companies NLB Lease&Go Skopje, NLB Lease&Go Leasing Beograd, and Mobil Leasing, Zagreb. • Other activities include categories, whose operating results cannot be allocated to specific segments (including newly established tax on the balance sheet), as well as the NLB Cultural Heritage Management Institute, and also Real Estate entities from 2024 (the latter were previously in the non-core segment). Non-Core Segment \* • Non-Core Members include the operations of non-core NLB Group members, i.e. entities in liquidation, LHB, NLB Srbija, NLB Crna Gora, and SLS HOLDCO, Ljubljana. Table 13: Segments of NLB Group NLB Group Core Segments Non-Core Segment Retail Banking in Slovenia Corporate and Investment Banking in Slovenia Financial Markets in Slovenia Strategic Foreign Markets Other Non-Core Members Profit b.t. (in EUR millions) 608 247 95 -14 338 -54 -4 Contribution to Group’s profit b.t. 100% 41% 16% -2% 56% -9% -1% Total assets (in EUR millions) 28,035 4,763 3,911 6,391 12,455 487 29 % of total assets 100% 17% 14% 23% 44% 2% 0% CIR (i) 45.7% 39.2% 42.5% / 46.1% / / Cost of risk (bps) 14 68 20 / -17 / / (i) Tax on the balance sheet excluded from the NLB Group calculation. NLB Group’s main indicator of a segment’s efficiency is net profit before tax. 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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 68 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Retail Banking in Slovenia Figure 40: Contribution to NLB Group Result b.t. 41 % Net interest income 35 % Net non-interest income 40 % The Bank’s customer-focused approach has been key to its performance, strongly emphasising delivering innovative products and services tailored to client needs. Digital transformation remains central to the Group’s strategy and reflects technological innovation. With significant growth in loans and asset management, the Bank remains committed to delivering excellence and enhancing user experience. The Bank retained its leadership in bancassurance, leveraging exclusive partnerships with major insurance providers to achieve strong business volumes. Strategic leasing operations expanded services for individuals and micro-clients, supported by branches’ expert advisory teams. Operational excellence was also marked by the Contact Centre’s 30 th anniversary and branch network, which focuses on high-demand areas and integrating ESG components. These initiatives solidify the Bank’s market leadership, customer focus, and commitment to innovation and sustainability. Financial and business performance Table 14: Performance of the Retail Banking in Slovenia segment in EUR millions consolidated 2024 2023 Change YoY Net interest income 325.2 264.7 60.5 23% Net interest income from Assets (i) 109.8 87.2 22.6 26% Net interest income from Liabilities (i) 215.4 177.5 38.0 21% Net non-interest income 123.1 102.3 20.8 20% o/w Net fee and commission income 130.1 114.1 16.0 14% Total net operating income 448.3 367.0 81.3 22% Total costs -175.9 -153.8 -22.0 -14% Result before impairments and provisions 272.5 213.2 59.3 28% Impairments and provisions -28.1 -32.6 4.5 14% Share of profit from investments in associates and joint ventures 3.0 1.1 1.9 179% Result before tax 247.3 181.7 65.7 36% 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 Change YoY Net loans to customers 4,622.0 3,694.2 927.8 25% Gross loans to customers 4,709.3 3,760.8 948.5 25% Housing loans 2,678.8 2,483.5 195.4 8% Interest rate on housing loans (ii) 3.14% 3.07% 0.07 p.p. Consumer loans 963.5 818.5 145.0 18% Interest rate on consumer loans (ii) 8.31% 8.14% 0.17 p.p. Summit Leasing Slovenija 549.1 549.1 - NLB Lease&Go, leasing, Ljubljana 132.7 98.2 34.5 35% Other 385.2 360.6 24.6 7% Deposits from customers 9,849.6 9,357.8 491.7 5% Interest rate on deposits (ii) 0.49% 0.32% 0.17 p.p. Non-performing loans (gross) 95.7 77.3 18.4 24% 2024 2023 Change YoY Cost of risk (in bps) 68 56 12 CIR 39.2% 41.9% -2.7 p.p. Net interest margin (ii) 4.71% 4.17% 0.53 p.p. (i) Net interest income from assets and liabilities using Fund Transfer Pricing (FTP). (ii) The segment’s net interest margin is calculated as the ratio between annualised net interest income (i) and the sum of average interest-bearing assets and liabilities divided by 2. 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 69 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Net interest income saw a 23% YoY increase, primarily due to higher volumes (including from the leasing acquisition) and the relatively high key ECB interest rate, which positively affected the segment’s income from clients’ deposits. The average interest rate on deposits increased by 17 bps YoY. In the last quarter of 2023, the Bank offered more attractive interest rates for term deposits and savings accounts for individuals, which customers perceived positively. Most of these deposits matured in the last quarter of 2024. Given the decline in interest rates, not all were renewed. Instead, these funds were either placed in alternative investments (e.g., mutual funds) or transferred to savings accounts. Net fee and commission income increased by 14% YoY, driven by the significant growth of fees from investment funds, higher bancassurance client engagement, repricing of accounts and packages fees, and renegotiated conditions with the service providers in card operations. The segment’s total costs increased by 14% YoY, primarily due to higher employee costs and the inclusion of the retail part of Summit Leasing Slovenija, Ljubljana, in the segment. Impairments and provisions were net established for credit risks related to the portfolio development. The segment’s loan portfolio increased by EUR 948.5 million YoY, with EUR 549.1 million attributed to Summit Leasing Slovenija, Ljubljana. Additionally, the retail part of NLB Lease&Go, leasing, Ljubljana, continued its robust growth, recording a 35% YoY portfolio increase. Housing and consumer lending recorded strong YoY growth, increasing 8% and 18%, respectively. As a result, the segments’ market shares of housing and consumer loans increased and reached 31.2% and 30.6%, respectively, compared to 30.2% and 29.8% as at 31 December 2023. In 2024, the Bank relaunched a successful edition of a housing loan campaign called, "Your Chance for a Quick Move," in which 100 young borrowers were rewarded by reimbursing three of their instalments of up to EUR 1,000. A new mortgage loan offer was introduced, including a property appraisal and an energy performance certificate with no approval fees. This initiative underscores the Bank’s commitment to sustainability while simplifying the process for an improved customer experience, which resulted in boosting up the sales of green lending. The new loan production was robust, with over EUR 500 million in housing and consumer loans approved in 2024, reflecting a YoY increase of 30% and 38%, respectively. Consequently, the market shares of the new production of housing and consumer loans in 2024 was also strong, at 36.6% and 33.6%, respectively, compared to 33.3% and 29.8% in 2023. The market shares of the segment recorded an increase in retail lending to 30.4% (compared to 29.5% as at 31 December 2023) and in deposit-taking to 34.3% (compared to 33.5% as at 31 December 2023). The market share of short-term deposits remained relatively low, as clients prefer the very popular savings account (which is part of sight deposits) over traditional short- term deposits. Customer experience is our priority The Bank’s product and service development is primarily driven by the requirements and expectations of its clients. In addition, the Bank tailors its offer to suit specific segments and devises processes to support its clients’ life situations. The sales approach and the offer are uniquely tailored to each segment, serving as the foundation for the Bank’s initiatives and business models. To enhance user experience, the Bank is broadening its spectrum of services to cater to an array of diverse segments. During the year, the Bank also optimised accounts, and package offers to provide a clearer offering for customers. 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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 70 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report stable growth over the years and has increased by 6 i.p. YoY, reaching 67. The tNPS also indicates a stable level of satisfaction (the benchmark for the financial sector in 2024 is 55 based on the SurveyMonkey global benchmark), influenced mainly by strong satisfaction with advisory services. considered less complex – and by differentiated pricing with discounted approval costs for loans concluded through NLB Klik. Digital engagement, measured by the average number of logins per active digital user (21 logins), grew rapidly in 2024, moving the Bank towards CE digitally more advanced banks. Figure 43: Digital sales (i) and digital penetration (ii) The Bank aims to optimise its branch network by closing less profitable offices and opening new ones in more densely populated areas or locations where it currently has no presence. After a long period, a new branch office has been opened, while at the same time renovations of the existing offices ensure improved accessibility for people with impairments. Employees in the Bank’s branch offices assist clients daily in transitioning to digital and cashless transactions, enabling faster and more independent future operations. This allows employees to better utilise their expertise and to focus on advisory roles for more complex products, as branches increasingly serve as 31 Dec 2021 31 Dec 2022 31 Dec 2023 30 Jun 2024 31 Dec 2024 49.1% 6.6% 55.8% 7.1% 61.3% 6.3% 63.0% 26.1% 65.3% 29.6% Sales Penetration (i) Share of the volume of digitally sold products in the total volume of sales for comparable products. (ii) Share of active digital users in # of clients with an active transactional account. Figure 42: Transactional Net Promoter Score (i) (i) Source: Enterprise Feedback Management tNPS (measuring satisfaction after completion of service or obtaining new product). The Customer Satisfaction Index indicator in Valicon’s Client Satisfaction Survey (CSS) measures long-term client relationships. In 2024, the Bank’s client satisfaction improved across all dimensions, surpassing the competition by 4 i.p. The Bank’s advisors remain a key advantage, both in branches and in the Contact Centre. Regaining position as #1 Digital Bank The E-laborat study further confirms the highest satisfaction increase happened in digital channels. According to their recent independent market evaluation, the Bank has reclaimed its position as the best-ranking digital bank among comparable banks in Slovenia. Available to our clients The digital bank NLB Klik is an omnichannel solution which offers a broad range of banking functionalities. Its usage is primarily driven by its mobile application, recently recognised as the market’s best mobile bank of 2024. Customers’ digital activity is reflected in growing digital penetration, total digital sales share, and strong engagement levels. The Bank witnessed an increase in digital users of 7% YoY, with active digital penetration of 4 p.p. YoY, and a significant boost in digital sales of 23.3 p.p. YoY. Digital sales growth was supported by the launch of new automated processes for daily banking products – especially credit card limits and overdrafts, which are 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 15% 15% 11% 13% 11% 9% 22% 21% 20% 18% 17% 15% 63% 64% 69% 69% 72% 76% 48 50 57 57 62 12% 16% 73% 61 67 Ø 57 Promoters Neutrals Detractors NPS 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 71 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report hubs for affluent customers. As the first step in improving the user experience for these clients, the Bank launched the Premium Plus 24/7 customer service line, providing round-the-clock assistance. To further value clients’ precious time, an appointment booking option was introduced that allows them to schedule branch visits or video calls at their convenience. The micro segment presents a rather challenging segment, as it intertwines the characteristics of private individuals and legal entities. The Bank strongly emphasises the micro business segment, recognising its potential for growth and innovation. By providing dedicated advisory and support, effective processes, and tailored offers, the Bank aims to empower micro businesses to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and thrive. The Bank’s efforts are committed to fostering a supportive and dynamic environment for micro businesses. In 2024, the Contact Centre (CC) marked a significant milestone – 30 years of successful operation as the Bank’s 24/7 customer support hub. During this time, the CC has proved flexible and responsive to clients’ evolving needs and has become a well-known service for the Bank’s customers. With the implementation of the first chatbot on the Bank’s website, the automation of simple inquiries continues, enabling highly qualified advisors to focus on finding the best solutions for more complex needs. Improving the customer experience at every stage of the Bank’s service development is an advantage in further developing the CC as the virtual bank and specialist for customer care. In 2024, the CC expanded support for micro businesses and significantly strengthened fraud prevention. Communication via video call enabled CC to facilitate 10.9% of key retail product group sales. Furthermore, good Bank practices are shared and expanded in the Group’s banks. With one of the largest ATM networks in the country, the Bank will also introduce a Cash Deposit System (CDS) machine to enhance cash service for legal entities, with pilot use already underway. Digitalisation of payments redirects clients to non-cash business, with the convenient Group’s mobile wallet NLB Pay solution integrating the most used wallets Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Garmin Pay. The app allows users to easily confirm their e-commerce purchases and Flik payments. Further optimisation was achieved by transferring SMS purchase alerts to push notifications within the NLB Pay app, making it even more convenient for clients. Figure 44: NLB Pay volume of transactions (in EUR thousands) In acquiring business , the Bank is running cooperation with selected partners to acquire new merchants, focusing on micro segment merchants. Another important solution is the Group’s mobile POS terminal solution, the NLB Smart POS , which is most suitable for small businesses, enabling them to provide simple, fast, and safe services. Several marketing campaigns were also successfully presented in cooperation with selected merchants, focusing on pushing the acquiring card instalments and payments with cards by using NLB Pay. Added value for our clients Private banking is a leading banking provider for this segment in the market and an integral part of the Bank’s offering. The Bank provides comprehensive wealth management, combining banking and financial products, and a full spectrum of advisory services. Products and services are carefully selected and tailored to meet the unique needs of clients, which is a base expanded by 17% YoY. A substantial 30% YoY growth in assets under management was recorded, which doubled in just four years, and reflects a successful approach, new product introductions, and improved internal processes. Figure 45: Assets under management and the number of private banking clients NLB Skladi, Ljubljana , Slovenia’s largest asset management company, achieved two milestones in 2024: surpassing EUR 3 billion in assets under management and generating EUR 286.1 million in annual net inflows, which accounted for 55% of all net inflows in the market. Annual gross inflows in mutual funds reached EUR 395.4 million, compared to EUR 260.9 million in 2023. The market share of assets under management in mutual funds reached 40.7%. The total assets under management grew by 29.1% YoY, reaching EUR 3,047.7 million, with EUR 2,544.8 million from mutual funds and EUR 502.9 million from the discretionary portfolio. NLB Skladi, Ljubljana, has introduced a new service, the management of alternative investment funds. It has also completed the acquisition of Generali Investments, Further strengthening position of Top Retail banking institution in Slovenia Significant progress in digital sales 2021 2022 2023 2024 488,565 122,952 58,924 36,218 +297% 31 Dec 2021 31 Dec 2022 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 1,243 1,711 2,224 1,377 1,800 2,000 2,347 2,756 AuM (in EUR millions) # of Clients 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 72 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Skopje (which was later rebranded to NLB Fondovi, Skopje), and transferred the ownership of the Serbian asset management company KomBank Invest, Beograd (which was later rebranded to NLB Fondovi, Beograd). The Bank has been the largest bancassurance provider on the market for several years. To its long-term partners, the insurance companies Vita, življenjska zavarovalnica, Generali Zavarovalnica, and Zavarovalnica Triglav, Zavarovalnica Sava was added as a provider of property insurance products. Vita’s model of exclusive distribution of life insurance products resulted in excellent overall insurance premium volumes. Figure 46: Active clients’ penetration of ancillary business In cooperation with NLB Lease&Go, leasing, Ljubljana , the Bank expanded its range of financial services to private individuals and the micro segment. Expert advice and high-quality financial services are available within branch offices, where clients can choose the best leasing solution tailored to their needs and select car insurance, all provided by licenced advisors. Leading the market in Asset management and Bancassurance 31 Dec 2021 31 Dec 2022 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 2.5% 10.3% 17.1% 2.7% 10.8% 17.7% 2.3% 11.6% 18.1% 2.4% 12.9% 18.3% Vita NLB Skladi Generali ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 73 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Corporate and Investment Banking in Slovenia The Bank reaffirmed its position as a leading and systemic player in its home region. It supports corporate clients with daily banking and tailor-made comprehensive solutions, including trade finance, corporate finance, and cross- border financing. The Bank also strongly emphasises sustainability in all its operations. Figure 47: Contribution to NLB Group Result b.t. 16 % Net interest income 14 % Net non-interest income 15 % Financial and business performance Table 15: Performance of the Corporate and Investment Banking in Slovenia segment in EUR millions consolidated 2024 2023 Change YoY Net interest income 131.7 106.5 25.3 24% Net interest income from Assets (i) 81.6 62.2 19.4 31% Net interest income from Liabilities (i) 50.1 44.3 5.8 13% Net non-interest income 47.1 42.7 4.4 10% o/w Net fee and commission income 41.1 40.2 0.9 2% Total net operating income 178.8 149.2 29.6 20% Total costs -76.0 -70.2 -5.9 -8% Result before impairments and provisions 102.8 79.0 23.8 30% Impairments and provisions -7.6 7.9 -15.5 - Result before tax 95.2 86.9 8.3 10% 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 Change YoY Net loans to customers 3,871.8 3,360.2 511.6 15% Gross loans to customers 3,946.4 3,413.2 533.2 16% Corporate 3,749.1 3,306.7 442.4 13% Key/SME/Cross Border Corporates 3,250.0 3,049.5 200.4 7% Interest rate on Key/SME/Cross Border Corporates loans (ii) 5.07% 4.54% 0.53 p.p. Investment banking 0.1 0.1 0.0 -15% Restructuring and Workout 108.2 97.7 10.5 11% Summit Leasing Slovenija 203.8 203.8 - NLB Lease&Go, leasing, Ljubljana 187.1 159.4 27.7 17 % State 196.1 105.6 90.5 86% Interest rate on State loans (ii) 5.60% 5.95% -0.35 p.p. Deposits from customers 2,392.0 2,471.8 -79.8 -3% Interest rate on deposits (ii) 0.37% 0.28% 0.09 p.p. Non-performing loans (gross) 79.9 61.8 18.0 29% 2024 2023 Change YoY Cost of risk (in bps) 20 -36 56 CIR 42.5% 47.1% -4.5 p.p. Net interest margin (ii) 4.11% 3.55% 0.56 p.p. (i) Net interest income from assets and liabilities using FTP. (ii) The segment’s net interest margin is calculated as the ratio between annualised net interest income (i) and the sum of average interest-bearing assets and liabilities divided by 2. 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 74 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report In the Corporate and Investment Banking segment, the Bank maintains its long-standing tradition and commitment to sustainable and long-term business relationships. Serving over 11,000 corporate clients, it holds a market share of 32.2% in loans and 23.7% in deposits. The business’s principal revolves around customer centricity and addressing clients’ actual needs. The Bank provides extensive and customised financial solutions to support the broader economy. Figure 48: Market share in Corporate Banking in Slovenia Net interest income increased substantially by 24% YoY, driven primarily by the rise in loan volume and the relatively high key ECB rate, which positively impacted the net interest income from clients’ deposits. Deposit interest rates, being less sensitive to interest rate volatility, also contributed to higher segment income. The volume of gross loans grew by EUR 533.2 million YoY, with nearly half related to the acquired corporate part of Summit Leasing Slovenija, Ljubljana’s loan portfolio. The organic growth was mainly recorded in the Key and Cross-Border segments. Following a significant decline in deposits during the first half of the year, a rebound occurred in the second half, resulting in an overall 3% decrease. Net fee and commission income increased by 2% YoY, primarily due to the fees from the RoS bond issue, brokerage services, and guarantees. Total costs rose by 8%, mainly driven by higher employee costs and the inclusion of the corporate part of Summit Leasing Slovenija, Ljubljana, in the segment. Impairments and provisions were net established in the amount of EUR 7.6 million due to changes in risk parameters and portfolio development. Comprehensive solution offering As a key and important systemic player in the financial market, the Bank raises awareness and supports clients in the region’s development in ESG and sustainable finance through proactive advisory services. In this way, it increases its share in financing the green transformation of companies in Slovenia and the wider region. The Bank primarily finances renewable energy sources, electrical distribution networks, sustainable construction and building renovations, and sustainable mobility. Cross-border activities saw substantial development in 2024. The cross-border outstanding loan portfolio reached EUR 595.1 million, with an additional approved and still unutilised loans of EUR 126.8 million. A significant portion of this financing focused on green and sustainable projects in the home region, supporting other key industries such as telecommunications, energy, and real estate. Outside the home region, activities are concentrated on Schuldschein loans, granted to large international investment-grade rated companies that are mainly in Central and Western Europe. Additionally, the Bank is exploring options to engage in international syndication deals in the transition finance universe. The trade finance business remained stable, with a high market share of 37.1% for the guarantee business and a slightly higher share in documentary transactions. Besides supporting all major infrastructure projects in Slovenia and the region, the Bank’s guarantee is recognised as the most requested and accepted instrument for securing all types of risks in trade, economy, and construction worldwide, which is reflected in approximately 10% annual growth in volume and income. Through all types of letters of credit, which are also structured to enable financing, the Bank reduces payment and performance risks for exporters and importers. A strong focus has been given to all different versions of receivables and payment financing, where the Bank is expanding its product range with interfactoring and thus maximising synergies among the NLB Group members. The Bank remains one of the top Slovenian players in custodian services for Slovenian and international clients. At the end of the year, the total value of assets under custody on domestic and foreign markets stood at EUR 13.1 billion compared to EUR 18.6 billion as of 31 December 2023. This change follows the transfer of a client portfolio to an account with the Slovenian CSD, as required by the EU regulation, after several years of successful cooperation. In 2024, brokerage services experienced substantial YoY growth, where the Bank executed client buy and sell orders of EUR 2.56 billion, reflecting an increase of 107% compared to the previous year. In dealing with financial instruments, foreign exchange spot deals amounted to EUR 1.796 billion, while transactions involving derivatives reached EUR 256.7 million. 31 Dec 2022 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 23.8% 25.7% 32.2% 25.3% 23.4% 23.7% 39.0% 38.6% 37.1% Loans to customers Deposits from customers Guarantees and letters of credit Strong focus on green financing 32.2% market share in loans to customers 37.1% market share in guarantees and letters of credit ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 75 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report The Bank has been actively engaged in financial advisory sector, which includes M&A and advisory business, the organisation of syndicated loans, and bond issuance. It acted as a sole mandated lead arranger for syndicated loans of EUR 112.6 million, with NLB participation amounting to EUR 50.8 million. Additionally, the Bank played a key role in organising bond issuances, acting as a sole lead manager or joint lead manager for bonds in the nominal amount of EUR 1.188 billion. NLB was also a joint lead manager and distributor of the RoS’s first retail bond in the nominal amount of EUR 258 million. Intermediary business for NLB Lease&Go, leasing, Ljubljana remained a focus of the Bank’s commercial activities, with the goal of providing clients with the best possible financing solutions for vehicles and equipment. The acquisition of Summit Leasing Slovenija, Ljubljana , resulted in the leasing portfolio in this segment expanding notably in Q3 2024, which strengthened the focus on leasing activities. The main focus in acquiring business was on retention and gaining market share. Several initiatives were launched to increase usage and onboard new classic/ NLB Smart POS and E-Comm users. The NLB Smart POS marketing campaign, offering a two-month free trial period, successfully ended in December 2024 with merchants adopting a NLB Smart POS. Additionally, a pilot cooperation with Lab4Pay (Elly POS), particularly with Billy POS for new merchant onboarding, has been introduced. An evaluation of this partnership model will be conducted in January 2025 to determine the next steps. There were also commercial achievements in 2024, particularly well-received marketing campaigns in cooperation with selected partners, focusing on acquiring card instalments and payments with cards via NLB Pay. In 2024, NLB upgraded its card offerings with the option for digitalisation via Apple Pay and Garmin Pay, following the introduction of Google Pay in 2023. The Bank started replacing traditional SMS notifications with modern push notifications in the NLB Pay mobile wallet. The Bank was the leading bank in introducing instant payments in Slovenia and remains the only bank enabling m-bank users to automatically send out transactions as instant payments – every day of the year in Slovenia and the SEPA area. As the first banking group in the SEE, the Group enables services arising from the SWIFT Global Payment Initiative, an international payments service enabling banks to transfer money faster and more safely worldwide. At the same time, it enables full tracking of payment orders and monitoring of related costs. 2021 2022 2023 2024 2021 2022 2023 2024 55 2,535 113 3,244 143 3,492 76 2,865 +8% 27% e-commerce POS Figure 49: Transaction volume in acquiring (in EUR millions) 17% annual growth in NLB Lease&Go, leasing, Ljubljana corporate portfolio NLB is the bank of choice for most corporate clients in Slovenia ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 76 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Financial Markets in Slovenia The segment focused on the Group's operations in international financial markets, including ALM, treasury functions, correspondent banking, and wholesale funding. Throughout the period, there was a strong focus on managing liquidity reserves prudently amid the evolving interest rate environment, alongside efforts to stabilise net interest income (NII). The Bank actively participated in international capital markets, issuing EUR 300 million in Tier 2 notes and EUR 500 million in senior preferred notes. Correspondent banking played a key role in facilitating international transactions and supporting the Group's global operations. 2 notes issuances on international capital markets (Tier 2 and SP notes) The trading and treasury result reached EUR 33 million (of which net interest income EUR 29.8 million and net non-interest income EUR 3.2 million), reflecting a YoY increase of 27.9% (after FTP). This growth was driven by a larger securities portfolio and more efficient reinvestment of maturing assets, and focusing on optimising risk-return metrics. The Bank successfully issued 10NC5 subordinated Tier 2 notes of EUR 300 million in January to optimise and strengthen its capital position and 6NC5 senior preferred notes of EUR 500 million in May. Both issuances also count towards meeting the MREL requirement. Financial and business 9 performance Table 16: Performance of the Financial Markets in Slovenia segment in EUR millions consolidated 2024 2023 Change YoY Net interest income -4.1 37.8 -41.8 - Net interest income w/o ALM (i) 29.8 23.1 6.7 29% o/w ALM (iii) -33.9 14.6 -48.5 - Net non-interest income 3.2 2.7 0.6 21% Total net operating income -0.8 40.4 -41.3 - Total costs -12.9 -9.9 -3.0 -30% Result before impairments and provisions -13.7 30.5 -44.2 - Impairments and provisions -0.7 4.8 -5.5 - Result before tax -14.4 35.3 -49.7 - 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 Change YoY Balances with Central banks 1,772.3 4,153.2 -2,380.9 -57% Banking book securities 4,499.0 2,981.1 1,517.9 51% Interest rate (ii) 2.03% 1.17% 0.86 p.p. Borrowings 51.1 82.8 -31.7 -38% Interest rate (ii) 2.23% 1.66% 0.57 p.p. Subordinated liabilities (Tier 2) 560.1 509.4 50.7 10% Interest rate (ii) 8.33% 6.89% 1.44 p.p. Other debt securities in issue 1,048.8 828.8 220.0 27% Interest rate (ii) 6.27% 6.56% -0.29 p.p. 9 This business overview includes the operations of the Group’s ALM, due to more comprehensive presentation of the operations on the Group level. (i) Net interest income from assets and liabilities of trading and treasury after using FTP. (ii) NLB interest rates. (iii) ALM result in 2023 and 2024 is not comparable due to changed methodology in treatment of costs related to MREL and Tier 2 instruments. Balances with the central bank decreased by EUR 2,380.9 million YoY, as they were partially transferred to banking book securities, resulting in a YoY increase of EUR 1,517.9 million. This transformation was undertaken to stabilise net interest income in 2024. Additionally decrease of central bank balances was caused by acquisition and refinancing of the SLS Group. 57% government securities in the banking book debt securities portfolio ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 77 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report The Group’s ALM The Group’s ALM process strategically manages the Group’s balance sheet concerning the interest rate, currency, and liquidity risk, considering the macroeconomic environment and developments in the financial markets. Monitoring and managing the Group’s exposure to market risk is decentralised, with uniform guidelines and limits for each type of risk for individual Group members. From the interest rate risk perspective, the surplus liquidity position of the Group was used for targeted actions to stabilise net interest income, contributed to further growth of fixed interest rate loans, mostly housing loans, and investments in high-quality debt securities. In terms of funding, the non-banking sector deposits continued to increase, mainly in the form of term deposits. The Group manages its positions and stabilises its interest margin through pricing policy adjustments, whereas to manage interest rate risk exposure, the Group actively adjusts the average duration of liquidity reserves and keeps outstanding "plain vanilla" derivatives. Active profitability management has been supported by a highly disciplined deposit pricing policy, enabling the response to a highly competitive loan market all over the Group’s strategic markets. Liquidity management The Group’s liquidity management focuses on ensuring a sufficient level of liquidity reserves to settle all due liabilities, minimising the cost of maintaining liquidity, and optimising the structure of liquidity reserves. The Group has developed a comprehensive liquidity contingency plan (LCP) to ensure an appropriate level of liquidity for different situations, including emergencies and crisis conditions. For settling due liabilities, the Group uses its liquid assets, which are comprised of liquidity reserves (see the subchapter Liquidity position in the chapter Overview of Financial Performance ) and other liquid assets. The latter includes funds held on accounts with other banks and money market placements, which are treated as inflows according to the LCR calculation. Each Group member manages its liquid assets independently. Capital, liquidity, and interest rate risks management with an active presence on capital markets 4.2 years the average duration of the banking book debt securities portfolio ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 78 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Wholesale funding Wholesale funding activities in the Group aim to achieve diversification, improve structural liquidity and capital position, and fulfil regulatory requirements, especially ensuring compliance with the MREL requirements. The Bank maintains a regular presence on international capital markets and has a broad investor base, which is important for securing favourable funding terms. In 2024, the Bank was active on international capital markets by issuing 10NC5 subordinated Tier 2 notes in January to improve the capital position and 6NC5 senior preferred notes in May for MREL purposes. In parallel with the issuance of Tier 2 notes, the Bank conducted a liability management exercise (LME), repurchasing EUR 219.6 million of its two outstanding Tier 2 notes with approaching call dates. In 2024, the Bank also exercised call options of some of MREL eligible instruments and Tier 2 instrument. Additionally, NLB Group banking members from SEE obtained funding from international financial institutions in a total of EUR 37 million to support their clients, mostly with green financing. Table 17: Overview of outstanding NLB notes as at 31 December 2024 (i) in EUR millions Type of bond ISIN code Issue Date Maturity First call date Interest Rate Nominal Value Senior Preferred XS2825558328 29 May 2024 29 May 2030 29 May 2029 4.500% p.a. 500 Senior Preferred XS2641055012 27 Jun 2023 27 Jun 2027 27 Jun 2026 7.125% p.a. 500 Total SP: 1,000 Tier 2 XS2750306511 24 Jan 2024 24 Jan 2034 24 Jan 2029 6.875% p.a. 300 Tier 2 XS2413677464 28 Nov 2022 28 Nov 2032 28 Nov 2027 10.750% p.a. 225 Tier 2 (i) XS2113139195 5 Feb 2020 5 Feb 2030 5 Feb 2025 3.400% p.a. 10.5 (i) (issued amount: 120) Total Tier 2: 535.5 Additional Tier 1 SI0022104275 23 Sep 2022 Perpetual between 23 Sep 2027 and 23 Mar 2028 9.721% p.a. 82 Total AT1: 82 Total outstanding: 1,617.5 (i) (i) Further information is available in the chapter Events After the End of the 2024 Financial Year . Figure 50: Volume of outstanding NLB notes (in EUR millions) Figure 51: Refinancing needs from matured NLB notes (in EUR millions) 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2025 31 Dec 2026 31 Dec 2027 1,000.0 1,500.0 1,000.0 1,000.0 535.5 82.0 525.0 82.0 525.0 82.0 300.0 0.0 SP Tier 2 AT1 1,617.5 1,607.0 1,300.0 2,107.0 Note: Including issued SP notes of EUR 500 million (in January 2025). Maturity envisaged on call date. 31 Dec 2025 31 Dec 2026 31 Dec 2027 500.0 225.0 82.0 10.5 SP Tier 2 AT1 Note: Maturity envisaged on call date. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 79 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB’s banking book debt securities portfolio Figure 52: Banking book securities portfolio of NLB by asset class and geography as at 31 December 2024 (in EUR millions) Multilateral bank bonds and GGB’s 902 Government bonds 2,552 Bank senior unsecured bonds 695 Covered bonds 228 Subordinated debt 59 Corporate bonds 12 EUR 4,449 million Other 1,114 Slovenia 889 Belgium 522 The Netherlands 204 Luxembourg 278 Germany 312 France 476 Austria 199 Spain 186 Finland 173 Slovakia 97 EUR 4,449 million The purpose of banking book securities is to provide liquidity, manage interest rate risk and optimise interest income. In 2024, an ongoing goal was to further diversify the Bank’s banking book securities portfolio, which at the end of 2024 amounted to EUR 4,449 million, constituting 26.2% of the Bank’s total assets. At the year- end, debt securities measured at FVOCI represented 36.01% of the Bank debt securities portfolio, having a duration of 2.5 years, while the duration of the portfolio measured at AC was 5.2 years. The negative valuation of the FVOCI portfolio at year-end amounted to EUR 16 million (net of hedge accounting effects and related deferred taxes), and unrealised losses from securities measured at AC amounted to EUR 39 million. The average duration of the Bank’s banking book debt securities was approximately 4.2 years at year-end, and the average yield on the Bank’s banking book debt securities portfolio increased by 0.87 p.p. YoY to 2.04%. Approximately 15% (or EUR 649 million) of the banking book securities portfolio consists of the ESG debt securities issued by governments, multilateral organisations, or financial institutions, of which EUR 368 million were bought in 2024. Figure 53: Maturity profile of NLB banking book securities as at 31 December 2024 3 2025 2026-2027 2028-2029 2030+ 12% 32% 23% 33% Slovenia SEE International 1,149 332 354 135 1,080 284 49 880 138 20 513 1,413 1,038 1,485 24 % of total portfolio ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 80 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Strategic Foreign Markets The market shares (by total assets) of subsidiary banks exceeded 10% in four out of six markets Figure 54: Contribution to NLB Group Result b.t. 56 % Net interest income Net non-interest income 52 % 44 % The core financial part of the Group in the Strategic Foreign Markets segment consists of six banks, three leasing companies, two asset management companies, and one IT services company 10 . The Group banking subsidiaries are regional market leaders across various business segments and provide a comprehensive range of financial services to retail and corporate clients. All Group subsidiary banks have a stable market position, which, measured by total assets, surpassed 10% in four out of six markets. In 2024, the SEE region experienced sustained growth and a solid financial outlook. Key drivers contributing to this positive economic performance include increased foreign direct investment (FDIs), strong export growth, moderate inflation, and significant improvements in the business climate and economic indicators. These factors contributed to shifts in the monetary policies of regional central banks, aligned with the ECB’s accommodative approach in response to evolving economic conditions. The upgrade of Serbia's sovereign rating signalled greater stability and reduced risk. It could attract more FDIs, allow lower borrowing costs, and create huge opportunities to boost the local infrastructural projects and stimulate the regional growth. The segment achieved excellent results and marked remarkable double-digit growth of gross loans to customers (17% YoY growth). The banks alone reported a 15% YoY growth, above the local market average, especially in the retail segment, thereby contributing to the overall economic development of local countries’ households and supporting green financing. In line with the self-funding strategy, the Group banks’ customer deposits went up by 12% YoY, adapting to prevailing market conditions, thus ensuring organic growth and keeping an optimal balance sheet structure. In 2024, the Group banks accelerated their digital transformation by automating processes and offering various digital solutions to clients, thus bringing, first in some markets, various solutions further boosting digital sales and digital penetration, especially in the retail segment. The Group banks’ ESG and CSR activities were continuously upgraded by supporting the financial literacy of clients, organising the #FrameOfHelp project for small entrepreneurs, tree planting activities, and many more events, as stated in the Group Sustainability report. For their efforts in digital solutions and green financing, several Group banks received distinguished awards for their contribution to the local countries of operation. Leasing Operations continued to show solid growth, achieving a market share of 9.7% in Serbia in new production, which elevated the company to 6 th position in the market. In North Macedonia, the company is the 3 rd largest in the market, with a market share of 20.1% in new production. 10 More information on NLB DigIT is available in the chapter IT and Cyber Security . ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 81 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Financial and business performance Table 18: Performance of the Strategic Foreign Markets segment in EUR millions consolidated 2024 2023 Change YoY Net interest income 483.1 423.2 59.9 14% Interest income 566.7 472.5 94.2 20% Interest expense -83.6 -49.3 -34.3 -70% Net non-interest income 135.9 118.4 17.5 15% o/w Net fee and commission income 142.1 124.1 17.9 14% Total net operating income 619.0 541.6 77.4 14% Total costs -285.2 -251.2 -33.9 -14% Result before impairments and provisions 333.9 290.4 43.5 15% Impairments and provisions 4.1 1.1 2.9 - Result before tax 338.0 291.5 46.4 16% o/w Result of minority shareholders 15.7 12.6 3.1 24% 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 Change YoY Net loans to customers 7,847.4 6,648.1 1,199.3 18% Gross loans to customers 8,027.5 6,839.8 1,187.6 17% Individuals 4,087.0 3,525.6 561.5 16% Interest rate on retail loans 6.94% 6.63% 0.31 p.p. Corporate 3,635.5 3,042.9 592.6 19% Interest rate on corporate loans 5.81% 5.37% 0.44 p.p. State 304.9 271.4 33.5 12% Interest rate on state loans 7.58% 7.13% 0.45 p.p. Deposits from customers 9,964.3 8,878.3 1,086.0 12% Interest rate on deposits 0.65% 0.38% 0.27 p.p. Non-performing loans (gross) 130.6 134.0 -3.3 -2% 2024 2023 Change YoY Cost of risk (in bps) -17 -13 -5 CIR 46.1% 46.4% -0.3 p.p. Net interest margin 4.35% 4.19% 0.16 p.p. The volume of the loans increased by 17% YoY. The most significant increase in gross loans to customers was achieved by NLB Banka, Prishtina (19% YoY), NLB Komercijalna Banka, Beograd (17% YoY), NLB Banka, Banja Luka (15% YoY), and NLB Banka, Podgorica (14% YoY). High performance in new business production continued in the corporate and retail segments, as several products and services were upgraded, including streamlining and modernising their distribution network and improving their digital offering by introducing end- to-end mobile digital retail loans. In 2024, the leasing companies in strategic foreign markets achieved remarkable growth, with a total new leasing financing volume of EUR 184.9 million. Of this amount, 51 % (EUR 94 million) was generated by NLB Lease&Go Leasing Beograd, 40% (EUR 75.0 million) by Mobil Leasing, Zagreb, and the remaining 9% (EUR 15.9 million) by NLB Lease&Go Skopje. The Group banks maintained solid capital and liquidity positions that are well above regulatory requirements. Six subsidiary banks, three leasing companies, two asset management companies and one IT services company The overall confidence remained strong, and the total customer deposit base increased by 12% YoY. The net interest income increased by EUR 59.9 million YoY due to higher volumes, of which the highest share was EUR 26.9 million contributed to the segment’s increase by NLB Komercijalna Banka, Beograd. The net fee and commission income increased by EUR 17.9 million due to higher volumes of card business and payments, renegotiation of card terms with service providers, and increased sales of bancassurance products. The total net non-interest income of the segment marked an increase of EUR 17.5 million YoY as a result of banking members’ operations, which contributed EUR 14.2 million of growth to the segment. Total costs increased by EUR 33.9 million YoY due to higher operating costs resulting from ongoing inflation and increased employee costs. However, the segment’s CIR improved to 46.1%. 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 82 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Figure 55: Result after tax of strategic NLB Group banks (in EUR millions) NLB KB, Beograd NLB Banka, Skopje NLB Banka, Banja Luka NLB Banka, Sarajevo NLB Banka, Prishtina NLB Banka, Podgorica 132.3 44.5 24.3 12.8 36.0 26.7 140.5 67.8 29.5 14.4 37.0 27.7 +6% +52% +22% +12% +3% +4% 2023 2024 The higher volumes and still high interest rates on the local markets supported SEE banking members’ results, thus showing a net interest margin between 3.1% (NLB Banka, Sarajevo) and 5.1% (NLB Banka, Podgorica). Retail banking The banking members realised very high new retail loan production of 15% YoY. The loan portfolio to individuals increased in all banking members. New loan production was still high, significantly outperforming the local markets, especially in consumer loans. The highest increase in loans to individuals was achieved by NLB Banka, Prishtina (29% YoY), followed by other banks with double-digit growth of the retail loans portfolio, such as NLB Banka, Banja Luka (17% YoY), NLB Banka, Podgorica (16% YoY), NLB Komercijalna Banka, Beograd (15% YoY), NLB Banka Sarajevo (12% YoY) and NLB Banka, Skopje (10%YoY). Furthermore, all the banks in the Group increased their market share in retail lending, with growth achieved by NLB Banka, Banja Luka (1 p.p. YoY), followed by NLB Banka, Prishtina (0.9 p.p. YoY), and NLB Komercijalna Banka, Beograd (0.3 p.p. YoY). The market shares of housing and consumer loans showed significant growth. The largest increase was recorded by NLB Banka, Banja Luka in the housing segment, which rose by 0.8 p.p YoY, followed by NLB Komercijalna Banka, Beograd with a 0.2 p.p. increase YoY. In the consumer segment, the most significant market share increase was recorded by NLB Banka, Prishtina (1.2 p.p. YoY), followed by NLB Banka, Banja Luka (1.0 p.p. YoY), NLB Komercijalna Banka, Beograd (0.6 p.p. YoY) and NLB Banka, Podgorica (0.4 p.p. YoY). NLB Banka, Skopje resulted in a market share increase of 0.1 p.p. YoY. New production in green lending accelerated in 2024 with the offering of various NLB Green Loans through partners – eco-mortgage loans through business partners, eco-home appliance loans, electric and hybrid vehicles, and so forth. The Group banks retained customer confidence as the total segment deposits from individuals increased by 11% YoY. Corporate banking The banking members achieved double-digit growth in financing and attracting new corporate clients. The portfolio to corporate banking clients recorded a 16% YoY growth, with the highest growth levels achieved by NLB Komercijalna Banka, Beograd (19% YoY), NLB Banka, Skopje (19% YoY), and NLB Banka, Banja Luka (15% YoY). The banks continued supporting green investments, particularly in solar power plants and energy efficiency. The SEE banks attracted corporate deposits by boosting the segment’s corporate balances by 17% YoY. Profit before tax EUR 338.0 million 16% higher compared to 2023 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 83 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Non-Core Members The Non-Core Members segment includes the operations of non-core Group members. The main objective in the non-core segment remains a rigorous wind-down of all non-core portfolios and the consequent reduction of costs. The implementation of the wind-down has been pursued with a variety of measures, including the sales of portfolios (either packages that include portfolios in a single market or entity, as well as packages combining portfolios in different markets and/or entities), sales or liquidation of non-core entities, sales of individual assets, or active collection. Financial and business performance Table 19: Performance of the Non-Core Members segment in EUR millions consolidated 2024 2023 Change YoY Net interest income 0.9 1.5 -0.6 -40% Net non-interest income 0.4 -1.7 2.0 - Total net operating income 1.3 -0.1 1.4 - Total costs -7.6 -13.7 6.1 45% Result before impairments and provisions -6.3 -13.9 7.6 55% Impairments and provisions 2.2 3.7 -1.6 -42% Result before tax -4.1 -10.1 6.0 59% 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 Change YoY Segment assets 28.6 47.1 -18.4 -39% Net loans to customers 8.5 10.9 -2.5 -23% Gross loans to customers 24.3 28.6 -4.3 -15% Investment property and property & equipment received for repayment of loans 5.5 20.1 -14.6 -73% Other assets 14.7 16.0 -1.4 -8% Non-performing loans (gross) 24.3 27.4 -3.2 -12% The wind-down has remained the main objective of the non-core segment in all the non-core portfolios. In line with the divestment strategy, the segment’s total assets decreased by EUR 18.4 million YoY. The divestment process has been running with thoughtful cost management and well-established collection procedures. New business has been suspended for all non-core Group members undergoing wind-down. The decrease of the cumulative non-core subsidiaries’ portfolio remains ongoing through different collection measures and repayments. EUR 4.3 million reduction of gross loans to customers in 2024 EUR 3.2 million reduction of non-performing loans (gross) portfolio in 2024 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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Y3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG93oRje60Y1udKMb3ehGN7rRjW50oxvd6EY3utGNbnSjG9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"/>
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l+bfj8Ye+7sqUepRrkaCpBtthym6s6DX40x93CWHgB7DGY4LltzEXnJ8I+cPeEGSHI8dGJaJLiXPCWkYOxFHFFIn21YG8Jtu0A2fYew4WvgO/sKa5d8fQ54xD2usDynoGYdxJjXjkVTSpK1Ry3IIhrYr6U9yTu/FU0tmtzOBTupyKg5sevckGhaj5xaeLUzap3IVb9Z8lTs7OW+mR9Kilf7kxi/6cDwfrz4an7X77/5a4Xu67ZurrqBgcH3dcM16C66rpgXamzXem68mXAsXeYEOxweB3JzjccqXc3vbOWQHIC7pSTN0+cmnj/xEs82F7ux/hZEN/64b1pxK+YLyPtsK4G54ISJ4BH9C83O722+2Bzfcu+bjS5NZ7eWoQtmFvAKq5mutrbe1YZjtH4tqE3DWFvd6g/tASgvzbZZRv2OrxJTFdVVfGSwG/z+W6iJ8zYXsV01LY4/TYWY/nr3C2BF06fZAqgCtjEejlpAT/Xe1kexm5tlrucst2v67INAjivTU66rYzYnrXstNQ/gR9Byvukm0BO5Du17XsYTbfjTsqR3LQkk4EU/JuJN+BfP5kAH3r+Fo2VJPs7s4fwm4dvdqA7vcDP86cSAbmz03G/C9/ypXAoFimDCBcNrorb5p7m5p5VuAC8zYDd9lXV/qIj7eldgbDXhXQNdJvdXTbb5eHDMoS8iZPzcJSL20L+nX9SYHt1zf/NtQsiWFwBJ1y8ynHzl/jbyinwXU+iIwuR7GGSRhnuJIUFRFvX1CTA1T14BsFqt1p9N5bsRIld9rngI2y6lkJL8AEv4xUKI/NuHRnwN+zr8FdAUOXuenFycuq+CuJhh9d7R/YefmMTTguIhFGx8NTtSwmB+yXid5Thd+0P8mOdTeuVNSkojQqJiURq0/uXl22T1i6fbyPscsX7ajzVtaq9bc64ttLPEb3tPdU9ntq+GmckFgktvQa7VDfYZYOQ97D33MmEssj9SuKmpTxB40nYb/8aWFt0kQWJxltAVIspIyVxMRqY8AbObZ5POTCOhWMcotip+3VTk+51K5hO1nnC8LoRWloOh0JLLl9soz8UCrv6IbpKX8sQasFHOBLqjoXC/aFwyNe9FAYcry+vh7CVBcIqKyG4rusKtYNDOAyWHaz85eS5enDXAqQiDP9hJNU/qk3JYXOd87tIC1NUo9wlRQnUe722qS63HY7Nftfdsr5eDyamAJiqpcVrFa7m1VX4skrfqfhlxpdMb8R5NwQHbtgHp+uUzeHdTMqJKMf6iYT8m/643WSRXxPFaf4tQZL468HfEQAcJ0/VW6JK8k8AMXKK4llvp+3nNghRB38weMZnXb9mtd7wgflcsofBnMaWQsdj/f2RjRiueBl+jsS19e0ILPV5JEI/EjsOH/2xuxuvgVO2FIK/g2w12mDrNfuZwclB9w+sNvSkr3Q6WCSc6pw9bAmcV84qVaeVCYi+Ab+SFBS5IMLXn089U6AriLx0nU+cDCRT3q/ZutxWuy8WckWcnmLwlTExpcK2GUHb3LzVvLVKH4BdBO+qFv0Sdtuqe1c8kYirH3wo+8tuwK7N691MnU2c4rk/D8K/lD8yHyduwdxK6CVL0g9xemPVbay0BqJJy7nNw+c3vcxDRie27r67btKKZQYfnOS+GFyAuHAshDB1xZyw4jWeGk/ZysqKh1ZtjsX+ZGUFyTw1cSf+mivuwr+iP7TRH3ahX836SK0+jIcHJyeRDD/swF4Wb+fmea/ixaBbUU5wUawCX+fBd+amZ2ZY6PsbH+gGpTk+qmDLgcMGca49vNEfi/T19nowxm0naOIDEdvMEIsLvyKE8bn6I9WYda721H67z+mKHF+GLbfauyZtnZ13ziVTcI/M8xIvSnn1m8dkbSVpBmfAjYKnLCzy0UQikcK+7NQmhrWdwxjU3u9yT7rr3NYz5BqHfEsAr/4NpNMdd8aRPFfTG6/19GIGxIM5kGpWIqxWi4ZUOKSlfZf+M/yNWripelfKPGXxGqczEu+OYydLKBLaWF4KUxsaa0RzT3ZNpQWULsspedYiBxQL+M98QrjFEX6DwW0h+Js8LecVcZsL8vMJRUk6hgm5sF13u519tR4McjGQXW1nMKVPIyMVI2zR10ayw1uI3lUt89zOyFbOuGsDHSMIaWy2Tm/qv0Ytym2BGxX4fMj7qIEL7uU/uTCNnAtU+8TZjdGE5WQiFQ0gs6ITo1rq8OxC3NahFcSdC78WDm2EXC7wwGLOMmdNmSdejLjtq8YMCHpkEE21UxLz9Xa1/qCudAHx9fZqhmSAcG01Qr6PDHEx2GE03U4XnAtgzY/3h5des/tuhM74Bn3WH6CIg832HaTmDYMLvSknz1s+n8BpObw6LEdC7qT0m2t7X/EL4i+4+dtKQoYAA+Jcn90edrmcZX0elp7qaWZWFj+NVDR+cbxxqKWxEtbz+GRoqLFihBlhML8IXlYxQre5JhKPbEBUg+mIKcCuPAvOGYS80i94FGvOA+qRGdw1UdgzN8dzC0KQv7XIVyn/+tTnA9E3Zj/vCDje/ZrjL1FQoavLDftkh9332Zd9YewKe8/V/VvOSORuTVkvrupjcEf0tGn1BhWpcLQ3YzzFPjC2SqdFetRX28x4btOM9bFq+GuLewHEEB07u/uxxyXUHwqHfWE7lZdevOZ+sevKFcpBX5G9m/KsHHgj8PkJ5fOYXcPK7+/SeOffRPj6AbkSz/GWqIxUDDxwl8Ox7nhNbzXSL1gk20wpKTCxLY3lleWmBRAG/FY0jrAgmLJWq7SrsMeeeDziCmNL/l+4u+7bHFf+vWU2+n70zWCQE/PgfYTAVcNbnrvFX+Jp/FugXk5tYu2HOclT7jprHcsdH/e5QhuR92LvueLOCNjZFXSOMVvJ/F4Ns1gXbG7fApymCw2rq4YPemgX3Bc9W4jiVYS6CmIEMF1gw2t7wQr3UTsLMmrhrtnATnCMgdeZ/bWhdjBmTeT6AOado1wVGN/rQQki3zkIfH/jgrCrwrTw5uLtCSWQ8g5Thmoj7IqDW4SekPq2oz0F9xhwi+vgwYPlcLXQBc8ZglsqGodGKBpGqGtuswcs713XRhir8lak0siHLbIC8QpOF9sO5rmRj8Cp8v+xBPZWlEa5VwWwt6csytnorOUcOMkO7/DPv2zr6hoEc1uHvZ0QbQJo7sa6I/H43T5Pb29tLzrGr6P7xer6ZEa32pu1rGXPKmUsH3attm9RRhN/jWGarDOFxGiF26tfry5uA/zCv+ihtHSk2xXZcIH9xYLwDfu6e3Cw64rt51+D/+rkcP05S/2/PHuz6uYJOJBeJRVD7FdY+42KwvzBOeQ/nlLk1B3Hz6cmz/iWQ667ZZ7eaoxPyPHB9755ZKhxiAEXLoZZWvgUYFw+Xj5eOdQyMtJcgbYXN2eVuc3VtTXxeKzf5Qv9wD1YB3FL52bq5Fk4MHnpe/xcPtn8CDJTQV5Y+AbPoZ9sWbREA/K55B0q2aKwtg2MmpWFtktgbGN3Y2BsazwQ0aqNJhpoyc4y20oPcsUwx4GnNd4i5HTt9EHZzC2WE2luZ66Z5lbrjjRLaXkglvaU9UVYP3ioP+xbWqbkFSqQTk6hCNpwpyMgf8UiRy1KfaJqHm2vwPFYMvrNqRj5xe2gxC8mwF3+916bbdDqCy9F+stWkPmIyP0clm+3miuGyE1uOahitgAf7DqYBjEa3/Fmlrei/T2GNA3YCo8zHiMZunX3d7DKe7g+gB1FKIAjCnn0fmrAFYU1cfp7wgL/5wJ/+qRSJUd/H/V5k99CzbErX+8axN4wcJFfCx0PUTHQGYmXxcHuMef49fY2NZglg8kCJ1YXhLOcPo00fhFipcYhTHq0DA1VZqyhIfYnlBHZoqgKf6uxmdlijK/YIbBK1tyEYQ+EwbUezEFHXLFQeAPC7+V1dN663INXbMSgvHw4eU5WAL9c1SUMfAV+5oLwG+LKvfK/bvMSJ8D/fADOYLcb9tHl6i7rq0WbCz4NxjLNjY3j6CkTahGzCNgm9YJnZgS3jB+qHKoYQcDTVsNugC8E8I04Y2HXmSW3uws5Gt7kZkL5Nbzfo8J/+Whq66rUICo5rIl+Medagwcuv2H9BgGXl2aQLsXz8/ztk4rl9BuWAIW3Ds3cInA37Evh/hBWarEju7a42sMsbRuzswy27cTAobogorexsXGkAjOW5Y2Y6yj/QKuSsiJfHMdfHWlsVDMjCGGwv6tacZGcNZVYi0VGD0TAzoizO3bXRTVgNL+oQDqlin9v4qTYJIIXs1YSmIM5SfR/9pUd/H4JbO48d5F1C7nr7KH+5Uh8pZYVhdopqbw11FiZBVwDfgv079O2FzaHdoa2Ak/R2triSBwil5AVOwKn4MjcTGKugcezkpvZ5j8AqBj0XiENFIArH2SXJEnb0tycODNjRC1+B6/OzaGIma5iBr949TehAQU9ZSQ6CgvBubmbQmJCOXv6rEXe/BYShTGXfGPSbb8R9hEx6i7gFmLb4l6Ia8ncsg6Tdsa0gU2s2GLMueaKrcahxj8E6wrhEXlhLeMtLQcr0+HTzgsdNvjZlhb8Pfh1ssaNW1tbEGA1N8KNBk/bm9X81mpPs2qAsZpUXevpLY7XRJzH4yilFEIG1stMQPg7WDeSvThscn7inSo4o+B+FsU9n/lqLyaXAQFV/yGVPO/onALkwvnrdK4cQwIVuUiwXSNocltUL5mZWbjwMz0pQOSa0QuRb2U5bAzsNIW97avV7XDV9tZE3nMhDd1trbtvcyQd8I5bJvibCxJ4OtNza0bDaLSTKPG7xrRD/cIeaXublJLEoAgPgP608NOfCoIgCaYV1D//9Kc/5YPTojhNuqLbgGOAsZ9JqHxGrTCmlGFnxeD3OG7xhGK5GQ1cpPHIw1fA3A7WuYm+FPOFwmBs4xFsxqamzmOYM2o3UHDI0MIR/LkhTFM2gkNcDtg7dPDgoXIjXgtMIVT2ZYyr6HQ/pGY3mSFGdgDGwBVogeF20bjxq8z+HiNJllpPTZkzHnfFwv0uX8xOmWd3HRa1sPMoNRsNnFQSpxaDKADOTYMf9pn2m6+KosAHE0qg/jAcxZNW+9JyzFmDrGXaPXKNWhphs5jFVTFaAMAtZaAtIPCWFmhoZgCGzTl0kExvI9t71l1U3QPvvjMWW16y++qsdbavex2HvZjmf6fq0hz/jdHgL+6Jkl8QSN6XPok4qBeM6tzMTDD4f8Mr07zwPZHJho7+i5/c+8m/k0Y5HpVC6eMmzxsf7/D48lyQexN283evj35DAiSLb7/JbU+LM389A3+v8AeowvBZ2+FX1sQ9YhAdZeJdvB+tkmcPb8qM3TjJZlgswxkdih1HZtRKL2643hhGlLl2PcGEBJyhxhaWoWR1hYxkh3ZqFxSot4jxUaD9Ebtz9OhKgzL+jSqIhxDDzWSCKRCmTNYqFpPUQlJ1mwepAr1xZyQWCx13+TD1DPDtumK7Muz1HpaTgehFJXrpxwJRrYJU7f2sGl3hvwn/IlilBJKHh21X6ny+cMgV95CzrPYYbI38qFzFLTnHsAmlANem0rFS+KBPcOFr+CpuUSnbrBbVdcaU86qatKL4pWfF6YT3HZweRC829M56LdHkxVMnLgmv3rpO6r048ggDF4F/S0CtBCLJX7+OL35P4Obn4QcE5N4u3v4Jz1+CeDkKDqFFSSRQMskiJNUnCcUyMTERTbykVE3c5vGXOO4Wk0HisZggwFdenNmW1r75GZJhwA5c6a95mrI6fykKb8NF2cLiW9T3dCO9MbQUdmEjNppb1oqdbgxTiz6IGghKAbWN5BqDb6xb2AIduDpAm9jNQQf6GH5VH+oX7cdK1d9uypnipBIjUfQYv2dLKwm3M/i2U/q5dqWmLB6LxcLYvRBap/gLbyT4X5w9dxYr1olFTKEIvLgtfEapA37xAi9yvJKweGXHVNcNu69/2XnX46ltQ/4UYneooiWN3AJtAWDxA6Crr9LSUjS+DMNsY1TwVo6PNGI2AssA8PfCyenpc4LTs3Qj5LN2TRJDNSnXRwFqHLV2wYnJS2Bv8cHzo5ymGDo/j92kVRNVJxInlUA0ARf8imUCtyp5El7YjCZV7bJkgn0NnExELyaQpwtIjiZOnkjc5k//7aX5RaZjNhpckEQk1IniBewjEz8DhQUC7gw2GMBZFUVpz2gycJmNn3HbrL6X7Spuu+M12CyArMT2Nl09gdKSaGwxj9Qy/l0E08EWU1VBdb6a2E4DVhGpsO9jTbjgvmhqgtsBn5TiE3LJSpsovNLcM7pFmtRPBQYIo68Gd9z4+DicGSpDr7lZ9d5XX6dsdzWSBZAt4HT2u0JLvpB93ee+Mdh1vxPhezhpqbcoygk4pjGHIn42LS+qyImvCtHErOzttHW5kUOFFCo4gVd7MGvQjIVc3DZ2wDLLWjqG5nbfWOu+fa2wSkrgCTwdGytBS9zUpJ2ytCWHiLDR0qilrHog6IXAxYM5Qzw1qRv//ne8fznsOJt6AzE3cfOlCbCKv/rTN4OffxMi4F8nuOj771jeUZTTp8GYTpyNJk+eJbFQi+X82QlvfSqV9JJV8Vq8lrMkfHT4zmF4cvYwKSid9crJpHwWVUUTlqgF7PHpd5R3XnpHOF0lzM9jThKuBdzpaXFOEv547Wl2oP3+NWFO5KRRHqkXeF5Z5E1sKkDcUvUWcLsRuwt+cm0vBrdEl8PtJgIUOqlbzZ9rbBwZxzOb9v6QbmgJsWnYEiLHCKxj6IDBHYBHeAl8KWULX6DvSrQDnm6fJoJ6KbuhdATrxz3lsw4yD7qCEeRZEpo1l7Zrug69vTUY+UbCMew7umE9g3Fvp+POYa8lkKi3nDhBHYICPzP3mQOvXxS54Kv8iTcs7+LO1vmWXTFXTe/r1WqCqnmrYmi8pdwAXDpJx/btKwHEtrZ+Nb10DJeUlsBJS1tjdIkqwQ0aokoA6wusru79dl88thRy4XtuXx+8grbXgQRzSyAZTUUt9afP1p+G0/Ns4vy7gVRSsdQH6r2W896zFu/5ToBrCuXNLtNI7uzlyP5WTqXO18vnU7JldtYym0y8q1jO3rTchGMhcRv9aP66JJGKyr1pUXpae8n8fvGvJBE7Wm+9z0dP4OyZd/F/HiNcCAnt4eUNOJ2R4vrtFRbekrHdUvkV2Fsy0lgxToVA8rWe182s5vGqDjAzquh27SvFk7sEdp9uAvaZ3RX0Gt0b7P4owZ8s3UchFmB+DO0zIbhJi4rVamPaha4sL0eWDznQW6tUQKLYF4Ny8J17wQbUQNgbwf593w0sO9Y5HN7OTVkOgKPFCfPX0a2c3g5+prKR/rWrYG4WFcusWhUKvwahDwQ+7bSXq80jSMJQTS5zesYQt/rOZK8S2iHYGDxax5hjpBWMxisr0G+mvIOKXvB5XPGl41ipq0OSKnFUvZ3ew15HalPeDKBQaGoz0HnHcRYlBzuHSRwJ15UM4cEpWJOTk2cmu7R1Br45c39qakr7EQfVAL2/jZZ4MyBvyqShogTqyThVXWKuuiS9Bfgl+IprT1kJyX91jd+evsct8Dz3P0IwkdgMnNtkU8273HXr2HEbdoFfFYmXFfdW96gGt1lrw2ZUV43p2mIMallNgdlaCpXGmKEd20fHOEPsVx+2dAgjgslOo1tNvjaFx5oNZgaYbpwWlsGCg5+Fv2B92THTriWePQDeiPPvI6hDGlr3vejGrcZOfQvKCCcS87d4CQKiaeGzZHj9Arij85cs0eSdTgcO8gvf7Y57iIhBvhMhVy3ksuwU+snpTTqasbQNQuOL7hNtiZpTZJvwI+ovWqWDE9/4nt5v97Ji0bLPvuy2rtvck9+xXfE6/jfUB9XEQhlir8ANiPwfLAUAIK9cuTLpnroCGAXETrpx9m/Xi/Z1q/miSd7XbPAzVwjDyMD5mgM7uGFvZ+XLqWRyFiLim9HEzYvKqc/PzwcBvqMLKOMtijNPmYiKX0RXWZD4WwKcRkoAcEu6nhDgoorU0jI23EbKsHarRreqvgkGRs2NjUMVQ2Rry/WolrIbrJQwxk5ucoLRxGZg9egHWd9P3yQqkkvIEkOkVVKKrnRBk+ZF64lozYOupLCronkLI6+t1faRZpUu0EOJK4i/XK5QfwiTVnAb3QfH+awjIFuiivLShADoXeBnJOGzUkpYE0RpVMBJnHcctq5BCIJcasNBc/sInG4Q5rIol8U1tGklrTk26pkcCIZdAdeIMhYFBemMM5aLmkc0v5kyhp7emj4PCcDSwF7rOonAuge7uurY6hp0X0OhhnVUFHTXWa3WOiubza1+ZuTbdaaWsmx44F+IAwixc+wGE0Fan3RPdrlJ0ZDJIA17ZcdhOUUmGEdrKFWcoMBJjbUF/h6K8ItPx3BvOGQAudKCxHOLCeX02Wjq3GananCp73ajP/QeMpNRSltTB8TCKeMlYmPJOBLRn2fGtkUNkQ6WjqmnNlz74FguMVjY7x/NxuwzHwDDX8Xf0wBcSq5a6xhEWnS/MCOcriJpXtvB8nEIfp8fGmmuQK6B2pFUzRzn4pUaJ+tP27CD33zNhnS9O3JSTiUAuz8WuG8IvDgniJ+JsaB+QRQkrko5eV7uhJMZy0LOeC+rCqFtHGGZZdxDTAw2jZVoyDVuE17aJzN6yS/CYKiU7YO6BVgsYqVezItUU3NCtacmEnG53qOW/BCC0fp7DKnq5ba+jBUNO6mZheFiUEW2vD1EdCBfzLe0tPRboTC7whvLS8vwQti3dBy1UxDBhHErDvF+cXJyENVEyYsevuL1JsE/T8kB+Y2opUp556WJxKLwPY4flcCFFv8aQuAn/7TG7JQk8ugqo8lNBJIpnIw8DDs7SbPeUJOGCkGs0ZbR/omcDmfpSJosp1Mo1AO7ibnGuJdGO5uFV7q0L1lL+6McwP7qUTXUggvC4H2UmyavXLW+RpotRb/javFXFVVqo+ALuXplcWd36Ldgu+1uOPpt4Kp5U5vncOAkVwWh0AL2Bfqf/rZAv4jI5ScCn7/831lu2eVyUsKRkLs1gkcwS1FQxacUXBvDntEG0YZoX/TdMcIXbO8YZa3GWMr5eQLv0PgQNfU2q+88SVkV98Yjzu7XIuA+L4XDS8uv+V5jCH0NFUKXSBkUMLoUw48lnMew5HJF4FPMhSpHTNss0s30y/pj3e91R2KRjVik37UMvxJCHOPfsmRfAhNMM83c1i5AMPhWwzhiBSxwfdKrpCB+qEpMJE7OC8ItTgoGuXtBNL1PdNXIv+YXMMcW5LmfnD7167OBeu+m9ztem41pXYTDro2Yy9lXjE4VWlyiJa8yKvJ3kXFTfjCN2yaKj0qZrQVnax8ESSWt2ZBVz+w0NHdeRw0AVm+Z3M4aQ/A+zEkjY6CJsp0Z9pdqRxVDxL3aYu1H1Bje9rqn90s1MbgfsMnXV2edRGWcs8NyferPFOW28Gs4i/l7c8LTPnPS78c+vyrlvMXhtWGcG8Lccm3b6ypyxxv1/BRuH+6evnHaAbvDHhkAzPaiBOPeAo1sxUxvOUS9qG+11aM5zj3Vni/V1HickTgW20Ox4xv94Y3+DVd/eKk/HIMgLRKLlcVicVc8Hv97JjTopAXuNjx6I/GymrK+FbY8vZFeeLU3Xna37++RnBu5C0COHYe/EvxylCNc9tUt2+vs63YIk1ErGhHs6HRYZAeEv7PkO5/iE6QfKgnf46cRvU9q4Ov389JccAHCH2Q8RgP1m2wu8uQPrHUEXMopF3+JBPDb9UYC8pMJt+WG8k+plkIeoxCptSQrs8Ew+0CsPnRpv3/UfN4b8yXEFcDak0rwSKMXbO/z4L1VEHqb063h2F0KjrMrFgmj6fXhoPafD3u9sqU+oVh4QfjbUYETZ4S1p9lr9vPb02BzbwZm5WHbJHrL4E0Vo7PcQ40cmK9gBSE8+EpLaf8MuH3oxhjR+9VWTEQ0NTXp2QcW9bYwqh2e/j1UMWprV+eP4VQyAGK8pqwGpcfK4p6y3shK8ZdWVnpJW7DXKDRomFxmUjEj0ms1/lwvqRGWeeJlKEXYHccG0OWNcL+PNMzsSKWzTrrB/kKABOEhSgBH/xlAQFEs3GlhHifQCTw/vc0/mVkrvxi8IPISmFw++v7JBI5oBE/5/qC7zoo55ddcEWccG8G0UlCzKuuJhORynZuO5rb0IG2Sitp92bBF1O64//vVR/aVfux0szyTbYBbKV+CCRMW/ppZ8njgIO+K+ALI2kTCAHjOSNXA9tL+sM/+snWSLK9XTlmQEVAlcNcBuxck8elNV/n9e+6JnBBNWGCX708inzUeKaZ+EUJTBXHeWMRT2gQOjBG5z+y8c9mxTdr2wh6U6ocnvfmVjKnBvJ52VjFSO/MJcbW9+qqmpu9aeqjigqrUiqY0aNAiNOAXWa9t6nmAMoSoYgYm2OnsBl8bHI2wiyQI1+1MQsV2huQHh4nLbqlPRS0YJl2a57jgAuruX3jyqoN+v+i/MP22JHGoEadEzyNwHbYrXQhcXyjUjWJwxbX0Xqj6Uazr/buN2PnTYmRbYB6ZKHIlpa0ZHnJuS2uAJ6xn9utfDR/PqK9rDwOac6E4DeKv6jEX49sWNDWNFYwZI99yjeyD6FUTn23tbZ7eXgh6IUrC1l5r12Sdw3FHdsxGLTejArjNwf8vOPPUgtcvSnwQkXsn1WmzwQ4fd8XJ5tKBvNVYXnnwedrOJmS0jZVqwDXsnHHL1JW9Jyb0traWMrqVwfSi7f3DRl3QikjOqD4GKGYhsEEbtIe92paWHDRpD6oSDtSopqqc6T/SpqqYtVe3UQtob29tcW9tJB6JOFGhPwQAppkaPjvWmKauMPnQpEM+rATqkwnlBJ9Y5Ph/PioSJ/aJakfxXxUlieewzYAPKIFo8vxlL+xp3bVJq92+gWrJzrJi0kxoI/2ozxFfCvzkoXJV50RLSaFtG2OUKHM28plcB/b+XHeAug4cOXLkgP4cr/37j8BlulMMIH6QEdbLFUTKYvVGNXmlobdyaGiEdNOIKllN1aLemrt9rlg/+c1nUNPK6z2cmg2cTHH/L1leCHmfSuxCZHTvGzyPyPV+bcptD4f6I3e/jRUDUrL5bmW5itwCFuVqwE1voOYXpU9aE3r3Z5pfDb1YAsCEZYHB+GLaaqhRVZskujm6z6vtxgf606s9W9SIhmIKRKmh5ohVNVlNwVsPe6yuUpsp+2P861a11rG0V95GzvRKb5/zLqkgdd/dCMFGL2PFad3dVXflyzZsa5UdKUt94I2k8tLibUAvj4R25Go8KfvuJ7ryAg4fiU4oAUsyBQ7D1HcGcbjI8hLRlJF80a51XtPbVTFEnfHp+Ja1fsG+lOwzl/+yM8ZpM2rELGB1/4EHrAbtCf7kEfrx9C2TC8J425jxW0Lu81hpqUa0LdASJ5R0rmhWHWdVU6kWK713Y2FURDuDXflEx0nJ0VPYHg7xz1M5dMzvl0ThOthcGn4Nu7wUckY8ZHNXWTlXr+YCzJA5ZXaVdReINg33LePU1XYjy/jSDqD7Q5mHdMHoYKXq+Kyq+kaML0M6ZOpDJaAziOINiMk0YsWtbiFdHj+2SC6FHqsqZa6dDWZgQF5tZ04VS2mgSBog2AOb7PH0RVx34yHXBmqq+W74zoDxHYSzerhz2Nt5WKawV+ES83/OSQtU239CLK9f3HNB5KQgh4pTSjQg3/F+zWZzu912e3jJFep2xmt7WYiL5EGmUzTyo7RoAlEuwIARC7l1n8ptNRZ8ctrZIxpejxz4yIsgvP+FzCN/f+6MiVawaCWSdJNaNypg7aXYu19ZMTKkgpeNnoSNrYnEcPBV2PeyFTuLUNohZZEVCz8f5EffCj6FXQlrQlD8cyFheUP2Dt+fPGNfcsUiK9RxgNmLxufLW7TDuKlkTAeuto3M4GpbZ948emG/urM50cuyh1jupdSh9t4z9FZW6K0iKKKi4lRTf6aENEoPrmqzFtjYI2ruxI9VtbtU/VNN1J0e6IyrITXrgejRAIxpSU8vDvZ2OuN3Y6HXNAWVM4NuqvwOd3oPn8fZzReVqtPzAscvCG+L4pMA3lewmZ5DDgZFuYHNAONOoWbNUjjiwsYgj9q+2c7ewC3GczT6ydjTk8W2yYhr9xu2nXY+bUcz7WtDw4G99GxvAz7XX93hF/Y3HCAMH8l15udImrDcM3UwNGmkZ5UkX86kwLWg93UmReqKbOBUo3XrIErR/bYciCZ+Hb0t3ALDO/OUSQn7/UJwgZ/nwJJ4h69cs8KNGnN6Xq9mDtVWI+vKLGB5RtxOo8VV/STyeRp29o40O7yj7WWphwJWs2sydm0iYXUIPegRJiypLRq00NiI/aONI6hsND6CUmUV5RXlqmaZ8VExjhpmQ43w+OJWI4OvBuv25rQEUrXWwV3dVlzdi7lJJ8qXYep52e6rc69PMkYsNnFjgaGeq7oEsZJEyoOPO2WFzrLICaP8/KWEZSIwiw25NuskZqeQgeEqq6k1ZpXxbKtoLDdkphi/FbsISsZaW3cwt+aQNjdoGwCs9GCX+YvxokfDDlY4Mw7euWCBRFvMW1HjuJo4aYHDv3Iczv6tLdYfSNM3emucrki4H7zmG+uT2FbkdVjq31UmquaF6yKHQxOeJpsbFLGPczaa9A7bJq325Y1IZKVWc5crWsjmNrEwV0euyVWGDXy4P9RwwBgAGxKIafDuw6QD0ey0vmtyfg6pqicVLShWpoJxHFdlZSPTQxkv/6AiZgTjkaFGwPvIqi76oGpVMgkkTYAQZ2nQaGDUAYig/JE15LZDmFSnzryZlesD9YtK1e15lC7j74mPldAO50ZwW1wQeG7+b6OJqDwLcbljCmlxdl84FHuvrOZLRJw6hmcVxhJIUqZukkOaxUXLhcnbVgNuzV6yAbVHsnZdNbA6JA+YUJsLtDqiG/BDtc7GeJj9S+hFv2D2n4+aj35sSdqnZq2adKrz88jVaNzSBNGYHlqvJ+7sfm8JS0XuwckpryPpOCdHlfdPCvwoF9zz9DQl+NcEcZQXIDKa9dJkofBGxLlCThWyWUeGDumpC/ShTDaX7WLmFhr3zbQZDQca9mt+kNn4qol/uGMo7mU6OU0HjQAGB+jg83CSPt9C63lcLQfpq972ffD55w/R00NqkzZb7E+ex52E3yk/dOj58kNwDf3oRy2f+1Hj5yq2RiqYFYbbmSkdbvU0q2NWjtUe6+st/lJvJOZ0bUSWjvvsYesZiHrvWx3YkChvTgTeSExwpwXS/BW3+cemtu+/ymMr/eg/LF7iLIDc89RKT+mppVB/LI4Wl2nxvs7KuCOs/fag2sTXxLoJ9o0ZsslGL9mQ0DhgtrQNaRgaAao/DN9oH/oXs2HWnh/IsORw7B/Zn8NvS6P3+3T7UNJT5dmqN86hlvLxca3FhTUn1PaWFccj2J3ms58Z7LrS2XknORtQlF+e5iRMOj4lhhdO6mkpGJxQcJrf1LV1e7g/VubpPUYu1VYznMqUoUK5C8osp02u5io3GN5g8y6Yvkn/GEtl4W3wTE7jyzqySzVxnKaDBSYdsoJKw5f06wVpVaSdZcxaCqjfFD8YqFvAp8Bawjj43pTUGGGJMZazbmtXxX9ra2tX+pzxWIyU90m7DOsLSIl1JOvl6EXl5CUhiDp4fukPxKuvPBbkBrdneCoJRRNy8vAmHMT3u6xuOwA35IrHa7BI30NMZQo3GisaNdw2EV9qrIB1E+RMJuuB7QvpZEYDmtkMV7iBwXGvCa57VcjmxC4+vrD3QIf66wcy7DL7d77ActH7X6AsVob/bHCdv4+uM5z9EHo16Qnn57FaVIFuMyYqMSRCNck+zDYv2e0+zF8MD3stfxSIvn/yJ7ekhXvbwtpTkluGozpaFZCHh23uM/bwcjyy4sGqEHiTXxyiFj+kwqVLQulD2OQoa+dlVkxjRvMB2oeGAy+YXeejz2RkHkhVoYnYzkbSeZMqnlCqCimYxJDSqkiaaBbek2rF3tgervJvCnRB0fJDqjfNekBRkX9VlWCg5CTi14M93JE4zq2iqZF17mss6nXIlovRBDhci7d+CG7zjBR8DJMy/H5xLchLQU5IKJaEBWKfYdv9Seu63b6EasoIXKZ+r9bPcNzMwZZ0boo6btWEsk6SMlb+1MjWaA6NW65hVYWoBlL60pBGLz49UETfpl99sCXem52H3p8reWUMvErTnQoq0YqVK6jGj/nIWtIy7A8vWX1n3Miv8p5PJcHwVs1fHxXEbeEp6EhY++bMm9KtKiVQf9mBcW64P0KqrYxiQzYXNhd75EvBWT6agVwjcNkWpnfQuJ06dg37oIa+BuN71Og6I1MW2VZaez5TL2oi7JJmrPpFk8Zq0j83aZKUTWqfmN7tqSLaaMTT6gtMwQxiaG2+6KrahtKjjVqp9tQWlzmdrlh/P01tRikAlrHyBgJIca6a534oCPzMdnDtUYt1U5eQIKHuvVKVIsE4TCz7cFJUzOWsqWVN9KvtlFqnHjCd7KgxW0tLWr+PXXsmpo0xI9Wg+rENqrGl6LTB6BinAbvD6lA/ci6Tl91gMsK6F/0F+vf3Z3rPR00Vi5ISct0waaUd0+NYLNpq3NI0Wdp6PL01sbgr5lte99UNTtkcZ72b5wLKS7cFXuBmnnh6hn9NmhauC6jbSjPBfL6NWNzTU91DKumfq6isPKjSlmFfmck9ajC5Zjd5r+mT6RBl+4ub8QXKRmh1AUPVKNP5oS34PjVeM1mjJkphlRaMUXs/JrNInUztZWGPUvYd0zFjP0+uN7n76EONlbLGkya026WaEG1aKfpg5XgLK0mRfDeyqVX1smo171yLc+eQ8hxD01vnnrxic3zNC3HlOYtcpZyu+iXHi5w494hrDK+sCf+G/6nEz99OJALyrDxMzvI6pqdcMaen1qNnldGh+O54RohbgPnHXMxWZm6PGMOihvSpbECtjr6iHOgt2vthl9GdNh79hoISg+8LObImjC2A0g7UZsTOaDqbh1hpAUkabRTz3sUJ3NjcbZ20eR2z71qiFu62wH3jrTkp+EQ3JPhFgf+FBOc0INdrc7vtoY1IX7GqTdQ8Mq4TMeD+bzVHubrJbdDe2TRmdc9or9FryqwKNOhsmly5B1PjpqqWQnJkJaRTNlbKvhAVroSJl6lyZeozWuqTUvqxMVWsklTuYEvHmnRrnA6R0xKilVhLUtPP6jAsJEGD+YUdL4t0R7DrN2z1dbmJVJd0nJudPXmTO82/Kkk/ZfoLj9Lm/g1PCsvKS4l6WbZ02myDEP0shV3HXd0U5bbp7UGUnVIVEw7ie0FEx5Js4OaqHhgTwgeyYlnVohaxq0h9ZdeuXUVZqwNe7ehgsC7KDW6DMd/Bfc6iCxDlKu04l2C1orQg3V0EhzKr81IVoZoIVrEQRbxYNfDOzqKywjyPCUfxScauX5gR+cUqRZZlh63O+rIvRHOFVA5VBU6UUJHLakJq1kL1n9TynSmhmHHkHjCdoZlhTIN5B3JWfI1dX60GMTJ1qRpIJSXml8yvqAvFj/BCO8ykU6gMxXLZTQXmQWdMfZAk+EnoH41vj5qgVFVDXa7QBrLZ69YxWBr2nnXIX8F81byAA6oeYZEXp5H8DYW5Vf/q4h/JRMOYwvGaG+H+43HUvgdv+RgDLpYMypnshdpdgEdftsFNV4BU6kRDg+6/wtcG4zYfMFvWDkTmLlxFzz10sZ8sIph37GyEO3QUN5DnRvdOg7H8m12xoIznmIFnxQiSQ+phjJvZVgt7WfZeJLRhv4HpKgeBN6EIvxxd4C/wT2zA+8qaNAN+fUK5eJaYGGEfBEW1qg4VnM2azW1i3QZGm3tEBW66JrA3Z6BTlOUF6fhtyDC+OfhWmRAmEZSHCpU94Ke+rxJfW1FBZR+ZaCb13sQO5ybzoBVqQxkH+GrNEGx0JOWce2tXvo3TqkL9rAv0ReokOyxjW2/Vrzg+KAUf1ZBvQK4kIhVjvkq5aalPkmac20fS93fL+qiU267SSJu31HqQClyUljIQWzPTUkfSDqo5HWXa66Ii/QnA8LmPuOAXEcS7sgGMTnimBTaa34asvJUhZ0Videx0pn1FerzKw8EMJPhQxXAI94fCPqsVIt5h7yYOSxC4NwURJ149qd7yPZFyyxjnXgNvORyL4HASas9tbKlkdQPsEyoxA1d3oShRYchQfMAgRjfDDXtNdV+iv6mZ/4ymkWc+qMTRwxWQzGKzWEvAeLipVJXJayowKXiT9W2p0CaMqq2IRMvxrPRFuiFUckHQ637RTRkrx8XZQFT5PL/Ioc8lPgrsos2dZjYXe+pTd7wY5p6x+2LUatDbRtJiPdTH0djYwoJcTD1Sod7YvPmMKR7avz/NjGpIR0RZnhV6uwi5j4zZXDA2Abgjy4vORi8LvMxZK609bUyrUrA9rSwfaqHxv6tIfsVjuCbSDRFv6OXfc08NO7wyDazjroPn9GSqZ/j5C0EJbS4ERsNTXTS0PuJh3jJcjEKFpdWxMSMNgygYBuYFey/T1lUNZDrUiAa9ITqWizK24cDenAfogQP7c5tfs5iR8Xrwp2eOph+51SpVCSRSQMIG0PSsBk178GALdTJtqSRp6nDFjsHq6uJ4PN69HFlatjP9BYdDdsyei1ZNJPhbPPYDCp96dR+LQtP8aBBtbpVskZN3bFOTEPv4QqFYpK/Yc8wwb+a7jTrnUe8Ba80ALvOUX0gHuOlS317zGV2Eu9nR0fEQ0D6Lj+zrg+AXHOkOk+uWM/LKCnyzq0Vj+0qbxnTs4mmMpNotpkEH+9gbj7hc4bB93W2zdcqOZCA6AQFvkJt7EhnNOORA+jFmqO44hm3uSfvyRqxshWxuu4pc2t8mjYeRPpCPUII+DVzj+agGObvMO8AWYdnoSuc4QBs0zkZu5rlZNEcXRNn5U7ZO1jM76c1SA+g+Zn61UYUG+ZRy5LI3aoy6ZtZADH5zb3/EFer3La/brWR4hyHWjL5RFYWNx0GFnzoz5yp5y6NYFFJw3gOmlt2A3NgyDv2iSVGrTHQKS31aXpkJno/pJtcMXD2f3LB3B9jSIbyzpc2AKyHV/AEXexh/JDeADXdNh4nekb51TFGv0XFWdxjrjKpfpcW8SMBpZsTmY9XVyJZDFQ2f1U0BL1Z4BV7iZ548ViQKpf8dL5xSAiSVfsYejmGv0DGyuVj1Y94ysZYNwNV3tUEvDeipZLKxDz9HczrRDVkO0E7dgh97Hc0OodMCZmiAMYs1pjaANhmZ1GB6KxrT825oVnN1bW2N0xmLhYiXg1Myhju9soxaGlUC8pqDn/LB7V8Db1kIXheqJpTo7CaEPmBz6+xLgNxITW01axKiCbWNX9S074lhU2ACbi6WTUNmMtnoJefc62dzXzpQDR/G1zXsPsgc7+rYZUpEH8hwnvWgPCvlrFneklKmiaNzNGAztxhjvb0Hop8VVwyc5jOTXfexFTCaRMVIgZ970nxmvyCCVVgED+sOcqjqfKGNmHOlmDQxYJMrWhgRA1uFDOXctLOczk5pO1r0gaMd+Ll0YiNdA87hOx84YgDw/tziRjlEj4yd/w8BfQ79Mqb2XqqqLzRp6gsFagsTJa20lJWqfIQ8jRDKL7Dxcjim0PJnb5w4SfO9gxf4T/Hg9q8F/4YXFjiBV6rOybKX4lyfbyMUcjlrPCpyqUdqpKWyRXOWaYLXvtaMHrBM5Jo8ZWNo25EjGaXBzohY3bIaH/rTDMv7UJea4um9ZvTmCnyPaNVGc7qZmhOwyqt2FT1/cIgJobGuBCwbRGIRX2jQ7p4Cp3k2kLp5grsugs989UlC7itBRC6vJJLnzw9P1bmxP7esuLoamUOrqxUt5YfUPpLSUkM514hcc02v6ANYXPM2ANIzjlDDLmDyn3wgcMz3U/R74MgLL7ywPwd+c17pn8pAdw4gHzXUAonD/n2WwCptZeKDqvQ+05zFNges64+oGUqWbsYhN992dt8NLS37Xna7J6cw4pUnAhMTf7p4Kyj8cPvTC3hxDhi1+VVNXKyfveztdEyhtxwOxbpRw4ZllinMrShnUyu04UClO1jc/UbahY5bbaM7ch3QmWilD+3zQ9dzhi8fICRGx60jFwvrgLFecWR/LvQydm2BrkJaPvRFrZu3DRuKip3dEeRWQeDTKZ+XoxP8/K8Wniy7u0aqrbcnEt6U19Y1aPeF7rpqiikRieTWIVY8QOSWtJq9ZXNeWT+Gdz0sM5HLDzJ4z0UZucPsjgVWWcQWpf37j+z/aOsZo6rZMzmyYKYOUJLe2adLHxFxQ8tx0HhgNmaOgdfTW1PW7QodX/atnyH1hU6HLAduKifA8P6UklWfyvb7/cE5UQpynDDxLk6JokYh7BOKdTPle5oUtbXa3KjNQyZfqrSgpDW76xq3t8HITU7nkzuKKNXYkVGozeUZaxj88Os50/OH4DezZqHzbdVT/ws5wEsZSSYiXKCNasdjeAs1kKrbq9s8xc5Iv8vu87knbZ3ew5Z65UTwTSE490+eGOz6L0wL/OKlm+fPBhwOm9W+Ho65PN/2MKLcyNZQecsh9BJ11nKahmFkneuoMx/DWaHLgyMZquMVZfFYG/YaqG9qGNOgtg2aVm5RBsMfMxdQ091RQfxCbvmjo89kEEGoAEyqdwVjesHoEFjeQ0MjTL2DiXWDu1XbV1zW3e1aCtt/sA4Rb6fDuzlruakkFl/lxbdESbz6qSBXXBMFgVtcxDGjsvcv0eb6cPyXM1Lcq1VzV1ex5br8kApcrNOXqHllLZG335DFMKWUD6RP1kwnWdtVg7X9JNZzRqP9APyi36bnrxr27s1oNso0vWnDu4+FvGoKQ9PRUPuJVmrisdCS74z1y5hvTCaUKkFa4J+YJkA/tqYJt3GYH6MtY1Go+lgbmdxmkqGicv1YqSG1nOEsp50o045mpSaMMc1Ou2DMXR3IZX4zduSjrwZd/8goQ7hTD4ouv4BM9rGCsfTAqhZdtUxrUEDw4ozCSGgDoiWrm9UYzslRC5cAm8iBafzkmTnYnysKCzyfQH0TjHOnJknHxhW56/FUa8zH5nRmWWNPmSkYBnKcnpoyBrhwOu8tymltP7iVHaCrkBZ7/mFc6fQtlRn9smOlw+Q579VUNzJa03SSxhjRcPTSgdrLC+7T69W1ceRF+ux12NC5GUhhnll4QrDr9wv/WUIxmwlH4L9jY70vtuysqe5RuekVbHRuKSFXzy3T5jaowG3Q27hMFncnv+m5HUKZzEO0w8C+ym4A+8IXqHEh7UyjTd3bsLOiTpZN/sIX8KH/sVZAfiGnZKVJ9Y7aUFjzYZNRtBKHzOFpx0a7Vvd4PDXxeAQCXp+VarzeO+fOE3Z56e170icfMfnFPTNckOduJyyJQOoOKqRb63whl8vlXOmt1ob2bTUPpelTGgnjaEYjyQuqxc2kXmTHQ2kX6oGALVTBChctRGyhabHX9Z96EH7VOyrXrQPGd2+HHnAZuxXMPCuj29zaqvKrcDuZ/Jw247mtrbbY6cQi0TXcQNkSPZFY5BfAuXkSikIiN/pr/oSSdMgOm9u6HqKJUW2qVtF30+THfRk2t0HzpdI5iyIjcJ8zAjcjeHnO+GkH+GLiqiObeJVmvzXk6t/P2bOUU//oQA73GqLnIzsVocziKdS/XVpQkFaMRi77j4bYdHWUmsWQtwd1j0IRX2jduj5ow9nbX4kmlNscVnjnPmlGM6qb8ChmE1VuWlKbpHByJgQ21+lc8bSxUeaowTeuVvoMQrxZUa6BfWF429WKX44kxs7mtjBtXI0I3WkZIU12+cEQznnnYMUiI2VlyDjnsrxIsFIL9yo1cktVjmyvLi6Od7vCS3brD2xfh3g3McFzvDAjXX3sJjc4LUjcJSUauKNOvna5yoqra1Xa8jj2+D1P7ZuM15p2lhuMmWW1HJRhcB/uNj1nCGd22IVdWexVE3HSgGL2BK+9DbngnEvOrCG3622QrDTmrzT0fv8oo1yVsnqvcVjDOFV6mdP8OnaieMowWsI+fMxWeQ/PRmHz/5QbBex+si2gmFwO/lTi5k8klMAmtud2uV+2b4Rj7/UVe3rUohDKPaoyJ6TPqmuLPWPIPbJjuSHd/qVFuNjek8tNzrHRKmIHPgBad8CwhmT6Ox5ohnNa344s+OppziM5wEv6zfqUdpw1NqJOKaJKfSyEkwFtXx9OWRLRqv8U5ET+MbvMa5IojXJ8IiDLjmEKc/tdZR7Vt8JBfuWq8GNTibEoxI5lrW1krxrj5jqJP1w6cSfnuSODPXPASIHTPxsqwgZ+jUkJSUt4Ebw1aoGBg2PWV8olfpThOe8rzRB7B1xUbKncZtbPS4YXwDvodtchdi/K0XPcO9zoAi9+oiK//qA0LQRx4nU0MOu90mmrs/6FPeSLRPqKe9Q4t5mqueVqQ72qz5rVda36yiaHisUuu3ImpTL3eSCN2g8B0g9girNt8HM7W19ynLNNb5rfo4PXkK/SeM2HDpZXbLFtpJRjzW+5lkK+M26IdylXxQW5xxvu+tekt4Xri7ctUdnruAJhrn0j5OrrbWvvWe1BdUC14aDATKHC/2lNOiwHcnFH1bP4oxQDds5dGYKYohwUuMxmBjNx4ID5ke4YS6evs/qGaY+PGMetZLdvl2BZH1t99UaUlvKhihGab7NKEzLacJo6DbcBwzuI9Ix3A9Gv8DeDYHe3P0FyBnYLCRIfvH0yIVNZiNiP4YjLWUxqrQy5+ihzxsIoydQW01IYWoybTlB1GFv2doQtgIvh7CEQ3a0+2KU+0kAtzA1g+tjBh85pendllCp2inlVw0tTe1V2VWVlRTOSmpsx4O31OLEj7Ix7ati7mUycErif3RMeI3b94tx/DvJCVJmVybuyhyHM9dSyoKi5uaKSBvkRg6q11VgUMjjLel45w1XOcqIMaQotu/hh0as60B2sabsoSybF1PWwN0dLSzZp3ShQaHKpGw5k9i/l1KzU0Dtm6ABFr3lkZISkflk3b28x6le9Bti1YgeoI5WMWjgBIqZPsAsQjuEghLqv8lElRfs5ZUXFVlfEiQV6dUtXG390SO0iwV3V2ehpk/vCfr3cZ6wFmQJcY8HAtMUI22wjSkg04NSM1t0DhqfmP84J4sIBNWTOGXhl3jgGuoYh69HAshovaNg1Foo0vhxFvES0WQXs9gB2N2I++5ku2/Csw6JE+f9ZuPf4pOb8wgzNvVZZy12oNtaNSvhsm6mnhBJUTSXpBJVeE9r7BTXQ7DBEuephbN5U2NGce8AWHtO5KwDpElIO/BIHroN0jTrSWM7Bhy56aMMhw/uBB4mXNRzJUpw1y0WPaW4zOluHMFQaUnWcWT/giiceOx5etvusdbYrXu9sIGpJ8BDvBkX/J2N3/X7/XBAn+eGEAxzj5x5EMRuXq5txqJp7msmP0ngYaHNLTE3Xxkru3gMZfMeiXAGu2UnO5SBnGNZMcO50DZj/WDXIhdku9MBON47xptmVy29uUC1vuimQGV4kNhc0aQFvSyNrwq9ub/PUOLv7faG6a5hnlqsSl3jxcXUA0lAhaf4/KCmL7LDZzlh9y7H3nH1sYj2EuRWHVJrcWKmpnKuGuaa9NZlcE3DpHH5QyJNOQ+zoBD2kJ8zQhFREKWnsO8NPuk/d8UBJsx0kkLLc54YDRzJE70xTksaadM0yZnlHVHIkKVh5PDVlzhjOKsKpVJ3ybwN2uTdZrmrtEzK6IrfAcwkuFUhepoyjz74cizHFVtJrXd0aobmqNMoc9TxbjQmq/Uw/2xTkHtDSj9lpjCwneSAnbE2G1QxX7dPugQdfRrucBd+sG0crHZluGRPT2VQsopZec6GIJS/UVHMLcasAu1griMTA7tZNXvl/4OhNTPyS57cfi8v8iogdTAJ3MZr0er9sQ2c5jAmqYz1MhUobB4Y6Ra1mPYwM+lTR3l2Z8Y9+FBd+sPxiziTic4YS3sMBnN1RqHcaGl/oQPkjxHZRUVG2ANIBo2NlCIBV+DY0qLlJPemcNr04XbRUldVgpf1KdTIhoretzYPJqo0wVom67qNkZPKsEl3kRhc+IW7GGj/HSaPcImdh3ULuOlQEDHXHazDpSBMPdYEiKmACcr9qRK6hIpRRN+gwAddQV9UCITNuccMNHnEapsar0IzdByI444vZEhTmin4N3Ud6tbeoKH0yG5RIDSGvil2dXYXgbRli1Kr29p5j1cURF2B33Wa7Is9GlSohyO95DM271JzL86eUwGYnilChb4UsV9xmcKwqKlhLyRhKYrRme8tGTtwuHblZjnKOuEf3djIzF4VqEJMzhWjC78cXXFDNNPUrGXo/szBs4sEaGkDN0zLSnBy9e5ulq1pGKppZbRApdYDd2F2c5WqdRNG5WYuSQJ/5LVH8BM7uq8FtURjlpqOKLL+Lge6g1RcO33U52bgZGmjYqFaFqHUTwtySzARVuh837St3dGS6yuYtNp7NhQMDpkB2d4aRZR/aKlQ/Faa/7N5t+EGTdTZ40rsNCS2D9/zsQM6slZGrYcptamQ6lmym7dTrRKTZXMqc5spxbLNapZmeKyQ4B/vnkC0BReCENeGRV3ev8tPiLwQhmvDKjk7boBuFAuO1vT2qfALqjLEevzEkYuTgYaR95Ywo12hvcztQuXKKmafowI4UmudyHKkfG8hFRSbqVoYFbthrtL0NuuNstrwYJ7G56nq6CqcZ0SzQ9i2Md2tX+lyuEGEXC7ybSeUNbp4LLvDSx+4ig+hnhpP4X//OhJL6fUcnzony+UI4nLG2lrSWKbfM0o7kLaMrlSFRpHWSmATidmWnH5/b0U02BLRZgB3QMFpIFndgdxrIGp4HjCgufIAxzoXfjMhXT3eaTK+6w+kiooGjYTyHS1pLmjSnuaV8fIsZXtjDlXgs5AtDzNPprQ9EBU6cftTVXQhzfwZh0U1ZTnbabO4Xw65lMrlqBWGkUp/jZ0xkmJ3lAxnINZ3HA4Y9LRwwek+GyMW4B4WZ7vMDS3gZBMuMhiTj40NieMdcdINZfOFALq1oVujFur7aQ9YC/hZrxT+GcmVt1Z6aSHcojLX9LwN2vRZZeUm4Prpwb8/HzHdgvxAv8LdQ4iTpSDqm3IN1dl/ERa31Kv2RdRyo3nKTmbSM0DUqxek6rLsyq0Em4JqsniG5lOEVMyxmGt0Bg401wtfwXaGGYPUvyMpP7x7ISI1leW2ZfrNOjtfnIaW9ZrPTPFagTpdsOVShNvH2tFXXRFywf3UvOjoP1ytodx8pM8O/Jv5TToKo6P94d9PisHUNdoV8ke54bfUxbM4F5P5hY3lastXYVn9gf2afUO7EsuHdzI57DNkKcy4xM0G5Y+7KyIbO7uY0Pz6sBhJVj4t20P41es5HjOWiowbphTHV2VK7EipJwGr19VVKNPf2OWNh1zrY3fs2r7xpSUQ5gQv+J1H6eAq/yIAUghyfeCmKNCpbl9sNNnc5XtOrJ5cbR1QOVQEJnZTSTAMts/xMg058NKaVzeQ4c6Evw9yyfTWa2iyMfvQ1YLTQORPSO9812hFvcJuLMtLNWgbSlGrG3IWaaW6BTWQi6z3tnpWIC3sRrDbv4aQSFV4VLjy6cNfvXwsKPMdb3rWcw0QkbPLxmBObOdvVrhKNtZwlZZOZoNqb0+QaEZhdBMgMXzIO0d056kcDO3PQTSIpuXQYHqCv8kD5o6Lc8G0wMnKO5G5DgZi3iToC2baXjzemM83VvR6nK3QcR2pPgdPllaMB4jOLax/rBvAHL6AYVYKrDyRlNpzR5wrFnDXVTM5zFUlUafX7JhRrNSaoaA5yg7mTJG1ys8q4plzFbrOtVR+6W/xxMTtgAG+h4Xnmv/uAIz/T8qqKLA3mZLPZaSbsqtuIieYRYmcgs2qlPxZeslrdw14HOk2XvieJjyzKFacFXphQArPeYe+Lg3a7LxaL9Na2tZF63NbQkC4f15RRFDqSO8w1RbnoRhWmQ5+cBbwHRTDZAbCK3sIHdZFkdhOaNFN2wPFD5I925ep9yKU4mNG8fZSwW6pNU8c8BxYH1SnqYHc9EUw031h3dzkc3ndTCaXqx2B55z4OJfIVUZoRfsYLicTnk97ksM1mfZkmgnlYRbcdBeTSyG0iiSJz8yYRQI1hblFWqd4U4eqRzW5z9Vb3bj+dNWB0v9ldpMN294A5zV2Yid5nzQmrtAaaHgO9YPKaW0v26YmL8qEK1e62IZ85/NqZa27Hf90MKC9x/PRf+x+NswyelcQhct/wDquk5bukqU3c9OYt4mEwm7tPLQodVTnp5tbNDr1K/6zxPNZzyFm4NaUOdReoMBu92eFvoYbhj6OzkNG5/UEEzEi9O1N1xyxXuT9H9zZjsuvDMcpbGhvVBtDXUbjKidL6vrpBW2enV06yRhR+O/iRy7v+qxBxSUEuMRENyJe9tivXJtHouu4SvYZ661mbHxN+HMsW0c7io+sUDK0c9FyWwS3M8JNNnvHA7k8RvvoBMZB2oXN4bTnQq++woc7LvKkGU0tRusTLpmrDqVf5hyPgO6F2Rm28jHoRztg6z8sTpxb57z0KNjOWhBbQ5F5MXkY9/EE8nCNlVLNv30K3qnwcR84SMd2coNqfQVru2JVdETK4yplVAfUsHsgIgAbMrlGuYnwOAtYH781+eMeS0SjvINuRJdit3uYNKp8uV//nPhrmrZZ4Kysp0bHKJH5R8CjUb7fXkbK+FwKXX716XeAvfOT996/tmeGDfytwXwlEsdOvzm0PLaG7XFzNZueuMmZcxpF81NgDxgb1pXuEnstxLmfu8ECml/xpIjbHKjRUhg05UNORn3FmGxiSRZnelDHVrGWrWsc0tVe1/54GPBYjdlHk1bs5m+A4npv7tH1mOJ2nOWyqV86fu4xuFXYb0A6rmeXGoXKdQcWKB1qY+8L+dMnPzK8xYDddK8+izRRmH8iGvEOhVjwwhL4GIk4u+sYnhGCz8MLOrQ9FmYbXUNUny5uBXSryqmmOAkxWDW2pCr89x8hnDi/Zb6xPTjm88iwK678qCby09spHjYHwQL516YQiJ72dNtvLbt8yTTPXqMur+uAKzDzmlDrZm7vg96wp+/isqRpvDoIKH4HBzcx9GatOJvc57RmYLK+JV7urKBO4Wv5C30iWdaRdbDnYgiooOEi759gxz93ukO+Gu84GXpNFmee5T5dW5b/KX+AXJI4/ocyel/93W9ekdRnO5hoIc9no3Iqt8UrSoMJoiDlVGkWOqYuluXFFe9N7m6bVaL6yOfrJMLdZb7/+dEcA796hMUwjcehgfjbz+pButSFpnWV8izKKvmah7qzK4FdLWF1fI9RVsu5PeFSTSCjDLlIzNmcDVRO3+SA3/RHDXQiCZoQgz2NhSB7uROlW+5IrEu9l7jIO5BjXVDFKs7ypF3TWsnYyFe3alSuxnJl93J2xw48QtzkgPGBOXe0uzJmzMm/troxUc0NOwzvWpCk1E6OZOkqqv418Zty/v5TlBDd/nbvwadrd9AZbsCMMZ167ELnHWCcnqp4cZCy50gL0qTTkqnqe2iyvoh0yy+mDbvdH9qMGjE5Q5mbk7uzU2TwZeim6w2RoVCp89gEm2qS6s0MDWVHO/s+GHSwvjvEe05zm8vLnkZ1BkyCxvku0nBvUv7v52/JLinAdNUKvfqQjWdwOSqNcVcISlQMOB0a6y64wKbeqNCoawanOnCkp2alqgCmbjjRysyr1hg3Oxu0jx2wWfAuNd4wp5h0wJjlzWV7N9n7BRNDQS7xj6kzPQy0t1Iyw2tZWvRLpDvt8XVNgd2ct3Lz0Xz41nxn1xoIofpI4GZBTjs66QZ9v6Xgs4vGoElTNQ+NqwR7rfq1pjlyah5HZbWDsNRh4VkMV29ePmWkszIx8dyjifYAO7Rxr4IHKKc9l1oxN8yM7TOOeDcoLR45k9m7T2BM9W9VS3rLFxvIidlf63ost++z2SdQIlS0TFp67LogzH6W66/cHL3AL14WJl5Qkkpcn3T7MYMRXPGp2GUf5oeUnUYyM7k19WFSD3t63KxftcaAwFynOyF58vGvAROHQ/xsL07dBhuXVVkdWjVdjRqad5lY21RPfQxL97GmuPla94nSFwmes7uFhx7k3Jnj+rU/JZ/av7RGFH3KLXDI6i6NWrWByl0LOPtZUgsjVyn6ZI4UMfWA6crNNrnokF2Y4Uh9lSwcyU4k7YFiNacyKZB9eREVztD+wZseujowWI72+kE1kZ2UiXTJFozRjhaE3Fo+5wr4z7q5OL5tnc0viROkj7P7VNYnmVlRNRKlNF/noG3e7azFHhcBdbR6qLG/RuBitraZAaH9GnFuUuySUjoV2D6SzyoYqzZOwBtKZq7TxLSzMkW420iN1Bl2GepW6kUSL3FeSnqXNtrC6rc1T4wovv2z9sm34TjKauM0L4qcwOBvlE372Q47nLGeTXuTaAHB9kUik+NvVqq+81fLdcn1yrkEkHYGbWc3tyELugCntqMH2YzhS2u1QmLUZ2RysLFP8IbGsyyfltsI50Kuq7XQYdLobGsw7bigTMeU5xqyiAi91odAYyFgobLWu2xzDjvqLLNz9CLL6fqJj8NwlJZFK3elEo+tbDrkiYHR74FRebV7V3WXq8zO1khja6rVZM4YkRq5YyADcJ3UNGElXRvQO7FDnNVtezfA+YzS8Y02lqmB+5VBF81Y7zoUD7G4sIafVcXg2wJ0OCsFPuBcBpyTPcBI3V6XIE3+ECchJ6/pSqN9ZXFvbjia3gqYbGAlUXzVWDtJ6rcaCn9nkGoJc7Tge+GR8oKwKfFY3SVYHd0Z/g6lu8CAlpFziR88ZN/pZs1ZlBk+jIUNsUA942awEA6Gumckd9fZ1u1zrPhJoPvxG4A1uEbH7oXefVCDB6PKWaODOecf9LmoCi9QUq2JUq1vjzF0mfTFVGfCo2ebq3nJRLl85V72vcPfuJxi9ZvDuNknU5XKcd+X0ml/Yn+k0Nx0sqDz4/Dhp0MPbW91bFkGR1y6Hd1NWoou88EkWeP3+fysFkd0atUwkL8veqS73mRtLcCh7etvaelhPfeO4WvOD/7oxc5S735B+PJAbuFkFoU+PTWPCsZma9cGwm/0nOaCcW3ww0/bu6sgoF2l0uhcysVsyRjKh8A4faqHi4Go7O7V7493L/cuD1q77nbKjPjDBc9wvPrw0N5zMc2+NcvPRm4FzascQtm/W6Jo2jdhLolZ0W1sNu3tk/4GcDpWZHVdYaN7ewk+VLvWJxr5mlp6+ubk6eneZ048NplQzJS5aS9QKLzuAV3u2qjHRjOSMuq4r3s2UZQKwK/7VJ2V4/f92bU4YpcEGJ2RU96w741teAl95pbqtWm0Faywv14bVZ003aGDFXE3yqajjuUx/SnOWdeAWfko7MWBs8xx4oCE2vJSjXXtnc2wS7ni2cIfIN52yMtf0NdGU/VmCR0iGLVDHUVWqw03aX2+rXYnHQ3hqo9TcZiD6+UtBFKv60NDdwwv8P/ATF+uTXsfPu9Z9oddCrhqVkr6FPCo1FGrS6XEPzD6avOXM9JShsfbpRG9hpt/8nMnyNhi85owSb0lpqbqJzyMrXRVQqIGox+7rsjm8ScxX/EdO+iS6EfxX/Wv8wgLPV03gFItOx9TkX9h9PiRhaA0l1H7dkhHlZuSnDCmMHLxHLT31iBypAXMhvjBdNc6N3VzAzqVslrvxYWAHxe50rdfUnKBt+RFzEwpK6zepslUorK+qLrRTiag/5LuxPmnrlDcDSuIkt/ChfS6AblDgF3klEdgcpm4SUhjr1bUBy/VgKKNWr28v+z8oylZM0DkYhTmLuE/6MpeLBtKl3gwVhx29ZiMvkmGXDTdpaRn5nJqsqq1xLi+haJHjzrmT5/hfBfkLgv9ju8p+aYb/ySj4yooym7zjYBkM1PZcIZ3l1faRLaz4tbSwubljY/tMc3OP7NhtoPvL6U7rtLc88Ki3h5pUNBAbzfHuHMzpDOCa64AZBPaBh4O3qGhvVooj47hmPnNTmk+HMwGpkQhHecawe3dw8MvDw/Js9P2T3PWF//ghh6aDwxwU+cUqxVIv46g3nx2r9axNF2eoqNEQlnRbW7+aGQvpyeWivUVZ6UetYm50lgd2P12r0Jyz0vl4OSLeoqKsnoQjJk6zRrKhYZ6f29I6eOPEirxi+9bh+kT0NscLcx8r1fyPRWGOXxjl+ejExZQsDyNhuQ6Ai+ORvwS+MmsE22qpPKS3k2SOJWFqJw06hSq7TUgD7scqBn0iTnR2X6ex1mc2zmZkD+TqfjCzLgey0WugwmZ2JmTKLhiSVaroAmskYi2ANbGYaz1UN4nK6lhiuMVvzwkfErrb4DDPnziZSqY6be512OQYVoZUCuSIqpfeVNpUaq4LmZmtO2YxTMB9GteAqcVFJ/w9myNfZS4UNRiwq/pP+0pZzhGxO8SYrdW1K5HYa2GrHZ3m2eTNCYETpj96ugqrQZwovRo8Ha2SLfWzDtuVH7jt9qXQezFPr1bKXcVxby2qbEJpRhxkaCbpyGzNTRf7TInlwse4twOZrMqBrC5vE5DT8imF2bytgQztssLMomAGnc7UgZJWCTXu+Veph1dr3G7ZYs2fhF1XyAXh7pTNIacCisIDDD9chQihK3Ioj7GZJI5caCPmXKmuZuTW5i+y8RXIgNxnMroZZaFdObIYmXz0p87kGmqM6Z0tzOU2q7upimgYec2mgBdjH72XkzKO7e09PbWYrAqfcSN2Z5GQHvxpUPgopNZX/Lwk/iLIcwI4UdHAZifONaiz2jeWYy4nNQlRlLva3FKeFsNoMqlh7H/hSEa9ryhHr8GAOcx9ClIWGT1jhbmFUwyyHQb0ZnVvG6iwWXO8mcKvsTJYopEzWpALS21EqzhFbiXi2gj56nAM4OVzioUnWfW1DwldZEEmzqdQOOFluy/SjY0HiNytVVVLu4BFugYC5JEMoaIsTjr7vy98BIWDR+Q2p9OWhRkkDZPkei5ulSHgZdoZrMLbiBEJYdcTP750w3qma9ibTAZucv8/e+8D2+aZ3gnqMi5UUVgl8mpqjSrTMiU1rESavIQWSWVE3Z1WbmnG4ifhCzmmvpvvk7o6aKRY8OJuqIE45Og0bK1kGBpmNmsNQGh24wwwG50uvrGdUyrtmYMz4Wtk9PYCdIvdA8btBWt1Wm4NLIp4kqKbe5/3/f6878ePspx/lu33cSaZOJ4iBf3j87zP8/tz+73sH/476d8+2MLq1Yl/m10X72az8MSdL22uypEZr9vtVlIbvwEeY3hWxsaenUtBh+6a0G661FcJr6ueQbRK6Iu65D5ECp0+U9VyvbNVmZYdpB9JBsXKZ1bhG7pt1esIfejaqgqNWz2xE2lFcb/zyZC8unbu5O++8aBhNgvrYvJDMTf7j3fkyPm4Ek7fi/W0EWJ6ZW66S5eCtTCs9NZnNFa6pYJz0nwTepSBa3y+zIOI/kSNdZU+ND9DbZr1AYpYvcLTB/Rgqku+M+q8kbl3K431JJG35NXSi6JwdkF8APsEWCmvi1IS4RY13KIrvyPL7//elMcdvpVOFVZO675xatw1McFftFKB+Xy08Lqm2ODRnaTM0jF61q7B07JVf9bUvqqJdrHymUetF/B9FxzW4b37HB62ynhkhjXzCXwhkiP52XOCBG33QajsC3cFBN1i7h/nEXSnwkosNXo6oUlKML3V30C5jGmHITXGj05oZDZU6mPI9sh3XEZexG4zmM+zyttI77z0hRdjV+27QYJdsOpFn2ImvbXtiX9jRpZ3Zm+XugXxinApm5y4ukfa1OuXpOR76NPPlYo51/8kz0CQkOdMSkkV7o0msCFvAPbKgekfGEZFRuD1CwYjnXHjNS716pey7QDtk/AoY5fZb5l5l6ZzPjkY1bJdYD9wn9lzAWTbdm3NjNpuH7ZLAYfXnpUCGpk9U+eH5B3XR65rArx2X31A6N6Bb+oh/NTdgHkZ75crhCaHQ0raF/tfoa4HJjKGCbk25lj/6G6oaqGXZtYdqL7y1tebNs2moblFN5xzTMO1IDAA7LgbRwqZre0t9zvfmJnfWZ3vLonXxLOSIN4UF67WGJ0nJiZuTrwsZRfEX4CdJ/r+Lc7Pru6sRiKfuJc9aIBKFzJHEr81psc0fq3TSEa2M8dcU2wu886ln7nsfqrxMfhkd+FrmdE7WQO7g/qTV4vs9Zlu+qpzBqYzw/d1IFoGAeDp0Xvgd+P1ykPHwCHybyXxQdou6bqlzZ+9RRbM42DuCUsq9CqaVtk22k2XVh1UfzVTzyGW+9j4yH830zsr7cNVBwubtf8Ne/Gr+iRxRA1cePsqYAsFb5+xtsyJFHr7eCAMMH9s9thFQUwK7yH0XlpH+J24enUCMDyh1c2Fl2/eXRCFP5SSfyIku8+99LP5cy55U5bPf+KOnwmH06nxQuE0uMapK8fAdCfmtBJ1n5qL/FQth/SmwaqbEPlKtj02r6D7A5il0lXR2LUPnIqUM45Ez9MrDpKcrtqlkOsuCO97RlMxJe7xvh959thsrhtG5pf3zqe7mUW/QbqxS+D5YU94I7WCjW1w1yXrDDuYntCeJzqPyvp4YDNxlh8L3JopVvSbt3psrq8y0GCH5vZF1TuDmEUSy8DEWCZ2b0NR4vHzXnlmZ3M198viqTvSh6IoXZE+EJML2ey6WgvoP7BJvpLMon8Kicili7Ouj96Sh2a85+Nuj6JspWMwKetOJwGca0D2ynAvUC3wq0NJtG/k+qqbkPYKmnzsPtbqraR+BzbHv1peBdXv6laK0lzVd+3E5LWrYwmT6coDsJ+8kSmkNjw4eldGTx1JuCI+AB0SQxf4cpCoux1OY7LcT/DH3YedxuBL2q4TqbTvZyp5pga39RG4HHzWOyIDXuPjpL6I61VtmB49ZQzNqo2C365eiZbmSBC6E8REK0Cy8Wyfd3uH5LUZV67oKgndEuq84ntZSfp/kpJeZ7PiuiBIxTvfOnWyVJx1yTvzcsTrXV4G/Qh64sYyp7+XcH4TX3Ir5XIfvtDrJkVseIXqL9bMiMCqSK36zaDx8fxoTXvnGoPzpGUuFa3lbTU2HIcYxwX1tOBYwgciPGn1FMa3lOtn0Mh8IV8s3RHOSgt7TxCDgVkQoetGPnkXzcvgjwH2GHhedqDO0EBiSgyG63EtW8hyXGZ5No/pR6wvm21mMW+V/Y3+PcxumvsX/X5tWwXmReVoGfItxhKjBcjQ9nimhr2RodXIa2uufM5Vcgml7pMnT4p31BKLJ4Vc8aXSxdJm7rfzmxFQWnu9Ux704glvpFMrKz29mBGHR2X0nFYtilQD/HaT5eMhUw4YDdyD1mf6x+UVtBt82cHZ0I9ZbScPNtG7yao9M0B3EYt4YNLqDFQIEdYJ1sxb20p8GWQIxdI1Ufrne3/tTpCB2fWbCLrL4e30r0//FnrqliHH4us6fbmdvgz5Wn3GGtL87Uwf/WyP58eqc2SxmtdM0GAar/49rFGrjKG5vx2vHfVVcwWbKIQSY4nMCCRLhcNxhN7vy/I/mx+af2v2gmtzfn6+lOuen/+Wa34+Nz+/OX/x2Obq/IULO7Isv//94fg/jXuub91KpTOZlbGx3ihh1ZRxuKrhxQsG+O2Gy7JOWWZbroWmvmpYfmyBW/05NzKd1zAbPEijl1k0+6wuC4t+8kpCg9acCl1nTyaT2lLc6In0n1/LvXTn/z37AFE2eGAWSNd1e7ZihdEE3kgGVE9tovbTnrpUbhT6Y1B96NIHXbP/1OPbdButv4r1z9Jqd8HcDBb9iySSNehwdKqxRKEBZxv6ODNobkaf6Jl4/B0vxEvJ8tDObH5259n8/OrsZh79NR+Z/RX66chQBP0KN85UVVK3xlOFURJmrumtdSdedj1leBQRm2U6nrGeOgmxX8iP+bBce7XRaH7zVh95qzjsvqqLvk6lm8apy6GQc+BGzz2cmo1eu6uz88JlUdr7a/fm0x+grns7DyPXMvr0IfcNCHNYW4KfunbousZ6mV5ENlmuqFSK3OP/wVKkOWrVTH0RDzKyTlaPQD5Mv2Y9Nj1dqQB6Aby9YysrmVtbKSUd9oS3p6bi70S8M98eGpKpigzNIMyiIXkq7tkOhxVlY+vWeCamTcrwxC0DHw7nM5JR2WzFy8S8mVvuQYoZx/rGPVFl9pid3IVKZ8h4VcPIQ+wbyU4iTbo6Orrm+khwNhx3Y2lFibu9Q28dK+be/DArvb7X1+5VBHPh3MVzOxi6aazVjcJlCEFXzcEmEnt1Xj7OCDnrzRdd/dtZS+p7zKcp/DAwTc3moVn1D/QR509KVwLbKvJxOo6ixjtXDqjZUnAqGi3ECqkTG2EF4dKjvLv87nL83fi7Z4ahpuC/ws+gXov+cWojjdrtSqanrTeB+y0JZyzPzWFfMX1WxuPTKwx96pDplasbUFXxp2yP59HgAccsSzoO81Xd2kxCEnxVa2a7cSHCHmVRsKqCAxH6kOPeIXknV4K2u2fN/QTQ51DXvUCgG8sAISMwgFM58YduVx0UnjLRMSy2yzbqYG97Aj7ORmZq1hovoblWE9SN5YXeeNvx0UDlt8IYVcYsOWzYm2g7cno0lhpPx9DorISV64rbgzDs2fZ4tmE69qCfA/38hjKSKhQKsdHTCfTRqcCFr97y3HTwqCN4lHicgKLebg5FZuwSGB+bg6bcTduTNSqb+y7Fgm1UN+0W39QHaflJK61F0L+pVdVnVxAs/VTlWOwEarvnZ2RQfYrCWTGb3HNWMnTdY88OeYfjyq1Upo0YZATIVRc+8naLeZlScupNl5jSa3OV7Un4UKsYr1VTcxP1ANJc1mkhIKSy+rVIVnzlBfDC2Q+s53p7j6yMrIwUMgjDCMUp9OPHWxtb6C9p+Jl0obAyMopAO4aetxi2WGFQxmRl9MalllMaq8YA7nFmsdwKnKBBc96MGu6mf6iP8SS112OvBZeOwu6g/mk3+5jzLnHNgOsuCUXQrEGdvYmRW7Hr4LaAsLsqSO+htnt1j133UvbD7tuuPx/yxj1KupBp+55Km1NTaJimC9tIXabbxPo/mr2KnojnriY8qZqjDlYJEvQwXtVxjjTeV9DnadcCEoL46Ef8titRbB+IHr7fS6zcy6xkMqi3ZjLwlxH818xKoXBvJXEDYBvF79tAVN1MBfqmp4PGpOwnb1w2KurQoWeYV24TZZBuorTaHu+t44N+S+/2aQ9qy0mfmUiHv6fxllnPbcWq+96xIwU0WWFb39dyLxYht3NvAqKJ5KUkdF2A7nY4lsJi3ZD+1DWMbbTLkDEuD9Yz4/IkS8WYfHK+jCkxILPAIB9nPcOt8lEm63QioCHkDWLwwq0I9140PAOAUWNNJG609Wo/0N+hn+mFf4aH5GiZfOGiljtH+q0GXHwPMnVcfXyiAvyaqvNmWErrE/jItd5MNprZOLTRUZMRCtjMbiZJognWjTk6uohuDBtVxcZTYO36fw9tbrpESbyyx/vQhHhpQcBd9/3heDgdO01sqToDcw6NSsUuqXz6UgND1zAssj0OYrDPAl71xKvSjRjsGjy5Jsb6xiQLwxJ8Nd4EfSEH5zBHvRwljvmh0EDom2h8dqLeGtXKGQ05nehnAdxkLQW59IGvBfp+6nAcJRlCHXbccZl7kLpX9rU+wwDX0lvMZnsST0K77zbMTjhVM3OTbjBoRYG1+6kEKvLpOttGC2kl7PZ6ZyKu2y5JSAp7k9xPJMlb98+JcCi20vvNARy42qm6UtntGpUKfeaMhcIgs6SafIzpj7t/nrW1gNW5gD5TnqcW7djeri2bydwMFmQBoufF7RQa60/gj6j+A++j1F0y2E2hdjvXh4nKHc+R1dRiwyJxRn+FHZUJH44GrkWygc3cc5+A7cWep2Y9Us5iZm4y7aroCxFuu6q763QZt10sui/gtjsjr+UuvilkhYU9Od1MiAtZQX3rKkosdsSJDbax9oCow1raD9NLKoNIVT0u2zTL1icMvVhtYiQE2qoTTih+RqvPV51uAqJObLOOSeqwg4RLb2cZp/KWAyG8fEYfi/6D/D38Mzjfoj/39S2hOXmp4yj+wsWUR9hNaaOyYcKr5URR8j5L/hQTJmR70puu+VJkeIRWxS9r2G01jcz6lhlG5qWj03OdqrXgjUwhHQ7Hz3sjz7pKJUnM/sHTE3vbMEuCVDq2OQPQTcV6tLRkVTZE9svax66HrTY3NbGXIduT2HTpb2NmfTFZ425AmymYTHuxm4IWU4PziRASu6bn5r6G374VsjfGiC2DQza+I6HxqAJz8hxhXgRJlirWBjXYIdCAuuOawmYMf3TLllst3ORFt17DmtugRZrytC0uRHriMm67QH+Nlp3Y0jcWdi97Z4byJZf4xtm9GcxNSKjriq7Nfw/QDRdiK7jrQuqBgzx16dMQw8eop19GNhvFt7E9mV/EjbTVeu18EyOa6HkmmBU6bz9gTuM2488X1fT00tzXyvCORSDtJAgGTSak0ZPYoKADo7aj4Tk/sbuHu0C7ulSuBm4zQ8KoNjmhnOOeUA7GHh691LLKZnof1bMftI96HGEdAk7eDXag1y7YQw6EnD2o7ULecmTowmzpRUG4m8zuDbpnhTslF4Ku5zvpW4WVhFNV/BFVtnle1qesevYwZHtimy67fdTeQBYX+6aqJO1Dx005NXhjRXZWfnIAVNuvA7fg6aVg3zT6Y+mHXV1d6s9iuhTeJkOOKuYp+xfbtdWUAVxdTs+up6xarinEfL9nRD2UzaSqJ6I3kwdrYVdbVWkRgIuwqeoi6j/gVDkT4yuxlOIGlypXrvg/CFJyL4uqiezHV4Q7xdXIjHcbDcyjPbjrVojir4N4BlY/dVVXG6PpMhaBT+g3sVmRcMBy1Vz1hczEOx5+hUg7oXV2qObbDXgSRt/SpDrgRQt/DarQJs9jeCejjr2obpTxoEw33OO6WNMSuFXIZULqeVl8URvSMZvZ6NUYmZvJ24jZVC1qhhl9xGIOFlWZjbACfuqrs+dOCklhYQ9+oBNPi9kP7xRda7LX4ymk8Vk3EKp0ThMulX+x3xDZ0xoT5qWrcsOerJNu7f2jvmuuNoxkBNm+VvbJq6dMAXrtIPDEi2IVmx3aEK0Blvx8gyYKwkKRxZaWfr3fVt1xW31svhuVhkxJ6qtC6nntMjLbWCkRdcs3XDN8x3XZPXGqUrE73Qk2+qjt9o6OjIdB+ze0s1kqSf98T4mtKnSPIehueza2Rm9gxV8loHKpDP/lQ08ZtLkmQ3hAfdxP+ofNRBSZhJ0HD5o95wx21fFq9JKER5Dj4+FZg3ADWR6reCUXIHy8ha0UbrfGA5d54pJR2dRyKfepAyZKHG1iw8G7y/e0saxipQjUYkO19NU9UrByVw19nFPpkG09MSJCmJHloksUkuLdm3t46yLoCkU5H/HGPQUEXcyoC1Rw1wUCszEvH9eabjN1Gaqal/nlgF5XWZx4q1OmqFB0FbwEvS14dLbj7msn8G0w/tKAH7b+Rfhn6Be1INz2HzY1XAzc54/7KGmfeVY2qYQsAvx4WX/QNtYqxUI0pp8TfDoF5/ALINQmS+agA2c+Alv9Bngyb0MCRn62WLyWldYX9gDdD7LCyaIrgqAbVjIrCfAhQ9WFn7qLfvthq6du02DVvMw/azpZzlBlW1DlBpvNhyIcVUMHXqjwRcNzf8tiC8jF0CvWjw8LwN3wq3+xQzKuHaEWQEtQi2H7grGaOt5aJcml3NGZxTK1oHoy1F+fc1mlG88x913mufuMxaZKpUM2kCCTMlCZnW2joykltTyMJuZ8sfS34pVL988Om8h+DNA99ixAdyOV6FUz/mBg9pMYOO2pS/OX2XmZd93q72KzY+RBa+MqTU9E5UwZ4H2FEK1w2VELRkCFNzDEFoCioN2OGi0+3mqwhY+KeeEyDbfZRIRjaI/V8j7+0t3jUcHEiVSfu81Wmyr1QORfJFoxHGQCpsy9PaMjILlHE7NrrdQN0r/7tt0JAbqua02Wh+NKqpBRodtJzG2oqCHtqAv6MBa5zE2Xf9iGFZmVcZVp1cyks9LoNfBL2i8Uwil6zMKf+jXEYtS+YgzJLG5Jx/VVrZWbzHm5FH3qUY9mfBi7KppEx5pVtWqbKoaX0aLGxjmwUAworQOYyOxZdkfk11ylkiDugQxJum5uVo7E4+FYYaUXksLA3UaVDalPXSKy91lq7LFMl4/L1Edqa7Q0AKUdFQaNbFafbiLYevwQg14avxqMAcgvHGZ/0ui1Omy1QVkPQTavldlRuQq4jXxBtWf0qrxI0zWQ3VRpnCqsIGrH+4suEhpXKWPJ/emV1K2wZxiMbjYFSdiDapd03VXXUATcUgo9vWCWXwlANA0sR3DXxQMz/F5otpqXTed7/nlXfR/bbPQSg2JGDrKd9xkVvGCcbzx8MS5fqFVPVeFWbbjUTpneTTXVV19yzRchzUCc1/3fu6xPSi17I6Ctm5bM6n2ok9AynAM3VkA/9O47EVnOl4qCdP8dM3bJOHlKXgPojmdQ1zUsMjrs/pZ2RjVE/BQMPgZfL+9p/2jt3VvfbOq8rTrnFbdeqvkScKo4ZeBqoFZrt+A45TN2Uz56O1V/sPYjl7rM80/yM6CXXmuofbeJ/mI+TlGq+iG4kzjdzGFjBaBl/PpWamobtd0LYJaRlRbuJ7iH49Dlk8UdeWgYTDJ6enFoSeAHJCfM3q5rdWlTKnpeNkzx+Ydu8eKtzvQ06bIpBxwdvj4yOVcB2LoOGaiF/xkWJlW9b2mzR8tHLqu15p/jnr+hqY/ZdMc3baooSlV7i191RnGQiPQonHbHlZQn7h2KXOguFUXpY/HqfSkZycsnf7YpR5Y9yq2RXtR1wSHlOcxgpggZxpaKUh7AfyYZF0he9J2I3TUf2C1LmwnUNpovvu/UBPAh4wcZkg9VvW9bLTsu88hljYk4cD/bUpLdVFEHolZaKmZY3RCHuaBjKVDBCenOG+Ng6zrsjcxv5krd6Ll7Px4zge5v7uS9y+H0xgpeMIf65pbwU1d1yDCuumT6YpxtjCUV/8BN4MUooMhyttpRUwa/St9Zoe55qJU00kMEm0+Zfhwyuu3x1kM65tWsyGZK1mcsp8zANXI3uaL+c3xFaxJe06uoid5U0VY3GLrE1xVPzOABmimkFM/21Mw/y7t+KQjZ+56HMHSF/Gz+2+96UrFMWy+W/HUuHcWWci36gplIdX0slYomQXLk1vhCbqwemtlkdPTd3ETfitTdkrp0VgVGNer4cRJoTTOU1W/Y1mr+hWlUpmmP/Lj3uZaSLH3Oou3S2IW2a7drvq59JMUEe1SlFY/bG9l5zfXibVF6+z7noQmEbik3uyN749eBTOWMlkOVcic2t/EvUl2XUg3Rej/jqMu/rq2uRDW8jNix2UiKo3ZWzQZ2cQ+GV6xPa8O4Kft89K9gh2Rdjasn5WoN96B5rUzDln+Gn2VRZdPBa2NJVaz6D24HRtvFPqCYUVXBbEhn2xE47Xq88lA+9xI+D+0BusVTwINU0qmVRMgZhRRluDn5DbEuSQlrxdtlYuJqCjzgXXeXxmuVpW0mWFEsjWZqdG5u3VM16wRlVkU/WK8Pymbg2iZtk9Xpfbw+73uX3VQxO2b6PtSvTcwdS3Mks9PZdvrerZSy7Y3Ia7MlSUiK94euKObym//Z6wnfOgFvXdS9A0vEIkM3gzSS7H2DJr0fB+59him97zZaMyMPmERF1NLK+JMlhmm4mh+38A1bX19vnpTNDjY2fsr9gtYa7JLZJDbR267ultGv6oeCxNYVe273xO4pSnz4/aFIrnTn2nvC67uLdjF0X8ptRrzbSrowirPCAtN9QWPBbASWWPExbNzBaI9jMyVJmGTYVdTc3KS5mZs2V1Q/pRsyC1u2mox+W/XENT1y+Rv388/MZlKVxpurZ2yqDlG5FyqRGbupk9y/RCYWC2/H34/Iq7kipA+J94WuVPrtnf/iPRPeKBwht6HKkhqsq/u4HvKZnrraflmTiPG633eyIcxmls2E1qSjDDOemun+20p8fX3q+sqn/iB/tNK/REctldenwZYS09tshjUCVxp8cVtm08Rs0DIMcTZ1H2pvgbkWnE6CfWrEYwJ4zNeXr0fkzdlS94cLH7+8B+jmZyNoYE5lTicQdEOVry+pNEiDwVylGsK/GWw2G2+6e4av/uS1MQmtDD+SyvZkXr46jFst/htTg4NNdL814Va3EbMZa2UbB+7n/njJfdRWPTJDlFOz1WO3xa9qECDDpBItR52JnnspJQw2NzuzuTv35UICdO+4PpL/Eg3MG6AbiqKmO+c4qtIgD1NcKu03SQ2lLq/7jVSmsdl85zXASxk3W1erxc/h3yJNFGzNiymaOcUeg/in9wVuqqglc637EEkxIYuqrqCjcw4TqkLOntF0Cj12zw/lXSVBOivtftmFDfOd0po8BF03NuZ0wsCshpb4VS6VFqFcgwXJv7n3vK6i2VU2C+wy6K1vqh/cI2xhym6itsnUnHxwF+Dij43fg77AscpWZZhR30y7MjMTsxrZqYXcR503CoWUcn3qk8hba5u57vtddknXXfuV1xve2ojdIE6uzxHxgd3wcfXpaY6DVaehJzHt/HMMVbonivnNa4Heg/WowK6+ie6ubK9F/wz9IrrbHjygCYOYjqvdg2x8OfVlTFVVJtzWbVfzl3sFq3ZJ0oUmQWhbKcS2lW+78Z5KFKSFv9gVuuvCn7xZcq1+2w1WrtB1AyQVG+xT+vWua22QYcMbD/674AHHKmphRZM0KJoVi1+VtaG1YMDzoFrVv64WbOmlMtcZfElL5kaKNMeSIVsNNqQmH2pRT7tBIkFAj11n4t6tdPj6ea/8bM715s/Piv9yNwXCzQVJOJlbk78/rKTHR2DBHAr0kbwhu8GlomIPmsyRuvyl+yB914IdabPErgV671cH6PPtQQvg2miVAQfuF79lNt2HKEYVa+uqqXbJxHwUJuYQ9lIfSW2E48veochsURCSP1+/uWvXlYSi65j8/nB4YwsndM4F5oJdmAepuUEyuQeDVSxIDt4Hb7tGTkIVeunZ+cADwbaKeGE64mrEEK4z+NLaLv56tLFLZiaBiPa50QhVwSVIhYOY7BujsbQyFf/2TN51rCi9+Yu3dxuY/8XHknCuJEe8U8rWygpkhZUrgSUqnlOjQZJDRFNTvUllz7+/H3RdZdOVJjbKsZleWbFHI4a1UbvVmiBrwi1551JvGw7cL21Zpb2CtMfuoHbM89GMKui6JOI+GOyEyy4mZZCoXTm/VspdE66s78an+hcfXxFKpR35E/efpkcAuuVQZa4r2IDJVIcPm3xcDzLe6bzpfh70TppvRZPm1stgl2nFB6x+VPfbSZvJnpU33C91nNJWkLZJZmKup83UdfmQqvzDe6ppcKgKRQfGRkfGUz+KL0fkfO5TSZDE5Ku1obsgZq+99NrakHs5XCgkoOtWcFQY7ro6l8p0GlJ/k3C93+dbNWuTs83iWlQLxNagrS7ArdHVGxkTDJ7+9SU+hiYZlyrCkGuqwWPGXdffBVYZFXCoGug9XUgpP3Z7vfLmbK5bSF7aTYGQFJOXb7vyQ8Nx5VbhSCIUKpfLS0fB3kZnMEPXfUbdUjU1mQgZhAXJfyN8tnMCTbGyfvceNP35IPsHhW12Tp6kGNN0x+Wf1JeLXUb7p7XdJmbFTF12F7Huj1ipAxcy0RO7l77uQROznPtj8VpSfHqXFbOYzF52lVZn3o2n0oUbzigEpTuO4tuQ5ZbKTGDmXffzrJsndfhS1yJb9fBswHf3n7ThbTL1TTBJ5fVNcurUV7FkNnbM2p6xiV5U+Sjo9ttJlDIOHwpF4bKbiaU94HKTz7uEa1np7s2JXbpu9nJpVZ75vkfJZG5EMSNjmkoKo3X2VVddNleK1wO/eKmxmZLjq3uryQMPVpPkE6G+AmjYcm/lr2bHrI5QzJ6Kyv2jdsxEb49jlI/2Yb093lPFlPCUd+YtIGWIUnYXPtWEIIrdct777pkN7JEBjIyu5wgNUu+6xw3z9PoqA2b+u+HzfEuz5yJq6Wwjzde2F9CShRTTbW3q6MbFQV/5a5fdMR+gXV1NNOb2Rb+fpCDMBVSDqpGVlKK4vRFZLubAKUOsvaeSxPVvHTsW8f6lp5Aa7XWSvCFikWFvxzp7TaxLO8ph8BrnBr6w/DwAnqxuvrZJFsH49wL8sFFYxj9D/wrqf9lIyQs4Yh/WxMwEIZj4VFiBsEiuQx2OaZw95HSO9Yymt5Sp8145v/npqQ+TyV26bvb/ek+Cs65HUVaIH2R5zvGcLj7QbkO++8iG+G+Pz7mwYlovMzwbxyPcWtUi/73qF5noUpP6QpvXV9t0bYxXBr1i9pkVCNjlhjhlhBIrmdSJ7eUzXnln89gd4eylXd66gviedEGemVmeisWOYEZGGeuGOhYZI1dVfoC5VAd0sS6XHnwx39W2RpMiXyfD7rls+qdh6HDpDSL/kL66HbOtytaV8nT1kbarutyAU0ZHQ/BosAJtNxRKJDLjJ8IYuqulOx9mRWlhl7fu+h3ouvFw7MTpBI7Fxil/DX671Zaqybxg5jaCX+DC2dbI3nGs+6+pzVKEC3YrNUmP5Ly+oscPo9rVL7vqnoq+7AJ0+1UWM3rsYjdmCNrNKEoc+FSu0snLovD6btAVvvVRPuJ1K+lfJ2BergR+6MALZju1pdLFB+pTl9Xq8t8bX9Tc3Mjglm6e1mXM1+wv17iO/HN5CBMzrQhT91RNVo9diF3F0G0IdkwDnwoECG1HCidSShwC/4olSRAWkrXfuoLwd5sXwMo1FhvDdpBz00GSim3WDVELZr6l+lIGZ+3US9HqzBCu7sqmx+2kFpfKYfsw0cuKdpuqV8yaAsEP16FgcK4TQS/kdN4YjW0o17e9srw2L9xel9azu0D3w2Jx6Pe9f6rcGmnDt6GKA3dd5jakr6lo2RA/DX3Jeyv8rVi9wGpk+m0ju5XiX6P7ZE01We3pWk2FVK9DXR1BNTXM2dtzL72lLH8yI7uAxXzl76VXd9H83cltzgx7lFQmQW5DwSCxT6fjhiixLq3V5eS6L6n9UgN0I7UsNl6xk2x/pmDLHzD7YWS2MW3XuA75WCrk4iIO/MP+VOixOzAwlriXSiPoRuTV2Vz3n0l/8PTEbtCd3Yy44+FCJqF2Xcxg9vczxlQm8QEtG+L15aw71EQMZg42zcX6pkG3e27kwH3on1x129Wc1Km0TlWAsKhqhzB0QTuUWEmlw993R+T8f1faFbpX1xc+RF034vZspVcS+K3bB6EldqIb0hbMPmbBzDow8w3mVzU9m9Cr/Y2tkXKH4x/FfviwmOQwTW6PV8w+dsXcoqXb/zSAJmbQDiVGNlLKu8NeeTPnEoUrtdNLrr4tCSfX5MhUfCuWGcMDc5+D2Ke30wtmyiJD3VJhigC/DX1V07PpbzhC9+/ATLvc6AoEdmI2oOtv8OOuu4SabiWEoNszurHxHQTdoWdzJ7sv75Kyi6HrGorE3bcKo2MDoRBA9yhO+aPPuqobpFlnb+MP3a8aw8aMw6ed/T0ws123yci39xksZj29pKMP7KnKcNgdQW/d6wi6O7PFk+tJab1W1735tnT55LFn34mfSZ9Y6R2IBsrlPnXB3E5L/tRYjKqIP/4b6CHhl9d+nZgnLU1umqqYkCqdCh92uxw/BbW9MzTgbMukxsNx9/ty3lUs/lVWWv+vakE3KUklV9677EkXTvdCov0ceGSgednPQNdX5QY5yR2YefGyfOta2ELqh10fTWI+rL51j3b8lGyYwVmuoKTcw+/MvHXMJVwTpUs1N8zJLIKu7PW4VeiSgE71rIvzOZ83CBmUG6SxX+ZPXV68mK6L1Zs2667LDMwIuoDdjoYliPsLobdudGz0XmrYM+ydibhKL17LLqzXivubSEqi65j8e9ue8RO9WH0AdpDQdRfNPEiTWFfbUvGJmRcv5q3bWP3WVeNXW7W3ria2B+jit26wUw0vQdBNhwG6eVeueC371zVlfwsi6rprM16Pko719GIKM+669oZ25jbkMxtTcW8bXrys4WsRb1+vX4da9a6rcjKw2J74uZajAwDdlOKZ8spvbV4sdWf/+uN/WavrIui65mVvHEM3iv7XFZJob19kjan0tGXGIoP3XF68LLZU2sR8kBbbGxtmg05l9zcQEnMn8XPFXXdLiX9DjhybF25n/+FjqTZ0YWD+flxJxcYGsIH6kuMoawfp02mQ9SYGM++6vHhZYtc0MeOu6zPeuppPBrhT6S7qZQjZHctspBXl3U/kvGte6Bb+Y7IGJ2NCFAUpvyPDwLxyA8hUlT5WrXuIpkHWW7hBcvDy4mXeU1GGrlUbZoPETFzUOxbVrhsKONHAnCmkwtB15TVI+7siCjWgm70k3sltvoUG5hSC7k/QW7evKqBTJ1MNmnT2/DbEi5fFnsqCxKz7ufpYYzk7ibYnAzPYuSLopreuD38SkddWX7wjSmINi5sJQRTurB576504EQ6Vy5pHxmJV3hALXX4b4sXLqukamRbVayqiP2DsXAmdSosdwtBNqdA9Vbwj1IZuFkE396x8HgbmBHrrAnRxyh8VFdaqPnabBi0kfxy5vHixAzOVgAA2bgetB2a96+KwP6uuWzy1G3SfviScnM3L588oqpVrebpLz9ZV52Wfr9o+3Zwbx4sXL+uB+QB9HGr2mRLDGmp33dyuXffpv3njZG52yHMGdd0xZ7Qcmpv+QRCn/OldF0G3tfkZC0YG3zDz4mU9ME9aDcxG131qT113VdgFuq8+vSAUT80MfaKkUNcF9QEMzOj/mF876z6lig9aLZIPOHJ58ao5MNss11TNGiWDdN1FNmKXQBeOQ/d7617NSsLJ+fzQcljJrLThNVXwB8CDXGxpZwI6zXn2nJHBi1ftgbnRnH/QZDhCGvIDYFMRO1eq667ENOju/ta9mxRKGLrhWAZnHwSCXUCmwtA1GVM1s1sqLtblxcui6TayYX+WyqFDOoe5QR+YA6EyYVOlFCX+jfu9dW9mwZrqV0PDytavM1h90Klq/harnVwHTTp7PjDz4mXRdGvJD1ppNtULOnQxdkFqT7ouIUJ67/fWvbkgCaVjqwi6aGCGDXMlgDfMukeGTmH26cZUB/mCmRevmuBlRX8WaypDfoCgq551j2LRH8QfkK57/7fuxHoy6SrJM+5wigiHyjhct6HBIFMdZ5xcD1Y5ufLixcuYl62NmJuaqrypsEtGu19NLlH1uk5nYfRWTInjgXnXt+7C+lmp5BqaiYeVlcwAdpXr6jgKAzOdaK9aZDSxtyFOg+TFy7rrMrchPbnE5KFOG9wcnYaBOYRDh26hp+4ySO1/9qko/Nc1oDuxsP4fJdcfyTNxZSOz4gyFyhUEXTOZCmfrNlV5ynEaJC9etd+6zFm33pDrqj7MqoU63IYaHEHHtG4rN7oRw9AlyqEr4s2b1tBN/i9SKY+gGybQDZCEzgbKyvXQM5puyIoHyfsuL17swDxJUZgZC3UyMNNy3f4W1ULdMd0XwE0XHCFjw9cRdN86VsyJWakWdP+N+Ad3XJuR95fDqV+DlWsAR9pTVq5YfaA+dVno2kiUKP+0ePEyDcy2KpOM5hpxYaTrklj7MrZQ7xlNpTfc6sB8O1vrrTvx8gfinduzQ14PGphPk+wDVX3QcpiJPmjVt1QHdejypy4vXqamy96GtLOuuqXyMSGd2sDc0BHEwSVAphoYS4ykNq7HsTfVuRevZaVkDejeFLInXauyd1tJjSSiA6jrzqly3RaDwtxaFVqCocvzOXnxus+Wig4/IKI/c1yYH7vK4biwaBmgWxiHkE7vzCYxc60NXVHAJhnbPy4kICuMQNfeoBqoA4UZfVX4mpuZrstDsXnxqrWlohzU9duQphtqZRbMh9vtiySks6vPCOlMpcOeuHdoc/YYQHfhd2pBV8i58rI3nhrPjOGcP5x90LAIayr1rOuDRu+rFh9wuS4vXpbYNS+YD2pN9xkfghN11u0nDOaOjq5pYGQQ6BbSHgzdY91FUfwb0dpWbuKuJAizCLrL6VtqWJiqtKcpzD6SWmKt1uXFi1d102WzD5qpNRXFg8TQBUPIjq65QCUQDYWcYz2FFBqYhyOQOXRKFKWPa0O3VNoZGo6nxwt4wwxWrgi6mlqXfusOGmQqXa3Luy4vXqY11aSROEQvmLUtFX3WhaC/DrymmkPzMvAgb6zE0luK2xuRL+SLRSkrLVj7ME9kpTdems1H3MpGKtOGu+4PYGBexIFDL6j2Nqxa9yBFpuLA5cXLYlw20yCrt1REaL+o8iCPBis4GRsYGbENWFMh6OYQdJPSpWQNNpUklTbfmnHHU7eIcCjgCHZQ4bqUcKhp0NgwT3JGBi9eVk23Khj7AMWlajaaLk2mQl13KYAKDcyJntHMibDyrndG3pktnbyMoGudOXRTg66SHs8kBkBp74DsAz8T8+djYrFpjwzedXnxMjddm5nAXK8NzKzQHvtB+rUtFRqYy1FnIpEpnNhG0I3I+aLrTUESFiYmrNUHyXXX5jyCrsaDDPwwiNdUOnSJ5K+VXVNx/3RevKxfugwhg87FVsUHdPYBDguDLZVjTgsLOx1LbYTdINfN54rdgiQu1BAOfZz8s1Jejkyht+5pJ4ktCcJb105Dl/KDZMUHHLe8eFFN11gwH6iVi03TINtbyMAc7HD0qbehRM+9tJIKT3nlyGuzpy4LV8S7taAr/ZmrJEfeVVIFeOuWAxDR2UBr/lqZhE56wcwnZl68WPBOEgIzG4utdl39NERL/vyEwdwHAzPchhKZkdSWsu31ypu/KpZEQbqZfdUSuv9ITEq3j8nvTIVjsQx2pgp0dTwHwiFa82dsmKkFM/7X5AMzL146bo3LEG3BrJ2GiMy+1cJTDkEXZ9pHB5xtscK4O+z5hndoZ7V0UhKkt2sE/Yl/n/3/XJuyF0G3kCHCIQjGthuaP1gw+0Ct29xkYmTwiZkXL0v02lgqVdMgdRo6ri+YwYOZNN2gYwk/dUOhRCIDfpBh1HUvzJaEy4L0O9JVS+h+VxTvlFwAXRiYo+UQpjD7abmuTyNTNVOMDB44xIuXCbaqt42NvgwdrCJkHKK4VC06DbKvk5gwO3tihY2wMuyNyHLOVRREYT1bUzj0v5VWh7xTqVu/0QbpupXOJV2uiw3Ufb5WH+VMVbWm4n2XFy/jqateh6xZkMa8TLvb+LtIuC4MzL0945n0j91TCLqrs6XuD0UhK1hnH2R/IXaX5KFPlq+PF3oHIF1Xg26/MTCrC+Zms0cGX1Px4qUXfRmyMUsqar2sDsyakSveLy+B4q8SwE6uvcBgDsfd3pnIarHU/WdJ8W6yRs7fL977q8287D2jpAqo65bVdF3dmkp1psJrqvqD/DjEi1etjkttqViDjHraUY4iMKN52a9ddQmDeWDgRqYwHr6+vewdyueLL94RpI9fX6gBXUn43c35Ga9ne/zXY+Aqp5pk2CnNHz4ONXFGBi9e91tRmZhU9EtXJVPRT91F/yJ56jpgXo7CbahntJBWwu7zEXnTVRKKP/+f16WbNVyYF4TSR/KMd1sZx8HYoTlioI7eukR98JSvlc3FJsehSa4+4MWruuk2sqKhA5pUl7TcZ0wye2Lk6nB09VXK2N2mt2d0XEkpce/MzGbu4slr4pUFqVZY2MKHn+aGIl5PKrYyhsPC+hzBXWJLDpg3zLzr8uKlY5esl5mXrh57oFvK6VQqOzG3CTqCgUoZ0yDbekZTJxTPsjeSn829dEoSpdeT1oyMm28nhV/OHou4t5UMqA80k4xFv127DR3X2VTmgZm/dXnxYoDbSM3L+lG3iTrq+mhHOc09vaMLzcsktORGT2F8w+OOvz8jz+bOSYL0h9kaFOabyaTkWr0guz2pQmZsIApdF43efr/d/oqmtPdVU5j5W5cXL6bo9TKj1D3I6P0oKlW/Oi9jh4wKXHVDAwn01E2FleHhiBxxlUoIuqJ0syZ0L//SlY9MedKxI4QHuQRvXbu/pRaFWe+6PLaEFy8NuJQTpO1A9VFXuwxVH3WBwBwMqJZyYz2ZFHrqTqmyIenNKwvWhIy6ugnUdUsuWZ4a3iqME/VB0IGzD+wGdH1E89dUrzfdA9zehhcvtunqyGXkfhpysZV563FqXu7Xmy74uBJzm97RwnhKiQ9735dXZ88JgiglF6yfunULoijOu4a88esnRlYg5y9QAQqzv2GReuuqQnuGTTXJ2VS8eGkP3UmDSKWvl+nUA8pPTjvqAh+DEJi7gn0gPRgYCCXaRjNwGnrHK++slkrdQlJ4u8ZTty4piqjr5r3Lno3CEWzlGujqagDoUnJdn0+PtKdzsfmWihcvGr2Um5yhGWqyEA0R/vKixscIVgLlsiazvxVWPG6vvOm6/aIkXBGzN2vMy1nUdT+SZe9yOFXo6UUvZVgwH2USh4y3LiUc4i7MvHjRGyoTj8pyvazNy8TFFUiQfrxfnsNSXXCUOzLy4y3FPeWekVdzpe7LZ6XaT11J/G/EP74AiUNbKz29Uci0V2NLtOwDlcLcynZdI/uAFy/ecg3zZQsildF0jxtK3f5++yKmY3Q4HFiqC10XU6nAUW4m4potvSlINcW6da8+Lf2hMP+a7I0rqdjYgNp1Oxr8/pb+w6itG3JdveuysSX8rcuL47bRrDtgNfbmly5WHuAlFQ4bgpywcjlaxnyMcSV15l1vZCY/m/v0miAJ69YEZmKgnivOyOc9SmblhjNaDuDsA8yDVLuuMS9Tcl3OyODFi0YvejpShyFz0/VV05db7GqubkeQSHWdIedYppDeACrVkJzPle5cg+CDGk/duqvryTdO5p6NnN9WUitjA1riEAiH2l/RIzpbjYHZzMjg2OX1hKPWVmVro/fcg4xiyNeq33Sxn5zedPtwrm50wHlkJZZWrm9PeWcia8XSSSErLCQnakF3IflGMfeWfAZ13UyvM1TREocwhfkFlQfZXL1h5jl/vHgZPZc2cDX5QBLs+gwnyKd0J0gssid6vzIcdU9nCkrqR9jG1ZX79I6QFBdqnYbAQD3pmh0CHuSt0V7MploCCrPfUB8cYshUB/jAzIsXu6Ay0aj0nqs1XdJ1aSNIAl0Sq4tNqQLOUHSsLVOIKSDVncnnc8WcIEpv12JBgoG6JJbmZ4eGPSdOnEbQDVTKEBZmb/C3Uzl/KnSbLLouvw3x4uDVQoZY2YGaM6TehZibLgRiG9mc+Kj7E+fYkZWUsgWZ2PLO5izwMX6xXus0VDcxkTwrFufz3nh4I53oGQiEyoEglusutlNvXTCV8w1i6FJdl1OYefGHLr2jYu9CB+sHtabbyo7LOgcS9H7BOWKdPuAcG8UJf1OfRORnXX926rIgidma8/KEKP5r0fVHMzNTykYh0xtSE4dQ111sOWzuuk311YlDvOvy4g/dRmJtTD10seygqYkiY7Duyy04yp5ohjpV5UEbBJYonu3zXjmymisKwMeYuFpXC7ovfyB2l+Zlr0dJZXoGcETnNLFy7a+C7iAd0ck1f7w4amnPdJNeiN5RtdJpJU9p7hgkDztI5H7RUAKbUm170EtXzv9RMQf85fWaTbfu1ZcF1HVXI97t8EYmkQiVQ4G+Lkgcshvqg0MWiUMH+G2IFy9tuWyzWC4fpPPB9EhdzQjSjp0gOxq6HNN9hATpTPSOxlJphF1vBMI5i5IoLdTiL2MXZkko5v48grruRga7MGMD9QYq+8Byw2wjj3KOXF5P9DuX2i1TFpAUjcpnCOwNna6eqYua7hJ4uELogTMxigP+ltFLd2cTREPvCevS1drQvSsJwvxF1HURdBPAg6xg6HYsttjZnL9WY2A2mi7vu7z4O3fSqulSBMhmVmGPX7p+TWI/N0fs5H7Sm1gZTyvheBxMXGdLLwpCUswu1NWGbvaKcC737ND5eLiArVznVCvXhna7mn1wyIfJVM3V0OWw5cXfuQwXg3rnNukXXQQg33H9oQvbZS2Xs6NrDgsPnNjDNZbeAOSipvvaKZcoZKWF5M1doLuQlF4qRSLeuFIY6YVwXTIwN9jpxCG169ZbQJeDl9eT/c4lPXfSzKJqYpvu8eeppqtCF3wg5zrBHcMZGujtyRRiYcVNooaKQrcoCa/X8sfAjIykJJU25YhbSd3KODGZ6ockLKzdlH3AMjI4dHk9yWUzdss2drlcJfUzbZfxSXeR2EBiNgZuus7EDdR0lTBG7s5mMXdZSNZW6mrOVNcuHpO9w0o6tgJq3XK504FN5QC6Bg9Sh271gpmDl9eTh1zNioqW6JJx+QDbdJt9rSZDqn79MOSAwxAEc4I7xijE+737I/TSfS1XLF4Gud/EbtAVUZ1zgVo3HVMj7adx17UvHtZy/nTR36AFD5IDl9eTid1Js42c7iNHB2FjGhXjAml4yRGdLrZwdbbh9fKZuHdG3oGQMEEUPpZ2Q25ddmG92P1HsncKO1PBW7fSF8Sav3Yq+4A66xKl/STnQfJ6gt+42lXIZuq5jLpe90xntstYpusnbIwf9FUCoQpQIBNApAornrh36MJq7qIA9su70DGIvY0gHnPJnywrqUIPjj6oBImBeks7lX1gji3RI+35vMzriQNuI8vEqCJRGe/cZi2T8ylaYK97yc0FKsCADEXHekYLJ5TtM+SluyqUhLPSgnRzt6Y7cfcXwrncLFi5xka+R/wgp/FtiGFkkAVzk2GgPsmFQ7z4isoIOmCmZZb/6KNVBxBVorMxyI4KYbf3xuhoQUkpw16vHHkt5xIuC0khu2vTrZuYWDgnbMpAprpVaEPzcjQw14VdmDUK81OUH6RF1+U9l9eTNivTWZwWJKomRqNrIkD2t2gn3aCjs69CbNN/0tuTGUlvbbs93iF59WLxXLfwT3blQBJ7m59fK320Awmd6ZU23HX7ujBy/YcZK1f0LzJo2XU5eHk9aeid1FV+FIXKPC772KASVaRr9zf4NVebSmclVIZxubenEEspCvCo0Lice/GcIEjJ9Zu7Nt26V9eTly+euxBxK0ohlsC6oYrDNDDjpttqOusSA3XedXk9YahlbKjMlssmzQEdMaRncqp3oWAQeFRAXh7oxSfd1I88cTQuX5wtnbwmZIW/l67uDt2Fv5Ck0uwFL9jbZBJO1VQOQ1dlZAAP0leVWjLJE4d4PcHotTVOWuhzdb90OkuXYlH1G/atHVgwBNzlaAiy/X6cVojYz1Usdf+DIIl3d3/pQuBQUnTl3vJOhTdOrIyFoOv2aaZyBiMD/Ws8Y8o+4K5yvJ7YltvI9tyD1jq/ahZV++KiZo2xhKV+QMYA8vLIeFi5vvzJjAzhfp9K70nCruxlwqUSs+JHa/I7y56N9JGxgVC5AhRmsLexEz9IOrZkkOVBNvI1Fa8nD7zGuKz1XGNcbmo29dzjzHJZJUB2BCFjqJOQMZzOxEosoyhht9cryzuzudJtIbubr41ub/MLsbu0RgKHTpNI+6CJTMUumNXsA76m4vWEodZmfudOmodlI10I8zCa2Z4Ly2XgYoAbVcc0tm8NOIGMsTJa2FI8yvJ5UAxtFk8CG+Nu8mrdfaCblf7wTlEGe5uNQgKLDypdHbpHhq4+IAbq9Ub2gcqm4k9dXk8GcPWeq5GWq1vuINVxdeKygdz2lkXNvbWDGC/DRXcAaFTKluIGrR+cdEWEXGF33QG5DT0tCcJH+SFvPJwuJL5JEjohcKjB3sLyIFubWHsbnhbG60mblRkbKjrkgM0W0p65jAEkzaI66vg6jrCPwna5ZyUzvrXtiU/BSTdXKhaBR3XfcRl13dclSC1BXTc8Dl0XnKlILrbdIqFzkFlT6QME/1x5PfbDMrueYnques6tbzKYGM0McsmKyrjoHl2qBIgzhtPZOzoC3GX3+fMz+YjrIxdquVd2ySqhog9el4TibF4edl8vxG7g29DXHA40L1PQZbuulvPHuy6vJ2ZYNtZTNvqVSz9z642WqzMxKM1BC56W1bADWC6TtIOBsZ7YvXSYjMubrtxF4VoWjctP37/p1i38TlY6t/azSNyTSq/09oLkr88BYWF+e3s1D5KOLbFxtS6vJwy7JrkBg1z6nAvv3Gd0JgYxgNSuQsEgBNiDZXp0YMCZwGm6YXf8HW8kspr7tIQeulIym3z1vsiduJoUxeJaPrIcVgpHer8ZwowMbOVq1z0yDmnOVM31lFyXc5h5PUGzMhVZb6vuuQi4TaxW6BD1ztUMIIkZleO5PnCjqjixvD4GNCol7oZ4sPy3ct2XRUl8feL+PReiD/5H0XVs1Tsc3rrV0xYKVQLlaZKL3d5vvHV9hAdJMTL02BJevB7rfmsA1zZpTvIzbkJNVPw1ltY/TyO3305Ny5j/GCo7ozAtj46n0ori8Z6XZdlVKr15WUheWr8fGYNS666teqeUW/dOg6lc6OtLKiOjnWFkaOG61Tl/HL68Hmfwsi2XfeYeoJHbau1EpSUdkHghR1cf5NeHomWnE3zkxtNKPP4NLNLNlYTSe2fRuLwX5NZNZBF0869FZuLKRgY7UwUgK6zD34C6LkHuU8aWioq05xGdvJ4I2JqRW6UT0lnLBm59rcy03G8gF/VcHC8UiIYGCHK3UM91e2fkTbl4+8Vi8qz08R7uQkRovyDcmd8EZ6qNez29US3mDw/Matc93qqpDwYtnrqcksHr8Sybil5sY2Or9crV/ONaDTcbw86GiIU002UQC2HklkMh6Lk3RhFyryue5fORITmf6y4VBfTQfTu5J+RCLLZwp4Sge0aJFXp/ggbmCnhkYBdmU2oJOzDbuDUVr8f8latle+gW6VYtV3Oh0v2W0UuXPucCcrXdckdHVx+554aiUeeNTGwEvXPjw99H4/LqGoSDZZPigjSxN+hOrP+3Umn2o8h5j5JaGRv4ZjlQrgSDRK3bXkWmajafdbVnPC9ej2HTBfga8ZuWJ6F6M/eROueqvGVqWnZ0BjS1UKLte7EUUdejcXlt9VSxWxIl4T52VDR0LyXFl/L5iDucujXa64yWo2rgkN1PMzJaqYGZpTDztsvrcWy55osQg1yN+Whk1tMaP6rnvoAVB34/uQp1OPoqATWOEwwgRzY2wsr1KazRnT8n3BaS/6uY/TcTe4SuKIrSxVV5ZnkqXfj190LRQDnQGSQU5n4ThbnZgsLMkcvrsZyVq+V9lsDVTah8ejqJabVMKQ46prEpRmAAB+mOj95D0/J2fBhsl9G0/Om/Es5Kl7ILr+4RuXXSB39455xr1TsMC+a2KHo+BzoNob3ZytUcW2LjyOX1eIKXueUaFyFDa4CfuVrTBQKVzwK5/S1+jNwgwu7RafUqBKbLN3oKBTQtnwHXZfnC7GbpRfHDs3swxqCzdQVRdK3J7/8onCrcA8lfhXTdDvtifzV0TbnYfF7m9VjOysZyynbf/VSrkXytp5PoFCrQ50LPbejClsuY/VgODTjHRlcKSuw7cBYaknfkXDdkHUgfvJ7c60MXzrrCe0J+R/5k6sxG4ciAsxyqBEjg0CJQmNGXB0noZLIPzBGdHLy8HstZ2WZxy9WZj82MHwa0XB8F3KcMTwyN/Qi8ZXjlhr7pvHFvZTy2Ff5TNC0j5K7misXuy+KV+1vasAvmhWRudmfI60lvjfQmcEJnMKh7ZJjtbQatyFS8eD1GwKXYU6bF8gFmVqbWU83sgkp75iLk6lbpmlYohMOFTo+m0krYs+wF5L6W+zR3WRAk8e2Jib0jt+5mUkoWSzuRd7aVVGGMpJboC2YtF5sAt5VhZBzg9ja8HuNHrqXUgGJhDDZXrZaPM5vlw/12nYgBKQcGcnvHVjBy3XG3Vx7aeW225ALmsvB2Nvkg0J34WLp2LvfsjNsTvlW44UT/twNzXUE9+uAFNqFz0EJ9wIHL63F85FochExGywxuzdfc9nayoPLj1XJwDps/QnJ9dKztSCwDyN3+BPXczZ/N3j73ZlK48tdvSw8wLWPoZr9V+u2hyHA8PU5MmL8WwAxm/TZ0iDbJsKAwcx4kr8fmkasfc9W9Mh0mpDfd+mZ2WG5+hs7g1G5COg+j4QcdwT5MxCg7Qz8Z6O2JxUYUNC3HgUO18+9htywIZ6Xk0wsPhlxR/CeXu9fkyLAnfS/Ti6MPAo6OoxQjgz7rNpOmy6br8omZ1+M1K+un3MkDFichdT/VSu2n2JaLb0ItgFwM3S5HsA/fcytOVXEAKj/3svt9Wd75KOcSuksCerZmJ159MOhK4nviMVfeO6VspFYQdEMV8E8/Ch4ZuOu+cOgp6jZk6rq2Rp7zx+sxGZVtpksutZ06aOGFYaT4PYOBy96EQG+gETG6HDAsl6Oo5zqdvWOjhXElte3ZBvbjjiv30qk3LotJ6dLNhYm6B4NuduFDsRSZ8S4rW4XTzm9C1yWMDD/jTFWDkcFfurwek9KfuThHi0YufRFihLmtmq6exi0Ihex2+6I6LHd1OJYC+JwbApWfqqzfji97Z4bykU3XyVMSiIUWXr75gMitu/q6JBU385F34uHUSG8iFCqXy31B/a371AuUcEiFbpWVK++6vB797ZTWc22s95QlcFXsPmPJWVYtW1WpkMOByY8k/Lp3rCczMg7T8tQnkUh+863bJeGyICbFt5+eeFDkgh3kZZKtG94oJAYGEHQDfUeB/YGdqZ5ic7GrwsK4qxyvx/CVaxyEaCcMnYRB75V9OnAJcl/pt9v9+CbUQYZlrBSKhtAfA4nEKBb5Kb83fD4iy6uu0rmT3UJWurT+gLtlYgeZzCZz+bzs3g6PZNpw9EE5qFKYdXsbw1Ru0HjqcvUBr8cEtKrDMjF7nLROzEUdl1ksmzKvdf4UKPz8GvWxyxGc68TDMrCWx9qOFFIbikd5d9gbGYrkV8+d674mZiVxPTnx4MidmEiKUtEVkb1h5RaCbrRMAocaOvz2Rbyl0mL+aOGQuevy4vVoo5dxe2Rpj1rVDzbTSfU+U3AumZVxeK5OwyBuyzAso4Jn7si4kvZsx93ed+TI2sVzL56TxLMIuf/oat1nga74XvfttXwk7lZSKzAwBwJzDtR17Q1+lZGByVQqI0MzUOdkKl6Pzyt30pqvzLKn6puaWRMbmj6lLZb7NZN0dbM8R6658Mx13jgdK2yBsH7qPFilr5WKpTvXREnYqxFV9W1IEO+UXKvfXvakfmN0DFJLKnNdcBtqIF1XPetaGahzMhWvx+SN26hHGrDrKb3pNjeZGMt0EpgO3HY7OQlhAlWwa3ouUME8jGjI6ew5soKn5eVl79BQxHVstiSUBOGK8PfZm58JuXUTT38g/KuiHPHGw0qhB1OYKz8gFObFdsaZCnXd1kFtS3WQk6l4PQ4tl4k0YEW51Kxs0JW1N+4zeFZ+3vB8fOEVOAmR6FycwIlpGBVs/Bh1Rnths7yxhVnLvy9H8vnSS3eufYh67sRn7LlY8ieczG0i6CpbIyuQFRYof81BPDJ0MtUhhkxVPTDzxsvrEQRuY1WkgfmSq1osN+uGj75qwjJ55YJdaz/eT2mbZdDmgtxgIISvuZlCams77N6e8v7+UCSfK54TfimgZ+6E9FmRW7dwVxK+derZiNej3MqsYP/0zjkzI+OQ7kzVZOZB8jUVr0eybBQHw2bKp2ceuYb3lPHENQL8DOAu4lkZSBgwLANnGfs+DqBZGfZTqXFl+3p82RuJDOVfO1U69aaAWu7bd5NXPyty6xbWJSk3i7rutrJRILehwHPswExTmJtY4ZCNQ5fXI9py9YarXoRsFpEG7HYKA5c8c1nkoleuZvoIFyHwSJ/rhGCSKNyEBoCGsbUBPuleb+R/R8/c1VLx2jVBAo3f1brPXAuXroilzZ3IJ+5wOtPmdEbLgcBPsUcGzYP0MRRmhpHB37q8HmXsVonpGQOb+ubmJvNe2UfHgGnIXbQ3aLdchNxpohMKhKLRkHNstBBL/4YS3vYMQ2b96rGLJeG28B6k1n/mYRkvmC8lpeJqXnZ7lMKPyYK54iADc0t/tYE6Fa5LMzJ44+X1SG2n9JOQrbG2gc3B+sFB03aKWNg8rzVcjfe4qLrYwKR8dGmavHIx9RFeuSOFrbRyJr5MkJu7/VKxJEhXxHXp8yAXQfcD8c5tlxxxe7ZjsV4n1vz90EFSS9qNLRXjTGVQmPltiNejiF3si05FGthqXHIZ2iOr7TMuQgZ9SiVhzKlp9eiV62w7shLDCr+pYa9XjuRXi6Vi97V/SMI19+bnQS7chrLdL+bloWElnSqAMVUogLru0Y4GQqYyOVM1DxprKs6D5PWo4pZmT9msWY/1TcxByJxSr2mEEHLtWmwu3k919nWqmvqo09nbloHU662wextoGJHSbK70V5IgJqXk3eTnAi7chqT1kmtVfn9b2RgvOPGaqi8I6gO/n74N0QbqbOIQn5d5PVJP3EYtRYjQp2pJ+wzg+jQ1vc9Ee8SGjypw1aj6zjn1kQvA/a2e0dFYSoFgEjwr58/tlF66I/ytJPy7denm50Ru3cSCJAjzq7LXo6QKcBsC3ZCDBA616OoDH8T84cAhmkxl43JdXo9a2QyNELufOmhh9mg8cpstLrkvQMf1q4Tlhh/gxXJfRQVuaMCZ6MmAR3pa8Qyf9w4N7by2WTon/B+SAPupz7NZ1iR/b19541xJlj9ZVtKxghP7QXYehe+QRQxdzQ/Sp6p1LbsuRy+vR2U/pWv7Gqviv4xLbj17ycUGy8Qa/RC1nupv0bKECAejq5NIDbDYwNnbc280llZuKR5P3Dsjyzu/yl28VpTwNfcBokl2k/wlr720mY8Mx8OpwhiCbgU1/C68YMZnXSpct4rCzN+6vB7Bpku9ci0TDQ426QohnxF0feiQSSLUb2+x21W+MsKuA7xa9ZbrTPT2jBbG0xtKnDgtR1ybxZJQFFDLvbQuTdR9AfVdMSuUXDtD3ng4FrsBuqFQ3xK+DTWYhfbNMDLXsxGdfMPM6xFaT02azB6tHrmDTVXSPoaCoXZcVdunuqN3oI47RwL88GK5LTF6L5UOK2FYLEdm0Cs37xK6JSEJ0tybXwhyJyaE7GXX//nszLBH2cgkiH/6XBcR2vcftj4O0V2XL6l4PVLgtfRXpm0w2Fm5Wadg6Kfcw2rUNaPKnavoyB1w4ltu6sdb20ocvXJBU+8qFoXuywS5V+u+kHoVQVf8mWsNQTeVGm0biIbQsD5NDcxmF+YmqzUVxy6vR+mZW7WeMh+EfNQjV91O6WkkL7xCtH3QccmsfDS4NIcJy9HyADCWbySAhJHaDoeHh9+JDK3lV186Vjz1EjhQ7Tmufk+6oazk+kiOuM8o4yMJTKYKOPBtqKGdDtet5kHSxyFevPY3cBsb6VQD5pRLbaeaGP8aX6se3HeIOgi12wldmdAen3NgIwzScYnUIBPLpJQtJRz3vgOv3LyrVBR+fk2UpOTrX1TLxXaQV97rLrlk77AnPZ4ZIwmdP+yoDtdVz7qDZrkuxy6vR2pWtpnl9AxfmZL2AW3f13roUPUld5HwlTsMVa7q1BoKOdvaVkZjaZAavBt3e4eG5DVX7mIJzcpnpQ/e/lyU5arb0F9IQmn2NxF0wxuplTFnFP1bVLqegy0V7rpmK1c6cYgzmHk9KltlJkjIZtlyWU2udse1cp6yNzQYB6E5Qp6CELCos633dKwwjnD7T93LbnwRWpstnuy+BlqDj7PJLxC4WPInnCrKQ9749VSBdN0y3IaqI+1Jzl8ze9a18a7La/8j1/TKnbSala3Tv1hlXzvECNHbKXB71MhTCLk9oysFcMJQ4qDLnZE3V2eLpVMSXISSWenmF4rcugUxKZU2Lwydf9cTK2ScOObva0vPkYRO/Tik8iCbqqDLgctr/z9zmfA+myn+yzwrs2vlQ8yo3MKaPeLsvgCR04ecA2M9o7HMLQTcYfcwRJJE8qu50rluCc3KwiVp4YsFbl1d8lL22qerF4a+D4yM0QEci11xPAf2NmTB/EK1+oCG7uRkI0cvr0fgnas+c/VjLtNyB+ntVK2Wi2UGhDvV8BxCrqOi+mBAxx0YGxvNFFIb4bByJv6NdyKRVXntXOmlk9feEKWff36pgdWCOfne5ZOzvwIy1XjhiDOkRh9gRoadOuuqPMgq6GKlPS9e+xi2jRb0KcYYvYnaTvla8Z8OVQO33W7X1soIto6+vjnU5sAzDvjKY21HRgupcSWsuOPLw5HIhZ3XNnPnzolvwCl3QfrCgYtT/s5KpdUIgq6SLvQQMlUf6rodqOvadRdmH8ODZLou5zDz2s/DsjYp2xjXOKrlGqF9PuYedIgNNNCzcnGiQde0LhAKEZ3BaOHERnhbeXfK6x2KQCBJqdR9TcqelZJf4CmXVesKglhyyUPuM0oKk6mwcOi5BmBkmLtuaw1GBgcur/2+W2ZOQswrlzkIqaPy85qYXg+5XvT7CV0Z+9c4pucM1uNAbyJxZKWQVlLb18PL573yUH5zLVfCadeSlMwufBnAxYwMUXIdkyPDZ5RMrEcdmB04096uvnUPPdXaqmv+miy6Lrem4rWPe67h+MiE5VqF0/vwS9eU2gd7Zb9+DwoGHY65acjcjEKkQcjZ+72elZHxrVQ6vLw9/I43ko/k1267bt++I2QlSbz08pcDXATduwtCd8m1Fom7N1I4KwxBdxo/dRvs/RZvXXNEZyO3Yea1z3uudsytEvcNUkG5eFb2EX0QA9x+u+rRCtupYLAj2NmJt1Nl4l8ztpIZSW2kletnPN/4ZEaWcapBSewGbd+lu8mbdV9W3VyQhHNFeQdBdyudaYtiMtW0IRwict1WQ/PXZPnW5cVrX+6VGymxQdUxt57Jptc0ucx2qr/dvmgnilxouQ5HcI48cvFS+Zu92HjqhJL6UXx76huRIXnnNVfJJXRfA+CKd6UvD7h1EwvJ5Id3crOrkFqSWUkMRNH8boauIRxqHWTeujpy+cDMa1/Oy5RMqBq4RJWrxW2ylnF6y22x+zWdQQfW5FbIPSgQxdI+SBFCj1wlHp/yRobykddcOZdwR1p/88oHb08kX637UqGbFe64Lsx449fTWsxfYDoIDll2zZoKd12TcOggG1vCi9c+bbmm/VSVgw2bRMJq6dtb1Aghg4FR0X2nehM3MqjjboTDnm0ipl/NF4vF7j8RxOTPhS9prUxBN3kpe/nk/DHZ64GuCy7M0cBckI0teUpX2usDM++6vB4B7OqvXCZ0k2VPqeupKuMp7IJB2Mp+1Mk60I+5CpYZRMEWvbf3BmTlphQScw3InXXlisVT/wm4U29nF67Wfbk1ISbPXhZyz8re7fBWYXQMRx/gXGxgZPRXy3Wb2DUVpzDz2t+rZWv+VD1lYPNMc6sVcNv77eSSC6OyoyOIgNsJvlMVJ2Yrj93LxEbQrBw+g33R5U3ZdbH06R1wnvq5+GVup3ToviyKYnF+U/bGlY3Cymk0CSDsLnWY3rrHq0wyVBtmG/e34bUvH7k0g8rUcQG5TazSwHfc3HH7dQoG7JWxsA8hIwSxfQNAnSrEUukNJbwcfwdkBvnVC6XSOenyf8pKf7Oe/RwBYA8CXUG8di43G0EDc7pwum0AIbc8B2/dDr/RdZ/ymW2Yja7LJX+89llVuWGYaBhN9ZTSwNdMu2A8pXKnVHNlTdgX1KX0sJsC6lQstbGleN6d+gb4Th1b3SyWXhTPCZIkwqj8FQAXk6lEsTSbf+s86rqZ02M4+2AO33X9xFXuBbbrUtkHByYnOSWD177ELh2Za9AwGCcMJs+ACrjGDAxdZgAcDGyCUSbbqYHo2A0wV96CrTK4K0fgHoSAW8KSXHFd+kpwi8lUovhmyZUfQtBNjYCBeihQ6SMDs51N11WhS3ddftbltQ9xa6OkQobaQBuXzbxH3/HjLAdDjf6C5RTZKwdIwHUItlMIuFhloKR+5Il7vfJ8fnM2Vyp1oweuJCy8PnHzq0Ju3dWsIIiuTRlBN7xxL+EcCJUDlcoSDtdtsB+uhi5tCDk5yeUHvPbnhso8LJsF9Ya2z7Se6gfk6iYYDscPKviNW4bVlDPRdno0NpJSwuHvTLlnIvJqxHXMVfpUEt4TrwhvSwsTXxlwMYUZQfe1Xw0tg5VrG0A3NNe5hLdU/vbDqr9N9Vv3oOFvw3HLa5/Nylhu0GjlY1NPrac0OT2T2dfe4jcy+7qC03NzcMhV37gJ1HFjMU9aUQ+5O3KudPvTIpgrC+CuXPdVFkC3u5Rf9S6fQdA9kgB7m0onGZj9evYBfdet15uuPjBz7PLaVxsq802IomE00fH0BgkDJ5HAQWgRXrk6BUM1r4mWIUAIjB5H0hth5bpnChKE0CM3d7H04jlBkP5GzH735sRXity6m3cl4ZzLNTSzfGYrlelxYhfmPgfVdfFxyMeaZPA1Fa99vVtW0WuSG9QPUtbovlaTREg3jOtoUHNIVEXuAIzKCLhwDtpSrrun4pjyCLK+T+9IIuq4yZtfOgHDwpkKYv5cx+SZZU9qY6WtF3XdUCemMHfY/S2HLSgZJkNI/tDltf92yzYr7qPJN86n6+k1DsaiLqbvCAansa6P+DxC8hcIcn98PR3edr8DyN1cLZZy3aKA3rgfvC1N1NU9BOheEXInVwl0M2290HUruOv6SdfVTDJaKc2fxYaZo5fXPthQ2XRZvW1y0hK5rXqMUOtxpuXSFAzUcTvnOtVgegTctsTp2Pi4AqTHuBtico9t5oq5T8HoURInviwp/R6gW4SuO+xBAzPuuhUYmJ9r6NBjS4wNs8/ougeZgZkXr/2zW7bqufX1TJCQMSxr2r7FxUUDucQD45sBsHkMJdqOZGKpW0pYeff33N+PROS8a/6lbumykL3yH5JPf/dm3cMp3HVd8wi6Csh1e52hcgCgC7El9hbTmspqYG7kIzOv/bShajQjV1UbNBn59GZx3+F2yDMwyFPBuTI+5A6EBpxoVB5dGU+lUcMddnuHZHln9cJ8SSheE5KSlPyiMvs+m4E6emXPQ2yJQrpuNFAOTDuwNxWGrhaMTWv+OCWD177sutRy2Qq5FGmZHZZbjFNu0BHsnFOBG3UOONGoHMuc2FDC7jiWB+1sXiwJuWv/ICSvCOvfvVr38Eq8lPyH3B8fw9CFrhstAw+yC57qdn97O6W091FvXVpqz5HLa7/g1uBQsaG59QxuffoxV/NFX9Q0ucGO4HRfBfbKZSe4TiV6YoXUj9OQbg2URzQqb94udUt/J0rCl+Gs/GBd91JSzLkwdK+Pr9wAayowyXAc1d+6LxhrqtZarnIcvLwe+jO3+p2rHYVMHZd95cIp13jkLpGQXBJujd+4aSV8/czw78FyKr+au/3iSRE1XLB5vFpX99ChW5zPA3RvpQpjKnS7MA/SX7WmambWVDaq63Lw8nq4L13qnTtpWi0PUtRHHN2nI5e4tGLkBjs6jnZNd1bKIOyLYmvl0dFCSkGP3CkvCbfOlT79XUl4UxI+lhZerXvYlUyirvst/NZN3RodG1Ch6zjqb2gw/G126br8qctrv6yoGOTq71xTz2X2U4f7DQMbcMHAAqEKtlZeyYwWNjbC1xX0xH1fzkdWXR9dvCP+LjCn1qWrdQ+/xI+z186VZPn97fD2uA7dIKZkLLbs0nXZyCFevB7quGzYUJkFBwb1EZu1tjLAbbFTwzKk5ILKAOKDIPcrpoS341Nwx12VV3MXQWUA6qDv7oOOC5VdEK+duzAve+PhdOHXCQq6aloYOQ6ZKBnVXq4cvbz2x26ZvefqFlTEfkpbUOnER/UiFHwuOFfBOoPANwecvTdGj5yA3C/38vI3InJ+E43KxTeTb2QlMZmd2B/AhcSh5H8PXRdDd/TGAE7XxdBljkO+KkrGAfaty4vXQ+65jTaDt6wTMaoXVPpm2QBuR9CxBHtlnEsP96DRWAq1XPfUu+iNu3Zh1lU6KZSE7FdiFvcgSvvsvybQVZTCSO8AHIcwdDv81cqhmm9dDl5eD/uhy1hi6LL6JsYP49DzGnJxpoFOwgj2dUJmX9kZHRgYO7IyEtsIK27P8FQELDByq9eE4htAebyb3DfAJdAVz13A0E3dGu3VbZgRcqnwA0o5ZLFh5sjl9bCbLl5R2SYnLWjLrbqsniBXO+bqjOWuJTWzz4la7o3R0a3xsKJMxb0zcj7y2uwvXWLyjbNJYT37kO+4VYlDgii6ckbXxQPzUtAwhDTrdS3vuhy8vB7mQ1dvulY9V9X3+ShpLkautll2LM1hDgbcctswcre2FQ/ZK0OUwZuCIF0RF7IT+wq5GLrFlzaNrosH5qAq+uvnb11ej8CCqta0zOTUG89cfMy1a8ANVuYCOIZkYCDRM5pJKRvh71z3euVfyWuuYulT8UMxKSVv7q+Oq0H3zeIm3XXLFQJdv6nr1jgONXI+Fa+HvlxurA7yq6/XPdJNDKrD/VTLxWaP6JU7gGblwkohpaSwzeNQ5FerueKpy7Cc+g8L++QcVAu627jr4uNQ0Bz0x4mQvPbxhkoNJ7ExV6HmJto9TkMuBq5OWXb8YI68clHL7e35dSGmKGFwnYrIO5u5T0tvSkLy58nsyxN1+7BgTaV13XQsA0TIQEUfmFt277pcfsBrfzRdCypGM9Nz1WwDlbOMF1R4WO4LELNHp3PsNLAeU8vbU96ZmYhr82Lp717KvildWpCu1tXtd+ieSGUSTnBQ1wfmlt03zFRcGEcvr4eBW5uR5VfjoEv8MJ7XeRj92DgO0zBwFgm+5ToTiQzQla9vD3sjMxfyOVdJkERJSmaTE3V1jwB000cSzoGoehyiKBk1pfY8GZvXfnnoTrL63CbmnGswqPrtOLqvwQHEx0C5DMTHgd620VhGSXu2416I/coX8agsXdrHwDV33VHI6AS9btAYmGt1XXZg5uDl9TBw26incBoCXVAcDNLjMo3cRbtq1QpGrWUwWA6FettWYumNMG658s7a/LVSt/CeJK5LN/cxci26rkbJoAZmg8Psq4Yut1Dn9dB2VJpCl3rnHtC0QkRxQAwx9GsusbFRY4TK2KjV2dtTuLexFb6+7EU9d3Uzd1KSBJiVF/YzcK26bqh6YN6963IbZl4PpefSOj/moMuq/PSeC/F98MyFpvtcHznmOp1tPViUG/cAcPOvnSpi16mPX0++Wre/a2Jdyl4j0A0rmZFep85hZjfMwEbhFuq89lvPJQMzq63HZyFsIMcKDkjPJQuqOUBu2QlWGKOxtKJ8Jz6MkLvmKha7k39yRXj75YmJuv0O3buC+MvS7A5AV73rWg7MRuSQVXAJH5h5feXApTPB6J5rqPyMey6mLffbVeQ6gn2VQDkacDoTNyAnN6y4h2f+Mr95oXiqKAiSsCBN7PeWqw7Mvywdw3pdjU2FoYv+f/SzLhk86Y/X/lpS6eRl5iykT8skmYTaUPn92MfG4ahUgLIM+V8rBez16H3n2c21+dunYK+8Lu3/jkv0usmsJrU32FTTXR2GmesLRnCJDl16YOa45fUwlssGi4o96A5Su+XjFIeKIBfUBtjFJhoaaCusFNLpsBtm5bzroxdPSm8mxfXkIwFcVN/9OAkGN5HzTNftIhbqi3TmEDUwW3RdXry+evRWJ+jW0+G5+rQMu2WMXEdH8KfAwwAaxtiRwr2Uct0zPBSR5ZzrnCgkFy7dXKh7VEok0JW9w3TXxWauJC7sqftEY8PQwtdUvB5C0zXfhQyBriE50DdUWFa/tLQ0XYGb0E8GnL2Z8bQSjg97Z569MPuzTwX0yv0gK776yCC3LrmQlUouNDAPT91KZTSDG4dh5mrZddU1FWdT8XqoL12GRXXAoGKAOlc3kEPItYN7HM667uskw3JvT2Z8I3x9Kj4TWZU3Sy9KPxel9advTjw6yK0TF5JSbn4VoJtS0w8qgT7oug3WPsxa1z1Is6k4enk9lIfupK2auWw66MK0rO6Wgw6IukbTcrS3J4YF9ecjMztrpXOnJEH6eEG8WvcolXgpKX16jGQOxRB0B9SkP/au+5TPCB2i1lS86/J6GGXTD0PsuNxkhdwXXoF7Lj7ndk2r3MexIyOA3G97cTJ9UUqK0oI0Ufdo1cIl6LouPXMoFCVJfx10133q0HEC3Fa+puK1H3DbaHXRpTdUvuPP6+/cFpX9+FxfBWeSOJ09oylF2cb8qdlS8bIgCfud9mgJXUkqkswh3HVxqn3nEuMIeQhD10cNzAcPkHxdG/dh5vWVz8tE6MdcdKum5VZqQ2VXHVunO+GZi965mREIufa+I0dWSy/eXk8KC9LNRw65kK/Ldl1ItQfoNnT4/fZ2+q1rcRziJGZeDwW4VhfdZsYVQycuE+dH8s4FvYHzxmhsI7z9I28ksrN5qigJSeHt5Kt1dY8idJPdxVV5Zhl13ZFepxNBt4yh24Cg26/tqY6zayrK4YYrh3g9hHmZEh2YJbo+TS2Ekdu/qDli4FQSp7M3U9gIK++Cvm+2dBIhV3z6EWy5AN31K4KABuaZ5evKRiYBb91Q59dhYAYiZP9h1uBG09ofqLoOcfTy+mqaLsVdpoM46XHZZ4zLkMDZ4Ue/nb8OyC3DObeQSilgsrw2i60wktmrdXWPKHSzOdcmgq4nlUbQjYbKgUofJjH7dTYV03UtVX+8eH1lXZdpunqeXxMl0VXHZXwWwp4YR6HnwoZqbDQW2/ZMfTIjy7lStyRJC8mJRxO5dTezUra75Boa8npS45kMeuuGAoG5abJhthtd1yzY5V2X10Pouca4rBpAmryoqLsQRm4LPgt1dWDkBhByMyOxKdxzZ4u/KQpnhbsLjypy6yaygnDZ9dqv/sv560o61uOMApuKONw02A031/+fvXcBbutMrwQ5aiYywWna1LIjNkeiKJAYo0lAuLEhEqAa1HQzUAeCRVywrgAJvJt7iYQ1bNJiKTVpqBcwYBaDhLQMQyWoXKYnGDojObVucRlprUeogLW63hDDbVObTVw1k3lUWplSRhxPI1FVNjFtTc16/+//7+O/F6Db3e0HH7hkZEmWNdMkDs73OOd8Tqe6HCIFczUmo/p8OehV9I+Vp8tOw4iKrIWmRl2lPpfV09W5vrQ6Emb654R8nuNi7zzassCtqbmJoMsdKgj9FxxJcWAWJBl9rgkyYa7TxlR7jZIMvSajOmGuPl8IbDW/0MZ7IVVFta+plaTZdHRDJIbVOti5nhCXvEw/3DWANvfJLYzcmvMrPPdQGidBzB92DmKv/QS59Nfauo8aU8l73QY5JoMumKtXh6rPF8a5FQSQtF3IeVi1C+0jp/xe7JgqFYtww289tSTeffmC4EfItSDk8lsZuTXDGLoX3/dfs4uLuQMkiHmCeO1l1j1CWNcpj5gbNA1zrSrJqLJu9fkCBlSaAFK3F2ps0Ba6zSpyiYiqrsM85SoVA319XadTQ+LdmWv9/rnpk3ya/2hLbnNp6LIcL50bF+xwG7uzC5pdVDCbD9KXSxToOoF1G6vnD6rPl4ddIgPSjajKpctqowsbXch+DLgC1s7gvYQD9bn+OctJjuPjv7+lORc9z7NpBN3sv/I7fIuJVIsH/LrE9YcqZjrhRhFCNhoK5vrqhd3q84VNl2XaLXfXNxstur3yLT+3LFweBN2y/dfGoFrmuB9fjW915A4//95Z3pYZH2NWfYncbMQTCIDXvo26jW0omBvpyyVVEXP1+cKwqzW6+r2QstGF8bJKuvuaiIzKjFNb+6zLqQExcYbxz8+jPpeNcfxWR27NMMfF+Lwte/HrM45jodmWAD46NGqwDtET5qOUiNlUtf1Vny96uKxMl+VG92gDtdE9rGx0e8mIymz+WtFVRJzbFQwlfH/qFQQhL/EsH0tveeTWDMev8Cx7rvA0E/YtoYIZ97qubvMzqNaY1AUxO2XSPbq77MJuFbnV5wvgXIPTjzLpyjIq52G1XCZh6XDlwAUnOK1ducVEeOQ/9xcyHyPkLmzxCRWB7nD8xw8eZsYFf/iueG+2BcKpisSwC7lyqpyKUkLuqcC6VfBWn88fuDTpKkdK9DIqVYyBoAvS5Q6cIdcXGJw9ljgTZvrXxqWTHL8NqmVCu/wDS17I+r1nEHQPWPsgWI7EZPRg6O46ooiYKa+9rMmosm71+SILZlN5dqtORqVNl8GkC3ahEugfPV2pVOKM4+tjhbn8/87y3JPbArk1w49QAWE7JPi9DjGZ6oSjQ8ViST5rr6W54piMDTLUq4vd6vM5cy61F6ql7wvRZ3Sd2nS5SZkuT7hKfYG+wdTAos/B/D/94/mH7I3Y9uBcUEJeYTlpvCCEw76h3AGshCy5Op7B2N1HGXadSsF8lMpQN6mkWyXe6vO5cm6lMKo9ykk/SrtMjgth5OJyuWi1tqwnxDMzTFbI5G9x7O9vE+TWnH+S5RDrjo15w6KYO4C99i6ALuTKqYbdXcp2SDsYpsVkVFm3+nzujS68xsr8QkcrrXQV18Ez4K6HGdVgLgXKZWEtLyHkprcLcmuG+SvcfemfrI0xv+FLYP8Bvmvf1lYup5JHzLv1SkhTtdf9eV+X+K1P+ajODip9jYhfyLAXUhpdnI1B5aW3KqHLkIsR6FoPiaKd6c8W8pdf5RdWarYPdDmOPz5+UWB+zbGYSlmtOIkZhJBtdT1awbzX+ZSzPM21tsq6PyeTwBeuwtdOw3C0+pUq2+gqe6HdDWqn63QS7TKeLpM0qoPgFyoGPJHZ0JJvBEj3BB/bNo0uQDfGneWPFy72jzBiIpSKWPsQcl3uDk1OhTMhFUlG89HGxgoxGdX10E81KpXhGtU+jR/a11NB8Q5vdOujFYMxyq1+vU2tZKXrhhMlb1gHUznRgfdCJ69z3PYpl2vg/kH6AZtdE5gRMZnMnYbFbsk1dZCyDhnkVA0NhhD1Kjl8+tJYY5FP/qD+US9jfSfW0upC1xQtu8apcq4+jWqffKTETEy6g5FcQnQwfn/h/vU7PH9+GyG3Jn6V/0+nTgjvMyN2MRFssXpwTkYH6XX37S/XZAB0aw3+gypyPwVqTRswrMoq9VpcUCUeVlh4J321TeUm3VqqXNamy3vp8FY4oztKpsvfB9cBKpfnLA/ZP7+6sp2QWzN89cadEwVblvGGfcnZSBe+9dd+0N2m3PozZkLSrFtNYv503VpF1OrxqlBtlPp5ZQyTl/NO63MNfiGFdIm/Xj+jgkbX/JUSBKZbT68nfV7GL2Re49NX+OFtBV0IluPemnt/7LYj+Xoq0oXN9t2yYbdVlVNRORnGEPVqr/vpgUsdY6+P6n6gHpPKMyqSNSyr75M74Ktuopx+pmilE9jKlRL1ArZcLnd8pR29jAN9LR8eE+1hvzCev86+/efbC7k1NxF0eduh8bF/Bba/TtBkuGTvkDGJWQ5iNty1N1VHzD+BN3SMqwMvEYHr4FuPt5c0rCtgV2bd6Hb/4pUdBtNmVGURkADdXlVHBRGQgb7IbC7pCzPCWiYfOxv7s+2F3JrhR2yaRwVzv93uC4VS+Dp2qfTb2GzfM7mPSmKWMyEbjhqsQ9Ux1Sfh1lRvZFpZ0ffpHj22NQgrP5i2Mfea6o0yqj0VE9M1w9C+JrjG2dFmHi3hWwenZ1Gn631XmM+f4PhHw9sNuits7JaUedp/wesTU7MtVgxdtxm2Q5OtrfJ2aC8lp2qoGHFTBW8ZY+gJVwVuffSnfHT/nb4Nll/h2/CrTxUpWnbrBtfrFeTub8Wd7jNAuqjvC8CRkj91MIKQf42NLWw35NbUfC8W46clwc8wvkRydhDHubr+wEy2Q4br2AS7BujC17daL5czhol+8UWxkI9iU1ywmOCJ1uo+TOQ31bqZxrCJom9qfSSXltsLwPI0zrTRCWzVdnBYtxhCjd4UjsboC1iXgwkxbBf8tvt8muO3H3TjcTDb2/r9Z8JiKLRshdslrt82u8mcav9L5d6h8jjXKunqCcNUT61ntb2kDNaoitdPeMgfMKlANtKwYQ5dr8k8thPn6obLFWOXnZpLl4Ta1HW4R13Y7DcYzIm+GWYs+9b0dT4er9l+0L3KsxnL755jZnzJRCqCvUPt9GF79GXZu6sC6+6hr2NXeZducXWJLPU6rpVh+6kfBb7l6DVukPBAdruht4IWQxNj6Fe62OsHIyp3N06S8wyiTtd7xj83LlnYK9uQdGtWHrE/5M6N9/9nMNvLjt1SkXLs7lI1GTqz/R69Y7fKu9QySE8ZZNyEPmpNtT/rY6rF42gTPeIyRaNRWsWhaT+i24JzddGtGukepWRUdAYkLpd72trMo+0gXu4bTOWSIkggMx/HYgvbkHQButzDE5lxP+MQk6EIuRj2tY6Duu3Qrg3M9qaqnmoj3NLoNalzlvJnT9nnTwAwTcH1OhZWm94tXwOZ6K+efi2kbnQx59LlMrEdtJnbyVW/ltTQkn3GL8xP8xyf3oakWzOcfo/jT46vCY/DCLrBLohiLrrcOOJmsnWjE7tldzqrBXO9YZhsogh3A8TuUfFa+ecbo1e3Naqs3NiqlVBUlS6b9MilpMuVSRd8B88AcsHs55ldX/S+fG1srfDELT62HUkXHLsxbjrztMA4fGIu1QUVs8s1ZSbeoX1qs+s0Xgyr1Tt2q/Y0E4VdE8W45ahVwSm/INWf1Wo/r/1ECJtqdf1vvalMAl2/NdNLNPVjvTxm1ze6sl/ISaW3Eh0VHCoB8bK7BGY/a2D5NOx0f1WYz3Dc7yzc3JbQjcXTsXOWV95kvL57idmI1YP+l5M5lWxAkB27WhTznqp3aOPhFL0HQnRrKgctBVQFt3vkLyn5qQHDG0DYVKvXdpgq+Re2WOcbpXZqJl2ijU66TF0YUla62OsHaoyJiRKc0rWeDiV9dmZsbfyJW+mPuJpt+XBXbrDH82tzv3bb4UuFlrF3qCSPmCd7VQOCUy2Ydc1uFbnlEgJ5F6mvkzXQylBVAGt8ag2/+KQSmsyfK02fdaXQliqKdHWL1ufS0mXVpSv760l8K87GcOOdbp/1l2YXE+LLjDCXP8HyC8PbE7rxBf5VNj8v9HsdyUQOzPZ9rlI7anZ7euAAwn5itjdGMcuvpGiVdlU9BOEKkzqZKofthnD9xMdQUhsRbKols2d97VyuuopuhS+k6jgw6b6G6lpIb9KlLgyBeBmSl7vb8S3drtPri6L9sV8Yn37Ics+f357QXXnEsw9thyCKGV/78/SViiWXmdzYxduhI9p2SJVCUt6hKunSxgJ5MmWqQLe1lbl2N3p+Mnj3GIZZn9D5msqQu1Wq5ihVLZvK+lxloduoWP0o6JLM9DZ3t6tY9Hisy6nckuhA9fK5H/GxWGybsu7NNBzqnCv4GTjUedoKc6qSqwOPmHv20XeHGissdnd8PFVUo1x1MBU1TpIr0i1AFvGI/BBxH/n5xlhWmLdy8VxubNAVz5s7Kof+QtIZctReqJH2C5FGV7UdyNfBJkCN0RfpTA357F4mO3/KwvKXtilya4b52B1OGl8TGMd3E3jEDOex3VAx1/VohzrJXECNYq41SCF38oxZoVyTcaSs1bnU07BHBSo+WLzRAxg+urtCG0wV0Eb21a98641mIxUhm3rOVx+tZDnQAtP1eyGIxtjX2iOT7gS4/fo8359FpGt/we/P2DiOT9/crtCNXUnzJ8azAjPjENdnI9Y3IOOmXb6xS4VCqnOqo/Shzh3d61JKZZPJyLh7astxuxthdWO0VsBvIyHhMgjL+C2Dr6m2TLJBFc+kONqc5XOUuk9icOjKIyp1L6S5DuSVbg/Jb8WBVCDH6PwwsRgeGevPWqTrZ7nYtmXd4Xiaz2eEMSYsJocGTlv7AqhgHlW3Q8pit7nidii6w+VUyt1X/QFJ/SyZdocbn+ayz0rwxXP9Bj2A1RXST4Av5fXV2/Sjmw62FR0HenO97PRzqtplGbnYYT+FOBff5JzNJUUv0y/YpDzLX1mp2a7PcJxnLR/YEOuGxSG4bI9Z1w3xVJOt+3q1Q53qiNmYcbND9VREhaG93kzRqKFU3hi48oajDLhO7d+UP6gz3l2h9a3U+FJLI1OU0maq6DVt0gKGjrMpy6LSpssq6e7f3zuJ1RhmHJqOXrzWFtTpJh3hd/vXChlLmn10c/tC99INlpPmBb/dARk3EaxinsCs29NjkELigKoG6tofJYHfeUmj9fr0i6hhNqU8R3c3lIFWHpRqH+QT04pT/y8r1M+Vq+eyxpeeOpuMORsm+erC5qmU640KtD3GY5xlucv4xFAP4dwOiLVxYZ9ubil5xtsvCCfyt2Lc94a3L3TT7L+4Ls297/euisnQgRZroOQqljpwPFXrpDqncurjqSjWNe1M1q0c5FBraG8bGo/qiuPmo+QNUH4jdCKkOp/CsH0K/Yz8vgrjpxo3IOGK1XOlnS9tNjLVRyuIJb/UuXNUSfnQBwCVVcsNtEcXCyC1JLke0um63e1wYwg63dCQb9XB9Psv3rKgevmrNdsXujx355aULfRfs/sWU7ODOOMGLiDA8ZJK8VQbZNzsOM7VnaAzVSqVd2uz5GbFYyq//pR/OAG8UAMChvGvyL/ViFglYQ3A8Nfu1hXPeuXkBqWzoe/dDIIrU1mjS30ljV/GZsNtMHDpksx0UGOMurDxwAMHD0TfKiNkL/4IbtivbGPoxjjuFpuZ8zMjYuJecBDuDrlcz5CKubVJdwGBvHgaDCrm+h03Y1ZUPxVkPxrnUnUy+ro95VQqY6dCHurj1H76FP378KefMpTYdPG827A90vRWxrlVxawrQ7zzlzIrUMLjjJNl6j1wtx63euSSzPQOxLqlkjxeXk+IPjvzR4V5i8TGuPT2rZdrauIfxfm8RRAYrwMuIHiwd2iUqJhbm1QppGb7O1quYt5xvCvzhM4Mrpsr7y4bSekxSoP2sPpLeAx/wqnSsEa/lIJD3/pWxi5Z+VKDq/oKCXWmL3RrFDUM6E36Ypnm3MaNOBefGCKpNm1TE65SMeAKWAdTQ0nR4WXGCjbJwt7YtlIqQrtXYuyJH63BYjeZyMHxEtTsTmApJOipjlBBGdSImZpT7bBmN0ob6g2vtlrjRJnCrUYbBI/oS3oYPunnsJx5rQNwI4XdZqX21jQdDbrBsyy4LGt8DVaFCqdSvuDK2VS+EzJRX8syKYZTp8UghqF9k6jTReWy2+3udpX6XFaPdXk2sRhe9Y5lhbx0mePj8W0N3fQNln1tDm92F9c78aXOiW6cLEfFqFNzKlrFbKKa3egOolzt/pypfDy1u+EoPZnCfAs/7CU0K8N0F3zqP57Fv/fsXhnAFXhaboF1tfPRoxtwb9nUWTe2ktmXRq+p/ouQPEd1sK0v91pRb4K7dzdQwmX44h3epa10iUsXVctmRLp9sNONdK6LS+II0+/PSCz7z9knt3GrCzHqPMedzGb9DGyHIsRt3z2F72NjA4I8p3I+pbxeGgwx6vU7SMW8wVRlj+HFRu0y5N7W6SQ8u1dF7K5dhECoZ6/8SXCNnmd1+KUH0PrRc0OltVHlqbOpzOVbbjT6/Kpnw8HD6EZb8bJqmfyv37uXQm6voqPqmIK9UF+gr6szlRDF8AgjZAvS37L8Fe78dobu+RU2ZjlZQBXzqijmgoMe9PblmsAj5h6ip1KP7Bp8fwbW3WGkqwMuLZJv0BGuUiVroP2UD8EwQTBiYafWHzfqml/d3FlFb+3G6NU7FYydrzZ5/uzTnam/NarvcitSLmWt19uFZNdBKymXEXQnSvjIkDWSGkiIq7cZv5A9x17f7vVyTQ3H3eClccS64btJHJQBc6puN8liVlXMz1Iq5gZNA6BpMkw7ArV0n0uNltU97lEd5So9a0XcHpE/lQ/yQzmCMXqhim4+7NRXzrL6yqnTbeze8xPRi8GrHzubNnArfHbtrxJ4pz+/pGi/afG38v/33caFrmr0g+mycsCeOIbgylDgjc5g6HUxHPYLa69Ir7E8e+nmtkZuTewKz1syTwtj4btiKJXDBXNRyWLWboY1Vwx0Ne2w6yVR4yUcXbFsYAntBbdXj1go+PD/GZ5dyj8MICadMAYwNXxW6mfD1gjI91MINmp1+XSG2lk7rUBfYfl5vmiKgCtaNp4yUcEE1F68YXdjo6HPlTkXCyCJ6wAf9pPPgwHphhJw28+ffUWSbqF6Oba9Sbdm5QrP3rfMC/6wL5EMHYj0vVHsKyn3sSd7Fbf9XnnLqEkhKdbdEaQbrTSgosZTOtmUMmXSAVcmWO3Zj16E8BzZL/9SB2IjhOXqubz7derw2wALvE8FX5g7R03RTxw8R/Wqp5+ea6MaeqPlIdVGt9Ueo55F6XN11TJudEmn2/EH3QBdV5+n6/T6vaXVsJ0R1gpvsWyMfXKbI7fmZvoRyx2ay/pfCIvJD09HULNbdE2M4u1QnTZi1jQZhHVl299OMiBQr7zyRYZKubiWxeBy7lWJQp6tqJBFz0sv7d+3r3cfedA/8e9gHB858hIFYR185fp5r1qLU9RLDAwyeo/u1pfOtRvVztEyj77uppHurK8KwuinJ1t6EaS76GLMqMbAVTm3sYFuPLBZaO8ubaMrp7eCeBmVy0VYDEVAvSz64EJYNvNxnuXj6W1eL9cMpx/dsUzPvz92LSyKudlBa6Cv5CqZzSSLmZZCOuUc9TK3/U4omGXWKOPcWrrLBfCAYMpJ7yBl1O5SQdu7r7e3FZ6mVu2Bn6PfBRT37lMgrDLwLg3ASvW8l1Z26MxIml2woaFs6Fw538pkila4rGDMuTJpODYZAWn4MKnoNelPDOtvp9UaQrz0Y3plRi9zrjpcVq1+HW0d7d2lYl/R6vEsYyHVqpfpXyvkLfz2H1Ih6D7/ERebnsv2+x3i0r1UxAojZhdEy0HF3LRf5/vTVMzUjLl+R2x2dZxrqJZ3H1WLO8IRTudhpVBWquT9LwFoUaU3OdmKPibR+2JP3aT60YN/C34EGAO6UcWDAby/nH8J+T5LlDJOZYFEKa7owVWFyrlC51tr0s+uKkSz60ro6Kf5YhmIljZa6SK89P5mekyvT5GTkdurbHTbOjpK2KULEshgLilCJJUwn/mYBxHkSs12h+7NOP/q8cy4wMyIYgIf2XXBuT+q2VVTIeUD2bsr3AyL7pw+t2xAVTZRadY6XMK2hGyBWQGydXU9dUAbxgf9bg8BMYC7qbWJFNIqAeuaX7I6Oqy0vpTzyDi32q3XW22wNCJHQqOmyhFXlRD8SR+GP6WPujVec9lDD5ZRAWMALiWikpGLv3gkvhXyW13WAGTJDdkX7Qx0ujaJvcz/1XYfUmG3fYx9mH9f+KMRcTEZPA3eIZdLPfen+P6IeQj3UvRt+51SMUcpX70RubolRiONXLVK7u1tapqcBNDip62nDbMGbCXryP/VKR8Kiuta4Tw5ouAmGr765lcdXFFTZ7IuMsydjU6j2o3xqztsVP/J+P2JH9pN741mU8bwPVXTUm450JA72YO/ZB1mvBYCBWRL5z8MJcTbM4zgfyUzjUiXTce3P3RX0uwDLi9k/2gk7AuFDnSBA6FUQgVz22Rdq+q2BwcCmWQS6FLNrmkHkG7ZqWajcoAYcBvJFtdAuPtagUUJ0wJcexSsttW569xwcUN+6hRE9yj47QEAT7bK1TMBMEW+snADdFqIfJ9qJgW7LLjSqa0aESb2VJBbladsRMnbMaV41g7DVTqysDFuqf2tiYoTMcRU67KAGhqpMBvia25+Sofcfb2TPcQwNGWGJDniGBqEWJtw2MsI2axl+j5346MdQLo159PsHc42d9HPOO6GQqkuawC9lZWwirmtVTen0h0e0m1267d5zUwLMWorXFlvVu6sN4OHYNezCnABt01NrT2TcoIS/ujAMHW3TaFP0M67256Btg3zL/onmZxifLcSALeiOhr9Laj/1RXPMoAV0ZVR6+ws8wkaBRsbHlcouypoiJrU47L8s6yz1ehWf2HYcBSCXgmpXitqn4v1j5OT8kYXuw6KREcVDCYWfaL3gh+Rbt7C32Cv7gDSBbf9AidlD409tjsSudlBxLrFIvH9wUuGlkKWq5h3QLMbVUL5oxVmy+prTba2HKYYAnMEKpRbSWsGny+iFxxBrnnKPDXV8SJ53C++2Pbii+YpADB80HW0TMDob4H51T4DevWVs9PgUygTbDRsaFWokHFFTiuU5zub6uXh5CdAGL/LVaiTTbUblsqoVi7zbVDIPaLoHyflPpf466Fc9nR1pnLJJfE2479WmJPYUxwfS+8A5NbU3Pwodv1kZrz/3VUxuTiwDNDtmyD5VKhgI6mQu/Y+exiXYrhirsS6O4B0y5UYRiM4XStDV9aqwBbjEPKtzWa3u6O7faIbaj3qmUC/M9He7e5wd3SYzea2DncbxjCBMGFfGEBD79u7vzJ+sXHQIHYuG1tVzrfa4MKvSUmYLCdgUkmbVBQrW7NKbE1+s+LNQ2pK36DLwyDxIUqcjVItN5EYOWzS7YaNbtHaF4h0BgeSomh/zPRnbZl8/tUYt7AzoLuywLP/WpoTxuwOMTHQ1YWzmCegYm5DL5X9WrScs7ncba/Z7bfrQx+qNxmK5aPqSojO5Jd7MkIQ+IUG3azZbTZPTEyUXCWAKhwyLhZLqMCBxwWfGMIlV7urG8F41G1GEG5zmzUK7oECugdVQtD74tlVhcEV2Rg5NdNgY5nRCBXORxsrxjtvfBkUj58rzZ8/+THJw+ToBrdKqWsQGnDVHCDje+E+mFBhzq170dyB3/vwXmgwF0qKDsfMNb8wn3mNZX8lnuZ3BHJrhtPv3Lks2frhtv29f+gMQCpksRvrqeooUcZewrqNehXzDshRV8NsTIYJVaP+aqRKEDLjwkBZwe0z5qlRxBLtrhICbgluTPQFivBZ7MMPBJHCB0E0hrALcfMzZtS4HJTpt04pn6H3bW3q1Yrnsq0R2AUBt0+pYVdOg9GoUdf66kRXGwI4qgygKzfCZTxbEbX02UMauWUy0manU92xyXP6JiUA0t32zCgAF6ALje6QmLDPMNh3IN3C4+XzOwO6wyzH2TJP+1+Y8SVz66jZRV8Tl9us+f7kEbNTfgk00HOqqGlbB7oqQVSmciWGNgp1GqJX1JasB1YYqL2d6oZXGqLXPhcGqhX08vTj6Qsg/nBZMYoBwoiRMYC7uyemus0dqNZ2K3PpHtz7Tra2TvZWbH1lteRhaH336mtnQ+t7FNZGn+qwQhmEaRATkOp/VVsBtMb7aeo+iErxcqqU69yrGxwo1TLeCrndcmJ6HyqXIwO5RFK03/ULQiFz8viDs2w8tjNIt6aGf4//xrS0JjAjvqVkKmINYN+fctt+n6Kn2otZ96mGCld2t63tz1RPjaj0nHvUYAOnJLa9ykQZIhymRtsxCIFhA0WE0b43PNY+q9Xa1RU5jX6wkscDl2HBMI5ejkWPTMKEgdsh1H7qoNlMBlhuefkL4qvWSXrurNNbPYvx26wfXVXMpzNOrtTZ8ydU0BV64p/0h/ZUPOfSoDgl9SIMw5INr8Z7lNlym3sUvbEVA0X01eo6HULlsi98pn9MmB+f5qQf8lx6ZadANxbj2ZO23xLGvI57i7O/FIGCuYilkG2t+GiYah7SORA07Jq266BKiRvFpUVtJc4lS4zDOltLE6xwCXDbzArd9rmAaj0Isx5rpOXA6QPBVCqH/i+VOtCZ6jwQ6Ww5EIm0EBQj5AY8ShUNNTRU2e2jHagSglEXLsHx6qiHTK5w57vB2PmwUeussm8DFc1eXjvrWt9Phd+fgFoNt7X6O0yGsbImfdQVy8C5dfKEytwOJckbLvhqLgdzQz7RHkblciHzmiQ9uLEj1BjyE4/zHJfPzjEzPl8iF4xAxYx9f1AwU0fDnlJEGWXN7rZNhVSrZSVATrfPVUfLh3UmcNTkKktac3d3CXvSSgiLAQ9w7XJnJDibms0N5NBnIgfPsVxudnY2GDw9OLjcNdglwxeqQaivAb7wUoUR9CgZXeG6mdTOPSDZaOrtrdT4EqvCYSVko1F1KugVG0Sz0VBOvrWG6dWenxO1xiPDDfrzS8066aOuWO7FSVR1ZHJgdoNy+ZugorIOBgcS4r3wzIx/zG/LE9/BX6/sFOTCiJmz/Mlc1s+siveOzXb14dcKPjxURzW7ysCywg2E7dns6v2llTi3kYQn732WygZWJQNtHS8S3CIUftNj7Yp0daZmUwOJY6Hk6yAgSKz6RPSBfoI+FpcWk0PJUCL3CyGE4c7IcgRK6W8C//YVAzgdG8+uEHzdZvMUFmDVkc4Xvb/WtU42kcp5fyX00gk5hnQ62mnUcLSh/LhvrVE5uUfh4U8NWmqcXKsbTR1t0EdnOuWvJ3orfHbXLh3ngjdD/rKaO+CNrK+E3t0iy+vr6+gLaZ9h+oVsZlr6ERfj0rHzOwa6wytsmpvOrgmPw75kKDUYCHhQi/UiCHx0pzop85DRbr9dR8waditoqBSSOEzn8RO1oxlEF914lIKQ+0afdXCwMzibCyWGEuKSKIq+u3ZRdIjhcNix6hDvfveuT3QgBAN8E0O59YFcKtWJauguRCwej1UdQRP2bR/tNptxOa6OnQn3Num411g5H6YScip3vhUuK2ygfNbwWFv+afwj5cfBd+/e3dhI45ZmXEjfU4tl1SoEumUsHZ3C1+vlYIzOXC4hini6nLVJzz1keT4eGx7eOdB9nks/YLMX+5mwTxwKtWAHQlE51dm0TznVadBCUgFV27LZVUjXVG/cCzXowoEV5GK1sswNB80vliCnEApeVP4uD6ZyuaFF9CpDEF09Yx/x2r3XvMw1P4MfL+MdGQmfsZ/x+Rw+MXkmsZgI3fuFXA6R9OnI9/EkC8ZXBL5499s9gUpn90EdehH1trYavEYUfJ+Vp1ZOTelML30bDPCtdJi73LavAyz1T63W3lNWJgNsj35CqXxY797YL4c/yhoqc/tEO25B4CDn4D/kQuhr6mXApfuBZLmV5ldWVnYO6dYMc1d49tQJQfDPOBLJ2U4YMct6qjbDvb9GyvdXqdmNbj/KxRvdKF0t625GKtUymSwrKj1zO6xvSzA0tg4up2ZhCprwiXdXHS+/fOHaC4x/bGxMEPrRhyCM9fsFGcMz3vDtmRkRaFm8lxxKJD+cHThwenB5EHpfYF9XwCWXzhPd3W6QZqm2BbLxxVOr3pde2n/kSOXS+alm5caCs9FpOBdKJ1zBj3sq4LeWuu5bXkrrf7qnnHB3NzY2NpTfhlAu58JG6Fk6oQCPliflfS5qdM1TuFouegIB62BkNpQQV8WZx4zgL2Sk49fZf/OXO2hGRXx/PMe9NZ/1P7aLiWPBQZiNlFzynGqSrpidVI66UjFvz5SbaEX5Y62yFVIF8urJSEUxgAXKZKgcCLwR6UyFUslFINswIoex/rF+obB2cW5u/NB4ITOeKYwfymZtc2sXhazwJoKx3z8GGA4zt2fCYQThpXuLqIIegO53UCZfZXEEgyu3u5tMnds0wWSPopas5FSQa+fyZPbGsquCDbLjaHflAnqPDpy1+s3wnkqwbdhNnVDTjqgpURhyvrwuEAgDVxvYH+wY7cZSDPQuZh08/SG8IYph+5jgl7KSdJ2NsXFuRyG3ZjjN3eEl25sCqpgXc2AeAkWA+UWdKGPX3meby3LUdedLotuv0aWvk+jvCZUhd1+TbEZr65hqB0cL7IK6OoOoGUuKYnjGe4FBuMz6z83Pz32Qkd46brNI0nP3bXmb9FbmT8YP/U/zQmF+XkAM/P8hDr7gZWYc4TOIfpOLYmppIBQMdg52QdZuQFNeAXrlvlcum3HlDF79Xlquod8YGUy+jc2GaGc9fEkNvSF+aw0Q3uiR9VINlXDbTFkN1FpZRi6IW3pkhzN6j5rAZiHYjlutLQcGhpZQITPCvCDM2STp4YOz/Ec7Z6Ur+/54Ls1PZwpZxiEm1wfgBALCLpwv6VGaXSrRtdlgtzdty82uiQ60oaHb0KAXP9LIBeA+80w7OFpAomc9vZ5DyBMdYTvi23l/wXboifyPpOek/MOHPM/HeJbleZa3XM6fZJ+QEJLzmfH5eVv24hpqXsb8zDUmHJ65DfVzYnExkQvNBjtbrNZBTwC3NK6+EkFv99dedLtR49tGqa2g76X3veVqK9DYOHHrS26F6mpnZ2PZ0wAF9O49P8Ozu5EmW7rBlWtlpwG4umK5p0cZLQPnlmT5o8fagqrlRZ9jFZUygt/2H6TjPMdzj2I7C7mw2U2z+RNw7y+cTOQGrR71uD2EMVNayObG5o3Ol2wr1o3K0mXtmJ+u0cVZFPSBdSUY2E0Gy6jLDXis30+hgk78jdvMBf+YMD9fyNim8ye46z9k0Rtl7MYf8vyP0cPf4GMxLs2yt1ieO8VnTh3PWw7lC3Nr5wRUQwv9DOP1hsOOM77FpcVEKJSa7ezq6vqmx4rRi3PEimA7GgW1JC6bexT0Avv2tvZqY6tdnyTYUMwKzkpuQd15MszBu49+MlrJGBn/6TLY6gfKslqZSr3VOSYV49VUm7kdimWZc7tOp0KLSfSmGL7gFwpz375u4bgdYxjSbXav8ncskq2//+thMZkbBFEGqpiniO9vch+9HqJFGcZm17R90Ku1uvrh8m5iFnJSViGMXGxG6zG3mUlwQ8DjWU7B3uLMGe81v/AfIDDpuesxFqE2xvL/kYun/1+eTyPEprm/Xvinf/XRr7P8L/+7WOxX7rAPYvytyydOSuOIgW2vrAkXhTHm3QvhGQcqnlHlfS+RG8gFW5Zb3kC809f3RpGsfGFsBdakNtA6a0aFntae1iZaK1khYQPht0I0LN39NpfhV8/GDSpIybNbbpQNf1D7+5xUkS6L0YxpXphyWyd7lDgg9J5IMjFcqN0H5M6CcNmxCmsh/9wJG3rni/Hx9PCOg+7NS++wHHqh9DNnxMXULEj20Jv5FH4TV+dU6IvrxGaURsN6KEp7dqPbm3SpgGBnc/mEyjz6FdhcBL4JAr2QKNpHmGv9wrztnDRt4e/cSd9guSvpFS4WH9aeeByxbvpRfOEjjo3z/FmWvc7zD6fzr0lSZrywBjNoPwyuHKs+n09cTA7lcsEDkUHU93pgZoXBWyRqK3eHmUrK6VGEzk2GxvdIWeerJTtrTsHmDebPdBdMCumj6KFElQ2NFR6ZxLW7pWrOvAG4KnJbSboITvBqMytrcvS/t8/aNRhE1bLo8M0w1wTBdsgmPWTBXx/fcciFOVXsumS7KDAOXzIUxOahomoealUTXfeqrNtoOG5v2l4zZuXeeqVyWZmtaPfVyb3ItjozKJaLAZfV03X6w6TomwkzgrD2SuZjiXuVu8FfuZSODf/iRq+u88O/uBLn0+n0v+NQB/wD7hsx3pLPvIbINzuHANyP4PvYe/u2w+dbDCWSqfVgChpfj0exKoBc4ysTo6OId814cqWujHogn67J4FMoD3beW1Y867FboYL+dI/yn2qXCjVx1+EKpTJm3N5JeUcuK6gmuvE6F4QY1q7O2VDydd8qNLqC/5W3bPctLHfjyk6x+umhG4vHbkmFV8bGvI7kUGrZEwigN3JyZrcOXx5SHQhOOo15m8qYqfxH/V5IDX8k1fJeglycLgo3ms3duKLzWAdB5HN39RrjXytkTp76r3div7PwiPsU1dzw8Pmbw3/2vZX0AoIvn77zKoLvifu2zHjm6fcLsP29YL9rR2+v4mLoXi6Viix3oaZXkWsQq2B7d7eslNRZfIlH8CeSLw6Rpu6iKJEVqgV+Yx5u3HAUpZXKT8E8bK/87uAsB64S6CUb/GQZBiqWuyfwaBn8kZHIabgulPSFV5mxMcF2Li9Zrt/huYUdyLl4TnWDnX4LNbteh5gMdYL0DlVgHeTMLm23xw6ERiUqQ7luv92y5QwyKl2ejWLz27tXUT+q1XI7vLzwfOpYUvSOMKhULljy/Kv87yykfxqNz/DN4Tiq/mLcH/LpywjD+RN52/T4+2tZVDwzjDdsh8o5sZg8BnrJrojVCt8vcPu6irJRoR3iNdxuLeAKx+Pg0nlfRfRq+H22WQOv4lhoNjh+m3UzYgMz6y4xKEPkxmZqCaR4g4wXmY7s2k8Uy72TPYqrHielT5FrfviKrjUSCeUSIdEXnnkMupYTCLn8f+XZq7HhHQndlTTHcTZUlz22i2Kus8sKqwe5Yu6hZMx71YCqowYHgmnb6JijlNFPtxeik6ic2lqoSfYbdEy0g1jgm9aW4NCSOOJl/Fkhkz/xgOP/O/9nP30hNIzK53ic/cNYmvvhx/ypE9KJcwVbFje+L3i94Rmf7/XFRDI0EEzNRgaJ37cYwCNnQO/EaPcU3ffKYqtJ1adwZGP46i4KUvOrSgBuVne0tCGJ7mgb6YlUM30BkT5cqixyCXBbe9REL/BNTmDnpGybjESCQ4nXV1dXwxfg1MFc5mT+OsuzT6Z3JnIhFpLj85mn37ww4ltMBQcDeDv0NXOHdmaXyJhJE9RQ4VanaRu5h1R7vckoxsADUsNaaJLcnANtLXppBSKz60nHqhfOVp20sGffvsT/rHerYIbFX4p/hIiXY9nrXEbKj88JWaG/HwRXdpBbJe7dS4VyqO0FrZVVrpyLssloFNVNZrdb3/f24Fj2DUpnBb1lmyNyYYECsA6dTs2MRK2ImyvB1knuHxpwq2ZWwya3VT4NgYHb1tGOGBdLXKywzV1OwYUSWAsxUNW8ApzLxt6J8Svna3YmdJ/nYrHp8UPvM1jGPEjOl7S73dj317RPP6cqt9trqoxtAFuT0urqG11Cuk5qRoUbXWLyM5ufwUKMPmtLbggVc7cFYe137z93/Sy78HORAQJvbCVNwMvn2YyUGZ9bG0Po9V/zMuEzDlQ3LyVzuVQQFc5dgF287nX1fQX8+aXRbnO3mcpn76GSJfcZrypU0lyRyyhOHYLxiRTqvC9FrsafOp26/9aJ51KHK+OW9Lhwk6lHuZ2LJ8swnyIDKlQstywHP8wtJUWfw4soFzj34wzHnuVjj+I3a3YodGNXbsTyh+azfntYzIVORzB0FQfCPjkpQzn4R3IhDVrIbdTr6mdUCuceVS26Gunu39eLX2fmqSlyWt3z/dnE4t2Xr/nn5vMneC6+8BmUccM3/1fEvWw8dvkOe8vyI5v0xPwrayB3ZpiZ2zMORL3JoRBQb2Qw0tUHpXPA1UccvqjtBeptI9GwkI1DTEZ4bqW/iXKk7JwvsO+zh+W7ZDIIn3qqmRgYQIGFf69RSb9SgwcIBzvJ0/wUduA2O+VTmxC8s0t3u1QFbu++yUlqlYsHy1OQxCdHer1hjSynBvCECiHXP+bPjuel52KoI/noUmy4Zqc+w5d4ziLNC37vn4qJXGcL1lOVpvRJGbDZfUo27R5tMKyHtokFQUlML7tRspuy6CqNLsgGCOdO4dWF1doyuyiKtx/3+20IuTH+0WcU2IA6X24lzrE3fnwHke+J45lCQbj45u+C2GrEHnZgu/5QaGC2c3C5q4uYFJSNEag1pqbMBL9U4yvHwio3UdR7oEcM8FUJWNkfkRm0wbtf8efynWHZyWeoknfRh8Jx+C2RK9epG6GDeLAsUy6M/wY7UyDEEMMOyLPxzxdOTOc5LsZ/lI6t7Fjk1tzk3+E42/03/UzY93qOZMsVXe6DWlKGejWsWS/KoNOYt0OzSyE3Wk66sgBSaXRbSaPrdkOcd8ATgGpZHLnmzx66//EtBN3PkAsQemPpOPsOf/nV2EOL9Jr0gU1YE4Qx5gIzE7aD1CqUWM8NHDgtj5wDslrDhdGLyJe486mrCugTFaet2KLfu/+T+VfrgPc2yyA+LNMq+lmz8aHrZBq0BtzSZxDV+y49aq3cPjHhkikXFcuDkWBw6V5yyRce8V4ADVXGIlmgWuYu7WTkQsWcvn587uLYu6u+ZCq1DM1uqTjaId9AeIlqdpv1xj/qCMLWr5ijtGGotlyM4aQaXXlEhYfLuFzu8/wSiB/t4TH/vGRBzelnrKgdHr4Zv7TA8TGOZW9xmZOZ3ysU/BfHBAawG3bc9Yn3EouhgQPrnV2DeGSlcC+eOX9tov3FDnObWSPf1jYFvLj1xeh9SRlcGaZXevTqH4i12EtwTIZbhw8fpv/9LiNwj+yi+fYlRPxwB1Gm3B6yEDKb3Tg8TodcOKGbCONqWbBlXpMst/jLNz7a2cglDoRTJ4R55oWweC93wIr3DBP4uj16O9TWQ05VVnN0d2XjX3RrY9cwXZYtqLQYQ50uY5EtVHZuPKEKDAZziz47M1YYP5Fnee7z6L8Q9/ILcZaPIfTyGTafHz+0No6lVuEZxyp6YS/dG0qEgsHTXRCuAXpf2SSIZ87d7aB0hpPS8j2FOvUgGVw0Iux7pPI97go0jDH57N5KD/z+rjKq1VfJcoMLJoPJ1roerVIGwXL7RHdJplxQUHW1HMDFcuK7YTxaXnvlCdvxyzzH42p5eEdDdyUeY08cn4dE12Tyw06c6OrCtzp76nr0MmYd7W6rOOZopb1QrU6MQZfLvZMkpNANkRhF6/c7cwnf6uOxbOEtFs6qfz4vqOGbw1x64crvxH7l7Vu85eR9y8VD4xexVuM79hHU9voSycVjoVxq9nSkq8sDBt8+lwfI9yvgESyNdo9OIUaD44LPyKHsMImsgwnR5GRTL5FcvaTWzsr26EgFAGsQrvBhgCwFW22gDOLqViK/IJVyXQd2X4HjuV0xG4A3t2swlcolF32JGfsMw/iza3MFVC2zP4ixsUfxnQ1cfGaX46TxNeHCbTEUmu3y4CD1r3Vg45+y2dWn3BzdowmqVOffFp9TaSZd2l+/e7dRu4yly6Rc7jB/Dcq6QWtn7pgYHrkmZPOnwMf3+e0Zh4eHv6osjI5L07bM+NxF/2/5oe31OiBnMvl6MpRC3EuiNXAunRKtARdRJn7bTI4ZYfLtqFMucve0YskVXDTS974KenUbpJ/iUUpwhXD3k/4WR9dMKnnzPUqLS0rlErnuAgm4kZYDwVwikfSJdlC69PsLcxnp44cspGI84lZ2OHJBlJG+JR06579gd4hys6vc6qxr1Rn/nHSSOrXZ3fLYxdNlkkZVYTGkeP3UcpmQrrvDXCwWwYg2uy6Kt5mxtXGJvcx97/PlgvMrw+k4999u8H8DE2fpifH594W5i4Kf+c6MIzziS4qvJxfv5QaCqc5BVDl7AnKqs0u+ZzQx2v0Ho+aDB91tdWaZfeVzvjggp3WyqRWGz7rdkVpBb0TDG0BW/Y+0KnlfL76mhm30Ct+SaPiDB83do6MycPtc3wSb0HInLHPvLSXP2L2PEeX+xSvZvI21YOReurnjkVsz/D0u/UPLOaiYxcRiDuYc6E26Hb8v92AHglYxN9I3sg3Y3dLdrtGlS59sVjwvql+oqZWo46eKoKLqawmGxKXVx/6LH0g8x30Bnu/heOzSMMff4Ngf8cczf5/PjL+yRpRW4bA97MMj5ySsew8sD0asuHKGhrwoq63An9+BTUbPyENnVS9ZN0ny6ZoQfIlVX4/gIzQmdZ+6Xx2h58gU20J720QsfepIGb6Sz6BS2QxX1UiPi525nkik88BsCLpc0eGdQZQ755/PnMqwtx5wPHuVHx6uqT43Y/zCtGVOeNd7RkzmTkc8fUWQMcN6qIc++KethxoaDGfDtrigyqTVy6ZobSXxMkW6SuRym3m06OorBqyDswnRfoaZt0nTLL8Q/0K+ZXHU9bI30ix7/SE7Z8m/9cp4NgtKDe9M2D4jiqvHEsfupSAXJwK5VjDwASpTDL4IvXCLzHyQLI2Ua2SaaAP1v02TILuS62cDgLUieJeBkKnaWA9bVCWjXhoV5T1yg0tOhstbK/Noe/fXyPFNrMEAr0FXZzCIkLskimEvKpYFwT+fl/J5ywPuBhtP71gNlWFOxaZ5CX3rL3h9i4lgF4Iu+hqCewy+j5PUZtdZ6QgCFXNj2tqNbpm/nnb6OTXXgRz/CHuhgCdwACFX9DLZc3mO/XH6C6vihodj6avce3z6+MItizSdH8/YCmMQEMtcmLntcECsVSi5OLQenIVAduJSIH0vnPXFeo12xL6Ie81aPo6WsoHh26ohWOVgA4g/4ZH/OMy/8DAZ2FYTKRPtBYzMOhBwYY3rQt2HC1sp4GIEqpUHlkKiz3fmzAzzq29m/VlbXnruPmRixBbS/7LKuaTZZc/ycKvzAmqVhgaWsSij2G4mM+Z9vRVSbnQVc3SrV8z0XkgfJKc7DKZG2uC4M3fHBM6Qs+ZySdHB+NfG77OxK9wX+X0bHuYXrrA3+DR7i3/4UMpkC/NZiLV64V3vC3dnMHyTydCxDwdSORg6451Rn3oNFHan7RPtoy+aySVB7ZavDF8ooLHliHTA6BNBGD73b4Di/RRgsSwZoRb/d5MYtfi6tax1rHOTUvmg+2CHuzSB+3AEWjj1EkDAHexMQRTukuhAxfIFVCwL869kp23s9b8B5P7f8ZUqcuVm971YLG8Z+zvG61tK5jpJtlwJX7ef7GlS3UNEOkPNmHXQ3cpiSJV0K6W3KuGtyoyKWP0QVcBAJWD9fijkszN+f+HkLY7/otcV51f4dJpj+bN3WC6ff076J7ZD2azwZv+Yn3k88oID8pwTZOY80NmyDGqrAM7GoUJh8TEyd0eHoXrW+Bevf6EJhhl0K9BwEyZizMWKGovQK372YYBDVzsJV8IBsmQMprAtjhXBJ9XMbkhpnSgqamVypKkrEjkQzC3dQ3W/GA5/HX1tgXIzJ59DPW6aZ+NPxqt9rvJ8dYGPWT6wZYUzDl8oh6+GoW/ri/Jmt0mfcuNsrCyo2rJ6Kp2OSlVA1moKSHJFd68uAbLt4OhECWRUXcEE3M/w26Q8y3/01S/+fRdEklfe4WM/fJWfttzP59cuzmWFuX6BYRxgDyRXyQaWEIsFIwcipyHXioSxy9FWOBd2FLHvlBsq54Okeq7rkNmRdMB1rXJWHQZiaytOjJ3EjAoPhmyr/DQpv41rbsy1rTRs22RZprvDjfrbCTz37sMXmkBQCqXyOvS4IdgIhb0kwnoum59+7okYi8Ab35FpNp+w2U1zrx16GmTMCRykDthtx+4huAO5nxTMu5q1ivmoTsds2tIGIjp4uXxG5dTKZWw7aOrB5hYIgEQvta4IKpfDF4Q1aZrnY89/KWwwvMKhwvk9HhXOvIVj8/fHC+NvCRdxssbjmTCYeyFaA6EhFUx1wiFBBF+cTOcip8iK4BOcaO8mxTNWPMsAhg64RzEuyGU0aCjBPogA2bPRA85beRqlWudV3GJjkLsbu3HhnQOXAHiHZe3qWu6czQ0lji36vis6HHaGQf8j1rJZyXL8Mv+Ai7FX0rEq5dLf+3QsfUsaz/rtDPoeB8nVMFe7fDWMbHaPyDJmJ317iJoxb1najdZXOFOiC7VBlcZeXTIGvARHYRjqwdNl0esX5iXLq/yXlgUMwRpPQlgsFM8WLvPxIYhkz8I9FOaa/cLMzJm7q6K4hBrfex/mgsThi8/+9iknFUjt3O4qdXdPdY+ScFg8RVIraOUyaFud9sjgnKQ+6Ketp66NJls3DKXaDpr/wN0+gd4rSvJEGUtJUQHjsUaWO4PBgfV7STEBTa6XQZz7ZmF+XMpPP7zOwmT5yVh1smwcVrIPJeF9/8gZ8V7u+/hIhmuiw0wCqrRcSE0KqTPtyuc6t+iM2aSVyyb6Hid9Gkzz18ukS2ZUfYOzoXvhMNO/Jh1/8AXthTak3jj/V1e5R3zs8qs/uJxnbf/Hucy4kH3zfb/fz1wbGbE77Kh3RNx7LJdD6D0dWe7qegP7jAIgWofiua9IAIy9vu1us5wvCWdHVRJuq9M2wVgJTawMGKit8gEVmallum5TxFswk0e97dTERHc3rpKLxT48UoaUAKvV+kudp4OzoaHEUsiH3g3Dt18GS72QtWWl+6zF8vZZnr1yiVupIrdsx/+Ayz6BvsnhpVBoNmJFX9FS+6gc6TopayG1Y53NRw0z5uiWnTFHZYN9WR5Vg0a6lO2gCa903WAnRa93awsql18+4y98W7KwLP/l9mDDN9E78KUYBEqysfucRfoR6CSza0IBZM6MN3xXFM/cTYiLi4mhex8Sh+8giJ37iGSDzJ2hdiaGBUTAo93uUZAnAnTd8gqW+PY7VDpV6uFWBctt+mEUXt26Ed2azVNT3d2liQnIviD9bdEDqVOoePd0DS53plID64lj93yi4+5q2Pu43+9HtfJ4Jn/8OC8t8DyHutxqsVy24b/0DmuR5gp+xuETU0HV+IdnzFSSOl7sOqmEKrXZNW1Z1o0a/PWG8/WGaIzJSZxG5QY1BiLdYG7JscoI3y4g4Ma/fGHeeciTvLLC8jGIY7/M5TP5fGEuW/Aj+oJroOGZMMSxw8ooEcqtz4LWeXnwm294sNEIqyFcWI+jqCYRgtEH7H87gILNGIagwnqmjX7qqH9oDS1pmM0Y+x3mdvQ3EU4vYT8fkV7ABVKPtWs5EgwGQ6l7ycWEz2cPwyEw0GBkEXI/zudxlxtfiK384ypUy5vd/4sDUYbAeMWlxdllUGVAGjMUzD111Gb3ME4xaaRUGVREFdYxbzHejcrYNan36xXSbdBsB8pK98g+QrptbagphGSMwVBCtNv9/kyej3H85uh9AL0LH/0vbIz/Z4iBT52UbNJbtnmh8L5f6L/GMPaRsA+VzqgxSoReH4Aj3MHB04h9QbPhwU0nbn7x9BnXzyUw7CP+BQHWhLnd7cajLLecnEPjV/9LWP6gj47R0SlUIXdj379Lm0oVsTMIJspdg52R2dRADr2diAnfqsPL2OGyASoWbOcs9z8+wbFc7O3/mOZjVcat9G7NcbHr06g3Yrw+MRQ6gL6NroDrK7/tJoMqfDVOXQ/Jl3YbynXMW3G1a4xv1V/BphZDCuli1oWdLiyGQknxzNi3v217yP6nR5tGDU/Qi95L+NgP2Fu3uEweMuls2bXx/n4QS6La2UGmzveSoXuJXGggGOxs6ZLlznh2hZvQoja/Ip59UFDCFrh7FFXS7o4O1LmazQcPHiQtMRlOox8Ogsajo9vd/TUM+An5DUA2z2O27cNxAB705hfpjARToVQiGRJXIcDG+/ULDEgw1rK2fF6CMAyO1MpVFUblJ/7f/pzNW+ay/sczvmToQBeumF1T5OLfZJMaLkcPqnZTgyqTcgdhax2417l0yxZDio5K3+lCHhW+dWC1tqQWRccZv39c4tLcprrMDIPHlfiV9/hY+s6rMf74dN4mXZyeF85l53DpfA2OCJ6B2llENeqxUG4glZo9PXh6ELW+1jc82LAQCLjwEImExMLroYg/cNjzRHtpFDfD6OPFqQlEreSZmAJco2e0VCq143wpwrcyaovECdH3BqqTuwYHI6dTuVxufXExid5K7s6ER6DFFVB9MF/IzLHTPD+Nqoe3r6Sfj9+sIneDze6jd9iH98fX+i/cFsVcEDa76LvUjllXZ0GQQwDhDGvD7oqKqi01pqIuDEU36HSd9PX6HpJH1e3Cp6vWB5J3w0z/fD7P8pc22UsLMnH49FVEWXCGjL/1kMVHfA+hxvf9fnwIBd8hA8UG2fkm4YpvqjOyDNGwCFiIfa0eD3EcyeqrvhKuouVBdIlQqfxMKPyqcjT+l8ViUVZ/yDsggC56e7AODrYcQP3tQC4xBHWyuBqG+BoGDpL4s4cKGWDcPItqZZ5bqI6nPnG1wHK3pBNjAjPjhWYXWLevNNFxkKyHemlBlZLp2tBgrJhN9VtLlqGSrsk4pGqgMtMPK0IqOQSyw9zdXuwrWiF32Sdeu1YYz3M8x5/fjN/VWDp95QqLuDeN2t4T+eOSJTs+P5d9U0Do9TMjF2a8iOruvnw3gd6wAb+5UA7BdxZVz+DU70LtLwGbbF3A3iOYDMubJLAxwOOiPuApEtTKgIfVEx6EQY0M1oLBrtOdB1LBYC6XAL5d9K2KjtXwzAsjMFRGwB0/J9lYVCortXIVuJ/0TeZ/Hc7LzaG34zO+odDpLk8Avvz4fgmoMpSzYbtIxeykjw/pstRl3Ea31HS5DLlHlUbXqc9M75GvHWDfQVcwJ4p2pv/9TP7VeDy+Ob+x54fjz/81iDUgku7WLchi/xhx2vhcdrwfAbh/DFrfVQeiPEdC9C3C6Dm3DovfVLAz0tXShU8reDzkMpn8CSiGUjpQDMjghJ5Y+ZTRCqZbsrXF4ygP5lpPy2DXMqB2NgTt7evi0ioiXLs9PIM6XD+scddewRHL0sPrPBu7gYD7KDZcXeV+4vPVWJzNS7YsrIeSudkI9Dil4ii5+Nc6qbs95FS63QZalrH1vH9R6sqQhtxaVUdVnpmOM5Q6RvGFIQTdoWTYzvzFnPQx9+ub+HjG8PmV4ZV0HJFYLH0Z1c4Pp1nJJuWztkNz41nUVwrXEHzt9pkzdiiez6Ded3HpXmLoWC43m5pdP90ZGVxe7oIS2hqwvoF9+/JH8Q14lVgJDZPBdB++D4Q72jcwZGXzbcDThbh2cDAYnJ3NpVCRfC+RXBRFh+g741id8TLX3u1HPXhhrTB3P3NyepqzAOOy3MIKV2Xcn7jZffQ2e8s2XfAzqz4xMdsSeAMqImz8A9n5PrpiVnTMSkTVntotmuqqrXTLF0PKdFm+yKl1um3mbhgvB6yRUEJ0MP1rF5/73/75Zl9ckMYXhs7/BRIlr3/DIn387/8kM55569AaOI1Q9fz4wtdnZhyrvwGzZ9R9igi/S7ljuVBqdgCkz+uRA8tAwm8AfD3KIItUwVAH930T07EHvXBcb+BASoxZBPg3rJGW5ZYD6weGZg+EEGwTQ3A5CE4W/umq47Y3/ALD+IU3bf7sxUz+LfDSI9CyfJyPXa2OlT9VYfWLHBeTxtfG4PTQvVwkgo91umRBFR5UyTNmp+Fcp+JBiMrd7lbZECmEC3lUpkrJy43NqtkPgh96sWOorgMc9ohaPIO5RDJ8bUwo2NALLb3pX2Kw8P39JxeusFfiMS7NXue5zKnp/FuWrDS3dk64mB1DvdIL734dL45Gwr67ybvi0r3F5CLi4NRSLjQwEMyl0NM5ODvbcnowMthlxTYGzK6okX2jz4o+8S88EXK2G/17xLODp1sORBDRBodCqRD6yxKouUV/uU+EsdSI/TGDmm6/kD0nzB06J+WPsxb+OsvFbly5Ek8PV5MwPl2z+9HZ//HwrXlhjHGIyVwwgprdQAnTbk/bZM+kstnddfiw3O02a4qqCkPm6JZiXV18656GoyrpOgnpkp2uQrr43IE1MrAoOi74/ZmTt7grW2N1gc8oIPLFnS/H8lyey0/jwbNtbg2bFcDoyzAXZrz4mmA4jMkRGHgxOQSBV6gPDkFuDvTCwc4DLQdaTkciCMTQFqMfIujBPyx3Rg6cPgB/KDUbwhVyIokqcTGxKqKa3OdYDcM0Ga4H9Qv+7Fohm4EG97nL11mWPcvzH8XTfHU49ak3u/E4y0tzhbHHdvH1VHD5mwFYA/y2UjErFgRCu42GPOYtWDJHNyyX9zQ2GoRUaiAVkO5oOxlSpRKi7zaTFSzTLL9lAoER9w7/y/j3HiHmRfg9+wPUUt66nH+NPXTy/njG9grCb1YAGhy7BjlXF2bCYbtv1e6ziz70kRQh4y20dGwJATEHD0Lx7GwKP50IqqcHggjV6BezKYRw9O9h5zSUXBIXfeLqEvwV9lWfd+ZamEHt9TXUZc/7s4XsoXGEWxs7fflW7FUuBjPlR/xXV6rA/fTf1Cff+RVIY+5nwmJyaECumEuKBaFJC4Y8rDr/9NY/5erfVml3o9pdP/1KVzYePEVnY8gnOeHoq6uEO93UkO8Mg0h3GmyyW8r8PTx8Pj7Mp+Oo6+VjmH55i3Qij9h3znZoPLuWLQiCAMoIIEbUAY/cHkFNMI7cQOgT8YUycQmYeDERSoSG0IOAmsyFEiCvQKycS+SGALWvY6IVRUfi7nfvor9hNQwx6Awz1o/+fky387aMLT/9ccbC3b/+gI3FeBYBl6sS7k/X7PJc7Lp0Ar3n2h3orbVz0IqDt0cJ6+JrneqMmRxj1EVU4RsmlBxys9fMKunWG0MgaceQKsfYr1ywd7u7S0WYzATXxdURRhDyT6CX/9aT1w6fH47zK8Oo932H537lDvvqN/jjx/OvSRbpYmFubt42/wriX+hC/QLDoBb4O17GO3I7PDICg+hVnwi5V0sAy2RSzN1NJJLwmUyg1hj9KB5Dv4s+gWfFu991hP80PDPi9d71g8YR/a1gLLi4VpifK+Ql6blpC8f/zyx3FgxP8Ucr3Eo1BOOn/F7GPoo9sBRQszsz41tMzXZ5sBYSr4fa8JyKOj4kJ1QZVru1VMFs2joFs34xZMxv3SvfO5CFVGZisQ+0DLy+9F2G+bs56SHLL2xNkgCDfiy9cBXRbjp2FpZH/MNpiyRZPjgxl5Xms8IhqKCxegNQDBT8LvPY7mVGwnYH+vzu3ZfFu44kJmL8gX4mrpKfoB75jB01y+GwIzxjdzCYbPE7ASxvC68gesewlU5x0i2svUCFcnyYG64S7s/wjbzKcyyEkjEOcSk524m1kK4Szgmsq6Oj1OV4OS0ZUq9k3gI2BCWOSn+Rs5bOxqBSILHDfhKfKnlGHlJ1BUOLPvu1fn9BsnC/Htu6PIHP9z65AGaFb8ViP0iz//Y6/wSXP35Cyr82PZ6Zz87ZsmtzaxefLlzs/00/PKgLfuEa850XvNfs37F7vSP2sD08MwM5OvhBP51xjIyEb4/c/o7XzngRYhnMs2NZqJCF+flCYTzzBDS3+RPcfR7B9gaC7ZX4oye5+M0q4f5Mm900B6eHBIGZgQjfdciFLGJBFT7516qrmJXrQ8Zu16S1u5sauybN6qcvl7VYGzgFXjZe7niR5NpEgomkI8wIWRviqoX4Fv/WY5tvOh6PcW+DZvIO++D6df7hvz31jfxz0r/OZ2zS+CuH5t76PQTivyjMr42977/YP9bvHxuDaRN+Hn+dUZ/HX3+MSmyE2F9lxv6ov99/bgzR7Fx27ZwwL41nxiUpn5dOPXf8x9/g/ssDNg10y360cInnqwaDn/3993uxG7HpzLzgn3GIi+unB8mFxwk5oaqHqpj3aqtdfbdrcCFENy/pVj4OBpdKjOfBSKeLhVRt5LJfX581kjrms1/wC+PSw/Tv8NvgNTc8fP4m4Dcdf497520eIfgH7KuoguYtD69Ps5mPJdu0TZIKH4zPF2zzqJIuZP1zgn9ewJ2r8vj7yS/8+FMAPfKbhbGLqHO2zU0XJPQecJI9efwygivLXubSfJxn3+EWHvGx+MpwlW9/joeL32Dzr81n+y+ginlgthNiE1C3a5YrZoV21RmzU7uDYMyG3Oz9rjai0gxDtSpy5fNg1HhZDnB1t7nBYu9B9fJA0hdmxgqZae7zuab7JQH45srw7/OP4jHYHf157GwMFWIPWPbWrYccb0Ft8HMnJQtqhfMfvPXBOMyy5l+BefTTa7BUerN/bQz+gT7Wsr+1ll0DkNsOzU1nXpPuS69Jz+VPXOau87FXWVQjc2dhmByLX4L9bZVuf+7v2yP+1Xw+87TArN5ODIU6rURQBe4hWA+17lPOdSqndin/UGVN1eakXTIBV5IxDOUylY3RTMVAtuJI0ilziWyGWmaHlnxeRijcB8lefHu9DGB6hQn4ysKV9yDpClEwd+fOg3/xakzigYb//tTx4yclG/+BTbJl/th2TpIuFsgzBz/8cVb69+i3T70FRP2EdHL64akTPGthY3/z4Idp9EYX42/w712JXXn0JB+rTqU+m+8ZGP+mx98aY0YcyXvrnRFwamK/PT7tpOqYSc5No4Ldo7pJFV0yRzc365rKXbrqdLlRN14mBw8gPRinj1ojnR+KibDd77dN59m309tRrocwdXM4zj2/8igd/+gjjiUQPsuhn7HwC4m7jGiYzZ8AK1JGQgU1fPDwoyQ9h7j5hMROW7j8Ze4WKo8Rw3KgtoBKmbuykEZcC7PkKm4/q2HF81yM5SShMMaEfUuQpO6BeISJDrD+4bth9JVsNSyjcfduWlIlO3flQVV0E6LWVNbo6i7YkxmV09l8WJlRkaOcdW3PvEgSXANdoWOJM2Gm/+IHx69zse2cmTSMOXgYODidXljAAg6MYh6hmOMucyz3Niv/jvZgeIPdFhXGZ+Xf4T5auJrGmI3HV26er4L2M/02cVdirEWyZYXHL4iLJEkd/Pbkvr2claHRrlN/Oqxsubt5a+aoIRlDT7rNMnhVh/1LiHRxrrDbTKBr7cwlxDCql/8483AbzJc/bRE9zGEEX1q4EufeU+F6g0/DVJpLpzFg2fSP0rgmvnFDgfF73JUrqKnFTBu/WW1sP49nJc1y/GvfXhOYsJhIhr6PtZAlct8eaJeKqKKP/ukPEMl6SFNUmeNuRtjWk37cOKNSHfZ7aYf9/n2k022bgkgquKcbzIlLq9f6/2L8NVAz7Bx7y/DwPz4/fHMlfvP55//R8M30o3g8joj4n8a4X3+P/da33vnlX/7ld9751qNvsf8dgTcWi3/ve48ePeL/0e8///zNlZvD56vl8edYMfPcWTYvzWMtZDLU2eIJ4PXQqLvNjdPlWpX1kDyoUjRVeheCZkPYjOtdzemnIbfSYuiwNl6WLfbuqW5ylXM5mBDFMCOsTf/oVoxN77y1xjB5bq7gBwEYfIQc3tHiJ4Z+Z2VF/lPDNdWe9vP/jsS5NGu5b8uOPT4jiomhQasVUg8mZNrtIR6EI9SFe7rb3WPsdjehltlEN7paBqQOuU4FucppP5JIZW6Dq5wwpOpaH1j02R/7Id6bvXE1Vn3hqICufhG+tIr5Cs/dyhfW+pkR0EIORjx9AVQxt7sPEllGU6+Odp2q949UzHrs1mv3EKKbiHOpA0OmyivdZl0MpBabbu5W5Bi5JV8YnLo20C+vVF831edLf24+4tO3pIu/hZrdEaiYBz0Qgl+aIKdjWtUr2Qrtqu3u0d36kllrdzcT60YrIVefmV6204XxsnwgbApngFsjLbMJ8e4M4y9YTvKoUKxSTfXZBCUPz92IWU5lBf8Fx+qifHvIJeuYe1TalbHrlBdETrVkVvWQ1Om/aLR+ExEv5dE11ZaTrlIuN9PZy4p8GTrdUiQQCQ6Iou87IIJkT964Eq++bKrPJoBuLJ6+w2UKawKz6kuEZjshfAjfDWsjiqpJNV5OPoTQrJMyq6yrCiI30RWiqKHPNYgxjjaUn9Ml4+VJol52A+kG+qydodSSGGb8awUbz/KPqvVy9dkUzW6c5/gCaCHDdjE5MNtlBUXVRDcMqnpIqKvmQThML4ga9Joq+fZfvTJm3izojUbLXAe19LUDZUZFqZflU9jmiRIqlz19XZ3riz7RzgjZcfbUZZav1svVZ1PQ7iUuFstYXpnr94YhXA5XzMWSHOra1qPRLmDXSbe7DRvxLgXfL93mVzZbNlr9dDMqcNi3tsq5Nu5uQrrLs0O/4BthftM/J1kexOJcFbrVZ1NAl4uDBcE2NsaE74qpga6INQBnZtqJoApDV6ZdWVJlpF2Nd6M0dr9sdUZUt9DVqmVlRKVNlxsNpNtDTj93TOCLV4FIZP1eMjzybv/FDyT+TnyhitzqszmgG0cVMycdKghwBD0ZOtDigc2ua8KNc256evDRP7XbdZZPmWnaVXdE9V9+0WzSBUDKAkg50kaWUeH/JU6SjSH7DvY3QafbA6diS1iOQeIxwjOMMP9tyZJmq/Pl6rNZmt0n/5K7fjI/L/iZ1cRiAk7+WRF227vNbe46uHCPHfe7ypJunEcbG9RRlXLJhMiZTcoJMdOXvRQqT4CkZVSEc52qjmrXS5BINVnXA5xrnmjHmyFrZ2ooAUMq/29Z8iwf+7OqQ7z6bBLa5eNp9pT0e3P9F8KimJpNRTx4P1SaapOFzOrVP3lS1dislcwG3pVrZpPKu1+ek0hHuSrnylf9djdorgPYCxmOcmLowni5aLV2BXNJ0e5l/AXpZJ77cbxKutVns0B3+GqMPXFyLosqZjGRzAUHrSQrAypmcmu3l+p29zbrbAjGdleumU31X2rmjXqhREFvrS4BUrb6EbuQutLVspfJeBl9CfCQCqB7m/HPzWWmQb9chW712TQVcxo1u7bMnDDmDYuLidmWLjjG6CpOdJAs9brWfXS3qy53dWE3xjmzSQ1Wj34ZAyr9pYOy4fJRakKFkSuLl4/0yuEYbvMUsdh7umZzi6IjzPydf9xynb3B8dV6ufpslufmChdj8699IPRfuO1LJlJgHypCMmS7+xkSpt7atP+lI7T5j3b/UdvdPcYdkdZyfvGTZc1bX4bcBo10m59SdVSKGgM4F0gXkIvly2Ii7PUL2Uz+bZavSqmqzyaqmLmPUMUMfnuIY1788HQLZGX0ya5dfCZ7Xy9Fu4dx/ppxzEz1uyY98X6ZhgPcduv7XFq6rNzBVhxD+5pae/B4GcLkisW+gNXaGUyK4u1rY8L83ImTXFW/XH02E3TjC3/JXp7OFAQm7PAdCw3krFZsuCfWP1kNqSmZFU2VU6bdsn6XzlVXL2dHvyjYmii/QXmgDXBug67RpUkXX+XE4RjdeKfrQaQbWkSk+3VhbV7iHvDxdLVerj6bqWJ+7yz/MD8vCBcgSj3X2WIF+xBUzMqQeVIdMsuaKrhz7yyXZhgTXtV294tRNUeNB/0UDRV9GqyxkZ4ua8jFEkicvdx20D3hKhYDqFxuSf3Ckmhn/MJ8xsL/LV/VY1SfTUW7vOy3R7R7NyHOBiNyqGt3h1mWVJEhs2LcVUz3SmRGY1nNTJsR1DXR5w1e/XiqPlqJc2XSJVoMQrrqdBmVywBdSHCF236uvoBnMBgMwZBqzD8u3edjbLpqPag+mwm6sSs32B9nxrGgSkyGBpa7cFaGqzTaQbrdula52yX9bvNhutnV1cx6/24ZeL+oGCp8zE9VP1J9rjJclrUYzuZndyk37FG5TEjXbZ6aKGHStbbMhsTEKsMIhYx0meWrrW712VzPyiOeY/NS4X0/M3NXDKXWI1ZQQ5ZK3WbzQcBua11rr65kJqKq5kpyZm1LpJ4josAb/XxXuTohhlotq/tcZaGrrIWcdLnci0+V9LR1tLnbJ4B0+zwtqVAysRpmBGHeIvHpd65WBRnVZ7NVzGdftUiHCmPvjjhW76VmW6x94EGQu92eth7lZKdSMsv5kNqsqoHi3Vo9dk3aluhzUzVHdZwrZ2JQlEvHYsh2IWpEhcvl/dhgjy1DZhgve/o8nuXU+j3xzAzT77dJx9kYV7XqVp/NVjHHY3eu2zJzf8cwq+JSLnQAiyH7Su3tbjlfDmuq5IpZ57p3VtJVqSdNTPSo+XO1JJg0ziVvGDTnqqHLDY0VMm0IcnsnZQnkQRBS9cFmaLBzPbHomGH8wlzmY47lY1WrbvXZZNAdvsRzt1gpK4wxju+Ki7kDg5AuV3ThGyZkyiwviLSS2an2uxtYAGupq/cmXd38GYNXDcOo1/6fonKoKt0oaVSq5b1UuVwnqzFAvVwMYA3kPyz67DCk+j0pw3LsQrVerj6brmJmvxXLnBpfG2O8jpeToVlodmHIXJroIN1uj5KXQbCrCiLVkpkCL43eqFo1q8z7GYM3SjiX1iybNL8BPaGiRVT69FayFyJqDLd7ouQqftNltXZ1rt9LjDjsjHAuI1le5bmVar1cfTYddGNnuYdS5gnBzzh8iSG4PkSGzBM4pAoWRHhSpfHuLhW7hlNExqqZNuBTo+bPZtFL7YM0m5BWK2u4VZQYsojKadjoao1um3sCQRerl1tmcwlR9DJjwpwkXWf5aj5G9dl80AW//a28ZU74TdTsiolcatDqgYrZVWo3y5KqyUnlBNERqmZudFLrXfWcia5qjuqFkZ+hKSFaT5fK9cqBA2qbW1G4jKtlVC4/qyAXn7BvhS0YkC4WUnk81sGW2aQo2s8w/WsFG8um2UvVern6bLpnZYGN8ZYPbIV+EEMmk7nOLmufVRsyYylzzz56Q7RLvyLSG3j14DWpkNKVzabPYqhMD5ZNespVIzHUAVWzVi0rIypVjEHuHSDSRZ1uAHULkc4UGHVXmWvCXOH6dTbGVfUY1WcT0m46xvN/e8q2Jvi9qz4QQ3Z1gQcBoEtotxVjVx5VHaGxS1XMhmFV+bhKz7s/u7Y5qpspU1evtZUQNVlWtkJyAGSjfrgMhiF8TRdsB+ZR6HT7igFPV2dwXUzMwJDqFZvEcfzVWFW/XH02YbN7lWdvSeNZof+adwaxbqoT1JB4yjxqblM0VXJOlca7e2FQ66R5V90S6dFrophX605/tkVvtMzbV1/e5u6hhRh0n6sfUe0iyG2VG90ON3bY9wU81uVUaElchc1QNitZWJ5dqPr9qs8mfOKXOO6W5UfzWYGxO3yLieDssqcPkQ+i3W63jN2e1h5ZEKmOmZ/dS0RJeuxWWhPVmpR5lSlKodf0U4usomqXq0ctxi01n6Kq5QbDbFldC+2SObenh5AuQm57ETrdPsi1SSzeXR1h4JD9jziWj++g05zVZys1u+mPzv6Ph/fHUcV8YdXnS4ZCqNsNgCyj5IK4DMK7k6p1VyVeLGd2Nj9FDas2mDTX0gINk4F7TZ9idBXVW4MMpbKecing7m5o3IBzFeQq8a1tbncJfAdW6HSDQ2DUfQzB6ZmPYzH2arxaL1efTfjc/D/jPHtdyoy/38+E7QlxHRRVOF+uBLoMNzH/QcncK/OuMmeWd0Ryy0vQe/ToHkoXSbW8tCtBXzlHqSDHjSIeTfWUg1BHuIYmVwMuQu5RvclPj1zlwhCE2mCvH06B9FgjwRCMlyFNbi7z8d+/Wh1SVZ/N2uzGL/Ecn7fZLgrMjOPlxFAotQxh6njIPGEmmiqsZZ7U1cwKeGngGibN+rJZod56ncBKC1w3UQsftag2lUXXKM4+U8VdLpWIQRfLeJNFxWLs0m6DkU633QWk6/FYWzpDiUXRt/rYL/gLUibG8fGqCLL6bNKKmWfTLH9/HG7+eWfExUTudAui3SLe7iolMz5C1Gqsmfc2O2lFc3MDteMtr5prVSevST3IS6M3umHcFD1Rxv+dago20eIpWodRXiw796p9LnbXk2AMGbkTGLl91shgMDTkS8x4wWOflz5+AHa/KnSrz+ak3Rj3bzjLdP7Q02OMfVVMJkOzLYh2A0RT1W4mFiL50j3hXa3fPSxPf3TMu0HHS7sSFHmkdqbIyKyG39LUF1HtDJihVqbb3EZaiIGb8sPKVkgdUeHEdPRpnppAb1N9fYGAdTAyMLS0GA7bBcE/jZVUV2PVIVX12awV81Weuy7lzxX6Ga8jLIYSoUgX5MtptFtHeHeyVTHvqth9Vjm9qxs1q05AI3qjVIiGyaQzFn3Ch8HRV14p///tfW1sW2d25tTNwusUa0dez1ijVSSZElGCHyKRyJTojDS74DABTUu6JG5Ii7qLe7WAUEWsWP3pdXsZMhrv3RU3oa9qOgMzwAWTtQxsIg1rjWW5NOiFb7BS1Rmq2CL7oyi6GHXWGGuMVesdoGvFLrre97z3g5eSnI+ZTMey36NPU6ITA3r0POec55xT3xEC4DY07DRimPNcrS2E/mEdvmOWZDtc9uuDkSGU6abcMRfKdDdyskyJDJk8IPHkKuYSrLlRckgxe0bdKS6dzzTZegfx8F9Pz5gFl6pwd7e7eUqzM5uGALVzRJpm1rF78GC9uWo33YwT1t/a7tf4DOw+X9cQem6bVq7Vp9T/iS5Nx3eZbnHqDV1IdLu14rJlDBLdTUDuMqy1ScVinrvjlYRVWfoB82CVIJfEE1tjFv8nQ9OyzEohT8zDcek1OLbbqxaqejbbxzTstnVPIc3cfOLFbQlvnbXKUM0Nj1PNqm5+3lxuruPV7Ty7raCstXH/3XO7J7mH9x/UOdc8WX/clOYCcvGtgxpy4TxY32Bf3B7Np7lb1ayHPS/lFCvFUyWeQJfEk5vszjEi0y87z/nH38y6gzfXMgW7DQ//rSDa3fz3FtXM3ILz3RbNE1kH3kbdn2FSzd/e/xjVjJm3Drw1iP7WNhauT271zegmwjUaQnWjuYbzsaury2zE0Ob8mlvU3a0HOtp8vnYvNkDCqRI8MQTIDY1vnPvwEcp0H4jESUXiyQ1hhOa/d0nJJVjW44mNcuVMOIzndtFPNAKv96xFLTODaJ4CT+RO4m00r6yq7ZwzwLuTezF4n99GpttZuB7gWoK7G3BrhWXzOowGw0KlA1ed82vpNji3Lake08VHhuz5dPrmGzCnG6r0yzQ1SQnEvkziSU52RQFau7J0F2W7YMtAtBuPQJEZjyH0eH0dencXeNfAbg29Knhf2LY+A3LeeuxuE84Yv9vA+fiol8m7MW5tvs+oLNeNChm1Ze0yWFubxbfZ3rO5MgjIdQzBfTDONeNh2fvnlVN3aIYndgwST7RiHuHxmhsn7LnJxvDYbmG5F+9kxpq5HW7/wb1sDN4WbM4w8a5GvFqpuVFHTn2jyMBuHfWq4H3+i8AW4fb5etzWWTBMHSGzgaqrvkBlznPxFewx7KJC/9Jemz2M5HIqNjoT8m9UctMyNbkokEyXxBMN3f96gZmkTucSlbvjUGTm0ul8YciB090e2Kje433Jq7mZsTmj2wBvzVulmZq3DwMiAWvuFG0rWGnwVVtGu0AYP7STbXcUlXdSrlZY3oVyW6Cfi/NcxLleXKIahBP2yxmE3HQw6/HcZec/lCnlDxlaJPVlEk+6YhbpJUV2nmPZmZib48qpT8ORiLqmqm8FXyHqsGDePaDdM5k6grC7o1x1vHFnk7e2Z72W8m6XztjkrFae6wMe3gW2NeDWNmHUMW7Djm6uQblqgQrXljXOHUSZbtNyJpoqB4NILo+zG5UPrbi8/F8Ickk80XGN5hdpvl++z971ezwBN1LMNwe24qqnanAFsOtVsWsQ71RLrcVr6vEe76rbn6Fe4jVbNHZrFtXjt+7l8bitq04drE3Um3wY5sqyxrknWrrVVVR47TLiXPBiwA7IuD2aGua467FvIrl8Lvdoegmm/QjpknjCFbMwxzAUnZPvSuCGjHFBLrUWxvsyEO2qF8S8YxZcrNJ4F2e8u/aJunaxRgJ8Dx/+fO79vKjlt2bcNpiBW/NPNTbWUa66E6PbGDmw+JLtcAV7xdZns0XwUptgMODxsKFzCSXH4BF7glwST7piZv4B15hzkhSCIjOSzOlowd5kw2XmwR7oESWTPovW4cVnEbpburf3iUyNooZ65gXiNd9JMM3jH/4SsN1emVLbQXWTBg2NjbU16Ufr61N6O7cNrtePJSGLh64Qti5HU1yKu+5Rt6Yj5E4C6ZKfDBJPOu3yc9QkZV1POKVx2MjMBVPp6FZrU0QtVeFbJgi8+CSC1iZqm4Kr9y1Gyruj2Kyv0DBFXZ9XZ8/nPp99Dz8GtzW3stpM7mpoNAF3J+W2HNA5F/0S2tQauvjYQWt+mEvF3DGE3I1z/0q2MpcY6h4hXRJPPnTpEi9STE7JFUMh/8NAFqW7qXw0bG/6FriZB9HPODSJvO0+L8jmlzTRjMF7ovk/acRrsjUfb9xlDh/x434Temsl58MGp+58fQxo8UiuXlSuSWVjGUY95b7y4gl1JYYmltssY5t4uB6l8n29kXj4/76KONeVfRgaD1Uk5dRHtxlmjiEjQyT2AHZVV4bzddzbDYy6OS41nN+yI97t7cW+qk3cJUomz3qPQblKc2h0t+AlzXUpb93KyHqDFeS8++t7RcbrZ2B3Z4KrEu6O4pRWJDtu9HKN+lSzthKjuw3frh9LJtV+7mCvzfYH4WgGIdcdeDPEss5K7tE6c4PhRUK6JPZCsvu7c8wkRU8j2r3MemYC7gkuzaUGCq0o3wXoDmoJLy5XWY5ppeYD2j2xIyd2YPflo9tYtwbehoP769nzOVPh6vB2xt0JWn1H647ilLkjVC+WT+iVZdwUOmbxJdWFNoBcR1PrwBZ3k3NVAx4/W+xUlDtLNINkCCFdEnsg3qZLFH+DyZ3ccFbYkMcTyMa41HuprYw9EnnfBvtuVnRbZLv363BKzKK6mvGa5qkjLdutkbBC42hdrdk0Efjt/buBdxtUDbrdAVz0FzTUTQfhJFe7mwvArbkw9tXEsjrjdwBJhrNjXljc2tOHcoFeh701mkpzcMEeIXfjX8oXqXWKZ2ZJY4jE3hDMAlLMNxasilORWJDMMfBDvpfOhwutTXGU72LwIuLFqhnlvHqxWbdXHTmyS6PoaGNj3VxCvW7ef3hnPGeuQe8aB2tN3JpSBuQeNVGucd4Azwkd0SrL3fhwvQXfFtJHDhz2TDj1HpdywXg9u1HMXTy5dFsE5JK5AxJ7A7uMQPHUEiXnpIr0/0KerDsYROluOp8v2B0OmCMC9MIsEYB30zsGxeZjRpcXOkW1CwnmCyeqs7lrm2zGanf/wYP7D3+ZwKO4JvuFAduuRiPJ3Vc7S6JuSccTfuotP6hPdbR7sVhewXkuQm5+uBxMZWOwjaoyn1BOX6JogSZjuiT2Du3eQwkeY1XkxAasy3gYAGNGOR1d2wrbmyJxnPH2AHZVV3NPsn1MPcFrHDdpOdF8Yjvzvqxvntvpj1Rz1YP7vxh699e8jkYvqLFBU8pdRlnZVFfGwH2xuQXmhGC3ltYUat9U718DcnvBiZF69b3gG7GYx+8P3c1dRIku+hU2x5CWLom9pJjp27TcL0kbIJmzWXfVzaXW0tGtAsp443Eb9Hjx2htdN7efVWWzbmzesUNDlc0v1GG3q77ZCxy6f//+zwIwQm3NeLGdb2s57vG66pQ+bKC2hLQRvzaLDwxU2qzQoA0Og6GsIOhyw0HOkORUnEh4MNTcIbIFksTewS52ZSDa7a8UKwi6MxNZN4ciHU0BeIccYM/o7Xtf515AQLL9pQ51lNcHBqsp2Du3mznyaFfXtjUa9fBFL9/WBLSKYQxmaAPDtg0z2TY0GFmzeWdcV9dRc46r15WhPGVu5nYkk+2bamUZAbdp2Y5HDlLuwMw3Q+Oh+ZPOJXr9OzzzQCRymcQegu7IPXqRppYUWUmcuxsah30ZsQkueJNLvbqWR6q5dcjhQMzbp1asVPD2eFWHVYdqsGqBsYQTJ+qZF88DHm3csQOnzmf1mKgXyQ1Gvqxd7euqjRnUN3IN4JrmhNo6LMnkptbNBQtVUziM3Y9QoRpnK2xOVqxILS/SokD6QiT2EnTVQpV1GpzMl6FD5HrtepbjgmtpxLz5reFwK6ZeG/7JN5JeBF7jRAI2aUwdObIz51UvA2Kc6VK3YYdP8rOj0VxPNofJOgX/QRW4LzafQBrggIlyddOyjlx7eCCfLnMc4lxQy84KIPfGJMPfIzfsSeyxGnOJFmjqkqx8mJjfYH8bYdeDCCl4i3Onylzm1eFofqB1qCnisPUCfHG1Gba9biZhINBnKja31LBrmCNNC6waXzDvj/wi8NVL010q375gNHK7cB/3ZQO59Vp5qgbcNstZsD5u9vRt9uKVGEgsD6TSiHNjWY8n5AfkTluZGzxD3xMJcknssULVBYESabpftsqJ8xLrB9GcjbmqkPGmuGg6lc5/OoCEc9OyI96rtXrhqhg0escsbdpkAoB3ygzefeY+b1etYFWf+DburqDNX+0yjBfGPG7j0TrGfUWfEWo+MjWlXRRSoeuD0yT6uAF0c1vxNhtuwh1AyJVCl3MKqGWGoUukuExizylmcY5maGrhZ4qcSzjBmRHyPJwJxFyxYBUmeLk0l1/7Z8PRQjhsdyDy/RZQLy44Ix369XZ9bWT3NvA+xqRhBm8dhLe/mEcLdLvjC7pT2cy3hlSGgXoVuBrldrSP9WyubKpaGTZi2MPRT9NRjosFAh6/n2XnZfniqaU/5D+mBf4aIV0Sey7ZvSAwIrVEI+koOc9Bi2gcEa8nkM26Y5zKvTfL6dRwHnwa8eW4TbuRgEtWMM57TNuB0w3YnWpR5wH36bLZvATHXLTaidQGo4hc1wMyVjziBNfUDKqvTrUAcLtx3Uzt5XrBPaXXp/oGHfZwYSCd4oK3grHAzLifvZ+oWBUaKlS8QNQyib2omJk5CmjXqjjlnATYBeL1eB4GkG6Oudxg0giW01x6OJV/tQBbNLSCc482VeSztPl8Ku9i8J7QhnlN2D2OMtPaAjrV4WzGL6SzXfhdgwnYpqkgfcsjJtx6szIGrjZPryllX5ul4yzMGmDKhQk/WIiBT+hCgQpsyyGpmFs/KePacukQGRcisQehuyoKPDNJU0tUDi/M2EhI7E/8fwLoDXgmPLHrWRW/SDyXEXyj4ULe4dB2z4Fq3kyOvVWbxVeHeY/UzxTpuhlzb1fjC12NXUYKq5afunRvo1aQUovSuCD1go7bl8241QlXA2633slVz2/6xrxwxk8zYSDgLtuj+RSCbjUWc0GaW5l3nnmkyN+jkFouMcSKQWJPKmZhDgpVFCPLilzMJYrSb98dZ/3jLBSsfuTBCIbUN+uq3kpxa3BFu2BvwtSL0QvD+G/hlPcl3V81ZTZHGjmvit76Fo8xtWewMFbUpu/qwsRbz7cmwn3xhL7BxlRX9nmT+ABnD87L8Q6qaAbp/mDQFXjoCeGBA/l1ykrRiwx/gUwLkdirilkU6MVJauEjq6LIKN/9j51F6TLrR8I5ND4eAvaFyMZQ7puNweq51FZ0oLDswNhdwZs0vEmf1uXVN0ea6lWmnHcf9HSONpp18GdGlzYVdPTlfTtKUypw9eJUDbgdHZDkbmp15cG+91GWG46m0ukgF3N/04O9j0X5Yo5ahyVywiGeIJfEni1UiXMMZLsMpLtyLpGrAHily5WQdHmenZ+fZ0Moroy/5rni8rjwYCAI54jjfURpRs4LBisflHe1NRpHml+sLzbXdLNKvtgn+VgMo68eVWGLQbvN74hxq072GcDF5kyU43rbdb/y+4hxbfatQmaYSyHFX83OjIdYdqNy3qn8+A7skJvlSZpLYu9C9xqPaPe7ixS1RFuXTiHmTeQSzk7JWSxuIABvFDdCgGOJVWl4xjUauxW8WUbYHYJdGka9yuvzWrSBQLw5cqrFtG/dBN+adj4KjZ5GHcSNdZ8d1yC+zwzcV+prUzBloDswDrylDRokk5ubm+AbgUXLeNYgvDacKger1VGXJwQGqiLu5t6mcTuXNIVI7GnFfEhgkGSmmKU706cUed1akeR+CSE457x/X5q+XykWi05EvufPI/j+xHNlNObmUunoQCaiyuaeQch4N8e8Z2sHxtQur5l5X6nHrkHAGMLaxPzx49gnZYDWIFuzUFZT3CNHpjSzcree43ZgC8YK7lwNfgvKU/FwJl8upzm3u+p5bdwPlNupXFSsNIWRyxPOJbGXobsqlOZoRkTYpZYuIexOywpKe5WcjAJ9VJz4xVrJ3T+fkDZYP0p/s+53glz05nCmydGrHgfs0ZY2m7bPtRzQnM3bdbOBXxjtffno9ti3K25NSrn5BBLKLdDG7QYLtZbj+t5K9pg6uba4rSkcHsinkFZ+pxrLekJ+duMc+m1ETS/9PQIuNSsKpLRMYk/HNYEvCRp2v79Ey1TuUU7OPVKcVE620lZmgWGWUPzAKvevX1QqsD4yBEXnYCo9HB2ILOOJ3sFBvPk1+ZZ+2/OANs2LdLOB3u34xeg8qr1qn++rg6yukk0J7omWI1O16SCNcX1geuzZhOrUIHY9xpftiHHTw0GOc7k8Ho9/HAFXkpVTlxgKWkJ8idSnSOz9QhUtCgK1yNMIu8zCkmydttK5R/QlK316YWEJPUiJKOifU0sLdM4qOaUEMK+7yt3kMgNhO96Es6KN8yZ93jZzsfmAVm026eZ69Brg3RW4JpmMgastndJKU/pkH2yeSuJTQngRBuS4EXt0GBuWkVYehboyK53LyYhyFxBykVYmlEviaShUCaLIIw3JAO9SS5hjaWWJWYA/wuM/n50tlWZpikHopuUfK7l5KeRHsjkYBIdkFE579gF6N9X7gMYKnG61zduibsF5USfeXfG7I17RV03pwG1uhh4uUsoHjHsGBzqOHYP9ymM9tdE+JAAGl4cK+ehAuswFXdXRwHiIlc4nimcerVt/7wcfiQz1oESmc0k8Fay7KooXBIphVOKtBb2IcEvTf36IFlDwoihAF4mRL8JwL4wYuWGTVf7ToXgcziXoDo12n3lnM2yfa5nCizTq0Gv4nF/Zpo5rleR9u/Ht1AFdKsOO1jZLxxhswVCRuwnItTlaM4X8cJrjbr1RjQX+D0pyQxWoK/9YXqAmGYq/QMpTJJ6aQpUoztE0xi6to5ee5BcZalZgRoykcOQv+HuzGLynEHjZ0JXsaDB4s5weKNhVexX0iVYw8Vp8PnVns5ry4sWvmHprWe8rBkbNkNUfqZPJJ040t0xNTem2qW4txT1rsZwd87bDfxK2zqJfH7ZeWyQylMnnyyl3iovFsg/9SCpvVCQEXCvzt3/H/4fZ0j2ilUk8NbQrCOK9OR6LYySbJyfxx0WGni0x2zY2jQjin/2PyduM3J+QzrMhz6jbhTLKaMEex6s09HFAvAHHZxwIRAq3BelmgK9OvjqEX6kxrM6zBtlqdSmtomxMGGilKUS4cNBgs7YFo7fXFre3QlkZbm9WYx6U5PpRkpuQ109R67dpHuxTDClPkXiaaJdBapgXVOyqQVHCX+xWzIGBBUakrIpyH2+ADWS5NJdB4HVEtEl8BKbf7El6OywWzaJhynqnjkDei+nXIODt8aIWJxDZIthOgfMC3+vDf1PbAYvWDUomfxO6QYhvwRhiG+x1/IEdSeVU+j0uyGl25dCZ4v3+9VN3lqjvMFdpYYQwLomnC7uQyIpzAs1TOnBRelti6F2TwhFaYP4UTgQmpLtsaCaAMl4uHR1obWpSZ3kH8aGi5JgXr8CBsYRuLeudwi4rQC9C5Yt1UUOsCttmPMqHcDs1pXqm9PxWWzrl834disraqkeU4cJkX2sY5gxSnLuazT4E89TGfOVDWQa/Mkz3XSCMS+Ipi2uCAOkuwi5KdWmKp3mBL4mM8LifdEH4OfoeIF4WVtHFXLhcVRiKAHh7jYki9a62fuxEv/A5BUYr7NZA8rkZ75I0WBbzbHPzkSMIs1CUmtLKUnW4PeaztCe9SW3IoMemrq+JIMaNptNlWBpXzXrG8Y7liuykrEsUksoMX+J/g5SVSTx92S4tihfmeARhGuH2wdzcBVEQHs9R1+i/oegfXvqxc/qvpFDIE3NXIeMdyNgj+GKC6muGelWHvgJHPzN2oAU8kpD6NregFBa9NpsCHoCZAlh6gdu33dtxiwk3qRHuSt/gClxXwYN9MNmHpLI75rri8VxhiyFnZ0J5nbbeoSc/oedGiAWDxFMJ3REBg7eEQIvItySKDC981s/6iCDyDM3QznVpgw2x6kBROr81bHdgd1WPbtFoH/Na8NZm7eaecWD7wJQKz+4W3Kydwh/gz4DsKQ20JtRi+raM+bxew/CorWi1ReJ4Irec4lzc9VFYg+Fni1JOcVIyQ11ikO4/RF8jl8BIPJXYvbZK8yICr1gqlS6gDxRC7mfLS1ivATut5Mpfsqza402novmMfpwXSs243woXApFufkkHrlpz1vGrwhcDFn86pT6u94C64ciCsbdmrD0Jh+l7tNkgSHJ7bY6hoXBBXdJadVc9Mx4P+l0iOXPyoxwDlhJKmOPJCT8STy12VwWeF7HjUWQYigG1/DkCc4QR+O9TVmV9fl464/cEYhNcOj38aj4ciXxLBe8KpLybPV7vWS/u8+rSubutHr+aMtb1seZx1PhWg21bB1yl97avwPEj1X2BMlybo2l5qBDNrKXLaS444Qpc8YTYYoWdl53KNM1Tk8xVvkQTqUziqabdVchzYXUEVKkQcD/3532EFqhFipFzChLN/92P7wQG11ID4UJr3GYbVIvNeGczHPi0QNZrALj2ok7/tKAXjWW1L3fo25RxenvWiyvKWkm5B58P7bXZmuKtmYEtWDkLh/tgvbKf3ZhP5KwKzSzcZih69h5ZPUXiac92EXQRaGlRANvj6hf5gYe5BbXSnABz1czEqCsYTA+vZdTFkYPAu1q1uce7OebtOIun8VUAqxDtqEcxvoiLPuDJX18HrGi3WN7yJdu9+MLvygpcPhrE9gub4xvLQ+EwOB7LweCoK+Z6E6YMKijJPX0K5bg/m0RS+Z5AGJfEM4FdBFv6CyP3a197G6lRxNPTJ525c5cRdmeux7hqOh3NDxQcTep9z55BdZgXxnmT7T6vRRtO0OOA6T1QbV0gpu6AenJSrUz19BkjBjZbZDmuzeOmgpzKuONsqIJy3GlKXkA57iL9N+R6H4lnArojqxDCKsLttS+oMt9ePcQzPGxxTuBzYy7PRJXjUql0vhC2N4E30tZnDAQisdueBKeGz3LsJSSEj2E1DLVnHb06cn1tvmMdPh9CrVcdCsKbWVW+7UWwjTvwOG4+mi4HuVtVN5wQGg+xlctKTpGtMvVDlOby93gilUk8I9BVsbuKP/2iz1v9gGdEmkai2VkJjY//KDCa5TiunIoOtMabIja4U9Q3iOkSl6xgsMg75vP6LAb9+lTXhvoeHBeYaxFs29UpXKyTYYa+By+hRL8PIk2tYfBNDSOpzLlceLcyksqsM6coj5BWhu01ApnrI/FMYXfky0L3a6tw5/MjRl7/5zm4WXQFzFW3YN16PlPAZ4rwhcC+TSPrRcp50+v1Js+OWdrHwLNRCx9CtPcsUshAtu1449XKirpsCk71wSyuwxGxbxXy+a21cnqCc0+4slBVDrEb0rwsK6fuML8HwJ0jo/Qkni3oGvFlnsiUZhdFyiobN3oD2YkgvnQCBz6/AdXmPrXcrA4WqewLRkkIxMJf11+9ybEeNa/F+rpHg62qlPt6bYPY7xiODqSGgykuyE3EAjMPWRaAm0CMe4rG00/UPxwijEuCQPfz4xp/iKcYmrFOK+fnJexqHnVNBINcdG14q1BobYLb2niqqE8tNMFc4MrmpoFhHO0aXPGKKdUttTKI2RaOj0AnKLLsKAwUkFCOIkke5K5nA1k81RcqIuC+/ugk3vNI8SVmhACXxLMK3i/5xN8QBQah9/Sp9YqEsTuTdbvfSHHp1NrWQBjfOQGLFd74tjKITZIIvysrPTtDFcjYdNGHwQ4JLkqZ4464vTUDwAXbVKpadQc8M57xULHIzhdzjxQrjXLcxY9p4R5PgEvi2cXul37iaunf8DSzYFX6E53FBFzYvjKaDXLczXIqvzVQsMcd0OnFyhmvwuntAQrWWdj0onmTV+DbVsAvBRFZXo6EoaR8M5W+yXGjb8RGIcPFR0icOafySMbTQdSflRiBWB5JPMPY/fLPFFDCC6tv7sjKmWm/5AfmDcRi7mCqnI4O56Ph8JAjHsGtXlxtUsXz4Mo20EIVGb6Ev6mvtxf6QPG4PQ6NoIE12M0a5KqubGDG4wfgdlacucrf3mGsWCrPieSaAYlnGrq/0DPfHlGXzv0vSrFKuFx15co7sPE1yMFx3nw+nwnHIxEH0r62PluvupAGM7BGxH36G/6DbRCG5x2RZbhgkBn4NJ9Kw9aaarAai+GSckgKSReL8kWFsi7A/jtaEH+fFJVJEOj+As+FI9uLNELu9HrCeW4DX9h2xaBetZZ6DwYCC2GU9i7HI3HYY2Xr69VBO2ggdlD9FOBtszniy9C/DYfz+dRaqozUt9tdjQViYFT2sxtSMQFjfaeXKJiXEEoimQ4i8Wxj9xd+7tvXeHGOUjPeiznJKbF+1uOZyY5ej3Fw3DMN8B0oFDL21jgCMEKwCuFBNZ/VP/Yiao43tcbtmQJGbRRbprgqF3PFkFBGShlGg5ySVZb77zCUiFLcBxcYsp6VBIlfPFYZ8QGzSN8Gb5WcS9wNsXCfNxbIxoJB7iY3XIaaVXQgHM2E7a32b8TjjkhE42BIagGziGkd8dawPRMND+S3kEyGRhBOcN3vvPnmjzx+lg1JFcl5/7RyipYp6nfAODXHEOCSIPFLkbawylMC/9H36JOPPlRy8+dDRXYcDmu/454AAKbK5ZtrcJ03X4DIhMNbQ0PxTNweb40PxRHLhtGDhQJKjAfyw6l0GaW36Fm3JlzZrOc1RLg/QbDdqBTlztf779Dr1A2Roei51d8n00EkSPzS4OVFgWLw+oxpRSk6pb9k/UC9ASg3u7hgsBxcu5keTiP8pvKZaDTzaTQTzUBEMwPRKKxQjqbQV6F3i76bc8eybncAF6bGEeE653P3c+vKHeul29QkJlyRSGUSJL6KuCaIAs3wIrVA56aVMxVJuuxnQ6zfMxMYvZ6NTbihv1MOlhEBp8qQyb4Hb9prOZ8ul8vczTJwbdDtqsZGR12eGZDJZ2DBYzHnlF+fvkMvwc0vBuboiVWZBImvindH+Huz1CJPUQtWSkYpb7GywbI46/UEsll3NTbB4fw1iJkVARi9qa/uFMelquidGxayou+87oEDmyrhSvPOXFFR+mU8GvTX1IM5kfgvSJD4aomXEeiPKf4GxVjli3Ku6OyUKkU25B8PXfG8NhrLIu1cdbtciFnfueXmblWhfgyvHBzDhS9lY9mAx4PP4kJd6rx0ztl5xvrflL8Hu+NH318UKP4CmQ0iQeKrJ16BKQmfLDL0Xy/QJ6dlOVGRNqTLLNib/YDIh9/0BGLXR92jo0CuCMo4ECOPxq5PuAMPwZ3sD7GhcQlkcqekJBSZku8sULdvQDMI4ZYnIwYkSPwqwLsqiBd4apGZpBaWLsk553Qil+hEea8ELOofh7IzrF01BYKz/kgoBPf5EGovnys6c3KRcVI56wINm1n/mOLnPnO5OwkSJH458ArMBeF/MzzKeZdoKzWNhHMiJyUQ+SLuHUfaGQJr4p+EdPTix0LjIJIBt1JRct63yoripNavItzyuKZ8jxGIU5kEiV8x84pzNLM4ifhygbbK/SflD+W7zs7EOakCEEYUjIPVI4QBu4GottKJWFpGqD2lWJcuwbVfaOHygkiuWpMg8auPayMfHCrNUh/z/I2r32MYWZ5+XbEW+yv3i855Z6eT3ZAqnefOSxUMWPy24azMS7n7f5W7KF9cfx3JZJqh/hEO48INg9XPvchAggSJr4Z4R1ZpYF6KmRQpqsRYp60KJStORZElENCJzgQi4U705qx8KJ2Rc3KueBo21J0Euv3X68x/pmiMW3p2RORXiVAmQeKfUDaP8GJJoOFwL42UM8XINC1TuUf9J08pThkH/qBATuuU++Wc9Q69sLREXb0BqGVAJjOQ3xLckiDxTwvetwWRuvBHD2iG+VPmd2jqO6XphdNX1+/Il372M0Sucr+CgJyjrKco+dLfLV09vfBv//GH1A/encS4hQPd4sjI2wS3JEj8WoSzwCPhLCDq5Rkeky91e2GBWUBS2Lq+hN5o9MIsLFC3oSRF05PM4iJFC3MlkSE6mQSJXyt6r60C+QpzDygAMP9d/qdXr16l6XfffZeCd+/SV69O/vSn3+UZ4WOK4uf4P7/H/O6/WCUymQSJXz/1XlvlaVG8V5oVZmfpTwDCtfiYYSjqk08+meVLYklcZUaEkRGCWxIkniD4An7xIV9hbm5O4AWkjwV+DqIkiocOIUEtrF4jyS0JEk8iflHyO8LTH3zwAbMq3hMRyYr0BzytMi3hWhIknnAEq4EYdoRAlsQzH/8fwlnS8jvRjfUAAAAASUVORK5CYII="/>
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EUR 478.2 million result a.t. 39% contribution to NLB Group’s result a.t. No. 1 bank in the country (by total assets) 31.3% market share by total assets Financial and business performance Table 20: Key performance indicators of NLB (i) in EUR thousands 2024 2023 Change YoY Key performance indicators Net interest income 431,880 372,566 16% Net non-interest income 378,182 265,946 42% Total costs -312,458 -237,864 -31% Impairments and provisions 14,386 78,098 -82% Result before tax 511,990 478,746 7% Result after tax 478,161 514,287 -7% Financial position statement indicators Total assets 16,975,091 16,014,776 6% Net loans to customers 8,657,312 7,156,068 21% Gross loans to customers 8,815,651 7,276,656 21% Deposits from customers 12,293,708 11,881,563 3% Equity 2,525,609 2,249,451 12% Key financial indicators Total capital ratio 24.4% 25.2% -0.9 p.p. Net interest margin 2.9% 2.8% 0.1 p.p. ROE a.t. 19.8% 27.9% -8.1 p.p. ROA a.t. 2.9% 3.5% -0.6 p.p. CIR 34.5% 37.3% -2.8 p.p. NPL volume 148,119 138,004 7% NPL ratio (internal def.: NPL/Total loans) 1.4% 1.2% 0.2 p.p. Market share by total assets 31.3% 30.2% 1.1 p.p. LTD 70.4% 60.2% 10.2 p.p. (i) Data on a stand-alone basis as included in the Group’s consolidated financial statements. Merger of NLB and N Banka on 1 September 2023. Tax on the balance sheet excluded from the calculation of CIR from 2024 on. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 86 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 21: Key performance indicators of N Banka (i) in EUR thousands 2023 Key performance indicators Net interest income 27,822 Net non-interest income 5,225 Total costs -16,811 Impairments and provisions 511 Result before tax 16,747 Result after tax 13,389 (i) Data on a stand-alone basis as included in the Group’s consolidated financial statements. 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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 87 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB Komercijalna Banka, Beograd NLB Komercijalna Banka, Beograd, is the second largest bank within the NLB Group. As of the end of 2024, it ranked as the fifth-largest bank in the Republic of Serbia by market share. Throughout 2024, the bank continued transforming its business model, which is reflected in all segments of its sales activities. More specifically, the bank once again outpaced the market in terms of growth, while at the same time fortified its position as one of the leading banking institutions in Serbia. Great emphasis was also placed on the renewal of branches and the digitalisation of operations to provide digital solutions for its customers. Over the past year, it has also devoted much attention to financing green projects. Through its sponsorships in the previous year, the bank supported several key areas and thus contributed to overall progress in its region. The bank was once again recognised as the Best Employer in Serbia, and for the first time, it earned the international "Top Employer" award. Additionally, after migrating card issuing to a new service provider, the bank introduced Google Pay, further enhancing its digital banking services. Moving forward, the bank is committed to maintaining its position as a top choice for both customers and employees. Its goal is to remain a fast, simple, and efficient bank among the best in lending and deposit services in Serbia, and a leading bank in contributing to a sustainable future. Financial and business performance Table 23: Key performance indicators of NLB Komercijalna Banka, Beograd (i) in EUR thousands 2024 2023 Change YoY Key performance indicators Net interest income 238,156 211,296 13% Net non-interest income 53,237 49,686 7% Total costs -125,759 -113,634 -11% Impairments and provisions -5,694 1,933 - Result before tax 159,940 149,281 7% Result after tax 140,482 132,313 6% Financial position statement indicators Total assets 5,553,546 5,019,429 11% Net loans to customers 3,290,707 2,811,599 17% Gross loans to customers 3,333,958 2,848,543 17% Deposits from customers 4,510,793 4,004,112 13% Equity 865,359 827,575 5% Key financial indicators Total capital ratio 22.9% 27.1% -4.2 p.p. Net interest margin 4.8% 4.7% 0.1 p.p. ROE a.t. 16.3% 16.9% -0.5 p.p. ROA a.t. 2.7% 2.8% -0.1 p.p. CIR 43.2% 43.5% -0.4 p.p. NPL volume 24,020 22,490 7% NPL ratio (internal def.: NPL/Total loans) 0.5% 0.6% 0.0 p.p. Market share by total assets 9.8% 9.9% -0.1 p.p. LTD 73.0% 70.2% 2.7 p.p. (i) Data on a stand-alone basis as included in the Group’s consolidated financial statements. Retail banking The retail segment recorded 15% YoY growth in gross loans over the average market growth, driven mainly by the increased volume of consumer loans. The bank continued to grow its market share of retail loans to 12.3%. Significant double-digit growth in consumer loans (22% YoY) increased the market share to 11.0%. Despite a decline in demand in the housing segment, growth above the market peers was achieved at 9% YoY, thus boosting the share in the housing segment by approximately 15 bps to 12.9%. The deposit base increased by 8% YoY. The interest margin in the retail segment was still high, but it was under pressure from competition. Corporate banking The corporate segment marked a significant 19% growth in gross loans in 2024. The bank aimed to build a strong value proposition for all products and services in the cross- and upselling programme, which also added value to customers. The bank participated in green project financing, thus confirming its commitment to the green agenda and ESG targets by supporting the increase of renewable energy in Serbia. The bank also approved several project financings for important real estate developments and sovereign funding for road infrastructure development. EUR 140.5 million result a.t. 27% contribution to NLB Group’s result a.t. 5 th largest bank in the country 9.8% market share by total assets ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 88 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB Banka, Skopje The bank is a leading banking institution in the local market, and is recognised by the National Bank as a systemically important bank. In 2024, its success was reaffirmed and recognised by receiving several prestigious awards and confirmations in the fields of banking, ESG, and corporate practices, and demonstrated humanity and solidarity. The bank continues to support the country’s population and economy. The focus remains on digitalisation and improving digital channels to increase customer digital penetration, improving customer experience, and expanding the portfolio of products and services, particularly in "green" offerings and socially responsible projects. As follows, the bank introduced a new online payment functionality, Pay by Link, as the first and only bank on the local market which allows the client to pay for goods and services via the link sent by the merchant. Additionally, the Bank introduced Garmin Pay, an innovative and modern solution for contactless payment with just a smartwatch and NLB Smart POS. It is a new technological solution for accepting contactless card payments through which merchants can use their mobile phones as POS terminals. Throughout the year, the bank also signed two loan agreements to support socially responsible, green, and energy-efficiency investments: one with the French Development Agency through the Development Bank of North Macedonia, and the other with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Financial and business performance Table 24: Key performance indicators of NLB Banka, Skopje (i) in EUR thousands 2024 2023 Change YoY Key performance indicators Net interest income 76,487 65,406 17% Net non-interest income 25,436 21,198 20% Total costs -39,305 -36,416 -8% Impairments and provisions 15,110 -761 - Result before tax 77,728 49,427 57% Result after tax 67,838 44,517 52% Financial position statement indicators Total assets 2,158,767 1,902,260 13% Net loans to customers 1,394,123 1,216,188 15% Gross loans to customers 1,439,456 1,276,133 13% Deposits from customers 1,733,845 1,499,509 16% Equity 322,944 279,987 15% Key financial indicators Total capital ratio 17.4% 18.9% -1.4 p.p. Net interest margin 4.0% 3.7% 0.3 p.p. ROE a.t. 22.9% 16.5% 6.5 p.p. ROA a.t. 3.5% 2.4% 1.0 p.p. CIR 38.6% 42.0% -3.5 p.p. NPL volume 36,214 48,791 -26% NPL ratio (internal def.: NPL/Total loans) 2.1% 3.1% -1.0 p.p. Market share by total assets 15.9% 15.6% 0.3 p.p. LTD 80.4% 81.1% -0.7 p.p. (i) Data on a stand-alone basis as included in the Group’s consolidated financial statements. Retail banking Gross loans grew 10% YoY, with the increase in housing (14%) and consumer loans (9%), surpassing the 2024 market growth. The highest amounts of disbursed loans in the retail segment led to an increase in the market share to 22.8%. The bank focuses on the customer journey and anticipates customers’ needs. The deposit base increased by 16% YoY. The interest margin in the retail segment was still relatively high, but it was under pressure from competition. The key drivers of income growth were the portfolio increase, foreign payment operations, account management, and bancassurance. Corporate banking At the end of 2024, the bank held a market share of 12.9%, driven by an increase in corporate gross loans of 19% YoY. Considering its strategic orientation, NLB Banka, Skopje kept supporting investments in renewable sources and projects aimed at increasing the corporate segment’s energy efficiency, modernisation, and automation. The bank grew its portfolio in the segment of long-term financing of highly creditworthy clients, securing a stable portfolio and revenue generation. The bank’s total outstanding balance in project financing was EUR 51.7 million and almost EUR 40 million outstanding loans were approved for investments in renewable sources, energy- efficient investments, and green buildings (according to the EBRD methodology for green buildings). NLB Banka, Skopje also supported many export-oriented companies by offering them services and products to help them adapt to emerging market conditions. In response to macroeconomic developments, corporate interest rates were aligned with market conditions throughout the year. EUR 67.8 million result a.t. 11% contribution to NLB Group’s result a.t. 15.9% market share by total assets 3 rd largest bank in the country ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 89 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB Banka, Banja Luka In 2024, the bank remained the second largest bank in the Republic of Srpska market, reaffirming its status as a leading retail bank with an increased market share of 23.0% (increased by 1 p.p. YoY). The predominant strength of the bank was its market position in the corporate and retail segments, as well as its solid deposit base. The bank received several "Golden BAM" awards for the highest ROE, ROA, and, for the second year in a row, the award for being the most innovative bank in the market of Bosnia and Herzegovina, along with its sister bank NLB Banka, Sarajevo. Further strengthening its commitment to innovation, the bank introduced Garmin Pay, expanding its range of digital payment solutions. EUR 29.5 million result a.t. 6% contribution to NLB Group’s result a.t. 2 nd largest bank in the Republic of Srpska 20.9% market share by total assets Financial and business performance Table 25: Key performance indicators of NLB Banka, Banja Luka (i) in EUR thousands 2024 2023 Change YoY Key performance indicators Net interest income 38,473 32,475 18% Net non-interest income 18,512 14,399 29% Total costs -23,228 -19,433 -20% Impairments and provisions -1,351 -763 -77% Result before tax 32,406 26,678 21% Result after tax 29,510 24,269 22% Financial position statement indicators Total assets 1,172,113 1,040,630 13% Net loans to customers 644,579 556,960 16% Gross loans to customers 664,344 575,960 15% Deposits from customers 927,972 840,115 10% Equity 130,314 107,270 21% Key financial indicators Total capital ratio 17.8% 15.9% 1.9 p.p. Net interest margin 3.6% 3.4% 0.3 p.p. ROE a.t. 24.9% 24.2% 0.7 p.p. ROA a.t. 2.7% 2.4% 0.3 p.p. CIR 40.8% 41.5% -0.7 p.p. NPL volume 7,445 5,543 34% NPL ratio (internal def.: NPL/Total loans) 0.8% 0.7% 0.1 p.p. Market share by total assets 20.9% 20.1% 0.7 p.p. LTD 69.5% 66.3% 3.2 p.p. (i) Data on a stand-alone basis as included in the Group’s consolidated financial statements. Retail banking Retail banking recorded strong double-digit YoY growth in gross loans (17%), while deposits grew by 12% YoY. Consumer loans increased by 20%, and housing loans increased by 15% YoY. The market share in retail loans rose by 1.0 p.p. YoY and reached 23.0%, while the market share in retail deposits was 25.9%. The key drivers of income growth were interest income and income from accounts and payments processing. The focus remained on the retail portfolio growth, particularly on introducing additional customer services, especially in digitalisation and bancassurance services. Corporate banking Corporate banking recorded YoY growth in gross loans (15%) by supporting local companies in short- and long- term projects and financing. Corporate deposits recorded YoY growth of 15%, enabling the bank’s organic growth. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 90 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB Banka, Sarajevo In 2024, the bank achieved 10% growth in total assets, surpassing EUR 1 billion for the first time, as well as strong profitability and a 12% growth in net profit. The predominant strength of the bank is seen in housing and consumer lending, which largely contribute to the high share of net non-interest income (32% of net fee and commission income in total net operating income). Additionally, the bank achieved 12% YoY growth in net interest income, driven by a substantial surge in loan volume. In 2024, the bank actively contributed to the country’s green financing initiatives and launched new digital products, including introducing Garmin Pay as the first bank in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It also gained significant visibility through various sponsorships and promotions; among other things, together with NLB Group, it donated EUR 1 million to flooded areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina and received "Golden BAM" for innovations for 2024. Furthermore, the bank’s President of the Management Board, Lidija Žigić, was honoured with the prestigious title of "Woman of the Year 2024" and "Ladies In Ambassador 2025." EUR 14.4 million result a.t. 3% contribution to NLB Group’s result a.t. 6 th largest bank in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina 6.0% market share by total assets Financial and business performance Table 26: Key performance indicators of NLB Banka, Sarajevo (i) in EUR thousands 2024 2023 Change YoY Key performance indicators Net interest income 28,436 25,490 12% Net non-interest income 13,093 11,203 17% Total costs -22,824 -19,877 -15% Impairments and provisions -3,304 -2,939 -12% Result before tax 15,401 13,877 11% Result after tax 14,384 12,819 12% Financial position statement indicators Total assets 1,005,053 917,233 10% Net loans to customers 633,666 575,560 10% Gross loans to customers 655,136 597,715 10% Deposits from customers 831,022 749,708 11% Equity 107,662 95,980 12% Key financial indicators Total capital ratio 16.9% 17.8% -0.9 p.p. Net interest margin 3.1% 3.0% 0.1 p.p. ROE a.t. 14.1% 13.6% 0.5 p.p. ROA a.t. 1.5% 1.5% 0.1 p.p. CIR 55.0% 54.2% 0.8 p.p. NPL volume 14,854 15,732 -6% NPL ratio (internal def.: NPL/Total loans) 1.7% 2.0% -0.3 p.p. Market share by total assets 6.0% (ii) 6.2% -0.1 p.p. LTD 76.3% 76.8% -0.5 p.p. (i) Data on a standalone basis as included in the consolidated financial statements of the Group. (ii) Market share as at 30 September 2024. Retail banking Retail banking recorded YoY growth in gross loans, reaching 12%, propelled by the expansion of housing and consumer loans, which continued to increase market share. Housing loans experienced a YoY increase of 26%, while the consumer loans portfolio grew by 9% YoY, attributed to heightened demand, various campaigns, and increased employee engagement. In 2024, the focus was on retail portfolio growth, client acquisition, digital transformation, cash transition, and the introduction of new innovative services to clients. Retail deposits reached a YoY growth of 13%, which supported the bank’s organic growth. Corporate banking The corporate banking segment achieved YoY growth in gross loans, reaching 4%, while corporate deposits had substantial YoY growth of 11%. The focus was on continuously acquiring new creditworthy clients for loan growth. A positive trend was observed in the growth of the new clients and the volume of the guarantees portfolio. Additionally, the volume of green lending increased, positioning the bank for greater involvement in renewable energy financing. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 91 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB Banka, Prishtina In 2024, the bank ranked second in profitability, increasing its net profit by 3%. It was also the second- largest bank in Kosovo, increasing its total assets by 16% YoY. The bank’s predominant strength has been providing a full spectrum of financial services to both retail and corporate clients, while also leading the market in innovations within the local banking sector. Net interest income grew by 9% YoY, mainly due to increased lending activities and optimising investments in securities and the balance sheet. In 2024, the bank was the first to introduce an end-to-end mobile solution for retail lending. Strengthening its commitment to digital innovation, the bank also introduced Google Pay and Garmin Pay, expanding its range of contactless payment options. The bank received several prestigious awards from the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce awards for "Employer of the Year 2024" and "Taxpayer of the Year 2024," and from SOS Village for "The Friend of Children for 2024." The bank was also recognised by the EBRD with the "Most Active Local Bank in Using TFP Line" award for several consecutive years. EUR 37.0 million result a.t. 6% contribution to NLB Group’s result a.t. 2 nd largest bank in the country 17.0% market share by total assets Financial and business performance Table 27: Key performance indicators of NLB Banka, Prishtina (i) in EUR thousands 2024 2023 Change YoY Key performance indicators Net interest income 51,444 47,165 9% Net non-interest income 8,164 8,017 2% Total costs -17,562 -15,995 -10% Impairments and provisions -1,094 776 - Result before tax 40,952 39,963 2% Result after tax 37,028 35,968 3% Financial position statement indicators Total assets 1,426,862 1,229,757 16% Net loans to customers 996,781 831,333 20% Gross loans to customers 1,028,521 866,730 19% Deposits from customers 1,138,254 1,008,261 13% Equity 173,827 149,669 16% Key financial indicators Total capital ratio 18.1% 15.8% 2.3 p.p. Net interest margin 4.1% 4.2% -0.1 p.p. ROE a.t. 23.8% 27.3% -3.4 p.p. ROA a.t. 2.9% 3.2% -0.3 p.p. CIR 29.5% 29.0% 0.5 p.p. NPL volume 17,044 16,234 5% NPL ratio (internal def.: NPL/Total loans) 1.4% 1.6% -0.2 p.p. Market share by total assets 17.0% 16.9% 0.1 p.p. LTD 87.6% 82.5% 5.1 p.p. (i) Data on a stand-alone basis as included in the Group’s consolidated financial statements. Retail banking In 2024, the bank achieved YoY growth of 29% in gross loans and 14% in deposits. The growth in retail was predominately fuelled by heightened loan demand and a further rise in the general consumption pattern. This, in turn, has resulted in an inflation-driven increase in real estate prices. The growth in housing loans reached 23%, and consumer loans showed a significant 40% YoY increase. Digital penetration as a share of active users in total increased from 23% to 30% YoY. In 2024, the bank was the first on the market to introduce an end-to-end mobile solution for retail lending. In addition, the bank has signed several partnership agreements with construction and trade companies to finance their products and boost the performance committed by the sales department. Corporate banking Corporate banking recorded YoY growth of 12% in gross loans, mainly driven by the disruption of the normal supply chain (external factors) and the cross-selling of products to existing corporate clients who mainly targeted new retail and SME clients. The optimisation of the bank’s liquidity structure was highlighted by a 15% YoY deposits increase. The key drivers of income growth were working capital loans, credit lines, and overdrafts. Cooperation on the Group level resulted in financing the construction of a major locally recognised project that contributed largely to clean energy production from renewable sources. Digital penetration as a share of active users in total increased from 76% to 90% YoY. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 92 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB Banka, Podgorica In 2024, the bank ranked third among 11 banks in the market and was identified as a systemically important bank. The predominant strength of the bank lies in housing and consumer lending, making it an important player in the local market. After being declared the Best Bank in Montenegro for the third consecutive year and the " Best Bank for Real Estate " by the respected financial magazine " Euromoney, " NLB Banka Podgorica received further international recognition at year’s end. The prestigious financial magazine " The Banker " declared NLB Banka, Podgorica, the " Bank of the Year " for 2024. The bank expanded its payment services by introducing Apple Pay and Garmin Pay. In the last quarter of 2024, the bank became the first bank in Montenegro to introduce the new ISO 20022 standard for cross-border payments. The introduction of the new standard is a prerequisite for the bank’s connection to the SEPA Credit Transfer scheme planned for 2025. EUR 27.7 million result a.t. 5% contribution to NLB Group’s result a.t. 3 rd largest bank in the country 14.3% market share by total assets Financial and business performance Table 28: Key performance indicators of NLB Banka, Podgorica (i) in EUR thousands 2024 2023 Change YoY Key performance indicators Net interest income 45,987 40,335 14% Net non-interest income 9,203 8,955 3% Total costs -24,069 -20,418 -18% Impairments and provisions 1,501 3,238 -54% Result before tax 32,622 32,110 2% Result after tax 27,714 26,658 4% Financial position statement indicators Total assets 1,034,523 971,149 7% Net loans to customers 669,999 584,526 15% Gross loans to customers 686,730 603,349 14% Deposits from customers 846,589 798,018 6% Equity 119,729 120,390 -1% Key financial indicators Total capital ratio 18.6% 19.2% -0.6 p.p. Net interest margin 5.1% 4.8% 0.3 p.p. ROE a.t. 22.1% 22.9% -0.8 p.p. ROA a.t. 2.8% 2.9% -0.1 p.p. CIR 43.6% 41.4% 2.2 p.p. NPL volume 17,897 24,140 -26% NPL ratio (internal def.: NPL/Total loans) 2.1% 3.2% -1.1 p.p. Market share by total assets 14.3% 14.4% -0.1 p.p. LTD 79.1% 73.2% 5.9 p.p. (i) Data on a standalone basis as included in the consolidated financial statements of the Group. Retail banking The retail segment recorded 16% YoY growth in gross loans and 7% in deposits. Over half of the retail portfolio consists of consumer loans, while the remainder is allocated to housing loans. The growth in gross loans was recorded by the increase in consumer loan volume by 20% YoY and housing loans by 13% YoY. Consumer loan growth was affected by timely organised and well- executed consumer loan campaigns following increased pensions at the beginning of 2024 and later tax reform through the new programme Europa 2. In 2024, the focus was on retail consumer portfolio growth, with particular emphasis on introducing additional services for customers, especially in digitalisation. Corporate banking The corporate banking segment recorded YoY growth in gross loans of 14% and 3% in deposits. The loan portfolio predominantly consisted of large corporates, which increased by 22% YoY. By improving the existing portfolio quality, the new production of EUR 66.7 million was recorded in all large corporates and SME segments. In cooperation with the EU, the bank and EBRD signed a contract worth EUR 3 million to contribute to developing the SME sector in Montenegro. The funds are provided within the SME Go Green programme, which the EU finances through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF). ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 93 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Leasing operations Leasing is one of the strategic pillars of the NLB Group’s operations. Leasing services address customer needs, which is why NLB Group decided to gradually expand this activity, first by entering the Slovenian market with NLB Lease&Go, leasing, Ljubljana in the spring of 2020, and then by establishing two new leasing companies in 2022 in North Macedonia and Serbia, and recently by acquiring SLS HOLDCO, Ljubljana, the parent company of Summit Leasing Slovenija, Ljubljana (SLS) and its Croatian subsidiary Mobil Leasing, Zagreb (MBL) in September 2024. The leasing services offered by the members of the NLB Group complement the banks’ lending and enable individuals and legal entities to choose the option that best suits their needs, situation, and wishes. Leasing will become an important part of the Group. The plan is that through organic growth, it would contribute more than EUR 2 billion to the total balance sheet of the NLB Group by 2030. NLB Lease&Go, leasing, Ljubljana NLB Lease&Go, leasing, Ljubljana is one of the leasing companies in the Slovenian vehicle leasing market, with EUR 349.0 million in total assets, and an 11.2% market share 11 as at 31 December 2024. NLB Lease&Go, leasing, Ljubljana offers services for finance leases and operative leases on movable property, including financing personal and commercial vehicles, production and other equipment, vessels, and more. As at 31 December 2024, the NLB Lease&Go, leasing, Ljubljana gross credit portfolio contribution to the Group amounted to EUR 319.8 million. The portfolio’s structure of EUR 132.7 million (i.e., 41% of the total) refers to individuals and the rest to corporate. Table 29: Key performance indicators of NLB Lease&Go, leasing, Ljubljana (i) in EUR thousands 2024 2023 Change YoY Key performance indicators Net interest income 8,847 6,464 37% Net non-interest income 1,888 4,424 -57% Total costs -8,901 -7,757 -15% Impairments and provisions -764 -538 -42% Result before tax 1,070 2,593 -59% Result after tax 3,251 1,664 95% Financial position statement indicators Total assets 348,958 283,012 23% Net loans to customers 318,458 256,531 24% Gross loans to customers 319,776 257,509 24% Equity 29,551 21,251 39% Key financial indicators ROE a.t. 13.4% 8.1% 5.3 p.p. ROA a.t. 1.0% 0.7% 0.4 p.p. CIR 82.9% 71.2% 11.7 p.p. NPL volume 2,371 1,148 107% NPL ratio (internal def.: NPL/Total loans) 0.7% 0.4% 0.3 p.p. Market share of leasing portfolio 11.2% 9.7% 1.6 p.p. (i) Data on a standalone basis as included in the consolidated financial statements of the Group. 11 Market share of leasing portfolio. Change in methodology: as of 31 December 2024, the leasing portfolio in banks is no longer included in the calculation. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 94 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Summit Leasing Slovenija, Ljubljana With the signing of the Shares Purchase Agreement on 30 November 2023 and closing the transaction on 11 September 2024, NLB became the sole shareholder of SLS HOLDCO, Ljubljana, the parent company of Summit Leasing Slovenija, Ljubljana (SLS) and its Croatian subsidiary Mobil Leasing, Zagreb (MBL), together forming the SLS Group. Completing the transaction is another step in transforming NLB Group into one of the regional champions. With this transaction, NLB re-entered the Croatian market, thus becoming the only financial institution in the region that offers at least one form of financing in all markets of the former common country. In the Croatian market, where Summit Leasing Slovenija operates through its subsidiary Mobil Leasing, Zagreb, we plan to gradually strengthen our presence. Summit Leasing Slovenija, Ljubljana, is an undisputed leader in the Slovenian vehicle leasing market, with EUR 926.2 million in total assets, and with a 27.9% market share 12 as at 31 December 2024. The company is the leading leasing provider for new and used passenger cars, and a provider of point-of-sale consumer credit. As at 31 December 2024, the Summit Leasing Slovenija, Ljubljana gross credit portfolio contribution to the Group amounted to EUR 867.4 million, of which EUR 560.6 million (i.e., 65% of the total) relates to individuals. The vast majority of the remaining part belongs to corporate. By 31 December 2024, Summit Leasing Slovenija, Ljubljana had generated a result before impairments and provisions of EUR 2.3 million. The merged entity’s pro-forma market share 13 as at 31 December 2024 is 39.1% (considering the envisaged integration with NLB Lease&Go, leasing, Ljubljana), positioning the NLB Group as the market leader in the Slovenian leasing market. 12 Market share of leasing portfolio. Change in methodology: as of 31 December 2024, the leasing portfolio in banks is no longer included in the calculation. 13 Market share of leasing portfolio. Change in methodology: as of 31 December 2024, the leasing portfolio in banks is no longer included in the calculation. Table 30: Key performance indicators of NLB Summit Leasing Slovenija, Ljubljana in EUR thousands Sep - Dec 2024 (i) Jan - Dec 2024 (ii) Key performance indicators Net interest income 9,793 16,245 Net non-interest income 3,086 9,757 Total costs -8,975 -23,708 Impairments and provisions -5,223 -2,266 Result before tax -1,319 28 Result after tax -1,009 3 Financial position statement indicators 31 Dec 2024 (ii) 31 Dec 2024 (ii) Total assets 920,336 926,217 Net loans to customers 845,181 852,721 Gross loans to customers 851,008 867,360 Equity 102,906 108,787 Key financial indicators CIR 69.7% 91.2% NPL volume 25,092 NPL ratio (internal def.: NPL/Total loans) 2.9% Market share of leasing portfolio 27.9% (i) Data on a standalone basis as included in the consolidated financial statements of the Group. Due to acquisition of NLB Summit Leasing Slovenija, Ljubljana in September 2024 data for 2024 are for the period September-December 2024. (ii) Data in local financial statements. Key performance indicators for full-year 2024. After the takeover of Summit Leasing Slovenija, Ljubljana, governance activities of the NLB Group were ensured (new governance rules, along with the appointment of the Supervisory and Management Boards changes). The harmonisation of both acquired entities (SLS and MBL) with NLB Group standards is ongoing. The merger of the Slovenian leasing entities (NLB Lease&Go, leasing, Ljubljana and SLS) is planned for June/July 2025. NLB’s current focus is on managing a seamless merger process to ensure a smooth transition, retaining operational efficiency, and ensuring harmonisation with the NLB Group. The key focus remains on clients and their needs, employees, the dealer network, and all related stakeholders. In 2025, the contribution to profit before tax of the joint entity is expected to be around EUR 20 million and grow further to exceed EUR 30 million p.a. by 2027. It includes a positive impact of EUR 3–5 million p.a. from cost synergies with an expected full run-rate for 2026 onward. NLB Group’s result in 2025 will be further strengthened on the consolidated level with EUR 8 million in additional funding synergies. These funding synergies will further increase with the growth of the leasing business in the coming years. The planned integration costs are EUR 8–9 million. The realisation of cost synergies, funding synergies and business activation, together with a strict cost agenda, should bring the CIR of the joint entity to levels below 40% in 2026. 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 95 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Asset management operations NLB Skladi, Ljubljana NLB Skladi, Ljubljana, Slovenia’s largest mutual fund management company, maintains a high market share of 40.7% and is the largest asset management company by total assets under management. The company delivered strong results in 2024, with net inflows into the NLB Skladi Umbrella fund amounting to EUR 286 million and gaining a market share of 55% in net sales on the Slovenian market. The total assets under management grew by 29% YoY to EUR 3,048.6 million, of which EUR 2,544.8 million consisted of mutual funds and EUR 503.8 million in the discretionary portfolio. In 2024, the company surpassed an important milestone of EUR 3 billion of total assets under management. NLB Skladi, Ljubljana plays a pivotal role in the NLB Group’s strategic activities, forming a cornerstone of the Group’s comprehensive business portfolio. The company offers a wide range of mutual funds and discretionary portfolio management services and, with regulatory approval from the Securities Market Agency (ATVP) in Slovenia on 5 July 2024, has ventured into managing alternative investment funds. By providing highly personalised asset management services, NLB Skladi, Ljubljana, delivers innovative and tailored investment solutions that align with its clients’ unique financial objectives. With over 20 years of experience, NLB Skladi, Ljubljana, has solidified its leadership position in Slovenia’s asset management market. As of 31 December 2024, the company holds an impressive 40.7% market share by AuM, underscoring its dominance and commitment to excellence in the sector. In April 2024, NLB Skladi, Ljubljana, was honoured with eight prestigious awards at the annual " Moje finance " event, recognising the top- performing mutual funds. NLB Skladi, Ljubljana, has been named the " Best Asset Management Company for the Three-Year Period " and " Best Asset Management Company for the Ten-Year Period. " Regionally, NLB Skladi, Ljubljana, continues its growth through strategic acquisitions, further enhancing its presence in the SEE region. On 23 May 2024, the company entered the North Macedonian asset management market by acquiring Generali Investments, Skopje, and in August 2024 renamed it to NLB Fondovi, Skopje. To consolidate the ownership of the asset management companies within the NLB Group under the umbrella of NLB Skladi, Ljubljana, the ownership of the Serbian asset management company KomBank Invest, Beograd was transferred from NLB Komercijalna Banka, Beograd, to NLB Skladi, Ljubljana on 19 September 2024. In October 2024, it was renamed to NLB Fondovi, Beograd. These acquisitions represent more than an expansion of NLB Skladi’s asset management capabilities. They are key milestones in building a fully integrated financial ecosystem that leverages the strength of NLB Group’s presence in the region and ensures that cross-selling opportunities between the Group’s banking and asset management services meet the evolving needs of local investors. Table 31: Key performance indicators of NLB Skladi, Ljubljana (i) in EUR thousands 2024 2023 Change YoY Key performance indicators Net interest income 2 31 -94% Net non-interest income 24,858 19,141 30% Total costs -9,283 -7,453 -25% Impairments and provisions 0 0 - Result before tax 15,577 11,719 33% Result after tax 12,113 9,498 28% Financial position statement indicators Total assets 29,761 18,525 61% Equity 22,971 13,707 68% Key financial indicators ROE a.t. 68.0% 81.0% -12.9 p.p. ROA a.t. 52.9% 60.3% -7.4 p.p. CIR 37.3% 38.9% -1.5 p.p. Market share by assets under management 40.7% 39.6% 1.1 p.p. Total assets under management 3,048,581 2,359,847 29% (i) Data on a standalone basis as included in the consolidated financial statements of the Group. NLB Fondovi, Skopje Since the end of May 2024, NLB Group has been enriched with a new member in the field of asset management. After obtaining all relevant approvals, NLB Skladi, Ljubljana, acquired Generali Investments, Skopje, on 23 May 2024 and rebranded the company to NLB Fondovi, Skopje, on 7 August 2024. NLB Fondovi, Skopje, is the third-largest asset manager in the North Macedonian market, holds an 18.8% market share. The company manages EUR 66.4 million in assets in different investment funds and portfolios. Net inflows in investment funds amounted to EUR 11.7 million, highlighting steady growth. NLB Fondovi, Beograd On 6 May 2024, NLB Skladi, Ljubljana, signed a Shares Purchase Agreement with NLB Komercijalna Banka, Beograd, to acquire a 100% stake in KomBank Invest, Beograd. Following all relevant approvals, the transaction was successfully completed on 19 September 2024. On 10 October 2024, KomBank Invest, Beograd was rebranded to NLB Fondovi, Beograd. The company manages EUR 58 million of assets in different investment funds and holds a 3.5% market share. The company recorded in 2024 net inflows in investment funds of EUR 9.6 million, reflecting promising investor confidence and market expansion. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 96 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Risk Management The self-funded model, strong liquidity, and solid capital position continued in 2024, demonstrating the Group’s financial resilience. Efficient management of risks and capital is crucial for the Group to sustain long-term profitable operations. A robust Risk Management framework is comprehensively integrated into the Group’s decision-making, steering, and mitigation processes, and it aims to support its business operations proactively. The Group contributes to sustainable finance by incorporating environmental, social, and governance risks into its business strategies, risk management framework, and internal governance arrangements. The Group has a well-diversified business model. Under its strategic orientations, it intends to be sustainably profitable, predominantly working with clients on its core markets, providing innovative but simple customer- oriented solutions, and actively contributing to a sustainable, more balanced, and inclusive economic and social system. Efficient management of risks and capital is crucial for the Group to sustain long-term operations. Risk Management in the Group manages, assesses, and monitors risks within the Bank as the main entity in Slovenia and the competence centre for banking and leasing subsidiaries. Figure 56: Risk profile of NLB Group as at 31 December 2024 Based on the Group’s business strategy, credit risk is the dominant risk category, followed by credit spread, interest rate risk in the banking book, and operational risk. Credit risk management focuses on moderate risk-taking, striving to assure a diversified credit portfolio, adequate credit portfolio quality, the sustainable cost of risk, and optimal returns considering the risks assumed. The Group has limited exposure to the other aforementioned risks, while market and other non-financial risks are less important from a materiality perspective. The Group integrates and manages ESG risks within the existing types of risks, such as credit, liquidity, market, and operational risk, as part of its risk management framework. These risks are estimated as low, except for transition risk in the area of credit, which is assessed as low to medium. Liquidity risk tolerance is low. The Group must always maintain an appropriate level of liquidity and pursue a proper structure of financing sources. Table 32: NLB Group’s Key Risk Appetite Indicators (KRIs) KRIs 31 Dec 2024 Total capital ratio 18.7% CET1 ratio 15.3% LCR 197.2% NSFR 167.6% Cost of risk 14 bps NPL ratio (EBA definition) 2.0% NPE (EBA definition) 1.1% Interest rate risk (EVE) 5.0% Lending growth, which was modest in the previous year due to increasing interest rate trends, peaked in 2024. During 2024, the Group’s credit portfolio remained of high-quality and well-diversified, with a stable rating structure and low level of NPL. There was no large concentration in any particular industry sector. The latter is particularly important as geopolitical tensions, the green transition, and other macro developments could materially impact specific industry sectors. The Group closely monitored the macroeconomic and geopolitical circumstances, remaining very prudent in identifying any increase in credit risk at a very early stage and being proactive in NPL management. Furthermore, unfavourable trends in the German automotive industry did not have a significant impact on Slovenian export-oriented industry. Nevertheless, the Bank downgraded some clients in the "Manufacturing of 1.1% low level of NPE (EBA def.) 2.7% 2.4% 10.6% 8.8% 5.0% 3.4% 67.1% Credit risk Concentration risk Credit spread risk Interest rate risk in banking book Operational risk Market risk Business, Strategic and Other risks ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 97 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report basic metals" sub-industry to stage 2 and formed additional impairments. Despite this, the cost of risk remained relatively low, at 14 bps. The established impairments derive from portfolio development, new financing, and any portfolio deterioration. In contrast, the successful collection of previously written-off receivables and changes in risk parameters contributed positively to a low total net impact. The Group remained well capitalised and well above the risk appetite at both the Group and banking member levels. The Group’s liquidity position also remained strong, with liquidity indicators well above the regulatory requirements, indicating a low tolerance for liquidity risk. Significant attention was given to the structure and concentration of liquidity reserves while at the same time considering the potential adverse negative market movements. Investment activity continued with a balanced approach, focusing on identifying attractive market opportunities while managing credit spreads, interest rate risk, and capital consumption effectively. Interest rate risk exposure remained moderate and stayed well within the risk appetite tolerance. As a systemically important institution, the Group participates in the EBA EU-wide and ECB SSM Stress Test exercise. This EU-wide stress test is designed to assess the resilience of the European banking sector in the current uncertain and evolving macroeconomic environment, namely the aggravation of geopolitical tensions, which could lead to a significant decline in GDP. The results are expected to be published in early August 2025. In addition, in 2024, the Group participated in two ECB Stress test exercises: the 2024 EBA Fit-for-55 climate risk scenario analysis and the 2024 ECB Cyber Resilience Stress Test Exercise. These exercises allowed the ECB to assess how banks are prepared to handle with financial and economic shocks related to climate and cyber risk. Risk Management and control are carried out through a clear organisational structure with defined roles and responsibilities. The organisation and delineation of competencies are designed to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure a transparent and documented decision-making process subject to an appropriate upward and downward flow of information. Competence line Risk Management in NLB is, by encompassing several professional areas, responsible for: • formulating and controlling the Group’s Risk Management policies, • setting limits, • overseeing the harmonisation, • regular monitoring of risk exposures and limits based on centralised reporting on a Group level. The Group greatly emphasises the risk culture and awareness across the entire Group. The Group’s Risk Management framework is forward-looking and tailored to its business model and corresponding risk profile. The main risk principles and limits are defined by the Group’s Risk Appetite and Risk Strategy, which are designed in accordance with its business strategy. The Group regularly conducts risk identification as part of the ICAAP and ILAAP frameworks. All topical risks in this process, including ESG-related ones, are comprehensively assessed, monitored, and mitigated where necessary. Particular attention is given to integrating risk analysis into the decision-making process at both strategic and operating levels, ensuring diversification to avoid large concentrations, optimising capital usage and allocation, setting appropriate risk- adjusted pricing, and ensuring overall compliance with internal rules and regulations. To adequately manage ICT risks and ensure compliance with the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) requirements, a dedicated second line of defence has been established within the risk management function and ICT risk management framework. Risk Management focuses on managing and mitigating risks in line with the Group’s Risk Appetite and Risk Strategy, which form the foundation of the Group’s Risk Management framework. Within these frameworks, the Group monitors a range of risk metrics to ensure its risk profile remains consistent with its Risk Appetite. In addition, the Group is constantly enhancing its Risk Management system, where consistent integration of ICAAP, ILAAP, the Recovery plan, and other internal stress-testing capabilities into the Risk Management system is essential. Moreover, the Group emphasises their integration into the overall Risk Management system to assure proactive support for informed decision-making. 14 bps cost of risk on the Group level Proactive Risk Management in 2024 As a systemically important bank, the Bank is part of the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM). Supervision falls under the jurisdiction of the Joint Supervisory Team (JST) of: The Group adheres to ECB regulations, with its subsidiaries operating outside Slovenia complying with the rules set by the local regulators. Third- party equivalents are approved in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia, aligning local regulations with CRR rules. Across the Group, risks are assessed, monitored, managed, or mitigated in a uniformed manner, as outlined in the Group’s Risk Management Standards, while also considering the specifics of the markets in which individual Group members operate. ECB BoS 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 98 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report The uniform stress-testing programme, which includes internally developed models, stress scenarios, and sensitivity analysis, is regularly revised and complemented. The Group has established an internal ESG stress-testing framework to identify the most relevant financial vulnerabilities stemming from climate risk, which is continuously enhanced by incorporating available ESG-related data. This comprehensive stress-testing framework undergoes a regular internal validation cycle, and is supported by a robust validation framework. The Group ensures strict controls over the applied and selected risk approaches and internal models. The business and operating environment relevant to the Group’s operations is evolving, driven by trends such as sustainability, social responsibility, governance, changing customer behaviour, emerging new technologies, and competitors. These trends are actively contributing to a more sustainable, balanced, and inclusive economic and social system, alongside increasing new regulatory requirements. It should be noted that Risk Management is continuously adapting to identify and address new potential emerging risks. Figure 57: NLB Group’s Risk Management Framework Business strategy ICAAP & ILAAP inputs Risk identification Risk Appetite / Risk strategy (Limit system) Capital and Financial planning Results Recovery plan Assessment of liquidity and capital (significant deterioration) ILAAP • Economic and normative assessment of liquidity • Stress tests • Liquidity contingency plan (LCP) ICAAP • Economic and normative assessment of capital • Stress tests ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 99 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Proactive Risk Management in 2024 A prudent capital-level position and attainment of interim MREL targets One of the key objectives of Risk Management is to maintain a prudent capital position for the Group. The Group monitors its capital position at both the Group and individual subsidiary bank levels in accordance with its Risk Appetite. It also incorporates normative and economic perspectives as part of the established ICAAP process. As at 31 December 2024, the Group maintained a solid capital position and TCR of 18.7% (1.5 p.p. YoY decrease). The CET1 ratio, representing the highest quality capital, stood at 15.3% (1.1 p.p. YoY decrease). Capital is higher mainly due to the partial inclusion of the 2024 profit (EUR 257.3 million) and revaluation adjustments (EUR 56.5 million). An increase in RWA in NLB Group for credit risk primarily relates to the ramping up lending activity across all NLB Group banks and the contribution from the acquired SLS Group. The growth in RWA was partially mitigated by CRR- eligible real estate collaterals. The increase in RWAs for market risks and Credit Valuation Adjustments (CVA) is largely due to higher RWA for FX risk. The rise in RWA for operational risks mainly derives from the higher net interests and net fee and commission income, which led to an increased three-year average of relevant income. As at 31 December 2024, the Group meets all fully loaded regulatory requirements. Moreover, the regular ECB SREP assessment resulted in a stable P2R, remaining at 2.12%, while Pillar 2 Guidance remains at a low level of 1%. The MREL requirement forms part of the Group’s risk appetite, whereby its fulfilment is regularly analysed and monitored. NLB complies with all interim targets. More information on MREL is available in the chapter Funding Strategy, MREL Compliance, and Capital . Maintaining a solid liquidity position and structure Maintaining a solid liquidity position and structure is another key risk objective. The liquidity position remained stable and strong at the Group and individual subsidiary bank levels. The Group’s LCR decreased to 197.2% (down 48.5 p.p. YoY), remaining well above the risk appetite limit. The level of the unencumbered eligible liquid reserves remained high, representing 33.2% of total assets. The Group holds sufficient liquidity reserves in the form of placements with the ECB, prime debt securities, and money market placements. The Group’s core funding base predominately consists of retail customer deposits, which are very stable and consistently growing. The LTD ratio increased to 73.7% from 66.2% at the end of 2023, though it remains at a very comfortable level. Figure 58: NLB Group’s Pillar 2 Requirement evolution 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 3.50% 3.25% 2.75% 2.75% 2.60% 2.40% 2.12% ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 100 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Maintaining adequate credit portfolio quality Maintaining an adequate credit portfolio quality is the most important goal, focusing on cautious risk-taking and the quality of new loans, and leading to a diversified portfolio of customers. The Group constantly develops a wide range of advanced approaches in the credit risk assessment segment, in line with best banking practices, to further enhance the existing risk management tools while enabling faster customer responsiveness. The restructuring approach in the Group is focused on the early detection of clients facing potential financial difficulties and their proactive management. The Group actively supports the SEE markets by financing both existing and new creditworthy clients. The Group’s lending strategy focuses on its core retail and SME markets and selected corporate business activities within the region and the EU. In the Slovenian market, the focus is on providing tailored solutions for retail, medium-sized companies, and small enterprises. In the corporate segment, the Bank has established partnerships with selected corporate clients through different types of lending or investment instruments. All other banking members in the SEE region where the Group operates are universal banks, mainly focused on retail, medium-sized companies, and small enterprise segments. Their primary goal is to provide comprehensive services to clients while adhering to prudent risk management principles. In addition, with the acquisition of the SLS Group, the Group strengthened its leasing position in the Slovenian market and entered the Croatian market. Figure 59: NLB Group structure of the corporate and retail credit portfolio (gross loans) by segment and geography (in EUR millions) (i) The largest part represents EU members. 27% 26% 19% 28% Retail consummer 4,213 SME 4,633 Retail hosing 4,522 Corporates 3,138 EUR 16.5 billion SME Corporate Retail/Housing Retail/Consumer 3,649 2,897 3,932 2,812 3,764 2,865 4,105 3,131 4,368 3,101 4,522 3,642 4,633 3,138 4,522 4,213 31 Dec 2022 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 w/o SLS Group 31 Dec 2024 Slovenia BiH N. Macedonia Montenegro Kosovo Serbia Other (i) 50% 48% 49% 8% 9% 8% 9% 9% 9% 4% 5% 4% 6% 7% 6% 20% 1% 21% 2% 20% 3% 31 Dec 2022 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 N. Macedonia 1,468 Montenegro 706 Kosovo 1,067 Serbia 3,375 Slovenia 8,026 BiH 1,350 Other (i) 514 EUR 16.5 billion ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiIHN0YW5kYWxvbmU9Im5vIj8+CjwhRE9DVFlQRSBzdmcgUFVCTElDICItLy9XM0MvL0RURCBTVkcgMS4xLy9FTiIKImh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnL0dyYXBoaWNzL1NWRy8xLjEvRFREL3N2ZzExLmR0ZCI+Cjxzdmcgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDE4MTggMTI4NiIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIj4KPGRlZnM+CjxzdHlsZSB0eXBlPSJ0ZXh0L2NzcyI+PCFbQ0RBVEFbCi5nMF8xMDF7CmZpbGw6ICMyMzAwNzg7Cn0KLmcxXzEwMXsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjMjMwMDc4OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDMuMDU1OwpzdHJva2UtbGluZWNhcDogcm91bmQ7CnN0cm9rZS1saW5lam9pbjogcm91bmQ7Cn0KLmcyXzEwMXsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjQTdBOEFBOwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDAuMzgxOwpzdHJva2UtbWl0ZXJsaW1pdDogMTA7Cn0KLmczXzEwMXsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjMjMwMDc4OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDMuMDU1OwpzdHJva2UtbWl0ZXJsaW1pdDogMTA7Cn0KLmc0XzEwMXsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjMjMwMDc4OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDAuNzYzOwpzdHJva2UtbWl0ZXJsaW1pdDogMTA7Cn0KXV0+PC9zdHlsZT4KPC9kZWZzPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTUwMC42LDExMy43YzM3LjcsMCw2OC4yLC0zMC42LDY4LjIsLTY4LjJjMCwtMzcuNywtMzAuNSwtNjguMSwtNjguMiwtNjguMWMtMzcuNywwLC02OC4yLDMwLjQsLTY4LjIsNjguMWMwLDM3LjYsMzAuNSw2OC4yLDY4LjIsNjguMloiIGNsYXNzPSJnMF8xMDEiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTE1MDAuNiwxMzk5LjljMzcuNywwLDY4LjIsLTMwLjUsNjguMiwtNjguMmMwLC0zNy43LC0zMC41LC02OC4yLC02OC4yLC02OC4yYy0zNy43LDAsLTY4LjIsMzAuNSwtNjguMiw2OC4yYzAsMzcuNywzMC41LDY4LjIsNjguMiw2OC4yWiIgY2xhc3M9ImcwXzEwMSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTYwNi44LDExNjMuMmwtMTMuNywxMC43djE2LjhjMCwuOCwuMywxLjYsLjksMi4yYy41LC41LDEuMywuOCwyLjEsLjhoMjEuNGMuOCwwLDEuNiwtLjMsMi4yLC0uOGMuNSwtLjYsLjksLTEuNCwuOSwtMi4ydi0xNi44bC0xMy44LC0xMC43Wm0tNC42LDMwLjV2LTE1LjJoOS4ydjE1LjJtLTEwLjcsLTEyNS44bC03LjYsLTcuN2w3LjYsLTcuNm0xMC43LDE1LjNsLTcuNiwtNy43bDcuNiwtNy42bTM3LjgsMTUuM2w3LjcsLTcuN2wtNy43LC03LjZtLTEwLjcsMTUuM2w3LjcsLTcuN2wtNy43LC03LjYiIGNsYXNzPSJnMV8xMDEiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksNDIxLjRINTQ1LjdtMCwwSDY0OG0wLDBINzUwLjNtMCwwSDg1Mi42bTAsMEg5NTQuOW0tODY0LDIxLjdINTQ1LjdtMCwwSDY0OG0wLDBINzUwLjNtMCwwSDg1Mi42bTAsMEg5NTQuOW0tODY0LDIxLjhINTQ1LjdtMCwwSDY0OG0wLDBINzUwLjNtMCwwSDg1Mi42bTAsMEg5NTQuOW0tODY0LDIxLjdINTQ1LjdtMCwwSDY0OG0wLDBINzUwLjNtMCwwSDg1Mi42bTAsMEg5NTQuOW0tODY0LDIxLjdINTQ1LjdtMCwwSDY0OG0wLDBINzUwLjNtMCwwSDg1Mi42bTAsMEg5NTQuOU05MC45LDUzMEg1NDUuN20wLDBINjQ4bTAsMEg3NTAuM20wLDBIODUyLjZtMCwwSDk1NC45bS04NjQsMjEuOEg1NDUuN20wLDBINjQ4bTAsMEg3NTAuM20wLDBIODUyLjZtMCwwSDk1NC45bS04NjQsMjEuN0g1NDUuN20wLDBINjQ4bTAsMEg3NTAuM20wLDBIODUyLjZtMCwwSDk1NC45bS04NjQsMjEuN0g1NDUuN20wLDBINjQ4bTAsMEg3NTAuM20wLDBIODUyLjZtMCwwSDk1NC45bS04NjQsMjEuN0g1NDUuN20wLDBINjQ4bTAsMEg3NTAuM20wLDBIODUyLjZtMCwwSDk1NC45bS04NjQsMjEuOEg1NDUuN20wLDBINjQ4bTAsMEg3NTAuM20wLDBIODUyLjZtMCwwSDk1NC45bS04NjQsMjEuN0g1NDUuN20wLDBINjQ4bTAsMEg3NTAuM20wLDBIODUyLjZtMCwwSDk1NC45bS04NjQsMjEuN0g1NDUuN20wLDBINjQ4bTAsMEg3NTAuM20wLDBIODUyLjZtMCwwSDk1NC45bS04NjQsMjEuN0g1NDUuN20wLDBINjQ4bTAsMEg3NTAuM20wLDBIODUyLjZtMCwwSDk1NC45bS04NjQsMjEuOEg1NDUuN20wLDBINjQ4bTAsMEg3NTAuM20wLDBIODUyLjZtMCwwSDk1NC45bS04NjQsMjEuN0g1NDUuN20wLDBINjQ4bTAsMEg3NTAuM20wLDBIODUyLjZtMCwwSDk1NC45TTkwLjksNzY5SDU0NS43bTAsMEg2NDhtMCwwSDc1MC4zbTAsMEg4NTIuNm0wLDBIOTU0LjltLTg2NCwyMS43SDU0NS43bTAsMEg2NDhtMCwwSDc1MC4zbTAsMEg4NTIuNm0wLDBIOTU0LjltLTg2NCwyMS43SDU0NS43bTAsMEg2NDhtMCwwSDc1MC4zbTAsMEg4NTIuNm0wLDBIOTU0LjltLTg2NCwyMS44SDU0NS43bTAsMEg2NDhtMCwwSDc1MC4zbTAsMEg4NTIuNm0wLDBIOTU0LjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnMl8xMDEiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksMzk5LjdINTQ1LjdtMCwwSDY0OG0wLDBINzUwLjNtMCwwSDg1Mi42bTAsMEg5NTQuOU05MC45LDg1NS45SDU0NS43bTAsMEg2NDhtMCwwSDc1MC4zbTAsMEg4NTIuNm0wLDBIOTU0LjltLTg2NCwyMS43SDU0NS43bTAsMEg2NDhtMCwwSDc1MC4zbTAsMEg4NTIuNm0wLDBIOTU0LjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnM18xMDEiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksMzU2LjJINTQ1LjciIGNsYXNzPSJnNF8xMDEiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksMzc4SDU0NS43IiBjbGFzcz0iZzNfMTAxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik01NDUuNywzNTYuMkg2NDhtMCwwSDc1MC4zIiBjbGFzcz0iZzRfMTAxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik01NDUuNywzNzhINjQ4bTAsMEg3NTAuMyIgY2xhc3M9ImczXzEwMSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNNzUwLjMsMzU2LjJIODUyLjZtMCwwSDk1NC45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzRfMTAxIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik03NTAuMywzNzhIODUyLjZtMCwwSDk1NC45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzNfMTAxIi8+Cjwvc3ZnPg==) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 101 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Lending growth, which was modest in 2023 due to rising interest rates, peaked in 2024. In the retail segment, fixed-interest rate lending prevailed, especially in the housing loan market. In the corporate segment, the Bank seized opportunities to finance some of the region’s top corporate clients while focusing on SMEs as its key segment. The current structure of the credit portfolio (gross loans to corporate and retail customers) consists of 53% retail clients, 19% large corporate clients, and 28% SME clients. The retail portfolio represents a significant share of the whole credit portfolio, with housing loans continuing to be the still prevailing segment. The corporate credit portfolio is well diversified, with no large concentration existing in any specific industry. This is particularly important to maintain, as geopolitical tensions, the green transition, and other macro factors could pose challenges to specific economic sectors. Table 33: Overview of the NLB Group corporate loan portfolio by industry as at 31 December 2024 Credit portfolio in EUR millions Corporate sector by industry NLB Group % ∆ Q4 2024 ∆ YtD 2024 Accommodation and food service activities 241.9 3% 50.2 43.0 Act. of extraterritorial org. and bodies 0.0 0% 0.0 0.0 Administrative and support service activities 150.8 2% 3.9 39.5 Agriculture, forestry and fishing 383.9 5% 16.7 39.2 Arts, entertainment and recreation 20.9 0% -0.8 0.8 Construction industry 773.9 10% 23.8 216.9 Education 23.2 0% 5.2 8.3 Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning 616.5 8% 55.9 73.2 Finance 229.1 3% 59.0 84.8 Human health and social work activities 48.0 1% 0.0 10.6 Information and communication 233.6 3% -24.3 -58.0 Manufacturing 1,764.5 23% 24.8 239.7 Mining and quarrying 42.5 1% -1.3 -3.6 Professional, scientific and techn. act. 348.1 4% 77.9 113.2 Public admin., defence, compulsory social. 213.9 3% 10.6 14.4 Real estate activities 442.3 6% 49.5 64.9 Services 19.5 0% 5.2 5.5 Transport and storage 634.6 8% 4.7 15.6 Water supply 66.1 1% -0.5 8.9 Wholesale and retail trade 1,517.3 20% 19.3 227.0 Other 0.1 0% 0.0 -2.6 Total Corporate sector 7,770.7 100% 379.9 1,141.4 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 102 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 34: Main manufacturing activities of NLB Group by stages as at 31 December 2024 Credit portfolio in EUR millions Main manufacturing activities % NLB Group - o/w Stage 1 - o/w Stage 2 - o/w Stage 3 ∆ 2024 - o/w Stage 1 - o/w Stage 2 - o/w Stage 3 ∆ Q4 2024 - o/w Stage 1 - o/w Stage 2 - o/w Stage 3 Manufacture of food products 3.9% 303.4 271.6 24.6 7.2 21.4 25.9 -8.5 4.0 20.9 22.0 -4.4 3.3 Manufacture of fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment 2.6% 203.4 152.5 41.9 9.0 10.0 -24.6 32.7 1.9 -3.6 -4.2 0.4 0.2 Manufacture of basic metals 2.5% 192.1 122.3 68.7 1.1 36.1 -17.3 52.7 0.8 13.0 -44.9 57.2 0.6 Manufacture of electrical equipment 2.4% 183.4 179.0 4.0 0.3 -7.4 -10.4 3.0 -0.1 -28.1 -30.8 2.8 0.0 Manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products 1.5% 118.7 111.3 3.1 4.3 20.8 23.3 -5.1 2.6 0.9 1.7 -0.6 -0.2 Manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers 1.3% 98.5 94.2 0.2 4.1 12.6 12.6 -1.8 1.7 3.2 3.2 -1.6 1.6 Manufacture of machinery and equipment n.e.c. 1.1% 86.8 79.1 6.5 1.2 7.4 6.5 0.1 0.8 -6.3 -6.3 -0.8 0.8 Manufacture of rubber and plastic products 1.1% 85.7 82.2 2.4 1.1 10.9 10.3 0.6 -0.1 2.3 0.6 1.6 0.0 Manufacture of basic pharmaceutical products and pharmaceutical preparations 1.0% 74.5 74.5 0.0 0.0 47.7 49.8 -2.0 0.0 -0.5 1.6 -2.0 0.0 Manufacture of wood and products of wood and cork, except furniture; manufacture of articles of straw and plaiting materials 0.7% 54.0 40.7 10.2 3.1 3.5 3.4 0.8 -0.7 -1.2 -1.6 0.8 -0.4 Manufacture of furniture 0.6% 44.9 38.5 4.2 2.3 -0.4 -3.8 2.5 0.9 -0.7 -3.4 2.9 -0.2 Manufacture of wearing apparel 0.6% 43.9 43.4 0.2 0.3 33.9 34.1 -0.1 -0.1 -0.2 0.1 -0.3 0.0 Other manufacturing activities 3.5% 275.3 248.3 22.6 4.4 43.3 47.6 -5.1 0.8 25.1 21.6 3.0 0.4 Total manufacturing activities 22.7% 1,764.5 1,537.5 188.6 38.4 239.7 157.3 69.8 12.6 24.8 -40.4 59.2 6.0 A moderate transition to Stage 2 occurred in the sub- industry "Manufacturing of basic metals" during Q4 2024. The Bank identified several qualitative factors that led to the downgrade of certain clients and the recognition of Stage 2 impairments in 2024. The German automotive industry, which significantly influences the European market, is currently facing unfavourable trends. These challenges could affect Slovenia’s economy, as its automotive industry is export-oriented and integrated into the European supply chain. NLB Group has reviewed its portfolio and anticipates no significant threats to companies involved in manufacturing of automotive components or those related to car sales and maintenance services. Financing for both automotive industry segments represents a small part of the Bank’s portfolio – manufacturing accounts for 2.0% and sales for 2.9% of the corporate sector. Figure 60: NLB Group exposure to the automotive industry as at 31 December 2024 BiH 10% N. Macedonia 10% Montenegro 4% Slovenia 40% Serbia 12% Kosovo 24% ˜ EUR 130 million Car sales & maintence in NLB Group banks Car sales & maintence in NLB Group leasing companies Manufacturing of car components in NLB Group Slovenia 74% Croatia 20% Serbia 5% Other 1% ˜ EUR 95 million Serbia 5% Slovenia 76% France 13% N. Macedonia 6% ˜ EUR 158 million 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 103 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report The Bank’s corporate portfolio also includes financing of real estate activities (projects), which account for a smaller part of the portfolio. These projects are carefully monitored at each phase of construction. For income- producing CRE projects in the operational phase, the DSCR ranges from 1.2 to 1.4, and the LTV is, on average, below 60%. This ensures that a sufficient reserve and repayment to the Bank is not at risk. For most approved loans, an amortisation repayment structure was backed against the background of concluded long-term rental contracts (offices and shopping malls segment). In the development phase, the Bank requires a minimum equity contribution of 25% and a pre-lease/pre-sale commitment of 30% for office spaces, 60% for shopping malls, and 20% for residential real estate before the first disbursement. The Bank finances projects sponsored by investors with proven track records. In this portfolio, no issues with occupancy rates or rent deterioration have not been observed. 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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 104 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report In the current macroeconomic environment, the Group’s asset quality remains robust. The majority of the Group’s loan portfolio is classified as Stage 1 (93.4%), a relatively small portion as Stage 2 (5.0%), and Stage 3 (1.6%). The Stage 2 allocation has increased in the corporate and retail segments. The increase in Stage 2 in Q4 within the corporate sector was affected by the deteriorating financial position in the basic metals manufacturing industry. The increased Stage 2 exposure in the retail segment results from the improved process and methodological changes in the early detection of SICR. However, the increase remains modest compared to the total portfolio volume, with 72.2% of the Stage 2 exposure showing no delays. The loans in Stages 1 to 3 are measured at amortised cost, while no receivables are measured at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL). The outflow in the state and institutions segment is due to the redistribution of excess liquidity into high-quality sovereign bonds and financing newly acquired leasing companies. On a consolidated level, the portfolio in the retail and corporate segments has replaced exposures to sovereign and institutions. Table 35: NLB Group loan portfolio by stages as at 31 December 2024 (in EUR millions) in EUR millions Credit portfolio Provisions and FV changes for credit portfolio Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 & FVTPL Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 & FVTPL Credit portfolio Share of Total YTD change Credit portfolio Share of Total YTD change Credit portfolio Share of Total YTD change Provision Volume Provision Coverage Provision Volume Provision Coverage Provisions & FV changes Coverage with provisions and FV changes Total NLB Group 19,313.8 93.4% 74.6 1,036.8 5.0% 332.6 330.5 1.6% 30.0 89.9 0.5% 62.1 6.0% 207.3 62.7% o/w Corporate 6,960.6 89.6% 955.0 626.5 8.1% 172.2 183.7 2.4% 14.2 42.4 0.6% 27.4 4.4% 109.5 59.6% o/w Retail 8,178.1 93.6% 1,323.3 410.3 4.7% 160.7 146.7 1.7% 15.7 45.1 0.6% 34.7 8.4% 97.5 66.5% o/w State 3,766.7 100.0% -2,161.4 0.0 0.0% 0.0 0.0 0.0% 0.0 2.3 0.1% 0.0 2.7% 0.0 80.3% o/w Institutions 408.4 100.0% -42.3 / / -0.3 0.2 0.0% 0.1 0.2 0.0% / / 0.2 100.0% Figure 62: NLB Group corporate and retail loan portfolio by stages as at 31 December 2024 The portfolio quality remains stable, with increasing Stage 1 exposures and a relatively low percentage of NPLs. The acquisition of the SLS Group increased Stage 1 exposure to the nonfinancial sector, increasing corporate loans by EUR 404 million and retail loans by EUR 562 million. Although the Stage 1 loan portfolio percentage slightly decreased compared to 31 December 2023, it remains high at 93.6% in the retail segment and 89.6% in the corporate segment. 6,006 6,961 454 169 626 184 5,920 426 200 6,855 250 131 8,178 410 147 6,423 193 128 Corporate Retail Corporate Retail Corporate Retail 31 Dec 2022 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 +16% YoY +19% YoY +38% YoY +64% YoY +8% YoY +12% YoY Stage 1 by segment (in EUR millions) Stage 2 by segment (in EUR millions) Stage 3 by segment (in EUR millions) Figure 63: NLB Group corporate and retail loan portfolio (in %) by interest rates as at 31 December 2024 The portfolio interest rate structure shows that 59.3% of the Group corporate and retail loan portfolio is tied to a fixed interest rate and the rest to a floating rate, primarily the Euribor reference rate. Floating interest rates dominate the corporate segment. In the retail segment, 75.1% of the retail loan portfolio is linked to a fixed interest rate, with the percentage rising to 75.8% in the housing loan segment. This structure reduces the sensitivity of the retail sector to potential changes in reference rates. 31 Dec 2022 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2022 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2022 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 Fix Float Corporate (incl. 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In addition to normal portfolio development, the new non-performing loans reflect the macroeconomic circumstances and the harmonisation of the default definition within the acquired SLS Group companies. Despite this, the net NPL increase during 2024 remained low, as evident in the nearly unchanged NPL ratios. The Group’s credit portfolio remains high quality due to cautious lending standards and effective early warning systems. 2022 2023 2024 Corporate SME Retail Formation / gross loans (stock) 51 70 7 127 43 76 118 77 93 170 0.7% 0.6% 0.8% 0 0 Figure 64: NLB Group gross NPL formation (in EUR millions) In 2024, the Group established impairments and provisions for credit risk of EUR 20.6 million. The established impairments derive from portfolio development mostly in the retail segment (Stage 2 and Stage 3 exposures), new financing, and any deterioration in the portfolio. 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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 106 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Precisely defined targets and various proactive workout approaches have supported the management of the non-performing portfolio. The Group’s approach to NPL management puts a strong emphasis on restructuring and the use of other active NPL management tools, such as the foreclosure of collateral, the sale of claims, and pledged assets. In 2024, the multi-year declining trend of the non-performing credit portfolio stock stopped, as the growth of new NPLs slightly exceeded repayments and recovery of existing NPLs, mainly through repayments, cured clients, and the collection. The acquisition of the SLS Group, whose loans were recognised at fair value, also contributed to the NPL increase at the end of Q3 2024. As a result, the non-performing credit portfolio stock in the Group increased to EUR 330.5 million by the end of 2024, up from EUR 300.5 million at the end of 2023. This slight increase in the non-performing credit portfolio, combined with credit growth in a higher- quality portfolio, resulted in an NPL ratio of 1.6%. The internationally comparable NPE ratio, based on the EBA methodology, stood at 1.1%. The Group’s indicator gross NPL ratio, as defined by the EBA, was 2.0%. 1.5% 2.4% 1.8% 1.6% 31 Dec 2021 31 Dec 2022 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 NPLs NPL ratio Coverage ratio 1 Coverage ratio 2 Collateral coverage 58.1% 57.1% 57.9% 367 328 301 330 55.9% 61.7% 61.0% 62.7% 64.6% 86.1% 98.9% 108.7% 110.0% Figure 66: NLB Group NPL, NPL ratio, NPL collateral coverage and coverage ratio (i) An important strength of the Group is its NPL coverage ratio 1 (coverage of gross NPLs with impairments for all loans), which remains high at 108.7. Furthermore, the Group’s NPL coverage ratio 2 (coverage of gross NPLs with impairments for NPL) stands at 62.7%, well above the EU average published by the EBA (41.2% for Q4 2024). This strong coverage provides the Group with the capacity to further reduce NPLs without significantly impacting the cost of risk in the coming years. The Group strives to ensure the best possible collateral for long-term loans, typically in the form of mortgages. Thus, the real-estate mortgage is the most common type of collateral for corporate and retail loans. In corporate loans, government and corporate guarantees are also common types of collateral. Through extensive experience gained over the past few years in managing clients facing financial difficulties – resulting primarily from legacy portfolios – the Group has developed an extensive knowledge base. This expertise encompasses both the prevention of financial difficulties for clients to restructure viable clients in case of need and to efficiently manage exposures with no realistic recovery prospects. This extensive knowledge base is accessible 4 1 4 Slovenia 50% Other 8% Kosovo 5% N. Macedonia 11% BiH 7% Montenegro 9% Serbia 9% Slovenia Serbia N. Macedonia Montenegro BiH Kosovo Other 54 30 83 166 9 16 29 12 13 11 37 21 9 31 9 7 6 22 6 6 17 7 13 8 28 No delays (i) D rating E rating Figure 67: NLB Group NPL by geography as at 31 December 2024 (i) Considering materiality of delays, namely 2% or EUR 50 thousand. (i) By internal definition. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 107 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report across the Group. Risk units, along with restructuring and workout teams, are adequately staffed and equipped to handle considerably increased volumes, if needed, in a professional and efficient manner. Low market risk in the trading book Regarding market risks in the trading book, the Group maintains a low-risk appetite. The exposure to trading (as defined by the CRR) is permitted only for the parent Bank, as the main entity of the Group, and is highly limited. The Group carries its main business activities in euros, and the subsidiary banks, in addition to their domestic currencies, also operate in euros, the Group’s reporting currency. The Group’s net open FX position from transactional risk is low, at 0.7% of capital. Regarding structural FX positions on a consolidated level, assets and liabilities held in foreign operations are converted into euro currency at the closing FX rate on the balance sheet date. FX differences in non-euro assets and liabilities are recognised in the other comprehensive income, impacting shareholder’s equity and CET1 capital. Proactive management of interest rate risk in the banking book The Group follows a strategy of maintaining a low Economic Value of Equity (EVE) indicator while simultaneously monitoring the effects on Earnings at Risk (EaR). Bonds and loans with a fixed interest rate contribute the most to the interest rate risk exposure in terms of the Economic Value of Equity (EVE) indicator. In contrast, exposure is primarily managed through core deposits, which present the most important and material element of interest rate risk management. To a lesser extent, the Group also uses plain vanilla derivatives to hedge risk. The exposure to interest rate risk remains modest and within the Group’s risk appetite limits. The Group applies different scenarios when assessing the EVE sensitivity. In 2024, the Group continued to enhance the measuring of interest rate risk according to the new EBA Guidelines, which impacted the EVE result. From the EVE perspective, the estimated capital sensitivity of the worst regulatory scenario (parallel up +200 bps) is 5.0% of the Group’s T1 capital. Robust operational risk management In operational risk management, the Group has established a robust operational risk culture. The main qualitative activities focus on reporting loss events and identifying, assessing, and managing operational risks. Based on this, continuous improvements are made to control activities, processes, and the organisation. Additionally, the Group also focuses on proactive mitigation, prevention, and minimisation of potential damage. Special attention is given to the stress-testing system, based on a scenario analysis referring to the potentially high severity, low-frequency events and modelling data on loss events. The Bank uses the gamma distribution technique for modelling, which proved to be the most suitable. From an economic perspective, the aim is to ensure the necessary capital for materially important risks that could occur extremely rarely. Consequently, data on realised loss events are used with a confidence interval of 99.9%. Moreover, some add-ons are added for specific current and significant risks. In a normative view, a 90% confidence level is used for more plausible but still severe events, which would be absorbed through P&L. In NLB Group, the reported incurred net loss arising from loss events in 2024 was lower than in the previous year, and remained within the set tolerance limits for operational risk. Certain litigation costs mainly occurred due to systemic issues such as litigation risk (e.g., cases related to loan processing fees and loan insurance premiums in Serbia). For other realised operational losses, banking members of the Group conducted a comprehensive analysis and defined adequate mitigation measures to prevent or minimise such events in the future. In addition to losses already included in the loss event database, the Bank could face one-off and unpredictable extreme events. The list of such potential events is updated annually, based on current risks in the Bank’s environment or past realised events in the banking industry. For these potential and topical events, scenario analyses are prepared. The cyber-attack scenario as an umbrella scenario was further divided into five more detailed scenarios to address different types of attacks. The results indicate that the most significant loss could arise from the following potential events: possible difficulties operating electronic banking channels, anti-money laundering, cyber-attacks, and legal risks. For these scenarios, existent controls were additionally revised and mitigation measures were defined to address any potential deficiencies. Furthermore, key risk indicators serve as an early warning system for the broader field of operational risks (such as HR, processes, systems, and external conditions). They are regularly monitored, analysed, and reported to improve the existing internal controls system and enable timely reactions. The Group supports proactive discussion of operational risks at all levels of the organisation. Every employee can report loss events. The most significant/important operational risks are escalated quickly and discussed at the Operational Risk Committee meeting, while the implementation of the mitigation measures is closely monitored. In addition, the Group diligently manages other non- financial risks, related to its business model or arising from other external circumstances within the established ICAAP process. Incorporating ESG risks The Group contributes to sustainable finance by incorporating ESG risks into its business strategies, risk management framework, and internal governance arrangements. The Group integrates and manages them within the established risk management framework in credit, liquidity, market, and operational risk. The management of ESG risks follows ECB and EBA guidelines, following the tendency of their comprehensive integration into all relevant processes. The Group conducts a materiality assessment as part of its overall risk identification process to determine the level of transitional and physical risk to which the Group is exposed. This process involves identifying environmental risk factors, relevant transmission ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 108 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report channels, and assessing their materiality and impact on the Group’s financial performance over short-, mid-, and long-term periods. The management of ESG risks is incorporated into the Group’s overall credit approval process and the related credit portfolio management. Sustainable financing is implemented in accordance with the Group’s Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS). In addition to addressing ESG risks at all relevant stages of the credit-granting process, applicable ESG criteria were also considered in the collateral evaluation process. At the portfolio level, the Group does not face any significant concentration in specific NACE industrial sectors exposed to climate risk, with the role of transitional risk being more prominent. Based on the industry segmentation of the portfolio and corresponding emissions, the Group has a relatively low exposure to emission-intensive sectors within its corporate clients’ businesses. As part of its strategy, the Group does not finance companies involved in fossil fuels extraction or operation of coal-fired power plants. Moreover, as a member of the UN Net-Zero Banking Alliance, the Bank pledged to align its lending and investment portfolio with net-zero emissions by 2050. In its initial round of NZBA targets, NLB Group has focused on fossil fuel-based and highly energy-intensive sectors (such as power generation and iron and steel) and other sectors where the Bank has substantial emissions and/or exposure and available data. These include residential mortgages and commercial real estate. Activities for setting a second round of NZBA targets for sectors such as transport and agriculture are underway. The Group carefully evaluates potential reputational and liability risks that may arise from the sustainable financing of its clients. Special attention is given to approving new products and monitoring the fulfilment of relevant criteria by the clients. Additional key risk indicators have been established to serve as an early warning system for ESG risks. Besides, physical risks, as part of ESG risks in the area of operational risk, are addressed through the Group’s business continuity management (BCM). As such, BCM is carried out to protect lives, goods, and reputation. Business continuity plans included relevant ESG risks. They are prepared to be used in the event of natural disasters, IT disruptions, and the undesired effects of the environment to mitigate their impact. An internal ESG stress-testing framework was developed to identify the most relevant financial vulnerabilities stemming from transitional and physical climate risks. This was further revised and enhanced by incorporating disposable ESG-related data. The results of the climate stress tests showed no material impacts on the Group’s capital and liquidity positions. Further information on risk management is available in the Financial Report and the Sustainability Statement of this Annual Report and Pillar 3 Disclosures . ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 109 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report IT and Cyber Security The Group remains committed to providing its clients with sustainable and efficient services supported by highly reliable and secure technology platforms. The Bank is also advancing its technology transformation programme and consolidating core banking systems. IT has made significant progress in the consolidation process at the Group level. Additionally, the Bank has rolled out further group-wide business solutions, including the launch of a new web portal, the implementation of a new eDMS, and the enhancement of digital channels across multiple group members. To address the increased risk in cyber security, the Bank has prioritised investments in additional resources and products to strengthen its overall cyber security resilience. IT Strategy The current IT Strategy 2020–2024 incorporating the Group dimension covers the following: IT Strategy 2025–2030 With the adoption and publication of the new Business strategy 2030 (New Horizons) and the conclusion of the current IT Strategy, work on the new IT Strategy for the period of 2025–2030 is underway. The key elements of the new IT Strategy are: • transformation of IT to support the implementation of the new Business Strategy; • continue to implement agile ways of development to ensure better deliverable and support for business; • enhance architecture with a focus on cloud-native solutions; • future development and enhancement of information and cyber security capabilities. IT Infrastructure: Ensuring reliability and resilience Confirmed high performance with numbers IT performance is monitored through a set of relevant indicators that are linked to the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) system. The indicators reflect the high performance of IT operations and successful risk management in this segment. With 99.95% IT system availability and a very low 0.05% unplanned interruptions, the Bank prioritises stability. In 2024, the percentage of days without system/service interruptions reached 80% (2023: 79%). Harmonised Service Level Agreements (SLA) are in place with users of the information system, which the Bank has managed to fulfil to a very high degree. The Group members recorded high IT operational performance (between 99.87% and 99.99%). Main IT initiatives Transformation with expanding group-wide capabilities The primary focus is to transform IT, covering the organisation, group perspective, processes, people, and technology. IT has supported a more agile way of delivery to make a better partner to businesses, resulting in higher efficiency. Specifically, a Group IT domain concept was introduced that promotes shared teams and IT solutions across the Group. Group-wide capabilities are still expanding, and the Group Competence Centre in Belgrade, Serbia, which was transferred from the Bank to a separate IT service company called "NLB DigIT," significantly supports development on the Group level. The company is the IT hub that supports Group members and spearheads digital transformation projects. NLB DigIT’s primary focus is to deliver services of a high level of quality to Group entities in domains where IT resources and expertise are scarce throughout the region. It mainly provides services in key areas such as IT security setup for all the banks, IT delivery, etc. NLB DigIT is dedicated to the digital enablement and reliable IT operations of NLB Group. Vision Build the best digital banking IT team in the SEE region. Main principles • Increase client satisfaction in all segments with a new digital omnichannel platform, digitise client journeys and interactions (CRM), and achieve operational excellence. • Have an effective IT architecture using cloud solutions and open-source software where possible. • Introduce a new way of agile development and DevOps transformation, leading to shorter release cycles, automated testing, and fewer manual tasks. • Ensure the necessary development capacity. • Introduce modern collaboration tools and digitise internal processes. • Ensure quality, security, and availability of IT systems and applications. • Have a highly motivated, effective, and satisfied IT team working closely with the business side. Mission Enable the best client and employee experiences through reliable, effective, secure, accessible, and scalable IT solutions. 99.95% availability of IT systems in NLB ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 110 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Change in our delivery approach The IT team has made significant achievements in the key strategic directions regarding solution delivery. The new operational CRM solution was introduced in Serbia, and the digital banking solution for retail in Slovenia was enhanced with origination processes for several products. A new retail and corporate web and mobile banking solution was launched in Montenegro (NLB Banka, Podgorica) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (NLB Banka, Sarajevo and NLB Banka, Banja Luka). Additionally, the IT team made progress in reducing reliance on the mainframe and migrated the next set of applications from the mainframe to distributed systems. Various enhancements have been implemented across the Group, including digitalising the KYC process, automating back-office processes, and digitalising paper documents. Core systems consolidation IT has followed the core banking system strategy, and the consolidation of core banking systems is in progress. Following the N Banka integration in Slovenia and the first migration associated with it, IT has continued working on consolidation into the target core system. Key achievements include the migration of the term deposit portfolio and the successful launch of term deposit origination in the target system. Enterprise and application architecture Enterprise architecture focuses on ensuring new solutions (focusing on Group standard solutions) adhere to Group standards and associated Group roadmaps. The introduction of standard components provides API- first and event-driven integration capabilities to ensure the integrability of the new platforms and solutions. New Group platforms have been selected for electronic archiving, document management, data governance and data quality, and the ERP system. The implementation of the standardised enterprise architecture tool is ongoing, ensuring all data is populated to simplify application portfolio management, mitigate software obsolescence, enhance IT risk management, and support compliance with the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) requirements. Data management The Bank continues to pursue its mission of becoming a data-driven organisation through a series of initiatives. The aim is to make necessary data and reports readily accessible across the Group to foster the use of data and analytics in daily operations and strategic decision-making. The Group addresses data management throughout its entire life cycle through data governance policies and tools, necessary frameworks, as well as setting modern technological foundations across the Group (EDWH, advanced analytics, risk management analytics, profitability, and consolidated Group regulatory reporting). Special focus is placed on defining the Group-wide GenAI strategy and delivery model to ensure GenAI becomes an integral part of day-to-day business at all Bank levels. Outlook In the coming years, the Bank will remain committed to investing in newly adopted technologies crucial for supporting the business strategy, especially in digital, data, Cloud, and customer relationship management. The aim is to consolidate the Group’s infrastructure and to endorse the Cloud as a key enabler, simplify core systems, and elevate the client experience in terms of quality, innovation, reliability, and security. Digital transition The Group is advancing its digitalisation efforts by leveraging cutting-edge information technology tools to boost efficiency and deliver more innovative, personalised, accurate, and timely client services. With the increase in smartphone usage, the Group aims to transition more customers to alternative distribution channels. Committed to developing a comprehensive suite of 24/7 digital solutions, the Group seeks to bring clients closer by offering anchor products and accessible, personalised digital services. The primary objective is to promote digital banking adoption among active customers. Figure 68: Digital users and penetration (i) of the Group banks as at 31 December 2024 (i) Share of active digital users in # of active clients. NLB, Ljubljana NLB KB, Beograd NLB Banka, Skopje NLB Banka, Banja Luka NLB Banka, Sarajevo NLB Banka, Prishtina NLB Banka, Podgorica 464,849 43,265 238,067 38,349 85,141 346,594 78,775 Active digital users Active users penetration 63.8% 32.6% 50.5% 40.4% 32.6% 32.4% 39.9% More than 1.8 million digital users in the Group ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 111 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Cyber security \* Strengthening the team and implementing new solutions The Group focuses on cyber security, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data, information, and IT systems that support clients’ banking services and products. Cyber security within the Group is constantly tested and upgraded through security assessments, independent reviews, and penetration testing. It is also regularly discussed at the Bank’s Information Security Steering Committee, Operational Risk Committee, and Management Board meetings. In 2024, the main focus was the DORA regulation and establishing Group IT Security Operations. This will lead to appropriate segregation of duties and faster delivery in the cyber security segment. The IT Security Operations team has been established with seven FTEs, while the rest of the Group IT Security team consists of 31 staff members. To fulfil all requirements, the Group IT Security team has created or updated 10 Group Guidelines and/or Policies in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders. Bank members have reached approximately 80% of CIS v8 requirements, marking a significant increase compared to the previous year. Management continues to strongly support security functions and investments in the security area. In 2024, following Cloud’s first strategy, OPEX slightly increased compared to previous years and ended with approximately EUR 4 million, while CAPEX remained at the same level. To achieve the defined goals in terms of optimisation and orchestration, the Group IT Security team has delivered tools to consolidate the network security domain. To improve clients’ satisfaction, the Group selected an anti-fraud solution and immediately began its implementation. The main focus will also remain on improving the monitoring and response segment in line with best practices. Further information on cyber security is available in the chapter Compliance and Integrity . Continuous employee education and information exchange All employees in the Group are continuously educated about the importance of information/cyber security, as well as social engineering techniques. The banks in the Group provide employees and customers with security notifications, especially regarding threats in the (global) environment with potential impact on the banks’ IT systems, services, products, and clients. The Bank also tests the awareness of its employees with social engineering attack simulations. Threat intelligence data is shared by the Group team, where all Group members provide information on the latest threats and recommendations on mitigation measures. In conjunction with routine phishing simulations, the Group Cyber Security team has deployed its proprietary phishing platform and effectively executed simulated internal employee phishing tests across all Group members. 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"/>
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"/>
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"/>
</g>
</svg>) Each expert in our field cultivates knowledge and growth across the entire financial sector. We constantly invest in the development of our employees. In 2024, a NLB Group banking employee received an average of 7.7 days or 46.2 hours of training, mostly in the fields of banking, personal development, generative AI, data analytics and ESG. All these programmes are carefully selected and provided by NLB's Education Centre with more than 50 years of experience. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 113 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Human Resources As a frontrunner in the region, the Group is further striving to embed modern people practices into the everyday focus of Human Resource Management activities. The new Group HR Strategy, a joint creation, sets high standards and aims to support the business strategy in the future. The Group continues to invest in its employees, focusing on their development and expertise, and creating a modern and healthy workplace that promotes everyone’s well-being. Recognising that engaged employees are pivotal to achieving business goals and driving successful outcomes, the Group will make further investments in leadership development and empowerment. Employees play a key role in transferring good practices and improving organisational culture and employee experience. Additionally, the Group is nurturing a new generation of talents for the future, aiming to provide them with on-the-job training by being part of strategic projects. Employee headcount The Group continues optimising processes and transitioning to digital banking through transparent and sustainable workforce planning, including a review of the skills and competencies needed. Table 36: NLB Group headcount by countries Country 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 Change YoY Slovenia 2,856 2,689 167 Serbia 2,515 2,480 35 BiH 1,025 990 35 N. Macedonia 995 962 33 Kosovo 478 468 10 Montenegro 410 390 20 Croatia 41 1 40 Germany 0 0 0 Switzerland 2 2 0 Group Total 8,322 7,982 340 Employer of choice The Group’s Human Resource teams work as one, continuously sharing best practices and introducing novelties to their workplaces by following trends. These efforts contribute to a stimulating work environment and the well-being of employees. A testament to this excellence is the Top Employer Certificate. In 2025, NLB received the Slovenia Top Employer recognition for the 10 th consecutive year. Additionally, NLB Komercijalna Banka, Beograd earned its first certification, reflecting dedication to extending excellent and proven HR practices across the Group. This achievement, confirmed by Top Employer Institute, demonstrates the high level of expertise and contribution in people strategy, leadership, digitalisation, talent acquisition and development, performance management, sustainability, and more. The Bank will continue to adopt new practices and adapt to workplace trends. The mission is to become the best employer in the region within the banking and financial services sector. A long tradition of learning and development: 50 years of the NLB Education Centre In 2024, the NLB Education Centre celebrated its 50-years anniversary. Located in Slovenia, the Education Centre was the first in the region to create, deliver, and maintain vital knowledge of banking and finances and is now a treasurer of valuable knowledge libraries for the entire NLB Group. In the last decade, it has been modernised and digitalised, becoming the central conductor of the Group’s education, training, and development. Besides delivering core banking/financial skills, necessary competencies (leadership, change management, and communication) and obligatory training, the main role of the Education Centre today is to follow trends in the market and to predict vital skills and competencies that will have an impact on the Group’s future and support knowledge accumulation that supports the changing business environment. In 2024, special focus across the Group was given to upskilling existing employees in generative AI, data analytics, the Microsoft 365 environment, and ESG topics, among other areas. The Education Centre is also a central point of support for all new group initiatives, such as educating competency communities, rolling out and building awareness of new technologies, AI, and automation tools. Retaining recognition as "Top Employer" On average, employees spent 7.7 days on training activities ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 114 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report All Group members incorporated the philosophy of utilising well-established training and development programmes, as well as maintaining awareness of the learning culture. Employees have embraced the value and are proactive in self-managed learning, using the Udemy platform, which offers over 7,000 trainings that are open to anyone. One of the Group’s core values is developing people, and endeavours will continue in the direction of upskilling and reskilling, as well as introducing new knowledge and skills for the future. Investing in people drives all-time high engagement Talent cultivation The Group has entered a new generation of talent development, recognising and developing employees in leadership, professionalism, and youth potential. Talents received thorough feedback based on assessment and individual development conversations regarding their strengths and career aspirations. The latest generation of talent across the Group has been successfully deployed and promoted, with a talent retention rate of more than 90%. Developing NLB employer brand The Group continued to strengthen its employer brand regionally through various internal and external activities. As a caring mentor, the Bank cooperates with multiple regional universities, offering scholarships and career opportunities to young talents. It also invites internal ambassadors to promote and share recommendations for employment, offers various benefits to employees and introduces continuous improvements to its processes. Employee well-being & health Employee well-being is becoming a vital part of people management. The Bank has introduced anonymous psychological support services and offers a range of additional benefits, including those under the Family Friendly certificates. In 2024, the Bank continued to raise awareness about employee well-being by addressing various topics, including stress management, healthy habits, mental well-being, mindfulness, personal energy, and effective communication. Various programmes run regionally under the Healthy Bank programme and the Family Friendly certificate. The Bank also provides anonymous psychological support via external institutions and several health-focused prevention programmes. The Bank organised a Group-wide "Sustainability Festival," celebrating environmental awareness and eco- friendly practices, featuring engaging activities, insightful workshops, and showcases of sustainable initiatives. The Bank’s value, "Improving Lives" is also manifested in offering work-from-home flexibility where possible to ensure a healthy work-life balance for its employees. By end of 2024, almost all countries were offering the possibility to work from home, only in Slovenia around 30% of employees had this possibility. Employee engagement The Bank’s constant focus is recognising the importance of engaged and motivated employees. The 2024 employee engagement results show an all-time high employee engagement score, with 54% engaged employees and so the lowest-ever percentage of disengaged employees. The employer Net Promoter Score (26) also proves that employees are the Bank’s best ambassadors. The Bank will continue to enhance employee engagement by implementing results-based activities and interventions, constructive dialogue, and employee listening. Figure 69: NLB Group Employee Engagement comparison 8,322 employees in the Group family Engaged Not engaged Actively disengaged 2023 2024 54% 36% 10% 50% 37% 13% Employer Net Promoter Score 26 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 115 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Corporate Governance Corporate governance of the Bank is based on legislation in the RoS, particularly (but not exclusively) the provisions of the Companies Act (ZGD-1) and the Banking Act (ZBan-3), the Decision of the BoS on Internal Governance, Management Body, Adequate Internal Capital Assessment Procedure for Banks and Savings Banks, relevant EBA Guidelines on internal governance, EBA Guidelines on the assessment of the suitability of members of the management body and key function holders, EBA Guidelines on prudent remuneration, relevant EU regulations regarding sustainability issues and other applicable RoS and EU regulations. Apart from a binding legal framework, the Bank complies with the Slovenian Corporate Governance Code for Listed Companies. The mentioned Code stipulates governance, management, and leadership principles based on the "comply or explain" principle for companies listed on the Ljubljana Stock Exchange . Deviations from the recommendations of this Code are published in the NLB Group Annual Report in the section Corporate Governance Statement of NLB . This statement is prepared in accordance with Article 70 (Paragraph 6) of the Companies Act (ZGD-1). The previously mentioned statement is also published on the Bank’s website . Rules and procedures The Bank’s Corporate Governance includes processes through which Bank objectives are set and pursued (directed and controlled). Lately, it has become an efficient way to channel investor-driven initiatives related to sustainability. Corporate governance principles identify the distribution of rights and responsibilities among different stakeholders in the Bank (the Management Board of NLB d.d. and Supervisory Board of NLB d.d., shareholders, investors, creditors, auditor, regulators, and other stakeholders) and include the rules and procedures for decision- making in corporate affairs. The most important rules and procedures are: Articles of Association of NLB d.d. NLB operates under a two-tier governance system, as defined by the Banking Act (ZBan-3) and Companies Act (ZGD-1). The Management Board manages the Bank’s operations, and the Supervisory Board provides for control and supervision of the Management Board’s work. Shareholders exercise their rights at General Meetings of Shareholders. For more information, refer to the Bank’s website, Corporate Governance . Corporate Governance Policy of the NLB and NLB Group Governance Policy The Corporate Governance Policy of NLB, which is the corporate governance framework of the Bank, is drawn up jointly by the Management and Supervisory Boards of the Bank. In this Policy, the Management and Supervisory Boards publicly disclose commitments to shareholders, clients, creditors, employees, and other stakeholders as a whole and explain how the Bank is managed and supervised, as well as adopt decisions on which corporate governance code the Bank follows, outlined on the Bank’s website . The Corporate Governance Policy of NLB should be read together with the NLB Group Governance Policy, in which the corporate governance principles and mechanisms of the Group members (NLB excluded) are defined and governed. NLB Group Code of Conduct In the NLB Group Code of Conduct , the values, mission, and core principles of conduct are defined together with a set of guidelines to which the Group is committed. The Code describes the values and basic principles of ethical business conduct that the Group respects, promotes, and expects to be followed by the whole Group. Operating with integrity and responsibility is key to the Group’s corporate culture. The Code demands that every employee, regardless of their job or location of work, and every other stakeholder of the Group comply with the highest standards of integrity. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 116 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report The Bank’s governing bodies The Bank’s corporate governance is based on a two-tier system in which the Management Board manages the Bank’s daily operations, and the Supervisory Board controls and supervises the Management Board’s work. The General Meeting of Shareholders The shareholders exercise their rights related to the Bank’s operations at the General Meetings of the NLB. Decisions adopted by the General Meeting of shareholders of NLB d.d. include, among others, adopting and amending the Articles of Association of the NLB d.d., use of distributable profit, granting a discharge from liability to the members of the Management and Supervisory Boards, changes to the Bank’s share capital, appointing and discharging members of the Supervisory Board who represent the shareholders’ interests, remuneration and profit- sharing by the members of the Supervisory and Management Boards and employees, annual schedules, and characteristics of issues of securities convertible into shares and equity securities of the Bank. On the 42 nd General Meeting dated 17 June 2024, shareholders took note of the adopted NLB Group Annual Report 2023 and adopted the Report of the Supervisory Board on the results of the examination of the NLB Group Annual Report 2023. They also adopted the Report on Remuneration for the members of the Management Body of NLB d.d. in the 2023 Business Year and the Additional Information to the Report on Remuneration in the 2023 Business Year on the basis of SSH’s Baselines and the Internal Audit Report for 2023, adopted decisions on election of the Supervisory Board members members (as mentioned below). The General Meeting also adopted decisions on the allocation of distributable profit for 2023 and the first tranche of a dividend payout, granted a discharge from liability to the members of the Management and Supervisory Boards, and considered the changes to the Remuneration Policy for the members of the Supervisory Board of NLB d.d. and Management Board of NLB d.d. On the 43 rd General Meeting of shareholders held on 9 December 2024, the shareholders approved the payment of the second tranche of the dividend payout. In 2024, two tranches of dividends totalling EUR 220 million, derived from the profits generated in 2023, were paid out, representing a 100% increase compared to the previous year. More information on dividends is available in subchapter Capital and capital adequacy in chapter Funding Strategy, MREL Compliance, and Capital . More information on the work of the General Meeting of the Shareholders activities is available in the chapter Corporate Governance Statement of NLB and on the Bank’s website . General Meeting of Shareholders Supervisory Board Management Board ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 117 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report The Supervisory Board \* According to the Articles of Association of the NLB d.d., the Supervisory Board of NLB consists of 12 members, of which eight represent the interests of shareholders, and four represent the interests of employees. Members of the Supervisory Board representing the interests of shareholders are elected and recalled by the General Meeting from persons proposed by shareholders or by the Supervisory Board. Members of the Supervisory Board representing the interests of employees are selected and placed by the Workers' Council of NLB d.d., considering the conditions for members of the Supervisory Board laid down in the regulations and the Articles of Association of NLB d.d. As at 31 December 2024: At the beginning of 2024, the composition of the Supervisory Board was as follows: Primož Karpe – Chairman; Shrenik Dhirajlal Davda – Deputy Chairman; David Eric Simon, Verica Trstenjak, Islam Osama Zekry, Mark William Lane Richards, Cvetka Selšek, André-Marc Prudent-Toccanier (shareholders’ representatives); and Sergeja Kočar and Tadeja Žbontar Rems (employee representatives). As the mandates of Primož Karpe, David Eric Simon, and Verica Trstenjak expired in 2024, three members were proposed for election at the forthcoming General Meeting of Shareholders in June 2024. At the meeting, the General Meeting re-elected Primož Karpe as a member of Supervisory Board. It also elected two new members: Natalia Olegovna Ansell, a seasoned banker with global experience and detailed knowledge of all technical aspects of corporate banking, retail banking, wealth management, and above all, of payment and card systems; and Luka Vesnaver, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the British-Slovenian Chamber of Commerce who has vast knowledge and experience in the field of corporate finance in the region. Luka Vesnaver began his term as a member of the Supervisory Board on 30 September 2024, while Natalia Olegovna Ansell began her term on 8 November 2024 (both following ECB’s decision not to object to their appointments). Primož Karpe was elected the Chairman of the Supervisory Board on 7 July 2024 for the third consecutive term. The Supervisory Board also consists of: Deputy Chairman Shrenik Dhirajlal Davda, Islam Osama Zekry, André-Marc Prudent-Toccanier, Mark William Lane Richards, Cvetka Selšek; and employee representatives Tadeja Žbontar Rems (whose mandate expires by the end of regular annual General Meeting in 2025) and Sergeja Kočar (re-appointed in 2024 by the NLB Workers’ Council for another term). The mandate of Islam Osama Zekry expires in 2025, while the mandates of Shrenik Dhirajlal Davda, Mark William Lane Richards, Cvetka Selšek and André-Marc Prudent-Toccanier expire in 2027. Number of members: 10 4 eight are shareholders’ representatives, while two are employees’ representatives out of 10 members were female (40%) Diversity: \*Incorporation by reference: The reference is made to this chapter from the Sustainability Statement chapter ESRS-2 GOV-1 The role of administrative, supervisory and management bodies. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 118 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report As at 31 December 2024, the Supervisory Board had the following members: \* Representatives of Capital Primož Karpe, MSc Chairman Term of office: 2016–2020, 2020–2024, renewed term 2024–2028 Shrenik Dhirajlal Davda, MBA Deputy Chairman Term of office: 2019–2023, renewed term 2023–2027 Luka Vesnaver, MSc Member Term of office: 2024–2028 Islam Osama Zekry, PhD Member Term of office: 2021–2025 Link to CV Link to CV Link to CV Link to CV Membership in NLB Supervisory Board committees: • Nomination Committee (Chairman) • Audit Committee (Member) • Operations and IT Committee (Member) Membership in NLB Supervisory Board committees: • Remuneration Committee (Chairman) • Risk Committee (Member) • Nomination Committee (Member) Membership in NLB Supervisory Board committees: • Audit Committee (Member) • Risk Committee (Member) Membership in NLB Supervisory Board committees: • Operations and IT Committee (Deputy Chairman) • Nomination Committee (Member) • Remuneration Committee (Member) Membership in management bodies of related or unrelated companies: • Angler d.o.o., Zagreb – Director Membership in management bodies of related or unrelated companies: • Charity Commission of England and Wales – Commissioner and Board Member • IPSO, UK – Lay Member of the Board Membership in management bodies of related or unrelated companies: • British Slovenian Chamber of Commerce – President of the Management Board • Managers’ Association of Slovenia – Member • Alpine Ski Club Olimpija, Ljubljana – President Membership in management bodies of related or unrelated companies: • Commercial International Bank, Egypt – Group Chief Financial Officer and Board Member • CIB Housing association – President of the Supervisory Board André-Marc Prudent-Toccanier, MSc Member Term of office: 2023–2027 Mark William Lane Richards, MSc Member Term of office: 2019–2023, renewed term 2023-2027 Cvetka Selšek Member Term of office: 2023–2027 Natalia Olegovna Ansell Member Term of office: 2024-2028 Link to CV Link to CV Link to CV Link to CV Membership in NLB Supervisory Board committees: • Risk Committee (Chairman) • Audit Committee (Deputy Chairman) • Remuneration Committee (Member) Membership in NLB Supervisory Board committees: • Operations and IT Committee (Chairman) • Remuneration Committee (Deputy Chairman) • Nomination Committee (Deputy Chairman) Membership in NLB Supervisory Board committees: • Audit Committee (Chairwoman) • Risk Committee (Deputy Chairwoman) Membership in NLB Supervisory Board committees: • Operations and IT Committee (Member) • Risk Committee (Member) Membership in management bodies of related or unrelated companies: • None Membership in management bodies of related or unrelated companies: • VenCap International plc, UK – Chairman • Berry Palmer & Lyle Ltd. (BPL Global) (Lloyds of London Insurance Broker) – Non-Executive Director • Enza Group Global, Cairo – Chairman Membership in management bodies of related or unrelated companies: • Managers’ Association of Slovenia – Member of the Honourable Tribunal Membership in management bodies of related or unrelated companies: • Equity Bank Kenya Limited, Nairobi – Member of the Board Further information about the work and composition of the Supervisory Board is available in the chapter Corporate Governance Statement of NLB . Representative of Employees Tadeja Žbontar Rems, MSc Member Term of office: 2021–2025 Link to CV Membership in NLB Supervisory Board committees: • Operations and IT Committee (Member) • Audit Committee (Member) Membership in management bodies of related or unrelated companies: • None Sergeja Kočar, MSc Member Term of office: 2020–2024, renewed term 2024–2028 Link to CV Membership in NLB Supervisory Board committees: • Nomination Committee (Member) • Remuneration Committee (Member) Membership in management bodies of related or unrelated companies: • None \*Incorporation by reference: The reference is made to this chapter from the Sustainability Statement chapter ESRS-2 GOV-1 The role of administrative, supervisory and management bodies. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 119 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Committees of the Supervisory Board The Supervisory Board appoints committees that prepare proposals for resolutions passed by the Supervisory Board, ensures their implementation, and performs other expert tasks. The Bank’s Supervisory Board has five collective decision-making and advisory committees. Audit Committee Risk Committee Nomination Committee Remuneration Committee Operations and Information Technology (IT) Committee Cvetka Selšek, Chairwoman (from 9 September 2024) André-Marc Prudent-Toccanier, Chairman Primož Karpe, Chairman Shrenik Dhirajlal Davda, Chairman Mark William Lane Richards, Chairman David Eric Simon, Chairman (until 17 June 2024) Cvetka Selšek, Deputy Chairwoman Mark William Lane Richards , Deputy Chairman Mark William Lane Richards, Deputy Chairman Islam Osama Zekry, Deputy Chairman Cvetka Selšek, Deputy Chairwoman (until 9 September 2024) Shrenik Dhirajlal Davda, Member Sergeja Kočar, Member Islam Osama Zekry, Member (from 9 September 2024) Primož Karpe, Member André-Marc Prudent-Toccanier, Deputy Chairman (from 9 September 2024) Luka Vesnaver, Member (from 30 September 2024) Islam Osama Zekry, Member Sergeja Kočar, Member Tadeja Žbontar Rems, Member Primož Karpe, Member Natalia Olegovna Ansell, Member (from 8 November 2024) Shrenik Dhirajlal Davda, Member (from 9 September 2024) André-Marc Prudent-Toccanier, Member (from 9 September 2024) Natalia Olegovna Ansell, Member (from 8 November 2024) Tadeja Žbontar Rems, Member (from 9 September 2024) Islam Osama Zekry, Member (until 9 September 2024) Verica Trstenjak, Member (until 17 June 2024) Verica Trstenjak, Member (until 17 June 2024) André-Marc Prudent-Toccanier, Member (until 9 September 2024) Luka Vesnaver, Member (from 30 September 2024) David Eric Simon, Member (until 17 June 2024) Tadeja Žbontar Rems, Member (until 9 September 2024) Shrenik Dhirajlal Davda, Member (until 9 September 2024) ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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dH07n2BrqTOWx8H+I5rm81Ce/uneWa4cySSHqWJJNLfUoyzGThiCD6+tAHSWkwW2hIYAlB7dqSYHofgP4m+IPDjpA85v7HOPs87Zx/ut1X+VbRqtbmcqake9+C/HegeKYkW0uRBeEfNazHDg+3Zh9P0rojKMtjnlBx3OpFaWQrFY4rEsMigDL8SeIdF8O2D32talb2UKjP7x/mb2VerH6Ck3Ya1PEfHHx/nlL2vg7T9idDe3i5P/AY+n4k/hWbqdi4w7njOu63quvX51HW9RuL65PAaZshR6KOij2ArJtvc1SSKIM0D/aFYoQONp6/X2oQM7j4H6C+ueMdNhfHkef8Aablm6LFH8xJ+pwPxppXYnsfRPxU+NepeB5IbPSfCcz2nlknU71XWHcuBsVF5JOepI+neuulho1Lym9PI56lZw0S1OTb4seC/ET2useI/D9+txHGn2ua0kRIXJAzwWJyPrzU/2PKs+ZGn9q+xXL3Pd/hZ4g8EeIdA+1+CpLc26nEqCPZKrf7YPJPvzXJOjKi+VqxqqvtPevc6afv2P8qSEfGn7Rfjr/hL/GLWGn3JfR9MZooSp+WST+OT36YB9BnvTY0eWTiOWMxt0PYUmMrw6aGhy8gDDqAvT880XGXEh2BIx91BgUMCUqA3TB7YpiLdncS20yyRyspQgq2cEH6007EnsPg/4w31rpM9trMf22aOFjbT/wAW8D5RJ6jP8XX610RraamUqWuh7WaogzvE2rw6D4ev9ZnXelnA0u3P3iBwv4nA/Gk3Ya10PiXX9S1DXvEN1qeqTtPcytl2Y9M87R6Aelcz1OhKxEUAUKDx3xSuAmRkfN7UDGX2XVY1yGdtopoTPef2TrBbj4hsm1XhsrAswI43FuM0CZ3n7ZGrwweCtL8Og4m1PUEmkI6JDECWLexYp+RruwNJ1Kl+i3OTFVFCB4V4V8P6h458ax6DoaqlqpCOM5XBGXcn0H+A717OJrxo07v+meZQourU9fwPszwZ4P0zwj4ZttDsAcRj5pQAru3dsivm6lSVSTlI9uMFBWRw/wC0R45m8KeDzo9pc7tT1ZWiic/fhh6O/H/fI9yT2qC0fIcvyj5SaRRa1Cxgjs7a7troS+eCXhBBaLkgbseuD74+ozcoJRUrkqTvYofM0qopyepIPQVBZaMIA5Oc96BITy02kZ+vv/SgRLGinncOf8/5zTsBLvKbQOQTj/OelAH2bxXUcx5R+0rri2fhay0GNv3+p3ALgdoo+T+bFfyNZ1HZFwWp8yoxaSSXGdzk5/GsEbirlhnHX3zQAnG5OO9AElinna3Ah+6mXpiPpf8AY0hiSLxV4jumEcCMsRkbgKiKWY/QZ/ShJydluKTSV2ef/GPxO3jfXNQ1e5KjTYh5Nnb5IYRKeC3+91PPevssPhVhcO6T66t/ofK1q/1muqqez0X6ml+xxdXa/Fa5JgYQ3VhIckHgAgg5P5V4WYy50n5ntYGLhoz611jUbPS9PudT1CdYLS1iaWaRuiooyTXlHefDXxI8V3XjHxfe6/dlxHM2y2iPSGFfuL/U+5NJlnMOCW5zjFAAFIG2MZlboBzx60APijEagDdg5JJHU+tAEgJdwPy5FAMkChlGW68cf55piFVPlHQjHHPb+ooQELuxJKgkRjJ9/b3oA+0811nMfLn7QOtjUfiddQRtvi0uAQAdt2Nz/qcfhWFV6m1NaHmEZxGkYGSetZmhNMQgUDHFICKIEvuIJHbmgCbSW2LfXrD7iEA/5+tMR7XousTeF/gRpOjWhRLrX5pLu5BGSYM4APsTgfga9zJMIqs3VltH8zxs3xTpxVOO7/I4bV38nTnSSNJjMhwob7ueh47+1fQYqXNCyPHwcLTuz1T9jXSXg8U6nduGAhtNgz/DuPP8q+ZzSCpqCXXU9/AzdRyfbQ3P2rPHIWOLwXYyDMm2fUGB6L1SP8fvH/gPrXkvQ9FHzlIDnJ4z0pFEQbyyMgkk8YoAkhIViTgk9TigCSPDZO3jpnAoAsRqvzHZ/wDWoEIQAQcEcCgCvfTGKP5T8xOB7/59aYhnzQpsJycBs+poA+0Ly4jtbWa6lIWOGNpHJ7BRk/yrrOc+JtXvH1LUdV1SUsXu5pJSf998/wBa5ZO7OiKsihbDku2R2FIoRyzvj5uaQXHSnYnfOMZpoTFhQnQ/IUEvdXCRjHU5JoYHqXiSZn1QWgSF4ra2is7cZ3CNVGOOwO7cfxr7fLqCpYWO66s+Px9b2mJktH0Riahas0xtVhZ5geNh3dOowM5rao+ZqbegqK5YuNtT2v4O6pa+BfhNrPi7UDulnk2QIx+aV8bUQfl+Az6V8rms1PENLZaH0OXwcaCvu9TwLW9RvdX1a61bUJjNdXUrTSue7Mc/gOwHYV5bPRKT7Su45GPTqDQAmBGQ74346dQPb/69AEkK8cnigCVFIGCcZPSgBwJGRkHPHI70WEI7pk4x70xFCF1urt3JJSL5Qf8Aa7mhjC6bdIpbIKgA4FAA/9k="/>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 120 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report The Management Board \* According to the Articles of Association of the NLB d.d., the Management Board consists of three to seven members (the president and up to six members) that are appointed and dismissed by the Supervisory Board. The president and members of the Management Board are appointed to a five-year term of office and may be re-appointed or dismissed early by the law and Articles of Association of the NLB d.d. As at 31 December 2024: The composition of the Management Board has remained unchanged since May 2022. It is as follows: Blaž Brodnjak as President & CEO; and the following members: Archibald Kremser as Chief Financial Officer (CFO); Peter Andreas Burkhardt as Chief Risk Officer (CRO); Hedvika Usenik as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), who is responsible for Retail Banking and Private Banking; Antonio Argir who is responsible for Group governance, payments, and innovations; and Andrej Lasič as CMO, who is responsible for Corporate and Investment Banking. The mandates of President Blaž Brodnjak, and members Archibald Kremser, and Peter Andreas Burkhardt expire in July 2026, while the mandates of Hedvika Usenik, Antonio Argir, and Andrej Lasič expire in April 2027. Number of members: 6 5 members -year term of office Mandate: Blaž Brodnjak CEO (since 2016) Term of office: 2012–2016, 2016–2021, renewed term 2021–2026 Peter Andreas Burkhardt CRO Term of office: 2013–2016, 2016–2021, renewed term 2021–2026 Archibald Kremser CFO Term of office: 2013–2016, 2016–2021, renewed term 2021–2026 Deputy CEO (since 2023) Link to CV Link to CV Link to CV Other important functions and achievements: • More than 24 years of experience in managerial positions on all levels of international banking groups. • Was a chairman or member of the supervisory boards of 13 commercial banks in six countries, three insurance companies in three countries, a leading asset management company in Slovenia, and a multinational production group. Other important functions and achievements: • More than 23 years of experience in banking, especially in Central Europe. • Member or Chairman of Supervisory Boards of several banks in the Group from 2013 until present. Other important functions and achievements: • More than 24 years of experience in the financial services industry in Austria, CEE, and SEE, focusing on finance and asset management, strategy and corporate development, and performance improvement assignments. Direct responsibility: • Strategy and Business Development • Legal and Secretariat • Brand and Communication • Human Resources and Organisation Development • Internal Audit • Compliance and Integrity Direct responsibility: • Global Risk • Credit Risk – Corporate • Credit Risk – Retail • Workout and Legal Support • Restructuring • Evaluation and Control • Financial Instruments Processing • Corporate Clients Review and Account Products Delivery • Corporate Loans and Trade Finance Delivery • Retail Banking Processing Direct responsibility: • Financial Accounting and Administration • Controlling • Financial Markets • Group Real Estate Management • Investor Relations • IT Delivery • IT Infrastructure • Data and Artificial Intelligence Governance • IT Governance and Architecture • Business Intelligence and Analytics • Procurement Membership in management or supervisory bodies of related or unrelated companies: • Chairman of the Supervisory Board of NLB Banka, Skopje • Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Summit Leasing Slovenija, Ljubljana • President of the Supervisory Board of Bank Association of Slovenia • Member of the Board of Directors of Basketball Club Cedevita Olimpija Membership in management or supervisory bodies of related or unrelated companies: • Chairman of the Supervisory Board of NLB Banka, Banja Luka • Chairman of the Supervisory Board of NLB Banka, Sarajevo • Chairman of the Supervisory Board of NLB Lease&Go, leasing, Ljubljana Membership in management or supervisory bodies of related or unrelated companies: • Chairman of the Board of Directors of NLB Komercijalna Banka, Beograd As at 31 December 2024, the composition of the Management Board was as follows: \*Incorporation by reference: The reference is made to this chapter from the Sustainability Statement chapter ESRS-2 GOV-1 The role of administrative, supervisory and management bodies. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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"/>
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"/>
</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 121 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Antonio Argir Responsible for Group governance, payments, and innovations Term of office: 2022–2027 Andrej Lasič CMO (responsible for Corporate and Investment Banking) Term of office: 2022–2027 Hedvika Usenik CMO (responsible for Retail Banking and Private Banking) Term of office: 2022–2027 Link to CV Link to CV Link to CV Other important functions and achievements: • Under the management of Antonio Argir, NLB Banka, Skopje marked exceptional growth in all segments of its operations and was perceived as the most innovative bank on the market, with a significant increase in the bank’s profitability and share price increasing fivefold. Other important functions and achievements: • Over 27 years of experience in corporate and investment banking in international banking groups. Other important functions and achievements: • Over 22 years of experience in international banking groups, thereof more than 18 years of managerial experience. Direct responsibility: • Group Steering • Cash Processing • Payments Processing • Payments and Cards Services and Business Development Direct responsibility: • Capital Structure Advisory and Cross-Border Financing • Large Corporates • Small and Mid-Corporates • Trade Finance Services • Investment Banking and Custody • NLB Group Corporate and Investment Banking Management Direct responsibility: • Private Banking • Call Centre 24/7 • Distribution Network • Customer, Product Management, and Digital Services • Development of Lending Solutions for Retail Membership in management or supervisory bodies of related or unrelated companies: • Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board of • NLB Lease&Go, leasing, Ljubljana • Chairman of the Supervisory Board of NLB Banka, Podgorica • Chairman of the Board of Directors of NLB Banka, Prishtina Membership in management or supervisory bodies of related or unrelated companies: • Member of the Supervisory Board of NLB Banka, Sarajevo • Deputy President of the Supervisory Board of Bank Association of Slovenia Membership in management or supervisory bodies of related or unrelated companies: • Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of NLB Skladi, Ljubljana • Member of the Supervisory Board of NLB Banka, Banja Luka • Member of Management Board of the Institute for Economic Research • Member of Management Board of British–Slovenian Chamber of Commerce Further information about the work and composition of the Management Board is available in the chapter Corporate Governance Statement of NLB . ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 122 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Collective decision-making bodies The Management Board appoints different committees, commissions, boards, and working bodies to execute relevant tasks within the powers of the Management Board. Corporate Credit Committee Assets and Liabilities Management Committee of the NLB Group NLB Operational Risk Committee Change the Bank Committee Chairman: CRO Chairman: CFO Chairman: CRO Chairman: CEO Number of members: 7 Number of members: equal to the number of the appointed members of the Management Board Number of members: 16 Number of members: equal to the number of the appointed members of the Management Board The Committee determines credit ratings, makes decisions on the reclassification of clients, and approves commercial banking investment transactions and limits beyond the directors’ competences. The Committee adopts decisions on investment transactions in commercial banking within the statutory powers in corporate banking in the Bank (all companies, banks, and financial institutions), operations with clients in intensive care, and NPL. As a rule, committee meetings are convened once a week. The Committee monitors conditions in the macroeconomic environment. It analyses the balance sheet, changes to and trends in the assets and liabilities of the Bank and the Group companies, and drafts resolutions and issues guidelines for achieving the structure of the Bank’s and the Group’s balance sheet. Committee meetings are generally convened once a month. The Committee is responsible for monitoring, guiding, and supervising operational risk management in the Bank and transferring this methodology to the Group members. As a rule, the Committee meets once every two months. The Committee is responsible for adopting decisions related to the development portfolio to transform the Bank and decisions associated with adopting the development guidelines. As a rule, the Committee meetings are convened once a month. Risk Committee Group Real Estate Management Committee Sales Committee Private Individual Credit Committee Climate Change Committee Chairman: CRO Chairman: CFO Chairman: CMO (responsible for Corporate and Investment Banking) Chairman: Director of Credit Risk – Retail Chairman: CEO Number of members: 5 Number of members: 6 Number of members: 15 Number of members: 5 Number of members: 12 The Risk Committee is a decision- making and advisory body. It is in charge of approving certain internal acts, preparing a proposal for topical or selected strategic guidelines, monitoring credit portfolio quality, topical or certain areas/segments of credit, commercial and other related risks in NLB and NLB Group. The Committee shall inform the Management Board about the conclusions, recommendations, and other relevant changes. As a rule, committee meetings are convened quarterly. The committee gives opinions and decides for real estate in use (so-called "in use" real estate), for real estate intended for divestment (so- called "run-off" real estate), for real estate projects (so- called "development") and general real estate matters. As a rule, Committee meetings are convened once a week. The Sales Committee adopts decisions on managing the range of products and services and the relations with the clients in sales. As a rule, Committee meetings are convened once a week. The Committee decides on the approval of loans and other investment proposals, the conditions of which deviate from standard banking products and services, and which represent additional risks for the Bank. As a rule, meetings are convened when necessary. The Climate Change Committee at NLB Group is a decision- making and advisory body responsible for implementing the net-zero strategy. It comprises Management Board members and core team representatives from key departments. The committee oversees strategic and operational decarbonisation efforts, including target setting and KPI monitoring. As a rule, Committee meetings are convened biannually. The Management Board also appointed working bodies that operate at a lower level: Committee for New and Existing Products Committee for Business IT Architecture Data Governance Council Anti-Money Laundering Commission Corporate Customer Acceptability Committee ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 123 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Advisory bodies of the Bank’s Management Board Watch List Committee NLB Group Non-Performing Assets Divestment Committee NLB d.d. Sustainability Committee Chairman: CRO Chairman: Director of Workout and Legal Support Chairman: CEO Number of members: 8 Number of members: 7 Number of members: 20 The Watch List Committee is a body which monitors the progress of activities for clients on the Watch list. As a rule, committee meetings are convened quarterly. The NLB Group Non-Performing Assets Divestment Committee monitors the operations of Non- Core Group Members and issues opinions, recommendations, and initiatives. As a rule, committee meetings are convened quarterly. The Committee oversees the integration of the ESG factors to the NLB d.d. and the NLB Group members’ business model in a focused and coordinated way across the company, issues opinions, recommendations, and initiatives, and takes relevant decisions when needed. The Committee shall discuss, develop, and approve sustainability strategies, policies, initiatives, methodologies, KPIs and other applicable procedures. It shall influence sustainability-related strategic objectives and shall monitor its development and realisation. As a rule, committee meetings are convened quarterly. NLB Group’s governance As the parent bank, NLB implements the corporate and business governance of the Group members in compliance with EU and BoS legislation, the local legislation, and regulatory requirements applicable to respective Group members while also considering internal rules, ECB Guidelines, and other relevant regulations. The NLB Group Governance Policy comprehensively defines the Group operating model through corporate and business governance rules, principles, criteria, and mechanisms that define relevant stakeholders’ roles, authorisations, and responsibilities to ensure that they act orchestrated and achieve the set business goals. In the Bank, the Group Steering Department is the principal partner of the Bank’s Management Board in the corporate also partially so in the business governance of strategic and non-strategic Group companies. The model of the Governance of NLB Group consists of three pillars: 1. Corporate Governance, which is carried out following fundamental corporate rules and governance principles comprised of: • shareholder voting at the General Meeting of NLB Group members, • proposing candidates for supervisory bodies of NLB Group members, • offering professional support to supervisory bodies of NLB Group members, • offering professional support in the selection of candidates for management of NLB Group members, • proposing candidates for various committees of NLB Group members. 2. Business Governance which is carried out through mechanisms that ensure efficient business guidance and oversight: • setting up a formal business governance framework by Group Steering, • standardisation and harmonisation of operations across NLB Group by Competence Lines. 3. The Internal Control Functions serve as the second and third lines of defence. In addition to standardisation and harmonisation in their respective areas, they also oversee the implementation of Group rules and requirements (Internal Audit, Risk Management and Compliance, including AML, Information Security, Prevention and investigation of fraud to detriment of the bank, and Physical Security). ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 124 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Figure 70: NLB Group Governance Model NLB Group consists of NLB and Group members who represent: • financial core members: banks, leasing companies, and asset management companies; • non-financial core members: real estate management companies, a company for IT operations and other non-financial companies; • non-core members: companies in the wind-down process or companies considered non-strategic to NLB Group. At the end of 2024, the Group comprised 33 members, three more than the previous year. NLB successfully completed the transaction and became the sole shareholder of SLS HOLDCO, Ljubljana, the parent company of Summit Leasing Slovenija, Ljubljana, and its subsidiary in Croatia Mobil Leasing, Zagreb. NLB thus became the leading leasing provider in Slovenia and re-entered the Croatian market after almost three decades. The remaining changes were as follows: • NLB Skladi, Ljubljana, has taken over 100% ownership of Generali Investments, Skopje, and further renamed NLB Fondovi, Skopje. • The establishment of NLB Car&Go, Ljubljana by NLB Lease&Go, leasing, Ljubljana. • The merger of the company NLB Leasing, Ljubljana, – v likvidaciji, with the company NLB Lease&Go, leasing, Ljubljana. • The merger of the company PRIVATINVEST, Ljubljana, with NLB Real Estate, Ljubljana. The NLB Group Governance Policy was renewed by enhancing the role of Competence Lines, which is the main business governance counterpart of the Group members. It is responsible for harmonising and standardising the Group operations, and therefore, represents the highest level of business governance hierarchy with professional, competent, and qualified teams that are entirely or at least primarily dedicated to the Group. Recently, the governance of the two subgroups (leasing and asset management) has been more precisely defined in such a way that NLB is responsible for the business and corporate management of its direct subsidiary, i.e. the parent company of the subgroup, and the parent company of the subgroup is responsible for the business and corporate governance of its direct subsidiaries following the rules and requirements of the NLB Group (where appropriate). NLB, however, established governance monitoring mechanisms over all subgroups. The legal and organisational structure of the banking group, including a description of the internal governance arrangements, the arrangements about close links and the arrangements regarding the governance of subsidiaries, are available on the Bank’s website . Sustainability Management General Assembly of NLB Supervisory Board of NLB Management Board of NLB Corporate Governance Supervisory Bodies of NLB Group members Management Board of NLB Group members Business Governance Competence Lines Group functions Competence Centres Centres of Excellence Group domains Internal Control Functions Internal Audit Risk Management Compliance (i) (i) Including also AML, CISO, Prevention and investigation of fraud to detriment of the bank, and Physical Security. General Assembly of NLB Group members ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 125 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Compliance and Integrity \* The Group systematically approaches compliance, addressing the complexities of evolving regulatory requirements to ensure that employees and decision-makers understand that the objectives of these regulations remain a priority. The Group continues to strengthen its compliance function and enhance operational due diligence. 14 Core financial members included, excluding NLB. \* Incorporation by reference: The reference is made to this chapter from the Sustainability Statement chapter G-1 Corporate culture, ethical governance and integrity, and regulatory compliance \*\* Incorporation by reference: The reference is made to this chapter from the Sustainability Statement chapter G-1 Prevention of money laundering and terorrism financing. A culture of compliance is integrated into the Group’s day-to-day business to support its operations, contribute to its robust internal control environment, and mitigate compliance risks. Group-wide ethics and integrity standards \* Compliance and Integrity addresses the following areas: • Prevention and investigation of fraud to detriment of the bank; • Prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing (MLTFP), and restrictive measures; • Personal data protection (DPO); • Information security (CISO); • Regulatory compliance; • Prevention of corruption and bribery (ABC) and management of conflicts of interest; • Prevention of abuse on the financial instruments market; • Cooperation in the procedure of assessment of the suitability of key function holders; • Efficient, consistent, and proportional actions in the event of identified deviations from compliance and integrity; • Cooperation in the system of internal controls; • General professional ethics; • Physical/technical security. Within the programme’s framework for ensuring business compliance, the Group also addresses the ethics and integrity of the organisation. By upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct, it fosters a culture of trust, responsibility, and accountability among employees and stakeholders. Transparency and sustainable practices are integral to its approach, supporting long-term value creation for clients, shareholders, and the broader community. Through its actions, the Group strengthens trust, contributes to economic stability and fosters positive change in the markets it serves. Prevention \* As part of the Group’s commitment to ethics and integrity, it has implemented various prevention activities to protect the Group and its stakeholders from the risk of reputation, money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud, corruption, and other forms of financial crime. To manage compliance risks effectively, the Group conducts regular Enterprise Compliance Risk Assessments (ECRA), further refined in 2024 using insights from the 2023 assessment. These assessments enable the Group to identify, evaluate, and mitigate compliance and integrity risks effectively. The compliance programme also involves risk assessments for new and modified products, outsourcing arrangements, fit and proper assessments, and other material changes impacting the Group’s operations. The Group actively promotes a culture of compliance through awareness-raising initiatives. Annual employee e-training covers critical topics such as ethics, anti- corruption, conflict of interest mitigation, and personal data protection. Regular newsletters provide updates on regulatory changes and practical case studies, ensuring employees are equipped to address compliance challenges effectively. In 2024, the Group placed special emphasis on raising employee awareness regarding the importance of reporting conflicts of interest and the acceptance of gifts. In addition to mandatory e-learning training, focused workshops were held with employees in business units to deepen their understanding of these critical compliance areas. In 2024, the Group introduced a new Compliance Tool to enhance compliance management. This digital solution streamlines compliance activities, automates processes, and enables efficient monitoring of regulatory obligations. By leveraging technology, the Group ensures greater accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility in managing its compliance framework while responding to increasing regulatory demands. The Group continuously strengthens its compliance framework by refining internal policies and aligning with new regulations, industry standards, and best practices to ensure effective risk management and support sustainable business operations. Prevention of money laundering and terrorism financing, and financial sanctions compliance \*\* The Bank complies with national regulations on Anti- Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of 2,562 NLB / 4,494 NLB Group 14 the number of employees who completed anti-corruption training in 2024 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 126 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Terrorism (AML/CFT), including the EBA, BoS, and other competent authorities’ guidelines and standards. As a member of the EU, the Republic of Slovenia (RoS) is subject to the European AML/CFT Directives, which is how the EU transposes the Financial Action Task Force recommendations throughout the EU. For the Bank, effectively mitigating the risk of money laundering, terrorist financing, and breaches of financial sanctions is of paramount importance. For these reasons, the rules, procedures, and technology in the AML/CFT area are subject to strict and unified policies and standards. The same principles also apply to the Bank’s framework on financial sanctions. The Bank regularly updates and enhances its governance in line with directions set by the BoS. Through the system of performing risk assessment, regular reporting, and constant on-site and off-site control, the headquarters effectively monitor the implementation and execution of standards throughout the Group. The Bank regularly performs customer due diligence following the risk-based approach, applying additional measures in cases of increased risk within the "Know your customer" segment and in the ongoing monitoring of transactional activities. In cases of detected deviations and considering the AML/CFT indicators, the Bank’s AML function ensures a review and, if required by AML/CFT legislation, reports customers and transactions to the competent Financial Intelligence Unit. In its 15 Core financial members included, excluding NLB. \* Incorporation by reference: A reference is made to this chapter from the Sustainability Statement chapter S-4 Cyber security and personal data protection. Acceptance Policy, the Bank has also adopted additional measures to prevent onboarding customers who do not correspond to its risk appetite. The Bank also ensures a high awareness of the AML/CFT and financial sanctions by regular training of all Bank employees. Information security and personal data protection \* The information security area is focused on implementing measures to increase the Bank’s cyber resilience and strengthen its digital capabilities. Key activities include enhancing cyber threat intelligence, improving situational awareness, and conducting penetration tests to assess and bolster the resilience of information systems. In 2024, the Bank assessed the information security status of 48 outsourcing providers in line with EBA guidelines. Special mandatory e-trainings on information security and social engineering tested all employees and were divided into three focus groups. A dedicated training session was held for the Bank’s Management Board members as part of a wider preventative effort. In response to an uptick in cyber fraud attempts targeting its customers, the Bank implemented a robust Brand Intelligence/Brand Protection service and activated Dark Web monitoring. These steps enabled swift detection and proactive takedowns of fraudulent phishing portals, which mimic the Bank, thereby mitigating threats posed by malicious campaigns. The Bank continues to enhance and optimise security approaches across the Group, ensuring consistent visibility and autonomy for local Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) offices in its core subsidiaries. This alignment emphasises each subsidiary’s local accountability for information security in accordance with its executive management’s risk appetite and applicable regulations. The Bank also remains active in the global cyber intelligence-sharing community exclusively for financial services, providing all local CISO offices with access to intelligence exchange platforms, cyber resilience resources, and threat mitigation capabilities. NLB Group’s cyber threat intelligence service is actively utilised, focusing on swift intelligence access, strategies to address crisis events, and a trusted network of relationships. In 2024, the Group continued conducting cyber-attack incident response exercises and participated in the FS-ISAC CAPS (cyber-attack against payment systems) simulation, testing incident response teams against a simulated attack involving locked bank data and a ransom demand. The Bank adheres to GDPR requirements in its daily operations, especially the retention and processing of personal data under the supervision of a dedicated Data Privacy Officer, as well as through employee education and training. Following the adoption of the new Slovenian Personal Data Protection Act (ZVOP-2) in 2022, the Bank continues to integrate its provisions into its processes and systems. Fraud prevention and investigation The Bank has implemented a unified system and standards for preventing and investigating suspected misconduct that may negatively impact the Bank. The Bank ensures full protection of reporters from any potential retaliation in line with commitments outlined in the Whistleblower Protection Act. This system enables anyone, both internal and external parties, to report misconduct freely and anonymously through several different communication channels. A specialised team centrally manages all received reports in accordance with detailed internal procedures. 650 NLB / 3,028 NLB Group 15 the number of employees who participated in the 2024 Ethics and Compliance Survey 114 data subject requests under GDPR submitted to NLB in 2024 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 127 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report In 2024, the Bank achieved significant milestones in safeguarding its brand’s integrity by implementing a robust brand protection tool, reinforcing customers’ trust and confidence in the Bank. Additional security measures were introduced in both web and mobile e-banking channels. The Bank has strengthened its approach to cyber risk management and the prevention of unauthorised payment transactions, reflecting its commitment to safeguarding the security of the Bank’s customers and employees. The Bank has also been actively involved in The Bank Association (ZBS) initiatives, contributing to public awareness campaigns on cyber and payment fraud prevention. Recognising that well-informed employees are critical to maintaining a strong defence, the Bank devoted significant attention to employee training, sharing insights into observed fraud patterns, and offering recommendations to improve processes. Fraud prevention in loan origination processes is intricately linked to operational risk and requires a comprehensive approach. The Bank has implemented rigorous verification processes for new loan applications, including identity verification checks, thorough credit history analysis, and cross- referencing information from multiple sources to identify inconsistencies or fraudulent indicators. The Bank’s involvement in these activities underscores its dedication to fostering a secure and transparent business environment. NLB remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the highest standards of business ethics, ensuring that its customers can confidently engage with its brand. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiIHN0YW5kYWxvbmU9Im5vIj8+CjwhRE9DVFlQRSBzdmcgUFVCTElDICItLy9XM0MvL0RURCBTVkcgMS4xLy9FTiIKImh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnL0dyYXBoaWNzL1NWRy8xLjEvRFREL3N2ZzExLmR0ZCI+Cjxzdmcgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDE4MTggMTI4NiIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIj4KPGRlZnM+CjxzdHlsZSB0eXBlPSJ0ZXh0L2NzcyI+PCFbQ0RBVEFbCi5nMF8xMjh7CmZpbGw6ICMyMzAwNzg7Cn0KLmcxXzEyOHsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjMjMwMDc4OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDMuMDU1OwpzdHJva2UtbGluZWNhcDogcm91bmQ7CnN0cm9rZS1saW5lam9pbjogcm91bmQ7Cn0KLmcyXzEyOHsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjN0I2NkFFOwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDguMjU7CnN0cm9rZS1taXRlcmxpbWl0OiAxMDsKfQouZzNfMTI4ewpmaWxsOiBub25lOwpzdHJva2U6ICNBNzk5Qzk7CnN0cm9rZS13aWR0aDogOC4yNTsKc3Ryb2tlLW1pdGVybGltaXQ6IDEwOwp9Ci5nNF8xMjh7CmZpbGw6IG5vbmU7CnN0cm9rZTogIzIzMDA3ODsKc3Ryb2tlLXdpZHRoOiA4LjI1OwpzdHJva2UtbWl0ZXJsaW1pdDogMTA7Cn0KLmc1XzEyOHsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjNEYzMzkzOwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDguMjU7CnN0cm9rZS1saW5lY2FwOiBzcXVhcmU7CnN0cm9rZS1taXRlcmxpbWl0OiAxMDsKfQouZzZfMTI4ewpmaWxsOiBub25lOwpzdHJva2U6ICM4NEJEMDA7CnN0cm9rZS13aWR0aDogNy42Mzg7CnN0cm9rZS1saW5lY2FwOiByb3VuZDsKc3Ryb2tlLWxpbmVqb2luOiByb3VuZDsKc3Ryb2tlLWRhc2hhcnJheTogMCwyMjsKfQouZzdfMTI4ewpmaWxsOiBub25lOwpzdHJva2U6ICM4NEJEMDA7CnN0cm9rZS13aWR0aDogNy42Mzg7CnN0cm9rZS1saW5lY2FwOiByb3VuZDsKc3Ryb2tlLWxpbmVqb2luOiByb3VuZDsKfQouZzhfMTI4ewpmaWxsOiBub25lOwpzdHJva2U6ICM4NEJEMDA7CnN0cm9rZS13aWR0aDogNy42Mzg7CnN0cm9rZS1saW5lY2FwOiByb3VuZDsKc3Ryb2tlLWxpbmVqb2luOiByb3VuZDsKc3Ryb2tlLWRhc2hhcnJheTogMCwyNDsKfQpdXT48L3N0eWxlPgo8L2RlZnM+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xNTAwLjYsMTEzLjdjMzcuNywwLDY4LjIsLTMwLjYsNjguMiwtNjguMmMwLC0zNy43LC0zMC41LC02OC4xLC02OC4yLC02OC4xYy0zNy43LDAsLTY4LjIsMzAuNCwtNjguMiw2OC4xYzAsMzcuNiwzMC41LDY4LjIsNjguMiw2OC4yWiIgY2xhc3M9ImcwXzEyOCIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTUwMC42LDEzOTkuOWMzNy43LDAsNjguMiwtMzAuNSw2OC4yLC02OC4yYzAsLTM3LjcsLTMwLjUsLTY4LjIsLTY4LjIsLTY4LjJjLTM3LjcsMCwtNjguMiwzMC41LC02OC4yLDY4LjJjMCwzNy43LDMwLjUsNjguMiw2OC4yLDY4LjJaIiBjbGFzcz0iZzBfMTI4Ii8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xNjA2LjgsMTE2My4ybC0xMy43LDEwLjd2MTYuOGMwLC44LC4zLDEuNiwuOSwyLjJjLjUsLjUsMS4zLC44LDIuMSwuOGgyMS40Yy44LDAsMS42LC0uMywyLjIsLS44Yy41LC0uNiwuOSwtMS40LC45LC0yLjJ2LTE2LjhsLTEzLjgsLTEwLjdabS00LjYsMzAuNXYtMTUuMmg5LjJ2MTUuMm0tMTAuNywtMTI1LjhsLTcuNiwtNy43bDcuNiwtNy42bTEwLjcsMTUuM2wtNy42LC03LjdsNy42LC03LjZtMzcuOCwxNS4zbDcuNywtNy43bC03LjcsLTcuNm0tMTAuNywxNS4zbDcuNywtNy43bC03LjcsLTcuNiIgY2xhc3M9ImcxXzEyOCIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTIwOS4xLDcxNi44YzQ2LjksLTQ2LjgsMTIyLjgsLTQ2LjgsMTY5LjYsMGM0Ni44LC00Ni44LDQ2LjgsLTEyMi43LDAsLTE2OS41Yy00Ni44LC00Ni45LC0xMjIuNywtNDYuOSwtMTY5LjYsMGMtNDYuOCw0Ni44LC00Ni44LDEyMi43LDAsMTY5LjUiIGNsYXNzPSJnMl8xMjgiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTEyMDkuMSw3MTYuOGMtNDYuOCwtNDYuOCwtNDYuOCwtMTIyLjcsMCwtMTY5LjVjLTQ2LjgsLTQ2LjksLTEyMi43LC00Ni45LC0xNjkuNSwwYy00Ni44LDQ2LjgsLTQ2LjgsMTIyLjcsMCwxNjkuNWM0Ni44LDQ2LjgsMTIyLjcsNDYuOCwxNjkuNSwwIiBjbGFzcz0iZzNfMTI4Ii8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xMjA5LjEsNzE2LjhjLTQ2LjgsNDYuOCwtMTIyLjcsNDYuOCwtMTY5LjUsMGMtNDYuOCw0Ni44LC00Ni44LDEyMi43LDAsMTY5LjVjNDYuOCw0Ni44LDEyMi43LDQ2LjgsMTY5LjUsMGM0Ni45LC00Ni44LDQ2LjksLTEyMi43LDAsLTE2OS41IiBjbGFzcz0iZzRfMTI4Ii8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xMjA5LjEsNzE2LjhjNDYuOSw0Ni44LDQ2LjksMTIyLjcsMCwxNjkuNWM0Ni45LDQ2LjgsMTIyLjgsNDYuOCwxNjkuNiwwYzQ2LjgsLTQ2LjgsNDYuOCwtMTIyLjcsMCwtMTY5LjVDMTMzMS45LDY3MCwxMjU2LDY3MCwxMjA5LjEsNzE2LjgiIGNsYXNzPSJnNV8xMjgiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTk0LjgsMTA2OS4xdjk1LjMiIGNsYXNzPSJnNl8xMjgiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTk0LjgsMTA0OHYwbTAsMTI3djAiIGNsYXNzPSJnN18xMjgiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTU0OS41LDEwNzEuOHY1OS4xIiBjbGFzcz0iZzhfMTI4Ii8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik01NDkuNSwxMDQ4LjF2MG0wLDk0LjZ2MCIgY2xhc3M9Imc3XzEyOCIvPgo8L3N2Zz4=) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 128 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Internal Audit Internal Audit reviews key risk areas in the Group’s operations, advises management at all levels, and deepens understanding of the Bank’s operations. It provides independent and impartial assurance regarding the management of key risks, management of the Bank, and functioning of internal controls, thereby strengthening and protecting the value of the Bank. Internal Audit is an independent, objective assurance and advisory service designed to add value and improve the Bank’s operations. It is primarily answers to the Supervisory Board and its Audit Committee, and secondarily to the Management Board of the Bank. It helps to accomplish the Bank’s objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and control processes. Internal Audit strengthens the Bank’s ability to create, protect, and sustain value by providing the Management and Supervisory Boards with independent, risk-based, and objective assurance, advice, insight, and foresight. Performed audits Internal Audit performs its tasks and responsibilities at its discretion and in compliance with the Annual Audit Plan approved by the Management and the Supervisory Boards. Based on its internal methodology and comprehensive risk assessment for 2024, Internal Audit planned 95 audits, of which 84 were completed, covering various areas of operations within the Bank and the Group. Among these, 27 were branch inspections, eight were group audits, one was conducted as a joint audit with a local auditor, three were quality reviews in banking subsidiaries, and two new audits were initiated. In addition, Internal Audit was involved in several strategic projects as an advisor. Five planned audits were postponed for objective reasons, and one audit was removed from the plan as it was covered by another audit. Most recommendations issued in 2024 were implemented within the agreed-upon deadlines. Implementation of uniform rules Internal Audit continuously increases efficiency. It focuses on monitoring the implementation of audit recommendations, training and education, advising management, and ensuring high-quality and professional operations of the internal audit function within the Group. In November 2024, the Internal Audit Charter and Manual were updated and aligned with the Global Internal Audit Standards, effective 9 January 2025. Internal Audit also introduces uniform rules of operation for the internal audit function and regularly monitors compliance with these rules within the Group. Following the highest standards In 2022, an external quality review of the internal audit function was performed and confirmed that Internal Audit and other internal audit services within the Group operate in accordance with the following: Code of Internal Auditing Principles Code of Ethics of an Internal Auditor International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing Banking Act (ZBan-3) or other relevant laws regulating the operations of a Group member 84 planned audits conducted in the Bank 39 Internal Audit experts ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiIHN0YW5kYWxvbmU9Im5vIj8+CjwhRE9DVFlQRSBzdmcgUFVCTElDICItLy9XM0MvL0RURCBTVkcgMS4xLy9FTiIKImh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnL0dyYXBoaWNzL1NWRy8xLjEvRFREL3N2ZzExLmR0ZCI+Cjxzdmcgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDE4MTggMTI4NiIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIj4KPGRlZnM+CjxzdHlsZSB0eXBlPSJ0ZXh0L2NzcyI+PCFbQ0RBVEFbCi5nMF8xMjl7CmZpbGw6ICMyMzAwNzg7Cn0KLmcxXzEyOXsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjMjMwMDc4OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDMuMDU1OwpzdHJva2UtbGluZWNhcDogcm91bmQ7CnN0cm9rZS1saW5lam9pbjogcm91bmQ7Cn0KXV0+PC9zdHlsZT4KPC9kZWZzPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTUwMC42LDExMy43YzM3LjcsMCw2OC4yLC0zMC42LDY4LjIsLTY4LjJjMCwtMzcuNywtMzAuNSwtNjguMSwtNjguMiwtNjguMWMtMzcuNywwLC02OC4yLDMwLjQsLTY4LjIsNjguMWMwLDM3LjYsMzAuNSw2OC4yLDY4LjIsNjguMloiIGNsYXNzPSJnMF8xMjkiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTE1MDAuNiwxMzk5LjljMzcuNywwLDY4LjIsLTMwLjUsNjguMiwtNjguMmMwLC0zNy43LC0zMC41LC02OC4yLC02OC4yLC02OC4yYy0zNy43LDAsLTY4LjIsMzAuNSwtNjguMiw2OC4yYzAsMzcuNywzMC41LDY4LjIsNjguMiw2OC4yWiIgY2xhc3M9ImcwXzEyOSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTYwNi44LDExNjMuMmwtMTMuNywxMC43djE2LjhjMCwuOCwuMywxLjYsLjksMi4yYy41LC41LDEuMywuOCwyLjEsLjhoMjEuNGMuOCwwLDEuNiwtLjMsMi4yLC0uOGMuNSwtLjYsLjksLTEuNCwuOSwtMi4ydi0xNi44bC0xMy44LC0xMC43Wm0tNC42LDMwLjV2LTE1LjJoOS4ydjE1LjJtLTEwLjcsLTEyNS44bC03LjYsLTcuN2w3LjYsLTcuNm0xMC43LDE1LjNsLTcuNiwtNy43bDcuNiwtNy42bTM3LjgsMTUuM2w3LjcsLTcuN2wtNy43LC03LjZtLTEwLjcsMTUuM2w3LjcsLTcuN2wtNy43LC03LjYiIGNsYXNzPSJnMV8xMjkiLz4KPC9zdmc+) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 129 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Corporate Governance Statements ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 130 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report The Statement of Management’s Responsibility 16 MFIA, Official Gazette of the RoS , No. št. 77/18, 17/19 – corr., 66/19, 123/21 and 45/24. In accordance with the provisions of Article 134 (Paragraph 2, Point 3, 2 nd bullet) of the Market and Financial Instruments Act 16 , the Management Board hereby confirms the statements made in the business report, which are in accordance with the attached financial statements as of 31 December 2024, and represent the actual and fair financial standing of the Bank and the NLB Group as well as their operating results in the year that ended 31 December 2024. The Management Board confirms that the Business Report gives a fair view of developments and operating results of the Bank and the Group and their financial standings, including a description of the material types of risks the Bank and the NLB Group companies included in the consolidation are exposed as a whole. Ljubljana, 25 March 2025 Management Board of the NLB Hedvika Usenik Andrej Lasič Archibald Kremser Peter Andreas Burkhardt Antonio Argir Blaž Brodnjak Member Member Member Member Member Chief Executive Officer ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 131 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Authorisation to Perform Banking Services Nova Ljubljanska banka d.d., Ljubljana has an authorisation to perform banking services pursuant to Article 5 of the Banking Act ( Official Gazette of the RoS, No. 92/2021 , with Amendments; hereinafter: the ZBan-3). Banking services are the acceptance of deposits and other repayable funds from the public and the granting of credits for its own account. The bank has an authorisation to perform mutually recognised and additional financial services. It may perform the following mutually recognised financial services, pursuant to Article 5 of the ZBan-3: 1. receiving deposits; 2. granting of loans, including: · consumer loans, · mortgage loans, · purchase of receivables with or without recourse (factoring), · financing of commercial transactions, including export financing based on the purchase of non-current non-past-due receivables at a discount and without recourse, secured by financial instruments (forfeiting); 4. payment services and electronic money issuing services; 5. issuance and management of other payment instruments (i.e. travellers’ cheques and banker’s drafts) in the part in which this service is not included in service of point 4 of this Article; 6. issuing of guarantees and other commitments; 7. trading for own account or for the account of clients: · in money-market instruments, · in foreign exchange, including currency exchange transactions, · financial futures and options, · exchange and interest-rate instruments, · in transferable securities; 8. participation in securities issues and the provision of associated services; 9. corporate consultancy with regard to capital structure, operational strategy and related matters, and consultancy and services in connection with corporate mergers and acquisitions; 10. monetary intermediation on interbank markets; 11. advice on portfolio management; 12. safekeeping of securities and other related services; 13. credit rating services: collecting, analysing and disseminating information regarding creditworthiness; 14. leasing of safe deposit boxes; 15. investment services and transactions, and ancillary investment services in accordance with the ZTFI. It may perform the following additional financial services, pursuant to Article 6 of the ZBan-3: 1. insurance agency service pursuant to the law governing the insurance industry 4. custodian and administrative services according to the law governing investment funds and management companies 5. credit brokerage for consumer and other types of loans 6. other services or transactions: 6.1. intermediation in financial leasing 6.2. sale and purchase of investments in gold Authorisation to perform banking services is published on the official website of BoS . ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 132 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Corporate Governance Statement of NLB 17 The Companies Act (ZGD-1; Official Gazette of the RoS, No. 65/09 and consecutive changes). 18 The Corporate Governance Policy of NLB was adopted in February 2023. 19 Slovenian Corporate Governance Code for Listed Companies, December 2021 (valid for this Corporate Governance Statement for the business year 2024). Nevertheless, the mentioned code was changed in December 2024, is valid from 1 January 2025, and will apply to the companies for the first time when preparing the Corporate Governance Statement for the 2025 financial year. 20 Published on the Bank’s website . 21 ZGD-1M recent changes to Companies Act, Official Gazette of the RoS, No. 102/24 , valid from 18 December 2024. Pursuant to Article 70, paragraph 6 and 7 of the Companies Act (further in text: ZGD-1) 17 , NLB hereby gives the following Corporate Governance Statement of NLB as part of the Business Report of the NLB Group Annual Report 2024. The main function of this statement is to prompt informing investors on the coherence of the Bank’s corporate governance system. 1. COMPLIANCE WITH THE CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CODE 1.1. References to the Code on Corporate Governance The recommended best corporate governance practices contribute to a transparent and understandable corporate governance system, which promotes both domestic and foreign investor confidence, as well as the confidence of employees, other stakeholders (shareholders, regulators, suppliers, etc.), and the public. A decision on which code the Bank will follow was made jointly by the Management and the Supervisory Boards of the Bank by adopting the Corporate Governance Policy of NLB 18 . Compliance with the Slovenian Corporate Governance Code for Listed Companies 19 is explained in this statement on a "comply or explain basis," in which the Bank provides an explanation regarding deviations, the reasoning for non-compliance with a certain recommendation, or alternative practices performed mostly due to stricter banking regulation. The statement refers to the Bank’s system of corporate governance from the beginning to the end of the financial year, which also corresponds to the beginning and the end of the calendar year (from 1 January until 31 December). The Corporate Governance Statement of NLB is included in the Business Report of the NLB Group Annual Report (published on NLB’s website and is also published as a separate report on the Bank’s website under the chapter on Corporate Governance . NLB strives to increase the level of its business transparency and informs the shareholders and other expert community in line with Guidelines on Disclosure for Listed Companies (Ljubljana Stock Exchange, 25 March 2024) and in line with Rules and Regulation of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, as well as in line with Rules of the London Stock Exchange through Regulatory News Services (RNS) of the London Stock Exchange. NLB also upholds its own code of conduct. The NLB Group Code of Conduct , which was revised in May 2023, is a standardised document for all members of the Group that defines values, lays down the standards of ethical business conduct, and serves as the guideline for all Bank’s relationships regardless of whether it involves clients, competitors, business partners, state authorities, regulators, shareholders, or internal relationships between employees. At the same time, it is the basis of the Group values and basic principles of conduct, which provide specific conduct guidelines to its employees. This approach aims to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and standards. It is published on the Bank’s website . Regarding the representation of gender in the Management and Supervisory Boards, the NLB implements an internal Policy on the Provision of Diversity of the Management Body and Senior Management (June 2022), which defines the principles and procedures that promote gender-balanced planning for the Management and Supervisory Boards, as well as for senior management 20 . The Corporate Governance system of the Bank and all relevant information on Bank’s management that exceeds the requirements of Article 70 of the Companies Act (ZGD-1) are published in the chapter in Risk Management of this Annual Report. Some other aspects of the functioning of the Bank’s managing bodies are described in the chapter in Corporate Governance of this Annual Report, as well as in the Corporate Governance Policy of NLB published on the NLB’s website . Information on the ESG Risk Management for the year 2024 is described in the Sustainability Statement as part of this Annual Report. Information on the Diversity Policy is according to recent changes to ZGD-1M 21 described in the Sustainability Statement of this Annual Report. Diversity Policy, Remuneration Policy and ESG risks are also described in the Pillar 3 Disclosures according to Basel standards. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 133 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 2. COMPLIANCE WITH THE SLOVENIAN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CODE FOR LISTED COMPANIES 22 Recent changes are primarily the result of alignment with the amendment to the Companies Act (ZGD-1M) and the development of good corporate governance practices (diversity, remuneration and independence). The Code provides recommendations for good management, control and management practices of public joint-stock companies whose shares are listed on the organized market in Slovenia. In 2024, the Code was updated and entered into force on 1 January 2025. However, the companies should use the recommendation of this Code for the first time when preparing the Corporate Governance Statement for the 2025 financial year 22 . Nevertheless, NLB already complies with some of the changes of the Code. The Bank does not follow, partially implements, or adhere to different, in most cases stricter, banking regulations with regard to the following recommendations: Recommendation 5.6: NLB does not provide an external assessment of the adequacy of the Corporate Governance Statement of NLB at least every three years since NLB is a systemically important bank with demanding regulation that takes into account high standards of corporate governance. The Bank is highly regulated by a regulator and examined by the external auditor. Recommendation 7.4: The Sustainability Policy of NLB d.d. and NLB Group contains basic due diligence guidelines and measures for identifying risks and prevention of serious harm in relation to areas that are defined in this recommendation. Additionally, due diligence guidelines and measures for identifying risk are further elaborated in the Policy on the Respect for Human Rights in NLB and the NLB Group, and are implemented in other domain-specific policies covering respective business areas in NLB Group. Recommendation 12.1: In assessing a candidate’s eligibility to be a Supervisory Board member, statutory criteria are applied. However, according to the Policy to Assess the Suitability of the Management and Supervisory Board Members in NLB (June 2022), it is not necessary for candidates to have a certificate evidencing their specialised professional competence for membership on a Supervisory Board, such as the Certificate of Slovenian Directors’ Association, or any other relevant certificate. However, all strict conditions must be fulfilled according to banking legislation, including a wide range of knowledge, skills, and experience. Recommendation 14.2: Currently, valid Rules of Procedure of the Supervisory Board of NLB d.d. (November 2024) are prepared according to strict rules governing banks. They do not include provisions on the Agreement on access to the archives after expiration of the term of office of the members of the Supervisory Board, as the access to the archives after expiration of the term of office is determined by the provisions of the Rules of Procedure of the Supervisory Board of NLB and not in a special agreement. Recommendation 14.3: The Rules of Procedure of the Supervisory Board of NLB d.d. do not include the scope of topics and timeframe to be respected by the Management Board in its periodic reporting of the Supervisory Board. However, the scope of topics and time frames of periodic reporting to the Supervisory Board are included in the annual Action Plan of the Supervisory Board. Competent organisational units of the Bank ensure that timely information is provided to the Supervisory Board. Recommendation 14.4: In 2024, the NLB Workers’ Council did not report to the Supervisory Board. In 2023, the NLB Workers’ Council sent a letter stating that it would inform the professional services of NLB if it intended to report to the Supervisory Board in the future. Recommendation 14.6: Access to the archives after the expiration of the term of office of the members of the Supervisory Board is determined by the Rules of Procedure of the Supervisory Board of NLB d.d. Members of the Supervisory Board do not sign a special Agreement on the access to the archives upon taking up the position. See also Recommendation 14.2 above. Recommendation 17.6: The President of the Supervisory Board, together with the Secretary of the Supervisory Board or an expert from the Bank designated by the Secretary of the Supervisory Board, takes care of the minutes of the Supervisory Board meeting. Only exceptionally, can a Supervisory Board member also be the minute-taker. The President of the Supervisory Board and the Director of Legal and Secretariat ensure that the resolutions formulated at the meeting are clearly formulated and comprehensible. Recommendation 19.1: In 2024, the Supervisory Board members (representatives of capital and representatives of workers) did not receive attendance fees but received payments for performing their function based on the decisions of the General Meeting of Shareholders dated 21 October 2019, 15 June 2020 and 19 June 2023. Remuneration of the Members of the Supervisory Board is regulated by the Articles of Association of NLB d.d., the decisions of the General Meeting of shareholders from the previous sentence and the Remuneration Policy for the Members of the Supervisory Board of NLB d.d. and the Members of the Management Board of NLB d.d. Recommendation 20: Minutes of the Supervisory Board meeting are taken by the Secretary of the Supervisory Board or an expert from the Bank designated by the Head of Secretariat. Only exceptionally, a Supervisory Board member can also be the minute-taker. Recommendation 23.5: In accordance with regulations and the Remuneration Policy of the Members of the Supervisory Board of NLB d.d. and the Members of the Management Board of the NLB d.d. in 2024, NLB awarded to the members of its Management Board 50% of their variable remuneration for 2023 in share-linked instruments: 50% of such instruments were handed over to the members of the Management Board without any ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 134 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report deferral, and the remaining 50% of such instruments will be handed over to the members of the Management Board during a 5-year deferral period. Recommendation 26.6: The Bank maintains a list of transactions with related persons according to the Banking Act (ZBan-3). A list of transactions with related persons is submitted to the Supervisory Board by special demand. Recommendation 30.4: NLB draws up its Financial Calendar , published on the Banks’ website and includes the date of the Annual General Meeting of NLB. However, it doesn’t provide information on the dividend payment date. The date is announced in the publication of the Agenda and Proposed Resolutions to be passed at the Annual General Meeting. The dividend payment date is determined based on KDD’s Operations Rules (Central Securities Clearing Corporation). Recommendation 32.7: NLB does not publish the rules of procedure of its bodies (Management Board, Supervisory Board, and its committees) on its website. However, each year, the Bank discloses the composition, competences, and work of its managing bodies in the Corporate Governance Statement of NLB that is published in this NLB Group Annual Report, as well as on the Bank’s website . ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 135 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 3. MAIN FEATURES OF INTERNAL CONTROL AND RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN RELATION TO FINANCIAL REPORTING NLB is governed by the provisions of the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR), with amendments, together with all applicable delegated acts, the Banking Act (ZBan-3) and the Regulation on Internal Governance Arrangements, the Management Body and the Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process for Banks and Savings Banks regulating, and relevant EBA Guidelines, among other, the Bank’s obligation to set up, maintain appropriate internal control, and risk management systems. Due to the above, the NLB has developed a steady and reliable internal governance system encompassing the following: 3.1. Internal control mechanisms The Suitability of the internal control mechanisms is determined by the independence, quality, and validity of: • the rules for and controls of the implementation of the Bank’s organisational, business, and work procedures (internal controls) and • the internal control functions and departments (internal control functions). 3.1.1. Internal Controls The policy entitled "Internal Control System" defines a system of internal controls as a set of rules, procedures, and organisational structures. The system of internal controls in NLB is designed to ensure that for each key risk, there is a process or other measure to reduce or manage that risk, and that process or measure is effective for that purpose. The Mentioned policy introduces a new description of the three lines of defence, namely: 1. First-level (or line) controls are implemented into business and non-business organisational units (OU). 2. Second-level controls are divided between Risk Management and Compliance control functions (including AML/CTF and Information security management), which carry out independent controls and supervision over the operation of the first line of defence. 3. The third level of control is performed by the internal audit function, which assesses and regularly checks the completeness, functionality, and adequacy of the internal control system. An internal audit is completely independent of both the first-line and the second-level control functions. In the event of deficiencies, irregularities, or breaches identified in the process of implementation of internal controls, the breaches are discussed at the Operational Risk Committee (which is the collective decision-making body appointed by the Management Board of the Bank that is established for the execution of individual tasks within powers of the Management Board of the Bank). The mentioned committee adopts decisions to take appropriate actions and informs the Management Board of the Bank about deficiencies and actions taken on that behalf. As NLB advances its commitment to sustainable and responsible banking, updates to the Internal Control System policy, implemented in November 2023, reflect the Bank’s dedication to ensuring a comprehensive approach to ESG governance, addressing ESG risks, and promoting responsible business practices. 3.1.2. Internal Control Functions Internal control functions are part of the system of internal governance in the Bank. Internal control functions include: a) The Internal Audit Function The Internal Audit function is organised in accordance with the Internal Audit Charter of NLB d.d., approved by the Management Board, to which the Supervisory Board of NLB gave its consent. The Management Board of NLB has established and organised an independent Internal Audit function. The main purpose of the Internal Audit is to provide the Bank’s Management and Supervisory Boards with objective and independent assurance and advisory services designed to add value and improve an organisation’s operations. Internal auditing is an independent, objective assurance and advisory service designed to add value and improve the Bank’s operations, which is primarily responsible to the Supervisory Board of NLB and its Audit Committee and secondarily to the Management Board of the Bank. It helps to accomplish the Bank’s objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and control processes. In addition, the Internal Audit conducts regular Quality reviews of the Internal Audit functions in the Group and ensures continuous development of the internal auditing function in NLB Group. The Supervisory Board of NLB must give its agreement to the appointment and dismissal of the Chief Audit Executive, which ensures his independence and, thus, the independence of the Internal Audit function. b) The Risk Management Function The Risk Management Function is organised according to the Charter of the Risk Management Function of NLB adopted by the Management Board, in agreement with the Supervisory Board of NLB. The Risk Management Function represents an important part of the overall management and governance system in the Group. This function in NLB is organised within the Risk stream, covered by the member of the Management Board in charge of risk (Chief Risk Officer – CRO). The Risk Management Function is performed by the Global Risk function. In accordance with the competences, authorisations, and responsibilities, Global Risk is represented by its General Manager. Global Risk is in functional and organisational terms separate from other functions where business decisions are adopted and where a potential conflict of interest may arise with the Risk Management Function. The head of the Risk Management Function has direct access to the Management Board of the NLB and, at the same time, has unhindered and independent access to the Supervisory Board of NLB and the Risk Committee of the Supervisory Board of the NLB. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 136 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Risk management and control is performed through a clear organisational structure with defined roles and responsibilities. The organisation and delineation of competences are designed to prevent conflicts of interest, to ensure a transparent and documented decision-making process, and are subject to an appropriate upward and downward flow of information. The competence line, Risk Management in NLB, encompasses several professional areas and is in charge of formulating and controlling the Group’s risk management policies, setting limits, overseeing the harmonisation, regular monitoring of risk exposures and limits based on centralised reporting at the Group level. In members of the Group, the risk management function is organised according to the local legislation, considering the bases for setup, organisation, and activities in risk management in the members, as defined in the document "Risk Management Standards in the NLB Group." c) The Compliance Function, Information Security Function, and AML/CTF Function Compliance and Integrity in the Group, in its role as internal control function, performs control activities with respect to the main following areas: • anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (separately for NLB and the Group); • information security and data protection; • personal data protection; • regulatory compliance management; • prevention and investigation of fraud to detriment of the bank; • security; • development of compliance risk methodologies, and setting and monitoring ethics and integrity standards; • harmonisation of policies and practices within the Group (Competence line Compliance and Integrity). Compliance and Integrity is an organisational unit of the Bank, placed directly under the Bank’s Management Board in the organisational structure. The Bank adopted the Integrity and Compliance Policy of the NLB and the NLB Group. This Policy regulates the method and scope of the activities of the compliance function in the Bank. Supervision over compliance of operations is within the competence of Compliance and Integrity. This enables 23 According to Recommendations for the Audit Committees (SDA&KPMG 2022, point 10.1), the Bank provides an explanation of the selection of an audit firm and the independence of the statutory auditor. Compliance and Integrity to operate independently from other Bank departments. The Director of Compliance and Integrity does not perform any other function at the Bank that could possibly lead to a conflict of interest. To ensure his independence, the Director reports directly to the Management and Supervisory Boards. Additionally, the Director provides regular updates to a designated member of the Bank’s Management Board responsible for overseeing compliance areas (including information security, personal data protection, and AML/CTF functions). This arrangement provides additional assurance for the independence of the Compliance and Integrity operations. As information security, AML/CTF, and Group AML functions are organised within Compliance and Integrity, CISO for NLB and NLB Group (Chief Information Security Officer), DPO (Data Protection Officer), the head of the AML/CTF area for NLB, and head of Group AML are ensured full independence through equal reporting lines as the Director of Compliance and Integrity. Following NLB’s model, the compliance function was established in the core members of the Group, as well as based on the Group standards for the compliance and integrity area. 3.2. Financial reporting To ensure appropriate financial reporting procedures, NLB pursues the adopted Policy on Accounting Controls. The accounting controls are provided through the operation of the complete accounting function with the purpose of ensuring quality and reliable accounting information and, thereby, accurate and timely financial reporting. The principal identified risks in this area are managed with an appropriate system of authorisations, segregation of duties, compliance with accounting rules, documenting of all business events, a custody system, posting on the day of a business event, in- built control mechanisms in source applications, and archiving pursuant to the laws and internal regulations. Furthermore, the policy precisely defines primary accounting controls, performed in the scope of analytical bookkeeping, and secondary accounting controls, i.e., checking the efficiency of implementation of primary accounting controls. With an efficient mechanism of controls in accounting reporting, NLB ensures: • a reliable decision-making and operation support system; • accurate, complete, and timely accounting data, the resulting accounting, and other reports of the Bank; • compliance with legal and other requirements. a) Selection of an audit firm 23 Through a process, the Bank selects auditing companies in which management bodies, the Audit Committee, and the Supervisory Board actively participate and appoint an auditing company that will ensure an independent and impartial audit of the financial statements in accordance with professional and professional-ethical auditing principles and other auditing rules. Before the start of the selection process, a proposal for the criteria for the appointment of the audit company and the minimum conditions for cooperation are prepared, which also include the mandatory disclosure of all possible non-audit services that the audit company has performed for the Bank or its affiliated companies in the last year (namely statement that an audit firm or any member of the network to which the audit firm belongs, did not directly or indirectly provide to the audited entity, to its parent undertaking or to its controlled undertakings any prohibited non-audit services in the financial year immediately preceding the period being audited). The proposed criteria are approved by the Audit Committee and the Supervisory Board. After considering the report on the selection process, the Audit Committee submits a recommendation on the appointment of an audit company to the Supervisory Board. Based on the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Supervisory Board proposes the appointment of an audit company, which is approved by the Shareholders’ Meeting. The financial statements of NLB and consolidated financial statements of NLB Group are audited by the auditing company KPMG Slovenia d.o.o., Ljubljana. The mentioned auditing company was appointed as the auditor of NLB by the 38 th General Meeting of shareholders of the Bank dated 20 June 2022 for the financial years 2023 to 2026. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 137 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report The selected audit company audits all members of NLB Group, except in case of other valid reasons (possible legal or other local restrictions). In 2023, there was a change of audit company due to the expiration of the statutory period of 10 business years, when the same audit firm can perform the audit. b) Independence of the Statutory Auditor The statutory auditor must assess and document compliance with independence requirements before accepting or continuing a statutory audit engagement. The Audit Committee annually requires written declarations of independence from the statutory auditors, which must apply to the audit firm, the audit partners, and senior personnel involved in the audit engagement. When assessing the auditor’s independence, all areas of potential conflict of interest are considered, such as: • direct or indirect financial investments in the company, • personal and business relationships (which also include close family members, close relatives and business partners), • the relationship between the key audit partner, members of the board and key employees, • economic dependence, • the type and scope of other services performed by the auditor in addition to the audit. Independence is ensured during the period covered by the financial statements being audited and during the period during which the statutory audit is carried out. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 138 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 4. INFORMATION ON POINT 4, PARAGRAPH 6, OF THE ARTICLE 70 OF THE ZGD-1 regarding points 3, 4, 6, 8, and 9 of paragraph 8 of the same article Explanation regarding significant direct and indirect ownership of the company’s securities in the sense of achieving a qualified stake as determined by the act regulating acquisitions (Point 3 of the eight paragraph of Article 70 of the ZGD-1) Significant direct and indirect ownership of the company’s securities in terms of achieving a qualifying holding as defined in the Takeovers Act (as at 31 December 2024). Table 37: NLB’s main shareholders as at 31 December 2024 (i) Shareholder Number of shares Percentage of shares Bank of New York on behalf of the GDR holders (ii), (iii) 9,659,425 48.30 • of which EBRD / >5 and <10 • of which Brandes Investment Partners, L.P. / >5 and <10 Republic of Slovenia (RoS) 5,000,001 25.00 Other shareholders 5,340,574 26.70 Total 20,000,000 100.00 (i) This information is sourced from the NLB’s shareholders’ book that is accessible at the web services of CSD (Central Security Depository, Slovenian: KDD - Centralna klirinško depotna družba) and available to CSD members. (ii) The Bank of New York holds shares in its capacity as the depositary (the GDR Depositary) for the GDR holders and is not the beneficial owner of such shares. (iii) The information on GDR ownership is based on self-declarations by individual GDR holders as required pursuant to the applicable provisions of Slovenian law. More information on the Bank’s Share Capital is available on the NLB website . Explanation regarding the holders of securities that carry special control rights (Point 4 of the eight paragraph of Article 70 of the ZGD-1) The Bank did not issue any securities carrying special controlling rights. Explanation regarding the restrictions related to voting rights, in particular: (i) restrictions of voting rights to a certain stake or certain number of votes, (ii) deadlines for executing voting rights, and (iii) agreements in which, based on the company’s cooperation, the financial rights arising from securities are separated from the rights of ownership of such securities (Point 6 of the eight paragraph of Article 70 of the ZGD-1) The shares of the Bank are freely transferable, subject to the provisions of the Articles of Association of the Bank, which require the approval of the Supervisory Board, namely for the transfer of shares of the Bank by which the acquirer, together with the shares held by the holder before such an acquisition and the shares held by third parties for the account of the acquirer, exceeds the share of 25% of the Bank’s voting shares. Approval for the transfer of shares is issued by the Supervisory Board. The Bank rejects the request for approval of transfer shares if the acquirer, together with the shares held by the acquirer before the acquisition and the shares held by third parties for the account of the acquirer, exceeded the 25% share of the Bank with voting rights, increased by one share. Notwithstanding the provision mentioned in the first paragraph, approval for the transfer of shares is not required if the acquirer of the shares has acquired them for the account of third parties, so that it is not entitled to exercise voting rights from these shares at its sole discretion, while at the same time committing to the Bank, it will not exercise voting rights on the basis of the instructions of an individual third party for whose account it has acquired the shares if, together with the instructions for voting, it does not receive a written guarantee from that person that this person has shares for his own account, and that this person is not, directly or indirectly, a holder of more than 25% of the Bank’s voting rights. The acquirer who exceeds the share of 25% of the Bank’s shares with voting rights and does not require the issuance of approval for the transfer of shares, or does not receive the approval of the Bank, may exercise the voting right from 25% of the shares with the voting rights. There are no restrictions other than those mentioned and those that are regulatory. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 139 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Explanation on the (i) company’s rules on appointment or replacement of members of the management or supervisory bodies, and (ii) changes to the company’s Articles of Association (Point 8 of the eight paragraph of Article 70 of the ZGD-1) The appointment or replacement of members of the management or supervisory bodies \* The Management Board \* Articles of Association define that the Management Board of the Bank is comprised of three to seven members, one of whom is appointed President of the Management Board of the Bank. The number of Management Board members is determined by a resolution of the Bank’s Supervisory Board. The President and other members of the Management Board are appointed and recalled by the Supervisory Board of the Bank; the President of the Management Board may propose to the Supervisory Board of the Bank to appoint or recall an individual member or the remaining members of the Management Board of the Bank. The President and members of the Management Board shall be appointed for a period of five years and may be re-appointed for another term of office. The President and members of the Management Board may be recalled prior to the expiry of their term of office in accordance with applicable laws and Articles of Association. Each member of the Management Board of the Bank may prematurely resign her/his term of office with a period of notice of three months. Written notice shall be delivered to the Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Bank. The notice term may be shorter than three months if requested by the resigning member of the Management Board of the Bank in his/her notice and is subject to the approval of the Supervisory Board of the Bank. A member of the Bank’s Management Board may only be a person who fulfils the legally prescribed conditions for a management board member under the law on banking and who obtained a licence from the BoS or the ECB, if executing the competences and tasks from Item (e) of paragraph 1 of Article 4 of Regulation (EU) no. 1024/2013 for the performance of the function of a bank’s management board member under the law regulating banking. The Bank assesses every candidate following the Bank’s Policy governing the Fit & Proper assessment prior to the appointment. The Supervisory Board \* According to the Articles of Association of the NLB d.d., the Supervisory Board consists of a total of twelve members, of which eight members represent the interests of shareholders and four members represent the interests of employees. Members of the Supervisory Board representing the interests of shareholders are elected and recalled by the General Meeting from persons proposed by shareholders or the Supervisory Board. Members of the Supervisory Board representing the interests of employees are elected and recalled by the Workers' Council, taking into account the conditions for members of the Supervisory Board laid down in the regulations and the Articles of Association of NLB d.d. At the end of 2024, the Supervisory Board of the Bank consists of a total of 10 members, of which eight members represent the interests of shareholders and two members represent the interests of employees. Members representing the interests of shareholders shall be elected and recalled by the Bank’s General Meeting from persons proposed by shareholders or the Supervisory Board of the Bank, and members representing the interests of employees shall be elected and recalled by the Workers’ Council of the Bank. Members of the Supervisory Board representing the interests of shareholders are elected by an ordinary majority of votes cast by the shareholders. The term of office of the Supervisory Board members commences on the day their appointment enters into force (at the start of the term of office) and lasts up until the end of the Bank’s Annual General Meeting of shareholders, which decides on the use of accumulated profit for the fourth business year since the start of their term of office unless otherwise stipulated at the time of appointment of individual members. In this context, the first year is deemed the business year in which the members of the Supervisory Board of the Bank started their term of office. The General Meeting of the Bank may dismiss an individual or all members of the Supervisory Board (representatives of shareholders) even before the expiration of their term of office. A resolution on dismissal shall be valid if adopted with at least a three-quarter majority of all votes cast. The Supervisory Board of the Bank shall, at its first meeting after an appointment, elect from among its members a Chair and at least one Deputy Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Bank. A member representing the interests of employees cannot be elected Chair or Deputy Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Bank. All the Supervisory Board members shall be independent professionals, as defined by the Articles of Association. A member of the Bank’s Supervisory Board may only be a person who fulfils the legally prescribed conditions for a supervisory board member under the Banking Act and who obtained a licence from the BoS or the ECB, if executing the competences and tasks from Item (e) of paragraph 1 of Article 4 of Regulation (EU) no. 1024/2013 for the performance of the function of a bank’s supervisory board member under the law regulating banking. The Bank assesses every candidate following the Bank’s Policy governing Fit & Proper assessment prior to the appointment. Amendments to Articles of Association A qualified majority of at least 75% (seventy-five per cent) of the votes cast by shareholders at the general meeting of the Bank’s shareholders is required for the adoption of any amendments of the Articles of Association. Explanation regarding the authorisation of the members of the management, particularly authorisations to issue or purchase own shares (Point 9 of the eight paragraph of Article 70 of the ZGD-1) No authorisation exists which would authorise the members of the management to issue or purchase own shares of the Bank. \*Incorporation by reference: The reference is made to this chapter from the Sustainability Statement chapter ESRS-2 GOV-1 The role of administrative, supervisory and management bodies. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 140 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 5. INFORMATION ON THE WORK AND KEY POWERS OF THE SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING AND OF ITS KEY POWERS, AND A DESCRIPTION OF SHAREHOLDERS’ RIGHTS AND THE METHOD OF THEIR EXERCISING The General Meeting is a body of the Bank through which shareholders exercise their rights, which include, among others: adopting and amending the Articles of Association of the NLB d.d., use of distributable profit, granting a discharge from liability to the members of the Management and Supervisory Board, changes to the Bank’s share capital, appointing and discharge members of the Supervisory Board who represent the shareholders’ interests, remuneration and profit- sharing by the members of the Management Board and employees, annual schedules, and characteristics of issues of securities convertible into shares and equity securities of the Bank. The General Meeting is convened by the Management Board. The General Meeting may be convened by the Supervisory Board in cases where the Management Board fails to convene the General Meeting or where a convocation is necessary to ensure unhindered operations of the Bank. The Supervisory Board may amend the agenda of the General Meeting convened in line with the bylaws. As a rule, the General Meeting shall be convened at the registered office of the Bank, yet it may also be convened at another venue specified by the convenor. The Management Board may stipulate that shareholders may attend or vote before or at the General Meeting by electronic means without their physical presence. The General Meeting of shareholders shall adopt resolutions by a simple majority of the votes cast unless the applicable laws or the Bank’s Articles of Association stipulate a larger majority or other conditions (adoption and amendments of the Articles of Association, issue of convertible bonds or other equity securities of the Bank, exclusion of a pre-emptive right of existing shareholders, decrease in share capital, the status restructuring of the Bank, liquidation of the Bank, and discharge of Supervisory Board members). The shareholders have the right to participate in the General Meeting, the voting right, the pre-emptive right to subscribe for new shares in case of share capital increase, the right to profit participation (dividends), the right to a share in surplus in the event of liquidation or bankruptcy of the Bank, and the right to be informed. According to Article 296 of the Companies Act, NLB informs shareholders of their rights as shareholders in an Information on the Rights of Shareholders that is published among the documents for the convocation of each General Meeting (i.e., on the expansion of the agenda, proposals by shareholders, voting proposals by shareholders’, and the shareholders right to be informed). There were two General Meetings in 2024. At the 42 nd General Meeting dated 17 June 2024, shareholders took note of the adopted NLB Group Annual Report 2023 and adopted the Report of the Supervisory Board on the results of the examination of the NLB Group Annual Report 2023. They also adopted the Report on Remuneration for the members of the Management Body of NLB d.d. in the 2023 Business Year, the Additional information to the Report on Remuneration in the 2023 Business Year on the basis of SSH’s Baselines and the Internal Audit Report for 2023, adopted decisions on the election of Supervisory Board members (as already mentioned above) and voted on the Remuneration Policy for the Members of the Supervisory Board of NLB d.d. and the Members of the Management Board of NLB d.d. The General Meeting also adopted decisions on the allocation of distributable profit for the 2023 (the first dividend payment of EUR 5.5 gross per share or EUR 110 million was paid out on 26 June 2024) and granted a discharge from the liability to the members of the Management Supervisory Boards. At the 43 rd General Meeting held on 9 December 2024, the shareholders confirmed the payment of the second dividend at EUR 5.5 gross per share or EUR 110 million (paid out on 16 December 2024). Together, both pay-outs in the amount of EUR 220 million from the profit generated in 2023, represent a 100% increase from dividend payments made that year. The outcome of the vote is available to all interested stakeholders on NLB’s website . ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 141 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 6. INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPOSITION AND WORK OF THE MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISORY BOARDS AND THEIR COMMITTEES \* 6.1. Composition of the Management Board \* The composition of the Management Board has remained unchanged since May 2022, and is as follows: Blaž Brodnjak as President & CEO; and the following members: Archibald Kremser as Chief Financial Officer (CFO); Peter Andreas Burkhardt as Chief Risk Officer (CRO); as well as Hedvika Usenik as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) who is responsible for Retail Banking and Private Banking; Antonio Argir who is responsible for Group governance, payments and innovations, and Andrej Lasič as CMO, who is responsible for Corporate and Investment Banking. The mandates of Blaž Brodnjak, Archibald Kremser, and Peter Andreas Burkhardt expire in July 2026, while the mandates of Hedvika Usenik, Antonio Argir, and Andrej Lasič expire in April 2027. Work of the Management Board In 2024, the Management Board prepared a new Group Strategy 2030 that was adopted by the Supervisory Board. The strategy stipulates a doubling of the NLB Group balance sheet (more than EUR 50 billion assets), recurring revenues of more than EUR 2 billion, and a profit of more than EUR 1 billion by 2030, combining organic growth with selected M&As. The new strategy is designed to enable NLB Group to grow and develop in a rapidly changing financial environment. The strategy includes key goals and directions for the future, such as digitalisation, sustainable development, and expansion into new markets. In line with the new strategy, NLB launched an all-cash voluntary public takeover offer aimed at acquiring control over Addiko Bank AG for all issued and outstanding Addiko Bank AG shares, requiring acceptance for at least 75% of its issued shares. By 16 August 2024, the offer did not achieve a sufficient acceptance percentage of shares, so the offer was not successful. The Management Board worked on an acquisition that marks NLB’s re-entry into the Croatian market with Leasing Services after nearly three decades. After obtaining all regulatory approvals in September 2024, NLB completed the transaction and became the sole shareholder of SLS HOLDCO, Ljubljana, the parent company of Summit Leasing Slovenija, Ljubljana and its Croatian subsidiary Mobil Leasing, Zagreb, together forming SLS Group. In line with the new NLB Group Strategy, a subsidiary company, NLB Skladi, Ljubljana successfully completed the takeover of Generali Investments, Skopje (renamed NLB Fondovi, Skopje). The Management Board is aware that digitalisation is one of the key strategic priorities for NLB Group, which aims to streamline processes, improve scalability, and increase efficiency. To that extent, NLB enhanced its digital services, as Apple Pay became available to NLB customers in Slovenia and Montenegro, and Google Pay became available to NLB customers in Slovenia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Serbia, while Garmin Pay became available in Slovenia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo. In 2024, NLB Group continued its digital transformation, which included transitioning to a fully digital business model. This involved using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud services, and data analytics. The Management Board stayed focused on the growth of its core business and was aware of all the possible risks and eventual distresses, while the Bank helped customers facing difficulties due to strengthened market conditions. In 2024, NLB Group delivered remarkable business results. They enabled the Bank to pay out a distributable profit for 2023 in the form of dividends in a total amount of EUR 220 million, thereby reaffirming NLB Group’s stable and successful business operations and strong capital position. The Management Board is deeply aware of the Banks’ vital role in fighting climate change by supporting the global transition of the real economy towards net-zero, and implementing sustainable practices as key drivers of long-term business success. The Group has integrated a sustainability perspective and ESG factors (environmental, social and human rights, and governance) in the new Group Strategy and into its daily operations. The Group’s progress was also recognised by ratings. In November 2024, where NLB Group received a Sustainalytics ESG Risk Rating of 10.5, which was assessed as being at a low risk of experiencing material financial impacts driven by ESG factors. That rating places NLB in the top 5 percentile of all banks assessed by Morningstar Sustainalytics. Besides environmental issues, the Management Board is equally active in addressing social and governance topics, advocating equal opportunities, as well as independent and professional corporate governance. Detailed information on the composition of the Management Board can be found in Table 38 in Appendix of this statement. 6.2. Composition of the Supervisory Board \* At the beginning of 2024, the composition of the Supervisory Board was as follows: Primož Karpe – Chairman; Shrenik Dhirajlal Davda – Deputy; David Eric Simon, Verica Trstenjak, Islam Osama Zekry, Mark William Lane Richards, Cvetka Selšek, André-Marc Prudent-Toccanier (shareholders’ representatives); and Sergeja Kočar and Tadeja Žbontar Rems (employee representatives). As the mandates of Primož Karpe, David Eric Simon, and Verica Trstenjak expired in 2024, three members were proposed for election at the forthcoming General Meeting in June 2024. The General Meeting of Shareholders in June 2024 elected Primož Karpe, Natalia Olegovna Ansell, \*Incorporation by reference: The reference is made to this chapter from the Sustainability Statement chapter ESRS-2 GOV-1 The role of administrative, supervisory and management bodies. The reference includes subchapter 6.1 - only the first paragraph, and subchapter 6.2, paragraph 1 and subchapter Statement of Independence of the Members of the Supervisory Board. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 142 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report and Luka Vesnaver as members of the Supervisory Board of NLB. Luka Vesnaver took up his office as a member of the Supervisory Board on 30 September 2024, while Natalia Olegovna Ansell took up her office on 8 November 2024 (both after the ECB adopted a decision not to object to their appointments). Primož Karpe was elected as President of the Supervisory Board on 7 July 2024 for the third time in a row. The Supervisory Board also consists of Deputy Chairman Shrenik Dhirajlal Davda, Islam Osama Zekry, André-Marc Prudent-Toccanier, Mark William Lane Richards, Cvetka Selšek, and employee representatives Tadeja Žbontar Rems (whose mandate expires in 2025) and Sergeja Kočar (re-appointed in 2024 by the NLB Workers’ Council for another term). The mandate of Islam Osama Zekry expires in 2025, while the mandate of Shrenik Dhirajlal Davda, Mark William Lane Richards, Cvetka Selšek and André-Marc Prudent-Toccanier expires in 2027. Statement of Independence of the Members of the Supervisory Board \* In accordance with Article 16 of the Articles of Association of NLB, all Supervisory Board members must be independent experts. Persons representing the interests of employees in the Supervisory Board of the Bank are considered independent despite the existence of an employment relationship with the Bank upon fulfilling certain terms and conditions. A Statement of Independence, in which they declare themselves on their meeting of the criteria of a conflict of interest, is provided by a candidate for a function of a member of the Supervisory Board, upon each change that would mean a change of his/her independence status, and once a year (with the new statements published as of February 2025). The statement is published on the Bank’s website . Work of the Supervisory Board In 2024, the Supervisory Board held seven regular, five extraordinary, and seven correspondence sessions. In its work, the Supervisory Board of NLB received professional assistance from five operational committees (as further defined below). Based on their findings, the Supervisory Board passed the appropriate resolutions. At the beginning of May 2024, the Supervisory Board adopted a new business strategy until 2030. The strategy is very ambitious, with the aim of transforming the Bank. It is focused on unlocking even more shareholder value, backed by higher dividend payout ratios and/or inorganic equity value creation. It envisages doubling the balance sheet total of NLB Group (to more than EUR 50 billion), also by tapping into the untapped revenue pools that exist already today, with regular revenues of more than EUR 2 billion and a target profit of more than EUR 1 billion by 2030 (through a combination of organic growth and selected mergers and acquisitions), while at the same time, the strategic goal of the Group remains to create sustainable growth to support individuals and companies. Throughout the year, the Supervisory Board acknowledged regular reports on documents received from the regulator(s), namely, the BoS and ECB, and the implementation of the requirements of regulators. The Supervisory Board acted within its powers to ensure that the Bank’s business goals, strategies, and policies were properly coordinated with the strategies and policies for assuming and managing risks. The Supervisory Board was regularly informed on the risk profile of the Group and the corresponding types of risk to steer the Group’s fulfilment of internal strategic objectives and all external requirements. Tackling a comprehensive assessment of the main risks and vulnerabilities for NLB Group, the Supervisory Board adopted the IT Security Architecture and Protection of the NLB Group and updated NLB. Moreover, key strategic risk documents such as the NLB Group Risk Appetite, the NLB Group Risk Strategy, the IRRBB management report and improvement agenda, and the NLB Group Recovery Plan were regularly revised, upgraded, and discussed. The functioning of NLB management bodies has always been a priority of a Supervisory Board. To that extent, the Supervisory Board adopted the Internal Audit’s Annual Report for 2024, the Internal Audit Plan (2025 & the long-term plan), the Action Plan for Compliance & Integrity for 2025, the regular periodic reports on the Internal Audit, Compliance, IT and Cyber Security, and monitored implementation of the Policy on the Provision of Diversity of the Management Body and senior management by adopting the Annual review of the Diversity Policy of the Bank. In line with increased focus on the risk culture, and impact on how incentives align risk-taking behaviour with NLB’s risk profile and long- term interests, the Supervisory Board also approved goals for each member of the Management Board of NLB, as well as adopted changes to the Remuneration Policy of the members of the Supervisory Board of NLB d.d. and members of the Management Board of NLB d.d. (on 17 June 2024 approved by the General Meeting of shareholders, whereby the vote on this resolution is of a consultative nature in accordance with ZGD-1). NLB Group strives to actively contribute to a more balanced and inclusive economic and social system. The Supervisory Board monitored the implementation and effectiveness of NLB Group’s Strategy and adopted the regular NLB Group Sustainability Implementation Updates. The Supervisory Board issued approvals to the Management Board related to the adopted NLB Group Annual Report 2023 and NLB Group Sustainability Report 2023, Information on NLB Group’s sustainability reporting process for 2024, and engagement of the NLB Management and Supervisory Boards in the Double Materiality Analysis, the Annual Internal Audit Plan, the Plan of Compliance & Integrity, and adopted the Comprehensive Opinion of the Internal Audit. Furthermore, the Supervisory Board adopted decisions regarding the convocation of the two General Meetings of shareholders. At the General Meeting of shareholders dated 17 June 2024, the General Meeting acknowledged itself with the NLB Group Annual Report 2023, Report of the Supervisory Board of NLB, on the results of the examination of the NLB Group Annual Report 2023, Report on Remuneration for the members of the Management Body of NLB d.d. in the 2023 Business Year, Independent Auditor Report, as well as on Additional information to the Report on Remuneration in the 2023 Business Year on the basis of SSH’s Baselines and acknowledged the adopted Internal Audit Report for 2023. The General Meeting adopted a decision on the allocation of distributable profit for 2023 (the first tranche of the distributable profit for 2023 at EUR 5.5 gross per share or EUR 110 million) and granted a discharge from liability to the members of the Management and Supervisory Boards. The General Meeting adopted decisions on four proposed candidates for the Supervisory Board and determined payments to members of the Supervisory Board of \*Incorporation by reference: The reference is made to this chapter from the Sustainability Statement chapter ESRS-2 GOV-1 The role of administrative, supervisory and management bodies. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 143 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB and its committees. The shareholders adopted changes to the Remuneration Policy for the Members of the Supervisory Board of NLB d.d. and the Members of the Management Board of NLB d.d. (the vote on this resolution is of a consultative nature). The General Meeting of shareholders dated 9 December 2024, adopted a decision on the allocation of the second tranche of the distributable profit for 2023 at EUR 5.5 gross per share or EUR 110 million, making a total dividend pay-out in 2024 EUR 220 million. EUR 110 million were already paid-out to shareholders in June 2024, and approved the Remuneration Policy for the Members of the Supervisory Board of NLB d.d. and the Members of the Management Board of NLB d.d., whereby the vote on this resolution was of a consultative nature. During the year, the Supervisory Board adopted periodic reports of the Internal Audit and Compliance, and issued approval for the transactions with persons in a special relationship with the Bank, and for the conclusion of legal transactions in accordance with Article 170 of the Banking Act. According to the recommendation of the Slovenian Corporate Governance Code for Listed Companies, the evaluation of efficiency and self-assessment of the Supervisory Board of NLB and the Audit Committee of NLB was performed by the Slovenian Directors’ Association (SDA) at the beginning of 2024. Based on the findings of SDA, an Action Plan was made, and deficiencies were eliminated. Throughout the year, the Supervisory Board has maintained a well-balanced professional relationship with the Management Board and enjoyed timely, comprehensive, and data-supported inputs from the latter, enabling the Supervisory Board to adopt all its decisions in line with the professional interests of the Bank, whilst always adhering to banking regulations and its statutory powers. To ensure transparent decision-making at the Supervisory Board and sessions of committees, members of the Supervisory Board, in particular, take into account all necessary precautionary measures to avoid conflicts of interest. Pursuant to Article 282 of the Companies Act (ZGD-1) and the above report, the Supervisory Board of NLB established and ensured that it regularly and thoroughly monitored the Bank’s and NLB Group’s operations in 2024 within its powers, and efficiently supervised the Bank’s and NLB Group’s management and operations. The composition of the Supervisory Board members is described in Table 39 in Appendix of this statement. 6.3. The Supervisory Board Committees All five Committees for the Supervisory Board function as consulting bodies of the Supervisory Board of NLB and discuss the material and proposals of Management Board of NLB for the Supervisory Board meetings related to a particular area. The Supervisory Board has the following committees: • The Audit Committee • The Risk Committee • The Nomination Committee • The Remuneration Committee • The Operations and IT Committee. Committees are composed of at least three members of the Supervisory Board, although at the end of 2024 the actual number of members in the committees was five. The Workers' Council can nominate one Supervisory Board member – a representative of the workers to each Committee. The member of the Committee may only be appointed from among the members of the Supervisory Board. The term of office of the Chair, the Deputy Chair, and members of the Committee should not exceed their term of office as Supervisory Board members. The responsibilities of Committees are defined in the Rules of Procedure of the Committees of the Supervisory Board of NLB d.d. (November 2024). 6.3.1 The Audit Committee of the Supervisory Board of NLB The Audit Committee monitors and prepares draft resolutions for the Supervisory Board on accounting reporting, internal control and risk management, internal audit, the compliance of operations, and external audit. It also supervises the setup of policies, monitors reporting procedures related to sustainability, and monitors the implementation of regulatory measures. At the end of 2024, the composition of the Committee was as follows: Cvetka Selšek (Chairwoman), André-Marc Prudent-Toccanier (Deputy Chairman), Primož Karpe, Tadeja Žbontar Rems and Luka Vesnaver (members). Changes in the Committee’s membership that occurred during the year, as well as the academic degrees of the Audit Committee members are reflected in the chart on the Supervisory Board Committees ( Table 39 in Appendix below). There were six regular and one extraordinary sessions of the Audit Committee. The following is a summary of the key topics considered by the Audit Committee: • Report of the NLB Group Operations and Business Performance Indicators for NLB d.d. and NLB Group for 2023; NLB Group Annual Report 2023; KPMG External Auditor’s report after the final audit of financial statements 2023; Internal Audit Overall Opinion for 2023; Internal Audit Annual Report for 2023; Corporate Governance Statement of NLB; Statement on the Management of Risk, NLB Group Sustainability Report for 2023; Report of the Supervisory Board of NLB on the results of the examination of the NLB Group Annual Report 2023; • Report of the of the Audit Committee of NLB on the statutory audit for financial year 2023; Assessment of the satisfaction rating at the NLB Group level regarding the quality of audit services provided by the external auditing firm KPMG for 2023; Annual Report for the 2023 ECRA compliance risk assessment at the NLB and NLB Group levels; • Regular interim reports on the operations of the NLB Group, Periodic Internal Audit Reports, Compliance, and Integrity Reports, Anti-Money Laundering Reports; • NLB Group Sustainability Implementation update; External audit of the NLB Group’s Sustainability Report 2024 and an increase in the price of the audit of the Annual Report due to the merger of N Banka; Presentation of the audit plan for 2024 audit by auditor KPMG; Information on NLB Group’s sustainability reporting process for 2024 and engagement of the NLB Management and Supervisory Board in the Double Materiality Analysis; • Reports of the Internal Audit of NLB; NLB Group Internal Audit Plan (2025 & long-term), Reports of the Compliance of NLB; Action Plan for Compliance and Integrity Centre for 2025; • Reports on the documents received from the BoS and ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 144 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report ECB, and on the implementation of the requirements of the BoS and ECB; • Appointment / Prolongation of the mandate and a salary increase for the Director of Global Risk and for the Director of Compliance and Integrity; a Salary increase for the Director of Internal Audit; Confirmation of the goals assessment of the heads of control or supervisory functions for the year 2023; Acknowledgment with Self-assessment of the performance, effectiveness, and efficiency of the Group Compliance function, and with an Evaluation of the Audit Committee; • Information about the costs of the Management and Supervisory Boards; Cash withdrawals in Branches for Legal Entities in NLBG (excl. Slovenia); • Integrity and Compliance Policy of the NLB d.d. and the NLB Group; Approval of Other assurance and non-assurance services pre-approval Policy for NLB and NLB Group; Information on updated Rules on the relations of NLB d.d. and the Audit Committee with the audit firm; Internal Audit Manual; Internal Audit Charter; • NLB Audit Committee Self-Assessment for 2023 (Status Report) and approval of the Action Plan. The Audit Committee performs its tasks both at the meetings themselves and outside of the meetings. In addition to considering materials at the meetings themselves and preparing proposals for the Supervisory Board, the Committee also meets regularly with representatives of professional services for individual areas covered by the Committee. The President of the Committee also meets regularly with representatives of the external auditor and regulators. In 2024, the Audit Committee carried out a self-assessment of its work (evaluation of the year 2023) with the help of an external independent evaluator, the Slovenian Directors’ Association. Based on the findings, an action plan was prepared, which was discussed and approved at the Supervisory Board meeting in March 2024. 6.3.2 The Risk Committee of the Supervisory Board of NLB The Risk Committee monitors and drafts resolutions for the Supervisory Board in all risk areas relevant to the Bank’s operations. It is consulted on the Group’s current and future risk appetite, the corresponding risk profile and risk management strategy, and helps carry out control over senior management concerning implementation of the risk management strategy. At the end of 2024, the composition of the Committee was as follows: André-Marc Prudent-Toccanier (Chairman), Cvetka Selšek (Deputy Chairwoman), Shrenik Davda, Luka Vesnaver, and Natalia Olegovna Ansell (members). Changes in the Committee’s membership that occurred during the year are reflected in the chart on Supervisory Board Committees ( Table 39 in Appendix below). There were seven regular sessions of the Risk Committee in 2024. The following is a summary of key topics considered by the Risk Committee: • Risk Report (Dashboard) of NLB and NLB Group; Periodic Reports on information security in NLB and NLB Group; Pillar III Disclosures for 2023 and periodic disclosures for 2024; • Internal liquidity adequacy process (ILAAP) for 2023; The Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP) for 2023; ALM update: IRRBB management report and improvement agenda; • Report on the documents received from the BoS and the ECB, and the report on the implementation of the requirements; • IT Security Architecture and Protection of NLB Group; The Trinity of Data Quality; • Presentation & Report on the Top 50 groups of clients by exposure in the NLB Group; Top 20 restructuring cases; Report on passive court proceedings in NLB and NLB Group; Information about the final deletions of the receivables over EUR 5 million from the off-balance for 2023; Report on the real estate market and collateral management for NLB for 2023; • Consent of goals assessment of the heads of control or supervisory functions for the year 2023; • NLB Group Risk Strategy update; Risk Appetite NLB Group update; NLB Group Recovery Plan; • Annual Review of Prior Consent for Limit application (that exceeds certain percentages of NLB Tier 1 capital); Prior consent of the Supervisory Board of NLB to conclude legal transactions with Central Banks; Prior consent for the conclusion of legal transactions with a client in a special relationship with NLB. 6.3.3. The Nomination Committee of the Supervisory Board of NLB The Nomination Committee drafts proposed resolutions for the Supervisory Board concerning the appointment and dismissal of the Management Board members; recommends candidates for Supervisory Board members; recommends to the Supervisory Board the dismissal of members of the Management and Supervisory Boards (representatives of capital); prepares the content of executive employment contracts for the President and members of the Management Board; evaluates the performance of the Management and Supervisory Boards; and assesses the knowledge, skills, and experience of individual members of the Management and Supervisory Boards and the bodies as a whole. At the end of 2024, the composition of the Committee was as follows: Primož Karpe (Chairman), Mark Richards (Deputy Chairman), Sergeja Kočar, Islam Osama Zekry, and Shrenik Davda (members). Changes in the Committee’s membership that occurred during the year are reflected in the chart on Supervisory Board Committees ( Table 39 in Appendix below). There were four regular and one extraordinary session of the Nomination Committee in 2024. The following is a summary of key topics considered by the Nomination Committee: • Assessment of collective suitability of the Management Board of NLB; Assessment of collective suitability of the Supervisory Board of NLB; Regular yearly fit and proper assessment of members of the Supervisory Board for 2024; Reassessment of fit and proper for Management Board member; • Election of members of the Supervisory Board of NLB; • Annual review of the Diversity Policy of the Bank; • Suitability assessment of the members of the Management Board, Assessment of collective suitability of the Supervisory Board. 6.3.4. 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At the end of 2024, the composition of the Committee was as follows: Shrenik Davda (Chairman), Mark William Lane Richards (Deputy Chairman), Islam Osama Zekry, Sergeja Kočar, and André-Marc Prudent-Toccanier (members). Changes in the Committee’s membership that occurred during the year are reflected in the chart on Supervisory Board Committees ( Table 39 in Appendix below). There were five regular, three extraordinary and one correspondence sessions of the Remuneration Committee in 2024. The following is a summary of key topics considered by the Remuneration Committee: • Proposal of financial goals of NLB Group, goals for each member of the Management Board of NLB for the short-term and long-term incentive (STI and LTI), additional performance criteria for subsequent performance period, and financial goals of NLB; Proposal for the confirmation of fulfilment of conditions for the increase of the salaries of the members of Management Board of NLB; and for the conclusion of annexes to their employment contracts; • Confirmation of the Assessment of the NLB Group and NLB financial results, goals assessment of the members of the Management Board of NLB d.d. and heads of control or supervisory functions for the year 2023; Confirmation of goals of identified employees in controlled and supervisory functions for 2024; Confirmation of an annual self-assessment of the identified employees (2023); • Awarding and payment of the variable part of the salary for the business year 2023 for the members of the Management Board and payment of the deferred part of the variable part of the salary for previous years for the members of the Management Board and identified staff – heads of control or supervisory functions; • Draft Remuneration Policy for the Members of the Supervisory Board of NLB d.d. and the Members of the Management Board of NLB d.d.; Proposal of Amendments to the Remuneration Policy for employees in NLB d.d. and in NLB Group. 6.3.5. The Operations and IT Committee of the Supervisory Board of NLB The Committee monitors and prepares draft resolutions for the Supervisory Board, whereby the main tasks that it performs are the following: monitoring the implementation of the IT Strategy including the infrastructure and use of AI, its orientation in the area of sustainability, goals, and measures for their achievement, related to the Bank’s strategy, IT Security Strategy, and Operations Strategy; monitoring the management of information technologies; monitoring integration of AI into operations; monitoring responsibility in the AI area; monitoring compliance with the rules on AI; monitoring key projects and initiatives related to operations, IT and artificial intelligence; monitors key operations and IT KPI’s and service quality indicators; monitors key operations and IT projects and initiatives related to operations, IT and artificial intelligence; monitors operating risks in the area of Operations, IT, and Security; monitors the recommendations for ensuring and increasing the level of information/cyber security issued by CISO; addresses the report on potential violations, events, and incidents in the area of IT security; and monitors the Target Operating Model implementation in the areas of IT, the Security Operating System, Competence Centre, and Operations. At the end of 2024, the composition of the Committee was as follows: Mark William Lane Richards (Chairman), Islam Osama Zekry (Deputy Chairman), Primož Karpe, Tadeja Žbontar Rems, and Natalia Olegovna Ansell (members). Changes in the Committee’s membership that occurred during the year are reflected in the chart on Supervisory Board Committees ( Table 39 in Appendix below). There were four sessions of the Operations and IT Committee 2024. The Operations and IT Committee acknowledged itself with: • Periodic Review of IT KPIs; • Digitalise the Bank (Product / Process / Digital metrics) & periodic reports; Initiative progress, status, lessons learned (BackBase case) & periodic reports; • Report on implementation of the Procurement Strategy. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 146 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 7. DESCRIPTION POLICY ON THE PROVISION OF DIVERSITY OF THE MANAGEMENT BODY AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT Pursuant to Article 70 (paragraph 7) of the ZGD-1, NLB included information on description of the diversity policy implemented in relation to representation in the management or control bodies of the company (from the point of view of gender and other aspects, and a statement of the goals and results of the policy) in the Sustainability Statement of this Annual Report (Chapter: General Information, Sub-Chapter: The Role of the Administrative, Management And Supervisory Bodies), which is part of this Annual Report. 7.1. Statement on changes that occurred between the end of the accounting period up to the publication of this statement In accordance with Guidelines on Disclosure for Listed Companies, point 7.3.2 (Ljubljana Stock Exchange, 25 March 2024), NLB hereby states that on 20 February 2025, the Supervisory Board of NLB, following a recommendation from the Management Board, appointed Reinhard Höll as the seventh member of the Management Board. Following the necessary approvals, he will assume the role of Chief Transformation Officer (CTO), overseeing the acceleration of the mobile/digital-first business model transition of NLB and its Group members. Ljubljana, 20 February 2025 Management Board of the NLB Hedvika Usenik Andrej Lasič Archibald Kremser Peter Andreas Burkhardt Antonio Argir Blaž Brodnjak Member Member Member Member Member Chief Executive Officer Supervisory Board of NLB Primož Karpe President of the Supervisory Board 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 147 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 38: Composition of Management in financial year 2024 Name and Surname Position held (President, Member) Area of work covered within the Management Board First appointment to the position Conclusion of the position/ term of office Citizenship Year of birth Qualification Professional profile Membership in supervisory bodies in companies not related to the company Blaž Brodnjak President CEO 6 July 2016 (i) 6 July 2026 Slovenian 1974 MBA Banking/Finance Bank Association of Slovenia, Basketball Club Cedevita Olimpija Archibald Kremser Deputy CEO/ Member CFO 31 July 2013 6 July 2026 Austrian 1971 MBA Banking/Finance Peter Andreas Burkhardt Member CRO 18 September 2013 6 July 2026 German 1971 MBA Banking/Finance Antonio Argir Member Responsible for Group governance, payments and innovations 28 April 2022 28 April 2027 Macedonian 1975 MBA Banking/Finance Andrej Lasič Member CMO (responsible for Corporate and Investment Banking) 28 April 2022 28 April 2027 Slovenian 1970 Bachelor’s degree Banking/Finance Bank Association of Slovenia Hedvika Usenik Member CMO (responsible for Retail Banking and Private Banking) 28 April 2022 28 April 2027 Slovenian 1972 MBA Banking/Finance Institute for Economic Research, British–Slovenian Chamber of Commerce (i) Member of the Management Board since 2012. 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 148 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 39: Composition of Supervisory Board and Committees in financial year 2024 Name and Surname Position held (Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Member) First appointment to the position Conclusion of the position / term of office Representative of the company‘s capital structure / employees Attendance at SB session in regard to the total number of SB session (for example 5/7) applicable on his/her mandate Gender Citizenship Year of birth Qualification Professional profile Independence under Article 23 of the Code (YES/NO) Existence of conflict of interest, in the business year (YES/NO) Membership in supervisory bodies in other companies or institutions Primož Karpe Chairman 10 February 2016 2028 Representative of the company‘s capital structure 7/7 male Slovenian 1970 MSc Banking/ Finance YES YES Angler d.o.o., Zagreb Shrenik Dhirajlal Davda Deputy Chairman/ Member 10 June 2019 2027 Representative of the company‘s capital structure 7/7 male British 1960 MBA Finance YES NO Charity Commission of England and Wales IPSO, UK David Eric Simon Member 4 August 2016 17 June 2024 Representative of the company‘s capital structure 4/4 male British 1948 Higher National Diploma in Business Studies Banking/ Finance YES NO Jihlavan a.s. Jihlavan Real Estate a.s Czech Aerospace industries sro, Praga Central Europe Industry Partners a.s. Islam Osama Zekry Member 14 June 2021 2025 Representative of the company‘s capital structure 7/7 male Egyptian 1977 PhD IT YES NO Commercial International Bank, Egypt CIB Housing association, Egypt Mark William Lane Richards Member 10 June 2019 2027 Representative of the company‘s capital structure 7/7 male British 1966 MSc Banking/ Finance YES NO Enza Group Global, Cairo BPL Global (Lloyds of London insurance Broker) VenCap International plc, UK Verica Trstenjak Member 15 June 2020 17 June 2024 Representative of the company‘s capital structure 4/4 female Slovenian 1962 PhD Law YES NO Cvetka Selšek Member 19 June 2023 2027 Representative of the company‘s capital structure 7/7 female Slovenian 1951 University Degree Banking/ Finance YES NO Honourable Tribunal of Managers’ Association of Slovenia André-Marc Prudent- Toccanier Member 19 June 2023 2027 Representative of the company‘s capital structure 7/7 male French 1955 MSc Banking/ Finance YES NO Natalia Olegovna Ansell Member 17 June 2024 2028 Representative of the company‘s capital structure 1/1 female British 1972 Finance YES NO Equity Bank Kenya Limited, Nairobi Luka Vesnaver Member 17 June 2024 2028 Representative of the company‘s capital structure 2/2 male Slovenian 1972 MSc Banking/ Finance YES NO British Slovenian Chamber of Commerce Managers’ Association of Slovenia Alpine Ski Club Olimpija, Ljubljana Sergeja Kočar Member 17 June 2020 2028 Representative of the company’s employees 6/7 female Slovenian 1968 MSc Management YES NO Tadeja Žbontar Rems Member 22 January 2021 2025 Representative of the company’s employees 7/7 female Slovenian 1968 MSc IT YES NO 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 149 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Name and Surname Membership in committees (audit, nominal, income committee, etc.) First appointment to the position Conclusion of the position/term of office Chairman/Deputy Chairman/Member Attendance at sessions of SB’s Committees in regard to the total number of SB’s session (applicable on his/her mandate) (i) Shrenik Dhirajlal Davda Remuneration Committee 28 June 2019 2027 Chairman 5/5 Mark William Lane Richards Remuneration Committee 26 June 2020 2027 Deputy Chairman 5/5 Islam Osama Zekry Remuneration Committee 9 September 2024 2025 Member 2/2 André-Marc Prudent-Toccanier Remuneration Committee 9 September 2024 2027 Member 2/2 Sergeja Kočar Remuneration Committee 26 June 2020 2024 Member 5/5 Primož Karpe Nomination Committee 15 April 2016 2024 Chairman 5/5 Mark William Lane Richards Nomination Committee 18 September 2023 2027 Deputy Chairman 5/5 Shrenik Dhirajlal Davda Nomination Committee 9 September 2024 2027 Member 2/2 Sergeja Kočar Nomination Committee 26 June 2020 2024 Member 5/5 Islam Osama Zekry Nomination Committee 18 September 2023 2025 Member 5/5 Cvetka Selšek Audit Committee 9 September 2024 2027 Chairwoman 6/6 André-Marc Prudent-Toccanier Audit Committee 9 September 2024 2027 Deputy Chairman 1/1 Primož Karpe Audit Committee 15 April 2016 2024 Member 5/6 Tadeja Žbontar Rems Audit Committee 9 September 2024 2025 Member 1/1 Luka Vesnaver Audit Committee 30 September 2024 2028 Member 0/0 André-Marc Prudent-Toccanier Risk Committee 18 September 2023 2027 Chairman 7/7 Cvetka Selšek Risk Committee 18 September 2023 2027 Deputy Chairwoman 7/7 Shrenik Dhirajlal Davda Risk Committee 8 July 2021 2027 Member 7/7 Luka Vesnaver Risk Committee 30 September 2024 2028 Member 2/2 Natalia Olegovna Ansell Risk Committee 8 November 2024 2028 Member 1/1 Mark William Lane Richards Operations and IT Committee 28 June 2019 2027 Chairman 4/4 Islam Osama Zekry Operations and IT Committee 8 July 2021 2025 Deputy Chairman 4/4 Primož Karpe Operations and IT Committee 15 April 2016 2024 Member 4/4 Tadeja Žbontar Rems Operations and IT Committee 8 April 2021 2025 Member 4/4 Natalia Olegovna Ansell Operations and IT Committee 8 November 2024 2028 Member 0/0 (i) There were also extraordinary sessions of the committees that are not reflected in this table. 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 150 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Statement of Management of Risk NLB d.d.’s Management and Supervisory Boards provide herewith a concise statement of risk management according to Article 17 of the Decision on Internal Governance Arrangements, the Management Body, and the Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process for Banks and Savings banks ( Official Gazette of the RS, no. 73/15 and 115/2021 ), Regulation (EU) 575/2013, article 435 (Risk management objectives and policies), point (e) and (f), as well as the EBA Guidelines on Internal Governance (EBA/GL/2021/05) and EBA Guidelines on Disclosure requirements (EBA GL/2016/11). Risk management in NLB Group, representing an important element of the Group’s overall corporate governance, is implemented in accordance with the set strategic guidelines, established internal policies, and procedures which take into account European banking regulations, the regulations adopted by the Bank of Slovenia, the current EBA guidelines, and the relevant good banking practices. EU regulations are followed by NLB Group, where the Group subsidiaries operating outside Slovenia are also compliant with the rules set by the local regulators. NLB Group gives high importance to the risk culture and awareness of all relevant risks within the entire Group. Maintaining risk awareness is engrained in the business and risk strategy of the Group. The business and operating environment, relevant for the Group’s operations, is changing with trends such as sustainability, social responsibility, governance, changing customer behaviours, emerging new technologies, and competitors, as well as increasing new regulatory requirements. Respectively, risk management is continuously adapting with the aim of detecting and managing new potential emerging risks. NLB Group uses the ‘three lines of defence framework’ as an important element of its internal governance, whereby the Risk management function acts as a second line of defence. The Group’s Risk management function has enhanced overall corporate governance, which is reflected in lower SREP requirement in recent years. A robust and comprehensive Risk Management framework is defined and organised with regard to the Group’s business and risk profiles, and is based on a forward- looking perspective to meet internally set strategic objectives and all external requirements. The proactive Risk management and control system is primarily based on Risk appetite and Risk strategy, which are consistent with the Group’s Business and focused on early risk identification and efficient risk management. Set governance and different risk management tools enable adequate oversight of the Group’s risk profile, proactive support of its business operations and its management by incorporating escalation procedures, and use of different mitigation measures when necessary. In this respect, the Group is constantly enhancing and complementing the existing methods and processes in all risk management segments. NLB Group is engaged in contributing to sustainable finance by incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks into its business strategies, risk management framework, and internal governance arrangements. With the adoption of the NLB Group Sustainability programme, the Group implemented the main sustainability elements into its business model. The goal of this strategic, organisation-wide initiative is to ensure the sustainable financial performance of the Group by considering ESG risks and opportunities in its operations, and to actively contribute to a more balanced and inclusive economic and social system. So, sustainable finance integrates ESG criteria into the Group’s business and investment decisions for the lasting benefit of the Group’s clients and society. Moreover, NLB as a member of the UN Net-Zero Banking Alliance, publicly disclosed its Net-Zero commitment and corresponding targets. With this step, the Bank pledged to align its lending and investment portfolio with net-zero emissions by 2050. The NLB Group Sustainability Committee oversees the integration of the ESG factors to the NLB Group business model. The management of ESG risks addresses the Group’s overall risk management framework, namely its credit approval process, collateral evaluation process, and related credit portfolio management. It follows ECB and EBA guidelines, with the tendency for their comprehensive integration into all relevant processes. The availability of ESG data in the region where NLB Group operates is still lacking. Nevertheless, the Group has set up the process of obtaining relevant ESG-related data from its clients, being a prerequisite for adequate decision-making and the corresponding proactive management of ESG risks. NLB Group plans for a prudent risk profile, optimal capital usage, and profitable operations in the long run, considering the risks assumed. The Business Strategy, the Risk Appetite, the Risk Strategy, and the key internal risk policies of NLB Group, approved by the Management and Supervisory Boards of NLB d.d., specify the strategic objectives and guidelines concerning risk assumption, including the approaches and methodologies of monitoring, measuring, mitigating, and managing all types of risk at different relevant levels. Moreover, main strategic risk guidelines are consistently integrated into a regular business strategy review, the budgeting process, and other strategic decisions, whereby informed decision- making is assured. NLB Group regularly monitors its target risk appetite profile and internal capital allocation, representing the key component of proactive management. Risk limits usage and potential deviations from limits or target values are regularly reported to the respective committees and/or the Management Board of the Bank, the Risk Committee of the Supervisory Board, and the Supervisory Board of the Bank. Additionally, NLB Group established a comprehensive stress-testing framework and other early warning systems in different risk areas with the intention of contributing to setting and pursuing the Group’s business strategy, to support decision-making on an ongoing basis, to strengthen the existing internal controls, and to enable a timely response when necessary. The stress-testing framework includes all material types of risk, as well as those related to ESG, and various relevant stress scenarios or sensitivity analyses according to the vulnerability of the Group’s business model. Stress testing has an important role when assessing the Group’s resilience to stressed circumstances, namely from profitability, capital adequacy, and liquidity, with a forward-looking perspective. As such, it is embedded into the Group’s Risk Management system, namely Risk Appetite, ICAAP, ILAAP, and the Recovery Plan, as an important component of sound risk management. Besides internal stress testing, NLB Group, as a systemically important ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 151 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report bank, also participates in the regulatory stress test exercises carried out by the ECB. NLB Group is the largest Slovenian banking and financial group with an important presence in the SEE region. In accordance with its new Strategy 2030, NLB intends to be the leading bank in SEE and aims to provide international best-practices across the customer and operating models. The Group continues strengthening its market position in its home region, actively participating in market growth and consolidation, and promoting the ESG agenda. Moreover, the Strategy focuses on the transformation of NLB into the leading operating platform in the region through rigorous simplification and digitalisation while maintaining its prudent risk practices. NLB Group has a well-diversified business model. Efficient managing of risks and capital is crucial for the Group to sustain long-term profitable operations. Based on the Group’s business strategy, credit risk is the dominant risk category, followed by credit spread risk on the banking book portfolio, interest rate risk in the banking book, operational risk, liquidity risk, market risk, and other non-financial risks. The Group integrates and manages ESG risk within the established risk management framework, where the aforementioned risk is one of risk drivers of the existing type of risks, such as credit, liquidity, market, and operational risk. Regular risk identification and their assessment is performed within the ICAAP process with the aim to assure their overall control and effective risk management on an on-going basis. Managing risks and capital efficiently at all levels is crucial for NLB Group sustained long-term profitable operations. Management of credit risk, representing the Group’s most important risk, focuses on the taking of moderate risks – with a diversified credit portfolio, adequate credit portfolio quality, a sustainable cost of risk, and ensuring an optimal return considering the risks assumed. The liquidity risk tolerance is low. NLB Group must maintain an appropriate level of liquidity at all times to meet its short-term liabilities, even if a specific stress scenario is realised. Furthermore, with the aim of minimising this risk, the Group pursues an appropriate structure of sources of financing. The Group limited exposure to credit spread risk, arising from the valuation risk of debt securities portfolio servicing as liquidity reserves to the medium level. The NLB Group’s basic orientation in the management of interest rate risk is to limit unexpected negative effects on revenues and capital that would arise from changed market interest rates and, therefore, a medium tolerance for this risk is stated. Moreover, in 2024 the Group comprehensively enhanced the existing interest rate risk management. When assuming operational risk, the NLB Group pursues the orientation that such risk must not significantly impact its operations. The Risk Appetite for operational risks is low to medium, with a focus on mitigation actions for important risks and key risk indicators servicing as an early warning system. To adequately manage ICT risks and ensure compliance with the requirements of the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), a dedicated second line of defence within the risk management function and ITC risk management framework were established. The conclusion of transactions in derivative financial instruments at NLB is primarily limited to servicing customers and hedging the Bank’s own positions. In the area of currency risk, NLB Group thus pursues the goals of low to moderate exposure. Based on our environmental and climate risk assessment, the impact of these risks is estimated as low, except for transition risk in the area of credit risk, which is assessed as low to medium. The tolerance for all other risk types, including non-financial risks, is low, with a focus on minimising their possible impacts on the Group’s operations. The main NLB Group Risk Appetite Statement objectives are the following: • preservation of regulatory and internal capital adequacy; • fulfilment of MREL requirement; • maintenance of low leverage; • maintaining adequate quality of the credit portfolio, sufficient NPL coverage, sustainable credit risk volatility, sustainable cost of risk across the economic cycle, limited Stage 2 exposures, sustainable industry and individual concentration, sustainable exposure to cross border, leverage transactions, M&A, real estate financing and specialised lending; • maintenance of a solid liquidity position, maintaining stable customers’ deposits as the main funding base, • diversification of risk in exposures to banks and sovereigns; • limited exposure to credit spread risk; • limited exposure to interest rate risk; • limited exposure to foreign exchange risk; • sustainable exposure to ESG risks, including portfolio decarbonisation strategy, which is based on NZBA-aligned targets; • sustainable tolerance to net losses from operational and ICT risk. Values of the most important risk appetite indicators of NLB Group as at the end of year 2024, reflecting interconnection between strategic business orientations, the risk strategy and the targeted risk appetite profile, were the following: • Total capital ratio 18.7%, • Tier 1 capital ratio 15.8%, • Common Equity Tier 1 ratio (CET1) 15.3%, • MREL ratio 37.5% • Leverage ratio 9.9%, • Cost-of-risk 14 bps, • The share of non-performing exposure (NPE %) by EBA 1.1%, • Non-performing loans coverage ratio (NPL CR) 62.7%, • Loan-to-deposit ratio (LTD) 73.7%, • LCR 197.2%, • NSFR 167.6%, • EVE sensitivity (of 200 bps) 5.0% of capital, • Transactional FX risk 0.7% of capital, • No new financing of coal mining and coal-fired electricity generation (0 EUR), • Net losses from operational risk 13.0% of capital requirement for operational risk. Sustainable ESG financing in accordance with the Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) is integrated in the Group’s Risk appetite and overall risk management framework. In addition, the Group has publicly disclosed its Net-Zero commitment, which is addressed in the Group’s Risk Appetite. In its initial round of NZBA targets, NLB Group has focused on the fossil fuel-based and highly energy-intensive sectors, such as power generation and iron and steel, and other sectors where the Bank has substantial emissions and/or exposure and available data. These include residential mortgages and commercial real estate. Defined Net Zero targets are regularly followed. Activities for setting a second round of NZBA targets, for sectors such as transport and agriculture, are underway. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 152 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Lending growth, which was modest in the previous year due to increasing interest rate trends, picked up in 2024. During 2024, the Group’s credit portfolio remained high- quality and well-diversified, with a stable rating structure and lower NPLs level. There was no large concentration in any selected industry sector. The latter is particularly important as geopolitical tensions, the green transition, and other macro developments could materially impact on specific industry sectors. The Group monitored the macroeconomic and geopolitical circumstances closely, remaining very prudent in identifying any increase in credit risk at a very early stage and proactive in NPL management. Furthermore, unfavourable trends in the German automotive industry did not severely influence the Slovenian export-oriented industry. Having that in mind, the Bank downgraded some selected clients in Stage 2 and formed additional impairments. The cost- of-risk remained at a relatively low level. The established impairments derive from portfolio development, new financing, and any portfolio deterioration. In contrast, the successful collection of previously written-off receivables and changes in risk parameters contributed positively to a low total net impact. The Group stayed well capitalised and well above the risk appetite at both the Group and Banking member levels. The liquidity position of the Group also remained solid, with liquidity indicators high above the regulatory requirements, indicating its low tolerance for this risk. Significant attention was put into the structure and concentration of liquidity reserves, while at the same time, we considered potential adverse negative market movements. Investment activity continued with a balanced approach to finding attractive market opportunities while pursuing a well- managed credit spread and interest rate risk, as well as capital consumption. Interest rate risk exposure remained moderate and stayed well within the Risk Appetite tolerance. Consequently, NLB Group concluded the year 2024 as self-funded, with strong liquidity and a very solid capital position, demonstrating the Group’s financial resilience. NLB’s ESG Risk Rating that was assigned by Morningstar Sustainalytics further improved in 2024, reflecting a low risk of material financial impacts from ESG factors. In September 2024, Summit Leasing Slovenija, Ljubljana was acquired, increasing the existing leasing presence in Slovenia and enabling the entrance into the Croatian leasing market. Moreover, in May 2024 acquisition of Generali Investments, Skopje by NLB Skladi, Ljubljana was concluded, enabling NLB Skladi to expand to the North Macedonian market. Otherwise, during 2024, there were no other transactions of a sufficiently material nature to impact on NLB Group’s risk profile or distribution of the risks on the Group level. The Condensed Statement of the Management of Risk is also published on the NLB intranet with the aim of strict adherence of the banks’ employees at daily operations of the Bank, as regards the definition and importance of a consistent tendency of the adopted risks and ways to take into account when adopting its daily business decisions. Ljubljana, 20 February 2025 Management Board of NLB Hedvika Usenik Andrej Lasič Archibald Kremser Peter Andreas Burkhardt Antonio Argir Blaž Brodnjak Member Member Member Member Member Chief Executive Officer Supervisory Board of NLB Primož Karpe President of the Supervisory Board ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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5wjYAyeB/hTYFlpvKRlDP5cjfPhuCvPUD60kBUMypKZEJZY8A4PYHr+FCAtCRBMRuAV+CO//wCurJHDEJKZDHque5oYxl7c+WsVzbqdpyJfY+/1qWMVTHdW4DhFK/Mki9R7H/GqjsSzOu4w5O1VEg4IA+/7/X1pNDKkTMAFUY2scDHT2qUMuWlw3Tpn+EnoKadhMsTAyA5O5GHzAHP4irEVC8jjaVCzQ8Bl/jHbPvUsZKZBdQhox/pKnDgD7w9cetF7gSLKstsqyncRna5/UNTQivPCWUOvyuBweufY1LQyJCM71OCPvKfWhAWYZRKmM7CBySc07gPhuCJlMir82FY/TvQwLDQx52iZ4pWGUbO7nsD7U0guWrbUpFREn6HtwQ30pAE+1Ct1bDdGSQ6Y6UNXAindSFfYCjcHj7vvSaGZVxC8NwZIG69vapAW6kdkEsakjGJEPUe4PrVMRHGSCcyEI/U5/XHrSTBkMwjfcpcpIvHH3W/wpuwGfL5isdpGR/DUjIiWbKkHHcelACYCKRIoPoTQBDKgPKkEelAEJB79KAGsMfQ0AKMn8KAE788GgCRDkYJ+hoAe6kcmgCNuTmkwG0gFFNAPBpgOGaAJFalYBC1MBvWgBCKAEIoAQ8GgAyaACgAyaAAUASKKVxXJFHQZxSbuBMg7gdKQh+OfSgBCnPFAAEzyOlK47DwntRcLE8Mec4oEtCyqgDgA+tIYrJjjjr2pkkUgGce1UkIrTLkdKLFFaRM/QUAVpRincZA3FAxh5pgFAC0AWrOMZ3NQBO/pQBGVGKAIJUxQBCRigAHSkAUwPcppiTtBx75rpZzFZ2VsnnJPBoQw2LyBgE96YiRYxnOCfTNOwyVYznjAosIsRQnPzc07AXEhAO3sOvNMCby846fWqSETImD0zzRYCQAgcHPXGaYrki9cDuRTsA7avHAOOtIV7EqFdmCuCRgdqBCquCTgAAdc0xgVzjK59+tIQ4Dkt19aAHbRkdBn1PFAAi8HDdeBQA4jjgc9On9KAFMYGc5DGgB4CjIGGxQA9Y95B2njoMc/WhgXIIh3Xn3qWBehjO0dOvXmpuItRIA2M9Pm4H6UgJSE3Hpuz3/z2pDJFKjGevUnNADwyn5WJz1BJNUkAqPhsnJOOmKAJo87CGOT6+n1pllmMoBnO7/GgB0e0/KWyc4wemaAJkwGAA6+vH86QDcgsASMZ6Z4NCAidQF+UAZ6gUwIuCe5x3oAikJG44I5oExyFi5IUYHTvQJFmFAFycAdallF5cgYxnPvUMCVAc7/AJj9DSGP4Ug5yp6D3pCB5cITt3MOgz3+lAFKQgpvzk54OcYqkBSnjBJJGBjGGxzTBmNqOc7SVyOck8UzNnIaw29mXJzjvVAjkNSwHZvwxSNEc5dN+9Oc+1IpDo9wB5wMVSExDGS2QPagZDMnHPapY7mZe8ZqCjn9U6ms5Fox3OTmoKJbf+tAGrZdq1RJtWhzt9q1iQzSAwvI5qySpcDnGeaTGilLgVIys+TmouMhbOPSkMbn26UANP6UhiUAIeetIBlIYjdOBQITnFJjQ3P5UhjTSARulAEZNADTQA3NAATQA3caADdQAm6gC1p43Sg0mB3Hh6MbVGBk4rNktnpPhiBgE5OAMZArORmzurKE7QcNz+tSIvJAQV2LtCmgZDfJ8pBwRjnnH86BGO8W1unFSUKjhFwCMY78UwBZgWDbRgj8aLhYrTzqF27yOD/KkOxgancBs7e3fPWgDl7+Xng8n0oKMu5chDgjBpoDA1GTk4//AF1qhmBdvknNWkMy52yTWgENACZ7UAGaAAEUASwjmkBbiqWBZQDrUCY9+BjNAiM9M4oGiGQ0IZATz1q7AWLYmlYaLoi74pDHLGR6UhFi3znPQUCLqqD6dKkTHIB0/DNAEhXK+uOKQyLHOO1PQBHQ49KBEJXk8CqC4jj5eKBlOemBWcjFAG14EXdrcX14FNbky2Pq3wGcWkcfGcADNamcT0rTSBtLMeMgY4PNI1RpxvghsZHB9SaBlmNgEGSSc4PoRQBDcZIGec9iwoAyb0t5ZA+Y45x2ppks53U4jIrqN3I6dBVGbRx+s2IdXJOORg556VRnJHlfjm2CxuCDkA5qJFRPGNWiJuH/AIRnqazRuikm3O3Gfc1Qx7jHJFK4EEnPUYoQERXA3cY9qYDAN7Y6e/YUABwAUQ5B6nHWgBEiOeGAoAsQQtu6qfwoA1IdNj2h5HAY9FHX8fSgDTsdNiYEeaIRjrimkBYns7G1gJS4LS+o6UNIDJmukklMYQZA+/60gKssYkkYR84wOnSgC7p1oJLyJJdp3vtHHXimtxMd4xiCa4LdBnYoH59P5U5bgtjFvpMMxwo654qRlHAZvlbA9DQBLHC7HGAeM0AdPoumSTBFaNmBxtkTnH49qEhk0NjM4ktyCk0b8DIHP/16dhGhZzTCGXerLKp+bPDcdiO9UtRCSxB7cOIS0TnOB29c0xFRlMcgDZZMfKSeMen4VLViiKaAQozbcNnqOCQexpAWGU7V34aNxhTjke/1FUIJQZLcxZCzIQOf0/OnuIbbTxzIyurBWOHB7H1pX6DIpDJa3GzrySDngjuP60bMNyzOkVzbb0cLcIN6Hs3qP6VW4jIkUxSNMpzGcFh6ZqChZF2sOqk8g+vtQ0IltnlQ+XkY52nsaE2Mc0qsQ+0nacMR1WmIik8tWNzGx37sMy8fjik7ATu6MpxtcOeSB0PrVXEOjVjEUJUOv8PTNIZWk2tIPl2P3yOtIZEXaF92DuHB9xQBcXEycdG6eop7iJoN0qBSwDoTgkcUXGTPbzZ2GNDHJ8w47+xosxDFkaA+Xvwp43fy/wD1U1cCRJjFK0UsXDDg54PuKLiIzJBNm3c+W/8AASeR/jSdhlMs8EvKAHvxwRUsZBeKwYPHwCPk9MdxSAqXY86JbhVIKkK4B6elMCNdrgLKfo4pAQyMkTYEY/3jQBIGiuICnl8r0IFAFNowVLJ1HXFADSp2jOPf3oAYYzt9vekMbt47CmIaynPPP0oAWMgdelAErNyOvIFAEZ64pMBpFIBaaAcppgOU80APB9qADAoAXHFACEUANPTigBpHNAB3oAU/SgBCKAFAoAkXFJiJkGc1Iiwo44oExwH40DHLGOhOKBXFMYA7UmO46NPm6CkMtRxkDjAoEScL2HvQA3kYzx9aoRE3B+tUhDCmQcgfgaZSK8iAA0rBcozgChDRUemMZ0oAM0AKKALcDYAoAlJBoAMUAMkXKk0AVJOKAG5FK2oB9aYHtzK2M7efauo5kIicEgUWGSRxk8g9O9NITLEUZwc4z9KtICaKE7v/AK9FhFxIhgA4PNMLkqp64K5waYEqxnA+XmgSJNpH8HPbigTHLGCxGOT796aGSIrHqAfamA4YBAxnHJwaTExRkHkcHqRSESKPQAnPBP8AWmMD90ZU7sdPX1pAxw/j4x06UCHqPlxwcjp60AO8tsA5JPuMUAK0eF34+Ydj/n3oATgsB3AxjHehgTxRbvlcAZ/OpuItxxEkZPA9KQy7HEB1TOeOn51NxFkDblcH1+hpXACQvU7iMEk9aBis+BkjnvjqaAG7jtILHJHeqsA5DuAwTupgWEOXAweTgZFBWhMjHODgAjnjvQMsKwGCR8oPXFAEobBz1BHPvQA4MNvPXoc/4UrADEZxtOPWmBFyCGIzigBJOu3nd0OKAI25PGW/GgByBgeygZ470AWrcZOW5HpUMC2gOTtI9xUDJU+XgjvwBxQBJwcANgc5I69aQhki5U5xgjHpg+lAFRlPTYMkc5pgVLgMkeSM5PQCqQmYuogBeQDxnpmqIZx+sjIOAwAGetPoNHH6lkE8Yz7VJSOdl5kIxmgotxQ4GW9KpAK8ahG4yM9qTGilOvBBA9algjKv+MjHSoLRzWqn5jis2aIyH61Iya3oA1rPnFaolmzZ9gw4rWJDNNQNvX61YircjvntSAoyjNSxleToe9QyiA56dqQDGoAaKBiZx2pANPFIBDmkAhxn8aGNCGkMYelJgNakAxqAGGgBpoAaaAG0AIaADNACUAaGlRlpBSYHoXh6BjsXaM8dazZDZ6j4WtjhUAOecN/9esXuZtndWMGxOh6Y5oGWni4CqdwHOaAM3URhcgAZ5PNAjGuAF5JAA9s4qRsz5rjBIKnH1oHYj8wls5BP07CgClqM5YE56cHPWgZh3cnJ+YHH8qAMO+5POaBoyL1wY/lz9aqIzA1FySw449q0GjAu35rRDM6Q81YDfwFACHrQAZNACigCeEUmBbhXms2BajU0hA4/GgRFIeMGgaKsh/KqQyNQaoC3bj5hQxo2oISyjrUDHmAgDikARx4OBQSTjgehqRDgO46547UmCJ1BKZxwKkZERlqaAdt3qeMUXAgaPLd6aExsq8ECqBFC6HJpoZTemB0fw8QvrCkYBJx9Ka3InsfUvgs4giUjBwAT+FamcT0PTnYDIPT16VJsjRt5Ao4BJxx3x70xlnzudgA6cD/Ci4CSlsN8w5Hp2oEZtx1ZQW2560CkZ9yq7Pm64OOOapEs5HWGDSSqeVDdj7D0qyGeU/EGMzRl1Uqq5BP97/61TImOjPEdeV/tLEhSAegHArJm62MxFT5iykYGQRQUA4XnketAEciE844oAiVCW64xTAZKyn5YVx6570wIcNuxg59KLgXLa2Y8sFUd80hmjAIISVxn3xzQIvWZ8yUFFAA+7kd6YFyZyvEp6DqBxQBlanMqHbG4LkZyDnigCvFE0jtKnR0JoAs6PEZ7w9wRkZP0H8s00gOgs7F47+1m2YHnke2QD/hVxRLZzusvIfEs3mHLBh/hUPcpGNfKzMz9t2KQFaNf73A9aAN/S7SOVBIBlwuSvQH3FIZ33g2zlt3zHJmCWPc3PQnjBHTrVxEyHxVb3Gn6qlxcW2+N1CltgwePbHNNk7lTUpY5YIZogBMiffHRgB91uevvRsMqx3SbGZELRSDlM9D6immFiEtHLHsIIVjyeuD2NG4iBUJZopDvz8uMduxoQD7RyitbzjbGcjn+A9vwo8ga6iO4EjJIB5iAKfcUDI/LMUplQAK/3s9M0rdQEuGjkiBI2OnbtihsBLcPtKo2WXlR3NCBjblVXJZSDjDp2INMCCVGwI5T1GUahgV4TJteBj8wOVJHepGTO2F8wcNjEi+tK4FcuV/eI3I4PuKYE9oUkLbMDcMMnofagQ2V2jb5t2ezd8UMETyTB1ViBvHRgOtO4EJPm/wrkDIzzSuMak5SRFZgBnAH92i4F9ZOQx9ACc/lQBYkuN1uyEklD1HFVckpQvFIDFIWKdcZ5U+opJ9B2EmUum0tvdeFPTPtikwEiaK4ARjtlXoW9fTNCBkk5kVijLuU+ozQAsUkJU2zj5D90Hqp+tPcCksRhmkjIykgxipGVLlVRtsYITsp7UgILiMhFZgNp79cGgCKBijkZ+Ug/jQAyKVkk3JgHtmgB7ABtzIORytAEEu8HIB20AMK5FADNrq3B69KAFcAjP6UAPYAxRnPOCDQAzqKAEpAFIBRTQDhTAePSgB4FJiY7GT1pCEboaoojNADD1oABQAp6cUAAH50AOAzQA9RUkk6CkBYHTj2oESIvGKBkqL8uT1pMEG0k4xSAmjjGcAYxQFywM+lIBpyF471YiJzzwO9OwrkbHntiqGxEIznbQSQ3GKRaM24xk0yio/SgBlACUALnFAE0TUgLKNmmBMF4oAUhdhzQBmTEFjgUANJoATNAHuark7skj9a7LHMTJB2OMHpTSAsxQE5ABHoKdhXLBg2oDj2AqhXJo4irAc4NOwEyRg0WETIpJGQCKZVx3lhgCQQBkikFx6x7V6Y/wA9qRLHoBgfLnPWmmAqLjqSRgYNMZIqqAGwfr6UmJgik8DA/CkIkYYQsFPTIoAAgLc5I9QKAJBGflbjC8ilcByqN+MnGe5pCsBXPOc8c/8A1qaGKqgfKSQMZzjii4Eix7iv3QM/if8A69DYFqKAjeCWI681IFy2iJReRnuD1xUtgTIAFPy8Y/WkA4NgnOPlHQHFAA74bcGAGMDnigCE5BUAknkVQAp2uO3+yKYEqE85+XjJABoGSY/vHAHqM9qBE8L4JJ27T6igpFmPO3Cg4z0zigZKOD8pwR1Hp6UAPBYEgEFQM4FIALnJAYDjIx096YDGJ27huABxj360AMGVPIXPvjmgBHyo3suD654NADoeSG7frSYFxNiY7jPcdPYVLAsw4Q5Xg9AcVmBYjXcTuT5VOVINAD0yshClsDk57imO4y4J6J68ZGf8/WkIqyYZCTndjp/SgCvdBfK7cD16U0BhaljDoucBeMGrRmzjtUZ8sT93HUetUJHG6pk5GeCc0mjRGRDBucs3Q9KQy4Y2IAI3HHfpTuMY6ZT0I70mxlK5HBJAxUNjSMHUiBu5OKlstHL6mcsT2rNloy2POaQya3oA17LtWqJZt2YOR/KtYkM0h0JOPyqySnP60DKUzfhUMZXc84qWNELdfrUjI24IB5oAZz+FDBBkg0hjScmgBpPPNSMQ9QKQCHjrSGNPSkA00AMagBjUAMNACGgBtACGgBKAFHUUAb/h6DdKpxx3qZCZ6d4XsS5Rj/EBms2ZvU9c8M2Plwq24tnqP8KixB1FpbhYs7ScgfNnJzSsUNlwG5PUfTNIDB1JwpIJ2g9hx+lAHPX8xDHB69Cf50hmPLcZkyDyRjg0hjnmJi3A568GgZm3k3LAA+1BJmSyl+WGT7cUFWMu824JIyDnB9KBmFfPwccfWriBz9+5yxNaIpGFdtnpWqApMeaYCUABoAKAHoOaALMS81DYF2Ec1AmWUUgZ70riI36mkhkEgJqhogZN2RjFNMdh6Qse1VcLF+ztyWBxSuM6Gyttydep6VLKJprb5c44pCaK5gwScGgmwyRSoIIJ9KVyWN6vx0oYFoAeWB3qBjJE5yTxQAoGUIHUdaBEZBzwelNMRBLwD61aAoXI5z1pjuUZeMimM6j4cYGrJnqaCJrQ+ofCYVYE5xkD5ievFa3EkdlZXIUBQccDk8ZqWy0a0U+7scEdT39qVxkqS4UZbOO+O/pTuJkjynJKnjbzzTApXrrsLgcAY3Y7UxM5/U7zaHCk4/HimmS0cfrd2d+wZxIOSOuB7/jVXJaOI8V7p4mYhRxtH+GKTZB4/r1mDM5K4/CszeOxz8kQB2D+KlcoiSBxkEj0IpNjsBiY/IOR70JiIp7ckERNkdznrVXHYg+zOCMj8uaLhYkTcrbSh+uKNwL1pYXE2ZFXcg6k0IDXt7GCC3FxeOqqOpPAqhDp9ct7OPZYLnHcr1oAwrjU7u6yszAKTnFAEXlKEUq3yZyf9mgCxbAxcA/I7fuz7jqPxoA29BtP9IYr9zncCOVz/wDqq4oTOqu1UorxoV2Ms2Ae/f8Ama0toRc4DxErL4inBGC3IJHof/r1i9y1sRpZM1rJLtJGc5+lFhmaoxJtmQEHuBUsaN6x05JURYJpIJCfkMo+Q/Rh3ppCOktFuNNuFt7uIrcIf9Z5oMbL7HHGQR+VUgOiivodThe0vJblYCMDzWLqvJ7DpVMnVHG6hbrazXEccn3GwGHQigaMuLzIXKsTtByvtULQbCKVklcbiMnNNCLaXLOyKdqsv3W9faquIsSxLdW7SIQJEBOD3GelO1wM2XmNZkI3R8SLnnipGLHcEqRnI4B+h70XCwvmoICRGWePqp/iFIYxbgh90a7SoyhHXHai4iWe48yNZDh1x8wxzg1VwsVJv4F3ZCcKe4B7UmBFOxcB1yJAfzqRjGmVysvp8r0ARA7ZCvGCflz/ACpARlnjbIx8pyPagCz9qW4UK/BA7dadwIopCBjJGOf/AK9FwJoZXD+YAGCn5sUAOniE371OAfvCmAttIVZRkMOgJpAXYpN7ZbJ5A/8ArVQitPFGly0kDbRkHafTvUsYq+Y6kspDA9V7jtTENIxJuAV8/eHvQMsQXBZNrDIHGDwcUxCztEGU9R29vrSGhtwwkQMSMjrx+tDAqyx5k5bqM+1SBVmyCUKnb0zigCssJ87B4OPWgCtKCjkelAArF1OW560AOhMgBHLDHNKw7kTZDnb0PamIF5J9ulADNvHPGTQAE4H0NACe9AARnnrQAClYAFAD160wJF7UASqPSpJHEYoAY3GfWmMiemMZz+NACgCgBaAFAoAeoIpCHqMGpETxj1GaQXJU4yaYixCucHGaAJ/1pMEPC55Hf3pA2WFUKo468mkSMZjn3plIiYjHpjtTBkLsdvFVcViLcSccc1Q7Csw2+n0qWFirM+e54FMaKM7Ek0yis5oAb2oAKADFADlODQBNG+KALBnwOooAhlnJBGTSArHrTADQAlAH0DFCH+bnHX8K77HKy7Db4IIUnHc0yblyODHOCfoKALCW4X5ipwOuOlAhGgY4ORkdMdfpTQ0CxYXf1OeKYyRUI52/l3NAAEGMEn34pMQpU8beD656UASFSc4BGOuaLAOKAAYOD7dqQhyjOcgADqRQA4IzA8ce3egBwQA7gA2e3pQBKI1GBj5fWgBfLIDflzSEIiNkbs8nrmkMUDOcqDuyM4o2AfHH842jA69cZouBcji3Op/rSYFhYlG05I4PFSxFgfKudocnqKQxjNsYsDkZzn0oAjlYDPBPoDQBEX6nOWA44xzTSAY0zKuMDGc5FUA7eThido9RQBNCzAjOMjrQBPHLkY4z06UwJFbHDNkDg56e1IpE8bYYMQOvNAywpIyGwQOB70ASbj975dvQCgALZJJwBjpmgBPmwGGAO2DmnYBoUjqOp9aQDSqnjk5PrQBJDyV29R3pMC9bMT8pIB7gCokwJ0zlc9G45H9KgCwu4cKQOf8APFAx/PyqP5AUANxlcKMDp9KBELRvs4PtQBTuBiPcQD7D1pgYOqDAJVvbHaqM2cXq7A7uRjbjHvVISOUvIcsRjig1RVWIK2MD6UgJFiH3sdVznHWlcdiOWPgnG2k2VYzb4fKc56Vm2UjmtTI5OeaTKSOY1Fsueagszj1oAlt/60IDXs+1aolm5ZHkH0raJDNID5AaoRTuDz0oEUpfpUsorsOvPWpY0Qv78CoGRt/+qgBpA9KBidqQCNQAw5zUjEYUhjTSYDW9BSAaTx9KAGMecCgBjGgBhoAQ0AN70AB5oASgB0QzIBjvQB2nha3BwSOKhsmTPW/BtoknlgqO34Vm2ZN2PVtIhCRgAA7euTUiNJ5AkIPB4wFAweaZZQvJlERxwR1qBM5bUrg72Ut0PPNJgjndQk2lvm4xnI6mkVYymbd948igbHu+UwzjHtQIy76RQSM4z0zQC1KG/Lbc8jpQUUb5iq5PccUwOev5OWIJ/EVpEZgXz5zzVoZi3Lc1ogKxpgLQAlACryaAJ41qbjLUS8iobEXYV56cd6lkk/QUgGMM5wKVxoYYiRxmjmNEhy2xJzijmK5S3BZHg4pphY07GxyR8hp3A6LT7I/LhTk+lILF2WxLBcrx7jFFwMm7tCnmHb9DSIaMuePHy45oJKo4fnigRbjHBAqQHMB2FABjHQUCI5R7ZpoCpN09KtAUbgc8dKY7FGQcmmM6LwPIYtRQjP4daBM+lvB12stpEGbB2g9ad9BLc7iwZyowcnHpSKNmMcALnAGP1oADJJ0RiN3I9/xqkBMdvA7+lO4ihe4VWUDBJPUZoYWOQ1hpI8nHyjPc1NwsclqVy0k0hyQFweAO1FxNGLqYEkLs+MY65p3FY848T2672KjOfSlcpHC6oTHNkY60myrEazmb5mjDMOvqfegYSTIg2ZZWI+Y9fwoENDo33CCTx0xTQIeLZnXPI91NMZJFazxgMCMf3jTQFpNWfTlJiCTS/wC1ziqJMrUdUub4mW4beT+ntjtSGUoblkJXG9T1U96BFqKO3mH7qQo/eNjz+B70wF8tol4O5j029GHcUAW9PaBR5Lq2H/h/w9CKAOn0WGVW8+PB24DAD73v/jWkSWb7T5tFG75sFMgd+cc/lVE2OP10x/2nFcOoclRuOOuBhh+gqHuWSwIr6dPDGpG5u/oRVW0J6mFbRI1xiTcpH5VkWdNooto9rtK8bqQQ8aZVjngFTTQM0NZkQXY+1QRRxzRHayBgpbjaRg8Z5GelU0Ip211c2tzJbzEbAN3XPbqCKaEx0zWlxv3EENznoR/jTGYlwFguGjYFQx+Unmo6jK98qh12licAjjrQAyGUNlMHpkDv1poRfs3fdkPkryp9aoRFcDy384LtRwRjt9KTGU4yElACjZ3+h71Iy4rIo3r8+BtbPp60xELp90j+FvxxQA9tjozLhgw5X0otYCjMpwSoIIPNIY+F2aT5hwR+RoAgnIWQ4yDnmkwGuAy4HRuQT2pANbDEHOG6NxQBVmyhyhww/WgCSFy4DZ5AoAWGbZMTzjoRQBZguWDgA9Tz/jTuBa2DyzJtGM/MM9D60WAEBA4f5uq0wBm3rg4+bofegBoZkKsmdo+8pPT6UAPcXGQYtrL6NSAR7ySKIoYs++ORRcLEKzKWwrHn1ouArSjeu/IHQ0XAbcsysMDI6g0gIvODAq/fjPpQBGuwMQV+YDg+tIZSm+ZjxzQAzHY96YiV2ICAcDoaAIlwSwJxnpQwRGcqc470APIDKADSuOw2YYPSgBmeOlMQ4c0AB7YoAPegByDmgCZBzQBMoGKkkVvpQBE9MZE1MY0mgBB9aAHilcVyQCi4XHqKQDlA70hEqAUCZPEBnmgC5AvfHalcdiYDcen5UXE9CaOPjlgOM4PSpJCU7emMUDK7sOR+tMqxBI4/KmgZXZxjr3piI94zmncYyVwBxSuBWmk9CaooquetMCInNABQAUAL1oATjNABk0ALn3oAKACi4AelACUAfSlvEd5OBz2x2r0TjLixnO4cjOaAZaiQbgEGeOetMCdVz0A4GcUmLoL5YAPsMcelJIQwR4BJIwaYw2DGWGM9qY7jHAweNoHbNACoOcZPUUgsPKckd89KLhccF2gqvDEfePQ1LExSCRkfdxz6UIEPSMqgOQSTxmmA/qMD5T2oANgIHC5xkUMAGACRn5vXnFSAojDNggigCaOPcuMbvbbSYFqCPJbIJ9/elcC0Ihhh8vA6Dt/k1LEKAFxy5OCOOcUDI5mA2YOPXntQBFJIMlYyeOSeOtNICAuctu+Un0p2AjHzYxkmmAADJOAB09eKAJACUON2M4+n40wJhIc7cAY9v60ASlsFSF6D86ALETjHykhj1HpQxomiI4x+eKENsmjYKMAHn7p9aQJk0bN+GPXigY7cDgg/pQA1j8vUlSQcYoAR2z8qjcT0x3oAa7PkDhc/e5oAkt/9XjoT3x2pMC9a7lbk/jUMC0uN3Q56k/5/zzUjLA3bsI3ToRn8hSYD5ADlmJwMcdO1K4DWBJG5efTuKdwI5eApwCx60CKt5t2g9Dj6UAcvq2RGxyep49KtGcjjtUG+XkE5GOeaoRh3Ue0Z4x1AIpFoz3GBt4buAKTLJoUG3dnJx0xmouMSdCYjyDmpbKMLUBjJyMDNTcpHKaxIBnHp+dTctHMXXLE0DKb9aAJbbrTQGvZ9RWiJZuWfHatokM1B07cVRJSnHcZzQBSl4HzA81LKKzgHoPpUsZE3XBJqRkbD/wCtSAaf19aBjfegBD0pANOfSpGNb1ApDG/hSYDTSAaaAGE4xQAxqAGGgBDQA0/WgANADc0AWLFN8yjtmgD0PwxCzBAoAJ9ayZEj2LwhbCOEAjrj8azbMnud9YFEXZnFTcaC7uOvOSMDnmi5Rh6te4U44zyccUmI5m9uS5YkjIJByKRRlXL5AztAzjFA0U5WUMxBBz37UDIppgU7jA9c0BYxbuflsDnPrQBWExZdvYe9AFHVZ9qEA4AXgVSA5q8mGcA/TitEhoxrx+SPatIjMqU5NUwIhTAM0AFAEkK5NJgWkFZjLMK+1JksvQrxnGOKhiHlQxAFSNFiG2ZieP0qXKxpFFuHTif4c1nzmqiX4dMxtyuM+1HOXys0YdKOMFPzqucHE1LTSyrgiPGe1PmJ5Tc0+w2bSwGSemafMFjSmsQ0YJUZxzTuJo5rVrUqzKVOOvFCZDRzOowFCSAffiqTIaMqRTu5HI9KZBYgJPbtUgybGe/FAgdepJoArStk4x+tNDK7gknFWhFWZCRQMpyR/PTGa2g/urlDjv1xSbA9w8AX7bUG89QOtSpCsex6AzvbqTs4zk1oM6CGHcq8jA+8MdKAJRCqncwwDx/k1aAcY8g7iFIGRigCrexAoTnjuQPzpMDmddtVePAdQSOp6ipYHnl7CwlnCgMxkx+XHNTcDFvVKRlZm3kZ69OadwOD8TMoZsuuBzj0ouB53qpV7hueM8UFWIokeLa8YzI3QY6D1oHYJLSVxlYyeeRjpQFiSGwnY8ssY75q0hFm309EBZ5zJ/sjrVJCI7mRUkKISFPHLc0CM25hwrOWZtrcn60wKhY78jp70ASoyy+mT0wMH8u9AEy2yyNtO1QeuU5FAFuHyUPlSHdkcysMf5+tAE/k7AqsPMYdGWgDd0i6a2dSS00QPzHbhk/+txVK6E1c3LuNDBNNEweKXlSPXj9a0umI5TVgJYfOAw8TZYex+9+tQxoZp83lMV5BAK5/lTTCxRcKbxizsJFOUIPFQM7DQrWSfTWG0Su3OOh/DPWqS0E2Z7Sm28xLkSYbKqsr5GPy9fSkOxVugkqr5ZMZA/dsx/TPcUxEunypChjuI9hPY9G9xVITQmqQJ5G6MGWNTk5HzLQ0CZk7c2QZSHUHGfQ1HQogd1IAxskQ8Y7ihATrIylXGAGPHpmquJFzdHcwspJDZ5A/hPrQBmupEjJnleVpAT2kq8q427hx/hQAjk5xwQTtx6HsaVwIopJRJlgc9+Pzo1AfcfNhz39OmKYFJmbdnJxng+tSMJiW3cZGOwoYDEBaJk6jsaQDEYsMk/N91v8AGgCJwTLzz2oAiXMTn0oAdKOjZxmgB29iiuAN68EjuOxoAu2N1gfMSVxtIzTQE4IdGKtgqeB6U2AwfNlXI55DdKkBpmkTKMcGncBguCG2HII6fSi4D/tkcwxkFunIouBHJt5OcnHakBWE/BViD6UASPch4we44IoArSyBjkfhQAkUx3ZPUDGaAGyMepJHvSQ2MDEnnn3piJV2GJt3UHIxQBC+wn5WIPvQA1sgc896AEUlefXpQBJL8xHHYZpDI+hwehpiGqcGgCQDPQUABXgUAOQdaAJ4xnvzUiJgKQhDnBpgQuR0xTGRNTGMOM0AAHNAEqCkImAGMUmIWkA9VyKAJEGcY6e9AMsxIdwAAOaZJejX09OagLk0S+34+lDES42ZHOTSAqXLDOP60IaKsj8AD8KZRWlkIGOeKaArs2TTAaz4FAELvx1qkiiB2JpgRsSaAG0AFABigBwz0pABFADSKYBQAtIA4HrQAtCAPwoQH1JHFtXcFwcdB2r0ziJ0hIUELgegNAFgRYjJDY9QxoAkSPKgMNvsaVwuOjHHOcdBQBGw2jkYOeQRyKYDWjXJ3HAAxmkALG3UdxzxQ2O4qxkoSBgk5pXC44JtGcAk9e1IQ7amOOccUWFYaFVSflJDDPPAFFgsPHIyfkyOR6UDAj5iABuPX1NFwHODg/L37d6TAAu1juUDJ6noe1AyeGJgMZO4ClcRajjYKMgH0NJsCyicY7nngVNwFwFIYnsTn/P40ARO3GC2c55oAqtIME55A4DUAVt+UzuAGc49atAG443FiBjAosAhPoQD6E0wDcwHzfkT+lNASLwMZGD19qVgHLnJIOSQMcdKAJgd2c468+5ouBPC+BkjOBkZNAEsTN8yg9eMDpQBYhX5vbHGT+lIdiyoAXAzyeKRQYYk8+/I60wEUZA+XB6YoAaXbAJLKQPyFK4DWJ2sM5+uc0wJEOMtzwBwOtIC9an5cEnHG3PP86hgXV7KcEd+1QBYT/Z7+pzihjJQyklizdOfTFIBCDuIIC8cc/rQJkc2CxOcbe4NNAjOvwu1hkqDztB60AcxrRJIOc5yetWjJnNX6YbcwAz70wMK7i5PFJ6GiRnSIFdQAP8ACobLJYV3cqp4/lUXHYZc4UH9KVyjndXkCbiAM4I61NykcZqTFmJNBZh3PU0AUn60AS23X8aaA2LL1rREs3LIZAHQVtEhmkAdhwP1qyLFSXOD0zSY0Upc55AP4UmUV3FSwIZBkc1DGiM8HrikVcbxQA3HFADe9IY0ipAaaQDTSYxp60gGn1oAaRQBGRQA0igBpoAaTQA0mgBuaANLR1zKGpMD0fwfGfNRsDHXpWTZEj1rw/LhYwDjAyaybM2dXDchFPQZXPtQCKd3ejIQNwO5pDOb1K7L5Csep7jigpGbI+WOT24FBRRnkGe5xnp3pAUJpD1Dcc0AUrmfKkA8nigZkzyMW5fk0AIu3YT0PvQIyNVkxnv9DWkUM5y7kGa0QzKuXySO9XFAUWOWqgG0ALQAUAWbZM1EmNInUVNwZatx0NSyS8gyOMc1DEWreDc/JyaiUrFxVzb06wLsBtzzXPOZvCJ0NnpeG9OeO9YOZ0xgakencDKjcRx60KRTRcttPVc5Hzd+PzrVSuZtaGha2HygY5z35q7ksuWtmozuHI6VSZDRd+zts2lCR34qriMHWbMgv0/z2ppiaOJ1eAKcbfUkA+9UmZtGBPH8+MDr1q7mbHQjBwQcUiSfp0AxQAxvmyB/KgZF5THnHNNAMMOSTjmqEQzw5X+tAyt9nIbGPwp3BGjplsyyqcHINZSkXFHp/gcMsqD5gWYY+lZqRTR7r4SOIELjBPaumLuQ1Y6yCPZHnZznPWtEIn8vagC5HHU9f/rUwIJWAZeOp6tz+VAEc0SZbJGPyAzSYGFrCRojMFwRxz1PSpYHl+up5bSus8it5pwAM55rJtplJHDa5f3QU5ljcg8jGCR9RRzFcpw+t3wcujxMvPBDA5p3QWOadIHO7a5bPQmqET7UhGVI3n+FRTAahueGHC9zTQMmS0uZsbInVD13dRWliSpKs8LlSWUevagCi43udjAtn8KQF20gF8j2jHy5XwEOOpHTNUIovYSRRYdNrncCO4IPP9adgGJbhIxhc4OTRYCOxF2JgYWbLc46jGaQG9ZxR3CMlxAkYAO5xlRj1qkgK4hkt52U4eB+ARzyOMg0gNi3Rkt4pSDIAMMfb3rToSa1k6wIYdymGY42ueAcHHP9aVuwzH1OPbOSvzI/ysp4J+vpUu4zCu1eGZo1dsKRtJ54oegFe5bLBs4ZeDj09akDodG1M2tuYYJWZ25VgeOneqUrITQ1b1rxWW5VZD3yKL3GVJt1oqvEfOhb+Hrt9jQ9AFiuVnXaFHsjn+RppiEN1LEvDMB056j29xRcLEKTIhZ4kDo3LxevrRcLFe+WGSLzrVzt/ukcoff2pMCC2uPkMMnIPQ+9K4xyTvazbyfkbsaL2AsXLBwJVBJHINMBvyyrhTt44NFxE8J89fn4ZR+dAyuXZJmGSN3encQSF/s6SKD8vDChgitKQ6uVGMjNSxjIm3EnOc9qQD4wUkKggo3GaAInHlt0OG4PtQAEboy3Q9KAIpAGJB7jg0AI8ZEJyfmB4oAWzP3gRnjGPSgAxsmz2J5oAtW7FmAyBjj600BJJu2hhxg/doYEZIf5GI9s0gIxC6kHrigCCSI7yVwvfk0AWYVynzEZx68igCnPFhsA5oAiY7TgUAMc459aAEyQueOaABX2jB5FADjwueo9PSgBYWxleoIoAjIAOTQAKSWx09KAELbl296AJElbIHYUrDuJIMnA9aAI29fzpiFQ46mgCfgqKAFUUATIOKlsRKOBmkIaxpoCu/WmMiZqYxmaAHLQBMnA4pCJQaQhwGaQEqL60BcmiXp/KgRdhTGOfpSYXLEY+b86VySyq4HHINIBlxJtJGQtA1uZs8mDnPUUyypLIDnmmgKkkn41VgI889aLBYRm4600gInbPFMZGxpAMNMAoABQA4UALikwAikA09aYCUAL3oAcBRYAIosAUWA+tktif4B9M16TOIeIiNpAOD0oQakoiK4PJIH93vQJjgrhABn8O3vStYBHiwQABg8cjrRcLjAvAUkgYx92mNDGUfwjp3pgMXlcE9aliY4qSxUnCnHtUgIMn7x4PYU7DsLyNvXn37UwHZ4PJJHboaAHYUEcnOaTAau0tuwenAI71IEipuILAEduaBk0MZ2jBAP60mBZiQkrn5h1IP8AOkInHBUDjHPHSkA+QuOeVI6c0AQPKQcs3fr1/KgCpLOpI3DPTH0oQFaRxye5qgIiwOWHA65IqrDsOVwFIGBzzuB/SgGhCSATnjPOaYhWYk8ck9/SmA5N2NxUnnGQOM0mBOGYKNx7dKQEucjDADHPPT0pAPiLFTjAximBciU9+5+nNIpF2Jcp93C55J6GgZOV4IOcYx7VIEQymdvBxwfemgEGdpPBz1PvTAhLMxBznHfOM/hQDImck84PqTQTclgJxt5BB6YpFI04HblcnDHOMdfxqJAW4WyQMqe3WoAtqrYOSeDzn+lICU7Qo2gAD24A+tAC7XAIZckn0oBkUnCg7drN3HNMDJ1Fm2sR1HfoDQJs5nUC3mHCjPb2qyGc9fjEjDqKdwSMi4GBk4AHIGahs0WxmOhLjkHngVDKLcCkHkDp+NSykVL8BEJA2856VIzkdZfc+R0BpFo5bUFwTxz9aZRh3fUmgCi/1oAlt+v40IGbNj2471qiWblkOlaxIZpD/Vn5RWiJZUlPP4/lSYIpSE4OB9KRSK7857VLAgY5HWoY0Rtk46daQxCMAkCgY09KGA09aQDG4qWMQ0hjDSYDTSAaRQA0/SgBuOe9ADWFAEbUARMaAGk0AJn5sUAbWjpyuRUyA9J8J4RQ5/OsWzNno2jzfKFUY+UHA9Pas2I2mudkZCHqOoH+fSkBmXt1hGVWxnhec0DMX7QS4OeD6UXKsI0hUAdaBlG5c8qCOeMelIDNuH2tj2570LUChcS7hnkd6YFIDdJgmgGPm+VCvPQZpiOd1V+p5rVDRz9yw5qkhmZcNk5FaICv3pgAoAKAFUZOKTAvRDaorNsokUfNSJLluvTPNIRftYtxHGR2rJyBI3tKsizhuK5qkzeETrtI0zLA4HXjjmuWczqhA6WHT0WNWCZ56g8n8KyUjexcitRuySeeM1aIZaW1A4IUDHTua1TM2TpbbUBO7HXn+dWmJosCAj5sjPY+taKRDJkh3KTgnHcjiqJsY2tW+ImKhT+HancRw+swK24gADmqTJaOUu4wGwBWiMZEUZ5I6EUyCRmAxkdqAIi2Thsj3zQBLGOQSetNATLDls4xjmmAxrfccdT9KLgSRafuOduealsaNXTdMZSuUOSc8CspM0ijuPC1qYrqLcD1GRis1uaPY9q8Lf6pGI+8eAT+WfeuyGhizq4mymCMrjvWqQiWTaFbjAxgHH50wIZlTyeAqgYI4HWlcCBSF427iMfMT1pNgc/4huNo8pFy2D/D09/YVLdhpHkviy6VJp43J83gjBx+OK5ZyZpFHmusSuZCWf5vekpMuxz89lLNMzMQo9CfatUIrz28NsvzukhH8I4rRMhoqNIJZMLEV4wSq1SVwvYv2MCDb5p+UcgY5rVRIuWrzUVtYggA3fwjPIqr2JscxeTPNcF4XCg9nbbzSGVSJySZbY4I++g/w4pDNDTISSGjl/epghT8rDnjGeDTQmbZtpLxd8i/vy5LEnlj3z7n3rVaksztS0xktWMasjR/K4br35+lNrQSZWs4R9t2KNqKxClc5Kjjn+dZFnS32jrHo5uY9zbcLIc568fr7ZrSxNzKVRGPI2jyM8xcjb9PSlYdxbZXhl8tJR5Ln5Sw/TFNITJZ8xRCOQkxqfl4+73x9PSh6AJeTFpFaQh2IwTjhx7+9JgZepRrIrOnysnQe1QyjKucSLvUYOMMPSkBXjnkjbYpKsh45xQBfhv9xDnKt0YjvQBYSdJN2G2k8kDoadwJFt4w4BwMgdeQapCuE8LlRtII7rnOKGgKDQPFJuVuDSsFyuXaKVmU4J+8OxqRjTJHIhI+8KAEMoljKPznp7UAWLCciM27k8fdPpTAkUqS0bnawPyk+tCAkicj5gRnPzfWmIknVZ4A6Mu4dR70AQxyZzG5BJoAqSEqBu/h4+tJjI4chyo79KQDzgg4PTmgBJH3EA/xDmgBkfTr7UANOVBB6qeKAH43AnsRzQBBCdkqn8KAJJSMZ796AE37CD1z6UAWlfzISQfnBHB7igBD8y8cEUAW7b5oCX+fHU0AUrlABkDIoAIlOQQByO5oAZcJgnceRQBRc9SaAGnBX60ANU5UqaAGcg4oAkXngmgB6hlJHH1FABIMDPY0AQ8igAHWgB0fLbaAHtyxA7UmNDOh56GmICuKAJVb5QO9AEidaAJ0I7VBJJ/D0oAjcjmmgK71RRC3WgBO9IBy9aYEy9KQiVB+dIRMgJPvSAmC9OlAizBHkg4pCLip8uAcZ9qTYieJCDkfgaQD5GIX0oAz7qQ5OOxoRSRQleqKKcr9aaQEOSfSrSGNLUAMZqAGE0ANNIBKYBQAq496AJI0J7UrAPMeB0pgMZcGlYBjUwE7UgHwxtI4VRmhgaQsiiDdjpTFcqzRYJxQMhCZoA+wY4yVwfvH8RXpHEmSCE9MnaeR/hSAURtkYGMdAalsTBkIwoGSvf8AxpoCOQN3CqRz1p6DGleM45I7mpYiIKPLzg4B6H1qmMQ/NHj1HT0qQGKu4gAsuOgzjFMBCoLZAOQcYzxxSbAFRz8gOcUXAkKsOpPTii4CbSMHoO+KQDozkE5x2yBSYFiNRnr9c9qLjTLCR4IB5PbnrUtiJx8uBnnOB70gFLEDaCVwM4PrQBBLJwTnGR0JxSAqzybiV29OtNICp5hL4JAOPwqkBE52xliM7j07imAz5/lJGFHr2pjuSF/mUjnvxQIXcWbngCgBcBwpGDnk8YoQEy8L0OOh5oAAVPB+XtnsaTAmjOCATzmgC7boQATjHTFAF+JOFbkDHHNJlIuQKCcMOD2FJjJXGBgHAPWkBSdmHB5ZcZJxVARyMedp68nNK4FeRy/B5B5HHWqBkLtyR1IHUUEE9tJzjPJ7Z4+tJj2NSCTIGSSOg4qJFF6E4I2lQT/eqALqEjlhjPHI6UgJlXeoJXcR6jilcYuNwAJPTOc4zQIrykBAyncfy60xGPfvkYxhex9KYmYF+F3sNpHHQ1RNjnNRZlY/JgZ/h5oGY12GI4wxqGy0V44zu5XjPBqGVYm2EDO0DPQ0ikrGTqvJcDvyOaRSOU1QZJH6UikczfgnNCKMO76mmBRk60ASW3X8aANiy7fWtUSzdsu3pW0SGainCZq0QypNkHn9KGNFOb2OaQyo/XAqGMgccmoY0R0hiHqfT1oGNoYDWqQG0hjW61LGMbGM0gEPpQAzmgBvXtQAHgUAROaAIWPXmgCNuh+lADTQAsfLYoA39KAG3g9qhgd/4fkEaL7VlIhnbaVdEKuCB2IrNisact4oTg9eOaVwsZl7dZ4yCc4qblJFGGQqeCOpHFBViV5OOwouOxQunyoOc9s0BYzpnZj174oFYrXBxxjn9aaAbDFk5PPFMCK+YpERx9RTQjl9UbJyK1QIwLt+taRQzNkOasBlABQADrSAkhGWpMaLoHSsxsmiXJzQQzRsoWYjjNRKVgOh0yyLYwDXJUnY1hA67SNOUleCOTxXHOZ1QgdlplkFUAr059K53I6krGmYRtYMQT7UJgSxRqwXaRgHp6da2RDLCxrk4BJI64rSLMyYJ8pxjPvzViHLGpwVBJPPSquSSYKk46E9a1TJZl6xGMZ+bIGBilcTOH1iMBnGRkZ+uKqLIkcfqCEfNxkjJrVMxkjML4bFWQxskp4BPT9aAQkJ3EnPFAM0IAGOQPai4i0iqRxg+9FxM0bCwMx6E+4HWgVzftdF4GFPUZ4qS0dDY6KwTBQjpgjrUNXNE7HS6Npoi2uFYnOCOOKIwsU3c7fSf3ca7cKx7Z/zxW8SGbtpMCh2nDDoT0rVMRaSY7SWAJYdOtFxEvmp8zZ5xwKQGXfTbCHU7s8DJ7/5/lQByup3Wwyh87ycAN3rKbLSPMvFoj89yXGXGDxyTXM9TVHn2qyLEzBF3ueASacRsw51K72kZjIwB4HAFbLUjYpNBKw8zymAPAJ71soIlsEmFvKAsakrz97vWi0JJPPZs/IhJPALkU+YVitd2kckw85HHG4kyYwPxouFifTodAMjK1iZTwMGdj+OFB/nQBcuItIL7LbS3THpbu2fzIo1Av2Ai8sKumSTrnLK1pwB6f6ymriJ4bebcXtPDc6oTj5AVX/0OnqgN+206XUIvKbw3cBMAOHmRVP/AI/Vc0hWQf8ACIWKO0g0yVZMD5EulY4H41OoyxdeFI54YUuWvWKtuBK7/lP8Oc4AGOwzVczFYx9Q8KQzArHO5kx1Zcd6L3A5XUNLvNPd45TGVTP3uc/Q9qoRnyXoVPIb5gT09KVx2ITN5DBJMSW7chu6H/CpvYCK6dscdug9qGMzLjEco2nI7ipApXi7X8wdD1oAjjdQcgkZ5oAsLM5UMp6dcGgDT0+6Ztu5sd/m71SYrF+UMx3xgAkdVPNWIz7l5hlSSy/SodxmbLIQ+DnbUjK+8hztweKACJwxI9RQACQxvuGaALxk8+NWB570ASRHB5zzyPrTQCmXY/HQ9c96YDJuJVkX159aQEd0539MAHPSkAx2Aft6jFACB9jqcd+aAHYCrg9jQAw4HPY8GgBZcDa46j5WoAah2sR2oAj+65I6ZoAfNt5IPBoAYoUjBPXpQA6FihKnp60AWFb95g4DYyPegCaGRkPpnkigB0zIyAryOxoArhtj8daAI523EtjJPWgCnIuM4IwaAIxnpQA1vlagBrDv3oAUGgBykg+ooAexJXFAEZ5BzQA0UAPjwJM0AKzDdkUABwVx+tIYh6c9aYhTwR3oAsIQV4pATR9AM1JJLnigCJ+nWmhld6oZETSYCChAPUUwJFoAsIOaliLEa96RJYRckf1oQmX7eP5elDETLgYHepYE6jbHg9AKQFa4faCMHnvQNK5k3EmSeaZdilM/1qkBWZjmrGMzQA0mgBppMA9KAGGmAUAFAEkKF2Cr3oA17ayOzOCfehITYstoVGCDQFyjPFtoGVWGDg0ANwSQAKQHTeHtNAh86QfnVRjdktk9+o5AxntiqkCMm7TA5xn2FQUVETg/WgD6+J+QHZj2x+tekcCHxsNuCASTwfx71LGK+AMrnOMEntSAaM88rg9M96bYDGkU7SV/EdaVgGZO75cjPTigCFwDwdvHT0zQMjOWY4GecgelFwHlBIQQCTjjnjFDAAq44zjr7f8A1qTAcMBQTxkfgaQAcDIOcd8dKB2FSNS2VznnPrQIsRxAKMdDwaAJkQK4wM47n/GpbAlCgAEt9c+nakwHmQYwWz/SgCKZmUE4yccGkBSkmU5B79j9PSmBVlzuHOD1PFUBEzbjwQecdfemVYYQ2CpxkjAp3EAG1twDc8UXEKSo4xx1xigBYzxyeCe460mBJ82SQwxn06U0A9CCML0PUDv+VAEiEgcKPTHFICzapljnliecUAa8EACgMMY6VLGkWo1GWOQQoz9BSKLW3JBC8k8Z4oAJt6oQcg5/OlcZSuGKAeucEAZyaq4itOWQEk8c9KYFSYochTg5x/8AWpgyEbQSTwO1BBbsiAQwHBPXFSwNKEZJ4zjls+n+cUmWaEB+UAckenOKzGi7EQQAWIGeKQi1GgPTOSeopXGKV5yM/L1pDK1wfbHOTg9M81RDMa8XerHndjv6UxmBeKQMjkEdc0EHP3yh85AGDmhsaMeUF5SOvse9Q2WhIoyFCkg9OlSzQLj5RgAgehqUCMfUw2OmOelMEjldWGN2R+IFBaOX1BeuaSKMK7ABNMCg/WgB9v1H1poTNiy5xmtEJm9YdBwK2iQzUTGzjP0q0QypMOD9aTGilN39KBlV85yRWcikQv09KgZFxmgBMUDG0MBpAzUARsKRQ00mA08CkA0mgBpPFADSaAEcjFAEDmgCJjQBG1ACfWgB8Q+cYoA3NLb5h7VEgOy0eY4GMDI61lIR1GmzgKMN0x14xWTFY0nuwx2A4yPzqWNIqXE5YjefXgUrlJEaSZOOOvrz1pXKsWd37o9hj8xUgUJ2+Uk84H607jsU25YnGevSmmKwwKJCPXmrIHSERIfm5x60IDJ1KYYIBFaJCRy+oyjnH5VohmFdOeea0SApnmncBOvfFMAoAMelAFy2i71m2MuJCX96hgaNlZFiDgnNRKYrHSaZpZJU7TXJOtY1jTOv0nStqDIAPpXHOpc6YUzp9PsSCBtIG09PX/OK55SOiMbG5BHtRQwxxzmoRoP+6QNpCkcnrWiIZOmSdoAz7cVaIZZRMkYAJHUZrVEMnRTkLk47e/5VohDgpJUYGPamSwZfu4JB7nvVpksztTiLQkKDuPIB4wadxpHG61Hy3JwR3ppktHEaxGQGBwT3rWJjI5y4Yqx7YOK1RmCByuaGwsTwRnIxSuFi/FkNk8kdqLiaNDT4HmlWMZwTyBQS0ei+GNEBiQsDj1Aq0iDs7HRgnIUgHkZxT5S0jUs9MXoQCF9uhpcpaL0NqIhgbivpx/kUcpZLGzIwx8mCO/Q/40risWYL0xsdzDBORgZ4qlILF6C8Gc5X5ucgVXMIfJdLnbsDAev09KdwMfVNSjWM/Nll46cc1DkOxxXinWUmG0PtOOCKylIpJnmutXV1JdEybio6PnNQ0WjnrvyVdnYCRhnCrz+NXCISZjXl6UhyiBcgjjrXRGKRk2UmaXyd0geMYyST8zfQdvxqgSK0UpCs6xxqf7zZOD7npTETxXYdwxnTcFwTt6fjTsBraYtlMdstveXMz/dWNOT/AFoukFmzf07SY0l8oaVLAhHzGWYhfqcEfyp7iNN40tH3Q2+mqjDG7Ic5/U/jVolpMdZTNIxIuLd40GZAsJG38eP50wGrdWAujv17akYPChSR7feIpagUbvVUuW2w6heSbeFKkKp/Si4WIhc63sK24dUI/jmAz+oqrsTRIbu8VFhnaZXGMn7SCM+3NNNi0Kl3qmrWxMkc9wwJ6Bs5/I0XHZGXPrt08pkuS0h6HzB92lzhymFfyQTSM0bLuJ5DcY+hpNoaKjeXG+Hl6+2c0kMasir1UY6DFAFWcQ7WO3huopNAUiTsKYBX3FICi6hJAG6UAO4zhWoA1rOy823GJMEkBQw4NIYsoubM7JNwAPfkGqTFYJL4kAEDkd6LisUblwW5XHqDSGVJAofIBxQBGpw4+tAEjYZSO9ADrOVkfZmgC6shDcnrQBK+GjMg5Ycj6d6AIXfaqSDHoaAC6IaNZF5zjNAENyD8jdOKAEc5APWgCVm54zkrke9ABIdxBA4bg0ANTcT5Z7jH40ANjB2nPUcGgAYZyR9KAEK4UZ70AMAI6ng/pQADIBU8+hoAlzuXg/MOhoAkgm+X5x0GCaAJAjtFhTn6etAEBUMcdSKAGsSRgnj2pDK0mQRTEN/ioAZJyaAGGgAI70ALk7eKAFBzg0ALxigBpGMYoAUAjAIoAReRigBy4KsOmOaQxe+KLhYD19qLhYki4PtTEW4znnIqQHtyKESROe1MZGU4yeKYyFsdOaAGigB6UATRrntUklmIUgLUSjv+FAi3bxgsD6YpXEzQQBeCPypCHIv3mOD6GkwGzMFQk9fegaMu7l54NBSRnTPnPrTKKcrn1rRAQk5NMAzQAhpAJSAa1NAHamAnNACjr0oA0dHgMsueaSQm7HYWth+7B28Y7962jEi4y6sHAzsHNS4hcw722wTxipaKTMW5Ta2KkodYRiScD3oA6uCVY7fYCAMc1rHYloqTtuYk0mBTuACDUMZTReD9aVgsfXCkFvmznPOa9M4kh4G3gcj2H61LQxUVNp25OefXFSIQ5GCSvAx0oAYykbf73uapAiEE5w2CT6jmk9wY3IKEdT/PH8qECGAkAAYP1HShjAZ45PXGOKGA4kDABBpAH3uevcAGkA6IEr3APTigaZYRWYDLBB6mlcRcjhXZg7c564Oam4DnwGxjnOef/r0AMdjncenpQBFJIvAK9T3oAqSS5XqMHoQeKAK8rgYAGTwfrTRSRGCWDMeMjORVBYZuJCgAYJ9MZoGOIyenTigVhu1dpHJOen9aCRVUFR3x15ouAYVlwOR1OaAHwg4w/HP1ouNkmDu9OaYEsRJkweST/k0riNO1iz8oP696VyrGtEh2hhgrxjJ5xUDLSRhnDLk+mR/Ki4yVFYDsSOOaVwsQzHdG3B57ntTQMqSPksdoQ/0poRnzMvLb+nAPUmmBUk5A4xkdKoGQqPTnHGRQQX7YqHy+Meg7CpBI07UuWAXkYPHt6VLLNKAAupCZx/tcVA0X4ghXcecnIA/LFIC2EAbbhQcAYH+f5UrDGuWBJBzk4OO1FgKV1uaTb0GT6f5//VTJZlXzblOPXAAHFAkYV4uIiFXPPPtTuI5zUAyscjHvxzSbGkZrpkZA6c5qGaJA2ADjDcdccVJRWnGTzzjkcUAZWpgH7vA9DQNHL6qp+YHkdqCkzl9SGc0FGBeDnNAGc4waAH2/UfWmhM2LHHsa0Qmb1j/k1tEzZpp02nmrRLK9xx0yQaGNFGXGT7UhlR/u8gVDGRt05qGMibr0pDGc0DGnrQwGnnNQ2MY2Km4xjc0MBjUgGmgBp60ANbrQBG7exoAhY0ARsaAGZoAXmgB8X3qANawbBBrOTA6XSZsAD86zkwOosZsIDng9s1iwSLqS5YZPUZNQ2UkSNjIO7twDUXLsIpO/rj27Urg0SO2Y+Gx2ouFirLk87h0/Ki47DAm7GM59KpMlilPLUE4yR+tO5NjMu51GevHqa0jsJowNTuc7hkVtFCOevZs5rRIDJnbcTzWgEXagAFACgZoAmhXJFJgadnCWI4rGTLSN2xsXdl+XGfasJTKUTqNM0jO1iucDJAXpXJOqaxpnU6bpYXIIyO3Fckp3N4wN2ytFUghduBg4rJs2SNeBFjwemOoxUFE5b5wFGQehUdKaQD1zt6AZ6VaRDZND94cjnknBrREstQ4Y8ckHkH+lWiCZeh6L+nNaIB8fGPlye4Pb61RI0gh+pPHpkUCsVLxNy7znp64oKOS16Jt2Qvynkc9aaZEkcdqtntyCCT7DrWikZuJzlzZfvGwOBWimRyi29keu3HoaTkNQLkNhk5VSanmHyGjDprFcnjI7DkVSkTKJ0HhXRWkuh8vetY6mMlZnr+g6SqwptXAGAD1HPtW6iTy3N+Ky2/LgHPcDjiqKRajtsBdwznrg9aQ0MlRSu7pz8w6mkykZN8wX5wMkt1J9KxkUjNe7dMKDg+tZ8xdhf7WRSA7Yxyc84o5xcpHLrqjC713Lnv0p+0DlOQ1XX55HZIpjjhsmolMaic1qU80riRpX2Y6Kf8aUXcpqxlXUziHcJE8rJztOTXRBEMxJb61R2FxF5XJwWGM1qkSZWotAkkgjCleqle/0pgc9f38rR7BvY7snJ4HpVIm4+x0u/vesPmRAbmZxhQPr/wDqpiNO3h0qyG+V1LL0WNwRx9Mn86aA2YdSea3AguVsIjznbtJ9y3+AoUUDZGdUitwrG4aZWPLyM2Cf9kN1/KqRLK51XV9QYwWr3CRgdIwEB9enP8qYEyaBqNyy/wBpXRsom6K7Fcj8csfwFO3UDat9E0W1RzcPKYVHDSfKX+gOT+YFAXHtPplr8ttYrbw/e8yYkZ/M5P5U0ybDf7TEiP8AZ41wD/rWYqPwFVcVjEvtRNvIzyXOVxyAuAKXNYpI5HVdfJfFuCmD1JzWbkVYzY7nUL6QiFHYnuF6UrMLmrY+G725UST3qxg/wkkmrUGyXKx1WmeGbS2tz5+pCQEDCleB9DWihYlyJh4Z0xlK/bYgD0p8ouYz7jwgVBa31CCZO69CvvU+zHzmHceH7pGMYaJj1ADdalwaKuZN/pl3HkT28i46HbU2Y7mWV2/ezmkB1vhSWA2Jjflt3HNAGlqVtC5BVCMjpj+lDGjm72yw7GIHZnJHXH0oEZ84CjBBYHoaAK7Lu+70oAgxh+aAGhiD170AOznkcGgC8r+Zbqy9ehNAEkUmACevcUAOK7Vz/CaAExm2zycdqAIXYeSueaAE4KjHUUAKrH5XPQcUASoSXeMf7woAjLEPkjr1+tACSfLhhnB6igBXAyMHg0AHJjAHagCLpketAAhOQDQBPGFDEjr6UAK6qhJY9e1ACZO0hSQcdjSY0NZ+AGBzii4WGnAIPaiwXIZ8FQR60xDByM0AMbmgCM/doAX2oAQcGgByjrzQAvb1oAZz+NACng9aAEUmgB64z/OgBxH51JQGmIASCCKYi7AUdODtbPSoBj2OGPIpokYT680AROcmqKIiMmgBNuDQA9BzQBYjFSyS1CvOMUgLUajjBNBNzRtkCjjp15qRFgEY55oAcAFQ55HuaTAo3UhAz69j1oKRk3EgJNMpFGV/pVJXGVnPNWAylcAzQAUgEJ5pgJ2oAKYCUAOFAHSeErcySA7c8+tOKuyZM761s/3YOSP6V0pGVxt1afLtPJHTjtQ4gmc9qdmQMBayaLTOT1aLacnrmsmaIr2DbG3d6ANaKYtjmqTESOcr9aLiIJBlfekxogjVvm470hn1p2+bGB0z1zXos4hXACghuSOaSAaZMAAg4A59qdgGH1wOOKgQh3AHJ5FMBjBgVY5HJNAEeSxJwMZxQCGjG3GMj360mMRMLjKjt8o5waAF425I3D1x3oAm25AI7dsdaQFmOIdcAnstJgW44lUEEDjjGM5FICWNdv8ADzjrSAjdsfNkjjBz1/CgCv5jbTtOeufekgKU0ueG5yMk54pgQvISpUODjnmmUhgP94kcgE9qBhj5ePw9qoBoQZPPT04/OkAYDHJyG9j2pgNUMQd2FyOeDzSCyFCbuc8dfSmFh6Arhcn+QNBLHlcg4xgj0oQyVUzjOfrjNFwRdt4f3m7jcDSYzTtoxtHy8/r+dSBfhUYGQN2c/L1A7fhSY0WIgc5LZLcgCkMV8biegC4BFAEMuMKMfKOORTQmUbhyFbYeB1A7/wD1qaEUZjhm2dTzTAquxXoOTxwOtUDIk+9jHucHikQaVooxng55oY0atr8gb7uCfTmoLNK2UZ3sR8vH41DBmhCnC8Fc8n/61ICwoxKG2/OowO5oGMk/iJIUnsBnI+lAFG7fJI+8egHTNBLMW75JKqQO2O1AjDvWG1jnnoCaAOevVD/dfB7ZNSykUzlD8/RhUmg1lJPOTzSBFWYZbBGOemelAGVfgDOATgdRSQI5fVQMnPT0plnL6hkE9KQzAvO9MZmy/eoAdb0AbFhkHOK1RLN2yOMdOa1iQzUj+Zcdcda0RLILg4PX9KGIoS4GOMjPWkMrP3HpUMtELioYyJse/wBaQDXBxxQNDDQwGng1mxoYwyeopDGHj0pAMY8cUANPWgBtAEbdM0AQuaAIiaAGE0AIKAFx+dAEkX3qANKzPANZSGjoNMGWHtWUmB09ipPHP0zXPKVirGhCCOevaobKSJyMqobgY6ntU3KsIMZ9O3WkCHFsjCnJHQ4pjI2UZK5zxyaESyQhVXkY/GmhGfeT9Vxjnk1ooiMC/uACT2FbRQjn9QnDFgG71qkSYt1Jk/yrWKBlQnNUIQUAFADloAs2q7mFRJjR0uk24IUkd65pyNYo7PRrAfeK9eetcVSZ0RidpptlGsajaMDH41xzkbxibVtbADlaxvqaWLqKo5GOPQf0oYxW4+XG3H6UJCEyMZGC3TtVIRKnzY5Az2HSrJZaiDKquN2DzVIlllTgEjI9c1aJZPEOQCeccj196q4h7t1xncD602xDMbcNgENz/wDroTGVp8FSEOeegp3CxiahEeQdpPUkikFjnNRsy6M2P8avmsS43MO408AnK9ePTHtT5ieUbDp/z4K4AHIxzSuNRNbSdN8yQYUHBx0oTBo6eDQxgEoBxnNaRM5HQ+GNHVJlfABGM57V00zCSPQrS3RbdFxtwOOf510kFo24ILEq205BoAfgIACAPUg8/nQNFC8wkZHJxzjGcVL0KRz+qyFVwcYxkYHOa55stI5i+ueT/Ee2a5pS1NYoyr6diM8MfTrUp3KtYr3N0jxlNwaRh93HT2p7Alc5vUL1YLkg8tgACqjqLYxbyWa7fMty0UYGcZxn2rVWRL1ZzOqahP5ptrUyKo9P6mt4IiXYpyG5aJfMdZdp+prRE2Ef/j3GHVlf7wzgLxTuBnefaW5D+WJph91fSqWpLsNuL+/u4dlzM0dvncsScLn6dKpIQyORYRhQx3HhRn5vpQBt2djfXSBGUQoAGk7uR6c8D9aYjo7PQLS1D3F0YI3ZMq0rF5G9AB1z+AxQBopqGk6dCrwwwrPxlwuSPYVelyTJ1LWbh5Als7xFjngbnb3JPSm0BUjkvb52Z5WYAfM7cgfieKQGjbWLlUkaEmQjCNNyR+B5/lQMq6zLcW0G6SU7R905xxSbEed61qpuHdYsgZ5YnqaW4zLgTzJAZWIH50WA6nSRbxIMOzY6AtirTEbX2uPy1j2hRnjI6VSYrFpJreRAqwxMQcnLk+lVoSRai1vHEDEIUJByN54oY1cxpdQEKvg4bsyOc1HNYdjObXZ1YmRmPPVhzS5w5SJtd3EncRn9aXMOxWuLy3uEw0aE59KTYxttdm1YmA4Xup5BqRnR2WsWt/EIpD5MoH8TcH8aejAZc7fNVJMlemf60gKN5aBSVA3KQTx0poRmNbBDubIA/I0AUpFjzneOtAEEgG/qDQAgOKALVjJsk2H7rUAWnwHw2c0AKDuiZG9MigCON3QHBzjmgBRtaJwBznJFAEW3D4PTFAEkS7omWgBUfZKrdTjmgB0ow5z0b9KAIznae/NACdo8dDQA8gqyigCNsCU9aAGyAqefqKAHQyHJHegA3E7lJzQARtjBGc9DQwRJkyHBFSUNdSDtPWmhMidPk9KYiI+lADD0NACYyMUAMHSgBT2NADiQHzkc0ALjg4FADDgj+VACkcCgBtADh0+tAD1Of5HNIYnIxQgYoPagCa2bDY7UgaLXHU0Iga3TjkUARSVSKRERQAq0ASKvPFIRPGDUiLsK0CLdtHyOnHvQI0FwMdelSIX5vqM0AR3EwxgDrSGzKvJiScnvTRSRmyNySetNFFWVutWkBF35oATvSASgApgIaYB2z70AFAC0AFJAdv4GizyRkVpBXZE3oej20B8sfNg54J9K60YNjZrQ42qjNjjgdabEmZGqae2wkgj6CsnEtSPO/E8QjmZeeDXPJG6ZhxttNSMvQSHjnigC2JBtAoERzTAUNgV4bgAN/vUrjPrIzEbh1IPfv+VemcQiykjcDng5wKABnAwGGVxgj0pXAUtwQAevAH8qLgNVyCRuBAHbgUmgYjMwIzkkdOaQhhO5eD1oATjgEjI6UDGjLMNmQBxyMChgTRRlcFc4zzg1IF63jAG0jHGKkRaRcLn5eOlJjRIFJUMW2+mfWgBkjKpOQSCce1AFSaQk5wQegoAqO/yqSR9OmaLDsQluB8u4DrVJBZkXyncME+9MEx4QMnL8noPelYoFK+WwJy2c88YouF0NAJycnHrimF0IFz94YPTrQS9RUAViecfQmgEOVMlecDjqOaVyrkqo5kGOnTJ6UwuWI4VcjKk56+lK5BbhgAG0KWPr7Umxou2sGzAPfrzU3KsaUCHhlHAPfrSKLKRDAxjGev60ASmPgAKpPf3qQGsnybuQDyOO1MCnNg7mzuGeCfWqQmZ7jgknBIHOOtNAUpt/QZxnHPOKYiBkOBuwT/hVAw2EMDnA74pMg0rJDwg6YC596TKRrWqkKAzAN06VBRoW4Yt8wGCMj24qWBoRKVHyjAAH4DNSMnUlT1J+hoApyvwwBOcYz3pgULkqzHBYNnqAKCTGvZQCwDccd+1JsLHP6jIMnnGR26UCsYM+7fkEAHoMdKTLQwg7Buz74/zxUAyFyx6HOcEjFMtbEE4+VsAk4wexz60gMq9+bnAzj8aSA5bUwOePYimWjmNR6tigo5+9HJoAzZetAFnT7d5W4BxTQmdNpmnFl5BrVIhs3YdPZQCBWsSGxzQtECSAPQ1ohFW4IJ9v6+tJjKM+T7D0pDKr+tQxkL9SKljRDjrg1Ixp9BxigYxv1pMY1h+NQMjIPrSAa34UgGNQA09KAGnigCF6AIZKAI2NADfagAx+FAAKAJIhkgUmBqWQ5FZspHQaauCD7VhNjOmsFGFHTjqfWuWT1LRqRgBckZ/qKzbKQjEDkHHv7UXHYbkEkgk/WmIkUjYfm6jpnmmFweSMZbpj160yWU7i7A4VvrmtVElsx7u5AUtkE9q1URHPahdHkZ59K2SEYd1MCcZNaRQmUHJNWIYaAAUALQAL1oQGhpyfOCaymy4nZaFHkhT0JHNcdRnRBXO60WNeCAw7cmuCozpijsdNh4XIwenQ8Vyyka2NJEbaQPmwfwxUpgCE5POMkcY5oeoXGsW524PP41SAjJPXpz6df/rVSEWIydwVRx296oTLMGcYYtz0OeoqkSTowJwdxyeM9v8AP9KoixPGehbPHXtTESM4OQ2SDzmi4ERfBZQGyO/H9aLjK8m3BA6D9aLgVZsMWBBPTHH86dwsZVzCCCQvzcZ9xRcdjOltt33xlQcgYouO2gRWig/Nlj7UXFY2NHtdsgwO+KuLuRJndWFijQjI4xzx6d67Ka0OeT1NmxtwjAKoVQPx6+9dEUZs3IUGNpBKg4z+FaGY8gYwVwvBoBEbuAox168D0ouMx9Un2KQZBgjrngVnNlpHG65qCRgoeTgE+1cc5G0UcreXyl2wfmPeuZvU2SKdxfKEwrEZ4OPp/wDWppoLGdJNmQuFGfTNF7jsYGqybJxMQGfPT0963hsRIwryYxFpJpgWOSFya2irkPQ5y8lctvMvXOAvAroijNsjsLvdKEbIVf7xGKpkosapcKwWKJ0LEZBHQf8A16ED0Mz91AzSMqOx9SccVZA61trnUZ96kBc4GBTA6jw/aWNrM4likmkA+6nP4knnFLXoM09Q1AwpttzHHIwzwdzAf0qku5JmeZJdn97P8vUk9AfQDufzp+gFhDHEqIIGeRxj5SDKfTJ/hH+cVS0EadhpCLDI2obonb7tuD1/3jQItxJHM8cUJ+bOIxGgwD6Ad6bdgsXdRENlYvLLKhlOSy7s4+v1qLsZ5L4s16TUbh4lYiFT0Hf2+lAHOOGLDAx9etAF7TwYzlU3n2XNCA14fOY8B4/cgCqA0LeyuWlUecCD1anYk1m06SADzJjGuOBuAz9KvYNzK1K5to8xozSP0zgYpNgkc1fzMgPlsFz6HNZFGbLNI3Uk0ARDOeRx70ADDnINACZ9CaAHqzg/KTkUAbmkam5At7kb17E0DL8zpFyfnTtjtQIqT3ETdMYx+VFwsY9x5PmHaOPSkMruFzTER9Ce9ADkOCO1AGhGfNhz/EKAFViCo5weKAIzujmK9jQBJG4OQV5IoAZG6/aACDQBOqFQSBx1/WgCO8UK6MBjIoAkJD22RyV7ntQBASQwI+6eD9aAAxtwufpQA8nDjPJBoALlf3m7HBoAhlBwG7ZxQBE3DUATBlZQSdp6ZoARgVcHtQBLG+1s9e49M1JRLLtlXdnmmIrSj0PFMQxsdfWgCA8EigBAaAEI4oAb7UAL2oAdGezdDSY0IR82OlMQNQAmR6UAHYfWgBV6UAOJYAjOTSY0L1wRxikMen3t3rQBZQkDrTIYpOaQiNuT1pjGY9qYxwWkxMlRCMUhFuNMqMUgLUCEnGM0El+3jCjjg0MRMDz0H+NSAMQozgZ96GBn3cgHGTt7UikZVxICcc0yyrI2DVoCuxzVANqQCgBKAENNAH+FABRcBQP/ANdACgUwHIMkDHU0Aeh+DgIYEUY3Ed60pmUz0TRLaS5ZFIyO3pXWmYs6230MLGGKk+9MmxieItMEcEmQOVyMUNFI8W8Z2224YAk85rjqI3gcg67WrM0JIpCDQBKZzjg0AQPKTQBGrEZ5ouB9amQkbixA7+or0ji6A0pz8oyPQe1AAJjkjjAPI71NgsPM4JI2gd8YoSCwgdX44DEcg4pt2AN4xwy9P0qWIN+VUnByc/5NIBwk3KMc+maYE0CLnPHPcjtUtjL0ER64Bxkn3pNgW44mDEsMnsT/ACqbgSMoVeMDHGM0ANZ1U53ZI7DuKAKU82MYXjuAcUAUpiCwLMSvcj9aYDQpwVG7I5PPWnYtDH6ZPC565pgw25z8ucjIz2OaCBVA3EHjnBwMf/qoHcUoxXDY6dOhpCECMACMZxzzQABQJC2AOOMUy1sKRk7uOOx6Urkk0SYOOSSduTSBqxbhtg2AgyPUjrSuG5ehtiCAV2jHSgdi7HCPRe+RSuOxZhhY5Uo5xjAxmk2UXIYmAwpwPpUtgSxqCNxIb0x0pATAA5KngdwOBQKxFOm0KH685x2oGUZ42II7Y+9681aYjNnQ7ULdccDPSqAquCJBjAXGcdKYiGQEHBBxyAe9NALFEEbcBuGcc9qBWNG1gPG0ck9zUtjSNizhJH3ckHPIx+VQ2Oxowx7Rt6biOc/571Iy8EVGLEYYAHPQikA1jhTtHAOOOM0gKE5ABB7dQO3/ANaqEzIvn/2ucHoc4HFAjDvJfLVl6HHNSMwb2UkjIOehBH5UAigy8Yz6c4pNl2Ek2ckdj6VInuVmzjbjB9vUU7FFefAAG4k/Tqe9IDJvScnJI4PPpQBzOqcgkZwB1NBaOW1HGTyCaCjAvupoAqW1s91cCNRnPWgDu9F8Pssa/u+AAaaEddpuiEAMYyTnnPQelapozZoSaUUBXZnjAFaRZLRg6vB5altpznHTpWiJMC4AJOAepFDZRRm9KTGis4wexqGMglHPPFQxoiYDPrSGNx/+ugYz1pDQxjnNQMjPNSA1vzoAYaAGsc9KAI3NAETH8aAIXOehzQBG1ACYoADxQAtAE0AywqZDRrWK5xWUmUjo9LQEfNmuebsNI6ayC+WDk8gAc1yyNEW9+FwW7ZFSNEU0gBAJAPf1ppDZCblEHJ5z1q0iSCS76ZIGM55rRRJKst9knDZq1AVyjdXinv0FaxiSZd3dZBFaKImYt3Nk5zVpAZ0rZq7CuRGmIbQAlIBR+lFwHIMmi4GxpceWXjNYTZrFHa6DbkuvfkDHrXFVkdNNHoOhQARfXkV59SV2dSR1dovygdz05xiudlE/O4qFPTpmkAx8fe2sQf8AP86pMRGMghQeccZ61QCE7T8xxxknNUhE0IH3gG59qYmWVLffOOODkVa0JJkYLnaBtJ7j/PtQFiVTlPuDIxzTuKwsxGcZy3THvSuFiCRtrYAwfX0p8wrDGkGwFQCvGQB1ouFiJzno3bHSi4ytKqjqOoIFMClMoOCmWz79qBhbRnOMYIOelMTNzSosOoKjnkH3rWmjGTO60eNBCu4DHOB6+2a7qexhI11RV5AI9f5VsiGixG+1epweuOe//wCuquSOabjdkgg8/TvTuFijdzDy2ZQuCCBuBNS2NI5XW7gDcpfgnpnqcVzVJWNIo4XVbtVLN1xzzXFKVzojE565mywGcZHOai5dis5OwucDtmkmOwwTKrEA/MR/Sq2VxrUxL2J5ZmJk4zx3reMrIza1MSazV5nEhJOeB610wZk0ZOqPb7o4sApt5B7VtEzZT0+1P20BdvDDtnjNUCWpsXmltIwRZUibG4eYSNw9j2oTBoyry1Qyb40UjdtBxwcdSP8AGqTIZYtdkA3g4285Hr7epqiSzfXU1tBtlIton+7Chw7j+n86oRBFa3FzliIoIVOdrtj8/WiwXNK0MTFI7dpJZWBG5F+Zj/s+g96HZAbGnJ9jVVgiUXCHLbuQg9/VskU7oViWae6uJFiMWULAsueXPq3vnt+dFwsPSb7DayzBgZsbSQeF9h/U0m7jOF8Ta3dag7puxEo5weaAOSeQKeAcj1oQMjLSfeA496Yi/p9wwcK86xr9KAOisbi1fb+/lkC9MrgVSdhG3BdwxgMNqnr0yRTUgaMPWNZy7YfPYFjk0nK4JWOfuL8ueGLE1IytslmO0Llj0FIYkluY/wDWsA3pTERbEJ+8APc0AWbGyFw20PnHpQBprojw/O9vuQH7xPFVYDRisrNQqtaghu+P60aAWn0uyUZjkVT2yP607IV2Urq3mhQ7PJl9g3ak0O5iSyMspDw7fbFQMoSyMX3BVH4UxETEk8nr7UAMoAX0oAuWUoSfDdGGPxoAmHDMpyeeKAHMnmD/AGhQBCMrKvPOaAJGQGdSo7jNAE2/DgDgdDQAtwqtGoK52jGaAEbCRoegPWgCMqPmjbHJyKAHcFdx+8ozQBGhEp64brQBLcjKDHUDvQBBnKYbvz+NAETDI6UANBxlW6EcUASEnysDtQAwMdo5460rDuTIxVTjBB5zSGMkHy5FMRGGH3WpiI5Bgkd6AGcfjQAe1ACdDxxQAmD1oAFoAkHzAg9R0oAQ+hoAYeKAFHSgAU8D2oAeOx9aABPvYPQ0mNDhkHFIZOOACDzTuKw/Ibr1oJG4OaLhcO9AD1GRSYMsRx5OCBSEXYYwEAAzzxQIt28QPJBNBJabgYxz60ADDB3HsKkCvPIMYB+tIpIy7uUkfSmUZ7tznP1qkhkDnNVsBEaAA0gEPBoAQ0wE49aYCigBRz2pALg0XAUCmBPaLumUUgPQvCibnUY7VtTMZnsfhOzwBycdSQOnFdK2MDt4oAtu2eFpl9DkvFyBbd2I+bHGD3q90Tc8M8Xxb5m4GMk4zXLURvA4i9i2twK5zUp0ABoAQ4pAJmkB9VGcE8HH1FeocaEMgPQdcnrQA+KQ84AyR6fyoCw7fwBtyc5znpUpiuL5h8vrtPTNDQCGTlSMH1AoSBApO/GeOoyaGhF23TJDbcAgge9IEaEERYAjDZPBHSoY2XbdGUqCg/P61IFhWBGTtAHJoYDJHBxja2TzQBRuJ9uOenNNAU5WAIOS3rmnYCDJyflUg96YApICkrgn64oHccFY/N69aChVUr1ZlFAmh4+58vUdvX2oJFKZdSeOOeeOtBSQ4IDHkknuAeMUEhGoGDnk9hQN6CrErYx1zk4OT9KVgRdtImPGDjpg4pFGtbwfIGKkjv6UgLkMIzhwTnv2qRouC3Ctxg+hqbgTRQ5KhunU4/SkMlIwcqoIPfuKAJVXCFvvE9AaAHbcpwV688YoAgdQMEAkAdOuOO9AFOfaVxkbQcE00BnTruzwB16d6tCZSkX5tpXtnrimJkLoFxt64zz6UwJ4FOTj5geOT179qGBp2sW3oCAe/fntUNjNaCMABGIbI4FQxl6JNg3hBnoABSBE74Uc9zxmkDKtxIQSV5BPIPFAGZdSAKCpwfY9aYmYt/MobA5DHnPahiMG8lG5vmBye+aTBIymwWGWOSehoKIRzlm4JGORyKTQ7kUgw2DgmkUVXOc/wk9vegSK0uRzjHBHHNIZl3wGDwc+5oGkc3qnAJwDxQUjlb/qfegoxJ4mll8uMEknGKAO38EeGS8qF0OOpNF7E3ues6V4ejVRiMYAx0zis+Ydjei0RAMbNvcgjiqUw5SLUNKCRsfL7d/5VpGZLied+K7cRq38OADXTF3Ri0cVcAdNoOPerZSKMvUj3pDRTkI6/wCTUMZXfPNSxojbkY6VIxnX60DG/WoY0Mf60hkZqQGv1oAaenf8aAI2xQBHJ1oAgekhsiY0xDDRcBcGgBKAFHNAFm3HINTIaNiwA4rCRaOh09hwMjpXPNFG3FcBdoHpzjpWDVyhJLwCP7w9jjrTUAKVxejPBAAHStFETdypJejnJrRQEUpL0noea1UCGyB7zIxnoOuatREVprokdaqwFG4mJB6/nVJCKUhLfSqAgemIYaAG4oAPekAUICa3XLDilJ2GjpdHg5TIxXLUkbwR33h+3+UZUZ6jIrz6sjsgd3pEPIcjZ+FcUmam+FUKo29cgk1kMbj94QV2jGRnpQBGxPA7Dpkdc0ICHOSDnPvVpgSA46DqB3ppiJFbILe2Oh4NUImiJUYbocfhTuKxMhJIwMc9Pxpieg8t8v3ckd6TYhC2T1GR146UrgMBLHdu4zkYp3AaSOoYnt6YoTAY/K7lZTySSOgqxDJgN5CjnHTpiqGinKvOdvfgZNK+o2izYw7juxgdMdqpGbZt6eipKvzMWHOD1Fbw0M5HWafKCOwJPTHH4V2QZg0XY5sjJkPQDGev6VpcglWdRyNgHTqTxT5gsRNd7GAOBkYwaOYLGXqV58pwwUe3+NZSmUonFeINRLl08wnnNcdSdzeMTj724DzDLcd+a527G8Ymex3Pt3fLnqaENiTNujI6YFC3HbQrWozcZY5OKt/CStClMu68cL03cccYrVPQh7mffeWLeZgVyW4Hc10QM5HM6raND+98rLHkAZ4rpizJo6/4Z+H7m9/4mF1bhYYsMxK7ht/r/Om2JJifE3VoWvRp1rZLbxR8tlSGbOMbh2HHC/nRBBJnBNK0rIm7IHAUdK0M7lma7h08KUYTXfZODt/p+ApiIIpGaRp75n8w8jJyxPpntTAtSO875WMuAASCcRoMfrSuCJn157S1a2tFiDMeZgPmb2HoKAZnSarcKo/fHcx5AJ4psBF1WeGNlEhMsnDMSflFIDPvdRuZ4vKEjBRxkd6YGZukAOSRzQAMwPG3j1oAEj3fdywNO4ieK3VG/eFEP90cn8qV7gWBciAjbGSR/eNAyK4u7yfJ34HoOgqiSvHbSysDkse5J4oAsLbqvyIOB95sUAQyXXlt5dvxjqxHNKw7kCxTSHLAt79aYiWKydjuUjI7HvQBdgba4yvlSAfhTA29OvpIVKS/Mp6Hrj6VSlYW5eWSOdA0W1z3U8Gh3BGfcmByy8o4Py54pDMW+lniYq5Y+mTzUgUnuHb+NvxoArNI2TwDQAhIYZxzQAwde9ACd6AHEkbSDQBfiZWQSGgCSM5f5fwoAbMmHB9T+VAC/wAO4HBXrQBZ8sSRl+AwPT1oAfHgcsMgjmgAlhb7KYyvQ5BoAhWImIORlhQA1gEIxnn1pNjK+PLl9KYifd5iM2OmDQBXkyox6GgBh6+maAGSD5c+hoAI37GgBccHFIYiMQcfhQBMp3KyUhleQYNUiWNbJ+tAEZ60AHQ0ABHFAAKAE6HNAD19RQAv3s0AMYc4oAAKAExzQA9eRikxoU8GgCSUfOD34yKBjlJ2ikhMduI7ZqhDwQx6nNIQ9B7ZpATRpnv+FNagXYY+M4FKxLZbjjXA4607ElyKNFBGcfSpASQEE53HseKYEUkhUY2r09ahgULubI6YzQaIzJpOaYFZiPWrQyEnrQwG0gEoAQmmAdulACfhTAUUMBwqQFFMBaYFmx/1ooEz0nwWuXTjrzWtMxkz2/whGwhUEfketdFzJHVTlRHgDkjnI600Ucf4uCiBjwQAePStEQeK+KISzsecZrCojaJw2qRbWJIIrlaNkY5pDGmgBDUgJRYD6cEoJ/2j3r1DjHeZz0wD0xSAkEpU4zjHIBHb/IpjDfkqT+JoAc8uRnPTpnqOaAFQhmA6k9OOPwoEX7VcgDBz1FZkl6BDwwbjrgUhmlGpjQbht9sVNxFmPAfjHA/yaQxHddpOBjoSD/nFDEijPcDOCx4HHtQkMpPPuccjrwM9aqwELtwOWPfJPWqSAEK5AY7TnnNAEirk8HPuaAJwq5zxnt/9akUxoAPA4btigVmPwQ24DBzz6mgLCshVznIIPJ75oGkPYBl29D3HoaBiY5yfm9PSgCe3iJcHlST07UmQzTtol2jO0MeeB1qWUjUtk+TBO8EHt/XtU3KL9vC3l4YMWx1qWwJFHCs5A7UrgToB3XIHbHJoGSBPVyxxjB6UgJSCCcfKP84pBYjdcsccnoDj0pgRNhkKjaPUjoaY7FS5jGMEFiDyT9KEIzZ+uABhskEc1aAqEZ+Y4JBx70xEewOOeoHQnmmIuW8IA+5xnr0qWxmraIMDoSeSMZqGxmnaxZYE9GHXrUlE+4qAx6YzgHOfegBspAjyzAqMnAFAGdPNj5s84PXoT2/z/hQSYl65C47AZAoAxLyX+LA3+vcGgVjHuHLNjgj3GKBkD7lABHH14oAhcZzjccdR1NAEDYJKD72OKRXQglGM4OMH7ooGinKHIyvXuR/WpAy7ts/KTg9qBo5vVcZI60FI5i/DFsKMk9MUhmz4P8OSXEqyyJkt7UEtntXhTw8IY1XZg+pHWokyoo7yx0xCRtTGADWdzQsmyCxYK5wc89M07iMzWIF8oqUwMevU1cWS0eP+OuDKmAQCBu+ldlNmEtzz2bOT2NbMEUp+h7570hopyKR6VDGQOec1LGiJh0xxn2qRjCD1pDGMPWpY0Rnp/wDWqWMaetICNj6UAMPpQA08UARSHmkhsruaYiMmgBvekAvahAA560wFXrQBbhIBHNRIaNG0kx/+uspItGrbXG0/Mc8cVi0MtfbQFwDgGp5B3I5NQHQYIq1TC5TuLzPQ49qtQJbKcl0eua0SFcha49TVJCIzMeuePaq5RXGGQnHJFUIaee9JjRE47dqAIXGfrTERNxSYCcUgAUALjNMC/p6ZbJGaibLijrtEt8shxnPauKpI6YRPQ9CtQyqMAYHp0rz6kjqijstOi2xLggN6kVxyd2WaXIXA4/3e9IBjsoJ/hxySD0oGVmbjt1oGiNWBAGTjnIYVQ2PQ7gSCRtGMUySZGKltpAwc+9UhMlQ5O7PI4zjBNAiZXUE5wBySTxzTuA4sNuDznnmk2BHyAqZU5O6gBhYAgj5jnmi4rCofu5XGM/5zVAxykZYFTwOT707k2I3BVuCAT2IqrjRWZSeTkZ4p3Cxo2WCp549QelUjNl6CRh82F5/CtkZs17S4CqoDFSOowRW8ZENF1LlT1OOPfitOYiwhu22kg8A9RT5gsUrq9CkDd781DmPlMLVNQ+c/PjJzjp+FYymWonJ6rdncRuHJ6fhXO2bRiYZJdskYzk1m2aofGiqpOPbFNMGRSgeWzZx25/WjqLoQKpi5bvxV7iK9wnzMw6n9KtPoS0Yl6m5y8jEJnao9a64GEkanh/Qf+EiufsgiklkOMIF5xjjmt4ysZyPYbvTo/Bej6dYraiSaUYW2hPzOwHc4PGcZPoKb3BbHgnxEic3kt3eXkctxLIWfYpw3sOmMYxWkSZHGfvVfy0UrKfUcj61ZmJ+7gywbdL3kPU+w/wAaAJUBSPzphg+mOg9/8KAIJ7t5nMcYbZ1Pv9aAIWlWIlsh37D0oAhXe2ZCCP6U2Ao3Hkq231FICFzgkqHI+lMBsEMk8hwhBPpTAm+zRIT5ku5v7ooEXLS3kkkUKnlRDrtHJpXA1fsljHDiNoo3I9dzH8qYMzpbBDI2TtXPUimFiIQRj5EQuezHpSAkRVSJg4AA5yKYjNuZzIxhjPye1AElvaqQNyOB6sODQBetLcA8IhX2NUkBYNqnDPG0Y9ccU+UQv2AynZG6vx0NPlC5WnsLy1GY1ZU7A8qanlaC6ZB9rnhbMkZU/wB5elF2gHSagJEw4zmpbGUbmYZ+Ukr6GlcZSkCk/IMD0piImGKAEBxQAvHWgBDQApPAPpQBYsn4KHvyKALNucSUATXK4bjgH5hQAQIDuU9+aAFB+UqOCPTvQBbjUGIg8kjmmAkDCSF0JO9eVpAVJJHUkDii4DAd3Xr1FJjGS5LBiKAEUkA89eKYhjZ9Oc4oAZnjPcUADDPGOooAgzg0AODFTn86AA4GD2NAEgIDDNIYkvzDNMRCOtADT1oAXvzQAtACAdaAG96AFBoAcp5BoYICABSQ2Nzg0xB3xQA5aTGh67SRuBpDFcliTnvQAqknNADgcimhMfHTEWYVy2DUkl2GLJGetMlsvQQ4znHPWkItRp3wMdKZNyRzgYA/KlcpETS/wtyvegCreHYpK/dYdagtIyrmTJJ70FFFzkmrQETnjFUwIjUgIaADoKYCdeKYBQAmKAHAUgHUwFxQAo6UATWxxKtAM9N8DMMoCetaU2YzPbvDk6RWu7lnB7jpXUtTFGrJdhmK8Y64Bq7FGHr0bTwNhQeapITPL/ElkU3hvXPPWoqIqLPNPEm1XwuK4pm6OeNZlCUAIetCAKdwPpZVHUDOfavROQdnA5x0x70XFcYX5J54FFwuOWTgHdn60xjkcscHIHf6UhF63jLDpnnqBSbFc1rJMbOhXtkVDA0I0C4yOD3A6VLYi2CE4z049c/jSGRvKhPY4HPvTApzTYZipIGMYpWGVJ5G575PSqSEV5HJI2kDJ49auwC7yecY7cdqLAOViSV5HNICZADjAG71zSsBYA29WOAOcd6ZSQ9WJYAgkgYzSGPfBwVG0dzmgACkpg/KQcn646elADgpJ+Y9TwSOmaAEj4Yd+cYHGPegC9bohfBxke/GKlkLU0LZOfvAjOcfhUll+DlSMfgT2qQLsJATJA5HTpUsZJGTkICSGOcds0AiUONqhgG9x/nFAx+8KmB8xwMZNKwIkRxzjHJ6E/4mhlMXILn5yGA9MjmkJDJM7eRxu6k0x3KdwAx3H5dvUen5c0xMo3aD5toyOcds1QioyFnzjIqhEwi+XoM88Hrj0/lSHYtQxHd8oH49BUsDTtUbcrBj74HapHsX8rsBOR6qOO9IY13HAO0BugzwKAKdwwUYXLAHpnoaAM67kCox4BzQSc/qEwU5UDbg55H1oAx55PM5IJOMgmgCq4yOeMH1oAgZMjgndQBFJnaQxOMY460DsVpOQVPBxkH2pMaKs2cMDhcY6daBlOfjOcZ9Sf1qWBmXuRGQcnnnFA0c5qgPPvzQUhNA0F7+cTOh2Z4yP1pbCbseweFPDiwxIdiggD8P/r1MmCR6Do2nYwWVV+vWspM1SN9LbZGBwRjAIFZ3KIpYkAZjgLtHOf507hY5XxHK8SMFwCffNVFktHj3jddzyOE/+vXbRZhNHnlz1OQRXUQUpcfhmkNFSQcms2WV3x6dKlu4EbH8aTKRGeP8KQxr9qgZEf50mAw85HSkAx6AGH+tADHNK47FdzzQgZExpiGGkAneiwC0wCgBRQBNG2KljRZilxnmoaGWVuCFHzVPKO4NdNjGf1p8oXI2uDng4p2FciecmqUQIjJnvVWFcRWNFgF70XCxItMQpPFJjRE5FIZC56mqJIzSAbz6UABosA6MZak0NG3pUW5wMVhN6GkEdxoEOGQ47elcNRnXBHoGg2+1CcbiCD7VwVGdKOntVCrkZ+7+BNc4ywwzjoc9OaAIZVAYYH3uOtAFZ3YdADgY4/xoHYYwLfxY/wA9KpDFjMi/eOcnocUwaJgxPpknPFBJYjI4OSB1z2oESE/KPYjHofei4CB3IyxGO3tQ2ArOvLAcDjIP+f8AJoTAaduMc9M0IQKRub73qasBzNkHBXnv1poTRHKygNtJ7/iBTBIg3c55x6U7jZZtJONp9c7egq0zJotrKoHrnjIPerTJsW47phgbiQewHSrjIlxFN3swd59a05yLDJb/AIPzEnPSlzsfKZ9zqBYHOT1qXIaRlXtxmMgHnoPWsmy0jCuyXJJB6Z4NZmyQxYnC4GCfYUtx7EwQLFgjqenemhMieIMoGNvPUUdQKt/EUI4JGOmK0hqTIruv7psArkYGapLUm+hhTxrcahHZxQO0rYVR1O4nArshsYz0Pof4YeEDomnRySmNbsp8ztyEBH88VvFGTdxPEdrPb3F3NJPLIZ4yslwF3SLGBwqA/dzz0oBHzT4vV9U1+6WOQFYjwZPlwoHHTv6/WtI7CkY9+7W8LxxAYl5mmcDJ9QD1xVohmbCigfaZQxQfcXGMmmTYZctJNwCCccgDhRQBTe4WMFIlBLDB56n1NAEUaqJPnOSevHWncCRyFk27Ds7DvSAdJPIMBW2cdaaArtIByxLsaAGmRyMhwqjtn+lAE6TwpsaKHzJCOdwJwaALCy6hNEd8ojXtGi8/kP60tgJ4bf7IfMuJRDkZweWP4DpRcZDcXzyMyh93PDEc0xFWSRgRvkbA/hHemIhle4mOF3bemBQBLaw4Ks8HQ9MU0JmxawtMQIoZAO+ATTuI0be3hCjzg6uOzLWiEzRb7L5YDIUQDByMg1QjLvpbKIEBEOOhXg1LdhmdNqybfLVzt7gnrU8w7FKXUI2yWGfwpN3AoNcxF8mMYqRi77WTjGKAIp4ol+4woAqPx70AM4oAOO1ABQAfwmgCezXL5JGFFAFhDtk5HegCzId0KtySp60AOt/9aQeQR3oAdMAB8o9qAJUYgIehYU0BFLlH3r06HFIBshEgU47c0AEAG3/d6UALdBFwwGQRnFAFbcpUgjgdKAGSZ5xzxmgBoxszxQAZ54oAry9TQA0nNADlb15FAD3GQCDQAA9fWgCNvvUANb1oACKAFHpQAdM/SgBh5oABQAoPNAD1+bjvQA1gQaAEPT3HWgByUAKvQj8qVh3HKeM4+tFguKOGOKQxyjjimImhGSOKLiNK2izyOeKklmpaw5RSaaIZY2LjOOB1pohsmwFTIwMevShgV5JBg8D0NTYtIpyPxnIFFyrFSZyylSe2RzUlmZM5JNUkBA54qrAQk02AlSAGmAn0osAGmAlAAOlK4Dh0oAUUwHUAFAD0OGB9KAO78FXe2RF9aqG5nM9d03UdsQ+Y44789K7YNGFjUhvt3Kv85I5zWgWFmvIgj7iOnr1oDY828b6iqhgOMD161jVlZFwR5Jq9wZpzXE3dm6KJ60DE/GpAKACgD6jktvnJwdvqRXpHEV5IWC8+vAFAEE0TEHaQcd+tACCOXBCfMAPmouO5dtLfJ6cHo3ek2I2LWIKMkFQfwzU3A0YY9vIxt7DPb6VLYiwrgKTgD5cf5zSGJPIVUMeOgxSAzppSU5YDrjJzVIRUmnw2xTgZ656+gq0hkW8tt2k0WAa8gOTg5/p9aYEqnAGOMdfY0wJFfjOc57Y6VIE8RJzt+9j65oGiZBuUBhn8KVyicfL8rdD0FAD3YkY6jH8RoAapJUBT1Pr196AAf7TEZ9eKBNk6HGOBknpigVy7bgK5257nGakaL9sEyGAyTznuOKkZagODtOPTIpWGW0dmP3Q2VOefzqWA/L7G2kuAPTFSAJLjducZA+bimFxBOOGbb1z160DJFnY8DAB5API96AHiX+IOfYAdP8+tA0xWcHqBknjHX60BoQS/KecHnuetCEVZE5Xbzk/Ln/PH/wBamACIuWKIvIx/+uncCYRDbtCk+hH0pNgWrOPOScnHHFSBpwoFXGNzN75/GkWSyY3HJ2noM9/pQIqSkBt2Dk8qaAKN2+04GenQ0CMa/uAImHG1ecg9aBGDduXPCk9uPegChIAE4LArx7/nQAyQBW+dSW9cUAVplCZDH5ScnjHrQBC2AcEjOOOelDKRVnBBHQ468UhlW4OR1yetAFGU7ugyPzpMDOveUypAJpDRRsdKm1G6wEygPNAN2PT/AAr4eWJEyg9On61LY0j0DStORUCvuU9MetZyNEb9lBtPXDAHismWXRGV2sBxjv8A5/zipGZ2oyr5Z5BbHr0qWxo4vXiWjPQg5wM5LU4O4pI8r8aRnBJBbI7dPavRos5pnnF4Nsh9jjmuozKUo44ApMpFRwM88/0qGMrvyDUFERpMaIz1JpXGMfJ/CpGRHvUgRt1oAYaAGsDzSuOxC596QyFzzTERMaYhlIBaAChgApgL2oAcDigB6tikxi7/AHosFxN57UWEG6nYAzmiwXFoAcvWkxokHNIY9RxTuKwNQBC9FguQvTEMNJgNOTSAXHrTuBPapufpUyehSR0uiw5kX9TXLUZtBXO90K3yV7gDj6VwVJHZBHc6RFsQAHrXFPU1N+MIEYAZODWQwL88N04yaAK0xJXp+HbPSgpFZueM84xTGMXGcbvmA4oAepIxk5yOO1UBMhUjDY64A9aRLJ43XjZ93H5UhDpJDt/unHQHrTQhN+QQMqB0OKGxib1OeFyCMDpSEOjcE/Ln60AGcnOGBBwcetWmITcdx+bcB6VSYETMcc7enGadwGM7ZxuGOO3BoAFfG7njrn0qkxOI4z/NkHPPAq0yGiU3JUAZye2R3+tNMVhr3QzkHJwTxVXE0QNcbs/NyBnjrSuKxX80n7nIx6dqLjK0pLAjPbipbKsMCB1YA8d6g0HGDMIGDs68UWJYksRGSqngc8cinbQCOMFTu25J5wKLDbK2oDftXGMAg47VcXYhmVMdgK44B4rREs7f4OeDo9Q1h9dvbclLZgYiw++3Xiu2ijnqO57zDGLW1aS4DKQBnjJC4/8Ar10GRzeuWUkqS+bZxv5qEKxk2qhYYA9TxzU2uUmfP/xF0OPTbedxDGlzcOscxjUeUxB+VVxzjHU56iqXYbR53Lp0t3c+XdDd5I27UBwQAep7Dj9DV3IsR3ao7mODCJGuZGA4x7entRcLdCEabNNG2zdtbHBPQeh9TRcFEy7yCOCRY4eGxhmI/PFFwaIkizEGi6D8zTuKwXNpPt37ZAePvcUXBopNbTsC/lPt7swOKdxWFWwupcERNsI64wKdwsSJpnlANLCPrIdoP9aVxWJ1k2gRKsbAdFjGB/iaAHmW4WLykZY1bqqLyfqe9AMglUYw20598k0ICLarKNnAFMB8VsztjcV96ALUVoi8tMcdyKYjTszp8LbvMkcjpxxRcLF464sR2W8ojB6hU7U0JoZ/aNnJzLvZgfvY61VwB9RsfL2bNwx/FT5hWMLUZrMyHDAc1DYzIuDB1jyT9KkZVbcexphYa0UmM9KLhYbsamITBH/66AGkg9aAG4oASgAoAVehoAt2Kgw3LEcqg/nQA/duiBB5oAuWzgxvE2PmGR9aAEi+VgM4NAEs8bKcZ5PPFADeXgx0ZelMBJCdgOD0yQaQEcMg3Fex5oAQExyNnpnNAErbZYuDQBSKkZU8EUkNjckYOaYgjYYZO+eKAE3DA45oAZKvegCI9aAA/dzQBICCoFADTwaAAjrQBGeaAHDlc0AID8+aAFPQ0AMOM0AIOtAC85zQAoPzcUASMQ3NADGGD9aAEXg0APP8P60APi53AmgA7+4qSiSPk8dqALduMrx69KCWamnrhgrfxdKRDNSOPaoUDmmiGTKoOc8D0pk2IJ2GDg9/ypXKSKkkmRgck0iinPJ1IpFIozSMNxPpQiimxJqgI2qkBGaQCdqAENABQAlMAoAUcjNIBRTAWgB1ACgUAFAHR+GLpYmzk0RepMlc7zStWwnMhPI4rphMycbGxFqyrGCGIb1zXQpk2G3esgQPhifUk1MpDUbnnvjDUzKW+auSpK5rCNjimYsck1mWIaAEqQCgAoA+vpIGYKOeM8+tehc4irLbL5mTk8dCP5U7iIfsWcDa2P50XGTRWHJOw5HApCLsdiAuX3ccnA5qWwLSWoUZB4xSbAe6MhPfI5+lIZDK5jGc5oAz5bgdDnOMfhQDKkk2R0yF755rRICuZcDAzn+lMByOCo+8fWmA4NxnqxJGe1IdibepbkHOaBEi8nB3EdeKBpEytknBpAWImxgtgn29P61JRMhGDyNp6DvQA5WO45549aaAcoLdOSOetAXDkv0JBPPsDSEy1Gvy7h8qjgcUXJLa5XGflHXPekNFlGbp1Jzgg0iiypIGGzkDGM9qTQFqJlAGGyV/DHpUjE8xi3Oc56HgUWAY0u7ITAHQZ6GmkFxhlIOMkEnkgfpSsMkt3254IPHGeP8A9dDAnEh4Ixweo/lSsKxIkrYJJGTwKQxskhwCSuc8EdhTsBG+csGwMAYNMCWLaVBK5BPXpk+tSBKoDMqjmgC5boSBlcDHbqKTKsXMhWYZGPboaQDZZMAfNgd89aAKV3LheMBuxzQwRk3s37obW9jk4oQMxr2UKrBqCWZLEuCNuc+vagCBwE4ZM4/l70AMfHy4X8jQBVuM/wATEcZ9cUAQSlQpwDn3HSkxorScDGe3X60DsUpDuAPUAdjQMqyjIyRwOmRUgVobR7uZY1yVz+VAHoPhTQVt4UAU4I7kc1LGkd5p+nLEmOnT5f8A6x/CoZobllFhc5HXoRis2yol2FAOq4JPQf5+tZstCzEmMlVwV9ucVDY0jE1BzKWbqAM8jHH+RWdyrHKa8AYnZgQpHA71rAmR5l4xjGCNpwRwO4HavQpHNM82v1xIwJOc+tdaMjOm+7wOaGUipJnGfeoZRWfrzUDIiaTGiNs9KkZG3p6UhkTVIERPPSgBuaQxrH86Qyu5zmmIgc80xDDSYCUAFAB05pgKKACgAoAdQAhoAUUAKPyoAdigBy9BQAtAD1pDJB0piEbpSGRNQBDJ1oAjNMQnpSAUUgNCwTLCs5MuKOv0KH5lUAbj61x1GdMEd9oEPCc8jORXBUkdUDs9PXMY4wSK5ZM0L/8Aq4sAt1GQOv8A9aoAjDlYiD1/lQBTdsgkA5zzxTLRGSASCc45weppgMLj+I4JOAe1FgFAGcqCcnnt1pgSxtj8RyAOaRLLKH5DjoBjBNIVhHOw7uAuMeuKAsNLFsYx15zwfyoAUthjnnPcjrQAiy5GCMmmFh29SdoGA3J7HP8AKncQ1piMhiPyqkBEJNy4yRxxxTCxGSANxbn370wE83B4Gew/xoAa0hwR7fpVITGeaytgDJxjmrJYx5GwOeen4UEtD17hiMDrj16UwQ4xtkHaCe/NDGCxbcDGcE8VIh8KHOFxkdAaTQ7j44soc4yMHigbIbuMjaPusSOaZNxqRqq8Zb19KW4yK/h2Qq4Ax0xiqghMTw/oU+s6pbWkWcyNzgcKO55ropx5nYynKyPozS9Og0bQ4bG3UBYwAMjO7jrXoxjyqxyt3E1IeTPHMQHI5KgFjx049jTYGFrE8vkNFuTzLg7UUgnBP8XtgA0ho8X8W6fHd6ibW2Mt2Iy3mNJwqkHqR04Hb34plWvqclrnhu+jNvY2kUkk9wd8kqD+D0x7d6Lha5KPDZtdM+yyQK7Kx3ggEuT0JpcxXKZj+HbwP5NsnnOQQUI5UnpxxRe4mrCWng++lfNxBEQW25yM8dcetO4rF7/hEQkRaa1VS3Rnb5h7jjFCYNIojQtOiuVLzzSuT2jLjIqriaLOqaLG6eZ51vNtHyeU4yPwxx+NMRzFzYzM7LFHOD3PUn9KBFObQWI3SxM+D/E/9f8ACncCS1sZbcKEs4yc9ApbP40JiHaja3DnEqR28XoqlRTFYzZrWGKX9zIOR2OTQhWIFihcbXbJHoKYWGrYAHdHK2ByRQBZgs0f+CYnr8xwKAL0emQvEJBb8jvnrVdBMRLOZJdscCOD0yKVwsJLZ5Yi48uI9wO1Fx2M67s7VXOJiwouJmeY4AThWxn0oYFaeNc4jQge9AytIGUcnApAQM57EmnYRExbrTENJbvQAD6c0AGCT70AJg5xQA4xuOdhouA0cGgC5Yj91cD/AKZj+dCBjbfqV9RQBZifbJH9aAJ5RtkJA6H9KAHeZlgaAFkUxkt/CeRTAEbJIx1GQKQEGIwckHryPSgCS5RXjV16gc4oArwuY2xQA+/VSqyJ+NAFEkqcdgaAH9H3ds0AOmAWTj0zQAyTkZz3oAhagBoPBHvQA8HFADieKAEboPegBjDA60ASJgr0oAiYYYigBy+9ADTwTQAlAB1FACg9KAHZ2n2oAU8HP50AMIOM0AOBzx0oAdHxKKAJXG07vwNSUEZw3FAF61IEnrmgk1o1AAO7JHOBzSIZdik3KBwGA607ktEskigZJyMY6UrhYo3EwOcE0DSKcsgIJHQdqTLSKkrjbyKQypIx5x0qwImJpoCNzTAZSAQ0gENABzTATr2pgLikwFpAKKaAUUwHCgBwoAQ5oAs6fOYn4pAb9nqBVQdx45qosTRqx6ofLzk+9bKZFinfao7Jy3QcY7VMpjUTmNVuTNJgnPOeaybuWUaSAKYBSASkAYoA+0niJbpk+gFd5x2I/s+9gGUk+9ANEsdoob/aI7d6VwsWVsSONo9RxzSuFidbPALque4NS2OwrwqN25eM47cD1oCxSnGzgBgMfKCKCTNuFJDeYuMc/T8aaAy5o8ghsn04qkgKEiHcQOcmrQCHzP7vA7imNDh0GVP54oG0OV8DjGaQ+g+I5Yfn7mmQWIyxYgZAA/E1JSZLnaQoxgn1xQDRMh3bckk9z2FJgiYFhnOCe/YUDJowRtOfl9R0oAmXC9MNgcmlclbkgUthlViQMigbJ4gpGCRkDsaRJKGYfIOWPGKBotIu0DqPQkUiieIuoBI9846CgBRKQDxkD26UrAIzjJbI464NAxryjOQevTHpQAgdtuR19qALEBGPnJ9+MYpDJ1YkY53D8vqaAHoWB6/N6kdTSsA07mJXAz24oAVCd20Zwf1oYE8YYOPm68ECkwLFuh8wuwGe6g0houR5Bxgk98dcVIxwJAKgbiDjmgCKaQq2Q3UcjufagDPubhQr7+HHBOBmgLmNezBQzE4PcEUEmVM++XJIGeuRnNAFcqCwJPI7f/WoAh59lAPGD1/z6UwIJA2AcgADmkBUlKtkbcEc9BxQBA+c42ZTvxzQBWnzztOAMZ70iyq5AGSTyccikBWKNNIEjByfakB2nhTQdsCsRlure1IFqegaZYiKJQEwvQDrn3qWy0jaggKqAV2jjb7+1ZstFyFD94gZYHms2WicgKmdoX/a5qGMqXLMyk4xtHY/zrFs0Rl3gyu0HBBzgnpmpGc1rQZgx3BQSeD6+lawZEkebeLY/wBzIcDA64PNd9JnNM8y1KIiZvl6nINdyMbGVcgdPWhlIpy5I5GKzZSKrYDd8VIyFiDQxoa2cVncdiFz2NAyFulSBGcd6AGHikhsjY9c0MEQORQBCx5xTEMPWkwD6U0ACgBaACgBaAAAUALQAUAKOtACgUALQAq+lADqAHrQBIKAGsePagCFulFwsRNQAykwCiwDoxlsUMDb0yLkHHFYTZrFHa+H4BlTyK4ajOmmjv8ARYlCxtg4B5PrXBUZ1RR08CgDKhjgDJ9K52USz4BzknuecUgsVnbaueDg59aBpFV5mGQpwTyTVJF7ELEEYGM+mabAb5m4dAOeBQgY9TkYJwp4Hc0CJEOEB6n1HtSYEwc4IPzds+1IBFchghJ+mOlAmRtI3UAkHue1FgSGLKDyCcAjPHSnYTQ9WCrnf3zzxTGN88DaMgdTxQKw1ps4BIB6A5x/KqQWI/PKoD1A6n1plDXkyMA5zQS0J5hK8qvrQIVVYjHQDjOatCY+NHk4Xdg+lWQ2XLfT2ZvnVueMYzTSIbLqaYzlQAST7VpykORc/sdudy8479aXs2LmHrobg9CwPXjp+NHs5BzE40GTdwhOB3HUUey7hzjm0orjeu1W7mq9mHOQTaSGbeyN8vTjij2bDnLSaEVjBMZUKATnjFHsWLnIrjw8ZkBEZHGQAO3qauNJoXtDufhj4bSxhN3JCDIwwuR05rro0+XVmUpXOu1NisluoU5Z8MB+hrdkFS6EgdZAMleG5OfWkBy/iYX0qy3SRpGiny0Z3wzhjjAA6dT70mikZEWimOa5ligiO0AMAMDeeTj0x0pXHuZ+p+H4GjiaBJhcQYcbR8x9iPTGalstOxlT6LciZry2eG5YJgoV2ED0B7fjQVcj0nSbHy1W4jeC4PIbdkZ7jP8AnNNEyZo/2SjL5hUSD7oV1OCAeuKZFzB1Lw415uJBjiyclUwpOeAP/rUXGA8IDy1SO3Rdo5zEOp78/wBfyo1ArzeEltbkTtb7zHj5v4QfoOPwp6gQXWnTyYiSxglYH5i43Nj2H+NPmFbqZuseGd1sJWfgfdOwH8MdKdwOUmt/sU+0XRdgcFG6/wDfNO4OJE0bOoLskQPIBI5P0607kFe4topeJYIHjHAbG39aVx8pHHZ6C0eySFRIDg/MT+VFxMsNpXhkMP8AT1jxztYk/rRzBZjVXQodwXUomO07Rtyc0+ZhykyXOkvBsXz5GHQBeKdxNala4a3LZZWT0GDmi4NFHUbK1BzJc7O+G70AzLkjswSRIrD0UVSJKdyVZfkgwPXFAGdMhblhigCq3kr/AK3mmIbI9vtG23BHrmi4WKs0kW75YRj60XCxAzA9IwKYhmP9mgA7jg0AOGM570Aaek3ltHJsugdnrjpUsaLdxZabdMXik2hhwR2NAFaLTLq3FxhPMjaLAYDPeqQmjNiVkcbgRQBYfPBx0NAFrcG255yMGgAACgoenakMfBMGJhl5XsfSmIWWJootwO4djQBTlbeNw6nqKAFt5gQYnPHrQAyQYfrQBJESCY5B8p9aTGircRGM/wCz2NCBkWcH60xEshyoGOg60ANBypz6cUARsMk0ARjrigB4oAevQ5oAQc0ANoAVeOKACXsaAG9aAEbrmgBMUAAoAXFACtytACpyB0oAMZyhoAaOD9KAJGHGaVx2Js5Xd1z1pDGA9DnGKALcTfdYEccUXFY1rVyVwRz2pMlosI7bsqOehouTYR5Rj7wPelcEipM7EkgfrSKRVaQ8g07DK8r5OBkUAREfjVAMbpQBE3NUgG9qVwEpAH40AJ7UAJTAcKQBTAWmAo60APHWgB4BxQAjCgBgJU8UATQ3BXvQBY+2ttxuP507hYry3JPGaQFZ33NnNIAFMBaAEoAAKVgCiwH2+ImZ84yc9OtdtzlJYoDnLfMfTtmkMtwQ/PwpK9Rx/n1qWwLCw/J93HuDSuAjrtGB0/HJoAr3UY24APPakBSmUqckjg4yfSrEZ9xAMHJ5B9KAsUZrbzMgZGTg+9UhWK72Y/h/+tTuDRE9nz0470XEmRSWg5xwRz9aYXK5tzuHDAf54phcFjKudoyM4ouIlQEkDgn27Uhok2cZDAc56UDbJosAcHgdjQxImjHc8Y5FIq5aj+5xkHHJGeKTBEwUA4znIxmgglTl9pHfnnrQxt3JvlAycnHcCpESR55PPPqe1MC4qxFcjjB5xSLCUnLKBnjHuKAZXkcjJxv57f40E3GGTbhfm565oC4u8hSM4IOMHv8ASnYLkiybQVCr/OpY7lmMkplSAScHB4IosVctK2Bz82DzSAeoBKlSevb/AAoGLyhOFOWP5UhCZww2ntjinYZZg3HhlyOM+1SxovxqoGeAcHGB6VLKFDjdn5if6UhDHk2KMnBPbpQBVluCM7lC+o9aBGbfTYVs5DA/pQBkyuSccEYzmgRWIDKTgZxwMZoAgdnPG8E/zoAhc54YduepxTAilCtGTnI6e5pAVZPlHcH1oHYpyEgsQeM9M96ARBJkgD7vfgUiiswDpwucHpSA6LwporO/myKR0xkc0rhuekaPYKFyqMvIHI49Klu5aRvW0DBcHaM88elQy0i3GFAxtyP9nvUNlJDnKLgHOcdM9fesmyrFaR2yGHTvzWE5lxiRSYY5IB9T1rNsuxnXTDdkJnjt/nmmhWMTVfmjxtAPfntWkRM898UQgxSLkbj7cmu6kzmmjzDV48TEEZ9K71qjHqYN0p6YpsZTdeo4+tS9hoqSD5vSpGQMBjmkxkbdKzKIX56nFICF+560gIz0oAY2D7UhkMh7UAQOaLBciPWmISgAoAKACgAoAU0ALQACgBRQAoxmgBRQA7AwKVx2FFMQooAcKAH54oAa/SkMiagCFqYhp60AFAFi1XL+lRJjSOk0iHOMdj6da5ps3iju9CgwFIHIx1rgqM64I7jS4tpUd64pu5ujYAVEAyQfc/pWQEckgXduAHOPpQUis77skcgD14pjIHYEYUjFCGyMyFgfTjjpVCEOM5+vFIB4YlTgEA/pTHoPDbBuLYFLcQvmEMFyDk8ZosIa7seMtnjvQMGYnocenNFgGs2xQQRRYBhkKjdgEHp3p2Aa0jFwrEcgE5OaLANZwBnjPYVSQDHcDjO0GgTYm7oeT64FMlss26kk9eAfxosIuQQEnJH4CtEjObNvTbAH5mXJxzxW0YXMnI6Ox0oE7lXHc4GOK6I0zFyNa00ZXcMY8Lwv1FbKmQ5GlFpKlcYJzwAPStFTJ5izHpKhQJF4HX1p+zFzMX+zUAzt+72PHWl7MfMQz6Yrqy+WFJGBkYxS5A5ihbaPucvhgcn+GhUw5jQjsHYIpKYU8n1PaqUAciU6croQ6nLEDgdafJYSZ09hGttbpDEowBjkY7+lUtgIbtd7KMnIzk9ST7e1DAiCokfmNtDBDmP198+/WiwypfQRyxQ74xIUORkcf5FICokKeWIQHcE5Y4OPzqWNMkkt4CMbVC8DI600rjuYt/p4Tzo8K6MpKOVwR7H/AD3pNDTKT6NDMyFljWaPkIOF9sihIdyw1vNdxLHcZgRCNyHnOPQ+lPcnYk/s2BZEKxbwnXKk59KQrmhBbQsgSRfKJHzKR196tITYy40u1IY7MjHTbwKGCZkz6NBHOXht3fPXzF/l6UrFX0szltb0wxrhp3jPZFTeQfqKkpHLP4ae5eQLGolYbjM8Z55/z600DMHU/D1ta3YhnXG4ZL8cepHSjUNzPuNMsVify7qFpgDsO7Ac+4FNCaZkT6ckjFd8aEj5gycg/wCNDYJGJqWimGRifmUHuvFO4WKL26xxlhhD7qeadyWQNeSRqESY8enFNCGy6hdSAqH4+uKAK0guchmlDE9MmmIQyTouAQKaYNDVnBzgsx7807kjTEsy5aJySeooAZNZwx8Mh6dxQBQnggQkqfwzQBBI9vtCFBn1oArPtXovFAELHJpoTGZJpiEwc0AGSO9AD4ppIWDoxBPFKw7l6z1OeFnHmtsIwRmiwhzXsUy4eNVPqKYCXBUkY6FaAEDHywQTQA8SblDHtwaAEZsSZA47UAWEuCD5bcgigCCUKXO3gg8igCqMo5PoaAJbjJXcP/1UASGTcgYgdMUmNDZfmyuARQBScYIxTESBvlNACNytAEXUg+lADT1oAcOpoAcD8tACLxQAlAAThxQASHNADVPNACZ5oAKAFXrQAEDNACjjigAGQ1IEObrmhDYw8tn1piJV+8B2IqSgBKECgCRVVgGFAE8ETPFheTn8qTEXI5hGOGDkflUiHvcu3fAHagCu0xOQWp2FcjMp55NOwCM5Ye+KNgYw520guJzTuMaw4piISBmqGMI7UrAJSAKAENABQAtAAOaoBaAHD1oActAEignvQAFCaAInGDmgCM8UrgIWoAM+tACgCgBaYCmgBKVwCi4BRcD7uhhVSdobkZOB19jXXc5SzbwbsEjAPOfWpbGWVt9nyt8xz35qbhcZIjbgADkEkjnigY2QkknB3Y/CqArPk87e+OtIRWlj2qSAA4ODmrERPFkFdgI+vT3oAiktYyDxyKaGRm0DcdSD6UCGmxVuNuT6/SgLEM1mo+VMng9qdwsVprP9193p364ouQyu9mQTkE8807jsRi07hc89MUXC1hnkEZ4zn86dxCIhJwzH8qALNqCSMkHHA9aRSZeiVdh6gjr60mxMVgM5GcEc8Z70hDoF4JywGccDOKBMm25G0sTu+9+VCGTxLtPccY+g7cUgLCYCMgByOemeMUFIjkP7oHDAZoBlaUjI7YxQSM8wdeuOM+mKEAbgvzbj6ZFMB6Y28D6560AWrcYAAIyOoHNIpFmNhtB+8PQDH5UhlmDoQF5xgnrk1LGClyN55wOPamMWEsTn5eOeec0AW49oAJGSSTnnioY1uTxscDJIGM8ikx3G+aqnaD19uxpAV3lBbncc+tAirc3AU7OxGfagDLuZDubB79qBFbIA56+gz0NAA+N542k/jQBVlQjChh0zx1FAFdxj7pJYcgmgCCXGOOecZoApyhuQGJB4x6UAVnBzjj3OaBoicEghc/ge1IoveHtKN7coXQ7M9M/lUsR6fo+mBEQIgJAxn+gqGzSKOgt7coAACc8+n+TUsqxahQngJwBnGefapbKQ8MURSSxP948YrJstIrTzKDhuT0HsO9YTmaKJXLsOq4A9SeOawuUD/KjLkDqOD1ouOxQulZnzgEjqOw561SYjI1VRjITrx61pETOH8RruSRmIIxzxXbSOeaPK9ZXEzHB4PQivQi9Dna1MG5ADNkVQzOmH+c1LGVJcnI4zUDK7DjqOlDGRNWZRA+ffmkwIXODSAiY5oAYx45FJjRA5PegCBzk0xDDSQ2JTEKBQAUkNiUxCigBaQwpiFAoAXFABigBaAHd6AFA9KAHCgBRQA8dKGCI2pDI26UxETUANpMBQMkUwNCxiyeRWMmWkdfoduGKj9K5KjOmETu9FgwFxyeOa4KjOqKOssV2qMja2OOa5ZMsuu5ETKc4FQMqyysRknOT2plRKk0mRk/MD+dMZErsOmaYCB25ywBz6fpQA5iDkMSR2oGx68HkZz39qQhwkHQg5xkAUAM3YBHBx0qkgEdwozkcHGM9qQDQWCjawyRnkdKAGiY54OAeScUWC4juvJPHtnFFgIywDEZz7VQDWPGcDGOGoAM+Zyec+gqiCWEdQPXnApAaNoo+UAZJzwB1q0iJM3NNtQ+35RitYoxnI6zSbRVwQCOOv/wBauyETBs6GztgVUsFPpjOQPeulRMmzZsLY7AMc4+XcelaJENmlb26ou/rg9R2qrASvDGD0yWweepz0osBBNBjPAyDyo4wfU+tAEM9sMgAMADgjtSsFyKOBVc8E7sZxziiwEyR5kDFOMnmgBwhzcghQVUZz3zmkxo0RyRGzDJG4nHagog+6TKASxzsyOg7ikIqRL5hMLrhRz83Uj2/GgbGyLK0x5447DoP50mNEm35BvPHTDDr7U7AV5YiwYIuQCOrcCgCOe1+1IIgcAMGDr6j60hFY2SuhdkAbjkc//qpWHewj28T5WQAvnB96dguT2cDJhOMDt1/z0oQNk0lskiEMqse/uPc0xDGtPJ+VGkUHrk5x+dOwuYqTwSycs7Fd3DFsZ7/lSHczbjT42yxZIlUg4C8HvnOaVhpmXe2ZlV/K2oP7+MAfXrRYdznNZ0yWOcLIkU6MMqQR1zwOmTSbKRyN3o8J1R2ks/KkI4ZgNj8dMihDexmarax2xE6Q+cgHMXdQPQ98e9DBFYRxy23AEm7gqRz7Z/Ki4WMrU9Gw26JBuADNE3Qe4PpRcVjk9U0mF1cwQFJl52/3qq5DRlCyDBVIYE/d5/SncLE8llJJGEMTFsblx396LhYrzW5EJDKx9OKdwaKvk4YERSdMnFUTYRmlTmGCQjvzQgY1LyUg74Cw96ZNirOJXfcbbGemKAsULiKTJOwigCvyOG5oAaYsjKkEUxEZGPrQAxiSfSmIaaAFVc0ALIhQ4NACDP3hQBaB3IPagCWMZi25BxQABsxMuKAEdt8WcHKj0oAQtwrZzzQAsrFm3g0mNEbPub5hzTETwlXjKk8mgCODLZQk0ANlyCGP0NSURvzkjqOtUSMzQAo5X370AM9qAEPH50AKOMn1oAXOF7UAIRxQAmeaAA+vegBCePegBF6igBKAF4oAO9ACnoDQAHtQAp7c0APAyoB7nFAEfQ0ASKMgHPt9KQx78880hiwjLYzjvSYE8E+3KY47+9DAc6sjEghge47ihEsTew9aTAiLH0qkAoDHkZoAeijHJH0HNAD+OijAqQHBCQcdaQDJI8DLHFNCK7jHSrQyI02A01ICHigA/CgANMBaQCj6VQC0AAoAetAEq9OKAJVx2oAimTrQBVPWkAhFABQAooAcKYCUAFSAUAFAH3tCT3IGBgn1rrZzFuPAQq2AcnjNSxjy3yHaSB24qREEpI5xljx1poZG7MFYnjPQ+tMCAxlmAY4Iz+NMBCoOMAkHrTuIV4+OQNucjnmi4WB4UyQfl4xyaLgCwAbRtzhuucUXABAFXoAQRnHf/Gi4CfZxgE9B6n9aLhYgktcyE4G3J4p3EVpLYbRuzwMc07jIPsnzYwBz0HpRclkX2INGRsGByBTuFiN7TJztPJ4NFxCpa/3lx6fWi4E8cPAAXnHWpYERiyfu5yM5JpoRJEpDjIwCaBE2CXYnv2J5+tIY8HByAR646UDRKzEJnO3PHXtSHe5XlkDDABbHpTuSQytgkFiSeAaYiLcQ23AJH4YoAmUljjBIPTPagaJUQBgd4I/ixQBZgAAyccdeeKTKSLaAE8D5v4TQMmOckgAkcc0hihWkCgtjjkVIWLccWIlyB3HB4pNjBgMhV7988ikBGsjB8ZG3HOetIEMeYFiNwIHHrSKIJG+U5ICEevNAmZ0rljtGc56ZpiINhOWJ5HHIpAI+AvPUdye1AFd2PTLY7kCgCOQ5IyvJ4oArlMN8oyB1560AVpBtX7yY9aAKr5bhhgk9aAIZdwY/KMg9RQNC2do91cbUzjoSKTGei+HNMEES7UGAOpH9ahstI6q0twAB0z36moZaRoABQDg4xjGfWobLSHBmKk4O39f/AK9ZyZSRVlkZAqnBIGD2xzXPOdi0iqXZmOSTnqTXK5Gth5LEjqTz1PB4pXAa7N2JwMHBouFitdc4+YkDk9s1aYGJqYOGK4P97PatYMlnGeIxln4zuPX2rtpMwmeY62n79vkwOld8Gc73OcvE+ZgBn2xVsRlTjDEd6TGinIOeBmpKRWkwDSbAhfioKIJCOR+VSBC9AETe9AETnFSUQSHmmhMhbmncVhlACgcUAHtQAtKw7iEUxBQAtKw7i80xBQA7vQAUAKKAFFADgMUAKPWkMeKYg7UMEMY9akojY8UAQn607CE70CHwjLD0pMaNvTojuA/GsJs1idlocW7A9K4qjOmB2+kJgjackcA9K4pnQjpbQeXGB1OBwe4rnZYssoO8KuM9QelKwFKaTAznHPp1plIqyuoBPbB4NOwyISMeQSCevHSnYBd+0judvrQA9SRkMcdCPeiw7ky8jqcD6UWEIz56HoevahKwDHILZxz6Z6UwEyCQSOOnWpswGE5HsaYEe4Y5/nTEhpYZ3AY54oBjXYuwGTg9OaAuC8ZC5z3z2poLk8SbiOCvpzyaYmWYF2kgg7ie9NIlmpZRN52So2jtitIoybOn0yMfePp6571vBGMjqdOVioGPlI/nXZAwkdJZIDF8pG7oQo71ukZs2bVAgAI5z6e9aJE3LiRnnJ6nnHNAxQvUc7hmgQxkyvykBe+OtAEL5Z8KpI9D6+tKwxAmGLHbkEA+tOwhdvzMQR9eOBj3oGJbKfMZxz7+uKhlIlc7w5DkHHzZpDGsu1VTou3GO54pgVoolCIA4HH69eaBXJMIA24KCRgD60hj1WMICxIJ5phewuzeNpwCc/e5FFhXImiwn7sOrE8jqPwpDEaFuJFxjbj3FFhDJYY2kLKo3HvzkUDIzbkcYCnOOf8AHvRYB7oyhSU+bPJHT60xB5rB18y3dzjBKj360XFYib5wQ0ZDn72CCP1+tAFSXT2lRkLZAGMMMDHtRYLmDf6ZLb82kqkn72FOR/T9KmWhrGz3KBSCdza3LSeb2BwEb1xipWpTVinfWCRRGVIVlQcOpXJA+veh6COO1y3g3KLdSS3zIV459DRe5VmZBt3tZ2LoFSUZ3Aclh6+9MRUunZ9oZVZlyqMejDqRSHYc+iJJbi4l8sPE2NmOcdaaJZyuo6REgnYLlSc4HVDTENsLJWEMiFu4w3YHqKAMjWNLaJ38tipRumfamgMvN/CVXzEIYcbh1qiClcX9zDKFkgT3IpgMa/U5/druPfApgV5ZPMOSTjvilcRBNAkql0zgetMGijPZBQWxyOuaCSjKGVsDgd6YEckLEZPNAiAqfTpTEJjgmmAqAjnqKAJiA68/hQBAAVbFAFmDBQ89DmgB0R+Yj1oAQHa2PWgBYm5KnPSgCMFlypNACq/BBoAa3r6UAPifABFACxttnB7GgCW4TOR2NIZUVs8dx+tMQ1xxuWgAQ9RQA08UABoAQnoKAF7UAKx4oAQ9KAB+1ADT1oAB1oACaAEoAU0AHOPpQApNACnleKAHA5XA9KTGhr9N3fvTEORvlOKQ7kyKHjYg9s/jQAxDtYE+tJgTdXYH6ikMXdjgevB9KEiWISQP/r0wGBmHH9aYCgnPWhgSR4Dc0rgWI9oJwv51IEjE4yMA0gIJP1oAryDrVoCFqpgMNSAnWgBKYC9KAFHFAC0AKKYCigBy0ASqaAJU60APKEqSfSgDOk+9ihgJSASkAuKYCimAGgBKQCZoAPzosB97J8iZP164FdBzkok6sD0PP9KAGCRlByWOeSPXvQIaJh6A4z78Uxiqysc84B59jSAUBWGCcKTnPXHpTAkCEgDOePvAd/woANhKk/w9v/re1ADym5BlUJI+9igBwVgTyBnH8PA96AJPLxnoQec54+lK4CeTk5IC9cZ/z+lFwGyRHGSOT+HNArFeVFUjcB15DDHFO4WGNbhgQo4A4yKpMBGthy2w4GByP1pXAYbXIJ2kcZ3dv89adwIvIKgYYAnjjsKLisPFrhDgMx9uBSuBE1qSDlVzkjNO4rDBbgMCrMQTwD2ouFhGhIUE5weg9fxouKw0xFSGBxz2HWgdiGbAftyOCDRYkhUFsnHOOeOv4UWFcjbpzwCelMCNUB5Vieg9c0AWo1BYEtg+1A0WEIJ7ZxxxmgC1EuRkngD0pMtE6AFRkEEcE0hkwQkhWyuBjA5J+houFieBCg6HAOfXFS2MsHIO3HGecdjUgQsc7c7kY9B6+/vQCIpyFIJHOepqR2IJyPmY5Bz1xigZVmmYIw9+MDOf8+lAmU8HeAMYY4z6gc/zoEDL8xIGT3oAilbfkFQM0AQkbWC9wM0ART5Y5Uj33HmgCGXcQFUrhuoPagZVmChCVx/n3oEVnAOO3rzmnYBqxGWUIAeTjg9KTGdr4Y0YRRgsvJ68981m2WkdtZwKiggEAnAyP8+1QaJGgqAhepOO3H+f/r1LZRKqjdjPU9AazcikiG5cjILdvSsJyNEjPnJZieG3cDj/AD9a45yuzVIaRjJ79/r/AJxWVy7Au5CeCdvT0z70XCw5wW3YYsR19PancRUuG3ErsOAvGD61aYjG1I/x4wM8nHNaxZLOS1uMFCS3J4BGOcV2U2YyR5t4gQiVxtGAeT68V6EHoc8kcreADJIBz6itSDKuVxyD1pXGUZTjjikxoqyEZwOaQyCT05J7VmUV3PWkBCwJoAifINK47ELnikMgemhMiNACCmIWlcdgzTEFABS3HsKBTELSuOwmPzpiFA4oAXoKAFFACgUALQAvakMUYpiFGKAFJpMaI26UhkbUARmqJE60gLVomWBqJFI6PSIdzqccDrXPNm8dTsdGhVcYXg/oa4qjOiKOz0xVVeu1h2rjkzdGsrkAAtzxg1m0UV5pQjEtx6+9FgKkkrbT83A7GixSKxcdeOeuaYxoYqBtHJPP0oATfnqAcd89KAJVlGQM49zQBLuAYDIPpQAMzYOOMc88g0CGhx/ERx6UAhpbK7iRntx0oGNDhlIAJ7ZagCNnBOW28DjvTsK4PIc7QRjGc0DGg5Izz3xQJokj2nG7vxwaCWi9bjgnjPQcf5xVWFcuRjHB6d8VSViWaNo6hQRnPXkf41cTORt6bMqsGHGea6IGMjrdHkdjtAyo7Y6muqmYyOtsVztONq9A3/1q6UjJs2YUIIC4GeCuKsksQ7QSSgy4yDnk0WHcCAFycYxnjNAiPARyTlWA5BPWiw7jCzhBhTkqT9PxpAM2Aoctt6bWzQA2X+L5VxjBYelJjFDgQEZJ2D5enX/JqSx9uxddvGAOTikgHuv7mQDIyCM55570wI1UKoVRyOx5470CHSxpJgFeCME0BewxxIAmDu9Wzg0C3HCTJBAJOcAY6UDSFBySpJIxzj+dAxX37MqpwOn/ANegViNjuBx6dAP8/wCTQBCgAzkjOcMDgYNIZHcIQQucfNkFjxigBZwh2kvlsfKMcf8A1qYiC6dk+UPtHQkDp9KVxkcqyDDhyzdMBsjH0pgVLpkmgMpVgx4xnj8qTGlYpT2sc0DI0anAyQo/ljoanluVdoxroTwxETNvhA25yN659fWkFrvQ5rVbARSEDasEw3I49exqWrGt7oq3VpHNa5dVMrp8+3+L0P1AxVmb3MaCxN5ZNHtVVzh8D72O/wBaTKTFEW66iRz8+NsnJ5A//VSC2hiavaJHc3cal8OcoSuTznimQUNGiTzpoXBB2HaevOAKdxso6zGoModdhdgBjvgYzTEcxrNrGs4iQ/MgGc+lUhHO6jAY51Cv945IqkSylMF89vmyO4FAFmGEAZU9smkBaRAF2j7rdOKaAbcw+ZA+5TuC9cUXAwbpEXjHbOaZBWIymVGRTAqyAqxI6GmhMiYjaR60xD4MYIPTFAC7dmc9O1ADZB82e1AElk3zsn94UAC/LIM/SgBsx2up96AHAgTg9jQAybrmgCPPOaAHKeooASP7200ASOchSOtAFosXtw3HvSY0UpMBz+dCBjAePx5piFOAeKAEGKAGnmgBDjigBc0AKaADsKAE96AENACUALQAlACigAFABQAp4FACocEH0pAI+eMdKYCoRzQBNAcHikxoa64JA6dRSGTDlVcdxikAlNCYHO2gQ00ALjvQ2ImjGTyM1LBFhRgfWkMUnIwKAIZM46c0AQSVcQIGNUwG1ICdqAE4oAXrQAtMBe1ACimAUAPX3oAkU4oAmi5NAE0rbYjjmgDLc/MaGA0nipAWgA7YoAUUwENFwGn60wAmgAyaAPu3PXKjOO/b2rc5Rkk3zY3H8KdmAjSNnIZTjGaaQxFn5JyWwegp2ESiTOM4yfQcUWGWEkGcbcMePSlYLkyNj5OPu5GR1pDJ4mDDDHd2wD0pAKgJXnCnPfBoAsIg4PGOo56/4UASRkYGO4IYHkikwHNFhzt9Mj2pARyoA4B+X2pgROhL52E8+vA/OmAeWC21lXnk+w7fhQA8QnHIYgDqBQBHLCuSm3C5ySRyM07gN8sK+0hh2OBmlcBfJ4G8jAHJx+tAWI3twhJGCS3I/KmDEaDIGVOF5GCeD9KRJG0XsAPb+VFwKrwgAkqx7k4qgKk0JyQqjGf8/wAqZMkVvKIY8k8flQKxGY2K5wW7ZxjJpiGiBVk6ZAHOR0NAEyjOMD6U0NE8aljxzzjB7UgLSAKq889DikyyygJYED5c4PHSpY0WYo/kJJK5GcDOc+opDJ9u04PPHrzSYCKAQMH5vf0pFIhlY5Occ/dYA9KQnuQOTjPrnJx+ppDKc7sygYJ46UxMrlSQeuDxxxmkIUgg47dQeufagZGRyAWzntz1oERyDZ97AAOOP50AQuuepB7gigCFxhgQchuueeaAIpshWzg565PFAFVt2OCOfUUAQsu31yOwFMDoPDOk+bIJZFb5ugIrNstI77T7YQqq4UYHI9az3NEjUtYgQMfwjIHSpbKSLCIA2dv8ue9Q2WhJTtG5e3Oeuayk7ItGdcyB5OVwoGASOP8A9dclSdzSKIXBKbQD64Fc7NEIwAUjOMe1SUN2sSScNwCOcdKkBxb5OVO7IGR6U0DKtwMKcFTnFWhGVfAtlumO5raLIZzOtAbGK8jnPp9a66bM5nnPiJCA5KjHNd9N6HNI5C/T58flW6ZFjGuVxn+dAGfKMEnihjRUepYyvIeM9TUDK7+4pAQOc9+PagCKQ1JRXfrQBE5piI26/hQAUxBQAUAFABQAtIYdqEDF7UxCjpSGHFMQtACjrSY0OpiFpDAdce1MQo60hg31oAjY0hkbUxDDxQIF5agDQsU+as5M0ijqNGiO5eBXJNm8Edno8e1VI4Oeuetcc2dMTp7RtoVyVz3FcsjQsO/qfpjvUjW5XllGeueef/1UF2KVxKpY7egIPWqSE2RGT3yBRYaY3zDgDGMe9AEnmhV6n34osO48SZ4znPJ9aVgHh9nU9P1piHCTBPzAjuKVhjGfAJJHPIosAM4IPJyOcUAxN6kYPB74p2AYW4+9354oEhHKnqBn6U7DE3ZXJ4wcc9aLaiZLC3IJ6cYp2Jexpw7dw4U+gIppEstgjkEc57UxMFlZflyxJFXEzZqaZNukXkjnsOtawZlJHoXh8K0YO0HHXH+FdtI55HaWOFhOe2DjBNdUTJmkowgz97pjPBPpTEThgCApyqmgBMnIOVB5GaAGZ3Nw3y+9AEc86lGBYnsMDJpFFYTA4BUHHp1pCY8SsTj5Rzjbjr+VJvQETOoeE7cgnHftkVBoWEjVY8KcDv659c00AS7h8hU9ByOnWgQnlnPGTnk544/zimMSN1KnO7Gc9f8APNAhMlicHH14APvTQmChWzkKvHPH14oFdgcrlj685Ix7CgaEym5mEnzdQc0hsNxyDgHPU57+tAIjMZBJ+YKflJ45xSGRODv64A9BwPwpgMO0YBw65wrYwaAI5o49gOCeeTikAK0bRkNtLY5y3QmmhFeSGM7tz+U+QM8nI96VirmPc28lhKZISXUnkqM9/wBKVrFXuLIYruNnYKCPldRyaNw2Ob8R2LQEiMkwyZ2DqAf7o9KiSsVF3MDTrzzXaCVQZV+bf7elCY3EytZJt9TAhOzzR5ioDkMR1/Om2CRXhmxfKJflzhie4FIoi8ReUrRs+12ZQWJ9uhoJW5z+4R3rNkeUSDgD8T/WhiIdZiEluHUqm+QEfgeo9KpCZymqASSuZMA7sZzVJiOa1DK3KueeSapEsz4EEkzZON5oYkjdtrNfssrcblTIJpFJCPEVVRjgYI9+KCSVSGjIKjJXHSmBzepQKUkVSeDke1WiWjDikaKQhuhPNAiWdFcb4+ucMKaEyk4BBx2piHRj5T74FAFhkBIX1FAEUsRQsD0BxQAy3+SYH0NAEsy/vG+uRQBHPyAR6UkNjQdyA9waYgkx1oAjFADl68daAEJ+fPagB7HIFAFi3bMZWkxognXaaEDIQcGmIXvQAYwfagBpoASgAoAWgAPTFACUAHNACUAFABQAtABQAmaAHLx15oAU8g0ANJ4oAcMcetAE0HDjikxoVs7VJHTINIYA4THoaQD6aExG6UmSKB60xjgMelSIfHxycGkMk3ZGegoANwxjvQBHIeKAIJDxxitFsBCTmgBKQDecUwF6UgAUALQAtUAtACjigBc0APj9TQBYR1AoAiupQRtU8e9AFQnNIBMjpQAtIABoAXNACZyaYCHrTAT6UAH4UAfc80m585bP55roSOUgkkDKpB4qgGFhnMe4DHT09+tMESRkYxtzt64oAnCjGQSBjkmgCQf6wNk9fwpWGWYWHXaCMdT/ADpAT+YCuUxx6UrDJY3Zc4XPqKTQFqIghhxkDkkUmBZUKF5bb0ApAO5dM/NjGSTQA1wrkNtPQHBHSgBWQlyTkckfX3FO4Asf3RjaxGeRRcBdg3Kp4HUYNK4DBEMgHv8AUimAhTbID8vuRQA4KNnBZg3oM0XAR1jaTOSfTjii4CmIZOSo56E9qLgV51IGML0+nBz1NO4FeRAFZQe2R+GfWi4iAwDnbg8dcZxRcRCbXDFtpznrjFUmBWMCEYGQeOo60cwrA9sVYkDkgZ+nancLCGHBGe3PA5/+tTuFiSOBsgFQT0HFFxpE2w4DNge2MGpuBatYuST0NK40WkXAy5AGMgZqRi/wgsCSeQT0H4UhoZIxDEEqT7j+VJjsV5wSM7iCBznoOKQFOZwuMttPHAPWgRTJ3YBOeeuaBBhhzkHnigYqAdz074wD7UAR7VxhcFsdu9AiOTkcqcnjmgCHByQ2CTwPagCKRevJx155FAFdgcHDcAfxUAQNknntwTTAu6Pp7XMpLgFemCalspK53+kaeFULg8DisWaJG5awZTkHJHK9OKm5okXQo355AGeg/wA+tS2OwjZU4Vcjvkf59azbLsV7qRg2DnK9T65rCci4oqS99zZJwa5ZGiGg8YVRycZI7+1ZlDWA2c7hg/nSYxjAls5zx27VAxy/dXCg56YqkrCK84UqMt7gf0zTQGZeKNvOOeOelaxZLOZ1ePdCVJGTzjvXTTZnJHAeIIASQwxz0IxxXfTkc8kcVqMTIzbh1GeK6UyLGFdL6flVCsZtxnkk0mBSfgnHSpY0VpfpSGV5D1qQIJOnFAEEhqSiBzTERMaAG0AFABTEH0pDF707isGKLhYXmgAxQAUAKv1oAKAFoAUUAOoAPpSQ2L3piFB4pDEPNCBjDTERNQAykBJAOelJjNawj5HWsZM0idRpCcrwe1cs2dEDrtMwNvJ4rkmbxNyBgVOAT+P9K52aCyz56HHHHHvSSAptPlTuP4Dv61VikyB5DjkbaYEYk4OePUUWC4BxnoCSeOc0AhyPhuoPPNJoq5L5i49xkUrAxyyHGBzketOwXDeMbRz6H1phcA+M+5xilYLi7xnjPvnrQkDFD85IxzihoLjDIv1BppEsbu3HOB3BxRYq4ufm5P4GiwmxQ2GGOueB0poRq2UvyAYzx0zQSy0rYPBAP86pIhsC44J5I654qkQ2bGgoWkyM4yOh9a1gjKbPStATG1ckEd+9d1NGEjrLUkxAsGK8Z963RkzQilAH3wD1A6c8U7gO3nBXPI5OO1FwHhm4IUtk+mCPT/PtRcLEUkiDaR/DQBnT3AMuFJ5yAOn1qbjGB23oGBJJ/wA8/jSAtBwkqbuh6Y9qbGjSiUgA8DODlv5VBRI3ykjfuXdnrnPFO4CTMwwpB6jjOAaAHgEYAG7PByev0pgROxYbSowDztPSkIVMgKEBOQRgDqf60xiMecjGeOpx+VAC8lgFA5wABznjr9aQCBSyj5m5XGBTAbEpZfmORjJPp60AR7F3IQcccZ56UABIGAFy+3kjn8KQEDEYK7gQOrEng0wIzE5TG7r0Dd6B3GC2MeAOSDkkDrmlYQ7gqx3FsjgZzTAqzRtPHneVBBAUc0rXGpWMKfS5kkdrQqJQSe+G/AdKhx1L5ijcP5sD+epDK2GBOfqQfWgEcZqsSW2oRXMEimIvnpweOh+tS7XuaLaxX12BJbq1k8zbuYbNowVzQxIx9U85LqOVTuZW2uCe3pSbGkyHUT5iwvGTLtBIz6fWgdtTGmSVldSm11PzfSqWwitekS2kahs7WBNNEM5HUZsmfOT8/HNWTcw9QcEo2f4CcH1pollewK+YM8EDODTYWOlRALNVHG85OPSpGhJIDK5KcAjIoCxSTPzAZyD0zVksxtbBQM469xQiWjnZwHBI4NUIbAxzg0ARSEFjkYPSmhMEBx+NMRZRv3i5HSgB924KEkc0hlFTwM/3qYi5NyFbI+YUhlaUccdcUIGQxnt2piHP92gBmeKAFB5oARjzQA9TQBPbAliopMaEuBQBWA49KYgxx1oAFPY0AD0ANoAF75oAAaAF5oAQfeFABQAUAHegAWgBKAFoASgBw96AA/dxQA0e9AAKALMR5zjOKTGiRudy+wOKQxgA2c8UAOj6Y/KgTHgZpXJY/aM5pXCwgwCaQwzg9aAFVuCKAGs1VYBjPTSEROc1QyOkAUgENAAD60wCgBaQBTAWmA7tQAhoAA2KAAyN60ARliTzQAUAJ3oAXvQAdqAFBoAM0gEPNMBtABQB9tNIWZgvQdDXVY5UJvVmABB7j0poB67MnAJIAyQaAJYivJYZz270ATBsEknNAEkZAIIGe2OhpjRJEzBRt9QetSDJlYMhO/aM9+OKAHxyBeCN3HB70rBcuQzYRVHAB457VLGWFZ2Ve/GM+9SwJlc5PXJHT0H1oAk8wYyTx2waAFVwcbR0P40ASAsWA3EAHORz9KAFA+QgjoM5NA2MkGckt8vfHXtQIMDIG0c9ee1AAC23g9snHtQArY6c8/kKAEKx/wAPzFuCB6f1oAYQOVAwR1bqKAIyvys2SD79/Q0wE8hdoAXv0P8AKi4mV2gG84XCk/rnvQA1YwJMHAIOPTH40wsMeAgNlcdumeKAsHklmBI27RwcU7sLB5GUAK7W65z1/wDr0BYlWIOxBJJGeCPpS2AsBCF2naBjnvU3GIIzgABSoI49aB2IgPmbBwO+OcCkwtYhZgSSDhsAEjg+lIZUnYKwC9/vE80CuVpHPTnPU+1AiJEDngKMZ7c0DHo4AIwc9CSKAGncXycEUBcYBzgkjJ47UCIZfQD5e9AEbnn9BkcYoAgkGHxgnPegCJyuNgHIoAdZ2rXMwjA4J6/jQxpHcaHpywIBs/HHNYyZqkdFDbhfmXGD+OfapLSLqRgArgcg9+CalsokcHAXcATzu7elZtlEN0w2lm3BcfNzz7cVlJlpFVyx4L/XNYSLI+WGNx27eo6/iKyZQxt2V4UDryKzaGNVdrbWBODkYqRhI3PB6dc0WGNUcc8HqDnGaAIpSCPu7t3Azx26UxXM+6VeWweOg9eKtaAzndUQkyMAMYP5VtBkM4XX4cvgsASOwrupswkjg9ZQB3Cj612IyZzt5gMQDjHX3qhGTcYOfrTEUpODgYxUMaK0mR1pXGVm70gIZDSGV5DSGV3poTIzQwQYouFgpDDr1piFxSGKKdhXExQAtACYweKLhYWmIUClcdgxTEFAC+lAC0AL2zSQ2ANMQuaQxDQAxjigCNqLhYbTEWLdckVmykbWnoODWM2axOm0pcbOhrlmbQOn05gMAgc1zTN4s0PN5BB7isrFkMkw29x689aLBcryT5ORx+HenYq5G0hPrwOaLDGb8qOfqaLCuOSQggg5x7dKQxQ+SASAPrwKAH7wVCk96AHq5Hpj60CHGQgjdwTQMQycEevrQAqSnbtGAO4oAXeQDkg85HtQA3zASD1B7UACvnJBOPfjFACFwPvHHHvQA8NlxnJ4oAu2cu1uo5P60EtF5JAVIyKpENE8DqzgDkDtVohnYeGLcs4Ozg++a6KaMJs9E0i3bywzEL2GBXZBaGDZuRKo2gL14PPt+laEkwccKRgoc5BGffHpQBYGDh8+h46+1AEhAG4jAHf8qYFK8lQL15x6/jSbAzJpC0u5TgD+IGpuMtWg3JwuTkU0JlrHmXEJAPPGcUMaNUEeV8+4jpg/Xt+lKxQis/IySODikA6VmLqMLuHQgcU0BLGu3lA3I5wwoAjaT94ScE8nr2oAHcH5SCDz3we1ADQFYEsw3A4O7jHoKABThcMnA5GOlACxtvcgq2T97jjmgBgzyrHHP0zTAapZiTjIb0OMevWgVxCCvGQB3wMjp7UAQ4TogPPTHANADHk35Qjk8cdfzpDGDagCBmkyMde3rTAaI0YhdxVcZyCOmaAFeMfKWwVzkfhQBXu4BkyAjfgN8posJMx9St1kZfLVQGGWzwfxqJFxOM8XaOTayGAGNlOSo5BPXj0qJI2jI5GO8e70xpVcvJEO55J/zxUXLZY1KBZ4IZ4QMMAcd8j39ab2JW5h7XSdoGyI2OOvr2pIoytQaSC6KMHw4I3f3hnpVolmfdXCmCSPIztGfp/jVIzZw88pDPzwxLdatEmXqEuVh59R0pksdY4Nyoz8pPP0oGtjdhn/AHG0uQN3GTSGWDI6w5JPTAOeaLgUHOHGDkgHJqkyWjN1faoO9TjHWmiWczcqVb5Tke1USQxNiQevSgCOXk800JhG524osFy5AN0g9KAC6G4tgcCgCmD27UxFhW32y4Byp60rDuNm42kdGFCBlXo1MRJ1WgCMUAFACnORQAL1oAsW5xJkH60mNE1ymGB9elAFJuHOaYhG6UAIOTmgBw54oYDXGDikgEPTFMBBQAo5NACgc5oATvQAlAC9iaAAUAJQAd6AFoAM0AC9aACgAoAltiBKpYZXPP0pMaJZPklGRwOPqKQxXXGRnjPFFwETqPWgTLC/KelQIUlT0GKAGsKAEbpnrTSuAwk7eBinYBhORnNUA1jxTAZQAGhgNNSAlABTAWkAUAApgOFMBaAEOe9ADcUmAhoQDaYAKAAUALQAH170rAIeKYCmgBKAEoAWgD7SRnyOefrnNdpyki4yOBk9cHt60gJ1Kg8AEeuKAHjcSCdoyO3HHFAEqNwCCPw75pASAMQp4wOc/wCfwoGS5fIYYY4zn09KQC7iSq8HHv0oAkWRclDjpuOB0oAmib5gQc5PAJx+lSwRcV8Agkgt26f/AKqkZYQlUO5cehHekIVWHBY49TigYuWYAjnAxjP+eaAJWcY2DAXoMCgA8ze3UgqMEd/880AKXRUO7j5cEdBQgCNwc7gRhdu70+tMCQYCkgHjgDPp3pAOYFjkEeme1A2xgHXbnd/M0CFYFjxgt09v/r0AIY0HBZl5zuHagBVRj8uTn2oAYyepTb9OSaAI/L5bKkj3PP50wFEYClQQD0A9KAFVOCUY9+2QaYDRFl2HOc8EnrSAmMYXOSOTkUh20GSoqN3ORjOPagLEDSYBK4AIz04H/wBakO5AVIDbSVJBJ5xSAqyMUIBOWzweKYmU7ly0h4z6Mev0oERA884Uj1HWkMFXdyCw79aBjsgbt2COnI6CgTI5BgBjkYHY0CGSKDGDzgn16flQAnIHzY56evSgCCQfeC4Yg9z1oAiIzxjHfryKAI0RnJQLz/nvQB1mhaUIkV3XkE9cGs5O5pFHVW9uQcqoI6ZP+faszU0IUUKWBwMcfnUtlEvA2hfmXGP/AK1ZtlEbklNmMPnuegz61EmNIryPuHzfKcccdf8APrWLZoiL7y7cYxk/j6/oayb1KEBZcZDcev04qGMaoJPUbM5HfpUsYyUkMCCTjqSKkBCpw7ZPsvU0hiDIIypz29x607CGTKrABcZwMf5/OhAULqPvwQBkcdfrVgc9q0ZGRyoxxg1cWJnG+IEGD1xjPzA5H+FdlNmMkee60gDE5OSa7YMxZy96h+bHPPrWtyDIuQAe/qaAKEx5AOOn51JRUlPX1qQK8nA+tAFeQ5qSis5oAibNNCY2hgg7UhgKAD8KAAYNABTELQAc5pDFIqiQ4pMaAUhh2qiRelAATQAvakMB0oQMXNDBBSGI1MQxulCBkZNOwrgvJFAFy1X5xmspFxNqwAyM5rCRrE6PTsADjmueZtE3rRlCjJ/+vXPJGqLLzEDJJwBxzU2KIJZc4H5YoSArmQj6fSnYaEMnHXg1NhpibskAfQc96dguSI+eM44zxSaHckQ5Ung96l6DQoOD3+vagdwDYB55HpRYSAv7/X0pjHbuoJ9uKBMf5gK56Gk0NajWfqc8E9aQxASM4PAGBjNAMUOxyOcD35qrEoaH+YNjrSsMfGcHI6k0WEydJQdpGKYixHMQTgn8apIhmlpUm6ULyBnqe1aJGcmeneErb5EJA7HNdVKJzTZ39kjBNvzc8kdcV1IxZqKuQAcbjwBjn60wJCh81CAM85GeMnp/KgB6rtLfMQOvJpgEzkIQMnHXIyD7UgMq8cHrg9smkxorRpuI+YcjOO1JAaluirGxCsSOfpVIRIxI8pwRgNjJ4PNJjRejzuyxBwehPTn3pFE0ewAqvyqx59cUANmdWxhDy/IPQ/hQwCJ2Y/fPI4x9aQCFmQYOSc85pgPiCuWDL8xHOP8APtQAy4yYwoQFsDg/5+tADWcjIGFYjJx+H/1qQCqxYsDwf7w7+9NARq5JXcx56YHH/wBamA13aMYAGGHO44GfakJCEuH4GATg470DI9uHDOCpXA54pgRSAg+bgAHkdP8APakFwR9wYBX3HOPT86YBLGwQMiEsPvYPfqOfSkBFDJvf5Qox1LDIP+FCYEmRglGYg4xxn+f0qhMoXToZfMG0bvvA9Tg9hUlGPqMBlSRkxkLt+Y9Bj0/GoZS0PHL+GbS9XlgkyC0vH90ZzWT0N9Gixp14GtTbuQxzkEDHOf8AP6UAzL1uXbGTgKYmCkZ545poOhjXVx9tTyFfJiJeMk4z60C6GFLcLLLIu0qV6jHbmtEZs5O5YZZTghW4qiTNvjiMA9mqkSxlpKNznsF4+tDBGtExkt02nB3d6Ci61wHjC4HAFICvDNhpUJHbAqkS2UtXffDlsZHUUCOakOCQD371ZBCmDLxQBE+c00JiAc0xGhag8sRQBHO2VOOmakoq8bvwqiSW0b5imeDQATKQoz2NJDZWbqaYhyHI+lADT97igAxQAL05oAXPzEUAT23GD+dIZLKd6cDkUAVW9PShAwJ4piGDjNDAKAHZDfUUAMPXNABQAL1oAfj5Wwc8UAMNABigA7UAA/nQAnegAoAKAFH+fagAPtQAN3oAD0FAD4yMjB5pMaLEmXUHH8NIYqlXjU9x1pAEfDZpCZNu+QAUhDTIc8Ht6VVgGkkjJp2QDCcCgBm6mA0GmAHrQAmOaAEoAQ0mAGkAlMApALTQBigBwpgLQAUANNJgNPNACY5o3AO2KYB1pXAB156UwCkAd6YAfWgBKAE70ALQB9pMAJcZAxXacpICPpn15oAf0DYAH40ATBifl5HH5UmA+PlgTnGOopATLu6sOeDz/wDWoGPU7SScFT0wO9AEic5OMlulIBzfMVAYrzyAeKALETfdyD6gAcUmBeQkqRjbg9MdahgyVQwBHIUc570hDVwBt3H2PSgYiuwBI3Zz/n+lAxfNbAyRuxxwaYCMzD5c4OT070wAuWOGIPB5HHFACpO33STySBSsBPHKpj3EcKeMDmkA+OXDPnAJ+9nsf8aAHrtyP4j78ZoAdu6/MeTzz2oACQ275cPjr2A9v0oAcQWIC7uvcdKADAdlyVz69MH8aAE2BRn3xgGgB6oeAW4OegoHYVVwAQPTGevpQImWJQqtwCDzigqxFOFblXAGe1Ayqz/KW43Dj5R2+tAFN2+ZlVjzwAfWpJuV5pMNgH5QPzNAXKM7bvu4Ocn6elAiLaMAj73U56UDQ4dMDH4jpQMRlwdpJPpQAh5BU55OTmgQw/Kp3DjHXOO9AhpDEqcs/p6fpQAx8hunBPU0ARMAH3ZZh0PFAEe0EkKc5HTHU0Abmg6WzvuZGXjpUSkXGLOxtLURgBQOneszVGlCg+VdrLnnB61LLRYRNyFlyOeKhsaEbEYUFcID94j/ADxUNlIpTlyVBHHqB61jKVy0iNxnZjJDZPAxgVm2UkMJx0AOenvWTGhm/KAn04GOvpUtjERScKct1Bz2qWMYqlT1GSOeaQC8hyxAX0P06cd6AHBfm6seMZPT/GmAxwAMgD0Gev8AnmgCldcfKFL9z9e/86dxmDqHzEcNtPp2qkxWOP15NylSNuScGumm9TOSPONbQhSAOM13wdznkcrqCkSeoA4ra5JiXfBPOfrQBQlOWz0FAFSUjJxUsCtIec0mNFZ+9IZA5OetMRG1CBjaGCCkMO9Owri/SiwXCgAFABQAUhi9KokWgA7UhhTEHegAoAKAFA4oYIKVh3CmIaw+lADDSY0NNMQsYpMZetRgjH51my4mxZcYOKwkaRN6ykChe+BgVzyRtFmtFN8mT1PUZrJotMeZ+xbv09aVirkUkrA4X170WC41pOMljxRYaYhbPI6fWlYdyRWBAwD6nnrSY0SJ93jJH8/pUjuP3YwCep4pMYF8NkflTSAVX+9wcUrALu5x1z2pgBkxjgZzilYBVb5gcigB/mcA5zn060hiO/GA3rk0AyPdyckEnsM0xChsKD3NACo/QHHtQBNuwMDHXpTAkjcHIH6mqRDZv+HI97qcDcTjpVx3MpbHr/hTHkrvwpx8uT0ruprQ5ZHZWjgYDcnjPoa3RmXt4DKAcYJ57UXETlw23YD8o5BPIpDJEfeoLDLDtnGKoCK4+dSCcED14zSYjKmGFBJwO2O3+cVDKEtyMhm+UHoM9qaBl0OxPAYr2PQUxCbl+0gHoeqqe/rSY0aYKyHaC2cHIB4xUlEgPIXAIzzznH40wGbyGQgc89+fTpTGhWchcIAFHXjnikIcjMDnK4Yf40gHL/rM4I254z15poCPnfgEbADjPY0AI24gk43DHIoGDF1VZG6gc96Qiu21lIOwE9CPXNNDEQ5BbcMjpnsR/k0rCEkeTacqCynsehpjDzF2Ku4KzH6c0XQgTkFflBB7jr9M00DGAsWQBecZPOP8mkFhk0amMblfaPfpQAjMAB+6woxyCCKVwsRxO69SRx1HT8RQgI7q2juUACPk/Lu6YptDTMkuH3xTjDqRyAenrWdyrHBfECyLTJcqBIkiEMCMMDng5/D9aiW9zaFrNHn7JKSsqbixYqdvYf5NTcuxY1cK1u7A7g6hlGe/eknqFtDlGZI7jzfus4Klf9qrJaMbxAJIpVnGQWHIB6itYmckczdFvMYn19apEGfeODEfY5qkSyK0+7kHrSYI1LOXapGf46Ci3FnlhkY5IFAmRllWY5bg9CTQSUbt98kyngdQaYGFc5STIFUiGQjBbcBTAjIBNNCYLzkUxFuOTbHt9qkojY7gR+NMRAnc+9MQsRxIDQBYYllYEjHWpKKknTNUSCHk0AI/BoAByDQAinBxQAuOeaAJojwcccUASqSU7UhkUgzzQDIhwTTEN6igA5oAMY+lACnpmgBDxQA5cjk9aAEGfXrQAh/SgBKAFoAKAENABxQAUAKOlAAelAAexoAU8gUALH96kxosqcIue5IoGJE2xx3GcEeoqQH7cDg5Gc5pBYAeKbRIdfypgNOfpQA1sY+9TAaAD/H+Yo1Ad5ZB4IP0pXAR1IJzTTAaKYCGhgNPUVICUAHegBaAA800AtMBR1oAdjNACUAIfSkwGmkAlACdqaAKYB2oAKACgANACUAJQAtAH2cOe4JI7dK7TkTLC7ioIIyfXr1oGOjMhG09Qcn35oYDgduDkH1zSYE6/KgJ+6KQD9wxnPTtQBKpDHnCnrn8OtDAfnDE4yOxFIY8Akuxx6BqALEJ6dCM9MUmBoRbcbR+Y5wPpWbBkrlYyM88cjGM0CGShcALzj0PP0oQ0MDEr1GR0I9P85qhjSwLbiO/OO9ADWcMzZOe3pxQBE7cZB9hg9qaEOjYlBhgR3+lDC5PFISVK/gV7VIyRpBj3J4JoAkE+CBjcexB60WAkSU+XjkYBzxSAdG6hsFuAcD6igCeM5j35J9QBQBLGPlV8BgDzQNIcUDAZY8HkdaCrD9v7zt2wPSgCVEGBnqwPWkBHIvBYbwByQOaAIZGKnaQf0NAFGVxycgY9FxQJsoSurPgqTtGT/jSEVJ3yvBO3rnGcUBYqD1O3J46daBDiBu+Zsj24oGADnLY4HY8/SgYAMcZB4Ixz/nigQhyzPnbkEdzigaI2yARgD3p2JFfaNpXC49aAGSlt3O36kc0ARycscg9OCO9AF3RtPNzKrvEQB0/z+NTKVikjtrCyChAFwEAyMenNYs1SNKBQIt3XoenSk2Wi2quRtIPQn61DKQucA4Zc461DYyvJJt2qvbjp0rKTKRDIQqAZY88ZrJlog4GSXJUe2MVkykR5x8uR1+maljQ1zkllBzjkZ+lZtjEXP3RuyB3HWlcYZwPnGF/U0XAD8zg5OWHBBqkIcCRjJwR0x/nnvTAa3yg4BDYzz+P+FJgUbnaI856epqbjsY+oxZUgDqM5PpVRYzkNdQlM4U8Z5659K3g9SZI8+15TubCgjkg44Nd9JnNNHFamGySRxXSmZGFc9T2qgKEp9CMUmBTmzk4pAVpSMH1pDKshpDIG607isNNGwbjetG4bBiiwXD8KLhYXpTEFIYv40AHemIBSY0LTEFABQAhoAPwoAXFIYGmIUUrjsJTEL2pXHYYTxQAxulMQ2gCSOpYy5bHkVmy0atow4H9aykjSJr2soJ684rFouLLyTgr64rOxpcc1wCM4GMYyaVh3BZcj7xyaVhiiQ8c/XIpWAcsgz3PtSsNMnVunTH8qllokU4HX6ikA8E7exORnilYpCk8ll4NAwBwcZosA5iOBzSsApOM9PXFACk5Xr+GKAAtgdeBQA0sB07d6dgG7v4h68GkA1pGIGeMdadgFSTByQMHoaLASNNkHP169aaQrkkL9mJFOxDOr8NMCw+bHvmrhuZy2PVfDlyqxKSckgYzXZA5ZHXWcmAAxBzk5Jra5Fi9A4B6k98kZBxTEXrQOzhsL6EH3oAmLZBIXg8HPb3qgIJ5Fbdk/LnikxFGcjkKw49R09vzqWUirLcxW+SZFBX1OABQgOV8V/ELRdEikElypk28KpyatRZLZwPhD4rT+IfiJZ2FvuS3c4PPoKbWhN9T6MX7qshAJwDt61ibC52sexx97nr3NF7AI+crwD1IwaTYC7sDPQ9PoKLgOA5becFapsYhZdxTHGM+lJAKWIwoUgH1H+fWmBDktJweO2TzQ2A1QMEZyDwc55/CpEMyBjbg84ppDHNGWUgHgHOGOcf407gMcnbuOCp70r3AjHJBxhge46UmIdnaclnbv07VQxshjUodpQNknnOenSgQ55EVM7icjGR2/GgCrtQLtYknn5SeaVh2I2LIU4A75zSCwjzjdw2044Ct/nmm2CRnagFedSmFwpwSOTWcjSJzmsL9shlicYPOxiOme/51mzSOh5tdQj7Tc2pZRg5CgYKnFRY0MqWUmwViOVAjOTnr3+vFNBscxfkxXjoUAIfg9e1aohkeu+XLpyuMk7SMk00yTiNSH75sZGOv5VojJmZcNuiY4qkQ9QsWAiPc4pjTLdsf36j1NIpGkDwRuA5wRQS2VZmJgIzhhmmIzXkIznucc0xNlG64bBFNEsrpkEntimBGemaokTv6UAP3VJQpOVpiGnhBnuc0xDf4s+lAFkHv2qSivKMFh700SMTrTAG5oAQUAB+9QAYoAlgAKkGgB6tgD60hj5BlQaAKz8E4piG9qAFx3zQAnb0oAVTzg9+tADjhRt60rgMP15pgHagAHTBoAMc0AHegBWoASgAoAKACgA7Y9KAA0AHagB0f3qTGix/yyX13GkMUqCc9wKAJE5hVu2SCanqHQb3+tUSxucCgBjNzQAzNNAFMBfxxSAfvbHY/WiwCYVunBoAaykUAMNAAaQCGgBaYAKAHYz0osAopgFACmgBpFADaQCUgCmAlFwA5oAKYAaAENABQAlABzQB9nhmYA7SpJ9P84rtOWxKMYUEn5uAfWgB4yep79v5UAS5BIJzzQBJgAnJIUnJPXNIBygAc5IPagCeJgM57ZyfekMnVVDZIYcE59KkCbaTkl8Y560ASQA8AgEnoaTYF1WPX5s4/GoYMcmzje2SMnGOfrQIjLcccE8gE5x/9emihinaWJbjoPp6UwCTOMliBzyOh5oAjwUwV24HemA1xgKFC9cYzwO/WhCYkZLscjjpwcfnTYIlVyifKuemQT6UrDHxArnec5HX0pAOJYIGYnJx1pAOikO85HXuPSmBMshfPZiOec/SlYC1DgDHIHbrxSGkWTxlozjbz60FEi4BDcnuSR1zxQBOiJgnaDg4xjikIeVUhvm+U/r6UgK78g7VG3tjr3pjKcrfJ6gjkUhGfcuMbQSSDzk0CZnSyryuMHknvxQBXDHqmfegBASxL5PI/OgLD3VARlfUZ9KBhyTgcY7kdqAEyACwyOTj2piY1Sfm29DnPJxn1oBDCM468jJOetMQjgFs8Y+nQYoAjkAA+bcf6UAWNPtJbm4Ux7io4OB2qG7DSudrpVgsaqGXHbIHSsmzVI2beLkbsgqOD3pMuxZVdq7tpPAyDUlIWRvkJ2cY6ZqGxkUhHzHDEdlJ6VnJlIhcYYbW56nPWsWXYrzkbtp59wM1EmUiLs2R0FZNlDHTc7PkZ475qGxoaMMCwHXnB61A0I/3vlGeeRnrSGJ/ECP0poQi7Mnb1HfHb6mqQhyt83Jxnge2P8mmAyZFZ/vYAA4pMCpdMCdhzn1I61BRlXuAHwPm9e3P/AOqgZy2uAYYE8HPHcVpBiZwOuQH5l67T6V3UpGEkcLq6bCwyfoK7oPQ52c1c46c/hWgjPmxnikwKkpA65pAVJPvVJRWc9aAIm61RIw9aQw9qEDCgApDCmhMKADHNCBiihggpDF75qiRByKAFpDE7UxB2oAcBSY0IetMQopDEpiCgBppXHYjNMQgoAkjqWUWYTg1DKRoW7cj+dZyRaNGGbABBJ9ayaLRaFxnGM/SoaGmPEmTnIJpNFkiynGCTipsO49JOgx3osO5Mj+pJPfFQxk8Z4HcVLKRMrHPBGD1pFjw2Af61IChgTxjHeiwJjgcKOaQ2KO5PT1oJuPUjtx9aClYUMT8xwff1pDGsecY75HNNANZjk7sEY6ZoAQntnGfQ9aBMZvy2etAkNJ45OfamihgcZ9O3vVWIbHpMQ2c8ZqiGdN4duiCF6HHXPFNE2PSNBv1+QBlXH61vGRjOJ3GlXYZduQMEY71vFmTRvW0p2hiRyM9eetXcmxeim5DNt9TkdfrTuIe8o8vggnHOPencCrcXAycyYwfwAqbhY84+IPxM03w6rKH3ygEbVPShag3Y8U1/4w6nqcv2e3JRC3BBrWMUtyXc5vTLLWfGOrNvaV0LY3NnFXuS3Y9V+HPguHw94w0yWcfvd5+maJLQNmj6Xg2iJQAdzcnt0/nXKbis68l8pjAPODikwEZ8SDAO3gkHvSAmUggIYvve/WrsOxGoCy5XJXGewxUtCCTOSSpwB2z1pFIVP9Xk8MODnjjpiqTERksp2ZyBxS3EM3Mc43HjHPakNIVXPUMoz1NO4WGSmQAbdvGehHU9aNtxCON4wfmUDIyQf89aBtEcZYMQyEjjHBz+P5UhBIdsYeVgSvX19qAI3kIUtypHQUx2IHlJUBWLZGM0rlAXYMQGGehIHT/Jp3FYjmbJILA4HIz1/KpuMqPceW5DAE8FWHt/Wi47FXUpN6BgdxU7gAenr/WkyomLfofKZ1G+NgSOMf5zWbLXY888YKLfUFuEA+dQ24dSR1H15qGWmc7LIj2DseQco/vg8fpVIGzMv7UPfCOUgLKgKEjv7e9UmJmbOWW0ntJBuxnaw7fhVJiaON1RCm7PUgHNaIxZkXK7RgdGH5VaJehXtGxkZ4IpklwN/q2BIIxSZSLyyAhsk8cn8KZJXeTcrnjp0NAGfMSULGmiWVZ/m70xESZ2nNMCEjg9KokaOvvQAucHmiwXHDpxRYLiMfmHpQASABAR3oAepOzFIYkgJAJ70BYhHBpiHDuKAGd6AHZ7UAB6UASW/JP0pDF/g96AJ0G+3U96BlV+ePSmSMHrQA7FACNQAlAD1O5fcUhjSOaYhKACgABoADQAr9BQAlACUAFAC0AAoAD1oAVuikUALF98UAWAMwA85DVJQqHDj028+9AE0OPs7D/gQ+tSxrYQgAk9adyCGSmgIjyadgDFMAxQA4ipABTQCfWnYBQ2Bg9KAGvjOR0pMBtIBVUscAUwL9nYPMfu8UAbEGiJtyy5paiIrjRtq5C8/SmFzMuLRkzx0pXGVWXacVSAbSARqYDaTASkAn1pgJRYApgB5oADSATNMAoAT8KAFoA+zgSoHOc84rtOUlBw2ScE+3FAD4slRlM8+tAEoHGcDg9RQAo27QAM8ZxjrSAmzuRQMkZ78UgLFvHg+2AOaGBaUAKVYnr0+tIB5H3iB34HXGOtIB6cAkkjIyB6ikUTI7lQvG485NICVm+QcEt6k1PURXY4B28DAzVjCM5wzZwR2PSgBTxgAZ9ie/vSAGDYPzDryOgpgV5OmwADJ6MeKaEyQchcjoMdaGCJAJNuMH7vXHB6VIxy7vKUhdv9TQA/B28L0OTk0AID23YznIAxzTAswccqMjPAIzmpYFuLJ5k79gTSAsIyqQAvbOf8/WgslhwFAIXGeh4xQBMpXkYxkdCe386kQxpCAQCT3FAFWeUeWQRz1wehzQK5QkbCjlgCuRz096AM66mzu6kk8nNAMqKWZx/Cc0AMYncrBuh288GgY4EKqhskZ+Y0CJCQRySPX3oGIwJxkHHI68n60AMKkDGfbk0CAE7QAxP1piG4I24AORk464pgNYNtKk570AOggaeTy0QjnnsKTdhpHZaJpnkW4wAjY69vaspO5pFG9BFtU7TgemOtQzRFuKMAknIOM4LenWkMeOu4lsnoSM+9SxkHmfIwwMngEjms2UVyRks/A4HA61jJlojdlb5lPfqtSUV2bGWHPcf4VlJlIgBRhsOSQSD7cVmykJj94RnBHJOazbGhMHdgp1Prjn/CpGMb+HAP+frQJirnZ3GeQORimhDiPlIIUDuCapANzgNzk9OD2FMBrEA7mHXjOahjRUkBYchSMcZz61DKMy4AIYg4GMe459am4zntTQsJAVBJ9OTVxYHF6/ESzIARgV10pmckef6/C2X4Cn3716NOWhzTRx958pPGPSuhMyMyY+1JgUpTknk0AVZDyakoruaAI270AJ1piChAwoATj0piCkxoKQxaYgoQMX+VACHpTEAoAWgBDQAtDBBSGBoAKACgBD0piGk0AMoAKAHpUMonjOCKTGi5C3vUNXLLMUhXuKhoaZMs2D71Firk8cvfoTSsVclSQ9c5HvUtFJk6vk8EfWpHcnikIOVHNS0Uiyjdwf61DRRKjgkYwRmpsMlDdRzwOmaQ7jwcY44/lQNMXcCMLnHrSGPjIOAWNIaHFvx9KQXEUnp7cGiwXA8HOByKBMaTzx0oGhpPB6E+9NDY3f0GADigBjnK4J/CmiWRMT17d6ogA2TnPSmDNHTLkxuGyfpQQdtoeoKQPm5xx+dUpWJcTvtE1MSbY1fIxuxk8VtGRnJHXWeoK23d1x1BrZSM2i8L3hSHGfrnimmTYk+1hujsCKfMFijqVzvt5PLIyvvmpbKSPkf4wx3Z1qVpWdjuJ5HrWtPVGclZnFaTE6XHmujbUUnkVrYlM99+DOt6LZWDCZVDHGcgU5TSBRuddFqUeoeN7A2v+qSUZJNc/tr6It03ue7QjbbKGJB24B/CgoagDL82M5z60mNhEeDzjI496kQMWwQQR/jTuAgwWA3EfL97H+f0obGhS4JDZymMAn/69IbHYyN27jBI56nHH0p2FciBOwDdk5+tAIYJN8h+bII6Y70igBJjxxuz9c0ANm3ZyCOOQPQ9qGBDtXcuAcnGd3Q+tJAOzkgBtuOwzVC0IpNjAkqqjIOT39KQyOTkKhbPOevAoYEHmqciEqF6Ed6QDXdkcEsCBknP6DFDY0rlcTb8lMjPOR6+lK5SViGTBKxnc5Gd3H60IGV7guhCj5geOe3FJgtSjMvz+RICIwPlH96p8i/M4Tx4nlWzx4O5HMkZYcMD1qWi0edTXUgLwYBV1zu9xQtAC9aWaONi3RN6HuDSTKsUiS1uLoEsVOG7Eg1oiGcprsYcM6qDzzWiZk9jn7kEDFaIyZUtx85WmItRv1BHI6UmBYaUKpKkDIxmmBBIWCuc9B1poCorAxsD3pkoryZPXrTEMY/uyT1oAhPXimJjSaYgyKAHL/SgBp5YCgBZDnA9KAHIflApMaHnlCuO/FAEDjBpiBevWgBG60AAoAcMn6UAPj4fA70AL3YUAPjfEYGaTGhjjDkdqYiGgBVPP6UADccUANoAVSQaAJCPSkMjPWmIKACgAAzxQA56AG0AFACUALQADqKAA9aAA9B9KAHRff8AwpMaLQ/1BX/a/pQMaOx96QEtp82FJwCcGpYEs4IJAxwaQmVZetWhDBwabAQjHNCAMcCgBx7UgDFACGgBDVANNJgAGaALlnFlgCOtMDrNGtFCBjj6etAmbttAAg+XoQPp+FUkS2SvZhgfl9M81LQXMPWdJwhYKOB2qLBc5G+gMbngdaZZSPFMBh60wE70mAhpAJVALikAnGeaYCGgAzQAUAFABQAUAfZibigDFd3fGMV2nJceN3yjjPfjHegZMkhIGD070AP3KEBUck9R0xQA+Ngy8DBxj8qAJrdVJ+f8T261LYF+JMk5zkdMg4qRku0nnjk/Nz1FFwsPkkYZDbs4zkdc0AOj3FMg4Hfn3pWC4+LIIIf3GfSgYpyp2hcH0zSAa5Ickk55PB6fjTATJ+XLEY96AHxsXbO3vgetADZCxX5SQecD09vegCPZ8wG7n60ASLuboGHNAh4HykBR7Z9KQxRjPBCDGM0gFRSepYt3z3pgSIBs5Htz1NAFyDLOMJtYcDB4/wA8UmBYQZONo6ce3cfrSAsLncAznjr70Fj4xtXOCT3z2oAJJdqEZD4PUjApAV7iXnJzjd34pCKc8hX7oB6AjFAjPuZSAX3MQ3yjA/CgLmfkOTjjHAGPemIQDjHPTP4/5/lSHYcpwBzkjqO496AHYwuQRuHt+uKAGkEDIU5B/u0BckPJBPr2/SgBh+XIc4ycnjigNhTzjd36c5qhDUUBTj7x4OORmgBqxmQoFIJPbOKVx2On0DTDGuXUbvRhWbZpFHUWsJK47++OKzZaLiRbDlSCnUBecfl1pDJiq8kDI54JpFEOUDsSFDseQMZqGxorSE/MoPOe/GKyky0RybM9cd+etZFIrzEdAAGB6Y61LGV2wpAIyh6EngmsmUMbco+Y4GOgHUe1ZtlIZlsDPC47+tQOw1lGcN97nApDHH+Egc4+XHIpiGglieDkc5piHA4yRsYMCPrTARWJLE8kjHSkBESMHJAABJ//AFUhor3EhIwqkjv7+9ZyKRRuVwvIU54wB7VmyzDv0BVlwcAf5xTTA5PWoGO47fnx1Hcdq6aciWjgdegbDDGOuPrXfSmc84nBatFtY8c12xkc7Rh3XXtVklGVuSaVx2Ksh60hkLUxDDRYLifSmIDQAUhiUxBQAd6Qw70xC+1AADQAHpQAh60ALmkMM0xCUAFAC54pWHcKYhM9qAENK47DWpiG0AKKTGh60mMlQ1IFhG5qSyVH5pWGSLJU2GmSxye9TYZYik57VLKTLEbflUMvctRsfl2n8c1DKuToSMHdz9OlIpFiJuMHGM+lQxkiMSDhsg9fSkFySNzuHX86TQ0yRXySS3WkNMch5+XqBSKHjk8cd6TEwJ+Xr09KBpATx94UgYjE7cHH4UDQjdSQM465oGxjYIxkkDtTERyHnPeqRLIZDn6daoljQTjBPH5U7CLMLHkgkH9KQjY026dGXBGKAOy0TVCjDBOAPShMXKdZY6sAoLOQxHy4rRTM3E1Y9UUgEuS+ccnv9arnFylmPUvMUYYjJwOKfOLlLK3AJOSDuquYVjyj4o6Nb3WrxvOBtkJOSeK3w0lzWZnWWlzltX8O2cGmy7FUKy5BXvXp8qaujl2MH4aSqNZe1kAZNwHPpmvNro6qT1PePDcFta31vPHGq/OMkCsaUTSoz26CTzLWNsnYcdTmtjNCbmCgYHGcY7DvUvcGMBLEjIyB3+lIdhokjQ5DkHOPw9aB2HuxOzaeSeWBwP8APWgS3El3NjLKAM56UFCbiGLnbntjvQFiNZJdh34Vc5U8YP1pJgN3HYGABU/w5796AHJIoUZ5YD6UwGGXeOG4JzyetK4DGxy0eMZ5Un9aAI1kDMMDnt83TNFwF+UYZyRnpjj/APVTAgnYYDHAOcdOaLgQjyzIHcLkjjjBpARzMrMcNhCTuGehpMa0IH3RJGA5BBxyePrUlkSXSo2GVt2ck9eadybAVSWQug5fJz/SmGxS1A/d2qSV67TjAB6VBcTnPF6x3OnmQIz7QVPHVSKTRSPEtWBguCMEKzZGe2KaWhQ6ylVzs5Yop9u/FT1K6EtlGpR0Y8Sjn2PrVJkHM+I7cwzSDAEZGfzrRENHKXSEx9c4ArRMxZQT5ZT+dUSWFGZDjigB5XcjA8Mq0AQvJuts85HWmhMrbgy8cE1ViRjEkbT1osBFJygH40IRBnBqhB0NACEUgAelMATqT6UAHWgBycg0ASoePXPWkMifBwaYhg60AGKAADOMd6AJXwqADqetADUP7xT70APP+tb3oAap6ikxoe+CQfagCFxzTEC0AOkyRnFIBlMAFAD15GKTGhnfHpTEBoABQAsf3qABj+NADaAFoAKAENAAO1AC0AK2Nq0AOh6k+39aTGi0gLQbvekMY2MD60XAWLgVLAtTY35P1NITKkn3qtCGgc0AGOKAE9KAHEHIoAKADGKVwAjNUAwii4Ao5pgaWnD94uKGB2unRr9nXcOg7U4kM3bRAX4JzjPSqJLqwqFOBg/mKTVxXGz2YmgeOTJBFSNHnXi2y+zTNxjn6VHU0Ryr1YxtACUgENIBKoBTQAh/WgBKACgAoAPrQAUAFAH2Kr4JyOfpzXccZL5hB5we2MUBclhOD19qQXJA4GADjnjAp2GmSodxwNw4xweKT0GX4UCjdk5PFQwLsA5J3cdaTGiVuSpYYAH+TSQEEj7V45A/2hTAVG245U0ATxhdo5PUdPSlYZIrFfnXJB6EjrSsBC428vs65ODTQgUdF9+3WmBIgwfmywHWkMdtyc8bQKVwDYxIHO3PGf1ouAEqv4/3f8KAHDplSDzjkdKAFyxCvgEHpk0gHb1OCQBxx74oAtQgFgGx8nPH0oAmRMKMYbA4z1NICxEFClTk9gMfoaCrFhSuzOT64x1oGEm4cg9ec56+1IRBM6DlscdRRcLlKWTBZTnI9c80hFGaUliASex9f/1UCKFxIGA2544/D1oGNOMcjnAoEO25IJLfXFA7i99uDtPOaBjxuO0HAGPrmgA2jHQZPbPagVhQDt4BGfbrQMakZI+bcuRnn1/woEITnhBuHZs9aYhFAZ8jPHtTA2dEsM4lZCTjjI/lWUmaJHXWlvtIAULz69T/AEqC0jRAAAXbtxweOwqSrEpQKg+YDPoOv+f6UDGSMVj3FMY469KkZE7HLOoBwem3pWbKRUHC7ycjk9eazkUhkhbYQeMj+7nH51mUVZGwxYkevJNRIpEUhJydh+gPrWLKIyTggZ9RjHWoYxNpb5SN2R9BUsaEV23AZX5Tg0gHEDAYE4yM/SmgFwygZLcdTxTEDEs+05B9SfamAxkznJY5H+f5UhkZZSx5/eYPUcGpGQTAEcjueKiTGincLuTPA9PWsmWjKvgpbgNwcjAGKVykc7q8KsrYB2NyG747VpCQNHCa9aEkD8sV20p2MJxOD161YM3y49OK76cznlE4+/j2lsg10KRk0Zc3encCo9AERpiG96YgNAADnNIY00xCg0AGRQAA80hhnFAADznNAB+NMQDpQAlABQAds0AKKAFHSkMSmIDQAgOKAEOKLBcaaAEoAcBSY0OUe9S2MkXrSAmXvUljw3vmkA5Wx60AiVG5x+tS0Vcnic9M1LGWInI64FQ0UmWo2GOualosnRty9cYrMq5YjYjkHPvStcZZjfIFSykSKQWxkjr05pWGmSoQWxz+BqRoVPvY+lDGiTtkrgdKQxV6DkY4qQQEjb04oKFBwOcA9OnSgBDjdjjp1pjGDHOcc0CImHUdRVIlkL4Iz0qiGNH507iJY8qAPegEXrU7cH+fapYzcsbkoMhicDjtUFG3Z3pHyliD6A07i5TXt7/5NrE4/lTuS0aMV/hgN/A7Efyo5ieUv2+plCF3Ej0Pt3q+clwMLxzJFJpZumO6YHKd81pSqWkiZwvE8l1bV9R8kwOpCkdT1r2oy00PPa1OV0C+k07XUkzwz881zVFc2g7HvPhvXPMii82QDJBzXPHRms1dH0J4YuFudMhkUkgqCeMjpVkrYvtnnaACO+akCPB+bBzx+dIa3GEHyslckcAHuKGihcqOB0UDApAICQxJPSgBrlWYBu3dc5ouBG7BnwXYnsCenpQA5nbO4nA6AUART4YbBjHfd9KTVxoYioqkcgDjK/xHucUIGxWZQx2M+GHA96AIy37sMVUnHdulMQxiXYEsRgA4xxQBWu2KsrMzDcO56VLGgWX5dqsrdie9Fx2IdxEeGOSSeo6+tK40iOU525Iyp49OKLjRTuWYEkEE5IDAZpDEkmcIF3Hd2z3oCxA825gXXIA45xmlfUZh+IsxxkZIQ5OD0Wi40eV+K7EzfOnA2/KenPOM07jSOQheWGRWz0BB4/MGjdDNGxnQPG2793jDDHI96AZF4gjiaFxJjIx82Oq5q0Q0cPex7AyAA7TjNaIykYrcH1IqzMmt5AJVz6UATOcTNz70AUyCu8ZwKBMr5285qyQlbOCM0AMY7lHtQBE3XNNCYjUxCUAGcUAJ0z70AAOKAHKfmoAmjBKtSGMkA2A0XCxCPWmIcuScAZzQBIR5akcFsflSGM6r/OnYVwB6Y9aAHj7wNADV4JoYIkB4qSiKQHOapEsaMg0ASdiKAIzQAgoAenWkxoHHOaEDGmmIUd6AAcEn0oAXHymgBtABQAUAFACUAFADj0FAD4uAaTGiyG2wYHcDNSxjW/1IP1oAWHr9DSYFiYgj6gfypCZWflqaYhKoBKADFACmgAFAC1L3AKoBh60AJnBpoC5ZSgOM9qbA73QJFkhXDZIA5oRLOv02xDoCAOcZ5qzNmylpGAvHB5PHagRVvYYLdMsygKM+v+etQxnlfxAuEklKpyc81HU0SOLarKGmkwEpAIfegBKoAoASgAJoAO1AB2oAM0AJQAtAH2DF8zAbiMdOevt7V3s4iTGXByATkjHNIB6sysCRz9QcUASxAFvr0OKQ0XYVBKrkDLcZOcUmUXogAQWbjPf0qWBZVjv5HB6E/wAqQwkk+UE/KR74oArSSBlG/B/hJ6/nTEPjlO3aWKj1B4NAFiNsucqPU1NhkoYkDJGM85P1oGISA+chgOen+eKAE3gkLnoPu02JE8RDfediM52+uPWpGSQ4CHAwDwv+fzpMBXA5wBtznkdfWkhAST84XkjGRx+NUMjUAt6k8E5pgSIQRjb2PPOf88UASRncSMknOMGkBYjiUr/efrSAnUHlmzgdgetICzEQ4AORxzxwaCkSjKr8xCjPI24H1oGIclQMevVuRUiKVy3qxLHoMUAZlzMzbgx+vrQJlGaYnJ6leBzjNAiGJZCDlccdT/j3oKJdpCkDGOp9KBC7vlyecDk9jQA4jYuMHJPXOKBjo9wIBHAOM9fagBx42rzgHGCeSPagBQpHzDaR7dKAGOGYhWIyRxzjH+f60AIRvGCwOPwApoTL+lWDTSK20BfpwRUyY4o7CyttkSIqLg8HIx/+uszVI0oowVwuARyMccY4pMpFkqcjgAcZNSMUBXcK2AT3PWkBC7kox7nj9KlspFVmG0LuyOmeg6//AFqzZRHK21ivUH+L2rKRRWlC5BCjaRgH+VQyiFxtUAEHjnuTWUikR5YEgnkdCDyR71mxojXDHe2M4646GoYxoDITwgHUmpAVAchgucYPTv8A4UAKPMxufBGRnjrTQwzlhs4zznFMQPhnwFH0B4oARiONykk/d5xxSY0RTMdxfgN04HP50hkEmMdOT1xzWbKKxwVPOOPwHpUMpFGePghVB9D6fSpYzEv4FAb5QDjByME0kxs5PWLMDJI+mB14rphMTRw2v6cSD8qlf5GuunUMZQOF1ex2u2F7812QmYOJzN3DhjxWykZNGdIp5q7iISDTENwaLgIaAE7UwA9qAE9RTEKM0hic0hgaAE5piFxTELnsKAE96AF9+lIYn8qYhRQAmTmgAzQAUABoAQ0AJzSGFADgKQx6qfapYDwKQ0h4oKFz3oAeppAiRaBksZxxWbKRZjbtUsaLMR6HPaoZaLEbHr3qGUieNyMHOOakosxtxxnP86ljJUOeCBSGiaMgEjH+fapZTHggEYGPTIpMEPzgk9SDxSKHZHBx/wDXqShM4PPemAoJ5Pp79aQClj1JwKYXGE/LjBxigLkTv07Y4OapENjFwR1HSqENA980AyaNcc9PekxlqIdCFyfWkwSL1s20dse4qWUjRt5OA3Oc9aTYWuXIrptvzHjt60risWlviUxnIBxn9aLisO+3vuypPJ6ZouHLcg1G7kuImUvlV4Gc4pqVncXLpYXVNHtdQ8LjUNq+ZGNjADqfWvew0+aB5VWNmeIkAa35bcASYH51NQqGp6hZPNa6dHIGypABx2rhhP3rHXKOh718DvEY1HRXtZXxJBhRk9R2rdmCPSkG7JA6nOd3SpARULHPTj+9nOaCkOG8YB5A68ck07DEkQEscde/pUgVyMoylQ3PK56f/roAjlmwcbSCuBz6fyFK47DZSXK7XII7+lG4bDIydpVkHpjH3qF5gwmbOVb5QBgjqc0XEMjZg7SZwM9+TkCmMkDhiCf4TnB4NIRVm2hxs24JyTikxjT8vyq+SB/F1HWmBBOmIuXJJHGR0NJjRWEZbjcQMkgg8k0ix7FfLxt4HA56mgVhJZUwpJwAcnFIdiu4HJZvvdDnr360ICnKgQuQ+T/CwPSgZnXbM6sPMK56nBJ9jSYzOuJw+Y3weMZYetCEjkNf09ZIfK+ZcISGH8PuPpSb1LRwOu2slm32lQHx8kuBw49apAyvHAzrvgJbHDxngj3o6iKtxIZYzHNnzN23J4/OrRFznr1Njyo5+bqMDp7VaM2YMy/6Qw6Z5rQzZHjawz+dAFh3BKOe4waEBXmOdx96aEyqTxmqJAnIxzxQA0d1oAZ2poTG9zmmIQd6AE+ooAOaACgB3cEUAWE4U/SpKIiMrimIiHFMQ9X2DK8t6+lIBhOTk0wHJ91qADHT2oAkj+ZuKAGPkMaAFVvakxoJBhuemKEDGHk4piH8ZpDQ1iCelCEJtPUUwEHFAD2HA4pIBrimAi8UAK33frQAE9RQAgGSBQAd6AAUAFABQADrQAHOO3WgCWEfKc9smkxomb7p9MCkMGP7ofSkAQ85pMCaY8DHHFJCZERzTEIetCYCYNVcBRRcBDQAlACipe4C9gM9qEA1hVAMamgBXKnimBtaNrkto3PIFITOy0zxgfLABK9+DT5iHE2E8UtJF99R/Sm5E8pnarrrPGT5hJx3qLlcpwetXTXEuSSfekjQyDVgNNJgJSAaaaAKYBQAlAAfWi4AKAFH40AJigA7UAH40AfXyuQgGRu56cmu+5xXHs2P4snHWgByMSy/OFIPPvQwL9uFwSW5PcmpH0LlspOG9unocUhosxOFGCRnPJx1qWMVpMFWyykdj/OgCN5gF5JyTgZpiuVnmYlsHjqT6GnYZPbyZOTxgcYPNJoC3E4IHUjpzUgSg8ZbqfWgYx5DjBPUn8aYhIZFDcgbyPzosMtREZDbgCDUhcnjbJ6dRnnpUsB7tuYbRlTzgigBpy27PCg9u1NDI927BBPzcg9/bFMAUtu+bGAOmaALSKR82Tnnkn8qQFtFOCQMDIOPf/CkBMFy64Bxjn1B/wAikBZjHIy3OMZHGPegpEzIpUA9DipBjZ+EyMD5s456UAZl5nYfmxnt/hQIyLshc84ycZx1oEVNquBu4PTrzQMeo2jgFueaBkwA3Fc7uecnn1oAEUYD5ycAEH/P0oEKVwAc7gOenegLjtvzYJOf7x4oGHBPQcfjQA/DCQk7TxyB1JoAaVCqSynJ6kUATWNq00qD+Edx16UmxpXOt0q1VF2gHqAcVm2WkbdtFgEgdBwRUtlosKMMFA6njH86Qx5UDIY4znvjNAEbsfvYG5se/wDKpZRA4yMbcj2PJrNjK/yZ34IUjkZ6HrUMpEcpVnG5lb0xWbKKrtjG0nHucVEhorycsDk/d6nFZMpDHJHoB35/Ss5MZEy8MM47n3HepGJwMkgNnsBSsAobP3CBwBwaLAOJ3EsQxB6c0wEKjnkkkk9MUAKz5YKAcY+YjFADQuWGCec5HrSuMYyhTwwyDnj6UmUV3ywDEcnsRWbQyN8AkuMDOOn4Z/WpGVp4yRjPPb0qWhozbqIlGyv1JqWirmFqFt5u8EHOOuMU07D3OR1nTsqysMkgjHJxW0JktHDa1pmS2AMZOOK64VDOUDjtT01gSNpwPauuNQwlAwrqxKseMfhWymZuJQltmB5zV8xPKQtARTuKwwxH0ouKw3yz6U7jsGw0XFYbsOTxTuAm360XAClFwDbmncBNtFwArRcA280XANpzRcAK80XANtFwE20XELt9qdwsIV49qAAjigBCKAExQAYpAKFoYxypSAlVc1I0PCHHSi5QbaQABigB4FIB6igaJYxUXKLEYHA/HNSxosR9OtQykTpznjHHWkyywmSenFQUWI/lHfFJoaJkIPHP1qWNEqmpHclU4HXI71JRIOoOAc0itxOeh49qVgY7/wDVSGJyOvUDvQAvoTkfSgBsmduM9eaaJZCeCDz2zVpkjR7cA+vNMAGd1ArWLEfZetJlFqDpwv51DHsW4yflxwakosRsQApJPPSkwJQ3PXt60XAcGCjgY5FICVXOcjPA9cUAMMgKjtn3oA1fDt1uWbSZDmOcHHsa9LA1WnY4cTTtqeSeONEudM1x2VG4kPIHvXpVYHFGVtDqPDd6bvTRE7MHC9/WvJqrklc9Km+dHZ/CbXH0LxXFHJIBDOdh9j2rWM+ZGM48rPp+3n8xVkUqeMjFWQ0SkEsOOnHXimHQUx4C5BBIHAPH0pBchndto2Z3dMZ7UMpEEysULrjd0+YdcUgI1PmgFgwPpxwf896QyE5B5JxkjA9KQxSr7S2MjGRz2oEMLpIFPRu4pWGIzbW24XOOB60wGtIPKyoBYD8aARGsreUrAZY+oxz/AJxQBE8mffoAB64pXHYguiZowHXdtPrg8e9J6jSsRJISPlG1gM5oQCEs5wHG0rn60mykRzOsI/eASKRkZPJ96m4JFOS6Y5VVwBwSOOKLlFeed1HABjJ7UXCxTMsTTOApwGx0x2pp6gzOu/muCVXLg984/CqYkZF6XdYDMQpzgOOahlLQ5a/sS8lzbsmVJO0dMjORzTWg3qzm2tLi2Al5ynTHXGf88U7gU9cUXG2QAF9gLOBjIHr9KtaGcjk9SBMo3HnacH1rRGRj3SATcnr3q0QyCRSBnvTEPHMYH4igCGTndgimhMqkdRVEjecfSgAPUGgBGFNCY3qevNMQw9aAFPJoATuKAEoAUUAWo8Y/DGaQyP8Ah9aAInPNMQ2gBx+6DQAsZ7UAIR3oAkg6g/hQA2T77CkhsB1psSHSjK5pIYxeTk+lMQoGBQA09TQAgOO9ACnBHFAD15FJjQyTrTEAoAU/dz6dKAG0AC8NmgAPXNAAKAEoAKAFoAX+BT70ASDhFHXPekxokzlSaQxwPy4x0GKQBAPmpMCSQfOV9KSExrZzijcQ1jjoKAEHrQAvbNADTVgJmgBymk0ApoSAZ3qgGtTAbQAA4oAsQTsnrg0AaEF8wH3qloVgnvndcFs0IEZ8zluadhkJpgNPWgBKTATvTQCGgBOaAD2oAXpSAKLgHagBcUXAMUXATGaLgfXCueNwG4dGA/OvQOEepwvyr8v92hDRPHgMpHKgjoOR+VJh1L8AOwYLYI6VLYXL0KggBiTjrU3GnYmPI+6f50BcryyruDZPI+lMLld5AFJB9cZFUkCRG0oGMEEdetOw72JIH77uPUCk0Fy9G4O3Hbt6VFhkrSY654xSAiMuED5cE9yeaYCJJ0YZGOMCmMtwTZXAyD2zxUNAWVf5uv1z60gJY5VA5PPQ+hosMaZM52tt+g64pgNViSMkYp2FcmgZRxjAJ5B9frSGW0HJViWHX8KTAsxkEnOSMdm60gJIgsh2kZB4JakBoQKdpCAjv/LpSZRYC4BDg56j0pAVmXp19M+tAGbeKinMhOB3x19KBM528bLZIL5bv2oEIiNyMAEc89B/9egZMB5nP4cUDHZbC/Mu71PcD2oAfEecAcAkZ9KBDgzEYOenBH+fagAADHB3Y3AkHqKBihPTGfXoaAFQkpn7ue+P0oAkii8whCH644oCx0Oj2bJ95Q5HHoKzbuWkdHbxgABRtJHp1qLllxFOAV9Ome9IZOpyNrLgjgH0oGRO/O0tkY9etJgiFyDgHtx16+lS2WVyfmKseDyRjNQwIJAC+8gc/p/nFZyKRG7hxxjGc8fSsykV3OSFAwD94Y7VEmNERAweBhh8vPasmWV2AXoB1x168Vmx2GEAgKM/U9vakAmFXJGOnYjigA+6d3qMcDt7UAPG/wAzcWxwMmgBilGYkrnn6ZNACn5huAUA4PA/SgY192TggjkY9KkY1srlSCFzzx+f9KGBHJtyNvOefqazYyI58kbRkjB6Y7jt+FFhkW1W3EhuegxSGRSxkuGA4wQTnGBUtDuZV7AHHKtnqT1yKhlI53U7MHPXI9aE2ijlNT03k7lz/nrWsZhY5PVNK3s5CjPvXRCoZyic3faQQMkA10xqGbgY9zpeCSI/wrVVCHAoTaaQ2NoBq1UI5Cs1iehXn6VXtBcpE9kR2601MOUja0PoafOLlIntiD0NPnFyjTbnrjFPmFykbQnNO4uUb5GSfancXKBh74ouHKHkEUXDlHeQewouPlD7P7UXFyiCDHOKLhyimA56UXDlG+QcDincOUPJPpRcOUb5Ld8D0ouLlEMJouHKJ5JxTuHKN8sUrhYBGTRcLD1h49KVwsSpBz1pXKUSQQ9elK47DvK44FHMCGtHjAxRzBYb5eB0ouFhwT0obGh6R55FS2MlVe1TcLEyr82CDSbKROgA65qWVaxMgxgkVLGTx5AHTNSWTqAAM9R2pXGiZR2A5NSxomAwMDjH5VDHYeu7IGeO3FIY8YAIwM4pMpMDyBzzj9aVygPTGQTSAd1OO+aAHDdjnp2zQBE5zziqQmMfHGf50yWN46Dn3qgHqOoPHpSuBPAvzgHOKlsaRcUDvnHtUXHYmTbkHGfSgZOh+U8kfX8qkCRH9SDQNBgEcMR70rhYTJBxg47DtTEISw6DjtQA2Od4ZUmiOGVgwIrWlLldyKkeaNj0Gx0aw8Tz2k0sSMJkEcoz39a+ioVlOB4lWDjIxfHvw8k8Np9qsFzBkFfp3rmxdJSjzI3o1OWVji2kYlLiLiRCDn6V5UXyuzPRlHmV0fTXwl8RHWfD0EkhxLGNj7jjkV1xkmjma7nbxfOCBlcjPA7f5zVkMAAvGRx/jQxDWJAO0Y7YPekNFXIZ/nC7cZK570ihjs3LJhXwe3B4oYyKIiWM42+YBgk/qKmwMjdz5nlkyHjr2zQMQ7FG/OVOcDNMRXf5nAzgZwufX2zUlLciRWAKk7h/DweKBsGlf5g2dxzgA9R/nmhi3K9wWaQDIC8AD2FBRFlSSI2BUfMfpSAFb5id33jn157fSgLELeXwAQRjrmoZSRXlLEFmI2qcYzz1pDIpH+Rhlvp0oAqXHKEMSoOSRn71AGex+baxUEDnHUGhDK1wJnKbY4wxOcgdR7/rWlzMoaqvmWkoVRhRu9CPSpZS3Me8Zo2hkfP7xByozgjjn0qS1uYt5bko+4ExljuQ9QfVT9aaGzmdRDi62lmWTGTkcPx1+taIhnM6za7U8xQCM5GD09qtMyaMDUVPkI+OQcGtImciq+THkdQKokiR8/IadgGgg5HfNBLZXf7xGe9UIa3XHrQAnt6UxBnjFADTwTzimIaeR7igAHSgBPwNADxGMZZttAASNuFGKAJEy0QAPOaTGgUYZloAicUCGjFMAoAF4NADmAxQAsX3l+tJgLLje1CGxBwAaGCJCMjFIZHyFxVEiKePegBD1NACd6AAdaAJV6E0hojPTpTEKMYoAQ+1ACUADdOKAFboDQAlACdqADtQAvbNADl5IB6GgCYD94R2FIYqj5f0/SkMevQ9OtJgh8IBlHakwCTls+vNTcTEfrTQhpzQAlACZ4qkgGmmAh6ZoAdzQAhJoAQmmgGnpTAMUAJQA4UAODYH40ABYnrSSAaSaYCGgBO9K4AaAEpoBvegBKAFoAKkBaYBQAGkAooAKAPrYqdzEEjjpXpM4hWGGztJ4we1JAieAei9Bg0MDTtgMqABg9Me1ZsC6McHO3ByDjr9aQCO5XLZyegwetAFOZyqgtxjqvX8apAVGkOCqbs46mqAXcWJzjdnBzRYCeCQFgVJOOAKTAuxNuGc4G3vUsdxd6gjJOR2xQguRSN8uQwzjqKA1GCQ4JHJ6GnYaLNvMBjpjGeT1FSMuQSfKCFGe/pQA4yZzzwfzpDDduwBksfvHtTEPjdRgENuUdB14oAsw5JyWPY4zgfSkMtxMTnaowKljLMbMRgHpz8opAXYIzvAJG49Cw/lSGjSiHCNghs44qSiV1fdgAkkDg/56UAQygcswUHd26UCMq/UGNj8wxzx0poTOduRlgDkjdwV4xQxDVDscMy+nWkMlLZXOAOeO3FAxzcgOe46596AFjGVBxnPOT1HHX/PpQBIQBwWJOckkUAJuUsUXJxnoaAHEYAIAwD8wHY0AOXccEAE56YzQBt6Vp7BFd/vA1DZaR0lpbhewJ7EccVJZo28IzjGADggGkMdHuVWV+SPm5Pv0qRjn/1ZTIK+mKAInJZPkxkDOMcUmNEbuT1JB7dO3rUMorsWON20H261DGhk2MtjlRyMnjFZsorSZDsevU9APwrNjIC3KocjIPI4qJFEDuAcdABjtx9ayZRG27aCckAY6cmoYxHOPmBPB/L8KQEePmye/JyeBQAZXqGOfUUAIScZ9SelAxflZj1z0OeKACM53BcZOec0CDjJ3MQVxkDv/nikNDCWGCV2jPHPWkxjWICg4A2njIpDAqu7duz3zjjvSsMZt3HoMDrntUtARMkaR7sD/wCtSsBQnTkh8BcADAqGikzHvYgQWHAx+P8AkVIzJvLLPJUHGeTnpRezLRhXumKRnGBj061SkBg3uk/9MxnkVqqlgaMW70Yk/dBxntitFUJ5TNutJwT8oU4xVqrYHAzZtJOflGT2rRVSfZlOXTNpwB701VJ5CtNpu0ZPTtVqpcHAqyWBLZCA+lWpk8hBNZELnGBVKYnArPac4qucjlIzZnJ4Jp85LgAsyOxo5w5R4s/b6Uc41EX7Fhc4zRzhyC/Yxn7tHOHIBsiAMdaOcOQDaHg4pqYuUabM46GjnDlGNZ8DjFHOHKJ9k7EU+YVhv2TI6Yp8wcow2x67fwo5hcoxrYjsKfOHKL9lOOBS5w5SRbM9cYFJyDlJY7bvjJpOQ0h32frx19KXMFgNv6LRcZE0PfFO4hpg59KdwsCxc9OTRcaiOWHFTcaiSLFz9KVx2JFT8qVxpEix9utJsqxKi88fWpuFiaJSQeMZpMaLCocZPpUtjJ0TuOv14qblEq/d6ZqSh20Y6cd6GCHYBPIxUspDW3ZLNimAH72NrZNIYc54OM+1IBwwFPAP9aAIZG4x3qkTJkZ6DH86pGbBSOQ3447UDRKvXnpSZSLMIB+UZ6VLKRcQAA56fWpGTxgYIOAuOg9akB3OFzkgilcdhwOPwoGKQcEhgBSHYYT0OOMUxWAkHjnPt3oAYpIbJ655GOlMk7n4Zaklje/Z5XwkpBBPZu1ejg63K7HFiqV9T2fUbWPXvDklsyhiV4OOhFevY85nzJ4hsZNI1qa2kUKNxAGOhryMXh3TldHo4WtzR5TrvhL4il0nX44C4FvL8pHUA1hTnZmtSFz6QtZUeISKcZHHvXYjmsSSfcAXOc9M9KqwupFIGEeTnHTj8KkqxH8v3gPmwe3f2pMCPkqATzgH15/z/KgCrcITMJFIU9vekykyNJAGBkOx88FhgfhQgZJK4RPmwNp9sUmCI8ErgqOMEnOPWkCIncljn5dvA3D2pXKK0sq7R5hBOR0FO4WK9wGyQrcDnr0NTcZGrlXX5Qcd+lMCKWQR8g85IzSbKRGsrf60bDwegqSiCZhISRgEdAKQis7s3DLnuTnigCO4MbKNrjkdu59OaAKyxK+SBlQ/OR+dA7hJCzIoDBSmRkcf4+1UmQzFul+Vxuw20qVzwfWmxooK6DyZQMxOWVgR04zUMooa0I5Y9you6NiODjrVxA5rXYUaNHVf3kZ9c5B7/wCfWncLHN3di1xFKkK7yecAdMf/AFqpMTRx19GCkqnIOM4I6EVqjCSKDLlQQO2KoixVcYBYdKpEsjJIbIpkjZAGO4d6YEdACH72aAGkkH600JjmCkcA0AM64piEUZOBSGiUgJypyaYiJg2TnmgAXGOTQBJA3JFJjQ6T5ZCfUUhjJB3poTIzTEFAB3oAfLxgY7UAInUfWgB0lJDYi8rQwQ8HkEelIYhXB+lMQxeuKYgb1oAaBQAoOKAJAxIycfhSGhjZPSmIG44HpQAi/wBKAEFAAcnrQA9DlcYpMaG5659aYhG6A+tAAPu/jQAvovrQAuOcegxQBMhyu70GKkocg+fBIwTQwHxgN5noOakECZCFvwoYDjyqn0qWIaOaYhDQAlUgEJpgMJoAnghaQZCkj2pMCV7dhnikmBBJGRmqAiYYNNAHWmAmKAFAoAMDsaACgBDQAlACUgEpAGaAE/pTAQ9aYBQAtAB9aTAKQB9RTsAhPpQgFpAHWgD68wS2MH0Oa9FHCOCtuxgbfU8UNgTW6tnoSB2pMZfgyxDA9PfoahgWVG0sx/HnnFSAydjsU5wuOTmmBSkJBYMCecEDnHtVICo+eRhgW6k85q7XAaz5bb8ueuPSnYLFmGTAG77yjBxx/wDrqGBcSTBIPAU9TzipAUSKx6EnHGD+uKAGSEA/KOg68cU0ir6FcseQCTzyaZJYidwDgkH0z+VFikSRT43bsFexzz9KmwyeM8ncBg+/6UBqSIy4X3+9gfzpgWI26ksQpzxSGXIcDknAP5YqWBaUnacnnGSBj9f0pDLNu+XXALDHp2pMDVs4yMbAd2MA5zj/ADxUMaNS3XcMjqBj14pFD3xnAOT/AA5PHvQBWcMFAwFHP0oAzNRLBTwQMfeoJZzuoBQ+COc46UAiOJNidTj16UDHrwoXAO3v3HvQBNGp+6RgEAj1/GgQBtsm4MOvPOKBjx6ngE9O1AEkinAzgdBjt70AOUYwoH3vbrQBf02xEzB2THPGD0qWxpHUafAq7RjI6A55qDU1Y4xwiYU+menepYE0ahVwvLDqB9aQxoVh0VevHOOf84oGNYjAbJDHsBikxoifAOcgfj1qWUQyMSpGxm75NSwGucKNwHAHPc/jUMorbixyRwT1HFZsZDOwYEMOelQyirIWjYkAHHtWMncpEQYBsnaVI9aljInz5memcd6kdxScNuPAB4yKTAYCw4HGR1wOfwqQGyMyjCkDnBLD2pAKjMUY7Q+cnI60DAs3L4GRxz0oGP7ptx+Axz/WqEH8XTdgdM5xmkwRGRgKRkkUmMRj1bdgDnGetIB3zFQA2e6kUDI9gEZICncOTnn9KQIjKjyiSRSYynMFKnoee3SoY7lF4RuPGQPx+tRYoqyxKG5+5gj9aTRVzLu7YHIPJPHTJ/GkFzOubEfMQm3PqOtFykZU+nruBKFcdOOafMNGXd6eqkBkOapSKtcoS6eo6qTzT52VymfcaaM/KueeatTZDiZ9xp/zn5c46+5q1MTiVpNOwThQB6+lWqguQz7myyCBgc1opkuJSks8npgD26VopmfIH2MEZA4+lHOHKKtiSckHOemOlHOCiSfYOASvfk4o5x8g4ab1wvHXOKXtA5A/s8Z4TA6e9HOHIJ9hTB55+lHODiJ9gIz2PtT5xcgn2HIOV5HejnDkI3sucY4PenzhyDHsCCDiqUyXAiNiORjPvRzi5SJ7LuF47U+cXKIbLnABp84cov2QbeMUcwco8WYwPuj29aXMPlHfZAPm2/WlzCsK9sxPAxRzA0iJ7YBDx+lPmDlK7wADkYquYXKReSSe3WncLAsPP0pXGkOWHJ6UXCw8Q56DGO9K47DhFkg7RSbHYd5IHrSuFh6w5/hJA9aXMOxKkYx7emKTY0ixHEMc8cUmyicJ8oyv5VNwsSqgCgcZPoKm5VrIVU546deKQIbtJPTIzii4xrA7uOMDBoQCbfmwAMjrTGNYZHAx6YpMTEJAU+/6U0BC+epBP9KpEMZyR3NBDFjHP1OKbGkTRrnIx+tTcuxdtwBjrUNjRZjAXjgD3FRcuxKmM5LDv3oYEvzY6Dg46dRSAAMnIJP0FADn4GQeT0oHYjcDcDyPX2oEI4OR1yeMCmMZnAIHX0oEauhyN5igHayn5SOtaQk07mc1dWZ7B8PdfZlFrcvtYcHJ79q+hw9T2kDxaseWRy/x60COaBdXtE2uATIF6GtKtP2tO3YmEuSfMjyXQ7wy7WRsOp455r5+rBwlY9mE1OJ9Q/C/XBrXhqLzSDNEvlt7kV1UpXRyzVmdiGDDdnIHAIra+hAzO+MEADn8sVJRGqnuQcnA4zSArytIu1s55K5pDGS4CgkEAZxTENdVdXjVSeMgAdRRYZVO4YVSSOBtJ461LQDJGkU5KgHGcjnOaGUI5XgqQCRnJ6GpYJEU6B8uXH+yRzihq5Vyq3BOSefbg0rWHa4x2RgCFwScBh1/L8aYiKVA6hBncOuallIrksODy3QYHX1/lUjGYwSpDbiPrzQBVYspXcAQM4ODx7UANOxj8nGOOO+e2P60ANMe5WVBtYDGcd6AKzPglOAwU8n/ABpoLFa5RMIzKAeB9PrV9BGJeR7YfJj2uoblfTnqP0rMpFAWovo3McgMirwOAatMFoY2o2Sy20bwSJ5w+Rwww2cUr6jOftGBldJQySIcbl6q3oaoRyviS1eK5lkC5VjkHHB9a0iZSWpy/wAynPbNamV7EMgBU+nemSyswxkGqRAz6njNMBpHWgAxlfegCM5K/SmIcvIoAaBk4FO4rASFBA6+tADOpoAXJ5FACdqAHKxXB96TAml559qSGM7CmBGww1MQnbNABQBJIcqPpQAkP3xxxmgBZOlJDY1PvfWmIcOGxSY0PbkA/gaVwIxkEU7hYRsYP1piGnrigBDQBKn3D70mNDW60xCN1oAQGgBccgfnQAh60APj69OKQxrUxCA9u1AAOF+hoAMgEetAEh5AOORxSGPjOPpnGKGCJI8BSOoPSpYx8eQX9DSBCkYGPz+tIBY8HIJ4oJYw/eoABjvQA01SAYTmmBJbQmWULgnmi4HXaVpa+UPl+YVIXLkmkBg3y4NFmK5kahpLRjcVP1qguYNzDsz6U0MrYpgOApXAXHfpQ2JgV/lQmCGEEdqYxhoAQ0mA2i4BmkAGmgDtxTATGaQB+FABzTQAfegA5FIAzTAKAClYA/GgD7HMW75wRyeMcV3HERzBhhe/v3poLD4Mgkrv49etJgXogCBhx+PBqWBYyOgBB7571IEZJYnPXPA6UwKUp+U56deO5qkBVYZGQV5OOT0FWBA2FKkDp39aYFmHkZ6Z5walgWwwOHbAPOcelQA+L5UHue4oAjZjtzwwA469KaAhZju4/AntTAEJ6A8H070xp2LSN8pUYb0yelIok3Enbggn7ooAsKOSfX29KALKAbsjoePl60gLcDBSAM/zxSaGW4cBNpXII5HWoC5es12oFL5Pf1+lSxmtaBgRywHdQe1Sxo1YQpHGM59etIofIeW3HqR0FAFecAqwJOB09TQBjX4zu+cH2H8h+tBLMS73K/3Ceec8UCK68EbVJzxyOBQMmjUhB9046YOM+1AxwU7gQ/HfBoAcF+YMBggYwe9AEgVRtwMN357e9AD/AOIhioP3ifWgCxYwNO/GSOMDHvSbGkdRp1oqoqYGeOmc4rN6miRsRrgBCORznsaBlsRhQp+UPngHPFSMdjjHTjg0hiSLnOBzyPrQwK8incSfmPb/APVUlICAVyrY7j61LGVmJAbcDgjGPSpYIgdmBbYcnkLkf5/OobKRExGCpyQBknuDWbKRXkYGQkL3z/8AWqGNEBVQ/OeO+OKyZSI9qheA3uOv1/lUjEbAbB9Oe9TYEQyELkIckUmhjScLtI7Y68mpsMYSRktnHQcUWAVAFJPJwce2aAHjLAZPoM4700hCnhQSpB47+9OwAAxzkN224x/L9KQxrHC5HK9VFIBq8gsH3KMdBikMaxPmAJtz2z9KADcOgYAA4ODSsBGwO0A8tgZ9aljK8kZAwAPcCpGQujBTlQCPfGaTQyq6rzuOD9c1NhoqSxkOCACP881LKRUlhJPIXBPSpKKE8I284Ydj60hmbc2y8nAbI6f1qWy0zOuLbGD94kdcdaaZoUZbXPGcA8jI4quYCnLb87SMcelUpA0ULq3AVcEkAdPT2q1IlozLi2wpUjafpWqkS0V/sfPPQHqKvmJ5Rv2TrlQBmnzCsSR2gB5HtS5hqJY+xjhSAQAOc9aXMFgNouSTgduR3pcwNDPshDDJ3evFVzBZCPaY7AY/QUcwrDWtPlzjv2p8wmhrWeFBOOnBIo5g5SNrQdf4aakLlI2teANuD3zT5gaGPbKDjbjj8qfMFiFrYEkFcinzEiG0yM4Ax7UcwctwNqEyBzzRzBawq2Y2gFTyeAaOYLXHfZuORgDpxRzC5RjwADPPPai4cpTlhx7DFWmJortDxnAzVXFYgeHnGMEVXMKw5bcY6jFJyHYcIPpUuQ7D/IAJxxxSuVyiGLnpRcLCeXn0BouGo5Y8nB7+lK4JEsaEADApXHaxOi8/KM4FK4EyJjqPzpXCzJUAPzY7dqTKQ7ZtxhT6HNICMpnnpn0pgQuPT+VO4DSvXjAouO4wBQ3ABPbPekxDGGM9APemgIWwegq0QxuPUDAoJHqvQ84NDKRPCOOmM9KllIuwqCfQdMGobKJkwDz8xxxUlEwBIGFxmkIlQZ3Y4oGlcFAxjn25pBsKdxJwMHrTC9xrbSMYz3+tAhhyqg4z70AN287gc47UILk+mv5U6tk4z1qkTJHolmhNlDqMHMij58elehg6zhI4cRDmidHcumu6G0Ekn8BVu/B7/pXuxatc8ux84eIrd/C3imS3Z8wseozj8K87F0OY7qFXlPVvgt4nWy1kW7SnyboAAFuAa4KS5WdNTXU+h4n324cFiD04rquYNke7aOnTqO1IaZIzEklSOPQ9aAsMmIyfkIGOxyKQythmK9SM9D0FAwuW+UA/I2e4wDQIqsriT5idvUEGkMjkbE20DK4ByR2pDRWvgRtaMNnPIXp9D+FJotO5A8/lLsmgDR9Q6njt19KAsJG8bfKo3IRSAruwTGUJB5xntRcBjBSWdnKk9FHf2qGNMhckOhUA+pz70ihSJGDtkrx170WApXG4Rj5lyAfbNAEbMOGVwVz27mgYNIXVehI7igLFOVtsw3cqx4JPr/8AXoDoQXEMol8wFWTbhvUetaIlmLqDb75lLkKyh1PAPGBUsa1RXkKw3Kz7E2vlDtxw3Y//AK6VykUNZtlExcBlcr5gOMNkfzpDSucpqgEWptcKm1Xw6kZwT3/w5qk+gNGfrdsJYo2XbIoG1lAwSCM5Aq0zNq55/fQeTcyRHHytke4rdO6MGrFOfKOM/dP6VSIZXnA3ZHQ00yWQNVCE+tAApwaAEdccr0piCIHzMdQaACQBTgd6EDIjTEJ9KADvmgAoAX+GgCweY0P51NihmM5FAEbimiWNHSmAlAEjjKKaSAdAPn/WhjQ3OQfrxQFxoODTEPPXI60mNEv/ACzKZ6jNSMixzTAT1BpoTGmmISgCRemKTGhv+NMQjdTQAg5oAUfeoAGoAVCcHH0oAHoAbQAdQRQAfxYoAfHywBOATQBLEMruPvUlD4cGIqemevpSYE8Pybt/IB/OpbGgkX5iVORnNK4MjXFMhiZ5oAQ07aAI2O1CAjPXFUBr6BEHuUUgnLVLA9J0uyUxg9BjjiqSIbL8liQcbMZ6EjpV2JKd9pokUhgCcUmh3OH8R6e0DMSuB9OKVrFJnM7eaLlEgTjtzSuK4pTjtSARl4oEQsvNWURkc0AMNJgJ3osAlFgD8KYBn0oAKVgA0AFMAz70AJ2oAKACgAFAC80AfZpOEwSSvtXacRDKSSBgYHWgAgIJOccHjigC5b7QvoQeOMY/zmpbAsIeeWx7EdhSAjlwUwwznpxmgCqxRcAAfXirRb2KbsADnPvxjNMgh+Q8Bfl4z6YqgJrcAcgkYB4HcVLAtx5ZQxKjHYc5qWA5Tn5doxj0pWAilwIyAMYPXtVICH5csCuQODTAeoAxjBPbHagCeEgMAF5xxkdaB3JskZIJY9MetBRKnUM2cY+bikBcjxwu0A9AKTAuIFKg8k9enQ0mBegDFdp2gnnnPWoYy9bIvmbeDjoQOvtUsZs2o+7hCQeAAMVLGi7CcsDtJPr3x2/pSGixK3dTzjgGgZSnODzjnqMUAZOoDAChgM9MdaCTHuFJ3c8kZ/GgCqAVcMuAu7J/KgZKr4YjcWAJxg0ASDhCQoPqM5oAVc5+Ruv44NAEqBQvJ7ZxQBLBC0zbCdpHIPrQwR0Wl2YjCkptOc5rNs0SN63gBJZRj0BHI/zmkUXUG7qzEDjJ6VLGSnqOM4BByOg9hSGMlboDg8557daAGMpXGSW7HPOfWkMgkZcFexP1FSxojcgjlvlzj5T0xUjGuAoBK59R0/z61LGitO3l58sbMnIx3qJDRXcrkNgA5yfX0rNlIrzvkAAYI4I7EVm2UMAbDEHaMdDkHNZsaGMrsOTkgZAoGIM+WFyeuOnBpWAiffuJ4xjt3+lJjQ30yOPSoYDWUZJI46dOh+lIZIBg46A+h60IGOA+Uc446+nPpTQhfvtyPmJAwOoqgE+UAgn9evpUgMbAJJIye+M8elAyJ8KwIXjdnpjrSGOYhcMowowMcUmAxyCFHAOOeKQ0MYhtrYwoHpUjGEY43YP50mBAED4zwF/PNICKZc4O3dxj1/OkNFaVT1OSTUMopzJwPlweo4qGWincIvO0L90A4P8AnioY0Z9zBhSvIHY+v0qWykUZo8ZKZwBkn1+lCLRSli3BiBlvyplFOaBMZZQMDqO1VcZnXEXUEDjpirTEZ8kOccEbu+K0TJZH9nP8QHXpiquKw6O13OCQQMc/Si4IsLark4UYwBmlcBxtxxuUc8470XAbLbb1ORkfTpTuIYbUAgfKgOOe1FwshBCBkdcDFFxjGtyeSDT5iBGhIGBzgdSOtNMGQeSR0/DHQ07iGi3+QkjB6H3ouNIYbYHOAB+FPmHykZtzuyQO/OeSKfMTYTyFJDYHpii4CtbDHT2ouAfZVDYABJFFwsNeBQc46D0/KhMLFeeL7yn8M1SkJlKVPmBA7fnVpksqtHuznjnmquFhjw455J9hRzDsLHbgtnFJyFYkEAJORnHtSuVYQwnPI49cUXAY0LDqBgijmATyjjpnmncYCIL1GfSi9xWJYogCAck1NwJ0QAZ9OwpXCxMi/LznGDxSbsBKIwFAHT19KTY7DXUtyQRjn6UBYiZByDjJp3GkQyKCxAzximmJoY4GM8c/iKVwsMZTg5piIJAScfpVJiIyoJOfoAKoVhijp8vGe9MgkT7oz370my0WoI8DOzJxjGKhlItoDg8dfSoZSJ1A6YxzzSCzJim05/PmpvcdrDlHDZ6GgaDHI5yR6GmSOwQe3v8AWlcaQgXg5ORkUwQ2UZ6nI/lQJka5AGc4JphYFyHUjPBBpgelfDq5S4g+xSFSCp4Jram9TnqKxPN9q0PWDGdxgkY7Tzgj0r3cHVuuVnlV4Wdzzv416I13AdQiG4DBUj0rrrQvG6M4Sszz/wAB6xNbXaRPKVkicFD34NeTVhbU7YSurH2L4J1r+0/Dtrc7mEhTB789P6VMXcbRq3VyViycgD73tTYIz59eggYF5Y8HvuxU3LUbkthr1pdMArDA7gj8KE7g4tGrFJBMg2sH/HoO4rRIjYftj4wASScnGMGlYSZXl2IFJDYwf4s45pWGmVLyP5wysF64yM0NFJlPfuHz5GGyvPepZaIGfemASDnG0d/WpYytHA6P+6+TrwOmT/ntSsAjFkfM67TnAYfd/H86GgI3DBlbJKAdVPFJoaGuAP3qBgVAwW9frUDQ3zHMPDbQOBntRcZTkDOW8s5Y9eOTigCArICVBKg4HHrSKGKSJFO7bnIIGRn2piK+pMHtMxKAVOSD7UDRWFw80QEZbHUY4xnr9aqJLMbUwpuYZBlyW25HPGRxTYRG3GyP5WGFI3puH59KljK9w7edtaPzYlwo3DI2nr+IpGhgazao995SuqIYx8p6Zz3/AFovYLGTcW3khoZJAkgYY7jj/wCsaq5DVjiPFVgIr0smCGAJxW0HoYzjZmFKN0e1xwDWpkyo0TBWBGQP0qkRYqsD0PUVSJG9DQAhznP5UASJz3wO4oYDH4+7yPX1oACdy59qBETjnNNAxKYhORQAuTjnGKAEzQBZjG5WHouRUsZH6H15oGDAFcjnmmIiHSmIKAJF5ix3zSGPtvvufRDQwRH2oAb3zTEPHJFJjQ8n5s9KkYjjBx+VNAR/xU0JjT0xTQgPSgCWMdz0AqWNDO9UIRjnP1oATpQAooADQAgPNAD2Hy9O9ADKABetAAOuaAHADBPoKAJlOIueMjFIocgITGKlgiZmym30P51I2OfhgaSBjcc5pksjOcn0oEISaaATIxiqsA09aAN/wrn7YmByDUsD1vSoCYVA545OatGbNE2sq7mIbjnp0rRIRCItzAFCrHgmm0JM5Dx7YokBYLzjn65qWJPU81KDefrisjYUJ2PagQ4rgUARuvYCgCJ14ppjI2HaqGRMKAI2zQAE0AHIoASgBaADHNIAPSmAmKAA0AJ3oAWgBRzQA4rQB9nkAAnaMDjnp+ddZwopzY4AH9MjOapDGocbuGzngZ6UAXbaTDcgNkdQcVLAtqWxkADnikAxyuTkfLjtQBUlUBuo47VaLuinNy2MjHYLTIIn5GSMCmgJIeBkk8dBQwLiFtvB2n9KgBwPOCP0xQA3HBKsc4/CmAwLuzg8AYPqaYxVT04H04oCzJQEUEgDcTwDz+FADtzD+LC4zgc0FE6EkZOMjt3JoYFy3y6k9SfSpA0IOBjjgf1qWNFuHcx+YcdgfT1NSM0bRT8pBBJHHHFSwNWA4O4hgRkEg8VLKLyMHj7ZXp/hSGKenBAOM9ec0AV7naoPD4HpigDNulAJChgcfKTgk0CMu8jOOFwByT3oEZ75jfOAoPb1oAfGmTluB15oGShiVOBncOeeP88UASKGYKUzz1NADlVjIvyHJ6kH9KGCN/SrIF9xXBHJPrUNmiR0NpasF4LDA6np+VSVY0YhyMnngEcc0mxkgCr8yBjjjJ6VIxwdsHllBPfsKAIZWLPvbae45/z60AIWZVHJJ6g1JSIH4cEcv0wT2qWMik27sZKrnBGM1LYDORkZUd//AK/1qGUiBiXZQcKO3oazYytJn1II71DZRCz7sbhzjjA71m2UhGUkgDOAMjPODUjEAP3hgcZAx/jQBG2ABnIboMj6f1pAQybNxO4lR1z1zUsaGqueScgD161LAFDbcZzzktSAftJXGAPXPXtxVIAAYKSMdOo70wFzhQDnG3qPWgBOcYPzd8DtSYDCuCQ3Ueh4xUsYFDsxn1x04qbjI2JHzjjHbPQ96LgNYFi20jI6c9aAHcbfukADv/8AWqAIykjdSMe/eqsMZMAwIXBxwSBUu4yuyqcg5AJ6k9ahjRXkXAwTkDrn/PNSUVZCcuMn3qGUijMAQynGPp/n1rJuxaKU0ZK7Rng98VNykVbhDygAOeSMUrlJlOSI5O1TTuUVLpACccdfoKqLGZlwAdwC4JOAa0EVjHg4ft6dKtAxFgOByD6YzVXEnoTwQgrjaMYxSbEWPswJI449ODUtiGNbEbjsBPsadwGPDhhgjDdsUXAjeDJO4d+me1O4DfJbGQeCcnincAaHK8jp70XAjaAn7oGM807gRtAMMCAcnH1NMSVhjw4zxx6UDI3gI7DIPrTEyMWzYJO0N260XFbuOFv0BGST/n8KRQfZ+MgcdselO4mM8gjOO3PSi4IY8JCnJ/E0+YTRQnjV2J2E9qtMVijLHg4AJz6VaZNiBo2yT1bPGKLjsIkfXcc0NgSCIgKACSfQ0XCw8QFR1PTuOlK40I0JwSScdqVx2ImiJAwACOpp3CxG0XHY5PNO4WECfPkDOfWhsRIkR34P5ilcNCaKMbhxxjnNAaEyxDv/ACpASFepz0oCxFMoAG7DDvQBHtwxPTI7mgaIynU4yMc+1A0ROo65BOKdwsMddi4zTRLRWdMKSBVkMjK8bRz6Zph0EKYIOSeeabYrEqRfNyQR71LY0i7AmFAwfrWbZokWUQK2cnAPSkxkyqC2e/8AOpuFh+0EnOev51OwCgdccjvxTuMdsDNgEcfrRcLC42fwg9qVwEYNnPY8UAJIvIHqKqJLGlCcYHGRxTuKzG7doOBj60AdH4HvDb6iuOMniri7MzqK6PTNbtodW0Y4G2VF3Iw7EV6dGdtUcFSF9DjHe31DRJtOvPkkUkZPTI7V7VKftEee48rsfOXiSFdP16Q2zfcc9PrXLWgrnRB6Hv8A+zz4s+0wnT5JTtIyASOCOorilDlkdEXdHs9zOyqG8xfu5ODUspHmXxLvtlp5iAg9GKjrU3uarQ89svFFzbgLbzlcsPyHWqUbickdp4U+JTq4t7g8hs5Heh3QtGegaZ40sLuMN5ibuNwbrn2o5ieQ6K21G3uIEbflj0xzVJ3M3FomllQqsTgbjkDvRuNmfdoZVMeQkinue/8AkUmikyEROyqzBt68HJx04pNFcyJFgy2GXpx6YosK5XvIBFCzhM8dMUNAtynBbCW3BiyBnGKhK5bdiFhLBKkcxDx9Tzg0noUmK7DJWPByQwX271L1FsR3EJWQBWxuX64oaGmU58+bjAXcM/N3OOo7UhlVpHhO9iCo9aCtxjSocHbhmOORzSE0VZ1W1l80qfLOMqBx09aadg3MnVFjLW8kLPsL8gjgZz/XFVe4khhdSmGOT1JxgjnBFSy0RxgS2cinO4EruX1pDMFrn7RcyROpUqu0gj0Jyf60FRKOrRf6NHK7Hg+VJg5+YdDTRLOV8Z2TgxMgUCVOSv04rWDuZTWhybQmW3Eyphs7WHrWqZlbqVXh2ZkQ8d1NUmQ0Z86PFJlQSB2xVpmckQkruwy8HuDTELsh/iLAfTNFwG8ZwGGKADHBHXPT2pgMVSCVNACMD9KaEyPGDzyKYhtAB7UAKBQBPbf65fQgg0mNDMHkenFIBU5DDPFDAiaqEJQBJ91QcUhj4sYkYemKAIx0NMQg+9g9KAFPyjBPNADz2PtUlD35XHpSAhfrmrRI09xQAoGSKAH5+VsUmNDAfn/CmIRhzQAh4oAKAHNjOB0oAbQA/wDh2mgBlAB/D9e9AAOvWgB3Qe9AEx+4B71JRIBtjz/F/KkwHLngevapYEs4+ZT7UkNkeeTTJGE9aaQhpqmAmeaSAQ1SA6LwYnmXyZ6BqTEz3bw5aRmBc4OVz6VSRBt/Zh5e5V7cEt0rRCZRubJApbcPlGDk9KpkHnvjNlktpIhjgelZsE9Ty2dSJ3HvWRsKcUDAgkUkDGNyMelMCJxxjv60ICIirGRMtAEbCkAwimAlABzigA/pQAUAFABQAHtQAUAGKAJUWkMkZOnakM+y7khQEyrD06V2nnooXDfMTnge1UhkYJL9yBzjNOwFu1OCewxkVDAvK24/KQ2PTtSAhbAUnJ5GeKAKUz87twVieeatARHkjPH05pgQghj8uMg4pgSQtnOSRSYFqIbgy9ccGkMkyGBLDHB49aASHEDbu7ADGeaBDEyWICt2HAplImVeQe/OO9K4xdu7GMccjK0XFYNmME7vfJp3GSwjoSDnPpQwL9qnyk/dAU4qAL1tuYjC8kYpMZbjZW3KQWPf1H+eKgDQtOCMcZwcf/XpMZrQ8MQ7f8BJ61JSLUZP3XDDI4pDJCCygtgeoHGKAK8ybsuc7TwD29x/SgChcoCGDAdsgt/OgRQuo9p5UZHTAyaAMy5OJdjEcY+p/OgQkeOpIBHbGce9AyfjqcgD0x3oAeoyQGB45wTgYoA1dKtl++UAycAk8+9SykjpLK32wKQACOvHWoNDVVSowOCRuP0pMaLEQUop+ZjnHIzj3qRi7tp6KV3cf/qpgNL7x94njPByTzSAjDPn93yMnccY/wAmkxoYWBy2844xk9alsogkKjpngdMcmpuBCxTG3HJ4ORmpY0QyMUYE5CDvjv6VnJlEUkjDaCMnqMVmxlV2yoyST6Y4qGUNbG44IXHXNZjsJglhngg8kfzoAQghQinOQRnpQMj27NrEgr05+n/16QDHCk7ThWx3qWMU4GMAqDz9TUgG0glmbv29M9f1oQDsZz8yHp1NUAq5IOcEY4/KmBEmcDDcAcZNS2MRCMtzjaMik2FhrE53Ej6EdRU3GMb5SqleOwwKljsIr4G0tgbcDHTP1pBYdtwuQT9T/npTBgx425wvXGOtOwhNpALAnAHzFu9AEL7cE84P8Q7VDYyvMFALMc54AHOKhlIgZQCx2nIwSff+tQykVpR83ykg9Dk54qGWio4wduDzn8KzkUilIq7yc4AOcEVBZWljABKABsZHHagRBIgClsjGKC07mZdoTnJI4zyeKqIyjMnOSOR0OOa0QETRkSfMOR75qhNj0t9xPQHHWncVy1Hb8E5LYPWkSx6x7MYIxnsc0CDycDIwQTwf60DGPCCd+GAyOe1AXI/KXjg5HQH+VFwuIsJAyOMe/wDWncLjTb8cY4HP/wCui4yN4hjlgoBzjr9KdwI3jXjAx6+tCYEUiYPzE8etVcdhhhGOc++DRcQeTwflJGOeOtFwAxDPcn1xRcBrQquR3B6UrgRvCcZxkDvTuBWmjHPHUdMU7gZ0qYXrglsVaYraFaSI54HzCquTYjaDO3PBzxnvTuUkIkXrn8qGxWJVgwABjHrnpU3KsSNEwyccngUrhaw2SE8Zxx29/WnzBYrPGAGUEe4FO4DWgwpIyRnuKXMVYZ5JByF+UjrjmquQ0PSE4yfTgmhyFYkWLI25BJH+eKL3CxIATnAwe5xRcVgKjIHTHtmncdiOQHoFxnke9K4yNxhepz3p3BEToWOAcetFxvUjZMj1+tAEU4AbBDAjpkU0TIgdcruJzj0qrk2GOp3kN25wKdxD1XC/NQ2MegyeOST+VS2NIvRLxtAOR1OallFhV98+5NRcY8LuXpkdqTAcBgEHikAoz05ODyKYCkHoozkY5pXCw9V4ORzzz6UwDAIGAMZyfpQA1sEcg4PagBuF4A9c/WqJuNcc8DjFMGibTpPJukkOeCKaIa0PUtNuw+nq6n5ynIA/z712UpWOSojidckit9WdpWU29x8sg749R9K9TDVeRnHVhfU83+J/gufS5hqEDia0nG+OQHqK6pxv7yMYuxzXgfX5vD2uQ3IYiMNhh7VyyjzI3i7M+tfDet2mv6NDcwuro6jn/Gudq2jOha6oxPGKCWB4wAQemTWbNEeMeI9MXzPMtAwYZzngZ9qqLFJX2OVmkubeYs28c4zWqszJ3ResPEd2ki7JWyhGBmm4Jgpnb6H8S7u2YJI5YD+E9qjksVzJnaaR8S4LpQLgEFcZbvx3qbNDsmdZZeK7C6tkkN0ow3Ht09e1AuVmvb6vHcDfG6FUJ3AHqP8ACiwrG1bTxSpvLqSVyAO/41dkQ7i4BUuj4XnBP9aVh3IPJVQwCAIOcgf5zU2sVe5SmgMyhpc+ah9evYVDLTsVBbwq5lyxwOeanlKu7DZ1HlngfTPem0CKBVT8vVgOAegqCirNbskivGpYkHcpHAP/ANagdxp2hfMVQSvB/wDr0gB9lwpRhuyMEEYAzQFrGFrKtb2kjlPkDq24dVwR19qaBFC9MbqGT5lf7wUdD6/hQ0NOxXtJ2UOcjIbnjg+9Ie5l7EOt3LOoKyKpPze2DijoUmLc2++zmjblRg5PP4/59aBnKeJMjTrVyflhk2ZHHH/6quG5lLQ5WSArcSlNwwxBH4//AF61RmyhqCMG81VGOM47HoatGbK3k+bEMk8ggc8U7ieplTwtBKR2xkVadzNqwFFKcdfSjYNyEg4qrkiDPOevagABY4HcfqKAEbGTkflQBG2M9eRVIljW60IBKAD+VAE0ZKqCD0oYD5OZdw6MM/jUlEadSKAGPjGe9USNoAkySo4oAcnyxkdyc0hjfWmIaeDmgAJyOaAJE6A1LKHBgcH1pAMuFKtimmJoY3f61Qh0YzSY0OmwBgdhSQES9RVCFPUfWkMYeuKYhw70AD44oAbQA9T830oAaRyR3zQAN1wOg4oAUUAKOXGepNJgTjjGeuKkodzj9KAJMZZQfSpGyWVf3KnnrSQMhP6UxDG5qrkiHtQncBhpgKOaYHU+CysNwHcfdOcUuomezaHqaLAmORjpnnirTIaN+HUIzt+bjPY8jitExFfVLtHhJRiRknnihkM8y8YSbg5HGBxzyKzY0ecXJHnN6Z6elZmoo6diB2pXHYcBxzSGRkYFNCZDID07ZpoBNueKsZG6UAQyLQBCwpWAaaYBQAUAFABQAUAFAAKAHqpNICzElTcomaMccjpSuB9fycqSykEHpmu44ClKQeM7cHvVgRKcPyvJ6H0pgXLYZYADPTOahgWiwyMptGPWkBHOwIBweB25oQGfNjpjPHQdvarQEQ553AE9c/zpjA88BSu7tQIkj479DnANAFiPglsDk8UgJI2w3OOKCkPHA2AEn1zTHYdGcsxU555J/lQwJMjHpjmkA7bg4xx6kUANbIcDHzDsRQgLUEfPAwwHPB/OhsDQgTa/T6gVNwLcWC4YHgcjPepYyzAMsrFeo64xSGadio2jKqMDqO3NSxo0ouSNv3vXtnvUsaLcTbRkAEnI5HP/AOukMsBT5ZX5ievHYUDsQSKdp4GB1zzg0xFGZG5IyccnnrSCxQuFbH3gMnt3oEzIuE/efMhJHrwTQIi2jGMHdnJx/np1oGTRfKxXjJbqO1AF3TYXkkUEEqOpPek2NI6qwtVUAnpn7oHT86zbNLGvaqNoTByOeec1KZSLSrx8zYxyQf5ChsBwxuIQFjnDbu4pDGv8qlCB1+X16ZpgNbPGSe4BX/P+c1IxshwucBmCjaB2pNjK7AAYGVB65GalsZExBAJBJGPepYERbbICCMdB+JqJMpEEmTz8vU5z0H+ePzrNsZWkYFgC7DB57VDZSITywUjqc5Hes2McNpOWHT06fWpKBi/XPByKEJjWbo5bdnsaBjHycZHQcjFS2NDJMZAHORwP89qhgC8gNkFSw4JPFNAO+bJPAw2DnvQkA059w3p2pgNc4CqGIzz70mwGued4GSOoGeKTY7DdwLkdGPAU1LGhHIwAoA7Y/wAahjsQyNkhsMDnHHrz+lK47CnI24UNnOcUATYwBkLHgYHvVITFGQC2Ru46jjH+c1QhpUoAq7iTznrz/ShgRN8oKnGOuc1mMrOOpPzY6YqWNFacYBOc+wrNloglOSMKBxnPrWbLRVnXLEsxGTtHPHWs5FIquGHRcDp9akshdAFJY7f1pCuVZYwiFWH9M0LctGdcgkgDBHc+npVoLlR4yW+cAD1xVoVwjjG/KqCpP4iqJZYSHBTHKg0gZZWArjblSCRzzmi4rhLGMDaeM8/4UXBajDGxQ9duf0ouMTy1yygHOOc0DI0j3OSBkZyBRcBDB8uSMHJ7VRIhiGNpIGOlIaIXiXJOwYP6UXGyMxge+eefSmK5DJErclSDjrRcYxYeq4PXHXGaYDlhI9SOxoEGzI6FcDgdaQxpgGCSNvHXGaLiuQyx/KcccdTTTGilcqdvIwF5+tWmOxQmUZwefcjBqhFVkweR+tO47DFQvn5ffJouA9IiABtyQM0XGtCZYto3btucYGaQxzIeB1xnnGM0ARPGrg8FRnjFAEDxAliQOnUUXCxGYiO2RnFACCMAjAJP8qLisSeWcfMetANDhEODjgdPencmw/ZkjoR9KLgRlMNwMD681VxETLii9xkJXnnPBpNgRsC3YAepoTKsQsCCMevIqkxNFeTOzHOevNWiWRvnGcfhTRLGheT6DvVEjgOv6DFJjRYij+cbsr7VDZdi7GmMnv8ASobHYmRDjdtBP1/lUhYcqHIBHPqPSlcdiVVHmdMc0D6gyYzgDrnnsKAaARknofzoEKAdwB780XAFXL8jAzzjtTEIwwGIXvj2poBgTADAZI4Bp3IE2PnOflxzTuh6ibTuBGBRdA0dp4M1AFWgkbPygAVrTl0MJoqeLtLa5t5/IBMiHeoxXdTqXic0oa2Oc8MazaXVlceHdXi80SjbbNIcCJ+nfsa9OhWurHFUp2dzzf4heE73w3qLC4VdjYZSCCMHkU5xtqEWWPhx43v/AA5deUJS1q5G9Sfu/SsJRubRlY9qHinTtWsxPHcJukXkdxXO1Y6Yu5yHiIqdzxHPrg+9Q2aWOSuk3yFNmQecYppiaTRk32j9WgBXAJ61rGfcylS7GU1xLbzDzU3EevUfjWqdzBqxo2moK6BxIEdccHIyKLIfMbFlrlxBGVdtyk+vGKTiUpG/pHiyeLYqSnI+Xk9RUuBSmdjpHjSeONVMgMZHDAnrmo1Q9GdNpHjsb/KmYCQ/MC2QCfencXKbUPii1fEDz7SW+Uk565//AFVNxqJrRanbzwiNZV4TJGMYNFx21Iooz5m6Rhkdh0YCoSKuPmdQvKnkZxjOKAKzxRNMC4ZOMc4yfalYbdiB87GUZYj35zQwKc8TDcRGCem0fxVPKUpFIpIJDvJI5yc9PwqLFXIL2P7RavDIC2VOB6/WmhHO+TJZIJIkAU8vGTgA+3+cVYikbhT8whKl8ZBOCp9RUstbFe3DC7upzggMASOg470hk6h2l2oSBIu0NnqD/k0DOY8XafINHuTGeE2SEdPY/wCFXAzkc5qERkCGNCpeFHIHXI71ZFyKCzyW3r+7Y+W/fYDyDTuHKZFzZSQTPGuNmCQex561aZm42KN2onhO5QrIMMO4qloS9TM2GMBm4UnnHWr3MxZY0IyCeemOlFwaKzZ2kEYINUSNHzexFACNmgBrAEUxDPWmISgAHFAEyD9ySe5pDHkgxg9wakZGo+fHvTEMJwcdaoQ0+3SgB6cgc0mND246+lADM/NTEI3SgBDzQA+I4XrmkMWI8etJgS3C74w3ccVK3KexCFLNgdTV3JsWIkwGI6Dj/E1NxorMSdx9TVIkYvUEUwHkfepDYwdaYgPpQApH86AE70AHegB3YHuKAG0AOwdtADlwHGOSB1pDJF5bmkMkQElT/OpAkxmSkVYlIxHg9xnikKxA3Xj9aYhh69aCRGNNAMNWgHQ/foA6PTnESLjr3OaQHU6VqUiKq7scY4NCYmjp7HUmZc7wPfP+fStEyLFpb0nhyeRjindE2OP8ZzbYmAz0zWcikefO2+RiB361JRIvX1FSUOzke9ADWOQfTtTQupEcfj1p9QHIParGKyAjNAFeVOueOKAKjjBNADD+dACUAFABQAlACmgAoAVBk96ALES4GTUsZYjOAcVLGPLc0gPr2bO45ALDqP8APSu84GULlF35HGTkGrAro2HPBOOn+e1MC9bnJ/hH+NQwLKMNuPlGevOaQCTnEZ7jtg0IDPnOOAxGPerQFY8t8wAGc5/OmA6POck4BHAzyKB2JokBzuyCehzQUT8kdMHgHnpQBJnPVcEgEDGSDQBJtAbhQ/TFACqQoCg8flSYEqsFUAkYHT2zQAu4D72CT90etAXHocYxyeu49PpmgC9ariPJOV6CpAvxR/MNjcfXHWpAsKr7vlB25x16Gi4y1bICfm6g4Cg1LGaVspGcHKjjHT8aka3NG3yFPJHuMc0mUXYI2ONylR3yM5pDRZVSoOBnaOCVoKSGTRlgVwACOo+poJsUpYTlSUwuM5I/XNAWKF3E23cBjJ5A5oJZiXi/Nk7lAPrmgRWGMcrgAdc4oGWLSJpJFVBj+IcdKTGkdPpVntThFDdcdahs0SNyGNUA+ZRnpk1LHYvxgog4GeQCakaH8DGBkdOnGaBgSFT5xznB9MUAMGecdM9BwPyoAj4YK7bVx1Ge9SUNY+pOTwDzUsZCfvHkheMj/Ae9JgREE/dK8889T71LGiBnALKGHIxnNZMor3D4BAGVJz1zzUMZXIZySc56cioZSAjIOWOR079qgBULZAVeCB34pFCMy5wpyT0I70ANc7BuEeT6nr+NJgNKmMbcknGcHqO1SxiJlxgBvlGD60WAaFUoAWBx+dFgFJ2r85JBGTk0ICNkIQ5Hfv64FDAa+CnDc4yBnPH+TU3GRk/MMjaCfvZ71IyOSTaxGMHrwBmpYxjunDD5scjnjHrUXKsMBLdCSfrSAlCHZgLwvJx/SmImUAKMklsZ6Yq0Jj2BUE4AAx26DpVCGhSM7Sx9WPGKlgiKXaX2seSOwzUlFeTO3ABAHPXn8aljRUly2BtABOayZaIWG5l6EngepHvWbZSK8nDDkZzkADFZMtIgwu49/pSY0RtgZLBOnTbTAo3BCnnndzQNFKZA2SuTn+Idaa1KuQGLc2BnjGfSrTJuSxW4I3cfQCm2DZZWHaMk4GRgik7kMeYymCclsH8qaAaqA8kEe/rRcERbcfKSQDngc8UyriFRyOQAcUrhcaYcNuPH0GOaLieorRnaOO/OOpppghHTKHcB/tYGMUFEBUbRgEDjJoFcbJFtOABj1PFNDIWXkDA98DgUCF8vI9HHJzRcLCiIjPy/d7Gi4DXj3cMvKnn0AoDcY0fPJLAdM/pQBXuFI3KRwPfpTBGdOuQQcDue5Oady0UpF6ZA9c9aq4JFd4gzfL35OKq4WFEGT7mlzBYlSMDBUHIOOfWk5DsSrED94AZHalcBrRADk9uwpXHYiaPGT68+wqriIpIyWAABI9ulFwI3iB+Yde9NMBvk4/2cjvVXAlihbpjgjpSuAGLB4H5CmS2KsZUjeQAe+aBEMg6kk+mSelAEboPMYsMjnBoKRBKmE+7/AIA0DK7r8uMdec0wI5dg2cj8KpCZWlBAyOPc96slkTJ17nHamiRiLz0PIyKpkk8aAgc571LLSLcKFiCBx7VDY0i1Gg3bSMdiMYqBomCl/ukde1Iok8vIxjkD5qABYyTyvGM7jSuIlK9eMHoOtFxieWQpbAyBQIYiAZ9PXPApiHBe/BI70CG7G25AyevpQFhhPbjmqAaEBbbjGBnrRcQ09GY+mcUAX9GmaGdXB4zyM57007Gc1c7y3Mc7RTcENxn1FddOVjCS6nl/xc8KXekzrq+mjMRJZgoPHeu6jKzsc9WN9TgdT1K88T2SwyXbvNEu1UkboBXa5tqzOZROTltLzT7kLcxOu48ZHBqRmxY6nc2ODDI4HoDUONzWMrHS6ZriXkQXeQ3Q5PNc848p0wmpFsM7y5Vc/wCFQimaKWEksAJj6+3Wq2E9DntZ0kySsrJjHTjkVcZWMnHmZkvol1D8/ll0PcDpWimjN02hqWsyyhcFCc4BOM1VybE0gkhOOWcdB0P50wLNhqFxCdrb9uOS3ak4jUjZh1ESBSZD6EMc1LRSY8avdRSIDI67PuHJx+NKw3I6TRPGlzFcgSOxQDgk9DUOJSkmdto/jPzdhnKJvOd2c59vrU7FWOki1SCeBZImOSMgIcA0mCNCKRmiEuWbcOMgc/WiwEE7MYSwEW/acHuDSbKSMx7uUOyElCPvZHbFJNsNCteSMSsyyYO0Db2PvUSQ4lF3mkkXaeCQePWkVcztRSa2aXO4x87zyQMjPT8apEtmWzQAbUZZkC527sFT6gmm0CZX0xWaWcndGXJLLjGfTI/rUtFotXcbCwWe0nUvE4byyMkY5OPY0rDbMnxZOf7PcoAVnhZCGPoQy/Xoa0iZSZyKs50uxuJYwQp8stnHAJGKrrYS2ElBUncGw37tsHGOeD9KBlS4je4laNiEk2/Ln1HT86aJZgTANOSV2svykH+v8q0M2ULqJkUgrmMn17VSJkioF2Ar6HI96ogimQfeGDng9qaE0QdDTEKepFADDzQBGeGqiRG9qADvxQBYIxBt6EHBpDFhYY2n6UmNMj+7KD70IBj8MaokQdfagBV4X6UmNEk/ElMRGBQAEcZNAAe9ACxdxSY0CfeIoAsRnehB9allboTYU57k4BovcVrD5sx24B6uf0oAqNwv1NWSMHUUASn7xB6GgBANp3dfQUAMHX60AO9aAG96AEoAefuDP1oAFAb60ADnOB6UAPiH60mNEijk4pMZJGD+VSykPXl8ikySQucKPUYpDIe1MQxqaJGGqAaRTQCx8NTA2bOXd8vFSBp2srIRjtzQDN3TrqQx7d5wKZJspccAgnn3obJZy/je53tjpxyPepvcaRyC0MoeDjoM/WgB24+1JANyfQfjTCwDrn8aYySPJB/KmgJthKkgUwK90uAaAM2TG40AR/SgBDzQAUAFABQAUAKBxQBIuB9aQyQMe1ICQGpYxxNIR9gyKAzZOR1xXejhZnXLjfwOfcdatAVlKq3oM5waoC9AcsB1J7ZqGOxbjcgBQc8Zz0qBEMzDO1sZz2700BUmkJHzHg9BirQECsGyAefbuKZSJEOORggc8+tAySNugwMH3oAsDORlsgnHpQAqkIC3qe1AmiRm57ZA7d6LDHFtwYDaQfTtSAcWBIB9TgDtTAfGDwCM54J6f57UhWLcPGDngD8qQ0rF9COBnaD15qWBOmdvC8+pNJAW8rjavoOe/wCVSMs2wKuoIzg9/wBaANWzXC/MOQc8mpKRpoi9McHg/WpKLUIUYJXLBv0oGkXI1AjZudxHOKChs6/eIDFeCeKAK0keQ2QCMcEd6AM+7UL8oCncD9OntQQ0c/fxuGCc56Ee1AiqiM0gHHPTHOaAOg0exKRgugDHoe1Q2WkdFaJwoPTHXPSpLLqZLKW54wCKgomiUfM57jP507APZuSQAB2weaTAZuUMshGfTnnNJsY3ILgZXIX6YpXHYilJMWQVXAHBB5/CkAyQ5UgHdzkD8elSxkb4fJBOG/Kk2BHJleuWHqMVEmUkV5CqKxOcZPGazYyuc4JByc5IHeoZREuFRWweR1B/OoYxrZz905xzjjFQxgwHBIGMFeaBiEn/AFjH5R2A/maABslsnAAH0qWwsLyehC+m3pigdxpVsKOhxgnuadguI2PLwAcDuDRYQnKx44P17UhldeeQxyDxn+VS2Aj5zuAFQUkMfaygrjnPPpUtlEEhwwGTkdahsAbcoI3fL3zzj6VNygGQAeGYDPfmi4h6lyzKVPTrVCLCZGc5JHUDpVJiYAZUAMODyMVQgyed3Gffr7UmCI5MBAHC574PP/1qllFaUgozbSADwCetQxorzsSCq9T6Vky0QT4AyQeDz7+9ZstFOUp0x6jAP5VmVcYRk55xn06UDIZkX+LoBwM0AU5cYO4Y9KBkaKS20qD/ADFNE3G+VlxuUDPb0FMCdYCgChscdqpMTHlGY4CnvTEIygj5uvegZEy7lwCT0/DmgBpj55bHI/GpbAQAFcE8jINMBUXavXn6UANdSo6Y4ByTyKYIYyfLjvkZzzTKuJJGQFPGBkse5pJgROiFeANoHqaaYyMx44/h9SOtO4mJ5fALHgdDSBMcI2DZyeQcnFAxrIWB2549uc0AQuOgPPPUdPrTEVbgEg/iOgouVEzZlOWwB7n1pplFZlwAoI55zRcYwREkYGSeuadxD1izyoyT+lK4yURMBljuOenpQIXysfKCCfXv9KBjZIyCSox/U0guVzHlx0xnjFO4DZIc44OfXuBRcdtBrIQvcZ5wDRcVgEZxu6E+9VcRKsXHUg0AI0XsSenWncVhjRDrwD/SmmKxA8YHyng88DHNO40QOu4HaSODyaYypIrA4YY4/DFADGX5s8e2aBkMg46dOtNMllZlA5/KtEyWQMpLfzpk2BV6DJbn8DQBZUEuB+PA4pNlFyJVCqdvGOOKzbLRaRMjjGaljJljwpUck9D2zSbEP8sg5GDgZI9qADBVOBu6Z4pJgOKYUjp9OKYCogIyflyR05/OgBojBIyCTjNO5ABAOh+bnjPWmAjAYHBH1OaAGMo8wHGeecetADGTGBghj2pgJsXnIx7Gi4NE9srFgMhfXApozZ1egzN5HlM3AyQx9K2gzFnQ38UOqaFc2jqG3xEY/Cu+jK5jNHyd4r0660nXJ5LYSIqN95RwK7ou5yNWH2+uxX8C2+q25fHAkA6VWwivc2IjG63kEsXbHUfWi1wM1pJ7WcSRsUIORxUuN9ylJrY7Twb4gtbuYQXTiKY9N3RvpXPKk47HVCqpbnptpCptDtI6fLjpUobMl9N8+5O5doB59KY0XJ9OhWEoqZ7HFK4PY5TXoBFKMQjg9a0TMpIi0+3gnxJLErDpyORT57ByXRqXHhSObD20iSbhnBbn6ijnFyGHeaJc2cmxzKig4ztyKpNMm1iE29yjneoKYyjdQRRoxNMoTO5kH3lGeSDjFOwKRetdSnjj2yOWUHnvk+oqbF3Z1ugeKrmO4ikQZRWB2FuMfX1qHEtO56FZeLbO5jPkyhGPBQnlcdeD3qWhliDVozuEk4dgMhCeT71Nix5vkeXopwDznHNK4rFC4uFMnk7tvckGkxoSCZWfndtxkAD9KErCbKesTBid6ttYFSR0Hp/hVITMQQSLKDbYZM/MhHH4UMEXbKSOR1eWE70+Xbu5xk9PpUl3L17YyIu62k4ZCM/096LCucLrlws9ntnieOSP5OQcZAIOD0/CrRLMsxF7O6tY23rEPNVfqA2R+dA1sJLKZIvMGGSQDkDkH/HFAypNZvdFZInXzwpDL6lSOfbORTTE0Y+o26XW51AhnQfcbjd61SdiJK5lX26e1Il+SSMZ3Ho3/wBerRnIyluY4lw25h6DrV2M7lSWcvnaNoJzxVJENkRJJ60wJc5OT0NIYhGDigCJutUiQ6mgB8eUG7PP8PHT3oAcM+STSGNQ45zQwQ6TJIalsMjbkGqJG0APQZxSY0OJ3ZPfNAApXByPxoAQgZ4NADT92gQqdabBDhw+fakMfEcGpYy2iGVkAHQEk+lSUVryQSy7lGEAwo9B2qkSyu/YegqkJjR2piHP1yTQAOcqDn60AIDmgBy9TmgBp9hQAgyTQArZoARM5J9KAHkZAYde9K47D4s7SaGBIgwM1LGTIMJn1pFIWEZJ9qTEhJD8306UITEHJOaAI3FVETGmqsIaaYAOKALVpNtbrSsBsWcyng8g0CZu2EqDdypHvzSEWpLxY4yd2DjgikwSOS1y78+YAkMMYoSKM0UwHMefwosKwhbmiwWE3YNAxynpQBNG3FMCcOoXnpTAoX0wPANAFE9aTAQ0ANximAUAFABQAAUAPUUgJFWmBKqHNTcdiREyPepAXYTjApAfX0uC3yNtBPy55PSu84TNuT8xKknnk+lUBTziTgAjuOlX0Au2wXvuI6fWoZV9C4fkUsBx2z3qSRkvK4bueBnOPpTQrlOX5uMgAdBmqGVUbHpyaodyaM9TnLHp9KRSJo/ujJJOPrxQBOhGwbmyAxwetAD3GFwwJ544oE7j0ZsBSQMjjHegYoYbeOWPJxwKAY+AfKGOevH1oBFiH72XwcYBFIC0mADgYP1pMSZct8EDLZBHbp1pDLqhD8uG4HoPWpAdE5xym4kYODnNJoZcssuNvLZGDUgjbsVyFDEnAztpMpGnbZLdxk4IxjipKLsSjK7RkAZB9DQWkThcnYqsmc980gHNH8wAz0yOaAKsiMMIBnHQg9aYFC6VmDcHr0PJoBmBfpg7yCWHAzQZsdpdi28TPggnI3H+lS2UkdTaQ7FQ7cAde+P84rNs0L6xguAEOO/oaVxk4OGUdABwfX60hjpZCEKsCGHOf6UNhYaSMdzjvnpSGJncijAKgZFIBOAqlemcZ7UihJFVFzkHPQEe1ICIoAC44yd2VNIBjo25SwJ7YxUsaIJANi5B2gZz+dZyZRXblMODg4HPFZsaImJxks3HIqWNEan92SMD1OcYqGyiI7R82QcgDk9frUjAAFyMggg8d8UADAsrMR1xuzSuA3JLdzgHikAqIzKp3DgAjApgLtZgSW5J45pgIXTHUY4OQOKAIWyeQc+ig5x9alhcY2NwwOSRjKis2UhhzlhwB1I9KllDZTgspCj0HTBqGMrysWHyr35IPtUsYvABznjOM9qkoECnaQw6nOfpTsSSoxAbBB3dfQdatCJY/lJwVyRjAFUhMeRjAK8nBzmmIRVGGIO3K4/zn+lSwIGUkFSpxwM9s/SpZRXbBPI3c8HFZsoryvjp68DFZyKRXmI6nON2Bz0rNsshIQ844OewJqCrEL4AXA2jsM4NIZUk5U/LznHHamBCw3NkDPbihCbAJlSDggdSe1MRIkZZuenpVoC15WDg5I71QmIq4JAU8dAeaAIZYWJOVyCeDmlYLiCN36At/n1p8kmHMiQW8h+UDA6nmn7Ji5kNNi2MBME8n06VXsmLnQ4WTgEsSSTjGOtP2TDnQ02bnIHPcD0pOkw50RPZsrfMAADyMUezY+ZEUlvIvJXIx69c1PK0UpEHlkZyvUcnGetTqHMMMbZA9DnJFA7iZBOQuOoHHUUrgAVT8oGM4GMcfSi4mNwAMMT+Bqh3IJVVlKgc9aGyijcDg7l/AGgaRRkUHOMg+mOaZRDJEpbOSB0wKLgHlABc44J5pgWI4QWDBSPXipuBJsB+6T/jQA5YsN8vQetAFd4lJGFG7sc0AQFOW29M46UXAa6EEYBJUc+9Fyr6CbNuDgAntTJuIItzgA84oGOCY++Tx2BpiF8pgvfnoSfyouIhkXBwx6dKpMZXmX5s9eKLhYgdAQeDnPSne4FaWMA524wfyp3GkQ+WMj+71z60agV3UHnpk9RVCaK8i4b3B5q0ydiNwPunBI96q4mw2svAJP4dqLgWYo8YG3GexrNspIuwx4IyMEjpmouMsopKjnJNS5DJ41RWbqST27Ur3EP8sHHBz6AdKdwDyz1THORz3pXQCmMgcg+o707gPaMHp3/Wi4EZj2McA8dvSq3RL0E8tQS3Oe+P6UCGMpDgHBxwcdqoGIV7jqOAKAGbAOuMD0oAaUY44BAI570AW7VOQcH8sVSM2a1oxtpAw2/z+laxMWdLpc4d0Rekh28dq6aUmmRLY6u0+Gmh3ehT2uoWaSNcfMzkcgnuDXpJHFfufOnib4Pa9pfip7C0t/N092LJIQduM9DQ2VFa2Oe8YeDZtDm2J+4lGMjnaapO4mrOzOat5LIX0dr4gt5khY4Z4xhlB7j1+lUmnuS0yPxH4Ru7Cz/tnTJRqOks21bqHnYf7rjqp+taOnpdEqRpeCviHdaUY7PVQ9zZ4wGAy6f4iueVPsbRqdGesaJqemaxCLvT7lZ42wMDqv1HrWbXc2TXQf8AaEiuQH5VckntioRVzN1qXTmjffgsOc+tWrkysZOn2/mKWh+YHseRUyKjsbemW+0jIKbOjZ6ZqUxtGrPF5gWO5jEyMOAvPHrQ99BJ3WpnSeH7WRGFuW2bs+UTyD9KfOwUUZd34Wt7lX+XbIAeVOD9cU1UYpU0zmZvDep2UhZVNxCc4dRzWnOmZ8rRXW3ZSRGfKnJzsZeGpghk001vnzRIcHDH0/EUkN6Elpq13A6vDdFhjjJ5UelJq4+Y6Kz8XXYhWG4y65HKgHPf8ahxLTNa08TQzsCOAcDbip5R3Nu1uZJHLqVBC5AHf0+tK4WFkinuo2QxyNGynjGMn/CmhMfZWbxMIy8SMnDnrj/IxTYidbSBirXKM+C23BA5z69qmxVyC8uJYFlSMMYixJUAbk6U3oLcz71bdtNubV7Ysso3spI29icj1pXKaOAtBNpOtArHI8LIY5F3biCrYP6Ypt3RK3LOiW6zW+oAzqFiOGBxgLzjr7UNjRhXXiCx0/UFkS6ErLlXEa7sjGOucelWoNkOokc7rXiiS9eTyLSOJHPVvmbPr6CtY07bmMqt9jBluZZv9bI7n3Oa1SSMm2xAAVPNDAaRjPGKYhuxuDigCYKdo6fnSGPZQVBzjIpDK0n3sU0SAHGT0pgOkJLZOA2O3agBw+5t9RSGNWmIk5aM+1S9xkJqhAepxQBJBjDZ7DIpMaGg/OPQ0AIeCaYh3b6Uhjc9qYgB5oAeMBgSeP50hjgwB4HWkwL6qYbPOfmlUsfYVHU02RnjLEj1OKszIn5cmmgYgpiHE8ZoARTg88juKAF24OQeD3oAF+9QAMMD8aAEX19KAE9aADtQA8ZA4PekNE2MxDH4ipGSIMikxpDySF4PtSKJbcAZP4mkxIgf7+femSwU/NQAySqiJkZNWIBQAlAAjYPFAFy3uNpANAGjb32Afm/LrUtAFzfEpgE4oAy5HLuSaAAcHk0AKfxFADc8cnigBmaAHq445NOwEqSgd6YEcswAwCaAKrHJzSAaaGAhxQAhHFACUwCgAFADwKAJ0j6YqWx2JkjJ4walsZOkOOe9Tcdh7R7RnFILDFGM/WmI+t3BzhXAGc5BH6V6B56M68UHcCctnPXAqkMzWZvNG3I+oqwNGzyccg+nFQxl0ZVDyOemTUiIGfAHBPOAc96YipKxztGPX8KopEGegz19aYMkRhuA6j+tOwieNgOCR29qRV9CQsNqjOD19aAQ8FBwzZIGD2IoGPEoAXBJbtxnP1oAdGSwIwCc4xmggtQp8xHBx60mUizEB1b1znNAywDncoTOD0NSSiePIySTkc9aCi2jKOmdx9Oce+KQD0b97kDkcEAUhmjZ7+nIB7YqWM6CyjIVc/KM4JzUMpGnAxKNs9cZIpFRLyRucDoQcZPb/wCtQUT7V3Z+Zm6ADpSYxGAVfuncTg5Hb0pDIJhyTnH600xWM+6TIZs4yOo9aYjMkt/Pl4xz7UmxWNGztkjIIGNvXjis2UkacSZxgcioKLCqpQEEZPsDii47CkhR6lhyP6UrjsIhzlSGIxzk4FTcYhUMdpb5s44ouMCG5Y4J9qAGyMADnGMjGKQCP8yYxkDoD1pAMbCDPzMB3JpNgiCRifmBOT0yMVDZSIpGHAUck9TWbKRA7MMmMjv04HrzUMZBnjBJOBz6CobGNJAXO7KkcVDZQwdQxYr65FQwG4P3iRx3Ap3BDt5DAlstg9uBQNjmU/Nz19qaECBcbVIBx/F+FUkIUF8EEADHI6n6VQhkgQYG45yAcCkwIx8wYt0zxms2WiJgeemQePWs2NDXwORyeevSoZSI3I2fe5B9OvQVmUQDhmPOzOBz14pAOUqSuCQSOgGRQgJEAB24/M8/lTsBKuCdpXIHIqiSVUIJzkbRwD0NUhDCBkbTtJGAMcCmAHIXB+QdsDk1IytL86lVztPA57VLGivKo2bcDIHTsTWUmWis77mwBjH8OKyZZA5HOR0HPPSsmUMYqQMkjPY9/egaIJWJ649AQKAKko4I4U54x0FAxqAA8kn2BoQmyZE6En8hVpCLEUeTkr0GKpIRYht3lIPl9Rn6YrSMGyHKxOtgvVskDO2tlRIcw8lFUYByO3TNaKkkLmBlCEhdvTAwKtQJbHRIpxyRnHA4zzVcguYPL+fCgcjuOaapi5iWO267hnt1qvZi5h4tEZwCuBjIp+yDnHfYdx2kcDI654p+xFzkcmnhiwZAxx/Wk8OP2hWfRwSXYYCg+hrN4Yr2pRl0hicAFeN3pWMsMy1VKM1hLHyR0PGDjvWEqLiaqaZVZHVwSufpWLi0XchfJyoHbkYpDK8uFBOSRmkXEpT/AHeOVPAplFJ0JOemB09aoBPLLqSM9PSi4EkcW5lIyNwxx2ouBOkZWMYOec4xQA/yx0Hp0x0pXAayDdjjaOtK4EMijsevOaLjIHQ55XHpmndARiMeZ0yQPT86G7DHeQe+Bwe+PwoTE0AiPykYwTk/lTuIcIx2647noaaYDXTkseQRnNFwIJ1YcttP5U0wKsgOCDgjPNFxkDDJORn19MVQIilQEZAwTRcqxWdcpzxVAyCVADjkjGOaolleRSzn+ntTuS0RKgxz6dqdxWHIDkHHyg8ZFBVi1bxngkcHpUsaL0S44xkE8VmwJwrYwQfwNSBLtYAkYA45oAdsGcADNFwHbWwQq7mY+tADmTPB4I54oAFAyehBpgR7CCPu88Yp3EIy/NhhxjmmiRGX9TTuIjfOc/w9TxTQDABzg54zTACu8Y4x9KBFy1AUjkYxVR3M2aEsYMQAxweOelbxRizo/h3aPe6xDFgskZDcV00YXkY1J6WPco4/LtcKQBgDivROUyNatzNGOMH1z796lq5cTyb4h+HINaspYAAs6n5GPc+lTzcpq1zI8mbw9aXGkXuja3ajzISTDIPvLwehpN2d0CV1Znm0Ta54PvZbnS5zPaEFJMjcjL/dde4rohVa2MJ0yyml+GvGEGdKkXR9cI5tJX/0e4P/AEzY/dPsa3tGptozHWJzuzXvCerspE9jdxnDKeAf8RWM6bWkjSE7fCdppnjv7dCIr+IQXGMCRR8rH19qwcLbHRGpf1G6yLmW3FxJJ8hOcq3WmhSudN8NLqG7tTbO2x4yBkmonE0py0O8FqrSZ4UADgd/es7FORNPZzwFibfzMDnPUfiKLE3Ma/KzLjcFYnksuSPy6VLLRi3ur39l/rBHcru6g8gDtQ4lJl/TvEthOfLlLW8hHAYYGfalZpBoyW/0zTLyM7o4yTzkDr/n1oU2hyhcoz6RCg2qqsndZOQR6A9arnYnBIybjwzYS/NGrxHqcNyKftGieRDV8MMiDFw24cnIFHtbhyGhYaJJEu13SYerd/Qe1LmKtpY39Pja2JEaFVI+YFs8fjSbEacKyyRAJg/NxtNFwIgFjEbeYS4X5l4zj/EUBYjmBMrIkpjU4bg4J49aLisQ3EscsSRKCNhyzLgUbjWhy3ijxZ4c04eS175k4BDLB87dO5HA+lUoSb2FKpFHm2p+MLqe7eezhSI7g4L8kNjBOPfHvWypdzB1uxzWoaheX8sk9xO7yO2X5wD+ArWMUjKU2yiSR14qyBDxS0AKYE8VrcNz5TAepGKlspRZZtbZZJCjnLY4B6GpchqI+SNYnChQg6HihMGrB5aurBow3cNG39KYiBYg6sI3DY5weDRcCq4yeRzVkjTwBQAd6AHfxKPagAxhiooAkiI+cHrjNSxoiPeqENzQA9MhG96Qxz/dDD15oAaeD9aYhyj5PrSY0N/i7UxDehoAc4PrQA+MgPuIyBzipY0XL2ZpIxIFAJ7L2FSlYqTuVXXawOf4c1VxNWK5qiQFAC9VoATtQA5CQPYjkUAOAHUUhiOPlBNCBjeg980xCUAAoAeORSGidemakaJsAR7l4z19qksOoAxQIeDtQ89Tj8KQMhOD60yQTO/n0pgJKNppxEyJqsQdBQAhoAbQA9SQfagCZWbBHrSYD/mPWkAFCDwaAGkdB60AIxwTQAwmgBMnFMBpbHSmAm40AIc96AEpAIaGAlCAb+NMA9KACgBy0ATxx561LYy5DFlh6VDZVi3FESTx0qWyrFtbfoQv4YqWx2GTRZ/h4+lCYiEQ8njvTuKx9UzEhcDbw1ekecZt62CeF4B/CqQGeCpk6nmrHYu27sFBDdTge1Sx2sWUnJU4PIGMdakkjkkXgHIJ7UwK0zbuVwSPQcVSQELYY5Hy496YEyy4yDxuGcA0wJlIOBgggZzjFSOw/cMBccHoc9fSgEGRg7l9/rTQMcG3cAYIxmkBbtwdoYY5HJI6fSkCLkIYEM5B6gDPWgexJv6YA6c5pCJw6qSeOPvYpMRLEQBtyWHc/WgaZYWT9597IA9KCixbZDA45zgCkwNywztOeTjO0/z+lZso3bJB5YOSc9cetSykaluFXnIAPr07ikWkXEG5SwwQD0FJsosnaiHAIBxyB+lSMHQEbT6Z6Yz9aAKrqpzg49cDkc0AU50BB3AepzxxTuIRLcBg4QEdTnpUsCxEnzZHPHHrnvxUtlIsLuCZ3benPY896kYbhvGBz1x9fp+NSMaJBuK4GOmccVLYxpbBGMkHGMdSM8fWgY5Mb+DnByQe35UgDI3go5Ddwp7daYDVfEeWwDxySKQCMRtGMYY9BwMUmBFzt27iAec/jUtjSIJZFb5OMBup56Vm2UQyvkEAfjnn/wCtUNlEQcyAOrHB6YH61DYyPLYI4zjIJ65qGNDF3Z5P8Jxkc/WpbGRrwTxjBzz+HNQMX77k4KepPcUCBm+YAkEdD2poCaAA/KhOehB6H3qwFwinaW+cAHAwatEjsAHLEkHgkHtQBC24gqBznoV71LGiFzjg5Bz0rORSIwMqCQGyeCR61DGiJiAep9ue9ZspETEgkEZXj2qChM524K/Q9KTGOjUEAbGznOOv4U0hXJIwHPJxye/pTRNyfYQg7HPy4+n+eKpIBC2CWyxyMnH9RVCA+Wpww5ByPpSYEUh3DuTnj/61S2MglLBCv3R2yeOKzbKRXlKlV5BHQY4z/k1m2WiscMq4xznBrORaIQCFKnGCec/yrMY1sAAhjwTgEdaBopuTn35xQURsBjC9DzmgTJIlGCcg578Yp2JLcEOXCEYbI/GtIoTdjVtbPCnPOeSTzXXTo33MJTLOzb0UED36muqNOxk2QSt0QdfQVXKFyqzAuASgbuAe1HKwuNWF8r8xzgYqlBiuW47ZjhT1A9K0VMhyLcdmwYsw+YDn0/H9atQFzE8dmxJ6nPoKtUyeYsR2uWOV244wR/nmn7MOYDbj+4VByQfpVcguYfHAWG7A9qfKK4C1VuVJOe6jNHIguK1srH5sMCcA45zSdNMfMVbnSRISQN5HPTj6VDoRZSmzJvdGyjAJ079q5amFTNIVWYGo6NJHxsJPX3FefUwzidUKqZiXiSRgqy5IzwTxXK00dEZGfLk/wj3H/wBalsWV2iJbknGcDnOc0wHLGT90nOfWmBPHGx3cAY4BHT8qAJEiMZwy844z3oFccV67VzgjvSC4x48OTjJBzgdeKTGV9gxgYIPO6hsdyKSP5iCGx78UkwAJg7tpHHUdTTYxDH3OfqP5UXsJscyddx5A44ouICq5bcMDtTAikTrjkAfnTQFSZRzncOfSrAhZMKWxtH0pDRAyjB4BAHNBViDYe549Cc/SmURMhA4HXgelNMloqyrgZA/GtBMryKcE4w3saZIzy1C9ufagCSJcsWIyM/jQMuRRhQDgEZwKzbAuRRbVyF71LYywsfAyM4HGRSAkVFxwByMnPpQId5frjp69v85ouIUA9VHT09famAjxgtjb+PrQA0oSoIB9M0AKsbdOOQcA0AMcHPfn8KYDGzjaAMng5qkJjdmSAADjgHHSmKw0qc4yOOMe1AhoUZ75B7c0ITLtrGxYHBwfyFaxMpGmEHkYz8x7DsK6IrQwbPUfhHpAtrB7uVOZGDAkdhXoUI2RzTZ6BMw8sZwTgDAHFdGxluYmqzukRCqAec5qWzRI4PxGkiy+ecBc54OCayZsjj/FGnwajau0fyXG0g9iaQzwfUGvND1ya2uV/iPDjhga1Wpn8LsWda8Awarpf9teGj5U2NzWobg+u30PtVKpbRkyppq6MbTfFEsAXQPGlhJf2sXy5l4ubceqseSPY10wq3Vnsc0odtzS1XwMZNPl1zwldDXNHjG6Voh+9tu+JE6j69Kbpp6xBTa0ZzdvPLD8isdv9xuV/LtWLSNVJ2NCz1qXT5kliAjcHp/CR9aTiNTsei+F/G+nXCCG9JhcjseM+tYSi0zZS5jrY9a06fB+1svPUHINQ7FKLKuoXFoGRUuQ6P8AfIQH8vzqbFHOa7aQfM8beXHt+UuxwfwqrCvY5eWO5RlWOI3CfeDKO1PluO9mMTVbizkLQyNEQc4Y5/Ck4j5tbo3LLxBMSHu4gxxwVH9KzcOxop33Nyw1C1ZSF2FiehHNRZlKzLc1ysiqMYI6j0pDsNS5OAoyyjpxmmJxLltMJRvxlhjv6UXJtc0rO5iIJBIxyxOcAVVyWmc7qHjTwto/mefqUDzqSDHCvmMevHHH61pGDZEppHAa18V7hnddK02ONckpLcHcw57AcD6c1qqK6mTrdjhda8S6xrE5a81CeXef9Uh2p+CjitVGKRi6jZnyW0yOBcslrnnEjcgeu3r+lPmT2Dla3ImMay4jkMgH8RXGfwp6kjeQ+D36UBcsWOmahfMRa2ksoHU4wB+JpOcVuUoSexpxeG5lci5kxjqsfJH41DqroWqOvvGnb6dYxQBYIF83ux+Y/nWbm2aqEUPwJI9kgYKDgEijYLXMjVbVrafemQhOVNaRdzOSsJIEngyoLNjJ9R/jQS7FFFeObemSAM5B5qyBHbMg8xeo6gY/GgNiBmIBwAy571QiAjPIFMQdM0AOfg+9IYo5G786GCAH5x9MUAN/jIpiGmgBy4K96TGhWOAo7YoAVsKAfUUAB4AINFguIaAExznt1p3FYOcYoAkjC4Az161LGixIcgqB/AP8alblXIz8yMM844/CmIrNjcaskTJoAcOlADaAAZoAcucdKQxzAleRQAw4xwelMQlAAPSgCWLlsUmNE6Dkg8CpKRKGKfLwR0we9SMc6BNuDkEZFFxsSc4VFGOmaCWRHpmgQgOG4pgOkJIoQMi571oSNoAaaAAUASoKAJkXJ/GkwJ44wwFICZYhjJH5UmgK9woXIpoCq9ADCaYCHOKAE/KmAmKAEpAFIBDTAQ0AN70wCgBVHNAE0aetK4F63jzg4NQykjQhgJGMcZxUNmiRo28B4xxg/nWbZVi35A2nPr0qblWK9xGuGODkcCi4OJVVQM9TzTJsfTMrAR8dM9K9Y8ozL1uuCRn0HIpoDMJPmZHBPYVqWi3A58sjJyDn0qGJk/m8b+MEUEkbSY4XJ75PamNDJmUHbkk+3amhEXy59O4wf85pgSo3QnJPTHrQBOjsFHXb2BOKQ7ji4OcjA75PSiwJjSWYqSN3Tkc0wbLdqjJgn7oPQ9aQjQgUEckDHb1qRpk4BCggk/pQDYZUZIBGfxNAh+cYbOOvSgCSMhlGBk56dqQFqIqSCGx+HFDLNC1+92Az95R1qWBuaeh2hMEDnkDqKyZSOgslXaMDJxknHPpUmkTUtVQLuHIHOMcg0FFlTjapTPHX3qCiVlO7cQCRxzQAMVDKOSF9vfpigCCQArgkjjpigBiopYHaB1OB3H+RSYD8EDa2AuMntSYBHgEYU57544qChQw+Xkfe7mk2MYMqNoweeRjgVncoRixPHKjHPbPoaQCEABSHx6gjOfei4Dz04Yg+oPT04pgH+wBnHoD+dADTIpQhQMY59qVwI2YYBSM4B4AP8s0mNEDMv8Qznr0FRJjRXlkHJYk+oBwayZRCWKntgjrUNlIi3DgkYJ4xUsBxKgEgAZPU81NxkWSrHKnPXJPaobGNL4KlVDf/AK/8KkYbg6ZPQDPI61QMcDlTwMdcEcfWmkIcAx4LEkAE47dKpIVyTJ38cA9iPwqxDWP3snj+VO4ETbVH3SB1OMf5FQxoaTtbnuM5J6Viy0RPmRRhW3+nYDGaljRC2SQ+OhOD0AFZt2KSG55DORx1B/nxUjBI/l+9k56E0ASxoeMH3+nv9KYiVVGSeBkc9hVJEi5UgKp47n1qrAOPzBhweR3/AJe9DAZJgqMEeYTjJ6mpY7ELZOSxHT/GobKRVkwcgsOoGB9azZSK8wyemT1A9KzbKRCfLYkhW5wT3rNlELkNGcDLE+nSpGQSEk5woXPGM5p2BFGSRd+FbPPORTUR3ESUFgB+XajlYrlm1VXI2r83tzk461UU27CbsjpdOtNke/knOeRjk9K9GjRtuc053LRAyCp554AzXYoWMWyvISE24U5Gcj196qwrkDqSxYqeenNNRFcmihySCNxParUBcxYtbViPm2hR6etaKBDkX4bZM52gYPTHb8O9WoiuWha7cAYBxmqSETeV8rMFG4elOwDvIL4J5HJB29KLAOMYHZs9OlFgHeQGUYUKR04osAqQlhzEremTg/5zRYBY4EzuyG7gHk+9OwDTCCRhMjqeOB/nmlYCJ7cFn42k4/8A10rBcpXenpJGRjJ7elZypplKTRy+taChBMSbSc9K4a2FvsdEKtjjr7Sp4JSdpUDj2ry6lFxZ2wqpmYVIfacDHHNYmydxyRchgVPPYUwZajQgAkA4ORRYVxwTac46/rRYQjLhiB6ZyR0FSxEZVDnjnpx0NBaInB24CYU8YqRkTIVkK5DKD09KAGMgzheG6jvmgaFVWZtoUjPHWgGSMnyEcDAwRQhDGVs5UKe9UgIXAVTgd+T0x70xleUA9T/ujNO4WK0oOcYGPftR5jRWlQ5xzn6dKaZRARhsYK47kU7gQyoScZx7eg/yKaJaK+w49AD17mruBA6AYHPB707iARjavtTuFiWOE8ZOOOlS2Oxdii+cncMHpgVFwaLUanheQB/FjkUhE6AHk4Axjp1NICREIyADgUXAewwODgjjnntQhCYAG/cO5xnNFwE2jBXyzjPHNACbeOODnA47UwGZx8qggDkkmmAwglcqep44wKLgMdcDnkn0qkJjduAScZ9D3p3BkZ5Bzg+hA6UyQjX5uo9+aNiWaVko3oC35npWsDKbNzTbNru6jhVWJc4Iz/WuunG+hyzdj3TQbJbXTYoQApVQM4r04qyOdskvSEGQCSD+dNgjF1ByVPyZ47nOO9Q2aI5jWYxcROAOgqDRHEyq0UxPIwelFhs5vxv4UsfEGmzXBj23kQ3RMOrAfw00+ViceZHD/Dm+mstQm02bcNxwqsOnrTqd0KHmbPjTwXaa/DI0karOB8k6j5h7e9RCbQ5QUkeV248S+A9f87TL945kIO6M/LIv9116MPUGuqFS2qOaVPoeiWV34H+JMS2+oQw+EvEwUfvYuLe6P07H2/nW6nGe5lyuOxw3jzwd4g8K3ph1S2Jt+kdwgzHIPXPb6GiVNoIzTObWfaw2MOB64rJ2NE7FyDUbsOfKupIsDgbutQ4ItTZZg8R6pbfecufXvUOmWqrW5bXxk8i4uLUyEdi/FHshqsilqPii9vHBKlIwMBIzgAU1CxLqXIItVnZGQW+Cf4jyaHEakbWnXN3tR5bQlcfxN1rNo0TaOj064V4wu1A5IGORWTRqnobtus64YooTbyd44FJxLUype+LtE0qMrNPEZAP9XD87E/hwPzojSlLYmdWK3OZ1X4n3TRFNM0+ODPAlmbPHsOlbRw6W7OeWI7I4rV/FGsaiDHeardTo3WJXKp+Q4rZQjHoYubZlBJZDg+XCuMlpDj/6/wCVU5EpCE2cbAu8lzjqOUU/1x+VK8mGiEe+l8zdbqlqAMAQjGB9ep/E0KCtqNyb2G2lpeXsm21t5pmPXYpanzJdRKLZ0Nl4L1LyxJePHbeifeP6cfrWUq6WxtHDye+hZttN0+zuEV4hOeclxnB9Kzc2zVU4xN7T1MTYSYKedqkcD0H4/wBKzeprHTYV0WSUuBhsAMrcYOc/400JrUgktTP88bbM84x+lNMmwiq0KlJ4spIuC2M80xPQpapZLNZrt54IGOntVp2IkrnPozLGD9xlPJrQxCURyqSuI5du7I6HnmmhMqBnjlRLlBj1YdqZJWmIEjKF2kE5561SEyAnPTg0xCqMnn1oAJfvmgB0X9096TGhGG1x3waAEkPz8CgQ09TTAfHjIJpWAaxzigByfMip7/L7UwBuJCpHTigAosFwIwpH40kNiLk80xEtuFMh3dMVMhokcjBYEj5v0qRkROxh7UxDJVw/t1FUgYw9cUxC0AJ3oAXgHnmgB4YjAHFKw7hH8zYJ60AR9zTEFACrQBLAPvGpY0TwctUlIlAyxyKljJMB1Cjr1oGV5WDSHH0pkMONtADTw3AFPoIcTihARv1q0Ib2pgMPNACj1NAE0eD7UATJwc/ypMCxE2AKLASknnBx7UgIrhCR1BFDApSA7qAIvwpgBFACEUXASmAhoASlYBKAENCATtTAQUASIM0thlmFe/f6VLYzRgjbaOD1qGWkadtEcgbuhqGy0akCbUzwKxbLsSsTnHbsKZRSuWGOeOPzoEyohHzZ9apkH0vLtG/Jzx1zXrHkmZdAcuVFUgMhwck459DWgyRJMDvjA4oKexP5hRcEkDr65qSBrSDdjBIxzTAXcC5YcAnmmAYwPmA/AcUAPDLv3gEYNAD2+6py2c96ABG/eE/KB0oAs267jggnPTA/nSbA0LeMYHIYDFTcCyCQMDIz7cVIChu5J47imgGlyUJ64PBBpgL5gxhTn29aALMTKBjOe+M0gLaNjGOB37UFo1LAAsFxz1zyKlgdHpyZXbjBHGD2NZM0Ru2iZGFOCOmKktI0IVO4/P8ALyDxjr6UmyixkbsYHHOepqRkiE8HZtY8c/54oAThTlMcj86AIvLBkPzY7c9D1oAcB8vAUkkBjzntj60mA6Vl2gfKMdeam4yF2jIO4gkdv8DUNlWGHIGTjA9Ox96hsaGmXYu1HyoPQZJPNSMXgAnKnJyT1NADl3EFuCR2Hb8KAB1AIwyqTzkenFAC7SFwOnQ54z60AR7Bg4YHJyeOPekBDKVYk7iRmpbKRXk3Zw3JHOazbGRzNjIyDt5P49yc1DKRCwC5djjOMY79qgY3DbsYLYyOTipYxh5XYG56kVEhjdqtwwLE56jPSpQ0NyVTBGFPHI/GkA5RtcDB2npVIGPwVIypIPB/+tVCFxtYbScZ5J7VQhclsnPzY/AfjTEMO3JHQbfXqalsYybBfBUDjJ5qGyiI7dpGcZzwe3tUNjQyYhU3AArggZ61DZSITuI9f7vPJ+tQykMxyBtIPqR0pATDJUYwTnJxQgZMhYqGYqDyKoklByCvUDr2qkIYVAUqF3beB+NUAjcKcgnngHrUyAjZxwcLxgg9QagaImJXO75QBjI5BqWWiB8bMgAtjggdvrWTKIM/Ljuw5HHFZspEMqAx7TgbuBkZFSMhdgF3Z7dsdPamogUL2Uou4EcfN1/HNaKIrmNc3I4ZeN3U5rRQuTcgju03Kvqe1DpjUjqvDERkCyyKcgfhW1Cjd3M6kzqIwAoIbJB4IGR7V6cYHK2DfcxuwT1GOD9K0UbEtlRcbtvAHJPuM+lOwrjxGBtMWQv06H/CqSJbLsNuxAUBmJH41aRLZdit14PXg5qrAXIYGyd3yjoMjrVATpEckZ+YDptwfrQIk+zY3Z79CTQgHMrKQQ2RtwO1MYoQL83dTz7daAHqvJJyOeT60AOKrvyByM85z/npQAojXZuwADwT60xDmjAQ/KDkAkZpAM8oMNzjkjHHH8v6UWAhMQ2HcwweRntRYCpPZZUFkAU/wkZ69qlxHc5zV9HSaMtt4xjArmq0FJGsajRxOr6Q8UrOiA7ea8evhnF6HbTrXMkRuCV27c8VyPQ6b3RPHFnh8YAGOcUNkgVAY989hU3GNVc8EDGMnPU0MSGFQxKevHPFSy0QuvJII4688UiiNlyxyPx7UDGlSJM7cIDkH9aoQ5V5BRj+HPFIAZcEHgAcEUIGI0ewA9T27UXAgkC54X6gVQFR0YjIzg07jIn2tndk4NIpFd0w2fmz3J6U0UQTA8HkHPr1/wA8U0IrSp8xJ6+5qkBXkRjyenXp29/SqQiGQEsQRgg5x/WrQrEkaYycE9PxpXGWIY1L56596hsaLsce0glQM96hsGSoPuk4z09qZJOiqePlI6DH1pNiJFVRnOPTikAIAq7So5OKYDwi7c47UxDSoJbDc9sGgCMhg5w2QDj6YpgMAzJkkemRRcBhBDZxuAwR2FMBhGWJwQS3pmgBChVuwGeaaYiOTblQVPXt61SEySFd2M9c9PWn1JexpWsW8bj+FbQOeZ3vw30w3V6LhwSq5OP616NCPU5Js9WC+WpA3BVHB713bGNtTOvZmcEEADPAZu3eoky0jHv2L/KjZAJHvioLMueAumSW69qLDOW8Q2ISTco5Jy2OvWmBmlPJw3JBOMUnG5SlZmB4r8Kw/bYtXsogkquN+wfjUXtoW7PU1WtWuNMWNMCUAY7c+tR1BbHI6p4LRUMl7Es0k2Ru5/KtuYz5bnBeMfAslpH9otFDR/eMJPzL7g9/pSU7MHC6LPhL4j3dhaf8I540gfWdEZREWdczQL0+rAfmMcGuyliOjOSdHqiDx74Aso9MHinwfdDU9BmPzCP5ntz/ALQ64/Ud63dNS1iRGTWkjzq9tbmEBJYmUNypIwCPUGsXFotMhhuHiOJlLx55Pcf41DRSZq6bZW15cBLchgRkkc4qJuxpCPMy5pukG681YoZJGj7qpP8AKpk30KSXUvR6YtopuJbdyo+9vUgD8TUNtmkUlrcttq9jGM3DZUf8s4hnP49KFTkxyqxW5Sv/ABg8SbNO06GFcYEkpyf8P51qqPcydfsczqfiC7vPlvL+WUE/6uM4X/CrUYxMnOUjPzOQSESBf70pwf16/gKHJC5WVJWBbLSGT36CmtRCLMyA+Xhc+g5/PrQARxTXEgSKOSWQ9FRSxJo0Qas6vRvh3r98omukj0+LGSZ87iPZRz+eKxlXjE2jQlLc7DSvh1o1nEJLzzL5jwC5Krn/AHRWEsRJ7HTHDRW5tLbx2key0t0hixgqi4H6VjzX3ZuopbIR4kmTYwyGGM47/wCNMe5zvifSCYDd26neg+dQOWA6Ee9aQl0MqkOqMrS7p3AVh8w43Y79qqSM4s15E+1W5uEQllG0kHlT/XntSKIYgxjaTA3dPY0CLhVDCeAwUZIPX0poCjLbIlrJ5fyjcSoxwCBkVSepDWhxV78ksiYGFbj6f5NbI5ysjkSEvkrjFUQL5jH93J88an5c9VHtQNMguk+cuOc9G9aEIp/xY9Kskev3gPekMjbljTEKODQBKpDofXNJjQyQEAZ60IGNPFMQ8cAHtigBhHBoAdGSAT6c0mAFsgD070IbBAS+BQwQ6TnBHYYoQMjxjjGaYiwvyxY28t+gqWNA3KKMDkZ+lIZHKc8/nVITE5ZQD1HSgCMnPNMQooAQnHAoAD1oAd6UACnDUmNCN1piE70AOUcY70ATocIcdfWpYyS3xgnsKllImiwAT+tSyiWDMcPm8ZB496QeZVkwJCB0zxVIgBkqBQAxvv0+ghznihANBzxiqAYwxTTEJjPWmAYoAmjHFAFpFDCgCwkZIyMc0ATpH7d6TAZdRgLjGOaTAzZ1+bAqUwIMGquAlFwDvQA0jFNAJTAQ0AN/OpAQ9RTQCYyaAHIuSaYFmFO9Qyi7BFn/AOvUXKSNO3h4APT1qGzRI1LaPbyvUnms2y0iw4C/eP0qCiOZ2xnd+B61SAzbt8HOc+tUkQypHLwee9U0Tc+o51A5wCehx6eleoeUZt8vynBwT0ODiqQGS6Ybk9P1rQdhg6nnI6UDbHpv2Zzk+9BI9dwyCep5NAx+RnpjJ/KgLAclj3GO9Ag6oMngZB7H8KAFG4Dhhk+vUUATRIzEBj8rD60XA0bZDlflBx0wKhsC7GmFHHXikgJDnICnt0I6UICJz82QBuANAmRySjLHaxye3OaBjoS2QVHy46MevpTAvW44x/CDk8/59aANCJdoySenAHHWpLRraapfAGfQnFRIaOn0yPbgkd+fU1mzRI2rYIFzgk9jjNLYsvxbhICTzUFEsag4IwTzjIxj0/rQA9QvLNwG68UACB2JAyOzDd3oAUKQMDk+nSpAG2g7dwyD02/59qTYyGRgGxnAJ/8A11DGiLkyLhwrYwcHrUNloiZlYnOC3QH1/wAiouFgVs5UnGCMcGgYNwB90A8jnHP+RTTAegPPOeuMnihiG5OQSR1x160AO3gfNyAOMYzzQBDI2WIyBkEnnA/GkxkDj5zhj2wMVnJlDDgEtjBzgVDGiDcnJxxnjAx9KljRDNnb+HGBzUNjGliTtGGOPmOelQyhruCPkz+Ix3qAGvlpeWyD0ApDAAKVPOV5xjrQFxwwxIyd2M4I6VSQhwLbN2OvTHJ5qkJiKPlAGOM4GeadwFDH7uepx6Ck2FhGJ3gAjPpUNlWGS53DkioHYZOPl3AnA46VDYyvK+05JOAO3oahstIZ83LZBIGQOn+eKm4CghgWJIbGcGmBKq5woKgA9DQDHpnHzc4GM571RLJeCoLcYOeD196pBYBleFYblHBIoeoWELLyWB+VeOO1SCIJB8xxgEDrnvUtjK8hIJGTntj8/wClZtlEOCSzAL7HB4qGUMHAJBBGcAgfhzU2KGurO3qQeMVKQFO6bcTwCMEe+atAY94SpOOQOh6GtIkyMK8lOMnIPU81vGJDZVsVM17Go5ywHStFG+hDdj1DRbUW9ogA2k9uv9K9CnSSRzync1ghKHAOR71uokXIpUGwqRk565H50+UVyPyyzJk9OwA5pWEaVtb9169Mjr+NVFBc04LVQgPQ/dOSOtWkIsW8CI25gACAOelUkIsxKDg5AA6E9RRYLjjGRwTgE+uc+9MRMEJJc/MoA4BH9aAGso3g5AAB780DGnDZyfmz0APQf5NKwXGmMByWBGOhJ7+1AD1JXKhgV655oGKhyCC24nkDHXNAh+TuG35fbpmmIAi4A4xkA4P+PSgAZAVHzHdk5wcgc/4UARGP5VY84H40rDuU7m2V1J2hhk59P85NFguYOp6cnlsojUemR+tYVKSkXCTRxGsaWbeQsoKgnHTpzXjYjD8rujupVLmVsYKcD61wyOkdgNhdh6fpipGRuoIC45I4BPNK4WGENkdRmkwIJMcna27vz1pFojaPMZTgc9e1AwCBlz+B5oAQLtHA69hQAhViTg8t2xVdBCMAfk2+4wcVJRAwxjAPp6f5FO4WK8inccAnmmMikRQxA3H3x1pXGiuULYwPcZ9adyiCRBtK1SYmVJowcrgEe45FWhNleVQRkgt68daYXQ0JvcEDINMe5JEnzjJPXkUmFi5DGMnHT6cmpbAtRg9Oy9BiouBMsYKfKCG6e9FySRARgYxkfp60eYh+w4AHrk98U7gAVvlyBj19qLgSgBeDng5GKBETr8wHU+vrTAaRg8n2xQBDIrb8EADIxgdaEBG/3u4IHQVYAV4424FADHXPGRz70AMZAWXaowDzz3piZZt17AcE9RVIykzVs43kZFwev51000c82ezeA9M+xaYjMy5IztyK9elGyOOTuzfumCrxnnPGa1EZN18o+Uj2z2+tQykZ8sDsnlkYLY+bFBVyAQLH1GcnkUguZ2pWwnVl7kEgkcdKYHI3qCM4C4J6gHimItaQ8U6tbyrnjgHiokjRMq30TWl2AiEr3ArGS1NEaVlHFew7HjBP07+1aw95GcrxM3X9BhnhnRowG8vAAPf1qZIaZ458RfCPnTLdWcIjmbIJ6Bz7+9EZW3HKHNscR4b17XfBeqtc6Y/l7jtubWUZimHcMv8AUV006rictSmnuel6SvhLxhps0lhaO1ggZrrTCR9p09zyZLf+/H1JX8sHiu+E41FY5JRlBnC+NvhzqOit9st5Ev8ATJRuiuYjwR/tD+E+xqZUexcal9zjYvO0m4S5t5AB/Gmc7l7/AI1zTgmjeE3F3PSj8RtYhs/sfgnT30zThg/apQBuAzyc/KDye56VUYdiHLW5wGv+Ibi7uGOravc38gOdqsSoPt0A/AUcsUCbMaXUpnQtBFHbRj+Jjkn8/wClJz7Dtcz2ljdi88kszZ6A4B/Gk7sFYRbqSNs24WH0Kj5h+PWlyj5iHc8kn8Tu3vkmnohas6nwz8PvFPiACS1sPs9uf+W9yfLU/TPJ/AVnKrFFxpSZ6DoHwc0+0Am129a8bvFHlEz9ep/SuaeJl0OmGGXU7TSdD0/SoRDplhBaKRtJRcMw9yeTWEpyludCpxjsaE9mCVI24AwxPNSUUb+3QHHXaOoP9KLjRjSW/wC8IJOeg4zTBlN7aRpy8eFJ6jPaqGWRbRiMvtBxweaYmeceKbGTS9Xe7VQLSZugP3TW8HzKxyzTjK5paJdKgKXDARzY2up4yeefrSaGmWrwNDclYgT5x5HqfWkhsupEkkYK4B6EE9KAMi/d1me2Q5JIyR2/CrSIZxusgJdSY6E4/pW0TCRQfaIgOc87j7VZDYls2+Vom/i+6fQ0MSGqWHnIy5K/MR/P8aYEEyAASpyh/Q0ITGJw6mmIZ6mgAUHBPWgBVyDmgCRiGTmpsMjYH64qhCycED0xSQ2I3B+tMQKeooATgCgB+flwOrck0rDuCcqR1oAVV6MRkZ/M0XAGcngnJJzQA78c8VIxjdMVSExoONrelDQBKuDkdDyKEDG80xAfWgAHegBR0oAB2oAH60AIOooAePvYFJgiXGFqSiaHGw9+aTGiVQTgL61LKLF0oVViXoo59zUoqRTk+8D3xirRkKo/SgCHvVdBEmMqcdakZE52tirWqEL1WmtBDDTASgB6MV78UAXLaUew5oA0rZ0I60gLkSpuGG/WgRS1GRckZHXtS3GZMzZbioAjAoACKAGkHFUmAh5pgMbg00A00AJSASgBQM0wJYxQxlu3XkDGazbKRp2ijA469ahstGvaQj5SfXj2rJs0SLsKgHacH1qS0hJZAAcdO/vQkDM+4lBBJPUVSIuZV0+GBzjitIohlaOXAPzDrVWJufWTjzEbluDk4HSvRPNKF9/uknPGPSqTAyZoxnBySc5z2qx3GKo5G3PZeAaY2h6p+R6e9BIqIxKtgBR1oGmPKhCxIJPAHH+eKB3uIpU8HqOSPTNK4mrDiq8MOuemcGmIfBGXYgnnqccUrgXIIlMYG3qPXrUgXo4wgwcfnQBIcnC9Af0NIBikqG+Ubh27UAQSO5GGUAsaYEKHPJ6jOOaALdthmy5C+4oA0oOccYAPY85pMaVy/aglj3AGMnr/APqpFLQ6DSYssoDYI5yKyky0jpNOj2lG2tyeQ3b3qDRI2LYAqRk8nIGd2OKlsotcyADDKD0BXHHc0hkycbkbIPU8dT3/AAoAFJUnpk9sY+lACj7xLbfm6H1PbNK4Em75gVyR05pMaIZCmTuGF9/T+lSxlad1PzHovHsazkykiB9zBsjOPmOf8/WsmykhGcMoYDbxgccUrjsMDDeSMgYzkHOT/hRcLEsJlLbuSMjAA7f/AK6aYhc4IVvcAg/nn3p3CwbiwwTlPun3wf1piEOVBDYA+v50mMiDZIznOCKljGnjOOc+hrNjIDu8wldnXnPP+TUsaI5CFYYGcnGOAM0mNEb/AHyBwT1wKzYyOTGCcHGOmMCoZQxgVYqee/HPWpbBCbMehPqB0oGOQYfuD1xxzQlqJjlVj0GM98c1pYVxQGGU478Y6f4U7CE2D1JAx34qWNA3OAfl55IXipbGiPklht5bj5RxWbZSI5MpxjAzzk96hsqxWkkbYMn1yfb2/SobGkRuxDhSOTzz/nrUlAAWOc9W4GcZpAOD7Tu3ccjr1P0oCw+P72MEAnGO3SqJJFORjpz096dwsLnrwvPIxxk0XAVXA6DgfxHk/WmIQt8p3HIz0zyKTY0RtjbgqpC9u9QxkUobAYDioKIWxgjjj73p9KljBVQZ4yG547ipKI3O47WyADyR7UmBTuiPmBCkk+uKpAY19Cd2eeOMYrSJMjGvLZgT/dPcCuiLIaL3g3T1k1FZWBJzkcdK6aPvSMZ6Hplrajy1CsQuMAj17ivVijlbLJhjQAggEdTmqsTcgmgCJyASvBBFDQXCxiDjc4xjn0x9az6lG1BCzAjbgNjBPerEW4RtjAzuwe3Gaqwrk0QU5UE8jOQelPYNx3Qg5yw+UY60CHKrbCQzdSQMUAK2xA3zFcjnuPX/AAoAaVzIHK+3qPyoAVV6EjORxj+lACH5uUA46Z/nQAhUuCE5YHGemD6YosO4rbuNmQ2fTt2osFwi+8Mlc9+MH/PFAE6tjK5bn7ue1AhARjoG6kHAoAUjC5djwSDnn8sUAQyJ8u44HUfWgCndwFssFLAd/b2osBz+saes0cjMQ3p6AVy1aakjWMrHDajbeTNyDj25714Vem4s9CnO6KJU7xgk/hXIzexHIpIJKq3qO5/wpDISuOowM9KTGkNOMEf+hdwKBoYVUqBxyM845oGIqZ52HjgHpxQwHlQcY3H+VAEewEsC3HUgduOKLgRyoMFB1AGPp70AQSKNxwMBQe9AyOUbT/CecZouMrSJwS2eBjnt/kUDRE8e75QAXHUYouO5BONyk5GRzwe1UgKbRkHGfmPJ5IrS4iBoyMgKB68ZpiECblxn5sdBxxTKRMkZ/hwBn1qWxstxrn5u3UZqGxFkLgbuDzzntSC4/ZmQ847k0EsmAC8k+2SKLkkgQgIScY4x0oTAcFBIY5z04pgBAxzwD36daoCMjLjHTnqaBDHUFRjGMkUhjAqjkkHGABimBA6bGO4k5/MVSYDT15JO3gimA1kIwWGBxxjpQALErH5VGAOvrRclsu20fy4QHr+Aq4mLOy8A6Ub7U1dh8kXJ969HDU7s5Ksj2CFBFCI1VgQBgDrxXqW0OcrTsBksQCDkjPWgEUZsq+7YhPYngk9qloogYNuGAcr+tDGVLlvl3bj0OSR3qQKMjhxjIyuR8vIP9abA5TxGAmShUZHXFIqxiWs8kVzvG4MO3NVuLY2JZFuYhNnPsfWsJI2TuS6cBFJncEJ4wB+dTF2YNXR0SxpdWwxgnGCD/OttGZbHKeI9AjuYDb7R8mT2H+frUOJcZHlvj/wO1zaG7iT98gO73ArPmcS2lI8hVb7StRjuLaZ7S8t5A8UiHlWHQ5rphUW6OaUOjPQdG+L7WGm38et6YZJLiNlfyABFOxGNxX+BvXHB9q74V+ZanHKlZ6HiE8/nzyMu2JckgZPA9KylK7uapBLf3UtrFayTytBDny0LcLk5OPxJpXewaEDS5+6oX1x3pWHcZ7nmgVze8O+D/EfiAb9L0qeWHODMw2xj/gR4qJVIx3ZcacpbI9H8J/BF50E2v6nsPeC0AJH1cjH5CsJYnsdEcN1bPSdE8F6D4dgA0rS4FlPWaQeZIf8AgR6fhisJ1ZM2jTitkb8EJ8hSVwSvYHrUKxTuVrizYxk4U7ASPTNS0WmRGxZ7Y4+WRSCDn0oG2Ri2kgON2/jPNJBcoXsfy7lXnOTjtTasNMyLpkgfcxO7rjFNAVt8b/6kgs3JJqkMQNJ1RAX/AIuc80yWzM1/TI9Ss2CjLtncMcA1cXZmclc89sJBYvNZXAb5Xwm5eh9D7Vs1fYwTUdGdJaSAwwTZyuORn7p9PaoLTNCVlklIjyZVwHHt64oGyiY4jcSSLubbwTjn3/z9aZLOJ8RjN5M6gbV5/Gt4HPMxpsoQD1C81ZmRRD94T2xQwJ1PmxCVmzIpwR39j7+lAEUbbHbbho34ZT6f40xEVwmx9w5QjIPtTQmR8k8dqABT8pFAAgwTQA4HgD1NIY1c7/bNAhZGJYnFMBD2J7GgBB96gBT1oAXGKVx2FU4bNDQXHHgAZ7UkMjP3iapEsepGPwqbFCdwe2KYhrDHHvTEOBDRMncHIqeoyMd6oQH0oASgB4/SgBPU0ADcigAHXNAD0GW96TGiVufl6ZqRkyrsAzzgc0itiezALbyeBUspE8qgnk5OPSpTHIpEDcfrVmQ4ZEbN60AQDrVASRj5cVLAjkGSfarTExiYwfemIVh7UXAbjFMBDQAqtg5BoAmiuWU+tTYCf7dIBjOKAIXlZ+rHFCAaP/11ADsUAGOKAEI4poBhqgI2poBtFwE9aAAUAOWmgJYxyKlgX7de9ZMtGrZLyozUSZpE1ICoHBxjj61mzRFkEYwOo746UiyrdSDacn2zVWJkZV1Lzx06dKpGZnXD9z3rRIlsrK45+tVYlH13v/dAx9D0zXeeeilcffzxVIGUpozkLwoJ61SY0hkSAMW29D6UDJQmc9OadxNDAgUMCvPWkSLtBOSvHT9KLjsNaIngHPqRQA5IScDsODQItwxfLlcc85xnNK4FxIvmJPHbJpAP2gZyeCPzoACwSPgEfTvQBXlkIUAEAgenQ+tNAVJWJZs9M1SAfBwfutnPQdDSYGhbKQwGD9D2qRo0bZT9/kEnoKCjX06Hc4zx6+mKzkxo6bTIOcAY6H5h+lZs1SOgs4QVCjg44OMegqWUkXYI1UqG3K3GCOpxUlFpR98lid3Izzj/AA7UASAktuwuD6HtQAEB23HHHJIIFADo49hyzEDHpUgJIWWM8ZA/vd+lS2UVpGwcuSOcZJ/SobGiszb8DpnnA54rFsoYMAbev4VDZY0AZJ5PsvapbAZnHz8HA5HXAouBNGCQApA6Ag/rVpgx3K/fGe/UVRIik8nIHOfQ/SncBHIDE7M88ccD2pAMyzBieM9MdKhsojZx8zMF4PGOf89qlgRyOFHPQ8VLGQsW5+bk9G61LZSI2I4IU9iT61m2NADhdpzyDzj1qRkPOfl59KQCouCc9sjjsKLAO+XG/bkjhuKpITHhQAGHPOcZ6n2qkIc5A643Ywe5pgRoQFO7A9sdeahjRExGSVbjkHPfis2UJKVP8XOAM44rGTKSKzkEkn3xkVDZSREzgYA5x196kY0j5eWXJOen50kUKVGMjaMnOPWhgObgDPA9aAFU7g2RgZ79P0ouAgwG5weuCadxD88K2eAP++frincQ9WJHTPOcjuO9DYDGIGPlHT7poAa7PsOV5Bz9akYxm7888EEVI0Rs2cnAPqexqRjGwScgkA4XA/z/AJFIZHIQW+U+4J6VLGVpBtB+ZffB5FCYEE6EruDYxkgbcj/PStExMoXUCYOBnueavmFY1vBVuDMzcr257/jXpYNXZy1zu4YiCAAxHJBz/OvWSORjvLU/MBgqOp70xEU8J2FlwpNJgJaRqpIYjJHOR1qEUasK4wQMKRnk5x7VYiwOoOMbcY6GmIc0e2Qg5x29D7UASAu+O5z1Jx+FACqA2evGcjH3T9e9AClGz94YA496AI9oIweGzz3P+eaABnO/btAYHPB59x/SgB2RvDAFgOcCgBhXsVz7gcj60ABD7ABuJHI7f5+lAC7GxkgFjycevpQAm8hQOORxjoKQx6P0XPbp7CgCfhwGBI4znv6imIGUNEdwypHGPrQBBIDtJH8PFAGfdxFgdzKT1Gf5VFho4rxDYgo7qMkkk47f55rzcXSurnVSnqcnIoSRgOccmvEnGzO9MikXqVIz2z61BZEyfKGJyBwBSYEb7cnI4PTPvTQDcKMjIJz6dKRVxyIuwHIJ9B0oBjtjdwBz60E3I5B8xzleDk49+KChjK7cAg/zoBFWRRjaVG7HHPNAyMgj72TgHPegohkUlBxjA9M0DWxEQTgj7p7d/wD9VAyCQLt9D14HU00K5UkTKkE5J9q0QMhK4yRuJPTJ96rcQJHySGGM9xRcpMsRoARxnHcis2wLUabkHoPXtUtiJokG75eg9emadxDwufmPcYB60gH7Ds4UcUhEgGGAUg9zjpVIQuM+5/lQA8rhQSRn2pgMVF5IO4jGePzqhEUigBsnrz0pDI3TJCkEAUANZQGxkAH1poCModx/hJ68UXACpxjOT79qAERMvs/HNUiJGhZQlpEjC5ZvlHHetoK5hN2R7T4I0pNP01MxgO3LDHXivcoU+WJwTd2bkp6kKD1B9elbklGaRRkEkEnBz39KRSRWkfdwE7YxnIpDIJR8pBJDe3GfehgUr2VQgG5SB1zSAwNQ1ERyHByeenasnI1UDIvPNv49oAAzz6ihO5VkinBpTgFm3Fsc+9dETnmX4bIC1bBwQefQf4VNSnfUKc+hT0u5VpijNhlOGrk2Z07nY6S6MoClsAdf8/WtEzKSJbu3B4KkY7mruSYd5psbybCC6sOQBWbjc0iz56+L3h8aVrJZE/0edd6Nj35H4VnBcrsVL3jzfU7cy2EyAfMBniuyErM5pRONxg9PwroMTW8NeGte8SXbW2h6XcXrry5jX5UHqzHgfjUuSjuUot7Hqfhr9n7W7lVk17VILAEj91APNcfU9B+tZSrdjVUX1PV/DHwp8GaAieRpcd5cr96e8xK2foflH5VlKpJm0aaR0UligcBQqIBgIowqj6Vg9zZbD47aKNM7QG9GFAMgnQNGGK7B04qZajiRrGqRAs+PY5GaS0BoawVgxAx6c+1FwFEQKqVZSScEegxT0E7lG6MaHyM4PTnvU7FpXMnUPOwyL+8boTjGKLlJGNMpI2yRfvOoxzTQ2Zk+yOZsqykY69qpCYpmCQO0nJA4IqkQQRSvOjSKAo/nTsK9jnfGFjHPbi8hQJLGMSDb94ev1FXB2M6ivqjnNKv5bKdrW5ClHb5s9B7/AErRq5lF2N+3aWAeajF2Tq3fHrn0xUGpXmugLd5oBlpATIT0Geh+tUkZt9jhdYl33ATPyM+c+vauiKOaTuzOncvJ0xkHNMQQgncR0UUAMGFG3sT+VMQ/HyseNw6j196BkJYjjORjvTJGDhT70AOUAITmkMbGMt9aGCHcZA7ikMRR1piGk00Jig5Q569qQxo65piHgZpMaDqMUAKaAFbHakMa3Q00JiRnFDEPI4+lJFCN93d2zTENXAYMKbEDgBmHYjIpIbGmmIBQAvG3FACGgA7UAKPSgCZByPWpYx3VgKQyY5A9zUlMsQ8bU445NJjRowxh1BOBxWTZo0Zs0eJmA454rVPQya1GTfKgX8TQJlc1Yh8RpMBshyTTQmR96pCHdqAAjPNADDnvTAYfagBQaAFFJgPXpSAeuO9QBIMY6UALjjp+VADSOfQU0BG3eqAjY9qaAZTASkACgB4FMCePNQ9gL9qADjGayZaNSzUYDdKiRpE0o+U4yPTPQ1BaY98DqT9KLDuzPuXYZGCPQ1SQm7mXcucEevr1rRIhlGVjnmqRDZEpPNUybn10WJO7OMj5Qe9dxxJFdvmGSTx146/1qhkBXc2PvA9z0FNAPCkIOMGncBzxszKMDpxkZouAhTJJY84xjFFwG7PlO44OenbFAAI89gMHPSgTLEUQCnORj9aTFYsJCUBLAsp6ZqUBIqkx9frkdqdxvUHDqoGOR6D/ABpCIZmIycAgfrTEU7g5Axnr2PX61SQEYz5mCSc+gpgXLeNyQV5BGaQ7GlbDPIB+hHOaRRoWVuWUevU5qGFjoNOttuAASQKzkzRI6WxjVQE5BxycZ/OoZojYt14XngcHAqCi0nTAbOOTnrQBMhYOe49M9KAFUIS2B+OOtAD4h+73Hv09R9KkBZCxXliAeh6ZpDKshJPfJ5H19KhlIY5GSTyewrKTKRWdiEORjB4bvWbKQ3kZ3EkjjioGQjAb7wxnNIoVWAQGMbhnOfWgBzNtf5iBx7ZAppkjywwDIcnIOTySKtMBHbaxKYJx07mi4rCZd8Z5/vc0mxkbMTIGzu4/KpYDR0yAM+3ekA2RgxYnrjsep9R+dIohYqVUHaueBkZNZSKRHKD/ABE7gMZHapGM3mTJPBPHXOKhgIpG89Cq9BjrTQC45I6Z55+tNAP2gOSc47EmrRIu4EsMHrmqQDZBlTnOcc8Y/wA9qlsBm48gj1wO9ZyZSGykAcPhRg4C1kykV53IfDAc54B4FZtlogGHbhsHt/8AqqGUiLkHjIPcn19aQyUZD4OBk8E9KQBjK4CtjHrQAg2DGOWGCQRjHWlcYu7I+ZlHsOaVwFiwTw249j6UxMXqTgHn3zTQmOXcWCAAnHp0+lMLDNwBI6qTn6UmCBtuTg4zz7UmMbI/bntx+FSxjQNqrwfqBSYEcrKwGCeOw7GkUis8g7sDkZyBxipuBG5VFJ4bP50DKctyAwXO3jB+b8KoRm3V2uSSM9TnrTQzqfAMgcZUZ5yDXsYFaHDiNzuIBIqcY5XAHQV6yRyFloDtyeRjoMjmmBHLEc5GCc9B6UmBXSAI5UtnJ4+hqLWGaEJIG0bunemBMMc7gFbHP+RTEBRQhGH7EeuKAHOfk2sFUg5+Xt1oAeOT19iT69hQA5lbAO45HbmgBp3EqTx1wobtigBFyW5BH8h/n3oAQ8tt3cjPI44oAarL0UFQCRjPPNAAWkDbQSBnvyaABuQVXI9uR/npQA1tpYfNle2eg9aAFX5SwUn647UhkqnDbSQo2880WC5KcFOu5SeduRzTAJ9gAZk25+71zQIqSRkqwJBBznH9P8+lDAwNVgVkHGPUkck+tc9WN0aQepwGqW4hmI28c89K+dxEbSPSpO6M9gc9QfUHsPWuY3IdoaTP3h0ApXAaMKhJT/8AVQAoALYOc4zjGQKADaQpIyfQgUIBrw/KwJcDPQDrTAG27CMdRyPSkNETDHTAPUHFA0V5BtY5+bt9KCiCUYwpyT3yOP8A9dIBjkAndn1/ShjRDIDjAB7YNCG2V3UY4Unkg/X1qrAmV8AvtzyR69aoRCyKTyW6ZwDiqQCxqW5GcgdxUtlItxx8Z4z1xipuDJmB3DAOPQemaSJZMqgqW4HGPrTAWNSGOAy54+lDYiQKd3akAqoCM5H4GncRIB0GDx1JpoBXA7n5c44zmhEsZIoIIVSFHfpVAmRygMMH5jjp2oKI3QDPzbsdCaAI2jILDHJOcetADSufmOCMAUAK6EpwTnt2oAVFBPRSw4q0RI6XwRbifWYlYKQPmNdmFheaOWs9D2qIeXCqqMfKea91KxwPUqXD4OF6fdz0pMpFKaUk8gH3PXOKkoYEzwWI5O3/ABoSBkV4NowDn6jimxGFqDhhkk8dcdOlZtmkEZUdiJTuJJ54HY1NjRysbNjpSqM7dwxzkVrGJlKZPc6dEpUqApxjcR1zVrQyeolvpcayybMssi4IPtWm6sZnn3i61fQtajnXi3uG5J6A1yVYW1OulO6szqvDVzFLCHByOxJrJFSR0rqrxnoeO3PWtjIpmBSBmPg+naiwXPPPjn4Wk1bwhJcWcJlvLNvNVUXLMn8Q/kfwqHEuLPl/W457K1mdonXadjgqQQfeqhL3kuopqyuYXhXwvrPizVVsdA06W4dnAeVhiOIHux6KK6nJJHPGLk9D6x+EHw2t/AeiTwNfSXt/dENcttIQEDgKvoM9T61zylzO50wjyKx3EcS4CnaDu5XHepNCu1s7ndj+LANRysdyjMjRMAoUlh3NQVYjuwRGoCgseeO9IaKvkhwOSpAxnJwTQxkFzujAA5XGAAc/jUPQdrkSHzG2xgA5+bFCE0RShISyklSe560bMe5R1ERuVuSCNnJzzxS3LWhnXNxHuPz7h+pFAWMS+u0UuG3Et78CmtwZh308bS7hJ8w7VpYlsijk8zpnAHIz96qRDJInIBQnA3HAxVkiTrFLCd3Kjt6mkKxyWr6bEXKoozGTsduOD0U/rg1opaGcolOy1RrFZLe6V2jfhZM/c9jTsLmtoQa1eqlorQkBccYNVFakSaSOVmYSXRDdu9bGBBcKDLlD1HA9qEA+0Vl+QgjepzSBFecHzMAHp6VSEyTO7bg/MRyfcUhkMo+YnH1FMQgxjtjFMQ0k4UetJDZJEMyAfXP4ChgiPJL59aYhz8H8cmkhsjI5xTEOXrigBvTFAEi9KQ0Cjn3oAXrwaQxuaYhDjJ4NMQ3p9aAJeqg0hiZGxkPrmjqAzuaYh+Cyeu2kMZTEITjpQAooAT6UAA6igBwHPXpSuMnj+7mpYx8SksTj3oew0iSHljI+dq9B6mkMkhY7gSeSaljRu6dGJI+SKxk7GtilexhZWb071cXoRJGVOxLGtEZMiY8UwHIcjNDEDDuaEDGLViHgZFK4BjAwKEA114p3AiIpgJSAUUwJFpMCQdelZgSoBigBwHHFICN+OopoCF8E1ogI2pgNPWkAlIBQKaAkQc9OaTAsRLUsC9BjHXmoZaLts5AwAcd6hoaZoxyng5yAamxaY95cM2Tg+vpRYdzPndiST+FUkK5nzgnoDVktlORcnAPtTQmNEZ9QKZJ9ZliyfeYc54r0DjI+SOABTQCrGGU7eo6k0wJcfIGLnpjFJgNIO0evfPakAoQFicEqRkimBEIyxyN3pzTuBZhgYk5PGDxSuBPDCvl/dP48UmwJ3VeATwRyKBWEf5QQx68HAoGlYhkz146cU0Jq5TkwuBklSMnnNMdiEY2dO+RmmS0PiXJTp0PNAJF2JWI+XHI5ApMov2kQBJXLYPrmpYI39JhG0ZAII6haybLSOi06MoNuDz0wahs1RtWiHZyw56jFS2M0IwUO5QyjAGP5UhlpNxkYAAAjpQA5F/jx3wcenTpQBNIWxwQ2eOCP8+tK4A0e1W2E5wR93j/63ek2MhmyDhiB2AxUtgiGQhVCHAJHtWcmWiu3+zkjr6HFZsojfBIOMdM+/wBazkykRsRkck9SD3GKgojYbpATtLY9aAAZLBeeDyMcDrQAoVSpU8+g7e9AmPU4J6DjkY/r6U7iBiCD7D6YouBHvB3buV6A9DSHYcVY85Bx70BYjZgCMhSQBjJzQBEzttYZIBPzHP8AKobGQythMDk46YrNspEJOwnlsA8n1rNsqwq7FbJJORgAdfagBykbVxwSDjnNNCFQjBY5HoMZJqhMGJAwDjPAxiquIQYjXt83XFO4CkjG4n1yfwqGxojdgvBJHuRx/wDXqGykMcr8wHU9c1k2UipcEhhkKzd8CsmWiMhGwBkcdqQ0EeTxvx9TSGKQFByRu9v50AOIOM4H3cdaTAYxK/MORk7cVLGhFYN93LD0Pr3/AK0gHIBnIHr04pgSELvVkJUgYK880wsPyD8x+904I/l+dMQ1cY5JXg8D1pANkPBCtgdPx6UmMhBGAoPTv0//AF0gHs+Fd1HQ8A9TUgVpHB+VQR8vXrSKIpxsG4EZ64xz0pqLFczL262cE464FVYZz2oagse5ix6cCqUWNHMavryxSgGXOen1962hRuRKVj074V3f2izWQNn0A616+Ehyo8+rK7PUbbG1TjC4Hpk/hXeYlyNVX5sMNgODg/MTQAOnABXLZPUdRQBD5PKnaGI6ZNS0BNGGLbCy8DPXGPX2oAmjVNoIBD9M559zigBrMGdjljyMjGP880ASAkzAHoG4waAEHX51HB7980APOTwAFAOQT/DQAxkO9iUBDN1z/n1oAMAuS25iSSATz/nFADZGIIPAyQQM56nmgBpYM4wWAUZ+bj8M/nQA0ADdjG3ryePw5oAaQoweCfTjJHf6UALs2khsAN360AOByRkbT3IPf/JoAlUl2yXPYZXtj/8AXQMmjTaNvHsf8igQhIKncSQD0xQBHKBkjB6c8j8vpQwMjUR+7bPJ5OAOgqJLQqO5574hTZOcEkhuPlOK+fxi1PQoMw2XkKyjPUc1551kcmB8uR159KLAJtOGDZ4460gDADHHHHBJxn60AKAwkyQDn16UAMIBbJYc8n2oAQluoJPGCCOtIERyA5OBn0x2oLIiucghgSen96i4FY8Hk4HPTtRcYxsb+cnPApDI33clsg4xk85qgKkhAJx65xmqQEDDI+VRknNUA0jJ6d/ypXAeq5I+bJJ6+9SykWo4/vc4Kj160EkyZcAZXOOcUgHqm1Pu5H+NADvLCkDAGQOc/wA6Qh6RnYWIzuPcc/596YEhUZPpjFADgpI2k4H19+9V0JuP8rauBwPb1oRJEyEEg/ezzgYouBG2QSRkZGeF61Q0iKZcsCCCO/HWgojK/vBkEUAIM5zyP8/pQAMgLdSevfk0APjjIO5X59exFUiJHR+CZhbazCxOB09ua7sJK0jkrJtHsCSb4QUYMcBsk17idziK05IJbdjtnANAFV1QnIU+49KhljXZFyxHGMAZp3sBn6jOIYGdscAkY61MmVFXObjuZLl2Yhh0J471CdzVJIviSO1t0klOXJwDn1/wrpjS0ucsqmp1NuEMKlMnI3cg4zSFe5k6zJIqdz/dqJM0iri6XqCSwmN2XcowQDjiqjK5E4tMy/GOmpq2lzWzBWJUlRjofam9SU2mcH4NvZdNvWsL4sjI/BxjIrlqRaZ1xlzo9LguEaNWTAzwMHtSTIaLKgPGFBOOnWruIr6lHvjaIADIPfA54pMa1Pl79qHS5rRbXVID5YmPk3AXoxXoT+FbQSbTZm7pNHqPwFNhd/DDS7mxt4rceViZYlA3SLwSfUkjP5VnUWppTZ6Nbx7kLAfN6H/P61KLZFcAIpOOxJwOabdhoq+f5wZQpUgZzn/PpUcxVjNuIDIQ5GOThs/zzUMtEEtuzxoockj5s9PrzUsZny3BRgqRszKcEkVDky1Eha4eZNrKMDqMf54pXuVy2IWBRC0TBXzgfTvQBVuJhtbziXC84/rSKSMW/u3kGI8oMdM0D5UjCZngkbe7KCfl7/hTSE2VpnjcMCxJHqeKtEsw7xoIZGZ8vnPNaIzY22vIVUsOp5xVJENlsXKPGG2kk98cCqEVLuaTaFRz6YxzQJlSWRmjKiL5edxYdu4ppCOd1OMqG2MxjboSOvsfX61ojKRz14SEMcagDOcDt7VojFlAEK/zpj6HFWQMuFiCKybgegBFAD7eVowMn5TxgelFgG3BH2l1IIx3U0AyJNrnAc5OSMigBM/uwxIJ6H6UAMkVR91gQadxWG8bu/A9KLhYejBFk45K7fpRuGwwcEZ6mmIWTk+uBSQ2MH3c96YhM8g0AKetAEkdSxoDw9MCPcQx5osFx3emIOozSGNNMQ5DxikMD96iwXGtwaYh0RKvjsRzSaGmDrt4zkUIGMpiAUABAoAUDmgB6rgc+tSUTZwuOlSPoWEUrb5Xq/6Uuo9kRk8KF4UdKYtyZONuOtSyjotJyEVguQKwkbIr67GIvkI+c/eNVTdyJHOy8kit0YjMErTAfD3GaTAkAJ4pARbQDyKtEkijoO9KwCsOelNARuKYETD/AOvTAbj1oAUUAPFJgP6HmpaAlX9O1SAobI9KAI2zjPTNNARmrQEbUwGmkAlADl6imBMg6HFSwLEXUcVAFqM47dKQyxG2SD3qbDuW4pDtC46ipaKTJySRyRzSGVZ+nHH9aqJTRUlDDI6dqskrMOcHGBQAmMUXA+pomO48jqMCvROAkUH5u45BJ69aAJY8Y+XnPIA9qdwHM2cnbt4xQOw0q2ACo9PxpAOZSVA2nOecjqKBMkijG0YGcE/iaBlyJNwxtyPr0oESshVhnk+i8/nSANxwVHHfp0oAgk3CHJ/U0AVZhuPIYYPc+1UgInUHG8kd8elMBqxnG1s9Owp3AdFGdoO3v65zSuBo20SsSGXBHT60mwNjTrYZC4UheuOP1/Gs2ykjorG3KAYBz61m2apG1awBQNxTIOMfyqGUjUgXhTjA5ApDLaoehIKjoD/ntQBOm4HBIAz69h60ATRoF+YEkHuRnIpAPVCsecFlIwTvzx9KQDZDg5zjPXDUmNENxkgdCPug9BUMaKzLkjABH6/561DLI8fORzkcdP8AP51mxog5IZcgkHBHUis2UREkE4B2sMLkcioGMfcrKxKrj05/GmMehOwqeo544/GgBGkx7DPPtQA0uAAcDjJFIQ0Mc/N3xyDz9aLjEVxnBxgH0/pQAADBBIPPQ9qGA1jhg5+6e54qbhYgkIXBYEA46dCf/wBVQ2MY2xlOO2Pas2WkN5CkAH5iOp9qlgGcOCwO089KVxCoF3BlHyg/lVgIM8gEr6nuKdxWHyOBkYJ9d1O4WEYhWGR0yME5FJsLDD7Y6evGc+lRe40GWbkNt+gpMZXl6cA/gfespblogJwG/HB65qCiFPnQrkYPcUhoezY4UhgcdOooGKzNgZ7HPXt09KADBQhtxwepHrUgIC2N5wR796lsY1CHIXoDwcmpAmUZl4x6daYD4yQBg5XkDA9KYhU+TI2jcF6HtVAIpIKkjcWGTnqKTAZKRnj67h1AqRjQfl5XJHOR3/GgCJ5GIIKqpHJ70mMaF5LMT64FXCFyW7FC/nAYAZ255XFbcgrnIa7qEcYK79xyeh6VSphzHnuva+ELHzCGzwOorohRuRKrY4DVvEJa5UKwPzV206Fkc0qtz6D+CF20mmwozHDk7gD/AC9K7KdNJHLKV2e7aNyiFhgAdR3rRjRtp+8Xcoyv+71pDGPHvK4JwB0JoAglj2kg9c7uv5f04pMBcfMQScDnOOeKQBFuDbTknBOc47/rQBL5fIy2cdMfln8qAFyvIRwCOpJwceuPyoAYSudq8gfw9c+mfyoAerLnkrx29unFADGAUBSclhnkd/rQAEh3C7QeADn6dqAGyRgKBtIxk4Ix+FADXJYDdwW4+UdPTFACNgSHuQOuOPrQA3cT0QHv0zj/AD0oAQHYxOSOMn6f0oAlUsDsB3NjgYz7UASxZbcxXbkdPSgCQKpZGzz7d6AH4J+XJz9On+c0AQOyEHGVxwQRyee9AGTqinysADC5J5zUy2GjgPEzDzmbPP8AnNeDjNzvw5zpzvJABz/OvMO0a3QZ+Y9gBQARqd2RjGecc0mIUqd2088ckigYBeeOPUUAEhYkYZQCetAhkhDA4P4njNIZC6P90AnI9e9Isg+bcVPOegBzTGRuN2FYZPr/AJ+lIZHIowc5Iz+WaEAybK5KkDJzVAU5cnnaTtPXPamIhA+Ycndn0qhgVB+baRnrjgUATRIRhQD9T1qQLUa7kOfXnB6UgJQuCMLyvfOMUAOjVcY5POcdKQiQJh+QScHp1oAeseVG4EAds9aYh/lp0z1OOvBouJjwuMnqSMYA4qkSx6qpwq/KM+lAiKRHClTzuPY0AQyqo3Fn4GTx296Y0yNwccjBPPtQyrkPl5DMNo9AOBTDccwygLYGevvQMaycE4+bpQAqA4yAMexq0S0WrVxFKHBOQfTgVrB8rM5QueneG9bjuLFVL7XUAfN1/nXs0KylE4alOzNGW7jAySGHP1xXRzmXKQSXB3hy2cH9KVx2GSXKctjcx4yD7UXGkZ4aO51KCOUny9wyD0qL3dimrRNTUrC1s7kJGgGTkd61sloZRdyvcaLBeSIz5xGc8cCtlJozcbmi8ixw/MRsUYB7is2zRIwddutyYztPIGO4rKcjaETkb7UJrGRZomwynpis1OxrKnzKxtaLr1vqdt8pHmY5HdT710wkpHHUpuBQ1rRIb1hcRjy7oH7w7iqnHmRMJ8rE8O3sqZguAQ6NjFcMlY7E0zq7OVmGwhgoHHGP/wBdOLIkh0jGT93njGeR0p3uCVjxr9pXShdeDLzaM+UyzLkdOoNbQ2uZy+Kxmfsd6g1x4M1Owb5ha3gI56Bhn+hp1RUj3LBCgL8pBA6Y4rI2IDsZgC+CvXHQUWHexWkiiCn5V5Y9zk1DRadyg0uA8LFevGQMj/PFRzFqPUYiDyCTx6HdTAy79Pmb5vm6r61k9DWLuY6eas5JUBVNQjQVriNVIXbk9S3FMTiU7l4ju3tsP97HNBRj3pt4icAlmOR3FAGLfYuTuEZHoue9WiGjPltSpYyMuVwevb/GqRJk3aJyGYFatESIIIYxln4x05rRMzY/eqE8jB6AUMTIZ5AxYgkk8ZxTAZLtWLaqYx+dNEs5zVrjfKQGyi9QOhrVIxlK5hsqzz/K5SQn5Seje31q9jMqNGxlZWwCDg46fiO1MlohlixIQylcfl+dMQMqeVGckZY9qAGXv+uZ8jn0/wA+1AFdTtkRuwNMQOAkrL/CelAEZ6n607CuPBOMGkMRhkGhAxv6UxCsfnbmgBrHnpwOtAAVIPrxxQAvbFAAWwBSaGhZP4WoQDPemIcOtJjQYx3FACNTEA4P1pMB3tQMGGOp4piExgZFIYpPy7u/egBnFMQc0AFADk9T0pDHqMmkMlHJA9TUgT3knyLCuMr1oiupTfQgU5YAU2SiwGCuBUl3Ok0PhRKx+VegrnmjaJS8QShmYg9/SrpozqMwWIJ61sjIBQwHQnD4xQwRK4OQcUgY1lGadxMWMZ5A/WqEOcD6GkmBC+cZ7VSAi74pgMIoABxQA8H3oAeOKkBwaiyAM8UWQDWPNFgGsc5qgGHnmgBp5pAHNMBydaAJV60gLEOM8c1mBZUYHIpMCVcnoD0oAsQsT1APvUtFIs7x1xmpsWRyZ5J65/KmguVpFbqBmquBC0fqMZouAnlhuSKVwPp2L+Igjjj616hwE8JyTkjI9v8APtRcCYEgMQmD05pAI3K5IAOO/egodGS23rzxzQJkyoSRwevBxxRcRat4lHzHOCMjHc0gJvLP+0vHcE0AS8HOQTjHOaAIpSdgGWI9O9AFSWTC4I/CmBA3I989+P8A9dACICOwz2yMUDJAhaToo9/6UCsTQRNuGUweMYGCB9aAsatjAdwO3jPOeoqWykjoNMtR90KpAPc9RWTZqkb1pEVQb0B+UdO3+cVLZVjUhUbPlAzjGOwqRlu3i/eAnp0BA696VwJ9mX3Kx3Edf/r0wLCKGJbHzDkAHvSYEigjL4bJUAZ57dz3oAWQj5evUHipY0NkYKvBPJ6N0x6/WpYyAtn7o3Adc9hSY0QvgDIBDZxuPaoZRXIO4cfL645qGNETqS5C7jnnmsmUhp3EDIyRxjGKkoicEISBk554wP8APNADS3Tb8oHYYFADZDkBu464H4cUrgDbgMFRuxz2BNS2MapY4IAIHTIzSuAiAj5j8oA7ii4Csfm2heD1xxRcBkrFV6AY4wT39alsCF3UqR68DjNQykNkJ2qSoHQcj/OaljALtBBywPU8UrhcY3BwBnPApCF5xj1OcDvTQWDLbTjLFcE/Wi4WGswyQMCi4xGOEUYHr0xik2MQEbg4J6c5pNgkMlfCk8knnJ6Cs2yivJIMAlSckdqm40iEna3QHHTPvUsoDkjC9c55/wA80hjg42s4JB6fjRcBN5ZgA3I65GP1qbhYawLKMemeBjFIoapbGV47E9cf5zSbAkXAwMfMBzwaAZIi5OD8x60CJUyCDg4/OqQgyQxYruz6fpTAUklRnHtg8VLAj+UsVwD8vXrRYdwYFW+bGD7UgIEVmmJO0rnI71UY8zE3YffNsUlMAY4+ldkYWRlzHLeILxUhLA4AyScdK1jTuJyseV+LdVKlgzfKSe9dNOiZSmeUeJNXZyV38eldkaVjByucmLl5LtOTy1a2IPqr4Ckf2fCMgnJwOlarYx+0fRWhlfLBPJx0JxmpZqjbiY7g3IyfqKkZI7ZbhBg9wKQEbgHHC4HTA6+tDAZLwV29e4x3oATBG3f2yeeQPTpQA6PaRkAsSeCOg980gEkYFQOCMc4OaAExtJGMj1Gc47ZoAQcluOPyz/nrQAEYX5iVHUAcgUANDbRkn5T1x1I9eKAG4AY8c7ufXHvQA7LBjnbwccHp9fyoAZFyMucBuxIzmgBoG7IU5A5zigB4BDFVfpwTnn8PyoAfGCXC9wM+vGcUASgnPHJHqvAoAVFJHzY46Y4AFAD2cBTz0HIB6565pgVrhhgNj8cehpMDH1R9qlsqzYyMDHXtWUnZFRPO/Ec2+4Jw2c9BXg4t3Z6NFGIxDNnGOe3NeedFh55AXBz14GKB3A8vjoOh9hQMQ8gFiAT69qBCnIJHXPPoMUhjWyOS4BBxjrikBHNtzy+2gpEUgbGBy3fbSGiOYNsZcgLjketAyArtIDYxnOc80MYgzu+XGc49AKAIZckg/KB61SAquOnOcDBJNMQwDbkEkHtg07jHRJu4AHTIBHSkwRZjQjC7uQeoPPtSGyeNOCD/ABcDHH60iSeJPlGfmXuRQFx4X5DhsZHTNIQqRtwMHJ7+vtQFyUoMjocjjPY5qiGSBF2nIzk/WgB5TK+i4x60yWAXntx04oENkAK7TjGeec0DTK7oFBySMd6oCExEbWLfjjj8adyrjTHk9M5xnnFBSZG47gA7jznigZEyEPgE8Z64qkgHqMq2D1PzHrVBYkjKq2duRjI5xn1qrDsyzZXkttiSJiOv41rCo4kyppmh/b06nJPA/AfSumOIMnQBPFI2DfJtHUCtlXM3RJYfElu5CCdTnqDzT9rcXsrGppeoxySpMsq4z97t1rSM1cicHY09Z1uOWdNjAbQM89KudXUxp0maVrfpJEGDnaRx+X/1615yXDUq3l4BwHU56cVLkUoGDql+NpO4bcZB96zlI1jE4nxFex7Gwec857Vk5nRGB55N4pu9F1YXFq2V38rjhhmrhNpiqwTjqe0eC9ft9d0uO6i+9/Gh6qa74TUkeXUpuLNLVbICMXcAYspG8Ajj8qirTuiqc7Mk067KxKXZieBg1yao6bXNOOfGCOMgHpxilcVjkfi7bw3Xg/UchsG2Y4xnGDmuim7xZnLSSPI/2Np2gn8TwZ+XfAfx+eqqvYmktz6OyrDcMZAxg81maWaZUug2QY2K9+KmRaZUkkCoXcs3HBFRcpIpTRZYYViMdVHAqbXNCpczMGAUFQxwM9P/AK1Q20WiteykBcYLHqf6UmxpFR0/dhpSACCV9AfcVJa2MO5m2MUcqoz8pHGaRdrlKaYPnJ3EDrnrQO1ijK8UwAA5UdxzQgsU3lVXAVsDnPGOatGcjK1OVZGOCSD0GcVoiWYd06hyu4kE9f8AGrRkxtseWOBtHJOKpEMbMyyNkgYAOB61SEC7BEzH5QOlAjJ1CUszRxMN3c+grSKMpPoYGoyIiCMfMzH9a0MW9TIJPnAj+Fsk/TFNEskvJkkiKMqCTd1PH6/lVAyjHNMu7JdQeMe1AiZMvhRtO1cHBx3/APr0AVrvltuB17UAQSY3DjFMQ+QZCN6jFIZGR/FVEjlx8ufQn60hjHPWmhMB0H0pDGjjk0xAMdTQA4sWTaMDbyMelADfpQAN2NADuqe45pdRjRTEJ1oAf/DzSY0N5zimIKAHDBpMaF68UAIDjIoYhVGCV9aBkWKYhQaAFHXtQA/ANKwx6DkUmMt2qr5jSP0Xt6ntUN9Co7kDEiRif4j1qiWJbrmcDpzQ9gW5ftIFkui0jYRBk+9Rc0tdmlbXIdsD5QBwKzaLuUNWkDNgEGrgrGc2Zy56VbIDo1ADgCHzmnfQRYYZRSKgoR1x7UIliBaYh8gGOM800BXk4q0BAetMBpoATvQA8elADvepAM07ABPNNAITQAmaAGmgBKAAUgHoKYEqcnFS2BYjXjIBGKlgTIenNSwJQfz7Uhoso/A5z+FJlIsKCxB5zj86gY7YSDzjPpQOxDIvPIyadwIWUbcY5HSncBgBPTHFFwPpaNySBjv+VeqcBYixkcE8cc4osA8tkjbgnHWkCHKSQN3zDPH1psCaHLngAeme9IC5AgA3biexwKQFhUBdeuRx06UAPI3D5s4U9D39KAElY7WA7dRQBBPJ8oHA9BjrTQFeQ7uenGeOP896AGoCQMDn25/WgZIQGUZxuPJ7HHrQMkRQSRgDHTjrQBctrfLAkMc+napbA3LC1JwOevWs2zRI6GzhYbAynk9en4VDZaNOGPhQDhR07ZHoahsZdhh2ABCMMece9ICykbbcvtwOmKaAljwOMcgdcnP5UwLMSso4wM8cfWkBI5bbkAHJHHQVNxjNwJGQy8ZJB7+lICGRirY6Z74qSiMkBsDPQgAADJ9KTYxkp2DAHyk9yeO9SxleQ7uF2kZPbrUMaIjtOSeCOcf5+tZMoQrnI+ZVPB7fWpKIyFEXIPHOfzoAY20gZ+8ev+NAEZcFiMAA87qhjQYB6AsOxPX61IEakbiqsDgfhntQArMApQKCc8gHpSAjBGcscseD7UXGIxAb5jkEYFS2NDXwTkABQeMHipHYGVmHORjGBjFDEMUANwP90A4pWAcRmMbcMAeOe/rRYBD8h8oYYcE5/wAaTGRtuAOG65454qbjImAQgjGc/MKVx2BiyEHaQM5/z60rjsGQEDfUY65pNgQyEueFHrgjrUXKIHJAIAJ4HWpY0MViScFTjjmpYwVht+6OMdOmKQBkFsbW+opNjsOjjYudgJ3dcDrTSctgbS3J47C7+8seBnPOenpWqw1R9CPaxRK2mT8ny8luoH+FP6rMPaxJItOuABlScj64qlg5sTrImGkzLg56DI55H+cVosFIj2yJBpk4C9+vGPrT+pyD2qFXTHYZwSRww9f6ULBSF7VFiHSQRl8gHnkmt44FdSHWfQmOkoo2njkcEcVr9SgT7Zla90oAEpu6Z6cdazng10KjVKq2BC5z83Q4OaiOF5CnUuYuqZjiIG4kZ6c4FaKmTzHm/jTUPJilVemAQAa66dMxlM8P8X6sC7AOc855rrjBIxcrnnV9ctM55NAyG24uEP8AtCgD6m+BdxH9kg3ZPBHStUtDCT1PpDQJSsKkALgck8mpkao6KFgAAHPToecVBRLyyLkZ47dqAGL97JAPIyeuM+1K4CFAxcEYJGcg+nvQBHubccjtycZBoAeAhbaCeB0GR9KQDQoUnByPQc+/40ABPyg4IBGBwcUAAbDEk4AxnI/z7UAMYfNwPnb+IcZoAUjOC33sjbj8qAGDBx1zx0PQf5FADinRCCQCD05oAbtVgGGfUqBnA/z/ACoAFKq3Ctnk4HQ0AOTBJTIJVRk57+maAHhRvCg5JXAYYxnnigCSNWCMNpJ65xnIPegBW9SQRj0xigCF5EJHX5ucE57/AJ0AU7mUEnsBjjr+lAHN67eBFY8sDyeORXNWlaJrBXZ5/qU7yTElmIz19K+dru7PSprQr45AAye+O1c5qxQpLg7uQOg7imS2OTCuBkAE880hpic+mD7CgYm87N2On6UhifMD9wnIpARu3PzJwencj2pFjHDBtuNp9T/SgCFhnjJ3Y5oGRuBycYxz1oGRsNowzYBwMA0CIZACNueAfYmqGRSBORtYYGen8qAG7QYhnj37GgQ5IyWGefpwKBlqIBsIFYdPmJ5pAywibVy2Tk9D6UXEPRMsAvKZ5yOlGwifAyDleT2HtRuFxQCycocDnjgfnQS2OWMZUEYwQTTETKpyTlfqKYCsuW5BA+tBDEILH7rYIBzngflTsAw4IPy4BP5UWAjmHzfKMgMMf0/rRYaZDJktxgDoMDpTRSRXYjdnkc9M9qqxVhjlQnDAf15qkikiFiCwznGevpVJDsO5wOSo6HHemhpDlcKuMg8dadyhrOQMZPBxyMUDsVbifar7sDjPPrVILGBqd75QJV8DB+UHvWsLimcpqGsyxMWWVgR0IauqMbnJN2L3hjxRqMjNGs2WUg7S3Ue1OUeUhNyNfxN41l0yRJDIsjnB69OPSohHmZTtFam34Q+JEWokQbyrMQMZ4rVc0ROMZbHX3WoTyQlirdOQad2yOVIwNS1WbYyvwccY5B68VndmkUjj9cmu5tyrv5PanFGjkkjBtdDmu7pWm3Yz6VqjNvU9O8G6XNpqKbbcp7Hpmri2mY1LSVj0DT7liMcF26qT/KuyE09zgnBxJL6KMr51uFBHVcYxx6VFWlfVFU6ltGRQ3AMYyw4AOfWuRo6TA+JEqxeDdSkfG0W7Yz2zW1H4WZVPiR5T+yJakL4juzlVeWJQcf75/rTqvZDpLRs9/WcR5X5eG4wazUrGliSWXfECqhgeWHQ1V7itYgKKQykbh79B/nipsUUpWVcpkL2yPSoZaMqeRN6heR0x/WsmzVIqTMuzb1bOcEdKhsoypi5BX5jnrj+dBorFC6EbIPMPTsBzSZRnjyvN3DkE8g9KLAVLpEQsSc574qgM6WNQrMHPvnpVohmLdAEkL82euB2rRGctjGuWVZMYxnOfatEYsfG0YQ/OAD707CbIZGX7q5JPGM9vWmS2UNQnZU2Lzx1B6VaRm2UZ22RMS25jyzVaM2YYkM7eYy5C5washFRo0JAR8szAc8ECmS2VdY+SbYOOpPuSc00JkJJWIA9SB+VAE9rl5VKnBHHH86AGT4wzFQccfQ5osBUcdDTQmSA7oto9cihgiOX7o9BSGK2VBB9M0AMPIFUSHegBpoAKADODkcUAH1oAUcHigB6YAGOlJjQw8HFMQEYoAVTnilYdw780xCdeaAFGcikMceOnegBCeQw79aAA8HNADZB83HegBO1MQqjmgB6ilcdieHrUspErnEO0Dvk+9SNleV/lC+lWST6am58nPy1MhxJJJ8sVXhR1ApWKuTQMVwcdRzUMq5FcnLnjrVIzkVhgNnNX0JBqSGPUfrSEWYeRikNA6kc8fjQDGqeOnAqiQc8UgIJDmtEBA/WmAygAoAdmgBc0rAJmmAmaADNK4BTAOtAB2oAMUAPUd6TAnjGah7gWIwOwpAOPXgUgHbiOO386BksbdMYpFFyBzgA88dRWbKRZTlSOaVyyOYZznr7CmJoryAjGOc07kjOT0BNFwPo6OQ7gxyACMccV6yOAnV85ZgDjjn9KYDg7AkE/iOeaVgLEB7d/ehgW4lPB4OMY9B70gL0XBAIOMd6TAeMLjGRnk47/AFoAQO+7ByMd/T0oAhkkOSAQAfegCu7+YQFDHHfFNAhq7s47H1oGiaMOeVJXAxzSAsDII7jHX3ouBLbRkyYA3NjqaVwsbGn2x4jXjHf0qGzSKOg061KDIJHQMBUNmiRqxq/k/KNx6HFQMvxodqrgDpk56n29KljROij+AfU45x/n+VCEyWJWZeN2d3XgZqgLMS5GGZGx/eXjtSuBKhIBUdO/XPTrilcY45baTjgc44/GpGQyEh2OQO4PGcen+eaQDGZVQnnAOcjnFIYx3CJtZQo6nH86llES7XbMnGPU9KlgROMuTkbT0x1FSxobIMnLMTxjpn8ahoojYKVIJK4HOfU1AEbcqcEHuSaTGhshU5ABHbIP+eOaBkW0Dk4YZwcHvzUMaGlMdAOnXNSwGlWKqzBSAMcj3oARwMbRhQzZG2kwEZiXG07gf4qkojJUEhVI+XHGfWk2AKflzgBeRjGc+1ILiM25cAY+ox0poB8eNoJ69evvimA5o8Z3MoJGODnikwGMSR8rcj1PGahjK8pYyfdyQT93vUjRDKVLcfMOMjH+c1myh2epwvoMHqKLjI5Gw3vnNS2BC+Nyg9e+Dnn1qRiBC64wx/WizY7pD1sZnGACCeuT7VpGhORLqJE39l3DNjOCQeSOR1rRYSYvaos2WiM2HnyBnpj+la08C+pEqxuWWlQQpjb82c8/dFehTw8YHPKo2XDHCFAAXkcnpW3KiLsgZLdQeFBzgtjGBSaRVxFMBbA2knvnBNCSAmV4wBkgHrgNjFVYnUV2Rzn5cnr9MUaCuxI3TuQvTknGPrRZBclSWIAAbT/U9aYCmdQuFC4X7o9qAKFxcxHGCBjjrikCM65mgJ8tMMFxj2zUMsqTWhuG+XBY+3alGINnLeKfBsN9budgBJ9OlbQfKZNXPCvHnwnv3uGNsCw5PArZzVjPldzzHWPh5rdjk/Z3YAZ4U9KjQ01Odm0jULWYeZbyDB7qaLCue/fAySURQxsjAZwcito7GMmrn1B4bk3WyFjyRnB/zzUM0jsdTbkHG0kkjjngYqCyUN94MxYcEL6UmAOoJHmbi3t3Gc/5+lACNggYOc9C3Qf4UwI3VSPu7Tg5x+tIBrhVQKdpII5znvRYBEePDA9SDkjrRYAifIw+DySAQc8UgGu8XlH5QBg/L7f1oAFcEkjAyMigB7SYKsGGSODTsAgEYi3ADJxzjn/9VAAu08CMf7RJ7UgHblIPU5Izj0oAFDLKcklB/DnOaAFkOW2kgrjgCgBy/KQo2gg9+pNACSHjcTjGeoz60ARySuCCFyDxkHP50AVJZgCOecYHt9KAMrVL1ETqRnOMVLYHD+ItSZ8r5vykkbc9a87Ey0Omkjm1YOBIXGc8Zrx6kTvjoSREFgucgnGM1i0XcnIDHBx6fkakQDjAGAcbv/rUANfO4k847ZoAjfIXrgemeKCxpOMg+nHapBbjCCBnAPUDPSgtjNxxux09BzSAjcNgnIUk+v60DGqPmDBRnnpQMjlUkcnHPShAQMADjIyB1/z+VUA1wpKgBsen4UANaMbiCBx7f/XoETxoAflOegpMZYjXgEZz3yeopEk6x+oPPPTimBJsBL45J4JFK4mPZSQAMjHPIpkkmAevHYg0ASpGTzwAeu480xbDtu1iCAATxiqSFccpIIzuOcgVXKTcY3c4wQMetCGMxwe4HTjpQBFKEYjBKqVPHTFFikirIwzwcBapItIqu6tyAAGHU9RVWKSIg3p0B6HimXYa3qSeeAPemUkCs2CcAjA780wtYXPCgsp54oG0MMnBwMkcGmMzdUkCxtnHI5HY/hVIDi9buhtZc89+a6YIxm9DlLqQtkD866Yo5ZalKKWe2kEsMjK3tVPUlKxR1m7ubqUmaRnPcmrgktjObbLPhS6ksdQjmVjwwJpzCB9F+F9Vg1PTU5BIBBGcc1mjWUb6i39jGznG31wD2pOIrtFVdNRjkKCD6jrS5Q5rFqx0yFXUmMA+3rTiiWzo7WARx8YX045rVIzZcVBtLIFJXkHrVLQlk/nsrrJcKJyo4OcN+daqr0Zi6RRvr6wjia4aeOHHzbZW2kevt6VEoxaumOEpRdmeW/FXxfBq2mHw9ochvLq6YK/l/MFUepH4U01COo2uaehufCTw+fCvh77MW/0idt8pA79MfhXNOfNK51Rp8sbHcxSt5oZmBHU4PWgGXYp2wEOMHpnGcdOKq5FhstwXG3Kjs2BmncLFaVQkhO7PHOeahotMy70qjDB4HXNZPRmq1M66miWJnJJ4J44qS0UPtaO8jAFCOx6UkykmVpIsqSrDsevf0pjZm3UbBmBKgk8HFIL3MzOZDlQ2KpAzN1FpMlVbg8kGtIkNmVdMDEWAI2/hVpGbMdg0rl5BlR+tarQzHsVGBsGT3pkMilKBsquW6E+lBBm3OC7j72MkmrJMrV5NluyL/EeSPzq0ZyZmMwSxBQHrjJ61ZmVbUbixIyc/l2qrElHUpN9ySPu8D8KaExgYE8/dxSGWLH5HYnnBwKAC8TaxZTlSeP50AVDg59RTQmCAKvzZ5P6UMEDDgDPHWgBnJX1JNACHqfQmmITnGaAE4+tABQAUABoAUE9AfegBwaiwCuMgEUkNjM80xCpjNAAOpFACL1xQA4/rQAuQevWkMQddp70hgRxjPSmhMa3QGgBppiHr0oAkTrSGWI124J7mobLQ+4wqhfakgkU+rEd60ILll8oYCokXEYQMZ7mkMsRH92PapY1sLMm4bs800Jop4+er6GYHoKAHKdvWkBdtDlgPWpY0T3EfyFgDipTKaKvT6VRmMYkjmmBWlNaICEmmAlABQAUgA0wAmkAmaYB+FFgFFADhQAuKAFAoAeopATRj0qGBMg9RUgPYdPf86ChBnOD0oAmUAEDrSGWoeCoA/WpZSLwQcEEE9celZmlhk2dpJ6UwKcpIPoaaIaI1dhnnHNOwj6G3leQceletc4SSOfkY4GOg6igCaJ8sFA9PxoEaVuoYBwOehHakwNCE/IgYDJPI/CkwJg+1cg0kAnmcfNkE9hTAieXa2M4PU8cUAVnfMnPA96AEB5yBx60yicA8dxx1HNAEse4d29c0hFiBWfHI29z/AExSCxr6fbZAyGyWwCKhs0SN+yhZGA8rHPJqGzQ2bdFAGRgkn15+tQMvQRqoJxu4HUds1LYydcAAMMAHj1JpDJcEIen8v89qpCZLCoI3AkNjOPWhiLUKDrgOR0OaljQDHOWyc5znr9DSYxCW4BYgsB0pAR/eGMKBgHBOOaTGkRnBbaMjI7n36UmMZIwJ5Yt6H8ahjI2yV2sSQfUcAUgGENtJAIx1JHakMRfkAOQB9Mn8KQ7kRyGJIO7PHpWbGMYKSwUHk+nepBDJMgFmZN2eh/n/AJ9KCiLnJyVO7kDHSosFxr7jtGcYPJ9TQMQg4HJwT1JpAISxO77uSM5qWMhYgsQO2akY05LBeCRxn6d6kBy7mIyR1IwKABTkHIBGeDj1poBwIJ+Y4xwST6UwDadxYttbPOTSAjk5dSSc578D6VDAjkBPVQ2O/p/9es2WiInAwTjI79qljIJTh/vcY9aljGO5CDHJ7E/1pDLemWD3BDbgqj3zW9Gg6jInPlOistLijBkKHI4GeD+VepTw8InNKbZaaKINhk24PHP+fetrJE3uQSz28D5Zl2jjn/OaLxQ0mUp9VtYcr5ihSMgZqfaRRapyZCfEFuzFhInHb1o9sh+wkUbzxHCqkiQYIAxwKh1i1hzGuvFsSZ/eYbPc/lWbxCNFhrmZN42jRsmQfVfWo9uV9VJLHxtDIc+YSxHrTVcTwppW3imN2JZsA9gf51ftjN4dl1PEkQUEOWGOffFV7Uj2JLHr8WNglXIOc470/aE+yYy41yIBf3g4Ax/n8qftA9kULjXFyW35z04/r+dT7Qv2RTk1cMQVcjPIOBRz3D2ZuaVqQdQC209+ck8VpGRlKJq/ao5OCdxxzjuavmI5StNFbTKVZVYnpgZp3Cxhaj4cs7puY124PUUrjtc5fVfh1pl5h2t0+93FUpWE43Nfwv4LtNPkVoohkHIH+eK0VQydNXPRdMtRDEsajPpzT5rhY2oGWNhuG09KQyYOD823jHHFADgy7ACGUtz7D60AI7Atzjjt60AVJp0VCjEKp529M+venYVyhLqSbjuYDacgsafKLmKM2uW67csB756f/rp8jFzoqnxNbcfvlz0z6HNHIxe0Q9vEdm3yeamTnLbulHs2HOieLW7cglZExx0pcg1NFldWgZT+8GMdMCjlY+YmXUYwQuecdaXKFyY3iZJWQEAc/WlyjuPF7GRw7MD64osFyb7V90l1z6dulAxPtKhCm49MjikwCS42sOQeOaQDGu0YBiQDjGPWmBXluhGh+Yggd+9AGHqWo7IsLIoyO/X3oEzjdf13aWAkIA7DvWUyo6nJNfPcyks3GSOvSuCpC51QdiyrvkEEAD9a4qlM6IyLCSKvPX1z2rilE2TLKsx5x1Hp71AwAB+XB55OTQAMRnAAPHb+tQwIyQpPHJ5IHQUmWRHkjjO6kNIaxHAJJIPHPA+tDKGZJYkrz9aQDTtJOOmSfrQAKoCnLEfWgYxiRjDYHXJHWmBXKKwyQzY75oAZtB6fnimMkjB2knb6AZzxQBPHHg/Ko/GkxMsRAKQPlHOMdaliJETDH0PamA5B842Z+mKEQyZVAIIIJ7gVQEgQDrj069fyoAkVfl3FSW6g+vvTiSyQKRzgAjrnnj61oiWKAFPzdGOMelMERv8AKCoGR60WAjYDrwSR3oKSM+5cBsAjIPOKZaRTmmAwo7+3b/IqkjRIqiZSW4XA5OTzTsWkNZ8nDc55ppFWDdlgM9OR6Ux3ELAEsM9OfegBocrnJBBJINAEbsVV84z2IoAwdXuOo546c9sVpFA3Y4nWJSzHJ69K6oI55sx2PetjnYhTPPPFF7DKd1b8k8/jVJmbRFCu0jAOQe1MlaHqHw0ju532xSE8cgdqze51Q1Wp6DcC4tkDShs84xzxVkuKuSWN7DMuNwyOo6Gi5nKBrQeXtDLjAxz1pozasX0y5G1vm9c1aIZcjQFvlHA4+tUSyZ4cr8hJPX6UE3M+/wBPtp4jHLBHKuOQ3c0mi0zItdF0mzufNtbGCOT+IouD+dYtGsWTuFQAg4x1qGi0ycELjHT24zTRI8AjGGII6807sCQP8wbuPTNUhFe5dw/H3fQ9KlsaWhn3YDZJ3BicjP8An2rNq5pFmfNGMDAwx6//AKqm5omUsDYVKDPYgdaEWirLKdvEeCO5oFa5Rn/fplsl896dhbFPakSBcZyMjA6VSRNzI1Aszct8vqBWkUS2Yd4XMRGc5PNWiG9CqEwMkAYHHsKpMgikdVXC/eNWZshYMMkk/L1xTJZllhtbnk8mrTIZg604afapzgY61ojKTIpQDZHg9RTEVLWQRR5Oeh3HFUSZcp3NjgdT/WmSC5Cj6CkMtWxIgcdSMkfhTAddMPLBHHNSBUYES4IB3fpVCGHIYjJx70ATOYyoyMEjqKQyAbe3WmIax5PSmhMRz2yMUAJ0oAPSgAoAD60AAoAXGfyoAkTlCuKXUYwcHBpiA8Ln1pDBAc8UxCsDnApIbFwcdO1MQ08HPegBX6Z9KSGwyOtMQh4HNADcZoAevSkxolhUlgKljRbKfvAOyjNRcuxWlcliKtEsRV2nce9NiLUKlYC2Kh7lRWhDIeAR0zTBktpJuAUjvUtDiy4wB7//AF6SKZQnTa5q09DJ7kefrTAOTmmSSwSFDSaA2YWE9sQOoFYPRmq1RnXC7HKHjFaLUze5EASODTEVp+tXECFqoBKAFpMAPrQAhoAbTAUGkwFFADhTAWgB4HrQAoFSA9RkikwJ045qQJRntnj0pDQjHnvzQMVM7sDFAE3HpQMtW5AAGD+VZspFyFwRyRz71JohZGBGD3HakMoXPBJFWiGVg2M1ViT6BR9pYKSD6kV6ZxD43JOeT607iNWzjA4PAPXjFJsDTt1wCedo5470hFtmJGd24kZ56UAIz8g+/XPQ0ARGbaApJyPTigCB5/mAGT2oQ0NDYQEDJx69aYEsY7ksFyevahgWIwCMlTkjrikIsoozj5j7GkM0bGBSdrg+hPr/AJ9alstI37C2AC5Xj1OeCazbNEjbtogjgHKEjsOnualspGpDERhv1zgD6CobHYmTag2Y467u9IZMScbs4AHGe1NIQ9FwxZc4HAHXP+ePzp7CJfLVQXK8nAI7+9JsdiZdrpnJye+eMen1qRg7bVxkAYOAOMUgIS42np/tc9fw70hg4zgMASOalsoRsBtrjJIGRnH+etSBDu2Ahzg56nr9KQASQVBCg98HJ/A0wFlDBcAEE9zyMVLGiEs2MnpnqOcUgGyAk7md1bA3H29qiQ0MfCx5jBQE8DoKgpEMpYKF3YC+goGNwoYbtpz1OOnFKwDQmMqwzxyR1zRYBWAVvm+b3z7/AKUWAifIBchhx3GR+VQ0MYBuGScnsc1m0MZsKIWycAc47/40rDDoA2c+v+fyosAF2PRge5HX8KAJJCm7GRnsc9T6/pTAYr/KDtPXrnPSkAzAA+cBvm4I4xUMY0vu4O7rkY5ArNlIqs3y5IGP72P5VFyiJgMkDj2NK4WGMcvsDEMeR7e1IZ0OhSIkAUhc5AbIr0sJJcpz1FqTXGorDl84GM5/z2rslOwlTuc1rPitLdnVZN3b0zXJPFW2OunhOY4TW/G1x552OCAOc81yyrykehTwcVuc1e+LrtycS7R7cVPPJm6w8EV4vFUi8eYcYx0pqTJlRiRXnieRh98jjoTTuxKmkYlzr0sjZMn4nrVK4cqM241mQ55I5zmqsIs6PqUu7JOeccdqTE0rG5Fq7qM7n3dc0zNxTLlv4gdHBZy2OPf6UiHTRoReIpNvyuATVJtEOmhr+IHYCMtnHT3o5mL2aI31595UyfKf1p3YOmhq+IWEgjYkge9WmyXTRv6R4h2r8z/KB8vPWrjMwlSOhsNeAfiUdQDitFO5i4Gna6ipUuMqT0IrRSIcTQS/EihR8mTzzx/nFVcmxajuEJ/eDqO3XrTuKxfs7mPcFPAPGBgDp2qkyWjUt7kIB0K9hVXILizty6EgDrwePrVXFYd5oaQEtkgkLtH559aVwsOaY4LF+2R0yTTuFiEyuuOckA7Se4p3EZd5PI0ZjU8r1wOlWmhWMHURcMGC+nT1yPeqU0ZuFzidctNQLHIk/wAfpWsakUZSpM5DUYNXWRmQuwGSM9R7Vp7VE+xZVSfWI2yzy4PQZxQqsWJ0mjTs7zV1Xcz9QDz1NVzRFySNmz1fVEGMtg9cDr/hTtFivJF+PxNdx/fBIzg0/ZRYc8kWk8ahH8uQ7D6Cj6tfYar2LsXjm3D4EgBx/n+VT9VZX1guW3jm2kABmAx096h4aRarovx+LbZnyJBgk9DWLoyNFVTHx+J7ZsfvRtB7dvwqHTaKU0yaPxHau2BKCcZwD+lQ42Kvcralr0fl7jJ8uMHJBzWbZVjjtY1+OTKxkA85+XORUc5XJc5W+uZLxjuzgc49aG7lqFiWzRSpU4BHr3rGaRSL8TAoVXkg/wCTXFURvEnVg38W7GARnGa4aiOiJagdgTgjr0zxXM1qWSbvn2565G3NS0A2U+WAOQAeAKQDck7iRkdh0FJlXI2ADAEEg8YxxSLQw8/Km3j9TSYyNSD0XtzikA7bhS2cnPJHpQAbQ64wT3570ARfxche3+f5VQ7jWC4ypx7H1/xpDEZVXgD3IoESIseTkZI9vWkInT5Wx1zjPtQBKqtuDE85xjHNAMlI2Ng9G496EiWyQYVtuSV7j1pkkiKS3zZ55B9aYycIpH3TtAGQaaEPiDEBsgkZ4A4IqkiCR+hGCD7irENcE/dZQcDr1oGirLgsVHIGccUxpFS4cp94qBjtQkaJGXd3JyeR6Y/rVJFpGbJPjqNwz2PSrsapEYlGS20/TsaCrEvmA5O7ByOo7+lA7D3dlwMgZPTPekFiNic5BXg4z2phYa77c9yR97FAFe6nzCRyCeue4pgc5q75yRggdq1gTI5PUMbtx9+a6YmEjOSMs20jPrWlzJouw25PXn156VLYWHXFmDG27sOOM0lITWhktbMsx+XFapmLR6t8Godt2crwf73NJfEdENme432mWt9Z4aPkAAHHtXXypo5JzakcLrHg+6hmMtu+BnIA71i4PoVHEdyjI+paa2Z1JC+oqHdGnNGRfstaeSMbzkZ6dKaZMoroa8OqRFlAcDAxnGapSM3BsnOqAYAkzgckHH4U2xctiCbUUeLZv+bG4AmlzBYyl1EK7M/5+tZ3uWlYupMk6DDnd1H+NQy0SoxCBSV9uc80RYMUSMJvLZT279DTuIbO4jTIwc9cHnIpNjSGQy7kCsSD1BP+etCdxtFW/MTRsc5fPBz3qWOOhjSXYDMflyPv5FRc2sQtNlQycHP4EUXGijeSkEbjyeoHP4UxlZpljTLAnsPlqkRIx7m9JmKeYCrHt0qyDPupGLtnketWiWZsiBQ0j9M/LVIgrSTAZyo575wKpIlsreV5i7xnHXk1RJDdkiPB4zniqREjFuiYIZN3AAyapEN2RzUjmWUyHqx44rdGDLC/NHIp67c4+lT1GUsj7O4YZByB9aoRmnq4PUDiqIBsbAx6YB/WkMmi4jDdNx/SmIe+DAqt94Z49alDK7njJPzdBTAYq7weeemPWmIeQSrZxx70ARDG7rQIYeufWmAfWgAoAKAA+1ACUAL2oAVScg0AO6PxQAOMYYdDzSQ2NJ7UxCpx0oAcVOc8UhjmGAATSGRsPmzVEi9qAEHPAoAc3K5pIYw0xEiD5c1LYyxbfKd3XmpkUi0x2xbyfvcCp6mnQoRrvlLHoOtadDEnKM4yozU3KsSPlbYCl1K2VivIcqKpIgfb8EH3pSKiXSjMmfSs7lvYhuF49qtGbK2MmmIdjuBQIRUZulO4jQ0mUJKFY8GspouBb1a3XIkXBzxUwY5oyiSucVoQVZSS5rWIiMg0wExQAYoAXFAAFJ7cUAIQAMUAMApAOFADhTAcBQA6kA4UgJEHNJgTp0xUAPXB4pDHEE8A0FDQCOfSmKw4deTQMsxudo6/jUsaJ1fAIB78CoNAd2IxnigCCUkryegpg0QjHNUxWPd4ycd69M4C/ZJkA5weuD9KBM27RBjsoHP0pCLavgYxwBigBSxYYA6Y57UAQyXIGev+AoArSz/MSFOeh560DIvNOAvT/gNFgsWoidwVl5x0zzTBFuLG0MuSe/Hb0oGTRED5UzjvxSEaljBvPQbcfnUSZUUdDpdttXdtAbPA9DUNmqRtW8CgY+Zuc9On+TUNlGpbIcjJznnIFQ2MuhNrgrgknPFIY4qpAwcg8kYwKEIdsLOAO/zAe3NVsItRLuIK/MpGf5Umxk4HyHD5A5GaljGOSsQCdOD0oAbIQ2UPGRk4PepYIQnuVw3fjikMjlOASv3uuMc89qllEfIZgORjPPGP/wBRpAMwCTyeeoJ/kaQCqrcYUgDmhsB0ZGNwJOfU44qRkILbTtIBbrx1oAY5BkGMZ5GPWokNEbDJUkcgHGBkVBRC24E7snByQaBgVAIZgNvYjmgBcdSQdozx70AEqHOc44wSQP8APpQBHIcKVBGBwePWk0BHtDMRjDj26VDQ7jWUhsfMWJwBjjHrU8o7iFcKCAMD7xJo5QuEowMbcAcAg+tSwGcBvcc8kc/SlcY1iVUfLyBxx2qWMYxJxhdxDcnqcVLGB3KAqnJPUVDGRHnPAyR07CsxoruDuGTnPB56UigGVzkEt9OKALVvI0Skk4XGea2pVOUloyNfu5xGxH4VvKrdG9GK6nnOtzzuxL7vwrnau7npQkkjktTMhYkqwOKaRspoxJjIWKgFu9WkJzCOO4bCgPge1OxDkWF027mXIic5z0p3SJuD6DdkZMb/AI0udE8yK76FdcHyW461SkieYnt9OuIU4R/XmmDkIyzk4K4AHYUEXIyZQTyfw9aEJsnjkkyBkntk1RIrSzAYAJz3zRYCvLcS5HHXvVJEtlcTTNLwTnPB9auxJt2NzKgx17fQUWEzbsL+QdTx2NIhxOhs9XkUYDE/WquZSgblnq6M6knAHftVqZEqZqxapls7xnHTn/P/AOqq5zNwL0GoIQDuQnk471akS4mrZ3wCrhuCOn+elWpEOJqQ3ykBeoK4I/lVcxDiPa/BbJ4GDgr37UXFYYb0PIBuyuOCTS5gsPF5uywYBd3JB6U+YLFW4u0wP3mckgZPSjmDlEgnjcHJGWHGaakKw2SCGSPBI5JOcUwM27020dWG1WIwemOaLsRRbRrVjuZD+VLmZViaHQ4Cw3RoBzjK4zVKbJcSePQrYY3ALzgVSqMlxRWvPDsZJ+QNkZHyg1rGsyHSRyWu+HVCsUHUcDpg9xXbSxHc550Th9U0+4tQwGcDtnpXoU6ikczhY5m5urqDJV24rflTJsV49cvkIVpX6etP2UWXcsr4kvo8ASnGf7xqJYeLKUmXLPxdeoQTKR681y1MIjaMy8niySZQrzHDckHnJrza2GaOqE0Pt73zpfMZ87sYGa4XTsdCkaSSx/wHqPWs3Gxa1LcU6ggk4yfxrCbNlAspKNykHrnOemK5Js0UWWY3VmHOcDiuOZsosswXCgEE4UZwe9czKsTLICnHB9+9QwsKzMFyevYY6VI7EbSfOMMM4zxmpGG/I4+gxQUg425A6EgnPSkxiEbSXzyBjB9KQAuBuH86AFcHJbb/AMBp2AjGCpGMnIGKYDQARlcgDj3oHcT5WHIwM/hQBPGu5iSO+SB2qWBOFJIBGB9KBE6KNxIJHbrzQBIOO/PTgdqZD0FAGcd+vHFAh42hsA5b3p2GPSTBHf0IHBq0hCo4Hyhj9R2qhNCyOCgyME/pVJCsRy3AXAJBHQc07DSKlzLwMfMcg4z60FqJm3tz/dJ+tWkaqJjXlwT35xjB4NVY0SsUS58zqPmPrTKsSRlh/ESBwcelJgWQ2OfXg0hib8J0JPegADnbnP5dKYiOZ5Bg8/TtSQyhdSLuYqeQOc9qtAzn9UlQISTmtYolvQ56cCZj3/Gt1oYPUltrP+PnHfincixfhthgY6+mKlsVi4LQSIcpg45zxiouDK8ekGabCqDg46VSkZy0O88HWTWG2TDAZ44q0x05dD1HQ9QM0aoW7ZNdtOV0TWp31NiCRHJGFPH41ojz5xsVNa022njwVHPqKUopijNoz08NWxiyqAd8Z61Hs0P2jOf8SaDLboXiY7l96ynBo3p1TL03TryZCX3KT19/8/4VKTLnNFbVYLm2GSx+WoloEZXOK1jxBNZysD0z2NUlzGuiJtI8TTyLvaQk+xNX7Mhy7G5Z+MrQzCK7kCH+E4qJUnuhxn0Olg1SGeMOrBwcYAas9i+UcLpZMknH+etJsLFaW+EZ2cgnuBSuUkQyyeaSzNhf5fjQFjJvZ184ouM9AGoNEUHnMUhYEkH1qSiEzq7NGCc5poCC6ZmPA46YNUiGUWtdoZtp3HnOetaJkFKVXCSAr3wOeMVSJZRuYpJFCBsgnk0yDP1SABF2sR6DNaRJkQrI+zbzyKZJBdFDJGvQ9xVIlowfFE6LH5aNksQK0gjKozDOVCgjkVqYsmVf9IVSeXU1PUZUeNhGVOMiTb+hqgM2VStww65FUZhj9zt7d6QxYm5244xx+FMCa5wxV16MKkGQTDgDjIpgQKWD5FUSSK3zZzikMaeGORmhAxh5H06UxCHrQAmaAFoAKAEoAXGV/GgA7dKAHDrmgCTAKlfapuMh/A1QhVNAD1CnjFIYvrx0pDIwctiqJHd6Vx2EA+c0ASY+WlcY1lppisPQcD0qWMtRITsAqWykLfsFVUz0oiOT0sVUbgIBgZyaszNSxRZMK3Qms27GkUJqiBHEajGBzRF6DkZtwpUgH0rRGbQkb44pMEa9iu9OxzWMtDeOqG3ER5AGBVJkSRRK7X9au5mSKMVNxDGbB4xTEOhYqwOe9DGjTEvmx4POOaytZl3uUZVAJrRCaKssZzuFWnYkZsOM1VwsN2HdTEBQ0rjsKqAHnmlcLBIygYzmmBAeTTEKKQCgUAPUZpgOHpSAdjvSAUChgSJU3AlQc9akCdOccClYodj3oGJj5eO/WmAhUjigCVDjPGaTGicDK5Pf0FRYtDWOOMZosVYikbIpoGR/j+lMR77bxliPQkH/AOtXpnnGvaQDcA2BxkcfypMRpoMbef8A69AD2ZVJO7HHUdaAIJZvLXaW57DrzQBTmuPkPynHf60AyuJVbaQRkDrTHYnhXcfmJ9/egZaiABwVJB49sf4UhFuNlC4P1XtTAu2cLO6Hng8981LY0rnRaXb7yBlWOMgYrNs0ijo7KLail+cjcR6is2zQ2LePK7RuAx24BqWxl+KPDjDH2GeOv/16kZIS3ljnk8cH+lABGhbOCoI+Y8cAe9MRbtowo4QZPHA5x6mhgiUINjHOAp6+1JgODlfkLAn/AGegqRjCSuV3ck45xQwRFjBHVt3UBf0pDAkq/J3Z65PT2+n/ANapGMOQ3YHPI9KljGkHYdoJ+XpkUgGZIIZgPmGDjknr3oAVSCck856jk4pANmO4DGVIJz3xSGMfjG0be/J/Kkxoj48sKvoevH+etZtjInyD82OT6cUhkS4LYwuO3bNAx0YUbj8w9efT1oAcB0bORjn+fJ/GgB0gPlBcHt3oAickNgsM+p78/qaAGFGzkd+uP89elAAIwG3yfKByeP1pACouWHLlTgNjA/8A1c0mBEwy5ZkypznrkfjWbKRHJ9wkMcr3U1mykMZuv3iexB6VACE7nwBnOMVLGhrZVsLypB788UmMicAjqPmHfk1mURYwABhc5GD1FACuoPGNoz2PNIBQxwMjcufxoGU7uITRjAxk5PejmLjKxi6nosM+PkUDOcAdBQpmqqmPP4ThlU5UcYxmqdWxoqpVi8GWwY/uwWzjBXpUus2P2pet/CNvETthUe23nBqfaMTqmlbeHrZV5iXBHZfajmIdVk7aNbY2sijBwBt6U+YjnGPoVs7cQJnGckd6am0PnZVuPDds8RHlhs9+Mmq9qxqoZknhGFwCI88c/L/Kq9qHtCvJ4PgBHBXJ6FeKr2oc5GfB8QUFRkdxt6VSqj5ypP4PZQxWPII4+X9a0Uxc5k3XhScHiFsjpx0rRMHOJQbw9JbsWaMgjp8uKu4KSGNY+WcAAk9CemaEx6Do9y8t64INGgFpJSpz83BpXJsXLa+YNtLDkdKNhNXNKLUWABLU7kOJdstTlYDD8cZI71XNYhwNyx1JygBY8DoGq1IzcbmraaoQqkNkZ5HTJ7VamQ4Esur5yMYAHB3cGhyFyEZ1ZeVWUcdOenrS5g9mWItSG0jceT64NVzEuBn6pqY+ZAc46UXFylGHX9jbCxA64z1NNSHyl+HxGCOZFAHXn8uKvmIcRz6+m0E4GBxk5zRzC5Rv/CQI4GCD9DSuOxftNdikIbeM9DzRcVjYtNThdQwbg/T+dWpE8pf8yOQ42cjkcDvTuFjP1G0jm3A9v4iP5/pVxnZktXOI8UaTuR/3Z4PGRjNd1Gsc1SmeY+IbAIDhe/pXq0qtzkcTi9RjMZLIOneulSFYzvtOOM8+9HOh8ox7kHoxxSckUkRm9ZWJ3dO4rnmkzSLZbs9akgYEEnnua4KtCLOiM7G9Y+JA6449j7e1ebVp8p1QqGhZ66j4IJyP9rrXn1ItHdBpm1a6qGRcvyx9Sa4po6VG5oQ3oc7eePfpXPJF2LsN0OP7v061i4hYsw3J3AZ65OB3+tZuIrFlJtwwDnnkj2qOUY5mIwVyMH86loYZAByQFzyCO9SMEJyCR15FFgFVty5PUdBmlYBQuG4+91FMBHI3Ank+vagQ0PliMnIPWiwwXd3br09D3zSAdHt3KuB7UxliDAXcxbj3/SpYixF0OAM4zkUCJVQMduOewPY0Eakg9D2FNDY1nUOcHk9OKpIViOV9xyMZxzkf59qtIaQCb5SfmYngYPTirsFhwmwox8xAz1yPpQDiJJcDJGQT+dVYOUgnm6HqR/n8KZSRSuLgbGHAzyPWnYtRMu6m5ZScHHTvTRrYy7iQFjgEn1B5NUMijBBIP6daBliIDoQNp/HmkwZIGXGMDJ6ZHAHpSAa7+7ZI4zzigA3DDDAwRzTQEUzbQDljgetMDJvplGTkEY6HgCrihHN6hOZGYZzz6/yreKM5Mht4S5HPBPpmquZM14LQiMYUNxz/AEqLjsWlt+AdpJ5Ge30pXCxp2tqZRsGemKRlJ2Op0TQ8ffAZj6iqjG5zzmdVHpWyFY1jGAMHOBmtlEzU7MpSTy6fPnexx2JrSEmj0adqiN7TNUEsaSAk44xn8q6VO5z1sPYkvtXCwlt/4nqTRzHF7Bj9I12C4QISpPTHPNVGVyJUmh+v3UH2R2Yrnaeo54olqhQTuc1omsQyFo1OTnHXFYmriyp4lcNGcdT2x1rOUblwieXeJ9GurtWZEPXk461pCNjZptWKOkeHtTjAOHwSAeOtbWuL2dt2azeEbi4IbBB7+1HKwtE6PQtIurGPa7MyjgA+lZSjcq9jVntpcK6Aqc+vU1zuAc6KU3nj5T8vFZtGiZQae5V8bvlIpDsQyZkXewXkcj2oKTKk6ZOQOCME/wCf5UWKICgLMVxuIIPNOwrjHeQt5eCR349qZLYlws7qoVMqB2q0QVvIcrnaSSRkdD1qkxFW9jwuYyQc4U471RDMW9DyEjYcgjbg1SM5FVpI13AgZHTtViMy8lXfvLZ7CqRm2cxqMgn1P5eUiGfxreKsjCerInBB3NnHY0xDkJ+0xEsfuk0hsr6iyrJJtyMuGB6dRVIhmXcMwkVuASv8qokN2ElC8dDikMbvO8HA4PFAFniVNqDodyj2pDIHO/nGD3piISWBxk/SqJAcgUhin5hk0AyMZBpiHEqevHFADcDtigAOfQ0AFABj14oAcOFoAbQA4D5c+lADgSDmkxoJBnkd+aEAxRmmId0JIoAnjCsjknlRnFQylqQKvJPoKoQL3NACYpDJuOKQEjRgrwAKBCRJyB2pNlJGhCoAJGOKzZqjMvX3zHJ6GtYLQxk9RE7ZHWmBsaUhaVBgVlI0juLqqk3ee44+tEdgnuZN82Z+OlaxM5bkS0xI09LlCtjmsKiN6bNaWMOhbPTrxWadi5LqZl1CFJxkH0rVMwkiBAxHI6UyRkqEHpimthMFU55oEWbQndtPTPAqZIqLJLuPHOOKUWUys+ChPerJIAQKoA+XHSgRGSQen600DGMSe9PQQ0+lAxMUxBQA4CgBwGO9JgPxSAU0AApMCRKkCaPr0pATqpPT1pFIft9M8Uhi7Ome9MAIGPr6imA6NeRxxSY0SgHYduMfWpZaGyDBxjGO9IZEQccCmhsQo3ofypiPoiygGcjB9/WvSPONKH91t7k4oETq+0jduzjtQBHO4B54yc9aBmdcSfPjJI4IyaLBYrtISevP1pjJUOWwPmU+3r/SgC1bFsYOCc9TxSYmXLcAj0wc4xQItwRtIQQpGRn1pDN3TrciRXGAwPpUMtI6bTYCBnaQCOvrUNmiN62hAwVPBHBPas2yjRt1KrhQCQfepGTkDGTkey8E/SgY9CHUbuGx34PWgRNChwcsqENndjqabYFgKDIwCnB4Jxx9KQx0fGSG4HXccikwEkOD8rEnHQHANICNuQrHAHfBH5ZpDEKHkbsn9TSuMYGLI28tn3PIqWxjCSUDe3BPJzUgC/fAIJGeD2NADduyQsBgdM57/wCTQBGArOwbg5OeuKTGhMBWOVOFJ9/pSbGISSu4thuwrNsZBPhDnkgnpn3/AJ1IxjKW2uSBjgjOTQMDtXJK4Xb29f8AOKAEQY4wQAMHP/1qAHjJTap+XsDzQAikDHOQOMnpmgBSAwKnJ7Ed6ABxgnJIwMjjr2xQINpGWJB5Pc8UBcZICvAIw3oByaTGVpgWOQQN57Hjj61nIZA5DDGMt344x9axky0M5weMnqCTioKExuxsOcgkgUmAwAeYfmJHOcdqzuNCfefl8HuCOvoKQDZAwIyvQ/Lx0pjHOqsflwOOTnP4UgI2B3cjj0xUsERONxCgk446dqllIicjlTn5eCx7UrlWGbfl/wBkfw96TAXGCu0ZHQn/AD7UlqO4uw4+UMefvCqUWS5IkjhlZvlRuRzkVapyfQXMiwtlcEYKc9yK1jh5Ml1ESfYJSuSuAPxNWsJJkusTxaQ5wXwCTj1xWiwciXWJxo4Bxs4HOcEVosH3J9sNOiofv4Ydee1WsIhe2Y5NFjQ42ggDin9UQvbMnTQo2yoXLZPJxWscOkJ1WSjw9b/e8tdx6cda3jSSI9ozM1TwfaXIH7hQSMY28dKHTTGqrRx2seA25MOfl7Y61k6BvHEs5DUvDF3a53Jk9uPwrJwaN41kzJms5EIDjbngjHepZpcgMTxnJBIB9fyoAehxhjnkdT60AW7eVlAxnj+VCQmjVtrgKwUNnPJ5p6kNGjFdMuCmD7inclobJcuQcckD8aLisVJbwqxZnUZ6ZoCxNDf4Qhm7flVJkuJn6lqTOD8xOD61VxKJzlxqkgkJyRt4ODxQgsNOttsI3CncHFEY8QvvPzY4BIz1qkyXFFiLXXcbfMIJ9DRclo07DW5FY5l7UEtHSaVrLsow5IOMDNFxWOt0vVC0YG4ZPQkdKq5LRsw3BaAMeCT27fnVpktGfq1sZkZQ23Gc5PH0rWErGbVzznxRpQaN2A5GeMV6dCqclSB5nr9l5e7bxnnOK9KE7ow6nD6kGhkOMr7etROVi4q5mvdH3rJ1DTlImvDUOoNRGfbD65rKVS5aQ+31B1cYY9eOawmuYtOxq2epOGGGxzXBUpnXTqWN/TtUJKjcc9j2rz6tM9CnUudBY6gVUkvjJHfiuOUbHSjQh1fDABh7DNRyDL9rqO4Z3jg9PX2NZygBr2l4pXk5yM1i4gW1vEO3D5b2aocREqynHRWIOBg9utS4oZOj5OT1PTjqaVhgkuWGRnnHWlyi2JM7mJyw9OOMU+UBpdixIIIGcYpqIEYcegHSnYBPNGAScfzqOUCXzAVGCBnHapcR2ZPE3ycgfNxj0pWAswS5HUY4zk0WEydXHXOQc9R/nn/CgTQF1BG0/UE9BTSAhZwF46DqP7tWgK7XGxti5xg+wrRIaRC84xkMMkEinYfKC3OBndg47HvTsOwyS5JxubIPtTCxWuLk9waaRaiU5bgt6Y7c9aaRSKzuTjnpyMnrTGivLgleCCSefTmgZGQSQe+eT7UASxuR91TgdaAJW2gAdz1IHSpe40MXJO4kg9sHr70CHbTtyM4xzgYpoCvdOqoVyc44qrAjmtWnHzYBx61tBEyZjKrO3zc+o9K1MGbFlbDAK9DUNgkbNsqqoG0Yx61DNLDJiScKOSetNESOi8I2TSyKznP4VokctSR6ZpNiUhVtuAehxyOtbRickmabQIAOCPXPQmrIOb8S2q+USvHUn1BqJM66FRpnN21zLanaTgfXgURkz1Faa1K+pX0jIybiQQSSTVNscacTLtbuWCbdvYgcgBqcWwnQjI2P7Ylnj8t3J9cHvWrk2jleGSI7ERwys3AzyRjrSF7JBeXayPyBgdcdxSLVFJElrNayDBCr9e9bRaMKkWti8kMZcKkanuDmtNDllfYtwJG5ZVjQAjqRWcpiSsWYLddq4QgcYPTFZ3uO5K8AlCjsFPPT17UmibmdeafmHeVB9xWTijSMjnbywCsRGuPUntWTRupFB0MbklD6Z/lSsO5DdQ+Yg2LyOuKRSZU8sJ/Fj+dUguSCBipIU569KESyNyVYgkcj/IFUmIiZGKsQe/IHGaaE9TOuox5hTAxzyatCMu6SMO43ZI7Y9KpEMy7uKMqdq5z3FWiGY+tQLFAJFJOATn3q4vUymrHIwLu8+Q4y3Tn3roMOo+4H7lDnnikIGyssBz2x/SkhsZqMO+DzMfeTH/AgapMlox5Qdi56jmquSRrwA56ZANACE4dl/KnYVya2l25GAD/CfTPak0CY6RQrZT7rfoaSYyCQHr+YqkJjRgYGcUxEiANkbh0pMZEeppoQ38RQAhoAWgAyaAAdfWgBaAEAyQKAH9iKQwHQelFwsL1XFAC44oCwj8D8aEDFUkKcfU0MCRQBAS3BzU9R9CNhhapCYRgDk0mCJVOT2pWGTheDUgLbqTJwKTLSLcw2W7N3qVqy3ormLJkvn1Nb2sYEsY3MAelSM3dDGGZ+PlHT1rKZrAgnk33ZJ5zTSsietzLugfONaIhkQ70wJLeRkfilJXHF2OispFkiGeeR3rllozqWqHXsJBJUArTizOcTPK4YHitdzFiyrvXgDOaExMqkAEDA9KpEkkXDg8AUmNFu5+eHPXjFQiyoR69KsRXKfNketVcQ09hTAawJBHFADCvFO4CEUXAaRTQmGKYhwFIB68mk2A7n0pXADx70wEANJgSITUgTxKSe9IC8keP881LKTHBcDA5oACB9aYXECjkbcYNMZLGg3UmNEwiJTK1DNIjJIDyMYNK5ViMx8dDTuAnlD36UAfSMEJXjHTrjivUPLJ/mUggA468UAMcjHUKVPPuKAKdzLhRnn29aENGY77n7n8c0xiwBj971496ALtuisCB9AKVxXLUIIAVgeKGDL8AZ3AB29/rQBt6dancGxjuDjFQ2XFHS6dajcH27WHf/AOvUNmiN6C3KJv5DMMcf59qzKNS2UgAkAkDPHU1IFiJOMlXAIzkelIoeFTnKkAdMenrmgRJCuX3AjIXGfWmIuwk7AMEluf8APrSKFVApDcEEcc5/z0oAAF2sMDB/DJ96TAaPmOFOSBnk5pMBARjJC9OTuzUspEW5QGj3HceB6EVLGM+VSPlLDPbofakwHAsEz6+36UgGsBjAOWx8xz/OgAwPu9Mknb6CgCLcoQ4Uncx4B4/+vUjGPtJYeme3aobKIpAiqduR0Gcce3NQ2OxHnfu5OCOme1AxrEM65Hb+7/nFIBqc5bpkd+QaYAWw6/M4GTgnnP8AnFAErEbsDkt0NAC7NwKjtjGOnSgBWxtO1mxnHrgUCuKm0g/e9DTsIaQDtKghc7ufX/OKQEcrCNWAce/vnp/SkxlSfccArx0+nrWUi0RO+WHO3I6Dp9axkWiE8/Ke/THas2xjXbA2Nlsn9OKhsaGxuSr5wwzzntUjJIvu9fmIJHsKLgJ/DknZzx6UwEITgKjDccg+o+tICPILc8e5FSxohc5cn5unGc5FSxojcYc5IOOME0ih8ETXTgrkhjgcHj/OauFN1HZEykoo6TT9Bj25kVSfvAYzXrUcFGK1OWdZsujSY1jAaMDoD2zz2rq9hFdDLnY5bSH5Rt9gemDR7NIOcmS2AYHPY89jVqKFck8kHbnCgZwPT1p2Fck8vlgGOKdhXGrGFUgADPcdaLBceIdyjK4IPBzxx/WnYB6W4UDJClj8vFFgHm3Cvh8s/PXkj1ppCuWMqpyAVBHAHTp+lOwXI5CAFG/A28nHT8aQFSeCJi/mHBx0z196QznNU0+GZdrAFc/UfiaykjaLscJ4g0WMFikfcn1xWEkdMJHLT6Xh8j7o59MiosaJlKew2j5gTkfgaLFXIlt2UkAHIPGaB8xNEoDEHcP89aQXLMD5IO75RgAUCsSeYNhUHg9e1MkoT/PuIADDp7H1oApzymJAQ3HPShCaMW+u2KMOuO1aE2MW6uD6jgdKBMz5bohgAx60hFd7iTJy59vpTTAlgvNuGzx24qiWjXsrvcAcnJOc5ppktHTaPcsCMMc4xyM80WIO80O4wiK/UYBw3T6VSEdXZMWjXLZBHc1SIZp7GYEZzgdPwq0QzE1rTUliO2MZ6nj/AD7VvTnYiUbnmfi7Qx5TuoyTljxzXqUatzjnCzPHvFdi0bOQMn1repqrigzhpnZHYc8HFcUpO5uiAuTnJrNyKSImkPrWbZVh0cxB69KLgXLa4IPXkmpkroqLNW0vCGBDY9PrXHUjc66czobLUCVXc/GOlcM6Z6FOoXkuQDu3dKx5Ta6LcOoKh6jH86lwFc07fWNpCo+Mjms3THc1bLVRnqD6H0rN0x3NO11FWXhs9sis3ArctjUs/wAX3T2HWocALSXCsQSeCuQB3o5dAsSrcnG0jdj3o5BWGmYd+h96OULED3A3Y3bgM/jzRyjsNFyCchzn0POPyo5AsSC5AJOTt71PKOxajmHyszEEHp/ntS5RWJzMFZcMcr39Pep5RWJ4rwKOGOOoJ6Cp5QsKs6EElxyMgGmkFiN5gTkHjuP5VaQ7Fe4f0J+XkjP4VaKSIGmJyw6+g65oKsI7kljt2sOpJ607DI2f5cg4yOmelFgKc0jEELgED1xTsBA8uFzgLjnFMpaCFgVBIz70ANA6FiGAPYZzmgBQFw3AI9D6UAKMoMZG32oBocR8wJz9TSsFySMN98cDpzSKEdtnIyBjrTsSZWo3BJZUbGKuKA5y6JZiWJyCcg1vExkxLaIs4wF+lU3Ym1zcs4mIwTxnp1rNlrQsEMikBjkdhSEWtOspLmZQASM8g/4U0jKUrHovhfTVhUHaFO3A49a6II4akrs7O0VgCo5/2j365/GtjnY6427izZz0Bx9O9DAyNQMVwG5y3b/GudvU2i7HPahoM8itJGPoc/0rSMXudNOvbc5nV4JrXImRivT1z71Wq3O6FVPYyd+5uMKoouauQR3BQqOhGeBVKREncmF0zNlMgYp3J0E2TytwPc0XE5pGpZWbLg4wfzqnLsc05o14YZEChux4we9LmZzyZpRj+AfXFFyCwm4Fc4Kk9cU7gSqx24GDk43c/jmle4WJGQG3+bnjjPpzxTexJz2pQYZyi8CsJI1jI5q/DqSGzz2NQbIjs1aWMD5mHfP86QPQjvLKRMOE4PpQNMfbBpRsYnrjAouKQ02QMv70AseFIPGKYhLi3SMbF4GM+1MLnO6gdkpVWBK++c1aZJkXiDLPk4x61aJZmeYuMNjIPY/hWhmzB8XT7NPUbsFj0FaU1qZVHoc3CgVACOmM1sYjr0ARKg/hYfjQmJohZsOM8hCfyzUlPYtXAD2wj7Nk/hVEmE44ePGWU9c1SIKzN8rKFXnB4FUIYxywb8DTEKv3dv8AFnikMkhnK5jf5k9D2pNDTFm+bPGPYUIGVycHBqiRVPOQaTAfIu4grnnrQhke0jtTELt7kgUAN4oAKAAcUAHWgBwGBnvQADrnHNDBDjx0pDHIOMn1oAMc+1IBsnMntTAkRc7h+FJjQ+UFYlB65zSW4MiXjjtTEKxUngUDFXigRbhyVqWMtWkZ2Fves5M2ihmsHbGiAn1pw3uKporGRnmtzAmtslqljRv2EbRWMkjd+lYyepqloUFO5y+KoRVnALkjNUiCtIMDvVANHBpiNDTbkowUnjNZTjc2hOx01o6TxY4JI5Oa5ndM2epl6hAYpSMH8K1hK5zyViv2IwSaokY6AqWAwR1qiWRgY45ouFi5GMxEEckVD3LRWkXB/pViIXx6UxETD5j707gO2+n40AMZcUXAay0ANK5ppiG4wKYhR09KAHqOM0mA/wBzUgNI7irQAOtJgWIY8nJ6elSBfto8AZOKQiyiD6fhSsFwZSRQlYYzYQfb86Y7kvlcZJzk9qRRKkfTAOe2alspEypnAGallpEhjLDjv3qS0hhh7gdQPwoKGiDjkr+dO4rH0btx05HWvWPJI5iQoVgoPSkBUuJiFIP4Y70wM24ZjnqQTQMakb5yc+nShgyzDEVIwhI6D3oAtpGoUn9BQBatosYPA6EgfT+dAjY0+1y6kjqOPY1DZcTpdLtiNvyDaPWszRHR2tugRAvbkHuBUspGpbx5ywIY9xj3/nUspFrAPXJY4yakCRcgnJ+oFNAOgT51AOR6t39/pTEXY1GD3GenI5/GpYx5PDkMuAPlzxSGO2A4LH6YpAR7gW2EdueOD/8AWoAHVhyrKx6g+g+tIYyUg5wPmY9+AaljQ0lc/dPXGR19sUmMjySSPkAA79vSkARCQYyQ3Oc5pAE4Ktgt78UAMyc7gdoP4/nQwGy5jH3cEcc96hlIrkMqggAnqcjis2MCxZCRj65pFEDH5ievHY85pANZjknPXrilcBWIzjocYPFK4WEZ3UsWHBXj3p3Cw4bmKtkbznOe1NATRjHzMM4/T8aYh6MCQfvZHPt+IpiGEA5XDEYx9PegBME5UkjAIOMEmkwI5+uOMHvSZRUlxt4Y89OKxluUiCTcCTjGeMEd6xkWiBupIJAJzj2rNjI+SRkZIOc8A4rNlIeuBubIOT+OeaQxw+8R19Dj+dMQoCgnJBxyQOc0AGGXliAcdjxSYERO5sZ5xg/jSY0QFm3FcAqenf8Az2qGUICTIY1/Smk3ogbsdX4d0vyzGTGST1Oemev6V7mFw6grs4qtS7OmjiSNgAw4OeBg/wD6q7jnGyhMmXdgYwVHNDGjNmlj3j5iRuJB/GouOw/zwFCoe4yOuc9qLjsRNPtbO7DEZC5ouFgEwKDPDE555oCxJEWc/MWGD8pOOPamIuQqAxaQEHpnimhMlLBVO0jaf4jmmIUsNrbuMjn6/wA6AImmCRnc+4KSPalcdim9yOQzEknpSbGkZepavEkfLHbxjjkfrUSqWNI07sxU1qG5XaGGOnFYe15jf2TiQ3wV0I4OOtVa4lozmLiFO4xu74/zioaNblWS1Ddfu9AcdKVguU57OPazbQcnPXP0pMpMoXNuixkrkuDjipGZ0m8OAR09RUFiRuSeMnp93tQIl8sSEk8Y+tWIzdWhwp25JHNA0cjfswlZck85PFFxtaGXchj1BUVaMmihMOSM9OvNUJkDMc+3akIZvIP6cVQnsX9PmJK5bP8AhTJOs0WU7lG5R6CnclneaBcEngHPGcUGbO50V1wCAR6c5xVols6C3YELjA4JJHerRATwrKuxlYHP96mhHJ+KNPV4XL43Dp/jXXRqWZlON0eJeO9LA37RkDPGK9WnLmicjVmeQa7ZmKYkDrXNVjZm0GYzcVys2IZDioY0Rh8Go5h2JllxVcwrFq3uenOKxkjWDNezutuOfxzXLOJ1wkacN5letYOJ0xmKLl88n8KVh8xPFqLKBljjr0pctx85dt9XIIG44NS6Y/aGxZ6vgYLdutYypmsZmtbap6nk1m4F3NSPVIwF+fn26Go5S7liLUFZSdzcD1qeUasTSaguzJOPwpcoijLqA4Xd69KtRDyGLqIxwQe3AocQJE1PfySRjpScBplhL8DHzDHQ+9RyjsSDUsHG4cjp1NHISyePUQxwWH0zUOAJFuG8D5XByemTily2DlJxNuz/AHc8jvTsNIcJMjPAHT1NFihvzYA4PGSSMdqAG7htbPAIxzQMruxwWHfpjpQCKlwcZyQvXp/h/npVIZTMmOeCf500h9BY3J4wB9egosKxKGHBz07k0gYoILkAHGM/j/hQAcnAA6nFAEobPORgHt3oGiTeVwehPf8ACkIrzPtXHc9eKYXMe+yxYD73p0rSJLKEUG6QjqT1q7mdjRtrQKGBGPqOalyLSNCGNYwNuMcc0riaLFtAZjhBkHgZppETaR1mh6UFAYoAa2ijiqSO20y3WPCENkDp61vFaHNJmozYRvlAGeo4qzMq3Mo3lSSRyeAORUSkUkUJ8LuzxnnnvWJa2N3RfLmtV3FWwP7uOa7qS0MpaEPiHw7bXVsdse0nuf8A61VKnc0hWcTzrVvCrWzsUOABgZ5FYSptbHbDE3MsaD8+VYAjHU96lLuae2uWodICNtbH1pkSqluGxjRRjaSOf/10zN1C5sUDHXHIoM2xIcZIUgDoD2NMRZjUqx6k5xk9qVwJlb5MklucEAe1AD94IYjgUASxLvjYZzn35xQSQ3tsNgbg+woBPU5PWIMyMBjJHftWLNosj0i1zI+QQDyfyqUU2ak1qPKABJAHNNohPUyVstlwzRjg+hzSNLj50VCGwdx5GcAUCRTvQrDj5Fx3FUFjk9YgWNmdScg/X61SBmDdTH7u057Z4rVIzbKNyAHOQMEc4PAqyGcj4mlE9xHACPlYE1vTVjnqO7KOwiKRj0zmquTYbcFT82Om00ITKcrYU4HXPWgbLRc/ZI2UZIXcM96YuhnXoHn70HUDI9apEMqvGHBkToeo9DTQrFc5DlSBgmqJEdWAH1pIbE7c5xTESoQRjOfSpYxsiHGcUwIwOh70xDlpMaDoOtADSaYhO1AB0oAMc0AOAFACkZHWgBQOKQwHIz6UATJGfLDEHFK47ASAOlAEaDdJzQxEsWdw45JqWUh1yDhc00DIKYhB1zTETIfWpGWY+gAqWCNKyRigGO/NYvc6YrQytVkLXBXsK3grIwm7soEd/WtDMs2X+sAxnOKmWxUTpL1xFpSIMeuKwSuzZ/CZEeVtt3fNWZ9Csfmf2qiRkqcGi4iA8VQxUOGB96GBtaPdgEKTjFc9SBvTkbdyEni3MB0rGN0VNGZcRIAdv51qmYNFbaQTnNWTYjAIJHUUwRZh5XAOMdKllIgmGDj3qkDIHXBxVEkZB3ZoAkUDoO9JlIQr60XAY69egpiZEwNNCGkVSEwA+lAh6ikwHYyMVIDT7U7gOjHtQBcgXOD2qQNCFD0zzSuKxcVDtyuc9BU8wWFaHnBBHalcYeT8wwOPyp8w7XHNCdoboetFyrD0XIB6ZPNSy0Tog6nOB6VJoiVEOeV59AaCkSrAMYyMjpUtlobHbkD5Rxn0obBI94JTYWB56gcCvYPHKt1JxjJ/H6UAZ0zbiSOPQY70wGRjeBg8980CLkEH8WCfTJoGWYocgKR36+lAFiKIqwyG6c8UAadlbB5Mn5jjOSKlsaR0unWDALmMpgbc46Vm2apHR2VtGsYB4bg52896i5VjWggcdYwx6ZA9ulSxlxFCY3Arn/OKVx2JtgAyyp3+tACe+cZ6CmItRRk7ty559ePekwJlU7RgjPQ57VJQbQV69c44z+IpADEnqePXjFADT8wyhBHGDnP+eaGASKQx5wOucDn1pFIiXJYnBX5RgA4IIqRiKuVVfk4OaTAYFGCADnOSB9aQCy4bo3J5P+RQwInYMxBUkEcnPI9f1pAICQF3BAxJz3zSY0RMxR9pwFye3NZsojHyvzleTwexqBoa23IyCpxx2oGRMfmJ7ZG3FIBrknk4JzxgYNQMaSAg255PU9xRcYoIwWKk+nOMUkIfEGYjJZsDI47mtEInUAMQVOBz60yWOGNxHOzjjPWmAkiFx0O3HAoAaCdm7vx2pDRXk3K3TAHtzUsZA7bmznqM8msZForsGEgPABHUDqPSsmNEUqk9TkZ7GsmWRbcsSOgHPH+feoY0PBJ2t1I9fX/IpIY9QCPnc5A60xDSxGCnTHOO/wD+qhsAkYBugPp9akCGTIO5hgHtn9c1JRGAdxb19u9IZseH7CSWYySR4APyj+dejg8Pf3pHPVqW0OytYdqBAu4AfTmvZirHG2TFwitycBu/em9BGTquoAuVyDgD7p5rOU7FxjcwZ9RXOGYjk9/WsPaGypklvfIrLggE+36/SrU7g4WLEU4bhmZSeB9f8iqTuS0X7RXYAsevB56+9UkQzSgtQewGB82OvtVogmkK8nnA4yfXt/hTuKxDJOwXKdQeeOnGf60mNFWW8XacN8xPBA7Y9aVxmRd36RhmD5LdeahysWomFq+uJChBbIAxg1jOqbQpannXifxWwUiOTAOc8VxVKjZ6NKglqUvDWutJMSz4BOef0opN3KrU1bQ7ZdSje3JyNzH0rsUjgcdTPuboIpO7nBPPbPvUtlpEMV2oyN27ueam5XKMmkHlhthLA9umalyFysqSASMQoOSOQO31qHItIpz22xsJ1J4x70rlEIt0HuR+FNMTQq7VypODzirTIZSvIfMyAoYevvQxxOd1XSZDh1Q5J5qUyznb+1aNiCpA55PerTJaMqWMYAH0xVohorSRjBO3HrVE2K8qkHA9KEInsRyMkgegpkWOp0lwCvucUxM7fQpGDDDDPAIx0pmcju9JkIiVh97qB3q0QzqbRj8oG49vmFWQXFLMhyDnHJbnmmBj6zD5kLBlDDpwOM1UHZiaujybxxZoytuzuPUduK9XDz0OSpGzPFPGFsAzfLg88elaVtUKBwk/DkZrz29ToRBJ0xSZSIH61kxgGpAOjkIbFJjRetpjxzjFZSRtFmjDcgDDE/nWLidEZEi3WDwRz6UuUrmFM+CCCKLBcWO6K45OaTVxXNC21BgV/nmocDRTNCHU23cPwfes3BGnOalpqDMACTz1NZuFjaMzYtb0HAL4IrJxNFIsyXZKnLAD6dKmxV7lOe6beSzYwOOOtWokN6lJ75s4D9RVchPMT214TwzZHTOalxLTLq3pUYyQRip5WUpDVvuvPP8AOnyk8w4Xx4DMalwHc0rO9LjAf8D9ahxKTubllcBuT07d8Vk0WXkl3EZOB0yetIB3mg5GM8DBFIdiMyE56/WgZHK4ZDj+8OlNBYo3RZztXGMc+1NAUXOF3DjB7dqtCGebj69emKAuSxSEqCHwfrjNJoerLS4z8yjjr9KkaQ7dsbGAV9M0CJFKkYI+b060FWJU4wMHkY/CgkZIgCkkEHbwTQBlzQljlcfQVcXYTFjhVXyd3T8OaG7isXI0BGQPlPtUgW7e1MjKm1l7D86tIzlI6HSLJMqNvzZ9OvrWkUctSZ1unxKhCjjjgkdK2ic0ma8BbYCMA+3OPStUzFkszgAMpAUD0596GxIpXk6xBnXGMcZ/lWTZokc1rOphMkEBcc5PSs7mqgdD4I1NZ7YRxktzkknOa7aMrowqRO3VxJAAeCBx7V1bmOxk6tYpLGxX73r2BqJRLjKxyGoaeIWJVc5FYNWN4yMyYbW68A/nUsrcikO0HjOOoFACK7kHaxOOtAEkXDEBAB2B70AWE5xnlvegQ9TnhiSc4yOPwoHclQ5JBGMH06UATW+cgK3zAcYFAmTsN67NnA756UCRy+rL++JGCue/NYs1joO0mAI/zZxz1700gkzRukQwA4OOTj07U5IlGQ0QRtwIJY457VBo9Rt7t2HeCrdsii4JWObvn3Fwh+X06YplI5vUdxmI7D16ZqoiZiXsYYlSo4ORzWqM5GXeL5aN8xIxWiM2cZO3mXkrHB64re2hzvUnukxaDCjkf0oAoSZ3A9P3ecfSgTK046N2zQgZNCQsUa9dufypiK10g+8uTg4x7VVyWioTtlYjOG9KZOxBcNufJVemOO9NAxGy8a9TimIjwO4ODTEAGPSgB25lO0k4NIYHJHFADRkGgAPqaYhjUAL2oAT8KAFoAVfWgB6jKmkNCNxQgY6FSzEdjQwRpXEPk2sa+orNas0asihKQGIx2qyBsfEf1NDAmthhxntSY0OvBkrzwaSBkDLxTENUcUwJ1HyZxU9R2J7fse+cUpDibdsCluWK9B1rne50J2Rz1+FMrMM8mumLOaW5UYYNWSaGmxjerkdOaiTKjuaGrvut40HTtURLlsVLkiOGOMfU00S9FYrIRu6UyR5G5OlNCK7p6CmBHTGS20hRx9amSuhxdmdLYzLKgJPI68VyyVmdPxILtflyOOKaMpKxQfrg/nWhmMc8dqoCSE4QfSpY0RTHLZPXNUgZBJ97rg1SJYg65pASL0yfWgofs9KBkMqjNAmQSdaZAw1SEA60wHgHqelJsBcYqQAdc9qAJI16UAXLZelJga1pGGxnBqGx2NKG2Zm9Cf8ACs2wSLBtscEHg8d8UrlpDfs5DtgDA6ClzFJCSQALxzk1XMFgSDGDjNFy0h235unXtSKsCAbsMPmobGmWI0I4HPrUXLTJmhAxjn6cUrjPYLiXCnLEY5r2zxjOnfdgAHB5HNMCFV3EHB3dP/r0XC5agQKAoAPHPOcc0CL1vEQoLg/jQBdhhVo8tg49Tz+dAy9Z2plKAYOf0qWxpHRafpz4zgYYDJHaobNIo6OwtGG3aOd3A9qzbLNiCAKmMDeMnk9KlsZehj/uYbI6dvqKTYyRVxww3HPTHSkMNm3POG6c9v8AP9KpEksKjDcqBxz9e1DAmRSAAOMc5/H3qWNDxjcG24JP5HvSGCkk5HPGcLjI5pAKQSPQDnoDmgCMsoXeWIAJG1uR2pMaBCR8rMCc87cYpDRC2M7MOW29frSGB2kk5IxxmgBCrncAwXHBAGDn61ICZYuVGMrn8aAGkAq3UEfw+9ICMABztBOf73UUmNDZFCsQCCpyeT+YrNlEGSUJVevGR/n0qBoZLGCBh8lefqDQMRvvkbgue3cUmBDg8BjjnkGs2yhv8e1gVPTAHWoGCtuZ3ZgBnBHrWkUSyaJD97JJ6flWgiUHcduCGIwOB2oJJMYxgYHft+dO4DCwZlbfjnjnmkBHMcuflG4jI9TQMhkO5iAxUDoR2/SokUiCQFSeMrjJJwKyZRHtHY8dM56e1ZsaK5X5GXBz0z2rGRaG4IJO8kAZwO/aoZSDH7zHPT9fWgB52hemS3YDt6UCGkjt/wDqFILDJQp+cocdeTx6VJVhjbHJ3uMelJjL+lac9zLvcsE/Q12YXDubu9jGpUSVkdrYWqQxqFXPTpn9TXtwioqyOKTuyzMwEe0vg5APPNWSZOqX5RTsYAZwRis5SLjG5ymqXzScIOM881yTbbOqETAuLlgxIJwOmOlZ6o6Ei3o9xJMTjBOcE5zxWsNSJpI7TTrJ9gaVcnHHf/OK6ox0OOUjZitkVApOB3PUY9KtIybJHkQHIIwAQRjHrQBDJMFUrleRyc5zQMzb2/ijVvMVvQHHAqXKw1G5zer6zGpZSc/jWUpmsabZyOr6+ykjf0yCM9a5pVDrp0jhvEfiAtkCTj0BrncmzshTSOE1O+kuJOvynnrUpG5r+HZ3jdTuKnP+RVLQynqdtbag+1cuSCPpitec53DUWe+BH3uD0I9qlzGoES3gU4yf1qHIrlHrdSEDdkdPcVDmPkHC7AzuDKW465o5g5Rk14UHB5P3d3pRzAoFcXTADLg5PUelHMPkJopvMXYw5PoOT64qlIhwLMEYkbGBjGMkZGK0TMmrFt9MSSI4QkA/Lx/StLEcxy3iXRGVG2pnjkgUM0Urnn1/btHMwYEdgcVSYminLHkEjk9cVSZDRXeH5tv6CqIJrRAAMHH1piZv6YpAyT+lBJ2uhc9QQSPw+lUQzttIbaVUc5GKuJlY6zT3PlKq5yO5qyGXmYbgQeDwP8/560AZuryBFbOc9SAP1pXGlc818aqGjLpgA/xV3YaRhUR4j4ziJ3HjkmvQqaowWjPNbsFZmFedLRnQtiu3SpGRNWbKGGkAnQ0AWIXwetRIuLLSt71kzW44SYIyaLFJkok96mxVxGlxgU0gch8dzg5zzScQUi9Bc56t29Kho1UjStLwAdRWTiaqZrW1/wAL2981k4GqkX1v/lyAePzqOU05ild33GDjvzVxgRKZmve/NgnGO1acplzE8N8cjB9M5pOBUZl+G7L8k5FZOJspCy3TgfeOKFElyIlvTx8xJz1/pVcguY1bG7beMkenWspRNYs6fTbsbQM5B9TXPKJumbUMuQrA5z6msxkobjDfeHX0pWAGZRkBiT6UAQM/VV/GmNMhYg9MHJ64oApTYDZypzxVrYCk7noAOtVYQ9HCgn0pNDLEdwS3QHIx3qbBcspl3y464oYFpGA4PUdKkq+hIrfLjgAnHJ5oJGyHcCCcKPegCvJhPu8kcnFMQw43KcjA4P1poGXbZQSdxGOxqkjKTNiywWUhMdOMfnVpGEmbtmGwijduH6Vojmka9pd/uyCQvTmrRmy9Bcq2SGAOeAadyXEmmuBtJYLkdcDB+lDYKJz2s6ikaMC+Rj16Vk2axi2ebeI9dYIwVskk9aUdzqjCxo/CzxEy6j5crMQRgDv1reDszGrTPftKuPPt0O4kEevNd0WcDRacJs3HknpkdDV7iMXU7RZWcg5bB2/59Kzki07GDfadsLYA/LpWLizZMy5bTkq646c45qbFXEjtyAVUc54yKBDhbkFQOc9cjJoC5KkGRxkjPX6UBcekfzAE4569+tADkjDHCn5cEYPOaALFtEUQ4XOO470CGXMmF+5wV7UMEc9OxM4ZgOpz7Vi9zVFi1VVA28Ajkk+nrTQmOnl+TByPf1oAo3jfKGAyT1wB+dSyluZtzdAxMJG6DPPSixSMC6fcpcAMf4qaRRzWoysHJ9+1aJENmXfyDJYEDd29KtEMxNUmxHIx/hH9K1W5nJ6HIQASu/PU1ucy1NSZC1mSB/BkY9RUlMyGPybz/CSp/GmIrTglNp7gigTI7dsuoLZymOfWmyQ3ZXdj73XPqKYFORSDkYx7dqZLIJSM4IBHeqRI0YADAtjP5UDGyZz8rkj3poTGUxD25VSPTFACqeMUhinkUhjMHvVEiYOSKAAigBBj3oAdQA4CgB6jAzSGNwSc0AW7OPdKFxSbGlqaWr43xpxhV7VnA1qMxZeZOhx61oZEgA25pAERyeKGCJbgHy4yBUoqS0Il5BBpkojUYYg0wLNtg5XGal6FxLNrCfOCkECpk9CorU07xzFb4Axmso6s0nojCuRnit4nOyrzv6ZrQk3tOt1SJGPcc+1ZSZrFFa5YSXe0HIB4xQthN6kGpZEgHXApxFIrwk7jVMksH0qQAqPSkIrSKM8VSGR4INMDQ0y5Mb4bpnis6kTWnI3sJJHyOorDY0krmbcoQQ3NapmDREynrVCJY+FJ61LKSIZG5qkJlctlqpEscgyRxSGTRr160FEhVc0DsRTgduKRLKjDLc1RDGHmmmIQDJzVdAJlA4qADHtQAbeelAEsIJ9qAL9qgOBxUsqxtWEXpxk9qybGjfsrcOAV5I4OB7VlJlRRYe1YqBt7nr1+tTcuw024Viu0nj5cdKLlJEDwgHn7oB68g+mKq47DGRQwyOlO9xohfaSQAOufwpg2MA+fdlSM9O1DdyS5bIvAyOnBPapaLiWpIlyPmReP4gc0iz0a4lDJuxj/AGTXuHjIqKd77tvH0pjLMUe58HHTg+g/yakkv26jJwMkHPXAFAy9DCeFx26H1piLlrDl9oXIzg8Y5pMaOi0yzzKMLgEDIHNZNmqR0mm2wXCkDIUdDjipZaNe2h3LuXr69MfWpGaMMZB3FV6cnNRcZYUL2B6Y6Z4xQMeX/djgEleOe1NCYiRO2AF9M5HT1piJjgOh+YHjNJjQ8KQT3bcCCRmpbARmO3Dc569v8mkMQHjO7GSec9M9aAAjIZtoYMMk+9ADOXbr6HHqaTGhOASDltpAAB6e1SUMHzfKDnIzkn36UAK67lVWwCDz9PWgBvykFiGBzznj1pMBGLBQMtjHf9BSAj+YMAzdMZOc5pMBg2suA4Un3x+VJjQ2X5m4U4Yck9azZRGQu0kLkDkZ/wAKkBpC8kMSRjGRSGRuiiQ7eMHFJjImw3ykFTnIPespFIY3B3lhjHccUJAKDt5Ycc9KtCZNGWXsTjqvYCrEShsZ2tkH09f8cUCsNGOp47Dnp/jQFhjMC4zk9sHnp/KgBjtvHDkFe468VLYytIcqcLxnB4/z7VEmNA7jJ4bI56YrNlERAO5icnHIz/SsmykRynCDaM8lTg1DKIiVJKgMF9qgYhOVUZ+6OMcUgFLZwScbVyPalcdhhOSTnb36Uhjd/U7v1zmpuMn0y1NzcEFdiZznBGPWtqFJ1JETlyo7jS7GKFQuwYB6lQea+gpw5VY4JSuXiyRAsAcnI47/AKVoQZt5Mc8/L15BqJOxaRz19K2GO/jPzZPasZG0Uc5qUqqW2kZ6A1k9DojqYN5cs7hUBZicdfwrGTeyOhWS1O28D6WY4hJNFlic/MM8V10YWOGvUuzu4UjVdojzgZGM8nua6EcrHO42Z524BHNNgjNu5lByOSgz6VLY0jIvtQSNCRJgY6jjiolKxagcb4g8RCMOBIAp59c1yyqnTCkcNqfiEyFsvuJPUmsXK51Rp2OW1nWiY/vFjz/FUNG8VY5iSea7bAUgN0xU7GqLtpo8jkblOPpWbmN7G9pmnGELgHggj1p8xm9TTSIqcH9D3o5ibDnDKMA5PrjNTcZHk8fePHTrz6UAODKh3KMZ5ANIBskxUfeBwOKCkilJdM/ckZzwelBdkOiYkg9COOT0qooT2NKzfJC7sZ747/WqM2a+nthkwRjvVpmEkdBYKpHO4gA4A6j1rogzCWg3VtNEyHCLjH44q2kKMtTyzxZopiLuic5PQfzrPY3TucdJDtcxsOmOfSquS4iNCSTlTmqRkx0FuPyHFWI3dMjzggnHHGKCDstIiIXaQQcDGe5qkiGdbpCuTycN6kcZxVolo6XTpFCBQCDgY9xVEF4zLjKr098fzouKxh63cAo5Zz34zUtlJHnGvziaOZcr8ldGHnqZVInknilgS4JJ5PPvXrXujktqea6mMTsfWuCe5utik54xUjInrNlDO9IAIoAfHyKllInVjxWbNEw389aLDuSJJ8uMik0NMR2osA0Ng8UMC1FIQOtS0XFlyGbGBntUNGiZo2krZBByKzaNYs0opSqfe57YrM2uU7uY8tntjGauKM5OxltMQ55xWtjFyLFrPkgd/WpkioyNOKYAg5B/GsrG/MSSzDZ3BxRYbZUM7K2OhqrGXMXLK8bOM8HjrziolE0jNnTaReZxk/ma5pxOmnI63TLjcq9hjnFc8kbovM+UyTzjnPpUDGSyMzYxt7DNAEbvnHzAHvQDRFJIEBHr1p2AoyuSdy5AHvirQFVyFBPPI9aoRXaUhueQOuKdhFiCUcHrnHXrUtDNGK4C42bSKixWhOs+4AckdTSsHQdHICxHLHPGR/WiwiUuoJ5AyecdKQEcjMEOMgd+KaAgDjhu/UgirSIbLEdwN4ycZ71SMpGvY3irhSRkcZz71oYSRqLqyLHwRkjBGcinczcbj01pMqVcAZxwe1DYvZmjZ6iHxhs56+9SpDdMnn1LbDt3cjOOc5p85KgcX4j1J9rAYAI/KszeEbHAajKzsQzZz3rSJutg8O3slhqKSx/LzyRVmc46H0p4E1YXljERICdoDc9M12UpXR51WNmdnHiTaTtK9a3MCO5RWUlWGOmP8/WhjMu8gwGOCT0HPbNQ0Vexmy2uF4iJBPAxWbiWpFNrMqcEtg5HAqbMu442gxkIuOgBwPqKTQrjfI2sTtIU8ZpDuQ7BklcEA4IHrQA6NF3Aqgz345zQBZSTChT8oPvigTM3UZ8bwxB3ehzSbKRz0koJOM7cngd6yZqieCXJUYz1ycjihMTQ5pcqQQBnpg/hTuFildD5enOeeKkaMi/iBUhduRxjNCKTMO+cxIeQW6Yq0NnP3rqxySR9atEMx7t8lgR0q4kM57WZNlrLn0P61rFXZlN6HP6YGOCDyx5rVmCNhmCFMnIJwRUopmZqlsYpGWPlW5HvVIVjPk+bn35oAp52SgAgEdPwqiOo4MY7goeUbmgGRMBsZc5IamIrTjH5VSJIOg96okcGBHIoAChpXHYfs/0ct0wwz+IpXC2hHzVCFzjpQAnXntQA4GhghrdcUhsQCmIeBmgB4U0hjpOBikMWJeMmgDW8PQNLdZHYZNRPYumrsbqcimafPzc8EURWgSerMluAPU9asgkbiID2qQ6DITlSfQ02Bc4ezHONpqepXQroPmGelAluNlUhzTWwPclhO1gRSZUTXs08yRXHQdqyk+htFX1DVn/cgd8+lKC1CrsZUgJUVsjnY2yi8y6APrTbEtzYusxwZUgD2FZ9TV7GXF/ry1WQR3MnmSNmmlYTZFGMGmIk3HI9akb3JN3HNBJERx0poRC55plD4Thgfekyom9p82+NVOelc8lqbR1H3aqEBAOPrQiJFMyAADcPpWhI3fiMj3pdQK7tlqtEsZnkk9PXNMRLCAcZNIaLS569qlsocfXkU0Mrzc8ggD+dBLKpwaohjQvFNiHInHNFwJAvJwKQDtvA4x9aAHIpJx2zxmgCaGPknnrSGjQtYst8oJ49MVMije06IlQOMe9YtlqJ01hb5VcAqcdxgGsZM0jEumHcgJwh7/8A6/wqUy+Uh+zhGU4wp9O4pplKJXuowoYdMfhVDsZN0w3kcZ659farRk9Cn5mG6gkGqsIFK5yx4zRYC5avghjgD09aVhouzzIrLu7jPTNTYtndSOX5ILBuK9w8gkt4xkdwOgBpMGaEMfzZyPfjFIC/FEQoycjjigC/EjFwdje+TQ2BuaZZjAAIPPoOKhs0ijptOtNvATkk5z0rO5aRtWkA6hexyT3qWyjQjXbjgYzjJFQxlqJTjBznGTigY5jwNwwwJ56ZB/lTSExyrtXDDjGPl5zVCJtr7QobtyRjgev6VLGC7gOCT8wHQcdKkY+Y4BbcCeD36UARDO9lUZI7kcUWAdySM8jPPv8AjSASVgGwQSRyMelDBDSPlBZiDkcZ78UhifvMYJB9APX6UDFBXJyFbn5T6UrDGjH3jvOD/FxSAiI3PtG1ueMjr/nNIBHYYyF3EnHNIBGbPyZHYn0/WkwI87lznnJGOtJjQkpI2jHQfl7VDKI3GBtOASfrUtANXJXaV4HJ9qQ7kEoIZiyjpnPrUsZFj5gVyO/07f5+tS0O4iEFiwG4jnFAXFTJIznqMDGcUAPVyDydpzyPSqQgyckb1Ur0FFwE8zJzhgSOen9aQDJWYNnkFe5H8qLhYY5JO4FtxOOR0/GobGRkEHJ6cg81BQ2Rs9SR1PvUsCNs5DYPAzt9azZZE7NtIDHrzj3rNjI/mLbcA4H3jSGIzfL16HBGOQKljRHnORnJOcD1qbgMcncMknPtSKCMlhhQevGB+NTa7DZHXeHLTy7cNtJzgn2r3cJRUInFVldnSMVVARgD6dveu0xM6/ukUYG48nHIPPWk2OKuYk0+5Qd3PQ85NZN3NUrGBqt+scb5YEgdRwMCsZzsbQhc563ebU7nYqEJnjg5OfpWKbmzodoI67StAjRkd4+cbgD14rqhSSOSdW52OmWqwxlduDzx/Tmt0rHM3cuRELwwHJ7c+/p2qiSvdkxxuAxBHXp/n/8AXSY0cj4g1FoAzM5OM4+auepOxvThc8z8T+LAhYbzkfSuOdVs76dE8/1XxA80hHmHBPOBxUqNzayRiXWqO2RuPQdKpoaKSfaLyfaM7T29qllnV6Bo6bVZ1PXFYyZd7I6iGyijVQU6cgipaMnIVo1HAXcBnLZpARzYAAU8Y5z9aQFdiMnLjGc+v50wImBwcHLAcjpzQO4hzyduMDPNAFS5IzjGPpVJXKKTMwPQ9+vYVVkMsW8m1vm2mnYTNS3kDIflHGPzpWJLkUvlsMMAB0GT6VRLVzotGvFJUjjngCtIyMJxOotQjxjIX/gQNdMXc5mjnvE+jLMjMUAJHQH+dEkXCR5H4j0s21wTgAA9cc1mdG5lLFlxlOKtGcyeG2JYHPbHPSrRizodLtOQPl5FVYzbOu02Hai5UNj1oJOksYAVGTjocVaEzRhYlkGBx1x3qiCUzOAePbk8YpNjSOc1+6YQPgYPIBrJs0ijzLVb8rLKhY898VrRepNWJ5t4nucu475NetGXunFJannWpuTMea5ZvUtIqE1ncoYx5pAJn8KAEJoAdGallImByKgsQmgBynikUmKx9KBjQaLCuiRHIpDJ45QKTRSkaFtPwOazkjWMi8LgkdSce9RymvMVLiUleKpIhsz5ZMmtEjGTJrWY9jilJFQZoxzsBms2jZNknmkocn6e1Kw0ypPN8x9apIhsfaz/AD8k8Y6mhoFI6LSb3BAJPTmuecTppyOz0e5zGFBwTjmuOaO2Lub8D5A4JI71i0Wrj5SFXJ59xSC5WuJcYO75Qf1qkhsqu3QnJPQc9KpIGQStjoDg9s9qpIko3EucgHHpzTQiAcnHJDHmqJe5MkmFAzjipsUSRTMcYBA70rAXUnXPBIIH50rFMswzHbncc/UZpWEThixbH1pbDGu2MgMBj170WuIzp7kLnkZ71aJZVOoBScE9O5q1EykL/bOSBuPHTitEiGSxatIz7txxjpmkCRfhvnYgDPIHFZM0UDf0ieQ467ieSDxiouTKNjQu3YQhs4OQc00zOxy2uSllYZyPc00aROXnRnJbnFXexokMERVt2OfxpqQNHf8Aw48Rm1njt5ZiPmGDx1rWnLlZyV6dz33RL9Lm2Rw4Y4/Gu6Mro86SszQxxhu3TP61TFcr+WN5JwoHXcOcfhQMrTIhGAmWz8pzzU2BaEMkKglcgc96lopMqtGuPmAPOSB0x/jUNFFK4QGbaAODgA9hjNSxrQRUXGWwdnORyaEgbEdUC7guWI5+lAJlC7nCJu7jOCeopN2KSMC+u1O4gkHOTis2zRIy/PG9m4Zumc1I7EsNww25H+AoKbLKcL0PGcY6UWIuQXMmTkOTkdqLBcx72UICQOh5NMpHM6nIzsT6c+hqkUYNy7b87s/0q7ENmVdS4JXPvWiRDMDX2L2zDnJFaQ3MahR0C3aZ1QcbVyaubsiIK7sb2pWRitWYqARg/hWUZGsomSGWb90Rl416j+Jf/rVoZmHNGUd1BJAOcY6UySjeffyO1XEiQknzxo4+8Bg0A9hkmRiUcdjTFsMkYOPmAJ+lNCbuVzjJGODVEjBTESxsV5qWhonhYPHcBl/5Z5BHsRSGVSwHvVITE696YhVXFIY4DqaQxpGaaExQtMQ+NeallEudimhAMB3vmmInxjgL+IpDOo8N23l2MlwwxxxWNR3djekrK5z10fmlY9N351otjGRRkPP1NMQ6Q5ABHSgBkXUj1FAF23XfavxnAzUMtbEA4YGmSh7jI9/ehFDYjk4oYkb2jNtlGeQetYTOiBBq65mOOnWnDRCqbmeyhlI9q1MGWNMi2qzsOvApSdwiiXUW2whaUS5FCI43t2washFNjwRzVIkdCW5NDAVDkUmA5aQhc5FAiGQ81Q0Ce9A0aOnzNGR6VlNXNouxovJ5icn8KhKwPUozJiUlhx7VomZtEbtnjpzRYLkTniqSJbGL6d6BXLEHXnPNJlIsbhkc1BQhY5osAyckimhMr4GCapEMQCmIkUdKAJUQn2FFwJktyUyATU3AnFsT+IouMljtyOOmPalcpI07GE9QPrWbZaR0FhbgR5XksBx0rKTNEjoNPQgZI6dRWcjVI0ZYk8kHaBzkgD9ak0toU7gnKliTk9u9UkD2KF6y7SeDt6A1SJOe1GRd3Bx/+utUjKRmPN0J4PrVWM7jln45GRnoaVguXbeQBhj64zkUFIuSynK529KRZ6Ksf70Nkcd/WvZZ5LL1tGqfMMDj8cmkI0baJic4YgjkZ6Ckxl+JCTnkYGQfSkM19Pt03KZB24xzUtlI6jTrcYT5Tz1GMVDNEjfsLcZL7TkdSDgH8e1QUX4QoUkYJBwPWpY0XLfjamQO/wAx5xSGTYwF2DkjGP8AP0p2FcaoRiEK4wfSqEWAp2gAMR9DSAdhhH8xUg9Dnp+FSxieYR8pXgD6cdf51IxqjDKwBIA46546/jTQDh3cYA/Ifn60XAQltzKcEdwOT1pARybRHnIxkdTkn/PFJgg4LZPK9s85yaBi7F+bIyMYJI5/+vQA0D5juDv7Hjj+nakMawwPv4GecjHNIYgaTjzMgd8HNADSG2ncGx7DqakCLPRg2FPPIx37UmAzgHDDoc4B7nvUjByWU7V3MR1PX/62aRQSIpXDkk479vpSAYybBsPTHI9aTAixuUsxUICTnnrUFEG0qQARk+1IBMRszZbhcH35osAo3MSDgp3A/lSAASOqnB5w3GPakMiLnY25+T6fhSARiN7HduboSTkH/PpSuAyV8JkkEkY+Y9vWpbHYZu2jJJAJwcetTcdhuduA7fe9aTY7DMdM5KFicD174qGxg+S3QlSMjp/KoYyKbqGJCsOTj0qWO40sPNAGQfQ9akZDI27cMvuOc8fSk9RolW3mkACrknuTj8KcKUpbITkkX7bRJJI97g8HpniuyGC7mTq9i/a6RHDIOOB0H+fxrphhIRdzN1WzpLKLy41J3EEAcHkmu5Kxg3chv7gRxbS2C3AOeTQ3YFqc1qF6BJtVtvXBPBrCUjojAxNR1JY1yxxkdxzms5TsbRp3Zxt9fy6je+TFgjOGzz3rllJyZ1qCijuvCGmxQQgnPPv+hrrowsjirTuztrMR7FB5HPHfkdP511I5Gy7EQgLMnfGSMflVEjiVRjtyCAeRx2oEY2q3LeXJ5h4K/ex1qJsuKPIfiBq/2aN03qevGcmvNrybdkejh6Z4dr+sGSdxvJHQD09hUQizudkilavJPkgZ9qsz3NS20qaRslcH061Dmi1E6TRtGEe07Sc9TWbkM6W1RIY9pwM5/SpJY5rn+D0/lQK2hBLKwP7v2pDIS/Xjk46HvSAby5APcdjTsAp4UZcYPqf50WAa5QDacnIwMn8+aAKkx3NjOD1wRVIZSudoYnBJPGD0NUUmRo4DZPPPWmgaLcNxxnIAznJoJLcdwTyDgf7JpCNXR7vZKuTzk/T2qkRNHe6Nc5RBuJHHeumDOOaNieASxZwM8Y4xW25jex554z0VZNxVflAYgYxWUkdMJXPOprJo5trxkMPT3qoikXrO1OeQAwOfpWljFs3dOtjncMEBevvTRB0+nWxJCqNwGMex/wA4qkiGzobe22pwCeORjHvTFctCFdzAAsP4vxpiKl0CsbMxHpkj/PrUspHJeJHxCSMhcH86ykawPItbuSty/XHTk5rSixVUcLr8hLuRn5iTXpRl7pxSRxOoHMxrGe40VM1AxD60AITQA0mgB8ZqWNEwPFQaCHr1oAcvtQxoU0DY3PNBI4GlYaY9T0oKLVuxz1qGVFmgj8cniszdMhuGGMf0pomTM6Q9u1amA+3c7hSaKi7GhG4wecD0rNmyZI0oxwe1ILlWd+c55q0iGyOOXawPFU0SpWNjS7giRSOMVjOJvTlqdxolypUdunNcNRHoU3c622uARuPzEj04NczR0IV3XH3iTnFJAV2ywOcc9FHrTuFiGVj9PXNNAVZn5K9fQiqEVsbmIOffFMQcBxgHrzQBDIeW9cdKYmIspUBicYHPNOwkySO45AyOPSlYdzTs5AVBIIPWpZSL28ohGOB+pqBle8uAFb144xTSEYd7MTnB4+laxREmZM9wynGFyfStUjGTIo5Wds47+tMlO5r6ehkA5GR1rKTsbRib9jEMoCRyevrWLZpax1GmIIoQWUc9BjPNSzORPqDhFAJI9KaMzltUXexbG76irNIoz0t9isDkZ9+mKLmiRHcR4DZHHXrQmDM7z2t5xMnG0gjAraJjNXPX/hh4xWRI7WZgCPU1vCdjhq0z2S1uo50Dqc8cnrmupSTORqxNI2RjuemD7U7iI3VTICo3Hoc9qQytPIo+4cEdc8GpY0Z8u55eSW/pUlkEibsY+9nt3GOKVgKksux2KnqBznGMdqV7FJFa7uwoHPIORk1LGkYGp6iDkNjPuf0qJMuK1Ocur5HPUkEdcYFRYtoqfbBgj5c9MU7BcuWtzwA3XrgHp/8AWosSy2bolduRx0xzTsLcpXd4gQtuBPeiw0Yt/dsemDj7uBTURmHeXBOc9z9KsLmZMruoAXhhxTJuNj0aWcB8EfSjmsJRbMbxXpxtIAu3kqea0pyuRVjYpeD7dXvxjoV+aqqv3SaS946PxLChhCxnIK4Gaxp3uaz2PP7qaS3uVweUPBHWulK6OZuzFnjiuV8+PIPR19DTQMx9RjMbD5hg1USJFaMrllL4HbimIbJ90qT34oQmQEkg46iqJGdR71QhjKQfrzRcLDgDjmgCSJ9gkGfvIRSAgI54GRVMQ9V5zSuOw9RzSGDcLQAiDJoAcByfamA9BgmkwGyN2oAltgOpAoAliUs4XuTQB1xAtNCSJiFyMk+lc71kdC0icpeYLMB0zxW6RzsqgbsYHSgBCdzEUAIgw3uKALunN+8eM9HHpUNFwK7rtkI54NMXUc5wfqKSGNhGJOTTYlubmm8uMelc8zpgVrg4uDuyRVrYiW5CIvnyO5q7mbRbiGHVckHNLcBmp5Z8A5oiDM6X5E2nvVonYqSCqRI5SBCfWkAyM/gKbAlQ5pAh3A6UgK8h5q0hXFWkxrUvWvCgnNZyNUXk+VM9BUA3YjuJVaMAkYHvVJEtlJicE9aszEY8AU0riEX6fjQwJUbH+NSykSbu2eaTKQpbHeiwXGuSaBMaRximiWKi/j9KYiaKPJx69O1IC7bwkuowc+vtSuBrW1oSOUP4ms2y0i6NPBxge2anmKsRpZhXwy/dPXHSi4JampYWIyME8nqSKzcjSKNeBBDjZkgHgYz/APrqDU0YCVzx1PIJ5pNXLRYmnjEaphSM9M0KJVzKu51HA4xzyMcVaRBlXN0pTkEZ6GrSFzGJezZfd0PsatIxbMmSX5iO2eauxmwS4xjpx3Bo5QuX7SfOMEeuT2qWiol+WdsjDgcVNi7nr8MXzgINqk/d9K9c8wtwIOe4/nQI0LVTvGVz0796kaNfT7UuxYA/0qWykjo9PtQFD7W5GTwD61JokdJp9sFAZlZd3PHb6VDKRqxxD5ixGwnkd+e1Sxl1AqncBkAYBx07c1IyVAoXcBk8deKBjiAzdWBxkAnrVkksSAoocFiT70rgPTDDkcjt3pNjQBSG5IYDlSaQxM9CTghfT3pWAaSASxUkZ5we3t+NMAGWXaCzEAnHcdaQDTjhRkLikAmfn549D68e1IYbyMjbgD5ix9v50AK2CpXIUnoe9ADGGBj7xxj0/wA9KQBI5XAAOD2x1+tIohz+7OcjBPQf596QCN83ByAQOnsaTAZtG/1ORt/rSBCA4O5sjIPXmpGKBuk4DYGMn1NDGhWIHGV+p5INIZXldCSd7MOMrUsCMEjG4bvY9agoYpXnAJ7E9KABk6ooA56Y6c0ANIJUIwIwM4B561LBEZL4J5yWPGRUsZEu4cgj88k1LYIRmBc9s9SOtTcqxFK24ttzgcZI61FxjDkRDgsxxk47VNxiE85U+oHuf/1UmwsG4HgHoemMce1IY5ULnaq7j0wacYN7CbSJ47CWUqzRhSeuemK2WFk9yHURKmkued5bnqBk/StFgxe1JbfR1JBchgQMjitY4SK3JdRs1rWyjQBVRMZ64Oa6o00tjJyuXo4doTA4J9M5q0SOSIFwcOO5xVWESuSBkIw5B2npQBh61NiEgsF28nP6VnNmkFqefavqAjlcljw3Qnt/n+dcUpWPRpwujlNR1V5nMSEnPU9qwnO50xp2L/hO1PmiRgCCcknuKdJXIqvQ9HsrmOCMKjFc8Gu+ErI8+cW2buk3IlwQSSffgmtou5zyVjaQMpUHO0jn5s/hVmZDdOUgYEk8nBPb6UMDjvEt55Vu2WJwOoPSuarKyOilG7Pnz4k6m0k7gHIwa896u561NcsbnB6No8+s3mVViuecCrlNQQNXPTNG8F+VCrOoxgDnFczq3DmSNc+H/JH3e/PtTTuLnJBZtEQqKBgkU9A5rkEsLA4EZz6Y70irlb7JcOchSD05Pf8AyKTYXA6dco5zH19fWkncOZDBaSgEtGSCOM0xcyE8plYDkZ/SqSsF0xjJ8hfJYn14zRbUdxkof+JT9TzQBWdD83y4+XgUxoquhU8A88UxkYhI65J6CmO5NHDhS3HXnIoFcsBMY5OD04pCLMDOh3E/MKdwZ1nh29bKqSSc8DPFaQlY56kTu9PkDxcng8DHPSuqLucclYq6zY+fE+8A5XsO9U0EXY8017Sdk+4jaRUo1uVrOzVnVMYIPZa2SuYT0Og0+xAAJBGBjOKpRMnI6HTrcoF5Ldhxz9aZFzbtYVXAx07nGKLBckkiXaSCMg5AXPGfWhjTMjUFUK5JxxnpkcVDNEcL4ub5HHACg4wOtYzNoHiXia6IupOQCDV0mFVXRxuqXXmFietdsZaHGzl71syE0mxFbNIBc0AIRQA0igB6CpYyUcDFSaDe9DAeppABIoC43jPFADweKAQ4HpSKZPE2GFTYpFpZOmCPrU2NExkz5FCQpMpOea0Ri2LE2D1oaGmXI34z2rNmqY7fxiiw7kEz9qpENkSt83WmTc0dOkwVqJI1gzstDujgAEDiuOpE76Ujr9Om+Vc5PvmuSSOyLNEncA2VAJzWaKIpGAOBzjuDVJAU5ZCTg+uaYmyuQd/IwB3piDjuR65oAjz8xAyBz+fagCNgT823Hb6UxMpXMoT5MmtEiG7Bakl8k9TzQxJm9ZZCgZHI4rFmqLMkm2I7c7u+BU2KMy/m+UgZ559KtIlsxL2Q525z34raKMZMoEFmPB4FWZPVmjY2wYjjPfiolI0jE6LTrdQBnGTWEpHRFGxbx7WU5OAeMd6zvcbNWGRI4slDx1HrTRjJEdzOWQ/MBx75oJsZlwu9iW5B70cxqkM8oKhLBmxz0qbmiRRv8heAM4q47ky2Ofv2Kux5AzwRW8TCTGaVfz2d4k0bMMH1rTYzaTPc/h/4zW4iSJ3UOcDr0q4zsc86R6RbX4mGVJOTnA/CuhSucrhYsmXAyZB9OtO5NirLKSQCoOOTnv8AWkNIbKoY7shc9Se1A7FC7uUWMjgE/wBOlQ2WkYN3egbgCB1yG4qGy7HPatqexWKgDPTB69KhstI5W+1gvlckEn3p2C5nfbGYFgxyRmnYVx8NwxJxzg9OnvQ0O5ft7hRGuOD6mixO4S3LAZGfUDNNAV28y4XgliTnJNOwuYeNMnlTlTg859aA5g/sPcdpXP4Ur2C9ye20KPcHKrkYG2ocikiy1kEwuwDHGfSpLucT8RbfZbYHORjJHetqJlVOZ8Bp/pE4x8wHr0rarsZUnqdFqib7JsAcA4rJbmjPOteT5i44ZW5AroiYSMr7TJbsJU5wOVPQirRDZJeKl1AJowcZ5Hcf/WoWjB6oxX4fd6GtEZXJyd0IOMmpLKrcNVEDCOcjv1qhEiAFee1JjI3J7c0xABkdKAHomaLhYUgA9eaQxU+/mgAkHAoQBEMUMBw449aAJmTy4xuPPpSHsVgN7/0qiSc/IABSGX9EhE18gwTz0pSdkOKuzofF7JDaw247YzWNPVmtTRHKSf6wg1uYjIl25/nUsaRAQd5PbNMQH74PvQBYtnEdyMHr0NS0VHRj7ofvS396kimM27k+lFxWHQKHbB6ihsaRq2WI92eOMVhLU3gRT8yFuevT0qkTJEXIcEdPSrTIZei2thycEVLYMqYLyknOOaohlG9B3HA71SEytweM/jVkhIAFAFJAMApgOXikA8YI60gK7j5qtCJYU3NUyZUUaMSqkYz1rJu7NNkE02I8ZzzVJENlUOSfX2q+Ui4jDB69aEIQ1VgAdfaiwD1OAMc+1RYoUMQc8UguBagBQSWxQBJj0oESRKc4oAuW65bnjHbFS2Ua9ja7sEjvxz0/zms2wsb9haDPAJUHIzWTZaVzdjsE8ghQCOD0rNs0USs1ptbGM8jJ46e1VcLE6oEwcLg9OeaCgyFzjkE56/pRYpMb5+xuXI9uv+fpTSGmMuLoiLrzn8aaiFzKuLo8nIU/TrWiRNzKurr52Cjnnp6VaRDZnXc2SecdxVJENmZcycnnv+dMgiDnIOaokvW8x5BPH1qWjRMsyzAlc9dtTYo9/gj3dTkkYwK9M85lyFAMAYHoKQGlZxM7rhMjIBzwKTGjpdNsyoG4MPWs2zRI6TTrbG0jHH3j1NQyzctFUAEAH3qbjLtvGUZiQVyeCT09/rSGThUHy7hnqRxjNIBysc854xkZ6VSESwxk8gKzY+7waGBPiQHPIPRQaTGhGZDyGXlaQxnU/wAQycYFIBo2r2Z+aAFYliVZsD1x3/yKLgMJVj5e0fLSAPmJ3btwU5PQk+hNK47ADwdxAHX5ucUANKgksq5JXGAKAAkf7Ppnrj/P9aAAMQ3UgdiP4hSGiNif9WSM4yM9x6UhjBkg7TypxyOg/pUsBowSPly/rnNJARvjKsMHk456H/OaGCGpjG1lGB2zkD8O1SMd+75cZHphqGNDWkwxORgkDge9SxkGdpbLcDnAFSAhJXIIOTxx9KQCsASdzFAD0HTrSAaSxViQOvXP+cUDQyQnIZRn05ySKTGRvguevHfpgVDGRMR94ryfas2NEbbiQu3vnjrUNlIjLgBvlIAAPXvWdxpDPm3E9v0pXGNJweAHUjrmpuMcQHlG0HBOMdqqOrJZv6bbIYgWjVR1r1aMNDnkzTSFcYRAQW+714rp5TO4hHyjO4juR29/6U7DAlVcqWXnphck/wCc9KLCaB7mOMBXJ6E4z37UgsyJb9AQOM5wQDjBo5h8pcgmUqMnGeuDTJHvvERG7I25yT0piOe17Gw4IyQOfxrKZtTPKPFsm0ttyBgn3rz6j1PVoq6Ob09C8wLZ4Nc71Oh6HX6fOLZdwO7j1raLsc01ctR6jPPOkUO47mwSe3+eatSbdjNxUVc9Q8NWzR2ce4E5H0/GvSgrI8ybuzcBBYbTuGRwfrVmZm6pJtTkkqhzk81MnYpHmPj2/ZInXcFyp6dq4Kzud1CJ8++KZnuL0xKxyWwAfXNYxXU729LHpnww8OLFYxOw+YjJwtcdWfNIzlLlR6MlkEXYFXpjkUkramDkRXFoBhduOOWP4VXMCkV204Odwj4HcU7j5hv9lKWwF2gjnIp3HzkiaQuB+6UsR3pWJ5yQaQuPmUZHH1p8ovaFa40YbdwUYbHOc/56VSQ+cw9W09Y0OeCoPAPv+laKNylM5maZImZX+XHA/MUNWNVK4qSwSoBhWyTxilYu4jRRuQwK59M+9IYhs9wOApGeM0BcPsS7FO0HAwOMEGgLj0sgCW2YBHXFUF0ILU7VYKCeQO/5/nSC4NbFcAEgY7CmO5Lps7x3Q6gccE+9CZE9j0bw/cqY1CtnPT64rqgziqI3pFDIMr0B6DFbowOW8SWAYMVjHr9PX8c0rFqRzltaGKf5sHPfpWkSJu50OnQLsHygZ9V4/wD1GrMDbigPDgHr1/nQBfiGBtGSDyaACZVyARgjA25/znvQwRjagv7t2CY69+aiRqjzbxpLtjkBxna351hM6aSPA/FdyRM+Dn3Jq6RNVnF3twSSc11o4mZczZNMQwUALQAvWgBpFAEijpxUMtIeakoaBQJDh0zQMQ8cUAJ3oAep96AHe9Iu5Ih5pAThuMUDGStkUAVXPNUZixnn8aGCZaiPGKhmiHFuKSKuQysc8GrIZGDzQK5bs3IYZPFS0XF6nT6JOQw7Z61y1EdtJnY6bcgIOcY/KuOaO6EjX+0F8EE8DBrK2prcQ7nycHuenWmBEcY5G44yaCSJ2O4kjgdwOlMCBpOMjnIxRYBgZjwevYgVVhXI55k2443Y7U0gbRmSMX5YH6itEYt3LtlFk9MntUyZUUbVsdu0HIPqKxepstAllBXrkD8hQkDZj304IY7vbGa0iiJMy2cuxxyB6VqYk9vDliCPxPSpbsUkb+nWy4QkDGOtYyZtFG3bwKAGxjp9KxuWWSQgBH5dqESxBKTkbuCR0NVsSLnIAPX60rjSHrASd2DgdgPalcqwk4GzGCM857H3pDRiX7BQWyfQEelaxJbObvWDMTnOT0zmt4qxhIq9xVEmp4f1C4s50aNmIB6ZxSYWuereF/FxZI1lYg4xnPSmp2MZ0rncWGvpMpCyqSc1qqpg6Vi/9vVgTvC5685yKtSTIcCG61KNFZN44XJ55/Om2Cgc5q+soCxLA8Vm272RaRx+ra+ibyZAM8cmhRbLON1jxZCHbEijt17VapEyqJGHJ4ptyTuKnPpWnsjP20RB4mt+dpA9s0eyD2qJ4fEsYGQQx/Kj2Yvaosp4mBAyOW64NHsw9oi9Y6mbmQKMHpnB6Uclhc99jstAtfO25Ut9KdiHI6+LTSFG8DZUtDUhLm12YCo2O3OKzaLiyo9sduRwe1ZWLuRSwE8ncoNLlHzHE/ETTme0ZlwoClh71tTdmTLVHFfC6ES61PGwGBknIratojOludV4rtha3sdui4VwfpWMNUavQ8t8SRGC6k3DIJw2e9dETCW5zE7fMV49q1MnuQwTtFIeTjkdaLCTIZuWyvGfSqRLEicqCtDBMZJ96gTGY55qgEYk0AEaM5yB0ouIt+RtUEgc9qm5dhm3HGKLisMk+9iqQhFOGzQA5hkLikApGTgUAOAIYUAErZ60wYlqm593Yc0MEiRIzNcbRjnuTwKAZ0HheEPqaIhyuRkms5/CaU9yx48Yfb0iXGB3qKOw625zsyESfUcVsZ2I3JUqB6UhkToeuOPrQJoYMZGfwpiQ6ThkI6UkN9ywmZoWA5KVL0ZS1QsOCpBwDQUhUXE2R0pNgkXoDgEn0rJm0SOJiWKgd6ZN9Sy0OVBAGQOaXMU4kkKfLg+maGQkVWXa2c4HrVIze5BJH5mcEcdBVJiKDQsr8g1aZNiNz8xpoQiEZ5pgDAHkUAKjZ4NJgKy7iMUDSLMCBMcYNQ9S1oPmlA4FCRLZXds5q0iBgNUIe3IBGaAHKpP/AOqk2ApXHPpSAGHr+lIBh445oGOBoC5JDy9IZZVRjv8AWlcZKi9wBSbA0bOIEgkCobHY6XTbXgDBIz1rJstLQ6DTowse0jdluorJstKxs7P3BCpg44NSiihOoKjdGeOc/wD1q0GU2Zy2Ccjr9KqxKKrTDIbpg9O9NIop3NztI9O/vVWFcrS3mIyMEnPY1SQmzLu7oAnDDH86tRJuZs1wDntnP1qrENlWWfI4JpiuU5pOe1OxLZCJfenYRPBPx8xOKLDTLD3KcZI6elKxTZ9NwRA/LsAx6mu84S9BGzYUJyByc1LBG/pFqcjcAMc5PeobLijqtPt8IOAvPHP9azbNUjatIWBO48Z5JHtUtjSNKFP3YG7GDx7VLGXVXAA2nGeDnigYvzZBO0HGTxTQmLGobB289eRj86YichTuByR6E/rSAdId0ZGAd3qfak2MjLY4B4OMgE8dP6UhjNwKqxRmA9T1ouAqnB3EkFh37UgFDDbyoGONuelADWLBVAJz14/lSAbw4K5bGe1AxQowSPmOf8inYVx20sCrMVyOwPP/ANf/ABpDI85Jw3OOdxoAU5AJ6sMEA8f/AKutJjQyXILkBi3XrU2GRjHmEMMD1PT/ADzSAjIAB2kbu+ByKQCYwV7fL8vtQwQ3B3NxuxyCT2zzUjG/ew2doAPXPPbrQxoSQ/MGUkD3HWobGRbR1HJB47fnSAHBUMQMk9s0gFxuXa3zck4xQwI5H2t9zqOcdDSGiN2XdjOecc0mMiflSBnI6VnIpEb89QBispMaICwL7+Tnt6An+dZNlIa7ODwSMggZOc1ncpEe44G0lRnpRcYJkey9RgjikBLA5DLhioHbHNXB2ZLRvWE6hQD3X73c169KSsc0k7klxqKRfekJ54ycVq5pBGDZjXevojZ83Kk1k6xuqDZmXHihVYlTkkEYzgZrN1zRYW5mzeKvn+Vzj/ZNQ65qsMGmeITLeiNtxBOMZzmiNbUVSgkj0XSJvMiXaAFYjP8AnPWu+L0PNmrM0ZUU5wV47+npVEnOeISTG74IwAoB9fpWVQ1pnkviVfOvGjUcEk8mvLqvU9elori6fpflruYFiT+VYc4SkaK2BHVWPfOfelzmfMbvhbTA12JTGCgOQuK68L77uc9eelj0+0i8uELjGAAo9DXrJHnNksrqFbIPpz6f5Jp3Cxzesy7YyA56Hg+9ZTZcUeTeObnekrE89DnP41wz3PRpKx5Zo1idS8SEkblVu/161jUlyxOi5774asY7azRQNvGMetccVc55vU18DHOTg5zVGYw7mZQTwRwMdT61ID0iQ/MxByPl56VSAlEAyWDAMeCa0SJuP8tQy7SBjvzWiiK49kDuCcfNx759KdhXIZogVGOSW6n0phc5rxJCRAdsY9c47Z9quC1DmPEfGWrCwu2Vm24PfiutUk1cSrNMw7bxbGxCs4JI7mspUWdCr3Nux8TxuMF1Ppk1m6TNVUTNS312LGPMA5Iznke9S6bKUi+usws2FwOlTytDvc0ba7hdNnAJJIJNKwFsSxN34A5HrUjI5HhODxgr6UwKjlEl3Ajg8Y/z6UkNnW+GrwNtAl+f3PQE8GtoM5Zo7mzdMKevHQg11xd0crViG/txLE5C4O7BOc5qibnNz6cVnLBNoz+Y9qqOgMv2EIV0468VZizXjRQMgcjg/wCfxpgW1QqCc7hnqR/9fmkAybIjOOw7denFAHPa3LiJssOMnjrUM2ieSeO7phFLkg8YGfpXNLU64Kx4D4pmzM/zd63pI56zOUnkJJ+tdKOVlYnJpiEoAcKACgAFJjRItQzQUnikACgBT92gBrdaaABQwHDpSAcKAQ9TikUmP3YpWGMdvenYGQOapEDk60MCwjYHXmoLQrMaAImNNCYwH5qZJYgPIqWWmb2my7SBmsJo6qbsdVpk+Y1IPTt2rkmjug9DetJN0Yz2HasJI3iy2D3HIqSxjMd3BzQSQP8AN70wIiMdCBnqPSmBWmfapLc96pK5BRkcuRk5Gcc1aIbHwR5bAxQxI1LaNtoz8uOetZyZrFFxSD0J6/nUGhVvZAAACp4zTSuSzHuJN7krweBmtkjFsjjiZ2GR6U2xJXNfTrY5UlcrnrWUpGsUb9lD8oBOe3PNZM0NGNcDGc/1qGBG5J6H/wCtTExsQJOenGRQ2BahiB5IwakZaCgIQAcgfnSAqXjBEIHUA59qaHaxzOpOGPzHIraJnIxZ1wzHnGelbozZW2sz4/KqIL1tH8vy5BJrOTNIo27FZEY7ScHnrWTZpZHQaffzwupDFgOGHrU8zuS6aZtxa5N5IBLDvzXbRg5HDWtFFTUPEoj4lfccYGDyK9WlgZSPOnibGLqWtQfZTLy2F4Ga6P7Pa1ZmsWeV+LPEMx3BHINYyw6gP28mjirjUJ5mJZz+dSoolybIvtEx/iNOyFdksUsv94/nUtDuzTsfNZhliallo6DTbd3xzzUstHdeGNPJdSDyCKhjPUvDdoQigIVA61IXOsigURep7AjJz602hXILqHJJ2kE/wjHFZSRaZQnjCgBeWx1HOKzaNLhHAhPK5yM0WA5Tx9ag2hdQCoB4px3KvoebfC547fxPdiQADBIzWtXWJFP4jf8AFkguJpJEO4xg4xUR0Rb3PMPEsyzOWwMk4NbRRhJ3OSuCFZVYd+taozZUbIkI96ZNxr/eFNCY3g5FMQrHcgx1HBoAZjPT607gPigdyMKTRcLGnp1uFZllUZrOTNIofdx7CY8cetJMcig3TB/A1RBAc7jnrVokTBPQUATkLtHfFK4dCPcadgHxj8aQDZfvYpoCxDGwtXYcAjqelJjQ2A/MEHAzyfWncR13gSAtfF/l4HANY1nobUlqZni1mk1uRSeQTVU9IkVH7xRnjAhRxzgYNWS9ilKCWzSGJB83ykikPcinjMb+2apO5DVhwAkhIHUUth7odZSFLnBIAPBz3oktBxepLcRtBKcfdPSpWqKejHRnceKlopMuW5BQ5rNmsSNFxk5xzQTsamnsJEKlQcepqJaGkXdAMIzZzgGne5LRSuc4+UcY6VpEzkikXIyM1ZmJJ/quc+1NAZ7Bg5FWQJjmgBRxSsADrTAniFSykTOxVMAipQNlaRs1okZjQTTATJpgWYlylQ2MsJFgD1qbjBouG470CsQyKQM4p3CxC46UAxATninYRbgX6ZqGUixGp/H9KQyxAnA4HXtUyY7GzZYCjjHP51DKRv2T7QuD25x2rJlo3NPZ9oIz3GQamxSNVXzCVDZOOf8A61TYozLx/nbG7A5H+FaRQpMzpZAufmA45GOa0sSZFzc9t+OeoppCuUpZ/l5P0OK0SEUJ7sjHPOetNITZnXF1uPX9apITZTlmzg5xVWIbIGl54Oe1OwiFmyTzTsIib1oGKJGB60APabpz29aAPru1jO7hdo7Drius5DZ021x98Zz7HNRJlJHU6XbABQ4wvXHX/Pes2zVI6G1hAXtjGT8vSpZRpWsQRQ/15+lRcZcAVSDyCTjKigZKM7zkgn0xQISOJWAc455H1qkInVQuHbCg9AR1oAfu/eFSobnJINSMjZwpXBXGSB9OlJjGOxCsV52++M0gFTogydx7L/hQApbDFmBGDjAPFACblzklVGMn8Oh9ulACAYy5OOOWLdfzoAaARkk8A9c/1oAewDAdGGfSgAy2ChLMSePb/CgBrSAhdpBOeQvekMRv3gOPvZxkcj/PFJjRHnIJJHTg9gKQyNmJJ3A5zwD/AJ9qkBGDK5GcnHf/AD/nFCAah3biV49jSYDAuUXIDdsVJQTlgAFw2R0xmpbGROwAB3EFjgdualgNOwZPynHp3H58UgBVAHzgYwQcdTQAIVG4cZPA560AMwFONuG4HT/GkNFaU5PTgHrUMaGSSAnkjI61EikRSHaOnGOSf61jIoidSx+X16j/AD7VmykRu2TtQKnf1rMYhIJ2gkk85HpTGOQDdlsHJ9OM0CJAp8srncByCOgppiJTPsTuFA4XvXVCrYlxM/VrmVoyMkZ4qpVbm1NWOUvTNI7fPyOODWDmdSaM2S2ndipcjt6VDmWpISPT2GfMcqM8c+vap5wczT0jTyl2jDj09qqE9TKcro9b8PxsLdByAevJH+e9e5T+E8ipuaZAUYcN/wDWrQgw/ESK6MU2k7cjArOpsa09zym9i3asVYjJb6149fc9aPwnQWVqpjB6jHXPT1FclzKUtS15KkABRxjj1pmdzpfC8CKrYVAu4YIGM162ChaJyVnqdZEoSPABGB0FeicxW1KXERAwA3X5c/h/n1pMZxXiG5RWfjLAE49K56jOimtTyDx1fhbaTBb2rkerO+CsiD4Xab5s5uXBJJyK468tbFt6HscG1IQBJ8wGRxg4xWa0OZ7i5HCjoB1x0pNgNB42BgfQY9P/ANdCAnh3MrEdT0I4yapCZICdpO3LAH/9RrREsfGW+9k8jqB/nNWmSx+T8wXluvarAOMtyCBx070AZGt24e2JTkY59KqLsKx84fGTRp/MkljXcOSPpXoYeaasc9SLTueG3Nzc28xUsQRXU4makyzZ67cRH75FQ4ItVGjUtvFNwi8u2etS6aLVZmlpnjCUSkGQ9M81DootV2dXp/jDgAyjNYyom8a6NyHxbGEB8wAD7vTNYOizVVkJ/wAJbHnHmjA7Z6UvYstVYlebxVGQxD5HYUKiw9sjX8H+MI/taxtIMbgM+lN0mjN1FLQ9x8L6iLq2VlbI2gjvitIMxmjpAA6/Ly2M4/rW6MGipdwbhjaV4yRnr6HFWtCblK2Ajk+UkDH8JwR9KYmacIIKjaefTrQSWiUPyDt2I/rQBVvGcxHPLHsOMfj+BoYI5PxLPticnGfpxWU2bwR4p8RLw+TIu8/Lkke9YLc6lseE65PvnY8V1QRxVHcxZCM1sjJkVMQoFAC0AIeaQxyikxofjHSoLDIoAcvvQAGgBjcmmgBaGBItIBaAFHWgBc0i0Nc/nTJbImpolsVDzQwTJ1NSWgJzQMYx4pogZ34oAmhpMaNiwbBBxnmsZHTBnSaZLgDnuOK5po7Kb0N6znIB6DpxXPKJ0xZejmLc5O2osaXJgxyDyo6YNIB7hFGdvHvSGVLhuMNjPaqRLM+5Oeo/PpWiIZCi5b7v5UyC/bRbcEAA98VLZaiXY1AG0c5rM0B2Kp97p6UDuZV3PkkA57VpFGbZTUFyRjjPT3qzM0dNgLNjvWc2aQRv2Fq2Aox7j0rFyNUjZSMRoOMYIySBWdyrDnIGOQT1x60EkZTdyPxOaLgSRpkkjOP1oHsXYVG0HAPHWpuAkpCx5Pb3oBGNfz7xncMZ4Oa0SE2Y12GwSSB14rVENGRcfM5AOe3XmtUZS1EgjbduwMdck0NhFGlaRdM4/wATWTZqjcsISULEHnpjmspM0RegtwxUEfMvJyaFqyWST8RMQvGDyWr28HTPHxk9bHJzbpLwkFmTPTPavraMOWJ8/VldlLWp1igIB69/WlVasKCPL/EVwJJ2Gckk14taV2dsFYxxWBZJGM0hl+1gLEDFSykdDplmeOOtQ2aJHWaNp5LAbRnI61Fyj0Tw1p/3OMFjkGpGz0fQYAADyPQYBOfemiWzfhiUpuZdrDoTxxQQU7+I5BHC8nPb8KhmiKEiblYsSPQ44NZstMai7lBQcZ/SpKOW8fQudMmKpwi9c0LcroeLW0hstZmfdt5OT9a33iZ7SN+3lW6jlZ2P+r4yPWoLWp554hTbM+AAA2ODW0djFo5i8Xcu4CrRDZSkb5zVGbEPI+lAXGZ+b600AsR+cr68U2C3FUZbH4UgR0Ok2pb549p2jOD3rGTN4osTKAS7RnA9uKSGzNvSDyCWHrVpESZn7sHjpVEXI9/JB61ViRVCtwWNAE8qKsYwc8UkU9ivj5qdySaL2oAbKAX70IGWbrfHZqpOM9qSKexBEPur17mqsSd/8P03M7EZA4BrmrnRSOb8Rru8S3S+jZrWHwmNT4ivLg2231qg6FFwTikMgyY5OvQ0B1LzKtxFjjdipTsy2ropRoYpsEce9Xe5lsxlxG0cmevORQmElZ3L0L/aIdrkE44zWbVmaJ3IxEY5NpOKYWsXbULtbkliOPSs2arYHXEeM5zSB7EmnvsfqSCOaUkOGhZvgQm5OnYVMGVMoyNvQjPIrRGTZRkBDk8DmtTISSYEbc5xRYTZVkxng1ZIzOeDQA5KQ0gZec96LhYlhbB+lJhdiyPk4zxTSJZC3c1QhCe1ACpycU3sBoWKMQRismUi+Ihg4GMVLZQ10zkHBx2ppiKlwoC9O/WmKxUYetCExEXLjHNU3oI0IYztyBWbZaRYQHbyCPrUFEsChc55zSYI07ZwowcA8fiallGpbzt5ik9OM0rDudDpsm1TyEBFZtGkTTSZAoA5zx8oz+NNK5RkajdMCdhBw3IPH+TWkURIw7y5IzyQuM7c1aIMqefC7d5BBq7CuULi6J7k+pqrE3KF1cEnr+lVYlspST5PU81SQiB3yc5piAH3pDDBxxTExpoC5HJnFCBkZJpiPtiwt2dxhepwcCt2znSOk0u1ZFyVCrjBJ+tQzZI6WytioIOcEVmM1raHBBK7UHPXqKTKReRXBxwRu+lSMmYnd8hIUe3WgAA3jOTyckfUfyqiSxEm1dgjOCODigB/IO7JBxn269KTGhh+V2cZVTjJqQI2O8K3ILen50hiYAYfiDz1oAcrAYVSpyvGMn60AOdjsCvsOB8n1zQAgU5wRu6fe/P8qAFYuWAGNo4x/nrQA3AA7fQnNAAAQ+QpY56CgBWwMsgPYYB4FAETnKjgljwACMY9aQwdlPz4+YDOBSZRG+ArjJBHYUgEwcYYcn7uOuKTAYHwhO0eo4+9SYDOo+X7oGcE4FIBEUA4OPcZqWMiLAyOgJ79j8o9qzbKG7t3HO0dOep9qQCfMWGep6ECgBOcFSuOccUAIG+UtuyTyfahgRFyM84x0yc0hkDMwZSONw71Ehoh3FScgYU/0/WsmWMdiJD0OO/rWTKQx2wCoBwBg+/vUMY2U5JI+YDkkdqixQijhWbO4dv8aAJEHBBUdBjPUUxDlYISGKkE85PWkIjZtynkqewxnFHMNIp3S5k3LncT3GBik5MtOxUNqHjJIIJPBqbl8xH9hXaSeoPPbNK4+YdDZxj5yDxyRQLnLtpbx+cgwvBGc+lVTXvIiUtDutFj2xAKwCjAGBnnFfQ0/hPPnuX5NqkIPxz3NaEmL4jwlrIpbO05x3/z3rOpsa01qeUXEgfV32DGW6Y/WvExDPXStE6e0OYlC9cYwOK50c0iXcxbkk7uw/8Ar00Sdf4fiVbdMjdnk4r3cNG0EcVR3ZtsDg7ioAHIJ/KuoyMzU5yAFGQQc59fbPpUyGjzjxVfgM6k4xkc9q5Jy1O2lE8c8W3P2u/S1TLc4wfSueTtqdqR6Z8PbD7Np0R5HAJzXnOXNMiodqXIJ6DPOKpswIiSVOzOegGagBH2GQqASM00BMpJbCjBHX+VXETJThfvZyOBx1rREsepB6Bhzg555NUhDwQoGVOO2fWquAh24wckAk/NT3ERXUe6MlsEEYwe+KYHnfj7Qhe274G3I4I/rV06jgxSjzHzH8QPC01ndSssRGDXq0qvMjkcLHAyRGNiGGMVrYkbSGCMyPnJ6+tIC/FdOi4DGhjTJm1WcJtDHio5SuYiGqzDq5+tHIh87FbVpyPvtT5ELnZJp2tT214kqsflNJwTEptH0n8H/F4u4I42kXIA+pNcc48rO2EudHuukXQnjy0iMCM4Iq4yM5qzL0iZxgnbjOMf41qYsoTR7WOQcEkZpoCxCC6qCVH0/wA8VVyWTsdrY56cjqBxSEUbqQtuR8jHXApSZUUcL4uuQIX/AIQOBXPNnTTR4R8QrrLTAM3JIHP9KzhubyVkePao2ZGzXdE8+ZnN1rQzEoAO1AATQAq9KTGiRV4qGy0hSOKQwAB5oAcBjtQA0n1oAaaYCihgOpAOHSgAoAM0ANc8ZpgRnpTIY9KTGiUGpNEBNCBkZ5pkjQeaoCaE8g1DGjSsyeMcVlI3gbdnLjGDnHbFYyR1QZq291jHbnFYuBup2NSzuc8uQT6VlJG0ZF6K5B4P5Vm0aXJPOAX75P8AKlYLleWbIxnP0q0iWykxBJGOPerM2T26HO4AfXFJjSNGBQQcDjpnHSs2zVIedsa4JyPWkDKF5Pl8AYzjFXFENme7ZOGA/nVksngi3MPfmpbHGJu6bblBuIBHpWM2bRVjoLSIbVCkBu3tWRVydBgYJPT04oC5GVyx6sR2OMdaLkj1j3MecfSgbLMcWAMnPekxEzMcDGeOMYqRlG7lKjn16VaQN2Mi4K5x2z1q0iTLuSzsf85rRCZS8oYBbAA5471dyB0MRYnAyMflSbBI2LG2wFJ64rOTNEjZtI89ieACBWTLLcYA4OMHvWtGPNIyqSsihrziKz4blu1fUYCl7yR85iql7nNIwVNzAYxnpX0WyPIerOT8UX2xW+f+lediKljppxPPLqYyyljXlSd2dKIlpDLVumSKllG9plsGxnPNQ2Wjr9IsOFJUY96hs0R2uh2A34IAAHpmpGegaHYhYwCvQDGaQNna6VAdu0HgEfSghmrtK8MSGxxgdc0ElS8jV/m2n3z9f50NFJlCZCAuVyT2J5+lZtForNjkqAQfXvWZaOb8bqG0eY8EkYFCRfQ8N8UwGBzgEuG5NbwM5EscjW+lRnIyRyR2pBsjj9dl3MwB6nJFaxRnJnOzYDYPQ1RBSuBg5qkSxintTEIeGxTAD1zQA8H5g/Zuv1pAb2iXJi+UNg5xWMkbxZqSEDzl7YBqSjAvHyDnAx+taoyZnsfm4qyGMkX5s00JoWMcUmBauBiJOSaSKexCgy3JpkkwXGQM0hoYvEq55PamC3Jb3lBxwKS3BjbXG7JFUCPS/hlCr2crdPmrlr9DopbHI+JAF8QXRT++ea2h8JhPcpAl4yAD8oqmC2KxOfmxx3FIZVvgVcHGARxQJsdbTlSOeKlxLTLU2yVdwAzSi7DauQspcbGHIHBq/Mm1yGLcoI6EHihkrQt7hNECeGHQ+tTYtO4to537CDmoki4PUnY/MPrUFtiqMN6UAXfMBhAYDB45qLWZfQoNGcnFapmLRBOpCNyM+uKqJLRmNn0rYxI8npTSEAzmhjJF4qWNEy/N2xSKFK4oJZEeppkEbHJ5q0AgNMCWMZNQwNjTlxn6VlJlpF/y8gN3PepuVYiliA4GfxoTCxTuEwKtMlopOCDg9aZLHW0eXGRik3oCRpqFxjBrM0H7eDigBF7njrQBYil2cnPSiwXLVrcnzB0GBwKVhpm7a3mFABBbuKlo0TLkmo4wFYkHr/n/AD1ppD5jHvrzcW5yKtR0IbMa4uiu4ZPJ6etXYm5nXF0c88U7EtlGW5Y5+Y1diStLMzd+1NCIdxzyRxTEKDTAkA5pMB+KQCEUhkL1QDPyoA+8NMtGUrkclucdK1bMoo6WygIGFAABPOKhstG3BCFX5AxPTFTcqxeiUnGBhiBjilcZbjX5DnAKjGOv+RSEIWYSDeP4c+9UkFyeGMrjcTwc4xnj/Ci4iZnyzp6DIz3xSAa5wuTyOnT1P0+lJsZA78AtuXnjjipGMUFVy3DDnGaAJCSwwcMOgzkZoAHyI9y4Py9Ae31oAAWbJHA4GfUZ6UAOCluGOCD17igALYD/ADcnge4oAFHy5kKktycf1oAGB255IPqcY/GgBDwxJJIJyR04FJjRHkMzBCpPU5GKTGhAWaUY2nk5AH4dqQxqFS3y4BAJ69fp60ANkUORgDgnoOBSsAx9zHJ4Oe386QDemRliR0Hbr/8AqpAMcYc4APzdx1qWyrERXBIO4knkjsahoYbdvX5snApWAco25LMRjHtQBFJGCSACQB3FIBrbt3PAPt0pMaIXYjOFO3tjmlcZXJyxA2gdOv8AjWcmNEJkOM5BBGBWTKQwMDnKgd/f3rNlDThhjJ6c+4NSxiFWcA5VQMnAP+exqWO44lg/KjP8/wAKdguKQdu4HnqRjOeMYqbCGzOV6KN4/nQ2MhLtv6LkdCf8KlspEbHkkttG3n2qQG7mLb8LnscUwEbABOM4yc5xxSGh2QMseAPTNCET2RUz9dvf/wCvWtP4kKWx22jtiLa2CuOB3r34bHDPctygJzjAxzxx+v8AnmrJOX8V3ix2cgOclexz+Rrmrzsjqw8byPILa7M+uyAHo3oeleLUdz2ZRtA72zG2MZHzYzx1Ht/n1qEedLcmiQvNGATyeaqmrySJlsdxpK7YlUk5A4GO/cfSvoKatE4Z7mlcNtQsQvPXI4HcVoQc9rkpaN8kgHpgf1qJFxPFfHmoSRFiCThjk81w1HqelRicV4Us5NW1kXBVnRW9cYrlrztGxv5nuWlW/wBntQiqOByAM5/xrjic83dluSTMmfUgDt+lNsmwwqCPvkgfl+NICRRtbkjGemehq0hE3O0EkfMOAFq4okmYNkFhuwOR1x71QBGckvvJP93HA9KaEOyWPykZx2wc+1aCFU46544yO1MQkg3o24EHoQaYGfqlmkqMCCWHJBFJjR5h448JxXqOQgJPPTgVdOs4sUoJnh/jDwJLbyyMkbDnPA4r06WIUkcsqdjz6/0i6tmIaJuO5roTTIM14mU/MCKLAICQDUgMLHNACZNAC4zQA08HvQB2Pw68SS6TqEYL7RuHNZVYXRrSnys+tPhz4iS+topAwkbpy3FciunY65JSVz0+1/1CucbsV0xOaSGXMJcEqBnB5x746VRJRQsHZRhQBgAetICQOAdhPuP/AK9MRS1F9oyHOCMg7aiRcTy/x1eYDckgDjtXLUep100eC+NbvdNJhtwyaqktR1tEec3r5c8iu2J58mUzVkBQAYoAAKQEiCpbLSJAKkuwh5NAhw4oGgNA72GNTJG0MB1IB1ABQAvagANAETU0A2mQ1YkjpMpbEg6VNjQRjTJbGGgQi0ATRcUmNF+1PT0qJG8DTt5ABgnFYyRsnYtRzd81FjRSL1vdHtjI6VDiaxkXobvnOctjFZuJopk/2n1OGxip5SuYGn75xTsK42Nwx69exoaA0LbAIyvsM1EjRGhDwOeP6VmzRFe9mAGORTiiZMy5mZm69K1Rne4QRtn0PvQ2FjX061bcGYHBGelZSZokdJYQhQhCg+pNYNmpeVNqdMjHpzSAJDkEHJAHWgmwgQ5yOc9RigqxahUBc4A9OeaTJLCqWQkbc96TYWuQ3D4yAAOOcfzosMzLt93ykgjk4q0J6mVdOWOBg+/pVoRVkUBsnqTzVBYqsN7EduDxVEIuWNvk5xz9alspI27K14AUAf1rJsuxpRwlQCGxg4z60guJk/xKAee2a78JTu7nDip8sWc14lut86orkqOPavr8BTSVz5vEyMS+n8u0ODkY613VZWRywR5z4puSzlQa8WvPU7II5s1ymo6IZNJjRradAHYHGalspI7LRLLJGRUM0SO40Wy3YUqMdeOahlo7jRLADbnsPTtUiO00i3BRFKDjjJ6kUxHR2Ma/KcH5eTg4x/kU7Etl949y5ycZ/pRYRXuIyFJ6YOemKQGPdKsTlsjOeCTUSNEUJJYw3PYZx6VkzRI5XxtdI9k6hxnHQGknqW1oeVa3Gl1LJJuwu3Ix6itb2ItdnLtdgo0ZIIXtmrsTcwL0s8zso4+taIzkYl59/wClUSVZgCn0poTRWB5xVMge3JzQhh2NFwFXBTB9etIC9DKAFI4Pc1DRomaBvyVb5hnHWpSKcjKuZd7MRzWiRk2Qod3WmIWSkhsWMHHShiRcnGbeL1xSW5UiFV+cDvVEkxQgZNSURQDzLodKfQS3J7tQ2QOg6UIbI7RfMl29qbEj1f4XRBtMulPGDjgVy1t0b0upx/iq28vV7gOozuzW8NjKW5hQFz5mO9WQmPtFD5XgZ71Ja1G6hb7rVgT8ydMdxQDRjxsF4zTZKZYhlKjrxUNFplgyK2GBxQhtiMoY7x3oCw0JjcucA9KBWCCb59kgCt2PTNDQRlZl4AgDOcelZM3Hfe5UdKQDt+AFx3/KgLildp+bj8KAKj4Zzk8VZD1ImgVzgdfpVKTRLiPi0oydAWPoKOcjkJ/7CkVN7Ky0e0DlKsunOjldoyD1zVcwrCR27KPXmlcdiGZTuxTTJZC/A471aIIWqgEpgWLcc5qJDRtWA2ruIBrGRaNBcFRzgegNQXcbKFwSO3BNAtCpeIAM7cH6VcWSzNdfmzVkNE8Ax2pMaLQwAOo9KixY8de2KQDJCAPrxxTQmRNLtHf61aQh9vMQwwRxQ0FzSt7rbHycdqXKWmOe+OCCQeOtCSC5SnveuCSCe9VYm5nT3Gc89ueaqxJSllZuCaaQiBmOapAxh5FMQ0UAPSgCZcdTSAkAzjFIBrUAROPSqAjxQB+h2nWoxkZyTyR0qmxGzZwMrYKgsePwqRmnBEuVB6nrx1qGMtQrjJyck4BA+lAx25QxAJGBmmhMciEdAQcc8daYiyAMgocDqOP0pAOk4LEfN7+9IZHMU3EevPJz9aTGRghs5YqSPy6cUgDBOVDnjtQAhVAF6gd8UAPXA4CgEkUAKOPnJyTkdaAEPCjvyMdz9cUAL97d1wT39eKAFJKEoRtzxx/n8aAGSOwGAw5Azkcden6UAMzjKjcB1I5ORSGIrKM5G7nH1/8A1VNyho+X7hJKrnrwf84oAUBlxtBZTzjP86AGAKrZJzg8cdaAGhsOh56YODSAYThSCxwffNSwIdxbBZOSOM/X/wCtU2KuLluMfL9VpWC4Y5I7jk+v0osFxB6EDIIwR0Ht/WhoCKTO7IyF6YPb3/WoGRyFQfmBIwST6/4VIIrNuPzMxz7f0qGUQgKAQ/8Ae56Vm2VYjJxg8KVPI9KhjRHyBnZnAycnrWbKQDO/AIIA7VO4wIA+bCso4Of6U7ALjIPY9vQcUWAQ43gAnrwT24qGBFO3JIHI7n+lSyiq7gAY79Bnr/nFSMUMrrhhsGM4+lCAcxXDEnjj6UwGhs/Nj9amw0OHzEN94jv600hFi1I85WjxwfT3rSHxIUtjstLZBCQzYBHfpivdpvQ4pLUde3MaDJZdqHABz29KuTsKMbnl/wARNb2QSRhgRt/XNeViqt3ZHr4Ol1ZyPgyzmluDcSEkMScnmuCTvodWIlZHo8aYgww6eoPNHQ85k2kgNeKSFIBwf8mujCq89TOpsdtaHYARxgY6mvbi9DiluSyM+AMjkk9M1YjD1MbkPy7BtxzUSLgeLfEuxxHI4XaBk4rhqLU9Kg9CH4XWcccJdsV5td+8bT2PQ7nULeFFBkUDsc9qxckYcrKp1u243SoOeCMce1RzFchImq2zEfOrA+p4FUpicGXI9Rt9m4Mjc9O9aKaIcWi0t7A+396FUDtWikiOVkiyw7g6spGPTr71XMhWJN6syt0zwOf88U7hYfEQep7EZ6VaZLJQc8bR69elWIR8ABBhht+YnoRTAR8Px0Bzj1JosIoXtjHNyVAOOQRx9alopM5bW/DMM0bfu1YkHkjtQm4jdmef694AhlUgQKffb2raGJaIdNM4HWvhuQGaKHJ6+ldMMWupk6PY4/UfAl3HkrC2O3FbrERZDps5678M3sRI8p+PatFOLI5WZ8mkXaHlGx/u1V0FmQyWksedykU0xFZ15psBsbtHIGUkYpAe8fAXxIXlS2llxg9zXNUhbU6qU76H1foEgntIzkZ28+vtRBkzNaaFXXcFB4x061oZXMa7TyyXUAE9Tz6UmUIisQSCNpoQGZqzosTMNzDH6VMionjnxFm2pIzZBz3Nck1qdtPY8A8T3Je4k+bua6KSMK0tTkp23NXUjjZGBTEOVaQxdtFwsOCVLZSQ8DAqShe1A7gOtAWF6Uh2sNzTJGN6U0ADr/8AWoAUCkA6gBaAEoAQmgBhp2ExtMW5LHxSZQ7tSHcQ0CGH1oAVT7UASp60mNIu2x4FRI2iWlfFQ0akiS4+lKwJk8c+ORUtFKVizDOQCc81DRpGRZS5OeufWlYpSJFuieA1TylcxZtJNzZJHpSkiou5s2bE44Y46VhI3iy4JCowDkdMGosaFK8kBYdz39KuKIkysq7m5ByOw6VRCL9lD5jDII5+tRJmiVzpdNtwAucj1rnkzZI2ET92w24I/DNRcGPYkKvTjjFMZGACPmB46DFAE8ICkgrgHv6VNxXJ0UAZUZxxQiWJI+0AlQCeD7UWBFSZ8BuQ30NUVYzLqTe2Q2cdV96pIkqvHjdkgjtV3EUpDuYAYJphcaiY7d/SmI0rKItIrDoOuaiTKOgs0ICnaDjng1ix3LMi4UsOAB0PFEVdibsihdOY4pJOuBnivfwVPRJHjYyepwGq3ZfUCd3bIHpX1lCPLE8Gq7soaxcEwZB5xioxD0FBHn+u7nuCa8Wq9TsjsZLD2rMoltFyRUsaOn0O23kYB/KoZrFHoWg6eWC/KSenSoZdjvtF03btI4x+tSM7HSrMrtHH5UhN3Oos7VVC9RwAwI68UyWzZiQLgquPb19qoknU5HTacccd6AKGoTJHGxVSBjnsPrUsEcrrVywXA4+nFZyZrE4y/wBXmVm2scjgc96yZqjmPEupvJGsbNuY1UUgbdjCmBZJI+pI4OaqTBI841IPa30kZJ+Zs1vHVGMtGVriUCIY6sKaJexi3mSfeqIZXBznjqKYrkLqQf8A61VuIco9xijYABAyoGSe9IBo4OKALAPH4UiwDEoQD160C3RGckgUyRyDBApMAnzxQhsfECcU2JFsKTB/umpKsNgTdcZz2qhWJ58APwDUlFa1PlMXYdeBQKw9mPlknpQMTTm2zsfY02Sj1z4Pndpl+/XB4GPauWvujenszmfiCMa7LjOGAxmtqexnI5S3UoJAB261qQkRI5ilDDkZzSZS0NVlE43AYVu1SM5u/gNvcFccZ4NWnch6EG6nYVxyyHFTYLksNxt4PSk4lKRa3kjP61NjQhcq3I+8v61SJdi1azgxhXwSOKykjSLJt5VsE9e9TYq5KoHD9s0hoSdiRjke9NA9SnNkH+daIyZLaqzuAvJ75qWM6bS7N1BkZe3XFZ3G9i9cwbxn5sdOlCEzKu7UBT8mSec5zVpkNGTNFtJIBHtWiJKFyuDmmSylPjgA1cRMhP4VYhB1oAt22BWcho1bdgIwDxWbRZchf5ABzUMY9sAHvQBUuTkHNOImUW5OMVoSSxjGcDpSBFgMeBjioLHc7QegpJAQTHg9Pwq0hNlGaQEnk4z0zVpEXHxSfNx0p2AtC44x+YFKxVxklz8vWnYLlKacsc5ppEkJY5pvQERtQMQ9qaExpHNACd6Yh6c0ATL1qWwJhwaTYCEAimBDJ1poCMCmB+kNnDjPHyjgD/8AXQBqW8ahOg4OcA9KljRchjA4OQeg5NIZI53L8vvnApoQbVkY7VHp1piLOHAI3J8vpycUADAfMSRweo4xUjGSyFdwPYZPsPWkxkTKMkkEhcAZ49jSAkbhRtXJzt4FACMwYYYEljknjj3oAVMqhVRg89e1AC4KswwOmSMcmgAX5CADgDkZ9c0AO3gjaxYqfU/rQAF9qlVB4PfHPtQAg2kMSG68gn8KAGlkwcluR6cUhjUVRgMCPcd/880hiHAwoz+B/SkMaeu4AkDjFACDkl0C7QPXqKAAuGAVuAR2PH5UAMydwOB6+oqWBC/JbkA9icYzSAYOXJGEfFJqwx2GPHG3pnFIBJFZGBzgdTQAfxne6gE4Hf8Az/8AXoGQzcYJyc+3vWbGQzMRkZGPqD+tSxoryM6KB1OMEnvUMpELBgNykbc/3ayKGMxYDOw9yAMfjUSYIiViSxB2r0x79ayZYmWU4Jyp7ihALu428Y7GmAAknB78dKAGSMMYDZHfPr9ahgQ7Mo45OVwePapZSIgvXDcY6Y7VIwBOMkqMDqOuKYDgM8e2CP8AGgBEX5m2jAA7/wCeKAFzhhjCs38Xpx6UgJYz5cqHbnA5GRzVJ2EzetrzZbqWPK/dwccV69KquU5nHUw/EOryRByrcN+tZ1a500aKPPNRtrrU73dJkx5HA9frXmzlqelGahHQ63w9pqW8YAXAxwfSs0rnJVqczNZ9uNgXOQM81RiS6YRHcqWUk8ZrfDO0yKmqOvs5AYecAk4IP8q9uOxxyJnzuYYI7njrVIkoaov7sswUqBwPTFJlRPMfiBaiSzkby8rtPfr/AJxXHV0O6gzxz/hMh4fneN3ZFFccsP7XVHTUqKG5zfiL4wzu7LAcr/OtKeXLqcUsTroc7J8VtUL5B61ssvgR9akXLP4tXiH5lI465pPLo9Climbth8ZHBAff+YrN5f2H9aOo0z4u2shXfORjHXAFZPAzWxSrxZt2nxTsP4bhevHzVm8LURSqwZs2vxIsHA/0pT7bgah0ai6Fc0Das/HljIeJgQeoyADRaa3E+Vmpa+L7ScDMwGf9rtTUmLlNCPxFZNkB1PbrnAq1MlwLKa3an5gRycnpxVe0FyFhNVt3Th+vJwetL2iDkFkuLeUgl0JHXJo50w5SvNHDIF4UIeCc1Nx2My70u0k5CqSc/lSGkYuoeGrOY5VF28gD1o52th8tzn7/AMGWsgJ8lcH0Gar28kHs0c5qPgS3AZVjUkHOQOtaxxTQvYo4fxJ4HZEZki6A1108VcylQ00PMdd0ea0lbK9K7YzUjmlBow3Qg+9WQdf8J79rTxLCg6MfWoqK6LpuzPubwLcNLpVudxYleOc/nWMTWbuda4IRVJHXoBnHpWhiZl5GdpLMi8Y5PWhlIqsu3Hzcf09KEDMrVsmB8EdCB7cVMkVA8K+KbGKKTrz61zuN2dSlZHz3rc2+5f6npXVCNjlqSuzIZCxzitTEBGaTGPWM+lJsaRII8VDZaQ7AHY0i7DDQAmOaZLQqikNA3ShDIzTIG4zQAoHNADgKAsLjikOwY4pgkBoQNDGoEMNUSxO9AIlSkyh2aQDTQA00AKtAEsZ6UMpFmBsDms2aRJS3ekUKHPc0WC5KkhP1qWikyzA+M5qWi0yYyDGRU2KuOWQlsk4osHMati25h1OKzkbQZuWzk8n7o4rnkdMSeR2CDGPWpRRUlJY4PUHmrEySBCzDIOBSbsEUbmmQfdY8ZPrWMmaxVjorfOBzj0/KsTQuq+QFGCPSlYQz1ORjNMLCwJhs9AOKVxMtpFhT+8H5cUmA6VsDBbAHYjAoQitM43EnHTgVQIzrmT5SqnqMj/8AVQiioUJB9up9K0bJK8wX5lQHFF7gyJIs84IHv3qhJDo4Q5HynmlcDY0y3wAdn0FZyYzatYdnB65zj1rJsBt0wXgdP1rfDw5pGdWVkc74jnCWpByPbd1r6zAUtT53Ezu7nnkkxa9fJJBPFe5seY9yHUWDJx05rmru5pBHL6tHmTpXj1PiOuGxj3CY5qCiTT49zikwR3nhq13YyM/Ss2zVHqPhuwKqmAScduahlna6VaYTa449/WkB1FhCqxopXgeh68+tCRLOhsotyqzAMeCO1UiDQ8rAXOS544p2ARkP3VB7e1IDOu4vMRi3YZHf8KTA5XXbdydrKeRye5rKaNYs468053lfGWYdRjmsrGqZy+uaY5kjXBw0mDn0qouwPUzvEFulhgDHA5wf6Uk7srY838RgT3XmryQMmuiJjLVnNXUxaTBOB29q0RjJle5G5c45poTKhYgjFUSMY7gaEAxG7e9NiJG++KQwYfN9aAJQvyj6Uih8afLSAFjJJ9qLjsRxf63Bp9CVuSTDIBHrQhsktlyw60MSLsILW8g6Y5pFENqwM+B29qpi6lqaIlT09agqxRXLSEdh0qhErKPIxnmkAywT9+Af4gRTYj1v4KDeb63bhdveuSv0N6Rz3xPQJeh167sE961pbGcjlYcNjbwcc+9bElCTcsrJ0+tAma+h3KupgcAntmpaLTKviC1ZnwE5XkGiLFJHP9Dg1oZDTTAbnmmIu2UqsDG9ZyRpGQ2X93LxQlcTY9XwQw70mhplmB+QQ3HcVDRomTTTYjG05HTrUpFc1kMtpckAjPbFDiKMiWVR1HQ9qEVI1NDgjJ5A7cUpEo7OwtgIMyAbcYweh/Csb2KtcjmtWeXIUKgPNUmSylewlF+7jHHTmmhHO6mMdDnB5xWsTNmFevgn61okQZznLfzrRCGGmAqUmBZhJwMiokNF5XDIOvFQXctRP83HQUrAWkf5ME9+tQxle56EEUREyrtDEEGtBDwPfoaQDhu5osFxxYbVz6UrajK07/L6e1WkJsoSNubPv1rRED1bHNDGh2/jjGKQyN3zTAjY9+9MQmTmmIaelACHpSGJTEHFADl60AWIx3pMCVQSD9ahgKw496AK8mB2q0AwY96YH6WWkT7wxGfqf880mCNGEYIwPlwQewJqSiXqSVGfY9z9e9AAM7ivG4flirJLEYYKAQEBHZqVwJQcc5HJ9elK4Eb4EnBAwO/+cmpuUQltzn5ecDoe9IB5BA2ElV9s0ANHDEsMle+etAACu3kMMnHH60AKBxvkfB6gHk/Q0AO5J7kAEckUANDgMOD8w9O/rQA0kEgIx5HHT09qAHNjzMgZ554HpQwQ1VDDaMZ744pDEZtmUIOc8sKAHD5ucjPQA8UDQwkI25gCCMLgdBmpGBVVK5boCcUANHKtkZB7Ec8fjQA1cbeeuM5OePagCN2AbcQGJOBx0P8AWpYDe6DPzHAwP8/5zQAMecgEMM546f8A1qQCscgOuPU470AMkXkktgd+f1qRjUzyFyeOp7H/AApMaIWJHQbj1rNsZA55Jx04x61LKK828EYkxz65OO+KzbGRkqSuB1Hpz61BQx/vY5IxkYrKRSIGwzZD4KnBNQUKCHGFG4DpnihCHEnAVfl5546VVhMRiThVUZP4/WgEJ8zKcDI9e/FZsZA/UJu6c/MKRQFAMMuAQOx56UmA0nHyquWbHB//AF0WAMbSBk59qLAKFOMgDJHJ7/jQ0AqKCMDn+Lr0pWHccOBgfw9R7fWnYRKZGb5DnGORWkZtCsUprUSlRxjJ6859qHIuMrDbbTVU/LgH73TI9azaG6jL5Hlx8Zbjt2p6Ijcqsdx2Zyw657/galjJLaRkdXA4wOD3NXTdpEyOs06VnRdoC546+1e3SldXOSS1LqnKgAn1Y962RmRzqJInXaCGHJPr6UAjzzx1EwtHfaAoU474+tcdfY7sO9T49+LUhGpPtY/hTwpWMPOiSSetd55ou3NAChT60rjsSoMUATIxGAGNIY4zzLjbIfzosAq6hdx42zv+dJwiwuy1D4h1OEYW4f8AOodKD6DUmaNt431uEYFyeKh4eDK9pI1LX4ma1Gmwy55yDUPCwZSrSNa2+LOpx7dx6dazeDiUq7Nmz+Mc64EjMF69BWcsF2LWINqz+MkTBQ7kY9ayeCkV7dM27H4vWkhKtN1/lWbwk0Wq0TZsfihYyfIZwvGOlZuhURSqQZqQePdPYEidOCMc1m6cy7xsXIvFlhL0lXjt61DjJFKzFXWbKVT86lTzjNS0ykjF1rUbFoW3SBuu4CtIc1y+VHkvjSSwlZguw446c16VCUjnq042PN9RtYS5Kcc13RkzhlBE/g+BofEdoy5++OlU3dGdrM+6Phrj+yIACCSg+lZx3NZbHexZ8oKQo4yeK0sYlO9QOm91564xyKBoz5/kXBGAB25oGzI1cEROB19fWpkVA8M+LqFoZWK4GMHnistLnQ9j521SI/aXHFdCOR7ldIM+9NsSiO8kDtUNlqI1kAqblWGHApDGk0wGHmmABeM0ALjHWgBpNCBkZ5pkABQA4Cgdh1IoX+tABQAhFAETdapEMYaYmC0hJEq0igNADTQA000AozSAkXrQCJ4T2qWaJkjN2qbDchgc561RJLE3zdalopMuwNkYxUNGyY/PvzU2GSQZLGhjNrTlORyPYd81jM3po3bfO1PXqTXPI60OnYnOMYpICux+cAAD0JqiWaOnRbmDH7pHNZyZrE6OwiwBtxxxkmsJM0SNVMIhwScDGOlSUSEgenbr0oAXO4beoxnHQUtgJ4kyoBJ64xQ2SyxtClj6HGQP8+lK4rEEr5HJYD26UwKVwzNuwcDODTArAMzE5IzwcUAQSl1+VSSQfSrAgCFh82GHf3NMRGwJcemKoZcsoQcMowAM9eKzYjoLCIYznis5FNmgsYUE7RlevFTuIydSky53NtwfXGK9HBQu7nHip2icR4zvy6+WgAUcf/qr7DBU+WJ83Wk2zhTcBbnb0+prplKzOexNNKGTJyRXNVdzWKMHWGAk4rzKm50x2MWZt1QUXdIj3OvOBUsaPT/CVrkoG74qGWj1XQLT5EA6AY6VDLOx060GPlBOfwwfWkgudBZW4EZUBeMEDPvVIls2bOIYA/h9KZJfSIBSACB3IPtTtcVyIopYhgOTjpmlYLkN1AvI2q3X9elJjOb1eFixXHyn86zkiosw4rJHZmCHcQefX8azsaJ2OY8WxRwSR5XkOO2al6FxOA8azARnkcjqaUNypbHnmoALZSSHr0roW5m1pc4+5++SPWtjB6j4o/MjJPakFindQlOR0qkyWisDzVCGuMUxExGVB9BUjEfqDQgZOh/dA+9SyywvCZwOaQCAgRuenpQNbFZQQ5YVXQnqTEZhBpBuWLCPcPehjSLCHaGj/vcGkgKkAK3XXoeaoS3NOUfuWxyWFSUihaL+/Ix2psRHcsRke/FCELbNna2eQabBM9P+C12kHiRrdzgTL39a5a6925tTeovxitQL5tgGI3wcU6L0FURwtrETHkCui5mZ2qR7Jt4xg0xMj06cx3SP6GkCZ1t3Zvdael1GAUx1qDW2hw+p27QTnjAPStYsxkiqpyasgGXnikMEJByOKGBckUSQbs8gVC0KeqIIWOdpPWqaJJy/ljHNS43KTsPjlB78k5qWi0yWPYOQccUhk4bd36UrDuauhsRKASMA0paoEej6biWFGYAjGK5mtS7ksvlpFtIAJ6j/APXxVEGBqYVUbPXPQ9zVA2cdrDgAnB3d88VtEzZz1y/PU1qkZlY9asBDQAopASocdaloZZiOKgq5difgHBFJoaLCuMHI5NQ0FyOV89sZqkhEa+uSaoLkijIORmlYBSMLjpQBG7AgHnpQBQuHJq4olldR61Yh+QMYoGIxJJ4oAYaLBcaTz04piDkCkMMcUhje/wBKokSgAAycUmNEqLzTYizEp6LU3AmAO3r+VSwGuMUICtL1FWgI17/WmB+mUS7OAS27gHJyKTGi0CQuMEHGRz1pJAPDgDGCcLn0/OnYLkyox2gryB1zxQIsxKNvAJPPX0pDI2YR45255PekwIXlIbgZ65z1xUjDA+YAnI5X6+/50AOLI23gjcOQDgg9RQANuYHPyknuOtIYkZGBhh14BAz0oQmKV+XPRSucDr+FMB5IUlcFcj6kj6UAMGfmPoOoHJ9qABgMYAycYznFAAwBXPyjOTx+VJjQ0EDAz0zgDtQAnBA8tipJ6evtSHYeMhc4QgdMnk0DI3BRMgY757/lSACWD4O7B5JHegBpyF7EZBAPOKAGu/ybyM8889P/AK1JgRMmQCpIB75pAA+cDbuBPPy8A0gHf8sw2MHByT3FAArDcSwOQOoPAFAEbsdg35G7gAjI/OkxkZYooYfNxnpUMoil+Zvl5wcjnjH+c1mNFaQ5PH3QOQO9QxohbOV2456Cs2UiIlduE44x3BrNlEMu3rk5J5IbFQykiNZCMBlDEjGAO9TYdyVcINjZz6elMkXJAXox/iHpVWEIVfIAG4EcH/P+eKTGI53RnIyc8D1qbDGYZo2AwD1J7fyoaATHy5UKBnPy9en61Nhobt9MnPQY6UrDGRICCGJBHIIPWgCfYGO4jIPRjQA1dyvyp47UAOJ3YCKeeufX/JoAWNCcZ+7zzmmkIkDRkEBTk8EYFFgEfAUEEL7Z6e1FhFSSQsG2jk981DZaIsqjKTnkcnPekBNEWHWMgAZ5OOf85q4iZ0WjsW4OQozzjBFerhpXVjmmjajQbTwFz6N1FdxgK4LqQg5I6d/0oA4Dx9HjTpWbryPpxXHiNjrw71R8UfFmTdrkqrnA9arCLQrGv3rHEBa7LnDYcFx1oABgUhhkZoAcHPTPFAAWoAafWgBhoAKAAUAKRTEJTEGT6mgB6ySA8MfzqRk6XVwn3ZG/Ok0mMsw6pep0mf8A76NJwQ7sv2/ifUYSCJnP4modGLKVWS6l+28banFz5uR71Dw0H0LVeSJJ/G15MPmfn2pLCxRX1mRk3WtSXBJY9fStFTSIdVsqrc7zzVuIlM6PwOqzeIrX2fNLZBuz7X+HQX7BApAA2jgfT9KiJpNHexf6r5fT16GtTnZBcLvxtGMcke1JgZ86qWZVOSDx9fSgEYerhTAwIK4ycntSZpE8S+K65hcnBI4xjFczep2KOh8+avGou3I/vda2UtDnlDUg2qowaOYaiRSMopXDlK0rdaYpEBNOxId+KYDtmO9S2UkLtxRcLDH9qoTIjQiWxBTJHgUrljscUALigBcZoHYQjjikAw0xET9apEDKYCqOaQEgpAK1K42hh60xCGmgBc0gHigCWM9aTKQ8nj1xSsMYaYDkIBzSYFy3foM8VDRrBlpRnpioNC7aR5ILAVMmXFXNuzTaBxnJrnkzpgjUixt+bHC+lZm62IpmzgHjHrQJsdbrukBbj0pNhE3rCMY2setYtm6N+1iKoMY4x0rJllxcHKgkZ9utIAjzyeoPY0EtlhB8pBAGelS2O5MWwdoHGO/tSFcjLrt+bk+venYVytcSfP8AfUD+H/8AVTSGVm5POOmTmmIjuJDuG0deeKaQELDPIP4iqAjkADDnBPrTTAEjDHHUdR/Wk2NIvWcRXbyeD+VS2Jo6Czi2pu6gY+lQwJrt1SM4I6c/jST1FY5fVLkCR3PRe+a9vAQPLxsjzXxBeGWTduyATx6V9ZStGKPBlqzj7i7Aujz9K5pTvILGoj7oQ2e3Wpk7lJGLrTfNnNcVRamsWZAOTWTLR0Xh6AvIvBNSzSKPX/B1oCqnG4cZzWbLPUtCh2BS/wB0jjApNDOusoSFYbWAI545P+FIls2LaJnIAAwvIHPA96pCZpwRKvAIAx7/AJ0xE6gshU7QCuRTJYm35WY7c5znv6UCRXlOVLcAYznHJqCzC1RWcsOQD7ZI4qGOJUji8qJi+MAE4+lTYu55340feVdcEFxg1izWJ5z4tjEkbbuT14ogXLY8/wDEJ8u3WNT1610QMZbHJ3CknaK2uYmvFZPFY7mUgkZ6VnfU0toZN23BVhj0q0QzLcEPWhkDcimA9TxikxkrDgGpTG0TQKXjYd6lspIsC2k4HNFx2Y65tmjgCnr1NJO42tCsi4QgjmmxInhjzHigRd0+ErGZHGB0FK40iB8pLn0OaoQ2Rf34cD71MRo7Q8IGeagtFaFP9IyOSBRcLFG4BYtngZzVIlle3cxv7U2Sju/h9OIPEljPkAM4BPXisaqvE1ho0ztvitCn21gRuWZQwNY0GaVEeWWc3kztCeh/SuowHavan7OWAzzxRcGjnlYpID0xVErQ7TwVqqnNhcHMUgwDnoaykrG0WM8X6MFdtoyDypFOMhTRwk0ZikKkYIPNbp3MGrCpyM0MEDUxE9tJzg9KmSKTEni2OSvfmiL0BoCd8f8AtUxEALKeppiJo5SvepcSkyVJjnOaOUOZl6yuykgIOBRyhzHo/hW8M9oEDDgc1zTjqaxdzecq8Qye2DzWRVzmfEUqBjjau3+dXFESOG1SbLNhs5/nWyRm2Yspy5rZEjDTASgAFAD1qQLEZzUNFFqI8DPNIZOHGDk5pWAYpPrk+lMGPxxjBA6UCFDbeMEc0DQPJgZHWgCpPJx1qkiWyo5JNWkIBQOwUhjTTEBouFhCOPamxIBUlCUAIeKYgxnpTESRocg/1osFy0kVJsCdYwMYBJqG7gK3rxx2pAQyZIpoCvL1q0BGKYH6cBdpBVdpx2/z9KQDxuyeDj09OaYE0UZZ1Y8Dqc45NAFmLGMjcPTjp71ICybSeMkDpzj+dSxkDsWx8nUYwcc0hgykEA5HoeKYCknaSOOeAR0pANOU9htxk0gFzlj1I4x78elAwJBB2vj0OOtADhkk87m6gdO3emIHYYVD1K84HQ0ADMVA4OSeh/n7UALnJJ5wODmlcdiLe6AAgBc44oAdlQBjKA9GHGKQ0CMVPI4bnnvSGM+YrkdRxgH6YoAPv/M33v0oAJGB3eZyMY4IoAZ92QbOFPBHUUARAuQcqzLn157/AP16QDsDeCvTHHbJNIBoVQCM7evP+etDAUZz82On8PT/ADxQAh6H5Vk2nDD0pARsWLkHnB6UhkVwFGBvxn1GTWbKIJVKsAX3c9/pUDIpCMMNpwRx+Pes2UiBuGBD4GPw+v8An0rNjRFISBnIPBOFPSs2ykV+u44JPUDFZstAu4L5mFz6D1pibJmUc/Nux6//AFqpIQo3AIGYgAcjPPeqEIwGTt3Dn8KkBoVAW3Lk/wB7P6YpMYhRirKG6Z4PQfhSBCAZTcQCB296LDEdW3swHzYwcHvUjHIhzyVx/jUsBMYfIPXkknr9KAQvy8YQ9O/86YwKkksCVGM4HQ0WsIVN20jq3IGRjNMQfeQcYOPz/wDrUDRFcyHZtY7cnkA9KlgjOdxneu7BPfpUMoWJf3iocDkZI9aEBetkznJIJJycfrWkUSzZ0uQJJyCd3H1Nd+FdmYTVzoYnGwA4wD+J9a9M52SH7gxxkHBB7UAcJ8S5AmkXDc4CkZI69a48VsdGHfvHxF8RbdptZmkUErng1th42gmLEyvM4uT5SVrcwIyaAEz70AGaADNACg0ALnigBOooAQ0xCUIGGTQAZpiDNADlNIY4uKAGFvc0IGBemITfQAm6gAD/AFoAdHKQc0AdN4M1D7Pq8Mp4+aoktDSD1Psr4S6ut1p0IV+doH6Vzrc6p6o9XtPuKAduWHQc1ujkkPmwy8gkHOCAeKYijMjYYfLyR+FIEjG1xQInGBwCOOpqZGsNzwn4rPticE8dM4rklud8FoeAawQ1y+PU4zWkTOSMt3461RmyEvV2IbGMc9KaJGgZouKxIFA7VLkaKJIFGOaktIYRTRJDJVmbIzTECr3oCw/bQOwuOKQC4oAXtwKBh25oERNjtTEQty1NEDcc0wHoKQD8UirCHmmDGGgkQ9aaAVaQD6AHIcUmNEg57igoHFADRQIngbHSpZcWaNr8xANZS0N4mzaRjaM45rGTOiMTXgXgHHNYtm6RYZxs6AZ9+9SXfQhLZb26dKCbmlYRDeGI5HrUSNEjotOiIAOeD+VYSZsjXjXtwPXNQUSA/OACxA9O1AupPEoIwNpX2pNiZOFCr82NqjOQam4kMlbIx8xB+YgDtRYZWkfGTgjnj2FUhEO9ypDde+e1MoY+0bwAoPSgSITu3HHrj2qkJjO7LkenHY0MByx8cLx6mpuPceqfKCN2R6UDRpWMQDIcDJA6/rUt6CZrxkhOMevFTuSVNXcLAxGRu5PNVBaj6HnWv6iIxJgjOcfWvosCrWPDxstTz3UrvIY5INe+5WieS1qc1NLm4yTXFKXvF20OisCHtFGa3WojN1pTt7cGuWqi4mTbqC341zs0R1/hWMG4XNQzSJ7d4LtNyKcHBxnsKkbPStGgyEVRwPQ8GkB1FnCpQKFxg9xQI1bcYAJ5UZpiZbjXOBg8nJHagVyZAcdVAxzzimJiS54G44I4pMaKN1hQSdvH61LKMl2MkvHOSD16elQUiprTBIHjIyccnpmpkxo8y8a4W2G3kq+Sc9c81zt6nQjzjXZGl+QLzkc04lN3PPfE0pa6KcgAYrqgc89zEs0E16iHjLcGrbsjOKuz03UNJQaMs3GAmAePSudS1OrlPK9YXy7qReozxXTHU5JGbKpIzVkDB05pgPX0oYImHK1PUpl/QoDcXax9j1qJuyLgrs7GDSUK7ugxxWVzXl1MvXIEEvlpg4FOIpGHLHtcitEZ2JbaMsQo70BY01QfZ9i8hfSkMz7xdp+lUiWghTzIh0ypouCRo2qjBHYVLKQW0P79ig5I71LYzHuo8SulaIhozW+V6oz2Ok8P3TAwyqSGicHiokjVM9g8YH+1fC2n6hGuWVQHCiuSn7srG0tY3PHvEVs1tfeYmcflXXFmDRf09hf2Pktgtik9BrU5rUrR4J3R1wQatMhxGWMzI4wcEdKUkOJ2djqSappzWs+fOjGAT396yfum3xHJa5ZMszOF+tbQkYziZAGDWpkHUUASQcMKTGi0cZAfoaQ7jGjCScdKa1FsQyR9xTENAoAUYB5oAmib5uuKAO08GXxjbytwGV5rKpG5cXqdRe3arFgOcFSMA9a5rGpymuXe4FPTmtYozkzlL2QueTWyRmVCOtWAmPY0ANNACCgBwPNICaKpGWQew6VLGSKcikMliHOSaAFk+XH16GhCZFu9OBTAjeTHHWmkBWck1QhnWmAvGPSkMQ9euaACgBDQAhzmmIB70hgeeKADBY4oAljjzTQmWYo1BFAifHYcc/lSAXIz1NFgGn265osBDJwtKwFWQ81SAYD7imB+nQCgnaD1xgD+VADoMvKCRu47c8f5/nQBbiAHy7Q/TGOcVIDyFAI3sQOB15+nrUsojdhnjIHQADOKQAo3MrM+ByeR1oAdhcYyTkg/Si4WI3jDDALA57880hifKWJCnkZGD+lACo5bI2kZ65J+lAAw55bIIxwev4UAAA2bQd2T/d5oAX1LHseBnNACglpRtwABj9KAGEF1yrLyMZ70AOGQoUr0OOmQKBiAbQcZViMjn/PtUjEUsU4BwB69aADuq8deAOx/woADhTkr15oAZzsJ25bOASaAGMCBu2HaOc+9JgMUfNyBtxnr0zSAcEJHHVsn5qAFdSMgEqSODnvQAm4KMkkEdSex9KQDCdnzHjjJOeBQBG3LZycgYHGakZA4zhui98nof51EiiN8EZxuyM4qBkMgUAZyPx6+9QxorneU+X5AVPAHb/8AXWTKRDjAwDyR+FZMtEeF3DO7JzyBn2qRjwGByFzjgnGB+VMQ4D0wo44z05qkIcQ20LtB6DJPagBpX59ud3GOT1pgOx8pPO3GSOev9KkA2c5ztHQg9KTAYoGSAVHP50hoUAAFQm1qljFAO3OctjjtRYBWGQckZxSaAZ5ZJ7/UUDDIXhWx746CqENlLAkAjPoKTCw15kUKSdpPHPapuMz55AzHCklT0bsfXNS2UiFzvOCxBA/OpAngj3KMEN346Zq4oRp28e8HIPTjH+eK1WhLL9gStwqncfm6j/61dVB+8Zy2Nu2fK42Fmx616aOdos4bO0bTnvt/zzTJPPvixIw0iYKCGK8D1rjr6tI3pO2p80eL/D+/TpbjyyrY6HvXqUqdqZy1J3dzxy70+4Nw4VWOCe1Y3RditJY3K9Y2/Ki6Aia3mXrGw/Ci4DDG46ofyoAaQfQ0CCmAZosFwosFxDQgYUWAKYhKADNACE0ADGgBM80AFACdDQAvFACUAKOKALNnKY5lYHGKTGj6z/ZuvWudMj3FjwAeelc1rSOmMrxPpCxRo4NwB4wQAOa2RgyW5Xy4uCAMcEZpiM5zGv8AHlgM4NTcowNdnxbNkBT05NRNmsFqfPnxbvVJba7H61yN3Z6MVaJ4ZqTEysfetonPIzJMnpWiMJEeDk9qZAqrxyaLlRVx4GOmKRQ4EVJQ4DAoGhjD16U0JkTjNUmQ1cZtp3FyjsYouFhwouFg71ABjg80BYdigdhjdO9UhMgY81aM2Rt19KBCAUwJEFSxoeRQUNbmhEsY1MQ2gBy0AO5oAUUmUiSPrikxjmHFAEZ4pgPibBpCTNWwPNZTOiBv2ROwDI/KueR2R2NFGwuBjv8AjWRqhGkGcA8iiwXHWoDHoT7k9KTBam/pkfzLu/AVjJnRFHRWqBQCrdBjpWDNLdi2jA5A4x6nrSAnRQQHUbuMfL1NK9guX4flXB4GPTrUsQ2U7hycgcihKwitJIgbAHUetUikVX+bkfLzimMZ8yjp8w6gUCY0KxJzk5oEtCKZl24xgjuD1qkJi26ncXYZGMHIokBMB+7x8uMdc96kETxJ1VVAB9KBpmlYxdRjOOlQxXNCNWBycdulIRgeJrkRwttx0xyBWtJXkglojyPxJe7ZHGecZNfRYTQ8DFfEcVd3JfPNem56HB1Mtjl/xrnvqVbQ6vRAWtB1rsgtDJlXXFGw1zVkaRMK3/1lcrNUd14Mi3zouCefSoZaPe/BtqBbKuPQ4AqSkz0TRoQqgqBkcAZ/GkJnRWuFCnpkdPX/AOtTAuxIAFHzHHJppCexaXPdtuOB3BFBJIjnBUA4Xq2ev50ARSKC2CSP4Sc9M+350mNFS+UMCcjOcDHtUMozliJfzCuM9+wqQMHxLKwfyw3PRsd/esps1ieeeNhi3CBeSeeelZdTZHA6rDsVyRkKOlEdy2tDy3XZN95JjnJIrsjscstShZoRcKw4INDYkdpeeI3j8Pm2ODgY/wDr1io+8bufunnl7KZpGcnOTXVFWOV6lYfdxTII2GDVAOjBLChgiyi9j3rM0sdP4Qswd07Y2jpkVlNm0EdJNcKsaxgHOecVNimzJltWmkeVsmq2M9zCuocXB7c1VxMv6RbgsXb+Ed6LgTvF5chwMZ7UgMrU0Kc4q0QyC0lHmAEgA9aGgTNO2IR6llIuwDy5jIR8hOPSouaWMjWIwt4xBBzzxWi2MpLUw71QrjFaIzkizol15c+xjwTSkios9q8E6hHeaA2nTsCxU7M+lclRWlc3hqrM4TxRbEh8g5Rip9q1izNo57SbtrS4K+h4FaNXJTL+vRrMyXSYZCO3OaUdNC5K+pz8sext69PSqMy5ps7LIsqEhh1qJGiNu58q7hEhXax6gCoTaZdro5W/tzDMQFrpjK6OWSsyuqg1ZI5Fw+OM0MESy/6teO9JDYoIeIhvvDpRsG5F/smmIQrjpQAhHFOwXHIOc9aLBc1dJnME4YHFJoEzprq8eWAE+nFcziaGDeOzscnNWkQ2ZUq5YnHFXsIjaPnOO3emBC60wGEe9MBooAUD3pASpxSYFlGBxx+FQMlUjmiwyZXwtKw7kbvz/wDXpoRAzD8aqwETnJyaaAjNABjAoAM8UAHFACYzxQAtADTigA4zzQAAZHp70ASRrQInQChgSryfTFCEyTtk8+tAC9yaAGMcA9M0AVpW46/hTArOfSncLDBRcLH6eglzgDGR1FAFiJcKFwARwT0pAWDkbS2COOjdOaVx2GNt2HAHUg5GMipuMjwxfPy8E9xSAchCDGcgtzikxoA5JI6hTk8e9ADHKqwyqsAegGSPegB2SQwJUbRk8/5zQAuMgZUgEYAx1P8AkUAOyhyANu0kjHf2oAZkO5yM57kUAGWIYAYbOOKAEkIAB/hHYLnI/wA5oAUZALMQ23ge3FIYAgr83TdyBRcY1uGxuGO3B/z60gGrgyYDEKvHTj2/yPSgB25iwIGR0btzQAhD7s8buuOlAEZYg45yfmx64+lDAahJRRkjI5zxmpAQB84BGPbvQBIACNzcY6Z6/rQA18lvnAwOp4xQA2U7QFJz9aLANclo/ug8Y6UgIXIHBORnn86TGRSMwbb/ABhcgZrKRRB8uACxb1YVIyORsEK5OCOwNZSKRXZskncflHtxWUmUhh+YkkcY5z3rMobgLgBRgHnHftihAxyvhSh+YYOM9qpIQYUNxnkjjFMBRhmwRgHgce1ADwdxOCMEYyTgigAR/vZyFPqcVIDWKg4VvpSYxmTvPK+2R1/zzSGBGenLdS2O3vSAU9fukcDnNADpNwU43fgeQKTVwGn5E+bI5wMGlYdhuTtAJXnvzzVAQvw2cbsHHAqWMgml2k85PbPpmobGUpPmbCkdOAO340hj4hlVHKk9aaQrmhaQ7V4AHTgd60iiS2B8uTnG3IFXYksQMfNBGApwwx2rWm7SJextWXILELnHJzg16kHoYMs3Eiqu4MxUDnd1q2yLHF+I0XUTJE/OAST1zWMFzyuVJ8qPMPiLo62mhSuq8lBmvVTXLY45PU8k8JaLb393cK6Bju4rya7cWd1GzidHL4ItnH+rX6Yrn9qzXlRm3PgS2csFjXIGRTVZoTgjOuPh+pBCxL9eatVxezM26+HrZ+SIt9BVfWGJ0jJ1DwLJArfuz8vsar6wL2LOYvtClglK7elaxqpkOm0VTpE/901XtYk+zZG+l3C8lDj6U1UiJwaIGspl52H8qrnQrMjaGQcbTTuFiNkcdRRcVhu007gJg5ouAH6UAIKAFoASgA+tAC9aAHpE7DgUAKoKSDNAH1J+yzdrJZLDuwVIyR2/ziueekjaD0PqewXdEpGSCMYJ9a0RDHXhYKQT0wOvahiOZ1O7VDuLDHPHQ1lKVjaEbnDeKdcCxMOGwDjArmqTOylTPAfiDfi5lZQTWcXc6pKyPOL1CSTtxnk10JnJJFGWPvVpmTiQlPWqTI5Q2nFDY7WFApXGOUe2aRQ4jvSGMYZ+lMTIyOadyQ2+lFwDGDQAEcUCYgHPPFMSH4/GkUIRjoKAIpDiqRm2V3IqyGM6mgQ9MUDSJFXmlcoUjigBhFCJYw570xDepoAeooAWgdhe9JhsSR+vakyiXbkUrlWIZODTRL0EQ807E3NPT3wfpWc0b02dDYMdg4zXNJHbBl1n/hyevasjRsiB5ycEe1OwjQ09QcbSeucVEmXBHUabGBt564rmkdKN2FSqBccY6YrI0Jl7YGCOCccUCLUQK/KOnfBqWDLYO5CAc8dOeKQiF8YJBxjj0zT3BIpykMcsBjPY00ihrqBHuPB9aYERLEcD6ZoARmCrjPzH+LH+cUEsrhSZAepqxD0OcE8gNycUpAW4UDDJI+lSBPEhLDue+KVwNe0XamQAT3wahgPIIzuGDjr0xTEcn4zl8u0blQa2oK8hVHaB4j4kui8znOK+iw+iPnsQ7u5zbyZFdLZzWIlGWpJXYPY7Pw8uLYEg16MI+6c7epW8QqEjbiuWuawObtOZh9a4mbo9N8BW7NNEdpB9Qahl2PffCkH7hAw5b1JwakLHf6bHtUEcKDjA9f60AbUEYRcZOCP1+tMC5EmfkJ4PYmglsmRUwBk7QeffNAhUJ2ED5geeRQAzbhm2k5PTd370hlS+yBlgeeMY6YqWiiAlfKZiGyo7+lQNHG6tia5ba/HYE1lLc1Rx3jiMC1yQGYdMLisZ6M1iee+IiV06RuOefpRT3Lex5DdKZLw+mTXamcthYoCJGOOaTY7Db1nMDhunQU0J7GGeSRWhkRmqJY0igCWIEc96TKRo2dsZHHHftWbZrY7TR7aSK3CRq3zdRisW9TVbG3DpDSSKCuDgE570XElqOv7JLeMoy84zkUXuFjiL6L/Syo/Sq6EtXZcsYtkeT/FTRJZuolIRh7ZzVAY+rqDC3t6U4ikYOdrZHY1ZBsWkolUHnI61DRSNZ2/0AMDnBrJ7my2MzXspGk4GUIGSPWrpu+hNTTUx5kE0e4DJx2rQxepmofLnB9DWm6IPQfB2qiC5tnVuBwQT1HeuWaOiLOi8aWSR3u7/AJY3CAjPTJrKnI0mjzrVbVrS7bgcGuqLuYSVi/pVwk9s9q+CGHy9sGploVF3Mu7hMUrROOAcCqTE0QR/uZB6E0nqC0NuEgwjpg9s1l1NbaFedEuoyjYDqOD61cW0RKzMea3KMQBjn0rojK5zyiRxqd2Ohq2SSSqdo46UkNkYO1sgim0Ik2Bl3YoAYVppCuNK81SQD1XpmiwieBuRzgduKTQ0acFwxTGawki0yvccuc9KSBkG3P8A9em3cViOSM0J2CxXlXn8KdwsQsKYhntQMKBDx9KGBLGSMc0rAShqGhji/HNAyNn5PNAERPpTAQmgBO+KAEznmgAFAC0AIfrQAGgBDQADmgByjmgCZF5FFxMlUZH9KBEq478UAOzwOeKAEOAOeKAIZXGT2NA7FaRuM07hYhJ/KkMQUAfqJaR/Md2WYHnA5/L1pklhQM7iG39uO1JjQm790c4G3HT0pDISzsgyuQDyTUADOSHdA3pkjNAxzbW2kN8wGADwP0oANwaQJj5SOKAFDY5ZFI+7nH60AAAC53MQOrbsUAC8A4UNjrk0AIwO4MowBz65oAVwAMDkkZ6dDQAjYbkkDu2B70AIy9dxOU9OP89aQ7ApG0KCvHJPTNIYEMAQepH5UAKo2oSTjJ459aAGH5V+Ztpz+FAClj6bdvIHf8TQA2YD7xwAe+OP89aAGEBeRknoCO1SABsqMlvmyMmgBVUEgkdOTheuadgF2gIBkkN6kk02A2XO4MV5A7celIBjsQwXLcDk+tICPcM5P58fhSArz5kBYduWK+lSMiYRjjLZxnpms5FIiYyKucDpg89+4qSiHdsTbgjjOd3WsZFIgJJPzA8+grGRSI5M7cKCMcjHSkMkA24Uk7d2VAqkhMcUHykjp0Of0oYhkgbbsySR3/nQMXnd948djSYDl+U/MSBxg5pXAadygjK4OT7gUXAaRtLdeBwc4JHvSZQnyEghSByBnjmpAkTO8hiffuaVgAK20llz3x0HShIAGSxIPDL14pgIMjC5IUds/lSuBDkD7ucdsd6dhkM7unIAJBz07VDGilOxkYqe/OPwqChgUFic9cDA4NCAu2kWQByB055JHqP1q0SaESsqAjBXr1z/AJFaJEXJix2HsCMHntQAkbDkYJwRgEdqadmFjYsp08pRyF9Sc/hXp0p3RhJGZr2qiON1A3lu3TFRVrWLp07lLw7FJOHkc43L06/SunDaxuZVlZ2OR+NCpF4cnBIDeWMHtXejjmeH/DWTdfXH+9+NeZiUddHY9DJOOcYI9cGuE6BqoSxVR8p5oAFxyD6Y/GkFxwUHgIBgdcUmNGP4ikgjt2yozjJJ9ahblo82v0iuLsgL1Oc10JtIHqXYtMtvLyyjOOoFZOoy1BDG0eBnAIA+tJVpFckSvc+H4CuFUD2Pemq7E6SM2fw5GR90nPTArRYgj2KZRuvDSgEbPrz0rRYkh0EZ83hvBOAeOtaLEEPDlZ/Dz4yF4q/rCJdBlSTQpV6g1axCZDoMqy6TIp+7mrVZEuk0V306YDJUjnFWqiZLgyNrKX0p86FysYbWQcYNPmQrDfJcNyDTugsatpEPKHHamIpXqBZCQKAPbf2XtR8rVmts/eK8Gsam5rTPs7SXd7VSjA5GWJ/z9acSZBq7KiMXGc+nSm9gjueaeNdVFvE/zbcjJFcdSR3UYXPFfE3iN3DIJCzdvT9K5dzvSUUcmllNqkpbaSGySfSlKpyIaXMWJ/CLNb7jHzULEakukmjnr7wxLEWO047V0RrpmMqVjHudGnjAJXHHU1qqqM3SZRazdM5BBq+cjkGeT2waOYOUQIQMEUXFawqxkg0XHYDb+xwKOYOUiaE7jTTE4jRHzxmncmwhQ4ouFhCuCRzTuFg2UXCwmPlxQIa/TrQJleTrWhmyE9apGY09aAJUHShlJEijvUlCPj1pgxhoERmmQIOaAHqMUALilcaFxQVYkiFJjRYA45qDRIrzDmrRlIhX72Kog0bHsazkbUzorFsxjpmuaR3Uy4CQMHHWsTVCxBi4PGM9qq4ja0uLdjGTz2rCbN4I6qxjGAvfGeelc8mbI1IUIBJOemPWoKRKmN2SB1/GgZYQrgPyvHHHOagkcG+Vsn5RyPehAQySHBAVRzjH+elWK5DJ7dQR9KBq7IJCfOAJ6/oKaC4hdRnPJ6AjpSGR8lQOevXNAmhGHJXPfPpViFiVsqMEZ556UmBejXaMcg1I0XbTtjHzY6/59ql7gzSt1AO44IwMmpEOuHAiYjt15HNK40jzzx9cHyn2549eldmGXvGOIfunievyEztz37V71LRHz9X4jINbXuYslt1y4rSmrsmWx3Ohp/omM9vSvTgtDne5Q8RL8rbsjI4rixJtTOcsVzPj3rhZvE9Z+HkJLx8YB6ms2aXPoHwrBvhUMuRxyDgfWpBnc2EIWMDPy89u1Mk04VygBTjOTx+FJDLEeeFAB9AKohkmADsAJY8deRQBIQRtU4Ix0H+f880ARHhxuHGKQ0VroFwzKc4/I0mUVruIfZGOMfLgDHFQxrc5RrcSXEkxPCjPNYtGiZw/jRmNrON2Mc8+n+cVjPc1gzzTWDvtSHBJxzRDQ0kecPADqDDp8xxXVfQwtqSvAqStweKV7jaMrVAVtyD3Jq4mcjEZfatUZjGQk5FO4rXJI4CccGlcfKOkgZGBwcfypXBqx3PgnSvtcYKcseT9KxmzeCVj0bStEWJxI6dBxWTdzSxenjhiUsqjPfii1wOX1ZiUcN6HnFWiTh518y7ZRTEXZ4/Jjj7cA1USGMnuYzYnhSVPWrSJbMq4kWWM9CcU7WFuYcwwxz61RI+1l8pwckeuKTVxp2Oo0h0ltWTkhua56i1N4bFe7thLZywNzt5WmnbUHG6sc1atsnML54yK33V0c6dmV9Rh8uU4+tVFkzRoaFc7GClue3aomioPoewLCniHwSzRkmaBPXuMVxS9yVzsXvRsebahulRonVfOj4PNdEWYyXQxIJmgnDY5ByK1tdGSdjXuil/D5qjDgZNZ7GnxbGU4OCp6iqEXbFmCgN90d6zmuppDYjl+S5JAOCfWtIu6M5KzFldQPm+6etWkRexVkSIsNpPrV3aJaT2IQQSVOa0WxDInUqcdqZJNBnGCODSY0KU54q1sIDH+FMQmDg9uetOwBHw3SgC3Ecj/AOtWMkUh7Icg5zWJYz9aYiORc5zjNAFWZcUIRWcdeKdxEQPaqActAD+3vQA79KAHA4PWgALc8dKRREfvUwAdaAA/iKAAdqAA0AB6dDQAZoAABQA7b7GgA2mgBNpBGRQBIkZJPHagCwkZpITHlefSmIUcUAKW7UARSuACKaArSSdaBogZjz60ANP0oQMM07CufqZHwgBxkHt0P4VNwsEhOTz3/rmpYyPbyMNk459aVx2Gpj7zKcj17D8KQw2kMQrjpnHbPrQAiN2JYsOBj60AL0XPIbuM5NAAzMWJYcdgpoAcG/ec5x698etAADxnkYB78GgBrN5kY3DAZcnn170AKN5f7pK9cAY4xjNAA7rjkZ44zQAisPmBbKk/l+NJjQzGDngjqVJ/rSGOHO1slTnt1NACN83ORnbjOOlADAVJKgHA5wKAHsyfxZGeDt7fSgCKQgnAxuHX0HtSuAmFXBBIyuR2wOO9IByN8ucEfL1xTsBIseQMP0654pgIdyrtDqG6jA5NADCXUqGA356Z5wcmkwGSN853dvwxUgQtgA5DEZ7+v5UAV3yOgJGMcc1IxjOQwG4kEYPHGazZSI5cYIJ43Y4PAqCitKcOASQSOPUVlIpEc25m2dT6dTWTRQ0bhj5WAHTNLlBsUAq2SCo9e9VYQAfKcgkbqAHSbhg5IzSYxigYyGxznpSYCvggMMDJ4JqRjBk8kqST2pAOXOflUHnoaBjl5zu4wcDPFAXBieAT0P3gelADj935sDGeTzQAgGcsVB459hQAOGXI4bdQBAQFzjG3oaBopXLndxtyB29Kzkxoq7g2AoOOSeO9ZlE0OGYA7fw71SEzRtlCZToTjknp/hWkSWWl+RdjZ4PGP5VRIudgOcAqcjmkyhjE792cLn86hgSLcMFXZnbjoSK1hVaJ5SlcwG4yGBZgSCCKiU3Lc0jodFolssNn8gwcfn/nFe5hfgRw1tZHmnx4Yp4WuWYE5UEc812p6HJPc8E+FTM13cnrkivOxJ2Udj01gN+Rg9F6f0rhNxOFGPmAPTFMQwY4fJ2nHf8AWpYyO6mWONiSenPakxo4jxJe+ZvUOfUCiJZzlvnzQ/c9fpWkmCNJLh/73A6etYNGqZPBL83JxnpUtFJiTSY/iBz6dKVh2K5Ztw5OCc0xCy/dIK8Hr3oGVRjJzhvbFMQrGNjjAwfalqUQSxxNnIXn8KpNolldrOB+w6djVKbRPKmINKhYE96r2zF7NEMuixknC/4VSrk+yRXl0SPOdvFWq5LolC70RVG5cDitY1yJUSh9lZOAMDtWqqmXsinf2L7fMwcVcatyXTaOu+CF8bHxdCu7buYAn8auWxEdz7v8LuJbCMkDA564GMUQFIsa2StoWXbt5zt6/WnLYI7nzv8AFzVPJkkUt26A151T4j16CVrnlGnwTarqAChiGPFZ1JckTWPvM9Z8L+F40tlHljoSea8ypUcmaSkkjo5NBjRAojPTnjgVndmXtDD1DwyrnCpn0ParjUZXNc5jVfC6sHATtk8cito1Wh7nG6r4YdS2Iie9dMK4nTuc5c6FcIx+RiPQCuhVkZOmyKPQZnbiNvyodZEqlcuReHZR1Uk59Kh1zSNIkfw/JtJCdPel7fuU6Jk32lPGcleR1rWNW5lKkZk0Gw4IxWqkYuNiIx8+3eruTYaIgOtO4WDZwDilcLEbqQcetNMTKz1aMpFd+vWtDNkRHNNECgc0DSJUFS2WlckAFK5XKNaglkR+lUhEbHrTIEXrQA9RQNDqRQD6UATRDmpY0WB0FSaleboapGUkQKPmqzM0bIYwaykzeCN6zwEB6DpXPI7IaFwkAd8VFjUns0JYAetTIaOn0qALyM4HtXPJnTFWOkslO8ZB9hisGaLcvEDfj7p+vSpHuOH8PvwOMYpASAkgZJIx24osA1nJxkDABpgQM6lsMeR14/SgGMb5jkkj0oEtBHIVc8E55+agQ1ELHnnHPFBY9lYE5zk+goJYiRjZjBzgUMNB+07cYyQPoKBWLEMZ3KXO3GecUmBpWagY4PNTcGXRggYIxjsakRWnG0Hcf0pjR5p8QpwIWUEdD0rvwq1OfFaRPGdWctOcmvahseBN3ZSHWtY7kMs2uC1b09zOR2egSBoNuO1enT1iYPcg15NykZrjxCNYHPWEZ+1DA5zXnM6Ee0fDe3DNFkdO5HSoZZ774cQiNTIVAxggdTUoHodjZR4CbRzj+EdaYrovQZbG7O0AgjpSETJuY7mznHBApiHgFsYzn64x+NAD3K7wAp5OcDpQAxj9c9gQefTmk0NMrSIM4GcY/n/k0mUVNX+W12qCeeuR+P8AWokNHOsAIpmAyuMjIxioLR5/4qUS2tySpAKkEVzT3NqZ5pejfZSt97jGfahaM1OBskEmqlGBwWwMCujoZLc07+zCXG3jJHGalPQctzmvEsDRlVCjp0rSm9TKaMYRbkOcZ+laXIsRxxFj0NNsEja0vTHdRI+duazcjRRNq90EyWJaKPnGQaiMtSpROw+DESB3hlTBDc569ac9SYnoerW/kg7QAM8ECs7FXOfuiPLIbtnt1qgbOQ8QMQGZOFPUE072Ec/ZW6K5llI/rTSuS3Yo+JNRRR5cR6DFbRiZykYVrcvIrxua1sZ3JVkCIDkVLQ1Iq3agnIqSrFKV8DIpolm14dvlUbW6H8ayqRNqcjecLJl88E96xNkcrrtq0F60i9Cc1tTldWMKkdboruq3NueeR04q72ZFropRl4nB6MprTdGezPQ/hrr5tLz7M5zFMNrA+9claGlzqpz1LnjvSDaai17CpaOU5OBWVKXQ1lHW5xGp24Ub0Gc811Ql0OecbaogtbloHHJweCKpq5MXYnlX5t6gFDUXLsOtTtk2c4PQ1MtRxY/UIi8W8DBFFJ2Y6sbopQyeZG0ch+YdDXSlY59xkbsr/Mfr6U2rkp2HvGjYIOGzTSaG7MR4iy4wSaan3Jcew0Ljg9fWmIcxUuG+lXETJQOvpVCuNK8elAhAh9BQCJomAYcEVElctMtrtOfcVzy0NEQsMMTk0hEUnvgj60ITKs/BOfSmBSl6U0JkQ61Qh4+lADucUAOFJABPPsaYCHpxTuMYaQw9qYgPWkMCcjigBcigAPWgA96AHKKAJFTpQBPFCCPegC1HbKR0wRQIlFsAABxkUCGmIDp+lAELADoOlAEbNjr0oAglkweOaEMrtISetNgiMmkMP1oAbTQmHNMR+poLCTCjoM5xx+FZsohbaE3MSQOeT0NIBrcsCwPUZIHFIYMAQFOQexzwPb3oAGIYFsBgfTv/AJzQApDBeV5wejc0ADAk/L8y5wTgdaACMDn7xK9c/wAsUAO53H92M989qAGDBPZOw9fp9aAHFwyKp+8O3v2oAFHy5f5SB60DGgr0AJGQOvTrSAjTIzwfmHBzxSGOViGwWzx6DrQAhKspwxDA9jigAYtsO4ZbGcYz/nrQAj4xlm2kgdqAFZgSN/Qj5eKAIvZQB65HfNSA4iRSAQpz0XHUf5xQA5FbceRgdWzVAO4Y8DODnPXHpQAw7yuRgSZ470AMkYpMOoOAAffikwIZTlflXn09aQDJJHIww4PTFSwRCMOvIA4zz/Q1LKI5GP8ADwAB1qGMjkkARgdu7JxmoYysNoyd2ABknPes5FoRsrJ1UcjJ7GoGI/ysQCD7A0AJ1AwB079aTACAAVJ46n/9dSxoaGDRhWb0POP5/wCelIATIyBnoMn/AOvSbAaj7sHqewxwKRSHLgs20bsc5A6ZpAOBHGBkeuCadhDwMDqc5HXnH+f60CEbHQMuMY54pDuKjMflBG4HHpTC49TweCp57cUWAhJIY4xgHoKQXK0jKFPPUgf59KGUjOkfcxJBPXIrJjQ1AWf5ehwemaQy9BHhuW+X6dPSmhMvIhKEAZ4zVIkkJ2jBJYAnAB5ptjGO3PI6Dof89am4w5+UNtAHbHepuAiFQQD8p578GmBIibW+8cc5Of5U0I3NKcC3JB/h5z2r3MI7wOOqtTyr9o87PC1wwzkR9q7lsck90eAfCCQm6mbrz0rgxJ10j1raWbOQP7xrhNmyKXO4AgNzjg+1AIgYMEIAIJ4GO1SyjH1i5CRDsQCCPWoZpBHE3b+dK3PfjmtFoiraiGNVTBAB78VDZSRGmXcAZzQBeVQEAYDgfnUMpDRhm6g+uKRY9VAyMn2GKQhkvynB7jOM0DK5G05HJJpiIpWwCwxj1FVYCtNIQxIPHQd6q2gh0DFnAIOfTFJoC9EPl5GahgHfAzz2oAgmJU46/wBKpAZuoSADaGGRjg1tAiZSgTe3TIrSTsRFD9Sth9kb5QMe1EJahOOhjeErr7H4ntpCcDzB0PvXdvE4Hoz72+HF7HdaHbuGDBlHenAGbfiGbbZsVVRlD0H50TegR3PlD4uXJudae2jJJJ6CuCVtWz1qSfLY3Phr4dVI45HT52A5Iryq9Vydjo+FHr2m2MccOQoyOOVrKMTnlIn8jO5SFH1quUi5Ums0Y4KAHB7danlKUjLvtLDMSyrhieOuaLFxkc/qOixyNkx9egx1pKTRqpGFeeHU5XapPUcdKv2hakQJ4eU4KxjuBkdaHVYXLS6CipxGD3OV5rN1GNMju9BHlHavJGeOKFUdy1JHM61oC+WxCcgZ4AOa6IVQ5UzhdZ0ZkLFV7+ldtOqYTpPoc/cWrRsdwPHpXSpXOdwsRMhJyPyxTuJxGOpzjGDTE0VZhwfWrRm0U5q0RjIrNnPSrMxuOaYrDlFDGkTAYFQXFC0FDG61W5myJ+9NEsiNMkF5NAEoHrSKQYoGKKAJoj2qWNE46fhU2NSC46GqRnIijXLdKpshI07NcAVlI3gjZtRWDOqOxZBwQOOeaRqamlw7pOfasZsuC1Ot02Ndo4zxXMzoRuQr8g4Ax05rJlEvB46/zpFJD93yhT19u9IYhYbjwSvbHTPpTER9uBgdRk0AROcnnpnB7CgTY8c8nnjj1FAmxqrk5LHA/Q0DsSJheM5JPU0FCLGWc9ceuc0CauSHCKeg7A/40ACLnIDEgnvQDRcjAOArGpbE0aFvHlRhuRxxzUCJ5QADwN3TA4qhFK/ZvJOCwPf2pItHkvxDkxv+YkDIINenhVqcOLeh5LfNuuGNevHY8Oe5CK0iQy1bYreBDOm8POSMZ716NF6WMJblvWE3L05rCujSBiWEWb4Acc15cjpie7/C6z3JGyjJPtUM0Z7n4ftwlsoZBwOo4IpbEPVnS2afcPTBzjt0oE0XIR5YYgHHoOo9P5UAWF6jg7fUCgCRQp+UgY9MUAMClN3IY9ASxyKAGbVzgPnPTOOPagCLawZwQQep9OPSkUjL1w5iUZAUdsms5lIzZcLZMHxzx+dTokPqeZ+K3UC5IIwRiuSo7s6IaHBTwBtOmC4yRngVPNqbLY4Sxg2a0obu2Tn61u37pCWpt+KbbylhuBxz+VZwlfQc0YniO0jmto5lwQVzxWsXYiSujk5osfdU+nStrmdixpOmy3E6hVbk+lTKQKOp6v4Q8ESXcKtMu2MdOM5HtWTdzTY7FfDkNvaSweXuAX5QwA4pCucn4TtG0/xRIjDar9uwrR7EnoWrBXgUpjPTrQBxl+SrSAAKufrQM4TxPfRxE7zz6HpRGLkxtqKOH1LWpGJVTgA9jXVCmkcs6jZnTyNLMCTnIrVIzuSW6hJgxzg0xDr/ACuPQ+lTYdxqEtFkDJFZyNE9DPuD8xFOJMh+mzeW4zxSmrji7HUwXHCA5weTXK0dSYazCtxEJEy3HPFEHZjkro5dy9tNnnGeRXSveRzO8WPdVnO9f4u1C0E1cdYTvaXCsCVZTn6USSYRdmeqaLqkfiDQzaXJQyovynua8+rFwldHdTnzRscnqlhLayPbyofLPKkjoK2hNPUiUGjnLuHYSPeuhO5zuNiSzm+Qwv07UpIqL0sOl+VutSF7FqOTfEQ3Sp6mm6MmdPLuGwTiuqLujlkrMjJZXyOhqkQySI5YEn6VXQRYErKT/WoaKTJztaLd0JpRvcqVrFbB7detdCRixynn60xDunPamBIi/Q0WANpB6E0mO5Ij4xnpmuecTSLJWII7Csyyu4HPXPWgkoXEgUkZHSqSEUJGyTVWsSC9c0AOBoAdQA7OBmgAJx3p2Abn8aVihO2TxQAfpQAn40AKenFACUAL9aAFFAD0B64oAnjHtmgCxFgGmhMuwkgY9aGIkLZ4A7Z5pAQMcH/CgCvL1+tAFaVsd8UXHYpybi1AxtACH6UAITTsK4E0AxPwpiP1IZ1UllAJ65bHPpWTZQxsswAA+9nnp9KQx4IOSM4zwN2f0oAQLuG5QD8pBOetADY8gFmH1oARTjKgAAgnHf0oAeCMAfLkjuKAECAE5YsM9eOtAC9VAbBI5yRmgBCAG5znGcjsaAAkMck78/7VACnB5JyT054zSGhi7lJQqMY7DgUhibhuACnaOMkdKAELkSqpyqrzgjj86AFUAoMKOOgJoARN5feF+ToOMdelACMcHkYJwOuaQDHdywAYgHJ+XqPT6UgABCuHQvk8k8ZoAcvzoF5+YdD/AJ+lUA6UnaQwAHUcZ5/yKQCAlnD5U5HOeDmmAkgyueAOtAEUgX5m5IAz+FSBWJycsvGeDj/P+TSAawUKQuQAOeeBUjsMPAJL9Tz2pMaIpCcAHkDqB6egrNsoi3HawYKCBnBHGP8AOaljIxtDAkgY+UAVDQwVchSAMc5J6/lSsO4xv3bg8DcckD+pqWA0ttLvliMcZqWNCA5XOUz0z71DYxoALFlGCOBzQwFyxzuzx1NSwExnAXAx0OaQx4YDHyjJ4+h/z/OgBVYICNgOcZx29KYDiQoLEnaDQOw1sbvl2ikIepJIBK5HqentTQhzHcCxGcDAP9cUwI2O5fuk4HU9AKTGjPvXAB2knB5AqGykZ5LnDAgDsAKzKJ7YAsOuD2x70AaVsgAG3AOOcrVpEssn5RjCg9h6/l9adhCNkMrDOe/Gc1I0Ifm+91U85Iwam4xqb/vNwBwGB/XFIB3DEBVOcf8A1qpATKMIANpyccHPFNEs09HD+YynByOBnpXq4F7o56yPKf2lVdPCVxgn7g4x05r1VscM9z59+DUn+nyKeeelcWIWh1Ume07dg4UKxOTjpXA0bkEuCWzj6mpGipNKqRlsAfL1z+FS2UkcX4ivQGKqzc9s0krmq2Oftxlt33h6VbYLcmk3HGOPXvUGiG2+d+SDn680dCS07gAjnj9Kho0REsvJGMe5NFgTJFdcfd5x1pWGRyNuPqcUDIHYY/wpoTK8jDyuPfirsIgJyevU9qYMsQR/KCefQmpYixuJUYyPwpWATzAq9/pn9aLAVZpMKWzVxQmY9zMZHPrW6VjKTuXNPUdcdvXFRMuJYu0DWjgcHvUw0Y57HCyubbVEkHUPn9a9OnqjzZ6M+0PgHrf2vwxbA4LKDzkURdnYXQ7jxXesdJcqSvynBPU0pvQqC1PncWDar4neZwxw3TPavJxE7I9iikkeveGdNSCyjXYvQYz3/CvNiru5NWVzeCjYSPlDLyBz9K2MGDnhcgknkj1/OgQ0k7SNw68GgZHIgdy3UAd+n4UmhpmfLZo33V+bqM9uvNQ0UmVZ9OQLkjpzwKho0UiI2CcE4+YelS0x8w9bKPGGXLdVwuOtS1YfOVprJSoYDOPunHUVJXMYuqWCMv3RlsgHpxVJ2NVI4vXNJXLKFzxW9OoabnBaxpPlyMSox1rvp1UzGcDnJ7Uo5O3twM9K6VIxcSnIjKQAD+VWiGitJEzAnnFWpGTiVZbcnoDVqRm4FWSEjqDVqRm4EflGquieUcsfOKLjUR2KkoQ8CmJshY+tUZsjemiWRHNMQ9BQBKoNIsDQA0GgCaI9KTGicH5ag0IJepqzNhEMtjpQxJGlaYBFZM6Io1YMbTisWdK2LluAxAIH/wBaobsWjotJgAAbjr1Nc8mdEY6HTWUYEfUYPAx1rGRsjTHyqAcg44NZDWo5mPQnjH4UFDSzbyM8YoAVCDwWx7D1oJ6jAVbJDYwD+dAxecDnLfXjFACoqsRkH5e/NAtCU4VP50BcRPmwTkgHv2oBDpvkJBY479qBjImBbJyOe1AWJk/uqCM+nagLlyJljXBGQOOah6iLtvMEXCgDsCOtIQ4F8AjA3/8A66YFXUG/dMQDjue/5UIaPHviNIS8vGBk16mFODGbHlVyczNXqxPEYxetaRJZctxW8NyGdFoC7T9e1ejRWhjNmtqUeYt3fNRiFoVTZl6XEGv16/exXkT3OqJ9E/C6x8q3iZ1446DoKyLeh7FpUCrEhUA8Y6Y4oIubkCEYyAMHr+poC5ci3YBUjaPT+H296AHxBWIAxgHBGMDrQA91AZgoycde+KAFKblO8nJzznFAEUZbYFA+bPOD689e1ADSpEuTkHvjp9KTGjA8QqSQ5YAocn6VlM0RialcN9mIDZXHvxWMpFpHmuuOJIZmIAIPFc73NomLp9sz2UodwMg8D1qJM2icBdweXrCnb0bNaqWlgcTofEkcdx4cDIvzqPl57YqIO0hOOhxFrKZrIwydUz1roe9zJFAWoknC7ctmquFj2H4d+APOgjuZsZc916CpSbFKVj2DTtFgsrZYlRcAYJxitVHQycjI1SGKOXG0sCCDz09KhoaPO2iRvExZFCkNz/Klctm9rVwkFqC5CjHOD+tMR59r+swKWCEAY/Wm0w5keReK9V+03BCniumjCxhVncwVJdua3sYmgIgIkk9qpIBhc54OKoVyyy+fEhwT9KyZW5a+yCK13tgZ4rCTuzaKsjEu4xkkVUXYloqcqMjqK0Mzb0m63oA5z9awnE2hLobNlOqyeXKRsYHB7VzyVzoi7GXrtoNxKjI6jitacrGdWNzBikaF9rV0NXVznTsy9IFljEq9e4qNi3rqXvD+pz6bcBo3IA+9zUVIKRUJ8p3Jnt9U0/zmIZtvQnmuGUXCR2xkpLU5jUrDKkDGOxAreFQxnAxJY2glw3Ga6E7owtyjwepJqRihtre3fmlYadirdHL7q2gjKbGqwJ9a1Rkw3jOAMe9AEgzkYOT0otcLk4chApq4qwMdGoYADGaskVlxTExQuMcgigB68c5pgLgE9DUjsRyA5xWc0UhIrjaCrDn1rBo1T0Kt1cEHCnimkQzPlcsc561diRlMBRSsA8UAKDSAUngUAIapAJSGJnt1pDFzxzQAUAGaACgAzigBRTETID2NIZOnAxQBOg9MimhMsxHHXoKGIdkYNICNz05oArTHBIxQBVmPFFhlZjzQMbzQAH60AJ70xCUxBQB+ojZKhh97PUg8/n/nisblggLEnnPof6UACrxtA6DuaAFPJ2hiBnJweM+lADWXaAPm+X260AO3NyM4PT8KAAKN3Ofu8dhQAuRtGW+cccUAIdxC/KQCetACsSAecqcBQRQBHJkKB6nofSkALtxgjK9AelDGhVwVyQOTls+n0pDELBI2P3huxzQA2YMpwG5DdKAFZvlADDnI6UAIrKcbRg9M4z/WhgNYhMAMMNyP8P8A9dSAhwzMGAP04H4UAOyAFA24680wEXax+br1x/8AXpgSN0IA42559KAGScAMQORwO+KQDWJAOGHXoaGBE2BuDDjuMUmBFvZWKllz0xxSuAxv9YSfu9+T+FQykRSkhRjcOOM85qWxkMxwvy9j3qGMikYBvl4wcDJ4IpMYwkF2yD17d/ekAEtkAjAJBHbFSxjZCvPJORkEVDGho3D5mAC9ADxms2UhhBK5YHBPRakBwXYo6AA4AOBSGEjZkwByQcjHX0/lQA5XLfdYAkcgDvQIVcBhnOSMnn/OegoAFwCy5z3OOBSGhGwFIA3Ecg55NBSAvuIJwCpzn1oExxOckEDJ+Vcd/WmSPLcnj0zkZ5oGV7l9m4nAxxkGpbGjMuX5xv6HnHes2y0V0XLg9M4/i6D0/nUjLsCFsqCRx3poTNGPO0EEZHXPU1omSx2PlLY57AnnGfypAh78fLg7senakMi4B5GePpj3xUsBFYDJ3OxPGeuKQD4Qv3cEA88cVSAmUYUBDk+pP61aRLLuk5+0MV5/vc5r0cFuzCseZ/tLr/xR1yfl+5t4zjrXro4Km6Pnf4Lj/iaSjqc9a4sR8J1U3qe2OQBjdjkHpXAzoRUuSd5IyCfQ8VAzC1S6dYzlsEjualsuKOI1BzNOSSeuPqKuJbCBAEP3uDx6VMmUkOZBuwMkEc81Nxod5YQjsR70rjsWtK02a/mwq8E4OB0/CtadNzInPlNSfwlOp+RsjPHrXV9RnbQx+tIhm8NX0cZKqDgdQazeDmNYmBSfRNRUBzGfw7VLw010LWIiVZtLvUBDQtgc/So9hNdC1WizOlsrtTnymGPaj2bQ3UiyBba5Uk+S2Ce4o5GL2iLapKi5MTc+1S4MfOiMmXO3YwHpilyMFJMjcuBkKee3aiw21co30hA9M1pFEyehmqGaXjPXrWr0MrGnAMKoHXFZM1LOS6FD1+makDh/EKbLvcOma9Gg9DgqrU91/Z28TCC1Fq0u3GdpzU1Hyu44R5ke1eJNRjm0pssTlDx3HArOUro0hCzOF8K2h/tAvtwM9cda8nEs9KD0PUbJAlqB0b09KwirIwkyaMbj0PB4BPSqIG7i2WGAOR9fSmA11YjhlPf9KAGucja3TPQnNA0RlSHUbS3GAaQxjqSOOOOtQxjAqrw/BIxn1/8Ar1LHcYgY5Pc45qWUiNwmxgAQCMD/AArJlJmfeW0ZycHcPXqKRomc9qtmG+8O/pTTaNUzjta00OHOznPTtiuiEzR6o4++0chm4yPQ11xqkchlSaR3MfQ8VqqpDpkL6Tgn5MED9KftSXTKd1pe04I57+9aRqkOkZNxYNz8vtW0ahi6ZRltSuTjitFIzcLFdowOoNXcmxG6cdKaZLRGwxVIhohbmqIIiKZLEC80XFYkjWhspIkpXKIm7U0SMzTIHo2BSaKTJw/y461PUtMYetMkmgXJyaTZUUaFoO9YyN4mjEflArNm6NOyQM3AGc81nJmsUdRpceME9B2xXNNnVE3rTaAPvfyzWLLLTSZzwDz0qbALvBwR9KRYhcZxjp29aBWDO4duuOnFAWHx+rA5xgmgYrAfh2oExfu5BJyetBI5VLEHrmgroTK6xKecE9KBIgc7xu6evegoEBUgc5PbNAFq2DDtnA5z0+lSxWH3L7eA3XGTiiwWJLZ94xuIx0I9aHoJminK/Nnk9fWpbFYq3qfISWIz04oQ47njnxFkDO4BOOevevWwqPPxux5ZcczE16qPFYi9apbiLdt94VvDchnTaAPmBPavVoL3TmmauoDjFZ4haF0xPDFoZtVjTG75hXiz3OuJ9NfDzTzHaQBhnI45xn2rMqR6XZQ7UD4B9Rzx05zQSaMK4+VQQO/pQBahU7VHAz2IoAGG0/ewDnP5/wD6qAJGVTnyyTkepzQArAkMWAyeM4oAagAbIPTnrxQBGwIYjb0OepyPWhgjnvFB2oxx15IxwKwq7GkTkb9zJE2XJPcY/wA+lcrehsjiNUBZJVk4AOM1maor6VGpikyAOMgg96zkaxOI8UW3kXjzAABX7DrVQZRJp06XWnvASxZQQRih6MaOMZDb6hInQbua6E7owa1JFAFyJwOFO7Ap3E0fQ/wj8Q2+o6aIR8rKApGKum+hlNHoTtnJbG1ueB1/wrcxW5wni2cW6u+cMemKwk7G0DzcavaWl9LPO4Y5ODnqaUU2W7I5PxT4wa/maG3J2LxXQoWRi532OM1W+kW3JZ/mPakldhJ2Rxsu6acnPeuuKOZ6k8cOCK0sIskkx7ByBSArbueozRcDpfC1iZYi7jgHPPTFc1WdjWEblbxRdJG3lxH5QeKiCuXOVjnjL5gOa0tYhMjwCDxQJodauYmODxTauhJ2Zs2t0sihScEVhKNjohO5amlWRSCPmHFZ2NWYGp24WbIFdEJaHNONmR20hTgng9ab1JTsTnht61IzS0vUntpAc5jYjcPSplDmLjOzOosLm3u0KMAUI7Vxzi46nZTmpaMzNY05WiI7gHacVpTmRUgnsc66NESrg4HSuhO5zbDl2sg9aYytc8cVpEykQq3zVZBLGwxz1piJYm9KtIB5yQMHHNUkSPVyBjv2qhE24HqfriqiJgSvUZ6UMBqsc0hkqHIHrSAVlyD04PrUyKRQnUowx9a55GiKk+SAe460kJorc1oSLQA4elACngUgFzkUAKMAdaGNCH8KQxO1AB6n3oAQ0AGeOKAF60AFAATQAo60ATRtQBZXFMRMp7UATqe/tTEKTkHJ5NICF29expAVpW/OgaKkrZNAyInnFAAaaExDQAlMQGgBOPSgD9Q17xHaxwckdDWJY75Qu0bugwR6/wBaAHNgNyQMAduB6UAN2puPtzj39aAF++u6VtwJBzjqfegAIO0jd16emKAHK2I8eYQCOcHnP9KAI0UsWVTgnqM0APV/mG3KnGT25oAFxjKtk55JpDGYGAwGSOPwpDB+XDbug5H8qADy1Q7eCPQcYz3x/nrQAAFl2sucH5sZ/wDr0ARsCDuxn+dABHsBYDcCDkkd6AGh+DsPI4B6D0pADHgjaCfQ8ikAg/eAADIH8IPX/GgB4RQD93OcjinYBxLDnJH0Of0o2Ajk2k7RkNjJAouAkpIU524PJBxyaQDXLJt5xznjjj60MCKR/mYnIz09jSAr5QDkjJ7kdP8ACpGhHIyeMnHU+tSyiBnbJJAx047moYyOQpGhU568DGKQyI7Sw3hiCOffipAA3DYJCg/dPekMjkDN8rbTydxA4PtUSYDOD82AMdATWbZdheCDtbcOuc1ACoRkEnaccZX3oAUIhIXepOPwzQxgflcgADjB45pAxR0OWOOgxwfzoEKoGGNDGIRuUlDgMOc5pDE3MuMEdOmKTGhY94YEYwx9efwpoTH4BbdxuOMnGCaCQLHfgcn0zzQykZ97J85Ut83vWUmWijMAegHU7c1BQ6Bd+GOcgdBTEXrRQgDAMSTjPc1SJLUTYXBIJHQ4xVCHwurcHgdBjqPfmi4Ckqzc7gCOc9TmhjE4JByQB6nnNSAEEsAwJBB6NntSsA4BWQDJyOxpoTJyi4wfmAHYdfb+VaIRd0lgZxgnjjg4r0MFuzCsedftLKT4Mu+hHl/KRivWRwVNz5t+Cx/4m7KSB839a5sRtc6Ke57c65+7lueB7+teazpRWuAuPmHLDofWs2y0jjPE8y7CA2Tjv61MdTZKyuc3bqGfc3Oa0egkyVuDgAj61mWgj6k9M8jmkyktRsr8/h1/pQhnVfDp/wDSpQeTjj2r0MA1znJi7pHcx2sbxHzFBAHrmvqEklseHKTuNNlbylgOoHqMUcqYuZjl0tSBtxjOenSp9nDsP2kiq9hlsljkcGk6MOw/ayHNopfgMCcEjgVDw9PsUq0hE8PqG5WM4H93r/nmpeFp9ilXkWG8OQumBCN30BFZvC0+xft5AvhG3YDdbI2eoxWUsLTKVeQybwNZLFuFphuTgVn9UptlfWJHknxG0aOwdvJXZjOQTyK56+EdPU6KeI5tGcdp4BbPXHevOmdsDVjQNz1NZNmliZIwBjr6+1S2Bxfi2LZKfqa9DDs4a6szY+F2pNaagoz+FPELQ0wqTdj6CttaNxp8KluSMZx3rhjN2dzsdI3/AAtafvS4BK8N055//XXBXd2NOx3EQARdpUKcYJ4AqYrQxY/lXATpnnFMQOMqD3Pr3/z/AFpAMCDaNueTTuAz+NW7g8Y5oY0NPIBc5HZTz60hkZVQoBJPHNSwQwcYOAFHP1qGUhgJC5wc9Dz0/CokUiu7qAAeMcnj3rMaIbjGCM5UdR3PtSLRl3qL82EGR1x37UGiMC/gVlPy9ewqkVcwrzTs5GO3pWkZmiZSbTMN81XzsGVJtNwM7QT65watTBGbd6YAGJHA6Zq41AsYeoWIQsMHPat4TIlE56+tBknArpjMwlAyri3AYnoK2UjCUSlLGc4rRMyaIHjOOfxq0yGiEr7VfMQ0MZKLksTZRcLEirik2UkDjA5oQNFaTvVozZATzVWIuPRucUmhpk6sMVNixwb8aVgLVuBUs0iaFuMDODis5G8S7bjJ6VmzWJtacuWx096ymbQOo00AEY9jXLI6omqnIA74rMpjieAMYB5IouFhokORg8HucUrDuSFzz82P93nmkMkQkHOOvPFIZNHnjpzzjtQIlbjHb69qBkTMC3AySeTQSyQHCZViH6ZNA7EbneeFwetAbAW2AnJ+Y0ASQAkknjoB70Bc0IQwTlPyHFQwIp0ct15PT0qkF+pJbKQB8oAzyKTC5qRIBGpPJPvUk3KOrvmAhcEAU4jR4v8AEI/OxLA9cY7V6+F1PNxp5nN/rG+temjx2C9RVIRZtz81bw3IlsdX4d+VBur1qOxzSNG9+YkAntXPiGaU0dP8N9O87VImK5G4ZPtmvHnudSdj6Z8J2Sx2yOHIwOR6HtUDbOwt0VI5ABk8HkcGgRdjwOCxBA7n+VAEirHg4U5XuegPt+dADw5A2IGIH60AOx+85AKAcrn/AD+VMA5wSpxuzxxSAjCA9M888UARTl/M2kfMOB9fX+VIDE8S4FqVI+8PasauxpE4W5HUdgc9K42bo4zxHLsuGjC4zyR0x71JoiHR2LI+V+UnpUTNI7mN4gtvtEchUDAByD6/SpgzQ5TRrjyrx42ThjWk1oOJna/EF1QSIvyk56VdN6ETjqVp5RFG6dGbk1ojN6G98Otcl0bVUKt8kjAEdqLtMlq6Poyz8Qwy6RHcSS87Qc963jJNHO4tM8e+KHi9DIyQSdM4wf1qeXmZonZHhuqa3dXU7Krnls11Rgkc8ptsuWEYgtXmlOWIznNRN3dioqyMDVLpriYjPetIRM5SuVkRV5710JWMxzSYFUwGLMQ314rNsZc0rT2urkHHHas5SsNK51t7cwaXYeTGPnK9fSubWTOhe6jgtSnaWYsT9K6IowkymhIOBVNCLUfPas2Whh4aqTJZLE5jlBzwaUlcadjSVg6B1PIrBqx0J3Vxk4EyHuRQnZg1cyZgVYjvW6Od7hFMV+UnNNxBMm3P1WpGaWkXhtnLA8HqKzqRujSlJpnVW13HcQbTgluoA5rklCzOyMrqxQ1PT1mTfGo5NXCdiZ0r6owpIWiJUjAFbp3OZprcoXBJNbxRjIhFWQOAwAaqwiRXI+tUmBOj5A71SESoN57AUxE4UjA4xVRExQnJ9jV2EI69xUtDQ1icYyfeoGSxgkYHSgCtdRkHNYzRpEoyKSMVkWyqwwcVaZmJTAVTzQAuaQwNACj86AEpDFHWgBDxQAds0AGB2oAAaAFNACfSgBRQAoJBzQBYilGKALCPgcUxEqvxyaYhXkCgKcYFAFeWX3HtQwK0suTkcUrDuQk5PWgBvGaQwpiCkMTiqJFPSkhsbTEfqLhlk+Xk9cE9u9YlgGO3aTt5wPSgADtIAT35ye9ACorDGQWJ7npQAgLbyMMAc5Pt7UALhz9zrjKjNIaFDDYCBkjk/Wi4MTg7iCOMdD/nmmAZ3hcHrxgilcLCMzKCrFMgc+w9KTGIWPf5TkEL19KAE3AKM5U4xzQAjD+FwwOeR1yfSgBx53cdeOwB+lACKMj723tuH+NAEbkB8EAEDkDpmkwGAgqcjHY8k0gFAGflAOR3NACrnPONpz1poBxKkbsknrn0FDYCPJyW2bQe4P8AT86AIvM+YFTyM9fSkAm75iC2V6ZxigBkrkMOVBPUmkBHIDtZhkZPbvR0AibHVnIBOSG7VDZRGwJGepHWpbGiHk5K/KoGeRUFEIy4HOM/jUtgPQqc8YIPPf8ACpGRsc9Bn1H1pN2AaWO4EkgjPUDmpbGRvkEKigk9+O9ZNloNqq5GWHp2qBj5MpjB3HNMQiqNvAwB0OM0DsP4PRg28Y449KEJjioLZUBfT3piAgFgAfr7UhiP8pZSByO/GKQxoViccqx5AJx/Kle4DyAAdoyQe3OaYMc3B3DnjnJ6UCIbiQIgYHGOn096mQ0jNmYEHauW647VkzRIr4LNsJJXGCRznNAXLNvEy44GM1SRNy2AV2/KQo6kU0gELOFB+Y49+lFwHElc5U5PQ4/wpATszAAlOe1ABGQy5O3OfwNADlzJ1659hkUwJU2McDjPTIzTRI5RgnJ/P0qxFrTOJgGAwDwc4ruwXxMxq7HE/tF25m8HXI6tsz8vQ8817EThqHzB8IcJ4glTphj+HNcuI+E2p7nupCrDuwc9ea82R1IytWfahJJOPSsZM1geea7dGS8KYGAemaqCNJO2hHCIkizkbm5bNKbBJDSMDOeccnFTcuwyP5QT0JFS2WkMYbsnbg4xTEdH4EbbqZGWAPB7YrrwUrVEY4pXiel2ymS2baV6kdMdK+tT0PnZbmNLNJFcfeYAHPt9KtEWN/Tm+0QNuOCOfcVEmUkQyAi7IC5Az2/DNO+hNtTQttpbBJBHrUstDLqYRE5AHPX1NEdRPQn0u7WRgx29c5pSQ0zobZ0KZGOOTgdq55GqJJlTy3GzIPGD3qVuM8B+NkaIzsAB1HTvW+IV6NxUX755JpMnbPevmqqPapvQ3rcE4PbHpXOza5bXIOR6Z6VBRyXjOMEs3rXbhmceIRneCpCupKo6k9K6K690nCytM958NRTTCBNjZGOnYV485WPZdrHr3hm22W8YJII56dB71xv3mc02dCFKgKclRjAxitEYCtxjH3s/jQAx1+Ukkts+6PekA0ryWLHGcjt/+qgBGB3bl6fT0/pTAZ94HgYJpMZFIq8HdyOMDoKkYwja2ABjPzALnms2UiJurYbg8daiRSIJ3wFBGcd+5rMpFS5yoHTjsTmgaKF0cklj9fakaIzZ25Ib8BnFMoptGHY4UD+lA0xhgQ7hgZ9QP1ouUUpYVA6AnHTHrVJgmZN/DyTkE98dq1Q7nPahEpJG3mtosbOdv4Nrk9jXTFmUjEu7fJJ5xzjiuiMjKSM24h+atkzCSKkkQHJFXcyZXePBwc1SZNiNo6pMiyAJ6ii5VrC7QKBkMhqomcipL1NaIyZA1UZsFoYImQ8VJZJH96kxpl626VmzaJowdAKykbRL9qvzAjkVm2bo6DSoycZGD71hNnRBHRWYAAxjPeueTN1oaC8Lx61HUsQszrjA4/lSYDcgfMOcc0AODsRkYGeKdhXJ4+E+YncB90dqhlItKcZBGT7dvagBxJYneT0/P0oGRsVXAON3p60C6kYOTlmI9KBkoyFz83vxyaCbBEhcgj5c+9BRegQ5+XqfwFSxF6FBtAwNvXI/lU3EK0C5PBAx19qLgyeKAKQQv8P3ieRRcRLOoAxjA9TSAzNSIW3kB6AdatIaPE/iA+53b3P416+FVjysYzzh/wDWGvTPJY5aaBk9uPmH1raG5DOr0hgsQzXqQlZGDWpoDEswCiuPESuawR7B8JtIJeObZnngZ615snqbHv8Ao1qEhjOSMDGD65pDN+AAIHG4sw9KLAS7N2DtOOuCaQCgFNwdwOBj2/HpQBIDkYGS5H5/5/rQAEDcAV3NjpQAFlMYyWGAcg0ANlxwOpx2+nagCCdflyJdzEZ9O3tSY0c/rTh42DHg+vb2rmqs0ijkroqFYEDPb0rmbNkcR4jt991wwHpUlq5n6fKIrhkYZGDge9RNGkSKVg5kjcAE5wD3rJGx59rSvY6uwPA38c+tdMfeRN7MmvNtxZiQckfzrKOjNXqjBv8AbIAf4h15rpic8oiRyBFBByR6ChkmzF4w1CK08jzCABxzWkEZyOS8Q6jLOHaSQszc1vBamMnZGLpkIebe3I962bsZRRNrF38whjYYx2qYRvqOcraGNj5sk1ujIcWwvWq5hWIi2aTkMuaZYyXMw4OM1nKVhpXO0to7bS7PcWHm4/KuZtyZukoo43XdRa5nbDcfWt4RsZzlcyuZF5PNaGY1Rzg9RQBLESDyalq40x7jJqS9wIyoPWlcViezmKjb2qZq5pGVid32yZ7VFi72ZUvk43ryDWkGZTXUpYyehrUzJ4HK/KamSGmTiQA9aixdy9aXkkcgGeP51Eo3LU2jbsrzKnDr06GsJQN41GRXsazK2Bgj0qoXTFPVHOTJ85HpXYjjY1IstjmtIkMsRw5GMVdhDXt9o9TRYCPYw7UWAkjcoQDmmBaSX1wapMTJ4mBOO1aJkjpSACP1oaAr8FueDUWGWEXpSYyO7QbSc47VnJaFRZmMuWHzVzPQ1RVlXDVUWQxmKsQZ5pDCmIQcVJQuRQACgAoAKAFz2oATvQAooAOKADvQAGgAoAASD15oAekpAxmmId55xjmi4WAzE9TxRcLEZcnnNADSc0xBSY0BFABmmID0pDEpiA9KSGxKYj9Q15JZlPzccnk/jWJY4qQT7d80ABI6/MCehHJoGw+X3x3APWgQoBK7gVPfJ5oARyyqAck7v84pDE6fKegA5GOKBijJ5XnjOTxSAbKxEmSAA/OcdCP/ANdADMqysBk9PxoAdkbvlYHHT8aAAAvt5XOSQMc0AMPOCQRn7tAEhGM7ix4yfX8KAGs67iCowAf8KLgRF1yGHVT0/KpAQksf4nz1x3HagBQwYklgMnsOlABMVCOwUZ+6BigBhZTEpHy4AJAPH6UANE2A7Y24OQQcUMBik5wowG+7gUrgG8b+N2MYyDznNADd24ltm1j2bqKYDZuoG3IBz9T/AJzUtjsMaTcu3f68j1qGyiB8MCcEsfboahsaIGDE7uAccYHSpYxCcEDdgDgjNQMCpTOSMehHeouUJuQncR26+nak2BC7ZfC4LdM1nJjSGhN4bcQ3POf51IxdzbiVIA57fnSGKXDHC54HBz1oAR2IKgjnOeTQBLkLlWBOORz1PWgQbgDjqMfdxTCwp+UEAnrkZ9aQDOoOW6ckn19uaBiqR95Rk9MdqLCY5GIAC555xinYLjmJRc7jgcHtmkBQvH3PsPYEH1rKTLSKhySWYbjjjBxioLHQRHfjGD1xTSIZoRQ7VT7vI78/hVpCHbWZSQSD04qmIYVIwSu0ZyCO9RYoACDtBC574zk0MBAu0cDj06H/ADzSAdwW7gY64pgPiOMKRkA9cYxTAnVto55JNWiWPDAKFzk9PxpiLOnE/aAWbnjmu3B/GZVdjn/jVB53hS6GFAMeCev6mvahucFTZHyb8NR5PjKaMn+M/wA65sQtDake7tu8vCksCP6V5UjqRgeIJSLZyRk9qxlubQR58bQzSNMM59K05rFWuUrkyLO2DwvFK6ZVmhou3XAYkfXnik0UicToVyCAxPNTylJgWDcgj5e1KwzV8JzlNWjwM7scVvh3aaMqybiet6bhCy8ADv3z3/nX1sHeKPnZq0jE1dl+1Hb8uehrZbGbNXRpG8jZkgnjIqZDRoA7rja2O/bjFSw6ljydsu7GM859Km5VihrqlCAuDlT+HvWkRSKelZQBidnOTzTkSjsdHYNHy2Qe/wDKuWaNol6QlVPTHTjnrUjPEPjgm5WbHqBXRPWiTB2qHielcTYPTNfNVT2qWx0drjaOnoPauRnQi2o54PP61KLOd8YQgwBivb866sM9TlrrQxPACB/EkMbHqcV1Yh+5c56DtM+u/CGixJp0b7VB25zivn5ScmerKdjsrCAQqE4B64C0JWMHK5bd8MARtJGeuaogai4KlSDknORikxjZOhL5GeOScGkAx8NjaTxx06GhDHBSRkkYPTPrTEIRtHIx9B/nik0NEBXJJXhRzgd6ljI2DKmORzz3qJFIhfoGIyzEYOKykykVpGPmFscA9c1BSKdydygj1xg9KC0jMuiR6c9KRSM+ZxG46kj0poogG/Knd+fYUwFkkwrdRRYaKNxJ3fr9eSPSmhmPeOu4nnr0NaoZi3a7s4wR0rSIGNqEa8lR0zW0GJmNew/Nk5yetbxZlIy7mAHJAHFbqRk0UpIOCSDWikYuJVeOrUiGiF4sckYNVcVhhUdqbAY4I5xQJuxWkHtVoiRVkXrWiMWQlKdybCBadwHrxSGSw9aTGi/b9elZs2gX7fqOoNZM2RrWK5IrKR0ROgsoyRjHeueR0xVjoLQMO5yB3/nWDNkWXkHG8DnmpsO41T8p647CmgEXORuIHrihgSrxg4Ge5x/nFSMsxkdeMHjNSMcpAYDLYB5x3qraCuOZ1XJO3Azz6VIyEyBhnJ9+etFgAOAwHAOOvY1SRNyVfnG4ngnqOlSUXIFyOec9MevtQM0LeLgHpkjmobEy6QAuAM9qklCIAGO1Tg+1A2Th9zZwRzg4PGKBEcxbAXgKOn/16YGbqWHt2AweMZ9apbjR4j8QG/eMoGBk17GFPJxp52/+sNeijy2KtUhFi2zvGK2p7kSOk09ysQGMnHSu5SsjI6Lwvbtc3yKF3fyrjrO5rA+mPhnpSw2CjYoyByB9c1xPc1PUbKMIiKcZJ7UgL6hdpVCckfiKYDkUYydq56ZpAAWLaMY255PSmAo3gkt3657+lIA8xQ4yCCOuRQAjuSw3kDI65/rTsAx5lUNlhkYz2ycUWAqzy/L93I6YzSewI5nW5OCCM88YPofSuKqzeBzd7KCpIGRnIGe9YM1RkapbLIhkbBIXnjpUlHH3LrFdliCMHjiplqaRKGqzlZUmT7rDnJxx9aysdCV0c/4wiiurOO8jGGHU+tbQdiZK6MDTrstA0TEHHqM05x1uEHoVNUj2AyL0PBq4SFNdTOtpt2Q3rxWrRgEqlZN3rTTDlMfUlZ5A2Djv6V0U3oc1RO5UNz5SbV4NaWuZ3sUJJCz7zzWqM2Rsx3YHSquICSRSuMs2VtvYFhxUuQ0jehvbfTYPl2l8Vi05GitFGHqWrTXLH5iB7VpGFiJTuZb5JzWhAsZw1AExhZxuUZ+goAlt4wR8wyRUsZM0JPb9KhstEZjZetIZGDsOaYixu3pUGid0R5yxjbp2qiWVpUKMR2rRMzaBV70mwSAtjikFx8TYcHk+tDGmadlORyenas2jWMiZ7krlt3B7UKOoOWhQaQyuWHXPpW8UYNktuuTkg5raMSGy1Emc5PetFEm5I0YIJPT6VaiJsQWys3Qn3p8guYZLZkKCP5VLplcxXMbKT1461m00MUMepppiJA3B5+lXcQIMtuz+nWgC2h4BwaGhkc4DIeue1ZNFIyZeJMEc5rmkjWIy4QbCQDmpTHJFQ8GtGQhKAFI496AE70AA6Uhi+1ACfjTEFIYGmhMD1oAUUAKOmaQwBPNABQAhNAB1oASqJAE0mNBSGFUSHJ5oAOcigAJoAO9AC0mNDfWmIM8UAFAH6ils/NnA9P8AP4ViWKoO47sgY9c5/wA4oAaCGU9ucA9sUAGFYjBIAXO4nigBVLbct3Bz6UDBGCrzggdx9aAuNZujEEkD68dqQWEJX5WyzEdj0+opDGk9FBwAOCfSgAJGcYGecj+v6UACEMwVSVA7Djj+dAACVbkDPfHIoAEZccEk4+gFAA205Hr6HihgMZ8AyAc5xikBFnJ3EEEdQPWkAZOFA6dMjp/jQAsj56ggA4HHWmAxnwm4Mw5yQOuPakBDITwvfrkHvRcBoYnttHtjketIAJJwc4yewoAflgBgEgj5cd6YDssq4ByMZPvSbAhdtwOFJI4I9RUMpELkADIPPU5qGxogVgwOS2RxyMmpYxFcjIxt7Y6/jUsZGchwwJ49RkH0rJlg7HaxKk9egwKkCNgAxCjJxzntUSY0hpOGOOnIHFQVYReVw3yr2oHYV1CsQxDbe/c+1AWE3bsfMVBBwf8ACi4WHjBTrjv9KQC4ACgLux1z2p3CwF/l2jBP+elFxAG2MAcMv5UrjsKo+YE5I6hfShCZJHwSQMDPODVWEBGQcYOMjgdKBEdxLxnI+napbsWkZ85IwC23vz2FYsqxGmOuzgZyTxmkMvWqnJAGD0BJ4q0Qy2owPlbkdK0QhAhYANnJHfvRYBChJ552+mKmwIaYyzHkYPfGQaRQzbhu4Hp15qRoYu4sVG5fbsadhE8aYHyqWB9Og/OmkJkqtksCuB3rQkdhAvQNj8aoRYsDtuEI456nvXVhPjM6nwlH4pxrL4anDAbinOc5r26b1OGpsfHnhNxB8QZ14x5pH61z4nZl0We5JICgJIGeRxXjyZ3JHJeKrzfIsaDC5PQ1mlfU1Whi7xHCQpOSPyoepqkUJI1ZmDKMetTcpIpXNsnJG3I7iqTFYpSwMpyvYdKvmHbsV3eVMlgeOD709GLVGjoF+Yr+Ikc7uc9jVwVpImbvFntGjShyeTyMnnvX1dHWCPnaytIydZObvcARzwPSuhGLNXw84bCsrH8fSpkNbmqY2+04U7eQTxWdx21NhYwyrnGcZAzj8Km5oZt/bSSsw8v8zWsGjOSIrC02NscDA71MmNI3dJRkwAvbBrGRojQcKykAAggkduc1mM8j+N9qXtTIORgjPpXXHWk0QtJXPArDi6YZPX1r5qstT2qOx0ltjy1zxXEzrRaX7nXnODUAZHiqPdZ9uhNb0HaRlWXunLeCH8nxZbE8fNXfW1pnDT+M+3fBbRtpELY6KOvXPHNfOrc9OobwOMZbHpx6VZiHJDFlX3B6dP8AP5UABVVx02/560hkcgYt2GTQAgBJ2kt0yTigBQoydqqeM+1OwXGzYDYO08dcHg0rBci2/OATnjPTOallETjOWLDOPums2UivKSwwCemBz0rGRRXnB2jG0Y9+D+dSUjOmfGQCevrzikVEyrvliwBxngDrTNDPlYHKk44z/OgBo2jGBznoO9MZG5KjocHk/SmNFK5wGIY5J6DNOJRkXjAHG0E+1aIDKuuPvYK46d60iwsZd2r5I4II/wD1VqhGbdouT1OR1NaxZEjPni4zjAxWqZk0UJYjz3ArRMhoqSRc5HTr9a0TM2itKhHOKpMhorlOCMdapCsRSKfSqRLK8i55q0Syu8eelXczsRFD6U7k2GlOadxWFCcUBYfEpzSY0i7AB+lZs1ii9b4yPSs2bRNrT1+cH0rGTOmCOi05RuzkE81zyOmJtwfdyOMcHNYs23Jc4zjkdzmgdhrMApPb3oECMMjBGO3FIq5Mh+UdT65qWhD1YAAkkkHpmgBxlUDPcCmIjaTdwH9/ensAmdo5PTnA70D6CI3mMHGR7Gk9BF+AEhckD6+tQNIv2qAN83PPGTSbKNSEfKF28jvxioEx7vtXHOPXFJak6Dd5wx3Dd7ZoCxMsg3Bjn0470AQzN5nIbj0z3qkgKepn/RiOACONtUho8a+IFsWkY4OTk9ya9XCs8vGI84ltnEh4716kVc8h6EsNo7Y+U1vGmQ5GnY6excEqa6qVEzlI3rGyyoBH0rs9iZ8x2Xg+3+zXiS9Cp5HrXNUw90ONQ+hvB+sW6WaIWUDABxjj/Oa86dFpnSpJnb2WpwSj/WdTwM9Py/GsuVlXNOG8iIB3jJwRnmlYCY3CLzlMMRwT2oswIJ7+BOPMTnkEmqUWxXKFzrkca4Ulh9etWqbJc0Z0+urjIkXb02579q0VEl1EVZPES/KC2cnGM5x9cVXsSfajH1wP91gxxgZpexYe0L+nX4ngCs2c9AT+tc1RWNoO5neIw3ABX8PevMqbnVE5u7O1tueR1rJmqItpliaM8EHgikM4LxJKLa4cMOhxkHFUolRZmyqZ7Q4bIIyozwOKwaszoizFlkTY9pLtOemT1ql3G+xyUw+zXjY+6TW9rozTsy2WWeBgcY7ZrPVM20Zz1yGimyOueoroi7o5pKzA3JcFSuCDTsTzFe4UGJsHk+9XGRMo3Rz2ob1lORiuuOpxS0KofNWSOOccUASwLtO5j+FS2NIle9KLtXpS5bjvYozzvI3LcVaViWxinJpiJQtAE0Nuznikxm3p9iPLw4qWxpEj2GDkDjrmocirEi26KuWIz71NykZ98qDhcGqSCTM6WMkcdqoh6jInIABqWhphKTvyKpIGx6r5gpPQLXGsm3gdaAGBM8mncVhRj1zTEWLWXgj0pWKuNZ9/GapIhsfCMDHStUibluFMEVrFEMuxJkEn0rZIm5PFGrDaeKtIlseiKHIwcVaQmywIN3IHHWqcUK5TvLcKMhetZSgWmUWgyBj8Kx5SiIoQcClYByD/APXTSAsp0BJ6U2AOcowFZtFJmPdjEnt0rnmjSI4jKe2OtYmrWhRkGDz61ojIaOlMAOPSkMSmIKNw2D0HSgAFABQAUxAeopXHYBQAvYUhgOmadhXF70hh+FACEZoAT2poTD0piDPFIYCmIKQxOaYhTSuOwUAGc0AFMQnOOtK47BRcLH6hgRnhNoJPOWH4VkULnsN49CDQA8hi2OWY+p4FAxm5BIAWwe2D2pAhG2uqgHOOi5zmi4waRQm7a+CMdf0ouKw3zHYkYIwvr/OlcYwKfmK5AxnPSgBAxOCrEntn296AHhmb1yMZ5xn3oAQfKGIOST1BoAVypK7ztGcE9x+dAAwAOSDkn04NADXD7clQRnOQP5UmwImwxIU5AOOvPWkA1VfACqevT3/yKAHqpCEkkdvTFMBrHgjgMFzzxikAzaVU5b028f1pMCIIM4CggcjPbnrmgBACc7sKCO/pQA5Y/m2oHz129PxoAkRCEy2c9flPA9qYDCo6LxkYOB196lsaRDMVXlmOcZOD2FQ2VYqs3BBUqCxOazbHYgd9rDn5uucdaQxr85yMk/zqWNAzLjnI2gfgf8k1kyhju6856HOAcCokxpEZkJ/vqM9B05rNlodhMfNuBGSBn0pDHL84wWAB9T3/ABoAZ94cEnPoc07gIrhcDHXkYXpU3AXOR2JPHI460gHGQK5DZJx3HpRcBd42Dn5R/ngUMBm5flLAAH14ApAWDywVccjOM1aJY9VXIGcD07Z71VyRd3CkAx9uuKTdhozbqb94CsmAOAM4zWMnc0RVYhnJA5J5LfrUDJUX+EH5u565+tUhM0rUApkH5QcYBrREkoAwQGAbnkH9asQqIoGGGSMYagBQu4bW3ce/WkwEOw7gRnA/HmoGMKFWwSynPQAZpDEQbcjBPY4P86aFckBxztOGIAI/lVpCHqobg7unVvWqQh3HGFzx607CJbNT9oBbOO3OP8966sN8ZFT4Sv8AEKMnQpMnkx88dc5r247nBU2Pi6xl+z/EqcHj9+Qc/WubFbM1oHsVzqUMVvkEdM9uleJJnoxicjPcfabl3BO3ORTWiLauypKx3HDHA9TUM0Q1ydud2OPzpDKxHzEHBx29Kokh4zn1PagpEFwiYwQOQMc0Ishs4BHewuMAbhWsZamco6HsuhKQFKkFWQHFfWYR3pI+cxKtMh1Qbr5Y8r1x0611I5zV0q3MJR1G0HnO7kVEtRo1ROhldc9eOetZ2Lurlq3l2hQBkHn6/wD16TQ7mlEisQSquxGOntUNlWBbSHcpMa5P8PoKbloK2ppWduFUsVxng+vHespMtIdcRsjNjcy8jjoaVwseZ/GBFfTDhs5U9+BxXXS+BmTWqPm6LCajIBwM/wBa+dxCs2e1Q2Ogts7eODXAzsSLeBtHGSOOagZS1pA1g+7rjPFa0naRnU+E4PTJPs3iS3k6YkFek9aZ520z7U+GtyZdEgYOwzGMYr5x6SZ6ctVc7DO0EqrYPWtDIQhQd/y84GT3oAHwQFGT3Pf60rANOQSMgZzkk9/WkMUE7CWwW9c9qpIQrHhWG3BPXoQKLCEYchmBPPTpmkxoquyt91sgEcYqGUiOYAqVDdO+eazZZXf5gQMhT6dKykUinMMKQckgc/XvUFGbdEgFQfbOM4oLiZVyxZ/XtnNBZUJII9Oxx3oKQ1yQMn5h1xTQiGTPKnuM9aoCjdckkjBxxTiWZF0CTuOTjI6fyrRAZ06ZTLHpye9WhmdMrE57Y/StEySjcR5PArSLJZQuI3ZmA/UVrEiSKcsPUk81aZk0VZYz1OQfpVpktFOSPJ7A+1aXM7XIHjxnIqgsV5Ix9BTTsQ0QvEcdqtMmxC0WBgCncmxE0YzyKq5NhjR+1NMTQwx+lO4rD0jI6gUrgkWIwetI0iXbTk46fyrORrE3bAHAB6H8qwmdUDorGPHQDj07VzyOqKNSIgA4wuazLQsjblJ6gnr70FPUiz82TgjpQSSqSVGG57UrAToxIGT9KBjmc9SfoBSAhkkLEBTgHrzTQBu+Q8dB0BosIaXLNwCMUAWoPl5JBIHr2pNDuadsAQvTp2NZspGlaJjkMFIGOnP4VDGXEkwcgnGB1FSJjJ5ABg9xwM00JIgRuSoPBHemMtHIX+AY4I4OKSJsNXYQwA6jr0zTuBQupdzEFgVAqkiuhxXiTS/tcmQM8cGu/CyszixMOZHI6l4VKMGCAA9K+iwkedHgV/dZUXR3iA3IR6V68aCRxuZbgswrBsdK3jBIhs17K3BwBtrVJGTZrWSmEBvak4JhzGhH4gntn4bAHP1xWEsOmUqjNC08e3kUgwzgA5zWMsJFl+1aOy0X4kGTCzMWwO/HtXNLBdjSNfubMvxBhK7Wc88YFSsGx+3M258aCd9qHHYYGK0jhrGUqzJotflnU5Yt6mq9kkR7S497tiOCSOvHSjlQXuRpcPksGIweaHEZaS8beMkY4zz1B96zkrFRZ0nhm6Mjsu7g9/pXl4hnbSRr6rb7kzs+YfNg4H415k1c60cdqoEc+MgPnOfc+lYtGiM9LhbSP5zx0OD71BocB8SbtljMiEnPOe9dFHV2JlojB8KaqbuB0aTkHBB71FanbUujNMi16Eb/ADUOSDzWUUdDMLUoleDzRnODyKtMTWhm2txzsY5xVSiKEgvoldCwGcdT70ouzKkrox5PlY4IDVujnasCSA4Vj19qGgTM7V7fd84weeK3pzsc9WDMd8JXQnc5xfMASiwEckpIwDTsK5HnPNMQYzQA5RigCe35ODQBr22xFBJApMaLyXqKMY5qGhpkyXSntj29aXK2VcpXczOcDIqlGxLZUMcjE+nem2kCTHCNUXnBJFZtmkV3M+6Ta+RwKaJkQ8tgVQty3ApVcEVDKWgrLzQgIJCMHFWiWQx/M2ACaokuCMxx5wM0WC5FEpLZNWok3Lcads1olYTLluOnStoohlxMBQMnNbIgInYHb696YFuFTIfx6VaVyWXYlAUJnGcVokSF1bN5ZYkYzn8aHEEzHmG07c8E8cVzSiaJkMigLkAZrNlkOVBHalcBxk6Dmk2A9cP1HeobKSM7Ulx1B69aymi0R2h3rgE/lXNLQ3jqQXkRByacZETjYqVqZhSGA6UhhTQmBxQwQdqACmITvQAvekMKQxe9ACincVgPtSGJ35oACaAE6U0JiUxC5HeiwXE70rjsHSmIWgA70rDuHemIDQAUAFSUHNAH6hiTAB6/kOazGKT0yACTnJOKADIBLFie3r+f5mkNDW3MDkY6/wAz3oGDMwUYPOBgkdqQEbsMnBIXr0/z70AIJOpLDBOcHn9aAGs+XC849fT8KVwHx84Gex59PwxTQDmIC5G0N78YoEIVjCBc/MDk4HWgYihclskAD72aAEZiqjaA2D1HSkAxnI+QOGwcYx2//VSAjUg9OD79/wDPNACgNsJJOAMcDmmBLjaSQwI7k96YDP7rbQDuPP4VIEbrhCud2D07e1AEZYK2FBOOtIAA3cn7vQ4/WgBysSA2NpxnGOaAFUgf6xgpJzgn/PrTuA04D4VdvzcDvioZSIZ85BHII4NZsaKU5BwcYzz71JRA6sSueR61DY0iORiGCDk9QCMZqZMdhC3cnk+3Ss2ykiFpCxz94EZwPc1ky0IeeScr6HvU3GSqwI++3HUdDQApKgMBx0xnmkA0FVBUFT2GOo6c0hDQZGyQcgHrkc0hiody7VXJA/iH0p3AezAfMeD0wR09aTAGwoG3k7utAD8ZwGUEEcGhCZLGpKJkA8c85/lWiRLHhsBsIODjJ4zTAgmk2RActlcZ9KzkykjOmk68DJ9eo5rJs0Gx7ssCASOQO350gLlv8q/dHXHp0q0iWy0oCkE8HGQfSrRLHL8xDMB8vIH8qoRIuW3AHcM9B2pgOUswYbuB1749aW4CcNFgHPXBPU1LAF4zzweTmiwCycMMHHOapIBY+5OSvUYGapIQ44Vy3JBPA/8ArVSQhQuFwRgA8AHP8qBE1uE80dcn0NdGG+NE1PhIfHSl/DkhZf8AlnzxjmvchucE9j4e1Z/s3xHmJOP3xOR9a5sV8LNcP0Ox1fUWWIIGwGGMZrxErs9RaIqWEpVGJYj29aJ7lxLy+uBg459KgpoidsNkZzimBHjK5wFJ75xRcViORCFBzjvQUkV5yO3ShFAmEdM+vHpTW4NHqPhi9R4bfKkAJg/n+tfW5e70j5zGK0yxrBDXiyZwA2T2zXcjiZ0Fi6tag4BJXj2NZtalpiiHzJgOc9+fek3oPc1lhCRhhwccZNZ3LsaFtnywclQeQPQ/5/nUMpFmFGaUnBCjtSYFxGAUKcggdVrModIUcuu4ccZzQB5z8XLf/iWsOCADkY7114fZoynuj5llQpqsgI5zXg4lWkz18Psb1mrbV556mvNZ3ou424P8JHWoAr6im6zcZzxVQepMldHml+fK1RSOxr1qesTzJq0j69+Cd19q8M2zk7sRrjn9a+drrlqs9KPvQTPTAxb5uAvPI/z1pozF2sV+bPX+92pgJgjJUEE9e5pMALkEMTkEgdMCgB7ZPBjye4/xpgIRlhkNkZOMnFMCOVgFJ28dhipYIhbIDFgVx09ahstELlcdPyHNZspEEwxwD3x8vcVkyihd8HqQSeKgoy7s4BB5HA9+KDRGRc43ZIwO+BQWREFwMbT3Ix+tABLnOcYGO3BoQivLkDLcZHTrVAZ90ofOQB7dacTQzZ0K5AIOfbtWgGe6Zwo3AD06VaY0UblckgrnjkmrQNFGaMbjyBj8a0izNopyxl2IHHPXtWiJZSni+U9eK0TIaK0q9/biqRBVeMc85Jq7k2K7xfL2+tWmS0QSxnGMYyetNMTRCYuvFVcmxE8f+yapMmxE0eT0xTuS0RPGM1VyWiNkouS0AX8aYLQljXjoaC0XbJAXAIrORrDc6CwjywPYDketYTZ1wR0Fl146DpXNI6YlvdxnA59KksTeduc85z7UAKORzyB3oESIv8OM44PNAyU7c5Xnp0qQGuSeBnH0700F9Bo+VV35/wAKYiJ2LHI4we9AMkt84/zikwRdgUnBwCMdDUtlWNW0AwAwGQQB6is2MvRZ4JDcdMelIZM8vB7Hsc9KVhFSWYkjB4xx700gGiVV6bR7Efyp2AspOCudw4HQDik0K4SSr5PAJ3c5PU0WAz3kJbG361QNlZdjT/dGAea1puzMqkbo1o9KhvLZdqAkdARX0ODr8ux4WKpanH6/ostsxJVhnPavpKNWNRXR5FSPKzmHiZJNuOc81ujO5ZtW2Hk4z0zVolmlFIuNuccdqZI1445GAYfjmgA+wZGRyD0pcoXK8nmwsducj0NS0UM+2ykgbjj3NQOxastSmDrhu/amFjqNI1X1PQZBPSs3C5LZ0lhfISgIz6Z4rFxsCZrwIJIlbeMnnOKyZYeUV5JwTwT+FZVJaGkFqdF4RXY4XBBxnOOeteNWldnfTWh2N4M2uQrdOhGOfSuSZujzrxNKYrlcg/T0Nc0tzRHGeLdRRLcLG583BZeetEYX1Nb2RhSP/a+jMj4ZwPl9atLklcN0cJp8MunXhXnax9a7ZQ9pE5ovlkbkl6kkOxwBkDk/SvPlBxZ3QmmjKcrhl42k0FJmJqMDQyb1OQa0jK5MlbYfHcgpsOBx6VDiaRl0Mq8VvMJAraLMJrUqF8N0xWhm2JI+fvD9KdhXMu/gy25ea3hI55w1uUG4GK1MhBTEGMUAKuc0ASrEzYwKVx2LtjYTyHKijmQWN/T/AA7eXAB2nFS5ofKa8Hg25UhnHFR7UfIPvtD+yxD5D9aXtB8hiyWxGd2Bjv60nMpQKFwzLwOBTvcZSZnJ7+/FMkZPE0q/LQgeokdsygE02xJWHFWHbmgGRzFgO9NIm5HHFLN0H1rRITZPFCsLZc1SQgmkEh2qDxVKJLZEEdWzg4p2YFuMNwDVqImyzCW4H61rFEMkeTYM9PatL2EMM+enWkpXCxftLoAc8fStoslov29wpbAOR6GtUyGjUUGWIrwPxq90SZ11bjOcY+tZOJaZSmgynFc84lpmdcxMpzxWBoQLnOSOtQMsxEjkfjQNFTUhlCciokNFTTRiXHWuWodFIuahBuTPIqIM0qRuYsikN6V0JnKxmaYhakoMUAFABTEJQgYe9MQtSUAoAeBgUAKBx70AGOKAEZfSgBvagBKaEwHWmITvQAtJDYnemIOlAB2oAWgBPpQAfWgBaSGxKYj9QmUJgjJBz06LWJYKxIIA6jg45x7UAIzEDlRyeMkelSxoFZlTbtYdxQMa53bBw3HGD+VADHZskjjHvSuBEXIXceoOePpSAfncQV3cDB4x+NAArgSHI4I5xzj60wFDDGcADOQR+WaAELHkjGc+uMUXAdvHKjp2BoASRm8sMRu49KQETMSNxBAHftSAdh2Ygja/+e9NICZAobJJXA4+lUA2V/vKfTqBnt/+qkA0YPOAO2R/nikAxgBw5wAfx/8ArUANcAkEHO05ye1ADW5A5KqevGCOlIB2QGBAOehz6ZpgKSCOOCe4FSwREXBPzKMqBz61LZSIZGXBLKMDnB/z71k2UVZfm53H0689f/r1DKRC5G0naSF4PpUXKIJN6PgqwOc5OKlsCOQqrH+I+gPes5MpIqoVViM4JHABrNlE4YN9M8ED2qRibySpHGBx6fSmAu/amPl56cdKQDV3sMv9Rnv/AJ4pNgPkP3SQScZAxQgHRAgZJCntzQA5iVZRnr79v84oAeu4d8DPXNAEsanHUDvwKtCuORdp3fMDjJwKpEiuxUEgnI64JpSY0jMnIY9Dt6g+tYNmiRVDFxhST3571Ay1CnIAJJU9xwKpEtmhEp2jAXJHFapE3A7QRuHOOAT39KbQDowRuIGc8dadhEiMNnPHTp9P/rUMBWBByclh71LYCPtJUkblH8x/WkgJck5wGGO2auwAo4PzHP8AKqJEzkkkj5fXjFVYBQeiYAyO4z/+qlYVh3GMsCGBJ65psaQ6Fis6AEKc9Sa3ofGiZ/CL43UP4ediOOnPQ17kNzz57Hw14vUp8SZveU/zrHFbM0w+6NqdZJXU84GAK8bY9Vu5eiR12D046VkzVF7DeTjGfrUXExGhwucHDevemMqsgGSMkdTQMZMwCAZxkdqB3KshYtwMVSC5HI+RwSBTsPoel+Dip0iF8D7w5xivpsrleDR4WPXvG5qNm8rqwHCjjHpXqHmM07CCZbcZztI4wcYrOT1KS0NPT0CsNwx2ORUS1LSLk77lwOOcjnipSKuWLA5jG7cMdPTP0qZaDRpWuAw3Yznv1qGUOmZhh22847UguJyQp9fTjNIZzXxBgNxo0275iMnnntW9B2ZnM+Vtcj8rxA65+8a8jHRtNnp4WV0jYsCNo5PH5V5Ej0ky8RnOMn6jrUFOxVvF/dMoPUHpVR3E1oeaeIUMd6TnvXrUXeJ5dZWkfS/7OV+JtBhjA+4FFeJjo8tU7qDvTR7gg2plF5x0PPNYolilo2AK5HUjnAH+NMBAD84yxI4POT7UgF2kKVYHk9eopoAfPRyFXv6jmmAkhCxk98cKev5UWAiZm/hIyQAPrUDIwccgdeKllIgcF5XCryeRgVDKRXncqv3jlRzjrWMizNuGJDZJ6c8dKgpIyL1iVwemM89R/nNM0WhntguegzzQUKiZXkgke1ADXB5JyGHvQIqzYBznNUNMoShNpBCnBwSBVK5aM+57jPsM1aAoTqRjHD8DNUh6FSb+LP69auIilMuCeCTjHHFWiblSZMFueM8CtEyWVXjABBHvxVXJsVZoT/CNoPfFaJkOJVljHfAJNUmKxWkjwPqOBVXE0QumDzTuTYhZAeOasloidADyKdxETIAASP1p3JaIJI8jBFUmQ0RPH39Kq4mhvl/gc1RIoUYySc0FJF+xUjGPWs5GsDotOTvt5rnmdkDagGGBx7VgzdExYZ28nnnFSUAJ7jJFAh+7gdAWPrQNEigdRtAB4NAxSTggcetAChRv+YE0gGSZPAHTvTQCRgZwAR74oESxgvgfwn2pMaNO1TIGcDHp1rJlmnEv8eCMj1pMC2NyDP58fyqRMhmYhcZA69DQCK53biG4Oc8HrVITK1xKS37vjnnNMaQRyssgAOePTmi2gmy4NzKpz07igSVyMjcvQepPvQOxkyuQ7N7nNaLQTNnw9qZgkKM3QcCuqhWcWcWIoKSNvVrOPUrdZFA6YYY4NfQYXE2PDrUe557rejmJySjA59K96nUUkedKNjnJf3bbX4wMitrkCfaCqjrj2NFwsWLe43HLevrTTJaNiCbcqklf5VRNiO5UythAMk4A9aTKOp8DfDqbXpxJcbli74xxXFXxCpoqEXN2R6nafBvQktQDCxcHrx1rznjZ3N/qvmcn4n+GjWGZNNDDB4FdVHF30ZjOi4mHpuiX6lfNJUAgV0ymuhkkzrNOggtYwJHHqT1PFc83c1iht5eQPtSIjJODu/xrmq6I3po2tBuAs0ZU5JwOa8ao7s74rQ7viW2wAvToAeaxlsWjzTxwRFcs2MBT1xXLLc2R4v42umkvU2ydM47d666EE1qZ1Jalnw3dRrHguDu/D/PenUplRncj161jEgmQHaec1ph5X0JrLS6MK+KhuD0qcRT1uiqFToZ32jLjnnv71y2Oq9yOeQFCDjB7560rFc3QzZ1KNkH9KpeYrWG/LJHzz7UD3RnXUZQ8HitYswlEqzucda0RmyuZQVKnFWkZuRUukAGQOtaRZlJFcCruRYkRNxobGWoLfODjg1DZVja0y0hON2D6iobZVkdfoNrpylTIo/Gs3zMtWR3mlTaVFCCEjOOMetRyyByRY1HVbJIj5aJj27VSpvqJyRxHiDUopmYKQAemDVKixc6OTupAcgEE/Sq9kw50VTC8wxs59cU3HlDnuNOlOR8wPHtU3KZIunMi/dP5VRLZBLbMM8VViLlSRGGRt4q1AVyr5bsdpXODzWqgRcu20OzjpkfnWqgQ5C3dg7AvtI9KpwDmJdOtYUXfIeTVwiiWyPUFUt+7GRRJAmOsrYS4BU+tVCNwbsaNlYozDI4zitYxIbJrzTUWMcfWrcFYSZlG0COSFBrJRsVclFuduVrRRE2CrJHyRxSs0BfgvpEABTIx1q1UfUlxLSTrIuMnp3qroVgljBj+XofWokrlLQy71Acg/kK5JqxqncoFMOSP/wBVYlCFiBx1oGV7tiVOKmWw0RacoMvAOa5ah0UjXnRXh561gnZnRJXMG+iCsQBXRFnJNWZSIrS5Fhc8UhhQAUAGKYhO/NMQUmNAetMQ4VJRIv0oAUUALigBCuaAIj1oATFMQYpDEOapEsM9MUhhTEFAAelK47BmmIBQAUAGaADNAH6hHcrc/Nx1wTmsCyNm2qysMDPQnk0XHYaJCQT0Oc49KQxu/AOCTzjOegpXAjJIOW7c8H16UAI74wMDnnI7etIADLv25bHfPQf5zQAOdsfOTxj3xQAoIWLAbceD9PegA3qsYJJ4PUH9aAGLNuDEMwz3HABoAfvGcZB2nPvQAGXeThvunoT1oAQKAMs5AAHIosBOhBywOd3BxVABIC4X5iOpB/lSuAu0kcFwfToR9KAEVOGywAxjrk0WAZIoOMNg9ef8/wCc0AR7RvYleCPzx39qkALFV3KCAOBz+tAApOBuQ5zlT3oaAQt8wX5ix79Mex/z2qWMgmGCTkNycY4rOTKSIZGJXaQSAeuTn86koibnAAHOTUtARsflGOecnHasnuUitMFCAnjHGT1xUSdikinJI53cLgdF4/z0rJlkIIXj5egxxWbYyRCAhOT2AA7/AEouA8H5QTwfTsKAE3HouCPTv+P60MCTGWA4wOhoABtXBz14GD19qdgHA/KFcH05A6/5FSA6JflJ55Pc5oAcnIyF3Z5Oew/xqkhFldu4AFjkdTjFWhMc2VfeTzyaYirdPsXBOOvI/mfespMtGXK7klRuFZssdBHkdDkdPeiwjTtowigr97oQa0SIbLW1T0B+vOMVYhoPIzkMo7HpTAMMM85BA57/AEoAWNst8vIxwO/FTIAwA24rwenPSlYdhyg5LYK5HTkgVSQhyncFZlUE9BVWESllXggHJPDAVSEN+ZZCAF96AHh8kFBkY646imAgbJ4we44xn2NJgOiDPIDt6frWlD40TP4RfFQZvD5BIBwcnHXp2r34bnnz2Phv4kjyviLIY88yf1rPEIqg9TsLOBUsVdwCQOK8Ko9T14bCJtLncBmsjVksTb3xx+dAiw+Nn3ccY6/rQFyhIihhgk88+9BRUd8thuCOmehpgNVQRyM0IZDJjzOOmfSrFfU9B8ESBtIGSu5G7HmveymXQ8fMEd3bDci5Ib2r2W7HlpGzaRAR5xx35H5Vg2apD5UwhYZCgfnSQPQrxE7BkdeADVEl2zK4wMA9wehpNFJl+F+CwxnqST2/zis2ikxj3GXER4OT1pWBsmZ8c4DDHfrn/GlYZneI4fN0aXOcYJPHJH9K0pP3iZ7Hyh44j8nxEw9z/wDqrhzGPvnbhJaFrTnzEM9xXhTR60S+GJTvWTLSIpckY4PHNUimee+MIfLuSfQ16eHd1Y8zEq0j2X9mG9JheAtjb0zXnZlG0kzbCv3WfSSsCqpknKjO2uKLLaHEnaBkkjGMUwHqpVcDHvz3piHryoGD9adgEBOcEjH4fnQAx8ZyDyOoI9O4pARk/M2eey8VLGQOcqcdDzxxipZRFISC2TweMAVk2WkVZSFGBkjBzx2rOWpRl3GA2MYYHqc1JaMm8b5i5yRmg0KuzOSST6g9aLjHxrtwu7PcED9KAIpF5OcjI70CKs64Y9s8GqQFC4J83DHtzgVSLKcm3AOwD61SKuUJ1xyDnGOCOlUhFSVR3TnPWqTAqyrkccc9DWiZLK80XUHd7GqTJaKk0Z6Fup64q0TYrSR4BBGR3q0wsVZUJPpVImxUkUHI3HpxxVEldkIOMDnjmrEyKQKAcU0xMrunbBqzMaycckfWmIhdDg96dybELLkHAHSncQzacj0q0ybCBDv5/nTuM0rJchfc1k2bQOgseME5z6VzyOyBrKQqbjkHg+1Ys2EY8BtwYZoAVWw24D2FICZMKAT296BolAOccYx0NAxfl3evPPFADZGJ4O00CGZBU56n9fegBQ2QoBPvQBbs1+UZB9Rx/OokUjTtjuydvfHpmoKNOEKq4yvPXPepYEzkpwGxxyMZpbiImwTk9P73eiwWKt0wA4DZIwD3qkMpOrE7mOSKpEsdENp5ODjNDBK5biclAuflxzSGSlW2A5xgdDQBl3FsxcsQD+HNUnoTa5nyu8Ljbu47Y6VaFJaWZ0PhvXCWVJD0I6nqK7aFZxep59ehzK6NjV7O3vbfzIBkkcjPFe/hcTrY8WtRscFreiAlihOQeeOa9uE1JHnyi0crdRGCYxtzg9a0BCwkgg+4zVITRopc5XHHPaquQ0dH4bsmmlErD5V9RXPXqco1G59C/DhLe1so1X73XpXhVpOTO2kkjvDLH5eCwP49KwNro4/xTfWkEkhd0UL+GeK3ppsyqSseX614g06JJMOhBY9D0r0IxZzPU4DXfHgVzHARgnOcmrbUdwUWzM0HxPc3+phJJ8ruBrz8TU6I6qULHr+kTeT5UxbJbr7+teO5XZ2Wsj0+xKS2gKDllHOOKT1QkeafEsFGd2BVO5x09q5pL3jaJ85eMr5jdb1JBVjnB969KgtDnqO7I9E1WZwiksFHQCt507kxlZnT216LiBoXYhgvANcE04u51wakrHPap56MSwzz1zXQpKS1MHFxZn/vMhzkA9eetcs4nVCQ+TEkJIPTtWSNXqURIxJR+vSqa6iUitIxhYnrzVJXQm2iOR1k5zTSsK9ylPGck44zWiZlJGfMu1uK2Rg1qMlIaOqiSysasgdG+GFFguXFmKgYp2C5YtruRSNp5qlAXMacOoToMqSPxqlTRLky1Hqt2V5kb88VaponmZMdQu5Fw8xIx0zV+zQuZiIk91KI0diTScUgTZvWHhovEskzZOOneuec0tjRI1H02zsowflzjFczvI1VkZF3LC7EKAFA6HrWkaTE53My5lDNha3jSbMnIqyDjODzxW8aSJchv2RZFzWqpEc5HHZBSeMk81Spi5hY4FMhG3gdKrlFcuTL51vhcnaOapxBMzYrVo59rA7T6ms1Gw7lidbSOPaXBb0q2kJMrQ3BQ7VHTpUJlWLMU5jkDeYfwrSLJZZlvBINu7rWjehNiqWQvjIqFuVYtQNHjsQP0rVMllgpE/UcfyqnaxNyGe3hwDkj3FZOJVyqiNGzAOT6E9qjUouLc/uwjkcdxVc2grGfdyqDhcjHSuaqaRKErHP41gWNbGPX3pDKs2WOAM1EnoUkWtPt2T5iRwa46judVKNi05+XBBHPWskbGbqSBiTz+NbwZz1EZLDBrUxEyKdhXCgApDAUAFNCYUMEIKLhYkXpnFIY8DigAoAdxQAUARSjmgBmaYgBoAQ9KLhYKYgoABQAGkhsKYhKACgA7UAFAH6fZAAbBUnJ2jtXOaiF/l4GRjjnrQBGSflIUHIwf/1UgItwJ3HaTjB9qTAeCCWXo3bB/wA+lICMqGPzYIzgYxRcBzAAgjJz36Z/OmAmCTvGM4xnvTAduwAVGWAzj14pARBmzkAAYwQaQDFLDODyB8oPb8KAAP8AMoRsD2OP896ABJDv6DPUnoRQBMrF3IYHI5DYx9MmgCYMQORgZ5x3+lUAuSQGYHJbtzx/SkA4jMWCoXJGfemkArKUUY4wQOKYELgEjggfXIpAJkYYsQxHyk9vbj8akBGAIJY53DHTnNADQW25JB54PrRcBu58Z9OqnnvWbLIJDuJG4Y9KzYyOVsYXOBnoT16Uhke3cAAcj+99KTBEThQNqDCknOPWsnuUirI2eP8AWemayky0VWUbclvcD7tQyyPBBxhRtJ9s1kwQv3gRnnPIz0oQMM5DMxBBxx79qYDkJyeARxjaOnSgCTIRSVJ+mKYAo3LkDk9CDQA4f6oBzjjaP8KkCSAFsEoVwcD34poCZAdwwAPqOlWhMdGjhDt5U8nBxVEiM+AGXGMc57Um7DSMe6kO8hgcnrtPWsGaJFdWG9sA8cEn9KkZoWkahsD6gjt61SRLNKNf4CuWJ/u961SIZIckZJA/DmqARVPmlkwmeoPPNADn4AORn19OOlACjazAc9PSpaAaASQucAnjjiiwEnAzgEHHH/16pCYDaeoGOgHtVEitk9lyP8n+dFwGhlwegHJ47UDFLAktgE5zx6UXAVXffjccAEj0GelIAjcq43beW5564rSj8aFLYt+KJFbw6wYlSBnntk//AFq+hhuedPY+Ivieqn4kZwRmT+tTidEOhudXO+IFUYxjivnpP3j2YrQrBSM+uKkosW6gAAHGTUgJI2ATn35FA0VpSWyoPzdB6VQ3oUZAS5Lds9TTERySFUAH445ppA2RId7Z2nGe9Uxo7r4fTsttIn+2CM16+VP3zzMetD0qwwIkGOmM17kjyUbdpjZ83GOuBWTLiPuQBD/ERnuTQhspCGTLhMHHQH3qiLFiwhk8wbgVAxg9aGxrQ0lBONw+boSO1ZspGTqt2LdyT8hPPuaqMbik7GjpEouoBJ8uT36VElZlRdyxqZD6fKApYMhAI7UqfxDlsfKHxWiEXiBznq/WscxWqZvg2UdLkPljPcYzXz80exA1Gk+Xrkn07Via3Gg8dM/XrTsF9Di/G8R8xmxjiu/Cs4cVudl+zXe+VrssG7AbHfpWOZx91MMI9Wj60tmBtkUdcY7cV5UdjoluTg5UBuuenQVRI9GO7HYdj0qkIe2ARgYA7Dn6VVgIyoLnBOSO5qWAkgKAYGD9O2KQEGU6ZAGMKMYOfapZSI5slM4OSOV71DZSIZixHyt0HfrWbKKV4TtByCSORmsmUkZd1wD8+D0waRa3M2Us4IwcD9aDQhCsfvkc9OeOKQDwFz6E+g7UxkTLlSwOMDGO5oEUpgN+7pxVAULgFmwQcg4zmmUiq+cYOOvTpVlopzAbcKDn1qkIquPlJG4kjrVCuQSIeCQQc4zjvVoGQSoCMAk9eKZLKsq5B4I47jpVpklK4Tc2euKsW5VkTnocg800xlOVAD6A9RWiZDRAyqTg9Pc9adxEJT2x6CqTJIXjAPH51VyXEjdenpmqTJaIGHA5+tMgay9c8U0JkLJ1PAAqriGpHlwME5qgRq2KYbnGD3rNm8TatF+Xn8a55HVA0AWwQCenPesmbCM3GCVAxSAfGSfmzgE9zigCZchgQOR0wOlAEoJAzncRzQUDScEDkEYyKBEecdTx059aBELtnoDTsBPbKMZIPf8AOkNF63+bAyc9TxUMu1jXs0Plhh36571Ay8jDaT6DjPNSwCT5gF5yP50kIilbC7SRzjJBqrDIDnIDDA6imAyVRsJ2krjjHegVisz5kAGenWqsK463c7gSTtXpu5pNCRoI6sB7joalljCu/OXJI/nTAxtSjPmkZOT07VcCZGePMgIcZAHStEzNxubfh/xBsmWKcMRnjJruoV+V6nnYihfY6S/soLi2M0J8zdxkf1r38Lintc8atSsed+INO3FpEHQ5x617UZcyucMlZnP7xG5UggdxVXQh0UgWcHqPrTuJo9f+HVpHLCh2gg46D2rz8U9TSkew6HpqpErIAvTkHH6V5T3OnlJNbllt7VzG7jaDznBqoK4S0PAvin4nvjK0a3BPPIU13qKjG5z25nqeYya1cTKwEh/E0e0uaKBzeo3UjOxZyfpXNVmaxiaPgC9Ca1EW5+YA1w1XdG0VqfROkS77aIg4J68da8+W50Hp3hq4Y2UfKktwO+aaYrHL/FK3DWjnHykZ49cVnL4i4nyv4wXF4ynGc8816VBaXOapuZtlKsC7skGu9WaMdUbVnqGG4bO7iuPEUjelOxcaRbxBE2NwGa89vkZ2pc6KGqbY0WMJ0GQapPmIa5SrBMF5ONvoe9RKBpCdypegB/MQc/Whdhvuiq7q+Q5wRxVcthc1yvKpTJBH0prUl6EZkDcZxj1ppCvcqTKGJOa1iZSKMrgZxWyRgxi/NVEhjBzQA8HkYNUtRFiDGa0RLLqMD36VokJssQnPfmrJNG2j8wjn8Kd7CsdBpSW9uvmMATisZu5S0NKbXF8n90uOMdeazVFlc5i6hqMs7tudsHt2raNIlyKRkfPyjH41uqVyHIaoAO4nNXyWFe5FI25uScCqQmEblGyp4zVCLURD5+ULQBVfck3HPPUUluBbjmjgXeACGGMVctBGfeiRwZFQr3HNYy1LRRsbWS6kDOcDNEYNg2Xry1EOCm08805QtsCdyXSYFmc+bxzxVwjfcTLNxYIXAUjHqKpwvsJMy72CWGQcgispRcWUncs2SeYwzkVrFXIkyzdqUwVZs4654py0EiDzyB1/DNZcxdiQFTHwc5HPOaAKrZHPIweKh6FFKWXL4xk1zzkXFEDrIzHCnFYOaRqotipA7ZGD1rN1UilTbJktVTlgd3cZrnlUudEKVtxrSKvAPI96z3NNhQ25Qc49O9DVguR3fMZ3dqqG5EtjDnHzn0roRzMZVEiZoAXPpQAdqQxO9MQp6UmNBTsK4+OkxoeOlIYUAGaAF9KAGSdBQBEaokWkxoSgBKYgoAKAA0AFACGgBSaAA0AJmgD9OXlIbavTPOO1ctzUTcQMqWwDnp1FFwGliVBKg57enHtQA5sckDj6f1oANrBgqgACgBVG4gAk89KAHSKcHGe+Sev+FMBvy9B8uB05/GkA2U5c4ODn8KAGZDHa7ZJ6gd/pQBFtJZQQ230zkUgGMCrcrjI9fegAw0bYJDKBwaAJlyuCcZx2/nQBITldyMO2cd6AHLJk7QQMHt1I9OaYEg+YkMT/ALvSmgBjkbQWO7BOM8c0MBshYgAjduPVu3vSAYwfzCWI2k8D1oATO2Pci/LySuaLgMbG7Zu5+vSoGhku8AbTx04Gf0qGykV25OOh9j+dQxkRIPIPK+3epGNyMENnrkZ9alsaIGbnbnJ68enpWbKIpSOhDHnI9qyZaIZMjJA6Ht3qRjNg7cZPJFRJDEdcsBj5R074qQEwVAXYWbvuPX6UhjVBAzg4HFAEqghDwSw9DVoQ4gK4yMt3+nrQA47iV24UDt6UgLG0Anqe52/59hTQDlY9N2SB+dWhMczEgnGM9QaCbFG8l2jZuPze1ZyZSRkTOd2MHkZrMsmtFJYAdCBz1z/nihAzWt4do3Y+Yjk561oiGyyu5c7mJxzkitEIfllI4yT9KQC7GyWJG0UwFxuXluPbigAyMDI/qaLAL3b7oz0x3NKwMOnzHK4HHGfaqJF+8cZwSvU9/wDPNUAhIB67c8j8TSYAwyM5LEfT/JpXGOXcqbmGBjr2/SgLAw4BU7T7UhjIn2S8hSd2Saqk7TRMtjS8RKreHHyM4yDX0lPc86ex8R/GJdnjxHAxl/60sUtBUNzoIBmGPd6DPI9K+clue3HYkhBefocYpDL06eSuf6+1K4kZE0jKW5G30xTWpSdiJJwDz+nFOwXIp5Vds/ypoRVlbeQQ3fOapARJhTnI4pgmdd8PJsyyR5xwTXo5a/3pxY5Xgem216IFUs2ABwa+jcbniXsasV7GbXeOcjvms2irli0naVCpO4g+tJxGpCzzNEc/KOoA/Hg0WGXbK6jlJBPbHTvUNAXV2heBjaD16n/GoKMfWrU3CkLk4GBnHX/OK1g7ESVy1oNsYYcOpAwCeeKioyoLQ05wHtpAhb0J7Hj0qI7lM+X/AI3W5i1dmYY+b04ozBe4maYV+8cxpTbYl9QB05r5ypue1A01kLEEHGOaxaNCZcEE8Z+tIDmfG8YNuGwORzXXhXqc2JWg/wCCF4bXxci5I34H61rjo3pswwztM+0NKcTWisORtyTjivChsds9y5GegAYqw21ZBNHgE5Xp0K1QmDHLbj93ocDnNV0EhjBclueOM55qRjWDbQBggf5zQwRC+MkkHGPmHf0rNssrvnG4HG3nIx+VQxoicdSuegB7ZrKUmWjPu2PVRkjg+9ZlIzZzgkFQcfpQWiidr4zkdfwpMsbEhJLEEEevfFAEjY/iUZPTAoQIrMp2nPCjk0wKkyjPIJ/lTQyjIONo5PQZPtT6lFKRdzHI6D9faqQytIoDFQMAep7VaCxWMfzlMn1w3WmgGPGThR0Pf3qkIgdFPI5A7itCWVJVBUkcf4U0Ioyj7xHp19atMClcBt3B/IdKsTKkgzyCT7VSEV/LJOBjPr3qyLDSmc5HSi4miIoM8DAz0p3ERtGCPx7GquFiF0A7DnFNMlxI3jA4PT0p3JaI3iLcY5xVpkNDUhw/Jx71VyTUtIiMZHzVnI3ga1spH4DtWEmdcSyvAP8Ak1majOoOccdMUwHo2Dn264pATqRw350gH71Xv9OKBjMgHkH8KBDXl7KOtMGxYRnbkGkBZU8/KePSgou22CASoIPPJqJDRqwnIz0A44NZ7FFlH2gLnA9Ov60t2IPMBXgH2OadhleRsydfw7mmgEZ8JtwQB70AQSsCpwcc96BFc54Xd9DWiZJG8m3jBA9qW4bElvcHeMA49cUmh3NFHypIwcDripKKs0HmPu25x6f/AF6dxNXKF9Htz0wB61UWIxGRml3qdpHOR0rdMycbnWeGdakjXyJ23KB3PauzD1raHn4mh1LeqacsxaWFcpJyD6GvocNi7LU8SrR1OQ1vRfLkYZIJ5INetCakrnHJOLMF4/Jk+YYPvWlrC3O38CeKhpkiQzD5Mj8RXPVpc4J8p734X8UWN3Zq0LxsT715FSi4s6oVU0c38UPGdrYWUgFyuW/hBB/z1qqcLasVSd9EfMPi7xIb2+lkBzknBqp1OhcY2RzYvdqk9TWfMWUbi4Lg9BWUtSkaHgl2GsxY67hisprQqL1PprwxIPsqkkHAyeea86SOlnofhW6bZtY5yQAMg0hFf4hW5m01+pGOo47c1LGfJHxBjaK/kwTjNd9F6HPM5WKVyQFbpXZEzZZNyYhkMaqWwkdBokjyQG4JPPQGvMrQ1O2lPQuzNHcoV49c1zK8WdLtNGTqf+jxgA5I5raLUjBrlM+C7DZV+9DgVGZDOvJK9j2poGupD5xIwxzjpT5SecrzFicr1qkiGyCWQqmD1NWkQ5FNxnp+NaoyYiHZTEIzbjzTAenarRJYjYDtVoTLMUgx0rRMktW7YOetUIvR3OP4TSYFhLx3IUcU4xBkkkzhMZrdIzIVcs2cH0NUkgZYEgwB6d60vYRDNPlgAOMelQxoY8i7c+1K4DPNzwScU7gSfagigYyf5UmwsOa5DoSPvenrRzBYLT9++xzhfari+bcTVi/tRk+zoSWXsabS6CMq6d7STagK7vyrO7RdhRG7ndJ8wxxg07Nq7FsMjm8mcRqxHrzUqVmNq5rw+c0e6MBhW/S5mypfEmQBuv0rObKQWxK8jcAPbrVKSWo3Fis7SHBO31NYVK8F1LhTkyC4iYciQEe2a5niomvsJDVVlTeensaxeMsaLCt6krNG1uXIxgetZPFyehosMVfLiwpI6+lYSrSZsqMUSTtFCqj9fesuZs0cVEbJMBEX5J9qAvZXKZneVSM5Ap2J5rkIO5uc+9MnckQ7SR0oKHyZaE55zQtxS1Rh3a7X/GuiJyyWpDVIlh1piE49KAFoAKAE9qAA9aAHRnnHNAEoI28VJQHvQAZoAQmgBjnimIZmmIM0AIc0AFAAaAEoACaAAGgAoAKACgAzQB+mkLKFCZLKPU85rkNQkB2nfjB7dvpTuBIh68HYvQ55NAAccjeSOwzjn3oAIzwSEJIGOT/9agB8SbiyBWfk5HXA7UALs2lfuhgSMnrTQDSjD5mz0PI6UgI3AfG3BHU9+fb9aTAibDHK/MSOlOwCMGYkN8vOQD1oAGXjBHynkcUgGqDGSeAPfsaLgPZl6YUAngjHJzQA12fJ2kHjIxT2AljwzhhjOOMHqaQDwSqvhixOD8tMBxG4EfMTyW4zmgCNeR+8B3DIAznnsKQDhvbG7GOTwPancBmAflTLIx6+gqWNDH+ROuc98dRUsorl9oGDgHkDv3/z7Vm2NEcmcBlzzyM5wRUsYwSBsM27GcYByKljRCzkKQwA75HWs2xojclmyctxg8cj/CpZSI2L+WMAEgYOKzZQ0MVYIRgdc9McVI7jGCl8kdunr7UMBoIzgL8oHdcVLQxqR5IAIAHHNKwC+gUbc9M0coD0x5YU5AJzzznNMCRc+YAORntihgPWMtkuoJ6E9/8APNFhEkQO0J3xjOM07BcVc7ThSxHXApiIpXwB3yNxHbPr7VDY0jJuGZ85Jye9ZssqAEtgjp/DjrUjNPT4VyAFBHXGelXEls0mVFwI84ZeePyrREE27jK4BHBA6mm9ABNqgKoAPXn/AApIBQ77N4yuO2eMVQDiygcZx6HigQjsHYsCuTwc0DEwH5Iyx6888f060Axy5RA20kYwMc1SJEyEUhmxn3pgJuzIWJU8elSwG5JJwT6570hocu1vnAHbBzn9KBjifkztPr6UmA1SpkGw5OMNinT+NCktDU1wE+F5QvXvx09K+lpvY82psfEvxuCp4zift5hzVYrYmhublln+z42IySlfNT+Kx7kNizZQsV3swGKlsbJLuQ7jkn7vp29aQIybpiWzk4zx7mqQyuqDpt707iGyoFAzkZpoCs2ecE4q0MgZcOc54pk9TpvAkjLqTxqcFlOK7MDLlrI58Ur02en7DNYxsCFO0ZxX1Nz55ou2sZWwYkndyv1qHuV0LekOVcqwI7YxzSkCNC9jYocAcjnjFQipFfTFaO4IZsgE4JNVLYSN9Wyvrj1P51lYu5E/3Qc9zxjHFNCNGwA2byTgDGR0rKW5a2IZGwWUHIyQCePpQhnzn8eIgL12BPXt0rTGK9EMPpOxwejHMSgnjtXzVVHuU2bCAk549Olc7ZsTZOw5wB6VIzC8XJvs+eSBXTh3qc9fVHO/D+4Nr4stXB6yAfrXfiI81NnDSdpo+4fDEu/S43U8gDtyeK+bjuelM18cAk4JHXHBFWQS43rtToehH1qkSOOGiKvycHINMCE4JBCjb6nvSsMYw28cAKMEf5696TGhs2dpyDnGcnn2rNlFUnYuScYI5rORSK8vMeQd3f2rKRZnXEgVyAoUjPapKSM+bd8+Sc9dooLSKpIA27RkcY6nNIonCMzY9+mKVhCMGCHnGD1z+NMCvcKBwQMHkD/9dMdylIo25GcngGgZTnjAOBx6DFFykUJR8xGflzjFVcZWlUb8jvxj1xVob2Imi5zj/wCvViI2UjHUDIH1poTIJY1IA455GK0uJrQpzp95TggdxTJKlwvOSp6elNMZnyo2M4+la3JKci4JI7dP8aoCPGCGPH0ppisIU4BONw6VVxNEflEKSR9KBWIpE2gY/OmJkZiGee1O4rEZjGBxx9KaZIzyu/r61aZm0WIbccHiquSkX7eAJtwoI7CobN4aFwIVyeg9qxkdMRJDlsHINSaNgDznnmgY4ABiTigCVDlsYHrUgPck4Gc98UARyHAbA5+mKdgIkJIBJPNMRYQk4A6ZApDRdgj3dcjHPA71LZdi9Cg3AZC46Vm2OxoQDYAc7e2cZ5qWMczjAJHOckk0WERliTnOB1pjGkkZBIwPzoAiy7YBAJ/CgQuPkIyAMc5FAFaYjJIblfXpTAiVC59ASPxqtkIcAYh256c9RS3HYntZmJCHjPQ0mrBcvoOflJB6dam4zN1WIuGPPPf+lXHclmbHBhevrgVo2SkU7tGWUbMhqqLsTUimb/h3V3jKQ3BOzHOa7KOIcdzgrYa6ujc1a3tr2Pzo2ycZwK9/CYq1kzxa9E5LUtIWTJKcg847V7UKqkee4tHP3lvJbuVKtjkjirJRv+GZ54bZmWV1wvaonZha7OY+IN9JJCwaRjnjJ71yV0kjemtTz0oS2Tk/jXBa50iSJngVLQEWzjnmpsM0PDsy2+oxyZIwe1RNaFI998HagZrVAD82OuK82orM646nonhW5dLyINhlPcVkJ6HTeKWD6SSWGSuCO4470MEfJnxUh23LOQBnP867KL0MZo83WfYT611KRnYFd7iUL74o5mwsdTcSix0mNFHJGawauzVOyJdFmaRRznNZTgmaU5sXU2jlbBPzcCsoxcTdyTMK5hdHyhPFbJpowkmthDK23k0nEal0IZMNk0LQHqIh7t0pgivdru+6MVpEymV0XtWtmZjJEZm4p8rFcWOB27VSgxNluCyc9u1axgyWyzHYOW6GtFSJci7b6axGCK0VMlyNCDR/l5K5HvWqorqS5Ej6Ww6KcGn7JC5iWOwCjI/SrVNC5i1HY7/vY4rRQRN2OGmEMcgZA5p8grj4dGLNu4GKPZoOYlbR1EuOvrzRyIOYkXRYvK7HPvmh00HON/sOLGfXoe1L2aHzsrz6IuQAe3FS6Q+cjbRMDIxj2qXTYc5Uns5YJDgjNRytFJ3K6yP54fBLL2FRz23K5S3qFs0lsJ/KynY+hpSrQ7jUJEtraPLabhs6YxmoliqcVa5aoyZmajpxjkDZGe4zXLPFx3RtHDSe5rWUsFtaLGwbzcfdz1pPMXy6IqODdyhfEhRIOB29RXLLGSnuzo+qKGrC9kkitEfn5j0NYxrSehpKhCKuNSVZrclG+fH4is5SlfU1jCFtB/lv9iYlskDPNTfUrltEpWVz5ymAr+XGaqUbakQlfQbdqRbFFxz2pxeopLSxS06RhP5bHirmtDKD1syfV4yBvXjnpSgy6qdhtoQ9sQQSO5zSloxR1iQRnY5GcfhVErQbISkh7Z6UxbMkAyBjIyaQyRA207hSHYytRXDYreByzRSrQgWgBO9NCYUrjsFFwsBFFwsIaYhVyDSY0SLikMdnFADSeaAENAEZJ5qiRO9ABQAGgAoADQAn1oAKACgAoAKAENAC0Afpgigyn5mI7HGD9K5DUmHClWBPfJFADgoJGFI+Xkeme1AAV5LYLHg4pgSqAAGDgnjnB/8A1UAJHgKSBjB4B7+5pgPQjdtJBJ4POOaEBG67eBg8Zx7UgIWJI+XlsjcvpSYEZIU7QOSOOOM+lDAYgL5G4jPp60ASBGAyX3ZJ4HTFAEZXlgCQAMYJwf1oATqV5QY6Y70AKCM5JBx0znn3oAUbVkP7w7h3A9aAJBITwB1xnntRcB6tlshcEEn0wKABvvBuTz60AK25AuQd/ftxTAjmAeMBcfeGefTtUMaI5WJKtgknjFQyiuR8uADx0OKgYyQBhneR9PSkxkLdduCFyO/U4rKTKRE5yPLIGep/+vUjGH5Y2xt7eoqWNDeSwK4Oe/v3qGUgxtXdgsMZ5/kakZHICGwFP55P40DEVV6kkZ9KBClQSDjJ5/E0Bccy/IRjGeu0frRYYKOm4AgcZBpAKFAIwML056UgLMQGzH1P0qiWx2FABHJ6An0oEiJmw2SMZznmk9BlS9lwQq85zk/41k2WkZkuGk3HJXPQ+tRcoIFDMuEwT6fShAbVvGqKCSAAMYXjFaIhlhiOR0XP5itESAwTkHBIweMUgHqvzZbOAOT1oQCqeApJz6npTuAoHzfMR6cdKLgLzuKjIww4FMBq5JJYEk9gOPwpgxRwwDKQA2BjpTJBxh8+nc9PwoAbgjkDgg8jr1pXAarFsAEg9896RQ8ksCPmHuPSgBsnHHlY9h0qWAoJLKdoxnA5P+cURdpIJbGnqodvDU6gDHTPQ5r6an0PNqbM+K/j3F5XimBv9vrnNaYlaGdE2NNy2nwIgByoH6V81U+JntxeiNKBNiZwBjr3rJssq3OSCMjPQ800MoyKMEdWxmmBABtU9R7U9wK1y+Wzge1WkJsiUYUjGM02BHtU55PHSmI3fBy7dciKnk/L0rfCztVRjiI3gz1fRuIir56elfW9D516SNlYUMTbMAnketRfUpLQp6essF2wdsAngA1UthI0rm7+baVUnsDk1CQ7kImdLpSV5bpmqtoBvwZaBWDcgAfrWTKI7hwrA7R1xQgZo2RYqoIG0+g4rKRcdieRN8bhflx3qbj6HgPx+tPmaQKfu9DXTXV6DJpaVDyTRXyoXOMd6+aqnuUzpLfpjHTtXHI6EPlOcgADPp2pIGY+vRtJYvuB4ropO0jKorxOD0qQ22uQyc/LKP516b1ieatJH2/8Orpbnw7btuz8oJP4V8zJWm0epJ3jc62PgHKAADFWZkgwj/IflJ5GOaYmAYbd2DlhnOe1NgiKRuchQO5I5JpXGRkjzPUjrkHFQxoYcE9Rx1IHH0qJFIgmKgYyFA45Hesmy0U7rP3s/KB0Xp9f1qGUZs7Bjg8N154xUlIqTEsAVx64pF7EZX5gSpz3xzSGShWwwK89aYXEcnZgAbTgbgelMlsr3CgE84HbFBSKEiEDAGFz1oGVZuBk9F980FJlORcKqkg98ZplFR1O7J554xWiAjZMkqAcdjzVIBhRuOBxwPyqhEMgyvTtkZFUiSrMvy4XCrntVIDOmXHvzVIChOmSW25H0qoiKroTk4AHr6VdxCbMuAPTrQA3y8McHAA54p3AY8fGeTz0p3E0RmIe/pjFFwsMEe71HHJxTuKxGyMORVJkMWKAZI4H0q0zJouxw84Axx2FO4kW4ocJjaQetS2bQQrfLzWbOiJXk+YnnFItjd2SRyPYCgVyVMEDOOKTLJFJABJGaQCMcDGOcYyPf1pgRLnP3s++aYDiQRgAZoEy3bLzlR9alspGjCoyFJwM55rNll2FcnARQQOakCwpUDknrjigY2QluB07mgBoxkg5HHQgUAMkYMQu4DHNArodjap+bnFAyJyfuk9KaERMB9M8Z7007CsNjyBksv1x1oARzkgZ7880IGFuoWTJAPTGKGCRoeeAmHK9OOaixZTn/eHg5zznFUiGJJEFhyF3cc0XHYzJIy0p3D9OtaIjqMli2JvBxj3ppja0J9B1qSG4CSMPLzzmu6jWcDza2H53od5DFZahaLLE4DAdOMV7OGxljyK2HsYmpaSjht0ZYj+IDgV7NPEJo8+dJoztUsvsGnFl7DOK0dS5Ci0eS+Lr4yziPcW47151errY6qcepgIxwfTtXPzmvKMlPOBUymNRIHJ6Cocx8pJaeYsisM8Gp5h2seyfDq+H2ZGYrnoQa5Ky1OilseraPdFJYWU4JOfmP5Vyls7lmW60dgwB45J5OamWwo7nzD8Z7cx3Ei7cYJxXTh5XRFRWPHWQ7zXYYGpoVur3kQIGS1MDV8TKQQi5xnGKhIpssaBGwtJZCMBRwaiZcDJvLrddt83I96vluiOazGG57N0rN0+xqqncRisi8UtR6Mgk+Vu9CVxN2IJJ8nAquQlzHpl1wcnNbRgZuQCL1FapENkscAxnitFEm5Zt4kDcjrVolmlEIlAwVGK1TQmShoxkcZqlJE2JkuY09B7+tV7RC5SX+0EUYBFP2ocg8aggU/MG4xR7VC5SvLfEPkE/nS9qPkJYNSPseeapVBcpabUfmycfUCq9qLkF/tfZ2zkUvbByDP7UZ+Rkewo9sP2ZYGoFVG3J44NL6zFbjVJjnvpVi3Z2j0Pes5Y2C6lLDyY61v3kXdJke4rCeYpbGkcJKRro1oLIyGTc/wBa5p5q9kdMMve7M+3jguQ/7vaex965p5lI3hgNdTPu7UQSNKRhvauT61KT3Ol4SESKVQ9mWwQD1HpUOpK+5fso8uwQ7ERVI2+9S22XGMUQXULtfIzfcz1PSmpaEuPvlbVVaK4DAgfTnHpVw1RFW6kEEn2tAj8SA+nNJrl1BPnVia8RWsjGVAwMjPUULcuaXLYw7aVoptw5GehrWS0OaMrM153Lw4ADAjkDtWSOiTujCw0FznJ4PUd63+JHL8MjYC+dDu/HA61jezOhq6MaUGG8Ugkc9h0rdao5paSNS4H2izyoyR3xWSdpG8/eiZ1hJ5EpQ+taT1Mabs7D75CkoYDANENUFRWY14/Mj3jBI96E7CauJHuAwRmmCLEEfXggVLKRmaqoDHk1tA5qm5nVoZiU0JgKAAHikMKaExKdhXDNABmkMcDSGLmgAJoAaTTQmJTEJx60hh60xAPegBOlAC9aAD3oASgAoAKAE96ADvQAdKAP0zTO5SyBTnIyeorkNSYAOuAy5PPI/WmgHDhQr898E8/j+NAC7cqCGDBfXnFADtw2Aj5s9SRTACPl3KB3yRz+VDATHA7ehxwBSAaWyTg+wPegBsuwMwZhuIxn0ouBAykgnYHI4yO1ICRdp+UDrzkcUIBQcrkglcfKc47+tUBE2Sxwm8kZz1z7VLAiyMYIUc9R2pDI95C8gr656dfWgLEiMHxuxg/dx/hQIkjLqctuA/iOPxpgTqQyne/zLwTQAit8yg8Mev8AjQAwkB++0nn60mxpDZmxkZweuSKhlFcOUUHAIJ7jiobGhiuApJO0ZzjHUikMhk7Y5k6jjoPWokxogkkOzbwvH4n8KyKI3fJJXcD1welAA/zDbnknnHSkwEc4VSxPJ/Os5FoRgOhB246ZxipGMG8AOcLuPFAx8eMHYcH3HBppEtkkajnjAwRkfpQwEkwFBDAHrx3pAhjIMEr0Bxn1oGPhwyMOSe/JoBj9hUkg5yOmKBD9wyqgAds0CsVpXYjgcfWs5MtIouc5LHcT+WaybLRDgFixVffA4pDLNpAHIbdwoyBVpEtmig7dz0B5z/8AWq0SSqChJJJ549PpVIkNx75Ix69f/rUnqAu4hGLMNp7Z6/jSsAAk/ewBj1oAfE24EqSVxzgcVSQApxuAxnPr39qpCY5gxY7eRgYHPSmhDjkrn72M/XFMBoLtgE5BGT6cihgIwGAWBGBnAFSNDSHztCliTwB19TxQMamAzdARnjNACkkE9MdTmobAQYZxhRtHXHbNOO6G9jVu8P4Yn+YZBypI/l+VfS0fhR5lXZnxl+0UjJ4ht2ZcYbqPpW+I+Ezo7mp4cVn0y3c91HWvmay99ntQ+FGhMdgIHTHOaxNEZ7uGGRyvoTTGRbTkngcc96BFa5IDcZGBVIClMct2Ge5qgGuwCZ25poGRoBtyeWNUSbHh6RY9Sgc9mAqqWk0TV1gz0vTLnbLKAwA7AnrX2dPWCZ83U0kzqLKUNBtOc9fQms5IaegSkb9w6DNCQiOKQSXSqQQ2OpHHFJjRpXVuscfmEKegBFJMbRZsZg9uQM4xnINJoaJyhkVQQ2B0PrSGX7EfKGBxjHGOvpWcikXGUfKpJJPI9qgo8R+PMamzdschSMZ4rr3otGa/iHhWhn96R15r5qutT26DOngyEwvJ9z1riZ0kkm0jA/lU2ApX0W+0Yc9O9awdmTJXR5pdfudRBHGGz+tevD4Ty5qzPsb4GXX2rwpbEMSduK+dxCtVZ6UHeCPTUyTvYZ447ZqSR4GW3dcf5xTExrKSF/DHH05oBEcn8QAPryODSYyJ3wWUlSvUf/XqWUiB9pBwPvckA5x9KzZSIpCSWAB246e3vWTLRUnIMYOR1PGOSKljM6YlnOcAjHBqCysVbJwCffPI9v5UFiIp3DJx6rjFITJnwSVBPHQjp9aokjAQDbj5TnI7gUwKspwpJbjtnnFJlIqSg5XqMDJoLKcqqQcfKD1+tA0QSICRz14IxQBTkUbjs4OM4z/SrTGM2HqQNw6VaAZICWOevWqJZDMoGD7fSqQilMuD/IYxVDKE0ZcHkk98dqdx2Kc0TBOcGqTBor+ScZ9DjGKq4hvl4JGCQfbiqT0ExjICcEZ/HpTEMeMhsHrnt6UAMKcYIPPP0oATygRyMZ7UCGtCGbt/jVJiaJ7eD5hlMc8cYq0zGS1LiR/mOetO4IfIqjnb+FBtHYqTnsCAKhm0Sqx53cDPpSLEH4k55piW5KuQ55PHvSKH8FT6nnNIAYYz1HGSaAEP3QByf5UAEMW7pyM/jRcVi/Fw23ofWlcsv2/qcKRWTKRZftwCvWkMc7lQFB/Af4UAIJAODwcc545oATerckEY4I6/jQBLtCJwQvagCGaQKxIPzU0hNjMsNvv+lMQkgCgdMfqaSKImLYAAOOnBpktjo8huoPfH86GCFkmCkbQD2wO1JK472K00rliF6YwapITZLaycDIOemKljRdDhgMMASOlSUN+y5+bHGPz/APrU7k2uUdWgVIyByPYVpBiktDDSPIIIIOPXBxW2xiXF1i509AqMT6jca0pVGmY1qSa2Ok8L+LLaYCK9jBIPHOCK9KjinE8yphip491q0e2ZItoXb0HrXZHGNI5Xh9TxLVAZ7ln5xk4rCVa7LVGxSYYwMcUc4OA6OHcc1DqFqmO+zbm5AxU85XszQtrFkUNjg1HtS/YM67wnciB1hIAB6HHepnO4407Hp+hXuIV3MMoeuawbBxPR/DuoiaHy8jleeamTIseTfHDTFkYTqgUbTnPc1dCVmE1c+d76Mi6YAd69NHIzR8PAjUYT6HvQBf16VWuQhGTu4JNCGzpdOsxF4ekmyCGH5VjLVmkNEee3n/H5IR03V0R2MXuOcbsYJ6Umh3IwxQ9aTQ7kyETKV701EHK5BNAEIJOaHoIekgUYxVKSQrCGYg8VXOKwouSO1HtA5RRdNmj2gco/7XIMYp+1DlFF1KeaPaC5SRZZSM0Koh8pNEZWANP2qDkJIBIeeB+NHtkHs2W7eJpCckU3iIoapSJVgUMfmOaj62kV9XY9IyxwpJxUSxlio4ZskW3beA306VzvFvodCwnctLCDOqr0xisfrU7G31SNzQu7IQwiQ7SAOgrD6xKTN/qsIoqSSo9soABz1GKXNK4+WPKaFjbq1vjHJ9e1Yym7nRCmrbFIyvHcNAShAGfWrsmrmd7Nos6TJy6nBz2BqZlU2STNv3o2SAOM80loU9SnbyiSB0yFUegqmiEyG6AaEMpHB5y3NVEl7EMkjtbbgrFk7k1SRLbsRXf72BS+7jnpVR0ZMtY3KiyNFOGUOBnHHU1TVzNNo0ZVDQlwOG5GTk1kt7G7V1c5u9Vo5unHXPpXTHVHHNNM1bFjPaDLc4xWUlZm8PeRmalDIk2cMueorWDMKiakXdJmBh2Nt9OnNRNa3NaUtLMj1mz2jzBj+tOnImrDS4mlzb4/KYcj1NOoraipyurEd/btDJ5gBHOc04yuiZq2o8ItzBxnPWlsx2UkRQKyExtTbJXYkMO1sjn0pXHYfvCdTz9KVijJ1Q72zW9M5au5mNmtkYiZpiA8mgApDChAxMUxCUALQAZpMaDODTEGaAEoAKACgAoAO9ACUAFAC0ABzmgBKAA0AJQAZoAM0Afpsu1ZQTjB6ZHQVyI1JiIweMHHJJNMBoGTz0PXnjHpQBJsjCfLkY5ABoAcCAzAMCB8uR/OmA12U4KjpxkNQBDwPug4xyM9aQAXBYE5yfYdqAI5sY4wTwN1IAjU+YQBtOeGPA6UATKoVeMnqD/9emAEqS2MYB4zxxQBBJ8x6EN67skGkBA2ATgMMjkbcUAQlyrc5Ze2ByakY5T90nOelK47FpGIcqGYBiCSBVpiY84Kgn9aGIFLbhxuwMnPA6UMEMEnyZOScfrUNlEUkilcA4478VDZSIFf5QASnGcA9PSpGR7mztwAM8mpbAa+CwVvl9+mahspIryEZwp2gdPc5qBkb5AJXg+vWgBxPzD5RjHJqGykhu7OeRyO5xkf49ai4xu7qeScY9uPSpGNi2swz1FMCYAk8tjbyDjpVpEkrLuLgA/nnFOwhrdWB6Y9MmoYxuWwCMY6Een4Uihyl13MWJz0zxigTED5AI4B69xigBJWwrFmI6YJ/wA/Ws3IpIqSSHJCnoemKybLSIOWO4447f596V7jJLVDkBvqQBVJEsvwofLA6HNaJEjgpD5ycdOBTFcehBU8kqTg8fyoBkigbk6j1FNIQEB2GAFBHINNgDqVO3OWx2xz/hUALjcWzlSePp/nFWgJD83U5AXpk8881SEAbYMMq5A6jPpVWEKuEJPYjp6f1zQAmeTjcQB6dR/hSYEYyDgdh/LtSGhSF3heOM5GaljEJJbsNpOCf/rfjSAYAANu07h09P8APH61LGMB5BcFQegA70LcDZxu8N3QGSQM/hX01B+6meZV6nxz+0kp/te2YDA3Cumv8KMqXxF3w0f+JFbsCBhAK+YrfGz2qesUW3mBQk9+tZWNSix5yM5PagaAttADck+lNgU7k5YqTmmhFR+pH61YrleUEKM4/CqQrjMtjOfpTYFvS5Cl1Gx4IahOzTCSvFnp2lSc4z83Bz65FfZYZ3oxZ85WVqjNTQ7x/tjQyPnjGSeMVpJKxktzoJgB905HWsrFBpoSW+2HDnoAT1qZ6IcdzbvwY4FHO3Hb19aiOpciDTuIeDtJPBB55qhIuAkSDPQdOaTGWYZiM87QOhPTFZtDTLRZnAIzjkDJxniosWeWfGqz8zSJH28Afe9M12UtYNGL0lc+c9MJS+kjxyGr5vELU9qjLRHVQkBPfHBrga1OwXzN3HGBSAZNgxkEdsCmtwPM/ECeXqT9vmNetRd4nl1VaR9P/syXom8ORxMTlWIxmvGx6tVO2g70z2wEqiKRj2rBDZMQccNlc469aewmNbn2OSd3v79qNwRFLk7QxycZHbtUsaIbhj5SheGPcDNZstEX3WOevtjis2UiGbI64J6gj0qCjOu3G9ueAc5HOKhlIpMS3JO7nqe9SUkRhtx4HOenXPFBVyRozkYYc8HH0oJbHYUY6jsM0wIjnaAcgnjmgCrKMkhQQMZ60ForSIuDxuyPy9aCilJj5mABFAFadC6jOcY4zTQ2RFARnGcdexNMZG2T274+tWtCWyGRCBhTkCrQrkMygqeM9uaYiuyqAQR043Z60ykihMM8Ac+9NFFSVByeoNWMriLOcL14zQIVl/iGM5PuaZJHJHxyOMU0xEbIu7rxincBGjLFgF/OhMBNgwTjp6ii4DDFlgAORwCKpMlotwxEdj14x2rRGLJymFOO3UCqERS/e5HX0pG0TOuQASByKk3iiu4PIBIAoLAdQc8d+KBW1JRwTSYxQOQSfce1ACsMHIIwSPzoAEClgcnpj60AWFG7tikMtwA7QCM1LGXIwQq4yVA/OobKSJ9y7M9D7UgGbjjC5LdevUUADSZPAJA7+lOwE0KgR5OeuMCkMSZshhtJHY9ee1AFfo2WHUUxAWG3LHJHSgBkRy4zxuHAptWFe4/YAOQTj9aVx2GTv2UHpwPWmkDK6IzD7pB9CavYkm8sBAD8px3NRcqxXeUK+3JPQYNNIRYtJSzgsR745okrAjWWVRESNoPbtWZRl37eZwcH6VpEmRSEAILDhh1q7k2MfUlJf5xxWkTOZFbRmPLL8uO9U5CUEzK1pppWKsxreEzlqU1cx2smIJxnA5rXnMvZGdPbEORggZ6VcZaGMoFi0gO09KUpFxiPWJd546Urj5TTjXbCuVHrWVzdISCZ4nBXjmqM3ud54evgYFwxPSpJlE7DwtrDwXe2Rzg9sZBqJIysa3xJg/tHRJSmCSuc45qYStIbWh80a3p/2SeRnX5s46V6sJXRxSVmUNCZv7QjAB5NaEF7U7aSTUExkfNQhs7TU2+x+GvKI2sUrK2peyPNLjaZGx1rZGZCJgpxTbAe0fmx8dTQtQEizEc+lNuwISV2lbIrGUjRIVIScDJqeYtRJPIGTnip5mV7MUW4bpRzsPZoc9rtOMUue4OmkPFuMUc7H7NE32QKgJpe0exXsla4+KMY5pObGoIvRW6rAWxk1m6jNVSVhkeAcYx6VXMxcqNbSbdWQlvvVjOozenTjYryjZcEenempOxDVmXNOhLyFscY9KiUtDaEdSTVUWHavc9xxUwdyqi5Ugsk3TJzz9KJMUd7Gpqf/HkwyOPQ1lD4jap8JhRDdFnJ69RWzdmc6V0b1ruECbfQEEisJbnVHYydUDQ3245H+7W0NUc9RWkS6ewWbDLwR1IqZIuG5YPzXG3K49+KkrqV1TZcNFk55IGarXci1pWFNsrxsrYDDkZGaOYORNFG3i8qZkkC7mzj/wDVVvXYiKsxMK7PHycetO+lxJLYo3Ct5e0Jt2/rVpmckWbKRpLfZnlRjAFTJalwbsVNUszJH5gUq2KuMrGdSHUp6ZKYJtjZAzVzV0Z05crsbckEdwhZlyw4wTWKbidLSkjFlR7a53ICF744FbJpo5pJxkaUbLdQFSST14HIrL4WbfEjOkhNpc71U7c9q1vzIwceWRoyeXcW+GzkDgms9Ys1dpIzrZvJmIB46YrR6mS0ZJebd4bgemPSkhu17leW4CqM1SiS2kVfOLZOaqxN7la6ywBNXExmig3WtkYje1GwbhRcLBQAUAJmmhMBQAUAFIYhpiCgA70AFAAelACUABoABQApoAOlABQAlABQAEUAJQAGgD9M4slfnYDB6YrkRqTklVAAUn1PemBIrBkbafX71ADWfAB59emPrQAZ+cgnGAPvd6AFY8kc5xke9AEbcOcgLnPvntSuAyToPl4zx/n8KAGJnAIIA6nnPP1oAljG4B1JPqf60AOP3Dng+vf/AOvTAhLbmbL+uBjkHpxSAjkIJb7wJGDnnNAEchOCc5K8/TtSYIrkEsdx/AcYqWUhUyTt2jB9OcUhlnKKemcjpniqQmSjghlDMc8gg8elO4rA+4BlA6k/KD/OkBBOcxkEkE8KdvXv0rNspIrhsgxkAc1JQ1mO7LMAc444NJgNLqzff5OBn6dahsaIn4+YYYdqhsoa5IQ8Alu2eKQELgfeHIJ7HjilcLAG5GBjB6KOtZtlkan5AWUYHOPSochgTluOD3I96m4ySD5juCDIweasTJgu4EAZPfPbP860RA8s6YUgZxgk9zTYAOGCnqQCRWbGJgu2c5GT1/lSGxFAC/KpOO36UAEkjLuAQ7RxjPX6VMmNFOaX7vIJGOaxky0VZHLPlgoP14OazuXYWMnhh83pngcU0hMuW4x1bBI49K1iiGXBtUcqDn04qyRxyVxuwMDB6c02A1M/LkAMByPSmIdFtA2/NxjGKYEnyFjsIzxjnnNIAxlTk8n060dQFwG4Ths9T1xVCY4HZkEFQw5PQ4ppCFO05OUz0ByMY/wqgB+U5Y4PY9qkBOeqc84wM4A/CgYzK8gZJPPIxUjGkvg4x0+7jNJgISpLfMQx5Az+NRcaGNuJ9CexbvSGiPewYKRgnk470r6jNy23N4cvdu0grgkHpX02H+CJ5dbqfIH7TCn7ZAxIyG4/+vXZX+BGFL4hfDMiDQLY7h9wDHrXy9b42e5T+FFiZx04yR2PWs2aFUKSwbjAHOKQ7DmAzjkDGc4pjK0oz29qYmV3Xg7c8e1UiXcr7d0gXsaq4rB5e1gB2FFyiaHbHIpPIDdqW4meg6c6HZIv8SKcA8ivssvlzUEfPYtWqM1bCNYLkzDhSe9dUkcqZuG7DKPm+VRg/nWfIVc09Ea3FyrZOOON1ZVEy4NXNbVXQ2nyYPqc1nBFSZR0eV2QrgZzj0zzWjiSmXhKPMyWHAOfz6VNirkolBYEkHjH0zUtDL1kD0HzD0zWTKRzXxLsxPoc+1R93P1row71IqLqfJ8ieRrs8ZGMORzXiY2NptHq4Z3ibkLvsGORXmNHcmThWxnOOKm6HqCKWIy3T1oBI4DxnHtv2bGMk16WGd4nBiF7x7Z+yvfkQS2+TlXJA61w5jH3kzbCvRo+lAdyAFhjiuGJoxdxQLkk5GeeaqwgdS3Ubc/wkdKnYCKRgflBOfftSZSK7kE5Ocgcj1PrUMoY/Q9sDkGsmWitcOyhskjjA96yehRmXMmVzuIJOOnGakpFRlKyELjGOcHkGgpIk4HT9aQNEyjGCenUE9qZIwkhuW57kjpQMiIBBIUAA8etAFaY4b515GMZoLKlwMoQGGf0oGVinzFWJxg9DRcZDIBtGQdpHXPShDIGAxncQOgI6cVSC42NMkjg++On+eK0JZHIignOcdQBTQiszfQ/54pjKbjCDAAGOOKCkUpARuXAOR680IogePByV/8ArVVwGrHwRkY/KquA2SFRk8888d6dyWRGM52gc5+tO5JHJHhmB6DnGelO4WARgAfKeO56UgFaPC5C/jn/AD7UDI1UiTpg5yauLIZfgiBBAU9fzrRGLB4yBnZ0GSRVgitdoPvdetK5vFGRcDnPvyOnFI2SIcnOCAQD1zQUC9OvGentQJEiqpxxjoBSGKcbSQOcZ+lIBM5AbOSOlMB684UHOOKALUGNoxzzSY0XIhgY9Bxms2Ui0gG3P3ien9akoMlVIHzHPf0oERNIu44HXsD1p2AdEygEnjHagCfzMLhW4GCcd6QxOo+9gZ7mgRHL8w68Z9KYDBk57kc80CHoqrhieTRe47Cyk8BQTQl3ExixtncenXFNsLEhjVI8849R3pXHYqXEgBCBjyMDPpVJCbsQxoWYhs+wFWJK4pdYArEgjtgUtytincXkm/CZ6YPtTUUZyl2LVnKXT5zyaTRUdS1Ljy+OSRnBNSnqOxly23nHO04/StVKxDjcbJbtGny8KtF7i2MOeHNwdw6HFbJ2RhJO4nkgAjHY9TRcpRMe5gBm9T7VtFnNOOo6CAiPAHGfzobHGJGIj5n+Bp3JtqXo4j5HGKzvqbcuhXEZD81ZlbU3NIumhCgnj1FQynHQ3UvdrK6vtwQQapao55x1O+0u9GpaQEZycJjjvWLXKxJHkHxM00/bneMADNehhpXRzVo2Zx+miOGZWI5z+VdZzG9Zwi51KIAZB56dqALXjuc/ZY41Jx0+lKKG2ec3BKyHnvTEQEbmp7gWI5Gj460XsABzI3Ss5M0irkyx4Gcc1lc2sWbZTv5qGy4olmj6nsaSZTQ+1iLNwOBSkxqNya5iVcdeBSiypIhhjJbB9adyUi3MNsYU/jUrct6IrwAlwD3NUyUjWkwtpyMZ9qyW5u9IlO3Xc3zZ9qtuyMoq50NlEUtxldvy9zXNJ6nXBWRneUXnYk59c1rfQytqbmlQKsWcYz1PpXPNnTTWhT1pQ06YGfb2q6exlVJLHZ5wxgE9s0T2KhuW7vd9nYlcjGAahbly2Zj2ez5yp+uB0rZmEdjpYNy2KkIcHAz2Brle51rYwfETjCtu5z6VvSOeu9hLRGkdNuMnv3NOTsKO5fuEMLAkc56ms73NWrFG9jeO8juMDDd8ZzVxaasZzupKRcsbcmdnbdtI7damT0LjEztUhkimMuHCKep4rSm7ozqRs7jbeKOSZZlxhvSm3ZWYkk9ULew+Wh3AhiD16Uou45KxivK9vNnGEY81ta6OdvlZt20KTWxkJUj0BzWLlZnQo3VzFubZC7eWQOea2UjB010JdFuMzeVtBI/WpqKyuOlK7sN1aVHuigA4PSnBaXFUacivY3IFyUUnA54FVKLsZ05a2I9Tu1ZsYxzzThEVSaIoLvbEVycU3HUlS0Kc10QxPrWiiQ5u41ppZRwc01FInnbE5ZeSaBasdCAOxzSZUR06/uzkdu9EXqKaMuQc1ujmYymAUhhTEIaNw2EpiFoASgBTQAmKAE70ALQAZoAKACgAzQAmaAA0AFAC4oASgAoAKACgBOKAP0ugZio3N0rkNSxEeu00APLEtn7pOOAOOT7UwF24wXJG0nA9eKAGsysQM5JPQHjNACZzk5wQcfLSAQn5nO4EDnn8aGCI9gK4B68Z6ZFIY9ASoI4+UDIPOPwpiJeqN8u0jnp1/wA/0pgNd1LKQSARQwIyDlty7jjjJoQEMmDlAhDAc7cY96QEZIB+Qdeu7qKkZHyRnJDdDmkxocqIyltpB9SOlJjJW3qBk5B7f0poGSLgqNwJ57jvTEDGNCFAyR6nqKlsZBKwaLnr0IzzxWbGU3+6d2TnqG/xpMYDbweST1zUsAyQdwUDjAOKzbKsNfpkNxjmkMifftJJ9+Mc0gI8/MSAWI5JPGahspDGwAQRnv8AeqGUiHkqCQ2/jPPSsxj0YYGOfWhATxcfKMbMevT2rQlkynb6nHAya0RIvTG7cCDluKGAcD5/fuahjFzvc8kcYx2zQgBzhTxnucnjNDBFeRgUA29evtWUmWkUZnJ+UHheSawZoiJiS2QcBs44qRlhFJU56DGSeprSKJbNCNQDkEZ25/z6VsiB277wzwRnj60xCqCWAXGc4OetIBUIUbCQSOo/z71SEOUtwSOAMkimArEr2+X0I/z60AL0ZTjHp/hQgHLg9yQRg54/GmhMcN20ZU7Ryue9MQ4/xhiO5z65pgMGzaRtOOg7ZpAIxJJ27WHbrxUjFbOMkBQRnn+VAxj4UDnt3PepbGiBjgAbScDP5+v6VAxpdVAJznPOBn86TGhMBh3AwQwz1pdQNq0ZP7BvAi5Hl52mvpsK7wR5lZbnyV+0uh/dPgcN1rurfAc9L4ij4OG/w7bSE5+UdDg18xiNKjPbo/AXHjJckk47d6wuaihCiZPOepNFyivI4C+n+FMCDg42nO4d6YMiJ6Dkfypk3FSL585z6eoFO4kKqALuA6j0pXHYZtG/LH6U7g0blrr8EEEaTBtyLtBXpxXs4LMvYw5WediMH7SVxLnxjDbLv8xsDgfLivThmkJPY4pYJpDbXx3G/JcAdQOa1/tGl1I+pyN7TPG0OFfzEGD34pfX6L3D6pNHR2fjG2mXlwSOCM+lUq9GWzIdGojQtfEVkxD7vwwa15oPZmbhJFuPWrSRgIpeMevSnyphqXYr63lCgSguvQdM0nALnQ6bPH8oaU5xng8GuacTWIzxVGJdInXGcqeOOPpTo6SCa0PkLxfC1t4rnAGAXP8AOvPzFWqM7sI/dLlqS21SSQea8eR6UTQUYjAB9PwrFlhyFy2AR1pgcT46ixcbgOp6+tehhXocWJWtzuP2Zb4w+I2t8gBlJwayzGPuJiwr96x9b2wzbpt54PQfdNeXE6Jbjsj5j6jOP89qYDWYDC9T0BzwPxoYETlTkYUbTWbKREeT94H16VDGiI7T8ozx7fnWZZUmfaj8knPSokUjNm9ScHPYVBoiEdMDqTjrQUSxJu3DGCTSJZMvQ52nA47YpkiFWO7k8Dv3oAhfn5s5xTuMqz4MbD7uOM4/WpLRTcgjnqRx9KBorsMsW2k+pFAyNgC2TnPrnrTAgdW3E9fXI4q0Ia45BYH2z0qxDJE3IOO+eo6UwKbYBwd3frTKKsycHKnI59KBoqlBtIxnJ+lBRE6A44wTjpTAVogeGwPcUJiEaPktkZB7jrVIBvlgZAPXrxwKdxMgWPcc49RzTuJCGIA4I/ShjYx0PTacdOBQAkMYLEdR1wapGcjQijOQABkjitkYCOp2Y4z15qxx3MzUPlIA9OcCpOiJjzYLEg5HXpQaxIHK5POR14FFirjxwOhyR2oAfnBJHBFJANY7uOx5pgOHUnIB9aQE0allyfyzSAsohwAF68UDLkAOMZHPtWbKRPJwOmcnrUjGOwHA6j1FMCLnkZA9PWmIUvjAAGPfoKAJomPBzgZ61I7iluDgcEmgBEADDJ5xwMdaq4CMy4JJ5zjkUkAK5Zcso5PftTaFcfGjEgDJ5yBSbGiT5UOckfXvxSHsQNI0nYDI5qrWFzXIzCzdsk8k5p3E0IQqfMBxjrQncdihcF3JVRwRVrQhsSO143HgnGcGhyHyhcMkOdpP5YxQtQehDBdPJJhjke9U42JUrmnFsCKcY5rJ3LILhSQSoyR2FWiWZ0tpuZtynn3q+cjkK81thDjOMH8DTUg5TFngPmE5I71umc7JY4gsZBHPrSb1HFaFURgSEkYyeKq5FtTQVP3A9PSs2zVbFRo8MeA3P61aehk0WUQoinHufelfU0toSpcMvRs+vFUjFo6/wvftbW2HbGegNZyVyOXqZ3i7F1G5Rck8rWtCfKzOtC6POGsJ1uPMx8u7mvWh7x5slY6PSALKFrmYgGMYHPWnLTQSOZ8R6m1y5GcqpOPakmBzU7l2JPWgAjGOSOKNgEkO5uOtQ2UkWrKPqeKykzeCLRXr9azTNGie1X5sgUmyokk4OOgzmkimT2CZzjGfrUyKgS3SEnOADjmkhzWo20hBcUSYQRLfptCjnP0pRKmrFe1TL8c896p7GcVqalyjLAFNZJ6nQ1oVrZMSgE9xVNkRR0ca4hySOF471zvc6ktDLUs05wOPbtWvQxW5s6euYwASP6VhJnRFaGZrJY3ShVzjBPNa0/hMaujJ9LtpZLoEqcEZGTSqSSQ4RbkX9RiZrV40XJxWUXrc2ntYxdMgaPcGGDnt9a3m7nPTjY6W3G204yGK59q5pbnVHYyNZtluoAoK7weRmtqcuVmNWKmg0+MwCISlMilN3CEbGjqKIwEiuuAOSBWcHbQ1mrlK3uIdQQxAZMXDZIqmnDUlSjU0JzcW9gFZyhIPc0rSkVeMSDXpYriwM4CkY4I6VVO6lZk1bONzn/D0xa4aORiE7YHFb1VZXOWg7uxZ8RXCw7SpJO7PWppK7LrysihqrpLp6PEOep4rSCakRUacboTRr9orF4mXce2OtKpDW5NKpaNmZ4u5BNIpyA3QGteVNGSqNSsGmCSGYzYHOcc+tE7NWCleMrjZEaa4O5zz3xkinshNczKTboJmRDu9xWm6MV7rshHikYFjnFFwabFiidsID36E0XBRFntTEPmGKFK4ShYn06FZFbI5pTdi6cUxrxrFIV/AGkndCtZjCSJB0p9BdRZ+YiCMHFEQnsY83Dc10RORjKoQdqAAUABpIbEpiCgAoAKADvQAd6AAntQAUAFABQAhoAKACgAFABzQAUAFACdDQApoATp2oA/SuEqvG/PqOx9q40bMniyVIUIuPXrTESFtzkZJJ6jntRYAYshO1evv17UWAUY7gA9eBQA1ifLLqgBJ9OPrQA2Ri+5QCMHBIHtSYxQFHDZJxnFMRIpwMmMZ55AwO3SmgHswAXYOAOQe3/16AGK5KYHOevr0pARtIny8nHQ96AItrZw3APcGhghgCl+qgeg/GoKBdoQ5BHOc45HvQMRsFiv3gRj0/wA//WoAnQ/uguF3g46dTQAgCYBzkduoyaQDH5YHbnGPyx0qWwK5XBbdjYBnp/OpKIyVwOV2kdRxmkwEDDAIXOOPUVDY7ERZ9jbduQckEe/rWbKGuwDYPUDBzQA3Jb5SDkggAdxSY0RO+FKkgnsKyZSK7FiWx24AqJDGqjM3zFm9gOv1qbDLESb0yQcZ5PXFWkIlTJTBHzY9cfXFUhEgJUAFuO+RzTuIUkYK7WKHPTpSuAIwAHBHHI4z9aYhcOV28+gI4oGI5AOec4J5FSxopXMnOcksc4wffrj/ABrGTNIoqOWDbR0Jz0rHcvYfCpcEYDEdD600hNl+GE8vg++e1bRRDZMU2jJOMgY56n0qyQZSjDcQP1oYIaFZmJYAdQD0wPWkFybG5ADwcHHHFMQAlTywPPIxRe4DowWTr1wcZ707MBGB3scgEHnimkxXHAhiwGMbQcZ5phcdyThcdQdo/rRcQoKgk8rg4PtiquAbgzMTjnjPcn0pAR5HLKo98HP4CkMXLbiSvGc9Of8A61IZExG1M4w2elZsaIDIMALyD79RUjQgJPQE4zwB7f8A66BvQaS+3JHtgelFn1FdG5pn/IIvQAD+7JJPr/nNfR4P+FE86t8TPlf9pZM26n+6R1FejV/hnLT+I868NeNbSw0iKznh5TgkGvBrYSU5cyPVp4hRVma6eNdHkb5sp+FYPB1EbrEU2Wj4q0WTpc7Rn0rN4WquhXt6fcY2taTM6lbtAvpmkqNRbor2sHsyVL7TiRtuoiPTNL2c+w+ePckWa2lYss8e32I/KizQaMthYygG8Yxnj+VSMJNgUAY96Q7FeYRopGfc881S1JbSNHRfBfibxFsfTNIupYWOPOK7UA9cn+lbwpSZjOrFHrPh/wDZ70l7aGTxDezXEuNzxIdqg+nqa7qdFR3OWdVyOtsvg78PdPRtukRS7lwDIxOPpVunFmfMzyH4yfDrTdCJvdDzFCOHhJzj3FctaPK7o66SUkeZxxSqBtdlzWHOzbkRbtWu48lJ5Af97pR7eS2ZLoxLUd/qMJ3CdvqfStI4qoupDw0H0JU8RalCQA24g8nJ6V0RzCquplLBwZdtPHmq27/xcH+8a6I5nPqjF4GPQ6TT/ia8tu0N6GCt+OK0jmKWtiPqUu5514vkh1XWjdQIApOeK48TifayudNGjyIgtYsYYc461xSZ1xRc5wAcYPBrMoJMng4PHQUIDlvG6Zt1YDryOK7sK9TlxK0LHwLvPsvja2BbaGODWuNjekznoO00faunOz2qEZYbOvt2rxIs7Zbkznkjgd/cUXER5OOm4EcH1pNgMYnOOSO3HepZRERtH3ju7ADIrNlELyKCRkEAfgKhlIqXki8Edc8emKykWjMlb5mJOV6Ui0KiglSQM9vrQUTIDgiQYz+FIlkwXHyjGRyQ3PWmiSKZSUJwDj9frTGQOAeBzgfezzjPakBVmUqhxg8Dv+ppFpFXIzgk56nPegZXYHcQBhupzQMiYHnd8uM496oA5b0A680xEW0uGONxHTjpViGOPlGASP5VVgK06ls8oPXntQMpyfMRliwPtQUiNlw2DtB7kjpxQUQBCrAnHtxTC4BSWA6YHTHNNEsTH8RCgg9hVJi2G4BHQjPqKYhrIuMnB49aQ0yJtuOo6H6UXHuQyLu3DjBHB/rQmBJaoHdu3GPpWkTKZoiJhCpYY6A1sjEiukCoTtI9f/rVSGjC1IjkjHHvSOiJiykkEZ5oNBmOh7n34NUPcfgnAXPHYVJQZyMtnnpQAHrggj3oAdDlm3Hp0oYFxMcEA8cdKkZPGpHXp2pNjLKuAAMkn261Fh3FV+x4OOBQ0CYg3Fm4+U0AMYhR1OPT3qrCBFOQO46+1AEhcLhM496kY7IHOTnPPakASMc85OR17GmlcCEt5hyCc44wKaVhNk8AYrub7vc0mxomZwqbg/Hoe9JDZEXMh+XnBzTtYncljXChzz3pNlJEMsu1mHykYp2uFymctgEMFJ9apKxJIkY3YHHbpSuOwy4mCqAOWA6D1pxVwbsZkiPcSkEAA84rRaGfxE1tbqiZwAc0m7lJJErSP91MZxxzSBsntQ5GJAc5yeKUhoWfyxjd19M0lcbKUjK42pzuPPFUSVHtFLfNge9XzkOCGzQBFGF/TmhSDlSM97Rt5Y9jWqZjy9R5R1iIzxQUU1Zg54yKq2hn1LUZUwN649ajqa6WIYnBfIOee1UZbs0lvvLXAfA9RSBosG8W4jKswwRjOaVmiGrlSSGILnaD3r0MPWOCvS7GN4lcpaBE7jPFdXNzM5XGxxlyDsO7qaqxJQiH7zBpgW3VdnFRJlRVyAR5bNZNmljRslwpzgVlJm8ESyLz04pIplq0Xq3tUNlwQXKZPQgZ6UIJbluwiAOcnIFTNmlNDrsk546d80kExlmpLjIB5pyCCLN8pGMj8amJU1cr2iEybV69cetVJ6EQV2a11C5gUKpPHI9KxT1OiS0KlvGfPXBBOehq29DNR1N1WXyvL3gMR0rA6UZk0PlS+7cjmtE7oytY2FdILRHlPBrG3Mze1lqQXCQyAz4A44NVFtaEyinqGk3O6Ri20qv50TQU3chm1uIah5BdgucVSpO1yXWSlZkl9NFDbeagJLd6Ubt2HJpK4221dDpkipu34PBNJ02pahGquXQoaVcTCZ/NAO7oMZrSpFW0M6UnfUb4gmnJQxMwYDgAU6SXUVdvoSR3V5LppifO4jkjqaTUVIcZy5LFbR9OvLfdKVIUnnJwaqpOL0IpU5RdyzqNneXK5VlCjuRUwlFbmlSEpLQdGjy2yWaEM2Ap96V7O49WrFObR3s7lZA+zB55rRVeZWZm6PI7oLqCG6gZt+4txUxk4sJRUkVvLK22wjCD9Ku+tyUrKxUgAWfcqceoq3qjKOjuPmtld/NK8eoNHNYcoX1HzwAWZdemM89qSlrYHH3bor6ZbSOjuGZSB1BqpysyKcLlWcRxy5fLMT1q1d7ENKJoBVktVOwDPNZ7SNtHEzCzRXAIHAPStVsYPRmhfKJLNZCv3ueazi9TWavEyrKbbclPU45NbSV1cwhKzsWb0bW3Ebc1C1KnoQscopx171RLFbmLngULcHqjGuRhzXRE5ZKzIjVEid6AFFACUAA60AFABQAUAJQAUAFABigANABQAUAFABQAUAGPrQAUAFAB1oAQ496AEwPWgD9KYm3rt2gZPQ9q40bMmzxgoTx0PY/WmId5hLfMwHAzz7UXAVGDKF+ce5HWi4DleTndxgZH+fWgBspXcC2Tx1J6n3pAEbbgDzzyR36/lQhskjORnA45FUIcSNuMcY/vZI/zzSAbuBPAOc8nHSi4DN+0r8p98+1ADWYKV5wvQYoAjkb52yTtz1Bzn0/GkxoTIcsAvbH0FSUPYAgAKcfxfT+tADcAjByTwRnoaAHoW3AnGSeM9vakAK6qpcc8dc/0oYEcih8jG0Y6A8VDGiM4LggYJ4wKQxsioCSAMFsEA/59KTAikYjkY+ZuSOgrJspEY5QcZYDHP8+lSMaVJBOAB/td/pQAgRdhyOQOnSpY0QudzfK2V/Ws2Uiu+VYFs47ik1codGAXIOGY9DSSsItbVwACPXNWkSOGAuMg9xgZ/D60WsAEgspzjHGcd+tAhGbPAGOec/0pWGPyCd646496YgYquFwSeh9qTGivK/sTxwB61nJlpFGY7sqeQO9YSZoiNyxAy3bnnr+FSUWoBuyjE8jPFaIzbNKJDsGATx3Oa2ijNkmMgbXUAjgjrVAMJYtt3cdCQP8AOKTQCbMYySeM9c0rANBAYA5Hp6Umx2JLaLLDbzjrWlKPMyZOyNa2tVZN+FBBzjH+TXp06COeUyR7KM8jnvgdBWroJ9COdgbFVJKgZ9M9qn6uh+0GCy2cnDDOMY6Gp+qoftANkGYhQV+XI68Gp+qj9oQmyfhW9/mqHhQ9oILHA8sHJxyc0nhB+0I5LOZjtBOTzwuRioeFZSqERsJB0XPy4HoTUPCSK9qiMafI8gjO5cnBxULByuP2qOs07Rre3hjVog5IyxIyc16VKhCCtY5pTbJ7rS7TyiPJjAYZ4GK0lSg+glNmKUt7KK7jYhQ0bbc9M4/z+dXRtH3SZpu7Plb9pGNW0oSAA5QHOK9Ca/ds5afxHzcRzXEdIDigBQT6miyAcGYfxGlYLjlmlB4kb86LJjuyRLy5T7szj8anki+gczLEesaigGLqTA96l0YPoV7SXc6fwFp/jDxlrsOk6DFPczOwDuASkQ/vMewqXQh2KVafc+0fhf8ABvRPC+nxvrCpreqgkyzyr8in0VfT36mlGjBdBOpKW7PTPIt7eEJFbxxovRVX+la7ElKYgYRCquD+AqQ3MnVrh4tOc4wwbg/4UpOyLirs8K+LevmXTbmCX5So5XOc4riqScnY9KlTUYtng9t4n04MfNU5B49qieFn0MliIdTRi8SaTI3MgXnis3hqhoq9N7MtnWdJfkXCDn1qfY1F0D2kH1G/brB0JFwmeg5GMUuSfYfNHuNWS1k3YmTk92Bp2kug00+o5BFz8yjv1o1E0iQQx5zuBB44NK7Cw5URRgAdM0m2OwqrnjPQ9u9JjsIVICnGB60XEYfjCFW03cCTiurDu0jGurxOa+Hlz9l8W2Tk4HmAGvQrK8GcFN2kj7n8NTGXSIXDZxGOnXpXzqPRkXCTvxngnjt/WhsQxipADEZzgcdKm47COBhjk4HAHrUtjIiD93cUUdTjNQ2NEMvAbJU89faobLRn3RG08c57Vmy0ipvyQu3P0qTRbDoclsjJBPSmQywuCOQTnoSD0oFuKeHAywOD0FCFcjfjCnPTIFMorzSZGVU7v5UmBWk24xgdRQWVXBKkgDB9+tIohY5bJJI/+tTAa0bccHA6fNQIaE+cNj8x0q0Ia+4gDBB7Y71QETjJ+VGHbp1qgKkgUMDyAc0DIJUbPPHHPei5SY14wScruGBQUQnO4MB+nWmJjXXYcHk54zTQmxrKTjsc9B1pktjnjCgFvujsO9CAiKEnayjkDHtTAiZAVxgDI9KTKRVZcEjPJPpQgZcsYv4gM85wK2iYTZomMBCxBAPbPT8K1RlfUpXvTIBAKn5c1RcTmtVbLNj5T0yByRSOiBkE5ORknFBokABLbcEHrn0p3BLUUFuhGR3FIBC2znHGemKYXEyCcc8e9INyaLaG4478Ckyi7Ex2ggFs8HNJjLC4XvwKQyQcDIOT3xUgBJyCTgZxjHegBQTjKnOR0NIY1QxIzyfSncQsjj5vUe9MEKgPHJ6fTFJlMeDuHXB7H1pCGFWdMdDnPJoWgAqnevpjPSncViVH2+g59eamxVxrZY4YnFN6CZJFiNSevvikxrQhe45KIdo74PWqURNkUcbSkkscZyabdhWJNoVOB1PrSvdhYhml5JHPrTsO5XETyfe4/Cq2JtceqxxZ2gYPHFF7jtYglm+bCLTJuTxxEtu45HPHak2NFmSVY4gBnPXIqLNlNpGdO7zuwXj8a0WhDdxqKyKT+eaGwSsVricQ8ls85FUo3JlJIfaSGU8rgHtSasNO5ceGEIM4z3qU2XyozbwLuAUj1xWkTORUismZiccfTmrc7Gagx8toUHI5IzSUyuWxUjtGV2znntircrmfIyO68zaVAJI4HFONtyZXsMsZJVBByR15q3YzReEvyEEZGO9StAauitd263MS5GWB5rrpTOOtT0MK+0hgxRQfpiu1NHE0YN/aC3boR6jFNsViKHLA5Fc8mbwRMEXgcCobNVEtwBcDOc4rNs0WhNKgIBzSQ2tCzZbSjDjmpkaQFuUJK465pJhJGhpsO1N3r0zUSZrBWQ67iTZkZ565pRY5R6iWIQKS20c9KJXCKJblI3jZgMY/Skm0N2ZBYBUc7m6d6ctSadkaUd3G424UnoOaz5Wbc6KFvJsvTwOTxmra90zi/eFV7gajhs7exp6com3zkupSyyXKBT93r781MVZFzfvC6wtxcwIiBh70U2ovUK3NJaEsEN0mn7HQFiPxqW1zDjFqNmT2emvHGGYqpY55qZVEy402kQ3Xh/z5hMJPlzyRVRr2VjOeG5ncufYIJIDCzlQvUNxUc7vc19mnoR2WnQtuFqoYA845pym+pMaa6F+K2tbbh1G/pz2NRzNmqUUZ9+DbrLcSRhgo+Q1pHWyRlLS7Y3RDFfQ75QI8/d4p1FyaCpPnLOsxyR2wS3KsG6nGKzhq9TSd0iKyt7loMsdikc1UmiYRkSeGh5V9MZGUInXIoq6pBS3dyh4lvEcOsDBuck+tXSj3IqzT2KOiwPLCXL8AdaucrOxnSjdFDV5WS4aMn5Qc8cVpBaXMqsrOxVkvY9kccasATyatRadzN1FayNW+jZIIigOCMmsovVm807Izru7c24jjGBnnNXGKvcylPSyLfh6c7JYmXt1A4qaq1ui6LummY+q4Wb5eeea3g9Dmq6M1NEnSWDy3XJUYx61jVVmb0ZJqxlaoGW6LLwM8VtT2MKqsy9az+dp210yQO5rNq0jSMuaNjFyIrrnGM9q33ic20jQvxutQ3XFZx3Nqm1ytZsGh59aqWjIjsObOxue1AdDJu/v1vE5pbkFWQJ60AFABQApoATvQAUAFIBD/AFpgFABx70ALmgBKADtQAUAGPegBKAFFAB1oAKACgAoAKADigD9JYwqEBiMg8HrXEmdBKGyA24A9PqKq4mhqOMk55I4wKLk2JcsMYTI9/rRcdhVdeUbBZR1P50XCwwO2w7iOTkDHeouNEisPlwOcfWqRLJV+XdzjJzximAwOHJIPY96AIy2Sd3U+/btQAMTxucce/NADSxXIOcZwBnOfegBiFg232z160hjsBWPy4HPQ+1Kw7ibjkMpGAeuenagB27gHG4+oPQ/4UhirnjLfd4PPH+etSArnjyyoX0GKAItrMxyQMH8TUAJNjjdgHsQaCiBu2COhyR1qGxoa7AYULx1OOmKzepQgUBywLDPA4osABAAcsB1I4zSAiy5ZgB15z6+1JgiGUADAQnJ9KyZaIACzE4APbA61JRPAFRipxkcjBqkSyXHzjJ45zjv71oSOPzA/pjipYCPtPXn69qQCZbG0DC9M+tACnBOdvtwBxSGMdyf4jyT+eaiTKSKk7kbioIYnn1+tZNlpFdvmZdmSQeR/UVmyx6qS6gjdjp700hNl+2Qg7QvTOK1ijNst7sqAFB6cev5VqkSKGXb8xGT6GgBpOHy3Ax0749qAFf7wIU7gOeev+cUmAzad2eeOoNQxst6cMTYB3A47c9f5V2YVe8ZVHobyou0DHUDjH/169iETjbHMrEZIIGSK2sIe6nHzcYIxn0osAxlViWVMEe3+fWlyiFZPmJVck9AMds0coxCpU7sjaeT1z0/KlyBcGU4Xg9cHI6/SjkC4wISR74PTGMUuQLibPfrwAB+Ro5AuS2kYMgLkcHkHgVEo2KTNVSNuUI5OAT/n/OaQErMoRm3Y+Y0xHCfEI40q58klSFJB/A/4VzVpOKujpoxUnZnzV8c9s/gyzmx/y7DJznJzzXrp81Fs8/l5Z2Pm48muM3EFAC0AFABQAuKAJbS3lurqK2gjaSWVwiIoyWJOAKAP0L+AHw5sPAXgu3t/swXVbqJJL+TOSz4zt9gOlSx2PShtJC9OwzkUgElUyqpUBOcj5ulAGbdx7FZsEjaf/wBdSNGBr+5rfyySG2kZqZbGsFqfK/xuvJ4ZJ7eXh1BwR0Irjgr1D0pStRZ4A/3j9TXpI8diAn1NMQu9x3P50WAcJ5h0c0rIdx6Xlyv3ZXH40uRMfMyVNTvV6TNn61Pso9h+0l3LCa7qKDAnc/jUuhB9ClWmupMviTUQeZWPHrU/VodivrE+5Yi8V3yDBJxipeFiUsVJFlPGE+PmGeOeKj6nEpYpkOoeJPtVmYGXr0NVDDcruKWI5lYx9Fm8nVoJVONsgNdMldWOZbn3J8Prn7T4atJeCWhUkj0x6181NWm0epvFM6FFbPyr160rN7E3Q0pKuSyEEDOO2KbpyDmQjk5wo+Yd+1Yssj35ODknjP8A+upYyvO/JLgEdTjp9KhlGdOxwVIyecHpWbNEQRgbsAFB19fwpFliEKBwwLdfwoIJdrccDJ5HJ9KZA5vlQAAnp+f+TTQFc48wnoqjjv3oGivI4VwSO/WkUVXI3Z5BI4JoLRXkA2kEEY6EUhjOS/BA9KBiBd5OW6dqpCYBCpIxweB3qxDXBViPyoAgmU5O3acDOc1a2AqumPmYBsZ60DRB/sgn1PFSxobJktjjj86B3GSKQoLZ9cDvVITGpEAxPfr1p3AHjz2PJ4+lAhrLlgcMQDwCaYiGRBnr+OaLjIHGBt6jPGBQykQbQcJ3z3oiEjUs4AE9D2wa3ic09C6B+7244HPPNamSMjUWcA9AD6VRpHc5PUn+c465oR0xMwMVLdPU02WKpGOpY+lIB2RnJJ9vagBpbvnpQAqjccEHGKGBNH8rdce2O1SNF2Lggnnj8qTLLCc5Oce1Q2MeD+8xz+dAD87RuZznjgDFIYJ85HXA9utGwBJlRnOPYUIGQjIwxXIJ6VYrj92Bxx/SlYCRBkZOcA9hipY0TKqffI4A7VJQ0kkcMQw/KmIaibw2evTPXJp7CtcWQCNOcYo3GVZZHZuAQBxgGrSJuOhi8xsspxn15pN2HYtNhUwqkAcVC1YyrO3mHaMGrSsTcI4QzksueM0Ngh822MHjoKkopTAy8DgZ7d60WhD1HxwgDLEE9+eaLjSHeZtIXOWHt0pWuGxCVZzhgSTgcinsJjkjCdPXNFwILy4RE2qMkjpVJXE5WMtIXlKmTgA5wT15q72MrOW5ejby0K46DpUbmqVire3h5QNn0qow6kSn0IrVJXctITj3qmTFN7mpBKkUZXH0rJmyY2SVCc4P4miwNkbeWzHpj2709hEL2ayNvYHpjPSmp2J5Su9oEkJzj61amQ6aG3ixJETuxjrVJ3JlFIp2TmZtoxnPHvXXSOGsbb2KfZTI6jeF7V3LY897nD67ab5j0Izgis6k7GkKdzIMAUjaOlYuVzdRsKYmzwKVx2LCROCD0FS2XykkkZKjb68mkmNrQkijdMEfiKlspJouBGIDAAk+lSaWLMMUgiyGwRzipbRfLKxZMJktupz7VKdmW1eJA1k4tzjOetPnVyeR2HWUEjIwZj06ntSlJChB2LMdmsYzt4PXFS5XLULDYbRVuMgFlY4yOTTctAUFcmkghtpVYHfj16ilzNouUVFltLeBjvTjv7Vm5NF8q3HXMcEMJleP5iMAgUk22OSSVw0tRMoZwGTGB7U56EwaepYMAM5aNCAvPPSovoVqyhFNNeao0QIMQPQVq4qMbmanKUzZkUJFtZTz121ibMzb92W0dMLgDO7ua0huZy2ZNoKGKz4KgHoc4NFXVio7DL8N9qRUG4jBzSjsOW5Q15pI7bDbWLHAFaUkmzOq2o2LGmWUAsEfz3jOM7F6g0pzdxwpx5b3I9Qe5kuI4VyYs8swpx5d+oS5rpdC9GjwxO/mAgLxjrUaMtJrUo6fHmxle5dh5h4wcGrk9VYzgvdfMYWvt5MCQ26tgnq3JNb0tXdnPW92NomjZ2oTS0dZAjgEtz/Ss5S942jD3Uc/OyXEjmV+M8VutEcjtJ6lcbJL2CFUxGCMk9+avWxP2kuhta4JIYkIH7oDK+1Y09WdNa6Xkc+PPkcHO1a30Rye8zc8NABJXkB24+9WFbc6aHW5karGqy/Lg559q2gznqrUteHpB5rKy5JFTV2NKD1KWtsEn2gnn1q6exlW0ZJpMimJkK4OO1Koh03pYp6gqpLkEVpF6GVRWLJw1kMnAHQ1H2i3rEpxcBgOhq2ZrYdG2QwPT1oK6GXdDEhreGxyy3IKokKADnFABQAtAB3oADQAlJABGetMBDQAUAHPtQAUAFABQAgoAXigAoAKAA0ABoAKAA9KAEoA/SHhMbiwKdiOtcJ0D8nYcLz35oAaSw5DEKeOvJouBLvIJIBAY5GTyf8ACi4A8gcYXAPbJ6UrgEbDsFB/z+tNASxqEdcsCQO3SrIHeYWOMj9SD/n+lAA2wkhXIA4xnH5UhkYyV3fL8x5xzTEClc7chhjkgjigAx8yE/TJ60AOKjZwCDnAx/nvSsMUEgdCOcCkABSedoGecLSY0AKiQ5yxPUA9KkYpLcnGVXgA9qAG8rywBIHAzQAxsl+vbHA/L+tSAknzKqjOD60hldzkYyxBzyRg4rKRaGbgBsCkenJpJAx0YGCBtyDjr35FMQhLEY6k54zjAqWMhcEqVzjIwPrUMoim3PjnPoeuazZSGBRjkYIJOB3NCQNk+CQCM4bsO9UkIk7DIBYDp1z/AJzVCEBAfG1ST79cUANK9VzjLcmkBIFCqBvIbNDYysfkJzyT71m2UiN3CyneSQO/cVlJlJFKd9zIuXAzyetZ3KHIMgNnKkZHIHFCBlu3hAwGGcdOOtWkS2X4l2gbsg4H4fStUiB2BgccMOc9AKYCx5Y5BwGHp/ntTEOwemckng0gQ3ILlix6DnHcUmxg7EhcgAY5ycZ7VFgLmn537lGAoxXbhfiM6mxtKASOpyMHHv6V7UDjZPCFwSvUAA5BGfpWhI4nqMnGckc9PQUAKAGOTw3Y560AIqjGedx9DQAuFHDNn6daABkw/wBzgc89utABtJGBnJP5dqAEMYJDKx5Xtz2oAliQngFsNySefxrGW5aLqLsLMGXPANTYLle7kkCEE9AQeP8APFJjOJ8bEf2dcIckbcBe+K5q/wAJ1Yde8j5Y8dztdeCryEklbYyKM/75r1cO74b5HDiFy12jwQ9K5ygxQAUAFABQAooA9C/Z3sor/wCM/hmGdN0f2vzCMf3VLD+VJ7AforbkHBbgj0HWpTGyeUqEDDHAyD1J9qYhoJX5S/8A9f8AGi4WIL6PcWJ3BT97j8vwpNDOd1i23oyjJBB4HJP+TUSRpF2Pmv8AaG8M3d1bKdPtZJrluFRRkkd6whH96jqlU/cs+aL+xvLGYxXdvJC4PIcYNdzVjz00ytSGFABQAUAB4oAKACgANAAKAAigB9q22dCOxoA+3fgGkmp+DrHdwgiUZ9T6fpXizwznXZ3e1tTSPYbHSUghJKAdO3Irvp0IwRzOo2ZutrHDbSPtUcEHPt/OipBco4ttnIWd0twzkNyG6Y618/W+M9GK0LJKkBshR7c/561kxlOduuM7g3es2y0UXwXO589+e1SaJAp6MuOvrSB7FmJCNoCkj2FMi5IUBBxn0FVYljZTnB2s3buSarYCCTOMA8jkHGcj2qBoqy8sME8du1I0RXKgqMHknrikMhPzHjBHIFIYwowGX5bOOnWmAjIQVIBx71cRDmBALHpu4qybkWA24gElenuKGNFZh8+TwKfQZC4Y8YyfpQNETKVYnn6daVxjVjyuQBj3ouAiow6jGR3PSmIPL4H1700AhjXdt65A7UwBlQLxkDvn1zRcCpNgndkknI5NAFZhu7n/AAoLQQr+8VD+hqokzNeyi+XA4wcGt4I5JsnlUAkEZB5HtWqRCepgazgZULjjoTTNoHF6kcuSOnaqR0IorwfmJJ9qCkO3HPyj3OaQx2TnoKAEGdpPH1oAevXDDbSYWLUC78cknPX8KgtFld3y89ByDQMmyOpOeOw6VNhjiTgsB04pCuDNnrwfrxTHccXZeMjpjnvQ1cLjR833uMUbBuIW5wM4NMB6An72CBnA9TQA9cKO3T0qGNEu8ZB7Y44pWHcXv82M44xQgY7OAE4zjnNG4IgnY46cn2qooTYxI/m3OePp7U2xWJ1b5SFA61BVyO4ZnJGec/lVJCbEChSeRu6n60NisPYr8oYAkehpDImjeRgQR0xzVXsG49Y1iLB1AweDSbuCRTup+Qgwo6cHNWl3JchsUO5gxBOc55obBFgqsYyccZPA60twKNzNIzkR5wRxzVJE3Iks8ncAckfhVcwcvUlaLYAdq7gcmpTK5bFK9laU/uiScYq4q25En2IYbQu25+X9QabkSo33LeAI+gLD2qepfQz7i4LEoBls1oomUp9CazilcYfIPH4VMrIqN2XUQKrbjyPSs27mlrCvOCABtBAp2C5T8zc7YLDPT0qrEtmLq80hxjNb0kjnqtiaOrQusj5wf1qnK2xnGHMtTfl1APEYimARhsVp9YdiHhlc5XWCBux1JzQpuRMoKCMhUZ2B/PjmrvYhK5ZS3PYAfWobLURlw3k85z6j1px1FLQdbAsNxzg+3FKWhUSxnJCKuakq+tjSsYN68rkVnNmsI3NCWACIkqBt7d6zTNraFWOUsQqjGT0xVWITNWGNmiHAGRjINZN6mqTZUuiIBtCYI7irjqTN8oxQz4weOw9qeiJV2XorZUUyO3Tnjms3I0UUtzI3/bNR2L8oB4OOvtW1uWNzHm552OgisyhQvjAGev5Vg5G6iZmvzCSRLeLI555zitKatqZ1ZdEaWkRILQFfvEYx9Kzm9TSEVYkurhIrWTIx1A70krsq9omVp0csTGZMMpJrSbvoYwi1qaPmSShiIzjHOTUWSNLtmbfvOIgzKQCdp2+laQSMp3tctRL5MUbCQqAM7ccmpbuWo21HJuupt68Ac5xS2Q9ZamTqib9Rgic5BIzzW0NmzGp8aRqx6fArCSNtxxnAbpWTm+pqqcd0RxLcPJJ9pkKIo+X/AOvTbSWgJSk3cqXEawQFlmMkkj4UdRiqTu9jNxsr3H6lEDFEGVSyjOAeRSiwnG6RhSyy3erRwvGyxAgba6UlGN0c8pSnUs9i7rcPkq7I6qm3gd81nTlc1qxsr3MGOFIis8jHHUjNbuTehzcqWrEspF1HWEiRNoBzx1puPJC5KmqlRFvX2nj3JLkLnAqKaW6Nazl1MNvMMRJcADtnrWysczva50egsq6PtuBtU9x3rmq/HodVF/utTD1qZftG1BnjHNdFNdznrT1six4Yf9++4c44qa2xWG1bKmtlPOwhJ96ulsZ1tw0FmaZk4/GiqtBUXd2INXO2fA556VVPYmruTo2+zVRwetT1LWqK0J/eMDzVszRIwCrkcZ6ikNmXdnLmt47HNLcr1RIe9ABQAUAFACigANACUAFAAaAEoAKACgAzQAlAC/SgA570AJmgBaACgAoAKAEzQAdKAP0kVC0YzkY6Hv8ASuKxvcftGzGCuR6HrmmDYMGGOAR3xx+tKwXElUbQOmAO1SxkKAtl8BQT68UrATInIUDI7gdf85q0iWPXO3+E56EjH6VQhm5vlAVcjtntSsMFY7RnJIOMHvRYLjiSRuwcE9hTEBxg4JOTz/8AqoAUEBgPuk/dzQA4cHK7SOuT/wDXpDEjK5w278elIBwJ8sg8nOKTGgGT8zKuOff9akYMVR9o7c4PYUAN3BgoYgZPYdqVwGsRnDcgGpGiKWQk+nf1I9qm4yHLHJPAweB0/L/Pepeoxy8oJBnpk4HShKwCnG0OEHHNDAifDNkZBNQ2OwyY4HzAEkEY96zZRG2S23DAEbTg1FrjDZjDD3OPfNVYCaMlUy5AI47EVQhqjEjEDIHPXmlcBXzuUrjceOT1xQAjHpu4IPBPei4Aw2jcAcDoD2qGxogdgMF+o6ZGKzky0VZWYkkFQSOoNYtlohjQlww7DnipuVYkt1MjFQwwO+cDH+c1aJZoW6YHJOTwSDWqRmy2AFYFjwRjJORVkhISWzwfX/PpQMUnaQAFPXjpxQAHHGdwzzz0oAYWG773Tjj+tRuOwibiTgbh/ezz16GhgzQ08pvwSevHGfy9a7ML8RlU2Nzad8ZyTgccda9mBxsnyo+XB3nso9v/AK9akibmB+6M5IAI74/SkA1iWGM5IGTkUXE2O+XGScn1H5Ci40TR/dx90989+3+fpTABn5i+7A9e5oAa+SN2QAD3+vSgByZbACtjGSuaQFqPIwDkD3FYvctEzsqdBwRkZX/PpQIyr2c/NtKFegqWykjiPGbEWzsDjI5Oetcld6HZQWp8r+Ij/wAS3xJaDnYZGIJ/2s16eDd8OcmMVq7PEPWsyAoADQAUAFACigD0H9nq8Sz+MfhmR2VVN4Eyeg3KV/rS6AforbEmLfkZzgEnp7VIyeQglWK7QO6rTQmBZNoyw3fT8qBkUoLBVxuyMk+x7UMEZt/CNhGR35qWNHAeMLJlurTUIgC1vMkjY4+UHDD8iaztaSZsneLRi/EL4eaF4n0si7towzrmG5RQDkjjJ712qSe5xNanxx8R/CN94O8RS6Zdodo5jb+8vY1Eo22Li76M5g1JQUAFABQAfWgBKAAUALQAHpQAsXDg+9AH3L+ypIs3ga26ZQDOTWVveKTdj3A/LAzKSM9/UVdhHE+LJDDHJuYjcpC5rlqXsb0ldnnHhfUlbU5rbcDtY9v1rw8TDldz1ErxOsYnZvYHpwa5W7EFG5cN3PHHJrNloqlieecd+KDREiLltqgkHHWglss27BjnYeBgc9qaIZK/A5K47mrQiFsK3zMG5znuKTYFeXIbcQx9PapKRA4ATJI4PJxUlorSKoB5BJ9O9AxgBycAZ/3aLDGIo4IJbJ4+bqaAH4IGS27OMD1q0SwCquN56DOO3+eKpE3uQHkkMCAfSmNEMnqeR7UFFR8kH5h09OaYxqKXGF6Y4Oal6DGnOdrfLtJHNPzENB3D5uB2NMB6x87cdu/50xD+vAA9cjtQBG0a8Ac5PUUDK0gz0AAAPb0ouUtSk6FWUnueRjigaHWaM0vCj73XvVwM6jN20jO3hRzye2K6oI5Ji3YG1mwQf1rVIlHLa8cBio68k/SkdEDir07piSR+B6e1M6EVgMjaAc9frQUKpPIHrgikA4kEkdMigBox90cgdM0wJIcFs556YFJjRcjbGcYPGMVBSLEXHHOOxxSKJFBV8YY4zjJxSYheCCc85zSsFhoJ6DByaaQCrmQgEHnrj+dDGSOwTADZzye2KSVw2GKepPTNMGx/mAKVznPSgBUDFT0wfakMmjJ28rjHAqWCJGORu465GB+tIBnIYcDNMTHNwc5Bz6gc0DGIAx+9hieMcUxDooywJIAGeoOaGxoc4C9BwOppAQk7n+TlR/npTQEiwsRuJA/ClcLDmKqoBHPuevvRuGxTuJHkZlxjp7VSshPUSGHB3Mdv4U2xJD5ZFjjIGOvpSSbG3YqhXumwSUUHtVrQl6lq2hVFIY/mKlyHGJHLNEibN43duOtJJjukVFE05ZWGBV6IjVj47ZEG3BH4UN3GojSI4sjJ56/WgehRkSRnO1cJ61aaRnqx0Vlhg2wPmhyDkLuFhQNgcYOetRuabFW6m5LKd3P5U0hNkKwyTcgHjqfaq0RO5K8MccRb0JNTceyMuZEdgGxyfStouxlJJj0tkK7FJHoaTkOMdCSO2dYzvBIB70nIFHuc/qyedcHb0WuinojmqrmYtnZHarDn1yKJSCEOpPPCkaFiuCOalSbZckkjEmQyz8E7c1urJHK1dmgiiCIJn2rPc2WisLYws827GVzSk9AjHW50tsipCG+6a5m3c61oinqFwrLsQBuxq4K25E3cn0yxZ41kKYbHyn1pTnqVCGhauJxaRAEqDjPSoS5noW5cqMWJzeXBzk7j1zW7XKjnT52bltCsUQ3ZGOOTXPJ3OmKsinq955USpEM5JBOa0px11M6s7KyDRLYMxkxnuSaKkugqcdTTvrxII+fmbkYJrKMbmspcpgacXmvmlcMVzxXRNpKxz07yldnQpcpDCyxg7gOmOtc/Lc6eZRMS9unmmEG4Ak5IraMbK5zyld2Llj5sbgBVaP8AlUSszSLa0JbqWdYcRJtZqmKTepUnJLRGJeyy/aUgkLZIBJ7CuiKVro55N8yizRsLaUz+YZCVHGOtZSlZWNYxd7ly/hZvLCOB3IHGBUxZck3sYrEzasUBPlgbS2c81stImD1mXo4Xtone3fLEdc1Dak9TRRcU+ULe1a5tCLqYo0nBJNKUlF6IUYuUbSZVu4Y4tQgtLdiyoP3jE1cW5RbZnKKjJJE93HtmaeFS4A4wOM1Kfc0a1uiv4cT7ReTyXbBXGcZHf2q6tkkkZ0ruT5il4ltGhhUtIWdySB6VVGV3oTXg1HUybVBE5a6kBQKcZ5/CtpO+xhGNneRY8KJbveT3KqQUB20q1+Ww6HK5Nog8S3MkigsvJbinRVhV5O2pjxRs6LubAz0ra5zqLe51Fy8Mek2tu4255HNcivzNnbJpU0mcxfoftZ/i/CuqD0OGoveZe0JwA6OuMj8qiqbUHYp6tEqHhgfpV03cyqxsJoMgWZsrnjjmnVWgUXZsi1cDzs9TTp7E1tGLD/x6gg0PcF8JDBnedvWqexMdx+4nIOD+NTYGzPufv81vEwkQVRIdKAAdKACgBTQAn0oAWgANACYoADQAhx0oADQAUAFABQAlABz2oAU80AJQAtACc0AGfWgAP6UAFAH6VunRgCfoTXIajQi7CrKD9f0oAQn5cnPzDgmkxkSrljnnPI78elTYokVAowoGGPp29aaRLZKse1chyeMHHbpVCGuARyTheD25oAjCq2TtOPY8Ci4Dkx145xjPUUALGVGBuzj170AR5G4Abhjrk0mNAr7gSxPPBJHakA8MSCVYHjGD0oAVguwg9D27de/5UAOG1ip5x2560mNDmKcsf4P7pqRhKwLMdnGD+NADCMx4Jyex7ipY0QucDBIxnAqWNFcEYJzyOpzUDDcUYMMc9RnqaAHrhQcYA+vWkA2WTKYx2+vPrSbGRk88gHHHB5JFQxoazbh0APUEd/apYxDgYG7DDrzxSAXvuOOR+v0qgY8pglsFgO3pQwQkgXlsqQOMYqQG5IBOMDsCaQ0NYkbjg4XilcBSSFBf06nFS2UVZcHIOSPU+9ZNlIqy8nIbI6D61myxkYc92A70WC5oW0Rz82GOf4uM1pFENl2JBvI3cYzjrWyIY8BsJ2Ptxj8KBIa20E5bnHOO1Q2MdnIBC569e1ACD5R8wJb37fSmxhEAZd27nPYf1pAOCqpAUDGMfj60hFmxys5+XPHUdMV2YX4jOpsb6HG0KvOACfSvbgcbLEbjZnGT2yD+FaEiShiQzDr0+tJiYxTzz93HGe5pEhFjkqOB6c5FNFIswtjg9M5+vtQxjmTarDHy8hcL+VCAiVmxkhuO3b3pgSxBnPDYGM561MnYaRZiCxtjHfO4ccViURuWdwN25eTx/n/OaAMDUpTFK45K4JYf5/CoZpFXPPvEupefG8S55GPcc1xVZX0O+jTs7nzlrgP9qeKYCCD9kZyD+Fenl7/dNHDmC/fXPEqDEKAAUAFABQAooA0fD16+ma5YaihIe2uY5hg4+6wNAH6faXKtzZW86jcssauMnrkf5NQxlwBkThSG6cU0DGDKkKD5hzyc8/jSAXd8ufu8nkH2psEVLwqBnfgnkAds1IzmtdRGicleowR0zmokaQOb8OamWF5o11gmAb7cs3JQnGPw/lV0Z390mvC3vLqeJ/td2Ft/ZWnXjbBcrhDxjI+tdD+E5V8SPmTJrM2FoAM0AHagA7mgAoAKADvQAUAKn3x9aAPsP9kPUA+gm1LjcjcA/wA6zluUj6QMjtbYK8IOT7+1MRxHxBiZtOmkiBBGSSF61z1Too7ngmgaoYPGXlOSocnIry8XG8D14nrhlzEGC/w5znrn/wCvXldDJrUou2OuTnv+f+FSUiNuGxjr29KRZPCMuOevP4UEsmyc7UTkD0pkD22lWyQOeB1GKpCIpH5IUdD0P60gRVkChfl5HH4UiyInDfMwPYjHWgpEcmOhwcHn6HtQMi24YqMnI/OkApBxkt0/DmqQA6sfmIyO9UiJMe33AQckHGO9NbiRWf5sEp1J6mqKRXYsS67uvTI6GpZSK7gghSPxwKLjGEBk6EfhSGNZcHgfMenpQhDlUnpke5HarEOEec8ZGc+uaAHjGRjrjrjr9aaAilAGORkUMCo6n+LrjgZx7VJaKUyYySmPoMiqQyzYRsVwvBx1PetIGFRnQwqPJycfKO/X8K7II5JMq3wbaxYgEjJ561oOO5x/iB8gh+eOPWoZ000cXeEGRgF4zxihG6IByARxgUyh+TkBgc+1IBpIJODyBTATgNtOc+ooAsRAgg5JB9e1S2OxaiXKnceM84qS0WOOxY0hj9wXocj8qAGu2cMG/DFACj7uR1NADwdqnjk9Pap3BoYTlsqCT1FUASNtyRxigByEsTx2oAmQ45B/DFQxoeo529B2IpDJgoK8cf0pMSFPyDGCSaADyuwGfSi47EsaKCPlx+FFwsDFVcHgknpikGxCFZpOcc9feqJ3JBGA24qG6Y46UrlWGTOiKDt2+nNCQPQrSB2LYyAarYlskRQiYIHsSf0oauNEc0qqCActxxihIGyp5Ts4LNk9cA/pWlzO1y3CixsGYjr0JqG7lrQinuG34jy2TmhIGyKO2LN5j5J9+Krm6E8pd8kIqjdgdgKz5rl2sVLuYnAjUMw44q4oTYyK0aZt8uS3pjNNysSlfctm3UR9AcdBUX1LtYqzMudicH2q0JshSCaZChzjtmhuwrXLFvaCNyCnBHG7pS5rj5bDxGi7lyQCecUmCM7UlGGRMnjOa0gTMo2sJkQkqflrRuxnFGjFapJgjC4/Ws3ItRK+rMIbZkjYMcc+tOCuwm7IwbO3aWbeQMY6YrolKxzQjdmz9gijj83ouO/FYc7ZvyIx7xPNLIACK2i7GEtdCq9t5A3OAD9K0UrmfJykUMb3Mw44z0FDfKhJc50FvYLFEGOVc9q53O7OlQsiveXGzMSqSe3pVKJMpW0DSrZpHzKuF6kYoqSHTj3NiW6S1iUDjHbNYpOTNnLlRzd7I13eYGWwema6Yx5Uck25PQ1tN0sqysMqOvSsp1DeFN7k2r3AiiwGBccE45FTCLky6kuUybJBM4e4yfStZNx2MYJSepu2S/Z8qgJJ71g9TeKUdjG1mV5rny0U5H8Oa2pKyuZVHd2L2nW0uwDZxjFRJp7lxi0izdo64AUDHvzSTB3MiGye6vfOyBg42npWrlaNjFQcpXN2OGaCJU+Un3FYN3OlJpEOpKWCgSYwOBnFOLFLUyrXTjMJJ5JCjZwCD1rVztojFU76svQ+dGqxpI2CeWqG0zRRaG3doNjzPc5CLzzRF9LA0t2zO0KO2kRjcEFmbj5sHFaVHJPQwpKLXvEurGbdHBZBljzzg9KVOz1Y6iltEtNYQGeI/aiBGuWXOc1PO7bGns1zXuVNMtoLy4nM0wVQxAyeaubcUrGcIqTdx2r3raZYG3soCWcct1H60qcOeV5Dq1HTjyxQ2ws3k0hZRKRNIeacppTsKEG6aa3MnVw73f2RpCQi9c961ptWuZVU+blMvy7e3hllupg56ADqa15pN6Ix5YxTcmXdAiC2Ul4i4HTAPWorN83KzSglyuSKOtyNO+NgBHYVdNWMqzcjMMbxrGSfnzkLW10zBxtudZMkUljbtcnbIqg1xptN2O9xi4rm3OVvJy9y23kZwDXVFaHDKV5GhprA2rIMBueaiekjanrEytWba4jBzjrW0DmqPWxPoAUs+7ggZFTVLoatlfVcLN1DVUCKpMhU2I6dKl7lr4SpaHEhJq2ZwepYYDnHpUjaMu6/1hreOxzy3IaokO9ABjigAHWgBSKAEoAU0AJQAUABoATvQAnHrQACgBaACgBM0AL2oAQUALQAUAFACEigBKACgD9LfYseOuDya5DUHBJJJAHcg0ARMwIxjORkE8c1LKQxSGfOefXsaYiaMdDzyOM4piHb8koOBigCL58bOvbp0pDQzchYqTjHp/n3oBj2yCA3T1z/AJ9KYhrkrnkdfXk0mNDPmIG7IGcKM0gHIvb5QD60hkkakgjHOO3Qe1MCTb8o2qcAcY9M0CEBCttBJx0Gc4+lJjQo6428dR71LGNOAS2/Iz0BwKTAY2csckZOMdvwqRorSSFj8oB757CpY0R7mcZIAz2B6GsyxQFwAHzg5609hCMN2GIHPXuMVICKW2MFIJxgZpDBypO0A46dMn/PNS2NEeQGIJyBxgcVIAi8nJBycYxwBSuMcygDg8noBxk1SEx+eACwwBjn+dMENBJXAI2kjHSkwGsTtCdD9KnYYz7uFBA+p61LGQyNxyTgD71ZSZaIJnKxkgjcayuXYgwGwxyCR07ZpiLNog5wTgenIppCbL0UYCgE59CvatoohlkDC5AwcdhVkji2WBJyvbnr/nNJsaGoVyd2BnseuazGR5K/Mc9eSPT/AAp3GOLBmAPI7Y4ouA5AMZBJ47/T1qkSPLgoF7jr7U7AWdPH7zcsm49x6V04b4zOpsbseQMMFBJ/z/WvagcbLaBtm49RyRnqf8itCRNuWB3+wHYcUAVnYlyvPU9P5UiXuOhA5wwxkg4oQLctQnH3T8x70MokLMW5ZW3dB15NICNlOCFPGfxp3Aen7nCsdu7t1rKTLRMv3WPmdOcd/wD9VSATZJY5wR7YzQMyL+03qSN2SccH+dS0NOxxviPQTKpNuSJuy9jisZ00zqp1rOzPmDxOksHj7Xra6gaGR9LlyrLjPv8ASurA3UWmYY9pyi0eGHr+NPqYrYSgAoAKACgBR1oAevNAH6WfCC7bUPhl4dvSSWm0+EsSec7BUPcZ1uXZhhDyMYPpTAHXLHaOAefpSGMdVC/OwUZPHQH0oEZl3KE+YMecjOc0mykjm9am3wMhGGIJ464rKTNYo818SXcum6pbatBnzLZ8yKB99e4/GslNxlc6XTU4NM+bvjp8QJvGniE+WrxWlv8AIiH1z1xXoOV1oeYo2ldnm/apKE5zQAuKAAUAJmgAoAX6UAJzQApoAB1zQB9I/si6iY9WltWYAMoPJrOY1oz7BhYNa7mU46560+gHNeKYRNbSoWyrZGMflWVRXRrTdmfMWr2Nxp/xEiGwqhJx6YrzsRH92z1qcrtHsloSbJCSSCOmPavDZTWpE2Tx8uAOD70hoYgDYOCBk85qRliEcgDgdBmmiGyRGAJJZiepPHamS0LIw2544HX0/wA5oEQTAHGeQe54oKRXcgnnd9D0NAyJy3DEE89xzmkUhhIIG7IB5K5pjDAIIGR7/wCetACkcZC8AZPJpoTHYBXhep9OvPaqMwKKjDdnnjIFNIZBKBvxyCR2FAFaZeSxOcc4A60GhA4BYggkdenSp2AikUggJxjjbTGKowuWOQvXnpVIB6jnkkZH9aLCuORSD8oGT1BpgB3cEYPr6E0gIXHqOPrVXAqzqdxZlHTjAqWykVGAGT1I5xQijU0yHcEXGRnGCf1rogjlqM2woCdOAMYHOea7IrQ5mZmoMFQpng8cjH41RUdzhPELEkknJ7ZFQ2dcEclKTvJIyOmTTNkRng4yM9KAHZwOW5HcUrBcbtGeh5qrjHoQW5x+XUVLYFpcYAHQDvUMstRjlRkbaQyXgYBBPHXtQMa+3BII9fTFFwFUKQBgcdKAFPAzkdcGgAUhj2+vvQAjk4+Vs5HODRYQ1QXOGBX8KBk+Nq88HjpxSAkiTfknjv1qWCLCoqnjj8egqb3HYlTBbaOfX3pFD1RceoHU0AKgx04Pb3oAGbadpwPr2osK5FhmGT09askcgO0gccdKkoR2yGVcZxwKLBcY0ZYhmHfPPpTTE0QycAscA+vajcCAuH+WIHHc5zVrQklhhYqzNw2OwzSvYB0vlpEwAAOM47gU1qMpEvcYAyFGMYBpk3uW7e3wvOM9cnvUORdtSc7VT5gBSQmV/nlO0AhexIwTVaIVyeKwUBcZyaXMVYc2IZCDjgHmi9xIiZZJWxGCAT9ePWi1h3EFgEbzCG554NDmLlLAGxhtXIOO1TuVsQXALyEhOTxjvTQmQ3ZEa7+enNVHUT0M5l82QEdWPT2rTYjcspbmI5ZTjHpSbGlYZeSpbjzB+O3FC1BuxisDcznuGPNa/CjK/MzY06wEC5ZQSB1NYym5G0IJFTW5uNiHANXTXVkVX0RlwKsYd5AOTx7Vq3cziramddFp5digtjpitI+6jKV2aWlWQth5kmCvbNZTnc0pw5dRb6+wPLU7Tj1zRGNxzqFSwWW4uwZEOzNXKyRnC8mbk00cEfBB46GsErnQ2kZ0itdzgLlj1GBxWl+VGTvJmlBp1vbkM+3JFZubZqqaRoefE0CrG2Dj7tZ+poctfbjfEvyhbkCuqOxyz+IntJbdJwikqvtzUtNotNJ2NG7n2RF/u7RwT6Vmo3di29LmPbP9ruWlUA88kHFbP3VYwi+ZtmzBLLDGVKKT2NYtJm6k0UtWuZEiMzYyBwtXCN9CJzsrkGnSTzRZiLKSc4xk/WqkkiYNtXRrRteOgjkbj+8wrJ8u5qnLYwtZaW1B2Tb5mOAAeK3p2ZhVbgtyVba4uLGNVkaNyeVHripckmNRcoLU04YmW28pmKkD73esm9bm6WljF1KN7aAxrKXlduue1bwfM72OaquWNrlmw0hMI7ENKV6A96mdVlworvqT2EdwdVaO6XaiDj/9dKTjy6Dip8+pVvbX7DBdXk1z5kshwiAdKuMuZpWMpQcFJtmXFYXOyOd5tpJBK55rSU43tYzjTk1e5oTXz3l/FZrBtiUgFyOTSp00ouTY6lZyaikaOsWE/wBog+xyYgVfmAPU1lGcdbnROE21Y4/UlnlvJJI2PBwzCumFlE46l5S0I7xbO3s4xJ+8mfr7fWnHmlLQVTkjFX1ZqwsdP0mACMkSnO30rJrnkzZP2cEkYesSM158ox7elb00rHPVl72hWtYJW1GJQ29s9D0FU2lEyUW5I3tVbzGL5+ZUwVFYQ0Oyo09Tl5HJLFVzz1rqSOBs1tI2NYyFhhvXNZVPiOil8JjX5Hm8dTW0NjmqWTLejOAkhxztxUzLpPco3vM+c1pAxmWHUC0XnFQtzR/CQWwGTzVMiJNKdqZ6UkVLQy5jlyc1tE5mR9qoQUAFABQAUAFABQAUAFACd6ACgAoASgAFABQAtACUAFAAOlABigAoAQigAPWgAoA/S18rwGJYdz1561yGoyUhQCMehwe1S2NIYNpQgp0/z0oGPjA35JJ4xg/zFUSSn5Y/m+U9Qc80AQnbk5bt3/zxQBHMFAwCCccY5oARVBkyeT93JOMCgCXnJLcYHp1+lAAqnP8AC4PJU8/jSGIV2fKD25470APVFBwM8Z4OMUASELGoPYd+hpAIVBO7vk8E80DE4A6jIGKlsY0ZZdxPJ9qlgNBDBfu8+px+dSBG54O45LdDnNJjK7YKsBjd069qhspIYhPIfJJPUf54qShwyXUsMLnPqfagRGDyFzuyMDOOfepGD4AVlUkY+brSYDTJkD5iMZOe30qWUMdlCEFRjr7dfSoYIFOFAOcng8Uhku88tux7YzVJiE52jHRferQhUAOABnA446UMBjZbD5O4/wAqzY0hr4CMykYPGMcj1qJMoqlsggrhh6+ntWLZoitLJ8xUn5c9c9azLGowZjgAY7nr+FWiGaVqMopPX1rSJLLkQO0DIGBgH1rZEMkJGQc5B4+lDEBwoJG7I/EGoY0hCcAAsB6DNSUMG0P8ynn8BQAcg53HHI5PX/GhATjLH5iCAfzNWiROflIILd8DimBasAplDZBAHQV04b4jKpsbkLMcbsj1J4xXtQORlmMlzwDg4JAz3rQkFbGUGAR82Seo/wAigCuQMlV+XoSCOvXPWkSx653EADjvQgW5OmMckAZzwM5plD1woxwMYGfQUAKAvmAEgAD0NSxiBW3NISrYIA47dfzrEssEFXDsScdPlyPxoESBTsDYGQQenH0xTAhmjYrleC3HJpNAjHv0JPzZPqRz3qWi0zyn4w+ELLWdNuNVihK6nb2kqRyIPmdSp+Q+tVTqezkE6fOj4XlVkkZXUqwOCD1FWZkdAC0AIOmaAFoAKAHqcc0Afop+zpMT8FvC0jFiy2Coeeoyagq1j0IDapHsCDmgQsk6rIV53eg/rQMpXV2FLcsPTJ5/zzSBIxtSvDjeSRxlhUyZrGJzGsagNpcABf4s85FYyZtGNji9XnF0rICpUAgZPrxWW50wVj5L+JmmHS/Gd/Bs2K7eYo7c+n412UXeCucGIjao7HNCtTAKAEOe1AC0AGKAAUAFABQAUABoA9k/Zkv2t/GdvGrAeZheR71Mthrc+69PJayCjnd1wcA0lsBn65GhhKocjHbmpkionkHjTRYl1SK8MY+VuTjNcdaDlFnfTnsX7SVDAAnz8dj1r52pFxk0zrvfUDgEZXod2c1mUghRmkCnkH9KQNlgZXg/QZP1pkEgB7H5h3PFMGNccg4A39cnimSV5hwQemOAKRSIGO7r07g0FJXGSI3ODwTxnmkUQvgsO4PPTtQApy2enX60xWFIJGOck9xTQpEqhtoyV9sdv1qkrkjSB1GeuT0xVbCTIJtxU5YnjPHWkNFeRCDj5SD2zmkzQiJKkjJ6dc1IEUgYt945HU5BNUhiBGUnoO3SqAfg9MZwcDFCYh6DbnGc9DTuIdtHpyQD9DSsFyvNkkg/y60DKlxnYMAbutSykVQCzbQpHIz61URy0RuaUoVRksCRjG08V1U0cVRmk2ApBIwOck11paGDZiarJ8pDbgM5DZxTsXHU888RS7pW2tnH6UjriYEpJwRyPSkbjcZwWH0oBDQuScED8adwQpXJ6ikMljIwOOc9KkaLUZO3nBPAqWUWY1+VeOc889aRQ/GeSTnPTNFgF28ZUjjgZpMBSBkbjz1zRcCIrkluRzzxTAXjHGRx29aAGqBuyD+tAEyMpGP5HrSsImhj3MQw/MdKTdhkwAVSCc5HGKl6lFhUyQeRkVIEoGPl5PUZoGMZuSBwe49RQAwEnceMnuOPx5oAUgBCzZBHHPNADWfc5XkjqBVWJuCb5CT07EZoeghVwowQDxgHFJsaQOwGM5PH5UDuVjE7Sck7cZye1WtiWEcfl4YEL26UgQFiMkdCeaBBHbNI3mElvb0p8wkmWRAY36ZAHFTe5RHLKVbCAjPfdQkFx0dp5g8xyTk9PUfSm5WCxeEKryMNzwazuXoNlc5UIOWwTimJkTWyODK+VJ6indoLXJ4IlEBK/L9f0pCvYWVN5VcjcvXtigY1YMgl8NxxigGAjwOmB/npQKxj6grySMIweOBmtYaCk7kNhbMITv3Bj705PUlaGiwCwbXU52/lUMrc5zVN08m2NcqG5AreFluZTu9jQ0ywVIw/l/NjGT0rOci4RshdSufKhKrjJ4yDShG5UpWRjKvmKZWzx1zW17aIytcydQnYz+SvQ961iupjOVtEamgacRKd+B3FZVZ6GtKGpPrzCBdoHfAxSpq7Kquy0OZj82a5HyFhnrXS7JHJq2dNbQrFAHHBxg8Vyt3Z2JJGVeHdMqZLbj2rWOxjJ3Zs6REsMYZ9uQOAeMe1ZTbZrBWWpBrchdgIueMZFEF3FN9ibTLd1t1nY5z1FKbTdkXBNK5y121xLqxKk7S3auyNlA4ZOTmb9laphZGU5I5z0rmlLodUYoZ4kmCWojC53DHuKdJXYqztGxW8PW7QoGYhiT6c1VWSZFGFlc25n+UZCA+uKwSOhvQwL79/qCwPl4zycV0QVlc55+9K3Q27OBITvgJxtxj0rGTvubwSWxNNhYjJJKAT0qV5Dei1Oews2r4ZQ8QOTz+tdG0dDm0lPXY2Ee2iJeFTkjBy2eax16m6UVqiWaIXEOXm2s33snqKSdth8t9zDe3hOrhGdWiQdSa3v7pzuKc9TUWNV3SWRDsBwQaycujN1HrEZBDctYSTXUi/aGOFBPQe1NuPMrEpT5G5GbqNt5c9rDLL5pdct7VrGWjdjKcPeSZMkaQ3JdpHkC9E+8Klu6LUFFjdOeTVda/eQi2hXOFPWnNKEdyIN1Z6qw2+XUooru43kQA7V9fSnFQbS6ik6iu3sYcEF0UV2YIjHk5xWzcdjGMZOzIdSfT3uEtYB5kgPJ96cFNJsip7NvlW5sSXAs4obeeLzCqhh6dKxS5rtHS5ciUWclqMkk96zDOS3pXXBJKxwVG5SuS6QkiamrAlsHBxSqNco6aalcv6y9vFHK8bHzGPIz0rOnd2ubVHFJtHNkybTiuo4rs3rWLfpMZGEbPJz1rnk7TOqCvAwLsf6QwznnrXRHY457l/S2jFqwwSzd6ie5tS0TKF0SLjHXJ9a0jsYy3Jrlv3C46YqY7lT2IbYHBNUyUPlYhDzSiOT0M+Q5Y1sjBjDTEAoAOcUAFABQAtACdqAFoAaeTQAd6ACgANACUAFAAM0ABoAWgAoAToaADJoATNABQAd6AFFAH6WOyCTcwbp9K42zZIgfJlO1gRnt2NTuMki4AXnnsBVJCZYjBVVOCPfpTERMMMAxUkY5J6UARkYAZs4zkcZoAUR/xMRnGfpQAAEEDn396AHKoVMnfuPGenH+TQA5FJPBxgY/WgBw5BGMjHOOKAAbMHJGMZ5PWlcYDIC7yeDkE44pDGSkqfQ9BgVLYxmRyWIAHXHPNSwAYJA56c7TSACW8xgAnHOMcfSkxlORmJ+RuAegHTrWbkUkQsWdQuWbb1B71F2McMLwoxk9etDGKMYKNlSOp/rmlcA6EBhjk4/wD1UAMJx1HLfl/9ekxjMKvAwVUd/wCdRIaGKCBnLYxz6dqgYfMRhSDnGTTAl2lyAWI+XjjviqSESAYUcckccVVhCBlXbwT2BNS2CI5ANoDAqxBOAOM/1qC0RSk8Ho2OOO1ZSKRSumdRnjnAwD/nNYstIqKBw3Rc5zikUSwpuX5duM9apEMvWjkYJHI981omS0W42IGAx9PfFXGRLQ8SqrKCOnp2quYVh4YZHPJ64I61DYxjNyCeSOQAee/FFxh5m3PPA7EUXAco3IAMAZ4wenFCAI9pTdvKmquSSPtCjG7I7nincC7ZEZ5HBOWrqw3xGVTY2juLAhiSBjBHFezA5GW0ZTzuK/U/jzWpIyQEBjhmHGSf50mJkBZcs4bK8jAGTQSSQsXQAZIx+NMa3J4sbDgtjPJ/+vQUPLANgEgk45HP+elIBADuKnAI6E9DmhgNi3edtLArww96we5oXUOcF35AHTpTESAkqyyEEcHJOaBDSgCsS25Dz06UAZl6itgnBBHp0/CpZSMDUokkQhyeeME/hUM0iz4s/aX8Gnw94xbVrSAJYaj8+B/BL/EP61dOV9BVY21PJa0MgoAO9AB0oABQBLbIZJAB2oA/Q/4AlP8AhTnhfaThLBM46k5NZ3LZ3ckrKnmIeOMAHvQIoySyeazE4C8kk9eKm5aRV+0SS4kAGR3J5/xovcrYypwWlYNI7BucBsjFQ9zVOyOX8VAW9s0Y5zjbz1+lZVNDWlqzjSHNmpADOeTnsQfSs0tDe9meTfHbSYbzTf7QSPFxZ4+b1Q9R/WtaE7S5THFU+aPMeH12nmiZoAXNABmgAzQAZoAX+VABmgAzQAhNAHd/Bm++x+MLGTcBiZRn8aT2A/Qnw5KZtLjkDE7lBIHpUIomv1BfaAxBHOOMfhSY1uctrmlx3URVlyvYscHvUNGsZHnrWt5pd80BRjEW+Un0rycdhtOZHbRqpqxoI+ccYPp2FeM9GdSHQA72Y9h0BpDLSBSvGQScc9qZmOX5edwyRg5q0ibjSSwGflHfFAFaX73cg9KllIgPOMHPekO5ESdxAOGHQdqCkMLbVDc4PFAwLfw4JYjFAmOTJ/iIB9BVIlslxwNvQ8k+1aRJY0sAMHaMDOKYiByWVsZ+metJlorPnaAsfOeMnmoZZA449wOSRk0kMQgn7xxnrxTQC7SoDKAc9QTxV3ESqo+UtwCeoPtQBKFIBJ4J75xxTJuMkUbuQd3bFAIhnBK5A68E9aVyijIoBzzn9PzqGy4kcKmSUbSN2eR61UBT2N2wTBDYGc8HPf0rtpI4plidhg5+VsHvXWkY6HMa/Mqx43dRj8KGaQWp55q8m5yQBjPr1qWdkLFAj5/lx9CKRsNOM4G71z6UAMxxxz60XEMXIyMnPfnpSGTR89R+NJgi2gGAG+v4VLLRYX7uAck9ODSKJcjaM5Jz/wDWoAF4AGCCR09aTAC3bke2KLANGEG7J4pgR7S3TIwQQKABzsOQRnvQIltueSOc59qGNalqPO7jJIzwDUMdi3EnAYAbge/NTcdiRWx8pGRnk46UhiH5yQG6D1oFcfHFuO/19TzQG4kiqnIIyOgP9aBlcyHpjJ9AaBNgYtzBmO3HvjNVcXKNdgsgxnjqc9qe4tiRXLMGU8HjpU7FbkkMOF3Ock9Rmi4kDgY3fMQD2FAyLyzJhVPA9RiqvYknS3Ajy3I+tS2NIC4TII5GKQbDxG0o+YEA8DHpQG5JHbJs65I49aLjskShQq8jlR1/CgLieW2CDygxilcLjUVNvBIGccUw2G45+7k59aQbjs87Sc9+B/WmKxDLI6zjCj8BRYb0HRu33/MAyeM0BuQ31x5a7UP4mnFXC9inBl5txOecketW9EStS0IyhaQf0qQMzXbww/LkfN0GOfSrhHmJk+UzdNlPmbXAwOTxzmtZomBstIUibnb9R1rntqbX0Mhiss20kN7d61WhnuVNVmSG1MQJVsY6dKuCbdyZNJGLY2jXEyluR2JzW05cuhzwjzbnWRf6PbBuRtOa5H7zOxaI5fWrt7ibEYLDPArqpxsclWblsauiWQFuJnUox5HvWVSWtjanDS5Jf3kaBl3+2AOaUI3HOSQzTrQTkSfw45x1qpSsKMeYXUx5APknBpQ13CStsR6Vbtc3AkdflXrmnOVlYUI8xp6wy2dljJ2nvWVP3pGtSSjE57SIjPO7MCVLcGumeiOanq7s6MRiGAcZAHcVzXuzp2OX1SX7TfiFsOOxB5rpgrK5zVJc0rG9pNqyODuIUgjBFYzlc1hGxW12QQQNICCRTpq7sFR8quZnh+KSYtNcbSrH5TnFbVWkrIwpXesjqIbWKCD5mABOcA8/jXK5XOtRsjL1A2zFv3rNt6d61jcyko9WQ2cMCWx84odx4J4NOTbegoqKWo02snBiAVCeoajmQ+R20JNRtIYyGW5JwvT3ojK/QJwV73MOwg+0mWSeUquTj5ua2k+XY5oLn+Jl+JLu1sithj5mwzN6VF4yl7xpaUYNUy5qVhcS6dbKlx83VyTiojNJu6NJ05OKSZhalGZb8QLOTsXBcnvW8H7t7GFRXnZMs6fdR6ZG74aeYjjnINTKPO+wQn7JXWpZ0ue81K1uLyUJHIPuoBjNRUjGDUS6c5VIuTKN9c38elJBcY/eOQBntWkYx5roiUpqCUjPL3BljhuXVYT1OOlaWVrozvK6T2GWWn211rai3chVOSabnKMNSY0oTqe6zUub+MvOoiJ2LtJNYqDsdDqxk2crKryTsUG2utbHC9XoaXha3aETXTsGQcZzWdaV7RRrhoON5FHxA0ayL5ecNzV0jKvboZreYNpx8pPNa6GLvodHMFOlR7ePl6VzJ+8djS9mjlp2/etgc5rrR58jQssLabsDJ681lLc3h8NzOkJa66VqvhMN5Et0+FxSiVNkaMVGAOT1psSHXH+rBNEdwlsUX5JNaoxYnamISgAoAKACgAoAXn0pMaA5oQMbTEBoADQAZoAKAA9OTQAdiaAE5oADQAUABoAQZxQAcCgBeooASgBc0AfpO+QpVmz2ziuDc6BFGfmU5z29KpCZYiQAA7Tk5B5z+VUSOZiFYcHnvz+VADCV5HTigBhAXHy5yeT3oAeigplwDn34FAD8BxuXcecdP1oAjY/PgZDA565zQAq55XqDzwDSGKGBIYcbjnkdSaQDmPzKAAe2TQA1eemBk/lSbGNYHGc5+XoDx17iobGR/NuJBycE++aT1AXaSuSy9OnT+tICOTdnGcc5680mykUZncs2DwffPFYMsZDnfzyN3RhzQA/buYY+Y+hz0oAfgcruGCecUAGQFGSMtQBE5HABJx0yKiRSEPIOB+PvU2GOw2BuwFzk5600hMUqCGGeAeBTsAEAs3U4457U7CHb1OEI79FHBoAa+cjymIB79R9Kl6gNI+TgHd1z2NQyyC6cxjK5PQGspFIzp3ySXydxIBJ78d6xaLTCOBioGwDnoOMntQkNsspBjsG7DParSJHBWJOBketAhwLEgKwwPSncVhWJBXGT2z2p3CwrSBRgdT1yaVxpAkwC5LdO/pRcLD4Zk3fNuAIz6AfjSuFiXeVk+YknHBHP4VSYrDwSuSzArnJI6jFNMViVGd328EDvincTLlkSJOPpgfyrrwvxGVTY3Y8BcZKnH96vbgcbLSEKpPzEdBjt6VqSNbLNhgqn0xj8c0mJlfYSzFjj0INBJJblsgnjv0waENbllDx7f1PSmUPkULEGUbhjGM980kAgx0JGD3pgPUkSAgYXr8xzj/PpWMi0SN8uTuwCMAgVIyWH/Vgphio556imSPBAGBncB260AU7xcRlg3AHGRyCf6UmNHNX0DjJbbjoMVmzSLPMPjV4SXxV4Tu9P2YuAm6Bj/C45HX8vxqFo9DbSUbHxFdwSWt1LbToUliYo6nsQcEfpXUcjViOgBO/4UALQAfzoA0IUENvk/eb1pMpH2r+yJ4ij1j4RQWBkUz6VO9u6k4OCd6n8mx+FZvdlyWiZ628zKxUk5Y5Uk4H+f8KAIJmQEMyHcwwcdfzqWxpFcBmG1CRGcnJPOP50LsVtqZuoGQShIl6dMDmpkaRWl2ZWoaYTFLLLtklIxnOdoPYf41Lj3K57PQ5x9LFtbMrHPz5Ixzz2qFGyLdTmZxni/Ro7jTp7edWKOMMceuRUWadzTmUlZnyx4g02fSNXutOnUhoZCoJ7jsfyrvjLmVzzJx5XYoVRIlAC4oAUGgBKAA0AHf2oAWgA6UAbngq5Nrr9tIDjEin9aAP0K+Gd8t34etJVwcoMisky2dDqbjazZUZOOODmhjiZUarIfnUkdgD0FJDZQ8QaW80WI41J7EjvjilOHMrDhKxx1xBJbyGOVQpB5UHivnsZhXTldbHpUqvMh8StkbcHgnJ71wbGrJ4gqvggEjqSaYmxzDIwFJBGadySKb7mARnryaAIWGcnH457UiiBwc8evNIZE4I4YEdxj+VMpDAVJO0knGTz1pDFTnGcYJxkH1piZIAuzptA6DFNEMVSQMkZ9c9/pWhI1zwSACp6+tDArzA8ZwARnNItIrkAkDGMd/8AJqXoWIV3bfu4wcZGT9aS2GIU5B6D1ppCECkt16D1qkA8DAxnO4A80xE5X92N23PH4UyWMbDc43EcikxoruML9w5znOfwpPYspzocFQwPzelSA21B87A+b1BrWCJmzbthsiyF57cV20kcc2QXz43Ac9zuNdKRnc4vxFcoYymfmPUA02jemcNdy7pmX72Se3eoZ1U1oMBHBPrSZqKenAz9TSQDMjGCOP60gGjk+pHcelAEqDcABjHYUmwSLkP3AAARUllhSBzycDK8daQyTGASe/TB6UDGsTjnGe/FACuoUgkZ49OlCAjkDH2HX/8AXQIHIAO0cjvQMao3JkqMZ9aAHxnecAEDpSYjQgULwSQe3NZstE7SEk7RyDk0WC5EjMT1AzzTsTe5YiJwATgYzzxmkykSow8oYwM+nNIY2TDbjksCtCJ3GRoqAbuv0pt3BJiS8L8vJ7n3pIe2xWKM7ksCFPUmrXkRuWY2CgIgJHOePyqWWmhckEqAWJNCBsljjCsdxyMcChsEh68MCOOOT0pACsWYABSoHXFAxUiAO5m4+vFBPqTEr06jr6dqQxVyzYAX6+tMV2PwvdMMOnHep6gIxCEccntjpTQxPk5L8YoYMidwrBgcj6d6EAxldm3Eqo9BTWgmiQJ+4b7uRxntQCRRFwodo32tz25xTsw6mddu8zkLxirirEsntztjBJUMORmlK9ylYluLrZBtYBaSVx3OR1CZri7JBJ2dOa6oKyOabuzX0m3+RZiy57jpWM3qawWg3WZwsahW5PUDvRTVxzlZGbau+MquMHqa0kkZxYXEP2u6VXBIPb3oT5UOS5jXtbBLa1PQH0x0rJzuy1CyMPXNQCqY0Y9MYHatqcL6mVSpYp6BaPcSeZMvA6DvWlWXLojOjG7uzburpYV8kHt61go31OhyS0M2xs5LqXPJDHkmtJS5UYxjzM3pjFYWxzhWAx061gryZ0e7FGB5hvrhgz4GeldFuVHNfnZ0GnIYIFCrxjt2rCWp0JWRleIpXmYW4bv3PTmtKWmplVd1Yn0u38iNEzz16GlN3ZUY8qLWty+Rp7uxBPQe9TBXZc3aNzn9BtVuMzyYyzYz7VvUlbRHNRipK7OpEEMFnudiB2PvXNdtnVypI53X5FuSsUQBYHk966KWmpz1ve91Fyya3jgWBjEWxjIGKhps0i0tLii2LytNczERqvRTxQ5WVkLl1u2UdUayFsZIpMvuxuz71pBSvqRPltoxINQtZYlhDhpcenU0nCSdx+0i1YfHbXUlyHeXbDjIVelS5RtawKMnK/Qp6i0MdtNL5rPI33R2q4JtkzaimyGCKx+xK88g848lKtuV9CFGFveHCS/meG0hQw2uRuJ5OKVo7vcd5u0Y7GhfWtzJKFinIiiXJrOMkuhrOMntsc7DZPdzSkOFweobGa6XPlRxqnzvc0Hv4dIsAkUJuJjwSwzis+R1ZamrqKjHRXZZE97HpcU0cY8yY/dHbNRyx5rGnPPkTS3MXxBJdy3SRS53oM8dM1vSUUro56zk5WYzSYbZopLjU5mVEHAHWnNvaAqajZymyzYPBEs19bAiEcZ9aiab917l05RinOOxV1PVVl011giCmQ5YkdauNK0tSJ1k46GXYQSXMUkhcRogJJzWsmotGFOLkmaGiyeTYTI7HymPDEVnUV5aGtJ8sWuhQ1yaBgiIvT161dNPUzrNNKxQhMjTRllOwGtXaxir3Rt6pMr2yLH8oVfSsII6akrrQ5bhpD9a69jzzUkcC0ULWVtTob90zoAGl561ozGOrC65kHSiIp7jto+UUiht2QEFVEiZRJzWpkLQAnTpQApoAKSGxKYgoAKAA80AJ3oAWgBKAD60AJ2PFAC0AFACcYFAC0AIfXrQAHpQAlAC/SgBOc9aAF5oAACaAP0iXGCAQR7da4EjcsQkcH24x3qyWSg5xjAOOMf5xTYDWJJXcMZ5JA9PegAxuyHPXjHoKAHJhlI574IoAVsFflYEn+VADd5AwgAI4H6UAM3B+QR6+/NIYvG3dk8YzSGOVxlUGCT0OMkUCGvuA+fnjAJ4zQBExUjaMgk8Ec4rNsodjAGWJ9MjNJgIzYXO5AMDnGAaQEe5QCc9OnPFAyvLKWbrkev+FZSZSKpBLEgZ5wec1my0Oj4O5cAgZ45P0oQmS/c6HC46elMA427iAT149KAEc5QEHHOfSpYWGZBJYbduQeB0/wA5qRigBH3H5ieMZ/pTQx5wV3Y4HtTENwDgsD6E+tAAjg7k7gkZ6n8aVwAEt8hAI9e9DAdn5gUCkduOc1Ixjtk7gW+X+HH+c1LKKd3LuOBjrjH86xmykim6gkcE4PPvUFE8UOSPvYzmmkK5cVFO4ZYNzyCTVWFcXavG1NzY7ntRYLiGNQOFwAcn/IpWHcimBzk7hx60AiAsOF8voTt46VDZSQzLbeucccjpU3HYepI3cE8ZAP0ppiFWRlBBOOwBJ/WmmKxOJCF+ViCOMHvTTCxNBKGO08EjOf8A69Vclou6VIPtGe/p2z/nNdeEfvmVVaHSIFGPVhjg5x9K96Gxwstw/JzzgHGDgng9K1JGSDLZIx0A+nWkJkAAYsc9OgP6UyRYDg8szcYOe9JDRcjyqhlAyvv14oKJpPlQEZA6cdM+9IBrINxwS5HQU7gObDbWAA4Pyk9azkikC4wM/L3P+fSoKHROqufnwM4AJ4/yaAJY9vqQD196EJjZ03qU6kc8ng+1MRk6hAGGCGCjpgd/8KiRcWcze24mSRZBnPfFZ2Nk7Hxr+0h4QbQPGDanbxkWmosz5xgLIOo/Hr+da05XViK0bO6PKs9K0MQ4oAP6UAWLGLfJuI+VaAJbuTcxxxjpUlHr/wCyT4zg8O+PJdGvnK2msqsStuICzKcp+fI/Kpn3Lgrpo+1EQeYNpBC4HI/p+FFybjJwQuI0w5xgIOtDGiI2zuoJwuOPfH+FKwcwy6ijVHEQIA4JPVj3z+lA7kctqpJcqoGOmOuBzSsO5japZp5R3qAG+6cc9etRJFRZxmv2YeMjaSWH3fc1lJG0WeCfHzwqXt49btIWaWAlLjC8snZvw/lV0Z2dmTXhdXR4n+NdZxhzQAYoAAKAAnFAAelAB1oAAKAFoAtaa5jvIn44Yc0Afcv7POsG88IQoz7mXPBNYX942teJ6tdENExYjGM+v4VbREdyjHswCwK98jv/APWpLQuQ7UbqNYeq5xnihshLU8t8caoILkzKcYI4PeuKulNWZ3UotFjSLoXtmkkTrtYA5HY4r52ceWTR2MvqMOD17EipIElXJzuZQOeP8/SqQELLlSdvA96GBFIQXc5wf61JRC7gdOvXsaRREdzZOByOBQNDQASApOOpHegYo9FYepJH9KZLY84Q4+bI/wAatIhsUr8pIbPbB6DNWIjdlAIA5OenQ0mVYglYHhSMdx2qRkZRTtYEkt2+lIpDgNygFe2ciiwwK9tgxxVCbsIEO3vnPpQK4qqOh+bjOff8aoLj3DYKhcnGQc0CGyDKkEkt/OkC0K0h3JgjLdMGpbLKkufmJ5HbmkMmsoju3DvgAVvBGNRmsy7IOSB7r0rvprQ5JGLqsxVT0yo5Oa3iiDz3xFdBd+eTnr2NNo6IHKCbfMWyCM1DR1QZMrA9ie/FRuXfUcXK4I9OmaLFDGYleox2NFgQqMvc9ehpMZPB97OM9KljRdhC5HXk/rUFlhCuQQcfQdKAFYnAx0754oAawAHGfc0DGlt23HPagTCQ7Rnj8DSQwiQ9/ugUwHspC9Tii4iWCPa5J5z0qWxolLuflwdo79M1IyUcRlt1AChsHPUdAaLhYfnnLEkDoBSAnhG8ENwP6UgSHykhDjI47/yoG9irI7ZGzvxVWJuyVOV3ScHripZSEkIVgNowfypoTHBGOwjC8etISVyYrtQMoGc9qCmhCSFU8t9KBXFMY2bvxwPWgEKXCquGHHI96Aegivlc7hg8gZ6UDRKGCkZ/+tQDEeQY+Q47lSaBg8hYbvMxnvQISWQKisHPHvzigCN5TIuFUKevrQDY5GIGGKnA/wA4oBEE9/HAdrEAimoticrFd3uLhV28KT64qrJbhuJdA20eSFXj8qadxWsZM12DKGDYAPNXyk8wsl2d6hCCe4osDZDqN0WU7iAQMAURWoN6GXZgiXkcE+lbPYxW50dqhgtyxOFPQ1zS3OmOxjag4kusKCcHvW0dEYzd2TLBiMFSOevGM1LZSVka2m2m+VZmC/LxzWcpdC0iDxDftbwleeTwadOF9RTlZHI2cM9/fEMmU9fWuttRicijKcvI6SaOOxtFRGXHQZ61zJuTOppQjZFXS7NruZpXXHPU+lXOSjoiIxbdzYh+zWpMZ4I4rF8zNUkjM8VYW3XD4A6H1rWhuZ1n7pkaOR5ODGC2evrWlTcypbHSeesFmTIcYHFYJXZ0N6HOwSm9vGYDo2Bjniuhrlic8Zc0jqLOMQREMQT271zNnSlZHNeJZmvbhbeFuA3NdFJcurOeq3L3UbGmWix2ypwCvXtWU5XdzWEUo2LF8Y/ICHBYelRG5bStZnJws8ur7ydkS+nOa69FA4leU79DXdYZwTGY488ElcEVirx3N2lLYlMdtBphimlDMx5IPNF5OWiBKMY2bOc1F4XvIoUPlxKeT6+tdEL8tznnbmS6GlDZ2rDfayoccEgcisnOS3NlTi9mWkAgsCjvkuCN3p9Kh6yukWtIWbMXVhDGIbaHnOCzGt6d3ds56iStFDoNOsyRKrebsHIpOb2GqcHruW9Llubi4lE4MESD5RUzUVHQuEpyk76Ig1TzrKyknNxuaRsKAaqFpSSsTU5oRvcpWunlrVJWnKbvvKG5H4Vcp62sYqm7c1y7JdW/m29lHAJM9ZGGM1HI7NtmzqJNQSuT3CX8msRwwRbYEAJx/DUrk5LvcpuftVFbGDrUk322R4vmwcGtqduVXOes3zNobPFaDTt9zKBK5+VOuf8ACqXNzaA4w5LyepfUxaZpMMMyB1mPAArN3nJtFq1OCT6mN4hvIzMkcEWxEXAWtqMNNTnrzV9EZ0kNw1pnfsWQ8AVqpJMycZOPqbdrZONMSCdgjdcdM1hKa5ro6YUmoWZz2qFY70p1CnFdENUclSykS6dJ9o1CJWGEokrRYQfNNFnWMRzSFSNvQDPSop6o0q6NmHEN0oHbNdD2ORbl+/CxwqF6lazjqzWeiKNvyC35VbMo7XGHLSEnNHQN2SqSW+lIohuic1pEymVqsgKACgAoAWgBKAA8nFAAKACgANABmgBDQAUAAoAT2oAWgBKAF9qAE70AFABx0oADxQAlAB2oADn1oA/Sb06Fj6EDNcaNmWI0VCflwPUc0xBuGeGz3wBj3oAau8sD9w9M/wCelADhgEEEHI6nigBwYKvyLjJ/KgBqkj5Rgn1PB9aAEzjGV6nOaVxjHcsFA28nkevt/n1pAK29iATgY4HAxQMcDiPG7B9OpPHSgQhYAONo9+3vUtjQz7g6tuIHGeKgYhzkJgsp759KQEbHgbsbR0yKBkLsACBkgnjj+tSxlfcPvZOB/nispblIaPugFiB0PFQ9ykJgLksSxxk4HUf40ASR/NnLD1GelUIegx82cc84IxSuCGOckqPm56frUsYJgEdxt4B4zQApRgxIKj39qQCKwDFgxPP3aaAXI54+UA9uaGwQ0Dd8w34HXLVJQiMpJAYnngn/AD0pXFYViNgDA4J474P+f6U7hYjkb5Rg4A+7UN2KRRlZd2NwVgc5B61i9TRIVVkY46kknilYC5Cu1AeeTxzjjPpVJEtlhFIB3kknnnk1diRQgXaQxCk8miwyMKQoyNy4GP8ADHrSAjOfQ5Axk9qhgivINzZ2kEjI+v1qWi0xBGCNuQGPcf59qixVyN4SFJ5Pt14oFckIKlnYdegJoAiY+Wfl+bB647fhRcByuPu5xnrnpTTA0NIkYTg9M9cfpXZg375jW2OsVsIPvccAds19FA89ltGx8w++voKskJOMFl+93PX6UxMhG0k44Bb6/SgkeilcZwSDjjoKSGiVdpxkEnnBIwc96ZRYB+XO8kkEjgjipAchHJxnvwMYoAV8srglgAegP9fwpSV0NEcRXeAABg4znp/nFZFkiyKWbbn0oAmQqCSVbAPpkcUCHM5YbNvQE8ngZ600JmbqaqyjDE8/dIHP1qWUjn9TYLGBsyD6dBmspM1irni/x/0GHxB4UuoVjzcW6maE453qM8fUVnGfLI6OTmi0fHnttI+tdpwE9nbi4l2k7RQBYltLaPKhix9c0rjsMMvlIUVQAfSgZVkfcadibj7K5mtLyK7t3KSwuJEI7EHIpNFRlZ3P0O+EXiyHxx4D07X4sRvMuy4TdnZIvDD8/wBCKzWmhUlrode+RGfkyAenXr/nNMkcvC5KYP15/wDrUgGNEhTcxyx7HtQFxoiUuGbawyQoFAGPqKF0lxkAEAjsTn0qGao5bVoVS3YqPm4JGOhGO1Zs0icZ4g0v7XavFMu5Zt6sMcYI5zWdnubJ9D5O8deHp/DPiKfTZctGDuhfGAyHp+XSu2EuZXOGpHlZg9+tWQGeRQAdqAD60AFAB9KACgBR1oAntuJV+tAH2F+yvE76XucEoDjGcdq538Z0tWge/wB026AKOGxkZ5xxWjMUZMjfefAVxyPqetQmW0Z+pSr5e0LkY5IHUj0okxxR4d8ZZLmxhaWBuDgnFck46nfSloJ8D9dbUdNkgkcl4iAR3xXkY2nyzTN4NOJ6cpJwwyo3cjn+Vca2IFccr1+maroBBM7/AHRnA7DoPzqR21KzFAOg6UhjGbAG7PI6AUi0iuzBOqkZ7/40DF6OQAOeox1pgPiGCrHv+RoRBIBhjwBxxg9K0RDGsDySAeeR6VQEMjAqe46MKi5RCzbtp4C7cdfp2pF2ELDkZ3fzzSSGOjLDPoe+PyqhdSUDvjI/XFMTE271BwBjoM0CGkFl+RlHQjIqhjxu2/MeT70EkUx+c4JGc/T86TGipcbl6ZBOefWpsWVtucDPOfXrTSGy/YLyq88NzjvXTTWpzVGX7jaqMABnPb0ruijmbOQ8QXJVWByBk4HWt0rEo8u8SXhZmXcCATxjFOxtEyrOTJ4wfXms5o6oFzcAcbR7VlY0Q4nqQMHHYUymxoztC7STnvQNEiHnGAM9KTBbFuINtABHHv7VDGWkztyMA9qktbEinDZ3YHSkAqnORkA9D7UDGkkgjk0DDDKwGMHqcigQ4KzHOMj60DJ2wqcjr6GpvqMEXglicZOaYh4YMeOMcHJpNAh7BVOG5x0A9KkYFzkKCM5656CiwyVCSu0kjFICRSoX5yAcc0AJ9oJHygD8KdriuEZZ/wDWEgN360NWDcmIWPBUkZHc0rjshu/5up3dOOaLBcliQOg3g5ouFhZHCjgjHQ96Nw2IElZyUUEY70Et3LcG1I8EkjP5GkxpWIrmfDkIw575ppXBuxBGGdcE7QenHSm7IWrJoWQKVYgYzyfp0qWWMSVnbaMrzgnrQTe5YVVSPOckev8An3oHaxSmvBzGoGW5+tUoiuFqHkdfNwQeTk8UPQS1JZ5o7dxyqA/y96SVynYzLm+kY7YsDjqK0UF1IcrbDLS3ach5wNwPUmnKVthJX3NiKSKONcsBt6Csndmmhma1el1ZQdwxirhHUmbTRzEkjcgH9a6TnJbOR8EnOamRS7jb+Uuu3jcT370RVhzZa0aFpJNkh2ntSm7III2borBb55PtnisFqzfZGHEHe6OAcH+Vb9DDqaWn2/mH5VJwec9qiUrFxRr3ci2lsApAxzWKV2abI5C/mlvroRqCwJ4rqilFXOabcnZGxY2a2dqHJAY84I5zisZScmbxjyoo3O+8u1HG1T+VaL3Ymc7ykdBEsNpY+WxCv1AxWLvJmqslYp21qbi5LEqFzxg1TlyolR5mYHiydZrpbOI/MOPYn/IregrLmZhiHd8qLuj2BS2QvFhuvBqJyuzSnHlVir4olkVBbwMQTzwP0q6S6siu3ayLHhq2UIgYESMMkkVNWdx0opLU07+5S2BUAcjrWaVzRuxy9qT/AGtLOQWQ8jHTNdErctjmjpNs6Kwma6BP3MH5s/5/ziueXunTF8xBdXsAuZIY49+wdSeM+hqoxe7DnXNYwdKuoLRppbhS+W4A6V0Tg5JJHNTmoXcjQSeC/AMRMSE8gjms+WUNzTmjNaE9y9ks+x0UiNcj0qFzWLfLfbY5yO9tGv5pbhWCZwFAyK6uSVrI5OePM3I07CBrxMW2I09xjIrKT5dzaEede7oSaiLaW8hsXlPy4J96Ub25ipqLahcy7o2jarJE5xEnGSetaxUuRMwk4uo0TAeXEw01Nzn+IVP+IvZe4aMdvONLxJMqzueSRgis3Jc90tDRRlyavUytRjD3EVl5u/H3m7Z9a1g9HIxqL3lEclr9muCfNkmRccAZBoc+ZDVPllvcdp80t7dyyyQLEsX3QRzSklFWuFOTnJtq1iQXmpR2c93KQiE7VHQ4pcsG0kUqlTlcmYIe8LBQCFlOS2etdHunL7wt7ZW32yG3EoluGI4HQVMZO1xzpwuo7s1JbqFrxbaeHzWt14z0BqFF2uups5Jy5X0OYupTPfvtTl2wM9q6Yq0TicuaWw+7huRPDEWDFcYVfSlFqzLnGV0joblY55UkkkCGNOV9a5o3SsdUrSkm+iONv5Ea8aTGcniu6K0PNm7yLWiyAXeXXtwBSmtCqb94NYOI2Zm5LdM0objq6IzLPiYE81rLYwhuO1GRi2SetKCHUZHGCsRpiWiGqcknmmxLcmhAINSUVbr7/HrWkTKW5BVkBQAGgAFABQAUAFABQAUAH1oASgAoAKAA0AAoADQAUABxmgBKAFoATigAHvQAUAHXtQAlAH6VQqFJ37hzjP8A+quQ1Jjn5l4HPGOtAEce05z+Y6UIBUwc9BgdvrQA4NFuypJX345oAQAbmJztA555oAa/zcdTnHHek2NCDfn5s9ce9SxoUqrhlZOOR070DGYGegVgPl5piDd1BGWA5x0BpNghg3Mfmcc+nr6VDYwG2Q/c46ZFIYrFQ24ADgDI9f8AOKQivKyttjRjnHpxSZRA+QPlJBznGKkY19h4B5Iz0NQxkfO3C8nPXNQMcp+b7oDdx2pMYEY5BIOMfe6/hQAsj4PUcDg+lSwsIDlTlyGGM7RjJpAOUAgsRg8imA53k2rzj1z6UAINudxPJxnjt1pDGghyxPekMY5IX5ScDqcf596ACMthpBgD27ikApcZzgHPQ984pN2HYqXz42gNnj+9096zbuUkVwwfJ796RRZtlzgbiASeCf8AGgTZfjwAMZJ755H61aIJE4bvk9RirSJYnU/PjJ7dsdKGNDJAFA2jp93k1BRFwSCR8x9algiPHzfKOP61BY5QG3YxgHHWixI/uu0DB98ilYZDIqNKPlG0nmk0CZHJEc4A4Uf5FTYoRo9xBAHTHQUWAuaSg+0AtuGCMV2YL4zGt8J1kauQqn5gOw9K+jhsefIuxBdq4wOMetaEIinLD5D8xznnjj3oBiZGQCAfX5aTJJgq9eQG6/5NMsmQNvJOG5zkDP8A9agAb5E+brjpnOf8KAJFCMh2DBTjI44zSsA6PKh9xyD0P9KQETAFuOFXqBWTVmWiRQEIwDnpkdaQyXcMqRgHkdT1oAZMoAVifl+n6UAVbj5oiH+VQD3x+vrQBzetxn7OxTr7dqwmjops43xDZyXFq5VN5xgjsRisJRZ0wlZ6nyz4p0O10/xHcW1zpqFHbehK4O01vCcmjOpTgnawWei+F5DiaymjOOqSHr+dWqj6kexgWk8J+EpUyJLqPns5OPzo9oxewiRyeBPDj48u/uVJ7nBqvaE+w8yvJ8ONLcfutZI+qCj2qE6HmVpvhoRgxatbn6qaPaoPYPue0fspy33hjVrzwxeXkMtnfZmtyp/1cy9evqAPyqeZNg6bUNT6aBbbgA7SOx71RiIVQK24nI4IzyM9qaAVVDAqxO3Pce3TimBFPswy4wT05qQRnyR7/M3Bun8XekyzntUi5GUODnIB5rJo1TOV8SeYkJMWGcZyMdOef51nJ2WhtTV9zxr4xeGhr2hNPbxZv7QGSLH8S919/X8KqjOzFWhzK589lSCRg5zXYcAhBpgGOBQAUAJj2FAC9BQAqqGPXFAEhWNV+9k0hmh4d0641G/jjiRioILH0GaTdioRcnY+zP2c0W20JlVQMP8AnXPB3Z1VY2ij2OVt0SN29Oua2OVGTekrI2CC316fnUM0Rh6jKWRtr/d/T/PFQWjyL4uH7RYlHPH8xWMzqpI434Ds9t4hvINuU3DjPvXBmC91M1pfaR76xA5BILV5SWgxGzjBOG9KGBBKRu3A+vtUspFZ8Z7rwOG5zQMic85wfSgpEJA54HSkMdEOikY/rTIJVHIz0Hb1/wA81SExSmemT3H6VZIHd2PJHI9aGCK0xye/88VBRCx5wOeSDjvTLQ8R/IcYJJ6elTexVh2QCQ2STz68VSJY/wCViOzduPWqRID5QQMevTmmAoA8w89Bz6UAGMcgHOKBdSvPyMHGD0xSZSK0ud2MccYFIsrjll4xzycdKEtRPY17GMfeBxz0H867KSOSbF1V0EbvjB28V2RRhI828XX2xXwxBOR1roSIueW6zeeZKc5Hb2q7GsWLpz5A5B44yKxmddM04yTjOAc1kzZEnt+P0pFIRwTjA57jNA2iWPnjkGpYIuRABTgHPGKhlomXPBP4VIwViTkkfzoAkTaw4GOO9Axw5G7tnigAO4gDoevWgB6Ar3OcZpMY9FyuSQM80ANkkABXFCAkjYADgAZoYhXfd2GRxxSRYm7ByMcmgTLAfagJIBPfFS1qCIZJSe5GcjOOtUkJsfEcEZHH0oY0hwlVc4c4BApNC2FaUyEoFz9KLWBsktwsY3sACPapbKSJBdqpx3aiwXIzuc53Y4wSeSaaE9SUERr15xzUjsRTTyMx25wT09apITYqxgcsrZPPA7/jSbHYJpVT5V6k9BQlcV7EaM0kmScZPU/SmwTLJkWJOOM9M9amwypPcvIxCMSD1NWo9RXG/Z1RhK2CQPyo5g5RJ76OBBhstjpnpQoNickjNlnfULjBchcdxWiXKRdyLtnarC+2TlT61MpXKUbEd1fw2j7Tkj60KFwckjPkvZJ5S0bFVPFaclkZ813oV55skhj06e9NIb0KMjByxAGM/nWiMnqXbZCsOelZyeprFaFWU/6UBGN23oDzVJaEPc39MQCISMpDA1jN3N4qwl5I0jbIwOPvH1pJA3cdbW4DRvvAz1GKbYrGlEiWyNICOetZN3LSsc54g1OSaXyYz+Rrop07asxqVOhN4dtSu25kO09qVWXQdKN9WWdSufNfZHkjocVMFYqcr7Fy3gitbcySp14BqG+ZlKyWpnBpLy6KqRtPAweRWmkUZ/EzTvEGn6aWBIYce5rNPmZbXKjmtG0yW7vzdycoDxzz1rpnUUY8qOenTcpczOonH2S2L7T8vGeuK5k7s6XojmLWI32qmfLMoz2rpb5Y2OaPvyudPZRQwtvPVRkjHWuVnQrGF4juVLHA27s4+tb0osxqSM/QysKgPEzljyfatKhNPQ6CCSGNGdC2MfMCOMVzu5urHP385aKbyotpY9SK6IrVXOeUrJ2KunKqwiKSF2yOTjpVSfUmG1mjUtre2hnEwcYUHIIrNybVjZRSd0ZupXsTwzOiZLZCnHFaRi7pMynUVm0VfD4tpQEuInJJ5OKuq2tUZ0eVqzRtKkKXSPFKhRBggHmue7aOnlV9GVGm01b24v3IkcDaqA9K099xUUQ+RSc3uZlmbKdpHvCfMkb5AOoFay5ktNjnhyN+9uatpZyxTJ5Z2wnGcHBxWMpprzOhU2npsF9YNd6j5wu1WCJc4LURnyxtYJ03KV76GE9uby5mxcKiqflZv4q3vyrY5nHnb1L1vf8A9jWLJHG88khwpPIFR7P2stTRVPYwaWpbvWuItHjuEAN1cHoB0qEk526GknJU79WZeoTX7mCxmJLkZK+laxjFamM5T0iytELqa6EFwUjRO444qnZK6JXM3ZhpdtbnUmubVvM8rO5jyKJtqNmKnGPPzLoS3WpWqQTzQxEzudu40lCWiZUqsLOUdzCtnZ3CRriQ9zW8kkjmjK7si34fhnGvmWUCTby3pU1WuTQqjGXtbs09V+zss92sh54ArKF9japbWVzk5SrMSAOOlda0OB2LejRs6yuw5UHGamozSjFu5nahvExVjnBrSBlUvfUSwXdlj2pzZNNXIbpi0wB6U46ImTu7Ekj7YwAO1JFNjU/1Y96GJbEsfyxk0upWyKlx1z61qjFkNUSHegAoAKACgAoAKACgAFABnmgA6c0AJ3zQAd6ACgA7UAHSgA/WgAOaAD60AGaAEoAKAA+tACUAHNAH6Wq7BCeWJHHy9K5DUc6/xHcSBQAxQqsQMj+eKAFIx1zsbAwe9AAOcEFcA45FACEZ/hPJzkfyoAbGQy7lQgEgHPUVLKQoAC7SpkB7+lSMNx2nc20Yx7mgBrsuW2544yRk5/yaTAikaNv3fTnOM9fepuOxGhYDAwAx59+PWkBI5y+cdPXkUANckbuQw7ADpSAryHcDkgAnqRnikxkZIA3FsZHQ/WouVYQljIAV55Gev4VLGG1em3vkCkAoQKSCSRxg96AFfaHCnnI69cVDGRtk/dB29GyM8Uhi7sY+UkkcLQApHy5cAZGOme3/AOulcLCMh2kncT19hSuFhVLMTglf+AY4NFxjZGLfe5I6elIAYgja+04AIHbGKBjTtjA5K+ncDNDArvJs3AgE4ODnPOaykykio2WZieCCOvaouaWHRDgcAAHqeTimSy9bRnYHfOTwc/y/nVJEMtxjA6AYJrRIlkhd9m7gZHTGBVIQnQjAABx+dDGiORdwJ+YDuMZ5qLDuMcMFPyZIP97JAqWMG5OS3HvUjF2qXOABu7sO/wDkUAIeVwFBBIyPXNFguRkHjaAEHTnqakdhCUzycn+f4VNirjVcjOCQMd/Wiwi9o7xfaeB0xn1P+c114T4zGrsdOg+5j+ea+ip7HAy5HhFyCABgMPWrJI5/ldVycY4P1oExiNuGckgdAOpoYkWY92B1IHGAOlMokTqCFyVB4PWgBsikksGPY89OKAHKCRwfUjoe9AEqKjKNwOB6rnHuP89qkBky7dpyeOmKiZSFJx86MSW/jxyMdqgokQZ+ZQC2eM9vzoAjmmeOBim856elAFK5kBjAzyT1/GgaKWoRbl5Qq33W5z+FRJXKizFFooKjbnaeCD19ajlNHK5w/wARvAOl+JrUi43W91FnyriM8rnt7ilaxXNc4PTfgDq19DvsPEtk7jh43jIZTVqLZk5tPULn9nrx5bKzQ6hp8vH94ijkY/amPefB/wCIVqvEdpID3Ev40cjD2pkXHgLx1b8Pp8fAB4kHNYzqxh8RrGTlsUZ/DnjOB/m0eZgP7nP8qhV6T6lPmGWMfivSr+G+i0i9hmgcSRsIW4I5zVKrB7MLy7H2L4L1g6z4V0/VJYvImngVpEZcbX6MMfUV0Rkmro5ZRszYkJJCAcYJznr9aokYrSHcGcEKcHOePw/GmASKBg4JyeMDBz2pWApXG1IznIJ/iPb3qWUjEvY33d9uNowOnpWbNUcvq8W/9yyjjOeOKyZtE4/XYWhlUqp8xTg8ZFQzSLPHfEnhHSJNVnuDGkS3DmQDpgk81vGq7GUqMdzNfwHpzt+7kBHs1X7VkewRC/w6hIzHL19DT9qJ4cryfDlwxCyEke+aftSfYMrP8PLoA7XPtnvT9ohewZVPgW634MhAPfFPnQvZMnj+HWpSqXjlTaPXrUuskNUGy7Z/DafeBczDHfHFS619i1Q7nRx2VloVl9k09N07jBbNZTm+p006VtIn0F8BLJrTw5GXOCx3kUUXfUjE2VkesygeUgzgkDjI5GK6TivYytRCq/z4xj5h6dOtQy4s5+8TaWABIbLf41DLPP8A4h6et3ZM5+VRz6ZrOaN6Tdzzj4ZOLHxjLboMq/qPevPxsb00zopvU92U5QNyF+nNeWhsG67VI+7nNEgRXf7mWJz6elZlIqyKFyNo6+v+eKCiNwvTqc/lQUtho4OCAcnnvSBjlyfujI9D/T8aaJJI89MEexPWrRLHkA5bGDjJzVkkUi8jaRnPepbKsV58h+5I9B/WpKSIiMtgjaT2NBY9ehBx64B4qR3AYYDBGMkYNWiGPBIbJbHTgHp+NUguOQZyOh+nWmhMcEVcY6H27VRFxH4OckKOBzSY0ytKGL7cg/j1qWaIqyYHAJIHPaoaGRxAGUgDocHI/r61pFakz2NqxRVUs2cE4HNd1JHJIzdbkWK3JBxgdBzjFdUdzFs8h8aXm1nPHOce9dUVoQeaXNxvuTzxn0qmi4s1dMcMF/KueaOymzXicbegB7GsWjdMnU4BJByRSLTHqRwQ35UDJYgAe3NQwLKgFgORz1qS0PYkABSD6YFIYHGAN3OcZ9KQD4gB2JJP+TQCLS4K47HkikNDSdoyvfpmgYqqSDu79802A9mXGAe3QUgITnG7JHJPSmgYxpQSdrYB9KBXHxMc54oGDzBcgcntSsDI3nyu0EDHJ5p2E2SQMQc7uBxjvmgAe5VSQGPAxRYbkCOZSG5ABzj0oYk7l+HA7tzz6VnIpFa7uMYVeT6YqooGyO3y7bm9OM1TJRdadUTqM9MGs7XZfQhE8ky/Jx7CqskTe5ahRERixG7HaovcqxHcXD7SoAzwBnrTSE2RRxsw3PwR05qroViWSTYBg9BgEUkhsrNKZ2C8oAevNVsTuTxiNF7Ar3Bqbtl2sUNS1JVQxx4LHNVCDInNIx0WaWX523e1baIyszZg8u3wxy2MZx69ayepqkkipqOqc7Ymyx96uMCZVLbGWJJJpd02WOelaWS2MU23qXbWAIpLHkn8qiTuzWMbGTrdwIpBtB568VpTjcyqysUrZpDIXzkE8gHArSVjKN73Oij+WAEgYPvXM9Wda2KcKNLcBgAFJxVt2RmldnToojtsnJwB1rmvqdL0RUfmYtxgnnA4/wDr1ZBbtohgSDOAc4NTJjSKmuX5WLyu54PFVThcU5WRT8OaYJ52nlXK9++TWlSdlZGdOF3dm3fQ4TyYBjjoDWEX1ZvJaaBp+nm2zNKuRgk+uKcp82hEY8upk6tfPduIITuwfuitIQ5dWRKXNojU0Syjt0E5BJA+b61nUnzOxpCFkZ2u3sl3fC2Q/Iv8K9/xq6ceVXZE5OT5Ubug28MMQOzpgmsZttmkUkjO8Z3QjiaMFgJCenStKMbu5nVlaJj6K8lrDkJufOeDWtTVmdP3UbtxM1vZGRlO5ugz1rFK7sbN6XOT115JohvJ3ZyOa6qdkc9XVIm0+R0VUaIbQOuamaV7oqnJrQ0dTuUt9Hdo42JZelZxTlLUuckotnO3l5ObFF2BckHmuhQVznlN8pPbag+0QiDYp4zScOpcartaxoTGC2sC7Fjv5wR19s1kruVkW+WMbmJq97EtrDBFFgdW4+auiEG22c9Wa5UkaOjXtvMggSJ4gF5YisqkXHU2pSjLSxZuo7DTrWaQSGVmz83ce1SpSm7FOMKabOduxaraRiHO92yW7V0R5r6nNJQ5FY0Laz099jrskmXk885rOUpLQ0hCD16mjHHdhZGuPlTHyDoKzbjpY1SnrcxL2JrawkbzdzSP0z0FbxackYSi4xbvuS2mkIbWO4edwcfdVhx+FKVVp2HGipJO497k3GoQ2MVuFQfekI5pcvu81xObc1BIkkN5LqoSFl8qEZ6/1qUoqN31LfPKpZbIybuO6u7ia6tZCzKcbia2i4xSTMJQlJuURXtI4bDzdSujvfomc0+ZuVoIHG0bzZY06NNL01phGRDPwM9TUSbnK3YunGNKF11MzxDPCsEMcEOxM7jnqa0pJtu5jXlFRSRm2qTTMZo/3YAwTWsmloZQTk7ovaDN9ijuZJDuEvy7veoq+80kaUX7NNsi1eWKCxEMbFnflie1OnFyldk1bRjZGGmQh2r1ro3Zyq9jYsCW0/HCsTyawn8R0QfumRqfEpA61vA5qj1HW7YtCMYzSe44v3Smo3TnPrWj2M1qx9x94L2pIbFBwoFIRYgVnIXNIp7DNSg2AZFaIzkZ1WQB60AFAB6UAFABQAUAJ3oAWgAoAKAE4oAKACgBKACgBaACgBKACgAoAKAE9qAF4FACAigD9LCQAQvGe9chqNxgfMxwee9ADyFJx1Y9CaAFk+YYLA54Jz0oAVSCSCDgHn2NADPmPzOwA70mNCNtTDBSDgZJJNJjEUsSMjjOPwqLjCQ4wpzx+WP8aYELtkEnBYdjx6VLBEXBBwvGOmakoTeu1hyNpxx0oAemQcsxxjpn9aBEIZs4OPwOKm4yKRgzfMTgAjI6ZqGxpDZH4AOcseKm5QmScsSDkdqVwBSvZiOOgoAe23IZjz0NADM7huDKOORUsYxcncxG3jpSAdyFHv1Of0oAeXXOCoOTkD1qCgVQTgk47ccYpAORdvAcHHY8UxB1Xb7ZIPagY0hRnkrwB9TSAin3BM8k98CpkyjOuHJHl5A57Y5rBs0SGxgNtHU46Higb2LVvGoAVycEfzqkQy7CgLBXbIAzyetaRJJl2gBs5HfA/SrJHKTnkY57A9KYrDJWX7qoNvX2oGOiAB3qQOOmaQEbjPzH8qljAkNISD17elTYYrKUw2SpJ6H0pAMYgcY5xyP60ANZMgbRt9QM+lQWMGN+4seOucdaQAQfvHjnr1Ap2EXdM2rOATkdOn611YT4zKrsdFCSWUvnHcE9M/jX0MNjgkXIZM4U7dvTHtVmdxkxI7AcDp9aEF7hGWX5lXrzTYiykhbgLzn+nWgslB4YZ9QeeDQAmwD7xP59BQA+JMMAoLdOh7/41IEy4cYIPzYG39etAEVwofjtzgZ6VEykINpLAtt4GBjr2qChGlXb8uF25wuMk+/NAFOaaKVThQIgf7xy3oKm5SQxZkdhhCygADB4H1z2o3E1YrHM1w+7opHOaAewS26bSwy53Z49Pw7UCuZk8IcEKoI5B96lo0TMiWOaxuUuLdvLZTng4/lQm4sbSkjsfD2vjVQ0F0UiuwTjb0fHp/hW0ZXMZRsM1qFmB24Hp71smZs4HxIRtTAGM8j1PrXkZktDtwr1IrEjA43E9Offp+teOjrZpoitFgqDkc4GeKtEs2/DtzHBJ9kO2PdyoxwOORXpYKpvBnNWjfU6FmcR5Cj345PHQV6JzgrLggHPbOORTAi6btzMo6DnNJgVp9zKQ5znqQOlSykZN6DjOzcQc8nj8qho0MDWoQqZOScgjjj8azZcWcRrqYTzACJMnPvUGyZxep6XZX09vBevJFA0wUyKMFc8VEpOKujS3NodFJ8F4wpa21qYLxjKjPPfiub63LsZcq7lOX4PaqgJg1njJwGXrT+uPqh27MzZPht4yiY+TNBIM4zv96tYuPYdn3Kt14O8dW5Oy0W4weQsg5qli6b3D3is+jeM4oR5ugyEnsMf41f1ml3D3uxoaboHiqdMDS/swPBMhH51nLE01tqP3ux0GnfD2+uCW1K88tWPRD1rL64m7RRXL3MjXPDVvZ36W1shIVvmJ5NatuW5vSaUT2T4d2v2bT44xHtA5yO3tXXR0Rw4h3Z3TgiJscY4A7/rXQcbM/VkbYMKefU/r7VMi4nL6g+0428d/Q1mzQ4nxrKZLJgeDjqTWc2bU9GeZeCpVHjsBlwWGFOPeuHFq9M6YfEe7xuQFAz07+teUMjkYKnKg+h9fzpMCrcEo3JJx1x1rNlpFeXgY55NAxjfcxtU9+DQO4wAYz8wb6Z/CgLksanJIJ659KaRI4qMsABjrmtEiWOICnA3HGPamIgkJXAAGeualodyF8MOB3xgcfrUlpkeDuGc5B5x/KgoVCc/e6cZJ/zzQFh4CbtpyTnrTJbFPQ45IHc1SAcmRyRwR2NNCY+PhjkcHOPQVRIxscqW5zxzyaTGitLgKPvEAnjPT0qGaIpTFep7np05qRj7QZlIA+YcAYzWkETPY2YjshyVHTgkV6NNaHE2cv4puFMTYfaSD17V0wRmzxLxrfEuwYk9q64ozbOGjk3T5qpLQIvU3tNkxgH0zzXPNHbTZrxSZ6dB0rFo3Raib5iC2B6+tQ0WmTcBuORnqKRROmMAjGfpUMolU4UZ6+5pWKuPQhu+D79qQ0OHA+9kjsOp9KQyVCDwMH0OKQ0TqF4xmgYud5UZzjPJoEBIAIxk7eRnpQMTJdd23qeg4oAbcPgdvb1oEyuCApJwD160CEeQDI5PHQdDTsBFI+447+lMCSDIJzg5HcdKTBaCzS7YwB+vehILkUKPJJ3K5xzVPREpXNK12xIQxHoCD2qGXHQJJgflVtuB1pJDuNiiL4Z/TnnrRcQ52CDsPTNG49hsQaVsEDGOcc03ohFoKsGDgc559ai9ythply23PLce9O1hDoYgJDzjJJ5obCwXFwkMbBXBOenSkotjbSRnAySyAk/L1GK02Mndlwusa/MVHHWpauaqyMrUtRJk2QYJ7+9XGHVmc59iGCASjzXb5ye/pTbtoTFX1ZYlaOOMuSoYH0pJNltpGXfai8g2JkAZzzWsIGEqnQrwQOzBiSQfWqlJLQmMW9WWpisTE7hkD1qUmzV2iJFds4IYAL160nESmZl+C8oGMgnNbQ2MpasvaVabn+ZT071nUlY0pxNa4QCLgAHgcdqxjuay2LGhWg3lpEO054oqS0CnHqaF/JgKifuweM4rKKNJMZY2jyMD1/CqbsSkXdRkit4ApAGB0WoirstuyOfgtJr+980AlM9a2clFWMbOTudVYQLbxeWq4I65FYN3NVZFkxBXzk7j1yKkaZn+Ib8xWTIpycY5Aq6cbsU5WRh+HdOkdvtbY56hu1a1J9DKnHqbGsuLSyKH5Nwx9ayguZmsnZGJ4ftSsjyvzzWtR6WMqcXe50ZmEMBzGdzjjHSsErmzZyHiCWa8l8tj8wPFdVNKKuc9S70JLPzYgBLBuUAdDSlrqiou25c1G7Z7ZYUTG05AqIx1uy5PSyOY1D7TJfJgbyvVa6oWSOSak5aGtbTLHDi7iC59DyaxktdDeLstR2tThLSJIoyQTwDRBXeoVGkrJGBemV5U3R52/wANdEbWOed29jRs5/MO25twgyNtZTjbZm0J6WkiXV7tFENssRZCfuntSpxbu7hOaVkY1xMkmoLJJCCq/wAAFbpPlsc8pJzu0a6G2nhVVIt93qMVg7pm6alG2wmuPp1ta29i7AluTTp8zbkgq8kYqLMa6ltf7RRWxHCijqK2ina5hJxU/I0LdY2kL6ciyHHB9Kzd9pGis9YFvVVmTSkiklCytjPPTmohbm0Lqc3Jbqc9fRAyQ2qTbuMsx7V0Re8rHPNaqNye2hNncb2neVQPuqc/pUuXMtiow5Hvc0dNMl19ouJIxEYxiNMcmon7tkjSm3K8mUrlLy1sJ7iUlBK2BzgmrjyykkjOXNGLk+pnWk9/a7ECARScnJzxWsoxZlGU427MtX0Wn3E8UAkMszfwjtWcXKOuxpNU5NLqT6hfoJoLCWPckPOB/KlGDs5DnUSag1sc9ruoC81BlWMKnRQK6KVPljqctaqpytYjlgl2JbrLjf0VTzTUlu0S4u3Lc1YraH7LFbzvsKDJHc1k5O90bqmrJMwdTnWS7IRcgcDArohH3TkqyTkV5XdpEQJtUEZAqktLkSbeiNa8CLEnlYXauT71jHV6nTPZWMC4kJlJPJzXTFHFJ3dy4yAWIOcHrUJ6mtvdKMIzIT6Vo2ZLccxzKAaXQb3HHlsCkDNbSLUyNuweOam+pdhdYg4Ix0q0zOSOdkG1sGtEZDaYBQAUALQAlABQAGgAoAOKAEoAPxoAPpQAUAHFABQAUAFACUABoAM0AJQAvAoAQ+1AASfWgD9K2GeD1HAO3vXIaiDqCSeBgD19+aAHgFONpX2wPxoAV8jAIGOvFADTjdkMeTkZoADyuBjjnJA4qRjVVQMIjHNDGNDOuSBtGMgZ/CpYIaSGA+bAznHXn0pMZH8uC2CDjGD0qGBHxsK4XBA4HTPegoaTtGQOAeOKAEWUbdxXHqR/nmpYIjJyePTIDc49xUMpEY4GSBn160hkTbvNATn61IC8FWGG257DrQBKihckEA/ligAkZ2XbjHrn/CkwGYI3EoG/CpuNDG+Zcg8HqRzzSuOw9jJnCgYXn6VNwsOQnPzKemQCMmkMcqKcnDLz05FMTHopHGduTjaatIQFgpLLyWPpQxkbnPHzKTz1/nWYyvdOqqcE5P8AnispMtIzActkgt2OT1FYmpYhG9gB0Dc8dMVQmXEZcZwQeOOlUiGWI9hII544U9K1RDJGxv4BGeNoPb196oQhbBKrgEclhx/k0AEpwcgrkc5BPr+tADsEIQduOPm/+tSGKQGGCoG1fvHpmkCGkJ93cpIHWkMQlkQ4OenXv7VNwInK52seSMEH9KQxCOuAu49fU1DY0NxkbgCR1I9KBi8spbJznrjORQhMs6Wg88NyxOAcV14X4zKrsdKoyyAnleRz/n1r6GnsefItRgbVB57c/pVszEdfmLKSe3INCAbH8w8w8n021TAswttXYTwOoHf2pFokUDheMdT6Z9aAJcqXBcENtOMnNJgSKFLHcqrjocd6QDpBkAkqDwee+aAI5Vy67wuSey4xUSKRTaRoywYAk4z8uKyuaJFO7un5jiX5zgbhzjNJy6FqPVld5xhII9uCOp/U0r9At1J2kjtomwp+b5VHaqehG5NHGYo1ODkEDOev+H0+lNCYrLvG4HAI6e3+TQxFa4iG1spknqO5/wA/0oAoXECFdsmckcE9/wA6ku9jDaF7S5MmcEn5WXj6VKdmW/eR0FtqX2yDybsATKu2NxgiQev1rohO+hhODRynisNsViAeMg+tcGYL3TfDblTS9oTCsQeuAOteIjtZsJ91Rv25Ixj26VqkQTwuySRuoIccf/Xq4S5HdCaurHWWcq3UAcKp3feyOTXtwlzRUkcUlZ2Hgqqsx2knpzyKtEiDqGaQ5H5etICGVFK4kVsp0wOKGNMz7+JTy0gIAG4kZ+tQ0WmYV9B95txJCsD/AIZ9aho0TOQ1u2WQYjV8Z4BGMCs2jVM4/XLBm2KIzgDIxjJzSsWpHc/DbWWu9OOmXEwe6tTxvySydvy6Vw14cr0B9zreVcfKPTj19K5wIJj6N8w9Dg0mMZK42j5sZwFyeM/WkAwE/eYHHTpmpKAKA3ykkHPNICMspwysPTnnFOO4PY56+sBNqYZoyxDcYFeskKMrI7nw7biKBRwoz3HeuuC0OWq7s6K6YJAqbsEkgE9x9P8APWtTBFHUhvYeWw47jjFJjRz+qRs0TBju+XHTrUNGiZ5/4rRjG42ZOOKwmbwZ5lZK1r4zsmQbS0mM1zYhXps3j8SPc4WbylBYEKOCf5V4yLe4w4YkhcnoMVLYypIASeOg7elQWRE4ICliOw7UALjMYA4+nSgBGGemV5/h6n/ChASR4AO7AAHQ8VaRLY5du7JGD7VZLBlIQEDgZA4zQCIHbgnGWPp2qGUisQWkyCc452jtQUHBfjAHXPvSRYvRwvOAOCOKZLHqBksW4PI55pkgDn1z6d/eqGLG3ygHHJ6mmLoPJx8rL8oHNMkaxGABwMcjNJjRUuj8ygFVHYEdKzZoilcdR8xGD3FJFE9gHOOoJ9sV0U1cwqM1JCRFyD0xz2r0ILQ5GzgfGdyVR85Xj0rppozbPCPF10TOw3d664IyZz1o58ynIcdzoNPfp7VzzO2mzYhbt09ayZui5ASMDcMdKzZoizEo5JH5VDLRMmc9B9SKTKRICONq5H8qkY7cRz3pASZLJ/Fu9aQEiMRg5z+HT6Ui0ywAMgAHscZzSKHqCEBGTigQ1SrEMeh60ALI6hcN8zD/ADxQBWJHBIBA6c9KBEcz7M44LcnFMCB2ye2fbtVIm46MgK276CkxoHk5OefSmkDYRKznPBPSgSVy1G6oM4Ax6VJVxVlaUkLlcdM0bBe5MikAZpDHtLgAcAD2pWC5GFaflycYx05zT2DcsQmNACeo68UnqCGSOZcFG+ooSsNu46MCMEvwf/r0MCK5vgoZVOT3HrQoCcivGGm/eSDLehqthLUmlKRRHp179qS1G9DFvNReZjGvGeM1soWMZVLuxJZxlTmQk545qZMqKJZpktkx2Of/ANdJLmKb5TEubx5idrEgdK6Iwsc0p3HQRs672xx2pN2HFEk94kS7A3P1pKNypTsUFd7iTOTyeea0skjG/MayKogC44x3rG+p0KNkZ0g3yEbTkHjNarRGL3NjSn8tBkHPp2FYVNTenoW5ZPNkEac+uDUrQt6mxbkx2qDPJHTpWL1ZotEVnRppieSh6iq2RJq2hWFPnLAYzms27lRKVykl9P8AICEHGT0qk+UTV2bWnWkdvEOPcEdKiUrlJcuwly6wMADliOw5oQmOZ1S386X8MjkGhK7sLY5mVZdRvSQpaPPGBxW+kER8TOpsI47e2XHy5XGfSueTuzTocp4mvftV59mU/MhwCfrXRSjyq5lUld8pc0sOkaxbQc8HnqfWonqzWOmhPq8xityqryoqYLUGzjJJLmXUBMD8ueVNdq5VGxyPmcrmxBMzOu6JSyjOQK52kdCk3uVr28m89jHFjA61UYqxMpu+hiW810l28kaiRj610OMbWOdSkndGpYzBpVM8ZY+i9D+FZSjbY1Ur/EiHV9Tme9VIocKoz9KqFPS7JqVHzWijIjvLlrppBEJgc8HtWvKkrGKnJyva5taTILiVfPjaMjkAc1hNW2Z0QlzPVD9QvYft7yLErFBgECiEZcopTjzmJaXkcdy8s9uZHLccVvKDa0ZhGaTu0b0CWl6Y5mmKMACEPWudylHQ6HGNSzuZ2ofYpNSaRxveMDavatY8yj6mcvZud30M+0+ySzSveOFycKCOlaS5kvdMY8rd5Grb2UzbVsCqRZyzr6VlKa+0bqEre5sSarp63dzEj3ZEUS5JJ6nvUwnyrYc6XO1dmDFbW9xezqsgVY8hT610XaijmjCMpNXLSE2CHyIjcyNwSQSBUfHvoXZ01orlnUZLlLKJY1/fyEcDtURjFyfY1nKSirbmPrsl6THbTPllGcZ6VtTUfiOarKbfKyPSmkupCl7cCOJB3P8AKqmkvhFTbl8T0RaSO1h3XVpk7erHualuT0ZaUF70SB73y7OS48omeTo7DoKfJrboTz2i5W1Mmzie6kPRO5JraT5Uc8FzMvWVsIr9bkSecE6nsKiUrx5TWMEpc3Yt3VxaBJblmPmOMDnpWcVLZGk5Q+LqcwH3Tkou7muu2hwp3d0WbE7rzdMucdvSpltoVDWWo/VTtjYh/mc9qUFqVUdloZI27hgEnPetjm6l29bMA2jaoHTFZx3Npv3Spb4wSKtmUdhp/wBYT6UxMmtl8yUAA5qXoVHVndaNY7LFmaMj14rHm1NraGZrEBOQV68/WtosxkjkL5NkhFaoxaKwqhC9jQAUAFAB3oAKAE60ALQAg60AHrQAY4zQACgA6ZoASgAoABQAtACd6AA0AGKAEoAOe9ABQAUAfpZwAxC9eynrXIaihQo5C9e2eOaADc2B1HqOtACFiM/MD7UAR5UD5SDjOABSuMcANoOzBPQE80rjsJgjB3d/U9DSuFg4zllA5yCT0pDGFMDAx6n+tQwIRuxsPH93kjNIY1wvzAsd3XJ6UDIpGGQOBg9KlsCJS4yPvHOc56VLkOw2QktwcZGPoKi5Q3gkgkA4HHNIAwAxbdgjod2cCkCHqoZvmYBfQcUIbHLuQHABH9KYiFmbeSe4+XgcGpY0I0nynapJXg4/nUsaFZlG3bjaOmagY0sVO5QRk8nvQMdH8pOxhnP1zQBYU8c4B6c9KpIlg2G5LdOh9Ku4gZiE3bSxPPNK4EEr5U8jjn6Gs5aFozrshnxu4zjPrWDZrFDEQA/KQOep5qCi1DEyDAABIyTTRDLKKzFiFAA45PNWkS2TxKpUL8uOo5rREj5AWGFxxznoRTuBHIW+XKgt1J/z+NFxCj58eg47e9DAcG4BC7j3OelJsodjJ5IXcOPb0oAVmXIXaNw4OTyDSAhk2uF5JJ5x2zUMaGEBecDOecnipGRFsOd3UEgEH/PvUMpDwQ3ykEgjqecUxANvPPHbNMCzp24Xm4YcAj0/WurCfGZVdjplwArYKr3B719FT2POkWk/1YYjK9QvaqMxzfPn8eox/wDrpoCONdxDDO44AAPB/wA/1obAnQZKgEf7xHP+RRYtEm1WbAUHd3J6H/IpgSqr4XjGSO59etSBLHgk8gnpnmgByqzJ0AOOR/n60ANABjGAxDc4J6+1ZyZSRm6wvkyByTj+Lr1rOWhcdTOhAQMxO6RyQc/pURVjVu42O1USszyBSO5HBpqPUTl0HxwyS3QkLHZHjBJ7092JuyNEv5hVfLHXAAbr71RmIwVkB2gAAfgM/wAqLAMmVnBVeFB44/Lj8KQIqzIoc7SOQMjPA+lAXKt1bxuudoLY6UmilIzbmFQQpXaRjaVODn/62KlNrUvcxNfuBLbssm0Sr1P973rmxkuamXTjyyK2lMSF4GcZ9a8eJ1yNuInPQbSMZ7ZrYgewxgFcgE/hSuI1tAuRvNu7FQ3zKSen4V34Kp9hmFaHU22Yc7Rkn5T6fWvRsc4gIBCk559vxpANkUfdDZ5545xQNFS7iwOVUnbgH0pMpGFqIVY3wAWA544yazZoc3qUTGTeuQGAA7jvUl3Of1KBGRmwGPYY/DFIpOxz9s13pGtRXsGXkVvuAHBHcH2rOcOZWLUkep6bqMOoWazxZDH76Hqp7g/415lSDg7MaZOejdiPyrMZGTu453Dgc/40hoTIPEbLn0x3pDGy88ZyBwSe4xSAYuA2D09T0oW6GLHAJbsPgsp59sV7VLWKZi3Y6zTQq8DHXHH+eldUTmky1cqu9OSWDdferZmiKZMQlgQeDwD79KLBcwdQAwwRO3GKgtM5HU7NpJXLJn29BWbRqpWPNfFmkpaeI9OuF4/fAHH+elc+IXuNG1OWqPU7YloFzkbVHOea8C50tCPuG5hwRnGP0qJAlcqnAyCSeOSKRYx87vl54596AD5B6kdKAH7OgyBgUwFRNx4TjGD6VpFEMdjkL0PTjvVWAaxIyM4B560gIHwF54wPyqZDRAxAUZGc8HFSWhoGPu8c4zk9KB3sP5OD8oHp3ApoTHDpweB1x6/hVIkbnaT8xwBnI9aYxQfm6/pQBJkBDjc2PT9Kokjkyy5JHXvSBFaUg5I5yOB1xUmiZUmJyCACQOtJIov6Yh3YB/HPeuqkjlqPUsX/AMsZduOODzXfFHMzzHx3PtjlIIGeuPpXVTRkzwXxHKWun5yMmupIyZn2ZxyTRIqBvWDYGc5Nc80dcHY24GBAx1A/OsGdKZehOWBA561mzSJcUncBkYNQaD0OBgDA7CkVsPUjbjnrSaBMlGSMZzn1qWMkXAG3ccikNE0YwBluR04/SkNIniU8MOufwpFDiSxI9ulADWIEe0EZ9cUAQbgwz+Q9KYhrY6cA96QFWYsT1zxmrSE2NQ7j2PenbQkC+0jrjvSsAkYyx2g8c9KHoCVywxVI/mOOM8dqW5WxAsjSMMEnd3qrWJvc0LSIj5iAeOQahlpCyvyVG4cf5FANhbREkMW4PHsKGKJZkZY0ALfUCp3L2INztJhV4aqJ6ku0R5zU3KsZ9/ejcVjBzWkY3M5y6Fa1EnmEv1IzzVS2JhuaPnLEvOAAM5JrO1zUyL67efKRthevTkVrGKW5hObewW0IKlioHTmm2OMerH3F1HEpwR8vbPNJRuOU0jIvLp52OeAOnpW0YWMJTciOBdqhiSBQ2EUE05iO1OWPpQo3E5NFMlnf5mH5VexG71LlpHskByDUN3NIqxphy6Y6YrLqbXIgFLHbgEindk2RetiDH0wfyrORpFF/SICbkSMAVHqOKmT0HHc1LvezrFGBkD61lHuaSZqafaJHb+Y+0t2J61Ldykim4luHKpwueOKewm7mvp9olrATKmTjJPaok7sWxWv9WhUNHEcEnj/PanGDHdDtPhkuG86Zg2cYHpRJ20AoeKbgKVtQRgdQD1960pK+pE30F0hYYrdeFDE9TSm2yloXbyVlhYAhQKhIFc4oQmXUPOGGZW+YE11XtGxkleRuxSlHUKFyfQ1k1c12MrW9QnkJwSMcEd6uESJSaMGBpzcM0ci4J7jpW7sc8ea90a2nTOwbKh9o5PSspJG8ZMyb67lVpMEKGOPpWsIoxnNq5Dpsd0E8xZIwBzz3pyaFCM90aWnXIMrkxDcgzlaznHQ0hK8mmjPuZ5SZ5sDnIzitFFbGUpPVkelRXkURkEaMCeT3NVNx7kw50a1jdRIHmKEbQc49awlFvRHRColqzIvLwm1lkWPBkOAemK3UNUjCc/db7iaTLCIljntiSTnec8UTWt0wpSSVmjc05LK3V7pn8xiDjJzisJuT0sbwUY63Mi9ns4LSWZI90jnqe1axTbsYycIptGfYvazKFYlpTWsk0YwcWtToLKymjIkkm8uEL9xT1rnlJPQ64wadzJvVZI57p7naGOFXORWsWtFYwkmk5XM21sUaETG4wxPKg4/GtZTadrGMaaa5rm1Z6jIJIrCG2wgHzStzmsJU1ZybOiNVqSikU717ybWylo37uIfeB4q4KChruyJubqWjsjA1O4uZLl2Dl2zhjiuiEUlY5ak5N3LNlBB5WLiUl5Oi+tTJu+hUVG2r3LD3K2rJYLFvVjkr2FRbm95mnOoe5Yq+IdRDyJDDEI40HQetXShbVmdepskilHGWhyZdhbtVt2ZmldbmhZOtpAbeQkFzz61nL3ndGsPcXKzP1u6hZ1jhXCr/ADrSlF9TGtNbIpxlo0KoRubvWm5mttDbsraOPTgJcCdznJ7VhKTcjphFKGu5jartWYIG3betbw2Oara9itAN820DA61T0M1ZsfeO20jPFKKKqMgBKxD3q+pHQROhz3oYjV8Ow+ZfIhHBOKyqPQ1geqpaqmnhAD93qSP0rmi9ToexyuuxbWOB09K6YswaOM1iIBzjOBW0TCSMr2qyBMGgBaAAUAGaAEoAKAFoAO1ACd6AA+lABQAnNABjNAAOOlABigBaACgBM0AJzQAUALQAlABmgD9LG+ZUkAGMZwa5DUQHOQMhe4/z/nigBH+ZiMZGcnt/k0AIQp7Y5yR/WpKQ1g5Y4zg9D3FTcYq78Fdwx3ycfT8aLgNBJjyQGP0INK4EZG1fuAgdKm4EbuVOV6H7uevtSHYGZSQABuPA9BQMjyzrlsEfXjP+c0rgRy7Md/XcPWokxpEOcj7pODn3P41ncoRSAuNhwx5NABuAGduQePekAm7A+YqfX/JouOwK2Y23rnnOM0rgKWAXCDpwP/1UXFYTGZSxA2k9KTY0DHncOPdvTFQyhhIwBkZ6ZX/PtSGgx1Yhjnv+NAyWLEj84ZfQ0ySVTnaCowODVIkXe7EqrbQOT6UrjsRyOAmGLAA8cd6lsaRTup9o464HBNZORaRSjzvxk89cfSszUsWyByGOMg8An9KaIuWUyF2yEgg9u9MRZhTPGV5x27VaRJOFzGAwyRnGKoBgwSzKRwMY7EUgIQeScYU4AAFDAUnB6846CpbYCw/cKrgde/8AWmA5W2jYrDr16ZNFwHHdvbLZ+UDAz+WaAInOfmUZC8euKhjQx2IILY29faobKsBX5t+3vg98EfSiwxDgDaQQTk/5NMQ4MQuxCcc/h/nNAi1pZC3fTJIyQP6murC/GZVdjqIgSFLbuxOPSvoobHnyLUfL4y3BxjGR6VRCHgZGPugDn0p2HYAi9BkH7pIXNFgsTwp5bE7mDYwcHNAxQi5ZgDn1IGfrQA4EhieWI7AdBSAVdwyAdpJOMZxz2+tACuxYeZgD8M8+hpMY8Ox5ZvkGcjHPvWTKILtYZ42j2jGOD79aGNaHPMGhmZWIBHAB7j6Vk0apjkRpAPNGFH8/600J7F+Iow2RqwC9zwADVGdyZI1wsanbgbR82Pw/lVAEqklgeduMUAMkRY1Y7GwRxk9/ekwKc4y4baACOq9Tx60irEUgckHA65JPShBYbNAsq8ZJHGTSY72OT8bpp1nZ/bL64jhwerEZPH51jUp8ysaxnY5bwn4l0rUL/wCxW0zC6VN4SRChZemVz1GRXkVKEqXxHSpcyOySR9w5+Y/dP9KVySUMQDnnBOT/AHRSGWIHaGVHUlQORj+VXCTg1JCaurHU2U4lgVo2YZHPGcD0/lXuQlzRTRwyVnYWVVVlYjLKBgZ7UxDmBTO5QML1z1+lAIZdRludxGcAAdj/AFpWKTMDU4PmIj9eO5x61EkXFmLdwMQSo2jaQtKxRQbS0beFQdcMccnFPlByIJ9KiijM4wHPcj0oasCkZUEtzYXwkiYLGTypGdw9KwqU1UWppGVjqbO6S8tvNRuQcYPX8q8qpTcHZmqdyVPugscMBzWZSEfqBk8jqeP1qRkLls7AvG7k/TFACSNtXknnt/WpvYZq6ahVFOwlGXPsfwr3MP8AAjlqbnQWEY8sOOo6cdPWutIwkx0xdrhVH3VXIHamLoOYAxbSACBj/wCvVEmZewM4wcK3Zs9sVNhqRjz2sSxlduSfvHFKxVzzD4lRxxzW5HBSQHPcVy11dNHTT7nVabK0lhE/JGwZOP8APFfNy0O573Hy7XBKtnjjNSwRA4+UZByDkDPSgYw7OduQeByetACgH5SMKRz+NAD+Mlfx46VokQxVUD5gNpI4z/P+dWIUsvIBzzx6cUANfBJyNy9TxzSbGmQEjawxnH3RUMpEPAB3qM85GeRQNOwi53gryf5CgGx2Nzf3uhJHvTQD24U44zyaoBjYPBXIPbrgetMQkZBUDHC9M+3ehCJB937rHI6UxEcpXhcHBH4ikNFSc7jtOMDH4VJaK7KFIAOOmBQht6GtYrzjgkHOa7aKOSbI9Wci3bL/AFHpxXbFGDPH/iHdBY3Xdhv5fhXVTRk2eHaxKHuWx6mumKMmRWrAHmlIqJuWLZxWEjqgzahzt9KwZ0o0Ijt6ccY+lQzRFmJiW5GB9KzsaJkykls4yc8+1IokUjJCkg9+KQ0ydcHpy3bnrUMpWJo8DBPFSxpD4+owx55oKLCy4UHPbH0pDuSr9zoT65pMZXnO8Y3EDqM9qYmV1A5A4Pc0yUDYzzkc80DIpFGeeOfSqQmiKVyMjpmmiSJAS/y596pgXI3AGATis7FXRFKXkG0cj37U1oS3clto16bcY755obuFrFrf0UcsRUlipG7Hc36duKGJJk00scUeP0HrU2LukipkysG9PSqIepZ3BB823gfpSKWxnX95vBijOcdeOlaRiRKd9iCKNjlmPzdM027ExXcfNMsQz0NJJsptIy7m9eZigFaqFtTGU29Cezh+Xc315pSY4q2466vPIUg8npSUbjlOxjmYzycE47Y7VulZHO3dk6RgoNy5+tS2Wlbcguroqdinn3pxiTOfYhhBfnPzdaolErBVT5gAe1SUWtMQu25iT6VM2XBF6dNiM4PK8gVCZpJaGbCXeVSG4znpxWjtYxje51mlWjTxgH8c9zXJOVjtjE1UhMQ2rwvJNRe5WiLumWLbhLJkqB2qZMVuppyWgncYJ2jqR9azTsN6iJbw2nG/5geM9j6U9WGiK+r3Sx6c0m7lRwB/OnFahp1Oa0qGS4uDKTuU5xmtpOysZw11OpRzbQAklVC9cVg9TVHFaxNJfao4RhlG49DXXBcsTCfvSNrSoZpZFLnBXHWsZtGkb31I9fuZoomCfKVOCT34opq45vscvBJN57SrIRnrk966ZWOaN76GtYSOGJd8kDqe9ZSSNo36mJqly8kkpY/0rWETKctTLsPPaQkOdnY5radjCHNfc24Z2gtZHGN2MZrBpNnTGTUWYN7K5iLMw+Y9j3reK1OWbbWpJYG9dFRJcIo6YolyjhzvRM3HRbfT8oAGYctjvXOnzSOraJh6r50UMcZOSxzgV0U0nqctW6SRf0oajLGiSqrRAfdIrOpyLY1pyqNWexpahFHDaCJYsb+ee9ZRbbuazso7HO6vOzNFCEXavJUd66qaOWs72Rq6dILyJovsphGMZFYVE4dTWnJTVrE2pxWmlaUU3ZeRuuOTmlBuc7lVFGnT1Od1yWA/Zo4wUj6sQc10Uk9WzmrOLskWLdbSRP8AQEV5QOpGCPek3JfEXHla9zc0LWG7g0+U384DvwvPSs5Si5LlRpCM1F87MTVIo90NnHNuZuSSeK2g73djnqpK0bjrfTGtLgOZy6jnaDnPtRKpdWHGjyyvc0rS63GaSRPKVFwoAwTWUo7G0J3u2ZDzXcVpLIZAqycAeta8sW0Yc00m+5ladGzTHz2+Uc8nrW02uhz04u+pfg+zyTl4kwU6k9BWbulqarlbuug1byS1jluWTLNwhI6U+Tm0F7RwvIybUG4lZ5myM5JzW0vdWhzxvN3Zchigkk3pkhDkE1m21oaxim7kkgdIWndPnbhSRQt7Ip6K7Mnyyzt5mK2vocttdSxZW4eYTA7lj688VMpW0LjBPUs3jqgaZ3JPRQOamKNJNbswpmZjk5zW60ORu5Ztwq2+7Hzn9Kh7mkdIlWRzJLgnNWtjJu7JXZdoXApFMjP3to6UxG74YTN0hPHPWsaj0NYHrKbpLLaBuyOOOlcqZvuctrceGIKsDj1610wZjI4zVosgjFdCZhJHPSja5FWiGN70xCZoAPagAoAKAFHWgAPWgBKADigAPtQAnNAB0oAWgBOaAAdKAA0AHHvQAlAAOlABQAUAFAARQB+lr/LuJA3evoa5DUikYg4O4DHJH86Q7CEsw27QNpHWkANtXIzwOMj/ABpMaDcNu7IGOPcfhUjFWRduduCevGaAIgR6EcZJz196kBu5T8oyBjqeOaQyIyAthlxjIzSYyM7ix+bAHrSuBHyCMjqfr2oYEEkhOSGOCf0rNsoPMYkgYLEcVFx2GRM3B/hPX3ouOw6Pnrggt19qlsAJG7qMAfSi4EYZUI+UH+eM1DZSQqSZA3NxjggY5ouA5S24ZbkdM9RRcAd9uM55GMeppAMOGkBI5PvigZKq9GIJPpj60APVQFDYB9vQ0xD2f5sgegzii4BK57ggeh4FK4yozZ5G0AcnIrOTKSMyaQySdCBnJrJmiQ+A9SuSTxxSQmXoQgGDxxxzVolkqBjwzDaeBzzTEW4vlAwT7N7/AOc1qiWLIQBgDjGMj1xSYEZz8zck+tSMav3AGUHg5xQwEDDPC7QPf+lSxok+YAhGIOAcDrVCHjGc5XIApAMZlJKg8AcetJsENJOeMA9D1qRkahcE7Seg61NhslXAToRzwT0607ARnnI2454xmnYLigF88H5uh9qALelrm5A6A9P/AK1dOG+MyqbHTRgjYTklhwcV9DT2PPkWIwVXAJOBgE960RCJHJcbwOoyMjrTKJ1Ibb0AxjOOlJgTR4cbT16nI4pAImflwQF6A0ASDbuHOVJHsaAGN/vADrz2oAQnG3dkeozwaT2GiJ5lGMnJ4PPQViXYjunzDnBHXkdc/wCNMDOvVEiqwIG0A47kY/yahlorQO235g33cHPWkmBo2zNgMRHx71SJZaj2A/eBwfWqEI7LgSKc5+6B1x/nNAETlduxcqcdxwfakwIJFK59SPXvSsNMCsbneAQx6nqDSSBkOsXljo8dvHebmubpsQQoMscdWPooHeqegkrnmXjLUtOvZri3t7VNWnc7Pm/1K/iOT9BXFUxGto6s9CjhtLydkY3hLwXrX9vDWpY7ZMIEWILgIvouKylh51VqaVKtGKtE9DXT7qMFVhLdgQPasJYWpHoc/tYskWyudwVLWU891OKlYep2Dnj3Na10C+l2vKEhyOO/6V0wwU38TsZusuhrQafHY2wRJCw3fxjPOOo/Su+nTVNcqMJScndj2LbgWy2OMkCqEIAdwIwcgZz/AENNgPwJIyRnOeBQBkaorYYqAwPYCpZojEZFaZgxwvDfT2qEUSojGMJs4HT2Gc1SJZDewhslQxHQnqB70NXEc9qdgFibOFYdAPSosXcx7We40xlmQeYQeVJ6j0rGrSVSNmaQlY6iwu47u0S4hYMONwYcqe+RXkVKbg7M6EyV1wxAHTHy4rMZEBuBG4qo496l6DEfjCjnPT0pDRtaUd0UaAYJwR6V7mEd6aOSrpI6BCIVRWQHPPFdpzvUjt13yNIcknjH1oQPYuhQI+CDnoQfzqiShcxFQUxnHp6elIDLvI28wjb8m3OcZP0pMpM4jxrowuLGVpEJZslccY9KynG6NoSM/wAMSs+mxxsxBThhnv6fyr5vE0+SbPQi7q5oPxgkAEZPArnKGthecEgnn2NAyPgOQAQOvXIoAeoJwwPrgDnJ+tNCHgjbwp6jj0rREkoUfdYYIHTFUIayqVHH8XBHUihgV5eQxVs/SobGkQuN3GMcdueaksi3HqQCScUAKi88H5QTn6UxMeikHv0OD7VSAGKFf50bDIpNxbHJyOKdxDs8EFdxA7d8UwYpJJByOpzz0oJGPuI5z9fWhjRVlxg9BjPHFSaIZD80m3kYzwO9VFEy0NfTkIi6ZU98nmu+lE45sy/EkpWFsHA55x+tdcFqYyPCviJd/vHXdyOM12QRkzyW8bdOx963Rm9wgOMVMiom1ZPjpxmsJI6YM27STIAFYSR0xehfjdSc89OlSaosI4LDnofyqGUiyjHgk4x+tQzREivnt1NICZByCvFSzQlDMuBnpzzSa1AkXA6Hk/yqQHxNk46iixSJjJhAAcD1HapKuNb+9nP1pksgLNn72SR0zTSFcM5B7HHNA7kczHZywXNCBldu+T7itESOTcuNvfmkA8ZJIHr1oYFiNAACcH1xUNlJDidr5GD6UITJ4oycOec+nSpbLHPIsak7tx6fSjcLlLc00g+bjPSr2RG5aUCNc5H59KllJaFO6uixCbRycE57VcY9SXPoRQwYbd1zQ5CUeo64kSBCSR6n8KErjlLlMa4na6P7s4HcVuo8pzylzFi0tgYst8tS5FRit2S3lxFFAcEDHrUxjdlSkkjBubh5psnoK6FGyOSU7sltl2kPjjHSky4q2o27uxg4GG6URgE5lFQ5wx5z1NaMySbL0ShFz0I9azNbDogXk3OppPQa1Na1CRjO38qxlqbxSRKx8wMcdaWxW6LGjWHmz4AyBSnPQIwO202z2QoCOfT8a5ZO50bIs/ZYtzF+SDxilcS1Jo3A4AGAuBxxSAgvL9LXakOSx7U1G4noMgilugJZeAe5PXpRdLRBZmP4iuFaYWkbArjqB3rSmtLim+hZ0KFIIRCzevNKbuwirKyJtaudlq6b+AuATxUx1ZTvY5e3RRcCcNz+ldDfQyUepuWN26ghdvyj05NYuKNUc7r168zsSQMnkdAK2pwsY1JMx7VPvN5jBTzW7ZjCOhoJMy2zlGbK9CRWTV2axdkzn7qdn8wucF+vPWuiKsc0pdyTS1VAcsSeo56UVB01ZF+5MgsvvbQT0PeslubSvymPewp5SRs+M+lbxfU55pctrmjpNoqKmJNxzjrmsqkm9y6UbLRmn4g3mKG3hcAHnNZ0tHc3qptJIwZLaee7RVLFk6nPSuhSUYnNKMpS0OhtJbiyWOIqJWb8/wA65mlLU6VKULJiajPdyuMoFEYJPtRGKHKUmc3BJNNqLTxw+cf7p46V0tJRszjTcpcyOt0qWGVFNzG0LnjArknFrY7INNahrFxazXkcc0LMsQ7j2p01JLQJuDkkzkLy5t5tXeS4jxGDhFXpXXGLUdDhnNOd3sb2m6dE6LcQssSt2JrCc3s9Tqp001zR0INb8m8vY4zOVjjHzDPUVVO8VsTVtOVm9Dm9RSG6uXEcgRU+6x6mumHNFHHPlk9GWdOmu7K3KQw+a78Bz2qJRjJ6mlOc4L3VctalbXU1vDHE2ZX5fHaojKKd2aVITaSW5gay86OLbzASg+bnvXTTS3OWs5X5SGzlKja6lmY44pyVzOE7bmncRSwFIoEBZxk4rJNPc6JXjZRM/W7qVlS24GwfrWlKK3Ma821ylO2dQArKSxq2jOMktzXaGSBEihAJc5PPSsb31Z0WcdI9Spq1xK+E3DCjtV04rczqzexUhKT4Qk7zxxVu6MlaW5pwRx2aiAvlm+8Kzb5tTdRUdDK1K4Ek5jjGFXgVrCNkYVZ3dipEGaZVA4zzVvYySuy1d/LlV4FRHc0noVI1Ay5q2zO3UQsWOfSi1gvcWP5nzQwR2XhS24DYyMelclWR0wWh6BZSYt9pzsx07msFuWZGtwk/MQD/ADropszmjjdViyGBFdCZi0ctfRlJOmK2RiytTEHHSgANACGgAoAKACgAoAKAAcCgAoAQ0ALQAnNABQAGgAoATtQAYoAKACgA7UAIe1AH6TtIWc7TuYHgjpxXEbCFtwwWPy5PI5oAchJUEbs9M54oASPLHPJ5xk+tJsYqsvK7mLD16/hUjEaTAOODjjjpSYEEjHGewxgY4NSBGxI+YqRg9M5z/nigoikYc5ycjLHPSpuAzMhbO0YP60ARtsIHRV6Z6VDZSRFI3Hyk4OQc8Vmxoi6OThM4555P/wBaobKsIW+UZ3L+NK47EgbY3J59KTAYzfu8kD8Oh9D+dK47CSOdwwPyPNADeSQTnHBAxzQA9SWi2jJ64ye9AxkzkgKAc5yc9M+tS2A+L+FUJye5NEQJhknLZzjGT9asTJl4+XBbA/CgQj8Z7AjHHOBSGiFmOwkvjHAHoKiTGULychcDBI61m2XEpxn52PTAzzyTUlluGMvhs55BweKESy/kYwCMcHJqyCUFeHBC+noR3/SmlcGSRuAG+bJJyOaq5I7Py5znGR60NjGttABIAJ6HPWlYAcBk4IXP4YHtSYIjGN2SDheKQx/zOoDBS2efwoAduCsQCWxmi4DAXxwQCCAc5IpANL4GAFB6f/qpWGORAW+duBywBppCHtnB3KfXPTNVYQjk4PIUHksDgikNDWUsudoGBnGOKQFvTRJ9pDqCcDpiunDfGZ1NjpFHzqQyk5GB6Y/rX0NM8+RcTKDA4HoTVGZKm0qMkhT0J61RZIgbBVeMjjPHHsP89KQEo2s3JOc4BY9c/wCTSAXJzypBHU4GPpz1oAc23cz8cdT04oAQtuOSqke/P04oAhbeYJCf4uQeo/OplqNbmTPctJuUMTjqAeuK52zdRI5bny1Ee5yMDg9Ae1Fx8pYgDyDCgAngY7KKpbEPQrzx5c+X97GQPTHtSaGncmjb5VDkEjkUXJsSJMw6qDjp7U7hYnWaXqUUehB/lTEIrMASEy2eDnsKQESwPM6xouR2xwR/nNOwGR4z8Uad4RtPI3RXWryJuht2OFVTxvcjoo/XoKJSUFdlQg5ysjzGW61nxHfSukkipcY8+bed0gH8I/uoP7o/GuBynWdloj0VGFFXe52Phfw7BZRbTHuZQew/n2rop0YwOSrXlLqdbZ26rjYAeMZPUVvY527lpIPlJKDHXI60WAuQZXbu246g0xFsLxtEhG3oB1H15pgMkVihQZIxn5jz+VIDOZQp2ud2OG7YNSMkQLghScAdc8D2FADg43BBv4P3c00BUuodzMzBM7evf/PP86TGmYslsV+eROOm1uuP6VFjS9yaO22AbuD7HgD3/SqRBDcgDK7sg5xj2/zihgjH1CIMhA655IP6VDKTOd1a33W211BwCc9M8VLLRh2mqXmk3sbRx7o3OJVY4yvH69awrUlUWptFnb2VzBe2yXFu26NwcY7c8/SvJnFxdmbCnAyqEZIyeOprJjRE24NwQGPOAOuKko6HQFCWpmdMqDnBHvXu4FP2d2cNd+8SwXputSbaSEUdRxg11xfMyJLlRuRRpGinIBY5ORjqK0Mh7bmwFG5s8DGPr/8AroArllL4IwQOvXFJAV5YUBwASRz0oYGLrFuro3y5Y9QvSpZUWec/8gnXmgkyI5uVb0b0rx8woXXMj0KM+hrNhugBHTOOK8ix0Ij6cFgefTmkMj6vgJ0GevWgCaIckDn29apIljzjzCnUjkA1ohDlDkANgj16VRI112sSMnnrmkxld85yowD0I6VDKRBJhSCQVbp17VIxpUAA9Mc+59KLjJAhAG4AZ6d+KdhNiqcDIxj0AqloA1huyB1HT/PajqNDMZHIPT0pgxDyA3HXjmmS2Pkyh3FTnPIPHP8A+ugRXmJEeTnB70i0VJDwqYBPYY/zmkOwsK/vM44H96tIK5FRm7CpEZK889OtehTWhxz3OY8WT+XCzZbGNvzf0rrgjKTPn74g3ReaTB4zxiuuKMWzzlzukJ961RBJCcMKTKRqWb9PWsZHRBmzavkAY5rGSOiLNKNxwDg+9ZmqZZgbgg9e3apaNEyzG+eTyfas2ilIlVt3HJ+tJlIsRnb3qWUmTx/PwPX6YpFD5D0GcketTYYIWXrgHmk9SkxyEkbs8+5pWC4ssgGADn6UJDIVPcHHbFUQMlfpwSTxzTSAY2CxyDjtTWgD0UAYIFJgIT6HkUWAkgQIS+M0mxpFkEFcDGPp0qR7FiFF3Z/I4oGkPmfZnOAKW5TMueVpGwMnI4q0rGbdx8OIxjaB703qJaCy3PytGmCT6dKFEHIitozu+ckn9abYoxLE0ghTbnBHf1qFqy3oc/fXDTvsC/L0rojFI5pyuOsYdpzwARRKQRViW5uTChwccc0oxuypTsjDuLhrkkMxGTW6ikc0pcxNawA/M/GBxxUyZUY9xl5ciPKqctTirhOVtEUY98pyQSc1b0Mr3LsIEa5cEetQ9TVaIcreZnHA6UBe5ZiwFGGx6c1EjSJctXMrrgce1RJWLi7s04rVnAIHtg1k5G1jq/D2lSRqZGX0OfasKk0VGJ0E0lvCm1QWOMVmtSmVOZXIKAAe9DBGbrGowWSMsWHOSvPaqhBscmkZ9hHLPciaY/uycjHerlZKxMU29Td1C6jgthtPAHRjnmsoq7NJHEPM9zcfNxIpyMV1WsjnTuzX02dldt74AGRn1rKSRrHUxtfu5iSCx5P6VtTijKo2Z1rcStI21vl781o0jOLbNW3u2WJ1z8wHGevSsnHU2Umc5qty/JZ+M4rphFHLOTKlgvmNgSt1yOaqWnQzhr1NSaTybAgElvU1ktWdD0ic/Oy7QCc5roSOOT0L9jEvlqVJ3+mazk3c2glY0ruPdEiuzHjpnpWaeuxtKOiTZlSW8U98ICcAc8/rWqk1G5hKKlLlN+zsEjkjEZwP9k9q55TOmFO2xDqi4mZxJygxzVQ1Qqmj3K2n2NxO5nDlPXBqpSS0MoQcveudNYx+XBukIeULlcjr+Nc0ndnZFO2pzupTyiOZ5n2hzgDvXRCK6HLOUrNjdC+0WyqEtg6Nzk+lOpZ9SaV4rRHRr9mt7drs7lZVyQexrmd27HUuVK5z2qawWtnmhiPmMcBsc10Qp+9ZnPOsuW6K2kfZJFCOpMzddw4zVzuiKfK9Lamjp9mYbyS4uJP3QX5QDwKzlK8UluawptS5m9DMu7Wxto7i9efLOflUdK0jKUrKxlKnGKcr7mLHZxM4uNxJznaK3c3sc6pp+8a1hdy3l35UkQitovvfLyaxnBRV+ptTnKcuV6IZMblzNcxsREnA5oSS0G3J3kjmjExujJPISuSSSetdd/dsjh5W5XbNO1e3uM+TEESMct3rJ3RvBqT0Wg2a5uEgaYnaDwtCiri53a5lQIhuDLcOSCfXrWzfRHOld3Zq6bHHeMXSLy0j/MmsZtx6nRTSm72C+kuoIjK4wG4SnFJim5IxPL8yXfJIQg61tey0Oa13dsu2cMQ/fqcoOnvUSb2ZrCK3H3l0scJZYwXbuRyKUY3Y6k7K5i7JGy3Umt7o5dWaFmnlWxd1y/bPaok7vQ2guValG7YmTGfyq0ZSeoxm2rtFBNxo4A96YFuwh3yqB61EnoXFHo/h608iyViMYHWuCo7s6Y7Gzasyygs3zfSoQ2M1NN0YyDuHPWt4MmRyGrwYLHA9xXTFmEkcpqsWD0HBrZMyZldDVkAO1ABQAdqACgAoAKADtQAUAB6UAFAAaAEoATNAC9qAEoAO9ABQAUAFABQAUAFAH6O+ac8HkDBOMZNcFzoJI8ZUO2Tj8qdxWHgpn5ifp/8AWpXCxGZMMfmIHtzSGKHO3IJOVPOBQAwyDj5eD2FS2OxG+F4LZJ5JFSMrli2SOdxpAAXJ65IGAAOKlsaRGCqkHA3Doc9PrSuOwmVkUnjnoPWpuMhIOOWJPsfapY0NYlt4GTjnA71mxiZfkBTwOtIY1iS3zMw5ycnpUtjGMzFtoXKkdRxUXGOjzgsTgEjPFFwGAleCW3gdd2apMBZHVSAT9euPxobsAyNv4gTn+lTuBPk7WA/T/PvTQEyNwMkHHAxViJAQpbcefz96AsN3hsgrwRkHrSYFadhGgOQ3OCSc5rNspIyrh98xBPGevv2rJs0SsOTc3C0IZqRARp90H0zx3q0Q2WEKnaoGR3xx+NUiR+eCAu4ZyMc/z6U3oISMjdyvHfP1qbjsGQV3beccjNNCJkZQFJPIPQg1QCE5I3YU+gHak9QEQBgOv4/WpHcQld/sffNADQMnpjHAANSApYp1XHuDQMRT1Pf3FIRJGyyA8duoq0IepQBudpJ5HrTERsHHLHd2ApFCMx3ZLZ/z1oQMvaadlxlhyRnOO/rXThvjMqmx0MOOAzBcc7v8/wAq+gp7HDIuRk7BtIGMAep/ziqMiVFc4wuSOh7flVFksSde/cEcUASqUYr8+7oMdsetSArZJB3444wcZoAQAkZc8fpQAu1eRkDA470AMypTaw/LtQBjavatBIZQPkznbjoT3rnqQs7m8JdGZqEPdKhxhfmIA6+lZrVmj0RrQFgAFbgg+1aGLHsu5n2gY6HJ55oEVpEeNg4ycsfek0UmBm2jLcZPT+nWkMmidu4BxjBAxVIhj13eaM9G6DOe46UAUfGfimy8MWRghKz6rKPljXH7sEfeb29hyaJzUFqXTpuo7I800nw5f61eHU9YkmeV33OJOWkIz1Pb2HQdq5eSVV3lsdjqRpLlh953NlpVvaRbEjAx2HBzXQoqOxyOTluaUSsoIXccHOe1O5JdtVUDDckYzn2qkSXIhtGSAF5HPFMCaNF2gsQF6nIIoAmiJ3ltuRnAPb/P59KBEvB5Q5OecEYFMCldqA+EVQ5OevGaTAhYFkCknjnAIP4VIwiQjJwTnue3WgBzKzxngH1HX/Jp2AoTxx+YSecZ2kmkykUsF5DhiqjPbqBUj6Fe5dgjZ5z0A6n3pgZ102Afu/N9eKgEY9+N8eMEHnqBjipZojhfEZ2u2W45z7VmzVE3w+8RwQ+bp10Tt37ht6+/Fc9XDxnqaXZ31tLHdJ5lvKki9cA8iuJ4Wo9h86W5agsg7M1y4SNByM8sa1oYKV7zJnVW0Sj4n8WWdhAbe3dS4+UAc9eBXoSqqC5YkU6Dk+Zmt4JhlhsFuJxiaX5z0J64ropRtEwqyvLQ6NLgthcYA4OBwK0MiR5ACp4K56Meo9RQBAJ43JAYMo4yeo/zikgGSugAyOmAD0zQBnajIIot+c8E45HFS2VFXPJfHE7eV9rRjvDBh68dq5qi5lZnZFWNHQtRi1TTIZoWy3AdeuD3r52tTcJNM7E7oun75IBB9KyGHBwA3Oeh/lQBICePrz2NaRJZIqs2Cflwep6VaJA8rtDAZ6e2aYhj/c5OMccHJ/z7UmMrTBwPf6ZNQxoiBZeGAOexFSWOjALDoRjAoQmPAIJxgjHDYzVoliFeuWHTrTGmNbABOWJHt1pDI9rZwVByME0xjo+hJIBzjAHSmQLng7TgEdP6c0AVpvuk4AGOQR1pFooTKd/Bxkd+1Iss2KjIBw3rW9JHPUZsyPiLO0A9scY9q9GC0OSTOB8Zz7IWwwJ55zXVTRlI+ffG9zvuHxgZPauqJlI4/qa0sSSR9aTGjQtGwRWTNoGzZNjBJ5rGR0xNCJiTyeKyZsmXI3z3FSy0yxGynrwT0FQ1YpFhCeuRn0qWUmWoiTjgcdahmiepZGFwSowBkYqSxI0BHJz6H0FFwBiB8o570kA8sQgxx9KQEZbc2Sf0qgI2cZ7DHqaEgIwcoO5z+VUkIWMgLyTk80MALNuOMjiiwx6EDHBqWAhlABwRnt9aLBcsWzZJJOKUhouNOEizkH0qbFXsZk9wZGxkgZx061oo2M3K7HxqRhgcZpFW0IJ7gAlF5HrVJENjoEJwe/qaGCRZaQImSPxzUWuy76GRe3JmcoHAHrW0Y2MJSuQwpzyc1TZEUSzXKQR4bnA4qVFs0c0kYtzNJO5OSR6Vukkjmk22SRRgYbA9s0myoxEubnYpUck0JXFKdikQ8jhjyau9jLVsvQQqihiVqGzZJIZM+femhSHW/QE4wKTHEsqTLhUX61GxpvsdJoOkyOUYKcdcVhUqI2pwsdtpulJEodowcHJBFcspXNki7JfCOL7PGi9O3HeosVexAIXYb3JXP/66dwHS3ajCxqrEcErzS5bjT1OR1JVFxJLOysjHgZ5FdMNtDKS11NHT7uNWRYQDGB1HJrOUX1LT7FHxHfkxyR8gk/J7CrpwJqT0sYdpKHcMOJO/PWtpaIyg9TRglky5kJ6YHtWbXY0TMPWLiMFP3n1FbU47mFWSIbKeMI+3BB6VUoijJFwyAW7cEZ755zUW1NL6XOf1J1ZeT8uevrXRDQ5Zu47TwIRwMjsaJu4qasaN0pkt0B5OemayWjN5JtGNeNBDMEkBOa3im1dHPNqL1On8Orb3Ma+WowB3FctXmTOuk4zWgurfZ4p3Vvw57UQuwm4p6mdp9xZiUyNtJBxgjNaSjKxlCUOa7N61tWlia5LBEAyMGueUknY6VFvVFC/SCNfNMgYk4IJ4NaRb2RnKKWpZ05YWYLFLkjnaD0qJt9S4pdDT1MzJaKkTY3DGcYx/nFRGzepcr2sjj7+3ee+WESeY68jjjNdkZJRucc4tysbdi89qAl2sezGBjqawklL4TeMpR+In1O9gitEQRthvXuKmMG2OdSMVZ9TmdU1OJpUQxIscfbHX610wgzlqVU36GpaLHf226yCxD3rKV4PU3ilUXulbUgqWa2a3P7xjgsDVQ+K9iKi9zluY2tx29ukdqk29sfMQeBW9NuWpz1YxjZIg00yQykxK0oxwMZFVPXcmneL7mjd3EsdlsQfv5TjGPu1kknLXY1lKSh5lDVmuLXTkgeUBjyVB5rSCUpXRlVcoQSbM2Dd5LFl8wg8DFavcxje2poAMbFY4lCu5ycCs/tXZt9iyKWtLIrpbiUOVHOPWrp23Ma11aIxMRwIrR7mPXNPqJaKxop526O3tsKDy1ZtJ6s3V9ombrNy73HlK25V4rWnFJXMK023YbDDHcFYV+Zj1FDbQRipWRfgEdsPKK5VBzWbvI1Vo6GRf3X2mc4Xao44reEbI5qk+ZjbSCSWRTn92OpxxRJ2QoRbdyxqLMi5BwMYAqYGlTQzI8u5JGa1ZzrURiSeRQgAZJoGbvhmAy3agjv1rCs7I1prU9ItgFhAwOlcLdzcRm2ylkOcDGKEDLshEkQJXtg5H+ea1iJs5jWojtOR7n2FdUGZTOQ1VM5wMfhWqMGjn5BhjWiM2NFMA4oAKAEoAWgA60AJQAtACGgA7UAHagBM0AFAAKADtQAUAFABQAUABoAB1oAKAP0bG0M5JHPQg9fSvPOgAdqnacDscE5oAQuQduQ3QcHH5UrgNywUuvJ9uKkYjyBTkMwCkH0xQBHJIWX5s880DIXY4yBnAAye+KlsEOXBJGCAoxnPeouVYJJAihVBwDx7UNjK4OGOGwe1Q2ABiNvlnIHcngUALkMoJQEjgk55pMaGF1ZN2TjPOO3tWbGiLdxtJ+nqfapKQxyxwckHH0qZDEXAQDrzgj1+lSAKzBSR8oAyT+HrT6AGWxtTPHp0/CkA2V9xCrhvXB6UDsLAMrg+maBFkDA+Rjz0+bAq0gHJvCjcG5/i5xj/CgBQy5IUHAAAxTAjYk5UkYI9OAahgUtQkXy8AdRg8VjJmsUZiO3DFDz6cnNSMv2Sbxkkj0J7H/CmhMvqCSE746nkVaIZaiVkUKny596uKJY6R1GOhJ6g+9EgQxWADFWxn361IxI2zk8YQYwP8aAJW25wMc8nB5p3CwqZLAYOQP0poRIGAJ2Ac4yQevtQA1ypC5C4AA/p+FJgNchXO3JLA/gKgYyQleSgY9qkoAR8uQCy9jx9aAHBxy2D0z34qkJj92VyFPoD61VxIYG+UneRu9+tJgNBG75hgHn1poDQ08gTDdnBGK6cP8ZlU2OkXAAGOSOMcY5//AFV9BT2OCRbiwDzksTxt6CrIRJCFI+8NpPHPvTKJ0BbPzYQgk44xQA9Qgb5cjPB561ID1YF2wOQMEA57+lAAzMWZDnPHHf3oAYR2/iGSaAFHHy5B4ycLz7GgBXTerK+DlcGk0M5zULN9PuXcjdGx4bP6VzSjyu5vGXMhYHfawVvmC8ZOcD1poTRctWYruJ27hknd070yWDBSGOOW4xmgRSuF8qbO3cpHIHak0WncIpnJwOjdKBNFHxVq0ujaPPcxMsV0F225IBO7puI789Peoq1lTXmVSpOpKyOY8HeG57iV9X1hzc3c7eYS3Uk9z79KiEHP3pG9SqoLkgd0sKpH8igI3JHWt7WOTcXYSScHGOCGxmpKQyJUx8zKMHGDTGW4XTdzyccZHvxiqRBbhPJG7GeufT/IpiLC5HcZIwMjqM/yoAcgbIfJyOp/umgCwpZhjOSR0PSmIilHmOrFMbQQcDoc0mNFSRT5hAYEqOmM4FIY+LOw4xxyOOOPWhAKDgE89Afl4/WmBTvFLHBySM4qWNGdNCqk8EsR1zjFSUQPGWBcqOc9R3pgZl4rb2bgDkHLDipaGYGrOVw7HBH3c8/U1JaOF8TJ50btvCjoTj6Vm0ax0OAu7wWN1HcQzMsiHAb0pIs3k8TXcVkL2xuDxjzoweAf7w9vaspRa1ibU2paSQyT4i6hKPmnZTjHBrCU5vQ6oUIFTRdYl1fXYVeU4Vw24896uhS967JxElGFkfRWhXA+xRhduAoXIP3a9XoeE9y6shyXdj8vXBxQBLJdoY8qD8x788UhFcXEYAAcZzn/AOsKQ7E4mV8NgN2+lMDK1iULuDEFWU9T/OokaQPH/G+qhGMQhZ1UFq52zsjHQwPhNrZGq3OmTu2JDvQZ/MV5mYUvdUzal1R6j13MFwB39a8o1YBguGOCQOD71SQmSoATyTz0A7+9aIhkyrhDg7R35zzVCEIwS5cE9OtMCKVc5Ljpnv3pMZW3FkPZfc5rNlojYM2Mscj3zikMkTKqAOB7U4iY/GFIz7H8K0RIjcDYV+X3osCIGYAN12nI4pDuNA/h3bz1z60wbFUbSDkZ5z7UxDXJBPHb1qQRVlfnYWbP8VBoitLk4XBDdPSiwN6F+xUKRleCBz6/4V1UUc1RlzUH8uDBYc8c816EEc0meYePLtlt3XcNpB710Q3M2fP/AImm8y5IJzk11RMWYg4NWxIehwaTGXLZhms2axNe1PyjvWLOiJqW/b2NZyNolyLHqAT3qDQtQ44PepkWixFzg/wms2UkW4RgnnOPSpNFuWUCnkYJ54qCxwC7SM4PoKQDV5zxwOKGBDJkvjqM/U1SQDmYBCMkCiwEJO44xtzT2EIGZFHpntQTsN3ZJGTj0phcIiSD/OgcRzyHaRnGBSSHcjQ7mO5jgenamJalmOTagLYGKhq5V7DWlLsCCAOhwKpKxLdyRY/LBOQeM81LdyrWK1zcbBtXuaqMSZStoMhUM2WGCTz7U2JFstHGud3vz6VLVy9jKvb1y5EZwD1rWMEYSqO42FNy57deabZMVfUfPKIkOMD1pJXKbsYs0zTuTxtrZKyOdvmY6Ncd/lobHFDLm5CjavJpqNxSlYrpuk+ZhmqemhG5bQLHyQMY61DNUrDfMLHCnAFFhXJUX5AT+VK5SWg5Y3dwiAnn0pN2GdV4Z0SWRwsqHnjOOtc9Wouh0Uodz0TTbGCzgIkUDjvXDKVzoWhFfX6lhHAwO7vTUQRAIfLcvIVyADQVYoanq6ti3jPt17VcYdSZS6E9pAYIRJI2BtJPv70pFR0RxerTvJqLMCSjNxXXBWics23I39JiFuODuBHbsawm7m8UlsYXiF05IPJbOTW1JaGNUzbBneRthAPQVpPREQvfQ0/3qWbGUYHc9M1lu9DVXtqc1qW0k5bOB0rpgctRINJHmORHjcTwDTqaIVKzNq+jJt1UrgjriueL1OmUdDn7tCZghBPODxXTF6HJJXdjb0fSjIoO3jvWE6h006Whf1C1ESsFXgD0qIyuXKFjnrHTPt2q/Op2buOa6JVOSJyqlzT1O3j0yLTbbdtCtiuJ1HJncoKKucr4njklHlp1PTNdVF2OavFvRFjw7pKAxGVMN1ye9TVqt7FUaVtzotXEEFgqRADIwcd656d29Tedkjjr+Pz71baL5U7k9K607Ruzkmrysjf0PSIYZRKj9OuG6VzzqN6HTCko6oXWCz3Lk3G1IwT1xRCwTbbOe00XFzcSSWb7SO/rXTKyVpHLBSk24m/ZRCZVF8RJt5z05rnk7bHSlfSRX1bULZrllhhH7scH6VUIOxM5pu1jk47m0e6l+1IxZmOAO1dfLJLQ4lON3zGnFaXUkKiGZUgzyAeSKy5l1WptySasnZFe4jgkv9jyYWIc81UW0rpEyScrN7GFf+TcXjBH4zgc1vHRHLLlk9GaVlNPbKkUS4XPzOazklI2hKUdEhJY5Lu9zFJ8qDLEnFEbRiDi5z0Mi9Ek9426QttOK2jojnneUtSzbyy+YtuqbUHViKmSVrlKTvZFiaKYF5VkCxryPc1Ka2NJJ7mPG++5MrsTzk1vbSxyrV3ZpacftjOWQKicA1lL3Tem+ZsSc3FtbtIcoHGBQlFuwm5RVzJgEZdpJ2yP1NbPsjCNr3ZrWCpHEbiNfYA9TWMtdDop2S5kQ6rfOLcwIgVmPJxVQgr3ZNWq7WsZUVu5XJIB+tauSOdRZp20bx23lE4J5rJvW5vGLUbGbfTbmCKcgVrCPUwnLoRMSqAgfWmTshgI61QrkkI3MABzmpbKW53PhbTwgWZwAOmMVxVZ3OiMbHVqOBgDBHWuY0GTAh89RjoKpCZNasGG3Kk9K0iKxm63CGQtn6VvBkTOQ1WMkNnrXQjCSOWvE2yVqjJorUxBQAdaACgBaADr1oAPagAoATvigAoAMigAoAKAEoAMUAL3oATFABQAGgA/GgA9qACgD9F8r33fjgDrXnnQLuO4jOAOh6UrgObaDyAccY7n/CgCKRiOV7dvapYyEsFUKDv4IoGRs2Byfmz0NK4WGoAScZDcYz0NQUK+GLDv1BqWMaWIAySctnntUXAa0gz2OOOfpRcLDfMwN3QNyMjj2oANwCL1zwMetJjRGcK23cpUDp2qG7jSIxt83u39KkoHPGd4Jz1qZDFIyQeF+XjNIAc/KpOeOxAzn6UgIi2MoucgdKAsNzvIPOCcZ7Cgq5NHkMSAevBxQiSyqngKvU54OCPzrQQ9wFG3cQD+lDGRyYMbbWAPv3qXoBXuHCjeOTjB+tZtlpGbJMXJ2n2GazZZEikyAEHHfFIDUgGwbdvQ/nTQmWY9nG7knpzWhLJUYHqw46k9hVJkEhLHkgbh3OKTdxkchAOCC3oPT3qbjBMAdOAOmOT/AIUCHrnGQQ3HPNMCVAMA5JUDgHtTEOZiR1XGRj34NILDS3yg7MAdB6UDGb87lUAZ/wA8flUgJt+VSVOCOtIaEJOzgEY4OfQUAJgg4Az34/rTBjyQckAgdgDTuFhu7gBl5xzgUgJBnbgjg9eKaEXNMbE6nqBjkV04f40Z1NjpYwPl+905HX/Pavoaex58i3bnGCr87R+BqyEWF28ZcgZ4WmUPGEIPl/L3IoAeHUcAZzk4x0/WpsAqbcboyBn/ADzQA4MpALAlj3z+dACKeBktnOenX2oAA64DLwT7cgZoAlHygqVbpy3r70gI5raO5geGRVbcMMD296lq5Sdjnp7c2rmFuCDlcZ5HrWFuXQ1vcsRSJwSp2455qiWKrbgC4HXgEUCsNlVSOm18dOuOaAKqGK3d7mTO1RkjHU+wqJtRVy1qcWJJPEPieSR5A0Vo5BjH97/AZFccE6lS8kdbtTp2j1O2swscQjUYA4x613o4n3Lkbrj5xjbjOOPpQIleIPzs+X+VAESxBCw+9yeAeOP60WC5YSLHOMjHc9/WmgJVdj95h059/wDPtTESxnOCp29zz2oAlXkgZ2A8H1JNO4rDkYrg79xwQMfnQArMuCThlxnjv+VAELx4bf146DsKQyMD5mG5hzgE9KTGO3Y4HoM5Pf8AOgBJk3Lsww7EkjkUwM6WD53JXgD5cHFQ0NMqyoFQEkDj/P8AWgaKF8C67VUHByPpSGcprgDSbWHBGeD/ADrNmsUjhteVizJyP7x7YqGWjz3xFAiIQCS2MgsaVizG8P3c1pdpucMkgKlSMgg9iKdkBsan4Y/cLe6cMwSHJXOdh9Kh00zeFdpWZr+AdHkF4pmRsAghq1pxsZV6l0e8WdxHHYRxp8rcDKjjGMZNdB57CW6Z02fNtjHznOMj1pBYbNqKsAwYnkAY6Y7dKGylFkcc+ZS4GCOw9alsqxfiugoAMjEcknsDTvoK2pg69ekREAAthhms5M1irHj/AIpu0mkkjcusY4B75rnudUdjkPDd8LTxtYtFlUaTZj1zWeJjzUmOnpM99TBAwMrjOa+eR0MkTBGc88+lWkK5KhKnvgAdOprREDyeOAxHTNUIRhwpAwv6mgCGUncCOMjpnjNQxleXrnOfY1BaGj5hgLtxycc9TTGh8eCGBBBOO1NEsly3IJIx0/yKsQyUndjvnuKAIHAOGAGc8UiriknPBJ7+9NEsYchmJIA4NAETsSchRgnnOaRaK7ndkHdxgc4ouVYhIJkZQecjGMZNCFI2dPTIBPHue1d1CJxzZBrrqkTbVBPbtxXdFHOzxz4i3TLC4OOhGBXTBGcjw3V5C102O1dETJlMVTBDl60hlq3OCKhlxZq2TYIz0rKSOiDNaA59R71izdbFxDx0xzUGiZYh5O7OB70i0XLdhxkZHcVlIuJdjYEjOB/WpNEWIievpwT2qGWhzurMcEjnikgZFK4AKjIOepqkhNjUUZGQf6U2CQknJzk47+9CGMbPQnkDgUxXK8rgcDsaaRDYnXpn8KBDg23rnp60ir2Gbt7cDApivclAAXOCMDtSKRC07FwoyAadiXK7LdvhRnjPXrUstbDLu6VTtGSfSiMbilKxSRmlYAjJzxWlrGd7ssBzGAdw69akozr29aUbEJ461pGJjOdyG3RmYdcdzVN2FFXLUsy242gY4qErlt8pkXNy8rdRitoxsc8pXFUZGWzikykiG6uAgwOpqoomcitEpkYMSTzVvQzWpdjITIb0rO9zVaETyPI2MjBqrEOTZYtk+Udu3WoZcEWkR5G2Iu7HSpvYvfQ7Xwt4eyRLLgnqK5KtXoddOlbc7uztorOP5go46ZrkvzG1jK1nV8qYo1ODwMdKuMQbtsO0y2doxLKmBu+UHqKUpDSKXiPUfLXy4X+8MY69KunC7uTOTWxkeH7SS7u8ygjByM1pOSSJhFt6mz4hna3s2CuRhccVjTV2aSdkcXZkmcBgNpPFdctjmjudHZSlYnK4ZdvJHGawaudCZzfiGQOOMdeg7V0U9DnqsoafMcncCuOmO9XJEU5O5r3BlfT8Fc9gfWsV8Ru9YnO3dvK7FgB9D1rpjJI5ZRbNLQLBmkVgnJrOpPoa0oPc172MBNzEZXg1hHc2exj20HnXoKjKE8gVvJ2Rio80jrbCyeC3M3HTP4VyOV2dMU7amLr00iqVViM5Hatqa1MqjaWgeErSXzo92DznJHWnWkiaMGbPiKSTbt3jC4xk8VjTRvI4uKSWbVN/UKeQa7GkonGm5TOr0xsBZJItu3ng1yS8jrT01K2o6layyOiwlQowBng1cYSIdSJh2c0IuC84YLk4GM1tKLtoYwkk9TrLeONLCS4BCfLkEVyttysdSSSuchrDKts8zz7mc42j36V2Q3OOo0ldsq2lndpbrJDMY1JzgHmqlJX1M4wny3TOit5PsmltNM259nJ/vVzNc0rI64y5Y3Zyt9qbx2zmGEqWzya6o07vU451rR0Rm6dNDJLiSMhzyGrWSa2MYSTepuxotrbvPJKHbB27Twtc7fM0kdSjypybMOaSKO2lnaQMznit0nexztpJyuZdnF58+YuT71tJ2RzQXM7o3rRJordzcEE9FHpWEmm9Drgmk+Zjmt4LPS2mllBaQZC9xSUnKVkg5FCF2znI2kEheIE56Cup2tqcSbvdGvarMdPZ5QBIeFHpWDsmdMbuF3uVNTZoYkt2kBZuWA7VpBJu9jOo2la5VtN64AjJJPXFU7MzhdG0VbZFHDwVGWPvWF+51a/ZMbWLuSa4CFiVXjFb042Ry1ZtuwumRwy3AV146nNE20gpJSZqpcKqMyptROlYuNzoUrdDEnl+1XJkJC88VulZHNKXM7k1pCRcJK7ZQGplLSxUY63HalKqEsp5IogrjqStqZUalpM+tbPQ5lqwmPzbR2pIchgHamSkXtKiZ7lQOmeazm9DSCuz0nS0Mdkq42+wrgm7s6kaOdo57DpUDGPlk4UdOaaENtHw+Dg561SEO1NQUJI4xyfQVtBikclqkRDN0+prpTMJHJ6pHhjxWsTFmbVkgaAE9qAA0AHHWgA6cUALQAUAIaADrQAnrQACgBTQAmTQAHpQAUAFABx6GgAoABQAZJoAKAP0VUbVIAJzz65PpXnM6BOhYFTj/a70gHvt2FQD/n1ouMgkbOExvJP5UhkRcEZII7Y+tADPMUOchsA9azkykIx3uuCcDvn196m4yOUncFK59c96hsEI0juww3y+m6puVYYG3cbsde2P/wBdMQpJ3YP3R0x0pDsI5yxBJGTj5f8APFS2NIjUDapIHpkH+napKCQ7eRwc5Jx1FDAZkFAEUkYwFzzkd6zuA4neucAEYOD60rjsMbcF284AxzxQJDTuLYyBnnIouUkPi64wR6Ec0xMnQOg+YZyOp/rVJElhAAcgKdvHPHFUA9seXkDac5Hof880AVpmDLnuOOAOmP8ACs5FJGZcTFflJ5Y4IxWTZoioq5GScnsOlSMuWykk/K3t6fjQkDZdgG3+EkdSKuxLLMfzA5YDvkDNUSGADg888DNAg8xjHl0Yk8ED396Q0NQjqDwT+IpDJAxLZkwASDz696AHxnGegIJA+UVRLHu7AAgnr+OPWhsBNyFSy4Ug45pAP+YcZwRzmmFxrfOzDBz6HuKloCMyc5A+8aVh3Hbd2WzuU9eO/SqEMcgNsG47R29ulIYgbgjJwTnJ4NAxybuArAAjHyjj60APB2kL36timSXNLBMqhUIPv35row3xmdTY6eFQpC5xkZOBX0NPY4JFlDtKkNkk4yO3ocVZkSiQ9CCeecDmmWncl3YAZQpB6EEimA4sCuFb7uOh/wA/nQAQuQpwpJA6Ej1pASoCybJFGSeF6HP1pAOkYB0yp3cKOOpoAYwJOCMH0POcUASIwQ5xtI79SaAJInBXJLMPun17mpY0VtRthd22wM3mp8ynufaokropOxz6S7WZHyCo+YdxWPkzXctLIHQYJGOm09apMkehBXBT5QeBj9aZJG8aPF82cEdG6fhQFzKktIrKdpre2ij3ZZtoAJqWi07rUvpP50Pynk4x6/560JiJYpGBAyNox827gfWncLF2M70QMCy+lNEskCMfusowflwOn407AIAm3BYHPGAOvpTAkVkbcThjt57djzigB5GHyWG3A9+lAClmbcmQFIyAeCf85oETAqVVgdp9QcHFPYNxzupQYY4K9x2ouFiNwpx8o6fQH/GkMRRvBYqSgGOOmBQAD5xheGY469aADIVGBOCMD1xQBQnwoLja3OSx6A//AK6kDPuQMg53HHUGpZSRk3chJJwSvoRU3HYwtbQOxZEx7dqlmkTh9fKxLI8j884GalmiPOdbkR96cYznB4zS3LMCLy9zKOD14XOKYXO78ITbAsZdtmPnViAKcTOT7Hoek2sTIZreNTvxux1rVWMm2apuLiOIFQyAdcihslIzr++cRlAzDexPTAOP8ik2UolaK7Zrl15AAC5HGP8AJqblGtZ3biMzN/Fxkd6YDvtnG1SASMkHsalsaiYWs3LOHbzFO7BGT938ahsuKOD1mJXmI2ZOePQmoRq3Y8/1zFl4gtGVQjLOpz36056xaDqj6G05lks4nV/vKDwPavmTsluWkwG3KTgnqR271aM2SqW52jk9TmtEhMeoDsSHAbsMdfwpiGuTuJBJIHc5x1oArOu7PU888f41nJlpEMpDEgHJ9RzUoojRT/Fgjvkd6YFgH5PlU7eh4/OmiGGMR8bh9KuwEchCnkjDdM/5+lIaIiSWPJXvjNBQ/DAZwORTRDdyNxtVVBOeh75PemFyCfAwoXB+vSpZaIiwKDgtx020iyCAZmB3YAXriqgtTOb0NuzUlARwQM9K9CijjmzK8RzkRNgE9Rj0rsijFnhfxHuvmkAftiuqCMpHkd2xaYk9c1ujNkVNghw60hk8JqWVE07M9OaykbwZs2xG0D0rBnQi3Gc4LY496hmkSxH16A8UmWXoRhRk89hWci4lqN+B34zkioaNCUyA/KCOe5FKxSZIGIPfgDrQUNOCxIH60EsZKcIMAcdaSG9iLIAGQcAduaoka7DselANkTHkFfvfSmiWNO4D274pgMLgqexPGKLASIwUAn6CkwQyaYZ78+9NITkMjPzDJOMUxXHSXQRRznrzQoj5rFQO0j7mbkHg1eiM1dluPCLuJ6VG5psUr69OfLUjrzVxh1M5z6IrKC2M/nVMhalkS+UvJxila5fNYyby5MjYzla1jGxzym2yOHJOe1OQok8k2yPANSlcpysinne2TzVkFiEKgBOc1LKjoNllLthen0oSBu5PbRc+v41LZUUbFpYvKyqidRxWTmkdCjc7Xw74bMJWaYBmxken/wCuuSdW+x0QppanXWyRWygqNo7YrB6mt7lW9upJ5PKjUfWklYbYy1so4WDT4K55pylfYErF27uYkhbyzxjODUJN7g2cLeM890VfK/NnriuxaIxd2za0Z1QAYw4HB71jM2iZniS4Z4XVhxnnJq6SIqbGBZjbOO6Y4AreT0MY7m/bKRbOU5z2zWDOhbGDrKBZAh+9W0DCorEmg2fnNibGM8U6k7CpQ6m3cwKkIi67RkY9K54s6GjnHUz3gWNcdMiulaI59XKx1OmWsawFkUKw9K5ZSOlKxk+Jplibaife4PFbUo3MKsrDfD+nSRKZt3X5getFSogo07HQXcpiiIyu3bnNc6jdnS5aHGX8xvb0W4bGD2rsiuVXZxyfO+U7LRbF7S0WXcTtXo1cs5czsdMY8qMvxDIyQNLIy89jWlNXehE3ZXZhaFGyTtKuNjc4cVvUaasYUU07nTy38FvYs7RkSEcZHFcqg27HS5pK5y+o3YkjZUjwWOTu711Qic0pK2iJtPayYKhJLHHUd6mSluXBxtZmtrc8cWlpCzgE8YPpWNOLcrmlSVo2OQ1QWywpbxMTI3WuyF73Zx1FFKy3HWUEtsRI0zH2PTFKckxQg463LfiDUHW1jhRBkt0x1qaUNbmteraNkc9rbXEUEavGFA/h9a6KSTZyVuaK1E02Pz1zL+7z0xTm7Cprm3JdTlEMKWqsTu69iamCu+YqpLlXKjN1Pyoo0iVT7mtYXbuY1OWKshdOtpSQ0LBeetE5JbhTg2tDUupUZ47QN05cmsordnTJrSJl6tMk8ogRiVXjn1rWmmlc5q0lJ8otrbSxlAqkLnk0OSYRi1Y0LnEsu4SbY4xWa0NpJt+Rgysst0X3FsHit0rI5HZs19KlZ0cuuEA44rKa10OikyvcyXEFs8zHG/getVFJuwpOUU2zJtiu/dJ81bSTOWLV7s1QojVGjQZb0rHc6LW2K+pXkjKtuAFGOcVUIJakVKjvYqxWnmH5W6cmrcrEKnfYuS4WIZb5VHrWa1NJaIx55GkkJz9K3SSRzNtsmZRHGCOpqb3ZT0RCM5JNUSKo9O9IZ0fhe08yQMRjI4rnqyNqaO6t42CDOM46EVxm1yWQ98kfjxSAavDEkde/HNMCPdskJwOegzVIC1LiW2JJI7VpFmbOd1eNc5BHXGa6YkNHI6sgYkgdO9bIxkYTDDGtDMSgBOPSgANAB2oAOtABQAfjQAUAJQAUAAoAKAA0AFABQAdqACgA7UAHP4UAH4UAFAH6MnPdkIBwP/115x0Df4jnkZGAe1IaGSMNvzEYPpSAic/MCV3BRSGV5HwTnoecZ6DtUyY0M6ylskAdj0NZtlA5cDOAR1Yemf8AJpAJMQQHJ6+nFSy0iuMk7AMktyRwBUjY5dv3SMnPB7j2pkiEkEAMADzgj/PvUtjDcPMHzDntjipGIpALYyQDyTQMY5OSQCSDwpqWAjkL8uMgnA7YqBg5HG8Hk/w/19v8KQEeTjYMNgdc9fzoHYSLLHc2d2OMd6BlpBtVgvOOcYHPvVxRDJ1+8AQSOxB6cVYD2bG4ICTQAjHH3u3Gc9aTYipPKvUsGBrGRojKuXMjZIOB79OazLJIIjICduB61SQmadqq7ANmGHqKdhNk8ajYcAjHXIqibkiplFbPPT5eM/nVJEh8zAYAYep/+tRYCP5WUD15yKmw0wC7UGDkj070mO4ke5gQeB/OkBLzknOffPtTEO3jhAcnHBz1pAAwpOO47nrQA/cSCFXgDIz3H+NNAwUAPu359ef0oYkNGdoVgpB70DAHoAw+8CcUAIxYAv69hnmkAvVgBx755PHFA7iSYVS5PbGM9fypgPUFUOcjnBHfrQhFzTjmXhSTngH+ddGH+NEVNjpYSN6+mOT6fWvoaex58ix9wAZyM4PGK0MhQ+OFAGMZycYp2AnDELkk4IxxigtbDtxyWXI4xzjnpQAsRGFUjJ7UAWFOQD27ZFJgOLYUEjcfbkikBGB1BHGPvEZz7U0A3djng5x09qGBNGVy6naFUZH4/wD6qQFkAbPmbaeMZzipGZWuWJmf7RbxjzVHIU/eFZzhdaFxlYwoZT5nz7t5OCPSskadC5E7HhmAUjJ9qtE2JC+7dwoXaBjGf/1UITIZY1b5Wx1I4NAkVdskBJwNhAyf7vvUtF3HwSbm27mx0yKSdwNJHYncuC3of8/WqQi5CVROSxZscD/PvVEj3+UkZVsevA+lMCJZo2c43cHOCOn40rjaJdu47QgwoPNMRJGCdysMMBx3zQIcPmwzMRnkKB/OgBVzy2Nu4H7vX8qBjX4JIIyB055oAQFA4jYbiRzg+n6UAMfEZO/BzjjigCKZthbc/DZ68nj6UAUrqZAhBJIz37VDZSRnXTbwz8g9MA+n+f1qWUjmtTvmjDIucgnleazbNoxuY8l+HQliAw6knPNHMDicR4r1CJFZVkHfOaiTLhE8x1O8BZ2bn0OKaKaMr7QFddpB78+tMhmtpuoeV8pJGcEnJ55oCx6P4S8QSKu7JEa4IO7gf1qkzOUTuLbVYbiJRLu5OB2zVp3M2gvo0lhYQhSSeeOR+JphexnrEYrzgLgr0PsKiw0ywS7x28ajy0QFj/tE0ykiaT5ZcDkEcGpaHcx9WjCQybgrFhgD19qiRpE5y7tnMDSSYjTsFH8qgu55X44Aju43AYYbOSeevWmluD6HvnhSUS6DZy7i2Ywcnqa+cqK0mjsNhAxboOR+YpohkzEqo67c8GrJBdu0rnOBjjrTAjlAzuBZR7dKlsZXkYctvyAfTHepZSIZGGFzlcHoKlFBtLDBGwnGOcUIRMPu9+OgrRIliZ47DI/OmBHkMOePSkNEeQ5wpI9aRQ8LtGQQD6VRBCx5BII/lmhgitMVXBYZPOTSLRXMh3ggd+oPH0pWGSWineM4YdsDrWtNamVRm3Gvlr8y4yvGTXoUlY5JHL+KZdsb8nAHTiuuJkzwD4gXAeaTn1xXVEzZ53Jy5rZGYzoaAHDrSGSxdaljRpWbYxk1nI3gzYtWJx3rFo6Ey6pHTH1FZM0RYQ4P4cGgtFqJ9xx3qGi0y0Gx3J/pUWLTJI9xOSDUspEzNxjP60DuKQFUkE/hSBkDvuxgc800gbI5Hwp2tkU7CuRowOWOeex9aBBkjGRnHY0wIXfPGOn60yWxATySB170FEc8+w4B+amo3IlKxErs+SeTVNIlaj5Zgowfp7UJDbsU2kLyZHTNUZ3uWYSBzwO4qXqaR0Iry8wCF78U1EmUymuWbJ696tmW5ZzsXrzj8Kk0Whn3lyzNsU555rWMTCcrkCCqZKJN4RMCptcd7EGS7bs1Wwtx6YHJpDB5WJwp49qdhXuTWcTOQADyamTKijqNF0iWcrhck98VyzqJHZCmz0XQdEgtI0kkjBfPWuKdTm0OqMEjWnljTCKwAHt0rNIoy7y/V5FhRsMRjI7e9PlY7lmwtDFGJ5vwyaTYbGXrGpu9wIIHHccDtmtIQtuTKWpYjSQWjNMMYGeeKm+pdjlyxmufL/iL/KRXRayML3Z0unwMIMSoQ2Mf5xWEnc2SOd8USCJQqBSc85FbUVczrOyK2hWk8o88RjY2cg1VSSWhFNPc6GWGO3gJKhcDPWue7bOhbHJSxz6jqPlIBgnrjtXWrQjc5ZXlOx2ukaYLeDy5QhO0Y4rkqSu7nQlbQyvEN2kFuYk27+gz1FaU43dyak+VFXw/pjXCi7wyknmqqTtoTThfU3rry7SIsXRQBg5NYbs2tZbnGRiTVdSKqDImcZH867Pgicn8SR2em2XkRqrAkYx7+1ckpXOpKyMnxhILa15Yg7eB1JrWirsis+WJj+GrJLn9+2MtwxJ5rWrK2hlRinqdjMsdvZKhlHoc965E7u50WscTr7i6ultYn3bj09K7KWkbs5qur5UaWjWTQeWrSeYCMMCOnNZTnzGsIcpZ1yQZigSEHaOh71NNdbjm9bWOR1C4J1JDMg2LxhR0rrhH3dDkqS9/U07CJb/Z9nUpg5IbispPl3NYpTWgzXY4Zr1IWmIVOSM06baQqiUpJXOZvhDc37xxttVehJrqj7sdTkmlKbSL2kLJHME5kUjOWPT3rOpZo1ppp2FubuRtVwsakID9KIxXLuOU37Q57V7q5ub8s6g4OAB2FdNOMYxOOtUlOdzV0swMASP3ijJHYVhO50U+WRHBLE17LdTIX8s5GRVNPlsTFpycn0Mi6uDd3rO0e3ngAVtGPLE55z55Xsa1lHHBmVnDBRyPSsZtvQ6KaS965G5tokkvHJLtwKau7RE+VXmZFsDPcb41yc5reXurU5Ye87mvpyvEZGuTlugB7VjNp7HTTTV7kGp7ILU/vPmfsKcLtkVLRiZtqkkY3xxlie5FayaZjFNLQ25PM8iJFIDfxYrDS7Ol3sjE1eZ2nWIscLxXRTjpc5asnewtiscrBFXGOppS0HTsy1cXDRITt4HA9KhK5pKVkZaYmfLPgmttjm+J6l6BEiBUsee9ZvU2ilHqVLyZWJjQ5UVcUZzld2RFbpkEsO1NslIbLJlsYzTSBvoMIz/9agRJaxl5FHvSbshpXZ6B4btVhgUkZ4rhqS1OmKsbbdsdB1561kihoOFIPIByM0ADNtI+X6AGgCtdSoANpHHarimJsE1FBDg+nrW0YGbaMHWroNn5u/QV0RiZyZy17LnIzWyRk2ZjnLE1RAz+LFAC0AJQAtACUAHagAxQAc4oATvQAUAFAAKADrQAUAFACUAAoAXoKADOaAA0AIaAP0Y3AnIww6YI615p0oRj8+wkDPX60hjScqQF3Y4/Lr+NJsCCRsnGSNvrUtjSKrMXDFSCM5yBnioKHoGOSFGAc49qTAbIUydzdh0HSkBXkYg7R90HjJ4qGWkMQ859RQNjxkLwg6Z/WkxEec5yGLH2qBjg4K9Bx6H+dAxm4b9xY7efzpMA34ZcoMHjIFQwEBZl3ZOGxnjNKw7iggoTuzxj9aQ0QH96NwGT3yeKBonXOMYye9NITZPFgN03DGTirRJImMg/KABkGncQ4nK5DHB5yDUtjIp5Rkq+09+TSbHEzryU4CLt49qykzRIqKSyKcjrgZPepGatnGNgYrk9R7VaE2TjaMhuQOcdKoglX5jgDb2xz09cUxDgCE4OOmcHFO4hqsWj29jkHtgUwHJllzuAAGBkVIA6/wAIbjHf1pMaI3IjbKru9OaTAXJOCQAAc/QCpHYWMkZGcE5A9ev8qQ7C5wCRggdfamArOVb5W6nI9qLisKGIGSMn+tMQ4MeCCCpzjbQApOCCD045PFACdWDDke/WgAA5wMFgMGmA5xuUFsDjBB7UwBTjAxtzjHy80AWNNYrOA5LFjgHPWt8P/ERFTY6qIgKC4CEqB/8Arr6GnsefItJGCpznnpznitDMiYnztijn16k/hTEWokVhzng/NjnI7UikOcqd20gDuPSmNjY8n5WLYYff9/WgSdy5HgKAwyD2A9D2H4UmMB8wwhUfUUgGMcEYwATjGenrTAaFzLvwdpPHHemBMqnzgEHzDjOOMUmBYAUjDbmHBJC4pMAIYBshmPQ/Lz/+qkBk6tpv2hvtFuT5g5KbcZxWc4X1RpGVtGYyylG5DBscgHn86xuaFqKRNoQKpI64HP8An6VaIaDO9BlQPT+maBDlTOVyNp6DPUUwKssLxTAgN5ZbJGM4/wAKzasWtS1BKGZUJY88/SmmDL0L7do2nnrxmqRBZTbGgAwxY46Yx9aoBp4O7Gctxxge3FABGNwPzBjkdTwKAJY8IpDZAPX5v1oESFndd2eB7/0poGNeVQcjgY+bBHSkBBK4LAOPlxkexxSYxhcGMqpJAHr/AJ96QEbzYVsMMjJxnnBouFipJMEQ7fmIyW9j/wDqpXKsZ80qszOzbSoJw3096hs0RQuLktbl3AVQ3A7NSbHY4XWL1FuWY8Lkg4OKwb1OmK0MK5umMUjgvjGVPSi42rHC69O8ztuyGGc4OM1I0cjdLuzkgMe/XitURIz34l+YHGML6GqRAR3BQk5UcjIDGgLm7pmpMn8ZVBg59fxpAzpdK11wAxkIGf4v8aCWjtdG12S4XYzFgB0/xq0zNo6KGaEqh3kueSO2OlXcgcq4UYdflk6AZz9KQ0ySRWU5I3c/xjFSyrmXeBjNgg+2V4H+NQaIytRVhCYyhI9h096TKR5N8QoAAXRQucjHUikiuh618Mbpbjwbp7ZLYi2kHtivBxMLVWjrjL3UdaEG4HPPTg4rNEseNythiQpPpVgxrAYLNkAevGKVwI52O0dcCpkNFaT+8h6cnA6isyyN8OBuDeoFNAPVdyq2e/Bx1piZNt2/dIxjHHWtESNLK4xuBIAzmgCvJ8o3EdqRSG5AccbeOAD1oBjtyheGyPXsaZJDKw3f3RtPAoGkUy5Y5GeT061JpYiIH3ecY5HamKxfsFJfHT6DHNb0lqYVGaEx2Qt0GPWvQgcrOD8Z3LLbv+869D0rpiZs+f8Axjc+bO/zA811RM2ck/WtCBKAAUAPj4akxov2x5HSs2aRNmzf5Op/OsZI6YsvRNkdevSsmaonBJ4I6Ui0W4eBu6fyqWUieM7m46e1S9i0WVYBegzjioNB8ZydxwR2zSAJ5RjaPxoSBsjDgDcQQcUxFWWQk84PrmqsS2AIJ4GM88UWFcR3wvoc0WHfQhMoI649+maqxN7jHl+U5xiiwN6FMvuYk8itLGVyVX2gnPTjApFXIppGbC5Occ00hOQIAT1HqTRcEiK4mMY4OTTirkylYqq7s2SOcVexne5Mpxy1SUtivc3PO1cfWrUSZSIIxluetNkomZlRSo4PrUrUp6IrMS7Z7VexnuSIoBzk1LKsNkbOQCDQhN9Ca0t3kb7tEmVBXOz8OeHpJWDuvHB5FcdWtY7qVHqz0bR9LhtIQWUZA6AVwSnzM7ErIku5H3gRjgDpQhGdqE/lw5LAE8HNUkD0GaTbqZhcvz83U8Zok+g4rqS6/qYhjNvEfnIPyg8iinC+opytoZnhyza5n+1SEEoeAepq6kklYmnG7uX/ABNemC1MAYbicYFRTjd3KnKxieH7OS7uDKwIKH862qTsrIzgru51N5MLO0DMw+X5fp+FcyV2bbI5S4t5NQvSxB8tj1xxXSnyIxkuZm/BBDptsCTxjoemcVjrJmlrI5jU7261O7FpbZxnBIrohFQXMzGc3L3Ym/oulrZwAyoPNA7DqaxnPmehrBWRHrOqpaxZBPmAHaAaIU3JhOahqYmn2F3qtwL6aJ/KJJ5reUlBWRjCLm7s6eAC1Qoo+UL17ZrmbubrQ5DxFqMt9ILK2JLHqQeK6qUFFczOetNv3Ym/4X0X7Fb5lHzHkMf1rKrU5maU6fIize3Zhl3s4CKcYBrNI1btucfeTXWtatkBvJRsHHeuyKVKPmccnKrLyOkt7YW8S+WFAA5PSuZyu9TqSshmoNGkEhml4ToSaSvfQHbqcnZvHeXsjIeFbg9Ca62nFHJFqcjqdJfyo2BBcjpurllqzrgZup6m8XnTKBxxWkIJ6Gc5uKucxp94TM8lzEXBPBNdU46JI5IT1u0dJZTw7C8ewKFxjGK5pJnXFrcyrqWzRp7mWTeOcDFbJN2ijB8qvJs5aLy7q9ZozjPQDrXU/dicStKR09pvt7NyTyBwDxzXJLVndC6iZUvnwwPdOyq0mcDvWyabsc75kuZmPbxzCTe53KT6VvJo54qS1ZuAC30/zo4Chk4Ge9Ybyszp0jC6RX1C7a203yUgxI33s9TRGPNK7JnU5YWSM3TLVro4YiLJ6n61tOXKY04825svaQ2sCQPKuXPNYczep0ezUVymPrskCyJaw8gdSK2prqznrOKfKiO2tblEDRfKhI+YU3NdRRhL7Jrm1W4RY/OACjLHvWXPbY39nzLc5/U2V7jy1YuqnjjrXRBWRx1dXYtaXJPIwh8vEY7mpmla5dOTbsPvDPErSk4XoBUws9i5uSMqNo9++Uk5PSt7O2hzJrdmlFHsVXjUZPYVk33OhaLQq6nKWKxE4C9quC6mVWV9CO1hT/WelDYoxvqPuZlSInnceKIq5UpWRnxKzOCfxrRnOkyzK4jB4qFqatlYfMdxqzNC49KQzZ8P2rSXCtjjNZVJGsEd5bqI4hHg4A7DFcT3NiRsbCT+ApANdwCSRx+lNAVLq62rgkdPWqjElsx729wvDd66IQMnKxmNqJXgt044NbKBDkU7q73jOcj0rRIlsy7iQsTzVIhlamIaeKAAGgAzQAHk0AL2oAKAE/GgAoATFAAaAD8MUAHFABjmgAoAPrQAnegBc0ABoADQAnagAoA/RiQkKCcewFeYdJESAepIY5A649qBkUjEAYxn9f8A61SwIC7OW27eBjp/n0rNssaW2krnnPOD2pAJuDBSoBJ6sfShgRSMWfIILE89xUsaIZNpLKCGJ5xUlD9hHBXcPY9aQDJNoJHI+nrSYDGJ2nGcjoDzUlBu4HVT0oAEYKdx5APPSoYDTkqOOMdOc9alsLACFZQQCMnNFwsIDuY/3uoOP50ikOVSgzzkn7vf6UIZLG2cEK3Q9KognBaP58c9lz1p3AazfKOdq8nGOB7VIIbIxC52bfQE5NBViGaUKxdiSOwqGykZrNvkLN93tipKLFsu5wCv4kcUAaqbhGQuVII+hq0ZsQKS3zAH1xTESEFVBAz7GgBrEscBgcce3/6qAHohb7pYdTiquIk2naQozzjOcYoAYGHzHk56E81LBDNxbJ9+wpMpDHZQDkfMDwwzxWZQhfLBdpZj3oAUtwM7myfy+tUITAzknKdvoDSQ2TKpwTnjpwTxVIkepUpg5PHUii4CLxjPryCOv5UrjsK55bcuATxnPApiG7ifm27s9d3Si4Bh8DoD3AoQEhBPBHCjJ7c1Qi1p5b7So9fpxW2H+NEVNjp4htVTkHJ5AGK+ip7HnSLqNuTIHToAe9WZiFGAO9mU9fx7U7gSKpViQNgLDoc5plIeR83HHOBkc0Dew1Sd2E5yO/elcSLR3HBDDg9M5/ChjJGJOFHORnJ6LmkA1GwFO0n5eNtADFZiM7gPpyT+dNATdDheXPI7E0mBImN29gDz6YxQwHL94EDGAcZ6/hSAReVyT6HB9aAMjXLIXEQuoVCSjBPuP8ms5wvqjSEraGJb3JEZBGMnBwOcVimaNFpZFYPgLkHBbGelWQ0Oik3zMWZTn17e1K4NE5CNkODgcY9aYrlWePZ8yjAA5IJ5qGik7kttcbvmbDE80FWNGF2BBADJn5gDVpkNFlQHBOPpnt+FUIcQo3E46YHPWgBrHYcbQQP60AAYk7lYqAcYzQASDPzMdwGC2T2oAic/IPk6HAIPOPWgCrM7FSB8gzjOc1DGkVJ5GA53d/oaRSRVnkkSQqSNrDOfQ8f41N2WUL9xH84kX5ew7mkyomVcOZoXzvZuw/n0rNlo888UtJDuOBtHUdxWD3OmJzqSyTRFFOO+M1SCVrmNf27FyTls8cCmSYl1aMwYqo29OnT8atESMu5t9pBGcn144q0ZmfIoBJA4zxjpTAiM0gkXhcDpk9KQF+2vJOGDE8/WiwHSaLq0yzDkb8cszYyKYmdtpOt+coV5BkfxA5FO5m0dJDqcHlqdxYADOTx9KLi5TUN/FMoOQBj68ilcEipJIpL7QGbPB7gVLZpZlC8eV4nhKjLjqvP5/lUlHlfj6ItC3Yrk4xSW5fQ7L4GXnneERAesErIfzryMdFqrc6qbTgejAHsQSeevPNcyQiUg4xtOP51Qhh7knAA5ApMCuzHaTwc9BWcikVyGZ+V/DNSWOiTcxIBHP5YxQtAJlT59rAEg9c1qkQwdSCQBz04x0qhEUmA23cSeOaBkD5y3zA9j78UrjI1BLYHbr7+9FwYruFyCcg0hFWY5Iy5BPFBSRDKw98ZAwaRoI4yQnGcDJpohvQ0rFD8owDwBkHvXVSRyzY/UHWO2OMnIx06V3QMGeX/EC58uBx3POfSumBmzwjxDLvuGyep4rpiZsxyK0uSNNAAKAFXrSYFy2J4zUM0iatox4welZNHTFmnGcY+bispGqLKMM8fzqDRMmjcbQcHIPpSsMtRMBkHjNTJFxJN4Y4BAPrU2KbHmUKOhNK1w5iJWJbnjmmK42WXA607ARAg5P5VQhrOvy4yeaTVwY2R1xjqM00rCbIHbb0JxVEleV8nAHNOxLYIMHOcYouJISWTA4x9aaQN2Ig3IPemSPklCKeM1KVynKxQkkZ25PGa1tYxvcdEQOaTGNnnwNqnk00glIrDJPPJqjPcmRgoyaTVyyN5N7deKdrEt3HwpuIJIx9aTY0h0rc7VoQ2xbWEu4AFKTshxV2dv4V0HcyvKBg9M1xV6vY7qNK2rPRLK2ht49oX+HiuFts7FbYfPekEIBntmhITRCZWUbiwyetA9jK2G7ldByeuKv4RPUs3DtZ2bBiQVHQcVKV2VsjDtC15qCuw3K3U+1by91GEfeZ2VpDb2VmxXI43Dkc1zO8jdaHKXrNqGofu48Hd39P8AIrpj7q1MZe8zp7MQWVmHKEOBnpj8653eTNdjCnkk1O92Lny8857VorQRL956G/FaR6bYsOuFzk96y5uZlWscvfXE2qXP2aIMAOxrdRUFchy5nY2tH0dLRQ6xjzepYis6k3IqMeUr69qJtU3tJhqdOPMKUuXUwtJ0+TUroT3IYx9R71tOSirIyjHmfMzsyYbK1EaAYx8oH+Nc3xM32OP8SasyqbeMEMwPeumlTvqzGpO2iJPB1hDhbmbiRhkluxpVptuyCjTSWp0l5KscOwSY/rXOkbNHJ+I70BVt0YEueADzXTSjfVmFWVlbqTaDprWtsPukuc89vWlUqJscKfKi5PI8CkOvtULU0ehy3ivUG8kwxAKWGCOvFdVCGupy4ipaNir4c0wTFSCBnrziqqzaIo07nS6pm3tUt7Z8Mw65Ga5oau7OyeisjlPEPmRQJGJ97HkqD/Oumkk9TkrtpWKelNJK3kyKoU988itJq2qM6bvozfvhFZ6cIom3s2OQOlc8felqdM0oRsjmNdkjRUhwQT9411UlfU4qzilYr6fbI7g265Y96qb7k04p/CdDcWsv2WOPz/3j4JzjiudSXMdbhLlWphaxC7TiAz52DHXpW9OSSuctWLvy3JtLiMDr5kRlJbgYqZu5VJONrl/U7idriOFYMRpjIA4FZwirXNqk5c1kjn7+4nub7cVyoOMCuqEVFHJOcpSL+nwI0iEyA4OStZTbNacU2WLy4tXneeUZWMYCjvUxi1oi5Si3zS6HO+Yt5eMUXnPArptyrU47qcnY1rCCdXK3Em1Avyr2rGbTWhvTjJfExlzALS2luJLnJbhVBqlLmdkhOPJFybMS33+aZEjLfhWz2szlje90bEMshtdwXbIT2FYtanTFvl0MvVp5HdImbAHataaRhVm27DbGJHfDLnApzdkKnFN6l152jjZgAoXgcVmo3NHKyMfPnSkyHLE1vsjmvd6l0GOKLZjis92bX5SjM5nlJHH0rRKxjJ8zJ1Ajh5xnvUt3ZaVkVXZpHx1FX0M3dsVuOAOKQD7eNpG2ihuw0juPD1mIYFdl+b6VxVJanTFWRucHAx39axKG7mByQpHpTSEU725Cg9AM1pGJLdjBvr7ggn3yDW8YmbkYl1eZJO49a3UTJsz5piT1rRIi5FvY96YhDk0AJ2oAaaAE7UAB60AHSgAoADQAUAFACUAFABQAGgAoAAecUAJQAtAAaAEoAWgAoAOKAP0RlfD5CYHX1/GvMOoieULsxgjgc0rgQmQbQSMZHas2yrEYJGQPnOOnp+NSMY7YfJBGVGeaQEbu5blhgYIoAYzEjKlgQO1Kw0IpCjcR8vqe1SNkgcN22kdM9vwpMZCXBJKkbs4xUDG8jhlxxwaAGM2DnPJOOalsYBugyAfTH61NwAPmMOoyo6n/APVSC485ALsc5PBHQZFFguMVznacH0AFFikTKw3EMQx4yc9KBkiEZHzknHOP6UyWSkjCqd/TGcdT60CGMApPOBkg7vWkwRDJkqcknIxSLKd5KWXGT9PSs2UiJPmA6dNpxSGaVkhUAr0Bwcd6aFItLJu+UKc/xc9BWhFhQyhsDhemCfrQIVv7uSCMY/xFAyIDJUqW9ScZxQBPF1IYck8Z600Jj+TjapGTnHr+FMQxsltrEk9x+NSOw1mTAIIGMg1DGhhDc9Cc8e9SUJweMEH6UDAHA5O7OepxxmmIlMaZHAx6Y600IlOQCeAM45P5UAMkkOQuxeDjk8CkxoiLkfI/OO2c0gJGLM4XDY3cEimgYSHcDgnAPfpTELnALYYHrkd/woQEkZJBIB3fXqasks2hAl7Lkgdeta0XaaInsdPCAEVQzY69a+jpbHnzLMZ4G4ADJPHrWrMiwQrZcfNwPfNIaQ4LyS2QpOQ2aZSBzmPCMvB6Zx0pMHsMRm3b9uB075pEotwuykKmcDuOW4psokQrt+ViOcAH2/8Ar0gGlsEqRv5yQf8APamBGzhW2k+gx/jQgJldiysBjn8/pRYCZWAYk5z156flSAcSSQSgDdeehNFgAkEfNtHA+6aLAMBYr8pT/e7UgOd1qyaGaQx58tsdD0PvWE4dTaEuhnwSFZEUscn+E9azTLsXFy2CAMDq2O1WiGSoSq/MCGUHPHQehpkslUmRW3KOmM/l1oAqNCiBfLO1e/fNQy0yzZyrkhgTknGCM4zQmD1NWJ+VWTGCO55+mK0RBI+SAq7cYzwuT702IryOIpAVbc3BHTH1pXGNLjYSwGM9CMUXAd5haPIJ6ZC44FFwGuSQV7Dp7+ppgVZjvxwQp5POM/hUgmU7ghBuwcY5BHepLRUb94hC5Yg9xjBqCzOv4cofnYMOwGevSpaKjJGfbwq0DHD4xyS2P6UooqUjkvGdgWQlIzknkd6znF3NacjjNNgMcxUxly3y4oRUnckvrJWT7rngkqe1U0QmYtxp5VSI0PoCOcChCbOa1aNUJVTubPIPQe1USYd6SFwOB1x6U0BnFAWH3ix6Z9KYIVJ23AKRhT+QoAu2ty6NhjgnqfakxHQWOsNDAI0yMtnPGcfhQM2oNb5TfIG54A7DFIDc0vWwV/1hyemBSYJHRW18rW4EZ75z/jSHYnYnyfmJy3PTg0xHnnjqHfBOwbPJ6jBIqepp0JfgDOqXOpWBfB3hgN2D0rz8wWzNKOzR7IoYALnIPr/SuBFj2IwQSSc889aYEUhJOQCQR941LYyF9vPJGTk8ZrNspEDAHnccjpigokjYDAwCMfrQJkikHOfoK0RIsuGBVcHHcnkVQiF2ADHBHPH65oGQuRyVDA56dallIjTcGzgj1H8qdhMgc5y54z6HikC3IJWwACcseg6ikaIiJyQoUd+o5JpoGSR+ZwM/KOKpIzZq2QwuWzgjv2rspI5ZvUqa5IBEw3g4GdtdcEZNnjXxEuF8ng4z1wa6aaMpHjepOHnbvXUiSmaZAhFMBMUAKKQFiE9KlmkTUsz+VZSNoGlEcr79ayZui0mABgc+pqGWiaNs4B5FIpMl8wYIByB0pWKuTRsAo3cn8qTRVxPM3D73vQkK4sjFQOpNKw2Vww3HnGOtVYSYO4AOBkcUA2R7wR6YFMm4BxjqaAuQSkHoT9PSgUmQryxJ6VRA4tjkdSKRV7EDZbJ4+hq1oZvUXhRSDYpzSFn+U1aViG7iIMmmxIWVtqnFJDbKwBNXsRYeo2ndnmkMa77jx+NMTYRj5vrQwsSswVcdDUlXCBGeTjJzQ9ASudj4W0UyssrjjPQ1yVqtkd1Gl1PQoY4bO2QqBjHcdK4NWzu0SGSXwdQQ4B6ZocRJlV7kvIGD5A/PvVKI7kV1dnfwx57etOK0Jk9TQ0mVU3HKg7eaiaLiUden811jXle+KumrETHeH4BDK7KQwAzjHQUqjuEFZlzX7xlhEQIBIzknjFTTiObIvDcSb/tOckevIqqrewQSQ3XrzzLpbbDZIwvNEI6XFN9C34c8iGAh8E8nAqKl2VHQn1y8Q2TJ5oDdAB6UU46hJ2RkaKsXn/agfvAritJvSxEF1OguborHkFVB69MVikaHD6sft2oSQh8gHK46muuC5Fcxn7zsdVoFptQKByFzzXPUlrc0jGysRatduoZeMA0QQPQ4uC2lvNYSd+VB7GutyUYWOVJync7G0VNhB4XH5VyyOqOpn6vdxpbs2Tke3BqoRdxSkrHI6ZbTX949yznAbg56V2TagrI44Rc22zpoJ5rdNoLuMcgjBFcrimdSbRW1PVJI0zIg+UdD0qo077EyqW3OVW6S4vi8iZX+HqcGuvltE5efmlc6fT7ZTsYHEeOoOK5ZSOqMdblbXXgX50l27RxVUr9iatt7nPW9q90TcebgscDvXQ5KOhyqDnrc0rDSWlIDDJByWBxWUqljaNO+jL1wPKbLRnbGPT0qIu5q9Dib6eW81Fso2CeMiu6KUYnmTk5y2N3R9NaORC+AuCSc1hUmdVKlYsX1vEHkuWm2xoOmeazjJ2tY0nTV27nL+Q13ctMjk85HPWuy6irHBy87umdXpaS/Yi/lgCMYyRyeK5J2vud1O/Lexn3mpXEdrM5jwzHg1caabM51Wk3Yw9Nkkmn8tkxuPLeldE1ZHNTk27HSQ2lpp0LTNJ5rOOvpXK5Sm7HZGEaauZniCawitDsXc7961pKUmY1nCMTEsoJX+e2Aye57V0Sfc5YRe8TbS3YWywNIDO/fNYSet7HSovltfUxNdTy5xbmTft681vTelzlrL3rXJ9NnKKsEcfyseWIqZq+pcJO1kixcyeW7FDhR1I9alK5cnZswS6vcGR8nmui1kct7u7NKExpCGRcMegrF6s3VuUoXtw0jbM8DqK1irGE5Xdgt4l2+ZjvSbHGOlxl1JuOz1qkiZSuMgj2ncabYoqwXUgPyLSigk+w1VITPGab3EIMk9KANrQLMyShmXisasjaETtoVEcYXnGOntXJI1JNwHTHPQ0gKN5dKEwPlFXGJMpGFqN4MHk10QiZSkc9eXRbvW6iYtlCSQt3rSxA2mAoNAC0AJ9KAGnrQAhoABQAUAGaAEoAWgBM0AFAB1oAKADtQAUAHSgBKAFxQAUABoASgAoAKAP0H8x25Y89yOK8u51DXlI+THuCo/wAahjRASu3bnvycfSoKGq2Fzzuz0FICOWY8nHHp7UAM80EggNu2+nFMfQQyAtgAjHcDmkIdlhtC4BJ46VLGhGba7A8is2UIv3uOhH60hoGIQD+9nA+tJjIDuDZAx7ev+feoAcW2kIRnnqaLAKv94AkelAC8ABuRzSCwg3HBGAT/AJzTKRJ94lmHI9PSgGTRsNhy2TjOM80E2FDEhWwQex44FAWGF8MNxIB4GKRViG4cKWcjaBgZ9ahlJGeXyzYXr05yagosWsZYAkHJOenegDRjAUfNwe3NUSycHk5O3Bx25NUhACAMD2+tMka7kEAgrjjgUrlDFzneFyRwRmhAT7jkAEj1IFMkepUbcjnH50XAH4YDkKRg4NICKb7xXj8MGpZQPiRPlOPTg/4VIxxbahDj8euKYAU7qcr1z3piHxBhzg7e2eoGKZI7LA5H8QyTjJNDGiGXPygKVYdgeM1DLQDJQdDj9TSAcq5ztBHAPB9atEjicpjIzjGCKGAijLqvAHA5BzVJCZKVUHIHHqOaYi3ZK32lHGccH8O9bUfjRE9jpACI0ZSD3IHFfRUtjz5luInPTc/+0eP0rZmRMH+UhWYnPfjipQ0SrjaRuLNjnr6UyhNu4qBwG7dc+9ADDgSFvlOepPtSYrakqkkdW5PPc4oGSNJtU8Nk8jHFFgAuCclOMgDp19qYAXVk5yOcnjFADYi5UdsYyx7fl7UAWI1Dgso4HXNSwLLr/FggjpzSAjHzNnaQMcZ6A0wERDwWxjkrjj8KAElgFzE8TIoypx05P1qZajRyt/aPaXRQn5d2VPrzXNKFjaMrjtPKjdk9h17c0IbLbZIBU7iD1NUiGKxbABO4Z3HI4FADJWRmEbgn+I47UiiJHK43DnHUCgdzUt5Pm3gDIGBxnNUmQ0TGQGMAZZsdaoRUll2naSx+tTcpIaspEeFPyr1HpRcmw1psDAOWJzjJ6f5xQOxBJcKRgfMwzgc8D/61K4WGG5Uc7lGD6d/wouDRHcyL5IU8tnHQ0DRVkkVGGTvAPUCpZZFOMxYJ+9x0yMUmJMz1KxSHj5W7CpL3M7XLfzo2IAOFyc+tKSHFnn0tpi7Kupwcn071Bs2WDb+aSThRjcq4ziqZm2ZOqRFYSQSpz25/+tSGjidZiUY3N/Fxnr0pjaObvtpYkrs7k55NNCMqSNi57ACncCvcMVIwOPUcUCHRTfvMj05JPegZYjn2smecdB0/CkFy7aXjsxJ+Ud/U0mCZtafe4YDeRgcE9qCkdr4cu98Y35ZiQBx1qeozrCBsYP8Ae7hc4FMg5DxhDCIHVl3Nt5wanqWjnPgxPHZ+PZbeQlRPEdobuRzXLjo3pp9jSluz3dcbt3UDkEDtXlGoPnHyjnPftQIjbJbK/QAk1nIorNIrKcev+fapLCPuc5JzjikALyMqmOcE54q0SyVQpOPWtBAwZiDt96YmRsQX9s/rSGV3yDhgME4/z7UDuNcYXb97Pp6UCuRPgHkYUUiim5bON3PWky0NUcHJGd2OKYiWBSXGG+b37c1UdzOTNqABFCvnOOw5rvprQ5JMwfEMu1XHIwOADXVFGTPDviHdM7SDOMccV000Szy+dsyN9a6EQRGmQxGoASgAoAmh7VLLRpWbc9azkbQNSI4x7Vk0botJ17is2WS7wgx1zSGtBV4+boDQUiVpOwPTrjpSHcfHtEYJOc0MpEcsoY4/OgGxuSPQD6dqYiJm35HbpQK4wOMdP1p2JuJvO7+lFgZG5yeaaIDOBz1oK6EMrkt7nmqSIbuJ2zg/SgRBcyHaAD3ppCbIVUnnNWQkSL8q9gcVJZA+WPTpVEjlXjP86AsRTNhsCmkQ2NQZP1oBImyqjJNIoYu526ZPamJanU+GdHaeQMw6DPSuWrVsddGjc9G0e2itLbc4259s1503zM9GKSRS1a9DL5SHGT9auEOopSM1rgxrz93kdavluRew1b0cL5hPfNPkBT0I1uxLcDkEqeBnvTcbC5rslutQaE5LbSRilGHMOc+UhW/yBuYZBzyafILn7lzTNVjR3xJtPXp+lRKnoVCoivq+sxyShwBgds1VOnZE1KkR+n67FChK5GeSKJUmxxqooalrP2m6Uluo4JNaRp2RlOqmyzpupTPlTLjaOCKicEXGdytqOoSuVZpgQDg59KqEEKcmWdGlzcBvNbYegB6VNSOg6bvrc0dbvHMZWN8IFqKaRdS9tDnrB2uLtcN+8XkEGt5qyMYO7O702RrazaUOzMPU1xPVnYlZGDrOoySRySStgM3T0raENTGU/duyloMs8WSyKV3Z3Z5xWlVJmdLmR1MNzC1oeMbx1PpXK1qdN1Y5bxNqFuI/KgXDEjJ9K6aMG3dnPWnFRsizodtayQhkdS/BOM5pVJNFU1FrQ07qEQQFlbJI+XIrJSuatWRx/iOWd08skgsMfWuukkjjrSlaxJoFmqxKJk2jGd2aKs+w6MLKzRubrdISCy4yO9Yam+hy+vPbKFSNyWkPNdNK73OWq47Iq2MJt38zzmIAyAOlVN8xEI8rvc6S3u5VsnuFgCADH1rncFex1Kb5bowNY1a68gxOmAfbqK3p0o3uc1StK1mVdNuw58tIypxyc1c4tEU5p7G3CUhtS0sil2OAc1g/eeh0xaS1Zna2YEtkhSYszj5iTxWtO7lcxrWUbGbpvk2c29EMjdADyK0leSMYcsHodHfXl5DYoohAaQ5C4PSueMItnXOcoxRy+u3VxIyoVxt/hFdNKKRxVpyehZ063ilthJLII3PGB1qZys9C6cVJasvtLZOqWkjEBOaz974kbtw+FnNeIriG5vRHbjKrwDjrXVRi4x1OHETUpWiOsorqOWNQSifxYolJWCMZJo07tPLkNz520KOMGsk7qxvKNnzHMzSmW7aQgnJ/OupKyscTleVzXtZi9uWKhCOgrCS1OiDurlDUbkhPLzyTzWkImVSfQhsihfBGfWqkRCxZmn2Rk7QAOFqEtTRysZ8Z8yTJXPrWr0MFqyzJKI0wPwqErs0crIqp87b261exmld3HzuFQAdTSSKk7IjhTL5am2TFD2IyQPWkUyxY25mlVcE5NTJ2HFHaaParbxD5a5ZyubrRF8McY5FZhcr3M+1SAwP9aqMRORh6hd8n5j9a6IxMnI5++uSznk4reMTGTuZruWJrREDaYCj0oAWgBQaAEoAQ0ANNAB9KAD+tABQAlAB7UAL2zQAnrQAUAFABQAUAFABjmgA70AHFAATQAhoAKACgD9A3ITCknpn8K8hnWivJKS5wcY45PAFS2UMG5QMEg9gBSAQtlRjg/p+VICtIcYBAXNBSRGgONytkdyOc0EskzwpQ8jpz2oAljYlAQC3fIqWNIQ4G7ccjvj3rNljUZcYPUZ4/pSBCHBbGRjHHFJsYchc/LjsduBUANGNm5sDIyc84oAUMMZBPp04pMaGO5JAQ/lSKJYSNuS2R9KYrkgJWQhjjng4phcBhmYoPwzSGKxweSQOBgDqKLgMcqckScE/rSBFG9mLLt3ZOeO+azZaI4o85ySTweO9JAaMI2gAM3zYH0qkJl2PaVPOBnr3z9KaRI/nPzYx6jvVCuIzD5d2VwcjJ55pMBh254bPJ79akY88qGB9sGmgHbSYyNzZH4VQrCp90BgACcHHekA/OcFjjnGTSegIj2ZySM9s/0qWUiPJVsswxjJ4oAkUbmYHGCMgUxD+wByCo74oEIQdu8n5umMZHvzTAczncOoAHIA/WhjI3+cZDZycdOfxrNlIRWLDAcgj1NOwh8YJUr/EeePTPWqEPAYhj935uhHtQgHxHeAyjheR6VSJZJEv05GTj/CqQmWbPctwo3A57n09hW1L40RPY6OIEojKA2fbAzX0NLY4JlpSSQAx9u3JrdoyLEbADnAJOM4qBrclj2lMjIYd+tMoADlM7jnnIoASUct93PuccUAP456nnGB3oAZJyoUvjBAPOTQA6OPJJ6qR19qAJyNo2/Ltxkn0pXAaVHCIN2Scj06UgJgei8AgHjFAEh+ZCoTJPTI4zQAhz90k+5A4oATADbMjp2BHtwKAJY92QwLY6AYye9Sxoq6rai7hYbRuHKkDH4cVLVyk7HMhTGzI/J98DFZM1TuXLcqVyFTPc9aEJj2AYEqxJAzwOn1oJItxCs67Tnt168UDGnbkA556HNIZOkjAbgeB1A7UwHGbBZN/I5wByKLisU767GASwAA+bnp61DZcUQw3SgcuBnJ6dR1oUhuIktychjznGOabZNip9u/fNtXcT83yjoKnmKsKHCneCG3c47ZxxTFYes2U2MemQcc9ulUmSVWl2yKrHDADB9qTY9yRnJxhSR1zmkIoTli24jBB7dOvBqSkRTt5q7GTgYBx1FDGczqenFJPNGcngDtj+tTaxpzFAoGXJYr6570riZmahEChITaCevUk/SgDhddhDkswO737ikWcrfwqynrjviqDoZTxgHkcZ60CILiPKll4/DtTQFQqclhg9hTEmPcEnhf4eQDnFAyaJyrop5A5pMDUsLjceCF+brSGmd94dnj3RqHXcQCMHpUspnZRXUS2+7ly2Mk45pkWMnX4RLZneiAA/e9qTKR474ouJdO1Vbu0nMcqHcrqcEVUYqWjFNtK6PXPhT8RbbxDEmn3rrHqCKAMt/rR6j3rzcZg3S96OxpRrKej3PRpPXgdwAe9ebc3sQysQABwwOelQy0QNkqCxPrx6VIxV+6doXJGeDQNolQqWHUVcSGS42t8wwRzyO1aEjWx5ZwDz+eKYyEdOpIxwfSkBE5VpMFiCDyPpQA0KzEkA8HHoTTAZJgHnPHX5ealjTKEpw/y56/mKVjRMi+ZWIwce46e9MTLVkvzqOc9/atIrUxkzWL+XCevHrzXfA5ZHI+KLgCNnIzXTAzZ4J47uma4kBPfpmuuC0IZw78nNakDaZLDvQAhoATrQBLGcUmWi/aHHes5GsWadux7D8KyZsmXVYjk9agsUMW5bPp9aVikPeTgAc0rDbCIkrk0MaHvKQcDGc0rD5hE+7QC1EkfoMg/jTC5ESFyc5J9KCbjGPGePcUxAz4AGf0osFxAQPm59KB6EMsnO2mkQ2Rnkfz4qyRJHATANJIGV+pJ6j1qtidxycL9fagaQ2R89OlCE2NTFMAlcgZoQmyDGWzVbEbslUYGKksYclgKZL3N3w9pklzcINhAz6etYVZ2R00afM0el6VYLZqoBG48crXmzm5M9OMOXYS+uhFuXPfrnpRFXKexywuTLfNmTjoCK6uW0Tk5ryC9mxCVY9cURQ5OyK01wgU54bvTUdSXLQo2t7tlJRsHOTWjhoZxqalbVdSeQcPwKqnTRFWq2RwaiT8zn9abpiVXuE2qBG3KQCaFTuJ1bbFKbUmJ4atFTRnKsCas6ZYnqOfen7IFXaIZdRMmGA6UKmRKtcdBq8sRGDjFN0kwVdomk1KSVTk/rU+zL9s2izpeqeTJ/rce2aidMunVt1NG51F5lLeYcVkqaRvKpfqN0mdXuV2SEHuM05rQVOV2dfc32zTVVHIc/eGa44xvLU7ZS9zQ5jUTPM+x5G65HNdUbI5Jpy0Og0VphCiSsmOB7isKlr6HRSTS1NjUr2K2sFgC4JrGMXJmsmlGxxN/eo18A6gRkc9812wh7pxVKi5jW0ycuqizXHPrzWUlbc2g01eJZ1OK/kmSAXHyggklvapi47jnGV0kzmda8xb0eVNvZDg4ORXTBq2pzVU+bRmppEizRrHcyYPbaOtY1FbVG1OXNpItX93ZELaofujoKmMZfEU5RTUWcreeTNfMhfGDwCea6otpHJJRcrGlpSm3cQRQGUsejdKzm77mtNcuiRoavLcRvHBFFzjJUdBWdNJ3bNarkrJI5XWrqaa9w8fC4GAe9dVKKUTirVG5FvSbbzzln8sE8ipnLlLp0+Y1L0ae0yI84WOLqPes4uSV7Gs1BtJvY5jVLmO7uCsb/ACA8c9a6aa5Vc5KklJ2Rr+HnAOwQZAGSzDOKxq+ptRfSxPcahdyPJKsQMSdGPapUEjR1JNt20RzccktzekPj5j1NdTSijiUpSlqbtva21riZ5RIwHTPFc8pSeljrUIx1uU7yezigmuWYNI/3auMZN2MpSgk2YNuGaUyhcmuiRyR3ubFvLJ5TGQguensKxaV9Dpi3a7M3VZ3I8lnznrzWkIrcxqSewzTmiiYAoHb3pyuTCyLN1Pszhhtx2FSlc0lKyMkP5kpd8nJrW1kc97u5dQIkeQOah3NlaxSuZGlk284BrRKyMZNtkqLsXPFTcpKxCXZ3IxxmqtYhtsc7CJPftS3K2I1VnYMap6EK7JpCFXjrUot6CRKWNDEkdNoNntw79c+lc9SRtFG/nCYGAM1ii2RzSlV65z607XEZGoXQA4btWsYmcmc/fXOcgGuiMTGTMuZyxrVKxmRimAooAKAA/SgAHSgBaAEoAaQaACgBPagAoAOlABQAUABoABQAUABxQAZ7UAAoAPSgBO9ACigBDQAtACUAANAH32zAMWByAOfevHudliJmAc+h9akY0SZJO77vGPWi4IrSSBpRz8xOc/hSBDCzSA5G3jmkWAO1ByCOwxxQSxyDLAAgDNAiRGQHGcnuAOlS3csUsSpXgL05FSwGszcgc+uDUMYErk5GAPepuMA2DnPXjPv7frSYCufkG08HtnJ470rgQM5Ln5QMcAn/ADzSKSFiDZGGDZ6cc/WgbLKEcNjGODVCsP3gAn7vue1IY5CmCSBnqPQ0gIy5Gd6njt/MUAQSSgJuDE9hmpkykigsmTvCZIz9BUDLdtHlhzkjsRQBoRHCnbn72M4/yapE3J0wVLZJPWrExwbBGVyccjPWgkY52seRu9c1LKGK/wA21hjjrnmkA9iA+RjHYZ7/AOf5U0wJUUYLE4J6E84qhMec/MOSMcHPQ0hDTjfx1HIAqWUNG5mOCemABnrUsaDadoXPQcdvwpiHEBc+mMKcUwA5xgdD34GKYCPtA2lgAOoouAxiMDHUdcfypMBCTxgEDHJqbFXHKW3ZywO79cU0SyUDA+YZ4PHXNUwFToDuOSePpQgJAzZxtbb061RLJI93mHLHHqDVoRctQzsNyHJ5znnH9K0pfEiJ7HQq+FUKSFI4r6GjscEyzE/Qg9R+VdBkSI3Zfw54rNjLEWO6HJOOvTpQikALB+oIxyPXn/69MAIUt8xTg54P55oARW3RgEAfL90fzoAdvVsMH2kev8qAJI1G7AAJIPOeDU3AnEfO4Pz3/wA96AI3O1jjg9eAePQUAPBXHABPU44+maAJ9obPQEZ6DFACKQMBugHPOf5UALtRk6EY4ApMADEhRgNg4OOoqSiTLZ2BTgHA9AKAMPWbVIplmRcrJ97g9f8AOKia6lRZlxnawDAnv9aytZmhbjBkVST0ORg1SZDQ14fkwwB54weeKCiFyFIL5x0x3NAFm3k4Ik3DJJ464pCK9ycTEpuUHkg+tJlLUydQuPLUMOh4zjjP+c1lJm0EUo7jy0CBmKhecckUlIbjcjurt3IUM4zzgcZp3BRIopX8wEYChecnn2p3E1oSyXO1Hxjg4A9Kd7EWH210rRgg7WbrnrVRZMlYkkKtln5wv4/WmSMMxWUgK49wOlADXaRn5baQOoFKwDXTIGRnjkZ6n1pWGmZupqTAVEefyxSsUmYEkaqAgAAz37VNimzNvAFDOeSrcUAcbrgSPc3l8kng8mlYtHJXiEjai4z1FMDJvRsY84VRigChMxZC3C8dD3FMCvEoMgyflxjGaYkTGE7C23Bzz7UC1HGEsVKqxIBzxigot6fESFOMAHPTtSA7XwzDl9wVmyOD2Xj/ADxUlXO8s4o2h3MwIC9u1DJuUtXZfLx5QYD1PJOKTKR4943tkKS8Yc569qqGjCSujlfCyXDxteWUvk3dmwdWzjpXoKCqxszz+Zwd0fSXw68YWfiHRUE0iLeoMSxlucjuK+WxWFnRk9ND16VWNRI6mZjtC5U8cnH+eea4TYhbJAAPzjue9JlIchBzjhunPakhsnj+ZsMpzjsetXEzZIXDAbiBjjpWhIw5XA5x7+lMZGduMjuaAGHHT5SDxSAY5XOQx4pgQXDE8Kpx3/LFJjSKExUtjIyOnNIsVQc/u84p2JuT2eS3K/xDoetbU0YTZduJfJibIzxz/wDWrtgYM868Y3hSBwZCeDgZ6V0wRDPCfFFwZLtmJzk12RWhlIwicmrEIaLkMKYDaAFoAcnWkyy3AeRUMqJpW7cDJ71kzdF1Tk/54qTQl3bVyOakdxoBLcnrQwQ8MQoxwaVir2EQ5PJx3+lADy/yjI49aQXGDkkseaYDCeh7D2osK4wtxinYVxpY/wCFOwrjHlIOBzn9KOULkOSx68+tMTHM2FzTAgZ8tz061SJbFTHPT2pMEEj7eAccetCQ72K+ec+tUQtB2cDrzSC5GxJPtVrQl6ix8HFJscR+c8CpKLmm2bTygYqJzSRcINs9K8MabHbwhn25x6c151ad2erRhZFvWL8INkbFcVEIXHOVtDk9X1WSRW5I4x711U6epzVKrsZFhdAlmJwea2lEwpy7i6nenCY7CiEAqTIPtZdc+1Vyk85nSzKrEkkVolcyk0irPdIwq1EzlNFUzt0UmqSMnMVBLMccmndIFeRbis3UZcY/Coc10NVTfUcbGSVsIM5pc6QeyfQnj0mRFDOpHHcYpe1RSotblW6hVCQB0qou5Eo2KzLLgkA4q00ZtMh/eI+eaehOqZft7qTaVyTx0rNxNozZYtbny5VOSpzUOJpGVmdFJqBliVQeQtc/JqdjqXRQE8slyNsvzDpzV2SWxldt6M6zQ5sfNKS+BxXLVXY7KTGatqhFw7lcqB8vvRCnpYJ1feuc1HfNJctJLBuOeMV1ctloziVS71R0ukvx9o4jXHToa5ammh3U1dcxn31xPIksxnwo4Bz0q4xW1jGcm03c5+2jc3Jk89uvWultWtY5Ipt3udHYywwwNN5bA7SN1c003odsHFK5Q+32sYluWTfIegB5rXlk9DLngrye5hi4W6vPNI5J9OlbOPKjl5lJ3Orsbx4bbfKoVU6Hua5JRUpWR6EJtK7KMWp3kvnztkLk7c9609nFaGKrSldsw4riSa8bcAdx5NbuNo6HKpNs3LXZaQSTu+RjiueWrsdcbRXMyi01mLN7iRmMr9K0tK9kY3hyuTMmGHzJQ8Y3nOcA1s3ZWOeMbu6Nya+uLW0WMKodxjjmsFFSdzqcpQj5mbq2pXRtEtl+QfxY7/WtadNXuYVasuXlRX06LzFBaQhj0x1pzZFON0XJZI40FsDwfvMe9Qk3qayaiuUydTmSSURRL8qjGa2grK7Oeo1eyFt45owuCAvf3ptpjimieaSTBcvhVHQd6hItt7mcrM8xkbLZ9a16WMFdu5dXGwEYDGszVNWKl5KWIVTnFXFWM5yuEQBUcDNDEhtxIQNq00uoSYyIYXJ602JDXZnOAaaE3ckACrmp3KWhH/rGyelPYndkm4Iu2lYd7DACx55piNPSrUvLlhx2rKcjSKOstoxGFHQ9Oa52ajnkZc/MMe9KxLZnXlwOcZ5rSMSWzB1C6Y59c10RRlJmPPIXY8mtkrGbZH9aYhe1ACUAJQAdaABaAHdqAAUAI1ADcc5oAKACgAoAQ0AGaADFACYxQAtAAelAAOlABQAUABoAPxoASgAzQAHrQAYoA+8JHwoC8ZHUV4p2kTyYAKngH1NDAiaVlYdcd+1ILEedy53nGcjn9Khs0SJVbcew/r7UhCqM45znnAp3AeCF43gAc9qbEhHboFx1x0xWYxWkDKQcE9ee1AETOm7Gce/QCokUJvXBYABh6mpAVXbBLd/TvSYIQOwOGAxnAOc0MpIVS247snHrzSGKrfPxgFh1PH1pgSq42jHAzzmmBKSDndgfXuf60AMEnPJxzgEcfhSYDfMBJxyuex5NSxoz7qYs/lqOO/P5moZVgtQA344Oe4pAacClIwATyOfcUAW0VgOflPpnp+FUQL8u084xkk9KsTZKZOC+eg2kdePpQIhYndkNkn07VLKFUEgbgAx9OlIB3y7fbHbtQgJI2YLgHGT3FUSPGV4wBkHqfzNIaALhg7Yxn8+KTGCgswIIBHXBpAKD94MAcnPNMBRkIcYAXrx6UxDScLyeOCMevSgZG4CqenHHPepYIaQQCNjDAxyecVNykLtJ+7gkccmmgZJGAeeM45B+tWSLv3sDnjsaQDsqzY5PHX/PemgHI3HHTGcntVElgbgMKPvdz3qkxFy3wJFAXnI55OK1pfEiJ7G50QKpA77fSvoaWxwTJoi3fGPbt61uYosRMgIbA56CpaKJ1wfmTcDu7nnvSKHq277x659qYDSSVIGC2fTIFAA+ANqu2V9sZoAZnYwU5yedv8sUgLMTkMyn5vlzwOlAFrbjk4JAzjAyKQDCSCd5y3c55JoTAFJAJL8EfLjuaAJIx8wJIA7A8/Nz1/pQAq/eUBtq470APbO7AOX6flQwBdwj+QjI7etSxoc+dwLZycYJHvSGRXkAuLcxlCD/AAt6Umrgc9eRqqB8Auq4b3rNo0TI4ZACq9cnqeSeKkotLGSp2kE9s8iquQyKVN2HC4IHIxke9JgiFt3mZJVs8Dk0ihk8ilDlsso5wOg7VLZSMS6Jf5i4ZQeGz0/DtWUmbxKYhUQn5clgTknJxSSHfUqukqKciTJGFH+Jp9B3I4pXMij7wY4OF4+n/wBehEssA5b5dhAycAZ/WqRmx42qDIny5+8CM1RD1JQ5lGRhe4GM9KaJGTMUI5Zj6jFFwIjOzIF5xu6kYFHMOwfaVKsQoDEYPPHFFwsU7ycHIBB3jsf60XGkZV+eSVX5ieMHr/hSGc9qPmA42jocLnNIZzerp5iMJEAftg5//VSHqc1fxsFPmDap5x3oKRg6nGF3FdpI5x7UAjHkbORtzznJNAyFMB8kdDxzTC5pxEmP5weeenSgCysEhZdvQj6nmpEaNpbJuDEqyjAP4UDOq8OQ5YDO35sE9Ax70CudxYwx+XhlPHrxTsLmM7U7Z8My5UhRnP8AFUNFpnl3jO3Uiblc8EAdMUR3KexwfhNJW1G9s4RmQ5OPzr2MKubQ8yt7pTttU1PQ9XYJI8FxE3B6VlWhduE0VTlbVM9r+HPxNi1ArYa4RFcHGyTd8rn3PavAxmVuC5qZ6VDFqektGemqwYB0+6Rwc5rxZaOzO5EgID8n2HHWhAyynOCV78/WriZMkUg4OSfQY7elaAMaTJzglewzQBE5AQgHGTu+tAEO4g5J78UARu+XPBIx69KQEdw4KbiCT/KkVEotwCenoccUFDgMsFOB9P5VRmy9ZIA20YJPOfeumnEwmxmsOwQ84HX2+ldcUYnkHjy6wjYyOT7D/OK6oIzZ45qkpkuGJPGa6lsQykaYgFMQdc0IGgxTBIQ0E9Ry9aCyeAkNUMaNC3fpnpms2jeLL0RB4GDj0rMskU89OlBQ8uo68VNh3G43HAGKYiUHAIzSKGkknnp9aAuMY46A/WnYm5GzDkGmAxjzn9c0CInfBwPwppCuMLAn3poVwBx7UMoZLIDwTihIlsjU8+p9KYiQnA4oGRt1xjNMkTA78UgGk84FMVwVR15oGKw7CgRYt4S5X5ealsuKOw8O2GGV2X8646szvowOvMght84Ow85rk3OzY5jV7weeWJJB74rppx0OWpLU5jUps7tnvzXVBHJUkZdvcspK+tauJzxnqPnm8xcZ7UkrFOVyr9q8sfezir5bmbnYqzTM5yO9Wo2M3LmEitppmPFNySEoORsWGjSzMoK4rCVZI6YUJM37XQ1twN23OK55VrnXHD8upat9ImuJl2oCvY9qh1Ui1RbZq2+jwWqEyKAfasnVb2NlRUdzNv4mlkEERBB6YFaRlbVmU43dkUofDk8h8yRcg9a0ddLYy+rNsdd6EqIdqYAFCrDlh0jn7+zijzkV0Rnc5Z0kjPOE6CtNzFqwzLscAE0yTUsmkMQJY5AxgisnubwbsEbBbjcc49qTKvqdNDcrHZhg2cjiuVxuzujJKJkandyyIFGF962hFXOac3bQbpxlwQwTB9OtErBC/U2ZrpIdPEOfnNYqN5HQ5qMLGBql0kdsIg7EtyTXRCN3c5Kk0lZEejlhIOcgmnUYqSZp6peMkSWyghW61lCF9TerOysZmoXUUdukQVenJrWEW9TCpKKViDTlzL+7BBPeqlsRBXehp3s0zRrAsm4tgn2rKMepvOTa5UU9WvHWNbZJOQOcGrhC7uzOtNpKJHpiB3/eE05vsTS13L13JDKBaqTsHJJrOKa1NpOLXKZGqTwBhbwKQoPXPet4Re7OarJfCiTTUniIcEKPXNTOzHTTWqLBnkaZp2bIXoSaXKrWRfNJu7Mqad552kc5ya1SsjncnJ3ZejeFIwyqd3bnvWbvc2TSRFcSqsZlY7nPFVFN6EyaSuylB+9bP8VW9DKOpcDMq7WOahmuqKl1IZDsUnA71aVjKcr6IWAMg+bpRJ3CKsE8mOFOKEgbIIVO/J6VTZKRLK4QEDGccVKVxt2IolydzHrTbsJK4kvzHah5poUvIeiqqc9aT1K2IiWdh1x7VRG5I2I14qdytiIfM+TVE9S5aQtLIMCok7GiVzqNMtvKjBIGT0zXLJ3NYqxeJKjmkDKdzKFPGBVxRDZi6hc/Lx+lbxiRJmJPKWY5wa2SMbkHeqEFACE0AJn0oAaTzQAoPNABxQA4UAFAC0ANPFACUAHagBKACgAxQAAUAHXtQAUAB9aACgAoAO1ABQAUAIaACgAFAC0Afc7ErypBHbvXiHc0Qsw3NuJJHUilcEiurMAQGxkdqlssk3Ku4jscc/hUsCWJj5hYnHHSgGODn5TyoPXimIBIhjGfqMVLYEbSMhzgY7YpDE3sAC2eRz9KAFQ7SQynHUEf59KljHRneeScZyAR+VSA4kMAQQB1BINAIaz8qQB6j1//AF0ix6KN4xk+vPQc0ITA8kjjnoTTC5LEMjr+PagGK5KFhyB3570CRWkcsGYA7fWouaJEVxL5cRBHKjjHFSwRRTPnfL1b8KbKNOxTDbmPGc8VAjQGN23PQ9j+tNCZKAT0HT0rQkeu7IA2jpx60CYsgwOSB6kHjFAWImOV25Ocik0MWM7RubJyTnb1FSBMu3uB+AxTESr1BCksDg4/l70BcQAAZI9QRjpRcYDbsAJA9f8AD9aLgSKCMBV5APXgYFACHG3IAJ7Y5AoEC7CMqxJK8f0oAZnBxjA9P8KTGMDYJwowRyM5qWykhp3rjCnk/LikMUZDbzge2OKpEsfjaPmIGBngUxDs5TdjjknigBY1dgCdwJ6f5/CqEPTrlc5znlaLhYliPzjaOg5wOlUmJou2rZmGByTk+3tWtN+8iJbHQBsRrlgx6CvoaOx58yQMPLyMg+nXNbmKHu42lV6Z4z3NMZPA64Aw2fXtUsaZZUqMNg5HrzxQUIv3gQAcDr2zQAISqsc5HQ9qAHBSxDAkDHOOp/OgCxEEjUKVI4Pb8KkCQhMgkckc5oAaQCem07s5A6jNFgFj7BwCSe4wMUAOXaQX5UnnJOKAHYYMNrj+uPSgA3FlyW79ieKGA5R2VeSc8dueTSAHLruGFYtk/U0hjk2hd244UY96QzMvYPnLbSqkd+PrUSRSZjTW7pNkfL3GT/nvUGi1LFvJvVgVx0HPr60kyWgldljc+Z2x68UBYqGT+6flJ5I9KLjILxflJQ7uOhNRJPoVFmDcSM0oSRdrA5bHYVzu50rYMhsB8lu3OAD2qhDfIeWIhjtySCefw49KpAym4MLeUNpA685o2DoPy6h0jZdjYBx/jVozkOZjsUMrYI/Cgge04BJOAc9c5GP84oEyGS4LcLgHpj1NNiSELKXzls/WpLHJDkEb1XOQvPrSGI1mp6ZDA8880ySjf2+xdoIbA6f/AF6NR7nOX6IXZgM4GQeh+mam5djmtRiZ5NsaY4ySOePSi5VjA1KHau0plh1+lK47HK30YfOBn04pphYybhNqMCNrE4A9aYmiGNFVuDkdc1Qi9p4Jj8xj944HHWkJGpZoXDPwOeOOKQzVsIcY65BOM9OnWgTOm0KApPHEgBUDdknBH19TTsQdfaGIBgm4HPzZOc+nFMQl6Btdhgtzjn9f51JaPNfGlumZQBwAMn396S3NOh574Chb/hY0MWwnc3zDGcivWwW55mK0uWfizYwT+JbhUXZMqhgcYJ9q6a8FJ+ZlRlocXuKxIUDLJGeSK53Zqxtrc9W+HXxNezji0/Wd0kKjCyDqPrXj43K1O86ejO+hi7e7M9q029tr+BJ7Z/NjcBgwNfOzpuDsz0bprQ0I+oO7tSiiGBIU8fQHtn3rQBhIJAAUH+XrQBFJjna+D+fbmgCBgNuWGemCKAGq2GIAyM469KQ7le5O07T0HJ96RSZEo+ZicDjr2poTBQcscE8ccVSIZrWigRLgA5HrXbSWhzTepQ1+QNEd3Hoa6YozZ4j8Rrg7WBPXJFdVNEM8nuG3OT710GZFigBcUAKKAEoATmncmwDmi42TxHmpZSLtseMetQzWJejYgY4rNmpMpyKQwbLcCi4x6naKQkIXz0NFh3CQgAY/nQDIixye3qc0xDWbjHc9DRYQxiQPWmGxE1MkaDjrTAY74HBosJuxGWJ9KYXHDg5oAM5PPOKAHAZ7Y+lIYjZzgGgQBc+9O4WHAYpDHRpuxkUBY3tGsd5Q7e9c9SZ1UqfU7W0hWCBSxw1cTldnoRioooaxqZSHYePatKdO5jOrY4+/vi0pyTj612RgjhnUbZQuJQUPzZFXFamcmZEsgWTI6fWt0rnNKRJHKzDA5zSasNSYzyJJW4B5p3sLlbNnSNCmnOdp/KsalZROijhnI67SvDeVUgYI9vWuOdc74YdJHSwaZFax8Kvyj61zSm5HVGCiiNLNp5m3R4j9afNZBa7NEpBawjYh3gVldyLskYmqTPd/IEPJxjFbwSW5jJt7FvStJxcb5kwFWpnPsOENTQvBDbWxIHAOKzi22aNWOO1q5M64hjYZ4rrpxS1Zy1JNrQy00WeYlpcgdq1dZLYwVBvcLrw+qIXJXj3oVcJYbQyZLVYnwoxk+lbc9zDksxkhEf3ae4noRMwbDLnPpRbuK6LpZ9gQ9Bis9DW7sU55Wd9m7AzWiVjNs1bJRsAk+YAdRWMzogkQXUoku9p428VUVZXIlK8rGPqMwkuAuBgelbwVkc1SSbsaOnExpuIwuMVlPU2hoQvLmQyMc46ZqkrKwnK7uzNlPnXBbOQTWq0RzyfNI1Y5EhgG0DeRxWL1Z0KyRWluPKVpGOWPaqUbuxEpNK5Ut1a4l8xietW9EZJczuzS81IU2Y+Y1nZtm90iq1z5aNn5mbpVJXM+flRUjG99z9zVszSuy8zlYgi/j6VFja+hTu5iR5Stn1xVxj1MZy6IfaIFQlwKUnqVBaD8/wARGFHQ0rFFSeQytntVpWMZPmZYjiRAGAyals1jGwy6kCDYOSepoihTlbQiWL5d+eaq5Cj1Fdwgy3X0oSuJuxEqmUliad7CSuKz+Wv0otcd7DFUu29jTvYSVx7uAQq4NJA2JEoGWNDYWI5CXbCmmkS9R4GxM+lIq1hu4yHnp6UxXJIk3OAKTdhpHQ6RaBCCccVhORrFWNgMQSuSR3rIu5FO4VDg04olsx72fOeRwK3ijNsw7qUkHk1tFGTZSJJPWtCAoADxQA0nFADc80AFAAKAH/gKAAUAKOaACgBDQAUAIaAAUAFACUAHSgANABQAUAJ0oAWgAoAD1oAKAD8KACgBB1oAXNAH2+ZAVAz+AGa8NnoELMSucgDGR/KlcdhBuKjG4n+dSwEG0/Nnj69qQE6sFkx2wCSP5UgCRyQwQj24pCGL8ynDAcY55pNlCDqRnJxTAcFyfLAYfh2PalcCRVYgA4HPSpbAftAGF9e//wBakAmAAA2Tx2H60hpCbgJPlA44x3oKHgkjcpIGe3amJq45sncMLgkUAkTY+Qep45FAmxspAh5GcnuKTGik2UTjLLnjPb/GpaLRRnlLMy+nXmlYYsC7pVA+U5HahjZrwAqSckdwagRbjJXB2EYOPwrRIgmwxJY8Z+vrTAex+XgYbsPr6UCuIS2Pu5Ppnv60BcASB0BOe3agLiYAkxg7hwMHNTYZMoz8pz06ge1AmK+8fLwR7UCGZIAIAAzxjoO1JlD5AQQpYkA460AL8pA9+cg4zQA9AWUryMngknNUSMZiRjcBg5AHrSGMY7jnAIA4wP61DZdhFGG+Qr0z0pIYN8zDk8DOOmM0AGMk5bnpyKaYmhM7+WCgr3PaqJJFBclTzxxk/wBKAJidp4GR65zVCsMDYbjpyBzSGTo2D7noD2zQJlq0wHB6gnue9a0n7yIlsb6nMcY4KlRjt3r6SiedMtRspADDDdi2Mk1uYjZDsyGx1zuNAElsuV5HGD2HNDGi7GTyMbu2OvfFItbDpNuWGAAevt/nNADWLE54DdSTSuJsmgIUgqfmPqT+dA0WUPcrlWPSkAPt5JbGegA7/wCFADGY7dzgKcZBHpTQCjdJGMZ4H1/KiwEv3lGGJ9xn0pAELHGAwPBPH9KAHspQfM5yD16c/wCcUANjJBJXO0Hnk5A/z60gAKu3chJzgBc9aAHrgZG4heo46CpKI7lHmg2qFDjGCR1NAGFcIrRMDgBRkZPfNZPsaIzzvSQNGzBu2Oh9azsWSNcxlSCenDcdT6UXCxDJ8vznOfUDABo2CwqBgMYABXC4H86oRUu7dHjJwCRySBWUo3KjKxVW0CtuB3P6HnFSo2L5hZ1DRhgR93v6U2CZl3CNuGUHIwD2Pt60i9LCqhVWULhepYgD/Iq0ZvchmaMIAMttGeOAf64p6CIwygAHATHOB3780hEbguJCwGOoIGMUAQx+Z5qom0j6nkilYZcLtkEKpYHDDHSkMtRliMEEKR8xIHBpoTK1wGeMjdjAPXn/APVQxo5++i8sNtG4k8nFRcswb+NfKyq4HQ88mpZSOf1aJfvYxxgDrn1pXLRyt9aATOu0jGePU0IGYF5CFbgjr+VWmS0QQxLtYKMDt6mqIL1rGQE2LnAx0/CgDWtbfBAVsDGCPU0AbVoqJ5YI4HXgZNAjZ0mQH5dnKgdM8U7ktWOjsZI2hLP8vPB5IpkMrXdx5aOfOLnBwCOKTRVzjvFyIYpcOMnJPpUo0vocP4AEEHjae4l6RW5YfX0r2cvV7nm4w5Dxlrt1c+JLh5MbQ/GPSniKjVSwqUVylLTpLa5llEshTIyv1qabUipaCcqCu4Zzj2qxHZ/D3xxf+HLhYZmMtkxAKkklR7VwYvAQrq6Wp00MQ6ej2Pobw7rdhrtgl5YTJIrD5ufu+tfMVqEqD5ZI9OE1NXRpliRncTjj6VkUM4PBz35OaQETM2TjAJzkeppjIGI2E7gAf0oAYH5y314659aQFWcHduJOM/hTGNP3ue/Q0h2Hw44I7ccHp+VXHciRsWsRaLqQOpwa76a0OSW5g+KZ0MUnzENzxXTFGbZ4D8RLgG4bBB7V1QRDPP2OTmtSQFAB3oAOCeKAA0ANzmnYBc80hMkTrQxlyBsYqGjROxegINZs3TJ87eO9SALgHd+fNAAx5weKBgOmaBDWII6n0oGRnPbpTFcaSMZPamA0t70WE2MY0xEchx2p2EyLOetVYhsX+HFIdxQcjg0hXHLxzQUhxbjAosO4DB/OiwDwOM560hjlXOKQ7F7T7bzJASBjjrWc5GsI3Ow0iDylUsq+tcc3dndBWRPql+ixFQQMDtShC7LnNJHLX9yJgzZ966oxscc5JmBeuOa6Io5Jsz3mJ4yetapGDkPtLR7mQKAaUpKI4QcjsNE8Ll4xIVJ/CuOpiOx30sKupvW/hhEw5jrB12zpjh4o27LThFwsXC4zx1rCU77m6jZaGk3l28ZyhBznj0rPVluyIbcfaJQp37MnkcVWxKdzRuXjsoNo2hezetQlzF3OW1S73SkB+O3Wtow0MpTHaJELoEFmDBuPenUdmOnqb1zqMNvEOFLgYPFYKLbNHJI5jUtSM7um/kjgYrpjCxhKoti7pGmebChJBzyxqJzsyoQTRdlit7PKE5Pv396lNyKso6GLqbwCNndtue2K1gmZyaOSvpGeUpApYE11xVtzim9dDPTTLqeQuylQDzzWjqRiZKlKTNe00qOIDexLH1rGVS50QopbjdSiWMjZ0Iog77hUSRjeS8txhQCfSt72RzWuzbihW2txnIdugrBu7OpR5EZmoItrEZJPvnmtYu7sYzXIrmRawvK5OM81tKSWhywXMaUkcqKItvPt1rJNG9nsUr5/LTyhjPetIK+plN2VhlmnALYxTkKCJJHCneeinOKlIpu2pUeQ3EvA4HSrSsjJvmZcjCwx++OKh3ZqrJEUr7VLsTk9jVJEt6XKqBpXJPaqdkZayLagKAMc1JqlYjncIm0H5jQkKUtCC3jJbc1W2ZxV9yyeVJPQVBpbQgllMo8tTxVJWJbvoOgjKjnFJsIodJIUHHU0WKcrEKDzHJbpnk027EJdyR2VFwAOO1JalN2RWy0jnPTpir2M9x4YRKam1x7ESgyk5HFVsTuSSPsXb3pJXKbsNjUbt+KbEkLO4I2jg0JA2NiXbkkjNDEtBHJY47UWB6johzikxo1tOtQ0oYispSNIo3YgFXArJljywVeW6+tKwjOvZ8ZFaRRDZh3s3zHFbxRlJmbI+Sa1RDGLTEOxQAhoAjNACCgAoAXPFADhQAvHWgAHSgBc8UAHegBtAC0AJQAlAAaACgAoASgBe1AAaAEoAXigA+lACUABNABQAvagBM0AfbQIYE9ecHnt6V4dj0BjMdoAYDv9aTGhoZWGMlRxjipYCRH5s7gcnkelTcCwXwhAAG7jmkIYrNu5b5fTHWgYgYjhmALdj1FDGKG2kopwf61NwsWIWwuSwDdT3pAC+vQnt0pMEKHyCfvZ5XHpSuVYY2zA3HBPIx2pDFUbst69e1AEsZx8pPHp/npVCbJYwdpGABnGCO9AmxVJ+9naM8/T0oEQyn5yQQo6DJ61JoijcyYycYOc+lIoqEGTLYXrkjrQBpWMSf3cjHAFTYC6iktkMRznOOcf5/lTsJkoJ52E4Izn1poknGSqkDHGaYMUFgBxgD8aCR6Asdyghj0zxTQDsYKnbjPt2/wosK4YAIHIPcY/maQx0fA3P2yenBOP5UmALkAj8T60rjsOUhfmPTHYUhiKQy5yC3bGc0APVjlcAgeuKLAICTuJXa5GRk0xWEL/AMI7A5IHtSGRZVjxnB6dR/8ArqC0KA/AZgyjgHp36VTJTBydhCdAKkoVWIcbMDHcHOfamhMYn3SxHIHUiqJJkbbtfAOPQ5/OmgHSNuLAHqODmgCPdjCuOBkenNICdCcDaBknJA54oAtW2fNQbe/BHpWtL4kRLY6RV/dJkFuwGeK+lo7HmzJox0Zsbgf4R9K6DEJfnUlgcE8HrQIfbkltpPYk/WhjReHQZbIzx1yagpD2QggJ93J4I4FMoSRAMdscnIz25FIlj4EJPy8gDK+1BRdTGzGT9f5/Tp+tIBdqBAWYbsHj0oAgdog/LcD8iD0poCRSScbgBnPJ6f5FDAlwp+VX46/d/X3pANBztDdOR93GP84oAQnOdql+MkMeKAHDOzbxyc5POKAHEN1Iy2Dt54B9aQDlwAGzsJHPGakokBJymQCM8bhkc0AYniC0Kus8YHl46dhUTj1Ki+hivIDGeMswyQDisbm1itIys3UYIyB6f561IDRIylUbGM8knNFwJlYqMIoKj+IirTExZMKMDqTyM8GhiKr4OWAG44LYqChkio0T7uvUEdSKVguQeUxcHf15ABHHrSsVfQZOsZyShY91PFUIyrhW3HftyVxn0pFXKrowy3zY5wynFMlsEMhg2kBuMhu1AiNC2AW3A56j9KLjLFqzrCxOAxPUcnPeiwi0rDcAzE57g9KLAmMlIdsLzk4AHOKTGZGoRtuKttHbAPP51BomYrReZ8hIAH8ZGKllJmHqNr5bMvDdwCPepKTOe1WAhWDxlcAkkDGaBnM3VuCzYGQSSRVIRVFtlsBdo6VZPUtWcXlTZwCoGDxTE2bNpFukjOAsZOMDvQIv20e+USKeBn8MUhmxpq+XFkINuMdDkmmtCJO5r+eFVcFR8uAA2Oaoixmau4IGR8oHP1+tA0crrUgWyZmPXqTSSKuZHwgtpL7xnqhWONoxaneGGeM+9evgXyps83F6tHn/AMRdIWHxJeNa8xh+VAxt9qrE07y5kFGXu2MHTHggLtOSMjArGk1G9zSWpcgKNCWEgIJyK1i1Ylpj1aNo+Tg9jVXTQjovAni+88L34eOVntW4ePdx9a48VhoV42e5vRqypvTY+kfDWtW+uaVFe2hUxuoJHcGvk69J0p8rPWhJSV0aLFQDz8uegzWZZF947TnryCaAGPlmOcdelAEWSMs3I7k0gKr/ADSZPUdOwIoGJJlV45brQO5YtUMjqDhQeDWtNamU2bgUpb/KMYznj2616VOOhySZxPjCQCKQ45Pt/Wt4ozPnjxxNuu3HH3j0rpgiWcr6fSrEKelAAQM9aAAUAHcUAIeTVAHFSShyGgosxGpLL0DAAVDNYlhCCevU1BY9mwAPbmlYYxRk5PamApbHqPpSQhgPfrTAaeST04oAjZiO/wBKaJuMJz9adhXELZHJGKdguQscnHSqRDYDr0oYC9qQMVR7ihghxOBikU3YQHvQCHqMD9KRRIo6DtQMu2lu0jD0+lZykXGNzf020AI/wrnnI64QNK9mNvBgMAcVnGN2azdkcnqF67ynDHFdUIJHFUqNsoNLngHt1rWxlcpXcgLEVcUZTZWtoWmmwoJ5rSTsjKMbs9B8H6CzBZMHjk8V51esephqFlc9GsbWK3hxwDjJrglK53pEhRJH2jlQey8VOw1qOlWKFd28YxxzS3KMpZ3vJ8ZwAcDAzWtrGbd2bsFpHZWhEqg5BwSKzbuxpHNa5qK8xhcqO9b04Gc5mJbwPeTK8Q5U5K1s3ymSTkzcnMdpaq8YVJM8+1c3xM6r2RyWo3kjSMZMjJOK6oQOWc31DSSzTrK8YkjJwac9FYmGruddFdwabbcYORxk1yOPMzqTUEZWpaklwDISoJrWMLGcppozTby3cqs+WXHK81rzcqMnHm1NO20yGKJZPLGB1NZubZooKxBdpGBtgAweoHaiL7g1fYybpvs7O8jggjpnmtVqZt8u5lyztcL+6jY9q2UbbmEpcy0J7DTGEhlcEHtUzmtkVTpPcU7zMxlzsUcE0dNA63Zj6i8l7dlfLbYOgxW0LRRhUbnI0bTTlhi3MQvGTWcql2awpW1K124gR5Q/bApxV3Ymb5U2c/F5lxdbiM5NdL91HErylc1Hj2AR4AOayudDWyRR1CRSwiUcd60iupjUavYdZwALvBHFEpDhG2oSDncx+UUkD7lR2Mkn+yKvZGV7st4VV4HNQzVJDJJFjBJ+8aaVxSlYrqhZt+c57VdzO3UsKM8YxUMtEdzLn92nSnFClLohIYwMNn5vSm2CiSyskcZJPzHpUpXKk1Eqxoznd/OrehmlfUncBUz0qS7WRUdnkk6cdqtKyMr3JlAReRU7lbEQJlfkcA1WwtyVisS9KncbdkQr+9bOKp6ErUkkcRoBjmklcpuyIUXLbm6VTIXcJDzxQhtiL1pAX7G3MjA4qJSLSOgtUEa4ArB6mi0J1b1IpARTygKRxz71SRLZjX03Jz1rWKM5Mx7iTJNbpGbZXA5qiSRVoAUjikMjamIjoAKAAUAFACigBcUALg0AGDjmgBM0ALQAn0oAKAENAAelAB+FABQAdqAEoAXNAB1oAKAE7UAHNAB0oABQAdqACgD7YkVkG4KMdsckmvCuegVZH+chc88jj161LGh6tuQHPGeuaQx0a8gkfpSESnLOQ2B0xg8ZoEMJKAHvntzUspDN4AIznkZPXipuUhwJJG5tvfj19aljJ4RkDIPXn1pCY9xuGW4IHc9DQCDjy+AQRx/n3oKSEyW5HQdT6UA0TKFJ4bnOOKBE0SEcZJPc1SJY7AVR0znFNiGM4VWEhPPTP+fapuUQS48tWI9OtSUjMunWSQEEsM9u9BSJLQbpc46c9u1FwNWFf3a8H0x3qSWycbcEKA3bGapIRIGIbbjqMDsKYEgbnfkjHH+fyoExeM85II7etMkm+6A3Hpz2NMBxYbQMsM9+/wCNAC7dzMQMd+OaQwKcMS+Qo5z3pARseF559c9P1qShdwK7cYA9aQCKSGGOh5BFAE6g5w5AZSM855/yKYDByo4HTmgCJ2ChQpDEkk4GM1BSBT84LZBAP4U0Jjy/r0POSOppvQRGTgZYgcc56UALnPyhcZ5x6/54pWGmO+U7iQzY6H1piEV9qEj7vagB+8AZ4HBzQAiYxwXJ9j098UASwDDOAQM84HP+elAFi2Decvy/LnGT0+lXT+JEy2OnRS8KEkcdeOAK+nobHmVCeM85Kg4PHrz/ADrosYkrRl8AbSevekARkgoC4yCeKALis28A8cZqWhiszHIZiTj15HtmkNMWNi5AL8dwRkGgGTpkNwRjnmmUWUIVRtYgMc4Pf6+lIBGweGb9OfwoArSvkEAHPU+/tVAKufmyeP4hnp/n+tICzl8BdyqcYGfWkApZiSSFHBz2J/8A10AMwojBL57YPWgA+YZL4TnnPegBQ6hlXZuUcLzzigCZSThnBbHoc1LQ0SALnGOecg+n+eaQxLgLIPLZVZcEMCc5oA5HWbZrSVjEAy8kZPBH9KwqRcdUawldWMzzE2bg3UcqD3/rWd7mgq7WTLBiOx/OkA+NlQgJ+Iz0ppiaJndCDKCSc/dYdaZFivcqSwIbHGfahoadiuSTJkjoOfakyiNieTuIJP4YqblDJA4DPyBxyaLCK9ysZGE+Y4yD1FIZRliHlESErn1zxmqQitFliEX7q+3Y0xFuO2gxuLA4IOD/AI0WC4xg7MQoOc44/n7UrgTKvyhduFBweaq5LGXDlWU5BB9KATK16oZmOVVR/COM/wCNS0aRZjXsZGJBkDghfes2aIxbiMNLzzyScdc0izC1OJ3BypUjjGckdKkDAntS0jCJVAzn0J/zzTQFX7OWQIAAPvD6CrTExoQmbbg4A71RBp25DRqWJxjAC0mNFgfJGkYbhm7dvbNIDWgkJ2rGDnqCOcUyS55obJBPH3D/ABZFNMVjM1K63L5Y4yPmI7+9NhY5TxBJutm2swXHPviqgtSZPQufDh4tD8H67rw5ubgbEB/ujPT3zXt4eHLBM8utK87Hjuqa++oarNPJGFLtzk1zzrOTN4wSRmKqzRTHHIPTFStUxvRkNsSH444qYjZZ3EkKDWqZNh2MZBB4oYI9k/Z51SRhdabLPtRSGQV4GbU0rSPSwUrpo9obA4OTn05rxUdhAG3BsEEep/KmAjoQ2Bzx6Z60ANk+ZCBgn0PSkCKpLZwoGTwBjrQMhcl9/J3KeM0xM09MVfNDZOccAd66KKMKrNmc/uuMAY5yetejDY5mzzfx1OIreWQ8EjgDtW0UI+dPEsxlvnPPJNdMSGZApiA89aAE5zQAtAB2oAQ8UAJjmmA5aQE0R5pMaLkTcioZomWYmG3NSaJj9xIJzUlDshepoAYST2oARj6U0IYxpiZExB45pohu404GPX1oHcY5NOxLY3nrTEhwJxSY7jlGeT1oKSBjjIwPrQFyMk56UbED1HzUPYpEqZOBUllu2iLkcA1DZcUb+k2u35mBGPasJyOmnCxrDagznp69qxZ0bGFqt1uUgPxW9OJz1Z9DnZZc5PNdKRyNleSRgvoapIyciq7Fj61aRmzpPB+mm5uVJXK55rnrz5UdeGp8zPV9NgS1hCr8vGK8qUuY9eMUkXo4pbgNnIUHr61DsikSSvHa7iCCT2zS3EZkskt/MQqYGMDFWkohe5qada29tbmV12uD1Pb8KhybY7WM7X9Y3DyhJtyDgDitIwuS5JHGzGadvk3sN3aulWic7vJ6HT6PbRWMRuCp5XkNWE5OTsbwioq5l65eGYsEYqCa0hEiUjlLozSzBG5APUV1RSRySbbsbml24toRMGLRsOnvWE5XdjopxsrlbUr8DK5yB0GacIEzqWKUFwb1zFEQGXt6itGuUzjLn0R2Wj20LpHPJwVwGA71xzkztpx0Ll/d2vlGERoO2M1MU9wk1scxqF35biGBVlY9T6V0QjfVmE5cr90y4dJub2fM5K5bpWrqKK0MVSc37xvWeiW9tGFJGc9SKxlVbOmFFR0GX4S3iKggrnIzSjqwmuVHLajdvOTDDj6rXXCNtWcU582iLWhWbv8A6xN2OpxUVZdjShDuXNZVHKwIwUY5rOntdmtZJ+6jkNdbLCCNtwAGSO9dtLuedXf2UJpiSCI/Ify5pzaFSTsF3LJHGWY7SRilFJjlJpXKtpCszFnJzWknYyglLVlwDYoRe1Zm2ysUb1jI3lJ261pFW3MZu+iJLaFox8w/Ok3cqEbDpW8tN7EHHaklcbdkVQPOfc2R6VeyMviZYjiXbtUn61LZookV2dh8qNue5px1Jm7aIdBGVTJHJobFGOgSN5UeSOe1JK43oiCMecxL5zVvQhalhdqoemBUbmmyKkzvJwp4zVpWMm7kkQCpzSbGlYjlYu21egqkJ6kqqFQ+pqWUloV3LSS47VdrIi92WQqxJmovcvYqsfNkJ7Cr2I3Y+TATAqRsiA/OquSWLaEs44J5qWylE3rOIRqBjr/OsG7mlrFsZzgnBqQYM4AJ7fWhIDPup+K0iiWzHu5Cep/+vW8UZSZQYkmtCB8a0hku3ApDI5DimIgY5NMQ2gBaAEoAXmgBVznpQBNGmaTY0TiAkfdNTcqw2WHA5BFNMTRXcbaokbmgAPNACUALxQAlAAaAEzQAtACUALQAUABoATtQAUAFABQAUAFAH2s2du5jzjjHWvBPRK0/UMdv0pMYRcnJILdBjAzSAn4YYB6ckZpEg8hbIGCeCKB2K7yAHGCM8cVm2UlYWIkJgDGT0qWUTLxxyce/HWkBZGQucHAOT3oJHs248+mKCkRKxCZAX5T0FJlIVATyOMnp/npTAkAIfOcZ4GB0oJZbjGI/mwT1yBVE7jS7Ng7QSf7x/nSbCxFITs3ZBxyPm70horX84RTjnIxn0/CkWkZwTL9c5Oc5oGamnxbEy23n1qWMuQthQ245J7nvQjMkGQm7APP45qx2JY8FWYkn8P0oEySEgMDgKF7Z70EgH+UlfXGTz3poGOJKEZOGHK+9FwsKHA+4pwBkCkMmhfam/J4PYHpQIR5Aw3MckjuOv+c0MaIwQmTz0/P8qhjCNtpKk5AAyaAJRnBwwHGFHY0IBu7HYj1z3pgIzrgu3HbgZpANY9N44HSkNMUZKncvPTNCBjNxzz3HOKTBCqoOTtzg9x3IpoGShsdH3DoOOf8A69MQxxtY469qAFVQEwck9AOxNJjSA/M2QuOOnWhAyaOM5yMY64xz3zTESBQY/wAOMng89aALNsCZlGBjjgVdP4kTLY6SPHkptPQYPPWvp6Gx5kyWPgjGQBjv6V0vYxJYiGBII68hjSAmP3iRweg96AHRuAPmBJ6HHH/16B3FR/lIIwP1pWAmT5TtyeOvPf1/SpaAcG53fNjHIoKuWUkwyNwTzznigYpk3YRMKQeeKEAxgA7ZGwgckelMAwFBYknvxz+NADmZtqsNpPT6CgBNwIXcPxPX07/55oAVGZ3Yjn8MilYBfMyrKSQwb04NADlzuDDIBGMY46UNATRjBLZyCemQfw4pMZIrhCQuOfrx/wDWqBhIenyn6gdOD1/z6UAUNSjDxlJjuDDOe2T/ADq7Jk3a2OMvLZ4mJj6E9cc/j/jXHUpuDOmE+ZEXmlQYwMDHIc8dazuVYAQx8xWP4dc0hjmLB9vOCp5600xCiTYpA2kdcHr6VSZLiRZMjghsgD+Lr+tDGRFgc7SW7jjgc1IyPezA5fpkgZ79v61KYxZXjADMMke/T/Jp3Azb+ZMsuG3AgggYz600waI7chd2EUEkdTz1ouKxYd/LXbjGT9eKbYWGwHCnaRknGaQC+aEHlbdxIwR/+qgLDs7iAOMjhcdOP/1VVxWKVxGynqRjjB64NDAz7scOARkKcZHSoaLTMO4gAjICgsF6enNQapmVc20jDkHcAec5H4VIGZ9mThRgZX0OTQNmP5LR3D91zhc9QPp600BE9s32nI3Kv8RrRMhouDajEnKgnjHGKTY0iBmdpFUHPPA3dc00JmgkhG0Lt54wp/maQh4uV8os5J528txVAVpmO/5VG0KRxz9aaRLZyviJmVGTBOQAAK3hEykzp/FNjb6F8ONPty+JJ4w8m7HBI5H617kHaFvI8p+9O589ajavbTuSDjdnNeZUg4s7Yu6J7F0WynDquWI2setVDSIPVkCKwkwOSaEhXLSQ/ODnFaqJNye4C4Ozn1OKqWwI7r4Bvs8WtGRncnFeLmqvTTO/BP32j6GuCQeT056184elYjjIUE4GM7selUSOkbkHB+ooArzgEYBIJHftSGiEO3cg+4pgQ7txYnk0ITNXRV+UYzuHtXZRRzVHqaGqy7LfdtHA6E816EdjnZ5F8S71UhkAJ5961juI8G1OTzLlyM9etbollSmIKADigBDQAUAJgUAJQA4UwJEpWBFqE881DNEWARjFQaJk8eAM4pMtCZ3D2osA4j5eOlAETtTEMY5FBLGYpk2GtQDGHPrVXEJ7mgSHDmk1YY/tzSKQ1+aYMQKTxQ3cVh6jn1pXGkWreEsOcGpbLijb0uzLYbHGOlYTkdFOFzbVBHCN30rB6nStCreXKBCoOCKqMSZS0OZ1ScBSA3BPSuqETjqyMnefWtjnuMlPBpoliWcDzThVUmhtJCjFt6Hp3hKwNtEpK9cZrza07nr4enyo7GzQyMoccZ9epriZ2I0Z7tbaBQnQ81KVx3sYknm3t18uVyeMjIrRWRL1Nays4bYq4fJ9f5mocrlpWKWsXsY3iKUAn+E1cIsmbsczdB71lX+LOM4roXunO/eNPR9KNmrGdgykZzWVSpzGtODiR6pOUQKhLDoRRDcJvSxzOq3qomxB82cYHNdMInLUmkP0aynafe2Njc8ilUnG1iqcHe5oX5EUTRoMsBxWUNdTaeiscpqcqKWySDXXBHFUkLo9u4kErYKkcMKdR6WFTWtzopdUMUQSLPTBrmULvU63USVkUH1JnXYMh2PBrRU7Gbqk+mcXBYqS55YGpnqhw0Z10duqxif+H6dK5ebWx1W1uZ1/fRSk4lBAPUcfjVKFiXOLOU1a5nvpHt7cZGcZz1rrpxUdWclWcp+7EtaZoiiISBWLKRkgdD70p1XcdOirX6mvE8dlFJ5sZz296wac2dCfKtTndeuIIVabJ3v93NdFNNuxzVnFK5ysW6Sffjknmux6KxwLV3N1YmS34XBxyBXO3qdS0Rz+qSGSbyyRgdvSumC0ucdSV3YsWESKhkHOKmbLpx0FnmjVGZjlugpJMcpJIqW0LPJ5g9c5JrST0MoxvqXHVn6MBx61nc2sZ05aS4A6qOK1WxzvVlwqixjCYrO5tayIZpREuF6mqSIlKyIYoiXDsfeqbsrEKN3dlpvlG4npULU1bsU5C0z7mzj0q9jJ3ZMiKijA570tylsVriXJ2KO/NUkRJj4I9uCaGxxQ25IOVXv1oQpPoOghwu44FKTHGL6kdw5ztH6VSRMmTW8Y2byKlspIhuZCx2CnFEyethqhUWnuLYZkMaAJI03OMChuwLU17C32gEisZM0RoA4AGBUDbuOLYIOeTQBBcSALxmqSEzKvJs5Ga1ijOTMqZye9apGbGICTVCLKKAKhlA54osBVkbPeqRIymAlABQAtABjmgCeJM1LY7F+ztyxGMZrNyLjE1V08bM9TUcxfKVLm3254HWrRLRlXcYUmtUzNlY9OlMQc4oASgBRQAUAJ0oAQ9aADqKAD2oAMdKAFoAT60ABoAOtABQAd6ACgA/CgD7OdjsIyRg8Yx+dfPnokO8n7w68gGmxiwkZJAwR930+lSwH7jk785BOaVxWI5WCnJYYOMVLZaQqndzt+XtzU3GTRKoPQnHGOT2qRMsxdDuGABx3zQMlLgJliQeowevSgViNm5GejDnjntQNDECkglvlHHpSKJI25KkAk85FMRPEpJJwc9etNCJ3lC8AgnHGeSfwoYJETOCMY/I8CkBHJKNvXOAcfNyfrSY0ZN1MzzHjhfzoLRNYAz/ex+J4FIDVAUqRk56H2pCRICccDIA4weKCCSMsQDgBucUASBsNyCMdfWrAeGzHkYPOSKCQk4yE4LHn3oAUHk7iMjocUFDogfvH7pPQ0AS7yxzuOOpIHSgkYS5LYUfTHFS2UN3MEOMZOVIBqQHIM4IJ/nz+NMB64b6Dnp3NO4Cll3EcHk5zSYIaoJyuGPH0qWykhjA7sbTn/AD+lCYWJFPycKAST070xMYSw+ZR0PQdqkqwqOAMqT64zzTQmNLFTnJIwO9MSRJCynLZVsg/nQgYMAsmUI57dKATHKCgPTHrkZ/8ArUCbLEJz1XLcngZFMB4yoxnjpgd6AJLMFZAz5xu5xV09JImWx0NvKrwgqw4PY9cV9Fh6qaPPqRHG6xndnA6iu7muczTEN0hdcthRzkdKegiwL1dhAbkfkKVguKl0qKfmV8DruosFyRbhHX5SNw5GePpRYLkqzKxOHHzfeBPIpWZSZKkoAGMKB0+lDQXJklX5cNkc/Ljp71LQ0x0cijCjB5556e1Fh3EM6sNuCpbng80WYXBpwqAN94/y/wAiizC4hnjU5Q8HgcdRRZhzDTdRbSQ7ZHTFFhXBbxAwJJGf4fb8KLBzDZL9TtZsc9s9Pwp2DmHLqAHyM+QDz+H+NKw+ZCrqCLkKeCAVJo5Q5gOrxF9qyDAHPr6UuUOYVtXhIAzgjgenPrRyhcqXuroUJUg4PIxVKImzk9b1b7KWm3A8dPUev15rlxNRRWprSg29C1am2v7VJIZd0cy7h61yxakro6G+V6lSbzbViEUOpPcd6l+6UtSxby+bt4IzgjPamncTVgwA2SDv6HFUtxD51ZQpAGcDJPP86omxA/LZI6DOD6UWuF7MhAAjOxiTnkE85/GosVuAC9SRn7px2pDK0lvulBXkk4I6mnYLskW2UEZj+c8ZHIosFyAwmAtI6B3AGBTS6gyD5smSRnRVJ2qBikAK+VACD1DH+tMCeLajk7sswJyO4piZKI45FP3m+XnnFMRmalYlCCSWIP3e2PpSAx5Y9kjsyqMfe7mpZadzOvI9rbECqGBOTyfc1Ni0ZF3AOdg5DYyfpUtFIznspNxCg5DZAFFhlW6t9jbWHzNge+KoRBLCSxUsuQMhev50CuVsM0gY/QcYzxVoTHZUTeSN21R2bn86VgLDOhiACgIpyoxzQhEU02IMY2sqgfWtYozZB4d0u31fxDbxXRJijJllb/ZUZxXdhqd5nHXlaJyPxm8Y/bNZFvp4C2kQKbWX72DgHHbgV2V6jhaJhRprc86vb03FqFIG4HnjOa45TujoSsSm3t/7MgkSRvOLfMp6YrXlXKibu5HNCEmB6e1NwswuWE5bATORzWiRIwllyzDC9MA9KiRSOh+GOq2+l+LraeZyI2O0t25rzcwhz0nY6sI7VFc+lY7uK6jSWJ9wbBBr5W1nZnrtWJg21WJ54wT2zVED8q4Bbj3IzQBFJgkjB2dvrSGiux+U5AB7H17UxESjpjAGc047iZv6agAB++c/NXoUUck2R63IEtyCNowRkGutGTPBvindkTPGcA5zit4Il9jySY7pD9a2RIz8KACgBKADFAB2oAT6YoAD1oABQBIpxQBYjIGOaktE8XX8allxLG7iosaD1z1weP0oEmNbp2oQ2MpiGkfKDQDIz+NMl6CZ9aCRh71VhCDrimgQ4UmUkOOccA1I7CkfnQOw4Ln8KGBLAmSPT1qWVE19OtSxHAOfWspSN4ROk061EcX1965pO7OmMbIh1O4KZA5J9PWnGNxTlZGFe3BPJxyOeK6IxOeUjntRlywGa6II5KkinvxjjNWZXJoInndQozSbsUk2d14R0IDbLInJ964a1boejh6FtWd1Z2kaKqlcH6Vwylc70i1cTx2i4BOccHvUJXKbsU7dGuZw2Wwe/brVt2QlqblukdmmWwNo61k3fQtWMPWNWZc+SylcHOOlawp33M5Ttsc9FHdX9420bePXrW7tFGFpSZ0el2iQWgE2N456VhKV2bqPKLf3uQyYAXA5FCj1G5dDndVmXKx27FmPFbQj1ZjUnpoM0vQZJnc3ag9wSelVOrbYmFFvc0rjyrSMQxjkAA1iryN37qsYmr3UcMTOz5b0reEW3YxqSUVc5kRzXl7u2blJ/Kuq6jGxxWc5XsavlC3i2KuMD16VgndnRy2VincziKPO7JrRK5EpWRXsc3kh3k8cqRVT91GVP32djpQRIwXZDIo6nriuSbud1NJDr/U3cm2hYYJ64qY01uxyqPZGXqVzFGot4c73HzZ71tCN9WYzkkuVDNEgeJwjY2E/eByQaKkk0FKLi9Tql2WNg0jYLHke/wBa5fikdekYnP31+ZQ1zOi7ew6YxW6hbRGDndXkjhtSunv7osoIUdAa9CEeRHl1JupIuaXbTNwVwo5zUTkjSnF3H6neSRRFegAxn1qYRuVUm0jAhTzptznOa6XojjXvM0w628IjK4OMisbXZvdRVjOlzczYXgVstEYv3maFtF5cJ3elZSd2bRVkV75tkW1TkmqiRN2Q3T4m5JXJpzYqasTXDNGpLYqY6ly0RTgQXEmX/StHojKK5i3Iiqu3oBms9zW1ihK7SuEQ8CtErGDbkyZEITnqalstRYy4kZF2gDJqooUnZDYIwy7yPzobFFX1CVwDtHWhIGxscXzbutDYuXUkmfCcEZxgChK42yvbIdxJz1ptkx7k08uxeTSSKbKw5O41ZHmEjZ6UJACqSaGFi/ZQ4IOKzlItI1Izgd6yKHBuw70WAUvtBOe1FgM+7l5PJzWkURJmVcyZY81tFGTdyqOWqySeIYqWxkhOBSGV5nyxFUhMgPWmIWgAoAKACgB8a5IpN2Av2sJNZSZaRsWcW3afX1rKTuao2YEQxZxzxg1IyhqSKpbA5rWImc/fKCSa1RkzOI9asgT+VACHPpQAUAFABk9qAE7UALigBMcUAKOaAEz6mgBfcUAJ9aAD6UAFAAelABQAUAfYbyKQoHGSe1fPnpDVfLDORn8aVwLEZ3/NkEe1IB7RgYYfTpmhgiuwcsAwz7Z7VmWTwKcKCAAff86TAsqrg46c5NPoSSPINg388d/pUlEbv8o4UZHWgY1WLNjOKRROgQrg7sY79KZLHALk4PQY9aAJ1ZlUqzA4HORxQIazBgwyB2Bx/Oi47DGfap/nj+lAypeyiNSAcsaW40imqmVsKMg4I4pDNW0VEiBIAOfWkxFmLJc4OeTnI6c0EMeGACqCc+naiwE4BBzjaB07U0AqkNg5B/CqEKobZwo/P1oEAY5yTsOMHBoGh4yuMjLf3QOBQMf8oyxAU9MdqAB2xHgnOeeB25pNgNLHvnnJ44qQGHLqGzhT156CkBIhweCwz14zimBIWZlDLz659fWlcdmIGB5LNuz83b+lTcdgJGCQ3ToO2aBjOQd/PqeaYDlBkIwDgjg5p3JaFzwSOD3OOtKw2J1/hVe54psSGMwJLDI9qllEkYwyjADjP0FUhMm+UD7pAyaZI8IMc4y3GOuBQA4YG1WC5P5UAOAJGCQSTnj8PegCZcH5mYgnoAMUxMmS+eLPznHbFb08Q6exDp8xWvda2DlN2P1rpjmbW5m8LfYyLjxTChOUwp9AQa3jmi6kPBspXnjawt0IeRoyfeumnmMZGc8GyqfHtkFAS6UDGOhrpWNh1MXhpGha+MrUqu26Qqeo5p/XaYvq0zXg8TwSnK3Cj17D8aPrdMXsJIv2+vB1GLhOB2p/WYC9jIng1zOW81QvAHzU/bwD2ciRtdXBXz054POf8/jSeIgHs5FabxBGMFp4g3cBqX1mmP2UhF8RRDpdIO5wTSeKprqP2MiOTxFCoLfagT7dfxqfrlPuP2EiCTxLb7iouecZyBz2zS+u0+4fV5EUvim1UkC5ycYAx0qfrtPuP6vIrT+LrXIJmfpxgUnj4FLCzZXbxnajpKwUckenvUvMYFfVJFeXxvDsbaZSexGal5jAf1SRUl8bfOdkczA9ulQ8yiUsDIhPjiZQVFu4wMAkkHrUPMuxawLID43vuRHa8HjnJxWcsxky1gkitNqeo6o4MoKjqOprhrYmUzohQjA7TwHeG3/0CYDyycpnsfStsHWs+V9TLEQvqjsLiB3Xtg5/L869JrQ5UzNMboAUwxXkqOOPpWbVi76EkTB1w2zaVznHNNO4hFIPDDIAHGckVQDXjHJjbJK45/8Ar0yGRCNC3DEYPTHejlQ+YheN3kIOeOB81S0UmNwhnZBncDn7360gLkP+rK/h15J9c0wIJ1Pl5CkjPIAxnNIChPGrrk5UY6L3/DrQNFaNd8QLMQp4IJFNaITHWpVpOFyFIP8A+v8AKquBph2IEa4Jz+BoESSR5VQ3A/PPHagDG1Wyj3scEsc+nFD1A5e/Qxt1yo9f6VDRomUJFVUaVhhRx0qLFlZl8xsrnaex96ESiK4tYzOXYANjC9Dx9aodzOnhKplkHJJHAyaFuBmykiQRrnA6g96q4rGefMa4yhOcnJJxx2oBl1AyxkgksAO38qaRLZTuS/ygNkFjncDmtYozkzo/CVqln4S1bXbhA24iK3RmGW7HH5/pXq4SNreZ51d3djwLxjEk+pPcwj5GPAHb2NLErnldGlJ2VjBt4jJOkBPU1zQjeVjRvQvavbul6EjbdGgAHatpwd9CU9BzOTgyAZFWSTRyoE5UGTuTVqSSCxFNICGPy59BWU3cpIqK5jcOBhga5qiujWLsz0XwL8Qb7TZY7S8cPbk45PIrx8Rg1LVbnpUsTpaR7xot7Ff2MU8Lh1ZAR3rx5JxdmdLta5cPEfLLwfpigkjb5mxgZyOh/OkO5DOdpABI56Y4piGxHO0jAGauC1Im7I6XTFxADs56CvTpLQ45Mx/E0m21kYsGIHPpXQkZs+cviVeCW9kOc81tBDuefnrWpAUAB4oASgAzQAlAB0FMBKEAChgPU96QEqNkikUmWYiBU2KTsTBskVNi7kynA9PepKADJpgITx60ARsefagBh6YPWmSxhwMA09WSJRYBQuRmkFg6cUAKvHWgpDxjPekMei9OKB2NKytiSCRnPfNZSZtCNzodNhVVBPHHAFc82dMFY0J5BFCTngD0qErs0bsjm9RuSxPp1rpjE5JSMu8nLZPOMVrFGUpXMS7bL/Stoo5ZPUWzgeaQBRmnJ2CKuzufDHh/zCrMvoRXDWrHpUMOt2d3FafZk2LtBPoK4XK7O5JJErSbV2A9sUrDK8cEl3dLmQkZ6Gm5cqCzZtRtFawFWKg9DmsnqXsZOranNM7RqFZMdRxWkafUiUzOt9PmmaKRkym7jnOKtzSIUXI3ILWCzIlAA44z61i5ORpZIo3+oIw2F9nXOKuMQbOfvdUk/eJC+9l4yBXRGHcwlU7FrQLYTOl1Kp3jnnsKicrKxUI31NjVbwRxeXEcZGKzSNG7HP6je+QuXZWJHC9a1hC5nOooo55bWbU7kqwOTyMcV08ypxOTldSRuw6YLGx3sMOvr1rCVTmZ1RpciuZV8SoZ2AC+grSOpjJ21ZzlzMbm4ATcB2rpS5Uckpc8tDX0qHYcMuDjnBxWM3c6KSsT6jdtgpCeOhPSlGI6k76IpSXclvGRnLEdevFXyJmbqOKEignndJlYtkfeHahtLQSi5anS6YqW4D3DKuPvH1rmnqzsgrK7G6netNIRFIPKXn60QiluFSbez0OR1zUbi5k8lP8AVDtmuylTjHXqcFarJu3Qis4HBXABzzzVSkTCJqXDvbw7Y+/NZJXZvJtI5jVLpp59pbgeldUI2OGrO7LGmxqmJGUEY61Mn0Lpq2o3Upg4yBgnj8KIIVSRHp1uzOHOMelOciacL6l6/mQQnacY7Cs4LU2nJJGVAJJZwRk89a2bsjninJmmymFCetZbnQ1Yz5p/Om2n7ucVoo2RhKV2XYYxGu4DA96iTuaxVkV76cf6tRk+tVFETkiGGFl+bNNsmMdLj5G2LuP4UkNuxDCpdyW6VbdiUm2TswjQ56CoSuU3YroBM2WFXeyI+LUlYqg+gqbFMrDc757Zq9iN2WG+VKkoqMTI+OwqrWM73YMQBigY1Rk02xblu3iyQazky0jQjOOO9ZsolVsnjkUgHbuBnpQMhuJB0JxVpEtmbcydck/jWqRm2UJTkmtEQwjFAImXipsMbI9NCZWY5NUITFABQAtABQAqigC3bxk4NQ2Ulc1rGD1+tYSZrFGmiAJu7VBZYtZsYU/qKBFTUz1Oc81pETMO75PWtUZMounerRLIiMGmIaf60AFABQAHigAoAKAEOaAF9P1oAQUAB9KAD8KAAUAKaAEoAPagAIPagD66D72DDIHUH1r509SxKCYlG4ZP0oEyaJ8ELztHr396BCzSqFAByTjn9KTZSQ+0ZZCd7DqD0qbDLYCkKOCT60Mm7HMpVsbjk9ATS6CQjZ3Yyc5yT7VJZHL97A4APc0DQsakuo6dvakhssDEYBGPRuM4NMQ6LBXGOev40CHOQchiAScA4FJjRGOSSTz1PYUiiOSYA5OBjv39qAsZVxPvm3MQQDzzTWw7FywiLEMFwPYcUMRojGAo6Dr1qAJRuC45LEcZpkMlAwACADjnnpVsZK2Mc/e4wc4zSSEPiXec7wSo6VViLj5CpOPunHbmhjRGhLE7TuOelIZJGTkg8Z657UAwOQoLOSR2x0oGMOAOSfcE1DAT0xgD3oAeCSScHH1x+VADlyoycnj0/WkwQIWBzk/QVJY5WwWL8D+VADSM/MCOefWgAHBZmxjtmgBMuOAcrnjmgB6n5MKwz2Oc00JiuDu5OcdP8KbEiJM5OBnnp6UmUSxk8McAZ7jNPYVyeNgc9cA9R/KmSOK/eI6d8deaAGueMlc4Pr+lICZBgdgeo29aYEgPynrn196YiGd9uRkFhUtlIy76Pe3I5P5EVmy0zFuLFQclDjng0ItSOK1uwElyxyTg/lXTTlZDlqZdropuLj2B5wK0lVaFFJm/BoiKqAB1GMdMCsHUZVom7ZaOy7MuV7c5qedkNI0k05wF2swHsaanLuQ4ok+wyAMd7KQcgZxVe0l3Fyx7Dv7OfblpW5Gevek6ku4cq7Ebaau0qzEE9cnj/PSlzy7jsuwsGlKCDhtvYmjmZNkiT+zEwfvY6YNF2O6FOlBicKpx170D5gGlguRtUr16d6AvcibSkGdy/N7dBSbY0yM6PGGO1Vxt/Ki4+YadHiLcgY6j6UXDmGNpCbTiMkD360czHzB/ZKEAFCO+aXMx8xJFo8YXDLyOhIouxXLNtpyo6nb34HSkJs1bONlOUQZU4zWkHyvQylqdnpN0J7fGV3AfNmvaw9RTgcdSPKwu7Yghk4ZhyD0FatEpme0QHK4GeSKixQ4NklupK4pJgOYfKGRjnr/PrVAMmLAeYOSBuwOf5/jVJktESN+7ZMYOeRjkUC2GRRgMzsMYODxyRRYEx42sQilgwGT161JaJJgzIBngDOCeDihgU7y3JTdEikMMc8fnSYynLB823f8AcAGeoz7CmBFDEEOPmAxnnmgDWtMxjcFQE+oz9PpVIhl8IHiDEKGK84HH+etMm5m3sKhQqjJI6UmUjl9Vg2Mzkjac++M1BaZli2EnzBSV/KlYu5BIjK8mERdoyD/+ulewyCFSExLGAx9/WhCZTvoQFZ925h/Dt5HemJM5y+4ZvlZieOmOaZRUhXe3YEcnHANNCYy4Zo4CyhmO7p1zVRRDZJbW73LoqLjzFAyT6966qMOeVjmqz5Vcwvi341FtGui6QFjtY18sqCRk45P8q9WtP2UdNzipQ53dnl329ZICJMFic8c1xuo2jpUbGfbnMjzHgL3rKPcpliKZHABJBJ5J55rVSuibWFk8xcrksufve9N3BDJGYDnBx1NK7AaWLrgfSl0GLLGRE2T8y96UlpYEyOzcM2GJJBrlkjaDPTfhj43bSZ1sbyYmAkBSxztrzMVhef3kehRrX91nu1he2uoWgmtGEiHGMdvrXktW0Zu1YmC7XyBzUiIZF5CjG7OD3pgPsEZ5wOPlrakrsyqbHS24HkLtJAHocZ9/516dNaHHI4zxpM0VjMRkjBPFbIg+bfG1yJdQkG7PNbxBnNVYhKAEFAAaACgBDQAg61QC96kBO9MB2aGA9etJgiZG7CpsUmWIj0zUvY0iTjJqS7jxQAx/agBuPlGaAsMbnnPHrTERt68VaJYKM/WlcQ4ZA9/pUlbCcnnvQJK4qr8woGSKueKLjL9pATjg1nJmkUa9jD04wM4+tYyZ0QRrxcDGOgHesWbIo6tckRsu72rSETObOanlJJ5/WulI5GypO429+lWkRJlAK0k2BzzWl7IwtdnX+FtI3P5jocY54rjrVbHfQo9T0bSYVhhHynjuBXBNts9KKSRO0hL5JAGKiwymVZ5AVGA3AzVA9y9BIYkJKBSePcVDVykzLu7qS6k2KjEFsHvWkFZESdy5pGnB7j98CFI79qU5hGBtZhsLYjKg87R6+lYq7Zq7JGDqmogKT5iEe5raEDKUjmpGuL+8VUGFJ6iunSCuYPmnI19J0VoXkaTBBHXFYzq32NYU+VmhelLeErbkcjpUK73NJeRy2p3rRxsQvzjkDJrohBM5pz5UVdKs7jUJkdycbs4q5yjBWRnTjKbuzq1toNPw/BbAHSuTmcjtUVAytVvvlLTDaoyRmtYRuZVJW3ORvbiS9lMUSkDPauyMVHVnBOo5uyLthpkMNs0koOV61EqjbsjWFFRV2VZHZpz5ZO3pnNNLQlt30Kd3eInCkFq0jC5nOokMssvLvZuT2PQ0S0FHVm9ZPFEQzY2+mcVhJNnVBpbi3F39pYQJ8sQ6tmhR5dRSnzaGLr1yqKLaJzu6Hmt6UW9Wc1aaXuoqWMEsrbSCfwq5NIimm9zWW1FsgEjAueg6VjzcxuochnaxM0KbN43HqBWtON9TGs2tDLtYVZxkbmNaSZzxiaL4hjEbKKz3N37uhn3BE8mFOK1WhjL3maFkiRWw3nms5O7NopKJmXQ3vtQ5ya0joYT3L+nwGODc2M1nKV2bU42RT1CSQNjOc+9aQSMqjew/TYAybmHQ8k0puw6cdLssT3QjVhtHHT3qVG5cpcqKEcf2iQuTj6Vb0MrczuXpWRIgoP1qFdmraSMyRmklH93Na9Dnbuy2EIj4HzVFzW2hUmdnl2n1q0jJu7LMKCNckYBqXqaRsitOd7FV6ZqloQ3cfAhC85pSY4ohumOduSaqKJkxq/KM0xCAZOaQE0EeSKmTGkXEULgdKzZRKDj0oAeGA9OKACRgF59KVhlS6lwccVokQ2Z0z5zzWqRm2V+pqySVOBSGhxbHFICCQ5PWmAymIWgBO9ABQAoGaAJ4kJ7VLY7GlaRcVlJmsUa0SDbgdayLRZP3MZ7VKGQs+GOCapCZBeSbkBFUhGVMMsRWiIZH5eRVXIsQTR4qkJoruDmqENx2oAMUAFACd6AFoAQdetAC4oAOKAE70AHegAoAKACgAoAKAPrqFASGxlVPGK+dPTbJHXPz7u34CgQ/cRGd2OnaiwXIxuZwDkE4wDUMsniyq579Dnv70ribLsbkjkcD7vNBI5jtVR0yPXtUlJEYcDI3ZIPJzjNMY1X3LyuPUY6UgLMQXBbAAI6UAyTJ3HGVXjFA7ioxyuTjAyBQIazAnpkY6/jSZSIHcfNjPPekMo3dyI4wmcsfei1xlWJN2wEtuJ+YetUBuwL5cYATBIxz/OpYidAC24MRuoSEyZc4+Y5+hpMkkViDkYHbnjim7jFVwM5z656/5NNMROhCxYzk9gKsgblB0ALYxjpx6UmNDD0+XIYDn6elIoUEGT5hjjjI60hDpWRiD/D1PvSuMYrKMmUbhnjHH86QCqeqsdp+tIbJogcHb0PTnrRcVhq/eIHJ6H2pNjQFhkngDoO2Kkodgk8OFHQe9ADUfBPGCfu80AOLgrjac9DQAi437u+euKAJFJ3sckk9++apCYhywHOf/wBdUTccTg4Yjd3H/wBelYdxV+VueoOc4zTESjry4ztz+dAEw+VSOMk9c0ADHDMwH/16kY5SVOAuOPX+RqhDpCQPvYHr6UmJEErAruB3Yz17n6daguxXkwX3MOTnp1pDKOp+XFCxULmmho5G9Tb8zjkk/nWqZSLOi2CFWZx156VnKWpWyNy1tgOUxzzzUEtl6OIBcbeRyfQ1SRDJNgQncAOOoBqgHbQV652nrntTEO2YIJxzyM9MUyRUQeuAOc4P8qm5RKqbMKRwein1qiR/lsUAfBPsc0wBkBwRu65osAGLOSVwM8npQwImjyA397n/APXUhcY0eFOTnvnHWmFxGhVckqPbDZxUspMTysk88+p6UhiiJTghh05PrQA9YyBxhmPbHFCQXGqmWBAx835GnYVyxHkDaTxz2rRIkvadcfZpUOFCjAYAHmt6FX2crmc48yOlUpNGpVl5O7I9K9iLUldHG1Yp3UOw5QFjnPX/ADmkxplOVMoMKVwQdtQ0WiQZCDAZs+2KYCuEI2EEnsDz/KncVirMu7quCPWqRLGAjeI1OBkewFDEPBzt2NxnGQe/1qSkyePBjVRlnxwGOaYx2yMAptUHHIpWApvbpv2xlQWH6+tIZWaIJJh8cEjjk4x3/SjqBchy3y7cIFyWOeT6VRLReDBowu1RkUyUVbiMbC7+pxz1oKMnULGSUEjDNjpn3qbFXMO4jERbnAHXrz9fypMZTmQeXv2rhuTzzzUtDTKM0bJEHKsu7dgCkVcybuYqrZ5JH8PGce9MDEvA80gB7DIPOMUw2ESDaVyobAyP6UxMJYAsZT5FPp6CtYmMh9r5VrYXWpKmfJXZGHbaGbp1/KvUwELttnBipfZPCviDdxajr8t7bxuiycsCc4NGL96V0XR0jY55WwpPXIwB6VyI2LXl+VabeG3HLYPateWysTcijTa5OcEHg0krAyxG+TtdiF6+1WtxDbkLkhSMdfrRIEMbdtWkNj25gzv4oltcSM+Nyj8cc1ztGiZqRQB0DLKuT39KxbOhRv1PS/hZ4um0y6XT76XdC/AYtXnYvD8y5onXRqfZZ7hbzrcW4ljfO5d27rXka9TdqwxtxJIfkHkHsaYi5o8SmbOB9R711UFqc9Rm7cgLb4Q7etelA5WeY/Em7MWnMNxB54zWiWotz511yQy3rsTnJ6k1vETM/iqENoAB0NACZOKAENABQAfpTuAlABTE2FAIkU1IySPpmkxosI/A9aTLTsWIjk8jis2WmSk4HTpQWMHPWgQ1s5zxjtQAzHH40xDSBnkU7ksaM5oEPXJx+tIe45Vy3PSgpIeE+ppXCxPFH8w/nUtlJGpax8dhWcmbwRrW20Rg454FZSNoiSXKKxw3Q9qFAHMxdSudxLBsY461tGJzzlcxZZeTWyRzuRXdy3A5zV7EN3NnwzpjXE6krnnpWFapZG+HpOTuemaPpIjg7dOhrzJ1Ls9aELI0gnBXco44zUNlC/KWIIwT1pNgPjjXcc/Un0+lFxmbq10E3Kp5PocVpBESdg0mLzslm2nIIJ70puzHDY2zcxxw+WSoYfdI9azs7ml9DA1jU2D4cAgDjmtYU7mU523Mm1t5r+MyMPkJ4ya1clEzUXPVnQ6faQwBH8sDaKwk2zeMUhdSvlOUUALjGT7URiDZzWqag0G3DsWJyAK6YRuc1SdjN061mvL9zOGYMO9XOaijOnByldnURiKws/LVQH/WuV3kzs0ijPu75QrSyyEgDgZrSMexDmlqzl9Qu5NSuFSFTsBxXVCCgtTiqVHVeht6bYxwQh3UbiOuKwlNtnTTgoq5X1ACUHa3yjIPvTgKeuxz9/OkT+VAfrXTGPVnJOSWiKsdm8gLuPxq3O2hnyN6kqt5RULzg9RUvUd7FgMzjLvx9cVNi73Ip7/YDHEgPuKpQ7idW2iRWhsnuJPOOWGapz5VYzVNydzcs2t7FVleMlwOOetYSTlojpg409yrf3UQDTzuQ3O0VUIvZEVJL4mznJWkuJzOwyCa6lZI4neTualooijE2zBWsZHRDRXINTut6HPBPSrhEipO5UsIiZQxPFXNmcFrcu3rqIhg8gZFZxWprO1jOtVd7gEcAmtG0kYxTbNW5PlRj5qyjqdEnZGUJPNuQSuea2tY5780jWYNFDgIBnt61huzo1SMy6k81whGK2SsjCUubQmhi8pCR0NS3cpRsVbp93yr1NXEzk7jrOFguSRnNKTHGItzM6DAoSHKVgtogw3sOetDYoRvqJcyhUxjrQkEmkQQRszZJ4qmyIoknbyxwe1KOpUnYrA7uWqyNxGO44ApCJYVz7Umyki5EuMVm2UOLcCkgFByM5/CgB27AoAjlk61SQmyjO9aJGbZTkOTWpAijnNAEmcCkxoazUARdTTEFABQAtAAOTigCWNSaTYy/bRZA7Vk2WkadvGQoB//AFVk2aJF1AB/WpGOB+X2pDKsxxkVSJZVmJwQCKpAV8ZarRLJo4s9qYiG5h496pMTRnSxkVaZFiBhgmmITFABQAd6AF4oAaaAFoADQAhoAMUAFABQAfhQAfhQAUAfXW7a21Szc+wFfOnpsd5hO48AjmgSQ0urMSG+pP1pFWHxfM24nn2pMoniy3BbGe5NIRcGAoPQY7GpJIncLgsCff0oGiMsNpYnB70ikh8OdwPrnnOaAZaDgDaSSPQd6BDlfePu8D36UAK7qAFXPvzQBGzjqvIHUZoKKV1Mygnjnk0rFJGPNMJZOPmHTinYpo19LixEJGzuxxQ3Yg0g2cgDGORgmoQFhQSmMdOo7VSQmToPmOAc9cdjTJFcKRjgHr1/pQAkRBbKjBx0/qKLCZISQ5K/U47GgQ13JIYsCcdVAFFx2HEl+h5PpQMVnAIGT0ycDrSYERIdeCeTxjtUsAyXAAPufSkA8ZyAoPXvTAkdiu0csACOvWkArPgAdiahljVbkseR25pXADJn72evPTmmMDk9e55YDpQJDmILd854JPFDGCyHAxnHVvShIB/mMQMEnPGO/wBaaEKGxxjkZzVCY4s2c88nk0E2FUsxB5OD60wLMIOwKV6DOM0AOVW3jPoc46VLY0ORPmUgDngc80IbHlTzwCBzy1USMkkWQ4Q8E4qWNEc2SwUqp9/SpKIgo3HheT365pIDA16YGcxqRgentVoZiMDJcBOOfzovZFxOgtYPLhGwADjjvWLdxvcvRgH5gMHrTiRIuouRwo4/OtUZsCoJOeoPGewobBDgSCSxwAeQB60IbEKs2AMjg49f5VRIojCrhs47j1pAThQQoJII9+tMB7dVXIz/ADpiGlTjABJ6elAhI8ggEHgcY7UMYm1i5DMDkcZHFCGMPQFWyuO9IBjofLC7Rk+lSylsNcHbjd75FIY8IFUgAg4wOKAJE2Y6EE4yD3oENRDuzsAwc/WrRI9AGJUMe+O+B6e9UA7czEJkfUDqKTYkauiXITNsxwCfkJbJFehg69lyMwrQ6m067oz90HtmvSOcoTRfOASSDnPFS0NOxH5LDaAQcH1qbFp3HOhDHfyemen8qVguMePcmVyAOAOtNCbKbQlGO7Hlngn0/GqJQ5gNownIPUHOaBgzspDKxTaeRjr1qWUkW0dTt2n7/Rj3PpQKxDP8p9u47UitzNlSQXQfaQG5AHepH0LkXmAEsRwOSe1WnchlqMNsDFxzwMdqZNwMa4G0HB5yaCkV51jKk9Sc8+/1oAx9Qs4/LBKEtnk54P0pWC5jSRhWBcggZPTjNJopMzdUJmRkiwfbp9ahlI5eVcQNH8zKvXJ4z6ZqrFFcKCfnySwx6CgTJI7c72ZQOnBJzjiriiJMe9nJI4hj2s0uFQsepP8AKuinFydkYVJW1OY+J/iPT9HsV8NpIZEjU72U/K7HGWHqcg9a9iPLRikeelKpK5448trJDJuBDE8ENXNOaZ0JNGSigXG3G4CuVbmrJ4E3LI3BOehbFaruSwQDgnIz1zzQhMfG4G75Q3PHFNMBHDNjoOemaLADBg+3g4pALdD9yqccdcUT2CJmuvJOM1gWaNk2+HaiE4HOKxlozaG1kTRNPbyh2DbexHapdmWm4nsnwn8amQLp185bgBCT1rycVhre8jvo1OZWZ6mDlRIpBDc49M155TRr6IgJGQRnGcjgn/Oa7sOjlqM0NWcLGx5PYfN+prvic7PFPi5dYtmVjjGcYrVCR4TesGnYgk81shMgIpiEPrQAnagBOaACgBB1oAO9USBpFAaZLAUmNbDlNIZKpwKTGiRD0pMotI2PapZcSRDnrUlpjj0oAibmmIMcjAoARgScUXsJq4YxwaABQOlAIlUAcnrSGieNc4wD71JZbhjAUEDjNS2UkX4AFwD/APqrNmyJXmVUOBjNJIq9kUJ5+CR1xzVpGLkZd3KDk1rFGUmZ0jAjrWphclsITNMowKmTsiormZ6X4SsooVRz94Ada82tNs9ahCyOmN0FcrGB05xXMonVzAu4tnIAx3NAibGZPnXr3FIAvJ0t4Ccjkc0krseyuc9tN9d5DkgnuK6F7qMfiZs7Rb2qxn+Edc4zWV7s1WiMG+1FnkKsOh6itowMZz1JLHT3uZU+0BmD9PTFKU7bDUObc11sfse5dpCjkGsubmNbWKV3ebYigzuJ9apRuS5HPX+rBd6sRnpwa6IU7mE6linbK+ossjvghq0laC0MYp1HqdVbxR2ke8kMStcjlzHaoqKMnU70L+8YkcdD3rWMOhlOdtTnHnutRneBc7D0AHSulKMFc5OadR8pu6Ro620PmyfMw71hUrczOmnQ5Fclurk8xhgqqOaSh1HKfQ5zVr/zh5VqT6HFdFOFtWclWpzaRDTNKZ1WWYcdfeidRLRDpUr6su30aJHtUjOPSs4t3NpJWsjFnnih+7hnzW6TZytqJSM0suc4GK0skZc0mPj+9z16daTGi/FdCJSIsg1m43NVK2w1rhQpedifQGnyu+gOS6mXPIb2UADAzgCtUlFHPJ87L1nanYYwoA9azlI1hT6E0zeXESwG1R+dStS3oYbE3Vx82AO1dC91HJfmZp2kKQx88E9Cayk7m8I2RS1E5YJGSx71pAyqb2RZ0q3IjJkwp7VE5F0o6FbU3fO0nNXBEVG9hNMjLZbbjB60TdgponvLtlUqeQOlTGFy5VCnbRiZ8t1zVydjKKvuX5nRIcEcj0rNK7Nm0kZcYaSfPQZrVuyOdK7L0wCIOegqFuay0RSBDy+tWZblnzPLTA4qbXNOaxTm/fPkGrWhk/eZYA2RdeancvZFSRt789KtaGb1BhgYFABGhJzRcSRZRQBWdzREgJ7cUgAmgB6+3r3pADtgU0gKsznkVokQylM2Sa0RmyDuaoQoIoAVjQAzNAC/WgBKAFoAKAHIOelAFuBM4rOTKSNO3QBRx2rFs1SL0Y+Ue1QUSA5I+tAxSRjjPfFAFWc5b8KpEsqvzkYpgLDHk07gaEEAwOKLhYbeWxxg+lUmS0ZN3BjmrRDRnyx4NWiWQkc0xCUAGaACgAoAKAEoAOaACgAoAKACgA7UAFAH1srIeg4HYivnT0kMmmIO4YxjAPTNBS0CHLnkkjP8JzQO5bi+8ehJHXP9amQdCWMnPUZPTI71Iiy7hcJu5xlqBNEEzqQG6fUflSKQyJznKDnpikWWVwoXBxt9RQSxwY7snaAO9AhS4AGDyffpigBqv/F/IUDSIpZiqdQRjvQUZGq3J27FYhm6+9NK40Q2KNIwGCT9Kb0GdJbL5cY2r2x07fWsxFuEMVyrJnHUn/Cglk8Lkg9QBxkcVQicdMkBs85NAiEna5BOM/hQBKhVV2/KS3tQSRs2TnI4644zQNDgM/McgdwT1pIZLF/EVHQ9jnj+lMVwdiynGBgdOOKljI9rbyCDz1/xqQBSBy+T2H+AoCxOoPR1z+P+eaYC5H8HfsTSbGkRTYJ559jUFDBJj5WbOPzzSaGNLHZg/MvYdqQyZODxzj3600xC9gMLwTwDx/8AXpgPD5yeGKjoetMQ5MEnCnkdcUAKoBJGQABx64p3AVfmIwxJHFMTZNEF3FM7s880ySdcquGXHUADvSYIAdhzzuJ4/KpLHKyeY2FII6jHIFUiWPVsYwRkgc4xmmIi3CQ/MxBPX1FQUhgZiWJYjcOmevvSGR3MhWBiSOnHtRYDlL2bfuZuCOnNWkMZosDSSln5J7niomy7WN2Pk4+bB4Ax0rJAy9Cu3APBx3HFaIhlmRmKLgsTnoea0IYCQlccjPt+NSUKDkDLEANjnn8KpEsfGDl8EAZwaYhOEwgI+7zxUtjSJVYLnvkHAFNMGhVRvlOVLdMY4/OqEKxb5hjnrkc4oYrDQVLcArk8Y5pDEZslQeR6+3Pai4DFLhdzYO7p8tAEe1c4PGDketRcodnBGGwAOBQMAFLZJOT0oFcUIV/eOFAJ+gpoGh4+9xkKoxzVEjtgOG5yBn5cfjVARnJxxj0z29aTAM8grxj0PU5pXa1QHR6TefaLdRkl1H3fX3r2cNX9rHzRyVIcrLe8NwMBRkD1zXUZDTHGd3DZHJOe9JoCF12gH5sDpnkj3pWGmITIoZG+bPOCOo/CpGVbqJmzuKjkjHTApoGis7IpUDr3PWgSJl/1Rz8oY8HoaB2JIXfAG1WTvgcj8KAZMyRyZ3JhRzihoSZWZGaVlC7RjJb3qSxYgQoKrvwcnI+8e3FUiWOSTccYwQM7sdc0CsKuELGRwGI3cc4/zmmhtiBN20R/KOvPfrzRYLlO+RduFBznJY0howdVUZLMMl+2RnNDEm7nMXZZGkMYHH9e361nY0uY14QGKyn588bveqQ7kMCSyjLspUthcHI4ppCkXWgWOMkkFN4AAHNaJGLZFqYuLfSJtSjfEcYKoSuSxPbnjpXqYGmr8zOLEz6I+cviFdTXWuu8kgdeq4OQO+P1pYuTcyqKXKc8rHGR2rmvobWLUEey3Mgk+d8rjFaRj7tyW9RkMb88HIpRTC4M+EIA49aGwQ+3DbA/GTVREx1zyxOevA4pyQIS3AQ7SM54xTggbJFZNuMHqetN2EmZ74DkDpmuZ7mha0pmErqjbcj1rKpsaUtyy9zLF8khBQ9DWfKnsa87Ssx1lcyWcyXVu/IOeO1EkpaME+XVHv8A8LfFSa1Yra3DnzlGDnvXiYmh7OV0d8ZqaPV9Fj8tCcnBx0PWt6KOOoN12UfPngAdhiu2JlI+evi1fb5ZFVsnJ71pEEeUOSWJNakjGpgMNACCgAp2AD0pAJ/DQAVQAaBMTvQS3cWlYpCrSGPBoAlQ4/GpZS2JkY5xQVcnTGKhlpjm6UhiZxxQAhyeKYheRikMD1460xMUDgUhkiZ9f0pXHYtxJgZqblovRAYPHHWs2apaEgbvnkUirlS5uD0B/SrijKUjPmmxwevc+taJGdyjcyjGB171cUZSkVM7jV2MtzpvC9lvkU45JrmrSsd2Hhc9K020dIl4wSRXnSldnqRjZFwxQIRuIDHn8KhlWGJMm5kKYx39qLCWpaaZYYMMw46e3epKMS7klu5Co2lScYFaxSRnJ3NLT7MWaK0wBPYis5SuXGNjN1e+SQmCMFRntWsIkTfQo6bppupiHLcjIyauVS2xnGGup2FpCtnaKrj5l6d65ZO7OhKxkatqf3vlyp77ufatIwJczjtUvhJKEgLbie54rshDTU451LuyKdnpk9zcMWCk9D6VcppLQhU3J6nUWlpDY2WVYbu9cspObOuMFGOhQvdQVVLM5wo+UVUYPoRKdtzmri6n1GdAnCqcYrrUVBanG5uo9DpdKt0sV3tjJHauSo+ZnZTioasZd3jSSFi7CMZPoKqMdCZT1OZ1LUGnuDAhGPUV0wppK7OSpVu7Is6XpMx/ebA3OfxqZ1UXCi73NCSc2ymLgEdRis7c2pq5cuhhajfl9yRHLHrW8YW3OepVurITTLAzDzJF/GnOVtiadO+rJbyBIz8oXP0qYtsuaS2KRjROZCD9Ksy2IvN3Z8vPFOxLl2EaKSRgzHjHemmkJxuW7SGKJQ+QTUOTZpGMVqThnyW3bUH60rF3e/Qyby5kuphGG+QcYrWMUkc85czsT21oquJFGQO1KUmyowSd0TXskezcGOcVMUy52M62SSSVXAyM81q7JGEU2zRug0MJ2twetZLVm07xRkrKHm3PkitmrI507vU1kJigJAwCOKxauzpT5djKuZPNlCt+lbJWRzTfMy3bxLDEW5qG7s1jFJFK8k3NsjJq4oym76E1gjBMt+dTNlU1pqMvXIbAPXrVRQpvoLEoVNwpNglZXILmUudoqoqxM5XHW8YVdxpNjiiOeUs2FOapIlsjPFBIqZJoYyxEuOalsaRJUFAKBXFB7UAnccPWgZHK2AapITKcrZyTWsUZNlVzVkjaADNABQAUAJQAtABQAqj1oAswpUNlJF+2jrKTNEi9EAB2zWbKJk6ZpFDs0AGeBigCCb7x/nTQmVyBuwe9UCLtpDzyOD71Nx2Nm2tcKpwfXFFxWG3kBIJxn1NNMTRj3cHUcVomQzJuYMHPPNaJkMoypiqQiFhzTEJ7UAGeMUAFABQAGgBKACgAoAOKACgAoAKAPrOXiMHO0jGB+NfOnqWK3DyZ5ODnrQMuIwRAuAw65HU0E3EVy75DYAGetQyi1GcckEAH061ID5ZSGXBz34pjsQSkb8ZA5z05z6Uh2JrYcDqRnjjpRYZMG3KFGRzjnt70CsSgYVSueuM0iWMY7QG6dximNIilOcEdR14oZSK5YMvJ4yOnY0hmTLiSV23HBOR7U0M19Mg2xCTaD3qWwNJe+Tx6ccVJJMGOxVXqQc56CgNyZSeWK4Hf60EsXzTnknYB+f4VVwQId7luSAc5zQhMkZtzZY9uoNDYhBhiqgZ5/IUrjJU+8wyOO1CYmOQr82MA4yeaoEDtzwSSBxx1qBjG+/jPPORQA77xwQeOD2oAlduM44U8kHgUAISSDg9T2qGWiL7z53dRzjp9KVwGOe5IyT+VJsYq7eR0A4A9RQBKAp4BPHp6UIQ5QVYZB+XoMk1QCgM5xn/PpxQBIBhuDkgc0APXO7G0ZHagB2SFGByBzz1xVIlk8ZwhAGGxyT6UxCjqu4jHPI9KlspIRV+ZhxnP6VIyYDI5OQeMA1RIkhbdxnr2pNgkQt1OF4B55pNlDgcKV596AMrWpQkAQbgfTv19aaA5e8bzHCrn0+tVsikbmnRLHbBeeAOaxk7stl+2Ub8H8D0pRRMmXrZM4JzyOK0IHg4bJcfMPxHNVcVhUyXOG6AnkZpDH42rllG4+vbNMTHI2WBzlenTrTRLCQJyynO44PHFSykOiA3BT1xQgZKGCvsJBOePetESJkZPPIP50NgMU5O4YPHOBzSAcTkZwGG3BPegCu5/dnBLYPU8UmxpAARn/ZAJ9TUlEjZb7o+XjOW4A7UAKy5UHqR19iSaaExPlYbSSvH58UhsVM7iMEnHH5VVyLDuckZA4xgCmAwPjODz2HpQwI8qOnYdM/exUXLsWLK4NvOjqT6EHritaNV0pcyInFSVmdPayrLGzKQc9Oen9a96nNTV0cDi07MUuC2CpHbrVsQMAsu4kEDH+TUgNfaWJGCcYpMdyvMgOUJ3KBjnP9PrQtCirdJt2lV4PGB6U7kjI3Hz8Dbj1zz3oKLKsjKBhSP4TzzSJsSlgsXysOmBxz/n/CgdhmQQpJ6ggg0DFLcD5NuBx6H60ARSAq3BI574yR6UCGh49uQQCe59M9aBjWbcdoYj9OfXFAtSvOrHBwSR0wev+RSY0Y2oQMBgJlzwF7CkNHL6vauNzj5WzgZPf8KYXOemSR3bcdhJIHfiiw0ya3XyVYRyHJwAOvX1qkiWy89vvFvDECc8u56e5/CuilTc3ZHPOairnB/FvxtZWUcnhy1ykUWAcDcXbOTzXrJxoqzOJQdR3PHtSWG8hMokDMRnGOQK56jUtToirGHHFJJLsVSdoyfpXKldmjdieGUliANo6EYyK1UtbCsPPzRlmIBz0HpTuIrTMhPynrWbdxosRFfL27cEd6uOwmO5l+6rHaKaVwZLEuyQLtBPck1olYkkZNqYVQWJ6Y7UMEZM3+ub5cc1yS3NUOtwFuU3H5Seama0Khubd1b2CZVTkEZ56VyqUmdcox7mbIvkSAodyZ6Vqnfcxa5XobPhzXZ9G1SK8tXwAwLAHtWVSmpqzNFO2qPrX4feIbLxBocV3azISAA49DjmuWMOV2CeuoeJ5ttrIehI4x3rVaGbPmX4k3Zlv3TOfmPNbQQHFnn2rQSQxhRcQw/WmAhx60AJmmAZ6UABoATNMm4ZoFcQcUAFA7jqkocvXNAEgOB2pMdyaPrnNJlImDfLxUsq49W7GlYaYvU9P1osOw5B0POaQ0hWBBzg0AKgx1FAxQpz7UBYsQxnuBntUlIuRpwOAcdvWoZoh7yBfrjFJIL2IWm2g4xjOetOwuYpXE3zHtitEjNyKMz89atIykyrO2atGchLUbpVHvTYR3PSfB1vEkcbEc15tdnrYaNlc6ua7RdqoefQdTXLy3OvmSK4864O5gQCMdKNEJNstBVt1Bc9elTuUtCnPM91KI1xtzyQKqKSJbuy7ZWi2ys0gUkjr6VMnzFJWM3VNSLA26l1IOM5rSENbkTnpYr6dYvcneZCBngHvVSkkTGNzpIxHBAoZFDqMZrn3Z0WsjG1LV94YMzbQK2jTMJT7nPXFwbwP5e4DdyK3UeUxcufYZ9hUFHWM4BHPWjnHyF2JxA4wuBjA96hq5adinqepeWg+YZ7AnrVwp3ZnUqJIwN9xf3JUqSPauh2ijku5s39NsYbaAlsZ4OT1Fc85uR2U6aiOvpQqZL4UCiK10Cb7nNX15Nc/u4vudOtdMYpas45zctEWNP011ImkAINTOp0RVOl1ZszakLZTHFg8fNmsVC+50ury7HN6pqLTStGhySeSO1dEIWRx1Kl3Ybp9lIzhyhbNEprYUKbvc2fOW2TyyoDZ5X0rG1zquomPqNyqhtvLk5AreETmqTSuVLa3kn+dxgetaOSWiMoxctWSsscedoJ9RU3uXZIjUsRnBGKBDhIiDls0WC6IpZpLhTGmVGaaViG3LRFi1t4Y1/ecnrz2pSk3saRiktSyJYTHtxtUdcVFmW2rGbevHcEJADgcVrFW3MJvm0Ra06PZCd+M9hUTd2aU9EU9SmJG1j1PGK0gjKpIisIw4+7nFOTJgi1cTMqFOoHrURRpKVijEgkfzCe/StG7GUVfUs3MqiMgnnFQk7mkpaFCINJNuI4rR6KxitWW5mKR9cAVKVzVuxXjzIxbrVPQzWupI8oQYqVEpvQgVdz7qvYjcfKw28c1KG2QoCMk1ZCDqaQyWNRSBEuaVigzSsFxRQ0Kwo6VI0gP4UwsV5mrRESKkh5rREMhpiA0AJQAUAFAB3oAWgAGSaAJ4k6VLY0XYIzmsmzRIuoMcD86zbuWTcjjOTQBKuTj3qRi54oGISMdcj6UCIZcZyCOBVCIxkuDmgZu6Rbl2XjJrNstK50tvanAPU7fShMbRBe25G4YI9eKpGZgXkPJJBrVMixkXVuc1SYrGbcREA8GrTJaKUq4NUiWQEUxAB9aAEPSgAoAUUAJxQAUAFABQAUAFAADQB9VzzM/OQT0xnt7V86eqLbttGAuBj8KGJkhfOQ2AM/n7UmwsTQBgg2kL2zUNjFkm2hVJBweuetNDQ3z/lOOQvfPWkykET7pBtIPfigC0pCADJI7CgCaEHIYnHr7+tJiY52Ix8gAB6+1INCKVyd20Dy8fh+dAWImcO23HQdaGMq6jIURIx97AOAaURkFnD50wVSQo5NU3YDoF2IMAYwOD6CsmIIicsOvf6VSQMniGG3KMKTnkYBoET7gAfLIHPTFCQhjEmTgtx69aQMnVSECgEH8+9WSxhDNIoYAtz1OaGND0Knn5d3bHpUATRhQMgZxjHPSgBjsVJOAeMUrjsJzlsngDgAZ6//AK6LhYVc78qOOaQ+hLETx8oBFWSKzLjGOnXnrUtjSAkkMUJz79RUlIjfdsPy9ugpDG+WemBg9ec8UhDx8qnAxxzjuf8APegB6njbwSOvahAKzEEbQSQO/p6VSAeuAh55BpgOTO3c4yQenTNICSPAIHB74xjFDAkBAk3EZJHJJwTVIlj1B2jPB4yaGCAlgcj5jzxUFj/MJVdyjBP60CJN7bCVbgdBVCImY4JzyAM/rSGRnOOg5zkZpAOLbYzsHAHIx+lAHM6tcB5ztPT0qkOxm6XG1xeGUfdFKb0NEtDoo1UAcDIwCByMViwLtqCU5UrjkcVaRDZaO4R43DdjpVkhhmfAJKnrg9OKAHKoHQnP5A00Icqk/KCRkHBApMY5CmCdpx7fz+tAD921sFQARjJ5zQA1c8sCRxknPAppCZISCC3J9DnOKoka29iMNnHc0AODNuXLZH1zz6UAMkk6jBDdulACZDZXBYZ4qGUhEyAQeB0IB70DHQh22jdknJxng0ITFlcKB5h5Pq3se1MBjEE5ABB6mpuMSRiMDAAPTBouA5GIb5W759ge2fWncVhGJbJwOOeKBkWMdEXr0P1/rQA7aGwWwAT0PSgC5pl39kkIb/VtjcCOP89K6sLiHTlZ7GNWnzK50BmBwy7jnHIOP1r2lJNXRxNWZO3JUDJycnJ/SgBqpGEOAO/A460MCNky/JyemCM0rDKsyjac8EUDexUhykyoeASSVGMH6UwRYaVQoVwMA5Jz+lK47XHhh13Dn7vbB/rQAOMj5ipAPUnqR6UAJuLMS3p3FADcpjII6dfWgCEfMp/h+b1/pSANjMdnLqeCMccUwuQySskRVV4GQMGlcDMvJZNm0KcZIH9Aam4znb8Eyu2WKqBgZ7/1poGc5fRZLlRlsn5s9vr/AJ61olclspQXYMXk7CX3YAU4ppA3oXNSvf7H0AXVyy/vEOFP8IHT869jCUeVOTPMrzc5cqPmXxfczXWvXE0j7wWyCBx+Fc+Ik3Ns6KatEzknkAzuPNZKRdgUmJNyufNb09Ka0QbkkBA3NIuW/Kqj5iI5HIc9vQVLY7DYVy4JHHQn0pJagWsZJZWB7A4rQkfAyhSAvXgj3q47Aya2jaQksRtPAJOAKtIgWRNkm9cY9qT01GjLlH73Pqa5nuaEisiTIXBZQQSPWpnqtBx31NTVfImClIPJ3cx471yQutzsnyvYoo0kLNHOOCOCat2eqMk2tGNKlfnAyhp3E1bU7L4Y+NrzwlqeYnZrWYgSLk8e9ZVIc225cXZ6nvN74ksda8Om+tij7h8wHXPvWXQco2PnDxfcebqUhyTyf51vHYhmHnmrBCN19qBMZ70xDetACE+1UAlAB+NAAaCGJmgA4oAKAFB5pDQ8HHNIocMk0ASg4x+tIslQ547ZpMCQNxj3qRj0A3ZzSZaJe2KRQ8CkxjiB2pDHomDRcCxGMDJXJ+tSNE4IRc56j8qnct6FWaX5j19uatIzbKk8wGQPpVJEuRSll+Ye/WtEjFyIXcECqSE2VpGyapIiRY0zm5X0BqZ7FU9z0nw2skkY2np6V5tXc9ejsdLZ2eTulBzmuZs6ki39oggRoywB/Wp5blc1jNmlkupkQYIJz9atJIhttlyCKK3QNImGx19ahu+xaSRm6rrKSHylkK444rSFPuZSqor2Nu95JzI3J7jFVKXKKK5tTc3x28CkqFZPT+dY6yZskkjG1LU0MhYSMDnBBPWtY0zOVQxnSa8nPzFV9Mcitk1FGElKTNHTNOESNvbj0xWc53ZrCFia8lt44doPvUpNsbaWhzmqXmxPmPOeBnpXTCOpzVJ8plpHLezIXbqeQa10ijBJzOlsLW1tIg7AZxnOeM1yyk29DshCMUR6hcRgKQcL6Zpxg2Kc1a6Odup57yfyhny8+ldMYxick5Sk7I09G0kxKZZFHHY1lUq30RrSo21ZfvZ40h8tFVSOpqIxvqbSkrWOV1a4MsuyBixbr9a64K25wVZXdkTaTprMwllQHPrUzqW2LpUurNYyiAFYgAPYVja+50c3LsYupagBIyIdzetbwpnNUqleztJZpCzgnNVKSREacpO5fkVY02KBkdRms1q7mr0VipIYY8l/nc88dqtJshtR1KzGWVht4XvV6Izd2OMSqMMRnqKVx8qBWA5QDNDBCuxJDSEgd6LDZBPOXj8qIHb6iqS7mcpX0Q6CER/eYCk3ccY2HyyFV3AjgcUkinKxRj3STZI7+labGK1ZfTECAgAHHas92bbFO7n819nbvWkVYynK4sS+XHkHik9Rx0K87l/lXNUlYzk7kkIMacnBpPVlLQheRnfAziqSsQ3cmX92g5x61O7LWiICTK/0q9kRe5NlUXFRuVsQKWZic8VRIpPagB6LSAkz2zQMOlACjpSAcBxUghc+1IojlbirSJbKkrZrRIzbKznJ61SExKYhKADvQAtACUALQAd6AJI0zzSbHYtwoKzbLii7CuAPrWUi0TpikMkHXI5/CkA8HI9qQxWbA/nmmAx345HOKLAQs5xTEPtVLsDjnPSkxnXaFBjaccDrWUi4nXQQAx7do4HHNJDZSv7XLGTB5HariybGDfW3JwuMH07VaZLRiXkHBODWiJZk3UWByKpEmdcw454qyLFKRMEjpVIREQaYhv40ALQAZ9sUAFACd+KACgAoAKACgAx7UAfUigt0x1wAa+dPVLLZSMBPXOaGJkMGDJghvpnrUspFtSEUgcY6c9al6iIi4bnoDwKNikhin5gMD1GKCi3bIAu4c5680CJxkPswTg0gL8IAX5ulBAyUsR0APrmkNIqzk4CkEAn60MoT5FUs2F28g5pDMqebc2/nPYDvVpAaumQ7LcO42tIOc/pWcmDL3Gdu3OffNJCHKSQNp5PXJ5pgWYBwMn3IzTEx0pVeAAQBgUbiEgBC+bkdeh70tAZIp2xgg8g4I9qomwMMlmTqRz6UFEixkEYOB/EeuaTQh5xuI3ZPQ9s0gGnOAozj61LKQh6YHf8AP0pDHouHAC9uvagGOYZBzuB9PT/61O5NhqMeflycDA9KkoeH3AA4Pbp/SgB0xUgBVwpoGhigqCNpweQQaQMCThSMA4HscUmhC5ODjnHXmmAqY37ieT79KAHdWLEAEds9aYDo33JyAv496AJk6Yzx6UAPCg4bf3zyec0XAe7Y6AHHHWkA5CAy56HoR3ouA7AK5z7gZxQA1iAmCctj+9QwEkIwSq7gfXtSAaSNuc498daAKuq3DQWjAfeIzTQHH38zAbRnc3fNWkWlc1tGhMdsNwHzc81jJ6lt6GlbqxJHI9qm5DNO2XOBgE45rRIlseWG/wCUA46e30qhAFLE4GB15NACs2ECkYA/HPpQA6MFjkg5/nQBIFOecimhMNxMoCgjHTHbtzzQkFxHO7dhc4AHHemJChuSF+TI575ovYNx4XAJznHrTEBAA55yevSgCJyNy7lx9allJDS2WOTkZ61JRIuQDkg5/wD10xDtx+XKDHUn+VCEMLBlOR83bPakNERJK8AdiPSgYqtuyCxz0P8AhQA5WIUccHjrQIMnGCOMcj1/GmAjfMowCPQgc0gHZwSCcZ5H86AGgu0fB2gD8/pTWgGjpl8sHyzOfLL4yeiV7OAvOLXY4cRaLN+EqVGGA5/rXaZDkV0O1clSc5PalsAs5+fGc+/Q0mBE8YfKnAHU5pAUZ8Idy8knjnJ/OncENQRvncA5zUstMkhAYgfdxnvQgEcfKFkPQ5JxTAIpELFGbJ7E8gCkAyXAQheCB37fSgCvO+xWKk7s9v8AGgCMysNuxhtIyeeMD3pgytNOVO0EAZz7dfWpbGijeyMkTDzAQTke1IZjXG8ZM5wmOFB6/WrQpamBqiieNorVtijljjgYrRK5m3Yj0LTLNJWn1G9ijjAyM8buCfwHHX6120MO0lJo5a1f7KPNvi94mj1W7gt9Mud1nGSpWJ/unAz29sV3ydlZGFOPVnlGpiLuCQDgE9a46rR0xG+Hbe3n1DbcKzQqpJI46UqEU5ahNtLQlv4IZZGlj+UA/KuOSPrWkoJ6olN9SmQqjblvyrNpIZBMBvJHfvms5ItDkAwefzpoCRAmeMhj2FUSWFwVUIoz06VokTcsvxHwrjsSKvoBWuGwAcgEDlR3FZTZSKMrAnIArBu5Q2H5rqMEEjcMj2qJPQpK7Oh1a4sTeQhJSqhQMrzj8K5Yc1mdtTkTVmZ16PNlMbPuGflbHWri7K5nUV9GVV3RSGGTp0zV7q5ls7Md/qyFboeRS3K2Oo8M65daephEzNCwIK54NZSiax2sYWrOZLt2PTNaLYxaKnTpTsCYjUWEMNMBppgIaCOoUxtgOKATEoEFA2wxQIQ0AKvSgEOB71JSdx60DJAckUrFXJgeKTGPFJAiVTjpiky0ySP5mBzUlom79KkokjXjtmgCVFGOvFIZNGF9umOKTKQ25kIXrjihIUmUJpDy2eTWiRm2UpnOTzVpGTZUdsk1ZmyNmpgRE81SILWmH/SB9aipsXT3PTvDMsaWu/IyByK8usm2ezQfumtdawW2LHkN2AFZKn3NXUG20NxetucgsOck/wAqG1FDSbZomKK2h3EAED8azvc0Ssc9q+sO7tHEzAA8n1reFPqzGpV6IraXY3F45HIIG7kHmqnJRRnCDmdGCllbjegEijBOOtc/xM6l7qMG/wBRed8o7KBkAZreNNJHPObexBZWUt4rOXyw5xjk05SUSYwctzpbexRY0lkCqwFc8p30OiMLFS/uirtHG3B9RVxWl2S3Z6HMaveGKQxqxZyOBXTThc5qs7aGVZRyXMh8xWY+hrWVo7GEU5PU37eyWOAYX5uuR24rnc2zqjCyINRvNkYBPCjGM9auMbsmdSyMUtPfugQnYD0zW2kUc2tR6HRadZQ2u1pu454rmlNy2OunTUNx+oXirGdhBX16UoxvuVKdlocrfXzzSNFEx5PWuuEEtWcU6rk+VFzSdMG0zTDJzkVFSprZF0qPVmlNLGsQVcLjris7NmrdjA1O+25jhJJbgmt4Q6s5qlS2iILGzM0qs/PPNXKdjOnDm1ZruwtU8uMgn2NYL3jpfubGRd3mDsyS5PWtowOeVToPsbJpW8yZjjrgiiU7aIIU+bVlmZkQCOJOlQr9TST7FN49o3yNnnpVp9jN6bkbTfMVRDjt6U7dyebsNMLy/eYDFF0g5XIciRpg9TTu2OyQkjqq5cYx+tJbg3ZalNy8+No4rRaGL1J7ZSinIxipkyoKw26nIXjrTiglLQqwjc29jVMzjruSTTKV2A4pKJUpdCKLjnNNkoWds4APJoSBsI12jNDYJDXdnbb2p2sF7jgFQZNK9wtYYSZD7U9hPUUjAwKAFVT1zSAkBoAPfgUAgHqTQMdzQAvNJjBm4zSSEytK2RVpENlWQ1drEkfeqEJQAtACUALQAUAFAD41NJsaLMKciobKRcjXHas2y0WFH0qCiQdjQA5TjOBSQ2LnsCKYhrnnHUZoAjdzzzTsMailyMDNJgbWk2pZ1JUH3qJMaR22jWpAG4AEnpWVzS2hshUSPlc0CaIpEDo3JA6ZNO9hGVdwAA7c/TFWmKxhXsGc8cd60TIZjXdufTPrWiJZlXUNVclmfPF+dUmTYpyIR2qkxWIiKYhM+1AB1oATFABQAcelABQAUAFACfiaAPqeEqvzOPpgV89Y9RsSR95wmetIZPEu0bTnpk5osAySVXXIXGO/epsNIb8wAAPB6/59aRQschMhG44HXPeiwFyJ4yoYDA/rSYFiAKEzxljxQFywJcNgHGTk80mJEbSEyZBztPB6YPvUsaRDIxL4BJyOcjFJjK2ozKi+UuCwHzY6CnFAyrZRmecDdiNOx71bdhG/8pQEgA4456Vl1Aco6YAAJ4HrTBkkTZck8n1oAsoUQb9wx16dPpRckkCBxuxkHqfb0qguSlAqHacYGDtosTciYHGcYweCD1FDGiaNTgMMrnqOtAD+EO4E5PI5oEMkPOWHPP0zUDBSNuQR0xSY0IChkyDj0OPzpFDk+6ehUjqaLE3FwGx2wckDqaGOw5t3BUYbGDk4FIoQvk4AII6ntSAadxPDAKfu44pXAkb5OmRg5Ap3Abvy2HOT3IoCw4jIyO46CmIVAWxtI6/0oARsFtpyT6+lAE8b5GeelAEkYK4yBg9iPagCXcSDkdBnNAAW+UYyeOB6f5/rUsB0Z4JBwCemaAFjGMhgDj0pgIzknJI+6TmkA3cMgnjtQMV8A54A7cU0Iwdbm3MY0b5cZOfamhnP26C61DHQKevaqlojSJ00SqgVQwOOpHrWDEy3bA5I4ye470WE2X4RhMhgGzwR3rVECsoLdMBTQA0bicKx9c9qAJGbBAJyRwO1AD2OF3HueP8A69ADxnlSVx7nOaaJYEsCQxIYjkYyRVCE3bjgH25pAJ828k9uandlEm4ZG45HBPfFWSLI5ABLbfm9O9JsaRBuy5DnkjGc1DZQoDFMptL45GOaQDVKcqQDt5zjvTAeQwGcKB646etMQ0ZUZAJPXjtSGRycqGyOo3AjJP0oAFI6j6AE0wJEdh1wcgjGOnFACmTIAI/D3pDsDbl5JBUk0xAvTpkd6AEQHALNtz3PX8aQB8qI4ZcqwIK9j/nmurC4h0aikZVqSqRaZzmhfEe10zxKmga0TAk7+Xa3DHhW7I39DX01amnFVY7M8ulJ3cJdD08TqF3hwyt1wc/SuW5sO3iXqxOKTAaxBXDEAk8Ecc0hpFZmXJV1I9MD3oHYg3MDsU8jqccCgEPhYoMg7QO3QZpFEVzOFQSIcgc89qTYIr/aPNjLYcc4yV4IpblWsTMdww+44bsf1qiSG4kCgDaWHPB5B/CgDOluT2U7WHP0pXGQZkP3TgdRjjA7daLAVrg7kJ+8injJzg/1p2E3YyrybzmAETKnQErgsT6CqSZLZkarqVhpsVwbwgukTtHDn75AJ5PevQwuHcveexyV6iWiPnrxj4z1PUJmUXTFXzvAxj8B2rpxGI6QM6dJbs5eG+kAZefm5JBrnVRm1kQtvnmMa5xnNTZyYbE9wEiEcNszM5X5zjGDV9Uoi8y+u6O1EcoG4jOWGeMdq3s4xsyN2U7hxJIN2zKgDcO9ZTZSKhUAnr3rOxQgxtDEkYpASJhgX3KAvOPXmqQmWkdfKKsCr9sdDWqdkSKzSCMtv5PTJ7Um3YClKxYdM/WsZFogc1kyi74faNdQ8xkZ9qkgAd6yq35dDahZSux2qiGSZZYz8zcsB0qaba0ZVVJu6K9tKUf524PAzVSV9iYys9R06784OfQ0IJK4xZWePY/UcUW6i5r6MdDM0TYbO0+lDVxqVtzRRY7qIkHDVm7o1SUilKhSQqau5k1ZjDTEMNADGzTQATRYhiUwDNACZoAM0ALzQAnWgAHSgBRSBOw8GkUiVODQNEgPFSWSpQBIuKkpFhBhRxUmiJU54P4VJRMDjgUgHq2OfxoAVX7n8aB3IJpS5OTxTSE2Ubh88CrSMm0U52Oa0RmyOOJ34AyaG7CSbLSadMR9w1POi/ZsQaXL3H6U/aIXsmT2GnyLOpx0qZTTRUKbTOs0jeriMNjIwa5JnfSujqtH04MRLIVbJFck6ljrhT0NS4eCzUtEEz6Vkk5bmt1FHMa1qUk8m2Isu4YwO1dNOnY56lS5Fpdg9wTJ6djVTmloKEG9TdFzFaRoQdrAckVz8rkb8yiYeraibhmIlPHrW9OnYwnUuUrCN7mQOpG5T09auWhENTqYBb2yCfARyPmBFcru2dSskU77UvMQpG+0DmrjDuRKZz2q6yypshbJzjdjrXRCl3OapW6Izo1aWcSMdxPqK0bsrGWsndmtY2wSZS65yM5FYyldHRGNnqR6pd/Z2O1sD3OaqEbiqS5TnLm7e8mMYJx0FdKioq5xzm5s6LRbRLaz8w/e61zVJczsddGCjG4ahf8AmMzcBcdMUQhYU6l9Tnr+7kunEUYJUcDFdMIpas5ZzctEaGk6UciSVQueme9Z1Ki2NaVLqy5eztCGii6EVnGN9TWbaVkYN5eO37la6IxS1OSdR7DbGyL/ADSDNOUuwQp33NbdFDahI1AZecisbNvU3bSjoY9/eHO1eSe+a2jE5pzfQhtLRnlEr8n0qpSVrExhd3ZryuUj8vdgd6xSudLlZWKLXioAkbBn9a05b7mLnbREPlTTtuk/GndLYmzb1LKpDCoBBLdsGou2aWSGvuk/2R70w3Ks0iRHavzn2q0rmUmolfbJcN8+etVoiNZEscPlnOeKTlcrlsNuG2LkEfQUJBJlRCZOWGfrVszWu452CLx070A3YhX523H8KbJWo525wKBthGu0ZbrQ2CVtxGZiQB0oQm2x4wo3HrSK2GMxc4HAp7EvUeAFGKRVtBMHNBI/oKAE/SgBRj60AKOtAxcdKAFHTNAEUjccUCbK0jVaIK7HNWSJQAUALQAUAFACGgByrSAsRLmpbKSLkS4FZtlosAYAqGWPGMUgHgjHNIALHHFACbuB60wGOT3z9adgERWdsH/9dAzTsLNpDjBx9KhspI6rR7H7gI7Vm2UkdNCrRgAcH61JQ4SnG7cAG5wKCWIZG6HJHoeaYivPsk3ZbJJzzTQGXeW42su3AI7VaYmjEuoOCP6VaZBkXcXqMitExNGXcQ8tkcVRDRRmiwelUmSVJUxVCZERTEJQADmgBO9ABigAoAKACgAoA+opJFWPIx7kHrXz56rIoXzli2B2OOlSBbeQ8cA44BoAhJUkdgPXvQWI7/MeRnPFFgH7cryRnP8AeNACK5D53HAP05oIL1vNgBmA9hSsNEv2k4I5Jzg+xz/SpaGkNaYBTlsljmosMVpVSMljzz+FLqUjElnaV8qp3Oe3f2rRREb9hEsEAUrhs7mOazlqBYjJMvJOF5NKwic4zyckDoaAJIeuecHjijcTJpG3LwMEHp1pDHRBlctkH6epqkQy27naMgHJwT6VdyLDFYO/AIPrSAmSNTyeAOv9aAGsjHKZDc4NJlICrH5WUMdvzYqGMaxx8uQWzjikxoRQQ2CeDQhslUbepXB5BPU0yRFA3fKNo65qCwycAjkfSgdgG0d/mPNJgOj+ZWHcDp6UrANYnIwfTB+tDAjRgrZyACPQ5oGOjZ1zgDGewp3ES71JJyMD/CmISNzuz06Y4oAnJTaq5560ASIMAc5weaAHFi4Jxjnp6UmA0kb1A5C8ZzUDJgwLbMhh1+tUIVn2jofT/wCtQBGrZznnOMgHrmpuMVjg4A4x6c1QiK4maJCzn+H6GgDltUuSxduck96tGiiJoEIWMznkk9ambKehuRAMNoJznp6+9ZkGhbDKjIGMc4PWqQiw5QDGSMcirJByAp+YD0xQAik7eR35NIB456gnnbx39KYEilm+baufQ9M+n60xXHpgEsCdo4PHSqJFyM5yTnnk0ADYLjLBR9KTGhnAyoG04zx/KkUOOFYj+LGQOue9FxWI5WPJGM5zjFIaGc9WIbtn3qRsAOvHGc5I5piJA2SCVJB4HFCAa/CDHBH+NDAjdwG2rkjGKLDA8ZQlgo7ZBoAcmAp+UbgQRnrTEJvYDKjORk+/rQMQSfvMlfpSAkBAYfw8dj39KYhzOwIwwHekAhB3E7ecgHpigCN3KsScrjjBPejYDzD42eEE1bRJNTtA/wBsiw5AxzivqMrxKrUvZPdHlYum4T51sVfg58XZYTFonia7jeFQsNvc7Tujbptk9vRq1r0be9EVOaejPoGKVWVNrAqf6+9cydzW1mPkLkF1QHHQ47d6BjJMnBbIwM/LycUAUrnj50X5RjbmkgK3nhpFzyf7vp65oGWJwHi245xnaOtDQIbbuqxMp2juB1/+vQgZC08avlHI+o7/AF7UgK8s4ZiMEDPDA9/8KLgVbzzVZdvTH97k/T3NUBWllIlVPLLtnGM9KBCXMsTjOQrH+ECrsmQ2UrpJY45Lhg+2JS7kH5sVvRpOckjKpUUI3PC/iF4nEt9dwyupjmLRxtzlAP6nNe3JxpQ5ThjFyfMeNTAidwT/ABV48laR2p6DsZ+RR+NVa+wFq1nMamKONSxGC461cZW0RLRPYbIbpWkjSX5gcEZzz3rSmrSFLVF/UWilZpOQpPAznYPSt5u+pEdDKkaJZsKpdQeCeOK5pW6ForyOC3Ax6fSobKGkkcH86nYCQArtBJ2+lUgJwA7qzk9OpNXuSJLKGQjb7A+lDloOxVfBGQeKykUiJjWYzf0aK0g0N7iXctxI2FIPauWo25WOyjGMYcz3KkphMXytuAPIxVK6JdrFKYbxlV4FaJ2MnqNhc/dY4FDXUSYs6Dh1PIoTCSJIHEg2sozSasUncfteFt8JLY6ip0Y9U9C2qLdRb+BIO1TflLtzK/UqTRPGxDKatO5m4tEJHsaYhppoBtMhhQAUAIaAAUABNAAOKAFoABQA4E+nFJlLYlU9qQ0PU56UiyVTSYE8QzzUsuJMDk4FSWTg47VJQ9CfTk0AKDzjnj3pANnfaoGaaQMqM42E5q7ENlWRsng1SMmEMJmkC027AldnTaJpAc7mXjHpXNUqnZRom4LGGKPawByOmelc/O2dPIkio0US/KAD+FaJmdhiJFn5V78UwsibT8RytuQYFRLVFQ3NhNTaCDy0HOPxrF07s3VSysVS8t0xbEnqe1U7RJu5GtbaQFZJi27HUEVk6nQ0VPuW5PKgB8oDJ6gCp3NdFsc3qkwLSfvMEHoK3hE55yMlEe5nKAhTjIz3rVuyOdJyZt6XH5S+ZJ8jr+RrGbudEI21E1C4Mx+VweOfQURjYJSuYt5dBiYYsZZcfWt4rqc8p9EQWNkZyUA+ZeoNOU7Ewp30Ny0tVigJZF3Zrncm2dUI8q1INUvBFHkfdGelVCN2KdSyOSv7l7qYYzt+tdkI8p59SfOy3ptqBJubPNTOVy6cOrNSe4MMZGcgZzzWSjc6HKyMG/1B7pmhQfiK3hDl1OSpVc9EX9Hs2RN7pyMflUTn0NKUGtWaVxeoF8tVwVzk9qyUOpvKaOf1S8dpNiNknjNdFOBy1Kj6Bp1jJIQ74H1onO2iCnTb1L0uYtwU5x6dKzWpo7ooXd2OY0ySe9axh1MpT6EVpaswZ3GSKbl0JhDqzRdoo4xsGDtrK12bXSRlXdyzyeXGfqa2jE55zu7IsadYru8yTB9qiczSnTsWpiM7Yl/HNQi35FSVo4smQgt6elaK7M20tyq80033ORV8qRDk5bEsdmRl3X3pOY1DqTHCEBVz6VBZFdSqi4Jw3pVRRE2kZ5DyNu7VrsZbhI21fehCbsQk7zzTJ3DO3igL2AYySaAQMd3AoDccuFHHWkNbDCWY+1MW4o46UAPWkAv0xQAmfagBegoAMUAO60ALQMaxxQIglbrVIhlZ2q0SMpgJQAUALQAlAC0AGMmgCaNeaTGi3EgrJstIsKBtyKguxIOmMg0mMf0HBpABPHNACFh2oAaWoGh8cRdvrQ2FjUsbLcR7etQ2UonT6fZhSAq5GOazbNDet4xHGF/i/lUgL5mF5PPTrTJE3n5vX0NNCYFySCcfh/OmgGtIDxnmnYCvMqkHH8Q5yaaCxmXUIOCMZ7cc1SZNjKu4RhqtMkyLiHJPQ5q0yWjNuI8Z6VRJQlQZq0S0VZF5poTIzxTEAoAMc0AJ3oADQACgAoAKAPpq5bOU29TnHpXz56qHwbQmcgYHWpASd2L4HGeuKAGgkc9PxoKQ6Bg5Lbeh9aTGWZCSn8RIHApdQHRruHI56DmqJsNlJztGM9+f8KLghEchc4Yc8c1LKEE+W+UnjgknpUspEN9ecFEXjnJxyKaiJjdIQSyiQgEA8cd6c9ECN0vmMoO4zWKGWoiF+cE5x3PNMkcg53cEdgBSAtIdsI5bc3f0pE2HjJlwR3BNOw2yygxyAMn/AAqiAXJO5sbF9aBiwqV+YUEk6sBlSBk9eOaLhYA5A6YwePWi4yTAyQWGeOcUAROPn3Dtkeue1RYdxwiJYsODnt1zRYBGUjocA9selADQWY/Me3WpZZGhJJJJX1qWMcWPB6KD0zSAd91Se/BPPpQIZnfxkjAJFA0DsVTKH2JxQMjQgk55GOABjFCAmViYwoxkdcHr0piFyC3zZ/GgB8JYHJIA5+X0NAFpC3IZh16+gxQIZuO4Mvy54Pv3oYD0Xc+AfrU3GSEfvNwwGHT/AOvTEKSSuSAARjHX9aGAxxknAGO5IxzUjF53EAhjjj34p3FYyNdvAgMWBk9RVJajRy+97i58tTznnnireiNonRWMJXZkDCjPHHWsWxSZfgwSXH0x6f5zSRDL8IwRgkEccCtEQS5Uk4AP9aYCKSW+bA7gZ60AKpzu2qSD2FIB8AbJP8IUjv8AhTBliIooPO0eue9USMkx8xIY+v54ouFgiyJGJwBnIwKYhHYg4JDYP/16Q0xC+cMobk8gcUihc/Id645HPekwIs7gGOMDjOaQDtzcMhDDI/UUWATB7A46H1zQA9iuQmAe+RTFcjlbJ2twO3fp/kUihDjb0AIHGKYgbBJPIJ7GgB0QQ46f0z6UARkYAG4gj0FA0BGAOD0GMUgJIty4VACvQ8dPpTEOwW7857ck0gHED5u3HemBXmO1ugO2kxla5hWaN4jk7h0JyPyq8NiJUKinEmpTVSPKz57+I/gubRNWudSs4mNrPkThUzsB/ix7V9rRnDEQ54nhyjKlLlZ1/wAGfiHc+F7a20jxJqaXmjyHba35cs0BJ4R85+X09PpXJXocmsTenV5tGfQ0E3mIHjYFHUFSDncPY+lcpq0OZgB8u4kg++aYyrOD0BQ5PTHSkBmXgMS7iuGzgZ60wI4JjuLswDAYGTmiwXHNIEKltzhuvc59c0AMM8bbN0e8Y49/eiwXBn68DkZ4+Y/4CiwXK8sqFDH5nzEe5Ofc0C2KheePG4AL/wA9D/T86pITFkNkC024uwGSe/vW9Kj7R6GNSryLU5PxL4xtNM0qaITxPNN1DDKnnjP5D8TXrQoxpnC5yqHzn4kEl5fS3Lh/KLExZBGcmpq+87s2hZI5y+RVI/vHnOK4ppG0Sa0kW1ifzIt8joduf4Qe9XB8iE9SvFiNjzipSsPcuQsrpnAGOhzzW0Hcl6DpXBURDOB15yc1V76CK8wQR7mY7ycEelZSKRAygEgHIJqBiEkjOOBSGIgJcc/SkhFg89c5q0IRhkdD1oYENxgt8oAAHaokUiELulRD0LAcVk3YpK7sdB4iWzXEFsCnlRgYxjcccmuWnzPVnZWUUuVGEjMvCkgeldDVzlUmiwsoI/dgA981DXc0TTIZU4Lr+lUmQ0IjA4GeRQ0CYMpLZTINCC3YuWtypwkq4PrUSj1NYTWzJSsnmiSLp7VN+42tbosu8bKPNxyKlXLbT3IXigcEIwBqrslxi9ipLbyLng4q1JMzcWiu6kdRVGVmNpgFABj1pABpgJQAd6AAUALmgLDhwOaVikPBpDJAcDikNMfHz1oKLCHgY78VFhplmIEc8ipZoiTO48HNSVceWwo9aBjQ2ATgU7CuV7iQs3OKpIiUitI/FXYzbIQ2Wx2oJubejQqxBwODWVRnTSWp2lrhbYKuBj0NcMtWejHYr3u7qBjrVRIkzLuDIgyw4rVGTY2F1MmWyoptCTuaG0qnmA4DVn1sa2sRW+TMgYtlj1pvRBHVnV6PB5KKGxsPOa5Ju51QVixqGox26EqAwA5xUxg2OUkjmL/UWuZA0SNx2HQV0xp23MJVb6Ipi2ln8wlirjoMVfMkZ8jb1L9pZfuUllAGw9azlO+xrCnZXK+p3YUhV5OKqESKk7GO00kx2x53c8Vty21MHJy0LmmaU1yoblJVOcetROpyl06VzdSGCy2ytu3fzrncnI6ElDUz9RvkVXxwDzjNaRgRKelzlry4nu5HHRe3vXXGKicU5ymWNPsR5YlYZ9qmU+xVOnpdmjePbxxLsyDjHFZxTZvJxSMC7ummlESk4ziuiMbHJKbbsaGkWEQcs+Nx9ayqVH0NadJLU07mURowBAUDJIrNK+pvJ2OevrzziY4O5+9610RjbVnJOpfRD7Cyb7zgt7GiU+wU6fcvSuqKAuAB1FZLU2btoZV3fGMFIiDngmtow6s551GtEQ2dvKx8w9z3qpSsRCN9TQI8pSM9etZ7m2xn3d1vBiTr61pGNtTGc76D7K3GA7888mlKRUIrqXJX2rhcgCoSuaPQqS3u0mKMZPrVqF9WZupbREcVszvl26+tNytsJQu9S4gjgXbsUk9xWerNLKOxG0jN14XvVWJuQTXSxgrEAzdzVKPcmU10KbBpGySSTV7GW4btgwDQBXcl2x2qiHqBwo4NAbCdeTQAvUUAIOOBQJB1AzQMXOelACigBRSAM80AL9KACgBQaAHCgBT60ARStzTQmVZG61ViCEnNWhBQAUAJQAUALQAUASRrUtjsWY0GelQ2UkWkXgcVLLSJBnpioKHDjvigVxVpjuIenvQFxooAsQQs/OAR9KhspI1rKzJG7HpUNl2sdFp1oFUYGcdazbLNqLEahRgEds9ancBTKd3GeOvFUSMaQDqCD7UIlkZcDkkA56ZqgGPIfbC0ITGCVto6fj61QrCrLjoeTx9KRSI3wynJAPY80wuUbuIHI4HGapMTVzGu4e3Q+9WmRYy7iLr8oqybGdPFzgVSZFinJH61SEys6YqkJkZpiDmgBKACgA6UAFABQB9MwICMFeffrXzzPVJn4wDwAOnrSAhIBbJXgGkWNIBbAU+2aALKoqfKoyfX3qQHqp2gklh2z1oAtQ4CZYEnOCcUmwGyLzjOWPNK40RPhQQPujjgfyp3ArzYiTLD5cZJ9DS3GZeGuLnCMRk449a12RJ0FtCsNsqKMY68Vk3djJYWLS7hj8O9IGWhIBkAgnvx1pCLlswJLHpnnvQhMnbBYjOPwzTsTcmgAKlwxB7D196dhNkU8zAjkhs9OORSGkWrRtxBwGB4wBSAl++wzjA7imIXdgYA3ds4/lUsAYMcDpjrn09aBkxXAyME4pXAjBJZTgbc85NNAT+YBxkA9BzRcBisMY3ZGOOoApMEMfOSCcL6g4xSaHcbhsAjHPQYqGWhA3GOAe57mkAjEKCFYdMHIzSBDATkFcn6CmMYWz8owAtAx0chK4YkdOnOPanYQqMd2SuDn9KAJBghhywzkYoESIA7DoOOMjp69KYExYhQAAR3OOCKTYCSMWJx1PINSFiZGxuLc89cUgJRlgckZ7VQhoLfxEccmlcdhhJbI3Z/Dg0ANdtiMx+UKO/agDkdaud0kjqx4z1PFaxRViDw9EXdpm4G786VR9C9kdJAW8sHnDe1ZWJZctYlUD5t2Bn0zTSJZcUEKrNnPpmrJFQlmyOMDnFADiRtDAZOcUAOUNzyMZNABghdwHUYoAcjdcnI75ppgOJ3Z5xnjA70gHuVBIxkHn/9dUiWNDEqSB0PGe3NMQhY8k9ScjHapuWlYZIfxI6cUmA35Sx5xzkHOBSHYkyyqMENjgD0piBCd205HH40ALJtEYbj27H/AApsQxsmTnHAzkHH41IxpYjs3Oe3B9/emA1cqdpyVPc0gJCxAJ2DJ64NADFyeAc57+9A0OTlQWIBHp1pgOGfTv0AoEO4Y88ZHagBJDkAA5OOc+tJgVpn52hjj7p74qGylqRkkDYu31zjg1FyrFPVrNL+ykg+UFlOCRnH4V34LHzwz02ObEYeNVanzJ8RPD99oGqzNdRk2zP86Lwpz0bFfWQqRqwVRbM8lrkfKzuvgP8AFz+xb6Pwr4iu2fTXcCyuZTnyPRGP9309PpXHUpu90bwldWZ9QQSCWEMuGBAI96zG1YV443BKjbtHOeQaLAZt/bBVLMxJI456UWHczZbcrCXBDBhxk8CmguVtu7LiYDnHHQetHKFyddqnLlQvTGeeKVguVJCzyELIxB69STTsIjkMUZDSZXj5eRn8f0ppA2DPvZFeXC8nDMMHjI/z7V008O5/EYTrKOiPIPin4yutNilSyuZPORirKD/q245GD36Hr0r1LKjT905Ip1JXkeH3OvX11eGe5lc7uo7CuH20nK7OvlRJLq0jwnfnJ6DsPwqnUbQlFCaZYSTt9su1KwjJXg/N9KqlSb95kymtkT3Zt5GZyoZlG1SASAPWtJJXErmZIMNhD9MVjIpCW7EDGABjJz3FEHYHqWCxIX5lUDGCO1aNiKrk7yST781iykR5PQAn+gpDCQGMY4yetS9hgME5H5UIQsZbdznGe9UBN8yNluQe2aYiu7DkDis2Ujb8FWVpPeyXF+2yCFc5zj5u3JrjxE2laJ14WmpSu+gMYH1GV0uRIWJKllBz7VOvLsaaOb1uZd0u6VsLs9cd61izCaKrho26kGr3M9iRSGTPf0qepS1IShB3CqIaLEDK5ALAGpehcbMtNbjADYIP8Q7VHMacgkW+13OrFl6YptKQK8dSe0lgmyrkYPr2qJJrYuDUhZdPBBMUvSmp9xOl2EgjnTG47hmhuIRjIux2kU/3sKT3xUOVi1BSIrnTIo1yWFONS4pUktyobJD93J+lWpkOmuhWmtXTPynH0qlJEODRWZWBOQaoyEpgFAAOlAAKBod1oKHr0zUiQ8GhjJU4FItE0Z5qWBYB7ZNSaksfrxSGhHOXwPpQA2R8IRmhCbKjSZrQzbIXamJjEbEgosQbujyfOMVhUR1UmdhZuvDA5GK5JHfFkl3coqkLgZ5+lSkxuSMG+l3ScZ9zW8Uc8mQQSZcAgdeDmrkiIs2oVElsQAOB1rB6M6Y6ofaER4L/ADEnqaT1COhZl1QJEEw3PHHGKhU7mjqWKTO915m0sePWtEkjO7kWYrURxRSR8HuTUOV2y4xXQslwkhIKE4AO6psXcpX98WDIhANXCJE530RgXdwNxD5DZ61vGJzSl0ZPplszOGcMD1VhSlKyHCN2bzXixR4TBkHBx3rnUWzpc7bFO7v18svM2cdBVqGpDqdznbyZrq6QjcF7eldMUkjklJyloXbOyZnIAGDz1rOU0axgyeWQQRlcdKSVy21FHPX94ztsB710QjZHHOprYl0u33lZWUnnmlOVtB043dzauJY4EOGC1gk2dUpJGFe3rTN5UZ46cd66IwsrnJOo27Im02ywS7EfT0qZzKp0+pfa6WEFRyO5qErmrlymNqN6spKxAgnqa2hC25z1Kt9iO0hym5lzz3pyfYmEe5fikSMY2gY61m1c1TSKl9djd5cXOR1q4x01M5z6IZaWuW3EjceeabkKMepYkPlDGcKOTmpWpo3YpXF00/yJnr19auMbbmUp82iJra2ACuSM0nIqMCw7tnC/nU2LZDLOkQIJ3NTUbkylYqNJJM2MED2q7WMm3IkSPaCT1pXKUbEc5CJkfjTQpOxTLFjVoybFY7eAaAGqOMmmJBmkMCccCgAHqaAEOc0AKooAfSYBRYA7UAKKAF/EUAFACg0AIzcfhQBBI1WkQV5DmqQmNpiEoAWgBKADpQAUAPRckUmwLEaVDZSRbjHfFQ2aJEgxUlDl+tBNxy/SnYLDsjvSaGhu0kkCkMngg3c4xzxU3GkbFhZ5O48DFRJmkUb9laqB8w/Gs2WasI8tQvynjNIBXcqhIHI/SgRA7n7wODVE3IzJwORkdR3NCQmRmRj83BPfFWK5GZWJx24/GmJipMGXGMY9aB3HrKAeFx64pWC4vmEY4BweD7UWE2RkoV5zkcjPrTHcoXKBjkDGTmqQmZFzEOoFWmQzLuE71aIZRmjPpVJisVJUOO9WmSVmU0xDSDQAlABQAUAFABQB9PRqoC5zx2x/WvnT1RssnzDJxk496GNEbAc9u3J60iiS3Qg7sdeRQBMHO4DnGOcVNgJ4l+7kYA9u9NITJSdpDBwVH4ZpNAhkjKUOcA44qdhkIOXPPA6n3oZRmarcbmEaNnHU+tXBCJtEgY/vmAAXpxmiTEajyKeB9Ae2azAsD5Bnad2KBMdHjeDj5j+lJjNGJQPkwCD7e9MljWbEh57nrz2piJvN2KFAyc8ZpisVJpmZhnGO9SX0NKyyqAA85+lBDJXlH3jlj3oBDFYqD254OealjLKEAEuDjFIBHYMSQU45HHSkOw5DjG3g/pVLYQkrDG3B4OetIBhZc8ZJPOcfpUlC7x2XPc7fWhjsKrjO0Ocf1pDHptYYJ4x6++aBdStJlWzhTk9CaVihG+QbgDn3oC4sQZdpOfmz1/xosApYRx7cKMnP196YCqoYqcZI64FFhEhOMYOG4GKALEfIJOOPegQjOm7IIAHWoYxwzkkqozjkcUuoyRS+4FsemQetMQ9iduQckHNACy53gdAcE5pDGswHJPTqPSmIoa3dKlqQH+8MY75qogjitRcyyiJerdQOgrdaIqK1Oj06DyrURqAO4JrneruWzRiyAAFyR274qSGXrcFVAx161SETZ4xgsQKokdnp97HXk9qAB2BGAxOOxoAlVOQRlRn1xQIeFwwAOeM4HSgLjwwVSF+Uc+9AyM8sDzn+9QAobjHU+3OaLisNGNzMMDHt096LjsP3K2WBGNv50AR843A8H0PWhgIASCV2kfWkNikENyeM9aYhQCH2g4GOM8UCHOeMEqOnQ/WhgiPJCgYDY7UDEJ3YBJVlHPp+VACxABtwIIPXtg0IGOdiQASMgZwD2oAYpzIMevpSGSEZZfl69D7UCG8HcdqjI4ye1MB3JwuQPp2xQA2RyT8pAI7A0mBVfDSZOd3bPas5FxIpWA3OMAHj6VDKFztj7geuOKaEzmfGnh6y8R6VNbXUQEhU7H7g17OW4/2X7uexxYnD8/vR3Pm7W9J/sa6nstRiR4wxWOYcMnPf1r6PRq/Q81Hs37P3xSktJbbwZ4jud8bjbp96z4AHaNj/ACP4Vx1afI79DeDvo9z6IUF5GOOAMsR39qzQwmRWxhAenuR74p2FcpXFsPmYhVY5AI5p2C5hXMUMMgjxnjBwvJ9aqxJAN+9zhQc8HNJodyJo5GZDLIUQH7gA55oUb7DbsYfijVV0hoUkQLI+DufHAHUAf1r0sLhE/ekcdau9onhHi/4i6tFfvBaXUsZRycA8YOK1q4jk92IqdK6vI5ltdGrzSy6lmWeXqzH7x9SazVXnWpfJbYxtYtIoHRonDK/YHOD6VzziaRY63s1W3E87jn7q9a1hTsrsly1sWBezmRVWTCIPlTHArRSdybBOiohYKSp4zn/PrTegFGY4GEH4msZMtIiB2n5+9SMeZAV2AAqPai4rCyGMIBgknoap2sCG7VUb88E8CoGRkhsluOPTrSYDY85HIGaSAmiyGBZhnPFUAPnexzkk/jQwIypdgF4ycVnLQa1Z22rx6ZaaDHp1tEEnijDzOwwZGbmvMjKUp8z2PVlCMafKtziicMQDhu+K7Tge9iVJgyGOUnPYipa6lKXRkUikjDde1Mloh+62aojYkGGBYUitxmw5BA+lO4rF20mdAUk5THes5K5rCWlmW0iSW3MqyKSDgr7VDlZ2Zpypq5Xktc5MR6elWpdzNw7DIbmWA/vFJA7U3FPYFNx3LJuolXftOD6VHIy+dbhFqEWRgFSD3odNjVVF62eK+kCmULj1qGnEpSUmaRs7a2Xe/wAw9az5pM35IxV2Ubqe3IKxx54qoxZlKcehnSxLISfLI5rVSsZuKZSntiGOBxVqRjKBWZSp5FWZtWEoAXpQAo6UFIf2qRj1oYDw3akUiZKljJkYlutJlJk5IC9RUmhGGIJzinYnmIZXzxVWIbuQvTQiJulMlsiY/MKpEs1dKmKSK2eMVlNG1NnV2NwJdq9MjA5rklGx3wlc0obdZIyXGcnArJu2xrGN9yvf6fGI+CAcdu1VGZM4IyGtJElXaQQPwrbmujBwszbsY28k5PbvWE2dFNWQXi7FVV49aIjlojNVS1xjex/CtHsZ9TpNKtNj/Mu5WGc+1YTkbwjYuXbQwQAYUqO3pWSu2bNpI5nVLyJfnjbb2xXTCNzmqTS1MR9QeWQL7YzW/JY5vaX0Len6c08reaAy9frUTnbYuFLmepryJFbQeWpGR0xWKu2btcqsYtzc+Wd4JDD1reMbnPKXKVY2e9lMbnacZGe9W7RVzNe+7M1LPTVMQeTIKnH1rKVTobwpaXZNdyLEFKLyvBNSlfcttLY5/VLyTzCm7O7t6V0QgcdWo9irY2rTPkrk9c1cpWREYX1NlSLaDDYFYbs6dIoxNTummYrGTjPNb042OWpO+xJYWefnfPXilOfQqEOppOyR/KGHTmsrXNm0jKvbrzZPKjHFbRjY55zvohbOzUHe3P40SmONPqWpCscRUYxULVl3sjKuJ2kO2Pp3rZRsYSk3sSwQMMEj3NJyHGBJLMqZycUkrluViq8ktw23HH86qyRk5ORYtrfYd2R9KmUrmkI21JS+FGThRU2KuVprhnYCJTjoTVqKW5m5dh8VqSN7K1JysNQ7k5jWPGRile5drIrTygHgYFUkZuRSkd5GwRxirSsZPViMAijg0XC1iMDLZqiRHweM0IGIDQMMikAA80AKBn3oAf0oAM0mAoPpTAB1pALQACgBaADPpQBGzcdKaRLZXkbmrRLIic1QhKACgBaACgBKAHKMmgCeNM1EhpFqNOKhs0SJunFSxh0NCQx6nikFh6ntRcByqeppXKsWIoc9Bx61LGkaljakHOCc1Ny7G5aQbUGR17AYqHqFzQQhRjHT1NJjQ5WB5xjtSsFxHk527fY5NAyB3AUc45yKaJZAWyxfPOcH3qhMZI+M9evA6U0SR7ycZzTQBv4IHXtzxQBIrgrgdqAHFgcDB9OKAEOCc5oAjfJG08nrmmgKNzESpwo5ppiaMu6h45HGeK0TJsZ08fX2qiSpLHjIxVJkMpyoKoRA4xVCGEHNACUAFABigAoA+lzOUXk57c186esiIsSQ/HPtSKJIm8wdcgGnYC1uAQgdQcVNmA9MkbiuTnnmiwFgEgqehxwapEMTO4H5fr2qGWiCbLHC4z9aQEN1KsMBYE89yKErsZiweZdXQIydx4z0rTZCOlhVYYUjyQcdjWTdwJYY97bicY6f40gJnLFsgZKdc0AS26kgE4yefpQDJt7YGNxIyfrTRBNF904GD0xnGTQA2aXahxjIAIpDRCifMB37YoGy/CQq455IoJJWOfp14pMLAjliTgYz1H8sVIWJjJgZAxxnFIdhAzMyA8J16/pQMmU7UGB04Jz+dVckHYsx2g457VLKQxXIHzEHqffPapGhhkOPv5OORjrQxoj3AZYYOcZx2oGBc5Cl+p7jpSENEgLDGcdTQMmMqvgDrjH0pgSrsDHHJ9fWiwrkD4aTliO34U7BcsxoQmApH8PHb86LCuOKt0ADYP5UABZYxt6Z+bJ61IWGbtwyWFSUSqSCecAAdfeiwEyswxj5SBniiwhysu47QAcc0bACtkk557gGgEBYNucZ6dDTQjlvEN2GlYA5AxnFaxQzK0WPzr5pWXAzxk05u2hpFWOni5Y71yM9c5rEm5dh+b5iGGPQ9MUkSX0+7hs7unFWK45RnAGeO/pSAUkjI6DPc0wGr95i3TOeaALEZBkBHemmS0O+ZlbOe+3HeqEHK85wT09qljQitn5toPsaRQhYqTg/Q+lACcdSxGOhxQAu7CqOAP4h6VXQm+o0ZK5UnGc/X8KllCkkk/PtPahIGwVs4DYHPUUWFccx+bO49cnPaqQmhu4HoxGevGakoaSST1xigCPacrnOccfN0oAlziPAYA8jPXmgADDJ3HBzjr1+tABH6gHcPU80APJXJ3cnHGO1ADMhVJ3dR269c0ASbmx8owCBz/8AWoAZI+B8uAPXsPyqWBUkBX77df7vNZMtIjB+b5iDn8gKQ7CsSsOQc9xTSJKdy2FBIYZ54OaexcdTkfGHg3TfE9m6ygR3JU+XKOOe2a9fLsy9k/Z1NjkxWE5vehufP3iXw5d+HbxrTUUmARspKnQe9fRWjJXTujyrtOzPpL9nr4kSazp8fh7WrkPdW6AW9ySB9oToAf8AaHH1rmnScdVsbRlzbnscMyytuDDjjHT86lAyrcKkm7yywJ+9zxTFcy7pVWXGwM+fzpWGYmoXEsMruvylVzg8ECtqVKVR6GU5qO5yniPxjZaLdJJNLJ5qpuI44J/vemOK9CFCFNXZyupOo9DyHxt4z/4Sy/MtrcTMEGNrDDEdOD9PzqlUi1yxLVPl3OA8Q2UguGndyxIznrXLVjrc2izNtshl2rubuKziUzY06Gyfid3+0AZweR9OtdNNR+ZnK4s58tCrMCowQB3+mauWmhKVynIdjliQf7oFQUKrl4lRiehwO2e1F76AQSDbGynIYH5gTWT0KRXb7wGOT0NRcY4DKlTx70wHKQOW+bjg0CGHkcDrQMbIhUDkcj1qWA1SBz1oQDiVLZ/hp3AHfljxk9alsdjqPBumaf5M1/qyuyIMQx46nHB/z6Vw4mrL4YndhaMWnKRVnlaW5nmmmWYjkow+96AYpJJKyLd223qY93HGn7yNhk8gA/draLezOaSW6KpOep5qzPcmi/eA7zgjvUvTYta7jZOeNp+tCE0QqSjcfjV7kbFyH5l3Dp6VmzWOw+KMynaBx6UXsNK4oke1JEWASMNzmlZS3BScNi3bOjW5dflc8FSetZta6msWmrkptIhDi4DK7DK+hoU3fQfIrambAyW9w0cykoTxWrV1dGEWovU0o4NOkGGYrnoaycpo3UYPciksWt3822feo5p899GS6fLqidpri6j2tu47ZpcqjqU5OSsaum2MaDzZACSOlYync2p00tx+pfZIocEKCPSlHmbHPlRz08yMWAANdKRzSkmVSiuwGKq9jO1xxsXAyBRzoXs2QyW0i9jiqUhOLIyhXtTuK1hBnPSkBIKAHJ+lJlIkBoGSo3FSO49nJxRYfMIzHpk0hXImzkmqEMZWbsaAEMEpX7tO6E4sgeJwehqrkNMmtXKEZBFS0UnY3dKvdvBOQDWFSNzqp1LHQ2l8xjODkD0rnlBHXGpoE7zmMuCWDDOPSkrA2zOZ5VIcA+/FaWM7sv2V1IzIMHbn0rOUUawm2aVxFutw27cevNZp2NGropwQlbkF1yo64q3LQiMdTZjvBb42N8oFYuNzVSsY2rXzFmcMcMSAPStoQMp1DAnSa4Ll2Ax2rdNI5mpSeottbZWMtjg880OQ4wOgguEhjAUfgTXO1dnUpJFHULgkb5GAz0xVxVjOcjLSA3EvzfcJ4IrW/Kc/LzM6DTraCGJPM2+Yv61zzk2zrpxSQ+4uAQwQ7UPWkkOUjD1i+jAaOEEt3Nbwg+pzVaiWiMa3gaVwzsTz1Nbt2OdRb3N5AkESugycc1z7nWkkjG1G8Yu6856DNbwhoctSo7leyR2fOM1UtCIJmx5qxQquAGIyaxtdnRzKKsjHvbks5WMnnrW0YnPKWug62gyysfrzSlIcYlqRxGuAfxqVqW2Z0s0kzeWM46VqopamLbloTW9vsQknNS5FxhYfPOI056AUlG4OVigwaeXIGBWmyMdZF2FQmMgfWs27m6ViV5Y0XLkFs9M0kmxtpblGR2nbaOB2rRKxi3dluztwpORjvzUSkaRjYstIFAC9c9am1y9indTqudx3HsKuKM5TKDFpHzzj0rQx3YP8gOMUDehCXLUybiE84oATOKoVxBQFw7UDHKOc0mA/9aQAaACgApWFcXtQMWgBRQAgoAa5oRLIZG4q0iSBjk1YhKAEoAWgBKAFoAAOaAJUWpbGWok71my0icDigocetABn8aljQ8c8e1TcZJGp7Uh2LlvET1pMpGlbW/HSpKNK3QBcNkc44oAtRyDjgj9KlgTI+e5PrxipaGPUnHBHakFxsknX170CuV5nyQDn61aEROxzyCB09qoGRu+VBbtwKESN3kDjoKYCqw6HjFAh4Pfj6ZoGPQ54IIzmhgKHPOCfy6UgIi43MO4/WmIThycEYxzmgClcRD3x61aYjPliA5A49+9UmJlG4jA6d6q5LRRmjxzVJkWKkseKpMRXZSDVCGYoAKAEoAOaAPo4ybyNvQeor549UHxjCn3pFJk8GFjwDgnqcdqVxjwSZCAQSOOvemBbh2qMZA4AHqaW4D/N7A47c/5+tNslDJZuHOQFHGRUFEPmENuIJA59aLgY+rXYlZY1OR3xVxQGloVsEj8+QnGPlHpUzY0aAJlIOAc1mDLsGI4z82Aep9RQIWPDy9h265pgWhu8tgc49fakSMXgg9M9WxzmmhE24LGcnHYZ60MCEN5hBZcDI6jNIssQr+83NhgOlBLZPuwPwOMfzoENDAsMEn1zUyGieMY+ZSc9sCkDYzzCMbC2PXtSZSJFcjAGAP5dOlBNyTed7Bc4HX0ouOwiP8wIck4A/wA/lRcYmc8nBGPzNJiQNIFA25DYzikURgOcsD29uPrQMTPOQRyMYPekA0n+HvngAYoAfG/OwDk859aYDpZHxnjLHoO5oAdA5IPX60JiLAfKYBOVHNVcViSLGMHg9SPekAk0Z/vMT+ZqRobDGeSw4/vUmBIpYSYP/wCugLkmQYx8w56EUCAseo4Y8A4pAKzBRyfmHqOooGV7+4ENqw56cmqSA4TVbgsSnDO56Y9a6UgW5t6JbmG1QY4bk1zyd2avQ2YlwoyMgntU2My/bqu/levYnrTSJLMjoGwc8Dg5pgEbfKRnk/rQApYBcBtrdzigBd2BgnOeDk4p2E2OVsOwTjAxgdqdhXLC4OFYMcDNCEyIhdgcEA4OMHpQykKMK2SBgn9KljGynJ+8AynkD60AJkNnDHPUmmhMey8cHaM9PXvTZKG4IOMAVJYzCqAxA9ifWmhMkB2KMkADODwKdhXFxltuQ6k9SeuKVyiN8BcbsevbFJANf5QCMDHoMUwEU/Pt3lWoAkchTgYbHYmgBWXc5bnBPGTSQCoCgDNkdufXNOwrj8FmB5GFJGOvWkMSNcEZHTsO/pQAkh24CoBnJyOKAIJm5Gev4VDY0QySEheuerE1maDMAruPKg5FCE3YZcShQMHIJ456/wCc1VhXKN04ZcDJz3A5/OpZpHYljjOTk4FIGyn4g8Oabr1hJaXsG4uuA46j8a7MPjatB+69Oxy1KMKi1R4l40+G2reFZU1nQ7maRIX8wFD8yYOR0r6TDYuniY6aPsebUpSpPXY9b+D/AMVU8TwLpWpzJDrkSk7CuBOB3HvjqKc4ez9Ai+ZHoz6nCGCl1JzyM+lOKctiXZbmDr/iGOCQRxSmIvktKcbVA9a7qOF+1M5qlfpE878efFXTrWJLTTZVuUYFZS+N3Tvnvk1tFwhuZ8kpbnj3jm4fW5Pt0MjOhUs/dh9ams+daGtNcuhyNu01tJuDMnHGDjiuVXTNnqXHa4uYwSGji5yexFXZy3FsOY2zWogtElRz99yOo9KqyasiSvbo8M6bhyp60KPKxt3NK4uoJU2koxx17/StXNMi1ig+6M7gRjtis5XKGqrBfmO0nndzzR0AjuAp69gM56mplqUiqxIbH9azYyaNTwWJGBwPWqQhSm7q4phcQqNg6ZFIBOASere4pMCFlO75efXipYxQQePX0pJhY1vDFh9u1ZB5DyRRAySjdj5V5PJrGvU5InRhqXPPY1vHOonUGhuomMa7cJF2jQcAfpXJh420Z04mSlZxOet52JVQSBg810OJzqTBtgO58Mc9ulAWRBKCzMyjHtVoiRCSD+FMi5L5m8BeFxU2L5rkb9apMliwswYFTz6UnZ7ji30NSKWJhtVijnAY44NZNNG6aashl3B5MmxmVh7URldCnGzsVpY5Nu5Tz1rROxm0y9a3oe3S2m+YD+I9qzlB3ujaNW8eVlW5gLAnqAeDmqUkRKJEHlgXa6gjtVWUtiLuO5Pb3S4wrlSe3Y1MosqMky/p8qo/znrWcloaw0ZbutVijTZGfm6CojTbNJVUtiKGI3sqlicEZNNtR2JSc9y6miwCFmZuRyPep9qzRUFa7Kc1vbxtuUkYqlJszcUhIXAbaabTDQtiKOQAcfnUXaLsmRS6fE6kr+FNTZLpopyaYxGVAxV+0Rm6TK01gytwBVqaJdNldoyvXFO5FmhY1JPTigZbitnYdDU8yKUGyX7FJ1NTzor2bI5beRQTjjNUpITgxsVu7NgihsSizUs9OTaC+RxWUpm8KaL7adGFwcc+tRzM19mivc6TEeF4B65pqoyXRTMm5sBExHpxWqncwlTsVU3QyYBFXuZ7HQaFPgqx+lc9VHVRkdPAg27iAy/WuV7nathkltCkJAXg80czFyorN5MJWRcDHWq1YrJajJ79JCQikqfzNPkF7VdCe1LBTIrkcdCaTsC7lS8umQiMdDweeaqMSZTsRQj7Um4KdynkVT0JT5iW7h2/vI1BVhgjFTGRbVtTOZjGzAgDB6Vpa5m3YqTX74OcZ6VSgZuqx9pFPcSr0ZW680NpIIKUjUEAtYSFIHPQmsubmN+XlVivLMS5ZpCqjpVJEORWvL12YRqeDxVRgtyJVHsipFayyS8jOTg1fMjPlbNC2tIo4ZA4II5rOUnc2jBJFHUbry0ChhgcDmtIRuZ1J2MdVeeYP71s9EcqTkzWhUW43juMVi3dnQlbUqXt2WBUY3VpGJnOZDYwM+SRz605ysTCNy68qxxbOeOprO1zS6Rmzu8r4TO3pWqSSMm23oWrWNYzlgKhu5cVYdcXMaKwUn6etCiEpIz8vcOSTx0rXRGOsi9bxrGo3dazbubRSSI7m4CtgFSe1NRJlKxBFA87eZ2ptpEqDkXxbrCAxPGKhyua8lgnuMIVHC+tCiEp6WKT3DP8seQPWrUbGTk2NEbMo3cmmA1zsz2oEysSWPtV7Ge4jHHAosDdhoPHNAriZpiD2oGh6j2pXKJAKVwEOBQAdqBBkUDCgVhRSGLQAnNAC0AROapIggc1aER0xBQAUAFABQADqOKAJEWkxlmJKzbKSJ1XA9qkofjgUxgKTYxyjNS2NE8SEmpHYuwQZYDrSuWkadtb9Djp60hlsAAYWkA5WGD2oAnV9ozkknoaQEqSEDknn1pMB2/JHBOeppWENZgQc9O1AEEhJIGc0xkT9fTmqRDI2IPB6e1MBq9CTyKYhVPOc0xD1bDccikMeHOaQxWI4yelAEakg4PrQIcuByevOKBg4U4oEU54QUwB0qriM+5jHAIxzVoTM+ZOvFUQypOntVIllOReelUmIrsMHmqENNABQAlAH0PHIcA4AB6V88etckgzu+cYxzQJE/mhgAM/WpsXckgA7EfU0ybk7HHqWHtQIZ5mCSADnj6UmUkRtIS3HP16VIyK7m8uBt2MY4/pQlqV0MuwQ3Vzkg/MetbPREnS7lji256DIrCQIktUzhs8n7vNKwMsluGG77vTFFrAWIwVORxk8Y7GgTHhicAHJXmgkWIHGep6dKbQCzkAfKffJH4YpbjRNCqAAjOO49eKNgbJSVB7gdh/9ekIVnKjAwSOnpQCEi+Y7fX04zSsMnZwAVIwB0wf8aT0BjUYFlbIJ6cZzSGiRThcHCjOcY6daAsNZ/nGQevAqRgzqznHpj60AIrruyQBjp7UDEB6BuT169qQCyOeoHI6+1AxpVSTjgew60AMmmDELwMdvSgEKjcADPrx2oBjpuZBjOF9qAJYWVc7SQc96BMcjgsT0J/P60MEWUIQcnr/AJzRcBglbOCSQePpSHYnZ9vvjnFBI9djv95uDxnvQApQKMAn0OT3/CgBGBz1P17mkAjEFiVb5gOhoA5/xPe7UKhs4PbsK0ghnL2oNzfLtJYA5OeOK0k7IuKOusww5wMAevT2rnvccjVtc8Yxg88nmmZl1HwMADAGKYhGdQCFI/xoAXjpnljxn0pgKNxl46dfrSAm46nAJ/WmhNAOcsQSCcnHQUXCxMrDjPOMdOeKaYmhrMPuk8D0oYIRjg8dBk/WkUNTknAzjOc9aBEq4AGDyR/9aqJuNABIO45I/KpZSQjggFOOfSkMbJ8oABwAcdaaEyVCDzkkZzmhsSQxm+XcpyynBpFDSQF6N06ZoQEe4qV3DpyT3NVYlsdEAW5PboTRYLsmAHAA5Ld+5qShGODk4wO46UITDb5ke4OeOVPSmFhVII3MwxkduDSGPB3gFjyKAImbruAPOc0mBUnckEZ5BxxWTLRHztwM4PWpY0OhXG4tnpxntQiWVHcAncmRnHJqxoqRsGkOMAA5IxUs1Ssi9ByDtXGB6UiWXFIG3hc59OaqKuZsbJGk6mJ49+4Y6dfaumjTqyl+7WpE5QS944DVfDXgi38RJqk5eC6t2V2SN9i57cjn8q+zweGqxpr2+rPCr14837orXvxb0i0kuAIo5GhYKMHlgO/ua6X7OGzMVCctzz/xF4tv/Ed+9xBKwtWBBjA5x2GPy/Kmql46FKmo7nmepQypeTFi33yckc9a4ZJtnSnoW9P1C4hgMKctnjd0FVF6WJaJ5LRUjS5uZVZ2+6F5UHvWnIkrsVynPcyyP5RZWXAG7pUttsdia3ttq7mYAZ9a1jC2rJuF8UaMeXsLZ5IHJFE3fYEQIoAQvxk8n/CpSGWckRbQBsz3Xk1QiGVg7MpAUDpx0/CpeoypchtwBPTqPSspFIhBGe1IB7OTIMkgHv1x9KaAc4AAU9fQDk0AKhwwVuXI+XHb2NCARxyRxuzSYEOT0NSxl7SNLvL4tNHbs1vEQZn6BRWNScYeprTpSnstDotR1PTri1i0yxt1ijV+ZlYgv6g+orjjCSlzM7pTg4qMTOu52WLySyyI3ysWUfKB0xVxXUiTsrGJcqEI8skjua3jqcs1bYSJweSMmhoEyRtrA7iA3TikVoyJwNuMY9Kq5FiI5A561RJJH8/B6gUnoUtR6xFlDAH8OtTcaiTROqjn7wPAqWmWmkTGcyTfvUz7jtS5bLQrnu9UJFGJJsAr5ecEk4obsJK7LmqWPlWgZCuzPDDrUQndmlSm1HQzI5gg8uQ/iTWzjcwjKysxwkwfnwyGkO6JV09J4zLEwXBxilz2epXsk9UVXFxbSbWzxVKzM/eiWIJoycuASalplxkupvafe2wjCttX3rCcWdMJxSHX2qJs8u3Bb1NKNPuVKqrWRj3E1wBueNhmtkkc7kysblg2ec1aiQ5liDUWUAYORUOmWqpINRc87T+VL2Y/assRao2ACp9KTplKqKX+0ZC9aVrBfmHiwBUE/nS5x+zHwW0QkwSAKHIagjWt4oAqgYOKybZtGKJZUjEZ4GevNSXZWKU0Ub8Koz7c5q07GTV9iQWgjAZse1JyHy2ILi5EZ2qDVKJLl0GjUW/D60+QPaE/27zI+MHP6VPJYr2l0Etq00QcDPHOKFKwON0Zl3ZbDuwc9cVrGRhKBFZzNbTfMOKclzIUW4s37PWMIABuxwK55UjrjW0sSPPNISUZvm7Ukkim2ysYLiQgOSCx9Kq6RnaTZasrBhcbW6genWpczSMNTWlULaNjGVGM45rBas22Rz88ZaYnDEZroTsc8ldm7o1pscSlfkK5INY1J9DenDqN1e5gjtz5YGRRCLbCpJJHHalfZbPUk8YrshA4alQpW0jyzYI61dkjJNyZ0WnlYbTouR71zS1Z2wsokE88ksnUhKpKxnKVyq0jSYTPyseDVWsQ3fQu21k0kYV0+deVbPaolOxpCnfQ1WMcMCMQM9MVlq2dGkUY2p3yAMy5UN1FbQgzmqVF0OeZmmuOckHpXTayONu7NLT4kELFyQV71lNs3hFdSvqd0VJReg7irhEipK2hSt0aWRXOetW3Yyim2akbGIMqkDI4rJq50XsZl3M8rYB4+taxVjCcrsntIysYY5/Cpk9S4LS4t1ce9CiEplaGJpnyxNU3YySuW41jiBzgn+VQ22aqyK9zPu4Tk1SiRKfRCW9vvO5s03KwoxuXY28hVx+RrNq5qnYhnu1zydzelUoEyqIqgSStk5AqtjPVkqKEGBg0FbDJJ9vYE/WhITkRkmTk8U9idxkmB7U1qIhPvVEsSgQnFADkFJjRIOlIoUUWATrQSmLQUITQS2LQUKKAAZpMBe9ADHbFOwmQO1WkQyE1QhKACgBaAEoAKAHoMmkxliNeRUtjSLUa4HvUGlh/A/xpAAoGOC96m40WIo8mpbKsXLeHGMqefSkNGnbxjAxjpmkO5YTAGAaAuOL8kcEjOaBjQ4G0dPpRYTJEcH3oaEmTKT+fWpZQoJzjqMc0gFz3znGcCgCN85A/pTAjbt3pkDGOcLzimA04HXHFAhFbAx1IHJIpiF3c4wenpTAcDjn2qShWOfX60AG457Y9cUAIG+fkYHegAcgLyTg9MU0JjQ6tgBcdqdhFadB09ORmnEDNnjHpmtCGUZU9uaLiaKk0Z7VaZNipKmCaYiFl71QhtACUAfQSfcP1/wAK+fPVRbj+6P8AdP8AOpKBPvfgaYMsQ/6ofjR1F0JLjof93+poEV0+6fx/rUspEdt95v8AepMaKerf6hvrVR3Q5bB4a6N/u1cyehsnv9f61jIIbFyz6r+FCGxYfvH6mnISLyf6l/rWYMYv9apEonk+6Pxpslgn+qH1P9KkpFhPuH60MGSJ0P4/zpCGJ/rP+BGgY626j6H+dICyn3H/AN4/yqZFEFt94/59aBjn+4P9801uIH/1S/jUjHmkAXX346EMjm+8f92gQS/cX/e/wpFEy/8AHt+AoAzrr/W/8CP8xQMt2/8ArU+n+FAAf9Y3+e9NCZInQf8AAv60Ehbfe/P+VJjRZP3P8+lADF/1kv1/pUsZYbp+NAE8H3/x/wAKBC+lUIlP+tX/AHahDK6dX+p/lTEcX4k++31P863plIoeGv8AXj/f/oaKpcNjrrb7/wDwI/0rnQM1bD7gq2ZlgdB9D/KgRHF/rfzph0La/fP+7QwGL/rJP9800SyV/uRfT/CkUOX/AFj/AO6aZLHP0/CktxsYPux/Shghx6t9f6UkMYv3j9DVkFmPqv8Aun+dIOpBN/r0+v8AhSRQHr/wEUAOf/j4T6D+tCCQsn/Hu/8An0oYkQp/q2+tJlIZF/y0+v8AWqQnsEHb6UyR56n6CgB0vUVCLY8/6tv9ymxIVeg/64/4UkMW3/49ZP8AdWhgO7j6J/WkBVl/1Y/36ljRWm+6/wDn1rItbDI/4vp/Wkxip/raZJWb/VSfU0+pRnW/+tb61LNGaVv2+o/pS6ksu2f3ofq38666H8RHPU+EvRf8hJv+uRr6/C7Hi4k8J+NX/IRn/wB0fzr2Jfwzipbngt7/AMfa/wC9XlPc7zofCv8ArW+grWlsRMra9/qJP+upqJbDRlJ95aANe0/5Bg/66H+VXH4RPczf+Wx/GpW4dDRs/wDXRf7jfyNdMdyHsU4fvP8ASsUWOj/10X+8P50+wdC63Vv96rJRSuP9Z+NQxlWfv9axZSK03Ws5FIuQ/wCojq47AxZOo+tDELD/AMfI+tNAOf7zfWkwKz1DGeheC/8Aknmq/wDXwv8A6Ca8zFfxonq4T+BI421/4+R/vGumWxyQ3Jb7/Xt9aUSqm5VP3B9DVozZXi7f71UyERT/AHz9aaAbL96P6UlsDI5ulUiXuNg++tEtgiaVp98/Q1lI3gRr/wAfv401sQ/iLcfRvrSKQ2Hr+P8AUUMDVvv+QGv1FZQ+M3n/AAjBveoroickwX/Uih7h9kv6d/q3+orOe5tTDUf9a31pxCe5mj7/AONaGBZH+rqSjT0zq30rOZvTLupf6gfSs47mk9jnz98/jXQcr3Gr9+hgi7H9wfWs2Whz9TQNk9h/rR9KmRUNzWf/AFY/3axR0Mzz1H1q0Zs0rL/WD6VMtjSmWbjp+FQjSQ2z/wBaPoKGTEsXv+qpIt7GHcfxf7wrc52VJ/8AUj8aqJnPYm07/VfhSmENjobD/j0/4DXNI7IfCZ2p/d/P+daw3MZmFN1P0roRzSLemdV+h/nUTLp7nT2H/Hv+Irke53R2LXeD/eqerL7F7/l8H0/rUdDSW5Uu/vS/Q00TIzl/16fWtnsYo6O1/wBQ3+6a5pHTHY5fWf8AlpXTA5am5x1//wAfB+tdkTz6m4/T/wDj4T60S2HT3NyP/Vt9K52da2GTf6s/hQiHsJYf8e7fWqluEdjcg/1//AKwZ0or3/3F/GnHcU9jntU/pXTTOKoV7T/XL9auWxENy5L9yX61mayMm96mtkc8yzYfc/GokXAsXP8ArPwqYlyMxP8AXfj/AFrV7GHU1E/1QrFnStjPvP8AWVstjmnuWbXoaiRpEjn60+gpFSH/AF4q+hmtzVt/uH61kzoiMuf/AGamiWZj/wCuWtehg/iLqdqg1Q1+9JCZSP8ArPwqyCwPur9aRZDcdW+tNEMjb7tUJjKbJCkBInWpAfQNA3UUDYDrQSLQAh60AA6j6UAKvT8aBod6/Sgoafu0CIn+7TRLIX+7VolkdMBKAAdKACgAHegBB94UATx9aljRbjrNlosL0FSywf7hpoBw70mND4f61LKLsH36llIvW3U/71IC/H/ql+lIBexpgB+7QMQ9vpTQnsOh+631pMkmX75pDQJ1pMol7/iKQhJOp+tMZA/+r/4CKpEsbF2+lDENP3D9P60ITEX7/wCIpgPP3hQADoKEDHHp+NIA7/hQMU/e/D+lAEUn3/wqiRo+6PqaAIpu/wBKEBSl/i/z3qxFGf7rVRJUn+831qiWU5OtNCKz1SEyM9BTEAoA/9k="/>
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"/>
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"/>
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</svg>) With our experience and future vision, we keep pace with modern times, as well as the desires and needs of our clients. More than 56.4% of our clients actively use digital channels for payment and cash transactions, primarily mobile banking. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 154 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Disclosure on Shares and Shareholders of NLB 1. Information pursuant to the Companies Act (ZGD-1), Article 70, paragraph 8 1.1. Structure of the Bank’s share capital The Bank has issued only ordinary registered no-par value shares, the holders of which have a voting right and the right to participate in the General Meeting of the Bank’s shareholders, the pre-emptive right to subscribe for new shares in case of a share capital increase, the right to profit participation (dividends), the right to a share in the surplus in the event of liquidation or bankruptcy of the Bank, and the right to be informed. All shares belong to a single class and are issued in book-entry form. Information regarding the shareholder structure of NLB (as at 31 December 2024) is available in the subchapter Shareholder structure of NLB in the chapter Shareholder Structure and Market Performance of NLB’s Shares and GDRs . 1.2. All restrictions relating to the transfer of shares and the restrictions on voting rights The shares of the Bank are freely transferable, subject to the provisions of the Articles of Association of the Bank, which require the approval of the Supervisory Board, namely for the transfer of shares of the Bank by which the acquirer, together with the shares held by the holder before such an acquisition and the shares held by third parties for the account of the acquirer, exceeds the share of 25% of the Bank’s voting shares. Approval for the transfer of shares is issued by the Supervisory Board. The Bank rejects the request for approval of transfer shares if the acquirer, together with the shares held by the acquirer before the acquisition and the shares held by third parties for the account of the acquirer, exceed the 25% share of the Bank with voting rights, increased by one share. Notwithstanding the provision mentioned in the first paragraph, approval for the transfer of shares is not required if the acquirer of the shares has acquired them on account of third parties so that (s)he is not entitled to exercise voting rights from these shares at his/her sole discretion, while at the same time committing to the Bank, (s)he will not exercise voting rights on the basis of the instructions of an individual third party for whose account (s)he has acquired the shares if, together with the instructions for voting, (s)he does not receive a written guarantee from the person that this person has shares on his/her own account and that this person is not, directly or indirectly, a holder of more than 25% of the Bank’s voting rights. The acquirer who exceeds the share of 25% of the Bank’s shares with voting rights and does not require the issuance of approval for the transfer of shares or does not receive the approval of the Bank may exercise the voting right from 25% of the shares with the voting rights. There are no restrictions other than those mentioned and those that are regulatory. 1.3. Qualifying holdings This information is included in the chapter Corporate Governance Statement of NLB . 1.4. Securities carrying special controlling rights This information is included in the chapter Corporate Governance Statement of NLB . 1.5. The employee share scheme, if used by the company, for shares to which the scheme relates and about the method of exercising control over this scheme, if the controlling rights are not exercised directly by employees The Bank does not have an employee share scheme. In accordance with the relevant remuneration policies (when required by ZBan-3), a part of variable remuneration of NLB’s Identified Staff shall consist of NLB shares or NLB share-linked instruments or equivalent non-cash instruments (the instrument used is determined by the Supervisory Board). So far, the Bank has not used its own shares for this purpose. It currently uses NLB share- linked instruments. More information will be available in the Report on Remuneration for the members of the Management Body of NLB d.d. in the 2024 Business Year . 1.6. Explanation regarding restrictions related to voting rights This information is included in the chapter Corporate Governance Statement of NLB . 1.7. All agreements among shareholders which are known to the company and could result in restrictions relating to the transfer of securities or voting rights The Bank is not aware of such agreements. 1.8. The company’s rules on the appointment or replacement of management and supervisory board members and changes of the articles of association This information is included in the chapter Corporate Governance Statement of NLB . ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 155 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 1.9. Authorisations given to management, particularly authorisations to issue or purchase own shares This information is included in the chapter Corporate Governance Statement of NLB . 1.10. All major agreements to which the company is a party, and which take effect, are changed or cancelled following a change in control over the company resulting from a bid, as laid down by the Act governing M&A, and the effects of such agreements There are no major agreements to which the Bank is a party, and which would take effect, be changed, or cancelled following a change in control over the Bank resulting from a bid. 1.11. All agreements between the Bank and the members of its management or supervision bodies or its employees which envisage compensation if, due to a bid as laid down by the Act governing M&A, these persons resign, are dismissed without a well-founded reason, or their employment is terminated In line with the employment contracts of the members of the Management Board, if the Supervisory Board recalls a member of the Management Board for other business and economic reasons, such a member of the Management Board is entitled to compensation for early discontinuation of his term of office. The Supervisory Board may reduce the compensation for early discontinuation of the term of office before its payment (it may even reduce it to zero) in accordance with the Remuneration Policy in the Bank that regulates the remuneration of the members of the Management Board. The member of the Management Board shall not be entitled to compensation for early discontinuation of the term of office if he/she continues to be employed in the Bank or the NLB Group after the discontinuation of the term of office or in case of regular termination of the term of office. In the event of resignation, the member of the Management Board shall not be entitled to any compensation for early discontinuation of the term of office. 2. Number of shares held by members of the Supervisory Board and Management Board Table 40: Number of shares held by members of the Supervisory Board and Management Board Shares held as at 31 Dec 2024 Name of member of Supervisory Board Number % Primož Karpe 1,286 0.006% Shrenik Dhirajlal Davda — — Islam Osama Zekry — — Mark William Lane Richards — — André-Marc Prudent-Toccanier — — Cvetka Selšek — — Luka Vesnaver — — Natalia Olegovna Ansell — — Sergeja Kočar 190 0.001% Tadeja Žbontar Rems — — Name of member of Management Board Number % Blaž Brodnjak 1,700 0.009% Archibald Kremser 791 0.004% Peter Andreas Burkhardt 800 0.004% Antonio Argir 620 0.003% Hedvika Usenik 450 0.002% Andrej Lasič 325 0.002% 3. Stock option agreements The Bank has no stock option agreements in relation to its listed shares. 4. Dividend taxation Withholding tax In 2024, a Slovenian payer was required to deduct and withhold the amount of Slovenian corporate or personal income tax from dividend payments made to the certain categories of payees: • Individuals: 25% • Intermediaries: 25% • Legal entities (other than Intermediaries): 15%. There are some exemptions if dividends are paid to intermediaries and legal entities For the purposes of Slovenian tax legislation, the GDR depositary will qualify as an intermediary. Therefore, the dividends paid by the custodian to the GDR depositary will be subject to the deduction and withholding of Slovenian tax at the rate of 25%. A holder, an owner of a GDR or a beneficial owner will be entitled, if and to the extent applicable, to claim a refund of the withholding tax. In the case of legal entities, the exemptions are related to the characteristics of the legal entities. Application of double tax treaties If the payee is not an intermediary, Financial Administration of the RoS (FURS) may approve the application of a lower tax rate specified in the double tax treaty between the RoS and the country of residence of the payee if the Slovenian payer provides certain information on the payee and a confirmation that the payee is a resident for taxation purposes in such a country, issued by the tax authorities of such a country. Refund of withholding tax If the Slovenian tax was deducted and withheld at a higher tax rate than it would be paid if a Slovenian payer would make the dividend payment directly to such person as a payee or a higher tax rate than the one specified in the double tax treaty, the payee of the dividend is entitled to the refund of the overpaid tax. The tax refund is enforced by filing a claim to the Financial Administration of the RoS (FURS). Legal persons Dividends with respect to the shares received by a legal person who is a Slovenian resident are exempt from Slovenian corporate income tax ( davek od dohodkov pravnih oseb ). Individuals The amount of tax withheld from a dividend payment received by an individual constitutes the final amount of Slovenian Personal Income Tax ( dohodnina ) with respect to such a dividend payment. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 156 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Events after the End of the 2024 Financial Year On 21 January 2025, NLB issued new 4NC3 senior preferred notes of EUR 500 million to meet its MREL requirements (ISIN: XS2972971399). On 5 February 2025, NLB executed the early redemption of NLB Tier 2 notes in the aggregate nominal amount of EUR 10.5 million (ISIN: XS2113139195). On 20 February 2025, the Supervisory Board of NLB, following a recommendation from the Management Board, appointed Reinhard Höll as the seventh member of the Management Board. Following the necessary approvals, he will assume the role of Chief Transformation Officer (CTO), overseeing the acceleration of the mobile/digital-first business model transition of NLB and its Group members. In March 2025, NLB received the decision of the Bank of Slovenia (BS) relating to MREL requirement, which replaces the previous decision from the BS. NLB must comply with MREL requirement on a consolidated basis at NLB Resolution Group, consisting of NLB d.d., Ljubljana and other members of the NLB Group excluding banks, which amounts to 29.93% of TREA (excluding CBR) and 11.24% of LRE. This decision supersedes the previous BS decision on MREL requirement from December 2023, which amounted to 30.66% of TREA (excluding CBR) and 10.69% of the LRE. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 157 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Reconciliation of Financial Statements in Business and Financial Part of the Report Table 41: Income Statement of NLB Group for the annual period ended 31 December 2024 Business report in EUR millions Financial report in EUR thousands Notes Net interest income 934.2 Interest and similar income 1,207,638 4.1. Interest and similar expenses (273,477) 4.1. Net fee and commission income 312.9 Fee and commission income 435,284 4.3. Fee and commission expenses (122,360) 4.3. Dividend income 0.1 Dividend income 116 4.2. Net income from financial transactions 24.1 Gains less losses from financial assets and liabilities not measured at fair value through profit or loss (160) 4.4. Gains less losses from financial assets and liabilities held for trading 33,229 4.5. Gains less losses from non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss 3,263 4.6. Gains less losses from financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss (2,903) Fair value adjustments in hedge accounting (1,411) 5.5.a) Foreign exchange translation gains less losses (3,644) 4.7. Gains less losses from modification of financial assets (4,280) 4.12. Net other income (26.5) Gains less losses on derecognition of non-financial assets 3,032 Other operating income and expenses 10,020 4.8. Cash contributions to resolution funds and deposit guarantee schemes (40,213) 4.10. Gains less losses from non-current assets held for sale 676 Net non-interest income 310.6 310,649 Total net operating income 1,244.8 1,244,810 Employee costs (322.2) Administrative expenses (543,995) 4.9. Other general and administrative expenses (221.8) Depreciation and amortisation (58.2) Depreciation and amortisation (58,217) 4.11. Total costs (602.2) (602,212) Result before impairments and provisions 642.6 642,598 Impairments and provisions for credit risk (20.6) Provisions for credit losses 10,728 4.13. Impairment of financial assets (31,306) 4.14. Other impairments and provisions (16.9) Provisions for other liabilities and charges (12,847) 4.13. Impairment of non-financial assets (4,014) 4.14. Impairments and provisions (37.4) (37,439) Gains less losses from capital investment in subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures 3.0 Share of profit from investments in associates and joint ventures (accounted for using the equity method) 2,990 5.12.h) Result before tax 608.1 Profit before income tax 608,149 Income tax (77.9) Income tax (77,916) 4.15. Result of non-controlling interests 15.7 Attributable to non-controlling interests 15,681 Result after tax 514.6 Attributable to owners of the parent 514,552 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 158 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 42: Statement of Financial Position of NLB Group as at 31 December 2024 Business Report in EUR millions Financial Report in EUR thousands Notes ASSETS Cash, cash balances at central banks, and other demand deposits at banks 4,039.6 Cash, cash balances at central banks and other demand deposits at banks 4,039,581 5.1. Loans to banks 458.9 Financial assets measured at amortised cost - loans and advances to banks 458,921 5.6.b) Net loans to customers 16,363.6 Financial assets measured at amortised cost - loans and advances to customers 16,363,649 5.6.c) Financial assets 6,324.5 6,324,478 - Trading book 18.3 Financial assets held for trading 18,338 5.2.a) - Non-trading book 6,306.1 Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss - part (without loans) 17,429 5.3.a) Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income 2,563,516 5.4. Financial assets measured at amortised cost - debt securities 3,725,195 5.6.a) Investments in subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures 14.7 Investments in associates and joint ventures 14,661 5.12.g) Property and equipment 310.0 Property and equipment 310,017 5.8. Investment property 26.1 Investment property 26,132 5.9. Intangible assets 100.5 Intangible assets 100,496 5.10. Other assets 397.4 Financial assets measured at amortised cost - other financial assets 136,854 5.6.d) Derivatives - hedge accounting 77,771 5.5.b) Fair value changes of the hedged items in portfolio hedge of interest rate risk (6,353) 5.5.c) Current income tax assets 604 Deferred income tax assets 120,701 5.17. Other assets 56,819 5.13. Non-current assets held for sale 11,036 5.7. TOTAL ASSETS 28,035.4 Total assets 28,035,367 LIABILITIES Deposits from customers 22,206.3 Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost - due to customers 22,206,310 5.15.a) Deposits from banks and central banks 136.0 Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost - deposits from banks and central banks 136,000 5.15.a) Borrowings 225.1 Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost - borrowings from banks and central banks 120,612 5.15.b) Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost - borrowings from other customers 104,519 5.15.b) Subordinated debt securities 560.1 Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost - debt securities issued 1,608,939 5.15.c) Other debt securities in issue 1,048.8 Other liabilities 560.9 Financial liabilities held for trading 6,995 5.2.b) Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss 9,633 5.3.b) Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost - other financial liabilities 296,725 5.15.d) Derivatives - hedge accounting 3,592 5.5.b) Provisions 104,388 5.16. Current income tax liabilities 18,026 Deferred income tax liabilities 17,694 5.17. Other liabilities 103,889 5.19. Equity 3,226.0 Equity and reserves attributable to owners of the parent 3,225,960 Non-controlling interests 72.1 Non-controlling interests 72,085 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 28,035.4 Total liabilities and equity 28,035,367 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 159 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Alternative Performance Indicators The Bank has chosen to present these APIs, either because they are in common use within the industry or because they are commonly used by investors and as such are useful for disclosure. The APIs are used internally to monitor and manage operations of the Bank and the Group, and are not considered to be directly comparable with similar KPIs presented by other companies. The Bank’s APIs are described below together with definition. Table 43: Alternative Performance Indicators Alternative Performance Indicators (i) Description Calculation Notes Cost of risk (CoR) Calculated as the ratio between credit impairments and provisions annualised from the income statement and average net loans to customers. Numerator: Credit impairments and provisions NLB internal information. Credit impairments and provisions are annualised, calculated as all established and released impairments on loans and provisions for off-balance (from the income statement) in the period divided by the number of months for the reporting period and multiplied by 12. The net established Credit impairments and provisions are shown with a positive sign, and the net released Credit impairments and provisions are shown with a negative sign. Denominator: Average net loans to customers NLB internal information. Average net loans to customers are calculated as the sum of the balance of the previous year end (31 December) and monthly balances of the last day of each month from January to month t divided by (t+1). Cost to income ratio (CIR) Indicator of cost efficiency, calculated as the ratio between the total costs and total net operating income. Numerator: Total costs Denominator: Total net operating income Total average cost of funding (quarterly) Calculated as the ratio between interest expenses annualised and average interest-bearing liabilities. Numerator: Interest expenses Interest expenses (quarterly) are annualised, calculated as the sum of interest expenses in the period divided by the number of days in the quarter and multiplied by the number of days in the year. Interest expenses on interest-bearing liabilities also include interest income from negative interest rate on financial liabilities. Denominator: Average interest- bearing liabilities NLB internal information. Average interest-bearing liabilities (quarterly) for the NLB Group are calculated as the sum of monthly balances (t) for the corresponding quarter and monthly balance at the end of the previous quarter divided by (t+1). Average cost of wholesale funding (quarterly) Calculated as the ratio between interest expenses on deposits from customers annualised and average wholesale funding. Wholesale funding includes deposits from banks and central banks, borrowings, debt instruments, and subordinated liabilities. Numerator: Interest expenses from wholesale funding Interest expenses from wholesale funding (quarterly) are annualised, calculated as the sum of interest expenses from wholesale funding in the period divided by the number of days in the quarter and multiplied by the number of days in the year. Denominator: Average wholesale funding NLB internal information. Average wholesale funding (quarterly) for the NLB Group, calculated as the sum of monthly balances (t) for the corresponding quarters and monthly balance at the end of the previous quarter divided by (t+1). Average interest rate for deposits from customers (quarterly) Calculated as the ratio between interest expenses on deposits from customers annualised and average deposits from customers. Numerator: Interest expenses on deposits from customers Interest expenses on deposits from customers (quarterly) are annualised, calculated as the sum of interest expenses on deposits from customers in the period divided by the number of days in the quarter and multiplied by the number of days in the year. Denominator: Average deposits from customers NLB internal information. Average deposits from customers (quarterly) for the NLB Group, calculated as the sum of monthly balances (t) for the corresponding quarters and monthly balance at the end of the previous quarter divided by (t+1). Deposit beta Calculated as the ratio between the change of interest rate on deposits from customers and change of ECB deposit facility interest rate over the selected period. Numerator: Interest rate on deposits from customers NLB internal information. Interest rate on deposits from customers (quarterly average). Denominator: ECB deposit facility interest rate Data from the ECB. Deposit facility interest rate (quarterly average). ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 160 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Alternative Performance Indicators (i) Description Calculation Notes Credit portfolio under IFRS 9 IFRS 9 requires an expected loss model, where an allowance for the expected credit losses (ECL) is formed. Loans measured at amortised costs (AC) are classified into the following stages (before deduction of loan loss allowances): Stage 1 – A performing portfolio: no significant increase of credit risk since initial recognition, NLB Group recognises an allowance based on a 12-month period. Stage 2 – An underperforming portfolio: a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, NLB Group recognises an allowance for a lifetime period. Stage 3 – An impaired portfolio: NLB Group recognises lifetime allowances for these financial assets. The definition of default is harmonised with the EBA guidelines. A significant increase in credit risk is assumed: i) when a credit rating significantly deteriorates at the reporting date in comparison to the credit rating at initial recognition; ii) when a financial asset has material delays over 30 days (days past due are also included in the credit rating assessment); iii) if NLB Group expects to grant the client forbearance or if the client is placed on the watch list. Financial assets measured mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL) Financial assets measured mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss represent the minor part (0.002% December 2023; no FVTPL portfolio in December 2024) of the loan portfolio (before the deduction of fair value for credit risk; loans with contractual cash flows that are not solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding). Classification into stages is calculated in the internal data source, by which the NLB Group measures the loan portfolio quality, and which is also published in the Business Report of Annual and Interim Reports. AC - IFRS 9 classification into Stage 1 Numerator: Total (AC) loans in Stage 1 Denominator: Total gross loans and advances AC - IFRS 9 classification into Stage 2 Numerator: Total (AC) loans in Stage 2 Denominator: Total gross loans and advances AC + FVTPL - IFRS 9 classification into Stage 3 Numerator: Total (AC) loans in Stage 3 + Total (FVTPL) non- performing loans Denominator: Total gross loans and advances AC - Corporates - IFRS 9 classification into Stage 1 Numerator: Total (AC) loans in Stage 1 to Corporates Denominator: Total gross loans to Corporates ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 161 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Alternative Performance Indicators (i) Description Calculation Notes AC - Corporates - IFRS 9 classification into Stage 2 Numerator: Total (AC) loans in Stage 2 to Corporates Denominator: Total gross loans to Corporates AC + FVTPL - Corporates - IFRS 9 classification into Stage 3 Numerator: Total (AC) loans in Stage 3 to Corporates + Total (FVTPL) non- performing loans Denominator: Total gross loans to Corporates AC - Retail - IFRS 9 classification into Stage 1 Numerator: Total (AC) loans in Stage 1 to Retail Denominator: Total gross loans to Retail AC - Retail - IFRS 9 classification into Stage 2 Numerator: Total (AC) loans in Stage 2 to Retail Denominator: Total gross loans to Retail AC - Retail - IFRS 9 classification into Stage 3 Numerator: Total (AC) loans in Stage 3 to Retail Denominator: Total gross loans to Retail Leverage ratio Its calculation uses Tier 1 as the numerator, and the denominator is the total exposure of all active balance sheet and off- balance-sheet items after the adjustments are made in the context of which the exposures from individual derivatives, exposures from transactions of security funding, and other off-balance sheet items are especially pointed out. Numerator: Tier 1 The leverage ratio is a non-risk based supplementary measure to the risk- based capital requirements. A minimum leverage ratio requirement is 3%. The purpose of the leverage ratio is to limit the size of the Bank balance sheets, and with a special emphasis on exposures which are not weighted within the framework of the existing capital requirement calculations. Denominator: Total Leverage Ratio exposure measure Liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) LCR refers to high-quality liquid assets held by the financial institution to cover its net liquidity outflows over a 30-calendar day stress period. Numerator: Stock of HQLA The LCR requires financial institutions to maintain a sufficient reserve of high- quality liquid assets (HQLA) to withstand a crisis that pressure their cash flows. The assets to hold must equal to or greater than their net cash outflow over a 30-calendar-day stress period (having at least 100% coverage). The parameters of the stress scenario are defined under Basel III guidelines. The calculations presented are based on internal data sources. Its calculation is based on the European Commission’s Delegated Act on LCR. Denominator: Net liquidity outflow Net loan to deposit ratio (LTD) Calculated as the ratio between net loans to customers and deposits from customers. Numerator: Net loans to customers There is no regulatory defined limitation on the LTD; however, this measure aims to restrict the extensive growth of the loan portfolio. Denominator: Deposits from customers Net interest margin on the basis of interest-bearing assets Calculated as the ratio between net interest income annualised and average interest-bearing assets. Numerator: Net interest income Net interest income is annualised, and calculated as the sum of interest income and interest expenses in the period divided by the number of days in the period and multiplied by the number of days in the year. Denominator: Average interest- bearing assets NLB internal information. Average interest-bearing assets for NLB are calculated as the sum of total assets of the previous year end (31 December) and daily balances in the period (from 1 January to day d – the last day in the reporting month) divided by (d+1). Average interest-bearing assets for NLB Group and for individual bank members are calculated as the sum of balance of the previous year end (31 December) and monthly balances of the last day of each month from January to the reporting month t divided by (t+1). ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 162 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Alternative Performance Indicators (i) Description Calculation Notes Net interest margin on the basis of interest-bearing assets (quarterly) Calculated as the ratio between the net interest income annualised and average interest-bearing assets. Numerator: Net interest income Net interest income (quarterly) is annualised, calculated as the sum of interest income and interest expenses in the period divided by the number of days in the quarter and multiplied by the number of days in the year. Denominator: Average interest- bearing assets NLB internal information. Average interest-bearing assets (quarterly) for the NLB Group are calculated as the sum of monthly balances (t) for the corresponding quarter and monthly balance at the end of the previous quarter divided by (t+1). Net interest margin on total assets Calculated as the ratio between net interest income annualised, and average total assets. Numerator: Net interest income Net interest income is annualised, and calculated as the sum of interest income and interest expenses in the period divided by the number of days in the period and multiplied by the number of days in the year. NLB internal information. Average total assets for the NLB Group are calculated as the sum of balance of the previous year end (31 December) and monthly balances of the last day of each month from January to month t divided by (t+1). Average total assets for NLB are calculated as the sum of total assets of the previous year end (31 December) and daily balances in the period (from 1 January to day d – the last day in the reporting month) divided by (t+1). Denominator: Average total assets NPE per cent. (EBA def.) In accordance with EBA methodology, NPE as a percentage of all exposures to clients in the Finrep18 before the deduction of allowances for the ECL; the ratio is in gross terms. Numerator: Total Non-Performing on- balance and off-balance Exposure in Finrep18 NPE includes risk exposure to D- and E-rated clients (includes loans and advances, debt securities, and off-balance exposures, which are included in the report Finrep18; before the deduction of allowances for the ECL). Non-performing exposures measured by fair value loans through P&L (FVTPL) are considered at fair value increased by the amount of negative fair changes for credit risk. The share of NPEs is calculated based on an internal data source, with which the NLB Group monitors the portfolio quality. Denominator: Total on-balance and off-balance exposures in Finrep18 NPE per cent. (EBA def.) (BoS) The NPE indicator, according to the BoS calculation, differs from the EBA methodology in the treatment of debt instruments measured at FVOCI. Due to impairments, value adjustments increase the carrying amount of debt instruments measured at FVOCI. Numerator: Total Non-Performing on- balance and off-balance Exposure in Finrep18 Denominator: Total on-balance and off-balance exposures in Finrep18, where carrying amount of FVOCI is increased by value adjustments due to impairments NPL per cent. Non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans to clients before deduction of loan loss allowances; ratio in gross terms. Numerator: Total Non- Performing Loans Non-performing loans include loans to D- and E-rated clients, namely loans at least 90 days past due or loans unlikely to be repaid without recourse to collateral (before deduction of loan loss allowances). The share of non-performing loans is calculated based on an internal data source, with which the NLB Group monitors the loan portfolio quality. Denominator: Total gross loans NPL coverage ratio 1 (NPL CR 1) The coverage of the gross non-performing loans portfolio with loan loss allowances on the entire loan portfolio - loan impairment in respect of non-performing loans. It shows the level of credit provisions that the entity has already absorbed into its profit and loss accounts with respect to the total of impaired loans. Numerator: Loan loss allowances for entire loan portfolio The NPL coverage ratio 1 is calculated based on an internal data source, with which the NLB Group monitors the quality of the loan portfolio. Denominator: Total Non- Performing Loans NPL coverage ratio 2 (NPL CR 2) The coverage of the gross non-performing loans portfolio with loan loss allowances on the non-performing loans portfolio. Numerator: Loan loss allowances for non-performing loan portfolio The NPL coverage ratio 2 is calculated based on an internal data source, with which the NLB Group monitors the loan portfolio quality. Denominator: Total Non- Performing Loans Net NPL ratio The share of net non-performing loans in total net loans: non-performing loans after deduction of loss allowances on the non- performing loans portfolio as a percentage of total loans to clients after the deduction of loan loss allowances; the ratio is in net terms. Numerator: Net volume of non- performing loans The calculations are based on internal data sources. Denominator: Total Net Loans ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 163 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Alternative Performance Indicators (i) Description Calculation Notes Received collaterals for NPLs/NPL The coverage of the gross non- performing loans portfolio with collateral for non-performing loans. Numerator: Gross volume of Non- Performing Loans covered by collaterals The collateral market value is used for calculation. The calculations are based on internal data sources. Denominator: Total Non- Performing Loans Gross NPL ratio (EBA def.) The ratio of the gross carrying amount of non-performing loans and advances to the total gross carrying amount of loans and advances, in accordance with the EBA methodology (report Finrep18). Numerator: Gross volume of Non- Performing Loans and advances without loans held for sale, cash balances at CBs and other demand deposits Non-performing loans include loans and advances in accordance with EBA Methodology that are classified as D and E, namely loans at least 90 days past due or loans unlikely to be repaid without recourse to collateral (before deduction of loan loss allowances). For calculation, loans and advances classified as held for sale, cash balances at CBs, and other demand deposits are excluded from the denominator and the numerator. The calculations are based on internal data sources. Denominator: Gross volume of Loans and advances in Finrep18 without loans held for sale, cash balances at CBs and other demand deposits Gross NPL ratio (EBA def.) (BoS) The ratio of the gross carrying amount of non-performing loans and advances to the total gross carrying amount of loans and advances, in accordance with the EBA methodology (report Finrep18). Numerator: Gross volume of Non- Performing Loans and advances Cash balances at CBs and other demand deposits are included in the calculation. The EU banking sector indicator is published quarterly by the EBA in the Risk dashboard. The calculations are based on internal data sources. Denominator: Gross volume of Loans and advances in Finrep18 NPL coverage ratio (EBA def.) The ratio of the amount of accumulated impairment, negative changes in fair value due to credit risk to the non-performing loans and advances, in accordance with the EBA methodology (report Finrep18). Numerator: Volume of allowances and value adjustments for credit losses on Non-Performing loans and advances Loans and advances classified as held for sale, cash balances at CBs and other demand deposits are excluded from the denominator and the numerator. Denominator: Gross volume of Non- Performing loans and advances NPL coverage ratio (EBA def.) (BoS) The NPL coverage ratio is the ratio of the amount of accumulated impairment, negative changes in fair value due to credit risk to the non-performing loans and advances, in accordance with the EBA methodology (report Finrep18). Numerator: Volume of allowances and value adjustments for credit losses on Non-Performing loans and advances Cash balances at CBs and other demand deposits are included in the calculation. Denominator: Gross volume of Non- Performing loans and advances NPL collateral coverage ratio (EBA def.) The NPL collateral ratio is the ratio of the collateral received for non-performing loans and advances to the gross carrying amount of collateralised non-performing loans and advances, in accordance with the EBA methodology (report Finrep18). Numerator: Volume of collateral received up to the carrying amount of each loan or advance The calculation is provided on a single loan basis. The NPLs where the amount of collateral received exceeds the net non-performing of each loan exposure are the subject of calculation. Denominator: Gross volume of collateralized Non- Performing loans and advances ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 164 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Alternative Performance Indicators (i) Description Calculation Notes Net stable funding ratio (NSFR) The net stable funding ratio is a liquidity risk standard requiring financial institutions to hold enough stable funding to cover the duration of their long-term assets. Numerator: Amount of available stable funding NSFR is defined as the amount of available stable funding relative to the amount of required stable funding and is based on the current Basel Committee guidelines. This ratio should be equal to at least 100% on an ongoing basis. "Available stable funding" is defined as the portion of capital and liabilities expected to be reliable over the time horizon considered by the NSFR, which extends to one year. The amount of such stable funding required of a specific institution is a function of the liquidity characteristics and residual maturities of the various assets held by that institution and those of its off-balance-sheet (OBS) exposures. The calculations presented are based on internal data sources. Denominator: Amount of required stable funding EVE as % of Equity The EVE (Economic Value of Equity) method measures the sensitivity of changes in market interest rates on the economic value of financial instruments. EVE represents the present value of net future cash flows and provides a comprehensive view of the possible long-term effects of changing interest rates under at least six prescribed standardised interest rate shock scenarios or more if necessary, according to the situation on financial markets. Numerator: Interest risk in banking book – EVE Calculations take into account behavioural and automatic options, as well as the allocation of non-maturing deposits. The assessment of the impact of a change in interest rates of 200 bps on the economic value of the banking book position. Denominator: Equity (Tier I) Operational business margin (OBM) Calculated as the ratio between operational business net income annualised and average assets. Numerator: Operational business net income Operational business net income is annualised, and calculated as operational business income in the period divided by the number of days in the period and multiplied by the number of days in the year. Operational business income consists of net interest income (excluding interest expenses from subordinated securities), net fees and commissions and net gains and losses from financial assets and liabilities held for trading that derive from foreign exchange trading. Denominator: Average total assets NLB internal information. Average total assets are calculated as a sum of balance as at the end of the previous year end (31 December) and monthly balances of the last day of each month from January to month t divided by (t+1). Operational business margin (OBM) (quarterly) Calculated as the ratio between operational business net income annualised and average assets. Numerator: Operational business net income Operational business net income (quarterly) is annualised, and calculated as operational business income in the period divided by the number of days in the quarter and multiplied by the number of days in the year. Operational business income consists of net interest income (excluding interest expenses from subordinated securities), net fees and commissions and net gains and losses from financial assets and liabilities held for trading that derive from foreign exchange trading. Denominator: Average total assets NLB internal information. Average total assets (quarterly) for the NLB Group are calculated as the sum of monthly balances (t) for the corresponding quarter and monthly balance at the end of the previous quarter divided by (t+1). Return on equity before tax (ROE b.t.) Calculated as the ratio between result before tax annualised and average total equity (including non-controlling interests). Numerator: Result before tax The result before tax is annualised and calculated as the result before tax in the period divided by the number of months for the reporting period and multiplied by 12. Denominator: Average total equity NLB internal information. Average total equity (including non-controlling interests) is calculated as the sum of the balance as at the end of the previous year end (31 December) and monthly balances of the last day of each month from January to month t divided by (t+1). Return on equity after tax (ROE a.t.) Calculated as the ratio between result after tax annualised and average equity. Numerator: Result after tax The result after tax is annualised and calculated as the result after tax in the period divided by the number of months for the reporting period and multiplied by 12. Denominator: Average equity NLB internal information. Average equity is calculated as the sum of the balance as at the end of the previous year end (31 December) and monthly balances of the last day of each month from January to month t divided by (t+1). Return on equity after tax (ROE a.t.) normalised Calculated as the ratio between result after tax annualised and average risk adjusted capital. Result a.t. w/o negative goodwill divided by Average risk adjusted capital. Average risk adjusted capital is calculated as a Tier 1 requirement of average Risk Weighted Assets (RWA) reduced for minority shareholder capital contribution. Numerator: Result after tax Result after tax is annualised, calculated as a result after tax in the period divided by the number of months for the reporting period and multiplied by 12. Denominator: Average risk adjusted capital NLB internal information. Average risk adjusted capital is calculated as a sum of Risk Weighted Assets (RWA) balance as at the end of the previous year end (31 December) and monthly Risk Weighted Assets (RWA) balances of the last day of each month from January to month t divided by (t+1), multiplied by Tier 1 regulatory capital requirement and decreased by minority shareholder capital. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 165 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Alternative Performance Indicators (i) Description Calculation Notes Return on assets before tax (ROA b.t.) Calculated as the ratio between result before tax annualised and average total assets. Numerator: Result before tax The result before tax is annualised and calculated as the result before tax in the period divided by the number of months for the reporting period and multiplied by 12. Denominator: Average total assets NLB internal information. Average total assets are calculated as the sum of the balance as at the end of the previous year end (31 December) and the monthly balances of the last day of each month from January to month t divided by (t+1). Return on assets after tax (ROA a.t.) Calculated as the ratio between result after tax annualised and average total assets. Numerator: Result after tax The result after tax is annualised and calculated as the result after tax in the period divided by the number of months for the reporting period and multiplied by 12. Denominator: Average total assets NLB internal information. Average total assets are calculated as the sum of balance as at the end of the previous year end (31 December) and monthly balances of the last day of each month from January to month t divided by (t+1). Total capital ratio (TCR) TCR is the own funds of the institution expressed as a percentage of the total risk exposure amount. Numerator: Total capital (Own funds) Denominator: Total risk exposure Amount (Total RWA) (i) All alternative performance indicators are expressed in %, except the cost of risk (CoR) is expressed in bps. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 166 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Legend: The chart shows voting rights shares. The Group includes entities according to the definition in the Financial Conglomerates Act (Article 2). (i.a) 100% direct ownership Prvi Faktor d.o.o., v likvidaciji, Ljubljana. (i.b) 90% direct ownership Prvi Faktor d.o.o., v likvidaciji, Ljubljana, 5% NLB d.d., 5% SID banka d.d. (ii) - 46.03% direct ownership NLB d.d. - Abanka merged into Nova KB and, in addition, in September 2024 Nova KBM and SKB merged into OTP banka d.d., therefore the share in Bankart increased from 29.22% to 43.06%. This is over the 25% treshold set in the Founding agreement - no shareholder other than NLB can have more than 25% capital share in Bankart. (iii) 51% direct ownership NLB Lease&Go, leasing, d.o.o., Ljubljana, 49% NLB Banka AD Skopje. (iv) 50.89% direct ownership NLB Lease&Go, leasing, d.o.o., Ljubljana, 48.91% NLB Komercijalna Banka AD Beograd. (vi) 100% direct ownership NLB Skladi d.o.o., Ljubljana. (viii) 100% direct ownership Summit Leasing Slovenija d.o.o., Ljubljana. (ix) 100% direct ownership NLB Lease&Go, leasing, d.o.o., Ljubljana. Nova Ljubljanska banka d.d., Ljubljana Banks Core Non-Core Financial organisations Companies Financial organisations Companies Slovenia Bankart, Ljubljana (ii) 46.03% 46.03% NLB Skladi, Ljubljana 100% 100% Prvi faktor, v likvidaciji, Ljubljana 50% 50% ARG-Nepremičnine, Horjul 75% 75% SLS HOLDCO, Ljubljana 100% 100% Slovenia Slovenia Slovenia Summit Leasing Slovenija, Ljubljana (vii) 100% 100% NLB MUZA, Ljubljana 100% 100% PRO-REM, Ljubljana – v likvidaciji (v) 100% 100% Foreign markets Foreign markets Foreign markets Foreign markets Foreign markets NLB Banka, Sarajevo 97.35% 97.35% NLB Banka, Podgorica 99.87% 99.87% NLB Banka, Prishtina 82.38% 82.38% NLB Banka, Banja Luka 99.85% 99.85% NLB Banka, Skopje 86.97% 86.97% NLB Komercijalna Banka, Beograd 100% 100% NLB Fondovi, Beograd (vi) 100% 100% NLB Lease&Go Skopje (iii) 51% 100% NLB Lease&Go Leasing Beograd (iv) 50.89% 99.80% NLB DigIT, Beograd 100% 100% NLB InterFinanz in Liquidation, Zürich 100% 100% NLB InterFinanz, Beograd – u likvidaciji 100% 100% LHB AG, Frankfurt am Main 100% 100% NLB Crna Gora, Podgorica 100% 100% NLB Srbija, Beograd 100% 100% OL Nekretnine u likvidaciji, Zagreb 100% 100% Subsidiary % direct share % indirect share at the group level Associate % direct share % indirect share at the group level Joint Venture % direct share % indirect share at the group level Prvi faktor u likvidaciji, Zagreb (i.a) 100% 100% Prvi faktor-faktoring, Beograd – u likvidaciji (i.b) 90% 95% NLB Group Chart \* NLB Lease&Go, leasing, Ljubljana 100% 100% NLB Fondovi, Skopje (vi) 100% 100% Mobil Leasing, Zagreb (viii) 100% 100% NLB Real Estate, Ljubljana 100% 100% NLB Car&Go, Ljubljana (ix) 100% 100% NLB Real Estate, Beograd 100% 100% NLB Real Estate, Podgorica 100% 100% \*The reference is made to this chapter from the Sustainability Statement chapter SBM-1 Strategy, business model, and value chain. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 167 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Organisational Structure of NLB Workers’ Council (i) Compliance and Integrity Group Steering Strategy and Business Development Legal and Secretariat Brand and Communication Human Resources and Organization Development Global Risk Credit Risk - Corporate Credit Risk - Retail Evaluation and Control Restructuring Workout and Legal support CRO CFO CMO IT Delivery Business Intelligence and Analytics Data and Artificial Intelligence Governance IT Governance and Architecture IT Infrastructure Procurement Payments and Cards Services and Business Development Payments Processing Cash Processing COO Understanding of the tasks and responsibilities of Global Risk, Compliance and Integrity and Internal Audit is taken into account in accordance to the definitions of the (currently valid) Banking Act (ZBan-3). (i) Workers’ Council is independent organisational unit with no subordinate or superior organisational units, and it operates in accordance with ZSDU. Internal Audit Management Board Supervisory Board Group Real Estate Management Controlling Financial Accounting and Administration Financial Markets Investor Relations Distribution Network Area Branch Ljubljana Area Branch Northwest and Central Slovenia Area Branch Northeast Slovenia Area Branch East Slovenia Area Branch Southeast Slovenia Area Branch Southwest Slovenia Micro Enterprises Mobile Banking Distribution Network Coordination CSA & Cross-Border Financing Large Corporates Small and Mid-Corporate Trade Finance Services Investment Banking and Custody NLB Group Corporate and Investment Banking Management Customer, Product Management and Digital Services Private Banking KC 24/7 Development of Lending Solutions for Retail Financial Instruments Processing Corporate Clients Review and Account Products Delivery Retail Banking Processing Corporate Loans and Trade Finance Delivery CEO Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT Sustainability is embedded in our strategy and guides our efforts to improve the quality of life in our home region. In this chapter of the Business report we disclose our material impacts on people and the environment, related risks and opportunities, and explain their importance to the NLB Group’s development, performance, and position. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 169 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Content General Information 170 NLB Group Sustainability Journey\* 174 General Disclosures 178 Environmental Information 209 Climate Change 210 (Mitigation andAdaptation) Social Information 253 Own Workforce 254 Affected Communities 272 Consumers and End-users 280 Governance Information 289 Business Conduct 290 Complementary Information: Sustainable Supply Chain\* 303 Appendices 306 ESRS Appendices Appendix 1: EU Taxonomy Regulation Disclosures 307 Appendix 2: Methodological Outline for Operational GHG Emission Calculation 354 Appendix 3: Disclosure Requirements in ESRS Covered in the Sustainability Statement 359 Appendix 4: List of Datapoints That Derive from Other EU Legislation 361 Complementary Appendices Appendix 5\*: UNEP FI Principle for Responsible Banking Progress Statement – Summary 365 Appendix 6\*: TCFD Index Table 367 \* Not subject to external assurance. 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 170 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report KPMG SLOVENIJA, podjetje za revidiranje, d.o.o. Telefon: +386 (0) 1 420 11 60 Železna cesta 8a Internet: http://www.kpmg.si SI- 1000 Ljubljana Slovenija © 2025 KPMG SLOVENIJA, podjetje za revidiranje, d.o.o., slovenska vpis v sodni register: Okrožno sodišče v Ljubljani družba z omejeno odgovornostjo in članica globalne organizacije št. reg. vl.: 061/12062100 neodvisnih članic, ki so povezane s KPMG International Limited, osnovni kapital: 54.892,00 EUR zasebno angleško družbo z omejeno odgovornostjo. Vse pravice ID za DDV: SI20437145 pridržane. matična št.: 5648556000 Independent Auditor’s Limited Assurance Report on the Sustainability Statement To the shareholders of NOVA LJUBLJANSKA BANKA D.D., LJUBLJANA Limited Assurance Conclusion We have performed a limited assurance engagement on whether the Consolidated Sustainability Statement of Nova Ljubljanska banka d.d. , Ljubljana (» the Bank «) and its subsidiaries (collectively , »the Group«) as of and for the year ended 31 December 2024, included in the Sustainability Statement section of the Group’s Business Report, including the information incorporated by reference, as laid out in Table 1: Incorporation by reference, within the BP-2 Disclosures in relation to specific circumstances section of the Sustainability Statement (» the Sustainability Statement «) , has been prepared in accordance with articles 70(c) and 70(č) of the Companies Act dated 4 May 2006 (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia no. 42/2006 with amendments ) , including the requirements of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/815 of 17 December 2018 supplementing Directive 2004/109/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards on the specification of a single electronic reporting format (»Delegated Regulation«) (collectively, » the applicable legal requirements«). Based on the procedures performed and evidence obtained, nothing has come to our attention to cause us to believe that the Group’s Sustainability Statement as of and for the year ended 31 December 2024 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the applicable legal requirements, including: • compliance with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), including that the process carried out by the Group to identify the information reported in the Sustainability Statement (» the Process « ) is in accordance with the description set out in the note titled Impacts, risk, and opportunity management ; • compliance of the disclosures in the EU Taxonomy Regulation section within Appendix 1: EU Taxonomy of the Sustainability Statement with the reporting requirements of Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 ( » the Taxonomy Regulation « ); and • compliance of the Sustainability Statement with the XHTML format referred to in the Delegated Regulation. Our conclusion on the Sustainability Statement does not extend to any other information that accompanies or contains the Sustainability Statement and our limited assurance report thereon, nor to any information within the Sustainability Statement not in scope of our assurance engagement. We have not performed any assurance procedures as part of this engagement with respect to such information. Independant Auditor's Report ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 171 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 2 However, we audited the Group’s consolidated and the Bank’s separate financial statements as of and for the year ended 31 December 2024 prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union, forming part of the other information , and our auditor’s reports thereon are also included with the other information . Basis for Conclusion We conducted our limited assurance engagement in accordance with International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3000 (Revised), Assurance Engagements Other Than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial Information , issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB). Our responsibilities under this standard are further described in the ‘Our responsibilities’ section of our report. We have complied with the independence and other ethical requirements of the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) issued by the International Ethics Standards Board of Accountants (IESBA Code), together with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our assurance engagements on the Sustainability Statement in Slovenia. Our firm applies International Standard on Quality Management (ISQM) 1, Quality Management for Firms that Perform Audits or Reviews of Financial Statements, or Other Assurance or Related Services Engagements , issued by the IAASB. This standard requires the firm to design, implement and operate a system of quality management, including policies or procedures regarding compliance with ethical requirements, professional standards and applicable legal and regulatory requirements. We believe that the evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our conclusion. Other Matter – Comparative information Our assurance engagement does not extend to comparative information in respect of earlier periods. Our conclusion is not modified in respect of this matter. Responsibility for the Sustainability Statement T he Management of the Bank is responsible for designing, implementing and maintaining a process to identify the information reported in the Sustainability Statement in accordance with the ESRS and for disclosing this process in the Impacts, risk, and opportunity management note of the Sustainability Statement. This responsibility includes: • u nderstanding the context in which the Group’s activities and business relationships take place and developing an understanding of its affected stakeholders; • identifying the actual and potential impacts (both negative and positive) related to sustainability matters, as well as risks and opportunities that affect, or could reasonably be expected to affect, the Group’s financial position, financial performance, cash flows, access to finance or cost of capital over the short – , medium – , or long – term; • assessing the materiality of the identified impacts, risks and opportunities related to sustainability matters by selecting and applying appropriate thresholds; and • developing methodologies and making assumptions that are reasonable in the circumstances. 3 The Management of the Bank is further responsible for the preparation of the Sustainability Statement , in accordance with the applicable legal requirements, including: • compliance with the ESRS; • preparing the disclosures in the EU Taxonomy Regulation section within Appendix 1: EU Taxonomy of the Sustainability Statement, in compliance with Article 8 of the Taxonomy Regulation; • designing, implementing and maintaining such internal controls that the Management determines are necessary to enable the preparation of the Sustainability Statement such that it is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; and • selecting and applying appropriate sustainability reporting methods and making assumptions and estimates about individual sustainability disclosures that are reasonable in the circumstances. Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the reporting process for the Group’s Sustainability Statement. Inherent Limitations in Preparing the Sustainability Statement In reporting forward – looking information in accordance with the ESRS, M anagement of the Bank is required to prepare the forward – looking information on the basis of disclosed assumptions about events that may occur in the future and possible future actions by the Group. The actual outcome is likely to be different since anticipated events frequently do not occur as expected. Also, as described in the BP-2 Disclosures in relation to specific circumstances note within the Sustainability Statement , greenhouse gas emissions quantification is associated with measurement uncertainty as a result of both scientific and estimation uncertainty. In determining the disclosures in the Sustainability Statement , M anagement of the Bank interprets undefined legal and other terms. Undefined legal and other terms may be interpreted differently, including the legal conformity of their interpretation and, accordingly, are subject to uncertainties. Our Responsibilities Our objectives are to plan and perform the assurance engagement to obtain limited assurance about whether the Sustainability Statement is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and reporting our limited assurance conclusion to the Bank’s shareholders. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence decisions of users taken on the basis of the Sustainability Statement as a whole. Our responsibilities in relation to the Process for reporting the Sustainability Statement, include: • o btaining an understanding of the Process but not for the purpose of providing a conclusion on the effectiveness of the Process, including the outcome of the Process; and • designing and performing procedures to evaluate whether the Process is consistent with the Group’s description of its Process, as disclosed in the Impacts, risk, and opportunity management note. Our other responsibilities in respect of the Sustainability Statement include: • o btaining an understanding of the Group’s control environment, processes and information systems relevant to the preparation of the Sustainability Statement but not evaluating the design of particular control activities, obtaining evidence about their implementation or testing their operating effectiveness; • identifying disclosures where material misstatements are likely to arise, whether due to fraud or error; and • designing and performing procedures focused on disclosures in the Sustainability Statement where material misstatements are likely to arise. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 172 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 4 resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Summary of the Work we Performed as the Basis for Our Conclusion A limited assurance engagement involves performing procedures to obtain evidence about the Sustainability Statement. We designed and performed our procedures to obtain evidence about the Sustainability Statement that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our conclusion. The nature, timing and extent of our procedures depended on our understanding of the Sustainability Statement and other engagement circumstances, including the identification of disclosures where material misstatements are likely to arise, whether due to fraud or error, in the Sustainability Statement. We exercised professional judgment and maintained professional scepticism throughout the engagement. In conducting our limited assurance engagement, with respect to the Process, the procedures we performed included: • o btaining an understanding of the Process by : - performing inquiries to understand the sources of the information used by management ( including stakeholder engagement, business plans and strategy documents); and - inspecting the Group’s internal documentation of its Process; and • e valuating whether the evidence obtained from our procedures about the Process was consistent with the description of the Process set out in the Impacts, risk, and opportunity management note. In conducting our limited assurance engagement with respect to the Sustainability Statement, the procedures we performed included: • o btaining an understanding of the Group’s reporting processes relevant to the preparation of its Sustainability Statement by performing inquiries of the relevant personnel and inspecting the Group’s internal documentary evidence ; • e valuating whether material information identified by the Process is included in the Sustainability Statement ; • e valuating whether the structure and the presentation of the Sustainability Statement is in accordance with the ESRS; • performing inquiries of relevant personnel and analytical procedures on selected disclosures in the Sustainability Statement ; • performing substantive assurance procedures on a sample basis on selected disclosures in the Sustainability Statement ; • o btaining evidence on the methods, assumptions and data for developing material estimates and forward – looking information and on how these methods were applied; • o btaining an understanding of the process of calculating by the Group of the Green Assets Ratio and preparing related disclosures; • e valuating whether the standardised reporting templates required by the Taxonomy Regulation were appropriately used to present the key performance indicators; • assessing whether the taxonomy disclosures reconciled , where relevant, with the Group’s consolidated financial data; • performing substantive assurance procedures on selected taxonomy disclosures; and • assessing whether the Sustainability Statement has been properly prepared in the XHTML format referred to in Delegated Regulation. 5 The procedures performed in a limited assurance engagement vary in nature and timing from, and are less in extent than for, a reasonable assurance engagement. Consequently, the level of assurance obtained in a limited assurance engagement is substantially lower than the assurance that would have been obtained had a reasonable assurance engagement been performed. On behalf of audit firm KPMG SLOVENIJA, podjetje za revidiranje, d.o.o. Domagoj Vuković, FCCA Certified Auditor Partner Ljubljana, 9 April 2025 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiIHN0YW5kYWxvbmU9Im5vIj8+CjwhRE9DVFlQRSBzdmcgUFVCTElDICItLy9XM0MvL0RURCBTVkcgMS4xLy9FTiIKImh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnL0dyYXBoaWNzL1NWRy8xLjEvRFREL3N2ZzExLmR0ZCI+Cjxzdmcgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDE4MTggMTI4NiIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIj4KPGRlZnM+CjwvZGVmcz4KPC9zdmc+) General Information This section starts with highlighting the NLB Group's sustainability journey, key milestones, performance indicators, and overview of received awards and recognitions. The General Disclosures chapter sets the stage with the basis and circumstances of Sustainability Statement preparation. We present essential disclosures on governance, strategy, and management of impacts, risks, and opportunities (IROs), including an overview of the double materiality assessment (DMA), the backbone of our sustainability reporting. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 174 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB Group Sustainability Journey \* At NLB Group, we recognize the significant global challenges of climate change, social equity, and ethical governance. This is why the Group has responsibly committed to "sustainable development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". 1 As a systemically important financial institution in the region, NLB Group has set the goal to actively contribute to the sustainable transformation of the economy and society to a greener, more just, and inclusive future. To achieve this, the Group has integrated sustainability and ESG (environmental, social and human rights, and governance) factors into its business model, strategy and daily operations. Sustainability is also firmly embedded in NLB Group’s vision "to take care of the financial needs of its clients and at the same time improve the quality of life of the home region where we operate", and its core values which are growing people, encouraging entrepreneurship, and improving lives. NLB Group's commitment to sustainability is concentrated on the markets within the Southeast Europe (SEE) region, where the Group operates. The commitment extends beyond the Group’s companies in Slovenia and Croatia, both EU members, by harmonizing a sustainable approach in financing, investing, and own operations across companies in all other countries of operation: Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Kosovo. Hence, the harmonization process groupwide considers EU legislation as well as national strategies and laws in each market. 1 Definition by United Nations General Assembly, 1987 \*Not subject to external assurance. Key milestones Since its establishment, NLB Group has upheld a tradition of responsible, stakeholder-centric operations. This tradition has evolved over time, and has been enhanced in recent years. • NLB Group’s sustainability journey was formally established with an organization-wide initiative and the adoption of the Sustainability Programme. • NLB was the first bank from Slovenia to join the UNEP FI Principles for Responsible Banking, thus committing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (United Nations Development Programme) and the Paris Climate Agreement. 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Guided by NZBA principles, the Group aims to reduce emissions in credit and investment portfolios and its own operations by reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. • The comprehensive NLB Group Sustainability Policy was established, enhancing the existing internal framework and reaffirming a foundation for integrating ESG factors into the Group’s business model, strategy, and daily operations. • The first NLB Group Net-Zero Disclosure Report was published aligned with NZBA methodology and reaffirming our commitment to achieving net zero by setting targets for reducing its financed emissions and maintaining a coal exclusion policy. • Sustainability was integrated in the NLB Group’s new business • strategy (New Horizons), in which commitment to environmental risk management and sustainable banking reflects in several strategic projects. • The Climate Change Committee was established. • NLB Group adopted the Operational Emissions Net- Zero Strategy aiming to reduce emissions from the Group’s own operation. 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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"/>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 175 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report ESG Risk Rating history Improved ESG Risk Rating NLB Group’s efforts and progress on its sustainability journey have been recognized by Morningstar Sustainalytics, one of the world’s leading independent ESG research, ratings, and data firms, which has comprehensively assessed the financial materiality of risks stemming from NLB Group’s environmental, social, and governance issues. In recent years, the Group’s ESG Risk Rating has been assessed as low and has constantly improved: • In 2022 , the Group received its first ESG Risk Rating of 17.7 points, being at the same time the first bank with headquarters and exclusive strategic interest in SEE to obtain this rating, as well as the first among companies listed on the Ljubljana Stock Exchange. • In 2023 , the ESG Risk Rating improved by 1.7 points to 16.0 points, ranking the Group in the top 13 percent of all banks assessed. • In 2024 , NLB Group recorded a significant 5.4-point improvement, achieving an overall ESG Risk Rating of 10.5 points. The Group ranked 42 nd among 1,027 rated banks, positioning it in the top 5 th percentile and among 432 highest rated companies in Europe. This achievement placed the Group among the Top-rated companies in Europe and the Top-rated banks globally. NEG 0-10 LOW 10-20 MEDIUM 20-30 HIGH 30-40 SEVERE 40+ 10.5 LOW RISK 2022 17.7 LOW RISK 2023 16.0 LOW RISK 2024 Low ESG Risk Rating placed NLB Group among the Top-rated companies in Europe and the Top-rated banks globally 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 176 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Key Sustainability Performance Indicators Social Governance Environmental EUR 439 million New sustainable financing Net asset value EUR 151 million Asset management in two sub-funds that promote environmental and social characteristics EUR 341.1 million Green Bond allocation as at 31 March 2024 tCO 2 eq 11.183 million GHG emissions financed and operational emissions (market-based) 54% Employee engagement Client satisfaction 32 Net Promoter Score with positive trend since 2019 EUR 2.2 million Donations in SEE region days/employee 7.7 in NLB Group banking members Completed training and education 17% Gender diversity 40% Gender diversity employees 7,056 in NLB Group core financial members Completed anti-corruption training cases 0 in NLB Group Fines for corruption and bribery retail and corporate green financing in 10 NLB Group members women in the NLB Management Board women in the NLB Supervisory Board 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 177 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Awards and Recognitions In 2024, several NLB Group banking members received notable awards for their sustainability-related contributions: Slovenia NLB, Ljubljana Top Employer for the 9th consecutive year (Dutch Top Employer Institute) The best mobile and online bank in Slovenia (independent study by E-laborat, January 2025) Serbia NLB Komercijalna Banka, Beograd The first certified family-friendly bank in Serbia (since 2023) Top Employer of the year Title "The campaign with the purpose" for three CSR initiatives: "Frame of support", "A world full of heart is a world full of opportunities", "NLB Organic" The special award for the socially responsible campaign "NLB Organic", which has been held for 13 consecutive years and promotes organic food producers in Serbia Bosnia and Herzegovina NLB Banka, Banja Luka and NLB Banka, Sarajevo Both banks received the Golden BAM award for innovation in the banking sector for introducing Smart POS services to the market The CEO of NLB Banka Sarajevo received the 2024 Women of the year award in the corporate social responsibility category Kosovo NLB Banka, Prishtina Employer of the year (Kosova Chamber of Commerce) Taxpayer of the year (Kosova Chamber of Commerce) The "Friend of Children" award in recognition of its significant contributions to child protection efforts in Kosovo North Macedonia NLB Banka, Skopje "Oscar of Humanity" (the Red Cross of the City of Skopje) Recognition for special contribution and support of the Special Olympics of North Macedonia "Golden Supporter" of the activities of the Red Cross of the Republic of North Macedonia Recognition for good ESG practices from the Macedonian Stock Exchange and the American Chamber of Commerce "Leaders in donating" ("Konekt" organization and USAID North Macedonia) "Best Practices in Corporate Philanthropy" (American Chamber of Commerce, USAID North Macedonia and the organization "Konekt") Recognition from the European bank for reconstruction development (EBRD) for its contribution to the success of the Green Economy Financing Facility Montenegro NLB Banka, Podgorica National Award "Iskra" for philanthropy recognizing the bank's commitment to embedding social responsibility into its corporate culture and identity (The Fund for Active Citizenship) 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 178 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB Group has a strong tradition of sustainability reporting, which has evolved significantly over the years. Until 2020, the Group published CSR or non-financial reports guided by the GRI framework. In subsequent years, additional frameworks like Pillar III, EU Taxonomy, UNEP FI Principle for Responsible Banking, Net Zero Banking Alliance and Taskforce for Climate Related Financial Disclosures, were included in reporting. In 2023, the Group started to prepare to comply with the new CSRD and ESRS requirements effective from the fiscal year 2024. The presented Sustainability Statement replaces previous reports, while still integrating various above- mentioned frameworks. It is prepared in accordance with the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) as transposed to the Slovenian Companies Act (ZGD-1) in December 2024, and the disclosure requirements related to Article 8 of the EU Taxonomy and underlying delegated acts. The report is a result of extensive collaboration across NLB Group. The statement aims to provide stakeholders with information on NLB Group’s material impacts on people and the environment, and the effects of sustainability matters on the Group’s development, performance, and position. It includes material matters from the 2024 Double Materiality Assessment and additional insights for consistency with previous reports. The Sustainability Statement has been prepared on a consolidated basis following the same principles as those following from the financial reporting. This means that the statement includes the parent bank NLB but also all subsidiaries (over which NLB has control as at 31 December 2024) from date on which NLB obtains direct or indirect control over the financial and operational management and receives a variable return. The Sustainability Statement covers the financial reporting period from 1 January to 31 December 2024, except for: • Financed emissions, which included data as of 31 December 2023 due to the unavailability of data for the 2024 year-end. • Operational emissions calculations for entities acquired during the financial year (Summit Leasing Slovenija, Mobil Leasing Zagreb, NLB Car & GO, NLB Fondovi Skopje). In this case, emissions were included from the month of acquisition onwards. • NLB Green Bond, which included data as of 31 March in line with the annual issuance calendar of the Green Bond Allocation and Impact report. Figures are stated in EUR thousands and millions tonnes of CO 2 equivalent (tCO 2 eq), with possible rounding discrepancies. Although disclosure of comparative information in respect of the previous period is not required in the first year of ESRS application, NLB Group opted to present such comparisons for certain disclosures, such as EU Taxonomy, GHG emissions, and some of S1 Own workforce and E1 Climate Change disclosures. Only disclosures for the fiscal year 2024 were subject to external review. Data quality, coverage, and availability are gradually improving NLB Group's Sustainability Statement and Double Materiality Assessment were prepared using available data. Data collection and assessment in the downstream value chain and certain non-EU and non-strategic NLB Group members are still developing. Therefore, some data were unavailable or inapplicable, leading to the use of management judgments, estimates, and third- party data, with explanations provided for any gaps. NLB Group expects improvements in data quality, coverage, and availability due to increased reporting obligations. The Group plans to extend the assessment scope to more activities, including upstream and downstream. Efforts will continue to enhance the accounting data framework, upgrade IT solutions, and engage in industry-wide initiatives to standardize and improve sustainability data quality. NLB Group's DMA considered its entire value chain: upstream, own operations, and downstream. ›› For details, please refer to the chapters NLB Group’s Value Chain; and Description of the processes to identify and assess material IRO s. No classified or sensitive information corresponding to intellectual property, know-how, or innovation results has been omitted from the Sustainability Statement. The Group partially used an exemption from disclosing sustainability information about the Group’s own operations and about its downstream and upstream value chain for the first three years after CSRD came into effect. The partial exemption refers to cases where all the necessary information regarding the Group's value chain was not available or could not be obtained. In such cases, explanations and estimates are provided alongside respective disclosures. ESRS 2 General Disclosures BP-1 General basis for preparation of the Sustainability Statement ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 179 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Time horizon Impacts, risks, and opportunities were assessed over time horizons as defined in ESRS, namely short (1 year), medium (1-5 years) and long-term (more than 5 years), with the exception of physical risks. These were assessed for the following time horizons: short- term: until 2030; mid-term: 2030–2050; and long-term: 2050–2100, as internal methodology relies on studies and scenarios mainly project temperature and climate change until 2100. Value chain estimation, sources of estimation, and outcome uncertainty When disclosing metrics for downstream value chain data, the information includes data from clients and estimates from third-party providers or sector averages. These estimates may significantly impact the reported information, and the Group cannot influence these estimates. Hence, reported GHG emissions data reflect measurement uncertainty due to methodological and data limitations, including reliance on third-party data. Our analysis and climate targets use estimates based on recognized frameworks available at the time. As methods and data evolve, our sources and figures may become outdated. GHG emission factors are expected to increase as more data becomes available and associated companies are included. In cases where the disclosed quantitative metrics and monetary amounts were subject to a high level of measurement uncertainty, this is clearly stated and explained along the metrics. Expectations, forecasts and statements Sustainability targets and initiatives, particularly climate-related ones, require long-term horizons and forward-looking parameters. Future developments described in this Sustainability Statement are based on current expectations, projections, and estimates, which involve several factors that will come into play in the future. These factors include evolving science, methodologies, standards, market conditions, technological developments, data maturity and availability, data accuracy, and regulatory changes. Changes in preparation or presentation of sustainability information and reporting errors in prior periods Based on further understanding of the continuously evolving sustainability data frameworks and our internal controls, we have identified some non-significant errors or minor inconsistencies in the 2023 calculations related to the calculation of the EU Taxonomy-GAR and operational emissions. These inconsistencies have been adequately addressed and corrected and are not considered as material. Disclosures stemming from other legislation or generally accepted sustainability reporting pronouncements NLB Group’s Transition plan, disclosed in the chapter Environmental information, applies NZBA guidelines. Use of phase-in provisions NLB Group opted to use all phase-in provisions in accordance with Appendix C of ESRS 1, except for S1 Own workforce information, where available data is disclosed in this Sustainability Statement for the following phase- in provisions despite they will be mandatory to report in 1-3 years: S1-8 Collective bargaining coverage and social dialogue, S1-13 Training and skills development; S1-14 Health and safety. BP-2 Disclosures in relation to specific circumstances ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 180 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Incorporation by reference Parts of ESRS disclosures in this Sustainability Statement are incorporated by reference to other information in other parts of the Annual Report as shown in the table below. Table 1: Incorporation by reference Disclosure requirement Chapter in the Annual Report Page GOV-1 The role of administrative, supervisory, and management bodies, page 181 The Supervisory Board 117, 118 The Management Board 120, 121 The appointment or replacement of members of the management or supervisory bodies, subchapters: • The Supervisory Board • The Management Board 139 Information about the composition and work of the management and Supervisory boards and their committees 141, 142 SBM-1 Strategy, business model, and value chain, page 197 Strategy 32, 33 Segment Analysis 67 NLB Group Chart 166 S4 Consumers and end-Users, chapter Cybersecurity, page 269 Cyber security 111 Information security and personal data protection 126 G1 Business Conduct, chapter Corporate culture, ethical governance and integrity, and regulatory compliance. page 293 Compliance and Integrity, subchapters: • Group-wide ethics and integrity standards • Prevention 125 G1-4 Business Conduct, chapter Prevention of AML and financing of terrosism, page 296 Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, and Financial Sanctions Compliance 125, 126 G1 Financial performance , page 302 Income Statement for the Annual Period ended 31 December 378 Other references in this Sustainability Statement to other information, outside the Business report or the Financial Report, which are not included in the table above, are for informational purposes only and are not subject to external review. The contents of such other documents or websites are not incorporated by reference into this Sustainability Statement, nor should they be considered part of it for any purpose. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 181 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB Group Annual Report 2024 181 Composition NLB Group, which is organized as a so-called corporate group, consists of NLB as a parent bank and members of the NLB Group. Members of NLB Group are independent legal entities, each with its own management bodies and statutory duties and responsibilities in line with legislation in the operating market. The NLB’s corporate governance is based on a two-tier system in which the Management Board manages the daily operations, and the Supervisory Board controls and supervises the Management Board’s work. The composition of the NLB Management Board and Supervisory Board, including the number, representation of employees and other workers, the information on the Supervisory Board Independancy are presented in the following chapters of the Business Report: • The Supervisory Board • The Management Board and in the Corporate Governance statement: • The appointment or replacement of members of the management or supervisory bodies. • Information about the composition and work of the management and supervisory boards and their committees. The relevant experience of the Management Board and Supervisory Board is described in Chapter Governance of sustainability-related impacts, risks, and opportunities . Diversity The general diversity framework aimed at management bodies is stipulated in the Policy on the Provision of Diversity of the Management Body and Senior Management of NLB (hereinafter: Diversity Policy). As part of its ongoing efforts, NLB is progressively adapting these diversity principles across its financial group members, prioritizing compliance in regions where local regulations mandate such policies. Currently, NLB actively monitors gender diversity ratios and raises the awareness of the importance of gender balance in management bodies. The main goal of the Diversity Policy is ensuring that the composition of the management body and senior management encompasses a collective proficiency in knowledge, skills, and experience, while taking into consideration business and strategic goals and principles of meritocracy. This comprehensive approach aims to foster a deep understanding of NLB Group’s strategy, challenges, and the associated risks. The diversity principles are considered when appointing or re-appointing members of the management body and senior management (in line with internal policies for selecting suitable candidates) and also in the annual assessment of the collective suitability of the management bodies. The Diversity Policy concurrently establishes a framework to promote diversity across the following dimensions: • Gender diversity: ensuring a balanced pool of candidates during recruitment, promoting adequate gender representation in the management. If two candidates for the management body meet all criteria and gender representation targets are unmet, the underrepresented gender will be selected. • Age diversity: attracting candidates across age groups to reflect its demographics, balancing younger and older members in management. • Professional competencies: ensuring diverse knowledge, skills, and experience of the management body and senior management, adhering to criteria like experience, reputation, and independence. • Continuity: maintaining a suitable ratio between existing and new members by not changing all members of the management body or senior management simultaneously when their mandates expire. • International experience: ensuring that management body and senior management has international experience, aligning with policies for selecting qualified candidates. • Personal integrity: the management body and senior management must demonstrate high personal integrity, following the NLB Group Code of Conduct. • Geographical provenance: seeking diverse geographical backgrounds in the management body and senior management to ensure a suitable knowledge of the culture, market characteristics, and legal framework in the areas where NLB Group operates. Target representation of the management body is achieved through a predetermined replacement plan and fulfilling roles as defined by the Articles of Association. In line with the Diversity Policy, the conditions and required profiles for management roles are established before appointments and various recruitment pathways are used to attract a wide range of candidates. NLB regularly monitors the achievement of target representation. NLB will amend the Diversity Policy in 2025 with inclusion of provisions from new EU Directive regarding gender balance, which was transposed to Slovenian Companies Act (ZGD-1) in December 2024. Following this provisions NLB will determine what proportion of gender balance it aims to achieve by 30 June 2026: • or at least a 40% representation of the underrepresented gender (i.e. women) among the members of the supervisory body, • or at least a 33% representation of the underrepresented gender (i.e. women) in total among the members of the management and supervisory bodies. While the directive is binding only for NLB, its principles will be included in NLB Group members as best practice and where applicable. Governance GOV-1 The role of administrative, supervisory, and management bodies ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 182 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB Group Annual Report 2024 182 Governance of sustainability-related IROs NLB Group has established a comprehensive framework for sustainability-related governance. The framework encompasses oversight of IROs related to sustainability matters, setting targets, and monitoring progress towards them. The framework also sets out roles, responsibilities, and procedures, and reporting lines for: • the Supervisory Board of NLB and supervisory bodies of NLB Group members, and their committees. • the Management Board of NLB and the management boards of NLB Group members, and their committees. • the NLB Sustainability Unit. • competence lines and organizational units in NLB Group members. • internal control functions. Sustainability-related roles and responsibilities for all the above-mentioned bodies and functions are outlined in the Sustainability Policy, Standard – Rulebook for Sustainability Management in NLB Group. In addition, their sustainability roles are intertwined with their scope of work and, therefore, also described in domain- specific internal rules of procedures. NLB Group acknowledges the complexity and interconnectivity of sustainability matters; therefore, all business areas are involved in sustainability governance to some extent. The highest responsibility for managing and overseeing the sustainability and related impacts, risks, and opportunities lies with the management boards and supervisory boards of each NLB Group member. In accordance with Group governance, collective decision-making and consultative bodies are appointed by the management and supervisory bodies to execute tasks within their respective powers. Operational responsibility is assigned to competence lines, organizational units, and sustainability experts, which manage and monitor impacts, risks, and opportunities within their specific areas of work, expertise and authority. The progress is monitored in daily operations and is reported regularly to the management boards or its respective bodies and quarterly to the Sustainability Committee. Table 2: Share of women in governance bodies at the end of 2024 Share of women in NLB Share of women in banking members (i) Share of women in NLB Group (ii) Supervisory Board 40% (4 of 10 members) 36% (16 of 44 members) 38% (33 of 87 directors) Management Board 16.7% (1 of 6 members) 19% (5 of 26 members) 22% (13 of 59 members) Notes: (i) Banking members: NLB and 6 subsidiary banks (ii) NLB Group: all banks, asset management companies, leasing companies and other core non-financial companies, excluded non-core members Table 3: Diversity of the NLB management bodies and senior management in 2024 and (actual and plan) – breakdown by diversity objectives Supervisory Board of NLB Management Board of NLB Senior Management of NLB 2024 Plan for 2024 2024 Plan for 2024 Plan for 2024 Plan for 2024 Wide range of knowledge, skills, and professional experience High High High High High High International experience of the members in different areas Medium High Medium High Medium High Medium High Medium High Medium High Continuity of composition of the management body High High High High High High Personal integrity High High High High High High Geographical provenance Medium High Medium High Medium High Medium High Low Low Age structure 20-30 = 0 0 20-30 = 0 0 20-30 = 0 0 30-40 = 0 0 30-40 = 0 0 30-40 = 1 1 40-50 = 1 2 40-50 = 2 1 40-50 = 24 18 50-60 = 6 5 50-60 = 4 5 50-60 = 18 16 60+ = 3 5 60+ = 0 0 60+ = 2 2 Share of women 40% 42% 17% 30% 43% 45% ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 183 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB Group Annual Report 2024 183 In accordance with the Banking Act and the EBA guidelines on assessing the suitability of members of the management body (i.e. the NLB Management Board and the NLB Supervisory Board) and holders of key functions, NLB carries out self-assessments of the collective suitability of its management body, including its collective knowledge. By this, NLB detects potential deficiencies in the collective suitability and ensures that the management body always has a wide range of knowledge, skills, and experience to be able to understand the NLB Group’s activities and its main risks. In this context, climate-related and other ESG risks and opportunities, as well as broader sustainability considerations, have become increasingly important topics for the Management Board and Supervisory Board alike. Once a year, the Supervisory Board assesses the composition of the Management Board , performance, potential conflicts of interest of individual members, and performance of individual members and the Management Board as a whole, as well as its efficiency. If it establishes that the number of the members of the Management Board is inappropriate or that the number of members of the Management Board must be increased, or that certain knowledge, skills, and experience are lacking, or that the members of the Management Board are no longer qualified to perform this function because they do not meet the required conditions, or because one or several members are unsuitable and thus the Management Board as a whole no longer meets the required collective suitability, the process of finding a suitable candidate (or candidates) is started. In 2024, the composition of the Management Board remained the same as in 2023. The collective suitability of the members of its management bodies covers five major pillars: business model requirements, governance, risk management, compliance and audit, management and decision- making and experience overview of its members. Each of these pillars relates to several sustainability topics, such as (and not limited to): discovering and exploiting opportunities with regard to business sustainability, i.e. actions of the company that influence the reduction of adverse environmental and social impact, social ethical, and professional standards, risk strategy, risk culture and risk appetite, internal culture, remuneration, compliance, whistleblowing, group governance, and internal controls. The Supervisory Board conducted a collective assessment of sustainability topics in December 2024, concluding that their knowledge, skills, and experience are generally high. Similarly, the Management Board's assessment in March 2024, which included the assessment of the same pillars, also yielded a high evaluation 2 . In particular, the management and supervisory bodies of NLB Group core financial members are expected to have adequate competences regarding climate and other environmental risk, which is stipulated in the internal policies for suitability assessments and Fit and Proper procedures (the Policy on the selection of suitable candidates for members of the Supervisory Board of NLB d.d. and the Policy on the selection of suitable candidates for member of the Management Board of NLB d.d.) As stipulated in both policies, the selection process for the management bodies’ members encompasses seven steps: identification of the need to search for and nominate a candidate for the member, definition of the profile, search for candidates, selection of the candidates, "Fit & Proper" assessment of the candidates, proposal for appointment of a candidate, appointment of a candidate as a management body member. In NLB, candidates provide a self-assessment of their competencies in the questionnaire, which are further assessed by the HR department and then at the Nomination Committee, which submits an opinion to the Supervisory Board. In the second step, their competencies are also assessed by the Bank of Slovenia and the ECB as part of the licensing procedure. The assessment of climate-related competencies is indirectly included also in the Fit and Proper procedures of management and supervisory bodies in other NLB Group financial members, within the overall risk assessment. Throughout 2024, several training courses on sustainability-related topics were organized for different internal stakeholders, organizational levels, and addressing different needs. The training programme contents for the Management Board members, covering their pertinent area, focused on topics of strategic relevance, including sustainability. Key training programmes that the Management Board members completed in 2024 (and were also in focus in 2023) included Respecting Human Rights, Cybersecurity Risk, and Compliance. In last two years, several Supervisory Board members completed the sustainability-related programmes with the following topics: • in 2024: INSEAD Business School for the World, the Management of ESG and Sustainability – competence building for supervisors (legal, strategic, and financial aspects, sustainability reporting and oversight), the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, Executive and non-executive remuneration, Cybersecurity, Governance and risk culture, • in 2023: Sustainability Leadership Programme, Diverse and effective boards and committees in a changing and competitive landscape, and an internal session on ESG – regulatory requirements and commitments. Some members of the management boards and supervisory boards in NLB Group were guest-speakers on sustainability related topics at conferences, panel discussions, and other events organized by partnering professional associations. Thus, NLB Group enhances knowledge and promotes best practice sharing within the financial sector in entire region. NLB also continued collaboration with the Chapter Zero Slovenia initiative, which was launched in April 2023 under the patronage of the Slovenian Directors’ Association (SDA) and British-Slovenian Chamber of Commerce (BSCC). Taking part in this initiative enables the Supervisory Board Members to build their capacity in regard to principles and frameworks for climate change strategy and action. At the beginning of 2025 the collaboration was extended internationally to Chapter Zero Adriatic, which will extend the impact to all other NLB Group members in the region. An overview of the governance framework for sustainability matters is shown in the figures on the next page, followed by explanations of the roles of each body or function and related internal controls. 2 The assessment scale: A=absent, L=low, ML=Medium-low, MH=medium-high and H=high 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 184 Collective Decision-Making Body Supervisory Board of NLB The Audit Committee The Risk Committee The Nomination Committee The Remuneration Committee The Operations and IT Committee Management Board of NLB Corporate Credit Committee Assets and Liabilities Committee of NLB d.d. and NLB Group Operational Risk Committee of NLB d.d. Group Real Estate Asset Management Committee Sales Council Committee for New and Existing Products Committee for Business IT Architecture Data Governance Council Advisory Body Sustainability Committee Risk Committe Strategy and Business Development Division - Sustainability Unit Sustainability management in NLB Group Core Members Internal Controls Sustainability-related risks are included in the NLB Group's internal control system. This system is designed to ensure that a process and measures are in place for each key risk to actively reduce and manage that risk, and that the process or measures are effective for this purpose. All bodies, competence lines, and organizational units manage sustainability- related IROs within their respective work areas and responsibilities, reporting to their respective superiors, committees, or boards. Management Board Members are supported by directors at B-1 level in 3 decision-making bodies Discussing key topics and monitoring progress in the management of sustainability- related IROs across NLB Group Appointed ESMS officers, ESG Coordinators, Sustainability Representatives, responsible for active collaboration with Sustainable Development Unit, for managing and executing the sustainability initiatives locally and to report to their local Management Boards. Overseeing the management of sustainability-related IROs. Managing sustainability-related IROs and reporting to the Supervisory Board. Climate Change Committee Figure 1: Governance framework for sustainability matters Sustainability Unit makes proposals related to Sustainability Policy, drives and oversees the implementation of sustainability- related roadmap, measuring results and reporting on the status ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 185 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB Group Steering co-operates in the process of sustainability/ESG harmonization and management in NLB Group banking members NLB d.d. (parent bank) Supervisory Board, Management Board, Committees Sustainability Committee Sustainability Unit Head of Sustainability Sustainability Coordinators ESMS Team Sustainability representatives in key OUs that constitute CL Banking members Supervisory Board, Management Board, Committees Sustainability-related body (committee, workgroup…) Sustainability Manager and a substitute/deputy OR Sustainability Unit OR Sustainability Advisor to the MB ESMS Officer(s) Sustainability representatives in key OUs that constitute CL Sustainability matters are integrated in NLB Group’s established governance. Advisory bodies to the Management Boards on sustainability matters are established. Central sustainability / ESG steering at NLB d.d. and NLB Group level is ensured. ESG Risk Management is implemented throughout the Risk Competence Line. Sustainability management is implemented in other business areas through other key Competence Lines / Organizational Units. Internal controls in each NLB Group member through the first (organizational units), the second (risk management, compliance), and the third level of control (internal audit) Mutual collaboration among all bodies, competencel lines, organizational units, sustainabilty profiles, capacity and culture-building Leasing and asset management companies Supervisory Board, Management Board, Committee Sustainability-related body (committee, workgroup…) Sustainability Manager/ Coordinator and a substitute/deputy Sustainability Representatives in key OUs that constitute CL Non-financial core members Supervisory Board, Management Board, Committees Sustainability-related body (committee, workgroup…) Sustainability Coordinator and a substitute/deputy Sustainability Representatives in key OUs that constitute CL Coordinating, Delivering and overseeing an overarching NLB Group sustainability policies, strategies, guidelines, expert advisory Delivering and overseeing ESG Risk management framework, including credit process, stress testing, business continuity Delivering and overseeing busines lines specific policies, strategies, guidelines, expert advisory Figure 2: Organization of sustainability management in NLB Group Mandatory body/function/profile Optional body/function/profile ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 186 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Governance bodies The Supervisory boards of NLB and supervisory bodies of NLB Group members perform their function by monitoring the individual NLB Group members’ operations, including those that are sustainability- related, within their competencies in line with local legislation, and in accordance with established Corporate Governance Policy in NLB d.d. and the NLB Group Governance Policy and the Guidelines, respectively. Moreover, the Supervisory Board of NLB monitors the operation of the entire NLB Group within their competences and by obtaining information and performing site visits in the NLB Group members. The Management Board of NLB and NLB Group member represents the entity and manages its daily operations, independently and at its discretion, as provided by the applicable laws and the articles of association. The Management Board of NLB represents and acts on behalf of NLB, including the governance of the entire NLB Group. Governance bodies of NLB and other NLB Group members are expected to follow regulators 3 guidelines (expectations and principles) regarding sustainability and ESG matters in NLB Group. Their key responsibilities include: • integrating sustainability and ESG (environmental, social, governance) into business strategy and risk management. • allocating roles for sustainability matters, appoint a board member responsible for ESG. • assessing board members' knowledge on sustainability and climate risks. • overseeing sustainability and ESG risks. • aligning remuneration policies with sustainability and ESG goals. • ensuring adequate resources for managing sustainability, including training and appointing experts. Committees To assist and advise in sustainability implementation processes, as well as to execute individual tasks within the powers of the Management Board, there are several committees in place: • six collective decision-making bodies that provide decision-making support to the whole Management Board: Corporate Credit Committee, NLB Group Assets and Liabilities Management Committee, NLB Operational Risk Committee, NLB Group Real Estate Management Committee, Sales Committee, and Risk Committee. • three decision-making bodies that provide decision- making support to respective Management Board members: Committee for New and Existing Products, Committee for Business IT Architecture, and Data Governance Council. Committees identify and address IROs related to environmental, social, and governance issues within their area of work. Committees operate in line with their rules and procedures and regularly report to the NLB Management Board. Meetings are convened according to the meetings plan, regularly and frequently. In 2024, the majority of them were held once a week, some of them monthly or every two or three months. Ad-hoc meetings are convened if certain issues need to be addressed urgently. The expert support for the NLB Supervisory Board’s work is provided by its five committees, namely: the Audit Committee, Risk Committee, Nomination Committee, Remuneration Committee, and the Operations and IT Committee. They all participate in sustainability-related matters and discuss the proposed materials and proposed resolutions of the Management Board in individual areas intended for discussion or adoption at meetings of the NLB Supervisory Board. In line with the internal rules and procedures committee meetings are convened according to the financial calendar prior to each Supervisory Board session. In 2024, altogether there were 19 meetings of NLB Supervisory Board’s committees. The Supervisory Board’s committees (audit, risk, nomination, remuneration) mainly exist in banking members of the NLB Group but may also exist in other NLB Group members if specific regulation requires so. In line with a member’s specific needs, the Supervisory Board may also establish other committees and bodies. In addition, NLB Group has established committees that are dedicated exclusively to sustainability matters, i.e. the Sustainability Committee in NLB and similar bodies in NLB Group members, and the NLB Climate Change Committee. The NLB Sustainability Committee is the central sustainability-related advisory body to the Management Board of NLB. The Committee oversees the integration of the ESG factors into NLB and the NLB Group members’ business model in a focused and coordinated way across the company and issues opinions, recommendations, and initiatives, and takes relevant decisions when needed. The Committee discusses, develops, and validates sustainability strategies, policies, initiatives, methodologies, KPIs, and other relevant documents and procedures, and recommends these for the approval of the NLB Management Board. The Sustainability Committee has an influence over sustainability-related strategic objectives and monitors their development and realization. It provides the overall vision and sustainability strategy, defines key policies, reviews progress on major initiatives, decides on specific external partnerships and agreements, and ensures cohesion of the overall programme with the Bank’s mission. The Rules of Procedure of the Sustainability Committee determine the composition and powers of the Sustainability Committee and its members, as well as the manner of its operation and decision-making. The Committee is convened quarterly and is composed of the senior officials across all areas of the Bank and chaired by the CEO of NLB. 3 Expectations for significant institutions stipulated in the Guide on climate-related and environmental risks, Supervisory expectations relating to risk management and disclosure, ECB, November 2020, taking into account the materiality of their exposure to climate-related and environmental risks and in connection with Basel Committee Principles for the effective management and supervision of climate-related financial risks, Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS), June 2022. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiIHN0YW5kYWxvbmU9Im5vIj8+CjwhRE9DVFlQRSBzdmcgUFVCTElDICItLy9XM0MvL0RURCBTVkcgMS4xLy9FTiIKImh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnL0dyYXBoaWNzL1NWRy8xLjEvRFREL3N2ZzExLmR0ZCI+Cjxzdmcgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDE4MTggMTI4NiIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIj4KPGRlZnM+CjxzdHlsZSB0eXBlPSJ0ZXh0L2NzcyI+PCFbQ0RBVEFbCi5nMF8xODd7CmZpbGw6ICMyMzAwNzg7Cn0KLmcxXzE4N3sKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjMjMwMDc4OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDMuMDU1OwpzdHJva2UtbGluZWNhcDogcm91bmQ7CnN0cm9rZS1saW5lam9pbjogcm91bmQ7Cn0KXV0+PC9zdHlsZT4KPC9kZWZzPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTUwMC42LDExMy43YzM3LjcsMCw2OC4yLC0zMC42LDY4LjIsLTY4LjJjMCwtMzcuNywtMzAuNSwtNjguMSwtNjguMiwtNjguMWMtMzcuNywwLC02OC4yLDMwLjQsLTY4LjIsNjguMWMwLDM3LjYsMzAuNSw2OC4yLDY4LjIsNjguMloiIGNsYXNzPSJnMF8xODciLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTE1MDAuNiwxMzk5LjljMzcuNywwLDY4LjIsLTMwLjUsNjguMiwtNjguMmMwLC0zNy43LC0zMC41LC02OC4yLC02OC4yLC02OC4yYy0zNy43LDAsLTY4LjIsMzAuNSwtNjguMiw2OC4yYzAsMzcuNywzMC41LDY4LjIsNjguMiw2OC4yWiIgY2xhc3M9ImcwXzE4NyIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTYwNi44LDExNjMuMmwtMTMuNywxMC43djE2LjhjMCwuOCwuMywxLjYsLjksMi4yYy41LC41LDEuMywuOCwyLjEsLjhoMjEuNGMuOCwwLDEuNiwtLjMsMi4yLC0uOGMuNSwtLjYsLjksLTEuNCwuOSwtMi4ydi0xNi44bC0xMy44LC0xMC43Wm0tNC42LDMwLjV2LTE1LjJoOS4ydjE1LjJtLTEwLjcsLTEyNS44bC03LjYsLTcuN2w3LjYsLTcuNm0xMC43LDE1LjNsLTcuNiwtNy43bDcuNiwtNy42bTM3LjgsMTUuM2w3LjcsLTcuN2wtNy43LC03LjZtLTEwLjcsMTUuM2w3LjcsLTcuN2wtNy43LC03LjYiIGNsYXNzPSJnMV8xODciLz4KPC9zdmc+) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 187 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB Group members establish local sustainability- related bodies considering the nature, scale, and complexity of the activities and organizational structure of the member. Sustainability-related bodies are established in various forms, such as sustainability teams, project groups, working groups, committees, etc, and may include internal and external members. The members of the local sustainability-related body are appointed by the management body of the NLB Group member, and the NLB Group member adopts the basic rules of procedure of such body. The Climate Change Committee has full authority and responsibility over the development and implementation of the NLB Group Net-Zero Strategy, to streamline decision-making and enhance accountability related to set decarbonization targets. The Climate Committee is composed of key individuals who cover both strategic and operational aspects of the decarbonization efforts. The Committee comprises all six members of the Management Board, as well as at least six core team members. The core team members include a project- lead from the Sustainability Unit and representatives of Global Risk, Retail Banking, Corporate Banking, Data/IT, and Group Steering divisions/departments. The core team is charged with designing the second round of target setting scheduled for mid-2025. The composition of the committee ensures a holistic approach to the decarbonization process. It brings together executives and experts from various areas to provide comprehensive guidance and insight. This collaborative effort aligns different areas of the organization, enhancing interdepartmental coordination and facilitating effective decision-making. The Sustainability Unit The Sustainability Unit is set up within the Strategy and Business Development Division (which is part of the CEO stream) in the parent bank NLB. In this manner, sustainability in NLB Group is coordinated through the central coordination team. The team consists of sustainability coordinators and is led by the head of the Sustainability Unit, who reports to the director of the Strategy and Business Development Division, who reports directly to the CEO of NLB The latter also reports to the Management Board and Supervisory Board of NLB d.d. The Sustainability Unit is the overall coordinator of sustainability management and closely cooperates with the individual competence line, which is a responsible owner of the entire process in its field of work, without unduly infringing upon the established internal governance system and control functions. The general roles and responsibilities of the Sustainability Unit are described in detail in the Rules of the organization of NLB. Competence lines Sustainability and ESG are important topics that need to be strongly embedded in all key business areas in NLB Group. Each key competence line is therefore responsible for the harmonization and oversight of the implementation of sustainability and ESG matters in its field of work. Relevant sustainability and ESG matters are communicated to the relevant key competence line in advance by the Sustainability Unit. The established governance mechanism of the competence lines in general is stipulated in the NLB Group Governance Policy and Competence Lines Guidelines. Consequently, in the context of harmonization and standardization of NLB Group operations in terms of sustainability and ESG, the main roles of key competence lines are: • to monitor that all NLB Group members nominate sustainability representatives in the competence lines’ field of work. • to ensure that the relevant rules and principles (group-wide) related to sustainability and ESG are incorporated into the competence line’s documentary framework. • to monitor that members of the NLB Group operate in accordance with group-wide rules and principles of sustainability and ESG that are related to the competence line’s field of work. NLB Group members are responsible for complying with the local or sector-specific regulatory requirements applicable in the country of each NLB group member. Sustainability expert profiles In each NLB Group member, sustainability expert profiles are appointed who are responsible for the implementation of sustainability matters subject to their scope of work: head of sustainability, sustainability coordinators, sustainability manager, sustainability manager deputies, ESMS officers, and sustainability representatives. 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The appropriateness of the internal control mechanisms is defined based on the independence, quality, and applicability of the rules and controls of performance of organizational, business, and work processes of the internal controls in NLB Group, and the internal control functions. The foundation is defined by the internal document NLB Internal Control System, which outlines the internal control system and the responsibilities for its establishment, continuous operation, and improvement. In accordance with internal procedures, the internal document is also implemented in NLB Group members. Sustainability is integrated into NLB Group's internal control system Sustainability IROs are integrated into NLB Group's internal control system through three levels of defence. Each level has clearly defined sustainability-related responsibilities, ensuring effective management and oversight. First line of defence First-level controls ensure proper implementation of business activities in each organizational unit. Competent units supervise and implement procedures according to the Rules on Authorizations and Signing. All units are the first line of defence, responsible for daily risk management in climate and sustainability matters, especially frontline employees in corporate, retail, and financial markets. Their main responsibilities include: • conducting client activities within the ESMS framework, managing climate and ESG risks. • gathering sustainability profiles of clients and identifying new commercial opportunities. • informing clients about new sustainable banking products while avoiding greenwashing. • providing clear directions on new products and processes. • managing ESG risks related to their work. • ensuring data for reporting and disclosures meet industry standards. • participating in awareness activities and training on sustainability topics. Back office employees also identify and manage sustainability IROs in their work, following internal principles and procedures, reporting to superiors, and engaging in training. Second line of defence Second-level controls are divided between internal control functions, risk management, and business compliance; the latter carries out independent controls and supervision over the operation of the first line of defence. The risk management function defines rules for risk appetite, strategy, policies, and ESG and climate-related risks. It focuses on holistic risk management and cross- risk oversight to enhance risk steering and mitigation within NLB Group. Additionally, it ensures data for reporting and disclosures meet industry standards and provides training on efficient ESG risk management, especially for climate-related risks. The business compliance function supervises and ensures compliance with the regulatory framework at NLB Group. It identifies, assesses, prevents, and monitors risks to compliance and integrity, including ESG and climate-related risks. Responsibilities include overseeing the implementation of laws, directives, standards, and regulations, and providing guidance to ensure compliance. In line with the internal document Rules on the Management of Changes in the Legal Environment, managing changes in the legal environment includes climate-related and ESG risks. Compliance monitors regulatory developments, communicates updates to relevant units through internal channels, such as newsletters on regulatory changes, and is included in the general sustainability activities to have proper oversight over the implementation activities. The status of legal changes or adjustments to the Group's operations is reported at least quarterly to the Management and Supervisory Boards, and as needed to Risk Management and other units. Compliance also participates in sustainability working groups, the Sustainability Committee, and cooperates with the Sustainability Unit. Third line of defence The third level of control is performed by the independent internal audit function, which assesses the internal control system's completeness, functionality, and adequacy. Sustainability and ESG matters are included in the Audit Universe and integrated into the annual planning process of NLB and other NLB Group members. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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"/>
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0uyAyPiiAxODgEa/gmWcPDQ0MekGBJAJBr0pZk1nVkkKx+jRJuixJPzjwaa4bCq5sr4m9A36sf3+U6e5vwoBX79hn8hx9WAT7thC2BXQYO8CuEjRO4S8Ed7B7mUVQ0tgU0INtl06BAxqUi5C+++MYT9OG9vuHN/43raPmLi/rcXZFcn+Fn/tzdzH8WsSBA3LJr5JZcBpIhu7wt+ecsJ8HpXE89mxsELQ6aY41Q8rmLa8zD+Szjk677myAsnr9Q8S4DA/2Kd1RRrgw8Wf3hRlx3gFz9DBjvYoajCEZNeuPoMRduuGgDzQZHgyc10J/Yjas5OTlXkPFXilihq/BpcGuu89sdPn//9aSpdx/mN34DfnQQgLjtcIB1Z9Ssu3dH/bpT/Oko/sdbt247fJxJGR6MHjR1ScCcXd4QuZ+GnzdWaWiQP8A4sFGfRz/egEFm6WKkvfUbJNfKDFeS57J1XVIvPoV9FOaLWrgVF3JcNHYDzMbxYDZ2ejZsIFoRjdZzBg30JsaZwHcFbwv9LuNVmWggBXm/MbngOuzDKoi4g8uScLdY93CZXxX//yJQcmfELWZO8AkPk0U80u1bgb1bIyPxK9y2LzHkQxvibML30oc6/cEQwefgRIzoi9IceI4tmln4EQZj0gcSa3BQic6sLUQ4kI1Ow4axG+dhDwtm44jdwO6pigbku8y5WuFPINl1wbgTtBnFe5lPU9AgvyTw2eErmLboQ/Bz7iZaFoo1Bus+rAd0Fb8fh/927y5fzqSknoZ9/VHC3N1R9tN+CdaGhgbSC78IgQfyLne1NfoFvFuE5M1ouT+7lV7RT6T/1hB+CmM9wHJ4w2ECDutSTLhhkxtuk1IFDTAaBI3L7bBpNcb1OpCRuDQTFCTgJvFEwMIjEWh4+PDhI/zVI/eLBw6Q4q/iv+Uz/sI/h9Qq4CpsEf70vXu/ySkrIEPQ8DM4W+giIeMzREBkPsQdDsQ9Cjhc6D3zAT3UX2gsktfLGp6RW00tiM4GCRwm5ADDYTaxRSR6Gl2KKWvHE1i7SamIxlGHBmxcu8GdFLbVfHnCV19ePg0ZjaMZ8gb+Nv5E4T2+AL8xNj7uiHhk1sMJsya/fPz48eTkJPy6+OdDg0qxzN968MjbEljj45aYsXHzvO+NyxX+nrRH7s/H0XdxS3SLf5tv84fmfOBd9yn8+3z1QCz4I/dO42Purb6wHpI5U2Z84j+yPxF+0nlZ9lfveMDhW2roAL+CXgXZsC7FJDeOmw3sQW82wh4liYYPNU7guZpBo7O7p4jR0ZsMWzCEHYUvRAJjNPDOfYzb5/To4cNJswwObv3WE79+K/zpl5NkPXyIwDxQ1iO6kCrz7wn7Q249Yg+w+P/42H1rjb7w9n80+KW7xDrZD+FhM6+PK7rIRwi2e6evvEEJhs8YlrFKK0A8dje3RokFNI7FGA50KsantEEoaiNR3KSsF42WCxcuXr7c8Ve7IdIwZAQwtMsatfaDeXz3kfy3F++je/AWhadTU1PPyCp+O/XUcfI4XoVVKZ45X4/L1hP3s+ERMlsylr7vYJ/uh5AI3/xx+TIXCotbLSW4yq/7JYu5WmvFB8GrFIbDsmF2KTYStZuUfbhJwdSGzGxUQqP36ucUjTsiiPSXxU2e+1voQJyxmLC3tMAB1hQuAOL58+cCD1hPn9q/69YTsghf2lJ+kD43dF/2y30fnZNdY2PcPQXr9NA4PAu2e3P18h5zFifwvXA9CJ5UW9biFW710SPdSD7QovZ73nYYu2GdCsQbxmxcNtHGuQINmxLdOBpFpGHyl8X2yqDhvIMNvMYEHnT9JnzZEAswvfaW/jaYCWolnv3O7zyf/mszMzN/Ddbs9O/8zvRzSsmzZxo0xSpe6kdT6fUs/sGnT377t82D+21CyD8/AY6GfxOFvyK+o/ihp2jrfvSjp9H7+Df/0Y9+hISYd+ScTEzkLZ03hPi3uU98mLYs+BjQcFif4s2GSW5YNE5sKhpFDErIEBvO4EldvM6+aXBDnQOxN/L5NK4ZWHPKmrFrWq5n2jKv9/w5NzzPnuE72Heanea8TdGv95fmCagsPBTuIwJbvcDnlBTiIamHyyz3nzViJuPwy+JC4TAbrgHPhkXjYkDjiM96bcChmFgD0Ljp0HBbNekNg0/2kSGY30n8pP6WPp+enYmYmPfrxYsXghH3y9+1PzZbrPAr/J0gaiZ+B/yBgqBpRIi4LPMQnNHHDZODYTJQja4DPoQhcRbefUZZeEHFP6YJqvBzU87tKEbNm5xn5pL8taGLytuXiQCHZcOgYRJoBA2T2zhv41A8SNkgGp0pNFLBEjUVkyS0cBFFcU9npZkwQNT8WlioLRBQzF94AWth/sVcU6v4GUQt0Oae3jR/bE+Tdz9Eyv5xAhYzFd4f3whWQSOzWia28v+FLQ0XaVJiQDwc44aNIt4oXMowRcMGG5D1cnFoBg1/vLbdNkELNC5d7ujo7unFfNdN3J94qxEY4C6QMuGciDO9/o6GR2+ZWNSX54X8kvwYfQV9sZeBv00enH02+AQCHfYRqDHLNPsQ7JPg68+R/xa7yGnqSKv5UC3QgqtjnEzaR1DYDbAaEG2Uo7GnEhrEapyEYg2HRg/ZvI6MlKERIovHwo9Mz4Z7uqA8v4or9fir/SRlY85ZkOf2rj8NXkOz+NaNmA/xYj6Cm7DqVjKAIli8mMv8LbQ6zxJhuNgI4SNIoWEdyhnuUJpE40jIhra1d1zp7sE0+dCQC0RZkvuhXNReuJSF/aY4MNTHWa+b/5u1uIlLvFx4fOxJ2NuvExECTfdIX8zXGBE6tUlAHBTz0YpJsUbkWQKPAIdhA916Ag01DC1Do2DDH695s3H6nKn+a+/o7Oo2J/LX+wcGh21iAw8OLBsCCxK1BT8yTf2IwoXhocFXXSzzJ/p/kT+pLsmce3QRHXJ7E0ezgPY6DVxka5S/rBgd6mciQiwc1mo4h2JCjaGBG/24ee2im1ea8qqAxnaOhjmUh8LQy2A2oIpnYGAQzhZG7tzlToWj4Z21+/oFMjJg1LOPtK78If2DpbDkC5A/lHDQJyDZoFjMyJC5WReYIiX1NxSXRNmYTqGB/sSgMWI3r2A0ekXKaxPQaDl38WLbZUDjKqAxgEfrI6P+NEH6lIDGlBp7hhtS52TwJ60wYp6v+vCXqqzAlHgM4f5HGRR9EzJf3WaUhNXlfym2HDwynYrRwN3rqE15YaacJcpPkyg0i0YBh14bevLUKQxEi2jj1/FYHgqcbCx6565zKvcZGzaHMaV5E3ZTiX0PaOAzXO/jrwQIgcPd/po3HHT7oGyvnR/QP8FGoqE4xKIuKHYr3GjQQGPc71z9+VpvjykENEEo7k9OncSTV1Y5HB3KSzT2iLJhU1De3t7R1d1z1bExCOfy7iSFJDgoGtqGdb4UjaXvAo3w5bS3Xc/PEjT0T7ARJhQ2KqPhTcYjKG8xD4XnNAwZ7lDeVg57o+HqNbal0XAtSq4P5ZhR1vAlgMAGblP80fwIyXCwhHiExkxAo/ahrMayWetGo+bRSIQXm4JGPQZDCas1p5JDw+5PJkwIaiPQUZ7tCqU8WOV1Kqry2p5HA6MNYOOgZQO6DbA81LDR23et7/qNwnD83pCl4w6U1t27PzYe4PgXBBrT5WiEOHQptb+ohkYpIBINEnCwfIJChH9OzJ/U1Q1y0kgIcyFi64ZqOpRYlJ0CWTJ8AIpkGG/yL6I36TE2AzeuUORVuJNjUMmTrw0l7dA+tbGXdEO3Eja6e6/2fY5nsAODNuQYESU6xnAoaAQydDQWy/agldBYXg8a7v6zXFOUsPU5DEFGXT70zHrpfyD5aXW3wrbYBRoRGTYAHXO5LijGFN4EQlDT3sj6Xn1F+dYKaOyhrSinfZeS6YS21cNYVm5LAWXlE6IRkuMiCK0tfgg0lsVqDo1F8tVkJmNeT3iuEw0tFaPsuPxr1rxRq4AGyYIWD2V4SPEmF2xTtGg2oKFGjIbsN9gf9DVOn2n1bHR22QY2bMUovIo4U7kfsuR+77pJaDSaIaNZNIANfZs673MMWTQW6+sBg3+qaHtN0ZhnhzAizph8yMlgexPT/AqtBkgGdL0e4ToKwZ98kkLDe5T9pu3VqPJgRzS0RLdDWpTDMUzPYv02FoMNme6az6KxyPOdVcnwMKyYVYpGlNnIoZE8txOPOhVr2P8oceAGQ79AuYtNoOFMxuQjG4Ha49YhWzFceJMusBlwdnIO+6FPEpsRWg22qdorusKGYQPT5SYUvWDZMC0pvbCNvY6GI1T3BDYm6WGrCDUW14WGQCE2FispNPjvlRsf3X1RJbCefaf4G/nkrWbWlEMfdqCCaMSBRqj7sznQLmhBuYw2A3QUfH/SfiIDmNKH1BQAvZ4sSDa1oMbb5Q4XcPiIY2jI+5S7Y/fHIjQgTaAfqTWBxlIJGitsMTYqo8HZKC0VqDeNRkXv6GLRlFEjJ4HenRg0xv3WxMUZpiIUW159w6tPafDWte1p6VBVHdI0sR3DhPnZ1nNWTMEajp6+YDi8TzHxBqAR/Ml00mZQV13Xj9eiO7isrpV4pWOPlEdhOwFvLzImw1/jaoqNl2J/WhoiRV6lzq0aYYOiAWRApgu9ySAkx02LgelpDC2NoKAAh/GHbaAhG151eUihNkyFQ41POduC4pAgtAEKLFdJO1thOEbtQb1HYyqgodgMameJK17Kf6EUAPxvXoWl0hHd9uhZskMteq3UAhAw/Avai08fB6egiGmmAWmExnyMxhMXg0IIaskY6L/uDls7sQ/aBBqWDKvlZWXeduxoGo09dhIKzOs5cRq3sCbeADaM9MRVv42FDIcNN+67MFSiwU+kwp0jkZo9VcvsQ1aS69UricaKDEIiiy3ZIGhIiLnf8Cl9vvFMoKGbCX7ZcZgkw1GelaNo2IN4f6Jm9yZXXX/B5bBttdKhIgYNO1ddHZImy53ZcElRI+kFPsVIRLa1t/9LuFOxAYc5UxFooNXAFHl0rCY8R/o+xl8zgUB28b9L4dAeI09NpzfU9KyHbyuWyN5D/TDC/alXzAMlVkdQC8GoCzZwhzLpEuSjo7R0h2S6QMqrFbetjoz9pNt1Ox3Ql1Ip38bYQJ9i2DgBPqUF2YAMB7bBXvM9CBCJokOxRsNuToTJUHI9VcFYzoCxRpcKSnzPOSH+6ylPOJTMQ/bUv5EyFikkIosXxx0iGLVmg1gNQKMwGjbQuAZnrTbOCFJNVhrSDGPzu5MQgyZmohDBYWBj1x7PxpGjx11aFHPmNjOKjbAYbtwkaJiEVxGEIhm2VC4CI7bHJdms1G1d01cCDbat1VOQ4UpX09cFLxMlUPTYgrqQ5LUXvxHXyl7XXl2NFA8INMYgpXGTJkE7wZvg3uTsaUKGV/8TaKQmong2cPYa2o39zqdYpwKlPRdRD7AzKCsM2eIeOIItjAbYjOfCYsTfwSppTWZ/ExysvZZLNx3SeIjv/GrIbJprVXFwv4x3Q9on0aIhcclvzPIXvSbiaBYesZ2KY8OiMQZGg1aCmno/PDfxexMXgZKBKBXmr4Vog7PhfIp1KmfsRgXYsHos1/tvmP0rolH4E3AnEGfQfYk1F5KB6HauqDtSf1tfJ9Ybutx91uxIFg74dopgIrVdViJexYPEVkK9YnrZ8TbLmw7CBtiNItgowrqAhsmCmhD0M04GVJCTCJSmQSuN2BLj13bQ8WtuDws+5YLVEbXJL5MyH4rRmJ4Fm7EAZLykX8PkaQdBgrLhb+3btRIm+G3WzcjKyrtUOj0OM9VsGn/m4XolQO8YGZ6KN5nFbMcrnsBDNkJpiWmPmJoKaNyxaLhyP9y2XjByoS7TdSSaoiSHvX5SNn6NjfMk4y/wrI3EG4aN69cZGiYIfWrjDFf0wuwzNwvBazNb8W45Di34rZU3+b1ZaTaoj9EyYzRaEKjKn9L3yiKVQv8S8SGShR+/Z9ftrvRtZDqQjZc24nAuBdAweY0xSGqgPwF34nOgmB0/EXTr6ZycHeVGg2XLAQ40HLv34FnbITxrM4ajtQUzHN5umB6EgaEi2LBoWKMRyHBg6JlLdjuz2w/1C1fc1vfRKv9Cyqcd2ZBc6EsvK7fbYKEQQ/j912598803+Aty3R5kGpouh5AD2cBow1iNRw8e3INQYxDI+JfRZpB0RtD8O7AvHgNcPjycjwHms8OBjaNho3Iek1+dgAYEog4Nk9R4YgMNDDMKMljsJgND1XdoYLxWuAjL398UHOXxaZxdq7JZzqIhfEi40m/Y8nRwjsmLryw7NozdMC4FkhuARrFBuXvXJDWcO+ny3Ujnfv8sPTdhcQbVrc/PDmfTXj0bmPwy+5RDOIcNdZzOe7Nh9BVuDAx6NCY9GrA1ccF+8kuYTmqyR6A66TQa62NjmaNRYhBea4YoBuONAoYgw7LxXmFjjXyFSDBq0JgVaNwccu7EkuF2rc6bHHC65LE3ydkMFooCHC7DgXQcgJGvx3FCipmqdPFiW3t7JxSaX+s3WS/iUBwawZsk3UUGDLk7FSzY334dr6RvybBB0dB2F8mtRgKOGGd3sd8klr9yFiz5l1/xAYdFA4MNDDXu49bVk9Fh1RJgb3KSCk/v3e2n/5JcV95mIBoMDrQcu3b+K+GQ/ujxv37KF361uZbH65AQHd1cNKK0RWQoEmR8/T4RfcggT894VI0y+Bb5rW4zJBjfZBY3HCSA9hdI0JgHq1FsXicnHkHCa+TmsDlWM2nQjk9dx4mt3MGirv18+C8xGUhGVTS2Bruxw522hZlb5kDlAtRvQMsj7lE0NOo20kjHmOVoMH+9ITTesKeZPpKrgAb5Ur9WQg5+1eFay9CgduMN31t5NpxDmUY0IBc6OjJyc2AAybjiGhhbTmP1+NEjdrrrHrIzoXFGKRosFA1exW5VyC72X7Utj9ifApuUG4PDt+4UbLgdCrUaOaORNhtrKhrxQ09BkcsbKC6AJa5K/AlxKOHFNDaiICPm4Q/+IGE13shtN5KBZgPReGbRuI9JjYEbpnrHkNFmtWPNJL6jR4+F4Sd0XLjnYms5F85wMDjIVgV8yqE/PO6E7W0tcU9PLybLR0bv3sM4tNi84g7FsOGtxkopGisVzEaCkPIdCklHr5Wl0CuxsZbkzKIRxZ/flKEhUxwaGsah4A4FsqEFGuP37t65dWvwRn8RaZjjVtvaauMMWtJFwk9hMUrRsE6FhhyY49hFGqWxztyzUWxgoVEaAtH7kA01aMzYzavLdiW2gzSxoT6OZLZII+TH+UxjEoxXoqajwjFpyd61qtVgDiVFxhpNbVijMYdG4/EElGqM3LpVbE/QaHTYENSOt/Bk7I73JU2QQeDYKuNR6lNsMbEJN9qvdJmGx4GBYZMQxe3rU7J7DWyUZbwyG8bk9rXqymGhnHUuaZWFaiGIeCERjkRprrIw400UZoQjN9yhuJSX8SfmcK0IQu+ZpMawiUFNGtS0tp73wy2OhQLhjXGRosOysacIRg8ROafzdpfymdm/Dt4cuXP33jievD57NjtjJGfo+Yl2cBYdSr17l9nLvi4/hVCT5CkuSrKh0ZGIyeC/K0vPsMR+tc0rz3extIYkYxXQMFvX525/MnZv9M7t4aF+E4MWZPxrly7+6rlWaIc3cYZrN9klajM8F02AEbuVbWJYymFsebQuxRzBQtrrpjUbeChvqngAjXCCohb9Jh6Hdv8lHClMLAuCizQZeN6rVQeUHbxm0XgbB0gkPZ5MaKhk+LRGnQahwWjcHBoAowHNSERQ+IgcehKT0Rwa0nK4c3oTbxy0eVHTutRiEubFBtakvUyy3HsUs0fxm5RFfpapNgEkWo70Xcvr0kWzZWvpwFM7UG+kriiq2NLiaHbRUToU6TD/J+lxNdMVZdJWCBmABhiNx5M23TVsIo2rBRpW4w87W48d8UaDj/rdCBlIxycCDtcPe/iYG+d4AcQ3ut3+1WxSHjyYYCds0aF8sm4uXdeTPmJZKyv9S6CgWC1X7dVYT8mRrD7iMXQueNbciH7Ag0evtfkXczOzz42S5ePCnYyPjd4xB2v9n//rPV2dn0IzErgTjDNMogsCUFHnt14otPIvrBndjXvYw8egzvysKRbFTYqJNobsJuURblIoGxCNKrecFmiupsvtSqLUkpBQJrT0cg1WKlqltVJ7FXmlqd139QOeFSwwWaLeBNzJU5LTMAdrfT09xb617dIFN/HkGFP4owOgN44FZYOK9hyEAVwnQQbOyBG3g3gk7l8h7eWqeaAEcN6VedVzIm5ltcO88DZlRfyfU9vOuSjpGasv1jfUmE2uVJzE5ejQA2URIxNvMv3cblxNz1pBxu/dsJEGuhMnT0+1H7dVzns2SUfxot9Du4H1G+Y0xYhvmHx5mzll6/u8CESHi03K6L3790208XTKFZT7smHWzqU0BMrv7FKqjeMd3zWskAqg1EoBsUR70GRXotK9mDVvvJRxRanb0LdSYi+iNi41YHNi3YkRRrYx6Bejpi2p//rnvd1dnxb71u/DvvUk1IHCkKTdO6lS1+ZRwcrNwW6Y07sDLhI1taJGluVKNwaibpMyYXcpzG4s6ndabxJNfUnTHn45u0rQUJrZNGbD9ZUrwcRlXnLzLWLmLBlLDWo0nrEYtNie9BujccXEoHB0YnUSUN8PAtCtHwaNTygaexCNIwSNyxEaD22/getDoZoUpXJXAQ/KSHk4uC7Rt6VGqgs2caWBjayjkaGRvrfyyXbVibAPhtdI0ZicxCPXW3iwZtAwkca5f8OgYbS6DoQRv9+rUJSxAbPBFO4xX34Wp7MZFXNgY9ioexVoPDKHbE9Rk1yIha5HGi+Hx3IzHCyJB5loQqlweWVhiHJ6y8+ErKWQe9RU2SojA7cn9GCt2LmaczXIg/6bRaRhzuEPCHfyAcDQ0fBm4+KlNpP1wqN5U+xlJN9ssRdtOWhShLUyG83oQjZUNNYh7JjSe8ihEffRRAe26SZ/V91F/Yk5WLMloeZgrdOgYapBzcbVJruIJuiHAMN5FDrv88AhgobNeoUSUYaGjTY2hEb9w6DRWDcaCX2ppTwaZVmYjPwDVvAwNB4+RH9ijMbnV42SRluBBk60CFMLfLvzh0RjK017WalqRKPdo+HrAH2j0vRMc3LvichvE+yGA2FVoFE6SkHVjVbQyMUaVdDIaj9wNLw/KdAYQjR+0tHeZsWET2IedD8eqiljOj8cGvs0NK4FNLBR6XFAY35DaHwA0WFpSbJsNI2GUmFQuTV3JSE9xR3KUxKFmu6Ta1d7wJ9cbGk58zeK/YnzJ2A1fonGRuCol7JRBkaU8noVir9SvbpV0HBsrNYXyQaFo3HDo4FW4/8TaNSrQ/EhuFAVI6uGoansOT9DeZvo21Z3KGo9C4lDU2hcZ2ic+EVBw2mmZYzDBizFcrVVkQ6mjJ21Z8kzFd4UX3o+nKlVpa2ffveqotFvTl07ce/aevoXDY3IaGiJ0coWIn/qWUX3TWEmVutJO7qU6I5US6jSsJ09NPZsNEipxrRAA9pP7N61QOPkLxQatZw6FpmTVCJ8E0OxUrbiPNI7cegSRx1Bti1lMWJxQkVGo9JpaxkdlA0sGDb6CRSNv/ndoxHlNY6fOkvRuCbyGgaNaZ/ykmBUOM5cLsPh1SasuC50yalxJU546OUq5QJaW3yi9yF1zhblzn1ZqDEbMzOuy+DBv2VKyaGdsaens92hcQLm4Ag0tnxUNE6C1bhErYZMeUVoVAaj1GeUPfPy4h4uVLCka/qJXUmsyxKbi/j8/X0ZG28UNtY0NnywYcZcFFZjxHQZABo/gMO1ljMRGj5N/snHzoYWaHR0JtGY5WgkDXKZrGa2abqiwNeaU3CJSnIj29GgGxe1okTtc4vcSOjNhV+lm6dUtZg10WhQt4fyrjkJ0Lg5CIdrPR0OjVM/N2iEWKM/NMyHWIOikeEitgvrff4Vy0ejEkxHh7AfiUojpSbRvK0s88PCT18CqjXalVkSy4bdv1o0fNuaQcM5FIHGfjch6btD46JNlF+7bhREjTqPE+fxYm8vUmgkHcY6wdCknJIiT5GU04qiCC3QSAlwSHvBey5pjXATfZhvNDTmCBr37mLxn4aGNxrfMRodPa7h4NZo0NmYssXDtsdRYSO522gCjHKBr2zlXawBl0bDjxOVBDMy3rP259BbIAvJOSDpwkCBRghD799FNK5dM/3xly/7ZOh3jMYRM7YPe1ECGljMc+/+/UdQzWNKNkC+nkcbMsLnXFQMJcqVAKv2tSmyeymroSc9bfBZsVVNaPFkFWPsxdlYw+5QpvHg1Sh4oXaCQaPr0z8yydBWV8dzaN9+VjD8gciQaKCggikqP9va4voNeo0W4CCUh0I1z4QrHp52lV4KG+tBY+0DoLGm71aisuYEGrHNaAqNJBsOW0DDRaGzzyGt8Qi1eExd6LW+XijxungeepN4idfHQIMfyiMaIdiAovJ+ogX4aMJJlWO84XPlKhorPzdocClXljpvSNlI3WioPWoVzQaHw7oTgoYLQl1h6E2bC72CbWsg0ESqNb4jNCAdetaOne/s7sHJ4sM3YeL8+IOvcM6W36YUbPwtFozqsu54v1fK4fgIaPBTN81uRGi8bwKN8njURRrL9ujVBKGzRFajQKPYun5ujIat/ivI+OtRIc9HQMMOgjWZ8kMw0REb5s+byuHO7t6+a9f6byAbRbwxjk4Fpl88d30HC0KuXNunNLtD2RggLtBTUqPyPJbH0FxRX3MoApBSASEtBn1bXNQ7IOPl4uKCkWl6PvX0ySQXXOl1JV7nQG6FtLp+fDT2WjTQo5yzTdGEDROLjtspB9ZyzPJSwLTec8Uc+CaikdCIdMLgUdWf6lNSaFhAKihL6dbMXpGzGc9thZdtTnI711CsceL4R0UDC4dJB9t+p0D8x066yUz67OvDQQdmBoaZGe3G5uAu1paJLoTOA52NgAYNPhTB8mROoxkwWDKdoqEVcUS+kOmny57WmISqXFBrBlfUaBij8cKpajx8ZKR4rFSokSQnfWvHj/uZ4KFvbcsHI8PVlCMaO0Es0mm+nT3T4pQieywcg2HUwYMHj6zlsKNzfGNK1ESfSZITSYNm1Wcxr6WZlVguPtqbsLHzfCBGXAMa6SHz/Lh9/O8r6I3hlb21iuo2AF2YfwFd0KQqFGJQk9PoQr2VVtu3Zoe47tm542Oi4Rtf7eErNsyfN+2NHT+AbhTjUwwbJhhFNiYePybDc9iMvkSrqza8NXnUqYu9ioqZZJ5cA4NWi/qhWwvs9NhfM6nSUMSy3fMvPV7TZaXAiDVA9A9MhmlAeTw58eC+ke8aMYNxnBQPNCe1emHhcOz6UdGADrZ9thflJDbMnwNhajPL8TM3Pud24VXu2PE5jya+fGzn5zjLMR+07evlDYyafnjFhFgyoZ5Mg9IzVzKqjxsOes62QtnYgKzUG1m8gQeuLxf/diT5hzbjBqQ0uuBkzYs0OfUuOz9r20dBw0op7PCDYI+i/HBrS4ud9InqwzB2a3AYBjnehZalB36YeBi7Zeig8d1qSYVXPPA1fShborkhJqSIqX11MtWdzH71o19pSOqu5h0pB+WeyzkwJQ7KnfZ5ndBVq/iHASgnA0SafgLyXRdRDfJ46JBHvZVtHx8Nn9uAcKMVJ31+aoLRz/r6Pr/e31+wcfP2CO5jx78qQo7CcjyBDvpiLzs7i7e7ptf4pLsCSiYuRXFH2rSospByqLsyMXqeTpXnIWkseBqIsE+eUpNxcKFGoyBjoXAmvztrdRMePhgvdq13bt0cNmR8/llPlyfjLEgLHzv0cdH4hI+d3+1nBLtxB3aaY5gefb2fjPkcM5bjEbEcoZKj8OFRHdUqA4Fmqxe1PvXlEvmetPMRJYD2rV6GKXgv3GhVTscCg6MhdRMClW/fvuXWK9UWHZd2RdU7U37TemckaNV34XwLKO8yG1fjTvaFnavvT/pIaBRs2Bk6h918pRaYLV7sU4qNihk7j3DcGBwybsVYjrFxiDmAjqdAh8+f10rriWW1VapiUMmLpKuBUvNf+VzVmRmY1D0j6KC9/w12HPvq1bpKjaIuNptXqS1wfabxe6MYgKIgeVcn8SY+Bt0XNP8+FhqBDa9abqcdnLHTDmDSZxdO+rwOQ3Rg0iemR00LPd2uhMF9ogeoZFx7vYQOeELpevKVqJI/Grrrp4gXVLgl6KjFyTvn1JouXV3T1G0bxn4hGTiBD+X+vhi5dRvI+NwIknd+ask4Q3Yn+8n25ANprmjTPomiPSpTu9FbZCobeBU/WBxmzhd7FTQcmOV48kTuZLXmQaWLTG8ey85KTNeXJid1BzIAjWduzrVkg9gxmgRbSSkrV6lU9Vsy310w6zvjfQBq8hlXrwapepDvwhIeKQf5sdDYKob2GbthJN/+bZPeaDEjdGB+NIxz7L3678A8x4GBvzl8c2Rk5Iu7d43hePhwYtLtZL3dMHd6PkuHfVq1TG26gCPVn7SsjlzjQ6Ln3UBVRwbCMQ3uRaGDepXllVRpa1kFG/wVd00oHlvYjJnnoKYxAWLkYY5WYTKMbkLbRdy2wgyDY4cPqUKhWz4GGm6TYscrQU3PsaN+gs658xdw4EHhVLohHL12w1iOYReP3ifZc1fnw3aGOhx2bDZPLsSKbPruJV2HWkYGQ+OZQyPsvWmFUqIEJfy6tLiRejg0GXieZsrHJx+ieKwnow8Hg7d9a8hohbknpj/ejYvfGYQ1PjQan4iJjjtxDgay4bYprdap4DxHiEaNU7lBkxx+tDj6FHqf027Fk5FqdpJsmMee7GmU0hUZozETwCBmg9mNRcFGWmpsqQQOdoDjOlzp1BOYDY7exE1LMoGGKwiFaZ1uvkVId31gf6Kg4c0GyAEqbHSSbeyA38aG89gnbOp8E2jUPhQa9Twaz4RHaQYNdwaUQWMlQmN+PhLToBPWaKBB5qspwtMfGo0tW9nYeTfN8ZCd5gijxWGc4wWY51g4FcxxwKkKRKMQjBqzMeHO6mlmNBOLEjTmq6CRb4VeVthgOyF8KxUNyUYt8ihV0Fgpcyd+6kk4UDOH8GTXGiastaLqNNqMA2Ek43YahH4MNMKM4D24S0E0rN3AjYpj48qVHlNODD5lCOzGXehECGUc1GpUCTXyVoNJ4jA2ss3QmkepebORsRpNoLHSlNUIaPhD+Pt+yq/ZnPQU21ZzEG+l6k8zd0J2rh8LjS3qZPEDbgjscTd1/pxDowPQMAmODBrMZuT2rWkyEkJamR55Icpp+1xpVqMWmQ0t1KDF0I1cRya+XWkYmkLjAY9BrdHAEWtn/IQ1tz0Rs0+2fCw0vNlw4QZkN8ClcDYudxjRSAw3BBqYMfc7FLHxkCkvajp0XRxN6HclkwwlDfRKs1rwKn6TEuW85ubJBiVk78ua90s6c4OaRiPkNFxjgS3d6Te7E5fRuHiuxZTv2NYTNvyZ+ZNPPiQaikextYD73EFbcCnnL/ix891Xr2IkatG4Z9GAJpXnKhmpXKiwGPo5bTyBPP2ItEZofhw/57JeChm1IM1PTUaKiZWsuhcbEG7RmCdo3B/jU37N0QlLdh09LAbGEzQ++cArikM5GrCDdYPFrUuxaFxDj3IzzJ2fRDVi10e/IJxEJHC/qGfKkxMQclMOchIK9v0EGjPOlcxFB/SLWTTSKfPkGUoQ4UGrUTiUxw6NETEAOmxPTjh3AlN+7VzwEGp8LDR8RY+LNly44aKNMxyNHg2Nx3bSEpt8EDkIikfudC0eb1Qmn6AcZ2k9BrVwwiYshloYX7HzLqpFfE1bHtyR60sYpDU77a0GSoTesKdq6E/Ot7SeJTPjkYw9u/hgnA8baXA2trOJ8wINjDYuguwGotEn0ACZajuDa44a5WQZT7LBMOpjib6V2YNPOS6FbmYXneIeq9fgx66SjCo9EonKZtLe6o7jDRozFA1rNPpIEGr9CeQ0DpHtyXeFhm42wibFmg2LRo9HAwoCndGAyX2uDNDe4kyBl9ZfmOpPQFX4dPkfyKvJBpQVWQGosKGkYxuNqLp8jSAYuY/XuYlxTEzjpW1wjdBwiVCQnVaMhkfjY2TJlT1KhEYo63EeBTIbDI1R50/wAIXM+8wIKwjnopyvxhbbd8enhDWUPnle8OXiUZsZjZIqrADQRzh0MvCaVrOcmrMlutVsGbnrffZnrgQNTGpgAc/xo3J/QgZqfVQ0xPkr2b+eOGX3ryHYIGhgo7TJhT41HW1mSjDc5NVYVSGS3GVg0BzBStlA2EwHk5xqxdQYfbcBqRuuqRUjoY0tUbweFYZGXSp+7j10Jb3zaMzNmMGMoJdg5cgh1LhC8l3+yPXAXmV/8hHAYAPnm0IDY40hNizFTe2r0TPL5N5PPTv1vUsMjYS5TrYuRSPPyECrRqMeqgFEso24PyYunEDjTWKq59dyZjjaDWx/tpIJBI0ho6WBWY2AxgmX1PhO0VCshs16uRriEzoahdEYvoVoPJLDPuuNbJG4SEspPYUyyFvP3GhlhLhFY9EXisjgM2pE8ReQRUMdMO/gqIaGP1nLoLHtO0bDnbG5afO4RwE0Lgo0oBN2bAyTGogGNBvYnIAqsqGaDb1FaW0tN33+jTqRXqeDKfyS/rXFxRI5BerMktdBWx51OLDRlaBhYo0HHA2MQgUaNqnhjcbHQ0MkRAkae0nWqwQNJ+WUREMVZJZDpDcDjfcMjahhibCxqKKxlEUj97a2PVoRVfBovHrn0TBh6MSDB/dK0dhnKzV+PtDYoaNhPUo5GnZ7kmlY1NFY/jBorMnjcR0NuYFWm9cyViMlvWHRgC3sistszJhyjQkUZ4rRaEmise07R2OnQOM4CTbgXJ6iMXqXoDEz46LQZKOAjkbKwLxKjMx8U9JBr47TrIzGEipb00nhWhdSSahh1TeA1jWCxgJDA0YzEjTO2ZGuocVgr7Z1/eRjo2E9Sjh9jdG47NC4lkZjkZY5RHkKdYuS7IjW2SgT3tDmaS4zNBY1NBrxwKRoe9IkGkCGjDVw82rQwKmdpljjFw2NaItC0bhhKodHR01ztAxDG5p4AjUZyc2rlpiWCcdy4UipHk8SXywOTTVJVdi8NofGK4rGtEXjHqJx/ecdDeZR9tBUeQIN4VH85nXRBxtxwkueeTWirFdKOHBtrYIUcSwNGR3UE3+iFLM3dBGWcEAD/3irTP/1m5RveGYDL8imQ/HsFacYGLW/0TuoOX2N5cl//tDYyg/m9/LdaxU0YBwGxqH1dJY8HKKsyrO15Xyra+p4TUr4rMmEFyGDpbyQjUQ+VIyDjrrS3ka+TuZD3zsyvNHAUMOcofgx0AO/EGiQ7atvVjpSGQ0YD2yPUKIG57jgVz1eW1Z1R5tsOX2dI8OhQTPlKTaymh8BkNeRJvF7mie3+xNjNFZtqEHQGB6wKjw/l2gEj7JNRePEidMRGlcpGuP+4PX5DCh70VnLyelXpJznpW2l5zB5TN6tZGu8sqMv+Az3BvbMu0JAXtzMr6UhZWajrB09FOYBT3S85kWaTO/aLBSUm3ryO7+IaIRYQ6DRnkXj2YzTmX2pK/NEhVeaDl8qQNW6XtN8xMpQ7l0JGbRdJipElG8OkMbidOhakufyXFq4Njf33EShk1YJ0peTIxqX/Jn8cQ2NbR8bDb9H2cbDUHoq77OhikMZt+V/UDPs6jX0+TlRE4BSJQjPMDdkZyUq615O5tWkOnlKfUXCwZW9oveLoiGtbIMMuFheDgWAOTSilJdSTf7xrUbKnxyXx2tdChp+js6MFG3SsNDn46XnrMbTubRCwZzBCAMS4zqvuVQ3DK8k4b8gBkUZ5ii2SkFzZR5CDYfGqIbGOQWNnd8xGttpV7RtVBIZr0suCmWlPOOhyivMm8/orogRzbWowrjJGcH4tMhwvrjDTdQOW12eGUW3SQq/lb538bYJObo1IlRvew1ezCEaQT0B0ejtwfo/W8pz4iRIux04IBPl31FeYztrUwqtKKdQTeG8LwC0RgNSXgyNqWjmQVkPCmwja0qvvIcjocii/BErFtLKDX0f25wvHJ6Zi5sNBBz5Nw3vm1KjM/pRHo05HH3ChDX6UaUJ6zWC6t931e6a6XuVWQ1DxhlLxiVayWOP1xJolGuuzKsajZqlieFIdTIlumKpaCgtKVf6UPSQlIjSKeZMFaQTLUpGKRSKhmclGqQ2tI22Qh85LPpdvzursY2V8vhcKHEnl36twzS9Oh0F8Cci1pjW1bzSbY06G4IOqRGXEe/RpgCzQY3MaDCzMafkOli4pIXVednTUEREB0HHSqGhee2CkdZwsuSHeMHGR0Uj1fa6F5QUQF8WBd9ADZAHoQM30Z+YlNfmo7FYz0yi949bb6ePzQuTU2BolLBB3t79Qh/dph0P0vIygQamvKCvMXSv0W6D40ePHcHBSRKNj3MmzyrKWSGP3LkiGe0dPwlkDLqpbPfD5vW7QoOxoTieDBoz5WbDTZaGTJ68rqgIVut24GhM2bE4REbWmg0n/Qdm42ik4vXxUl5KDGpPXQ8eit2J1eVBkUhU5YGG1/tWd1goAFZGIz4EjaKNxnrRaM6hzNELqoSGOCtSOrMjNGZQXgPEmkinfLF/BbUmCERx0AXpeWWKPB8HDedMXAy629qMv4PyoW46ygXrTQqb8dlVK/Q2fNv0J8H4HD/L0Q9XKiWD7Fxrur5GCRgVHQqbK2/f+IW+Q1GFhLIOJZr/UoYGvLXxKCgYOnb3bhAMpWzYeQbHIBCNdCE/uEdJZTTctvUoCkS2Gg3A0O3aa03GTTeQrbAZE07h7bknY1EYgbww5GKmczqONpP/IaPbIwYbzMWL2QspW55I29WjIaYSjXCwt1p3b21alHBqktilCGVIEGyywy727v6IdmOLUjC808m8oZYXJjSMOKTVo+7u6evrA/WEYasbCmRMOhF7P98gbQRyaPDHkE81pfMacg6fTIbqbFBzkVD8kGw0lPG2QvmYSXm9tCZrxomGoi4PUQA0erJOAdCyYXzKwf172SSUDzrilZLxPWs0doE32X8QyDjGyGhDaUgfZgzfvAnTL8zALRjG9jRWoa7n1mImTZ5MLZXnJcXp21IiuVGzPkULPnVUpbHSyVDbKgIbq8DGAmfj3r0v0KcY4XrbL49snA09bMDGbjtA6XsfUJVny5Yt8cnJjp12z+qPW41qKEYZVPoP0xkoUW5lNXCauE+R69qw8muHzlef4B3lKFKKXekGpxWp/CWSogvzbHtUUxMrzQzrSOc1Voj2Sn3Rb1OmuD5kkA5lPuUEZL4OHcTMFxUO/QBwMDCixiSQrz9mhZpazcBXmAZsLYabtGX0ye+Ou5nAnIyaPCnjva2KWa43tDu9zE/flfP4WOxVq+nggPhz+UQUXD6qI6Own9WCWXYlZmZ4ktHY8GzcuzvqDMf1a9anABt/4rOidCQfDUY3kY4tWyIyXJRhyNiPvuQoqkICGcZmdMIkJTv0YhiS46g/jb5k6tnz52bcxYsXZIrSakkhD7Chp5zJOZmZYPFObYvMDk6JS35o0UadbZH0TErFgz01n6HR4dhYdfL1xRbWVIh+6Scb3B42CY7rfT/k+5S/azcqIRYVbHwQLlwGdCc9Njl8DMcauDxX+6f+PK0fs1wjo1/cNar1sDGB6HPWjZivMX20pkOF5SaGB+DzjvqnleJRr7K0LEqHlRBYkZmzsL5L+bNoFL0c6cRHG+Ap24I5S+GGo3AqxnBc74MDevQprWdQ7u3oYSYEWKDxva3EcGwUkC0KGWHahTUZIFz/9+ygnPMXvm27/GnnlZ5/9+rnOF/L9z9/5XIZMD6JR5/hXCFjfpdJBURU+cCLuJuYM5GaRkImDPC9CjUWDXXTEy4s7uVe1q+biMPwruxwAmsm/84ZwxGmKEE0isewn3WDdtO3hd048yd/fOIkJr8O2rwoCUYpHRsPMSIyXJbLJECNycDWAh+AFs6k96o/MrllZ0TjSSv4EmMyXswv4OCkl6yscplnJ1WpXpSX1oesRfo7b0sGbK1l4fAPlenM5QIL/uh1fxZfuK/W4L2Vvu/WOZW52VnjVLzwsNnF3vRj+TpgLN+5M6dxxNaRMH5tJ9Xn2TAbwl6Q4zSr+HfQaU8XJuNvnLZn8G2XO35wBZ2JUZ2+XZDhNN2+dGXCGHxKqaMlNVLM6G8q3UCiSU2OrioVW4sRISkokZxICA+mYssw7GIlVcbzWr/elRV/CluzhgPlyv89nOX57w/9aeFT/gOzT/n08rfIBs5sPOICDlm9scGQVICxLZyz4jCDg+40jcqstOOWFUozBsmEC5iaNIVRRsh91iUZ+B1ZLiMjr7+T6FmLzYI+Czb6e8RwJJNrqU2PFuAmwIh67NiUV8fGnD1se+pm5pgeWKfSg9OhCzjOmMqek2HWa46NLes0GgoZu3bjxsSewB93cvUXLlwyM+V94/PgEI6GJjqQz9CXFM6EBBlCfClMDUmiETUwlkxMTVqOjNWQ2l5a55yWbF8fGgFvZXAjdh3YoTmYNcfTtgnMcNy5dXPI7FPsTHks3zhrJ3oan2IOVHYTUYVtGzMcSTIwAoUtqxmOA8kMTID+h5f+fnvHT8wUT7MzMZV+d+58YcKMrx49/I+KKMPJCr/wGqENpXhhRRaA6+rRScmuNCD+gYfHztFIxR0kAVU+pTijSr+iKVe+9uM9VZaJ+DCkRmECBo7AeFLsYr8qdrFf/Me3h4fNELbPerr+asd/0nbp2++fc5vYY26g0h6Yz7c9aA9vXW8STOHCZjN2u/wnJMZ9/HkBjlk73Vna4PAtcpTm+tSmQ4orju95VT6NOaV2r+h5bmbcshCSrYbGKzprINvSsA6rkZxmzrotV0Jbds3ZDfQpxnCM3LI+pcf4lPZL9pAes1/HlHLRjRgOkcowZJA4w6AB87ROOmcCAzxhawJZrsFhe2Aydp8cmNC8uEaGktdWjEdetOt9FTReVUJDnWuU3VlnM5yZ0dXNoQGD2GYJG+BTjN249sOe7p90dPx9V0l8mgwD3l8YDpf+2h6xsb4QlNgMF4EeIj3PZ4MsU2dXdy+esg7bClBDBinZQSXyxcVIIzS+xcofV4pB32dlVarNWtUyYMtLG2SDTF3jw6kzfIQrWWElgS9sJbFlA+dgGDagJrCzvb3tP6V2g85vjCKOJs2GOEvj2ju+OPgkKeey3sRFoK4ww83eg474aTIiPNPCmDpFJ3eeChW8rhSFak+7YhaVib6oV6yOCNXy7kvLuWkoOUS5PhAZFM2LiaFetNuXmbfgRgUqRg8wdWpqOJpHg5CxgzYvHrCTO/0krQvuBL6n15IxTGdoTdJpOFKK3N7oRvLMpEydfi0vweTFfuNocLmKmPiKbJovqw2huXtxghOfxZflaRWXVvd7WEia2z2sO6Uvwo0f9vT8xM3cOuc2KsfsSOA9VtOezsJoig3dZuzY5ef9+hP4s3BoctHVZly1IehNc8wKk/cm/OS9GXYAv8hPHvSmAPVkQrLxOqf27TOkicPVksfD6ziyZWQaGyvEiUgXWa71sKZNcXTVI/M4RtyXcNyFw7bBftueYnwKxBtu4IEvGbV90gyNrc2h4cEI5Vy7fRfScTsJGo7T7DQc701s6yJKaAAZT301F0pOx8UZ+OtVXkSpNZIuyZl2a3piQwSWqa5Wvvd5F++Wue6LvbxKpiM5KFJXHkpkbqLrqLvakTlodwQ2HlphQFRX6PM1gaYZtsUO6ztKGlR27JDb2MpsMDRihXr0JqdZ2XjnFZzm6pqQwiwcXjY+l631TZRzaQWVXIpRjzBcFoNWQCyXBArp8p+GLAxvojwj3T6XngmnuiNX5o7ddDbcMIf0eA7rR7K5OSnoUwIbdBPrKwObKA7kaOxg/WmuONiTcbHNydNfvWYk/gbDbDXYnIhpnXrLc1kpOdfM4s6ABPdafisxQysVUmYeqzBlotKstFojoLXaqFLno4918HMWLBpwnDLx6D7Ub4QZn1i/cekC+JRTEIse9a3SO6UuS2U0tqgztFBoutgG2V0rmZJklVX64BTezTux2XHX1urRKGlsdbXZUTVVdFuLG8YPtZMZcc6FrNWs9l1P8Jtob9BK2bO9ENXorNcFGtouJXTDOp9yGvcp7iCWDcRobiJGBg2oG3dktEBHQZsfktQHM34xDXpvzEzdAzKaQcM3wosqTGUmzRKZu8dSA8pgJJrMXKWmKl2JyqpSk2RonlEpaZVoRY5ptRwVOp+4RqyGL+0p0Bi5GU1l87kvmxelmj07+A62CTRoDOrrgw8fYzlQIKMDZyRdg1o/SHbd80bjyZMn3KGkxz4LLHhrmL+rWSVGTfxTVPIV91YpyqHf67hHoJH1eUoEUvc/lo2gEkulw19eCo17NikKLY+9tuURfErrGWs3jvFZ8zvEBrYpNJhGwl7fCI+71vO227kT5+D43ckdTINaf2I7kVz3YlxxW9O4mJd9g4p6BY83EkemChnufXOPqFwPqOJjzisK5dDIaFY5NGD7atAo9q8Pxu0EWGM23GnKZdTsaZWTPiM9p2poEH+iqWegOzH9aTbVhcOz+kgdqI00oHT8iWtenAkjtj0biv+Ym9O7xDS7obiU6FQMS8KEyI4ypSDx2BSGE/XDSkddlfi6Gm0Nfi1+wOj0Mxds+JHiNhIt2OgKbLTglCUsNIdD+p2us60ZNpTxz6F3EVsXsTzDdZsQMaahWzxDbib8Tj0j/mSOdnAEMMIkxLDEcG42tZ0oVKTR4NtV7u7D3JvqD6umrJInm3iJ5tmQkM7TONQGoljzBV30IRTFY1jUgTtp9TcOQLixSyTMm0KDDwZ37uTUqdNOislvW1FXZXAIjYZpXXSd8GAzAhq0FZCYjNhQiK50GnBUR0OSUY/FGJqgo9YUG8V1Zl4h99LlL8XRsHsU3KSM3DQNCNev91k9p3YUdLLpDcxuHNivzI5uBg1vNIjizjE8bVXJGBiwZNwd9zHoU0TDSjLxJlHKRgKMMKWboMGsxkq51YjRYD6s4nNu1mo0w0ZTLyqHmT+DkeJY8YUb2JvYuGRC0a4OlN+4EI5hD/PyDaY6WxmN7dtpkbBNdpndyVlMaIRtK2k4KWJQIGPCB6DBZshvaQKNIHCio0FSX9kwdJ1oJJ9NkzYj41DYD9aaRk6i4c2G7U0ZCqHoFR9vtNChjmLQUpNoOKOxa3eBxn4oErYtamdbbULDVnWFHjXcnfgQ9Kn3JkSFNbpT8yk07Ah3GWx4q8GS5bTbgHuUONSQ4j6bj0ZqX1IVjSoKNAQNzIgauwHhxvDwYGE2rvd91tNd2I1PTVrUiQTSvjbpUqqjQWJQDEEPY6Bxxh/DX2E9ajdd9+KDR8RkTHs5poS2Sg4ONQ6try7FNoM1G5Ayfdq5WmY1Fhc3aT8RZUrK9r9NehRrbO2t8inRiYfWbgSFhc96TMARfApuYQ/x9hTS9FgZDcx2uUDj8B9CoHEWkqBhb4JkDLla0HGc7evJmCFgZL6NYudqfkono+4ncfGzV3LEFrMhtDIWVTSaChrKuZCn+Fk4mgs1/C2ztwpPUh5P2syXVe0pYlGiEuh9SoHGf4bFGzS70QwarINxn2ssOAHdi6ZEuAMi0F7IgZpSUDw5uWurhF2ey5MRH4bEW0kCh0fDZzaoO2ERqD5KSxzEs1NLbYJF7oGUfOezRyLk9K3iQWLlSwgCyLhNcZkvaKK/aZvogY1O3MP6AQhHrP6GkCRuEg3cuKLkDh64tsKwghCAuijDloI+CHo7szMzUouJC2rS9F5ys8IyXgiGPXj1wyOSZTyscVT6FCRjoYpBoDHsS/qYmurjhk+9Gjubpn2ViDjmXMTh9rDoVIZAmsWdp4BMoJOQPBqyG/QopToaoUyDKMUalQSrOu7ICEpMNtFFxTPCY/3PeU2OsLP2xFXJiM5LMkL8GWo1YJIIHynC3IoiIJy0FmraOhFEZMt5sjUbuZEN/jLslynK3hO34g3HM244UJklsHEZJCRb0KU45dn1oYH+xGxPoB/p6HGX7Lr4re14/qEr97tdbEy+uDc+/uDRn018+cS0nDyfnZ0x2hkLC3j3X9ZXV1e1IyP7PfIfdSFOl9N96yqiYcOMt56MH4dRRA4OWhEK9VthQFcejZeJE43VVf1oo1JJ0LIsFyOruKSXxRJX8ZIQscqPZ80PwPgeuGMLC6ZQdBY6U54+/nLi4aOvoIn+ltmpDBQ7lc9/2NvzE9R0MvKif2zMBmxT9rumtopohKwGjTQgDYoyCcadmKIuXyJsG1uNRsIkBhmzoKoS7vtqXRZ4knEUytkGP3kVYcbSMhmnqo8veyPh4Ofy9TL3UaWUglSdJSbzJEu1khUhJWdsYmyQ/xhWP/253cZO/plpojd2w8n22INYJmbuzIbdpFSJQyM0XDnoSYxBL/ohFjDdZOi2S4BilmsK+02o2E5DjHC1mjlMLwvOymUijGeyAxk2AUrBUIay882K5lRSikvNldhkW9Y0FaZkfSGv8KhedVaDzhTjVp6jV5mwyixwouILOLiEpBNYQO2N7duaQcMnNUw5qD9w/f7FtvZPu7B/0VT73cbicacrbcnAWWov6yQ95SSVIlE1VoxAjL0o1fBkvPM2A6OMeFhqgMNHHNxsCIkdTe9eqchL/Ka6KlA0AU4tVq2KpDUd6IgKT/zC9TuC9mzhVe59AQUcriawG2LRX4WCQJv5EmhsbR4N2xFv06Dt7R2ejNBwYvpNzCkrKMQuQHhBM9rvVlLCWaSQPzoAY1veBjUaPgBVJ7OXspFQ2Ek9lEz8oH6ut2q30VsNkHeKIGVTdchMEBnzXzY5Oo5d9J4NK/fl2DjiNik7vURgNTRYqOGMBuRBC3diKndgtsnNkZFRVwaKHc8zYWoractgDVpv6ewPAgd+Up4GkhU87qx1zRqN9yVovPENSrQsm6KhSocvqaKvWf2XdFezaItJepm0y8q2fjb4EDBaL3ofqntuDWIPAu5TLtjsho82nNTXtubQ2B38id2eXLxkdiefQR2oG4gEaS5vMuatyVgijoS1H7913yp7Z97pX2c+TdVrOr1rCo3XChqNJBqNptFICHXkh9YnI5AKFeba/JbV1Xrdy5mbZlgsM2caktc/v9rTVbiUNiPMgjvYwy7v5cScSmINmibfufO/8PsTPIsvgtC2IgaF8fC2s9WoB5v855Qno+aGgNP2X9HzK1qHEkUVGho0oWH3JpuDhj7Vr0owkW+vVPr115LRaak700XV3X2DrjZU34D2lPtj92xqtB9aEAqzYUQCbckX2aSsG42jvkzDCO8UaFy79huwbb0DPWoTONjE6KrYOc/uKQaDS9W23qjKIvKhiRnM4bg1bFwroeGtk+5Q7BlJRr24rAFx7XU1kQ+BRywYlmBDBMBSNC5EHT7imJEakjCFvs8KOuHsFJzh5z2KzWysEw1TpmHUurpMpPFfhgngdmvivQkhg9++cAubRsOzwWKN9+9Vh4JkvKe71+wORR0OXxWNcvkXmqQVbJCIa6Uk4MhEwxR4NwehYAO6YR9gxeh/hV30RtDJ5ssh2qBobNsAGniw1t7ZbdAYwEhjzKIxNTUdeRONjNea4AVzKIkyyro9crVzMN0ORWHjaxaEhqmp+byGzsbS5qHxPoNGeidbiY0lqokMyULaDYsVo4Mg2lMEom0+t2HQOLhv42icsmeul9uvdPcY5UdvNB7YBjUY8oyj4cO3+5XaeyjJWEkfm4tZd4mUlyXCZUMlGK9QKI3v9hJl4LHdqOJQckxk0GjCZKTxIBGH36cE0R4Ugrs1BNFGsUkx0qIeDWs2vKjolgqtBjoaJkleoNFboPGniIY5hA+DfAEN7D2kRoOZDRJpvGKnXw2yC6stzNei5jWHxjt3tvbaP4Kffv31T6On4CZww72XtV6p5kkt4CgzG02EGn6fQnQS5CyWJhKycgbDS8eGnZEB5T1QMTpceJRrV7u7wKPgAezxY0c2HY3CavTb0YsFGlZaZYZlNKIZpmmdqjDUNJDhD9mE5WjQKIYcu8ZfTnKCQtJqWsFGcg5naiDrRsNQuUVZEUPsk6skTev9sQs3noaWR5wobcZjFB5FBBt7PwQa0A8v0KAH55oWEXJhHtsak5tp1BsvWU1sWC/8Sco/IJU83M+/Z4qyPsQoXv+/duC95EVlymC9hAJ5mVYKDTdyiQ3Ym0Ua9YqAR76rLdsvvSj0nCbslMebQx6NS3/+HaHhv9pkbvqrjEiV+EKr5TzklM1tf4CNWMtLOKuVuPovVTHE4PBPIznuSE1s5HNe4tJWqAS6cp6aGVCaQSNIfU3jJqUwGxKNC98ZGnWW0s4rVK3Q4YRkpGr6wTkZhWVSsyEd1VvxjWzQgSbFS71ItE/Gg+ppy4uWF01KWr/OqxDKk/pGtQJBeTqszwJj+1enEOjRuGyDjQ+LxihBg+5QSCr0lfyayRYiKkPk+nxDWbmgQ7CxohxmhVd/58FYrb8kpSBR0fqMajnss1ht5AWWVLOYlgFdY0qRy5wMrT54MVdrJBVDwpeLonEX41CPxs/OnWtdBxpu92paDXbiGcqhQ8ewy4Ci8ad+82oVY0Ne42U98tG5EVLmo4VvNHlu07joo1uo1UjWPLF1kKJ99SiECS8eVqhkFQOG5cjelExoSoF0Te7IXslDE+V8wNclZPsQxPB6H8TPce1InI1B0Whp2TAae+wZikXjgs9r3Ah5DSsMGtBYZGi8Sz+/8JURZbCODGhjmebfaloelB6fxr6NpNyFkWFb66Y9g3OMDZmjTypPVxWqFdZSTcKRAdhhB7Wgj8QmHfms2CWBRv+1qwSN0zBl/O8caB6NbetDYz5CQ7198osdoeEenbAbxV+IKsfUCWvh2An3JQvUYsw4LOiaZl2U8zLZkcglpDe2axnFc14L6C9S9NWFGkg5cTgRpC4GNGZUNPo2CQ1X/7cONDQ2tCfIwurQj2X79fwjmyYxwYt5XkKcmPxtpZmEK4mwsI384b1oa/48nTKaqxxvps7rVawrVrJ1yoyk1vqo5mOZL4kGdqR8TDSmnWRs8M45tUPRHOICjfhbPe3pYF0tvo8tX/9Uy5NhV8wG7XKo58o1m2NDISPqK6mAxnyiHF4RZWFo9FyBap6Pi8azgAYXzkmiwTbj0ptINJAP0eOYFETjWXedjCm+pFfhO+ZsRqEZNjaOhhIpK43SCho3TMkGWI3zm4/Gee14zaMxm0FjOUVGhMZcMhQgWgxc6ZzU/tPGH97GI5hDHp7AYmyI3ayuqZ4ZP57VlxaS1BSNWnU05PnBRtBoZofyiYIG5jX+Gyga7rjS08vReMxiDRqHLi2n0ViSaNDe7+mIDhKPsi+ztfRaT1i8I06gYeEgbEg06lVcSjkZCTTqm4YGEQdkKa+7Fg10KJew+xV65gUaW9aHxn9r8xo9xGqM++M1gka9ChqRQ8mhwVIcrGtJ03IUfQuqo+JoPKmKRmNjaOgO5UOgEVJej0w1z+gtGPmJaPyMoHHQoLFro2i0kpTXjYGbt26NmkT5I5INnYPuYlL9nam5ZXEo/XqzrIOINgga4qg00TQciMtZjaknT1i0MfehrEa0deVduFXRmM+h4dpgw9wDkI2EYp6rphvl0s8uBDRc5+vG0PjviEMJaBh/MvXMnqHMszaD1K2SkuwurxEFotMCjZn1oZGLQp9EgegM/2qmK8CiUQtZMtaScNSbjTainBxvoCfRhp0VDEWAQx6Niw6N43bawSag8asXoTS099r1G+hP7j14MEGOUBZ8kVdp2C4GtvMTFJonp4uEoVyto1HPSA0k2EhuUfg+IJ6sUHnzmpsAyQ3HYhOblAQYTG/2BUl6TUBd+QjUeQEapqjcqDed3Ew0vm+qhrvNhN8bv4ehhkdjFrJRi7QytNKIIjcBRk1OzVBZL5rJZmgEuQEuwRoFoopTecZiUOpO5uezu2Tf1J04YY64eK0UCS9FJbGRQtF8XFrCdq0k2Krz02uPBpiNO7fM/K2rvRYNM1y8QOPwxtA4ZNE4A8oatnVtAFR4cOvqG119NTmv/ssljW1hKM0JspS21PbKf2ukDoXwv8R0xLtjIi/FZISiyeb5kcTJceBRuQaPtxr1SCqAqQbRX4taVjJ2w38d5m2XI6hUQw0gblFMUTmkQ7Ep+ghuUbATZT1oHDl6/OTpgEZvnzmTL4zGvbH7jyYmoWZ4dsYGGtxkrLkj8+SUZmdc3UFCwqbOWAkn7fQrJfFN0fhbkg2VDMUuvaxrM3o0MOynImCIOeYKG+QYsFFXhL3oyatMc8Xpe5oCNmzMTmMgCpoKI2aL4tC4YDrYNgkNI6DQch7RuNp3/caA0YEcu3+/MBpPHRk1QgYppEhULrylpZHUquJteBHDwV1tLT1XQE9uMBE5PavG1bI5GXku4hrH1+mZotRkvqPnBfW6ov7GcFlMg8F6bIANqA/F2WxjX4zcGhxANKDfoHVjaBi1JpsMPWEEFC5YNExTo6/jMc1JJtBwDSi+bNOLNaaqZ0kvgO+WpydiuqS94myJpFGkCSXwiBzLdHwoz89cyzsOqjS8RgXN1Kd6PJYS2h+5eWM+RSCTAdBzAOHGhBl7AHVefdCKcgl7oteLxnaOhgk1Lly4aHvXbgwM3cakxuPHTyFD/sIkNBoNZzL0WXn6nHcpxKZoe4oZGEqZnl45iXNuolKIubheyJ+dzNtyIUZGHotESTkpcdeK3cUQ12U+9sTYK00vUQqIARMiVdQI/SgzGG0UZuPeKPQb9Jm+10tYArg5aJxEBYVvL7d3GjQGBoZx5/rQSCf4ELRBGtlfazcqqdO3ojWw8SEpFdDQKq4bWoSnSdeGjbEw2JIMtYhL5SJ0TPlfvFfhkMXD8TAudRQgt2Zkv9dYfWkHjINLgWS5jUN7ujph2IFB46RRpT7YLBpYG+pP1074DUqXUWoyWfK7d8eMRtOTqWnsgsZKRXQm7ma9Vxeng3Qra/1lcvqBmLi1WDpBURbk1mpRASqVrqX71aWoPzMVO2n24utoMTTiZhxVwUlrT0lWERGxEjvWEcyGkQW8d3cEtyjdgMYFLBw+giWA60bjSBqNItRwRgM7k1YcGm+qouHZYAUcChs6GoulwzWlAGNNVInK0Rq8sotkLdaSu9JqZPCeS9EXofW8NmItzQYRwFI2zu4bJtF44NC4tsloHCNoGHENc7Z2xwhrPJw0/gSP4i0arNPvfWoJn8LYkN0YJWhI9ZTwpZJwyCMouu+JjkwaDdEykTIZesQp0HA9uXrTvNLEVjYkNlF46J0KuOWFeRdsPHjwDwMaHX9l89A4ytEwx663bKlGsT+ZxUjDXDSO1wwhaAU0SDP7SqrynqMxX9PwcCIZdR0NPnWNuhSGhhAbJGhU0t2RaLjG/fCLr6MvBvn8IeIq74mOC9kDGw6NGkFjnKBxeXPQOODQAEkegQZsXX0Q6tAIQWjWlWhopL7l4VkSNGqpScGlk1pTo5vmowyoHyYrbYZzC8kG+a+/zruUeJcmijlK9ShlVEw7iMGjWDSmOBpXNgkNL9d01qNh0uSDm49GJI4izUaMhkJHBo2ool9vX+PjZEOokQpBc2wIRKLbEKOxslzZaFRCY25GoNHXjRobm+pQUGe4i1iNR4DGtETjLVE38DciQcbrtLKnHhzM5UdV6EJ+8bYnpZNP6v3sU1iRe9Zm0PjpT3NovNasxvJ60eCxBqBRC4kNg8bgADqUNm81bJPS7o2i8ed2h5JAg+xQShUnaMpcq31K+hNCx3xo5REiGRIO5QWj3Wu0RUltXmU8mpR4S0dYrxNidyVgxBsUtU7I9bbQWOPhg384Cmj09XaJHco+X8uzmWg8mJyM0VjxPco5IvhteaVICYi5MOLrrWBSI8PZsrtXYoSivteQ8iKSgyvJA/fXih3heLxJm0pHmjJ5tAyNRO6ejn6xm1eTKTc6kSHl5bOhp44DGns3waEINO7ZHUo4jy+uaYWMKWGKEzoY0ViKxOZ1vqwYjrJRl8NqkikvPRvKN7BqPcZatv25Ahr6BMEcGTLlpbBBckO2Y95nQ0mivNNoDn9ANG4ayXqb14BsqD2QVzZ79PsV12sohbSKN5kPzzFfALVQ86U36mirWi0qMQ9nKDNxLNqglZ9ZrbeYlfSxUSwcupKeiSFLokWeXFFxCTqR6E9AfsXU8vT3ARr/CI/XTgY0dmwQjYsKGpANtXKhi2wkBQudNZVdCQb9/NrUPgWNCBUbKrzUTubjgXakgZKwMcd6TyrXfipHbikvGt+DnJZXVCxPD129gAsTcQkCLGbUwWMQbcKT16vk5HW9aOCh/N79BA2fKLdojJnRjMajQPHfoqYKWUHhn2kAi5IFOzuHf8dnEitoOyXmadao7kpcshGO5cOLLDZocXyJGnWi0IsJ2K/Jz/9umShx09sgq0/CB3lZV09eeaMoFmzMwnxgVq9xxddrMDSqFwA6NPYdUNC45tAwJ69TrqPRVwwrARJIsMT97KwdpSEeZU1IpUzn1kzcE5sej+pAy9Ty0Pk8SW0N/2ESnKRsZeIWLGkT2bQJbdKrcNlhp+c1Dw0HmAu9b+qGSZWXKQAENNZRG1oFDTiUN/UaUIRdc5Go00RJdMeratyRipWcNy8qOqfjzjYWLMRQ8Foe82rP9QrAGSnetJruPlE4qeJy6K0IgwuSIz/j6i9xMi/uo68cNmM+p1wBoOts7Gy/fJGicbBpNKy8RhKNWw6NJ1gzPFezQsONqGlHVCGlJgJpc0/JtzxZ68va23iZFi2ji0DjHQcxGw6OejX1TklJxo0mJ+RUHvaZO2QOkz59UgMqyg0avg/ForGeZoNQ/5dCA0p5HgEatj2ptqj3NFYeFKUUacxnajmTdb+s2IfJH82RicqyFUVTYLEzBXOTXJcqD1FJ3xA1AE/OCU6p30pxAFdR/tCMcPSyPB6N0IdiZhs0i8beNBojo1b+74kbkOO1lHS90/Q+PVEuO699yfni4hi+94xVj7JaMYGG0qP0LFJuSkz5LRmCFeBwpiTzVWkOjZreT8ea7l0jytNi6/oQu9eMztvmoUGsxtlWnMj3E4PGjUGDxj1seJ3yaNRSZxiZbVm91Gak0NCfKxlGXUtVEVI0olZ5LRpNVq03gUb6e1Jlsjgzf5qiOlfqgA9qtahpY2Mv7F0vnj937qzref3vq/e80iiUnLyeaTn355cKNDoRDdvV+OixQGMxp220pJOh3gJeLdwcGnMV0ZAyChEac6wlP9nUUHkKQdksz2bQ4O0GQqkDPui0ROMaQeN0Ao0tVTcoDg2o5PlzOyfHORQba3A0ZJ5aApFoTW0WjYQ8BqpGUbNRyziUBBqMDXUvHA/+zLORBELsWdeNhtANnadoPIJp0R8EjcNHPRpt7b4A8JaTXWkGjXqya3mT0agpaNQ2Dw3WVGifcYRHZTSWPjQaoK8R0Li8aWgcOXr0ZEDDJcpN2fA60VisggZvMaiOxoxAg0+3CGkNEWtsPhrL1dHIqA0nw9C0Q/nwaGyPSkMBDRyhZMqGHRpm8zpHYg21FSRnOPS7wCcQKGkNVQIBN6+19N2dJ+KJcV7jmRCxnVfyZzEYCWeyUjHWYJFopZSXC+nq2lwDGWtQNK72XGn/EGh8P6AxfBuHhU9INLQdSvKcKEsHLyVXUl4xGvaZvsih4YVJ2KtRixEJKcTthWUjBljKrxIbSyk29DukNVYYoVS2Q5l+7mKNMYw1YIci0djfBBrQ8bptR1xQ/rOAhgk1UFzjiUODqJRU2rVyTkqPPUITokIH354sJPqkwxnbi9SGOBI3FhIv+aGwKcnDqtYj2sWy7rVkLjQaleOl3vgOZQC0vKRD2ffh0JiiifKczmvJUXNd/5YwnTaqxJIQx3DjD9QklVD/EUd28tSfKw1S5Z+EEot6jpI6TGIg5e6TciLbEIL6dNwr01757tB4NBmjkc14NRGB0MP0BSI9H+SctBN1qm/fSB/V1MTkC3p0q0znyaZCKxyv+T+qaEf0cSerqsVix9cKGiDY9PHRQEmecPKqDYiomhmlqQKJh6wAF3DQPncnTtlIzxmqh4E86lQU0XMt4gpNv6BylY88lNdF90VPY3zHRM6VCb4H9Is7ZKY2fldoPInGXTS0adeli3/qoBLLhe3mRZu7mJiSFrQVw+texlXqUStDrnmBRZrpSq94Ap/kIyptUu6Wfgvp0Aiqn9Dw1RpFHDr97ENYDZbXKLMabsP4Mp5pUJUOfWJUI5qZNs9O3TQBhPpq2UjUxur/YCvIXvDhf7Z3YYFp/iTJeFdCxtrrMjaUE3t2t4JViu4gsVik782PD/cnrwSNG9c/BzTafnY+rRtajsb2PBqmojwUAIa50GHu2nKof6JVK1UH3eq1HErSW9aFUj1bNQC0cAja1JmvzK3zz7AclTkqmhuvowpAtW5a11RdZlPLOR3ks4kGFIHGFBQN+zOUPkCDqQ17NLavA41Df2izoRdpNvSOLQB8/NRvXum0xqiUp7IFWY63ZHZ2WqJ33n3pFxbDcC+Tb3I1h/x7Wvw5tgv/A2USMNseoi9pwJXYBNYKq9eRMxtZ04FsLXitzpJXWRGFpyu06HyZkxH1JnmHMjdHO9fsGYqGhhkBvKsiGurxGpy8XsQzFNPzetM2ooRpjbVajU5rtLjndvcqKKmZ2FEiWUgrzJNpkVnlLddK3sjkpaX2TbpUmPehVOjWiwyJ3piTnFXHv3UKGtHm1WmUD9JROTiW79ihAwf4dOjm0TCd8iAA2N7Z3QuCTWaS55g4eeWTPEtqQ5fz4VVcUauUm7P2pMWsnu2aaPHK1Ufw/WEo6EuNaSzVVUgMfNU0M8vhWNElV1aWuIyXr+Sxkw2GXCVPdgRwCRpbXKKciSgYLa//0XqU/iLYGLG98pEMdcrVL1dCI7hyua+ItrSKN8DJmyZAFLf1LdNkTLDxMpFTco8ih8abN2+aQyMx67NsT6PtkqlOEx/0aozGfTMP5dZt6EJBBQUxOHzPzmbQYMHG4WNG5u0sikN+2tnTY3RDb966Y9SGH8EoTzpCKfSYL6+ETXdFLgIa77QaW6UCqBbtJoSOjjZR01tf2hKWzGitxGiskGnyr7Pt0CV06O1t+mTclfRa5jGoOQiYxROUiQfj90bvjPiuRkCjpfUs+JPDAo0tFaq8HBpEN9SoQ6JHATT+p1tGbnjcbFLQboRU5Cob89oMFppz1yWuGuoJZSNWxIg9eoxGI53sFAZ8s9FIdj6+EhrGKhqkE8Z+nJfem5jqv6eGjPtwtmb7k7o6+Nxwg8aezUDDtDb+UbF9/ewamI1QHoqhqJ8cvtpolESVFStuV/Q2YZ2NenU0Xq2Ejjn1ZCfmlD+dVxEarxMaChtFI26NTZ3oQirPk/H8GWRCoZocjcb1Yn/SaUdeeH9y0KGxrRIaIQ51gegxOyoHNGU7XcmGn71mcqIuvRH6kZtJXcTfVVF0q6e8o76dUjSK/9HO/NR5cH6y2orXA8hKT7+vEm3ofbGlnU3LChj+AADnXVgJ6ntfjN4yc3Jgf9IB/UktVrv+sK8nrxRq6GP5IBA9a2rKf63dCPN8fv3G4PAwDDcYN+qhEG88N8HoiwXbulGFDXG4tiqPjbKtGwk0Qj/2q/T0boznc8UCat5R5KEU1cg0CJKKtHp7Igw1rbE0UcpvB6Z+FnBr8tySgc1JIzdvDg/0Q7HGp9DvapIaJ8GfHNyPRgOzGutH43QLjlEym5SCDZPcQLsBQxun7DzPF5F4icyDR4dqLp/1spGc3l4JjXqko6OkKl9VcShCo3NpWWZ09VxoUm/GcRNtRmIyStIaqUND8CW1F65+7ekTR0YRaAwPmrlrIE9+GYWGId91GFSo93hxjVI0aD50VxFs7D9Y7F+PodloNbmN9vZik2Km5RRs3By5Y0ZfFMHol4+f+AlsLxb8XIDCFOAKO4FcdVdZ9VQODZojT8FBd69LXJggUiqIjIeMhvI69pH+jpoor5pBj4aN88Glvst1Frl48vjLIsz46r4pJb8NZPT19Xb9oMMN8kSjcYDsTywalYZ5ErMBqY2TGIleuAgHKb3Xrl/vHxgCnwJsmBFsT6cKpzI7w9rVDc71xNLTTRtCo7GU0psXcvEqGk10IaXYSLqIPADK3HmxKxFn9vTqbU2L6UoyrgRmoBRkQOHfHbAZ/aYRGrYnZueKmVCX7wpZjabR8JsUyG2cNycpV0wkauwGxqLWqUzaiAPKN17owp6LMRAia1WvV6JDRaNO0MiUT9AZGyqweWXrpaRpisMbYSKaGDyfnJmsdbu5CZ4QZJjBSROPTHu82ZvcHDJxxrXPero70Z0UZBh3ciQ0NTaJBnoUbzacSzFm41JbR2eXmaVU2I3B4ZsjheEwqtRFOGrgKLzK81k3CWu+VotSluz3C/aQXUynLK3L1c9A6g1ZE6DmDonNYNW5iaaCdAwi3kZC0sSzj4dZ8tN50ZPwss7laXAMn9mwmhmNxcakAMNsWkeKALQgo6/PaXidtwP5PBnUaFRAg5kNG4kePmYO2U63QnKjHdn4vGBjYPi2Gah09+5941Ug/wVDxGdoDYRDBP89z8aL8YqJGktaJ3eUbCCVrhqqiRqsBLXnypIF1L/IPDoNlN+lx6aE578SSUtkCkdTJWraCfRMEWU8h+jTWgxrMoaLXauJM0wetJ2QccxsT6TRqIoGNRvgUggbl9s/LXxK79U+dCrGq4yabewDP2D+2XNRgKushKZrTRlGKOiQk9W4tdFrocjSj3KZTouujh8mQ65GuQ9dyjM87/x5Ujq/lxFGnKdtOs9slFGA8dX9MRN/gjMpyDBxRreZq/UtJLusXqidGW7ICP6kaTTAbIRTNuiY7yjY6LFsDMP4RpMaRTaMUyk2srOaXF9i5B4R7lzIsdFoyGyorL9pqA9tWTlvyLS/JExHndb45JO4K0qVsEzwNnOEEAnws8kd2KdpnMmEcSZjUKABZFwPZFzyZBh3ovqTyg7FoBHMxuFjx80xG2Y3LoNPgYDjxgAYjjujo/fG78M+9kkBB1gOW6idkXOc4eptc7EaV3LiXojAGBwN/aEti29lEo20+jn5+zockRNjz7rs+csClVixp76oTJGbmcEUl7EYj8GXFGAYZ4LpDONNuruAjMKdtJ5lZOzduRPzXdWMhrAaNtqwiS93Ov8tsNHdjXaDGA6c/PoYkxwAx3RC7nNmJp4BTWRd0+NOGBpRjZa6qRDpzEpopIYn5ItGmZOQDOQPkWRFeeKsmbeKz1hVsinIcZn4swg/0ZnchETXNRtn/NolOxPajNUyMSiJNKomvAwazGzs2eN2KYSNS+BTriAb/TcGBodusW2sDUepBJsHRMx8no7VGZXxahXQqKXHXrCq/E1Bg+rWpglpqgx2aTnbiqG4EtetZbq6TfbTCIQaMu4YZ+LJMN7k8iUo0/AZcprTqI6GZAPMxt59B6GA2FZuFC7FFIqaUdGFT7lWsDEAdsPDgWxMCRU2RGSWGopIulOd2BnwEGIUG0CjkezErkZHZgMVGYHNRINL3z1zUQZmuUxmHMMMk+gqvMnVnq4rHe3GneCBK2bID4RAwxuNKmiIaGOnZePAocNHjsHx/NkWxwb6lD7DBviUEWI3njyhQjcEjQQX1G7MJ9nIoNGkQ2nUq7HxsdCIWpQqowHeBOYy3odDE4wzTKarIKPbkoFpUNi4Opthjca25tAgbOzcibuUg4VHOQJmAxPmRqPH7FOuXkW7MThc+BR/3gZsPJFoJO2Fgsa8On4vkrBpKgxl42hYqjlXVphiY9PRSKtR59FAMnBvAmQUcQa4k6s91p1chFJhWyvs3QlDY0sTDqVAYxsxG/vNLuUo7mCBDdzDdrk9rMmaF/sURIPGoik2ptNT3dVprvoOBe9XUk9zmaUcIu1rLmxRUbVTT5RW6TgrVZNM9b/yKFRIqdpI48EDqB2HEBTJ6OsxRqPDBBooFXrCZch9DGp2rtuaNhqARmBj/z6X3DCRaMt5KAc0J/Q9cKAyMDBwE09Uxu9XRGM6h0Yti4buDqJAY3lZS0bJgbuwVll9QGVVV0lGtWp5ZiZY1kP5uQQb1jNn0OgzaHSYfSvEoLBx9Seu60KDOBS6gd3rcqKmdOPMOTxoA5di0LiGZmOEVHC4TQpVA64ea/C0qDzqUqPIWF1gOTkPNf3tXJfNSDVLlGkCaunahOhsYEPK0cRoDCEaVxGNS2aUge1KMrVdMDkp5Mir+xOa2ghmw3gUSHwddYWidgfb0YVsuOyGQQOTG0+eiDBUziKI4JiWcyeYvUjdrZdxh4B26MWOxDPfUHEGqx3A1dP7IL3DItVoqZ8PJyY3estBTk40NEIaFINQ9CfixJVEGk0YDYaGjTZ27t3rEl/HoVD098FsXGo3GfPunj4fbVA0prTURoaN53JaDVHNEl+9aBBAQwUj6jy0syfcE3indtJnRD/qGVaXkk/fNU9oB69lrWrLflsLV/SSisfM+BS5DUNRmgnRADIQjYuh9eSYjTSUIPST9aBhzYbPiZ6iZuOKS4rm0Igzot61KEkNfiSiFGrGnSnc22vzJ1hxjTqXhbxqVLkqWCmxGQoDpTUacuKWUlLf8HpdViDEyk5N+c3r2F0SaoDRADQunKMNBjapsVloWDaKSNSlRGEDG3KitrLn1h0fa0g04kz5rGeDDibIk/FOa4htBgyE461eya84mFX1UF61Ge8050BVeZLrbbICTIQfWAbqqrqsSwkHKGNweoI5cu5PbAO09CfrQIMHG3aTQtA4i/vXNvAokPaiaDz0h/M6FonjNVRp05JXkY9w3qBMDGUtMWwz0Uq4wmcaaSXwagpzOVEuqj1+rV4UNRdCMWkm/HCWw21Upm2hhi8THiEOxfoT13pC0dixbjR0Ng6Q/es5ZzbC8TwcsmFvCmoDPovJmNfP2WacSluc704J4MRSFHqxpmwc0ufNril+frlClmo5QQZ/vm9Z23R2yjRHh3zad6IZaeFFsBsWjftV0NhL0GgmFaqgsT1CQ3gUisYo5DWC0WAzVNVanhl2Hl9TyrXoQ89oUWiDWMM9f0/neetwkGm8ySxDcjcqLlKzC802TMcjP1dIP9KiKZ+c843PcLx2/545QpFoXPANaw6NPRtCw7FB0cDGeZvawDrRGI37odjLRZbRvO+csA4v8pRyFmJ4sB7Pxd9FNtwdZ3inxq8mzVLmxG456mgLT/Z1BZEFwyz878c6HzQgImxgNDrrDuVd40mERohCD+NIrZDv8kmNDaABG1iOxjmzfZVojMEEnce213EmlH3GS9JBZDIIGUqfxxpzAalZiSoa35jlB7yrcCR2kcvahkRmUJLNRyVgvKdz57UJ46SHjTTF17jZMJmNPBosCl0HGsSjbA1o2IwoReMCnrERNO6M3g1oPCPjMRNoUDiUge7LXACHKGS91kxH9FTot9JxYdlwdFBGogayNBr6tLW1cjQkkt7PEYumBsx0kLYLN5wKZLFJMcfyaTRaz/gNykH9aK0JNLam0IBgI4WGm7tlQw02qqqmCC4FNMg4q9hmKF2lmuGQT4UZ7ACGY4Ph4V5WUdbS4FAy3SqccRTMkAwRULimGA74sPwAqEF61iAQNakNQMNI1UPpn44GxhpxLnTdaOzYGdqVKqOB00nEMLRIcElOEWBopPeg0eZT+cIyNL4RSwYf9q+KUCY9UC8RhabReB8ZCLLYdcUKDLFujJ/nOt8cGlY44QOgccCj0VqOxsycVtCnlcuT0SNU10fc7jeV0FjTHMrXX2fZEGaj2lY2zcZas2iIy0qgsRaa7/x48KbRYAVem4HGDoqGOWEzp6+VHYpaFEP3KfPz86TFfklzKDoaSl/rWiyy9WP/SDST8XXKoazkxtMq1UJq+nUz0KCxld2kSIfypBk0dm4qGrs2iIZqNmqlaKwkklevE7GGNB/hwdBnEJCQNiNKfsl0KPt3onletxsbcCgRGk4glKHx+NH60djazA4lNB0AG7t22hM2j0bLufOXcB4by2uMPbAK1UaMJVEFzCJRMZaGqlmrZsPuU0q7i4UbUp6KskMhYLxbVuo1WXG7oONdXAIQbZTe60GohoY0kULcclGGoZPeagyrOxTS6ro7thqfNI0GSWzk0Lgao0HyGnbrmnEoLAxVtiiEjWiv/6os+xVlD5LbE78ReEXPYvVzeqWOR0mIqoYjg0aU3JAWcoUlNuZVNG6W5zU2FY20Q0E0+geMnKg9Q/HZUF4inkl50ck0tBl9JXLhcTY0c/Ad+ZUomaFtAuhZZyMtFCOP6HlZxhoLSmMJOEmHkqdVTngIGYu1kCm3aIBI6C04lVfOUHJoNO9QZF7D71AkGqY81DQqQbAxMRnOUPREuYaGMvSRn7eq6iVpOc1XyRg2pau0Jo7nS2oC63HvfOo4R5GBsxRQOnRzwQ7ZIpn6JBp9V6GUp42K/h1xKa+No7EtSnlVQsN4FI0NBojIk4dAdFGcx/PHnBwVIQVsI3uTJyPkDYgfUYeaR96xXqcTFVQZuCrJ8vfRwV+UY6Gywm40o0+UczSYR6HHa/tiNLZuChpHrOjbmSQa9Oj1GRlzVyajQDYpzEovJ/Toy9StxQ5n7XVOo88/gjA2hRZj0tR+4FtREnOlJUmZryaOXmUpyQpJhdaJ0ShFA7Td4nqN9aDhD9i2pU5eT9GUlynY8GiMGoke0PZ6EqavzihSG/oMIz7XKiWslq69VoUNXiVy2LLsK7xmw8rqafOb/InhAjMgL+vset8JnN8q7y6EI1NeRHzeBs4vWKzN62iM8DKvdlPm5aq8jm0KGqRLCfoNAI1Qr8ES5QwNM8sxhcZcdTRk64CcglgpGbWsHdElxTqpqDMZ75i43uAbF3lCRq9DVA/dFEuSKA6gjo7O7IRBWhBrPEY07tpuA9JsQGp5XG3o+grKWQXgdoIG1A3Tg1c4lO/ABrZr/Uk0pmUFYAU0pJ5XpF0jR2Aq/YBasPJKlWoMG8NlXxBKJy0nhGJEByYPnyNHmDyVlbLDCYtBBjOyPraAxiPoN7gTpEJNX2NHG+lDMWqhRHSlqbZGWeVFjQapDf2fTZGXLAC0scaYR2NKzminEKTQqEXtYVpPczJLqbKxrNaArelRHhEKE7P7tAmP82LXrbTaJnIdQnZYz9isJMiI0DDZ0IegrxGO5Xt7eq442RUnP30IRIbX1QzN0QhGw4nzkGaDiw4NW1E+uJloLNYVu5FoDMvrScu60ZSKKyFD3HzCBZsYrGZk0mgo2tg6K2v6LLYEGjbYeGJVeaAG0JqNXgxEvSSP1V3ZR9Fohg1Sx7MtOnZFBdHTBRnnkIwOazRsRbnTUaCNjUpReQU0FPHhZEfpRtBYE1XbjYa02GS0rG/JpG4yOJV6etutvHUKDbUEkbWxyc5oK/I2Cc0oLhI1DdH6/tUEonvxHGWdaITGRpMk/19AmQfm5hiJDehes0YDtHlsrzyg8eiDokElCojyWwaN5eVMUW8SjfloiDQwIeYOyzKkzUZjOYEGsvFizivWT6FmqKkPvTOCLuXzq2YS36eX2741LuVPimjDpzackNf2daKxnQjz7IftiVVR8GR0otGAnldslb83zntep/kWhWxS9JB/UY81mA6SRCNlPyqhsSYLqPgOgOlLFR/nGem7SpUuEn+ivO3r7EpVILLGXLJ7Cj7FikN6Ngb6r1272ttzpQMlqM8pQsPbqSpP9eY1F4Tu3O0km4yw7MlTp87+fuu581hObrqhUXjYKA8bzSYgYwI0Iqf0DQoah4gOZS6zbFlcyc3ByLQ6rmQdipC1DwZbQYNOK59mwYZAo6ntiYw1VDaIdj2JhlzHgZmbBJKyBRvjvxnsRt8PC5fS+Wl727fnXUs05Db2S5W3rU0or2zlDa9WO9TEoC1BecXGoE6Vx4p5TU5qWY15Zd7uvJ5frOsKoOnNa3ryzvKynJCiTcMTNbkpNJjgQ6T4QMmQW5Mol/E6MU5JwCFFaGMRCdvkaNpE0alALGrmd94cND7FbGF/8Onl0C5P8l50l1JdAdCnu1wr9AETaIDOW4tX1+gyXfJBy8sKy4I7eTrFnElAYMEjQOjgacV6QkSlil5zTmde/9qy5qRl0uUhRpQjGpFDCTZjVcPxVfVuFL0eOhJkCCoBL72KE6iUz2CL48T/CvuUOyDp1X/92g+NPmT7H12yA5SsnNdBuYHdUl1t2Magu9zu5PCRY/+bVwD8FlTeftLtFAAhzriDSfIJT8ZzLzlM2w3yEq4v1WEkkepSoKN8yJ/vNEzmIwMbzGzEdgOgEEaj5skgWXKfHm92CqyWDlVSoktOSgiz+QsQkM5anfI/e/TV+NgXd27dBo1ys4f9yQ8+tTtYH24Ys7F7F5FfKWWDGw3b0HjQKWucsl1rl9vD3uSGDTOMyfD6CVR9aaFWSwkIq5pM8V5VFyhRRb/jBmn/jNZSTyk8C1avzRMbPOSYkTIxbvSbMxhruUoRfeVOXZNzc0gapqDDhBymk20CNrG8JaXwKb9qshuF2TjqNMr3VFd6k9kuDDQOWmXIk37uReFMOq3mihN4G703NhZ6Gu3ki8JcLCSE/FJ1U1nBivzYEN6myk9e81/eYDnewY87NGrzcS50mnkTXrXo39OS4V7/x4SAn9qaHdkmpXSuqXBER0hed6MIOmZm/3c2xhPnofT1kvFap/7ecSNgfzDSDq2IBrqTXYEMM0ipCEH/ccv/Ycno6un9oZ2JAhped41EuZ/RNxssBp1jscqchVVYK1ZDUe57J8HQul2jeUNqxcbbtRKrTuo14I6vps0GsjEzQ8ZFvYTPZau88A0JiT/2OLgSYfZvHY5Mj579sGxMX2P15UvwK26Q5+SfGY0eGHwxcOP/NGzA2IuLxmz83WKXcuSw1aImbdFZNOS52k4qUG69yQVz2tpJhl7AzmRsnFTwTFNBBDitTmg2LqfHA6THmpWNNtTKvJJYMCu+RspyXe4g2mSHExRvMhpiIGCoR41aCeIVl6smdUDi7waxlOZLhoajCEenfstkv8bv2rF8/aYc8Io5hDVZ0T+2hylh9lqFSFSeuJKZjXaK0vkL37ZdBjJQbmUQybh7/74fowRTPecWmACwbhCIWlVari+qw8l+oZRS0QQZqXJyd5Ii9eKZ+aBbEzlG1L1d1E1ZCQ615zW53SYbK7Adi38basyfP4MBwF+ZiTm37Cilwqe0t7u5fAGN3dWmG8gyDUPGfp/qMnuTc9/3Q5SKPaudzPfF3fFiY/LIbkwKX/K7ZmqjzE+EgUPcCbx7t/zu3TslqnibU6dIDUMsKxt+kwsAX2NxKMt8LaY1HxB+LOFh4Sd6kZ8SMP5ArjQk72M21AqwtwyOd9BCX/iVRSPJMjtdBKNfThYblXtf3Bm5PTyEk/k62tsvFmz849OnjwMbB/dH09dybLBklyvsMjbjlNMYNidqvc5kmMx4EX0+mJz0JsPEnjXeNBBwiGela7pGr9VaTqUQXOaOlH62fB8IPAuyU2FV22wcjzAdwZsQZ2LfLNiLAoL/S1kZQkLwUUmehaTWCz4Q6MJwzEybwi866tWUb7ihjX5w+L59IbmxtcxscOF6NgLYbVs7uv1QPhwQTY/TgAzW8K4Mvkx8z3PJofAoM/eNxyApYR4NjfeCjSVWtqGZDudNHBl+H2RbbJEMD8NfmMXgsITEbFRDQ/tCmAtvNArDYTJgno3RO3YPe7W7C1SpCzZcefk+u4Et2MijoYy72IfjGk+5+Ultn3b8pOczGMlnxjXeGR0jUQZuTF4s0ARQNHZVCjWuRUUM6YLrr7/+ugIbOhqJ9iAeb6wxNBpJ1QdX4uxGUtsNq32zrykZfyEXtx4Zs/FeLz3X4cDiVrAbLxcLn2Ji0Sd2rPyd22Z2uJkqbyZ6/uy8OWjD7AbkRHcxs1EyNRxHGnCj0WqnroHN6B+4MQhpLjPGs9iwPp566jYmNRqzswTQmpZdqKBcw3uZ05JLsUpaCRdxJMryXrzXgDkVQcYy8SbFm33zNfgSjQtLx19UQePN+3zgzD/3WwiUDBv/dx02Kt6n3Cti0VtDA/2fF2x0tF/+FucpYaGob3MsRSNkuygZxy0ZJgSF+b+QAbVkPHz4GOX+oMMVzCzesZBYaPYYIXqcX8eaOl8nMolvRPVUeTaSZ0XJCayYsyu7DRbDB3WBht2xfhOT8Zd/qZmOGI2v07HG+ywadvONp0AvabxxHzoQTG1PX5/Jbly+aMYcFGYDEl8+Es1P9Nyyhc5q3OOTXThWy5Bhp4b33xh0guQ+mfEcpkITo7Es+tybPEvINgwnU0UEjVjDoMw+W2/ExkeL0x7CRgKN9xoa/89fCjZ0NNzmNXWtZWgUlw/DSk2Xigk3nk09/nLCDIouQtEhU2TeW0Si/6jYpWDiy0cbzGyobEijsddW72CyC7KgnT09QSN0tAhBH05OIhnTuKHD3GA5GdlQ6734kpcaDZlHVHuC3pekvN7kjMYiUy6kaHin2QQaYaMSpTcy8aeGBm/mtmisAhpzz589ewI58/H/t71z680yy/J7gQt8ogB7MLLLYGPTPmK7GrvKREljbONCtlRgXDbgQNEqYZAcE2Ea8KEVjGVTRZHclOaiFUUdDepMrvouFyUlUpK7kRJ1LiaZTJLJpCeTSXo+R5512Huvvffaz/O+xq5CM943fShwgd+f13n9V+ZSxmn/AIui7WYasI5voxSgYfbV/HPyLDx95sxHuBXfNzA0zDVQq6WxYHUgNW/iOhj5f0f5zyLzH4tjuN+s7bunIhsJgtJkC4a9VlT1sWV3ctSaRx0NdiX2+WToXLwqtKXq90v8DbDAsYJmw4Yb2GrDBLYfeylUEz1hoo2agkPAXrkrRqOj4xOINLIY9NKoqWhkaSujseRCUIeGpmVQiMZL3csq8gfqj7+f+GhspOer5M5rfKrJE5gKHEopaHg2QxgM3wpqf9RSYeHcm9GAaOPBwr0vQRkQR3ug0TbQjzVRM9VT52ob3JsvHQ1eLsDEFcbH+4cQDR4QxtFxCjSWgp+k9Y2dopGTpLi6xqvcjfeU5LA1KclSqp6dPIvXt5dlwJ2INfTsxJS8AqFK/4eiHN3Rl2HJjlzK08dwFANabdBNmZ66On7p4gUc66Fy+YdYLj9qOimux5ZT7/LKXcZotAMaP8b0ZHT0sjmzBjHoPQ40vI5CLH5Q/kxLwtcWT8Gk5Ie3CpSKrUh8eKVbq5RzkkJV8g2vd4KuT8ldo9hTsYCJBoBvAhPfyyhJoUj07h28eQCKLOhRejphne00lMvxCAZvHtjSRgEaxmg0nGxqhOZJ+9k3MAsKQeiIkd+5OWeENFze6tBQhTHKnncqIZIMZ3ISEsThIqmGRnwfOF8325RDbcnrZa7d+E3sSeLCv1opLliI9JLvDeNRKEm5TxLVmdkAsZ7hwYE/7kGzgWjATM/RDzyzUSoaNnNtP9vVfb6nDzJXSFyn/MSV0RAq0orCxVa+koH8USjNnCaOAqTRUDr3XqtWLKLE7RO/La+hYeyGMRsRG7ErCRIr+zfYSsgL+a4w/vs7NP5zgMZslr+OjkJzvg9zFGqyyc2DFBpCUEP6kwZZ1CCjcfESGQ0p2rUkrYYR/kztf/iawS/VlrNqSz1qlLUO9Q5RWqlFV+YIzpIDE8oSG8NhYytT2iA4vuEeCqChl8UjKILJ9oLzbMlhVxsusdV4tAj5612c+eLSBswCfsLbbLQDa0obh/SqV4CGaZ/QBE9rCy3Fn6OOK6Mxp6LxzEdjXVGo2fI/5a2cx5JYgTlV4UldqFJkOfJG0F/4XMTr0DA3/IAHX59gGWclshuCDa/b6pGRiI8UdvO1yiI01iM0MNiYdmh0dtjp8jqBxqEy0CB/wvOgIJcwNHzRhBrXaeFERSNnt8//24hrebljF87bBr8itYgW/dBp26PaEstzVZ/QXjpbtBPlUVvAjIR6PuU32ojG6+98wfxI99q/Fh3j4S0/eT8uAo1nAg3MUbA3Pwz9V6x6tRrlN4FGRQINf/DvA9tZw0poR6dtn1C5a4a1Y+/f99F4Fh3WTJ+y2QqvDSkDWwEhOUGmqiuuL65oR52dK1EDz2B/jdBYXrYzG8Z5fuWz4YPhRZ5+aFQkKLMeHwTNSbMsGrLqNTE+evHCEFS9cGFJigL6Va+8fnytbLqeOkNF8nNQ1Lg4ymjMcr2rGI31+C+Tf+1G/bEv1AhNmuR4vYdH2VcTp9vVlCS4MGnYiFopnKh8k5BFtzFGBMa6IlW6VsKlDfW8MaKxbAqid3GmZ2riMhRE/0n/j3s62KOcPNEgpjbsZHkJaDRwvYvQ6ON616SNQu8iGot5aKDZUExHobUwP0RpPDZ0c5IINCMd0JiOEtDwDhbbkXJby/HijeiagrQZnkzshkavfrE+ddQrlI8M0bhBlQ2Y2hg416MMe8nJ8vToX2Wlq5K7Umgv7rdeGh1DFQ0jy1RkNaKhYO1vk1gric6NqL9vM3GYM4XGqrzlKyAJEpMiNFSzselXzF8nBz8jk5FLhrq3pSgNBmiAQ3ng0Ji+igM9f2eA49DWeA5QsRoHDkRVjaPHHRrtHTSpMQTH48eNwAounahWYyVtDBMJZQKKxBXwxCk+TcpGXSReUVfpVp4lc5MkGo+COUDRTQmPsHgJa3hRTWokRDepc7zLRqKiq1mN6ckJqJV/imh0tNlg4+hRv/uqolHhT/HU2QQFxrv6BkyVfGp62tObXlp6VIjGmmoGk3ZCfJwKG/lobBaiEazTGUJ2jsYzr3Hkd1P8oc8oXw0vQ2onyzU0EsdlNTS+hEVHSFEmxy99duECxqEdNg6t51q5QONAIRr1qEZ+iib/yJ9cxPEurJLP37ojxrvEvcVS0Sjgogw0lBSlRDQ84/Es36EsfT9orOwEja0cNDKzcfsWo5F5lD+AEdEuQuPDphMnPDQqkmiIUfLjBo1Waq39PVAHxVENbMfbKvmiSeOePMkBQ9ttLiQj6VDiEvJWqhoaL5grUvSxR0E6ngQCQljxsgIbZkXPdygbO3Ao67voUEwj6EX2p1pGW+fPbOA8z7lu7rCJtXnRYVPQEFsGR1i4i9HI/MlPePnk8gT1T0I0pHhmUda1WRR3BmjkguFJ9yo7sf6edGA2vA8gnvcL1NSX6Bgz1TfEVTA3WO4ZjVdKGBpdayoVjcTJt81EIApmY3lZojFLaNCOI6xGn6H7OScUNA6k0KixaDSi4jSGGj8Z+BjQGMOLnbB7gkHowgM6vuetMRbm4zkRaBKN/IO/am1RFR7w2fAzlBQbAo6HVh1SzgH6hQ3Vn6QylFw0CjKUrzc2S0EDNtlgCtCi0WfR4KLXB7W11Toazp8c8jddue1KaHyK+Ym5onVLxKDipN5q0XntjRKkEDxOokMB7sZBwcrjV/owRvxzGZc2orM+vlthhQij+6eUvF5qG6+isBHUNURAZEtyelHja/jFYQHRhFtBOXSZlCONR7k2OTk2evEK1kM7z7ZnaDSLemilWg/1y+Q1IRq4zfiTgWGHxn8hNDKf63VPdJHPwtKmL7eTvmwS3d5zayYvXymn4j06xMmIiA37Gdh/knspLrwxubrqDW2oZHCp3C+UR6UNRcZQkZJRgnAvEiezQWLJEo1p23wlNFoRDdZhkQuORWjUkRJkS0s7r0BzA2UK+yfoT2jFQGyMr5bPRd6au5qHJBaQwrmYqNctxelTFltio1+YjMgIFuXFzMZrfw1aFMuVHgpWyjeknMpqWopfFyMV9z7XuPdq0cC+PKKB2uWABmptkKR9MRqcobgxnpNGoAlrodxAmbKjGvfu33+45PqP4lrMeiELRV2UsL2WPsftn2RX54Pd4SwvT1FMtnEroWEJ8XACw5GCwkutu/YtdOUNG99pbRSynInuWroy7iZdtwM0PIdyl6d5xiwaUA81S2zH0/XQCI0jHhodiAb11qAUOktrrvcWMLdf9s99l2AfUhNuObSk77SLPZWkOoV/WTkuRa8VyVq/kJmtr1i/JnOTIM749jfqwIYLR2O5P631mtMy2QrQ2MxB47qGRtMO0WhiNEzbdQTQMJf3OHFFu/p8VZkIzeUiGLwIfMVXsbJCcF8mOO6bOoTpafg4g52AIkRE/NcXL16sPH/uUhcj1OSpoHOc8c133ylo/MmfWDiiBqwsx3ytn6H+Wv3GBlMsW0Li0ta87O6rQ6OXNg6c1agtQIN1Nfi+hUxQaIyHemsSjSxSX34iZ4XXN9KuQ1HcjYf8yt2gjw/ovtb19HSzkRSVVOd8Vvy0Nzg6GowNx5vybgYwGNvwVWS12l9OvW9bR2MlQkNajR5Go3GnaFirAWig3N/45NQ0knEHglAwGhhorMZyCeJjNUM74jPe9kKBhCiRcgJcReMfq3e3gy1YFY3oZ9P9d/kPFDhQs84XkA3R+DZGw3qV1woc8jBgFMTn2eBtL0OxN4LNfeCFhS9Rn9qhkWUoXSZD2SEaIgztGxq6AmVygwa245cIjXhhbVO9+xHsoqhT4yogyaHyV7GK2uvEcoesIq+tquedQ2WxqAez6ic3oVDEdrBs8G28bPCtYEPZxUxUegodtGwvmvzknz95ZHsoVA29JtDo2D00zkmHcmNesRo6GXJ0MYeC7ZdpNNLrBq8So1SRlF6IxloeGtrUbtiEkWeKN3Q0klbj26hsHhRyyyFjU45Xe4LJT54Yd4LtNVcoBzRQs/zUW6HxoUWjf8jWNZRYQ8gWBTHldmw2inVXStzrk2iES6SvNTa8I65qOT9ZkvGmgVwBZ8NpyLpkWsYaQrDpP0W7a4r4Q+HB67zZR3edgZpr0Azk01sk6kVbSn07QYNLXkd43bWRNw26z/f2u5LXzM25eUxeAQ3SdAtEu7SDMAUnH/JXlstBQ2HDxqGyGK0HG6li3ddesTJSNHZu75X7U31rZd7k9pqHRqwZUzYa8bAGKgG6ljzpNuEoz+jIxT+AlejOjh9h53UHaBwV+0m41OhKXpNuO2nR1DVKRWNr79CIdTh1NNby0dDjv1DkOl6mEBGRi41jNOTSQSSmEZqNssGw3mRFZid3+e7WFE15MRptZ840m85ryWhU1jiJYV54haFh6LyOXLLttdtYDQU2INqg73KiKJO+MWVzmO3tdJaSQ4eq2spgKGhY7dXckpcGh35oY90Xpdredv0TwaymF5oQJLPxcon9BEGu279bQU3qRz9DpTe8yDaPVzCm0GjA8RwY5UFt2cbgqlIxGjVOY5invD7p+WPyKGNmXmOeN6EfmcqGqgOZWwvdSpU1tvV/pmisgnJrcRzKP42CjGCWPJeNTZFSFp+ftrLk3h/MX1JKStWVioZoSvtbNvBXIzJAV5a6J7fm4cbnNSsfiluvHWccGjjlVVJ7rZKDjXq8cwFo/AhK5f20uzYqRLwWFlBZgxNYI9NUriHMvb4aqMS9jMvkr19rNiMobETiGSvyskJqlMDuSW+krYbnU/ye3+t85WlFEKI0NLyxFn8nb5WuzT8V3mT+BgYadE8cD2D8mJYNWkgiktGoLhUNKf7XcqbNnyifoony23doyiuW4wlDqPK2jXLr60LeTws39OzEk2LS5zXW0gPw4kdzI9HfkGl7wO3rxDZKAgwv1lDnE9zuo6zFyIN9yxxn3DP3PWfFXWA874ln5k/JK321dOMg3l/T9uStmGxrC97T6sVog+Snr9G9JNJdQYFh0XzlCSTxkj16p05e5E49QqTUzzffgO02NyS+0+UAv/JuFigDgC9W8wdag8KX1uFQtfa/+UZevJB/xFd5otK5A05aC46uh6DJePp0+dHPzEElvAoMxa6pCTypBJlrb0/3m7Nt3FtrqDvuzl8cKh0NIa/Rcb7H5K/jVsjrrhVeWX5KEjX6CGP6W51sEdC3IM/SeJWEV6oglncfw0mPq2PDekslMZWubqMGjY1ATShHh8wLsyI0op8nFYwVu68LKtQPRWoyi95k8vLo6EUQbOr/r0Y6tFkajdLQ8OVkedDrjVlfs2yYwhdvyi8/pcNpa+U/xZwId5o/MixMt3pMZNsbi4tEup49Sx4PjeBYU0pecaqSQ0dKwSy65Bl8GxJHxLyxRdrwf/L0Tw0Z9wwZ14mMMTj7OmyuRcNaY7O5MX8kPtGnoBGfyGmy+ev5XrOlBAtsJDVstpTsjt9zbW1itZQmePJkvO6MQjpevkpA4Sk+JmY//RHi3D9qbl7jW7mvclWIXiZvR+bIw4SGIliSWOZb0Qv3sDiOJiNzJpOXx9GbDA9aMuxdT96GrkmEGu8dUJXrQWvYyLydfUMyb04BcBp6KYaNJaqLPrGntKJJGHU3nScySzMs6pp42HvTzixtBIefg3Fx71Z58AfNOzGsj/UqkgDbYfKdJyITo6HjaW95yk1dPAb8gEwG3XtFk5HlJnyCra+XFRTcNPnRXKPhoRGZDTqf9G9IN5QkZUfpSPicvcO3uPjQXY8Jd0lX1A3TvP0b1afr+yxfiZxAk27a3JDX4jUwwgujeX8wNyCYqovEwdNXrn1cKE2l7PqvpUZHvMHVZbovv7TINuMO7jJmYEzBLeBRSk4G+nt7aHGNyECjIepdOdtr/hn5I6zm1QRJypmzKPRGQtQjo6OXQb6eroRb+fql8EBjiY8+B3mcL/wAcq/75qk/yojeP5qVw4Z3WjQ6IyjLIek/oDaY9VVCfSjeyyw4ju5pVxIXvAbx4D6CYa7kXJuCY69kMjJv0tfb3U33XpsxPcFV6A/scQNVVTa+x1dT60WirS3/LXMp5oIS+BTQDr0+wwIsdxcWnKpA+tDvkzw4FLWLvO+9mCnz0UgeRbVnn4UOfepPpsUd0QnS3D/emr51V6Rdqp6RT6Nh/jK0IYM7uUgGCpNjNWNidHT0HyEZA+fQZoCeLCauJxtIbFgajbRDsWLDlQ4NGtto5fuu50ya4q5rmatrdi96OfqZzPsJ1X9OS/A4kg3tO05yj6KGvBKjsRzdLU+dpF3Vj9Omw5Lipcx8MlLzqjL9FmDwPi4O7ggyLo+PXsIrwIPsTYAMI15vElfvpmcoOByyUWUj0Xqr9fYRnsphNka4mzLDV5SEqJd3Qj54Zh5bfCbPkpFIYdIQXFzZUi/lrkdnlAMwdDQUXHU0BBvp7Ld0OtQWrxfqrEiRGEcGmgzsp2WpyY25659TBRScCZbHIQLtdCGoKGlwDKoaDfVaI0i9iXL5v8UspQvPNQ5dILsBZ+RnQZ6Htxzv2yPyPh5SoVf5VHKEUHaMxsYuoPGsNDRWVDRWi8/Xlo3GqoeGJwTCCg9YG5+/weN+cMfzEpAxSBFod9fZs20tsg5aK9xJQjfUizYOO5eCWgpoNv47nv+lZaVBDkUxhQUpwPm7wSX51FMNiXpvXvnJXdsZGutrikNRIg6VjCAPWU0/f+Q0zlrScGyEajQJNGLJMReAZonJfZ7bkV0TImOIyOg07gSKXaZCDmTko2HP/9qlaGLj2FFRE21nl9I/NMxN2Mlpo6jAmtTgVJby8UBEJCmx4VA/n3SOkropHgR03unWwvgnCaWy7hb/U3XwNNFljHqRNGyWrKnEZCwSGV+SzZijTuvkONbG0ZtQqcsEGrx9IgMNG2koIuWGDIGG1bDnVkpLG2Sw3b02FMUrWyipcMvUvtBuFKMhjIj/0SgmQ9dy0cJQvUHn+RRlyznNRbK1ou4xFZfskmgkOu7pYCNC475F4wbMgYIEDzThkYzBjAxKW7EMSjFoRgYeXrNkHDJk5FgN32xAJEoikadQChDOokDBHEa+gA1jNm5zClseG6znE6JR2DRXjUaKjQ1VWqOo1FIKGGW1iUpYK4kKXuWgAWSQO5lxTXiKM87BTpIho7nRqbtJo2HJSKJhzEY8uEEupQtO5tjK1+SUE+mhcOP+IsPh8FgqGY1UuTSVGJq6hgfH1qZf9NoEudY17ruu5sKx4rmStejqeaqlkdx5Kx+NXDhM8hqjseAFGtMw7UdZK5OBNgNqXVJkmENQz50cOJA6KI9JSkXARoZGEwz1mLuNveJ2+CTpy4JgOYcbBg5rO5aW0gFIPhqBK9dUXESHLVjxixy4JogUyTZFdYocccqgZZ4WQC8Ljc1IoigqeXloYHaCZNzl+Qya6Rq5SN6kLyOjG8mA5KSxicigKY1KW9KwaLyXRsM2YF1RNIhE3cgXRKKgPXyDIlG2G/cXfTiWltJweGjkgqFOeAgBlvhYggqHmn+mq2vreYpR2iDBD4XGl8JoXKP5jAsXhgYH+sBmdBIZVNHAm2vcVePkxBqNYjS8DNYM9XhZipndIDTmbCS6cN9nw3sloxH3rvRvrk+GdklDESgIyxQvkgXvMstV6RiyPDQ2N/LgUNFYIDTmb9y4SSUNjEGzQKOfyDC1rg9PevM7Do2DB3PuvHpwHJJDPXhpC2uicIUNrhz09vUPQgJ7aYznemCwB4SpsWKeZKMADaXEpBj18OJD3jREeAsj/+hFWtRiq+BpVdhgTbLsAdmNVAfWBhu2qGGaardNDAorjCMXhrnZ2t3BnRM0Gg3oTsxkl6yDUhB6IH1T3ncptVZ5mOvlkKX8GouiGImO8Y2+mxSJenYjxmOHaCSMutwYe5UalPHh+Hp9rZzpkGCTIH+h/6u0oG0wiFT6rok6xkNocCWUeydABvVbOT1BMmxBA20GaMie/B8i0LAhaAloSLMRs2GzlA4Ribp7WxiJWjYMHO7peOShkXdyRw6HJk98bocDX7ShmGP1g3nE4LxP/pyWppOeEK4rgZFQLVOi8Uy04hcXbeJ6K5geh0ADbUZGBroTCkHFvfDSyHC3lMKpHjwuj4WvD0/zfjTcwHDFDTh1YPpskKYYOvwX25HIcBht19hkqDeVpP5K6o5uOMifJ1UqM47knGepJyM3SnylxKHRRkHmTR5z80TMaMAu0jTuIo1SoIHNViADNN0oOakX0zuHPG9yMAkGoyFTWHtd3rIBg6Io4dTdK9mYzuwG6MxSmvJlFnHodDAfPh1esTzOTWI0thJo5MFROMkvb68EI3wODP2OvfzXJM985TiYVNqTTk+ePQmnd+7c5iHha1NXoat2AfRBrc0wIxrQVDsuR/683KRENNwMMYaix6goStOAdDqHpohB4Osy9mDRp2CeQm4FX8p2WAvi7IaiDZ1gw0ODF9h8NPL3fzYVJfzEB+WR8Up5mt3YKkGCXXqc+I+ynspbTQhqwgyqaDgypsGdABkXmIxOIoN2C0421Hm1LklGPhpeKOpGvqr5FNvv0coS3fbEomg/snEJerAYb6DhyCwH4+G/exorD2xZ/U/9JqynRBrfjJXikLwgxktA6Q8ucQe2YGlOM06vYztlNf1Cs7G+XngO0At8FRxWfR2xJ0+Ji6WHGIBiI/42TQlzJx4qGv+SR3ewnnGa4gy7kFRdZVOTctDQ2TCC9rjOBteif5+rGygMOAHS5dOgvHFjnui4Gz3kYyG0Jg8y8HnKAydLn4RDo2uhGFRwpt5tvUaf1duiESyx7giNYiz8Knt0PTCSuH3y9DGppYMrsSbjp7yLBGTw9LitgZ7iOMOMaNAs6GEPjNxII8en0IL0UdtMOYM3t2Tl6zKuO+KwKL7bd+4k8YgRWdSiDk/LNz4Yux2p4ChoRMuvZaARBDSvUsJh3t67GFDNHfL0NY4T7feYiidm2cRaDLPxfJOdCeUmQ2bj5Cw7ExzrMjajRiHjQBEZMRyWDTfyZezGn3Wf/wXEolcugk9BOK5dn5n5+7P/c24OCfnzP7+Fbx7/E2kJeMkg+YdMyOLiP+CM5fGyp9oqrtSnLb2n7yaI+GHQUOVhvY0cXiL5X+bJej38z+fx6MDTZZOUwK4JJqxY5roFvuTfIRgwPn7J5ib/XpJBK/HHvPlxn4tCMlTDUWV9SsOJE5lP+eWp1jNmeINkI0fAclzN4Jj+PLMdMzNZ2MF8uDc/Pw+E4Ltzx4ICYcg9pOPBQ5HSPn781MDxYjVW74iUTgrC0J14FMWhJMB47TkU/M3BrhlR8byMHQwGInuwZPL4selGsSeBfJWizxu4ioRhhiiPkzdpwRpok5zqwjjjcJiZlABGVN4gw1FVbYY3WJAFy6IQi/ZiDnsRFpfGJyYnMeaAN5u9OfF8TMicgCVh60EFdo48loz1eCIl4hW74aHx6lUBGj4bWyXcf1R1mBQyPDS8Gxui2avuX6TfU+Vw+UMaAaWOCRW5cKgLO2o88Dc8NGC9SYv1JnW03JqlJlV+F/5gGWQEcBwUe7BH7UIbl8yZDUhUiA2AYyqzHcTHLL08UCweX9oyKjX1Tak0YMPTC/PZyC04iJ59oviYthu6SwnI8FUo/fWXcHHEfu7x/HI0ai1a1zTnx7XPu7eBC7PwPOUCUJgedxFos6uBHjG3fg/H5Yzy0BBjX27G3PqU5tOtOBDY2c29NoJjLAtIAQ/gIws9pt277j30OfDmyNWAj/GLZQ/AflDawl4lKa1WgMRbJK9+KfRVkKVE/14r8rIhr944Jmy48MgfVki8zEY8wMc/Mhi4Y+RJIQYEn7PGl4xnzmTExhnkTbgEerKhnnOTai6Oe5Xx0rmIDEe0tkT1jdMYbxjDMTg0fAVDjowOwAP5yADxnkXEsULWBPCgMrsXe6DxeEwRaXBVw3ZeRTWqqIqdi0axjgcj6IHh/ZulzbDHF59H96bFB5+qBQaHQzG0QCjIj9xBLubQHgMYGGWAybjieROaAyVvInqtYae1PDACNqCdUlmp+RTqtUEWi16FYo7Ms2TP4CFfjArhcRPpcNUyDD54s8XdYH6xqkyFltDf2I4kWxNdiyI2XuZVQrd9CUo3iRpc9luKP/nEo/yesn2b1N3BAAPAmMEfMQBjHKMMmASljhplra0wuWOXkUzWKrcKdgRGNEp82NZFsWZOoz3QUIGIA7zKuT7oxQ4THyMjI4iIe2NjY5fFm+B3FTwPOJ7PZ2Zu3rT2g+IPwgPylkePn5J6By5Ne2quqhppIJ6fG2RshjovqorHdqFJkocF1qzKgdtIFWYiMwLZ+zJ+rvKDGHzxBaZxmNP9q9u3sxQPmLh5c2bm+ufT10A54+rEZeiYjIxcvDL86QDsqJ1HMFhCwziTo3baz5kMoGJnXATzosyG2U1psIaDmvTdGHKA6RgmPC5c/OziZ5fEGw1f5nhGjeuZmsIuDNzuohAVqyCmiwumg92K0Xbx7+BpAiYF8zaJBqd+ESxnZEg6K/6aFGa4pXxjLR5YU3BPWAH7fvvb32YRxB3x/ugWOA73MICHTJXdyKQLMS4M47rJL3hAuJ3IaDTO5Ei083xwp/Yi2k95PxzfwF7bh8wGRBzGrQwODREbyId8KiLoecjXGO9CcMzf4gUGsYTvJBe8XFaVUdCVJpPnZeMhPUlHYmADmAiMxtfrsj9qW+dmJ3UhcA5oFG4p70bwgArO9tiNTE6gI8HBcRzoytDo6QH5cRjpam22m62+WlfupN9O0Ah6bdSjb2oEw9HacuYvzho6env7+tB6DGbv4+H4XSFiDDmZ5xlBd5P5mKuY17D1AO/Ci9b3FrKAlLIVcTWUS6Rflyk4WdTeTAjQKScW1CEeJwUtLQZWL02ZCoG4nZmDeWsJxLvp3gw/DNc/h8j9GjiRzIuAGxkbI0dyIYs9Px1EX5KZjF8zGNxPqxc2oyrYKXhrNN6LcthaxwY6lebWlpY2sBwAR0ZHD7iWfsCDALFvCJ/khAGhwATyXjQfVBWBgiopNNyFkOPBQ2E57Dm8tbKmemVYUcqcaCANJfq9ygigI2PNTts88hZSqX6JVmKemMg+/9kZ/8kMf5pxuEZITJEPybAYBywyP4LmAldNAIzztKHGZPzhSZLdOXZE9yZvT4ZlQ6JxxCy1YTAKpdEzBEdnJ8Fx7ty5/n7DR/iAD4cJWQ/0NGOmZGZ8y5zdYbDHhgO7sVaePkGhTJY+B54YD4181oZvNB7ZmQpTpoL0AuMH5x18ELxnaHAPfAg4EfAiaHqzb+RgBkb/OTAZndxPQ5txEie6bGoS5Sbv7QoaB/yyqKl91aEuSxM7FYw5wHQAHgRI5l7E+0V/9MiwECCfjQAd/xQ8C0ce09et4bhHW/jUnDW9FXmsxh+5zL83XSoZqpiwCGu288h4xqprnKUu2FYYFqrIOqBRMIn8NR+Cq5TBcUI3hm+UoMh88MXP0F4MDqLByIJPGtoBk4EDXSwxbcOMqr2wGSJPed+MfVUan8KGI7Mbp7I0FhJZgMPiQXzYR4ScE8/iAfYDIg9jOyYw7ICY9AZNqhMbbpLUHew2eWxSgjU5aVXGsqpyVTRGw1W6rBy0T8YdV5BALq55VmFCvMxnjDsazIMofoStxTAI7UCE0Qc6TN2okADzXFjNwLEdJAP7JgEZB3eLjPcg+T3gr6fUcp6CzTZ2KqfAcrS3MxxAB/Nhn8SE0OjpNXRQWoNpDGUtGHRcJ/UOUGi4t2DEOwQalo2vIzS0ZKN0IgrREFAEaFijIbRyaIcdt9hvzppS1ZRHxLh5Y2GSb7J/gILDdwBjCFOS7HtInqSDUtYWs21CNkMswwsVt90Cw0PDjzfQpwAbjVkw2nyKvIqFowNCD/kUQ0KM9Pez5RDl1AlemYRUFuONe07YxZ4qX1ldC33KRs6c/+6ggSKPPhryvJUZ+XZo8GYZy+VghHHNgRHx4EpBMvM35QDAgrgYyLjoZVcCZLS3QaMV+2k2adWlunYPDRtu2M2lmpoaWzR3hgMtRws6FgTEvQ75uro8WsjXoO2gYiq4FfArE6TeAYtxeMHeif7Ie+6rqpL1+p6iEazFbW36aFAQuuyrG9yFvsfcnO16YLVqjEgYGfE+fPuuuFyOI/dBjOOz8AKhYEcCMUY7BBkQf1IJ1MUZtgi62yFohIa5wWXRII1AYIPgaCE4wHzASxPCnDAdbDusW0HDgQoNtBh3F6+HlorG+l6isRUuTBajYUcrZqmDjm5knGzESEDFsOSBnpff9QMY53qIjE5yJe0QZGQW41Sz8SYeGof3Hg05LGp0WWCvjZwKskGWg+lA8+FeghFOeHuRjUGGw7DBSwyQpSyYDDZCY005XbKHaKSUXiI0ljw0aIDzOjXEiIxLWMkUUEDINTSkIsFY/O9z55zFAJPRQSYDh4ObuTgukhONjF1GIyh8WT0nTFQ8ywF4gPFwgIjXLiwK8wJ4UBRCQQfDMUJTY9do+ekWa4VRBvvoEUcbfqNeu4mwh2hsptAwRY0luXR4A7U8r2MLnVqll8hcEAyD7Cvw8+fXh7F6H7LQa4IzCum7ujqICjIYLTjORcMZMjepqQn78LuNhi/nZNiolYaDLAfQQXg0Q7WjtbXFvjMqLG1Ix5vsr/ln6Ff6HByXrN2YpZK5kZFzaDxbydfNeWsy8tDYVNVdVhkN608WzKayPUABOq8ZGZ8ZMEwA0Q8g/LiXvUXwTJr3z9BSdLw5a7CAEhd6ErAYTXyC0ckxVfpKXQd3GQxF6euwh8ZxYzcIjmb7TrnXIl5gSch0dFLMQanshQu0am1Pr9yiJMWYjXcfjWWLhos0UH5tknwJeRJONhiMFA/oPPh1kLlwYFBagmQ0snqGjTNqKisjPaa9QkPu0NfYmvlxUxqF18TGQyLiv9OWl1YGBTPeLgw6MObAXAV8Cutd37xBJyKt3Xjs8tfVJBrqXZGkjm9JaGzK8+06GrIUarU8cVpvBjdF6NAA9dGHqJzJ4UOP4IA8hv9MqPajNgNFZi9OExZoMTKTAauL1ptoSl17gEaoAlfF4QbMb6BTAcvBdCAeBhB+zSorp03Y2kZFdgw5MreC4ajxKXTOiwtfPBZoaxuBbk/By7t/U0qlPL9xFxS8fF0+3C6bQm9iyMBy5rnev2uoACK6VBrwtbd91N7uYeG4YDCw1Ur1DF9AY6+Mhj8pWmEUAg0bGIyiWwE6LB/kYPjBn9+HRXgd04IxcMCm9SDuxclzXreYDY43zGiPfvBNRaXwMpK+cJhz5Msd4V0XVXKTn5iaBhTIIW+FS1cYgLIr4b6YyzYCGDhUb/P8L7pkSlSFvcC8pL7uuCVD2Iy9KJGnVlNcvMFOhb0K0sGAnEw+Hximw8KBMQcXObJEZVSwcdvKXS+6muizlK5o8Yukx1NnLGx3PpSMDo8oGiVgYTTuiiNokygBDDaDTAaVubtFBEF9kPYgWM9QsAG9haKZftoamQuKMbAEKnMTaTP2BI3Yp/hO5YMjR44dYzoy35I5lwZ6J8SLGGk62dT0h2xBTv8H8CofQcjR1d19vvcXmeH4lAQoL2M35eZPSZuUnApuUD9+aocCV0tTf5VXv168eOGWCZ8/l9rGsRqguVAqDpHG9ij79TAP+vQpzHY9fGgVtnD1ENeIaL+MzpP00/BN9yddhoqP2rIHIJBlaGk1DzzHaX4ZE7/E79m/aGoy5qKhoa6ujhITbsLXVFZVlSrUtSdo2GDUmA5LB5sP+04Ez7ciVCzjgBSLYDRNyDksSULNWbWwOIddSSjKa9cBFVVIXes45/ae6p9WRQj6yIagpKN0k/PWcfImGGVQZ4zshck3yETwU2N4xMIYC7YX9cZimCjDOJPvHw3rUlyBI2JDJSSGhOCgKrsLOSwbVi6MmrBOSc5ObzzJOV2in6sQ1+wKtagTx9VSp/LsBDmp5RhvcgP32JkMVodGPU/TAvlLG1wCF6d9EiQT0okgFg2CCwYDyUio++0JGkq8QXSgVzG2I/Ms8LKkhR7/oY+nXuZ66htwIqgJ3cqpFp76MJtPAIf1KXOw5+YylYcPaTO27INv8X7pU/wq5sxBqGn/3L8ibW4xgx967m2+45iw2Vjm88w35uZ4j53FPMGZ9OGQBXLRRmWrVko3PAIaOcI8yb6DfpTgJ6ohy0XqjlsmjmXf8w9qLRdVERd7aDO0NWknZl5ZWek8izEh8h3Vn7UtJ2z79lenaOyjg5VrzREFFkOH8Y3bd43k9QPbpddvesUcPF2OL+W4/VKSb1jG3XTBSkzJc5W2ZXtOUyivkfQF1MfHWfsCfEkv9dJpLMsVrT7kulWT8LfCxDrba6FALD6w3/fQYPirre/tGRqBtKjvVtB0SDo0RGJijPFAy9FIfsWEHBkbfdapXJ20bNCKyj0JB32s4Vk1u3iscVDaTY5QDCZlfIxUI+0h8YjG7RtUz6ADeYKMnh5yJRBhiDq3CCFOKjxYJJwDOXKEnQjGnl6McSjS3Nk7NAI9JwOHTVeqAJDq6uoa8Wrz3wfZO8YlM/Ar4FZ+Cc2XM20/etOBF6kzp3IFpWtR9wd33NitmO028CyepGBCvfZnPzPbptHDpeNF/h+ReuXj7D0NH0hePGbZC/rS2W9lEaV7pKIEiQnINU5PTV2F5YCMjCuf0h3e7k94kpMcCSQcJnhoaPg/dXXWWwgQyEbwg++cBaKmproavvlVAov33y9di2nXfIoPh0hXnHcxRqToefErNWLQcvBWXKfVJ71I0i4oGIam49YfkfSC2ax/YEUnHy7qSsdL5v9/ULBq+iCWwS2677JkB8cBC+ynzbsmPAkcGO2L/t4eq+bJU1lctSILofDA0YS0Ec5S0LdbfAKeI3m71dYdo+HGewI8KDgt5dWYughVReqNW4FsBQ/znIfS6Mf22BsO99Ck+S27Wp8UKc1dM7ZSYvRxskKh/rWMmoGFZdH8P1blgHeX794Vczsz13nPDMoZVhWFrqDhXBZ10qktdgIXihwRxzQWJBMGC0nFIS3E+D7ISOAhfcvhMp/Dg/xKvd2Kw+srZz3x2vGJib+iDcgZ2n+c591YqyC3wJ8zyVGaTzvcOS54kaKlxsuCfPfsFwY/Mm8X2UnggPdSrwyjyaDhb1gkQsUcaqTX14lcQ4PAvsrISnjRhRdgfM9khKI9sXdJvRw6qlFHDsvtvBWH2i4k/NPN2i4QcUDIAXsIn5P0AgqEsTKY+VSVz1h+7nLf+DYLi/n6Ynfu/Db6Evei5+P2xRdf0Bei/aObs7jLjmM79nL3MMnl4J2B/8iLRB9yV4zAEMmGIaE6tLMqE9ZaeB/J9w6GFe2J+KiQLyJD//+N+6l24x/YwW00olBnOz5BsfyPKYuFBXuY4iDPgnJyPzUqcrej7WLJwR19z1h789EXiCwL/n+OMfOlfwoj4zPXmYur4zzOdcHcZybti3YW2SIwqFt61JoLYRuqUj9O8fc14OLAD8BFDMjBsl5F8GyCU11jzoeS5ch+pDBVaX+DF8uhGcvz5jhuPuGWp0H9CeWf5FLxnPpu3pzFXwofIP62WfxvpCE1a/+Z++24nBqAE8gawJd1Xwi2VCG++Ctqv4+QwgGVubpRSOlfG42tRuNJMi443cBMo4CFQwoJOhU/CBc5tqN8UAiOKnNaFozrCY44+Exk13nYR+DJQIBjbNzuuKFwixEIc0vFhMuseOG2cbBvGomNISvwJQLQbriddvul7dehjbQJ8iM0FYxgDPTh5e6usywm7wRz0JGwtQi4OKQah3wwbAnjB0QjBGTHiFSIo00k0YBicrROe4pUoTqzVAUMx8cow3BxhGWhQNbHCEFdi9aJWXog3jGOX6AlpUrTGWhmY8A+N8urZu0IN0x4BREXlrFj0kXnjHD3ELISGvA9cowthnUgRTxUFJqL996BdyB+O4Hj0CHvlD0JomM0esoK/5DuzxCpDeJJhez9/OcToWgYb4bhf4QAlPH411+LeHNb7fEXzLD4Oa8tGzBwlKunR2QmbDLo1NX/NSNZ1aJZalPQilK/hQcOvGNgGDySmBS++MQGCXhQGuskSqn+1QPK17Rcz8otJPMDqoNCIczXC/PWjC/zain8t7Ex2iqkteOxMf4q/u+ejMmbijaY8XeM49fh9VTEAjfZadOMFA5g97CV5H9P8G2SI0oT/f0iJOLv43vv6DvwVmaGbaTxKtUmVcGF2kY6Inrmo8xwfMKTozCC/fEQS/xc5B3qt3hpvTFwWqMIEKEyPuFvL0dfiKCglUQeCaYBvy57sobXiHiKM+iVVigZaMplvNtM7GpfhtefqqptNIqVc3YqqEPZZbcgnfaC1Qy7VNK7qD1fd+xSHisZLSpWbm+VVhIHnMHgqYx2W/6E0udxt2BWjViQxXg/3zi860Zi99nwhtXdZhwtW0Om0soapTxX3NPLdICqnBX3cfJyJT5SjQoFpOSLIBoxHIzEC8zDbosdufAWlttMx6TRXDPCjDVLS6ps5yMHiff+Vj5lbdKpNNgsttUqu3TZDWqrGTbAAlBDYotYLBX728XuDSJbHwslqaGU4JjERdlcHpZbqv28ys5csMWwJkOTODhczqmrv210RPfeMjjYp+CMz2kcHSU4nPoCSft4SmGDA95HPbCTF1PksWJoGBgUjBkq7Bpat5FEYYmDU0bhQEgc1Marhwf3wchV8CCfQrvWnMWitrFdg/REoVgGqi/SCovlw8yOMT7SBqLNMfoS8JX6ArWx8Hkc8Belr9Xb6xYSO43yRTtNfXIzzaivHT2qe5N9LEpDwyh4nJSGo80ThfKEfpxaWA/+J3/4LA9F/7Sn+BlhOvgC+LG7R7QwEO6L9vprqrybijtGbRYMJuOEXTBzuyIVe7lE9DcSDcpTSMCDBMNoIcFYDpSEIjgULai8JyXGpNRY0ZchaTpWqVO/qthZNgsEPPtJ3TSc1TlmJBsrvfMk+65EZ8NXaTgsBDzqacKnUYpCtbUZMZc3LAMVvM7o2X/UkXzyC/y6O/HOB//71/ILvwFoMbxos6upxMWHbjCDumnsTQ7t6bby3yg0KiQatIlPanI0VQwLCUaGgfHoeOt3Nv+rdOqvI7XMzmuqOCpuN5ZJLsfGGWA0qmLxi30yctE45E5s4OBopBgmNDqsolxpn3/y+bJjMRw+J+kvLbeXW+zOspnxq3eyKLVC+2I/0Ci1JnrokExhaTKQFRrAcqDt+FVzq5Fz4Q/iL87sxvtLKQmjvsxlvLH/w5cYMnvsxovI1RJ0Jr9H4hdH/Ky1ouLgPhol1r0OySY9zxTXYbvNxhxWw0XXDCv3FX2V9oiX5NeJdtndaipvj9QGpa59f1IiGk6D0gl4kFMxwj+k+xPKQrW2FLxT6Xca1uYS6lIJ+NwvaBW/8VdyWTWjoulkAIaVONCroPsg5LZS/HjD1sxpx+2E1egI5FtKes0lPe13tkaYyV+sbLOHS8v+Knu102ysOLhvNMpBw6m7GKdi1F3qC4ShCl6zXDaOXvBri57y9cUOM+0t14u9ZaeKUplYWN7HoMCleMo/Fo6jQvonkOhoatzRS8sFlYZc8OvlErMROKgXi2hmYlyTONivaZTPhi8LdfS4pEMXhtI+9TJf6ks0JbGK1pjr6+vrgtXl2trAZlTsk1E6Gv5CrVxTqTH6Hcek/MLxujqU6MBHy+QNOc8SRb/U3zmGryS0pjS1KU81JvjC8JvrlBVmXFD8wGBRbWfGYzL20SidDbHyZsV/aq1gRyzkEuoMKK++LvefJiWFJHykLpT7b5Jbq7WxygH8vWIy9tEoMRjV3UrIx9Hj79QLV9v97dVK10/z5S/2uSjVckSL+G77vjpU7Tiyo/eB9vRfeky+o6HOxbHgi+ob7bi6WpVcXN43GeU7FSHS4K/WW3WO/1f7fT6HUeEvdYIo/hZzvLm87012CEfEhtMOK1n9p6bkt0NklK+U2G5X9gn20SgbDmk83k/pd1T9LnvVSWmX3+GTHxD+ht+l9RxKeNU14f9TZf49+ZvtFRXBNsE+GDuE44Cq/rMjhZfdemmZiwKxg9QS8z4ZO0MjgkPycfjdfpG4SHI5cf/j3hEavm4Yp7PFAkC788onoAzRgwP7aOwKIAdKl3IpUYRih19wl/5t+1DsJhxvpfBy8G3VYSp266theL0Pxm6z8YPRcXD3wNh3I3vNyF69v/7rtwew8F+y/2m+y7DIr+H/970Abv/DejdoeUes0/6nsf/23/7bf/tv/+2//bf/9l/57/8D0BXTEOH/OasAAAAASUVORK5CYII="/>
</g>
</svg>) We remain fully committed to sustainable development and empower the green transition with sustainable financing. We continuously create services and solutions that address environmental challenges, and actively manage environmental and social, human rights and governance matters in our operations and financing. We are pleased that our commitment has been recognised with a significantly improved ESG risk rating of 10.5 as awarded by Morningstar Sustainalytics. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 190 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report GOV-2 Information provided to and sustainability matters addressed by the administrative, supervisory, and management bodies Throughout 2024, information on the NLB Group's sustainability performance related to IROs was provided to the highest governance bodies: • at Management Board and Supervisory Board sessions, • at meetings of the Management Board and Supervisory Board committees, • quarterly at Sustainability Committee sessions, • twice a year at the Climate Change Committee. Additionally, ad-hoc in-depth insights into sustainability- related topics were provided to the Management Board or Supervisory Board, when needed or required. Management and Supervisory Boards’ review and approval process is supported by their advisory and collective decision-making bodies and other organizational units. They prepare and coordinate the statements and reports and submit them for discussion and approval to the Management Board, which then reports to the Supervisory Board. The NLB Management Board also reviewed and approved the Double Materiality Assessment and the Sustainability Statement, which underline and present the NLB Group's approach to sustainability matters. GOV-3 Integration of sustainability-related performance in incentive schemes Overview of the remuneration policies NLB Group remuneration policies are designed to support the achievement of strategic and business targets, as well as the recruitment, motivation, and retention of members of management bodies, senior executives, and other employees. The target-setting, performance evaluation, and remuneration framework for identified employees, i.e. the governance bodies, and other identified employees (those who can significantly impact the risk profile of NLB and/or NLB Group in the scope of their tasks and activities), is set out in the Remuneration Policy for Members of the Supervisory Board and Management Board of NLB d.d. (hereinafter: Remuneration Policy for Management Bodies) and in the Remuneration Policy for Employees in NLB d.d. and in NLB Group (hereinafter: Remuneration Policy for Employees), which principles are, based on the group guidelines, also implemented in the NLB Group members. In 2024 both policies were updated: • The 2024 remuneration policy for management bodies was amended to clarify wording and definitions, set new maximum rental costs, define guaranteed variable remuneration, remove retention bonus stipulations, and introduce provisions for Instruments with yields equal to NLB d.d. dividends. It also detailed performance indicators for LTI and removed compensation for early termination due to resignation. Adopted by the Supervisory Board on 22 April 2024, approved at the General Meeting on 17 June 2024, and effective from 1 January 2024. • The 2024 remuneration policy for all employees was amended to include yields of instruments (equal as defined in the Remuneration Policy for Management Bodies), adjust target weights in the NLB Group, and allow variable payouts up to EUR 50,000 or 1/3 of total remuneration in cash without deferral. Adopted by the Supervisory Board on 7 November 2024, it is effective from 1 January 2024. Supervisory Board remuneration In relation to their function, a member of the Supervisory Board may only receive remuneration that is compliant with the relevant resolutions of the General Meeting. Supervisory Board members are entitled to remuneration for performing their function and/or attendance fees for their membership in the Supervisory Board, and members of the committees of the Supervisory Board to reimbursement of travel expenses, meal allowance and accommodation costs up to the amount provided by the regulations governing the tax treatment of reimbursements of expenses and other income from the employment relationship. Remuneration for members of the Supervisory Board is related only to performing their function and is not related to achieving business goals. Management Board remuneration The remuneration of a Management Board member consists of a fixed part of the salary and a performance bonus, which is divided into short-term incentive (STI) and long-term incentive (LTI), and reflects sustainable and risk-adjusted performance. The amount of the performance bonus of a Management Board member depends on performance criteria which comprise: • the achievement of the financial goals of the NLB Group, • the achievement of the financial and or strategic business goals specifically set for each Management Board member with respect to individual functional responsibilities, • the personal goals of the Management Board member, • upon separate assessment at the end of the subsequent performance period the LTI is adjusted for realized performance over the same period. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 191 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report The Remuneration policy also sets out rules for guaranteed variable remuneration, compensation for early termination of the term of office, and compensation for the non-competition period, as well as for malus, retention and return of variable remuneration (clawback), and pension benefits. Sustainability-related targets in the Management Board remuneration 4 Members of the NLB Management Board and other identified employees are committed to achieving sustainability-related targets set out in their respective areas. Where applicable, targets are delegated to the organizational units and then further to employees under the responsibility of each management board member. The annual performance evaluation process for the NLB Management Board is based on financial and non-financial goals, i.e. other measurable targets, including those which are related to the implementation of sustainability strategy in NLB Group and material sustainability matters: ESG risk management, climate change, sustainable finance, corporate culture, employee development and engagement, gender pay gap, service quality and customer satisfaction, digitalization, contribution to society. In 2024, the weighting for sustainability-related targets was as follows: • CEO of NLB: 45% weighting • Other members of the NLB Management Board: from 26–38% weighting E1, GOV-3 Targets related to climate change are allocated to all members of the NLB Management Board, with a 4%–5% weight , and refer to the development and implementation of climate (net-zero) strategy, and energy consumption reduction. Thus, the performance of the Management Board is assessed against the emission targets. In addition, the Long-Term Incentive (LTI) plan for 2026– 2028 for the NLB Management Board was approved by the Supervisory Board in January 2025. The plan defines the following non-financial targets with 50% weighting in the overall LTI plan: • linked to organizational culture, employee development: decrease in gender pay gap, decrease in actual, and desired organizational culture. • linked to customer relations: reaching the sustainable loan portfolio target by 2028. Detailed breakdown of targets per each member of the NLB Management Board for the financial year 2024 is presented in the following tables. Table 4: Overview of the remuneration policy for identified employees Remuneration policy How this applies to identified employees Fixed remuneration Is set regarding appropriate professional experience, responsibilities, powers, and duties of a Management Board member. Considering the regional benchmark of comparable banks with regard to the position/segment covered by an individual member of the Management Board. Performance assessment A system of setting smart goals is in use, cascading top-down. Performance is assessed against agreed goals of the Management Board Member. Qualitative and quantitative performance measuresand objectives are set at the beginning of each year with focus on supporting our core values – entrepreneurship, growing people, and improving lives. Short-term incentive (STI) The Short-Term Performance Criteria and methodology for evaluating the performance of the Management Board members is set by the Supervisory Board. STI consists of financial goals of NLB Group, financial or development goals in the areas covered by the member of the Management Board, and personal goals of the member of the Management Board. Long-term incentive (LTI) The Long-Term Performance Criteria and related methodology for evaluating the performance of the Management Board members during the Subsequent Performance Period is set by the Supervisory Board. LTI consists of relative total shareholder return (RTSR) and goals that derive from the Bank’s long-term strategy and are related to the sustainability and development of the Bank and are linked to the promotion of organizational culture, employee development, and customer relations (cost of risk for CRO only). NLB Management Board 26-45% weighting of sustainability-related targets in variable remuneration 4 In line with the NLB financial calendar and corporate governance, the 2024 remuneration report will be published after the approval at the shareholders' meeting in June 2024. 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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 192 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Tables 5a-f: Breakdown of sustainability-related targets in the remuneration of the NLB Management Board member Target Mapping to the material sustainability topic Weight per target Weight (total) Targets for areas under the responsibility of CEO Enhancement of NLB Group NPS Service quality and customer satisfaction 5% 30% Implementation of the NLB Group HR Strategy and ensure consistent practice and collaboration throughout NLB Group Employee attraction and development 15% ESG rating improvement Sustainability strategy 4% Development of the NLB Group Climate Strategy Climate change 4% Contribution to society: enhanced youth engagement in sports activities, sponsored by NLB; and enhanced engagement in financial and/or digital literacy training or programme organized by NLB Sponsorships and donations 2% Personal targets of CEO Acting in accordance with the NLB Group values Corporate culture 5% 20% Employee engagement enhancement in NLB Group Employee attraction and development 5% Employee development / succession planning Employee attraction and development 5% Realization of the individual development plan 5% Sustainability-related weights (Total) 45% Targets for areas under the responsibility of CFO Enhancement of NLB Group NPS Service quality and customer satisfaction 5% 30% Implementation of NLB Group IT strategy (strategic projects with IT component) 15% Groupwide reduction of energy consumption Climate change 5% Development of an ESG IT & data strategy to support ESG data management (collection and reporting) Sustainability strategy 5% Personal targets of CFO Acting in accordance with the NLB Group values Corporate culture 5% 20% Employee engagement enhancement in NLB Group Employee attraction and development 5% Employee development / succession planning Employee attraction and development 5% Realization of the individual development plan 5% Sustainability-related weights (Total) 30 30% 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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 193 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Target Mapping to the material sustainability topic Weight per target Weight (total) Targets for areas under the responsibility of CRO Cost of risk 30% 60% Implementation of the NLB Group Risk strategy 10% Cross functional goal related to efficient delivery of LOPA / Veriloan and its Operational Efficiency with Head of IT 10% NLB Group Climate Strategy: implementation & execution of NLB Group Net0 portfolio strategy related to risk management Climate change 4% Implementation and upgrades to risk management framework and process according to action plans (in line with ECB Guide on climate-related and environmental risks) ESG risk management 4% Developing templates and data collection process for the regular reporting (quarterly basis) on the ESMS funnel (on the level of transaction, client, and portfolio) ESG risk management 2% Personal targets of CRO Acting in accordance with the NLB Group values Corporate culture 4% 20% Realization of the individual development plan 4% Enhancement of NLB Group NPS Service quality and customer satisfaction 4% Employee development / Succession planning Employee attraction and development 4% Employee engagement enhancement in NLB d.d. CRO stream Employee attraction and development 4% Sustainability-related weights (Total) 30 26% Targets for areas under the responsibility of CGPO Delivery of measurable targets for Payments System, Cards and Payment Operations as per Payments Strategy 7% 30% Increase groupwide digital and specifically mobile penetration Digitalization and inovation 8% Enhancement of NLB Group NPS Service quality and customer satisfaction 5% New Sustainability Policy and Rulebook: implementation in core subsidiaries Sustainability strategy 5% NLB Group Climate Strategy: a) implement Net0 operations strategy in core subsidiaries b) implement Net0 portfolio strategy in core subsidiaries (including ESG risk management related enhancements) Climate change 5% Personal targets of CGPO Acting in accordance with the NLB Group values Corporate culture 5% 20% Realization of the individual development plan 5% Employee engagement enhancement in NLB d.d. CGPO STREAM Employee attraction and development 5% Employee development / succession planning Employee attraction and development 5% Sustainability-related weights (Total) 30 38% 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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 194 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Target Mapping to the material sustainability topic Weight per target Weight (total) Targets for areas under the responsibility of CMO CORPORATE Develop credible granular segment Groupwide SME strategy 5% 30% Grow market share in Serbia and enhance capacity to serve specialized target sub segments 5% Enhancement of NLB Group NPS - Corporate Service quality and customer satisfaction 5% Implementing critical IT projects: CRM, OMNI for corp, credit granting process tool for SME 5% Corporate green lending portfolio: annual growth of Groupwide corporate green lending portfolio (volume of new production or exposure planned) Climate change, Sustainable finance 5% NLB Group Climate Strategy: implement Net0 portfolio strategy; developing & and implementing a client engagement strategy together with systematic training for frontline employees Climate change, Sustainable finance 5% Personal goals of CMO CORPORATE Acting in accordance with the NLB Group values Corporate culture 5% 20% Realization of Individual development plan 5% Employee engagement enhancement in NLB d.d. Corporate stream Employee attraction and development 5% Employee development / Succession planning Employee attraction and development 5% Sustainability-related weights (Total): 30 30% Targets for areas under the responsibility of CMO RETAIL Group Operational CRM and Omni channel project delivery 5% 30% Enhancement of NLB Group NPS (Retail) Service quality and customer satisfaction 5% Growth in market share of retail lending 5% Retail green lending portfolio: annual growth of Groupwide retail green lending portfolio (volume of new production or exposure planned) Climate change, Sustainable finance 5% NLB Group Climate Strategy: implement Net 0 portfolio strategy Climate change, Sustainable finance 5% Digital penetration: achieve annual growth Digitalization and inovation 5% Personal goals of CMO RETAIL Acting in accordance with the NLB Group values Corporate culture 5% 20% Realization of the individual development plan 5% Employee engagement enhancement in NLB d.d. retail stream Employee attraction and development 5% Employee development / Succession planning Employee attraction and development 5% Sustainability-related weights (Total): 30 35% ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 195 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report In 2024, sustainability targets were integrated into personal goals, with a 10%–15% weight for training and corporate culture. These targets were also included in the goals of organizational units, with varying weights depending on the unit's field of work. Units in sustainability-related domains have higher weights than others. Table 6: Sustainability-related goals in the variable remuneration structure for other identified employees Goal Category NLB /NLB Group goals Organisation Unit Goals Personal goals Identified employees 50% 30% 20% Identified employees in control/supervisory function 20% 60% 20% Sustainability - related targets for other identified employees ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiIHN0YW5kYWxvbmU9Im5vIj8+CjwhRE9DVFlQRSBzdmcgUFVCTElDICItLy9XM0MvL0RURCBTVkcgMS4xLy9FTiIKImh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnL0dyYXBoaWNzL1NWRy8xLjEvRFREL3N2ZzExLmR0ZCI+Cjxzdmcgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDE4MTggMTI4NiIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIj4KPGRlZnM+CjxzdHlsZSB0eXBlPSJ0ZXh0L2NzcyI+PCFbQ0RBVEFbCi5nMF8xOTZ7CmZpbGw6ICMyMzAwNzg7Cn0KLmcxXzE5NnsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjMjMwMDc4OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDMuMDU1OwpzdHJva2UtbGluZWNhcDogcm91bmQ7CnN0cm9rZS1saW5lam9pbjogcm91bmQ7Cn0KLmcyXzE5NnsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjMjMwMDc4OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDMuMDU1OwpzdHJva2UtbWl0ZXJsaW1pdDogMTA7Cn0KLmczXzE5NnsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjQTdBOEFBOwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDAuMzgxOwpzdHJva2UtbWl0ZXJsaW1pdDogMTA7Cn0KLmc0XzE5NnsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjRkZGOwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDkuMTY2OwpzdHJva2UtbWl0ZXJsaW1pdDogMTA7Cn0KXV0+PC9zdHlsZT4KPC9kZWZzPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTUwMC42LDExMy43YzM3LjcsMCw2OC4yLC0zMC42LDY4LjIsLTY4LjJjMCwtMzcuNywtMzAuNSwtNjguMSwtNjguMiwtNjguMWMtMzcuNywwLC02OC4yLDMwLjQsLTY4LjIsNjguMWMwLDM3LjYsMzAuNSw2OC4yLDY4LjIsNjguMloiIGNsYXNzPSJnMF8xOTYiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTE1MDAuNiwxMzk5LjljMzcuNywwLDY4LjIsLTMwLjUsNjguMiwtNjguMmMwLC0zNy43LC0zMC41LC02OC4yLC02OC4yLC02OC4yYy0zNy43LDAsLTY4LjIsMzAuNSwtNjguMiw2OC4yYzAsMzcuNywzMC41LDY4LjIsNjguMiw2OC4yWiIgY2xhc3M9ImcwXzE5NiIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTYwNi44LDExNjMuMmwtMTMuNywxMC43djE2LjhjMCwuOCwuMywxLjYsLjksMi4yYy41LC41LDEuMywuOCwyLjEsLjhoMjEuNGMuOCwwLDEuNiwtLjMsMi4yLC0uOGMuNSwtLjYsLjksLTEuNCwuOSwtMi4ydi0xNi44bC0xMy44LC0xMC43Wm0tNC42LDMwLjV2LTE1LjJoOS4ydjE1LjIiIGNsYXNzPSJnMV8xOTYiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksNjQzLjdIMzU5LjIiIGNsYXNzPSJnMl8xOTYiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksNzE5LjRIMzU5LjJNOTAuOSw4MTAuM0gzNTkuMk05MC45LDk0MC4xSDM1OS4yTTkwLjksMTEwMi41SDM1OS4yIiBjbGFzcz0iZzNfMTk2Ii8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDExOTQuNUgzNjMuOE05MC45LDYxMS4ySDM2My44bTAsMEg5NTQuOU0zNjguNCw2NDMuN0g5NTQuOSIgY2xhc3M9ImcyXzE5NiIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMzY4LjQsNzE5LjRIOTU0LjlNMzY4LjQsODEwLjNIOTU0LjlNMzY4LjQsOTQwLjFIOTU0LjlNMzY4LjQsMTEwMi41SDk1NC45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzNfMTk2Ii8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0zNjMuOCwxMTk0LjVIOTU0LjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnMl8xOTYiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTM2My44LDY0My43di0zMW0wLDEwNi43VjY0My43bTAsMTY2LjZWNzE5LjRtMCwyMjAuN1Y4MTAuM20wLDI5Mi4yVjk0MC4xbTAsMjUyLjl2LTkwLjUiIGNsYXNzPSJnNF8xOTYiLz4KPC9zdmc+) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 196 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report GOV-4 Statement on due diligence NLB Group performs various due diligence activities that are guided by UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. The Group’s due diligence process is strongly integrated within its strategic and business model framework, which ensures that due diligence is part of the Group’s ongoing operations, specifically in identifying and managing negative impacts. GOV-5 Risk management and internal controls over sustainability reporting Sustainability Unit in NLB is responsible for coordinating the Sustainability Statement and the underlying Double Materiality Assessment, while competence lines and business units are responsible for data accuracy, collection, and providing the data to the Sustainability Unit. In recent years, NLB Group has actively developed an implementation of IT system support to reporting on green financing, GHG emissions, EU Taxonomy, and other sustainability-related topics. To mitigate operational risks in sustainability reporting which may result in incompleteness, inaccuracy, and errors, the development of a comprehensive sustainability- related data governance framework is underway, which includes risk management and an internal control framework supported by adequate IT solutions. The goal is to integrate this framework into data governance, controls, and risk management across all competence lines, similar to financial reporting. The risk and control framework for this Sustainability Statement were based on detailed data points and their underlying definitions. Calculation methodologies aligned with ESRS and a "comply or explain" approach were used for disclosures. The following risk management and internal control procedures were applied: • As responsible for preparation of the Sustainability Statement, the experts in Sustainability Unit conducted several workshops with subject-matter experts from competence lines who were identified as data point owners and were thus responsible for collecting, preparing, and verifying data for disclosure requirements. • The reporting on each disclosure requirement was compiled by one or more employees in the responsible competence lines, checked for accuracy and completeness, and reviewed by the immediate superior. • Each disclosure requirement was then assessed by one or more members of the Sustainability Unit team to check that the reporting is complete and adequate in relation to the disclosure requirement. • Given the early stages of implementing new legislation, the external auditor has also made recommendations on the sustainability statement’s format, structure, and disclosure requirements, prior to issuing a limited assurance. • During the preparation of the Sustainability Statement, the Sustainability Unit reported at least quarterly to the NLB Management Board or Audit Committee or NLB Supervisory Board about the sustainability reporting process. In 2024 NLB Group also adopted a Greenwashing Policy. This policy outlines the key processes that require caution to prevent any form of greenwashing in the process or reporting in general. Policy is in accordance with the EBA guidelines. Table 7: The Group's due diligence approach and activities in 2024 referenced in this Sustainability Statement Core elements of due diligence Paragraphs in the sustainability statement Embedding due diligence in governance, strategy, and the business model ESG Risk Management (section due diligence) Human rights commitments related to clients, Human rights commitments Human rights commitments related to employees Human rights commitments related to suppliers Engaging with affected stakeholders in all key steps of the due diligence ESRS 2 General information: Stakeholder engagement Processes for engaging about impacts • S1-2 Processes for engaging with employees and workers’ representatives about IROs • S3-2 Processes for engaging with affected communities about impacts • S4-2 Processes for engaging with clients and end-users about impacts Identifying and assessing adverse impacts SBM-3: Material impacts, risks and opportunities and their interaction with strategy and business model • E1 Climate change • S1 Own workforce • S3 Affected Communities • S4 Consumers and End-users G1 Business Conduct IRO -1 Description of processes to identify and assess material IROs G1-3 Prevention of corruption and bribery Taking actions to address those adverse impacts E1-1 Transition plan for climate change mitigation E1-3 Actions and Resources related to climate change mitigation and adaptation IRO-1 Impacts, risks, and opportunity management: • S4-1, S4-4, S4-5 Consumers and End-users • S1 Own workforce S3-3 Processes to remediate negative impacts and channels for affected communities S4-3 Processes to remediate negative impacts – complaint management s to raise concerns G1-10 Managing concerns about unlawful or harmful conducts G1-10 Whistleblower protection Tracking the effectiveness of these efforts and communicating E1-4 Targets related to climate change mitigation and adaptation IRO-1 Impacts, risks, and opportunity management: • S1-4 Own workforce: Key action and progress • S3-4, S3-5 Affected communities: Key actions and targets • S4-1, S4-4, S4-5 Consumers and End-users ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 197 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Strategy SBM-1 Strategy, business model, and value chain Strategy and business model NLB Group is the leading banking and financial group with headquarters and an exclusive strategic interest in our home region – Southeast Europe. The NLB Group is comprised of six subsidiary banks, several companies for ancillary services (asset management, real estate management, leasing services, etc.), and a limited number of non-core subsidiaries in a controlled wind-down, operating in the markets of Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Croatia. The Group utilizes a universal banking model, and operates in core segments and non-core segments. ›› For details please refer to the chapters NLB Group Chart and Segment Analysis in the Business Report. In May 2024, the NLB Group launched its new Group Strategy 2030, to which the sustainability is integrated, while ESG IROs have been gradually embedded into the Group’s business processes over last few years. ›› For details please refer to Chapter Strategy in the Business Report. At the end of 2024, NLB Group had 8,322 employees. ›› For overview of employee headcount per countries and other data please refer to the chapter S1-6 Employees characteristic metrics. Value chain The value chain of the NLB Group integrates its internal operations with the upstream and downstream activities of NLB as the parent company and its subsidiaries. This holistic approach includes activities, resources, and relationships that drive value creation within the Group's business mode. Own operations NLB Group impacts the environment and society through its own operations and internal processes. These operations involve resources in all business units, such as HR and organization development, governance, compliance, legal, tax, financial markets and treasury, IT services (including NLB Digit, core non-financial member with supportive expert function, which is established as a separate legal entity providing services to NLB Group). Key subsidiaries in own operations are NLB as a parent bank and other financial core members: banks, leasing companies, and asset management companies. At the end of 2024, NLB and six subsidiary banks (NLB Komercijalna Banka, NLB Banka Banja Luka, NLB Banka Sarajevo, NLB Banka Skopje, NLB Banka Prishtina, NLB Banka Podgorica), accounted for as much as 93% according to the number of employees in NLB Group, more than 99% according to its client base, 92% of total equity and net revenue, and 97% of profit after tax. Derived from its core business, i.e. financing, they generate the greatest impact, risks, and opportunities related to the environment and society. With that said, other non-financial core members (own real estate management companies, NLB Cultural Heritage Institute MUZA), and non-core members (companies in the wind-down process or companies which are considered non-strategic for NLB Group) are deemed to have significantly lower sustainability impact and financial materiality. Upstream value chain The key upstream value chain actors are suppliers of products or services to NLB Group through direct and indirect business relationships. Key suppliers include providers of utilities, goods, and services. NLB Group has a direct impact on the environment and society through its procurement decisions, while the Group’s impact on the suppliers’ management procedures, including employee working conditions and human rights is indirect and limited. DMA assessed suppliers and their workforce as not-material to NLB Group. Nevertheless, in recent years the Group has started to implement sustainability in procurement processes as we acknowledge the relevance of this process, the impact and financial materiality of which may increase in the future. Moreover, due to expectations of rating agencies, analysts, and other stakeholders who occasionally seek such information and to provide consistency with reporting in previous years, we decided to include general information on the supply chain in the Sustainability Statement. This disclosure is guided by ESRS requirements, but does not fully comply with them and is described in the section Complementary information. Downstream value chain The key downstream value chain actors are clients receiving products or services from NLB Group, such as loans, funding through debt or equity issuance, interest on deposits, investments in companies, and leased assets. NLB Group has a direct impact on the environment and society through financing and investment policies aimed at clients. On the other hand, the Group has very limited and indirect impact through provision of funds to clients and may not directly impact clients’ management procedures in this respect or clients’ relations with their workforce. Investors provide capital to NLB Group, and regulatory authorities provide the regulatory context for their operations. By collaborating with regulators and investors NLB Group has an indirect impact on the environment and society. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 198 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report UPSTREAM Stakeholder Suppliers Investors Regulatory authorities Impact on environment and society DIRECT INDIRECT Description Suppliers of utilities provide electricity, heating, water, waste collection Suppliers of goods provide office supplies, IT equipment, etc. Suppliers of services provide various services, such as: security, logistics, communications, cleaning, data, consulting etc. Providing capital for NLB Group to grow, innovate, and expand. Providing regulatory context for operations and strategy, future sustainable development. Key dependencies/resources NLB Group depends on provided utilities to perform basic business operation, provision of IT equipment and other goods necessary to perform basic business operations, provision of key services, such as cleaning and logistics, as well as provision of data and other types of services necessary to perform basic business operations. NLB Group is not dependant on supply of specific resources or materials. NLB's shareholders provide capital and express expectations regarding business dvelopment and performance. NLB Group operates in a highly regulated sector and thereby the role of regulators is critical. NLB Group collaborates with them in line with legislation and engages in policy discussions. OWN OPERATIONS Stakeholder Retail banking Corporate banking Investment banking Asset and wealth management Real estate asset management Leasing Cultural Heritage Organisational operations Impact on environment and society DIRECT Description Providing loans and other types of banking products and services to individuals and microcompanies. Providing loans and other types of banking products and services to corporate clients (large, SMEs). Providing investment banking services to retail and corporate clients. Providing asset management products and services to private individuals and business clients. Management of owned real estate. Providing leasing to private and business clients. Preserving and promoting Slovenian cultural heritage and providing culture experience to general public Carrying out all basic business functions necessary to perform business operations (e.g. HR and organization development, governance, compliance, legal, tax, financial markets and treasury, IT…). Key dependencies/resources NLB Group depends on human capital, i.e., own employees to create value, ensure day-to-day running of operations, manage business, develop strategy, etc. DOWNSTREAM Stakeholder Retail clients Corporate clients Retail and corporate clients Impact on environment and society DIRECT INDIRECT Description Using provided products and services to fund various goods and activities. Using provided products and services to fund business operations. Product and services and project realized as a result of funding provided by NLB Group. Key dependencies/resources NLB depends on client relationships as clients provide funds, repay loans, realize projects that the bank funds. Clients operating in resource and/or energy intensive sectors depend on various natural resources and energy to produce goods. Notes: The figure presents key actors in the value chain through which NLB Group has either direct or indirect impact on and environment and society, and constitutes dependencies with them. As per segment analysis investment banking, leasing, asset management is allocated both in retail banking and corporate banking. See details in the Business Report, Chapter Segment Analysis. Figure 3: NLB Group’s value chain ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 199 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB Group’s approach to sustainability Sustainability policy NLG Group’s approach to sustainability is laid down in the Sustainability Policy in NLB and NLB Group, adopted at the beginning of 2024. The overall objectives of the Policy are: • to implement sustainability-related legislative requirements, recommendations, and guidelines of the supervisory bodies, professional institutions, and initiatives in the financial industry, in NLB d.d. and other NLB Group members’ business models and processes. • to describe mechanisms for ensuring that the aforementioned requirements, recommendations, and guidelines related to sustainability are recognized and respected in NLB d.d. and NLB Group members. • to comprehensively provide the three pillars of NLB Group sustainability: sustainable operations, sustainable finance, and contribution to society. • to establish overarching and forward-looking sustainability-related principles and objectives, as well as governance and management rules and procedures to integrate sustainability and ESG factors in NLB Group’s business model and processes. Policy is supplemented by the internal document Standard – Rulebook for Sustainability Management in NLB Group. Together, they define a top-down and bottom-up process for sustainability governance that extends from individual business units and countries to the management bodies. The Policy is intertwined with domain-specific policies and instructions related to risk management, environmental management, HR, diversity and inclusion, human rights, compliance, anti-corruption, tax, procurement, and other specific internal documents, developed in the Sustainability Unit and respective business areas (competence lines), in accordance with the NLB Group Governance Policy. The Policy and the Standards are in the custody of the Sustainability Unit in NLB and were adopted by the management boards of NLB and other core financial members. Both documents are mandatory for all core financial members: banks, leasing companies, and asset management companies across all markets where NLB Group operates. For non-financial core members (real estate management companies and other non-financial companies) and non-core members (companies in the process of being dissolved or companies that are not strategic for the NLB Group) the Policy and the Standard are be followed as best practice on a voluntary basis. The Policy and the Standard are available to employees on the intranet in the internal documents register. ›› The overview of the Sustainability Policy is also communicated to external stakeholders and is available on the NLB website. Sustainability mission By implementing sustainability, NLB Group aims to achieve three overarching objectives: • to ensure the sustainable financial performance of NLB Group, and at the same time • to achieve added value for its key stakeholders (clients, employees, suppliers, shareholders, etc.) by considering ESG factors, and to • to successfully manage ESG impacts, risks and opportunities arising from these factors. The figure on the next page presents NLB Group’s approach to sustainability, anchored by three pillars: sustainable finance, sustainable operations, contribution to society. The three-pillar approach ensures that sustainability is integral to NLB Group’s commercial and other activities. It is embedded in its lending activities, leasing, asset management, treasury activities, and trading with financial instruments. ›› Current significant products, markets, and customer groups in relation to sustainability are presented in the chapter Sustainable finance. Moreover, sustainability is also integrated in functions in NLB Group’s own operations, and in our relations with communities in the broader society. Current activities in these areas are presented in respective chapters of this Sustainability Statement. The main mission of sustainability in NLB Group is to improve the quality of life and contribute to a sustainable economy and society, and to lead these processes by example 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 200 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Figure 4: NLB Group's approach to sustainability 3 2 SUSTAINABLE OPERATIONS SUSTAINABLE FINANCE CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY Sustainability Mission Sustainability Objectives Sustainability Pillars The way we deliver Sustainable financial performance + adding value for stakeholders + successfully manage ESG impacts, risks, and opportunities 1 Leading by example Improving quality of life Contributing to ª sustainable economy and society Commitments to global sustainability initiatives and goals Comprehensive and efficient ESG stewardship, based on double materiality Stakeholder engagement and inclusion, developing partnerships High corporate governance standards, compliance, integrity and respecting human rights Strong sustainability governance and 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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 201 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB GROUP SUSTAINABILITY PILLARS Principle 1: Alignment Principle 2: Impact & Target Setting Principle 3: Clients & Customers Principle 4: Stakeholders Principle 5: Governance & Culture Principle 6: Transparency & Accountability SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. SDG 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all SDG 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all SDG 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all SDG 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation SDG 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable SDG 12: Ensure a sustainable consumption and production pattern SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts 5 GENDER EQUALITY 8 DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 4 QUALITY EDUCATION 7 AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY 3 GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING 6 CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION 9 INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE 11 SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES 12 RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION 13 CLIMATE ACTION Sustainable Operations Sustainable Finance Contribution to Society UN PRINCIPLES FOR RESPONSIBLE BANKING UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS • to decarbonize NLB Group’s own operations by achieving net-zero operational emissions by 2050 or sooner • to ensure positive impacts and to minimize adverse impacts of NLB Group’s own non-financial operations on key stakeholders • to identify and mitigate risks, and to pursue opportunities stemming from business relations with key stakeholders that might affect financial operations of NLB Group or our stakeholders • to align the lending and investment portfolio with achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner • to ensure a positive impact by financing a sustainable transition (green and social) • to identify and mitigate climate-related and other ESG risks in relation to NLB Group’s lending or investments • to ensure responsible asset management • to align each CSR activity with at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal • to create added value by focusing on genuine societal needs and actively responding to these societal needs with appropriate initiatives and partnerships, in particular in the following areas: • Care for NLB Group employees, Financial literacy and mentoring, Responsibility to the environment, Sustainable entrepreneurship, Supporting professional and youth sports, Culture and protection of cultural heritage, Philanthropy 3 2 Sustainable Operations Sustainable Finance Contribution to Society 1 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 202 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report To deliver on the Bank’s mission and objectives in all three sustainability pillars, NLB Group embraces and invests in overarching sustainability drivers: • responsible engagement with key stakeholders and their inclusion in business models and business decisions • high standards of corporate governance, responsibility, compliance, ethics, and integrity in everything we do • comprehensive and efficient sustainability stewardship through all three ESG pillars (environmental, social and human rights, and governance factors) • building strong corporate governance and culture with regard to sustainability matters • commitment to global sustainability initiatives and goals, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, UNEP FI – Principles for Responsible Banking, and the Net-Zero Banking Alliance Commitments to UN SDGs NLB Group officially endorsed the UN SDGs by becoming a signatory to the UNEP FI Principles for Responsible Banking in 2020. In 2021, NLB Group defined five initial priority SDGs which reflected its greatest and direct impact on the environment and society: 3 – good health and well-being, 7 – affordable and clean energy, 8 – decent work and economic growth, 12 – responsible production and consumption, 13 – climate action. Since then, the Group has gradually implemented several additional sustainability-related commitments and initiatives, which address additional SDGs: 4 quality and education, 5 – gender equality, 6 – clean water and sanitation, 9 – industry, innovation and infrastructure, 11 – sustainable cities and communities. Therefore, in 2023 the Group enlarged the list to 10 priority SGDs. At the same time, the Group indirectly contributes to all 17 SDGs to varying degrees, as all of them are interconnected. Commitment to UN PRBs Following the commitment to the UNEP FI Principles for Responsible Banking, NLB aligns its business with the six principles for responsible banking and transparently reviews and publicly discloses the progress annually in a self-assessment report. The six underlying principles are: • Principle 1: Alignment: NLB Group aligns our business strategy to be consistent with and contribute to individuals’ needs and society’s goals, as expressed in the UN SDGs, Paris Climate Agreement, and relevant national and regional frameworks such as the Sofia Declaration on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, and national energy and climate plans. • Principle 2: Impact and target setting. NLB Group continuously increases our positive impacts while reducing the negative impacts on, and managing the risks to, people and the environment resulting from our activities, products, and services. To this end, we will set and publish targets where we can have the most significant impacts. • Principle 3: Clients. NLB Group works responsibly with its clients to encourage sustainable practices and enable economic activities that create shared prosperity for current and future generations. • Principle 4: Stakeholders. NLB Group proactively and responsibly consults, engages, and partners with relevant stakeholders to achieve society’s goals. • Principle 5: Governance and culture. NLB Group implements its commitment to the UNEP FI Principles for Responsible Banking through effective governance and a culture of responsible banking. • Principle 6: transparency and accountability. We will periodically review our individual and collective implementation of these Principles and be transparent about and accountable for our positive and negative impacts and our contribution to society’s goals. ›› For the UNEP FI PRB self-assessment report, please refer to the Appendix 5. ›› A comprehensive overview of UNEP FI Principles for Responsible Banking is available at the website of: UNEP FI, https://www.unepfi.org/banking/bankingprinciples/ Commitment to the Net-Zero Banking Alliance In line with NLB’s commitment to a climate-positive future (i.e. creating a mindset of doing more good, not just less bad) and its net-zero ambition, NLB officially joined the UNEP FI Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) in May 2022. ›› For a comprehensive overview of NLB Group decarbonization activities and net-zero commitment, please refer to the chapter Environmental information. 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A materiality analysis, conducted in 2021, identified the six key stakeholder groups , which were reconfirmed in the 2024 Double Materiality Assessment: employees, investors/shareholders, private individual clients, corporate clients (large and SMEs), regulatory authorities, suppliers and contractual partners. In addition, NLB Group ensures constructive dialogue with other stakeholders, such as local communities, professional and business associations, and the media. Stakeholders are regularly informed about general as well as sustainability-related issues through various communications channels, such as the NLB Group members’ internet sites, public reports, marketing communications, social media channels, etc. In addition, NLB Group pursues regular personal communication, meetings in person or on-line, consultations, and conferences and special events. The engagement activities also include insight gathering, feedback, and dialogue instruments such as polls and research. Sustainability-related topics are included in stakeholder engagement in several ways. The Sustainability Unit primarily, and also other NLB Group expert representatives (in connection with their field of work), participate in the dialogue with internal and external stakeholders. To enhance communication with stakeholders about sustainability, NLB Group core financial members have established the sustainability e-mail inbox (for example in NLB: sustainability@nlb.si), which is accessible on their internet sites. This channel also provides a grievance mechanism for affected stakeholders and communities. In addition, the importance of stakeholder engagement was re-confirmed in the conducted Double Materiality Assessment included views of the key stakeholders through their assessment of sustainability-related impacts. Employees, clients, investors, and suppliers were engaged directly via a questionnaire, while regulatory authorities were included indirectly via a conducted context analysis. ›› For details please refer to the Chapter Double Materiality Assessment. Our objective is to comprehensively understand stakeholder perspectives and interests, that they are considered in our business strategy design and implementation. Consequently, stakeholder engagement is deeply integrated into our business model, continuously shaping and informing our strategic direction now and in the future. Namely, stakeholders’ views are important and are considered when designing and implementing NLB Group policies and activities in different business areas. The highest governance bodies are informed on key findings, views, and interests via the established communication and reporting framework. These topics are regularly discussed in board sessions and committees and are included in policies and decisions that affect stakeholders. Table 8: Key areas of stakeholder engagement Purpose and content of the engagement (on-going) Employees • Transparent and open communication through all internal channels (intranet, internal newsletters, personal meetings, coaching, etc.) • Measuring employee engagement, providing feedback opportunities and a grievance mechanism • Ensuring equal opportunities, respecting diversity • Improving the work environment, employee engagement, growth and personal development • Providing various training possibilities to enhance knowledge and skills • Ensuring work/life balance • Ensuring teamwork and well-being activities (social events, sports associations., etc.) Please refer to S1 – Own workforce for more information on activities and engagement process with employees. Investors – Shareholders • Identification and communication of topics and initiatives relevant for investors’ decisions • Regular discussion on strategies to follow global trends • Integration of investors’ requirements into our operations • Organising special investor days • Presenting business results of NLB Group (reports, presentations, website publications, with publications in the electronic information system of the Ljubljana Stock Exchange (SEOnet) and the London Stock Exchange (RSN)), regular information at relevant business events Clients: Retail (Private Individuals, micro companies) Corporates (large companies, SME) • Ensuring professional and friendly relationships with clients through sales and legal obligations through day-to-day operations • Supporting corporates and private individuals in their sustainability-related projects with financial products, professional services and relevant dialogue • Offering new green products, at a lower interest rate, and new digital solutions, adhering to principles of responsible marketing and communication • Keeping clients informed about reliable sustainability solutions • Special focus on data and cybersecurity • Promoting the sustainability agenda at various regional events • Measuring client satisfaction, providing feedback opportunities and a grievance mechanism. Please refer to S4 – Consumers and End-users for more information on activities and engagement process with clients. Regulatory Authorities • Regular cooperation with the ECB, Bank of Slovenia and EBA • Promptly meeting all the regulatory requirements • Personal meetings and frequent dialogue on relevant topics Suppliers and Contractual Partners • Implementation of sustainability requirements in the procurement process • Personal meetings, dialogue on cooperation, challenges and issues Please refer to G1 – Complementary information (Sustainable supply chain) for more information on activities and engagement process with clients. Local Communities • Maintaining a close relationship with key representatives to support local communities in achieving their goals • Supporting various local community projects through building partnerships, donations and sponsorships Please refer to S3 – Affected communities for more information on activities and engagement process with communities. Professional associations • Active membership in banking, leasing, asset management associations and participation in policy and regulation discussions • Active memberships in key international initiatives, principles, recommendations and associations in sustainability-related areas. Media • Professional communication with the media through press releases, statements, press conferences, information briefings and other media events. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 204 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report SBM-3 Material IROs and their interaction with strategy and business model Impacts of material IROs By conducting a double materiality analysis NLB Group identified 50 material impacts (negative or positive, actual or potential), 4 risks and 20 opportunities, which were mapped to 21 material sustainability sub-topics. Material IROs are connected with our business model and value chain and derive from own operation and downstream (clients), while upstream (suppliers, regulators, investors) no material IROs were identified. 74 material IROs were identified which were mapped to 21 material topics In line with the Group’s risk management and the business model, the IROs and their current and anticipated effects are managed through NLB Group’s competence lines, responsible for particular IROs. This will remain the Group’s approach in the future. The financial effects of material risk and opportunities are integrated into NLB Groups existing business practices, and such effects are taken into consideration when the Group sets capital targets and establishes tolerance limits to manage potential profit and loss effects. No significant changes to this approach are expected over the course of the next annual reporting period. A detailed overview of IROs is presented in chapters on particular topic standard, including a description and the connection with NLB Group’s business model, location in the value chain, and expected time horizon of each IRO. NLB Group demonstrates a solid performance, maintains a robust financial position, and has effective risk management processes. This enables the Group to implement its strategy and manage material IROs (IROs) effectively. A climate resilience analysis of the Group’s lending and investment activities is conducted across short-, medium- and long-term horizons. The uniform stress-testing programme includes internally developed models, stress scenarios, and a sensitivity analysis, which are regularly revised and complemented. ›› For details see the chapter Resilience Analysis in Environmental information. NLB Group conducted its first materiality analysis in 2021, using a different methodology from one used for the DMA in 2024. The 2021 methodology assessed two dimensions: (1) the economic, environmental, and social impacts on the environment and society according to NLB Group, (2) Stakeholders' needs and expectations relating to NLB Group’s operations. Due to these methodological differences, direct comparisons between the two analyses are not possible. Among identified subtopics 5 , 7 derived from ESRS 1, while additional 14 entity-specific subtopics were identified as crucial to NLB Group operations and the local context through document analysis and stakeholder engagement. Table 9: Material sustainability topics Material Topical Standard Material ESRS sub-topic Material entity-specific sub-topic E1 Climate change • Climate change • Energy • Sustainable finance S1 Own workforce • Working conditions and human rights • Employee attraction and development • Diversity, equity and inclusion • Cybersecurity S3 Affected communities • Financing community and regional development • Sponsorships and donations S4 Consumers and end users • Responsible marketing and communication • Financial health and inclusion • Service quality and customer satisfaction • Cybersecurity • Digitalization and innovation G1 Business conduct • Corporate culture, regulatory compliance and governance, • Prevention of corruption and bribery • Whistleblower protection • Financial performance (stability) • ESG risk management • Prevention of money-laundering and financing terrorism • Tax transparency • Participation in associations and policy discussion Not material standards/topics. 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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 205 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Overview of material IROs Material environmental topics (E1) are mainly connected to impacts of NLB Group’s financing activities, climate-related risks, and sustainable finance offering to reduce our negative impacts and capitalize on the opportunities of the green transition. Material social topics relate to our workforce (S1) included care for Working conditions and human rights of employees, Diversity, equality and inclusion as well as Talent attraction and development. NLB Group affects communities (S3) in the region through our financing operations, within the Financing community and regional development topic, and through our contribution to society through Sponsorships and donations. Impacts, risks and opportunities linked to our clients (S4), correspond to the topics of Financial health and inclusion, Responsible marketing and communication, Service quality and customer satisfaction and Cybersecurity. Digitalization and Innovation are seen as key tools to improve our services and continue to foster meaningful relationships with our clients. Several business conduct and governance- related topics (G1) were identified as material, reflecting the critical importance of governance, compliance, and integrity in the banking sector. These include Corporate culture and regulatory compliance and governance, Whistleblower protection, ESG risk management, Tax transparency, Participation in associations and policy discussion related to sustainability. Prevention of corruption and bribery, and Prevention of money-laundering and financing of terrorism were recognized as foundational efforts to preserve our integrity. Financial performance (stability) of the NLB Group was recognized as a necessary precondition that allows us to manage our material IROs effectively. Note: IROs under topics "Climate change, Energy, Water, Resource use and waste, Pollution and Biodiversity, include both own operations and value chain considerations. Financial materiality 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Sustainable finance Climate change Energy Pollution Water Biodiversity Resource use and waste Working conditions and human rights of employees Diversity, equity and inclusion Employee attraction and development Cybersecurity Working conditions and human rights of employees of the supply chain Working conditions and human rights of employees of corporate clients Financing community and economic development Sponsorships and donations Responsible marketing and communication Financial health and inclusion Service quality and customer satisfaction Digitalization and innovation Corporate culture, regulatory compliance and governance Whistleblower protection Participation in associations and policy discussions Sustainable supply chain Prevention of corruption and bribery Financial performance Tax transparency ESG risk management Prevention of money laundering and financing of terrorism Material topics Envronmental topic Social topic Governance topic Non-material topics Impact materiality Figure 5: Double materiality matrix ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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TwDRcBVRFXbg8++cimAzjuo4BGD3oE0QNy+0jjPyn19aaYmhmFwe47gdqdxCsiqcDB3DOP8/hT5hWGNGA4ZWK/56UrjSHkEFCB0+6Md6VwH7MFuw+tIdhxQ47dPx96B2EEZGDwEx2/z9KAsOmjIwR83fmgTVhjg4CbQVAz1oEK7Z3Yzjgn6UAMwpYMHHI6dMUwEdcsN5yBwDQA7BCgFicHscUgCONiSwPJ4PPSgqxJGjbwd/UdAOKGHKTQw/NzgDHzE1POUokn2VGQswx83GP0pcxXKLt8t9gTqODRe4WsKxXOXXGR+dSwGbicZUrkcEdPxpgyN5nEYDKeWxxVJENjJHIB4HrnHanYV0QbyXGQcdf8AIpibH+YTjauDn16UCGEAJjA+Y5zQBIvJGACvYmmA1thbcwAbP1OKAGYYNtb73UKDQA9lXLBVySc8ng0ARg4xwduf/rf4UAPALBgWbbt4AoAcinfyeO1AByVUNtJPQnofwpAAwCTt7g8evegB2AD8wC88DvigaQoQMSRyARjPHHpSuOw7BKkoACRnpRcew7yyGZgxOOMZpXFcWRV5DclQAPf3p3C4qxjcSp+6OR7VLYx+PlCq2ADigaF6gfKQQegPekyiReGyQTxnnt+FSAbQ53nhc8H1oAG2jkbfQk0gGhlPzYA9vUVSARmIXJHX2zimA0nKkrtODjn60wHtwxUBRx09fWgBhUgHhgMDGDj9KTYC7d0ZxkHp1yDSuArIQhBK5bJHFFwHCPBHC7yBnNFwFYc/MOq8/WlcBgjO8gnjjkDpRcB4jO45Gw9NwPNO4WImERxuxnsSO1CYmMK7sZJ2senr/wDWp3JEwcgDCtjkjjHamArxNz83BHJouIIwCcHKqentQA10BJOAxz+VAXDG4EOAuOc+tAxeNnyjcOo5/Si9hCZfdhxjjgjrSQwXcfn3ZxxgjrTAQ78s6qSxHJJ/T6UCsKIsrnDKcfd7UXCw3aox1ABz16UXCwKjLL8hJU9cjpTuFh+MEMNwGOcHmlcLAQCvUZBwpx1pBYCBkOxJwcYBpjDvjeQQfX16UASFSWXDBfegBio+DkMGz2/pRcLAUlyT0TjjH6UuYaRIkBxgAgtyMdRUtjSHiPgEYyODzimJqw5WztIzgcE5xmkxBtQYKg8j5cjvSAfhEJyoJzkAnNBY2R0Xa2zGD396AEd2Lbx90jketOwriI6sxIB5GM4oC9xcgjnnOeeneiwhjKSTIfpimIa5w/PCgYXHv1oAX74yfmA7njFADV2rjaQpI5KjvQA44C87vlHJoAanJZlPB6j07/1oAHGcFSwJ5Hp6ZNADUz1xvIHIP+FADueAQGxQAZwWyBnPpmgBByC4GfYjHegCTazgheV45ouOxHHESfmPBIwAKVwsSG3QnKnB649aLjSBYfmA3NhxnkUXHYcYAHABxx360XFYWO3RkUHBbPGaVxpDlt0UlNoyTj5vSi4EyQjORketK4xfs+852DHXHr/n+lDYDkXYGSNQDkDb70rjsG0MTwQDjkfXmi4WEmgZgNwAx6Ci4rDvK3Fi5PJ4H9aLhYRVPnEYbG3Az69DRcLD8D5k6EEdepFA7DWZ1ycdsk560h2EaOQqM7SR0wOlAhfLbIaNmOe2eOOKdxWHrG7YwNpHJzzzSuVyiGJi/IPQ5IOKAsO2ttxt6cetAWIlhMiEjgNggEdKBWJTA5IO3G04wKdwsKbYKyyZyCcZFFyuUkjhC5XaWLH04pXDlHbVEeNhcZz+FK47E3ltuwHPqcUFJClXLt8gAXlc0h2EH7vIbIJP+efxoHYcysrKFPPr1ouFhyjPCjg/ez1xSGPbLf7uM4PGaAGbWCqG6jqPUelAD33fKUAORj6UAABEZOSSOcHoaAEjCtgEg4oATkuY92QMYHtQA85UDGDxzjtQAxmKlSzcHg4H86AAKw2ojAYoAaGfOdqq2fz9aAHjcHAJGPSgBHDDBwqgcDvmgAOWBDAArg/NQApJRy2BuIAyelACgbt3mKBnrQAfKpC5OwgYwaAEZvmBAGR0we1ACD5CWBwmM4xzQABVxgfKO2BQA5WPlA4UDH5CgBGIBBIySMD86AF3qy5LD0+hoAa7bQWJwAMe1ADSRvX+I9RjvQA6M7RhF+VuVJOaAHOu4fKTx6GgBrfdJG1cDr1PegBCQxwRnPf0oAU5xjOMjt1oAR9qkZO0cAD2oAcxaPooAyM+4oAUAlclmyeuaAPOwCyggYPUCvVueZYfsbeMcsRnHrRcdgaNv4wTnsBRcVgKELuPGPWlcLEcZBOSSd2eB2pkhwEG4cHpkd6GMdscLxjLGlcqwIoUMCPlUdc+tFwsKEbAwcE9Of1oCxKrkffBAwCKQ0gwGJLoQ2e9FwsNKjOGwsfcZ60XCwYXp0PbuaAsAXaflVcbvloCwAfMpbJB/u880XHYXadoxlxnt1GKAsKyjJzgrxkmkKwke4FygJ+nv/kUBYk5HzEZAGc9KB2EHKjafvHigfKSQpuU/Lj1qeYdhVRiwwuBg9B0pcwWHqnz56DGaOYLCFRneFOD09aOYLAI/nOVAY9QaOYLCPEcsr8KemPWi4+UCDtPyMDxzRcXKIbcbQ21SxINPmDlE8iVVPHU4AAyQKOYVg+zneGUruA5OeKXMFg8j5zxuNPmHYaISEBOeTgkc/hS5g5R5g25IQEcYPWi4uUDG2MO+P0z60XCwCOTndhTnIAOaLj5RdjN0HzH0PNK4+UcoOQG4J46dKLj5RViZuXzgdOf1NK4coBHBJwce/Si4uUXy9nz7Tk0+YBBGRu/X17f/XpAIdyL8wyCcc0AI4faCQNw754phYNjKxbB7EelIBxD5yrAgnkgUALwsi/Kd3TOaAGqu589gDhT1oAUqV5Ysv8AexQBIgCgKHK8fjQA/wCUv8xZjjAHr71LRSHjbIPmBXPGDSGKYwoJXOG4zjpSuOwqxoVOHB3HA96LhYb5bMCy8EjvTuFhoRtwG3nPJ64o5hWFeD5QxAYk/pRzBYb5D7iuMDqPw6UcwWHiDGGVgw/n7UXCw6KJTkvxu5A9Km4xbgIyJk8bu1AxkoXZndjkcD0qiQ3IvzDAwOT7UWAQOM7WAz3PQmhICNpAi4Jzg5z1wadhNiMRjeMsT29adiRgkZXcEYOPXtTAauXQgqRg/L60AJ5blx16c/WgAZSCyHJ+nagBduTzuz6ZoFYFVcgsmRnr+NAxzKo5OQM5AJ6GgBw+bBIAIPegBmckNgck96AuRF5MZQ4XPORnj2oE2ALDlxkL6GgkaCW3EdulCAUfcTOSQDjPamAS8MCeuP7vrSGkK+WAGDzxxTuFh3lqCd3JAFTcLFmGPzBkjGOoz3qXItIljGVXdhQ35mk2VYkVFU5GQG56VICTttPLZP8ACo6mhILkKSANlshgf4hV2JuRtKBkvtfccYzRyibGGfIAI6ng+nFNRJbBp2wFxnB6461VhEeQFPQAd6AGFiqDk4OKABgpIX249qYCEAIAMbQc5I6mgB4UnJJwB+tACbSv3duegJ6Ci9wFKsAMnOerd6AEwu7vuzxnuKAAk5X5QRz07UXARVBxlflHI55NK4DyjiPI+YH8z/hQNCou9FB+915oHYdGrMvKkndyam4WHLGwLFhwfWjmGOEW4Nu7fdx/hSuBInzFRgcYBx0NJgPUqQCT9R6etIBuVHykHgY5oAcVGflwG29fQUDIXBGCWzwQAPWhCHk/KMMMN+dMY5m3AKAVbAw2OaVh3Ghc5UkkjnHUYphcXa7RllH3h0bpUg2N3Kn3iexGBTJHBl+UHnHBx/nrQO45nymeACMnjrQO4S4wCCQT09qBNi5+bDKSSuOvWkUJna6oW2jIwD/jQA7eGUlunI5GOaLABkVmZtuecdOtCQCefl/lUBW5OeoPFFgBpDuZCAcjJx6U7Eio2xT1bB6+poC5GjDcVwGXGfoKLBcRmU/KM+gpiF8rcB+8LA9RQwG/K6KTn04NIBWjJTAJ4OCMckUAO8teMEjspoAbH9wgr1B4qgEWNxHsK8duaVwB9saZP456UwBgQzNtO0cLgZNIBGJDFRnJ6A0AKA/lncpXjCjNMVhrIScBccck96SGBQsWyPukcA9aGBI6HbkDvSAaVPLLuOeAMenHNO4DgoRhvzubkY/z7UrgOaLcCNg45yRwaVx2BBlSBtHoB60xDwSOQMuOnvSLQJ8gJyevP86QACdgORk5x60ABBC7vbn0poTFLANhsA4z9BTJG72GAV+UL8pFACE4Ub8EnkepOKAG8lQyj5cnn1x2oAIx8zZLY+lACshD5DAEcLQAjAFiGweOQOxoAVwxjUk5BGfpQAbsgAZAGccZzSHYciZz82MDnJ/Si4WEKogbjco/OgaQKAwGXwx7Yxn8KBtAMEHd8vzED3p3JsBUABBuIX05oEB3AZX2HT3oAai7iMJtJ6Y5pXHYUrht24gE5yR1ouOxIsaght2VYnocbRSuFiWOMYUc4LUmMcV7kfMpz7UAM5yCQMg4HHWi4yUhn+YAn2PfpRcLDvLOSgwTjj1pXCw6K3Yn5gwKryc0XHYkSE7iSg6dxSuVYDGEJBzhs4z29KAsSLH1O459u+PSgLDfKRSX245yfyxQOw+ODCkcAE4AHWlcLAQxjyi5JNFwsHlZILoMqeCKLjsL5RXHzZ/vZ9/5UXCwCJiRuTAHAbP5UXHYJIFMbB8EAc89KAsOeED51IXIyO4oDlEUJGqByQx78UBYcE3btwGQSOvWgdhrqgU8kA9e+ODSAUoDC2xiTjAAouKw7AYfIRjGckcYouFhQFPzFeT/ALXamFg2fIcrx2B/hpDsIN+NuRuJ5welAWJhEME56gDk0h2GledozjnFAx2Mbjg7gcZ9e/Si4gYH68bunGfrQMRyUYFj1zkdjxxQA4MsnPTcOO2RQAp+bbj5e68ZoAAd7/MT8pPagBCxLBgpXOV+lACjAOScqBwDQAgUAKuegOaAFKkjqBnuO9AAynb3AHr6UAN3KF4UgnuB14oAdHg8oDjOGzQAiFhF95WPqeOKAFUgvlsj5e/TOTmgBF3LlyePTOR9aADhiQQpPBoAG3bVVfUEk96AGoyhmOc+5oAehBPVSxHAoAbll+ZimOw7ZoAdEThiSM4oAYcOhKryegzjigBGVVAQAFuo9qAFyzP0PH8RHBoAR2Cgncu3HGfWgAfaGDHkH5sj2oATGGLtsKkdfT2oAeDnnJDD7u7t9KAHMQOOSRn5R3oAaHVyFOQ3oaAFwPLBXHAOeaAEyqlerEHg+9ACDLgbhwVz+tADmAwF3FfQDrQABWBILE8feoA4REJUfOeTwR/OvSPOsOUksRkbxkYI7UDGlMIG3MVGT1zzQKwQRrnkZbuQeg/xoGKoRSBtAJPbmgVgRcJllBPTBzRcLAUOScMrD2/pRcBTESBhQf7vpjvx+FFxj9nzKo5Ofmzx+Ipcw7D1gKnZ5ePQ+39KXOPlBIcnkksaOYOUckARSMHhstz7VPMNRFW3AHQY+uOev+fpRzD5BVtlLEqSx6k4yP8ACjmHygsKpwIwNvVvf1o5xco9II13HAA659aXOPlFe3IIPX098/1o5g5BHgAjYqCGB57kUuYOUHtGX5iuQv8AKjnDlJFt2wp25GeQP/r0uYqw1LdizlUVRuwOc5/LvRzBYm8gncrDIPTFLmCweTtQqcc8d/pRzBYDExwVJGByD39hRzBYVYdrBnXa7DlielFwsCxIrMFI56dODSuFg8tWTLHGD8ue/wDnNO4BJBsXecfMMY7mlcLCeScB0zg9QadwsCW+/EinK8gDrS5h2HLGGVwDtAPUnnH+c0+YXKNe25IG5g3IyB/+ulcLCtD5bdGI/u7aLhYYbUYGdpBPy89qLhYcsPzc/OTjORjB+lFwsDJliNuAMEj0/wDrf4UXAjwrPgDaCw5VTzVXAELFeVJGcfQUXAkPAJJwT7EcUrAIzckkEehxxQFiNxnA2ZJyRwQQRQITBKtnofpQAhYhwWyo55OKaAapGeBnJz1ByKq4mhHGR8vAIDYxjmgTRG6neWJYHGQcHFAhTu+UNkEDjGSBQA5ZSDvyxU+3QUWAeQUYkqMH3JNACEssYJyexCg0AKBiN2LZyeOMilYByuVVgwOSOCf8f8aTRaJNysQGXHQAAdamwx53LuAVc7sjnFIYyR2UgBWDN98HnP05oAfgjCbfmA+g78U0JiHk4LhuMcDIoEM+8MKARt/vcUAI+VYbRlwMlefpQFxp5OAzAdRz0ppBcAchgDjH8XFMBqNluOST1JwDjuKYmNjDgqCNxI6gf1oFZiruLnABXAyMdff2ouFmIEbd80bIvXk8/wA6LhYDkZ2LjPQkEUXEGw+YXIGD0IBoAQkjBHHBP0HvTAb5wZxhc5GMY/rQA7cAdu4E47HkUCuNB6CQ4J6cdQOaCRSfmUbv/r0DuROPlZmfBGckc8dutAXFbLKAzAnsyjjn09aBCAFiWVCdo5JyP0JoAVFG4BigwCeDzmgELsjJYsMdwe3t9PpQVYcUY4YnsM44/wAigLDhg8AFgBg8f59KQx0a/ISQRg88gUXAkBjVcgZyO3NSOw5iu1QhUjOOPSkUAk4KgAD25H0xRYXMM3kr8u0ZHP8AjT5RXIZclhIrtkDoOc1SQhGDH5WfgcnPpTFYYdyhAyqccbiMZPrQTYckeOgO4ev1NK4WAIfLy2QcnGKYDOcqUBCng8YH/wCugBRg/Lt3ZyFXp/8AqoAUxFl2rgEHjaMUCGop4QcAc9MevTP+eaLjARsWO7J+o+719aB2F8snI3Hgg/d4P4UBYXAOFKnkckdvagLBJEu5euMetAWHFFyG3h8cDBHNA7D41XrnG0gnnp7VNxiqRkqQSRz06/jSbAewVXYn5R1OKAJCyyMCCVPOO3SpuOzGk7SVwpOcZyMf/rplWGLuIKjfhj0I/Wgmw9Tk8BwcZ9aBDMlWXaOp7LgE0ALI5ChuuTwM9aGAqPlQVOW5B5pIAQBscYA7CmA3DBPlI3c5LZ5+lFgFc4A6kE4OKAERtzs6spOOeen/ANemA98Fiu7BI49KSAagxhhuU4wFJwOPr2oAUqC2GJyD196AHfdYqGBGAB7UAIW+UgMSAefYmgBAzqxUg5HoCfz/AFpAKwICpz8xzjHJ+lMYq7GIyx56gc5ouIb86xEbe+Ac4zSANoG7OBnryevuaaAArBNzKVwflPYUgBFYkEvnB60ABQsHClXJGBtPQUAKy8LuxkHPTAp3AXaolG7hscDGO9FwGmJmflu/UDGMdjQ2A8xkMmzlQfy96AGn5RzywHpxQAiorEAAjAw3vSATCAKMoNg67vemA8hdm4evy8dc+gFDAGL4yvIx1xSAaPu8dT6rzQAqqPKUlsHpwKLgPVcANwVxwcYx+VFwARkHjOD6+p96VxjtmSrjcwbpgdPrzTCwfIGIbIU9OD/WkNIVxtUbQFI44I5FAxd+4EsFAAzg9vrSAbkFdzANnP3T/KmAhdlAV3CsMZJHBosK4Iw3HJUhuQO/+elA0MP3lBj7ncVI56f5xQBI2FzuHHp14oQmhGiV1JTIyeoP607iswRD5ucE4z270rhYftO/cScdAAM0XHYZjd91Wbnb6AH3ouOw6NXVQDgH2Gc/jQDFZcBST83uO9ILDY8Hcw4Lc9PXmmSxFIMhTYCO/H04NA0KGABYKAOeB2/xpCY7H3t+3rwOlA0Js6cYyQP/AK9Ax2xg5whYHkEMPWi4ARhmDDpgdP0ouKwqo20qM9OB3HPcYpBYayoiDfySeTincY9Y3CYDckfKc8UXGPSFsoSGCnJIzwKVwHMpB4UBF6nvmgQ6ONQwxnk9BzwAaB2LDQqVUru25ye2PrmpuVYQxpECyIu317GgaRLjDbiCMAH7vOPWi47AVIffkbTjBxk/56/nQAq/MGTdgZ5P+RzSY0PfIAIIyuNy4yfpgUIGJhWXAj6n1xQwQKUD7QxX2PX6dOlAx5JjVSyN9A3akCCQqQWGVO4AH1qh6EYVzIcgDJJXH8PsTSEObcCpYYIX6k//AFqQBG43M43Hd26496LDuKsmwqoByQcZHJp2C46QhcMUHuW6GkADe7ZJOCchehxTAEJk5ZCSOOcj+dAA23lQpwcEgj65/pSACCjZJ5GehHTHOP060ACx4G4qu8+gwP8A9dAAoDBSeN3UbckexNFx2H/KqqjYA+6Ock+9FwBztZnGO2OOue3vSGHJBJwAeOnK/WgBI42APyqe2cYyPpQA8IMllUAH9R9aAETILEgAMcjuSMCgBSeSu0D5c89xQAMN68qNvbPFADUKBFyRuUf3ecfhQALsHO05BIGT17UACAZYjpjGMZA/KgA3ZZs7Nqr165oAXdlfmUcDOAe/pxQAFg0e4HGBkkcigAI2qpDE84I9fWgBz7htwQq55yaAGqCWLnG0ZII9KABCQPl3N6g46ZoAQ7wfvggn+739PpQA7ZhgckYHTmgBCX3Arj/aI6Af40AK2CQVZWJ4HegCMs74UKcdiwxg0ALHHtAJVV2jqTwaAFKtgryvOeOAKAHFSQAQW+vf1oAa2WTAyVzzg0AIXkPB+XI4OO/40AOZC5D57YHGOKAHfMePuhQOg4+lADSkZbaF5HOAen+fegAJAO9uMHHJ6UAIysduWBGeVPP9aAFIz64UA5HPPtQA1WLKQinByMkfn/WgBU53KoIGenc8f/XoADsAHPy55B5/CgBSThAd2OjY4oAMLGo5I29ODzQAowEBUDnpnrk0AO2Z7/higDh/Lwu08H6D+lehc4hHRyxUgFieoORTuA1wwKgqQo/2c/j2pXEOVS3Vehzj1p3FYRkYAsVzx3bmjmCw85HIi9B9RRcdgTzP75OT0wOKTY7EhL+UcAls9MYzSDlFQsqhR0BBpDsPjO7LBVDHqOcA0mykiYwqBtc5JOOnNS2UCQBhjcMnpyT69qVwsSGJTgkHgY64z60rgIsLOpUBcZyAR/PNFxslWBdu5c5zkEilcVhVVkG0K5J6sSP0ouA8RsIyw5yRk0XGg2sxYLnC/SlcdgXaAdqdh+VAWJIlySQ+AT26H3ouFhfL+QDLMM/KSevFK4WGsPlCnqe2evtTuFhU3MGQfeX64GMfnQOwBPmYAfj3P40hWGPBvkIdm5ycDG00wsKiYYkZUkchegNILDjGWIBfscAjOaLhYPL3JtXPXvxRcLDCEDjCEKT81FxMXYpfIId+uTyOtFykSupwCMZOC5BNLcCEptfKbRgc4P8AnNUmQKMZXPKnrnFMCJmUyHHPpjGKAGLKxToeMDkHFMBc5IAXBznAHX3oAZtI3b2Ygtjg8ZoENywGTyOmAMUAHBYnbz600AwIXRmGQT1I6mi4XHlexTJU8Ht2pXAiWJkwAAQxOcdv/r9KLgSNGcANnpk+/wD9encLAIB8h5Qc8dKLhYj8rPy4wh7YoTEN8vD42k7RwfWncLAkbYzk9MbccdelCYmgAC7io6DBwMYFHMKwbVJ5XnuKdwsG3duyxHPf9aVx2F2gltrHk4yaTYWJVjIYdDz9OMUrjSHYAUkjK45wcg0XGIQC64U8D04NIYCLIyuAhyeR+fNACiI45bcB2z+WaAFVFEnBKAHGQOCaLiY3yVWTepyx4NNMQwxE/McKRwe/NMLA+CNvOeuOme1AWHFRuAJyQuQc/wA6VxkYTKHIz1+lTdiFyW+XbnKnJB5/HtVIBUYEksCSOhPPJ7UtbgISvAABIyWAz+dMAaRQcqT8y9Dk/wBadiGxkj5K5+djxlTjApgRbgAAxJxjk1QCMGAXK4I6BelADegZVG0t3J496AsO2ZGOpOAPT3oJsJ5SoOhBU56fyoCwjAsM45VsY4PNAWHLgBVP930xz7UDsO2ZKqu8NngZ/wA4pXBRFEW1DtDJn06Urj5SUxjHygHHvkUXKsP8tmcpuOcZxik2Ow4LlAFO05JPT9Km4WGYAbIztPHt/hRcLCHj5QcjuT6VQCSZBIJOM5xg0WRF2MfJOG4xyc+namIaxbeFONp6f59eadwuOVVVs8ZxnI5z/n1pNjEKlQSGbK+1K4CS5bncMLx6k0xDgM/MSQO+3pQA3qhYBTu4z3/Si4WEjRAoKjJU9hyKdwFCnbtzlh1B70XFYRlKjfszjrzRcYoRg6lMbSOBSbGS+XvPLdPvAgUuYfKPW2yOuAG49xRzD5RBBliAM5Bxk9MUuYEgW2IYYC7SckY4P/6qXMx2JPIjDfMRuB5I/SjmYrCCPEbMF3c9D3NFx2GtGCVOOSexpXCw7BVMglmPB9qLhYbtC/KFBIxikAKd25VJXHU1RNxhV85ILcigLi4Z9w2tjGMkZoEJtwp5IAHTGeaaAUD526L2BHJoAQhySu3kj/OaAGpt5DAKeMEDvTAUhQ2GUfl1zSAQbXAIOdwA75poGOk474B5BHBz9fwpANUHGCSBn1/z3oAeFLHco3MTtHH50AHl8bAOducdqLgOWNSmSDuHJ9jii4DRlS33sgdSP6UrgPBwBtUHPUEUAKUwC3zZHvxmi4DSCSy5xgZB9TSuOw9gCAmTn6frQwQwrubBfsRj/P8Anii47D2GwBsFu2c8D/GgdgVO2R83IHYUBYkVA2QyrkjHXFArEQjCrt2qMHLcd/zoCw75RKG2jJGOnNAco2RFyf4QB2HSgOUVIgxVvMDdgfWi4WGLGxyzc5bHpimKw4x/Jn29c0CEOMr0Oe3T8f8APrQAKC2X5B6ds0XASPaR8+WIGDg5zQAK2W2mPvk+p96AHbcAkY6dSOv+FJlIVA4RQHw4PBwSMY70h2HAsWAUqzdcD/GgAAxks2QBnk0AGAshc8EjhhigLAVkwS6c+x+nNADXQlGJLHb8wwcHHTr+NADgw3AbSxAxkYouKw4x/JjdkMMZ9qLhYVM8ADPbJ9KLjFddqBgAXHC4/lSuA6SIuOflI+baTnkUXEII1fBDIpJzyKAFKjBBAxjt1oAHVEVecsODk0ANXaCASTgdOOfTtQAgUBWfCYCk8DFAEabTIXVgBjBwec0xjiQu4knA7N/SgA2gxkhlLL056Hp0oAAmQQxAZjllB5wBx+uKBWuIrPhghI3jv1FA0rD41kZvlwXAwSehpCFRSiMrM/LHGCOOaARIsRLliA27+lFyh8UIcE7CoznBGKQWARgBRkg+3Q/jSGOCYZwQcDkfWmwHLGhf7p3d+TikAqlEysag5znB70DRJGE2gjr7d6Bjju83hiMDj0zQAgB2HIYnHfmgEPjUjBbHpj/P+etAxAdwG0EHkcn7vNAA23AC8kjsODQALv58xd3OcnnFAAV2FAAAR7cdf0pMaFzuk6DoB6fiKYgQgMQW47cYPagAX5XG0YweB+FAAxHLKNz+ue3pQApIG5sgA8k56DtQALHuLPgZIwOB/WgBAANwJb2z0zSuMezY64x1PGRjvQMcFDZdQDnB59KBocAGKsCoP8XPIpDEUiP5Sw3Nkgn/AD9KAHAhUbzGDL1yV4piAFTs42ng8dKljFG4bmZsew4oGMj+cOjMGZTjk9u2aAHg5IGV3cZP+FACHaA27DMcZwM8UAEfG1jggdcdqABgT824qo/zmgBQ2VHTlcdfvUAByrqBjBHJGMg/5zQApJUYUBj6ZxQAincp2E9MZxQAiNIY1wFAAIz6fSgByqwJYYPHftQAR7V6qN5PpkZ/yaABSx+YYJ9+M0ANYlnAJAByccigBMl25j5446gUAOLHcgYncQe+FOaAFYFtoDYHQ+lADXDBlC/MPbt/jQA5S/G8Y96AGPkDjO7I6evegBfMViVJDYOMHtQAEgDfhm7YH5UAOAUcZJIXuelABISEzuZhjPHFACn7wyQePegBjlfl9D0GOeP/ANdACEYG0A7ScDHT8aAEDBd2XBIOPfGaAHEboVyuc47/AOFACsnyFt20egOBj6UAKGATdyM8dOfagBIjgMu3gHtQAFTglMnvgN1FADVfBGVJPpngHvQA5Tu2sSwx0OKAADLZ55zkA0AI4UtyvI6etACtgjnucnI/SgBA2FZj1J5I9PXgUAK5VF4Xc5HpQA0I5IIQbcc89aAOVCRoctk4z2712nLYHjDo2GKkHnFK4rDTErbS24soxx3FO4WECSbmC/IBz6mi4WHrGWDoxAz0z1xRcdhyqvl85A9CMUuYOUd5RCkhPmPWlzDsS+SMYbgACjmCw5Yw3AyM8D1pOQxxjTzB/Fye3rSuA4xgAMqnHXJ7VNxkkSIBvIBB+bHTNDEOCqWzngngf0pFJBKVUb2bb06fzoHYcclcNyOGHNADk3EBiVzxQFgITjIBDcZBoYWHPtWMELuwPypARqcldwz9TRYBZCN6xqQe+c0WAGbC4TJ28DFFgFOSOQAMA5PagBP+WfJIUDIHrQgEI56E9jg5oAcMkg7Rt6YPUU0Aw7t5TC85LUAOIRgGwNwH5CiwDA0Z+8SFPIz60WC4m8D/AJZ4z1PUmiwroR51QABQFxj2NFguEk0ezoeMbcelOwXG+cNnCD5jx7807EjVZGkADEDJzQFxjbNm3LccZAxQBKApHLHJ68UAIAvmFgVORlaAHFEO0lRwe3agBgToh+7jj3oARtm/JY44wM0CGqyxFxndjv6ZpiGB96FcAnPcd6RVyTexTco4GOvrQA5SQQR27YpAIwP3d2VAzn2pgI3+rIXJH1oCw1lDEkcYGSKABipIwuex5poTGc7/AJTweRRYQxsFGUKc4zn0zRYBVIGFwf8AP/66ABMAdC3duP8APpQwFDAljjaBjcM80ih4Kv8AKH2n9aAE2MTsJDBeevNMRHvbeg3EA5/KiwXFLnDMCAGX8fzosFxoYBdzDGOT9faiwmxSGbBjYc9TnkUJBcSR8KFHzHPHp+NOwMXcGYswAx39/wDJoJuDthT69hjrRYLsb8zHIX6HPNFguCuCSwzyc5zgUFBg5GSQFXAP+NACqfuqe3OfzoAUIBJjhlVSB60BZDEjG7AycHALd6CUJLHy21iMH60XG0K4I6nBHHtmnckPLO4HcMEc4FO47AtuxXgkgUuYLEjW74G714zSuHKRiJwW3A854FHMOwscGV6MMcjjmjmDlJYoGKAdRn0/H+lS5DSLHkA/IqdMHB7UrjsIUVmxja/TrSuMcqKTwuABzmi4D1jU8BsqOQT70AQzxl4SD8vPy+9MLDVj25YEs3PHrTCwxwW+ZRx2zSJsMMQKZkUY5ouwsiNkQ8ADA5OP89apEtAVfaAq9CfcjimFhV81flC8ZAPHakFhFjXqMKSOc0XFYmjUbeRxmi47CfeXbgr9e4pXCxGqDeUKHJO7r1xRcLCrHwASAvb+lO4WHCHqVBXHHTrSuFh6BQQpyDjPTHelcqw9QQhYklQe9MpCmRFHGdx5GRzSAN2ckMoK8BcdKBMCTlSW6Y5osAxsjduOCw9c5FAhm8ghsM3O3JP60IBGyFTnGDnJoC4uccjBHZc8EUAOJwm5iPb29qQDS2YTuIDEEn1psLCpkRgAgepxQiWMJbZuGWBHXpn6UxACVGBuJ6knFACou44SRcgfMOf89qYAUIACsQcEgf40ANGehIGCCM+nekAhBA+TOWHA6UAPWMBj1APP/wBY0AP+bAA4APJPT8KABV5JGdoHNACMqEqNxG4flQA9YwG6qMcZBoHYNp8w/ID3b/61ILBgjPzAMSeOuKBpDYxGpPUN0oHYaQ4xwTkgtk9OaBNCncCCpUnrz0xQLUUMc7WXDZ79hQNIVt4O3B+7nPt/kUFDmXbhdwXeMfSkAhBMeMle2ehFAh2ASC4BJ4+tA0JhsqqgBd3GetAMUKCcNjqck+tAgCljyMY5GehoAYRhjs575I+7TAc6kgEgZHNAWBR/Gzckcjt/nmi4mhu/L7mU8njn/P8AkUriSHMo65yR2phYZy5U4ZSeOlA7Cj5QDhgOvNA7Cc+UWDbS3XP5cUgH7CcZJUj8iOtACcs4KrnHBI9e1DBjwrZAI5yelIQiq2xskDnJFAXHANyc8HpxQA5eGPr06UDGoNzd8h+ncCgQ7J8pc/Kx460AImVfAzwBjjrwKBjg7bskgDH4+2aAFZ/M4yACccc5oEMUfJhjkgcD3oARlKuWGclsYJ96AHyRkHavDAZBPT3oAYoZlD7wSvtTEwJJI4LEkc47Z5pDEK4JYKCgwcD9KAHldqNu9c/U0AKA2GOME8D60AOCZO7JXb1460DGomXbLkDBOaAJSjbsDCEkcUBYVkycvGDz6+9SVYkYfNweQOPxoARDIGCuCTyf5UAIWYBg3A9Cc0AK3ypkrgDpj60BYQDcDvzk9QD0oAVRgAFCQefxoAerlty4BJGCfT0oGPwVGCMADAA6/WgYrEGNgCG7/SgBuOVAbGR0zwPpQALtKsuC2D1Pf/OaACQOF4RW2jrQMdk/LtBOTg/1zQAH5dx2/XJ65NAAWAQ4bAPCk8n/AD1oYCgEKVGCc559KVxgq4wBtJzg8dQadwsLuLK2EYd+O9FwsKUj6Y4PI46UXCwAbXKjgEUgSHgfNkAkDk0irDXG7J4Bx83sKQWHR7c4XnH+c0x2FKvvAwMYy3bPFFwsEvIYSKM/XNIYsahU2ltw+nT/ADzTEAUlQQAO2CP0pDHr1LE4B5+lADIxgs6sMNg57e9ACsQSdiZYN370AIxydoXBJBPvQA4kKNoDLxmgBJDhugOOgPTFADCScRDHAyPagB5UMAWIZiR0HSgB7BNrGQADODQA1WIG5chM9CvNAAWGPmwucd6AFXbypbjnjselADMHayqSdwPTt/nigBXU7TyGIH3aAHhSOeGAHQdaAEDL91AME8Y9KAEJCYK5Yk8DPTtQAKzMSP4e2aABzlMITuJHI7UAI53PgZxjBBHFAAflK5XjsPpQAzhSGKkjP5c//qoAkBIxwOvH+NACI52s7ZAH60AIVUKTg9eVHSgB/J5y2D2xQA7HzfNjJ6EdqAGdT5a/KMUAKDkbgu4demKAGr8hCnIJyfxoAexLY44U8+lADSgaM7egORQAAHzDnn0HtQAmGLrxtz2x0oAHIC8Hp6CgAwhXJByeMZoAB8kYAz6Af/XoAGJLcY78+lACvyi4+TjOKAEjbdEVBOQcEigBTvBY4BXjBB5NACllBJ52qMHjvQBy+CgyxI6cHr6V2HMKE56gcZ3D/PNSMHDFN64Pv7U7gOTG5mIOMY4z6j/GlcBQgVgSMY4J74+lAEixsOqZA6/Wk2CJB1KrhQvHrmpGLCowQQG5wfx/nRcY9c7hnbkEj9PWgLCbCUDcgnrmi4WGxpIwx1GOuaQEmVLnJCkDCj1FO4WHEjlSoB7j1FIY1Oiln3KePmFADgGADkg4GOBwaABlLIcuucnoKAEY/uhGwIPB5HH0oASU8gKT1+6O/FACYw37w8E9Pr0xQFh0YH/LMEHFAhXJLKE+8vJHrQMb8zEgFgVPzAenNACr8sg2jBAyM0WFcR5ApygB5xj0osFxEZtjFypJ6dj9KaQmwIY4ODkDpnpQwuNOQSWO0fzpiGToxQHAJ7fTvQAzcXBBJ2gY6YoAjkyONuM+nagCRVCDZySPzxTAaQQuBkAE579qAE2hSoYjJ60XFYfuBdkUbvWkMdGCudy/rigBCWAXCgrxgDtQArkqFGSBuzzQA0YeMnnk889KAG7csuYyuOmaAGnH3dvqSB9aokaHww+X72R/+qgBQ77gp6Hg5HFIY1ZDgNGpAJyR6UWC5KZFDBT6jjOKLAAcEFUB2jqT3zzRYCMs/wAgwQGfj6UWARFZXLPIOpwMcD3oEOxu2ndlgeMrj9KBjmAwVRlOOCM+lFwsOZVYggAjHBpDsCbQ2cADGG4zxz+tD1EG3JBI5I4A64oAUxbs7oz68HmgYhh2BeDjrwfWncVhssBYAr97PGD/ADouFhn2d93znBHOO1CYWE+zTAAc+v8A9ajmFYRIyd/DZJznFO4WGsjAYyuc9ccUXCw5cgEv09CO1Fxco54zwQCd3UD6UXCwz7vUbcDIxRcdgdBkEqAD1pDHsmxlHJz69+lJgLxuzuyCcEfhTQhBkDYQFzwCaYBCenBCge+aAGZBfCnqOOPSkA4h8KrgNn16e9GgrAu3KsPlx0GetAyWNyzHggdjnpUjB5G3Rg53dt3amMkzlmbAOBn1oAmiG47WChSO3X2qWBPt+XkKSGyAD29TUjsPVQhMmflPTPakMaixhQ8ZLKRxnnPtTFYQYLbiOC2OaLgRSB8gHgAkjA7D/wDX+lMTIpmyMbW45JB5H1poCMAFgDjnueKoA5PXv0oaEMG5kY5A7YPalcQigDCnGTnoOo/yaLgKFYEhVwG6nHFACLHID2YjjGetAx0iIclgcfw0DsSRBCMEEYGc+o9aYETIHyyhQB0OecUBYXAQZPXA5J4NADVRXIzwQeOf5UmJikgMNxwy8dev4UCYxxvjYNnIGV9aLCuKGxyxwoAzntQO4w7t5YHAHT3GKAuOO4csoJYc4osK4BCfl3YA79BRqMGjBYFmYgDp0/z1ouJhIMLjHUYGaZIzBAC4yv64oAkKI20c4HbHSkOwSYJ2ZwxOBkUigCqrsXB6cH6f5/WmFhrkeSwTLZPX+dBLQxF/d5G8KGz6/wD66dwsABTK7cgDrQIeNy5Lghj074oAaqtlnckBSMc9fpQA4oM5OHAOQc9KAHFGzjKkjlfegdhsjO+EUgHdklefrQIe6FgVAPyjJ56UDQ7adm0HgjHJouFhVAJy68fT9KVxpCEogUnJIPQjpmgYJu3YB3ZOevQUgFjiUh2OcjnPXFABheA5x9fvGgBfKTI65bkgdKAB9oiVuBjrjn8KBguFYOVOwjjPf8KLjFIcyLnpnOR6CgWg5GVmzjJBxyMmgY3YEYISAATg55JIoEEsJJCsy7c546g0hAi7iQAW7A0APVMkl3GO7A45oAQLtZgOVxy1ABu3qGA68ZPU0DHKgDEjJHQYoENIDKXAyF+7QBJ5KhgygMO1AxpRGJydp3ckHvQKwjqcYYFFJwB3NABs3qCCrLnkZ9aAABd+WVRx1B/z6UxjlL7emdxOM9x61IiN4/3SiNxlTnmmIfICQePu8/U0ABRN5LDDHqOaABVYkoMg4xwfSgBpIdMkKMnDZ4OB/wDXxQMI4ir/AMIHJx3ahiHBRjcSoI7j6UXKGMCVUhuTk/lQAq+Uwctx0H4igQoEbFcZDA+nSgTHLtBJ64xxQAzaGxjdkjI5waB2Gnoqq2V78dcUAS4LFtuTjv0z+FAhu1sgAAqCAzc9KEMGwMnH+BoAcpbOGA5yfXFACpF84wMIAc/yyKVx2HqGCgAMVHBxyf8AP+NFwsOaIFRlimV5z2ouMd0ODuDHkEikA1FB3KpLKeOmcfjQA+MkfKMjnJyKAHkhjjp0z7UDG9WIXkZIJxQActt4Hrx7UDEVd5dWwvPBAoEOI+XaoOVPPp/nmgBZAV5Dc4wcEdPWgY5dpU7WOR0z2/CgAVfmTJ2t0Oe5HvQFhrKd7DG4Z4470XHYdsPydAoHzc9aLjsPCsV8xBgYwfpSuFhQrsMo275uCfahMdgSPICvwSc/jRcVhXUAlcDcMYx/n60XHYVcbT2H96gdgEYaPIyD2JFILA4cjjaR0Iz3ouOw51yCV5z90jnii4WEc5CksvoaAsCZCkDC5yQTyccf/XpDJMcnOMKOM0ANVCCMYyRlqADIVgPvKfmLdqAFYeWMg8t6jigB38IPfsOlACBX4J52jg55J+lAASM7RgnnqeM+lACMm5QPuj06UAA3L9wjHOc0ANBYEhQGYjPNAC5UMVyCeoLHg0AKyq7H5hnuAe1ACNkD5SM9yBkj/PNAAdu3udvJJoAVRjGcnPXHf60ALlzkZAAHBoAQ5VA2zJ6cDP40ACbdvyAEfy9RQAjAgNtB5+7/AI0AOKjIMjHIORzQA1dow2cPjFAAmOuCWxyQKAFAyoOM9wR9KAFbJKAnGe1ADcEbmAKjrkfyoARt4GVxkn5u/wCNABGAAQFIO4gBj1oAdvPzsBxt6D1oAaHyqh8BjjBxQAqFvL5HReVJoAcE+XaM8dOaAEDkYPYHHTqaABcMu4ElsHHcD2oAVVKnjgNQA18KykgkE8YzQAjgA7iA2368elAEhJwc4G0nOe9ADUUMoIYgnk460AO++QTggdc8EYoAa3dsbj2BzQAbkYIg4Oeg7UAOYE/fZcfligBm4hecgtwvpntQA5t27heWGMigATA3g9evNADQvIAb14A/nQAq8/KeDjcT/wDWoAayk8ljknjmgDBjRvM3PgnH3RjNdFznQ6OMHdlMLngE9P8AP9aExsERUB3ncT6fyoEO5GdjBh/I+maAH7UEZ2o2RzxyaAEA2sXzluMjOSv/ANekMcH+YlTH7r/WgEL+7LZUgseTxx/nrSKEyRjaUXJ6Z5JoAUqQuGB69QMmgEAB5UKCrZPJxQBKwxGBg44w278/xpAIzpGSG4+Xrnkf40AOwAgLYYd8rRcAU7gNwwO4JBzTAc0R42AKB2zikBHlVZ1LszcZByCaAHqBnnkZ4A57UARSkOmQVGDxu6/SgBwTYMNnZgYJ4/l/WgBDKrYbkFe+eM+9NAR5cyMpB45bn8qZIiA8gY255FMQrDK4OOueOcc0AJ96EDkjoCO/v0oADxgAAfLxz+lADYwxG3luxzjj8c0ACZHGcKBjJ9KAGNuBCgE/h1/M0ANWRgxAJLHgZHTHc0wDzNvO8DkEjAGf1pAL5seQxPGOvYn+RoAcpjHR1zjJBGOPr2oAfhQQgG3HvwKAElKjg5wDxigBTjJPJIHBI4oARI9w3khcH9KVximIqu4E4J9eT9KLiA7WUMV3Adyv6UAJjzHBMe3nHNO4B5KlVCgqQxJBoTAPJiBx5ZHpke/SgLB5a7lGQjZ+tFwsNKwsduACvPQc/jRcLDZYtwUqhYZJIzii4WGyREqdyggDJGM07isN8tmj3A7wPUfy9aLgNiyuC4JPThcn2oYEuBv3MoBHGR04/lU2AdGmVIyFDd/Q+nvTGKEUMd53EDPJHb/9dADoVGS2V2g4GSMD8TSYCbsoAoy2ehoQD8bhlCQDwOtAAp3NnBJHp1J5/wARS1AQO2dwj29dwJppAMaUhHZTlh645HtzRYBnmN5pVSAvqCMZ/nTQrjCx64xu745+lNhcerOGxt2p3/CpAc858o7EGMY5HB96AGq0atnhSOxH5ds0wuSZjEWG2jA+oz7UDGgLtALAnpwMnFABJ5PRUw3ByR2ouA5VR0JdSMjHJwKLhYGEIOMAKvUnn/P1ouFhsqqS6My5HK8cj/GgBI4w7D5i/tgcfhSENSHzA2zr74Hfjp+PWncdifyDt6hTnkjGB/jSbASSMAYCnleSc80riuPVF+bIPJwPpSAejcYIyu7GAvH40DQ5yqjfsUDpyp/T/Giw2xhmxwp+U4wcE5osK4vnAErjOBjjgj29/wAqOULjHkZix29Rn3/SnygNEjmMgMpwcE54A/rRYCNsgEJzk4zu/kaYCSIfL+Zgc5HQf1pgIoJy+VI7D+fSgB8bBgSyqvoaVgGY2yAg7Sf4QTj6/wAqdhClmZfkwQe4PT1oQwC5O5eQOQuP/r0mAuSJCWK8ds5xQgBzhCcnH6CmAi4BAXkDGRjFACBcbyN3J4Ax6elAA2UAJyOeQ1ADJSu0Fcbx0yCvFIkDJ90sVGT1IPFAmhr5ePlnG7pgnGc0XCw4oWQ4LkDnA5J9s/4UXCwBEbGdhb+IdDx60XCwrDg4wQOgJzQNIeqsv7zbuDY6HoKAsL5Yd8fMp/EenFAcoot4VORwO/HX9aVwsh3klR1cHqegAH4ii4xFjIwDHnHC444oAaAhJRuVHTuM/WncYPGGOMbcHjnBoAeLf5GVVIyOgpCsMERUdNuAAdw6e2KAshTErnbg4HfPBoE0hqK7E5IG37qgmmFhOQ2dpHYk/p0oCwJ935AhI7ZIFA7BIqqRu4JOfrQKwse7I+VR3PNISBQBKzfwnueRmgYqqrhdyhjznv8ArQAHcoBAUkcAjt+P9aADZyCoVf72QetJgOw5UAADOCBt4+hNCCwEsV27ckHk/X3pjsIgGQM/IvByc4/rQAgLnGEO0dsY/HFIQ7LncGyM8dP5f5NAEgXC5PCgA8qe/v60AN3HzDtPOBwOo96AJCxYjYCDnGR1oGKVdOUwTjPNAXGTx/K24hssMALg/nmgBW27yFHy8kDbzkUAJGE6hienf9KBCEMdwyAAerEYFAx4G5sbiCD93bjgUBcQIUG7jaT0xz7n/wCt7UALuDOCudoJJJXoMfmKVguKyrIinDjacqV4P69qYwbAxlCcnkdTQIiHlBQcoQhAXJ/qOlAh+E8wgRqWPYtQMAygAEsvPXHf0NAgA2MAWyMZLA8CgBSu5iQCxxwM4/nQFhgjXdtjmyCMsTzz9aAHxxMUKtx82OM8CkOw50IzhgWxwDx/XNA7DHDhlLADA3ZJ6Y9ulMkXYMZ3OBxwGpDEwGJVuATnIOTz/IUWARhlhtQsFI68evrTAUrtCsjdeBgj+VAhAgAL5Vip+bP8+vFK47D0USDJZiOeDwfpRcLDFRuikHr8pUgj/IouFhQgChk69T0yT70XCwqoxbZleh4HQ0XAkdW8vOUwOuCf6UXGEYUFNqlV+8MgZI9hnikA4EhlGD1Ixg9Oep/KgBGII3BsYGPm6c/SgAVypO5AQMfLkD9PSgB3DsPMVgAMEGgBB8ozhiewY0ADAgkv8jZ6oeo+npzQA4LuJHJ9QT1/OgYHGxmTGB/CRk+/NAwQ4CrxnGRnjNADiyNgHDHIzg8DigAbaxCdQF5Hc9P0oAcBH8pJ6g4H0/z7UFWFVQTtxgnnB6/maVwsPKK4CuQ6dzyO1BVh+AE4HUcckd/fpSCwKiiQFVHXjGf89qB2H/KM4zkA9iaQWIlyYxhinG45PH40DHcbc5IyTyP5UBYefmOAyHnp3HtQA3YgbaDjvzk/X/PvQA5EJBDoMj7rAfyoADhtrHdlfYAfrQAqtlig6jgrjH+RQAqrtBBKqM9hj8KAGlf3ZBIAbt3OPQigAXlx85XGD83egABIU7yQeh4H50AOZTgcDOccLwKAFfJ28qD1xmgCORTnc8gVWwDxyfb6UANJ/utyDwCvQUAPYsibs4xye/4UAKrMeW+XAPBHNACphk5+oOOgoARAeokBbGBj/DNADQf3xVD9R2H4daAFVBsAIIC8fMKAEBVTjBQE4Ugdf880AACvuODle3p/9agB2Tu5XcuOTjOT6CgAyj89QQQcgigBIzlAJFOM5GCSMUADupXYGwc4OcjHvQAxGbeRk7F6HPB/+vxQA4biCNrLz0zmgBSC+35iADjIxj8RQAHbkqpblvTkUAKVDAFCzZGDg9KAGYITjLAdGzk//X+ntQApWQY2t0H8XPNACIm0lTjZ6qelAD+doIDjB4xigBu4MckE9SMZU4/r3oAecDkHceAT0+lAEboQNpBXcMcnj6UAKAMNhup+XkDvQArElgBtC9uOT/n+lACIw6FW3EHnHX3wOaAHht3AyeMZoATDMMFsN14x+dADg0nQnJHBIFAETlQSDtLHBIJxx6UAGXDBEjwo79xQA5CAXDDbj+KgBPlOclSB0GOlADt/OMbTjpjPNADQCSwZQe2M5J4FACEFU+clRnjHGP6CgBEYiMgg49ck5+negCVAMnnP0HSgCJipbP3V6neD+dABvJJDAgjHReD1x/KgBVI24YAH6j9aAMSWRUkx8u5hgkDmtzAcTyMHIPqaYhgchsYwvqvOfwoAcHwwIDNn/PFACknlzIu3OAe/50WGhHVA+QcyYyBQwsOjfcfugED86BDzIVJyr89896RSI8s3L527htGaQDh8yFVBJIwfb86BiKxiUA7umTnnPtTFYVt+AyqwLcAZ6igVhYXKjYUOOQfpikUh6k+X+8Yb8cY47UgHqmVIJUgHAz2xQBLtAT5So6/SkAxECYU5Y9Mn+VAAoVY852qx4yMc0wEC4RQW4B5wcZ+tACKqR5VTnB555oAPKIJDDcB2J6+/8qAGFFJdWG0ZAHHBp3Abswi7FH3sDrkUXFYk2ZcDqoHQ9/cUXCxF5TocL/CcYPHFO4WHP90hW6HqBwKEJkWDglXIGcHjr70xDXyuUOTz94dqAAxgR43k44BY9aAFVQzbS3uCx5FFwsI6gMX37vY44zxx+VAAQpYI74UZJHb/AD/hQA4qFYszfIF6+uOlAACCcjA5P1NAAUGWYEEE8Ecn8TQA6JlU4DDf3pAOBBO3GAeOvBosFxrEeW4Hz8/KCM80WAc74AKjOOoBxj3p2AasitlvlyfWiwXELsCyqB23fXtSsA0lyABnODnNMBUxtBC7uhVemKTAdtUlWBAOOuOT9KQBJDISd7deQuMmkmOwuwPgYKgck/561VxDCgHzFSCD17c0wB0AwdgBLcGgBEAG5QcjccDJ6e1ACblGPMGCBjcO4oAezKEEm3IHA/8Ar0AMMyrkAEDHI6DHtQA3zQMlFY5OTnqKQCSO21uchjg+wouK41i7KduCATuB71SAbG2U+YbQBg56n/GgQcZCkHGMAk8n6UWAChYjG7GMEdaLBYXYVwT8/ABP9KGFgAwynGNzY2gdRipAk8vA+9yOhx0zSATy9kwaTJOOD1H/AOuncAw0hDMSH9MYpjRMIwDuAAz19vpQMftXYSCpJGCowc0mABlEYK4IA5AoQEYKluMg55BJpgOjdNnI6DHPJ4pANcA4O0EemOaAFUHDR72yRkZAGBnv+tIBzADkElc84XiiwhTkrySHYYAHQUhCMGlIYBd3UDPSgY45ePJZVb+ID1pjGsoKFDJyTyD3oAYrHHy4IAyKoCPAyWjIHrzQA/5TtcgAk4GKAGEHYrcHB5PQ4oAVzlSBnG3cVBwTSEAwDyOT/dNMY2Uttw2NpPIFK4rjTkSHbkHpyBz9KLsQL5x5JAHueetFxkiRyF1C4wfvZHFADn6/Jg/XtRcYSRICG6kjnuDSuIiiiJyjRhcnPTHb0qgJIUyVwrEDHPfqam4EgVPM3KuAvXnpRcLitCWYH+FjkfN0NFwuMFsyvvzjjHsaYWHtDyHDjBbHU8cdKVxjXtyhDZwMcY9aLgIqliMAqCSCPw70XEAi+fbhuSe/FFwHLCoJPzEMTgHkDNFwHqm8KrHBGVAIzSuMBCDkNuYAHbk9D7UrgSLhcSEYbuMUAIWPlYRhleORgUARrJIcfKoAHYdaYrCSIEBVcDcM/j1oAeE2oXwSNp+uTRcBQGIZAOMcOetK4A4UBgVUbQM8cGmFxm35QQpCg5XnoaAE28sMN2B4FACNGjYUgemOw/z/AFoEKE2qxGQFORznP1ouMDtc5bKOe2T07UXENI2mTHAPc/rigBpjKEyD5lIzjrk0AOGzoiYweT7UANiZnO1yRzk8kigB4wy/xZPp09aABSRyoCqeAAeMkdaAAREkJnsSMtzRcY9gBHs4zjB44/Gi4AIVCgfKhHQr29qBCsrEgBicc4B4NJsYDcUIHCgYHODn0xTELsw3AJwvr19BQMQAMqgpgg8ZoELt2EnBBUZ6AfhQAxt+8yIMllB57E880AKhZmwVGe5AxQAMSI/YH0oAZGXPzF89QQemaAHKQpDsMFieD/KkAMRt6gBunPFMBEJ4X5MHH6UAOc7gCQck49MH/wDXigBi5JyWc4ORnigCRVIO0D3z/MUANK5OPlGSOV64oAWTLAjqCfu9KBiRqo3/AC4XOQe3tQIkWNskKwGc5IHegYRRsqgOqck8A5FK4WJNhGQTjPzDApDGKp3kKoJxyQPegAZAwBA3HkccflTCwKjK2wEgYwMnIWkASL90RttcdhzincVgVNpxtbOc4IHPTNFx2HOFaNhtPPYcfr+dAWEWKMDG3dtPAUfpSHYUou4qVUgnOAOo9KAsOiQIuCuxe4J4zQFgVTvZtpUYx1wMUCsI8e9y4PTjjr+dACOjFhgcEcYFADSxK8JkDjPQn/GgdhWWTeF3EDjGfX6fhQIb845cLwcHA6+n+fegBYydpww+8ABzxQBJzwFUFV6HHegdgjDMocjLHggjnNAJEyxMduMEdMdKLlcoMjEBQSDgjgUXDlEEYEo3Ox+Xkbs5/Ci4+UVIgWJ5AcZwTz70rhyixxZx94MQMsetFx8pLsPfaOPm/p/Wlcaihm0FshVPPy478ii47DsgcuflU8ikFiQhAxGM57djQMRgBngE5wc/TrQARjAzneWOSQOtAApIYZUruyeTQAhBUZGduOaAHEgSZ52tQAgB+hLdC3JGKAA53EqcADBJNADlcZ5VdoIA96ADGWwQSBxyOtACdVG9hzxx70ADBMrjBYH9KAGk4YkA5yMemOaAHFlcfK2M9CTkZoAFIJ5OfTv0oAYPUEudwBwCMUAOHlK21fvdSTk/56UAKXV+flAYenXFACSZBUbQcdwOlAB5i4PmnHOBnpzQAhbHOWIUcfT1oAfu+XC8BqAEAcjBwWPPI6f5NADAoDs+0HAIJH8VACk/J8456DPr6UAAZGBJwSeo/kKAGhCMsOp7Dt9P0oAkGFVVJAIGQaAAELl8YLdf8KAGK2ZAm4qw6j6D+VADpeSeRjGMt6/480AGwDbyxAPGeuaAA4DYwVXr8vT8aABsou9ipwc80AEhcOWUq2ByDQAA4+8V56nHf/JoASQBfmAXk9RxQAgbAO0Buyg9KAHHIZXJz/ex2/CgAZtu8le+RjvQAvBVf4j1BPb/ADmgBqepfj8qAGgKCAeDnOAeBigCWRsEAHHv1oAjBOVkIwx4xznFACoFZiXU/KP50AAcDDD5gSBwcAfQUADbiOFJ4+6xzQAMWfnHAxznFACuymMBz2ySeP5UAJGcDeBjPZhQAgJcAsMDJ4HNADSpJ3bVDHjNOwrjsqMcg46HHIPtRYLiZVnYBSc8nnAzRYLjWIPGDgEHGenviiwXHKMyN75B9DQFxsjqAzcrt6c8UWC4rHfGFAwDjkH/AAosFxc7hhsggZXPXjv/AJ9aBXFQg/NySAME0BcxWQM2On93mtzEahzIwIAAxj2oAcv+sZdgzjn1oAcEj2htoz2NACsqMOmSM4U0AIAmQ2GY9VPehspMMt5inaCpX8jSuBL5YKtgHnvQFh0SIvHBYnnNK47CoFx8mNp7Z7UgGsA2CEK4G4kdfpQAq7t+QPlI+U57f5NAC885OQB1xz9KQDozhc7QcdQTyKYDd6jMnPl8nB70AO81RwrYxxjFFgELZdQflzntwaAH7gPlB3YwD6DmgCIFSzKBk+ufT0pASSBgQoAKk857Gi4riZDN5RyQMDPpRcYBUTAJO4Anrk0AGAWyWJ3c4PGPpRYQf8tXYkBc/gaEMbCq7d5BUkUwGTKABhiMHpmmmSyIcuAcnnnHaqEMb5QHOAM8980AODbnAHGc5B7UABUNHtOFGSTxzQAxiQAAOF4x6igBBuDHIyDz6+lAEhyPmKgA46mgAJ5G4DYvt2oAUYyOi9lB9aAFwFBAYEk4b2oAcFGMMwDDHTo1K4CZUrlfvAdz096AGu2DlskHnIFMBGKrlX/vZyBx9KAEPcbcHOfcf5xQAEfKWz+BHGfWkBIFA2urZPT2oAeAixKevHA9KlgSSHKqScgnuO1IoY6gll6kEZFNBuRNuJ4AGRzVIkjfcz7P4T6mmA2QMp8sLx1O7tQAoO4DI5LHGPakxMV2UEAjsRn8RRcLkJwVO0Av2JPWgBcOASWXPenYQwsdgIbIzyR607CY8nBycc9aCSEINzYJAJ6DtTKRI3G3cuXAyoPc+9JlD1dkORgKRzSuA92+XIzgdcjg5pXAMqkaDKnIOD70WCwu7cCnKgY5x15p2Cwr7wQYwvXknv7UrBYX5SCSQWHTPX3pjEZcqMMCMdM9eaAHF8DZnDZ4x6UADYIzwMjGPSgBinc4f3zkmgBN6bkG456YH86AEUKHbJDNjp/n8KAFVzgEZwev+FADjvyPmbLcDHYUWAkVmIUkkDAyD1qRCjg4P0oGMVGBB2jJB5H6UwGGNg4JJOSdx6Z4oAXAOEC9ODn0piGn5l44I7DrigYioS20fdX/ACKAHbcudv157cDFACRcYBYMxPXpQKw8RiVODjgnK0XGOCEPuGeeuexoFYjcMp27ec/WlcY/yyu4k44B49PSgVhYGCuzAjbjgGgBjxYONzA+3rSGWd6IAqqOBjpUgNJ3MCWwQOvvTEDhd4VgfXjrQMUbdrAnd6gCgLDwvygMijJx9BUjSJDGDyU/i60ASugQ79vXgnHU+tFh2GMoKBiRtH3R3/zxQDREIuTIYxk8cn8qYg8rys7Fy2M/TikIeFfCq4z9f50DHhMnOMEcjnj3oGPbacDbuOe3agBsmz7gGNvPTrQA1xuI28hj19KYAqlXIbbuIzhRSFYaU+85ZdwxnI6D0oARSzYJHHofSgRFuDKNpbHGT6U7AD4Mm5guCMZ7UxMXkYII2AZxigQxA5cFVwT0A7D3oAcY8tuZtwPUg0AMb5V68gYb3oAREwoXYNzDB9qBjpELbULc/wCeKAuKEYxAHAKnHscUrgKsRJJGOeuPyouFhQFVRljg85x2ouAP5ZXbtP40AKVwcAEjjGP89aGAMV80FeCe7D6ikA0uQ3zYBB6epoGKhCNhieRnPqKdhXGiQBVGAxHIxRYY92QAnAJJyT3FFhXGAuMktxjr6UWAEI4kJDtigBdqnnJ9eeoosAHawDjv6elCBjFC4wOTnr0xTEKQvAb5uO4oAa2GJALFTRcY/ah4Q/N2xRcAwHLFsggY6dc+tK4WFCbULdMdj6UXHYUDClsnCjd+lFxWECkvufaSfTvxRcLClQVKhSSB24ouFhFjyWdvl5GDjr7UrjsAiyQp5Yg5464oCxJ5JaMxA5JHy7qAsL5Y4BIQDg0x2FCLuUKAB3HekFh5Q7wd+Pr1NAWGtGQW4Jx6d6AsHlqTyGUkcHpQFgGA+e465oAfsRPvA460ARnYv3l5PG78/wD61ACrgK2AzDFABkHAydxPIoGOIUSnCgn69KAGA5UowABPLevpQA9yeAUYjIHFACmIu/zKo57daB2Fij55IA+nNFwsNWNlzxhs/KScmi4WBo2A5BwDnPXPFFwsOKhsZTcuc9ORRcLCrHubcAeD909qQKI5F55yCDznvRcqw4rhjzjnv6UrgkKhBQkEnByBQVYftzhuSTwQKQxqKdxBC7gepFAWFwQ/mE8YPHrQAoODlsDPf3oAaATkklg3BFAComAoXAAOeTQA45Y/KRjt6UALt5OB0bNAAxDLjHX070AMdWcgAkDH3QehoAGdQp3cEHsM0AAy7blJHHp/OgBg2qhwW2g9TQBIzfPszk+uKAAkEhSdvQ0ANDABTuYc8UAB2Yw3OM8+9ADtpHoOPmHrQA1VX5sHvyP5YoAjbcXH+0CARQA4Ha4yeo4464oAVAHVecY54HWgB2SFJJzn8M0AIx4BJIXGcg96ABflcbSSDn6D3oAFIYBgNoT1HagBh+7j7xHGTQBKAoUgfcxkGgBoI2qowwzwSfT/AD+lACEAsBuPzZ47UAOyCAQOhxnNADY8gncOMDvxmgBCCPTn5sZ4A9qAFVskAZAwMigAdTxtOD0APSmIG+8HxllGMfXvSGKA2SVx1NAA5YrkYI9x3oAELFQNvUc5NADWcCIngc85oAcWB3DcRnp3FACIw27wDyfzoAROAVB6k9eo9v1oAcSoT5RxnjPrQBG4kaZQjjaACV6cU7CuN3DYDjeSc49qAJCrMMDv3x04oAROAGyMqOMf5+lACgqq8kK7DvRYLjNw3dPlHJHc0WC5IXygkwAT178UBcTAI3A9Mj/61ADjlVIHtnLUWC40nY23HyHJGO1FguJnIyMlexoAVypLBQeuWOe1ADcEsCrbQARg84NAB5jgDaARjnHagQI53qqrnuc8cZ60AOLFgBt5PH1FMBucrlF+UHBGOnNIBHcbSQwDHrmmAqkFmIJOKBXGKWO7BC+goFcARuBxgnIoC44k7lP3AOlFguMZmVAww3J6dMf5xRYLihiFwY927qR3p2C5mxHcjAqCemPQ1pciwuB5m8hTnIPPQUXHYcqEhiAc0XFYWIDkFAcdT+FFx2FVRno3Jx+dJsLCFdyhQc8dzg5pXHYUYRxtyD/F09+tADzv+YPgKQMZ6UAC7Q5ZyhBOFI/KgBCM7M8EcH3pWAUZ2hWU/N3zyaYClwzgKQFHBwP0oAZKyllCgnAJA/TP60WARdoy4HOc49RRYVw3YJGcY6c8gUwbAALw2SfXqKBXHJjymJUqQeretAJjPkAGSAeckHjmkUSIW8zJ7nPPOBQBKzKxyDtKnnPvSsKwk8m3GFB45PSiwyMyeuwhujA9qaFcQyAkrtO0d8e/SiwXGtMAQWGccn1HvTsK4CUMS8hUZ54Oc/Siw0xpZSwJzuXqCMcUWE2NMi7C4wy7v4e1UhDPOViQU+VcZ+XGTmiwXF80hj/Fz2osBG0m5AR98gEfTtQBJuUoCQMgdv5UARq5AOcNz8v0p2FcaSSUySy59eMUWC4u4uw28dc56UWC4ZTaOMleOD1pAOLgZUYDetAx4cjgkAnnOPT+VKwA0ipIMtGoPf1p2AXAySp3HPTtn2oAQFWQZHJ5+lACmPrhlIPPP+frQAEN8xwPbHcY/nQA4Ng4GSQMdOalgOIATkkFfakA8MGGeQwx1FJopaiyqSQYyvPcnOfahDIHQk5CnpjnFWiBkqEofl5xgDpTAjLNtDDkj145oAAzFhzwOCfQ0AHzBThTnOMevSlYVhGUEkyFAB04xTGN2bgwDfKncd6ZInylghGTjnjj60yWC4Kvg5Pb65oCwqFmxnAIODigdmJ3wvAXIzUsZI8e4bXIGTkbaQxWUsCOuD68GmFhDwQpKDOTjqO1Ax8YyoPTHr6UCHnBfDAAAfKM8/WgBrqckIRkknmi4AoUcoBv6+vNAxyhGwyjcx7HjGOp/WpuIeQrR4UduCD/ACouFxGQsQCqlc/Si4ERhAICozYOD3yP6U7jHJHtbB+U84BOc0XAeI9u1n6dcY9qLgKiKZMjI46470riuSYHmqME5Gc9qQhNqgkhPmxhiOhoGMZXOSy7RjBOcYp3AZJHK3GCBggep4oGO2EKpUgsR1xkCncBChRdwXdg8gDk0XAaE5bduY55GOhpXFceQAm05x6mlcLjlQk7hl/Uj1p3C4vl7lIHQHoV6mi4XHCNUB3nktkZpXC4iqcjOBx/EME0AKqptYEnaMfQe1K4x8cI2sBt5GBgZ5ouFhsaykYwMjrnvmgaRL5IJU5w4A4xn8P/AK9ILBsWOc7ifu5xii4WHJn5flPc8+9AChCH34yxGPQYoGLKhO0k8g9ewFAChX56rjsR0oAFXcCxYhcYHNADd/zbV+crxjNACHkkxhflIyCe/wDSgTIfncdMtyCVNAhWfY23JAOOc8fnQA8PtJCMHC9QKB3FjkOV5A4yMnmgLiiQlcBwGxn5uaAuAljUgE5GcDpjn0oGLlQxOCME+5oC6GSOPNK8A4xgDqT7fhQJsRwMHPORyQcUCI2KnblmBOQAT04600A2VlDsFHmDuR2+tAhZj+7we/cHtmgA2ZLEHtlcnn/PSmIayEKi5xn+LgUAK0ZJzuA45OOppDBAxXcdpI5pDFcscbiF7jI/zzTsK4inaGXOW4JyaLBcEAKZYsQepPFFguIGdVBzx1AA4osAxn+U7Wzz1zx70xCoSh4JPI4I6f5/pQAm8GXkEdD+H+cUAOkZTKCCu49vWgAeTC4LbjnaPegBxOAFAGRwT16UARSJhzt7ndnP1zQBIm50DKXOSQTjGKAsIw2qQDlV684oGSKOVwBtPTPpRcBxiKvuTPIyRSuFiOONSw+6Gyep59qLhYkORMqLkA53Z6dKQxVC5ZUGDjHXjNAANv3SoAxkHOaAH4O7PTIH0oAFYEk4B/SgBrccOxyfTmgAflML8317+1AwKsNoGCcDaQ3WgLDsYbc2Ch5Hrn2oGIAokwkbA9MkkUAOCsIiwJLYyoPagEKU3hSEG4DOKVyrDgm48DHP3hyBRcLC4ywJwTn5fUn/ACadxWGhSBlGXcCMii4WF2FpR3AHIB5oCw5U25O0n1x/hQFhrg7c5weuSOCKVwsIoPAz1BPXnNAWHqCVUBWJ6Y29Pei4WD5R8+M9umc0XHYHVBNnAzjnjrRcLCFdrdNo67T0/Oi4WJDuC4ALZPp0FAWGP5iruUjduGAeDjNFx2HKcEgtkk87f0FILC+Xlt27ocbs8kUDsJj5sq2Rux174oCw4A7MpgdMg9f89aBpCllLKoI47k9aQWHFVlUrjjHXNAxCVb5cn5Tjp3oAVlx91GOfw/z0oAXaRgjJ4J+tAAMkg4yB0NAAu0L0PB60AJyWJbdtz6UABB2nyyA38OR+dAAqusfUAjk56GgBQqqwYhs8c0ANG7ALK2FPGO4oAccRDjgHt6c0AMbOV2R55HQ9OtACgsGG772fTqKAGSEAkqCGXjg9fwoAVQScyEZ64z60AKWTG/OCeBg/pQADBcMRlQP1/r0oAUYH3Qeu4DHNAEW3gxhMgE7gc4oAkbl9uTkDJA9PegBpKn5jzxg8/wCfegB5YkgKQM8++P8AOKAEwF4zuJ5HcigBp3LJ8oyx4JIwAPagADYHO5VK8ZHQ/wCNAD1KqAvIJ6A0ANXLIdzdDyPYUADdiABuGTx/SgBJcnBOVDHoBg0ALxgBmJB7Y4NADsEDCjaemSOlACDcEYZQt6dMUAKqlUJJ+TGTmgBoUMCfuuvBOaAEVCqFgcHplqAHL0GWJ28nJGenSgA2ZxnnrwOeaADHzKvGB1J7+1AAwG35iB3z2oATJxuUttJ6dvrQAMjM5IGBtwDnAoAaSEIHDA8bc8+9AEjFQMsMAHAGBinYVyNJNpKNkAY7e1FguKhALBhlgMZx1osFxpLAq3Ge4JoAN+0tIE3cc4PNAribpVThEZgN30NOwrgJAo4JZiemehHakO4jyLIq/dGRzz05/wDrUCuI7guwZMqOOnQ0wuOj4UJgbj3JpDBg2OUyM5AHJ/GmJ3FDBV2sq7+4zz9cflSGKAhcA53EYxnjtTuMQKcKFypwST2pCBc8KpzwBzQFhHj3EMD37nH50wHYYoA2CT/EelIAAAyWIOOG4/rTAQ7Qd2Mk4GM9AaAFIVVLbckDqSRigBOqYI27/Q8UBYWNFIAxwM4BoAb8oLZ3DDZ4B9KBWGjBOcNnacnGf/10IQOrA525UdVznmmIjZ9pVAHBbjpmgCSNWROeSD/CKAGEOTuzwPU4/wD1UAVmXbzkMMZJzyTVgJhiNgDZA6nAYUADZKgjcMfeGO3+NIBy+VGgBznt8vI96AHLs2EEMcY46k46GgBqFWYvuKh8ZHoT/KgBST82zZxx15+pzQAr/KMZC8YwR0oSASRyPlA3ewp2Fchk3lvl+UnvjOP8+lArj8kkESNz0GRz/hTsFxJWwpQswPuP5dqVguIirjHCHgAgnnv/AEpiEU/Lhwck4HH/AOqhAAYYJ+YqwBwcH8qYAzckAEKQOKACJhtJ2EHIz34xx9KAFDMHO7aADx70ikPGRkfdJ45HWkMc5YEh13ccnPH5UgYxnbeFJBZjngZGPzoJbGuu0szYyehHWqERl+gU72LYxjn3/SmAu8sCuDg55BoAYXcpt4Vjz1zQAddrZOBjBJIyMfrQAhT5ju5A5Unt9KYiN3XICMAoIJOcd6YhoO4ED5sE8NgUgHHkBs7Gx2yc/hiiwDGGGAUByRlucH8qVgFycghQRnpn+fpVAG+MlSrFsdz2pAOO1YmCgMe4OAaYDiQVG4IMnof50mgGpICDjLN0z2//AFdaLAKxIHGMHGMdf89KOUZEQvzggjjkk85+lFgHO64+5kYwSDjNFhEiybmJyAQAMDjPtn/CiwyTnjjBBx82R+vrQA9IjuYhhkDOMcfXNSMcI2CllXfk8gsen0pXAkSNgwXaFXGCR3obGkP8hkRj8xAHOwY7/Wlcew1YphguDt68H8qLgxiRbztOSOpB6/jntRzCsOMHT5cEZJweB+lPmCwzyixRto2joBRcQhjHXY2/v64/PjtTuFhGjVmbBxx0JPH4UXCxF5DN8jJuwOCc8/h/9ei4DRFgDgKRztyBzTuKw8WrkkkM+O56/wAqLhYYYBnIYbAcDjv6ECi4WHNEscbYPU5Y9Pw+lFwsJHGfLx8xBOR6j260XAdtJ3MOijsOKLjBIznuc525H5/5xQA4AK2dmQFxkdvai4CJG+QNhK9cL+ecUrgPVVlXawHPapuK48DCbQVOBxhcZoAb8r7SCrEcHcCOaAuPSMCRjhUHTB4oEAVOxPByAQOTQA1o1LEFjtIOSeQM+lADmbc4BbbjgK3PegBGRQxwmec4zj/P/wBegBx2gn978o4ORyD+FAAc7gSwKg85z/kUAOR2YAN8hx8pJ5Pv0pFASCqkSD0OSWzTAXdvH7wJgcFSenTA/wD10gD5Ap7nPGB3/KgQ11CBiV4I6Bv06frTAQLtG5iWHTAzx+tAIHPIDAAddo7egxSAdvjMnl4OSOm3PFMAYBXDLkc42lc//qpXCwphG0lSSQOCScUhiyZ3hTJnkgqOw/xoHYQIwDLuLAH6YoAUggbwGQEcEAYB/wA5/KgCSJWHBJLDoQuM570DF8vCgp94DPTgigByFeE8wbuDkd//AK1Aw2lhnHGPQDH0PrQDHDaWXDN780CAsqv8+D2HagCLDlQSFVRyPVaAEJYq2QSDzgnJPfHNAhkRwwzjkZ24I/p9KAuPfYWWVvur7YAPqfWgLjt+6QA4B/h9/X6UCI8phkAkG4nkf40AMVVd2JZTgnAyCMUwGOGG0BQBuJ9AP8KLCuG8qSQVXnIA9Pf86LBcXOzHzZ9AB1P0oADhnCnhgPlxx+VMBqN5n3VJIPO7OPwzSsAbsTcnZ3bI5Ye9MQpIIJC43Dnb6enNKw7jvlYZ3FFHXPX8v/r0AHmKRkBvQ+38xQAuOcbevb04x0piBjwgRSwAwRjn0pDEDA/Jxnsp9c/zouFhcHbuVmKngBj/AJNMQ0FzHnapJ53AYH60rDuI3mcjDjnoB2/z9KYgTcVIbHOOMdMep9TmgBNo2Ljlj1Hf+dAxuHJyeR6AEc0ASSKpHyqZTnHBA/GgQyQJksQxLYG3bzx/SgACxFeRgdtwx+B9PxoAcM7lJQpg4+o9KAGyAOQIwxIOQSNv6d6AERmL5wRg45zn/P8AnNAx6HPDZAHQn0z6UCEUAnBUlGPX6etKwyXgKrMAAPU5zQFhdin7nBHXjt7UDFVmKBivJ6YbOT6dKQCblEmzJOzgjknp60AOYDAJO0kY65479uaADBbA3A45DD+ooAQRjaMszL/CM53UAJh2Y52rg5Xg4oHYcq7n2B0cdQM5+vHWgLDsqoUBy7MeBnk0BYco2DLgbgOAg/pQMI1VjuVQxHHXoaB2FRGK5Rw3b0Ax6UXCwibWUtlfvcg9Pz/KlcLCyYWPauCC2Cc9BRcdh2xOvGSemMY9KGAox5mNrd8Y6D1/WlYB6/O27+Edsc56GgAKj5tgQH1AxQOzDZuAB6jH1AoCwsYJQ5YsvpjPH9aY7Ec5CMo2EKeOBzmkFhVChVwWx2Xb0oCwHrnkHI7dD9aAFTuTnAPpjNADmycqFGM0AHGBkYwMc9qB2GsuAWX5h3LdSf8AP9KLhYduAHzbcjqCOfyoAVXJDDnrgYwSPrSGNZCrdBnPHHX/ACaABAc5Ubc8nvn/AAoAXncrOrdehwfxoAHdQwLA7j8oP9R/hQAsONzY5GcZwaAHEKGAEgQAcjigBAW6kfLznHP0oAUnCFj1x1xgigBjHKSZx+PQ0AO35xjI9VNABuPRT1PcdPyoAY5ZvlDZKsDhc0ABY+UCMc+3fP40AAkCuFUs20e/60AOZSZG3qvt82M/WgBQoGSuOcknOP0oAjIYYbAfHPynGPb9TQAsZfB3HndwT2FADvmyxQZ49qAEYDBDP83qOe1AAT8pIbknnnk+/H4UAOIf7w2gYHNADN20hAwPbLHr9KAEK7CpZcqAccdD6UAOxuc4LEDqT39h2oAUbFJ5CHuAOfxxQA0vgiPYHyc8EE4oADgtvyVGeuP89KADKkkFMll5OAc/Q0APjKsfMIOT27Ajg0ANH7wMWb5QfukdPfNADFbbHwBtPctnHP0/H8KAJjgbiSCRzjPHtQAwKzjDpu98j9cUAHAIK7F544xwKAHZWPjcWznHOfrQAbfnBHOeeR1/zmgA3AncOQAckNwP6UANk+RNzAFh6cZoAQlty4xz97r/AC70AORflzz6A45oAQuwVgwC45yGJ/PigB5bGCATkcDmgBm4qu7aT0GRyelAADtYrs+Y8nv/AProARlxkuN4xyOcD8KYgKBm3YGcADjn9aAESQ9RgnOGJGKAHkbgQ42jjv179qAIyU5Abbt429cn6UCY192/rhuxApiuNOeHdiRj0yTRYVxPl8zay4yeTjBz6ZFMQ5ZMsScEE5BweB9KQwfk5IyM4xjr/n/CgBxwTlTgEc8AYP1oGhq+Xt6fd6gAg/rSGO3IDjABUcDB6UwF3KwGV3Ajg5HH40rDuIzorqAVUk/e9aYrigoww6DDHn5ckmkFyJ2GPn+ZNx7AY9qLBcXeyBuu1ucHt7ZpiuKZEK/6vOTgg8EcZ/woC48kEIQGwOwbj/69AXBGIwmBIOw9KAuI7hSQMkHg8ZGfcf4UDuNDjB4YHoAGyOPTmgLh50bYZScp8vJHU0CuO8zGMpj078/QUDuR5LSKzgjJI4BHFIkdIcqRtJyOqk80AMcMGU5U7hkgDtVCF2sc+YQwbkDGcD24oAchIUYKgDsSaAM8Hh0AA79eDWliBwdeADt5ORmiwwLErkEqGH3lP+felYAMoC/MMtnjjqe1FguLv3YkIXcw65xj8KLBcZ5nmZ5IOeQehzRYLjshs7SeOPTHpTsFxHwME4BX06GmICxzkgbB1I65oAaZGCl1Y8ZJ3c0ALJ5SYUDG7nAFMBZM5wCRxnINICFdyn7w5wc+1ACsWKkALtB/Ejv9KAHqSTy5z6UAEeFGMc55z+lADpCCu1i2ex96TAVVVivGB06cg0hpiuRuGMEBcdfX1pFAxRgnbpnqePrQJjHOQ23OOgyOmKqxJGeSc7SF7kdf880wIw6KxwWXByM96AHA7x8x6dwKAuG4YOCEHTg9KdhXEOVBYZJI9e9FguRksnuzHnJ7YoAD8rbsg5OADTEIzeX8oAyTyM9KAHPgrnaWz0/xoAYGLNt4yFB9jzQAEH5lOc+gP60XAEJCgEE7uTg4NAApY5cZZR0GaAFBKpjC4zgUAJI2I8twMdKaBiAFsFgAcYC96BWY0rs2ltxX8+lK4xWVs5EYK9KLgPBVW+UAZHp15oAdlowMtlM5IPY+xpDJVmOM+ZxkDIP9akC1HIHPJVj1UZ/WoaLRajJbaARgDjvSsO9gAUDBGc/ex0/zxQAiBgCudxI/P0oAeE4w5JAHQcdulAWGFWc5Q7VPAPrQA0RJEAoP7scZA/CgASMEMrNgj1HT/PFAWE8lCh4PJGTn/H3oFYRUKrkbgBnI7U7gMkjVFO/oBxx1ouFhVWRBg4xnoO34UXAR1+ZQkTNjJ4HHNFwsKy8qUX5up47d6LisM8oOwO7BJ6L+tO4WEdghxnIIzjv70XBojVdrEbckH5R/9egQ5EO4nPHXcOMUXAkK7gDjA5HPelcOURYsnJztzzhiMUXCwoClCy4JJznoaLhYblpCcDAB7dc0wsBV5ByMlfft+dAWHmLlcZA7hTxQFhqxAso24AbAGcUBYRU/hwHweRjigLDpoS2wkjGOQfrxQFgSL5gDw2Tg/wCfw4pXHyodjghDkn0H60ByoZgE7mHB6fSgQIo++AFGe4x34phYUfMw2Hg9cnj6UBYdsOCpwMH04IpBYZGr9CBtDHnOfoaLhYAhdSZAM5+6eoFFwsOCcHdtIbpn0ouOwgQkYXHv9B/k0XFYURqMhVy45UE0gFUksBwShHGMH86B2JADtGwFsccAfrQMe0OGDKCCDg88UAPKKAfu5JzQOw1htUlflx3z696VwsG1l+6vHXIAw3tQxoc6EKeg7DHUCgAOGG75sk8A0CY1doLgH8Sc0xBu+cjJJHGe3NADX5Q7iAAO3FAmyEvtTaBuwME5zQIAGaPeCzY6AelACM7OP9n3x834UALGdwJ5K5xnOaAGqVCsAx+8cEegp2FcHlKud4BUDgd/xoARN4ClThXBPI/z7UwGzB8Koy2QccdPelYBy8/N0wMgnvTEN8gqo7kDJbApXGAUAhg6EcYz2ouFh4A5Y4OOOT1NFwInXYmAWOPQcDNMCQDaBguT+Z/Gi4Au0uUdMFeQBzS3ANqqpRflH1yaYgjQeWVz0Axn1oGEYYcb1A+nJNIBuSrcgDHYE8fX1ouFhy5KbzggenSmIUAnMhGM8HjrSuOwhUJlQcDrwOlFwsO8sDqCQxGQKLhYSWMHqCB3wOtFwEZNowAc4IJHP50XCwnysQTGAFOeg6f5FFwsDIpLqADvGcYouFhyIPm+6So9McUXAQctluxwvPT6ii4WEZGKFdoBBwHHGTSGKqErtYs69/rTuKw5VRUwobk4ORntRcdiRFIUKg+XHJ7ikOw7H7s9Sw44oCwvOFUqWH0oGkLsY5MfC+n8+KLjsJGjEknGV4wefrzQFhzIwzgKD3xRcLDcuVDBuMDt3ouFgCErl8YHWlcdhZIVyNu4YOeDgdKLhYc0cfmBuMhegNFwsHloquN5688ZxRcLC7gu4BeN2GPvQBI52kcFueg4xSGMUq2Yznd64pgKCudnZcDjr1oAUj7x4JPGTSHYaCqqMLgA4HHWgLCPGWb5j8o6fL60XHYljjBJLAgf+hUrhYQJl93RR1460DsIyhCBkqTx07UAKANvySehPPQ0ACcJtZlJ9duO9AA+9wQV2AdcmgBf3aAKCMjGTjt60CAYPXPzevrRcBMoR82flPQHOKBitkkkDgAHr1oAFdSD15/lQAjAOyqSceh/zzQAu1QPly7DpgnFAAJcISqgk54/GgAR8pnBPsRzQAO4+62MHv8A56UAClCzKfmbqRQAKBx90AAcnqeKADOWAXhV46dc0AIxYHaG3c9BwaAEZigALYUDsOv0oAVTg70OVPUkd6AGybNgKMc9Rjv9aYgQt0MZJ4PH0oAV84/dgjbzgd/rSGOyMhgoG0UAEYyhyWO3160AMC72ZyCmQMbjxQA4jC8ryOhI9fT/AD2oAUAD5ZMEN1HWgBuCv3WHbBoASXCopVFDDqCAaAHSMMnkbgOMUAJGwXEZI6E/WgBWVZE+YcHgHjIzQA4qAMAJgHAz0/CgBkeRnGNv+e1AC4QAq2MdRigBuCdrkDcp4+mKAHrtGSy4C8KT1oACFLY5GTnjvQAzKEMQCEx1PGOBQASFAFAxjtjrnjr+dADiNwByTnoD2oAV1LKwOWyOh4x7ZoAB5hXOB16N2FADFO7GWwSSwGc/zoAlGW4cgge1AEYXAJJ43g57mgB2GCjkdSTnvQAkmXXKggDkYPJoAAPu7icnninYVwlwiqdzEZx1NAXEl+YBlO049P60AMc4yuOOMlsUBccqKqlgMr1GTRYBVwcjcRkYyD+P9aBCZUBSex+UgUAK7M4Plna46d6AI0YttQkhx6nkYoAdlR1jyc5P19aAGn51Ic/Kw/D6fWgQix8qRtUqOmaaQhVLYIRsHvkfypiAgghyQSPUdqAGsNxIzkHjp+n50AIjdPMGW9+KABWJ+Xl+/LcCgAJyinnA4yDyPegA+Q9nyDzk5xQA6RWGedvHI7fpQA1W3I5CYOcKPU+9AB8kgZiwBA2k45FAAGPCDkEcEjmgBTjltgwCSB60AAcyRjkZIycr/KgBFMe4qVCkDhsdRQA4lUVgGxgdfQd6AGkkrmRff8KAI4isfOAFwMj3oAklHzBj8vrigAdwVAIHPr0NADAFHQ5XhWBoAcpZYxu2rgZHcUASN99mADNjlccigBgYHbGeH6jPagB2QOKLjsZK7ju3cHPJ7GtrmYn94sGwTwMUgJIycMoHAGBTASHCsQzZJ7kUAN+ZcED5vSgCRYix5b5j+GKQDkOF64IOCP60AB+4SR8g5I96AAL8gAK5PIGepoAWT7hyD9MUAMLBpMgEKATux70gFgYZLHKknnNMBrjJXAyOc5H1oAUKoZeCQSOccEe9IBzsFO/kEc8d6ADKk4DADvnmmAhYA5DjBGMGlYBGfcSrDd0P40WAUSDI3KME42+opWHcaZ9iMQc44Ap2ENyfM3ZI/l71VhXGvIMgN1J4HoKLBcYAWYZ+XnHWgQ3BwMHGeetMBFAdyT8vOcetACqQHG1shhk57UADZL4wOR1oAYGb3IPAwKAJMMUAJ98nvQAhBZVI+XGCT0yKABFYgsxOOo+lAD2G4FSMDbksP5UAIqtu44Xpu9qVxirG/wDE2P7vtSuAYcFkJXr+GKAsOCfNhnXGB1FF2A1UjMpO4g9MCi7AeEBG7oFPr270XYWAIEB+XnsN3ancLCmPKkFcHdnOaLhYRwp+QKWbrj1FFwsIsCfN1xxtX05pDJlUIN4bfxwBxzSAsQynarErux/DUNDuTxkD5SCRk9+tIoUsQ+7JC9xQAqJkYc5U8+4oGKw2j5Qw5HA9KVwsOIA+UjCj1ouFgIxyw6ngZouFhvlgtuB2juD0ouMd5a7MupGAc80XFYY+37Rgk4xgk0BYAn7sFT1PXFFwEwpyB0I4xTJYm4Ac5G7AJI9KAIcEZKEbj145xQA1YNzY4xjIJFO4yRoAc5UgkYPOATSuA9IREcn5gR0+nFADiMR5XBAPegLCBc5wp68+49qAGSquPL5AJwcUCJPKVGzztxg46ZoAY2FUheGxnGO3+TQAIxLqCrL6DH86AFfaWIIwo4Ge5oAUpkYCsMckA0BYUJuIJUY4xilcdhjD5gQRnOMDvmncLCxBQMFvlx68UXFYa0RKMcbtvAFFx2AQ7cKeRk8E0CsKIWIwSAxA28cD1oHYDF86qzHk4H0xRcLDkQBeV2lh370gsOWNhFk/M3f6+lAWEXLIC4A6hR3oCwiowTBxxwcDp/nimFgdcEMOSBjOMUCsNEYVW25JDAkCgdhQVJVWXK/eyBxQIcflwwUlSMcmgLDn2k7lHGPTrSKQ4L8hAGOwxSGL91goHU5zimIjXDAE855AHvTEOYsW7DHY/wCfpQIawVAHK8HjBoAGx/ePp+NAESsGflshaCRjE8DDLk8Z5z70ASE7UX+7z+NACbYipycg9B6UANVQqKCdjA59s0AJEQq7lU4Ynkc07isO2AygFgT1AHXFA7CH5gME+X3xSHYVypYsOcD7vrTuIbtUBc9QMEDtRcAwc45IB6ZxxSAeyYOQvRemOtAAkREZ3Hce4HY9qB2E4jGXycjnA4oCwuwbc5K570AMdQJSVH3ei+tMVgADDOFTbjBFAWI1TDNkEgNlf8/WgLEi7sJkAseeO1FwsL5YOcMmMYLZ5pDsJtHlgkfKvK444p3FYNv8ByQxP4GkMdEuCGPoefb0/SgLBsYA5xgdMUAGS7oOh68dhQIToQOgY5yKAAbSzKUGPfgH/JoHYcIeh5QDJwecf55oCwbQSNmAOp560BYcIo1KgnAJ6YoCwjgK6NgbMA5btmgqwpj3MCQOCCPTv/n8qBD41zxt25Oc596B2B1Vc/dHr7ilcLCpGduMk89emaLhYeNvqTtwcCgYICznPY8e1IdhMMwJOcdABQAhkAc5Hp19aAsKuMbtzNuwQPQUBYRwCxIJOT0oCwu7I2FCOCQc9aBiFCu1gFIJyQfSgLD9pzz0z1zQFhOQAWJx6igLB5ZYAEkHPJ7/AOelA7AVGxmLDrg+lFwsHljYF2benI+vWi4WFDbXGRx0x7UhjgVz93IB4NACswIZsjpgDPf/ADigBkbtgswHBxyaAHHg5woBIY/40ANO/cN54z09aAD5UfcUwo4yR3oAcXO7jnsM9c0ALhS25shunPpQAwgu5B6EYI9jTEPHKhjyfTHSkBG3dSep4wOtOwXHFsFdzAHr0osFxOGJLMSOvtRYLiqCVwSSQTnHeiwXI03JwuMZ5/liiwXHjAkwy5PYj/PvQA5z90q3OelADQF3/Ngg/wA80CFw2CWw3sB1oGMSIA7yCFB6E9BQwRMQuQxBXbSGNIVgTng+9ADUTAJ4PoQOtAA+M5XjPQ0AKR+6wcbSv5UAHBXgHgHvQAYYgjbgAdR60AG0bid27PGOmKAFGTgFuQASR60AEgG1QSSCefegBh4BPJI559KAHtsLZzyRg+2aAEUjJ3AAjrzQAFmOSARgcZ4oAaSqEnO0lgB/n8aAFO1ZiclRgH/9VACybSVOfp9aABS28hxyOnTmgBQTuKgBTjJ455oAahHmn5iOMgY6UAOZ8IWxn0Ud+lACEnAdT2wPrQAAnG3bu3Z5oAGMitjjBxwBQAi7d2PmyPf/AD6UAOHyjDAls5AFAAEG3YSxYcmgBQCVJPB6ADoaAGlgT0HI4oAAGXILE89MdKAEGMqcjjkYosIXeDwSF44pgJ/GD26Ek9aBBuywXqe3oP8APFAXGLwMmQjJ79KBXFDhuCwOeB9aYXE5BXOcDrzQFxiliyjbhF6c9vWgBXJLqG4I7UxCLujZsYGBuYZzmgBT85BHGecdKVguIxEbh3xk459aLCuNY5dioDDbg/WmK45clAcDJOSPSgLieYZMqIyCDjJ9etAxdwGRnGeBnt60AJIf3ilTuzgtzx9aAEbCnBYnccn2FADj3K8MR6fXFACK/UMVHB5FAC87gxA54xnv2xQAAlnBVshumOntQA2NTuYs/JJ2j0/zigBBv3nO3bz+fr+tAgP3wMHn/CgBTu5XJVm79qAE+dxtBG7A5oGAV+pPIJ3YHU0ABcr8xG0E5xQAoUPksu6PPQd80AOVRja/zsOKAGASBm3oBz94dT+FFyrC7dpyeQcAZ/rSuKxJsMaAZJyc880XCwiR/OZWXDY554ouPlFKNu+b+H8zRcOUFj8sqwBJY9z0pXGkP8s9B/Ccn1NK47DgcgMSAO9AWMhY8qHzwRxjpXQYCKspCEMApHzAjt65oAeqcglug4A9e1IBMsAN2S3OCR+poAWR12gnuPXFAEbt93a4Bxg896dgG7ldm4IPHJ6mgVwWXCuEJ2qCM9+adguMEhyWIYEUWAjjbdJ82cNjHOc+9FgJASXDEnPQgH9KLACrxsADDGRg896BAZSu3dtxnC5OO1AxEZ/mDH5SR2OKABpNkYZW38cc9R60AODhdo6epyaBCMxJDE45xyR60AHm9QVYE5HNAxSTkNkfMRz3zQAjK5cbFIyO/SkMVYZFjZmK59Ac4+pp3FYPKYgMTnj7uP5UXCwxUEiMQf8AeXuKAIo1xLksxbrtBA4+lMRI4ymdrFgeq8nNADgFz044Kn3oAaSucqDkDkjnAz0oAaCvJBGenPFAEjsm1mKhiB69KAFb/dB4796AFOMgBeq9OlIYxnCNjYST16kfWlcB4I37SQVPBx2pAKrHdtH3sYIxTGOAXZjax7ZIxQAkaru2uADzgH27/rQAoT96ZFIGR+P5UAKp3tnbuB4/GgAYMYcEqWGMDHBNAhx6gYwfunnjigYhby32BfmxxjH40rgKobzQQQWP+TQA5VwdpXAJ49qAFfAO4dcc8dfapAejqAwUEZOPQ0mVuWI8naFA2A7ueR0pASRswDEqQOuepNA0PBDKcEnJz6Uh3GKyk5Dsd3r/AEoGBzxuyrEdhnvSAXfuzhSd3oRxTAWQ7gfn4PAB7mgBmd+w4U884Gc0AKHAchMnHUY70gCNVPdS3fFUTYRxvAOQgHJ/X/61ILDXRQiuqr8g3E5/zmgdh0WcKW+c9M+hoAfzu3klR0wT0oARTlhjpk9880xAVJG5ick4HpSuOwjIwZmDccgjg496LhYaUc/MxIwMEkY/Gi4rEmAHySQCeMCi47CICVY/d9M9KLhYJkDADGCSBycg0AKECIDj6cUAMUlcdTk564yO1MB275zGyDoOBSsFwJjCli23Hr25osFwQeZ3Ugdv60hgSWYjbkHpjv8A4UADjEe7Kg8c+3agBVww3YwP9k/WgBVHyAE4AHTnJ+tAASd5wCV5OTzjigYqktt+bBx9RTAiKqAD29SeBSBj3wn8XP8Ad/vUCEkyEIBZcnPIpiGIWYZbaoXnk9v8+tMQh3jcWxn/AGeaBCHAQFsbgenWgY9SSA2SDn6/gaAuLJIwkC87OpoAG29WUBAeOf8ACgA+UISDgqMA8fTigGMdQflBwc4wRQIbMSOMcDp3HSgREc43Yzt67T3oEKFIUHaGY8sOwoAcVbeCckYG3Hf0zQOwbWKldpGRzx/KgVhNhCopLcDIGM0DsSrkhQM+uB3oAEUtGJBgdSoHcUDCNFBHBGBgFgQTQNIXGF2qCpznBHXOaAsJIpY7TtJ7EHoP8igVhskQLNznjkdgB1oCwRqNmQA249R/X0oCxKPlICgsOAGBzn60AEeU3LtPHJx1OaAAeWOS3BOBQAmwvyjZwc4xxmgBV2nG4qMAcZ5H1oBDdgKFSNw6g4z9aAGsqq2W4yDgetACxqvGFB4+7nBA7mgAYFR8owwGenagBVCONyKWJJCjHGM0AMZwJAFU5x8xB+tADowEbliSw4oAdnaNoboOhHUUAKxJUgEc9h2oAanPXBO0ZwaAEaMhmdtoOc/MaAFK8YDgFsle2OOf6UBYcQyoMYIx0xQOwoUYJBPpnHQ0BYQonKk5DdT1zSuOwrFUXBGeeQKAsAYEZVxnuRjA/wAKB2Glt33CoU8DrkmkFh4HybVccnvx+FA7DipLsVBDYoCw1skgbc/LwQe/+f6UAOjBGQCQB7du+KBixEuTlAoBz9frQAKACCw57ADpQFgKgktkjAwewIoCwoQYGGBx39B/nFFwsKuWT5lx16UhjGU7ARIuG7+tAC5UMvJ4GcD9KABd7sGxntnBH/6qAFAbcylRt56DGaAEDMU29W7gDkfWgBwPzDJwDxg0AI547MAOw5oAQMWRcMffP9fyNACKFC+bjB7DI9aAGru5A+91Y9e9ADmlVVZ9wI4xgZp2Fcd/rR8wyOPx4HpSGIAQx+Uk5yc9z7UADjBztJI7fzpiuNLAbivXHGR3pk3EQHYibmYg9Tn+VAxxUgllAJ9MYxSCwgU7izK2BjGKLjsL8zIPlDYOCAQKLhYCpEhLAcjHGaLhYaUHDEAZ+8QefrSGLEwKlSFPPBzww/DvQA7a4VsL2oARRujAGGA6cd+1ADsgso7HtzQAwYWMZKhc4xmgCSUq4CA5z79f85oAaVQNs6HGOtAApZU2tksMH60AOznpt29M0AIYwoKgYB9j0oABtwMbs+mKAHBuS2GOD6f5zQBEBukDjqOpoAdJtAIIII6Z/nQAimUbQc5PHNACtjIUDd/Cw9utADlIOACCDyQewoAb5YbquCRjntQAnDoSpCnPTqQKAHl9y4Q/N1II5/GgCMGM7n+UjPcnGaAHgKxO0kFTz70AIo+YDIyeo680AC4DIzZ3Y2gE80AIpLjuACT0wOv/AOugAOQ6kDcp6UAKVG/dvzjtjA96ABA4BXbnnKk8CgBquMgEjjjPvQFwAUNncOuSR6U7CuO3K7ZBJwfWiwXFVwcKe/RvaiwXGebghMFGYd+tFguClkGHIxnAA55oAX+InDEjuDwDQIHXqVOAe/vQA3GHJG0sBx2piCL5kJU8Z4OD/KgAIGDu5X2NBIwACX5lZTgDb149aRQ4kHoB1yDigQIp2AFSSD65/GqEMXcCMj8MUDAguCBtJH8Q9u1AhN5G04IfH3dvWgB2GcckZ/hzn/CgCNmCuTgEYzyeKAEbIAI5GOeeM/0NAhEzyw7Hdx9Oc0ASAKRvHCgZP0we3rQMdHGpkCgk4560DBF4VFVcfxdjilcVhrr1JX5j+OTRcLDwOqnnt7U7hYZGPlKbVyoOfxoBIVBgqMDnjBpXHYXYyOerJt4wOlFwsOOSOhOByMf1ouFhnllyuVK4zyD/AJ9aLhYeQN2GfgjAB70XHygVLjC555xjqKLhYdhwckDjqd2BQFhGj3nAI25zzwaQ7AQSwyBgHp/Wi4WFZVL5LANjIwcfnRcdh+1VbaF688Gi4WI15IZsge560h2HCLEhxuwOnpQA8LvTDKVXPGev1oAPmznblhwSDkGgAbcDnaFHGT3/ADoARj+9wGAJHrzQAOcIvLYLcn14NADsovy7Dx0460AYRk+YHeSMZOSK6bHNcA+ZDuX5Qo5xxj0xRYLgrs/PQA854z6cf1osFxpLP8pOV9v8aLBcYGbzNqMT3GT1oAaQxO4jBPAAOTQICGUHjGQMHJ/z60wHY+6ij5SMn3P1oAYylWbaDjHHf34oACfnUsnIP8QxgUAKS3Bxx3IHUepoAdtwRhSmc45OPw/WpKEET5Iw20jpj/PoKdxWBSxLgNtweSRzii4WHxpjIQE98f8A1zRcLD4EU4GeAMZ3fewP0ouFgjSNHKoFwVOMDn35/KkMkXbu2Ic46k9uKACXDAAIQx4JXPFADYyvQgcHgqev4UANEjA8AYJ5BzQA3fuPysVUdcnpTsK41hvYMW3HadpB/lQIQJ/Dnnuc9aYCgAuCOxwMZpNjE8sCdjk9c59/ai4WA7UCnICk4OOp9P60XCwYVhxGM9F9jRcLCFcMUOScYxgDii4WF3Mc7dzHtyM0XCwRqDkIJASc4ccUhkhVVVegGeMDr7UAOQsxO8rnOce340AG0eXlTuwOgHf2zQA4xkkAAsOpBOT+NK4ASHXI2YyffP8AUf8A66LgKiKHVhgZ4I/xobAVV+Qx4HJIx6n0pXFcNq4CszjnAx1+tFwuMZdjbimDyQ3Tii4XHxspUZ+/ngZ60xkgwcEgHB7DO2lcdghRvvP0z825f5YpBYcPvnB3AcHjP45pXuOwuU8ssTt7cNx+lAEgxtDqgLEgZJzn8KQIE2thSSTkk/UfyoDYkLMrYQZOQMnPP+fWgYo+/wDKSfU+3pQA1m5ZgegAHP6H/wDX3oAdwAA0annBpWHcHY5/d4Jzjkk4NACg4c4BGPvc8j6UARyLhlGTgd+v4UxEkgYyBs5UDjHPrSGNIUQjf/EccH8f6GiwXHx8clmHGAD0P4UDuNDRNvj3HC/L/nNAC7ixORggA/UY/wA96LCuB5Xe2M8Dj+vNFguK7HbkA5Hr6H/PaiwXI4W2SKBt3HliQaLBcVG2Yz8/PGz/ADxRYLgrHG1kKrkj5eP5+tMVxGBEbcAgYP3QD+lAXFQZGA2FOBnH+PTrQFxwwy7W3Ic5PqT+FAXGuHZQUJBXk5GKBDXcsNrALn1Gf5fjQFwLkxbsZHH4+/H07UBcd8kYJ52kYJD9KBinB2sxOf8AZGKVhiM3IBJGeh7E0AKjcbcqxz0ByPyzQMeGVRk5OAeg4FACMWbJVgCBkZx/ShCuLLu8wABh/ESefwosFxvO7JxjPT3/AK0AKCQCezE8Nk8egFAxN6FvLYMBjggEAd6QCYUA4+8PUE+340CEcFwAh6dScn9KdxWHqpDZGR6A80XAaU2EsrfOexHv/n9KLhYcyDPAXOePai4WFj242AKGC9P89qLjsIiEDa5Ynuc0XCwYAAUMNifKQe1MTRGMKCqADrx0Hbv+NAhW2BCUKLt5HH+fegBcg8qyqcY6c0AIXJXAyc5ySuCKACNeAUyRtHVu1AEgB27mAJ9zkCgZGdzYDMvXggfKR6UCHEqEKBVI7rnp+VAAXAA43HGAPw9aBhlnBUFwQfUnP+cGkMQBSxwCGBAbHOfbn8KYhYX+6rLhuoAHQUh2E3BWYBApHLHPANMREgb5QrHj1XHNArEu3JLIPmbAbHUUAJtlJKHABXAJPOaVx2FVdsmQvH0/wouFhoDYO5uvIJHOO2eaLjsPCZyBGnPdT19aLhYTG3gLt25xk4yf09f5UXFYAu75SpViMjDf1/Ki4WDaEXkspxnIx0ouFhQiqSck56Ak/wBadwsMKJl94Jbj8PTn9fxpXCxJGAev0JB7/wA6LjsR8GU4+V2GAX6fh60XFYd5aBujDHQGi47CrGFVtxJ75LHp2ouFhkaqyMS5c55Hp9MigEh+ArfdwSOh6j8vp7UhigARnbzxwBxQAsg38qzAE9jx+NAWGrGoBKsAQMf40wHFCvJGGzwBk5H+cUh2Gv5m1gPl4xljz1+tAxwIPysdzdBgDP0zQA4YKjJLDqc4NFwsKoG4Ls4XueuaLhYb0b93yD1BH9R0pDHSMTwPunjpnt1oASMAk/OPm4ODxQAIR9w/NlscDP50AKx+YKw2EHg+vH6UAISFQhRnAyD9f0oAEdmK4OGPt2oAWUhW4JUkdgM/WgBMbc5Xbg/p6+9AAvlk4XO4jdkng5oAAVQFOQw55/zzQARjIJcEMRzg8mgATc3JBzwDgcfWgBd6hQGYk/rTsK5GM5zhnXGOcj1/D8aBDoycbSOR2xxQAwKC7g4IBGduck0XGSMCqksoAHGMdR70XCwhywBWMqu3I+v0pDHKAwUbm+U9v8/5zQAioC2GYE5IBHUe1Ah6qFHHXPOBQMjJJYKu3GP4iSf/ANdMQ5Q/zZB3Ee2APWkMah2xqVwQTySCaADHzhiyggYPXnPpQA889Dx1znj8MUAJtIAyu7jBbvQAAASFCM5HboKAB93RVUqeDkZ//XQBGY35ycDdng9qAFYqF2jc2OcD19aAJCoIzGQCvB4A/CgBgILLgliTg8nHvx0oAWTcTlcqQcYA5P8AnmgBQ23jeM56lf50AJ824ZVgM8EnJ/rQAg3BivDdTyefwoAcQMg4B4AAHWgBTgnggg8Z7f8A66AEJ2EknBI7dzQAwM3I24IPQnBoAejF3HJxj5WDdfWgARgVILE4yAfU/nQAu4gFnT06cmgBGYDL/MScYGaAETLdUXLDOM8UAJlWfgZBJGcjNACttKFFHI9R9aAGsFB3kEHtjqTj0piuKS4LH5ivT/az+XSgGxqsSgEZ24/hHT+VArihm2ZBOB6mgLjgSBgMFX1Hb6Ciw7g3ygbU6DOTRYLgRkHcdh65Hb+dMVyPzQG+RscnOBnOOv05oEOyBGx3Hnk0CEXJbcSpGMA9+lAxdwDbWxjvigLixjbjhuB3Oef8+lAXI0O1c7XBc/n+VILjmZjgKPmB5zjI/nQFwcsrk5UDGBjuT3+tMB2QykAh39+KAGkgY2lQMcEr0HrQFhN2fvYcYI3L0z6fWkFgI+UENg+/YelMVhrAHhgSDwenc/Xii4WFkwRtJ4HQY6UDsJgq5JwTjpkkY9cGgLDthYZB5JGSB7UXCwzb8wL9R0Gent+lAWJfLZj5hA3gfL1H50BYjCS7VHUbcc9TRcLDxGFJKt97sF4x+H+NFxcosaFm3FeCCOnI9v50irCNCgA2oy8Fcii47CAKqnJ39zg44H0ouFhTCNhwfn9D0NFwsSFXxndz2YgcD0FILCmJZEwRyODxj/PagdhiquARGSM56DJNAAFUEbFx8wGMdqAJCMKGDZOOcDigCPAVv+WgGOoUcnPWgB+drEDLD0A6UAIPLG0IQu7OBjvQAzHB2/IT/eXn8qAFO5zuYFT3x/QUAGWClRjOOn4CgBCAFAPO0Z+8f50ASbATluvTPb6UAGP4mXocCgAUqhzzjGM4+79aAGnLYdtxZTxjpQA4ktlg46jHt7e9ACZwck89Tk4FACncJCQwCjjlcj8KAFZthI3Z4yABzigBPm2gqc5AzuJyKAI2MR8zJUqcbjnjPvQBz5UxqOhz3HGK6zmuOZTt2qDx29BQFxFBDdtvA96VwuObIYjggnqTx+FADVRt2SN4UdB296BDsh+CMj65oARUbcV5AA4Oen+f6UhjwNhIbJPYemaLhYf9nDD5S3Hvg/SkMDHHsbfycDrTuKw4x+SOAz/MeP8APWkMNrEK0Z2g8kE80ALnGUUFyDzk0AJtYtwBgcYNAA6Px/Ft5BJ5FADmChAu3dk4PGcUrgJsb7g98n+QzRcBixsV2ORnBG0Dnr1ouBKUIbHzFjjd2pgQqpURnZyQACe9AhxVtyjLYz90CgZGytt7DcT8ue1O4rDljGwhiCnqOgouFhqxqqeWMZ7HNFwsShATwcccrSGKIyFJJJ5z+FAB5ZVdobPPJ68UADRgHzV35OBg9DSuAKCuD1xwSO9MBQ2TuxxzgntQAjIVDFuAeC2c5oAbnajZ7DODzwaVwHkYzIFGV7eo9aLgOwAw3DjHBJpgNUqzDquOmB0qQJOXUxlfmHKtQA07uAFyexNACO5KlhkyAcDFFhWAiMSFzn5h360rBYcifMG4BJ6k9MUDSJV2rGpbBA5J9P8AOaGxkuxVddiAg5JOeRUjJFKgZHyrt5/2aBkbbGHOR/dGaAHiIhQeNx9DxQFhhyMptw3cgdKAHxDAZSuGx1FAhgJZmwX4POD96gB6YAGCegIA9KBiMQeAmDj075ouA8uN2CnXr6ZoC5HuBdVP3fzBHWgBGZASwbGQeMcUguO3Bjlj9SaYXAnDK24HcANw5oC4bAJS23afXtQIcoYgEhdp5bnNACKBk46+55xQFxHGSAjAZ6sT/ntQAMSrjZnkfKAAf/1UDE3HYVUYHIII+YmgByFvM2hcKBjGOnFABEvBzuORnJ+n86AHEEcsMA8k45pXHYZgtLhsFcZx/n/PNFxWHLFgltuMA/MTRcLC4V4zyQDxkj1p3CwrZDEHJ59OTSuFhpXazOwDHHQf5+lMVhcZU5ye+KB2HZUDnB46D19KVx2InUElhkt2HUA+9AIAAWIUkjpuPOcCgB2FYZDZYcf/AFj9KAFAJX7ygY6etFwEZt4O3o3GG6dOlAAV8w4x09Oc0XCw1Nwc78cHAHf86AHgO0DBhjkkDjpQMRlPGEBHZc8fjQIDyMhcjghfWmAnPlqzKQP4vbNIY5MjLZUs3QnvjjNAArHHONx756e1AhzZMeS42gZz/OgENAbcWyc+/PFAAAoYBAAc5x7UA2NlDEqX2n2HvTEOVSCWR+uR0FAgZWYBS2Aevv7UARthQwUDr029MCgB0hyG2k8nPrmgBFdC4YFgTnFAA5yNxAcKep6478UDFXO1lyOF+7igQo3Y2hMYAGOx4oAYxwQoQk5zgHGKBj/lYDf1x1xx3pMaAbs7QwyAeo7/AOTSGBRSxOMcAn3poY9WGAOAcYwD0PoRQwEb5Y1LEccZzSCw07jhQcerDuc0xD3Py/LjKnoDQBGqjzCwAyDgeo96QiRlyxJHU/WgYpA+VVTjHBFMBFGFBIY4zwTn8qAGfMzsGIGOPwNAD5APKI49znNIBuN6jJYbePfNNCY7oh3AhRxyetBSGrkJnkkHk/4/nSAcuSDgKGz8uTQFhoG5+hUY7cGgB0uQV28Ljrjr7UAKoRULADkZzjmgACnBC43beD0A9qBjBJz1+bOAP89KBDpR8uCwwAPrmgBGkG4DaQCBQFxVzvbCfKB8oxQMU4bG5QD3H+fwoAQdS5GccHNADiF2lSuMjrjvRYLgWjLnJG4cdOgFIYzHO9GVeM429ff/AD60APcuGPKlMYIPagBQ7A8kcdQBQAAnjcuSTu5P+cUANJjJCqTwTkemadhXAu+4KuW460WC4/t97aD37/SiwXEYhmyMZ/hzxRYLiLjZ98sQMZ756UARorBeuBjA9etAC7Q0pZhwF5buaBDtwBI3YUDnFAxm5w7kkfKMDjp70xEvUKzAcntzkUhittb+E5BxjODSGNkQMNqgKB196AHqQcL0A9aABCxiCkLwMdOKAIujKRIfm70AP/eYATHv6mgBBuKsMDIOCpOaAAsyuoAAwM8mgQ1Fbdl+pOc4zj2pgSE4GcE7h0FIYowinPy85oAYRnC89cgkD0oATaHymecc96AHAhOrFuw5oAaGjZtwO7A/rQA5gCyjAJznk0AI+N+eT2A7E+lACEBX6ZPXGcDNACsW80EqpXnrzigBU2gMGc5PGB29hQAqqqsu04A4AoAaWzkg7GweMUALIPu8cDgYNADFflmxgdsdD6UAKTleBmQDr+X+NAACiRgMAfcD/PpQAKAp3bSx7ZPNAriEjdyNzNz16CnYLgXRkKHg9gR1oAVdvU/Iu0DAHHftQAOyg4XPHOaAuG4LIobccgjJPb3oBsSI7lO/dhum70oEK2McDDc80BcTp9zHIPP+fxpiuNfb5ZVyVJ5OKAB22yDHBxgZ4zSEO+ZVBQn8fSmAZYuBxg9SKBjQduRnfg5GR+FIQEABVDZyfmBOc0AOQgkhj9FpgNXJ2uY92SQwPbmgB6AByRhQR9eaBjNybiCBnOSfpQIeDlzkbjgY470DGOoYBdxHPPHOaAFbcVB3K2OcAUBYQI6sPm4zkepoCw6VSykK3GOg7Uh2EKnac5yW444ouOw8huO+D2HAoCwwEb97A4PHI4x6Y+tIZIhOQNpP49DQBGpzIeCGz6fqaAJGUkg8lSORjtQA1duzBj2g9uvegBynCE/Xbjp1oAOQAWAwx+b69qAFKqchmPQ5APAoAUhQNsg49SetADAV2bVHy4GTnFAEh4JGDkjIzQA0KB8o49cetAAAc5Vh7qTnmgB2042kjPbA9qAGGR1k27evP+7QArnlhsQ98e/egBWDbCyKFYAYHp/9agA2grgLhSO3egBOPM55BHWgBVPzKB1IHegBMKf4cnOSD6+v6UAOkGPmA5AxigBrucjgkYxx0NADl4HI56n1oAbwArso555/hoAcWGNxxznAPc0ANU4UI3XrxQAo2Y5+ZT0PagBpjDbhkkDqPU+9AAFwd4B9AuaABWUkqFAyOD296AF5ZWVcZX1HegBCzBxGehGOP5+1AB0jyMD5sjFAA21nDEEspPXn8KAG5Ty2yDgHketAGAsjFMnGfTsa6jlAjDEcncM4HOKQD1faAT1Pb+dGoDBgMh2kgZAxQArMcdOe496YDVO3p90MQRjigB8TRudwHIP0pDHu+05MYOe+aLBcUN+72glj+uM0WC4+OQlctgEkbcc0hhuwCxxgDFADgOFLsCMcY460AOAY5bb8wHA9f88UrgPCsygkcMOMCk2NK44xtk5Yc89KXMOwjII3G5gCTzii49BqDDNhlYHBI9OKBMG2hgQ3LcD1pkkQRdykM2D2J6GmA4DDKF6L0wevFFwGbXyWZiDnOMc0wCRFIB5JB/OgBFXcXXcQD044oASME4649DQAqAKpJPzAYJHqOtAEh2hgxGXPoOooACNu1gQBj7v60rgIm3d85JZvfpQAiqqhT8yc8+lFwHOxDDdwrdu+aYA7lewbdwvH50AIWw0e7GDnIxSAeEU7UIb6Z4ouFheXQkEMOgwOlK47CKrmM45Pt1ouFhwVm5U7SOmfSlcLAcZcNkYxk44p3Boao4wg5H60XEI8YL5c5J9B29KB2HggxHAK5JxSBMbkKMtuXOFOeneiwInhlG3Dgdcgg5yKkZMoBVQSMn9R6UDuJGsRUoEGM49fwoGDH95gHKr1B45oAYzDaS4K87eTQJh5m1mLAAY49v8AGgkY0h37RgZ5yDTC4jSlpQuOOcg9zmgLitIRxyR3x2/zimK5D5rO+4529ue9AXHpnPIwDyeeBQFw3MZGT+Hsc+tKw7jk3r8rL19eQBSY0TMgHAPQD5iMdzRcdg3Auyo4Ynt/OgQrbCdwPQY68UAITj5mHzdeexoAcEzIWIG4D16CgEIgZcfKqkHHJ5oGBDO2cDjoO/vSuOw8jdlBnOep9KAFICYVRjjI/wAKAAkkEjHOe/akAzJLBQPl28464pjFjG5X5IUnjNAARkl+MDNADUwx3MML6GgBwHJcA5/ujt/nikArjgMF4zyMUCFJDnaVAJH3TQMbINqqCRtHBx0piEUjIx8oHTPXPvTAdGwydq8njHrSGMHP8QCjP59jSBjgCCMHaRwMdx6mgADBck4BAI4oAdwWxhSuQR6gd6YAw2lVDHnj8PSgBeQwOO2NtACOT93hcAUgI/m6McnOBz1p2FcR9285T5QMADuaLBccgYjHJBGSD1/CgW4BQykNzx6dKLjBmMZLjOD3AoQAiAnfyrZPXrTExHK5JGM5x06GgQbCfmyNuc8+tAAm5hhmJ6/WgBQ43c/xccdjQAPtGQznA/IUAMlkJVSoBAPFADQzBiZME56fWgQ478Hru7GgZIGbdtAPBwc80AIm7ZkDk9fUUAJkl9pXrjOe9A7jj0IQ49BSHcAxdiuQF9KLBcRc9wv1Axz60WFcVycKeCvGaBoQ8owIyc5x/UUkMVWB3LtHUHp3qgvcXLbshQAeuO9IBU2AlASMZ70AKGAfG4kkZP8A9akIQEbmO44Ufl/jQA4sGyqEZI446e9AyPCBjGQT3yfWgB2AjHd+fbFMLDQPvgAkbhwenSkFxd/zMxX5RwcUDBiT8yj5uDjIzigLikBsYXvwc0wuKGXnLbiOvHegLkbPv2gORk8gc/560CHxlcZVuQD+dAXI1KAg7SGUYx/nrQK46Q4YGTaoI9epoGISUbBz1P4Ciwrijc/BYDABA7d6B3FAwuSC2OuO9IdwRgDzgL0HNMVxI268scHoRSC4q4LHcMDJPFA7i72JAJA44zQFwyMFVx8p6/zoC4qDMuW7cfUUDFI2sW5I9B60AJySE9eTkUAKxKsFBUgjGO/+etMQhByDxz0z60hibyjgEhv60AGSq74wSD1oAVGUqSoP5c++KAAFSygA9e/pQIFY7lGAcigYPErMBxjOfSgAVeAcDOB8vT8KABF6DBGDxk5xQAqjHVQCeh9aAEXI++MgDJFACnJDEYBx29aAEdTtGxeV6CkMeGwPkOR3NACSMqRkkE54oAjXd5o3gEcj8KAHhd0YIGCVGSe9AAoYYAIK9QT3FMQkZ+c7iVAPAP8AOiwXAttcb/vNyB1oAEfcg3LjPB7iiwXEJzGThlA7d6ADDcFQMsBQAo3cv6HOBRYLiAlVGN3HYDofpQA0K44zkDoehxQIdvXeF3DkZH0oAQbyTlgE6DH1oAGOJBlQVY8cd6AEyCQEP5+tADh8pZ2bkZAFADeQVXKgnpQFxygMoOBwec9fx/SgAfiPBAOaAY0ErEwJwi988kUydRcjOFyXHOCMUAKwjwScYPfvSHcaqtgF3IAHA9aYXFDH7p5A7mgLgXQBc55PFAAGG7BDYxzk9KBCbRuA7KOPrQAoIJBJ564/z9aAEkXKAtkdyQcfjQMcyhwQ38Q9eTQFhDgyOAc7cHFAWHBQQPQcg0AN6ABDjtz3/wA5pBYUgA9SewHrmgdhI42LAueR0PrRcLD8EKSvBHC5ouOwgUMoyCAOvoKLhYe0YzuyF45I6GkFiMJhi/IYjoexoHYeiAA53cHn3oCwiFU2g8BuBxzQAhAblyAqnH4/5/nQA4YPy8qeST/WgAyVwBjb69sUAK5JUAE4YcZoAauSeWwCPTlfagBQzYJJ5PGPp/kUAP2nlhgigBn3WGFwMdaAAE7SvI+UDkUAJvJUfNtAJz70ABBMm7O0Duf1oAcoPmHPT9MUAO5ztODxx6UAMUJsO8bex+tAClNsYA59MnrxQAuBkfKCR09qAD+EnIAbnJ4NABIejgcenegBAfmbIPy55zQA4YCjjtnB60AGGbrjGeo9MUANBUlW3k9R170AKAGXI45/DNACbVIKk/dxu9KAEXIZznPQgAUAMywARi2Cw6fWgCQvtUscbexoAQBwrMFIcjn3NAB5hYnKDI9TnigBMgkEYwODn3oAcpAbnkjuT70AIVb7uQqHJ+lADi+07QQSB1Pc0AIQev3SfvH/AAoAaXUyAADcO/tQAsTOFbJXk8f/AF6AHKxUf3m+nJoAYCxUZwM+nGDQAm5dypjJPOcdx1p2FcUsc/dy306igDn2+YBMcA8ECuo5mLH/AKxty4YDj3oEkHIwSeecAnH4UhjcqwAcHOeeaAB8HBz3GMkfypDHGMK5IHDHJJbvRcLAEYodqscHJz0P0Pei4WHBWxlPm46g55ouFh2GfkAbs9R39PpRcLEkdsxcZPzDjpU3KSuTxQoOH3difY/SpbGPRYV2qRkfwkH/ABqdQDekcoAUk5wMcU7MLoJZGdiMqoA6E9KdhXIQ7Pk+YxD84Jx0p2Qhu04Dbj7YU4//AF0APKcZyQT3pgRheSzKBj7pPemApWTAUOpYDPSgBw2suM/KOAV46UrADEbTuYgdcnHIpgMRlcnaGwfU4+lACykkbGZVxyfUCgBDlXyBweuRgj60rgPfnKnBG3PPTNFwE2Zy5TaG755pNgOCPjBiLYxii4WHeUcghAM5yT0zSuOwpg3RnGcY6dR9aVx2HCHAwwJHQkgii4WHBFXCcdT26UXAQwruPGWx+FFwAjeQrBgD2IxSANpb7y7TjB4PP0oAcoBUuhHTsRwe9ABsTg7AeM8fhQAbCcgDqNxB7UBYUqThQDuzgkcfjRcBkcSBwTnAALMW4pgL5CluikAZHfHNFwsK0e4DaRy38R68f/qouA3YGc4GSOxyAPzpATYw3I+7jOOnH9aAEVcursGHtnOPyoGOKP8AeCkbSdoz1+tAEbp+7bzHHADHP8NAMiJRmITPI4Pb3polkabCMHH5c/lTEKsgwQxYBs4J4HtQ0Az5sCPcQC3Jx9496BDpFCqzZ6HnHAA/yaLAKq9fmzvXAwMfl70ANBZ3U7doUZ5GaLAPMhEfDsSMdD1NFhjiwBYlzk8EcYzxSYxylgGYHDbeAP8APWkAqSMQSoJI4GRg5/KgAdmcEvlVU9f50DJGk2gkH5yARlfz+tAAGBxh9xYnHTGaB3HA/vA2OQDwo4/GlYdwJ35YlQgHTp/kUWFccGIbg5/4DTC4nB3ZPAOOeAPagLjsqgxtAIIUe9IaYijMhbnoOTQMUMyplV3EDknjNADUJZF2DBzg5P50AN3ASHaz8k/Lj9aBMcpLEjY5B5zimK4mW34JyT0wf/rUBcc/JMY6KOgI4NJBcYANrM4QHPPoMUBcUvuYHblRjHHfHaiwXGjBGXIXt1phccMMOHU5GF49PegLiHBQAttKdcnP5+9ADhw7YPzfjx2/pSY0IUyNpkBYdATnFAxUOWwRgY4NACg4dSxbA75/nQAhVQqrySoGcDJouKwbFI24+UHIx1/zzTFYbyjb36Hgc5xQCAuckuSu0Hbj/PNKw7iQk7TtweB1PX60xNjwd5ZcYwMcAmgQHAYhgxHUH0+lADHUEqdo2+hGM5HNACqQ7jbhwOmOgPvQFhXAz8pYA8nHpQBGjEllQEEDPIwPp9KAEUsxIZPmAAGMj/8AUaAHAHfhtvXuP889aVh3AHlmGcHr6imIXLDLDOBzjHJ/woAXIGCRjfyQw6fWgBqsrPkrnP8AtdT/AIUAPGMgMnPb39uaAElAaPKghgRgE/55oGJhipLNtGOD0/OgQrbimFwQB83agaYsTEhzGCqr06daQ7iruON42++eppALnDqnfOefWmA1SDEQTkA5A7/nQF7Au7AZlZm24P60WC4wDOHyck/Nk9PwosK45NxKHHy4wQD0FMLjflUHewwDyQ3X60Bccmdo3MxVieD1osFxWbI25cbfUdfx9KBXEGXbI/IjrQFxNo8zf5mABnAx296AuIqsIlk3gHBPNAXJG35yMYGcelAXEQFXyAfm9uMUBcBtBXnALZ+b1oGMUnLbt3J69x+lACiMuoaR9r45I7UAOcAHO4tkYIByeKABmKZ3EbSeB6D1pDQRkliB1AIx/WgYIA53MowOzY/GgQ6TZ95c/KPypDEVSUDKFycHBPY0wsOwX6YGDgkigaDaxkHyZyeuOn40gAMHGcgMDzgZoARd+1tq5U9OMZ96BjhuGzdtXk8CgAOCvyEbt304FACNjaeWJBwcLmgBV5JKsw44GM0xDlBXGXwD1zSGR55VcHKnP3TQBIFAYvjOT1PJoARQCyk8EcYzQBGPmVotx4PJUdKAFD7ZWYHrg8/40AKwBJbLKD27mgCTjIXknb1PXFADMK3LjaO2Sf1oAaOAWAY7evHLfTmgBxJ2BirYAHf9aABzhS5IOT07UWC4haTdkKQMgtk9BQAAbW4GQx+Ygk9aABAuFCnPygj0/SgQMCw6FSnHBpgDnchKgg4AUnn9KQxCSGUZLNj7pGaAHDIfbjbg8UCFG4BGODkc88ZoAQZG5tp3DsP6UAB3rjcT3yKAuNTdu+UZAOMZ5PvQK4MisVyxVwPXtTHcU5GDgZKgFs5/CgBY9wkKnnCjntQAMC2c5KntSC4gXDKxG3HGBzTC4xtmcHp1GTgDFAD9oDg88dD1znNIAwTldyspP0I+tMLhuCtknGcAc/maQCyLgEEqQemaYCFeGy2F+6cnng9aQWFWML1wVGAMjoKAsJ5fmfMxA25II7fjQAKiodo4VRu+tFx2HqMLjAUYyAeoouFhqqUwoLMWJJJHFFxWERRxGcAg84OeP/r0XHYGGMuo6nC47ntmi4WHNzGMbTnjgZA+tILDcAAsGXnvt4FAx+z5QQV98GgBQFclg2F4/P8AzigA2bXG3HLd+O1ACY24O1VHJ5PtQApcEE7SRn86AFIDNkEE+h5oARuwZO2Mjt/nFACsihcAnJwcE46UAICwUH1zuCjOKAEGSEBwd3Xaf60ALyCFVQPTPWgB21QuAAM9j2oAFB43nGPegBpXdjcox2OeaAFLbmDKAcjg9aAGjPmAEBWHX/Hr7GgBxxy2CU75U5zQAhDkD5myc42jHGKAHYQgrxn60ANbqQfXue/tQAEBRjcec84yetADiMqSQzDI9KAEXG3DjKnn5QSKAHKDjAcNzk/SgBDgOdrDLHHBoAaMnauSM+3AOaAB1+bBYr9PrQA7IZOUJ56cc0AI+4qDjbnnOOR+FAASFQZBJPQkYx6/SgADAgSE9vvDke/8qAGlmZBtBcevTNAD8AgbRxnpjH40ANklCts6/TtQA7KuCy4Gf1oAQMpBXI+U4OO1AETMZFxyCTwc4GM0APDgsUC/d54OKLCuId21iM4PQE/yp2C43AKbcqSF6jqP89KLBcXJUA44J4x1HpmkMQn95wVbs35U7CuL5u4AgdRj8faiwXEh+7hwM9BkcmiwXAFmUAZG044G3nHfP1osFxwOCS/8XHIzQA1pMsysVC/XBoEN8xyXRSR0K5/l60Bccx+Y7nCOexPWgLjVI2jkc/LjPNAXHZxhVL47fKaYXMRpEKoCBnHbv710HOOiQuhBXOP4iOlIYLG7KC2PlOATx+dFwHkbV2mMbzwew5pDFVJc/KQOcgZ/yaAHRx4xtYbunJ5FK4WG4dWxuJxyB+PJx6fWi4Cx70cqzEBiSGPGf8KLgGAJGOxyeAOefqKQEycHcQM/3s80gYgc+bhWJQ9ck8f4UBcSWXOV25xjIPeqsBEXUHByuM44Ax9MfWnYAyvlYkOdx4BPLCkBIeobqM525zzQAu1ixDAbTzj19sUrjsBViVwNoA5ANFxWEK71Kkbc8f3vr+lFx2HwgMAVLFRgAdQaVwsK8ZYr8vyKeR/kUXHoI8eZAMEgdGCg8fhyKVwCRUP3SME5xtxnoKLhoOkUCJUB2jP8I6nrTuFkEaYygfJAzx/jRcLIGjUHbuAXJ68Dr7UrhYcgiBAQfMfvfL6duKBgSVYqGyDnj06cUgETYFJVFZwPuDsfoelAhw2ldgIwOeOBTsMTcSqlHA/vY5BP+FFgHlhgMmzHQkDP60gE2tjG0gKSSwP+IoAdGD13Arn7hHegQbWd8Mo45yeec9KADywp2sTIc4A2gYFACsjIjYA5IxgdKBjhlVPJJB65xu6UAMTPUYC53egH+NAEko7kAc5HagVhojCRldgCdcGgYKdqj5yQ3K47dfxoFYCASN+H+q8gUANKqZMksMc88DjrQFh5ADAr8w6Duc/zoGAVcsSOp788+uKAEDbYiTkAHOc4yfzoC1xvEm7gEHrk5oCxG6u6MoTLAZ+bvTuSNEDAsQobIxjPT9KLhYd9nDDHbvnHWi4WCKD925dsN/F3GKLhYRoVRVUkgZ43cg0XFYUwEFWfKNnouMH68UXHYcsPz5IDZOfvdPpRcLDjECd/C45AB5Pv70hjHCyD5n2o3y4Yfjn9KBIfsAJJO/n69u9AxZApdHIPHTkj9KAFCgElhyDkHcaAFUllyWAB6KPwoAaqfKVbCrn5eBkc+1ADzu4CljnpzigLANoywbj35J96AG5VlVQ4w3I+Xt6UACjEhy7fi2V69qAHFgqkxo3fvgfl3pDuCZJAkIYn8Pxphcb+7ZEyEOOyjH6UAG9WADKVOOfTqR6e1ArjSmX6BB2ycZ9qADeA3zA5LYB9fwoAVyMuMI2DyCOf1oAcECNhSGI4A/uigAyHIxk9emTz9fT2oAUfdAwQF9D16UAKMq+eqnk9c0DQwthfMcbADz7/AJUALCSxMmACeg5OKAEQE5+cAnJwMgflSGOPLALllIGenbNFguJnAc72BPADHof5UWC43e4bAJGB1B4PqelFguG85YqNoGePX3piuSRuWIA+deu7+lAXEJCnblAu7kev+FAXGBmCYduCeCR/T1oExXU7/nABf5cZzmgBCOSAuCORznuf/r0AEYBHABPQ564/woCwAFM8Dn07UAK21irscBSCAp4NABhlkLA7genB4496AEkLZGQWC9TjkH2oAcOX3PjBXoen/wBf/wCvQAP95dg+Ukbs9qABXRzlPmwc8HvQArNhc7kIz6ZoARuGOW3c4xnnmgA2oEK7XX1APagAXBILHPbgYoANuWK5wvRfegBF3bfLYsSP4vX/AAoAUJhjkE5A47fz60DFV+G6hQR2/wDrUBcTb8yleg4Ug84/GgBSSWyGG04wAOvrQA0sdu7Zx0LdD70CANg/fyhxjgCgBUXMoIKrszwP8aAG7XOTsPQkg4H8qAF3Llg+4nuDzQAbvlDMxGeQuMe1AAGG5VAxznI6GgLCnnOwqAegAzz6mgLCEZfLv074GKB2CEsfvDt24/Ci4WFwo67SMevAP9KLhYYiFtpQZUHkZ4x/nNFx2JfLJkII3ZPBOeKVwGiHaSoLnjjJ6D0pDH8qeGwx7dMZ/CgBu0FiNgIBxk8n9aYJD9nPA9845/zzSGCKMYVWIx1J6igBHRpHIXop79vSgBFVgAOAB3JwTTAcqM4DSAE5PXmkAwtvGAFIJ7dPrz/SgCTaWyfu8de38+aBiYIOQEYNngDvTAMocZz169elIADbHJYAL+OP8B0oAAyGQbEGD0YcUAK21G3hsdgMcZ+lADm+UbduB0GOlAEa/ImDHhQee+fyoAe3fg8/d7dvbtQA3cSQfmzjIU+vpQA4lfvBWyOfr+VADckgAbxt5OTn8KAH5LDDKChHOT1/SgCNMheCffPGOeBQAsgz1Zg3+y3P8qAFZgT8xDYOcD/PNADju2kHDL9KAI0YB8oeepHX8f0piuBZ2fGVJA6DP8qQXEDBCxXsc5z375phcEQ7wCRKAeCeo/z7UBcMqHK5JbpjPSgQiKwBLlAwcEHPt06c0DuLIScAbTyRgDFArjWVslc+nO4/lSGOxhsZyByD+HpTEKuWYYDbducf40DG/KZcnAK8H07dP8+tIA3sCwVMjPQ4/KmJgEUc7snPUchaAsLGgZ2ZX2qSfl96B2DACfMxU7uh4z+lILAqqAxOVXpgjkfSgLDgFGMoTjk9/wCVFx2GhWJxwuG/h/wouFh+wEKoxwc89/8AGkMAign5mPPI6jP+fWncVhG8vcD820DnHT8aQxwRSR8qB88HH8vegABHlnKKQD09TQAqqdxJJHvjqaAHSEouc9T/AHc4oATgHCjoOTjmgAwhOAud3QZ4/LpQAmT9wgEHgjGPxoAM7GULISMdDigBU38MG4JyT7UAJ96TGS5zkH0xQAITsHXHdQo/zigBThjlT8/1xQAoYl2CrggDnHWgBgEgXOTn0GTj1/8A1UAEiFwVZRg9MdcUALt2uMAcZ49z6UACKc4ZQD79aAABgRliw6kjHH6c0AC7zkLwrZI+XGKAEXzGc5IC4+XHPNAB90KThQBzls5/xoAdySCcDK9Af6e1ACKmNxODnknnmgBCHKAqpUADCigBCA+BJGpIPO4cY9qAFZtpAIXkjuc0ABAL8r3+8TnI/wAmgBQ0YJY4XAx0/wA/5zQAsZwSCrL0wAeP/wBVACbDk9cdumKAHdeWLHbwQD1+ooAREULwpUg565oAa0gDjL8P2ycg0AOV1wDjcM4Bz/jQA3cNiklju9ODQAqNlipyRuPfNACNtJ3MNwBHXJwf5UAKWjWRSOODgdvWgBSWJwjBT6Y4xQAjO3zEKFUdeev5igBEPJkduAxIGSaAByHZlV1JxyCKAG5BJV+Dj049MZ65p2FccsiqvzHOMDJU0WC4hkO0A/Lx83PP/wBeiwXGKU3bSxAxheePQUguKCUyAMgHruxk0xXERdoOX+U9scfn3oC4svByCcAZximFw5EZyV+pXHFAriJlsMvBHAyOSPX+dAxSeSwPIGCAaQDNhIfzG4bjGO34UCFVTvWQt8yjADCmFwYZYByCjE4B5/yaABUCsQPmB6EseAP/ANdAXFeIgYUDkcH/APVQFyP5jtd2cYByc5yO446UguP+bAw42g9lwB7YpgIQGk+cd/lXGeKAFGEUjaGA9fSgBNyKRkAgDnn+VA7GYsUqgfdBxzxxmtrmFhWjbeVABU8k+hFO4WB0PyjcCCecDrSuMVIxyBHsDcdePrSuARgK3zHG3tigB6cMCPugck9z7UDYu8qxyfvcjI6fjRYQwks2CDlBzjvnn+lA9BUd/MZgNowM7u1AhQWCffHJ5pAKrB2JOAT92gBCF6YzkcfSncBzIrBVAyc9PwpXKSHoE8sZZRtGenpSuGgnl7wSAuF6ZouOwqxYcFlPXru6cUrgOjUhyCPl9vrQA4hwQAAc5Ay1ILCKCPuqeTzn09qACSI7jh2O3tmgBVwuAyY4HT9aABBGo3gnaMgjH86AAqGOxcD+Lj+lAAmSGwpz6dD+NACNEBEwOGyDjAHH1oAeiYVdhA6ZI5zxQAowxYLww4zjqKABVyd4Gfl45oAZlDklMncM4NADmTL5OExyCKAFzheRgAnn1oAVj8wbcQO49sUANJKgkbcHvjk0CF+Ukcb3PpwKAsChhsByFxjOetAxfKwvB29flHagBEDNhRux0PJxQAFmWRVXKjnigBQF3kDI289M/hQAEo3OB5Z5ww70AAASRVAZhyQevWi47BKMkuufl5OOpouKwFlKlmO0nA3UrjsLHwDgE44x796AFBck7gQSOcHgUwGlWYbsDcBgZPUUgFVyshGCR39KAGgDJVQ2MAfSgBVDNycn+96UxCsXLkjJAOCO3TrSGIwPDIOD14pkhIFwANqn1A/pQA058s8gZHJagBY+ccAZ644oAUKE5Ixzzz1+tACbQxYYwgw2aAHIqhyqMxPB9M0ARbivlttALe3IPrQAisW3Zb5gcqexGaAHgk4UceuD0/zmgVxWJJK4GR6Z/wA+tAXFJAYrjhvumgYxnKuDuyM4Iz+tAgYxE7eAVbjHvQFwZkDEBTgd+v6UDBHwpAwnOc+h+lAAhKygGMgYwM9qAFdCWU8HacAkenWgBWO7kKf6CgBGUlyEc46k+tADmV24BUAZyDzkUACcsSdo28DvQAoCjlPXkdqAAsvCrgqeT/8AqoAAoJZ1JDZwPm46UAEYVzkNxjt0HrQMQvliCQF6gE/zNACqSF3ElgfSgBrE/wAHGff2H/1qAuO2nap3fNwM+g70AO/gBbj8eaBWIwqAA7eT+g9KLjsK53LhgT16dqLhYOTDuHyOQQffrQKwLn8eN3FAWFG0vnO1iP8APNACBnAHKsSeSe9ADyzc7SPYmgEBBD+YSMBcY9TQMb5hH8IJPU44FArCfPsBTJ98cmgYqE43cFW6Y7e9AhCWy6k8Z5/If/XoAeM8kemR6H/PFADSobYWQ54Ix2NADsHfwQNvfHJFADCMIw3r948HkDmgBd28FcYb69aAFTjG7d0zn0FAWI2Zd277/Hzcde1AWHPvC7xjjoetADgFK7SoIHGfei47CbzgEgjnBwM5ouMTawBCbiy/lzQIeq5JIb2/+vSGIYyYyGY/NyBQFhskeSWC5I6H1ouKwqBW2gpwuec9KLhYYC4G3qRnn1H1pisPVCSjDIx2HSgAIwp3McZyAO3tRcdhWQZeQDJ45HekMTgvtB2nt/jSAcV3KMMNw7HpQA4IqoRg5DZwWoKEVNrO2D83OB2NADUzwCFLdenQ0AwOSwBJBB6jqfb9TQFhWI3dyQPrQFhrJ8wcMQegxz+VAD2X5xtU9Py/D1oAXa2UJ/h7EUXHYVSfvcsSeMjBHagBG+XliRg5+tMQBwsrAHnvxSGM2gAAkDOSRjk+9AEpYKRgqeOSev8AnrQAmQDwMn3oCwMoXaTvAFIYcZYB8Dp0piBRlfv7sjvQAj5AC4yM0CBmBXpk54A5xQMaCXywKjI/EehoAUE4Cn5nyRQIGAHzEAOe2elAwIwAx6Kc4/CmIBsIZThmI79z6UhiKFI2ly2RyM5/yaBEjjIyBtJGTQMjXH3RltvSgQo2kZyRzQMFLsSeCB0oEIkmTkc54GaYXFKnPKkHocfxZpANOACBHkr2HNMQoOQwZlHHHfGKQWFXO0qRz3yaAsKWAJYKQR2xQFhjIc5JBP8ACMdKB2HFG4LN8xHTPWi47Aqt9wj5e9FwsOZcp1ByfSi4WAsCcAHPYkcCgLCYw21Xxz3GeaQWD5WGSep5HXHvRcdh5wAMcqxwfxoAQqgBG0EYwOOlAAwwVw2CemBQApUOMAgYbn60AO2kJ2Vie3rQAjAFsBcnHNACFVb58nCjOKAFD4ILtz6AewoANvVMfL69yaAEYAE/LkY47fWgBF67snA7cdMUAKpAUKzbj1+agBVwDuYtuI5PYUAIQSoLtjaeo7+1AAm1GOAMH35oAXbtjUHJI9O9ADsq+GGckcfSgBgjAYMSSR8oyeKAAr5Z3HoOKAByA5YEg+4oAWPO0NkjPagBIgxjG5uucHvQAKByqk4HOSeaABsmQAcIfzzQA4j5xk4fPSgAGQSBGdoHrQBGNoBJHsBjrz1oABneEwTxnOOOOKAHEEtwRx1BFACDIYkkZ749KAByDkcHaQR7YoAGc5GGAyOp5oAQ7mA3ckcn9KAHEsSAhH+9QAbiCCOFAoAYxXbwMgHIwOlACN93avOOcdD7Y/WgBxwW3ZJ7HJ6etOwriqWBwCWz1OelFguIrHnKYwenr70h3BG28Bsg9M9uelArjpGzjbz7GgLjCFOMrgKcnB9v8/nQFxQRjLDjJx3xTsFxn7s7iGKDPagByMVcqV+Xtk84oARnPmeWBx1z6e1ACjax4PTr6miwXFGVOcgkn1oACQGOAWPp60CuMZgrFdmN7Hjt9aAuJlgDzngfN69aAbHFMsXOMH1oENDFm2vlQOc+npQGoSnLnnGcYHqPSmIVh/Dj5iPuk5HWgeorKyoAMAKeo6YoCzBSOdpBz1NAAFUsVPGeetADckHGSR6E9aAFLDBb73uPT0oENJ3E9QMZ69e1ACknaQvzL0zjB/CgY5gVBx/F97PagBSQO7cigBpIH3XYsMgDtQAu1iu09TyQKQCAYbamNyjqe9AhM7gDjIJ69s0xik7mIBx245oEJHtEeN209Dj8qBilVBCYJz0PpQBRJUqSF3BeACa01MhiFRGCpKM3Y+lOwDocASBTwT+tIAJYDC7QAcsaYDWIdwjDHuO9ACN0OAMdCoNCAGWRW+Xld2cfhTAB5m/Mi5BHpjvSuA5VJYIBjHII7UXAcB0BYAZOB60rjsLtICls+gXuPelcLCptJKFsg8/5/Ki49B2wsAQOBnHPUUrgPbaAuPmxg4UUgHNh2HJBA4x93pQMA3Z88DOB396AF/5aYUDJHT/GgBzbmIwpDUAI4RpDvG4ntmgBUYKxUL279TQAKQCAFABNAEbg7G+XI7evBoAeEGFCgr9aAAFmG7G44zxx+FACMVU43bRyDuXrigBr5yqqwTGTz3oATYQME8E5Jbr9RQA3+MnBZiDgjoDQBIFC7t3JI6elACsACwP/AHyOtFxjhHg43ZyDgnrQIQxoADn1yT17UXGOjX5cZ257YouAMgULhiSenv7UrgKF+QlhvI56cigBQhUZz1GTx0pANYgfuww3EYGD160wsKQcfMAQTnI60DsN4yVCZVujA8mkALtdNwyPQAdaYhznKjYOn8RFIeggYLIAzZOMDHWmAMdzDjKnhv8A9VAhHAViV+UBcHB60AAJMQxxg/xHtRcAwC+SSSvUelNCEk/vA44wexoAcVCcLncTxnmgBj42/dCkjkfjQAK6oxjAwGHBNAXHbiIwB8zBsYoEI2GOQ2D7f40AEoVwAQ2VORzxQA7cvlk4A780ARANuYHnI6fnQA4kbPvbWXGQf5UAM2mRl+bnGMjsTQA9WXbuOA7dj2oAaMMu11OT3zQIagKqc9v7p96AsPVNrBuT/wDXoAVdhZX7Lxz6UDGNhgH8sLzj5qAEwBtGV3Hggn8M0CHFREThMj+I560ADhGUqWCkDoaBj0OI1ZiAwGM+hoAUsehAGPvUAITsUEDPHzc8c/5FADlAYjLcEcfX0/nQMQjzACSAB1PSgVhm0BygBKnqAetAWFG4csDheQaADbtbdjAPagB6kDaBywyee1ACIQFADDB4oASQ4cbFG0/ezwAKAQbW2lRk/N2/z60mUORCo5wfXPegBHXB3E8HjGeP84zQFhwXC4xu7Y9c0MaHPhlHPA7A9qQ7DAg2qOAuB75piFXk7iMAetAhY87QQwwDghhSKG4cZYkAA5IzQKwEASjHr1FAA5SQhlfHXH9aYhACxyOvTnpTuAiLtU5OeMNg8fh+dK4DmxjYoLH0HagLDUXb/wAtBxwBTuTYG2AgPjaehP8An3oAecovy9z+VACMxZuCcgcgdKAELhlJTKkngkdaAsM8plkzu3AnODzSY0iRU27t2eD074oGOfJbaO/v0pAITt+9nGO1ADFLj5V2hs9T/hQMflQV3DPJBx60wAsy7hjPpxQhAQoCkA4zwKYWHZATrk44x1NIZGpIbbyRnI9vSkFhy9Mdx0BpgJ5fyiM5K5z6UANUc8Bxt4AoAkz85bDdfypBYdkZG5Rkgc+tMLCL8sfXjPbpQFgJUplfvA5IFIY0lV+fk5IxgdqBj84PXJPcjp70AIAVQpnnA6nmgABJKnZgHO4mgBGEpccnGenegBY/3aszjqT1FADgFEgCDAHHFAD+ScleCMcdQaAIiAHOOjHnnof8mgBC2xiy9e47HkDrQA4hNg3IOexoAUZB4HvnGaAG4CPlPnJPJ/u0AK65wRjf1XjpQAuGVQCwwAOfxoAYo4K7yQp69c5oAd2BJBU9OP5UAIzgEovzHrkngZoARFBK5z0P9P8A61AClFKsUUrnvmgBMKhwMDB5BPJoELwArDIc9hzQAbQZgWALKOKAFcfI5+8QP8/yoGAwG5xg8j29aAGZI4xgjsD96gQ9sAB8DacZ+lAwVPLGFXPHB3cdT/jQFgK/IQRgDqB09aVx2BGDKSIzx6d6AE24PyDb6Z7UBYcucbgW3c8HtQAnzlcjsOuKAGlQrcbju5PH50ASbP33mY7Y5NACIoK9SSehFACiOPe3dto3c9KAAoxXLENz+YoACjkZzgdSBQAEbeBzlqAEUkkYwSeetADhjcTyC3WgAO4ONu3Z0IxzQAmMfcfvzjtQAvQnDZOcdaAEUbZCG+Y5JGeooAULtbg9egoAJFydpPOCcdM0AHJBwSMjjHagBE5IOMkdKAAsNu4hlIH8Q6UALliEPXjpnqaAAEfN83Occ0AGAFwTgY60AINjO24gHoR60ABOwnIPXj6f5NAA+d2FAwuCc0AOOM5AGP4qAE3YYru+bHHNADQzI65zzQA9ss3HK4/CgCNU3EuS27GCKAFY/KFALHoDn1oATcUHzcttxwelADgDuG0HAGOvegAOeCvTGPagBqlvOY5B9f6UAKWIbaeeMZFAAz5AyuCx4BoADkNkjPPT096AERgVyM5zyPT/ADmgBNj7uWDDrk8UAOdinPBxyCR0FMQxyF+bhlOMnrQA3aCQM4YYGR2oAeMHG1gcZGM0CuIXZmC42ZGAQKAuKzFSp7njFAXGZIVAT0744J9aAFPzSkqSuPventQFwVRjA4xyT2zQFxdxx6FjxzzQFwzJuDbVbscGmFxoJwuYySv3vUUCHI4BK9MnAB70hgTn92TjcDt4xigBGVt2BknHGOlMBWHAA6KeSTQIjjcEKR97oc/55oGOkwh/iODk+mKBCgIBuIwSeoPP0oARgGfcDwnY0BccNpXgHB9utADX4Xa3IzgH60CDG5B157gduKQAdqjuRnGfQ460yhJBg4GMnHPf8qBD2JJyVUgdSOxoAMlvn4wKAG7W2tjPcEZ/z60DuJCmOfT0OKCSQlWPUcc/hQAnzbh+vHFAxSVIBRh1Gcd6AGAFskKuRwMmgB4G4kZPTr/hQAx2YSFMK69x3NADk+cgsAvPSgBDvA+jZBHp6frQAr5RBgr1wMmgBGYkMVHTpnoT659KQAG/djnchBywHNACbQykAbTnr0oAdHgnt05+tArjicYAYgZphcygW4I8xh1PHX+lbaGZGXYPv8s4xjPXj+dAEg3DaUVjk9Dxx3/z70gELYJ4YgdBj730pgP5G5yuTjgHj9aTAHJDAnBXHpmhAKquZC7bhkdB6UNhYeBkFplJBwcd8+35CpHYDvYJscYz6YxRYdg+ZD3UtznHP8qBimRVOG4GTkEZB5pMBqybXG0AFjyMZA7f5/GgTHeZkkJ6/wALck0gHfMdrBuQfl446+vagQ6Ny2QThu4FA7g4lI3DrnAIOSKBjlXc/DA7eqjjmgBJCeXZ93XbjjHFACRIFwoPGctnk/rQAc+WvOTjpyf/AK9ADo95Ub/lbHTH6/youOwjgxgMzDk4GRwaBDiB5fyqGPoTz+FADfm5wpZu/cigAX5nIyOR37j/AD6UAOdcDeyBm5GT6UAA4I3ngHjI7Y//AFUAKAoO5VI7HI6+h/OgBCfmIOCQOSB/n+tAD9uRuVypBOew6+lAxoIG4NgqD2yefrSYDj9zdtw3Yk4x2oGIMtljtz3PpigVxxyQpK7jnsMcUAIfmchiSckjDUDFZmXncMDB4PAHuaAGLy5d12jqGX16UASCP5TySwGc560ANJ3HZ8ikdRg4P0oAVz8vI2Kew/QfWgQxWXoQwGARzjnng0ALGqjcuBuHfGaAFIbzSFZRkdGoYAVRQzd8kEjkCgYIhZAWyDk8/jQITeu3ORyMYz6U0AZXcAWLAYI455/nQIVuEJYFjnoOv4YoAgkyEwVIYnIA5z7cUCJWHKsFbIx2zj8PzouFhBIRMyErkDIxjI6UAIqoJCvQFTxxyP60ALhgpZsYb07UBYEVdxVNpx09KABgqyL1bPcDgGgBWU/K24ccncf8+tAWFjVVzIzqOeCOgFAEbBd5JyGPGSaAFb5Yz8u3gZ9PzoAUKUYnO7Ix1/GgAaNz86OgbsCOP880ANk3gLlgj9PqPX2oAk5d/lZeRnOOlACeWN75XcSR1WgAPy4jwdzcqDj8aAHFTu5RiG9D29MUAICxbhehILdqAHJtHyjgkZwev40AIMYweucnIxQMQoS3KkgHIINA7CyBlYEEKO/PtQFgY5YAjIPQgZ/l0oENLAsQQMjqCPX/AD3oEK+Q2QwbHY9KAByGIwNy46qaAFJJO0YYk49x65oAAAdpOD7nj8MUDQqoUDbOQTwuelIoApPr77vxoAZlchVfa2Nv69KAHEEbl4UE8AUAIwTLMMBx3ORxQArhhyDkepXpQAowownHHf5evpQAAsw24UYOfTFABuUlt5YgdycA/Q0CDYqk7iu4j+7gj6UDACP0XP3vQ4oAGdWUOcjnsMcfjQAb0Qs3KjHB6igVxodNzAAgKecdvegLisAxKhVA6henT2oAQ7n6ADB5yAcjH/6qYhCCDudVGPzFAhdxJypA5Hfg0DFzgk/KoIzkHnH0pXGkK6mNxyVGMLjn8KQ7CbHDO27Cn8TQAqpk4GQMdcn/ADmgLCMzA4fBPopFMdhW3IW+UI7cjHNArC7gwBAJHfOP1oCwKMLhQW9SD1/OkMRgCM4YHdkbRz+VAAzK2RvIHucdPY0AOAUDaQM9CR0PFMAXa+TxnGCaQCYXBzlSBwf8/hQMc+V+Ybi3HbjHtQAKAigYLZ7AHFABj5g4YKemB09qAEI3YDfU8YoAC2NpVgdw+/0BPb8aAFYbmG8BTjBwCTQAiOhygZVI6gnkUAKclMM+SRwR0xQAxCQMF1AHCgc0ASll3AgAY53Hgen9aAE27M5JxnKgnv6ZoAEJLE8A+3PFAhvC5AO3PILZA+lAxpBcbkbJIDYHH4/zoAkkG5Vz1B/u0AHzMcED/aA5oAai4ZTwCV7GgA+ZpACdw5IyCMfWgQg+R+WAPUAHv0zz/nmgY58Bl4zk4bvj60AKFwylV2+goAamdgUMAB900CFdVZipQHA7jge/60DFUIwHJHGMNkGgBIgdw+ZQc889aAFRTvGVz6kEGi4WEZVR9xUnsDj9PWkMeu3DEEc8ncPagBhCquU4Gckj+meKAEVcney4DA55/wA80APkO3sCxbHy+nvQAm0rtClTnrkYoAVxnmPBAyCPX2oAAjMF2nbzyelACEggLguPp1oAEC/xn5lbqucA/wBKAByFIVyxJ5ABoAUlVIB6HjdxigAUg/dG5lOQCOMUAICPLLSc44yD0oAUlsjLEAnjIoAUSKMAldx7ZHNADWI3Ag4KnHLe3SgB5cAdtx64oAYGcMF6jpgclaAEt5N5JIIZeDkf55oAQOHJfcNq8Z7/AP1qAHtJhuAOT1PTH+f5UABIO3Jz7E4+lADlySAdpPrjBFACEMGIChiTyR2/OgAPJIAyMH5enP5+9AB/dUjkEEjNAD1xj5foKAGqRjLLtx0zQA0knGM5PXNACbnC+Y3UHpjHFACRhhJktgYyByTz+FADh5gXAUZHvj8KABowDyFIJB5PSgA37pCoUkAZz2oAaWCn5vm3np7euKAHAxuPLzwe3egBG+9u5wPXigBC5xuQs23ggDn64oAXPzHCnJ646E0ARvINpZg2Aecce39aAuPVlbvkjGBmgLjNqJkMV3Nzg96YhV3sCwdT9DxQFx5Jzgglc+maBXGqVZsA5UZAI6fnQDEJIOflfuMEAmmFxpH7wlOSccE4xSC4p+ZsYAfGMn/DvQFxyls7SQQDg49eKAAscHLLnqKAuRZ4JbeMsfvdV96BXHkEk5MfXKjNMLhCd34Z79aABioUFcjP3sD8KQg+QLsUnA6hVyfrigY3KBwT8uRwrE8YpgHy7v8AWAgnnb0zQIc2GwAGx04IP9aAuNGACXkGM+wH0oGSYJYk4KFfl6GgBOSQFOeOcdKABid+CDnnAyMmgQ0MWBB2gk8epA/rQMGUZyWY7V46HFADoxxuL9wOOfwoAbtUMQBwDzyaABgGZlxgk5Axx9TSEKF3dCuAecHjH+NMY1FBl3Kc8dAMe349aQDl2mQFATgcgDg5pgP+RVJOVAPUg5NADFCEbi2D27DnpQAIGEh5OM8jHT8aQCvtySDyD/CM0AJEMxkg/Kf4upPsKYCtxtYMfm7D/PSgBGJKnaMHaPp+FACYy33evIBagQ0SMDkRsUHfHU9qLBcezb8oSyHHpnI9qBjUd9+cDaxxyMH/AOvQA/o2OF3d8HrQA2YlZF4PPA9M+9IBwOw4xkgdB/KgAjzySqsAfvGmA122tu3LgcBTwMetACueeSyk5xj8KLCuIf3nzAAsh9Op9aACT7jMwKqvQDqBRYLijggEZ4ySOlFguRnLOz7VI6AHt70WC4/BC8hePzFOwCK0gB5GR93JFKwFI8EgPzj73XFaGYLHuUfIQO3GMge350mx6D/lMgwDu5HJz+n5UBoHL5ZifbNO4mMUoxXqB0HOQaLhYbIdsgTLMD97g4HP1pXHYdIu2Xy9pGVyNvX86BokBUIMHA3AZP0/X8aBi7RIhxyTwMHkUriuIFC553c8ZHehgOO1gHYiPHPPp7/WkABgV3yYBAwqjnA9f0oEPcxqpUA4OCWz0/GgYxH6Df8AJjlnOTQAq7cnO0MeMZ/zmgBXw+QDh8H8qAQIN3BJJA/vdenPtQMA374qrEEjLDk0AMRexI3EnaSdpoAkXzAu3y89zzxnH1oAWbzFjL8Kuey5zQAsS89G4yeQDjp0oAA48oggHg8A0AL68Nu28Z6f40ANKlkWORiRjn3oAkVUAZiSASAevHFADJC29UWQjIz+X+e9AC5XeV+U8fMdv4f1pDHeWDuQhdzfkfwpgKFyvoOnJ6fgeKQBIzKOOg98En8KBiIBkkgAHq3cmgBUGNo2sxz13e9ILAVc5HygEc89v6UwECBE5CgkY9eaAB0wMMVUZ49/880ACeWCDjnHGee9AArFGCFWz1DYzmgLjvvqB0GPm60ADtuxlQSTjoDQFhWBP3SARnkc/wCTQOwKhLAtkgn347/h0pBYahDSHs4OCMdqYhGO1C6Nwc4z2+gpAIn8Qdc44DHA6CgBUwI1GWJIIxnPX1oELjDc8qT3bAFMYkZzKxO3GPujqPrQDQ0Lx8o25OdoOMCgQ4kK/lr6ZJPJPPAoGOCjdz2688/T+dFxWI3yynY7NyBgHtTuAcbCTyo4G09KAA52kndgdsYz6nii4rA2CVKEBd2SAcfjmgEh2AJC5JJzjgf5/wAmi4w+4TneBxwPegVgUN5gDKQGJ5Hai4WGIeGPqcdM0XFYV0UMsnP0HQdPSgBcMW5UbT/Een+f8aAFYngpjG4Z4OffmgAVVD/Ljcep7mgLDSpPzlW67SP73NAWHMBuIJwSOM9vWi4WAsDtXPJ6EcgUDQEhnX2yeOCOKB2AEAbweW5x2HtSBId8gbKsCBzx2/KgYEHmRiGBXgf/AFvxoAacMn7sjGcYAxg0ITGDkcjeeOWzgntTJsxxOFw20kHkeg/OgYx8A8qF9D1GPx/pQIV9x8v93ncen50BYUglcZJPI4xn8PagdhZWGCwxuXkc8EfhSGPOzcuc57A9KBgMSKGYAn+7gcf5xQArbiR2BB9smgYfdII598dT70CBQAgVcMfU85oAQFmbLqMYypPU0AAfZzsYBuvcj/PFACRsCflznqQD1oAa27qWBOOADwf0oAf93c24A9RnnFADXLAfMC2DkfNQA5lIbKvgH8T+tAWBVVTlBuJHAJ70rjsOIx8/zZzjBbI/Wi4WE5xl3wG4HP8An9KAsMKARIuQo6cjmgLC7UXI2g5xjPXjGfwouFh0igg4wrdQB3oAMhscFj9485ANMBcEhQTkdxikAwAsCSxIP8JX9aAH4+UgkKPXp+NACAg8KTxyT1zxQAnQBGBLEc89KAHNk8q3AOSR1JoAHOI2OSD6kcmgYjKHVQByRwSMj60CAgtIN2cL0z6/lQA4gnoxbtkNjj8KAGqxG5SVPJGT/WgYuxEA57+3FADT9wrKWHGD6f40ACEYCkEAjOPWgQKxaQjIGM9O4/xoAdjCKEyoK5GOwzQMUMCRkkhiCD2+lAAfljZQCo9Rnj6YoACu4AE5PfPH54oAa6fIMlcY9AKBDUJIO7IIGCD3/GmAscke3sSeGC0gHEqWJ8whTjocYoGMydxYbdp6g9eaABByzspzzwB6mgQbmDHDFR2A69O9MLgoAUfKDu7Y6n1pAKDmZtqkYGeONxoAWQ5IZCV/DkimA1YyW3E57bs5PHFADlACgAkgHBx/9ekMU5KDPGeM5zn60ANG54yJCmB1GMgUCBcLzgYz+VAx0ahSu1DgEjGfWi4WHAEMAuSuM56Hg0ADoxceWQGByecZ+tIY0qzSAucDGOeKAHBQJTwDkc84FABk87MZBxjPT8KAEJBjx1weCeSPz/GgAbKRqi8465HWgBRIrnJVePWgBFxLGwZiQe69evSgB6gKxxlckcfhQA1Sd7ZRhz1B/wA+lAAhIUI+0jbnnNACMoJABCgcDaKAFVW9CQOMYxx2oAVVxnbg4GAAMDHpQA35kO0AkZzjrjigBSFR9x3YoACu4ACRs/Tg0AG9GOW+8vBw3f0oAAJGVnJAJHA7YoAREXaMKARwB1A70AKCGU8DrgdqAFwgwMk7fU0AJljITvUjHBHrQAgAAZCEBPXtu/zxQAuWOAGIyf8AIoAVSSzHaODwQeaAEjQJlRkjvlj/AFoAT5UKpn+HIGTk0AKpQ5KBgSeoFAXEDsxKZ59xmgLjWxhSQM7uw4yaAuIxYDIwF/hIGeKYrgrFmJI2kZIz/n2oC4isXwA2CTgrgYosFxy5xh8HkYOO31osFxu7Y4jiwB3B7UWC44SAtg8gcpzkn8+aBXDICkKeB1XOP896AuGQzjDMBweG96AuNyQRjOfryf8ACgVwd9rBnJI9cUBccWG4MMjJ+bFMLjJTkEkbsd1PTpx/n0oC4qFgdu04A4GetIVxA+HLDOCM/WmAfKA2SRjGTu74pAODZbquc8DPagY2MZyqggddwamIUuFTYDyTj1zQMGYhlZ2UD+GgQHiMr+7GCARtoGNK7iAcOT7YwP8AP50BcViqP8gIbGAwHH+fagVw3BlAYA5GcMOM/lzRYLiq2U2qxZl4+Y9/ehgJ8pDBuQrZORn9OwoGK43EZIx19PoaBDYxjC4DYyGYj/PrRYLjkjXaSS547k8/maAuIGZs7WIGeeMZ+lAXFX7xCvgdu5/WmIYwKDhsE8DH8X/16QxW5AUngnoCRzigBA+5iCx4JGM/40Bccjs4DKmFIBAz0oC4/KAqDhiR1A/woGR5IJG7rzxg0APHIUFgc8jgZz60hDMnd3VumOtMBUO5+B09R+H9KLBcGcrkgnB45yaAuIQHkAyABztxkn/PNFgH8lhhircYPHNADdxEgBBIJIJz09sUBcSMfvPlJKBfTryaBjh1LqVBOORyaBDHIRSxYru4yTnP4dqdguCn5iXJbI79vw5pAK6sgZSX2+x5z60DGxsG+UBW3DqRxn15oEIMBG3Akhsntux7dKYhZGDFVIBJPyjoKAF8xVdQOnJ4Hf60DBjsOVY9eSfX3xQIaxc7WKqST0HPBFIYpB4AwvQZwOeehoAOBu+9tznAY5p2C4i7gvqD/DkgAd6LBcTKAKm4AkZwxyP60ANZi0QaQ7hkjHUH04NAgjO/CvgYOODgMPTigBzHoIyFIGMA4oAb5hAJMYPqT2oAPNAOSQuAdq/1oANzYBBAyMHr834UAMYKQQQ+3OTwM59qAGOkbAnkMOScfpV3IG8xkKTgAnHfOaQApdZMDaDgngd6aAeoZRkHjOc0gBVYcq3OO3r60FIcfnBwO/BoGNPmbiCo2gUAScOW3DCikAqk8P8AOMZHTGf/AK1IQsZU4OMbume1A7DRGdj7n+uT1FAWFYARhdvB6e3+c0CsLGhUZChkGQB6/SgBsse8EEFsclT9Kdxg0O07WJCgYyPSkAoVfNIAYj3OQcdaBWBUBBIDtu657D0oGPwMkEMykDkHrQAo+aTCqQOc5oAAgBaQHdk5445oAc2GOSw9Rj8qAEwyBi2D0zx+tAArA/MBkn7oI6UADq+Du27eo+tAC7R8xYcEkkmgBIgjDDAYGcY5AoAcxXblm5IyMf0oYxEUhQoye/BxSGIOJyiDbjk8ZzQBKcFWwB1/P1oATrISWJHYjtQAMSc88ccjqeaAQ1gC6ouPlOTmgGxQwILEMABnGO9AACQCclyeKQXE7gsowMbB1Of85piEIO4qD1+YjNACxPtXcX3AA8k/pQApJwVIzhugoAAXX7wXjvQFwyAoVWI5IzjGe9A7jdwZVLHCqDu9+39aAuOBUEFcDPagVxrZKpkhiex449KABnDZ25JAx69/egBcgNtYjpgmgBZcqu1Rlff0oGJgBwAWOepoAXdkfKx+Y9cUCuClgdzAYyc8dKAAum4KDkHJIFADWIUHlcAc46igLixgbBksBgHPr7UBcHG9zkgEA9O/tSC4Fs7E6MACx/D/AOvTAVSoLbQAzHjJ6nFAxm+QLwBuwORQMlOSQxyOfTt6UCGo25+eAOvpQAgwMk8qRzigBygLH93Gfu7e9FwsRgnyyMgbfTqPWkFkOEbB89DjGaYEm1i23PI96AEJ+8MDIoAbk7gVJ6dew/zzQFg2BpiQc4GCD70AN2Kq524bPI9PpQAJgTcfKAPz/wDr8UAOlT7pHAoAV1BQgMOOhHqaAEwAxbJIbg4FADQF2uqjG3ghe1AWHgdDuJx2HpQAowNrKpB74545oGMMe+QtkhD1/CgTF4JAwynOMZ/zxQARgK7Nklj970FACYIkYnO1iOAcdqBizL8oAAPPGDg4oAcEUY/ujnA7UCG8I4G4Fsd+p/yKAH4JYgLgd+cmgBPu4DbTzxg+1IY3nLkbeRgk9AKAHKA2Q+DTAbGVLYP3hxmkA4EKnPzYHzfWgA3LnGef4RjkUDFxzuEYBznPfNACLuJHQduPT1xQAFSSGyfUeuaYgkLBwzDHOBikA0hWdnyeDjBoASPcrbScjjAPPegBcYViRtx60AKFCOdmMA5IoACnzAdN2ePWgBRydxA44xQAkm8BtoLHpnHNAwOMqpUZ6nPHNAhQX6sMc5wB2oGDEn7nTPHsP8igBVPzYDDJXOaAAkrjofbFAhhKgYDD256UAKVUs3zDrnjIPSgAX5m4Py/Tn2oAeXYuFCHBH3qAAFCg5Jx3+lMCONSGDbgpY5x3pAOIzzkgDuP60DELfLlQePugCgQ9ecgls45PpTAaxHTHOAeTz9aQDTuOcsMcEgLQA5ASS5AB+7jPHrQAh3bc7V3jj6UAMaPBVeQexBoAewzkZKntQA4qGAGc+tADSMsSWLKeg/z9KAFBALEfXkdKABBtkXHy564PWgBeCeeh6ZoAYnmEAuVJPCnGMigYrDCEICBnnIoAcoIfrwV6ZpDEkb92flPPykDqaAHEMMLjqeT0NAAQDjKkA5P0+v60AMGDnB+RTxz9KAHsw3YG7cc8UAKSCQg/A0ANXJjA2kEdwfXuaAHL9wqMADjjvQAKVyq7iOOBjrQAjF1fJHB7Z6CgBOBw3PPWgB24E7QMfj+dACk/Pg5wR1z6UALhRnByc7h7UAMc5XnDHBxgcmgBkeQ28twCR70AP3KGZS3TH54oAGBAzuPQ5z3oAVcFQVOMjHSgBvDlSrMAR3PWgBA7E7c7Q3J56etAXBNm4Y4PPBPX3oFcUMVBAB4HHNOwXE3DC7wfvDGT3osFw+TcQDzjPPaiwXFTl2I5yMf/AK6AuIG24DAHjoPWkFxrbmUnO8DBAxzTFcUFtyuTxtJOfpQO4I2dw3HPOcE8UCuMzIwBKbccnnOaEguPJO0sg57Z6g4//VQFxmH3MDtxjJx1zQK4fMxGDgA/NjqKYXH4I6YKLxjuCKAuNBPKv3P1oC4MGRjgfw/rmgLgm4IMuG+bHA7UCuKxXay8Y7f/AFqAuDOAWJUZ6cUBccdqKD1xxkc8dqAI0VccsQT3Huf/ANVAD1+ViNoPPXOaAEB+bBXGf0osAilHYHO5l49s0WC4svzHGSPUf1oAafnBRm4yMdqYhGkZZcdBj0/WlYY6Mk5LDGOOfSgBFCgbyCBigLhI6HBxg/Tp+FACthl28YPbpnpzQFyP5+okBIGBkcimK5JITzu2jHOR1oAj37iOW6c5PP5UWHceOWyCrHp14NAhOFXBGAOoB4FADHJIAjyCeeR2oAViucvkc7sZoAQM0ihsgL0xQApc7mjx1PXPHTpQMeWIG1VGcdzQIahJThgGI6dqAGrucAAcAcf7NADt6nnqRwfU0AMV2LgEEIeRjHH+HegAxhgxyD3IPFAC5JcA5KE9frQAoLo2OgJJ4Gc0ANHzD5cKQOmefxoAXeUi+cAH27e9Fh3FGQAigHcOTSsApYt94cE4GOPxp2AQlsZJ46jPegQqFghzt/EdaAGjBYMCUI64/KgBreYD80gUY7jpQA7dmTaSQR6igBd7c7Dw3f8AHmgBmeWKsBnp3xQA47+NxU4PUjvQASPjO9geT+VACKQxZckduTQAOwHyZI5zxx+VADAw3FgWIA6Z496AAyAjOFwgOMmgByyMUYDAPVcUAAk/hHIA24HAp2Abv/iVfmBxmkAjtuboOeD9e1AAzNuV1yDnH0oABJIwKBsEcDHI/GgBjuV2ogGD0I70wFJfYedoPJ45/wA9KLALlRzjec7gMYosASN97nkngehpACSDJwxxnuc07AIHBYgEghuOKLAK7Z2nnac598UIBBITg7WHtT0AQrjA4yB275oJsKqrvDH079qLjsOkizndyQc8cEUrhYcqEhie3G31ouFgdAOAWOTjaB0ouOw5hhg20jB6CkA5kO0MMnIyB2NADkDBdw2scfdxQAjMAhIJznAAoAR1yBEuVJPGRigBX5IYkHHHA60AL37sMEf5/wA9qAEILShuVC8jn+lADX3iXONwz0AxQAhR2CiQgDjGepoAeclSOQwJIwOPzoATZlwVYqoB78ngUAOKPnhSVCk4z+lADdjBmyxC8Z4oAe8e5csRjdkdqAGkBSR1bPQHoaAFVmJQFt3BGQO9ACnco8vPXoxoAYG4wGJ2kZJ4oAAcJndweT3/ACpMaHhhuAA+UHNMQKSGyB169qAEJLEjcQM8UhgfXG455OPSgBUGxCU+bGOD+tOwXGSMFcEchjnHvQK4pZUcHHzNwB/WlYdxWySTt5+7kdadguDNtHmc7vU+lFhXBXDFXx9/gH/GlYdxV4J3fKM5A7CmIbtUDG4AMcdOTQA4H5CDjjoR0oASP5o/u5bpnOPpSGKzbZeN2MjJI4PHrRYLigux3kDB5B9qLBcJmCxkqF5OMmhAMVuWG35SMDcep9qYgJ/eHqQvOSKAAgn/AHBxmgCQ8hlC+wwaAGpyBgY9O4BoAjhZ8FflyOn+NAMcodgD1xkA84zQII3AyVIwMYyeCaBjiATlCNxbqBQAi/LIc4K49KAFBVXwpHuMmgBu9nUHsAB6HNAD+sWOQT3oARsBQSABx+dIodvAYlVyTzkDrQAwDco5JBHOTxQBKobGBjI4yKBDVGOFww5796Bh8oVeMYHTNIYmV3l+OD83NMRIn3fu5xkdaAGKSRuOVz0BPOaAF3ICCw+8BQA3KglCSD2PcUBcOcg5xzg7qAFySxdc5OcZHvQA1M43jPoNw6d6AJDtT5s7VHrQMjTDHJyMHJJ4oEPDbYyWBOBlhSHYa3Qt97oc9KBCRIPlfkf496YD8HfgcpnnFACMN20cgBuO3NAAMuRvAB7DPSgBxAD5JwF6+9AA23GSQeRikOwxBsI5PzZIPemIegIbJJ+Y9PSgYNv8zgA4PH/16QA7KQXDZUnBFAARhuFAGPyoAasfzgEZPQ88YoAUttTI9eTjNADnBZdpXjvjg0DG4O35BuwTnPY0AJIpCIcEkdWA5oAcrgEEEBT3PWgBqDklhhgMcn/CgQrncM7gO+D3oAUklhkjBGRnrQAx32r94kg4x3z/AIUALEdzhmz6rgcDNAD3LKxxlhg8GmA2NCRu6g/5FADmLZ+Ubue4xikAhdt2B1/i46UAOzuCrkgdD2NACZDKSRjj60wIirK7Mpzzkkn86AHiP5Tt3MDwcnH40gFwDwBntkfSgBRwWz8wGc4FADdvzsdpwOPbjpQAiGTGQwcDkEjt6UAKCwIYjGSDx/WgBxyG6gDGevagBmQqFNw570AAZODnB25I7etMB6nOQuOecelIBuWyFIKhjyexNAwCY+XDH1560CByQR/CxOAaAHsdpbk4x6UDIxliGGNg75wcY9KYhwXPU5555/z7UhilcjJxwc5zQAZ25YLuLcigQKVO51I68A0DDIDdCuORQArBSuSOeCcn8KAET93zgn+6BQAE5IbGQOccUASAhcg8qOR/9akMa21iGLADGMeooAFYNINqnA4zinYVxrO24KAHPPUYxQApLFsDsfTIFIY5WBY++ee1ADFIIcYwwPOOKAFZgrbjnABz3/yKYrkeF3YCkH1zQA+PkkDj2z396ABNoJbOQflOBzQFxWKDAz0OQT+VAXEckqcZcMDkgdaAuRKytAuBxwORQK49ipw+7APtQFxSxwgJwSe4oC4q538EZPqOtIdxUY5PpmmK5GQoc5bac59OKAuIGbnsd3Pv6UBcd8xfJYAckf5/KmK40EqgywK5596AuDEhM8EZ4HtQFxXYIS0mCRwD60BcjkbCbumCMd8cUBckVwCAMnA6/X/JoAY4LOGDL17nBH/16AuPZf3p+70woz1FAAcOzMDtyOfSiwrjcqJEAGRjGQaLACsWk5YY6UWAFYyb+Pl5xRYLghyA4OH7/X3osAFyV3bQMjLDPFMAeQkfcYAgcgc/lSASEsr5z8uefWiwXF2Euckc9aLBcQBlf5idoA5J9utFguInDjgkH+I/n/WmIcc7ivzZ6rz1oGIeRlgAMZPPegQTDPbgAHOcUANAO3KtyPTt+dADl3KSS2F24+vvQAoIIJB5A45oAZGSnLOSGI5IxmgB5DhBtZQTwT3/AAoAgiyAFBGAOBnnmgCQNh8DPJ5zQAb8klhhR0AHOfWgBysSACCQT970GaAGvu37oxlj0z2oARsKBuJYNyuDjv2oAeSXHmLjj1oAYAvBkILdj60AORlB6EkdR2//AF0CEiVfnZscHjB60DGK38WVIyccckHmgAYouxiAMenYmgBzOM5XaecZoAUTRnJJwucdKAGGReSAT3Ibt7UwAyEscFeDn3Hr/KgCPzgdrNtzuwe30pAOR8OxO3g/MzUAKJfnztfrjFADo2wflBHPQ96AIyyu5Crj5iWz60AKZGAIdVAx1H5UAKkjeWOfl6EnHTv+lACMzEoY347Z6CgByODGM5yBjj+dACOAoGeB2PegBm9gRtyVPqPu/wCc0AIHI+UgHjntmgByl2JGcenqKYCqz/dJIycjIosAjudx3HBI4OOBSADIQ6FWZh0I9aAGyLubDY4BwM0AKM7nZmBBH4igBEzuwzZ28nHqTQAbDvLgdein/PtQAEuFyRu3Dn2zxQABQQC2SwX7xoAAX3Al+RyfU/4UAK2+Rc7wTjjn/PagBhKxIoLDHIwe44qrAKnlkkkk4HJoYDm2Z2E445PpSAQtnJ7Yz1wAKYDQ6YJCsVXigA+URjkseSBn3oQBnG44IGed3pRYA3rglRk5/P3osArPnooAUdfSgABwCrknJx83egA4HcZxnrigBHKkbgcMBzzRYBAyBSCFUA8N60WAR5VbJ3Z54AHQ/WjUADjBO8sCeRRYAaVd4HBx15osBbJQ7vl9hjr/APqqQHKRjLENjuKAGDKoymRQ3c9T9Mf1oABGjLsK9TkBRj8aAHKQFXexAHQ7uM0AKwcMzDoRzg4/H2oAcynGBx7YyKAG5Z4/lYK2R1oASKTLAqQN2cLnGffpQAM2MKWYr7/40AKMuNw8srt4O2gBCWL5IVV4w27r+dACu6bSSFJHBPTI+tAB8pcHduwQeBmgBH2nOBuGfvcfrQAoB3od4A70AKqFgWCn5uOvbP8AWhjQb2IRQxPPJUfe9smgQ13O8x72Un6A47n/AOvQA4PgjAXaGwTQASDadwwOeST19KAEBJGD8qHrjIx70AI+Cdo5PH/1hxQAuGUngsCCDj1oABh1OwYHUryCKAAgMu9GIbr3Hf0/OgGK0nAGRkn14H+eaBEQMgm8tduGPI7YoGKXYxZMqqOxOBQA9NrZxjpjB/QUAICGCgbepxgZ3UAOJVzhNpYDOccHHagA+bbgFeer7sdOvSgQj4ZiFY5UcAjp+lAxVbgktyenNAAu11O5Wdl5HXGfrQAjZKh15J4wQc//AKqAFkbAGduTyOOB6frQAbju2kBdp59c0WGOUKVAyxDc56/hxQIbJ8zbskjGMqDj/P8AhQA44Ugbcg9fT/PFADC3lsNwznvnIUetFh3AtvjYg/KT1I6H1oEP+bbgsBj2z+n0xQAhGMqfmA7Yyc/hQA1csnXGTnjJ/WgBx2um3PzAcEj9aAEw+5UUlUA4bIPNACDmb5A+emegH0oAcxzlQdpxz7f4UAIqhVyCGYD5Rnoc+vpQARgqQpDAsckdaQwmBKKAobOOB39aYCkhV2ncMnAOOlIAGFVlVeAexxn8f/r0ASKgZQQcAj+E0DI+v3tzlh0xjH50AOG3aR5hATg+9ADTjaHCnHGAP/r0AAZwwQxZXoSTj+lAAQ2Mk5Ddyf8AChCFUMOcFWHpxtFAxd6HAZgOewxn8e9ADWCmTcV528r/ACoATYpXbtYEMOemTQBIxA4xyOfTHtmgBhYKMYIB4wcED/PpQAsalSCSQPc8/SgVxWAcsdo68Z5x/nj9aB3FBLD5o/l6/X8KBXG728zBGOM4A5/+vRYVxpOSQAME8UWHzDiSQpPzK2QT0P8AT3oGKcEZXOR2GO9AEeVRkVDyTgg//WoAkj2OSVI49BxSBCxlvLUkqOOcc5/KmC3EkYjAG1VbIz70hioJNm3aTjAyRzmgBcnbkYAJ46mmAsgYZCoP7xbPekBGCwK9CPUEn8aAHuN4KbWOB1K9aBhkDaMsCKBCqysQVyeM89cUDGFv3WQflGeOv60APdsgKoY+o2/1oAEOGKlsk9BxQIA/Q43DvmgBcEAlRjP8OP1oAYcFVPykqMnvQA4H7xBDIO+eeaAGrsVlLHJJOMfSgBzZzjsO+Of0oARgQ7soZj/dzxTAVvkKqAAue5z+VIA3NndtwDnoc0ALtxjcEzj07d6BiEgDaepU8CgQ1FACcNwcfMwOKAFVVVWy49enFADcA5KZyP1/woAduGA3OAew7elABIw+YKCARzwen5UAKmCNit8wPQ4J/HFAAQGGMDIPHFADFUqcBTyc4Lfr60AG3eWKr149OR7UADbe6dDkEDoc0AOxgkKu4BskHPFACMT5jlFLHODyBxQAc5VVb67jk/h60DA71ICgnn0zn29qBEhVS3QkdweAKBjcKytkH5hgr096AGxHACs6jtx06UAPY7XOGIyuM5yB/nNAhPmdBkgNx83UD39KAEG1HCdOOFzmgYq7eASMkck5BxQAcj5sgE9Dnr/nmgBVLcMzHbnJz/KgAfCkYAPYZ9aAGDlFZcBwMbcY/TtQA7hk5CnIxhT0/HrQA0fKxLAggZHpj/8AXQIUSKq55Ye3PNADZCUDY7jI5GKABQ2SzPlM5yepoC4K4LAFjz36bfz60AI4bk713EjBxx+NACqf3y4JKkEDAwAaYXAhHO8jdtGen+NAXAlAQclVJ6Ef1oC4hxw3y4bjkdv8/wA6AuOARVYpg57Z70CuNLqFbyy27aDgDr9BQFxh4RRjlOMHigB6Z4805BHXoOaAAECQgKT04H86AHZ3M3OcY+XJzRYLjC7HhRyDgbgeaLCuKGwznecnsV6f40DBvlAEgYDqSKBCSAOq4DYU5ww/WmJjU2g4XIf0PQf4daAHPlSOWUcZGP0FAA7OQG2lQwBPHQ0AIjhjg5Iz09MdTQAjFBITkHJBHfPrxQAcDcA2WxyT0oAF8zZmUKhA9etACuWCbmLLxjGM0AG75TgbumCvGKAFQ/KcMrlucA4zQBGh2nYVLNjoeBj/AD9aAHS7ivzIoPUcjj60ABTdJlQ23r1x1+tABjMhU5Vh90+3oPp/k0AKXAQ732kD5iR70ANfAHOADgZ4oAUEBh8rEjoxXPHtQAjIcswB+cg4Y8D9KAGLJuVlLL0wSBgg80AOZkCAsnIGBigTE3jeHT517nd/nigaBX2qMDIPQKe1ACCRWi2FQzY2nnr/AIHmgAV1HDIdo6Zxx0oAcWRgwC7iB1B4+lAEe/KbclecjK9vxoAQzMcM20Yzls8f59qAAyglWCnjPRecetACqRtUMcEndgDvRYBGJK4jXaTzjrn3zQAiO4UAHcR0GMfp1oAeZv3qgEc8Y64+lFgEDmTO77x9On+f8KLDDzRllZ9xXqCeg9elMQ3zFB3DLsBwByaLAOLkMM9S2e5osBG7AsAWOM8A/Lj/ABoAC6gY4baemT/n1osA7gqCoyx544zRYBM4IZs/zxRYBI5AvKsGAHQHOD9adgHRuhY4zuBxz/nFACZJ+XG4E7iVA+nOaLAAUbiMAnGcDt6cUWAN0q7VYKCD/EfvUWAYpEjBAcHGcgYxQ0A7EjZZGRh1Iz19KVgBS4/eO+3K8+o/z/WnYAwRFuXYCGz7ClYBWdSBvUFBznPWnYBu/wCX5FKucYwKVgHxyMCGX5gcknOadgG7tyndwxHPBB60WACSwJGd3YgZ5/lQAu5GJzkk8AbuKAAv8gH3ivAyeeO9ACK7Bhg7zg4A7UWATzBtYtgkYzjnFKwCiRMlAeSPlosACVdueeOxGM07ARmaMjlWww5OMEen17UWAcLgKvzBt3TinygMNxEQQDhRnBxmlygDzxhvmwRwQc8CmogMFxgh2TA5zx6U+UA+0nsh98HHH40coEUtyHO1gC45IHXH+cU+UCWO4ySVVQp4AHejlARp2yQQnfgnrRygMNwxX58MB1wO/wBKOUBBMxbPG3HI7jpT5QF89t3lDkg5BzyBRygNaR2k+XIOcZK8fpRygI07GP5nAPqDj8KOUBpmcR4yDt4BGD/PrRygKZnPJfnPU44HajlATznw2MHHGSRkn8KfKIb5wBDt1zyaOUBY5dy7Q2T09/zosMGIC7wwUdx2IosAhbCldxzjHyDvxRygMLsD1GR6jP8ASnyiN5MDjb+7PAI4+tc4xrIkcRXhQxAAJoAWNv3ZVjn5sE9f0oAVQUB4AzjJPHTvTAbCTzuz8/K+tIBZCqybkY4HUYyaAAMwiBbI3DjPb2oAGBKsACBwcjigBhk/dqiAOcY5OM0BcN+VVdo2k8DOcfj60ASK4MhBXIPbt/8AqouBHBncdrjJBYf7PtQBKuzJJznjqeh/yKAEOw5B53ZH3uf/ANVADyAibgCPYc0AM3JJht2CM8AfhQAAMSFYLs+hH4UADhlztUAdscfmOlABKXK4By3HI4oAcNwyFY89c+p5oAjfOWVcjGCeMf5FAA/zDydvJXJPsKAHvGM7nYhduBwODx0oAc4+TGWJ/ve9ACIuI8HIOMAjt+lACAbQEOSCMBm6/T9KBg6HAOAfTK9evagQu0n5QwUk8BeP6dKAE5yHfbz2x3+lAAxLLyOdvY9/6UAKNuV24zgfxdvX/PpQA91GFOOnpzmgBfXB5X3oAAuPmGB2wBnNIZEgG/auQAOxzj2z2piJFILEEqF7ZA70AAJHzBsjjjt1/TvQAEbn2hx8vTGc/nQAiKEcb9u5Rk4T1oAGxGuAu7JyBnvQATcgZyzA/KOP8KAEKbxknpyG3ZxQAbQ2QpBYcEYoAbJt4lO9WHbjvSuMkUKvyquB0AHGeKAEZWKjaGAI5G7BHsO1Fxjl7KCQMYDZzz70XEIAXJEgCg0ACBk5RlK9gOrcdzSGEe3eS5yzHGCOlNMQuFB4PA9P8+9DAYxyMlSwDA4xmhAxw+RcZz8vf/GhgNIcA+Y+COM4xilcCQNhV24Ve5I60wG7VyTjJJyTt78UAhu7LgYGeSO/PrQBJvyW8zjHTPpRYCMsqBgoJIOMEZzQMVSrHGza3tzx6UCGqxYFdxwDgj1piBgFAGCcHO7sP8aVh3HLkqdxfjPGcCiwXEVgp3lhz97nPSmISTc33SDzlR3z6UAP3ZHOd2QeR+lAxoC+eNqhM9uhP5UCARnj5Vx1YY6UAG1TI43bgOecdf8AIoEN3kMysQW/ix+YoAWXzMYACgZOTjnj17UDHq+9A6gB8Z5/lQIj81Il3O6AMOTv5P5miwGNeeKtMhuPKVnlI43R+vvT5Wxcxi6l4xnaTFhEUj6Et/MfjTUQ1Zl3Gu6xqlubUzC2jB+Z0ADHHYU7JAk2XfD/AIlXTbyLTNSuj5MpCxPIO9PlTVxq60O8EgZGCGN1PQryDmsnuUhVXJDE8AfdH8qLDuOV2HIAGTk7h0oC4MXJOxmDHpnp9DQA7+EsAVYrnOOaQxi7corsSeoBHX3pgSIoDscZB6DHSkAwMCGK8HvgHp/jQFwA5KEArgcAUwuAYI2SxORnLdf/AK1ILjRu2jEQGWJx1yD6igLjmxGeO+AB0x+VMLj9xKgjgjpnt70hXE3jOATxz1JoGMHzM+7IC9z3H1oAcymQZD7W7dKAHDcQAjn5epoAQBwSFcDJ4BH60AKq5LFicn3x/k0DGEZco2c5HPODTEPQgdGU/MQB7dx+dIY11wmFQZ3ZoAduXaMdR70AI/3sYYKDyVbBoARtpJHKkE9OtAgcgjC5KnG7PSgBCAR8o2nOQCaAHSDMqkn0Ax+dADQSNwZsY45PI96AHfcZiQACeOTzQASNghQcBuckk4oARSFCgsrupwT1oAcu0Mw3MO5GaAGoMpkZycjPpQArnMYycc9xQA3LNkLtHpknFABvBJ2sobIySMHGelAXBwN5UMA2PTGfU5oAdG5VFDnJxgH1oAVdu4sFHf2x/jTC4wSoTyoDE7Rjr6/h0oFcUhQpRlJyORgZNA7kfm7SAnJY9SOMdqBXHiQMwO3k99tAXAtmPBALk5GOcdOmaAuN3gvsyq98Z5z/AFosFx5cEEjLJnpjv+NAXIjJuTzEf+Lk89O3BoC47zSpbcMAdOaAuKzDOBGASoJ4/wA+9AXBcfd4XnqOvv1oC4yNvQrznOBg0WFcQkFwy5ULk5I6+9FhXHBlMY34LEZAPOD7UWHcRizKueTxnJ6dePfrRYOYFYAErIqnPXuKZIqvhiowMfqaBiF1GOQCBxzQAgZQDtOcvz78dqBMdkbSg6secnqe/wDKgYwAAKudwHUg4NACs4WQkOAn3mB4zQAgl5YNuPpjpg85/WgAznEal9ynOTQAgYjfgDJ6EH+eOlAAH3sGAxjoe4+maYDklLMFbO7PLE9qVgIi8S/KSGYHr3H4UWAd5nylQeBxhTjmnYBAxWMgqFOPmJFKwDo5Cq5CsdowM9xQAjblYup5HGcdB7UALJIHXdkDHII4I+tFhDI5ZCO2c8/iKdhjg7tL1zRYBHkYN0AbJAOOn50WATzCAW54HHAB49aLANZiVILMCTgc4ByKLALuKYVgcdeuaLAG/wAtT1BA6Dj8sUWAZI27k5fJztI70WANxYBlyynpkZp2AejFl6n3zx2pWATzBuw2SwHUdMelFgGbjIgEZJycZx0oAWQ72ZgRv24Ge3vTAaZNojXbx0U44NIBWTeGHUYyMH3/APrUwJEOWBJ2hjgEn27UANzg7XB3e2cZ9qAGxuA4UNhmHY8mgB4cgAbgV75PJNADFVC3z8sfu8dPagBTkqVG0ZYYA7etACRK+cGTdt7jt7UrACOjp5gwi9+Oc0wF6BQT8vVscZ+tACkKSGBG4D8e+BQAElYzjGeck9entRYBATLHsfO49wep/pRYBwAIBwCMZxnpmgBseQZGCjJ7n/P1oARj8pIUPyB06/4UAPY5wHyBkH60ARuM9VB65P8AT2oAWQRjBPBHQ9RRYAJxjaVx1ORjn3/SgA3jkk8D+HFOwCgqApc8E9TyRQgGPIArkjI+uQaAFdwMgMN5Pf0oAZ5inOyLLBjuGe2PWiwDgxDDliDjaSffpRYBDIjOCNxI6MDRYBPMKy/OoKk5A/HrRYB+4AjP3TkZzgfT+dFhgx3DkcoeD2z6YzQIYZ12vG2MY7Hac0WAasgIBDfKRyD3/wDr07AN5RSTI5YchsDpRYBPNy3mFN30PHvRawDd43r7HcSTyB6ChK4BuEi7TvKtx1wetPlAUyBRgEk9O/J96LANVmEZRQTk9Sc8+lFgHCVQWzzs46nIOO1FgGyS4wwyqjseM/WiwDHYMwZvlIHzZPfPWnYAXOcbgwPJosA0EbDvOXxg88UWAUOh3c/MD6+o9aqwEbFQRyMDtjBFKwDfMGNhOQRjPpRYLkrOCvOQM8Y6fnTsFyIuV+ZmU9do/GnYVxEZnjO9RxycgcUWC4rStuB3ErnHFFguIsvG0KQeOT1o5QuIJVGBkkYHB9KOUVxTI23vtHUGiwcweayrlQp3HPJosHMKXJOQSMnB707DuNMzE4bI9cZyKLCuNGCgGOh5x0NFguIZiGOwdOSAPyNFguLHIXGcHGc47H6+9OwXFeRkG4HnuelIVxpfcw3HHOAT60BcbHGdo83JAOV5zj/GgaHMcqSGO3vx075oC4gjX5cyHBHPXmmK50aykkqSq5HAx0rlsWNYlWIOAn8OPWmAfM3yjjHHAwBRYBgAZ8ucrn1oAAZMsH5x/KgB3X7qnnPJ7CkFhRsKqA5BXjp2FAC/eb5ix3dfbg/40hCIVG8RnJCnnPPQ4oAm+QYVeD2XpmgZE5IUO6ICQM0AG1SCw+UgEYAx1oAfGd6fMeeOOmaAExucFwoUCgBC8gYEEMvJyaAELKZN+MkAcnsaBDs5ZlcEBRnP5frQMcpBGASCeVzxQA0R4O5XJyeR+NAEhwEYkd/TrQK5H8wjOVJz096AFbAyFGPx5+lA7jVcMgBG1nGAM9vagCRgwG0En0IPSgBuckKDhRkYAoAUM0g3bdvcdj9aABHcsM8jb3oAfGVONi7SfWgCPc7gAgIeCOf88UAOzuDBo+QeB6+hoABvBLHb6lR2oAcrY+91I9aAETLOFfAB6Y/nmgBoY7h8rYHbFAAuAN3zg7jwPWgB56fM3GPTkUACg5BH1xng0ANLKJtzMfl4WgBQTjdtwWGOT0oARF2bjtJPbJoAcMkByxBxgYPWlYdxHZnGCQqt19aAAuVnxjjGQaYh0jcA8HcPl54pDGykcuchsYPHWmIdnpxkdSD296TGhjhsk/wkYBoGOHGNxIHdaAEb5VGMZH3h2WkIA6l+6k8gGmDHPsZB2XIzt9aAuKNu3axwM4FFguJ8pICkFh0z60xDQWB5KlRknNIYr7QUiOFz8319v5U0A0LtYkfe7E+vtQIE3AqzIPY0AGflB3fMOv8AjQApJaR1yAc8etACgr0wBjnPtQA9hkchcA5U9aAI12khGOQOx6fWgQrODwZAOePegBoY564w3OB+lAxW2sdx3deP6/yoAj8wocYbAIxnmgTHRn5lkII4+YmgB3KE465zgd6AGnOQRJ84HIxQCGXDpH++kK7evJHNAzndX8XW8DNDZ2/nyAbQT905qlG5LZiS+INVuZWV5Qg6YjXBH41SikCuzMknnLESzvIBkgM9OwcvcfDHAIvl3YPbH3c0tikixapBEhyo2daCtBjGO4LCFI+P4hQDRnabbw6trIuZhvt7IYz2Leoqr2Elct2mrXViHMMzbSxYqDwRStfcVrHb+HvEVpqtuod1gnUAMjnHaolFoDcyrKr5UkfxYzUDFXK454X5uaEDGyfOjALwD1z1oGOYFmBUjBH0PtQAFjs2rzj/ACR/KgBCTllTCtj5efw/rQA9zhM43epNAAeHOU2rnIb1oAVWbeMntyAOKAE8wZztB7fT/PFACHB2jc/qTmgBRzu4OD2z/KgEI4LOM8gZI745oAFO0c/KOnOfTtQMUswDBcgdvegVwDhmBCthT1zwaQXBXO0SMDgjIHdaY7iSs3HIXnGSORSC4JgErkcdz3zTFcduIOQNxAweeB70DuITvjIw2D1460BcQzb0Hy5J6/8A1qAuOVlbkHoTnHQ0hXI+ikbjgHoeM9OKEDYpYFGIU5xjHv2piEJYoVyPxFAxXKgbiSueM+tAD3LAnqSTzgUBcjDqDjIY/qKLBcTcPP3ghSSB9aLBcJHO9Ex35zRYVwkY7mG0gdRg0WC4mSzkIBkkAn04osFxGcqxJKjn5j2IosFxBIBhcqwPXPGBQArsrBjgHuAx6U7BcXcuApTdkdD1xSsFxHbIUA47cn9KYAGHmDcy57YoEIPmkByysBjB60DEJO4sB2xjvmgQrAjA2gBQe9OwCK3GABjvzzn1pAICAQQTtHTI/HFMB2VDEk449aQDQTuAKnjqc8A0ADSAKScNt5yOppgOMm5Qc5xjk/ypARvLiRSSSo59sDNAMML8qg/NnPHv6UwAMxiVnYDj8qLAALDb0JB6EUNAOeQhd3yhveiwWGSSMAxA4PGR60WAcrZI2/w+o60WAY7KAAwxgnIPXNFgE3BlVlIAXO4kU7ASb2HDDgg49/SlYBqbt5IJPYHjiiwWF8zcx+YE9zjtTsA1HkChQcnpyOvalYA+4y7SyhQcnP6U0gAMjnAzgcnP8v1osAkbbPQ7sYIGKLACykM3VcDoB1p2AcDh9wXlhnOf880gIyzMuSuMnIwfwoAkYnGCV9D+P/16dgGliWI252jjvkUgDox3HnHryaAETEkhY8d+fT/IoAdy5GfujJB6cD/9dAAfLG3nb24oAUhMGQcqRkGgBEUtuYk7j0BPsKAEZcEZPfgenv8ApQAbtxUDDAEn68dKL3AUooyQoLEjIzigAbO/dg/K3QHrQA2T51baCMD0xQA4EIqqByT2oAVT1bHGeMdxQAnDHrkHJ9hRYBf3bMcYJxnpQ0AnZc/MACA2eadgFQp5bDhSw5PvRYBmVyGJJ7ewosAyOYMhH3iDlT0NFgAyor+ZjnOOKLBcA6DYRkEc89z70WC4izL13bnOecYp2ARZ8ja2RzgnHX/61KwXHecj7kHyg9SKLAIGKkLksDjjHtRYAR2zucruOTjHSmK4wSFnJBIU9eOtAXFjc4bJ4PRc9aLBccZdqkFjgcn1osFxA+F+WTIOMNjpQFxpk+Z/m2sTg8+wxRYBWlAAZ2IA5HuaLABmBR15A9x1zQFxC+OHZuevPaiwCvySHOc5zn0z1oAjZ/nLBs4GACfenYAE209e+6nYBkkoPGPlz+NFhi7wU6Eg8AZxxRygPWdSCUUBu+KOUBn2gq7ZIUdD60coCGcq4xgZBwO1HKIPNwcKOnf/ABo5QGCdjG2GPHQ0+ULoQyYJUtgdcfXvTsMGlbOM5UkDHvRYVxCw3gkjeeCM07BcRWVRhjuJ6nsKLBcasoVcLuwONuKLCuBc55IyBx9PSjlC4qOFyduF69KfKFyMvjlQVA5BosFxVlCgDJLewosFwWZXY5yO3P60WC44y9OSTjAJ9aVg5hqyfKCy7SOBnvzQHMIHzJuYAqDwSOtOwXAOAGABwOMCiw7ieYdm77wB6d6diRpYIxYN1IHFFgEkdmfGPTOaLACkbyOQe+O1OwDRKOpyOOmelHKIVzhl4zk/nSsA8SHHzA57DNMY0u4BYqcY4FKwrDUYAAj5geMEc0AOyEUE42getFgGMxY5ORjoQOtOwCEFQSo+bHU0mgFRvlA4x3waECCVmEfYe3rTsMTLNtxIduPXqKLCY1nKh+dozwR9OlFgFEgCghuSvPoTRYYLINhIHA65FSIf5hZt2cAds96pDEDE5UH5hRYBS5U7Pl24waYDQylD8wyDxQB0jMCNgADYyCa5CxY2Y5G08twcZxQA04VmCsxbP14/yaAHleQVXoPSgByFdxBIyOvvSYEZO5crhVDYxn19aQDpAAVIXBPA+lADkPzHjJHOMc0AOIBOAq9ep60AJK3AAK8DksaAGkbkwGIVjjGOcdqAGoAuFLHOOT0yR9fwoAfGVAJJAOfTpQAyQbsFmxnnGOBTE2KCC5BwAAMntQIQsgZ2JznAX0H+TSGIfmVd3ODzz1pgSDkhWHIPH+fzosOw0ONwUvtI74osFhGlDuq8rn7wPeiwEFxcRWsZaWQJGMHJamo3JbsctqHj2wiuo44gZl3EEgYBH171p7Fke1R0Ol6vYanZie2mXAPI7gelRKEkWpXNES9TkbSeCD2qCh0RAymQCO3pmgB3z5DMwb/dH+fSgBkTkkq3U5xxnv8A/XFAChywHBBB5A6j/wCtQAMiSR5DnZ6g9KAAMFlIzuxgHHb8KAFQYZie/DAigBGfBKBW6fexzQAmRnauQR29f8KAHK4D7gBggkEdhQAq8YRmyeuelADcKWCspGSSR64/z+lADmY+WWXGT0B6gUAALB844z1IoAcTuB3DDLxx/OiwEeFUc5YscHHSgBzsMlQcEDJz0xQAjsh+Vfnz1GentQAIwGAqls5zzxmgBHAXABOB1HXH40AOeUIVz1Ixn0/zmgA3De/BLZ5x6UDHOynduGQF7daAGgx7eQSx4AIwaBDIy+7Gwf7Wep/xoAWQsQS2OW+X2oAUMxAjIKjNOwCMxY7SvQ5U560gFLg8DBJ4BHT8aADcNq4UYKgc/SgAMisflG739qBClsxMu4dOe2KAGBzGoABZ/wCEA9aAHEfvPuDoOQfbvQAmMkNGwxjofXoaBiL8qt8rg59OO3/16AAbldtrMqjoD0FACb38lsgjOSfUCgB74MuTj0HofegB7HDZAzn+VAFW4ubW1f8AeypGoUnBP05FFmwuupmTeJNHUv8Av88jJwcdarkZPMkVI/G2hG5EP2luFyMjv/Wq9kxe0QmpeL7K3jY2zm5cD5SB/OkqbE6iOW1Lxfq87hLV0t8kFmTnjmtVTXUV5PYpXmoahdhRNeSzf7J4xRyoaT6jop5DHhYSp6Zx2pNGiQyGWd2YqeScg4xRYCGdkDA7y7r1AppAKtysYwmQ7cs3UY7fypcoXHx3N1NLsiQHb3I4osFyO4Y/ZrjY6oinDFW5LUralXNWyiSx8NRAfunkHbnP/wBepbux7GfcAJGhiVX2gZJOKtEtlJ2j2uxuCkgB24461pa5mze8P+L7yxiSO8BmhRfmccEAVEqdwTsdZaeL9HaLzXuWiBHRlPFZOm0Vzo2NMv4dQt0ubaUSQsuQ2OtS4tDTuXMlE4I3E5HPX60gFJO8AHkjqOuKQxpKgNgFmwfm9qYhEYsyrwGOOvNAAS+4kllBPSgBSxwBtw3I4PahjABgoyeoxj19KQwDkOXOR69MUWFcXGOSwBJ9PyoGCuxG5SME8Z9KLCuKHVQFPX3Hr6UxDGIBJLkjPTt6YzQAYJj4bdgcL70AN3rgpznHU9PrRYYkv3tztgZ+UD1NAh25Q6sBtUDA3etACEgj+MY5IUdTRYYvnblADDI98ZosIC4K7WwvQgAc0WATzACQCCd2Mjpn3p2ATq7EFegA7kf55osAm5T8uRjsO/8AnrRYBI5SqfLgljxnoKLDFDgRgYbpRYQ2SY4+X5QRnOcnrRYBEOeSFOD36jqT9etFgF3I3QBd2QCeaLAOZ1DBV+8M0WAapZWYkdOPrRYBBMAWCAbt3Iz04FOwDWZWYjCjHzEA0WAfvH3jhU9TQAwMPMOSG7njpRYBS7Ha+Qc8nB60WARidy72Uc5J/lRYADgEsCO3zH60WAQy4bJc4BxwtFgHeYqDb8xHTJ707ANy3mBiwJIxjPX6iiwrihw2cdW/pQMaz8HOePX14otcWwok+U7c/ex04FHKMaGcgjavzNyBRYVxzsOFyCzckZosMT5zHyuOMY/rRYBHTJVgRjuetADnbAwBtfGTj+VACSEElirHB6E4oC40riNfKBJPBBzmgLj1AXG47ME9+vSgLhz5mxoztIyc9OlAEag7fl5OSDk80AEm9kKyDIXjJ47dc0AOUNtABwoG3pwaAHgHhAGwF5IOaAGhCFIyOT8oBwRQA9VUPwTleADwKGAbWXqGJ7DI/WkBGuC3GMg9+eaAHnBBGCpc4PXigBFKpKRkbT1OelADmAEm48Y468GgBhYjCYK47jnNFgFMhUnCgoo4NMA3gYzyzcc0MAdj5ygnAxjA7fjSQCNIC+ShGPbkfWgALLEQFAx6Z6GnYBXlVQrDuQSoPNFgGtLGykEA8gdOlFgCSVAp2sRt6j2oC4qyKuMENgY+tFgI/PAPz5UZxn+lOwDfOjzlQS3Y4o5QHPcpuKHJ6cetHKAhnIO0tjPbHenYBkspbBxjIyT6e2KOUAE7Eglec9hT5REYnB+XLBgfX9KOULCq7+YVJAUr9KOUdgWZi4ZWZfUdAaOUQb9y5JbbnI96LBcYHcKcbmyeB0xRygN80k+UWGD1Hf8ACnYYu5huIIUA43Z6mgBDIvQZAHvxTsSxjSMTtY4x0NHKJDldtxLE8dAfT/Io5R3HbvmHBAwcnmhoLjScSbQeD2xxRYdx2/H0I59hTsFxoY7huxz90ZosK4yTDHhm684PQ0uULiGbcrFeoXu1PlC44MydQCV5PX+dFguL5x4UYPOaLBcazbsPxk9M9/8AOKLBcGd8KDjJ459f/wBVFg5gDMDhDnJ60WC44ybCyqMADv3ocQuOaVuq8/SlyhciaQs2zA5HPOP896dhXG+Y21gozjjOaYrgH4A2njoevNFrjFBZiMn5gOOadhDDMQwUEDHYUWGtBS+852EqfUc5x2pWC5IqMoOVJUDIoGNYYJLZI6//AK6BMib7zEZ29COwp2EOby9+A5HHPHagY4bTlUOBuxk9hjr+lJpjuP8A3ZkypYZFCQXIgSC28YzzgU7CGsVChidpA4zzQAjogXkkc9fWmgGNlwA4YZx0bA60wFYgZUk46H1IoAQnEnIIOemaAHADIZQWGfX9aTEGChyD8pOTx/nFTYQH5gAGBOD1PWiwCAk4UOSM9RVIdwYAEru+YDjnrTC4M/zAZGD+VNgJkMp7j26VNrgNaRmIJBGOnHWqsFwLkNuUHB65HJosICw3CIBdpH3aLACspwASOeQTzmk9AHMcFcMM+/egCONnfOWHBx+Hf60WGO35DBOQVwPTNAXGh1ZSTjGQBTQCsQvy52gdDTEBJAwWI2noD1zSYAf9ZkMTn2/nSAMFj2AA5oAZuw5KqTwAM+lOwDkLbjhcknnNFgAqMtyCD2AosAKNoK8Yx37+lFhgVGevKnOR3+tKwDUbaC2Mk9zVWEHLHJAxz71NgECHb9/r0osB08SAxlCoXB5GK5DSyHL+7XZkjJ445oGChztxjnIJ65p9AHKH3DDlhzkLjn9anqA13ypwEyTxlvy6UwHowUknOQMH0/l/WpAcWPllgBk8dc0AJ5gRsB/oSev4dqABE2yPnoTkAnr70AMaTjkYbJGcH9OKdgJUOFHAwe+OMf4UhEfyICDyQeBjHv8Ah2ppANEmOWbPO7YDkn9adgbMHxd4ng8P6VJd+Wblo2AaGA/OMn0/rVRhcznNRR5l48+IutQ6Ul3bNb2EbAbCDuc/hxXVToJ7nPKbepf8EfFJUsLaPxUzv5rYjmihBUkf3j2p1cLZe6a06nc6jX/iHoWjWMd0fMuS5+VVI3EH+lYRoS6lSq2ehnaN8UY9Vu3SPQLgoo3FxL0575HHFP6v5jVRvodBofjO21S5e3+w3NsyDhpvunn1xis3Tcepad+gX/iOS2guLkwRG2QnLmTGT3x7UlG5MnY8c8VeOtR8QX5tkWS3tQSqjzOX7ZyK7KdHqY3bZLqGnSNf6esLokUduPNUsGOTnPINXHS5TjqdHpmlXMFtHFFJ5hkO8JHJtOB+IJNYzkjVQOksNYvdMnjgunZoQBuVsk/TisWk9h6o6CDxVo11NFbPM8U0h+VX43VPspbi510N55WYBlPPXIxhvTB5rMsM72wpPT5iOOaGA9Nof7oA+UDv/KkA5n+Q4kHcfWgBkTDBfIYH+6Mc/SmkA5QfnyQG7HHX/GkAxck8bX56DgZoAcHwR97OQWxj8qAGh3U5CIzHnd2I/pQAu9SQz5JzhQeoPegALFcL93t3OfocUAOVnyMgfL/sn8Ov1oAYocAEr37tx/8AXoAe7qC6syKPfrj6UANA/dD5QB1zjvQAnyMo4wxwue3r2oAchIwSMY44U4z60AR7vugL82cZXg0CHzZdsAKcdG5yPxxQNCFlK5Y/ebvz7f0oAezbcsUPPZf8TxQAkaFQdsq8469qADaXyyMAUzwR39D7UAKgwozgADoDnafegBoxndv/AHZxwfzoAVFBJYZK5+8G5IoAfuCBUbr2waAGgnqSDjk4JJz6UAKCdgZxg4556fhQADg4yAc4IHf9KBMYTtwWIYjgFVJIHvQAF8FQ52kcEk//AKqBiDylAJBCnhSTnP8A9agBVOUCuRx97noe1ACKdoJHz4GG4xn0/wA+9ACl8K4O4bscdvbBoASPgksfdicDn0zTsK9itNqFjDbNM10oRerF+c0JNg5I5TVvF0s4dNL3RqD/AK1uh+grRQXUWr2OYnuJJpAZmkuLmUkAuTj3xnpV7bC5R81m8YUxSYYH5huwAO/PpTTHymBsllu3uETKZKphunvzW6ZnbUnl3qV+YiM8Y9/fFQwsPjk+VV45XPJwTSuNaEtkPNnKrLjPT6+mKlstK5ovHJagLMpPPUDmo+IrYhf5y7h256AjGP1poOYrphNyltxkPTaRkVRNxbmAkMIXyAuCCc4P50DYkZf7NtaYbFGG+XBNAkRyWzSRrKsQEPIUE/Mx+lK4zd1cs9vaGJhGkcWcev8AOsktS29DLuluE09pJXhVSe7f5z3rREMxtZuWSxaPd+9kIReP1rWMbmbNN0gighhV2+WMbz1yaS1dht2Rj6zrSQxyW1swkuDwFCluvsK3jTuZud9D0H4Z6gumaMNO1GQiRn+X3z25rmrRu7o0g7aHeKAQCWUvgEnHbHrXNY0FztiHQgNxzu/kKdgFJy/zFx2AwaLAJ5giVnO4ccHHGcf59KVgFbcsYDc8YAHH40WAbEzM7MThzx0ximkA5ZFA5cqAcZPGc0rAR3AWYbQzHHcMf5YosA4rgAOwK5BBB6H0osAhVgpYhkZzyMj1/nRYBwKDLbj15OOc+v8ASiwA8ihtrMMDByzc/pTAaCf4eSDyeD3osAKQy4XBOOCF5Hp1NFgEywXgjA5Ocde4osA75ioDbd2Mgc/lRYCMyHeGcdOTtyCTg0wHMwbDAgjIx6cUWAVmByeRk9ehpJARMQ3IG0E8kHj8uc/WmAJIGYDJz3B7j+feiwDzIBklgzDvt6D3osA2WT5cIFO7gYAG00ACOQFHy8Z6Z5FMLjWkbG7c2G6k8ADt1osK4K52kOQVPIweMUrBcGk+QEgbcjGD0p2C4pbknKKcf5//AF0BcapLRgOPk65Df40guIuGYuCrc4yBz607BcNwyFI3cdeOD24pBcWQhVYMME8565oC4r58pt2D6jA4oAauA+BuzjBz06f56U+gDs7Y8gADrzxj86EAwlgwG9OnYdP85pAIGyoZmIHoD/P0piHOPlB+cenQH9aLhYWPYSSmTkEhun5/nSHYYFVtuCSB6dj+XFADyRuJyOAdwPSgBV3lAWzwfUCgBGDEfxDA6jr+VAClEwP3isnOckAg0DQOCrLnc3HzMPSgEGVbAQPyehX8zz2oAcCuQQ2ecAdvagAyd2WLYB6YoAaGOCwP8WQMdM0CuEkoUEEnI55x/wDqoHcYJsxr1w2eCc/zqrAK7h0+Vosr0Pb6UWFcRrkLwBtxwD29+aLBcatzk4yhIGSR0/D3/wA96LDA3LZYbgn1GM8c0WE3YRrgEKAq56k9R/8AXo5QTuO84Bgc57jv+tHKMa9yzgbGJB/T8aOUBnnsIsZ3knk7SAPr65o5QHLMduHViA3GB049aOUBRNlsFQDgjd6f40+UBrTu0eQSfYjpRygLJKQp8p8EkEn04Hf8KOUQxpSRvLtjr6nNHKFxxnIbnC57jjpRyiuNjdj/ABD5h34p8o7ifaSSdh+Y8Ed1+oo5QEklLqAASRxnsfpRygNUgNnc+49yeo+npT5QCQgjaWKknhgTzRyiuLuAH3ix7LmjlEIJl3DYeCM4Jzj8c0+UdxI2UZcvwT0zxn8aLBcaXO5uMfL0z0osHMKHJwRnOeMj/PFFguK7qFKruwvPTH4UWDmEOzYMA5IzjGKLBe4rtnAYDIGcA+nvSsCGBy2M7ccjcvqf/wBVBQq9SpOWJwf6U7CuEjkk4bAzgbscU7EjjIM5DDgetKwXI5JQxAIc4Oc8ZFFhXEMoKjy3xnhSAev+FOwXEVzhthc+oPTPrRYLiA4ZU3J0z93FAhxVBGMEgDsW6UAIhZgCeCM4JPbv0/CgY8MC2EDfJyV69j3oGL8wQgbVYenNKw7jVYBQqnrwDwcD60WEIZQVAaQHHpyD/wDXpg2Izrg7eSOxHc0WJBW4+bBI545xTsA0OwUhcHIyCB1osMV2YYAKg5+7nt2zSsFxGlPG5yF9R2qrAMbmTJ9cjHU8Yzj8RSESCRuNykkcnb0pARq0gdm3d+Sef61VhhGTgg45POetSIVTvlwOMd+x/wA/1osA0qwkYuU29gM5NABlg23OOMgnn8qpFIUbVbAUkjjk8/lTAQ/Ogxt24znoKAHRt5bE/wCycY4AqbCH/aCwXYwHPJHrQ0NkckuQ2cFvQDp70kIRJD5YzgBh0qxidX2scOMjI7igLgpwq/MwXPPPJ9uaAuKeo2kAg47/AOcUAJhWA27vnOT2NKwgXeQApyCAc5OaaQApbcSScfUYoARiqRZXt2OTk0CBXPzEYz+ef8KAEbJfcAC3XaO9ADtxy25TjoD047D/AOvRa4CKwQcjaDxxyfzp2AQOu7Cdc9h046+1SAoZd+TnPoB1xTQxFBO3K/OOwPX86LiGx4weWO7+8ecelFgFBIchwRg5PPGO1AACy72yNw9O1MBONzKQ5749aLgOPMnI6+tMCNjgBTg4/u+v86TQDnI289uASM5/zii1gDuTwG5PX29aYEZHBGD14JIH60rAOzgbgCSTnnn+VAD1kAIUDcR1xTC41y2/cq/L0znnP+FACSMucSD5iD05FACM5LFQST/EwHyigLgTwQFYD1HNArgpOd7YIPRQCMU7BcRMM3yocHuTnmlYLiuyq3JxgYIz/wDXoHcap4BQ5UDG3OP16UBcVQSpZiD6etArjXbEe4bgRjPPNAmxrMN+4y4boPmwP/rU7CudYRwArEjgZI4NcJ0Ajb3XaFXHTIzg5OaAHjYGyNucH5u+f8KABsbQPlwTnB/T9cUANQ7kPKjHJOO/4UAEbqEAG4E8A/1oAN2cMyqpxkADr1oABIWjAUFT0IJpWFcjmdYwXeQKoHJPtVJEuRyniHxvpmmSeVHDcXcwHRBkZH8q1jScjOU+xwHiLx94mSzGoQXcenBj8sX3uM45raNFMy5psenxI8R21tCZ7izmY8theox161f1aLGqkyW4+Ll/LB5Ntp9ubh+FdmwPxpfV0g55vQxtWk1dvDV/dakjPDOMzSKPuHORg01GKdhtNK7OAn1q6k0OfT4YoUtmAw5XLkfjXZSgrmVrs1fhvpMly5aZZmtwGWPnKiT1p12kbwgek6J4bt9Pt5dU1iY3c7J5aCXlUwO1ebOrK+hvyRSKGgwWq62sVqgCTNuPZWI6D+dW5O2pMVrodBbafeQ3Mss7xbGOCAMACsGy1oZniu9Gr61aaDZXKJaxrulwQd59KuMLamUnzOxzWp+HzFrULQCNo4iDJk/KwroU9BKNjYubaxvZjdJGGmUhcA4AA9fWs22WiRNQl0uFrlYEnmVsKgPIU8fh1qGrjuWLbVba/tpJrmJoZQM8dsVDTQaM53xD4d+2pJqNnq7yNk7EdyDk+ldFKdnqZSijd+BvjXUWvG8La+zLPF/qS7Fiwye/eqxNKDXNFDp3R7Um9XKu3X1HWvNubNajRnh8FivAB55pgODNHEBwCOOT/WgBqKd2AuOwH8/rzQBIzMm0E/e/GlYBAFcl2xuGAcdqNwASAFtzAMeee1FgANgOTjHRt3NFgHfMEx5mNvt29KAIWZSi4UgdBgYpgOD/ADnaoztwOxI9KAHBSRnBBx8vPNKwEYYAhTjB6MTTsA85VmJTIJzleAPrRYAL/MAUJH1yR/nNFgFRtsnGMEY5HPrRYBGZi+S3bnkjFKwAjR7gitk9gO34e1FgGrL945G4cZPX8aAFysikEZXHGaQEiqgUIYxjrjsTTYCEB2U7NuOnOD+lIBrLtZR8qDHanYBQduASWyvPGOadgsCKRnPytnPHccf5/GiwDlx5jYBAOcnNFgGRhgxXcABzj/69ADQcK2Qxx688elACnJQtkHAxjrj1/pSAQTKVYBRhR0PeiwWFB3IylsjaR+dFgsK5LFlI3YxjIxg0WAjknSEs0u1dv6+9Owrox7jxbo1vci1kvfLd8lCV601BsTmkQr430SR5oRcv50OMoUxkE0+Ri5rnMa1r13fzFHcxWoJIVDgn2OK0UewnqZEZguLp5EIUq2Mjn602rIcUacMdsxD7S2Rnis2zUjnCsAEG1V5PPU+n86aYmUNTnkVQkQUK/BwauKIZmackltCyRKXBJyXP6fStbkkiQs5AON5OSMcCk2BOIXXJVgM+nP1qLgaMDrZRi4XDSg4AzyeOtQ0aJla6nkmk86QfOR36CiMSWVRI6Sn7zcngdKtKxNyOZ3LLJGhZhwecYoAned8OMMS5B5PAphcdEm5/3vzL19M0hknzPcIwk220ZHyhunNIaFu7xp3VVkLIq7VHtRYG7la9JlBDklB260yTKncteQu2AsLBuO/pWqF1IPFmprbW0k6sEZuh6c+la04XZE32M7wHp8kMj6zd7ZLicZwSSo9OKurKysiUjr7mQfZ5ZFdlucb42c8Aj+VcsVrY0vZHong7Wk13Q4pDta5i+SUbsEEcce1Y1abgyoy5jdV9srIOAFHOOfp9KzsaCqw27lzv7e+aLAK8gP3cbs8jsfaiwCFyqkDIGQDyaLANaUhMnduU4HJOfqKLBcb5jbiCPkJzu7n/AOtRYCVZV24PIbv2xRYBHl2sQO3YcA0JANMyeYAQzehJ7+lOwDFlkbllI6nr0osIQkY2BlIPOBQA4yLuwMANxjHX39aLDHPLwwUZI7GiwhobdGAqhT6qcA+9Fg2ELMvy8jH3gQMt707CuEvU4wm3oT0H4UWC4gZlcKMFcgkjtSGKdwUkKUO3seBRYBHIIDMCZMDIPSgExf8Alnw3HI49O3FIBu/LJtIPZskg/wD1ulAC8cfOeXwNvUUAICxJUnK9AAev1oAcQqjBx6AYHHt/n1oATCj5GUjPVj0oAdwFClSVJ6cdKYhoUruPJJPUentSGJhlOdpJAwT1I9frQAvG77vI6NnAPpx+NAACdqgk53ZK8cU7APDBs9WXuM8iiwajC4jRixD7gATRYADYGAfl6DjkCiwCyBVUMxwqDILYx3wP1oVxGTqHiHS7SItJLuYnBCL19qpRbE5RObbxHqGvTeXpVwbOJTgv17+9NpQWpKbmzcsdWuLaNY7xxMc7fMzioumzZxsjVt9RtZkB+0IW+7we/wBKrlJuTCdUJ3AEN6etLlFcRZXOXXaQR+Jp8o7A8oZeeOM7Qc59vejlHYaGQHhiWPQnkinyiFM52qu1SCcc9qOUBrXBC8MRuzgbafKFxPPkIzhV29QB1NHKFxDI6tuU4BPbvS5QuMeSQDALbscntn0xVJBcckjgHcc4PQntQ0K4wyNk4wA3AIHP+etFguKCxyCdvPUfzosIXoh2scnI9qLDuIXGzaHIXsT2piuBYFcBgd3IJ7UDHbm+z4IJPfvmkMAq5WTGcjnPpQwQAkNzjOeDikMR2UEZZtpORz0oBiMRluT0/DNUIR/mA5YYxnBx+dKxI1RzkAjIzu/vUwHKo3Fm4wOhPWgA+8xAz045/pQA394o8suSR82SP0oC4MyMF+bAI+8WNACBmCsDxj0b+tABIx8oZJOO56j/AOvQALtIO4LkHtx+frQK4KzE72XO0Y+lAXDKtknjJxjP3vwp6hcbtyuFYnPUnjOaQg6bWJfHUc0AIpAJI/u5yR1z3oHcfvUbcMckcADqKAuEm0jcWIIIP4UDHbvlU4LEc5PSgBrOVcbFGwcAYxQA6ORQyu5GOQCBQFxXkw/yrkDqc9KLDuML8HAB57/T+dAmyI8tuIXaeT61VhDVDbVLIB2+gpghWYnp1PtQMCVVjg8jnp7UhMVVVx8x7569D6UIQADbk7gCfXFMaFG1V24AHf0WgYm5h824kjgk88f40AJucgkIOR1xipYhS7lsbRjoQKLDGhmOcZCqxwzHNCEhJNzgDPy4yOcVQxcbTkMWIwcHtSENLHI3Fcg5FIRIuzcW45PJzQAxgN4w2AD+f/1qAEOxsugHTH1pgA5cZwSoyGFOwAuN44yACT+dIBZCMDjkdMfzqQBgcHIXGOSM9asoAG8vJO7rj1FAhdoJHO3I5Hvx/hQIRnG4tvGAe/agAPAJ5JGQCe+KLADgFOD8v+fSiwxrYXO0FiRwc0NABbYMtgBRzilYBS+48qcN0NOwDUyu5Rk4PQnNOwgwR84wTnAJ7UrALJgrncSB196EguMbad3zNyenanYVxzdVPTA707BcCQWyCWBPekFwU4Gd2ccAZxgdhQFxgIbAyTt5Gf8A61MLgCWYqSBnt2H1pWHcBguMjKkZz3PvTSAPmUkbskckngfSiwCFmwATjb7cfhTsA5RmM7TtHtn60mgBF5wMZxznvQAm5VbzDhieAaVgFcsMsCfQ0WAQg7Mc7SeM9qLADnaCcAnGOnXmgBFZ+h+XB6//AF6YXF3AuOcnNAXB2G7apKkHBpgJIQykZ57fLzikFyMsyg4jGw8En8qLCbHFiCQ2B24Ip2JuNeSNeNyg4ztzkH1osHMR/aoMM27PqT/n/OafKLmI/tkIckZHHJ96OQOYY1/b/dBY8EsPajlFzD4L+EglmJwPmyTRyhzE/wBpjb7sgJbkFqVh8wqMfugrgNjjtRYLjXmUMFLqhHPBpWuO5FJe26sVZi2QcnHH0p2FzA95EIcOAT3Gc801EOYoSXwYbd4QMc9P5VXKQ5DXnzKSz9R3P9afKK4nmrvVgx4HHJo5QuehOCWG4lh79q847QVBjKlTjpQAMPmGNvuT2pEsZKQG3/N0yDTQhVO1QB+I9Pekxpj93yfeG4ccj0oQXuUtV1S3063+0SHPfAOSc98VSjdkylY43UPHIiE80ZgjiVcbn+97VrGkYyqM4PUfFF9qWs29qNVmG5ixQHqO2a3jTIu2zd01ZkgnCv590q7ipXoaJaGyRzGoaCmqWOqX99cTbgQkSr9xSeatS5dhKJa1DwPJ/Z9teLdR4t0TzMdWBUE5qXVuynTSM26sdMncm0SR1jOWcrhdwq3O5NrEmua9OfB02g74mNy23LNjaKUYXdwlPSxwnjJ4oBaQW0sUjeWqsU6H613U9DKOrPWvAOnX9n4cs4I1IVv3khJ6E9cVw4mabOyMXYseOYNdit4v3c09kxJbyxjYAO9c0GhSTMBb24sUtruHCsnKAjJ/L8a10ZN7GvPrNxrsDQxL5FqyHzJnXksR0qIxSdwk7md4atDp1u1w1nvlGQCBj+dW3cEht7IyKBJEUlk+YruzQmDGWloJmn+0XRhl2jYq8fnQ2NIa2h3kL+Zbzy+dKMnJyAB3pXHYjSO6trsCQy7SpRnx8pJpokimsr2y13TYdOKSCRtzbjxt9T+FVshGjqNtG9++qpcRxy2kuFljGOe4GKFPSwcp6N4e1W9jigvbq8e5ikj/ANWy+tc0orY02RpWPjHSbzUpLE5tp48E7zgfWp9k7aE+0V7GhfeItGtYzNLqEDLwDhs1PJLawOojndU+IthpwNw9q72oxmQ8fjWio30M3WS2R1Glatp2tadHf2dzG8LgFct92s5QcXY1UrkWoa3pllIUub1F4AZVYZoUGxc6Kj+L9A3Kkt4qB+FJ70+SQvaIpXvjSzV1hsFW6dumW4xQqb6h7TsQXPi/UCjv/ZygRr1V8g0ciHdjv+E1jsraGXVojC0il4wi7sj3o5L7Cc7bi6b460y8DNKGSMMArnAOfXFN03YI1LnU2l0t1AssUhZXGcAcms3dGlyQFujDCrQA/dk5yW5/CgBruuTzk4zRYBQytgsOhwR6GnYCNJUDbAp5ydp/lRYLjmYD5kU7uQc0rBcbkNCAQMt1z7cUWC4qlWiZQzdeR7jtRYB24KhyxBC5PrTsA0bguFYDvkdaVgFDAkFWzg88cGiwCjDrgsMhjyD707AEjqm3IyevHUD/ADiiwDULKHxhlPQE9KAEYozjp9fX2oC4xpiVLMFw3ZelAXH52gljywOcdRz/APqoC5QvdQtrUMJXVn2nb79OtNITscrrvibU0uITYLCke7Dg88VpCFzOUmY2h+N9YmvL1iYnj34RiPzxVukgjJk9xrU8oJvJSx6BQeBU8nQq1tTiVlu9V8UtPJFiGzB2Be+f/wBVdCgkjNK7Oi0Tylsb/UXhUvLKkcTY7c5rCZtFEd9cGKMuQSW7KOc046Ax1pB9kt1TaCScsQeeaJMEaEVw4RAVjjUds5OKzauymQ3l3PJny1QcjPuMcU1GxNzNVQpKyjcWbdya0JJ3IUAKen8PenYTGLJIyKWwh2ZOKLATRXcMUIUEM4GOnNZuNxp2K5vTvYgKMnHNNRsJyF80yIQSM5/zmnYHqNUjneMhCQQO9KwBO7up8lSVI69xRYB4lESxhwx2jHP8Rp2AY8vmqoHGDyKTAjR3CeUoKgnkD0oEPhiEcTDBJxmgpIlmkP2Vm5UkZwKaCxlYEZ69849T61rEzZhSwHUdUVbjzDawvv2kjDVsnZGfU6i1iHl7htVW44GMCsJSNYo5rx5rDwCFI5DEd2Sv94V0Yeld3MqkrOxmaBrXiHTtdgk0a9lxccsmMr710VKcLaoiLZ7N4d8aqkbxaqCZdwyw4B/zzXmTp9tjeMzr4tVsXt/NF5D5bD5QxArLlaNeZFG58UaRbEqZ2kx/dGQMUcrYc3YkstdsJ1MqzrGGHRjzS5QuI2vaZDJIPtGV+8zKchT/AI0coXK7eLdKXciSTPtBIOOCKLCFt/ElnMqSXETxo2dpPP6UOI9Rz+KdJWQCLz5d2T8qUWY7mbP4saa5K2dntxkB5B6VXKTqyjH4n1mCAmSOKZj36ChRQrMWbxZqOyCRIYkI+97+1PkQ9Ta07xTYzD/SQ8LEYA654qWmthpmhDq2nSzqqXAOOeTyRS1C5PFd28jCNbhGkxnap5x6UWY1qSlg+WBG4fyosDBHTD5BcEj6E+lOwkKsqhN5y34c/jSsUEkwDjGSpGHAGTS5WIXzFJIy348496fKOxE0yYYjnPA/WhREKsw2cqBgjPsafKJjnfePvDcvOCMUco0NZzuBCn5jycY4o5BNg0oIADZwT70coXGiZufMPyDjmjlC4rSgR8EY9fSnyhcVZMHIBKt3zRyhzCCU46lfXmjlDmGyOFbdkHsPUUcoriM+3ZI3TnJNFhtlK41uwtnAlnQZU4C9aOUnmRmz+J7dspbI0nGRnp9adg5n0MnUfFt7FBI0jpaxnPJbJ601C5Dn3Ob1TxJeXUyw28styzAMxB+VR71fIkTdvYm0bS5pJzI8jz+a2dhPCn2qJSS2NI029zpbGxi02PZBGwMh+YA8DuTWEnzHQopI57xJ4pjXUhpWlxedcbgGI5CDuTWsKVlcxnU6CwzSxsWR/nU53g1djK9zf0HxVZyXB027l23AORu4yDTcOqBTOpQhmLALtwMHPWpLuCPlS4bPOcUDEDkcE8gZ9xQA8FGXPOQOGPWgBBKAihh823g0ANc/OGRvmA6Hpz60AOEnTcpYjnPXFAXBpWcDC+5I7UBcUSHbvC+xH40CEEjBiecMPzoATB3A5YA+nQUAAkUyjsAM5FACFAUJB+YY7UAAcIcbG+Y549aB3HtIwO3aTkE8cUIdwZgVB27koC4jMMbm47ZHamkAgclzlyRjgelILhvkJVQh2gdR600FwEh3kgEcc7qQrgHPAccZxj1phcGlOOuCPWkFwZvmyXBz2xjmgBPuPlfm/GgLiuBg8BcdPzoC4gJBGwKVJ55oAOSSOCO9FgGsU+VxwQTkdvSiwDw+R1B5wcUCGEhpNydBjj0PrRYBwc8BmHI/z+FAC5Z4yGIBz2NADMgNtGOnP+fwoAa5CyhfmCZ4I60WGLJJ8mcsNp69aABWIY7dpHTHoKAHRy5TDMGJ5BIoC5JI6nIbkY4NAXEST5ecAdM45oAhdwQrZ6nP0oEJHIQilyCT0xQA6KQPknA96YCYUDIxjsTTRQFV3A5Ab17UwG7VR8EYB6AdqAEbcBtToOc+h9KTExejFg3DdRj8qSBD88qd2Oew71QxCxV8qfvk574oEJIeD2B7jr78UrBYCxXqDg5pjG5Y4GDuHcd6VhEm07txPIGM+tMQyQRsBx7fT1oAQ+pxwcDHU0rAICpBZR8xHAxxRYBQoDA7jnjI6UwFIBA3AnB4K9KBgHzzsAIOMHiiwXDzF5Rsgj9aLCuRlgvIfIzlvenYLg8yH346A0rCuCZyqnPPQ+/rTsFxXByE2n1ZjRYdxGGECjkt1GaLCuAkXgg9GIHpTsJsbI6YJOAB0I/WiwrkT3MDKQTnPX0o5Q5hWlLDy4zuGMZJosPmHeeEfDMu72NFhXI/tEQJAbkYPPvzTsHMPa4RV/eFcHnNFg5irNdxq2V3OM9+c01ElzKz31w0xKbVHbPeq5SecBey4DsvPcZocBcxPb3wePY+0A9yemKnkKUy4kgJ3b8rkZxSKuGE3EPkeuPQihjTF/jUqNp44pDuHO7qCo45pjuBBba7cADnHQ0BcA4DZDByew7YoC4o2kkgZLDr6UgFYDfklTigBFcMoGMgDDD3oAFJznjp0xzQO4YC5cnC+np7UCbELxsDucbcdadibhvUqhVFAb1oC43zACSxU55696VgciOS7twMNMpYngGnZsOaJBPqKJ9zkLySapRJcihc3TMwYk5HSrUTNyIZJ5CP9YPxHWiwuYYZGA2DqO/rTQXInaRwMMQc854qrEXJ4CCwZjjjA4qWi0x4mQtwQOo6cGiw+YabjnGCuDjB/nRyi5hy3bhhsyD/ABUcocw1romQ7wGG3r6UnEfMKs+CDtBz3z2o5Q5hs0oYkMeM00hORCQxwFByBxVE3Exg5I68GgTHkDOPz5oEempzG3AyTwSeteUelcaMk8bjg9+1BIxjhjtGD05xg/8A16LBoUdT13S9LI/tC8jgToSzcewqlBsh1FE43XvGk15AyaHPF83DTH7qj1Faxp9yOZy1L3gvWrm6tZYbyUySxuQZGGMVNSKWqNoJtGF4vsvEUF1c3um6jGBLgKkgzxjtTp2ehEoHL2Fl/aGk3NneOr6hOyoB0Bww5Gf88V0PQmMLqxS1nwfqeh7NX8yMvFJFkucFhuHy041U9B+zcTo7GXVf7MnvIdPLTyZ3lW44qZNFuLSuYtg8tzYyXcTgIs+6SF2+6aCUrIF8QXV9dXNvdxyBSFVdnCkcf4Ucok29xfEeo6XpmmOrysqsuIhkZJ71cIOTFJrZHl8ljdpbTa88sj2xk+UH+Ie1dSSWiMy1bx22ueKtPihDLEzqmx+vX2rW1k2VTjdn0jb6YEgW084qqnA+leNOd2zuWmhU+IGqS6Zoix2hjZziPbJxkdzUQV2ZVZWOR0a3t9YkiV2UCIM2cdT14/Kt37uhK1HTW07W/wBjs7ckZJUhuppX7jJLzTp7G3VNQciXIzsk4WhO4th0elxKxljYTRjks/J/ClcZnaj4q0HTLk2mqWMkNzMB5TGI4Pp2qlBy1J5iKDWbm4YoJGjhJwWCHIX0quWwc1ypqsl3NGIlFyY0yxyNuB601ZikSeFGuyt7rdzYtJDGnlQBztwccnmiT6FRWh03hBJpdKaSW2toYVOQpOSzMc81jLQ0Wpuatey28KJDaRTMVBAjcDFSldkTloeZaQf+Ej8d317fh7S3t4/JaKM5Jz3yK6U+WJlFXNJ7fS4LyMWjXC28bclyTu/OlB3FKKRwXjLVn1DxJJFbzSXOnpgRxlvl49cV1U6fVmZ6V8LrGeHTbo6wv2axn2+RtZhyR29O1cuIkr6HVCGmpX0/QdTHiK4Mts8sIJETs2eM8A5NSpKxn7PUj11dRhvIlh0tJHj4IC7ivOMinFqwuQ29G0q51R1WytJII9m6SRhtOfQVnKRrGmdfM9jokGNVkjSDBKhjy5rncrlyaieUeJPE41O/kmt/ksI8RqQDyM9BW8OVI5m7s1/DsGnXkx1CSe3iW35jjkbHT19c0SqrYuKRa8QeLr64vIH0S5a0SJsSEJnd9B6VipXFOTb0F1Pxzq0FlFDYXMlzM4BaSRcLnuKq6E5M29O+JFytiq6rpZEyADdFkgn8KTS6FKbC6+KWB+60hgm4D53wT+FJJEuoylf/ABbbTbKW8v8ARvKgTgNvB3fj2qlFMSqS7FDTPjrpF9MRJYmNlHAEi5b3FVyB7SS6Gpe/F23hga4GnsluP+WjMOBS5GP2hjv8dNOEMkkMMbxoOfmyaapti9pINJ+P2hTyBbiMKp4IRcEdu9V7FlKcju/DfxC8K66ypb3pjuGGFSQEE4rNxkjVM6lHUMDHnpwAPvfSlqOwx3YbcHIHZetKwhVkbbjAJbIAJ6+9Ow7C72R1BySQT7f/AFqVhWFaQ4IA5x3HT8Kdh2GFgeSO+dxFFhMrzanYxjZNcxIDyQDyPanZi5kYWseI0lgkhsmKn7nmN0/CizFe+xzkk0ywl7klhjlgM5ParsBgapcyv50W8fu4yzAHkVtCJEnco+FI2XTYJGYJvJcYpzEtyz4gu5/spijjIkb7pBxilTRcmNS2aDTxFbvsnkXMjH+I49aq+ojTtpJBp0NqAAE5bnAP0rOUblJjshyhGCx9qgpMkIAOFLEn7xPr6UDuT5RDkrz/AAnvjvS6ibKVw8KOPmBbn+LB9qqxLkU5r2MxhduW/wBrtzzVcpPMRyzyLjng9DnrVqJDkR+ZP5e0lFHUknkijlFzDYSuMMucjPWjlGpC3EDTw+WpKt1DAd+KVh3uW2bbHGFKqSoDNmpsXchMhEjRk8r1p2JuLHe2kKM0t15Kg87uM+1HKxc49WgkRWVi4cg53Zwfb9KOVodxzfMBhgCM5pWAcpOV+Ujd6jrUlFi3fa4wT6EY6f40hpj7iBpIiVBHB+6KFuNrQw7kotozqWJjzvz2raJlLczvDxlnWa4YAKzgR7uNo/8Ar1dyIrU3A6wWzyScsOck4qeW5rex5X4vvJLrWZ5HkUwx5WPLV6eHjaJzTd2d5otrZ2XhPTJArrcTR7skFclgMCuetO7NYLQ0CpigjSVgkgX5j1Oa5pO4E1rM5Uo7K+3GBjnFQwTNGOdjaBCI1TowC8/nWbRaLccCgrdyAYI2+1Tc0SFZUaRFRtqbstg4H40hpE0XkwZml8sZbCr3b6Ck0MbJMZZ1DkKOw6Y/yKAGs00115cQIUcrx2NCCw7EioYoo/LYnLOf1oTAT5PNUbzsUDnIyTTAiXY7/aZVYW4YL15Y9cCmBNELi5EtwluIUGdpPOKm9gsOtlRLvzJGyACCMc0XuFgS4+y3ZeNQpPK88kUWuS00WB4m1NNsW2IMPu8cEVXKTqaNl4hlW7jivmt0MvQKDx/kU7MXM0dF5hIwsqjcOp6Gk13GncHkC4VlJC8E+lAXFd93VtvHy4oC4u9CuOijkEH1oC43cm8Hcdh5z2NABG6mTJ5wDznj0oAVn5CMdoXp7cUCFUbRlU/woAMlgd5Az68UDIftNp5hTz48njBkFAXRVvNa02BWM90u4c8HP6Uai5kZ1x4ostihIZZFzwemfzqrE3uUbnxRO4xawLGGGQx55/CjlDmZl3Oo3t3kXF0zcYCA4FOxVilM0UO2QohXoCxOeRSSbJdkZuteIrOxtcxsksin5ETqT6VrGi2S5pLQ5TVLu61/WYreS52RsgJRCCAfSt1TUNTO7luej+FdCMUAe5Iz1AUdq4qtRN6HXShpqdJFElsv7vqR6dK53qbaI434jeModKgfTdOjefVbiMpGFHCE/wAVbUaTerMJ1Ohz3hyBNFtliv7hX1O4G+XP3jXVy30MHIhHiO5lvbmRbcxadbfI7t1Le3tTVMhsi8IXDalc3d225olbajsPc9KqS5UC1O70jxBdaeVhnVpbRQCCOSOfeudq5d2jtdM1G11GESW7qcDJHeosWpFgEbQCrEkZPHvSKJWYA5JHsPbrQAwsOd2EQ8555OabQwxk5JIB6YFJIBSD53y5OB0z/Sm0AMV2DY/GOc8c0kA1iu3HIOc4psB3IGGB5B9etJgB3FV5PsoHWncBpeOFC0xRPXccUCbsZk+uaXGyo96pOOx5J/CjlYuZEX/CSaYMbWkb5sZCk80WFzDLnxPbW8fn/Z53GOAo5NCV2Nuw7R/EdlqVkLhHWFwdvlyvsYH6GqlFolSRorqlgSV+1xKc9yOTSsyroSLVrG4mMUc6MyjqppWYcyIbnW9NgnWOa8iD4/vYwT7U+VsXOWEuY2WNsrtk4Jz+tLlHdD3uokLAXEQ28jJBxTURcyHLIGxsZWOeqkGhqw7oX/bMnJ6c/rSGMYnzQRkbeoFAA5HzDd7jnOaGA/zPlEnYfhg0gFHzrh269cdqAGtgjg/e6LjGaYCqGWIEH14PpQAFsIMLjPTjj8aACX5VLkcdMD0oAaW3JtwTng/WgBVUs29SUPRgRQApbgndsI5YEdaaGhgZNrEJgck4+lDBirgN5hABIpCFZRvXqQB/nNDAR/m+QZ/2u1IAY46ndnA+lFgHFMHkjoe1MBN67egO0Z4+lAEZ2rEM5Zh3AOCe/SgAZ1yFxkEdj29P8+lUgHFg4CqpA6EZoAUAcsSeD2oACQrHj8zjj1oAUgZypKk8Env7YoARAFTDKfQZPJ5oATaoPAI4JAz0poLijG9WU9RQFxHkUFACAD+lFguIXIAb73OPlPSiwriszEqVHJOOufegdxFchsYJbqeOlAXGK2874wDg5wB1/GgLkm3avykbgOBmgLjWzkhipOBwKdhXGl4o1+diF689qLE8xVk1AciMEg8AmmokuRVe7mZtys3PH0qlElyGeYWB5kJOAMdqdguR7D5oUAfKMjJzzmiwXLMU7xqDlm5+uKLBcVr2dh0yeu3af51Nh3GeexXc3BI5OehpqImxglbCpv7nP1zVcorjHZuSx9yM0coXFDqMgjjBX2GaOULjWk3oFUnI4ODjmiwXFEiImBgMOpPJpcouYjnlJ4VhuGc4Hc1fKTzXGMzKdpGSx4LdCKOUdxoyHALHBPPHfHanYTYm87hhT6ZA6/8A1qaEN8xyQNoDYwOeKBMR253BcHGMZHHvUsESRyyLgq42kdqVkVdomN9dbQA2QCM570cqKUmPS+ljVd6hmGMMKlwQ+dki6lu5EQBHOM5FLlHzseL12+YkKDxtPanYLim5bb8vBwce9LluFyQ3PA2gHHU96OUfMNaYq5wgIJweelLlDmJVu48ZJwSOe1HKNTGvcx4x8zED+E9aOUOYo3F3M6ssYEa8fKeapRJcinvlQEBiW9z71dkRcfNcTScPJ8g6Y60cocwwmUkBmLAE9M8U7C5hikjJ5Yj1FOwrjycA7kzn05pWHcTOedhGfUf0piGkHCkpwCMetAmDKd7Acd8/0xQIaR8+VY+v4/5zQAoD+YMNjHU460DYhG7OQc56YoENALKfmOCOtA0OVuoXGR1HcelMoN204bkkYz70EtjWyudw3AnAHc0hXBz8v3eSc5p2APMOMtkLk4wKAFkbgcdO47UBcBsI4/lQFz0Y3FsGAMse8jChW615fL5HoaGLrni7SNMuhb3Em+Z1yEQ7sdKpQZEpqJwnjH4hpErR2ksrPjOyHlhx3x0raFJdTFykzjbr7fqoS/19nht2IaGA/NI/v14/KulRVrCUL7nb+ENJguvDDzssxjaM+WpHLY7dK56krM64wXKbPhEn+xG1G/iWCecHbF/H+PPX8K55O5pHYf4kj0uPRZFusmQLlVZ8E8dBRBamVR2VjA+HH+mahueyjt7aNd2XHzDHQda6anuxHS7nXeI7fSL+18m7YybuVOcKcc/0rjUnc0lY5nX9YutPjTTNNhUR3B2ySOeEU9cVrFX3JlLoNubPR9J0zzodNS7+UeZs4yMDnng0XbeomlFGBruqabqtrAulWNxbmDDzK6YVlx0BremmtTCUjzTxBfW+u65p9lIHWL7QI9pXBC9/eu2CsjOKuzc+IMkWlaHHpNpGwh3AnccnGPSpprmkN7ifBjQ4rnxshlDNBbrvZQP61riKnLTsa0Frc9uXUv7OguLnVQ0a+YwijySdvavHcb7G3Pbc89+JHiS1eyge7iliinLLFNIcDHTpjPNaUoM5pyuznNLubrTJIGtLwm3kXEmHxwegFdUolRZ1OjamtlHcSGW5EXUFgSWJHHaueUTRFBrproO1zetIWOWaR+gPYUkrAbnhmxmdVke9nhhjG4CUcEY+lJ26FOyWp5wl+msfEe6uL8LPbWSmOKQjC8n6V1JcsTFbnWXttbwLELO7TzXyAp5A4z0IrJyuUTXk6C1YG9WWTyxuRYz0FSNoL83KeE7XZBKEkkZ5C8u0DnjgGl1LWiNLwoEEdvcgLEhYoYmnYj5fxx/+upkCdmSeM9WstDsbjUX8r7SflhjEhIYn9KKauZTd2cl4RvNStbSOBJWhvr1WeVvKGxF68H6Vu7CTsP8AGHiBIPD/ANgtYJrueduJnACr+VEI3dyZM5vwBoVxqev2llH85R/Nu9owFHpXVUqxjEqEbnt11LFMwtHiKWwUhMfdXH/668lzudDZQvL2HyoLfTdQzIJQHjU7mbHqf89KEyb3IvF8mr6X4fa6jjtLCEMplvJj0X0A4yaTnqTPQgsPGJ06URR3kV0vl72coUG78etS5oSqtGD4q1Cw8VXq316izNGuI41zhff3rPmsTJ825Dpn9nR2jiRcv0i8oAAe5FPmuC0Ip4re4KqituLcA8nP1oHYiuYpVAMkEsbYOBgrQOxn3V442RR/e+8Qwxg/iaBNEX9pTShWZgwY8dwKpaCsQF3lZ5CqkRnBBJBBz2x161QuU5rVPETs17YXz2ohT5Y45WPzE/St4RKsc1Y6xpWo362uqp9kkQhIpY1GxRnv0zXTGN9CbFzxHb3Vl4asbp9da4sbqRlWIEjGGPUen1pOCTsGhyMcqolztlkCZAUxtx+PtVSha7KSOy8C+H49TtEvJZnUu5+QoACBz1zWcpxsUjobrVr60u7ePT4klVDgO0WShzjg5rEaPWfBfxQuUtYI9UQSrt2nDYdcD0qbXC56TofiPRtaYrp9xvcKG2Nwyik1YdzTZueDknoB/j1oGJuwSVYq+0jA7evWhoVypqmoW2nW5muXXzNvyqDy3v0oSuS5HIa14lvpYRFb4tIu5PLH8apInc5+ZhvEhUFm5Lnkn8arQEjQnnRdLjQffPJAHJHqDU2uy9kZWpaxFn7JCJPPiQN83TPv0rWMCHIwojc3EMzXUoPnNglOmPqK12RBswmO2tURIwAidvSsm7jRn35mfTW1yTEEcCgIkjfMx74Aqo2EyjpviyyvLhre5f7LKoGfMz83pj8q1dJ2uTzGnq+tpZaY8tvH9qkRcqOg6dKzVPXUrnI9P8R20UKXWq4tN2BjqOfwzQ6XYamai65YtGs0M/mqecEcVn7J9Q9oZv8Awl1rLeTadIWtiBhHzkSfT0qlRBzC5vYRbID8zA5Oev8A+qr5COYq2mpW17JJFHIodBlgeTT5BXCxvbtwkd2iFUJIK56ds5o5QLEt3uAZE3kjB44FFgKUB1GK8fzTHLA2SnYr7e9OwF+2umK7nUqynBUNnipcS0y0jq6bFViM5IPHSpsUncxprmGTUDcKt24icJIIo+D+tVYVhmrWSXltuNvLCpcmMOpzgHuKpGbEg1O4t5FtTa7YlXIkPBznHT0olG40zajZJ1DJJl5Fzw/FZONhpkgu/LcA4ZNvIOT9ee1TYu42KaOVd8cwIY5BU9B70uUOYvG6UxOgIBx/eoUBuWhy0Woi4a4tZJYi4cq4A49efwIro5LIycjRsZFMqoqIMADAPA96hjTKfjW6lj0+S3t5SJ2jLIo/rWlGN3qOb0POtP02fUdQg08MFkLAOSc7T716PMoxuYLVnqmrRtZeINI0qylWSKxiTzZHXgsAMAV5kpc1zoLOrGRrp5JjueTlscAY9BWaIbGWZBjcKuGJ60MEWo5WGANqgHk1Joi0snnS+ZLIfIVeFqGaJjkmWRy3yhOxyDzSFzDJtQZ2ZsABBtQBM5PrRYTkXLGR5LZppwu0DjI5zSZcWWmcQbXbd5jnCqU/LNTuVcrSXIxzjjILZ79/pTSE2UlKs5WR8BsLnp/k1Vibk9w6qfs6SNIkfr0zQFwS4khtxGrOEAyfrSsO4kV1slBdVPYUWFzDp7wtKXUK2eMkcj3B607E3GieWWNSsY+XJ5Xr71Vguc941kvJNGuZYmAcJxhsED8q2otXIqMPB2uagug2c63c6zADl5GkBOfc1dWKfQyUmdfZ+LruAqt3BHco33zFgMue+P6Vg4FqTN6HxNpbIGIdHXGQRUuBakQXXi2wjJMVpNJg8MxH+NCiJzILbxpps0UmIpgR1Vec/TtT5Bc4s/i2Hg2tlwv96TH54/wpcoc5kXviTV2i3wmFCP4PQ01ETbI4/FmtyW5lE9ujHkKqAge2ar2ZPMyCTXtQuUKXNwx38jy+Pw4o5Uh3bII5IxjI+bvzzSsNIYm0/MECsf7p/nTHYe8kojO0IDnkc0AJK7D5y2MdMdaLXK2Iri9jgt/tE8vlheeeOB9aFFt6Cc7HB+KPFE9yzJZKyqcKkYfljmu2nSS3MW76mJc272Mym5ZHl27pFU7tuecZNdGnQk674YQWksDXQspWSGbPnPHjzPYZrkxLsjaCuz2G0kItkOwRkoNpY4/ya8lnatEcP458e2Vik+maaz3WpEbNyr8iH3PFdVDDOWrOepVWxxmhWk9rO+pXkclzqjqWiyMjPr+FdrSjoc694nttJma+i17X5UWfy+I3Ygvn8Ki/YGQ6gl9r1+9lDbC109JA+9BgSjA6kU+ZRA66zhgtYFiijEaKAm1Tnt6Vz1JXLWhZ3PtwVcEjjJrJMbC3kubTUBcwzHcmMR5wDV7iOgsfFN9vkF/Cjbv9X5Z/nxUtDvY3rXWdPu4xtuY42I27eWI4/KjYakXIJ0dAQzyL03JyM0DTuSMSEUk5+bkEdjxikMG3IODhs/xDjFFxla4v7CLInukhcZ+8enNGrE2Z83iPTUcGNpp8DBKj5T+Z5p2E5FOTxMzZS2tPLjwfvnB7dqLE8zM278Qak6NGlyUDNjCryB7U0rBdmbcyTTS5aSaYkZIdu/509AICSke7y1DkdQKdxWCOfGFWPJA5JHyg9RRuNaE19qMeoaU0du4SbIQMBhc96FGwcxm3FutnfiN5FExh3bwNw49603M7ErXwUAyyAl+mFpcox1syMD5eUVupDFT+dOwAtzaRSpHIPNkI4zGTjn1pNAUvEev39orNZRvMFAOVyM47CnCKe4jJ8QapeHTopp7iS2e4AIhLdB3JPWt4U4kNM1fB91qQdb5J3SNlyV38Z9s5xUVYrYcEzrbXxNqJfEaRyJxuLIwPrjtWMoI2u0aP/CSsNsj2WVPAwcH8qzsHMyzb+JtPMmyYPC2MjC5xRYamXIdT02aPK3sQPcMefxFLlYcyJmvbPKoLqEEgn7449qLMOZB9ushOIBeRM+OEDdf1osw5kTiWN34AJUEkK2T+lIdxcK3TcT94bgetO47jnOxTkAt3wP170ANIVvuFyOpIOCf5UkAKQY9oA4OME9/eqBCFiQypGWI9eBmgYmVOOVyDgAdqTEOZVztBcc5BBoSATBAO/jIGO3T9KdgDPAEZ5zyKLBcTONwABycn0/T8KBXDJOxyofBGOM96LDuAIUBsMC3UHiiwXHMynCqDjJzjOBTsFxgGEJXIbnGOePbNAXBWAPIOMYA4BNFhMaHyRGxYZ4znJ4/lRYV7CecgGWPzdDx0p2DmHRFcsd+Gxzk9fpSsFxkjKI8M2QT/AA9T/jRYCM3QAyVOFPy7uOadhXI3vC4I8tSOc8U7CciF7yTA2KpHZccinYXMRm4eMNht+X6AYGaOVCuTi9YthlVWAycf5/nSsPmFN6ACCoPc4657UWHzDjeL8qoxIx2HSiwcw2S6dlKjhs5+7x/9aiwnIrSXM7M5DkHGAe3+eadiHMYZS2EZgCTggk+h74p2C9xrfMCPLY8446f0pgMYFhltoPqe3tVEsACikKD7nGP070BdincR8pA9RnFAXY5SeFbk54IPbvSENLtySMEZ78mmy0LIcR5UALnGex/+vSAUA8Z5OMZ9qpCY192FIU7unT9fpQA05Dlsk+ueKYiNyqsAQwyeTkDFAXBuI/vkc9SM0WJbGbmG5gOc44piGO21SPM2kjGTySPagLjQCF5PJGB707CHA4GT2PBOKLAAwTvzuB+bpwKQ0S8CPu2f4jUsoNqgtgdFxgnAPvSAYq84UjG3puwAaBkqECMbznJ4wD/WgCNm+YojISfvcdu1MQhZk24b5efpn0waaQrgJXc5WTtyBTsFxBNKIyGkBGcE/wCelKwXFDtyAckHpnAosFwBCqfukDuOf6UWKuSmYleBz26cfhSsCZEd5P7wkjHLEVSBgSrA7TkEEbicUEMYcMMKMjPQqR0oEO29xzkdCeKAGqmBgkgjOQe4NO5Q8jCADqPXoPrikCEBGQSc45HHb0+tADCxx8w5PYf/AKqaJYIcEgKdvX5u9MAIUkNnAH+frSYDRlm3Bc4PGR2pDFYkE4AORnOOD/WmIgZsYUITnuDg0x3JlZVh+ZCfakwuRPKzuODgDjPemlckWAMGfdgewNAxxwoJyQO+TSAa0oEW2MZzyMcfXvQNjN5GMKx455/pTsIYZsumSOc9M4H407CuZMbDcI9uxsdz1NYSR1ou2mg6bcavPHduJLvyQy4yQOAcD3rGc2kaRhFvUzvF40Hwvp5FlKIb2cEOjjJYnp9KIOUmZ1LLY4vTzc3j75/mcttjD5z+ArrTUUKEXI9h8OC9tNPsdOZ1M2zLgpjA9a8+q7yOxKysabM0l75EjRp5fOAOcnt9KyGc94hsv7XvLuNvMifeEBJ+nStIu2pk43epZ0W2XTfOgikDqo2ZPU9Kc5tvUpJJFqGyszfBtQlkki2fKB1U1k2NIj1LRoLvUlcXRWPZjBwf1pqbQciKCXWnXmj31kl+0M8ErKVXgsATiq6ky2OOuWuJxFpsVoHnuyQJV6hR/wDrrrhsc7jc52z0KTSviDZWNyyPJLG7JjnaRjH481vz+6EYmX470m4fxLa2c9w7zzvnk8AZqqUktSWrHcfB6+sfDthqialKwvd5SJCuflx/KssS3PRG1N2RYe51TV7q4mN2hizuhjPbjuawjFRQmmzmvGOgeItUhDal5C2tphlkD549AK0jJEcpDZ2UUsMf2dncqq5JX39/rVSkUkaVtC6sIQnzP1DsfwFZM0R1Hhm1zF5t1HbfIwVRySce1Q02O9jD8e+LNcN/PpltFb5k+Teq42LwOlVCmlqYybmypp2nQaJafZ0ktzPKm+VnOS5OD+FVKRaVtC1E11biOa506wuJCMpk4Cj6fSsWykgt45W1Iyyw28dvyG2np6UlUSA0tHuY4tM1K0v2S4ZrhvIXGQEycUpVCrjjf6bc/wCiyWEgiEIYMiYw2OorN1CWc1rFlpOrgWF/rlysn3ki3HI6dM1UZ6EW1ualxqEMYgiicz+TCYf3i4JGO/5VEqzQnqYEEcEQXbGq89uOtEcTJCSLOgal/YMl01qzrJcH5m3ZwPaiVZy3NEah8X6zNG0Md1H5AG1wI+eevP5Vm7g7sy1u57Yme2wjE46nknPORUOTRNmhdRvdc1XTPsOq3s9zaFh+7Y5XPbrU87B3e5WgtYskuWkJHApcwWL8e2KNFZAHHDEjJz3o3HYa8hGWUKuDwAeapIBGnuJwXjwFyq7k42n1P600OxZkl3Kc6gv7sZLNKcfnVoZkmS2uTJKLmFG2FhubIb6VSQWM1Li2sLGMvDKsqnO3PBH+NUkBg694rtUx5JmeRvmxtwqfrW0YiOF8U3iXF8J4w29sHLcliDXTCJJWvWnv7drmOAgwr+8MY4x71tLRDRo3stzqXgeCZSQtnL5bAtnJPOf1rKUuoW1Lfw20u8v9UwrFIVUs7Ovy59KU5potRPZdC0a2h0t51vDFeCN0BAyEDAjOK4XLUqyOSsdGsrOzkgglur+/EnmearBQcEEjBrSLJbKllrVpbtL9tllt54ScRyRdvw71VxI0NN8S2bJ9ptdVl06/jxhvu7h+NXa4md38MPjJHLrM2keLb/GBm3uccMB64olTutBKTPSrrxZaXEAl0kC4+bO88Ae9Q4PqLmOe1TUJ74tczOzbRhQBxn600h2M8l3VSSCCc59DVWHYjVneRQY8bOeO/tSY0WriR2VRIqoY1yFxk8nnNJbgzn4rdZL65uZlkBY7VLHPy+34mtlKxkWpEbCKi4UcEkcYqHIDQQJ824eYVBAHBz9KhyLRW1Wz+12ixAuIzjKnjH/16akDVzk/Eng37U6yWUcW8/KWZ+46HNdcKy6mbgGn6ZqY0p7O+ihL+qnPT3olUUthcpW8R6TdT2IgtSySAgMSM8HvThJJiaK/hE3ZgnS5nkcxEBsrxVTaYjS8SaZb3GjtPC7RXkWGRkXk/Woi7aBexV0GSS50tZLj5ZwCrfN1qpCKYItNallUbVCbS2ODn+tUrWA15ibgRIJXUY6g81AENjYamNRYS3Ui2wdsHjBHak2ii9cQXXlxqZyACNpH4/40gIX1F7O+WJ4kdWwGkJ6U+W4XNSyvlhuGcoJBwRk9M1LiUpF2bUXW3ZYol2NgsfQA1FmUcZql82pTm5trp0RCRyD82K1UdDNmtb3VndLDGxPmbPvEYAptCM8DUbDffiAmJDhV5+Y0rJjRv6Zq0OoRKY2VJAB5kXcGocLBcytRuL7TAXiyVlcBYo+59aFG47ExubuWNJH3wTqwyMD5h1qlFCuc3/arweI7jyYFw7GRg3bjqPyrdRuiWdbo1xFdWyXqKzK4IyD3rGcEikYuuXUDXF5KJvMufK8tQF5XPpVw0E9SD4fWh8+e43n72RvHzCrrVPdsCWp3cUHDzhWaR+hJJrguaNMq3CXBxIVbaMgt6mkmQ0xbOQBQGUhjwFxk07gi2BhvKG7djv1xQzQssSzksWOPQgAcVDKRGZdwyGJB6YHNAMiRi0nGcj2zQyLsvWdz9mXdjzSQQFK8Z9aRcXYbLJmJLiSZtzscKDikVcQ748s7rubsMYFMVx0HlIrSqyFjkAA9Md/1pANhAc5kAxncxzQBaCEhHyPLPHpSGVro4YhXwM5z61SJIlDEJ8444OMCgCdNpVtjBmzgjPT3oQzK1xQ+lXeBkiFgCO3tWtPciSOd8Ez7vD8XmSl2jO0ZPA9q6Jq5jHRnQRyIJSd7LkEnuDWTLuXLeTyzyo5H61DKRU1rUDY2clw6biBwoH6046ikypoGpRXVuJ0Rh1yWGKqUbGadzZhmypJY4IOO1Zs0QSgSICcY547YoSG2Z9uI7e0eFQAin7o45NXYi5aiXZCoMhB7EHv/AJNQy0G0gsTz/s/1oAfuXbgcDvzQAvz+WrAqMfdf2oKIbm6htrdppnwoJy1Uo3Icjz/xNrc2qkRW5c2+7kj0HvXZRp21Zi3cu6HZ6RpNu99eSRTzbfNRBzj0Bqp3ewXMK7W88TXzNax+Wr8O3SmnybjSPT/C+m2unWMFpAnyogLMR1brXDWnzs2i7C+LfH0VhaPYIzPdn5VAP3R75qaWGcncbrPY8quIy88lymUMjbjIw7nrXpKKirHO9Xc9K0iezaxtrpDFK0SgM3rXBUcm7IpOxzOrahH4h199Ok3GJDndGea1Ssrjvc63TreCys0ghGEjUDJNc8pXY0ya4uUghMjsoVcHJOPSpSbKckNsb+31K4ks7N/PkQZcqcAD60OFhcxckBRNzL8q8MRzQlYd0QpKp+UkbumcUxXI7xIpFCuoUKcqynBzSuDLttq2oWhT7NdmKFAGKscggdgfWnuK9i1L4q1B9rJeFWk4AC9MdOaXKVzET391KA8t3PIWzlS3H6UcpS1Ghk3AHAYHAGKCrISSQHK8AexxxzxSYWRCxPl7YmYkepyP88U0SMZHZvmbke/FMROJC6YJXcDznpU2C5BIFAXeAWAGf/rU0A2UYQKduCcnnmmgexkX+IJwqMIkOSQvHOK1SuZsm0rUHmG24VS6rtyP4hQ4gmLcRmW52p1J7npTQysLC5/tAXEV1Iifxx5+VvwqrqwGmkW5g+SSMjrj0rNgAb+HJC55XH86EBnzW0Go6mBdQhlXAWRj0q4tpCNG0aO0iLKuCGOAo6AVPNzAtBbHVoW1NrEsRMUDBdoyeTScdC+Y0luLo3gMm1IIhjg8k1k1ZFJ6lfWZ283ZbeWcnknAIFXGLZnOSuY867pm1GSXy/KX5kHIb61rYncQaustpBcIE2yn5sckUuSxBqWlywkEw+RxwGrNouJdh1KeBv3czjPJ5NQ4lXJofEWoqSgZmUHOCAOPSnyoLl2TxNfOgCxxjnP1HvS5SlJkF74uvbWJpHWEr0wBkk1UYXE5tEuk+MpbtElW0WeMjEjKeg96cocu4lUOqt7qCeNWjlRVIz96stUaKVxHubWNtrTp8pycY4otcHJCNcJgKkinsMGmkTzIPOmOSu0bvQVQXIvtbIcnAJwPm9P8/wA6QzK1bxVpumkx3Uwck87ccVpGm2ZyqWMo+P8ATmMsflMqIpYljxj1pukxe1uS2vjuKedAbTbbZyHDdqPZNB7axr2/inRJ5TFFcnzOnzHk/nS9nJB7VE8t6WA2lVXOFPr3pco+e4yaWQsPvNn0pDuRmQuGdt3zfKVJyD+FUkK5LHuc45+U/n7UMEOlOMAgnIyMEmpGIGXfwuccdaYCPIeAfXjaaQXGtMgDDpkZPPJ/HtVJCuUdU1Sx02zFxcO78gLGh3O59APWlcLX2MPxDrN7baZFdQwTWYckAyoPlB7n0oTTZXs31Ocg8aaxbP5d5FHdbB8siAZdT9KrlJ5bGnpnjUXtytu0Dxu+dikbdxx60uUVmWdZ8Y3enkq+nBDGpMhZzgU4xTE7mXY+OmvS1wZYYIQhbHcntV8qI94rReLL+a1mube4Nyqtt4TA6+3tVqKsQ2zsbTWrV7W3Z5CXdQSOw9c+lZuLKUi7d6rZxsAZMR7dxOeBSs2Vcwm8UQOJhb2c8vlvy/RT9DWnIS2Lpfiq3vD5Jt3SQMdy56UnGwlI2ZNSso4UaWcZbg+n0qTS5YE0ThXiZG44wf8APpQA/cWTJIUdMeopXKJiyrgH1GOcUmxld3TzDvkU8/d49aq5LGtPGCTvQ45FNXJ5iE39opwJiW7Ac1STE2UptRVhhEJz1PrVKJDZGl5IygMvBzx60+ULkrXJR1jkkXgZ6ZIpJDHG4YBd8gLfdUD0/wA/yo5QGrOoc8rk/eDHAoswHPdwgqjtyT/CTT5WIkMyOF2MMMM8t046UrDHJL/eVSD97HqMUOIXHbhn5jjGQByeexqbBcbExyrZ+buR6dqLDuTPIqjcGxzgClYdyAuRkc49+ppibCUq4JYHAwTx19KZI4Y+8pPTgHtTGLyPQtgkMelIBYTySxBJ9aBoJGAUOM4P8PvSGMY7m+fAwPy96BEgcspQEcDr2oHcQna2NwIx+AoFcJOp65xnGaBEe7bGAgYgjGcUwEWR8L86gt69fpSsO48H5WkJHp1oFcfuBYZbGenFMCHcRgAltvSgBVfI6kL/AA44pgMHXDE59Qf6UgHK+XLEc46Uh9BxHy/Lwc9MkUCGLEUjIL5IPJJJp3HYbIIweM5B6f0o3EyEkE5UKMc5wcg0Ni3LLrwvHBPzHNIY3nfgrgKM4IxmncBGQA52gE9e+KAK8mAeFHu2atCZExJy4cYBwDjpVEHFNaagbaC7ErTSTH7q8lRWLaO+KO5aa60DwzPqS2Et3fsqqg9OOtcs7Sehq1ZHC+KfD5v7iyuJXne6uGWV1c52njj2HNb05JaGKhdnb+D/AA4j6+2qXMTYhj8uNSuFzjrjv0rOtUSR0whY7pIR5n2hgC2MAjriuJyuaj7ezhiuDOTulbgk1LFscr421qw0W18wxLdSO480gcqfWtIpmMp2MqDWkaSEW8CMrsGJZh0PetHF2EpGpLq9mLmSx+0RLNOmN/XZWfKy+ZBpxWJGSWcXERbIZT/WhphdGZr2raJp00/k2QSdxk7xyR61pGDZnKaOV0S9uLvWLrU7rfHFbwlbcRrxnr/hXQo2RnfQzPCM0Nx8R31DVJ3j2QEqJTyCSOlW/h0HBk3iG1stU8XDUjI8dvaKSnq57Cpi7IJK7G2flm4e5ijYSO3/AC05xQ2NHRaFp9w9x5kOTFnc37vHUDiolLQ0SsP8ctFDZwxNPh2bG1j2qIEt3Zg2MHkRK0N2mX4Kla0bGidGmN+HfyGQYKnp8wqbgJ4p1vWFgt7vTkgQBwo2HH1Joi9SJHMmTzb+S+vpWdi2ZGZu+elE5pbB6kGr6hNd6nbT6d+7giQ79/JbnisHNlJXNO0/tG8Cubp/m4wr9BXPKd2aIL26it90P2gysMBsHNKN2KRz+n+OLK01afTZ2aOLnDgZLZ6VryuxKOh1DW7uy0lL9vliEA2AjG7A61FtRSPHtU1fVdb1o3zFhKFO3yx0FdlOCsI7S28QanomlxprtuzSy7TCpHzFT61lVpJMOW+xrX1/qtvpun3gtjGbk48ph1HrWLgNRLlxFDqGpyy2T28klkQwBztJHVTTUR2NDwnbarqniCX7Xp8dpF5LSSpG+4dO35Vo4aAbVvo7u6v51uGkBZYg4yqrzzWTjcLGRKshAea3nghUkgkEA461m4BYZLiOFQDuZyME9cVPIFrEsfCFHkZ2zwehAp2AbKJEkXem0EkZBzmnYQx7sLut/MRVJULhurE4OadhlC5vBdQ3WmGMAsNokzgfhWiRSRrwzQCxt9PngiGwBQ7pytUMoeLLYzNBpv7vIiytwBjNCJseZ31jcWWtwWWo26lJ/wB0nPUkkA1002iWiGbwLrFlr50u/HlAqZEmzlSuPWtIzsFjpvAOj2VvHqem3M4mvJwUjiCggiiVRgUbF7fQNZufD81nuWWQOr4z83pisnLQZvicwWzNFb+U7SkYAwAMDsK53MDo9B1BoZEhIjzKMFiOM4P+NJjRR1DQF0o/2rpet293cm5RpIOmzc4BH61ohtGYvhSbxR4iupdWuvs5UDy0QAhz9aoIK5Y8QfB/UVsFa0nimlBy7M/3QO1V7RbCkrHmHiDQdQ0eZTcnEjHC4OOnpW0ZEHq/wQ8XNqVrdaNezANCu9Cw7cDH1qqlpIErHoE95bpAYo5AFyB85wM1jYbYye8tLayDPcxgnAAyOpp2FzDoL1IIFuG2bV+dnJ4xSaBTsVrPxBpuq28tzb3kBQsQy7sH8j2qAKQ1PTNQuDaWt8hnDZMaHJwMbqerItYZfeKtEj1Eac11HHKvHlk9KfK2DZZXX9N+yyyxXsG2InJDA81PIylIa+u2c+nrqAuVNtkgybuMiqUBORVi16wmJFveB4ym4t/CB/kVXIyeZjH1mE7mSRGA6EHqPWqSE5szJfFMaztEYzyCDzwRW3ILmHXeqWcG2a2KbrjBKZpiJI9YgA/fNsfZ82OVpW1J1OZ0qdo9QnaO6jS1ZjId3c+1bcugzdnuLS7t5FSaOSZgAsfQk9jS5XcLi6ewhZbWeZFZeSDSkrAmbsLwyAI8jIoH/fVYtFJoZPpd1qUjQ28wiTbkNihSsXa5kar4duYbWVWuTMYk3Eg/eIrWMrkSVjG0vW/k3TqRtO1iDnAqnG5J0kN3Lcqi2hiKuuGDPjAqOWw1Iz9WtobK1iaOJmYcHZ0BPtTUh2MHX5JYJ4bbMkbhQUPTkjPBraMUxHYeF0ubjw2kN/KZpAxzubPFYTVmUrMY+j28VwjWLCHa4d3HVvbNZ3Cwa5rH2IJDEi3Ep5+8PlxVqNyWzM1bVhD5NwCWlljGVQ5UVcYCMyG8gu9US9dI4mKbG45PBH9a2SaA2fDP2i1L2zHfHKS0R7D2rKohXNcwQLI4EaM7H5iRWVx3LPh23TTbstGAyzvkhugrOo7lx0NuVLmQMIYsrjcSvTisWXe5OsDR6XJk7s/OTjPODU3KtoYUUixTAfNuY8ZqkYMsxs5kG1sP0LE0MqNyedXVz5Y3D1oL1JIRtfLZxj06UrFRJZ/LAyq4Ujg4oGyvLO/l8KFII6dcUiGJvIOQd5HTJphcay5+bds7H3osCZIWxjBwPfgmkUKXZzgL8uOSO1AId5hMYSDPPGCefwpWAjG54xG53Lgc96YDG5wpHzE8Z7CgGiSPlSoLZ6kdAaLjRHeQvPbzRRgqzrtHoAa0g0mTJHD+GYZtP1O70W4MZC5kBB65rpbujBqx0sAQuCXGB3rKQ0y4bhSMkdscfpUsq5BdSeYhikVNjDOTyacdxSdzn/Dj3Y1q4XLNaKx25XANbTV0SkdXwIySMY6D1Fc7RcWUNfmv4tM/4lahrgsAS3IApx3E2U7/AFBrTSormVg0z4VmAyM9615buwrl6w1GC5h2wusqDqR2NRODiUmXgJVYhjndjnoBWT0KJAin5s80rhcr6nM8FjcTYBEQLBQOOKFqS2cnDHeeINNR5C1tG2SfX6V1RtEhmX4hsvJgsdJ0zaBMSZJCecZrojPQgq3VgZ9U/sWwmLSFcPL1xiqc0lcaR6F4c0WHSbJLaJd0n8TsvDetcNSrc0UTXWNyjlMkKuSwNZLUvY4qy0G2vL7UNQ1Iu8sk+An90DGMV1KbijNstaj4btbq5gaWfy7RFAZU4zQqzYtEUNavLOw0NrTSwVi3Ffc00m2Re7LXg2zFlpwuWt9tzcAF93Wpqy6DLWt61b6eGjkO87s4zgis6dO7HqcrLqt1qMjQXG6C3lcEMRzj2ro9mkDNi/kg0zQmismIaQBNy/ebvyfwqFG5KZY8I3lw+mk3kjFlY4Vjg7aipCxVzZD+cqvHwyjnbWTVirlgjqGOQOpHPNSBDdx/abN4fMwu0gAepHGacdBkWj2lzaWOy5nWZ88HpgVdwCPUUvIZYYZdr9AV7U+UOYq61q17py26CH7REDl3UdB+FCp3DmNKz1awlgVVk2sVDMGPTNJwsPmLgmhcCXzE2DgEtjOahphzCyMAMK/PUChphcazmPAUYDc9elKwrhG29SwO5unPpQUnce2DnO0nocUyraGRr+kre24me4aIwgFXzz1/+vWkJWZDRRsljW4R4mMzInGD1NavUzvqbNo4ngztwTzz1FZSLTHSMVYAZA6EjvUjuU9YvDZ26yqp2FvmIHSrRJJazpeW4kBOGxgYxmnsAscZN1uLMFBwF/xqWMln8wQzeQ4Mj525HSktBFSCGa0aKWaFGuWh2tPnHFXzXAtabNLNE2W3IGwT15qZRQ+pheJIdSl1FWhJSEKS8p7fhWsLEPVka6lbJpktnHKS067WLt96tOTUWwzwtbXUUzxyR5hQYRyetFS1hHWiL7R5f7shgMj0rlk0WhpVgpGRtB9Oc0hlb7Vud0VlG0c+o9qZN9S0srbQofaT1Y9KRdzH8QrqDQxtDEZgnzEL3FbUrIUjR8NoNP0wiCJlknwzAnOD9Kio+ZiRfhaRBs3MrHqRxWVxhPH5sRQyOiP1Ydc9qodiO0e30lERL2cszZHmMTk07CNn+1rvkPMoCnjjpUO40ZOt6/5NpKfN3KqdT61cIPcGcY9jdTQpcef9qdzvCucgV1cySMmjQhtIrK1mvLuLM0ibGU/dqea4WsYGoapI4jAzGFXhE9K6IRMyrpF9MutnKBvMbaoY8j3q5QVgseh6Ne6ja3bk3ZlhABEZGdp781wzijSKNWTXbpW84qrRKCdoPNZRWpTM/QvHFvqN7PaBGBVsDjitJRsibtG1Pr/kW7vCPMYE7s8Ae9ZpNlNsz7TxdHewDEiLMDhR/OrdNk84yTUfEEkjBZo1jx1A5Az1/Sk7ItRbHvJqkyKraiytn5sLjip5kV7N9ynrTw6fYC7vLy8lCnaAvQn3qPaalezujf0HR9ISyh1dZHnvZlWRFbnYD6CuepVcmb06SijL+KGpXEWnmG4jiNjPG4O5fnJ7Y/OtKUUxzPCdH1aWxDs2oNCqRsqRk+prq5TBjrXxdKqiGfdkD91N3Bz60KItRJPFM3mype3Mt7HKcMrtnIFPksJps2Yb3SNX8P3Btlis57VQSC2OBxTQrNHNW3iXU7OBIIZGETOSFC9RWyaE4cxr2/jy5tZEUKxQnDHqKTVyPZanTeHPEkniW6vNMZlhBj3K46ACod0xcthkPi3TYIDosV5K8q5jaUjAz04oJcXuT+GLpbXU5LY7i07Ag4z2FVJ3QLU7LUpIYLYvcYAAzg9TWME2aWMnwz4gkutfa2jQqgjzkHpzWk48qIs2zrrqbWp7qGCwA8osFkbb90etc3OrG6pNmhcfLuLOzY+RmJxis3VuaqlY5rXdSGnIghQXWSeUbpmt6bujGcSHTdXguSRv2HurnH5VupGHK7l7O4gjaAG4I71XMiWhBjcfMON3AwaoVhwk8srtIY9h7UAhxljcl1wMgbsjke1JIGwBDJvxg9AP60xXISM5Y9QcEZ/WgYsceCFX58nuaYmPlk2sMn1PHakK4RzSbziRwB1Pr0osNMn+0SKQFbPAx9aXKguON0+0MT8w64pcpSJraTzQYjLk98jjFQ1YZO0TSKxWQ5zxxUtlcqY1YJCOJjuxyCOnNJyDkJFR0DEOshHbpRzj5RzK+7KgdOB70uYOUU42/vH2vjGccA0KQ+Uhnudj7epQjOBVrUTRWe9bIyAc9OPersQL9qkeQKNu5efr7UrAJPNOkYxGSrHAIpaCA3bHqCT3PemkGo6KeMEqGIJPQjinYGO3DzDIJFBUgZ7H2pOLAekgO37mcE4pWC4+R0xwSWH6UtQuIXHIcAjGcpTAaF+Y/OT3x7UAKPlIPUY4P16UAShcEb2AYjPFIdxybAe7AjkmkO5HcTKqbh68A9+aaiJyK2VYM65LGrSsS2SxELgkEArtJz61LC5OSyxgEj1B60irkYZR8zHA/SmIguZdrjYMsP1+tUkK41ggULnJOT9KqwmxBnjKcjtnrQI5z4eaj9ttrYamI403ZDIcZBrCqux6UHbc6bxD4j0s6m+iwXGbhwPL9AuevpXIoO9xynzOwaJpXn3jXMylwhCJIWz+X5VUpWWhpCOp3MPkJCI0KA7eCW9O5rmbuaDg0vmgiMHqSMVAXMXxVrMlpp1ylg0KXCj/AFj4AB7j2q4xuzObZh6VLo15paajqEkV1KseJwq/LnOefzrWxMbWucb4uew1HW7ddGjNpHAhkllJ2rj0HrW0NNzJu5nRw6Gbe7mXUmW9k6KMnP454rSyYr2RBY6lPY5SS8LSHBAQ4Ap+zuZuZVvNRuJdYNxe7roRj5oo8Nu/KqjTsPc09Jmnmna4ZTYQ7cpERjGfr+FNoChC9lJcTXZHnXLvsZt/AxSsUrjLe+tA5gYeW4wE3yck1NirllZ1hmIZl+bqAc4osFzdl8Zmw06K2heKFguGOM5FR7O4/aN6HK6lqNxrLreMFlKfKG5wB7CqSigSY3TzHMI4p5JAzHbg5HNRKSRaTNn7LBBcpsVkGQRlzn34rnlVSHYrXk9upy0iBQSCmOeDUOq7XRNjzf4j606wKlo+DIedrYK4J/mKum+ZaitqWfhy13daU+oXspMSPtDMCePTNOpHTQtuxsax4y0zTFMQmTdIpA2nOPyrm9mxJ3LfgqC51ieOWG2MyuQdyqDhfWrS5S7XKl98PhF4k+2i5DW/ns+Sw3Yz0xVKfQnYg+IutW8ujy28dwHmTCbAd2MEjt9KFFtilqcb4Ga6g1FZoSirtKtvXPBx2rqi7ILHUeEbS81rxd/auvgyW8OVgBH3mB+UY9KxlO5cVY6LxFqFwLxri+UK0GfLVV4A+lZJ3YM0NAtdNtdN06awZmv7hhLcB24fIGRitEgJ9T8RwJc3+oQWVwpswVmNucEoeMYPHrSZEkcNaG21DWF1XTdTv4luG2LG59eMHBpqwlE6DV9P8V6fqMVlrV6JNPkhbAikOcEdc1LsXaxbt1SHTpJQGnVSFAyWIrNgPguLt4Vke3ZUI7jlQOmakTMqfVNXhLSjTp5o42yuDgEU1Yk07qxivbb7fbuFDJ5jQ7eVf0p6DMOygvXSO7uLC5iuFkKjb9wg9DVXLUkdTJqPm2H9n3FhHM2z/W/dZWoE5GJeNeCORr9lPkY2FSMkcYouTcj8UaD/AMJLai508xrexQ5I2kl8c8ehrRSsFzFsPE8yvbWetTSbLf5JNwBKjBGK05hMzrTS3sdTbxFZayzPDdKY1CE7kLc/pTTBI7vUPDlhqZtfELXLK6bZCSOD3NRIZk3MlnqKyT2lwA1vcnzGYYVhiue2oie1kRRHtYsofeWB4HY/pVIZta9b6YtjG8MbFpWzJLH0AGDzVoroTW2lX0V4sthaGG3MYVpmYct68mrvoJFjWYvE1lpczR63bSxwp5km5iCR6VC1Ymjj4PEeha1bFb+NzPBIHMjRZ3ZAGBWyYrHJtp/2fxVJdW7iO3nciOMMVccZ7U3Kw1qJq76mx8t7y6ihDBkLORzn3o50w5Srq13qssVvHdXReNR8uG6j8O9WrE8p1nh+Pxbrvh+BtAkWe0tH8qZWbLN35H40Owch6P4Q8PC+1m1tdZ0+wtbNLIh/s6/OWDHk8dazk0loXGNzjviN4PuvCF7qPibw5M0NpkD5uWXJA60QlzaEyR59Y6Jca9qtnJPdKk17cLGzscnLHGa6OW0bkx3sd54j+D2raJ4p0zT7TV4fs+oABXckAv6cdax51ctwKmr/AA48daXYvYmN7iw84lRGQwY45NKNRNi5DgHk1DSL54J5LizjkHlspBU++K6I2ewmjuvCHgltd8LXetQ6tK0MBKupb5lUCk+WPUixN8OvAWp65d3ovNQktFt4zsWRDvYHoQDRKqoo0jTueuP8PPD/APwjUVikEktyqZSUtyW965XiG2aOmjzXxn4OufCVhb6ndXMtyJmYSwwjhOBt5PatoVuYxnCxxT+ILiSzMQ09/JiIMrkdPQV1xmzNxLFrdx3Nr9shO3Z1KH5lP0rVWepDjY0VubtGT94WlQcsxGTT5bisbumazukZJkRQn8Rbg1lKkTdo6fRtSRJI5EfeGBIIYABaxlDoaRmW9agkvtHnlj2KJFxgOMnn2qYqzKbuc1eeFDo1lGbpHMcwGDuyRmt41CXE5/VFbQ9TgeznadHwZBgjbn1zxWlkxWO1F8I7O3lmg3JKwXOMqD6k1zzVmVcx/HSRnTUuEO6ZHwSO/tVweomXPBd4l9pZaIMGQ7HB/SlWjbUEbkcCosihOTzx/F7VztmjWhw3i51g1mKC3QM7gAqDzk1009rmbRY1LwRqem6Wt9PdIyFg7IByuRnmq9sk7D5DO03S57yISRzxwxyMUG7GcjrWrkmiHoOttW+x38NqJUkRGKhyxHNJx5kSd1BLHLEXDB12/eXn865JpoaZGjv5qScuh5XIxWTLNG1v7mFPlchT8uV9KXKUnYvLrHlabJbEZDDOCMdKn2epTnoYf2kyygnC4685wMU+WxlfUtWtzARvGOvBHc0NFxdiyb1twI3KSv3emDSsWmS2073S/MhWIHDMRjJ5qWWQyzOkIU7tnQDHNNITIZby2jwrH9644BNVYgsRsu3fkNnpipaHYYrs24EEZ7ben40CHjJThzk8gmnYoPOhjDcOSME4HFKwXIrdisbEq7Hk59M0DHiRy33DwckZxg0DHgS+QZmOSTjJzxSYMkWRiig4OO45yKQCHMs/yK2ccYGad0B5/wCOBc6drY1ONdqyDHLfe+td+HtJWZhNamn4d1VtUtUuJERBg5VR0qasOVmV7M2EYkblUBRx61g0WmL/AKOyOsg3ZGCPQUrjGTvDb2TLbxbCANuTgde9VdsTM7SvEcbXhgkJB3BVK9M1o6XUnmaK/irxFLbPbx2DI7yHDdyB9KUKY07mwBDrGnRQT2/3VyQ8ZUbjTb5WMp+EtLltEuFnVYszMMrkjbjipnUuhnQExiRNuSR3OcCud6jvoFvNbyqXhcfKQDzkZolFiUhL143iaJgG38EZ4ojdA2YniJlGlzwWxHmR4L7ONoroppsiTOS0GwvtdLMsrwpC2zc4569vWut2ihHUwJbaJNbQwIrSyli8pHzdKwk2yonW6VqBupQnkIUIxlnyc/hXLOFkbRZleItUk0bS5FhePz3O0dwM1VOHMyZSOG0zWLpdeSGMmUyHfLweAa6pU0kY6m741vZoNKLgLGCfmOe3+TWdOGoM5nwbbXN9rYLoPscWHclc/jXRK0UFjtbzUbG0nETSKrk52gfy9K5XFtlbmDbaVNqviJtW1C2C2gX92rH75+n5VakoaDLms2Vq9zDfzgiCAY8lFOCe3Slztk3M/wATSzwWlvNbIIz5gY/KflXB/wARV03qIZ4dv9SurqW2kUbHG7e4xgewq6iVgRu6HaS2AnZrszqxyAxwEHpXM0WjUWZm+4oOOw96ysMYt3HK0sURyyf6wHjaavlHca863UDQxMruR0DdKFEVzitR+3afemOFXRkbIbd1HpXTBJohmguugeVbOokBGSpbrScQuWbhLO7mOGCFl+4gw2B2pWsUjMkhu4yB5rwxg5VG5yexoQaFm91O5gtUVLwyzEjIA+6PrR7NMm5LH4h1Af622Mg67t3JodJdBNmpZ+JoBIYJk2E578YzWbpDjOxsLqtgzhVuomdh9wHms3Bo1Ux+oGBrSeN+rqQABnBx2pwWo3LQ890b7fa+ITbo6si4Eilx8ozXZZNGJ3IkVMFSAoUA46GuSUW2NSRMZ0aJeVz+FCix8xXlIJKiVXDY4AyRTs0F7iyzR29q8zsNqd+2e1DbYyWKRJrRZVfBb5lIXg0mmAshIboW7dKloCPUCwspXQbioyo96cWrjIPDN7cXujSxvaGHy5c+aFwCcdBVTSGkLPqNs0M1rPdJG5QqN/H606ZLTOU0PSLO4upZ7m5yiZKLjAJrr5rIyZa0S7u7q8FjDIAIWy7H0J6VE1pcSOxiuZYIdyytGudrEDP865JRuzTZCW9wh+WI7iec5zn1pcrFchttP+0X6rbyIplkCsuODzTk7IqKuzdurTTkMsUjfvoG2/3Rkdqw9odHKkUobCRrU3PnjyR93pyKtTM5RIBuKhlxxjOBVXILHlliABk44JPUVIySVR5YQtjjjJ4oTGjn/FFnNdKgt5VEqg7ck1vTepLINOTUBb/6a6mXqAGJOPetJWb0ELcwQOu1gGRxliT1PoKQFuzhVCgRFSNcZycYqZAZHi/U7Z3S1jbeobJ571rTgZykchM43l1Xe5wADkV2JWJLyIlnPFLMQsi4YsaUndAdvYSIyrIoLCRcsfUmuComWmP1S8FrYyPtGTwM+9TFalMpaFbwRvLPHCoZgCSPrWk2IPEOoR+W1uhLu527AeamCHcxNG0m8mv7S3k3wiLc7euM9DW0pxURct2ejY2wowU4HHTrXC3dnRBWRLBEZ5ViVSryHgis7llzRbKO5slsNQWKVQS0g65571nJsuJPf6zpWnRGa58mz8pCqJ0+UcVKi2Nzscl4i1XQPFsUk1/rFtYadYjZDvcKWdgD39q1jeLI5kzxrWNE03TdYsrq3m/tm0u3dUXOGyAecDtXYpXIaOdu7K71CaVbS0kUQE7go4UD1qkSZPly+cqnAZevOaoaLegXNtb6os9/CZYVf94mSAw98UtBSR3llY+Htf8AtuoWsU8RtIP3aI3Ck9ahSJV9jjo7WefUVs4ITJufJ46CteYqwmpSXOjXzi1lZMDaduc/SiLFa5BY297dzm8SF2Ft+9c5wF+tTJoZ6T4B16K712e6ZDsWJVYgDqFHQmocr7Gbhyi+H9Tj8TeIr8ajfNClurbEBGNoPH1NOL5VcJI9B+HdlZSWU2oiMx2pYojsPmdh3PtWFatJlQir6nbi5tYB5cLAOQWxnmuV3OpNHIarcaw/i6Isoi0NYmMhBG4sR39RWkVYlnKeJtL+2aTJPo0qpPBlowGzv56EVvF2RDiUrG6uGjhSeDN2FG9OnNWmZOJJpPiLWY9VuIJtPmEULdFjJGMdj603IlwRtjxLYIu698+128kSpikpszcTbtXt7m2juYJkYSruXdx+tV7awchYktLlcEBcYyTnFUq6B07kVyGhZTcfIBycmtVJMhwaGRuATt+bK5IIJqiBIrnOAoxknaB2oDqMiYZ+Z8k9sdPxoHYdvZWypAz1PoKBWHq2G3kYI5z2zQD0HPJuYZyfXHFArj0lUNwSox1HWkMPNmxvaV1YdAD2zS5UVckF5MASWLqvPPSpcENSNCG9tnHBA46Y5FYuBamPW6t1CtktntjJpcjK50TPcQbTtdSCeST1qeV3HzIzJYw0mRMNxHOTn3reLsjOUrhFBGT5kz42njB7GhyYkW7eG0TLxrleue+ah3Y9EBuoVTe5ADeuDg+tLlYXRWvZbZ1YIwJySOK1jF9RORRDsVJAIweCelaGbIFZ4ycnIJzjPSgVy1bRu7GTcB2Uen5UmUiQ2lw/RsMDk81PMh8pD/p6yZC8EfNj09SKd0PlaFdLxfukHLZBA7GndCEMl4TuzwOTinZMl3QiXN/uZhg9Bg8ce1K0QTElu7pUJJKAjGCOTTUVuMqtLMx3CQk44IORVpIl3HR3c6EIr8H05/z1o5UxDPtd3uwJsnsMcZ/z/OjkQr9y1HfXSptf5h1Y+lS6Y7kkt/MVO2NSuefehUx3Ihe78OflOcc03CwieC5iJGWUZ7nuc1Nhplv7bACCJRheOhqOVjujmofCqXnheIRteWmJiyMjYO0/zrmlVR6KgdD4M8IW41KWS7kku5QmEMwUn+VYyq6aGyh3NddL1vRrtpYrq3NsHyIAuwKPqaxckx2aNo3m1EYNC5b5nUHJx6VFirkV3PqkoSGwWNUZeZH4wPShIlnJ6jua3vLW8tTqFvGD5gjwMmto+Rmx/h+2lvoGtbWxjsbKYDcoPzHAHHHerlZDjG6LWrT6WrLZRWaTJbxlZigAwe2SfxqIybYpHK+I4yunMbbSBeq6ZWOIfMB3710QZhJXPJ/EjGAwrb2l3YRqnIlByW+ua6YtEcrDwn9tSWVbaGa7lDZO1sEZ78mrYzbtL2XUtReJ7mWBovkK/e+lRbQB9tpNgsxt2vzbTbi7ME6j2x61Nyi23hnSbvRftBu5/tULGSNpOC2OeQO1RzBexiWabBJO12mGfCYfIwPWndWGMbW7CC8kRpzPNjEaKu4E9ulRKWhSOr0q5uEVFkMH2eWIOwAIYN6da5J1UirljUdYurnCFLWJIguNqYY4PrXO6l9B8xk6pqKWMbsjNLdSEBEZwQPeoXvMaZzGp304ljjlcSyMuWCvn64rZKwM5q506XUdZLGRltkIYRsM5rROwkbvi68m0rQoLbT8xQzuVI2gA/lzRF8wnqcDokUOo6rBbzpLL853BGGR+dbWSQJWPcvB6XFppuLMtAioufmANc8tTQ6C6a0tHh0jc8lz5JmkY4yePU1CjqRKSRxfgzwd4W8RX2p+Zqsqkp5pbcpCsckgV02sgTNXwX4QtdM0vzswtcx3LMktxGdxTjH8vSsnJmisdVHvuZN2s28VvAB8kkOCBjocDBFRIZ5x8TZriJwNGspZkY+X5oJYsffOcU4qxmrtkdhca7ptjplndQfZLyMsVcrubHvWrehVj0DQIptS8OlHuwJJ12SKsIJfk5qHIrlDTvBuoyvDaWtkFsI2ZeQVZjj73THpUuQuUZr3hHWNOh+2ahqVpMyviKIkswXIxUcxL0Mp440IE4V+NzADHSpbFzDbu5drcQwFFTAbGeppJkORFGyMi+fkpnBVWxmquCY6V4/KMHMSDggGgZHLPKLQxJcghMBVwenrQIosVL7jtz1OAR9TTuASyK0LSJNGrls7Qu7IouTcg83ypkmSRkfoxBKg/gKaYm2UdV8M2Wq2j3UoB3SbSyPhiT3NaJlKRha1oOo6DAs1jqS3FsQD5PLDH41qtCrljR/iLHZXCx3lkZLcx7GRpDtzjqAelDafQdhum61a395sBtraKZnZkViTzjHt2qHEl6HVx3OlppSwLb7Zox94vkMOOcYNRysOY7LweY9T8NXQsxF9oMTAFxnHHpT2LiyxZ+FopdIjgur+5upyd7b52Vd3oAP5UJjZxOr2MUOm/Zb4P55f5YklYoee+a0TItqUb6ztZ443l0xLeJNi4hnCHcPXA5p6DuafiqCHNpq1hYS20sQClnwUbjBIwPeplK6sCdjn9XeXUbUeXMm1AW2iTsOTkZpRVirnOxQyXUxhFo6oR8rohKkVrew7FvQfE0vgq/urqwj3b1KPGcgdOuPWqTuJ6HvPwzl1HVPhXptziF7q6d5DK4Bbbubjg+1Z1ElIuKsix8SdJku/hzf2kj/vdqlX6chgT/KppytIiZ4z4StJ7HxlpGnXUkLCW4hlj+X5uvrmu6UrxMY7nvSsdb+zQ3bDz7C6L/NnKgH07V58tGzoTbNaGfVftpjMtsYlJdTKpyRj1zWbHex5j8fPC1x4m0my1DStOha8tZWM6sQqlQB+da0ptMzkcr4a0iXwlpYn1K6N3b6u8cc9jBn93k459RXS5Eo90P8AYMU9vLauEmMaxBI3DELj0zwa45SZ0GRrd7qWn6jBLY20DQ7grB3bcB3IHSlEzdzjvGur/axcwaitwLZ8KkMMRLA8/NmumkkjKabPEtUtYEuL77JqLPGrAmKQkM4zz7ZHFdsG7mdjnHkex1aOZBKsTEFlycGqtZjsdRZ3F5camkOno1xFIuQjKAfpnmr5tdCXYdpd19uuzp1zEbWc4G1jwTVKXcnle52Fzo+q2duioy+TFhQ0TDn8qhtCGDVns7GW0O9iOXYTtvH0x2qORASx+IbtoorS823luMbPMOWX8D1qlFAy34t1Y+JPL0vSYVtrMgNMdgDZHYYpxhrcBPDOvQwRTWd3K09srFYwq559/eiauBf8Rpb3uiqJpZYj5m6MqO3oazitQuY/gWYWesTWrF1gYj940WQTntWtWziOO56QxsZ5fIilfzV7tHgE1wNG5zUfh2O68RzXtzC8cqIvlOj4GcdSCP61qp2iQkdm93vt2sbkJKSBhyevpWD3uaHC+P7SDTbOzfS/m+0Stvwehxz0rqozb3MakUcDfKwjeSLcWhyWY8dfau6CTMtjT0e+1TTtPhvY2keCQHKlePfms6iTeoWO0tL62vIgY5ULryUzkkmuSUPILltQzxclkQ8YPUH61FrFIRvNiXPOMc5U9BU6AQxRhWkbJKsOc5wB7ChiWhZiYMudo+XjcV7Uhplm2UuMOfmOeM+/1oNIl6JGjUCMrtPXB4yPQVLNAvRm2EinDseNx7d6BmRJEkd8twXyQu0ccE07kMni80BQWPIyB6+tIBQ7xhCrKpXqc55/HilYm5Ya8cg+YpYMPzo1HzESyZcMFUDIAGaWori7urAIgGTkHv8A40WY7jZZ3CnZhu52+tFguyeO4YxhWCkbTjJxj060OxdwDsR0HA5xx9aBXRYtdXu7NGW32R716kZOO9KyFzMwfE1hBrFmsFwV8zdmMox4PvW1OTjsRJ3OX0J7jS76TSmtUJTkyDlSPWuptyRi0dUjRiPfyd3OR/hWElYENgfKZBzzwQOoPr+tZ3LKepTSfaIrB4yY7hSMoPuEDjn3q42JYyDw1YK8UsjSkowcgsFGR64q/ajSJtH8O29lfT3UrieQt8u4Z2D0FDqXHY2WneNpcYwzcjHtWL3GhJZnSKP7mWPK/wCTStcdzI8T63Jp8B3wbmk44PKjHP8AStIU9TOV2Y/g5r+G2We4ZI7S7Y7EyS2Pet6kVYPQ6xSoVWMgJY84PWuWURnKeIn+yanNIJ5ZWlUDy+NoA46/lXRSRL1IdISaG6ilv2eGzcE+XGxOTg46VrLUCawvdSuNTS2it/KWSTbmVSxVPbr2rJlI66U2ywxvaTyqzABhjAJFYS1ZdzmvFXmtcWk8iblVvunPJz3q6bS3JsaWm6Xp9sy3HkrDcTjDOp6e1Oc2Bj6hHJqepyWF6ZJLZWBIbIAA9xTjsJ6E91qn2dVh06MRQhdjKOMj+tVbmEjMks31XU1kupWjjRMbFABYj1p6j0Wx0sciwW6wxJhI1woPJI7c1jIVzKgvL3ZI9zGVhZiACRwM9fY1SSsLqVtS1WGK/QXEgeHbgsckH64FaxjoFjS0wRENNujk3MRkZxs7CoqXBEs2oWyvJvfeVyVT3HX61KiWjN0/xDPqd5cBLYRww8GQgY96r2dhMgi2Rz3MsE7s00mXO47enXFFhXI0WeGYNFM+0ZOVbHP50CGXc880iSTzMWA7jIrWKstAEWEmV2jTDAYVpOp4pgVke6V1lOIpBwWHOT9aTQFueZpConkLlRg5B5NKyAgvQiMvzu3mcAL3+tUgEjnO9oi5jUHvzn2oYmXHvYDatFdW8DMnyllUZI9yKlq407GbdMFjaWJB5TY8sR5Le4ppBc0reXUoLGGd5jCrLhVIOfx96nlVwTMqK6aa6zjDmQAkDOcnqa2irIC6098ZzaQzMIwGJAPNQ4oLdRsV5d2TRuZn29Cr0uVASnUJIpHnMqg4HOCce360cqGjSttZFxbBby1cW8h25b+I/Tt0qHET0NY31pp9nCqIsaSH5cZqeUFMik8RW9lA8uoDEH8LqAc//XqZQsaLU09Pml1LwuuuTQS2tnI+2IMDvZfXHYGsHKxqodzZ0TmR7WBVEaRhuF5yT71lJ3LjvY4j4peGtTu722utOkMcqg7gSAGz3xXRRkKaRy9nHfxQxx3LKkwzv5z+VehCzOWSRq6Dd/2fbzlVDO7ZDHjj0qpwvoQxX16/kidS5WSTPByeM1kqKTuIjhv3t7iK5Erhkyu0dGyD19qrkQ0ztfg+Lm516aeaSMxxgvg9Ae3FcWKSitDeitToviZo8Fv5XiK1+1NIuRcW8X3XHriuGEr7nXJHPQ6n/atgttbpHZpFtJSWQJLt+laJWMmhIdRt9N/0S8mkIlkxEAu4k4GQeavdGTVizNqljG0UDTbGYHYjAfN3oSuK5cEqs4iVw0mN43Y4FVyAncwbr7TNqT3Wn4mCDaw3FQorWOiJZZm06SZo2NwI0PzbVOT06ZqkwtcxYtRgQOZ4nJSUgZ43Y4ArRK4noTWmuNeySKjCJwjNg8ggdqagSzk5JPmLu6qQCzDr+ldNNJEMoQOLm6LhygQgNtPpW2gMn1WUSws77zg4AbkH6UlYDrPBskk+kiWYDAIUZ7DtXHiEk7oLkuuzxDUbGKRFdJHI4JyOD26VnEpM27ZEgiMYBVGG4jOc1nJ6jTEOmwPdpdOqmdACo9M96lzZSsaNsoL/AHgXYfORgM31xWTk2aIi8UXc+j6J/aMNhJdRKwDBFPAI68H2FTc1SZxdz4p8aS6cuoi0Flpu9QsqR4cgkDAz9adhnT3Ouaiuk3d1Bplzaf2fbhhPNwkp78dTUW1Gmcd8SNR1Xxbe6W9jB5lqtrGJGtoicOwBIxzVwiog9TrPhB4U+zpJZ6rpgvPMczb5mxtIGAAp9hSnPsEYGL8WdDW18XWraXbspiTcytINoz1xxirpTvuOSOB1l0s/F8EVhcGygkTddIW3AnB4+hrdMzsZHie2nmu2u7azkEBUZdRx+FXcSMJNzj7Oh3GZwqknrziobGevWd/pWlL/AGPpsctveC2CXLlOGBQcdcZzUNJiS6lLQdBnm0cXemarbJqiszSKZBuCjOBxT9ppYdjH1W10rxJeA/a2TU7dh9pRfuyc4PPahTsFrFjwjphttR1MXkJjsJcBYclg2PXNZyqBY0tXsna1Wz0prWxjJ/eME4xj165xikpjscBqul3+kamNjh8ruMielbxmhNXOu8D+LdRtNJe3jvpblY2ysb4AT3BqJxT1MmrM2bHxRLZ3h1K7uVMbnHzOfl/DGPyrNxujS7O1n8XWZtoJmAkt5VGX2HaTUqDK57Fe31HS75TFp00Xmjkwjg07MFO5z17ZXF9fXdy9pLYyxfKmTnIA64GatMTVzEbXrGMs5upy8QJaRFYZYdq0STI5TM0bxZPfajJFqSxvbSthXdfnpsTidx/wkWk21zbwyXalzxEvQAduKzcb7iSZUbxXdQX8gtbm6mMbbtkKEhge2OaPZpDVzQj119SRbfWLhVncgpBL8rgHpxnNC90GmzoHjNtcW0LTLDBKuW3DNV7YzdNFhYbWRiVvcg5+4BnHrT9qyeQmm062NrstrmbzAP4h19/rS9tIrkQ027x22VkVmCZYsvcVpGrclxSM2XVIYOGUMccBa3WpnYjk1eziy7mQjPzJkZGfSixNhYdc0uVtoE8bLkZdQMmnYLMju9et4slInfng4xn3xmiw7DIdcikceaWUcc7R0/CiwrMkTXrVXbazuB0pWE0aVnf27hZhIuFPIzyaVikPM6YBjmJBPTd/j0osGpGJkaUFJjuU5wD37iiwrsmWVv7irg5Lbhz+FKwNg0rFskPnrgflimK41ZgpG8HAbpTKHOwwBuIGSDk4/Id6AsJuyRubHOAc9u1AmAYIvC/KOTlODQFixYXiK6hz5aseOn6VElcpGjHc2p3MZlJXOcN0rBp3NE7EVzqdn5gtvNiMjLjhuv8AjTSdhuSYyaaGCHdLcxxKuQcnn+VNMlmAPEH2i8MNlZXDR9DMQFXiq0RDRZuta8oloYnYNwTkdQPrUtiSGwatHKqtcRSIw6BgD/KqU+iAjh1PS7suINqlSAVIxWqegmiS4EY/1eGHGGHQ1SZJWJKnIY7cHdk/r0p3E0RT3NtHHue4SMA4GT/9eqBIVL+Bx5kd3uTv6fShJA73Kr6rZI+xrnjAGccUxuLGNq9hFLte6HTO4cY/DNISiydNVtHiLrcZUc5OMnNA7M9Z0SzigsYDsRgiAAE8EgeleDKVz21axT1++hju4ksgPtOzGIxyOepxSRLd9ivdi2sk8y41OeWeRS3ls+7J9PpzQ1fYdzU0fF5YqzW62+SAGx196TVir3RFc2l0RNDBIAxziToce1CYmiMaPCdJkRmkik5WRi33275zTTaJsg0qyXSYiXnZrZV3DI6H2puTHdJHGfEPW7GG2e2hEQupMMkeMF81tRhfU5pz1I9I1e4mtEtbqxubKf5SbhYxs2+grWSt1KRV8Sa/4IkdNG1IT7egn8vjp1zQuYhyVzh5f7Gsbow29yjhsiM/dLr2JrfXqQUbee00e6nu1AkeRs7iM8deDStfYeo258TtbzpcmONGmO3K9cYzzTUBFfUPFV/BgzxiUT/Ioj5zntUyshpFa50i/wBblBmENhasvKIpDfz61zTmUkjoNPsbPTY4UsrdAAMM27LcCuaU2O5O1w3Ma8kDOQ3vUNiI7q5iiDGaYI2AACRUWGcl4i12S2DzywbtifK5H9K1hEtFO2nSfTLfUZY5Y7jbtUEdR6irYGl4RtN11PqDnOIyi7unXk/WpkxkPxAsri8sLIWqM487aQFz170oStqFhvgrwvDpVtdavqj7TGpwFxkEc9DXRe6C5HffEfa7tawiILGVj+X9cUowI1e5kS+Ida1Xxk93BdSzyypsBPA246Adq0UENI6j4faLe6XYXl3eXWx5I90MIbqBnr+NZzdimzsPD+tX+r6Ttv4lt5RwpU4G0dOvWs9Bpnb2el+ToDNHskklTLzzMcAYPSpbKcrIxvD+mQXyyGeRYoUl3b3cgbvpRzCg7mraaJ4U0u5e91W7XUboH5Sx3AA+gpObNOZIs33jSz0wJHpWmxjzBmMoNoP+f6VDkS5mTdeL9ad2ZLl0yuSiYwuajnM+ZmBdXDzzm8uZ5bpmcFlL9vYUuYTKCvM6NlkXHJzzx6U09BMikjt45FJ2uFOFwMDbTJG4jAJjPySAY4plAXZQoJQgDjimFyFbmFflbIYHOQKBNkDzrIVZAGUjAboTQK5EXKAsGKjoBjBoQiqkjvIcjlfmyO1UgLsbRbysU25du7G7HP0q0BU11QLEWbSIqMuBnrk1pEFuc7aWsdwBp5gtyu0hJGj3HIrVdizlJ9Mmt4pC8TwurlQVHXmkkO5Y0PxVqWhjZDcExsfmU9TVWQWueqeDdfm067t9Zsle5tnH72N5BjnrxWUo2BOx6F4ov0n8NTa9o12LWeBDJ5YXgVimy76Faztl1TRdPv1hS8u5UR1ZCCM4HBFaXGtSfVvD+rT6fI1xZwRMgLAqw+UDvRcTicF4pul1XQksob+CO4TCsxYhT16e9JLqZtXOBvrK+0LSJJ5HlDzN5YfGQQfQ1qiloa/hG80u5tbaKTVJLS8L4VQMgkcVcloWmXfFXhxrpbx7eQecTlj/AHj3IrJSswep6r8B/EenXHhCw8KXJ+z3tkXUcYLLuLZB/Giq76lJnoHiGCCXR7i3jLyNIhQEepBxWEZWYpK6PDLzSbmy8Q6DfzLLbzWdxGZGIBJ+cYrs57owS5Wek6F4u0NviBc2Uc7+c6bHZsAEkZrLlujRS1Oj8VIL21uhZzNbNFA8okTnPHb06VjezsN6njGg+O7eLQ7ltT1WW5dDy2Ce/I/KuqMVa5km7mlZePvDzxLBa6W8yylWMj4BAz1pNMblY9C0zWtPksxJp+mxQmQjdKPvH8axlFmimize+JLa2sZb25jEcSLkuVBIX1NSkNyGWF3pHi7Qw+mzPJGx5kHy9CQabvHUFZninxb8I6f4a8Vxf2cGZL2MyNubPIxn+dd2GndmM1Yn+FHhPRvGGsXlrq0bloIsxKrYx71vWlyoIq5xfjHQNa8N62YLx5Io4XItZAPvKfeopVEwasV9Ltl1i1KWukGa6tZPMe4QfOVraW1yep6zq+lR6V4StNe0fSZ7p3Aa43OCcY5yMVyyqWZTimU9L8Kv4lsZNW09vImkClIivCqc7sg0OskJUyt8RPhvrvhuO3123b+1IFYGaCJcMi45PFTDFalOjZHE6TqySKlzaHypRlSobnnsa7YyUkYNWNRjLBblUiWOUtnGe/eqZJY1bVJY9OS0vIdsjY8uTBwOh/LmpsFjrPD1nHLolrdXDt5yAgbANp9yDWdVtKw4s0lmYOI5XYNjIwME4rDdGiZoC7FzEfPRQ82FOeCAKhoq4vmmKZFiAdMdcU7aCbMPXNZs2vntNRtJMwH9w6DAJK8/zrSCsyZXZ53qsb3jvb20LAu/IXmu6EktyOVnUNpF3b+CoI3J8yPJ6/dFZyqJyBo5mS6WyZZI3kQ/d3Kclq2smiTu9G1OG6jSCT93MF5weT71yVKbWoGxqV3NcWy42sFAGQOgrnKuVoATESp3A8Ae9Ag2qZH25yfvdgKGCLlswCAKxAPX60i0y9BMPs5QMHdT8244xx2pGqkQtJHLH5jIqkA454pWByKShZCZHYIqjOM8A07E3JjLlDhVYfl+FKwmxC21MEDIHI7UEXIGll3HdtY84VegpgOkclTktx+h9KVguV9Se5EH7hd745FMLli2dYVAnUAt8oXuKbQ0yX7UnmKvzAYBz2NQolXHSXaw/dUvnggHgU+ULmde3kcVtI/m5YKWXd0GP/104w1JbKXh7UZr2ITzeWSrYyG4Ga1lTsiTlPGv2i21fzUnZXA5Ct27V1UY3QmdD4S1n+0LdVEPEYCszHoe9Z1qdiNmdNHFGRu6nPGT0+lcrNAaICEv/cOeWOQKlSaCwijKtk7gR90800wGoD0J4B4FPcYrgMn3R9DxTEc7rWpbp47a3QCZSclmwE9K0hFE3KU9tbXepRafcXchfaC7KMhifetdIoLss+I7G4VbNbSUW0cOGBPp3qVLmBGvZ3dumkPcedkR/KuT196mUQOe8QwGa7tbpn8xTD8xC8itINIbRNocc986WTxlrZAWZjwacmJI6DSkg0/U57ZJGMgUPndnaDWUthlmSdZpWjABxycVlZsdwSa1Mj27OrOg3YbkfrRsFyO5tlbTHeSUbmc7dg6L60hNmDf3bLBFYQsfLyS7vy7HtW8IiKJYSOI8bcnkjtWijYRRvpy135Sx72HzL8tNjR0tpI3kosrbpRGpb246VjJAR3JhuoZUkY4wAEPTvQrgtzD8SxWgt1itbfyo41+YAnLeprancdyLwJMTbyRPcszbjhM5IHanOKJloal1aQqEuDKzP1B3fmMVmtxpleFI7Z2EWFDjDrjr71YbiREx/dUGPaTgtzk5pNXHYejA7T5a7lGCOvWk12FYryAyyqytt28EdatAWpvkUAurepxTAryqpVWYIABjHrTsAgcuoMfGM1NhFSViZWRZOgycCgTLOgrFcXbyNho4xufBIoYMWGCK4lIlLFWf5BGOvPrSuMTWY7q3WNYFCLG3Ixk885xTTCw+6u5ns4RMd749PWnZCSI7KOJFJjxkclsc022VYmtki+2NOIQWYYLE8ZpBclGww7REGG/OSuanUQ1YGwSqx7FOPmGefagBmoQCS2SCadkycrtPWmAkSH7MsUheSNAfvMc0m0hpHZ/DXw4NetL+e+ghe1tSFgjYZ+b1wa5K9Sx0UoHoWt2MlzoEUFqI0gjCliOgx1AArjUtdToa0OI1zUpbZbK60BtrSTmKdiMgAex961jZ7mb0LcupjVraSxvpF+0yrsOcDH+FaRVnoZt9zz/xK6z+KUstPtWaOzi2yNkAbsfrXXCpYzlEoX0ctnLBDJLG9xMB+6U5I/KtlWuZuBCm87mKONmQcryPxrXmTRPKPCSHy4UTfI7YCgZI9KJSSQKJ6b8Pnl0a7gs5rYr5yM+QvBwOc15OKqKWx1UotO521/FYarpzpNqBxIFJVWyK41pqdJyUvhHSINW+02dss+0jdPIdzEj0/Gteclo5PxdFfWN6mp3tyUi3grGCAAOnpW0XdGUkQ69Ba3Vvazo9xLCjM73CHPl/L09etWiOhljxjpNvaNqCTTySovkkgYI5FabkWZJZarpWqQXFto8krXMg8ybL4IpxsS0U4vEn2HLi8Cvb/LskPBx3rRpPYXK2JPqC6l5Jgj3vMd7hew7mtI6EtWJHu47O6MNrEp3xlN0nJUmr0YjQi8Nr9g+0XV+FgI+YIOan2ttBqxSmit41aOAkRJ/Fjlvetua5BlQwR3RMYld5TIw4XgDPFDlYZ3GiWcdhpvkAhvViOc/5NctV8zEcl4uvpxqUPlEiSNvlOP5VvSimikbK6tfWwtpriRZJDghfQGs6lPUSNOx1C5/tSVlgaSORFYNv4Ud81jKmUmzN8UfELT9IzFbJ9puCuDjOAfSsZQNVc0vHXjvUNN8Madp8Wlkpf2JZ2cfcJx0/OsoxTZspO1jza11zxTqunWXh4XsEdpaOLg+YOQAe/rWko2Fc9C0VPFHxItZNOEv2LR7fEc1x0M2OwFYtpFxVz0Tw54L03R7QQWE8ixRhWYtyScdqylJs0UTT1J9NMqGEzDUS3BUbTxxn6VNyh2oeHbDWtKdruDzJ9vyH39zTjPlBq54n4k+H2t33iSNLxbKxhZWUz7iwC4OMj1rrjURm4HB69o95pd7Pp0s7/Z4Y22SSBgHwOo+tbJ3ItYmW3sh4W0m5stIhE9nIJLiVd25zu71MmKx69qWs+F4Z1uLywDy3dujIbe3O4NgDBrBt3GlY5DV9QtbK9N9b6NJFIrfICPmccDJxwOtWgMGSA2uvxXjWpQXwyZWPQ9SKGhNnS2UD3crE+WsqrwpG0EeprCSdylYzLCaLUbq7gjO42xCyKONren6UgM/xesp0yTEaKVXk4+Yde9bU2TY4rSNSmtrWUELtcYGfbmuglo1tkWoaHbI115UjP8qZzk1NgLOu3+qabp0Fj9qe4jC4TrgUWEkrl/4VaJdalr/2576SEhsZB6nHSlKyVxt62PTtR0rVrd1Wyle4kLktIwyCNp+XmsVJPUtbGD/wiDap4XLLLHHc+cxkURANu9PpWkZ2A5HUvAlzouqaWLp5J0muEeRY05VMjNaKaYmjTv8AwrbGHWdatdNmJR8WnmyfdB6HGahyuxJFu5h0/S/C+mS3IdL6NlknKD7554P6UXFsWvE1xoF3pM2sCyxqGF8qYnhOP8aaByRp+HFt/EejQyT3j3F5b2zEoW2gHGR069KLdRR1ZyNncazpmoPbXFrLFuj3AsCCR+NaRsxTh1NC0165trUn7RIGkOdp547ZrRQRlawyXW9SuSsbXDhOTknAPNWoINCr9tkDFpXXd90HnNaJEWFh1qRY5twJBOD3p2QuUkS+aR9zzOjAZHvQHKOutR81lCuWYDJHAphykunXapdK7nfHkllbkHoaHqJonu76Ga5aSFI4wT/CMYP+c0JCsRLevF94kg8nB6CiyCwo1RtzMhOGPAx0H1pWHYIvEM6EFCg7f/XNDSHyl4eKfs0qQ3J8wPjLjkA9qVjNxZr2XiexkVFLKxJ4B7YqbC5WOvPFVjaRs6o0hjYdB60+UpJlGXxhbLGx2OZOuD2NCiFmQ3PjDzGk8uJQw+6AOvAzT5QsUU8T6ph/nVkOByOlJoqxFf6tc6pNFJI7sIxjA4/SlZDsVVvDasQk7b85b6UrBYX+3HF3BcosqmLABzkk0mg5Tc1LxdvCloWl8wcluTUcnYLMRPEcSl8nYSBx3rNwaCzKd7rkFxEoKlCrbtwOP0q1ALFC48R3BT7MmNxb7+3GafIPlKY1GVGby5lEvcjirSDlNOHxXfCRozKWK8YIz+VUkL2ZVutb1C5JWWXKDjbjGKpByJFKa6nnXbIBsxzz0pj5UKly1vbFVdgpbJANAWRXuLoiMmMbyx4BP60IYxHleNfMfLYzgHihgOBYZXc4DAcZpAe9wa5O9l5enEG4k+Zw3/LMH0+leHync5FSXVY7GN47T97Of9dM4zn6VSiSpWI/D8X2/VlkmZ5GP3Sxz0q7KKLp6s9DJ2qBExCgYC44BrmZqzJutQvoCYRDuP8AG4GMD1pJCZmatBf3/lyWzyvAse5t5OC1axsZyucL491XxVpel280EpXO7cD93jGMV004xkzGVzgNQ1bWtZlE98hknXDJxzxXWqajsZ8pveGfE2tSkwXF1dCC3GZUZAQB3qJJGiNDXdFtNb03RtOsonfUWAd5QOvsaz5uXcTjqXPDvhXRJdQu7fxFG6i2xHHIO7mlUqdi4wS3NLXvBPgzTra2i1W/Npbyg+QzPjce9YuswcUeOanpU+qa/LYaNMsmlxHCXTjHfrmq9toTY6DQ9CtNPJhhH2iQMGEkjZ59q551dQudHJFbWsCxli7nnPXFZ81xELW8QtnnWRpHJyAOgqWNIxNTvbe2jDP8mAW60+VjscTqmsJcakLuXbHb42getaxhoUkal5bfbltbqdvLtfL3DjIfFFrDJjE9/IuQiqX3RgDgCpbBHQeUkKJZW4bYo5HqTyeaykGhn+IPENho9ubU3SszrnGM4NOFNsV77HA6t4iuLy3mjLFIn9664xsKxi2MCXEipLKoHUAZya0Vhs2/BkcT61IzK5MB+UDjP1qXJDPTIZSluqBRtQEAAfnXJJ6mbHOYxChRW27clVPSlcLmmdd1J7XyftjpCsW1ItuQTjikDkyB9RmOPNYuc5AxjOPaoYRdhz3k7Dy2OVIyGoRVxtu+2MyCR329AxzjNFgHRXBCFcHnqTUtAhY2UktIN0eO4qBkYbYQflzIKaYDZGjJYZBK+o4rREakWVI2vjBI4z0qkWQTTASsi7SpOdo7U7EtEM8ocnDBSSBtPpSsSV1kG4ImGIzx0NFgKss20bHlLBmyapIllaaUox2/LuPOPSmkCQyIebJ5cEhB64z3q0UjXh1iCPR7uLVEicRcgEcirSBLU5ex1KITiezKebvPlp6itYqxaRDHrEl1qdzbGLbLGxyMZB9f51fULHP+KNK8iRrkLt3H8KnW5SZd8DeIZ9GaRL5S9qFwFZc8npiiSugaPUrbUFk02K7S9X7HLHl7dzyxI5FYcjRNzoPCer21ncxwxPHbRsPMiRf4Pwp8paZofEfXLzTvBk83mtKLlWRHUcnd9PxqEtRSTPBwmsnQ1ur6Ly7G2lQ5xtZyTx/WtEOxua/qQ8S6NfJa3ax2djGkiWuDuLZA6/jV8tgOb8J3ttoXiDTtRv4C8MMqySoFycd6u6aA9D0/xHZ6rq88GnBhb3dwZIxNxgZ4HtWPLrcNTkr7xFeaD8SYtRgjXNrKVKqcDng1Vrhc9M8WfFq//sKNdPVVmmKtGy9sEE5rD2WonJsi0XxDceKdEj1DVysN5C+6MlSAxUjGfatkkkSc1N4Rk1LXjqN1q0MDPIG2x5yR9aa1RSsjq9auLu3vbfRrTWzDaPCVecSbeMdDmsWgZxnjDwdJpmg6Po1nNDdTX0plaVWGWB46/hWkG7aisiteeAtdGt2tlbJJ5KwZeTOACATjit+ZWBHZfDK71iK3nnvX8mC2kMY355x1NZSsw0Rqa7r9u9qRceVNb3AxkHg57VKiyXM0Ph5r8FnqM+myRQWlnsBtTG3Xuwpyg2ioyK3xxQ6hZ2+oWb28zRJk8/MAfT8qdGXIxTs2cz8A9egt/iLZ2kzMn2sGInHsTz+VdVaSnHQcGos9L+K2n6V4o+wWC4kme52Er/yzHc1zUU4vUJyu9D59TSdf8P3+oS2ckyRWkrRsy5wwHf3FdnNcm2h33hb4oM3hBtFvrQG6aNow443Ejg1lOnrcWp638N7S1tvCNnHLb/6VOnzFWORiuOo9TpjsdBNI8WmSafKuXmzGMnJ2kGsktQZ8wQeDNb0661GS102S5FvKwwiZOAetejTqJI55RuVnv4rlMQ7ormI/vEccqe+fSuiE0zJxLFz598Qbp8JtC785GPateZCtYu6fe32lyCGC5aWOMZKyHj2wKl2ehJsR+K57iaN5bIBVXDEd6iVOw0zU07xPbPcqZo/KjXJw44JrFwZVy7Ya5YX1/BJJcqITkhgcD6UuR2Fc2rOLw3qk8TzTRF42bdluvFS20WpIhtItJN/NBp8Fs4YEAxjJx65ocpDTRX1V4U06+tlI8pIiFZj04qqbu7kSaPM7fSG1CQi1nSONWBDOf5V3KdkQaj6bc2809wkgBgXaGY43Ad6jnUnYRNo3iR7q9jim8u3XG1wDnJ9acqWgHVWrpkBJGYE/KR0NcjTEDNgDBVd3zNg+lQxoVGJZl3fKeRg0h3JRnDAsScAHP6UikIY22ZPOew6CmhleW9t7eDa5DODkAdKpIVynFq8rMcYEQcjbmnyibLSaxGQ8bRlQAcMe5HalyCbEtL1LuaTayKEQcdCTR7NoLlafVFXVYLcMBEw3OD19qv2YrjtW1V7O8tVZBskbaSx6e9CphczbfXY5tRlN3IUiQYjb196t0rBc3TeQSW/mRHKkcPjrWcospyKMt9EjCOSQB2GcdwPWnGIrlbVGtZraZPtBAaP7yEYPsa0jHUGzkY9U/slHSJMh2BIB610KNxXJfF2oLeRBygWUqC3I49quMLCGeBtVSzuhFM/7tsZI/nRXjdAz0vzA8PmLnbwefSvMasO46OXflSOGPAPYVI7hJOEtpXO0eUCSAfQVS1C5V0/U474sbdQX9qpxaC5ZmLj5WVuf1NRcVzA1u0sba3+1yQbpjKuST271rB9Auadk9vJF58EKg4HzAcinYSZzFzd3d/aST3EZEUblSQePrW1NJFbmp4Qsg9nLG1mzQS42M3p61NRoZq6hpc00sUQkiiiAxn1FZKQMyrZ7TTtRnlinaaRXxtPTGK01YXK094ZNUmv4lAZl2N7ClyoVyGNrv+0ZHjuCokA53dMetPlEOF2ZblwJvnC4OO4o5QSJbW7uFR0NxlCuAv4mjlGysJ134yxfI69cc00hE+BuVRtzjFUhFUFEk+9n5Rlv8KGVYcZDuJ3OAevvUtBYfE4xnPGD+NNRBmbrMzfYpGVvmXse5rWK1EU/A180EssSooMiHc2Px5rScVYUkbplJmZmy5Ixt9K5+VFJEbN5cvmBQdw49qBiq25s5/DFMBxkVJAQzfNzQDRC4jRyitksMkigEQz3Eabmwx3HgelMVio12XuDbtyVHT1qhM0IZESBQcgPxUtAJ8sYxGBl+MnvTsFgsRcIk0QKKsnDBegpCsT20YtYo8urMp4x90VPKBXv76Y3StK/mkA5x65qoxsA0XBe4KiNQ2N2ParsgHRx3BaReFUpuznFToMsI4lXZGFBTkk9M0gK7zsYZCx2AHqD1pAPiu7cww7pyQy5OeM1LCzKGp65aRTxwrIuQT8x5x6UuYtJmjorNrLSWllNG8xUhH6bQR1x3rOcrLUFGx7d4U0+DSNKCW03n5jAZ+mT3rz6j5mddNWRvaBYCHT5oWZ3Une2TnGe30FZM1scb8RNKtY9IkXSUdWU+ayI2SzHsK1pyZnJHmerWepaVPDceUWnlCyEueldKZi4i+FYxqU999q8vAm3kr1HtRzWFYxL7VIrP4kwSww5ET+XgsORjk1abY7aG9p9rc6xqE/mMIVmdise8EKvY/pVKfKZuN2bfgHwxcR+NLea6Be0tkZmMg+91ApVcR7ti40mexI1gskkW+Bp9u1ECjdz6V5srs6lscb4lS+0vzZLew+0QvKA6KuAi1UdRSMUX+t+eJtPtSjB9jRN0C4+9WiSIZi+KdP1PUNJaW7g3lTkyD7i9cfjVxsQzgvB1xNoOoX8OuzyfZbxRHEqk7d2TWqZNjP8a6OJ9St7PTZYra0l+aRie9aK72A6DwHoug6L4gK6nqTLHHHzN0DmlK9tCVJdRfiroPh+w0OTU7HUDK9wwC8g8fTtRTbtqXdM880XWpdNfEDMZHX5XPYVsmZuKZ1cuuW6LbTSyRPK+CQDyPc1akY8jN+58StNpKWhARW6tnrTjHW4WaMn7c4byyp5Gd3UVqmLlEN41vKJoXQu+PmHpVBYQa7cvfeUrSNIvJA6YxUuCYKKG3ckk0vnEgyDmmlYEmXbG9lubBUWyaV4ed4GdzDpUSkkNR1KUVxrEtv9peUaeJXKs8hIAyelYync0UVczvCMFlc+IbuG+JuVXcwdRkEdiKwlexVrI9Sv9Ct/EPh6G1ub6WyEQCLkZcp7Vg20Wmc/rnh7RPCto0yPK0ksbL5ko64UkfqKanzFOJ618JXgT4Xab9nCtJJEGk2jo3vXPO9zWL0N+MSBUCozf7PrUXLND7Ch8q5aEBu746CpuOwthsYNGSvBJIHYdqGMgvtOttQiHm/MrtnbjjiqjJoDzX4k+BNW1rXbW4guLeGwt1CiJkyzj0rqhVVjOUTT1LwroWm6EtpNbSPLdOqFkGAox2/Kk6juSoo5/wATW80fkKuniGBXAE5TqowOKFK+pLQzXNFub+3LaKiqZLTYTJ/f3ZyPwFWpai5TyPxGPEdharDesjNbMSoU5ZR3OK3VmhOJ2Wm3nmabZXKz+cZ4wD8v3TiuaehKWo7w/Z2mmWM6wAl55DJcStweaxvcsj16wtdS0ySKMsZpBhGX9c1cZNMRwOtaTJpksWkKRNI8YdSB1JyMV1xkJlHTR9i1G0kugieVJkxs3YVTJZq3r3eqRMtlbSLGZcBzzwTSuCNa5nu9Ctbd7S6lidGwEXAycDmpYmtT0TRvEuuyWumvbvbyYj8y4V+uecD6nmspRQ4t3sP03xXe3F7dwDSkTypBKSTgHJAqbFmnd62syNqB0wyXYhZI41bI59KFdDOUtvPl0WK4vPOTcuJoSPumhsVixb2lnHIi3LbopYvlRuc9cfjT5hWFXwtb6naT2zXZjsxztCj5Tg/pxVxmKxzHw/vh4T+JVvDdbntJSYCxU4IIwD+daTXNETVmet+Pb7SNQw/2AyFNoWUDaD7Vy07xZq3dHkHiOOC38QPZW3DMFfb2G4A4r0aU7nPOLKksUizIjMFCnHXjFbXRmkExSWRWcDG7GaaaFYWR1dyYkCjAGAOOtMRWmc+YX8zAU4xnrTQENuHuLppRhV28HPTFU0rAXbWeRAzNgooAB9zUgyJ3me9ijRgOCzAHmmKxNdzbdiYOXOG56CgdhJXZYmVX+U/cxSYEC74o4XKFWc4I9xQBa03R2v8AUW3XqQq4yN3QGk3YZoT6JeWds11JcxOitgGM9eKSldi0My5nkmMcahR2P/16oLDUjcqojkDDoWpgPt7cxMyySYJ4ABoAmicyRtGSFRHwfl56etRqBbsLmCGVZ8gpkqFzz060DeplazcuiAxRFyzYHvQkNIljtpNqxuyxybixAPApMl7hM5WbyISHKnG7PelYaY7yFjvPtErnKpgqOh5FJoLkNxIrLuCl2J2gVSGbGg+H01CMzTXSDaM+WOtRUnyiua2leErSENcaiwljXO0HgY96wdVvYt6Et9pWiTW1ytmYkm2Bg4oUpApI4y4xAPKRsndnI6GupbEsYHAYKTg+lUSQLJI90wAVkA+Yk9PekVZD1kJx8oOOOtMViOVyXGBt29cUh2FMj/d8we5xwKYj1xrq3e2WKOaSFDgO4Ybm9vpXjpG0pkUMcc0mLWRgAPlVu4960jF7ijqzv/BVg9tbvMyKuemG5HAz/OsaklsdlONkdNhV2SALgEYBHvWA7oyPEGqtbG3R4ky5AO0c4zTihXuzbRYGiUxAjKc4GBk9aHuU7GJ4l0i31iwa1uUQqFIXcRjIxWkZNamUlc5hfDuj6Q32e6tleV4SyzgfKMYrb2zMmkjmxrel2d1LbJbmSEv+8do+D7ZpOTkTzWC98Ry2N5Hex2tq8CqPK8tuR9e9N3HzmT418ba22krbaTaWpvJZeQF3bPqaybsF3Iw9Qt9W1tLCPxfdRXBslJijiGAGJ5ywPNS2hvQvpCkSJDCyRQkEBAvy5xUPUVxiB0AQqFwDj3+tQkIcr28Exa6YohHJ/CrsBkX3iGys7GVrR4pBG3LE9auNO4K5xEOovrr3EdxJ5UZG2M4zz9K05DRFOPSpNX1E2Rmj+zwY3SHIzjtwKq9tBnYyxMbS0tY5R9nhTaABncO9YN3Yi5aRodu2F1DnKhR90Vm2PoZ2veKrPSpZbT7M73DAhZAcBfrVqFyXqeW6jPPcOJ52LsX657V0xjYqxp6RpWo6pGYra3JTIG8jAH41TDQ9G8N+FtP0K1Wa8+x3t1KmNySbvLz7Vk5WIky5aafp9tM5tLdYi3Dtn71ZNi5mPGRJ8rHBPY/pWbEOJyAhypycnPSpAcAQhKK3YhjSAntSiI38T45JGevpQOwZJyASdpww6Z9/yoHYQYEiBCmWBwCdpJpjJGdtu1cZHIHHNKw0I05WQFpAGP8AAMiocQIXuFACkqRxn5jQoibIjlSh3Ehjxz09KsB0c0TtiSQRsT1Jx+VUNlCadDISrBlDYJIp2JuQyMEj3bSj7cjjqaLCZC87LISAN2cbhxj8apIRVknRW2Ywx7+tOwmiGWV3k2sVKKO/H61SQxk97HCuI42BB6gUkgKmrXEtzATFtZVXaylcEn61qiomDGquAY08qWE/KM9xVpliwXU8Qe5a2Zrl2zuVsVSbA1bm6udUt4ftqt5IjbaoAzv4xTuKxj6skx0uOZrby37574obGh66kt7plnZ/a/s7WvIwpKtn6U3qLqX/AA74jk0TUpGuonvYpUK/eOV9wahoDtND8eDV5otO1CONraI7oefmAAxg1DprcR0HinR4PFOiyRWN8kDFVbEvAyDx0rJjUzK8FaFpOj38ehyTNc3Vyf30yw5jVQc9T9KbloVcy/GOkaZq3i3VNPtpYQ/l70YKVUEfQVVNtoVzO8O6Gti8eYp5QHwZBnaeccGquluNO4/4xWFtY+IraKBI0JtldiufmJ55zRB31JMjRNQt3to7Jo/LcbiJHxgZHatGriNnTL4oy2qXYEmdo39Ofas2gNDUtTFvLHKZY4iuC7MdufyqVoBzvjjUJZ57NWwY3jDLg+9Uo3YlqaNl4g+xanZ2rqs0qKBAM5CZwf8AGqasM7F/GVzYTveySySiEKoWIcckZ/SosJM5DWvHeqXzX8VinlWascnZ8xLetNRGcvNrl/HYJZefmNT0Jxit4xFY0PCGoX39q25lkMkYyQztgLVtaBY6bUNeZEmdzuRFC8jjuetYNa6BY4y6l1C01aLWLZp4GQrJDLGemK1SGei/CnWdNtYLjW/Ed7qH2rfmHLk5PuMUp35dBqyep2ni02kOgW+qPfKLLUNPz5e4IGb2yOtRFvYUmuh4zoVxZL4h0ppFLQNcIWz2ArZt2CJ9hWrWqW0VzbnEeP3ezuMD0rz5fEdCehnW7L/bE32pCzTD90WPKY5OM+1SFrjdBvjY6lcRXLIkDkkMw4YehNaLVENnnK+GvCVr4w1HU7m9t/s100qyhpFKoxPXAreLaRm9TiptEm/4TS50LSWS6tPI+0W8rZKsBgYB/Gt41NNSHC5naq1/BepHqFj5NwikjPTAOM1tTkmZNCxzb4/llVWK8Z9K1JIXvS8uxPnII69PfNILE8gt5JEJIwg4Ccc+tJq4yVLg28aNbvtLMVI9eP8A9dQ4oVrjIr29sL+OewxG23Enzfwn0xRy3H0LGo6zcSW0iK6yI6YOcgj/ABpqKQkrmfDcTwgXEEi7l4KDoTWjimNq5sx63JcWb298iiV12gooI9s+lQoWISscu9kIXOJHEm/qO/XitlOyKOp8M6vdzSrYsrBA6qr59ayqRT1QmjrGjSGI7SCpJ+bpmuPdiTEi8zzWIQqoO0E8ZxTaKJ4t8rbyoGG24Bxkev8AOoGR6g0rWpFuCXKkAYweDTW4zAltpnlWEg5PLE9uPWtkIr3/AJDSw29qGBH+tYnP4UwuUdalLQeRC0gwfl+bFbRiiblaxumtpN8ZR2I+Yh8+1W4oRDPJcL5k29XdyApJ5AzTUdBkd7dXd2qozPJJEDsO7PP0pqIgnjkEflLEAzAHcR0/Cm0MtLqU9q0KedvDfuwobjjuKhwQrXFvrwzvtkj2uR+eKSgkJIqSSusBVTgMDnHerUR2KTwiSRjcylYUIb3zWiQEGrmGa6laJj0ztHJrSO40Q6RCZ7u3t0Vssw5/nTq2sDPVtQ1A2ssNsYXI8sDcemcDofwrypK7J1LETiO2Ll8AYLMTWfKxoq3lzHcw7JFYxOSrHoSMelVFWCxgWEgTXIxZTtDH91VXpW0loDO0nvmuGj82RESJdu0Lgk+pNczhqLUphbG785JnDxoQRkcfTNUk0K+pz1peva6gYY5Haz5DrjtWqV0VY6qNdLmtEt47aWckBwsafKv+NYybTNYrQ0ZY51spdsawfKfKLcAe+Ki7kwaschqiyW1srw6k93Ky5yo+VSeuOa3SJMqGGKGGQu7tPJhmfJ61vbQC5HAsCK+Gbdy1FiWUJ3MVyVQrgnAPenYB1vbJCWdQzSyH5nY8AUFIlcFW+8C5+7n+lIGh9uNx3XJG4JhQBSQrD5V3KwPXHY4wKdh2K7htm0gds49aQD4hGiNu6krtzxtFADkkXL7cEdM4600NmFrTuN0YwWJyO+K2gTYh8HxAzXRKnK8cLnrVz1QmdAm/7uNrHrxXOUK+G4ABZQMjPrUgRMUt3LAJjI3fN/n1poB+pR70WQAgbS3yHn2pjK8HlAPJPLtccAdMUCEMUBdQ7k+wNAmyBAsWpMzqmSoHJG48UcyESo2+Xy4kYb+Cc5wf85p7juOKhWyeWPUEgGgdiRBEo+aUIv8AEp4/WkFmQxX9rM8kUU0eFycEg8UrhYqy3VqVIaRI0JxncOtPmFyli3mjsbFZTLEZZ/lG9hnGf8/nSUkFiwt8sZkMrody7GAYEDNJtBuZup63a2lkSgPB3cHOcUnJJFKDMpPFsDRPC9vuLj5Saj2g/ZkGk6VrvijUDa6VYXV0sKgEx/dTJ6E1lKaNYwKOu+Htb0+5m860eMWxxI7YwPr+VJTQ+Uk8E+JrLQdQkvp4pp2aMpH5fQOe5Oaq6ZMkz1DwR8U7awNlBrDkIIdjfMWyR3JrnlSuJNo6Xw18TrTWNa1IXFy1tpYVdhc4z1z0rKVJpFupY7XW5LNvCcl3phWf/RzIgiPzZOMf0qY72NFJNHnR0DxA0i6rrd2X86AiG24JXGDzW0ZIiwnh/bpsjM0Sg3DAyR7RnNJ6gjhPHOj3c/jkXGlWchWVwT8w+UjrnmtoSsDO68LeH7XTrp7s6g9xNcFDMuPuYGMA1E5XBI9A0Z7GC8FmZ2LSoXKgdgfX8a5pNmsS6+ghdYg19ZG3R/LsZvvZ45596i5Vjk/i74zfw/LFHGokjaMGUNjr/StYRurkzepn6Brum67o0v2SeSCSaPI28M3H8qpojmJNFnu9dnn8LT3k1nbxx+YC5BLHP8uKLW1FuWPFljpei6NZWv2KTUC74JWAs5PsB0zTjK47JI8h8aaTfzafNrUFvcWsiZD27rhox2atlsQctqFjqtrolvqt1+8guh8rb8nrjpW0bWJ6kUiXuoTW1osckrSsNi7SevtSkB0Ot+H2WczlTFHbRLEwCD73pVXuNEXhrwkkltPqlw6ugkEQjWQEgnkfyqZzSHY0dThgt7YSklYEHI9PQZrKNZ3JcTDs9btFkmiVXLFyQCeRXSqhDgzobS2e6h8yBoCV5KFhkA9OKv2tieU0tBtI7AXj3Bjje4UDf97A+vaoliEK1yrqLaZp2n/aNsjPnG5myrZP0rL6w2XGNxzeIrPTLyyUzKtptbzhAeBwcfrScmxqIzxs8eo+Do7m2fCCbzFLtzIOtQr3BbnF+FY5bjVUjS/NhC4JlfJHAPStVqU3ZHtejxwXliNRs7ie8EK+U43/AHiMcisJR1Jiy7rNrZ+MtLW2uYzGli25tzYY9un41lGLizbmui78KbLWNH1ie0ecRaAyYgUc7mPf2qamoJ2Z6tbuqzOyIoJAGdw/KsGbJmkJIZEjVU5IKkZ4+tSWjnoJ3g1C4iCqxMpBwp4GBjP60xG0UENuBFgtuBAxjrx3pNAULmF5jcCaZI5FXKbiBge1VG9wZz1rfjWPLuolZxC7RDzBgNt4JH4itLkMXxDaX02nqGiNyqEMF2gBR6U4sGZemavFc2s0bWf2V7bAjRgVLHNO5Jiaj4bjutI1HUrnT5JNUnB+gU1op2Cx55a2d1aRQWjgM4Y/Ii4A/OnJ3RNjqYdLT7Is0hEAc4BYg5H+c1lZhYXR9MtpdVljmuIvJ8sGIkjl8n07dKvlEeZ/EiWay1ZQURbiI5K9cjPH4V0046EswGvLHxDbpbx2ItLtXAaVOVCk8/jVSkTsek6Zp4tLBLey5x8u4nlqxcgiupgeKtE1bVdVRbSBI1CZkaVuM4oUi7Gh4E0a+tbOeEpNNc5BJiYtt6+3Shy0FY6fStZsbW++y3kau5YB8YDDHrUNj2N43dlPuksZPKAYMoI/SkF0WtNijvNJuWRUVmPLHkv60hirplm9nBNMu1GOF+YDbx2zQBhywzCzvmsrqSGNHC4dRk5YDjPbmt47CZYPh3w1o1pHd6hfTajfzyI+DgsmSOw6VLm1oFk9zSuI9MS9hRNv9njLzZYlweorO40Hivwno+s3FrqcE0drH5ePMdgGI7Z960p1bMppM8e1bRNbl1S6W2jU28DlFl3gZ6HOM+9dSqGLhYZPBc6XHJFdsksDYKzd88cfrVxmZtCK0ckKSEsvPrgkVrGVyGMuFjRGViQhBzgZNXewkdJoOiQ2WkyXV4YyGgVsdMbhkVMqnQlsxC4kTyoQAp5AxnkUJgSada5haedsMinPHT0p3Agb95vYFWOeAP4aq4x0ZKLsZgTngdhSuASgyfMzbV6rQA2RzGhO9VZQAMHmgCX+0JpLP7Amza3JbP60rAkUrb/SN6glmY7VK/wj8KsZow7V2hMMAOppNgKwTzCRhj0I9SKQiC4m2siJwXPzAdOlA0N82GP+Ih8cHjigaFVjLGMNvkzkAjr9KB3H/ZtjCZ5CHweKRLIZ547dMn75GQTwfcmmFilHIrXO9JG2up3E8gmgdjT0/T73UGjSCBs7uMDGRUOaiJG7o+3w9bM81yHuJf4FPCj61hJc7EZniTxPPfW8SIx2AYfHGaqFJI0KWmtdmY2tiGlZ0zIc9AB69q25UhFSVR52zB3oeccgUAJMxBZmUAAdfwqkBLp2pARSW6wwsHGfmHI/GpaJIm/17bACVODgU4lIGXPz/dx68c0wEwx6oh9Tk4/GgLHq0SrcSC1hgGVxsOevHtXmK9itzW0yxi0m6S5vpVYoozGPmJ5/Q9qTbeiNI2ibeqeNLOwgEsFvKVXghB0B+v0rP2bKdVdDCg8SvcXZuftA2MMLlgQh9cVapGftC+vjHSrZz86XkijJwvDH6UvYvoUqtiSX4k6Hd6ZJDJqK21+TtQluCfTGOlTKhIbqcxR1LxBb6npcaJezLcwhS0iEhXPf/I4pKDQua5h6nqGranKBGGdYwMbmYhVH/wCqlYl9zzLx54uuYDPYxGBw3G5QRsNaxBRGeB9RuLnw/NDMim4eX928inge3aiTLaR1UbNAqJjLgcvs6+/GKwkLoOtpw4DPnkdFGefrWYEkReR/LSJmfnGWPP4ZosIs+VEh2zbEl3DKseFxRYDjvHWtXEWnyC2C7WwmN2Tjuea0iCV2eZxpeNFLIkhEHVlLE5roguprY2vBIa5m2rCiqmWyWwTQ5JjZ3hmCKY7eGOBXx5hUffA9awkxElvEYrdpoJUUpzhicn1PvWAWuM1C/fTdNaQb2ZctjfxihRbYm2eY3f2rWL9pLaCSa4kP+qTk11RjZDSO68NfD6S2SK+1mGVp8B4rcgbMf7X+FVzJajbsdZeTMLNNPjhW1t1bISAgbj757VjJ3M2ypKDGmFcAqRknqahEldkGFZQ5yeFz1PtSbARVLEkgg8gk9c59KhgSEIrkAvkgfNjgjvRuBMjHzCVfI6djkd6GgJYnQMABlyMEkgA+1SMR5t3WNl2/KOe/sO9NFCCRI8lsKSOp5J596AIXm8wNtx+7bnzAAx47U0FyPzTNnL5JJPCmiwXKplKSDadxJIHBPSiwaEST/umZgvmOQVy2MEdaaQENxIpZm2xhy2DjHHHUVVgYjTSGGRWVDhRtZhk9aYkikZRne55yAWwfX0pDIZpfmf5gSGOGCkcfnVIVrEOWQEKMkZz3Jz75piGkEqwB3ccAimIjJUp1B4xjHJoK5RkaNG/VVX7zZNNMRQ1ixuVUX9ouFPLZ6flVXtqVFlC3voZUCuuyU53A8D61onfcs0dMWBmWRpG+U/6sMefpRogZoapZY0P7ZHEwHmFTEz5IPryapdyTGQaI3hszLvi1eNxmPqHX69qpO6DW5Tyl4A0cUnmKvUDipGU9stpcGQHaynKkDpxRdAbNt4x1dHDyXrjGBhThTj26VLVxWPQfDfiqx1KJ5G2pPGhO1lB3DqePwrOVPXQT0OB8R6rPd+JLiVGEIdsKsZwCB61UFZgaej+MZnih0q5Z4bWI4yjHk5781UopjNHxBHb6rDNdSXs7TQwbohKflK5xgHr+FHLZEq5w0+I44pt5Vs8EArg+oqkUSRahctcee82+WPDBt3Oc8UbsGJqerX9yym7l85S2TkZo5QNfxBq2manpkUoCxXECoijn5sKBn2quVdCVoQaDfRWl6ZknUSJEdrHBw3401G42bbW+r3mmXMs8ayK8PmI6OCW59jWbg4k3SHaFoEn9hK0s7Rm6kAdFQsxGfQVN9SjndVtRaahNArs4jYgkg5GO2K2jIB2iXM8epWsLzkW7N0IGAPrWjetgaOx13wbqskP9uGRDYSqcbGAzwcdKydkwRwUkl4rLC0zLgkKn/wBarjroB0FpZ3I0x7HDNOn74lWIYCqcegmzMa+1S6jgsZ729NlDny0llJSMe3pUpXQ7djeiiR9It7nS7i2kuN3ltC/3+vUDH603sCdj374b+IZ5o57HbNOlpbx/MExhu6g+3r71x1omsHc63V9St54be8t1+6SCkh6ccmsVG4SkeReI9cvNY8dzaPHdvp9pZQb3uMbgwHfGMVtCNnYh6o5LQNE1TxFZ6pdafayXlsbszSvkKzrnJwM8V0tJIlI9y8A2UFxqdveo4ES2nkpFsBMYGOpPOa5qsrbFwt1PG/j5/a9r4ya5nVjp0cgt9y45B+bGM+1b0Jsxa1MGKRCqrBtKlRg5wR+FeindGTRaiWJLYxsFZ+x/nSuLUpFcXSSZKBB8oBwD+FLQZpteRSxLGYFV0UhSR/nvUtai6mUlwjuYAmWzhsfrTKLircyQliEiiX7vPNGxLZUlmigK73Uvt5QDPT1o5kVZldNcgE7CYxgdeBjP4UudByDpfEFoIfLRvlBJHG7rjNHMhKJGmsWKPvikOSOjAD+tQ5XK5dDb0/xpGkyW05EluPmYZwV+lQ0ifZ2Ogs/FegSLvGoxK68jzjjHtnvUuwuVmhY+JtGvLkxW17aszEnAbGfxrNrsPXsa8VzFnzU8uVGU8qc4/wA81Nmhc1iG8tjcsHhkEbbPmOOPariwvcZJpNu1qYpZpDnliQOtVztCRy+uW4jnmiTfiLADHvx710wldCF0myt77SBJIsieWfmGMD8xQ6gMrXWn+fcqttbmZc5QKOc/1q1PQV0WLTRtSwwXTrhJHYiM+WcZFDqJdSkrlm98M67ZW4uLjTZmAGSVU1HtUPlZlSaXLuWeO2lWJEGQ33c9+1WqiYNWKtwuJymMHYMZOBk1adySGSEpIGUhsDOSCDVAV7wSGFZJVTGc4wcmqQyhAQftTMrbQOWAq4uwNHT+AdMa5u4JAnmKXz0+8KxrTtELXlY7nxbBbrcxFQFbG3yzzjjufyrgTuzSUbHPqf3hLRHrjnjP4VpykWEe7BDBE8zsuMDFNRGQRtBHu7SSepxxV20BlppfJjLkkLsyUOfmNZ8upLRg6lcX+qSx2NpAJZJZB8keenvg8Vo4pIFDU9NtPBkUclvCS0khi/eRrnA4HSuR1baHTGkdXbQafodqJpWSNIeoJHI9K523Nl+7E8+8c6yNR1JisrPbp/qskjHr35NdVGnbc55u5zqzSm0LkAhVyuEwa6VGxmUo7mLIdmk811yyEg4OaaRQ172ZXbdIwVnO1SucCqsTckjQzOruMyZyMA9KHoG5ahk+U7RgjgD/AOvUlBMiG6iLEAjkHH5/59qQxy+WrSHao7A8Yz1oEIZg6spXDYyFJxn8qYDJmUYjBTIPzFM0gGxvstvNiRmBUD5uSO/T/wCtRYCbdtgO92GR14JHvTYtTH1l2WBRbRyPNKdu7n9RWsAQzw6skBmlnxDEq4fJwWb/APXSnJBYml1iygna3+0o0hyRtQkD2JNYc6LUWxYNYsmBHnRnan7zC43H2zU3uDi0WW8iaEH5HBGFx09atNCIJbmO3uQkki+Zs3bc9gKHJILHM6jq+p6k0gsLVysRz+7h3fnisZ1H0NIxM2K41NXeO5kYtFywCkbfY1KmVyoiub+4nYqryO7KFXack/SnzoXKSWsmqaXbNLJFd2rl1CrIpGeDzz+FJVAcUJdardXbRTSzyZ6YAx+dNSZPLYsW2r3j+dbSAMoX7xPP4VopA4mXbXrSyF4yY8uVGWwTUc19SrFuI3lx5dpEpkLtwmeuenFS5DSNuLwJ4sFg1xNpgiUybY42kwzHg8DvU89iuRDn8J+Ira2u1vbFocQtJgvwAFJoVS4nGzMLQtI1HVU8uwjkuZJWxhPmx/hRz6D5XeyO/wBE+Dfiye9gS7sRbWhILyyMOFrGdeKLVFnt2i+HIfBNhCdFuvLtQ2bmMjPmMR1z36GuR1uZm3s+VFC8s9CuLi5I0+yHmoGucxBmbJ9eK1i2ldmcmcb4z+HWnXlubu2sViSBS+2ILGx9OgxVqoFtDxbXrOS1v40CuEB3fP8A41vGVzFopXL5nHlFYyR1HQ/WrVhWOktfHut6XdWapdtbWqII5QmW3Lx2JqXBXJUT0/Qb5df0T+3LAzOAzLmQZc4Hpk1hJWlYtFPw/rWnax9pu57gRGOUrtbHUegqkmF9Sa30a9k8Rx6omovb2DctBjaW/EetS2xnVxxwmaVLS0jQQwFnLHj7vYmk0MrfDO9/tCDStQt4s/v5rWdz+8OASRz2FZzKVz02eyE0ZS6LRxE5XDEZP4dKxuanmPxP8AXvif7U2mXCGdQqHzHOxUA6n3961jOxMonmun22tWPiGKz0z5ILaJWaQRglgPStU0zJxK/ivxDrFhq8Wr2GoyJckEM5iUZGc4IrRK5Ni14e+MGtCYJqQiuWZsIyqAQfoKp010E9Bz6vP4k0HXJ5dSSF4xkB+ST/AHR3NNR0E5aoxprlo9D0qx1G1uSBlmaSDCsP9kGqTS3C2pqeBLjVNY1mOaMwWttpsA+ZVUM2PTNJu4mind681rNd2qWsskdxI7MznjdnqfeqTQ0hl1qzW+lwXCJHHPFKB5UO/wDed8nnFTKzQ7F/x88V14etbmBTDEMNKjgglj0APtWUdxp6nnGkxyX+pmAZMm3g9h75rbm0CR33g/TLnSldbiVJW35Zg2QfTrWFSbIZ0QiBDHYpbJ6sePXHP0rJsSRBqWnxaraJYzFowSCXRxjvx0pxaRSdjnPiZpdnYW1pBaQBAF2spbJPvXRTdxp3OUudUurnT4dJUfLGcqAvI9ea0a1FaxEwuLeeOJPNjIGXyO1PYdkaOheJ9V0IyxQ3Mkcckhwm7C5I64pctxNI0pdcvf7Ea4lvAs00m0hSASPoKHAVjd0bxrr0+mWMt9Iz2FpKqpu4DYPSodPS4mj1vSPidYXRjskZFZz1Vs7RXLOnY0U7HomlXElzAtwrRxw4BQYB49axaN4yuOsUXzbh1RTucthsenX/AD60rFXLCzHZsfCbCMZOQRnrS9RmF4vJawMhlZERSCUOCR6DFXElszYreG20eCKMFYwoYBjt6nPY0ydDXsW3xGA/Iq8FiSSwP/1xQNFqaztLuzkgfylkQB8gAEkHj0oGctdSX4kuG0/cbpHRdjnhlzyBzzTRLZ57ZC4vvHE1o1mY52D4ZslYwfpWr2I3Ox0LSPPFzbMYZooW2p5q9QO/86lyKSPP/FCjS9TM8DLAiTBEjbhSc/TnrW8LNEyVjL8dWdpqfiJJbi1aKWS33sSPlPHHH51pT0diLnOeDprD7VPZQxgNGSzuBjPtSmyZHb2gLWwkE2Shxj0rnuOJfspLeIs0w3MxG1iDhfw5qblHQ6Vq1vDCzIyIp+RmjQEn6j+tMpDH0PT7CWXWdPtopHlP7xyg3DIOcZ70rjsRm5hli3zaersvQ7c/jjincVjZ07T7WVVlt8xjALKW27T9O1K47EcFq9z8zpCs0ErOrE8D3+uDVki3ml3t9I8fmxm3wu+UHCkk8enP+FWpaCZYNh4L0K1CXsyXMypl5JHBOfpWKUnqPnSCeTwnNDAyxwSo7hMI+Mk9MkU2mCmmacvhLw7JGFuFkZYh0adtq/hmo1uaKyOP1i38CWtrfTWdy11LEGzGLokBsdcZrop3Jk0eEa3rlxLG0BceQX3AEe9dcUYuKE0vUQRHFMzFcgZPUDNaozasep2GneH0jjyRKWQOxeQ9SO4zisJTlexnucxq+qNJf3lss7PCrgAAg7gK2groLWRVe5fcpR40AORhRn8eK2sIkluxczrHIxYsMnsDQtAsL5gVVhTZFG5y2ByKYEUsuZZnKuUQDDcAZo6gNe4UoFYfMQDmmOxFcOwmj+Xqp389fT+tFgRY023kv7lktoX81eSO2PrUuXKx3LdrFHpMnmmPbKTnG8Hn8qOa4hkzCJN7qVXHCg4/Q0CIRebLVn8vy3UDO5sdaodiJGkmPn7sxgAfeziiwDMiWQmQFUB4Y+nrSsUMmvUt4o2hXKbgvPU80Ess3CySSRhZGaMHcfxppCKeqILi4jQhvlU9OhNFikMVoiAGfGz5eFHX8vaiwGtourTadcvKkjBCMD2rKULiaKepXLSPnbs3mnGNmNIhjG1/lfbtGeRnNaDJba4u4pl8lim8HccYJFSwsIUYzhyW2KeSRgMe9AEWpy/6I7IOQpOMZ4/ClFjKtgskNvGhhbLDcxYVbEW40k89CO55+apAtCAMWkJ3Ede9F7gVvLBVn8w4U8nA+WqsK53umWHiFIrZYb4Q/aYzuwOVGe1ee2rG0YHVt4O1GSzZLa/n8yRvMd5OWJxj+lZKpFOxbpuxyPiW08b6BLI8TQm0eLazMM5GPetYTi9jJxSOG07WtSEiItyqCRvn3CurlViLCajqk63ZTzsspI+Q8MKOVAkafhPRrPX9Qhe6kFlBEu7zX+8celRN2RRpeJNat9FsXdJXWHJCFhtaTnqK4277jirsut4osV0TS1sftU090CZ2Q/dHHBP4ms5Ipqxw95pGlST3WpTeZLIjbvLL8de9CdgUuho+ENahvtOB8nyjC5CgDj8KJO6uipGyHVmVROc45OfesmFiysMWXjY7SozvUYPtUiIZblYkkASSaZFDqScD86oDF1XVle4LSEuSeNv8HrTSHY5jxJNNqEdwWG9EA2ep96tIaVjG0bRbu8iMc2+OMfMw6cVr0KOm0u3gtW8qxjAYKAXJz2rGUgbNm3iwQoO9tuX55J9BWbdwNOC3dkAZZAVGNvTGazY0x2q6JNf6RNBDFvnK7DzgDjGacdCWzS+GegjwrZDUM201+8eJVfHyZ9K05tLFXN3XJLi5mVcozFOq/wAOP/11BEjGmKRW+ySFvMTPzY4NUQU9qMSZI8jdlcikFgj/AHfzTKXyxAA5zUNgQ3EeJNxK8k4B7VKBFdMDccgs3cdqpAKZE3ozk/u259G9qGA9poVKbnUk5JDL09KmwFWS6YjBA3AnBH600irkYvmW3dFaNwcKTg5FVYLlf7VwrOqkq2Rjgn60WFcDeKxUvuVecnPOKdhkMk53HywXz/d600gsQzXG4jC4AOee9FhkAlIAG44JosMY7FJGdGBJH3T35p2EJ55kQkLj1GaaiBFudY9mSBg9eaqwCYLnByDnqO9SxWFSFgxwxJ6gbuaVwsTrb7V2oh8wrhvrRcLkEoKRq5OPUtzgVSFua9obLVbaKJ4RbXDkAMD8jfUVa1QbM4vxxoE+laox2oy7QSUbIqkaRehk2V6Y+JWcoT/Cegp7jN+3ZL5TZXUpVHO5JCSccVa7EnPTiO1vNuBIinq3Q04KzH0NOPUh5mxgoVh8qL0FOVhE0unpcw/u1UED5cmp5UBz97bywsIpUA5/OhDFtJZbXLRtgnjpTTsNomMgkczEZPqaRNiqzDytxJLbsg1S0QWL9vPMBDLJIy8EDJ6inINDt9Khh1mFrWTTikqoBE0wAGT3+nNZSlZCsc14wsJNN1ptPkEAcKpYR9Fz71MZNlIxLgBUaMqQcZyRW1wKh6YByO2aqIEsICkNx71aVgNvw34gudIvTLHuljZNhVucA0pK5DVz1HwBrVgdUsrhboCIyATCQ/cBPJFYSh2KT7naa58O/DU0Vze2d4JLi6cuOd3U9fpUKdnZjaR5Zrnw/nsvtS/bFkmjJMQK4V1wD1rW99US2b/wx1aa68PXfhrUFHm8NA5/hPIwB/nrWck3qD0R5345tp7DV5w8W0I+CccA+tbU9ARoaB4lH2u3intkaYp5fn4yQK2cricQ05oDby292CZi3GR0rNaIWxiX7vZ6sptw0bxncuG6DtQmWevfs/8AjC9i1q70+ed5YZbZ5SGGWL7l6H6VFWPMK/KGpf8ACZatp+qTwrKYBdBY1kbGVzyeKxS5RrU6fxlB4e8O2La3eXLSQ3UK2s0aISQfelzK45aI4O68VWfhG8mufCaXVpbXFpEdk6Eo579fWtXqZ2ZkzeNPFFjqMGtQSTWtvqB2NsOFPrj86TS0KSOg+IOgalqSxao2oSNp9zbifdMc7GAwauMbMl9zivC7qZZrS4kw4X92/sK64smS6mxcbYIowwcAnI46Zq2QiW6tYP3W5C07Z5Jzx2qbgNiV9/yKnAxk9cUXQGJrepJaSnyGD88molOxUY3MFtb1CaQKJivPasnNt2L5UUri6ZdzyM549elQ5MaRXgYyzRliGHcE0JjsPyA7FQcE4/lRfUAaRs5Py54AxSbAbI0xQsMgE9aNR6DnYeTjuRznmgBzSSW6Axjy229VOKVhEmn+IdVtZIhBeSps7k5qoicEdt4e+I9/Zz7L9VljIHIXnPf9KNDN0+x1TfEHRZJI4IpGy2DkjGD70JInkZuaZrNhfWjBXid9/wCFaJNLQh6F+7uNOjthDcRkIw3KFUfN27VOrYroxLq1a7eSXTLgW7Q4IB6Ctegze0GW8/sxYJLqSQoSwYtxn0FZT7juT3l3Ksq5uXkZBkJ5hP6VCTBsy9e1aebR5g7o237qbcbR+FbxiK9zkA8z2ySTRfOQAMDFdMQegk4n4CZU479qsRmXtxhCsg3YBGapDQ/w6FuEltWRWlbhl64FO4M7P4X4k8SQWcQOyFmBx/jXHiJWRpT+I2/HQittaCIgVgmCWbOeefxrnpbF1NzmLiWJnAzggkgjoOK6kZDbNFLNMSvlL94k80wGXEKOWnfc+Wyp3UWC5Q8SzMNPhkidm3dV3c1ooiR2Hwi0kafp5164Ta9w21FcZzj0rlxMrKxtCOp3+saxa+G9He+uC09zcHCqDzyOn0rijByZrOVkeUeI9Z1DWZxeN5sULsP3ZOVH4V2U6cY7nO5XKfzR2rQSbzPuLKfQelbWIYQpKMlpMgrllPSqAdp4tTvuY4AAeBnkfX86GxjFiD3UssxXG0gDaAtFybFtgBbrENofA6elTfUpFKOB455S8xZQcKR6VQB50TytAzEuDnGecVI7kpcLGMPnnJAHTH+f0oEM85juJZUPQEjmqsAjlIowxKse59al6DM251OGJljSdUBOQq9QPep5gsPXVrMTupcK4Abg5z3o5gsaHhm0j8XeJJLIXYsLeKMyy3G7oBxgZ781EqtloUo23I/EOhPY38htNQ+0adDh2/vce3esfauQ7Ib4mtbaPRNDsrewij1C8LNIQPmIb7uaXNqVojhb3RtTia584xqYSd4355B7VWu47oq6HqN8tlfRpM7bBgjrj6VSmKURlzc3H9nG4l3eaRx82aTlpcdj334C6DA/g3F5IqTzSGSRjgHGOBXJVm0XBq5148D+CVFxaahMES7yWAkGST9Kx9ozX3Tym48D6XoHjaabTr+K5so9vlKw3Bee5NV7VmckUPimrXdmk0kit5cnBUAE5HTitKcrmd9TzOWY9HIGDgHvXQhkqGMvIRJuYjJwKdxHQ+D0sLnwpqu+CJ7u3geVDt5Wp5rKwdTu7GPw74e8NaJqb6Ws15cBZCSeQ+3/ACcVDk2Vc67SrU6xrEesyzFwkYMUJz5YbqSR644rCSsWmbFzpU95f3U+oPFLpsiKjQAFRg8Hn0pRbTKdjmfAOqaHp3jYJZWNtZaR+8ic5xtYZGac72shJ6nrdvqdtPayJbzeainBZTmuSUX1NoyuYev3ch0421vCGztILHpyeAKIqwpO54d4117XdI8YmyWZhESkkixtjcF5wa7acbmEjQu/iZ/aeiGf7P8AZkM6xOCeq96pwsRzPYqas2j+JLAeRG8Y28uuO1JOwXOA1jTYrVLiZy7NGFES44I9a2iwOekJuGGzJJIAU9a1Ul1A9w0G5XRvC+6AxwlYsNE4z82P8M1xzneY9jybw7LJdeILa0SR445LjfJjoeck10xaaFLufQ+sanYPbSjSNk7xRlTs528VnKIlIo+HtftJPB91cR21xd3UiGORY0zsGdtRNFI7P4e6FB4b8OQWdrucljO2eqk4NYTNomhfeIbWzneG7kka4dSUhVev0rNK7KvY83t/ElzrPiO/0qW9vrCCabdKtvw+0HAHHateXQi9zX1XQXVL250xvIdo9ieYuSwA6miLsDR5j4n8L3V7Zwi3kQ3CRYCsNob1NdEJGbRxmgaZLDr8lncwgvbwsWZRnB7Y/GtFU1Ja0KDxarb6hG1vDKs3mBhx8uQe9NSDluj10+JNS1HTUttWFleXJTZ5rIP3YIxxWTlqJKxi6N4ZbSpIb+3aW8jusiQD5VCjt9aOYbOm1SPwy+lCzj0828juGLIcH8aObqFzIHhhx4mkurkSf2QkatEySZ3Nim53BjPFFlNeeE7qKzgMsYbkKMkelSpWEjG8N+GJrHTRPOI7csq5JPzH2NKVTQJM6i2soIPKJdSGALBT6euKybuRcfM+8N5JYAnoB0HFIEwdYhGiRTlpt33duNoxnNNDOV1rQrnUtXSS7vdsRBJbG5uPQVtGVhpk/h3w7DpxmuzIJpS2xAV6jPoaqVVWBs15rG2nuWa5ijY7cbmHQVMKlxXOK8X6Tf3+thrS0jEWAuQu0D34rZT1uUtig/hDVnhP7y3xvzjzOcDk05SYcyGTyy/YV0+EF4IX5PRS3tTT5tBW1uavgrV1j/0E26o7S5klbrj0qZ7EyR6RoPj+XTtQbT7S7mlVUwFY5B7jFcjgEW0XNT8eazarJqK3SKAMsijjPpU8upfM2Z+lfFrWtaURSXsFtJnYqheW/OrdIHKRNqOuajPaRzXesXJiDZKu+FwKnlaHzG3ovi0T6WIJJInVRsDZ4IHSlYFJjl8ZatBBNIksHk25OGUc+2KtRuPmsR2vi0XG2+W5nW4eM7gSQtDhYnnNbT5YrzTo9SvJv3uTuwTwB796RadxfAdr9p1Ge8jjYSEnyy4I3++TRNlI37eys9OvprxB+8lI8zJ4zisy1ocR8V7CLWtX0qOFEa2j3OzBujDGOO9bQlYUjI8fSacPAja9L5yXSR+REz8bj04q4S965Fjg/AVgq6Wl1ICr3DNvOecUpTM2rs7KJkit1iWIqgGSGHINZNlDQQXZSxGT16/hU3GJAZrZmEOMLySe/timpAdVoF+moFYMmM7grKB3x/KhspDtYmWKaWJ5SD3BGMjHSi4zX8KWSXtnNO8LCPIWIliM8dfek2Ui1L4d0qzikv8AUpneJedrSEKDx1q4tslpHlnxG+IN1Dqc+laRcolkFTYUPAIP/wBaumNMxkedanrmoTs0txeGWTduPvWigiLFnSPEM9td2hkjEzRSrMAfurg55FDigsdVqnxP17UtPuDLKLcu5VVh4+X8ahU0hq6OZ0zxFCtjdLHbhbi4c+dJ1YitVFBc5i8MVy5Yy87uFxz1rRWQxdRsrzS5EFxFh5EDRgnselW3yiTuXZL+Zhbr58jtsGOeOlQ46isiDTtQ8nUnR1IUnnvz3/Wqg7MUo3OjhvlaJ2C54wxNac6I5SAalDDcOOR8uQCOp4pc6HYuJdrJZibAL8gAj+dNSFYdBJINJC+YkjPknsc07itqRIpmkSOBVmmfC9enrmnzWGzpbfwjc3F0od/Kh4DSZyT6gVjKukJSTOy0TQrfSYWNuztgEksoy3/1q5HW5pDscNrEkW9pWUgA7gPTmuyCdgM+9YSW7uPvAZyev1rZIVtTOkLeS4DM6Jxj+8c1TegGxbwXUOiC4mh8tGf5dwHNQp3YupnXUFxIjOjZTHA6VTQ0OGzyYUKbyBuY46elITFnlbzfNOFA4NO4aCTnfICjDAABI9cZouMjwW/dRovPJbGOaBj7e3neAi4J2g52jv8AWobANqq4Z1DBTwMcCmgK643P5eSuc8VQD57oNdMm11wuelKwrDvPLrGjszKPug8UcoDo3im3zTj5lGFVOlKw2JvM7BmOMdAKZNye2uh9sjjVCSRjcOAPrUspD7nhSo2/ew3uaEwKmHJ+VRtPUZ61QH1LcJbabGrNYpGoOPmUcV4fM29DrclEnivLK7gSSCeFAGwTu7Ac/rmhwdx+0TR418XPHkN1Fe6TpzDfC4QnHX6V14enZ3OOb52eSwB7y4Ds+3HGR2+td6eg9jUhto0dZBAZfl7tWcpWBGvpNykUv2HKb8A7s9OOlYydwadjl/H03n3dl9tmeWBeOvAHpXO9y4LU1/7Vj+wlNPRESKIYCjnH+RUyTkwd7nLaJc3moXs6zCRo2OxmUcAH1pRXc0skddo1lFZ2otoWVVBJAP3vxqJPSyDc1GuLONy4Cl9u3jjip3AU3aTWT/vXU4O1VXOPeiwHO6tr1xZobQBC8g2sX42j1/SmlqOxkp9pmt2TzQy7ssV5OPY1bSSCxftLL5PNkYohwAjdTWbkBaiimaPKk4fCErxx0oUnYVyyiQQ24W3USeWSrbeufWobGa2haZLLeMREwchSC/ApDR08EVlbXG2Z33dWwM5HpUibNO4S3ks4Vs5PlzyGAyc0xGRchY4JJLmNZC7bFTGCQO9MnYrG48yVlhQJhQGAOAP85pg3cYYLoH7SZgYgjB8n14/Pmhuwis9xHNGqRoeBuLE8ip5gIDNHGCU5cqdoPIU5qbDaKbXDDIZl3E5piIrglZN4CgEflTSAjM6jfuH3lO4inYCJZC4DM25e3rRYQrzDfncFOSKYyvPKhj4A+X5TxjPvTAqPMEBwPvcEZosVYrJOXbynA5JOc/pQkMfBchQqkfKCQWU9aqwEUs/zMy54xxjNOwEbzkMQmAM59OadgI2Lvjcc8+tO1gHkrtAUEKFwcmgCaPDjZgZONvNJsB620pduOd2AM9qzbBO5IYmjlO1V3A4OcVIEkTO5YhFOT8xz1xTE0S20YfCqoXcv3SaoVxZIVj3bFL7T8uD0qkxGj9ttL7T47PVbVWCjaH6E596q47nHeKPAepWCi+soTPZsM/uzuI59quOhopXObt7me2uNkysB0weoqlLUbVyDU5A8h2qcEdzTuJEcLlQsmMqDTGdHY3CSIGLhQcEfN370bksu3VtFqcexwu9R8hWkxLQx5fDmqrA8kcYdFORg800m9irlIxz27GKa2IPIz2NGqAqSIqvtBHHUUMDQ0y9gW6t2u4leOM7RnoOaG7iPR4NQt5AJEkjOSMkMM47D9K55Jsi7MTVtPjutUTUZptwPLoMEseopxdikzD16K51O9fUHVFDYARV2gACtFK7GYFxCfN2oDgcHjoa1ixkXcg8VomBIincMfjVIVyxbSPDIHSVlYHAwanlFuelfDzWJdQu7bTJNQkW5kcDc7EDFYzpp6gdh4t0C/trSdbnUEnWOEl5VOevp9BXPqgdjyzTt9jrFvNb30ksIOCTwc1tHuN6o1vFdqNSikbmSQHdndy3FVcmKI9E8NRv5FxZktequ6VcZC0+YplXXLXULGN7u7t9ieccMeNx9KVyVYztQvoL5Gne2jtgi7dwPWtOZNAlYqaPq9zoOqW2p2Mm+dAQucgYP86m6Q7XO78IeLNd1rXbazmmJiRXdkQ4yT3/CoqDtY2/EqHVYDaXxe5JYNtDdTniuZSV7gjQ1C003XdBbTNVDwR2pRYnjXPygAY+nFaKYzL8ZPoi+HoNPtrQvFaOVim6ZOO/5U1K7RPU4668a6xLpL6TPJvtRH5YU8gLkHj8q6Yslor6CkM1pIXWSeQMAqp15rZCbsdd/Z1xa6WJtQjMSk7BG3JFJTJ0MFNfgW8cSDd5ZZF47DgVPNqDiYes+IJboloQY+SMA1EplqJz7TPK48ws2M9+9Z3KEjGAzDqOmacdGMjRi0MqtnkUWugtYXSPMnnaOGMu0a8kDoKS8gZOFPLEgcn+lK9wGSpkBmYjHIoeoHVaxa6UPD1rqtgzMpYJJG3Xdjk1rLSNyE7uxy144aXeo2rjoO1ZvctCeW824JluM59hVLULlZLZ9rXPG2M4APc0W0uBKis4Ug7W6mluApKiYFcqevFIC7p2oX1lMJre5dTkEqTwaE2iXFM6mDxteT3cZvPLVFwAF44xj+daxmZypo6rQbqA3M9x9rjYOvKBsj2rW6MWrGtDqpgVFZgdr7mC8DGaXLzE3MYXF3Jq7XVuzIWJJ3npVqBWjJotVklvvscsqhuA7EcGrcbAtCzqmqKLBLaJVfbMV345zSjuPdkMhXKtIB82AxPStUBh6hDu1IFiQhG0ehq0xrYdDMtnfNb2rjzZVKFhSkDXU67wXef2BqkEjqXEeS5B5J71zVY82gRdmRa3cNqWtzalJMw81z5cZ6AVEIWVhuRRedUYZQMc5UdD+NbJEiJIZZ28yMrE3QA9fWqSC5FcX8cc4slJYZyxHp6U+oFXQNIufEmtx2a+YlvG/7x8YwKUpqJUdz2a/vNP0O1t7eYBYbZBsUHrjv9ea8+UZTZtKaief+MNdGualBfBdsCcbf4R+FdFOk4mMp8xnkyzoJEjcJGcqQOM+laWJY17gSeRdgNvIVjk8k1SAguoZZ7yXzJMK5zt6AA80WHcLm5klv4bO1gItoocO6/dH1pDLsB2WjO3lkg4FAFSKcNJhwQzN0x/WmkBPdSxDMuSozjaT3HFFhXM/zE3OwUF36s3amFy0DhFZu69+M461LshXMbU9TSK4URypGucuT/KjmRSizPkubq723F1N5NtIdqfN29a55SbZokZ/iI2SapMumyM9tHhAxOd2OpqLlIzTO2/Kg4K4560XHYl07Ubm1814ZWDSLtz7Urhyml4f128trje1xICqnnsT9KEkTYddeJNQn1WO/nuDPNEPlLjoB2qepSRc8DatZ/2teDVIbeVLyNl82Y8RkjPH41aegmrE9rplppvhy+uIWWWSYE7hyuAeKybsTq2jkJJlL26GIzO8gCxr3OapuyND2eyivrGzSOVjDK0al0Vvu+1ck3dkWsS2zSzSNgGSSRurMcrisWNMuvb28dqI5hl+SRn+f5VCWpXMcN42lguNKmRZAPJkBUBuW4NddNMSep5pLDLNfW0Mb/NKcbQc11XKO88IeCILxbwanqC2ThC8XOdxHQe1ZynyiGaVc3Ph63MnlQuXfbKCBtcZ6Gs27k9TS8f6yNW8OxDT4QZLdlkkMX3UJAAAqoJpBHc7P4SXmr3/AIJuBaxMLiCVVaTHUHGf0zU1LI0juaPjvxTqGl6VcWz21zHM8I8rZEXBOPbvWce42eWnSdWttFS6vJY4RNE900bDDqB61vypknpnwU8T7bT+zr+NhLdjzoyeBtHGTWNaKLptnefabye9jijhiMUzFVl67cVhY1PEPi/pV/H4vvbmGGaeGONS0oXjccit6U7Gco3MTT/BWv33gWOW2tv9c5cu5wAK251axm1ZnT6doI0nSLexbLMIwGMb53N3rCbDl1MjxRo9xqVokEEscXlP8wfj2PP4VcXYbKPhrQLCycSXcSXM+4tu3ZCgVU6jSsT1NbVNQtopHtpQp4yQDyRWMI3Yzkne2s5pLmNFRyNiL6e9dcdBPUTStf1W1klSwu3jR8q+B97NUlcVkXfC3jfVNDeaztriJIWk/egrkt0PFEldC16HtPhnx2+pNamxuYZxJOI5VYbWVSByPXmsJ0xxm1uanxA1OyWD7XauEltZAJZAuf1rBR1NZS0MHwdZ21jq9zrkk0c73igYJ+5jvVtuxMWdnLe2N0kM1teJHHEh+U/xms1E15jGv7ZfEUUcixJbLbZViBgMMA5/GqT5SXqec6rbpa60oCR7ZN5VkByQuD1qr3FYzNUv4LWJJZIZAM7dwXPXpVpksljZBGWIUc554NTJkssx6pNBE1nEHliDEqucbc80kQQWl+/26NDbO6SAlwBnAPX/AD7VVwOl1ZjFpiWltFPHAwB3yDg+oFTcNzF+3x6fJBGbgxpOQGXdRe4tS7fC5uLt2uApBOQB90jsahskWxijEbSXblQjfdC4zSAdZ20clzFFLIYYZGO5yeg4IpgSPBbNPK4kK9QjEYzgGgdyosQCENdb26D5cECndiuQ3uoQ29u7yOiCNC7Z60JXK3MX/hK9MublIg5G/Az1Ga0SHYtXt08AeCORwZMlcd+KaCLucdZ6wYXljvIGO1iqsepzxWt9CnHqW9Y1rSZfDFtYWcRSZJCzdmOT60J6AjmLTUFjZ2VTvDkk54xTUhtXJrbX7iK4a9Ur5x+VVC/dHSldMLG/4jvGj8NQxzSM1zIAzccHPSpkkJbnPWdv8u8yiKVYyUbPfHFVfQZ2ugXdheW8K3uoBk2iN4i3X3FZsl6G4+nfYdDubPTZDNJI4kjyPuj0rO+o0zjNROtRXF1aJBPI8hXBVjtOK1iyrIpmLxBZRM5+0h5yY0TOfyqpWsKyO303xDrlh4NZb6EO0fybX4IFZ2JW+h6B4S+JNjrktutrpMqrCypJIrAD8KiULalc/KdrqkXm3aWiK0bSjcxP3UU85qFoa3IR4fhk1Dl0uYUXHHv1/pTuM8e8f+Ze+O30MJI1jp+G2kfIGPqK1TXKRI0Es2jk8kQgRAALs6flWbJRGIyrEeYGLHkDP51Ax3lkDLKDzzk0rgMZVLqAykt1B6CgDa8H3lnZav8A6er7CwwYxyCeBn86GC3O31O1tJZrYyJ50UhPzFQT9M0I0VipN4i03Rtaj0PiNRGGA6AA1oo3JckjmPjj4ktovDDaRaXaNc3Mv7xFP3VABFbUodyHJM+fruUAqdwY5AIrs0RLHiM7yDghhn6UEjMosgky4JBHHelbUY1JJpZTEM4Vc5zTuIbb/ukLEnex44xTSAZaRmSeWSRMr2PoRTW43sWddvkv1hdNxkij2uznOeKp6iSLnhXSoNRys022VBlUzjPtSeomzNEbfap1X5Sjnn6HpUp2KLbXjRwhIsMo4qk09ibEckrSP58hHp70XHYWOdgzMWIUHBUGhMTRPLdyRIWL4UkHAp3FYvjW7hbQQwQQxN95pAPm5pOVxctzY0X4g6pZpHC5WYKRucrnj0rGUEw9mjSPj+a7luEC+W0o2kgY20RpK5LRk3DPdzRxxCa4kLYVQMg/WuuLSBly0tDNNLZzP5ZRRuB/hFOT7Cbsa1hY6VYX8EBkMmQ0hZ+V6VlKTZN2x+qahZ3GgfZXZ2/eFlG3HpRBa3BbnNrctLiJhtUcbTwSK2uVYkM4VThAq7gMUXFYhwhYxuuQx5GO1MQ4ypvYIAFOCAB07f0oKSI4nctIdwYKccfSgZPGz8OAzM6nK9BxUbDIJSVuhGc8Dhe1CYBIy+SVUBOcnFXcRUbe90clQuz71A2TIECAFQ2B8rZp3FYQqAmWbqeAKLAPVsKFAKZ549KQrC20zoyXCpkOcINvccUWBC7JMlpG25yxJNTYZIgYRHH4UwN/xJ8VPEmrRCCUQrwMsnI/DNckaCT2G7vc5RfEWqEbGvJoYwSflP8AhWvs1fUVjJkukeZ5HkDF2zu55q1ZbFJGjYR2Sszi9UuePKB4NTKSB3LWlXYuI5Y5JhFPEcFSMZWudzuDVmcVd3866rLcwyFWyec5rO5tbQTVdRe8jtw4J28HjqfWla4JWC21GaCWUo5KMuzinsO1ze8Of2jBGsYdIopWPOOSffNTaw2dDczw+csTzI0pxz0wR71i4iLlzJpyRoZvtCIUyzbCx3fhVWsBPJcaI+l/Zgp3yglmLEY4GKVhHNatpqhIwLgeWXGWJyW46DNCaQJl7SohBENo5zhuOaU5XGXZIw4UZIVQSSRn8K52xOSLIi8mDbBmQgAlfXPf2oUrkcyZp+G9MmkmL3AQFVydo4Hciqtcq51p05RaLdSTRqMqVQJhz19OgpJO47ogisraMM8x/ftk4yTx9Kqwmyk1xbgSfZkdpmPUdE56Ciwrle4leWT/AEhlWTfzk9D70A2LJfW1iSkkSyeaQuckZpkmbcTvPIY2WRY0OQoPGPpU8oyjcTuYwkUnluOrZ5C55yKXKBDJMMsYwcBsYJPSiwXK7OWYAtnbwVzgj3607CuIG+8xkBjYYwDz1/8A1UwITgfI7jLE7dx6imMgjkEEhXcWx8h+YcUDGtOxcggqpOQCc4/wpiGSyKGD7WAYcj1xxmmkBV3cMRwMjPB4FVYrUYyjcWDHHbgiiwyNmQxbEAU5yTmmAjScsvAB9PWgCLdw0LbSSQxP0poB4jLNuDAL6E0AWFgcgny8YHOTSAswWzO5HTByGJx/OokwZZB+UkFRgKN1QCQkyoSp8yFgTkNkAZ79utIBVhYco4ZVzvVRnP40wbJygNv5e1UBy2/bzVXILtrKtvDJC9rHIj4y54x9MUXAqH7IC2EbOcbMYHH1FFwJ7fXbrTNqWtz9n3Egb1Dbvai5SRy+u2CX7zTTSxpOx3sduOT9KtMs5fV9PmtI8cSL/f2nFaJjF0o2b2D2kzCOaQk+Y2cD26VommrE9S7pGhZjaT7U2EI2/Ljce4pKNgubcCxJHiOR5JOgTbQ0I3tPjWWBnicxzsQApcAA5z070722EwJhJZNRigEL5y7LgZ9RT5iTzXWYo4dTuUiUsqEhSqnBqW9TRbFNQwgBdSCevFAx8c9wqcOVAxwDScbgdPoesWJZluEMT7OG67jUOJLRs6heWUunu6OrRkfwrgj9KhRdyVc4bU5YhIxtXO1gOo5rojsWirbMzRuvc98VrECZUKvtA+8PTrVIQ7aS4AxmqsBYgWUFSspVl6bTg07Azu/BPi5tGMkOpebcWsw2SeY24gewpOmmiGrjZtOg8Q+Kmh8MxyyWjKXf90PkOD71hKFi43tqPgiaGP7DcoVeN+G38gjrWRZD9un026jl+1PChP7xUbFTqG50PiH7B4n8Pgf2ktv5bFzuBweO2adn1M9nc8ruLbdJ9mMysqP1PGfStY2KNSXQ7m7it4bYRPLMMJtkHGPX0q5Q0Fc3vAWialpfiC9uLmxn3WVvl1VQTzxmsajuPc1vF3iGTS7+2VIS3mgDJwMVzpW3A3F1K5g0tSjiJpACQFB4xTtcDG8Rpc6xpMFok0cZknUrIflGcHjn8a0jETZ57r1tLZXr2bAM4+UlW3D9K6YaaBuX/BFxqMOsC2sC0k0w2rGBncfQCtHZCaub+s+JtX066msdSso1mE3mFLkHd9MdawbZPKmcXqWpSXN3JII/LMkhPA4GaLlpGepJDcZwe1IYQs5uQqEYAzihasQ2YgsysPmJ49qGNDogQZNisfU4p7DNbw7LaWcE8C+YlxdEIHB4A70r2Jka+r6GsMDzCJjth5KtxkdzSbSEpJnJzyfMEw2NueRjBpblo6CztdWl8CSzxrI9jFcbmPGBxWrfukfaMzXbaW1dBcRtGHQMB6g1MhogjuxBMw2Aoy4IxihSsOxDZW817M0KHbEG+nWhXYy/rFl/Z1wlqrh22AlgP05pSaTsIrWVq17fxW1ujSTTMqKo65oW4y7rGnS6ZeT2s4Ikhcoy+9DsIzJmwvQehOaAsOgnltmVBKQjLuOD/n0qkxNJmjYeIruOcfMzqpGMmqjUdyORHQ6V4qR2/fqRuPJzn8K6FUXUh0+x0EN7Y3kL+RInmDGB0q009jOzW5Nai0W8SSVZAQcvg5Az7VVhMLuffI0cZ3q74BPRKepSaEl81w5DoHGdhPT6VQGfYWy3epp5cqGVTl/Ye1J6BLY6uGNkYmRcBxgk+grnumyShLKbjUyiSLsVduAc4544q0N6GdqzsNReBS5VACx6H6VokFtLjrszC3iZWZWbnOPQ9KLCLqaJfTSxSrb7DIAeR1FZuokUti7p15NZxXE9uyK7kZydpHPXil8WpLZk6tfz3V8PPkLmU4G5j09v0q4wQ99ybBS2EIG046kcGqYrF661GQaGtoSgVeee/ueKnlGZiTKLmK28vcu3O4cD6UegWLVwwnuC/AjAAwD0wO9FguX47y1e1aG1tkiRiA5U9gP8aloLGZPM7SmJW2KMEkDNVFDuWdHsbSN5J72+2kNuVWHftQ9GPcqPIt1Oyny25y2T0700gKds8CTXFxPOixY+QH1HpSk7C1ZRu9fSZEiheTbyDlBx+Oelc8pFqA/wr4SvvGC3N7JKlvp0JzJM2MYHUCueUzaMTO8V6zBqsENva2qRQ20YVNkfUDjcaTncSjYq/wBlX4gM4tn8kRhi6j1oU0K+pSlsr+x05bq9tZEWUnyiwwCtCmit9isCBpyytujBYBTTuA5wxbZFudsZ5HWjmsBBct5bowJG7jPvSGS6bpuoaiJYtOtJrg5wdi5FJysGx6T4b8PSWmjG01KdnkdPnjUcRr1/OueVQz63NHw14V8MafqUV8rzyuoJR5PmEbHpgeualzZXMb0xeZA+9pXPUnrx3rJy1IbKbTDTvMuZFfaoJZ/4c+vNC1C9zz2DxTdZu44maZnlOws33R/hXVCmrFctjlJriXfOZy8qlyWQNjua2UbFI6fwzY2+oxf2lBam0AYRx4XcxOOozUTkFrHcm2P2mCFyu5wQWfjt34rmk7sDi/GFxDFLqdj+6LLKPLZc9B6VvTWgLc5/SNR1C38PvYK8aW80m9kABZsdOSM4rZLQOp2ngH4iHw5YTWbW7NG825xnHGOlTKCkLVM6PQPi7PNqd9fX2lrMiqPLRGB2KO/PWs3T0Hrc5D4n6++v3Onz2LMftXy+SOF27uhpJ6DTuejadPp1o2naqtjtlt/9GkPXy4+vTvnms5u6Ki7M9Ntb+wu7aGeyeGRpOir1Qde3SsbGt0XNNtrOOxkt5Y43y5dnf5s/n3qbspWOZ8S2d1d6uGSONLCNDsQHahJ74rWLsZyV2IfDsSaFbtGolupG8wszfL79Kq47WPPPG9rdRWck9lGXjVm3tnO3nsB2rSJDVzy/S9eujJLGiNICSoYZzj6fhWnKmQ4mtodhDrMsl7tmWSMEHcR83c8H2BpJJMGzntXUfaJdqsgzwx7VohFCKGRleVDlcdFPWrQFvS7vTk8yP7H5t2wysrHAQfTvVR13JaLFvqmLeGwssw6nLcDZcI+0KOMcUrdAt1Ooi1nV4rG70aWTz2RvMmuWkyGxgn69KiVPWwr3JPDni02jQQSxy3qSzDzCOdgzjIx2rFwKirHocOqwSXLQ24ALLyhXGM+9S4lAl1c2es2lrLDKwmkEcfl5wFx1NSykzW8QQSpCtjqFr8zP5ccqYOA3Un8qS1LRU1f4UaldaTFHp2owuJJAxMoJYY5wD6Ucw7HKeN/D97prwxyo0Sx582WM5OfpQnczascte6nbJsZJYmDMF5JDYq+UyaOhsBFBsb5gN3ytswfWlYzua+o6xPf20cEsp8qNgU5/nUsLmZdJa3MCCeDzTHICCSOPzpXC7Jbm9G+VzNt3cZLfdx0HFStXYDJ0/Xf7RkuIXkUyRMwBzywHt0rRQG1YwpvGP+mGzmsgVTOWJ/XFPlL5DDvvFV/OzeTIyJk7eMUWGooiXxVdx24jMzNs+Yk9zRYOVFTxNrFxe3UeJAkTwqrAd+BmmkUkkZNuWjKnO0bshs9aY9DZt/Et404PnHcmNuKZPKijqV9LcvJM8jb2O76UMorQuCfMLdPQdaaAhaVw7BgADjkUrjsTRyratHI6K4ByVzjPNNOwrFzVNVm1pmAtgjHAVVzxgcYpN3FFWZlLO6TKksjBl+U0cxVi9bXRtpYphxtYEcY/WobE0eky+KrWCK24aQPEu4r0HGOaixnZkreKLK3cxGVWiddwZR3x05FWgsyK18WaRcxpIsbrPG+3Lpxg9xRcNS9qb2mq6JPC80cMUig7x1JB9KpCV0M0ubSdH05IdPZ4ljG+VyQMnPUmm9hvU6e38eai9pGV1iMpL8iqqBmQDseaxsO7LFp4v1e2BRtZlSPdlQI1yfb86Bpspz3Mlzcy3bIXaf5mbbyT6kUrjuWrSS4Wxa5M8Z25QJt+b8KAuVI5/MBfOMHG7ABJ71IXLEWDFs/eNgEFgM9+5pDGmEuTgBtnfaRxTAaxRGbZw2Ru45HP50IdtDo/D195unmyDmGWKYPuYsdw7gZ7UwueY/ET+2tS8Szaslpd7EIVnCHYigY6+ldVKwnZnGTT3F1qZilnlnbOSwGccV0WsRawf2e8qvMyhVVsKT/FTFcjuopxGMYHoc9qdwIyEjBZcs3QA9jSYWB5ZHlkCsqkcsQMUJhYhlCXDIHO0nrzVXBDZN8NuWikIfPy5qmFiOwtri5k6rktln9PWkM29NZLNnmW6Em35BtGGqWxbk1xf6alkZ10sx70IJJyxcnrScrBYo3Fu01uojjECuBg46n/ADimguRahaFbeK380rJ1ZietUIRLWRn3gAp3A5PFICSO0uJrW5mMciwIcF8cZ+tUtQKkUm5CUPB4z2OKa1GKWABjJDEjIANJ6CGxMsaHzGKk96VwN/RPEd/YKi2W0FD8rlMk1fQlxuXItXJE11PIglfr69aUdNyXG5ZXV4ri5juJV8zag2+h6073J5bD5PtmrS4gs5FjXnAHHHT+dXewk0iax0S7lE+RmZF3eWgzx9afOmO4h0qYWRuJrjCZAGTmkmhXKcqSJtlkH7sD5MkDcKpWKRpJoWovYx3SCPNwvyKByADUSmhJlm18OSQ2qmUMHduArA84/OsnWKBtH1C0jkUwSzIrkqEBJ5H0pqqPQi/sm5eMSTMQVGWGMce9NTTJZlXgSJXQnO0gE44roi9AJ9QFjHZxQ2uZCFyXI5yetMlblLYMKzAYI4JPGaQ7jpYxEse4kAHhRxmgE7gd8mNsZc9AFoGNv4pUt4ixK7SNqZPf6UxF9IklU7X3uoGEqWMi/eAmPacnkDHOPalcZyV1d28LbcNkDAXPArN1EtCrFOa7QSx4AJYdQtKU+hSRUupJI5WjKkbTkZ/P+tYylZ2KSII794LqOUZ+U7gc1DY7JosXN1NNfvc5eN5ByRnmk12BIbYaXqF4k0sNuTGi5d+w+poUWxuy6lq1sbo3cVpbxCacnB285qrNAj0u28CWML6ZcSWiLFcxkzLMzMxcfTpUykkNlHU9Ma31Z7XzbaK3Eq7djA4Ge/eovcVy1rBs0vbfybdJNgCjcchvfihom5Vja4OtwWszj7JNIAw2ghAfQnOKTTDmVjR1OwtdK1uWW3vLSWzB2pC7bi5x9MCk9A5rlXXNRjh0ZILlIMpMJYlZegwQQD171mxIxLPxNptrc26htwf5pAB0PpSlG5TM+98WtHdxukKhS/zAHOB6VmqZPIMvPGdzbX0qxhJYyBtYcHFXyWBU7lD/AITfWoryK5hn8vZnCdUOfUd6djRRRpwfFLXJvkuZUVg6/PFGAQueR+VUkLkNLxN8Sbi6jhl0iSaCRCDI7Nkv9abikSoNMzNM+JXiG1OxrhHV2+b5QCfapsVyna6R4/0XVLmKGS3e0fy9su8giRsdsYxS5SXGxPqGtaeEMbyQQu2Bt35Pt+FQ4smzKTXCuQvmIyN1UEk4osGw84UkeZGjZxxw360WER3L+XjkPz820noe9FgKxkPm+VhgSeOvNNICtcmRWBZsjPJJ+6P8KdhkTY3sylWJHDEAge/NMBhkiHVhyOw/w6UWAYpTyhtjUDHQNk4oKsM85TEpxnAxk/4U0FiHcS5j3N6qckmmMjUP5uwMOepxk0AOtwB97LY6MTg0rgL5TM5HmMOOT6H0pibLCWbGMvwEUfO2c5phcmgtPNURxsSzj5cEdaAua9vo16Ch+TawyUZ8dKhhzEsumTIok8mNflBbbIMflUsLlq20BxBHcSLEIiMKHbjIpBcrXFjHAColJw2QixZBHfGPwosFxI7Sc/NHaTBR/sc0CbIpLa45xDKpJ6kYoCxDPG6o3mNtJGSDQFjPmluWlSS3uCsezYyshIBBOTRuUkSabaz388dvDiSVzxvPGfamjTY3dY0C9tJAdSuRDC0ZIKZY7gMgdPai4XMbXkVfCAmCSF8hD5oVWYZ4x61pHVXJ6nmkuFLMq/eOcelWhl/RtTktmET8pv3D29RVpiaudrb6xprNa28NrElxKxO9QAAPrj3pszSZUnuYku40BB2EjcM9aRRIk8F7EUubMSEZ8p2bJQUCsV7SS1fEO9JHDnOFHTPQVSlYZf1TTdNv7JUsEmlnBwUzt+Y9KG7iTOeu/B+rpbzSvEkcsSltgkDZx2+tPldrlcyOakjlSXbKjq4xxjms077jJI7qaFGjWVgrDBUt2piK3EhKqOOvXk1SASBwJMDd+FXFgWXlJRGYEgHuasQvmZfdtAx05qrgWonyVJUYI471S1BlredvyK20fzqiTpvh54zuvCeux3USJJDIdkqMMjHGT9cVMldDPafEPgbwx4j0O68WaTJNHdCB540jbKySFT8p+p4rgmuRlpnkdxoGqyaE2oXemXdu9spWXauRnPFJO4rmNpOoXFtqaaekreQ5w27jr61qt7CauVfFFnE0jXJtnjLSlQXBVScA/wBaJJIImrYRrp+nQ3SIkUiAHIPc9+tN2SFuz0rwVrJvPCF1qcl8896su24ViAWTBAAwM1jMrbYwfFWm6VrEFvc2iTW1xEQzI+NhwfpWfqBm+JLGK/gSFJ/JMDAl1yTjA9aaBszdSvI/7OTS7aSXbA24yk8SHnnitok2vqcndvum3SOJCc5fnNbRsgN/4aW9rbag+qTX8VvLbYMOXwS2alvccr9DJ8ax6hqniee/mlknEs2BcSNgEZ61mncaskY995cU7Q+YJdjEbh0JHpTAjVo8ABjuHX2phYjizCjyMwDEYWmtAKzyM0qk4Bzk1IzRsrtohcwrEj+aMb2QEjHoad7NisVt7qPMV/mQ5BqUhm9pXiS8aQxyyyyNINpXseKLakyj1MPUP+P6TaoJZug4xQij0PRfE91pnhe20OVbeWwmU+dbsAdxPfNUzNq5x3iW9GoXbTLGsSZAVAc4A7USd3cqKsZF2RvQZIAAPFIo3/Btshklv/MkaeJgIkQZHPUn0pN21EzovEthFdaFPefZB9sYqVfHOdwz0HpWXMK5l+EdOvbLV49ULmOe2IkQAE4/KqUxt2Nf4nPDqMtvf2lrJvnjL3blDhn6k1NwizhZre5XT1uJIHWKVsRMVIDduPyrVPQZXlik8ogx7WXjkdqYEMY8tAxB35H4U0A+KXLMuSB9Kqwi/p99LbMBH984xg1cZNEtXNqz8QXgn/eT7z3LHpWiqtMlwRcXxEW3LIMM3GR0+ua0jVuTyGvo2uWckMsc0x80KNoyeua1jNMhxLem3Fqt353mgZHQDGTTeomaUt+sOfPySwGVByPzrN09biIXeOOVZ1JQyDOSO2f51SQiMTWZlcSjLnjex6CqGFrE91czEOdiDPDfw0m7CN+PUorewa2W4kVjxkLz745rlcLvUdzl9Qm3RyQIGREBOeNzE10QVkBYsoT5ts6uoaJQwJ57E1b0BMnvZzJIwgJDbs89DSQFO7nmEcQeUqpf5kHIxTAu+WoOWUM6tzhePwqGwG7oxna0fDYAPJ+vtRcBm3bcsd2xWT5sDqfWkFxE4Z1x8x5BHGD61S2Eh0byY5cMSv3iOfz71LLMzVNSSyHkK2445wMH2qJVLDSuc7fXNxNGg3OQORk5ye9Yym2aRRreEvD91qpupEysFvD5tw2f4fQe9YylYpnX2/inTNJ8DN4MtAPt13GYzJnHl7jjP1rnk+Z6FXfREN2vh7wJotvDLapfXFwmXlkXLfhzwKh3JTcjNb4hWP7hUt5ERyA53fcHpgYpcrFyMtXOoeHPFFwtndGSUxglS/Ax1707NE6ot20ug6nc29rElp/o4/dxFRgBe+D9anmkw1RqxWtkwaHyrcRysU3YBx9PSpcpIOZmbN4J0O4mEgikzHIQV8wYz9MU1WaQ7s2LbTbdbY20eIIRgGOMlVcgDr69qiVVsL9yUwrvVEGwou4qQcenHr1qbgWS8axgypjC5zgDbS1CxR17VbfSbIzzyxB3TCLj73H86uEbsVrs4NvFiXWl3a3RC5lxgZ3BQPTpW8aauNRZxN1KtzdfZtOErgviMHljzXX9nQteZ6Z4W+FTzR29xq86Okq73t1l2t2wOnFYzm0M7aPw6lgEis7KSxtkkxERhh+Y/wAKwlK5dipqgktteiyBzGxVyNyn6+tTuJxPMPiTbwW/iG8minjlWVVchZD97FdFJknMzAmCNiQCFAVc+9dC1RIycOYmkwuwnLc0hjXuJ4beSO1kZTKApAJ5B4NKW1ho9a0eysodBtwtsvnxIqKD2PfmuabJ6nR6a9xcWyp5TuQ21VAHH69KzuWL/ac/h64a+uSoG9Y0iYYXP+NTa4XLXxQ8f3VhpVuLCZY51KyyojnEgxwPYc1MVqNy0semeC72DxN4Fsp41xNcxBpQX5U+nXNVYqMivMrxpOZFl+7tVO4A/TrTSY2zFvNZ07wxYxR3OnpIGcA78YYNyQeK0jEzc0jjvFkPhCCK71+3jtY4pRglGwysegUDg960TsJzvsed3fiDTrP93aI+3PL8DJI9arQizZgaqIJLBtQMMipK+2PLA5HrVoaMe1cq8ce7EfTAOKpDZMI7WF5jE2HbgA844FNaCIIAIWSdRl0+6T601oBeudQmFsIpHY7zhgnfNNy7iUQ0O8XTNStrnYJBFMrFX5VhnvUPcbPYNdu7ZtQP2GeDdtDTIkykKD75rGSJbZNo3igafatugjl8qYlZXy2OB0Oaz5Rpmnf+KtOl0iZ7YwzX04y53EbcH2PHWhRsyuYxE1+7kgjkS/uIdp4SOXGfoaHC4cz6Glqt5Hf+HI0urpBbxqVcZ+ZT7nvTjC2onJniOqx2sGoSQWk3mwK/ysOP51qmijRi8UXZsVtGEWyID5jnJqXYjkLln4lSG0kV5AzHkb84qJRJcTTt/FFhBeC2c7v3QfIOFLelQ4hyMbZeK9HvY51ufNgKxsUPXLf4Uox1uDg0clry2lvJHc2WpfanuMyMCpHlknpW7NEYF4xkJkYDIxzjrS6FIdbW48kyKSCexHBqRsY4CPIrgAYwCKQmhJQJFAD/AI57VQJEtxFHEF8l94C9v5UMCCGMozPzu6c9qYEqtgMcZyOT3ouOxozaWkOhx3sV6Z2lA/d4wynvnFIOplXUay3Ea/NggZHpQMfqVtcJsQttHQfN/hTuSWNHnis5PPCgunOM85oA6fwbf2V5M1rqGnWJtyGkWWVAHJHYtjNZtCd1sZE1pZ6lrQskYQ28rbVMfO3njrSK5rItan4ZubZJFttRglt7cfM2SpP+NK4k0zEkbM6rn5gCM5qkxjbaRoVbAjyQQScnNUFy7/aMscQi88lT/tE49cDpTJIBOZZzI0jj5ecE/wAqaGUrSZxfACQgIc5zU2BovTalKZ0w20hgOe3PWlJBY3ofGN/BdWvnlXjSQBhyAwqUhJXNBvE1wmpefHcYtg4bYoyDQ4gb8finT2vjBC4O0AhycD0qeUmx0UdyhKJ55LE5HI/TNSNMt3EVstqt0bkOxfaq4Pt/XFCGmmVpWRQY3U8jD7Tx9R2p2KTLWitNHq9ngrgyBdgOAVz3pNDvc6G/0uV5tW0x9QaK0u0wkbR8Z/wqozsOx4xrGi3nhzW7i3jZPmQ5kC7sjJrtjO+xnJGXDdkRtD5hZFJOFHGTVJ3JsVrg5kEmGUA9GJANCY7GYJTPfCERscHoppt6isakeh3D3LsxKFlwwLZxTsK5o6joQ0/TIiJTJNJGH28ZGTS5hrUxNf0y8W1gK/PwG9Mc1dwQ3SV8m0D8Aq531a2F1L2n2jTrJM0ghQZwNmN30NRa4m7FSa5c6gYLdFl+fggcDFZvsUWbycswWQn5euDznFO4kiu8rJKGztPZTj0q7hY0NNuIo5lkuXkaPB+QEDnHFFxDxLcS6fNZ28Akt94ZuOeeeTR0Ap2mlz3Lz+VCPKhBZ2A4BppgVksy0rsJFKqMnnpT0YCG3UIw+U45+7mnygS28U115qW77TENxYjoPWi4DnQGVYPNMm1eQeT+tSABDGNyyYIbG1hz/hRewGr4f8U6pYXLlJC6RgAx4wtU2Q4Jl5tamuLqWdJdslzw6q5TH5VSt0JcbGm8un/2XHEk5jKLkqPmDH3qkkQlqYv+tdQx5Y4UZPNVZFHY2t9MAg8zKKMgA4KisZRIRL9tYgZAY8kN6frmo5Ei7inVZ2QJuGRyWGTng+ppciC5V1O/doSBndtwDtPX14qoQ1Hc5HVZd92YzkE/eCjvXTEYturNB+8IIzzVkslnZg8a5JjA4xSElcZMzThY0VSuDzu7+1TzDSL0KJAhUjdIefQCm5aAR2ixvcIz4JzujKnv3qeYo1LCxNxqe9rmQMw+ZuowKlysIZPpNyuoBFtn2FTyP4vpS5xnkd5MbhjO4O4HH1rkbu7m9gVmEYIPTpmi4BcyST7HdsueGNG4ESBWuUVgNm7B+lHYZraur2epskIjMZAKkHNVJ2eglqakOo6hcaPLp8c6p5i8pEoG4e5pu7WgWXUTwrpOpC4jliypc8Nu+7juTUwi0tSk0em6R4r8S6PZumoNYXdhAhUNIo3L1+6fxrGS7ibKtn4h8C31rNe3dkI5yx5Mmcnvx6UIl3Oc1DW9LWzu7m2RpAy4iG77voau/UmxzN74sn/syOytkijVWLMcfM31NTzNlciOfuNRmuoTvnbIfIOelSy7E11q813pKQSOd0TcMTkkelJhYyhOfMXLcH1700MlnnZoRGR82/IzTcl0CxpDQdQFi00jwgbfMBMgLEH2qbjsWNN0CC8tFlk1WNHbIEQXLcUmwRJL4TtIwhF9Jg8MehBPtUczGW08M6MJViOr3Gc8gqAKblcGZXibQW02dFin8+BxuRz3o5hJGYLecbAGCsx+Uk/zqhlqS3uQxDyh2XncGyAaGKyH22r39ldLKjMGCheeQaVhcqLVp4ovsXMc7MzPnaw4INJIXIh2k+Jr2K4QXMrTKBtPPNUrByG1beK7Uu4eN4cZ2sDyfWgjlHDW7S6d441YEDknmiwcpLFcAw53DO3rigVgUh2+TJA+8aLAJyjdX2YAB9aLFJkhLFigOecAD6U0mFyGaRIiQ7LGT91mHf0qrW3FcpLqcX2jyCy7s4Mi9KCjShUAlVYugOd47+1S1YguK/y9lkwPmx2pCLTWTSWRaRC0Z4BHfimBDdeRpVtBJ5SsFdQCzdzSBamzYX8KXaXEaRXJC8xbyQBSloDTHuBM4kVDEOjc9vTFZgWbe8nt385GMqI3ETfdNAGjOBeLFNpkkayIrPJGw79gD+dFwK1xeaisJha2YSAB+VPP40ART3s0sqTSQurYA+YEY96LjsZ2o2V9dOUUKp7bqLFLQzI9OurW6lkv58QOWMSL1PPGTT2KLegWF1d6jBGJDbMHyrgkbcUBc6bUvtVvdx22tXjyW69Zsc89wRSuIp31tpniHSmspgVgsuQ+75mx71adgeh5pqtjYS6gLSxdIw4O0u3X8a0jqCbMC50+5tSeA/ljD45Aq7WHcYLgB45cbGXvn/OKTYWL9vesuqx5+S3cgE+nvTUtRWOtjjjmSR454pdhxgP1FNtXEaFlpElxF51pFHGMDa3GTQF0Wbbwf4hOoiRtsdrt3By38WR/jUXswdrFHSNT1XQtW1CO9smu0STCSMMD0/rVxm+onFGJ4mg0eRPty7457iTBU9j9KG1e4K5gy6Zb2zky3GQy8ECnYq5AmlbJm8u5jlAGSMc1aj5hcoSou9igwQTx6UdQFG9o9nXFaLULEZxu6fXmkBNb3BijPy5x0qk7CZoRzxuFzywwcZrRSESwgLM2cDjgHmmgO8+Hvj/UvD4/s0XObKQnKkZ2E9+ayqU1ITO91XWdJtfCsqf27HIbgF5oyQN2fp0rn9jYnU8t1FbLWfEE1xp5At44skDjoKtQ1KuPtjN5S6TqYM9rK/mQnrx0z+lQ3bcrc6iO1sm0drGbT4WXIZJc/NxWMpgkQ+EILfTfGdms0/l2E7bHUtjrxSvzDNLxuYPDWoyWd5IYwzl4y2SGQms9xMxb/UIW0i5ubd4mRlyWCjO3ParWhPU46fU1ks53tYypfCr3xWiehXLYp2ug6peOhWKVEz80jcDHenz2HsdTpPh3RtM/4/JvtNy/KBuAD2HvUSmS5PoVPHLvJpcSpgQ+bhccDFRFsI7nE3IjD7Q2SD19a6EWOtYZWka5AXaq5PPPpTQhJuGAGSDzijcCfS47SfXIxfLthIycHHahb2Ava9JaPeyfYNv2fOEC1L3BGKzYjZRxubn2pjN7w6bS1k2WsBvbuUYLMMKg7496TaiS7s09W0HT0Tz0keJsEnI6n2qUxcxyV9M0dwu1zgHiq3KRPp5sHuC+oOyovOAMlj6GjbcTuJBp95q2qlbWAqjnn5ThVqL6lHpeh+HotKtpLKN1mdgpeTbjA9BSkyJPU03uFSx+yx7wiHuOTxWTZDKlufJQleA6kPt+9j1paiuXb3xWU0ifw9cJH9jKY3+WN4GPWriWu5n3uu6BdfDi0ijtMGxujEGccsuS2R/31Wi1RXWxwuqRm/3S2BLozYy3ane40VG0QpZmQ3CmXPzJVqyG2YtzhbnAGAMVpHUTHyKu9XHAHPB61UgLETbptoA5HepvdgJHKwnZc429vWiAWJFmZbtJUGAR8wq07MVjRh1LKcEjnByeK1UyeU2bDUxNKuWwETGCetaRqXIcTV/tNZ9jTJuCYCgf1rRMhxLEskM9y84BjQR5APQ0xWJodTkFsUV9iDG4AdR/WpauxBaXCxN5CoGeQZYnkClJaCILtjNwMfMcZ7VcV7oFy2eJU8mOUFo16gc0pMYpikuE+RlU4zk+oqLggihSaDKAyTA4C/1pOQMtTMYVJe4jCoDz6YqHJDWpkT6hE0DXCyqGwSx9cGpdRIfK7mXd+JozJGzR7kSLA575rN1kX7O5nXXix2jJj+Qk8cdcUvbsappDl8Sv5QP3C3Qgmm610PkM2+1CSRmZCzFurHnFYuRSRWt74klJufTtUplWLi6tdRWk1tBJJGlxw5RiMgdqT1C3cwNVkdZxJvfcOhJ5qVEpMtz6jdajZRrcyvKyfKpY9BSaEklsQzH5CFAyBxQhlm33xpvDMGKcEHpTsJ2IrO7uLW8eaKRw2MHB6ipsNpGhPqV5IUdrmVNo4w2KHBE2N/wZ4z/su1uYrnMrkHyu+5j6k1DppicS5Y/EIxALNExGCQF/vZ71HskLlOmXxroypblZCWl++M/cNJ0+xNmaFz4l0eSzkWK+iMhQhFPPOKXIGp5/4n1p9TiggkRVMQxkd63hEtI5+eW3WHy4UXcw+aQknNdCtawanovwnsfDsGil7xIzqTTfIzEZweOB+FOWi0E2elnT2WSKaHLkEB+Tkg1xy1LNJb6F9dtNOafYsKPJJCTwx28Z96yaZVzK8SanZv4nsVgkUqkwjZQnYjngUWYXOa8c6J4Zutc+1RRiSfeVMW3qB0Jq4tpks8e8TA/23LDbxqi7gI48dAcDNdMXclbCa1ZHT4VtDMkruAZNhyBntVy2A6Lw/rWjWljE02lwNcJgIW7kdzUzdxminjq2jJ32u7DZEecisHF3Fa5sfD3x9Y3Gtvb6ssdna7ywmz7cCpcRrQpfGjxFZ6kLex026E0SP52+P1OacUM4i41CNY4XVS8qD5ndsk9OKtxV7oRoQePfENpLus7z7GMYUxDGBS5RKKL/AIb+JXiWwunkN7JPvUFvOJYcdaqMRtGJ4q8TX/iLWJL6aSQrLISF3YUfQU2gSMq9mc2M+4ZxjAz0PrRYdipOzKIXbMgduCT3xz+lC8waLssrzWwtvMIVTlc9qu9xWIrWTByxBAODgcUJjZJIwbDADjviquSMExbbHkcHkYouBHPORchSNx6DHalKQ0huo+Z5BKglgOVpNghdKnu7YNIjlTJ2I5oHZGxBqd1Hb/ZxM3lsSxUtxnGM1LRNipp961nqDyKxPy/Mc9akdkXV8QXSXquZW8vOSvb8aewWEvdYvrtZ4RcOsTYKqG4NJtgZl75uxDvBkJGcUAJJGFUOGwf4vwpjI7m4V0ABJB6Hpg0N3HYklbdB55Khi2KVtBFD7SXjYkfdOFweBQM0tO0qWXSTdTyBHlbMcRHzMo71ncLk1jo8+pShYWCoGCMzngUuewXNDxDaw6Yz2NjcLMIlG5l6FiO1JSCxgXUUiOsOx9+3Lgiq5kG5Z0/S7q8eONFKhjtORz+FKVRWAdqtvDFOIIJGcL3IwaUJXCxVdSGXBA3ZrVAQSf6h2YA444pjJ7JZbtooWlKw7hvb+6KXUNtToS1jbaQU+yiVn/1cx44H86zJMC5cT3j8MEXlcAVUWOxWUNtkIyPnBGP5VYWJppGWNDuC47DrQLYmtpG85bpFQOnzL6ZFQ0BqQ3ciQOlwUbzeX2nrWTTFYpam9msm60XaDFgs/UnmmhpGaD5doo3F2dskHtit1sOwsFtcTyPIEVURcZz1JpALGk8WDOrRsecY7UxFaIqdTAGcA5x60rjsTESS6iUt0ZyRu2jnFJsdg1AsIxnh+efShAi2ku+1RQOGX5j60ySnb3DwpK5YkhuPelYbR0z+JZYxp9yQ37mNUKk9fek0TynQX/i5FmjAjjaIIG2Anr/kUWIUShc+NL1rsRoyCLcDwo6fWmXZ2NW48YPDqcEdndyG2QDeAAdzexqWgOpuviVptyml35hc3MMeJVJ6sPWp5RoxtX8cweJLghLc2ssqmMbud3StYXQnocPeqlpcTQI+SPmDEfnW6YkWoWWa2RmmA46n1p3AXQRb21qJmWISuSSWGTTbshO5Jq+rXVxNuD7gzbcbeAKm47WIY5JY7oRu6lGXd6kUICd72Jm2Hj5cAjtVqQrGVONo6kgtkkDim5hYs2mobfKSbPlp/FjkUc4WBXjtmeeNFZnOfmAJA7VHNrcbREj2xM00kbtJkAN2pcwJEFxJGV3qMhSM/L0oc7BYhku492NwzkfQUue4WLEV00O7yndVduSDwaamwsaGmXptI7iOOdlWUqJdo3EjFUpslonuW0+BfLsZd6S4LGTAOapSSDVmZdtK86tGRjPzY6VpcRJDuErNkqnQn1pXAbMREdufnbGcHOKhyKSHxhjbgStnOeWppisIpjWJo/72OlUmFhoLW5WdQGCnI9eKL2E1ctW2oR+WzyAIzZ5NaRmS4mkJUMscgBHlfMo7VZDRqWt9cLKrRxg7x/EccYosTymhbKxtnaaQAFQAf6VDiA2FQCqklcAnpnFTYa0IL5vJZ40bJCZYngetaRGjBjDidrhsfMTy3f6VpFASwvhMbw+O/t6VdxWJo9rEN0yD+FTzDRNYiCTUfsuV3AZNRKSQHU6bpT/2R5c8CeZIxBY8/L9axdRASLpWnWjBuGY/KNoqea4GbqrXejzxfZxlHxlT3GatagdTa6lFJBFcG3UpGPmYnkE8f1rFp3J5j5gkuOjdMnoaxudtiZrxVTBBBJp8wrDBOScD60rjsRxTtHKy7mBKnFFwsK0sjFyZCT9aV2FhsV9cxIAkpXbwCDRdhZGhpPiK9trSe181ykgxknke9UpO1gsiOXV7yS2a2e5laPsCeKh6sSjYrrNIoDDqARj60WGSxXsyK0QJwQMii+mgWK7FnVhncT7UrjsTQaZepatcOnlwDkFu9UwGRRseMZ3HgD6VNgEtRc290kkcAd4nDYcZAovYDYVpdVmR9SaOOOLJKxKFJok7lJGjFLZHRnaKM7wu0bzuJ61nqDZzAuJIWWXcylD24qiTbsr8TKhbzWI5LEmk0MZqF0E1GNg+YsBgTSSAne/srmEQ3cnm4PygHG0VSQrmVetGX+QfIOF5zTHcbBclFKMAfQ5oC5YtmdF3IUYn9KALfnTX0bCSGHCj7wXn9KVxj4NGsZLZRIZhK/QoRgUuYGjOvNLaOTML7kXjJ65pppklSyivUuS8MTt2OOgq0wsaH9qTKVUBlwMGk22LlGrq88O5DMRk9utGxPKhj6xeIDGZDgtuwTRdlJFv/hIZsAqoDDBB7ZxzVcwrFO91CS8n3yPx1IHrRuFiEBFni3EhAQxweTT2GdRPq0SabG8SlTjABGDQ+5nyk+o30NzoRlt5Nr7R1POc0pLQVtTP0vxDeRXMVtNM8kOMAFsAGkloU1c6eXT5tY02S2uNpfYZIgG6kEcfrSsRezNHSdMkstK+zwJ5ErrhznJP0NZzeoNstHzAS87MI1bgdc56VkxDwQm7bExIyzHPPNGojE8Va7daRsX7M6BlysqtjB7VRcY3JfCfirxJc6f/AKSZZ7VsqjvgnJq2i3FHcTa3rdqtslxp1nLbOAB5q4I9BU2DYnTUdDluo5NT042csGSJUyVGelOwXKupaVp93YyTWtw2oTyncGRuEH0pNE3scneCe2nRoZ5Iwp6g9T3/AKUMOY0Jrw6nHCZb6RmB2lW6GgV9SWG2cae1ojLCZZMvIP4h6c1Q2zJvvAemXdubmFruQoOfLGRu9jmqTSKTuNl8HXL6LFcW9rMkQJSUP1YjvVc1xNnN3Hh9QShtQYsgMcdKTYuYqppkFvIyOkpLAoqbchfep57FOTEm0uWFnOnz5DD7rcUlIL3NnwdrctrdRWGpSLAAPldvWtLktdj0a41y3+xbLa5lvLh25UKQq1LbJ5r7nnWuSa/e6jcSpG8cO4FVc9cCrWqK0G3mkSaz4fk1CdXju7f/AFcarjeab1QJmVZ+D9dvwHmaKBep3OM04ptal6Bp2haqmtN9ns0u41JUhn2hsda0TsxNqxS16wiE2XtDZFmw4ByAaJO7FEyoLeYiSRADEnDHr+dVGTWw7lWRAg3BslvammIix3AIzTuOwI58wAsQP6U7gW45yo27sjPBz3q0xF63kByQ2TjmrQiaJ92WK7j0GTTsgFSWe2dnhk2llwwB61Di+gHQ+FtQt7y4sba/Aj+zoVUk9SWJ/rWcoXQ0ekjTIbK1+0TSRpMThUfOCpxzXBPcZyvjS4W3ugsFsZmZQybE+770k7AtTV+KMLeMbXSJ7SdftQhCXCuOIx+NRezBGDoXgkW9k9vqGoNMJW+4gI2+3NNzsN2NuDSdM0yN4dPtoIyCCXZcmpU2DHSOGU+e2R04GADx2oTZLPMfFOqyyazI0bbhExVSBgYrWKGloOnvGvNEtYnkVDE/ryc1ryrcSWpizwuLjbg5JwDiqbKLM9jd2JVbgFVZcgjtSvYCgplkulXDHPAxVJgDRNcXoiRTknHpSb1HY1vEMNnYSQw2oPESluc/MRz+tDkkySHR9BvdVuRFHE0UQ+9JJwKmUho9F0vR7TTNPjhi+TaC0jYyXbnvWEpXHcwfHDl9PBjXYU53Z7VUHchI4e4/fTRtkfP+lboo6Xwz4diuM31xKHXf8iemPWm9NSXKx6HaraWi+b5MSNKhVVA6CsZSZN2TSEq0aO2Bjnnr7VAEN1CEQxqzbz8xIHakyWisltLOrRw7tw5KgYY0iTmfG8xivQLW1kRPKTkncTkDNaRZrDYiS3GqaFDZ2bBGEmWDLgscVbemhXW5HZ6Rd6WDHdlFZzkLn+lTcbFuIS52secYPHWjqJHK6xZmCdiRsBOFGc1tF2GUS/yKrjBHFW2NGtoxjvrmO2cxwlUb5jxuPaoEyS80ma1AmaVJCTjYhyQKUXYDPuleMgEHIPFXcViNWMkYKg7gRwelVoFi27OFBA5X3p8wi1Z380JYKzHcASCOlXGYnE0rHVxJJskzt7nsPwrRVCXAvm48xlUSJs+6B049atVERylm3u0zsR8EDGaftE0LlGw6lCm9HK5ByhJ6ihVUkHKMHiWKA7I4fM5yGIx6d6ylXRXs7kVx4ouGgaOGNI9xBJPXArKVZspU0jOj1/UEiCRy7dx6r1rN1GPkRWuNYv7iORJJf3ZkLE1Dk2UoJFQXEhVsPkdDipHZXK8xJ/eB8/KRihIdiC2XcfNfJyG2j8KpIB1xGTGiq+Wbgc0ncCzDE0Vpy4YtweaAYCL5QAqnHVqSAR5CsYwctnoKbAguEMwVnIx3FADnRFiVI/u8GhgORAFU498GpsO47f5jrjIGMYFMQBY/PIUHlTzTsO5FOjvt3MQq+lJgDGNAiryQc1IDvJEbiR85Y/lTsIaCwuJG4YDAXA6UrATRltwIJyO3TNHKMJ7soCpP3eTT2EOXY9ovZccc1V9AOh8KeIhpMsB+y28gikDF2XLfnT5tBNHc23xcL3TJNpgiiLEBlbnGeKxcUKzGWvjixPiY3U9wrbhgcfdz71LiGo2+8R2RuzILkF94bcDj8qVgM2/8WWQuzJERNId3zFulNRDU5fVtWF8xleziUoMb1OdwPrWiGjJadnxjPXnP04p3GVrpjMCuSOnHpQA8tsKnJ54osA2U5iwoOWPPpUtAPjY4wpYKDjPrRYGAkLAqVyev4U7ALMFnSOHYQByfemA7ztkOxQFIHUd6AEtmJJG0A7fXpTAJFEu13yFPBGeKEgLR8kx4VQUX7tNiKhPmyBjGQM561mMcg3p5b4Urn+dWgEd1SLcccH160AKoUSOSPmOATSuBJLZ20eJRcqZMBtoB/nRdAMmYsvGST696G7gNk8xtqInReT6UAMiUxKYmkBz+NAD18uFQxYDnpnrQA95C0OFXjPORSAkhdnXcwAO/Ge+KGgKks5a48lVIYnIzQgsTfejkTPIGeab2BFe5iZdO+6Qw+YnP4ClYY6MFtOTkscZIz0p9BdSvZoSn3cLn0qRmq96RMiqX+RNuR0HtUtCsS6bfNbSSKC+2RefY1LigJobrSZLsTXEUjMjD5M8MRUNWA0nuY455ZYrdUd0GMjPas2m2A7SrtY42u5mlDhgIyvTI4NRKI07GbGLV9Vdny4IJDdOa2gkkN7FBbaW6vJ2DoscagkE9vat1sK5VuI+HC7ggPYdaBo9K+HnggX/w5u/Ek13HAy79kcgGWA9qTloLqeftcSzzfZeSikgegqUrjdkTXiRRwW0ca/Mc+a2ec+lFrErczLsbFIVimSOPWrLI9S4hCpnLYoEWbbZ5EBR2c9welJ6iaJQ6G4ZXDnkjavrUtAiG7QzXNugDIrMB83pRYNixrlt5EyxKgVY/l4PJz3qtxkmmabf3pl+yr8oGSWbAzSckhEFys6CJZ5NzKMHBzinF3Cx03w41KzSw1K11KytpYUAKytEGcZ9KxqXWwSLsEGl2Vr5+lW4E0pGJXGDyT+lYc8uoXOa8S6ZKt1PIZ4ZVHLbT0PetoVLlGO0iKEjJJCjqOgrfmFYI4mcRxdS/AGOpocrBYs30UqKIZEIHQjGOnapU0w5RrsdhXuFxk1V0FiGBGdCc57CmBf0K3IlLz/MqcfNxn6UEkLXGx3QEYzjbSKSII2dLhZRIyumGUg00DRqXN75s0bzlc7QCRzTUrMkuS3mnw2QgtPMkLYO91/i9qvnQrFCK8/0jymxsJ4YnoKSlqOxJcXrRKY0cMu8nNF7CsVjeiVi8cjF0XGe4ocgK/wBtlkVg7544yMGlzMdiZJJYwVctjrQmwHSzHbGAcI7clh0FPmANE+1XMswVGmaRgq57DFQ5WA0bAC2F7aSxbpvMAQHnkelCkJlKWdwkkQUKQTvA9e1PcaKEJMitIq7iOCB0pICrBNKdRWJi21T0B4ppj6GvK7rMQRtA7Dr0FVckkbEiGJGAK85H+fem5DSGWt5/oTCTcSrbaSqWE0OnvSqrG+4Z6U3UbCxUivD55kfkZzzU8wy1caiVAlQgqO3ar5xWHwXAePzSwXjd0qucLB55ZOH5YYHFLnCxDcOhBVZCEHNNTE0dTLPb2/2XbIkivjcc/wBK2jPQyaN6CWwlkKCTMquQhzx0HFac5m0zQls5msyQyGPOeTjgelHMCa2KY1TTQGSS7wwHYjrUuaKcWR3mq6HZ2E01wvn/AC/IgPLHtUSqWV0Ci2zkL/xa88yE2cUMYXasadqFXNeQZYaxET++BVVzjHfPNWqwuQhj8QzLdHfiWNc7QeO9ZOu0P2aNKw8VrZEXcVt5s7DDbxwOah1bi5DstZ8cW8Vnay+YH8z/AJZxr90ehp3W5HK7lCPxhaXkqOCkJIx9O/T1pqaG4NE17q+nX2nrLLO8ssa/L2AFawkiHFmdD4hdLJ4UYFCc5LU9HqLkPNWsbeRdymUKOAuOa4bncZ7ool8skhB/FTQrEphi+Uq5J9D/ADouFgFm0h3B93PbrQBE6GMvuUjr2ovYCryegPPHSqAk+zzY+VCMdaTYWLVvao7E3ErIvcqKaYyw1qjbjG7so74qWwGTWciEvwVx1oJK1tkz4DMgB9KQy7fTyyRgPNI69AGPQU0BnK+wnBPB9arlYFlruZCSrH5hyKTiCJoLlyHBUAEdc80rDIVupIQY9+5SemOKSEV3LykkDdyfwpjsSRRTNhc8AZ60AOeKUqAgdweMelIBVQqzKyOre9UhDkc7GHHynoOppAMBDlgex4HenYB6TeVwI92ffpSYFix1R0ZRtZfmx8ppDNM3MnnRgnODwfWpcR3GaswhgA8kCSTB354HrQlYgp6VfT2lyipO8aMcFQxOa0Q0aBuPLvPOjt4ZFOVJlUdaltjFkXTplcTWcYlc7mkEuD+AqbsVjKvbSGa6kNq0rR9ACucfjVXGJHpUrptMyxMoGA460wsWZPD1+LZZVuLUq5+X98o/QmhiIpdJ1OIGWS1lMY4Mijcv4EUXGU0mcTNE7sA3cnpVJisTwOyqA2doHTPH1oTFYe7xq6yMQzYz7ZpsVjq/DXiZVmEFzIkOE+VlzxxyPWpInHQ14PFF3PqVpDpFpNdy78NDszlR16c1DVyVFrVnQ3UyWcO2cJHtGZMkZX2xWD3F5DVaO7KC2leQsvzMMAH8atIVjPaHTtYuXikaKa2tziRHlC4ZevPSna5aui009gGjFvcwGGHJ+zw4+TpzkVdmU2bNrqWm6lfQxXlwn2ePlTM3Q5+tJoSYvjafThavLpt4Z2KjbHGck8+gFIdzJm0+SUQXumpdxDYEk+coN3f279KTGU7uSbp5jkxtyp5INSRIW1vhE+Xto3HXYy4PUdOOtK5FzWsdSsFnhl+ztOT8pWbOAffGaLjOiu72UwRQ2jW1rE+cpGvYHqfei40xYFkube4srFL27QglndMIrZPK461SZV7nNJZ3FvOYJrSWdGzlQpBP0q0ybiz+HL6+tBBpOjyrcR8sZH/LJqZJDSOcv9FvrV0huUEUjEsHEinOO2KhA9CjeaZbXjeaYWEwP7srgEe9PmFzMtaTLqIuRGLiKKErt3TJgn3z+dWmGj3Ne90rXbcJIsUepq6k/uXzj8OapMNGUX1a4il+yyaYbe4Q5MRJDD35ptjtZFi71N8DyI2WQZLgYHX3xRz2IVyGO8V28xDIrg8tj16ij2jC5Wa5knaS2cQuEBO8x/MefTH1o9oGhz91piu7LsSJZFOCCRz15FVGXQ1UrmdpHhPX9a1mLTdKsvtNxMfkUSAAD1JJwKtOxRu+K/hj4v8ACelvqWu6fbW1uGCk/aUZsn2Bp8y7gcSYMtkHgd/WnzARuu358Ac4+tWpoCdJC8YWM7T/ALNVzisTB7ncNsUj4GDhT/SnztCNSw07ULxVMVrKN3XK0e2sBr2Xhm4SbfcTCORTklQHI/DpWMqwXOzW81CaAxXU63LbAiNKgGFHoBXLKWoF21hDzxtL55dcLkDA9uaxciki07w27yKWKkHn5c9OvNQ22w0MjU724nYy2y4HJByRx6AVQFXczxFwck/eDcnoPXNVYdiszT58pmbPY57e1NWBo891mzu7a4mM8ThGcgEoea3hKwtDotD8NWht4bqYXTSlQwVht/LrUVJpbFHQ2djY4LFIgN27cfnIOenPGaydQGiG606C7lkW5BlzyMfL19h9BRGbJtYdZaLpVn89tp6mUqd25skjpxVqqxWbGwaHpdm8jtAyzOeCrbiAfTp0pqpqFmiK08L6T5ome3mndDlvMOAKlz0C7NiGOVIgmYoIguYm/vVPMwVyO4S9dSkZ2lhgvnAFDehVriTaYGtBbtCJnz82ADu+uTUqoh8rMjU9EhihuC9lDG5UrEVO0s3bAraNQlpoyLDS72yt1n1K7EUGS4hDcnit07ks0rHxRbtFB9qcgphQByCufSpsTys6mKFry2XUbdB5LghMggkj09azadx3ViJlJZuS0w/hyc4o5WK6J8iONYx/rM/MQcED3pNWJuQtbW72xSRtgdNrNyWSnEE2Yklq1ngWuoyQJF8yOqhSwyRnkdau5SZTOnP9r8+7nurvzcHe5yR3qepaYy4xFvCqWzkEMaaAy9esDJarcRA7kbBTduxWy1GczcxDeoIO4n5lxyPpVoB8sIZi1u+AAM5ODmiTXQC3HI6gb5gZD2P86iwrkV0IQ2WDZb0NF7ALA0KrvRQB15PWncGI8ifZQxDB+uc8Ur6BYhWVUZWJ4YdSaaY7FqWWJUi2AZYYOD1qmxWGyXBV0EbkE/nUcw7D765eNRGGbcw+ZqTbEkUvPZ7jklgBgAZoTY7IlhMhmy5wp6AGpAnhOItmSSz9cdqaYEc0o+0gKWX5cD0p3CwIjrpyljjLfMCetKwDIHUSEtwxzxSTHYjcYdl6k5OTRcB0XyxqrE/KKq+gghOUVzgktSAlicvGCcnnnBHWgCO5kCqFBwW5PNA0NtvmByenFMQ2QGNuOFHJNFwHrIJGDKQcD8DSHYlkcu+OOF6CgRVkM7EHH8QA+lTqMnmEnlsEB4HHFWIjUkwg7u2cGkMjmkPknpnOQT1oSBkt87/ZownTg9OtMQ2SQo6K3IxQA9JdjMzEEDoMUh2EWJJbdhvJJ5zii1xFiGApEUOCp7+lPoA6KPZGcOMZ9aQCzMigLlFzzkdTSY7DY1AZn875WHQdc1NguPQhRnzHZO3XOadhEZyDtQHr+dKwDM4DqV4zyQapIBRv2ZBGOnI460AOgDFnDBR3z2qrARNMjFYs5Gc5NSwJUCDIK8DHcdaYBK8QTOVJyccEAdO9ICIPKxUAjGcMD3+lFgLBXMDn7uFzn09qLjsRZK2UZDBSVwcLimIYrpFEHBAJOOvWgBd7y/LEoG0ZODmlcCxKZ1iVlj/d7gCaYEJldmKgH72Dt61ICSyGMhcv83PApvQdiQMJUUsnyr1oTEEm0jORzyvNDAjjTdj5ioz1FJJAToQg2O+cDrigCv5jYf8Aec/ShADRTC5QtjZgZxxVWAL0bpVIBCDPBpNajJA7Pars4H8XNMQ95XaPeG27V6Y60AVrYMbhpijE9BiklqBLMdq+Wjjc3UE8mqYD7k4s2Xa5LKF9eKl7ARRfu7YQAHIXqB1pdAe4qSIkZBfBUZ+lMBtsGnR5AeN38qVgGxTbp3CkscYxSSuAkMID4J6Hkk570rDvoamp6kHtljh+UKMDGRnHvU8oieGciyUMJVXBO3jg1m46gZ13I7onzNHu9KaQFm1C2xHlu0jFQW3AdR2ptgWbWJLu5haRyjs2Su39KTbHfQ1PE91d6cLWwiumMZUloQfkUH2FKLuCRg2+n6heastlpsbXNzKdyrGuTitBtl7xFYSaclhYgK1y0fmMFUk5JOQfyqmiUU9M0e81bVEtIUzJ5bSvx0A6mi1ir3IYoImv1FzG0qRNjABAPNTcZcn0yV4FugrQ2qg+WWHLfl0qVLUDNhfbfrKjgbDnJOK0sIg877RqTMH5UFvm5A/GnYTHyzSz3KySgtnqcUragX4tat7bTWtiWjbPLRkc+1ZyhdhYyIbh55XZfmUH5cjmqirDZsaDE1rb3FzKjbOF4GR+vFRNXJeps2ks1rFbySy7nljLJE6FQPT8Oa559gKuoPvmS2JUPIcyFVG3n0FOEWMS1GkQ3gXY10UbJDKFB9q0uwVy74ctoZtRk1Gcho4uI4lUYzWdSbSKubNzZ3MYkh1IWqmdN0ZRAWwe/PSuZVGtikZXiHS9ItLG1it5FEy5aUsSzOD9Bgf/AF63hUbBnNuiBGaJgYx1YHAFdUXcg1PBcS3lnMpDO0b/ADkEDaMe9aXSIldMyby1kjnkZdmN2Bkioci0TT2f2ZFiaVXldtuFYMM+gxUuYXub1r4XjnmiF1ciGNE3SMPr06dawlVuwKOqRaTZNerb3MrGIjylwCWHfJraMh2OZvJMwOWzhvunNapisS6fG81iGYthBkgU7iZPD+6QvwCRxkZ/lRcRXgZcyyFh5mQB/wDqoQyxGWV4mdmK5yB6mmIjutzIFOCeQBnFJgi/pd1Jb2+2JQZHPXdggdOtZyTBk1zeTxOXQJvzgc8A45OaIaBa5nCZwdg2bmDEt17etWirEtkiWtqCxKEnJVjx9aRJC3lqw8pVJc5L5NUgCSX/AEjJ24PfPOaoC7pMELXlx9olkEflgYjxzyKhsLstXKadOyW9j5qxJ97cvzZ75qFuPXqY+twmO5iYKQhGRz2rQZp2Gg3k1lHeXVtLFbOzbGIA3D+dYyqK9gsU7yJpEZLeM7iBtUDPtVKYWHR2135I3wkqq4ZgCQPyqudA0I9vPDbsQ3Bb06U+YWhVgidoQqvhmOOeadw0HQyz/aRCHLj2604toVkX7O+liuYZFO394MnB9q05yXE6fxP4svJ7RLWKTy404Hlr1FN1LEQp66nDzTyrDNLJM5Y9AR2rO5tYikmd0Xcx6YzigLDYyJCysu7bjgDkGlcDSexmhtfO2FgAC+BnbnoDRzAkZLOTdRqxbLHpilzXCxakkMcPT5uuKYmhGuJHjjQzM4XPNO4JDYg7sCSFBGSTU3GbOjXEFsjC6zKhGAA3X8qXM0S0UZbtxDfCFHWHcOAOByKpVHZisVBchSJIXB9eKDVlKY5Z2xjPJoQCCUbfm5GOtOwFi1nBlWG0Vy5I5BpAyfUcxqEnVCfbkmgRGslqYmVLYqcg7qdxohlbJ3HI9sdakAgdGyCNzfyqrhccj+XuAAz6A0gCWQsgzgHvQkiWVkAG8jn3p2GNinLnYRjrTQDFVnf5enc1pcB7/wCt5TPHWpbGSQ+bI4VRgdyalgSCBGmCu+OBUgXJIkjUiMjaOoFICsyruJXvxVCuNaVxFtY4A9KLAMExkXBYtj3qkgZJBKYVlXywRIMA9xQkhDLe3lWQvjjuc0PQYuAGLY/M0lqIgXKOxUH147VfKBdin/0fdtJCcAkc5pOIx94xltlnaQkgY29qiwjOiWV5htO0cYzQhkpS4DnDE84xTsNGnaWFwwWR5UCnnazUrDGQTsluwSRUweRjPekK5PNJby7Lhp9z9H7ZpAXLKQRkOSJEHIXAI6+9QxmkmoRTQtBCW2kfOmCBSu0gsZ13ZWUtqWttLQTY+8pJoUhGDKjW6GOYGN+4NapiY2PyS6s0+zPXK5xWttAN7R9M0K4lDS6xJFNuwuIwR/Os2gvY0NJ0PWNM1db3S76NWGdrq/OPcVlzOIaM39S0rUNTtpWF7b75Dh9/GT+HWs+YmyuP8OeH9Y0+11G0uWtpGeMeWyNnbnuDjitOfQLJnEX1trmjF4XjmiE3XByGxThJFuJQ0/UHt7tmKh3IIJYYxV3QnEnvdSuZolQIDtB5Veoqbi5S14f1+50/Vba8MYeSH5dsiHBFF0HKeoeEPEkF7b3kS28Vu07Z+Qn73fjtUSZLVi7rC6bb6ZJdXuxJo4yQMAF//r1NzNpsyke0utEuL6BVVrdPOGDyR1xmkZtNOxj+EfEel6k4sLy3aBmbIYPgH/GqsaTi0dFdSWcNwzRjdtBwGGcZ6c1k9GRqaOneL9Ys4VtbTyhb4AkQqCrevP6UKYakWtalday4klLWap2iUEOOwz1qva2K5WLpCXzXDrbzCAONshOTke/OKaqJlxTLWveHUls3lS6DSW33WzliT6jk4pyki+UzfD3gw6hMsdxrcWnCNNzStDktj2OOKzU0xezuVNa8D6xp8rSWetWGqxPIVjIG0rn9PyqudIfs0UYNM8Y2Cl4LiFXjPBDNgkDoPwpqpYXs0IieJjqKyXFvCssnEjgmRmGOetP2oShoUbvTdaOqRwxW8j2m7MhX5eKzcluSoWN6Pw3cjcdjBABjLDn8San2thcgwaW0bI0hjVOfkZxuYdjxS9pcTjYrz6OrA+W1ufnxtycfXj8aFUdxxTNvSkn0qJm0fUPsd1KuxWSTAPtj0Nae2LRleMZPHfi1YLPWbzTri3hbCAMMf7x9aaqjaTMC18A34ZPPnsdpbLpnBYZ6cVbxA7G1e+DtMSzmlTSoQUGQFlZvXGc/Ss1iXcVjzKRkHnZWKKWFsBNvJ5+ldSqcxTRr22sXX/COSbTEGVtgI4ar52ybFSz8WarbzbluJXbZtwWPH5VOrDlRoad42dN5vrdJscLxSsTyGtZ+NrBl+ezHmAbgAeM81Lgh2JLrxwn2OYQxlZSo2KCNq+vGOaXIGpkad4xma5QXfzK2dwBwPqaXJoDijrbLUYJ5ldNQRYx0G/GB70nBoESXcyxyJ5bRlJDgEEnt/P8AxqGUmCRSTMkkpbyGU5Zj70tbjsOlkQyNH5gK9F7A/SrVybGRql7OGkS03/bVYAq3QjPqalptlF8oGWPeu2XYM7TwDU2C5PI0apEEMvzY3sVyQf8AP86BDigDFyY1RWzu5zjGOe3ek0y4tIzf7cs5rkaeoEkits3L0JJ+tVGASd9jXtYka0bzWaNlZgWGB3qJOxKSYsQRAC9yxVQpDABgQSaOYbiZWt+JbDTi9tZxh5kYMzuxKlvpVqHMO9g0nWbjVbaa6mlLOjjeE4XB6cducUpUrFKROWhMmJIFKIej8/r1qIxaYpSTOZ8ZzMPKi8tIUbJVV7exrqiYnJXaqGjbJ6YIrZxQ0bugeKb+wtE0+LMkasSAxzTREl1J9V8QyjUhcWskoVBypx1pOIJFvTvEM5junkclzgxknp60+QLD9F8QO+pGORzGsq7cA8Z9eanlFJWE8UXIht0SKdXfcd+CDipsKJLpupR2+jxKZOhOTuHQ03GwO9yg2pQyajIEO6EjCk8cmmkWkWDPCBsjnVA64I9PXNWgucpqCQveu6naO/v/AIUyhVkPmfdAG3AwOnvSuBRkuH2vknPIJpXHYknOYU25wwzQBLa8Q7VUZI6U0JjEcNbsB/CPmB60dB2KjZaIbmAOOMihDLkLbrCFwdrAkHinckQAO5Hy8H15qRsXUB8oxjPf16UNAilbvuk689sHFFgZpswEaNkHHIOB1NDEJASZI0PUt2XFJBYlvI1a95AAUYwKHuMaUjkDpggAZJHOD7U7isRY24BA44yamwyCQ5uMhRjGKQywAojbdjO04FV0JGQDNiDgZycihAFsfkfGBtb0pICtdF5ZFCnvjgU0rjLcMLx2yszDcXOOe3H+NOwhJ8lW2nII7UWAhiKxIsTDJJwVz0pDLUh2SEHAHTigRXyd6A7iSxNFh3JLhhGpVAQx496GwRDGjeTnHI4NCQXC5hLLsyTheMU7AKr74VQdVA4PpTEM3fvsnk9eaTGiK5V2fygOW5pDL1uEjtwOSR15qiSSQ5C5diu0EgHHNSBHIVZTICxUEjHY+lAEKSmWVRGCMc8nrStcosyK7lW+VccnPXH4UySF5N0jKp+Xsc0hj1YuibWywHPNNIQhC/6tDkZ3GgB0jFpEX+7+tAD8M/G7DZouBTtSWfpls8+lIZPcy7YSWPzAkGmIgGZIl+bg+9Owy4QEUKF+YjIzzSEQzJM5QEgDqfekMVt80Yw/CjgdqroIMbsI/H4VICoUQuI14x1zQBNFvbAVRjvjPXFG4CMVEjrnnA79aAAoiKEkwzY+U9cUALIpaMKilR3I70gKzdUCu3yYzk0ajLEOAp75yQTzxTSEJtkeZlRMNt557UrMZDkCEljhs4Ix1ouFiZi4Rck9OnpTERXEpW0GT97Oc0+g7Dbc/wCjFgvBPBBpoLEtuS1u6HdnPY4zSuhCybFDJ/qxjPqaAKkRElzH5RII43A00kMuXDFYjEv3s5yT1NJiH79sSMMEjg8Cp2BlURmWZlJI4zz3p2AW28wWxjjIL5PygYPWhDH2NrPFcebKNmcjBNCC49kSCGV43DMTuHoKLCIUObdhMDuZTjjvU2AfDvuRHGgfDnGMnioYF2/SC2eGKJJH8tQCWP8AF/hU+gDzE0cU8jGIYC8jhjnnvTsC3I7WWTzoTuLu7hECkljn0FQynsbOtxC3uVDNudEydwJIPuKlaMFsUvDesXel6ul9ZkeeymNW2jnd9elaoTHaleXmla59rLAXcRIPzb1BPWne7BbGxDP9iub65sJg001qmQ3UqfvYFEmSjI1K/tpNKhgWHDRPmRl6k/hUGiJ9Q1VrjRIgFCg/LtQH5eO59aVtbiMuFrdPDlqscUX2h2LPISd2PSru2BVt7ZWlmdnEaqm4E8Zq0xMWO3cWbTZcxnBQn7rfSle4IseF9Nj1TW0+0RFrKD95ON+MgdqG7A3YurFp9nHdyQ2/keYx8rcSc/jWblcVyhaRtdSC28x/3mBtJ+XPrUyY9DY1hjYyR6f9siuWt4/ndVIAPpnv0rNK7EYV7PK5WRSST79a3UbFJElpJcWwaNkAJGSGHJB+tTYDb0gNdm3srOSO18yTc8jMMZPXt0rGqrIOp0to15ZXN7513bSXLj7PHK3IA9h+FcZRz1zFa28zwzXDX0ig5cMQpat6YiiulXt/p+y1EQQuC5c4HFaqpYLl5LaKwm8myinwYw0rA/LIe547UvaXeguW5gXrhtUiFtas5kI2oecmtU9CkrHQS+GPEGo39vELeOwgjZnLuMjt1IHWs3NCRraxAulwv52ptgRgIiJjzG9SetYxakxGDpOgHUEn1CbEcQYLsZuvet3NIY6y8HDUke4mvjb2kZPysuS30ojWV7AZ18dxMdtGI4EULjPp610KV0Az+zrw6W+qNbNDZq/lqc8FgOf5ii4kZtjbyv5k6xsyZzu28U+ZAywnmb8ZOexHagViSMH7IjSZBVsAelWmIWC2W4vIkkkMcLMNzL1qJSBmv4i0+CC6KWCr5MQCsVYnn3rOLCJzdztW6jZiSAdvrk1qmWTTI2Csi5yPlXHJpCsFvEwtyZXI2AkDOfypi3GqjXBj8qFpHwQNq84B60XDY0VeOKLyMMXLYyxAwBUsRB4ctru81qZbaGGRjwBI+0D8am9ijWvdLmbXrO0ZkuShCyeUcjAqFO4+h03iO6tYLprSaLIVdgDyFhjPUdqwlF3JM668QJYRSW+mrYorqEdo4wXx9aqMWFzHhvjcbyH3l+o7H61pYQ26vUksJZJ8+cXAjjUbQFHfiqSGjnBciCYOm9iD09fatOZIqxbs7SQ3CmQBHcZ2ntRzCuaIuIIpod9ujxo33MEA/j1pNvoSS3+opMdlvHFFHuA2AdT65pagUY9Mu70+SzLC0hyGbJyKrmGmPubG0gs5QWnlnUDYcgLS57lWLvhe2ndPs8UjK0i55IwT6ZrOdSyCxpXOg6tFaTw3X2Z1b5vMEnT9OtYqtcpRMzUbLR7W2VUELXmRllJ+Xg8da3i7kvQw5YppIzK8YVAcegre4rFqx06K5lgSSYCLOZMHBqGxjtYit4XhNshjV0wFLZ4qbgR2FleXEsUdum+STIVV5zT9RFy6t72xuH064KpP/d7DvRdWDQxIDCYsuQuO3rWzG2V5QGdip4NCQiOUYQDt6VdtAFtZnjkBhUK2OpqbASSuCu0Nlh6+ppWAYkiqoDFicYIp8oXHNOrchMYGKLARA+Wwc/xHpmiwE4mi3AADcaBCHaTk5x1pDI93JVQM7QaoBsIXfuxuYU7ASxu8hCbQoz1x2oYEh2h2Tg8dRUjJEcC2BIVdueg5NG4mRxTguSOUpWAdI53HaeDRYBOGxsPbmmhDGQt0OCOcUwKyZEigetNMZLMxAyCenFUBLajzoyWl2hRyPU1MkBG0m1wvUMalCuOZQjbieo9KvUCOZz5OFLYJ6UDFtmd4cOflzioYGpD9nj03DsPNLHG4c0ugWK0EgjyDty3fHegC013HMjLlkI6UrICt9nIX7RvUq3AFAFeIjcwIBGTge1Ay1ZziOUF3AX3GcUrAdFbXVo0TpFHEd2Bvxg49KiSGmRXckWn2/l24ZRjBLHJNQkDM+8ii1K2Eq3CJLkAqRz061siWZs1hLCWGRJg9RWiYDWRowN6kHOenNS3cDQ0/VprYMoZiuOmetS4gaU3iKV4mW2Zo9vXB5JpciJZBpWu3R1ZfMuHKMoQjcecUcpSOsi1qSX5ZIVnUYwsgBBXvzUOHYq5BHqGjpLMJdCs1Ug5ZBk80aiJNIv4ID9lsbRI2fl5XUYRO/Wk7jsa7a48jmCIW00ZPJ2KcnPXOM1LCxYGpPDGVjt4FzJ/yzTHXH+FQ2DRdllt73TvK1FI5VUMNuOTkjv8ASs9SbIo3NrpP9lPaW0IijlXaSHIIHTn14Jq7slx6nMab4Ut4tQjvFvVjEbcBuRgHqK1UtCrXOvszZlwOJo15ZmOCfyrCd3sLkRee7s87bW2VMrtYZzke351i4srlRV/tO1iidPs8yEHnHOOcZ/nVcrYcosepCW4CxyFVx82eM4qlGwWsWP7VjtpD+7iAlB3TAnik0BPBf7uJQkgI+YgZA/Oko2KTSI2vCJQiRmJUGVBXCn/PFS0CsD3TbGEaqxZg2N5wT0zTSHYlvHv7VPOQq2UB2ZB280x2M19Wkkdw7smTjaq9fek0Q0hq3dtLGI5jJEu753Z89enFLlEQmw0kqZA+5lBCFWJNNCcUws44wxKtINpB/E07jUbFmNRHMCxGFYMDnkUmFhgdSAoEaM53K2eg+lCQCy2qlTOszK2ckjvwKbAgW5ENxsaeUCQctnjg0AUdbstNvEZWtAzHhnUbSeev1rWMmI5PWfDwtoXGmF5VJyE5JzW0ZjOdGjawJy7WEqq3Q1qpAQPa3SB/Mt5VHqy8VfMKxCvyRLyQeaegWGtM3AHc0xEhcbgFzgjrSaAtLczwqpikwaVmLQ1tM8S3kF3EkkhdFJZs9s1DgrjNHWvECzW8ItJGWQOSeeMUuRArhpXiI2unXEsqpLcBsRmQZwO9UogzQt/FNt9qeaSMo2MB8UcqAvaRqy3cHnrH8zSFMK3UdjUOAixfa5Z2NzDZZE0jA5+bAU8VLiCMbWPEVvcJfW20x7UwmzgMeKuMQOJjnuYWDov7xW3Ljrn1rZLQDtdP8Q6pcQn9zFCscZMhH3m9awnT1KWhqWOsWl1ZwOXWEoCWQDJPJ7Vn7N3G5nC6zN52oSzN8odz75rohGxNxbXUrq0tZreA/JNt39s4OapxuFzQtvEDJqaGZN8JIDIG7+tZunYRd8RNZXKI08hidgQpAyDihLURyl2FYgIQyphc+prcZ1Okw21jo/mT/ZjLJGRgD5weKVyHe5y+oOHkbnJbPNMpDIneO0G0fNin0GwjDtAZd+CDgEUgNDTbJ7iwaSOQFwf3gc8kUWJcrOxBbxRTXWGuRHH047YFCsMju2VRlGJIzjmkCuJCzsgfcR6980rDGyRtvxnIPG7FO1gCVR8zLyOBj1oYEcMIkkkVhhSPlpDuSGJQix7iW6YA607pCHQqIwA5G4Z4oQMh2KuR3Y4oQ7jfs37sqTxntQFx8cTCERRjoaVmIekWwTmUYLDgEUAQ3RIQDBHv60NjQ7TLCS4kZm+SMHG40J6DLkiQxyhIzlEqbiGGNwu4YJznmmBZltyrxzEDBXtTaYyrtdWYkgk9eKLCuQX8gWTAHB7YpsENt8SAtkZPFIZaKE2/UjnA9ab2JIYMi1KuQPmxwKFogC0Dh5iFyCuM+9TfQGKI/LcS4BPai4FmbcbdcEjHJq3doEUXZ47hYi3ydTjvU2aGCx+ZfK5yF64zS6gSXmWlDqBgdabBDH2iWLkv3/WmIlmWR71XOApOSPwp2FcRZAHlBOADxigZWuWbzFO4jjuaXUB6RkOpDKuUyST70MCW1gLSGeR/kUj5fUZoQEnl7pWm6IAetLqBH5ieWxPY5obAiEq5KjngGlcLEsin7ECnGf1p2Aj09MTuzj7i8fjTQMlDsPljXjaaQFWIhGyecnvQMmjYpcDacjb6VSAhtJ5ftRAHDHBPpUg0WpMpk5ywYZNAiX77lW44zwKAGOqIMInfOcUAV7zAVolySTkUXAZaqxMa4yM8jHSmxsnvZB5oEY9voKJaCSJiAqkltwHekxogtWLOigFVPY9KEDHTB5Lh1XJCZwfak9wQyJg2VA6mkDJ5naJYzHleeaFuIivC6XMb4BBxkDvVW1uMtqcFWHc5GRmnYQSPhnRQcAcGkBHY7Ck24KWLALmgB12yRkZ78Db6d6HoA4AGferdRjrSuAhgiuL6O3eZ4UwMkDg0mBa1O2trdwkLu46BieaVwKEttI9ui4LfNzxmqew7lhoYkgEcefl69qLgNQRiExhvmzkn1pPURGgD3HTPy85poCtCD/aSiNflDEk9qd9R9CzcRgyIQhyM8k8dKJAh9sQcEEfIDzjihCZFJc+VE23gkEEgUICPR3c3sy54Izz9KF2Akec7GQliTzuJzU3CwyWNmtCM8ue1PoBLboXVCRlido44xRYC7YalJZziEKDExDccEVDjcTVyK/lNxdKxJBZsYzn86OUZDfkGX5eqjB9+lOwybRtTgsSn2OJ21RpNsbNyFzx0rOSBpnUX2m/bL+D7ZP5BKZlI4d271ztiTM3WtLg/tZ47KVktomG09WOOtXGo2WRajpAn1w20N2SrEHew68Zq3IEi/qED3Wo20jtCsUMaxv5a4yAepHeo59RJGTqkcKaXdPECZZJjgbcYXBHT8atO6DqXNRt1g0CwhAiHmDzHwec0xX1MuJ1miECooKHjAxTQEEy+Y+A2V6NxVDZZ1KRGjigSVgqD5QfpSirC1DStUmsrO4sYVVftBw8mMn8PShoUo3JLlprvYsis8cC9u1Q1YEQWN5El8G8osVG1VBwR70rXG0JJKJHknk3AFiWBPXmhIRVvvI8qNoSQrNj2FWikyV5xKd+4YC7Nw6VSQ7lnwzcTtrSxNL5aKpYEDoaipFMll7RdWWLVi16yiLaSAeSWNczpqw1qa2hJaavfXPmXASZRlEIwD1rKV4olyEe9gimlhRtvkDDADjOetFmyh95qYXw4sMAdiHIkKrgBfTJpwp6miI/hrayfan1ZmGyPci7lzzjsK1m7IiT1PR7R3lkXlWQnLLjnOO9cUr6gjjvGd1FHfzK9hAH6qzj0PAqqUWU0U7edNQsYhJIUAfAVUwPrWk00ZNm4Ab7SlFn/AKuJdmc9MdawvysaOC8UW9xaSxxyr5SynIULz9TXdSndDaJIb6ZdFa3ldvLRi8cZPBJGD/KthGzba9NeaTb2kdhZAbPLwq847molKxNle5kXHh26Y3CwR+bJgMfLHb2pxncpMqanGtkVtTFJGAQWEgy2avmHYp26uLUsc70fdj+VBJ0UH9qS6Jue1CpcyFshfmc9qnVAt7Gj4N8O3Tau3+gJJdpC0oiuPl2gKSD+laIplK+8OXG64v76WFJpGLRRI46d6qKFcw7WNZ5ktpWCxAkse59qW240PgY2vmfZ2Ee1cDJ5wetTcGUhuV0mkH3mwmOlO4rFiK3kVpXUtGueSDjByOaNGPcfHaak4knsIp5iAS0pbj86hpILot/2ReC3VrqZTcEE+UT9wfWpsFzPtbbNxMiKflG52x0qriZIhk8wyg4jC8AcdMZp2EZzpJc3IjDMkfc4yBQ9CjvM6Pa6EYbaW2VGBCgrmVmI657Vy1JSvoEWYn2qW1ikljhjMbjaJH5YH0rSNxdTBmLycMSJDya2QyrqG6B1Zy5BxnPGauyYWOo0OSGV423ISYisYxk7iMc1hNW2JLDixguSrlJFAPy9AT2qIXLKLzlJQ9ufK2E7AD05zj9apq6A0Jdfv5Y1tFXzA+BuVeRn3+tZKmkxplDUNJt1eOKJXuLphvbH8I71opAZ2sso2wKGUKBlcY5reLuIdYRSPNvOdp7A96TAvz20QeJI4gzZLSdfwFTcZnaxLPp+oQMkDQFQCqKD0NVuBHcTyT3wnlEquVyVPU0W0EYSKCu5iRzmtxD1df4atICOR9w9TnoRjFMCBiQMdB0pWAsWvMLdOuaSAilOGzQA6IeYCOaaAWXhAB696GgH2MPmuCXCgckkUATFePU0gIZW2tuB6jn6U7AFuGwSADTdwHsXO1EwPU1FwHleeCcikIrSuQxUMcVSQEluTJwF6DpQ0MkViFYkYweKQhsRbys5GTQMdG2YyCRu7GgRHINseV4aqVhkjKHgABOMcfjVAMjAhBj6k45pXETNGvl+YeuaEhEdwwMWB6UXGiKJTKoXB4o0Yy4iReQ4DruGBjpik7WAeLICAzXN4h28om/moGVRhgpB4zVKwiZVG/HGccU7ICWxvLe1ZhNb+ex+6M8CoaAla2V42mWJYQ5yqnrQ1YdyjbOhaTdwTxTjawFiOQqpwTnrSaAti6W7iWOVtgJxuHNTyhcmj0y1RXuDLvKgcbsE/SmIopcbJS2Mp6buadgJruIXMcckRIfoQT1osBWOlamqNO9rIsIU4fHH1oArxeYpbcpAz1ouJjFSWOZJgOc1W4y9b3F1ezJHcSlIlODtOMCoaHc3rLyCDDBk46FzmpaAngdpC6EAEqQdw4xWTKRtackcG820AnHlj7vc1LGaKSBIUkkABXBaMMM49KizE2jO1XUovO8uBmDsrY3Hjn3qlG5JDBbNJEkn29QSMEMe9FrATvG626+aS4VsDYfloEVv7Qe1w5kaOIjjaOT2p2uUT2WoTSIoQllC8Pt5zUuJRp2ru3zSSRkOMhHbBbBGahqwrj5gZHxMjBGwVIH+FFwbGSLIcxnDrjjkdfakSWDcXEMIXyklVgSMHGRTAQaldoiN5I3n5SpBwvpg1Nhixaq8MY3FMluvUg+gpWC4h1K4eJo0dFy3LHqRRYdxHnRdri4+ZgPlKgHiizC6Kt3AlzZTzZ+dGAx/e96fKxlEahPbvGjIqd+Dy3HTFFgLFpqp/fTLEx2jcSwzx9KVgL8t7LMiPBAZGJzlR7U0iCGGd5nUFI9pG0k9RTsASSsJEUyBl3fLzkHH0p2AHkZlUtgkn+EZC1ADwoLH94CxPr/SjYALRqwZlyrcZBI2npTuA4zwnTnmeN8YO7Az07iqg3cTOO0fXGnurq3ndAzNmNZUyMAV0phqVNUt4rqcvLHEgA4KJgD8KpN9QuUT4dkllRraYlSeOODVOVhoS98NajEPlZJgeRtYZ/KjmQMrTadqKQp5lhKrBc8KTmjmJIJIZRIqyKyZHPGDTAa7tFjCgL0zntVICTzQ1uQFOece9PpYYkLmRc5P0JpAXbPUHt4PLTcvzHGO1Jk2Ks8jSS7nOTnOc0KIDpWaOOQ5B7ir5QG295JBtmVQZAc5x3pqQWHveS8yrJt3Z3e9Jq5Q/T9Sa0idggd3XAbptpcomQGZ33DqxOTimkIld1RQ2TnjGe1MBhbcwIxuJz9KTQDbm5lkYCR2IHQelTYZHBuJOAcjnNUrgRtPOGJdyfYnpSFYkikMoLkcDiqQE0Um4MAeFHPHSi4CufKjCv8AMpycUkBEk0yhjGWQdxmm7ha4xHZlcqemCTj3pbATMm8DJx6mi4EyACIleMetAmRhyCibuTnApjI7lmiPljB4znPWkwJ43KRbio/GgBiSrIwK8FecigBI38y5xwBnqe1MBZcLKRnIqQGZPJzxii4CxOWQAZznt60XCxLJJ5cMbsQznOc+tK4DDJmBJggZm5z7U7gaRuI2toBsGQCzYPNNvQZQimTbPGyEuWDBs9AKjcCUvlBxhuwHeqEPuJyIFfAMRXB55zTYyGIFY92c7hkA9cUXEV5088sxOaW4x9tCRCu8kbck4HWgLllF/cRnnk5OeaoRDs2IYhnhs0mAWzEQOQ3X2qUtAYTDZ5S/d3cgE+9DGh8Tsd4YAhWx+hppiK5i3CKRG5LYJx2p3AkhQCXGSQrdcUgG3C/vH9Nx/nRYCMKROhJIG386oAnnIIfBHqCetFxCwr5xkbd8oGfrQMbJbS3D+XHsJbHJOMUgNC/0waeiGS6imkyAVXJANDArznYjcYLfNwaWwEdrI7QO7kgjjOKVwEjtjlwzDaenvTsMjiQQN5k3GcgLigRYaVCEXBUcfep3Aazkb8ADP8qLgJPKDEqITkjn1pAioFaUxhd3J5oWozQeIeWN3DgYobshDo7eG3UMpBeQ5NPoA5IlmuI45HMcTOAzeg9anVAOmjjEzqrblBxu9RU3AZJGVVTgAN0OelMBk8KqQ4A3kDGKoZKqJGoZVwzDLH0piGGOF1O/aMcZPc0m+4PQawRlUDG3HOO5pNgOjJEiRqF2hew5pgQTExsWDZDeo7VN9RoZo8bvLIwUlVB/DmmgZcYDONwIz0piKurTN0z8w+7ihgi24MNpbqrkuw5x1qugCSAIjndlsYGetSwK1hvEZZjyXxQAmqbfK+c9AfzpXAs2RK2KzcFunAosAxW/00SYIVe47mgB0VwZZZRKSdo+U0OwC295P5YC7gATSQCI6jfIzEDvkHmnYABSVA2dgOOcZoALfaNzs+B2zT2Ak0TT5b64lm3GNEQsBjrzUydguRz5ZpFGTsHNCd0BFpZxG2Mk570JjZFqr7VwEwOnSmCE0Un7a5GGHl8+1O9ncGJdfKQ3UZ5xUbgXJ0MlsotwS2MjnvT6CbLMkc0UEeRjbgnBzzTuBnXycnaCJMd6QCqrIIo5QfMLcn1ouBJfI4I27s9AD1pMaOs8M2FhZ2lpc3Vt5VwckSOfvHIxXPUuF10Ne4jstVvZbtJWnazT5ok/iyfWsNU9QQS6VLpVmNQucRPJJsSFjubnuapMbOft5QJrqWUh1U7EKtjmqWorjbW8U7wICPLHLluBmi2oXK8kksjlpIlCIfnJPWrQFW+kzLh23AHC7TVBYtxofKfc0KhlB2oR/OmhGfMCsgTdyAD7YqynsVLslbyIg55wPaqSELbI/wBqlk2/dOPrQ7DJbeWW3sJC4IZs5Bbt2qGgsbGkadbeQrS5WeaPKk+44NZylYTKeoaZ9ii+zNdrNKRvO0Hao9zQmIy9PguL2Ka3SMyJEd8jA5AA71VxmlbWFxq13b6dYW6gsOxAA+tUG250tr4bs/D1vNe6hqCzX3K+THyAPeobuD1OetdIn1C7M0QRQgLO4YDHtRYeyNTRbOS1QywW0klxMCHkeTAVcjnH41hUZDNTxBoDvoK39lstHjbDFmy0x4rFT1LjqVdJ8L6trVlu1C8js7VyCFVskj2FaOVth8x12m2lvp8Men2kZWBP7y8tgdc+9Zylfci92adlGzxEiRYpD9zPTp2rGVikcrqnha9kuLiWS4S7AbhnckjjJwK2hIpsxIw7sLaPcSjZATrj0pvUyNjTJ7y109LbzBBGp3SHFZSimNGXq19LqMC3M0kTFcpGrcHA6GtqcLbDbuP0fw9ZeINNN/FdSx+RGySIE3BnA4wfetZTtuCvci0TT5oIGuHCKViZTuYcDI6Y71E5A0Vr7ULqC+X7LcfZpGwEKty3PFVC6EUfEtvfJqohumd5lbMhcHJroih9CtqENza2TXJt3AuCVRtpwW9BTasJHsXwza307TtKj8TRSF4sSquOAOo/nWctCE+WVxPjdq8J1tdW0OWJEuLcxfu8F/xxVRZs9TyGS9uZ7mJgzbkJ3MfTvWhNiXT9N33m+5ZVWVsoqtkmkO6NiXTrH+0rmzPBgAJIUkHgcUpWQblbU3tLy/08SWSxQw4V1HGVBzmoGaPihbL+zbi4062WGBnCKGbJPGaSbuBlrd3tv4dtbdpUEcnzbFI5PvT1J3ZRWaaW5+0TtvcZAzSsOyJ4tVks2nVVj86YcHbkAf40ENGRbuZA5ZmK7snLcflVoZY8xmQxJkAjjaKTKuaMyR20IjCLLJgZI5IPpUNCuRLGsyKJJ23gn5CpxnHXNIfmRJ9jCyO6MZf4cdOKvoG5f0E6bdX/AJ2tRJcYZQiNnAGeentWc5PoMTWrm0+279KhWCNSSqIuNuKcbtaj0Mh2HnDcGLnJO4961UUIIZJGLquF28gk9aHECWzupYmOJwgBycUnG4rmjb3sqSC8ibY4UrnPUdT/AJ96y5LBczLpZr69UqMtIuSSOOKtaDJ4DFDeIsshSOJirlT196JSvoBa1TWzNgxKixR/c2jk88ZqUrAS6nNcNNHcTMhYQplCh4HPc1VwMyW8MryTtHlv726nqI5oZaHrnHXFddgIUkKDDDkU0BIHyN4HNMAllLAHj8qAHxSgqY/L6DrU2YEM5w+cUWEOtOjHJBqhjJAxyCT7Uuoi3YWcl1hUZkA70mBJPH5M8ickoccCpuMqyBm+6ScZ7Z/CriA+3z5XAwT+FMB54HzYHvUCCNw3XHpmlYCKeIbhg9fTmmBNaxNncRgdOlO4xxAbcCQMcfjUgQlgke0HkH86dgEUttVh2bkYpoB16uGbHH409AEgOIuvNMB0oHlAk89SaV0AzzSISpOcHPWmIZMR5eQT+NCAntGAULuPzdxQwEmUncRlQPWoGFrb+YGfoqjkkUmgLxtLaIKI5mnO0E7V4BPapApuzBcBsnufStVsAlvbXU8jeREzleuB0pNDRck0rUGkTzz324MnT6+lTJFaGomgxqVRyWIPJTPI+mOlZudgKOsWf2PDpLuR+P8APNCnclooR42naGJxx2rRCsPt7yRM5YMCMENTSAbGzPIzDoQMjAxTsBDJJJG5+YsPQHtT0A2rWSaeyUy6jCoVTiMnnA7UnfuDQunmG5s5LfeAVbOSwxU2QjJkKlyRyM9jQgFkuIzMFjGAFAOR1p6BqWNOvPs90w/hcYOTwtLl7jNmx1C1W7eOWVyXHyGMdazlEdyaC5MepxQy3DRwyIM89PyNQ4jubyW9stuYIrxy7dF9fxrN6Eswb+F/t6pPdpGFG1FIwep7/wCetOAIvWlrNHODLd+fGny8IR19CaJbjtc1byK8VD5DiMbgF3JwPwOKQJFFdL1G5MRlYCEdXIpORVjSt9Ois2keKVmyedpbBB6EA/jUOQCtbxJIBgls8rI2QOnftSbFZjHu7sTRCzsyse8Zz3+mTSRViCa9mumUtBLA54AHT9KGFi/bsBCsW/JUAKAmf5dPxqbhyks6xlXIePIP8bZxx2FFwsMmuLSBAit5kxTcwKDj/OapILDYXS4uE/eJESdpP3QPfGP5UOyBxI7yIqqyq9tLySSrZwf0xTWpI4It1HlpFyoB4fknp39aZSM2ez8yZsbWKHO7nK8duaRSRbtooAqbgVDJhiEJyR0zUsLGnE0SqAuCScDqD9RxSuS0LY2mA8lxehcEFEVe3pz3ouJIrTlBIyW+wr0G5hnHr/OqiyuUbbXcE0YjUlZCMvuZecGiwnEsq8ap50hCbm2rx1/z71LFYbfMpJFq4Vj/AM9MN9elOIWLElq9rCA+xtybQd29T+HY/WrTE1Y4fxFZwWtk1x9jgWcjacE5B656+hraJNzmVvWihKnq4wOpI/WtkgNzQta+zW0UDPtVMneD81Q4XGjetZIp13DzpNwyAy9fxGaylFodi0ZxuUK+88dzjH40RbIcTi9ZvnbUbsowXnAGOK6IiSMuyuEjuQ8yiRRwQ+Oa1TCxZ1e+S9uknSKGFAQCsYwMU29QR1E1v4Pn8NKdPQrqz9d0uFHPuaylvoUZMGgzfYZZpzs8vd8oYUJiZiBCZDGFJ28gDrVrcBLoSG3YlHUAgElTVhYr2xViqk789etLQdi2FjHQZQDoaLoQkSxmHGRu68nihiuOiUpJ8pyMc96AG3TEKCOcHoOtK4D03MQzRPGCO64zS5kFhHCrAucjcuc+vNK4wLCOH5Cc7fzq09AI7ZCxBbDcfd9KQhIGwZFyMZ5GaLgXbm2ij02GSK4Eskwy8eMbT+dD20F1K/O0FupAGc0xojdsRELyWOOB0pgTWt35VnhLdFkRs7jyTSuKxLGzSBXZ9pblu1SMj3nJGR1596aAYp2uZAucH8aGA5AGkLvja3IApXAGICdwPbmgCCzOZpM9+AKYEqhjP8iHAHOaLgROsoIIVufU0MCcglMEjPpSYII02JtfOM5GD37UrDuMUb4tjBt2SD2pW0Ex8UbJCI8HCjAzVAEUYUksxyO+elA0NQEOxwCMdjmlYGTCRyQAM54B44piK7RyDejY2EeuaWoyyhUW/ICsowCT0qhCafIklo4SLDr1Ynrjv0pReg2NjuQyGNSoIGWJOKBEaO2+NM8Y6g0IAMxV2XBJz370wLMCfP8AOD5f90daQEVwh+2QqD8oxnnkfnSYxYSz3FwgJCr3/vU1uIkERAUMQVHIC07AExEe7bjrx7UWEMZpCrHcDk84PNOwxixM43HA28deaAuRtEDLySQDQBck3i2aOMBSwzjNIBYvJELvvcyDGABx70rCIp5VlYjLsQ3JP+FAxlwWeVAeUA9aGNCwkRxScrtH86EhMgLhnQ5AGc8kc0AT3OJLl0ByByAfSiwFWaTM8ceDuzweoouFixg4wASeegzk0ANjjdnUlScDJJ4xQBNZRJFkyqdxPy5bpTWgXJJ2kV1DBmz0yOtQwBnQ8NkEDn2qgIo13t5bOduQePakBPLgFgCNo6E8Z/CpAryq75IyQecA0wI50nCLJnPIWnqxlu73RiNc4bIzjnFMRHeSRxJs3NliDyOPr1pMCONXEcbqykDkigBfNLXcbLwCpz8vtQBYs5IYXLzW/wBoRRjazbck1IFy5u7f+zRFbp9nbeWYADBBHTPWmrgzPs0dk+c4yepqkDEu1RyjFlOG2kAZIFDsArOVuEIYMF+7xRcCLDPcTmQoWVaQEgVikLhkwh3ED+vFAEeoxM9u8zNyBkfLwRQ0NE9hIYbBPMjI9NxwKOgiL5mIkBBUk/nSQC2qANIPvb/0p7gKRlskn5QcDH+FKwECnNuyk5JPAqugEjRs1qsfp3HShbAV707B8rdQPoOKTGjqvCOvaPpmkxpcNPLcyFwY44t3Hb+VZVGJple8gtjcgQQyKsp3t5nGfUdOKUWD2NDVbG0tvDkMlrBGod8mTdljSUnsJO5x+rowQAgE+orZeZSLvhlIreO6eWdVlkj4TaST+VKTBp3Keqbm2gE5zyOlJaajbNqCDy7eAyQPGdmcseufaiUrkEd84S1Ch1cngZpIdmZuqY3sVAxx908frVDQ238x5iSCQmDkg4oBstMkotnvGjZ1DbQxU4B54/SlcSLg1C8n0i3shDHiFt25Qc81LjcFodH4KubSx328k7JPc/6x1xjHp/8ArrmqRYM67xhBpl1a24n1KcyIu6YlCWY+g5xWPO0EXc8w1hEF8ltpykgtwi5Jz3NdENrspovPGbK3NvKAobG5O+frSuSZ94biRWjhmJBxnnoKroNFvxXYJaaFDdWzeY5IDt/gKUWy1qipYiOGSFircKC/ua3SJ2LVhfWun3t3Nd6al8k8ZWJWfHltnr74pgzJv7O7llElrbtIc5wvT9KdxI3n0qXTdOtzqUbJdXCmVEPHygdWrJyC+pja1A8UUQYkmYgErzxTuUdNczxNYRG0twqRL5Kljl2wAMnFYyd2SjDv48W7K77fMxk4yRVoqxYs3ez00i0MUcLLiQoMmT65qhXMSa9eFt8U7o44ynykg9uK0XcLXN5htsBFN8m5Q5kbJJ445PeoejFEx7J5TqEiws5iC7gBxz3ouUzTj1G/t5JbQ+YssgBLsCCo9MelZOKYrELXl0imJriWTj7xc46+/ap5EKxu+DNbvLjUnsLk702Ex4wMClOKSJcTutyOoUszlF2hs8/mK5WCJLZXR2Qbt0eHB253AjHr7VI0yaZpQ+G3bcksBnJJx2H8utF7A2YtzZadaXSiCAW0k7bEbcFYk9+avVoVznddg+zSTG4uHmB6BH3BquGozitWl3TkFWCBSFGDzXYo6FI9J8ORXOl+Cbf7BbTl5lLOIiCScfT/ADmuacW2Sn7xkWsV5Doks8pEH2iR1CSyANnHX9aHC7RbkrmT4N0RrjWP7S1GAPFZShlUufn7gdOhxWhMpXVi/wCO757zUnndvnGMkjhR2Ga3gxIpaRqR1DXdE0XUwP7OtpzIwjf5iT1/lTkOWiuei+KPsusXsyaRPPaQMgV/tRUYAHQc+nesHK5KfU4O80pbWWWA3cYhHcNyc1UWaGBKiRsyxzKUKkBjWqEy1pc7HXrRCiyqzDagJ5z2FPqK1kzptRRba/uY7kJE8oHy+Z930H4ClNkx2MK7Mb3ghEwJDeXnAwBzUI0TKOpfuLgxyT5jXa2d2VNAD7yaCZrcRl3TJIOACf6U0rkojMot5TGeXB5OM49qGrDIZpFuLhtwkZgoVVB6+9IkUQMs6QpFuduic9aq4rkk1vNBO9vKirKMZXOCp9KGxkse6Jxv4J+YYOagC09xIltsdSHAPNNIaMqyS4uboRLHlmyACwAA9TVcrsPY07Ly7eGaFZd5LKC4BxxngGoaGRTI/myGRnVR/Cq9qcQKeIg4G1xg/f25zVpgRRN5SksfmXPLLg02A2aRniZ+SMBeFBzSuBrW1hdCy89reT7Oq8tgY5+tQToUoLrbeGMhSgXgA47UWGxDdRklYEIBY7vlzkUrAhkap+8PlyFUbgsfyqgHW99cXiySXEgyW2AZ7Ciw7giBbV4d7HLZ3ZHFMDBhY+WQe9dKEQFS0oX2poBQjLjnimA0qWBGOcUASRRMrA4JPtSbsA27OWzk/lQncQQkq3saYxXGXC5yewPWpb1CxZhF9OyCIPgdlHFRJhYfKHRyr/fHX1NCAF+VM5FUhEcbABumAe9K4xjyb8qtMBVBEaqBglvmoAcx6leCP0oEPgkYt80uFzmgYjtl+O/X3pIBfLDBufmxxVdAI7NT8qkMTnBzSQEt0pJLA45x+VNiuQW/+0Bz19qq4yS6C4ABxjqBQIqOMnpjNAChGdVCnJPahuwy3ZWd07ExR7uM8elZuoOw54Z4pGEsUifUdKlTuDQ2BwyOjEkHrTvcReF+q2XkJbqd5GTyDxQwsVfsd/P8qQEA9TnoKXMOxNc2F1ZBbaRgsrAElWHGeafNcBVs5VZd8x+Y/e3ZqZFJXNrSrCIYlluJpj94AsQAQenFYtl8ppWkSzFtqI+4gRhskjn3GKEyWjN1m1hnleW3iSIxqfMUetWpEGANNnm3zxLlcZ24weK1U7BYsWWmzOh+UKSe5FHNcTKtzYSLLtbIJ+tFwQtpYSSXAAYKOm5ulO42NuI3gkZAxIHUDpmpTEMmUdFyB6VaEVV/1g4IzVIZZAHmqNucdsdaUgJnYwOroxTHIK9aiwFy1ltby4Q3nmntnPJpNBc6m0azsNSEUCfIV3IWIyKzlEHsc/4mctqbzLN5mMEc5wKFEEX7XxLbyQJbvPMN2N/y9PpzSlDqWmbOnSo6Rul655+6zDPtxWErodjXSRnQOse3nkA/N9ai47EFzczTKYnLSKVUoScEAZ4pMpIqvveUhWRYxgnOCevrRcLF3Tw8kTLGhODuCg47+9DYrEkNutjJJNAu2QDLNjnHejcLFVFkuBJdtuj3HehGSMHpUgWpIkktQWDO/Qnt6cfWmgMe4kCuYtz+ai7Tn06+laJAhY7pARdlwqqNzIAc4HYVXJcbaRz+ta2WuHFqvlQhcKufvY9fetI09DNyI5fEF6YrdWkdQVBYq2CPar9mJM7DRbc39ql9NdMluOCM7mOR/wDWrGcbGiZp2ht/k+zJI2MqGK98GsGNjL27hTa7NvkAPLAAK3sBUgkU3uEUAFVBQ5AC8/n6U0inEqvexm32onluSc5PfPrirSJGW19Lv2RqgZcjdtB5x3/KqsAy9kXzCkl2hk2g7F7k8846dKTQ3oaWiPYC1Xl/PIbcCxwM+gpPQllXxdqj6dDG8ZGZW55zkVpGNzJvU57WNUXVraGxgkjVT87ZAHzfWt40yXuczfW88cohK/vOPutmtbWAkOVUqpOQOSRQM39G1S5e2EJs2kEQ3GQPjGOaznG5SZBqWpN5xbDKrYIXOcVMYWBsyHcybmkKkk5ya2SIIDEvbk9qoCZoogmCMA9cDtTdhE+n3EFnLvW1hlYc/vE3VOgWNC78QTz2T2hht0SRsnYuOKSQWMcTLFIHB+YEEEelWm0xnR2XiqWC2W3u4IbyyLl3hdBydpA/nV87IaFbUtAuNMAi0W3t7nndIOv5VMndaD1OcO5XOG3Bh3NSimRhsMo/CrELDJteRVI+bGD3pAT2V59h1SKZwHjVgWBGQaiSGdB4g1O21W/US3qRrs4VE4HtgVldhqc3qMBScRx73GRt4PWrUkCL6aNf3UeXMaK2Cfak6g7E19pcOm2UbRuZZCcMemOvSp59QMiC2nnu2EELOkfLsDwK0TAnmtpbe0Epl37uynoKd2IrxjhVwQxHJNNMQ11+VVyM7uq9MUXAnKqq7dppgAfICnGRQITywuDk/McnNAxI2wzlgVx6mpuBINzL8hG0igB1unmu2UyiLzzTAUZWXEfyr1I9qLgOCmTGQqqW5z6UARtthkYqAwUkjPcdqV7AO2biSQVyu7HT8qYCDauRjgDORQA1JCVVkGffPNAD/M38ZIpXAjONxQZJI5podxbg7LdUG0c4O3NDELKgjhXP8Rz1oYCL/qw3G09PehAETZikXOdxHJHIpgSWzpAG5GAeAT3oSsDKlsuZrguCSRwfxqUtRk9mojRzkbsHrVoRSVHZy5JKpxk0rDNBSd6tyQF5BNDED52tjGQM5pXAgtpGErsBnPWktxlguzY6DnrVXERTMD5RUgc5BB9KLhYmd2d/ObjfkkelVcCl9o2yeXgFfWouFifaoI5IyM07gTysRGAvcetAgHzwOWJZcY56igCGGNS4kwdoOcUDGyPum3IMoBjAoYDiNsTZJ55xmgCvFnzEk28KeQaS3HYmVStxKpDFBxuz/SjqCEW0Sa58wyFEUHA2nmklqBZiiUbstwCCo6cVQmNeRBMqRMOOGOKEAtw6TSoy8DcBihiKl87x36qcqob1pDLDoMvIrZUcAGhgJbShIJJBw4yM0APjcy6eZNpBwcmkA0ABDhVPynn3oAbG7zmOMjCqcketNAWLhhJcISDwwY4HWhgMuQ8nmIwA3fd/nQ0CGXSytCuw8cKcGjcCKMMrRBhzuOSRnrQBZuSEcIOQ/NFgGOjHKgjNAEtrMeULKSvSmIrl2klZUOPnyfepGTIm2cEE8dMmmgGSuJJn4JPfB70mBHblxvO3pyOMihAEiyTzRAFiqnkZOMd6W40PuXOwqo4PGOcUxD4onREiB4A3Y3Z5pASRDBzjBPvxTSAjdmEjg+nOBnFMBsIEyFsHaD2HU0mA942jl8pmx1AxQmBXe3D20rOWBB4PXim1cEange0STUCyBUWJdzzP29vrWUyzQ8QTAXYCH5cEgsx5OMVECXuUP7SuJNLEDRoY4nwGB5IPatHHqJKzJ9Is7C9uPOu+VC5CbsbmodxanQ+F102S6ZzZW63IXaACcLz2rnnUZLuXpvDOlTa9b6hdIzW6Hc8A4EhH9M/yqfaMabtYu6vYWurQskdilrKXVYyi7gi56801MaVjg/FmmTadMiS3CzMRkYXaK0jK5oUNJ0Y6nqYtHvUt4iRud81ruS3Yt69BBpl49nDIzor7Qx7gd6dydw1S887SRaJt+V14HToaLDRRVgscgBbAUdPWnYCtBJNPII47lYSh6sD+mKylAdjuPsuo2yFHuPP8z53d+ucds1zOCuStTBaSSxmkujh5UJbJIwa0WxRe1eO1+yaZe2+RcTRNJKxzjPHTNKMdQ8jAFzHLOycqzfeOfyrTlBotXVw9xBDZSFBn+EKTn3pWSBOxauYBCwj89pCIl4I5HHSqjIa1KdxI0gRYVCey5yT+dUxsm06Z4vMLfvSiEcnoT/8AqrNtisa+h6rFMW+028ck0SbIwfn68VnK5PUteJ9Is7G4gla4M01wgdiFCpG3cCsoSbeps1oUxH58JVCQ2d3TAJ9c/hVt6mdjMR4o989wpBKlRz0rWIxi5njVUjXKqNoXvk9TVrcnYwr6FxeLDGqkluQBitHsM6zxDIw8iEXJZBGo25yFIGCKzlrIUdjKt59sflE5RWyMjDD8aGM1raE6z4oszqczlZQqnDdFA9amS0BkvjqwtLBmaxiKIjbNgYEnPvWMHcasW/h9o13aX6ajeKPNUfLE542+9TVkrGUn2O5ubx7ldzxKMZBVT2z29a5mwQ1ZFlfyl3RtGPl5/E/596aiFyeaSbeNmWOPvbgM9P6UKN2F7nmPibW7ltUknkdj5GQmD0x6V2QpqwcpSvb+S8jjBhkd2A+65JP4U1TSGlYiufD+q6i6tbRIgBP35QCv4Zq/aW0KTR2umyzaB4bt3sbwyXiKy3Cj50IPHAPQism0yeplfaJ20uS5mDSfPjbgEqD3FWog9x/gGLzvEaiR5ksljYyhZOSe3BocbDMzxe9u+rSrF/qycBTyRitIDWxX8OXSWniVtSa2M4t0JwxAXPb61UhS2PQ9G1a0GkG8mCGeTDkM3r0/lXN7Mi9mV/Er+GJrO21iW+nc4ZWtIuADjr+daRVik2ecyrHIXaAfKSSoA7VWxaZpaBPFY6zaSTDySHB3gdB9KbYmaHjS7kkupLs3Jd5XLKSMEjPFIlGHDJOZYpZQ6jOSGz8x9f0oHcRdPutU1iCCSTZbbt0rHjavtSDmsi3qkaJqjLa/6mFgsZ5y1NCT0IpbK3jt5JZZtknJ+Xndmhhcq2ywxETI+93Qgg9uaAZdi1Ca2uobqIx+YgOMoDt/OkxMq3F08+oNcOd0hO4+5oKKn2ppbgh2cbTuwBinYC7cz/a79nbJXuBkYpoaGx2KANKuQ59D2obKJ7SPyvnKYB459KgCHUpyxMUSDcgGdo+ZvqaaAp+f5BZ0Ct7bcgGqSEWlaLyI5WhQs4O4tkAc0mwIo5mTJiiU/KMNjPegCe6uri6/cXcpOPvAd+OKQWRWmaEQlI4sPx8wbmqSGVQTyRKSc9xninYC5ZyRw2zJ5hUsfmPr6daTQiewiM2nSIkpVvMLheuf8KkLFMhw+DIffmrS0GYEe4DPUY610IRJbDLsenHU07gK5GwZBBBpXEOYKmzB5I5NPQY+Mkkk9vSkwFCrtViOtShFmyltoboFrdHGOcngVTeg0X7mHTm/exxhHYdmyBWDbuMfYtM8Jy0USx8AActUzbAzNVTy9RkUMHBOQwq4MREAPs4XuPQVqhMgbajKSQc9h2p2AFwJvftRYYrHHOenXmkIiGWdgAeR61QE1qAP4cnbzmlYZFI7K/zdKnqIspngg9Rz9KYBbkiSQgdMEfWkA6cqzjJx61SERRKhldg2QOwqiiJmH2jDc7u3pQSOkjKbfU0mNGrocmp+YsVggZkYNjA/rUtytoUkb8d22n2sX2+Ybx1CjFc0uZmiaRrWstlc27zmSJtzciSME9Ov86yakh3TI5NCsLyNlWNY8ICGhIOfXNPmkgsijN4GYOGtNQSVVI+V8An1q3UJaKn9m31nlJIrkHoxPTHak5hylTW5Y9qKBulAG9iOQfSrinuQVtIu4YLwrPCrJ2ye/rWjVxxdmdbdXlr9jW4eGMIQMbeAMZ/xrB02bOomjnU1JEs0YSOJRJlRnoM1UYmLZFd3kbHzlLB3GGHrWiiITS7xrfeW3SRvwVolEEye9u4pox+724JII4xUqLC5BFclWLkh124AP61aQiRj5kEj4WNQpK5HPFS5ajM+yNvLJKsjABhlSTzmqTTFYrorLDJuCuCTgk0+awWNXR/DU94guCqGPbn/AFgGKTnYqxJc6DBEsk7zyBN2FwOB/jSVS4mZFxGqIR154NXcRDG22LOBvP6U2tALcF1uV2lHmehz0NTYCpO3mxPMG+ZapIkdpiQ7Tcz7iB2Wla5Vzc8P3aR6gkjoNp4QMenvWUoXKTOks9Xivb6a1hVgwIyx6DFc3s2mWmWohkCPflVB5989qh6GkSPLSR+VHECWJ7dOaTKaLtkBbQpJPKwXY3ygcg+1IlorXmp28XAEjyOCpzxxTSJM65v3aIywvIyxIqYzxgVaQmVX1u5nnhtPMSOMqMKDjn1zWnJpcSZ0UeiRvD5k92sjnBO1+c5HGalA3Y4XxDcH+05IonKxKxUKOwrogjNyuYkjMRk84FbWJKzO0vy+vaqURnReHF1BmjxJIYofmMa9PxrnqKxojp7i9cBCC2SwJCnGK5WtTQWNIJIXMrNvx19/eosVsTBrdpcrcIMrk5OAPWqSYnJGbeajaqmchtrnbhs5FaqLsRzE9jc2M0AkhCxPuPmAk80OLDmLh037ZDLJb7ZJwQQRhTjPSoByCLTb21kLKgZtuGwRxSvcnmRzfjmQ/bhGZH/dfwE/drohEhtM5u1dyXb06VstBDpZ5FJkEhzj+hqhAHMiKp+8RmnYLjIpGBIZ2UnI4NKwyQ5JAySaVhDpSCoIXgdaaQEcnIymQD/SqSESSOSi84yOabQ0MAOTzz7GlYLiAkz7cbuOpNCQCTr84KgelOwAGZwUGOKYh9sQHDN93OMZqUhsV1JdiGyV6UhD4F/eM7c5XgVSASG0ea5dlAVAOWNSMbew+Y0LRgHjBAoYXNjw+kEIlmlYb0Q7QcHJxUyQmzpZtTsoLEXLSGRiOQAOtY8rYtTO0LV1nK208UIyRg9M/Wm46DsX9QjjuInjMMbHcdrdqi9i1EqaRodgY5RcX0jSxNl4IsAEYPU/lVKTEznr0QpPNFAhCA/Lu5xW0XckrwxxRj9/uJx+JNUkAhdZNoRFQAc9qAGAmRySW+U9KAHJvDFjjHYUXAbceYf3ajnrmgCSNH8sKcbmGcGgByqoJU46dPSpW4DbcglsdO/PWquATP8AvAiJyR8vtU2AXeAFDZIzg89BVARvJuumjVSQG79xSa7Ah17MVkQsTgDAxREBsTq0kuw/KQaqwxumPsm2MOpwPakAs0g84bQ3PXipEG9nuAcH16elAwvy3lgnADHOKb2BEscbTKkZGAemTQhDZ9wj8srnHYUMBsAIADHDHsaaBjZGHkuhQZJznHSqAj0yTNyRjHy9PWmMsOypE6l+TSYiGCPfC4U8ZzSQD90nnJvbIAxik3qMszY2tk4DdBRYRHFGRAWOT+HamA4BdgG/J24xQBCEQwnjLJSsFyVT1BPQH8aaAoSgpcDdnntSGaN0joq7lCsVBx7U2SiGN/Mhwfl9zRsMsZVYdwPai4ivES/ysMfShDGQqQsgU8g8UANkkPQn8KGND4kPlEsMkjI9qlsZbuLSe2iDSBR5oDDnt70riJMoIQpUeYeQSccVSEQzZMZLtj6UwKFsjb3c5HHBFCAfIxURKuc9TTAiwLi5XdyRzRcZduGDLgAgL6jvSbEMJSOywy9Sc4/CnYBAVS32gkZ7ZpNDJoVKRJuI+ftRYQ3yGW4YdRjsaQFhB5KBsc1QFO8uB/rDjgetS2CRKku20Vsn5uBQBSkaU3PljJw3aktWM0btwkiMFXd0GabERW5YqZJG5z2oWwCCQCFpFQEluw5oQDYlMdy0hGQV6ntQhli2I8xiSvT8qBDLeMBnZSC7HPFJgP3YkKNgY56UkAxSIpCqrgt0P1qgHRvEuIs855oAlWUkhejbfSgBspdo2dOSAMGgCu4eSZ5R02gHFIYsStFpxfzgDuzgDtjin0EJHM8se4/fPbvUgWJwRZGNsfMBj61QFrQXeO4jh8wxo7Anb3PSsZoG9C54pW3TVIFEhdFX5jjuaUUCKeq2kNnAnkNvaVA+WPStdgRQtWUBCy5JJINJjaN/wldXJ1Z44n8pH2mQngEDPA9KxqRuJndm/tnllihdJGUKNocEgZ71xyg0CRobEOJB8uBkACo5mjVQRja3olnrDCS7WbzI+ECnB+uKqFTUrlOBt4o4vEiwtKqqku1lJxyDXfB6GbRW8QzSTarLLMFDvPkqOgHtV3RKWhD/AMtWOcgtgVSEyvGCvnJleHBIPemBUjBF0jRj94TxzUy2KPa7zTEvdJZJZMTKgAY8DgVxy3MoHmuuWVzHHieJVduwboK0RtoMYvf6dFNAXdYI/J2ngK3tVpE9TPjs2WXLAbsjK7uKsZba42akZ1YKQPl4qZIVi2xlZDJJuZuM/Q1CQLQrOzByuQNpzWq1BsispRFlh0LHcex4NTJDRtaBFN/Z0l3FujVyRkY/WsJSDqRatNeM4R5Nyqv3mOQDQrDJ7F5YrXezgcctn19qUl2C5WeEMhJxIFA5I65oTAbZIq2t1dzSsjSMFhUe2elapilqZNqHOrwNKgCscE+lXcbNm+WTyFUMu0seTzmkJFdoFjtfMkQglvlyOTmmMJZuYZdp+UYUg4IpidjNu9SvATFGWYEjg896jlVgseu+EtOvNT0oXHl/vYYVklLtjn2rkqR1M+o26vfsyrJO6N14xjIB6VKgOxw2s63O1w08UgQM3TPQZ6VvGmrBYua5roOk262cw3BcyFWyR9aqNNIUVqcXfThyszAnccAY61skkaM2rH7VF5c6ssbHgduKmRJdtbpSJZLgj7QrYQhuCaxaFYYl5ezahPEjnyhFvlWKPgfjVRiBF/bF5ZxTW0ZUpcptbKg4HHT3rWLsO1ytpCSPqiy+d5YYABR3okrsroUtRkk+3j94R856CiILYkiunt7oxZG2Q457iqYmi6Zmto/LEpYEjcxOMdeB7VAk7jEto7lAvnMd7gEA4oYnodOLm1tvDK6Xbw2yzc72IG7p1zWL5mxRepzsqwyTgR/u12gZLZ/GtorQsqW07PeRhgrqpIG8+9NxEbOtXjJ5bmdZV2jhRnZ2xUJNEoqyXbJEH8wrJg9PSnYLXMxb0y3IdZCCOTVodtBb24aeEguRgHp3FVa40iG1WMwDzGble/bnik0DL2nS2wtbyOVFdzjYT/DzUtCZDEoYkgg9c4oSGMt2j+0MXi3SYxnPQU7ALaAvMGOSp75pNDuXSd5+ypkcHn0FQxpkjAOQquQB055HrSQELRbWdsBi3FUMq39m1q6QiRJWKBj5fbPODVxYFrRLGS+dreWRYkUHLOOFXPWs5OwIvQQ6Zb6hsklM8cI+UDgNxUKTGzAvJfM1B5NrLuc4Hr6VtHUQwhmblMevNWkK5WZMv9G7GqsFy2JT93CjnjI6ZqGgWxftrmKO3KAMHGFG3vnOf6VFgM5yPM74BOeaqzAzABsU5HI71ugJgEGdpGB70AN2BsrnvQKwhh5G5lwDznigAwCMA8+1AxqZOR+lADn+U8ADigBTNuweg9BS5QHxTSKxAcgnvScLgbFsPtcBMqpJtHLd6yd0UZtwwEkilAuGIAHQcVpFksohM8kYzWiEPt0ZS2SWHHPpVXGMlZS/zcAVKEOAhBJVmJPt0pgLbuUYEcgkg1NwBkSW6CySbVIyTSAsTxojgQsXVR97GKb3EMlO0EgEE+9AFa4fOPmNUgHWHVhyaZRK9uD+8X5cd/WgkkQb+WwCDxSuA+ymaK+RTvIY4+U4zUMpMu6/5izQwyLsaIbSu7OKiwJlNZ3gDhXYBjzzkCk43Hcmt9VvbSQ7JHD7Cowexo5LjUhV1y+EJSa4cgkDoKn2Qcx6J4e1qG48OK8zEvGm1gyBhuHQk1z1KbvobcysedX86S3sjllLM2SQP6V009Fqcz3KU6sJgwBx64qwLNrfP5JgbAVSx578UWGQhJ5seXGxwdx4p6DJFEqv80RXB5ytITJIGBkI5K5556U1qAjODGRvyw4Ge9OwiBZFjZlwScgj25pWAu215i4CSqCpUggmpcRlyJNJl2zgR5U9OcVDuh3G6iqXMaLbwxgIMt5YqlqFyCDVLmJBCIUx90dc1LVxotX0t7LYrJMYgjnaI1bJBHfFSo2YMybp3X5GPA6Adq3WpJUmbGORTuAsTMbbaeQDzVW0AdCVaGRRgZ6ZpdBBB/x5kBhnJ4zQnoFhI3jUxtIGZA2GGaVhov2EzxxNLGDFvcjAbkDtUSsykdbFqEcdlBujVF2gNmTknuea5pQNYs2dHktZUeQSqX4KEMCMc5zWMlYbYa7CzW/lwFS0gGMt0B7+1Qgvczn0uZw7l1ULnJznp6VqiWzL+1RLatYx/M0o+9nnNaculyGzHk0y/jKusZCpxncD+tap3Qr2L8+o6pBZwFpYhGuWUKMtx6mp5BMwmkklmaV+d5PJ71slZCI3iHlMGODVXAbpdtID5rhcAcZp3A2dKvDBfhHkwJVIOeg/Kspq5SZc0+7hmnnikx5i8KO3Uf0zWUoaFqVy5PMYbOaXdtCqSQO/YZrOMSpSOcjuZYkYb87lweeRXRGBi5FGWZgpwWA7VpGIrktjfTQz/KxZcgkE8cetVKCHc27HXpIdXaeQHYylQoPA/CsPZibO2sLyCWwR7Z980oy4z0rncbSJZ5541uHm1yQOqrjCnHfFdUNhozrBFkEhYhdgzjrWiQyFoZJpRFEpkc9NtMSHpDNHNFHIjKQeRjmmgK0hZZipB696a3GW3UxEHHUZoYhkjE8K2Oc8UkxETNiBm3d+KpMAWQGFNx74p3AsRgnHIAPT3oASTG8MFAIoAffKRHGwXGe570DK0R/dmTB46igY7/lnnoPpQAyV2Z9+cZ7YqAJ5WYQoQe2DV9CSWO4MUYCucf3c0gIRM5d2yeeRSSAfbTsEccAngkDmhrQCw87vAke3GOfrSUdAIUn+c/KQR396HEDTGsXywL5cpQqTyBWbplcxFaXczSTTeaxaUYYnqaagJsrOwMmzksOc+tUlYQkwCxGXO5icGmwIrUb4SSCAfU0ICdcR4WM5xyQe9MCPf++IIz9BUt6j6FmRNsu9SW3KOpoW4gdRHLuVQflwcGh7gVgc/MSGDHA/z+NAC7XSXgbc96EAzzXMyLtBYcc0wGIXM74B+XqKoB65WZ2GMEUAK1pcS2xnIOzOMkcdDS5eoxmlJILlnC/IFIJI4oiwLFvZRK6yNN1OW4PFICWeLbDudQCRkYoEJaRKTJMWVQML8x6cUIZIYY5/lfaREu8MeM5oERTuZJFAO0A9hQBHIVTcSCxPQ9KAIgkkrL1Ubs/MKAFALo/yluuKoCKGH7OWmbAIX0NDYCuYmQlhnAzSALB/3WP9rjBoAnRd9wC4JRj8tIAmlG8xqOF4BoAbOzYRU5wc5BoAnSHHzEckfMO9ADG3mdYlI2vyfagB8kkaqV+8/IPFMQ/RHtTcSSzqGYRkIfRgRj+tSNk+madqPiHU2s7MKZipk+cgAAdahyDY09c8Kto2lwzTXKSuy4k2g4U/WpU7gnc5y6BWEqCSeMDFaIbJIo1UoxyDjoe9UtxEIUpJKTg59aE9QEELSqv7xEDNz8wJFDY0aV1bwxQxpCj7jHud3Ycn2qbiI1s5poURJJbicjAVQTtFIBhjIKgEllGMGqQDJ9rkjfyDziqYkQRupJ2AqMYANAxoHl3IUgEbeM+9MCO3BjvpJcLsz8oHYUuoF2Uq905RgFccZ7etNpCQ3UAYrdF+Q56Ed6TGinD5jylSvAHIpIbLMhKmJSSB2OKdxEl2XDbyNu456daYD02tHznJ7H9aQiveQqZLdWGI2JBPSk0NMWYJDCkIwSrZBzmgCW3EajzdmXde/agCMq1yYRuGWY53HGOaQDpVyFjI+VepB460ASTRqkexT9D3qrAAjQwqQWY7TzQwRXt97RyMy42jGfXioGSW7FXVM4Le3vTERzSk3UsZIUBeopLcYXZIjjfOABV3QhtpmWfzWO0KOc0gLTMqRtjk55oAgEjMqoCQrZzQBKrbkMMbbRnnPegAdUC7GbCgYxTAET7M3mZyGBAGPWp2AtSuDbrkZIODx0FNsQWUpjuYiCoCuGH4VFhh4gne6ka5GATJ0xyKLWKRX0m3n1O+VrwzvBFjzCg6LntQxbG5caHDl5bCyu5bbblJm6HH0rPnC5St9C1a/uiscTQxD7ztlQoqXIG0jvfDOjWGlRbY9ks4GZpDnk9KwlqQmXLnUY4zDAqHzZGITFQoaGsZMufb2mm+ztGiyJ8oKtycDrWfLZmnOc3f+DLS4ubmdb0/NLu3KoOO5Gc1rGrYl6li38EaReGG4kkmZApX5fUdz9eatVjNtoxPGPhIWWH0iOeRSMsHxu/T6VarC5u5ip4V1aLS0mljBlkOTHuG4D3qvahzo1fDPhCS11IXuuLHtUZSFDuJPvik6hMpX2Njxjqn2d1EUM1vC53ohfOBUxVxRRw+uXbuHnkEkkjsdhyMAZ/+vWnKWmXtOjt4/CG5t/2jzxxsO3BBPJqXcfUzEPyj58Lk59Sa1WxRVyskq5UZz1PHSna4mzoPs0zWIu2McUD8oinLcetZ9STE1KVopjtwAWyzE561qiiOUMbZ4yVVmXKnHXmhxugW53NrGn9gWtrIjfLGfu9CcZGa46isxLc5TUbpUvEtyoJLclRnBrRbFGvq8UVqRFLIkQZARxjOOOlTYhEcs8CWKRhmDMcDv9DQolIozsUiAAG5Tj0xWkUMY6JHbwq2GfduDZq3oA62kkRx5gDRoxIY89alARS3LvOcuSANu00xMrGVXYZG1l+UJnP41QWJLKzmvtXtbeA/vHkAwPTGaHsS9EetafA9pbzm6MyoigjLEde1cUtzO9zmvEl95jq6oCBHt3Fux5NOmtdS0cResJJvLz3GRXSkOxZuRwQq4AULwMUwG2tiLq7s7ZcY80FsnoKLsdzU8Sso1qVGkVIFkCqU6EVLZKvYr6hCsd2ilwQcMqjqAefx60ilsLNrdzpyzQ2+PKuuHyB06DmqQrXKlzDKUCxgF2w3PtQxl22WO3tDEhzI5HT9aQykdPub3U4dOs7aWabcSxAJ/GnF6hoT6Zp0dzrOJpSI7ckup6k+n6VUmKT0K2oSK7yOQF+bjjsalC2K0kssTbYQznggAfh/Wm0FjRijlnmZJQERVzmlYQQorIwQAbR1Y8mrSGZzMRejyyM7/TgVdhl6f/UkbjubhnzxgVLQrFZphLHIVOAowOetKwiG3gaGRWYDnBwO9NFdCozk33JYb+Mdqq47FyV/niixkAfeFIVixcRxxRhlKnOM4pNCuRRyLCXUjPynGOOaEBHlypTIy3JNICxBKsNsirJvI4O5eM0gHGZfML/xA9B2qWgG200k127uNpxxjipLJoj/AKXCszlUDjeV5OPagC4kMiyiZEkWFlOxpMAt70wHWt3a2kk0koklkfCqg6H3pNXAhGpwo0kkUSblc9skD2oUAKbFZZWu3IJJyoatErEtlOeXczA9a0SEMQExjAI+vemBGZdkrIBlj1OaTQ+hZBIWPBye596XKK4rIdwHr+tOw7mO5PmCLnpmqGTxKwwck8dKYA7AMR8wP1pCI2Z3BHzY70wLGCI04A4GPU0aIZGJArjce57UAPnQFgQev4UXAhSNhcHbkKOpJo5gJHQ7DKD93gUWuA5JJUeN1YgE9QP51LVwLUk9m8RUgifP3vakDKjqOWU7ox37iqTAj3ZO4OMUwK0m7OW71SAcpwMg5obHYs2kMsjMkdvI/ckdveobFYJUKzMHJDAd+tSARlvKAzluuaaJZJJnaDkE1QFOZ88YOPc04lE9ggVSSpyetUBYQqobJIzSJGjbkkOcY4yKkYwfOpYEAqeMdRQDHzyPckyHO5z1Lc0WuCI5VJGD69QaXLYYkwJcMP4Tg807CJGChVBz70DLFnqktvYy2kTyJubdweDUNDuVlJQlyTu68cU0hMtRXeImV/nPbcKYFrSdU06K2ngu7BJmcfI+BlDRfQZctZNGmaJZftCZOW5A4HpWcr20Li0dY2jJd2DWsGoK5kTKGRVJxj2rmlOUS+VNHCarYzacSrNlWB2t6kGtqc7mLRmSl2t1lJwM/wANdArDFk5UDPPc0KwEykO67iVJ4J9qLAMgmaG6fI4Hy4pWAv2l/PDNmIhd3XIzxUtANurkyTeYowc9KkZfiuFnsAhxkHcD6VLWoGZO6o+QCMkVoI0dN0az1IFpLowhRnG3cTRJ2Gh+raHaaWqoZpX3NxkYJH+TWam3oVYda6Na/Z9yGRUcnDEhj2zwBQ52BRHXXhz7JpbzW0r3ckh+6qAFR1+tHOJoitvDtz9nM10ixpjJAkVn/LNJ1NLAkaC6P9piSOHzEUYyy7QfyJrN1Cgi0K3h+9FJNJnIMrYDDPYD/Goc7lou6hqg0R7WCKFQrHc6lACFyOBx9aaXMJst32owmSO5a1do92cjCtj6ik6VmK5D/bZOmXDCSUuGZY1CjCqR/ntVcmpLZz2ip9pOC1tbsxP76ZztX8AK0YI2r1bWz0ibbfxzSMQgMWQp46471C3EzlJfMmhMY5HrmuhIkYdyjaTk9eW4FUASlvJBwORg8UCLv7n7IwhA+VATjk07aCKDh3ljxwMZzUlFj5kcshJz7UgvYvXFzczWoiDgqRyAuOlTyjvczmUFgcNtHqOtUkIoygiQpg5J9OlWgJWIj7AcVTAUFmQdQWOelZgWbW6kgB2TOhwOmRScUD1NG+NjqdrFdvMVuU/1nTk01C2pJLpvg2bULFrq11GPBJxEFLNUylylA/hs6fNGWvZVnY4jwhDA8fjUOqOxVu3uLOSaK4JkOcb35b9aftL6hyi6NZ3OoW8qWOiz3sin5pUQ7VHfmtFIGjP1JGiRhIu0g46dKaYiHChgykMCo4xTAZHASCAQFJzzzTAUQhvk3A/QYoAkZRF/tHqDQJiIMruYMetO4IViJYwrdjkU73GQYIO3GQaewh+MowwenAHOaAGqmxP3i4IOSDnmoAnjPmwcBecnI+tWIj5kOcgY9RSAAP3LZ69iBTQEkeAUKAYA5pAIxkl2CIdevtQALCMI5bPJyPWkBK7JtfbjGMkEdKGBDFOSowcH2HagCYO+AAuM/rSAY/dY8ZHPSgBS6xhidm0L+tO4WIbYk3QwxIKcf5NIB4PzhsYII6fWk9xl4OQoY4JHOKXUkrSSbLTG75iSWPfrVWGNhCPBHwd/mnP0wKbQFm5ZVCEEblb+GkBQJjFwJfmDZ56VSAuW8RRHuQwAI+XnqadwCylEUmXiV9x+YN6/hUKQFvUr0yQpapgRAZ2hcc0nIEU45VRShcjI6Y5NEQFQ/udvzM2M8nrQgI0M3lhJcZ7Z9KAHtJlNhViCc8Hr2oAbLKxcYRgRxjNAEikK7ED5gMkH0poCvLukJVgRk0nuMc8sogUou5elO4hzMsSR4YswTDYGMZ+lO9gIoVb7RIJXYpt6Maa1AhuSEYhBnI+ahoaHaefl4YKN3ehIGXgiiZcDaV55pdRIqSHdf7gcpnado6UnuMneJmOY9qKD3PJFMktSsrjDKCG7qaBlUZ80sR8o44pAEkTLKvDANk0ANhh+zyYJHzHqDmi1gLdjqM2jasl6VcgqcLkgH64NKUbhYv3fiTVvEEcscwWK1UEiME445GKzUdR8tindW08cMU0lu0cTqNrbR81VcTKNzKVvIyFBx8vXP6VXUCWWMONpUbm5OeKbAS2iggIaU5BPJA5H0pWAs3UkRKG2DsidN555pNAiGxdopi+50YLgckUgZHciRY12Kpy2c5poCOOJkdjM3zkjAqtwG2pYXEq5wB1JWmhsS7jd2BQZxjrxQxDZMKi8YYc57VIBayublSdrD+LK1YFmVsImUzHuOM0gEUpDdMVXaWGcdaEJlMMxnIVmPtjii1xl2WRntkBRSVHXBzTbuA+6crFtT5+AcY5FKWwCqEawWU581G+6R7UugFdJVlj3LyDx0pXHYsq6RxhmIO1SCCO9UIpafKyzO0gBVSOtAFlpgsoSMoFJy3J70AN1MkMjqzKFXLY5FDBEqtvRXw2COuOv1oENdnBVUC4JxjFQykTSRQSNCTIQw4PtzSAbJFa2rylNsgPyqxye/pQK5DPFHcKiNKseB2Hf0poolt1WOBj8/wA3XPTFXuSyO4YmIYYDA7d6T2BFXT3QxPuJDg9c0kDJZUJ2SEfKsg3flTAL0k3G3A2FuATQwJLuQ/aIE3/KehPakwJ5ZFQgrhiRjk8H3xTa1AVQsLruKMyLge2ef60WAryXQRwmCzMeT0qWNF+K5lgthaxSHdIeUHAI9KJaIR3XhDUFGimOKVd0bFdpfoPpXLODvoLqaI1eS5haZDvYD7jSDB5PYd8Y4qeVg0MLyTh0LCNnPKqcDFTbUWxm6pp1zc3NnLZXEwmUkfcyv1HPJFUhpmrpclrpYaxRJp7sNl5JogM5+mamSLRelMb2rzQxtGoGQEGOfoeK53uWthtnuQlmCsp+bDfwjHOT3NMzkxsszsdvQg53A5IHb/OKZzykRvLmTMm3Pfa2M8dP84ouCZDKqCRAC7s+QoJ/wqrjucX8Qh5U6Rs7iRYgSu7gV0QNIFTQdK0i90b+0NUv/IaNihTfy47YHrWrTCUpX0Ox8K6fo9zo/kxqxt9xIWcnJPTPTjjPp1rGTtqLmaepzvjDSbLTdUjtrEARsnmcdj+dawlzFqVzmbpVuL+KCyUnZgnAzWj8hkxmACxG4I28FMk9eahisR3qo8RCrlQMliOtWmUV9P0+51e6W2s4pXCAF3AOAAef50nLQT0PQNWH2LSIIdssS7Nn70AFsD65rindsUdWcZqVyI3RkVMlhgqQSOfzrVbFnbr4Pn1ueLUdU1JLSzYIwjUgvgqOau1jJTtpYmh8Avq2oiO21GaC1twzgSQsC4XuGxSLi7nJ62bdS9jbkO/mcHOXds4wKd7Fsnv9Ok060s4XtJUmePdJI6MAvHTkdamUhGW/mSSkkD5TggCquBav2jtod5jXcVB2kZJp3EZ1pEk11KylY5HjwiNnGcj/AOvVJg3oeq6T4JTSNIttR0eK51bX2cEx7tiopXkjIxgDuTUORF+YPiJdXlppdu8uyGa4GCFbIBx04NTy3Hy2PODcIYijtOxCr3wCfyrRRQbGXFFLPfxqipudju+bkc03oNs29RWMTCMsfkGHAIPQdajmEY18LuPyoLYyebKQFwMHBoUirHe+GvA9ibOL+1JLl5zhyoOFz79zWM6iQmYGrhbbVbk3X+uRuApyAOmPyq4SvqOxham6N5OMD5+nTIP0rUSLks5N/ttlCRcKW3HHTmna7EVJnCajF84C7+SOM8UmtB9DrtA8YXOiXSoGjETqEIQfNg9vrULcVineH7Kby6gJMcsxALAFgMnjNDYr30OcnaSdVAUbA4Lfr1q0Mkfy0lyM7yhBGOAe1XYHqWbJJRHtdVJJywB+Y/jRYQyGONZfk+Z269TTsMz7dpG1ZgcKByKfUfQv3DIYHXO442jqcZpNiKypGIhGikuuM44yO9JbAXElij2B4wzL2OefagaKUttbnVGuIYWSIDdjPFCZVyFGDzr5asQW+XJ4qhFyScAKFX5jxjPShEleXMxlXOCpA5PvQUMMighEznG3g5H8qBBBhiCT5e1jnApWESyqTI0gKhcZAqWgNrSWtG0p7q6jLuCqqqKB696xlfoFylCYhOSIlfAPc1STG2Mv71ru5LI5SMLtVcHC1fKESmW8oFA+98AjAq0kO4k++O1Lnlyc4AxSaC4/z2a2QfdGOuaaRJBOArqe7DJNNMBHGzB4HHc0AhYR8hwqliRznigZLJIrIpCiPnOFHpTQiIqWJYhv0oAz2JMw6cHFUUT4+9xSAjm/1eeMgf1pAIp2qN3Oe1UBO8bui4C/LzzS3EVZFUMMYI6nNOwE24GSMAkAn1pWGTttRznOWOee9AiGUgjAxz1Hai4yRFVUUAE/SmAxoUkl4OCamwkOkVEVUGPf3oGAijEg/ixzjsfamgJ7SGzabfMnHYE4xVXBGvc2eniGOS3EWTtAUICCfc1hObRaNuzhEcSFGHmd8cKOOlYSqmnJdGD4k0qZZmvI1GxuDt9RVQncyasYgjaJWY46DJxzXRFkMcyjkknGPSruIzym1iOuelOJRYgZinK4AGM02wJUUNGfTtmluSMXJGKkYOMEBTjJ9aaGK+1V3DoKABPmYk9P5U0Ji70RCCc5buO9FwQxpM5bGQD6VNxhEgdC7LgnpQBIZAr7c546kVSAhkcgnHfpSAr5YHjI55ppAakY3RIAcOR8tTNBcs2Wo3ttMxjI3KMZb0rKUUyrsS6vJLuyjtyrO6ZyxbPU570oxSEUpIpIbch0IB4xWimkOwWlvujyWAx2OarnQrE7WUvmqyKcL3pc6BohKRrqCieOQgHLBe9NO4iUosv7qMKpx1JpMCY2qohUupOMBhyM0noIni025tbdpJ3UDtg5pIb1Me4WVnOEZu42jmqQWLtnJd2swaNXXj5twok1sMveIZhcyxSKSCFG73NZ8quCZf0XUYVsIYT5ishYlh/tD/61RONzRSGXOuSR7dssp2tySMdeKmMHcTkaov7Xy7d5ETD/ACtk5z9cU5wFcf4fuLaaKaR5VWeKTCoO49qjkKTRaukty0MlxH5WfucdT0/+v+NQo6icjkPGm5L1UMm4BMA7icV0U420IcrkDXrvpaFZGJ2lWHQYrWS1C5Vs7qRXwhx361LiIvxagI4GVrWJ3zxIVBIz71NguV/OLh48AhuTx0qlELkbsGX7xwvQ4qgIJXZI2POTweaYEUMqKijPHsKYieCZxLMuPlahPQB8QGwnc2ewBqQJbcB0beoyp44oGWrRImtnG9dwOQMHNUloIY/kylBvEZxyT0NKwFIhBOVJTBONxpoBl2u0N91gOhFAxFk3RIVTBBwTmhgMkZWVgpOR3pARxMxC/N06gmnYRueFtVNrcPDK8u1mwPmAxmsqsdCkjubfWdIitwHmjeVsct85H1rjlBm8bFqS50q5snWa1Fwz4AYxjIOe3Gan3kVZHR+HYbLWtJ1Dw+1sdPgt4hOJ422jPXGRXTCTaMKiPFb5EN20edyxsynLZzzW8WZFBn2j5lAParGMjk3yhNxApDJFjCbmRiD70ANjjJxl85ouBJsYRqi4YsMnPancCqy+WuSSdrc84poRIZRHsbgZJzx2p3ETW0sLOGLgDHPHWgCK7GZDtwSe9JjQiAx2xXGGHpTENswpWQHcWJwKYFrCYG4ADp70AL5bJFtbqSSMelFrANiXblVzkjnFIAK7VAUk54GRTAglVhIUznjle1JgV4wwlK+vbrRcouwktt28tjOOlSwH3DOdxUDYAO/TNNkldmPlN14A5qbjILZZfOXAIIy3TtRcZcaCZ5I440LMw3cDpRcRZlQxqhPDdMGi4itcKXBXZnueOlaIaHxwyYQKDkEfhmhsGWJotkgZyPLOVA9/WgRnyhTLsAye2aQFqQ7kCBc5Xv3qWwIT8rnrwMjmpKH20bJG5c8nk5qrEjSC+RjAJG3igCcsVXOenvTAjtpA8yl+VHBFF7gOyEbHA2jApgCnGXORu96QDJWwqo4O5uOT2oBFYOHcYy2eOanqMllWONwijKgcc1diQtkZiTIB1zTGWGYEShCBkDFICpKpwTkFSOgouM0LIxR2jFId3GRuA6/Wi4nuVZZgih3PzMMYU0rgWtPYxQ7mQNgk89wQKLgKqI8gdckkcAmmIr7THdDkKmc/Q0uo2PuAdyoODuzmgB87EjG47QePU1QkMXqpGCe2O1IZDcxyyzRrOMAk4OcYGKTbA2bi+U2MNhAiqkY3ZXqfqagdyqJp7i3EUsrOtucAFvu0WuIhlUmeEqpyRlu/OaoB0hPmMASMdqYEfHzRjt14pgLFlmwGOByKhgTBU87zCWz39KLiuQXj+XO6EZbPHHB4FFxkN1CfPEgYk4G4E96OoD0UWxeRy2XQBQKtgSYCwNvzyM/N1OKQEMjGaBCOnQChbAR29u4uwNpCgZNFxssXS/uIlT73mjqc/Wi5JFuCagDITgde/FO4yVYGVfPcqcHgg0ASR7dhLDoOaAIVlZrpEABLcn8KVwBnQs0agKpfG0HGTihgENs1rIVZuSCMCkFxtwf3IHXaeeOtFxohtkb7NNKygnI6Gn0ExbdP3TzSHBBHyn0oQC3yh5C65CsMYpNjRdtTixXgE4PPeqJIoo2kuY8t85GfQflU9RixTiNyxJLhj0FSxjLqV2Qvuyx5IqkIIkZokf3pMonnlG1IlUtk4OaokZIqRxB2JU72xnpijoCILNRummYDacbeOtCAk3+cvkRfMWOfxp3ASYeXbFSoJZgoIpPQNwkRJSGkHCY5pASQCM3KMq/MGz0z0oTAaDLvZ3OSSTjHT2ouBBPGzgyKfnz24NAyeI741Dfez360mI0dP1mTT1lgWFCZRgkdj7UnEB+naxLaBk7yEkZHTn1qHER1Gj3/AJ5tx5zhwzFgMY45/rUOIi5pd9E2qyrNdbsPlAo6jB4qXGyGiSz+zNLI0aurE9SQa52y7mtHCRHhmGH4I3c5/CosTcmheNJmVgGycAsCBggdfegylITY0IkHJGMh+D3oM7ELKDFubDFiuIyvfNAxjJJLJsREByTuPOKpJAcF4+VhrJBJjUwq2CBxx0rppG0NjO8EaQuq6lunL/Y4Gyynox7CtJOyCo7LQ9aht4LZYhFiIKCxUHouMYxXFKTbMLt7lG70C01W8zPczxhYyF8t8bq0hWS0NIuxY0Twx4Vs7B9NkhneSYljKkg3j9Kr2xXMZ58E6bZaRdC0gkubtzuR5gDwDipVQpTMCx8AX95N/p91FYxSk/d+YmtOcpvQ6bQdHs9D014rdR5ucSOx+YqD0NZSmYuVyfXdNsNXto4p5bhQp3Ky44yMH+dTzFKVivZeCvD+nsCtpNLITkPI5YE9enSrUhuZtT6VZtCPKd8qNqAY45qua5UWmghttVtpVle4uFiTK+WkgBbI64/KncC5pN9p0Nuyp4XCXCdL2RFchvXdjrzSuUnczfEP2vXdMXRrSwWOaSQlZpZwC5pjscbfeAtV026MWorE0uBxbSBgD6EmqQHK+JWjinltIfkkj4bcQTnPNUgG6boGtXtn9phjDKxypLAUSdmJs9R0zXte0zRYtODJbNIArNFISxz8pBx25zWTZklZlf4uarB/wjGhaOkqXEkC75JMchsdM960gapnlMrYaZ2+/kBfQAVuJj/DVwxvZQLd5X2Fjt69cVnPYGbVhp13qOsw2wtp4omYNI8oIUDvXO3YV7HoujeFPD2n3ct5KjT3JfEYZ8qg9qzlUKTuboOnTaZJcm723G/EceMhBnGaxadyjlfGHh7wvJo8mrRa5NJqrErJaBMIMHrXVTWgjzYz29t+9ubcTlR8iv8Ad9jXUkJla0cXDO3AfGRj1p2JZn6hJIlzGobB70WKR0Cppdra2l3IZp2kOXDnp9KykrEJ3LutaobqIWtvFHFCpDBW6nNQoO9xx03MGFmjj2OxyWbIHTrVobJL99sRbbghcn3rQLCaNNJ5jOV2ow5z1NUJjo5N1xJu3ZXkEdqBIqrCsN7JliwIyT6E0mV0JGhdbCSXzCS7HAIpWESaWqs25xldh6etCQ3sNvnCzooPGOQF5FFg6DBloysjOAoyC1OwFSFdkPm7hgPwPWmMlmxvU7eOuDwKCR8UnzOAAMgmgoSxhe6vY0XaTI3UjpQhNi26ENcKrHaHI+vNNiImgZHJbaF7HNQV0LqytHpQhjYsC24gjOD2qWSVopORvfG4EEjrTSGSbCoBbIJG4Y9KoRGrLIC5YL9adgJbgB7YQJkknjmlYCG1jG8Q78gEZpg2F0o84jPPQGgB0wTYmRuI5ANAEcTbizEDrQNCgehHXGBTQMfI+yUYTKqMHmgRl28UkkxKcgDNO5Q5mJJP8RHINTcB0x2pzyT0ouA+AoIwMFmJ59qq4AXOGXOQOnpQhMrzyBmUADpVgiZxsZAcjgVMtxkrkSIW6sB3o6ElWEMzlSPpzUFFvGAFANMBCUUnd0P50AIVxjGeOuaAIZJHR1OcZPamgHpI4cbkBVuDTY0Xzdn7EIFTbtBJIOKzaTA3PD+vW5sltrtMlPl3Z96550b7GsaljoYXttZD2sE8cR2fKZAPWseVwK0mcf4m0xtNvDCZFc/fyvQDpXRRncwmrMy1/ewlcjA6k10ogrvGp2cn04oKLl8qW9qIQn73Ibp2IpvQTKsO6RM8Ag/MKVwsQrI6z9gAMUDJTkrkgDFMBqsCdhXjpQA4YUlTjJpoTItpYE8mkwQ6Hy/Lff8AdJwPrUjGlgEOBggcCgCOZ9yghe/NXECW0IMg4zz0NUA8QF5ucKCecCs7jL6xiHCFT904z16U7iZVCqXnLk5xwaloSG6PfLZz+Y8CTEH5Q3qKT2KR1un+JiUIbTFYthm2Q5ANc7TuaGVr+qxXd99ohhWMLgFNowSPatFFk3I73XJZoRGY0QZzlVxVKLJbKULwyXRkkJIxxjtVoRAGKyOVBIJ60AXISGKFUCbTlgT196W4Ec11MsrRq2VYd/WmkFiSwuZI598YAPqe1GwEkt5NcSbywLMx5xwaW5JHcMZrj5gMY7UWBOxKLryrOSFFUM/8XtRYZRZpJowrPkhuAehosMRWIYLv9/anYAt5JUmOJCh68d8VLQG6mti9iitLq3IeP/lop7Vly6lIzdWZZ70r2wACx5q46CsJd6c1pZxkzCQOecD7v1q2waKsP7qMSLyc4x60Ei8uCMYB9aAHudikDqB1oGMncRIrnBY07ARMd74YHBp2AWK0Fw4QMq5PHNFwRtz6NHYxsbi5R5OgEbZ5xWfMBmthEzt7cVQEUDlZTkZBU9D3oAbeStEhwxDeo700gI0mOwyNg+lNoBm8s28nPFCQBvxGchgD3xRsFhYxizHBALjluBU3CwjgLKY42Mn0ppodiSKyujH5htnCE8E0+dBylmDRNUlDTpaOUj+8c4qJVFYpI1/Dmh3s8qyCUWwOfmb2rnlNFI662tpLeF0k3SOACGzwcVzykWjY1bV4NJ+GH2W1RkvZ5z9obJ4UngZrem7mM9zye8cEeauMn2/WuhEspl/NDt1K9PqaoAsUHlg4+cMQaaYmWJs+WQozkdKGwRGiZgzjac4+lIYKQGIyTigBkoHzHHyZoAaqRzHbwRigB4t4kHAOQetMBCrGbIBA9etACMccHPPPIp3AZp25JjwSeSKqLFYnaQYZyPnLY/GmIfPIojxnDA80AIvLYBwTSQCzFfM64AHAHehgRwruc4BJAPekgHGCNZt7cke9JjTLypa4jiQB+ctg9vSpGLjMTwGGP96qt9MUX6EkCQIcM23A42jvQNiQhhKSkW4Yxn0oEWLYosYMhIZVIOOppAMaWLA8zOOABjmhFMdGkaeYxXIfvn7oppiHPEvkmSNzkr36nH+RTuIZJIrWkMJ3O4Ysc9qroBRXyt5LKSw6c0guWVIEAxwVHJFMCNMOvnMvJ9eKEBJcOAQMe1UA2Xap+XjjPNSAiuojO5sk9cUAMgwIl2/fLU7WARTud1IzjkE+tIBkjEFkyRk5xQAskMzYkUfOeBzRa4IkijLT7ExkcCjYZAysgi8w5boRTQixFEd53DGTwadhXHn5CcbSMY6UmhlKV8vtXjsKSAuyh4oTEp+YDPFDYEEcYkhiLkdeOO9JgTKziJgxwoHfpSvYAQlYjLg54xjvT2EMd1cJnnnmkxj7gsqiRsZHA4qn0EAJZBnkjrVBYEUAqTxmoYMSf5pBySRyB7UDJUb5NwABHWgBpyoccfNkmmkA6aYABwBgLgYNN6aiIRJ6KfMkOPrQAGJmZjt5IOaljGRyeW5+YZz0HHFIGWTgMXkYEE4CikIqagQJoyWJJwKZSJ5GMjnKCmxDdRTzQPnweMAUbgPumjjRApONoH+NV0AWFYkBUEM2OM9M0gFt55BK8IAKnqfTipAmj2yKxyBxgYHWhaARTaPfCUTSr5MR+6znBbvxQmMJlV0RNx5GQAKdxDkeJrVVVuSMkUXAckUZRWjj+cZ5oAp26+bflNrBlOQPejcC0Rl3b7x+tFgK8LFpnikBKbSBx3oQyVbUCCWGE4I7EUIRDJ5aw7B124ye/NMBkO43GzapG08UkBPeAeQPLzt9M1TASV9jQurEGP72OaEBVkYmZzEQQW3ClYZflXdaStgDcuMetDQgg2eUse0biB7Cl0HuOSIxv5jjK4420rjIrja12qMCYh0+tBI3UTsjRUBABwfemgEREgnAGSzDseAKrYbC6MUSEnBx0yaTBCwET7VAznj60rXAVIGt5WIyd3XPUUrWESqSN2VBA70AVrqVvMEargYPPemOwlqCoDvuwelMCK5Yi7UIQSSOvagRcvigEK5YnHPaiSAgkvJFuEaNyiZ24U1Fhm5oV3NHrVs8LbGfPL8ge9S4knS3HiCCNA2YpG+5t9T61zunqCKfhvW4obh4blpGM024kHO0n0zTcNAa0PQFTS2iUf2h5PGEWYfex3rBxszJkUmnrEDNFNHcKQQpU+vrUtEjNTi+zXENoGdHfaeRk8c1SjcdhkSvHIV8qRCOd7cAZoasKxXvLPSrtne5sxIyAAuzdeOK0jIqLaEt1htGkitoYliwCrAD86JSuKbuyxAE84eZIXOPxxWLQiXzPLJKkA7sLvHQd6mwC20E5GYwMnq1MaCSa6SIiQAkDBBBpNlNgkzyjezNuAGABx3o5ybjpi7KHwrA4yCMEdaLg5DZVlEEu6NcRAEAnGfTFMm5atJt1vneWYgHbngUXsFx8cyIUEa4WQ5GO3OafMNSsXb+eCSZzwFUDd82SxHf/PtT5jXmBZZWtYbdYhLCcyFQ3IxyKFLUqM0QXlhLMwum+6QoXDYx71qjTnKj6a0s3lzXzSkoX3R84x05p8w0zIuPBumytJcS6cJJJPmV/wCZNVcbLunaKLe3azWcpCQN2MZzk8VD11M7oettZW8+yxJlO351fH4miTDmRwXxBcm9iidVwqbvlPA9q2pod0cjMIzvLEkMM4z0rUDQ+H9lcT6rcPCrjC7Cw7An/wCtWU3oTM9RtdOuGUkGQ4454LYx+lcraMzcgsLKWHfJayAgBR8x55AqSkyRLK0gWSI27NG3y7l6DPfNVy6F3PPvF94bnxM+kafAWEcS7jj7p2jNbQ0KOB1sNGhil+8pIA9Oa6IsB+hWky2H26ZTHFI22MEHLfT8qdySlfL5l6kK8ncKVyjpdJ0fV9btWa0tGZbX5UIXgn1rKUrmbaidDfeA7u50UXrSSHUlAR4WG1VxU8wRmrnG39s1vdi0JXfGSrketaLcvcqXzlgYx/CMZPStRbElsVjnyQX+QgYOB9aBCqVCs2WJPI+lAFe9ZUlEhB+6AT/SkxpFhiDahU3bW/PJ/wD1UCJkG2BY1G0KCefpVICpqIRnBTcCMAkmkMiYZYAnr3oGNYttZAAeaAHSKWIJBYbcUALwo7nt1oAWwk8m8jcdQcDJoE0TzOBMTuChj0A60hFS5kV0VnU4AOQepNFikOtXke03Y5zjFCEyB1YMGXGVPcUDL0pDSAnJwMfWmSQXAV44yFIAPegCY5BMvByAAB2oAjhBW4eQLt4JNAMj3K0pb68UASsFJUFTjHOTzmgBvlhgOeAcGgCQRD5gBnaQSD1/zzQAbowCuxSO5I5oHcY2kaxZRgyWLrleQDzj6VyLExZq4FC4Uwnypo2jY8ncMda0jVTJcRtxgMOSVA4yeK25kKw23nUSH51Bx1FHOgsP3KB8zdqfMhWFjjUmPp/9anzAEhDvjB4ale4EiNzuABwOR60AQudiDjDH+tFwJXZtoVQTxzgc1VxWIZQcjnJHX0pXHYmfeU3DihsB4gEgWUhdqAbhnFAgAycKjYPai4xxZQm8qxIOD6YqbgMSQRl1VRuJyeaLoZe0+/jt72GeSISBV5XdUNJhfsM1G+ku7oSMxAGRtPOBTgkDTKiMQWLd60ERzSMj/eIC+hpgTXcxZoizFvlHXk02xWBU8uJpQQAxxgilYLlQFRNnuf1oAmlciPCjNV0AgBxN1I/CkMmIclsYOO1ACRxv5LEArzgA1IDECqrAnr29KAJ2hJjSONSztjA7mkwRfsfC2r3uQiJEMZYyHGKiVTlNFBi3+kpokyRT3Szyt82EHCiqjU5tiZaFKWcrICgwCcetUyS1dXTTxJmEBhxuweaQEMQGxmK89+9VbQQ+3v5beUFLKFnHQmPP4mlctGlaaxdLBcBkAeZcHBwODxgVNgbMG4LM0m485zmrSJIbksAAM5xxmqSAsWyL5bjc2ePpmk0IWCEQs25wwPHNKwXJm3fM24HA47cU0IqxK7SZI4z1zSKJ7ZHWOYsygK3GT1ppEj90TKNp6DjBqUgK9tMRM33juHNNDY6eXG7PHGM+lMEVopmLKAc4zQMnQBmRnzgHnFTYC3E0JyzRBiOhDH8KTAmtjCE3SSMkgGdoHvUMZL5VndDzpbhoyP4MdabY1qaNxBbxaa1orArIVbezD5QDWblqJmEUBAHHynnFbIgfc4QZAHHvTArsGYfxDP5UhojjjaRc4HHqfSmMrXLkSAjOaq4gjlYRg5waljLkMxF1EC+N5yRkkntSsM154oPs5XDZye2Owp6CMVSIp9uCeDgZoTsFiG9DNGFY/d55pgkRIw+zkFyOaOZDsSWdvdTkhI22gZBKkA1LnZAkdPpOhzyJHJdFTFn7np+FYSrWNVA3z4cgvmKuB5cS/Iqr1OOlc7rFKBJZ2UEKFIbOCQRqTjy8nIodZ20K5e5qSpnCmOHLrhSgHPpSVRtFcqKjWaxq85U4bgqTyT/h1qXJktIkeZY9ONrBGj3D527RyOKlXZmyXQtasliEV24jmSLZ87ADf24705029ieaxm/FSeQabbQKMq2S7qwwTW1BNIhu7PPrgFrRAMgMOvrXb0EPWIopB+9wT9M0AyVfLUusZJHViRgDigkVsAeX3255NNAVpspbbWZgc9jQNCRMI4g/qKQxQTMrFen1p2ANnkLvXBJ7UbALK+JFA5BGMUgJLdmfepUgZOCO9WSI3OcqQ3vzSGMCmOcHrx2oGLIAzcgjuaLgJLGvzEnt0NNCYQn5yw5wM5zTEC53byMnvSAfFtjbe3Vu2OPegBJZWeZcKgHpnoKTGhc7DnZ3xgUmhk8b5GAQOMHB5oaJASmF8Ivykck0loBDI0mDt3Y6nmncdiSyVg5brkYFIQTpJ5xLMT3oAFkZ0zuOMYNADVacptU/L39qAJIoj9pVZGJRV5IPemk7gCRrHJKPKwOgyaaEJExjyCRgn9KExk06iJNu8EEblzVMSI1cTRqWA3j5hj8qbGQXxGI2PGTjikAsEaSynnYDwCaLDuKpEaMMYIegkVCu5nIZWx+dCGQxvHI8gI+6vynFJbh0LMWwRrl/mC9AaoLkdqWWK4DnB6IO9JdQKriQpG5AB3d+9JaFGlcBRs2uMgZbFWyEQsGli8xfug45OOaQyDyXkBeMgFT1zSsBakceWhDAsR81ACMdy7UU7g3JA4pAMuWwN+DsH3hikA6Bwbbdj75wOvahoCu7EnAzsGfqaSAdM8jxruIwOtUBKGCIDg8KDxTQE8q4gSV+Nw+WhiRXWLZKsx+cFfXpStYY8BQjevvSSEE211SJM5VevrVDIXVVjK4JAHOOuaGA6FXSGNmY7j0PpQgJ7XJJVmHOcc0xMqhP9LDt8209qnqMsu5J45PfNJiKF0JZW5DMwII+lIpGhGFVVwGy3J71bJRDdKSSQcLjINQNBaMZo97KAF4HHWmgBVIvHdwNgHAo6juSN8zjGBuB6UMRG85S2ATPmKeo6UAW21C4vrRDNLI7pwoPQfSlYCK0zDMZZHc4BwM9KpaAQaahYSovLlyoBHaklcGaVrEYywYhj90KDz78UPQLkd8pjSMRRlGPU96zuFwRTtVGONuG4q9hFRAZL0BeSBkMPagdyzt3o8qs27GGouFyjqUawRL5RZtxySwHFA0SRBihmGc7QMCqiDE3fIqYGQwyCabEIN+JlGAFHIzQA20SM2kjrzzg560CLEUu+N02jKpjk0B1KkVwcOVJGBjmsyzR0t/OjLSnYcZ2H0qktCRjSed0UBQxyQOhqQI7iPzAJOsY5P1oQxy7GuQ7AkKu3A/SqGV2nV4JEKAH8yaaExdOPk229lIGDjPr6UNiJwsgVZJDgt0BqWA+38pRKZRk4+XnvTAZCwcBXRflbdnu3tSuBPOEmbCMyk8AcYFJsoymD/awGHzj9KpMTNF7Vmi86ZiAw4z396V+4jKCrJK0eeE5BHqaEMvk3EUcZidgxGMqelNiJN6woHDCQ+p61FhorwXhF+uG2rnHzcU2gex1l74gMltbEK7CJcF+wH+c1i4akKBcuteMyoLWRkiCYwBjnjmlyC5Slc+KpINZtLoXUjC3GWLjdlqOUrk0O+0bxi2r6el1f2URTcRGXO0v+lZTiQ4tFu4Tw/cSuJFe2JVRgDcAcYOeazTsTcuR+FDcwlrfVdPJYZVZJgrH2x+VUncEVR4b1WAFfKS4cNjdFz29aTQbmho3he+1PUkthKkcjZ/1wIxxyOnWosaRhc07nQXtLlo5GCiM4zuySQf5UcpXsymYJonuLOa2FzHIpKFRjHvnripaJcTC2tAHTy3UJ7E5GamxDiQSyJLDIQux1AxuJAz3ycelUiGVTJI86EOzDOckfKR6A0wFeRxKUUgS/cZlIwMUCtcmlaQuio0gZRkkrwc4OKQkjQfUYbZxFZILllUb2kUAAnrj+VFynoNXVrhUcxeVvLbWAGNvHrU3BNk1hrTu0duYjIOC4C8t9M1opDTNK1vNHlaRYLW5V9+0oVz8p65IquYtTIdXu7NU8m080DcNyA8g4H6cUcwnMyrq7IuNyZT5eQvUZqHK5PMV5DFHGTuYu5PPQYx0p3FzHO6/oMOruky3rRcNkBMj2FaxqNFqpYpWPgnRzayNdX108rHICrgY9KHWG6p0vh6y0vR7SazhEyJIwLEEBifXnpUudyXNs2YLyKND5UcpZvlAOcY9z+FZ7i5i/p97LO5t2tvN+XcoHAHvRsVc0Lm4tJ3jUIMucbQ2PoapSGpFaXwxEu6/SKC0M7kebuGZc9c5PFUpFp3ODuvhfLc67M+paxaJbebvURuGJGOh9O1X7RBz2NrxFoGlal9hs3u3t7SzTYsca8EeoNT7Yjmd9A0vw14Z0w/a7G2e5kbID3Dgkevy1Lqic2aunXGEljsINiowZvLQhPxOKzc3cgt3Fw32VZbq4RVmHIxkqT14qucaZg6x4R0iDw7qLpbNLqMh8yCTOSAece3auiFQ1jK54zeK5ciU7SOCBxyDWykaMYJPMdmYBQOBt7VVySyEZolJXAx1poChqKbhGo3gHHAbg0mWi3I221ARWUAbTkd6lMNycRGVAm9eV4bOe1WmKxBdxuHMe8PjqopgV5CN6gKSSucUgIHBDhTnLDpTEixErMgVRj3NAgmjVYhknIOT3qWwJtOsby8lX7LbSOqgsxVDgAd81NwZFdRSyuscKEuz4GBTUkho1bDwXrF4rvMRZ20YBkdsZ/ACp9orhzITWbWxs3htLETSIBlnYcsR3q010BXZlyDIwyHBOOKdxAQMldwDEYOT0pgQXCYCqBk7sjntQBo3EcawxiMMTt5J6ZB7UmBScMxbgjjB5p3AgixuJJwQDgY70DZeCgLuII+tBAERowJI9eKTKISzGQudoyP0oQAPmGeOelAHr1td+HLq2YtBbvduuDuAYD6Yr5lqpFnbzKxha7b6MblLb7PamTlWaX5sk9MAY4Fb05SWpndMuw6RpNpHA8mkaZcgMAwjVjnI64zV/WH3HymdLYfZdS+2v4f059K5EjLBll56Y3/yrWNdvqS0RyeIvBAufs8mkWqgcGSazkAX8mrbnmRyk1xqXwvAeNNJgvMNkmCOZSR6DJ4FLmqid+hyF7feFV1xsaK1tYlsJ+9Ytx1zzWqnKwkmLrcOhxS29xp8EptZXxIS/IXv/wDrqVVn9odmaNt4c8MTSQBtZnQTFfLAAbbzzx7dal15rYpI0x4N8O7Dv8TXitnAxbLgD86h4ya6A4lJfBWmMrGDxC5OcrvgHI9etP62xMrv4LczvHHrunkDkK4dCeB2wRWscXoSZ91oMkUklpHqlpLInzEBioP6VrHEXVwKZ0q8jlWL5XZu6NmtFWTAhudN1G3kcXFpcLt7BT+dP2iAqwo6SFnGCW9MUOougJFSWeVJyxJJ3c4Gaz5tSrGvKYEskeXHmP6dvSmp6hYolgW+XDdzmtoyuQ0RzFlG5QOa0iBLuW42byB0zVSYrElwrMCI+B9Ki4ykY5d2DkjBJOKq2gFi1KyKXcMoH60X0AeYoXlLOzKueAoJJqWxpGzp2itez+YPNtIAMB515YgDgdKzcy1Eu3fh9VsCsdwHkb7vyd/6Vn7XUXIZ6aBBAQdQaaRSOka4/nTVQLWKl/KtpeK9umViYCMsvJq07iR0Wi6vq965jS4stOikOGaVSSfU8cisZK7L5jA8UEm5Ym4S4kRinmAnBX1GfrWlNWIkUlHCk8gDOdtbtkipDIW37hgD+9UgJHcfvPKz8vfnrVXAfOy+YWHmBGA6Nz0p2ERLIzH5CwHfBzRyjIXc7jxwev1osBZghPmx7gCwHTrRewiYweW8j84PQA4zSfcLjA+9gGOQD06U1qIW7I2gKcA8E55xT2Aji+6FUg49eeancoaGd5Wj7EcYoAqJIUkKMCpzyDzTAsRFFw6k5z602BDeZclnwTSAfZRLuVzz7VTAmnYArjIBPIFQCJYsFXcZ+U80ITNOCeE7IrhEjAH3h1IxQxFdHhFyo/hDjBJGAM96iw1oXLy6WXfHvEi7vlx0+lRyWZV7mU84JJO30OK0JCWRQQpBIP8AOi4WBNs9s7FlBTkdaq10BVSRlXDOeRikMeFTyycEkAgcU0AwWs86wwxRGSRhwAeppNglqben6Dfi7WOdRE0eN4K7ufYgYrN1Ircvl0Kd/dMl5JD5h27iFGMdM9/yo5r7E2L2mE3bQR21gGkQ5eR14z26dqiU7FKNzctfDmnSRK19slcnhUcrz36iuedVrY29ma0FhptuwFrZwRn0YZx+nSsfbzGoJEr2NvLH8ztGPMwULDbj6U/ayY+UfZQw/OrrEy5ICpxgdv8AOKhtlJF0QTb2hj2eYACWyFGPwqdeoxtnp6pdmSSURrt4CPyR3xkU+YVi8ulwgEorZRievXngDHbFNO5N7DTpcLSs753nGVY4AI/GhkvUuSWRsNOurlJUQeSWAQDIOD6/T/8AXTjLUmS0PE7qWSWU/veS5Y8969CKujFsu6zr17qdjDZ3bq8UH3Plx1qlGwGRlSkfHGeOelWItT7twbHBPO2gCIgZkYHBPY0AJDIXu0UAEHjAXrTW4iPVHcMyk/KTnGelOW4DI2DQoO+0E1Iy3YxKLUNIG3NnYMfrVJCZWu33bABk78NxjFIYtwuHGAemBz0oAWANE8ituzjPA/rSBj4VkaEzOT8rYAI7VSELcOHuWaNcDaOOxpNjGjHldAfXnii4DriOPygNzBiM8daAEEZSMbOR35waAGnkhTwV9TTTEx/DDCg4we3emIbEmSwIxjigBkbkqM4AHGepqSicheCoAbGRjI61TRInm4IJH51Nx2F+d04UZPT3psRNbt5Z2FlyR2GcUkhsgduDuVSuce9MQsLB1cRLhGODSAswIu4L/AFyRtp2AVfLaUqpw30zTERIjsXYKWweSvWk0BqanbrHbsqAM8Srz14q5LQDMkkLbRtywHU+hqLjEK/vARlVVBjIHc0wI5WQqAVbhudvFFwGtGTGRuKg5ODnFMB8iRq6rndlc8H+dDATCFMbMkjHy9KYBboiyysRu2qNoz1NAELzSxhh5QVQCRmouNFiMExgM3O3PIzVXExExJbOr58xWwuFAAAoQDom8wbG2jPGetC1AYCEVYIyQxYk4Ht1pgNRH8liHKr0IweT9aAIJtysm3cCF6c54qGNF2zb5HkZMqF+bIPWk9gYjR/arMSMCuSR97imtUIcuIQkSswVUzwOBTuuoEaRxLGJBu3M2F9vehtARzP5MKIxXk/e6mpuBakwtpvUdwM4xWnQBbgq0XzL8iLlevJqWJECv50W5CNoOenNK4xEJ4Geg9OfxoQFhiY4g7ZIzjngCmBBGzPKVKA7uc+3rSuBNGqbVjYAuuRnbjPSi4CBxblw6E+hPWhSEMjCugkAK89c07jGCQyP+7UsW6t6UrjsOgKKZMjccDBouImYAwrIvQenGDSYmRqjXMQjdcYycn6ULUBVKKgREXeF7nA4+tUA2ZzsBdU37dvTpU+Q0R2zFzEoUqw6kcU1uNjrxVWR1XJXufwpdRD7M/eR1KgJuAx2pA9hrPvRAzhlxwR1zQJC25it5DJvYuRkDHAq0hkIuSt2Zd2RtPBbjrRJXAtyykpEzzsXxzkdB6dai1gIDIxunPIO3rng+lUgE0shZDJKMH5uh60ICYEgnLKFbnA7dqkQrqphXzJCzE85HammCGDb/q4yQ47mhMpkgtFCeZkEhgMg8n3ptiImQAtmTLP220XAZdwpb7/lIJ6c0NgRiUKpfyuqlcnqaLgJpVussck0ynygeMcmhK42WUkeAxy4ZMjgY/L60hWGx5A6HcxJPQUgJ5JRHGq5yp5xT6BcNigowG0v09/rQBnwQTSzyRDGRknHahDNA4hgjEq7VX05NNiHl1mbChmRckZA+tKwEIJyQRtAGeOnrSHcgsLkNcbHRVznnAIpiZc06Qp5s+AzE4BxwPpQBWnfyr6IyBSGAySeCPegNzRaT7Vau0I2qvRQePfGazs7hcyLRG+1zllKfT8auNxstOys8aBuRyM1W4hjnyk8rdvcnJKgDHtRsOwz7GyqyyAgB+GPpQK5ZAaVRsbavQ8dvoKQEhkBDIsgyFzyeKVgIbK5jY7GhjlLH77k4X9aXKBu32pOdKso5Z8leRGijA981k4gdJpuqWlwqxm4eWTyxu3jAJPbqTkVlKBlKJfmYW8ykyoiy4BLdF/HHpis+Rk2JPD/AIiZr+Qi7aMW86jeZgARnGcD60cjQNWPVIdFMlxHqknxS0e3hiw8duGQ9eSCS+fzpxOqElbcyb/xzDa6vfJqWp2WpWkOBa/Z7fa8nrlstxWrjoS5ozLX4iRXpllt/C0caAlf+Ps849itYSVjNzLi+MPD2oIV1PwtcqRwzJMrDoO2M9x3NQ4hzoxbv+yHut1lDMkbBlUT7gc4yOOlLYzditJZ+Um/CAHooA/IUuYEyFUm2qFtol5Yn5cHnp04oTCxEV1DMgkDRKPmV1O7P4Cm2FiGR5VkErjJQHIYZyPrQHKLJdtPENrRGPdnnru9MUWFaw9JFQhl2xMMDKN19T2zRcRdj1G6s4ZhDJsWRCrjGWOex/z+VAEaXBAeVJFaT7rr6NihiGRXZDbwkRYfKXUjk981FwuRzyoyBGiaTnACnA5zTuAkoVLfakYEfqgwc0XAckUawsyg9Qccjd7getIAuNjFX8tThcZLdvWmgRat7qGG2EbBvL6HGQM8YqgHRX/lBmSSQkjaSB6+9Io1Yb9CioltGkgUbj5ZkLUrk3JftDSb98YZYx8rksQvPPGafMWpEU95ZKzlozLvUFipwe3QnPH4+tTcV7mZLcpJP5nlsEH3CzBiB6fjn3qrgOEEbyEmIqrDqCOvr9alsDQtDA0TQyG4IUY2KcZ45yOh+tK5UQeOCZBa21iYrddu1mxnj37007FOwX0UwiAkLplgu7nGO/Qe9NSaEcde+EtElvmlmN28kudxiYBVGfvdK1VZofOxYPBPhVLNo8ais79JnnG1fw2j9atVg52R/wDCE6b5ohXxE1tAw4V7UsfpnIFWqpUZl2/+Hfhi3tlig8Q6lql1EoLLb2ICn25J9KftS+Yhk+F0t9Yzz2l19gtEjUsJVy2TnOapSGmUX8CXcjJ5N9AUiTliu0MB3que24mw1H4Z6w4ae0AYyuBxGSFFS6yZN7Ec/wAMVs7CK6vdYlExXcyLabcevO7P6U1MrmK9v4CiNpJfi9kmVY9x3QYAHrnNaKQnI5eVWt28hyzwpnbgYz+NO4EugtbtrMImgVl7KcMMHiokxSdkeoqirGFtzHEGG0xxxAA+3XpXNJu5gmVholhazx3Fva2yFRkfIDn1NRzvYrmK3iG7W28P3GZdtxIytgJ1XJ461cL9Rx1Zwg1SKPTZ7ZLdZJGOd5xkfSulbGltTnpGZJ/LYuzvyM1aL6DLg4dGbls8kZqgJ7e1ubyQLBDK6g7mKp0qHLUTdizKVhcKNzRqCQWA4PpRcV7jnj26cblVJkdjjC5wPWrWwDbKy/cpMxJznK8ZoFcWTlhwFHXFK4yK4dQWPC+g96VwK6kEbwcMRx7UD6FiNMxFgCR60xDLl9XebzlnQ5GT7V5StaxsTG7mH7xplkfHAAztP40rAWdI8RX1tcrEbsl2bdtwDnjjrUzpXQXLl142Z75bd1MwRue2T9BQsPZDuWLjWzqGn3KLpEDRxje4Zc8A+tJQaYmzEPieOIB4ILW3jPyskEYU4ro5BWNO2ttBurY3iyxsFAZ0YjKkk1m3NbBaxo21rZToqRpFJE3ChYxjn1x9DWTnLqFxJdIusLLE6xwQ5Ee0AHJp+0XQpMs2lzdWmxJbq3aE/KzFAWYHtUSUZdBNl99b06CdvJsre4XbsAkYg/XipVMlmOfGemW9z5VxoloRuy22Qgj6VqqHmTy3MuF4JvEh1aC3h+x/eaJ5x0rZQajZFpWRd8Q3Gj6jPHGkQtYvurhiccetZwUkwsQWFx4d02bEGoyGdflJIbB+pqnzsZJrtksVs2oxtHIkxziNw5IPfFKDlexKK1jD4aubUQTWEnmsFLTl9rA85wOncVpKUkWOvvBiXsTyWF4sflfNteTLFfwpKtbcVypD4N1fyCyvatHGu4jfyw9vet4YmJDIZfCWvNBuSz+RerFxx+ZreOJiIhtvDepJ+9IhKMM53jIqnVTGtSzLpF6ksUcaI5lztw4wce9SqqBkh8La7Jwmn+Yx4+WVTj9aHXSCxUvNA1a0t976dcKM4I296j6yu47FOGO4tLmOWWJwFYZDL/Sm66Y0jd1bWzfhFA2LAflKjHXFZqSZTZb0/WkWO23gI3mEO2cjb/nNVZPYLky6l5mpx2sjIYHbG48cnp0qXT6ivc6RvCNsku6JbVzuJBbdkDtwTWbrW0AxNR8MzXurxI2oRRR5ClwdoyODxVxqXAi8T+Ab+O9WKzlgkhIB813/AMKr2qQWMDxBotxoqIs7xuxAGU6frWsKykRYyiCLbuCffrWnMKxUgWPLOzc54HXNHOFh7rvzgnd3pqQ7DrSwvpy/k20zoBlmCnA96tyAljsTPIFV8Y5O7pS5hE6BEEjA842/eouIhluJGjKKdxA4pXCwwIxcOzAsB0poY+5VpCFOcjrmmwISfkLD5Sh4JPWlcB8LqpBOelUBWnUvOdilj7U76ATjK4iYbTnOSOlTsA5k3mRyQMdKLgNVxGuxRwx5xRcBVRXmjTnqCaTAszWpkBMJIjGAQTSAS4XAjLYIAxn0pvYCMlvMTaSFHOPakAXEskLgq3yseRigBkuHRdgA3Hn/AOvQBZG3zj9wkDjHSgCiZDE7ggYY54poBrqDGHLZGenpQBMsoQbVxg9aaQiSzv5rO+juLdtjDkHrik0UjqLLxDIFma5maRm+Yrnkk9ea5p09S1Ir2V1YyX0aSWcUjSvxvGMUO8UKOrOot9OjEoKfJFncCDwB3xXHOo7nSo6EitZpc/Z45gZE6gDPHrS1YKRXkvLdIVVLgguW+fZk/wCc01AXMQxM0yAB97EgZGP5U+WxSdy4u6NWYShnUZ/xpWKsU5NXkgAb5ncEAjOOPSrVO5LlYsafqsFxKrfZvnXHJfODnsKHSsJSuXItVcOgljRUVuQ3GD7VnYls6W1jnYLM4i8thlQCcgfnUsaRR8T6lIdGuWleMxLbv8h4LMeAfw5qqauzOoeLrhcADqMr7V6MNjES6VVgKkZ44PvWgiOL/VjAyoHQ0AWJJldlYscnAAHSgViG4YDcFLHPWhgMtzteJlHKvwfSgZFfbpZMde/1oASQnyiAPl28Zpgi7bH/AESAnBC84prYTCJd0p4XPJzSuMbK375WxnBxk0rhYV5CjK7g4Jxg96psB0wIjARc+wpMREqP15OKQxrlkiJY9+4oAiaTG0/MeOOM0wLls+8ZJIGD+dMTCRzheADnmpAd8wXdgBG4piGOrcHqO4HpTuBBKrJIFAG1mwDnpQUWX+8EO4AcZz1pMCKVhtOOoBNBIkUiqqovIIycjvVIAWdVmIIzwaAEkwXI/ic/lQBNbsiTICAw6YNNCYrSsZsj0wMUMY6M5UyhujDJH8qQCxyMjusR3ZHA6YoYE63zKhjIyDjNHNYLFcbnnYY+UckDpSWoBLKN7IOABmhgAwyI2MrnPWgBVLBSRtCE9KSYCRSp+8Kg7zwcjtTuFhbRSUyzErk98UALFHhWSM53evJNK4CTrGUTJPXBzRcBoJZiiLz6YoTAbEpRlUjlvWmgHwDypncnGeKpOwbiRMDcGfH3e9CBkRlViWO47T6+9HUBseZI5JQfnUHANOwGpHdKmjR2mxVA5du7EmokFiOFl8jAXcB7cULYCvceY3yx4CkEEYpWAkXcIxkZYdhR5AV2DNK5IBA7H1qkgLbFmRoRtGQG6fypgJkFVUnkjuaQFcoyW3lr/Cck575qQFJOzeVPzdPegBzlZCiAkgDP40wJ04Y+q8dOtJCI5Sy3kPBCspBHqe1PqPoUb+WR77j5RjaQKJbjRpxQeV5O11cScZK4pICV0aCN51OF7D0pXGZ1kHkdmYjavC/Sncl6FuxdWcFk+UZBA7+9ITGqxkdlYhY8E4HektR2IIpApChyzNnORVARXEo87CA9aALVuimTliuB2p3AjlaKQgAgAtzSeoFuKPY7E/cZdpNMDOlKxwlVPzbjk+gpLYLFe5kI2ctgLjmqAgU7mGTnJH3qd7Dsa0gaWWMpjA/wqJMLC443YABH1FFwsR7RG0nJ3E/KewouDHKA0gJBboPxoEXJ1VVPA5Ixx6UwI7IKZJpnQk7cKR2pWAkuFL/vCflPA+apbAmjaNdxVcuqgKcdqYFS8ZJ58hd2Bk5osAjrbmJQTjJwD79/6UwJFhWC3aKMEggmgL3KbQNJACch88AmlYdycxnhAASAMj0oJILnKED7oyB/9ammMtXLBpYEjRVUD5sHrRcBpuljmlWNNoIwSBgmi4Ecik2jMCTkYoAmtIwsGSefemBDG3mSyKmSQM+tJgghVUi8sou4n+7zzSGWoE/dsikAD5iAMU0IydVYSXabVOcAHND1KNKBzATHCRtb2oJI0MKvKyBixIBbpQA+1iEkpaUcRj5e+TQ2BVlyb/bkuScADjNIaNG4V/svzMcqOmentTuDKiZKYUEEjLdOKBFCUyW7bzkeYflyOgFMZoj9xGrIVZsdSMDmmIiEciWUlyWO1iQM9qnl6juWrKaZIPMTcu8DBHXpUSQjcfV5LyxWBQMwRjcxYkmpsEYmZp94qPKCpJccnp70uUTRpafq6Cxljb5Zt2d23OB9KXJcGhJ71UsmXeWJjOCw7461SiLlLPhzVZEsbmJsIwgxvwASfSpcbicSTS9duftwhmndoFQbuOp/z/Ks3ETia1x4gtvtMRWUupcArjBH0Pvis3TuTyjNP8QySeIRbpK4gbcQHGdvoKl0inHQ6lNRLoWQowCkqykH68Vi4tAnYsWFw7RhQ22Un5vMGM9/61JbRT1q7Wz0aWd2TzfNAUevXPT6CtYRbEkc3oOt273jLKQiNwTjqT/KtJwshSR1X+jvDGSkb7VIXI/OuR3TMmPlgsCB+6YuTw3/ANampPqIiSP/AEd4YZwoDBnwgB6e9O4iuIonBSOIKwYl37nPt+VTcTI57dxFHtyyJnIJ6e4p3GtRpjm8p43iYnG5WXjNFwsBZ42KhXBPTJz+FUh7jgUFv8xUNt6jr1/+tRewDrbYAGklPysDtYcZpNiY64KyniM4OeA3BoTEXknZoliAaMKyjeO9DGW55rWSeFVinUEfvWEmDn6VJRj3W552RIw6j+JjytNCZNbsVVTNADjgZbke9WFxZpGkdnKgjovXB/z60mUmSQJI+GjZ4Q/Qs3Q9KRLZKIpIrQme5LueGwTzyenpRcaZE9xcz27K0pbOFwRyAP680rgNMWxYgWIIUgbScH8qYrh+9RtwyUXsQCxI579qpMZJOCVjLFyD86gjGPoKq5SNWyEsSCWOby8nDKABmncpIck0fmmKZ2m3Abw/3T6VopFtjLq0gjaSKCMoqxlskdc4yPwpSloBBBqOpW7q8F/cQoCMKGHGPrUE9TB8W+JbuO2ljlvZpGbj5gOf0raCKRxS+JdRTS59PknaSKVQi84Cj0roigauYF40syB8Hg4qrXGV45JIJBKnDgZyPbmlYHqdB4RvLvWNaNxc3MhSFcIAOBxWc1oZy909BaQrAFffuGD8o68VxJmSOd8czeTpaIkcixydyenNdFLc0hucDMfLZTzuY8V1I1e5BDavqOs2trC3zucZPaqukO9kdfZeBJkvUlurobEbIVVzuH1rmqVbPQjn0Op1KT7F4cu2T5FWPbHx07VlBuTJSuzy2VSMKQCCeuOldUTTYtLIRbeS8uQc7VK1ohMlnKwaXbOrbpH3ZGfTpTvYEUiN0bMQOBk5NSxldgWAymd5POeRSKRY06ze7ieG2UtMvJJ6AVPNYlkzW7xL5JmBUNyR93PvT5gGSxuApUBQ5ya8tGtinLhIwFU7ycdKtBYglQKissZdh156e9NMBLKzQOZNhDA5BbvVOQxmr3N4xEUJdEKfMqdCKULdQRkpY3UnSFhxkAituZDJre1v4/3ccT/MeRjrSugNvTr27g/d3FtPCOAGXNZyinqBs21lezW+62ummRj3YgjPtWDkoiNBba6tVCx2ErFFLbnUkZpJxfUTMWzlIFzNd2zm7kJEY6KDmttOg7FO6W1Z3lvrRdxXhVbBzVIEipZ3EVtJsMaheCNxxVMLDrhluHZ0YIN2VGeBQmMoxAeey+arEn5veqYhryutxmGcqq8YDcEUDJmuXSZX52n+HPFJiHy6jPa+Z5crYkTBG7pSUUwNbw/rV1BG3nzZj24X5ulRKmgNPUNcsZ7W5kUX4ZwArGX5Rx6UowsKxyyXlwEaMzuFHTnBrZDsQXd5cPGoWZwik4O7BFOwJHZ+Grq2mtYEOorFcYwTzkjHr61jUuBcvNbubJ4gkk80UbAnceDz1FYqF9xIq3ni2Ia815cWLiGYZVZI/wClaeyshozNX12PUb5LhrWFI1fOxE27gOOauEbAbmkaboXiaSK2tdQh0mdFLMsvCsfahzlHUCO68JazC0t7Dd2E9tajzGKzjOB1wK0WITVrAa+m+JNVu2F1Pbzi2iHyuFyOBUNRkxM5zUfEbSJKs0u4yNlCRjjOauMUgRrw+NbeHTWiEExnSMBXDAqenHNTKFwvfQwvGfiKbVFtTtVBHHkKTmnCNgSL1hZ6Re+Hn1W9YI8IAaJDgnJAyPzqpTZVlY5a/Fs10/2CNlt/4N3XFNSEUzKUlDBSQW9apPUD1zQrVtR8Cn7MyI3kHzcHBOCSKmUnfUb2PM2fHyuCvXOeldEJaGRWgmJzgD06VXMFh1k3Mm7A7AYp8wWLClWBZcEdu1MLDbmdY+mWDY/Cm2IryMhXgcY5qbjsR3JO6PAwT1BppgNjeVXMiMVIPWrAdI0ksnnM+9unNJgWwU8k4HJ7etAEMiu0USk4JakBbiCISeAemaBBKGBC7yxbrSC5HOS0JXdjBA4NMLicrcq2cqVx9TSGRSuhZhJ1Un9aBC2mGR1AxzQNgGP2h8j+Hg0xEMkfnSbegFAx0JHlCFSSM88UCKpf58DOAc07lFqxgaR0XvjOKm4F1oWjjLuoDdOTzSYiG3m23kTEnOR+FJq5UdDrpNXhMSBXbzEBH3uMfSud0k2a85l6XqHl68JJxiNuGyaHTFGRd1u7gkWJbeRBtB+5z15oUBTkUdFuJGuSiykbuRg9BTlHQcJam+NsVs7iVshwrE9SCCaw5dTpuYmuzcoIpGOWy2a3po5ZyJPBt+kWuRrOg8vOW75p1IN7Dpy7nQtNH9pws0UaBifMYjgZrnUGtzSTTL1vPLLFI9tdGYMxXeT/AJ96zloWthmpJHeQvDcuThfvLwOmMULQVSOhxOu6fZ6bKqQSeadm44OcV3QehySMZplYbBk9jWqEOwomKK2E2j+VMCtI5yV3YK9hQBGrEDODycnBpgT26lhuwSAc80gBsCQsBxt4JoTEyQ7WtwjHJ9qdwRPbqqxeUqk9wxpXAi3tHOTtIPTHagYwsWhZ1IBLY5NAFi4jBijJb95nofagBrvtUONw7Fs9adxCWku6bHUEdBQMbc8vjOQSePSi4DgEwETkAdTTYhMANhR+OeMVIx7JtjOQGJPHPekxCxnICMuOKaELG4O5TkL3OPTpTAiDIJUVsE549qaAluFR8MrdDk4oYFeSF1jeUHIY4xRYByBY0AHzMV6Y6UAOFqzou1fnI9aYCEHzwGHzfrRcaI4kZr/PIVRzihAyfG6TOMEGqEKxVE25Iyc0gEVgn7wHJI5FIBEyyKR8m7nFSA5ZGWQhAcscEe1CAbNIizLGg4bgmncCVFDQv5ZGB2NKwCq4ETIwCkrx7U0BXtNhBUMSc9PakNlhtuePlwaQhclJDKGBOCPegCGV4yyqw+UYJ9zQBd8yPaZUTYx4wDQJjJTkrwTnjcT3FAFeYDa/zZLEY4qxkeNgzkqvHTvTuBEflaQDGAcn6VNxj9MQSxOewGKaYmS3mTGgGME0mNFjTo2lhdt21Fz8vrRbQTGmRhGVxgMwJ9qFsJDIFzfrsfC9ifWhbldCC5cmcqCCc5ptgXWAUqEbcdvPtSbERzoViQyr93ncD+lIBrBniGQfLJyfegB0zMYmjzkKPlx2pICK1nX7R5agEFfXpVXAs4Yh1AbGKXUQ6RNxhJ5I6DHan1GVprZG1BZNx2jLHik9xlhZHdkh5dVbKn3pIC7d5vIvsyxKjLjLA9Tina4jPgURxPESRIWwcmk9A3IfN8olNvIz8wPNCQCIGYbz36AdaaQEDcaiiHIPQ0dRlnyx9o3OBtB5pCJSY5pX8oHaBzjtQIiVCAUjGOwx1oKRanaTy1WNxiPBcN6UxFK+sziU7gxzgbTVJAU7eCW8mECqc7ulJuxR6Fonw7sdgGqXdwJiobbEBhe/9a5KuItobQhcu3ngSGOTdb37PgfLG3cdM1ksS2aOizIuvA+vKAILdZu5CHJ9xWyrJmUqdjCuNH1O2nZpbKdI1+85HFXGomQ4jEgCOPm9xWqdyGh12G2qc5wcGgRUeRlVolJUfxY6n2oAS3bGUZudpJyaQyz5imVSM7jVWESsqIyiNCTjlqGhMr3yr5ICAb1cMBikBcQr5cgyBvQDnsOtAihcStH8ignuKCgaXF4GGNp69uaaAkIV0CuACWB9fWhiLOwK7OCD8uACKQIpRwNO82zDBQSSeMcU0UxJFfyMZKYXkHvihgiON5jb7UYFiOtIZYtIxCoLNgkEMw9KCRY4kjJlBLbxlST0oAvqu6zWTbsXO3d6k9qRRSi08/aTcTDCEEg5pgRPKFfAOHx0z0oJIobo5A2Im3rjqTTSCxH55hldjjbkEAmqsA6Is2sRysMKxB46Ci2odCWacySOgcnB6VL3GtiZQEi385NFhFSLZMpeQdyATQgLRZd4ODsBGRQ2BJcGO4QwqNqDoM8fWi9wImlZAqEghOAKRRYs/NjtZHjRNr9eOcVJJDGkkkgROeCTxRYCSNgjznAzt496oHsVtNje61Pyy4VT13dBQtyuhdnRjKMFSqHkjvUSWokKjvEwKA5YHJA/Cp5QaGbzHGu5mILDHHPBosInS7SO4yFbnjIHIosBqaZ4gOn3auymQMMfMfug96mVO6JcbmxquuEW1ybeVSxPyseSSR29qwVKxUTndR1q7ltLdHZsRg5Pc59fzrpjTsFjH064ZfNdckswIbPTBpygDOw03XrtjAbicAIMBYxyB71i6KaIcTodP8RW13evFFEYcDGS33vwrnnR5SHCxqIymAiRVw5JJzzWDJsM3wqUVM524+uTSJaHqTHC0ZYqR82DzznPFA0i35rmLJlPp/qx070mwHYRvlYpIEGMnjnHWmmIVoreSNGQRhSMFs9aTYFea0QQ4jZWbORzj1pJgOiVI5QSF6AHvg1QDXiDfMpYMDk7jxTGSFGckxvkoCdo6HmnYqw23t4XIBJ8xxuUN+OaGhNCTW91IvRemBnoOaaYWF+zmNkQEtuGAe340NjRIkTqsbMCvcKeeKm4mV7i6f7hICY6460txCbGjLB2IVuU546daAHRy7Xid1ygbkA/rTHYvLJG3mGfcFMZRVUZOfWhCFj2lvmb5OFCY5+tXYpMntlBDtJvDDgNn71F7GiFiLvO5VIyoxvz/D16fpVJlDr5to34J+VkJX1NNsDOlhzAhmdSoG4ktgDHemtQseW+M78Tau6xNmEOAqj2HrXXCJaRguHYnaCfm9f1rSwx9zI8cB2AgeuOhqrEoqi4AT5uXPHPvSYWO2+E9pm1uJy3yHIzjg1zV5JIwqM7RA7kBQTGg4Y+tcRBx3xDv1lEVnI3zKcvjnGOn6V10VY2po4y7ffh9uSBxniurmNNzqfhDppuNXu74KNqRlRlc5PoPesqs7RInqj0aJVWAAgKTxtYelce+pKiVNX083elPDHEkiscAAc568+3NXF2ZolY858TaFcaTJulMah8EKvPWuqDuVcwSFLL1YgdM1qxMfFiQqu48ZOD/DQILuJ0jLJAx6cipbDctaJo82pX8KyxSRW5XezkY49RSvoN6G2k+m6LeBLbzGhZcsTjLc96lq5EuZoqanb6fLrEYiyIJ8vKqn2yMfjTsNN2HXWraBJPKo06ZIUb5WzgD6ZryY0p9zdozbjVdAuLmWSGTyIjjYCASeMH9a25JCsNmj0SUGQX6uBjIQEEe1LVBqFoNNurtbSxMjMoJJcY7Um2NFt9PMsAMUiMuMEoRxjtUc9gIX0q5jieRmfjAG0/NTVUDPuLK9j8pkEwQ/xM9WqiAiuLW/muFjSR2cLnAO79BT50Mt+RfJdRwPcwoNoJy2Dn+hqJSi+gjoLLVNZh/wBTdSvhSMfeArFqLJepWl8Qa/8AaMy/YzCrfMZYxnmtIqI0dN4U0ttb1eFdR8HWU1puDPdrKyjbj64q+dJblN2NTxlofw8tAkEOlR+f5uWVXZ/l+o9zXPKtUexHMZc/hbwS6q10BZDaG/eTFBt/Gs/bVS7jD4c+H3np9nubdm3YYmYt8vrxVe3qiuPbQfhy12IYLm0ZiBxGr4Wq9rVQ7l7/AIQbwsZElVLeWAMMF5dhI78E5/8A1VDxFQLlSTwL4TZmW5jPl5+Qxy+p/H2pfWp7CbKM/gXwjO8cEV7LZIRneW3859BVxxNTqLmIbr4e6ZPE0MHi61ii25Akj/LpWixT7DTOb1TwS1juVNbsp2HXbk4rSGJUt0BT/wCEUD2Alk1zTkGSCdr9fTpWnt1fYYg0CeCFLuy1S1uUjbAaMnr6cih1U3qgLradrF5bRJHbvdOBuPl9Bj61PtIoQ/WdC1/WLmN0sCzRptA3DoPxp/WIrqJFWLwV4iMqtJBCUK7h+9HFL6zDuO49PA2uqXnSax44CCcBuaf1iDC4ybwx4kg43xTh+qR3Icj2IFNVabAk0r/hIdOv47S5jvo4GYFolY4P9KrngBL4m0/V9TZDa6FL5UWcGOPJI9TTjUj3Ayh4e8QPIpfRtSUEYG6Bhnge1U5p9R2LKaNduki3NlMuzAG4EHOfTFR7TzApz2GpJblGtpo0cjb8jAEZp867iM65iuIFO6J1PQErjmqU0MZHbSSW6v5qLkHgnBGKpSQG7oGs3uk2wCM0g3HK7/l5GDx+NKTuBmGRp5pHK/KCWODkZNaRlYmxCXR3wuRt7Y61TkFhWl8pGZhyT2pqYWIxfZbA2qp6CnzMLCM4dACMkNxVKYrEk3ysvGQBk8jFS5DsFxKJ3DkjKnAHtVRqCaGuzB3IUEP0ANaqRNiTym+yBmHIPSncZOqgQqQCMLSuJjvJwgc7yoGSR0oAeRviDLjGR9RQBHIzlg7NtAOBQBArHAKNnk59+aAsSpk8Dt82aAG3HlgsWXJIFMB1sys2QSvTgUbiC5xHdMMHDLStYBIDgK23vg5NO4xBDIZZHRCUB9aQE9ppsfmpJcOwi3Asqjk1DkMvak6283kQR4iU5H96hSuJlK4mEhjwTgr93uDmmMgWFknVnbkUaIBZ5ClxvGM4x6UJoC3apZzTBrkkADOA/WlIFoWL42EW1LFSoC/MS2eceuKhIb1KEFwYlV4mKSJ0ZeDWltBXsSW+sX07GNpwcEnnvUciL5wurvcoMjAucGrSSIepV8y5W7Q2zuJWPyeXkHNOwI3rCygsR5utyNPeMf3dszMWzjIJrCdjRGlqOqT2lgkkZSF1bCxADj1zWap3G52En1mabQmcqFMhCbkTj3z79Kfs0gdRtHOXbqFYvuLMuATzz2reCMmVPKkRdwXnHpWgiRTu+cdTgZyKVwsUrhcSEsOaYiSIrtyFPyjBx3FFxm9apply6xBvskZwSzfNg/4VDkBmSrbG8kjM5MWSAwHWmMhYrtOMrz0IqhFu3Vt3XqM4oAemm3t1dLHbRMzSEbQBkk0gHX2nXenTPY39m8EobOHXBNGwbkN0pkkxg4DHNFwsR3CKLbA4YdhTAr6cd0hLZ+UZ4poGPklUPuznORikA2MN5qjAAPIpgSvjY3XjvSAWEmRVUjmgRJEDGxZiQx6ZoBjJWXzVAY7/AEoCwIqyXbY3YUZOO1AbD7fIJVgpAOcsMcUAwjkzLIoUlQeMkYNNMAX5eWADHjJ7CkwG24YmVwxwg4x3oQMsJliHIx25FMVyCXbGjYJJz29aEwuNYkZKFm55BptjRFeB5LdHRSfm2txzSuA4xvg7M/Lzj1NICYnbJlj06ACquIZGCZy/3Vx3NICQBPK3hfu9+opgLBsijDlshzwPehARt+8ftg0xofaRGNZJWOASQKAY48NtHz8ZzU9RERV2u0OOMEHHWm9xonktikSSOvmb2wPapsMc8ZU7HLKo55HJoEyIMZPlUEjkr3oEHllZU805K54NPYB8yLIjrzlORheM0XBDLVUeJ0wu9iAWz0FIZNHa2dtZ/u7kyytJ9wDAX6mhvQQt2SIVLRgZORTuBFHLL5giICsrdM+tF7gyJg7XDxLyw5600gH2wKtsKjnrk0wIb0eXJvROcDOD1qWBovEYoBuPLr0B6CkIpNGS2SW2DsT1/ChFXLMkQG1eAo5wfpTepJWZkSN4gyk4yBihAiK1gUStL8w5yCSOlVYZdMpVDKHIUj5QaTYEUUkp2s/3R0qbgSRF5HcnacocZOM8UwIrBi0bHcOJMYFJIBJLpre53ruLHjGO30pjRJARJcvLKsowucEdfehsZXvRudcZAYheO3f+lK9wLU0YRW8rcRtGD+lVckYtv5ReSSPcwwQTjNK4XJLlUbYQp2nnAoYEVsxhuD0jBX35NIB1tv3tMFxsJIBPJ/KmgGSrIXViysrAkjFDEyTaX/dpyQuSM0JgSWVvCZI0RyDncxU9vSplsUmeo6NeWM7iS1mRZPLAMfmglRjofyryqtOXNc6qbViDS9VgudTe0mLuUJXKnj1604waRXtCrqPiW0h1CKN9ytbNu2pIf1raNMznUuY+reLrl5ZkVI0hlGPLdf5mtY09TJyObnkldGkVUSQtgLjpW6ViGVzK8hKuQWBGQKsREY/Lu3z1xnPfFAyW4iGM5CtJ8owMmhiJHhVCpXJYECgRMxjUNGBwQCct3oAgumaOGTbjBABI5xRYYyKaZIH3YBbAYY7UAPGXBcjnucUkJkEgWPzGMe5t2Ac8UxiyfNLGynOF5/OgCw8qOhiiY5AJLY/SgBI2SO3OB+8YHIA/rQMSFljj8vbkkjhj60Eka+YLtUC4VQRjGAKBjgSAQFJ559KQDpy/mRxLlVIAHy9aYJFpJ45EEGWESMG7nkUnqATMbgRwRh3+X5doP8qEh3MyVUhuzweQMZ4xTArS/ur8KxHzHOapARXanzH3EHJz9KOoFh5WRIpNhBAFEpAkTupQlyoLEA4JqLjsTttlt1VM8Lg8YNFwsUNMXzJ3gzgIecg07iZp34t0TaqnCLksOuaXMIp2sw8hmUnJ5z6U1qBBd5kgjkGQSw3Y4pNDRspIRpot0BIKYYrzzRYEVbaQWrI6StuZCpHpQDHQwDeSoaTKZPPSmIh0sMby4lIwp4XnFBRemXZbeaJAd2cjnik0JEQkxEGdtoB5OD0osNhLtFtuOAeqe/NFiepWjBlLIFZWK8575osDG6lGscIczLJKG2tjOAKGtBplq9LizWPzG4O7I4pOIIhlbfYHLDnv3qkguEOxYgI1xkdhQxDoZ5VlCAkZ45FSBe0jUH03WbadtrBiB904qJRuEldHqcU1qscKNfKm5sALzluvT8a4KlOzCMUywgkaRxLhWwcnHbsf0/WsyXBGdLqemJeS2z3YDKgyTnHvzVqm2Q4FyC5V4jtkRy6/LtzzxUODRm0RNKu/EgMbAY2gYxzwaXKJoVhslMmMHG7d/CaQEkkxjTzGc7R0KgHr/wDqqeUNx2f3WYl3ljkH3prQLE6GSQLEiEs3JCrxj607lxVywirGhVxlhnJXr7UXOj2Wg7yST5JAyoz94Aj6H8qLmUotbDY4ZN+EKqe5YjnnrjPH/wBelcmzLMFwsIbc4cA7QMADOfWhsHoix9qhnRPtNu+0Yy8Q5wP50ElKWytZ9vMkZZflJHP4+tF7AWbO0tIFmWW5id3QCPeoGymtTRRK91oV5EGut4nhZQMoMBe/8gaAcCgY2DNudXUkHPIx7UEcpaiiSLElwy7+4GWPP8qaY1B3L07NHDhIirjC7m/Lp+FO5rylZEHmZXghWDkcFjwanmFZhEisPlLB2HQmquOMG2ZmtSTJa3jvM0aRxsckqQeOlawep0KFkeNXZE04dWYb2z83GK7o7EPQcYmj+dOnTrV7E3K4lLQtGzcEkbcfrVAU7jYAqg5II3DPXFDQmenfD29YeG5mKiC2DnCgdK4q8TnnrI6aGZZrVWjwY2655rnSEtGZGv8Ag+HVrqW5W8ZZMZEe3ORjsa1jOxrGVjm4/A2uahdiAxi2t8f6xnBIA9hzmr9skaXXQ9C8P6bBoVgun2DOMcuWHLHvWM58xnuyeR0e/SKdJCmWLELnA/ChDOU/4S9F+042xKh2xKoxkf41q4XRTMrxzeS31lp7MxRxGSQQPmHbkfjWkFYUXqcavD5KFvXBrdMpkH2We/vUs7VGMrsMc9PelJpBsj2Cw0pTZ2VhJHHLt2qznAGR2Nc86mtkZR3I/FTwWNikcsqNcZwsakBdvXFONzZR6nmmpzfabiQkLGAcgL2rYZCJpgVZXOVGFPoKZLOSa9upEEUk7sPcgVhyo2IYiQQ6Od3PNN2EaGnXt7bzFkIcMPmyOazkkM6TT76G5t0ScbSwI+RDx9a5pqzEaWm2trB5iWSuwYdA+4hvXmsJNvcLm1YWgZ3NxdyKzEAbVAANYSl2JbJ73S90KxyBbgICQFYA/oOvFONRgmc1PDfqMQadeKu7G4EHAreMu7KNDT9InZg72O3K5JmOCcexrKdVLQTNi50mPUlAkuHhjjH+qgG3OemeOfzrL2vLoK50ng7wVb3U0S/ZDtVQXeQbv58VSlKRXN3N/wAX6smlae2lacm2fZ5a4ABjAPJ4/Cnexm5nn50uORgbqeViw+Z1bLCs3Ua2JuVpvDmmRTtI91cTyAgBZn3Bh25zxTVSTWxXME2jabMqtJcH5uGWJcY9qcasugcxmL4c0a2kY2s91Ex4kMj4/Ktvby6hzFV/C+n2zCWO8uZ26jMxCg/Sh1m+hXMa1qTaxK8Lqc4HuPpmsm7sTEmt7q5z5cgUc8nnJoTSEiOLR5N6STTSyN7uRVOoWi/JBp9wWUCGTBOQc5H41mpyQWJl0vRpEUPBG6hcYKfmcdaXPIRMumaLNHHbRWsUMZGCNuEzng49fxp+0kUhYkstMJ4mEfI3AYx9PWmpSkJls3Vr/Cxctzuf5WJrOzvqSUJZo23KspTeMMM9/wDOKtNgPhsbPrdLAxk+7zzj370+ZiKqJpSvsihiZQTkjgCneT0Aqy6vpizeShZew2t2q4p2KH2V5JAXNpLJEzKV+YHpTvYC/p3jjxDA/lf2o7qpDBnUN7Y5FO1wNj/hP4Ly5SwvNGilkQljcjAGSMdxz/8Aqo5NCjas30q+lWO2g+z3RGEYtjPsOO+az5L7Emb4o0aO2tHnW3M+Dwj5Jb8SKLyiFzi5raw1QhE0CK3kxgtIrcflxW0ZuK1Y0yhP4a0qKLy5Z50LHcPKTOPzqlXZVzNl8JomfsviCzdiCTDLG6N9M4xWqrXEYl3pd3bMrbElJXjyzuraM7jMyQyL8j7umR/nvWsWgKkQk+8Np9z61dxD0d+QcEUgH20rBGbOB0Jx1osAtyfmR94JU5xQtALUs28rJkAAYxVXFYjW5DS7ApC9Tlu9O4WJpZj8siA4UbSM01MViyHY2qLuyfQ1XMINzsQp6Ac460+YLE0NvNfK8dpG8rKpOF9B14o5hqJTjUBNrhi+cgEYx601K4mrE8JABByc8Y71QmRzqAOVZWU9DQBFYMFd3IIwelPYCxeKJZwYzuPAPGP1qbga0WkLHbpFHci4vHIZlj5VF9z61LmBHbWd/wDanhjti4BwxI4Bz1rN1NCkhdaSa3uhbO6SFcbip4J/KlGVxMqXMhkfcygMBjORWiYFWYZkQjACjd14aplKwFK4vZDcPIqADsM1F7lIhS4kILN1HvT5h2Q+G7VPv7lY9zT5hNF5W3qqxuGLDk+lWpIkSZJI4FX7x4+6c0pTVtwH6fhWkCxc7T83p+dL2iAbJBPKwMcErDON23gUKrEDX03RLmUvcSMkaxJkAtgn8KmVZDRpadHNbDZCi+Y4KvJglvzJ/lXPKqh3Ks+h6xMrud0qO+QeDyffNCxEUS5FzS/DWuXenS2cYUiH987BwAoGeoqXiFe4+YjPh6SeRN80ajvzjNP64o7Etjo/D5LHzrzKlsYQ4bj07UnjGK5o6T4d8NR3ofWNQ1AW6gtsgC7j6DOKPrQuZlS50LwrPchv+JvErsSqiVSQPf5aX1thdlK70HTUmC6dd3HkEksZApYgY9gKr60FxkmjbmdrS44IG3dgN75p/WfIq5Th0W6lnG1oVPIBaTA/Sr+soLj20O88kkPbyEn/AJ6AEfnTWKQDDaXqblCKNqjJDitFXTGMt/7TjulngmkiKHhlbkGj2yAfeXGpXk5mu/OuJWGN7ncT+NNVUInNlfbCDEzkAkhRwPxqXVj3AhTSdSmtJGjs2bJyfmA/Drmmq8UMbaaPqi3MhFi6sU+ZWdVGPqTVe3iBBLptzFE+60fzN/8AfBxQq0QHwWtxht8LBeOSQTT9rELETKxgkyowDntnH4VSmgK9tKRNsKjmqugFnm/fLEXbbx7mi4rEmxndyMqFXg55NFwJrWRlXOGBYYYCi4NDZcq7lGTHReOvFFwsJZhzMyHrjJzTBjpyxjBUE56GgRHaPm5WJhgMeMDimkDFvLlkuSATtVqGCI55slGbOc84FILEseXt3UjJ3fKSeccUxbEouNkIiI753UhkzPGAzngYzjnrQMgxuTPmEFz1IzigTJJdhRgPmOOOOvvQJIhWGQ2xTyztP3fWgYyONzbIoRsg9R9aLgPtkKzr/HsOcYzmmmBLO6xQqQTnOO1MQSB3DgPy3IGOOlJjRHHiELtJJIIYMOM0XAmM5YRo7BRGQevFFw6BdOrNuGSGGMCkIigJ+3EKHIKduKaAcjZdsghlyGA65FIBHy3IBO4dzQxofZ2qxwPcgHAGGxg5Y9sUgYlsAI3Yx9TnHv8ASnYCMCaRHkMeVU5OO2KBltd1xbG7VA/YHoKBFdom3GX5FcYGR3zTT0CwyOT9/wBRgZ49adxWFm814S/lqdzAA8cUmA9Y/MYxndkcMxGPypWAfLHHISgdginGc0ARvKDtt41ZmToTySfWncdiLa5mKuSWHBbHamhEqttiD5UqfUelNu4DiQ9mMYKt0G37tQIkgjfY+I9wVeAO3vR0GMldPJjKAhx94YGaa2ACxisfLC/MDknvmmwRBBbDzVuZ9xJ5A381NxliOUl5Acl346+n60CHEv5W0AAhgcZ570BcUyuoIYkFyBgDrg9/agCtqLqgQE8q/wCBoCxaulTZBGuc7csM8VbAoTzH7XgNgkgAAVIWJmlxJIn3cDAOOtGwJC6esjF3cqqoDtBHWkDJYF2GOdiSGBB5xxSARjb28UjpudmP3SOAfY0wLWjahc6deJdRJE5Iwu5QcfhWcoXKuPg1e8Gsz3O9VmbLE9AfwqHAdyG8maS9R8GR3G7cPX0qlEm5Xu1RZYo3nDchmYjmrSsPQtP5e44C4x1z973qiWV0xDICQFBJ+tIBjTGS/G3OcY7UgLNx5JtlDMwKnKYA4pgRCUbyyEMQMDdSAVTJK29mACLkjoCaAKqeZcbozjah3Htn61QE0rFQxVtu9drcA9x61L0AhZsRbVB3kcFjzVAR3MkgESqh7Akc0AWJSxuVRMFAnUnIFA0NtAzPMYQSynk5GMUWANrAbz90g4570A2KAh3YBTjJI55oETyuAcpuzt5z60AQXLhZYVLEAgHAPU0ATO5Ty7hmw3TNJsB6ozIfNQMT02+lCASyuDDGI1aPMTbs85IoQ2VLqJ5ZSUyMcjnnFVYLjLyEyGFmZjJyDigLkxspL29iihjLswwRnaMY9alysFzu7PwhoaRJdXcjyGJQTGXQIx9OoNc06zTBHJ61ZvFqEiMERcnaoORjPHP0rSM7q5RFHKYSURWJKkYzxTuJljw14cvrwy6hcOsUbHgqQ2cfQ1PPYJFSa0ceaJUdQSfn7sOlXF3JG20Yit3hijOCB8zt0/Srix3KboTGYHYnaDnFNsEadsgSyD5IcDvxS5hEUITDS7xkDgk+9AWGrJfTyslpG5KqWck8Yxz07UMpItSlUs4iqHzHyCQSck0J3AzLmWR5FWPGFYAimIvThFt2U5BHU+vSgRBdHNuQHBbaNuTmmBU0mSWOdkJA3jP1oGMv5S02Gc7SM4pAkWbpzLpyAZJx3PTHSmwQy3dRZLv2bg3uCabtyjaLIfKfNnhT0Pf0rPmuKw23kkSdCy4cDI3LuxSKSFuRuUgFsjqx7UxG74GtrKa4a71Gcl4gCpdm29f51hUjdEydtjsDrqjVo4UbMUkbeUcZzjvnrXOqQjh7q4a78SzvKyMCxJAJA+mK6qcEV0Lun69NYajLFKVlt/mWNemOOOtEqSM3EueHb6Se8kUu3zNnlice1Y1KdkTKOh2QF0ZciNSCAF5wep/+ufxrkknEysXIYI2kzKXUA4ID1I0iyqWYkiZAAisc88jj2oNoU7jreCdFQRSKEHDJsBbI/wBrNS2dUKVjVs7dnyYcnkrgsMD3NZ3OhxViO6sBC3lXDRyNj5SDjPOe3TrRcz5E9ypclYyBvyAOABkA54yapM5ZtLQgwdzNkB3OdzL37AD60XMHuVprgxlk3kN2IUnPrmmSXLcoFVDJvUDBwOh/HnpTNFG5MjRI5JaQNjGHGAAOo/lQdCikjc8E388OqrY7ka0u1MSxkZBbrnGeRgGqM73ZkaxpsWm6nPbKHTyizAAk/kDikzTkRBp7xpcFMnhfvnI6fypGkYqwXkks0geKVpCCQGwWPvz6UNlOKI553xmRSzIAW3MCcfh0/wA+lJGUkJb3NuYiUdEJ+QMewyCcetUiouxleLYLZvD96qLulILM+dwxWkHqJ1Oh5FMcIpAXPYZ6V6cXoQ9RqlSCrAhuvHIxVollKeQrdBEXlugA5xVtCGvAbq6gt4wVeaQKpbsScVEpWQ+h6olmui+G2tpJFdlHzhV9RXDKXMzFK7JPD2rmKwM9xLHHBnZliM8egolAJROotCkq+ZEWaNgCCowG7nPfv61gwTJWdyQqzEAnaD/9fr+tSUkH7xUIaRlIP3hnp9M8/pQMz9eumtNKnlti6SBtowdpA9etVDVgePSTMAsYLMFySW5613JaGjRK/wBquhE1zIeVIj4zgDHp0poSQWp0+G5BvhK8P8RjOGA7/WmJ3PQPCui6bYwx39n55aRCVkZ+dp9q5pzuYubbsHjLUzpmlo0MshmMvyscdPwFTBczNFFnI67ra6lpULySyNcK/wAw3ggD8q6Ui1daGJvHl7kIDMe1WgY0thsHPH3ulWIpg6RbXtxbWumi4YAiEu54rz1O61NhVtdRvEQyWkSGMFUWJAM/Wpc13A0l0W6dfNv7eO2jGFJBGc/Ss5VewXNCLSobZvlO5ChAwO+OKzdRsVyxZ6ZewlZbZULeh9Pes5VI9Qua9raXcXlQ3sILE5PlnOP8Kwbj0JNa1S0ijkaQnj5Qw7HJrJ3YFpJ7bDJH+8b8wBg/41Nn1C5Fd3i4jMcLEKNvK5xTUQLGjLZX168M8wiRzg87R+dVsK51up6vcaXoL22hLCMt5ZbzQePWtfaRjoEtThRBLIhku7uMk5Zip5+n61m6lyeWwqeUY2kMm0IvO7jNQpsRVR7QNjZvdmHBFU27AV5p7UTybLWEu2SGK9PpV6saM+W6eWFlQIC3BKoAQB71aVhoYstukAVZCxU9xg9KerKRSjFxLMfKkRI265XP/wCqqA0rKNZV2Xd2y7eRg9qiT8gLiOkP+rLHI6joMemamw0Nk1JGLIqhUA67cGizLKr3Kk70m2HOCAM/Wq1ETKQ4VpLvYqvlc8A+1SLQURrIpKPv64xSEx37tossxZx2oEDxMELKCBjC98mmmBGdPnZNzgHzDt3E4568VXMCHQ6PPPGVVQVU/dzjJo9pYdy0mlBOI9It5V+7lhgqT6HvRzt9RXIjBcBZIpbc7gTlVboPQUc3mNWIHs7HnBkWbOFBHPPWrTkDGDSLmN08tTIXfhs4wKOe4XN/wha/a/EdmL2Z0WKZGILYHBBq4MpWsd545hux4fm2KZJFudyKrgnbnOePaipruZvc8p1G+8QQxqLNymd2PkznnvWcFDqNDbK+vmtGXUIYZXPzEJGM5+tNwXQq4+HOoZl+zSQMuVCyRbiPpU35d2Owtvpwsrz7S0KTKH6KuKtVOw7GRfaRplxdTwz211HKwIXaM89q3jWcdQSMzUPh1qNrCDZXK3TON7RH5WX2961jik9x2Rx19puo6dIVurK4TB5+QkD8a3jVixWG2wJhfGPyxV3QiAAsCpXkd89qdwI0kLfKD0b8TRdAWnh53LhcAc474qXICYKzp83T+ZpcwEsdwUfYduV6Z+lUpBYLe4kklESgbm4O0kk1d7hY6rwZpOqWusLLd6bqq27KR+4Qq5B/CjUexMPh34tuJWmt9EmjjG5kEsg3lcnr+FKLdxM1dI+G3iSORXeaGKVhvjjxuIIPWuiztch+Rd8QfCX4iTM2pz6PLfLN82+AjJ49KylOzGonBT6JqWn747/Tru3cMcpLCyn86HWBqxGYZzMxWCYL0zs6UlVVtxF2ae+S1gt7DTriNQuHYKfnbPWsHVV9x2Rp+GLy/gmk+0WcpcjCqy8Bsjr+tROpHuBPdaNfanP5hhWGTPXcMGs1ioQ0Yir/AMItqOyQsYvlY4Oe1X9dpiuRXHhPUHXaZ4I1VcjJrOWMg9h3Qll4DMwL3evWttg42lCTzU/Wl2KUkOl8BwW94U/tVrmBRyyx4BOOmKh4wTmXYvCOhxSLlHkJIyGJA/DFZfXJvYnmLNrY6dawmKONApPVh0FP6xNiuNne3iYNAiYVcbdg60c8nuFyGSQSCMHCZbDDjj3pqTQ0yxbXa2kM0XlQ3Jk+UFl+5759apzYak039kvZwlLkyzm3y3oG9KTkxakcuLBI5WK/aGHzRFeF96Tdw3IX1L5D5cp7fIvGfep5RBDLNLG8is0O7Afb3HpUt2AjmnijDAybm7ZHf0prULXKjXgVlPzZzwAeAavlHykQv2e5ZUJ3KpyzDA/OqUR2ES+lkJTYoCjPHenyjsNikNtKHadFDdFzRZBYjleEv8shkUjJ7Y5p2CxZF6BEQuFbGVwKlxFYrtdNIMybW+XtwaajYdh0bJI+ARn+E+9VcZN5gRmUgO31ouBXF5dTXIUr5cS8YHJqugiyt1ex73jnlTYOI8cGoHoJFe6nuz5i7G5b5QDTshCzXs8wQSJIWHUjoKQyYeW9sBEzGTrjPSncCt5UptlVlZiWIIBxzT5gITphjuti2qqHAyXbqa0VQC7/AGLYRlZZEUA8ZDcUvbzvYRA2jafMiNHvafecbZR0HtVqvJBcSXS0Cqi3m4sQCojzz9af1kBbXQ9R890ULJz03YArX61FICveaXqUcvl/Ym3jkkLuH51oq8H1ArTWr2jmSRGG5O46GqVRPqBHIzLapxh2Y5H4VamhWKVs5W8VSz5z3GMZqvaILElxEzhiRjGcZpKSEkRiGR0idjjJAOR1pjLgYF2QDhOh7U7iHLFuf5j93kYPWgZFdkfZthztz+NK4BGWeCNV7YHIobsAt6HDRlMjLYPGadxIs+aEeKPG4n5QQuOtDYx85EBMW7nHpzSuBFAyLIPlwfpRcTIr1GMG1SMHt34p3BEgc7EIDbsY69KLjIJGXAAbo+Tx2ptgSOwYqBgjIPFICe3lIkj+VWAbrQSyxbPEt68jIq8cDsM04gUbyUxTGRCyFnJGO9Nghz7ggaQnPqOxqGUi3JFGljHG2PMZt+T3qoiZA7LCFZBgnqKsQkNxGsbxvgOVyMVLQ0Wo5EttJhy27OWI9M1PQZSly+Gyee3agCREEdtzjPc+1AmIvOITxH97PoaBD4DtkY7yQpI5780AKsqgTx8/dyBnvmgY7SbRIjLfTSYIXEYAzzQO5GuZpXHAwMhiKBEEwBjCjj0poLE4gdYyjoRtAI3ChsQxp2ijcCRgWHb0pDG2CGc7NxwT1oQMs3Fm32ll3ZVTyTVXERXCqnlooDblzx6UmA6NRHHkYC8daQiSVV2ENyTzwe1AFeXaihhuO3sKqwyC9DLbqAFOXyOOetICxKfLCbtxLrg560NgVI491wrn5ivQZpFFsW4c+aCAx6KaBIXa7quGw3PANJgyJDwiyDcUHQ85oEJwLcswIYtkAdqYCzP5UKybgD069aaAeo5Y45I5zUtAWLZ8zIxIPlIT830oSEZcjtcXCqoA56nk0xmoMmQyNhVReRQBX3vM3nSEf7IUYxSAlgdIzI+zJKHk880WAjaT5EiKk7qAI4JAYtu3bt4IFCAem2SOR1PH160wGoGVHZm4YDAXrQAkeySDfvGQMbe9J6gRy5d49jEADn5elMokmyUZkDL1bFJC6jxtNojdCRhiT3qguRWqvFbyRs2PNPUdaOgMVl2KkbMcdjSEPQssZwNxA4FADXZyuWyTnBGKBojTMpR5Adin7o4yKQFqL96/l7fkB4B7UWEEkivKYo2KsOgpgQxcRuuBvYYIJ5IoAksQ7P8AvOGToetAiRyDL8u4E57UDGFHmZHSTYVbkr1pMaOm8IXlpJetBqJeZQCYw33ciuerC6Hoih4suoZNUnmhB2nOBjgc0qUGkU2ZMWwN+9l2RkZPuMVs1oI7Pwt4g0pbeKxhiMVuGACnGXb3NYVIu5LMPxxMi6pOYnC4xgKeAPatKegzJt33R5BAUDJOetbJCYumpE9wbhzgg/KKGwsWLpmdZGztYtnBHWoQ0irMkjQiNNoUcux61aAWz8yG5AWXhkO4g9R6UCJLsu4VvQ5HpSHcp28Zh1NVwckdugzVCJ9RkEAkXBG/PfigZHpLmSF8gErwAaZJLaMFmJAOQDjB70mBDJaReZvuX2qegHJzQO5d1GCJdOijtyWZx1xyvtUSYI7nTPCHh638Prc33m3Ugi8wjd8ucdK5J1nflLSMm78OWd5psd5p223AXewByNuR39auM2IoQnQ475kuRdyzqpB8sgIK2TuJmTMIpLkiCEiMnoTkge9MEinD5oh8kDHJLE96LAyX7VKJ1VJTlUAQ5zjr0p8pKJ7DMl5GzOVJYFie9NJIbIEzPrrbUUjGefSndB0GzXUtsGkhbbJnhgTUyVxWudP4M17Ur6aK2i3MyJmR3YnPJPFc9aGgnBHodr5sziCYBwQGJUg4J9fzrgehrCkmXI7VEbyQ+HBJG3+WahyOmNNIs2/7i3Eo8yNSd3+fWouaJD2uJIg7HfjIPPRwRSAbPMZ5SQSGZcgde/P9KDlqSdyCJUbaTIuwnJxVo5mmyTY0pJKMqD+LODSuNU2JLaeamNoQuuCCD0p31F7Jku8Ruiqcjkkc/nTuPYovIAZiduQQuT0J7/zp7kSmzU8LXAt9dtbp1TMGWAxyDjqKpIiMncdqt5JNrDM5bc4LEuM5Hpmm0dHMV5F3p5oO47Qy4PGTU2LUrEDMfs6Ow8peT0J+oFKw3UQ6MxvmNVjcFcHjt70krC57kV5aQC2SLyyCDvwOeKZVrkF7FK9m6GI5lj2ICeAauEkZSVmedt4G1QObi6uYI4du4bX3lvbHrXfGorBzHNXEcsQkV42Bb7u8Y6VtGdwsmVrWwvdU1aG0tk3SvxhGxiqlOyBuyO48KeDprfUZb/UVRXhBCJ1+bsa46la5nKaZq+NmdIoosbi5JkYjd9BWdLVhE4G882eeCBidjSBsZ711zSUS2up7PpKslnDEyMz7R346D/P4Vw1GuhzrctJIqswZlIYYK7e/sayLuM81VlWON/nx0PPbimaIq61EJNMvN23fJGQMg5H/ANerhuCPFbgSRP8AZ3jcSKoIGDXcpKxoy7M774I3iWJggBwpB9jTugETT7jUr6Kwgw6vIA7n0qpNRQmz1mwsltrKG2eRdyKAF3dMenpXnSd2ZJWMbxNoP9shI5JXTbjG0A8960hPlL5ji/FOlWGkSW9jZO7hl3SPIuDXTGVx3MMFAqop4B4I71shDXk/eDljnrx1p3A6C00e2in8wWfmHPEhHINeFKo2a3Ney02xguFMly0W4by5Oeay55PoBJcL4ZLl4p7y+uHYbvkIHHXFHNN6CaLqTaQ4jVLCYlWAUGQD65qGpJ7iIbrWreFvlt44VAKsxOaFBsVmLbatc3ALLaIqnkM3U0nBITFe+uzG4j8qM5w3GSeKiyFcZYXBgcubkeYVJ3MB09x+NFh3NKbUImhDvKpAPB6f55xS5WFzOu7y3AUzOWjOeFHc+vtWiTJEs9XggTyYrRwAOc8gmlKDZSJZtWBG37LEpYDDfhg/yqPZ2KK7NJKFy+FbkALTSsQRSGaJllUKdp4PeqtcRRuS8yMG+XjrmrVkMqORDGVbJAHOTWlrjRCqIyGSJTkjIHWqvYtDjdRWsZDRncw5A6UuW4CW12GlDGNjnJOTT5bCLMczHYF3LGMc7s4FKyGOmd5GxbkMBxweMf1pILkKxybTKRtbJHUc1Q7lhLaUxjzSCpU4JPA+tSxFm3iMcePMIVORx1rNsQ9AIvl3r9SOaW4F2KIvH8zhUzu4PNIQ3MmSytkK+V3Hp70hjLi6kgRT5/l4GeDVKNxFK+1e7aHKXihAQTsbPFaxh5BYzn8Qx2+U+2tkHIIPJz1q/ZN9BpMrXXijzDmG63Rxryzcnd1q1RRVjMHiPVLlyyXErMoIRgfu1aoxCyIbabU5JhPNfSLnJyrHNXyxWwzSOr6hbrsttVvI2JPPmE5/OpcbklhPE2oMEglupJSOOODWbox3Eb2na4JIFDlQo4IIGRzWM6dgZvWGsWkoxDd7HAxtYgCsJU3uNMuXF1MwUp5BwOApBye1TGLW5fMjP1zWLgQLNLBbPJGMYXA+hwK1SV9xORkW/iWaAMlxYQTxsQw+chh2xmtORPqK5rXPjPwu7oH8MSWyiJY3Hnbg7etVyS6MOY5XxLJ4c1KYeTpS2Snlmjbk1pF1F1JuYEem6YGZY4GbJGGc1o6sguTS6faqRIYEAz6Ype1YJkLW8L/KgTHXkU/aMLk9raCRAqQkuG6Bc5+lTzjTudBoXgDX/EEyJbaK0cMpyZpI8KB9a1jJlHp0nwa8OwRpd3MyaWtpCGfY+XmcDoM9K3i2xppM9L+H+hRaro9vM1tfQqH2RxyjB2KcKSe+QOlbuSSLlZjfjAPBvg/QZ9V1HUGt78RlIYkb52Ygfw5qOYxm+iOa+Amq+BrzT7S6Gv2za1Ju3W9xN8yg5GMH8K0lVfLYuEbI9yuGVpI3iZWC8p5bZDEDp6ZNYNjOR+JXiPwR4X0c33jP7PIsgPlwNGGeVsdu9S3zaESZ8mal8RItT167u4tAgs7OaXdBGv8ACo4GRXPOj1uTyliy1WC8tjItwFbJIXGMc1586bTB6DZr6ESlt5YnDHHqKFFkXIhrjQyFEid0yTgJ6j1qvZXGJb6tOYWR7Z2OOuMDFTKnZ7ksWTUB8wMeNvOQM8mpVMCpPqEysMBircnjrxWqpgJ9svFUYBYnqMe1PkQyG71Cfd5eWDEdfSmoICtdSksybmKj72T3rRILFaafy0XYSO5zV27jSI0ui8jjcRgcAiiyKsBZkUYkZtw+YAdKYEkaqsfyEpnkYHNS2IsyzT3LFpJWLKAMn0qdEDGpAQQRnB/iIzilcRcVWUKQp3EEfLUsdhRDJLncPmPIPuKXNbUexNaWn+j7miA3DJJHam5g2Z13aReW+QwK9sY71cZMdyuLePdtV2DEZq+YBZbAGVcjdgZyR1o5kAx9PvTEZ4rWUxIwUsFyMn3p8yC5DJFPDIF6OBh/ar0GkMVVMmGjJI7+tK4MlB2kIgYYBOMVLYiT5VG+RD/jSuBaRQI3k3AFeCP/AK9St7ACqmS6nzFZuSx4FU2ImeL98UdQD/CE6EGpbAeSxKKIF3A9fUe9K40MZ4hdF2tJmjB4ERHWqe25RQ1LUZXmc2zyW8UfJV15NXFdwH7DfCN3u5GQHJC8Ur2ZJLcabYOzJ9quREqgDLYLHqafOA6LTo7a2k+wOY2IBkZiCwHI4pe01EWtGnayhRN2drE7iMmspq4i8NVZZGkiXCM3zHGC1Z8jCw+PVL5nLKwRSvylxkn24q0khi28+omdJpkt5Fzk5XPHYf59KrmXQC0DHc3G6W0t1LAtuVPyFT7VrqIZb6Fb3Fysqny23ZGY855p/WJJaDNi50LSLmKCSXToZXBxMwJAI9hThjGtxGPrvhbSyBJZrPB82GGQQo9q6Y40ZRu/Asf2Ezafq0bzn5nhfhuOw/KtY42LAyP+EZ1pLR7j7I2BgAHqcg1qsVB9RGfqGi6tHbbpLGZQfvNtJAq1iKfcZGmnajE0K/ZbggjnbGTTlVi+otB1zBLDIRNBKjITlSpGaSqoZHAzG5RWRtwyxGDxV86AfenNzGdhyxwTtp867iQ25YxSYEbHd320udDsOjYPKV2FmQck0c6Ab56xsqD7xGSuOnJqlJAIkSu6jO3dyAe31o5kKw/7O7yhVDAmhO4tR8ajd5SNhlBJFWIgkZxc4zuAHJ7CmnYZGxJC8ZI5yaQyQy+YrAEHBFAiLU3AMLgEDGKadgsTSsu+P5QpwDg96q6CxCql9R2EYI6Y9KTYF28A8nycnAHIK1LBEE58pk2sNmAAMUhjpvvAYzu6g00IUqBEZD90d6YhzDahDEBmwcGpYCnC3JV9hGAQV+lA0NuZM24j3bfm556UwJ4VYS8Ek7eTTsBFBCHnXzPmVDk5GOetIOhf1yfz5Q3AABG4Hg4oeokc5czFpmwMjGCKaKNLSF/0cMpwc4xmmhMvas+yZ2BBzgkdc1L3JM9zmVWzyox9KYyBpd9uYx8xLgEnuPakOxZnJEqxqCAABgU2KwyeKWO2YgE7sfL3obGTpaj7NCqkmTGW9BUsdhL4RiUMWIVcEse5xTAg02FXYzSvthLFRjr0oAdJLG7tGjNleg9qQrBCGi80YOMYB9KYMaBnCxhmOOuKGITYGIAPHc5pXAWW3QspYl06hR1oHYUZwpdjkgkH0o1ENUGOJp0bBwF/A0bDI9JjDXshVfMO0/gfWi4MszxFN0a5JbH/ANejcRHKxijkUYGB8oNMYwO4MWQeRls+lAEw9W+gpBYrxZQsWZWkblgOwNAWIk3neIgdv06c0wLAJb5B1AwaAYQ7I3EWDnuPQUCHNtTaM8H1oC4sy7trq7DK4xjqKAGwLutW2EeWGIwTzmmDIZ5G8sMequKQyxcIwEaqwYkjk0xCMChO44AGD70AVJ5m+04UkhsYz6UDLbMkMUcbcZ7kcmhiEsmZ7puGHovXilYB4VRKzMCHAIyO9AFOxLNd5ORj73tQNmjEWWLngs5IPtQIgvLsrOkQB5Gc9qBj4Q8KIQN25ueelADi37zYshJTIz6VLVxj2+aJNx39M5OKLAxk2yeRWIConHTiiwrj7YFL2LaFADBgfSpkrhcsa15cmXjOXJ5J5BpJWGijGsqRqvlYD9CKu47E/kxQQkJjfkDdnqfalcAuJGSQQu2T0OaELVAwMkDxqDux09RTEmVbQuQdwAZeMemKAZMsnzbXOIxkk0WEQrI8moKUJzwc47U0UPvAtxcMgIVRk5x2/wD11S1Ah0GK43T4GI87QWHWlckvMDBEIFCh93LHvmkBRmSS5u0jV9oY5bJ7UirGo6x/cjYbEGfmPJqZAjrtV12zXwktvbTJvkQLtxz/AJ5/SuZ0ryuNM5611G4trEWcjFYGGdq9W71tyAUXnLB3iVVA+8O5qo7AQQui/wCrkYFvp1qgYkpCoCDyc9TVWIJdO0i61m9Qw+XHFEdsjE447YrOUrIG7HVXmh2NtYidPOBt+H2r97IOD+YrGNTUI+ZycVvcRyySyI8aykAFhitea5TM+GC61G4Nlbx75GOD7VfNZB0Oqjsv+EXtLOQAM7t+9IbqDkcYrnlPmBHoK61penQWgYx2yXEALeYeW5HH51yyp3N4uxp2OqWV3Zm5syWRMMxA5Yg8gVhOFjfm0JpJmPCozYGVAPGKwSYuYke/gjVIbsbCw4ctkHtgVoqcg5kVry8t7ECd5Nq7m2ZPQcU1TkzNpMhTVLFoPNaYGH1GAc57Vp7KRk7Inttc0ue6MNuxJ2EtuOBxzSdKQnNIV7xWuJFZwodtyDOaXI0YyqgXkVmjOcYxkH7vv+NFrGcp3ImcNHglGcrjdjg+/wBetC0M7klm32d1dmUjcGOT29BVplRZpSD7ddGdIgmO26tN0apnJ6vr0NijorbvLIUjOec01TuDZSuNbN1bwn7QwXn5Vb3p+yIdzc0+dZIPkk+bb0x1P+cVk4tEqTTLbOfJLJKGbjOeMDpzUWZ1QmU9M1OC8eSNzETE5UgHJq1TZM5GVDrUFzevZ7ZEEbYR2wufwrVwaMp7FXV9BstUuTPco5AGFEZx701VcdzNTYnh/SNN0u4eW1t3ErEDc3OP8Kcq1xuTZ0B2rvkduVrnZKKWtacdSt1hjYxPkvkVUJ8hcZWMbQ/BdvBf/a76driaLDBT90Vc67kipTbO1jfyot0TB+cnmsE77mSEW4UoxB2YXJbHGM/5/OmkWmLo97bXPmi38t5EJU5GMehquVlokuDvjIKFmXg5HJ/+tQUiKRYSQrRRFsYJdBnHtxVKTHczNasbG5tp57qGN1iiDKDgEYHrWlOd2NM5r4Z3VpM9xAwMXlSCRPlye9aVb2Jm7Hd3eHbzfKBZh1449DXI9yLlSeWG3BkZcMqlgN2OMVpHVlHmfiOG71nXZmtfLMjIpxu4AxXXBaFJpbmB/Z9wbj7MqoWQncScY61tcCtJuSRVaHkEg/KaXMPQ6NLfU+HneOTIyQr4FeG5wZQ26jkaEpE6iQH5Q7HA/GhWKQyG1uFmV59SjiBAASHJLH8qpzVguXFskd/neaRl6k5HOevFZc5Jaj08buLTcqnLGRs9Pap52FyTfI8Sb5cyEZ+XoKVyGxrMglDMzEE5O3jNIRCGVXOxPn/LNO4Dw5kdBNtcjIG0e3ekMDApTcZCArbuTwPrTTAnhVGtpJnuYEEW7p96Tnt603uUZy3lxLL5NvYl1QAl5VIGP8mqcIrqBZuZmKgPKUOPuhenpUWQWF+0TGEES429z0P0p2RINLHJGfu525yBg4o5QIR5EeJpLZpOMkFv1xV2YyJplE7H7NsQKCoVuufrVWGRM5YNutwNoyQQTnNNaDRajMP2IFljUAZ+7g5qHe4Fe8UhUCSqct6jgfTvVRv1Eisbi4VXDTqi4O1QmCa0UUNlIzTfLifac5BPaqUUXYqpq2spOQ0kUibuSRxj6VfsoMLGtZ6xcYK3McTIMlCuRn2rGdFdCbGhJeWk4ZHZkJOQgPIrL2UluKxWOqfZ2AEh8sDknv8AlVcgWHR6ru2JbXG524KgcDn3H+cUvZgRy3+GaOeJJskqSTgLn3q1GwWMfUllkjKxCSFHwFIPBwa3g0tyrGUNKDgb5i5xwvetPaDLtlaW0VqyiMIVbIz/ABGocmwYfuhAz7Sm/IKquM0Jk3H28N1cxSfZ7Ujy1LbQecU7oLkcEEsrhSCS2enr2o5khF630maKXF3+6LcgsOo9qlzuFyzcyQ2Vwn2Mi4+XDMOg/Cs9xEIvZHlOyCRmA+ZtnFHKBajuJCBGjygD5sA9TUuIrkoVQm7fj5fm7n86n0EQTLbI5YzEgKNiqOlUuYsrXZMfOGZ8ZUFetVEBiJNMg3qpOOSRyKLoWhbs7G4k24AJxknpiodQTZINPVpds0xIwMDPIqfaaCuWoobOIfMrfJ1yOvpU80mwuxt9rc2kXqJDbhi6fK2cY6V0UqfMwWppeGfHmpXckllfeIptOgjiZomK5+bPQYx16ZrraUFoNrQ2dT8c2tzrlm/9nxz2jLtmcyMWk46hT3qYVO4I918FXPi6+8MW2o6N4g0hXZD5VncKCUB4BODnNaTlfY1TufMXxK8OfEjU/HOpP4hs9Q1K6ikwZliJiVO23sBSU0hpJGHb+F9WVWVIlilHCsz4Kt7+lQ6y7hzo9a+F2tat4Wa60XXvHNrBbpCs0TRBpTuPYN2NRKumtCJS7HBeKvtnibXJ9a1e+udTkZvkMz/Koz2FYuuyOYZ9kjSQMqRLsz/D/Lms5VmxczFZEByJgpztPyjms7sVxBEm87WG1eDjvRcBGVQhKOw7DNILjYrsxIFMYIXPK9/8arlvqBHJM4f93EoYjkHrTUO5SRAJ5gQrwhVU+mCR61VkOxOt+WheP5lC87gtTyhYgeSMjKzoSBgMRya0SHZCMIVtUkKyNu6jGMH8aE9QsVFjkmmz5flxBejHJNVsMmFoQCyqdg6sec59KXOIcIlV4iC4Y/ez6e1TzgW1tHBLNt2AdjUuQrjvszbQIE8xgemKV11FctW9lcSeYdvl7BlhkDFS5IBLGa3t7spsa4ds57AHHrTkna4y9aSyxFp3SFC3AB5K8dazeoAl7GybcSllYKSO49hRysCteavI0odbAYjyoL4z14q1BdxkbankDFlCTnJAGCR+VVyruBA9/sRwbLah/hz79M1ajoBtaPeoNPntVVUhuhjEpO2Nux+tZyTuJlG00xDerOLyN9hyFZNwYj19qr2l1aw72LniPUYNamtnuW061ECbClrAEBxxk9z0qVKSFdswpLrS1YxxS+YcYJCfpmrtJoZaZLKQ7rlhEgUbBt5Y0rtbASvJpQSK0gaS8lc5MaRfN9KaUmBDctFYSG3uNGu1nDcW+zDfjT5X3HY6vR/COt6pY/2o1va2sTJvVJJQrqASMY9eKOURowfDzV5LGxvZltUhumZURpMOACeent+tS4MtI5XWdKkgupo4Z0RkbAiDE57ZBpbbgyjJpEv2sPJE0oY8/wD66pVGBLPot9bqN9hdRqx5zGRgUczJGQaPqFxMFjtpSEbnjt70nURLZJDp84aUzxBcsUABx071LqLoFzb8Nad4W8i7fxBcXUYVCYhB3b370c0mDMo2lkZgqXLdcAZx/k0vesK4+K401JGPzFASFwcGoaYXNO3v9LSL/j0lYD7uW5P09v8A69Q4yFciuNVt1jxJC0aHG1VXknNNRYXJU8RwxEx29sryKo2sc5/Km6bY7hF4iv7qVvI02SUjBJhjL4X1OOlJUUK5BLqUkzpLKiEA5IIwKrksFzRg12N5C72cCOUOPLOPpUuD7hce3iEvcKVtFyuGIPQ0vZsLlmfxc72DLJDGitwQIyTT9nILkC+LbjzgBNJFHxkiMD8BTSkhEdl4hkR3a5xcBiSWuYwWq7y6DuWI7qzuLYyyRW7MxwAI1Bxz046VDnPuO4moRW9wF2xRMW5UGEAKOnbvS9rLqK5BJp00yKBa295tAGyNPmWqVZrqUmOh0uKCHbL4ZaZnO7JhI5/3sVX1iXcDKTw8wkeU6JEGX5gjIehq/rUl1Grkd34UWS2YtZGPPIML7Tn05rVYwdimfCeVb7Es2/cFKuM4HfkVrHGiaMyDwVrEtx5ttdwYx8yk4Oa2WPj1FoTy+C9dZyqW8TqgJKq4zVLGRYGVc+HtSE6+fbzwInBLRnb71r9Yi+pXLoU1tAk0kZmXZuwa0VS4mivexrjkHYp/iFaKQh0jRyOsixhY+wFO4DIBv1xF3lQADyKHJBYsXsiSy70JIPBPTj1qea+wkiOUKShUhgAMjNDY7CyHgscfKOhPNWmFh1ukc0SkNlc460CHagykeYrhicZ4x9KTYWIJpQJMZTLY59sUWGKIEmd9xI46AZpiJkuoOEhBOxTu5yTxVCGLcrkrxuHXJ6VI0SRSia3Vl4UngkUAyK6CMAwjBbPdaYIZpKmSadR+72Lu5574/rTBkizvJciLygUHJc1K1EKwRWeVGHB45zxTGhmk28DTu0oZyGwqn19aVyiwCkdwySocspKY6g+9AmJbXBMTRyKGHrjpigBd/kI6gfOwzwaQFJo5LssM4i6Ag0bgTyzRxRJbqh+7k89/WnawiO1jBS6nD7WVQEHXOakbHRhzblpGBJ4+/wBKZI1ZPIG6M7T0FMBjEofmUh2PQj1pNFFu5gMMQYMuEwTg/wAvzpWGMz/ooOxyO2R+dUSVLuVkl8tBuBGNrCgZes5UtbQ+TG4kcfM2PzFDQmQLI7BpuFIbGM5NLYRDIUmvV3O+COeO9DZSJZSpY5fgDBz2FMTJSrSoAzCJRjdz2pMEJKsRUSRszORhjikUQRXCC2mtUCgnDMfU+lUT1JLXKxmTaRkDnPegBkZzM0uAzkc57UCaHySZhyQPMA+XA4+tAWIZWklWImQlT0wTQMdBGUV0aQK24sB60CY9kjFsWxwDktmgBLl0ktUmRX3D7uD3zRcBl2+2JQyDHGTnBNADLWIzTrK6/IowKaHctXA34Z/uggDOcj/61DEQJcPvklGAemPWkA8JI21jtAfI27ulJsqw1lEUxYZxKewpkkskhKFQCVXge1AEcv8AqwzDOfbpQA64kfdFHlVjI79T70ASpsSXyiuP4jnv+NSFyvbuqNJI7eYx6KT0qgFl37ECDjGDQBPC6JKxJydg78CkACQsgOB1xx1xUtAPjugmVUFQhyD35qWh3JUnDAssgBDEjC0JMa0K+osuBKdzyA9xznvVJDY6OaR4oyTzjHTFNkDDkh44x8xOMgY5pF2ILjc1yI43DYGHPbNNCsPaVkUbCoLEL16Yo2BEstt5EwLFCWGRzRcdi2t+TbRWW1YkiORtXGSfU0XIsULmeV5EVcDtkc0rlJEsUDRSs3lO20EA4wKAY2FZZkEZz5jEknGCPyoEyTyZAqPJJkDAUZFA0PuJ3uAVRcoqjnPJoGCx5g39I+mcdT9aEgIRAVZpFyFTnrzVJCZnXNx5okUEjDcDFNahY2PBesrpmoZnjZlkGCemBWNWF9iJRudTqnit7pDa28JVdwwwAPTp9etc0abuVFGNqd3JeXMZubgSNkf7o/wroihkdnNa2HnOoZ5pGwTu4H5VbQ2burJpq2tu8SxNuRWBdyTnHvWHK0wRHplxpM1t52p2iXFyisibmwAADgjn1qXF3HcuWfjRoLFLK3sFDKxI2DP/ANapdG5SnYbe+MrpIRsIjIyG3MCT7CiOHsJyZz1zrc80yyG5JwP3S5Pc5/ma29mkK5Z1i8v5LdIJXYqvJBPI4pqnYLmXaXh+wy2gkIUsMAtVcpJctLu6jjEccmxApG0DA5+lS0JpFnSddvl1Mq8gXjHzHt7ZqXTTIlFM73SHnvbMTbiwbtkEnkj6dq4qkOVmLjY0o4GiKRumOOc9RUdBWFKmRCmX2KR14Pf360kikjnPFOsXVlrVstrOyxxxFpctwTXVRjzGkY3OIm1Bbu4l3uZM8nDZ/SutU7aFpFWbUpLSVAkjbWwCCAelDgDVzfg8RrBJFNtO1ITmMHgk96ydMjkLNjrrS2dzHGGRm5T5/XPaodMrYy9O1Ge2upm82SOTgjpx/jWqhoN2sQQanO181w2Hyv3W4JNNxCS0Ou0/XYPsi3DoiScAxh+v+PFctSk2YuNjorULcWq3CgbmG7I7DPf/AD2rB+7uZvcXyhI+3eeo2kHrSuNFmFR5bybskLjPcfQ0DJIJdqZcb88txkD15pARvdLsDbPlU/wnt35qoq7BHIv4ljT+1Y0mzzmPIztGQOvSutUzRRMrwrry2uuus8zeUzqTz1Oeap0tCmtD0u2uopkYRKWOwtgYwR61zSjZgiIOjyM5feVODluR6fjUg2YPjm7ntNCcrGpjkcJuY84wc9B2/rWtFaijqzz3wvrcWia0bq43NA0RBCN+VdU6dxzjc7HQfFkN9cXPnyR2iuQIhI+cjp+dc86PYhpxMjx1qMn25IInygUqCMjgdOK0pQ7lw1Rzmm3gstQ3liw27RuJrew2iOyudt1uDOwdtzDr0PenYVjv7HVY59Ge8FnbuFYKGMQDdQOneuaV+YizMVIxcowm3OynCq5NeM5djpsPS3AnA+ydFHHJH+NK4NMQ2k0xZhCUVOSCOPwouFhypLs2vCGQN1z/ACNLcTJ4WlnUiJiTjgkZOKl2RLG/Z3jkJfeyqcgE9vxp3uKxK8CMoeTBTHAL80tRpELSadEAwgLMGG4bwB9Kq0mIgnuomLNBYsHBzweBVKL6gQ20lxO7yG3YLwoXcST9abSRViQwXC/JIqW3qCwPP05outxjV3Rkm4mZt3VsdcccAD/OKfyAmt4x5IYsSu4YY4BPXqKlgyIW6C6Zl2knkE+n8qaZJWuZhtLMu5sfKveqihoZbSwC3zIiq5AGSx3GqsxkbX8ETHyVDFhtO7tT5WAw3cQJ3sBjkheapRArXd0z2exFjEjDIMucU1C7Az7dQl15zOsuRggDAFaNAWJ7pi+2OFgB2H8qSQzJu7uRp8GKRATjB78VoolEYE0Z+dXfglSasCdJiib2mDYHTspqWrgTW11I0SuG3yNwWAqXEC0G4IlCuzL/ABc1FhMYrvH88aqmOBt4oBMt2yLLtO0bScENUsYl0xSMQMC0RHbkZ/pTQMrHd5gChgxAwgHamLQV4irrxk4yQR0oESJGCCAo6ZIOMfhxRcByQXLMsoXYmCM4x1pOaEXYo1skRA7gkj7nYVLkJsXUpZridpCZJNpKKZJMkAccUk7E3GJBHGoI+Q8ngfe+tDkAx47jDAJgEjAGOaOZASRKyRJuXa2ec9KVwQ1Iyi4RwQT0xnP5Uh2FMLSvtXlVA7dOKaaHcU2pz5hYgqMcdaFKwrl23hiGBIc8Yzis5MlkhhDjeiqg9dvX61DkFxQkYkEa4YAckdqEIrSKFlKqFwfUZ6cVaYytqFu08P7wYXgIufzrWNRrYaKMej2YVmFuSQvck1o6ztqDZehsbZADEoHy5GDj9Kz9sw5jsPAPj3X/AAX576XYaffpNgFbuNmK46bSGFaKsUpG5efGPx1Mjw79JtY5Mkxw2pxz16k1Ep3JbbOQvtdu7pWE0sabzlvKULnPXpWHKNIyXSL5iTgHjJbr3xVq4iRZ98hPnRD5QQqjtSsgsMkAZtzOPm5yccU9gsRraLGfvO7E5yD0ouFh80bu5MeX46k80JjSKscN0MupZiPYfLVXQ7IaWlaRUlQhAcuQACaaSAqqnnROpicMT8rByCVH0rR6DL9tboGWWRPlC4GXJzUNsLhc7LRJJXuVUoOQDuyp9BQrjKxudPuXBhc8AHd5eDmnytBY0LeImKLypjnqcOc/SobYDxpYeISLdFUBwdrY5/rUOb2sBetrW3+ZJH3tj5vcDp1rNyYhZ4bULkYJDcYTkflU8zAc8MEhOyPlSBuYYB9uad2SyAi4aTYIG2qfmIP3T3qtLBYrzRPLdEtFLLlcYQEgYqk7IaQ1Uk8xooYBGWGMBeetPmTGWxauGZ5LlkyvIBx0qebsBQkniVfkLupbg45/+vVq4iCdo5NjI0iMrcgNVJMY8zhQC8j5ThQTyabWoxYpGdwRvyG+YFs4pMLmgCSVKHHOBkcflUXES2mnQyzO92J2QLkLGcZNTKXYV7EENmsjH5RGBnA3ZwO340+ZpBcnWwjMZRZGjjwCcGjmGmU1023F2shLSbjt+fn/APV+VWpyC5vW/iAaTPnS9Ds7cHhpiDJIeO3TFG+4ifTvFCSWrC9sPtGou4LXWwByo7Buo4qnboJlnRfElvpUUFxpVtDDdy3LtNJNGJCFBPQ/lSU7Bc6Dw14u1a5j1YalqVvLHJt+zecFUKN2W2jtxVOoPm0Gane+G7jWbTVVtdNia1wrkEP52eCT09anm6CUiw/jLwbpd9cS2/hixvjAivBuCqS+M9ccc0RSQ+exV+IPjrQPEnhBFtYm03WpGJZAQVQ56ZGOKbafQTmedNq99dWSxanqJmbH3ggx+f5VDir6Im5PpeqR6Xe/aNsEzYUeXMu9M9+PypSjcDdk8c2DJJ9r8JeGLk9U/wBDAP4nNCg+4GDresW19fNPa6XZacD1htkwBTUAMz+0DCSkiyfMOPmzyafKAyK8jCY8lW4wcjkGk4jZbF4NymRchV4XPQ/jU8mpJUS+WS43NH06ZGB+lacmgzf0jxh4h0yxmtNNuYYraXiTbCC351Dpq4GPFeXTFlEjDd95iB/OnZDKjT3TEgzsVQbVAPXn1p2QWHtdXUmA07HHTPrRyoBTc3LqqPcTMMYxu4/CiyCwQtOXU7/lzyG6/WjQqyLIjlMpZLho88sMD+lLQkvAvA5VrsFdoIKoRt9STmlcC1baiygpEDIzHG8HG4dfr+tS4jsX/wC3LhQYIkkXH3dr8+44rP2V9RE8Xi+9tkRd8zMOQOMAVPsEx3ZpW3jdc+VFd3aBhiVcZTHt/wDr7UvZNFXZoR+KbCXbHcXUssXHyG3wScdOOv1pezkhqRq2Or6DJYNBNM8M2cgrJg+3B60rNdCrplOWfQpQBHq0yknDnKnaPXGOalc19RNIpQ6jpkE832TV4LhkO07omU5Hv9KvXsSWbi7vDCI7XW9LaF0ORNEGI5+6P1q41LGpRm0u1uXM95YaXdKV2AeWVXf68H2rRYmSJMufwXpl15pudLVI1U7BZThVHHcHJ+lbRx0hOxnp8Oo5II2Lyx25fiOS6UsB6nA4rb6+yWyGHwlZWN6ZLrTlnDHaqNcAjAHXI5pPGtiI7zwzo7j7UbK7tBtLfupgQOw4PbjNa08X3AWy8DG4lto47zy45FLFpE3MfpWrxUVuMwtY8N6pBezIkazKj+WrLxurWGIixmXBp9/Z28iTReT5T7c7up+lae1TEF3aG0VImba7fM3OcZ5x+tUpXEzKhdp9QZl+bHy4PStE7gXz8gSNQQScNx0zTuSMkCx3OYyFIG0kdSfWhARopETLKZGfefmxkEfhTC4nmyZWNgFVemDSGPlZnAUE8n5cUh2E0uFY2uunzrgE+tNMTGWr4WYgfPnHrxQA+4klWyjLIBz25pgiCyu/Ln3Ek5bJyPWkyjQu9wlRmJy4+XJzxQIq2SyI8zs4VSTgDFAEdxJ+7WYBg3rntSAfYuojYlSQOmOaYETs092UCtyB09PwouFh07rHGsK7gSefX/PFIB10gVlG4jcuBxTJGzh/tATYvBwTQBFLG8t2AgxhsDPpQM2JJQIlhBU5GOmKTGijcu6hI8qQoyMdqBiW6STXcTgqVDbiaExMdIWaVWD88/LRcViBDK2pIig+Wx4Un86Vx2J7woLwxR5YNwD1PHpTYLYZNtWYRELwNxx7UCWogZixcDg8cnmgaJIIWZJGjbjgFj/nmkMbGkUbuEYMFALMeM0XAVESaMhWCb/m5GeaLisTpBBBAx8wyMwwxI/lTTBkCENGoAHTgY7UwFh2IUBAUjoM4FADo2T7SVccn86TEQTAeYiozfK3PuKQ0h8SKCcL8obK8dadxMbcNkHzCSNv1ouCG2KlZJVOcJ1yfamDBJ/Nff2A4wKBCPmZZIohlsZ47e9AySzAZED9cgHtSYx+olnijMRBGeOaLiSEWMLHIm4nLZzmmIdGRLCIs4yS24HtQMZcP5txBIekYxx3FAWJNrMiSZOHycdsUrBYz43ckn5wpbBA/nTCxbndvKA5x0yaNRCoC6IoDMW4wOM0DHx/ubkwkdOcE9KTEMi4uMghQWAJDYGKVgGgbQz+WWXcSpzj8aNinqPkZBbF5D8wYZJJIxTEiS3yShVuCueKBFm0VfNkMoUDBBx15FKw7sr3ey2kCxJkBsAcZ607ILkQKRzqZE68kECpkhpGvZWls0R1GYtknbHGwJ6f/rqLgR36xRqf3eDu4GPy7UJjIvLs4kVrhyZOCArYx7GncQSBfLR5HAXnGWNNajK8MwSVnVmKk/KAe1NoTRIiNdMCqEFByADimMbIzIW+RcMAAe9AMSPY7eWScdfegSJVOROshJ3fLwKaEzLNvHukPzEYznGDmmtGMr6bEJb7hcBOu7pTluBvnyo2Qo4O4ZIGeDWbXYZHOX8lvLkUfLzQgIrYbpCxdjxnA4piY+4eVpVCEIoHQEkVLRNxZXl2L8zAYOMilYpMgim2QKoLM4bJJySKaWoDWUy3TLtK4HJaqsMdAFZkukKkIeM0WAlNxJcTS73JIPzHrRuARqCAhIAPcnBoJZcYxx23JBYocDHA/GoYIpWchZX2DGFzuzg0dBF7StYvLeGO7W5k8xXwF3fLtHaolTTVyXG50F74qfVNdtZnnEVtFCPNHRRjd0x1NZumkhcqSO00y8trq1hnWAhCAVKqOeep5rjktSDzrxZP5mvXpjLMm/AHT8K7sOrI2jsc7p26O5nXcFbPrXTcog1QAzxkkA7uwoYjTjgka2DY8wAZIxwKVhEujXMYW4WSCRi6FUIz8nv19qhiaY0ORISF68Ann+tAyq8873SGNdwIwcjGMU0PdEjTSJIQPm24OD1/KhiPQ/AOrLLafZrqWMbeQCcccdzXJWgYzidRZJHcswW5ARSf3uc7OD0rksJRLIjj80R+cpD8Bw4xj6dKB2RXkTDPuChs/d79eenXmgGjN8RyPa2UxCjZsIyR3P41pT+IIrU8mDymdzIzr8+W7d+K74pm4k1xJ50jMqkhhtB5rQEjpdN8UTWOzfaRMVXYGV8EDFYOmmybE1p4nlyiRkpyTJhvftSdITiP8Z6pJfaVbiG1kDO5LAEsx+v5VMIOLCCszirfSr3UL5IktWjXeCXYFQo981tctysb/wDwjr6XqQnuby2k8ps7Yz/WluRfmKGpzvP+/mbncRu6E1UVYpaFa0hQSGSTG4HjjNWkBDLuEjgtn26CkA62nvPs0wjk2wRKGKBuCSwHNQ2roNDvZ9ZWe4MjWseT+HH0r5xU2jVsaurJPMwZFTAA+UcUcgrkIvI/trebO/2YrhlByD+FPl0C42bUoInYQLI8Q6BlwPahQfUkBrE3kqLaEgAcnGMDvSdMCtc3Nw1wCkckrOdpwM1aSsFgfTZ3TzHmkhZskJx+VCkhka6fGif6TcHnjaOSfqarn8iWPikWI7REzJ93k9aW4aluLUpYU8uIRoGIJyvNLlT3C5FO4mdpJVLMTknbyKaT6DSI5rny13J5ciAEDcMsDx/n8apRbHYy5tQLLxHsAbG4rWnsgaILy/DTJiV8+3AqlCwWIWuCXGNpKdzzmqUQIZLg+aWaRCTwOOlUojGXlxBHCEVHd8Aq3Tmmk7gVrO6nVDFMnLHdkelNxC4mqym62ZBbHQDp9KqNhDoYxu3wqsaZ5XPU0pMZZdSwJ+4vQe9QBE8IcjJAYd8VVwKl7YySkDzCvuOKakNE0ttFFCUj/egHGSOtPnGEELI8ZcSDcM7AuKnmuJsmVdx3FcE9B3AqWxXJ4FG/adrD0/rSYDZY/KbamcH5uh60aBcmjtpJCrT4xwQc8UnJIVyylmhcBJVDqozx09qnnFcmGmwuN8jv04HAzU+0FcZEkCXCrHGQP7pNDk2guXWVGKoVOCeFUHvWakISK2mZgPJSMYIALdQO9PnAWaBMBXGWU8lOlJSfQRLm3hjYrYvMAv3WPU+tJ3YEYaZkD+V5SZyAeMHGM/rTTSGV5hMMBnVlz0HaqTAtsbMRDydkajHLHmk7juMR4ELLEUZ8YGO9KzED78BVIDFucjvQkKwjbj1XlTnOevvRbUdhrOcqqKctznd0oJaERm3hS+7I4oAa+8OVRFLZB3Z/OmmMS4Yg7WRuB95aEA1VQgne/Azt3cHt/WqYWGPPGCRkL2HHSgLELXDMYyG7fQZp2HYcGkfJLiTPUCiwWJDEsZiHkMQUyecA0FFYpNJM0bsiIT9zGaYyQW/zEnC5GAB1AocgHro9wj/OwQN8wAPb3NJzQFlLExsXmuBtU546j/61Z82ohlz5YmxAXk2rktjgVcUw1K8skaTBMfOB0XkVXKw3KM+52Yqc4PY9KpKwIW1idQ8yE7UXLEntVXvoMfNdALFFlmLx8BDznNWogircPMsjiRESLjcZAGbjsKfKVoVWlcShktmMbH6Aina4y5BIlkuBICSOEPap5UKxQivtaW8d7NGaIDaVP3apxhbULI6fT1ultlnuQisRn5W5GPWuSfL0E7GgLyMFZA6YxyM8n2rPluIgW/kmll2XEiqo4U8g0+TQQ4XrzEeWNm/iQ9OKOWwChtqRwxSuoHzbg1K1twuNmNw8bOkoQqfqaFYLlaYyTqCSVB4JFaJWEPWzkZAfJkdM4JXtS5l3HdDV09c7gpU9wT1oVQLkn9j5VNsyEDkqpwR70e0C5Zt7CzXdJHMpfGNzH8elQ5u4mxHyCwXbnjBo5hE6I0aqrPyBnAPWkAxFjlEckZ2yc7jnCinqMfLqFr5ewxknhT833qXK2Ija+tgWYQ7MH+90qlBjuVFv1lLybUHqR/OnyNBcZPqckaq4AXbhVKjnj1pqFxEP2+Z5GIbKEdNvWm4oQNKZyvykOD8ozxQlYZEyuZNshIGcjB6mruInVmTezAnjt3qQsV5VKAs2fQkdqpMYQRq8WwK+DzjsKTdxEDIyv5a7m5Iz3pqw7E8iu4LEAEY5xzSuFiOYXPlNHGw5+/xzimrFWQhhKIBI+WX5snjIougsiaCOJ1UlyFfnmpuFi1HahpWi81SMfe6/hSegrDI4Y4tqyQY5K5BOKbYWFAVV3KCA360gsQ3UZFwwVmKkZHHQVSGtBiGGKKKEKCq5O71p2Af5jtGdm3jnkZotqFhsT4OW6EbVyMUNBYPOkI3bMMpxtU8EUWQEaSXrSlnaNY1+6Fbk/Wqsgsh88txKhVUjKtz8zEGhJDSsMhE+QS6hsHaQeF4oaQFuO4u1ZS0qsAByKzaQMlLmQMxyFXOS+efpSSsSTacySXPlKQqHO99xyB2AosNkjPc2uqLJEWIGSOeOR1/SqUY2LiZeoXslvPvkvSpO4hQSTVRjdbDC11S5QjyIZN7cE7ePzolTXUDTn1a9RY0uwm9+Sq4yccVk4LoBPcXJktI4xCysc8Dn061KQcyLmi3Oo5Mczym3hUlVb1NTNRtoTcbdX9ydzoJgvAYFsZH4URsIoS3NzMr/ADOpxj7/AFrWyEyS2uoLQvFdF5FdMAqfuseQacY6gisfF+pLa3NiqxLbWybC8sYLSeg/WulU47jsVLPVrlYUmjljklZSuM8xjHb0qlBNjRUXUdZOBBqkiLIfmPanOEUNo3JrhV2JcXBuZX4bCg4xzmsVe+gkZUtxYX7SzI05lViGIAOTWym0hNEcWiTi3a4thvBwcHANaxxKTEzONrdRXgjltpNpzz17Gt1WQWK915yyINjZ3YAweK1U0xWHXs5jYEkAAgnPGapNMLFK7kxcebGysvYYyM03ZDQ6O7kjCKVGd2S3QrWLlZjLgL+VvU9epI5rRMTJrdcgkHr97AobFYZKowqnJXpz3qrhqV5dOEcbMWBzzigdx8SyNJbgqzbeWwM4FK4MsvFhpGY7Co+UHoc0XBGfdfNFsKnJ9aYEViwjgaQkDnpSk7IDQtWEP79B8xXGe/NRzDEZTtZ1yW4yetNMW4wgyzxljlQwzjtVXE1YbdsIZpJGcnd9wNRcEOjG6dCFxhefrTAmOERi3MlSykVrRXmmcF1iRuNxFJ6Ay40EdvHhJMv9ccVHNYT1K8myMq7SDduwoqk7ghkCMZfOYDaRxniqAbbjyLgYBHXBPvTCxZeJVhMmSxJwDSW4tSjcuA7AKQq1MpWKLFtJ5kIwcbeDk1KndAPkWMxFwNoHB54PWqSALBChYMwbjIx0FDaQEqx5UjuxAAqeYdiuT5crwMuHQc801MTEUjzJHYYx938atMVhUhJDXPmDIGAvqKLhfUltoR5TSMF55HvU3QMZJIpMaxbQWIHHY0mxC3yrFCM4Jx831p38xoZDD+5EksiDzRnGeeKOYLEca+Y5iGACevtVphYnKrbSsIkwzYBbPWgCGFTJfbA2EUbhk9aTHYsTwZULuIVV4CikmAyYKsabRwFxz34p3FYfCoSNGCYYcHHvTuLUiLqs/wBnUE8c570XGLhvLKK3yIOBSuFiOQAsqA7ePlpgPvJGjgJQE9vx9adxIlswyojvyCM/jSuAy/Lxyb2ILHj2o3CwkKxvBzyOvPrTExHzLHl+AMjGelSXYCBKEiyCirhs/WnYgRpF3EpnAG1RnoBQMZDOVfzMfK3BHc0wJ7hZLj96owoxkZpbDQs9lM58wOAoA4Lc1LGbcUwEJk2q0aMAuOMcc1k9wIxtuLWS+AJSM4OT1PSkgKdlY/bLl3mKgfwg9B71QEGrQyRMqnKDOAo6VpHzApwBlu2iY4OzOCelUxGzpAEVjJPnJZcZBPtxUJjGxQxm5jeVt4zkjPpziqEyGWMpfzSY2xFSoHU+1JgiBAWvmQMQBzn2poYy/LSfIgUkfLwPemLYLaL7O8hG3ew5z04oAduxCDzyPSkNi5wAinpzmkTcfEhUs5OQOARTKsNXJXcTntSFYjvJCIhkE9j7CmCG2qgqTg5J4BoCxOC6K5fkMOM07jsCvheEAHYYouFhRvHJIyzc47DihCY6S3bl+u3g5HSk0JahcSI0W0MSCAMjtRYditbBIQ25wyk9hzilYTFuJFS1MUIfCk8EdzQC1NLw65sYfNuRFIHXDIy571MkKWp3ek6v9utovsd0ML8nl9gOuAK5JwszOzucd4gO7U5TIu3exJJ9a2p6GyMGFgLmVVAwRnpW9xkOolVVZCSSCKpMk07qbZYrGhOHAO7OM9qVxFEiZXg8uZkXPOO/FQxl9FLsqAklhydtAiWeBYGEMbsxU8nHANMVypPC0t2JR8qsu1jmkM0NLvILO7gmugWgXh1Xvis5K4WO60jxZY3cp0y2tyiHkqRgba5pUjNplyXX7JfsQhQyLIxVMgYFR7JiSYg8RRJcosiuHb5Tk8UeyLaKfiPUIrjRJDaO8jEAFN2MHqMe3WqpwcXqEdNzz+6jkR/nXazYLnuRnpXemUVpk33jIH44IzSbGSXB+bOTnHXHWiwXI7QsZd3zAd2PAFFhHQaTrZtVMLSO6hegNS4kOJVv/EE9zsQ7VONrFB29/WkolRVipeag04KlmUvwT61VrFIz5BKyFt28AY254qkOxclmWKMYwfkUke+KoVipbNDJcx/aABG7gcHnrUyEdiX8M2K3OnJamSJlXzHLcscg8fiK52nzEalbG6IEuFJGCfSvENdx1xF5cUQUOxdfTHFEWOw6O0hiXDvuz82BRcRPHyAAjE7uKWoDvtIQFY7WUnIBJ4Az1p28wL0FtqN1t+zZhAP3wvH1rNuKYDb3S7gYkuZhIWOD83U+uKqL7IZQnihtItoIfnBIOcGrV2JozrzUY0hMavk5BwBmtVBgkU5dXcrtSIvjncR0q1TCxUTU72VywIUYw2KvkSKGb5YmCxzKxxlmY07FWIJdTHl7C6Fd3P1pqADDI8yEA8uewqrWAkiKhQGDZPX2qWBAYwXDEHC9PencViVkkYrhAVpXEP8AKLESFsEdABQnYAWFjwq7iTkGi4D1Q7zsG4nrzSbDQ2BoGorp637237nACtvGc+4rN1EmIpfY5ZSNvLkgYpuaQFqOxG4grkcq3txU84rjoreBehXrj6ChyYXLklvZSxsTK4Krxmo5mguQCztG3vuLAgcZ6cc0nOQXJoLOxIUxQ8qM5JpObsK4mzbGQXQ54Ax0HpSvcLkLhGbAjYlTwAOKtOxJK8CDEoBDNzz/AA5qeYB3lLtx5hDHPWi4EaLaLOCxfzBzntmi7C5O995YWSN8beOKXKBD9sXkKy+YB3PSmosCt59yrgtxztJ6D/8AXVJIdiYXM6RkJIwLZwMZxS5UIhlkkdF82SRmxj6VXKMjco6EbSrnpzRZiuKCuwl9uSRgA9qYyeGPAUFQPcNzUuXYaLLiNVUuApAJO44xUXuIYFspZQ5uzkLgBAaauug7ixC13GTzc45IzQ7k3JHuLGPZ5aMQy8lv6UkpMRUk1GOItsiRAOmT61apsZD9uDt85DoQcqOxquSxVhsji4cOFMYHRQe1Gw0hfswdBICjEjJB60uYdiJbR3uCVmjRT79DVXAXZ5IwjJIcnJXvg0bgEbsV2NIzDoAe1DQWH+XIo8yMgsvTPYUk0FhqMgQec5x/Wqt2GW/OXDZkYxbBgsfSo5QILqWEwh2YoGGMjpVRWoigJ1ihISR0yclicZ46VqlqMg+0yyxExxN15fuRV6ANh81VDMDyP4TUsALHo3AYfMM9aFuAwLIsskqBSWAVcckVpdBcaIpA+JixU8gnuaLoaG3N9Jcr5LRyqseQoReKEhhaI3lhplI2nkuOalsDUtF2oPmwGGVx6Vm2Sx6NKZhEiuVIIPHU1FkIihB85l8o7B8pHemwZeaIJ5SxDaoPzDrms76iJoHMb7VQZxnB70MTGlLmMlpFVfT6UbiILiSQOpV84Byo700kBDK0qoMsUUMCO+apJFWLX9oyxRqVnbaM8dOfes+REjRfSupdslSAcY70+VDsJ9r2KWCkMxxRy3FYjjZ0O4yYZj0p2HYuWkgjnJuEd4iQSAMHjn8qmwWI4xuudybyCSevQUxiMUjDKQzBidx9KBDJnUfvI4mdDgMe4PrQFiV5YYljIG87/mTHUU+VsditNMZZS6osaH+EVVuVDsWUa3UD7REZD3UdM1NmKw3zrRWQxw7dij5Sec07MLDJmy5kZQoY5AAxTsHKNAiBRs5APINFmFixbpFJdxlyTEW5BOMik9B2J7hrcpGFCIC20Lnk4qVcVhohdkxgKF5NAWEhtFRg27G/nmhuw0i7HFbKpR2A+QkFTuOai7HYaq2jMAZMHGSfWhqQmhkVnFMSiAOx9e1PUaRYNimwK7YA4Xjg+wpKTHYba6ZcMpjhglkbPChcnj2pt3GoXKt7Bfwhlazukb72Hj449KuNn1FylE3c7TIuzYFGSCMZzVuKQWLMMindgOc5OCD09KzE0VbhE5kjVMYGAT9c/wAqtAJatNI2GCBQclRTkgLE8c7KoSHzI2PIxUXQiOXlVj27fb6U0wIiAAfMChh6U7gI3KhkyQnGCKaGFvBI8hIKYxzu4FDYFyCJY8sqqQ3p0GKzbEPVZnJDjC53Ag0rpCJXiIXdGd2MZ29qXOSNaylYPtZgjDqTz1/+vT9ojRMk/shpWDtAWxxk9h9KftbBzE0OnPvZWik27sYIP8ql1QuTHQnvbpLiaKOMK52MWwOe1L22mgjQj0yQzSQXFxEDE3GB8tZOVibD5LGUO7seW6EHA9sfkajmGVptPuWZQqyHnJNWpoCvJptwN2UxuIAYkVoqgFee2t4QV8wSdMlh0NVGdxXKN9pouCV8pJCT82eB0/8A1Vsqlirmcuj3K5aLbE2PmIYEYrT2yQ7g+jalboscRXa3KjdnPvUuvFsdyWTTvEEC7ElgLY5I6/gaSqRC6E0zTdWtIdkNsJGJJLgZbJqnNMLohll1mJhiGRTyCCOnrQnB9QsiC91XVobj52ZN2N21BxWicXsFkWptWuVhju7ll8pXGAwHJ+lXewuUti6GqK0j21g5lTkrFjbUuq4haxOloIo5kmsraSFArJ5SfeOKaxFxHPDT7S5ma4n3WiucKgByDV85TJLW2tnkEH20fu+rOMVp7WyFYuXOg3Lwl7a5t5d3GI5Pyz6UvrK6iEn8P648ECpZFhwMpzmrWKi+oWF1bStXsY4lvNNuLcFuSYjyK0VeLHykNvdPbRy2+/EcuA2VxnHPGaaaYnEqXs/DptBwRgkcgVVxWZDGI8E4LYz+NUgKCK62RbARS+M+tZTkUkSSO7QMYzyoB6+9RcqxbglItwisckZJq0yGTQRM2dm35fmx61fMIi1Ly55VXZtGBkEd6e4WJbQMkpJG4tjbUuaQwuLaciQRwyPJkcKDU+1j1FzGjZeFtXkit5ZIVggYf8tDgn8KwqYuERNmhJ4Tmm3YvoUZRnEg4/OuaWNj2JU0QWvgq+mlxPdxyRqesfOPXip+uLoVzI27vwPZiKIJrGJPvFWjwBS+vsfMM1D4frKsa22qI5YZyF6cf4g0fX0FxrfD/WxaJEvkSLF3LgbuR2rSOPhfULnJa/omoaczRTWVxlSQx2EgVr9YjPYtGRZGVmy42JnLE8VrGSQNMt2YWeQgZCk/ga19ohWZVuLpQ8kLELtf+E45rKUxohhupllMm77vPJ6UuYYQTmS9R3+YySfM2e1CkJmukRbU8HDJtzlecVoqiRJ2HhPwONX0t77UdUWwiZ2VEEZLEDv7dazniIollhPDOiWblHuJruJGODjG7p0/GuSpinfQVyRvD2mSJhbLyiGzgn5gOwrnli5LcdxLrRI5WhmFnAEGQ4YZJ+lJYt9wTsWU8PaYluqR6UolxjIJP0PPTil9an3HchuPC9nPcQO48pYxysS8tVLGyQORJe+BdOlkN1bXskDspKxOmQOOtaxzG26GtTHf4eXaTxXNtqUExZc7QhH4VuswgMrr4W8QPHK1vZTSgcfKua1jioPqIyNQ8P65EqmbSrqIqfumM85rZYiAXNCHwv4ju50+z6FqDRYGGMRA/Oh4iHcC9d/DnxZDG90+kmIAjGZBk1DxMO47FDUfB+vWluJJ7VADxgOCfypLEw6MLFKTw/rUWoRwnTbhyyZ+Vcmr+sRCxV1HRdbsmBv9Ku4UbhdyHmqjVi+ocok/nw2cEbwyRMR0dSMAGtOZMTQ26TzbcgFQSe/rTTAbbKqw+WWVgAc89DVXJaIvLH2RupYtmkUSxMquvybSR8y0ybEE6sJFChAZGOAPSmBWuYbgTbIzvYnAA/hpDNtrOZbSNemPmcA+lDGkVLWZ8OLgFlPIqRlqCQ8QEtsI+ap5RD4JSJmtAxEIG5cfWlYCx57JMjADbjt6VSQit4jlWa4hmQd+hNNjRUW3ubzxEzW8GMnHHQ0SYdDfurWaz09LKZk3RyMSF9CBWYjKxFvCgsSDgEcVdwY+eRTuJHJ5HvRqCKNuWEjllcNyMj0qkMI1MfmNErF85Bx0oQWFLtK7NJ1wTQJ6Dvla2BGQSCDmgVxeBKqgnaaLDSJrjy1Ue5+btQMqXHmfMiA5pBceE/dBGAHGfxpk3GmZEKrjgnqTQVcWVlmGyIMCpznOaBNkt1KA6sMADgilcEyG5dg8Wxhlz82e1UAt1M4iKhm4OTg9TTEig0zSRMFBytAy7aw3BAXywUC5b6UrMTLSxZuPmAZTyBnipEMluAQ+9VTdwMHgUDsdn4F0a0S2tr0zLI7uSFzyDXNWnYhvUk8Y6DczXzXNnGGt85Yk42j3qI1DRNHF2tmC00pbLkbUTPJNdHNYZoWfgvXNVuArW/2eJG/eSSHAUYzml7VAR3unLBeCOMJMFPlB2bgn2FEZXJsZ+oobaSKFlB2NgnsM1Y7FzTwnnMDJ8oHAHWgTQrS7lkJUjcfvHvQKxUuJAbmOPA2kZwD3oCwyNgZJUK7lXgc07D1JLGZlle4jOAg6jjJ9Kmwizb3bRRoVk+cchV7UuUERNdzSKYw0iuCAAe9NRRTNrwffCC+K3SRvG8ezDHuKma00MprTQk1rUra7klhcxLt4j2jp/nmnHYpbGVNYW6RRSicSOxYlQKZW5DPGsbskpJZT2H86aYWI0ljnLPtRApCkAdaodivI6qrCNE56nHNJoVhpzGibtpJ7f1oHYUnfKI1GMDkimySdVj+zNHt5OM44oWxZWWFjHtJ+YDkUwHNaGeAmFGCQgEkeuaGhNk6gkKS24kdSKi2pJqtfxyuoEaovZfX2rw+SxSVi9e6rFPHDMI/KKrtCls5x6VCpsoqNqM3LK0aEDKhgBx71XsxDINduUkEiTp8vP+rHWn7GPUCvca5euvlvOEG7I2jk+3FWqUUA8a5eBfKWeRQB8oBxj/Gj2UbhYz7mfUGleR76UYwz5wM//Xq1Bdh2Kc+pypAoadx5khySw54q1BCE+1DzAzPtxx97rTsMZc3avmO2kfOPnKjpTUe4CWBVIlCZHUbm4JpsRIEV5eWAIyPvVI7kbQjO3au09M+tAXHxEoCnykdjmmUiUsFGFAzjGTSAUsWwCeT0AqAZMvDKmWU4wSBQQPUAk7QeB+BNICwsJaRhHuZgv8HbiocguXbW0QWv2qZMogyxLYzWcp9ES2TwwWskDqfMBbBUbv50nJ3FcWO2jj+dcheMAHg/jQ5XDmHLFlJfLkJIPIzSQXInQBRvO4ngYGcUxXBNyvhXAAGeTz9KNxigsrgbkyecY4osA9mbaTJJtjGMHp+eKQC7/Nw0c6Pt67RnP9KPkBKrJs2Bo3cjkgk4pWArw75ZX3rtAY53DGee1NiFkZg5WP5hjk9hj3/GkhFZWCXIL4K7s4B5IxWhRDKQ0yluI8/dzj+VMQjOI9xLKWHH3eaQyNneR+dwDktk9qqwE6SSRwLtGWU8ZxikAsTSzEtIg3nPQ9fwFK9gHx2xbAZkjK5wTU8whfL8llBdZAB1CdTTvcBtxqBlj2+QkXl8Eqc+w/lQojKrzednzWLLgEepx1qrW2AcHURAiMgg55wAKNQH5mVP3cZO7joMUCGyD5drlenKnBosAhFnLEnnHy++8jrVK5VitYy2tzcSQwpKGQZDYXDfrWji1uXsWfLGCQ+4gjAxUhcfHJEkbBF/ekY5PFK2oIqW806IPNhzH/e4A/Snyodi4baYoZUhKKpIOAcfWs1JdSRghccujE9QSap7DJEA3ZZWBAwecfSlcLhGPLYACNupIZsikA94beR2YyEBONo4FO4rlbUGEdsYYojI7EFFB4px1ldgmEcZZYzMAGAzgcjOKbfRDHSuZiG3KoH8KjFCQijKwACjCnPOe9WNIj+ZiG4wB1xQBLC6CQLtB9yOaAHgI0oDjcM9+OaTdhXsSCIyPypVf4dzUNhckaAmDEZbceuR96p5guPitgNitgAZPPXt+VS5XC46YQhQ7l1I+X5T1/8Ar0XHckgRYlbZKd7r3H8qTYicXOniECaacbc9EqeWTE2NLIX3JG+/GMtIOnp0p27k3ILiZym9RuPPXtTSAhivAPmeF5Gwdu09DTsOwTyISuFZQO2c/jTsMYBIWKqQV5OMUBYUmZiFyW3YyRxSGTSxRMisrhH4JA59ufSi4hIViLhYxLIQCNwHGetDGycN5jhUDAhTz1qREJkLTOMYGcZI6iqsOwOHBCkt83Ix0PrQFh8AijZmboMZJ4zSAettLMjXMaYhiYFnAJUeg/nQ3Z2GVniXziFkyuPl2g4+lWnoA1cjJLggnvVaCICfNkTapzjG4Ux3LbIPKAfzCYxyzYqNbjRTRS0hLyseflU/SqGWfPZAu0hQoBBLAmpt3An0qNb7UVS4m2DPBCd/TOKHpsJo7K88LHSI449SlWaSVTJ5dvIWJHoMCp5WwSIfDunrrxfT9M8NTeWhZjPczMrDHYdu3SrdJrUZu6b4J0TTtEv9T1vVrxYYyFVIYs4b+6GIOTnFVy2C5V8TeCtPtrfStSsYpoTeuAq3EwOAe7AdBU63FudHpQ8EW+hR2epyaTLJGrCR1fDvz14/+tUtLoO5yDWHhx/EDS6XrcNvYwjfHDKSTuB55Papd+wrnTWWu6JYRTynU7a0kkziSIIZDnAwM5AHeqjG61GmYOoapplncWV1Z6jf3SWoMs4ZRKHB681pyxA5HXNXvvEGtve2diiWpk6NGI/l7DAqHaKC5qabHFAjN9kQtGmcuSQx9O9cs5XZLdzR042IWe8bSkluJUKBQB5ag8ZGe456UnJ3sTczLjTkWZAEjVBgStkjbVc/QVxf7Oczq1s8vlrwQoJzS5+473Kl1pEs05JkCsOGGeR+tUqlhif2TbPCfNu4wygFvm/WmqtugXLdvoWmMF36ysQZcjaC2ePXFQ6s+w0Wo/DenrGwF7LIrD7yA7vrUurLsHUtp4Us2QtJet5QQ4BGN3HapdZ7D5bkI0O03hYLmR1CknK8jngcUe0dtR8gyVrOGcWzRlWBIJcZLHPHQ4o1ZLjYkE0UTlBDGTneN2c59KTiSaFv50wWRVhTjGP/ANdRewDriw1dFTzCigjIIYA+3XmnzR7jsytcaHrJihK2lzPHJGWEgccZ+pFOM433Hyskh0HUYR8kccZjXfJ+8HQ+vPB+tNzQrFcWV1K7yxlSxGGDyDjr0puSW4D2tL2LZHOZPMKfcWQfNnpx1qeZAPuLC4W1EwjaJFAUq77ice3rVKQjPv4LqOy3iEbR91if/rVaeomjLmdh/rAQCMnAxitUCImBMbbJFYgeop7DsXdNvZIz+/SJo85Q5DHA7GonFBYuidZpFIZAW6LnkeorOwmSo8TnaszBhg4BI/WmInl2MoiVlVVBIAGWPf6nvUJ2LIDHYyyOLqISZxn92Dj0q1NoBkmhaTOpSe2GOwIOF9KpVZi5ismiKMw2GzaFIY4I/nj+VV7W+4rmddeHtViQtHcFULEBI2zxj6VarRWhSMu8tbuJVWS6hL8bVK4bH+RW8alyrmd9hS4jbzxj5vvDjNXzgaOki3t4nWIuqqo3MT8p9qxlqSbWna3LE2xmBZ1yqnPyAVDiNHY6ZrOqRWnmS6mhjfkLPHkcj6ZrNyfQu4XdxpuspEdY0SC6WJ8JsXazD1O3pVKtOI0c/rXgDT727+1WUlxZREgiHBfqfb/GtFjrByoqr8Nr+CR0t7uK7uGU4V1KKPxPeumGPi0LkMfU/h14wt9KMlxpAkC5AWKRWIHrgVf1iL6j5Wc1faNrltbDzdHvIiFBOYTyPX6U1VixWILZmE8UJSRJGHQrWymu5LRvWdjqEz/uLcsAcDIIz+lQ68USSW3h2fz2a/cIp+6FBP61lLFpLQTZv2ulQW88SxWYkwg+dvmFck8S2S2btnZRi33SyxJKXwoTgjvzXJOrIkkvLdQFnNyJVyF5yD+Gaxcm9xWuFtbwtmAZWTJGzGePrSux2NO00sDF2kkcQwAVc4JzSc3sUhPsOwKbh2YBvl3LmpUhsS3tbcyxf6ckfXIHXHPFVG7JMNdaP2wJD54eJyMl+OtbezaAtT3erFVzAqxyHDMX/pmhIpMrWi2YQxvp1ncN/CHQHPH4Vq6k+4cxoxWOkS6SZZdJ0tXJ6LGc5HB6HgUlVn3C7M+Kz8GR3QeXw5DdSBWyMuq5x1571SrVO4+YivdJ0G5WKT/hErO2cjC71fDeh4NU6019oXMyaO1sLS1WFfD2mhoySD5YDH8yaz9rPuPUvjWLS1ltpJbO2tl2fdjjXgHoPeo55vqK7Hy3enTkeTIXBXAUAqPXpxUOU7aiIY4bfdlY9oyeXPT8PyqeZ9RD3ljtXJMQlAwd2Dge/TpSd2wHW1zG4XeY5Q3AUDIBqZRYncdHqUACM6GRhwcHH401FjRYTUUNwpEcMUKjA3DJJ/pQ4Mu1xI/FK200n7wuyKxYfZyFA+veqVF9ikipd+JJbhpJYpiijDBkXamT9fWqVK24NNmRDqUkkrrFdjqXIVwCD6cVryNE8pWvte1DS7QBZZzJI+AgbJOec8dK1hG/UaizQ0zxNr8lwkUF1diYJll3ZAPHT8qbgVYNY1jWLa6j/tnUmjeXHlxNCSXOR1OaapXRRWg8ZINQ8kaW1wyDLM33UHv1o+rtdQJrnx5bWqzSQLaTRysAy/MWU+3pVKkwHv8AEnQL2eG01HTTBFgbpFmJH0x2pKjOOqYF/wAb2Ola9bWtxp91FAscYBMvykDOcCiNacXZgzj/ABT4Zht47eGzmhRpGUeY0gKlj79BXVSxTb1JscteWFzZ3GbiNGIyPlbIPvmuyNVSJsNiixOU2gtjH4/1rRTBle+QwMWyQW7+9aRAgnkO6AcDbxuB61SJaGyXGycbHHXJobQ0jbhlaW2jZgWLIV9zUORaI3eRBFa+UAUGD6mhMTMy7S8uJ/ut12g84NAjS0aOSPUXinBiKRHluOSOAaANC4RIrVU3KxUZAwc4J5pgZeqRCaWDySBleR75qZKyGjfsbtdG0maF4Y1luEyrn7y8kd6hq5PUoSSTC3czyE4AOcZ7U1oNmWrDBbzOv3t3GadhPYfeALbkIdznjIz+lCYIisZWZYmclhjBGOSaq4Nk85WMkqMK4yo3EYoBMjtWRmEpUPjhsetAxL+Xy03qckdsUxWHoV8pXcsCF+TB+9SuMqXE/nJtC8+9AE1qx8rc68nq2en60ECB5PMEZ2heTnNNFWK8yl7m3cLtj3cjFMC28RUmZF++cA1LYiOKMyM87bsLwBQkPYddOXh3BUUgZOT0pjK8m9raNscsfXijmQrENlBPuKtGwQvy3ai47GlHHOs6um7Zt/WlcTQyG4/ehW+Tk54p2uSQ3hTBwVJPoc4p2Kub+ieMV0bRUtLe0aS5Q5SRmG0evGKwnS5yeS7Oz8CXOqeJLa4m1OUJE7gbUQhSPSuOtamHK7mpb+AtLhvhdwNcM4G5Q3Kr9OmKyeJ0NFFm7/Zsjs9ss6sJI9rHeCACB0I61i6l3c2jSuYt54K0qw2XVmZ3kjmBAyGGSOv55q1iXct0jBvfh9F5k+p6nrDBVUyCMR4DE9Mn0z3rop4m7sQ6VjkjPZyzCO3JGOGKHPfrwK7U7mMkUwyGMqC2NzfMVxwPWmSIIRNOpDMIwhOTgZpoEVbRHFxPnaoHYt1qhsVmXYBHtBzjAPekhWJYcq8aSbGwct70x2IFklkl3GNE54y2KBWHJJJ5YkHQDqvrUsLEsqyMytGA+BycUkG4nmzRbZwxGwY2kde3FAIZIzeSWkyxfOcdaaQ7C2tvI1rJMg2DOOuelWAx4C0oVCcgZbApMBsrCMBGwT3JpIBJyyIDlCxGfl5/WqsKxLC/VgPMZe3TmkFgtZFbc+4DOT7imGoCciD90ZBGeGIphYbnBA3nkc+1KwyxDDIGBLcvjcSxrxmN6F6RQjZO1scLluBUagUboO8u7cN2Rg9SOKtbANR2AXLkENzlcg0wsQ/u2bfu+YHnigaQkzsJNsmc44BHaqSCxTu76FFMSuSf4h2FWohYzjciSVCFZtx71dh2LMvlmZY/J3uQTSAt2yyCH5YlDlcHAqWSFpE6s5YncTzuNJsRZXaGJI3E8VLYEUm7cSpxt64FFwBVJXaMLjnFFwHxIzSHG4dOtJspFqJVUAlSSCcnNTcGx6xtcEbQy46N6mpckiS/a6ess2JvkQITncMdKh1CWy9ELeG23BlChSMnqRUatiTKqvPuk86VmiCnZgDBFWwZJbyRZKzBmGOv/wCqoaYh4mjICK659GGOB/8Aro5QsNmnkEaIQnHOABzTSAha6kZ8BCV9ePyp2CxEJGYhsk84yOaNhpEq8bzu5z2pMbROYVYKqhXbHrgA+1JNoQ9Y9sUaSAxxnOSnUGpbAmmazhmfywxB4UsetJXe4ihduTGVILDPAzVpCIsOEIOdp4IHNOw7CJFHEmVj+boARjg1QWESCAR7GXJLYOTmgLErQgtnCjHUkA0hkThV2jerLj+BQCPaqAbFceWCqqCAxByMdelFgJVeVjuVpVI7b/8APFKwhjuygouN7D5vm/WiyHYYTIE+buPuk07CIXTA27tp4+tNDQ6IFCQwzn+XahgOZkMTbWb2280W1GkRSz+XEQTz6jt+NPlHykCXQK4GcYzyKvlHZEd3cL5eNqFCuNgP86aQEWnpbJJuKJHJg9FyabHcvRztsEcm1gecbcGpsFivORJMAGdNp7UDRcto4drliYl3Z3hM1Lv0GySfUT9maziumaIyEsOzH6UlDuQPW6ggtNsqxh9uQw69aOS7ugGwXU08O0lAN/3gvzAUOKQAw+8ynaex/wA9KkLk1tHEYi0mW55PXFJoBzxIsjCRky2NvHNJXFYrvLEZCqbvl68dK0SGitNIrOAsZGTjJPFUBE/8IDBBznHc0wJA2GwW9x+VADM4JZhuyfl9aAHQEmRcuQytxmpbE2WYlm3ZTPPqOalsm4oknUYVjgDnNSAsO8MSoBLd8HJNAx5O1gqkhgMe1AxZEPyEO+Qw4AByPrii4iKRcz4KEgtjBOKoGPuAytsJ2FScgYy1CjcLDG8t1zs6EAjd1oSAYEO7jO084z0FO9ikSbWDqcMAO3qPai5LERMRuBhQg696Vyh6xbyvmbsgA7ieaVwJUCGQxGMkHPSgAZVtbdfLZQ2TwMg5pbgNwGDFRhiOoJ4GKewxlvaNEm4kMW5Yk0N3AmYoJFBOSV4AFIRMHVjjYCh9B0pMYguWijMEfmyWzuCylsAnnkgfjTtd3AqXE6/a9vRPQDg1aWg0hspLEJBCidB8zZz9PQ1QJC6hFNZ3CxXAKyOAQMdutJaiSGiKaYHYSBjkHoKL23HYU2shUbtrOf7o4NLmQzqvh94WsdRvbxdccwW8EHmbmOPm7Cpk7vQCbT/DKSRXtxayxz2sDlCDwwOe3FPsAeXey2sF1pGsXqGNSjGWQ7YsHkdP88VqtHZgdYvjDw7pejixDX+qXTJ8xhYwqrlcHJ4ocgbOeTXolihW3iK28Qy6SEsA3XOc9aznJszZzutarPeSBp52mdTmNjIePoKzVwuU5pxJEXtrclyc4x61UdNxp6lTMyAieXaW+UrgHirGW3soEghnDKWccDaMjHap5mK5Ja3E0KNECQjL90IB0pSdxlldRzCS2xI4wMgEZaspREXmmC26SBmRDyM8ls881nYTEXVbtRJKkuwMAAD04PanyJkXKM+rXG1o0nyu4Mw7Z9RVqmgIpdbvI1CSahchP4FHQ/hT5EWiC3mZJjGzvIMdWOc5p2QzSiWOKUFzkSAKH2g7ccEYrPULluW6gTJAh2EAKR14/wDr/wAqSiO5Wa/umZZobkq+PkRRg5z3p8iAk/tq+gXyZbeA4w2CBxjnk0/ZRC5ds9ZadxPLbk5I4yVGPY1nKnYfMacFzZ3Ucsos0Lgj5tzHHH/6qxd0Jsry3mnwll82NpAPuiLpx71SjJiK11rVwUQwzPEgwDKoH5cd6tU0JlW513U8rLJfySMvyjccED8MZqvZx7CRah1y68oW00squ+Cj7yAB9Ppih01e9i0wkmv7eJw915jO2PmbqOnH5UuVCbDIeLMBEZUjczmgm5agknihDR3kT3CnlnQHIxwKhpNhcq3l3cyzJJqVwSG6bRgAfTvVJILlVr/y4z5c64GW3MSx4OMc1ai3qK9yMau837r76tx86gn8CafIxohTVtJkvBafZ0E+PmZeDj64p+zktSjVg0+zeLbCYFjdhuBX5/wNS5WYho0yKFURAEGMAFs5/wD10nILEsNqAAXH3hj5cHkVLaCw91aIISqqeRkDpn0osO4iyxrgM5BOTgjgj3ppEsY9zOg823QZYZAA4bn9KaQiml7evlTDIMZIGcAGm4oC9Bd3Koj7WBGc4PTj8c1NkNFxCs8H760im+XjKDqaV5JjKE+kWMoDC2ERbhgnzL+RqvaSWg0yJNIsjF5M63G0HqqgD2pe1YXLEuhWsPCGcuFHL9T7cdaSrNrUZSuNPh+bbcOpCKSSuOcDgc+uauMykxVN5E8UEbMUcbsq7Dp3IzVNpq4Es2q6rZtAXt5VjHzbg2f5ZqVGLdirk6eKpfszi5hldix28EgCl7MdydftephV05J3kbnahIHt6Uvh3JuaA027RFbUJHkEZ2MrMS3X1zU+1S2C414hbSn7LYQxjbgnyw5xnpyPan7V9yWyk4t0VfKlLzpkyEAZH0o5pdTNsz5LmNMxwjYAP9Ye/tTSJKTNIzMxwVB+Vf61SsJk9g4KFQSSx+bvx7fjUyFdnTaJp896ka3Zt7dGbCyOzfnisra3KQ28v7Gxv5VmtjIYJChkikwD745qvYyYzLfWZN7lYMjOV3Hqe1V7IEE+r3E9uvJ37trKRgD1waSpWYyjdzfY3EfnQNIWZ9qtwvTrVqNxEMWoSbjl0yRjKx9MnpxVcoh7mW7aECQrtb7oYnFTsBI/lLcsULBQ3y5HJpAWF1ERIVjgULjy2Zh81LluNMrQ38kVpMkUUILnIYr8wIp21E9S8Li5vL+xluJbhfJGH2HOV64x9QKqKsnoCDWP9DsNV1PUo5mn5+zwnPHoa0jS5mkaGF881vDc7ArOisUJOBkZ4zU2s7Ek1mZhAxcFCTnaX5wOKlxvsJo6S58PahBDaXdw8GLlcqqy4wMdacKTlsUo6FHxsdO0cW8FxeSslxx8p+YkdRxWioS3QrGCNRijgkaIThNwVAwGc1Psn1DlJbG6McDTSBt+QC249PTnpUuFnZBY2dA1CzSLyXjY3TTAqzvwV9OOv0pwp33KRv38N7I2pXI0S2e3t7Z5BNINighDjvzXbCjGxaPELnV9UutZt7M3QjjaVVO3oBmt/YRtsOxd/wCEoaLdFEIkwdmPx7+tZugBW1jxDqKhTb3e2ROQVUDBpxopdB3E0XVtWF0ZpofPMgOZR1B4POKU4RRJ191q4u9MjW7i33CFSkmSCB6cnmsE2thXOfnNtFq00llHdBJvmkcngAjkVrzDKl1BKqhLeQlDyTswcmhS7jua2nabBdWclteWfzbQUdhhs9c1jKbvdENmzZ+G47uWJYLu4QDaNrv8p/QHFYuq0UtTY1jR7lbfyEkileEqygudmQazjMC9aWOm/Z1fU7LzLlwSSrZAHptHNL2sk9GCsR3fgrRbueV4AYgRlCpwFOP5VtDGyW47HNa/8N9cFq88Fxaz7G+WPlSa76WOiw5Gc5qHhbXLIRG90+4DZBYBMgD611LERlsLkKt/aQEOVG1geAe3rTU7j5Sa3UNGpKsvy/wjpVOVwsQ3sTPbyTgFWUd+tOLJaKliHMCsz7snue/+RVNkssWdyoeZ5WO4D8Se3NAG1PciWzihUhPky5UHJ796roAujWRe5SeQCSEED5gRz7kVnJ9AE8TyW1xqRljWMKhKhUBwealBsjJvpJvKww+U456UxIoStLIFiQHYWGcdzVjZpMGVTIz4KLjHepW4kRsqKN5IIHt6VQyHAkLFeAf9npTYDoF8hAsTnDN9M0gC5jaSElSCWPr2psBJSVREIAJH1FIBIlRH3ELlfTuaBNixTiXKORg/ecdqEJob5O6QlGG0jrQUWVDDahJdRxzQKxHdMERVBVSTyuORQFhsBcBmcH94MjtQh2JTbobUITjzM7uhoYFvTordSlqIww2Z3HtWTuNFd4St4UCgROQcb6qI2StsBYnJI6dsCtLEHPxu292/2sDrTAQRzRqzZIUnjnmmCL+h6Tc6pdoGYRx85Zs896yqyshnsuhxWunRR2sJSKMIMjeV3E8fjXkV7zZvTtbU1BrMFpcJCZ1DykkZcZ/Md6zjQk2W2kZGq+No9MvTBDEZIgeX3EkHv/KuhYZ2IdWxpaT4jtdXmzbhUkzjLsRx1/rWc6DRSralrWZHm0udLyQpHtwjnGCMjkfSsoRakaN3PPpvBl1LqEf9l31qYXBy7EAjI716Ma/KtTnkih4g0SLRDDapcvOxj3SNjgHpgetbRnzGJzmozBWEakleB+laoZVtXLXMqEsVAx93jJqgZZaPDwRfNktk54pJAWSP3TM27GcZ4PFDArER4wvAAoQCqIDD5QztHXPr9aALf2lYbZTCygBCML3z60NAVUJePfOF5zgLU2EQ3dwgAUIPl9OtUg1GJesuFJbZzhdxwDRcZbtGL7mKRhjnJzzUsLle7iSOVFZ3yfvA9jVIL3ECoCznlQOBnFUAiudmBlj/ADpWAYJvkaMLsUHAoAiskZxLsjZhnBwvFNMCyTEowpwi/fFO4jR2AJtVuAOPWvEuUyBldJMtn69qYDZJo2xtwST0qkh2K95d2lnCRLy56ID0qlFhYqW2q+YHjt4sIRwStXyWGkVZZHMsk9zK2V6AfpTSGitK+IwSoLNzjFUrAT2lo8gSeT5Sp4GKmUhMuhFEm/kt0FRzE3LDZBA5A9jU3EMQM0meMAkHJoYDlwAeRnsPWkMliAkIQDqe3r6UgJ4rOQlHwV/kalyFct2tuuTtHzA85qXIROkakABQWHBqGFyTcqgsWZeQAoxigW49bow2zSMMIpIJx2xSUbsmxmtM1y/mq4dGxgFcAVpokXZGlEuSvy4A6D0qGQwEZiDbvLDHuT+VLVgRMpLI5OeO3eqGMYrvONxbp9KAJEXc/GOB8wNK40iRI1WbBwF+8O/Wk2PYsuiIodwjbuPpjvWadxBE8UkgjTGAe3Y0rMkSR5IQU+U8leTnBNNICmkbL+8Zi4Jzk1bYCsNybSu7c3Qdaa0EWY9Kulh81hGqHnaT1/CjmHcrbIyymQHaQQVp6gMaRCn3PkPAyefamFxHkU/KE46UWApCMq56MW54rQY77QoJVGVjgDp0NKwWFdiQxBI5H6UJDsRmRCGyoZ25BB5o5QsIXdy25hsxijlCwsjEkFjgAc00gsRfaAuShJXOMjv/AJ5qrXHyjY51S3ljCgM5+8e1PlGU2uBHeGKQggEDir5SrDZbuWeYGFd0ScDHFOwmPjhuGXfIyIepAFK4EscQDb5CSTUNgJNlXyzZyO1MGyKKPYzHdyTzk9KVwQ64t57vZFLM/ljnC8A0J2GXbO1WJQBlOPrUykIl4JGUHBIJxSAdD8rAf04pMQh2tkYPHQjvSSAGVxysp+Zfu46VSAiVS0ivuOQetNWAcysoPCt9frTsA5UByzkBQC2aG7DL+iaBrOtXG+y01xbbsGZhtj5PqaHaw7E6+GNYeG6ng06e4gt3MUssKblBHXmp5hMyoYpGkLCJjsO3BHpRcRMuxpRvQHJ5FQxMnQJkgZznnPQVJNhhaCRl2lixzkFaFcBxYlWJABPJA7UxpEttYXc2xls55VbLZEbY/MVW+xfKSw6XqM0mILG5mPcLGcLS0QJG54b8B+JNcvmt2sntUjP72WcYCD1p6BY6PUvh1oekagn9o32oXgW385kii+RiRwuR0qknsFjR1Xw54P8AD2haS0+nET6qqsYg5kkQY4+nWlKLfUTR5p4ljsLXUr6O0huI4I5QkayHnkdP0NEYvQZmO6KmyQ4b60mtRNXJIgrJsBwzA8etSOw5oyW2gk8cg9qEOxFH8jYG4Yz1psLAWI46seRQkIcPN3KAOTwRT0YD2yzDqeeR1OfSlYLE8VrcXEe6G0mw5wrIpPI96aQDTFcqzRtBL5ikq3BPShoCFiFR3/iA5A6mna4FzRPCXiPXbqJbDSpiZeUyNo+uTVq1izpoPhF4jyFurqwttxDJ5shJ+mRTcX2EzA1nwhq9prsli8RvZ0UFRFkg5FTsJHX+Dvg/q2rJBPqWr2mkwzZ/du+ZMemKai2Mf4n+HP8AZqo2kahNe+XL5RymGY+oFQ4tAGneDPEUhR5kEQVt8pkPVc1SSQHanwE8omjt98KLi489yV3N/WqUWOxh+JvCOoz6VqAhvHhtLSHe6BwFkYDJ/pUSuB5vYQRi0gvZpdkFwdpKnJAB54qJXvoQ9zOurlEeRLV38mR+A55pxi92KxCpWNQcEqfWkxMdLO6WIskVUH3mYDDUJa3Yl3KVyiLp4jt4maVuWduSOau/cotz3IhjQ4bhQCM9eOam12BCdQBdkhU57ZGeKfIBetkW7CLwuBkYHWoloDLUsjDcmc84xjpWa1JuRMQqhN2d3P0p7ElVzEckjJ6AVQEM1xGifMNzheCRkA07MZNbSMsRcoGBxkmk1dhcetwxyA2NxJI9Bz0osBHCHkyGaTYPfvQMnuGktVElsQ8jjGBxtpxV9xjI2kJAcgOQA560kK5a0qWWeHfcZyrYUAY47VE/ITZZa4bdttiQpGSMY5H/ANbFQlfcLlC4dmLsrZLHIzzgnrWiVhpkUzzQBIi+c8kg5xV2GTtDBvR1mknfGSSuKm5Nxskj+eSc4U4B70x3JwcOqnlo/mXcfc1NkFxzXp3qm0hjkk9u1S0SPEhWEvvLBm+UKeTRYBzKzMMzOWHbOcUgIG8tXfOOc5A781WoCSyRC2L4zCuQxxz0qkhoxH1C1dw9vaCFF6SueW9q6OTQ0Omt9SAt1MiiQFdxxx2rllG7JLQ1N3tQQuzacYPYelRysBkOrStmPBUL0PrmhxQD4r7zYwszbgD94dRRYBmo6lpcFoZp53yT+6VU3FjihRk3YBP7SvHjWMEqfLO1WGCox+lPkVx2Ior+8lndZriNIRjaijJPvVOCSAnjuI3uiksw8t/uAL93j+tRy2ETWzTGLdJLhlU4XPDc8UgLsV1IojjVhgqcL71MlcLFyC5d0AIB+YEZHWsmNFqbUyJpJJQgQAk4Xp/9es+XoBBLfb7aVlgiC7QVbbnoKtRC5WS5HnpK8SbWjChlH1zWvQLhNfXJhW3Ryse7g7P4evNJoakWG1sLCJkMCOh2mPyuTUqm2xtjLfxPesHiiEUca8FtnNNwRLkKfEU4haONkLhgS7LzSUFcnmMa91S6llMiyEueHJbA/KtFEnmK+nzrA0kkruCfmIHPSqaJbIr26M7jahUckk/4U0gTHWCC4mAG0DIDb+n1pMDRhtY4JZIEeORR0deAKRRE9/5F4qIxYAfKC2Rn2rSMUxmrBfR6PoIUW8M93qDZw/PFdMKfM9RrU5mG/vm8+6d40eRiyxqOh7Yro9hCJRVme7i8MWkUt6xmuGkeQAYKDcQBUtQWwFXTbe6LgNEFiReXc5Z/euedhMvklQeVXHYjpj/IrEgsWU8aAxu+CxxkfqahoCNcM4khcvzkFj1oYFh4nKiUlDuXkZ5z9KSBDrW2YnIKjOM7mwBQwKvmyreSFElI3Y8xZflx/kVolomUWbybU9Rtil1dEpwNi9CPSq9oo7DvYgkDNmKTAhjChQhzk4qH3EySAqrLHcqWy+V47VLYkXfE9xNqwtWXU3t5bZTGiIONuK6KdXlWxXMczdaC13ew3N1qs108IJQMOBVuuLnsTWmjt88jXBjctkZ5OKzdUfNcvW1sttB5KzGRe5PBLVk5XdxN3GeUuY5UYFo23g46e9OMmhG1e65LqunvpWq6tcw6fLgSrbgBnxyAfatoVGjSLOQvPCXhuGze5hvdSF0Jf3cfBG31zW/1hlsZH4b0b7JIRBJNcBRyW5z61m60ribMy68Mt5Y8qYncoIDdhVquK5b0PTjaNtnJGWwAM4P1qJzuS2a5hiJU4ZFVsBiK57sm5dEVv9m+TLjA3ArgA5pXY+YpTtEZSBbkqDgOPlBNWhltLt45CLdAd6gOzc4xx+FQ4jLImlkJjlm2/MNpA7cd6lxEWUv2iD7XLZI3AnjGRUOIXNdNQikjVofLDHC7e5JFZuI0zWCzxusXlBmIyQvQ+9Tc0RpxLI8EMc5cpJ824/w9un4UXSNIk4spJ7mQxbpIo+zp944/wqlUkupdh+o+EtG1e3WK90eBJZFy0ka7SDkfrXRDEyiPlOP1/wCEuqafYyHQpxeqPmKyEbse1d0MUnuQ4WPN9X0vUtOnltb21licD5wVrpjVT2M2jG3wxQrbQMGLMG59a6E7oyaIpIZxExYjOR0qxD7dbg3bIrsRjknjNJsGdDLqNjaI8ECSPlBjJ4Ld6gRg3N5I9yURVIPVT2oAdyzKrcRgDg1SJGyyRIVcDg9Pz4plWHKHm+Zj8mCBz1o6giUZkV415Uc7ielWgbK8eFmK7tyAZ/GiwXGyuM4DHdyaQx4YGMKM5AycUAMjAYINjM7MO9KwDnO1HVeXByOaBbjYIvLBzwrDP1ouMnaOQugjXJHpQA6S4aOVQQTzzx0qbiuDr5t2Qo+ueKLhcfF/rNzFgBkBQaaBMWcME3k8DBH40xleS4EKhfMLM+BUtAWJpY3jy7OGXG30oSEMWQTvjGzjg+tUhjLu3RnTym+4MnJ60wK94AsYXAJxRcSRtabCdPsoH80tI6bth6L7VlPUS1LX9qXKwJLNIGUP8mBzWfs0y07EcmsNLqMcsoJ8s5Cn+lNQSBsr3F0k13kOVy27LD+laWJGi/uba5LQykbSSdnGalx5gO40fUU1DwtGl9MzJK+wpuAbkjt6Vx1KbTNYSsS6tr1vo7tDp671hQheACxohS5tWNyOL1LWJ9VYLN5bS5wO3FdcIqKMjEuI8OUAydzA57YNaICxZSRQRldowxDE98jNK5I5mMgeZTufkAlaLjIwS0RBYA1SXUZUvWYlAjbQTk49KYDpj5a7MEnr9adgE09medgeUxjFDAtXuSsagbMtjNICpPhFHPLdutMAtuoJHOOnpUtjJhuJI2j14qRCSSExiSQZPAHtTVxDWyHTBA9asYBotpDsVGeAO9Ahp+ZT5Yzg8A96Vhlq0fbayIT5ZY44+tNAUWAUTKMkNgfrmkBvCREhJkO0Bc5PU14tr7Fle61G2gsnm3CRfurzjJq4U22Ta5ztvJc6jdKIYgqBsHB5ro5LIuxYuYIo5NzKHJ4AIzS1EEzCC2KgIpbgCluBX8rzi43htpA5707hctR2yH5mxuGAMVLkJk2CB7eh71G4kK2HVQFEYOMknmgdiQoecnGM9DQJoNnIbc20jn61IbEqhUb5iASBxjNLmFcsRQSI+SQNxyDjpUuQGjCRHg7Ac88msyRqmRh5igleelFg2GnfglVYkkcigCFjK8io8ZVRzk0wJ590sAgkC7VOR9eKE7CuNiUfu9x4B4X0obuG5YnkiwN6tnqO1JAVHMhGXKIGPJwefSqsVYcZV4Bxjjn3osKxF5qgFyCMnj60gsW4oLyTBS2m2g5LGM4xS07lbFi0NvHBK08ZkdlAQo3Q0nfoDKyQ/aTukYIgz/Hgg59KNiCUmJIxGhIXcN7d8jNIQO8QUfO6yjknHWgCFX5Izt9B3NOwCGTJ4DADoe5p2AbNdyAg7/lzncT09qpRQJFSSV5Z2EYBCjJcHjPpVWsVYewIjwWXA45oFYDIoXqMA/l7UWCxVv7tJbb7FEog2uWllLYL+gFaxj1KsSQbVjWNI/lzkk1LV2OwtxlOhyMdKSVgSIkGW8w9B05pgPUfxHO0HJB4oARIRLIWByFOSGPH0oGQ3k0ESmNU2tuyc8f561SQFOJZrgM5ljVf4ATVvQZLFAi4lkO+UjlsVDkwuTR+UCExhduenBo3EyRgscLFhtVepz1zSAimkUTJEGO5hkfSiwXK01yjTkR7di8Nz3qrDsW4Apw5j4PQnuaTQWLihEbgjO0ZGc/hUMVhZXUIVQ4wMtj+dTYQ1hwCNwB9OlMY5iQAyLk5+lJonYt2lhJP5eJAwc4wG5GaLjR6BqejeGIPBFq1tpN8NRm+RLhm+XcOv61OtyrHDaboGpX2qyaZAYWuAwGGcBRketW5WRI6+0SXTLqeC+kVJo0yMDKtz2NHNcCTRLO1vLyCCaQ4kcKVIwOtNDSPoHZbwaXa6fa20MsRcKqJ02jnJqrFDNHtdXs4NUtrRCljc3LstvsC4QoDkE9aXKS0eFa/oV1pmoSLe/uVlbzI0Q5IUk/e/KspaPQVjKdCTtSPdtbHA5PvSFYfhQQMEA8Dp+tA7E9jpd1f3CrbQSeYx4AU8UByNnp2j/CVF0hL/VNRaOZz/qUTdxgdaqOpajY9P0d7C38Px6fYfZd8ce0BWGeOOavlVijhzc3tjZ3GnuwtLd5N810JgSpJOBUKOoisni8x6D/ZWhM93c3DFftTqW2E/wAR9cVolYaY1/GU1hYpDNBNqlnbyBbm5ZCrPwAV6euaa1G9jmPiPqOtSXDaxp1uLayukjS1QfPJGFz+XWmoa7EM4C3i1SWKUzI0kUU3nzPKcFmwcZzQ0loKwl5ItzfmYQCJSBhF5B981m9ASsSJEXfdngYC54rNlk9pDPdTC3itXaQgtgHJbmgLFvUdC1O3UNdafdQqyg7mXAFC1BqxBbWsM6yxbd9yuNqqen1q2mS0UjIx3JvUSjKHvmjlCx6T8LPDOgX8Zvr/AFREuBKEFtkBmB70rXGkel6zYX2lWVtHoenWsenRMBcYdcjpk8966FBWE0YOneANQstbvtQ1pnhtr2RpbVo3BCLzwR60nAOU4v4i+ELrQPEUctvAbxblozDIF4DbgMEfjWfL3FY9xgtvsFlbyX04knt4gTGoChenHFbU0kUO1GeKW8s4LaCJhMM/vPuqxHFaWQjD+IVrc22lyarF+9ubZV2iEAGTHbI7VEkmFij8O4bHWdE/tjVImS8ikZmZnyIyP4fyoTsBd0sRax4gv7q4sp4orcYhlY7YmI649T70NXGaTnWLSyOpteWRhJJiTyi5Zc8ZqRmH4g1HxLDDNcyeJ7FLTh389QgjHZRipuxNnM69deJF8P3kGl6c8sN3lGk5bzA3R8noMfoBUW1Eeda7YWsWnIJr7/TIEWMRRp8ieuT61K3A5VV2ouVMhOd2O3vTbJbJtuU2kliRkAc4NQ2S2J5DFxmTdjINFwuDEh9gKqTxxTEmQXCszMS4yB6VSY7le0gmW5eYysx2/KAvAptjNq0IjYsqsdp2vg8VjLUTZPLtJLKxAHfvUokhf5lIO4flzQIrMqOAEGTnH0qrgSfZShYEYJIIHWlcLkUmTujV+M9CKa7gILdwpOcbR6cfnVXAYZCuPm5PTBosFx6SfKHlGVJx9aTC5Ziw2HchRwMUmMsA+blYXXI6ehFQSRXDTOMRHv24qlYCvDvZXHO8HJXNVYY5Yo9rq4Bb+9ml1GLalkV8EDPK5HQUMQ+Njs4wecAgdeaGMtSwyRae1w6qAchsnkioWrsgK9pIjgPztxgN+FNqwrDftK/amjRWKoQPoapxHYtxbzG4X5XPJHes9BEF0GDO5LFAvXA4/GriUjLuGjlgWFWcgt8wQ5rRKz1KQsVhi8+0eUq28QzGp5ycelNy0sBqQ3Acgouc44GOaws+pJMq27oQ5w2MKPejULjJbpIkVcBxuztA6GnyjIbm5IRvJIUleFNNLUaM1JDLMkrkMsB3AY4BrS2g9Ce2lvJo7y/cPt3ZGegHuaEk3YegWUV3eXTypKqpGoJ2nOBjvTdooHY047GTChN8snQ46VzuRJpW+mXSh57mUQwAEfezg8dqhyT2Fctw26IS32pSdvygfSs7sVycXLiNI8sTkjBHp3FQ0NMJzOyySsrGMDHUU1YLkdrcSRrG9yIRASd4B+Yen86pxQEEl5GWZY43ZQcDPAxmqUSSCaSQTKyybeDkdcjHSmO5c8lWZmU7stnHvUNu4Fe5VUhV2UBSMhc56fSiLJKsr7AHidWUnPuetaIRnM7GRpDs3E/MAOnp/WqSJsKH/e7uFOOo9KbVgHRRyTDAJUkcE0tgNS2tfnMO4FVHzEd/xqWCLNwmwARYH94nnI6UFooTukl2MsB0HAAwM1rEZs+JZ9JvbyyVpJI7S3jALAcg+2K3pzshowb5kS5eS0/0e3IwBjLfXn1pyqtobYy2khj3orKz7Cd0mDg5NY3bFcjE+5SrEbzgsw6GpZLI5F8xgwJwB36mlewDhCNhEkm3GM4qbjFtwiXZFuWZG4UHgrTewGoLYmFmJByRyR/Ws0wsN/s2ZoTG0YKs2QCetPnAoX1jqX2pBbypBChBdFGeBVxmra6lWsXTPsi8pNr4bgnjms2rsktwDTXsHWbfDK5zuAOKE3cEZNh9rtnuDLtlzJlSeSFwK0lZrQYjyNvxHAysQc89PxpJWFYRZC7YTLdvT8KbSQmOMcwkXMm3oetLQB07uGLSEAKeuKdhkCqZUbYrFR0JPHWlsAiRrGchQQ7AE5HHBq0WiSOXzyImAPBVcKck/wBad7FIU2xQAeZsXjJYYyKTfM9BXGS3Km4NvBE7AAZboOO+aag9xCPFcRT/ACyxxoQGIY5z/nNFxEd288qukRO89MDrihNCsOWC58sM58qI53ZYA0NoEiGaVvNkScII4uUIOS2KpLS5Y9Z1mhLNJ5ak9GO0H/OaTXYROtmZdpW5iBZwQS4xSv3Ae9t5bbTKpBB/eK2RS5kA601BYJlWOQNkjO0c4qXHQaR1em6+6RpNPkBgQC5HSsZU+xVxIvF1vLeMi6nGixgMcnIx9aHRfYpSNKx8cWNvcAnU4Z1ZvlQuMg+tL2Mt7FqR1dr4ngNsLqbTJGjzy68K3uDT5XfUtSM/WPG2mQhlnujCQCVDEZPpxmmoS6IrmRyN94q0e7ZJZL+OWQrgq8e4HNbU41EzJtHD3Oi6FeXFxcT6ta2RiYGM9VOee1d8KsktjNoydVXTIGiW21WC7ZTkhBjv3rrjMmw2QiecmNo0THzHpxV3EVr0DeArKQeBzyadxFcR/Z45bgAlmAOTTugJFXd5O8Zz8xPoKGybBIqRjJUlR93JpopEqRlbcuRgc4wKdhdSusu9CFDMScECqQMguVWAu5GGB6ZpgMtf3l4NxypXHX1pWGaSxxqgWIEyEEH0pARwTPDGjKV+U85pXAhMgW6cbRyeTQwSsWCknmqRyn9aTAnkBtZdhZdxGR836UCuVw5jcxjJfaeDUgPEzMPmPJ60ARyeeWR06McZNNAh97E4idgSxU44qhkcVqixC7nG7b91MdzQAxGe4mMu0MkZGRnA+lAEmzbEDuUsc8Z4FAEShlZBvP3N3t1psDQg+yNafvE3SBsg+gxUkjprqK48ySY/dj2KOgqBodZWjXVks8ZTyYs7vm70BczmkKSeaeZCMLnsKroBJ5cgdSqsQADux2pIEWpI5EVncHa/GWHFMYsk6JImxgpVRwB/KpauA+4uo3AMeXcjL7jzzTUQKSRJFtmG7Lkn2oAYGeWdsEnJ4B65oQjRi04JtM7Mr7CxXOMcinYm4gWKK8KRrlMbsk5osO5VniULuTGSelNAmQAImyMBSw53Hk0yitdki7Ylhhu46HtTAv2VqILd5xMC7DGAOgqNxNlW4l/fLuBOCOfxqkhkVzu3nHVjwSadwJrGJRuaQgscY+tSwJLhgrHYAF9u9AEW48oE4Y/jTAGUsx46cgUwHRoPs7sQpOMCmA2yjUR5ckuRxzU3AWBN7EPu25zxSAl8tSAwIAJPXqKdwEd/NtIzczyR5HITrn+leYlbYszdWUXDRW0aGKNE7tksfWtIgVWYwaaYo5tkmcnHBNW2MrW0kiFXZ8qD/ezRKyA0rexeSVLhnLAEEF+FzWTZLZeghhjYsW+b0I4rO4hzuXQkAAZ4JoAhJAAC5Zu/GaB2HwFhuCooGM5I5FDGWRDuG8sXOePlxj86m4my3BaBkVgzJyOo61EpENmoDao527HlbjcycZ9OlZk3K1zE/LMhQdG5xTHccoyNy7MgY255pDsTRKQhfeoA5/8ArUhMbECSCWBBOSW6j8KBFqONJSIncIh4y/tz2qRFCfCylS25AeCB1q0AsYEbs20gNwOOtAwclkZcHC9eKAIY1jVMSSStkfLz8o+tDZV7AlvGuSFMrZ/iJA/Ci4rluJk+0K6QhZFHyHGQD+NK7aC5t3XivX7vTJNJubqJrZlx8sYU/nUqCvcVznYhHGfLif5V4yXrS7e4XuPY7ju3DaPUH9DSsIrSOm4kHAIOCCDk+4pjFEisBtyccemKAAKd4Jy2ccEdDQAPM25ldMoASrentTSCxASHDBmGB7VpYqxJlEQFXXaeSNvpUsZDI+NwLLyMnJppAICu9Syvt71QEUlwLhhGItxjbOWAIApjJWnaJm86YMcZB5wfbFICF3eRhhCBxnmmg2JFbCbPTvxSAjlbcoRg3HLYoCwxyWJCNIAR2p2C5UihX7QZXd5W5G1+AP8AGrHcuqAD8m3npzgCoYMHdUAK4I+vFIRE7fvATgD6Z4phYNTjlvdPS3Vgqod5PSqjo7iGLLHZ3Ee5vMlUD7o6D6mh6u4yooVZZn2GPOW+blmPpgVehRq6Dp97qcyw2kMkkjnlApY478VDaQHrEPwuS3+H02qPq9nJfTx+fGqKcoOu0Hpn2qLNsbRj+FdIun8FXlwk8Fpa3ZEctxdRKxAyc7fT8absTYv6Bp3hM6E2nSXs9zem88uGWBFHmDYe5yMZqftXC5z3i3wxe6XrdvpVjvvbmZA6RxIWbr7CiRO52fhb4f6rfRxNZWUVlfQ7hcG9l2qpz2Ayf6VKWo0jtZ/DeranpKaSb6yVIwHjdYXb5u5BHHXPSr5SznbTwjfaRfXLXFxaPKkYZn8lyRlsBscZ7+tJxuTYst4Q0CW/ebxVrd/cSRxDy0hRYU25zjHXqfWtFDQaRraV4b8BWN7NcHTJ5jbFXXzbndwSMcDn9KXKM0bLV5tP1pNOsLSxIvN3yop3QL2xxgnFUogZevXup6nrmiHSt8cFqWkuI/NBecjK/dB4HHSqsrAS6xd2WntN4juNBu9SvLyJLVYPIDiMDPIH49fesZJMTPHNcsbzW/ETWej6ZJaXxb/UOQrv+GcDipikiVod94F8M6BoN1BbeJdLnudVCs5Wdf3UQ9WIyOPrTUbspHb+FvEuk3mqy6ZZanZJ5J2kxxgqB2OSvP51qoxQ7h4s1/Q0gSzvpJhaQud7wgkv36LjHp+FJpdAucvq+v6JYXUF1pbwWdhdk7xtAkIx1O4+poSA5D4jawP7Cms9BvLd47yZC3lvulwAc8g8VSjbcDkfh3basPGNhDbyG2ghkEkhllO1h346E0NpDO38W+LZ7q+ul1KPU5lt3C2dmgWKGQ9mcg5NT5gWNO1GG6sXutatVimWMG3gRyyswznP4nvUObvYk5Sx1C21eZ9J1C7t9OhnlMktwUPyjBAHp6UmAeLNAsdHuY49P1Y3bOVMZ27Sw9qi7bsBz8izQz+QSqS5I+c4Az3oWwXPT/Cum69o2gypdmxihm/eJdPtd1GOwyCKaVx3Zm+I/GUEkUek6hrxMCKBI1hGDJKcevb0rSMAuQxeFZptIGtxWM9ho8w3K8kyPdSsAew6A0pJoCl4W8PRWGv6NPqGl3K2lzdbT5uOhOORxSsFj0O1j8IeFNfZdQvYrqS6YGNwQxiGem0dvrQlYZ1zXem3811p13qxhiu7hWtYwgXcoAx9enWt4u4jY+IWtRaD4eee7Xz7fasCqjAvvPA7c9aGNmRaHSYr+ztp5J1mls2m3Xp/dq4xgZ6A8g9O1DSYjM8UnU77T4dM0O9s9Q1Ge4T7VJGykQx5yd3PQ9KaBCazPrENpHf6hHBqb28h8m1tkCggfdywOTx7VLkM2PA8ureIRdJrPhn+wLUQiTdMzYYEnkenT0FNAZuhafo2ueCb+LRYrhorbUHOYsqJmVhnk9QcCnsIk1rx74d0zQI/tzKrB9hsgh3jAwRnp+FTe4GjYXF7YeFYL9oY4bWWQLDHuywVj8vHc/nVWsNs83+Jcd5f+IZbK8/dWl8EMeEeMllHc/UVm2Scz4Q0T4g64b2OC4mttPRmWWWW7wg2jjH+OKdlYpIY8UWh6RcQXAuHDsklxIsW4NHuIbDN6nvWSvJkvQwfF2q6Feawh0GyeztViCiJxyT6nHc0mmSZcbGTO1TkD7vSs2iWhsz/AL3yxk8HKqOntTSFYpsyiQBkKuQOCcVdrDaHtvDfOSB0Jz0z0pEihtrssckijoSCAf1pvULmlA6iNy7NgnJ9vw71k0AwNwu0EuTwOB+GM0WATzVOUJXeeDnHXpRYRJhI0BAwUwo2jvSaAYzoxbIPHOMYwfejlAjcgzBlyueoIzimMCu6ArkYwDnHNMCIwhnLR5IU4yB3/wAincVhGiyDmQgdTgZouBMFLEAsQPrUPcC3ZmWNZFDI+CRuY7TSeoEcoddpLsNo5GNwzTiAQLsXDlWfBJ29abuBbiVAyjy8llIwTxWeoDJVhWbO1Ewe3FPUQSXIVFKsnA67aEmAw3IuIjE8e4FsZB7/AOFVy2ehdrDflUFY3jVWXkAe4H50BsRWwjtSVtCfMdvvMvQ+9VdsNx095JtUwTS3EpGHKRF/5UKIWRnz2mr3cUUc0eoyo5zzGygnJwBx6VacF1Ksa9pod9brGs8cUAkX5C8nJ/D1rOU09hse1jDC7LLMBs5OTkGoUm9hNkdq+m4U2k/ylsbwhI989KGpdSWSollI5O+V5TzgL8tPXsIhljhO1SJgwwrDy8n9Kdykye30iAuwUzO5IJ9sjPfvS9pKxLZO+lx29u8j2zlVYBi4xyaXM27DuMVbOOLy5beRllxx0FK8kxXLEM1nuKRpLErABowOCAP8al8z3FcPt6MqrEionONijJ92NTy9wuEsrsAgfCZLKAMk/WmlYSY0OdoEULSMx5I4KDv/AEosMltDN9nUPIp25zwQc0mkA2WUSxYV33Mcgg8frzQooCqWlKruKKoOMP1/zxV2Qx6PCyna5yDzgjFSxDZvIL7j1/hbcRjjvQMuws3lAmQhV7nnPFQ0IUylYlJIC4Cnv1HfFCiBQmOJBIr85IVFGOKtCKoARstuIwT0zVkiqyyLgoSmOcgYPp0oA0rOItbqpCq+OmcMOPeoYCQSyRSujN8xyODgY7ZGaaRaRab/AI9xKT5e8kKGxzj/AOvQikzLEbeezOysp6kDqc1pcQ6RNh2SSKVxnnt9aSloFyK6fzw8Zzkr/DzVIVyBEwGjKKyqPldl5pNgWsRrEpAxtGMnp+lQBHGnlj5MsT0JHB56+1MYPK8sO1UUEDDBj2oWgFrRbHOpqHYLk5+bjtUznoBtXzfZ7nakjyqo4UL+tZQ13GijaSyy3YMaOSeM7jtHNW0hlm5lmtJSgngjZ8jK4JJxUpXGU5FWPb5cu4MMkngCnuQxJGZY03bmUZAyeBimlYCq0UiP5r+UVI+bcOc+nFPyAay5XKRbFx95ep/z+FNMdyaOOTh2wqouVCYIJobEPn/dP5koWJh1LnG6lFX0Fa5XkfTp4RJNeqhA+6vPP1rSzTHZkksdlDbB1u+CONzAY/xqbNjSZlXeo2scOyL/AEjb8zbfX/Oa1jHuUhbXXbePT2eCQoV+YJjlj9cZpum7lImGsaf5Ma6pqMcDugdi0bNt/Ic1Kpy+ygSMiXxDaHUEtdLkF27KP3mzaP1rZUtPeE9C7M2qzJP9pNvFJtwhz0/IYqLRWxNx+NUkG0zoI9gUMoXk/U470rxFcZa2tznF3c+Zh8jIAH596G49guNjs3fUJrq4mfYw4jC5xQ5pKw7k+oAXMQia0nELEAADafTP04qYu3UZF/Zgk3+XLOmwBUHGPfrT9qFxLPQ57SPzIbmWaWTIZGGFHvxTlVT6DuXIl1GBUjW0t2OSC2cMPwqLpsdyCZbm4cNMAyhuFTPFNOKQXLW1YdttFp0LxmH52yS2c88mhO/USM6WN4BNNbaar8bEKruIarVurKLGla3KdOIvrzU1WPKtbKrDJJH4CnKCvpYpMztKiiup3meyhtQDhJLqRndj6kcjH4VpK8UUmaN/dzx6u2m2dpbXcqhSWEe1CSM9eOOaSirXY9CC9Wy0eKB9Z0eCS5kkLHZKcLjB57Vcby2YmiO5h8G6sPtmjTyaZfq3zRzndEeOoOKtSnHcliQ+Hr/ynhlmhmcjcJIHVhj0xT+sJbkszbm1NrPI7q8iIeCy9sVvCqpCa0IZZ4fIV25Vh3OP0rW5NiKOUuN5ZRg4GPSqETKhYbic5GB7U00BPfFhbCBRvXjJHHOOarmAp2swtoJBGGDOSDnFNMZUu0kaEzHqT3I5qhITTI5I7t1dcrtzn0oGzUQECTAbGMk471LEiu6v5S5QAegFIY+3hYuskvEW45YnGKGBcjCv80LqFHc5GR7ZpMTEnkSeVG8pdyKTuyfm/pSuIjMfkndtMjOuCBnINSMLnOCyxbQBwuaaYDbZiliGCsHDZ/zmqWoXGG4MlyqKwxjLZPc1QyxeRh9Mt2Dp/rW3AnvgYoaEioo22JjUAMxJfHalYY0BZIkVuQDkEUgLkt1bEbUVQAAMAc5HvSYEMx3QhlIwxz1zSEQz/wCoC4O3PWqSuMjtbq4JW1FztiB+6OMmq5QLrwvGT5YSQjrhuah9hDbW7neSSAsyjbgetKwyLUbiRnigXc79RznmiwE7tGm1VjYucgkjPOKTGiGNjFKyccc8dqtMGhC5YlMPtHSkxFiPKFXUHcAMdetIRJHdzyuVnl3PtI3EEkZouKxBcTJb25Cu7uDgsy0JhYRZAzorMoHrmqFsR26meTaozgfM3bFMq4R7ZZ8OBsQ9qGMmubjGY41IXHXNTYLCIsK/NsLOByCOtUBUljDuHAyeu0/w0mA6JPn3kOue3alcVyWQqQFXLd8dhTQFbewdkLEc88HFVYdwjkAZ93IUcdqAHafK7QliuBng/wD16lgTiQPaDKqGBPzA9aEBHbAvb5WUGRuCSelAmycrCssSu3OOTnocUxmWt210jKrELGOAOtcCRoVLZXkv1AZ+pBJ7VWlhFzXdIeDUlhjuFuFKBi6/dGe1TGogTLFpYxwJyq78Z+lRKVxNltWkbLc7B2J4qCRhgd+AQnOaLjSuMa3TnfukZvfilcdrE0MSKpYRIiMMAjsc0XAlhjWU4VZGIPSpZJpP+7AVwiSBRlVHT61m3fYBiSbiqIykgntgY9KRNi5p8S+Q0szN5SnbhDzu7UDsZsl28kzbQ3ytgsTWnIOxIkjNECi5HscGoaCwqTxAmJvLUH170WE0WYQJFVvlHODzUMgklZXULjOM9/8AClYLGfObpblEX+LO4jnAArToVYsLFKIy5Hykf3qQF6zSK4domljtwiFm35+bFRLQLEluNKMSy3UpWTkKicbql819AYk8tsIVMMEkb9Adw5B/CkovqSQSSx/Z5lL+SyDgAZ3GrUbAZ0LzsplkPyKeAzVo0BLvViMPt6j1waLMZDcTxlVDfdzgk0JXGkOihkvG2QxvkjqikgCndLcpI0RojQRKLnULO1YkKUZtx+uO1C1HYm/svSpbVx/wk1o0q8bGjYZPsaqKu9g5SvcaFqkNq1wkH2q3IJ82Bsrx/Wr5bAkZiQySEKkTF2UHae1IdiqVnDkKNyHIZyfumnYLDri2KObjcD0Un/61ICFgXbklRnkn0oAdFGsEb+WpCM3G5upoESbTtCNt4ORxQIRUOWMh24YYx3oGNZGjJJLDaew4oAgmmVW2qHY4zkCqSKsQoJWjy7dTwCeaYFu2jRI8SJvbO4k+lJkDHaMP+7JYJ1yOMUihbhFcqySMiIC3zDii5I3MjgFwDjsooYxFG1G+UMcgtxkU0IZDDHkvIu2ToMqP50XAmSJQxcZZ+CWIyRSuUjqvAWpTaXr4FvuEl3m2EgPIDjGf1pBZntFh4fsvDFhbabp9x57IR5/mynAXv+f4VUncbMbVtej1MvbxaNHbWwzEiDB38kZAx/nilYNSHVtEbQtFspI7LyvLkEoKx7nDEY9cZ5ppaisbFjHY+GrGC41jWbiy1G7Uj7RLb7pI1b+EHHHWnYZrX+oXOi2Nx9j05ruwu0ULfsd0jFvUdTQkVY1f7QltvB2m2GnLdefHNGszvBsVkwckZrQLFW28PWXiG6PiKfUrphZgxJCj7EBB5JA69vypCSMTVrvS7+906yk1Z2RncXDGx2Y28gbv60ncBmtalLNGtloWnQ3o3LiSVOMA9dw9Ov4UJhYs3mlXunaRaX1tcPNrcD7mBGVCk8gDpiqAwfCa3uleK9Qs9X027a/upPtPnxbQqxtjAznoOaT2C52F9aapc3sMOnX3kASOoIO/C4BJyeAef5VmxM4bxT4Mn0W9udZ07xC0Wp2ymZ/MkG/AGcgd/wAqiyFY8y1fxr4j1L7XZ3F7LcidMTM/JZfb0rWKW5Vit4R1TXNDYz3E0sdqFJht9hw+aqVmOxsHVJpr2K7mW/8AsSrtl/eDlueg/Ko5R2LXiM3OrabHJFZJLY20GwlwN2Semevp+VF1EDm9Ht7W2kW4FwUO4K1tFkHH1qnJhYnY2oka5jbUA8QJ64C89zWetxEk1zLHH58N+s0YBViJAT05z3oXmBjpfylyJLz90RhS55A/zmqcV0AVo7iDa0tvLHv+45Q4Ydj9KEkKx6T4BvLfxb4dl8L6hHDG1uDN9s8vdIAD93PpSlFLUdjm5Vu59Ouru7g/0eGU24kQDtxk0uVXEemaXoFrffD3Sha3tus21lld3yWyT096qMVcDW0zXNJ8M6bpOhaxb2chkJAuDECMAkc+h61dkFxfHq6fZ+E7q/8ADX2S7kilQxW4XzCxJ7KCexPpUuFxmD4W8Vapqt6ttf6Lai7itP3TTnaEftgE9c4rGTsDOW8alkuLwNa2e8ptmKRZkyByQ3uaN3YVztfCFtqtvaeG7zU54U0y/hQwLKmXL4GcH8q1V+oyD47+Ko7PVtI0K21GO7iZ/tE6qThWTlDgH1z+VX0DdnF+Mo9euIjf3WuLqCzweaiiUlkBIG0Lz7ce1Z63HY9D8JeHZ/CGhtLFcSXomtVfU4/MVGX2BxnpVXC1jas/D1jNKtvZWs1tHYjz5BJckl2PIHuKOVtCMDVILx57u41nUxH9rHkRQGZmUKRwoXPamk0SZWh2t94N0m7itfEM6TWeDbWOQsUru3OR9KGwDVzJ5Wiz3kVsjSXolmh3nExIzjr0yKQHTWl5JrfiiCHWr9raezYXMUTMQke3kDrz0q9w3Ob+M/iQar9psS5S4tMsZRGVQ+m0+lTfWwE3wya11H4W38FrBLLcXAeHzEOSCD3H4iq5WMi8a6HMlnZyS29nAq2qW0rNI4d3JXHyg47frWM1yiPJriNF1B1KuPLYr8q8n6ZqGwJo3ma4ma3jiiijHyCQ8mp5QsYlw7GRTJcrIzschIyMfjWthMsIioIyWQydh3/GpZLJQWjy7HkNzxkUrEEcBPmbi+ARyMdaHsBZSRQw8shlOP4Tx9agCRlijlkUKx3H7wPT6UguVnV4m2qj7c8c9vWmIkR8k/Ljg7R2NFhAgBcMxyT1fHT2FIZYjkjKlgGY5wx9KAE80ylmO4hRkjHGMCgYqM0qD5FCpyAOMUAK0bBQzAZbsO9K4hdrTOVXoTjGQKAJH+SRI1wq46E5AqUgEUb3deNo+7imtAGwh2EhjQ4GOfWhsLkxllV0LQuDjK4P61FhB5TyOoMcpQHbnsc0xoktbIyB2mTahGCznofajmGPCabCxUFmRcACPJ575NF5dR3Iz9ljIR4CoYHlyQetLURblaPbHynK7gMA1KTGkUTqVxazosZSPkgPGR0rZUy7EEtzJ9qDQ3kwKLuCg5+tUopLYRheJIbi6+ySRSuwiDFiW5681rBJIstS3EbQJBbqZd0ZBYH7ppcpFtSfw7ZSFI7RpBCSDlnbAJqajEzUg0rUL2d7e2tmdkUsV3chRzux6YqQRqeFrax+12szXCI5BeTz1xEF7A+tTK4mdi9pqevWaXEAsrGKOX9zNAuxGCHIbmlGmuxVjkPE+pXd94hmvbu6WdSix7OAMjjOBwfWny6aEyMx5GIYCTj+EE8CpsSVVlSNtxL/ADckA9qdmBJFNHlCjM+M8AdfTrUtAMaZ0UEswJPY800gI7S7I3kSZIPUmm4BYtQ3jkqACq8nIYjmk4pIB8k0kgBdzuJAGewFSBDOzuXEY3fwkg4wMdaaQWHQBvIVHchlOMAYBoYDmBLkBOOpOe3epsMli8149iYQAYC9/wAal6AKihJ1DyBZAcHAIoBks8wUESKybhnrndzRYkruw8stghT0OM8VSRNia3DbFkUA/wB4MM4FJgTQTme98ht27rkcDpRbS40jUeGGa0u55tQSK4glCRQquS4HfihXLRmXk1vISrAKoAwnXmmDZTFwoT92o+7jnpn2p2JYkoab/WDcq9Vx1oAilDoyuRznnB4NUkOw6PkhZEbD9M0mFiRlXnYMp0zikBG0aNtGMjPJIzTSDcltUiRx5rBUX75I6ipYWNKyuFMZ8plZFY/d4z+NZSi7gTx39sPMVIVDsAXYHkn60OJSZVu2VX3fMC33gWyM00iis++QBVbYFOWwecZ9atADDKo8gG7JG5R296Qmh8JjeX95goeuF7+tArEsl2ZfLhjxGyKfYMPShaCI0jYjblCR2bpSAf8AaAkQOAQmOSMjOaLaiOduhDJczPci4d3YthmGMflXSloabE0FqrWphKiUsSV3KAKly1JuyxPp0UiRrKihgowDypqVOwuYmFo1tbqsSxqeuVXH4fzpc7bHzBbaeERne4bJGRjjFDnfQOYbBbxSyz+ZJFIzdfPhDYquYfMJY6ZGSJDb26yMxxtRVOM8YxTc3bcTZdjjUMylON2FBPAIrJtklhY4HhaNwkatgk+4PGPSp1uFyHYjyELErLu5z3NO4FiWOLy1wI0OcHBzk+w7UXGnYURo6oC7MoGzI47nHNJthcllAMUYKNlc5L857fyqI3TC4eTHGqGGYMcZIJGaq41cqTeXHKYwY2JOMqPWmh2HTeaCI2dDt7AY/DigCxDBKIpQgkffnjqcU7saMaO2EcjfZ7u4icZGckANj0BrXm7oexTv7HW7Ca287WHmTzAzISTjnritYyjJaIpMkOitcSyGLUNrN8y+YmOfxpc9raBcxDFrtjq8l2LpJBuCFQvBwMV0KUZKxVzN1m7uJpbhLmSSX5jjngGtaaS2C5k6VpOo3jf6JAzAdTuAqpTSEdh4HGvaVqJWWItbkFSGI+XI61zV3GQjupIbSe0WLf5auwO1RxIPTPauOM5QejKRU1j4fxawrrpl5FaSBjgTSblb8ulaxxfL8QWOL1HwR4l0xXeS0WaGMgs8DqRj6ZzXfSxEJdROBVVJnhUCIKVzwc9B1rdzRHLYg1CZzZttcYAycGrWoiGCPcinOSepzV7APvEJ8lQdyk889DVXAmitP3zzFwrFdvI6ilcC1H5aBsAEMMAbs4NK4EU0SSSEE/IO44pXAdIqvE2xiFXgc80NiEgjFvaqXkQlem40xbiM5E0QBVlOM7OnP9akZJcTDz/KPGw5JHUikBUumLQhvvBuVpgamh232qxmaQgxQKXYH/61VFEvcy7ESteLLsXywOcmtLlGhGySwLE6oFWQtt25BNRcL2HK1usN5EyAM0TBNoAwccUXBFa30+eLQ4dQeMLH9wMW5Y+wpDMppJEmdVYDPHNAzSmtmttNt97KZJednXAz/WpCxTvfkj2MoU4wBnvVRYWDTYJNiIis8juDnvTbA0riSRXCFdoB54weKlisNtWgGqPMwXa4O5eoHFFgKO8G4LElh2xSsIdDcASSh0GScjrTsUilc3pkmCLEiB2xkdTTSGzXt4GQKFzlW4BH+NJkkl47I7I7sxUcn3pCK1rJ5jOQ2SBjn8KEgIr1WaAlyfv5INUkMjZQIVdiOOmDTYE9qjJAyMgAbB3Z60rkvcZaLsS4+5hn45oRSHSySJA2xQSSM55pgR3DlEJLAHFACQBV+ctyep70mJhI42soAAPHWiwkiEOY/kXoR+dUimKCZYslsEtgU2IUIQH6DK9Km4xbEEwMDjbvIx60mA9gYrd1G0Z4UBeaWwkTWqiG1VGIDZOcjmmmLdkcnmm4QjHfHvxRYolHlLAIIYkyerY5IrzG2irjxFGjuirtBGDtH9am7E2SRIRGY1G0Yzk0hDCkX3/vEjqTSGx8rMxBCqiADjuapBa5WLhwd+SFPc02hpD4CFXMaAbewpWGyy8XlrG0yMQ7YUL2OO9LdCsdr4Y8NRW+hTa1d3UCEtstoGfl2NZSd3YTRq6F4Ls7/SorbVtRht9YuJCYI4znj/aquXsBD4j8L6Toehw3lxcwMUk2F0J5boRzRa7EavhbU9PsYpLa2021MIVWdiQ7MSDg+3WlJW1Gee+IfOnmluVshbQpKQBtxuJJp86EQWen3V1CLlYX8kMAWPy49qbaTAga1KNi42iQZAwc8570mw6FuFFIQiTGf4cfhWbIYrSJE+0oDg/e70rBYilbeVywRj1YdcUykSwsjZHmkhQdpI5ouMZGtzMqwQq25+ucdDTdlqA64t2t5CkqsXTgL2pJ3RO5E8iqmZGdVAyOaaixWK5F3cr+4jk4bghc5FaJW3CwscTyqUaNokBwSeM0rFKJfSLSI7YtJfN5qE/LGtTqVYozXFkj+Yg80jkF+x+lUky0gGqXL3HloywpySsYxk07IpRGTz2sMss15mSQ87Sec461STeg2jDErzXe5QyoOhPGTWy0Cx0OlalqdjpYtI7+eO3Yl3UHAOaiWoNFPWHuLWKOacyq0v3TnqDSjuKwyB5GtfLZn2hdz5HX3/WmwaHxmCSzkm3mKWM4WNhncPXNTYmxSjlUrkNuGfXNVYlosWrh3Cv1Q8AVNgsWmySXZWUdASfSkKxDM37rrlc5yTzQFiK6uGYpEj5OMsR2qkmNIpC7aUFYUZj0Jxxj0p2GSRxu75ckYHSi4XLu3cg3YXtj1qGybhNAY03ysu1hxikncBj3VpcbIreJllX/AFrE8N9BVcrQWEkwsjgEYPUUgFAI+bawJbpQMZPPEgZZPvDviqUbhYWGRpfmTp0NJqwzpPDlil/cR28ZM0gbKhRgqR71LEz0C7nvraCC0l0yNI0G2S4d8tMFGM1pFXEXrh7nW/7NnsbiCHTUhJMUK5wQAOT9aJKxdx95qmp21pFq+s2MlzDAxjtY5WKrkDhj61m5O4mTadrWu63Jp8UmhW9w0koYSTcqB7E1cdRpM9L+0rbR2kGtw2lvIgzFGh+8R2A71ZZzfiCyvvEw86zY75ZgnlzTFNqrwcCmI6fw5aaJY2MelJYzQeQSXLdHJ7g++M1TtYLnm3xRu44/HWm6Fcau+l6Ldpma4jwAp5wufw/WoRB0+kRNpoMWhJZahplvbYEzTDn1z70mh3KWg6pLqfixvD+kXlnc+ZatPeXr5/0XPRQO9UloPc4DxLc2OnXt9qdr4lkvZdMlMUgHDXBGDt/3c5pa7BsV0+LuqNp8y6TpUdvLIw2Ox3EdO1JodjnNZ1jxX4hv1/tSSb7RJGVVPL2bl7ioCxPotklizpcaTJcfa4jBjvuPHXtQr3K0JtQ8PtZoo1uK5gmgXEYD7lC9ula2sTc0rafSZ9KuEi0yNjBCpjfd945OT781DvuO5z2j3UeravaWRupLeF3Kyhh/HjjFKa90CLxZ4Q1bTLxp7tDHDuBVl5JBOAeKmFrDKXhmwkup7x7+O6vLO1TfLDESCyZ55q2Ipa5Z6YJDNbQtZ27ycQFsybaE2xMvXUPgdYpRBa6o1wABEXcYBo98Rsa5qFvfada2k11NJdQqAqyAYC7R0IqUrMRF4Oki0Z21aO+QIjKk8I6vGWGcetVJ30C50WqaJb6obnV7DUTLYLM7SI/GPw6Go12FcoSzatoej28cBgm0qd92XPMRznjH1rRMB1ppOreI5IpZMJaBjh3+6SM9PTik5K4G9o3iqTwikg8N2du4nk+zyzTHeFkA6j86XNK47kd7Y6h4q1k3OqXtvYGGASLOI9itzk1n1GcN8TLkRh005z5LKF89GOJD3NOlG0tSTr/hpq2t+LdP8NadfpLJpuju2Ji/bAAGPpiuixRpyeF/DN54s12+vjcRQ2zqFEjhRI3IwpqG2guZy3OieHtagNvpE1zM+RMxcskeemPfvUtjNOLTdf1m4jl8O3AuYLuU/aZZDwMc4weuMUJ6Dtcn8Ta3renPFpWk2qz3Vw5We5DdfYelNTa3IsSra3Vp/Z89/Kl1cEpvsV+eQHHX26frWkpCSLPjTV/D91rIil02W3ktrfzm/dcO3px6Vm31Gcxf+JGfwza3VnbRS3C3QEMk3G1RnoKHJJ2Cx1Hw58V297czz6rBHNetGoLqucY46mqjK+obHJ/HWW4OnXmow6FdWNtMvlGe4fLOc8YHbimkm7iMT4Napd6P4caGVTH5kvmqwbseDx+FaOaQmdR4v8S6JeeHRp0CS/bY5xK05kOGI/ya5qknJknn+pSI05nKgu6nbtb7ue9ZRTuUmZqmRboxspVSvJPStk0hkVxGvnec2Bk/dBociWyw0cazeYg28fWouZkJMgb73Xkc9qEwGpgMZOWZj8o7UASRSOP4gozyopMCZLjcQn3VB61LQiR2Gd2S2fl4qRD40jwCW2jI/PmgZGUJ3EkflQAojfLO6MATjrjJoEPLsuFVQc9gaBkwhcP8wAJUEDPelcYixyGdkBySOAKTYiaGzYAlQV7kCp5gFfTHabMsm3gfMD046U1NATWtrHBGd7hypwM96hu4E8bRxIUijADDJYilqIediMVRmk+X5nYDA+lCuMiu5AnlqP8AV7fvdP0ppNjSG2qPcsRLcCGJANxYfepuyHYit4Uh348vByyMzY4z1/SrabLUTn9Y1xbdl2Klw5cqGzkCtoUm1caiW9YultYEuRc2+94wGVRkrmqjTuUkcxNez+bjz9u4A7h6V0qCsMsWl8C2Jro4I2hjwTUSgIk1BmjP2WKXzDImM1FrCuW9NsvslrCpy5JyxBzis5SuyGzRLpBdQvES2HDYb1pLUVjcv/Ecl2l1erG8F9cYiMsbYCpjHShRSCxJBbWsFo7W7m4tIFji3OcsWI+bA+uaT1EzqtTbU/E2iR6RoVu0cdjEJmb/AFfygYI5/wA804u25aPPNTtbuwizeRPCvBXnOc/SnoxMoF7jkKx2gdaVkiWh0QlBXzCWUc4Hak7CJ1OGV2THGSPSoAkjlB+YMx5JxipsIYyDdyoH+NUMswZLYIXcOgzyaTVwGiWKWXcQVfHGTU8orErvj5lwV78elCGT2hHHv83FSwLJwkwVWUgZLZ4zUMCOdg6o0EgwDz2JFC8wQXDZSWQBVl/3s596AYxNoAlb5h0weoqthDoArypuGSx28DNHQRYvUbT7raCrYx8metJaoHqUryS4mnMsQ8vPzdOPpTVluAIsgZ5M/O7cn3p3BjJUyVYttJzkZ60wQtthJWV2UeigdamTGWJEiFwgVsM7BWLc4oWwg1EQWs81uvlzhcbZFziqGJHOzxohAPJbdSe4EFxPhMHnA5I9/SmkMZKg3Lk5HOCDVIBYGRowhB2jk55zSAu6bESpjEYUE4BHeokANE6XvllQGAAXJznvzUiE1NGiu447hfnIywQ847GnGzKQwBXbaschbOFDf55otYomv7S4tIoobmRI3K8IWBIzzyKFrsIhhTbuPc88elNjFkWPIVQBkZOfSpIZLbyR8MVIXPy5oCxdkildNiOiqvJBHUVKdgM6PT4fNSSQZVxyzHPOatyC5Ylt4Y2RoyNu30PNRzXEAaIS/vUIJXIHoB/+s0agVRdBXWSSMSKDgD0/zxV2uFiabZLHKkcxWTGVweBSWjAhdQPlBywGDjrmqQyKSR5Mhf3JRsccE+tVZFNEkMhZ8jcRk5z3pNEkjEdQwOew61NhIdayufmJCjvxQxsmhJaQMHXZ247mgQ0SR26+WxbIJbpx9KVrhYdcOGSOMSNljyOo9aSQxdyiNwiZkOM5OMCgdySG2R08whIwBwM0NspahLbzbY2t42y5JbK8YzwaE0PlsSxxzySoYTNtUBWCA5p6AkTJ4a1yWSQ2Fn5g3fekbqe9PmVi0rmfqug3dw7Q3UscM8UTH5s4Bx61UZpaj5Wc9deFvFemPiezkljkXKSRsWxXSpxkKxXefxRayLlCiq5wJU5q0obgJYaVrOpSy3Vy48qSQqVwBjp/jQ6qQriPpN/Z3cC28ShEmVnYHGRmk6ikhXOrtFeCVZDsBGWYHsO9csmmyWaV7NZtpBmVG3odqoRyfcVCi0ykyXTZoHVZY3MGyLmMd2Pr+dKS6MtMpa/darZafPcXik2rgKCAcdP/ANVXSjHm0LTOCS8FzdH7NMTHGQx4/MV6DRMhmtQQ+UyIrISP4j1renK5lYy9Nd9+32weM4rqCxpRtG0YJUfKe460riFkcNIVAxjp6UmwCNCoPILN+lTcB4CeUzj7pAwMcZpgJHEzPsbCjuW9aVwIp1iWBnkZhJngjmqEkJaDZYyTuwDbgFDdT16CnYLEEuWlJVcEr+VFhjLnzJI4olBZmHyihMDStb5rHT5bckrI/D46Yo5gsVNMk3W7lSGIONo7g96nmAWe5b7asKrwxxhTU8wWK8lwUunWQEYHetIgXJLzGiRgBywchRjgCqsBjXEZkkWQb+CM0mho6RLctDG8kzy4QGM4xgg9KiT1GjPmLPJJujyZHKbiOlNAbmlwtZajaSRsobK43LxzSbEyLXI8XZbeWkbO4e+a0Qjnc7bqVmXouWUdqdgLdsiyAs0RCAcNUgRPZyD9424wvgdKdwFgs2N4ptNqOoOA3TNK4F0iSHCyMGYn5mznJqWBBcMS53YOeWosKxJEwjWQxKArLzg96EBUvgwtDOxyOBg07juTiGJ4k2kllA4NFxXHvLkYUsQFHWkIgePAQE43DOaaY7iho9gV35X0qhkcpQkBhuHY0gInA3bQSfYGgBuSx9APWmAyZk88ADnb1qkBNax7YWPT3oYhUDSLIqtnA71IxsAKBUJ5zQBMZNiDcM55680mhWI3nZ+d2Sc5BoQJDF3YB38r0oGWoVkSPYQTjGTjmvMYywrl9wBK7Rzx1qRCuDtzvKrnoe9IZGyhj1AHTntQMj2NnPLEHAOeKoEJFzklVIHagZJDFjLyZwffvUtgXFY7hiMtjGMn6UIZ6/a+HY7XwQb4IJ2EImRhgiJu/wCNZX1B6GFoulNf2U2tr9unvrcKCFwpye4qpSa06EEXi2G51C20uynhe7hWITeWg6HvuPrSjohWtsZPhnUrmw1ZUttOilm8wbkI49MZom77gWPHmpapqWqiDV4IrOOHmOGH7rE9yazgktUIzYNUlhha3QAIcHI9adluFjN8kMzS5JO7JJqrgtCeEGRCCxVVXJ45qWJlWbHDRrwD07+/9KALI043ESskp3Zy3sKTlYd7E8cKRY8zBCjPFJtsW4kDyLdHLog/vL2ptaDsybU/7KgnjdLie4yv71mU43dSKcOYpRZlX+sJhWitLaHaCBgZJHrzWqj3HykMutXQdNsxBA7YA/Sq5EUola4uZbpg8shyQe+RmjlSK5Sugb7uee5Hc07hYdMjgghR64IpXuOxNZMFmDsqleQQTii1wuGrzR/Y7dZF/wBKmmwcchUFaRTQrlK5dPtriLLwofvYqmNFu3tnu8qsbxxBcBm4rJtIqxr6g0UttbpKI2+yx7QzHIOO4rNN3YrGZpzNcCeZnihjMZA3g+oyf5VoxMyJ50iSaJZd7u33l5+WtFEQkUTCIZDIOu48U3YTNPTYvIQSEbgTkHOcmspSJK2qSXVyyxICvzfNg9KaSWokOWx8xQjO7KB603JIbdh5sSJjKWYhhgYGAKXNcXMWIYooV2KnAPWlcTYoMZDEAnnGR2pCGs7dcfiRQMhnkZ4judQFHQnrVRQ0jCikmXUIhbEuzvjA6t7Vta6GdFrU4tvLhurdonHzEY5qFG4mijJd7lgk5BJJGW980coFLWbou754JGatRGP0G7ka9WBsLHIMEselE43Vxnc+Eb2y0zVxdXUcskQyAqNtJPauaTa0RLK3j3xfdXmqW62cjJDBDhee561tTQkdV8GfEVldeH28OXqXEdwzF4pok3NgkkjA/CtZK6NEj1jQNATU7O3fXJru8sLZy6xXHyqW5ALDqAKxcNRGq1poelyprNzaXEFnAhESRMdhzx8o/GkoqIc9jyL4o+P1j8Z6bqWn3LvFZNk/Lk4zzxVJXYlK7NXVfiNpOo/Y9StroOryf8eyOon3ZOeOwq3FjZX8U+LtVtkextJr0Aw/aiGYEooOMZH1qPUGeS+NvE+q60Lf7ZIGjh/1aE5z7n3qoWEtC94Y+Jt/ocYjEUMsZgMflIdoOQRk+/NU43QMd4I1270/U7nUbW8mjur5WRo4wW+X0qZ6IpaGppGkya891IgEk0rlkj+6M+59axcmMxtY0XVtGeGWe3eAFsIY2DDOfaqTGbNx4h1W+1fTZ54Z/PtYzHHtTG5mGBRGKV7gdDB45MMT2d/pzQ3cefKYpgknpkUNdUJnOXOvanLpjW1xqTSSTZWZXAGR2GetLmEdB8M7oNra2N3aq1s8BRVADFeT3pSd1oMj8YaBdaetxPoOlybTcApM/JHrgfjST6sGW9P8b2t3pp0bXXkhRgI5pwoYj/JFWtdidTLHiPQtI1i+XSLm7a1uE8l32Yyvrg01Hqx3MPXrrSJrW0ZZpbi/3fv5dm0KO1Sr3Ap6vaaTJ9mazvZJJyxMyumF7Y5oi2twOg8KWxmfUZ2lsRNFGoQM4xtPXHv0qtwK2r6NHbol/cRyQWy7dqBwxkJPPA6DFTd7Ek8E9o5jsVM0VuGZ5naQquMenSjVIVh+v2i2VpJdLeD+zr2crBCuHfAP3uOlSmM39CltbjxBbaLp2q3MWlywgyiVcl3xyF9KV+orj7yDSLnxC2ktbXFjZWwK2dvbgeZdTHuzdhVprdDKvi+8urPWLfS7i1NtPBCYhC0ol8wEdyKi3Vgea+MRf+cy3bgbV3Kg7CtadugJmX4W1680S+EcdzcC2bgokhWt7aAeix+J9LM9nJq1y0tohV2DnLbvp3rGUW3oBsz674f8XeVomh6ncxzSSmSVWiKJge+PSs507blXNvQrttI8PrZ3U8ltdeaTbtanzGA6ZYCnFXQXMnRrePT/ABRK1rHqc0SwllmuFILHH3gDRpIdzN8Py+I7C6mu3gniWaVpJbiQ87M8gHt17UN9CbGnf6tqOsOL7T4DY2dqphDbCTLuPUk9f/r01sBQ8Vpaafa28kduwESqVldCFdieQBWaV3YZmWGtXVhPdXl/K1n5lsfsgjhwC+OMj61UY2WgmO8S+Jdd1KCDTtcu47yKFdxiA4DHofyxVXYE/gYQPq6WV3OkUTQMA/l7gMEnH15qJPTUmRg6pbiK/vIcyMscoCl1wcc1HMzNsz5ojMgZlbcCAMelNOwcxYWIMASR8vT5uuKXMLmIrlPMIlA5PYDilcGxUkOzHAReoxyaBEbyAygbR87Y+lVZgM9dnJWgYbs9BnmgCxFFKy7mXAJ7MP5VLYhZFZZAqxnGOtJAB888KpXBz14xSAljlSYFhksB1PTNJ6DLMcMpkPmHdnkYHWpbEOigl+0l5FCR4+XPtRfQCaZ4NjmaUKRgYHektRDIryx8x2SGQMBgMw60crGRnUZ0A2CNkwOD196aj3AdcXsshxI4UhRgL60KIA88ZYH5sA8Z9afKAJd7VOBnJIPelyjQ6G6LxuB94KSQOtPl1KSNDwn9nufEMFjqEJEEqFgJW4OOxParlDTQvlOf8QanP9uulgQxQg/MV5UE1tCirDsUvCkd1eyXFvJcKsbMGeaUgbIx1Az9a1cFcZm3Vjb/ANoy+STLAjvsZmxx61TdthkOoGGRJGeRd23haI3AwmuWJyTyOAcVuloImFzEecIxA/i6VLQF/Rb/AGSu7wecxGF5wBxWU4ktHWWdy0tqC8IhZRw2c8VySVmRbUaGDcgZIP3qbGMvvOtbdLskC2kfaxPc9acdQNjw9IWuUkkmfyI/mYRgEmpnuSz0Dwtr0tjqk8Eemy6pLewoqJMhj8sE98dV560RXUpFDXp/D/hvU4/DmtNa6lNI7XM4tTuEQIJEYPqOK05G0OSOH1o2jXctxaRlbeRspExxtHYVmzMqRxszOI9xJOCe1S9AHPHIrBN271Pal0uAkKbiVI6A45zSbAnODGBgH0IHekmIVkV5FfJyD2FUMjdVJ2kE45zSAIw8sj75C0QUfKo+7/nihgTySrHs8os+1TgDoam1wGxC6MxkufLMjfMFA6U3boFyVzIrFXXagGAoHX6VLFcfM7MVLb0BHT+VJIBxCGEj72ccUgH2iCSZQG8sKOmcDih7CJb5PPZXKqSe6nOe1JOwXI0LRKQActj8aejAkitvMMmLhfvZBPApAVZ7RSo3TBnAJXbz3qkxksAYHDMN4PBPXI5pMB32gRS+bcFXiLfMnVmPtTWqCw7U7a5tXje6szClwvmJGTzimtdBlc5JaQbI1zjGOMUhC3DIIAibGL9D2AoAjj3Igfgt2UmncYyQO8uIypzxjPNO4F23ZI/M2M4UHGT2rNkkUTTFiUYs4Y/MafQZNALn7U7uN8rKAARyB160O3QY8EgiXzfmVs5Pr3AqbgVBHG93LIsBmlkbl2ySK0u0rXAcuVLfvSgGR09+lLQpDZXUxeaBnsOtFh2LMDEvychRkK3Y/wCTSaE0SIwP8T5zwc8VLRNrA7W28RLNhk6jtg0rDRbG8xsxyVUcHv7VC0HYpTMpGGjOWB256+v9a0SCxEqx7t3kEgqeM8e9MVhBHFuXbGVB6HHSndhYZgJKYhuf+IuORT6XHYkEEbXflwRzSScn5hwOaV7DHXFnLFiOZDGwAYrjORRzXFYtWltHMu+EZI+Zvl6YoFYjRCED3Lou5iwwPuj3o3HyjYYrc3G1r0RogbpyMdqpxa6BykMt1arG+y7SaQ4HT7nrRyS7Fco/UJbu3SH+z7QXrqTvY8A8Zz/KlFX3HyklncwXEkfmJ5TycOM8KfrSlFj5CWWUsnkxMAqtuGDywzUpNlKNhwvb59GFze6pZWUUJMao7AOx/rWqpq9ki1EztJ1jz7a6Fhr1oGTl0fcPMwO3Fbew7olpIbpniPxJqMDGzuHhlh+YnaenU/yqnhooE7GXqHi3VZrvzLmWUwkbGKJnce/WrWGjayG5tk1j4w1m6kYr4m+wmPJEcyHJx0HTFUqEVpYl6kdt4oku7eG61bmWQlUkyMOc+nas5U7bCJn10BvLjtH3qxIbPynpWTpX3ETQ3VzNcK05QMwBYjoP8aXKlsJlw3ERYbnDsjZJx94VnZkk0ASSJpnnckEYxyFobAsWxggsZ3WcFz94sPvH0FQ3dlJl7RtfNsYV1SNbqzk3LJG/K4xwPbrVSi90O9i/qPw48MeJtPOo6BKdKuJOkYOVbg8Y7f8A6quGInF2ZorSR554o8H+L/DrSx6lpssyRjKzJ8+V9eK7adeLE4WOTtVeK+Rpd0Xz/wAQxn2rq9tpoS0dBLpGrBC8WnzTBmzuRcqAe9Q6xNildFotiMCzsxDADBHqKXtOYLCWZVlk2sqn7uCeaakFieGRUVI45AzKcbavmFYheXfM7yy8s27biknqFiPUXhaFwhz/APqrUki3bolRiQAAfyFWMfCJZLxpcBowgznjPNRKQFi1QyXLzvIQmBgdMD0FZXZVjPvLkSOxj+RFO3pk0XHYlsFKWrkqSyjHXBNFxNFC7u5EKShSG3DBpJDsLcTibZMT8zjGCefxraDE0WjetLawWkfCKQX+tbEle68wTbVRhuOB71Ddho7XVNKkt9Kto1t5ZZDEuMDox5x+RrnclcaMyXS3trdp5oeFwfLL8jPU1SYmxitK6OkWFGz7xbgfSnYGVp7sLOkTMznIIOa1Qird+WryAr+8de9UBq6Ap1TEISKJIV3Ox6YAqJMGXb+9m1G4WxtkgW2t4yR8u0nA7mlcEY1tvtr/AHS4G/OKSdwexdupUcqY04Rep/vUMEZ0kbSbpWwSDxk9uKaAMmOAkHBB7UhWFlC7f3mGDdqYCwy7cSDgsuefSqsKwjBQZQDyOMg9PSlYCrKz/LuJJ9PSiw0LZqXdmwcKPzNUMluoRFDE5UhnzuoArooUBz9480AOTa0wBPGeTnigCOFAb6RYzkGgDRhjiEIUH5jKA3HQYpoCCVEjupEV1YA8Fec1IXIGzHl+rE4UUJgMaKQKCX5PSncCdRFExyCTjG7tQwGI6GFnPLA4+tAFkuwVQzFTnkCvKZViWFwGO3jnkN2/xqRE06p5ZeTg4+XAyDQBWaUSYZlGQMc8VVguS2pVnOEY55BJ60mNEs0al8rH7tSGEZk2K6BmJPAyBgUgbNHRI0/tSFLjLK78sTzxzQ9hXPWL3TMaOmotfTaTpX2dhOs11/ruM4RffFZWsORzP9oLY+Hr1IRPY3M8aNbMzlmkXPHTvWiXvXYHd6Rq0UHwsNymlSiMWZBnYrmSTv15pzs1YcloeX2ltFd2h1CynK3jS4aEKc9Bz+prOV1o0RYz7XRdb1LXfsSW0l1duTtQHO33PpTbSVxFTVbKa11Ceyuwn2i3IEmxsgH04pqzQ00WrW5sTpcsaoXkZgpO/IXjrWbi7ktGc7/OViB24ySx/SmImhsH8szOyrGem7v+Hek30C5bOIYC2PNBHCjjPvWdrsCB26NtwCcD1q7FEzBIIXYOPm+6GXk57Zo3ZaVzEndwzStjDnODkgdv6VskaX0Kz542srZ6g46fjVAV5hAwCgHeSBgHOKtDROm5WO0hjngdh/U1LBiltkxVwA7HjA4oSJJZZY5VljCl5FxhgxAX1oasMakYFxHFuVYiBltxPpmkDRKGgkukWUBkVTsLADP41fNoIqyeTDKZI41kLHJC8ZNF7lI0ftLm1Q3bSbnGFQtwo/Ks3G7Bsyp0kZ1VmYqAPukBR9asm4xy/kGLbIQxwG7fWqjZIGyzb6dCimaSNC+QFAFTKdxXLaJHOGLJj2A/yKzbE2W/sk8GnMbe4jRScmNzhvwGKnn1JuVTCi9ZN7YyzYqrsBIMIWGSCRnr0oepLHqmW2AnaOtCERSkLgN8386YwWMsylduSevQUwIrx4I0bMpLDg46ZpxVyrHOXNyzO7OxPp9K6FEZRdnXbMrlT/CR61okFjTvNTa/jjaWdpZVTad/XiklZgZsk7TSIrMTt4Ap8oEtwS6/M3SpAZbuY5EcNgqeOabQzsWkSLTLa8urhFjl6fNlvrtrmcLslnM6ncwS3LvDI7Rk8EjHFbwjZDR1XwZ1hdM8aafL9re1BlwZcbgF9MVrbQdz6k1fU/D+maNPe6xOkNo5ErYkBMhzkcbs9jxWUokuVjwL4gfFHUvEjzWmkJJZ6VECF2k5K54HPTtU2sCR5ffXV1czbpX3HpySTVKyGP0jTmmn3yzfZxn/AFgySKrmGevxPpEnhnS9P0mzvDey5gm1O5XCuCcsqjPP/wCqsWmwOT8TeDhP40OiaZfWsduIQ5ubuXy4w2OeaE+VagR6N4E0VNJvpdU8S2SX0blLeGAGXzcenselVKpZaDNLwI10s93GNR03R4Lj91JeSpmSNOh2D1rOTC51Vlcaf4LnK2cNrr+lBQwuHgIeVn64Bx3qdGwuUnliubOfw9eWNhau7Nc23nSMso3ZIXBPsauz6DucXDq19YypHi4LRSFk3zA7COhAI9avlSVwudZDr1gujP4h1e6uLu/uSUDSQh8EcYFLR6EsnTTori3iW/0qIXN4A8TwSgyqp7lT0+lZ2uBc/sPT9P1b7bO+sWCwTFcm0aTK46jbStbcVy5rmlTWWi3Gv6J4xYWzRmX7LOMSqpIBO0n29qHFNWY0zhL2yvLPTJtTj8q/t5GR5JA4xuPqDzTUB3TKEVzNrV7MzpbWZkGYguEUnvyeK15UhFzU9GvGkhkhuLa7nmQOwikX5Pbrg/hUOSuIYNB1ZJ4Yri1UiVWeEM4AYeuc1m2gHJp7NmFLa3VUI82RHLEHPtVJ6Adbp154amspNCntM6lLIFj1F5SI4kyD0PTpWck9xlZ0jsLgaajxXtoLjBf/AJ6Lnv7Ub6sRY8aW8dnqbG1jto04BaGJsYAAIHajWwF3RXt9QjW18OeGmtb8fK2oTXKqOg5I59+lKMbbsDe0tL7wlaXF9qEgvtRdzFboNpVmbHzAn6n/AOtT0WwHKWAu7TxNeX1z5IvRG8m2QefyR0oa5lYDhfiRd/2hrc080MMUpULtiBGAPx61rTjyqwHB3LEzbeyk4PT866ojNLw7Yf2nqcNtcyvDEWwZhGX2jp0FJsdj0bT10bSLN9Ltmea7troSLqMMJV5Rj7nJ6VzydxM3J/HusWWptLocItQ0YSR5IldyB6gnAqeVIBLbW9WOo22ra/cSkMnmAXGY0l2jIQbRxmlypAO8SW2qeItXOs+ILu00rTkiR7W2t3zuDDp659cinddBlzQbFvFFx/xNPES2Wm6UuY4IkG6TB4xjryB1p3C4njPVNBi8PafomowalLdyTm5ldSp3oM49CO1SotaoDP8AD8XgqS81O71qS4dV2tp9srlycjow5INHkDIfDJvNR1C/vbvS7MtGSzQSL5bMgPGBjPSpkkiWyDRRp1pfTX15ctLuZ2SG0Rm8nngHPalPVWM5MxL+8e+vnd2ZgWJyxAPtnFRsibERliE+wBlAFFtBWGTT7P4i7Ox4AGBSUQImR96qpzgDqO1VoBdexu4oF8yAoX+bbLwcetZqSezEV4o1bdhdoBGM96psZNjdudgFGcAAjikFhiCNZsOWOeOccUAS53MRAvmc4zjpz6/4UAXIrcuxRmjA9WboKzcgLLW0EaqTMJFxjai45+ppXfQCpNd20DbY7RCCpABxgVXK3uMrT6hc+ZtidEQjHy4BH6VXIhEiXCNgyM2fUt19qVgEm2ogDndyO1NAhyRBTw2AynGKBiBFA2naMA8ZPp0phYqvG7TbiCU68ZFNDGkSq4IIwTwwU/5FPQdixhxdby7uCegUDFILDpJpIJCkEkfz8OXXJAppIYjq76jDdPfYSJlGxOOPfiri7Kw7kXiiNby9uPJEUcLIqRwxqQFAHVieSa3hLQozNGFrFbpmWJ26OBlgPTrSle4xPMs3iuHXeEjVmyOB1FWosdzlhNJdOywQNIznC4Ga1SSFctWmiTk7rtkiXqUDc0SnbYCzFaWDTNGhKqvGTzWTkxFuCzgMgVBjnqARUSkTc6SzgQoIlZznqMZye2K53uSdzodn4QTxppfhzULe5dZrd2mZ28vy5cfL3FOMXa5SR5X8RIZIfE02iWUsssCTnyVz2zweK3glFXZeh3fw90u9cR2qsgdgPOLYyFHUD07da56j1MZHoFrf+H9J0jUPEseoTC9jb7GbO4hU8E7cgjIHTPUdKtQVhHlxtNMS7vbi4umMuGkLsMszHoox9fWolKSdgbM5xlRuAyTkZGc+1ICdAQQEaTIGCipmobHoOmsZ4pEjk3xszbvnHYjjNLmQCiLDKm4ErnOB+lFwaHqCMKWHllumOKQiOeGMxElgeM8tTTGkUlEjSqJApzxlARTAuLEqs+1wCByp4zmpbEJ+7wBCpUY+bcvP4Ueohx3M0e2OQHI53f57UriJVhjjZ/lZmbuxyAaLgJOP3YBzwRtOec/TmhOwyxCfMYR7ty8jkj86lrUBIYwjNJFICUPTPX29KBD/ALVD5e5vMWYDOCBxS5QB5zcEq5XJ6EDbx609hkaRCG45Uujt8xVsY/Oi4DZvKO54iSyHb1/zmmmwJWcsm3IVsZ/z71KAjjxvGUPJ5bPOBVMDR1CY6lNG885ka3j2xq5OMdualOwGeY40AR32OGIPzZ/AVV7gVnk+95USJnCklsj6/WmCVyeeWFkS34Lt0Y//AFqVhjVg2yEjLMODnvRcC3FHHku6rtbBPBP/ANaobDcJ3h8wqsbJtHyAHGf5UDsFxc25EZtw6y4+f5gee3+c0+ViIo7qVXHmOeOME8fpRbqBZt7qS2hWSEhZGX72M/lRa+4ETz3N9KZbkMowE2rgfQ4FVpEaZbg0SeG1VpJVKs+Bsx6dxnNQ6lyrivZbAEF5Ggzyp6Z+v9KnnAmNlHarvnuY3U5OVGcD0z2o5r7IGiCKXSujxzsQc8MMH36Zp+8BYnuNOEYVC6OepZ8/Tg1PLIQ6CCCcbWQBgMjJ24PcHP4UrtAX9KislVo5/s3zYG5weOccVLcrmsSy2laZuGy7MqMCCiRlgTn17U+dg7GXNZrF8phlO4jYxBbJ/CnzdbiSIpTcW11KkQxMi/MzL1B+vNWtVdisYt7qFwJzN+9kbZhmA446YyK1jAoxbnVZUklnjtZD8pyVPT9K2jTT3AzbjW55tPxJGEjLYCl8s35dK6I0YrUehJo8lsl2NPumlJwHdIM7gvU844qpwCxua7quh3ujNLZ6fFo0UO1I0abfLOe7nPTtWUINPcasZNvq0jBIY5Xa46rlwqhdvU5odJDdi6geW0SaO/VblgQIxIu3jk5Oaz5bOw1cwb/VNWuZdn2tIYVIXajAE1uqcRMtz65bpLYWtvpcVxPb4aV51DLIT6iiMLXkHMW/D2kTW1wup2kcLXJk81okbC9TweOnFZTr20Ibua+tJrWq6pLqCR6bA8g2tBGxIGB6A8044mMdx3OX1LS7+LMKtEgHzNn5Rn15reFZMVw0vQby71eGa82NCcZZSPmFTUrWWgXOzg0DSZ7+3N1DCkKnCYf5c49D7+9cbqu2hRS1e102G9+xNeiIA5LKMjGacG2rkksFrbPI3lXEjwRAH7wBcfiKbb7CYwRLLnawI6DL1DbRJYJCMI4jIyDBbngn8Kh6kvQkvY99uqfvWcL8wySo57URbvcEylbm4nmbMYaFDwA3A/XFW2kVc6jSddj0a2SQ+bvj58oDjB4ycmsWnJhFnoeleJrKbRhcXF8WDDIi27jn0ArJ3R0wloQajomg6vN5k2npbiFiSJVyCfxBqlOS6lyimc3c6RZxXEs8cKnbIfKWO5aMYOOuBg1ftH3MeQi1Hwp4ciim1DxDZSRRHGJoXO5SR16/zFXCtU2QnGxkSfDzw7daUL7w34i+Qthlv22ls+nHWuhYhrSQWOK1DR77TRJ5sSnbkLJGpK8dwe9dEaqkS0YRuCszF891VgM5/CtUxNEUQmnjkjckAYzgcZraMkKSH20bSExrGWZO4NaNklxCGUiQuNi7flFZSZSRXMluxMZZ4xj+LmoQzOt/KclQXK9eeDTGWNN8/wAuf7+d/DMeMYpXFco3NrI11HEZepzjOQKdx3JFhl3iBURivQg81SYjR02zigIdwdzZIA9a05iGauhXlsPENp58UToHwPMA6575qal7C1PU5b42/nOHSRmXIWNl+XsDwK4Um2aw2PKfENwiyPHHucszeYSvJ5zzXbBEyRRtmVk5XfhcHnH6VoQyjduzCMAAPyTu69eKpDGtNtn7lnGDnBwPaq2A6bR/Ih0i4Z/NQSDbFtQHee+fSsHLUW5Xj1FbeEQG3XI4YEcnJ7mh7AMvWDzo/l7VY9/SktBldjGJSu9ipOd2OtUBLOQsMaqsY7jJxVbAVZW2yfIWCheueKAIGun85lc7j1GRTSABMGAVAc7AM0wFyE+YvznmmBMYS0Xm7lJbPfpQA21ZoLIo+4FpM57cUkwH/a2uD9n2F0RcjaPz5p7gRxSrISwBH8PPekwIzGg1BchjGRzilcQgfY+EbI9aYx7sUcMCrMx5THtQwFiAQn5dp6kr/wDXqWxMfdlGBKZOOOnSmkNFeIM0QUEucnjHQVVgHC2O7dkKAfpQABrcRMuzOT780ATvyFCLk98kV5RZLFG7MMgcHNSSyzKMKMkfN1OeRQIphTv2g5z0GOtO4y1bh1jBwB2AHNJsaRbjXKspcbgBzj2pMYhtpB5QTbgdSwxnP0qeZCbuanhuz+0apCjybQWILA/KOvNS5EnY+I/FOgjwouhWlm15q6uFe8lOVj6/drZJWTYN3Oc0bXZE8NSW39mRtfyDat3Lzj3AqJWTGmaiXmoWtlZRXmrI1tMM+QjDCEnqR2qVZoLm141stLk0zT7i0123heNfLKR4LH3P+NEXYGOsPGdvpGlQWtjErvHuV7oIAzsR60pPmRGp5rqNw815PPGSDK5ZmJJPrmrWw0S6ZaieZIYhHgjOTwCO+TUTdhmpZaJcf2cdQurUG2aQ4KPkdazctbIhsrSuZZjF1UDg5p27gRZBO0kEAk7scYxRYdivM+UMsmFWNhjBPPvVJGsUZvnvJMCH3Jjua05bFpWI71mCmM4VOq96pFFaZhOIj9wrwcDg07AOVo7dGIYljgL9c00MZp6SMftE3K84+tU7CLcqrLtcFgcd+KgVhmxgmdoJxyT3zSARXMcO3aCVPHPBoBsid2ef90FC9jnpTRLZNBbzGUSSoG4yWzgVLZLZbv1WWEJBGc5wxLf1qYuz1EncgtbMs5yrbuN3fiqchlw2iNyUDKRgZ7Vnz6CbLjJboqrCORjcSKz1e4tSv9pmLkmIc8HjNWo6DNC1Iu4THAzCQgAqR1FTy2JZnXVs1q0mIcRsRgsCN3vzWqd0O5XYKufLHTjkZFUA23tdwY+YFz3A60mwJhGA5G7cR37UAU9SuDBbSDILNwCO1XHUEjmLm4Zg3yHJ9T+tdEYlFKeVgOu4d+K0SGIJC6opyEH5VVhFvw9ps2q6ibWCaGHClt0z7V4pgVXiSC8ZZJN5U446ZpWGSynI/wBn3qbARsoMRY43dqYETSuxAf5gvTJp2QFuZH2KZsoWUEYAxg1IFbOybbErgg8ECmmBr6Ravc3KG7E0kKuDJljyKHIVkd/P/Z18TZmyNpZQECKIrhmPqT3rnle4FeDStJ0+FroPHvLbVjaT5m59KTkA+5fSIZHOm6PGskh2ssj5UH1zUXfcVyPUdTubizttNVhClszFPLb7pPXmqjK2o7lq4uIpraxfUbQsLZCkRK/fPPU96lsVy9pmstOtta3LW9ikLtKZIYQHxg8VErvYLmS2owyXbTPbgxRkqgAwWz0PFPXoPU6ltI1rXn05JNbg0i3gUPEZ5QxcjvjNVBpAYPiPRLe11i8vrq4vdWugmRcqu2MkYGQT2rRSYGn4em0GfSfs1/oyXsyqJRKEAKqDzk1Em7gL4ii0bU/Jj02zays4RvMcXzAn1JpKVmMjguvD95fIl0+qWZUEy3ELg7yOwB6Cld2uIr2viK8b7QFu5ljAK27O+5ivQE+9DfcllvSbzWrWOSeGQXcM6mA/aYlZATyc7hVKaQbFDxfBpytb29tqZurllDSiKPbFG3p71XMguzBW1aNFQsjBSduUHU9qz9oO5pW1ssqjdAsSjpgbfbg0uYVzctBpNv4WvLm6d3vUnWKNclmVMdc0rtsCHwpq2u2VwbnTbcLZQyjd+7V2PB7HrVPQLmza/EK8a5lF/wCHtMnXPWe0Cs34jpUt6D5i1pviXRryONLzwlpUKhwB9nYh+T19KAubOvN4Vsby30+/dhZ7DKGV2aQE87crx+dMZk6T4ctL7xPFLp93dXemv++aNZFUgjoDyPpST8gNLW9BudW8R3NzbSRafYxxpFGkzhsknk9T+dU1oBhyWWq6PrF6q39hcR5X5YkBMi9wDjirjsO1jyfxe7x3DH7PtErbg+3n6VcQDRvAXijWXQ2unyLA67jLIQq7f73Par50gPc9QtE8J/DCxsLD7PPPOwhnktQrNkHJJYjjr+lTz3ZR51pSF/E9x5rInkQtJGsz4EjgcDjjNZvYRXmsdUk1OGFozFdysJFRQNuM5yT6Uc1thHTaLbSeItW87UdSt/LtwceeuUU+gHSoYHP2l4Lu7lu7yR5I4p28rBAX5TjgHtTemwFHUdQ1uf7RfWn2ey08yFMsi5fp6Cqi1flA6j4Xwm903XNQ1GOa5BtxbwOABKGJH3RVSYF/wppeg2Wl6zq80N6b2zH7qAruOQOpFZNdLhcydQaa5sX1m+1CSO+miXgttIGPapvrYllKXUtRvbeG2tWitISiwhUH3xnkkmplZMkybqy+y6hPbhomELAMwO4HvS3VyWI1t5sPnQoSozk9AaV+jJH2ltLduI4YlVscFuBmk5WE9CxdWdxperG2mkjkljw25DuCn0zUpqUQvcW9ubq9uDPdz+bKfl5+XjtjFEYpbAVlTG7YfmznGPT3pjEZWBGAh5y24dKAJkhlYB5EjjB6AfzpNgidAIyqM6KvdjxxU7gRy3kSsWQ7lI6jrTjACsl08oIijYDP41XLYZEoyctxkEYPamA0QgqpZge/HFO4DQUwGY844B5p2uA9WDneWxxwppNATQTZCFm5Q5JNICeKcMyrJwC+QOnJ7UWHqNPljaqFlOMNnkdaLDsJmMTMGwys3DdhTGieSa2tNOklaKIgOAWHU0RV2CRz02rLcSE2cB8pWAdicd625OUdi1bSulwEeQAHk8dqLBoE17cySrIsh5BG5ePwpxdiinY2MiF/nWLPOG69atzGR31rpoV7eS7muCcNtRtoJz0rSMnYBt/qkkVpFp9jFHZ22RvCABifc9TRbuBnzypHGIWZ3duDk5zRsBp6bpsSQgTJsc84xmsJz7ENm2IPlwiqkar2GT+tYXJCJnhZSkmAOSQP1+tG4HSf8IqZ/Al14zkN492DvMhPDKO+a1V9kNHP6FbwGY3T24aeUf61huKgfWpnJ9AbNjR4bpPN1Oxvvs0gkwC/DHPTFRzPqTcl1bVLq9hks7qOL5MNK4+Znbt/OmpMRnIlt5Ukl9JKtx5WI1A4LZ7/AEpOTvoIqwGLy8N8xzkhjSYy3bPK18kUZRFZuCTwTUNaXYHXW/hPUdVtnnhv4Z74ZL2+0hiB6VMXqUjndZ00ac0m4srodsgXsx6g1Svew7GcLhJYfIAIbpuz/OnytAV5kTeiLkYPUiqFYkhGHeYOSwGNuODUtgWfKynmeX97k7j9KzbJHwxBiA4yQMDb6ZqWxCBV8zO4qu7gGi4hzHy1dmJCAjaB3+tNaiuFhdRh33BsL/s5OKpxY9SpN5SSnyvlPGSFyPpVboC3HJHKm0xMspAwRgDH+NRYZXkDtMULb8cMSv8AjVATRRKFZsufQgcZpAMmJWTagYqWyHJoQh8czh1iY4QnJCDk0mMdIWU4K7w2cc0hDCHVywXBYjBBIpjuMkL/ADHzGbngAYpgMtx5srtIAiq33s98UAFwCU2xw+a3GCOM5+lC3uUiRIMRlPKAZFzkHpRfUdiW0Sa7u0sreMlpOmO/vQ1bULGhPbG3kA+bB6Ad/wD61ZXuOxSd5njdIgV78nHrWkfMLCW9qsf+twdw5PcH2pt6hyhbrbK11NO05RcfKAOvT+tU1pYOUieVCu5JD5e7HzLzj2pJBYSXUNvyR3CjA+bJztAp+zuKxsaN4h0550ink8/ecMqx85xgYNZzpNK6LiiS7mgiu2WGyYCI5DSgfnWaj5jdjPv5/tM5lJ+YHkIeMVpFWWpBVm+xmQEuySjqR3qlfcCpe3djZzxQw77qckFdpLYHXv0q4xb3AgOqCC7klnnCZbIVyTj1qvZJqw7FhtYvtWijSC2wseQsynaRk9TWfs4we4+axc0+XUrRzDJOCoIBJYkkZ7VL5egm7m/a3d3ckmeUwJEdysAMsayslsJNlSCWDUdVuYJ9TSzKqzxvM/Eh962hB2si0zl7vxLcnU10i4tYZHZPLDQNkYPeun2HKuYdxr+FpZrrCXsgTGGRVyQD75pfWOVC5iRPCNpC0kB+0iRMkK7Z3Gp+tPoHMXtH0S4sVuNWt4UWZW8pndyCc9aU699GHMVr3w/uvHZPs0z4zym4cjPf60e3HzGfdabYykI+55UAyuzAOPf0q/aSBMdc2CBG+zQxqyjgL2o5yzGttKmW8X7ZCQJCTuOa1500SzWTS9PslF0jF5DnCmTrWXPOQG3b3aQWn2iWeK3+XO1W/qKwcG2BnTeK7SzZo4HSbeMboxz0PH61qsM2BjXGrvveWezlIYApFjJJ7da3jTSVkIs2eq6iFeZ4vsgC8DHOPSlKKeghkF/qs+66cy+UjEQxsP1NTyxWg7k32zVorGExozXLnBLqMbc+lNKPUVwv9K1S5RLtnDDzF3iM4OCfT0o54rRCudFaW8UBVQCi8BT+PWuabuSy1HbK91JGilVjOVPqTUXC1ya8tRAMuyyZHIB+6PxpJ3Hyla3+zlVtvKMxbO0vJgZqm2gH3kDW8QjcxM4wPkO7r2pRYGqpTT7W0vbEM06uHChdwPtiptfQuKaNjXbjUtShn1Ta0MiDOBkAexHTNSkk7GvM2jlz4s1e2SewuCYi5++ACcdh7VsqKewk7HO674le8CWOoTRXMAOT+8I2n866oUeXVA5XJf7at7S2W2huf3QXI43cgcUvZ33RDZQn8RzHThbzXs8rPIWYEZUfSq9lYRIx0m9tWmvNMnthE2DPb9GH5UczT0Eauj+D9C1qyF5pGvPHk4kjuFHyH8xQ67g9UA258E3emWz38WpQ3sbZRUTgg56+9aLFJ6COf1K2uIIz5kRUN8wJT0qvaJ9RlPyoltSpUBvvEkgGrQGXbshYGMPx/eOeabuBM7kRqrvhV5IA64qQsV3uJZCXiVVDjH3scVVwI9xiKusg3ZA+U8mqGX2uhFNGHU5OdpOKaJaE0+5ji1yO5eMlEkztyBWzV0SdloHiO5N7PsKRxeUch++M8CsnT1GnY5i9YTTyy7id7Z25rVIGytZyN58o2Enjb+FBLIrhgNxPOB1xTvYdibTNKutRvEjt4WbHLHOKidVRRUVc7fWoFstLtrVZY89SA2SMjv8AlXPCfMy7HKSbXcKu3IPvzW19DNoXULgDYkgcNjGQelTcEiS6MZlURIqRqOCepqkxEMyk2/mGMgZ61SYFWHzJdyBWdTjn0qgJU09POKzs43LwQapAJEkS3m0qyxbcY9TQAkkKeWzHhc8Ac0XAkZoxCQDn5eMUagRyE/Y1QkGQ8gE5PNDQBbKyB5dxRiCOnXikFyWCaNlQbUBLZ5FMBouEeVSQAqjHpTAqSAMyjGCDwc0AJKrlgeS4OeTSaAkB2SYLBtw+tTYViOZ9sRXdw3JxVoZbtY4ooPMIz8p7+tO4ECMJkcEkdAvpSuA77IwDAuu44xSAtRKyjbuBAHPrXlSKuSqoDbFBCjueOtITHYBXYwO7OAaQhEiYSDI+hFFwLMFvGkWNuGzkkmp5gTHhWAJTkkcgUXHcvWZaaVQjIpA4LdAazbsJ6El/efaBH5gWJoV2jyxjPPNC0EU4RHvClRjdnr2qr3AmErIiYcso4CUeoajZt8twj+R+7A+Zs000kNFlpkaySK2BWRW6kc8+n61N+4ja1C18P2Hh427CS81SVQwYv8sefWou+byE2c9babJe3iwWKsXYjK5yD7Vo5WWoGvBpF9b20ks0aRIoA44NQ5J6BcggkupdJmDXbRQCTasIbIYeuKGtRFF5pIgFEHABBYDg81VrlWCyjkniGCCrNjb6Um7DSJIIkeaW0g/eAnaxz096fmbxRTitfMvzbRgvIo2jjuK0vpcqxS8QQGNwrhjKDhiOgqoai2Mq3KyN5YdyeQoArVxC4+aORl+bKFSO3NLZAbMEWyFN0/yMOnpxWTlqNEco+bbgDvk0IGMBhjEnmwlmdSB82NtMllKJl3hW3EY4AHOf8mm1Yls0zpslmYnuwsm5NwQHp6Vm5JkNli9ZXtol8pE2DJGeT9ahIm4iovyuoCFssRnigVx8TiONmUnPQZ70WGWbeaDMRmiVj0Iz1qWn0GPlhieYrCBgZGM9aEBmPOwkZtqpjPB7VaQi1Y3U9rsubW6CSseCADijlGa3jPxAddXT0dQzWUHlswUDceOePpSjHlZNmc8Y2uP3keFCsARnirvYZamsJ7G3WS5RkLklB/eFJSuwKpRGy2OSe/agDM10gQBMA4O4D8f/AK1a01qUjl5mJyR611IZVf5gQP1rRDCAFgRxgDIFMQwlg+4MVPfBp2AkixjlSxzwfShgWZMkBjjYODWZRDkZKopAHTvmncRY060e7lBKnaCMnHGKHJIDrobC3dMPCDHEoG4jkiueU9RGimgRJpc2vRmBbW3OBG5+Ymlzu9hmxBpmk3XgmPVtCW6u9UdtrRDhYznOcd+lNys9RC2nhTW7+1OpajdQ28jthYGc+YxAz26dKhzXQGzb1seETpttbWGnyvrCbVZ1QlSe/Jqbvclsxf8AhGbia/njkuEjMIzIkjhTnmp5tAMsxTRTI0DRyqCc4GRn0p+QFxrm9v7W0smtgyxuzRB/lBJHX+dSopAS2KXFpFLHNZwXQk/5Z4DEY9+1VoIn0DQrabVYzfW/k2MkgyxkxtHei5SZvahqGhf8I/LLouhS3DpO0DXUoyoweMGtLILmBcnWtR0t4SksVu37naRgevH5VLkkxXM2ysriymjg8hmJOxo3PDrjJz7YFEpJjuixHf3C/a0tkitowMiNTg4/u1LYrkun642n63b6tbWVt5cK7XikTdv9T9ai6tYTYHXYZPEZ1r7JEiOCDAEwgNTraxNxdc1dNTjRI45YBENwRW+ViPahaFJkt3prWOkWU92oaS73EAnBRfWq5n0Bk/hqz0t5LSK9068uxGdzmF+ACe5osxXGeJbiLSdYvtNFpugM7PCrvlkHbIpJJ6oNzOvNanv49ksNuHlxny48fdzirWg7HZfZriy+FU+p+ULaRp0l84cFuq4H51F3JibOUXTp9QuVle6WRI4jLNKz/cHbNJO3QVzob2302Hwzbw6FBLO+N13dlM5PcA1S+K7LTOs8dWXh/SvC2kCyK35ldGw74PIGcn8au3mDOHS31mx8Syx2cdrCYAR+6bKkNyPx+api1YaZ111od7BoBuTPHPLPDiYBsMD1BH5Vakxo83lvba1j3JfySTjhiSMKR/OtNWUbuq6It1oWnjVbwvA8gaBIoMbmYZAJqVJoR0nw+uNZku2tbyGafT1X7OxVOigYAFLcEcl4x8P3Oj6u1lDJcRiWB7lYixbacnaCOxxTSHc5nwzpmr6pLPfX0U9vYwxMfM8vqw7Crk9Bmxe22swWguLlXjW5QJDJIOdp9KjQku+FvDtnqF2NO/tCa2jiQszzLsDuOwNS5COcv4riWxntraGIPHceVHgZaQk84qkrgdLonhGTWfDNzAly1u8LgSxT4UK4HJ/IUSdpA2dDpOmwaLYG8ZmSSMiSNoud7DA61nz33JuVLPXr23vtQxew+XqkYE4ABIyOvtRKQmzPuW02yngVr6HVWCBBHGmdv1NZNi5jCvftBiMzIIo5GMiALjaM9P0pOV2Tcpw2/nSM8sQ/eHIJ9B1NHNYC1aadFITFLfLDABliwI/IVDmyWxxW1tw0EcrS7OhzipblLcCCa5iCE5Jyc/7WapK+gWII3acuoYYGCSV5P0q9gJEQrgjGCPx60rgRNNEj4TMjZ+bd2o5RoDNLLIcuqopHamkhkDyqwGXOcYIx0q1GxSRAhRVyW6Eke9VZg0NeU7xyPmHY4p2FYmRvUYyeT1qWhDPMIHPTPHFFh2FLr5iblUru59adtAsOmkj3ExINue5qbBYerBSW6Lj5gBkmh6CG/NIRxtz93P6UDTFV3LbC+MHgk9Kdhk0cyMpXsowCKLNFIjmLMrQSJ+HYj1prQEzNkWESi2tVK/MGc7c8Vbfcdx17+72zKBu6cnoPpSETQbRGqj5gDmhhcbcp8j7GZZHPHpQvMLmPcW7pebyNzEZDBe9bKSKuRyWN7KpJwDjdlqpzQrl3TtNw/myfNJ/CewrOUwbOht18lVYqpJGQSK5m7mbY92Bj79ecVKBEZZWw20hSMY9v8iqGXb/XdWu/Dcfhw3hjsV42INvy9cVopW1GO3rHbI22JEQAbAfmxjrWT1ZNxumCIzFbpiI1yydz7U22loI6bU/E+m3fhOx0DTNKjt7qOTfcXZxlsZGKXqBx980rTszOX7A00Ow6EBiC7DAPZelJiLAQxyLNDkFSHj45yKm4G7L4j1u6VGa5C3EeSJEbYQMdOPpQlZjTsyqj6hq1ubBXhEtxOGeRyAScdzTvrcaZhyReRdT225ZXUkFl6cdeap66jHRNhtsi7iBzmpauBfgZmjAESbByTtxyazaJYiuroNqjjJPPfNK9hE1tu2kEY7ZqGDHyRggbtgwMhvSkmIrzhHfaybiB1zkc1aEVgFiOQWyPyxVrUCFWDEIsYG3pjqaqw7BG0inA7NnnmhpAWDdyhgBt+Yfex1qWkA6W4YW7xMVCDoAeSe9CiIr28hEYTbkFeAR0FNoCYyPEvy/e4A55PvSsBK0m+JQ27OetTYBRLEmVZn3lflHvmi1wIjOYZlcKzEk4I7UxksRQqQwTrkKKTAtR28K2Mki/I4YFQe5xUX1GiCERiTdMHKrjcegNVZss07ye10nTjcRnF9u2pEqkMiEdaIxcnYuKMzQddsn1bZqTTi2RDtPTLY71t7C2w7GDc6nIl84knWVVzgRjA49a29mlogaINQ1/zbC3isy0UiZ3knJbJq4UF1AfYX95PKxcMsOMEvwWNROEUJsv3lvdXUBi+0wwJjuvzY9RWXNbYkE0qwjRo7acMrKASRuYn+lDqNCLunabb2U6mNSXxwcdDzWc6jkS5Gqt2YGZZF81HGGA5Bx6Vio9hJmdquqWlrYlLO08kvgNvYda1jBvdlmNfzzrGHiikDyA52/NkVtFWKuWdIgaLyXMEglZcuXHIpTktkJsvf2bafaRJJboCBkllz+NZe0diG2W1jiWJWMbyRn7yr068VDk2ImUwpuKfN83BxyBSAuBzNAxVE3g4Hpmp2Y0zndS02G5VkmIJHQjjPrW8KriPmJtJ0iwQF4YR5/3N78sPenKvKW4rl3TbX7BMT55YEEMQOlZylzLYdzSnMcluN7b5BnYwGCPrWSeoXuRRMI1AYkoW7nqaL3YFWSCNZWEUkiuevYVakxkl+Fl0lLRUjRg+4SKvzY7gmhSad2NM47XtJ1SORBpxdt3LYbmuqnVj1KUigNO8SS7oW8xn6KS33c1t7SA7kb+Hdb8thPNG/y4wrc5qlXgxKVx1n4ckngMFxdvbIP+BE1MqqWqC50Wh+FbeztA8rw7sFkL8MwyMVjPEt7CbH6lb6PYwrNcmRpywJ2nO0VEZykxalmJ7C4VJRCCzfeR15+tFpRYtR8U4CFYokQqTyy5znvUtPcauJ+7liGFVnTrIp/pQm0DuQ2NzHNHO5ZiEB4JxzVNPqTYuR3cTRbDgQuNoYt938ankGWLSVkaKaNpGyMbQMHNS0NMv3ETCymNxE8krHARTnHvUXVx6meYnZUVIBEsakb2PP1qhWLek3/2G42JFHcBkxll4H4USjdFJnT6ZdabLysG6VTuOBx71lqaRkJ451aa20+SaCO2jQscwl8GrpQTZd1Y8X1fVo9Wv5GZXgdwNgQ8DHWvSjC2xDMW70l1YzrsZQOTu5BrdSWxNypem7ifa4YIe4q1ZoRr+GI5pYmH2m3AL4/eEZHFY1WJs37y7W10+K0TUtz7cvGF+VvqawirvYCvomqwPdK9zHDGqcNj5RiqnC6vcGdJoevLeia2iu7WOKGQbPMPVec/0rnnRtsJo7LR9d0uIpBrMSTWRO0ukQYIP72awcG3oJGzrfw70DWbL+0tMto76KRQS0fDKPwrrg5LZlXPM/EngDT9PY3NnNNCjP8AKjnIH1rT2z6jOW1fw3qdlbGdbi0eJm/hf5h9RVRqpgc1LGyz+XMSzAY4GADWyYFebOCqMqgdfWrQFZpzvUlidnc81okI0LJJ72bECksTn8asRrF3ilEPmFWUlW2noelJkiwqTmGJGeQtjjk0rjsbui+EZJbJ765vGgLOEVCM856msalXlY7XNlfBmmWcIur64kuBuztGAuK5/rLlojXl6m3ZW9q8JaLy1CDGF4wM+1YTlKQo2RyXiafzLuTyMjYCgOepzXVSjyxCTOftoWDNPLKQ6HpnitOYzaZSupGkbK4dlPB7U7jRfs9z4MoCFT36GqTILEzhovJYhlUYBqOZ3AqLstLcAEeY0m7n0xW8HcB8twGYzOCidsdzVgLPKPI8zcGIHGetK6AZOs/2dG8uUIy53FCFPHrS5kOxBajzYZG+YlCPp3ouJocLeTzWmGTtH3SOlUmAXVx5UW3AAJ5wc07oXUZFCE8sgjnqSelK4x8iBR82dx6ntQmBC0YUZIbA7GqTAWOJjLFId21jgj2obAlUwi4U8ZB7Go3ER+Q0okYdmz0ouMbLl7d0DbV9hTuBPb27Naq6KCIx1HepbAcIRxubk9PagCzYh41XzMEA8kivNYy08sfmFDs9c1IhJEdc42k9yPelcBIQwfbuIIHBxSbEWWifLAKSOBz6/Ws7hYeqNkjZ3/L8aLjSOhOvaRD4WfS4tCRb9uGu+vfqKjkd73EzBgQDO87sdDj/AD61bYDhAY5C7fMAMfmaVxXJWhiCRupCkjkZ4FK4hilmDADCqc5zVXKsMSSRXE0YwRwRjkj2oJILqWaVsyBlLHjP8qpIpIuaSt1FIbiB5QyHA8vOcdxQwZtXt1CukGBluJJpDueWVzgfhUKOpKMVZY5pAI3KqExkdapodgtB58hhZm+fjnp+NHS5Vi5a6a0+pPpOmMtxcEcESBVXvnP4U13ZpFEws9S8Om5W+sU/exlxJGQ2Mc8EdadlPY1TMVdSv0aN7GN7eSUFjJsHAPetVBWC9zO1Fprm8axjn81nA+bqXbqa0jGxLM7w9BdWl+ZGKq8bkBXxVyaSBHTaZpN/4j8QC2sIDNezknYqYQKByT9BmueUtBmhr+hGy1CWxsn+0tbALPsXo3es1LTUaaKev/ZGtrBrZFURx+XIQNxYjvShe7HI56Z2kMo6kd+/NbLuZtl60tWhtkmG95sEqMdKiUtTNyLcEjiNhI4klPJ3HJB7Cs3uQRByzNnB45wP0osBPbxoZexO7HtSegEd8plcIiKignkD3px0KQy0hlUEkMSgJJ9BVu3QBFZflKsQQD3zRyjsMcRhpA2SCPvEYppCIm2FhtACg8cUwsS/P9+JSyZAOBzQ9hHRW+jpczw2ZMccRHmTSq3QAZ/Osr6XA6XUdO8M6hqFvA+rPBbLDy/lszA98VN2gRTsrDwRb6ldNNeXupqBiCC3jO527Z9Kd5DPP/iHa2VlqKwWu7eYwzowwYyedp+ldFHYEcjcwqsCk7tzGulMsoS8bttaIBkZZSzIAx29c07gWobC7aMSG3cKf9mlzIC9ZaVfzxiSOxnaNiVDhDjIx3/GlKaQHY6J4Qsr6H7JLHLHcEbmfk4wOmAM9655VbCbLGl+A1vZ/L0qxu77y1JlkWIhY+ep9BUyrWV2Fy7B4bmnwbW3WGKOXyGx/ExrJ1rgMuNCnttRtrC/lksreSYpnyyzHB9OtNTTV0B1h0HQ9Klle5S61vSWUbIiTEDL3JB7VPPoK5iLr02niWHR7JNLLnHloAwC545ofmFx1r4qmiK+cFDJjzXAy3vj3pcombfhzVLCbXXWK4Sytmjb99fQ5wxHahx63EUrtNNs9Y1GSzmlvHIWM3HlsweRupHaqvoBUisryzsI9I+yLctve480IQygfeB/OndN3Ami1LwmllZ3E7Ge5jhZjCmTg5x1HfOOKtwA5ltQ1K4u7icRLaQufkCqcnmpukikRTxSTq5kd8npz6VPPYltEspnSFITJObbIkESyYUNgc4qee4rmlPrGqXNtFD57+QOQvTb2qOoig7TPOJDLIzjJJZsgcU7q2w9SEqCqsjKzDPI7mi4aiCF5EJCd8DB4qXJC1EmhkQYVd3IGBTTHYdFDOwXELgg4wvP5/lV3GjaudKv9QVtStY5TEqeXmZj1x2B7UKVtwG/8JDrVvp40xJobZMfvBGnzP7E1SsCRH5P/CQajc6nNaEkRhpZVbPyj6mleysOxr6NqljbBzZaFHqFwU2Q+YMLGe5Pqazsr3YGt4s8TzXPw6j0DVDFFPuDLFHFgH5s9qpS10JZ5/FGWgaHdhG+8p43f/Wo5tSTqvBfiR9EuYhOhbT4w26IR7hyOOtJu40ZF7q1xeiVJ41ZJJ3aIkkkKWOBjsAKd7O5Vy1pkrRa4POF1OsKq03kqeeBgVad0B12t3mj3tmvnyavpjK4O6XChQRx35HWmtCrnEaPoXh+HUheXV3b6hCszboSxRmX1NV7VhzGnrWvtdWEFpHsUQYa2hR8iMDpz1pc1wudj8Ndc0+z8Mu13KxlLSO+ycDYc8ZGc9q0W4XOZ0S7i1h9bmubG9mZ3+0edE5ZtiggDJ6A06mmw7kGm3euarbJY2zLY6UqlQkkgwATyWNRZJhcf4iu5tIu7a0+wNrCwIBbXcrExBj2HY0rJ7jNa7ki1nVtPtvD9osht7PfdSSRlYxMRljz1FShGdYWN/p89zrOrPbrcNIJIIDAVyOm5RjpQ52FcgGv2lvol1brpzXd7NctMJJSdpJx/nFRzO5F2UNVuNVu7PddXMcEIAxGrdz0AAo510C5XsLKCONZJQ55G7GSWz/KspVGS2aGqTWUiRpZaYmnGNiG2yZL44qbvuK5REkSxhmUuQMDcSe/pU6gRs0jxq0WGIJG0jpmmkBWa1Mk4aefIPGF6VXNYQ420bn5FdSG6ilzgKtrG5RgyqpB4I5ai9gHCHDAxfMOQAKLsCGaPcowHUqOue/pTQDntrcY8oOQeDuxn607sYpghKj5QuBk5PAFCbuMx5Lb5yYmHzEkgn8q1jIohk3KOQDgZyK0TuHUbvRoyvAPc+lA7AGkPCnjHp3pNCsWHXcCBhQp55qQImMW47m+Y84pjJEg3ghW4I6Y6mkxFi1jESgtk84PHAqXqS2P2713OPlGcDPpTuCK8pHljC4X0qkUh+hWa3F9tcuqEk/XgdabYyoL77ZqN1DbKVSDcN/QcVTjbUfQmhJsrI3rSxIGwME8tz0qGuZ2AyjdPqGqsLeJEh4GTzmtFFJAbcESCM5DD5ugxjFZtiGPtL7eoU8ZNCYEaMfMX5FBXPPUfjTYCMqmXEgHzf3R1pcwE0ToX/cxAIBz3NJgTljjYDnHTjrUEsmmV/LVVBOBgn3o6giDayxgZ6ZJ+bt9Kdxj2yVZVyCTjhfWi4XBmKt5bfvOO46enNIkJhMA23aWUcgdqAIoY2jVQXBz9eM81TlcC7HHcXN7Baxn7xADEAD/AD1qWM6+38DarbWP2rUkea1mbMQtsMx/+tUuXYGjmbtWtzJbzLPCysy+XImGA9KNySr/ALGVGecg07jNzw9bwX9+oF5babJAnyPNysjc/h0poqJe8ReDRZQWs9rq8Gq3V7IVaG2T7pwT27U79C7HOXdhf6cyG4iB8zGAHG7HSjRhYRpRC0kBZyM7MkY6VHKtyGhluzLcbEZSHwWTPH1pNEjlvU80Kk2xQx3EjgdeKlQY0rllpTJg7iIz1JHTFTYli3gWJV6ozrxjnIpIRWkOeoI4+83b8KpMCp8wkKox9MkYrVDuSoqgn98OeePTFJgO2xtLsOeRj5hwKm7QiFrd/P3AZA+5u6ZquYCSMAt5hxuK4xk8e1S2A9wkjKyj5lOCAc4FNAP3McAuCF6Adu9TYLiXhlEaSLgMhByeMimrWAcwO9F+YKRk81Nxli2ZLaORYIoyzDcxbkn2pWuMas1xPMIYohvIA3HoR+NO1hkVy8NpKY7xiX6bVbgn8KfK5LQtG5feKYNQ0C7tptFil1CRAkV00pBA+mKpR5epdzlri0UwSm6e3EyKAmG5c+w71rza6DuUbPT4Ubkea0gOcjpVObIbLsGjujH7MqRr3dlyMn8Kl1rE8xfs9O8uYySTLKRnGBnHHasp1LktlsWkYBZ4mRv4nPJA+nes3IFcv29rYqg+zZLg4xt6is22UlcTUfsDRqLZnWTZtckEDd7UK99QaMl7hoY2U7cr6ngiteW5NhtjcxzDz7mxtZHQkr5ikg/hTaeyZRaivYPPFwEjGDkcAAnsPapcX1Avoiykee43Oo69z71DlYBY7QYbzQhCZGTkjHak32JsVXMsE42tGIwvHf8ASqQWI7k7c/vEztztBHNCERrcSRjjJVOpDAU7ANdixLGEqd3GT680WAWC5224hClH3ZJHGR6UWAerlpMPkcEqM9DinYAt5Tv3At04JpNATW8k4wUXfg5B44qXYrUs+QHYyk4YnnjpSuBHIpXC5V2ycYBOKYyJy9splnihB4ABPXJql5BYgN5FINx+5nHTjinysB000E2qqFhKQHbt+Q4zjrQrqIE91YRxh3tIw+47mdkIxx0pKfcCB47eLdJcn5tijLcgZP6VSblsNHParrCxzmK3jhkU9ZX6GuilT7l2Ivt00fkSDaRI2SgHLj61p7NdRFq41No7WKX7Cu6UnMe/JPbPBqFBXGkZi3d00UjuskS/dUKtVyoehZiaVNLKGNo2zuk3dfY1LV2FkYmtXzxfukDlMdVzzWsYoTOp8K+KrW1igMx2yxEbVkQkHj8q56lG70M7O52EOtpOZZZbZJnkbeDECM55/DGa5ZU7GvMUdZupJiheWSOPy9oQf/qohG3QT1ILNRw3mBl24DE454q5MlXD7XIlvKLXcAo4z1ako3KMvxBqCXNrg2nnStna7A5DetdFJWdwUjl5NN+z6Ys1xMFmL78KOeR0rqUr7DMW9nbzIwTjnJ/+vWsUJnRafZDU7gXc19E6cYiK4BPpWc5tEtl8+FFnXzoCsWOvlDIFZOqK5O9jM26BbuIoqbTmDJHrU85SYs3hnTprKK28ybgZeVRgN+FL27WorjND8LQwTXSwytIsqbUR1x+NEq/cGdZbQNb6ELKMJGyHqfm/Submu7k3N/4ceKP+Ea1aKC/1Ly7aQYMajKnPet6c3chs9M8TaHZ63Yi502OOWXhiq4AYd8VtJKaNYyujxfxJoaW2rzLNDIhmclIeqjHH86y5nHQZx3ie0mtVYz6dxwFdVzxz6VpSqKTC5xt9bvDCJlTEMmdrFeprqjLUZhse55ye1boLG94flKQtkAKp3nI5J9KTZLJpt0lyGQAsX3HAyDmqTEXo2khnEqBlYY+ZRijQNTas9WvXsBA8qrGsgbb3Y5rKULsEzVn1ee/06GwtoJLgoSCVXJHPFczhGDuy+fQ0NO0TxG1jLaoLe3aST/ls20dOPxrOVWnzakcwyX4beKZLbzwlrIzOBsScdSOtU8VBbBcwZvBfiewZxcaVcTdfmQblHvxQsRCXUswE0fWp5XgXT76YhsMIbcnFaqa7gWb/AEHxNE6Wcekakrk8K9uysBT9pFbsnQ0rXwV43u7VIINEvo8tueSVNoP4ms/bQT3C6N/RPh7teB/Fc0lrbb9ojibdI/5e9L60lsS3Y6Gz8KeELK6VbfTb3UZsHaszYXv2FZzxbIuyzpOmxadLMqeGLZjINoa4jJCntjPesHWqSejBXuaOrXWqaj4fHh650qxa2QjI8vYVGPUCkq847mik7HIT+G9FiWSJbAwlmIIjlztx39+9bLFyE2ULfw3Yyl7ey1GRnfhi6AKO3r71p9ba3RNynP8ADjVUzcRTQTQIwVnAOAT26VqsZFooy9R8N3yoqRQ+aF5LRjPStI4iLYrmff6ZqMpleOwuDGrAFghAzitVXiNNGdBBqLnyzZXJI4yYz71p7aNtwsa0Wm6nmOP7LMJNgGAvuaydWK6ibQDwxrhlCtYSjn7zDApfWYJbi5kaEGg6pBIfMt0ZuAVD/d9zWUsVFBzIu/8ACG6lIGRzbxBjuKswJx17Vl9cXcOZDD4V1WNljiWMRkZ3A8ULGx6hzIibwRq53sbi1DjnmToPf86f16A+ZFFIWJVSF28YyOprByKJAF+RtjqM4yw4/wA/41LYFny1MMnyPtY4IxSJCGEQIp3OerYAJx9aGwLCSx+X5gYsMDAA6+9Zu9xleRlZ2D7wG6nGOaoY5huKD5nx029vei4EgYiQIYUIPy7jyQfwoexLFZi+AXkZQemPTmp1EBVAP4Wbqzb+tMQ3zURDuUgZOO3/AOumWSRx+ZCsqqh4zyMDrSvYgvafp2kXFnKZbi5a6znyETjH1qlzMaudh4NBj0m61eTRDEllGwjE5G2R8cZz1FU4Glro8w1LUbu71adrsRy5cs7RsNmc9BzWnKkhJFq28+KKQp5ZyvCnAHPpUNoQ21mmjl8kboyRzt4YinZNFGxoVpcr9qlslMSQJ5sz7fnYn5QAfqRUt9y7WLvg+6n1vW5Yr5HvFtYmMcC4y3Hoa2ULK6K6GH8Q7ZbDxLbQWyGMzIryJ2T24NawjpqZKTuVbXTJ9L8UWeq6hKbeFm3qMZypB6A9avoO5Xks3fWLyeJ90U7llG0dDWE6g7l7S72bQp1NtJJBcFCqtyGOfSsd9QuV5UvHbzYreeWV8+a+C3PuaNOo0y7NrhvdHj0ya1022jhUkToD5kh9+afs+qY3K5kmzici6ji2xBRhckZPf61baWhm2XlDrahSQ+WyNw6VhrcgrszRvwVVe/GR9KqwCbMgb18xmXrjGPyo2GLZnyjuRtoU8Ajmhodi5FOytmNkkweRkdDQkFjWn0a50i2a9vWjuILuLJCt2J4H6UNpqyA53yi+9REwznC/3RVNgRTRqsjKrkFR0A4J/GhMQ+BQJNqnDdAcCi+gXNyFrW10mRI7C4mvZhsBCghAO/H1rO13cEbWmeH9R/sL7Q6pYRJtLzTzYJ3fw7epok9bjLUdveXFkUuYHgjj/dpclNqyccY7mla+oWOk0STwxYWP2bR3N1dCLc11PalSh9RVyulYbR4t410i4l1yea1um1EFmM0iRttjOTwS1bU6iW4locrqaLFCEWbe+3BPp9K6IlkVppJnaMhG2yEBTIwUH6U3NIL3Oo03RY7OVYTbBnkj3ZDBh+lQ58wF6aKXUo4mitpVXA5kAAz6gelZSmo9RXNKCyvLC1jt9sglfLBVRl+p6YrF1G9RNlnTDqCs5tftCycu7h8ED8cVDd9yTbtbrXrPQ7q60vWJbDT7hBDdKSHeQnOQOMjPPNTzDMvSNIl1RorVL0iPcZP3jkKGA70SnboIdcCc31rbTalZm5U7hIF4Rj6nFNS0uFy9rmh3ulWEN3c6pZ3UcxKqttJuYt3yfx7VKmn0AwFCW+oxSTws6MNwTd97B7mrb0A1JfEFstpfWNl4e08G7BKu6bpI+OoY1KXdgaujtZWvg+SGbU9Oa5ukIMMkG94cc8YH9al3T0FcrxXmnWnhG3sNImuBdXLqbt5412J7r71V25XkM6DVbHQ/D2qWd7ZeIbS/hlt9l3HJyxDAbsAZ5zQpu1g9Dh9StNEiumtfCcE4jncGaW82DvnCe2a1dS694C7qPhW+hszcXer6dbQqP4ptxOR0wAQaz5k3sK5yo1S1WMSRagjY+UMVb6VfI+w7MnE4ncJbNks3O2M449KTjYCzczTxHMSKT0If6fyqeRMBlpJd+UP9Fj2E5zvIAH5UnFAa1u1l9mWM2pSZjkuGG0fQYqHcBUiTeVlaPaOflBJIqQJJhAlshSJlfn5m+6fehbgU080TBo5gjY+Z1OCf/rVrotwJppdU2qqazKka/NsgjHX86akl0BEdzoehzW63TvqEt0+fMdpVVQfbgfrTVWXkNM3vD8vhPSbe6EnhubUfMYBPtF3tXA/2V560e0b3KuRa1ew3N2ZDosWlw7AI4bddu33yeTRe+xDMTUbcS3G5GlniKgB/LI2gdc/nS5mhBcWMsNrNO8MkkUXyuUBYjj1qU7iWpDBbu/76QmGL7485NoA+p61dmO3YkjtkeBZzdQRJISVMkoU4Heps0CTOj0uz2WeLbxfpMc1wdpiSXMm33Jp3fYqxTu9Cv2KxSTyX1oODIFLDIJPBzimpMTKY0y3a5kZLiKK3jRm3ySYYkA5GB/KhXYjOm8SaNpzRvp2lXct4VAaWY8Bj3A9PTNbRpy3bKNRtC0a20m3uIfFcN1canKr3UHkKxiJ5IJ7Y5q+awi1c+Lri1t7nR9FexQOvlNex2wjBjwflH6mocnuxXKEmkXn9nx24F3dWkoBd1TZGGAJ65571DqiuOnn1GdIoTe/6DbINsDn5F7dBjmlzj5jq/CniHQNLstl9DJPfON0ZVtqjjvzSux8xkeIdSudXjeOa+k+VNilUztXsP/r0nMDFsLO3hURlt7J82H5P161lObvoJkkkMTy+YDu2nO0A/L+FTzEilJgy7pQivnPrkelJO4mOEMIVss7nGclt3+RRqJkcvkA5BjZmOWx6U1cVxl09rFG/lEJ/s45NUk2UUhIuP3cZbI6A4GadgFhuJWkwY0du/sPxptCGzXDIu7esagcnGKaVx2KTzu0XmJIcLyG3ZLH+lUooaRWSZ2CmUEqeWHer5UBLDIWBIDlFHHbNJoDUiDMuI5mxjBJ54rO2oEN40jW4LorRj5FYDBJq0UijIsDkscsMBSD/AIVWoyNbWBvuk89QOKdxXIVglO5mDL7dRTuBYZdicR8E5JHGRU7hcZ5Tthli+ccYzRcSZaFu0KBpU5Ycc5pXuDK7sI9x5Yv1wensadhWDDoNnTPGCc00ikOJIRt3ygDn5sZ9qoZTV7lsxRI67jgHdVaDKrwC2jaLy1LHqFc9Se9NO+4DdXYf2dAirvKvlBt/nQlrcehbsrYpEmVOR128Ck2Jll2KncpGPTOcfpWbELjczH5SO+T/APWoFYRI9zKB8qEZ5FDYySLlwwO1VJHXtUgKi/MHRiqdGKc5p3EAYu0UZaQYz8w4zSsBa/eqm5kIBJCsWzx69Km5JFbJxj52yc885GaGO5ZcAZDScgcEMRyfzpXFcb5JdMsyMp4PY8U7gOEIba245xyQeo+lK47EqxR52IqsnBckhQB7k0XYiCd/9IbyizBGBBGSMd8GmlpqB0OnarPZ26GzaXeCHwJHGPwzipfYLlLXLqe91N7uTdI0n3geWJ9eKaWgWMPWLmS2RiC3yrhR0I/GtYK5SRBomszzmPS57phAx3ZCAnPoT1rRwUSmj0vTdSltvDctvYEW17ZAEMkOfNQnnNc0rX1J5ipp7eHTa6ncX9y8GrFAYIgTsPsMjik03tsO5y91azxt/aF2ISbkblWKTfjPqMZFU5LZEtkaW1xBGnyspkBYFvTtnildMVx3kmSH5wjbTkqB0IpOVguLP58pBIcBFACR/LkDoelToJi3Ul2yorxI/PD7jkD0pKwhYw2S7wggdzmgAWIRksEyMcZ60XAjYK5wysGI4IppgPt4pDD5zKq8gbS5Y49aGwJmijaFtkojYDgFc81KdmAlhBHbpH9tbCnPPY+3ShybAi1a4QOGhEcMY+UBWz+f/wCqqjFjKTSII1lYMVB4Occ1VhE6EzBTNIkuDkc5I9qTQFlTuLBgzAdBnkUhkMksuQQhz/v9B+VNAWLZbcSpLexSyxRkb41cqx+hptaaFIr3xs/tjSRWfkBz+7SRtzD0HPWqV7astDYEaWEsMnbzkHBpNj1C5tLzCXDwJDE7HaxbB/lRdCuS29kUAdWz7qeRn3+tS5kNmmssiRmNipikXDRsMnIqL3ERQNbxSrxtUEEoSBmhoDSlvVEheMwxlhlQOQBWaiVcsjVLaKxR5IlmbaBhcA5pcruNMwZRcSlpFgEOX6Zxxng1roAssSANHOfm65BzzigDPcfZ4WZLhJSx4XNaLViINOLRHDKA65zx0pyEy+LvaVRRsYsdoJ7f59KzcbAiZpJVkZPtSktglAM460WKHFJJFIdwvHfAOM9OKmwFS7EZiywkAJ5AOc/jTQrCOpjjZFUugJwG/wD1VStuKw2FB5WFjy6Et1zg5/SkFiaPd8gMbBicYPfv3/zzQFiW7gk27lyjBgcnkgZGaVxD90LxyIGDIwwCSQxpDsWrVitsBkDjaV5J+tSNMjNysMuEy5B4DP8AKD607A2a9nrnkRyxmCFkcgM6gAjjtgc/jWbgJMqXq2FzDm2RVbdud2c857YNNJrcq424tp7WBoILSBy4wu7JI+mOtNNN7gZX26/MgkYoFBAwo+6PSteRWAdHeXhkKPeTSKz5CjKjHHH/AOuhwVth2E1W3W5QBJJSCCzE8Z/XtThoNGOhtLvyY2W2ENuwzGPvP9a6buKBsU24+1TTrH8wb5EX7qD6UOWgXITDLM8Pl24IGSzntn6UJrcdxZLSdDFtJ+Rtqjb1OfwzRzIVxuqC9jglIcOqgGVnHzEZpR5WwTINKG6Jpp1YY4RSvFVJ22E2avloQPNSNsHklayuybsv2Mii4RyxVD1OeG/Cs5juXtTvY5rtFSBCuAd6rgcZ4x61nGOhV0StPpl1thV3ibHQd6VpBdEV3pl0tqqadLbu5+Zi8mGxTi0n7wXM99E1RoI5LpysqDch6jJ6dB/OtY1I30GcT4j0u6t5gglNzMTiRt2dp/Ou2nNNDE0zRL2VzFPbEgofmOOacqsUTcv2vhJ4pfMXUEgYYIUo35dKxeI6WE5XN2CHXYraS0iu49u3+Bcj6nIqOaDBDrB74p5dyVdQvzMMjOKiTiBowrGDGqXDDgMQq8Af/XrJgaizSvasDlBjB+7k9+MVFgZLAnyBVwd42uAv8u9S2Kww2UNxdoZ7YS4woZx1/KmptILHYeF/FepeHdtq0C3NkvBj53AdOCD7VUcQ0LbY6nUL/wAG+J4kl1SP7HcbSFfaV2D0zn3ro+sRkrMpSMBvCdsbdjZatpt/Gp4ErEY56dfesZKyuhtnOaz4W0m5hkhngVY1DRgxR7gOOoOKiOInF6Ameb33woaUyyWeuQQImcCeM5J9Biu2GOj1RVyroPgZ2uSkfiLSZRGMyHcw2+2COtbSxKWtmS5HRweDbVtmb6NnycFVx0xz0rB423QzuX9K8GWyb0urxxG7YYKBn19D6VP9oPoO4WPgvRV1ZJ5tRu3g8zCwpFtOO+Tj+lP69JrYZ1sWiaNYMRpt1HGIwCIkLPIv1wCBz61zTqykrgaVjbWslnDZWtvvvZWMhlLnew7YFYuTCwtrZX0l5JKkEsjogUsi42jnqKzlJsEmTGa3hmdJJNkhUB17nnr1oiu5dy7Jq0UdqkNivzbR9w7CWHr/APrrbmE2Zl7r00EkuFCTPwSx3MvHrUuRm2Y03iC9eE2c0jzRk7lDNnI/DijmFzCx291qKROLeaSGEMoSJgASfb6ZqlMLjo9T1HQ5t1oJrRsAOCqsxGf0/wA9KaSLSOk8P+L5b/WhZ3WmSuyxBhNO4AJ/HpXZSmktSkY3xFOq6cDKl/ZO90BhFkDNjPfB6/hWycHqVY83lOsWWsPaySLtA3Ej7rd+DWc4xkhNIuTanI0W5xKHA6r39siufkM7G5p3iXUI9BfSIWja1mYMcpucE+hzUvQnYpNHOibo2cygcdQTUcyESW7zhCY1BXd9zPTNDlYDYhv0hkhEVsJQoG5TwrHnrWam7hcp6jeYnnmjhERlK5SPooz+lXztrcTK8nONpc4HTsPfiouyBLOE7nGzYCPlK85+vvQ2wJxFJxtXcAPmIPP+NRcY0FY8o0TqSR9853AU7ArkZaGRHcLgE8/Mcf56UFnDxQT5OyIAryzY4FdvMjQnEErw7RjcD1x0FTzANS3YBF81cKcFiMfWnzAZ9zrVtE7oNsmw4xzzWsabY7D7DUHvMvFDGkOccdaJw5R2NSRITMCyMHC8MevSsbsklt7iaK0aMJ5iSSAKzIu5RU2uBHLvjUoQcsSULD/PrQkIWG32wtMyfvNvyYGQxo5tRFLLCXdMv73GBgVohouLIyO7uqlB2FRZgM8+OWaONzHHGTjJPT3/AFq1DqOxNrGpaZZ3Mdrpc1xLAE2zT9CzHsK1hF9QRo614hl1fwtBoLSyWqBwBInJZe+fWhLldx3MCa00u2zFZF5Aq/M8p6mhybFckjupS7rGkQZlABI4xgVPKG5cl0rVLax/ty6snktvMChgRhiMU01exR6BpPjnwzN4RNubGC01AIyvleuRx/n3qmrDlI84+HV++heMJtQGxml3xF93ChvSt1LQaloen+LofB+qaUb+e5SW9EY2KuNzcdc1MqiSMJOzujzDU2S6a3d5XkW1UBI35GMDis5VGylIgu1t44t5QJI7cIPQ1ndsdyCCRWlDnaXB+XJzjFGo7s1v7bezgkgsI0WV2+bsCMelK3cdyv4UnfwvqaXk9lYXj7GASRdwUnv9ac58ysiXIgmImkkdUUFiWZdu3bkngYqVtYVyG1tpbiUiHc4XOAW6U3oFiCVDllfOcc5PvVIZNYWtzMCysoYfMdxwAPahjK+qLPKDBaPGilQ0j78lRVRQI6Hw1baRHCF1MsiF1Cy7vvDFJ83QA1uRLqSQC/kEFvkQI4wjf/XpXcdLAc/OJnbzU5bcOO4puyESxcfISM9ueakQ6BMlXQE8ZPHelcLnR+HNr35N5L5LFQBxj9annSBM7HVTpK2hk1W+EskaqbaOOTfn3OOM9OKXN2HcxdZ8Ranc2mlhtdmme2uFd4Su1No6Dijm3QuYzdPubW1SW7eSaS+Y7DsfCbT7UOTbHcnk1qT7BNE9pCyXIIY46cmlcWpgSw6YQhtbG0i2rtI2B2J/HNa876saYyWxjnkj+0I0yQglR90AfSk6tth3LNqkdnOs0aCIrjkc8elCqMGy1quu3GqaLFpxEaeWQyTrHhyB6+1JOzuxXLOreK9WuxpweSLNrEYk8pMEj396jlXUChb3dxKzTuZFfkFM4DDiplZbDsEhmWOSNX2ocMBnIH4UaCLGh3aaZqSTPAbpUbOFYrxSbugKmvyx3er3E9nAbS3kbKxK39e9VGyAjQILPyBEW3fMznJIPf6U+ZgQrEifdJdgOBjgUXAlSVWUsxAAUL9KHcTY6RmZAyH5euQ2CQaSBFaOZ5zKkOf3fQs+AKvTqMijia6DIgBJGGKjPI96L8ogjtxCf3oBRPlOaancZDqxt5IYYIzcblH74M52k+1XG+7EkQWFpHEux0IRedin+dEpXKudBp+uR2MRWG0hl3kBVmGRtHbHvUks0Y9T0De00mmsssjLuiiGEUe3v1qJRbFc0NFtPCl2buW8169sJHJEEIjDLtx3pW6DIdY8PJp8Fu+n69b6i04AC8KVye9DdmFyvLoOoWOm/bZrzT3CjLRrPkgfT1puN3oBxepa8tvkJKjbQcBjz19K3hTuUkUrDxPPfXKW/wBntYgiFd+3rznPXrWroqMbsdjWuNZljCPEnlmLDOR3HtWHs0yRmp68zxJKsc3zDO134/lTjSQ0iG38TanGjwJBE3mKDufkr9Kv2cR2LWnX180rzXt08ssi4JYZ29+KmVmKxbvtYvpzFEZnaJAcfNj0/wAKiwWIo9SvTHMhuJlEowyhuG7dKOVLYViCS2iltTDKskm3ouflzV87BEjIWCb4o0jA2oq87RWbku4yeK0lE++NNzkngDG0AUlMRp6fe6nZOLmG9mhjjOSrMShB68UOXNoFzEmiRLm4uf7SknknJYgggLnqOtaRnZWsDZTuZJLzUBe3F26KigBVX0GKtydgJbd7ZJGkER/eHI7ZrJtsVyZr9o1CQQxJGCSB1PT1otckvzeJdTudPjt5L2fykXiMthR/nNL2aCxkSahLuYeZndwRV8hSRWiuHSTcGweQD3puKGaA1GdsqzuVIGMHFQ0K477c7KUceYucrk4wKhxJZbF5Lt2RRxK46ZOPxrPlERS6k4fEgaUjq2cfWqUUA1LudYQNmyLqQW5o5UBGZ5MoD8275SPWnyhYmmtS8mGAPy5yT0xSvYB6GOEYK4UfePp9KNxEUhzucOFB6KP8aaQ0QqjMu5xhW+6MYqkMjk2KhaTkLwF759v896pDRXU8eYo91yelVYGAuZNwCqit0x7UcoWJ1u5Nw5JBPIXqO1HKOxJdX2W/ds24DG3098UKI7FNHZjljuBJySO/piqaBk6MIogpxuxuA9evFRYVtR6XZ5jdWJAyMUcoEzOhjO5Rj+VR1JsMt8oPlIyOetMByOx4xz3zQNIhlcPMYZomBzxjvVLuVYQKyHbkkA7h61SdwIYinm/KfnzyM8VTGI2YyxU/MST973oArm3zJ5g4OecigBJILSOYSzyvKqDcAeQDRqwNC2lWddqkBSc4PeoaEK8SBzEiY+Yncx5xSuO6BUwpUDa2ec96VxNjwmIsYPAzn1+lK4rjUBK8KcgEHHTNMCHARUWSSMMWPBosMvGOKKRllYDaPujrmjUWpWnvbmWdYbZBHtI3Pu5J/wD1UJILFwvJtI+8TjkjgGoCxJECR8ufvYyeuaTFYRI8yZUhiBwWpXBEkKyrEC8QDNwQRxihvUbYscG3LD5QqHecYHXpRcgtW6xJNu2CSNQMjHb2qbhe5rRRxSWcT2unBZJCcyluMDtilZoaOnHhF0XS1n8hrrU1Bi8mU7o+MknmtYwbLR5z8ZbCbS9Veyjgijt0C7dpyzkgEkn6110YJblJHnunXs+n3sd4m0SRSAoMVtKI2eh6bqt1eQveR3TNPKCZOcA+1efVVmYtajpGllfz3ILsMAGoUgI2aVgvkE7uwPYUkArRPIylpHLZPLHr+HpSW4i/p139nSSKBod7Lkll5HPQfpSdwIbu/mu7l3YRhgNuQuOKOUCsHCfIzEqDzjsaLCJoJiQq5AQ8dOlKwgIRmKoSq/Qj/PSgaIQ65wGBGc89qYDxJGSzhm9CAeDRYCF2QBVYZCncMnmq5QIJJFkO1GwoPT3pqIyMqjLuCbeTnJPNUtAIIct8rlevp1qn3AnjER+XzGTb0YVFgBZjGmJCzDoBTsBMXCZYAEk9Kmwi2Ga54wQAMFc43UXsUmOeCZXErxFQpAUO3GaV7lJl2xksJkeQ7UeP7zt8wx+FLlZoiGKaGeRXe4EqFiVJBAXPYDtTcWiJFiaF4LSK6yVgfg4YHnNZ7mZRuLqWNcxBWZjgk+lUodygm1N4bRVW2eVmIztPTFNQ1EIZJZbuQxQNGiEDD8ZqrJIB6tFDFE6uZX3HeMdu3NQkUhGdpXUZHJ5GMkjtVWGV5VaOR2WNt2TgMOMcU1YYzEUuAY8Dg9Onc0bCImIGGhzI+CDlqoVh1wW3LvIUr2xn9aYWKxEa3YnYbm6EscnA9qBly1lNzKY0ChAc5Y4x6YqJRtsFiZ38wCISJkHgnpU2YF6O2YwiVwu8ckZwW+lRcBdnloE8wguxJyM/rTuBPFDBIqxSFpZg+doJzyMcGpuxEFxDLFcvGLZRJ93LvnNNPQGTmzkMCvJArbVPCHAyOlS5E3JjakRIJcbgvI654qFIBlwsMeEdgwPVVX8qtXAyp3htidts0pZ/uhsDHrWkRkkUryRKqQBN2TkDgY65ptWGWtPuLyWWOG2UTyyHYABuLe2KlxQxdQ1BNNu0i1KySOX+JWGCtNU3LYFcS9vPDqTpNsJGwFh5nf2FVGE9i0Zms654c/1FjDfyTOOoONpxzW1OhO92Oxxvh6WE6qySAiJsnJPJNdE02hSWh1Iu1SJ3jXEgGRkdTXNy9yB1hLdPCZpIgJHOSpHT0pMojnF3Ex8y6i35DY7rmrQWK2qG4eBgs0jM/wAoC8An1NODs9QtYk0ySWK2SK48ts5BLDkUTVyWW4miuGYJG0ajjr+tZNiLEjiFlSGPziuAVYDH41HKCH6jdxspSGyjQfJypAAPcUlEZDK3yYeMqE5AHJBpiEjkDMZGL5Xj5zQ09kMv3U0k6L9mu1t4xgEM3XFRGPK9QRTuvDlpcyCcyopHzEBvvVpGtJKw7l9dLWGNRDICcc469uKh1GyWy3BpyTFlkZo0424GTn/P9ahzFcJ7ezQbYZn3tnIY4x7UKTKEtbKAszNEuz7+SxxQ5gWdP0uXUWkFssaqhBZy+MClz2GjTh8PkeUHuY3RiTuX0HH9ah1AZcTR4reQt9tST5gYiEwVqXO4iN7awI3JdO7KSWBXAB9KlyYmyaG9ZQgCM+5Op7g1LSYky4s0dvM0U8ELllUqCeMd/wA6FpsNEV5c200qvFCkHl/diTIH/wBetFNhczftjJbvboXUbtxbccf59qdhorSwXdzdLbWqq7SkiMY+8T6VokBn2+iyWVze295aW6O024ELg496upO9kDN/T4oXBIRMj5ck+3FcspMVixDEilwynplipz9P8+9TewxJYY0OxGAHVsLx16U+ZifkWbGYQpILJkBdSjYUEgH2NJzaERwqtnefaUmKODt3A4JP9BUubC5fS/mhi8qG7lhaUfvPL6HnPJ/Op5mWUbxMzeejhm4LSZ5NVGbEQalEiRhzKCSMAbuSa0i2JmJPFdiBjEOWPyjnIFXddSXErbmj837SvznGwj09Kqz6CaJLS8nhkWaKWQOgJ25Iz71SiNBd+LL+WM26zQSq3yEyLk5J9a3jE2Rgvc3wu3ke4XYTuxk5Pt+FaK3QZnXl1EC1usUPlknDsTuGewNXG71EFvaGXEkv7xtw6vxgVMpENlly7zbEVBHypAJqb6CuWrSV4YJGRw+0gKpHSspEsuQT3ICvMS7ggOCeCKiUV0EaZubCO1MQtgJCudwJH5VnytsCKCSIysgZgAOMH1z2pNWAinLeWFD9crjpnuKaJbJomikgRWbLlcEHg496WoiZbgI22NVAUnGPep5bgTwTEAGT5fM67TzSaGkhHhkNu8rFiobAycfKP/107lWGi4hGMZ5FGozm3ltxGT5Z6fLu710WLK/2llLr5ShcdhzT5RFabdJZTJuDLgsMnkEA8VSWqEnqec3DySyufujOK9SK0NEafha+aG4W3kw8fv2PaoqwuijsXkcP5jFTxzu6dOK4bdCGNcpPJ5gflRlVXgA0mrCI2u2knDSoRj16GnygI9+wC7CQqk4APAo5AsRvNtO9skPznrTSAlaG7mljiAdGk6A+tNJICG7sZI38u6Zkmi/hHequPQfaSW8TmR4N6rggP0J9qNRCRXDJeG6kjQAkkIOgo6ALb2RuEkkiPzbiSoGf/wBVJuwMt3UKQW5jmhljuCAQc8bfWkgRrRwTap4Zcx38i2tog3pK3Vs/wik3yyC5z0aLA26KMBzhcKOSc1blcDTgiWGGcXTfv+ojK4IP1qedidyqVe3t0kYzAOOeOh9qXMmTYgymDEN4Hck9aY7EbMPtAEmAcYHNAIY6qmX3JuXqfb0ouUTQvuwPKXPc+1JiYssl1cblWNck8EdRSsKwwxSR27PK7tMwGzA4I5p3TZVix4ZsLrUZJFtlRZVBPzNjp7fnTnJIZb8QaekMVpBZ288l253T7uFGPT2qYO71ELELP+yZoHEiXTIUXsFNPm1GS6JpWiWdpLBc6oZ2u0/eFYz8jDpzTlUb1SBswta3MIbXTrUs6EfM54XHtVwkldyBGnBfardWL2dxaQSyh1fzSv3QFPFROULgU1t9W3eWbJGRskuRjApc8X1E2W7fTcvulJHoBzWUqhLZbhiW1cu8SsyNgAnipcmxXC8muGjJjghxgdun0oiBTzK6LuYBepKnpWmwCy7Ey0qHaB26mluBHEglJ8mRshh0GO3Si9h2L8Qwo3E7ewP68VNyhILX51e2jUsSQysOB6GhyYE889rp0ZF1KqTOuNuc49KaTlsFjBbVLcSFIyLiQc7VPQVr7O47F8uhgjb7L8oTJJ6j2rJrzEPF1E670hAwwIJGMUNDsP8AtU0hLR7VHIz70rAxY3YuvHbBNIESrL5YLDsOVx3pWuIhFhNOVLDav3hg5p81kBMLcgmRnx+mR6/pSvcCpdTLLEY7VwTnDFelXHTcCpIBGqqiB5G6dgTVhYkkPk/PNGxTgbVoTVwMwpcXDubcrGnJ2kY71aajuCNCxv7m1tXRf3aLwz4HWolG7HYx7y6efUVzKZIgcnHAxW0VZDsNtzPfX4cRzbAfl460O0VuGxuCwnEpaEkjceHHJrn5iWSxWEnmjdGNuM5x0NHOIfJG8ce64VY4+MEnr/n+tJSvsOw57ebyHUW1y5Zfl8tcjn0pp92NIpx29/t8uOG5BGCG2/dFac0WFkUr9Lrz2haSQuFOQOSPrW0bWuNIw4fD4nuN8srOz5O3+KtPa20GaWnWFlYwhY4l8xjgl+vFZym5AXbW3abebiVMOeOMcelZykyRU0m2mlJDgxqOQSeKl1GhlqPR7dNsu4AMMAdc1LqMVxRb2sWSxwO3NCk2IjZrJNvP3mAyT19arUCby7YcR7iBS5mAGcBG+TtkDPWizEQNdPsWIBAMksQOadguONxMkYMZOO/uaXKAwpLIFaVj85OAT6UJIqxWlg85QYzksegHQ1albcRHNbOpwvLdxVKdwHR2szOFJyewzUuQmTS2xClUTBQ8j60kxJETRllXcBzkEZ/Km2MpXKIrYdtu30rRBcWNQFEuQ2ADzSbFcs+fhweOenFSxMdkvuIQnawA49RSESqJI0G+P52xgY7ZqNBkgV/PCHCkn72M0CZZNrLNE0y7QFXqxxU3sIjZ7aBYy0m5yeoI4qrNjGPexlMMrHDDOT2H/wCulyAR3lwZGykZ2HgCqSsOxArzFimNrA5571VhpE8tyZj5buSIl+VQvTnpQkFiADIy33d2AD2qhkUi5YjAGOnPX/PFNARbWI2quD2NUMQZYEbmBDHPagZJHsAZwnmMPvDNADElDW8bRo0bFjnJ7UBYm3OXHlqpk9SeAKQiGJpC25iCe/NOwy2hDEBRhSKzaJJZHb+4AOOnpSsFhyTICdw2nOB9KQx9oBNMmQzvknjsMGhuyAWS2nd1SGCRt5OCRzTUkhmhpngvXbiRWWwlijlXckrjCt+NNzEZ2qae9pLLbXU0ccsMuwrkc+9Ur9Bhb6ZdSyMsEJkSPGWHT5qTYE7eH5o5HjmgLRADzTkfKKnnFclmvvDZR7XRrB5nYj97J/CR1puM95MGUZdm8AkAkflUisIQTk5AXj60rhYXbvUKSQoyAM4zQMmUGGE5KgsMj0oTuxHN+IbhI5oxFJl/QdjXTSXctLQhsNTYzrPcl3dj36Yq5QVtB2OmtNkyRshCox3DI59P6VxydiGW5WljQxrsiVWGdwzuFQmIkt2h3TAqzSSKPL+bCg+tJ3GEe1AqKHdlHzOV6+1S1dCLOoafqKada6reK8EFxIwiSPvz1pprVATPaGUKqMWDAfXio5mSZmo3b2R8sgKXHyA9cf5FbU43Gok2h6sLi3JLsZNjfJnjPriqlCzuNo77w6+h6RpM3iLU9Uu/tMYMcAA3EZHYdquDuxpHi3jHU/7Q1G6njknn3N95zkmuuKsWc/FExXfJweymqbGdP4TuoRL9mdn3y/KAK5a8NLkSR2VvbIWjYxkoBwSPwrguRYS6EUMhRonx3cHH5U46isVd1s98scHmlNm4k9QaaulqAyWIqxcLzyQD39qdwIZ/uopjcE4Jx/WquKwsUauvm792CPak30EXYhEUYSAqenyio2AimcmRYwrKgHfvVICtI5jk8pYxtzjkU0BXmkfzRtYKpPJAq7ALkhxkgbu+M9aNgEaMbdi9cg9KLjIryQbVbkqvBCiqQDDu27lXj09KY7CRKWc73VFAJyaTAnVSkvzkOWPy7RxQBPMg3gZcksM4WpbFY09LikkvXSJGdh91dvOazk9BkerT3BAilO87iGXpgU4JFISC9I086bbeTFZOd0m3Bcn3PWtdVqyr2KJENm0UUT71YZYdSD6Um76sHqLA9xLERN8kY5VSfU1N0ibFgMIY/LSIMT0JpbklYyTrc/K2U6BR2PrVgW9Nt5r0EuxZ84C+vbNS5JFJBc2stuwhaMqAePSpi09irEcLTwF2lZeMbNoz9eaq9wIpbyTAfedjZO1hnNNRAPOBDKBhmHLY4FIRGbdoo1y5A6896aY0KImkbC525OSaGwuLJamPaH++2dvGBimpACQ7YmD9c4IHFDFctoGkCrEU2hdzPt9O1ZtgW3fJ3+YTtUDA61A0V/tEchLRl8DAJbjBHpTsDHN5m7KysBndkdT2/rTuZ3LWmaVdXM4eztri5kcnLE5AA5PX6Ur9BkV1c3SS+QXYrnhV/wAKShHcViubu8gmfa7724wR90elXyJjsTMZRtuTE0oJCHt9amy2BE11ZyJMpGV34OKE1axViuPtlrertlTycEOG5zmqai0LYli1iPTXivtJCx3UD795524NNRb0ew0cf4+1i91nV5L/AFG8MpkAJcJtB/Cu2jFJWLSOesruRrvDysV2/Jn1rflRRswSv+8VNu/b+8cjpkY4/OlewHP2lylnqCPIjSCKQ5C96copoRvHxUklyrJB9nQHiPGaw9iKxpW/iFbyJoYpMSZOeP61nKly7jsQxwGe4RbtjydzAdcUtkBYkWMOPKmcEOCvOOKdyWQTysLxEYiT8+aOgrF9Wmk+Vkwvf1xWewiwkLvdgxyNGuBu561N9BEl7PbRPGEQtuU7iDnvQloMDcDchRQS/wAufQVNrCKs+QrEy4dm49hVoZOgEsK7AxXZnJH60m0gK+BK5VXIIGVJNNq3QDWguDHtUyvuRByo+X3z+lYuJLL8WoXTDCvwOpI61DSESxXSNIY5kBMh2k46VPKyiaCd3thEqqpbAxSsBPHM9pM8EpSJ0yHXOMrxilytiuW9NuoJAyW2VZWzgHIxiolFobZpyXelx6a83k3JnZgBlsAH6elJIDMaeELiNsgn5iavlFYrSXj7MLLsO35cdPpVKHULF/w1pUmtapcRXd8lvD5W5pCeRgdB+taWvZCuMt4tNmnumGryWkcK4h3xnMvOOPrTcLFjNJYzRXDxLGY7dWeSWX7uAM1PINIuaN4ia81dJI47cxsDHCypnyz6itXC2g7FzXfD93ZwC5tr2O5aY/vOMkseTT9l3Bo5/Rpop5z9tMrpC2T5QxyO1Y1IJCsW4L4S3iW9rbyxNc7sIx5I6UvZtK4rF650DXrVELKW81x+7B5UetONPmWo7EN5eNAqgQPEMYYFeQfes/ZXFYrXOsrbpHIkaOZRliR/Kl7BsLCjW7N7PekVw1y6EDaQFB9KaopbgUrXWHWN47iIkhflweM01SQ0jPttRuJt7SAyEtxgcitnSSCxatr+5bYpYhuVwTnBFR7NCsZ04upomkYcBvl28Y5q4pCJrO7mjiCTQ7vMfbk+nXmm0ugJDb/S4/tqul1HFF9/EQzg1cZ6amhg+I7dLZ/JtZZ7lizAEqRj0rSDTWoygHcIiramZ1ONu0jFWkI19PhuXTdcWwhxnGDzWE2lsZMtx24Ulo0cL0z7kdf0rNyEWbaAhDgfxdFqHIRaVDbyHjoMMTyTUN3ArXEf74zTuCnRcjAGaq9tBF7yGEKbVDfLneB+FZuRNxqxSLubyt+0YB+tHMguLBGGKMVKBeTkZJpthsSuFjCnblieFHpSuPcvwq8dqpCDftI+fnHpxUN6lpKxHsiYBPNLuQc5OBihAwjgjXCiMfd6jpTuBw9zqNkkoiEgkkA4xzj612+zZdiAatCZ9lupfbwzNwDT9mxWK2q3iGxbJQMAeFPbHerhDUEjhLh+DsQjJ7mvQitC0hkMpVw8e1W468YxVPYo67SJpr2BUt38w9GwM5PpXLUio6ktF2WBoJVADhgMMD0BrG6kIQrJLKiCN9pPIGCTRawDI0yzRFTGqA5Jbk07gSv5ixk5UBfuj0qb6gWjcyvkl2aQjcD16/0pEjVZmcyHYd3B6Zz9KAGyFWbLqTt4HbH4UXAt2NrBLHL50vlhY2ZeAS7Y4GKlycRXLllrU9rpDWVlaJbySsVlnEe52HcCk466sdyKC1F7cqtzM1uixj97ISTx2NPn5dgNHXHtltre004xyqEDSTjIyRkdKhS1uwOdW3mNykjTfKW4U8ZPrxWnOrDNCK3ixvvLsEseWByRz71Ll2QhrPZPJ++vJXjU7ETdjileQyyLC0ltmWKUFckKzN/Wo5mBJb6fbwYVAhlA3MTz/Ok5tiG+TbyzN51sj7jndtwSR7dKLsZo28mkvC1s1kA6jJlAyfyqHzXvcBscVg0xkwTtGdqrtp3ZaiidHtZo28u+MBQ4EbRZH8qm77EszjLHp6S3HmTeeTkNFhc/nWqbegGZqHiGeIMZFl2AcvKwLVtGmmNIvbWu7I3FtLbsgwflfv6Vk3yuwxUsLiWVwrMd5zswOR7UnUJLMGiSxpukwpU4AOckmpdXoPQkwIhtJRmGcheuam7ZJTubtzIVC4H3eSfxqkhWGiR1C7ZFBcYIHWm1YTRG4c4V2YljycUkTYkVCgJKuVzk4Hak2MT7MssrARsvPHvTvZDE8gGR1Manb1ycHj3ovbUEWfsZjmT5GhXAJOOM0nLQolkiiCpI03GMHgDdU3bEZU2pag08kVpZxlc7d75xntyPxrZUopajRiXmnX17dzNc+Uzqm47HzgV0QmoIsTS7PSrO58y7jluJj1MT7VA9MgU5SlJaAJ408W2ps49M0i0W2CcSPvLM1FOg170hWLXhJ2vtPjlmmXAcowzzjsazrrl0QM3CkaOyMMKMk5/SufUkLZo5MmGKXb0LvFhR9DSasBFLHI19GzS7FHJ2rjPtTvoBq7CH3HamzqW9/wCdZrUm4wxySF3WMyp944GQFqloUij/AGnplnIRJcQrEp/1SvtJ/GteWTHYjfW9J1Jy1ra4a3yVMRBx/jTdKUdxDftmnzROP9KZk6B49vFJqSQGgsViZQfs7uG6AHlazu3uCJHsdNSyLTRvLu4EatyOTzj8aXO9i7lK9tLFFYQaduG4ck4YDHerUpdwNDS9IjVRh4wJDtxnoT2+lZzqsTJtWt5bMIphZzvAZlHQfSiD5hFO4vrTf5T2kkIUY81myDVqI7FfWZfBrFIy9zd36x52GTAB7DGKuCqp9kNGXpnijWsmyc21rCARED94CtpUI77gS6pqmtS6TPBHJtZgN0kfBI9j2qIwhe4tDntPl1uzt2mtIpGuGOJJHfLY/Kul8nUZM+k6nqF3C9nIIJnUZHp17mpc1EDX0rwhqcTvNcTRTTE5w0gz74FYzrxeiQF6W1ntd2LO2mcjCEzDg98CpjZhYwrhtcidZf3KhyWKIM8e9aJQGWNOubm9It1tpvOP3WiTgfn0qWktSWi/JoV/AHaeOTduwxlIGMjpU8yewrFJ9M8y4EMUkbSLzhR0P1q+ZoC3FGkMJQynzM7TgdKzlcRWcQI5fzWBztIIziqTbAh2D5nUllY9dvT86q4jSttP0o2jfaL5t5U8KOhyKhzlskNGlbvoUFsxtoXlfbjdKpO3sT+eKzfPfVlMhudR8Pw22wXkRZfvIYiMn1yauMJMLAn9jTKHcyEFd2I8D8qT5okj5LW0hlMjHygOE6ZqE2wK8dvbSxkzJJKynhY2xk/Wq5mgRrQeEJ7ixHyxxF+V/eBjj/Gs3Ws9B2MW98Nm0uyssTSAHjCZ/WrVe6E0JFoLSxkxhAF4I/Ch1tRNWEg0LEh3goMDDP0P/wCqqdW5LZN/Z1vbuIlnRWHLFVzkc9DU8zYiC5uLGBWVZTITyTsywFUkwIFvozlkiVSR8sjDnP0quR9wM65ueWRn+Yj5h05q1GwFYsZSAYfkByMDNXaw7EsRxjavU8hhSGkWElcOHXaqgNkbetKxVhZw5BYFt7dSTjg0LsOxUQW0fymZWmZQAAc1dmFifYFjBLE5zkegpXDQhn8hHAcsR2YcgGqCwgEZYLHkswwCeeetAhLlflkCFWbPVelNDKqLMF3EOingsDxjHWrAh+0HKjdwjd6LAWRdFrd0VVbeSeBzxU2AgtIHSTzWZv8Ad7CgC8g3Hl9u3vUsLFzTdO1HVrmKxsoJJZDklY06D1JqXJLUQk1pDa3j2cjlp1yXTGcc+ucUNyGaeg/6PercwwxyMqspR1ODkY4/OsZyumI2dNvre3hb+07KS5VA3lBHxto0YI6h18TeKfDy6R4f8uxsmtxHuu5wCAvcE81tTsBwPibwbd+GJrPUddeG/hvMqBDNuLHtya1Ur6LQZq/DjVb/AE7fpP8AZ9vJHfSDckj4IX0yeKyq2vuIwvFUd9Z6xqenm5ETLKFKRzbsIe2RVJxshlKw08W9spgt3dQMsR1P41FSomBZFp50ZLKRIowMdPxrJzDYdY2Et3K0McyKy4BLkADHvTcrCJrWxIvPJeaMtu2hsgpkj1/Ok5iZo+M/Ds/h/ToXnNowlUFGjkzn61dL3mNHlmp/62YAoxPK9674KxoQGUpaIoiUFM5/P1q7AdR4VvzdokV1L5YAwhC9ueK5KtOyJaOx+yhwIxh1wCTkHP8AnFcLlYkGtRExeS3YjkoVXd/+qlz3Akt4g6lp49iNwoweT2NTewFi3spplijkuprkW4ISI/dT8OlPnA0tMfSbBxdz2j3IFuwbdJtXeTxgUKNxWR5rrUd5czyX/lSvbK5jMyoSsfcDNehTslYpGfoEwg1iMxFy4kAC5xnNaTjoU0e6+JtYfQvB114dGilXurfzEvJkXYMjnnrms4KwkfO8xG/JYlCM5AwCe9dKKK8r5RiARnvnGKYD9DvpLPV4ZlPO4DPeonDmjYTPX5WiRowFYqQCw6kZryHDVkML+eA74Yw7AA555qYxaYjJGHi8/d5OzGWI+8P61skOwqMsio4RjnIVtpwcmk1YTQ+WMpIVVjI33SuDge1LYknihLJkYRGxnj9c0riJp4UUFojGTg7ju5/KlcTKWyNGDZCDHJAqhalS+ZUjBDFyWwMDOKqKGis0e9ciQjjpitNhkkcSthC+FxwfepbAQxsS2N3J6imrAAjZQRg/Mf4iOv1ouCFeGUJ+6iDsOOW4FNPuUiF4TLciBw4LHBwuQPxo5kItJbkvsTzGkOF27MGpcgLslvJEmWRg44IJ6+tRcB6TLBFi0nkimfOdp6DuKfqA1Y1eDyjMdxUr8xycnuaV+xSG/wBiJFH5sTKZduCAQQf1p87ehdivcAo4ZQiBhzlelVqxElrIrMMQsyqMs23j6c1DESZjZhKjDaW5Vuw5pCepJ9mVQzoFUrzjI5B9aXMwRF9qNrtZVYlTn5e/0qrXGh2qakdsfzqN5JfcpOPaqhEsq3N/u08rZNhcYy68D6VSjrqTYowzmZRG8Yb/AG+w9eKtoC156rtRNjPnGCeQD3rN3JLE7Rsi7JVdwOMDp60kNDYgGYbXGwn09/SjYR1ltZPqOrQRS6Mssc8PlQtHJtWN/U5+opRegznJ9MvYdRubUxhnt3KyFSCBg9cVo9hFe71XTLXS3aIi4ugQqoBtA+vHNKNJt6lIliu3+yo80QDOOdo457VEo6iFVgYykMgCs20jAOMd6WoFiJQ0JUt0ByBj5h61JmdrDpNzb+A7bVZPMtoHn8pXMmN2R+frTUW9S0it4Hn0PQ3vdV1VYbyWOMi0XZuDtVb6WGcoWn1XVrq9lP7yaRpCijATJJx6DFVJ2QmKf3cZ+0xSQImXwTwT0rL0HYfdustpFulAWVMrk4OPWqSsV0OdvdSjt7wWqh38xgqgtnk8YFbxp31FYqtMC0tlYmSLAxI/QZPWqt1kNIxtRku7meK1VTeCL7pVO3vW0XbUsmfQ57q7jlnCwBcb8JyPwFP26sI0bfQ4vNQyX0sccgIPGAcdKyda4mzSj0bTrdCnlKyv95h8zZ/KsvbyYuYjTQLFro7tOGAOSc81SrPuFyAaIiyRpZWUKngSOW5U/wBKaq33C5u3vhPU9PsUuFmiuEc7mKNnaPQ/rUOpdjuYt3p86yRhI0kDc7gMkVSncTHRWKtIocncD6Y4pOZNy7Hbg/PHyx/hI5rJyYiK+guI5X2MieYRnB+6KpSTGinfJsSJS43sSPXjNVcCzbB/lBACgGgBEkQuYpWCpkksUHYe9J+QFqa7UWUYtpxFAp2kkDLD8aSjdgZ5iaJ/3TFlzu3Yx+FXe+4F61Z/MYBuDgdAM1nIllmOYtI0YLIoXJ4Oc/1qLCGLcT7ljiY7M5YuvX6UWTLLVpcSr+8bAGDtOePrSaJaJwqXl6HnIdpSB5h57UrWQjZ0+KOyncJLuQqRvjAODjsKiWqAZFHdGHzJAzxRksSF6DB6+lOyuUQWVpe6jcRxQHZ5nAPYGqshmx4v8N6PoOmwpDqk0uqOF+0KGUxpxzWzi7agzEjuDbHbbiQRsuCSCQ2MZP61juRYuaj4hur60hs7h4mWHBH7sKQBnAzTV7DKzzznSDapqEQF2cSW6qAQvQ5zVJ6lpkVt5duPLtVli8vO3Y3P1p819WO5qRaffm0e9XVjFbQYbY8hBkZhjt/WqUm9BlGzvb7RXmjihAQj9474Iye/15qJK4rjbLV4NO1GadZoprvZt3YB2Z7evrSsySS98RX9xcJdQz/Z5EAJ3NkuB6A1d+xZlza1dXlxIqSTSF2LHptHtVcqSExt0zz+SJTgBeMnBFCEiMnzbqO3t4zKqxjdt6k5IqXZILE9xaGK2u0nmjtlC7gScsoH6URl2KsQW17plhJbzaest+QQ0hnO3d+ANatOW4WH2Oq/bIH8mERzyOzFEUEJ9Kh07AVvt1/d3bQXCFJEIUEYAY0pQSVxNDpxefbJFWCTKLlmHXNJJCRAwjhXLid5HXKpuzz6/Sq13GiS8F6ytBpcE9zdLHmRYkLlf0px8yino6amscrXcVzHI75KunzfrRUcVsTI6GG2jKyefLcOuBwuM+59a5HMyuP+zSO7+WX8rpnGD060nOwi3a6cyEuQzN9azdS4FtbdXJWY7Wz68YqXKwiW50+F7cQyqjKGzgnB9RS53uFxZoNtuiRqy7jj1FJNtkDreB5sRDaNvQ+gx3pXGixFphkDxh0wFLEnHX1FHMy7XFt9KthMDK4VVOAx6fnTcmNILmOSRmdMOiDG0AAnFK5a0Kcyr5fzxxoVHGDnFO4mRAxbSS5UL95c8n6VRJ5UtpEjhNiq4HRepr1ea5dy3a2M983kW0JLZ4BbFLntuMyPEtvLpi/ZZQPNRsHB4HtkVtTfNqgRzFxuLHB2nPPvXUiiFQWO1VBJ7EZqijtPApAsZIkjg+dud6gkEelcmIdkSbdvpjO5NzLJIu8kFWrllPYksQ6eUEm2RsKhCkHLDJ71HOwIxpiK5ZI1X9c8Uc7CxZhtIGhG9T5pONqrkn3qeZiEuEhjVQsSKSAc7QTQmwAxxOVfZlu+FA6D6UXZNxiQxSXGGMiqFIO2PJ/mKfNoFwktTBKDBIyc5yxAz+FHPoSSI8sSrHKQzgHBBHP1ovfUYRpLJIXeZYlyRtZsA0rgiO6Xyl8vz92flGeAepxnvQldlJleK6VjgJtC9Cc4J9q05QKl/dRNcMG/dZ+baq8fiauKHYmjtY5bNJZg544w/PTjtxSvZhexGdQstFtc29r508gwqTSFue5Ap+zc3qwWotv4surSFXvLe0O8bQqRAY5pSwyexVjaXWYrgCTyk3YBGFHPt/OsPZOJLC2v1SJlRQhk6nbyKXK2Fxkd6RKY0mUN1X5sUcrC5LLctxI0hkZuGIwfr9aEgII/sn2tri5RJWZQFLgELg9MflVa2JuWLmCwuLtZZRGVAJ2bAQT9BUqckilIS0P2eY7hDHEGGEWHH9acpXHzF2XUbg2iwlwApwqxrgde9Z2FzDPMkZRIDtbdkfLnn6UrA2TJdaZCrT6jDLKACP3eM+/Wjld/dYr3MqTWrH5G/sq7kRzhcNjb6EnFaqm+rQy7bC2kKShGYEcAnn86zd9hMnuPLZEXzBEwJUo4yCPXNTqhXEt12IcIXOMdcAenWhsRCwnBYozOP4wei/TIqkwCOW3ijKrlZMZxjAJotcaGO8RZ0YGQ4zkNwD6fSqSKKoErXMe62iMbdSTkj6VXzFcj1Kygu3WB5ZEjUZAUcmiEuUEyrZeGYnUov2gE9XKE/lWjrDuLN4YtgvltPcIrDkK4Ufl3/Omq0mPmC38H6LGY2kia6LLyMkDPpkGlLEyHc0dNsLay+SCzjRVfO05/IjNYym5ibNC5VnRmazSJGJIcDPI7AHp1qNSSk6+ay+UQFGM+1UnbVjGLO0A2oAcNnLDqfenZiZnX9zey3uFhyVy2SflY/StYKKWpJUFjq1zOZHujDHjDpFIR19s1XPBbI0RYt/DenpgTI87A5y/B/IH61LrS6A2aENra2iN5USQZAA8pAAc+vrU88nuQ5XGW+ELF3d1PJ4FJ3BNli5llyHCIh67jIDikkykRLeyGRYyd1xg4yBgj61XKAj3bq4aSIySH73z8ZFJK/UCnJPqczs8ekIQW4aSbAH0Gc/jWiUe40y4IfF720dxZS6RCGxhGnJP/AI8aXNSvrcehkXvh3xJd3bG+1C3iKHLES55Ppg1ftqcdIod0X4dKS1s9093+8PytOOp+neo9o2xXKdho+iW139rMU11IBw7PkEngHFaOc5K2w7m211G0e2TeE2hCwiUADp+NZWaJGDXrXR4JrdLG2nicctLnOfrmqVNztqNGLDr8D3QK6fE4VdwQTtnr0JFaOm1pcora7qmjidZp9PuYVc5KW0vP5nNOMJW0dxDtF1PwkH3RWupwyqdyFwGDH0Y//WpzhUtqMv3esaf9p823WYSgfKiqcAfjWahK2oBBrOp/NJbaewIOBiNlB+p70nCL3Yrle/0fVNTlEs2oPAZAG8svxmnCpGGiQriWGnQ6XIzSXMs9ztI+8QDz3pzm59BORqrqTyW4SOKK2ZerA5J/A1nyLuSUSi3E+DsJHJA9aexQ+eBfNTf5i7wSmORj1601ILCz2Uos1RVYRZILY680r6jtYpzrPbReZaKYpVB4UEcZA6+vNWrN6i6lKDTTI5+05dJc5LYyM9wa09oo7Duamn6NYaPIJbSaeSQqSQ3I57dqxnVc9yWzdiI2I0S79pxmQ5xWD0Yrlq0uha7gREA/90Z59Tz/AJxUtXAbPrCsjC4UTEEBQABgZ+tHs76BzE6eI2kRIFtYUCnLDZgn61PsbBzFK78VavhYfK0+BehaKPLMPrmtFQjuhspG5lubQHzgnPHykc1VrCsNuYrnaGRlkwvzEjnGOcf5/nTW4rGcdPCqLqMBGDDk1rzdBMieJyTK673b7xJOB/ShSAhiZWlbMX3T/d/kaq40LdW87K3kBI/LzvDMM49sU1LuUS2nl2oLNtY7QSMbuPSh67FJBLehAFkiIJbK5GG59BQotgxPOCQtI0LFOmfT6daVmFyExWcDecN4mPO4+/aq1Yr3H7C8ISO58vcOS3J/ShOwEQsbkP5aFJe+RgYxz3qudFALO8EG9pIldvugHnFHOJjEs78szLB5uxS7gMB+lUpIRnR6bdXU587yztUj5puP51pzJAtBY7GQLsa1ZVXjKtnPvipch3J1jlB2xxHcOMBSDipuDJ/KkXKmM7hyd3FJkkq4R9uBnPORnikBt6FqV5pSzjT5o7eS4TY8pQMwGO2azbV9QKmn6fAlx9oMpkmCku+cMSe5P/1qJVEB1XhjSLm8u8RQsyxj55CQI4/9pjmsJO7EbWtaJog0yQnxHYJqfCqsZEikZ64961VNpDDw98Ph4gvSBrEEiJFmaaWPCJn0wapeQ0jM+M1ynh3W9M8MXqJeWkVsjWbiPbHHngkDPtWyi7N3G0dZ/wAIwfEeh2k2m6/pNs6QgeRFbKG4weSTnPpWPL1YrHmmv2sNprkmnwStPKpzNJlScj8TUq9hAuGcBfMUjKhQwGfxrPrqBrWNlpJ0ky3FxdQ6ixwAYwVJHYf41m5SvYBrS2sUNxaXdnbr+6JVkiLSs59ecCrS21EZNuJTc2toGhtYmceaWPzYyOcD2rRNWAtfF6XQrL7JaaTcXl4UUmQyjgE9MEnpW9CK3KR5LcyAsVL4YDAxzmuxFEEijytpYBQCB71VrjNXwVdzf2okKAbzwuFzx3xWdVWjcTPVNH0iC3Ms0d5IshAP75jyTjpxXmz5pLVEFpUkg3AxyNOH2kLGTjv24FZ+yCw22uoJEVTaYZz/AK2U8KfxqXTsIhEivM0cVuZHRmWWTPyAZ4p8llcBb2zF3Yq0txHHblihGDlcc5PtxTi3cSOS8SQvYaYz2usrNZTSf8e8fXOOpFehSd7XRaOaimifZdBFVgNuADk/Wttyzt7rxVZaz4NksYtFl/tVCDJMk7MPLA9D0qOVJiPPc+W2xMAjoOoArUBsp3DJQBu5oAq2uPtBZCnDY3N2+lPoFjtLTxVaRWY+0SSO7cFV7j0Oa45YW70JaKWpeMZJZC9hCYd2RgngVcMMluNIqHU766sxFd3Dyt/CAMYrT2SQ7Gh4d0q5uXgvb68MNuG2qiy5yevIqKrSjZITOys18oP5CoGZDhuoIIIPXvXnS3IaIL2RraQSIxkAAGT/AFppXYuUo2erfbZnjYoAp4A6mtJU7LQHEe7bd7feycKAMAd+TSsSVy+GPGdxHBPBp2EDygAZaPd3IyP8mnYYn2gByscWMHnA6/rRyhYcsz7SV2DpkDNHKFgziMAI7OxwD0HrS0GkaOnpLIoM2CCOV79euaiTEX5EiiJdZCqgDA3DJ9cVCbYGXdXPlyKY2mRs/NkDg9uaq1xi3108qp5c4Ux8MGGcgd6aVhEUZUnex38dM4x70APLNJIXRwi44X3xRYpE1nNLLG8QlPlj7zKp5PYUcpV7Fh7D7KscTW8iGX5h5nX2PNJNsCu0M0zbchMdAOwpN9wIb23YNFG8qgDO0DqTVKSAaPtKoVZkhfJJPXseMUaDIi0sULJuGewxkGqSAoASecxLqMNkpszuP1rRFDBJifCbWZRk5FPcRNBMNnyg45+YDvQ0IvWd7GsquY1WQADqMNWck7E3LIm82cymNFPT3+lZ2dhXLelf2alwr6lb3M1v3EY54/nS1C5va74ohkWAaFbXliYAfI+QDBIwTx+FdEVZalXEXS9Ssmi1GxvriNZ1zNd4DKXPVTnNRKaegzl544nu5TIyvIH+eTBBY+uKTbSEW9L0uG/1K3iml2Q7/mkY8JUSlYB1/Yw6drNzaRTpcxo7CORBwy54P1+tN7EtjredILa5R4YzdSgCN3J/djPYA1DWupKO68YeLbHVvD2keG7BfMgs1DOVjb55tpHr71tGVo2KucLfwtbXsRCzrGThVMbbQ3ekmO461tLp7iZIohIyA7htO0Y6nis2wK1xLFIRFJiYKMOPLKqp9BTSKRltErOZ5HU+WP3aoGHy9celbR7FHE392BrSTbWIWTKg11qPugdfbRwEC4dQyt8+1e/tXPPsJFp/sKcxWj73fnnOR9P/AK9ZXkxXLtsjRnEa7M+mPz5qZNiuWPs8Eu9Z5kdgRtZwDznpU3aArHyEkdDg5yAQuKLATxLKcT+X5uBkAnFK6BCuJbiKRliSSHoUQHIbP96jZl2sW9Ot9QvbK4WZL2K2b5TF5gUED3I70cyTA5tbW/kmuIobf7KqKSqySA8evrW7aSuA95njt0LeWAV+Zy3Q/nmpeuxDRcjhSPbI5wuAduSc8dahiQ4EhgUVOOeD82PzoGMkAcs+EJ4CnacjqTz+VNMBC6mDdMig9FJG7/ChsBsrWsatuVWAGQZOmPpTi22BlLdRRSFZ4VeEHChMqi+nBzWvK2hl+2njm/eEoyAYI9Kzd0SX7W1hDkmBXLL1BHTr0rNu5DGXMZZGwjJgHaAM/nQmNCh3NqSEYJjD7V5X3osWWpUmvXjeynt4EZQuzy8596StF6oRp6dZ2ts53mS4kVgCY/lHT0/Kqj725Jnafd37zXP263a2kSQiNAm0spzzV1YxWxRdOoXUIMTLmDBBB6sfTv8ArWKSC5JaahNb3Iu7e7a0aNyQYsEj8SKaC4601DS1sNRkv4rq71q8l3Rz8bUB7elaO8ih2qalNcwWz3JXEEZjAUBQxHc8fSpjC7AwlmEwFw6tgg7x29utNq2giWSYbkS3kV5ZGHybckD8ulSnbcC5Ml7DdGBiTcKMnHOB6U3JILoQW2rmH7MZ7gwsBt3N0+nFQ6qjsHNYkj0eaRC0zTS7ZN2XPKms5VxXHppJhuDNvcI/3toxz/X8aFWuFxZtFtJQXuLtWVR1MfPP4mn7aSC5DHplhbAKlxu5xtxtyaftZPcL3JDYpL5cgPmBUAAbggZNCqMYy7gumt2t4GW2hIyWj5P0z/ntTUtdh3Mi00+O1kMsUSljlTuTcXz6kmtfaN7juT3EbTxhBEQc7cqope0FzEm26lgjCEIQig+XxketPnRPNqQW+mGG7Nx9pllds5+fOPelKsmrA2XLWzkWB3DPNITwM881PtVsLmETQXvNQMlxqUdo6ICqHk9ex7Gq9rZWRonodN4M1S68OI8Vo0skbMwbYAWcnuxP+FZuYrkut3s+rRJMsCQTFv3jygEv69P596iUgbuENkqKZBHGXKgAsMgD25461g27kcokEce7eYvMOOxGPTA/T/Gk3oOwskQjGVUEEZUdMH+tJCsMi2qSI5iw64yCR/n3qibDJkkhbF2QxABHOQR6855pCsMllRg/lqUJPUEZP40JBYYGmYqBIQhPO1sHGDkU2gsizHdRrkyPtKqcAKPTrz/Q0uUNhI7+GJiX3nK5B5P+R+NPkY0ytNqe7hTujUg4OPSmoFXIH1RWwpYR5JBGOW9/8iq5QGfbLYg5lg3N0yuenrzRysRzM1vEH2pCuScBsc4rr5ma2FaNYiHOcoCBjuc0uYGjmPGEcaiIMC2/v/dOa6qDJONlLRzt90gng56V2RZY2K3lkY+QsjN22qTVcyS1Gael2upQyKyxTIA3IPBrGcotCPRLG4EEUPm4YshVjj7v4150lfYlskNzEZVGW9DsPGPWp5WCdhDf24BMbhjtOTtJPtRysfMJJcMwyHyq/wAITB/Oi1iSK6eNbl3EQ3pwATn6cU1sFhZppgv7sDd1JI6UoruTYhE1y6jZIVkP3iBjjNXoKxHL5/Plldx745Jo0GkMjllHzTYZhyKbt0G0PEziEMc7uFKkcAetTYRHcM0uPmyA2cYzVLQEU5TdLEY443csevYd61VikQxWM01159yVYkdDx26U+dIL2HeUViYMzOjehxRdMNyu17EgSe1sY5zGNiM+TgiqUb7saRFb2dzqEqz3xy5JYKq8Cm5cug27G3ZQmNEdUwQMN71hKWpN7k2EZl34G8YyOwrMlksRtklyu3eBgFu1JjQ6SQhjHt6Dn0oGR2+fOIdQCPuk+9NvQllyFU8xkbByfvZ4qGIZIjvPvDcA44FA7kjiYSkKyq3TPWldCHSEliCzHkdDQkAjgfxI7g9FphcfCoGVVAMDBX69qQCnPlbflBbgcGl1AYiiR14eRiMH/Gh6IC6hCKyiQ8jg56VDAglikVSquXUjJG7JppiIVJQ4aJduM5JzVjHwzWjs21o9wbBUmk0wJZbiGEJv2A9sc9qmzY2hYmieQMu50H3mBzj0zT2ES3F1ItvtMpUjlVB4oSuBRkuZZ2VhICAemM1olYpDra9ZT9nhX3yOwqWroYn2xIZHMmeVwPT86fJcB6zpNbmIPywyOScZpctmApn8m2CMgaMHazHoOKbjqOxXYL5jHgL6daWpLGtN5ZX7PGAT2PYVSTCw0zHkFhyRnBqkhiXE0UCmYMWP05FLlvoLcDdLHCLlxIEY4BKA546Cn7N30CxjX2pBIkMTs/mcAIK29nbcpIrhpH3GSRyVACKO4/GnZIGXIXjtYS8rHzDnaMZwO/8ASk0paCJoLppcsU2jbnp1rNxCxKHjRwQzAlcDnPNLlJZZ09YrtEeBSy7c8c5xU2KE1W8jtNFW5jgdXWY5ZzwwJNaxp8wzmtZ1ebUZFWK0kcBgAVBVen61rGmo7lFsf2pc3EE5thHDEmzYDgE4PJqWooCXdE9rm7vGBU4VYzwCOmaGnfYCobSy1AANJNJtz8rk4/Cm5SQrmnY6bDarIIreNMr8rYyfxrOc7hclOmG6mDS28Uka8tuJFS52FcsPYWfluiQhDnoo/lU+0lfcHIfZ2cCOMbB6DAyfxpOcmyXInnkfAUXGV3Hag7e9ICtctJLGZ1LSbOAobFNCuUBKoi3s2055z2rVCJFVpI90ceUYgEgdf8KV7FIcbSaJm8mPDkkkE0N3LRelml4jwFAwM8c+uKgbI5ZWWYWkk2Gc7gNvQelO3UkJCFiO1mG4kMCOooWrERhVZVABLIcAnoopXJuSRjJU7sknv6Uh3HyG5I2nCgdNo+8v+NKyGLahvIdj8qkjG88nmh7iGTIsLmRsK2cY9fSqQmRm6RIiY/mfHIPXNNRuCI4vICKZPvKoB9M07MonN5bwx+Ss+CwHynkj3oURlc3myMiaVmiQ9eh96fJcQxNRS5KrAjeVv5fOar2bW4rCmYFCn3o3OD71Fg5RZAPlBU7AvUjGPyqhpWK04jRd8bb8nBNUlcspPqEFvIXVWDbSeB0OK0UGwHTvamxt5bm5vLu9duC3yonpz3q+SXbQZQtNUjnupLdydyvt68Gh07aktE1wFa6XEjl0HzAnilayEXUaHg7/AOHH41CQ0NwGDDe4CDJPf60xMbGsa26zszPDnarnNAGt4b0aDWby5sn1H7LKseYxyTIey0ndaoCze+DriLXJNK05WvbqJFkkMY+VQRk5qoyutQM0WcsdzBE9vOvmyeUpKsF3Z9elFn0A1/Fejaro+lLcy2lrbsZNny3G52z0wKUFFuzAz9Jl019L8y5hvZL0nAjdNsZGf73WpqRtsD0HzNaSXWVSNA54APb61CuSJa2q3eoyWlu6PNHkkK3QUm7asZp6Ro5nuZRdXEdqqoWAfq5GMD+dTKSFc17CaaDQ7q2n1C3ggu3WF0zyRuGSMf7OfzrNSvJCuHiix0SGMXWiwxBUEcCy+b8xx3APvW/tXsURaZqup2cT2NrqDQRE5l2AZI+tRz6hexiai0uu66L/AFd7i6eCPZEJTuHU44rX2jtoLmLNvBqmYrmY+UFUrGEwuPrisp1VewNj1s7fzJpTDiSUfNIOp4rJzbFcBAsaEh2dh6nJpcw7jzE0rRlycfwZJ/OpvYTYJAMM+WbI5JJP86FITIGtYUk3soLr8xY8frVxn0BM43xo989wBKxaNgNoI4z9a9Cg1Y0icvcM6DqsZ7cV1IsZKo8kIWJY96pALoeoyaRqQu4kSR1QqA/T60SjzKwrGpb+KtZS6+0C52MrB1BGQCDUqnFILHRW3xD8T6hNNFPeqjysDvEQUk/UCk6UGDRd1G18dLHbXl5AzW0oEiPvXDD1wDk1Dp00tEFjZ0+5sXv0ur64it4LmYGbyyQBx1x9a45wvouhLRf8QN4akeWLT5pkt/K+ViSBI2e9EYyWoloea6g4LrCYgFRjjvXVFFlSSJN7t0GOK0Q7knhvXp9AvJbi3jjkLAht/IZT2xTceZE2uZ13qCXNz5whWOSRyz7RwPaq2GB2s2cjaw5yaQFWcRqylcLkkcGqGRLuZwkUZc56KMmqQG1Y6NdS2a306NHascBtw61LkhPQsXFvBaSCSK4FwGUfw4wfTFQ3cEx6a1PaPHFE6CMclCvas3C4NHSt4ht101Lx13l/3fTAHauOVBt2IsV9R1ZJNMaC13NuxzngU403F3Y0jnLKdl1KN5Moitk7WxmuppNaDex10konAeLCg4IHWuNxs9TKxBKp39QCx7dqAsQtIsR3PtbueOtMCxDCJYh5gbAbHHepbAX7LcJNhW2Iv3vUmjm0AuCZyyWpDFcbidvX05qGuoiSUusW0HaBzu7/AEqdxbkPnCFw7neGBCqWPeqtcZHdBppEJURtwxGeKaQEQfgSIQcfe46+1A7E6RvNs2Z3HBxjj3pMR0Wl+G5LjfNHFI8oTlYxkY9/SlcpFA2M9tcXMKW4jWNsyYc4Uemau17DsbV/YxX2hRalBLFiMbD+9O7d7DrWVrNoZgCYW9quVxxlscmi12BTWWTeJiFkwTsABBHSqsBZV0Znm2LI+7dg9KVug0XDby3NoSqQKEYsFDHNCdhpHP3lvdCMlj5YHHvW0WhlOC0LybhIVP3flbOe/wDWrbJZKsewBQwIB+bmpuIt2yYZc7eemR096lsGXGiOzehQvj0rK4EunX01gWURRzsy7Ssn8J9qbSZNibTJJ5jHkqWyQqt9045/wpuy6iOq0WZdYS7s7+6W1nSRTBbwDCcDOfzxTTtsUR+JLO81ScXdlHbo0Q2zMR6etElbcLmbe29rbxzRy6iJpx08tMKT7Vnd32JZBHHGYTNEjArgnJ+bmmLcZiaK6Z3RMEBecZOelOw0i5qWmXeizQpPLbxXDxi4RQx3DrSTuU0UL/Xbu9W3hkATyxlccZH9afKKxE1w0Q37ZIi5YboycN7Ukrgib7RcajDbWe9Y4o1wRgDJHc07KLuUirqulTafotzqFy8cSOo8hRyZOcEVtTfMxo8o1GQmUsThjnOK70tCzp/D9xnTVZpSpBA56EVz1I6iNO31KxQEXFyDKWIVc5AHrWcqTewWBdegjX5j5ijhh9KlUWxWKulaxHJqjCX5ldjtUNjB/h/WrlSsgsddaToYv30aKwbJ9celcsk0TYg1XxFFp0kdv5KMG4POcA/1pwoOWpdjXjs7R9NBnllieYB8oTnk96yk2mBU1PUbW2iMTX0qgEqhJx8ueDj86uEHJgctd6xanWo00m4eQshEzSJj64rqVN8vvDkg0q3lvPMaRmeIkjqMD0qZ2RD0Nf5rdPLKiT3PYVluS2MLjcARt2moGWImjCYXowOTmgCa6nD2ywwQqHUYLZ6ntQkwIL+xt9RRopN8aKPm2nBFClygVLaxtYJDb/Z3ZVUN8xJq3NsbZpW2nQtEwSNQrjdtHUYrJ1GZleUwwXCNJMyqBwuD1qkrjsWd5VPmkRUk5X5CcCk0FiaOCRGYPGDBIOSX6/hSuFiWG22q8W2JSvC5zgGplK4ia2gmKBvOAbH8Jxj/ADilzWAI7N3uVcSF3AK5Zs570OpoBZltWe1xIxLp8xAH3vaslMdijPaXIhzFA29ugxnmtlUQ0imdPuASokkBU4YjrWntUUX9HtbL7RcSarb3F0ioRFGhxhx0zVe07CKMcDsG3xOsXJEYPI9BSlNCuWbC2SbecyRjsSOV9qxlNEmoIYYkYHG8jBbOf1rHncmUkL9qkVSEA8wY4Hb2pJXYMz7u/wBTmGxV8gBuOetaxjFPUkIpbtwBcS7mH5Y9aTSvoBUedI5DK+8qvLjPBFaKKYhsGoxyB3jQru70+SwyIyscvLKxIwMk849KpJDuWb7VYbi6itIIHjUQgPn7pbPX+VHJbUdxEcwsFUR9D781LQrlxJPMKxEIoA7Cs3oFx7sqNiNVfOMetJsRYiNukSjygVJ79BU6iJbaaJyQkXKtng8mk4sRZnSNwiNsl+YHLHnqKaukUmTPZxglIpERs42qTk/Si76jsRyx/YG8rHkuASVbrj3prUZEL5SWQF2H8bE8Ciwy5b3AW3iSFV2nO4nqRS9mBS1PWbW3j/fTIpBxsPU/hVRoyuBTsr+C4tybW1bzVXapROvsc9qp02nqwS1JoJtRVBvzEw+95np/hU8quFiKGa7RAtzLlmcsuOODQ0nsTJDJbmWJ1li8oEE5zzuoUbk2Kl/qsUZEl2VVpBgKo7d6ah2FyMabpXTzI94DDKqOOKfKxiRAZDMSxxj5u9HkMkfDp5gJVs8qf/r0CuVUa1KuWjUkAbuhzzVCuVZ/lVHMwQMmd39KpHW42ELrHGpl5Jbt3poybMnUtMi1K4jlaOQRgdC2K1hJxTsTcifQ9LE6iKxUgMTlzk8CqVV9WF30NCytUYqYIYYsEDpgE1M5uw7vqXU0Ri7TGSJ94LZzzisnV0sAye0jjLi4CqhUc55/zilztgNC25KLHtKEHHrUtsTRKLW2jj3onzJg9fejnYxZY1ZjGw8w4z8tNMaKk7F5GkKgD+6FqkDIpo5HhDrNtzyeM1SkhEcVtIuJJJHkI6du1DkKxeisJ3BYbVBIwynvUOaQDRpaK6SMzHL+nFHtA5ixcafCi7fNZVJ43d/Sp5xMa2lwQSlfMZ2bCoVHAzzT576DJBp8JL8vux028ZzRztAZtxaBXVhA+SxHI4HFaKVxXKTpIRhYxjB7VomMzm1GKxukgvoFEGTgovOPetLOSui7G9Z32h3yhLKVgcDIZSOfSsJKUdyWXWRF2/cBzxnp7VlzCGfZfOZtg3EYYAHgUc1gsPXSJJVDeUwOPvYxk0e1Q7DrbT3jcuRuJ6kjge1JzTGWH02aZN6FOCBkdqjntoQ2V5bKNcgS4Xnp0JqlMRLa2wZAUkXKDkHvScgFSCNv38kjMzcfIvAI9aXNfRCIpIfKlZSWZ+DnHpimncC0YpHIV12qOpxzj/JqW7BcZJb7H3IQW52kHpT5rgNKnyypdcj+8fzoC5HD8reY9wjg/Lj+6ab7DuSFYztcYAyQeM596E+grjpGtNodpnUqeVXtS1YXM+4uUZxAsT8H3wferUWBYjW3Kx+XaRow5PqT60m33HclSGGVo5TDG+71/hpJsfMGFjjJjjChzgge2Tmqvcm9yvP5TygDcg7jPamtBiLHGZG3TeUMYxjgU7juOgt1iV2gaMMy4YsccUm7jRU1CxuLlP8Aj7CRqfmGec+laRlyjK4WaJNp46/Nn8qrR6gRSaRctCnmXLbHkBK784p86Hc1I4RGGUNhjySfasZN3ENnjd9zQIRu469BTTEZ1xbXMcf7sbiGOGPrWqmgKwsryVR5jlju+f3/AAp8yRRZuhJ9jjiknk2xnIUcAGkpWYIg0/T47C3CNJz94qxyRVSnzDuWZvskUikMWyucAdz2qU2xNlRgglJ2s4zxk1SuJB50kcZ6BXOARRYB8YUwybm3M3T5sYoEEVw1tbeXAPLXGcKaajfUaKUt1NMM/ZHmI5VW+7+VaJJIpIakl2xDl4oiTyFPAOKNAZDFDPPO32jUnwASUXpQ2l0C5NHbwW8YH2dnXDH5j3o5rhctWZmb90UjU8ZCHG33rOQjVF1ISsX3jGmBj65z+tY2JElmmIA2nkfL746/pRYYFpCo2grwfrmiyENaNkYGQsd3QAd6LroBO4AiAZ13Hj0AFJAySNEQrG3CqONvOaRIkVtDKrM0fmAHJB9BmjnsNDU3Q3QKkqi/NsY5/DFO9/UERSCWa4a4ZHBHcHjFVtoVewNDuPmpIZB82B7nsaaaQ7i2SN5RW4K+YrD3wD71Leoht75axxkZYk9N3Q047gOlkP2dRsRSoGcHBNPl1FYoL9vmk33UyxW4OFjHU1ppbQdiLU7ydEhS1HlyFdvAPT1JojBdSrEhmmNoqPOXlABbB70uVXJsN89yMTSPITwM9qfL2HYk5nX5YG2oMs1GwhMgKQuG46g9aEBSulMc64G5mUEEcgfWtIllLVdTDwyRqG4AX5eee9aQgFilo19JDciNmwjDGM1coaAdGLqVV86BEXaQcE5Arn5VfUVjPXU521P99KBGMEhBx71bpoZLLO7SPJboSC2PmGRjHXFKwFV7GWYmd3jIGAR0zVJ2As+dAYore42hUcZOferU7CuY1pDbw6lcTMSQSWQDr7U5Suiie2nAvpRMXYzHg+xpNaCOj0JdDh1OIay8sdsrfM6DJ46cfWsnGT1QHZ+Hrzwlq3hfxLEl5DYX4TNrJOuA4B6fXHahQaSbA87n1Q/8I9aWDPFJskPygc9etact3cVjR8ORfavF2mrpbgOBk+dKFUPj1NEo+6xnXwatfXCanqkROnxWasJZk+Yzupx8vqKUIaITRT8S67rHirwWH1LUGs1ikUWNnEio8pzyxxzTtaVkFjZ0zwhpjJZWviKW7nmMTThYpcsdqk/nnFZ63dkI3Z/AGmQ6CmqNNqFos6YhglgLkH8KzkmwaOHfRLV7hI5HKt22xMSam00JIx/E0A0J3MC7JJV4kYFTj6VUFzbjWpc027k1HSredpTK0SbCCOBzn86wqLlkQ0XU3NIzmOPG3ADDINZJ2JGLHl9rbABzn1q+bQLiTRPGxbcMDA471KdwCwmdLhZjGJOfmz3FNtWBF7V7uC7voprKyks1WPDqXyGqUtNWMplspuMZ79KEgRYs41kj2sCigcE96mTsUyRgY1MTZba3APYelTuSVpnaM8ZGTzg9quKuJjogLll2yIqZwXdu5qkrDSMfWrR7vbbHa5JwDj8q6KcramiOW8UeC9Y0mGKS6gYPdJ5kcQ5fbn061206tyznp4DENmcSLwQ3Y9wa2TAq29rJPcLFFtaRjwAc1begHWaJoNppWradL4ohnhsrpnQMVOCwXj8MkVDk3sBsahM2neIUmuILf7LEn7uJVHocGobGdL4DtrxtQi8QapZrLZwptihnc7ST6D0qeZdBMf8AE7X9IvdPeOPT7O1ljk2hbccY7VCjdiMfxprGk6j4X0aHSrEwTQQlbl3IzIeOcD8aajZiscPBK7xNGyBg3TPODmtLDIrok/LkYI4ppAZjFFygbnocVogGt5iIpChUJyuetMZft4XkgLuVCjipegFd4ykwU4H93jrTuB0ngd/sfirT2thH50kgj/eAbcnjnPapk9ANb4hvJb6rJBcXNnkSELFakFUA47UkhHIlmLO4LnnjNNoCCaZ8JuG4kYORzRYBt9qEx09bRpQIoiCqHscikodRmnptxLHYZWQbm6qR1FTKNxFa5lcygjAP16c0W6AdToU4kgNs22RQAN69R+NctWJDNQpFGG8oM0RA29/XIrnuS0R2sG1Wd1xl8LuPFPmAnMDyzeQh5xj5eOaLiLtlpE0kMkrlVjRcs7N1NZufYLE9zFYLawC3lla4cMW+XC4GOAaNWDRnTu5+QbsEDnGe9NIRUuUZiNqbj79qaAXbIVEjnDjjr2p31AdtDjcuw4Hy/gOtNdi0b9jpd6PB0mvSrJFamZIYiyY8wt6Hv0pqN2Fi/wCFdXtdOuJkvruWKFo9kqRkBj7fXtS5dS0jcvNO1LXriy0fSXt4LG9ieYEgGTgfxEc5qki0cZZ6TaQaR/bY1K6ucuY1jUYTzf8A9dE5SbtYbSsRXNpdwIHv7Z4mYYyRjdWTSvpsZMpIJY4yQgZR1B6j/OKLCCJQTuCkjq2DgDHvTAv25EsiEsyIzcFeeO3SpaL2KWpyW12wCSGJxngqfmIPpWsItK5TKexIWKGPDg5Jxzk+1Nt2M2XLezjeX93td8EnHfFRdjSF8gGRzGQHAwAeMGp5gsW7RXSAq8XyrwrBv6VDHylWRFiYSOpbJ4PYe1O5LRJC4EhMKNwv8QwBRqQ0TWc1zZ3X2yKYRuWGTinzX0EX7i8uLmR5I7gxPO2+XsCOnSk5dwM68y0asjbfVcc00wJ7GNpDsEiIAMsQfvDNDYGvPNYwPpsUkO5oZDNNI3G7+6ooi3ZstDfE89zqGptrdyEVZMiFC2eAOlUmrWGzDv7MxGG4luIXaZCdkZyEH+NCd9iR6XFzdW8cLJuSFsCMLjk85pWSZI7TngtmW9mtkuYAcSIWxk8D86qxSZm/EK/tprVBELiCF8+Rbk5VPpXRRWrNEeYzOnm4wS2MGuxDYhvblIWhDEIp6VSigH2JfzfmLF2Hyk0pKwFrDCF4slpR8xYdB7UkgKvmi3uY3DbpGwTjtzTcboGdxa3D3VtE7BUGwcl+p964pQsyFuYGrTM00jpJlsgAmtoxKO40jXXvNHEigyXIXZkj0FclWlyyEzntb0XWLx4bq9Z4jIvyLu4Ye1bU5RS0KKC6Pf28+BE0TquDu9D3rTnQrl+2sNWtNOa1iIdi+7FZSnF6iZ0FiT9mBueoT7oHU1zS30JGsMsWAA55JqQJYoigOUk3Z4PUYobEy5C7BgEizzu5FIRBqOsfYmdJIiN45Kj7tUqfMUkZtxe25kTyrmUtMNuQp49BVqEluirFmGy1tp4nW5BhIyXPAwaV4bWEtTpNL097jN7fxFLFR5aMfvO3qB6DH601BtaD5SI2EKTZR5JkyVK8gqPWsql4kS0J3sbcRAzMr/3RnkVhzkmndwWqwhYlaRtqnhu4HNQpXY0VpLGOVU8x2C4Hyg46jvS57A2Ja2dvak+Szu4DE5f6dKJT5hFoyEAEgKrEcj+tRYpIfOzEDDMNqn3BpjIU8uMoTEHPBYetDbaAnt2sEunaW3bGw7FXgA9if1p8zsBFYMsVq8kwR5Fbrt6A5om22Kws1yiKqlVUudxYDGBjiizAhkIjO0oADzzzmiwXKjbdzqUyMZB/Gr6EtjvIl3Iyn5X+VcjimhogvopEDxybFZTkHsRVIGZl60luFMiRknBCkdfatYiMzzUVsMNzHoU6LWqQDZJmyqgbuTvbHSnYCzCfMUIFAzzkjn61DYEwwsqg8KpGT61IGjabVwoBbPCkdjWMhF6SBQhKSGItxnGePWpTuMq6hC+1M3vlqozgLkVcG77AFvODEH3nCHkhOtDiBauHgmRznPAIxwCahXQEKTCARItwy7TvJHUH61ab7BctTzSXBEjzvJLKSS7n881F0irlR1Zrf94/zOeQh4xmqTFcWBoLd1dWm3KhI54NaxkxpjtIk0G1u5bvUrNb13dQu9+3fFbczash3J9Q8TW0kIi0+z8hFUgqow351m6d9yzm21yed5FR3dml2hc5IwB1p+yS1IZFpAvpdSupLiSUIWwiucYpTcEkkRKWhfQpHqnkKJn+TPzcr1z/AErN7XES3cL7kIAxkDgZ4/GpUh3GIpEwbB49+lNsQ5jg9cBhkk88UkInjCqRnOOvTqeP8/hRqJEJeANllB7HinZjEg1HS4GVZbWTy26GTAJ/CnyzZu5GfNr1tdAwwRJG44+X+tWqUlqyGjIutUlW8WFmCy7ugYZ/EVqoaBYgum1iR1SyIUgkszL1+lVHlT94dki/ZW+rSqsFzKXfdnKMAB9SaiUojujTFlLFC2+8Vmzg7OTjPesnNBoOFvYRXAhmvpnWQZ/1JOOOhPrzSu3rYaaLMUFhBGyK43MQVZsqcc8YrNuTBtEwOnxR7mg818jOH4YUrMi5BdFJHXy7aC1Uj5toPzH1JzVp263C4Lttlfa8cyjC4AyM0m7+QXuFtPalZJJuP4SqJn8KNSSWGTT7jLyRSFFOFUYBNS20O4SzDzdscTRp0GXB496EIryEFCodlbgjb7VSuAkjyRYG/OCApYZxnrmnowLMd9PJLtbaQvIKjv05qXFIBj6ncxTmZSu4ZC/Lxn3HrTUbiuZWo39/eNM5K5/2UxwK3hFFJXGW17JbQ+cYWlZwQVAwR/hTlHmdloFirf6+YNqR6XHLIVBZWg3Y/OqjSXcpIvafeC4to7i0t/JXJ8xGhC46enPasais/eBlyQmVNsUqgnGCRkE1nsTcnhEZRhvGSckjgCpbuHMW47tUhVy2EC9AcYqbIrmI1ubd9pEoU7B16nr2ptMlsbHdAbhIpePB+6MY6Y/rSa7Esp3Ew3cWrPGnzfeC9R74zVpaCHx6i/2gLFYApgZJfNHKluwGXGozwkiPEak/dxxzTUU/MZTuLrUJI9pnWNMYDLjJHoa0SihEcMbJlmkcLwd3UGh6hcmWRtoJ3Ads9vrU2JYxZsnBbaB90j+VOw0xSqMjSTuRk9M9R9aTv0HclfyiuyKQIhztGenFCv1GhYmUQ7cqznHuTQwEkKeaoALncOgp2BEu7YxYdupc4qWBCju0jMjqF/hAPenYLEkbPFCZHkaRgxGNnY9DQwsR7T53mBQW656jn2qrhYaqDY5G1g/ykOeFobGPhMEwVHK4Q8MH6fWm0WtR91bxLHuEyiLGTvbO4/5NA2jOVpEbImSUEkgZ6VojNkLXkiYzgtyTGSDjHeqULlEaarJI2QY1I5BxnFHJYdi3aaqfM2yxRyDJyOhqXSuFi5Hd29yxf7MF9QCT9DWbg11Aifd0RXyD94DIzQBXUGePZIfk53MDVNWArXEM8l0Z3kLZ4AyOn86pSVh3HSQZBBXOGxz1xS5tdAKiRK6yANkp0JQg5H1q1IRFjDrGqhmxnnriqGwK4fAbdx0GMA0CsHlgTKFHUZDZ7Yp30HYmGXIfcflG3C8UhDPIUnyyu5GPp3p8wx6WixXpVABGRjpzSc7olsm+wxzqA7yBB0A4OahzsFy9a2cFuc7nVsYPGcVnKbYrkqKqsQUyR905xnNJsdyeCNWnLM2xVX7ucnJ4pNiYskPluvloHOemck0lK4hkTLz+9G4A4zzz7UwK7Osvy+WWz3PrTALf5Gf5zgrtOT19MUAQvLJBA7B29Gx1P1ppXAes8jhHCKrYySVBIFNqxZGboxSoCjbgP73B98U1G4DzcyyQhQn3SxcrxTUbMSKirO5OzcqfxE+tVdDGr5yMyyuCVPyk07gBueQzr/EMDP8AKnYY1xDOgPLnggBicUIRXmfzZUJYqYxtA9fbmtLD3Gxx4d2wVXPduSaB2JI2aNwz4YcYB7eooY7E0zSbSQCC3RQ3WsxWHRBidpUA5wBn+tBIfa7KETB0WQrkbQ/FUou5SOSupYm8yOKNlR33YJxtrqiiilbssJaVm5x8pPNWBuWVxIdNWJQwYjnnGaxa1EVpyYBtJDyHuhzWiVxkmnXVxKksS5EgbBLdaiURF97pkhWIBXcdj61mBEYpJC0sqJkEbugp3AfeiHyXKAGYfKABQmBjeYftKugKkc1va6GLd3crrMDJgFsdc+tCQEmj6zNHp8tikEUkczfMzLluPTPSm4gREMHyRgAE9aQymblhkEsSWzkNjFUlcR0Vz44vrhbW3htYLe3toPK2AEh/duepquQQmleKZNP1631Nyk7Rq2IlXgH8aTpgeseBbh7+8T+1oWsbvWFPkXZm+ZI+pCgcAnA61zTVgOjstU1+LUpbGw8Qz3K2rFI47kKSwXqBn29azvcTMzxDqFp4b0zXNYF1c3F5dxbIlt2RhCx7+3PpTS5tB3PH9Y1fUNbtoLrVJ5JZYUEKhuTgDvWnLZ6AtCraaw9pOY4CRb/KcDucc/zpTp824M6vT9QlcJJtxCRk8cn/ADmuSULMyaNCOVEU+WUKbcsTgH6Vly9xEL6nCATGC0gGNrDP5cc0ezYDo78OPnVVyOOen4Ck4IQ6K8lR1ZmD5GQwU8f54o5ABrwbtoUls9DgDntS5B2J5L6FLdSUB55y2CMUOFykhzamrPkkksSVUDrS9nYZQEz5eTKqCx4Pr6VdgALJ5bfewxB4Gec9adxIdA0qXttdJtjeKVWQvznHtVp2TKRqaDqB1fxk+r32phLtZRAFAzhc4yPoK22ikPqcZ4w0+3f4g6m0lr50Ed98yrkbkz/UV1JpIo9E8XeDvDej6BaeK/CtmoF3Ii20RTPlsOTlt3PNTzvrsI848aTazrOpxRa3fKJ4WDLCR8secZ4xVqa6DRJomh6pqtzMUmEjohkyRwAO/NZymM9C0FNX07UJfD1nELq++xru3YPl56nms1rcR5x46dRr01rGuUj+Vu53DrW1MDEunUw4VMEKATVoRWgjZkzvwFb+E8mgBtw25gAM4PJ54qkBmTo5laVcYJq0MgmBEyqzEfTpVdBGvb4FluM21RznHWs2Nke4PJGWRmAHBznNAjR8O6odI1i21f7JFdmFt6wyn5SR0zRa4Gf9tn1LVLy9nRFaV2fCjCgk5wKpgPMrOHWPoBnIIqbAVGeSQ5mDMO3IzTSGUZ9oVy4Gc8fNk9atIDZs1ZbSOR9ygY5PpUSENkcFCygH0bjmoBmhoOpC2cGd9if3V4z+VZ1IcyE1c6Cz1iG9mkitJJCo5GcAZ/OuaVLlV2S0aM1wItv2oKkZXKu/AzWajde6JnQeCpvD2r6nb+H0nkn1G+lVEaIcxj+8TVexla47Hqz+E/DWn6S8/wBrMclu5VVuzmN+SCeB0zSdJWKtoeR+K/MfU5WWWHYhKKttwgHYjP8AhWaViGZcDFQQ03J59yKGRYbNd7TLGg8xmXAzxt96lRvqBGqs4bOVJHBI71WwbE8UELMqTFso2H2jii7Gnc6jV/EC+I4NE0CNza6ZpkxdzniVwBsJ9Oc/nWsJOEGaLRC+HNG8Mr4hOoeI9VxPHcCSKNIxIkv1/wAKam2rIakdcGg07WNR8b2YNjaKjQWYZFBbcMEhR0pOaWg+axwnh+Wyt5dPtRk2y3JkeMc7jnjjJqZO8tQ57nq+reD7bUtQj17XZxZWFuihbWJvmwBnJz7Y/OtY0+ZDOFJ8N61quuX8DmDSbKNUjJjG+WQk4wOw4rOpT5CWjnrmTTrjSWQMySow8uJV+8M5bP4VlytMkvR6ppUV7bXb2bxG3TcsaEEOwHGfxpKLV0x8w/UrfS9etBrr6hDYXyB3ksvLOS3UAYrRPldmVe5xdp9pSdI2AaVxv3ZzjNVJAb2n29vLGrNO2T97yxj61g2wRbkhthJnyR5LfdcdffOfaou+poivIZMCOJiWAH3RRZCZWyz7zcqImB53Gn6EMUr8gCMCpYHbjr9D3o0IEYEEo7YLKQEI5WnYhkXnFGGY3AA+9wB9KLXAtTbSoaSJmj2g4A5XNCEyMRPZJDcStGIpCTtGCSAcdO1O99ikasF1phE3EzLOm2N3UH5uMY5z61aVtShq6fDLp96sl6DLaKGRdh+YY6c0OVhszL/Sp7PTbbU5iUguZCirvBJOOwFCelhFe0a9aRWtEuHKrlViBZgcdwKqwrD7NBGMbvmR2Zo3yCW6GlqOxk62908UiyJ5zGMiMsAdo9q2hvoUkcVdWipboqKN5BLbjya64soqXNqy2qxKg83qeea0TBFm1QQWpMmAVHBJ56UtwKvnyi4VEZZAV+7jvVWCxWNrdNunKqqq3PzCmgOh0W8MdnJDJGruyHYSxG0461hOJNivcsSm0lX55qojuX/DGpx26zQvnaD8qjgVnVp31JeomrT6hq18kcE9z5SrxnOF5PA9KUUoopMvWOmSnFzPdTlcjaWcYOBWU6iE2dDaLCke5lkaRj/eHPFc8ncks263LMxkgEfljOMDFQ2gHSySFVCxhgOmevtSEWUQMoJkYA9cH06j9am4FhYoVQFSCyjgM2OtTfUV9Si2jJJFJOXBz8zBmHQdsVaqW0RVxU0TTpIIr17looVAIZiqjP49aHVm9LCuasIlV43to1uokZSYypAcD3qFNJ+8JaHQeKPEmp6pobJb6RFa3EakQjf8qcY4xXTDEQRpzo810nw74sbU476/1oou4O0asTxnpgcUVcRSaslqRUaeh3EfREli3rzy2MCvPad9CESQ3DBg1xLDkH5Aiik0MfIHZmd7hQD3bHA7Uk0ApCx7PLuvO3Akoycj2oLGh23lTGGVjz8wGPXNArjDJLsIkYBVyDyMfTrQFxhkY7Ywyk9uvzDrmgEyR38tAm7l++4DH500hlc3G2NlWdpAp5G3qefzquW+oiJrxHUMykEZ61SgJh9o3qzow3KMhT6n0oaEQS3al1LSoPlznpj86aiIU3jMnlrMAhIZc8Ff/wBdNQsUtCrf3clxA8T5kIBK84AxWijYbZEio6o1x+7+XgbeM0N2JG/ZI5F4kKknt29qFICCPTwhLNISDk5JHPtxVuQEwt44iNpG4jHrx681F7gPZGUldqlMcHPTFAEtjceXIVMb7lONwHWpcQLkkpDCBt+M9eDxU2AFkAkyqBmdevBUjoKQ0N3/ALxItjqSOSB/X8qGSy2uFVo5EYgBRuJHXPTFQBAIUkaTDMuCenP+NO9gJfLjA2qrdOGPQ+1LmAhKp5JLbztYjA4xQpO+gGVqMU7TKbOIMgUiRieRyK3jLTUaItMt/Ij826kZlkf5EIyF+laylfYdyFFSZmcyY9CTjH4UczHcsxWlraDck8AMjcKWAYk9xk1Dk2S2WlaK1IYEE9GIGQD71L97QkGcu7SlFGP7j8kepH41LVhMeyoyCRJFbkdR9056GpBCF1jLOrAknknvTQyqbs5KlVY5555Aq+UCaO6kMbA/IwHysCP5UuXUZWM7FssDvPA+WqsBW8qGT52RZI0Hy5FUnYbZWgtI3lw0IZByxX5f1703MLkkFvp9teNd/YIrl2GD5mePfOalzk1a4+Y0xfM0TeVZW0aMMBVJ4HrzWXLZibK8O+OSTy4o0yOGGRVtiuSY3hlDMcc8DGR+FK66hcR4543EoZkX0xnPvzSbXQCFmDsQAXIzjcelNASRcKA68dcgYx+Pak2A9kkVFK5YnkL60XEORNsePLVRnPyf5xSuNAG3EopT73JIwTwOvfp60gFSNuRHt4GAN3A/HrQFxjjG9Thxn5yjcj9KBizGEr8oCt6dT+dNEjLeIneXLbgdzfTpTbGPUo0p8pHjQHJyc7uO1IBTtkHKKQOhznJ9/WhMYzS4rm5u0t7VZQC+3G0ZY+nIrohT5xMq+KdRudBvjpl5bFb4pv8AmbcFB6V6FHCRe41qZGkeL3inMFztjdvlDhRj+VZ18JfVFuJ0Ftdl5Q7jdDghXI4461584WIZNHJFNICoXIHBBrG1hC3UiKDK0i5XkA8Z/EDNOKYGSs0lxJIXkWOBjkEDrnv0rVxS6CsXRLBDhRKRIo2xt+hrNxfYdhp8qNdwlDg8Nljke4os9rAVru7jGFjiWVGIHzOTj3rSMWAC6ZAVt4yhb77E859qOUCs6yeZvmmxGW4C9/fNWtNgGOrMwDu2GY7TngVQixbxojMikk4xnOfyqWNkdxMitsJY84H+zQoiQB4Q+2YlumAFBx7U+VjEFwhJ3RqI/wCAN6etHKwEkvI4yvksN7DBKjp9eKag3uAzz52B2OjbR8yFiOPbFPlS3AkgdoiHVBuAzg/0qWrhuNubq4uLkq8Sxx/wjP8AQ1SikOwxnlSMnChwfSiwD01MNsjZZIyD8zFiQ1J0x2J7m/TZ5iH94BycfLx0pRpisQQ3KTQfvGVmJPpjFU4WZSVio42QZgfaN2AvbNaXKTImeWQqkpDYG4Koxg07FXJId6KcYYZIAZcUmyWKkOQxWP5yeSP/ANfSi4DxZxmbekfHTnjNLmAsCBAgYp86kkE9SanmAngZuQuCF4571LEOucFwtnJ5mV5DnBB74oWm4FVoblmbh4gefXNO8UMmht2hYiYmViMcriplK4idgcMVAXP+1yKm47g9qrqN0uFA+bikpWApSWdjExZJASTjH8WK0U5ML2HRxWSvgWjzhvunfkY96bcguWDHI3/Hlo4XJADtkgfSp5l1ZRfg0hY0V9Q228nB+XGGHoMVDqX0RLKcxlLxrGFVVY8FADjtTTWtyRrQyYJDFmzz65ouSOiSaMEMzA5OAfWi9wEWMvKZYSiuOpIOelDfcCQfMwM8e4Z6Bup9TikAsk6QNsKbdxHTuBQUgLCVxLEfkHOFUZoEyNGVXYEb8nljjP1NOwhCVCKUCkDljjp+PemlcCrLIN7b1AzzlScjn9KtRAFliWYFMJnuF/rT5R2CS6iVQxdGfodpxmjluFivJNFLKrkBSeeOM1SjYdhQ8EYRnjYZb5gOSc09R2JFkUplN7kA4CnGOaVugyGViyGUsVzkKMdeKErAVGkKna7bnOMA8VpYbGFyCHG0HOeGqkLcijkYuT5h3HpimUOLO+Y1Rxngn+tAE+xhGcnpjgf5/wA4qWwIwCzBPmzg9T/jTuBW1O5uQv2dJGZWHI6DNOMU9QsZ0f8AooZVdQWALBV/rWq1Aq3Dlxy2SOn0q0hlOLaZcyDKg5A/+vVtAasUwYyTBcKQQPas7AUTOwViGOc96tICK2vJYLhnRvLLH5iO9DhcDqNLaOZVJRsnqwOCSa5Zqwi0SsDSt5QYYzg9fxqVqBmzkHLhgOc/KxzVpAZE7ZnaTc+T0I5FboYs6AQeZnKt3qkBWsSDMU2n7ucHnFNiLE0p3Kc9sYAFIZRlG1n7HqMmqQIS0iMrEO0aBQSct1q07gaFhpy+Y7SToowGwG3daicrIDudH8VR6bq1hfqkd1PZKEhjnjyuCCOcdq43FsQviDxLBq2py3P2aRbhn3k20rJtPoM00rAUtT1Pw39hvLO00u8tJp0AQm9LKp9SMc1rFMDnIGUWrIz5bpuYjJOKpoZmCQqwzglWwV6g+9OwHZaLPJLpyM8xcZwADgDpXJVjqQy7Jbx3A2SgAFskZxmsr2JFUCEYfKqO2etF7gS7g0giUw5xkE8f54qWrCZHd3V5tW2tpGUSfK+OgAoUVe7BEmmo0MW2Q72LbmLHO6lN32GX7nzZAUJj2gZ5FZjK9yJY4t/lbSy5zj24+lWhFHRrV44xJcR+Y0j/ACozFi2c9ulVOXboM1CQjeXJGAz8hSo4x2wKyuAok8tN8qbyDlf3fAxVR1YHO+HtQ2eI57gK4L5IGcKD9PrXZJe6UzqI7mwshf3Wo2H2+aVSxMpHLEcnOKyUm2rMlFW31w6gNO03StLu7ixt3EsdvG7SL5mevYVtKLV7ss0Lb4ceMNX1251S60qGOSaTfteZV2p746UuZWSGejWuit4ct7WA2OmwWDxEX0xXMjf7PfilHzGyOLTbq3F1rWiano9qLhf3sscJLFB2wOKGyTxTxVpn2O5muzfLcF2O4MMP9cZ6VcJ30GczdSKR+7XIAwTnpn/9VaoSRFaRq+XLfKnfPH40ygusDLLgjBJHNUhGa0hA2rvkPYKTirQEQEzOGcbecYFWxGthvKx5eU25IHSsmMifzWU7SoGMcjGKEIc0ZRYlyVwBuJGeaAGIgLSPGnvgHqPWgCPAKMGGN2TxzTGVWdi4QFhkdAcYqkDK8ychTnOeSKpsRsWqSvDGpZ88AEk1jJjHXWeIl28cZA5oihMzVEKnaWckDuauwzb0bUtP063Mn2Zp7hwVLbsAZ9qynT5iHuZ99fy3khMrEj+EZ6ewpxpqKsUkdZ8Mm1TS9ah120VIGh4WVkByO/Wsq1RLQmUj6TjWTVbWKO7uorxDB5n2cFR2zlsdsmuWM+YEzzDxj4ZfSLm3neSES3TsRbQSZ8pTyDg+tRLmEzmrqNSA5UcH5yQcjFQmQVMB1fyW29csy9P8+1UwZaaRQ+I1UMFwSF/+vU2EOgKyKWckvk5HcGnsNEk7y/ZhbbFVA5b5cKeepOPwojZsq4lo8Y2Ku3bu/wCWmetNt3JuRy3M25hJNM3zFgpYsn5UIrc0dC1SxguPtGoC+YgAp9nPl4P9aOVisaLa9Z3l55uryalcwNKW+zh+NvQAkf4Vak0UWNS1y1uNJm07S9MFirSo7Orc7Vzge/WlJ33FzGcotbd/OS2uLzfFtaaRSqox/TIrJt+grlCMwWwMklws7kkbAvI/HNU7vyHudP4a8cW2jeGbrSm0jz5JXdlmEuWO7oDkdqtJdSkzhNVv5twurooZ2AAwoI47nPU9B+FWkrlE3he6umut7qz8E7cAdjg/SpqpJaCvY3o0SUOXkCEjkDpmud36FxloSW6wsqtDKxMZwpV+vvUO/Ulsr3SkXRljfezADfIP6VZEncgC31vN9rWFi6kbHZCsQ5PtVKzJRT8m4WR1vbs3VzI5JIJ2gE5wDVuz1S0Bk2oTvHarbrAvmA8uy9qmMVe4h1sySwDdNk9/alJWY0h9xbwpCirIr5zlhSvqOxs6F4gvba3srW2sbEfZAxUyw72YknnP5UWV7jMvUrhL27nnudxlkPzBWYd+4z0q1og16FgXCala20FwfLs7Y7UC/KR+NCutg16iDUX0N0l07WXUTsEkCLklfXJ61ahzbmhPHaWTMrLPOxdy7OwJYknvzzUO/UlnPeLN9hNMtud6ucockEjHNb01djSPP9UncwsEyS3BPXHNdkUMjtWZNjBkLHqO+KtoCtPeA3EqsiD2HJ5ppAIsqLGWclDnO3b1HanYCC4ug1uY1ilw59sUWDQu2srRImzaPl2kdcUmgsJJcNIzYc+2B1osFiawxBL5jBJZN33MCpnqrEtHa6dEsUQmbYSRnaBwPauGbuyGy9GqSQ5LBgPmCBMYNZN2C5IjuJf3bBCPfBz+VK1xXLEAxwkrOzEBnL5x/jWbC5YjEJUiQAvzxip1EWIJIE3x48zODtI496lq+oEgCyOwUBNw2jGRjnNSInt7dEGwhWOc5aMNn9OKn0AZcWui3KRobFZZFJyGGACPTHT601Ka6lXLSyHbzCioowNpzj8alxC5LbyQyTIsjFEHXByw9/ajlC5b17UdD03R57pHlklj2rHGjks2Tzmt40OYNzJE0cxM6YjUfdVwDjPoD/SsnGzsK1h/mLE53A/dGc/ypctwK73iXHmRRq8jbvmRsnHtz26VShYdiKczWa5hLoxPzAjrjt196driLEWoF3JZgMLk8/e9j7VLhYCC7nbKksBuPIViRTSENXVIYkYhm2KSDg5xzVeyuVEz9U1W2CJcPArKo+8WyzfhWsaTLsRpqST232lBJboOMEdD2OKfs2tGKwxrpY0gMM7zySZJaVdueelVyEsuNcYiHlx/PjJz2496yUbMRTjvFjQ/aiJFDcKUyQavlvsNIbdX9nkO0u0AfKhABA/yKagykjMvL1ZzFZ29+Fd5Adyrzj0NaqNruwPQ6eC+kgkWORmlWMZLN0xXNJX1RJatwtydsYBBOcgYJHqaz2KJJbMRyeVFCOV+bnP69zQpDGJZbgzIHOPlOcg47f1p8xLRWnieNdoQgjHQfdz9aaYrEYBjkKSu67sEsO/+FNjsW1ZnAbzeRyM96zYWDzWUqpC91PPU0WuBIt0Eh2sULA7eQCQfY0nG5IskqvENw2y453DOfw6UkgHpcRRLIhAJ4Ze2fxpONwEW5i3eYYwW/usAcDpk0uUTYNcybgdkezqV2jP9KSihEU8sMih0UxsTj5RjirV1uF7EDQwiMxvM+R/qyDwD6+xq02tguUmjRXESL5gJIDDqD9fWtNepRXj2GTzCgIUk/NgkfpVvYBtu13I0gkmePc5x7qPbsKJcqQjXjjURnLrJ8pOcYAxz+dYN3JbGvcHYyJ95hgMR39f/AK9JIdyNopJHXkD6kcinewDXhVZSF2hh949TxVKVwsRq7M+0mPGOo449fXNOw0ivKjrOitc/MxOB3xjPXFVfQCwNoTAGc5HTtWIxPmUDqT0xjjFAiBikiOWPzY54wKpXAZbiJUBj5O3HA6VQyQlVhOZGypyMipYmEMwaUMDgnOB3ptXAsQ37KxEiNxkDjBIrNxEL56yDeAIsdCRkmmkBGXjd1Ma5Y479PeiwDHuwIkE0m0g43cZIpqPYBPOgEUYjckZxk0mmgFjb9/iPG49SaGMjknhgmIMzM5BG08ZNOzYWLCRSGHK/ukyN3zVOgF3w9pmqaxdxafo8IuLmZ9gz0GT1zWkKbkxqPMd9Z/Bvxedv2iTTYy6hggc7jnmt3hJsv2Zaj+COvM5M1/pqoi/cw3Xr+B5/Wl9VqB7Msad8EdRQ5bxBZQkDLLsZsZPGK1jg2/iH7M628+Den3eiQ2MWoG0vFkB+1xAiQkc5xXbSpKnsL2ZzGs/s+6TrE6zaz4t1mW54QvHEnbjGSORXRzDULFP/AIZv8JRxF5b/AMQ3WGA2l0XIx1GB65qJSbKNrSPgh4EiXy4YtZdVBLCW7I24GTx3/wDrVzVIKW4nsfM/iLX7Sz8T6hp9jHs0+Gdo4ifvHBxyayWGurszSuiWeR3hLFlYMuAAcgCsuVIdh9kJAGRGG1PWk9SrEss3ChgZMDPA4B781PLYixXiZ2m3F/mUZGe1U1oFiWa5QSLG2H9fSpUNBEYuvmKgHf6gcAVXKOxOs8co2rk7euehqeWwmhs11GCu5ccDbj/P0oURJEbzuAVyqqTniqSKsUo9zbt2R82RnkVQWJ45drEjbnt6ikFhLk+dGHClmPHJpoLFWJBE2wZ4OT6E1VirEnnOr5CZ9qmxLLH29kjEixsUz1HPNS4giWS7Zmy+5gCCM0cg7DLi435KnBxwT0ppWCxCqFo2Hl+YeMexouBOULIFOCCQCMcmi4WFi8gPtQBXXjDdqTuMkYjYkgfCYyVPb8aEMRZI3A8sjHbIqhCiZYxyvI5HvSYxy3kcwJC+WRxgjAqeUC1AYyRypGOOecVDQiMzKEVskBudmKaQhv2hWQKS4xnoOtD0GMRgCpRWYtyTjnAobAvQQGZ1QyNIScKOepqHKwFqDRSsfG6LcM5XnNZusBdtdIgO37Q0cgPIXH55rOVZ/ZBMftt1maONI9iE8L0/Gi8nqyuYLiTT0TK20ckwOd2OBntQuZkuRDHPagOVCw8fdRaq0u5DZH56sGXqFOcE9KaTGmVZlWU4QupI6/561eiBsVIm2r59wWYDGcYHbtSvfZCuI7iN3jkGAQCGHrTtcAZnI3lowKqxQ2V/NAa3dCASu3HWjlfUlkZdVRTMf3memeAKLdh2ILi9t8YBcMTkHrg1SgwsMeVDERFIFY5PHanyvqKxWSXZGQ8mSVIyvf61fKOwyWWPyyBuXbjOO9UkNIY0+EYkAlj1HfHrT5RkUdyJsqDtQLyCvvTtYLCSQqU2BV9mI460rjY2ODzdke1TjuTgLVt2ETpaOMEyI5UjLDoalyGTTkblRAT13Y7f5zUxbAWVLy0SBZ7do4mBKOB97/OKa5WFijIu51YM+4kcFf1qkUhNocPGiDIIGe351QBFChJY7WKnjBpNgTwc5AQKF6t/SobGPWJBk7iB7Gi4WIrxvJgJOOB1zzTWorGMl1AZnSYszE/LntW6iMz5nUyunUk9zWqQEMpQSZUYGOST3qxFdSrkyEsBnpjGadxmnbooRAc4NQwKM/yyNgdDVICtMP3is4X5vlAqhnQ+HJJPJdQNqhhj0+tc1Xclj/EOpRyCKJRtx8pI71NOFtQRRLJHFlZDkjuea1sMqzEiQKMgA9O9WkA28lK2wXaeucE00BXtZcTNI/JIxxVNAWXbgfMVHOOKkRUZQxycE00NEsEKSPsZV65zmqA1tEsopEcTO3XhUHX61lOVgOqTTILfyrkxNF5yYXIyAO9ck5k3H3McFm0EkdpF8nryZCPWohJsLnIaku+Z2J4dsnHb2rshsUZfmFSx6gH5c1rYLD9w++SzPjIA4GaVhHReEppWlawA3uVLDBxtxzWFWOlxNHWRwqULKWbnC5x2rgk7aEELQzAliqNH1quYBqodynaAc8tngcdKYPUgu7qC1lUNMvP8CHJ+tUovsKxdhjdk3NvaMDJIznFZysmCCNpd4t2Q5PQmpKJpZmzvw/CbQCOtC1Aq6fErmMysS/PUcgZNVJ22A0JI02qd20pw2e+az3AieISxzgSeWqxOd+C3Y8cetWtGikjiNKmSPVAkxcZOORiu6WsdB2Oh8STwwWMUEd0ks7KTJGo5Ue5rGlF3uwR0/wCz5eNJZ+IdPjlS3nWISQuzY56YrqlTb2Gd5pviLStAuxZatrC3WrXSR5aDLng8J+v6VPsmFztPEl/d6X4dm1m6MEsMURYxrHuZjjj6UWsB5V8OviJJrS3GhX2nQw2cxd3vShEa99uOlHIkBb+KFv4C1ONxpelyXWoxRqokgUqpb/ax1qXoBy3iT4X6pMLSPSNEdA1qsk5DYBOMk8/WiMrCPO7yAWiNaLFtGcS4HQg+taJgZczSCPKLjjueDVoZWEc25pIgCD796sYWtnKk+6bIIyeDSuIvvEnkyOrhSF4weakRDj5QwxtHUnrQBHdqXUtFv2rncS3U1SGVoxIuCHwDwQDViJH8tVVVB3d27VLQyvchVHyHJxnHrQmB0vhXwm2qSvdXN1DawwQGbDdZCOdtZzqcuiBlbWDHFORCo2I2MVKdwRh3crfaSc43N0rZICEgk5IqxDhwcCjQC3plrNe3kUEQG522jPSspySQXPUbSwW0slt0jeREPMoU4H415kqnMzLqemeGHibwjO+nQQQzELE9w5y/XBp09GWtiL4qx/8AFVWqS2qmCz0yDeyvtJJzz+gqquw5LQ8/nSS6knXTdOldfvEj5ti5HJrG1t2Q0UEUbpY3QL5Y5yev0qrEtC2Si4nRgSqspDE9qWwE1nIhuGwzBCD6DPNKw7CMfNDFXbqQOM56UloBE29ITubC5BwRzVaMQ1vND7XDBDyT0p6DYM4fl2yOoAoECSbkO1yW67SeOlAFuaUywxhtmQOG7n2qVuAhubnyTbCWVoSwLLnAosgII/siIZGZmLPkRjuKerHcL+6je8Z7a1+zxhAvlj5jwoB/OmloMwtYuA0kEEas8jZOM9B/SuhLQtI0PDJieWR5LpldTjYTxUVU7CmjZndo/kYjZKwCkdR71go3F0GWjyTRqkbIAF5HTNS0BbbdhZDhlzkfMePapBK5avNY1CfSksWvNsO/gdfl/wA5ppWdwcTD1q7+xRq7YdyRjB4rSC5iIrUuWcg1KyWVo1EXKEg9KGuVhszoLPQbHVbZk0e4d7mFC80UqYQAd6hN9S0ie38P3rWaSGyRSxJVSMDaPSolHUuxn61opnto7i0u7u0uInXz1yApG4jitYNR3VwsEMFgtpfy3luZDaICAh/eOM889KfVBYwvNivrKS5tbe5tbct+7SVgT1rTl5ZDsZ/iedI44by5tkSW3jAjWMjDYPBNaU09gOpk+0Xun2OsW+nG2ieNVlcD5d2OtZONm1ck5LxlJdqzspUxnjzA3U+g/OtqRRw5wY3U8g5JJrsiBWt3dJJH8wqCMAqM4qhlZYgZztcnHQkYzVXJLaRwu6tOGZQOgPWk2ML9Y/LjEZ8sLywPNIEOjUSJ8rnGPSmBRLbLghGwPWmkInglIuVkV1AQ5Oe/vUuNwOyh1u2e3jMs8YATG0etccqTvoZuJPomsR3ly8aDoMbh35//AF1FSm1uDRuQwJlpJH3IvfOKwd1sSTwS2ot1jiUZU5yoqWmBbNoskeSG+bris27AK5jt4AnLKGAzjkcUbgTwSRuq4ViDznPHFQ1qOxILlIo2WSbZ/d3HOTS5WFhjXIQ7oym3ByT39xRyPqSRS36fZC4+bI+4VxyKag7gZsV9PIgmddpPBwe1bOKKsS+ZJIUGSIl6k/nSvYT0J4b0xEMw3yFsgnniocbiJZr7zo5M8kncwJ5/ChQsBQn1K4hkBiyMDJB7/WtFBPctIg/tPUJZRFLHF5bckkc1ThHoDQ9XEhK7E2YPv+FS4k2FaYmJwx24JAweAKVgKtxG8thcJBxMy71DHAwOtaQdnqVFmcsc88SubWXKKDnOFyBj8625orQpssRxzTSAzIVTALAnrUNpCuX1RSyzCN/3R+QE8flWalclsvJO7uDcKzEg/OBgAipaXQSILwWqzEuqFkIJfHrTVyh0tja6juRjE4cAqOnT3pKTiCZVi0iys5jLHbKHOF4HApuo3uPc1LWMvJjJDHocdvrWbYrF+2ibcCgxknismxomSfZKVaCV9uAGQUWKexcDJGDKA249Qx6f5zSJILuKOSNpBOIiFGQe3emrjRUdIpmQsSwA4wKeq3FYrTwmFsRHAz6nj6+9NMBGbMqoNxJPU07ALJbF8OZATnLYPaknYTE4KFjJuCE9KZJFb7Wn/fZIXIznt2pPYC4wU7CAqYAG3HaoFYSYRiMhgjt6jr9KNQIRGoYvHnBXBz1FO7EQXCtkbcSAH1xt75qkxoRkuDyjAqDzjtVXAb5TqEQoQfcUcyAv2sBeQZAzg4XtWcpEsfcskSKGXDPnGOg96lajMzcqtgsjsTzgdK1sOxchABVSAV4OQORUMVh4QSTljIMlsAEf1pXsA42ixs6um7dgYHP5fnRzXAQ2aKGjEYIbGeBxRzAZEizL8u9Is5GSau4yaTbHtUSM5K8HHJOOtJPUZHaoF3kNyRn15pyYDkZQHwB8wOeKVxEaPs3Axgk8ZotcEVmlkWcsI8bSSOOlVYZLFcM7gjDgDPXvScbCY197zgltoI6HgY9aroIkWRIQjNyM9DStcChI6HmQLj37VaQyWKUwqPLVSp9e1Jq+4yKXKfPkl3756U0hC+bbIgkCMXVs5bBp8pViKTU5WEkY3YYjJI6DPaqjRW7HY9y/Zl0Z31W41MMGSzTCEnje3INdtCmjojGyufQP2VI5lnbCsBsXfxkdMfp+tdYnqOVCsYdcRbjkB2HIH9OaBCyvbO3k74JG43bGGQwI4x7U7DsO2/unWPcNwPUfNk9/rSsFiNY7cQL57LMEbCtnLD0FAh1wrCIllOQPl44OfpQByfxE1eLwv8P9X1mSVRNHBtjwCMMcgD+dS43Mqz0t3Pz81pmN6ZnOXmbzGIHQk55qktAidj4ajurzR2PnW8YT++eSK4K8LPYbJWaG3k8vcoYLnOepzUcrYD2VpYFaE73JwUTn1pJMaKl5FNa3KIxaIsvKZrTlExSIwwZ8gKMn0NQ0QxsYVz8qjdnjPrSBEkQVQCSBx92k9RgXUfI69QNpPUUWC48xK5HmDbz1HWhaDItoEZC/MBkc8UxWJYo0K7sDBFS3YBsdudgYY2lu3WncRG0SmQgkKyncRmncdw2Rq7SPgpwTj0oFYlhZViOISuDwGPFKzuFhk8iKyl1JDDI4wM5prUdhy8PkIpVh3HvQMsC4VFOUxz244qLBYrSCQHejESNnGe3pVAE8MTQjCsJSwbIH86LiuJuVhhm3KeCMd6YyORikalBuJ/lQrAMaZsmKTgjBGaqyGWYYbm7ceWhx3+XrWcpRQi6NJvcosqGMn5cscDmodSIXFOneS6rJPgdT3GKPaX6CbLdutokRPmh9vBwBk/T86h3JuPS5jhRcW4WQk4buc/8A6qVmwHG83SMYYh5nXPbNTy33AsQ6xM1vtbaAvYDmp9kgKcl1O5Cl2VRk+gNWqaRSK8l6ISo2+bubLAHH51ajcBy6lI6ttjywHQ/rR7LuDK805MfLFCORtqlBCsNTUGnypZlfA5A7U1AVht3fzRbPmJcDAA7c04wvuUlck+3XARfMnjPA4Bz+FDhEHEhuZvLyzk5cAhye/riqjALDHulhjDy3MbseQoJo5fIdi1BdwvFmJlP8WFPHHrUyi7hYgFzHcyMHMbErwQehqmmhFNJVMjRBT6ljyB7VaTGhrMFcsWwB1B70NDaLO0lcR7QGGDkc1IiG4DRr8wy+MKo9aqIyCFZJb1bFE86ZlGVDdM+vpVPuI0WshawGCYxQzK/zc54qHd7DFi+xPuJkB2YyalpjsV4Lm2MxihAl2Y4zV8r6hYJrtVDYAUZ5AHehQCxlXOrzRXKqnCe45zWipqwWLg1AX6xPJdSSmEHahY4FJwSGPgy45kBPoD2qQLENuYxgRjyiODyRn3pOQy3DHbqFBCqVOcKM8VDFYV9okASPzE4+6pPJ9aVgH2Wk6pqGpRaXp8SPNO3yo3y7cc5Jq9FqMh8f6Y2g3Uul3sttLOoBfyWyASKuC6krc4Q7muD5TDO7jntXSkUOmQfbBvII29c1SBkDNHu2FWLH7vHFMQxS5lVTIMA4NV0GaBfEG3ZubO3g8ioBFKbId92cDjpzVoCnO2SgUbSPWqsBv+HZo47G7a4mVXCfIvqawqRdxGNNM8jsW2gDnOa0UbICwxBVGBycd6TAlC8ea0kQLDqx5B9aYFWdd6P8xfGfmFNDKluGDbfzq2BfHzQ5zkrUAV0P7r5lHXGaECFhcLMATnHIxVAdDp0kUUTXLnBHO3PXJqJRuM0G8SRT20dtdyOqR58sDoCe2a55UW2Kw+TV7VrMhAHm/hJP3azjSaYrHNXkyM5YNkE5HpXVFWGZyEbw0hwDk4xVoES7lkkBBOF5JAoYM19KBtrqC8D+X5mQCWxxisp6iOiGtRQ2bbLqDcpGNx6+uK5nQuxWMqTX766QpZrwDtwByxq1RitwsiK8sfEU+Tc5Vi2Thv6CqTgtkF0dJ4Y8IPHEb67mjecdI264rnrYi2iQmzeh0u8TG5VEYYFgX6+grldSLJGS2rYUupyBgFW70XFcY0LhRudQ3Tg5zimO5astONxdw20O0zyZ7+/NK7Ha53Xhrwbo405LjWppPtPnfJCBw2M9T9BmnZs0jEmv4LHSdNubqNk8neNqRRghyTjaD3qo02achB4t8M+G1tGa5sUWVYfMEq9VY9Ax7V0QUk7EtHl3izwxpkGhpdaVMs9yrkXUiyZHXgflW0Oa+pJxOkw601xK2lpcg52/uwcfTNb+1UQPR/hF4W1yPxTBrWoJbEQAuounwN3bOetJ1r7Ae42Uk8kCwa1cwX7SkhLe3Xasn+zz2rJyuBl3virwXY2TeHbu0i0uc/MkYg/dn6tjmktQMzxnqvhNdEv18OyRRSyx7o2iXaS46n86yvqFxltrOo6/8Mhpo1iODWXt97OSVYANjA/4CBR7SKYjyfxKkd19lt7S1lLwRFJm2YVyOSc96pSWoHFX0EKhvMRVfB2qDxXRGQzLnukWFUj+RyTkAcD8a0uAmmpLcyvI+5Qnc/xUOQF2fyTcCOINjGSPWpAhJWNS0r4LHCoOaYgu59kCQlQI1OfTNaIZnS4LZXKLxVCJYQjMsLMyx5+Zj6VL1GXftlnFiKxso2fdjzZef07UnELnVeHNSgitJE1C6topGIxjsMiuapBt3Qjn9b/06W5uLdWEbMcGrg7bgjn70cB1HSt4jEU+5GBnmqEW9MihluY1mLlSQCFHJrObsgPXPDemaXaWUGo3EccFtuJa3I/fED9ea4pNt2ZJo/bpRo6Ri0uY18zc0RXHyk8ZNc/IkxWOztbGGy1vT/D1yHhhnhS8mZRhcnkLWlOBSRz/AMaZJpviJC8r7bWe1hjT5tqgKx6n0wa1aurFGVq8h0TxJdNodyn2V4VDCIkg9MjFYSjdWZEkYF5KJZHmkUBy3I9anYRNaSsnlxygtEuThRgn2qWT1Em2tIXigCRqdpAPI9qOgyCa48pkHKLk7VX6UJCZYjbeMleowc/zpMaQSBGjGWdzjqe9NAyBY+FQjBPUg96okYFEeVxgDue9A0PictvTd2G32qbDB5WW3KYDtzzQlqKxVDyK3KhVA7GtLDKWq34t4N0JbzXycDqBWkI9y0jC064nlu5Z2jk3EYGT2rotYo6bwjY39ybpLWz85VbfKzDhQBn+lZ1bW1JkbWoy+Vpoma3byw4MbY6nPauZLoSLZIYYGaNAdyYHGcVnPewWLscexcs2QVyFPYetQykrFZ+XyIlOOflHJFMTdzm/GsseLaOJgWIbcPSuqgtxJDdF1QWulRwx/O2T5gJqp0+Zk21PXfAJSztLi+/tu2sbpk2LDLEHMg9K51HqUmNuvEM9zLIlzdzzXEceCQm1I/pVtXKTuc7aNaXMw/fGS8mkUh3chE5wcj061JSJPGr2Mb6hbaVG93JbMpnmgz5Y45GfStY03uy7HIXt4RDue5SIuPug52/hWiiBl+IruwvrmyitGkVMgS7wOOeauKaJZ6G+rWtp4VNpY3Vzc2srZV5Y9qccELWFveJPNfEF7uAHkqmDknf1P0rphGwzBnj80Akfu+4U8mtUBXhkiWR0jUpngE81YFSUMblY2bju2aoRat2Qy+Si/IB1zzUsYl2i+UwVPvDqT3oQEVizbnViRgdMVVgK8+3d8o6HmmgHr5Y5ZBg9cmgQwOMnbwB2xSsBsaDqcenebMyMXK4Uds1lOHNoFguddvLiZTJJhF6KowDSVJWFYtP4m1OUoscixqOAFFQ6KFyna6He3UelKJ5w7uu45Pv+lcNWCbIa1LEEvnHcxPbOW61m1YFuRz3csLItqyqeQVBz9aahfcoW2ummUm4TntntRKCWwFiVpDEu0jygMAHqBU2Ahw5VlAfcOvvxT2JYxB8g+XkDGT29/wBKLgiVZv3gikI2sv3iafKNkgfEZKYJ6HiixJHNIQPl69itOwWKcwlYcks2e9WtCxUEu9QMbmUryaBEqIyoV8wAqccdjSGWifKt9sSK7HJO71/rWdhDAAb1ZM5AGCuOGFN3SsS1oSyyAbgVwo6AcAelTYOg6J7cEAqqjgsx6UagRjcXVvMQDrgDihAMuNxYEM3TJA6VSGiG3jYofOTJbrkdRTbGXreGJfuxuijoMcZ7Vm2Mmgt5mcueM5J98VEpAi7bxlvMcsQCckEVLZVhlzLOkUhQAgDAyMDNNJMTIYL24jRBKQxK8gc5NVyoOgG5eaRiylFCgbhn8R/KnZIRVutQaLbujdyx27vTkVSQ0WnZUCsokUgcgHipdgZHb3TNIqSgYY8k5o5UIn8xduWuFUg4yR05pcoCBZfMYR7CvqD+P9KWwEfPJPPHIUUyWhu+RQcADPWpsIspJ5i8c4yWUmp6gQF45JDsXDepPSmImWPI3hiMcY9aVwsIjK7GIAAnO7jg07DJPMUK0Y2gZGTSAlfyZbcM3UHsOTSEJ5bb1+fJGQoPGBUsBZBt2sqxvsJBU856ULzAikt03EMFUHkkcfhVJgKghSMZC4JwSCcmgEO8sSYXJj7+opN2Akmt522lHIxzhjSUgIHgm3OMpv8A9/gj3p6CKMNsk75nViUGQDwfwp7DuK6BXQEsnGN2M4H+NFwI5YBEQ6qyAEjJ6n6ihSuApRY42/fBiTjbincZDvthtV43V93JL4GR+dMRJMYlSTeETGCSO9Ayufs6uGAUg85CnvVARTMXKKZCgGSB0zVCaIlCbWZixGMgNzTAYkbSHekbMp5yR0FAxZYJo5GjOANoGO2aFqBSXeHKyZcZyDjNapFXQ4xmTuMAZ5700Au2R5NoWJCcHcD6VpHcqJ2/wm0vxlruqf2XoeuXem2szfvp4WxgdOortob3N4a7n0dJZeFvh54Oe78V6reXEKswllu7lmdnwAAvPt0HStpO70Mqkktj5M8beOYda8W3lxo93q9rpszfuoX1CUhQO+0HvSitdQp3a1PW/hf8UPBHg/wnBaajNqNzfSS+bLLE3mEnsDntxW1Rq2htK3Q6i7+PvhMxFtO0rXJZN4+aTYo47nmsLmbdhG+O1k+fK8LXzjIDstwhUE+pHem7IlSZQ8UfH67sRGqeF0kEmT813twPwB9unpUJ3DmPI/iz8Wta8e6ZB4dXSrXT7QyrKyxTM7uwz1yB6+/atIq5EtTjfDvgK71zVFt72/t9PRsfNLn1/wA9a19npcOZHoUfwGsLd1/tDxbujXBYQR4Bz6FjXO0rhzo7fwJ8NfhJZa2lnLPHrkzuVWO5ucHPTgAgUuRMpM5/9pbQtO8C6rp8Phi3t9NtZYHLlOu/Oe5yOCKyjTSk7kSfvnjWmaxY6heRLrV75UcYbfOFLufTpTqQXQvoaM76UhH2LVY7oE9HUoQPxrncG90ZsnudP1SK3a4awm8okbZFXKn3BFZuyYrme4ZJD5iyKFOMMpABxTVmWmSIVdgScFeRxnI/pSsFiUOeHbYAp6ZBNKwWIQ4DPhl4zkGiw7EkVwgjMWzcOpBpWE0KJgrbPl6ZADfdHpRyi5RY3Jlc52/1phZhjkqQNhHPzY5oKsxWZDzvJCrjOc0rDsNlaSR4+jBfugnp+FNaBYezjcEkPB6Fjt7UCsM3qz5zgZ/v8YoET28ySZywkdSenpU6ICQRXVxGyW9szzY+VAOlK6RNwl0q7UkXTxWm08lyOoo5101C5EF0xJdhmknUcNt45p+89kO5Yin05HK/2XK6jGXeUFe+O1S+buMmuNde3j8q1tHdiDjYOFB9aFSu/eAz5pr26tVMpd52OQjtjH1q+VRYDreGSIMZZWkdhtIU7lX2pOwmOV/sy+WoA56AZyKVrisPZWdRKd0hzkDHAp2KFi8xPnLKjE5yakgimaWaLykZlJA5BzTsh7DDbXk91GplcRopIDZ6/wCFVdD5hzIVCnjcuQd38X4UBYglY25Yu+4/eVc/pTtcLFVnnlAcRuzFful/eqsih0kNw4WRw+0fxDjj3p3Qi1b26tM5kkBO0cDmobEI0apKoifeo69qLjuRGCPzWdy5YjIJ5xmmmK5Wm0uS4cO7O8a8dcCr9oPmL62cEaeREmyMDBIOST+FZt6iuSQ2MCQkKhLFhjHXkUuYLiywRx8xlVZTgoeaOZjRVm8lJCJ0IfHYdqsZZ3qgVpT+7YfKPWlYLGcurxzztCrCNsYVl5x/hWipvcdiV22CHy2ELFsNKDy1Sn0YWGOIfOdDIDkhmcnsM1SsMpxNfXV7JY6eJSzgj5Pbua0SsrgaEFtHZeXsbGV+eR8DLDris3qwMm41YyTSbokAzgMrcGtVEZQmkheVOSpyfvdTxV2A3vBFrYy3s7Xy3M6hMxW8MZJkbI4/U1FSLa0A6HxHp0ek2xuobOa2ErYMDn5kBHPUCsYq4jt/ArWXiLSb3RNMSBZo7XdGkki5LY5JPHFV7HUY3wZb2+jM2mao+kPcyJhzEwmMe0nk88ZzT9lcaZ3WrW6R2NrcqbMW1zHiM+YseSMdF9elDgmwepUn8P2Vjot94h0NPM1ZbciGNSF+c8ZDZOe9ZumhHhHizQXsdej0vU9Xtmupwsk8wYssZbqCT6VtHXboI2tB+GMUUhnvNf08B498RjO/cPpUOs10HcZcfC//AEZrxNYguyD/AKmP7wH0FS8Q49BGFdeFLIXhT7VMuB/BGCwPfjNWq40NufB0VrBJPbyTz8A4mUR9xmmsRd2Awrq2ELsV4HcZrZO4GRdlhICCQvatECIJI3yX5/GrENAdI85yT6mgBImbd8zfpTA0eCgP6ZrJjI4y8gBw2Qeh9KaBDbmVxGdo2g8U0gK8e1EMjPjPAGe9UwRehwbbKgFyMVAFeRtsYbZuPcLQgRCqvISVRlx1IGKoDWDxx2W9iSuMdckUDMyaZGcA42jpjrTsImjnJChVwAO560mgHecHwr7QB0ApWC4xpoZI+XAK9FHai1gQqSuYTFGuUZgHNJgyzeq8dsFVQwQY5pW1AqWNvJeSpEAVXguxGcCm0B0VzPpVulqmnQyRNFgyyNLnzG9h2rNpsTRHf621zcZtpTaxgYYkZLH1qVTFYgtdcuYGL+ZJI3YmQgflT9knuFi+vi3UMqiICf4juJrJ4aC3JaNTS7zVZ4BdXN0kCZHybwDj15rGcY7ICa81O4IjS235Hz7yRk0lTSKSO9+HUqnTX1LT4xcXh/csrsC6tj7wHUDmplCzuVY6TxR4hFlY2ca3c9t5UW6dbiJsTscggHtWkY8xUXY8o1DxL4i1WHFgjXMcEm5YVBIXB6gVr7PlNHI7u5stfutCm/tS4eBXhSV4AjSSNxnA7D9aV0noZsradpOkLpK26bbqaRlY/aZBGIyQONvUmpnVbJNXTdBihgmW5ujp15Gd6xRIGz2Hbv8A0rJ69QucZ451sxJZWv2h5L21mIMbElW7hjjitqUbMCfR/iJdW9s2u6lqMV09pcgxWQTZ5hwRjI6CtXG4HRRahc6v43TWNYKTQTlTDaW6744kI4zipnaIbnXXOj+H7bTZGihjubsSbvM+0BNq55JHTiueSTE9DGsvEmjXWvSQ6fHC1vIrQySO2MbR/CR1zWLp8u4mzlNTvZJ7Wf8AcBbG3lwBn7xPb1PGaq3Qk8wv7i3n1lZTAsdt5gBUNgAZrsirRsWdLa6Lo8F4jtbI/mDIEjjAz9KwnUl0JuQeJ7cW8ESpHBDESclB04HU06E3J6jRzc7xxQGZYg7OMBgeldcSivbxo1uZUGNgOd3FNvUBPszCPMoVgQWD9ce1WmBnzrLOzhSi7eo6GqTArhJjGS8oXsFLYPFO4WEDceuMcjnFOwh24gbCQN3vStoM1nlkj00WyEAY5YEVio3YGQ9vPtA3E5PAA61vayAeYnSDydiblOWJOPwqGwOn+F1lbv4tsLu+JWCGQS43D5ipyBzxyayqz92wHX6hqN7rWsXF60ChzIdp+7tGeBgVzyaQrHdR3V9eyx6XFcRXFvfW6+c7kKYOf4fesYbXCxoeItW0jwjq1+0WtS3iz2irbwTEMyunH3hxz6V0rQDzu61S98UeIEv9VidLeFAsMefvH3rOrJRWhLlY6PTI2udN1CaS3hiMMJdc9SAR0rjk3dE3uckqsCAhBYnPNXJjLUcT7vm2qFJHBHWoYrFZFXzm2jH8T98n19qEAj2zuo+8WJ5z+FNSGOYtCRG6SRAZCMxzgmqSuIikWadXxKsaxruP+1TtYCCNnaYomGbceXGMCm7WCxZdJ5FEbqF8tcNtYcmpuhpEBzs2uQDnbtUgn1/pRuFhcHyDwpHPbgDFBLIvJkubpbaJUllHP3TjA5NaRslcpGLrLEXTiYHzG4BRcYFb0yzOiMhjWOMInlsQzMTluc1vYZI91c2zM0F3Im8YcRylS2e1LlT3A9I0jRLfVvDVoG1bZcA7YdPRt5dj6Y71xTlyyMyO2S40+8ltWTygi4eJhyD3zWU11GX3uFmBcQpsOMMHwT9M+lZ2sUZv+lQ3LF51bcflYryvt71W5DOP8Szx3N8WXIaIEN7nNdlCNkUjnbqYJASsxU8knOAK6Uh2Ons/F8FmlpcqJLm4hxlj6CsvY3J5TobjxTP4ourvWLPQza2MCxrOtu3Ukck8exqZUlFDSNHxYdPuEt7jQ0nhjkgVZFK/MT3x+NYQWtmWR6T4mbTNHvPDz6eqWlwyrPKo/eHkHJzmtrX1Hc5LxQlgfFM7WTt9gD/umPOF9xWsL21AwLpYjMq5DEsSxz1GatCOt8NJPPp2ZoZDYxErHNnCJnJP86xqaPQk5/WYrYTSYnBw/wApHIP41pBuwzFmIUl3dmXjGOa1QFVPLNzwWOegqhialEkQAQMH9cUJiLNgYlXON0hGG9qTBi3IVkIQBSOTmhAZ1vIRO6qSMnB5xWgh043qGUoMdcnnNADGZQqKTnueKAAtuOcAfSgBRzyaAFH06UmMtadCJryFMA5Yd+lZzdkSz0CKMx5h5AU4J3gg/iK8+TuZ3LtspVgwByPqMfn1qBFC7lVWcKzNNg7Qp71UfMtbFqxikSONJTtJ6kg8n+tJ2E2XGLxSEZCqO57/AIVIXJEwQzvg+uD/AEqHoTcrTRvE4cEFHPAP/wCuhK5TK63JLl3VEAU7gp/WtEhFiAgoEG1dw3AluTxSsMkSU4OwqPm4zTGR3Em6Tdvzn0xgfT1ppCI1C7HkMoYqQGA6j0OKYCqMXBnA4A7jPGKVxkvmkJkjLMeFwDSshkkBlW5HnIFYcAbcEVMtibFj90sjRTlzzgqSOcfSs3ewBe2LNK0kAHlNHym78qSloA23sbgsFwh55B4A/WnzWFc030udUDOFZZDt+X+GlzDRcsNFma4xDFBub5tskh6e4obYyrdSXNsJo7hIo2DHmE7gRx3/AAotcdhBfQqgE0bu55X8vT8KjkEK2rJbjLREfJjgEgfhRyMdyGW9Sf8A1w8yInoeD+VNx6IRkXer6RI/kwNIGZiuen4VtGE1uNlmDz45FMZBVSSAxznpQ+URk39zem6+zzuSZWyoiXtkdxWkUrDuTpcX0d0joWjjAwy4OSPap92wi3H5cjjE1wVB5Mg+VfapYE1y0IeOM7mBOWPOM+ntU2AuRuIlI4wegU4/OocQJkiVkQlt/BxtJHWobYNEJjgmwYQ6KvHJ/p3ouJIeBNyilQcYYg80gaI4oRHkrIJJDkbT2qhWEhd40dCpBx7+tKSFsNZSGRoykZbjJGRQmBIAfvxDLA5I3AUhomSBkVZdrsoUj5ecHNBQ5XBYQDzQCSTuUnFKxDGiTdLlWBAH0x+VFgJAsW07iMsc8cDj60rCElZJVQeZ8qnLOD05oQD43jOI2JLdufxoaGSocK0kQdhjlWOe9TboAwu4YqYkDN/Dx0piMVZZmQYVIlxhGYkk1pZAOxcwuZBMuwDlAvGT9elL3dhDGuZQuyWTIPLHH6UKPYCFLmOAlsLnOccnjpVWYwmvt2GwCv3W4wfoKajYRWFyGeP5CnGOoP5iqUbDFlumR40Kr12+gpxjoBWuLrG0NkncQSvtmqURleS4AZRHDJKW6g4GDVKIA7Kpk3FgOoZe2KdgAXaiUlBI3OTvxgUcoB50m4SRiMFsjJNUkUWI59ihJCBnOWReaLCIm1CERvujmdwONwHb8KuKGmavhvxnqun31u2nXZsGLCNgVJVh3yOldNOXKaqVi58aZvEniLWdMjn1O91K2NtvijPCKSx7fTH+RWsKikYxfVnNHwZf6bA1zqdvFAskYK/v0JIz3HX1qnURbmYGqwakLtYLVNsKj5W7E/WpVVWGpI07W21ZpETVrxnhTlkhYAn0zispVUTKZ1/gTxM/haK5V4bS+a6+4lxuJX6Y6VEqrkT7RkWo+NZ/tvmSWlu7tIHIj5CAduacJE6mX4x8Saj4pms3msrGySz3CD7MuHbJzknPtW3tOUa0KunX91bwTqbli0qYaV1DNnPGM9OamVeTE7Fe6jku5lNzLJMzN1aQgAfSs/aMFYdaJ9knivrd0sp4+d6yHcGHcc1Kqu9h3sXfEPivWfF4to9YlN79lzsMhx1xnoParcwa6lGKyiKPIBHFHj5tq5xWLqsXMR3sbRlTEqGMoBnaMnmmp824XJ7LxBrdtFHBaahPEif3sHH09KHGLGa1p4uv7jbb3+m2c8eeDIgBIHuKzdNdGOwy8u7S7nDyaTaxwDhhGxyf1qbNdRpl0RaFcQgAvDwOB0UDr6+9Q+ZD5iQaFod1IDZ6zCoA5Sbj9aXPNboFIW48I3UkqpaXVlKQCCEk+8fSqU9NSua5l6n4a1izlZnsLjngkAdvpVqUWtB2IH0+5j2mSG4Td0BHU0XQ0xZLOfy3/wBEuJHJ+UKhHP8AhQO4tvo+qyLsXT35OCC20/jmjmiK5NFpUqrmW6s4VXruOf5VDn2RNydNOsAWJ1BZpsdFHysPbjrU88uwmyKQwxMNlupC88nt6Uk2Q2PS6ulw0MMUaRng4zknpRaIrla6kv7hlke9l8scFVA/zin7qHcbNZrLIWlLTMT82WOMUc4hVgjjGyNY8DnkdaTk2BK0ShCDyztkAj5QMdKdwHY/drvUNtzgYHWi4DWVN3AYY7Yzj8adx3IgGVcAMRjnnqaAuKzNOqny/ukqckUxC4ZlwATggc0BcYgKuzNvQdOgwfw9aGyh0TKZnKMTIvUgDOfwo6A0DSSSSkSDryMc0aEoikjDFTJneRtXPHNNM0IjbgNtdmLMMYA7+tUIlgil2KNjn1K0AKEUlG3kIVy+D/SkIktF+aNuM54+napkwJHSJSyPlw3Vc989qjmGQ3kDQukaWwIb+LJq4yuIna08xQojbhcthx+NTzBYlFn5rqihjz8oCnqKOYLEzadPtLPDLHHn5nYHGeMYoT7BYmm0fUbaye+ljaKAYGQwHGetCuNLQ5fxHNIywBHLBJARuxjHvit6aKSDU7qK3skYb/MY8DGMVUIthY5OC5kiuTcSJnByPeurRqxR1ek3lzq0KR2kUr4TlVQnn8K55UraiLt5oeo2tk00umXBCLl5SnyqPrzURetgOJmnKXHm73AJ5wxH8q61G4y/retDUreF/MSExjy47WJNqgevXrQqSiIzJLnEXlqmxh1Yc1dhkUk80lx8i849adgO5+H3jPUfCs++MRO0qiMDjcOQevboKhxTEa3jPxXZ69qUd8YGFzsZSCy7F4rNQsKxyMN+ttetJGfKedNjGPqoqyj0f4da3Z6IbmbQrS08+6H7651AGRgCOQAMD3/Gs5zsxmzpfibVBbpPNd2R09JSsrSqqsc9No6isHJ9ARoeJPEWjxWUF1p7STyxuGeSVsowPHCj8KG3ITPBvFuotqmry3L5Icn7p4x9K6KasgR2vhXUNMu9NMcNtP5qosamRwOT15xWFXnTCx1MupWegJbJDbiC5kXY4abczHGM8Vz2lLULGFqNzZ292YrePdcMC0hJLEEkHFNKQGZr1w62WSNgAAwc85+prSEdQOIuhFNIFLSKOjHNdsQKNxGHmCxh1j28mtECKkwjEmAzAAd+atANcRHu2ccdhTEFuSJBtYDBpMZdV2bBVgeeT6VDBiEHdy7E+oHFIRWvMM53SMAOiCrQ2QxxuxAUEn0ptgaaxS2/lb45Iu53cE/SoYENw+Zj5Z2nHJNAFfdACyuTICfug9aaYFp2K2DCOMr/ALxppgZ+ZA2AMY5JqriHRv8AvADjHfAoAsqS6gqmQRkZ4pMY/wAppCIyiqT0zzUtgW2ghjkEaZOACSD3qbgF9MfLDFTyMYwBQgKFuzG4CbTtJ6g1bBGiVDROSchBlRnAqGIhs7Oa7cC1AJ5yWOBmk5JDL9toN+7RhvLAcgDLjJPtUuqlsB19ro8GlWpDBJLhl+RjjrXJUqObJJmnmildmWErs6OnyqPXB71mlqFjEmkKu0iyhUzkgHOK3jHoMt+EdbSw1Lz/ALVP5WC22Jsb27CqnG8RmjrD6zq0UdxdS3RgjbcBNJjaOcAfnSi0loB0fw18L/aJkuNAknS9EgMkeN21c8k+1Z1Kk3oNM63UvFumQa9daHp7maJbMo97IxIBA+YYHv6VNtAbPFdV1OSTU5pY5otzEEkg/MeO/wDWt1HQR3ereNrK701NN0vS47Nlt1+13CuGeR+3b/OajlsxHm2pyE3pkcTTSSHOH6fpW0RlFrxba3kjaGNt+R8+Ttz6VokDPRvg54olI/syTervKGaTIwqd/f8AKsKyFexa8ea35vjQRpN/oBURI6jgg9SQO5OaxUfdB7Cx6jNbyKmnPEkEY2oFjGN3PP1rnbvuZcxha7LdxWLEltkrHcCxwW9fStqdmykcVco0V1tnQgDsCK7Eros6q0SznEEt7LdN8pIEWGII6ZrNpisV/F7QvbWU8M8zSzZ3xspGwZpQjYaRzeoyRoy28Yct/e3CtxkxzFEdzbVQfMCQd35UWuBny5uNxSU4UceprRAiXTogJHmlUnIyAeKTYFXVxLBIzHbuIGB6ZqkAQx4sJQQu9uc+1O7GVdqhAG5GOaoRPaSRqpUgt6KTxU7MC1b6VfXUqmRXRG5U7TUyqWBGlLotla7He9S4nI3PGsZBX61j7RsbNrR9MnmkgZ3KWrOFAC889hjv0rKc0Sdf4g0y/wDDKxTS+SVwJIlC8k++etYW5mXYxtSvbbZe3N1eXEV1tAWO2Awx9OnFVGNrJCaJvCeltrV+ivGZGji35ml4WlVnJLQlnSwaHqDaGt9aRNdgb3ZYcfulDEZPrnNZNtuzIaM+9hSDTonedhIxLSQNwwHTmpteVibWM2KRCTH8rIeB0/nik7hqL5yld1xbupjPHzdaLLuMms4X2TTMgj3Ho3BNJu2hSQsEbkEuDsXPLHP60FWKN2IWwwKqAv3mOd1aK5LKckSRhsYAJGSOpqt9xFyNWUiMlnJ3HPfAqW7jtcdFcOQJEjIUn+L1qbIfQbKDKVbZGCW+Zs8/hTRIyRYzb7FYl93zLjjA55/HFNCLeq3dzqcr3VzLBbDywiiKLGcD9aIe7oNHKXj3bwvDC2VHXjpXZTRZnMYEsVWMgyljuYZBrdIZRlGDgRgA/eJPzGmB2fw+upmn8pNRg02aLDwSTNgKR3zXLVp32E0Mute03Tkubia4n1HWHmJaVZMxt75PJp+wcnoKxkr4turgJZW1pDAWIXzOSf505YeK1Cx6LosFhP4Tvbi4vY4ruEDYJDjeSOcCuZwtKyDlPLtXlLyyHPzA5+tdcFZDMXUsNGrKAc8kCtkhkEhfaoIBHWtEBueE57uJZYxK8dtJgyKDjcR0+vWsatgR319f6ba6HbQmC4F5ICY33ggng/hXLGOtymQanf2U2lSzXXnPqJCeW0TAIMHnPvgVolqTc5S8d/MDyO3J65GcVqkBmX5E0wRUVEBzknBNNICzpmtpZTMbWCMhAcGdiyg46gdPzocbgZyXTXEryMUDOSSR3/KqasASPLghmLBegApoRGUMc6MiRjd19aYx8sccrjETuSfmy1SSPgSKK4YeUqIR6nNPcZHdIoiBSQcngEdBTQyjEAt1tUq/OevFaCEvCWJYqFAoQFYSFC3zEg0wJlxtAHcZ6UgAdcGgCQY70mB0HhKCR5g742Kew5auatOyIkzsTtkkUqgVg2SeP54zXC2RYlmQKmSTkDkCkgRGnkjB8s5J4OOMVVxssqx2rtCsHzkVLEOvJ0jCRBSewPY0kMSBmd2XAdfQ+lTIaQk0gDMynkjkegoQMpu+75GkAwcgbc5rQZaBt1kEqlzgY+bge5FDJbHvNEwZV5JGfepsxXZVmeNc7gVXnJHSrGiKFknVWTA3EqGP50xlsF2jRFmLyHCgcYqRpE0cBinZp5EbnAw2alu5SHvB50jyRMd4zyew/Gp20G0StFLEke/a/VmIHzHp1qbktDTP5bFgZDJyMbcqAcUrJ7kM7TwPo2manCRqc6WzcFGdiMn04PFRa70CKNqLwvHqOpW8Gk2gjs1Obi4M7Nvx/KtowujRIxdZku21WKw0lLhLpo/K8tkAyRkE8460/ZJblcpLpkVzP4k07RvEFpp8cS27R5G0P7Ek9+tLliFjlvFVqbLUbiOG3kWJHZQytkYHTP8A9aqUUKxjxN8qHfz2DHnr60NWZFhLy3diFWRyVBOQODQnqBn2Vk8biQEbUYtk9c//AKsVo5XC5fhlyPMkchevXmsmiRjLGzF1Ziw+YH/9VBRbjQZ3Z3sR2xxSAkBGw+ZuwV6dwKAEgmj+fKnYhCru6nikwLaxthWVQpHJJ7UikRs11HPlLUvGo+9kY3fSpaWwM243d0R2eTzSNxHp7Vm1YQkkSMwZogHzgsCe3SkFiGZIwCq9TzuC4+lMLFdkIREHY5yByaLkNEBRBLuI4BwNvbNAiXggouBnpxQgKbK0ZY4IIOVxxj9atDJbV8t5kRycYwx4NDQhcOyYIIZWLHJ68GiwFhrgRKA6qrRj5sAkHjmosA5pAyo4CnOMgEg4oArttE2Qyqw6bv8AOKa2AcDDLuXzGVVOSofvj/P5UWsUSSXFpHcCM3DZVc53dPrRysLHMi+aYCMkAqOvvWnsupFhZrm4G9pJW2nAxj2ppIC1ZqFjQYXJBOW5/wD1VL3ARpLeJXD/ADNjAYDOTQkxFSa8RkEbMoTPUjnjpV8jHYqT3MUkm5SwA6hR1rSK6MCvJdTudqAeX1G85NUo2HYsxOmNx2k8YB9KVgsQSSgy8HCbsEj1qkh2JJnCx+YzBgRnHv6UrBYijlJywVWHXFNoGiCeNZpkbBdi3Qcbaa2EaIVUiDSAZ4UAf41LuA2CCSeZYUR2kc7UA6kntReyuATwTWM7xXUQjnj5weoq4zurhzFZ7y/dhNLczsYxhTvPTPSrTS2GRy3Dyq0rbyx4BZycU9xC2r3HlGS5u+uBHHtFQ/ICYTNaQyOzqqkcs56k0WuS0Qxo10AYwGKkkMO/NO/KMZMJYsl1QPlgDimmMS3hdoT5rMZCeuOgouhthHFKAwGScdPWi5IkMMxkUvu5Gcg0XGE3kyXPlyyMEXk4bgmhANhuZLm5cRIogTC5HrTkrIDZsyWC2xUbW4JHAH1rmluSQ3LfK6j5huwCKEtQKrRxeV5rEhgfu1ouwwa5txA06q8mAAmaLDsR2XnXauQNox37U5WiVY07exuniSO0WaeQg/KkeSaxbS3Jub1l4T1N5FS5gt7Tfy3nuFOMelS6qWwXL1vo+kaZerJe+IMFSAVgHSkqkpLYtSR1OmeL9Cs0bymurwhBuaUYGR3xTUWtxuaMHxP40gndJI4EyQcIFGMetUoNkczOI1Txldxwjy7qVA55CjJFbRop7jTZRi1PUNQkAja6lX7xZ+KGoxKuaEVsInCyIHyv3SeRWUnchsshYlXGwnaewrMQON6ZZWXOcL60bFWCOJpdgZhEmeDjvQ9BMnmtmWMqH3lv4l6fSpuIjigddi4BBHOT+tO4hZYQku/LbS2GAFPmAZcQGaPyYiYzkYYn17ULcEJDE/lKrM7FWw3y8UOSuMftwgGO+33pXAa0TtHsI3dCcU0wIjEockgIM5CLxn3quYdiX7OVUvn5W680uYRXuMxwtI8g2j9aqKvoUjl/7V8q8cRbk3tl2rrVL3S7He2mjXd5ph1WNozZISTKWANckrJ2JaF06LRpgbg3iu8eAEX9aTUktAOgv/DOitLaNbana7rmPeWLZ2n0qYyktyyhoul6Ne+I7rTLrU7a2trbJebJCnA7VpaSSsJmNPr/AIXtLq9s7LSJdVyCsNyrFdv19av2TWrYrEdisj2yy+V5ORjaP4cVhN26kmnDZy3EsaJB5kjL8gC8sD/+qsxnWeEPAd7rczx3G6ywPlMiZJIx+X/1q1hFvYaRDrmm+CPC+pPZX93e6xfqV3w27bY1BPc+la+xbKsNXxJaajc3E66bHb2cEPl2VvAAWd+mWNJ0ooLHN3XhTx1eLG2qQO2nQgSbElAxnn5selaXhHYdi3baTr8kYtoFe6VjtSFm+VfWo5ovoNJWOf8AHVleacq213o8du8JBkYNksBWsI9iTjNQuEvb3MCvFGTwGbOK6FHlApXEka3QCbSqAAHGRnFNDR03wv8AEv8AwjmvNcecqCaAxlWjBGSadRaDOi+InjPUL2wFkt4TDMctHGAq4/CueEbvUR5XKNxYk5XniuqIFVJBvIILbeBVoCZVkYc7V4zz1oGMdpWRB8ibc9ByaTEyzaSzLOu0A4Ocn/GgCRZUZvuBSpySOc1IhWLIOTuZslVx2oGdD4c1d7SFoo0iUHCpkkketZVIXA6OAtfKYJAJUGCFK4GfrXPytMLly80tlEVvdXVseR+7hcDaPcjrTSA841i2lGpPHZQNIoY7ea6Y6IDe8P2uuWcMUbpbwj7yhmwSe1Y1JxYzQ1C01/UbkyXdzBHI/wA5KR5P51nGUVsBLpXh/TIpXur/AFm+ll2/diZQN3uabm+iGZXi46dClvaW1zO0armR2fcRzV002rsRzMbRPOyxySCFQfmYY3VvcRHcBo4iWbn+7VxAzZvMGFcj2G3rWlwIyjcFs/T0ouMuwWZVA7AgMMgetJsDStNLc23nSyICp+4DyKzcgKU+UdgwKe+KaYFGR0ZywJOfarQjS0i1zcRmdJUQ87guRihsDqrLQPN2X0s6JA5KRGboT6VlKQyvbaJay68bPUJGW3AJkMCZOBz3p3ugZH4w0e1sILG70zTrtLK8BMElwqksAcdvpQmhHOytGjPHJN93ooFVdAUpZMk7XJBGM4q0wI0Vt4PI96Yi7G0gjUONoC4BPGahsZNaKPPEj5YKOPY1LYE8UTSeZK3ABGM96kBt5lpiF2gL61SAr2sCSzYLFcDgj1qmwNRBaRwi3m+dmUjJ9azbEdHoVoGjiWSERKOgUZJNctaVhMuyacJwzRPtMRyoI5zWKmCY2VvJZGkYkr0yO/tT3GU7zzJInkcuqgZAbvVqwGdJJ5cI2p8sh6gda3igIxA0RDyFUVFyoHG6m9QNGbUpZrCO4cOoDbQHHytWairgdz8PvF2q+F75dRtraPE8RV1QDDLjv7VlJ6gcnf69LJaSxQQxxkSNukVcFix9a1imwORvLlvPbcu0ZOeO9bJAXtJmZFSRH2Z4ckZyKmcQH3t9D56vvB27lUhPvZoigMWSFrm5KNGeWyWHHFaLQZseGLiDStSCsrzb48cdiayrJy2JaIdXvCmqzypK23zCUDHNEY+7Ya2O20W6SbTYpWIyg3MOgyRXFVhZmLWpz+t6oZ48h/3auU45Ga2pQsaJGIJS92nmrnII5FdaRZq6dK0b+ZLOiRsu0bf60NCItR1Hz73YXLIuQSvbijlBGU/lr+83rljwO9NDFmuIDEqyRKcdfc00gKsMsHkuvkje3OVNVYC3YFfn+RSdpzljxUsRDq+ZLgSyALhQAAOvFUhogLgQuDxwMDHWmBRlzyvQEVVxGhpNssrrgpuOfvHC1lKRR11lqOmWukiPzbuS+jB2iP7me3NTGz1YGVpsLxPLNdH99K3KHkkVnOS2RJ2vgvVRpupWkgsvtk+/ZHG5+VWPRvwxXO46jLXiCbVdR8QRyeJMRRu+7b1AX2qmkkHMUmt2kub144IXhnkLE4+YL7VEppJWIczqtNv/AA7pkRKabLNM8Pl4aXhT3PvXM3Ju7FzFbUPHF3pHh2WCwt7e0JITCr1TJOK1gnKQ07nFx6++o3U0t0o8+6K4YHHQjj9K1nT0FJG1EqRZdYQ2cg8d/X61zMlFu0ghKfvkLHg/nWbdikiaRo/srxRq5Izk44GfelvqaJFLdH5SxZ6jmtEgOfvIY5ZxGHIYP9MCt4uyIZKZUt5xgFjuxkjI+tDVxF+S9dLhZEQI6jhx0Ofas1Ea0FNyWVlZCXGGznrxSsDYzy92Cyc4P9KBENxGkabhI2cgkfjVRYrFPVZZDAvlRZDcB9xGK0hFJlRMS4WWCeUD95I0YLbOgrsjYsp20hWz+4Yy+Rg9cZrQRDdJBHDumcFz8q4bpSGZl7mObajZjx97NXECAHYPlPFaCNrwvFbGdrm4BKxgkc45rKpqhnbaD9r1ywFraQQuQ/zSORkccc1yyXK9RHHeIo7qy1O4triERyI2No5FawGYNyuIs4I3dK2iAWcE1y6wxAknk57CqewHbeH2t4NRthd22+1hjDNEvG5vc1zTuwNoWkN8BfyFTiR2ihRc7B6ZrBycdAuVvEjRRaQkKRkSk4A2YwvqTVU3diOXtradyqEoFHU5rcZVeJhIQxBXPcdapAylK05GyOKIhgcgLyKtAhbRpI43QDafunbQwHnc0wSIMD/ExPFICFU/0gs8zEqegFDAusvGA3HbPWgRR1BnUKVb7owfpTSGRs5aFVyQCRzVWATYI5AWAZR196oQ26ceXIXXAY8UAVQAQcUwJF37R1xSGSKM9eDUuQG5o+jiURy3GNuQWHtWE6pLOvtreK3h2wRMEPI56VxylzMgnglQnywS+cE46ioaEyeJWMjZXAzkZOc1N7DE277hVIyc5x0p30AdGPKkLA4XnrSuBGschyCNxUfLuPBovYCfYFUornJOWZTipuMhZEWQnls8bs8HrTuhDiu2PcIt+3P1/wA4ouxjJJhtBZTheF/+vVIVhIgpVwAQSeRmm2S0A2MSgUNubnjp1o2AS4U24UGNVT6DmhalIkikiaVBlVYHIYd6TTGalrGphEZhX7332HXNZvcqJdjs97NtnBDjOAuOO1S5XNLIGZItwA2sFxk/WjUloh0uKa51WGEx7UZiWkHQChrQzaubmqQrouoLPb3H2yCPnyyMhqUFdahY7fR7rWbbQrCLSp2h/tJgMJgque9dELp6GkbnQjRbSDUYn1KX7SRb5kYk72cZz+NbNX3NEeNeMy8etrdrLF5EvEUY+aRAOgJ9etS1HoTIpwtPqVymh2kc0TyfO0k6/eP+TWfKo6sFExta0XWNK8Qrpt5hAzDD44YHvV+61cUojobm7tLs2zrhwPlGeoNQ4q10Z2IZA+TuDDk8Z5GRS0RNyCIldsTxsQeSe+OP8KALgAGNgOOxFSApZwQ6L0GQccH2oBDwwV9pOBnvSsMliYs+zCnccjnnHakwRpW6yJKys5dR1IGahuxZaZonQ7SC7dR04qLMkC21s71XHHHrStcZFNeom5ZGwrfdB649arkYytJqsZCxIyqIzgkDqDnvTVNgJFc+c2UYnnA9hj/61DjYlofKHjjUhc5OcYzSSTJsFoGYMXKLs/vHGTSYWKtztDEuZcuoZQvpVpCsVw+G3jI4xjt1/wD1VQieAM/32ODxtz0qWBNJG7AugYANnB5zikmA2LeQUUgk9vT60OwEksE3ljksw7nnNTzAEFm8oyoXAxu49aHMpEgssx8ID83zE9SP/wBdLmA5UQWwDPKnzDsrYyfWuq7JY4yAxZJL49ulIAa4EKq287iMAetK1wIXuY3XBGB2HPJq1ELGWZpJZVjjgJGTuLHHStErFWJyJsKFkVIyPm9aExIpr5q3OJJhsAx06VV7oroW4GDhPLBZsk9OgqWJiX13Z28akuwcvgrimkwRCGlbBkiKL1CE8+1VYZLGducKOeBipAa0xW4QE9M59PxptCHRvO8kRLKVLZK54NS0gaNrRNVt9F1q2vpIo5jBKrrGTxkGplFyVibGfrGt3mu+Iri7aGNDJIXOOgHYVapqEQsRSKqylnlAIHTqCaQFe6uR50XlR/6x8Afh3/GqQCpDJJcjzVbzAxKnHAGKG0kIW6t5bmQzXSGQ7sRxL0z6mhSsFzRh32cbSMo3HjYB0FQ3zaBcrRWwlnM7AbFOSM0+YCy4V/nU4U9AvepuAjREcMuMqRn0ouBS1HYiIkEZQd36n61cdWCKklk0kQZcuMfMc81fMVcv2tsI4EXZsYnBVecms5O4rl1VIcRFNwwd5z3HSoaEUWmlUs+wrGDjnvVJIpRuX7TRda1IhbPTLiZSciQrgAe5p80UVym/a+CrfTlE+s6jEJifltYPnP0rKVVvSIHTaHoFlCks9nHY2Ij+YSXsoyePSsW5S3BHFa34oubLUXji1CIPtOXtYiF7jg1vGkuxPKRTMX0uPVb6eSUSPhXaXLMfpmlb37ITiZ0szwxOcs75GFxzzVpdWKxXdp4Inmld4lY/xZ/lWqArPNdMhkjtp5vlLZCngH+lUvMYlhot1NCl1cxFFckruGD+VEqiWw7o6C0lhsrJXmYZDFRGFycevFYSTkw3ZVmurW5mkaKR2ctzhSAKXK0VYntgEjDYZiBnr9ahisVZtWa2KHK5ZipHoDVqncuwyLV2kS5MZGYSPlBxnrVeysJxN62E0kIlkL7GXcBjGa55JIhokljfI2BQzDAGe1JEj7a1nJKsACBk5YHHak7bjsXL3TGtbSK6uHTEnKhTluPpSTuOxTmeR1SKFfk6nIwafmFi7HoN5cwK9vAZQoy7Zwo+ppRlcZpT+EL9VjA1axXchlbb/CPSm5WAwItPs5Z4UuJ1j6lDz82KLtbAXbeyikjne2glmdG2sUXOPwpXaDlZyPiuCSOQxRq7kHncMEfUV10SkcRd8HnJbuBXdFFHW+C5jfafNbzzEQw4J3vhc/Ssa8WtUDOiimht7Ca1tJdMUnln8wZGeveuXkle7JJ9NvVjB26paTvtwoUjAqJLshsh+w2rmR7u8ZIWJJ8vB3GnGUrbAhE07TrWeeCw3LC5+Rj1Pf8ACiU5bsGWRaLEI5o2Z2kyoG3gVm3ck2dOvZdKuoLyOFZ7hQNh3A7cZHSiC1BGtaeKfFup6fqMVhNJH5zlVRUyUUYLfMOnANdMZcpY2K7MoW61LRVW3x5eY497yH39aJS8wI9EuPD2mWMtzPYML0zEIJSAFyc4wKlyYXLEuqpdx6hBa2gupJm3lBKQqAgD+lC0Az9VjTw7BaIdQeO5eNpHh5IYgA4B/GmndEyeh5Lqmv3c+pO195kgmJ4Zycj6V2U46DWxjRMq3KzsrbN/TOBWjKQ27V1YvH68Gp6gVH3q4KNuYD9aoDTuLiSS3jxFtJABHc1CWoFCd9oKMmG9AK0QinLvDId20HHGKpDJZGxII1z7kii4XFuiiKiqwaQj5gKQEL79ucn7vSmBb0lv3JXfzgnGOmKlgSO7ZLFir9PekIis7640+5E9uygqP4hmna4yeXV7y6fNxeS4A+7H8opqCAiSUA5MzkEjPzHNPlAv2t2kAzb28smOQS2TUNAa8viuZFjjj01FKKAxJOSfU1j7GPcYQXurajE4RUtoEXLO7EHPoM0ezjEDm7ma4tp8CUuO4J61rFKwDrG+hju1EtqHQnJB5zim43A3rO+jvLl7mW2DleEt4IuB9alqwDNO0u0kaW+1+SaCDJIWP73XpTvYBb2DSp9WNroVsSiR7t1243OMZqkIgs/s0gMF3p6wPI37t1Und7Ummhjry18pvmUjYPlXHJ/CpuBqw6Y1t4Tk1XcjNcNsWMnkY9qy5ruwjLs0NwvkrA7yiXDfLwKtysBseIfDNpb39vb2k8F2HUFmRcAEj+lJVQNW88PyaNoti63VvcPc78InLJgjrWft7toVx1rYTRi3luLwTJC+9Ithwrdqj299B3Kr21laz3M09xJIzZ3goQoPpVKo2Ml1MaZdabFKs8o8hFjhi3EqMDsO1DcrlcqRzE/2Asqz6YJHC53bsZGa1Se5Iy00/TrmJ7ovHBGd+2NQWbIHA/OtFJpAc5PFLDKzPGVXPHFaRkB2nh7SNMv/AA9/aN7JNNdLIEEAjwMeprKUncRS8Q2lvYBrdIQjs+W2L0FKLuBQuUjit4YwpG/5sd6aApSlNzZ5OCSKtCJNPgjW3EsrhdwJVQOlJsZMqu7s4hGVIwWqWDN3w1fxxai5mn2eYpKNgnmuerG5LR0MDxSwu/ngKoJZs43VzNMLF1rfTI0W5lvIfICbt0jgHPpU+90Cxm3uq6LdwyQJFGQB681caclqM5vEXPyZAI2r2HFdaukMTUJHdd4SPKx7VGefrVJANF0zabFC5G5DgCQ8An0o5OorE9z4haK0eIw5kEQjDKeBg1HsNbjMlJ3khLp5p80cg9K1SsBRvPMEDHynKBuW9K0igLOiRSXMhRpWREQk5qZiHOsEU3MvmA549KSeg0ESLGhHzEkZB9PagZC7vHdEgZLDqe1ADrpk2pICreYDyQeDmnYRu+Hb64g0edBIryk5QeigVjVp80kS0ZFhd/aTLDPLgEl9o7Y71pyWGVpnDXaJv6nIPTirSA1bWzX7OxaSPOQVXdyaLDIrgBYvkVIyOpPelcLGXfsiRqiuDK3I9qcRlSITO5BAzx3/AFqxEtvmG4lRTlQCN2KBlvSpg0rhhuyDwR2FKwiZ4Vu5MLIxfHTHAAoAr3caRxkLyGHehAZ0Yy2xRzjvVAdBpWljyot53u/8Kc4HvWMp6hc1tN0+RraQDbHG7ZwR82PSsJVBNnTz28MtvuWKAP5Y2cc+h/lWHN1JuZ9pYXq3MZivmiLDLqE5BHTB/E0OqrBc13RmmV55mlcLgyP14HSsHUuzNsANrgjneeh4qWIV5NpUgL97HK5OaSQzl/FkyMFtnmUsGztHf3rtorqaRRzduSl2J9zL5ZG1V7nNdDWhZ6JpKiW3infcVwN5J7968+quXQzsawYCItCN21sKAc96w9Ropah50kysJSoUn5Rz/L3q4qyNDKvnlM6DcQOdzYxitY2sJtEUcDHbLIdwJ5JUjI/yad+xDZMI13uQuR2+Wlcm5I2PN2uFG3AG7jNKwEsjbAuJAGPB9TUoCCe+jeZ8KQQBkYwBjiq5RleW4PlhFz85574+lWopARal50WnzCElhjoecmrp2bGmc1ukdMSylJDyVrsirFEGo2yWzxma6DKV/g+Yjv8A1rQCrO0LxqR5mVYYBxjFKwyley+dJhWTC9apAVM4/DrWnQRtaUcWv735VIO0Hjd71jMBFv7q3Ux20zxA8kIcGpsnuM6/wt4bbxLYzX13qwiMZCkMQWI9cGolLl2Fczda0bR0vbmyhvp5jbxkxFlADHuDVwm+oFDS9OeA+bK4XcMLjvTcrjOgQ6MdH1OUSMt3CAIs9z3FTZgL4He91S0S0sIJJp/MYukabm28c/nWc4XEJ4umezme3uFMcq4V0fhl9qmEGgOYt4DLOZpJJEQ9fcVsBGzwLlnhJ4IVg2DVICkocxMtsS0z9RjJFWhlWNZw21nC5b5qoCaabELrFkEdcCpAit4pC2XZkGM8dTQwNONcxFgMHHRutRcLFG6G6Pa3G0ZOK0iBTgYl/KzjJGCasRPMCSwBIPQGgCu2XX5sn8aAFSMsQApJ9BRdDNqw0cvEHuCUy2AO9Yyqa6Cua+kabpbSkrbvLIvRmb5Qfp3rCpN9CWzfigUuGEarg4IAwK5ZSETKESBskMpy3PaluBJaW0cAZpJdqMfvUnILEzyQKMwfMU4Zm9P8ipsxDQy7S6/OX4GO1ICC4ke3UMyBtnG3oTVKNwFtjJIAshZVydoHOaJJIC0+/fgRbMgfKOtQMieZdvJ2/NwGHtTQD8sGPlSckcjrVWENt4l84xvw7tk9xRfQZJNaYmaNGPOfu9KTloIbEFt4gwVW4AAI70rtk2KFzBc3s8MEDE4OHJI6mtY2SK2Or8M+H/MuLe2Mf2iSTIVF5bj6VlKbb0Bas6i88E6hbmXLpayLFuWOVhk+2KfKzRaHOaZpUt8lxGsnlTRkjBznj+dTJcozV8MabpMVjJJqbSJfTuUi3glUXON1VZt6BYqeMNOh8P6vcafc6xGzCz8+ERocNkjjNaOjZXHYb4Mj0SW7R9VvF+zzxknZJ0P/AOuondE21PVvCa6fYwWdtoUP26N4SNzOT5bepPSt6WxSK/iDwSbm+a5uNZuklYbwkcpCgHP6VbRojym30q1g1oWF9etFHFMxMq5cHsOawm2S0XvF98ba7t3sb6GQOvlvIUI27ec0RhdFLQ53W/Fen6nY6jpl6P7RkEarbXS53I3c5raMeXUUmc7ayNaTJNIzTMR8u88k0prm2M2aFq73dzcybVhxkgA/kBWMlYyEmuIw6GQneo6Ecgc5qVsArBhbmVSQOuD1xQhofayhogZOU4GM4zQxjXdxKBsCjP8AEM+9CQE9vcRRsr8Oc4KgdPUVLiBtRuWk2KNqEBmJbHFZtBcz7+6QRy3KnYq8HZ3/ADrSMNLMdiGHVhtiEscilwfmeh07BYink+T92BJ9WztqoxKirmLqeopAhhj+eTflnBwBx0raNO5fKkQx6rctND5JECdCdpOTxzVOCRDNvR3Nle/aUuJpAw+bJyB+BrmqWeljJs1re4d2eOX947fcY8cetZNLoK424wXIEihdvQD9KAuQqJOjEbWyWHpVCLMUoXZGmGfHAPOal6gWIldjtbO88gAcfSobBCtBvPyDk5yF+vWpbKsXxGeGkYONoJC85PeobAkiA+bC4GRtHf8AGkMeYbgRHbABubAyDkildAebxqqHcUOQvcZ4/GvSJaGXEs7OfssUawj5cvkZ9xQkIR2mMQXMShRjOPm/DNNJXGipI+4gbSOcFhV2sUWLYDYxRQ7jlmPOKTEyvcvGQxiKFuv3v0pq4kVrWZG5fAAbnpmraKZoPAZowYZWjJXgIP51lcRXNriZJdqEqd2HO4VfMFyPZNKxJcswbLHGTn0zTuhk5QMd/mBnHtU3FdDfKGADCS7N/d60cwXRKLRzJu3FAONuKm4XI2soZLoNMS7IwIXtn0p8wXJhbxifcE4A6LnilcVyW2ggdw0u5VUEDjH86TYiaOygkYuELKOSRjGewNTzsVwW1l3AgEZ7HnA496fMgLcaBXAVclT2HP5VLkS2MnYiVonKGTHBPH6U0wRWEZZCiKxbOead0USKlynKiNuBzjGDRdAJJI52gupIzu/yKECKEg4fblieOR0qr2GOmE4hZrSMmdTjaBgfjQmr6iGWSXeJHch3f7wzwp9M0SlHYZc0TTbq71ZhfahZ2FtGgeUySE5Ht7021bQqx0vhK88FWg1W61iUTPEQbaLax81h74P51PJJpWLR1eheLL/VYCbKG3sbNdzzhVDMV7DqKzlBLRjuZ3iDxP4fe4e20jRoJJ4sFZvMIdmB74BFaKnaOoWKmrW2h+Irg3N5qEWjXKp9ycsULAdOmKmLcfh1Q7HFR6cmo3ctl5l1dmAFgbCDzA4x3x0FbrRXHbQg1M29to4iMYSRTuCsxDKPp2NTFNu5Fhba8SS1guGeEIhG4kdfrS5egOJvy3Ms6yNDHYyux+XcCFPuARWbVjJxHv5ojy7CF3QpJ5UmFPpgDFRzEkEcNzIiRvL+7VQoLOSQewHNHOBHp0EEEkkjIWkLbR5qsfrjtTcm0aR0KGpXrtrjxwRSTyLyY0XYu7pzWiS5bmm4l7fXNuoDW3kiRCDIclT7A+1EYxk9wUTj9Tlv1K28cJfzWBAVdxbng5xXXGKRRC9yI7ny50K3AP3VPT6iq5biPXtDhnlttPtL3UzeBotwtYIgGQY6kj+prirQtdpEuJItjfy6o0K2RyjHytxyQB6gVjZJE8pqnw/E9l9su53ju2my8PKBB6nsBUKXYViO/bTbL96XWaVyAHDgqg9eelNRY0irFdWsbOXQTODlPmwoH0pODY7EmoazeXsS2Vk8gQAbYVYgE+p/nThTS3Cwx9Qs7J5Ir+wtrmeRNiyBmdlPfAq1GW6EywbV7DQINSk+zTPO3kpAE+eMZPJz0P8A9akldiRoaF4ns/Dlvc211bTO0iDbFC/DuemW9PxpcvMWmchrNq2qQzXP2iJL5yX8heXOe2c+lawlyvTYLHlusQ3FvcNHNG4kBJJYV6MHcaM5JpVDBpnVGOWUNwa1stxl7RdJ1LV7hbewtJJC+ecf1qJSjFXEaM9hJpF5Ha3BSKRThssCAfcis9JK4I9V8P8Agq50yW2vtbha+0u4j81HtFJbbjng4/Ouep2RR2Njo+l69Z2lp4fhFhhnZnlUGRwoz68Vg4a6knGX0ofxF/Z5lnh+ylguYwikg9Ce/Wm4aCaNuHQriVpYLy+09GZVwBJ8y57YNJQ6isdFNoetPpUVhZTaNpVqf9dJBcFp3wOc4AAyOOp61tyqxRyOpQ6lYRLa6faXkf2aTL3E0u6N/f6VHXUB+m6Nqr2sd21vazLIrOZHkBH4AZNS1qDRe8Mxzusr6fbWdu8asJZrhXG9s9srzRbuKzOE+IH9oR33lXd413LEjN5q5AQNjjn6VdOzC3c88geOa9BeRmkT7oIzmu+AyJXke6aOQEbD0zjmqdhmjqMIjtTJMV2gbkBbrWN9QMwMIkEylfmJPqPpVgW0WZrdXKndnjJxSGZ9zKivzJvbPOBmrQinHIZpBgMpxxxmqsBcEOwM7O24nkNSAjBjRpXnmQvtwq7TTQFdTOWZh/EMDiqAv2bywWpZvlGDmoASOfcxxg7uck5pARXMygMix7cnk45NUgK4fBx096sRYh2u6oow386AOo0ERWFomrztG+2XYINwz7HHpmolqUjE1HUrmeeWWPYiSyFvLH16UKKsAj3kzybL3zMDA4PAP0oaAs3EtnGdsK+czLks46Gs/mAulaFreuXEi2VnhI4zJJKSEVUHU5OKOZID0zwpa6Rb6GdN0/7K99eQ7RP5pXY2Ock1hz+9dlaGNrElrJ4ajtJIVN5aSYYoDiQd+vWqT1uSc69pcanvvYLdLFYVVV38F8fzq5T5dAOo1JIms9LlaAyywqSGVvl7enf2rH219BE0sNlMkl5cxSNNERtWGMEt+fWsvay2GdBYpotpaw/aobaZMiQLNOIwnsw6VHO2xGVOLm8vJZkTTjEgLma2GFXPYEAZ/GqcrWSApw3NqDiRPPwmQuOFz0yamV9gsNs/OnKvIY41TOFRc8fj/SiyJsTWtzmIyK0Vv5ZG0SDHmZOOKSiho5zxikwtnkvJ1+0uT+6jXk/0rppR1KObkt9ZgMSOZ2DrvWM8cV1WQCCO8kkSWZbllU7TsUsQPrRokM6HwvodxIxv4JLi3gdtpQoWJGfpWFWrFaBY2IvDltG1wk63MrnDg7duB+IrD2zJZuaXdyWAMtnHErRDIEkYbdjqSMVi5Nshs5Dxbqc2pa8Lk3EUqOoUGOIIBx6ACuunsUY2qoBL5pIeUIOAOB1rVDMuZiAJBsVZV/HrWq2AvsqJbIzJgDgFieTUAQxSt5qhmCr1OM80WC49Lgx6kZY4QUCFVBB6mko3ESEXk0ptVcqXx/CeKiSS1A6bTvDnmwwwahI0yAF2VAcnpjJNc0q6WqAbq+kRR28Tx7YGByzHOXHoOKcKnNIDHghzPks7ZyAik8VvcAkiEkrqX2+WucDr6YxTQGVC0guBL5QIXLEyEYOPxrZDK0NzJdXjK4+8SxCDA4ptaAX7i6XZwwCdNo6ioQFWVRcRSszvsJDAKR0qwKlhNKtyY43bk4wW5ptAa8cJ87E0iq2M4Lcms2IsOzbRvUNjuGGMelIZTuo1aUYDswPIXp+dMBJZFaJlTohxtFUIrXckttIqROwIAJx707DINKYG4dmJDYPOKbAlumVSJEAkwCBntSAt2sqwwrMZ5huGM+WMZoYy5JBNI8U0hLB0UkkdMms3oUlcr6hBEbiUlVIjxswvWnFj5TIv1ltpwShXIz0rVEPQZPJuIMbklhyAOlOwizo0jrd4JUEjnP8AKkwNfy3muDPIWVEXJ8teMdKi4inePGxLK2Fxjkdj+FNDI9IWJLxZGIZUOST0FEthHULrVta2yokaow5Eip1rlabF1LdmJmsxdvJGI923aB8xUd6yklewMvG7KXat5sU1vwFVQwcH34rLluriRq4CKLhXKhg2AcHNY2JYxpQkfzBSG9eP/wBVS4kjbzbiOaLnDDGWA60xEk3yedKzoynLMQchcUX1sNHCa3K09yZdo2k/KQD0r0aS0NUY7swkL+YwwexrYs7HwbOz2TxtIWjJOSxySfSuPEQVzKR1OlSO0Ij2tlwckjGa5GgiSyJCQAA4OegHahXNDFuiok2vnIJC4Naq+xDKxluJXMRYgk7Vwev4U+VIknu2QWayReY2B84UkEmpW4IjjXzQZ5YjESflUnmiTs7DElMgd5M4Kn5WHc/yoVtgKpbnGGaZydxK5HP19616DHRLIsyllLBSMhetJsQ7WSkds6F3VjlgMdPYnvTp6gjjn3KThghIxuYZz+VdsTRCahbCCzQYZpZF3lsnOM8cfnWkQKtnaTXUq7I1Y4yeelDAqakoEuBAkIzg+pqkBVYqMYP1xVMDpAj28dt5pWQGLIAHIB7c1hLV6AZk0sYExa3YMSMEuMj8qaQjc0iWeC1i2nYrfMS55P0FRICr9v8As9680saumMY6VVroVizJcC5VGjEsZx8qryuKkY24UR2MrzzBZWkJCnuPyrRAM8La9rXhK8fVNLvGgnlUooK5G0+1XZMZXC6lr15candXDXUxYyzu5wKl2QhJRcSJ8p2r0JGOBUAQXKRzzbRKEUjgKM596aYwuLfyXDoZY1VcBsjLH6CnuBmRLILwGM7nPPSrbsgLzCQ7t5bDDnGATWfMgNnwrp1vLuluUO8EAKxJ/Ws5z7AQaoqxXbrgKAeB6VS1CxjXhUKASxJJ5XGK0iBRCkSo6DGD1rS9gLly+xRl1568c1KYEVoqSTKANy55pykrCOx0/SoI1il8pWlkIxzjArknUuTctX8Al1NnlaJAo2hQTgnp/Ss09AuT6XBHDIW+VIT8vygnLGom2xNmj86uxjAcj7oY1j5AS3JW4mj2KSojG4jpn6CpV0gH+VBIFhdyIgvJYcgCnzMCIWyoxMAPltwuV5PvRzAIQ8BUSqNzZwV5oSuIsRxRzM5YttzlO+aQmJhY2wDsAGfegEQS+fDM0xkJjfkAt19zVJJlIhkuH5LhQP73B/KqSGNuJIoyrxThWcYbqe3HFC13EWoC52kkEd2PBqJWAvwymON3QkMRwcc1m0BUliZlbdl++en4YxVJgT6ZGEk3ShEC9Pm+Y/h+NNtks9N+D02k/wBt3BunlFysf7oocEDPOMjk0o6DibOr3fh+KO5txrT2txMcG5ul3uq9MAkcV16NGpyl+LbSr2S/0O9lvUj580Nw/ucdK55JN2A27D+39YLXll/ZtwHiB2ySbWXk5xxg/wD1qcHrZDR5R4rih1DxHeTTXzxmEshaWQybsAfKvoOtdDnJLQGyKwSO0cGBF8srxvXA6jv2rCcm9yWz2PwJrc2jeAImRRII5i1yeuEPv7VpSeo0X/HOr6lJocF3aRpHbXbJDHIEP3T3/Wt2mzS+h4z8RLzTLTXm0jSdQa5a2kVZZQpQFyeVH0PelyW1BswfERlSGGaSQusm5dpl39xk+3WpjZCbM1JbXcsUcskZ6OETj+fWh3JbNCK0aeZJUWSO1UnY0i5JFQ5WIbNSGJdyNCrAqMsX/i/pWDZncikwpDtH16YA6Uk+xQTRh8ZLhWA25JA4PTii4DolCt8q9fTn9aTYE8KF5irf6skkOKQFqyt/KZvu5c5AxnPvSbAp6014yN5EgGw4I2jpV0mluhozka7lRbeSIRQqNzkv94/QCui63KuMMs0kphhtJBGhyXk6H1qbdQuhI1mOdkkW2QEBQvC/jRdbivYqz6cYrdx5DTO38eTtFVGeo+a5NY2hZEjlh+fAz82Ao9amU2S2jUtoIrd5HZ2lJHTHT8+tYOd0QyxDKq7GDbmPcHjA96iwhWm3qrCRWA4VRjIHqaAFbPmAsM8djxj0oAmRCoUwl+G5OOAMHpSYGpaxSz7NgL7yCrEcDFYt2GkXIbVkPlSSLFg8uW6fhUt3KHvNZooCursBhz1ye5xS5WBWnv1SQpHgDrkDAB7f1quTQC6dQmG39+2zjDDscdKz5QPLZJlVd7uAV4BJH8q9WwhlpdPJbDKNtP8AEwxRYLFa4udSBkSLYsQHDbQCapKPUFYrafbXMswW4kby2bLYPT061cpK2g9C9fXfkyNa21s7oMZyfT3qIq+4IrSG8kDKIo4mk5HzZxV6IZLZWrLLsDmYIcuwGAamU+4rmrJAjICIwEBB9DWSkQxggwzbdoUHOQe3ei4C+XhsojomcM27IP4U7gNSCFuSm5m5y3GPwobAnjVMcja4HFTdgLlpv3e8buvPQ0ykivMiMy7mGSeeemKaCw+MnYz7guR69aBWJIVdhhATg8gEDikwsWo5lQBCNrfxKCDurNolgq8bigK5AweTmpESBoY42dgATyD0zQJojkR53xGgbOc47fWqTtuLYa0LtHgsFcDjA96L6lDLhFhR2nLMWGeD0pp3GFuqiJCyYB5Az29abdgLEcIODGAFxk5OP1qeYBZlWLe5iyocn3ou2Im01IXuoryZ8WiKGMW4BnP1/AUndqyQ0jlvGV6uua95n2IWibTHEicLgdz6muqjHkj3NkjIWXEBnupcQIdgVepNbrUdjrPDr2+o6e0UJMSxdcNgmuWreLuJuxp2Om2dtvmgkjSQ/wAQBHFYOq30EpEJ1Wyliu7fULYM2NsbKfb1NXyu6aNI67lPwF4z1HwPeXUmkCxRLxljkVxvfaCenpXW/ejqO5B40ng1/VzqTWMlpbz7UK5zlj3zWdP3FYQ/U9VsZ/Di6ZbI1jbW/wAzRH52kPrntVRi+bmYHqPwq1Pwlc+GJbu48I2EFhaoxlvbuZXnkYf3VC5/WtalJW1E0rGJosR8YatOdKsbWw06WYJD57BWYYz0xXBOlymKpk2peGtS0+9dPJtvsyE7SkgJfHsBWLBxscVPqcCX8sKtIjICAg6ZrdU3a5ajoYllqyQ+I1vr795GxO/AwxFbypXhZFWOy1uKzk0JLn+1ZbRZYcrbspw2fSuWnzKdrC2PMLViLe7AM26PBjZGOO/WvTRZQCiVmkQkuUYs27mtUB23gLxjB4V043luDdXtyhidZ24jGeo5qZ0+YDeTxdq8U1iuizTLLO370W5yxJ6jJHFZ+xitwsbusazc6HLdwa0L24v5bdFSGdvMbcc5PH19KyVKMn2FY5nTda1Cy0t7VfDljO0jM/8ApkbE5HTA+lW6UH1Cx1/w18K3HinxR9u1mGxsrKe3wFgjKKCMAAH1NZTUbWQ2iHxNNerNeadphhtXgzHJKFBAX0yRmsYxS3J6m7oWp+BfD2lQWlrpEupawIlLTuwUb9vOD9c0SSluDOG1LULq9We0ktZHvjKLk+dOSqAE/KBVWS9Bcpp39tHpEcGpajZRO08R2QnONxxhh+tZr3rxQWM3Sb+3s/FGn3jtBAY5AZhuzkewNbRhdFJGpqdn4L1O71PWtTgudQWfcbSJ7jbGjHpnGKtScdENokh8K+ELeOxvNL0GCW52oWto0aRGI65Yk8ZqpVJMR1/ivQpbrw9Pq+tWyadb2akWllZqIVP+8R1xWabJk2tj53111lupXj3rHkYyMgYPauqGwRPRfhx491Z7yC21q98+08jyI9yj92p44GOtFSKaKPU7S1ls7Kx1i1ht06rBmQZkboPl6c1zSQjmvEfhrVLW8TUvEV1DbQXUykqX272PJIGeKEgKniK0hi1iKawuILfIDpI0qyGXORnp2AAp2sgRt+HbiW0iXztVTVVL+ZJHHEA0R6dT+FS5Aze1WGe+eOCEg28vDxtGBIwx3xnrSSTFqUtM07w3p9zJEtssElud7ukmSp9weAKbVxmrO13d2sZ067vDLNuwxkBCp3Kj86jlsByXijw74W161mW1v7uw1GFR5v28E+eemfTGc0JuOqGeHa3ob2OsTWqXcLPFMigocjmu6EtLsCrNoesQai8iwK8e/kiQE5+lNzjbUB9zZXEdtIlxFK8gwSW/hFQpJvQDMnRC6lHPycjirQEX2vI2mXJJOc9qqwEZDMS6g5xkBRxTTAu6F4e1TV9RgiiHkxSMFM0oIRc9yaHNWAveIPDslheywJO15JGxVWjGEOO9RGQGDFbL5+2fKNnBwc81shHR+HIdFEkZuriTeWO75MheRz+WaTKO8stD0C5nW5stCn1iGKQhmklEcZ/AGsm9STA1i309Z71BaQ2zuMRwQR7gh+tF7DOXn0SUbTtOD1LN3pqoh2NG18EX01p59xeWVrF0Vnb7x9hQ662Cw0+CbsNGqajbAk9SDWf1gpQuav8Awi2lW3hiW/utdJvYWH+jgbVce3c01UuKXule40LwxFpttcWuvrLcycyQBSSh9KblJCHXOjaLDAZ7t0Esj5Cl2zz3IrJ1JMZNY2OmxJsChDn+GPgjnuTWUpyBm7c2TXsFt5BO2AYMSA/OPQ1kquuoiPTdCimFw8yrBEvyhdx4NEqjQE8FikKp9kg+0pCm5y/IPvzSVRsYG1ivZIfO2SiUAjsFJ7USm1qOxLb+VDc/ZVjj3IrrkRZXPbms221cViWQYeGCeSGJo2BXZkFifWkl2ExtzaC9dQYFmIflQc9KcW1sIZcSMbG4s4447ZpXD7kTayL6VS1d2BQjS3/fWqAygxjBGeTnvmtHzXuxo6Tw3qdpDNcXuoWKNcQQCJYosKpTI/M8fzoSuMxdWkt72N7m2gd5omAt1nBABJ/pT2lYVineaBb7rea9ZoLtRmQtKTn1wAKqNVp6AYumyac1/wDYGCy3FuGMbzMdoUc4x+NdCu9xo3tAs9Q1PxJZxwSJFC1uWlS0XqnPUfUVTkoodz1MX+p6bHbWNvM9hFCuULYIPHIwTgVw21Hcrvq19rumafp8T6ULq7k8tnY/PtDcnAGP1rT2atexDPO/HOv6rpGtS6bJaxjy8xsyINr/AJdacaClqRY45Ll3m82S2giUjO2NAOtbcvYZU1dm2hl6ydQT0FXBDMZ8Apvf2HpWwF5yskKtJIHHYCoEyrNKGkUhVz3GcVSAmVgZkYSKD6DnNQxI3BchruEiaJGOM46A+9ZSjcZvL4k0i28r7Vehpxw2ATg/1rl+ryYrGH4v8V2moTW8FiJntYx8xKhGJ7/hXRSw7jqxlGyv2knAzuEf3Rjn861cbDFu2uXGUARXbliAeKIoRkag0QAiM6s6g9E61qhoraSq/bvmGVPB9BTlsBf1OAwAFCAG5Ht+FZoCt5YXT5Vdtzt2HarATT7RFheSUMr7QV5xxTbAuWLQNOhRWcqecfyqGI0JEAUh48g84DVIylMy7GAkCMegJycUwIBcExsQv7tOCcdapAVWYSGVwjFnwAtUMdpflreHOEGAOWPNNiFnjuJ5hDG6oCDkjoBSsAMqsVhUqVjP3t1A0bkpjhiiR7qW4DQgx7ScLyeDWdrm0SGxhe4SW4lJjUcKxHBo22LMfVB5krNvBwMZPetYmE9zP2jPAyR/dqzM0LPliqxknA53GpYHRXGbPT442KqJl3lQecZPWsbXYHNz3SszKoIQHpnFapDG2tyiTJujLx5GUz1HvSkroR0002mXluZEP2V+NsYPH61zcjQWJIrnUZZBZ6dK4GMscjBHvRyrcZ0/hmXSpldtV1OO1ZAzNLnJc44AH1rKUHsQ0UbrxLbMyJb5eFCdzsMZHTj8zU/V2Kw288QaeszONzh1wqL1BqHRYcpq6deGa03taqu7G3cOVGfWsZQsS0Xr5VhsZEX5QRuZgepPWogru4JHBaqwYNIk3JbBBY54r0adzRGLcOyHKY3Zz0zW6KZ1Hg3Uo4pI7aLG/azTPKcjp2Fc1eldESVzS1XxZ9gdpIV3y87XHY1lDDt7jirHIXXijWZJnZdRnjBOMI2OK6o0IpbFM0/Ct3eyTtJc3mVYZ2s3zNjr/SoqxSWxDOnlmgiBc+Vn+AbufyrkUWxBFdOSATnJGM84+pqXFCAjBG1yxY7mOTxn2pXBkkbBFP70EHv2/wA5zSFcZImcnCjrg7aaGRBvIKvIpADAZ2+4q2rjL+uRDUtOnSSOP94V2TAAFAPQCppS5ZIEcBJbS28NybaOSVkOWkPAA+lehB3tcu5Clst3bRMX2SfdZzKST36VtdIY2W2jto26lsYJLd6m4GbMoxiAB5HyCMdPemnYDT0DRZHctcIrKmC24cCoq1LLQDp9W0uCSXClfLTAypOMDjrXJGo7gQN4a0e3ga7e6j3qTshPzM3v9Kr2stgL9hpoukHlrFvdQBLKmdn0H4VMpiMvU/Bmrz3cpgkE8EeWdo0ICgdzW0KqtqBT2XccSw2qpLuG0BDkmtUMo3cN9HcJbSMsUka5dX5wffNWgMrUIwZ2Yys+OTxjB9qtAaHhaCU3qgOxjYElVOM8VlVdiZbF/UtOjkmL21rOFUjjt+VYxkCInmtbWaH7U1w0i8AOuEFaLUZlahIL/UX8iJ2Vm4GTgVd7bhc6vw74cj09Uv7t1kLD5kB6VzVK3NogNW5isLqURW0AQS8AMARxzkcVipNbjSKOpSXVnbbLC1LsHHRc9O1aQd3qO1isumf2narNqFo1pduOSpIAX1Iq+fl2Arf8IZbyWzSJqrPKH2KCvA960jW8hEsPhnT7Nz9oeO7cHGS3A/ColXYFiHSdKWYySQKMcqqrx9DzWftJMLksFvA1w8kVrHbxE/KoQfrQ59yWywyotwGJ3lQO/AH4VDdxFe4/0qcN5YjhjbdgHLOf8KFohFyys5JZTNcOQpHEQHygfSolJCZoBQSVwVUc5zgY/wAazuCI4olKRrGXJ24dl6n8qVxkqho38sD5iAdx78UXAcGA+bG4ZxkcYotcBqOJBjyUYg7lY44/GjYCSTcYVO/5z94bRwKSCxUuGLoQIh05J4NaRdgSKisEVYG5I556VYEjptQ7n6HO3A4z/kUXGSW6bn343Eddw6fSpbtsDZpvLEyqIUHlk52kZrJsQoUADEe0j0JNK4DZwsmSdhKg8E5yfpQtCCvbgs6hgdzE45/pVMo6HStSXRrqO/KSGYHEZZT9KhNt6D2NHVfEl7q1tNa3U9rFHw0eI8biDn5snmupSsrDuZczyPLAyzxqUGJFTKg/hWbasFzdH9sXWkqk1/FBZSsNqnhnXOCAe1ODRSZe8QWHhbQfCLXlhYWr3kxW3QF97hmPXr7GtWlMehyGp6LqFlp0eqXxhHmRsyoASf8ACsuXsJ6nTfDG6TV/D7eHJ5v7PhLmW6l3AZTPT2qvglYEV/i347OuT2uieHp1W0iCNvX5clQAMn8O1dt0omj2OU+y2tl4yt7lWt9YufKSWSKNfkDnnk85OcZrnnP3SGO1z7Xqd6bzVjDal5OLWEgAf1rJ1ElaJLZBFbwR3KSrGkSscB88j0JrJuWzZNyLcVZsHcS/B/rQri0HW0iRSCNlHzH8P0oeoWIrhkmZVMCDaxG4NSV0O5GoBIDDB6gHvQwJbPLTbEGF7DOMmgDVmSEcAruA7c4qLsuyImZUtxgqCOMetMhmbPgySNvkXB3fKSBjgYq0wIXjJZJImY7SdvGSapSQkyOW5YssIRQSQCuw5b8apJbjFtgyyusmxAGO3AxipkyWJdRPfKI5pMIj5+VsZFF0tguX7JIkP7pAAvGTzn/PFZybYhwj8x2ZwXXHHPX2pXKQWgVDsCom0/MBxQ9hlpbYJmTYH4z1xUOQiINM07QRxglgAcGq6BY2LLTgmX8o72UDLnIzzWUpkl5re7ZMPNGu1d6tn7uOmPSoViijfQlQRuUSPhsKw/P3q4sZQgDR798ZI4ySR1x61V0wHnzCpyRHkjaRwQOuaAGCeZU2CVnJPytk8f55osS2ceIEK52EMG+UFf0Ndtxtk3DsN0eFAAHHfFTdBcIVG4qw5PHNJkslki2DOAzgYOKSYFUorSk4Ck8VaZS1Jba3E24xqST39qTkJlpIwJQoKoeAQPpUN3ETyJIyMmVZQvQf1pX1EVFG1Su3IyOKoBxLM+W5BOAc0mxjUjZxuEe0Yx1z0ptoBQmPn2Egkg9uaLoBIbSdMnazAnjP8qOddCkQ3Fr9n2u0cqlzgFhxz6VUZJlJEk1hNHEHWWMFSA6MegPehSuNouw2bPAX8yMKBzg9feockmQ0NgRLdjuAkTsT+HH+fWhu6E0XYY1JGYmQDnPbPpWUtybFDUTCYJhJ8pBCpz1PpirhdlJEuivD9nUFjvxl2Bxg+lE4u5MosmkltIrp/wB8owBwTzSUXYaiyrfXdq1o+1mLg5+78uB2q4wdxpDNIme+gMtwgSMDanHXkUVFyiaNRLd3eMJkoiHOByTWPMIqa4oitjc72QDv6/hVU7uVgWrM24u7uPQI3W2tbiKZs7lyJBjtXQoJS3NEjl5nubhZJFAR42x83YH/APVXTFJM0KjxtLAIQfNAbLMxwuasDqvCd26z/YbW3VEcjfIOmPrXNXhzK7ZLVzrluLBpzbxvHJuGTtkG4e1cDjIlI43WIbca3NDIA0Zxhc9DzzmuylJuJrYxwsdtfF7ZlkYDAX3roV2tQLl3fS2l6Dc2ssJVQdhfOfelyNiMq5db6cR28UxixmQdyO9axVirlm31HY+yzd7e1UbXi3Eiq3E2d34Q1YQWaNMYljBYRbuWb3wPpXJUg2xM9Ii1XTrLRxrCCGV44totgvzbm6n9K53FbEHkSvNceIvtSWiTq024R7tvH1rotaNmMx7u90g+LFmexkitA/7yNG3N9Aa1UXymkNzc8XpFeCPU7eYwoUGyC4OWChcdqyg7OxU/I89iJiScvOyqeQo/GuxEFK0kZJmlT+FTneOOa1An023lvr2O1iQPLK3ABAxQCPXdBXRdI1a30WXY8hbLTRMS4PUYrmnd6lu1jV1e/sl+IM1vZWN3ezXMaRmW7wcEdxn2xUpNrUgYtzLZXt2+oIHjilEcbSjnPPb0qWtdBrc9ogini8L6TOLmKKCKQeWkMPyuxHU+uKzmmEmeI+KNQXWNQ1C30zzrx/tLCaZxtUDtjFHLZ3ZBavNC03TNOhddShW727nIfkHuB9KycnJ+Q0jm/EOsmCSI6UEkk8tS87YYsR2pwpW+IoqrrGt+Mr2007VblLYeYIxNJ8ojXvWygqa0EbvjzT/DlrJbWWn3MVxJBhZHDf6wnqc1nCUkNFPSNbTw/Ez/AGeO7toXz5L4Klqu3MM63QviRdXtlNKljBaW8bNjbHgj2BqnCztcllHxpr2vDwda6pq1tbC3v3YW1q058115G8r2H+NVyoh6nkN5vZszRqikEhVOQK3SGiDSbi3gvo5pi5MbfIAelVa4z2T4b29vrVxBcLdX8iWx80mQEQwnPH1rnmM9E1vTNJ1GSbX9Y1lrmHTVxBAy7/NcAZwvuTSWotCS0ewuvCa3epaDZ6NKSGt5WTLhc8AjsKmSEVpr/wAN6NrH2LWtMtYrWdAzXUbYMnGcEdqXJoBzd34lW38bC88P6XcpoGFHmEHL4Gfl9qhtJbgxPFOuWF7pn2UW0en2l45aYRn97Lz370c4FjS3nXTl1G1e6slgiKWxdjhgDwMetHNcDRa91C60NrjUb+BEeMli4BJ46CktXoM8l1mIXBa90/Q/s4Q7pJpGBD474roinHcCCzliv5P3cpjDnLN5Z4NTN2KSKut2twsF1LbTmRSvzs3ygfnRTdxWOfvrZbTTbfZco9xcISyq2dv1roQjK+xLbJm4bLBd2xTnP1q7gb+ga7Z6ZbF7XSra4uQp3PP90celZum2wIdY8W6zqflwzTRW0QbJjt02g/lW0YJAUJLm7ukVWmklPIXLUDEtNF1GecReUqO/Iy46etHNYR0UngPXYNIi1GaeCG1YkAxygs1YyrJaDNzw9o+i2sIF/rEzxZ+eJGIZyewxWLqNgbmpweFLKOSWxhlmuJkUxRJzt9c1EpSYWMf7A9xIHWIQRKFOGIyO/FZc1jRWsc7ql6y3rRIXeKJtzBjwDXRBcyE2aC67/wASc3LRxyCN8Od3PPYD8KXstbjUrI5m6uZrpHnndsN9xSenNbRtFGbZp/Dy5uhrJ0y1ubW0e+wpllQEA9sHtVTjpqCL2u6TqN941l0pLlI7mADzJQcoMd6zilFAaS+Ebz7WY9V16OZxH5hA4BX6msnPSyQ0TzSanF4eu5NFsLqS3gPlyXKfdXHvWcKKcrsbOIin1qN/tkM6hkOTufPPvXTyxXQk6O18SamLbF9qETFMARquAw/DrUeyT2Aim8d6slpvt0sRtlIERgHQDAP6U1ho9R3Leh+KfFGqxzJEkACAuyRxgflSnhoJhcTXNW1+NbaTUtQtbVJMkRKgZ8DuQKUKMeiAqaZrd5cvckXE0rhQIzb4TP1FOdJIRflMWn6XDcXkl2LuRyGVjkoD0zWcVzNpATak1lAqDfNcPJECrQvjb9afI9wLPh+KznM5uA0skUO5Wkl7571lNOwE969lqJjkuYHKBuPKYbQfeou4vQCZ7PT7yYzFDMWXCAv2qVKUdhGElp4d0e9MsFss14QWYNJlQDXTCc5FENxceI1sBe6fGtpDJuRfKbDEA/y5rZW6iMkQeJNQka2ub2XBALM8pwAfWnzRQHT+CrseGLS61JJZJ9RMTR2iFCyoemamU05WAW9u73xDcWVq6W8dzDGZbiSXjJ75/wAKqIjH1Uq91eRmKIeS4IeM8MMdBTSEczd3avKIxEQi5Ysf5VokMzNRaRpUHYtxjvWoGlY5+yj5WBJzgjpUPcRQvViiu2UkkhuRihAWIgo2nG3jIUUgHFkWLfs5HJIPPtQgMec/O5OSSc81rFDGqztn72FGePSm2BraZmTaRhEA6dzWUmBbu2c7gz/Lx8uevtUoCndzMYmYxIidDgc1SAg02KRrnerAR9we9N7AXNRLHDbtwK8ZqUBQicNCGY9zkVVgLzXIwNqKMLjr1oEQ6fKQ8isQP4iBQ0NouxZmX5C4J7CpYIbcmLe0Um9pAcg4x+FICtfyYXy2UrtwCoP61aAqQynIVNxaqsFyO3gd747Sq7RuOTQBaMQkkj3Z2Dng8mkMrXaxwSJGhyT8xpiNe1nkvhFHGFjITG3oOKnlNFJlrWLmcWtrZrOdnllnVTwGz/8AWosVJnMXmRKcgn3q0ZMi3EEdjViL2jLM97GgJCAb5OccVLQjoNbcaghuWIVhwgDZ2qBgCs7WGc4tuH4BDMOtVcCJ0ZSw4AHoaoRY0t0NyokBZVPGaiSGat3NL5ayKTGxyDjuKzSuBlM3KsAdwHU1oFhylywUZbPYDpUuyEdj4U8PLLIJ7pizkBgmOg9TXDXq2WgmdfIgEiL5IjGzKnGAa473EVPEd1JJoS2+5IlMm4Ej5iPrWlJe+CRw99Kr4TaQRn+HqK9CKKsZ924QEhAMgDA9K0QylHLOgLJvQHgt7VVgK/mOTgyMw9zVWAeoZzgLkk0PQR1HhayaBvtfl72VcYZen0rmqyE2aL2hXUBMzmRpBjyichaw5tBXNW2DbUWZDG2cDLdR61jIhsvLHltsvDBeMVncNxdrYKhhuIz/APWouFiFtxUFQMgjpVKxSQySIspVgC3sfencC3DYy3qPGjfdHzBnHFSpW1AgbRoJIRY2t1Nc6pdyiNLcqNmD3zWyqX1Y7lrTfh2IfEVtY6xm2tnf95ITgDHXmq+sX2KTOo1nw38NbTw3qtrGHudSE37hlfd029/TmmpyYzj7C00ixuLUw/ZLhpZVV4pF4UZ70SlJoRW8SwtHqs0NukcTTSnbFAQEA7Uo7ajOmifUNH8IX2l3+ircfaYg8U7kHYf84qUk2UcxeWclva6eS6s9zH5jKFGUHoarqwsa/huXytRtnuLVrqME5txwXGKwknsKxl3HxHvNL8QahFplsLewvEaF4pVzgHjiu6nTShqKxxtzLO9y4haNFXhSjYNagQXdy1lFnIeRx8zltxOacQMadpZt0jDGela6AbPhyFlsri/IJ8rCjnueOKwq9EJtGhHrd5EpMB+YDjvxWSpoLHS6W13fWkEuowhv4lRkGMVzzmovQk3V8Ps5hS2t4Fml/hUgceprBVW3qTdnLa9LLGJ9O8tncSbcoPu+uK6YLm1LRJGYIHtVgjYBU+ck5571OrTuWmX0uYoo8JhmVs7SOv1qHFjbIi9xLLuChYs9Sc01tYlsZOGkjCFFJZs9cZAqloIhkVYwWAJPJAz0oQEQVp1OXwR83HG7HansxbDlguDiONnAzh+cc0rk3JYbaOFGjyOTySMn61LlcLliytzEy4Abrjipk7ibLkwZJAjcMep74xULUEQqzM5RQQgBG7HWgZZt9oZWVcnIBXsAKlgWpIrd2kdJyW3NtBHWkguZryqpKbMlsZGelWgEWHyVO1iMnPSm9QJp7orarhHMm0qNpHIpJagDx2wQBMo+B15yaNRlSWGJiEcgOQckd6rmEPSNpW+aZQBjqM57UrgXtNhtxHMrK7OT+7cnA96lvUCSCMeWdpO0EjAxmocgGSzHeY4sFAowQaFqKxAqlInJHJGV3H1qxWIhF5dxHcE8jkKp4Bpp9EPUs3Ks8qzM/mK56bun0FC00CxXmmKEB8hic4HNNRCxAJbhn2rvK4AJ6du1WkOxd+2SkeXLLK0KAfLnjkdqT0AbaXBMwmRVIVsoG5xj1zSbAl8TeLb7UbO1srqTfHEcpsXGMdq2pR0uUmU45TPPbpDI0cBOZUVsF167TRpdjuaXifVB4n1pWsNIFjYwRLBDBH1IHc1cp2jYHIktPDn2fMtzJPp8aAOzIo8w9en5Vj7VvTcSK10bdZA9vFcTx8gPORk0m7oTZTuZztEbIOnPHSlZGZB9+MhVx83GO9DGidZQu2QsMg4C0hjQ4mU4BXJ6+lDAsRAklZPwGKljHxeXuZWXDHGDRcaJFfLeZgccHipGRuwkAAXbgfMCe5pkjAH3YkbJwcAdO1ACvJLnbhRu+UcUCshPKaRxIUVSB1xincTY5YtyAsBvb+KpuIlW12ZGAwbqKHIdizZ2UhCxsi43DGTiolIqxb8kJOIpJI224GOmOam90BI1tZBHlljPnMOCppcz2EVZMFgwQoXOSCeAO1MBzXSwoHMS5GNpX6UctwIJL27nUMsxTndn0quVIWg8XBkIMm4sg5bPBFDiCGSlWuF3KSQcL82KFdFF3Ky5RxhFHI3ZwajYaZFe2jwyCRGEsci+vTHQUJ3G7EZjj4Zs88H6imZmKdPvdwbyxuzySw4rb2qESwaZdZdZDCuOw+nrUupEBIdHcMCyEk85B4Ao9qAy40q4ZQq7mPJ4UjGKFVSAZ/Y9wWMYh3EHcGBz+FV7ZDLo0q5RhtiZEwFDKODWbqoV7iro7QKskqFTJkrzkjmj2oDPsMyxNgfNuwQQevrTU0ISPT2YmRmVPmAIBzg/Sn7SwDxp6KQN2Tn8PyqecY42csfYMM8YGAfpQqiewDra0Ek6+cWjjU5BK9/em5aAaFhbQjUjFd3NvEYyD8zjbz0pO9roaOU8Za7OusvFLGhjiO1AEI+hFdNGnZXuaLY52/iv0h85pG+zytuCjqcdq6YON7FHZ+An0M2CnVtTls5cZhh2+YZeT6dKwrx10FZHOz3sa+JbkRzsYUlOA3AYduO1WoXiKyNhLuK9f7DNeGEl1LSoPlVc9fyrL2bjqLl1KHidkS53aOz6hbQctO0ZX5vatIL+Yexymm3X+mE3l00XmyAuGz6+grocbrQZs62NHttUgns79byByqMqgqenUg1KTaegI29bGnx6EbmC9jVSBth3cnrXKuZTs0JrUo+AQLvzmlvTEhYCOJv4z6AVpiI2WgpRO5gt3VABCybCdzdK81vW5jJWOd183SKdyxsjH5Wzz+NdNG1wicPeX9ymIomdHJJwgJxXdGKvqbpGfb380ErwSo2bju1a8qKE1C3eLT1VQzOTlgnT86pAUbSeeNwpkmVAeVViBVOKsM73w42lyaS7w208c7L/AK3FcdZWkCRkMJf7QLyl3duB6VcbJWKiVtagNlcwMxYSSfMu0Z6VcbtBIdqy2s1wJ59Rd9yDJcdD6U4pogzgot3aSGdmRhgkGrApzXKEgwEYB+YgYyapIDpPCmuyG8jhezhlVVI3vxtrGtTVrgz0nTvEdvokEjIY2lmiO0TYbqO1ee6cmyGjgf7Xkj864YIG+ZdgHUHvXXyXsirGPNOlxdPfR26wFW3bFGATW6T6lot3NzNdxS3Fy/lysAI4wc5H0pcqQmZU0c8NqfMjVDIflyPmNaICi2n3GxLi4Q+Tu555/KtExXCbY0qGNgmPbBpjNWxuXtzBdWwczswCkNzn61EgNHU/EetHWIWmklhukfhmbLBqhJNaAdTqGq3tpbK92yPcupaSafvuHbP1rFrUpHZ+FvG3iXX4VtrXX7W0itID1RQBxglc9Tis6z5RtXMfU/sfhOxWCG6mlupU859wGHzzk1inOo9UQzjtR1my8T3Mc12rwSID5jDhT9AK6YU3BCMu2m8u8hhtTGsAfCBhz+NW46DJtbuo7u/l+3t+8x9yL5R6A0oqyFcrwBrn92A+VxtcjpTkrDJrt3kuoRdH9xAwMuBy/wDjUxVtQbOot7bUvEMk50mJ4Yg/7qIL5YVPVuannjF6ickZ/ihWjvI7C4uEu7qGEpu37to6gD9a0g7q6Jvc5S8CRRsmGEnUj2rZDM+3INwNqFiD90LnNU3oNHufh0ara6HbW7yJaW6xKZPNcIpA9u9ebUqPm0FcfafE7RNEv5bm7g/tS8RQsSIV2If5VvCMpK4HL+Jvixr3iPWJZ1mgtIJGURxmPIUAYzx15rdQSWoWM/8A4RvXNQuIb/Vb1rhZzlCWI4PoPSsZ14rRBc7zUdZvJvstsohtLa2j8ohRjd/hXFKpFk3GaTLFaNLLLZQahK+SkjZPl4qHNtBcij1C6cyyahJKLHfuWOInAJ7AVqr2sg1uZni7WrNrmHTrWC6hLJxHIp3Y/wAc5ropRdrlIx5be2soXPnTsDgu0hOB7YrWUrlE+n3iNdpbWbmGEMu+4lUKirjk4rKUbq7LT0KXia6trhnWzlWeC7ORkgHjvjtTpxsQzjL+RYpEOT5gO3FdMRFC7k8ydtoORweatICn+8wQQw6cVogLMO5mG0KTyCD1ouM7HwVp9pbapZXOr6fNdQKVd4RkblrOTA9V8D6PH4y8U6tdWPhiwXRrFGSO3MvlysSoxz1PesJ6LQaPNtafVvD+vzaX9jESOxjETMXKBjg7c96IqLVwuV/EFg1qP+JeCGSMNOsvysp70k7oB91cODDc2ty9qqRLuVSTuOOaWjC46G4aXSI7uIXEsUrsnmyN3HalbULmFqDM8qoMEBiZNvXFbRQrkWlp5l5mGB3ySFDDg/hQ2wLmoub1QGthBIoIO1cZ/ClHRiMK4kSBYmDkyKflxWkewFm317UkkaWKVYXlAWRkHLD3NVyIZY1HWb24uoXu7iW4aIDhumKnkiAxfEerPayadHqlza2M7bpIYmIVj9KrlQFNr1Y0ZYnkdW6huM4o5UBc037XqF0uxHeKMjdtHFJtRA7yzsfDtn4c1XUIYZLi7ijDIJRhVY8fjzmp5tQOOET2tql3dX8kRnywjgO0gd+aHK7sIbb2o1qYyHfaQphFaVss3qTU3tsB16roel2Fomi2LvdM/wA908nEn0ArCd5bjMzU7K9uQiXNyyRyt5m6Q4BXPr6UoNLUdjZk8P8A2KSE6XFbXkctuX81rjKqfTHqKPaJ7sLGb4W0TUU8VC2vFVUuIyHcPhEHXJpVJx5LgdBf6bpVk627a3YyCMcKHx+dY6vWwMT7FHchTZ6gh2nY8h4jUHgU43vqhHXXHgvwl4d8MixvGhnvbxCxvEly2c4+UelaczTBmXpeh6Ros91ZxWl/fu21457qdUjRSBnv1q3JPViJdN8Jajc3krvNHb2d1k2yR4csw9fbmpcbjJx4afT9PutOkaV5XjMm4x42gcnkdKzcHe4jyK+v862JQ7xru2s3qPeuuK0A1bzykvrpA8khlCsq7R3HrVK4kcbf5WVo+doY5GfetUMD5bR+cYHaPOA4PIoYFm2dFVgJXQAcZ55qRGde7/tAdWMjOuSeoFNDNiztVTShNOubhiSOeMVDeoFCYTyRgEBVbPSqQGXcjy227iwx1rZPQDU0G1lltbyYKpjERFZzkMfZeVBsDlcgZGajcVi1dTxvOJVjQu2CTngUJAV/3UkU4liEjkcEHG05poCtpRjF2Y3BAPQ5pvYC5qi/6MqI6qVPcdRUoDHjYhinynPb0rVAWpiCo4HAAyKQyBgdm77ozj3NAGlp7MvljdIATkc4qWIluSrZCt8wOSTSsBlXbhmZhg59DVIBlorM+4DYAKpgDIiXCn5to+8cdfak2BpNNbkMLeIAbcYwc5oAxZmZiWMZU9euapbAWtIdvtYG7auOT6U2hmtcQxOXuAJZFRQF29jUjKFwgliOyFwQuTuFCGZgRidxH51SZLJre4kijZVxg8N6kUEj5Hk8syLkAjjmiwDYSuAPnLN15pMZFP8AexgADqO9NAWNKVjPhUZyR0Wpm7Aa97EzRwsVIAGHAPeoQGTaxme8WJMgO+PmOOKp6IDs9M0MWW6eR4FCDOWYHNckqt3YVyrZ6pOmpDMhAc7T8/GKUqd1cZ3U7XMkVsbu5jMcCYU7hwCK4rWbJZjassV1aHFwoC8AZ+7WlO6ewJnJXZKyFWJYnhST1ruiUVbpFKAtkkMPl9atAZs7+ZKU2lUTqAetWgRXLq5ztwOwqgL+kNNHdK1ugeQHoRmpm1YTPTNLaeLT/JljP70hmO0da8yrJNmbZKqwowcJtJ43Yzk1jcW4pUPtkfbuxQFiSPz5BuwDgHb6GkNItWsDuoTyQHJBZ+w46Umy1Ee2ms7kbQgJABBPOKXMOxFJC0TOjqWG35SKadwYxLMB3dHZZCBnOMCnz6kFhnktGVj5QnjOYypwR75puVwEe5uLyJLG6urmcM5bLPkAnrzT5tbidzp9N8DaVN4XvNUhkne7iyYoVIO44wc45HbmqU2VF33OJuNEFvIv2e0la6aQZBGTuJ6Vam3oyjMZ7wBrljabyCAhb5xjrV6bIZu3d6NbsWXTra6j+zWqxeUZS5kkzyR6CpVo6MaZ0FxocNp4UtrzU9MubK+dMGZmyhIHH8qlyvsVcx/A0+m2WrSam+rRT3ECk+QzhSM+metEk30JYzx21tqVxpMEsUawSKzIyxqDye5HWtIyaQjgNb0i4s83CqJIQxXgVrGsm7CuYzSZQIbIMepIzmt7pD3IbmOacxpFBIgbhcrQ5qwM77w/p0Vnoq2jpFNLMASNuTnNcFWpzO5lu7ka6faLqIlFkYyuAFI4B9aOd2LvobUTynEjKXck5A4A+lYPUkrX+rStdWlqhc3L8DYCG+n6VpTp3GonKazqV0/ieGCAFGBCyqev1NdiglG5XQ6RdkgCuhRV6kLwfx9a5WuiJuMR7dXJI4bgMFpagNilyit5aqJPu7m9OOKbjd3KEkniEYkV1MiAgr3AqkhpGfNcS3NykaI65TJAHWqtbUGWI444JEjfzC0hHympbvqZtmiPNBACbecnnk1ldEj4EAkwx3dz8vWpbBk77lIYAKoHzY7elIEhHVt2+RSBjIIOT/npTWhRUV5ZnMqmY/MF2sODz609ALMJCRkoxDk/T61LEyQOpRgQpkxwM5xk0IkjuEQFEVgzYw3GMUyrjXMinAYlcAc8igLjJk2xL+8Ygck4x+FUmMaEVlVgdo/hyKTAsWsEjnlV25I3kc5qG0gLMNqobYrr09Pf/P50uYRZWIiX5mi2ofl54yam4DLqUpcMFaJlGeFXPtQkgGqjNEzgIjcYA4FPYYixREIqKof7rsWz1yelVcpEZtY0JCyeYxGSCMAD2o5iSCUSEAtGAozgqeapMqxnTRqJiA7AbRWqegh6wlUA80g47nt2pXFcW2+0EbpNoUHC+9JsLjpS2GLq/P8AFQgIVRIpFmkwWiOdrjqavyHcux6rJlJpLSCMR5RfLXGfrS5REtpPLDIiwOY5nPyEdjUWvqI2J5y1/OuqTz3UzIigh+h5PSo9CkyLXba2XR7X7Leq0kkreZEOCnTFON+bUGYbwyxz7pd33vTORVJ2RIhj8tivAHJU56UXBkdvEWJYl9uchiKLoVySM7SEJALDpjP4/wA6L3HcubYktvnYiQngFai4rjYXHlsihN3ZgOcUFXJY2YQ8sdzDuvNIaI497yEbS3se9MGTeSyNho+2W9qnmQhPILqZFbLH0XNO+oiWCyupYRLIrhOdue9JySCxcSBbcRpJMpYckVDlcLE1u8WdxKkBj908mpYEt66n99CpCHv/AEqUu47mVfyTSuJ5AqgMK1ikSx0N3IUMZG11PJIz+lHKIRLmOXkfdb+8CMUco7kU3lbCWODnAx0z/wDqqloFxUIRlRFCgDoe9D1EOEzlfLVAVPUEUmguLIdr790QHTn1oRaFO5dy79q98UEt6jlZQoJbOevPP5UgbHLdTHJO0MgG0GiwiUwyqxZ0Vu7+mayuBKWjkyskaxswGCuT+HtU2Alt+Y2KRJnIO0jOcf59aljsWkMUabzFInByq9/rk8Uh2IpFSOcqhZQF4ViM/niq3JB7iBRtJY9jjt6UuVsQfbLdogjyRZX5Rwd354o5GgKb3SOWhQoBgtufOBj34/WtEgGW826MboEJBHKtxikxi3ITcMYiGegPX60RJ1CSRfsfnpL5h3bVReuPXPSnbWwxIdSNtEYZtPLknLMcEtVcuoGT4jVNZtWNvZKs5xlgSMEH2/zxWlN8mjKRwk013axR+aouH88EMzEjg9PWvQSi9nY1SNzxRrlleWlvu0w2CBdoIfcH98daiFNp73GUo5kkjilQpHHFx5igl8deO1U1a4iusscs7tbB7kd5HAz+NPW2oynqkqRTRvEzxqMCYsQozntVRTYjWt5tQfTAlg1rDbBS48xt5cis5RV9RNGD/bM0szzi0t2ufeP5c/TpW6jpoNIu+KJ2vNHtry9eKG/UBGSGJVXb2PHtiiK5ZaDGQ6Pp48Kxak+qJHcu5WOB2JZwOpx27UOTTsgZJ4Jgiv8AXLWBpJrdy5CNHESS2Ce30qa8rRYPY9hgtpIbLEQWSZVwM5y/1BrxJNc1zGaPOvFt9defJBKghZJDlSM4r0qMFbQIxOfe5PkRpKVWLJLuoGT7V0qBqZSRS3OpKYApXBOFBJAFaLYZYvpjHZLi8WNCTlACWppagZ9iD5RlziNzg/3vyqthnoXnw2Phy3023aOZpE3EuwDj2rhlFud2JmEsytFNDIAsq8JuNapFXMLU7i8WWMsxbC4UjkDNbQSEVZWnZkLFGAOdrd605UBXbzd7CJcAt91TmiwmPlHlwgqxLH7wC9P0poEXNIvGhEipcRQnbubcp3Ae1KSuMnuJp2iWNNrhvmSVmwf51nypCsReTLM0MckoILAElqBFsysriDylWRWwNoPP1yaZRXuJLmC+y7ETocA5BxQBJfuFij3xsZxlmduhzQgKl1NZCxEpmcXKn7g6Y9apIDPjPm3IJj83PQk1YGq19bSQRWa20cDxkfPGSWP64qHHURTv5C1+qguwU/eZwGJ9TTS7AjdaSzn05Y5L2JpccxbiSfxxisralHQaJq+iaPZqNTtjLJ5TG3WIZbd2yMionTctiuYpeIfEmq6sRb3N3GLSOIbUNuquB6ZHNONOMTNnKxT2zTHzXlRiSV8sdR71rYC6jwQMGimd1AydyUmrjIbgPd4uAjmMnbuAx+FJKwI1LCOdi1pYxxxBosSNySAPc96TaEzSGo2enXKfZLaKaYRgYfLZb1FZqN9xHTRXmuaXpDajqN5BatOmXhkGG2knjbnNQ7N2QWPPdVF/Lqa3a28u24JMRETAMBxxmto2SsgRElpqUt35EcUsszclRGSR7VpdJagaI0fxYGRVgZC/yjACt+VR7WD6gdJYfDjU7uwnvNX1kLJbKWePJdsYz9KylWinawMg0nw14ct4ft+pajJKzJ5kNoU+/wA8biDxSdaTWgrmhoraNZandTJYQTBEHliOMuqZx1PTjms58zQ7nVW1xp8txK96l9cs0IEWZkWGMDnp1rnkmzOTItKvtOuNKkke8XTvImO1zb+ZvHbvg03Sd+4zldY164nt4LHS5ryW8a4H2q5EYRdufugdf1reNLlu5DO90nwneeJddtbYSLYWdriWMnBMrDB5Gc4rODt6lIivriz1zxDqGp2uowxazpsy2seU2xyDkMRnpVtuKK0M3xT4J1PTYjPcWsl5NcFd0o5GWPQc80lVuytLHO3oWOx+zTNCIduWk34xjtjFbQbFexlXi6e2n/arSQIyAKMJ8oH1NWmSYclhDdWLX8UjTtG+H3DB/Ad6tSs7MdjHjWGSUsysreh/rWyYiqrNLMMIFGccDFaIDVsdLExSWW4Eak/dPDGspTsFzo7VmghiaKa5EABVi8o6egrFzYGz4F1e80LxHDqttezwIGw4D7gyd8gVEp6DvY6v4rNZX3iHSPFWmaouogOkjRRDGGVgcEfhUwnZNMm5W8Ta3Z6lrkEn2O3tEaNmvXZgRkqcAgjPXFVHYL3OG169muooTKse4qVTZj7vbp04qla4FbRNRK6PLpc9xBbW4cuHYFmBPoPWrtrcZmXDIUJiJkjUlQSMEj1qkBPpzrZ3FvOJZIpN+Bg5AzUy2A9D8Jf2QfE0MmsTXFnAUP7xrYSckVzyloCIfEOhPdX01toWmQ6hFZROIz5S7pF/vcd6qNRJagcFpfh+fL3Gp28tvaRj7wIA3dsk10e0TWgG34rt9CtdIg/snUkv7uQATqoP7sY6Z7/hRFu+ozh5InT5fJZWPQAVpdICe30TV5Io5FsZRG4yrOCKXtIsDvPBfh+wYxx6/rQ063wc+XHnBHTPqa56lRvZAdfF4Nn8Vr/ZHhx5k0uJTIby4tmjjnwem4DB5BrOMpLUDndS0yJLC7gubC1uLfTJQHkRtjHPbJzkcUuZt6biOKudVa41AWxla1tCNqgEAAfWuqMbLUDb8Ua7px1WyWO2tkstNgEFqkEgYyE9Xc9yTS5NLDPR9D0fRfE/wxh8Qw+aLm0i+z3KIoYAAnn61y1Kbg3Y0SVjjLXUtA0XVv3DiV7V1MJc/MfXgcY6U0pSQXR6omueGdc0u4vrG4sprxUAmWRdhU7STj9Kh0WtyJM8N1a2uZbf7TbRtsaUg55OOea6Yq4jI027uptQjsQS2ZQPv7QBnvWrUQPafDWi3P8AZDrdWJlhiLOt3b3CltueOPrmuKd29AOk8Polr4SkuNRjuJZJ5m2200XzBcDBY+n+cVcIMRyGs+KbfStdstQ1KcW9qrmG2hsywKjGMnJA6kVo1ZAaHirX7s+HZ4bGVLYNHjeWyWB68k81gnrqK54hqeFnUtlmTBYleM12Q1QzrDI+qaENSUbYFTbKYo87WAGO9WoiOGvlj8xlQSE5z864q0MsWEcs9vJEq7nADKAR07/pSYCiN1XK4KEEZCZyam4iqsoUGJfk5waLdRmhMrbFUklVGenAqAM+eQ+WXQdRjIqkBmOH3smQwGOvFapXA6DRruWS3a1t7WI9VLBsAfWsZjHXel3b3ClkURqoP7w4Ug+maSkBpWsOk/aEjmuIt25d4UEge1Rq1oIydVhVL65jDNGm87SvcVogM+BD9oVo1LDOBnrmquBqTvLviNwoAIK9N1IDKlQpdspCDb0IFUmBYjQPDIhk3AAN6UxlOQmWQRqMkKe+KdhFzTpUZFVAxK8E56GoYE926rFgjaxPUdaQik0fn5MVtIw6bjgCncYigRr0AJ754FMBhkATaCd+euelMCxK0sUKAz/6RJk89RSAp3kU0Q2yqQT3PeriAlvdG2j2qsZYnnKZyKbC5asruVJHkcOIWyGEfAz2qWMSWaV7Vj5jgZ4ywzihBcqIWEYZsnniqEIRuJZcL9R1pXAsLA88YjXBKjntzUuYF7T9DuJ5ApkjjJHBzn+VZzqpCNGbwbJG3+kXSRjbkZXDN+BrNYhdAG2ul22nyo4uS28EB8Yx2qudyAZqis9oq+c5UNuPHQVcRmHCTHdpKNqqrZAPoKt6qwHdXkd6mg22oNCyw3QPzNgHP09K5uTUSRyr7VuFOQHJyGPatOgzrbR7AWe+Z76chQTvA2jisJQbegjPu9atbtEhtLYxBc72bofQYx0ojSa3CxiTBftDllUnbkZbIH0reKGQzlXbLEoB0AHFUBXYxohMZcBs5JAOapAiqF3HC5Jz6VT0QjtPCGjFUhvriSSJXJCAJnNcderbREyZ2qwLwu0sCSDgdPw79q85uxmTf2Y8ZRA6RoWBA29u/wBKSlctIhltYm3yq5jC4yHOM/8A1qpMbQ3TIgbgRZRygK5j5pSegLU241ywXy5FbGeRggj061lc0Rado1ZJjGY3QZOWJB/zzUgZl+hmZSS33t5G3GPT8K0joQ9Ciyj7YZwTgKQybTgfnV6WJLttGLxvLJKdcYTkfSpbsNA9mYG5Y/LkkOpGQR1oU7jsOtNQntoRLbtIXU7dgJAI7/0qr6kkh1W9ktPI8+RELBzLEvzJjtnNJbjRktpCNEZo7OJs5OWY5z7+lV7UolRY7WF1vba4G5cRNFLswwHc4pxaeiGc9qOu3c1wlpLPdXMYUBYXdmVTk5PpmupQSQ7iwaXdkGZtPSRm+YAoRgCpc1tcksoZluFiu4UWVWGyMEkAfSplboBv225mJVBvA6CPdgdDya5ZPsZWY7Ure1tbKWaK0t2uJEVFcYyp7/jTpylfVgr3MWx0u8uZwcNtA24GOT9a3dRItmtcaDqyOWe1SKOJNybiNzevf0yahNSCK0KMkW1I3hADlvm4/pmi/cGyCaVnlwjBWY9e5+gFCQjN8ya21SyvlPmiI7grHqOQeOtdEHpYu5ILC2u9YudaWFbcyfdXHA4//XRKraKiS2TSxKxUM3JOdo9ulZXFcfaWzeXvCOSvJUdMflxScguXrLR4rrSLzVZb6yjW2l2R27N+8fgHgf8A1qHJ6DuZcESx/MsahmOV4/SqbsK5KtoQZDKQJHTKZByg/rU8wXHw2rs6bwoYAENuzgUnITLilSfkjLqDgYOBmoIHm3Mce5iVcAHIUndRcaKzSS5bB5bpk9RQVYcpV3wQ0Xbd/kUAOK7DyVCg8YOTRcGyN8RMoABH8PGPz4piSuCrK7lgwXDclec/lRsOw+U+ZuDYLEZwRzx/+ukSxkiyeR5RfaOp7YoBbiABowMl8Y56f/rpsskSPZgblJ3ZweuKRLZdhAeMkFOeSCeF5qGFxkwMMQzISQTyF6596aEVZX3R7gCSG+Zc9ePpVJIaIE3glijKGHPPT2plFi3aUElJFIB6Yz+tTYWxNbO+C8nDs2S3AyPTFDKTJjKFQsiLtBwcpk1CQiG5kVY5DIoUdVwOQDVrQ0WxUaIPJkKcNwR3/OquS0iNo4kOJB82OOOntxQrslkYuYJAUCyrID8u3ofrVcrQmPjjJGAeh5JPah3JCeDzckNk4+6c8+/ShOw7jYrc7ASshTd1YfLkdxmhzHc1I7OB7R5d4yhzhmIP4VPMTcgbakyMIgG4BxknPrSuBb1a2uLWVfPuYJWkTcAj9j0B96Skn0LuZ0hjB4Ds2euOhqrk3FWMOEKSbU3YbP8AhSE2OnZFCAoz8460CuKiJnftUK3UHGc0BcUguwCAEjpkZxQAmyVQQrgHbknHagZZhtw8ZmdlUkcHpj8KlsdySWKNIghkfHHzD86V2FxsMaXMjQw3EgkA4Kjk9Ov60N8upSfcvRoUk8tJDluMHrUN31HZE0j3KMISW2rxt4OP6ULUpRGysrMI3jxkYGcE0gasVBlYniVVyCcE85/KqWpBQVp4o3/ecbSNu7rn/wDVWlkTcfAGvLcM+AQRhTwM59aHoFyOQSxS7/3ztnkHH50biJcrIjbRGMjPJ6VOzENRCwCuyLjnA5zx2qgEYuQDsZSOhx+FACw4xjgEjtn86GIfLcwRJ+9jOFYAFVyQfpSSZSY+GVGjARiVPPzHGB/Siw2O89CzjZGSv3eTwKLCGkSE7ljJX+HDUgLP2x02jdEq47p/XNZcoDBLdvuG4Jk5znj8BTasBZNwkagvJ8yALjsc1DiykMF4qZjixuZdoctgAUKI7iliRkZJLcHP69aLaiFZGbDSFiuMEZ6n1pt6iaIXgiYbkXJA55xkfTv0ppiHGISRqpwPY55/+vSvYfQsrbvtwrY4wTjGPTn61Lae4iJ7N5JHkd2ZeTk889uO9CmgGLbSR7S7Dr2FVzoaQtyI0spHkMQyfvOcfhTjrIdjz29Or2Mss9vepErMSuyTJx/SvRgovdFI526vpxPvuCHbIwc9c966lFIok1MtdQJLLHuK42ktnPtSSsxl+6S9k06KfybaD5R8o4OMYzUXSeox2jXcVpG1oLUSedHgzBcbWyaUo31GjLuY5DdvFcq8iqcnPAFaIlouRarc6bbLDbIkkJByNvzc9Rmk4J6iMKZlmlllVzG244QVpFaWGiGVi0uZWdU4GM56VolYZoR3st8sFmiq3lAiM4xjmoasKxpeHb650+/Vkuvs8iN98DJB9s/jWc43iwsenajM/wDZAY6u+6MczxqCx/wryXG09jOZwmsNY3srt/alxcFly0kick/nXfTTXQEcmYxE7pGrsinjk11I0NBN8dr+5tn8xzkOB0GOaOoGRdQsMGRW9MtVReoEmnFFjzvAdzj6e9EmUdLb6UpkSeRZZAUBLljgHviuaU1exJW1GBJGcxo5WMEbh1qohczrm7ZrTyDEyIpzuK8n8a1QyBDAj/vZdysOoXpV2AryTQ78WcL8jqT1ppCKvmzKxCM0bZ5FNKwy1LJbRCPyf3905zI7rwPamBakjuUYSXBQsACOeg+lZuwi2+n3PlRyGIIOvB61LYGncIltZyXE+QpXovJFTfWwGMsQfUIxJJHEZvm3ufWqQye6FvbvLBLJNO5fAKjIxQBUlt0jikf7JKFP3WYAVcXcDHw4GVVhjnI4qwJkddwKJkr1OaAIpGZizjruxnBxQBoaZMYF8xHUPz0UH+dJoDQ8OXNhb65Fearbfb0QErGzFRu7ZI7ZqJLQDV1zU5devLm6lsrWzEqYRYRhcD0qFoScqiN9sVAVhf0rRaoZOtvNBeZnIKnLjJ+9n2p2GdSWfUtNVVhhtre3wzCJCMn61zNNSEZ9rcz3F0tojGKKU7X7YHqavlvqBFNHbWtzNb2zxyCNtu4k5b3FC2A3bK0sprgahd3saxqgWOIOWdmHQ4rKcmk1FAYviDU9RTW90txM8cZxCGGMA+g/CtKduUSO68G6zcQ6PctZaXsuzhnuZE3HH41zVUubUTM9L+/vtTntLa5WIuhEkhOCPp6UWSV2gsaCW1xp1ooW6mvHnGxhyAAe9ZOpzMku6VpNl5bzXVwkSwoQqkZ3Y7D3qJ1ZbIRmajFdarLDEsTpbRDcsRbYp56npVqair33C5taPaXFykenzzRfvXxjoqgdifSspSV7oVybXZ08428kMTwQjy44YQMBh347U6aa1LS0uLpMENk0FwI4yHBcq+Rhs9xSlNvS5HMbUetanYeKDNpGoees0O+RyAFjPTaM+2K0i0o6lKRX0jwkdat2Ogyp/afnvLcGZyNzNzkfrT5m5a7Fq5T1h9c0fXYtDOrXH26NC8i+YzIfTAPpVK1rtD1OfHhuJ5/OkhnlZySSd2Pc4pOsIv2Hh25aaJjaF7ZXIK5HOPaiVTsxamJ4kinLv9liMFotw7CIcdABj3rSk7bmsdTldP0mS4vxdzW7pAZACW43V0ufKhNGtJ4Stlkd1JQ7uOuRmslXZDZfvtHdI40UTXdwg2rGBtAX1zU+1u9RJmSr2QspJpLOQ+XIw80N8qnPTFVcovaHc3Q06a4aFSrg+WNvJHSlJaiNL4fJBqf+iG+t4LkliRO2AoB/nTmuwmjY8SaDd2c0lxewQSafKNyvEyneR1yR1rOLshbHJ+JXhtNrAbGZAOvIzV0xpnK3jqjxGPcSR1P1rqiMWCUvG8bcknmmxjjK9nGjIYCzE7RySpHf9aQzr9l7caCYbyWeO/mA8vaQTt+grF2TuSaOizX2kySeRcHztgQsByfXNYTtNgaV9rccqrb6olvqFvsDvCFZcHHAOB2rWKtsBynn6XayTPNboiEbxHjj2FW+Z7DL9tr+nXVuIbPR7a3feN1wYtzYHPGeO1S6bW7Az73WNbuL7/QrWR1ZdilYz8tOMY7sZbu7U2skdncRmXUGAk2oc44zzUy1egGxFr/jB0tLJ9av7S2DbTGuVG30461FogdVFqPhu78JXnhzU7UG8eFnt7mQbWd8+ufpSja9xM8HvrG5iD+Y8TYJwF68V3RloCGWOjalfOsVnaTTSu2ABz+tNzSGfQvwr0KPTPhVawanbRWslw8v2gGbDPljt6H07Vy1pqQ76DvFvgWzTwJb6f4YsrWTU5blmlnZP3pU+55xSg1uyTyvVPBuq6NffZbs/vHCl0iB6dySat1ExPUmtPCVrdDUZI9TmtmtFQKrEPnLAE8H3p89kUa2neDzo2pW4XUYtSnmXIghtySR15I6VPtLjsdZYG+0O0v9WS3igluAIhG7kkdBkL9Qax5lcTLnjZ/tVrbpfXzNPdqiNbIxBVQMj8yc041tBBpnhnTNE05jeWdo9y2JBPdqJmRc5wAen1pczY7GF8TtZiutPhsbeNPs2BiUxbHHHJxTprUhxPINWcyxOsbIwzktjk11xGizpFw8dioFw8S8MyryCPcVpcClrcReX7RHKXSQ5Bx/SqQy3o1l5lv9oSYbk+Ux49eM5pSAi1zfZqVUAEYKhT+tQtQM6yRZrgPtPHLZNW1ZAadwTtaRQQuOueKyAoyxLKmI5MnII44poGRyafO+HL8HHAHJquYD0Xw74fgl0ma70iznZbdT5yn5ixFc9S7YXMSaMybGMM6EpuZX6AenSnFNBci0nR4vtEcuUYzEjAbLA54AFaN6CZD4ximsNTEE1s8MhwQr9cY7/lSQJnPtcSJeJIgZ8MDgLx1qwNi/dRpUZMaxuWyGz1qeoGJcKCWmIyTwDjrWmwx9oHZCjMEHAAxzTuBWu1KOysCDVICzo4naNwJBFGO5AO6okBe2aciKZVnmfPZuBUARsUMTJEjxRbs5JzmmBSuAFdYkVtucgtTQCFoFbBUk4wSPWmBJ5qzSKV5C8cnmgLEN2uwszjexGDz0q0IpxlWf5lO32NUBbW4lto2hiP7tuQCahoYuJI498hU5/HNIC9ZwC7ZY4zxjLEJ0qZSsgLWm6fvuFkcMUHAX1qXOwHR6P4d1jUX8qC2aYAFmCgdOgyawlVSA6Ox086QbL7bbi3jjVm8tkJMjdK5Zy59iWjM8WyGe3uJIZh+5H3H4Kj0q6MdQRxFlKZ5dkgAjHcnGfpXYkVYlubg3ULww20rFFzkNVoDJltkSASbnLnglugq0A+2uJZl2GQ7VAAG6hxAfkI6/Lvbt1qBEbXUo4mdgmMEVSQzR0fXvs1lPY+SJYppA7ZAz8vQZ60pRuBBqN3PrWqh4LWOLICLFEMAAUnaKA0V8MajcKrLG24joeKydWKJ5kPHgnV7m6H2iS1tlxnJJPH4UniI9A5kbGkeDbawvo2urlbh2UOqqMCsZ4hvYGzonUQzwK21IBncqx4AGcYzXNrL1JsbFw1vbRRJJC++QDy4/LwWHrWPK3cSRW8QzXdjeLaR2wCzIsgYZGF5zgGqhTurmhSay+1ne84CqBsVl71fMloJm5pViI7VWliQNkDGMdu2a55vUaRrJbQshJ2RlSSMNx/8ArrJvoaqxSe+dWysYBjbOAev4VaVyWUJL6a+lkuZRI7SNhCFAx+XatNlZkMsxLFt+ZnRwnLZ4PtU3FYIntLfDhi25Rhw3SlvoLYBdG8jLRv8Au8FVz/LP5UcvKFzPS2efdEmV4xngYq27agWLTTpceU8nmKp3ZI5OPeocx2HNp4Vg8gyMfKF4I/KlzJjZR1a8W0sxNNEXUcbcdeK2pR5noB53qdyLjUXniBtoyMYDZNelFWQG7pF/YX9obeS5aOO1G4O0mC7e2KynTkndBY2r9LCA6bdQ30V5c3KnzI4mLsg/2qyUJNMZHJqTLcHE58xz09Mdqz5LkGqtt9oZ7mOHbCoG9lkBycVG2gbiPfNawsAskcLgh2KZ6Y5GKFG71J5Tr9J17TJ/C39l63bMl7HlrSYEgnKnG7P1rSm1FlLQ5iayu9Lt90wSSOXIR84Bz1qJWb0E0YM1qsty10zAs33CB0+lWnpYQxrJZAHdN+ARuzg0KVh3LEaIsKRMgZF7k9TUt6ktim24VDjjBXceAAaTkItGMRo8KlcyAfMO1Te4FJoWMT7D85HJxz9a0UmO5asIN0SIgBbbk8df8KmUtQuMcStOR1cA/N/Q0DGrEuxXxtK9sGlcTFDMjZ3KQecZpiHx3MlztiZCqkZO4dvSpsAy4jG8lEwB90Kf8mqHci3FZgTvUdeTQIkRuowGZiOOwoAYImYjL7QcZ3D7ooGmRiPddBEYqoJyWHWjoUWpIocboir7ejDv60kyBzxuyK5AVypJJ56YwKLgRCNmkVQvBx04ouO44ZQnKA4PBPOfpRcRZg3rGGkDDI9TWbENZGNu4DkEnJH9KpMpFLLZJPUnHzDoavcdiEFWYbySM56nGKYyzEAMsAqjHPu1Sxbhcsiou+TyyG4znFCDYnjmiKg+YzRkHcMcEilYLiTzNtTaRtHTPYUILkUzTTI2HAbqG61Q7kbBWOxgW42qx4GcUXAhitxESxAPPBA5GKrmYmK4aUYh3IhOMj39aRJMmxIRJu34+XOKVwANI8SxMjy542oOpoEywE5IKbGPVccUmCD52jMbo5OeDjGR/n+dFxkUET7juQ4Xnb3ptgPe2EcoZWZQDkqAORSuAwRRo3yB+TnAOOaLgTpEJ8FwcZwu32pXsIbJb7NpUMwOcDNCdx2FEaKjdnRckmmBMIyzhioHy9jnNJsCy1n5Z8wkEv8AQfhUKQFY2QKmRiVC8klsgU+YC2LkKqRWyAKDgvjBOR7fjU27lE6lFclV+cDucZ/GkNDXt1kGQ0gTABQN978aV7FXIvIuZLh5pJz5YyFjxwAOn1ptibIrhGWBWT7+7qOCR3pkkRhIidinz/wnpzVKSE0OtYGBdHLHaSSAe2KGxFW5fdMNq5Vewb+dUgHASBSdqqAOR70nuIrsiCXAzhuPriq1AnVGdSjMCU5HPWlcYBHZtiP1Byc9KLiFZCG2bxuwPun+lFwFjV8Dc54OCO5pcwx8FqWlfzGJRh84BwKHNDsaIt9qBViTaenJrPmCwh0yExkm9jOUBIFZ+0fYLCfY7cbSZJC3GCT1NLnCw86dCI0y8ZZny3zdKOdhcW4trSFRveNQcMuSPyo5mwuR3U1gLf8Af3UaccDPOaaUm9EMIBbyiONLmEZGd27pQ7rdALJLDDuJbKqAN1CTewrFGXVbA3GwSMSpAzjvzWnspWHY0hGGIaC6jbdgMA3UGs2rboLCpIrkhLmMsx+6TjFK3Ww7D9jZUbiVUdfWkBT1qzS+09reYboyAxKjODWlOTjIDyfV4Hs7qR4ZtuzgBu4r1qb5lexSRlkxvEss4DSZ6qfet0UW9OVrwlVVvvHAPak9Bmvt+1aXFFPKpaMleOAMetY63AgmY3EahAipAnykHvnp+tNLqCKsd1HLKZ7hszOdpGMZxV6gyjfu0chzF8p561otRFNbgSOxjMcSrncT3q0gKkWZ2Z2bdGCckdTVjJIE3szwhkX06YqQJ7ePL7xIMKCTk96WyFc7/RtRls9HEMP2OSGVAXIGXB+tefUpc0rkyVynd6j4cuYTElvKLnbhynHNaRjNMSOUuY5YpkjYusQ9O5966YotG1YGaTTiI5J2UcL6D1pN2YEMZCwzRzpvCgliwoTuIy9OutMjmLSWrk9ME8dadmM2P+EguMGNVZYyNox6Vm6V3qFiFnBiaGISM7LuPzdKaVtwIJ/MjtF8wgowwc9TVoDCdEkk+Q4AOcGtUMljgZXwOG6DFMBkySEO0rIoUZOW5NADbO2upH82O2Yog3Fn4AFAEhu5prndI4YkgfLSsBr6dcSXEjCSTZtHAPOaymKxoXbQNbuLi52SDlYlTrWd9RmHePE3yRbdwIBY9q1QE8121iZDFM1wzqASB92mlcDOurie9yWmlc/3SeBVpWAqskqgRyl1jI6mmA6GOaSEvGihc4yTyRQA0x3OFQK7ICeg4oARXAUJk5wc896ALVpIMhXG8ZGRnHFAG2t9FcWghTy0aNcKAM8Vi46isYV8xFwHwN5HBHarihjka+uS821pURRz6VQGvoNxdRxks8io45GeCRWUlqJkVxeGBpeCsko2ljTSAtN/ZEekx3EplkugBhY1wMepNKzCxc8IXjabqltdfYjMZTtjRzwO1ZVY80WhFv4m6dqcOrpPeTWe2RsqIJAxTvg4+tKgklZAa3g2yubjTLq5TU3mkC7TApwP88Gs6z11BoyLO5trTXYnVG80MfNVjVNNxuLc9Rv3u73TmsdPsLS2DEMZZPv49K83mUXqwZUtbO6FuFmijV1bGV5rNyXQhkzWE7AlUBJ4XI/P+VTzkkcGmzlhKBht/OD1BFU6iGjkkKJ4vuLee7kSQyHaAfvegrtSvBNG26OsNvO8O9oyUTHHUmuJzS2MeUihVnuYxBEFJfjcPlyPX2rTmXULGilzqen61JqMU8Mc1wRH8iHYuB1H+e1VzxasVdkumx3kniVtckKXWoMhRTOMJtx1pqpdco7m/ex3U0ztfTvdCP5IoLKPCsT70tbWKOS8c2Ms9u6aYs2jzQtu8kyHcfaqhNKWoHmr6td/aUtLmLeBkSO55B6V3xirXRSdiwuuNaGOyms/tYU7oo2bHORg1Lp31G3c9A0WyurnRvLvbuKCa4YO4YhcDqFBrlk0nZIlo5TxcuqJqMy2s24MfLWQPgfnW1K1ibHJKkn9nizd2VQSHPXJz1roVihbiaVLSDa8pigBUEHoM55/OmrXYWI7MXEgWC1jZXnfBlB5OfSqvbcD0fSdND+H/sM08cT2ysXkklJYk8YxXLN+9clnH+KIy1wIseayMfmJ4NaU97gkcyYpMuWjPykhmJyPwrpTKJ7DasMjtETii4D0V5J2H2UCIoeX4xQBseBd2oa8bG4vhbl84mduFAHrU1F7ugjf8OzwXmuRRXTSiJ5sSz7cYNZOm0tAJtYWz07VJLa1vLa5ldpAxY5OOwqkmtxkWqaA2s2VvfQz2kZULC0RYbgcZzVKfLuBa0iDT9Itnik8ubaMSMo3nJ44rCUpSYHRQX3hey0mNdQkv5GAyEVSpx26U1zNgS2uv+CrjUbaAXEcNvnLu6/vAcdM/Wm6Teo7lXd4eur+5ls9TlvI7Yg7HUhST2BrKUbAVtT0S11lJphq8FjJBGDtcE4GTwp/z2pRny9AIr7wdYS6Vvks5FZlULM2cvx94AdqqNWVxGdpj23hbVLSzgYXMDsJJZ1U7U9s0SvPUDs9djt9K1u01Rb9rnSkTzvKxkA9QKhdgKOu6/dXbC80/WLswy/OWjG0rnPyj6UozcdGBY8NeJbm789NVg82FF/dtcJl5BjoTTlNLYBuknTb66ltJLeHT7Z5Az+UpLOKiVRpXQE+iatJ4cubqPS9ksbsVilnTLqp6/Sk6nUdytFFJf3tkL26wkG52YfxEsTj9ahz0diWX7NC2vXUaopkkb92xXc7cAAe3akk7IaRtr4I1dLRpdXldHuJh5jtJkgDGAPTrXXqrDOA+LHhzUtDMc15em5juH2xYGCoHY1UN7CZ5fe4E6IQyqU5wtdMWIi+3Qw6elmtv5RySzueT+FWkMzpUuFXH3Vc/Jz1rRaoDpdJeytLUIuxJXYKxbt7ms3dgY3i7Ed0IY50nVRgSJyGqooCjoyk3XB2k8H3pzA3ZmSOCTEe4AY59cVgIz7eOQSMJGJ3AbR0HNX0Anm3i4WJpwmV27RSGdR8O9dutLurnTAGUzIRG28jk0StYDo7nVdPso5LfWdJnu75xiExZAOPXFYLXYNir4a8Pzahqq6vevFZWvMixI3zIR0pupFKyGP8bWX9pWMdy80ckqsQHPLuOcfWiM7EnmqxPHqXkuzAoD8uMDNdF7gXpCstu4lKvsOeOgpAY15JGQVWTaqN8oArQY+08wqI0+Y5yM9algQ6grJvVypkbvnNNMCLTvmlEckhRe3pTkBqkeYzJF0PG41DYDIkcSmFpEZuiDsKAKlwXe6w7EFDjI6U0AgdS5y/y45zVDIredlDBMLjuBkmmIZd7zJkhsnnmmhEQjIYE45p3AuWdtLcuI4I9z9M1MpJAdJpPhpp8JdQP5h4HzYH1rjqV0Js6K0srXSGZ4rVotp5UnduP41g6nMFxdJ09rm4VppoYFwACeAacplG3ouqXFnq1zZaTeBV8shpIzjcRjj86lx0TYyTxdcolnZ/a57ufVIE3MrJhUGcgZ75ohF38hHI+KNZutZU3lyq+ZMio4jXA49hW0IqMgOdil8lhHsQsnO1hXQhodMzxROQ+N68lB+lUhMzbzzCFGwt8oIz2NWgKEDmOfqAe+KoRpnf95QFI6Z9az6jKE4IhIZi0h5HNWgG2qSmQog5z60MDsfBljdadqMNzfWkaxMcgM3LDFctWacdBHTXV+styUt0McZJPynIFcajpdktIkhtdQ1TT4zDKYWkkIPydBn1o0juPQ0ntbLSbi3a6iml3R7TIh3Et7elZ3cthpE+lzmDWpk1D7OsdrHnyJhzIx6E/nVxtZNFB4sTV9M1O0k1WaBpZoxJE0S/KkZ6D8KqK3QNCa5DeJFHfajMs0W1fKmDZIUnp9KiPYmxlaR4osbbWEX+zDfyjKxnqi+5FX7F21HY6vV5NS/syPU9UtRbTTuFijEe3t1x2FZ+yS22GYusavDpMCmdTK5AAweB71nGlzPQLmpouo2GpOlvZt50kxG9YzllHfj8amdOURNmtLdxaVFd20dv5Pmr5YeU52gkAtj6ZpJXWoy6dF0i50t9RXUStpETEjkcSE8Y961hSk0DOf8AGlnp2lSwR3F9aXCsCDFGTuQeprSNCW5DRzEXiawjeKy06B53OQCB8oFJ4eT1YWNdXmVInliCuxJJB9s1i0ri6l2PU4UtFCsuMklvSs+TUtDRqZXn5Mqep7A96TgJsyfiEDa6VC7PbvFcrvQrJkj147V0YeNmB5fcCMuQpLxt0PSvUiroZm3B8ltqfiAa0SuBb0G4vYNRja2maJycbhUVIpxswPQYLkJAEmjivWY7uu05PrXnyV2I0bKZ4I4jdRKg8zc0CHIYdcZrKXK3ZAkaep6nDqt7Imm6e0MKqDsB6ADpn6ikopL3hkbLHqOqPPeNOjpEFCR/dXA/+tQvdViWjc1U/bPC9jBaXsNyF/eMkqAMpH8I9RQvdeomZFxoU0WnR3DOjooy6ovK96XNd6CM9lU7cYRWGcfgKd7EsHDpKFXkso6DJ/zxQSKZJGdgIN43BMepJA/rUtXGBMjSKQoI6nHYCnawEaRN5m5TtHfvmi4hIdyF/Kc+mTSbTGS8/Zw6n5i3U/lSuFyQfPKTvBYgLgdKYCzW7NGH2AbPvc0kwIoJkHykEKo29OaYDTG/WM/N3HtTuA2VZBbE7ArDO4mi4DI0k88dCAQSaYEpCMAi7iWXgjuKnULkht48hvmjOOQepNLmDmI3jFsmQMo/PPehO4XLMSRtEMDPU8mk2A+OPfiThAByQetK4DpIkaIOmSFpXdwIHilLRyByUIKABulO9gsTqjyALgBR1560hof5Jdgvlo/oBQMZcW3mTROkaDj5lz0FNSYwXSz84MLKuSVZX7+9HOhoZcWLygZBOAAG7UKaRLKsdjPEhALHOc5/nVuomSK6gDa4cMfbIxSTAjVJMklMAfd+lVdAPxJFw+0Hrz3pXuMYyO6OVUjPT0xRewhBF+6KBjHggkjqODTuBIsDmIKpZw3TNLmAlsY76EhlHluoyB1waTkhE7afcOgkYnkYbB61CmhoRbZ1ARSCvHLdj2FPmHYSGCR8l+2ckUN2ERtbn+HkFc9afMNosC3QbADvyBg9BS5hEgT5dyELhsZPY0mwLMQjZlQqu5Qfmbuf8/zqSrkMiRsWYbPcetUmJiCHbbnysNIxHJ56UriJZUeRSzqCgPXOfwpXQ0OVWIPmg+SVOQR6GlJjHR7Gi3wxtlccDpj1qb9wHwwSyxsFUO+P4uMfSjmtuMaiTDbHMIlck4Gaej1GSPb5iA3FVJLE0m9RBHAmceZhsHOBSuA4QIQERsqCMnvRdgRSxN5irGnyc7iO9UmIxr61aOQOEHmAck961TAVYJZJFByQxycetDkKxLNbA4yvIG7BPepUgK0IVSXdfm5GAeBV3E0LGFeMSqCNrYz/AEo2YrE1tFt+dhnccFgP60mxWIrgMsm77gHYULYoevm+XvCnJXj3NLQokNxedSQAMBgeop3iIe9k6XBRJBwccdKy59Ch8cAmnwlyoIAPLf0pdL2Al+y7JD+9EiBtpdVPJP8AkVPNoBI2gG7miZ4/3ecHcMA/Sl7flVhCXPh2OecKPJKoMfMKca7SGNTw+isBE468NwDjPNDrvqASeHyk297sjzBkKSD0701XbWiApjwrFdStI+ovHhsbccH3/wA+tbfWJRWwE+neHRZ3mTMJFBx259KzqV3IB8+iWUC/aGXyznL7Gx+VJVW1YC5a6QXtkCSTNGMDrhvr+VTKeuw7Mh1c21sqj7WsCqBvZm/T+dVSTbEeWeKfOu71nhlgmhydo2Dp+detR0WpaOamDxMoKxKf9njFdOgzT0+FLi3Z4gwnjPrgPUyYyQpcTQTKdiMjcqDU6AR2c80KSW6hDu6kCm46CuR6hPfG7RCqoFX5B5Yz+dUkBnXokmm8x5GyQAOeKtICq9jL5hVUyp5zmrTAfFJBbxlEB3tnOR0qhkb3ZSNoYyDvx82OaVgFt2WSRI4yeuHLDgCk1YTOuWyt0h8s67p4h2g4iB3YrnldbIRhXkunC4lAeVRk/Oo61pFMDPSbzpk/fT+XnknrVpFGjBqf2XdGkreWOeWwKHG7AfDqaySyMFWViMkZ4qeQVirbywXd05mhRM5OwUWaGXFsWH76JS8XXaT0qLu4F9b2yk0wwJCltlsGU8vU2d7kkV4lr9ijtkuxhclXZTl60Qzn54oVceeTjoMHGatACXCoNiKCxzzkkirGQxylZY5iiSYOcNQAXN/d3DNvkYIeNqnAxQAy2meAFo1Xp1KjigDY0acG3lkZVDuOGx0rKSuBoSXyXcgmitwCoAZgeuPas1AClqczX9yPLSOJV7Kg5rWKsBR+1OIZraCLO9xubbk8CqegEVrZvJMVaK4K4+Yp2o5kBr3GlaMLVXxqJuh/yyyDn9ajmYGReWcNuSDLJG68+W3X6cVoncCt9quFt/KyyoRmmBXOR0A6UwBH5A5yetAGpZQTSw+bCpCocu2cACpYDLlYI7d5XlUsXxtU5xQBCHkjO2F28pvvc4pgaGn3UilUDqsagkioauBf1AWVwjKpTcRndn2rNXQil4dga4vEBDPGjAgEcEVUnpoDN7WrqS91APpthDb7Ew5R8c+vNYwi18TFYxoFdDNNdS/vBkNuOTWgzb+HWtx6T4hjnkikvbdiQ0IJ25xwTUVYc0QZP4svrFtckv7OIpMRwsi8IfwrOEHy2YonsvgmHw/N4bjkhu52l2gyyyk/Ox5OMjpXmYlWdhtF+8W0VN8LyOFyAwXg/h3NclyGc9Lqc8cbAWNw21zwMAHr/QVsqa7kle81t7W1NxJayR7toK/88weOv41UaPM7XGkcRqWr2TeLbTUIbdN0Lbn+bO4e5rup02oNXNFodDZ+LLe8Es0VuyMThiDkZ9hWEsM0tRM19O1KG7ZkiiudyLnPl/L6dfwrndNxIJL3UCiwm6u1jbcqjIyBzg8AVUY3A0Zm063vBK+rJPAgAOMgEnsPr0oV+iBGx4L8VG7mOmW9zZxMAznLqpHtk10q8VsaHnPjjWNatb9o7ma3uZSMyd2J9c5q4QjLUDy2/a+muppvMUqWLlSQMZNd0NFYZd0221C7uhf3LLBFlYklfHHuB+FW1oB6RCnhdrKWyk8QQO6kEXUpOS3oBXJOEk7oRxEzy291I8d1NLAznGRkEVaWgiiZ0Sc+dCSkg+U44qrWKM68W4trgsQBBNwPTP0rSIElhdXdncw3ygGSJh5IBHBznNU1dWYma1xqN1LaSzxlg0jkzfvBuY1HJ0Qiq7tIyyveO8O0/K45B9KfKkMyPOt2lVGeZgOq9OaoLGxbBp0CwLsI68549aTdgK/kXN7eyMJ1dY04BP3qOawFK4srqzkV5GVC3I2tya0UkwLthZalc7FTzW3EbVz1ockgPQvD+l6ZYIsV9aC6nY7xkZKDA9DXPOq3sB10OteG9PvPs50OAQrGGZpJBu3Y9BUqd1uBf8N6zpEU5vzp8UCQxnf5cQO/J9+/+FZSvcC/oGv2lppU88dmLj7TOzI91bqQoJ6ZPQUczQypczaNK0S3mg6Fm5YAsY/nAHXAFHtG9hpI09H8J+HJL6W5ljjXTQP3SRSBd34dTURbk9x2RX8S6Pps13FZ6TpN68cYAjdEDqS3qR9KJ02tQsalt4U8Su7TR30NtGkBQi4kAwMcgLikosVjloPC89lHqFlHrdlJAoEk0kjjBHdRRNy3ZJFHNLaW8yQQ2l5FOeNvzYFZ81gLKwWNrapJLpXzsxJJIC7e3Has3Lm2YilPaCaM3iWzIrAhAAfWos72AT7Jf3UPlRNJEScghdpC457UrMRNY+HL0zrBBAUDhnzM+B9cmqSbGR3fhmT7Y0FxeTxSbSWMIynXse9awi07tDK/hRdW0XUc2d206Qk/NOnLenWtlJdhnrsV0+peHIotU2/awyySbTkZ3AjB/Kt42sNanlPxf1WfUJEsltZDHEf3j3AIZSB2/wAaWilclqx4vPHIcO00f3ug6it1cRj3KKL1jI4fDE+oxWsdRjWlE77TwF5U54rRIBJruaYnkL2470WAgbkFS2fTnGKYFvRbcPc7kYqy85znNRMRqzMNzFycM3ygj2rJIDPk+e4xJI+8MNoUVQHU2fgeS/0eXVWeeABlUM6E9fesZVVF2FzF/T/DENu8RvLpUugRht3b1NQ66ewXOqsJ7Nmmnutah82GQxhpWBIGedoxUu8thlDWbu3iWW2sdctt4YbNwKl855FChrdoo6LwrDc3vh/7BNpFpPPG4NvdnJdmznjt3NaSSsB558RY4o9cu3uokEsZ2SBcLggdKKbYjk7C8hy8NvZ+XHI3zFzmt0IypYtt0ySLs+arTuMtvtik+V8ZHU0r3Fe5VncSKPKRWOeSO9GiA0NA0nUbm4BgtXK44JQnJ9qipVigudNb+BdZvZC8bRsXIQISFOfoTXO8RFBzEX/CvfEQ1O50+3smudQtTiVIXGI88/Me1axrRauMbF4C1WaF7mVooVDbXy+SCOD0p+2jewiWy+G11qOl6te22r28g0sBpUC/fHHSm6yTSYypa+AtWLRtaqLiRk3hUUkgYzUfWYsVyB/COpyo13fTRW8anAU/Mx/AUPEJbBc19F8H2iNE14s2XBPzADHpxWVTE22Fc2LLRLe3L3UFjHFFGSgZm5c/T/PSueVZvqRcvWzLblfJT5icqfSsHqIuWVtHJqIm1F8wqMsCOCfX6U3JpaFIx/E0SW1oL5Y3Fu5zGwHBHrW1HV2LRX8L2AkhhkiRtskh/enJ3kn+lXUm1uwbIfGNxq95ef2WrSo5f5pWOBtAI61VJxS5guJpHhvUZvDUd1Ewazgl2tPuAAbPr3olVSkFzn5tNZNRvUR3mZB87EfyraNTRBczLg+WSGkZFB6HjFbJp7DuUrm4dB5aOHLfnVxAis7GaSdAIZGLtjBUgU3NCOjuvDesIq/JGA/KneBWDqxbGYsmk3qzKhRmJ9O1aRqqwGpp2gtuj85oyXO3Ctk1E6ttRHV28RWQWiQtILeMlmPYDA69+tccpaXA6M+VY6fbRf6M6yKGConzhjnOTXNzNyEWLqRrP/Wy+SsygqgkGB+XSha7CIoLWKXTjOZJmHmDysDJBJ45p89mNM1LPT5JvGFza3bC4cW6PIXOGkbAIGTV/YuWmM+KWpW3iPSrXTJdIvNJ1azk2eYzAqYwB/8AWrWlLld1qNszbjw7Jp/hqN7r7ROz7THvYlWH9Kl1G5CRzM0Vp9vMVvEscvUBVPFap2V2VoJq2va5repD7TdS3Ji/cqGOAoHsKp2sSx/izQdXj0u2ub62ktYVG1JHzsYn1NZ02kxEvgTRL7RJ5fENjq1qgDLCWT5ipbkcH6VVSfNo0B2HxDknsLjTbPWdfjv5LtRJujQHap9cVMYdbDKOoeMNVt9SsXsoILjTtMJMEDLtDnGASO5rSDUVqI5TVL671e9vNQuvNg8w7xCsfBJ5Iz2rV1UtCbmt4ftY5tIe4iubC3vIht8kJ8w56k+tc8227DLmsabeWt3ZFr3z0lh81m3gD0xWFlZ6BY09J0y71PSLy/s7GeW0tjtcqvBPfBqHF30AwLnW9PkvEtYmma4lOzydnzZ9DWioytdha5g+IrpbmdIRIzFSRtCfc9q3prl3HY5a+VUTbOGJydu3r+QrqiwM5YhLceWo8tWPV8itbgdl4asYbWPzYo98w7t0zXHVqX0uB2kq2FtoULXQSW6uEEiMi4KE+tctuZ6bAUnGqyXA+xiGNQQDuGTz6UvdsBtjSDpsNtMs03mSHdIQQR1PXFZufMBYvdajhvVW1hLs8WZyQMMSMAfrSUG9WDHXMF6LG1mktrazjYfIVbLMtO66ENhZa0sOiTWdpPPNdOQJFfG1RjntmnZibsjKZSwkj81FITjjcfoKluxDK+503FonLDHzAjoP8/rTEOC5dX8wow55buTQMVHlXzIwoPmKVJB6igCS2QxEgBDgZxnJqWBMqQdn/eMeVAPHvUNgIIw+cKcZHegRE0ZaXcEVd3Oep47VV9ACT5sFWxx/Dzg+9CArAMoJkOTtH1xj2qhkyb1QnBVSBsz1PWlcCxFsZcs2RjABpAQmBSxZSfp2ouwHhtqqqqiqBxg/lip1EO2ZALAtJxt+b270DJooVzhkZmAJ2Ajgf5zU3Aia3l3FyZduNqh1x16VXMOw9LcxqkZVi7nG0nHNTzJiJXQ8RSIUGfvDjP4UXtqUI9m6bTE+STnHY+tCle4mK8E5uEwQqLkYTjnuTReyBFoQHBYsM46p1ByKi+oxVtI/MMiyNgcbu2afOFiyA8cO8AAf3M84+lTcZWuLGaZkKEmMqGHbB64xVcyEPjjZ7cbgCytgn0FS2KxLBbhlaPyUYE5BHOaOawWHG1KRDzEV8D0H5GlzXHYclgtwT5iJtzjIocmgSB9NICGMKmezDn60KbDlG/2THuJYLIdwBPA5PX9KOdgoj/JjB+WMbQOAuMn8qG2DIXQRvuZWCDocGhMgRyjQFPO2uCc84+n6U1oMaLeSVNjptDfMDjqKL2KQ+OyjhZwockr0I6f17Uc1wSI3tk2NMAFKqcZHH4inzAyZLfKbVVeACBjoD1pcwrDTajywpTcd2GAGOlNyCwJarI7IXKoOM8YxxzS5gsVpLMB9m3GX4I7+lPmCxaMKIqlWULzu5wQam9wsPijzEI1fbn7x7kjihsETRRbcBw0o4BHapuUR4+aZoV2rkDO3Hr+tUtQGm3laULGzLtALEcD6flRoBXlgbzUMhYNnjJ/XPpTuBPDF5i5lJ3A9R0pMB6/LJzlgw44xmgBzIPLwE4z2HT2oAsSWixxqYkYYUnOe/rUcw7FCW1MreWVY5GN54rRSsIbDassjoWCpu4IpOQi2bZCNq4YkZ46kUrjIm0y0+UqpDAkE/wCNNSYET6dbr8kZbnJPbJ69qfM7isMtdL8xSqlyqD7u7OafOFiSDSIQ2ZdpXOOal1H0Cw+40okkRzxRkEEJ6D1/T9KXP3HYoTWkgnKBkO7kMRWikBYlnflA6vnOTkA5rPlAzNU+0o8EhGxCpw28AZyevGauCuFhLm8xaD/SppNo3MEB2n0/WqjFXsx2LlnfXF5ZRtGJEwBn5sd+1YuCiwSLElxcJbu0aSGRVPylgeffNCjdg2RWLSXSD7TIVAOWCMRg+mT0qpJREZXiV7iysRd288c6gkbGlBbrxWlG0nysSDRtXt7rTn82OKORBnAPJPcdaupStJFuJLpeqi40t5g3lGNijqx/kKl0bSsKxWm1K/1CLz4IUKBtpbcF6fWr9nGO47Fu01LxA8CCFXVZQAx84EZ9OOamUIJ6iuznPGOj6uVY3LokLZwN2C2PfNb0JwvoJM5OySRA++JE2IRGD3OK7boshnLvHLNJYxwE9DnI/CtEC0JtMjvbd4naYRhmxESPlx+BpSaehVypeSBp283zLNHJLlFzu9/eiKSVhD4HFs6ybJZRIdscjD5R+GOtVa4iDUzqU906xu8xRf8AvkVSGYjjY2xnLY7AE5rRAQSSMSAF2n1PWqsFhhjdjnew9+KYxfLRQCTuYcc0ASxTTwIfKl2BhyB3oAs2LBULP5ZGOpxmpaEV/NZs5ZX3HPTpTSAjPBzu/CmMCxUMzKrblxzQBPp0Us0zrCyo23sKAHQ21w1y0cTgzA454qWwOlWOeO1gJljjZEG/BBBNc/XQQyTTbi/PnMg8hRkmNMZxT5kgC3tYTGbiSUlUBRQ3XB9qdxGFeBJWyiZCk4YgCtEMpS5TJR1Uk4yK0Q0OSCYxee6OY/72cA0ARKVHQdfU0AaVi+nW0TSSQfapOysMrn3FSwLFxJJdCSXygiKuQiR4H0FSIli8xLRNixxoVzymTUgZyWy+e+92V93GDgn8KpMaNrQRdWczNbWixPF+88y4AAJ/Hr9KT12ApXesaotzPJ5qEzk7wEHT8KpRQFK31W5hladPkl6ebjmqsgKTyTSTtcPIJpm5Jbk/WhKwEcnmbiJGOMcUwGlSRuBA96aAUAYzvGewxQwLdnfSW+5Cm9WGCpHBpAJefvHLLAIR1KgcfWgCTQ1tXnljmGW27k3NgH/PFIQyaNDKSyBVB5AakCNi2iaWzH2KOFV+6TJz1/WokMmBuYo5bfTvKkKj95IOn4ZqUSRaVcQ2cMtxqG7dgqgXpu96GrjMprqWV2G4sCeePerUdANfTLm8VzaaeBGW++cgE1ElcGLq97cX14IrwxhlAVsLtP4460KKQI9R+Getw32gpaSyTi5h+QKijBUHgda8zF0mncGzskufLjKs8sa5AG9uDxzj8c153LczEhktLiZiZCGB6ZJKj1Gf6YoasgOS+Jup6bBH9ikvbqMygc7CVbHY88V14SDbvYpHk0tzAHadJxlZMBegxXrxiWjvvg9DYTQzxvcGe6eTeqBQVx9TXFjXy6ikj0qzhsYA0asYnBwUOCpzz9e9eVKTkZlidIniZB5AIIAfyFfBGDg//WpRbTAWaDSp7VBdRwz7j8w8oYBH0pKUkMje00W0jab+zIFkVCdwt1AH1PFWpzelx3POfHfiXSdRtLdG0Zra8QbVmRly498V6GHpSWtx2OIl0y0lUeRHcPdscuGfj8q7ou25SQ3WrG7aONPIfCkbiJMgDHpTjNXHYZp1v9niX5Yml/i818YPbGKptsk0dWtb+9tIbhYo4olIBCThifwzWd0hFeW03Qbo51iCLjy2zk/oaaYzNumE+jpcJIvmxyFZAc59j/OtUBWR4Apd9zynGAh/zirGaGjw2ty7vqExht4CNyRviSTnoM1LvbQR18OieCtVtru6sPEiae0EHmJa3hLM7AdARwf1rPma3EchZQIt8Q1lFLPKxKbm449hV9B3Oj0nwlrt5ZXE0rrY2qkPK3C7h6A/TNYyrRTt1FcvQabYCSa00e1jnyqmS4Z2OwDr0OOc/pWcqrj8TJuXtU8PW13pYg8mCJ40yZwu5+uaiNezuHMbHh1IbGSBmn2eWuInmhDgD8QeaznVb2C5sal4psYrF9Pi0KC8lgUr9sWMKepzShfqxo5jQhqYme4uAsYmIxFLCpDx56AkfTvVupFbFHRR2DQ6k92tjIliVy8Sx/IODzmlGpoFjpLH/hHr3RYotTLoFIa2FvHvLnPQ88/jT5ubQdivaW/hy1vBqFzcXMqo5RLedlVsHr1HH50JICK5tNAuNQaKy029WORCVU3mVJ6cDsKIzSQFiy/4p3SZLq4lvIJFPkWkEJblm7knjH4VblzFKRnva3UM8dx4kvr9LtGUosZ8wOG6D2NQ2wucX8QzqfhfXhFfacDaXaFldcO/1IBwPxreC5o2ZLNlrqd0t7qy0y7WzijSSWWQDPzDgAdRXM6SvZsk6PxJbwz2trMn2qNblVSWQsR5S9jt/GojC3QZmWGnW1v4gbUNEl1K9S0Iw93Pth3YwcLkZ61o5aWYrCjVfE6a00w1ZN5yvlRwRMFzxycE/wBaFVjFWSAkvDr95Y2rXmryFoixZo4lQ4z0NZusm9gJJLi5ksY4o9QneJI2UZC5L+5AzQqvkMkt7lNM0VC2n3VzqkceTtYNG5z1I/r/AI0c0bjK1h4g1q93Je6fFBH5isZGblORjGPpWjrRjoBvanOZkW5e1+3ajLOoRpFXy4484Oc8njvWXtkwPM9e8EW+pXur6h9oltQ0zPBFGmEcZ4AwK2hiLaCOPfwJ4pmtZLm00VngbO0+eu7HfgnNdaxFO+4HOXel31gNt9p9zAc8b4yAa6VVg+oDrK2ldRtzE2SQzqfTp0p+0iI7j4c+BtK1y6lk1zUpYI0TcUVQNw+uKxniEgZBqelWNhqt2NMj8u1iDJG7xtubHf2zU+15kJHNSuWfAfBUYJI6mrWwyJ4wtr5yRYYN/rCen4VSswPTfCHiK+1XwlDo8urNFaRzbpJRADtwOOQM1xV2kyHox17Z6TAjGw1KXUrqTAkL/JtB+tZc7e4XKNvakX0RuLDZbtzIy4bOOp4NVz2WjKRWEFzdakbhGs4oEG0B8ZK8478H6Vp7WytqUaNpHqFpJA9lPdbYkJz5nByee9L2isFx14+nSWF5CNOtt86EymYF5N3qCScVDkybnPf8Ijqt3bEwSWVqhwSrAg/hWjxMVuJysTWngSGa683UtReSQKMxwp39KzljF0RLmXl8P6JBdkNp5mYAGNSc7ue/5dKn20mrk8zNQQaNNdJv0a3tpYlxjyyAPrmpdSXcfMy9bQTQs/kSJAMbkIXH6dKylO/xDLdrbJBcxtfQu8hAZY+FLehBqb/ygky5p+qWOgLdSoxjk1DdFcSFi8hbHJyM461cZuWnYtHKrea/pMt54TsFhttKnQSz3ckO6WRWwcBiePwFdamuXm6jNPw7oVrJ4gjsLVprXShbl7mViduCMc46n61HO5LXcZPcaxZjXpYtB1C6+z2EXkpMkWBKSMEe9ZyptR1EVEtDHMgeOWPOFYGPd+XNSyWLcQ2813cgeaMJ+6lPGWHHNSn3JZHBDgBHZdwA3EAsGI/l+FRJ63JI5YP3smCQAQVGOAcepHSjmAWF2DHCeduBLDdxn0plJi3WmTavYQWbJGII4vkCt0/HNXGooO6KvYZ9lktLOCzthFEsS4XbyTz14pN3d2K9yG806ylt0uJjO1wWKyNvGMew5pqpLYDe8PahFpVjcRNaC8s1jAW3BwAx4DHtWbXNJMDntP0GW4Mt6VjUmcOYWYF256AdxW0qqWg2bfiHSrDVY4vtXh63tJMbHdcfN/8AXpQqSitGJGXH4b0iO9gkXToR5BDNtwM/5xQsRLZsq5S1QC3vZ7cxbTv8xApBwD0HFWpcyvcGVJ4kjEctxO8cajcPMJxx2AFUnfRAil/aSSKs8VtGq7c8csx98itIqy3GMt9SkSd4nsLZFVQw3NyG+maGtNxkljf6nHmOa2UxlsiRBkHknBNKUI7isXrd7q+uAkUgtkHLs2KztGKBmzbW1vc/I0kYCks5foAPQYzWD02ILdtcxxXETiPdAuPlZzhiOhxxUtNoSH3l9I2rtrMcogYsDGqlfQfU1cb2sVcy9SnGo3xubl5J5MncZG2h8gdD9a1V1oUXItahj8N3MerQNPJHIFt0FwxxnI6UKLvoByLXV7NqLyxWnlRg4G3+Ee5rZ7asZDbwXqXbl0mJZydygAZz1puUbC5jc1nU79NANji41FJX5imlJSM+vB55NZ02r3HcyvDFnqj2NxbZSIStmRGbIOMgflk1pUqpEtm3p/hJkRp7u6t9sK7i5k3E+gGaxeJug5ipKZZboRWKAwYO+Z+mMemKL9XuFya5dmtJTZO5AUBWVAd3vUKSvqSOs4ltFXfscvjedo3Zocua9gJH8yZgGVQuTtJYlsegx05xSbXUdzoPDXiTXNFs30+wuIltLhjmMqGwxH3qamug0zj5dGstL1Iaq0t416XL+axGwEnrxWvtpS0sVYyrPUbaTWbyQlGjtkYkZ5kfPvmtWnZGiHWPhuLxBA9zBqBtZS25kxu/AUp1vZOxnIU+DRbahC6X32uNSCcp1Poan63eOwjqzKqyrFDp9usUUJLPtyW/LHNc8pX1CJTsrYXqNf3u+CKBQQjsQF57Dmr5rPlRSVyr/ad9LE08CHc0hw4YgYzn+vej2aWgNWNm717UIdOFuqwMrKCf3YL7vQE+1ZxpxbFYxvDt64lkmuS6vJzjb1/LtVzilsDRt6ldRppkTedLAiggY+bOT2z0rGClfYixg+Hb8Nq1zaNMQzMT02lh25Nbzi0kOUdDpRGNuCWJXk8cdfasDOw2Z08nb8u4/eQ9CM+g5qFoxJDDDAYnBhAO044zjjtxRzO4x1pYp80s0qKDkRg9SacpiZMYFEfy8bRj0BqebWwDI1dIMk8rwcN/Si4DSu5j5aFjjIAH3T/n+tO6W4FW8V7a3M6mTehyeQAP8+lXG3UaRgaBqC/b2uJQ5juGyok7Y7+1b1KelkNxZ10UC3CCQGFlIB2knPtzXK7x0ZFn1BbNiuNjDDYO3196nmQ0SR6ZLzI67SXUZGTkc/hS9oh2J5bAi7RXjndMYwRx0+uelLn0CwQ21sylpIidh7DJFS5sRZ+wReaAkYUso7+3oKnnAhvYJYgfLj3YOGPOB9atO47EkDAI8pV2YdFB4JpS3DoSmDzXBGY2P3SVyQDUXFYQWsSZZW3FWJ39VJ/pTuUgkR2yio6qerKvQ9emad7AxyWqJtjjPmFjzuAYjv3+lDlcSJkil3SKFhTPIH9eTU3GW4o2hiQKu+Nhn5QMHHv3pXGZ8dvJglyNxyMryQPyp3FqS29rMPlRcEYwXTrx19qG0NIc0Aj+Uspm/iAJIPP9OKhyHyihDG2GcCNTnMf9avRoRNlUjfP+sOCocjIGfypDSHWlwwYMyRAjJ+9u3Z/DilaxS0JMksxwhUn5fXr/AI5o2KsNuAiLseMKzngbuT/9ahEvQqMAqBo48Y6gDCgeuaoncJmzEvIbnlSOvvmhMlohjijLEtApAHpyD9Kd2SPDB+hwF4LA9OnbH1oGhckspwQ/sevoPxpDLAUmAEKu5OiEY/ClqMb5iwx9Ujk2du1MBYmLBQzBmPOMEZ/LpQFiSTagBYBGORtGM/XNJAQh4UTaAXGc9D1HPamBKoy7B1LHbnGSD9KAIFyV+UL8pGeOnpwTmgLAzFHZM5ZhnG7OPp7UgEWEuuRtXeCQ27g9Ogp3sCJQFKlX3qxACnPzMfr6UmVYDbqruS8MhVcYY9Ppg/zpqQrEaxJHhJEB+U5L9j+HWne47CJG6uWfJXJUdSTnuD0HftTE1YtWihXU7WRiOVZCw478VDdgSH/MpdtuQ6kANwPyNG47lYRmUZV1XP3hg8H8+KLi3G7GhKK7FsqAAvX6560xD953AMXbAPG7v9O4/OgBNnnMFQMJAOpXA+nUetJuwDdrj528tMDJB3Hb/n0p3sOw4rcW7CNGJJPzbVyPrQmmNIdK0xbyhCrjjLMKVh2GyzqqbnA2dg/qBTtfQaRlC6S5hkuPsyYY9FIIbBx1zWjjZ2Ja1IGsjHFIT8xxkjHGPSk5aknN67fI08vkMqxxKIzh8gn6V1UqbtcqJHPdummwxQ3p3MgwNvFXya3sW0dB4bbTrWzWS51J5Lt4/nAJIUVzVacpPRGb2KPifWUt2DW0gACdA2cg+9OhSfUiKZi+HfFENl5yXhd1lJJUZPH410VMPfYtouapPps9hcXNpYPsJ3LukI6j0FTThPmswscnp94kEe+a/jh+cFYtxJJ5xXXKF+hTKi6hf/20VL+a5YOuxuKv2asNI0bnVLuK48u5mlRfvBAcDNQqUWOxJpmsXO9mN00UIPGGyfwonSTJkhmoa3CwFvLPduy8Bm+b+dKNGz0RmkzImaWe4LbmKxrycetbqNty1sQNJcSXKQyXSrApB4xmqS0KRr3F4E06MwiHyQduU5bPrWfLqDKLCM2jTl0wD0dTn8KpIRTs2a+KLM4jiJ4PdfetAKmqA2VwYrSad42yMt3qo7jRlnzVbORn1rUYgXe4baGPegBH3q7AsBj0oAiLOzYwc+tADkX5uWxmgCQkHKedgAcYXvQBCpXPzFiR6DFACsQZCq/Kp/vGgC35EO1Ve7TPUEA0ATXctlbBDbSszMMP8uPyoANO2GYSoPLHfmpaA3JjDOzQq5wc4PbFY2sI1bawmitIo4r11EifKFQ857frS0fQDIlt3tbswy2jzsQdh7/pVoDPu7SWA7pNPuLdSP4+hq00BXinlGYoolIzxujJ5qrhcgvZLh5glyzMFx8ucD6UxkE7K77sBMfwrQAsGFyvzHPYd6ANW3jkjtzuJizyQeTWbEWBc3FqVUnB7ZHQfSlYCtA+pwzDUFiZ40lwHkHG7AP9adkMXVrm71S8FzeBxKcAAEYxVRVgJYJdJttXjaaCeaFFyYyc7m46+1JoCG/EUr7Y4fLiLbjjnaKaAhdYDamK1eCMt1d1+YYpgVLyK2hZBHdC5YrufAwB7UwKjhWdnQYBHagBiqAeoFUBLCcLlmO7tSAshpgj5h3Mw+8e1IBmmJE9xvuJTHGnOAOSaANNoob6YvGW9VVR6DioEMtZhFbzRSMwlY4TjpSYyeETW1n5zJjzPuvnOT9KkRBPZXl4wklVFjQ5A7n3xVIAhtVaXyQvkgnl3ptgQsvlSAxyM5GQHUYpAWYY9rYldfOyDhhx+NDA7Lwbqul+H76S4N4Lm+OAsScIM1x4iEqisSz1zSw8ltbyX8sLSSqJdnXarDIGD7GvHrRSehm2O1COygieYSY4PyIeeOn+feslJydgvc47W4bbxHaxxBbdZRIF2SSgMB9K76SdK7GjzbxL4duLF/MfyHXeVARuTXo0qqkao6b4d6munXsGmW8LGWXqT90A9eaxxNN1ENnpUV7pxvxaRzLczj5X8tgQv/1+a8t05JXJL7xQiAq/zDOCB+P+BrK7vci4W4t1t0VZCpDgf59aTuOwzWrB/wCyLmeExSXAQgF+FOf606TXMB4PrqmxEkjI0FwsmNyNwR6ivdpO6WpSGaXqBnKWzLI0kjZed3PFayjZXRaZbvkR/OS23zNEmN6N8ucjrUR01ZTM2O2kkUyXACJ3LtgD6VpddDMltikIMlu7AD360WEOuLkIGKs6SOADjJFLlAy7hppImhhfzN7jIx3FaIY82M9mDdeXErD7obnOfai99guDK08SQiaPc7ZY4wBTGS2lxDDNHag28mTh3dMAe2aLXESm6e01Pz4ogkir+72nK9aXLfQC/qmveIdUsvKvtWkjhkOWgVNgx2rJUoweiFodp4ITV59Ohjilh0/ToR+9IA8yfnnk1xYnl9WSzuorbT5F43LCem75v/11wvmQhFsdORGVnMmR8wPBXnvSfOOxBPplp5pcXjKg4UeoNVGbSsx7FvUIrya3jhS/hM0CAQttDeVj6/X+dCmk9UK5UMfimTTxZ3WttcW8i4OAEBHpxWyqxtsUmW9P0y7s0Qwyr5vl7EGQVVfWolWSKZXm0KRz/pTTyln8zKtweeOlQsR0RDZdgmvrLUbi7sY2s2K7BjDEcDnmrVRILlO7t/EmpzCXUvEN7JGMkKMbR6Dj3rSWJVth3G3WmX5H+k6pcOEG8KRySBkDPWsfrKvsFytPp91PfF7kzSSSclnGfwzWjxOlh3J0SS2t7u1Juppp/mOPmAweAOan2zbEb2k6nNLo88l3ZwzLbxKFjuOf05qvbJMVzOutXnfTja2OkWFtI+R5sVqDtB6/zFOVRdR3Kn+m2Y04NIky2w3uViVTI3oT1NSpxew7lq71mO5u5p77TEuIQgUWy/IuSPahTjsCZVm1OzkENtaWUWjJy37pA/X61ej2GT3eoJFPbW+n2N1Om4C5uJAq5BBHHtUNR7gLPqthZ3Ekk5aO2ij+X5c7mzwtRGF9guakl1bvaWMsqgvcEDaFyYgfWo5bNjehi63qNhBdvFCLy8VDt3QwYBxWkYvclmhBqem3OlvEUFoTnMsq4fHpQuZO4mZrRJcwRW/2oXNvH8xXks3uD6CqdRoVyW70K0aWHy7eSQ/e8kgHdnjAPY044i+lwRJc+FrtP9Kh0qS22RkqpGWJx09MVV2VYpSeCrfUdOhgutQNtespMwdMbDmtI1OVjaPLvEmgy6cl3PaI13aQS+UZtoAZgBnFdlOrfckzW0K9uYYXsraK4WYAkCT5t2ehHardWMXqB6j4B8Kalo2km1v4bUQ5M8jBwwjGM9O9ediaqm7xMpptl3UrTRlvY/IZLjzifmVMKaw5p21Jsxk8MLK1vGM7CQdiZBHtUqUlqUjMGkWckrQmxdUU5EgiByOw9q29pLe5pcZCkkDzRQWd0BkcqONo/GqUvMZbOnwFZ7iCGOKbAYmY5GPx6mhzJZPZG0eMxSuu5iFOzpmsZqW6M3cZHb2t5cSx2a3E0sYxthXJA9c0o81tQ5SK4L6XCl3d2d0whBMeQFY/r/nmtYwvLlTGokVpdXGq232yTTbiCOQ/NNJggemKpx5dLjcWixr7x6WIoGFxIJY90bjHFKMXLVFRiJoSaxczXWoXl0E023jxDJIoJYDsM1pKCsktzRRMMX17fS240+zuVieQmSfbxj1pqKje7FYXW5JTqsV7BLPd2ZxHLM8mDkcEAflVRScbdQO28JXVqukeImeQNEtmrQLLgb3ByFwetC31Aqy+FNaurCG7aAGK5Akd7cBfLBHZV/rQ5t3uOxR2yX19dCQSpZ2gIS4L4yR3NYvREtXKt1aSWU9vb3Q8yO6iE0ciNnKnpz26UXTVyGiaO0n8pjApOeSQfu47/lWbaJHPaSeWSzDbxghiKjmFYa/kiUYXbzjbn71PUaFtjKl9D5MxtrZAFlCruJFUrWZQ6E241O7MdpcSW6OyxNIQNxOecVXRajKlnDcQ2kzXQUysxZBH2z/kU5NNhYsWc9/aeGdTgjhWVbnYHOwMyfMMYz0prdFWKjILd4FkEm6KUE4cq3XPamt7CtY3/E2r6Rq16Boeny6faRrltz53P3pbbiZkSrFPEsLrjkMVHGf8k1CbT0BFK7tGXUTLBDhn2p5eSeO5rRT0sNkeuW1pMtuiWqrKoIkPUt70Rk0xIzhbxxb1jQCNTgNsGTWvM2VYzZURr5VgiU3LN8zvGO3FWrpAWbuO7Fs5s43dVYAbDhS3+c0lJdQuN0nR3OrI99dNnaZGQ8jPp9aU6umgmzqtH1zTI7e9t/7Na6aSB0EjLjy3IIBH0NY8jvdkmOgvLrYZpJDFGdwUEc9ulVJxWwEo0+1gzIEELK2CXGT70udvQFqQCeGXTma2JlYSmP5hgDHf9abVnY15XYcIGkMESW4lkJXBUZ+bPcU+ZIzegy8j1G4uJIW8uBegSOLBb8qaaSBsmEF1vUJFMkapgbjw3vU3RLA6eqSwSO0ksjcYAwFFSpvoTcnhslhBkj4w+Ap79f1odR9R3NG4s54kRpoCisBkk1mp+YyqbNERzCXywJbvkelDk3qVa7Io5UWaG3hmwNxAiZRlsE9KbTszVQ0F1GSNbWUO2QxycL9wZpq90jJomsY4o7ZTGrbWHBIx+JqZXuJojlt3aQRsWKSghWUckUk7K4Iw9fuUsIUshEHSTq7uWIrroxb1NUcTdy29ncStb+XcyMeTt4P0rtjqO50Hw3uTYW97NqEYjDDKNI+BnrgVz4mHNaxLZ2lrFcXUaztGsCSHeChPSuCTSZDZoJFHJI4MA8wNuKq23cKyTd9RxZzXji4gjt2ljEcDK4RolbJA+ldlBO9nqaRMLTXvb3bb217GsM0mY43bpnrXRO0dWimdNYaYsX2qSeT5lQJ8oz83+RXJOo9lsKxgX139rnaJJ4wYgd2CEGB6+9dEI2VwZct9a06Tw0LOQK14r5UKcnrUypNS0Jscxd6xNDdtJEihgSWOOTz611xppobOy8M6tFdWcVtLFL9omJ4jXhR6muGpC1zJnp2jzabbaZHDe6TaajcFSiyMOU44NcnOmJaHPwwSJdTpMhUK2FWIYGPSonLYRNcaeueVLfOOOw9eahTExRpkjw+VuWM9N2BwPejn1EPGnSrEHlK7BxgHr7+9HtB2Ir2wWC3EiSLEoIYnvyf0qoy5hpHLeL74abfQPC2+1kUB2OCCfSuyhDmTvuWkcv4cit7vU5LaO1+0RKN/Dfe5/Suio2luNux6D4WbT5GksoHmEkACOSvCEfw159bm6mTOgjFoRuZBuQYGDgmuZtoES/ZEdSgLx7jkhW45HT9M/hRzMpakkcDi2ePJYjjcaL6gyIFBEd52k5AyMkDtTbJsRzb7eP7QUyhXhscY+lC1dihLWWOSNWXIVgMKwI9earVAWohaeT5W1QSc/d6YNQ27hYjvLm1iV1ZlVguQwP6URVx2sV9LnhubVJIEcIjbWwf0xTkmmFjRs/KMTCQEZOfmPIqG2IrXkqITEi7iM84xVxASAxlS2BtxjLHvQwJwykKGjAO04KD+tI0WxLC8EgHyPk8PuHQVLARBCqOTGG3AdPYf/qpjuiEICvmNtAA4BGQ3TjHrQIiigjZ2aZmG3grjHFVfQmxHJFFJOxwAGPDYximnoNAU2gypDuPALZIzSWqEywtwTPtMJXac568/5xRYSkQ3Es7LllOzfwV7U0gYLNGkbfxMeFyOaTQDLySKE5d03fdAwxzVbiK5M0isVjwx64HfvzT2Cw5bdj8quwY4IAPC+tFwQr5AZCMFuvPUetIBr+aGJ80shHAAzT0AfMyJExlwHXAU4yQPakgFZ3MUPl4479yOxNMCTCSFVcls/eIPBNIBCFBAznJIyOfegCTbI6lgF2HgP3FAEZjYTbZNrsSfup2ouARoCwJYBzxyO3NFxWJWhzGqKQoyCM/j/jRcaIzuV/KxIR/EcDB//VRuiyykuV5wpzwTxn3qbCuLAySsRt2bUyQO5/xpbDGSqvlsrxuck8An8KepLI0UfLIpG9W+Yn8se9DYJkkhjZAXGRtI5bpUoG7jQg2YU4+X1yTVoLiM0YjGVxx8uR2/zigRDcSKGb5lAUA42k80XALOWN3chgC4wNo5JokgLDM0ckajKrt5O3OfalYosRTRvG4ZmkC5GD1zQ0UhAhMYSOUfu+WLck47Cg0SMTWbtbazl822keNkJJTpzW8IczLSOR03XF/sq78qwfyLdQzZP3iXUD+ddMqS5lqS7XAeKpb+zWW+TycAKRH948VTwyi9DGSOM1mSyWUTrNMyHk7uCea6qcXawImtNWsI4ldWfKjPXhfam4O4xNIupdSumhjlk2ZHQ8tk9KJw5Y3Cxs6/pv2LTNjqybsYLda56c25EHKxXH2dGRkQyYyDIelddrlFQajcxzNE926s68gn5RVqKaAr3NujItw14gXdgnHNNaDL+kLawpI4ZnfaTvJwBipmmykVdSuJbw+exCxg4y3c04qwEMl1PCdgSNXOMHrir5RF6CW9uAqPAzuxLZxgHipcUTYjuZronyUtVRiDu56ikkAxRCkqtLbqTnkbs5qikPEBlcQW8hQyN8gY/KKTAu2lquJIb/UoowOgCkg8VNxWKkMFxc3Xk2bJ5MakiQjFVcLFaUI++OeeNXViS2etUgsUJFBVjGynB4rVDKMrvGN2D9BTAarb/mYc0AAYg5zz0p2ARWB4J59aLAOAx2pAWxDAtvGXkHmM3AFAEmo2llFFH5EzuSuXyuADSuBSV0RAAfmXkd6YDJjvJf05oAtWsjQQmYrlG4BxmgC5Z6p9nZtikuRgcVEkKxqW95qN8kbGSU+UNi5OFFRawzf8MxzQzJfXd0XgXcoHHJ4zilJkszdQ1lmS6txGzLNLuQsMkAZ70JAjH1TU7snyozGqtjBVeRVrQZktBJtMskgYuSeTVoER3MaxuAXRm2gnaelMZPZSiKHIdVwfvGkxMurd3SrLscYkGC7J/KpAr4RMSyy+dIx+5nmnYZr3k12LW3tZ9kcDncF9TgCo0ApXeliCLzJppGDHCKh54ppgUUW6t2ZtrYPQsOasVy4sF9daa9yuAyNtEfQmgDP+zyh8TROFZ8dO9MZO1lBbq8spZQPlw3elcDPuXXcREMIRgYpgQsefbFUA6IjkyHjtSAcST0J/OkBPDASQUXLcYxQBoaJIE1YE3AtzGpzu6k9KmQEqiO4ml/fqEViTu6sRUMCVBDewpAJAhBzlj0osBU1KaWFysU4Ix1FWkBVgurl3WNZMs3A75psB06S20gjncgD0qRFqH9/BmOTzJCec0gQQu1rqCO0Yco2SOx5pS1QWO78Ja3rR1K4lisZbu7uAI4i2fLhUcD8AK8/EU6dveexDidp4pmk0rwvIsty1xd8edOg4X2H6Vw0oKdTyM0lc8YvrtZbxrlncyAcEMQSa9qELKxskNs7wwSx3NxM0giO5Y5CWDGtOTQomguLm+uZLmKRVkcnbHHkdfSpcFFXYHovgKxsdElhTU5WOrXGGECHJjHq3vXm4lykvd2JZ6KXgMnlfeDZJJ7V5nqZ2IB+7mIz8qYzhcg07jHXEsfk4ZtqkjbEO59acVqOx5Nd+HdWu2ee6tFiSM7mLnO4HpXrRqwjpFlGDFD5OoNE0caSs21SMgKBntXSpO1x3IrW6u7bU5I7LazN944zmqaTQ7jL+LVGmhW6tzGjoZBvOAaFyoRNB5bIgRVQkcimBGjRnzSH+92P64oEMso41uXkVN/ljJGeaGrjsZ+sX9xqF5vBACgKij+ECrjFICO1jwyrcNt3HK1QE01qFDOrbsk5XNNILFcXcsLpFPKSAuQFPI5NOwzT0HW5rG4Es8cdzEXQukgzlQc4zSaEe1aD46stWga7m8MWNhpiqY0RH+Zzxzz9K8/EQi3oS0bQu/B0yho7fUbZwn3Uk4bNc3up2YtCzZW/gyWS5kW+1O3bdysjZzUysNO5ZtdP8OtIkia5KDt2glO9Q4olssLpdllvK1+MrtO0lBn6foaXs4sDK162TTLNp31yKNVQtGAmcvg4FSoK9hoh8B2mt69oEWox3NvLM0rKRIcEDPpV1KCvZFs1PEml6npFmtxOkJDBFAV/X3rL2FtSCH+zrqFvNYLOGUSLsbccHjBH4VnJK4i/HZakqbhYsQTt56rx6flU8tx2ILi3vUnDSWU5A4AVCefej2YakM1zPEmVs5xkfMSvQ+lCpsLjI2g2KG8+IjIIxzUuLFckg1ayihWEWeWyVDMOmOpo9nIVyxHd2uxtuxmI+TjpUyTKuV7iSEFG8onHXHNKN9hXuYza9p39t2tk6Itvkl2PB6cZrpVGXK2ikzjNZ1BE8eJP5sklgrnAB+UIK7adK1PQtM7XT/FGk32px2dv5ZL5wpTgY9zXJOhUSuxtmd8TpYo/D8lxazwmRSMKHB5z6VeFUuezEX/AV4NQ8MxXV7bor7MGRnAJPaorx5Z2QM3N1vKRGiiNVGMn1rFprUhsgi0/THBMlusqhifmbqemfehzkthcxcsooVRxGIFQAjgDjtxUOT6hzIHthFbf6x8lQPMVuQSeP501Npj5kOnj1O5iEE2rXYQIVBV+en861VdoEzM0zQ5dJkuZLXUrl5pG2s0x3cY96p4lt6odysNIs9De1XU5XulnmLskpGMt3x0q/bOb0GaHiLRtAltZJLazitCE/dyRnv1yaI1mxsi0jU9Lg0OO4kt1SS5U2olkbAJyBmk+ZsWhak0fTjH+5l6c5x09xWTnK+oWINQ0Vzaxy6XrLwOFxh4xsxSU1tJXE0cjqfhbx6ZnNlr8Lq43AE7Rx2H0rshWo21QGPoXhzxbqUl2G8ReU8LBJQjdTWk6lONvd3Bmsnw6mupMXetX8hOPmDfKx71k8Wo/Cg3Og07w5Dpc0M4gFwLNjIIyeZD/tVHt+Z6gkVptO12PX/t8d5NaQ3D7jDbqOMjOCfxrVVopWZXKWp9Dh1TQUtNV1Ofz4SSQ8R+f5uRn8an2q5roaVinHplk1xbxXl1JDaxkAxoSAF9aOYbsWNe8O6HqVtb6dbzTvOZlLyLLgJFnkmtYT5dREd/pxsbOLTxNut/MJtkdsbxnvSck3caL0TLpulJFPLE87yGJVibKqp71i3eQx16nh1vKsYrJEAANxLjLE9iBTc+qJMt9GW2nN9FewT20JJNvdPjfnoMU41biNzV/GWsyW2nR+E5dN01omCXanlSoHOM1vGpGO6A5zUNY0S2e3tVhnuTLhp+OGc9enbNZcsm7oAvNWtr+GXZClgy4Eccal/lHb2qeV3JbHm9Elhy4iXABB4LDqT+VTyK5FiZriK9eKCwVUgA5DdT+NQ046sLE9npFt9oISJA6sfmbnAFS5sLGxE0awzWGoTWUSXGDHMmCwOP0rSPmWjE1eCSK7ktotQs3L7VSbGNox1I/z0ptodilDo5iMjHWbi7WIESFR/IenNVzx2sOxcs5NOWT7E9lczWxVWkaTKlm3DGarl6lLQLrRLAteyJqtraxI5ZI1Rnfp90VSYPUqW9ukl9bQwyNcCYAiMxHJ5/8ArVLWmpnYlv7R01fymVllDHHTYq9v5GpS00BIsSaPJ9mkuWlAUMNz7eE9/wBKSWpVjOl0+BL6NBcFnYELIUJBzVK9gsaUXgzSpLRprvxBHCuc7I0z096cW29gsYsVjoV/NLDFe3DIG2iTbtZie/0rSfNFXCxn3OkxWt5NZWzTyw24VjKW4Zj/AJ/SodTS7E0aJsxIWdIkVtuSfw/+tWHNZkNFe2fZGyzW/lqDxkc1TT7ktMu3MLlGlUHep6Acn2qE7bjSMrUgohDu0ZO7OwtjsK1he+hrAxPtYF3FZ21spYlpHAGATjPWt2mleTN3a1jptLcxCK6ijWOTcGG3kA1zSZxyepZCtNITOxcnkMV+YVDnbRC3GNG90VVo2QZJQ7u3ahuwrE8OnruRmLH5QGUnqcUuckfCtvGGDK2FznPrSuwA/vVKBT8uOvQii7RSGy2YnQmGERsyDjPanztPU1gtTiPG8EkWowzWcn763XbgNx9a7aFpKzOmVrFX+1ZW0C4t3nRbuAh2Pd1Jzj9atUlzXMbF/RriW5VJdUvCN8fCbsFB2rKokvhQpHfw28j6fbtGAvlx4iY84GK4XKzsY31PHtbN1pusyRTzGYrJ8u8cf/qr2aTUo3RstTK1e4trWeE27Ry+au6TA+4STxW8E7AS2DTa5e2um2MJkdXzuZsLnjr7cVM0oasR6f4K1R7iWfR7gpcT2h+Z4jmPA4wD9TXk4mlbVdTKQ/xXqMOm/PCj+Y2ckHGKnD03PRmsUeaa9qFvd3n2iYiN2bdIf71enThyKy2KJ7fWo444orPTzK4JJdE6c0ODd7saZovqWo2jrd+XLGXbKRnq3HcVChFlMzERm1J768YJGyszQjscd/xxWtrqyMyOwhWbTJ7uDapQZYr1AzTcrOwGZP8AY0ky1xI8kseeBnDelaapAehfDe7tLGZxcXSx3AiUhZAMjjoPzrz8XGUtjOSO90/Uobl0DW7xqzEKDgbvevPlFonlJbmXZauiwuru2Fdvz/pU2vYaQ7RzMdNjkm3uXzwR39qma1sKasX0WMvy6gAD8eKkkhjuJmDZjGIjnzF6c9qfKikY/iLULO4uJNMuIxtaMjcGxuODjH44/OuilBrUZ5Rc+bE08U8pMAONkh6V6kY3LHL5unIs2l3YgV4iGJIGR3xTaUnaS0GbvgvWG0PTpJZ5HdriX5FA5fPc1zV6fPt0IauenaW0csSecgEjqHCnqBz1/HNeXPTYS0LkstvEirNJGfmAwD82aSTZV0NuJC6P5bID056egPtTSJMLxhNPaaNNLDOifN1HX8K2oRTnYuKMrXLyP/hH7Mvcss8kasVBPoK1hTfO0HKT+ELqZtPW4urjexGEDYycE9BU14a6CtYvz6zLDfxpJNFBH3JOCfapVK6vYEjNuNa0iK+ursXKz5G05bO0/StFSk42KsWND1q2cvFGgPmP8uzvU1KMkrsTVkWNa1T7JbIVUxjAVSRknNRTp8xJLp19bXNsrtOJJujAHpxUzg4sRZV4594jkxtABC9BzUMLlpULRp5ZZemecUupQ0CQFwS4ZF2jA/WkwuSRr+62l24xjIx9RSDUGQKrvJMx3DhAemOOPzphqRySHIVFfk43Y/TNMYwkvG3zqSPuH2oFcfEAyhGLFRnvyeabDcQJuPlsx25IAIouA9kLJ5aE9sZ459aSeoMrGIpErhG4OWyOvPSq3EkSMincSNzMTtai42hIoGSFC8x6/eY4z7U2FiGVHhxIpGw8MB1PvQLQsxpCYPOVcqgHJXnB61LbHYdBsUlQmFY8MBzn1+lJ3HYJYN4G7IOeOecU0wsV5IQHJUfN09scY/QVVwJtm1VCINjjGccD1NIGiORCu4IqFh1KnFFyWSJ5uxWPK8ABR7/rRcQIqlpAJNrAk59AeaVwHqEMiRgjPUn6+lFwHnAVl2hjjgg855ougKxyJAuxztOF4OQ3r+tO+hVyyoVs5VWAGB6k1AWuN2sNx+XcxPPTPNAIURujgls9cE9BjFNu4WGlWlXcW+cHjB4PBpMVh32TzthmB27hyOB1oQ7DZAwgyqhXbgA9qpMLDVjePhyHBBwOmBTuFhsCLIxgClJAN2H6EdKT0Cw2CIxSZVQVJ+bA6/ShyuKxakQnZvIABGSD1Oam5SHGF4l3thT19unWmmUhwztO4Hdk4ZTVbmqOS8ZQ6o8UtxG8htI1w6swxk+1ddHlTsy0ebC9volkgS62RsMFMe4Nd3Kuxm9yK61CNQY7NF+YkhgMnNacuupkzOuoJ70Rsxw3qeK0TsIW+s5rPTltDAFLsS8pUZYY7Uc12AzR7z7Ftks3aORRy+AaJwUlqMs6tq9xcWzLd3s1zK3Us/AH0rOFNJ6CMqCe2E4kk/0h8YCn5sfWtmgHatJ9svdslqqy8H5VA4wPSiK5QK12ITpx3RguWGPaqW4xLeaeSLZ5LoWGACODTdh3LF3G6pvvR5aj7qg8UhXM8n94XywXP3iuQKYzZa5ulCeZcIREuI2z2qWkxDbhcsmyXJ2ksfcilsIpKbX7ZGJw+1WyWX0pjNJrlInQhAqp03DnFTa4yCC3W6uRJJIViJzvHI+lF7aAWBNbWcEi7Zcu3DA4GPpS1YjH1G6S5OIoVHGCc9a2irAZ4VmKiNXZgeQO1XcY2VGR9rnBxTAjOFPWgBruR24qgFJGMNwKAHbQIy52jHr1NJgIJyrBiu7aeATSAZPNNM+WkYD+7TAbEoJyR0oYFiRE2KyMMsOlIBAzKNjEFe4zjFAGlaugIktJQ5UYIK5qZAaiXLm3QuPlU5KJwS1ZgOjtXuLhT9sEEQBYCQ/LnrjjvTVhGUtw8c77o2XOQCp/pTAfDLqCSqsIxk/xAH+dVYRQuriSaZ9+SwJGBTQ0VzjKkZ6c0xlmzuZIS/lxozDoWGdvvQAXepX92wS5mLIp4AUAfoKVgC3kWMBvL+cNznvTYFu+unu5GkkBRE+4M9PpUpAQLeu5RX3AZ6tRYCxNMbgKY5AdvQe9MRBfSztIWkmyGIyFOADQFiOGR2nUNI3lKQ2M5xTGP1e9t7h1VFYDJwW/i96QGfJyTtY49KoBmMtTATp9KAHI3PHWkBMWQNhC2QvXpzSA0fDtnHc38XnusabuZCMkfhUydkBo3aRW9xNHDbNLFI3DsMHH07VmtQMmd1U7gAob0NaJAU23ucgMTVAaOnRPY3EV6yoSvzKCPapbAinuZLy5ZmGcnPA6UCJ7OWFUKAupB5AHWpYIs2BJvVlZVdVI4IqXsDPSvAd3rWpa3HMyJZ6ZApBYLhWGfXvXm4qEVDuyWX/i9rVtpuhvo4kWS6vSG+VshV65xWGDoynPmfQhR1PEBMiznzfu89D14r3Io1GvNIIQpjAU/wARHarGTaZe3Fm6tbjY2MBtuSPpUuKe4Hofwnu55tVuZ1snuJPKPn3crkhB17ivPxkFyWuJnpdrdQX8Pn2twHQcMVIwP85ryZxcVqZslW2fYhikBVj+865AqE0wC709byDaWKxyDCvz8voa0jPlZVzzvxlpOvaFP5smqz/Yz92JpCSa9CjUhUW2o0zkr3MuqwSSEpLsDuWY9DXXHRWGUL2KWKR7uKbYu87cNktWidwG2Ut9cPi7leVQvyb3J289qppLoBNh/tHnLjAY4Q9KQMil8xpVyq7TnO0fnQgRFHEq3AWKcKW7mr6DC8uoYGkhBTkDLBeSaEriM65kjnlRYFkeQLzu9farSGKwNsMSMfMYZ45xTAgVy8u9iSSAMEdaALMIj8xkUTM5xtSNS3P4UmB2Gl2l0Ta3Gt38llYxKSqvGRnHYAdTXLNp7Es7Two97qim8Vo1g6KGXaSAetebiGoaEtHbWmn+H7eAvfTXfn5/uHGfrXJzyYjNu/JinQWscjgybUBOT9evtVq7QrGjDo+pYZrqIopOUOQOvSs3NLZisjB8bk6Zp4R4Gd5HAweR+FdNC82Uomf8MpdajlufJkkitYjuZWI3Ek8gelb4iSSuU0S+P73WLvT2O+QwocE7ieOo6VNCS2YkWfBbX0+lx/YNTT7VEP3itkcfzqK/KparQDQ1SDx0ZEayuoJLcnLhbghjjnvWVOdJbjuEHib4iaGHeHT1nTPz+bIWyMV0RnR7jNvTfiJ4lvvMtpNE8hUHAe34Y/UnmoqSitmJo6K21bUGiW4mtrAuRlgSePUdMVye0jzEkEuuwXEf+k6RDgkqSAAB6np7Vo5AVLLU9Ou5Lj7Pp0TJDhcow5yeaTj3AluNT0eKN55dKuEWMfOFXgAdTRGKewbnivxA1zR7zWBc6TBcQLyCGUDdnv1r06NJx3Kick1/FBKpnWS6VvlZA+DjPrXVyXKFvPEEL6iBYWf9nW+7ABlLMOPXrU+z7hYmlvp3tXsyskp3AhsnJNJQSdx2Oh8JajHeRmx1G9u0YOEhtIFzuHqTXPWp2V0Sz05JrWHORPHtbDqTkf15rzJJtmLNW3bTZSH3skWCVJTvWTi7iuLFFbiPAu7eDfnZvYZP+c/ypuLYId5F4kQaERSrkfNvGAM0mihZZLqMY2MXkI3Yx8vPJ60WFcddXEkJMsxeIZ6EZyfaptfYOY4j4latbjT4isstw7PwP7uD6/hXXhqbvqax7mHNrr6rp0kM008CKQgEfzD8cfQV0qjyu6KZzF7rWNEFkbsyC1uN6Lzkc9ea6Y0rvmA9Y8Ka9Ya7bC6to7mIRgBfm4Yj1ry69GUHZkt2Nm51S0tmEUe6QgAHMZ2hs1go3JczN8Ua5cR6RPJaxxuy8qUJ4Hf+lb04JysxqVzg/B+sTat4jkEtwLWMESts4LsAQBXbVpKMLopno0l/JEinz9yqMkJx+deao3ZKOJ1nx5f2epfuBE8SyhZNw+8M9K7qeFjKOpZ20GvxGZJ/I3JKocFWIAJH8q5HTs2WmTSSwyxpu1J4vN5wAW59/wAqlXQmynNcMk32WQRTZBxt7jHU1avuK5LaXEU12J7mGIkoI9u3aCB71TulYaNH7Ppt9JHK9qrOo+QO2cfQdqiU5LZlJlkWGm7XUWtske4jqQSc9qz55dwZWk0fT3Uv9nXcXGSH5Yce9P2krbiEbS9OuAVmsi237u7+fsOtLnl3JaRGNA0iWUyJbKGU7VHr9PWj2s11EKug2MTlYLZFBY/MASMelL2r7jsKNGs0ZWjsF35wep5z6d6PaSfUloWfSraR2SW0jDDqdu04/GkptPcloWPSzDC5htIo16dBnGetNzb6gWhbKxERjDbRh27j8qm7GtylJplobhQbYbQ/9zgVanKwxt3pFo+WijgJJIbjJP8A9ahVJAMttOWJMwJEGPGFIIPv+FDnK6bGSJoxMy/a3dir7+D1PpV+10AiGhRC7kliLpKDjcTwBnrimqzSQya00qaCPzobyTzo85crknnoKJVmybFyO2WaFrcSxJMwLK7r83fOe4qVNoaMmbw462k0Mt/cyrIQ7DJ2HHGMfjWqrsokHhtjL5jySO/lhVBOFAqXXdgaGSeFg9obaK9MSk4ZdmcD2NCru4WILfw4bVVWO+cJs8tnZAxGOlU67YWEj8Jq0ySR33mDPzJIhXeevNS6zFY0LfSSuYAUWV85cYAPtzWTn1JaIJfDaeY32gtLuPHzZH5etUqr6DsQa3YPHbyXAhSGOOMlvnwQvqBzmnCV3Zg0ec+KI7W8tjqNjdxy28CgSqThs+uK9Gl7rsxxVjnba5ga388xTzbXB2R/xA9q2lFrqXzHb+Ar9tYvfsRitYI1Rmhts4k49f8APauHE0uRXMZK7O1l0u6KoWSDao5RHBJP9a4uawuUT+y33Oy26xlAMgkYxRzByssDR7kQg7YcFMqAc8H37UcwlBkkHh5DwzRszL8yk4ApObBwZmeJLKLT7YTLdwq7DbEiNk7vTFXB8zsaQpleKXNu8VzZusgUHzXO3d9BWij1LULHnfja3linhXyljziQEN1B56130FoNmLBpUNzM18CYEX5pC7cNg8YFdDlbQFsWdHng1HXoILRYzJKwWaWX7iJnsPWs6keWF2TI9Y8QX2maNYQwtdxAlPlZSe3bFeVTpyqSvYhQPFdd1eDVnmeOaFnZ+AcZAr2qVJwWpVrGH/Zc11M5hhnmj+8DEu4CunntuBNomny2d0sl9cSWtq7YYIcOw7jFRUd1oSz37wppmhWGm2dvZOtu08ZliEv325A59eteDXdWcve6GaTucx8R9FuZraXyMXDJz+76qPfFdGGaTVzZHm89i32ZYpBtw2S0i8V6POBq6TLb2jL5U6TbWByuQCfSonqVHcmvL1X1hLnc3moh2jBYKTn1pRhpY0djkrmKe71P5pm+ZsyMTxjr/SuqNkjJmw2Fjmhs0lkjCZkZG4VR3qNWxGGmowrNGbawCiJepJJc+ta8ugG7phW5vbe9ljKM8iqST61zy0TQjtU1OW31vymuD5Fv8ozx15ridK8b2BrQ6TU9ftv7Lkmli4Zfk2j5WHTNckKL5hIzPhrqyXXmWjvcswct5jAlVX0Ge1aYunbVCnqdyrfK26POOhbiuEySKk88VtCD0hJ5AGeevP5irhFyZaRw2u3ltqzRXOmhZbi0lK7T1b61304OCs+pVjkNZtWufPiYJEzHc7PxtNd1MoxdGtxcXLpdzF44lymWwpx71tJAa+gT3x1Zz5cWE/1cjqSkPvWFSKsI7XwTea5qOtXtzcLNNp6KE+1kFUZhngZ+tcWIpwjBJbkSRoeN9TsLW2WGOYPMGWQBW+bIrKhSlJkq5r6BqS31ishdTIFGV44PofWs6kOVhsch8S9Tn3nTrjER3ZRs4Vh2rsw0E/eNY7GONUXUJBBt8+KIAKVY4OBg1q6XKWtXY0PDttd6hObi0aKEW8hUhm+fHHAFZVbR0Y5Kxl+M725s9QlS5F1g8Iw4AY+vFb0KadiUjk7K8naWSMsBxljnO7611OCGbPhvVbiwfzY5CWY925ArCtSUkS9To/HGpJdRwNBM0gKjcp4wa56NPleo42sUtH1GDTdPaWO5P2kyYMQByRj1qqlPmlZoVje8J+KBLqypKkUCysAQW4POKwr4e0dBcp6NKxIbCg7/AOMHjkdhXnIVtAhidQGJAJ5256D19aGxWJWZXRlBAJOEyAMf5FIorQqzRgMEjUHBy3P5fhTC4SKoYKGXkbto7kdDQBCqvIoVY1LbucEcD1poTRNDE0PJkjdQ2QB1NFwsLG5dmwHYY4JBCnpQApUF1hCnjBPfj/P8qBjns3WMujBweQD1/KlcLFe7UIss00ixbQAdpyBVR1dh2PO/GHiWS0UxxXIcYyGB5U969ChQUlqOx0XgnXRqejxtPJuZCQWIx6dc/jWFejyy0M7E2h6nd6pPd5R0it5ML8yjPXt3qalPksPY6KKGR3AhIOFx1BIrnd+paVxskV2LkFEZ1UnkkdaroKxKLaV1Ozb2JVj1P1pXQ7AkTo6W8scpOfX7ucn+lAiO8E0WE8hpDICCV5A/CiKE0S7WECkAxbeGVhjH/wBap6iSGrE8RZGSMD1wSxP0+lO4NEJVoWaRFSTAwdzen/66aYrE8BkkLLMACcMApzz7UnYLD/Idcvk+WTvHUE8dPc0m+g+URY1ZGkKYIXjORj3+tAxI42y8UnzO557BAecfSjzKSLCWzbgDJuQrg56UXHYr3iSxNiGNdirncrenamkS0Ti0l8ov5Tj5g5XP4f1pDSKCTusgZ5BHjOBtyCPXNXa4rFlzG4EuN55wMcj2qdgGOY4kIxtOMv3Ptj0pCsVba+juJ3RCflIBOfTt7VTjYqxecISufkbJJDHBqSRtxMBCzOA2DjBPYdKEMinkka3kWONygXGRWkVdmsNTy/xbfvb3MsECT5lPzl5yRkdsYr0qMLq7KbMWyutPXTbwXSTfbGVRBiPIzuBbn6ZrZwk5K2xFzNCXYYXtuyZZsgFflB69K2b7mbGHU7l5XNzbwgKeTyORVcqAl1I3twsToyKso+UZB/rSskIxbpVtpZIZIxub061ohj7aBQhne3dlx8vOc/hSYht1Laxyq62ohJGDnPJ9fakrgOeNmuBLJFl1A59RgVYFTUXladXgKhN3CLzimkMek1zKCCGYH1HSkwK18LwRok3mhTygc/0poAW5FqNqbpGbjaRlRVNDLFoGuFIlCKMZGFqGJlgqkKiRmYHvwMVO4i1alGnihS2Wbe2S5HA49aTGaGpxpLbkCMNxjCpjH5Vmm0xFO0N1FpYhRZEtw/RiOtVdNjKV815C5hWdJgB/COF79a1QIr28CyQNJJatIwcfN2/SmMr3txcJEYUjEMYOdqrg/nVxAzTlj834k1QELdcAdOKaAd+8OSU/WmArHAzQAxSzkLjcSeBigAkV1bDgqe4osA3BAzjikAuRweQO/vSAmEux8RoAPoKdgL1pdQM2JolHGA2zqaQFuCa0glBSNzxlmUY/lUsDRt5tJmdJZ2dI1J3Rr94/nUNMBReTHdDZQl7ZWLBWiUlffJFKwinIrz6l5kMVwyoN0jKBx7UxkN8lzAEuQxCygkZAOKpMVijE1yzGOC13uwxuPFUgRXvLeS1nEUh/eY+YA5Cn0pjGguocbm+Ze1ADo7Z2/jwcdepoAsRrcKxI2ttHJfgUmBchEt2wZbQeWq8sDgE/jUXERLYG4vYrdleFZGwSvJ+madxlzULS1sbVIIbWbzIydzM4OaSbe4FNYHmUNb27FQRuAI/rVbAWdOtUNvJdrFmQuVSNxkfXrSb1EV8wzXQe9WJiRwVHA+lAitqElu0KxWdl5USvuMpUgufQ/wD1qtMaKW8A8r+lUMbncwXp+FCdgHbjGvTg9yKW4EQ7ZyaLAaWmwttWXzVGDkJu5qJbAamp31wsR8qfKsduwCoSQGJKJPPw2NxI+WtOgG3Jaw2Eg3OpJj6Yz1GanmuIrTMHKs5ADdCOw+lCApTS7G2QMR2z61QD4buaAqgUOSeBgUhD5GuJGeUnYhPJVRilYZej1AwW6Kk0wmA4bccAelQ4pvVAGv3dpc2trOlnd/adhWaeaQsGOe3HHFTCNhGLbB5pljRWZj90L3NdBRbnmm8trW6yjR8ABskUARRTkN+7JAHZqAOp8Bvpl3rccGtSSSWWOIITgM5PU+1c2J5lG8dxM9wgi0+xjK6eIooVUDy4+VBA7n15/nXgSjUk3zGbJYRNPdoS6RKwwxVDk5HSs9kQcZq3xIGmX80J0i4Uxk4bOwNj2IrupYNTje5aON17x3L4jiisL6Jl2vmNwwyAfXjmu6nhVTd0UkZlmTHcySznzQu5QXbr6VtYZm373AlDTMixgkptwetaRQzOiuZRI3ybkY9x1qmgNxHJ2vGg2KOdpzisne4hYEtWia6gJ3chiTt5PoKewGZNczQF1aGJwT8rkHNapFD4Ly1aMG6SNmHQbev602n0ArX2pIxeC1iSLIwWVelNJgUSIPKk8+WVZx9wbTj86YCcpIFPz554OaANLRtUvdNufN064a1mP/LRVyfypMDo/Ceu2dz4nj1Pxjf3OpxQZZYZiXMrcYUDIwM4rmnT0tER6X4b8U2+saxPFLYnTUIxaW552D3HGK8ytQlGPcTOpS4eS3eNJ5JFXAZdufxwea4mkiCT7Lp10N13bKJR02cBf0qeZrYBJJ/KDu03mYXIV5CASOnHHGPrTjroB534r8RXl+YzdWCQWyuVWRQdoODx6etelRoqOqZSIvhe2qC/uH0qQ5zum8zncmeQB3NXiUuVXKsdX4+1poLdLWNhC0+S25MbsHHXqOlcuFhdisR/DZbN9Blv4rXy7gTfPskyz49fbk0sVzc1gO1jRpk2PA0a44UPw3T/ADmuC3mAJbQmPzAOc9GI6+wp8zRLJLeGGKN/3cuemH56en4UXbRQlwqeR5ksjQxJwuT09vSjW40jiPGviWfR5H0y90uQW8gAWdCN/fJweB+FdtChzO6DlMTwT4g0u2lvrK2MxQ4eS4uJBhFPGPckmuitQb1Ymi3481s28VnFatcMsoO6RWwrLj24xUYahq2TY8/1Iw7HmnuBkKWKbfyr0YFGFAFuJD5IIUrkZrcY6K0Ee95Cskki4DMcBaQEi3rzRor2xMkQIUxMQD7k4osAum3M+l3K3q3jeeT9xBkge9TKKkrMD13wpDq1/pEGqHTZZd/zB5F2ZGevP868bEKEZWTMpI2J11l7eQNorwqmCf3m7GfTAzWCUU9GZOByPiW5MPinSbZplNyzFWh6YzjGfSu6jC8G0WonatoPieK3WRvKAB8xEjc4xkdeOa5JOCepXKxYIvEJMkrpHHsO4qrHLfUd6V4Byk1p4m1W1RJbjSA0Tkgbyc7h1z7fhR7KL2Ycp5r441+e/wBTbyLFMEYYAHA/DtXoUKdlqXFWRiXEscOnuRILVrpwRtbcVAH9a3S1KMS8gEllMtpO0q7SWYLjJH41ql0A9H+Gt95mm2mk+HYJbq84N680YCxr7c1yYmhzO7Jauekf2LfQ5WTywu85y3IGeO3p+VeY4GbgYHiDTliBVp5IXRs/O25SPfHHetYX6lI8m1k2qa1Nfs8cEqD935I4k5/SvSgnay1LO6m1N7DT4ryblZYwqMDubJH6Vx+y53Ylo891N1kjuJHLZ5bAwMmvQjHSw1c7Tw1q9zc+ForiSWQmPKhd44wOlcdaFpFFrwzdz6ou50C7SQYydxJ9c/nWVSPLoJsZ4mmnttUtxbyNbyMNvyrk9scUUrNaoEbmhT3T2wS5C3Vypy3moVJA/Osalr3GaFjJrSLJJMoUMMkDBx9CR/Os3ysdzStLrIBnfMozwOcE1nILkk1xcW1rNJGrytu+VVTOeOcDP0oVmO5Doer6jPbO8kc0LnjqM49uw7VUoJEORYR54X8/ksBuHmMRx7Gs7rZE3LMV3JIQowRg7C2fzPv71LQ7kJu7y3fKbTK/yjy4gR7nmnZC5mVLm6neZRNcM0zH+7tCjPr+HT3pqyJbZFOsjR71u3V5AQQSTn6c4p3QrsyNa1iLS4IIxeyxRvIfMbaTkegraFNzNEmXLTVU1KEGC7dhgNkjBpSi4slpk7t9liMplcMcKfm++cdfbFZ3u7BqVE1G8ttQOZmjh8rJIfnr3Oa15U1YuzL8PiBnV2jIkyMrv52/lUOnYnUqxa3d2uswxyoUEoOSHLc46gGmoKUW0WbiaxGFZpEIj4wwwFz7ECseUVyVdXhhUu5jOFJGF55osxcyJE1WFhFKzSJhuRGeox0Pt7U9RqRPLNbyRrFHcPv4Zuu7rxRcq4+WYeZvY5fqQwzu9jSuAsV03mhmijjiOME4Ax7A0cwIeL8fam3L5hJyrYIAwMY/+v70PuVdDPOt+fuLIwJOOx7jp/nFLXcV0Ib6NLcLGyksQu9hnbnjI/OhMOYparLbPZNbz3CxtIpQuX2jJGPpWkJPmFc8R8UQXFveSaW1xaXFq0eQ8WBu79vrXr0mmua1gMayvTpUaGVXy7cCJuRj1FbSjzbAdb8LdeVPEkFlaaBE7Tykvcy8OF6nJziuXFUlyttiPcJJLbcVaGJiY8MFkBB/CvKd2WrWIYZtPu4nZoht+6Cr5x79aVmGg9oNPkGInVCCPujII79807Megi2dvJJJGl18mcLu+YscdvTv60h2OU+IGmu+kx3cMbXM8cgEShSH68n347iuii7S1KVjgG1DxJatKtpY3azod0scgPSu6NKD1bFcw/F2vT6ldGS8tTE0SJH5TjGMDGM10UqSUSWYmtapc3tulpawJCkSgMqZ5zznNawilqxJ6FvwV59vcmezuLNrpcGMyqcLj8ajEWejCxt+LYo9Q077S128tysp807htOfQY/rXPRvGVugjzq6txbTSNtHJzg9K9FMRaW/NtYKLIne4IcITwPQ0KKbAqWFvd3dwjyfJEuCzN2+gzVStsB6HDaWEGknUI9Zu9Tvl2rF5hIEa91A/KuCTk52tZCFuPE+t25iawkbGMSJMOKSow6l7mTeyS3Np9qmhaL5jlc4DMa1jo7BYi0WKV0kjndYEUblKoSKc9wM5h5CNJJHK4d2VyAVHHSqvfQVyOVy8AESGGFBhsnBY5960ilsFyOxn2CS2jG0S/KVU9frVNCLH2ZtLginniAPRldM496SdxElpql4n2+1sJ7aeG42NLI0YBRcdFz061LigLjPplvOksFzLPG0Y3luobv8AWs7SaA373XdJhtbGOFHdMLkoPvHPQ7q540pNsLGp4J1b7PrEklzbfZ0m3KN5UdfQZFYYileO5Ej0qOS1lhF0JmEZ4BLHHv2zXnuLRKRy/jydIWt1jdAW55fGFB6AdOldGGjdXZtFHm8r39nr0s1pL5ILCSPaQ2DnjoK9Lli46oGXPEU0Tx3n9os73hQN5uQo96dOOuhKOPs2aJCqb2Zz3YbdtdbQx6pcm/w9xM8bNhliPAH1FTLRCOlsdQeXXrDRtKe7nsInUyIOjP3PHFck6fuuUtxN2NH4p6Z9j1iK4aSZEaMYKgkcc44GKjCzbjZBB3RY+F15HDqbC/DCecBIEPyjHqc1GKptr3RSRnePL+21HVPNgLiWEnf5gypH1ArTCwcYalpaGTpU832PM11CkLHKpAmG+nP0refkUtxbaW5nvXlS3lIIxhvk2D+9wRQ4pIpu5RmvdRlmuI7iU3CDj97zkfWrUEtib2M2y86WSWyghjXzBgso/qa0EO0/mePyUmkK8MSOBj8aJbCOlKC4gCN8z7iwUE7jXN1BEEUs99erbG3+y+Xy5A7D14p8tle4CM8cGt2zMxMKOMsBz15P5UOLcWB71od7p17p0d1bSOkJUKCSCx9+a8KpTakIswS2xeQQo7Krnkn+lTZoCve3Fvu/fLnpghDz+R4ppXAVfKWNigcMWyM/xe//ANaiwDnHmcL074ABb1qQBXXduAYLtPIGOPrRqK5XVkVWXaMjp3xn6c1VguKzzYCkKqKPkPGO/YUguOhlZ9y7clec9M9uD+NO3YaFbYQzLKeF5Xb+lBRQ8S3Vpb6cFnn2rL8oYJuwfXrWlOLk9Ckjw/xTKG1Jim3YJiQu3G8f0+le1RTUQY6LVNVs2dYVjhglXDpsAPr+FN01J6k2I9B8T6hZaikyAsqsdsTH5WPviipQjJaiaPfNHukuNPtzcGBLi4Ad442yUOMivGq0+V2HF2LsBSOVYI5Hkb7wJXoO/JrJoZI8zRuBk78Y6/N+OKlRQmQs9xPMWlPzqMqpOCPU+pFMQwyzedvwjJnJx145HP4UWuBZF0lxEQDiQg5B5GKLWAiPywkOq/LkgMecemc+lICttAQfZ+WLcblwAcdvTimFhQzAO8j7XHXIJ/DOP8aB2LAlmFuo3Kqk4YscHp6Gp6hYr2zRA7JYdzE7xsO0c1TAll2AHD7XbqRnt70IojVQ1y6SqcpgqQc7u34dB+ZoegkSm3YNuIYbSFxnGO54ouBa80IRKrLO4AyrDr+FIpOxBKsbIfMgxjlcDNAmNgVpY2KIxVhjPG4nufSmTYJoZPsxd874lIULyW+tC3LijitE1FJPENxbfZwrOMF89DkdK6qlNqKZVWNkdokfIXEgbHBZ/vfUf41yMxG3FsNrMFfzBnGMYoTCxn6xCG0oFEMjKp/dxdRjpmtYO8jSGh5H4js1uJU8/T5oHCsOAw59cn2r1KTsrXGzEW0gWNtk8hReG4PH+TXRdkXKEWouIltiThenXj3rZx1JsPhlvJJQfldNvLEUwsN+1woW82RpJAcKQT8opWuMiuolumBtJOePv0WsImtcOxNxIxEfAVRxSeoDNRuoHuXZ4f3PRc9aIgNtLm2eB4Fdxk56c+1VYDNdFFywEUjDOM1VgNeztzbxHzMojDgk/jWbYFa/k+0I+EAVehzkgVUQM63iXdhyX46noK0bGbVvH5Fubfy4mY4O/kfhWTEwl3R4jkiVzJ0yeBSQFrSGtYpV84LGRyKmQF37THGQYYzJIeQV6D86zceoCakTdJJiXcByVOOOKcUBh+Q0bl3L+WwwBngGt0A/SlhNxgyF0GSVHGDihjKV6pUTSeco3H7oqogZTqC2AM57GtAHeWECl3GWGdooAY7AA7cnNMCAklsY71SQD4gwfcDg0mAMdxJZ8fU0AG0kHA+pxUgNaQkCPAIx1xVJATWnleZ+8QOduME0mBoJBe52BR5Oe3OKluwF+1s5oSSS5jKhchOtQ2BdSw02G3W8a6/fBiTE6Zz+NO7ERvLB+9uC8pRkICx8AMe30pWGZrXEiRrJyfbPBHpTQCW6X/n+dbwNlW3KoGQPSnoFi3qWt3lzFKbuZTdPw2EA6e9CEYO4MDuk77ix61QyWO3luI3uAw2Lgc96AEKyR4LFlzQA/asLrKzFz1waANJdVjeF2KhZTwoH3V+grNoRNFcXtxCk0aBIwwAc8bvpS5bDFu7e4mXfLKoc8DHehMCK1sZ3ijihaUk5JIGAKLiuSx2kNla5P2u5fHzIOVz60r3EMnaVlRntbaFQPkDYBx9KpIZnauIwU8+486Y8hE+6oqogZ48pclwd5GFGasZAzNuOQfoKaAcAzJjJbH6U1uA+GCSQM+0hBxmk2BqaXLZ2obEaNNtwWbJ9KzkmwLC3Ms4wsQdR0AGBmlYRRlKHUvNmbcMgsFPSqQFjVrnzpPOQ/IVABNJICDT5YE3pNzkfKfSnYLFmBrGKXzCsjtj5vSp1ArPL5kx8gKOeM1QE9vYzEhr6TbCpJ+Vu/wBKlsC5BcW8O92tUntycAMSpOPpU2uBHcale+RPHEkcdnJgCNucfTPNUooDGRzG+5CN2OOasZJ5cMlu073a+aT/AKvGc07AQqfm96ALUV5Lbqwtx5ZcYyBzUtJgdX4DuL+6vYRe6nJb2McwZtz4DE//AKq5cRTSi2kJo9lKxsWFpcNkADOcjHrXgSunZo52cH8REvLZobjU4bW8gBJ2JkMPQmvQwkovSJdN9DzUGWO6SRbcZkOU56V6qWhqX5GC2fmujNIZMYHYUWAjsIAxeR8hACSSP0/WgZTkiKXQIUxrnI3DANMRq2+4K6o8YWTgkGs3uArxxRQGNyMDO3GaW7EZU8e6Ty1bzCwwozWqGO1O1toljjEwEyrlhincCJWS0t92Mr13beSad2FyhK2+R37t61QxiHa27POaAJre5uIJjJFKQxBHA9aANptaiOn2trHpVpFcW+St0C29icdecdqhxEelfCnSNKbztQvtSk1C/nUE7chUGeQT615OOqyWi0Qmz0l3ttyfZwQjgAgc9vWvJ97qS9SLEnm7gVwf4TjFMdipr9v52mywXF4lr5icFmwB9K2pNp3SDlPMPEou7S0gsZ75mtZCShQZUkD3r1KNn7yKMzwl4gn0XVI7u2lJKKVZCOo9K3qUlJO4y54j1TUtWLS30jQxt8yK6Y68/rWdOlGAjQ8A39rp2orPcPOyKvCICU59RWeJi5LQR6YL67vLe3KO8KNnao7rx1zXkuKgyXcgaadvkDlmUFsk5A7U+VdSHc5rxD4x1HR3QyWYndWOdjYyB9a6aWHjNXHy8xQ1Hxhf3dgpeCaEyKHCNLkn0xW8cLFO5orowL3Wbpx52ol7hHjIRLj5tpPcV0QppbFHOm5S3iEdrGrrKdzHB5btmtlHowJ7e+1O6haS4uyzoNsYJwFB4I/Kq5VHYRatLeea1naVoMxjO/P9KltJgc9dyXel3ZMyqzyLnODwD7VtHUCtc3JmgVVEjANhCB3qkgJtOa7VXiB8sOuGJpgLDEw3iGYbv45CegNTYZ6n8OvFMq2JtZ7qW68jAVmfCKo/hFebisMnqkRJHWa94vNvpxv18pYvu7Q2TmuOGFTkTY8M1rV7y71x9VmuVaaR8hlboB0Fe1TpKMUjRI9N8G/Fa/hRl1HUGkhjQKkSRbsjjI/KuLE4NPYdzS/4WzBa3D3IsJ7mENkI2Fxz9KwWDvoK5neJ/Hlv4gtoiLUWKE8hTljzxWkcNyS0Ezir64ktvMa2uJRCwwVbPz/jXVFXAo2yia3a6Ma/d2lQvetWraDKM96tvpb2wV42kJPy9AKtK7GXfCms32hLNdaedtxLgbs4OKUlcD1jQtS8Ut4eF/qt7dJG2CVkPTjNebUceayJaMXUtTmuJ3dLtnSQOF+cDFVGPkCVji7O3tINSnk1mf7RDtwiDJJbP/6667tpcozV8VeINM1I2cenwmyjTCPG7ZxgdamFPld2Bzt15U4JVd+MkkdK1QWOl0q5g03TlMLpcZUN04wR0HvXPKPMxm/8NtatLYzLIyW0Tu0hYj5hnHH6Vz4ilzEslufFiy65JJceXeJA37g+XjPpSjQtHQaO/wDCWqWmt6THqL2MVo2/yx7+9cdalyuyYXRpSPCkBaMxyhRnAfOT71jawroo6xPbrp8kqxRJIigKynrx6U4Ruxcw/Rb+2uLOFpMF9mJNoxj3z+f50pQsxcyLwa3x+6KKxG3cCMc96VmK4yaGRBlSJByAFxnFKwht2rhi/wBljVcY2p95j600ugNlQifywUjbLcjg9T1/lT5RJkP9peVcPZGNTLHGHxjJx069qXJdXGQ6lPM27yIRM0a7irrwv0pxj3LR574pvxdyvbtatF5bZ8twR9fwrvowS6lXNbwpqcVvbqtzEI0J2KMfLjt9azqwbehLOqa8sliQy+WUJOQF5HuK5OSV9EK55x4vu4L3X0gtLqRYG9uc9PrXpUI2jqjXSxq2fibS9ItrnTrsusrKAkpXP1NL2Mpu6RNjnLXxIl5q4uruea5SN9qdj9K1lQtGyBnsOk2trNplvcOPklXdsQevSvJm2nYlCtY2rREB3TJwSx5zU3aYNDre2BjZkuXchgpVumPUUm2CQ5rMyTLtYlgchGHBwenFK5ViZ7S5g3IWjkYg7QPu/wD1qE0ykmio7albxglVlJTlFJ+XNXHlYXZh/btWkud8rQxKDgqFYnH+NbNRsQ2aLX2YVdRI0gBGWXv/AE4/nWNjNtj4LxJtkbhlOVYY70nEaZleIdQtLKGJ7za6rkmE9GH1rahBt6Fannt3ZRXkEOp6VEiksVdS+dozxXqRbj7sijBklNnqXm3EUc6xSZwTwa3suXQZZ0nVbnTNZTVyDHIC2yJBk4P/AOuoqU1ONhM9x0+7juLBLiX92HjGc4xg+teHKLi7Ep2LVrMpd/KliCZO0DGf84oY7jneK2dSWwj/ADBvQkDOT19aEmx3OR1bxbJH4ihsbNg0EbjzJU7r+HvXTGinHmZormhr9qniGzjuNO1Z42t/nARvn+hFRCXs3ZrQls5jx7qHiK105IpbhJop12lxF+8/MV04eNNu6Fc4jUNJvI9EN1fI4HDqzqeQeR1rvU03ZBcr/wBozx6QIbdUlwoDEQjOOvXrT5E3qFzS0LU9PSe71Uxp5sVqY4YmXA3HAPHrjJqZwbXKO5z6q8VwLhLoGOUZaNvWtbdBEGozSm+jZExEUCunX8c1cVZAU59Rtkm2LbbML82G6mtFECk01zIN+fkY4AHaq5UBu6VE1tpbz3FzIZpGAVd2Ao9awqK4joHlvDYQzxXY4OSjKDXPaPNsWihcveX189154ZWO4xAcD8KpJJWGXNItYpY2uZmAPJZA2BxUy00QMoandSXcMtv/AKuJWJRG4/HNaRjYhmbPcWhsR9qldrkk/IPurWiTTAZp0yiVDEheTG4AjiraugGeItQur+Qu8Tqp+Q5xt4pQjbYCnBqbW9v5MMCYz8xwMn61py3AstNDeQIFQLJu4UcDHrUNWEbEcViILS3vZZBxlSvQHsM1k730Gi/oMj2mvWuqXll59rExEYd8jI9RWdRc0bLcTVzvPDN1Za7rjalfahNJLCS0dlGSEjUdyBXBVpuEbJEtHMeM9Zt9V1iWOIo0cZMaNnaK6KFLkjqUmc6y3tq+y4YDPKEen1rqjZgN1lp7q1yHLtKNrHOT+tOKsIqGyNhbOA8FwGi4bOcVpe4xJpoLGLyLO93+bH++fbjbnsKOS+4HS+FdXi0TwVNcxX0QeS6MaqsY8w/KPmz171yVaXPPYhpmZ4g8XapJYJZ3Nx9stZcn94mWBA7GtadGK1SsWlYg8LPcsQ1xKyLJ9yR26D2oqJDIkhSW+lEs8mxSVPP3qd7R0Antr6Aj7PDEqrGTsGOc/WlbqBKl61xZfZhutbtixeSRsKyjpT5Lu5Rn2Cy3ZeW4lBhgbDgHBcegq2SyvdNFd3E0dpF9nj/gCt936mqs0tQItJluYkNtFMuzdjpkn8aGriZszTrZkxRoZVABMqryvrzWW4ITTJBbC6uvtEu2RcE7jzntQ4vYZWlUSgz/ADSRqMhewpp2Eeg6NrmkWmkWQCTPdKgUoT8gPrXn1aMm2xHeWN95ylYBASQCxU4K8cVwSi09QKV9evFqiW7xMxlTcrAZB7cmrjG6uWkUf7YuTqdvBIwKyMUJ6kEEYA/Wr9muVsbibsVs3z5kkBbkoycZFYbGY1raZHCnzgQedzEj60vMTTFij2hWkLeYfl4JobJVyYQOW3FWHQAZ4P8A9epQ0idY18vMxSJVOMZ7U0yx8HKqISSrDB5zn3oGjlPiPo11Lp3mWbPIU4ZQc9q68NNKepojxq/T7Y0hP7l4l+bccc56fWvXhoriZFcXAhs0aQZdl+XB6fWrUdRGJ9rkFyGEhUc5NaWuhM7Lwv4m1DTlJhdpFxjJ6c1yVqKktST3SzlP9nwSCXcXUMWPXkdM14lRWdguWYLuKcsi4Zhy7Z4z6VDVguTNEwCu5U7h2HJz2/SkmCGSJncrlFGehXtRcLiLEocgjaSvAHRh/SgBXQbAUDZC4wfTPNAWFa4s4JUUyCJ3+7kjDe9FmUSeYhYl35GOgOO9FmMhuJEWMSrtZchQoBzz3ppARmRnB3ZXB49xQyRkcbyNzGjJIcsenbijoBbsIo8v8+0lSEwvPHJ/nSeqGmTQWRIY7mLFOVzx7dfxoYwmgZHEkUa8Ack9ORQNi2wjkXCsd4Xpjhf60MNyaaweFASGI3E7AvJ560XHynK+Otbm0benkEyMmExnIYj/AAxXTQoqTuzRK2p5v4YvPEM+vBI0txLJJklxjA613VqdNQM5zbPZoYmELtLcKZVXlU659c15JCRHGw+TazBd5Jd+cetFrDsZviQ4jH2O9WG7z8obGGHrWlPzKPKvG974jUNBO6TKG2ggAc+xr06EadroGnYxrEXA04SEIATsZeME5zzW7tczMq70/wApkS4ky6EbgDj8K2UriZZnKLZARK7ENtAzjaMDk1SAzr7yhJHbxCI4X55N3eqSGilIxgf91OrcZGKrlA17edzpDTPCgyOGHB/Gs2tRMgshHc+dLM4+XJHy5zQwIJGggjDxQIzsSxbB+mMU9wGrfXE7hJdiJGNwwmM07AXY5pJYGd7dmQDjJqGkFivfWsYtvNhQxbVHyE/eNUmBlQJcmXCKCAQTzWjaGdM8a31uPmCvsA2g+g/+vWTFYrLEY2UBHkZhjPXFCYEUs0CTkyEg/wB3HNAy7BA0EaXO9xCeVFZSlfQTJGkiFw+xFGTwT3oS0BFXU538xY3tVSNRxitIpDI5J/JsxMgiIbI27cEcVQGJPdBm2yIA3oBVrYBk0VxsEjJhewqroCqxyw559aYDJdwbGcU0AmMkDNVcBduOjYpAKoUnscetAE97O7gLGBtHXjFICmeMnsKpAPViq53Y7nHXFSwNqO7tzsQSO2V+YdBUNXAtQXYZDCb/AMqPrgjNTygRODtELymWRuUNUIvKltaWG2S8zNLw0e3lT2xSeoypqCWSOI0Vmb1b9aEBYsWU2cyNffZGxn7pO729qT3Ahm8NXUKRT3N3A0cib8hvmOfahSApNod0T5rgR2hOPMY8VSkAO+11s9NXzVA+ZvpTQFS5WUMBNIGPXGelMCE7mxk5AoA0bIWkMkckwGzHPGTSauBtxXenyeSs7y+VErbBjGD2rNpgSfa7a2tjcx4uCykDd0BNJJvcRRtdXNtZSZQGVsqqn6U3ALEEusXGxYYXKAjDYGM0RgFihKoC+ZNKJJn+6oOcCtFFIZUYkPuKE4GMkUwEjmVHJMaOT+lACXnltGGUkN3App6gRLxjr+FNgSF3bKh22+g4qQL+lx7JVcWoJA/1jjj1pNiNYXcUlpI9y2PKU4VBgMazsBiyW6uwxujjJy2Bk/SqQgmS0UIjLMQRgc+lUhiJ9h8wKUcRAcjPJpgTTy26xsI4QFAyGNKwWKsMhJxHCpLd6Yy3D52CLiVVReQM9aloRHcThyqH5UHIAosFhhDPEZt67c7cE81Qymx+fOelCAFIDE4xxVAIGI5yRQBPHJt+baGOOM1IGnpsjT3ls93KIbWNsso/ixWc1poDR9C+HAl5YQzWsaRW0uFUDk8DvXzuJUlJmMkedfGe/uraSDSzCEUqSxB59q7svgmmwgrM8viuHSaN5C2OhI6ivXsamk9xb3DqiSyrF059amwiS3TYhjSdpY/4u1SxiXP2do5BNKXG35GPOKAHaVGiRqZJAUzwT0FJgzTkjMpETyJs67hzkVCEzPihiQmWKUh8EAbc96tPQaI5UigIkldbh5EJGV6VSAyJjLI6lvuEYx2qwLdsqQRM7hDj+8eaSYIzpm82Z5EX5SfSqGCMQw5waAOm8JW3h9ruZtcuJ2jCZjSMdW96yq81vdEz13+0PDGgaApsr+1RSOIYzmXPuK8apRqzqak2NLQ7l9W08ahawzW9u/CCT7zcda5qkOR2YJGiHYSIpJkfG3OPQVlZDQl5Zpe2RkvLVGjQ8hj1NaQdnoxnkvjArZahtQPJHhlVS+VXNevh9UM5QF4L6KQx5bcCR2rsaTA6HUb23v0iW9kkM2OU9R2ArnUeV6CL/hqWynUR3FxJZrGQSoXJbngZrKtF9APWLG1mmhj8pTs8recntz/gK8ee7FytmdrBubdR5VuZgPvMDt2iqgovctQ0OA1bX7bWxdWY08/aIwVRw3I9zXpU6DhZ3JSOLvXubholeYu6AKCG6Y7V2qIx81zPdJEVlHlxAK/r3p8tmBXm1KR4PsVvwrvjOOaqwGpi2tdPRrjPBI3A5yahptiLdjfCS0Q20ZiXnc7dCKzasxGbe21xeb5mnWWZFy2T91e1aRdhlOyQTTIGkjjSIEgjkZrXWwCXk6s5gidNo5JznNNAQu5eNCypHHjaD0z7miwEMMssEyW9s+7kfdbgGk1cDU1rUI5FNnDPLIyAeax5BbHOKiMEtRGRIvyxDaqjJ4xWuhR2PgkyWl0Gh0nzzIhUPJwik981yYl3W9iWzurGy0h7J/tk1nvC/vCjDCn+tefKU09BLUi8Q6Np9tpU91BcLGsaDB8rO8+tVCq3KxTRxV9PbtY7f3h2DB8wYzmuyKadxGYRcWdpFNaYEb8nc/Ga2VpDKl/eXIhCyBULAk/LwRVJWA2PBFzp1pqcc2t2BvrXGRGrYOaism1oM9a8X67pmq6R5WgzrEMBJY2+6vHSvLjTlGV2DPK9ZayuZRYwB1uMAAhsKT7V2wTEZUFkxmuLe+abbEny4OSWz6/nW/N2A6GPRNLsILK4nxC8gLlZWDFh/wDXrPmk2IzLTyl1kYiU2+8jBOBjPerbdhodfyCOHyI4lUIcqVHBz2qFuMZpp+RvtcUoYEBIl/izQ/Ikua2t6NPt5rKJoSCysPTFZw3sxm/8OtSupc6Yvny7PmZv4VrHFwS1MpncJNJGZIThSGO3tn1Nec1cyZm61colsFZpFPVWU5Ck+taU4XZcFczND1RrmQ20d3ERuKghuWx1rWpCyu0E1Y6SB2R90b7gowc+hrmZkpMkdpSWuGkYRcAOHI7+lCZdyeLUzaWxkEjPITkKpz9KLNsTkLBqd65jWW4Oe+TjA5zRZDi7nMSeKZE8Vx2sDhlmzGz7eR04zXSqN6dzaxq+ItQ1KOJJoppEOcK0S5zjnkVnCEW9QVzhNevr64cS3DiS4U5APG/612QjFaIs3fBuqf2zrD3upxRsLYhI4IfujHes6sOSNkRI6rxHc6LcWZhUSW1yPmBBwSx5/wAKwpppiR5P4juLS31mGMLPHOW+ZsjLCvQpwdmaIr6nPZS3DxeXKyoB+9PJU96uKkkBS0+5sLXXS4llmtkf5VZME+pxVyTlCwHr/gvXJtbmWCOWOC1iTCIeH+teVXoqKuyL2OttrdmKx+fGMdy3XNc3J2FzFtrSYQsFaGTBwdjc4yKnlY0xkn2o3CLEH6jJXtjkilyDuRC5lLGO73ZJyWKYPX0FDg1sO5YdnKjO/fnPzDFTGLHcQK5IUQoScZLD6mq5WFxWZpXZVWBkYbcBeeozSsxFaRPKdk8qMt6DggUWFYztf0M3ukywSWUbs8ZCMRk4x19qunJwd0y1E8vuNMn0q1lge1SIRMVcrJliBnnH416sJ87vcVjCGmSX9rcSWkhdol80JtyWFdV0kBkQ3+oNcCHaY5HIVsrz9PaqktAZ6lbarqcnw8uIp4IIi0ZWNxJhq8yVKPtLk2On8E3UFz4etEdUaeKMIfmyT9T3rkrQamwZD4qmnV2T7O725TIKduOKqikUkeaWV39h8U24uoG2O2Qp6sv0r0HHmptLoVsbl9f3mm6z9ug0K7+yunzSRsRtz7VlGnGUeW+pLdwfxrc3twpttKaW2jXDNKASPWqWEio76k8pj6z4mbULMp5SuiuAUZsD6YraFFRKRzF6Xtpd88qhJV3BY3+6OgFdSSGR25h+zK+5mGCeffPWhokedlzF5flrkDCADHNCTQEUXkQIC0U0mPvEnAB9KtFGFqAEspZ4DGD0Hc1qmBEoZLdZY5ioTtTA1dJuZ5IXWSJ2jYgb3TpWM7AdagWHRjE6CVx8oKn71cv2i4mTE89kWVm8lySTjnArXcT0Ks2pSRK6oh5zywxnPWqUbhc0bWbTl0N73UYZHYYEca9D61nKMpOyJKT61pElwVXTEaIj5QF+YHFWqcluwJDdaTHa+Ulm0Ldd5b5selHLK+4EkGmySeRqFxZs2mCTON4BNVdLRbjRzOoR2ay3Hlb0bzDsTrha2je2oMvaPHBAI5p50G/PXkfSonexJ23h2XwtcWb22o2BYSAfv92Np9q5aiqLZgY1/MllqVxbWqJc2mcR7n6D1q4puOoyzo929tqk93pN/Bp6mEI6yNkucc4+tKcXbXURlrADZs0kiyh5ixZRzniqbA0rthLGm6YYiTknrtojuIpi72rbziGJ19PUA1VujGUrqGa4ZpYdwUkllUcKK0VtgKiws5eKyhErOQPmHQ027DLFpp0FtfCLVZBbRqecc4J74FRzNrQRY8QWkTSxJbXou4wMRnaR1+tKLfUZoajDI+hwOCQ0CYIxx9azWsncZFpdshtZ3MmGEeSTzmh7iI7FHWTzJAsMMTY54yaq90BFdiO41FftdwptwpKlQePaqS7AQrBpa2Vxc/aScHakQOCTmnqBnyCyhTf57qx58pOf1q93qAzSZE8/Jj2RoOhPWk0JmvPdRXNkIFdVLtxwQSPrUcuo0X2jMOhywgqWXG1R2681GrYjKtvOnPlMSqEZ471eiAkmlltSshnRewjHWlypgehfD3xLaSaJew3GyK7DjYMEs6gVwV6D5tBJakF34nS/1y2lW5Bt4oypVmwVNEaHLBo0Rn3mrLJeWywDDwzrJvzjIzk1pGlZamjaPa/DWsW+o6cZ7hIySuRt56d/rXlThyuxk2rl68urMKJmuAeMgDgVmPmQ9YrVwvk3NoyuOGfg89qAY1kEbhZpbcle455osCRGybiqttk3Ng8Dg/1otYdjK1hbuygeW2tjIIlMhKj5cepq4JNpMLHk2sa94jsfLc3EzWkjluOVH1r1KVOnJ7ai1OP1GGSad9QlfMUrb2I7k12Q00GY+rJgq9vHJ5THC561tETI7bTjdy+WzGEdSW703KxJes/MgnCpCSgbGD/Fis52aEfQPhzURe6FFJMIlmSEGWBeqLjrXg1abjMRs6T9ilsVltsFCScqM5OSP6VjKMluBNCI54w2JFZQQvBHelqirCG1uNpCuSxGS2MjAouFhLmG4gYM2EVxz2BBoQWIkLedt8w4ztLN0p2BGXqUtiJori48p0STgt94H0H5VpFTtoVYt29wmoOI7cOseMs4ORnPAqXG25LNEYW4jWQblAyy+oxjrWdhoi1PUbLTYXubuIooT93nke1VCDk9BtGfaa3bSaQ+oORtVchAcVTotSsTuR+DNZh1eN53lCPvYBc844p1aTgCRuvNFK6R+af3h4wOGA64rPlZT0FDQ29wLYzBW7KW5PtRZiuWLVZ4bjyQ0cLSgMpPUDvQNFySS6EgkaYcHBOMZoLR5Z8Zb6OOaEXDlps7iytyvXivQwkW7mj2PMtFvbmfWklsryRpi+xR7kd67pxXL7yMJH0D4S0u+TQ4ftZtpbgjcW3ZyPrXh1XHmshxVyW4eOKRYXMauWG0b8HrzQotjseefES/trfUx9qhmODsh2N19Ofxrsw8LrQHscdf6tPd3MNvOpeJMkIR/Wu1QUY3QOVylJHGGMKBkikbcUDdKvV6mfUguobe8tUlW5jWfccrvyT71otxGALu8EkltHGZlfGCAMj8a2SGXdU8Lahaaal/cW88CMd24rwapMDLFpHbWy3dyZ/LdsBlHFNO7A2dOntDpMsa2zmJ/wDlpIcflWTeomNtryGz4jiRkIwPMPHNDVwKN5Gy7nF6MY4VQDVrsAlqzQQ5mfAfgYAJNJsZYM0h+aUyKAcgHv8AlU7gTR6hEUIe0hx97e7H+VPlFYyrssZS4JjjY5LLTGT21xG21rQ7jkLlgefWhoC+wmSEzXEqEMfkVD0xUaCY62SBdTDyuWjZOmO9KTdho2ZZC9ssbTCRUH3B2FY6iZlG5CSieMpKU5EUq4OatK4IsXd/HeGOe+t4EZuAsYNO1thkN1ZyeQWiCRgjI3DrzQnqDF0Cxl1K7na9SJI0jJLAKMkDjHNVUqW2GkZOsTTW8ktosMabhgtjJwaqm7kmbYPaWTbpUFww5CA1uMqXkomndwNu85x6UARr908d6oBuw5PIoAmiiJOC6qD3zQBYura1tdgM/nFhnIPANK4FWaJlHmYATt700wEtpIV/18KsrdyecUgLcclm02Vs3EfYKeWpAack8q2En2azS3ycguOQOw5pAXNJt1jgW4ur2CKRlIL53FfwqZJgULySCO8Xy7gXfzcNtxk0IRbttMZkGo3KuqdDu4FTJjL+qWFi8oW3u3MJUFAq8/jU8zAzL+4tACTdO7RfLtfp+FUlcDFeZXUqpbgn73StLAMguZrcs0LbNwxkUwGbi7ZLZJH3jQA5VPUBnP8AsigB0y3EaK8sbIGPyhvSgB8RZzhpNp45NAFy5uoIrdEilMp7YXABxULQCLSri4jujLsDHPAZc1QEt0928TjCgZ3N8uCKSaArWcA8xJPmO09OuadwJJob2VPOcJDECVVSec+uKXMhXKUkaqu4uN2cACqGMWIH5uB6mgB3mGJ/lCtx3pgSW9wUbPkxHA5FIDUtr+1aMq8ZfcAcE4ANQ4iGtIyYHlRkZyAelCTAgkurwJ8yooOD8oFNIChNMrEs+WfdtHPSqGR8jtyR0xRYCe1hJG+TKxg8+9AE9xLG/ESiMAYyOpoAqlsYbO78c0AAOcZ/WgBVPGGOMnOBQAk2G2gAcUARltuQMdKoCMNxz/OgCRXPCqOtICzbyxRTKZIzMQchSeKVgOt0vxhrlxf2sSarHYxKyoiRJtVVz1JxzXNUoQad1qKwnxW1uDVNfVbO/wDt8UUYXzueT37Cpw1HkWwWOUspxHLuZAVxjB5NdYzQg+z4dWjBy4KtyMUhFq2uyouLdIIlLJgyEVmwK9mwDmCVUIcccHrQwL0FtawpteCRg57HA/WobESRQ7WdUQICcFM9AKSQEMMkP9qwok8duHGMuCR6VQEOpW0cV3LCsqzsMgFD8uOueauIytZzQxEPJHvZVO0N0FVuBTuZZb8q1xJEiqTtCkCmkCIi5SJkQAhuN1MZAhwfwosBMsu2SMpEfl5Jz1oA7DQtH1q6UT2Whxyebhg4BZvw5xXJVnBbuxLPcfDzXKaYsd8sMLxfKsYx8vFeDXd5XQc5P9pgnuSkatndhWKkdsH61lZpai5ir4naUaLcB42iUAKJWGA1bUviC54tqzQEttk8zaQF2jIY59a9ukmMzLjD6hbWjOkRdvnZTnafeujoM37XT4m06e8N2szQ8bijDd7DIrndR3sAzw/dpavHJPZy3EAk+dOp5PepqRbTsxM9d0i4t7i3a6tLoBW+ULuAKAdRivGmmpWYr2M7xB4nm0pJ4/lnhjO4JHgM3tWtKhzmikcFe6joGpa95wsJLCNkyWP3mPv2r0IQnBWuI4q+t0iMkgimSTeTuySCK7Iu4Elldwm0khS3UzOR85z2qnuBWtI5beb7RIvEj4QkZwe9UxEqQNPcPJcS7YgM7QOtQ5WQG9ZwSPo8gDxwwc7ZGYAkfj1rJtXEc9PeSRwmMMpDjDkDrWqQyC2iWQHEjoqgfKD1rS9kMb9kmLGQCNRnGSwp3EXzp6qh+13luYlXOFkGalgRS3FqFRLdSm3v/ePrS1HY0bC1d57V/NhdCSXjPX8aluyEQazeXKobeKCGKJZfM3qhzjOOtOMbhY6Lwzq2myeXFrF5MNMhBcqG2mRumMdSK561Np3iS0dbZaz4O1Era23hwR2ynK3EzkbiPbqa450asdbhqdFqF/oms6eqy6gsVpBGEVEZQMD1B5JrlUasXoriuzyzxO9g+oSCyvJpF4VFKfKRXqUVK3vFIwbzHmJGu1lXG7/Z/CuhIZDqk8ZljNu5ZVxgMO/0qktQI0kuJGRoYZBP/EwHCim0M6HQjPYArcQTTxznBCHH49K556iNK5ksDqQjuHiCSMPLDHYVA6Ak1CTtoIz9Uh1GPUFd0h+zXAbygjggY61rAZjvHBG3mNcI8v8ACGOSK03AZp826SRsqFU7uSOTUyQzX1STzoxPHBGCMAqnGfes0hFK1uprnVhcvKqKmNw+9gD1pyWgGpqDPJ9pEQEgb58g8KMc1nFW3Ai8E32rJqD2uleVG8jBm8xx8wHYUVoR5byImtD062juIxFJcbfOIO4cn8uteU0YswfElxMIPL2tHEyjaNhCtx6muihFFxKnw8NpHFJdXhCujsscaYY59cVeJ5nohy1Org1qxnDxR3EJD4UfOAc+1ccqMkr2MXFosyXEjx+VtZgvZuhqLWJuxjOyOzuilQAFYLigELC435lb923TA6U7FR3OB19B/wAJVCsTDy0y3mD/AAFehT+A6onRaleXj2LTCUxQBQEYKeD05GKxjCzsFjCfVAGVDdQXmwbs+WVJ/E10qHRKwyh4fWFjJdNqosolYu0PmAFiOcYHNXU2tYTNrzV1DTm1CWZig/5ZngN+NYK0XyolHF3cVs+qRl3ZU8zBy4JX0xXYvhsizUtHXTLq8SIG8VxgyuQMDjpmokr2uJmXrjQQXwuUBjTb2IJ3H3FaQ1A2fCHiX+z4ZpLcBPJX948jgFj6Csq1FTE0dpofiC4vrEXlwy7c5+VeAfSuGpR5XZENM1ItbZrV51nPlgYLgEFaj2etmLUWDX9SIR4bu4CMSAQMBvzHShwQaj7XxBqDPKVu5MqPlJUEfWk4oVzT0/xNeXUZmke2L5yPMTGc/jUThylpkzeL4omSKVbRQcF/3vOcH8O3SqjSv0HqWP8AhJrCOzLrZKgZvmKYYkew9fwpcutguVtT8SaXJEkWmRXMV45BAlj2Bufen7LqUcn4o8VeI7XVIZdCaWTMYWWMxgjPfFbUqNOUdR3OU1a+a7+0NP5sdzO5GXH3n78f0rphTUdhmRo95qGna55O7yGA2SuFyFBHp+VdDScQKetzta6o3kXUcrA/M+372acFeIEF/qU11ZCNLsIVXhcHrTUEmB2Pwq1aO0ZYri+3tMdsKdy/TPtXLiqV9iWjrdYkvtP1WRNSlkih3bF2HPPvXHGCa0NYrQ8+8R3DXfi23mvJRGIAfKkbuoNdtOFqehMkbOu6vci1hOtefcWk4KQLbYBJxxnNTCnr7q1JOEuWurLa6YgDE7UL8/zrsSTAlt7tUSaV1Xc33I26ZzyaHEY3EM8qTxXCOyJmSNj0PPAzT2AkSNnQSthInIO0jA4qBEUwlMimAq67sjYDxVRERXFzuTyZJdueXq7DEgtVljW6uAQjAqGdTgc+1O4yCa2soJN7BxhhjBxuz7UrgdDY3l3cTIsFrbRQxrs8tQCcHjJrKdlqwJNc822aNZSIiw3OCcD24FRCzY07GVbyXDo920ayOR3PA960VguY2oX1zdOouI1QhcccVtFAa+hzJqF2llcqTbLFhhHjIx35qJKxJJLa2Nupks0lZw3DyYwAO1SmwHQwW9zBLc3cAl5OF34/lTe4ivJqtyNPmgFuYrYH5M5x+tNJXuWlYx1aN2XcHdicE7ea0uJmjFo99NFLcRxFIVA5bIAHrUcyuIg0+5g81xdzvHGqMF8tSQWAOOPQmra5kM0dIuRNfxST2yEKcFySAR7ispLSwix4j0/7Jq8cc1xaus0YkXylO1Qeg6dainJNMVy1bSiNlt4nR1QhWAHB79xUsCnqkcbXiOHcKThyvpVQYFFwyQeVau7FZOFxyQa0Ga1rdXsfhW5iNr5EznDOTgkUt2BFpUpEKS+UEAPUj72KmQIg114rrWInjYYI+cHkZpK6QzSSKJzGNyZBydo4UipbAbqWpSzSmyiLPuXHHINEYrdgR28smn2zWMsQjlkw3mlugHpVfFK4DLoCUytJdvOkwySyY5J5xTTfQCLWNN0zTrSB4tUkuGkIBURgbD3HWqUmwMLUIVcJHAwIySWJ71olYCxmG3sWVrUPK3U9TSe4FeFbjy5J/s7CLPJI6U9NgLMM8W+FYZmc5+5t6ClYC/qFzuuxkPFGy4wOQffNSloBErSljbWrR7AfmkPNHqKwrRwiH5oY3bOFy+D+AosA1HurQ+aqFCCQDnnNLlQFnSZI7mYKI41nC5JY7dxzUTjYCbWYJ/JN1MhRQRjaeM/WojZ6FXPWfhzqOp3WniNdOS3gWILFIoPPvXlYuMU7pmTvc6wB2IwTIo4Xvn/PvXJcpC7TDGcxIT1B3DAz9ad7lDEIY+aYpDJjHXgD/OaegXFecwgRkNyeCFOKYrjJ7t3hktvuxvGUYnJyuO4qorUaZ5TqFxJG8mhatbtbW4Y+U6qe/QmvTpq654juclr+mzwwoQTJbg7EKHhq7actBkUlvcx6IIp7NIgvzKxPzsD071fUSdypALiIIkdsfNkwULDk0gsVZ/7SF0Q8Tb1OT6Zp6WJZ1/hPV30KylvXuoHuLtDEYCCWUevpXLVpqbXYDpvCnjG60nRrey+zNdTmcs23gKpOcfrXLWw6lJyHY9e0q7hvrIXUaKY5RyN2QpwM5rzZRs7DRIjzG6ZEIKBfmVUJBGD0P9KkCaSIC34TznK4jB6g+1NFpXOV8TXUulzKdXtJhGzEo2xtuPQkf41vShzrQIwaPMPF2p2a6i0rM6qzgoiMduD7V6NKDtYpqx6F4LSdNMVlYQwiMM5cEMxPI4I+tefW1lYztqdlbtDLZ/aGR9gUfMV5HI/z+Fc40jz74ta1pM8X2OGUzkryy5+U4xXdhaL3LaVjldD/ALL/AOENubea823sTErGXwGX0+tbyi3O6MznNO1OGzlnPntA7JlAjHJNdM4OS2A0NF8QajPf2xhurpwuQVDEnB64FZVKMUtSWzp73W72/wDGGlxW07WxUgSGYHHBHXArnp0oxpu4FrxF4xk/4S6Kyi1CGXYVQSIxx+opLD+5cex391fwabpKS3N9NPKxyGji3IR9f61xxg3LQ1oWbPCvEmvtqXiKQ3PI5G9wCPpgV7NKnyxVi52TOetdTtYr3y3tjFhjh0JBNayhdGEj3n4Z6xYyaDaWD6pbSThQfL3liAT0NeNiKbjJuwoSs7FHXLawk1W6Q3snm8nYwOFHseuaKbdr2N3Y8w8Q3M0ki28k7ERviMk7sn616VONlczMu4uBbSHzf9Z0IJ61sloJqxdjt3cRusqbGHOTnHB71JBU1y60y6n3PIkMjY3JGgG32B61uogQzNb6jdwPaRW+n2cO2NR/y0lPcn1pq8UOxv6peQN5FlfzvFYQjIjjz87EjJ5+lZqTWqDqSx3+n6zpd1pNlFbpaW6hwsy/NweSD6mq1WrKtcxvEOma5Hb29itk5sn5RgnX8aUXG+5LTRQktryKzeKchYo0GI1PfHFVdXJMExTNcmGKJ2kxllByRWi0Vxm3osctoryTwqZF4QSN0HFZyV9AZPNK1+WDBY3UfifpUpNCsY2oIZDhG83a20b+CK0GWVTzbFIBbFtow8ucc9xSuNoXTNKEE6Tu6eSWOFD/ANPwoctBGpdXdpAiobZ7gxkkAjHX0rFK5JTYTSsJBbooPVS+Tj6Vo7JFI0rbzFkM8MSo5GNzAYFZMC3PpiXFul5dXEcTqNu1RyT68VCm76CMiKxme7Xyv3iryxZgOvoK2UroaDU7pbciBozIxHDFuFxTSuxk3haz8xmuA/mbgzeWQcDHSlVaSHcreJ4LoT3EsMABX75fH6d6KTRJykyuTubAJ6EDmuoB8NpMwVip55y1ADYyInJYKce/egBC+9t358UwHxGPfg5OPagCdzaxQkoGeTHBbgCkBRlmllG2R2ZR60ACbMDPQUAaOm3lpBKHaMGRDlSTigCLU9Ql1GZ5Jn3knA5OBQBd0q1P2be9zBvZtioTzjHXFJ3GakOlxW939vuMyQwgYjIwpb+f5VnKV9BEuqXMt5bLJNbJHbI+doc/N+GalCK8supOySW1osKOPlGM4HrzVadRmLd+YZD5wVnY85HFaJICssLM2CVBJ4HSmAjRwrG5kkIYAhVXvQBArfLg55oAsW11NCSY5XT0AOKAEuLm6uWWSeaSQgcb2zigBuSBsXAJOcntQBtW1xp1tZKJZS8pB+VV6Gpd7gQWd+/mhUIi3jlhwRTYE8kF3sLvJJNu42p8xP4VF9QG6VeC3eRBAysScF1+7+VD3Ar319M+4KSRnr35pqIGbFbTvICqMSTjcy4H41YC3EQhkaAyh2U4O05AoAHUwqrSIQSOM96aQDPNByx69sU+UBrOGYEOw/GlZgadklq0LS7bhscfM/ekwIbhm3YZhx2zSQiOMRqxxECzfdZv50xkE+MkZ+YHqD1poCeOWQw4LgJ3FDAY2OgODSAifGcAjigBu40wHKxwM0WAcTn6etIByFVU7h+tNAQsFJJJIH0pgJnjj8KLMADYOR70WA1dGsZrt1jE0cZZScljgYqQKtzbrbyFFmjkB4DLQgG2md+VjDPjjjNAEqb2kDFSM9QOB+lAG3ZOWgdEVR0AJP3jWchE1xp+blRczjz0wTs4/pUXETEsBugbKH7ylun0FZ3Ar3iRyt5qPIJCcHPAFUgJJ1tIbJIDbI90SMO5PrVLUZBrLSB47fy4xJ0+Tv8AjVpAZ8YtbUSi5t2MpOAG7VSAzLiXczSKqqmcgCqGBhn8nzmjcR9iRgUAQ9M4qgJlyNqgk5PNSB0/h7xXrViIo/7WnhtrYbkjVcbsdunNc9WjGW6uJq56t8PfFuo+Irt5rrTIY4CBiVgSxPqfXNeLi8PCns9SWjuZRJMv7t44xnqI8FeT09q4OupB5p421/USbiyl1GG4gTOECc4z0PFethqMWrlpHDTtbT7EdnTuNi4we1ejFMooQaZHNePKjs8qI0m0E84H0rUDRtry+mtBGjRmNeqnIqLLcQ3w/n+05LaPUGBnYZPQKcevepqaxvYD1BrWbSfCxM9zC8wO4ypyAPfjPft6V5Mm6lTQzd7nC6+TfWxkD+c4OTJGzc8ehrtoxtuWjN0+R3gESzRvtPRht46966GiinqC6rcm4uG8l0PZQAQPoBVrQZWtlMC+dJJFuXC4wOPwq9wGQjN4HjkMyrkkOOAfYUPQLG3pFhHNptxckDDSBWBXPGawnP3rA0S6yqxlBb2hlhjXBAIHT2qYJ9RGBqkrToJLeEwwsB1UAA46V0REMhksbeyWIB3ndiS5xgCq1ZRApjk2q7b8k/KDj86qwEV20aybYYImJ4POcU0hEttZM2JGl2BjwMcD65pMZu+H20+O7ltEbznCjdLu4yfSsKlxGN4jt4re6uQtx5gRwBjJyDzWlLbUZY8L6NbarDdSXGq2GmmCMur3bN8/soAPNVNtbIRc8PxWMWrRu+vw7dpJKI+CAOg4rGom1awGxeanaqhigs4XypUud2efxxWEabJ6mJcvZ3ChI4ZopXY878IcfrXRFPqMqSROsCCGEyOWbexbI7VQxJGt7eJSIzJOe7DKinuFyV9QuZPkEwhEny7I0xn64oaA1LGO7j/0ea7keLHyeorGdugG9YppzaeLa/g0uElhsuZ97yAAcnGcfpWUr7oDK1mwjl16yi0TWINQLqxZUi8sLx2HrjNaxk7ajNHWPC0cUFpeQReRExVZfMUb29Tis1Ws7CMO6tksmn8uRPKIITcmGJ9qtTchEd5KtrbJMVNxK6fMpPCn2AppXAp210vloIIkjbP7xQhLE5quVICSS6eJ3g8ySIXHBZMH1Hf60coFWJUstQjRvtAiVss4OHYd8VTXMB7l4MtrXXtDhubVUicf8sTLuYD1PPFeJiIzpSMZR1OX+JGoJBrDWEdu8QX5SSoIYnpXThqelyoo5Oxt1GrwQXCKI3JMgiLBwPX611O6joUzttF8H+F5dRV7PUNQkmQeaIpsHaM9eK4qteolZoiTZ2aeH98JkV5VCnII5BHeuB1LE8tyGbRbxVcWhVgxxliMn6U1JdQcLMxdWW90+wmuruzldIyMRoclgQK1g4ylZMaicdqt3cMI5ha/YnOfJZ1wx/PrXfTil5m6RYtLnUP7AlN47XDHLO8gxge1JxSn7oHNarDp9zZAWBkNwCCQpJB9ua6Yc19QF0JrdIzIthHLI3HzuVI9wAadRPuJo3L2/u7zT4bGeS2iithtESgh2PqfWsIpRdwsYK6FJqMyQ2wVHAZ5HlbjjOK6FOwyZtOSC3AkkOR1YyDH5ZpOQMyvEV7aulvGnkyLGTgDIP1Na04sDMgfzQvL+Upy47GraA24NZKlYoY2SFAWwuTk+/tWbpp6sVjpPCGpGaIx3M6P5r/6oqc/nXLiIPdEtHW+RpVxeGS3n3eWArKXPHtgVxPmiZu4qaVFI7SuXyV6seAP6Go9oBaFlFAkkSO/lsAMs3C/n/Sk6jbGjLl0SKRgUkYgHcMue3bn6/rW0a7QXJ4LJoojGIUdGfcPMkYgHB9KTmnqO5TurFMtPexKjRqDGyMwC/jVRnbSIzP1e4itbYT2wMxVSFaOQkr71rSi29SkYOmanOjGZZCJkzsLICUPr+tdTjsiiCMyJbXka3cj3N3iSaeXlifQe1V1Gc3tE9x5VwCDu4k55/KtgJL+wugyCWPyol6Pxlvw600wNr4XXMej6rHq7WMd66tiFZxuRW9SKyre8rAkdZf+JdT8RarNb30dsi43zOBtCfTnpXN7NRjdGqMjUYbfVLdo9MLXE0JP70A7VWqh7juyJMt2E/hNPDcllr8F1d328bJ/MbEI6EhQev1qrT5rx2M3czPF2k/Du0tbSfw/rOoXcwUmeK5JPJ9OOldEHN7gcUmTOLhdoAJ2qWPT0Fa2KNSxsHDJdFwvmP0PIxjvWTYjSKx7f3jRhc4VQThjWdmIhuRcLaeVFH5K785UHH51UQIbfSYApuLm6Z8jdswQD+IINNuwxkYF5d29nZ9VmysbOTk++T0qgNHWrCaLVJPtUcCuWJ8uNt2OBSuIh0mwvrO4kvEchHQhl/iPoKynJMLlvUbZbiNry5JcRjAU569uc1MZa2RRhx3s91ZTwElSW4WNPuj3Nb21Az7whQqTSq7Y7DtWsQNXw3G6aXNfRRq0kbhXydvynP51E97CHzCeeCSa6hlgtsEwptwGP1qdAI7JZ47BhHGWVjkkDG2pdgRpeJDqi6bYGQRmGBAVQjPBGeaINFGTp+uGzZnihi8xzkbk3AZrRxuI2tGudT1vTbiKC+kecvt8k5C4xzWM1GDQrHL39qbS9khID+WQDxkZreEkxmjHLHFpe4RlLiRuN7cEZ7Cpa1EdLpuu2w0Z9Ov7W3LOA6SxoCw9s9RXLKk1K6YjO+0tYiW4smDT9RtwdtaJAZv9rzSCf7ZLJ57AFFVflY574rVJICeOUwqszLiRl6pxg4oAlZwbfz7q2fawwJSScn3pICeyt/3YujGpCnAGzgVDeo0VkOx3ljJVmJUHbgdaYFq3gkW28rdIskuWB24BNRdAiPVJzbiB7cLGFTbKyHDGqjrcuw2MR6lareJFOqRnDZBcj3JovZ2JJ7aCe4s4/KuA0Ifne2B+VK4C6zplxPbQSJFH5bSMoJ6cYqoysBhG3t7eSTz1jlER5WNwOa0vcCZBZzwieH7UjE/dcgr+HFO/QQmpebNbxWoSIZbdlDSW4xttY21vNGt0ELBcnDZNN6gX4raK4Etx+5ihRTtQnr+uahXAz/Pa7UJGBCE+9tBq0gILPd9pTavmMG6uKLAWJox9oVxKig8hRknPvUsk1rO4WGRGaLM7cOTH8qe/SspK4y8JBdWE1teRiO2V/MWWMcNjtj8azUbO40b3gDXr6XU3s7HVpIbRVALbVzgdskcVzYmhHl1QnoeqWWpSOUUuzbcZdmB3evQYry5Kwky55kBKkNHIcAHB5B/Dk1I7isls5kaXYHX7qqOB1796Lhcpz2JO6SN2dzzsDcAY7DH6VUWPc891rXjDOxtkvlmiJAWRcJjNd9OjzbjscdqniS51pnF4iRSEbCR14rvhRVPYRz0YkhkJe4Zoi2WV5CQD7DtXQhD9Vm32SvEkqsXwrfwkfjQhodokF3LelpbiUMsZIbg7Rg55pTlYLktzBNFL+6mSV3I2ZbGee9SpXHYqW2VlYXjKJ3PGOx9abXYLHS2cMxKQNJu3/MW34JGOOlc8y4o9B+GuqTJFLZZleOJRhMkhST15rzsTFJ83ciWh28V40MhUSlWcZ+aMH8+1ce5HPYZPq+oXIkMF7skh+bAwN3tzVJW3Gqhz3ifxJ/aNk9hqlw9q0hJ37Nxz357VvTjJO61NVUex5prtpDbX8ey5W7iVQyy5IOcDFejTk2tgu2WbfxBrVzPDG2sPHbkfvfNlOCB2qZ04JXtqRex3Fl4gh0zwx9pOoTBCPkG7O8n6+wNcXsnOdkhQZ5vqepRarqBdYm3M+SXHFelThyKxqZOWlu5If3FvlcfMeSfToa0siGZaNPG0kLhMZ279gyB9a2Wwmbnha9utPuVvrS8CTRN8o7kZ6VjVipKzJZ1T+Jr3UNfju0trSWQYzG8fU+vvXK8OlGwrsp3N1baz40M93pNnYW6xEssCKgJA+nX3rRJxp6PUbeh6n4M8SaS2lR2otZEgAKMsz5Hsen9ce1ebOElK5VOXKed/E6w0qLUjdaPoqQmRv3s5JZc47DoPWu/DybVmaSvuzjYogt5Aj72U8bVbANdTloZM9T8DRW3hbSRrH2XTWlus7lmOXC4NebWvUlZ9C4R1uzk9Z124vtXuBayoJpXJHl55Hp9K6IUVGNmbSmrWORuLmeWaW2SxfzY2JdieM55OK6opWMr2Kdwvmss100TBQPlU85q+hLZeSeQLHtKgL27YxU2RByqx3F3IscCl39T3rqsMvWlpqkd3DGsiCRTuVByV96Umgub19a+aYzc3UlxM4wQOQCa5+awE0FhDpEbC2ZZLp1HDk4APtQpuRSdi1r/im5v9ENtNawxzKRhkY9RUwhaVy5y5kchBLfsjEQzPxzgZOK6NDKxPYvJaO3+hXDSSqcADpSv0Ao3NzdtceXPG8bKeAxNOyA0ogUjEr3OJB0CjP61LiwEN9bwXfmpGZJM7gWGc0cuhRoJqbXkpjlJRmJdkC4GT1qZRAIRbtMDNlURhtNSyRJxPIs86RtMCwVFUe9CdtxE2lW01pvurlIzIx2+X6Z9aJSAm1lp0mWNZhCAMbSMg1CVhjb2IXGGiYu+cbc8HAxmmtAIrQmO7KNcpGuzG3bnJpt6ARNbNJc4nQPEjAjjkgmmnoUkdHJP9gtQ8cHlkDCnbkAVh8TEznr69W9YtcHKuxJbbjqa3hGxJj3SWrNuCsAOAc9hW0Wxle+SOQ+alw+xV43NjHtVgZKhjwASSc9KYDvmUkdD3zVAOjlEbHaCCO/rSYCmWWUY2hutAEe7ChWAOKLAI2DyBiiwDflxnvRYCSEjeoAI/rQwOlsLWBFE7i3WRMFQxJ3Gs5MZv6EW1/X7ewnSBFLKWCthEXuSKzlohMzfFNzCPEVxbLJG9qkmIxEflwOPypwWgIk1+YWkMK28wYywghlH3RTS11BmBcOhsU8qFmkzl5H7+1WmBSuZBM4b7hAwAKoCAqT1PXvQBGgGcbqYDx8vU8UAWd9oImDKzOcYPYUgG2kckkybgGQt830oA6GTTdKkCymR4QV+6rDJNZNvoBUuRpduwECyMSMEt2NNXAfaXjLLF9hwZEU7mahoDPuL67juHXzhjOeB1Jq0A61vbVWeSSNw7Yx74oauBPcXTXI3RjIIxtbgCklYBso06C3aSQRtMT0B709QMe5uJrmYtKeRwo7Yq0BARyeKsBvQdqTA1tMdTDhmRVTnGetZsCO4O8/ezkelAETytkqx5xxxQBVP3jxznrVLYCVCzAIFyTzk9BQAsiKOrZapAYwOOlNAKVHFMBwjyfSkBJFCZGCIoLHvmkBNc2UkDhXYNkZwvNK6ApygA8cg1aAjbPpVgKCAOP5UmBYj2C3bMhBxggHGRWYEb7VAVcrgcd6LATWjIke4zES7uOOMUAXZZZniBSUYHUe5oA0vDFvMVmuZwZAuNiY6nnvWVQRDevJJqTzhyMkcMelK2gGtCpIEiEEBeQOee5rFiK7+Q1tLMrF36lM9DVK4GXcTm5YJKASpwDnoK1Q0MuAkDxstyXGclgOntVoCK5LX87SgHy1wGbNFwIxaxF2keTaifdJFUMqyyyOCruWHoTwKAIwOhzhTTAcD6HntRYDY8MRXN1qcMNu1urA53TkBR9c1E1poB7GPHWhaTpVppoltbq8jCoxgXCj15rxamCnUm3fQGjp4/Emn3to8ltMLlQANqrgAn3rjeGcHqQ0eS69BdjULm4NtJs3kH0Ar16VktBox9Tt4F8meKM4YfM2/gGumAyHTIZVnz5oijb78n9KtgMu70RM0cbMI/YdfrSsBHFb3EO+5iRmVz8pPAB4oYHRxy6klhGqmW4mdMFQdwIPauWShfYTJJ9M1HTrQMtu0cj/PIG7CkppuzYaGPNFY/aFkM27KjlD0auhX6DC1aG2knNyJGiAK7Vbr9faqsIw9RiSWYtDnHXbmriUN02Wf7SsKDdk/NiidrBc7oSSx6WYYYFUMmGVepPqa5HrK4m7nNtNeSXZQEksDnJ6VskgKt6Cj+UrIw+8UPOTVoCrNKXkRriGNc5URouM+9UmBAGK7/ACk+YjoKsCax0/Mkck8ioNpJHc+1DYyzefZGt3xO6MOETdxUWYGtoVkIYzO7W67woJBBYD6VnVfYChqUaPcXIEi/Zo2JVhjLGnBiKei2A1KfZuWO3LhXkMeSoqpysgFt7VIdQeGKQzLGSvK4yPUUN6DSubOpwXMBhdINm9c7mPAFZKSFZmZLDOkiyLLvVDl8HjBNaIZZlnWFRIssQjkBG1RnFOwjNu5HnYYjyq8DjFUkBPYrHPZtHOhDRt9/OMCkwNS1nmdwkMqrHjahd+RxWUkBoXEnnKlpdeVI0aDLoOtQl2EZt5bSfbYhYSfZJFbG/JyMirT01GacV/dyhoprp7locF5WYkDms2l2Ap+JJYpkhbcSEIOT/FTgrCK8BS4KxKMHIzz0AFXawyG582G/aWAZQgBiDVLUQ+w8qW9LtG5ZlIAI6HFJgUdVVY1hSV3MzN82GzxTQz0H4b6s+haXqMxvltp8FbaMqCWPbOe1cmIhzyWgmjK1fVtVvovP1EI0pYs7KuM5q404paBYxZNSuIBvMmyTB2OPvHpWziFj0v4O6no1pLJDLcSG4uv9dcTDgDGQB+OK83G0nL0FY9TcwlgiyKUzwV7j6V5Uk0UkRLbk/wCplZQB1PTrxTY+UxfGlne3WiStaXYaWLAK44JHXmtKNlL3kLlR4idUjsNfhm1JRdrllKs2Qv8Ak17ipqUNNBnQ634t06XSktbbTUltmfEpwRn/AGc+nWsYYZp6sRx2r6tFHLE2mQwWqbfuxLyD7muyENNRi6NFJNOsgjw2cM3bNKpohM3mTyrtZ750WPPJ28gjiuVu+wGdrLmzeWa3uZpYpgDC2cKOeeK2pq61ApTZ1DTvOmk8hIzjJOCxrRKzAwrjT3e/WK1MkwcgA5rbnUdwLmoae2lzi1lbG4ZbHOKSlcLEdmXilaG3uiYnHJxjNNjNTw/NJZyS3BbdIrfu16Y461lUjdCaO80O0tdI0z+1dT1O3R7pC3lBstXn1VKTskZtHT6XBNd2kd2kb7JI8q2T0NcNR8rsTysvCxMud4BVsYBJ6n2rJzsNISfT5/LKiZEZc5UHg9P/AK9VGbYJDYYAhKzTrt272y4AB6Cru+hfLYq31shhdTIWR/l3k5AzTjJpka3PNZLm3t9UeBUlYJkHGduK9OEbx1NCc3iXBNxJEApHYegxTSsrIZm3d5Da6a6raq0spKh36KO2K1irsZj6VGTazTJcrHdw9FdcqQe/tWzdgKqx3TTSSSyGX5fvfw/hTugL3hyKdrOW3kaWNN29HXkZrOclcZaM9ktuYjcLFJI2J3c5OB0xU8jY7k+lata6fcmRmlmgC7AE4BB74pyhzbksztVu3W4MsMYa3kO4IH5/GritBWMO8kjlkZvLZWOO/FbRQEKGIzfPlVz25qnsBu6fdWjhFEDsxHy5yBxWDA0ZImESyzRruPoKhMRZsSkMMtwcTCPpExJz9aTXQZnpNDqF1GkqPZySEfMfu1aVkBQv9KmFwHacIc/fBxmqUrhcnt4fsaEvK07l/lG7qKUncR0k7R7UKsAGwAhbkcf/AK65WncZga7qFxGjWsMYBc9QM5ranFbgjLZ/Ixb2lxIjSj98SvSt7DK93b20KKPNeSWTABPAFUgJYB5EbW6zBo2YM7BsZwOlS11AnjS5vj9jhmYx4JBZsAVNhHTbJY9JUQLIQjbWYkEA9zWF/e1BFDxBqkskXlKoLGNUbHqBV01YpGPpOnfa7sLOsinouBwT6VcpWRLOju7e6s4l02zP2K5Thlzhmz1zWMZc2paRT16K7GjxqLeONIcb5OjMc/rV09GDRztpJm7jnZ87T8obkA10NEm3c6a58prjUbcFQCFXliDz2rJsRbaOC3tpEh/fS8ZB9DWeoCW8cNsDcOY1J6Rlc079AK0s9tfW0yISJAflAFVZoRryW0CadaGWWMrj/UKMkn3qdQK15hkyu5IyT8vTAqUNFOWURyR+VH+7QYAHc1fkFjR02+uVlWa68zepO3PTpxUSjfRDRRu/NvZm/donUnPT3q/hRVy/bC/GmyRx4hhRwTtON1Zvlvcki1W6uLexR7SYb1fbsIzxVRWuoGZda7qFzYrbSpwrMR+OK25EBR1J7JIYvKtnjkYDed2cnuaEgLFvqNjaRRi2hLEjDBjmnbURlyTSNJ5qfLuJxT0QywtoIY/NnuD5jYOB2FSI0ZkDKv2d1OcAg0gGLBeRybo7UunQ4OAadwJ51e3G+dEZjjZFFhj9CancRWE1wIsT2iopbC4OCKHEZpA3rXbgpOgAyZD0IqHboBZv3h/sUx5lfacllPAyR/gKhLUEXvhzptnPdtc6nfx2dsoGxVlwzt2BFZYmbSskKWp7bBY2UESNazOy/wAKtjnNeI229RbEDw7dsmz5uhKnqam4mPAffIx3FVAyQev0/CnoPcFudiO8Lsq4JyTnb3yfyx+NXGJSZ5/4n099UsRqcd7snBbKsowFHevQpPkfJbQZwMtrbw3e+ScyTAZCqMA16EZNqwEuhJoc/wBqhurRi4UkNuOdxpvmRJTmaye/itYpJXQAr844U1XS5RuRvax6VNB5BjnaPYrAZ38jP6VzSvzDjqzGuZxbSK1raFpUAJ8wZVcVsimrFWOJrlVnughLHezJ2p3toSaayW0lxEFYyjeEBJwQMVm0aJ6HRaN4ibTb1LG1t0WSRgp/2gD1J/OuatQ5o3M6i0PU5rrOlSz2+2d1i3HJ64HIryVC07GUEcd4Y168v7u5jtdNWFo/4uoyPU12VaMY2uxtWLU15PNFL/aWmQqT/wAtOgH51EYRT0ZUXdnBeJ/OtZFiukhcsSy+W3IXtXoUVdXual7wFo2l+IpXS83qkR4UDBJ/w4qcRUnT+Eykb3jRNPTS4tNspWQRPhIs/L0NY4dty5pFQR5ywmWQyqY4why3evQWxoXNPZDeGfyYyG+6zDP40paCZma01pFeskLyFycsSOCTVxbsQxkcuxEAJXad3A6/WqtcktabMZLgrIzfMeJFONvpUyiBaWyax8RR2M9yjh08wyglsgjNZOV43A321KZYJrSEoYjwCOox3rH2d3dlJHI6xeareRPHPeyRxp0QHhua6oRjFaFN30L+oXDXelWEN3fxW6RqFEgQbuvQ1KVm3Yk1JLXUbNFlLJewNEAJUfoM+lZ+62NM557hBcLIlvKHVsFuwrWysNsW5hMrEn90T1Izk59apOxNys9pBbQu00olcEbQBgmqvcEPS5s0CQtBOJJByuOoHNLlASew023mljhkleVcgMvRcVakxEukahZ2dpcLbxsbgfemflsegolqBc8OkiU3d/LtgJARe7Gon5DtoSazJNcXcqWtr5LAgq55/WohGwjIt7VWknUuZp0XcOwzitLhclsNXuLqWG0iC26hSHPHP1p8jHcg1DVZlh8iPCyIxBlzgsM8URhqIzp57pLUrNEkhk5EjDLD8a1VgKaSTcL5p68nHanYC2uYDmFGfjJd8UrDNa2ntRZrNPIRPKModtZSTGatvbRXOnuIds90nOcdsVzylZ6g0W/Dlq12kkN1H5QgQyBskZP4VNSpYklDQ3F/5QjyCw6fxEUK4FS7kglRxLaB3DEL83NWkwMC4k/0nMKPb7TkgnNaqIFlkjupY7iA7QvDe5qXoM0LdopriI3BOxOTGcqWI6c1D2GSX15HcRNDHlY0HJLZAqYwsyWcnHvubsxBmdFOQAcYrrWwDNYllMwRVXanHy96uIFCRt8YBbt0qgGo20EhcEe9ADGI5O7rTAZjBzT6AOD7RgZz9aQEbAjtzQAZOMUwGnOaAJFyxKohZjwuDQxnU6LpFxJavLKmzAUsXccD2rGTBlxZodMs7h7BmW4mXaz4ySvtUbvURmmFVtgzNhmXnI5zWkWBasYbV9O8x5vOmUYI28AVLvcRmz3CSny3bYnUBRVJDKl3a7E3bgFboO9WBHeafPDbxTPJGu84Ck849cUrgVmKglVy2O/rVIB4jU5YHAz0oAlsDbLMWustEBnaON1ICUyWjzNNAsg3HAjXkAfWi9gNOeK5ukhVLQQoE5IGOOKz2Ay7iIo7RglypyTirTALPhmxGzswxwcYoaGTzTWpiZDAEAwA2MmhAzPIGcLyKYhwysZBYj8aAGp5IRvOY7h90CiwFdMFucHjirQA6nmqASAb3HcdKTGSMSrt2A6VLEXUeBoMZLy+vQCpAqyA7vehARklSQepqugFjzYhEu3BbHNICHdnrgGgBOdvzNzTQCoGUAkk5oYDiMnJPbpUgW7NlRHYuIwB+NADFvWggmihBaSX/lox6DFKwFNuRnPXpVoBnWrGOXOMDvUsTJdiGHILbycc9KhgRcg4NMBVxnA/WgCxCnmnb5gUkd6QHRwZg0sLHdNhcFz78/8A16zkIjtYmuLIzhCdr4DYrNuwWNSaaK2sWWDMe5fv+vtWe7Ay1adGFqLdFMwGHPcGtAGX1lBZB9+SxGCRzjimmBBbQWUsUaQTSSEAmQMAAfpWgEU8qiFba3BZixG1fahBYjm0+/c7SgVey5zRewDryyhtrWG3CGSZ2O9iOPpT5hg0AmAhuMWtvACwJH3z6CmmBlcl8gY54qgHgEL1PpwaQGhp/wDZkMqPdI9xGByiHBJ+tS7gekeC/tF1pcX2nFhpMCs+2JtzyNkkZxXn17cztuJmRf3cckjWy3UsKSNk+YTjFXCOgrFK/sRBYPIjL5J+VBnO85GcVvEZnWdndy2hklkEcYOUzn5q0ckBHC1tAGadpJn7oo4xRcCKa8DXHlBSsZfO0scAUNAdbp+qZ+z21paxwMWAMx64GK46lPW7EXdc1rXdPhLTwxXdu+Yzk8471FOnFu4rHHk2by5SOSN25K56GutJlD4gFkltp5CjP8x3jnHWmIr2VrbM7bZpvN3dhxim3YZ1FpbW1vDFPJArB8lCvUEetYSld2EVbi8jmKzxTypKjY2gY4pJAZrWtzI28yJGZDwS3QVqmMks7AyOz7d8mD8zHao980OQireag1rcoSkEsnl7S2MgfSrWoGaXElyJSm0Y4A71olYZbNpcShPN/dQhuNxwTSYFaewSSRAsqHH38c4ouBuf2bZ20AeFZWYAFm39RisHOTEU90Bt5ZraPB6fN71Sv1GaOmhLW1IcuHuAD93ABqJO7Gjb8K+H4TePfyIZxGpYj3xWNaq1obwhcreJpUd5IY1Ictty7AKvrTpRb1ImrM4qTzkuXRZWky20hTwa7FsZFtYwtr55hIlBx5ZPGPWjqBUnJLhmOw89+tMDV85YbYQySoC0eQAKloCPTLWKdnLEEq3Y1EnYDT1iKJII2s96MTg5/X9aiIiSFJ7KRGvbi3YyKCoDAkcd/wAKpyv0GPa2FrPMkbpLDIAZFU9utRvuBRujbx3xEi/uSPkBPSnERQt7v7Ok0C5O4/e9q0AIbW5E0EyM5VwWO7pxRcCw17JAsiwopcjCMOxNAFdY44gJrpWkuiOFHRT6mgCFGkM5nYrO5Y4Umm0M1LKWWaN0nQqenLcA1m7IRWvHs/PBeMMy4+lWhl/SNXtLa8inu8iJGDBI1/IVnUpNrQD37Q7m6u9Ft74hYY7iIOisfmA7GvnsQkpNE3saEE67n8w7j6r0A7GsbdSlI5HxZaRwQ3dzAbqWV4ySrXA2gYHOK7sO7tIo8MQ/8TEztFHKAcspPTJr3oxshFnUp1RJTs3ROMgZwBxRYCGFrGWwSEFUmI4XH60Add4Wijh062hZUFx5jMGY9RXJUTZJV1/UrhWa2jLOGb5gcEZPNOEBnO6xdXU00UD3WdjgbQOBxXTCIFq0nhmYQGHzZFyd38OMUpQswFadbK3aUbEjORtUZJ/Gk1djMJz9oZmRZJJCdvLdBWqSQCra3bMgcCKIHg56027iNH/Sr248izESBU4BOM4qGgLn2e78mOHdDLcvy5L8Rj69qylZCPTfDniLxJJNaaJoqR3skSBCEQFFwO7V5lWjTV5SA1L7xJ430yORNR8LxzKhJDovQDocCso0aE9pFJCWPjyLUNguPCzsQpLsqlcHuOacqCjtINEVZLKx177XEdNudOWRVCOX+6NwPTPtQ5unZ3uJs3taj0238PyCylWWGJNjksMrx1rCN5Tu9xWPLb60H2qWS1m81GBCsP4s16lNvS4ylpa3FxC8Mlx5cKADkZ57itJWWoGLq17eyWlxDLGrRLJhX6YrohFDKEF3HEEdlB+Xa59a0aAbc6ncG53RqoGNqoBgH8KVgN/T7zEH2fhXwd4IPWsWgOfjsxf6tHCpaIsDknoMVreyuBsSWmm6cpaa4+0SEYKKOBis23IDD1cR+YgtpXZmGWGMbTWsPMClIqvtAkKsPvZrYBo2p0fcaQGxpcoazVMMrr1wOnP/ANespiL3moGCSSO5Ptx9KzSEJLevFGx8gKrHacHtV2GZn2q/kmBCF4UPy5HNVYDevFuptLk1OS6tbeYSYW2Y/MRgc1HLqBTiktbh4be4tGR2K/MrZzRKNtQOj1qzi063jiP7xz8+0dQMcc1ywldgc/5bR3NufMUEtlWY52/Wt07AQXMVvHekzXkYUIcEDgmtYtsZhsPNiEipkgc5PStAJ5obGPSYSjv9qZjvA6Y4xUsDZ0DSo723jmjjn8pWALDjLVhUqcoWuzdvrmzjdbKKZ4IkGZwRnJ9ayim9S1GzMiLTfMtZrk5W2Lbt2fvVpz20FImt5ViSLaQAGGCDQ1fUgs61ttNRtdV80zoSCw75APWojqrGiKOvRXWpWT6uVZLJD8i7upzWsLJ2G9Tl44ZUl+dOn6Vu3oZs17CCRZYw0S8jg55qGJl+9itY5VUPL5r/ADF88fSs9REb2kMoa4M37sJyu7nPSi4E1s2mQ28rtCVIwEAOcn1qkMjEnkGJRHLFK2cOwO00MRf8RSva23lKu+QqpbaPXmoitRoybH7Xe3SxxwsFQEgEZFXOy3GdFBDqCaRcvJbxBFYLhjyOOtY3i2Bj28Vpcl0vr5rOMLw6xlsn8K0TfQC3bWEckiNb3sk8cg+ZtpA+tS5MQviDSf7LjkeO4kb5gq7h1OM/1pU6lxnLm3upLmXbC8jDlgtdXMgHagk22ORk25AABFLmvogLk0unPAjpZJENo3svXNFmBAs2lQkTQQu7gfKGOeaTEPiLXs63N9NGo/gjX2pAOhMcnm+c5j3PhAo5xTAV5YpHSFLqWBVByXOdxosBALm5CPHbld+7hgOTTSAom3u2ugs/mAsdxKnNIDqogILJraW/aV8dMHntWD1YGtYwedo7f2fbJsttvmu/3STng/lSe+oI5x5bF5JXaIxSKw2qn3c+1XKLQM9X8I+MLS7+y6dJbSrIkW1OQWLV5NfDON5EM7i23MAxVSrgH71edcSHNbpIyhgvQnI4wMDii/U0icB8RLTT9HkjvDqV0I5crJHG3PsK9HCylPRoux5/qGuW0m4QPPtYY2lu1elCnpqSZTXMMlsLqWeQvkkIoGR7Vuo2GR2GpojSOsbo8gHJ64ptE2LE+y7dJnIjSIZJjQ5P1pXsguaN/cpFZQvHMdzDahPUDvWPKUtCvd3SNsttu9pFG8kcn2pqI2yOa5hjja0t0K56hsU0uokN0+GRb1ftsbwxg8ZHWm9dhlWC6EuuPMu/bHkIO/Wm46Ck7o7G38cXFhpVxaGAyCSLYjhvuk1xvCpyuSkYngzxZeaTqLzn/SY5Gw0THHWta1BTjYJI9F8T66ZdHDTWPnW8rLlVP3SeoNcFKjaVhU0eb3sT3GoeTBHuBc4y2Tt7V6Sdlqam5YaTrOlQNMzLEHGVw3Ra55ShKVg5TC1zUEAjEc7yzAnzFPb6Gt4RvshbGZeXYvbaKONDGoGGI5zWvLYdy7pUxEWY5gVQYG7tUy1Fcawd42nWeF1d9gGMnIxz+tPVIVyzf24t7XzSHYHAHGM/SkncditDdyTAw25iSJiA2U5qnFLclmzYvp32wzTMzyxAKXU5wOmMVjJSSshpFvXdDacRTWcskaTLlAerZ7is6VRdTRRMa80ZrO2E6208x2lHLnqe5rWFRNicWipp+hS6jaidnEUStjEgzVyqWJZuW6PYWI3XEbA5BBPK4HpWXxPRD5bHPxvN5zCFmJPPC5/StrWJYgSe4j+SRjI3GSOBTuJEcw+yp5Toslwp6jnH41SYDUju5IxPLGxnU/I2Ont+VF9RXKlrZ3MyPLBONq53FjtP/wBeruWMNpcwRPcGQeUflJoUkSdD4JspZblZLlYZLdVO0u4ABx1/lWdV9ir6EGr3kiFkFwiv5g5UZBGamK0JuUZdRSaAJ8nmg7crx+dapAQaTZw/aGubu58mGI/dH3m9gKprTQaG3jW9/qBis7Z2aRgI89e1EItAdD8RfD7aRpmlGSGSFvLxNk9W/wAkUR3Ib1scbFJGHUSfdHp1qyh9xPEy7ERyo7560AXtLtZdTmjiRWZIMEAdhWM3ylI7e5vhp+mJHHaR26uuJCpyzfrXFy87uhXuZ664qfJCxVSvTFaeyvuBiXGrOtwDg8NnIbGK2jDQQy3vXmlcj5VI+QFulVyDsNmWNSMBwe7buMU0M0tN1CC3s5YRc2yZwwJGWz7GonG7EWY5ru6C4ZGEas29lPIx7VnyoZD9olmY20kcSx9cpgE0EsoancadBK0MNpNCO7lQdwrSKbAwnDOZPKlGwt90jBFbXaAqqm1sbsjBqwE68Z4oARsYOBmmAzO40wHAcg4zSYCMe2c+lCAjY1RSQq8nGMmgLFiznltZhImOCDyKliNu11C81GOVUjHy/NJIzgADPTFZuIETu4barbnGBuP3ce1K1hGxqogGnosRSWQ4+fdxz6UgKsln5dmy/vgT3GFpvUDEugiSAKXI285GOa0AiklZiuQBjpQAXUj3G1pFyV6EsaAIAuMgkH0oAUlsdc0ASQ7UJ3xiTjoTQBbsrxlnV2ijwvAGOOlJq47m7i2uIPNbW445duBGY24+nFZu4yhe20qzyR/aY2gPHmAHLfhTVxEH2eaCBZIcnI6ryT+FWhFS885VBw0i55wh60wKhVsfKp/EYoAd8wXBA96AGGPqQc59aaYCRxHgtxzincCV1SP7zD86VwF8rEZAAGTwRRcBj27LwA7N14GaVwGtG0YBaKVD/tIR/Si4DWdwBg5+lADTknJxTAbg47UwHAnOMGkAuePemA5WcjGc4NIBS/HakA3c44yCDVaDQqk5HzdfekIJQwYegpoBFDFsdvpTbAliWEy7JDLjGfkGTUgdHp9t4UsrWSXV4dVubphiGBV2YJ7kkHj8KxbnfQDmZAdxZYnRM/KG7CtUA3nPSqAWLAkB4BFFgNixneSIW0kqRwFt8jD72B/+uokgNfS5LBonS1kleMNkgNmsJoZanlU+XbBWIhHCkdfrWa3uFiLU4XSWJzlpQgJBTgDHFUt2FjPvHWO3IMhJJyVAFXELEGm7ruYR25SKTG0CQYBrRysFiwlhPZqYhPBNIxOVh6qfrUKVwsFpZ30MhlnXaoHzE56U3qIg1CWze68uK4BhTDAluc04oDN1G7a5nL5AGPXitEgKQJ4JPeqAkU/KflqQLdrbliDk7AeRnrSYHr/hvUNJXwJ9kDWlrcSIyoF+aQ88k+leRXpzdXm6CZyN9GqKtrcS7rfed0m0M2cV2U9hFWHfJLFb27SOq8xh0B+vFabagWb4G3sJ4LlDJKzDyTu2lfw5ppagjnJ08mNkM0Su3QK+ePetUtSiVUgWzUSOZblzkcfKBSluBch1CcXcFvNIqj3TOB7VnKN0I35nW5kSJ5pHcrkhgB+lc6VmIw7uyWK6Vmicc/eI7VsnoMhjuI5uAC033fMc+lUkIfpsMllcNK7B/M+UKp/WiTGbml2V48rzT/KuOFZuxrnnNLYRHDaSL9onm2xoGIUgZ3e1NMCreRRXatam4iSRTnnA/CrincCrKZoLc28yFQgI2g5zzn8qrl1GZd9EoijnTBLnJAXoa0WgEK2t0rxNJuDuxKjb0FVcB7PK7bZJCcHG5j0p2AlsEj+1EBpCgb70aZB/OpkBo6zPIGLR27xQjCjceenpWSSApp5nk7IWYsWG/IHA/wAmqAuW9wZCttHOJWUgYftSaGjettVutOtColG0HlgcDH1HNYSgpPUuM+U5zW7e8uJYr+SPy4JgWV3yA3PWtoOK0E3cpXBVfLXzYyVGSyA1sTY2vDUdpNfxyXatNBgll3EAkDisaraWhcbdTI8SWZjvJXCJCJGOyLcSQKulO5MijHNG9p5UzYl3D5iOi1bJOqhtorSzZYQCWAZXxyRk9K55O7sK5KsUa6akk/nvLIPlVj79aPIDDnjntrgPIglLHADc4q1sM3EJSzAkwrsMMo69KzYipHbedJPJeERRxZK7uf5VW2wFSFbSSBXN0v8AdAZcYpq4E0t9AmjCyjt3eSI585T0B7YoS1GVtIgjuL+DKTy7DudfX2pt6CF1KS4vb2SJYltolPOPT0zTitBmbMluso2zksPvYGMVVgN9biGBYo0kDxFeSVzis5JiMedXE5aMRmFwQCewzWiGTLborBvMLRIQcAfeNTJu1gO+8H+KZk1BmvppZI3VUiVh8kYB9OmMV5+Jw/MrolnqFjqsT27pDN53GQ20Lu9q8mpSalqSnY8d+KviLUJ9dkhS7URBAFWPIx6g17ODoxUNTRHniSP9sRyCzFxj3r07WQzpWW1ulIu5UhiPUKQWz9KyaYFWSax85Y7ONRGnBcjcxpWYjWs40kP2lxdO8KAqFUAE9uc1lPQC3dJcXNut0u6FlAG0qOT9alaCOY1O2lS4ZZERZSwyA2Sc10RlYZtaNZa3a2Rlh0VrmFzhpRHvAHpntUykhEOpRNJZuXiSC2Tj7uSOeaUR3MmefTY1jW1tphgfNKzYLfh2rVRYyFYrvyHuk8zy0PG40xEFtNP9qVklWJjn5unanbQDqtO8+wtVEdyTHdsA5kiV/wBSM1zyV/kI9L8E6vY2OnQaZolvM9y3M8zqFy2ewrya8JSfNJhc7weIrmY+S00YxncBjf16EelcdnEakRLOZbd0+zEbxkj5TkZ61D3DciuAUuEAgUgoM5IBpNtktHKeNbsWNk8MUMIt3B8whQM+tdmHV2NXPN7e6aO5JBCx5OwFsV6aiMdcXv2V2WNFIdeY+Mk+oqlG4HNXVwlzc+W6yrEW/wBWowM+9dC2GQX0UWWWyWVlUDJPY1aAt2FpKWtLpoLeUSOMDeCQR6iomwN+9gmYiRUjWJ1+conOfSsFK4rhoUVs9vchbZleDBfcnBHPSnK9xmDb232q/mnniS3WMZGXAz6YBrVaLQAs4po0nZjFLIy/IoGTjP8AhQ7vYDF1IRRy+UgZcL8xfHWt4sBbSaFAPNi+ZB8ox1NDEzZ0bbPMv2m1kjXliUPUYrKegEyeS18y280kqqQVVhxn61FwJdTmQQSsUgHHPXIPtSSbAoiRXVmtg3C5A71qroEZNxcmRVDmQydST61aSGWtJjvrqYJFcBSDwXP6Cs5tITOwRrttLYXEJLwthpTnDZrldubQChqklpBYo7xxu8gIHHIOa0g3cDC1e2VJoUUHgfP826t4girIsTSm2tIXkkPG4d6q4EBaSFyjAMVO0/7NPoB3GjyQx6WtnaRBHUb2kZ8GuOa967C9tSrPHFJaSXc06q0K4dJH+Z8nt604o05rj9IujcWG2FvLt4/4Aeo/rQ1Z3FuVIZ4Jpbl0tZzg4iO7Cj9KdiWSDTt0LXV7lEWMqFZ+WNHWyGhLRoNS0+3sI98NrbFmctwG74z+FXazbKGWl94d/si5gktJ1uZJfkdegUHoaOWfNclle3sonlPlXgIkyFLgjFU2QWbezkilZZDnb9w7Sd1S2BNZ6fKI3ad4A24bVIPrU84XH6pot3I0ctsgZWYb3UEAewoU0Fy9fSPPaRxq8myLjkD5f0pIDKu42nG+e5kXaCc4zvx2qloUibwugjmklSCSTcCF3nAFTUaeg0rms9xmMywKTMjHzAeQelZpDtY5rU3kmgadbiOPBz5Sg5J9Olbx03JNG28xNLgdDLHu4IBwfpUStcCS+vZI9K865ieVXkLLuO444HA/ChQXNoCM6w1OzSKaVYHHmNk7hg4HQVryXAo32szazewoyiKPcFRFXjGaajypiZ13iWCxubwRWOnWkEKRoMq2Cx7nmsYycdwWpga9pb6dO8UKM6A7hjB5xVQqcyKsYVwbpoxO1v8AZ0B2jsTW8bCLGjxtNMQieZgnLMTxSk7IRf1KGDibyoy8eDjJwaiLbAyJ7xpJRKqRxf7C960AtadNcSzCGONiWILHZk1EtALOsTrb70EEkcjdWZuePapirjOh8K3V5aeG2jZ4Xt7h9xDZ3ZA9PxqJq8hIwZprDzn3WnmSZyCGIA9Ktp2GzrPAlxZWviCzuzbgzbhsIJbv6Vw4qLcGjKbPXwwyQXwGYBSOeD06f/WrxEtCUwncwxlm8xx2AAyB+lUt7FxZ594/ngtrmOUATbgWcN0BIx0NelhE2jZHBX15pzW5ja3iaRmz5q5Bx6Yr0oxa3EypYQ2DGXzIsQtGRGxbB3etaNsQRWlpaRK0c0M5VRkHO7rQ5NgalvHnbNJE8cMg2bc4LGs5MRpz2RTSi6JbP5eT6sp96xvqNFG109buAXE9vFkNgSIc5x7VUpcuwFfVRp1kwmW1MsquCWz/APWqo8zGZl1qKXYkdsee/Cb5PuiteWw7jU0/yYQxbzJn/iU8AUXuS2X7d4bO2jNxEkrgHahGeenNZ2bYkzL0TbcaoFdo1LSYAHrVz0Q7naazJe6WZtNu9kJL5wzdj3zXJTtP3kXBJFHRbAi9muGnguIWwsZyeT7VpN6FxV2bJvEgZo7zUJVRcKy43bR7VjydUirI52+06TUbgTQTosIbA3DDMvriumMmtCWjP0zzvt721vbvOudoG3r71o3oZ2Izb3CTtF5EqKvDHbgVHMhM2PDi6W14Eu7BpkjX7oB5J75qJt73sCsXfGGp2620GmRWO1wN7YOSo7D270qUXe7Z0Sa5TI0uRBabvsvR8lR1PPtWr3tc50aNlbRTNJNbWLG6mOVjAJArJvzLSLb3moavHETeJbtb/IY8qmzH1Oahx5DRMTXtVMSpbI4lUDIYNuycc9KIQ1uEnoZkV+9ukZllMbyHjH+fatXG5gyTWrVkvo5pJZJEk5cRc/hiiD0He4zS7qfT5LiaO0MTu2V8xASFqnFPqJoqXXiXzYpYGsojLn74Tbg+1NUkJGLLdzSsryxx88bh6VoklsDLkdyqweV9sxk5wBmlbULGct7PcvsCCOMdADnArWw0TwrJeboElZYU4dzgAGpBl7T4LWNGXzprmUH5UQkAe5NRIRSfEUs3mSQRAI3ylNzdPXtVJAZ8F2kcEiRRnc/8R5rRICAD5txduDkkdTTQ2beh376ddQzrbiPy/mQfeeQ5PPOcVoho77XrO+8VfDvUtQAjW405xNcoR+8KOVC8/gf1rKStIza1uePgE/KQRz6VQ0PjPTb+lIpHZ+AyIVmZ1XkZaQ9R7YrnxCbK6FvV0lncywQ5OODycD1xWEFYixzwW4RjLlnkHADYIHPpXRHUZTeC9djJ9jnnGedkR4q+ZLqB0dp4c1rVLESaf4dliXAG853MfxNYOtBPVjZgavBfaVdSWV1bS28qnDBjW8ZJ7CM+ORhMpzuOe5q7aAdQJZbu6s9twrRnC7DnH5CsWrDNCLSvPxGrxwk7gHyeKxc0mJlXULPTrSGKR7tbic/eUryMe9VCTb0EUEYxRTXcccKFjgZQHA9a1swMO4JkR24Zhz1xWyApEZAPQ0wAFP4uB65oAa5QHaDQA0DcBnp6igBzIARjPSmgGMAQR+Zp3GmKDh044BHXpTC5NK0b4JAUY5AqGI0rW5tYrZrQXJjV+Ssackj1NAExkskt1jYiR8g/M3OKiwyI30bzCBDiEH7uMn86LAW9T1HejTQ2+6NRgE/dFCQMxpS7BJGVcMMjFWhELk7jnbjPAoAbvBPU8U0AvXtQwAL6jH40gHqBjPNADgCOi96AHDBHIANIZKk74zvO36mgRLb3k0JJikYHbjOTTAbJMZM4G3JyRmgBoznjAPWgBrHJyQDmgBV2kY20ASr9mRhiBSwHOSTmkwHrPEiYFrCCw5YjmlZgNilg8wM9ush7fNjFUBcttWure7FygiLLgrlARj0qHFMCXW9cn1q7E94se8ALtRAoH5U1GwFB47V3DNGc8Bhux/KqAbeR6fMcRWCW49Q7Mx9+aVxirp+mNEC11eKx+9hFP69aLiG/YNNUkfaLqQdvlA/lRcCNdLBDmB8oDj5jzRcB66Q7jKzpvAztAzmlzAQS6bcQZLQhVPtTUkBXMJB5zjPNMBQm0ggZoAc7F028dSQaLgRtGy8gkincAVnjKOG2MDwaQFs6hKsbh2keeT/loc5osBUcyFiHlL56kmgCPcmPvL+dACJJEwJDA+vHSqTAntlt2ZZJHwnQ7QKljNRtRtElWOxLQJnJfb1wKhruGxom/S/RGmvlZ1XsDlv0rPlsUL/aRW5lIJBZQrbx2A7UrAUZblWOYneUH72exzVJWEy9oIihWe6eNiIwcyEHCU5O4IytRvzMw8o4O7OVGM/nVKKEyo9zO2d8jNkdzVJCIN5U8ABiO3NVYCBmP8WCaaQCq3YcUMZYt2BcBkyDUiLtvHBJOwbcigZzmpkwOh8PWGnRQpdreSvcCU7kOMbfauarJ7CLGqORPNPCzqrP2GPTrRHQRVFxKsYkWNppSfkO7tWiAz7iWV5okuE/eMfmOc4q0hmfdKqSFgDvzgnNaJDFjvJI0MY2nPJJHahoDStmXVHVJsK6j93h9o4rN6AdBp5hlg8i5M6tvAR92Sv4VyPe5LK01tPFD5s0xlRxwSvb6VpGSBGNq0VtOoazizz8zbduPwzWqGaehLbR2zWzgyZwzEgHFZ1ANe6kgMqKJnnIHLYxtGOnWseW4EU1yVXygSqkjBIzVKIGTd2qm6MrIG385BAx+dbRYFeeNUm3xTMsT5GT1NUAxzbrCFiuEIABK9CTmgCrf3LzgMJGPGATyQKqK1ArgFIcIjtg5OVrQZ0egQWCyQvJHKxdSdvXmueq9NBMuarKZSSGUEHj5QWUYxj9KzQjMtj9ltpkmZPNf5kIPJ9jWj3GZls0RkkW6R1OCQIxkk+9U0BtaT5E+n+Tt2rBuLMw61jLS7AdrYFxoEUr3cjugIijcZ2rn68UReoFbULu0GiacY4bcPDF+9xEBlsnr+laJalXH2/iWU6ZhIwio2UEUahRng84odNNiuQ6xDNcFGhXzSwy2Tk470kuUQ6Ww0+0mtvPsGlDLl1I70NtgWtatFu7K1FsZbdI0xt6AYqYuz1EUrW2v5oYkW7UxK+3e5+6KttIZtpayaYZVmvIb1pI8xmFtwX1zWbfMTczLSEwSu/mMwkbuOn50DKeqM82oHyEDMT93PetIrQBbq1WGIedbushOFUT8A988VQFjRpImJxCjmNPut6+tTLYbI767ktJzJHEgeRcM4HIHPSlGN0BlQQPciR7dHZh/eGc1ewFi+0vFwBLG8TADcdtNMCG1WAPKryho05jBAyc07XGSMkTRsN0Q2rxheaQBCPLhU7nIDfMrdx7UmJl7yr+eNRDbskRzg42gD1JrOVgPQPh1r0FrYy2lxGJzDyJDJwK8/E0nJ3WxnJHC+PL+SXVZ7d1tJFU5WSFQMg8j/Cu3CxSii47HJbmX7pK+nc12lGpZwWZsm829kS4U5C+WMN+NJgSaLG8twIDsYHk1nN2BnbafHFc2kVvZMrHYDKpXGK4JSs9RFS801wxle/PlAZWNG7j2rSE7iIrO3aWyuITO6zyEFdqjgD1Naba9BkOmPfxXhto53CsOSknXH41Vk9QMi7muZzKst5mHLERk9fzrSEQMeQD5SnDHqPSthlyOO8ulRJJQFc7VXOCPeoYiS7jgtZissyysnAABOKEwLDXUk6oLa0IWPkFmzz+VQ0B0mkDXdVnt7e3uks1gPBiBz+lclXkh8SEzu9A0YaJDJL58t3cXDEyTSDG3ntnNeZUre093ZIhs6K1kmFuA28sCQBu+UjjqOlc7sWmTvdOvCoowctlN2cds0lEpHLeLtYNxbSpKiyMi4VmHT/GuyhSd9Bnl+qXliSRsPnAjbxwMV6sKbJsaXheSbUb6MtAFVQUjYr1OTU1UooDD1uS8s9VnQooO8/NtwfrWtOzirDM61mhkv8AbqLExN/ApA3H61q090Bp2w8qFTpNq0Do3OJM596yb7sDTu5dQuIfJEcotmwCGkAG7Ge9YxSvoFhtrDdWeg3PlOGlkclnAyVAHAz6cmtLptFJHLXFybliLliW4yM8VvFCZPYWsixvNCjNgcsxwq+1OyEU4XiG9pEMkjDgHgD8KoCvsllkxHG289FA60wOi0K4eKyljLiJyNsileRWNRCJZLuUQraiV3TO47BwT25qbICpf75rMTMpjKnGe59KqKsMo2GozWW9kkMbEY9OK1tcC9Y3E/ms0kaXCN93cMUtgOi0aSKDF2yxqH5dIxkr/nFctW5Je1JXWL7Vbuoic9HPU4JFYw0eoHNieNpm+1xQnIyrM52qc+xroirDK2qxQ2FwkTlZPMAIbadoB+tXF3BF3TJLe0kxBslaQEKdpIXtSk9RlPSLCZr64ilhARG5D5+YnvSlOyBnS2UUNloNyJQvmswUBc8g1zuTc0SYN9aObuOe5gjeFhgR7unua3jLoMtrcfZbeawt4rXeUzub+Ffb3o5WxozrfUXR1SFINyclhk8/yquUCnqd+8kximkkkMh5IpqNhklxpV9LAoW6dYD0V2wBTUkhXILfRriUs6oZYUHzP0UfnVc6BsuQ3VjaMkV20sjRfc8sD8qlxcthWE1LUpLudZYRIibQACeeKcYaBY0bPUZJ7WOzzh+T5h5K9qylCwi5d299I0MVlchGUgl3cgZ9anRbgSzTwq6742k2phzjIc+1KwEFna+bfQpF5aCVhEFlbGOKL2GjqV0STSfPhmvrRnCglV3Mc+1c8qnMdEYdTnbprzUL4x7kR4WHA4Lr9K20SuKorFe6jhbWIIWs/KeIhmVT9/61etjJly+JnuvOkmRbOJAxQLjJx0+tSuxNjO1m7ja1hNvbNFbAbl8xema0hFrcZhWFws9+YbpFeKRuoGCo9eK32QmbV+sOmWEbWaRuFfPm7csAaxs2Ial5FPJG7ahLJP5qYBAGRnpRyWKRq69q0aHUDIzLMr/LuT730OeKiELJGhxVw1xqEo3OyqTkA84roVrEM17Z0soDFDG208sSBzUNXJIZEs7/AAHDlM7jgkGmtBjYdOiS5UyQSxKDkEnJx7UNiNGwtJLUSXKkrG52fMMH61nJ30GjntQaQzsrlgobnH+NbwVkDL9teXE4jtNPUqScZcZI/GhwW4jRgijt7K4Ekwmn2NvXyztTjqPespagzT8FXZ0u5juWjTDqQc9V96568HJWJkj1/TtRjvIY5IfJbemdsbdP54rxp03F6mVivf6i8MeIbiG3uApKrNyGHv0op07mkTy7xFcSavqAuLspH5SsirFgZx7D3r16MFCNkbIybeWwidlZUDoMkMhJroUZMkrXl3ayTAIEdE6ArxWqi0Aulm1WM4UNctIFjXOQBUsRt2twyeYbmMrLERhgeM/hWMhlu+a2jsXuIIpDMwPmsznHTt+dRH4ho5TSby9kkkRLiWKNWJIAPStpJDG60SJUa4kkkIUYx3qo7CLGhWgeOSaWBPlPOW55pOWoipf6hJBdM0KhSOBjn+dUogRwPLcv59ygQMwyzHBHNAiRLhn1UPpyNHHCc8YbPvzSktLMDpdZvf8AhJ4Yru4tUjkhTa3zcvgYzXPCPs9CkNsTaW9pFmZlWNjtVRjvzQ9WWnYr38NoFlu7ySc+aS0EW3Gfcmrg3sVe5RidWtvtMzzBx8ipjPH1qrE8xLaxi3vob2UuoLDbEP4hQ9VYETzanNdSvHsMUO7JUnoKlQsKRb0+7uYA/kRExN0cDBIHvUtXM+pXu5HED3ENrIl1ISmXbIC9+v1qka82hqaCltfaWIDHDbzIGJZWPzkKTg54rKd0wi0QTav9miMdtb3C3THYnlHGM8U1TvqyuaxhR6Q1tcD7dDLGGYlvObmtbq2gmaP2wSQosAaFYVdY8YG7OKlx6iuGlQXd6QXtRPcIhXLfKfXOaUml1Fa5aijYXaNIrRlTnd5n3vajoTsReKxqUVwqPHOuF5DqaqmtAuZEunSSxtMoUIB8244rRMRFNZh7fBlhRFP3hxmqTEZjIIy0SmNlzwfWqsUdA3gPW9PglvL6EQorY2s+D1rL6zB6IZm6xaJpcixyFijoGbyzuGcZ/rVxkpEle31G9ETxWcTRK4C8Kc4+tPTqBXl0rUPMTdbPmQhdzg9TTVSIirPZXMVwySRsSCOgqlNMdyaWKW3YLNAEJAKZFPmAs2EE91dKsYRrlzgO7YVafNZXC57B8KbP7Po/ivS7pHnMtnvku0OUBUMQgP1xWdSopJEyehwOv+Hk1K1sZ9HsL2W6kAWQFcgt7VMasY7hFmhoHwo1edpzqr/2e8SbxG4JLe3tWNTFqOq1NEjY0P4b3OnebeX98sVqybkSPLMx64IrlnjE9EhlPVNK1KC9Y2ttdGLbwU4JH0q6dRP4hHPanpk32sXMEDRvEwZkmBDfWuqDA9A+H1pq2qXK/wBmJKEcbJpnKpBDjqc96zq0ufQbOi1rxn4H8M3d3a2eo3ut3yR/MyvthV/9k/WsfqjkRdnjnxH8WWXim9trm30pbOeOLZcMGz5jD+Ku2lTcFZi1OJkySQK3GaukX3kLHG6AgMCGz92okrlHULqzuACyMkYGCG6fhXO6YWKHiW2milFvIIxnlSB1/GqghbGFdTTwRNp7r905POa2SvqIr28clwzRqVjJXjdVXAd9jljjZpNpGcDBoTAjMEQhLtKAQcYxmmApt4kUuJN569KAEEICdxQAwpjvmgAWMY4HWgAMRIzjpxQA2RMMRQAgjfjaMn2HOKAJrSynuJY7eJHeV2wqgcn2pMaPQ9E+H9/BJGNc02+gMnEKQqrM7dh1rGdRIqxzmvaVqVpdzWU1uLXyW+ZZuGojNPVCHarp+j22iWcserebfSj99EEwE+lUpu4mYUSIS25Ay44PvWlxESWrO2A3fFFwLMtgI4iS5MwONuKLjsQJbTDO8KhHqaLiJVtJxGZDGSuaLoCNgQN3YincBTlXyVyPp7UXAUMrKBsbP0oADFtxuDA4zgildAKq7vu/zpgW7HT7u7kVLeIuScA1EpqIGhLoiQQFrqfZLyAgGeaz9rdiKQ0l5XCQHzm7jvVe0sMR7KeDiSE4zyQKammBDJHkZ+6CeM1dwGCM7uPmx3ximA3ZIz4Ix7k0m7APnt3XJLKcnAKmp5gsIisrbWByeelPmHYtRW1yzqVjMm84VUGWJ9AKdwsbb+Hnt7Bp7hJ0mPJgeFlcj1GaxdTWwWL3g7wTPrlwDeQ3Nlb4yGcFd351MqyjoNK50nwki0TTbnUZNZ8HyatDaliXlIAUDvg1tGUZLULHqeq6F4V8VaUdS8JnRtNWK33XFn5YVl5Pf6VyYiXLqmHKeL+NdIjka0jiikhSfJBYEZxWdKrv5D5TAtfD/wBh1GOXV7eR9O4ZzEfmZfQV0e1utBWKeur4eV5Bp8Vycn5Nx6e1OMpdQaDSdOsZbhXvbS6W3ZgCwQ4/CidRr4QSOmm8F6FNG89tNfxRHAVZExu9SM1zfWZp2ZXKZ2q+G9Cgt8WUVzIR1kJHatYVpN6iasQaLF4Uxs1S4uw4zxt/StHKb2EdTZ+DvA2o24nN5LbBhn/WD+Vc8q1WOli1BM1dG0TwBDZW32iGCHy1y5fDM/FYzq1m9C0olTV7/wCH8tq1m2noF2/K0UALbs8cj2ojGsne5Ekuhz8PhbwdfyNML6e0iUfMgbG30zW3t6sSLEWp+DfDFvNb/Zr+7nhfl3ToP0ojiajvdBY0NM8C+DJALlteuUwgJRV+6fTNZyxVVaWGkbcug+F9O0a9mt7mKfevlxtcDc7Y4yoqPbTk0mi+U4qTwzBuRbSSV3bBZ3QoFzXUq7W5Nrs6vxD4Qg03w0NO0u4a7ubhVaV2baqkn/8AVURxN5XZbjZHn+seENW0wIpaGcsu75H+7XTCvGRi0Yklncq+0xOT6YzmtlJMRGICZNpU5/iHcUcwFj+zjtBHygjPznrRzgVjDgkgZx/OqTuAoUKQTjPpQBu6TqGi28KG90+W6IPKhsAis5pvZgdNa+KNHt44lsNLSFgOC4Dba5pUpN6sVjKl1EyXxllKsJGJ2rxn8K05OUC1Df6VaGV5NOee4kjIiRW2qh9TQkxGBqdy8Z35QSY5xzitYooxnYsQT1PX3rUCazs7u7ZxawtJsXc+OwqW7bgbnhV7MySC4svtBhG/gnjH0rGd2gOiuEeDN3HDAkMn3MPkj25rlTTdhFWcyWk8CSMkiMoOAcgZrRK+qCxUvLK0S9b7T9xzubb/AEq02BY03yLNklhgZoWchQ3JbFKd2FiLV3lmvxOI/KicZKJxwKlRsrDsLEI71wTcBDH90O2AarYRWuYpY3WETLKzDoORVXsrjRansYdrB7gKqAcqPlHHNLnA52a2hRmEUgcD5t1aJgSJDb/ZvP3nKnkfhVKQFSS6xJui37eOKsDqNJV10uGWRHLsQSpyODXLPcTK+pLIrSSwxoqHJAU9PanFAZaW97cpLyplK5VEXLYrZWAit4WgtxM8FwZN3LMwx9KGBo6dfIhkEjBFkXbhaynECXUbsfZf3Zyr8AnoKUIgV9JTzmS2kELBslvM4AFVLRXGM1t7iQI0VosNjGpVdvRjnrVQt8xC2OoJLZCDhHjU49Wz2ocQLNshuNpkuRvyRt6moegE5UXNuEjmVVT5SPWoAjkjENhJam7iiBJOMc1Sd2BahuE022tBpcUszlSZZGHHOKT8xE8Msku6Rio2/MWPvUsDM0+0M1+1wVkeZJPkwQM896tysrDKOtSI+p7IHwSQWIGSG71pHVAdJqdpLpUFoZLURxugLSHlpFOcGsr3dhXMWa3tLiznujdGNw/7tX4zVp20GW9FkxbLaIAqyDMkyHnFTU1Aw9cujPcyFQ6jOOvatacdARXVLSKRVhZzlRuP4VpYZPDLp6Dy52nLNyCuOnvUtAOmnW6lHkyOMELjGaGgNS3kgt1X7et1Oo+6iPtB+tZS1Ezp/CE9zqF4bb7JBY6fDEzlH7/jXJXjbXchrsYvjzWtEeFbSxtUMw4eRV7jjrWuHp1FrIcU1ucQzZfcABgdMV3Fj4w8kgUuVJOKYHS+HBNbxQXFtCqzNN5YY9SPWsKgHeGS1s42toXYmRM5QYxXn8rlK4jitUkl+0MsTkAIQQx9+tdMEBDKklz5llpVtI0xUO7rnoBzWu27Am8P6TLeQXExvnt5LZcyFV98YqpS8gYalo1sI47mPU1kGdpJXac/SpU2wK8UUEYIjUStH952wBV3bAbdXjQgXHlwkkbSY+1JIDHfLvnnk5JP1rQDa0y3h8+Nr2dY7NRuYqfmPsKiSdhHQeFvEcPh6GVxbn/SOVDL973rlrUfabgdnpmvWN9aQSm5jDPz5WPue1efLDygSzcTUBzsiXBA4PqB1/WuX2buCZFdXM/kSvblARglSOMd/wCdVGPRlo4HWNSt5jcxTxjz26N0A9+K9KhTaaaKRx+tT2/lhIURtvV+5NdsYsRL4X1K8E6W8JHyEnPcU6kVYB2uWuoSzPcTSRcngM3OKIWtoBg3OxEcBFLsRz6YzWwHbaDbJFoESsoeaUghs5KiuKpuFiFYmMUUVxKDbXDfJkcqemaLroVY1tM0ePTfD19b3d8JkuLkBSpwAB/XmolU5pKxry2RxOsWguNRlS3gZFThSR1xXXGV0ZNE1nZhGVbyZgV52of50Nkjo5dMhk82S3knUD5Vz/OmrsaMZruSbUXurbEDE/KnZRWqEbemQTzyTOyhncDdxwfesajsI2r60iFhFbKgSVBuG3uf8msIy94DnLlpFITy2EsfI8w9TXREZnSRGYNJK0alT0961AsW0d3c2mwSRrFGMgng++KlgbnheJVjjcMzEg71foea56pLNQ2sjyi0GWiduOcgH6Vin1AppYwo3zFWdMlgRjGK0TuBjeJriK5u0P7+RlQD2WtoaIqxpaMfI0rZHblnkJLSuMbcelY1HdiNqyeOOFZIysp6OduST9axkm2FihBqrT6xHaXULNao249qt07IZjXJuL+4ljigKxKS3mM+MCt4RAoWEuZ3VoBcOeB83etGgNCPTHNsHBFsrnBA56VncSJdPsLJtSjV5tzIeT26UpN2GJ4ijnSF2t5t0e8bdrd6cPMQSXE0+iw28NiwCEAsJfvc+lFrPUYzxbpcWlafYOkZFxP87ginSnzNgc9JNMOsmG7CtwNvw0YQk7PMFcoCAe5yKymriNW3MTE+bdFGwcg/0qGgJZb6K3tEg2+Zhsg47VnYBmoIZEspbWJwu7exByVoT6DRtQ3aQSpffbZZ9jAMkgzisGna1jRTsRakhk1aTV7uVmBXEIVcAinD4eUcpc2pZ0i506yMl1KG/e/dONzZ9qJKT0RmyO9tl1GEmSdUQHcMjBC01LlEc3qBLRtbSXaujABN3YCuqPcDJ022WLUN8w3xJkgbsA/WrkxM1dP0m81y5kiicww4LDng4BOKzc1EEM0fSpYbr7XsYvbPvBPT5eaU5juWrh5dY1k3t5G8wZslAOCam/KrD5ijeLp8d49tJ5kMjNn5D09q0V2iWS36Q21v5dpcLz1UnJNNJ3BGekU7WivCW3gknHTFVfoMtaTdH7f59w7uv3ST247VErAkXrtGS3llNxvgcB13dzUJoqxzUkfm3Sw7woZurdK3TshWLUX27TvMeKXYI2wrr3+lUncRPpjR3iTC6ndDjczZqJAwjBeMhbosqcLz1FQ7EnqfwT0w3ljdXbyMP3nlqj9gBnI/OvKx0rNJGctw+J9pJYXcVyWifzE6c8gEinhNVZmkTzC/un+1pKrFSR91e1enGOhRHMl1IjPDnc/VmqloBFHaEMofBlPBxT5gN3Q9OWe+WPy1gjjXcWzlnI+tZylYRr3U6WqiGKMu8rDzAw6c1hZ3GXr77PeaWYVaKMDJbJOQcUtUxmPbxv8AZmiQCNR8uR/FVyYWMPUE8y/VNryj7u2tYvQGXr4vZ28ZjtUEan5ypyTUrVkoxFlthM8s1thmbcpbNa2AbJcT6hNGjoFiVx9xO1DsgNe0hWKS4a3iZURSOO9ZNjSH+HTexB45YG8qXkO3UD2pTHsbl3KhnENvHGowCXbBwcVir3KTMXxWyzG3jmnDBOMJWtHS45FUh5WgUSmC3U4wW71exFylfz3SXqSPI0vlEYNXFXQy9bzkvJLcOrbzkKvBqGuwmy0txIrCO+umCsuUVOqjnip5bisVLm7hu5khVpUVFIDE5pqNgudJpbQQac9jHMhLKXG4clsVlPV3BGCPtB1ZBkJlhggcVa2Lk9SLxldQte/Z7a6MnlfKxIIyc89aumvdHKWhc0URuYY5IpdzjII5AqKl+hG50Y/0cMYCWYjJJH51zblp2Oe1HUZhcKJU3LGvzEGuqEdCG7nTXd7eaxodrf3Fsu8RgIQwJZenNTyqLEmchrN5qEl+yz2jwkj5EVcDbW0UrDZizm5eRx5TsucEHtVpCIWtRu27sbuenSquB9P/AGSLSbOV/GOl295dzsJIhcXACY64AzXh3d/d0Lem5yl5PZSGe9jsNJghVt4iyCE/HvVXleyZBRv7q0dEuWhjuFKh1WK2wgGfb8KuLkroGS6rfWd063Mj7QEXEQiwFI//AF1C5rkNM5y6s2vSJnXzgzBQUjC81tGfKNGyvhTTNUWK2gtJJbuNfn3N1FZyxE4u47HU2/wr8H2Nv9q1uYwsCB5AJznjNVTxFSWo7M6yyv8Aw1pOnDSNEtljszG5kTGSxIxya0TlLcOW5z8+r6NY28EsFtcBEZguz2HtUqm2xQjZmRrHxA0hlW3sor24lCkOzIfmx9etDos2K0XjDXJrDyYmj0+3flZbiMflzUeygt9Ro2tDOjhF1O61cXMzqxlbzMKG+npUtb6EtHDfECS81kwi1vUvXKsC0aAADOAMit6NTl3IOcj0fUbTQ762n114isReK1jc/O3oa6VWTewzCh8I+Jry3S4j0iZkk+7tHWtPbxW7JIpPB/iBJ4o5dMli844VmHH50fWIdwOlsvhtFZqbrX9Tt0iQYMMUgLGsXi7uyQMqWvgJb+G9v7DUoVsbQlnLsN+3tgdTWjrtaNFJXNTT/he15ZLcrrSLFKMCMffP4Vk8Xyu1jVU2zc+NmhQ2WuaPCLSZo4bBUdEGSxH8RNRh63NFtmbWtjzvV9DvrKzhvpLVzFMTzjJX0BrrjVWxNjGTzhMGaPI54xz04q3IRLDBdXDFRbylweAFpcyQ7F2bQ9RVNz2pGBkgsAfype0Q7MIvD+ptGGFoFQj5ST1pe1QWsZdxbNHKYmHzLwRnNaRkmSNW3JIQKd3UCqbAvWeh6hcsq29lLI7/AHRjFZuoluVYvReE9fdtg0595PQkVDrwXULHQab8LvE17aS3JighgRcyyM4+WsZYumg5S9B4A0+C1DXGpeXO2OXwFxjqPWsXjJN6IT0Luh+HPBdmZ5NR1q9E8EZczW0X3TkAY/OtoVZy6DXc7+C88A22mWOq6bqmtX95Cg2yyK24H1xiorNovocbrNrbXWorrmrQi4tzcHe0nL7c8cd6xU7XjF6kmfqsXg3UNfaVrbbYbcRMo2ZNaxlUit9RWKd7pPhDTojPfx3zPIMxCLATimqtSTsgsN8P+HvCF95N79ruXdn4tI/vAe5qalepDSxagb+oeH9JWBo7K2lSC6OySWbkp757VlHEye7Fy9CU+C/BGn2d3fmc6r5KgJGsvzO+emBVfWKjdtg5bFPT7H7XA0CWSadHLJgJJH91fXmlOo09WJszj4M0iHWVe5umu7NSUbYNuWOMVSxMmtFZkE174ZkfC2KQR26EkFhlj7UlXcdw2MaHRo4fEMc92qC0Q5LBeGx6V0Rrc60BG1fyJq9s6WFnFFCAcS7BllFZqTi9WUZmneENON411qIkt7UIHViwAIzWvt7q0dwOt1rTfCujR2kfhzW7W6ublAzxqu5oRjP86wfO37wOJzN5ot5f3q3DGI2inJbOCTWiqKKstwjAe2kzwE+RJ5BlfCLEmW2/X6Vm6ie4+Ull8PpO7xfaJkSGMEBlAO7FCrLdEtHJySpbXrma2W6WNtqhuAa61K6uCR6H8K/A1v4i+0ajqWi3FxZRBv3ccgUbsZ5PtWVao4rTcvk6lSTwrpOnBrye1dkMhVEbJ2jPesPbyeiJsdH4U8HQ6lbyWmk2cdxIw3EiIFh+fSsJ1ajLUSxq3gQwW7XWo6VcwmPapPkhVJ6fzBpKtUiVymb4N0c6TrcviVNGaGGykDLIxDIT0HWuh121a4lE67xF4qTVrhb25guGvCpSItEuznHFYSv3E43MzUNR1nUIpGuLbMkMeIxGRtUfT1rPmSYvh0OD1r+3bFbuKwN09zcgpMmMqR6V2U6keor2Ot8H2VxFpdqzwwW106f6RuBzwT2/KuXEV1LZ6DNTXVa4uNzGXULm2+SEMgVEB44HeuaNSzttcOaxFDolzeRyCfT1hWNFAYn5T1o+sW6hKaK9t4X0yzRQLS1nuix+cpkDPSqeJk9noEdRgsby3aJEmVY0GQwUEjn0xTVZMvZlHxK8iXCyXDXOob/lCwgYjPvitKTTXY05kcfqLWwWRY4ZQse7O4cZI7/lXbFvS4m42OesDY3Rml1CGHHU7QRjHpXRqloZaG7pn/CFrCoSwuZ5WbBBl2jHtWUvadx6HZ+HvBGgX00stw0MUW3Mcbybj+lc0601oDiWbrQtE8OyXMaaWLmK3UOZkbcCSAcdOKxlOUmlczZky+L9DmuYLKXwoyuxG1IE3NID0zWioVHrzAWtW1qbS4Gjk8N3tvCqAK0kA+UH2/GoVG71lqMqad4m8KSQuJIbuGNs8rb5BaqdConoxpoz/wC2fC0MCPE+o3eobyyIYzsQfTFaOnU7IfMb+keJYXswz24aTO4iaLBA6flXPUpvowbKHiLWRqTx+ZFHAiNgkA4bjjH41VOLiTzGDqDwSmIylB5anaemT2FdEWxFRpl+0+YiAfKCCBgVrFuwja0oeE0lWfUtHS787JBjYkg9+lZzlU2TKSXUlitfAGpSyW8kc1rMXxGqg8D0Oaz5q0dSrJnSW/wp8K6paW8tlM6BRumZ3Azz2rJ46pB6lqlcji8C+E49M1KCfw5NI6W7CKaIknf2ye3NaRxUt7kyp2MPTvh94QYQrPqEluwUBsOOG75qni6jeiM+RlXxP8NYW1rydFv7dE8hXZ5XGBx/OtVi7RvIORlLTfh/ObSV7S+trq4jU72DDAHoM0TxV3aw+UpyeFdZlhAht/NwDkqQcfWrjXh3FylBfhh41urWa8fSbhLdMDc2FJz0wD1rb6xCPULFP/hB9VSdoJtPvI5gMj5OBR9Zi1oxNGhoGmaj4btdRaSxuXkuFEYYocAc1E60ZtaiOcsJdQ07UzIttOgkJ3DYRwex9q2bi0B0uqy2K2aR3kJkx8yCMYySO5rBLXQDnn3eQ8/mbBn5VLe/StkA/VLz7ZZJI0qo6nbgdwKErBYrwG7lmU21xKQg3H2/Cqlaw0dDBp2qzyo8drPsJA8x1wOawco9wJptCv3uHLraeUq7Q7OAKSqRWgWE0yS2s2/1sUl0DiMA4Bobb9ALcULmyc3O0XTE5QchkNF10GZGq6LN/Z3mP9nt4UY5JGHYH+nFaRqLZE2KmnaTpcpMMmpMH2HK4wOnFOU2ugFnQfDuntesbm8KRxjdyfvY9KmVWS6BY0tZZvILyFlVFwNrYx6VnHVhY5o3YkQozyMSx7ZBrpEVdNae21YS4lCk464BXHc1puMbqVx5szopwM5wDkUJATaNpN9dhXTT55Yt4XzAhwDWdSagB01/4albyFWzkwEwVYbQGFc8a6fUCjoPgnxdql1L/Z2g3l7EH271U7Bn1Pat1OLAt6/8O/GGlafPNd2cskFoMzJE24Qg+tNSVwMeLwt4ji0yPV5NBu0sJCP9KeMhMfWr5kBBEr/akkKAlDzt4xUsdi40rxhR5AAxkbR8x96mwWGxadc6pKrLBK7KfmO361PNyieh0X2d7W1MLkNEq5Ixyh9/brWDldiMO5lDT+eqyuoHy7R8vFabiCTW4I2JEAEhIOMc1agx2Ir+9tmljkhsRGynOR3Oe9NRaQ7F641O6vkgEsUzythACMgAVDXKFipqdjGmsJDI6SRKuST0BP8AWnGbaugsNvpIrSLybS4KnAJIXgU0m2KxQmtZbli/n28hPPXafyrROw7GfFbRPdbXdowGw5AzgVomBcc6ZHLgea0a8BnGC1S7gWhdRxxbLaMIpGdyDJ/OpsBHYveXWoRRqjzyswAXr3pOyQM7DxfqUunaTFYRMsEsiYmG0ZP+FctJKUtSVuebzh2cuRwenGM13pWKGRRvNKsUa7mbsKdwHRh0lKkMHU9O9FwO80H7NHojGWNzP96Lcv8AKsKu4WOt1a3sW06Lybom9eMARqu0AY9a4Y3T1KsclqWn6bJAZbycxSRD5gD19q2Un0Cw2XUY7fSFis2SFDy0iH5iOmM+/NWo3epNilaX9rHp9wmnJJ51zIBgtlmx2xWji09QI7tbXUt8MaNBcBejN3A5qtmBiRwNCXS4ieSIehIBNO9wLF9FD5HmwGFFc52b+RTQFGJHdsKVz7mrBEy2tytp5mzeCSqhWyc0uYCSd5TZQi/mkMwQCKM/wiloI2PAXz6pG1xOqRpk7T0zWOIXuktaHqdvdwSTmMSFlHI4xzXj1IMhaEuoX0EOn3Bki3DBOVPIH0pQg3JGsdTzbW7uxuTug+TcOnevVpQaKscdK0m7a44yRmuxBY1tIktbPT7iTe32lkJXHrUSVxGdcXhvbYIyeXKp6lutUkkBVEUrMIx80hOMDnrTbsNHcaBHbWelpcSiY3O7GzJxXFUk2ykiC3il/tOGOTcImfaAc4X6UrpIdjovEhWy0uCyih3b5vMSRvXp/QVnTfM7mqtaxgeIbSey/e6pfDzpI98KR4Ix74rohJN+6ZyRyIdnV7kysJc4Cj0roSIJ7eS0SBmaYsw6jpTSEZRl3SmVFwCc4q7aCOw8Fy3U00m+I7fKLZJwBiuWqNK5sXFukmmNdQs2EBMjs2eSeMflWMXrYvksjibmbfPuViShz8/FdsdiGVknMkm1vLUnriqEbmgpuh+aJm3j7zcAGsajsB02n2ctswIkBONo7gZ71ySmnoxWKt/HczXSNuJmLgBoRxxVRtYCh4hu3k/0XKwmPqw+85961hEZl6SDtku7r5IoyAFXqxq59gPSbGz/ALU0yGWzwXCFnTjpj0rz5zcZ2Z0RpxlG5ztl9onMMX2xVhSQ/IFwT6dK3dt0YSWtijr8S2paZcfM3PzCrg3LQlGRfC9kAREY7l3BB6VstBlTSFb7UkZRVLHBb0qpPQDZ1yCWIrbQ4bnrnis4u+oFHSEhS8cXiysu04MbdWzxVgJrqiN4wPMEZ+ZUJ60Q3Ado96LWNZp0JjVvmUChx5hEes6naX2ryXKpK1uWPlI5yVzVU4cqsUzEuWJkwflOcitEIfC7KRjjd3z0oA3dLXzI3knAdIsZJ9DWdRAa1hsmnZ3aJolAAQHnBrGd0tBo2THafaBaQs0e4gKu7jOK59S9LEdzB/ZqSRSqvIYkt0xxTXvO4kZ9rfXuuhIr9/IsYM7Aq43+gq+VRu1uDkUYJrj7c2FD+WSI0XoBVtKxDZt2dvcXmnzhnDOqZfd6elZNpAtTEupFudyPZrE8ZCoQOmK3joDRW/s+YX0M0kayRg4YZxwapy00Ezqbi2xpyf2S1wjLIp8zHyKe4/lXNza+8VFEaAadDmW7a63qfMYDChqLc2grGDHfB7nzGu2jVWyNo21uo9BMrXVvYzW/2qBHjdydzyPksapNrQDKto5nuwi7my+M9sVp0A6WCOPBtlYRFUy5Dc1lJgS6HJNaYmJguIFbcFkjBzUT1NESX93bz6fO01oPnHybRgLRGLUh3OLVWe5iA6mQAe/NdD0RBq+IY4/PaJHd1RhlQfu0osGhl7pTxQQyCUL5vUE9BTbuhM7DRrPSrKwja/tIL15WDgqcFQO1cFSU5O0SHc7zwj4ijljvfslium2EC5yI8764atK7TbuzPldzjPFviuS+vJfLlFxAoKojJjaM5Nd+HocsTdROIvdRhmO8WqpJuBB7V2xiBEtxcXEW0YVc9c8YpOIGnaWZUbvPBY9sjNQ2I0bOOVrXJKr5bZEgPJqJAi7YW0zQTuLmOSZ+R5g+YfjUNoZQeG9mKxRTjzFcBsn5eTzTukFzT1CCfTmgjkCOBy204/EVK1Y0ynEpi+0AqVdwccjOT0qm2DKVpJPBpkjXIWeNmxt7g1V0Iry6bBeSwu14Il2ZCk4xT5gsWvD0V35sqxuohx97bnpUykIs2k0scUsbKRvOWfGM+1SWipC001xsmnZUHCfNzj6UaCbLkIkjgMMZLMWw7gc4NLcDK142oj8qWYllORgc1pAbIbeO3SzS7nDyojAiInhuarXZCsQ6ncadJZK1mgSZifMHOAKqEZLcZX0uRIQJWX5l5y3OaprQlkmr3iXcsbqriQDB7dzSSsgLCzCKyVRGplbkvj7tJrUDe8PacqwS3LLunGCrE9QTjiuepLWw0myDV9T8sMF8tnjY5wOlOMSrIhENvf2EWpX0McLuxAx1YDvWl7aBYq3GqPaDyoTIFJwu3sKpQT3FaxJZ6pqVzCQvmhFGABUOCQKViO1geXMt0JIyW2gdc03KwmzrZbKGw0eW3n+0Q3crHyJAcKF9CKhPmehKOPvdRu8gy3BdkXYrA5IrdQRRnWs13K7IkjSbjzk1TQiObzEmKnIwSCM0gPrTUfHHgHw1bxL4q0tPE1y6gJIrK4BI5I3HrXHToxaGpJlGPQ/CXxHjS9snsPDVnCQ8ibA8soA6ABsAVjOLpyuX7O+pf0XStAuNTW3s7WGLS4l2s8s6rJIRnkDPHTpiuVxlJgkY/iDSfD5ubq/0u6sLZIsgCWXc5AHQc9z7UtdmZNHkus3eoGEeVdlGaThFHb1z3rqpxj2BWRf03UJ5zElhKgkRMyOJgSD7/wCRQ6aW6N4pPYuQa3dxRkXF219JnDh+AWHaqUbdLFcpUv8Axjc2t1EsdvZ+ZtKsgfI57Z7nirhC6JsXdKt7/ULY3V5qEWn2HLJHuyWOOwHWplNLRbmsaZLat4W0snzNQea4HIUQbc/hWMlVlstBtwRlajcR69qCfZoriW1hPzlwSq+pFaRi4K/Uxk7kTre3t2bGGexgsgWCPPIFAxjggGqslqyIxbL2n2A0nTLhr2+tpB95DFIdrjPOBWNR870KlGxkXU0YZri2e2AYlFBOSue/NbwT6mZc0/Xbi4e3Syvy11t2MQAEX6c9KTpqO60KsWY5NTmmX97f6ixZtsESnbjGByPpWej6CYtn4Wv9atri8lMFikTLGqXcpyxGc/WteeMLIXKZN74TvY0cm4tXjkYL+7DYOO1Wq8S0jrNCl0K3V5dOtoxehsfOzALjrjI/xrOcZPfYtOxTv5tY8Sapci6X95CvPkE5CD146UlFQimhKLbIdXtNW1GxBsNTthACu1DyAQBj8aUZJPVBJXMW28WNplxNBc+HdNvr+QBROEDkMOMgEV0ey5tUyEdpZ+GjqOkx3+o3Vqt9OMrawxKrJn12ngVy1ajjKyLUTlNb0PwpbXJSXW7l7tTho0BZBjtmtqNWb6DSTPStH+HWlJ4VtfEj69v0xEO6NUG5fbJ5/Ss6jlazFUSijyPxvpthfeMnOjRx21i21U3uctwMsfTJzxXRSm4w94xjrqdD4c8L2GlTC+keC4bbgNncIznuCDWNWtKSsjVROxfw1quoaXHe/wDCWaFpkbNiI+Wd5B6fw8VzRnGL1Vy+U5/V1GjWc1vd6nbT3MbELdR8CQE/z/CtYvmegiDw7qlv4g06XTb271CCNGBK26A7wO5PSnUh7P3tBqz0E8X2rPbwRRQXMoKjY0hAwo4BIH41lSklJsnlucNqmkazOGWwhUgDDeUxJwO5rujVhHdkcpt6ZofiTTrSKSeUzRSrsMQYgjNZVK8J6I0Wxc1TTdZFlIWSO3ijQN5LyZzn6Gso1IXQmmyDwroRdHvdTlsLewztGZQx3emM1dWrrZCSfU3dcuIL1oIrfTpby3wFxEu0ADjqelc0W1dt2YzbtTHp2nfZ9N0Voldcu6x5KcdScVjJuUvekXr0Na70q71nTIYr5hd24QSFPKMeM8Y96UJ8snbQfK2a+rWfh99Ch0u5a20DT32PItjF+/b/AIEfWtqUnNktFLxhoXg/Q/CU/wBivk8xgGtpbo+ZK46g449a0nGXOYy0PMNWtje2cEUN3I11Ku5gIPLRduOR69aqMlB+RKL1rbG30e0tLjUpmnyd+xQBGPz5qXLmldIpu5keJLOKZSg1CV4lG7GNgzWtGbWrRJHpc9zfXNnpWkxRfZoYzvZFy0hxzn1rSa5VeW4xt9rJjjlguGt4o432kNH0AJzjNNU1e4jDh8QRwao8tpZi5Mg28HH5YFbezui07G8txqmrLFFbaHPEu3J3naCM4zyMmsJKMNWy7t7HRaVod9HeRXjqyNGMLCrkgY/vcVzzmnoNRe5BrMOqNO0xWdY1YDMUR2k9MA1UHEZYbwzoz6Bp8swuGu23G4jnjweXPzdeDgjiqVWSbXQaija+I+n+FvCPhG2l8P8Ai2+kvLiVBLZxMNq/Kc5xyBxj8RW0Zc/mTKVtDs9D8PePL/4XWk1udHaCRM7Wi3ShfZj36VE4RethN2RwOkeOpPB+o3SvFA92zASNM7Jtx2wuciiEE0mhRmbHiT4iah4s8O/2deatb2dihVmjsbdtxAHqeePWlVbctizn9J1WyfQZdIW5mvrNmLeS8xVpDnvWM0+a+wr2Il1Swd7SBY2FxG5VYy7MEGDye3HFZuLs2yZSNfybjyP3V35ckh+bgEFfSsOZX8ieYvaPPLbiVrkxzSCTBURdf0qJtN2KvoW9SvonkVzZzRcfcQAs3vwcVnGPmSxLe7KID+9VmYlQ6DcT603ELFmW58u08m5meB5fmwCM4z3qFT1utQtczzqiWtuyPsiXacyrzx7VfJfUpC2203UkflSXJK4V2ZUA/DOc1TWhcdilFK09zdJbxLE2WVtkfHHfJ6/WtrdzNszba7hisy0WnWrYJ8z7QvLn6DPpWq3tcFIhTVdKl23smkaWY3QoT5OAjfTAq3zLS5SZi6lDo95LJDcWKsjHcHjHlFMdhgVrCU46plWNLRbCwtYop9N89BMNgBmyFOOuc8VNSTejFY1UlSOwu9PGtTYuGxMGQFfTgke1YvV3sDRy91ZadpeuC60+DUZBGBmdBvwRjp6CtlKUoWbsyNjUl8Wi5tZDqOmXNzHKdmZ2I249s1Dov7L1G3cdpHiOyt0NrLYJ9kKnBj8sMn4dTSdKT1vqCZpWk/h663fYI3iu5AAC9tuJH16A1nLnj8Qhsvg8XEPnxXMybT94Lt3D8ff0rNV3HoQ5FdvBmm3Fi17qOo30MiOI4Y8YBOcknj6Vf1iS0SEncwdb8O2bXkUAvPKBlVUDDLHnqa2hWdndCudfY6N4dsb+4u9Qt7vUbUxbViiG1Q2OD24rH20pK2w+ZGFD4dmvdXeKz05ZLWNB5TLlcE9jmrddJXb1GqiZ03glNK8P3GLixsbnUATkMN5X8/8APFZzm5a30N42Za+zWl7r00TWF8bi5QlFSTbGO/C9c1Dl7o47kc72Wks+nW11eJcTJiW237ird92aOWb957FNpFrTfCNjbaZFq15CDC83zSSy8Ek9eK2hKT02QrGB4w8XWlvqV7psOjRvawMoW5aJx5ox2yM10KlF2dyXqcXqWuX8LStbQfZmkTAiUHABxjitIwgSZltqniOA7YdUliBU+YSAQB1xjHtWnLT6oSbO6X4orHoVlpttos0d+igTX8sxbcR0Kr0GazlQ5vQvmfUwJfEH9qXkjXGquJnXa74wV/L+lSqTitET8RR1LULWxlUQ6q0zEgAyFt3rnB7c1Sg5bohxCI3U9z9oENzeMX4cqWQj0HNN2W7sTY1bZUR2mu7BJSVKqSOE98GsW9dGFipe2VkZbeE6YqxzLu3yRlAP5URk7N3EjNbR9Hj1NQUgnVMkiSQhfYYFa+1m12G9Tr/Bnw+Ov20up6QLSCJH2zjzghGOwDHmsp1pJWYKLMbxtbX2h3r20upmJh0UxM4UfUfSqpe/0GclukmLKusxMpO5lJIP4Zrrt5DsTyCxspllePe5XhVQnP480XYFVL2xkvERobry0X5wG5P04p2YmMuby4u7pRHYPHAgCAu3B69SfrTUUtRCW+liG4W6vryOOJXA2j+Lvgmm30Cw3W74SyLHaQRxA8nypdx/OiEGhGreRPBoKxTB5xPGHU+aDj61kn71yjCOqDT9OjtbWCATDlnBya6LXFYy7rVBKx818sRkgHgVolYCoWVCHhOR1/GqEdB4S8TSadeQrevcXdpES626y7V3du1YVqSmtQO1ufiOlxGC3h7O1sqxl7enSuRYO20gKn/CX+LZLb7Ho5ksbZ8MY4WxkY6k10U6cYasRo6Vc+Nb7SrnT31mK0sbxN88k8qK7AdQCTnmtfaxuBe8eatq2p+BLTT/AO2pXiSUQW9pBtYuV7nb1o91PUepxD6PqnhvUza67p8schiEoilOCR6nBqW1LYL2Kttfqk8l2bULuUhQkROPz6Umh3uafhXV7qB5ZIbW6abPckKB69KymkxNmzrTMiut3cTxxuodwF+9n04561jHV6CucreeV9iaC2neT5sgMcH8q2T6jKjWU144ltrUxRxbcyFu9aqasBsNbaW8Re+kkN1nO5pFjVeffrUSnLoUOvdRgh+azuYTEJAGYSLk8DoByahRb+ICpNrFtF5kqWLXEwXEZCkhSepPvVKLuBn2d1phSaS/imaWQYVO34kVs4y6CKd79mfDxR7AeQCO1NXW4WK1xPGy+QmC2R93IJpoZbtILlrgRzW8EQfGGmOABjrQ2gNAadAoBe9j+VcgxKQpPoKm4DLe/j0y5FzpyusmCpeVwc59OlK19xWInnW5PnTXKI5ORKwJUe9CilsIyNUujd3bytdicDABWPaOlbJWAu+FbS6m1mE23krhgDI7Y2g1FWSURol1ixmTU55oMyRq+0vEMg+uKmM01oOxp+GF1tYLuCy0x5H8sMJZ0YFcHqM4pVJw6jSO+15YW0+wl1Vne6eEF/s574/KuFPV8pdjN1HTtL06zhd47h7a6+ZxLwd3oOOtCnOT13HJWRy+t3iXapp2n6YsUBkDE7tzYAP+Oa66cWtWzJkdpp1xo95HqEVzbhhh8My5XPGME9fpWjlcVhj6XNqWoySAyQO5yWk4GPUYqW7IGWtXexsESx+1OXiPztgEE+lTG71EkZV08d0qxLEZiPu7Vxz71qtAM820lnLtvIFV2B2ru6VoncC9o8jwNIIWRZlU7GbnmpduoDZ31O3njkvLOJriXiMEZI98CpvEDc0bw7DqlpGvnS/2kzlplC42gniuWpW5N9hHYxW2keGLf7Obh5Z1OWkxvIGOhI964XKVZ83QlxbMjUvEKT6e0gEe1X2lVzlga6KVG0ikrHB6zNFPdu8UflRk/KvpXowjZFGcrFhhmrQRPZ3MkDFkcEg8AqDQBoPaySxNcskT7yM7eG+mKhuwG54a0G3upd8djc+amGZ2yqqBz3HWuepUaRUTQ1Wezj8m1gDx5bcXGSW9sVjGLerLuDaXLLDbalHcsYUwSzEAA++OlDlZ8o7D9fvhBpP2h7kXE82QI8ZCDsQaUI3ewdDj7GP7Uk5dSwUjc0jEFfpXZexmytdJaQyLHC5bzDhiQeB3q0wKGpwJbzPGjqRuyCMjNXFiK+NvYn6VbYHo3w/hvovDF288VsY5Vxb7+ZCeM8enNefiGuZGkUXTe2smnf2bFaqPszh55FB+YY6c1klZ8ze5bZyup3CWl1/aUUMD75CIlzu6eq4rsgYtGdrd/wDb5Vke3tonx8xiG0flW1rEjdPN4hSWNWaNeME8VM0mgPQ9MndvD0rvANrssYfPzDGSTjPuK82pZTsgMWJLrT76SexupGV+NvXH4GtrxkrMCHxPb2jTJdWt2zmXhy+AQferpvp0AqeFtKlvriN57nZCZNp3f/qp1qlogejabf6dplxNcRKZZIoiq20ZxvyMFv8A61efNSl/ma0nY57W7nSm05LiyWQ3ki8RRx4KHPc/j2rojGd7MqSi9TkNQF8UXzUZTnJEmK6ovsYs197W/hma8lljaeQeWu9eV57VNm5aCMrRZLUMPOJZmOU8sZJNXJNgT6xdJdny7CGdiPlk3Lj5h1xUxVtwMhlltJQlzHIq5BPNa3TQGjDPbT3cc8krCNFO0EljkfWpAzdUk+0yu6yMEUZx0z+VXECkSYwrBvmB5qwGNmRt7feNAEkEDu2U5oA3FRbfRQ882zzRjaF5OKh6sDSsx9liju7GMNDPFtfOPvVg2nuA2W4uJrmNypQw8nA6/lU2QE00F1rCrHulMiAsqRqDu7880JqDHco2dnfXMDw3tzHapFwA7YIH0FXJpaoVzovB9lZSEw26qXRWeSRz8m0Dk1z1W0I2dWeSzS5jg2NHMMRmFM7voR0rOCvuWtDCvdMvhYvqkyGJXGF8xgNx9q3jNPRDeupm2KM11Yxm7cK0mHCnOAP51Uno9Cd2df8AaIraGDT5rxRFPcM3y/wgD0rm3bkdMdEYV/Zm0t2+1XIEcrbo0VSWIPqMVrGabMJbnLzR6dFPI7lzt/hZcV0q/UzY6zWbVLhQY18iMfIACBj61VwL76vHBZGC3jgBRuGHXNTy3YWMzT2MmpG6l2BcjzPnwSM+hNXJaaDTN2bB1Xbp8KxQohO18kEdzzWFlbUq5hX07iQxPchlXoBgAVrBCLejQQJOlzb3KmQt9zYePxpTd9BomGoFNQlW5EbyGYMwRMlgKSWg2y2NNutTnkvrdopQ0gXynOCo9MVLqcqJNS7cR4tkWOE7cGRvuxjvzXN5sTRrtcLH4bmi8N38s3kx4uLmWIbGPcLxWcV+8XOrCPL9Rdkuj9ouFlkY7m2ggZr1ILQZVaRXONjbu1UBr6Fp73UySB8BckxnA6DPTvWUpWA1obSOSRB5rG5c8R4wT+FZ3bAj0psrlRLOu85UdjRPVCNZ9URLNYYhHbyMTlimcH0J/Ks+TqMl86OWKIJFZLcEhWWEMSfck8VNrLqIk1ffLEkchxjADNnt9KUR3Oc1COa2keZriaIsQoAAOfw61vEDQiuIZ7KOykRInY8uVwWqGragZuu6b5bgyXMSMgwF6lu+aqEm9UMm0e2uILIXTSSKjDgRuQQc1E5JuwkiR5Jm2lXkMZySxXihDJtPtlkjeSO03sH+WTvik3YVy5plvJNBPcxzxRvFnIkfj9aiUhpXMf7XGkTPJbQyzsc8LnFbJFNFK51aa4bEkWyFGyI1G0k1qo22EMsLbR7i7ka/kkhhClti4z9PrVaiKc9hcrLJOkEkNpu+Rmz92ne6Bmhp9nY6hG8olkCqoAYc5PpWcpOOgkattpSxWlxE0sbgjPLgEcj361k53AYIZ2kS3jaUrjgrzx+FGgXsVp7eG2PmPKskwJBHoapXC9yO8huJ9iy3DRRxR7gNuMd+9WkNFKGJbudmklyqAZIHBpvQGzasIi1o0VuoUZBBLbR+ZrKTuwRLc39xpxW6tlsbqaLDMrNvH6cURgnuNoz59ee7ijM8u+UAl0zyM1qoJbCMi4Cs6SxIx3HlWNVfQGXIoIpFmkigkj2Acjn9aXN0EUFiuPLmHkSMRjDbh6/Wi4HvNj4TuPGetXGvahbaXpJYkw2rsu1SOmAK5Ofl0WqN4wSPS/hv4eTwlYXd7qZsbm5KM7SjHkxrwNowAe1Z1Kj2sbbo5jVviD5SXV0PDOix2/KRSxoN2fXG3P8AkVCjfSxnynmv9pNqE8zNGtnAV3PLgb/oAfrR7FrzMnEwl1e1sZhchUujGMgTMcZ+grdUpS0M2jOs/F8lnFLFp+n2yGbh3xz659K1+r31bLi7CS+JPtoY3lqd7NndGcdqr2SRpzlqx8ZrZSRmy0+MyJwWmQPn8xUOhzbjVWxZ1z4lazqTRm6srVRECEVEwOmOlCw0US6jZi/8JRP54uNsbSD+8gPStPYoSma9v4uuUhdrVxFJJlmVQACah0F1LcyimrTJK8gS2kdvmYyLkD6UOmTzEWoalqeqMu5xIx4C5wqrihQSJbuVZbO+ispNjAlTnaJPvVacRGr4Yg1GNyzxxrEihpG38/p3rOo4jTsdLb+Nl0eCaAW87NNJuWRZuYx0xxXP7HmVxc5Ddarql7a25kcW1lvaRQjKrMT1zxnmqUYrRFLUTULsm1jKzTJCrZOHyuR0zUxQp6HHXOrauLt4rKWZl55Tv7V2JRtqTzNGn4b8d+JvCupy3djJFFNNCYZY549ysvuPWq5IMrnZv+C7DxLq+mx6taRJaaeLoieYo20NwflXPPBrnxCjBa6lK5Z8R/D6P+1hqH/CRxWsTvueVxsI5G7ANc9LF3VuUXLfU27GXwrZ6tFJo3iLUdRMEe24a+ffGSeygCipzSVnGxSlqb1jZWuqQ3V9NYxvZQKcSRwhCQepya5U3Fqz1L5izqF14Yvvh/Ley2On2bwDEFmLoqZj67R3Nbrn5tGZznc8ui/sa61NTN4fkM6vn/j5baox29q6Jc6XxCWxbs/Eem2d/Jp1xpV1b28r7fNickdueMVnKlKSumVzWOhn1m01KWWxtmuzbRr8spTaAQKwdNx1vqO9zC1Tw6s80UM7yTqfmJOFAPXnua0jVdrhY6/S9Nu/D+lS+W9lZwzDG6FdzOCOxrCVTndh7FG2fTnhMlsbm7dRtnWRsKc9SKTTvroStNjU0O40Y6O7DSZ45mkMYdUAyMHrz7VnUUr7lqzWxZs4jLG0M6xJG3O6QA7QOfwrPYDKs9G0/VNWNnFq0k7sDJLGZMpx2I9K29pKKvYmxTV0ijkhe3tZIHcA7kA2nJ6Zq3d7CZdGs6Hpy/ZUuY4wSPM7nH15/KsXSqS94LpGlZ3GoXck9lpsVqlvKg/0hiTkHoMVDhGKTk9Sk2WrbStZGqrZ6jqnlG2UMI0Q/MByM9eKHUjGN0ijOvGN/rME+tXUj2scpBhtm8skDp+FdFOaS91Ca1LazTXBk03UNUt7Xw7PcmR50RTdBFP3Nxz/ACzWqnF9LsiUTn/Fv9k6xqgtvDMZjsbeNiJpnLSy4A7ZFSo8ruyOW5x2vnTlhRtOg1We5kcbhINqAAYx1roppr4miXEpadoepXEqnWC1pbMecJlselX7WC21BIZf2ElrdC20qe5UynMOzh9p9cVSmmryHYluLVNP1N7a90661TEfz7QWIJAP6ZNClzLR2FY1PD3hCw1mWO9trG/sXjb7rk4OPYisqmJcFa9xbHW3fh2a5V7KymW3Ty9kju2CDjoPeueNXqykT+DPDWlaYbt/EuoXGoWNqjGdEmw3Pbrmtufmd0rGiY/WNB8FGBY/C2jXdvcSqHRrmZiV/AseaU6ztZszkzl7TToNMup5dTubm4cj/V+ZgDFZyqykrRQlIt23ia08i4VLAbHG0byMn8afspXTbKUjufBnxQNp4Ru9H1NEmvXOLXMo2KnZSK6J6RY27o4CH7PbPdz/AGLTzNKCeYiQpP41i5SempitDIfWtagBktLtVOCpQQ4XA6AE+1aqMXoy+c7Pwt458Ay2KwavpNzYX4hw0xIZHfpkenelUw7aumVzaHQeCBpviS61D7PeWkdnZRqUHlBWlYk+/OP61xVaEorzIsQalaGG++z39xHbQxtngbSwz79q51Fpbak2IvD19bPNqMuoanDapCCtsGfh+PWtJ0XZWV2BFawW1zdtOki3BlILFJd+0enfHSm4uK10LVybWLiWV2+yWkNlGPkTMuXJHsR71KGcV4uvLy0vYmcXEsnTchODx0H+e1dtGClF9iiDwtqreIJxpF2skckrcluMKOTRVpezfOhxVzrNF1qyjEFjaWcs8yglpnm4JHbPQ1zyovdstl6O6fULmV5LGW3SIheV4b34qOXlVkZyJUt4bWb7UIoxHgkMqAMDn+VQ5NqxkVXstAuIjbSIzP5m9VB4J69KpTmikc3quh+R9qkgklWZgcB+ig8V1wrXtc05jC0LRLyztPPmllmDNzHGeB/Stp1VJ2FcW+S5n84xWBjKn92CxyOOP5VKcerIcjT07x7qVukFjd2yxptCBVUcnHXP4USoRd2hqRPPr1luMUmlxfvAMuz8nJxUKl5ml0T+GfCdrfXklzHp1g8cYDIYpSXwT6dM0qtVqNkCidReajqOjQmWPTUKBGWKKSMHccnFc0YqXUbRTjvNSv7JJNTc2zyZZIYGBCf5x0olGMXaKuS0Ub+38x4JTqk8qpzsc4Xd15+lEXumiVC5TvdIuNXjS9huXjVgVZwmeB1OKpVFB2aD2ZvWIutPhZJnkuUGEHHB7ZIrnqNSeiMZxsyw91KZm+xSeXAPkc5x0HOAPWo23M72M23hWxae4sjCkkwKncgJOepOR9K05nLSQc7LLDUUvLbV7OVlnspUaTDkKVwcgiqhNLR9TSM2bfh7xj4W8NXmva9q2mnXdc1W53JGP3aQx+gbnFejRcZpKS0Nk7mdrXjqw13VLc2Njp2lWrMZJopJWlVW9hgCs6tNPZFxkcR4r1WLVLq5Ed5JMkbfuxAAqqB3HHenThKKRTkZYmjuSJ4w0dwDt3yZ5AH6d6exFylDCtxeiBnYiV/mcOOB361rzWVwRc1q1mmuozBFALVGC5RApI/nUwaS1LaZSkt9ItpknW0lknC5dvM+Xd2rRSk9CLpEEF7ZfbVupLaC4ZHyVdC2T/n+VVaVrE31NnU9Vl1CApAkem5IK+QNpI9cCslBR31GyWx1HyoLcT3CX82cbTlcehJGKicL7aCTsTT39vf3TeXZmXjasm8lUx6dqnklFXuKVmULnS7SIRoJZFO35zkc+lNTbJSsPt4VW+hFhc3UUZPDJJjLY5IPHpV3dtTSKuQa9Z3c8k6zagj7VCs1wdzYJ9utOE0tkEomZbaLp1pfxnZaXQdQSwLKFP0zWzm5KwkhXm1OxkZrTYgc8FQSKLRkNlfT7u/umkVIIx5KkyS+Wu4/nVNWJMv7fCvmRQPM0w+bbKvGefSrSYiPTEGoxXE165YIpIRfX+lOT5QJdF0MXN9Fv1O3gjIzzkEj06Up1bLYlnQ3OmapJFJHplslxCF52yBmPpxmslKO7KWpjSeFPEjh9+hTL1LSOQoH4mtVViuo+VnP3dldW++JrcK3IIwK2jO4mjOWGVTgqw+orS5Jp6NJFaziSe1EwJxgnpUy20A0746XcLvj+3eZn+KUbQPyrK0luBc0zV4rDACs6kYJIDED8aJRk0BPqOu6Q0x+zaRNIqqAomkIAPfgVMIPqwMy017ULOUSWsUULA5QBNwU+2auy2YF8RajrrnUr28uJrychFaVvbpjsKylJQ0JcjobDw8LAut5eiSQxhnjA+RfbpWEqt9kTzmhay28EE1tGscbbeWC8lew5rO13dku7M/Tbe91OcQ6c0wkI53KD3+ntVzkorUtI3rDw5Zyb/tKSSupJklWLHPtXNKv2KJZdCtJSYWuL2KBVxiPaFYgcE8VCryWwr2G/wDCG+GHiedtNluxHjeZJW/oRmj61UTKWpPf6B4UvLMLHpNpAExtVWZSx9OvuKarVEylczbfwLbPYSQi4ntonYhkjkUjHXOevatfrLuDMG4+HGlyybV8VQWoHK70Ln8Tiuj65NfZGo3J7n4baBZw7LnxLNPcY4MUI2VMcXKT+E0VMZZ/DfDrdWGvAEMcebbjt7VTxfRoTpy6Gg/w9lmuHXUfENqg2hsRw/O39M1CxXkRbuS6z4a8CLYPBYy69JcRWwAlnkCRtJnnCgc8ZrT2srj5TiG8MJ9r2W16ywAHc8sZyTjoK1VYmw5PCE1zqAs3vmiTbu3ugAA9abrpK4rak0vguwKZjvLiTaSM4ABP0rP6xI05C94Q8OzWuqJIW8+MAkqg+6FGcHNZ1a3NG1yo09RxjOnTGZ2Bt7h5NsO4cHtQnzqz6DkrEF1LNPcPJDK6Rohx8/f86uCstTOw/RPE93OIdO+yxyuvyq7qOcD1p1KUUrspOxq391qNtbW+r30NvcQxSlVt2cDLH2HUCsYxjdxRpJNK5xmoR393q0iwx+WzOXbacKgIzXXFpIxaNDW7V5tPgJkCTKBhcHJ96cZEsZo0EzlDKJVlUYLbs7h+dOWoiLWJdNu7d4ypt7hB8xYHczfyxUxUhmOL+9srfyoJggfnhRu/PrWyVxMpPcTTOZZZC7nkluuasRc0uVftEZnkKbWBXAB5HNRNaAfRfhO6i/4RuPU7qw0SNpF2i4kjQsR6+oNeLWUlKyudEYowLW40WLxJc3Mk8DRS4yITnC4GcdKU4TlBIHFXKHjDxV4fvVktfD9rGojUK7snLk/z6VpRoTjq2J2R5/fadeT6bI6p5ZUljg9QO4Fd0GkzJo5iQkfKfvZ5z1rrTJIU4PK5/WmBYhJSRZPJXC84bnNJsD2L4ceBr7VdBvPEdvNYxwQEK0BwZN5GcjPT/wCtXNUfkFriz6bqn2j5fECNDkK0ErkMWz0AxzUKK6otIq+IdG1p54i32GO5n/ujIRfU4HFFl2G9ik1sdP8ADlxZQh2Q/NLKzEiQ+oFYXTlccZaGTIBbeHnnu5BK0wHlKiglR6n0rW/NPQE7o5KykhknLTSnBbJDMQDium2hBqavFvS1u4/KkhiOGRVC5H1xzRHsBl601tqN60ljYSQb+du4nYBVrQRmadHFLeLFO5RD1cHoaq+gHbaDIun2K2k7SyNuLxMkeTtPv+FclTcpMsW0d61rdyrbgRshLyO2N2D0FTdXsUzlNbuY5I49lukLpnO3vXRTTIZmROUlDMuR2DCuh6sR0PgTTH1jVhZmcIvDKCODXLiJ8kWwSPSI3s7fSpLF3DyIzA8YD4PU15TUpT5htHIy6la27mKW3ChiQuwZz+Ndii7XJsZupPJCfKnibY2CoYdjW0NQNvwrBaPYXV0YkNqHCbVbLKT3rGu3oCRfiNlo/mSBGIJKZ75PY+lZazZaZlW1zPp98k0cJCc7Vxxit0lLcq5l+JZ0uI2nkzbzMdyoR27mtqUbaIls564vbm6ijjeVzEnRQa3UUiCbS13XQMKMAo7HmlIDotF1FUiubMS+Qs/Hzd+PWsHC+pSZgXs9wki2UaM7McAkZ/z0rSKuhM3ZbUQWVuZpSwIy6p1A96zcm9hJEfiM6DMY4NLSYLgBmbkmqhzdSit/ZVi9vN5Nt5syJ0c8qw60+exFyK70hBpK3e0RsCASGGD+FNVLsLmJGWSVcHHPOPStxm3ZJNqkbrApYQjJU1jJ8oEuhXsyebZLCnl87j1IqJa6hc6HQGtRJcGQxsuw/McbmPtXPO4bkNre6el3fMl9LZMYSqALkufTrVKLsM5u0tr2e6MkqzTRZ+8OQeelbuSS1YmzpJL250/TZFkxaxSIyqoUFjxjmuflTdySOBtyYkLMVj+TJwF468U2irmJeLfXt8luwmK5wDk4ArVWigudXoNvY/2/bwpFttLe2LOGJO6TkZ6/Ssaj9123HFkZZbmdj5Jmu0kCoqDAPP1qdvQ15iO8luzqKzXEYMkQB2uo4Aqo7EORyF8UkupZMq/J5HQ11RV0QXm1YR2yWtqXSNMZ28c4pcoGVdPLcOsNuBk8nK9frVrQZqaP4cu75v8ARwiOo3lpDxkemKznOyFc2TbXcN4sU9zuuXIXaCCD9KyvcLmUyRf2gYpIIYmD4O4YrRPQNyW3mgs7hx5ySluMgEAEDpS3Aj0t4Y7s3Btg9wW65J9eookJm1p15JZNIY4T50hyHTovrWMk2NEepJNKUUytKSMuG5UZNOJQ3W9XuYrMaZCYbS3CAyIFwWJHtTp01zczFY4l5CZ8ZZy7Y69K7NtRE13G0FwAgYZHBPSpumBveG5bQ3ALQu1wOeGwCKxqX6CZq2g063vhfXTyLEjFc5y30HpWabtYeo+3nVZ5U023JjkBcnJ4Umm1pqAl04lhEUsISNHJCq2AenOfwpARNbxTlGgKQYwSxJPSlcVy3e3TR2ccLSFtqkx7ZOKSWtwMK7kElrvQMsyncQec1otwNjRdPguxHdurNIic7l4BNZTny6BcfqqRWt0ouLd13ZVSM5PTmlFtrQtWGyxAW0ccBmkBU5B7Ua3FoU9FvFiVDI4YjKqpww6+lXNAzRleNZBcReQ6eYeYt2QPoKgRXtmAecqzfMSyjn5RVdBrQqQXsN5O8VtHCFVeTjG7FNx5QbKWs3QEYhWFlZsfMF5zWtPQEY9nZ3M1xLKsqfIMkscfhW1xFmG8Bj2SRtMB98sSAPYUmrgWodXsWs5bNbaQKyfII2GN1Q4dQLFlDdfZBLEuQeGBPSpduoXKVnPcR6nv87y1V85J6UmlYHsbOrXYv3SaZQiRgL5iLwR2/GlBW0BEC6c2qzCNLsiWTCx7gAMVfNy6lE+o+Eb3SrRZrq9jKtu/dxHJO04PTpU+05uguUZLPo0yRxAMIQoVudpz/WlaQ1oVLayAcpDcW8duDlmZ/mxVpgN8LGzl1NjcWyXC5I2npSm3Ylm/qum6czwAWxgiTKsEPTnrWMZzFZlfULfTmsVtbW8KHeSzM3bj0oUpX1Q7FYaekeEju4mj6E4qud9gua1t4iu9VIsoI7awSLl7gu2ePeq9ly+8zZSuaR8b67baU2ky+M91kcqyxxZdgT3NHJfoPmfcwrnXtIi8spLe3bqw5kOAeKapi57GLqfiB72YzCAQ/LtGD1rSNOxLncyZLuSQgs2QDyoFWlYgYhcnIUsBjp2qiiyySRv+7UlT0OODSauIltlYoziJSwyCScYqRFSbljlDgnjn0poRSkJBOTgDtVgPhlkyIwSNx6+lS0M1rNS7hYVeXA6Y71D0GP8AseoRbmaF9xbaB7mkmhI6DTvD11c2sLvdtZwKP38kq5/KspVIx6GnKaNpZWghkt9L+06ncMcBY1IXPqawlJvWWiBxK9zp+oWtzM1/ZtFHGMncOh9KOZWtFmVivBqN1rGoPLIkqxW8e1Fji4YCqcYwRcXYtamZbm2EOw28KKJJCR8vFKKV7jbuU7WbWIbeGa10yRLN5AY5ihVXP1Na6dSWzP1K4bzUvprPdIrg5K5XPvWkEloK5v6Z4u1rxBeQafPLcvG029LO0HlpnAHT8KKkFy6mkXfc67x3osl1o6TXFpcxsjp8jE9D2P5V51G8ZMqbLfh6z0+NIoLCK1/dqJJhjgY57/Ss6sm9wTViWfWdNZLi0ub24aDaT5URwoPpWcac9zHmOU1jxdPfC0tYktFtrTCQRiMEkD+I4rthQsrjuYg1mS38Tfaxp8dwqkGVQTtYelbKCcLDjKzO11zxci2S3NpoNknnRnbEgOU9/rxXNGld7lymYXgTxP8AaNSnt9Zsby5EgxEifLtY9B9K0rUlGF0wUrnb+IdMxY2SzG489yqMrNhUWuCFTV2Llscn4lvdTsjDDa2xuIlJRdkmTwcdK6KcYy1ehk2UF1vVNEhJePazsC8L8kfWr9nGYlKxZ8P+MYtX1VLOayupZ5JdscVuuAzHilPDOMbplxlc7zWtJ1Gxs5Fl0O8RygCo/AbnrmuVK0tSnJRYzw/f2NrFIq6CtrdxLtlfzAeaznBy63NLpowfHVhJPpcaaYxuJJHLMNvyrzW9CavqYyK+g2Cf2db2smjWTTgkTSP161pUnu02XFXR2j3Z0+1+0iHzlWMJvjXCJyOPr/hXJy82hTVkYEHjeBNTjXUvtBkmbDOg3HbW31W8dyIzNzWIrf7dHqGls10Jw22FouIx2NZJKPug9NTDihW++1afNZm2SIsXmTjcxOSB9DWjbir3FuVdO0i3sJFW0jmunSUlmckE5HSqdSUlqwijT13SbSE2oe9R5pl/dwwrzGfXPtWSqOzaQnHUZezw2NnbRX06jccncmd1Sk5u6LLdvpNhHcR3zIVlmUhiD0B9PSk6ktiGim+kWzSm3tkaJGbDSCTDmtPau12Rsa+kzWel7wL/AMhEUI8skhYg55wPpUXlN2JuQ3fi3wTazlrC71C8vEmWYyyjEeRwfwrqjQkgTMqwvbTxP4jt4tE8NyNPNd+bcukpKuue4Pat1TkkaI9G8S6Tc6FqLeJNW0tby18pdlrDKI2j2jv6is3RS0ZLPIpvtuu381zBpYkk1GVpIbWB95QDIA+vFHIo6LoQ49UYmuWcmkGSz1WxnsrzAdbeUYYgn/6xqk5N6PQWxh6h5MXl3YWPO9cZJ4reLbui0zSvZ0TdLHdRSJsyCzdSRWaT2sKRn6fK1wAXvFmDHlEP3RWj0KS0JbmzS5uCpjzEowh9PekpWEaMetQ6OYo43kR1YbDGcZ/x5pcrlqIst4svdRvn/dxXcyLws3VieKUqUVqBRvYb+bKapJDbxyDcVPAXPpRBxWsRHe+BtQsvDHh+ZoIJYZLhztnkX5SvTAz7g1hVvVZaehieK/FG7MkE8T7jnjjJ46+9Kjh9diWzz668Uao85hW6LIxyIzggGvRjRhFbAj0Hw5G13awx3dlHa3AYESr1we9edW92TtqjeJQuNRe11K5ihEDBHJhBBwtXCCcUDZStNU8QyzOIZmkG3cUjfox6celaezglqjNo3tRj1mz0a3j1JJPMcGSZlOcA8gVze45uxDVjmAmu6k2+1doQo+Uk42j1rbmpx3BEmh+ItRh16KDW5bm80+J1Eh65UHpVunDk93Rjudl4g8Q2QlE2nWMkdhwYg3oema5YU3s9w5jlL7VpZpZEjSG3DEH5V5IxWihYhs5XU7kW85uEuJHlRuFA4Hv+tddNXEjNm1S+lZ/NlY57nrXRGmirl3S/EWtadDutrqSOGTCnk8mlOlBlKVjqvDHiO81K8VNTAS3g/wCWpY7getctWgoq8SkzsopVu8NbRW7RL0kMnzFvTFcUk1uWlc0tcmspfDCCVNuom4WPIX+EEE/pUQhafkarUsvPp0OltpIn/fTxFjFna3tipVOUnzGlklqYngLWb3U9QmswgjEA5wcjHvV16CiuYxcVPQ2IMrqjXCKsyzkfu26CueUNEjknScWXb1Z471zcW6wxnCqh4B75H51FkjPkMTX72a1tCFs5RCPmPlsQT2/HrWlKCb1ZUUcHq0zi9JklZUJHB6mvSpJWNVoZ0wWCGUqWDLndk9Pat07hsWPA95pVrq5TXLG4nsmjJcQPtck9Kco3WhSkdpL4es/EVrNfeE7a5sYYQRtuZN2eOv8An1rBx5fiY7XMi08MWNrb263F/MLtuJG28Lk4OKzdaTvZDirGJ4h1Wew1oW0sTXFnanahx98D1ranBSjcpytoZlxdPNcRsDBFbygsdr/c56GtowsjNu5taFp0RikvRE1xbRqzSSj7g7Z/MVnJsVjufBvwsfXdGfXn1VoYXiJjSOLczD2/z3pTbSA4jXdMbTLuW0aG4hdfkzKNpIpRm5bksljQ29lbo91HbwRJkc9f8az1d9CTK1a6u57QzFJ0QEbWKkBxWsIJaIpM9I0jT/FnijwzZWWi+FYmtrWA/wCkSARnLc5BPWpklc05mczrPhbxJ4fTOq6e7yzfJCqHzC/5elU2m9GLmZSh8EeMNTtYNUGlPZWJuFge5n/dgEnGfoK0UoxQanWn4b65pFvJPZXD6qFA/wBQdy/h7Vyyq8ztYaZiAtZ3ijX/AA9qEcSY810iKhgO57VXLL7LHoWPEen+F9WtotS8PWEtlabAkk8sfyswznn6EVHPUhu7kNLoc8mnaPp9qUtplmeUHKp/F3q3UnPVoLFuw0KyuLIyv5SISArZ5UGlKpJSsPQ5yCxtkDPaajPa3Cvj5XPzD1xXTzbAkmdvp/h2XVNMkbUviHMwQBjCqH5VIzyaiU4raJVn3MWH4d6pqVz9o01dQv8ATw237WEwhyPX8KpV0lcXKbln8GPEV2heK3E0YXIAj5/OoeLv0J5SjefCPWYtySWD2sgHQvnIqHjFF6sOUy4vhb4lC+Y8aIrH5VY9vU0f2jBhyiP8OtSSfy2ukLcL8sZODih4+LQuU6Pw78K7K4jmGpXtzHKpBBjAAIrGrj2nogUTel+Hnhfw1pj3lzHdXbspMbStwT2+lYfW6tV2WhMlY898SX6y3XkabBDZRwksGXr+JrtpxdvedzOxZtNXtZ4opLlpLx0xvB4z7e9U4S6Byl+TxAs0lxJDo8kUankbM7RWfJ5lWK8Pii9VVfT/APR0b5QyjBU/X86PZdx2HQa/4hhulQ6qixb8kcEtnjrQ6VO2w7k/9uMbgRzTTYLZfZ9yo9j2QiS68ZJ9l8mKKZEBIyO/vSWG1uykc7Jrs775VvQXJ+VAOntW6pxXQu5Potl4pvvPvH+0tYQ58zDcjPTj8KU5046dQtckewSAMASpz95xyO9SptjvYI7i3Eap5+ZNxABP8qG2Upl1Nb1GOVI451jiU4CsMljS5YvdFe0uV9Q8QPcyyIC/mh8HZxnFXGnbUh6shsjNLqb3EvnPCke7YTkA45qpO0bDUTYurbTXs5vtKu37veHjkJxxkHFRdjcUU7y+S3tQ0KGSNk+Zn6gelC1ZNkzIl1CXyZEtLTDHkEHitVAvnSRsaDq19JZLbpLA3mEAQwp8zk5ByaxnBXuOMmytr8Nzcwu32a0so7NxlGUbj61dJpfMqdx2gw+GJ9LZb+1mLSsSJI5cNnFXLnT0MlsL4e0CystQW6jn2FJCIllb5Sfesq1VtWKSRh+NTe293JbXc8TvA24CMZUsea3oKLQpSMqS9v8AUblPKZvNlVVKovpwBW1lEzvcm1FdRsLyO0u4pvtIXK7ugFEXGSuhPQwrm6uBPsZyWz8oQ89a0Qi9FqV1ZpvubSGUygFTIgY49c0WQGRcXAmnaaQY38KcYGK0SsSMjTfIq4Xk4BpXGTTW88Rdgu5UP3x0zRzAdF4cs51aK4uWaRC3EYbIx9K56krrQaZe1C8MGrQragRo8ewhlBIOKyhFOOpaZf0y5srJTaCxRmlGGlI4z65qWr6lIffXc8Fh9jDRLIT8rggkA8dfxpxWtxNGNfW1lHJHZzQrcSk5Z1Tk5962U9LmLR6l4S+BfhLUfDVre6943utGv7v544XiAjC5461cK1wscp4h+E76DfmI69YapbO4+zyQPhivuOxqZVUtCrHe6HLpPh6xa1tVlhgcAyyNJkFun9P1qYz5tWOxydzr0cvi1rprLesYKosRIVvf61c5JRFcu21zLq73UVtEYgxy8ch2nZ3AJrGc4pXYbmT4ivWsLe3EdojwyOQu7tjtXPGN27sq1kR+IZ7G202Nr3TC6TW48sRsMA89fxq6abluFrHnun6W15eLbwyQ7ywYmV8Ko+tdr0RBY8Rfa4gsRESQD5VWH7rEd6IsYsKar9gFwLcqhXZnb603JXJM6w0S+1Kd4oIRHs+85GAPelKoolJXOj8PJLa/aYLh4bmONfLMmOhrnm1PYq1jMlu2gkl062vEaGQ7jK4/QVrGPUm5TfQnmgMtpdpPIMFlbjOT0FWqltxHSeG/hN458U6VNqmk6WJ7a3JXJcAsR6etL28Wx2b2HeHfBuuaL4gjXVtNu9OnRc4kXGR7VhXrRcWhqLNHVNSs0a4kbeWDFSowC3vzWEKb0sJmJpMtlcXc0VzA5+XenOCK6JJpXJKd1HJcXjCe92xoflRl3Yq46ITOi8EXEw0e+tY/JNsfvttwTXPXV2ikyj4qKCzWcXETtPJu2J94d8n86qmnfUpmfpkr3cKLMWRVzvkb2/8A11rLRk3MvXL2O9eTzHO9SI4xt4IraKshhHohXSnvZZ0jROEXOS59hVJiZlWbyI+Yc8k1TQjStriIF97Zk4I+Ws2gLmlqLi882TIWMEsccn6fnUSegEutXyvdLHBtgjKeXISacI2GZtviEMceZtPBzVtCLcWrNZCWSEKZZxtPHGDWfJfQCjcLc3FuDKzAKRx2rSKAovG2/kEEEDmtANzwrNJBPPHuBjdfmXpn2rKrZoDe0CztptSaVVeGYKSwPCsB71zSk0gGLFPZ3LyPbQ7CMqD1waUWmg2MXVoMsWWMDcTznoeK2gwua/hC41e30dkt7dRC8/zzycBcY6VFRJsQJapeajPM1xFKqqQ4cnqeMgUm+XoOxYkis4YFuy87RR/K+OMn0HtU67BYk01S0RmkIEDHgD7wpSYi9BbWyxz3sbur/dC89KzlJ7AVtTlii0JrmYKI8qAUGG3Z9acFeVikjnLG98lnvD5s8PKHJz1FdLXQRjm0uLqaV7WPMW7J56ZrZSSVmBHaWlxcMY4T8wPOemafMBZtkvLaNmVA02SM56Ur3A3PCN5qNldzOl5tQx4ZScjnjFZVEhD9RkVtQ+2Pw8Z+Uqe9TFAUwnmXDyRjzSTvyw4FVsBJYQTG5EirDMV65HApNjuWLmf7FfqskSwi5TIdRgAdKSV1cTNjTorcWRXduUZZmA5wawk3cEZjX1us5gSGSQyjB5/KtFHS5exr6f4L1DxZqU0z6hbWcMUSl2kfkqAAAB64o9soBe5kv4b06y1GaB0uG8p9qSHjPTmn7ZtC5TM1sWttdIpkaWZTjaQNoB6VpTbYM3PDdpLDci5uoojC0YxsHPNY1JaWLihmvRbrqJlg2JvJRBzj0zRF6BNon0i7AsJnuHSORdyEdC+TRJXasZjl1PTvLaCW2kSRRgMRkMfXP5Ucr7gNmvYprZoiIxtj2qoHU560lGwh2nkQJFbzwLtADEZyQKlvUCtNBEzzTRxquDtAPTFUpaAXbRWj0qTIUO+GGGzgCoerQGc5ub75yw2xAkNnpitFoiwuWmW2ja3m8yXuegFONriRV0nTozFJK7rkMec9OKc5NCLNrCIpkiSVPNKlsL0Oam7YFSa8kidEmZsF8MVGOMetWopgGoXum2yE2lkY2YYDZ5FEYye7ApPqU09iEwJXGTkJkjFaqKTGmYrSybSkLFdzZPFaALNCYoCJLshicBQKdxDbS1mkmHklU92OBRJ6AdLaQ3NrZoZJl68ANmsHbqSaGj6dHd3Km+iAikbCyDtWblbYpK4+/gtIdQNnHJ5qIASM8D6iiLdrlyViaaZbK6jnggjkm2bSSMBAOn6VKVyClq+sLIHtpZlwo+Z0GcbuorWMbGilY5+zvbOCYwGBZAc7Sy5JrXluQyzFdQvMI4olBc/dUd6lqwtjaksxHJAGt1t3dATt4596y5r6DWpdlihdE2zsGK4kUnIrO7RVrFC7gsrWynAhSWWXhGY4IPFOLbYmytECLcqdgzjiqaVyDDjv5Fi2Ky4Jy2Pauxou425naaQuNg6YwBSEV3Kk4LcdfxpgS28pjP7tF45ORTEQPGMne+Q3PXtQBYeTywywthSaB3ITM23O4/nRYBvmnuxB60CEBkYDDnAPSgBfIRjhsnNAGlpFpYSuft07RRjj5Bz+VRJtbDR0iaj4Z0vSFttME0t5j55G7HJ6fhisXGcnqMoXPiV5RblYwjxEEMeSxGf8auNOwXLlz401O80v7FJ9lCj0i5P1NQ6KK5iVfHl9Yaa9rYrFaB8ZMcYDH8al4eMtxXMibXdRn3PeXEs3mNuw56mmqMV0JsbOma14xv7WV7KAfYbWMmUoiIAowOvc1EqdMew2y1s6o4s/7JkvZGBUlFJYfl1odJR1uPc7zxVdeNdd8NWmlW/hrWRYWABSL7EVxtHBJxWMEovVimcKLLXzI9hN4fv42CbmidCDgd8GtuaPclaam9pFr4ktbi2nsfDcFvuIKzyHayDoT1pc8dU2apanoumeKdQ0uGbTrqXTomZd7yXxD5Izwo/Gsm1a6RU9TnfD08kmrXWveJ7cXelEMgXT4Ci+xNQ4watHciMUQeO/DPh1sW/hebUJEuE3EMc7CfU1MJtP3tiLa6Gj4G+AetzadaX+p+ILHS453zGLhfmZfX8q7OZS2K5bHcXfgLwJ4U0uUa5rFjq9zIxZ2hcAR4HoK5qkXfch7Hi/jW/8FWyO/hzUdRvNQR12RsmIgM8/WtacJfa2CJe8I6hF4hvTaiOO1u403nYNuce/tWNePKjeJYbxFqUdwlrcpNfz3LmO3bG4ZzgVj7GO+waljUdG8TWniG3s72Syt1WPzJTGQQoxnB96lShysjqdLp+geH59LGrPc21/d7SGjBDSZBPG2snKadi+VW01KmnXNtpl19r0zTGgnVSYi8SqyP64FNuWl2RG6Zr22teItdsRDqOriQcu7bc474P5VFeoostxT1ZhDSoDJPc6jfGeKWRW8lF2ng9zVRqX0Q4qysSWiSQXdxLJco9nMQNgjJ2+1Ju68yuUSDbHPctD5ahThGY84pa6BsWvDGqrZwmEt5zhy3kS/cf3xTnrqJsbq+madezyXt9c+VctJjybWIZC+1OE2tEQamiW3wquY2ju59bWWNCTmQopNdCi7XkJ6mRZxeH7fW5jpWj6qtrI7FLi4myOvYE1lWelrgtBviPUb2VmttKs45IdmGAbac+pPc1nSilq2CkZdvrF/Z2Sl7a2gkiTYSVLMM+5rVwUn7pSZg3Hjbzr77HBZrdsCVUkAjOK2+rJK7DmYrahr8t0q6nPJEqxhkhQY2jtmpcIWvFEu47RfFt8b6b7LpDX6HK5Ztq59Qac8PFbuxB3XhnVlNvOLzSLKNyQXEjK+BjsM+9ckly7O4+W5j/EHw54XuLOPUdFvXivJfv2cSk7vYeldNGtJL3tiXGwvws8BOuppf8AiDxNe6DAiBohGQrZ9zXbTrQloikel6xoXw9munTW/HOpag9xhMPOMuPoKKtt0S2jgtX8PaV4Vu7T/hFNXfbNMXyJhviUHBJPbNcqqXfvC5jqfEf/AAp9NOOq6lqMOu635X3DKzyZ2njjuDW6j7uj3G7LY8P8QSaZqIhuTY/ZIWJAt4Tl8HpmiKlES1EsIfB9xCYpYbuEDAClzl/0pSdVao0UUb+i6d4Tmtpo9O8xAr7X8xuc9wK55zq9R2sNTw4ty7NBdRxWcWQzhsMSe1S60orXcm9yhqHgqEajZQQ3KgyEnzWO7nHQelawxL5W2Q3YzbvSI7bWWiKzQXMOASBjd6GrVRyjdCTudIdEN/blL2eCaSEcyCQZTHOKxc3F6FdClr41S/0+CGRJzbwNtiVzwQO9XTkk2LmMfU9C84WkZc5IJZAenTn9K1jVs2Fzd0jwP4djtV1EOZcZBjeUEg1z1MXUvylIseLLidLOK80yQQxRxZmCDLKBSpWk2pGjkcfoNhd6ulzc28m9kXzGH8TL3rrclHR6E3NS28SW2j2d7Bo+m/u7lI0nncAyKRksB6dapUnO12PmNzw3NqfiXUYRFJNY6IAPPkuFJ3Y9+5rmqRhBeYWubGtjw5BNLpunTwqhXCSyPhj74+tc8Yzb5iWcLqt3BBpZtraYG/Z/vDuuelddOMnLXYgy473VbnVF03TLaadmRUkRhkbu9auEFG7Cxv3Wh3Vg32fU49khUEqvJXjua5faKT90lnN3fkRyi1ZHMj57DoPeumN7AZeqWqOySwsOcZVeSfrW0ZvqUXb6wvG0WJILKQQM42kn+Id6FNX1CxT23FlZF5byMu/RVbOK03GtDpvBYiuprXz55hBbSebO8ZGecYGPwrnrRUUzSLOo8Ua08WrvNApaMAsocYOMcdPpXLSp+7qaxnZnPJ4gim1CfVpoQzRQFTvb27Vv7Ky5RSqXOb0rVNStnun015o0l4YK3PrW8oxdkzO50fhTXb+CVItn2i6ZsDc5+QDrWNWipaibuepR3T6rZia8maSRvk5c5jxXkVFyy0IYSXBs7R0a4VyMqrFc8fjUpOTKSMfQ9L/tW6Oow2k+oYcIGkj/AHe72x6Gul3SsNFPxr4M1xZw1t4dvFM8gjZ0UFPc9a6aErbsWpFZ+C/EkEp2aLcPG58hWePAB6ZBrZSTBnI65p3iXwtdudSa+gt4Z9jsjkIxIzt44NbJwkhJo3bDW9P1exEuLhZd4RUwDx61yVKUkzS+hgX1l593dQu8xOchGGSR7ValyxRD1Ma50JW1hoI98aNjg/Tmt41dLknr/wAOtMu30fU9N8M6QL57iAW5WVgSW5yQM9BmuZuUpXZV9D2jwRqEfhrwRFo2qr9l1bTNsFxt2kKGBIz9MV0Rkre8NakWqat4L13T74edpV3d+UR5k0edhwcZNRKMFrcOU4nwv4K0m18F22rzwQ6ndJeAMqoNhj3YOM9gOalcr3YlA7/WG8JzX0FnNbafPZuqqkMMY+Uk8MT6VVqfcrlL/i3xBpPhbQ/KnQR2ImWKMQKCxGBxgc0/dtYdjyD4jaoJtTE3hm0vbWC3AkF1Ic/MR0GTxwa53yN6lxRu6P8AELw7q/hA6ff6Pqb+WmxxMMoWHUjB6nmt5SjFWJaNbTPHGp3N5ZaH4Q8M2aQpDuaW9k8vy8d9v9KI1INEFDWvBHjvxQjWes+LdPigLlZIbXp5eeRyKb01Ha5h/GjUPDuh+F7Pwvo81s1lZriQAYZ2x19+1c6TnLQGtDwa2dbiSO6uG8tYQwCxocn0roaaVkZs7nwBo9zrt3DbLIsVszAsZSAWUdQPeuapptuNI9Iv9M+Hosbk39rb2T2hChkRmeT1IA7UQv1ZV0iGHU9CRIl8LeGhfwSoVkSaFkAAA5JPXOSaG+Xdlp3Om0zxTFY+HZ9HW0sbCEIWjihYny8ip9t0aBso6Zrt5rb6VbQTakEthh9koXzjuHYe1Y1KltEK5a1TVLyF7u1nc/KNyxyrk/nWE5SasykczqerOs5t4fKuF25yr4AzzURhpdjY+2khs9hwXzztUFiGPao1e5FxbjbKNxllRg5VlUHlccD+f501ppYm5QvtTtZLSW2ntmdY0O3zX6dgQKuKad0ZSZ4v4lS1tb8wQPvXeeQCwb8q9ai21dk3KllqkunqUW2Mu5xuk29AD0ArZxUtxnqfhmWfULF3v7q0tkuxlIAvz7RwCa4Kvu/ChpIqT2OgtG2nNDcMUB3EMFLc9vzqoOp8RsopmJLoOhQTulsl3tbGBu3v71spz6j5EW/7J0uG1ZInv2nVhuV8AZ7iolKTYnTSM/UPDGqXM0KW1wLeOTnMpBH0FVCtC2pCTB/BetJIJbRrOZN3MjMF6e1H1mJXIxALvT9QksWv5ZZWO4xRkgZA7+1TdSXNYaiS3scsgEswUMRu+Q9u9KInEzI43hu/LaBJG67gRkVpJKxNjU0iy1DU9SaG306ZULkCVQCPzqJuMVe5cYj5vC2sRXzJLpEhSRjukUjA9T+lCrxUb8w7Mv21vLBamG2QAbtmOcngg5qHNN3KuVLm6+zQNYfZ4s8Kz88/WqWruTIz5itxEYJJY1HfLirvZ3SMrspQ2lxteHaJy7bVKAjCn3q+dbgrs1NOJ0fUUihhiP2VGkznqwHHNRL346m0Jcu5yuv6hJquorMMxyF90yrnBFdNOKirCqVLsuRahpj38NvCk72y8lAQTn14p8rsQpHa+FfC17eaIdcu1jW2EjLEmcsR64rkrPlfKik7nmXiq4uZb+VTKDGkh25XBruox9zUmTNP4eahNp2ppL5SSRv/AK3eu7CjuP0pV4pqwrnq1/rfhnVPDdx/bWgLGIWCwSwA+bNlgMj0riScHZPUrdGj4V+H/gXxHYtZxaDdaW0TK73twSrEHnAB61qqk+4kkdXp/wAOvhRoepQ3d/CJvmKItzLuQgd8ValPqwsdZPYeFb/QFh0/w5pN8rllhWO1GzbgfxAZqnJW0GkeSeK/hxYWN2NRbRNPs7ec7VbPyK57fXiuadSpHc1ikcT4j8M2wUG5aGK0Ei+YIRyAOpqaeJY3BFS/0C20zZPBa3clsUBTLjLZq1W5iZQSZkeJbG3t/sty1oQWAZsuSfxrSlJtElOScXyvHpqosoYEpnPA/wD11ra2pLZG1heT36RzKSMYYL0BpOUYolyO88K+FYIkN7eQlwv8MjYH1H8646ldt8sSoxudEl9a6pMtvq1/cpbwfKgA3BAOAAKak0tC2kb+m+HfBkdm8tjeXk1wihnN0uxBkZ/DrTXNIlrU468sghmijvxJHE2XbZ8oycgDNNzYrEEUlhCszzXLvK4yuI1AAFZSc2SMudVsIhsDMjN/GB/CetSoz6gZet39vdWSxW/+kC1UnymXn3Nawi07svocXf30U8PlXSXMYZgUUNwAfSuyCa2Jb1J7m2s4rizi0+zmdpMLIH4BbIqk5ATeJNIvdOfdeWLMYuREp4XNKMk9hNMyRrN80Udneb7e244HUgdqtxVxHpllDarL5tpNDbWssEfyueegyTn3rzqknexcTlfGEFppetCGC7gvRcx7wtqckMx6H3rootuN7DkzIutIto4Y/Ns7kcH7vUn1rbneupmXvCFik8xjUGNDJgyN6VjXnyq4ranumga9eaVoyaZp2rWttZhCNqjLknuPWvOVSSOmK0Idfn1HVHivZbm5u5IowAWHLcdf51Eqvcqx5N45tFi1ZQkYjaVhyU4rvw87xMZIybC0tUlmmuJlLoCqhW5P4V0yk7ENGZNKs1zLHbOORj5jzV20JaOn8P262nhWKSEJN5gZZtrZOfpXNUfNOz6CSMrT7K2WJUneOJt2352HFa8zBktxoZit5JobrfbRhmfH3evrRzu9gSON1VhLeGK3AKgAhveuyOwynLLcrIA0rfLwQelMB1vL5LZK7gD0JpgXYrq3jh83y902MDH8NQ0B0nheX7Vp95FOuH8vMe08sc9D+FY1FZgc7epJE8v2hCiMerjFaxtYCbTBdGPFpb/aElO3pkUpNITZsDSrqxjabUbOGJ9oEY3DFZ8yYiGOzvb0+TaWyXFxuz5ca84xzQqijqxpCjwr4juYZLv+xboRjvt69uBVfWIbXGNs7Ei3azvLa5tb6P5lDoRge/FS531TG0dF4Ti1a6mFtZWn2qY/KAF6/nXPUtbURH4j0bWItVuzqsRhvoWVBHIR0wOAB7U4SjayAp2lkv2uCPVUe2tZwdshBxnn/Cr5k/h3EJeXEd6Tpunq/lxuAg3YHoWIppW1YF/w1p9tpl39rml83gxSxgdM8A/rWc582xtSRS8V6YsV/I6yBLdCHADfeqqcm9AqK2xX0zVRLJNHLvG0BUUcDp1qpQMmX7XULrHlreKjb/kLLgc4FZShER0WqWiawp0p4tOaS1VXmeN8B81CTi7oo8/1KOCOf7LBNHGhbHXgV2QbYEl1rMFlpyWlkI1f/loyjlj+NCp3ldk2MWLUJI42RFXEnfHNauPYZpaY6+Q7OS0jrwOoFQ1YCOK7ZJPs8OEmk6nB60nERdminu44ogpaVjtIFS3YVxYVlimNvGuGHDlu1JdxkM11sSTzrjYn8McS8sRVqIWF0q2OpPHcXbymNW2ruHSpqe6rIDoL2/06wuBaxsHZ4iG6nPBxXOot7jSIrCGW32TmWOOZGBWJ4wSapyQzo/A+keIvE9+iaVEjq04eVQQh2jqPbpUS5V6jTJfjDc2I8YLZW+ltYrEqiYFz94dfzqqVJxjqXc4i902C51FrmZfl6opbIOOgq1KyJZLbXWoXF4bO5l+w26gkGNOwHAocUtUTcuWt60XkxwmNGRsmZ/m31Lj3Fcq31yzGYznAkYgEL15604oQWkMesQ/ZPtW11XJY8cCm7x1GOs7K3tMtPG87DjKcnFTKV9hGnqSFLdHMbKdmNuPmrKO+o7EUVtCVLTXIiUgDGeTmnqFhwSOO1IXfIhUqOM55pJu4rGDBG0McsNveqfN/h9OehrfpqMv3ovZtGEX+joQwYucAnjGBSja5SMLT2MUkkTFWTq7e9bNakMt3UkNpNFNE8rSFB91CRURVxpjrZbW9AeWSRpg3+qCHJHrQ7rZAM13ywRDAFbDdAPm+hpw7sCEauNNt2WCPypmBjYGMdDwatQu7hY5uZyCWJ4z2rcDU/s+ya2ikF6XkYbiD/DUNu4BaWNzJIiwyJLnIx6Um9BM6rQtNmFo5uzJLOr/ciTIC4OTWEndiMmU3EskiW8sqJu6Hjp/KqVrFrQtSRpYabFcxFWknOHZm+93pWGTXjXp0xDiHddHLKZMlF6/1pRWozBk1QWdm1qkcAO7LHAJY9uTWqh1EUTdyzz/aQqxuOPlXpWuxLJ9PZobuFlyZC2d/pzUS2Ezpb6eQXCicmSTggg8GuZFQItVbzoY3t2mWQtg/LxwKI7lNkNz5YgTJeR1B5PABxVq5BU+3TDam2Ljkc9frRyIRhLGAc4xnrXXuUTqQqEgg46ZFDAayswBIGOvFIQ0k8AZDH05pXA2l05zpazSRzqy/Io8vJasnUsymZVxBNFKVkXay8MvpWkZXJINhL/d2nvmqAUBS2FKu3oT0oAcyMik7egzwM0rjsKqyleIyAe+MUXCxMhljQuFGMYy9K6AbbsZZWDSRjHQDqfwFAGnpOg6nrBJ0rS9QvgCQBDbE8j36UnJINSeDwr4pfVYtJj8N6o95K2I4/JyWqedCuaGseG/EWkyRxa14fudMPQtNFtHHXGetTzIaNHTfD2lXYLyGWaTccZbC1zzrNM3hT5jTuIrPTVSNZLOQqAphRT0988Hms1OUmOUEmafw58Q+LZNYOneC7Kwt5nYu0ptA5QZA+9yAOa35UveZm9DqNf8AFvxDg0yW/wBf8Y2+mo4McdoltmWc/wC7g8flVpwZndtkdv8AEybXfB1zZ65oO/UUXy4794VTcCepwcj8KxqqL0iUkcdq8FjGI7iK9uTeKBjErMi89MGsYze1itjP8hXuWnieed5c/vJW7454PI7dq05tBNkyavLY25spNRYAbcwLlk69+tRy31sJO5FJrjQTxSf2u0AZ8/uV5H+NNU77oa0E1Txvqd4DZ3t1fajbIMQidyFAHfAxzW0YW2G2zd8Jast3BvfwbZKuChnwwzx1xnmuetp9opRv0FmsIbu2e4j022tUiP8AEuMn2Gc1nGVupPsyC3NrbxCN41HmE+YqpgsMdOO1O7NYqxvaff2OnRJFYw+V9mXeARu5xnIrKak3qVZWKcPiYXN8fMtr0MwIEjR5LHPf1odFpEWi+hZure0SZblQTKVxuxjGfwxUq43EZ4cjtILq6EMs1xLKcspcZ49M/Wibb3Eoo1bTTptJ0e6DXE0i+Z5s428gDnHvXPL3nqjOTaZxs/iC1fzLWO4uGeRspsTJC9unSuqFLqVGTsdR4Kgh1G2aa5mvTEgXAQfeOO4z3rKq7djVXtqTarpsUpK6Rpd7F837yW5cKi+rdeamMu7JZdttLhtJAguraVwB/pMWPl9f8/8A66iUyCW+sry0glv4LiwmnQ5VJ5BmXmlBXfYkl07wzo+taZFL4h8SWWk3Dt80MSccdhzzXTTT6FNDdft9P0Bmt/7TTU7eBPN823jG0A9F68HGKh025bktGJc6uupeH7eTTNL1HIlYs6x732/TNaKCi7NiRd1Hw1Hqnh06nFc3lnAyBD9qg2bjkdPnJ7VHO4S1NGjH0rw3o+ii1umufOuWPyqMYqpVpz0Fexf1rU4br/R9sMBCASylCzEem7BFZwg1qyXK5AuvxtYQ2MWy3hgjISKOFBvGcljzkmtfZ2dxXRh6Xe6Uxub4S3CXRcBYpowFYZ7EVU00rDvYfqt9JNcRxtKLeEHqiZYn1zUxVtRWuTSyJLayRQa6XaMbn+1HIA+hoi3F/CDjoc//AG1Zwb5A2dr5BCjL+/PQV18k5LUzaJLXxLFfWc4t0t7V+Vf5d3HfFQ6DTuS0Vre106eQqqXDSOu1TFIqc+pzVtzQGTqITSpFSCYNMG+XdJvb9OK1hdoqLsPtvFT2TpJcWVrctG2csuCPpjr+NN0OYvnLUF7LdxT6hBJNGJXMhjACBc/SpdOwze0bWLAWokuLa7hi3YaVyNpf2xkn8q5qlF9BHQlYbq3a7jjnLJzH8hO0ngH+v4Vy2cXYHE5/Wb9hp9xa6lNG10y8SpHhsdv8itqaXMmtjM5z7Yi6epxGl8kgwxZi8n8hXWo3bujXSxow3ya1rtrp1pqh2yoBOBGU8ts8gE/zqfZ8keZonlTOqsIdPTxLcaXe3EKfZY1RHUM+M92bp/8Arrknfl5o9S1A2NUGh6LL9jjVLiO6UfMZAMn1HTPWuVc89X0M5IoeIU8N6N4emjks3WeeQAMkpJOexGK1oSnKeokzN8L6NJrd/c6LoF5p3h2S4XDz3DsWcf3VFdyd7OWpS1N+0+AGozXMNofElleyFybjHC/UN/Q81r7SX2UXyWPRofh9d2VtDpFpqOnzxxJ5ZTcwBbtkev6muZ0JOV2Jto5GX4b2WpardS3niOCLUbUFXihiCxIewJOa2VKS2M+a55R408B+MtJvoRfWwuYpQTFJb4IYevFaRlGOjGJ4du7zw3a3X2rRb8TS5US4I2fTAzUVIqo99Bk1nrFprNzJYedIvmR/uzJy5f3rCVL2fvEtHP654X1iK8jgIWRnbAbzhnHrgGuinWi0K5XtLaLTLm4s7ne6wfxA4ANXKTkroZuaSY9Wsbq2kla3BwYSTlfwrGT5Hc1iro5TWNHGnREPqAkVWOF24PX3rqhUUtiLG/4Bs0Ol3N7Oz3CpKcQRN8zYA/SorT6FwRs6frOoXtlf6PLpmlWsU8bSLcSIWlUDoA2frWMlGNpIdzCiNgbeeCOBr6QkR4CFAoxyw4OcVrq2Q0R6fHaWewNem3juHwUzkqMUSuMNH0ltU8USxaFqMdowJ2yTS7S3vgdKKlRQj7yJZ6rpul3Vro7Wtzfmd0UsZP4Se+DnpXk1KictEJsy9QgfWtQit7SaRtsW0IjYBb1zVxfJG7EmbGnwarokkkFrrlxYwBhi3T5tx/EUKumtjSJ1PgibUb28VY7rWp1RWmFws6vFCTychuM+1b05MqWpp2lz8WF1q9ja70+605cLYveSxoCc9cKST+VdsJpqxCucx8atL8R+LPFuh6FrtrYadYxFJr64hdvLky2OGx9R+NQpJSZFtTrLzw/8INLiurjS4IVaygbc9vKzFyq9CORk+tLEQ5le5p0PE9V8UtYv/bQ035XysfmgfdP4Vyxo3924Rlbc53QIxrl39suNTtoJpmILXD8Rj169a6p+5okTa7udV8LfECaN4mln0u9nSe3ieGWaAZjf0bms6vMoqyGdPe6jC8ol1PVhm/bzCVT55nIwCfpj9a5eeb36DRJpj2mn2dxp9rKt1PcHc8bsOAOeewH61E3KT10RXNYRLq1vLiK2uDDFEi5EUL8H3xWfNNRdhe0Rqsuk2uux3trHcgsqxsgBVUxwM47Vm5zcbFp31LV1ctJfGaR43MZ3JE2UA989qSnKxaszz7xhrE15b30zW8tv9kAG3zSyyEsMHPFehRha3W5W0Sx4Jg8U2d1a3U7Nc2cq7vs4Q7EJHc0VpU7OxmzortkOm3c/niC9lmKYhba4X+6K5U2pXMzJs7vxLfWrWkepX1s0Qwkm/cSn1HU11vEJWGtzkPFsy3WoWkeqpc+bGCN03If0J5rWlK8W0VKSMa/nli1R1WGSeAKqRhExjufrWkUmtTBbmze3cU1ssUEkkfl/vQ+QCSBnaKzjGzNG7I2/htYeKvFXihRJcXWnQ3QAjllJJ68YHpRJQskjNo9dPhw6FrUeiXXiGbYtpvmt1tixl7fe6jp35rCdLkepcUZ1zc6ZIl7/AGT4Y02ysbfEXmXIPnTHoST26981M5LZFkulaX4hiEs2mwQ2/lJuaRWwEU+gxg1zyVhcpT8R6jJHiW9uBeTImxlbg9OMdqxd2ykzgLnUrtklnggitjH8o2qMn0znmumMVsxMsaX4hu1Je8giR0QL5iOc+xOaU6KexA698RuwE0M8hC/6z1yeOe1SqNiJM5vxNqdxeR5iMaDGGcuTj8AK6KULGTvc5eG4tUs5Y55kifO7eYyTn6iuuzumh2MufVhGwS1VAnBy65yfXmtox7jSKFxrmoxXbtHcmJwcB4sjj0FbKkhoqTarfzy+bJdTM2Pvbjn86tU4oq5d0XXdTsr2OSGcyuvQS5YUpQTKTsdLbazc6xFcG/llRlO4+WCQx/pXNKnGD0L5rmno83iC6tmlsdNv541bbHKVJXPTrmsKkad9WFjWOj+IoLQFp7Zrtk8wK0wzz2xWHtKbfkMlsEv7e0a711LGylaJ0Mu8b3GMeh/SnJpu0dTRLuRxWNtd6JdS2t3K8sC5Xdwpz6H/ABolJqSTQcqaIdM8P3M4upZY9ka/MsoY5C0SrJWFGnc0NI/tDSDKkGp/6M4LwptyWXsfx61nNxn0C1tjbstcjurMWd0tzGyMPOlEvTvjHp3rGVL3roZAFguGaW1nkuYEbIWM4Oc9Cfpmr1SswSE1wm5g8+z0WIFchpGRgAT6tjFCdnqxSXkYemQaXNObe50i1unIIeVGZQj+lbNzSunYz5bm1Z+GLO1VpFMzMEOI42BXqcc5rKVaT0ZUYnAeIFuGgLRyqFSVgyhsN269/Wu2nuTIp3lrFA8Ye/hh82DzDiMsf93FbxbfQixrfCHUtL8PeLYbyewi1bT5UYXSTMqFR/s57/zqp3a1JPbrPxp4LuPCSXGk21rp5nLrEjuMQ9sEZrGUUtytD5w+IOnGw1MwS6jb6ix/eebbHK8jIGSBXTSaktBNj/h3pWreJPEFroGkQbprg4OSBhepye3aqqLS4tz6ji+FN5pA0Y31sjR2cqSvtlyS68gDPqcfrXn+wmpXexoZHxZ8Y3yaxceHdN8HXN1NeRARXAn+4DwCRtGMVsvZx3ZLR6P4Z8J6SmnWF1ewL5ptl85bi4ZlR9oBwDgdRVLlktAV0YHie1uPD1xHf6be+bZSXHkfZITiMMR1yOR/+qonFxQ73NTVfAWm+KPD9iNZ1iQRafcfa1gWfO4jqpyeR2/HrVxty3bGkzxzxdoUt5eXV7oimC1LFI4mOF49Sa8/njGVmXdnEy6lq1mv9mavDNDctgxOoDqAOPUVuoRl70diXNmJr11qVzbC1muFVVJbc6AEmtqUUmQ5GJp1tdR3cUsFtMzZPmOOF28Vs5E7nSarcyaVarci0EPIKk8lumeMVhGPO9QsXf8AhOkvfKsbT7VcArtKuv8AGfQZqVh2tR81j0v4S+C5bhZNV8QSTWMMTtIiyxEFwp7Umk9Bp3KXjr4grqVq9tb7fKt3x5hiVWbbwORzzSjFpoo4qzv59XgZVj1OVZJNreRHuG7HHJPpRUikwSubL+DPEVzEJNIsZozEoLfayAG+uM4rL2kdb/gLlLeleB7v7H9q1nUIInY7CkRBXk9s9qzliFe0UHKW9H8IwXmsT2ttAzW0SkTXJGQfXnFJ1JNFqx5p430WAXMsNoty3lybYXcbVIB6g/Wu6jUaWpnLcy7+1vrogGUERY+7LuIPT+lbKS7E3Mu41vVLFLmzXU74+Z8kqu+VI/GtVCLK5mVdOmFy/mXMzkIOpXdTmrbEM7eLX7E2sVtaLJcTjKqViLL+PNcLpO7kUmYWsaXrNrcvqbkliMs23OB2+lbU5xa5QFceItTSz+z3AjKf6vzG8sAN6kmrSpxFc6PwoZNL1mK28QWUGoRbsOIZFcMMdsda5a6unysEz0zw/deDowzx2wtMjELLwysfXIrhmqnNqzoU1Y6aD+0LxvI3yXbdQUXkAjjsK5qkXcfNc80+IdvsvJo5YQZIEwFcYZM9zXbhU4rUlo4TQ7WzMx2w3E9/LuwgTco4/nXfKVibGVqelXOk3SzymKMMSSv8XHYjtWsJ3M2jo9JuJbrSjqaR+QNxQRJkZOOuegrmnpKwr2OS1A3c9wkFzMdiNgEkc/jXXFJITZp2mnXV9BJbrrkHkdHVyQoqXJLoFzm722Om6i8REdwEONwJKkVvGXMgK93cQzk7IT5mcbVFUtANG2sofszvPEit1Cs1K4Gl4Z0zQWWeXWUnj+UGMxlcEn6ms5yl0EW4L/TbCUPAFfyydqgYzxjk5qHFyWoDrJ9Q8QWU7PcrMInytlFCDIeDyMDOKbtHQC3pthrF7LBo1haSweaciJztIPvWcppasVrnWeF/B/g4ahdJ481+W3ktiR9ntnLncD0PBxWPtJP4UNIlabwxoDCXRLdZmDssTPJmQqenI471lNVJPVlIND1O/j1PzrnUpBGpyIYmzjnoaiUFZmkImpq3iC1lupXvxMs9yTiVYlOABwCSeKlRZpJI565ijktJbmxuZ4pc7kWHCkHPXrWibvZmVkUtO1iz1VQ2vy3M8sGTEyP+8LD13dRWzi18JDG+L7hZdAimkuLtipxEJIwNgzzjH1op3UgsYOi6bb6bcLrEd4ZVdCMFc4Yjoa2nNtWYram3NOtxYbXguGTIMpQJyP51ily7mkXY528hkedVvZnjkJzFEAcOPfNbwfYHqVVv7KTWRK5ESomDFuC5PtitOV2IZqaTp0GrTNDNqC2I3FyzRmTaPoPpWU3JdBGteeFb2w02S50srfRuOJdu1n/A9KlS5nqUjhNZ0rUIJhNLZNAjdmPJrphNPYDJlIbq25s9hg1sSN5AAUck/jSugOl8HaNr+u3S2Ph6yF/eMMCJWwT+fFZSlFbsLmrc+Add0y6dfEMqaVdocrE7BmJ/A1lOukBJaWssF4qsyOUPOwck+tRz3E0Zmqtei5kSMmNxyWMdaxBFNYYA4gD+a/UnGOe4qxm5ZMkAhCxjyRklDwdxGOf0rCWoiexgvW1AXUsenbI+d80eVFQ2th3MrVEvp9Se/glgy54eN8BT9M1rFpRsgudb4S8UeLPD2lXWn6TqPnyXZPIi+bp/CetQ+W93oI5m6/ta9vbi91K0lLRAtI8kg3E+uDz3rbmTVkUZks890BGgdTu+UlxilZILjZ7eWKVJroyZ6ZBzTViWaOmSSiZLV7be5yY2YY/nUyQi1awx3jrb3M9xHHIxCsAMZB9azcuXYZag8OQw6uhivHGE53YIx+FTKq7AzXv4LOB8R3AyOSSpyQPaufmctwK+pk3amcPHtXkljjGBnkVcFYpHMpd2txkygeZIdoHpW9rDZcKxp/oSXBTB2kgd/SktNSBf7HtLcS77uOIq4/eO3PIJ5Az6U+dsdjL1j7M1uGh1MzMhwFGR/MdK2hG+4ytp+yC2db2OZBMflJTG78abaexI+W8nW1VbaTbHCMDK5IHpSsBqeEru5vkmL2sJYtjz2GCoHvUTikA+Wz06xe4uP7RSWdsvsVSTn+VCuxnKXq3N/d5VCZH4HauhOwNlWazuoX2zW7YzyR2qroA+0Ap5MZfLLwAuCcUAXNMvp7VWVVILDGXAOKlq4F7T7+6tkdrTU5Flfj5HIPPWosBPfzMloC98yToCTtH3j70JIDOsI5r1hHI7ER/MC33TTukFyxLDfPZu7PCV+6NucikMyLi1mjUO4JXoWz/StUwCBnaQQQOQD94DJ/SlJiNyKwliZDYxXcyqR5jmPaR9Aazk+gmdOtxpPlvdyXCNsYLHHnMlc8ou+g46HP61rcflxC2Dx4+8zEEk/hWsIMttGPFdB597zHa3JyetauNiC3FbQvBJIJGyeg7nke1Z31JM1UZhwmeOcDNb8yRQqxFQEIcjPHHNLmGWF3wNny+evzCpckBctTPfOsYCqeoxGO1Q5JAdFDcxrp7tJGonQfNJk4/AdK527sG7mBdrbTyTEtIzM3DFq3i7ILFI2/mR+XFAWfecsOmK15wsSR6XMJELoAOpz2o5kFmX9I0zT727K3WpR2oU4OVJ49amUuxSR1Wl+HPDly22TWZZWH3YxgZ9q46tepDZF8iL2raf4a0q2YTW8c5VQfJeQ8/981FKtOY3CyNTS7Bnto7vTfh0tjAyhxdLZswxzk5fNaym11Jsi5YeIZrK4tks5ns4Y9xYtCyKxrL2g7ponh+JGtR67C9hqcgYcNHCmFJ79q1jbl1FGF2dPfXfjbWNQh8S3+k2+uadHG0cVsr46jqVIxms5uD3dhuKTucRcQanDqzR3Fja2PnEyOiMAIwxzt/DOMVi3FrTU0hNEtlpWlNcPHeWrTKWP3Dw344rKVSSXul2TOj8ORLoBku/C0Vzpzq3zbGLB+Dng1MMRNaNicUULuXTdTv3vda029n1F2/1sxzsH09q0nVlJWiyFGJd8X6Z4RufCkI8P3MtpfKoMxlYkyNj0J4FNTcWromSR57FZqsySzyBs5+UN1Na876CNCCygsrYyzXQJkY4ijyCB74qeZydh8qGaOYJ0lS1s7YsNxYt8zE/jVSVhqKMm7gMlxG8NtCsvmAAbBjOa0i7IOXU2ZEhgs1K2m+cHa8nkgLn2rPruMj066vYZRBvkH90r0OaHFbjuGoLqaXAQuqoDkjGck9O1Jcoakd1PPb7XE0TSIPlSRSQSfw7VSVwbK0d3r6xNeQ29lMzcMxba2PShqGzDU0ke8CW907W6tyQN+dufas3a9ilc07jUbu5nQSBPKjj42cbjnkmkoK1i+VswJ7iC11IzwzsrFixGT1x04rRRurMylGxetvF+rWQkS1lt2Rl2t5o3cH61m8PBkHReGvG0GnSKk1pbxpIp82RYQyjj0qJUHumaRaE1vxZptyT9mge4Qtw2Cqk1mqEupTuc+2o2xW4uJYGSM8GMEgL9K09nK6szJ3IdO1+wsdxtQFOD0Q/161UqMpPUxbkZOpa7c3SmMW4uiDncRggenFbKio9Q5jc0vxb9msXtr/SJgX/AOPeROQD64NZSpJu6Zanctx63eGARMZ5Gmj3fvOw9MColTTd0TJlbTfEemWn9pLqkN3NebQlufMKRxZx2/z0raNBytbYcWdNIpuPDMGr291ZzpGCrxT3ikg9flSiVBrc0b7HLy6+qX7Dy4JZHAaOPZwM96n2XZmL1Mm4u76W7aEWkUcTnMzBD1quRJCJFuQk8U5ELmM4QLES1TfoBNdanJKSpshGATtCJgg9ckfWlyeYNmJD4hupdR8m6g2Qrn5mTkn61sqC5bofMZ+u3Tyag06bY0242oeDWlOHKtRXMfT7Nry6+eZSzEHJPQVu3ZD3NoQW+lyrLpr+ZKepHr6Vi5c2jE0Nu21NpS04nYyDgRrnbRFxRFjLgtbxL0fadMuO5Q4wfrW3NHoy7FebT5pXfyopnmDZwASB9aFOK6gkdfoWgajHp8cmpXvlwyDCRqeRWFWvG9kUalvoAWRHWSSS3i5wzE8+uPpXPKvdagtGdXLcKlsEt3dUb5uF2jOMVyPV3ZbehxXi7Trq/lWa2ETsPlk2np9a66M1BWZg2cxNBJBFJJdOqyH5ULclfcV1xaew7iaJc3IuhbacitcOC8kohG4fQ1U0krlI6LRNYu9NW7S6m8wT7POBAz1zyawnTUrWK5mXdH8Q2c/if7XeQyXUKqViV2wicdQKznRahZE3OsvNU01bBrgWZu5PLZkc/wAJ7HmvPjTlzbmbRyWlXEn9txGUhpBiRTJjIz1ya9K2lkaQdj1K/wDFth4F8PW6WOsQ+INXuZxK0Sp+7hUgHaSPTnvRGCWpUqjM3UPihf3/AIfmVbiHw7cXT7VngkJkxkbiPb/CrTs9B7o4jXtL8Oan4stY9M8Rau8lzg3F5cSqVD5HzHnnvWyqNLVEONmddp9iL29e48SeKdQ1O0gYwweSFACjuAK5a876JFqCKOp2nh+81aNbTW71rFJMGFZFDP6g8VlS5k9h8qO61bwppWnLodn4D0vTdN1PVzIbi/umWaWCLghgCeOuPwzXYoqS94lxNOf4dafoWh20V9rMur34n8yWQqvOQQcc9Oa5KtNLYhxsed+JLPwfo2vP9mP9oSzn94hiLBc9+mKz5Z8tr6BHQz/GE+mRaUht4vIuIgG2qNpYHsBRSUuZ3NkYSaYs10+pa/YMllNCGhRnAYj1xmtlOySgxuI62TT9L86fRbae3CZDKSTuyOv5Gk5Tl8Rm3YxLu2jfQ5rmdHSbdhcP94k9P0reMnzJEpnP2GppbTzNLI8UrRsi+X6kYroauUi1r09qstp/Z17CzugzsyzIffPepS3uJ2On0U2Oj6f5t3btFbgDz58ASv8ASuafNJ2TEdP4f1m01fTZo9NLeTA4C7xgkc4zXFWpuDXMQyDTLO9t5JLkrEoabCyiUZI57VUmnoOJ0cdrEq75jHJubr1I4rmbaNEa+n65q1pZ2+iW0lra6TuL3LjHmNznaDnODXVTqWi20UmQ6h4n0vxf47ttLurENAYisK20rKI9uADnpniuunJ2uI3tSsrPVIm0QakkNxKgV31CYNLHGp7E+/T8azbcpXEzifGfwe0/TLMXVp4kFw9xIMs+Aignk4HXj+VaOs1a5BwPiKURSzadb38d1ZWqhRJ5W3ce4ANEU5e8+oNnMrD/AGmRHG0ZhiG5yzbcD/Gt1oFy54evbGx8SROlh/aGnZPmxM+wSDb60STlHV6gmei+BZ9H0rUv+EhvLWzly5NtYA7hCoxzn15rim2pcqWhaPQ9Hi8N6tqw8RXOkWcN3chRBEEwrDPPtWa106FWud5JpOk3+kCy0zTII72NgFkCDAPocc/yrb2MZRsQ4nF/EbRzo2mQ3M106ucGRAPkXHUc+tc08PylbHK6Fqui3V5bz6h9oawk3M6QjBYLxz+OayjRs9S02kec+LoLt7q6vIbyKPS7m5P2e28wMVVemQPpXoU3G6XUz52c7rmua9LqsctnfyweVGqKEkIBx9O1bwpxtqgc2zs/CviO4s08q6YXl3J8zEtu2+9cVehfVDUkdFrV7YRstwsAYbQrGGUDJxnJrmhSbepex5zcapa63r4na6hso4F4MgyWx29zXpRpuEbGcncr6Xe6pfarsjl/0aMkqeq/WrklFakXJ7e+ltLa4tntYSrMQJZwRg+o5qbc3ULm/wCDdYuPDN5Frt9aLPduwjt4YpAqBR/EadrsEztL34r3cMEq6TaJa31yT9ou3k87duycAn0zilyt7lJnGjxhq1rZalMt2qozBpSy/ebjp75rJ0ItpF3sd3o48R2HhJNe1TyNl3EsmCx3FS3GR61y1oKLskNSMX/hII9T8R29rFAjLD804V/lPrxzUujaFyo2ZyV+0l1qN3A5WPz7ksfmwwGe1dUY2imS1YmeyQww2sN0u4Mcs7ZP86LdWhWvoWLXRtPSOVr64mckZ+WQjJHOMVnKbvoh+y1Jbiw0q5tlWR3iI+YxkknA70ouad0HsjFn8P2c94JI7qOMbisYzliO1bqq0rMzlTaMq/8ADWy38+5u1eV38qPLcjHXPtWsKz6EWsYeqeG7yycwrNFcA4w610Qqp6iLOn+BNcu7ZLgpbwQMDteVwN3vUzxUI6FIsweEb+11S3tQy3UkrBcQnb196SrqSGdXq/gvxd4Y0kzNpgtoZGKsFnDM3PQisnVi5ajLWlR+NYtGtAlusOnyklEdsk5Pp2rGo6XNqxps1bPwlc3YkulmkS7MO4KO2M9a5nXs+XoWomF42g8jT9Ke8kF00UhaZUyrEcfnW9CTbdi3sWNBv5L63u72wd4bKMqjQTDDMPY0qkNbSHFp7HS/b45JDpucLNlZ3A3DHpXN7LW5teyOa0G4tG1idIYncxZjj3rgYHAIFdEoy5LmV9QZtNtpXglFxJJPLukUSYB4IoSk16EN2G6VLFZ3MyS3MyWochVUj0yOe9OUXJApHb+GLmW/8N3Qvru9j085wHbahGOMVzTh7ysjRPQ5rQvsd5p9xNLqSxQ2jFUjt0zJLk9zXRUg4tWWpF7kS+fpDW1xDDe+Swdp/NcjdnoRWakptq6Fexyvim401ZYg0e9Zl3ltwwpyeOldlKLMpMpTTabqjTNNPFaMkR8nC4HA4GB71sk4krUXwVDotx+91e92Jbnd5Sp/rv8AZyOlOpzW0At+JH8OadLDdaaBHBKgdI2G7+dRDnfxCOK1zUje3G7zy+4bioGAK66cbIGdp8B9W1DT/GwbT9Ss9KkuLd7f7TcQBkTgHuQM8VUkgR6r8P76fxB8Q73wq2qT6g8CM8+pvMQkYH9xQcfzpSTa0Gma3i61urHxJY6N4ekGr3zK5UW9wrFSO7EelebVw7k9TaMzN0DXdb0121jUoGka3mdGE6MUjYMQQW6dRURvCVka3i0dJqPjGfXLZILtIDHu3EQZCKwzn8cd6zxNdtNHLJ2Zk2uuNAQyyzeXI5CEuTu+vNcvtJJaDjIo6nr9pNFNpzPbxlz8qSkkA9z7GlCEpO7G5O55145u5b7UkiuY4GmSPEfl8cA/U134dRjDQlu5y15OIkghv7oMCu3bjJUetdUfIkQKDfRWtpqss0JQgYG3A4rVqy2Gb1s1npukzXV4Jr6VWEY3ODsB74I9qxV29Bs0/CFzoE0Fv/wjXhq7udaD5uLi4lzEFHJwB/8ArpVdtWTuepW11rEulxS6xqNuWySlnFLkgH2zXA5raK0KijMt/DPhq81ZIfEulSQ2zEsCCQWyMjkDPenCpK+5ry3Ll1pXh600+Cx0fUZY4Y5dyQRxnjOeWJGSeB+dEr35pDjA1NJvNYg0c2qX00iI2VJQNnnOOQeOKjnW1huNjW1LWpYfDp+22dtLNLkI5X5hjkEAe9U5xfQVjxTV4dYfUHnXVLmwATkwS/KeO4BrWnKC6XMZM4/xH4m1nUobfTL2dboxD92/lhWQZIwTjmu2NOC1sTcyY4rrSWkvym6MsNu7kBj/APqq7qT0EUL6+ldX8yNHMjZOD61pFWAbDZ+Xs+0InlStnG8Hj3xQ9gZ1ekGGznkl0+xRFxkEnJC1yT10bEal7qIntoftCm2ik6+YfvZrKFOz0KOf8S6xfrOtpZOJYQAcbemP5V1QhpqIXRdY1zT5fKtrPbJOP9YyAkZ9M9KJ04SWoHT6dpHif7KuuXUEmyJleHBByQehUda5m6adiz0z4TfEmTVfGBtvFVpcx35IUusYSONAMDIxnJ9amdGnF8zegXZ33j7wRoviaaG706SO3V1PnyAZErADg5BpSjfWGxrF9zzTxB4N0tYooowLSSNtjOjbS57EVy/WJRlZltI8w17wnr+lj7bq8Uc9rI5VCjnd7ZzXdSrQnpHRmEkZlrqkOnx3EcqTRiTDRocYrbkUjMxL3WFkuGihtEeRs7WcYx/Sto07AWoLie20AxXCW5V2z0G7P4U3Ft6CMa7vDJINsYQDAwoNXEY2We2WARLAEkLZ8wd6q2oDlg1IwNcx5ManGc1LdmA9Y7qW18wu4I45607gMSG58gLLGAjuN0x6j6UmwNaz002tyj2d3PAUwTKr4Y/lUSl3FudnpV3Jd6raMurESwxYZvO2knHc+tc7jo1YuMUZmvXr2GoTmyhia6eRvOkf5t5zzzVRjeOoMfoPil9AuLW8ihsriZm3SW80QKk/WolSUnYD0zXL218QT2ep/wBk6fp/7gG4Nqu0sa4HLldkaLRGM2jWmqWxurK/86XzirWgBD4UE+tac7iTOWhlRaXPeXosbWRLUqcurkq/r171rzKKuzO5Q8Y+HJ9OuU2zbnGFVkHr71VKpcRnXtybbT72wvLgzN5Y2Agkhjzx+daxjdpoaZj6YUjtlgtrm7juGBMgP3cemO1ayWt2DZcMT2IW5NzFG5XPDc/lWatJ2Fcw9d1aaeVQ95LPJGPlduw9q6IQS2LuYqSedeRlY2L+oHFaPQk6vwtYXt7NPFIspjIy0isAQM4rnqSSYrlCVNStNaEVol1KsbFQvPIGe1aJqw0w8RXN1IWb7H5B/iyeaI2GzFtI0muFjmYR7sLlu1at6CO98I6Xotj9qu9Su4pGhiPkRRgMJWPTr2rkqzk7JCO58FXY8D3UF7B9n/te4jM0SuvG0gjt9K5avNJrsBs2nxJ1qSS4udR0fSHV1YTNJESW6e/tQ4K5Vzy/Wb2T7dLJaWhKkF8xDCj863hBCMDWLjdN5iQtyBuJ5JNbxVgF8PW02pXqokEyMTu8xugUDrilOSihXOglaCCNhGwaYtguVBUDjkVhdiIJbuD7U1sksk8fBdymAcdqaj1KMzTpLOzvZri6siYWcFQSQD7Vo1dWQF+08VQ+fH9liTTpJZSnn5JCjOPwrN0b76gLc6IZr27um8QQ3EeCSYASGbA4wfWtI6aWGP8Ahx4S/wCEmuJbg6/pWlx20qiQ3suCATjKr3xVTbXQkufFzw1pXh67ji0TXRraNGHluIiCqNntinTjJ7lHP+G9T8+9RdRM908SkDLYwKdRWJZ3dm+i3WkX2lW6xru/eDzDzGevBrg95O4kjOtH8ljbxeYCq8sw+97U5O4yVGgSdjcuDI6bUHOT+lRuFilLPpojFn5O+4L7nOTyPTFaxi9zRHNXF0/nTiO0RFV+pQAD6V0KLsJk+jXUCXkrlRM5XLFl6H6UpR0JsU9Slknud9xADGhDEJnke+KqKsVcyLgwvcFoozHCzfcya1WxLOjudUkmigSaNrpYQFVW5wKy5REct9p0MJiTRpA5bMrn0+lCi+4yGbUZdWMdjYFbSHAVt7nGfWq5basQ8aVe2120cUkF6PLwdh7dTSUosBkek6tbqb6HRrl4yPlk8slR75quZMCnIdRkkfNnOyY5EmQKfMhlO8MNmsSxQW7SsMkrklapMBmmQ3cv+rik254cjjJptiNO8SK3gijkhiMiN87Dqc1AEMUumtJIzEx88KTkGiwzoYr2SSBtPS8Lo6AAKgAGPWs3o7iOb1OO4jt3cRlcNhvX8quLuUZkctzLbPhS0S8MSuBzWqSEW9JuordSqMI2z94ckfTNDQMtw3N1cThIZ2Lk5JLc1DQWL8RQ586CNznrUNMRj3itJdOsCIEyCPbirTaQx0drbxupkJkcHgdgaG2I01uJvJdkVNg4yFHFZtaiOj0/TtOI2+aqylchFHH41zSqTNLGqlpYIyyRRRvIgA5HfHNYe0kS0LZ2DXN0RJpieRGNzuF4Y+maJVeVbk6luKK0tIJfMtUgB6HAGPxqPaSkVcwtQtJL5Xi03fcRBSzbRkIPetoTS+IqKGafpOnLPaTG7FwDCryqwwFOOa0lVaTRryo2LO10l5hLbwiSIthQeCeM8ColORpGMSe+XQoFZrm0dyOcLg8H/D+tSnNvQrliQ2Oi6Fc2skgtE25352ZOBTdWpHQFBF37Bp9qjXtpYEEjbs29PoKwc5SdhqmbNhq9po9k0dpp9vLO8gYvPAJGz6c0oxbd2zTlS0N3VfiB4pubWK01LUo4LAAYtY4Am7H8OR2rf2l9DOVNGP4u8aal4osooUi06CytWARY4gG4B/z+FZuyepjZIxrWKHTrXzt0Su2WZ9vqMD+dL2jbsUnZFa48X6ja20VlYX8qLEwJBfGc1rGF9zOTuRSanM11593MqMEAL5yTUygkrIUUTt/aV/OLqL7S1tGPvYxv49u1ZvljoaalyK8ntrMxm7lhwwx82OT61m0rgR3OoPIZElvFc4BBI61ah0Q1FHN3M3nXjSIjSrgHd2FdKSSMmrss6da6jch3u3SJJF2qFXGO/wCfIobijSNMjgtZ4pXhlushBwV6kn1ouuxThYVtNNnL5ouXkkxkkHAGSPzo9p0HGJPc3F22UsIVMeRgA9D6k0lb7RUolWbV7yHy7U485G/ec5FWoJu5k2Zc2panezP9lldFBGAD0NWoxjoybmvpJlnANxvkuFJDuWwFx3qJ2Q0xkybLnMTtM0hPfIX3rNNNaktpE1taNbysZ5hNuDZQDCqfrRz32DnIJpFt5laaI7GPyr1GfSmtdiudI0RqUcceZohHu4CnoRn/AOtSUbnTCpF7kMN5Z/2j5c6W6qzbjkgkfSqtJrQblBlHVZbSa4FvbiCKORzmVhhuKcItLU55WvobFpBaDTIt28tvCmQnAx3rNtuQ4JGjD/ZNvZSucSW6jbGR13VDTbOpcqRzniO9tXuEjgfcCAWRfStadN9TCpboYF9LNd27R2tvMioCVAXr61uklqc8tS/pxbTdMd0jaFtuWeXksccgVLjzszcWRWd5KcTtO8Z/hBGcVXInoTqhE1nUJphEJGGzId+5FL2UQuZ1+wv7uRJJZGjQAyHHPAFXG0RjrVbC3iWUu6xL0PJJNW3zaDTOrs9UtPELRQW1pGskcYjMjDB2iuaUHA0ikzW8Z22kadd6dYaHqT6vO5/0hLdchDn1rOMdG5EOOpR1YT20yskIiZFyI1XLMfU1lFX6ktGXDJPLfeZdX8VtwS+4c5xwK2tFLYajcxvEGnapLKrQMtypO5WjOc1tTnFIl6G3oXh+P7EH1aMvK65A3YwKwqV9dBXMqK10u1vHknEqQ7tvyfzrTnk0UmdNpn9maXaE2y+cJOV3gNjNcs3OTs9AbEvNTnMY8qybbgjfjAPbj6URhd7iT1GXUEMaRme9ZpRgkLydvcflWieuh0cqRraZPaXmnzNagW+w4WNkwTjvWcuZMh2ILDTb+5eX7RdiSBW+UKMFfpROaWiIubtxfWFhBaxSzR8xHg/iOnrxWKjKV7IGyhHqOnB1QzlA64zJ1571bhIcdTD1+C4tGki024ikslIfe/VjW1Oz1ZE42Zx3iO2muGF3LlUYZSNfau6DS0RJS8P6leWczy2cqwEqUywGcH0q5xTKHrBfz3JdULwMQWLdz0qXYDQubu1tImhw6T7doj29T9az5eZgatrf7rJbOVm8zYQw6gZ9KxlCzEY2u2E0V0JFmIJXoG5x710U5WVgJxriWccEAjEkQC7wgycD3odPm1GRT39hrusPKloba2jTaqE52gd/zoUXFF3Kjos8nl2qrHGxCbt3WtI3C5Yl1e407bFFK6uw2lQ2VpcikFyvpV/dXFysMUIe4d/kCcZNEopLUadzurPTntXinvbydr1UYSRlj8gPPFcc6zvZbFXsN/4SO4VRJbiXamcbnOTjj+WankcnqyG7iaf4ghv7mUW1hLG7LseRmzj1NN0+VasuNjG13UymqSx2JkuIolG2R+mQK0jBcvvCnLXQy5L7VtZu4Eku2kkVeGJ+VRnpWvKobInnZ1NtcpBpDw3l5vuGcE4HHQf4Vytc0tEJu5yurrdXNyIQzCFjkZPyj/Oa6oWSJuQ/8I7tgeSS8RSilgo5zxnrWiqa2Hcp6I8CzvcNZtdZG1McDNVN3VrgdXOgvLm2064R1jYKZUHJHPvXJZRTaGdrb3GmaQxtNMRHiYAEkYycdK4pxlUV2LlubeiaXqesGa8v0tbDSrWPcjyDb5rngKP1qFTSV0Uol23tdOW8tvJvHRXOXJjyM1PLqGxf1HwNaX+k2+p2U5uLm6+UxxfLgZ547V0qMgJYdP8AC1hps1peMdJ1eCIpaOG+8QB8x+tXbdsLlHwnrc9npOr3Ws6baajqKOqrM69YmxtwfrzVqa2Q9x+reDfFXidW1bXJjpWjQwl0ZQCFjxyalXtdK5LR4zrdnbxXASwaW5QsVDEcMB3NawnJ7kmPfeE/E/2b7ZHpcrWsmSDCcjHvXSpxYBZQlLFrK/VIZ4AAkaH5iCT19+aU73uB0Nn4fuv+EXi1J7y2iEk/kLAX/e49celc0pK9mUmejatd6Pp1np40+4keaAInfCtxz+dcsU3LU1iz0jRNa0jw9q1tY3Vs97dzqzzPBISygjqQK66Wm4mybxvDrviOS68O6Zbh7WSMzyTzdI88hc+uDU1OaQHht1qOneHFghuXEspeS1mt41+6ATk8+/8AOs1CU3YvmVjkHmV0uooLZPKnlKQqTloxjOf0ro5Vuc7dzMW207Tla7uLx5GUbcKuQARg1onJ6JEmn4Kt7SSa8vri4NrEEUxu/U5rOrzWWhaR2Hi/S/DltZaY+l6zNqUvlCS6fPAPoR+lYrmTasDkcJ4psoJLq2XRbYOZlJYAZ284ralOTV5EXJ9AsZNO0i8+2ajFDOkgKRKQS/qKucuZ6IYvj+8muLe1NrHH5LoA+zHJooQs9QOTfVLzUZVS/vW2QKERB/CBXSoJAenW2keF7H4ZxeIL/V4p7mQsttZo2JAwbGT+VYTi73Gjr/g9YRa14duvtxtItM87fIjhTLK3ACrnoKxnHU0cj2zS9B0Czjia9s5bthGDEs5DIo5+UL7UKhCWrJuY3jLTdGtNBvbrQ9OsrW7kQgsIwHx7Cs6sIxRcZWPCLQ6JZahNc32j3OrWyt++l342qDgmqgubrYbkey+GPAXgvVpBf6Hp0qwG2QxiYna27LA5P1/Sm6Un1J57M5y+8Aa/bz3F3YaIL+FJGAZHB2qPQfnXPUhNOyNPa33OOms/MW4nm077M3lsrSSKRg5xistYuxcZK1zJt9NgdUjkvXM7jAMKcJ64rZTl0QPUo6jpkn22IWe+dgxVjI2D9TWsGt2ZOFzTn8Ja1DBGl2kFmkg+UvIG3ZHB9qn2kV5kOnYwr+81DR7FbK4klnUHajY4HsKpQjUlcm1jovBfgzxVrvig2xVtIEVv9pju7oErjIAIx9auMYoLG/4m8C+KfDatc694qtb6ylcRjls5Y8HB96JJdEOxb8SeB/GHh7Rra5tgNStljADw5DDPPT8a5pU9btDTOcmg8UaZp7Xt1bS2kjBhGztjI71HLFvQsyrnUrq+srE6rAFhic5mWPquP8RWiiot8o27mV/aL6baC4bynjWXKxhuT7kelaqCk7IFKxPF4gv7zVCmnTBQkZd5AOBxyaapJIHUM3R9Ugs7qVopftE0vyrIckH6CnKF0CkbGoxXTRIq2vlu0Rnd+ASo9PzrONu5MzPtb+ylRSsayTKjfebpWvIyEyl4g8V3N1pqacZnijt02JCpPzfWrp0VF8zL5mZ/hf8AtW0vZrpIJI4osO7EEL7e1a1OVqwk2dT4w1y68QfZrkLKsMcSiZEPUDjj8q5KdJQbuOUtTJ8UalpC2Nm0KpNE3ymI/wCsQDHX8a2pJ3ZMrHNQX9rA4isbVBPK/DM2cDPvXRykorzG58+VBFIo35kKdM1SaQGxN4isrfQ7K1NtHPLbFwFkTkAn1qFDmdxHMXUlzfNLeGP5FIPyjAWtk0tANfwxqj2Mf2YwxzCR/MQOufm6D+dKWquGx674H+HWpxrNrXiLWH0SwkQtNJbyqCy9SDjnpWftOkUJns3wy8EaQmjNqfgbxGsDSqwW9NuJJJfXlql3ejGi1efDa01HT47S/wDEl9qNq8pubiF4xESck9vesZUn0Lux2n/DPTLm0Wex1KYkud0SAfIg4xj+tc/1Ry1ZDRlfEfwToGm+EEfTRdJqQlAXOSD6kgeoFTPDcm5cFZnh+r2F5Mrzyo6hTsZiuOO55pRtHRBN6l7/AIk1nFG1pd2M/nQKhkB3SxnuT6VXLKW5By9npuj634jVNY1iOztlt2ZZdo+Zh0H410wcktAJPDPgRbq8ur+6e5isFjDII8BiOec/hVTqtLTcaM8/8IdMLi0nudVgdTmPOCrnOOacVPcTZ0ElynhzRbWDRLnZNIg3rHy7565FZOLm7yEjKtrydXTUdVuLiH5tqMy44ocFZqI7nbf8JbFqyAwao7IqqCWj6EDrmuR0rdC1Nom0y+1XUdSitIbfzI3cJ5wGMHsalxVi1VOys9L+Jeh3srQXemWdk0scTrdBWYxk4Zlz3AOa6aNOO7Q3O5yXxn0+7g8R+boGqtJBb2y8Rtw7n72Kq0E7WIbZ5nq91rOrQxvHaSwlV2sxYLvx1q6cIxehDBLy2ubOGCHSY0uFCiSZnySe9aONtW9CTO8RQ6pLBJGkGbWMqWwcgdcU4cqdwMTT47LeUuw7O/ACnofetW2wY+9tLRrwtaztFGJMEP0WknoNnUaZDJKQnnweWV3+YG4Fc82SQ+KZxcTlReG4EaqFwuAOBRSjZDuYUlw8UzyjGSoQMR0OQa6LAaFtfX9mI9R863uSvQFuQe1Q4q4HV+APH+vadMIxB9oQyb8P8wTnsK56tCHc0Uj1GHXbbWI7vUJI4bK5uYh5smwLwABxXDO6NFymYfGviiy0yPTLbUofsMcy7VZQWC7snJ98V0U6jSsS0dzpvijT7q4a7g0ezupvJJUyyg4Yc5ANc7UVJtmiWh478aPEt+I7aOeWDMcrSBEO7JPQV1YeEZXsRM8+TUbHUyjzo7SAcrXWotGLOd1CRzeuqIVGcjA6ZroitBDTBE6RyXVw0eG5pvTYQlzdQDItGMiEdSOSaSGWI9Jkg0+Oa9gby7jmIk8n1qXO+wF+8vYbewktEidPkGDnvStdgYaXhYhZ5GEa9h3rSwGrZ25vwltAGYerNhRWbYmbc8kdppq/IrN90ZHAIrNXbAx7RZ4biPzfJYMNwA56+tWM3tMsYJNRMl4NqiQZGaynLTQdzofCeiWB1W7k1aBJiZM26t2XPFc1WcnH3TWmk9zt43thm3xAlv5exVKEMDnrXnuMr3NpRVjjPEOoy6HqMd1pl00eWyWjGNxHU813Uo86tI5Zoz/Ed5Jq3l61bylbqVucPyOO+K2St7rMzKg1/VfNVb5xKq/c7kGtHTT1QyKaKGfUZZ7q4be/IcH0HFUlZAGjTWZuriK7hF3JOojSXcVMfI5ol3QFjWNJsLCCVLgXFx5eCp3jI5rOM22kgMTULO01K1afTvlkjXmOQjOAK6YtoZl6PcS6fdeay/u3XDBlzVvVCZ0Vtqz2VmJFgnAIwCvHGaxlBMRYstQfU9ZtbmV5Y41O0Kq4Zs8H9DUtJRKIvFrafHqMjCB3CvhQ7cj606eiAwtXntp77daKoRVB2gcZrdAa3hGTSfMm/ta4eBRFuj8tAxJ9PapkiXc9etH8NN4asvE9jA+oagsRgMUp5TGe34iuSSb924kcbceMGW7le70qGPzl2GNhx78UKgujLMea4jnDGTdHFwFCtgYz0rRKwFS+UWlmtxb27S/PiNnPBFOOrALW9voiXt1jiJXDqew9qU433EyR5JILlYMKzyHKNn7tSrWEXmglntkQTJHOX5JOBikncopa1p72VzGt1cxXSKQxEZq4u+qAj0xfDl3qTxXf2mNg5f8Adx52jPp3py57aAaWtnwzZpIfDep6hcXLLlhLBtXpzThzX94DjtNdFm3kJO5OSjfxEHPNbvXYCLVbuaSd5XhFuXPEafd/KqWmgEEF3PFOHAVGx+YoauB2ml3+m32EgSQFo1BAOMtjmuKpBxeoh813d2OoQs2QhOza3YetZcqkmBp6oHMMV6ZCBtztB98/0qIW2NEkYWsxW9tJZX6TKq3Cne4PKn0rop9hvQx5wlyBH9tATIJB6tW1iGzR0dY4g7QIpZiUOOSRWcm7k3LbQxKzXeowXUUUilIymADihPsBT0DS7LV/E9ja+YltbmUbpHbI9gattpagzrNe8IvZX+28G+0lOUuLRg2F9SKyjUvsBxN1ptxcz+XHf5BOwF1wfyrVTtuM2Ph/4S+3XVxPLcwg2j5dZFIDEZzUVqrS0EzO125t11OR4J2tSSVAQ4GemKqEXbUdhE1LUFsjZ2d7OzEcr5ny1SikKxVu4tUhEYu7+MK6npJnPtVK3YZk3fkW0P7uMbs/fJ61okAC7vXhRLUlQex6GnZAWdJ0/Ub27EOI8rkuHbFZyaQmdd4e0jSDb3MGpWsEzSJ8hjYbkII6VhNzfwgatyvg7T5lNp5jv5Q3ZUZ3+lTactyoo5e6vbY3s8kkSx5O5RjrnmtIwlYbMnU79dXYWVjCsCk847nitYq24m1YR/C1/FGhEkW9zgZI60nWQlqWLPQJ4pIzdX0cKE43DrSlMCSbw5d+ZI+nyNdQqeqnOaXOuoENnpriNmuZEj2dieacnYDPuNpBER3nPAHeq6AEUNyYGYqwPGFz1pMR6Ta/Z4WuRapGIUBUyP1OfavNd3a5oR2jWtrPI2GaJx8rtwF/WiSbIYlzql1Fzp8TGFx858z5CaUaae4hq3dxc3EcAhWVnYFlZs8Y7VXKo6gb1pcXGn+GrzTYLRoHvwd00aZIXvWLV5pstM4832m22wfbgrFANxTaGGPpXZZvoIWHWJDamO2VQV5EqninydWaJssabqNrHl9SX7UzDlenFKUX0NYyS3NefXrMQ+Vp9qkIVfmQHNYyoye7NnUiloU31W9le3uJbkW4DEhd42nn19afIlokR7Ro1LS/tmtRIrvKWyfMJGCc+ves5Rd7Dcrmdc69JIJ/MhxtGFx69K1jTSIlNlOyvJBFJbTwpEg/eLI/BJpuGtzK+o/7Y07iF7gpDGoG0HAbHNJRSKZz19cZilnlVlcttjTBJI9c10JXRBv6To0kVvajUBtLgTHd1CnkfoaxqVFe6KR10GokzCO2ilSBE+RmQhXA9K43Dq2VcwLy+vLnUVkubeJ7dAWVjwM5xyPxraMUloK+pUmuo/OVIpPPPQMIzge1aJaDLV1LdRvth2RxsQqsV9PShRXUmzKlxqMwYiWdnZ2JAHY1pyItSsVbu9lREhjaTe/omTTSQ3JlyzuRYxLJdmSVwD8jtkc1E4tvQSkZyaq73whjt5/shOXIyB9MircNBqpcsC1iuRJLGiWsYyzSO/UdgPWobsJ2Y+FLWMFbNirBfvA5BpNt6szl5FiO6FpaHzGRpJM4Jb2xzWbi5SMm2Oiu5bS3gEaxHcrbs89vanyXeormfcyanfpFDFJFHEzkHLADn1rSMYxQInmLpEsbXKMseSSpzz06mla4yjerPNZ/P5kjMDsA69eKuOjAxLLQ9Vn1BAwlT+Lrzx/k1tKpFI0idva6JBFcQ4XfKCNpeRSMn1xXLKp2OiCiyLULLUJb4hZYoreNuVaUdqtONhuCvdDrqEJGbWS6QuCCsYwRkjNLS90NrzKMqQgSpBHJLcLghlHy5xgjNWjPfQhluf7MbBldJdvzqjL37U+W5L0ZXv8AVbm42N9neQswwp6A/hVRikVJqxZtdQN3cra39tHbhWIDhcBqTVthJJjL3yLQ5t4gA/Ud8UkmyJRSKUGt2aTOPsqxsV2sWFVyNmbRA8CTXCRzSGS3ky+IQDt47072EkanhC3MU5MVtJt3lQcHmoqSLirGtoq+KVv7hdI0qeVyzMDAu9wM+3Ss2oSXvMbKF1Frks0on0/Ulu1ch/MJ3D6jHFNOCJbubngnwIPEF291r809tpMWRJ9my8m/HGfSidSyvFC5SG60u30meeGG5nNrBIfLGcORjAzXO5ORm0UL57lzH9odVg4wVbJx6VcYKKFYo31nJNDsScw25fgngkH2NXGXkBYSS20i3WC2uXuVbqWA6+xzUyhzjsVtY1BxHGTcFcfw54HFVCmCRW8MXcralNJcbyBCyxDHGSMZNXUiuVWLvY6Lw3Dcvqkl1euw2xn5PX6YrKo0o+6LmLN7rEcK+ciO7E4VVbaAMYqI0mxXMUbwZLy5JMrqTbqei+v9a1S7CKst3JKi7GLTIoDu4GAM9qpRQkVdR1bUUijt5Ns0Zwyk9RitIwTGQ6fqE+oTykwPcy7DsAIXFXyJIDHtbdlujFdMsBU4YNzjJrVvTQpGjrd6lhqMdvp11JNBEoKyGPAY9eBURjzK7EzIur+e+ummdi0m7O4/4VaikrAdJp0zzysm9FkcY3MKylEAK6nfObOC2e4A4Zo03EH1zS0iKxiz2d/actayopyMkdcda1jJPcZb0PSNauNqWttsjkyzO3BIHXr9amc4pagNvPslu6xSq8zRnHynAzmhXaAgup1nbZHEoJGA2fu1aQzs/BFnoGiyR6lc3jXM0luf3fln92xHGK5aspPQpOx1XhnSbPW5Y7aO8uPtN7ne4IZk9gByBjH51yzbXQpK5NrPhW00KaWzgtLq6WBQWkMZJYntUc8nqTomZBg0zS4L65eGa1ulhJ8vb2PerUpTtEaOb0+90y8triCEXSoVzvdATnviuiUZIlok3WtiZfKhZ4kXAcrjmlZytfcVjMvbh5I0TyxEWbPzdR05NbRixE1nc3MjzWsLxlBHyzY5A96TjYVjLvvtdywggMtxLICoRR6/zq1ZIdjQsLZLDQpYfLee4D/LEv8ADUzd5WHY1tYXVJDb3Onn7VO9urv5UeBFkZwSepHSsYWd0yrB4BvpJ7tVvR9peKUvt28k9MD8q0qwiloVA9Qk8ReGbnQjZ6tm01GzZpIop2KoD2LL+Nc6pNbGl0ZN5HNcvp1roOvWFzqF1IqFonGI8nn5c9qI0feu1oZtHomna5ong6GPSJrw3ssBLTXIIKhj1JAORW9rMk39Q0HwjrnhO68Ss41JgpeKGQgEgcAL+VTUgt0xNW1OC1Dxfo+m6HDBbeGNQs8n9600ZaNjjjGOuKy5FJaDMzT/AIiaJZabd28+r65q02oQmBbCWJvIXccDAxWlp27Ccjh/FF7daobWC20h9Pcht4iTbhB0qIRUbtu4aWOSlufEGiz/AGa21K8ZZxtAycKprri4voST6fA2j3b3l0paTGXJb5hn61M3zLQR6b4D0S38XyNNomlzzSLGRJIZVCxsMY/E5rlmmtGVYn127svCviNBrelSzeWv76F2zn0471EINspOxu+FvHX2u/ebRdOtIVYkzv5Y3Kh/hzWkp8isxpcxp+IvGHiXUtKmtvDVuIWfUVed0I4hB+7k+wFaRxFO2o7M8u+I93qF7rV/eanokWmC4m/0eVkOCAACR9etNOO6ZLJ/h3PaeCtM1bUNZ0a21K4ughs5WkV1Uc545pTlz6Ig858TXp12+uZ2s0t8NhIoRtQc5ramlFWAdo/iQx3SQTWykKFDKehA4xTnT5kUnY6Gf4gJHYSWsPhSyzINpnYnIH0rNYe+rZLMGLXrq2uvO+ysYboqm0JgHB6D9Kv2S7itck1tdU1CR2i0qC1t9wGM4I+pojZdRFO9V9M0Ly7mOMmQ7kYNk8dqa1ldDuYek2j3V8ZEhLluNuOK2crILnQf8IxJp0h/te7SAqpdYwM9+PpWftb7Bc2fC3iR/DqpNaIoklJBLtkJyMNj8alx5ho960zxd4Q023g1OGbU9d1GaHBQykRkkZJ544I6Uvh3LSMbW9bv/EV2JtCsWmuRE5mVrgKIl9COhNcc2m/eYpaHlP8Ab/npJbafKI0lkJuhI48vPfn0renC2rKUj6O8NN47m8P6ddWOraJZabHAkYAjMvmBR1GDXRF3Qj0/TJI7nTIhaXcYuXjDPJs2o3ByQP8A9dNxTHY8wjsvCfiPxFewalqrSwAkW9sfk81wQCV/vcmuOWHVwWgo+FllePClrqE+nSPGzBWiHyjtnmpeFtrctSZ5zqnw/wBbn0/UNR0+7tLy4S+lgjRW27wrEbj2HShLlNFcz73wr4p0yfyNUsBfK1uk0RjfcqkjkZzUya6aENFbxdI97pVlBqGgTJFZLzHAm5iT05qYNKWjE0a/wzfVLIC8kurnMiGIJdPjYpIKjk8DjFbOsk7CUT2yNPBes28cOpapBcuHVysgUrvHce2a3i4y1BxNCyukjkuI3vbaTTQ22Eow49jjpQ+V6CUWcb8XX0yO70201bS/tlq6SsslrKCY24xu/PNctWEVsVyM8g1LX5FsZNBtrOGSIJhXkUbhznrWMad3zA3Y8w1xkMrs8ytcoc7ExtFd9NGbdyzJdwW2ntFbozvKiq7RnGQeucVKi76kkeoyPa3v/EohXybZQzsgyRkc9atRutRpjNKgvfFeoSiG7YLbpucyOFAX3/KhpU+gNthBo5l3Np8LEISJZWb5eAT/AEqr3EkzFnligmyIFE2Tkl8itEroo0rLWNa1zUI9ItnLpcEB4ox97HtUunFaj5md1qnhHxHpa2k91Ymz05vlc5DMQPaudtag7s5u8XS18QPIFintGO1V2gZOP8ar3uXzJ2OfnNpazzXQ08ecH+XzEOAM+lbK7JJV1SZbaWC6iSPedwPlYxT5LsaLXjDxFpOt2OmQ2+hol9bL5bmJMCX0P1qoQcU7sDP1+/vNMsE0eXRxal1DMzjqOo/nVKGtwIfB0unC68u/lEOOUcJnH19qJq6sG56V4O0HRtR1lLrxT42tbbS7adAbSW42rcJ16Z6VGq0QrH0Rp/iD4faVLFZ6dr9hb2X2MvbpFcKQcDIHXIoUbblqwnw88d33i3wRfXv9h3FrqEUbFA3y+ao6FSRyDiqukPco+GfFHiA+Eta8Sak9to2LUfZ4ZXTduAbkjjk8UeSFsdP4R1eK++GuleI9WuEjma33S4YEuxYgDA6dvzqZW6jR5T8VJPDGs3EKaPfSw3asHmDIxEvqCO1cE0ou6QmrnnHiHR/DEVxINOhVbzaA0e4hN3c81FOdRr3iUtDze7sbwrOfOUiBvlJPUZPA/KvQhLTQC14f1LxJFb3Nobm6itniLDeMLn2qpKO4y5ZWdxeeHvsjQRtO0m8yryy/U9hUtpSvckqaSdYs75JLF42nhP33YZA9s9aJOLWoHSxaJqPiWeAajqiNJncI5HVR+AFc06saa0Qzb1HRLDSrUxmYLCBgsikBiPSuX2s5vRD5TnYdfZNQkhtLp4SuDGWBG4jGMD1rpVLRNk2On1Hxvqni+3t9O1Br+W+hYgLGvGBgZIHNbP3VpsXY53xfZePPDccc2p6fcw6fIu+N9mcqfx4pR5ZeoWZy97cQX0hEq3dupG+PeCuB+NacqWwiXQJIbS4NxGRcQCJg4c5wSMA05K+hI6MFLZfLvFkLkCRFbotG4FK7WIXytHBzn04BouwIriBrORWuYoyH4K+YCfxFNNyAvaPqMYDW6RgM52ZAzUziBPd2F3a6fK727CMSbfMZCvQe9JNdBFS2sRPp6GURlNxYbmwT6H6VTkMveHvCMOrSIt34l0nS7XfgmaU7gBzwBQ5tbIDe8HeHvN8S/wBj+Gr+PUop8p9okjZAPpmsK0rxu0I9I8RfDvxfoVpBAwS+Qrs8m2bdIeM/d/GuR07atbi1Rjaf8PfGmqWcksfhe/VGfB80iLgY/vEVcU1saRZdtfDFzPf2mli2U3juYooIpeRgc7iD9azfMmdHOmrHn/xH04eH9ZbS9REcl5Cd2FbeADXbSi2jOTOHu7+KK/8AOsYdhAyNy9a6krmVzMuLx3BVdqOxySOa0SsIsaWbV3eS6kQlV+QOOGOelTJMDetIbWK2juryK0t43fESjknjr9KxkpXELqd8LqW2nkeBbeAcbAeacadgRiSyC5nDKolHO3FaRQytaNCkjRzwR7uuG65qmwNOG+YWr2q7Io1+fIGDWbVwIr6/YIkL7Zof4c5GKaiBHFeWzukYiMbAcAdD9TQ1YDpIrtZ7P7VAgXbhWdznLD0rBx1sCKTXupIDcCclEYnIJ5/Gm4RSLUrG/peu3D3VhcXEqJC27dySxOMd655U1Zlc5X8Q30sbTBY/OtyMIWyduT1qqa0MpMt+GrXTo9MeRZo5J3DAqzYCehpybbJOdCQGaRrsStGT8qxnBrbXoM0tKsNAsZmkuYdTe5OBGJCAnrn3pPnewFnUrdHjW402KERo/wC8Ur8xPX19qzi1s2MhaeTVrCSFtHkDbcvN5nCge1EVyvRiMNrGDS5BIpkZZBgBx3Nbp3AxdRnd9SaKUrs3Daydq1S0Gze8QO1ukSQXxkCqvzkccjp+orMDT0iKaWwdnuSL1IgbdFXG8E4rGo0mUlcj0WaJ7i+tb2OO4DwnczA7lf2NW0+hLVjldQhs7e7mitSZMdWJNdEdtQJ7F/7PkhuruxbYcMiSAgSAH+VD1Eds/jKO7ZBYadb6ehIOwNnHTp+VcsqPcCW41XSNQXbqmnp5oRgsyk4J7GsuSUdmBz80Ee+RJZ18lRkbXFbRugKV5ezwItskwES84+9WiS6hcu+G2mv5yJhtRl++eM49PyrKrZbBc10SaC6ae5t4pG5WFX9cVmnfYRnXV+11ckTW6LNGhyo+UCtIxtsUQW15a6nqMSX0kyOCAFjxhgO1PlkloJli9j0nT7r7VNFPbOWIV93A+tJc0kCMp9Vmtb5HjuFuIgpAXbwc1qlboMwp5JGmaTdtdmJIXjHNaxAZJM8i7ZSW9OaoBIi7yKqnvxnmhgdr4a32ulzFpYFfzMjj5voK4qyuSzoglzeJHJeW8WdgKd8j1rm0S0YyK8nJmSyXbIx+YoD04NOMbu6BHN6jbXeqbYIYD5UGQvy9DXVB8upTkLoPhhJAWujLHkABh0B/GipVa2IbOgl0nS7J1i07W7aSfYG2sR8pI5Xr1zWSnJ6taCRm+JoNa0e4Sz1Qsy7FkUN02sM8Gqp8sldFGZfarYJ5C2liE2OG3bxlvWtlFgdV4rsNTtdKGrWjM1syg4jm3MgPsDWMWr2YI4IT6lK63AeXfu+Ug4xXSrWGzZsv7Y/sm6vmMqRF8ySCTqcCoSTYg8I3nhsG+t/EGmteeah8qTzNpRuxpyTWw9Si+nafFMv2a8G1jkr6D0pagzF1oxpcPDCxaJT61rFaAQwRBoiZpCRn5VHarAE8lZQxJBHTngUAatjf4QyFCzDoc9azaEXYbszOrtbOJsYTAwM1NrDRn36yxTSOWZZQTleeKcdB3MuWSSdmkLuW9Ca0Qmy9Y6hNGi26iJVU54X5j+NRJIW5fTUJJJciRtqioshpGbqV88koQeaeuFyatRVhs1tMbWVKJAzQpIMhS2KiUUxD9Vt1e5WL7QHkyd59DmkhFa608aZEJvtUbsWwFQ8jv/WtE7sZGTFIN/2pgDy3Xipe4j0C3tohH9mLQDcxPm7v4fSvNbZqrFZzbppUsEEKCQn78jgr+XfrVap3E0V7aK4KC3unRIUIB8lOG9/1qn5ECSxrpjPcKshmUZRuDgU1roCKtl4x1C01FliDESqyO0jFhgjHHpV+xi9QM7XIk08SI9rtZ41MYl+dhkda1hZoBNJNxJGbVo2VWTduA4NOTSRSZU1KK8juQ20qoUKCCcmiDTBsIn33UMbKAufnbJ59qbSKudBdeRLBGmx2MK4UHpnrzxXN9oUpdCx4Xllv5PsETJCfvsS5Cr68UVEoq9zSDNlrXRbe2dpZp5JlIPmINw/DnFYKU2zayaOe1FLRp1lM0shLDPmjn24H410RTtaxi0bWl2WnXDNK0riFVy2Y8kmspNo05Lq5mapDp8e+a5gv5Fdz5RDBR7euKqMpGTVjYGmyXekrfG+itkjiGTPI2eBwB+FY+0SlbclswE8Q3E8QtZGURb8CUKxx27mt/ZLewKWhm6rfWi34Uu0qhdpIUjdW0YBc3NN1G2+yFLK2eQgbQDkfN656Vm4tPU0jIrXuoRkxwy2gWZmJbc2W/wAKagJzQv2uK3dVUxvg9VAzg9s0WNIyS3G6peFIoxC7xvyzfTjtVpXCc10Mp9RiO6RmkJZcgKOpq+Q509S+l6IoVuIYvLbGTuGTn+VZ2L5kiOS8mmdYLsXDqFysZwADRyoXPcvq0EWm29zLHIuZNvAByPYday1dxFbUY4Y9RkYQ3DxxIXTzcoOnp9auN2kyWipBdb/mKHnoQ2ce3vVuJmRvdwW+4XLyynOVUEAZ7ZpqIyOKZpHeHMrsoDby4CgenSnyjL8Uw8hpd8ZO7CjOTkCpcTRBFLOSZPPJlK4ZV6LSsK4adfjT0kmaRzcAfKD93r3pOPNoUpCT6tJqVwqKI1wgDBR989zmqVOyG5kN/fyNP5sAMLpgAZBBwMU0rEuRTtNXKpJG7ySTM5IbdgHircbjjUaKt8L+e5ST7G+4j7yDPfiqXLFahKTep0+iWWp2y213qFpkK+U8xxjPuKwm09i6clfUdcXEkkYlS3VpFkw27GF5+tJLTUqUk9jH1We6nvVNtaTSBjhmYgAn2rSNkZPUrahYzG1cx2si7W+cgg5P51SqK5LLvhfTdRcvE0xiQqJNpGWIyPY+9RVnEEdbr8Oox2NpHpUbl3bDu5UBOfwrlg1d8xTZp+GpPEHh9WmsPtUUcjYkuH246cgY/pRU5JLUu9hmpXOuTSyXWnyxmZ2LOZume5JNZxUW/eM27s3PCuifEmysF1K6hgWx1Et5cS3CqJSASDyeOlVUcLWQN2OP8Q3GuTRXBubLb8+0QI4LcfTkiimopmbMMz3ltbRieDJkAOFk+6PfvW6im73A17nQ5ZrO2u31KzWylALNJPgKR2x1/Cs1NdEwsYUltc3cEy6XYXM8Yk2rdIjCLIA4B6Z9q35kt2GxpWvgTX/saz6hZXQ8wgxM6Hkn09e9ZSrxWwG3Hpx0nTHjXT78ytG26eSEqq8c4yP61i588txNmZbteO5uLeaSfqoUNsyT9a0suojKvpL9ZZIjbQRTITv2gYHPODWkUmtARNc3FpN9mSQEsMgocLknpzTUWrjG3BXTpjbahayeZKmY9hBAHYmlHVaCKfiKXTku0jtmaaAooeVgRg98CrhexWhQ8vTHuraOzuf3AOZZEiK7ef1rVXsPQdcjSknuJIV3gMf9aSOO3407MDO1KWG8WPa/7xFChVTgD65qkrCKcIMDZiCt2ORV6Abek20ghFzMzmTPygDgVjNq+gzYTU10+KaC3u5opblgHZMKqD69azcOcNzGvJ7i0nkkW4kmOMBm+b8a1UVbYRqyeLdXuNCgtLyKwSCNWCSLGVlI7gnNR7FOV0BzF/PDKuYSScjit1GwEFrOEGxohNngA/8A6qcloNM7u9ttMGh2Cabftd6pI3+lQ+VtigB6AN3Nc7Wtx2ub/wAGfCPinUPiNDY2F7Pok0UbS/agm8DpjAJAPWrUoSGro+h/Evh7xdd+HDod5eWF7fKxb7WrNE5xxkqFI/ImuatTUuhDTbPmz4saB4l8L6oG1OVjb3MRhRlcMr8d+/enR5XoCbRg6TeTw6WFfT4kt0ypuGZgT9O1VNK+jKTRLrzPqMSXOkDzYkKoSOMsMc84zSgrS1BsyfFLXMurhLh40lVAMJwBx7da2gkloK5Z0Nwpju5ZUSKEbTgEknP0pT7DNbQQLZ5dZZVlCNiLzE4yenFZT191CRjI2pK41ZLqKFzJuxt+U8+mKvS3Kxm3o1vqWqW6XlnOIt10ylUG1Tnknr71lK0XZlIk08yaX4it4NPja81CWUp8oG0Etj/Jpr31qNaHqEGjf8I/p+qR674Nspri+Iee9u7tX3RjB2oMkjmsZztomPcm8Max8KrXVlvP+ELiN9E5EclvHKY/qRkDj2rphVutRcqO9i8Y/DWQywP4NxA42zXcWnL5QPuc7j9cGhzg+orHkWs6zYz+J9T07QbOWLT1nEdrcYaNY4iobGDjPJNZyta9wRu+HtJ8UNrEC6kkF1pIgMyHzAWZemAvrwe1csuS10Jl3xxr3gWy0dNDl07VrO7PzIwsY156r82fXHTtVqD5eZEOx51biysfEE5m1aLULieJgkcKsQgIwM54zSk3KK0Gjlr7T72OCBkWdrpDtDE/KP0610QkmxE4i8PQ3br4nvrqSVwPNeM5H0A9uKHz/YA6K28WWWkWw0vwHb3krPGZJrhbloMbfUbh696HTnvUZd7HO3t/rmr6p9o1wXLeZH8u/L559e/51VoLZk3ueqW2k+EdE+GNpe6ncXc+q38YK2lo4DDPPOP8awnScm2WmQ2msWnha3W4vNKe20+WMGKN5j5krHqe/NYqk5basu5z/iI3HiW6RrOSEW8+QsGGdohjPrnrWtO1K5mzH0PQmsdMlXU54fLV/mkYtlFBHOBmnOblL3SWYfiWXw+uuOmhS3E0DQ5BZtoLAHJ5Fb0ozt7xJyVmVS8VpphGjvneQWx+VdL2sM2E1CCa8ktT5UyNjY6qRk461DiJmVrdndWLQs85Ab5hhuaqEtAOh0Wa1vdEiht4XM0LNJcEggMOOpJxWNSLiwaDV577UNLt7C6xCqtuVSRwO1KCUdRWK3hrzrS8mtJIWutoZVSPAY46HNaTd0BSvNRuJZNskamRTgqXLbQD061SpjI7XVTJKBcRNLGeCnAwKfKlsB2HhCZJJVuRK7QRQyCOItvKHGBx+PpXPXfQtMdb+Mdc8N65cf2XerG0sRikDRBsr/Q0oQUoilqZVrPplpokk9+P9IlLeWu0gZ98cVVpN6AixbeNfEOo3VppFjrF/bacEEfkW85CAd8Z+p/Ot0lFXLirux7Brfju38KeEtG0PTNQukVIXju5JEJm2nkYbHHNY+0cnZFyjy7lC58Tza2NPu5PMVNLRWtJIyTtbOcnjk8d65p1ZrQ0SW5BqHjjXpEn8/W71jO2HUqFwMY4OM1PtZbkpo5pPENzpcE3ly3iRhdrRu/yux6/iauzloNSsaejfEPxfZ2EK2t68LLjbHJGGUpknHIyOtWoQW43K6Oo0f4k6J4gnXSvFXhhpXmmEb3Vq3lqFwOWIx/k1XsoGbdzr9T8MaVrSzab4F1TTohHsPlyl5N6kgcMx681i6CbFdo4e80PxfoVnJqXiLRDBZQS7EeJ1csScAjBJocHHYqMu5CIJRBHeS3d9Z2xk6G4PmNnnOzFYOpKJro1oVJrmea2kt42vppIH35kYbXBGB15zSbb1YnLQ4vxOks9pbItlcRTI8nnNEchemAT0ropJKTuzCTOKuL7ULeOe0giDG5+QvtGQPriu1RT1IbLmm2eoS2xxdyuFOTFszinNxRIXD+XbyWipm4uSGaTJU7fTBoj3ArafcSabG8UfleUeWULyx9M/nVNXGtC5d2kstnJPFqs6Bxn7LDG3P4jip2YXOYEcjM6FWBUjLMORj61tdIRb0f7fAjXNhG8ckLZFzGSGIqXJPQaPS7TxTdReGvtFxvvEji8tLe4Yna56t1rhnDmlZGi01Z57b3JW/V9nlb5dzE/dUk11cuhEty54hjnm12DybxGDBWO/O0c+1OLSRJcvrO1vLeS91XWIkdUJCqwJZh0GO1F+wHPNCIojcCOWOaNAVKOM59cGtLAVLppZ1FxdXdxPK55ZyDirAk06+awV1hxvlXa7MAfl9BkcUmNFy1ubUt59+0mVQiMbdxz2/WlsM0PCJSTxJbxQJcyziTzAqQeYyj6AVE1dCuexWupfFDWY3XRtJ1aTaojAYiE7fTBK5Fc0bLRsdzzf4iXuuoH0rX7IWVxExdonujI2e+QCa6YW3QGz4H1TxRqei2ulWF2IbdpNsQlmCxjaMngmsK1t2FxfFGnxRpGj301rqsbFbgxOTHJ6lTjH61hCT+QXKWnapN9qkhuZRcrG/G6AliPqKcqS6ArGf4lu9P1ArALOKzaMZBQMu6tacXECTUrjXf7KtjNcWaWhCiNRgkgDHOOe1apK9wGyaHJLptzr2i6tL9nQqk6ICgUn2PUUuZX5WKxSstWtNMlglnha4KNmQFsGT2z1ocXLYDWXxgyXCXen6Na2qb8rHvYkr7k81lLDp7sEOudf1zxRfWelXLWEUe8YHmbEGTn5mz71KowpK5XMz1zTPh7ZnWdMTX7aKzgjhMy3lghmjHoTkH65PpXLzTvo9GIq21n4L0H4qQva+LWuEv4XHmmEYjIHsoHOMV1Tg+XlKuaHiLVp7ux2PqVpNZvL5EKSsrMq9AxXmuTlk9irnmvxA8Vm7vrnRrqRL6OBfJiuI4IwNvswGa66NN2uyHY4CGKKBvLaMNEwx8jYOfeumxDI4rcW92sttFKjrywdsgHtR0swIbjUb5JWFxJHk5J3Z/SnyoDL+2PcXBech93dRk1bikB0mlabdGEX1rptzNFGwZptuEX6nNYzlFaNiNDUtQku4kieeSU8kqrZUe+alRtsAkVzaQWEtswt5pJkA3jlowDnA7dqbWoXHadZlZ1leDJHyxrIiqDnqeOaly00Gz1D4eePPDmh65a+H9M8Lz6teXMqq10JvJIY8HHyk4HsRUqlfWQI9msPBkOh+Mb7WdT8Ryw3d5MXtrd712WKLA+XaeT9cY6dKpwT0A7K1j06/trx/7XvrkTEkATkAccjAPHf8qapruUjjdX8N6T4d0G31jRbaxs5luwPONqZCoc4ZiSeev61FWFtRo+bvi7FBH42nnku21CRSGWZIxHu744J4qoXkgbOB1bUIpLZYZFCMMgkKCfz61tBEHOSAlgAeOnetgJrWzuJtyxIzAEHJGRQBoQ6ReKPMlu40j7h2Bx9BUOQhNSAitktoZJXPWQhdoP0oTGT29lMbRZVsJEDNlZGbApNgTNaW2nXazagF85VBUNJgD8O9Rz3FczrtWeU3czLHC5xvz1H0qkwG3BWUxxxTyTqqnbiLA/nT5rAdHY+DvEEekT395o7WVkUULc3a+X16bR1NKU0FyzFo142lOLS4t2EK7Wj5BPqeax5/esCF8JRiNjb3wXn7qsMZP9aiq+qG2a/hnSNI1HULifUb+CwW1GQrRMfMJOMDBrKpOSWiEW9ZfSnItdPcieM5YOcq+PTilDn3YGB9hu9L1ZpZkbEgxwflQN/OtrqURFG7lmju2jt4xcAD5SvyqB61pGzWo0UbJVu7We7m1qSO5jdRHbeXnf6nP4VT00GblzqNyUspoH3hSBIEAG3r19OlZci6gZetiS+uzFp4kLuw6H7w+lOOi1Av8AjJLu30+2N5NbyO8KqoQEMmB0NFJ3bYI4mztXvrkRRypHM3QvwCa61sB1WieH9aeEWMkUNwHcOQHGVHTqf8a56lSKJOi0aG4sNTniuYwk6xtHCZBu2cdQBXNL3o3Li2jkL/T9QstQaKZj+9BJYYBwa7INNDZkTWe1DNHvEWert8xrUk1rAf2rp0sep6gwaDAiad2IVB2AFQ3YQ7TmitZTJawi4bG0cnBz6Cpkr6gTm8tOYLhbrexwyhMbT+dTYBwskgiLM5cOAQrEE496YimWha9WPydzPwFIxSuB1ML6ZFeW6zfuADkklgOnoPeudpsaRbvNQ0u7hTZdzwToSmSNwk9xnGKI02twsUbSDSPtEkutLeSp/BGhC7sf3jWtpLYDN8NWFvJrr6jZ288kMJ3KipvVT2BNOo/dsJvQta9HZ6m7TNaXSPvyyyyYUewWpirAjFGp2SRGIww4VNgGwZGPetkmMw7qW0bMiGUOTgc8YrRIZUZu5BwfeqAWMujBl6+tDA6jwtpSy3InvpnbADDb2rlqzJZ2sbeVul3yMB8qbjx9K4WrsLGVqDQ3ETSyNH5sYJZgwzj0x61tHQZn6JDfTz+ZAxgijb95IoJKr6+9ayshFe/tyt5IpupjHuwrYxn8KtWsMueHrGC2uTcpAbiMAsN6nr+FRUndWANb8Tz3l+V1eMzBQET5QNoHQVUKaUdAscxrEwnuI5IYgqjOCg4H5VqlYZsR69Klt5cbFm2+WepFS4XYkUodauGn8uQRQgfdbAqlTsMtQtqsumvNwbZBlixwp/ChJIRDb6PqF/anUbewkkUggmNThcCnz6gc5O80cphkaVMdc5FaKxREEZjhVbJ6ZIpiGozfdIYHuKALenW0dwzma5ESr0BGdx+tAGjpckYlMUa7sf3eazkJl+7nkYSPHJKpPI3LgjHaoAq215DKrwTSMRJ95kT5s9aqwzovC+n+Ef8AhILV9QmnWz2jzVdc4474PrWc5TtoJnRzXPgS2t7xLHQje3Kt8lwH4VSeCVrO077gkcxqGq6ZBC0KaaIiclmTC5644NaKDL0RQgvd8mdPsg/7sn5gCcgew4qrCuZ2oalcSAKd0cjdSD92qjFAUoHOS7zyFh1OeTWlhElxJarckMzyOwHz9h+FTytMCxBcstpJEt6ER8YTb70nHUR06ahttlCZhznKgZI9q43C7uIk0y6aRGjjkCoFOTIf1+tKcbMZYhuBaGOS7WSeGTLYYkDocH9Klq/UCz4emuNTkltXntLGBlbdJJljt9AD3qZpQ13GjD1DR0eYyrKJYEJClSFz+FbwqDZUsFmn1iFrgySRsyphz0HSrbSVkPQ6aKO1TxDLC9vHFGF+QAhiR2/lWEm7XCxzviBLrDQzxEsxLRgN0GT2remuoco7wjb2slwftKqrhDtRx1OKVWT5dDRW6nTSSQSK0JMcSBS44BBx2rlszObucs7GwvGmTed64Zugwa6bcysKLsRx6tJb27QQzyMHfcVB4NP2d9S1I3NP0z7VDDe3rgI7cgtgjH+f1rGcrXijVR7m9BqFumAs8axOMfd9DWDi27GqmkrFKe4fd5sLwyq38WzOPxppdGc0ndla9minR4M72gQyJlTtbPI/nVRjbUg54ymOJxuDlfvZXgE9q6REVorxTm4u4AbfOC2M4zWnTQEi1FqUEDFdOT74xvJ6e9Q4X3KII5v3wkuXLsTk7zxRyjuNudSikwtvs3EHO0U1GwNlC/N2scXnq0jMdw284HvVRcSGXdLtbm4uRvj2MBkbxgClKSC5NcSzC9KSyI2Du2gAKahLQQwJeTujSowS4fOQe3tTbXQcdzoJ5HtoIBcqHjGBEcY4H/16wer0Ldyp4kb7beqzymQyKM7flwO9OirKxLMiaV4iY7aCYhW+8zdK3vchkK2cqoJ51QsSfvHOM1VwL0tuEtMJJklgXYjAXjpUKWo7lcOlvj91G7Mnynp+NVcdyFbowxtcTbBuIwp70+UVysZUut8nzZOflAwop2sgL8csrwInlrtiGDhealjuOcyKA4iA29CRjOakVzPnVRcGUhR82MVogLdvq0hiMcbBV6Nn09KTgBaTUpbkGN5z5UYG1S2RUuFtQuZ1xqE1qDbNIfKZs4A6/jVKK6jUjQ8M3t3PrUP+jyS2ytsI3bQM+9TVSUTWCuemS6OYYJnVxDEQDj7w5GM5ryVV11Oh0Opzt3FaWGn3cltfz+ZGufMD4BHpXRCUptXWhg4qJyNzfXb3EFrBOkkjgOrZzye31rujFGZ0PgnVrzUfEiad4k1S5s7FdxbC8NjsKzqU4qN1uO7J9SvpD50NteOYxIRErdQueDURilZkt2LLeLtcZrIXGq3EotxiDzJPlTgrwPpVSgpdBN3MTXbyYwyXq3LT3WSMIck8dTRCOtmhGNY/aLgg3N+YFAyQVyT6it7JbFGvby6OJYtmn3N3FE+xlkYhWOeuKizfUqKR9I+HNE0Z/CUEOneHb+REi89orghYlJ5PGa46lN25lqyZxOG1Px7rkdu8UdwIYbXIjVEQqi56c59K5+RtpGepx/iDxlqWoWYMrObZx8ygDLZ4reFGKdwscbq2q/ZpBYi1ADAOrqxyPauynFS3Goi6p9ou7OEWyBhIM44BHrzTVkNmjqGni20qyeS6jN42TsQfdHHJNZqV2IjtbV5reaSfEz4IVmblRRzW2AqX1tD9niiaBIjnBYnlqcW1swMu9uLSC0exgDpk5Y1tC71YGTcMGOBu2+/WtkkMhhdoyRApDN707Ab2i6fC06tfq3lkbgQ2M1hUk1sB019aaXbaVuE/lzPkLuIJAxwa5VKTlqTc5K6+0y27xptmgDZZ93PtXYkUijK15ZKFkmw0i5ABzxWisDKm55lBkGMtjOKdkAty0MMflruLjnOaaQDrG5FuwfYT3OBzQxm/pWo3VzNGyQR+Wkvm7WXBzWTSY0eoQ/EyF4IbPS7W8j1kgRGeKXAUcegz2rjVBwfNcu6PUPBupeKZGt5VvHnlmcxyfaASI1C5yG7k9KPa3YmdFqHhTT/F99HoPirRIbmR1L/bMlVjQck59e1EYyvdIho+btRhsdO1fVdDidryxt7iWG03zZUKCcHHc053siUVrC3t4rEpOshiGWWMPg9fak23IDnNanspB5z2zh9xCpvBGB3roimkCNjwX9gu7e80+YpEkyB4ht3MGGeBUVbqzRaVzH1nVES1fS1icFG3GVWx09quENbi2NTw7cpqmjPGJ7K0WyhCRQyJuabjk59aipBxdxkCrdaXFC17EYbdwXjZZMdfSlpJaMDY1ZI9M8M2N7bSXCanfvtjCvkhBg5J7Zz+lOL5pa9Cnoem/D/xJLLDDpWoeH9FjSzAeSW/m3XFy3sTmspqL1ZcY3Ozk8VafafbI/8AhFraLy1wPLkT7x9MCotG1gaseeadqZl1JI5t+k6VEjBlluCzO59vSueotLLVkF/TYfD1zJ9ou59MmhJOUmuPmLDIBA7ipjGewrnoFtear4Y0W2j0Kzh1G3uRlWj+YwjGcZzwOa1imldikzzPxvf33iO9hnWyZ9ZRxH5XG3k4HPTAqKcves9jM5fxRYp4Vezk1eG1h1M5d1hfdnHOTxW0U5pqLKuc5rGqC+BW1ZkUN5jOOc5HNbQpuO4EV7qOka3cWFnFY21nLGyx3Fw5OGHGWNbRg46gi7Lp/gjRZ5x/bNxqNwswCG24hZD1BzUyVR7Iok1fxRrGs2kMSpp9naW3EfkqEdlHYmpVNL1AytA1OZ/EJijjhYRg7XmkIVQKuULxC5peJ9U+1aRaRXkr3QY5zklE9gayjD3nYtlEXLWdvboL17eJ2Ll1Y7iMYGf896u1yCjaalqhkktZiDbTnklyN4znJNaKKbuSzEv3+03P2O1CIQxVCDyfxrWKtqJF+LRvKEcFzLl9o3bSKhzuM3PD+kSNazwWkEBljQys74JCj0JrKbbAwdX1eN0VXtQNmTkDJY8VcINBY29NW2exW3iLlrmLfMygDYeMAYPSlUi07iEe3giWBmuIpGWYKVIyxrO4ir4hmvLC9fV0kt4Z2JRIUQcD3rWCTA5gQyrKlzKF/etkgHrk1tbQZvWsUN67WCCG2kQDbheo7/Ws3dK4G9aW9lpUDNFeJvxlu3Tkj9K5pNz3EhsjQora9I6FZlPlRuBtyPbFJXXulXMNLhb24lvdStfNjDbkhX5d2f6V0KNthh4e1LTLXX4LmbTAwi6QxsQCfc1bi2ik7amh441i5vrqSaO4EKTYT7PkkIvv+dZwgkVKdztfh/aeCWnh0671bWLmdYvOuXt02xKeMDPoDWVSMt2jSKVizq2gaBJqHn6ff3DB2JEdzGOg6Hg1zOo4qzBxscT4hM2oXYEKtCY2AY4ADYHpW9KPIrszbLtlqE8okubl5RHEoXdj75AGBRKKBSO58GaTrN6LbVYdOsJ4NjCSC5uBHx2YY71Dt3Gkdfc+C7+6EN3pmlanHG5V0CTAqGU7vlOemRT95bIHc9O0Wym1zRLF/F2m3FncWc4KRSEKpIPB4PStoPnVmRr0ML4i+F/Dbaumo3OtpAgG1o4Rk56Zwa561GMdLmsE+p5F4x0TRpdQvk8PeKpSBGrMskR7ZyoKj2/WoiuW2gptnnkerR/2VqMGo3twJkIFvFGMJJ6579K6XDVNGV7nI38tw4jaOOVUU5GFroiSzS8I6he/Z9QQ6j9jtWwsh2gkg/WnOEWO5hXk1zcXqtNdmcIMI2MAAdKqKQriR3JaQljyMgbR1qrAdb4QZtRgnjm/dgwuPN7RngD+dYz0YzOgsXn1tUilt7qCIjzGwQHA9ad/d1BK52Oj2LXC3Nldw22mxTIZIn6Bfy/rXPzrdF8tjGsrIpHPFIJJ4oiNrY4PrT5gs2h+t2em3MlvDp9uYi4zM7kcFeenpTi2tzMxdVS0gQLLJK9wzAD5flUfX8q1i7gZE8MkQaWBkbByMjOTWiaAzrq5u5pzJcbt7csAOM1pcAW3luUHlIFCgli2cGi4Fm1gZQfMSKbjpjpQxmzpWj2FzGZb278qIngJyw9gKxnKXRAfS3wQ1P4ceH1mXR2sI7oxgzXF9cbZXOOnIOOfSs1zP4iuVGl44+MfhnSPEz3FjpJnukthCZkn+UDr0HXrTUU9R2SPnr4h+JLfVDc6ubbTxNft8m5RJIgHGBkcVtCNhSOa0q7CWJtZrgoQQy/w7Sama10Iudau640mGOPUEmPYOxyM+lc1rSuK5vXXhm2tNLtBa6nNG9+pdmkwFDD0NZ83vbDPPrq1nMhiKPKysV3sOM+xrpT6gJd6DrELxxrazXULKHwoLDmtFNDuafgPU28y/wBJurbcZozHDCSV2yZHOO54x+NTNX1C4XXgnU73VkKQMsZYhgF4XAz3NZuqkIr6npVtany57nLxHGB0/nQqjkAmmaPNfXwFjayTu+BFhgMueAKcpdLjPpWSP4g6P8O1tL2fS9JuobNgAx8ximBk/kMVNONpCZ82a34huL7UUutyT3cMWwERjDHnnFdcopoFoZfiLxNfapHCl1Dbo8Pykxx7WPpms4wSHcxY7gtJsTci44JatFGwXLVpfukbq0m7J4Pek4oRahBvXjliuOC3zR7up9cVAD4dIOpTv5l3aoYzjD8Eihz5UIsz28mi3GwCyZWGDtQNwe4NRfmAv6de3HnfZ5JbhrF8q1uhIU/WpmrITK95cafHG3lxrEN7L5SrjA6c+tWkwDQtQezsbq2MMM8U44JXJQA5yD25olFDF1VdOmsonS7nNxuDSdwAOwqEmtxkngnVNd0nXxd6HJJHdK2I8pknPrWjtYdz6G+E2oeINT8S/wBv6pb2900iiNmaHJjIAGAegHFcyn71hXO01Lxl4wsvGl3Y6b4durnShaIryuNo85jjcO5UA11JpIdzN1F9b0bxObbxMkmpaTqlkIwlsjMIpQSehzjqOfaonJPcZ8l+Pxf6d4ovUf7THEZmCF1I3DPSrptNWFcwLtMRCQMSj92OTWiQisUyoA3Mc9BVAPUyxB0bKjr15oAnmuG8jfI6qoxkbuamyAgt7lYbhZPMCqD94807XAkh1OeS5SUM8iqwIU9DUuKsB1drr93f20o1G0gnXJEQZBmP6GsuVLYRzWt3ZnuEjxhEG1sjpWsUNFqDVbt7eKOCJTFEMcKMkcd6mUQO103x5db7VrhBfSWvzRLPIzIvH93pWbgIYltf6+02syXkVrFIzNudcKWPJAAqJNR0AzHaSC3aaKdZZYiCSg+6opaSVmBr30kV3pMd5Z3KwHhZNq55696zS1swMu+zfn7Q0zM+zDFOMgdDWiVhGNLNepMyfaHhYrt5Ynp9atJNDNjSEtJrVDdkXMsR6I3Vfepd0BSilCystvDEvllsIqgsTnpV+bC4zR9MurppnkuPsqNJho2HapnUSC502k6VbWeofbmaSeOLALx8YHrXPOpzKwzn/F97HLeLdAHy4jwGAy9dFGKUdQOUaR3vJLrbsVpCVA7Z7V06WEdPouo6msT2iSPDuXeXPJ/zxWE4p9ANNtRnjFo8ExvboMySO8eAFI4x79ax5E9GNHJa27W98yi4ldwTvDkkDmuqCTQ7met5LI4WYjBHVe1aWEatjaS3cWx428oD5nB5/KobSEWFS4jiCadYzMYfvzqh+X61IBZwXM1w9xcSSOzAhgRznFOTsItpF5gUbWIDAMF6is2wLLRwx39v5amMk4MinmlqwLt+kMz7XnIYDjd1HPrURbKuZ76PY/ZLu4ku3luUx5KhTjtzV82qE2b/AIc+HmuatoQ1dorY23OJLiXyxwPSk6mtkK4eF/Ex8Ix31rFZxghyHjUghvelKHNqDRmy6nBeWoltLJGaRyzGRsE59uKpRaKOSuY/Pv5EtoQrM2CM8CtlJICGfR7+GQKYgxbkBTkgU1NMCldwXFs6pcoUfGeasBLdTJKqqu4+maT2A7/w7LdPYrFJBEhjAGxh82PWuKqtbiLN3eSKqQxsqqrF9uecms4xuwuZV9fvGqKkSAB9zsvU+1bKmATeIJpVWC12IuMNheW+uKbprdiKl3M6SOXLxF8/N/dNUrMC9pf7i7gVrq4a3UZm+bjHbAqHa2gyvqIsLjUZ8xtsY7kL9SM8VpG9gM+Oa4jTEUccagkKD3/CqQDbYPc3DFtkIyNxBx+QpgaeraHbyQodKv0vXjXdIdm3BqIzd9UBlCLURbojLKY+ykHbV3QHU2M99aR2kUZkjjKs2ISQenOazdnqBdt/D019avqmqXNva2pjZoPPwXlIB4FS5WdkM4bUtNurqVjBDGEiP3xgcHit1KwzJu7Ka2ujFNhx3I7VadxDokmRlmSN2X0AouK5bsrxBqCSiMQlCM/LxUvUZpNqiy3W2IqwJ+6D94VHLYBI4rB0LrCYpOyhutGoje8Lwatbxz3luttJbuoV4xIN5H0NZya6gPMNwkDiS3kXzSByvPB6Z/Gi67lqxl3WmBJxLPZuFPaQHkU+bQTKU2pyaez29jAAHGNy9hV27isO07TY7jdJeyJEsg+UnORQ5W2AXU7bQbO0kFvczfaAwHPKlcc/rTg5MZzLttkO1y47E1tYCRS7Izb24Gakk6maYxAyRuCH+7gcVzKwhVnmSyDOijcepGKVkBasby5nVPt06LbqmFI5x17VLS3QzY3W62v2ezeOJZE3CeUfMT3rn13YGDPaTpehvPwenXKmtk9ATF1FpY5BJu891VeSMBauLGZF5eXYuZD5io7YyynrxWqiloVcntZp1aKZ5WkkDAYPJp8o1Kx3vw68Han4s1KaeyjijhtwS8kh6+y+prmrTUEU03qUfG/h+50LWZ4FZov3RZTJ3I7VnSqKaVzLqcVPqFxJGFnbccZrrjCwE/h+xkur6MRMA2funnNOb5YmkDv5YrtbUWctkW2MSwyBxivOla90ypMy7x1kjVFt1t44+FAHOc9apLqZplsz501VjQSRpJtKoOT71PLqMsa6UuYZp5glp+7iSFFxzhQP6UoaOwOxyoiuYdOYSTp5crksCOpFdV7shmJevd+c1osu5MggA8Gt42Hc1INMb7KivHIsvr0BqHMsvL4bZ5jJc3gUKOUHUDFT7QTsU49L0q2/0v7U8u3houhzVXctCWzpdCezu4C1jCIWkIDSMMkAelcla8XqSybxDpkQkLiaWRym3ceBUUqjbEmcylhZwXIubyVmjUjK56iutSdtCjYjudLkKiyjWOBcBXJySPasXGW7LgrvUv3v9nxqZlX7dBbQgupOCGycdKUb9TeSiihrGtWF1b6aptVi8sO7Rxpz04BNaRptNmMmmjEm1c3rSK0IjSQ4GO1a+z5VczsS26RNGRKrSLjj1NS3roBWWQzqPPDRxjqe1MRVSZZpGyhIiUhSfStLAZc0gmeMFN55A9qtDNW2gMlph1SNVxkdC3elJgS/vWdsOqc4G2oERXTYm2zyPt7Ad6EhFJmDy8KAv1rRDK1xsQNsPBqkxljw7BeXMssVvC0mOTgdKVWSitSowctjvdN8BDdHd6he26xFDJtblvyrzqmMW0UbKl3J9Ngs4717aN4poI5A7SxjAx6Gs6kpNXNIJXNzVtceOzu4RGn2TjY4PXHb+dYwo7Pqayq6WPMfE+r/AG2XYAqqMAKvSvTo0+U5JyuV/DFk95qiSmJnWMgtz09K2qySVjM6WyYyXjqbV5JWYiMMePwrnltoM17rw7LpebvV4PskroGjjwTkYz1rF1buyEzIljsXBlkt1LhcKNxIB9a0i3sSUp3tBB5ahoDnnb1PrWqg7gZshMskVvAZFXOznqc1pZ2uyluemmz8MJPawC5mS6gYFog4yWA6fXNcXNUu+xr7qNjxD8WddubGTSYpJbSz8vymAXEjcfyrZXskRN3OQ8JRmVxbDTg0UwLTTSHjgHjJrnrLrcmCTOqtdEtI4o3W1tHVidmTkfQelc/PK5fIavh74X33iLw0Ly1trCW8nuTEXbkRLnGfwFdEIzbVthSg1sZfiX4QXugWnl29214+MuwXYqnuB7VTrNOzRjJ2PPpbYQP5eoSsqDKr5Y3mtYyvsBRiRYrsCGWVrfhtzcN164q+moFgPYzastvLMJRvGZWOAKSi7aDGahp9hc3bXDI0dsSQGHQiqjJoDBNuoyNjSoh4WtubqBNrMOnWca+UXErICVK9M9qFJ9Rifb3WC1HlyEBDtyCM0nG4ib7aGhllu4WJIODjgDHWo5bbAZsIe4mWBUkaMsPuA4Fa6ICPVBHHdGCKNnKDD5PQ56UR1GMuNQkngt7OQxRJG3VRzWlgIntYmErC5Bxjb6mgC5Y20UU4KSozBScHnPFS2M0/COk6xr+uGx0qOaeRQWkES/dXuTUvVXA9l0bwX8NdKv7PT18QXB114w11vb5Y3PbI6VlVjKSuUrHpOnaXfWE9jaRak19YwS+YBbp09ie4rl5WtR3OW+KPxW1DUb278Pw6rNoUSjyJHWAB5AOoDVXNO17EtnhWpNbxSbtMmMggbnzOsh/vfWtUm17xJb0iCXWUuFDJCEADMGOfeonJRCxh6zZJb6o1nbu0pjONzdK3hK6uCNDwhcRWdxczurfaI4yiYHQnvmlPUtOxTOmm8ubx2Ys0al9yLkZ96any2JeonhnSZrTUknudjQKcEBsbqipUTjoNaHR67ALrwo+q+dbjyJFhW3zlsHuKxhpOwjmkvdT1K6htFjQNkJEzcBcfyrZtR1C50Wj6P4ln1J4Xjju3/ikD8jHofpUSnC2hUW2e9aR4R8BXtjNaaY1xPMsYe6drj5t4GSMmuaSl8RbV0cLq2h6VeveWunyvDZhspFJMGkdvasuZxd0iHojn4vD0trrU6JozFlt8KhQtt/2vrWqq3itSCXwLDfrqMOm33iK60uzO/wAyRiQM+laymmtALvi3wdfaZYTahY+LIZYsbtqy7WcZ4NZwkr2cRM818X3c8kaRy3L3DmIkyMpP6muuklvsCNDwL4atrzw5/a9z4ghtEmXa6EbmUg+lXWdtiincaBaxX80MF21+B90ouN9Zqo2tdBFGXTLqaFkWyktgnVnXr+NUqi7hcSy8P3U8ih7lU2/3jjke1KVXl3C4up2cs2sQadaqZrqQhBsGAxq4yurjRZW7m0vUWstas2a2hbARTyh70OPNqh3Kt5fyTX895DIDbsu0Kwz8vbFCjYVws/JutLmlmyDE4KnOOvGKNVsIZplnaw6jFcNGWjV8k54NOTugJb5I2iubqW9hAZiI4EbLChAYgu7m3VJPNLp02hyMj0rXlAni+0avIsIhiTC8Y4496TVgN/UTp2g6EbGFi2qS7WJU5wvpWSTm79BDNNVbqGd7cqzoobLtyCPQUSVhCeKJ47ryXTYJWTM4xn5u5FEFbcDmbq3Rp4kgnKsfvFhjFbIZcs5bg3sccMitIknyyjv2xn0ok1FAal7pk/28WV5Ey3ROcA5AB5zWLmkrgaZsLk6G9o5hl8j5Y2HRSTWTfvXC5keJ2v1URrlchSdox2rWlZgUfDN9aWRuprq2aeQptQN0U+tbSTewxl9eecskoQKWbqx5pJW0GjS8O6vf6bdSQ6Y8bT3cXksTzgEiplBPcpSsdPY6/DPILDypBMgwZQ3Q98e1ck6Lvc0UisWsIN9/d3Rdzu8o5yG+tCTtZEtmNa6q9zCyO5S2jO8RkcMRW/IiDqdC8W6d9jjt9QtmVpMsoibbhR2rGdGV7xNYzXU7Twj4xSwt477TNdviqOQtsJsqg9MVKcovY6I8kjota+KXiDVNNWO5l8uM5ERCHcMd6HWdi1CJzsWoatqU8sdpcMxRMl5UzjHqTXNJ31kVbsYGreJpLMyyWtxb+fHhJdqYDZznn6VUKfMtdjlqdTkby7iuE+0rEqNG+8KwzuOf5V1JWOaxqGW6urQ3809pEyjIicADH0poVjm9YvdFXRysQIvpX+dVXC4raMZNj0Me1aCeJFk2qM8gHmtWhE5tbCO43G4bIYAADjBpXA3nuoLa0ubXRik4G1iw4b3/AJ1m1rdhcpadd3WnXFvc3MRWMOC0cf8AH7GiS5kVF2NHWNQmvY/PckC5OBCG5X0rGEOUtyubmlyzPo1jYwxhvlZZc/wncep71jJK+5SdzNWyXSbw32rhwpc4i3ckc8/StVLm0Rm1qYPiLUY9RabyItoY/KFH3FreEbIgpaRdxW1i8cMgWRz93GSTVuIFbUHuftXk+WHYnsOpNNOwC6zdXsFpFbziNcx4wBiqSAyrRpEdXU4H1p2AvQTSSSBFLE5yApqWgOl8F+Er/wAWa9FYWl3FZrISDcTA7FI7E1PMooLno/hf4Z6DpupTaL4u8TWc2rXMbNZrDL8hGcDJPeknzbBc888beG5PB3iqPTtStFhidS4ZJBJ+73HBz+FadBsW2l0e4uRPIk0lpna0jJnd9KwlzdCWbV7qMEumvFCAsMZBiOz5kx3rBRad2Io2+qokLl7iW6KcgHOFHsKtRKLOsa5FqmiR20dsYPmXZJjAX1yaIwswNDQv7X0y4s0stXs7t7gEOiSZ2D0q2kx2OMa6vbTxFPrMULFrO43uR0BDVql7omjs/Fd/J/YVrfyeJBLJqWZTDAPmhJHfFYqF3sBg6lpi3OqQWumTSXdm0ab7mWMjBI+Y/hTXmK56r8OPhn4P1YxPB45SS9U5jhiGwqVPoajVgdf8TbK/1OC7sNAvri5ktYxbXlzK20DdjIA9cVUPdYM89+EHw+toviK08Wt6WHsf+WF3wGyCOQepya2bbJvfQ9c+OnhiObwvBa29paK07qZpbG1UvtXnI471FilFo+UvFmleF9O1ua2sb+6kjVAAZ12sH75HpmtI3sMx0sYvsDfZnWSRG6nuKd3cCbR3uLNo5I2jD7+fbFTIRa1q+kgvsl7aZZR85AAI70ooEZc032yZQjKrfdXJpqyQzc0p/EeiXbRrcpAMZJcA9elRLlkIr31lp8s0sk+qtLfykvsWPgk8nmri9AsSeGtRv7GzlsovLaF5P3hZMkdQBn8aU0gsbx1WO0tfsEOm20kzAlmI5JxxWFr7sYy0ub2YRRPHBpsLSjzLkjlfXmq5UlpqJn174D0HR7TwPYR6NdTPDLbq/nqP9YWUHd+fNSoXCI6W+1nw74Tub7WbaTW5beTI+ynDsmBt/Tr9K1SLseU/Fn4nX2n6fpOu6ZbmxuIpWL2kzZdVZcLn8atQTA4Lxp8U/DXjr4by6Tq+i/Z9bgdXiuI1GGO4d+vTNNQtsI8TkhInAWRQueOa0EXNdt7ayuImsbsT7owzbexNSrjM+eeWVvmxgjGaoRc0+BEnJMKTgjJz0AFRIC/efY1h8+305VGfmdjkflU6iKpVOJvOQ78YVFAAqrDNOO3muLmGL5EiHPyDnFZNiMbXvLW9mSIEKnHzDk1pFjuJpC3MqqIY3wxAHFEmgNuee3sohsKtLtIfK8A+1Ra4i74fvJp9PZcEW7fNjGef6VnUSTA0dNtIodRnm81I4riLY3mNxms5NtCJmmt7S0axYBonBKlRgFsn+lRrJ3GZDWV2l4kMcoSJRzjoa15lYCOVoRfCO+dX+Q/dHOccVpHbQCxoelWUKyzSXMy7iFCL1HvUSkxXLlnpFhZXpvFv1kYth1P3h71lKbelhO5Df6rFZyPDDDIydS/qfeqUG9ykjpNK1NbrTiJtlvBHGHZFHMmPWsXD3h3OW1O0stV1BryOXf8AvgI4R90Ka6YNxQrmPc6dbJqYEm2JGk6A/KBmtHJ2A7WybT4JJWsltpmQbI8jl8jBrmd+ojBvGhguDHFG0chySAc7TVxdgObv4Hur6bMixrjOXOCa6IaIoZa6bDcEmFzsRRuPvVOdhG5ptqIbMC3mMjIMy5PQ5NZOQEkN7qkUdxHFcPBDPw4QcMB3qrqwiKytJoXkuBK04cYyeBzUN3GWYGa3lLzgRxkYJA60WYirqcVlLIrLdtt2hi3Qg4zinEDPjuHvbr7M9y2xeVO05PtVNWQzqbUa1DZxLbW+8lOGC7mwD6Vj7t9WBIPFeuFIrDUFleC2bckEmUGO4qlFboLIivL+01DUZNXjtUh+0zbfJZMhM8YzRJdEA7WNH0K3uI7e8trhL09TBJhF/CojKXQLmHrFnbWbRfYVLTOW4LZPHc1pBt7jMaS91KOdnkLRtjt2rZJAZl3NLNKWkYuxI5Jq0BZ062t5WIecxyE4jIPQ0pAdPp0ep2eoGeWaGQkBeX68d65p2YEuqx3UlzLM6orY4SPt71MbIQ3T9IlmSKd9StQj5Lxt94fhV83kBpeAbbTLe71NdUtfPLLiBwcBWz1+lTUbSEQarZltQuHMkciyNlQVwBSi7IC/cW8CabKL8wpKIx5BjH3setSnd6AcdM1zcTCRWG5Pkz1GBXWrWGb+mWlu0ENzfSsXRidgXI4rGUnfQRi3n2W015Lq2YSIGBCkcHnuK0SutSglu5hdKbYMvmNll6CkIt3d3qVkUhuGjkijIJVTkc80tALS3d88LXIR1BX5RjseOKLJBoZeq6tNPBHFPuVoCdiHOQKqEeozJXVrr7uRsyDj8a0sgLlpOt2jvLF5j9xnqalqwE9uNTSFlt7LZGc/fxnFIRY0SWytpiNTsN4b7wzSkm9gL9zNpUckUllp0FuRwTIN2R61Nn1An07TtPlE9155dlOQqqNuMVF2IZo9jptxfKw1tbGQHaRIvH507trVDI9ZvLqzkktTefaYkclJEbKt704xTGjFuNZu3txG1w7cnKH0q4wW4GZJdujvJtJYjgY6Vq1cC3c6mGt4WMxLj7646VKiBkTyF5GbccZOQTVrQBkKSEjYhbPQU7gWCWQtHjbnhhSA7hljuwI7ZAAowBj7tcLdhWLNvorNHLJd3AcRtlVJ9R2rP2gEltpEOo3KL9oeCANhsqOoB/SlKo46gLrViyW62kMjP5RySo7dKITTdwMC/tNUjgNy5byf1P5VvGcW7ALpGqzfYp7KO3WaOQYLFfmz9TVTiiiOfSZhpwmS3wQ3LEZz14oUk2JmPFb3094ESJpZCOADW10ho9L8AeMf+Eb0S7h8km9XHlKHwVb3Fc9aHOac7tYoa/cf2hYx309y2oXcq7psHOxvSskuSRFupy2xZHBWBAoXGM5NbJknTeGYrJJYzFEhkeLcxL/cOTWVS70NI6HQ3tpbWstvqcmrwsJgciMbiMe36Vyrmfu2Klaxz8+XkklW5e43E4wuAB24rZKy00MR7apBpFqY7UszzAeapTJHrj0o9nz7juZaXM+saqi28S2kOBkzP6dSSa2UUkIra5coXkhFytwqk5VMED6H8KcI9WAzQ7JppTd3FnM8KAAsOAvPc1U5W0Q0jcub20i1BbGctB5KnAJLluOKxUW1djuSukkyxCNTKdnzP0z9c1KaT1JbKtv4YjkkVr3UYkj8zLKuckdcZxVPEO2iFc6aPUNO0/TmstNht4YUfKknczHnnNc0oym7yE9Tm9c1eScMzwttTgHd1Nb0qdgSObOsqnytabVz87btxNdcaehSRLokF9dXEcdmIyrfeZiAFpTslqawieh+HdNksNK1bz1jcy24y6/N61wVJqUkbKGjMXT7CSfRpPsdrDNeSko08rf6tSOcCtW7SvcnktE56XT2tJEsYYEu5NwJcNwDmt+dPU5upspbSLFEJIwI1IJCgZ+lYt6gR3c2n+eyLatJGF4BbvTimScw1vPJLLLtECucAMeMV0xKIbSGee7W1g2GRT2IHetHohpHc+H/AANq+ow/aYL7TmmJKeSbhdwx174rmnVVxuD6Ca34VvdLnktXu7RLmMEujSgk+uMHmso1b9CWrHJQaZJepJPLqEYMZ4iCkufYYrp51ELFifQLq3tkkns7hfNH7oMMFvfFZqvFu1wsygfD2tPewWMelXQlmPyK6EbvpmtvaRWtylFs9d+F/gXWNF0y+1HXJdOsImARRNKN7c/WuHF1FVWhtC8EZniq4lsZrhYbywuWc7SVYHAPpWFKmmL2jZzGnf2g2nvaW9hdZnbIkWMgdeMn0rofLfmbJ5rGZrNzqNpcf2VdTo+z5mCtnnHStqcIy1QnIyTbSuGOOS/THNdCaRJbtJbqx/0ZXBE5wQp6fWk0pagjttN0W7/trSbeB2l3uC+1uVHv6Vz80dTRRPbfHWveEJfDg0PU/Mk1ixtNqIq5w20Y578Yrmkub3kKa7HgF4Wt9MkeSRSoQHn1yeM10Rs2kZ2M7RrUalLGsRKRqGeadjgDAzWrkoodjc+G3hiXxd8TbKwtYJ20m3nWS8mJCgxqctyfWtYtNaspLU+prbw/oBZjZ+FtNFyshBd8M5A77uxrCpC790Urnmv/AArjWPEPxQu7i8srDTobe3R4ovM3LICzAZ9+KlQ05UKK7no1/wDDqK78Jf2FqlzY6faq5AaxUGQ8ZOScc1msM3PmE3roee+N/h54O8G6Rp+nw6xqd9qmqXMcNhCZgCWLAEkdhWkqcguytpPgLx54CvhrOk69Gtsjb5LaaYsnPUbfWn7bkVmh8zRc8Z/EJ724aLWhDDAybXWDhmOOvNYSTqu63MZani2qXUBnY2kbPCWxEWILYz3xWqj7uo0VoHna7M4tmClSuACRgVV0MkGmf2rfQ2tnCInnIGScDP1qlPlAuaiP7LvYo76W3uVhxugiOV+nFLSS90V7mX4ju4bm7aS2hW3jclljRccfWnCIzPs9T+ySfa/7MguJozhftClk/Kt7JoY3UNWvvEOoxSXctpZQxLtAiiKogPXgUrJbAa0v2aXSrSOK/tTGqspU/ePuazSd7gY1tqyW1lPAhNuhOQVXO72quURWNqjWH2vfJ5rEkjHb1NaIZmyWfmunkuCW5YsMYNWhhLEqwkOQrqfvZ6igCbw1MqamrSlQNjElhx+VTPYZ1mmW03/CSSKmrzaNBPD+8e3BVmXAJ6dqzUuVBY77w/H4RK2/h7w9Mt5qc7bpLu5ypOOcc1lNyeoWNrW9e8WeB7/So7nUra3ku2+WNirxhRnrjpn+tVFqzuM4v41+Jb/xFPYpHbgXkDFnkiHDA9frSgle7FazON0lLtLwXWqJlccJjAPHenJ30iI3NPO+Nns0TyQcsRwRWMo20YGBrUr3zyXKN5UjEKEDZbjqa2grKwJGkot47NI7N5pOF81ioUEmolcop3V5qdtqLWWns0MEoCyso3ZHcGnZNXYXNbVpLixuLO6mgw0y/umeMBB2yazVpXSG0ylrWlXMWk/23bvcGGVsOwwE359KuMlewuVkfh9p5LuJZAZUbALBf9We5z60p7aCsdvqc174Zntb20RiZsmJ3GVxjrXNBe1dmVH3Sv4O88+fq8995jvIzyWxn8pXB6k1pUnZctjRM9m+C/hTQtT0u/1ZdFae8kuiyzRnzDCh5AXPtTUHNakysdJZyvDf6ppWlWFxdXsyMpF66x+UcfLz7j2rH2aV7GZ4z40+FPj29cXk1rDBCCdym5z0zz0xWlKSp7knlF/DqDXf9mTRSmNJBEMPn5s9q6E1a4XOu8RxXdpo62soidooAMFFOAe31rnhq7oLHE+HNR0+1uPsZRwN20sgyM/SuySbRcWdLpN4lrqsl5Fai5EZOAcqqe/Fc04NqwMr634ss5reS2Lu0jSg4QkIBnJpwoS3IMx9diecQxoIETP+kb8kk+1bKlYZP4X0LVNWnvdYt71I4bJDJJcuxBAHTb71UmkgGW1peXE8jW1heanklmcqzbh3JpXW1wM65umRHPkwxScqY8fdFUkBDIsEtpGpChQfuhurHpxT2A6bQdMtWsUj1WQssbA+SDtyT71jKTWwGD4ufTbaaKKwtEiVixYKxbH4mtqSbV2ByzyAOFycelbAdL4UsimL25fyYvLY/eGTj296xqPQQ29u9Nl1XfbLJkgKWkXlfWiN7AVhHaw3E7RajKhU/J6tVPtYDc0rT73+xhrb3enRp/cncFz/AMBqHJXsDKlrp8NzBdaleIZYYgufLyOTQ5WEyXRrtEsXm07TGedGIUlcqF9TUS13A6OwlmOiPJKkct5dH95MSCVjHUD0rGVrgcpr10yNJb6YkkESsG4JYkit4RvuMkutVmSGC7t2dptgSQyKCM0RjZgiPQNNe9t9RubiMrCig+bjAz7Yqpzs9BmRqNp5ZVkkWTc2ML2NXB3AhjNxakbcRSFuHPb3q2gNjwxdxWuoebeSsLcqVeQDk59KxkhlbVrv71pGPNt45Cycc4ohEY2XUHNsIgFVMdABVWAS2eVUe8QDai7C3pmhgdp4L0mCzsINbuLjCGYMFJCjg9/auSvNt8qNYaHYw3UlzHHPaRws4JKSM3ygetcfLZ2Zo2+hWEl8ljPOkrC5nkGVjwBtxyKqyui4SaF/s7TpolS5tQrEZYjufUk0KUkyqkY2K2hWGnpqt1AipIGXy0Lc7c9cVUpSaRzqMTiPEVlqCapOsfnvaeZhnUDAGfauunJW1MZWuc/q1okMgCXMcryNtwM5X8xXWu5JsJ4dtIbSG4uruOIScBy3G4delZupd2SApXds9veC38yOSLcCDjG8exprYDotIvri3Nx/YWjxMqwEXbMhf5Qcls9qhpPdgGrajpt1p1pPAILa4YbfLXcSuP4jURVh6DNNs7a6uThrmR48ZIUY/OpnKyEdpo9pcafZxX8UCxW7MXNvKfndRn5u+ATmuObUpcvU2hFmNcRQa5dpJeSLNPMGIRZgFiXPANbQTgrIJI5HX9Dm0+RzGwWNOX2vnIzXXTnczaOdGftSgbo4wwwfWtmxGzJqP2EGC0CEbf8AWcFqi12I5+4mM0m53LsRkZFapWAWOJyoKjigC5CoSLdGJPOGMD1HtQB9AfCbxFrunfDARPYabHaLKHWVo1Mzc8jB6/nXNJx5rDSM79plPD0F9oF9ZNLM72pR0ESpsA5ByOepq6LuDPGb28GpaiZJ767mQRhEMzl2GOwyelbMRr+Hra5twsDXDtFy3lnoM96wqMDotPNvGRbPpdxdEk4dHwpH4Vzu7d7kkB0MTXAZFNkrNsIkcY/HFNTtoVcqXtrLaPPZbknt4yAGib5Tx71pF3GVNPh0yA3F4Hulu44ttrHGcAMPvEmqchGOWvnE6QGWXzMtIikkn61rdJAzc+Heova308L6dFdRvGQFkTJRuxBIrOo9BXPSvDfw48beJL8tI76ZZIqsRvAOz2Ucmud1F0J5tT0bwD4R+GWhhtVk1GaW6t5jumd8KjLwwz065pxk3uaRjdXM/wAf/FSELq0/hvwVLf6MsqGfVYGKpvHrxg9utbJR6jtY8Q0rxR4evvit/wAJP4g025ubHeZHhiADk7eMAcdcVtbQk9a1y++N1tcwah4R0a4OjXQAs7eWISyIh5AYA5H51DaW5d9DyP4o6T4uuJv7d8WaRY6fcSj5hCgjLe5XJ5ohUT0RNjj7SNhLC+/epXOEPIqmI1NJhsLe4a8u5TLE+f3OcMD61k2xFqTW9FtLwGLTbZmAwRMu8fjip5W9wRm6le2Utx9phtrdHbkLEowv0rSMbAR29+JZZEu2adXG0NjlabiBXuyEvy1sjiIDaGzkgdzQrDJ7S9mNvc2EPJd1beBnOM0SgBLeyJvW3uWm84JjJyeanYC5Hp+nxxRrc3t0zEbioUkD1qXKV9BHrXw7+I3iC3k0jQtN1e6GnRKI5EWHeyxjgc9qxvKKbYJ2PZx8PNXuLiTUf+Ex1ow6hGP3MDqoXpnOR9KpTm4qxotTyL9q/S/7PGk6VaXLX03kHzS2GlCgjBYjg962pRa3Ez58YpEoWQdRyD2+tbCK8oAIYsGHoppiF2RPbFkBVgcc0AV2Ybec5oAnSSa1KEjd7ZxkGgCGW4luBtcsq9QueKALNrbXEsy5gdE6gkY49azlIR1U2mqNMSSzuGlkPUDtwK5uf3gMrTbS4knLTRq0YzkEZ/GtmwNDUJ50gjhVQiKMpgAYotcEc3eSqHYMzYb07GtYjOp8E3qrpU1lcSoN5BUEfMSK56y1uJmhrayTQRrFGqbW59TWUFrcRPDLFNbx2twsjui4UiP5Tn3NTJNO4FS+S6ihZHHyrhdwYc/lVKzAyri0eCaOVXj80Hkrzj862TGafhz7Q2qyb5VUyIQCwyM1M2rXE0SLptvKLqSS6uLWQTYdvLyD9KlSaY0dBb+ELSa3FzB4ig810AWGRMsxrN1Wt0Mw/E9hqVlbPZXHG0bdyLj8PyqqbUtQsc9q189pbW8NvlVx1Axk1vGArB4fsbfULoS6xfNaW5OCAu459cU5vl2BnR6ja6RbTado2kbZfMYvJfsSNmeAuO1YrmauwKGsF9B1OfTIFacp8zXHUE49fxoilLVjMi2sIdQEs15dQqA3Khua0lJrZEmheRWGnwNDA6ESKvIbnFEbsDJkvktI2S0P7yQfMa0UU9xjLKe7nVYHudoySF9abSsBakldNyPMSccIGwKi1wFjmE1rh3JYAkLjJFOwFS0LQ3aOWVweBGCP8ihgdMLhtLngmksbaYTchPMBKj3I6GsnaWlwNO18TXOmTyNbzW1oZRvC7gSF6YzUOndCsM/ti01ORf7SmtJVDb9+CXodNxWgyt4m1eJ1tLaGGGGBfvFFAz78U6cWldgamt2l5d3aNp7WhhlgVluJWCg/KOBk9aUbLQRyUEkkN6Bd28biNjulD9T0ra19h2Iteu7O4hENuiqyqSSD1qoxaeo0cpMSZMFMN2FbDCJ8tlSVZT1HUUCNewnupp8JJGe5MnU1lJITOnuxqs1v508ttGkSgZTk4x3xXMnFMNivHaqsJm2NPI/CkHAp8wHQ3TWukeHrYTWqm+m5chiWVcdfSptzsSRzKxXEuoYmdkhIyM8GrTXQZYvr+5NnFLBZBbWPEbPJzvNEIdwRhm+Vbp7WKTbDJlmOOAa6LDsdno2iatq2h2semWnmySlwzl9q4GO9c0pqM9SVucRq9lcWN88F02JIyVLdRmuhO60KLsTyXC28Uah3kUA/LzUvQls6Kx8FT3nia1037ZEYpFWSXsQvcfWo57K4Jm/4ptG0LX1tNPY3NkAojEi5YY/pms01KN2JakHiNtN8V3dguowRae8cZSW4hiAzxwSB+VNSlDYo57XvA/2LcdFl/tGBQC0ijkZ9R61UKz6iuYB0q4tUxIt0kx5CrGeK150xkS2mozHe8c7RqeS7YxTugK90u9JJk8xHjO1eck0XGTCC7uXgjigmbf1PvRdbsRpTaNrmllFntZmSVcqV+YAe/vUqSYIxtVgurSTEsU0e7kBlPNWmii5p2q28dusE0YcckoV9vWpaEU7vy7h82ipExPIY/wCNUnYCDyLp3X9zJJnuoquawEsGjXsx+eMQqx4ZjUuokImu9AZI3lS4EhQfOFBwD9aI1ExmckZifYSFJxitAEkgkFwqF15GetAHrcyaXo+kwxXNpIbl1DFicEAj0xXmSbkxszNXaK5SAW7qsUoxsxjbyQM8/SiCs9QSEs4Z9Kuo7eaRQSpPQ4x2Ofzo0mmJ6GZrOrXH2gxRg7Sfm+bGcfhWsIaCRYsPEFrPbNY3EMiMoGCZTtP4YpOk07obF0ybTWllW5QbM7twkxsA6jjk05Ka2Gin4o1Oyk1Sf+wmaDT3WIqDIxO4IAx5981dOLS97cGZEGryWf7uyQh2GGlPJ/8ArVrZMRGz38ULXE6y/veFcp1P4mjRjOw8GWUctt/adzIyRwDzPK2jMpHbrXNWbTslqVcydOguri/nbdFai6Ys8rpxGvsKG1ZEjIUuU/tOS1n+0xoBiVSRhRxnB9a0WtrhcZoU0pJL7CrcAMO1KcFuhnQXZltbcrLCI1ERYGNSWNYWT2FYh1q70K71yBdJE8dmqKsjSR5ZjjkgZqoqSWo2kZUxlvJXhso5JI1/2duBmqTtuSxsWmBI1mDAk/fwwO38qfOk7CJI9dhXTrrTfmCz7RnbyCDn6dqahd8xaZnQxXU2oIyyb2bo2egrbZWE2enaZYxJaztFEjpbMQ8of5j68V5tSTuTa5zuo6hNcXkenW/lW0CsSzsTuJ78itIxsrsSRDp+gX10zS/ao47ZZwGkdjk9e1OVRLoMNX0HTHEom1W5LK3yFIgy5+pPFVGc10C5gHw/pkkjRW+o3DyD75MWB+HNdHtJ22NIK5u6Lpr2AcL5lxCxALkbQP1rGc+ZGyR0ujPrVxcT2cMMNtaxJsBZuZPc8HNc0+WNn1HdmDrt3qHhfVftNpHFMs0WJDND9xj6Ct6ajUWpn7SzE+zyTaPHrUNxsdsoygKPmPcCq2fKS7bnPw39hZS7F+1Xbk/MGcqvP41pyXJ0ZrOtukEc3mYZlJ2bASvpWavcVjlLqVZZjGkks0vRUUklifQV0xQWPcvhd+zp4p1Xw3/b+ualb6FHOoMEXlCWYg9zkgD6ZqmtCuVok8VfDcaL4lsPBvhK91PWfEF1gyTzRLFbQKerMy8gY9zWK13EpO9j0fU/hfrN5NbXWu63psuoWkYVYkhEajA5ySCWrGpRb+EGm2ZrfATXRqv9s215pDzvgCNkbAHXjHH51lOhVceV7Ds0cT8QNJn8LeKDD4ysgZ54g+nmzlUoGzj5t5BHTPHrRChyxsmNSvucv4w8T6jfeIdIsNWv0uraNl3y2kY3QqeMAjgtitKdKyv1G3ZnYR6B4Jvp43sNM17WTGpeVrq+VFJx+GPyrCdRxdrhN9jzy/W41nxImmaB4YuUkRyrw/aFfJzxnPSt4K0btmUVqem2nwj8U6to4t73V4NMcjCQPlvK74+Uj9KyiveukNmDP8FbjSoJNQvvEYmmUFmiFm65x/tE81pOrJLRf19xLmWfh78P9U1CyudX0r7DLtLLI0p3bB6gYPNROcuxXmcrZ+HtPhv76QXYu7tJDx5WFDZ6daSqzaStYcZFvSNevZHSQFLETymPzAvGwHHUiqlDtqdHN7o601O70vVbh7K9ju7u5fy1jaRApUjGWGKOVTWxknqejp8LZdS8PWSwWukmYP590TdZYnHTIzgfhUtTixNdTL1DwvPZQXEd9b6Xp2mxqytKHU784A4GO+K5uZ38xxMv7Jb3FmEtdRiFmibGMQMRPsTmmqs4vbUsp6jFItikd3qkhtox/qLMtu2A9GbP612Uql2DPoT4fXmi6ppgm8LaI0FjFCkQvGbc8rLklRnJ4zya7dErkShpdGD8QNJ02/ghn1/R7jU1tTI0VpCzIrNjILbevTv7e9YTqcupmkY+jGx8Rvam+0DTvD1wjLHAzWod4U6ZDECkqjky3FHe67B4d1Cwks2MJ06D5WkOY0mcD7x4Bx9DTmr7kNHHvpHgHW5pZtL8L6LeCAsryTMCrMOSAduT9a5ZPl2ZB5f4pfT9Tn82PwXb6dbWmYIntQFiLDq2QATnjj2+tHNZ7ks5S4u5bS1QQXkKrvJaJTlgOP8ACtI6gjF1K5e7gkmDmG4QhFVWwxz3GOgrWKsUlYq6VBczXE0SJs2LukkY9R9TVtoY66niTTYB9jWW481sPk5YDHGM1KtzAJq2rsdHWC702CJmfKLH8pGepPr261oovoI52SQnzAjAZTHzVfqNGczKsQ+UFj0x1FXoM0oLjYA9xAiwx/MEbq5/ClZCsVZrmWd3kAFusv8AAOQBQhmayyB/vFsHtwK0AkMyFVPllgB83NAG1oDWUNyl1FbCXLZeGU5wPrWUxlvWbu+uL6aS0tYYvOJKjZkop7delZxBml8NooLLWGvbzWLSzKgqXlYgr64ABp1m2tBpmvrMOjXviN5tP1WXUoo4xsKu2PNz2BHSsLyUdUV5mVrqzbovNmY3MrFdkaHIHfOaINWIbIrW1kjnit7tgLaU4cKQWH4Vd76iKUTTWF88aksuSCr9Bz7VVkwFvbJXYMBsmkJyR6cdKcWBY07T/s3NxeXUyF0UJEmVHuamctAJdYllSdI1jWVZXwAF+b+dRFaDuOuUu9VsVgW5WGGP5tkpLEfTp+Qqk1HUfNccdPmsNAWWc+dFcEhCJMBT67cmldN2QXJbq7tbbwjYmHVN0/nESWkafwj+ItRytzaC5j398+pEyzzyGJSFRDJ91fbNaKCQr3PSPhlB8K7tI7LxbqN691JKqQW+H2MCe+xc/rWc4z6aFxPc4bPSvCWnG48BamsMoBMVj55ELkepb5vxqVUjEJRZW+HWt+KZ7u+1fWPD9hd6vd36pcNFKMQxqigY5J9+ver5qbexKTOq8b+N/B2marBoGv3Uc9y/IgWBpAu88ZIyKJ8rQpI+dvihYaI/iy7Xw/psltZoCd+eS2MkqO351zqp2ZkjzKa9SLTbyKGwl+0TSBklaThQPaupR1TNDn4ry4guY2Xamw7uma6EMs6n4i1W8tTZGaOO36lVXBOaXKlqFxltot5Lpbag1v8A6GrhDKD1YihtXELHDJK62iopHXc3Rfek3bcDZ0CfX9Maa2sdYmstPkBErBiFf2xzmo54sCSz8X+KYrS403TLs21rcnErRwZcjp94jj8KTjFO7ApjTJGNxJeSTLhcxFsfOeM5pqaFch8P2Vq+oGS7vTHLAN6RPHuD46DIpyd0Mn17V5ZbotZ3UvmMeVjXCDHYZpRgBzdxIzszTSOHJ6Gt0A6CG1kCtcSuCV6A4Gc96TuB0nh6IXV19gs3aRXj3NgA4Az3NYVLpXEC+Gpb+8nEUyRFFL5bgNjtS9rZCJ/skWh27mW0ivpyh3HyQ6R8dcnvVqTkMwGuZpj80SmAMMjaB36VfKkFjck8SuqNAIIJLV3JMLIuRjp0rF09biLPh8XcSzzv5qWrIxRVjGMk9OTSlqwII7q8vEh0+3GxN5UAKA3r1FHLoNGxqssi2tti3ijEK+WwX+LHc0lF3BnGahfebF9m+z7AshfOeTXRGNhmlFfwx+H4YY7geYSS6sPWpcdQMaVJFPLFtxyMdq0Agf7w3oxZfwzmmBs4eHR2mZ4E2EBI3j5bPvWbWoFZPKnsZJXmYzh8Kixjn6mqsA2C1XzZJ7+WKBYgCsLH5pBSsUGpait5MBb2yWkAA2wpzkjPJNHKFzRvNflutCj0iCBY4oTljkEsfyqHTXNzDudVoOv26aLb2Vwq4Vdp2kAj8q5alF3ub02nozpFWyECz27+XKgwSzZ4Pbke9crTvY1dtzPnSN4JHVzFDHwGYcHjrVrR6oxlI5y9uJEIa11F5lfapUAHcecV0RV1qjFsPtEtrpkxuHaXfG21DJhQfy5qlEmxh6pp1paujXc58yQbmWN88+n1rdNvQLCX0tlbW0LHTpnXB2tMeM56j1pqLERRa2ZXi861s5towiuufp0quRAbvhvxBqNncXVtPP5VvdwMhiSMbWyOOv0FRKCAgOnT6lbyqn2eAqhbbt649PU1k5pOwHS6PEbfQwIb6SJllRZGW2yufTr/AErnlK8tSrXNmOK4hXXpby+a9kitFjQ+XhYh1OOfesW02rI3jsefm30m2hNyt35olDfcPzI2B1Gfeu6N+qM5bmVctcz2kcUjTsZHCR88EH2rVJJEGhceGryxhtzdyR227oswwx4+lJT5thMpLoUklutySoh37ZW5wvHrRzWETDT9CtPmd3KhDsIG4u3YU+aQjAneZJWymxTyB6Cthk1u147xSCXncFXP6cUnsB6n4Pkt30/Tk1KZoVJxIsYyxyeTj1rzqnNzaDuXvjX4o8Ma7o8Wm21pqcVzZALDPcxr8wHBGATgHHqa3oQa6iueY6TpFlLZre3epW4PmbPs0f8ArMY65rom2lcTLtxZS2kMU1jdTOkjlXBOSF+v/wBasVLmEbULSrYoIb0Kx++A7AH8BWLjrqMnim0V9L3yXszajE+HiZCQfzoSlF+QHNTfaNN1AXMkMq25fzNkiEZ59MVutUB19v4pkl8OLax6HYx/aHkZJ3gClQccA59qlwA09D1GwsVgvIBKkotHS6WKPG4t0OR2rKd7jLNpEE0m51/QdAivBZxmR/tEmMe5Xgn86lK7s2Kxt6B8Q/iFceIodYsvCWlNLcwAeWTLJtQDG4orjFbKMEtRo53x/dXmpeJdt/fX9rZXcazXUUEPlxLJjDBUbtkGhSTV0Wrsw9e8b61puljQrASjQQPkV4gglPPJA60QjFu73EcLp2rT2viG21KNlhkikDlgowuD1xXUo6CPbNf+K/xJ0ptNl1mWK50aSDdbSWwUiTI45AJB/KpcU00NHBfFf4gy+LLW1tVskSRP9a8hJc89PT9KilS5dRtnB6fF9olAaYQBep6nFakG7DqWn6bOWhQ3IdRE4IHT15rNwbAs3V5pU8ySWdoPs4INwJMF8d8HtU8ku4yrqF74ZuNWleysJbO2AAWPduJ9eaIxYMu6aun6hcGGGwEcUmRG24gr+dErokdrKWf/ACDraWG32DBGAST65/Opi3e4zFsrWe1v2m+xz3McHzusXO4AjrgdK1butwOpuLyLWY4r2y0FrUwxkOViYrnsSTxmufRaNiMO91GUyOJZC0ijgRqOtWoroBu/Djxnqng7WDf22mtdW84CzxPwWX2ODihxi9wZ9H/DPxde/Eyw1ZbQPoT2SoiO85dMkdcYAJGO/TimtNho8K8b6po+mvremalrurajrbXBUSOY2iYAg43A5A47e3StI3KZ5PclHcsNozzwc1oSVyADQAgx2OfxoAtoLdlUOTGeOQM0APawlYjbcxSjORyRj86TdgLdvo1nJbNLdzyQsp4AOc1nKfYC/HqNnBLDDa27XD5/esx61m1LdiOn1AJBponKpbQ52gDgs3oPauVXch2MHUpngiJt32MU+baOgPaumK7k2MSxnlknaW4zJGOCpY1tYdiK6RMtJE8aJn8qpDL3hhZTqJvQ2+OHqCPlOaio1awmdDfxRzn7WjymaTngkKg+lcqfQSNLRPs628kFwwkjkVcs+coc9R+VRO4mPvY7aeSQ2jJsVCQXOzP045pp2QIxZPDviO7uV22U0VpjezxybgV9ea1VSKQxmm2Qs75vLuvLQAkM46H60pSugLmuTSjR0U3G95VLGSNjgnP+FTBO9x3Klqn2WGKWHUTlSJNwc5Q47g1o/e0AjbxnfSa1BdTz3d/Hay+Yse/arn39qtU1FAbk1jp+oaWNYuLqGOZxv+zAksM+hrNycXYV2c3Y2kQvp0GpuEL5KA81bbAk1N3eQ29vdeWq8r5nBPvgUJdxiaSkcsDWV3fbJC27fgkkegolpsMx7i33aqYLC5CGWQKvnEDv1NaLbURduPCmoR3zpfalbptP7ySMl8fQ9KPaK2gGXdxwwSFEnaRhxuZataoCWya9n+eJkRYx95uM+tS0IZdLPdXHkRkuincxVf60XQyW5tbFLQRR74pw3zyBiBilcDWsra1ttKSSa0V3diFdZQWIPcgHj8qiTYGhbWmnTpsubOeRjgRku2Bx7VDkxGxqy6RHokWk2+n+Vduu6e5MQYhR0UE9OvtUwcr3GY0Ph7Spo3dbm4ZxtAEbAd8cdKtza3E2y9e+DtZtNTWC6spjYsgImmcYx9VJpOqrAVvEOo3ulWEemxxRSQRg+UQ4br3zShFPUaOYvb17ol/KSNlUBwGODxjP1roUUkMrWGlz3RdYTggZGR1p86QEEbTWF2WWCORozyGXdn8xVXTQEUkd1f6gy29qRK+TtI2gUXA3NL8PhYluZ71V8s/OgHOa56lS2wmzsdPtbO5shBby3PnBgXJj+XHbvz3rlbaewiCTw7NDeS3Ulx91PMiLyYZjnGAo6Vop30AxdZ1LUEQw+TOzg43sNwIrSMfMpEcOsXTQqlyHlkYc4TkVbihMZew3Ki3ZUR4mYYjlJ549KFZAiudBvL7UAlpEshbgoi5A9afPoO51Gi6xr2i3v9lQTiI28J/dhc5GOevtmspRjLURzeoyafeXz3dy08O5ssqYINaK9rIepqWeqWFjCi2Flvlk+XcgwxH45pOL6kuJ3Hwxk0nTdROt6tNcvMclbdccLnHP5VlNu1kKxseI/E9k2vCa3ms7zRpsieKUgOox2IGR+FTCLsUlY5DWbPwwLe+udCvlaQnasbuW2gkZxwM1fv294ZxGq3T20rC1MqouGJJPzVqkmBnXGt30zbxORnqD2q1FAVLnVL653LJcvsGN2BV8qAn08zOitGWc5x0qG0I1oby6gCFyIhC2Se+aXLcLDLjXbyOIiK4lAJ4UMcGkqaHYa2uSTv8A6REZZj3Iz/MU+SwEbm5ZMtpWQ33W2gc0hMhe28wlpVZXTkqBTuMsaRqCWcrxzXUyowICqxH9aGmwaNO78Rh7JY7eJIUXoxTJb86hQA5/UNXv5xJZ29xMImOdpOFP5VtFIZSt7C8uH3kbV3AM7NnAqrpCGywmORo1k3IDywU/40XQHpUeml9Jm8SavqLTyl/KSIH5iQP5VwSk01FFNWINKksbR45bhJo4i4kQkBiSKGmwi7HonirxvpGpaNbRQwR3N2VKtLMgBX0xiuT2MkxS1PMtYtIGEkks4E4wPl5ySen611wk0Raxg3Oj36uAkcjluh6D866FUQyvJZXEEaPdOSpJ2orj9atNDL8Vki2QmZWV2IMS+w61nza2FciSFZQ7FxIWOM9xVN2GXr/7Mvko8kQAYfLjOOKzje4Bb+IbmykRoJECp0QAYP4UpUlIaJp7yWaBSl0jGNNpGPzqVGzE2U7LckM1tas6xTAfaMH3PatWhXLkLQwWxjRIwV6Fjg1LVxmhbarJPGwuZVmKpgYJOBjpWcodhllfDup3iG7sbeI20amRzwpVRWbqqLsx2ZQ0TW7CC88mSyYAsQxB4bB61U6cmK1y14oZrSIywyWqC4cbLWLBIXGeamlF3swcbHLXc815dAeRBF5fylRxXXFWQhJ5pomX/SYwE6BBzVWA6nwjqtvBY3xvRcvPIn+j5GFJ9TXLWpXskUiPST9quNy+Ut3tbPofehx5VYVtBksk8Qy8jPtyCfrRFXRJm3l4Vs3UukZc4JPJxWqghEng1i73DQIZ5FXKj+vNKqrG1M6T7XcRIPLh+0ovLRsvANc7ii22IdXMNuD5qpdO7FlKHbzzUqnczcmznrmW+eeaUE3CGUHcSSAea6EklYkuWGntdPFZwTSm5lctIoPyovqKJStq0UlfQ0R4btPtCrd6dcSCJ/LRlU/Oc0lUbWh0QpIu20Vqt29tFo1vDGsfztL/AI+tKSurg4pOzNrwv9n0q3N/pdlCrx4Dyxpk5Oe5+tZSm72bLjCJ0beKfEk1m0o1TVY0gwd/2vagx0GP6Var20Or2cbajf8AhZHiNrKcPrT+YQBkKpcj3IFNzZlyQOak8Q6hfXO1L2bULs4BkuMsE9+TVQquLvIUqSezNyy8SePI5H+y+LdVC8LIRwAQOg9OKqeLVrCWHujlvEcaahrp1TxEL/V7l4goa5mPyDPB/SojUcloYSpcrOh8HfEOw8N6eLC30mxMAl8yZzCGk2g/r+Naez5tRXR7B4f8X/DbxgsiTyx2wEYI3ReUT69KmWEje7J0aJLMfDfRLiefTbm1SV22pKDuJ7c1HKo6EKFjsrGSzlEEtrJDLDEWkMkcm4k/SuiMVYTizJ+IEdrrPh25sZnNul1+6+0FgpDHaev4VFRGUlfY4n4d6v4K8B6DceF7nXGm1N7ggZXIYMQMHtis3rFmttLHmnjv/hHNPimEWyTUru4L4Vjjy939RXNGMtCIxscZbyWcdrdRf8s0O1GDEhW78GtWm2mbc2litpkdo+p3D2sNxO6MCszAAAe4/Gtbu2pF7HqFhrni6w0JQzxaZp2wq8mVDTN2wevesptepTkYLW2oXUSRJ9svbbcJZDuJHJrGU0tWO+hr+GX0NL24h1l74CKMuqRjCg+4xWc0CfU5d9S126lu2trMz2s+9Iw+BtQ9K2ioRtfcTuzt/gZaeKdHmg06bX5bazlJbyhKpRM89D0711LEqS5UUnoe8LcWSoWn1OKZ1BBLSrgD1xn61Uool6nO+JdS0600jdNcPDA7hjLGwyq9OCeB1pKyehDdtynD8RfB1x4eUafeTThnCiJ4iWC5xxj270VGrA2meffFTVbG6tLa88L3ctu8TsHQqY1Pr9ec1x6c1mZvc8fh8UTf2lPbX1zdmNnPyhiBnHpW3sla6QWLEllYXUMjW1/CGOCoHBJ9OtLmadrCOcntJ2uGbIMgBIx3xXSpaFD0n1HyJo3lldANrAsW2+1OyuAn2HWYEs3eVLZZU/0eSb5Rg+lVFxeoDLKDTor5l8S3U12Yzj9w/BPYZ9Kq7ewFbUE0tt/2KHywGzgyZGKECIMTtDMixRRqy5HToKadgIbOHfCs1y27ceuM0N3GWriHTLyUxfaJYXjOFCplWGKEmBmzWyxM0qlWVDgKe9aICpO4EG1tqg9QopgaGkadIJLW542ySAFSe2etZTaKSNnxvdONXkisiXiQiNZQm0MRxxisqbursGrHO3MMUEvkmSRpycuzHgZ9q3WxJ23gCCwR0hiklkuSDKWBwBwetcuI53sM3LDXpvDGrXl3FaQX/wBoRkBnTdt9cZrDk5rIGjnXumQTXFwkaTS/vFj6BR1reMb6IkzftUM0hDiMvMcKQc4rTltuMZPDsmKSJKWUcHJx0poDtvB2n/aNJZLeFFZIjIZHPTHUmuKvJItRbKyWN/qUnmQ2PmsnIkTCr15I9aSmo9Q5GYjafPC08EaOkjYO2U4z9DW6kpE2MG+84KE8/DDOV3cLXTBKwiG1gvbmLEEUkg3heDjk1WzA0rTStWttTnsvJgjlERMisA5CkdvepugPc/hr4F+GUOjW2q3+r3lpqiQrIG3Et5vsuORWFSV0axieleGNC06XRruQ6vBqCyROIheJh046Dgda51G8boqSdzg9B/tRYJ32vAkLkPgsoDjv7iuSbcNgRbujaXNulzHAs+pHrOQDuHpXJKc299CJtHjniqbxFY6zNFBJO3UkNyDu7V61HklHUwTOU8Q6PqdhYR3l5cJ854jUnI+orqpzi9EWUUiXVWdt3lS8BEA+9XQ3yoGaukeH9PtvE9raeJ2u4NNky0jwx5fHt+VR7VNXQjq/Gfhvwo11b2/htr+DT2VXX7RIfmbpnGfesPayV7ibKMXhqPTmG+aOZyuSR/CPSsXiOYExNQgU36NdXTFYxuEcce3HpVRmO5CuqwaaZUgvN7THzHLjkEjNW6bl0Ay9fuJp4ofsc0MxnGZGP8NaU4W3AytN0q91G6bdsSGPh5GPQetauajuM09P0jScLA97EP3hjDMcAk+/pWbm+gWZhalYRxXZSN0kYOBlXBBrZPQC7q+iCwij85x5si7tm3oKXNcR0WlrDoXh2PVYZIJrxcxiAJn5T3NYyTk7CMtTFfagpvdQ+wQyr88gQ/KfQCqUdLDKWrLpMQkTT5r24cnaJXYBTz1xWkUwK+lGEahDtdHG4FlfvTnsM7Jv7OJkvBp9sjzvnEQyI1GfyrkfMSZVxrdsrzW8Vw0iNGTFtjJO7OMVoo9WFrFZNIeDQItYl1CVC0uGj8o5/Omppuw0ZNo13dzeRC7fO+BnP51tohlW+iks72aJxv2tt3EdapAVV/1gI47cUwNe6t7uC1juRBOitwGKkA1Cmm7CuVls76SI3bQyLHkDc/GfpT5k9LjLFskV1I8l9eCNIhnY3VvYUAZzFZZHeMFVzkCqAJm3kb8mQD5ie4oAI4SEMh5+p6UAW5rmNrSGKNAsg++y8ZoA6T4d5bVHH2Ca8+TAWO3aUr74Fc9dNrQ1pySep6HJpqtC9tf2syRMN2XiZHUAeh715bnaXmbOV9jBsNIjim+zwahM1tOC+SMYGCCK29o30MJIyL/R47fdLAwCRuqoT1yc/wCFbxk5LUgdJoNxcWkMl/PFaxTSDy5C+cj6VfNbYVzF8RNZC/lMExmkyfmxgZx2rWCYzJG64lSK6dypHyOTkA1rqIguLb7PI7wTZ2Hqw5ppgXdNtdSn/eox5IG4n3rOckK53lto9/ZNDeCDzkZQxjkkHIHWuWc4y0AvWurw20bGO1EZnfJVsFc98elYyp83U1iypqeu3V94YvLJEezjkm2yOBxIMCiFNQkma3905SzfT9Lsdqo0twNykYyCexrru5MxZHdane6nZrGtm/nQSCUNtxtwP5U0uV6sm5SGoHU976lcuZ2OAWGSMe9actthXH6xZXsdnHLE0zWshzhTwTSVhXKRDqV83eVUZwB2qxlSf967zosixN03mqAiHmGaMoTu3Ahc0m9APV1sdRh0nTpra1tt0kZjYdXRvU9686c027lcph+KtIu7aAvNOYDJjOVzuzycVrRq3egmrGH4Zsbm2vJ7uPTb7ULVUKtcR27FE6HrjFdMrtCOh0y6QWbyRW7SCU7Y/MOAtc7g0Ibe3TQROn2VFP3iVbvTUUwKOhx20l4Y7mTy3kPPPQ+tU7hcueJdKurC9SxumE8rReaP3gOFPTNODuA660y+vdLtzCBMYEXBQ/dzk4pOavqBFpl3eJO1mPnZuMDnFDS3GWnttUtrBp7+weO0uCY47gTYAP8Aug/0o0ezBnS/Dzw3davq13cwa3dwm3hO6aHhdmO/tWdSo4u1hXJpJYbmzvj4g1Ca+ktHMdrDGgIdeuSep5qJXuuUpNnLzamk1hJHCtubaGI5jkIJHPQA/WtqdNoGzzi52/aZGHCMflx2rrEWv7T1FrOGya9ne3hOYonckIfYdqAGAXM8oy29ic/jQBs3WjQQ2FneRagbm7uwd1rFCf3QBI5PfOKluwES6c7jymeJQxGSRhlpcwCaZoF1dTzW9vqEESrktJK2B+FTKXWwjTPhZ5VjjXUtOkkXg+Wxz/Ks/aBczxYvbxGSSdo/mIYKfTvVc3MFxLuS3uniSNC7NwXJ5wKNhmtDdppt/bf2Xez2xaPZPuGQwPb6VL1QjrJtRuTZjTredoreeMlkBAB754+lcqT5tRGMtxpq6I8MqWH2mJ2beUBdvbIrZRk2MxJ/ErSRuPsqJ8oWMp0XHtWvshmpafEbxOvg9/CVrNFY2M8m+aSCBVlfr1Yc1pGmlqBxmqDbMcl375Y8n3NaAUiDtyOcUARSbu5qgBOu3ofWlcCdJVQhtm445BpALPMWcNFuj46Z60AOAvLmBkSKSbjkqOlTogOh8I6VNDqkdzfIVtQcvxnAPtXPWqK1kNanTagulW901tfQXN3b9bfCBQOOtc8LvUtpI5iOS1gW4aUtnftH9K6IxZFjGurm5EryxeWAQcCuhbCK1qWSVXdvl3ZdfWmwOw0uKxjLzL5rK53KvQCuSpe9hM2bSK3uHCh9jMpDc8fWsXdE3Lh0d9MtgXgMoZhhhwO+KnmUguLd2VxNoYmmOyaLduw+cYpqS5h2Mm21G8ityyag0pwFWPbjI9OtaON9waNgm4ntpftV7DDbOmTGf4fYGoaSehJzi3Ok2zrDfTyMAh2KvI68ZrW0nqUZmqh7xpJbdUW0X7u3qT/nNaxaWjKNXwvpkl1Y3KLCUBVAGdCTncOh7VE5ks1vF8emxW9ta2EyRXMcSK4Q/wAWPmPPvUU3J3b2A5C9tpLVlvfOaZs5bcOprdO4y98OLL+3fGdraXELSLMGAVeuccfypTdo3B6DNP0K7uPFBsbrzrdIrlkZynCqGPelOajG4XN7xf8AD5LaD+0tE1OGe3E3DSnDFsZIx6VlTxClo0CdzlPEUepWcPnTalE5mcq0MR9O9dMWmBlW0sEk4W73hRycd6t6BY31u/D7Wkp8mVTHgRru4Y1k1IQv22eWLyraCO1t1BOUHzHjuadkFtTIuktJYdqSku2N271qraFHSeHtIjkSOb7TKbdQMuoyB68VjOViWdHdmysLQizY3hyQkpBQflWKTk7sEchqeqeXfxmYSvDwZgGxuHpmumMdCzW0GFV0O71OztWZp5P3Cb+U59e9ZSavYk0rPXNUigEU92xYnaFb5lUd+KTgmIxdSSLV3WO3tlhkXIMjnAPPWrjohlceGBaXUizzQ3jyKNggbv71Xtb6WBFy0luW02KzSzuVUMd21eCen+NZtAZaxSW+oLqFzaKkcMgwsh+8R61qtVZDKl9e6fqd5JcpuhnY5Lg4UfgKdmgNTQkubaEhrqOeN2yFHesaliTRvrnU7NB9nZgkoGGzgAVklF6gU4zdkpNPc+exb5QCSRzVpJrQC5f+H9a8iG8+1wAHLBN4BAHrmmpx2GVbb7Vast4J7feHx9zJzVXFcTWJIzdf6TNnCgKMYxTiMr2E5z8s8mUYhvLOCQRRLYDT8CQRtrGqXl/dPC8ds3klhneSCMfrUzdkkhHN3/ksZVEq+ZkgqR1rdOxTdi/pdhb6Qkd/dsXnYfu1zwAe9ZtuWxJv+F1h1C4v2nvJICIC0e48Mc9KmSaGZmoaZqMWhzXwVZI0l2yAPlsHODj0q01zDOW0qcQzuJH4ZSRz3rWSA0/st07IHuUl81R0GSuajRCLz+F1lt3B1JEeMglTDj+tT7R9guLYabDpMjTOIr0HPDx5X61Lk5AMudR32z3FvJawhTwka4oUGOxzN7ePdHDM+f4ya6UrARxxN5iK5JHXB70MDr/D8sDwNObWNjjCgJ2rmqXvoIhvNXgjkAFjGg6FixPP0ojTbCxXNzdXXmQ29qjo33mAxiq5eXcCjJoV9JIXIXGMjHOPyq+ew7lqezFtpiieN2kXpgYFJSuwMSdbdVMiyyFs4wB0rS4E9jJcpEd0EkkeOcnApaCKb4fzZlhIVMZAPHXH9aPIZ1cEdwWiW9uRFC0mPLbI2+prmnvdFo7fX5fCT+FYrfT4Lq6v4VVY5CPkHqa44KaldlSirHB3tnfhROqHAGSAeK7eeLRmMt/tjRrd3PlJAjjKvJhjzTajshFzUvESOiQCRMrkRrGc4B9aUaeoD9Ak0U6VfPqtnNLduoFs6vhUbuTVTT6AUvMuLnzIEdTHAgwQfWkrIVipak2A8na8hL7yB2q3qMvPJZa1eK7W7wQxgBmQfMSKh+6BektdPtPK1CC2aSBY8FZRkk1mpN6CZjXuoz3eI4raOCMnhVXGa1UeoXKtpdHTr0mTIcjlexq2rjLAmWWZ7nZ50rkYi7damwG5bzzoYUVIovOxuUDNZSA6bR5dRtbBtLXUTH9sQ+Yx6KncVyztJ3sPmObvvDF47/aLeRTCHCKS2CeOa2VfTUm5R1ayjlvmWGaNfIXLOxxggCtYSdrlORzV1v8AneSRixOc10RJLGgQRzX6LM+1CCdx6cUTWgzt5LhZNFi01SZpFYtvUc8npXHL4rjZlXlq2nXkGxvNlkGSkbcr9fSrhJSVmI0NTt7x7GFdsQhJ37lbLE46GiMbAcvr6GKNFY7Rn5eeeK3irgaPhG9isLKSd7hY5nO1VHU0qiuXF2OutJri0glskngWWcZ3Mw4H1rinG7uy+ayOd1lri+g86aUbYAYgyjg4+laQSWxi2M0F7ZrB7JnHzDeGY4yR2/WrmtbjuT+ErqRfE0Eix73U4wpxuUdqtr3Rxep9FeNdKv18L2Oo6VaPEUUS7DzwOSSa442TNnNo840iK18TeIrfS1K+ZIS7c4DADJGa25WldApXGeOr1dGe30g6bNGty2YoYTy/OBmso0ubVMaqnSaF8N9en+w6lrmp6ZZWafvX06RjuI7bsfSnKHKgliGx/irTYJL8WqrZIjfce34T2ya50pX0KhWudT4Y+E2l38Hmw6pL5POJIkwC/ufSuj2E2autbYNZ+HMmiaTcXM+pPcRGQLhB83P09q468Zw1M/rDS1PJPFkGk6drTWpu3dMZdXBLgen+fWrw1Sc46le3UkcrdNZTTFVjeOyTO7j5iDXem1scspXZf068hsIJjp8TRJGmd788dhiqcr6MhTsPg1K7aGO7RBJIxJQyMB39KyaYc7J/DnjvVfD1+72d1OJWbdJHnIb2rZbGikXx4y1DxDcXupagZR9nnWSOIuSu7b12/gKyqXvYhnL3+vXE3itr2+g+Z3SRSQMYBzkflWkVdDTPSb74i+D7PR3mTw59t1jy8Ryuo25xx+FQ6NwbPKJtVbWZEtmtLa1LEsSvyjJNCp8ibuSJdHUdDmks1uosOARJG4PHXFXBqeojq/BOvWen6rbar4sebU4rdN0FtI+U3H1HSnyp6Io9k8MeNtD8UeGtS1CSBdBgtFOwHaFk4JOAOewqJ4ZWA8itfiBaJK8E1h8pcr9pC7mcVjLDXsVBpbnU6FfReLLhJrKP+zbSBPm3RY8w/WuSovZK3UpLm2Oln8JXRja8jiuBamBRJIflQHnnP0IrOM59BOLRoaD8PvC126Tz+KLeO8KHEK3GQ3pxnoDXo0uecdWNxPSoJ/C/9jEapdaVdWlsAr9CoKkcfjXWqVkS0mch4ktPh9eX9vcf23Bp6yHy4obd1THPBNc08NzE8qNbxb4H8N6VoE98b9ZY7dDsMihiW/8A15rnnhfZ6pkyVj5a8VXukfaCxuB58hOGCADHYVrRhL5EK5Q03wq9yjakJbaO3CGQySzBenoK2c7OwzE1S48pnW3kJjJwCp61cFfcCC11NlR4Qhg3EFyWzmtOXqMsPetdC1m1B55bOMlIecjjnHPTrRa2wErTTGCSe2jRbdnAG4AktzQIpGzV5/JubqOAbvmfHei47muLbSLOzaQXk1/dE7EGzaqj15rN8zEYGpXwkUQImwL1UdK0hGwzGBZXYq5yTnr0rVDHiY4bzAWJ6fWmBYXT9xjF3cpbRv0YKTmpbHY6/wAKtpMNwqSu8wggbBx958cfrXPUTZcSlcatC13GLuOVxC+SpXBJojAHuYl1LBHcy3rRyM80p2hscD0rWN0QyG1u5rdpDFLJCz/KWHGB6Vbs0B6FqN1pk3h6zuYozEyRhCZHyScgFgK4+RqTLa0ucdrN9A147rtkUrt561tFWMggFrDbB4Y384NuUsMDGKbYzWthNNGIZnVHmTdv64AJFZt2TGjd0C7Njpz2tzOWSXKcDHHp+NctRXexcWbeoSyQ6VC14EsEVCbd920vxwAKwiry0NHscrrNzC3h2G/mvWk1Cabb5W3lUxwa64J83L0IcdDCvdAvkzOoyhjEjMxwOQDj9a6KdRbMzZQ0+a+WB4IBJgnJ2H0//XWkmhGzbWOoW0a6j/pMIk+V3lByw+tZOUb2A9A8OeLNNtkt2i069utRC7YuyKfWueUH12NIzsM1LxDr2v6nax/bpES2k4S3baCxPc96XPGnGxLm2ztD4j1HRxHLq2rQCzhYJMkhDGQ45GB1rm5vabI1b0NnTviB8PLW2F1NZicbsr5a4Ktx0H51dLDpfEiJNHOfEb4heDL+FZdFsZvOLZaV02Ee3NX9X973TKyPJPEOpW3iHWH+f7MrcHce+K6KceRDItC07RtPnjbUb50l6jjoe1VKcpKyET6vffap0n/tBZIkBUrIc4Ht+dKnCy2BGp4Jnh1OdLGNmeW4byoyVztBIGR+VFWLtcDpPF3gy58KabdTzeILRrnIKo7DcwrDmbaTQmea+IdS1i3lZI3MizgEtjJP0rppxQGNbrI0jI+xRjJ3nmt7WGV72YofLhcYJycGqtcZraD4im0/T7rT4o4jHcEeYZEy2B2B7VM4KRSZrJ4n0mz8N3GlT+HI7iS4Jb7QzY8s9iPpUezV7lc2hxBDId65UdQAea36GZptqE80Ijun3nHJPJxU2QE9rLfWFzHLatHMgQPtPzfpUNCsdPr9jbXds2qTvsumjVfKRMLHkfzrCEmpWJOY0tLQ4S4d3kU/dHAIro16DLDXGhRRymO1cTs3D7s4X0x61DUmM6TwZp2jatevb/2vJZRfZjJJvA5b0rOba6BYfo+l6focaXT3izSSyFUXYMKOeazc5N2BmN4k1CS400wiaSRYrgqYwAFAPetKcRIytKlgtZGleTbldoz61tIoparu8xXaUybiTyKqDAseHNPF7eu6ozxxMN3HAom7K4j0fWvFMc1rbaeRC1tapgERg8+hrijTbd2Kx57rN9qF9cRwtIWG7CIq8D0rqhFIoqappb2oje5eMSMNwVutWpXArytH5YbIDZxx0qwGQRB51eUfuwctz1FAG1r8+hPKF0aGcQeSoYy9d/fFJAX/AAj4M1LxbbGPw9Z3FzeRBzcNIwWJFHI59aGOx75+zJe6XpHhbUCtnDY6zZRkzTs+7djoT+NY1E2UjpPFvxId7Caa50nRdWgVSjXMUvzbu/BrkqRi9OpblY8XW8fxB5cCRLYI0hCNgnA/wpKmqb7kOVznr9ptLuZbacSX6JuKvEO471tFKWxJlt/aN8sVtBBOrAhkWRT0PpWi5UIqXGmCTDz7lkZyWAIOKtS7APCaRAqpHaXFwyqed+Bmk7vqIrRywfvJ5bZfN27drHp0xTSGbmgamtxqUGnW2niWU5dkD/KwVc1E4aNsRLca5qVreCGGNwuCBv5C59KhU00Bc0rUY5NZhiNmCkYDMznJY454+tROFo3LQ3xDf3F5cfZhFHtAwI1GP8mphBJXKbKGrubFIDa6SEaNf3m4ZJJ71cdd2Syi1zPfwNFFIsbYyy5xnJ5rVKxFynPYw28ZGUYrznriruwOhn8N69aaNa38um3Y0eZAwlz8pyMio5kwMe4kiKlHtWKRDJwaaTGc5qV218ymOPy4ozlVA962Wm4Ha+GrSx1UWE9vpW1IJVLsW/1mOorkrS5b6jRv6kbqfUgNKU29xIDJLCzkAfSuaLsve2N0tDnfEUGpCVI9R1CMMFG2Bcs3PNdFJx3SMpbkmk+IvE2m+Gr7w9p2pLbW0zM0idGO7AxXQrX1IuZXhpLi2vrNNUt52s4mZmC/xn61M2rOwma2tLBdySGKKWFc58vFZRAx4LBp/MlcOrpxGpXljWjl0A6m10vUNMiuLa6toftMygvLcruaNccAVnKalsBmj7Rbswh1JxEcF1hHylR/+uqTTAw7yK8tpprq1mcq5O3sxFaq2wXOr8OImoWENzq2l3MliPlcfaSCx9QO1ZzdnYGdO3iKO0kubHwparpFpdQLDKqvvZ8ev1qHFdQTOD8UWmv2+smzS2nhmCK2yPOSCBj9K1i4pDOU1CO+h2rc2hgwxXeykEknvW6atoBp+CvCGr+MfE0egaIYbi6aF5WLNtVQozyTTA624+H2n6B4Q1CfW2Z9YWQRx4mAVeecDvU8wGb4F8A+IfE0lxPpFrIun2h/fXTD5fw9aUpdgIvHmjTeF9cOn2uqfa0iUYZeozyQfTrSTbWojJMf2yMl2aGRRl5C/UfSpegD4o9KgdZI9SnmUDDDGAaTcnoBbuLyNbdrjTNsbs21QSM49alRf2gsEel32oOok1a2EOxd53cgUOSWwGlZRafpT5trJX+XAmlYc+49KmScgOe8U35n1ECH/lmPm2nI/CtKUbIZSXU2mmiSQvsXqQccVfs0AanbmN1dG2Bxwu6iKQGf8yEZ61oBZsrueGYNECXHI4zik2A+5NzIGkktrgFiSWZMD60JoCiiowclwpxxTAaiIX5c7fWmA5WCg5QnnggUgFklyPuc9M0ARcDnpnvQBoaTJeBTDCWEXfA5IqZNAd3pmpQQ6dNG6R4nQAu3Vfp71wTheQR0ZTn1FftcimbEUUXyhjk81aVlZDbuc3fte3wkWMoIgN5yOcCumOghum6ZPJdwiSCXEzBVfacc9KqU0hNmjrPhTUYHIjs5WcDLBRUKoguaWiho9NS2uYiL1hjB6YxxxWM77iYsTbNQiilJUYKsQcHrUuzFY1f7Wis1Ky3TTK0mBG7dvX8qnkb2BIhlnhsbqWSQzTW04G1c8AHrTUbjM2KEHVEVCmHB27W6VewF3ULqKJE0y4XYRkkuPvZqYq+qCxNpEeleas17pkN1Eq7Bh8H60pc1tGBetLWyRr1LSyWKOKPdGJDuGSeP51Dcla7A5zVNb1aOf7JEZIkU9EGFat4wja7GT3ljpV5are3N9LHPtVCqoSAR15pOTjokBHejRrSJFl86dBFlCem7A/rTi5MRq+H9TXw94bbULaKKO8uABHMfvR8nAFJpymkDjd3M6w8Q65qF8XupGaJTulHAyPerlBWGza1iW2n0cKJY4zhjHE3bjrWUVZiOK1AyvBEkq28gVshU4Jroihk2kWkWp3QhjsRbv/y0d2woom7AzTuNO07TjDkQBUfe5Vt+7tWUZNgYOv38P2hhaZRCcgDgVvCI7GZazQrNGrR7iXBIFW9gOrTSrhLiVI9Ra2tmJZY0bsTWLsSbctl4ZheKFNZ1S4jCKJygG1ZCM4FRr2AueHPC/h/Xrm4s7bUAtxlQj3XTv6fhUylKOrBkL/atH1lNBvvKgtoJTG1wo+UD1ApcvMuZDRy+p6fqsTySQRyvE0hMcoB5Ga0Uo2Aljj1ZoktmEYV/4/oOlPQZmX8Gq2UEc0jhFLEFkfJqk0wJdB157S4NrOsssbfMCXI5olFAR6xPc3q7JGcQq2UB6ZqooZlXgtY5g2zy1VRkKOuKoR1vh37FdWLsZY0ZBjaeG+tcdW5LK95qoSY2hleaMYCoOeaqMVa47GxpMUlppBneAq5fK8ZIOCR/KspSTlYDK1PWJniCyJIX3EMx963jEdizpF/bec9xeCMrF86rt6ke1KcWSYGuXxvb5rptuCckfjWkI2RR03gvTk1KfbKVtYZ/l83b2H9ayqSs9CGzQ1zTlj14aZZGV41gBQhuXbnNEdrsZxniKG7tblftdi1vlslyPetotDNfFkNPtHu8XSDDAq/6Goe4EGsawbl1ltraOGNGK7Yh/D704xtuMueEPEs9hq88iCOSKRBGY5k3qc45xRKKsJnZ614M8OeI7b7ZoSw2M6n96u7AY4zwPTNY+1cXqB5zr9vqOiwCIx7JEk4kPRhW8ZRkMq/2jdMjSiXe7Y+UNwafIgKl1q1/NG0fmBF+7j2qlBIClJEC+HuGHoFHWrAV7eRfuMV3DgH1pXAv2twLBkunDTSgAAMvAqW7gbem67dXdyh+yp5cfVVAUEfWsnBCRU1zTftsjXNvCVR2JERbJWri7FFOwt9St4ZYzazHcPlIyP8APShyTEOgbU8q8g+zRZ25Lcmk7dBDlu9RuZPL3sIM8Fx1p3SAsmxnVF2W8crbskHg/ianmHcp3llqq3DWzCEI+35EaqUkB0thpOnRacIp7Y/aABnA4bnuKwlJ8wiODU9J1Vpp9REv2osW2heM0pQlH4Syzfpq1voUdxbwgW8kpQbV+bbgYJHasoqLnqBHpOpXU9rNo2yB95DbpOoxnj2rScVe4mYmu26MGN2zeZkhY06fpWlOXYk54homLoowOR8tdCd9xkYedchSwGemKYHUeD7rTI2A1uC4kjIwUi+Vjjv0rGadtBmp4qn0eQb9KiNv8uEjZgz9utZQjK+pDWpT0yE2+lyTXWFKtkADJPHtTnq7DKttqxFwJJHIiByUBxxVcugGXqV5HlgqMHMhKndkbe1aRiCIrCa3a4867t5ZgWyQpwfzptFWJ9RvUE++zie1THGTk/nSimItaNqVwksas6FkGY8nnJ9aU4pDO20+zlltw13aTCU9CrlTiuCXxWRD3MDUdTKpKX81Av3U39D610QgxnM3E1y0O5i7M/t1roVgIb+0vEEb3EToWXdhh2qoyTAm0WIyT4DgbRkljgUT2GdzDq9nYXojS0WchRuZGG0kdea4ZU3J3uI5zWtY+16xLO8Cw78cJ2FdFKmlEZEuqWsARQ8vB52tn9PxrRxGdD4d8P2njnWrW3k1M6VZQxfv7iVR69vep5lDUaVzuLP4f+A9C0eW6vPE0l9cfaBFAIl4ce/BxWU6suhfKkjqfGuheDNN8H7rLToGupGDl2kJfB9DXJGpJvcmdjl55fBltZpbQ6DK0Xl4eWSQKqM3cc89u1UuaTvcyZ5rqGjyTu/2a8txCjny8SAnB9uvauqL0uxo0/C+nQ2ksNzeTEAnZ5i5GBnr70pyvogPU/EHxK1KXwyfDvh+YXTMnlcr8wGOAvrWUINO8i3K6OG8Fanp/gjXkHirTb22vIl2oASZGJ/h2iu2yaCLPXvhZo15c+Ida8b+JtCls4JpIF0qG9i5WMFiSMjjtU6RWhUVY7rVEs/EOrXcmm2L3bCLdIY1Yoo5wM4/SuHEc1rxIaPJ9d8F+KZdZFlp+mzXfmyKADkCP3J7AVhh5Nv3lYS0O2svBHxM8N2llDo/iuxnQHD2DJ8jdyu48/yr01VdrFXM34ifEZ0hh0RG+w6zZOGuoy4ZAce3B/8ArVy137RWa0Jk7nimsH7fdzanczia9mYs8vIHbtUxXKrJaEXZSvURLd5nfzD5eNoXG49hWsX2Hch+0mWxEshSNVA4UDJNPqKxkWt/Cb6SRi8irnylK4FauOgx7I0ss1180PzYUjkngUttBpluw1CJbR7OKdlWXIlYjJPAxiplB7juZusTqxi3NuYfKhY84q4IEy5aSTSxJcq6PMg2qoHAB7niiejsO5ZsdORruEQwb5c5kZ+h78c1ndokzJoo1vIvtEc2WG5Y2HDY68+lWrtDRe1y4ivI11F7H7FauFiiC5YFl6n9RRDTQBYbSKy0gSXX2yVWVniVvlUg9evWr522Mi0eK7meG7j229sGwGliLAY644qZAke+jQLrQdGtLrV750024iDwLAgDZPIyMZ5ryasHzaI1i+U5TW/EmqTwpaLc3YtAo/cSOULL2J9a0pxS3LucxcalcvcMfs6QIy4ZlTLqB05zXRH3dhXOe1CabT7hktr26liciXyxkRg9ywNdlOrfRmbLPgfW7efxNFf6naNczREFT1AwePaqk2loTc9qT4sWd5M+k6zYlkJ2hnxjn8enua55c00S3c881zwxpep67dQaPZXepBWBf7FHvWMn+Hd0pRbjuSlYzL34d+JLC3bVb3Qby106LJVbhwScf7Oaft47BzWMvSbG0vxPEsMFu8Kl0XaQf/10pTa1QrlOXw+qzm3uGCbQWJY7citI1HYLmVcpZ7hCgZ13fdXt9KtNsdyHUZI4isFtFLGjfdDHNUlcZDZJG9+i3F0iHOQW+6pHrTaAbf3DzEuLjf8A3cN1ppAQfYNTuLZ7mOzmMCk5cLkfnT2Ap+VIQJGUKmdp96sZYWOO61IQ2eYkIwN/OKTGaktuLyWPSdwaeFSyyBcDAFZt2AveGLKSC1v45reVpkUNE64x1rKoykxmoaf9quPtH20BpTl9w6H04oU2tCWzP0q3Et7I94VMFqMru43ntirlJ7Bct3WmLqFmk7yGG8llAitkjPzD1z0pc/L6DOgbULGz1mxtr21SSNbNoZoWj/iIx+fesndp2LWqsUbrS9FtXll2I7iLfGgfP4YoUpGclYwpLpp5yJEfaORkAYrYSO1stTsj4Wjt7XTrKO6O+OS9lf5m9AoNc86b5r3LvoJ4MU3ssemXYiaVJd6tKwAIHv8AlWVZcq5kENy94rtUnuoZ4b3zxbE8Nkxgj+7msaUl8zV7j7mxtpLdbU2ojkEasXkwDnGScU1N73FNjtant7zwF9hkksrd7cs25mPmyegGKqnzKpzEuzOC0K4vdOvFNnD5xlG1laPORXc0pLUjYt+JfEup3l4IbwoscJAWALtA9qmFGKXuiuPHie4EiNboLYr94x989qbpLZiOh0vXVurKV9PWOCW1QNJ5q8yMf51zVKNmgsYxWDxJrf8AZl3r9to0WTJJPe7hFv444BrenBrYq9z0jSvDfwo8PeD4dR1rxhY6zqUczGNLSZjvyMY2AZwOuen51c4Sk9BWMnStP8F+JrZQ0l298ru8EaR+XEw7AkgZrGSnBks5L/hHLZ/EZ4P2FJf3sjMAF9RTdW0bPcLl/Wb/AMJ2Wmpa29ubydsjfIh4b2PpWUI1G7t2A5yw8O3Gpsp06zJliG91eZQCPpmutSsBRgttebVI7bTo5EuTIQhiO3H49qtzSV2M0zFqel30tv4kdp7l3WMCSXfjJz2JrPmU1dAW9UEIlUyow8pcNkEY7Cs4u4jFn0nT5w9yt6UUoSBGN2SK2vYRRm0GWO1Wcee4Vd2SmAB71amrjuUYrGacSTho/kXJHQtz0FXcZY1O6yESRc4jwqgZwe1FgJdJjhlu0S5j3AjgD+tJgMvbceXHcGFkiLYDdjSTEWdPsrg3kawsQrnIOcHH41MpqwHRPJBoSIuol75blt7RLMOAvTOPrWXx7CcbkPibTLe7mF1pcUVlb3Ch0SSQce2TjNVFtaAtCrZaDa22iRXZmNzcyAgpjhR60+dtg2VdFdLF5JJ7aWTzMxxtGCB+PFEtR3Hajc3UVuRskRXBZAykEDPWkuVu4EE+ni4hjuoL4SW4QeacEZkPb3qm7CuXJLXTtOhtLzzIp5A2XgJIx9eO9JO4zF168mvZVnkjCqT8qqOBk1rFWCxoeHNUGn6Pf2UMrBrplZuM4ApSVxmb9odmPzsFZhgZ6kVVkA+GeeGUSEMcfMrjsamwDNWvXvphNMS2OhJpxikBnyE54GPpVAKHJHXHrzQBq6RpU+pQXLpcW1uLeIynzpQm/wBlyeTQA/RL7VbKyu/sGpS2sZUmVUm2eZnjHv1oAu6DruoWNk2n6OHgurj5JZhL99c9DxUtaDudjZ6pnXYZtU0e1t7y0t9rwAFlmY/xkDjNc9WLcbILjdWuoZRbgSy2mwncEQqDnFYQTWorl3S9Ah/sO61AXl15kbbcyHCnPueKHO7tYtK5ja3reoRXESpcecqxbFMTKdo9K0pxQmYt+LrT7ZJDBEAsvmPIHBdgexx0raPLLREjLrXFgjgeytowec5OSe5p+zQrGDqt5dare/apotoYY+UEDj/9VaRVhlvw4qJrMMkM652PuLZAXj1pT2A6u9js7a6k+23y/u4N0TheGPoKw1a0BI1be+0qLTYNStrXe7kAo5OZMdSeOK53Cd7NmuljItJES6k1W9JhQy/uVUg9gcfrWjTa5UQb1nBrPilLq500WsqW7fPFJcRq+3HXBIJHHpU8vIS2cPeG9GpSW5UR7OHMILe/UVutriH6naNFp0fkl7hnO4ADJB96FLUR0zX2pXemQaP5twkcMe6VJpCFQj2Pp6UrJO4zlru0u5biX7M3nwAAyOx2rkj3qlJDNLQ9PFrB5ohtpkZCrrkNyfSs5ybEzWjMOmGyglhW2i2F1AP3Se7Vi7zBBqGu3VhdJdx/ZLi4SMrvMgI244ximqaloy1JozDd32uWt9qbJGJyATKzjIwOAoq7RpuyE5XMWCGKOxea91CVJy+4xle49a25uxJ2uiX9nC0Fxqdi15aJCTtDYIJzjvXPOLb0YDdTuoLu5aTT428pyqMhTaUH49TS5X1ALRrOC6jEqPcl8nKzLgH/ABqmmwHSvd3sVxLPckSHiND3+ppJJMZVvtOgtPDNpey65aT3EshElnCDujA6En35q4yu3oBmabpthdQXFxqN/NbW1upbEQJdyegHFa3sIq2+qaVb+dFPNqiRBf3cZQEn9eKrlvqMj8M67PpOopPaQpOrNyJSM4/GnKF1qI6/xT4436raiyv4VuTEpe4TBZTjlSfrWPsbjOU1/Wo765h/tG7mvokOZflVQxPpitIwa2AyNG1i80rxKNT8PtdWcgVlRIyS5THI4re3cCtqWrXN9qEl1cSPNITkpI7fqDRoB30/xl8Ty+DYPDdrZWOm6eqhQ1rGymXHqe9CsM4241C9uVYXKg+a+4u/VjgDrSlqI0dKu7W0BeOOGabofN5UDGBxWMkIr6xc232ZoZLNAzMGLIMbR7URXW4zMtQFb9wWZycruwRWjXcC6RqJikMKFY0++y9DU3AoRTTvdBJpmVBjBZjiq0sAl0LcSEwTvjd+8Y9Pwpx2AbbrHb3qNNIhiYDDN3FNgaljqejx3k41Gxku4xGREyt9w1HKwIzb2t3btPakopGQjDkCmroC9of2ex0tnRkMjvhmdRlevSspXbE0U9f168mjayW682FBtXI7HGaqnTs7jRzDEfLjj07VugHxtnOWwKYD1mwcdqTAaZgSF+TJ5yeKQElrvOWh2sVIPJFAGpoT3q6pHIoBjJ+6WxurObVgOquJbUWwECNuI5V1BXOOxrktK+ojNlYxWzySlfNMhwNuRt7VpFX2AyYru6hvJpoA0gmj2PuGAR6Ct1Z7jO+8OTfbtKTzdV+z3MOFigZCwIA61jUXYlmddXt5OUsbaOY3Dfen3kGpSSWo0U/sU+l6ra3lxeJcODnY0oYg+9DfNGyGaGtzGV0d4/JkZd3K9Qe4rOKaJMNRbK5ZwbnjjCkc1smB0el2d7rlsuk22nNGQhkM8rYUAepPQVm2ou4mUNXsU8P3UMTXkN3NG3zSQSCRPwIq0+Yoh1jWrPVtTWaSPE+ArNjBAHU0RptKwh9rFa3Vtcy2MN5KIcBpTwo9umKLWeoxNNmeLTp3l+e6ZwUDH+AcH+YpS+IRFqOsfbIBBMYogpyoAqoQsMh8CXVmTc2usXMkdoqMywohJeTsM06sdNBle5SSYSG5jDRBeAOwpryAjSS3m002kM7qEIZRJ078A/jRqncCxaMbiyjaVkEcTZkUcFvx9KJCHeIbm9mn+0eUsVpGNqqp4+maIpAczM0rXDTxkgE/L7CtojLem6tcWlnLbqAzSMSWJJNKUbgQNqFyQYmYEEg7j2p8qQEUtuTIDMwAbvRcCc/ZLKXEUnn/ACfe7U9wGWNw7SLH5jbGPJBJxSaQjqIomtfLs2mARjvJxzg9zWTbC5B/a0Onm5Mduz7mGyTJU5B60OFwNS5v5tdWCe/wYEw43Njp2qL8rsgF1XVbY2rLaSO90owignYMURgwKmn6ldTWp026tpVumYNGxiwOnrRKK3As+JtJ/s20tjPHJPPKpdhH8y9fWinK4HJLctJqQKwsi4wuFNbPYZNqs1yGkSTzjEeRkYpoaMi3IuLyJZGwJCF+Y9BQ3oB6bpOhaZbTTiOfznAADxsCv0rz6s3oXCFxU0ieylYG0STzW3mdsHYByaFO/UU4NFyK2vr+CCaAxNb+cAS+QCFyTUykokqJn6pDplm8k1yhm3PgKrbSK1g2xSVjlB/ZlwWiSK5jnPGNwOT+ddNmhbGjf+FntoYBJO0Vw0Ql2vzwScdPaoVQLmjDqC6TpiJCsk0iBmaQnABOBgCpUeZ3FYwItYv21WO6SSR5O2DyBWrSsM6v7fPdae8WoQC5tz8xEnJU/WsOugjj0NvFcuiuEXB2r/QVutUMbCVWCQypJgsduz+tMLl7whbsfEFtF5Mlys8gjMaDnmlOXuik7Hca3ps+hzy21xOUCqSm1gQns2K5vj6DSucfquq26xx2t3E11HtJQqepreEC9jm4pFLeaqbWHO0VrsSRyTFzIUTr3xVLUCFWmiIdwo7jvVASrPPcuASWPUAVDA2LBLtZk22EsikcBhkGoYiW5luFQW5tjGCctgAcVNwsTQSyQS/aorMiPIUMQev4+9J27jIdautUt7kTZfcw+7jrTjYGiKwmuXuP9ItkGeQ0vrTYiW61BpnOSgjjOQq9KXLcLE+iakt5fdX2yfe2jpUzjZAb2uWtjKoisbN0ddpDySYJPPPWsItrcdjWsY5hawrLJAZGXAJYHGOuazckI5i70/8As7yZLrTmgnaMSRqrg7kPQn0rfnb0voW1yk+m6ncahdppttC2wYZg8p2k+tTOHLqJsy9eIgvzJFdxeYz/AD+XyFx2yetaQXMtiESPeaXEVleSa4mKYx5WE/nRyvoUXIdM0/VBFaW2x7mXgMARtJ9TUSnKC1EZWqaVZ6fqzWr3PmGAlGcHKs3t7VtTm5K4GZJP9nkDSYKg/LtzitFqAG5N7extFC371ccN0xRy2QG9p9qqSxwl5JNx5yentWMmDIdTtNPgTDRyecWO7PGBTi2I53UY1d9sMJUL/FyS1bLTUZLoWoNZ36SrbJOU52OmQfrTlqikbFrYSX+opPfRPAksg3EJgBCcnp0GKxc1FaA0b9zZoZs2Wn21vZqMmTJZyo6854rm53azZLINWlmvpWiheeUKnyKG+UAD600ktWBny6PPCga6gmZRhjuBKitFUT2AW5u1huQkc0Fq7ID8gACj/HiqUXuBka5qUl2xHnSyoPlZ3bOa0hGwFXSrdrgpHGgDOeCTgGrZSNuKTy08ldhlwcgHnP4VlJCZl3hR7gNMGMhOCDxgVaXQDuPCujoLyF4dMjkWVNrebEsnvkZ6dK5KtVp2uUketx+FNEt/C4uDpmnQ3V3IqJLPIDgdyFORwM1yOpJvcvRHReL7vw74D8BRnSpdPvdXJVY5PIQlCeCVCjpWvxStcKmx4rqt1rENmBqMGoTRPIS89wrjJ747Ae1UknsYSucj4h8y+u5dkgEe0BAvA6VvT0WokYllBdmfaC6kMCeew7mtm4lG9dSNNax2CWxJDgpKm7JP51lZJ3HcZZT6ppN0P7OWYyjlnQksp9j2rS6a1Ej0P4GeFV1PxVa+O/FTG40+0lZy0khk3SjGA26tJSUdEaQWp9IJqVzrM087SWs9mxXykXhlAPTH59M1iymiWe/S2s9SKuYI7VQTj5QzN0B79un8qFZqxCRdguX0n7NG1891PNEXJbam3odvGMCkkkUkZmpXTR+F55oAUljLBH5XYSPr/wDWpzuxNXOB0f4SaHFodtPq91O+q3kIlvb95SzO7HLHPQdcD6VjUptpakuJ5Z458O2+h+Nb3Q9JuZ7q0t4InEl2wySxbgHgen51jey1QlG7Ob1i3S3uoh9tRWC8pwp5H8qqnU5ug5Rs7ENxbTuPJi/dxMu7g8n6ccVSkkHKZmoxJAfJgV3Zk3Ajt61rBvqOxmWkc8svlvGZmfIXnIU1pdEtDdPs2s703FxNt8pzhfWq5rqwivq0sEjESQiJy+RLnFOKBGn4buIHiWwku44InkG6YR72AqKumpRc1m2mt7mSeOU3MMZCxs7bSQe4FZxdySaxt01y5jjEn2X7NDjfJIdp74z6n0qneAzH1bUbkGK03b7eByYo9x27jjnFaQjpcCOe/wBSm2yX1w0x2FY4w2Ao/pTshna/Ce5s31yP+1NOe9tIkYtFvYhCe55FTOy3Lirs+oYvEfhY6HFJIq3gs02LG0RIVgAeMCueagypI8o8ba1Z6/q76kbMvMEWOMQWzbI1yT29c1zyi18JGp5X4omvJJlXyZ9yTHYqQsuR2B4rWl5ii2Zr3F/dt+8s3jyCrjYAqitrxTLZzUct0t6Utre4JL4AUEZ/Kt01Yg3xa3uo2saRlo7qeUxCCRACD9T0qHJJiZqSWni3wZeQ/aJrq1QOsoEMg2sRwMgHB6GhVIzQjf1H4leMNaBh17W3msgMqPsgI9gcLWUqUX0JaTOUGp3t6bowtD5THGdhUr78EVo4WVmKxFLPcTIWlmy6Y3Pnr+dLQLFS4tEuR9pzsgVtoKkZY1adhkeuaNdWcltNcSIsbRsyKmN2OMFua0iwuc88UskhjEhbJ9QKtajEjUxTCMLuZe2eKoZu6dbxXUUr7XgRUy+1s8+lZT3EZGrOP3ZilIReAvQ1UQK0qvE0U7HEh6YOapoo3YLY39pDdboo7rJVm6kj6VjN2C5o2yyWRSG3Mzs7ASEc8egFZS1VwRJq8iW0mbCNvMQ4ZZRu57k0oeYNGXbTNJcO128aqT8wVfu/StmuwWLdjqUDavbXsrtJBZygxgsAXI5A+maiUPd5WNM6H+2lv9Yv9XNpCL2XYLfK4SMd655Q5Y8vQvmLRtLNIhqB0+CW6dCwaM5Kn1xmoUnexk02ziLq/gkikWCMrcs3BIzmuyEQLMBaWe0t03fuU3SqV43E9R+ApS0A3NFktPOze2jmJZMrI5z36D61z1E2vdKTszbnuG1Oe007S438s5xDt6KOS36VzRjyXlIpS1MnxWs+o2Fvfm8P2qSQrMAOgHABral7raHN3Mzdp+mNEdSDXabCHRByCe9bxvJGVzAXUmjvGNrNKIVyEJ+VgO3IrpjC61Ari5hlnlkvGlkyMKw65/GrUbbAR2ciiRsjkjCgmk4gdx8MdEt9c8VQ6ZfajaWke9ZSZjtV/wDZ4rKcW0NGl8XdA0jT/Et3BoswngV9ksicoGxyBWFGUoaSJuc1pcN1p8SX1ssGEQxoGtgd2RjuPetnUV7Mdytpd14r1i9g0OyXz7gswt4I0Cknqea1SSC564Ph/f8AhHwbDqPiO+jmnuT5htDGPkz1G4Nk1xVotyVhNHHzaVo8y3y215ZxlTm3kmf5sYzgDB/nWkOZJXA4W7k1JhLOrxBwdpEecnHeuhNDOm8HancNpcpBCSwJw2MHk/r0rCvFNiIL2ddU8SQPeXKK3O6RlUAEDjoOtKK5Y6ATeM7mCe5Ed5N/yzXcu/kkD2p0otAzI1e+sJrGzsrC2SAxKFdYxkueuSfWtEu4loMXU7qCc2svmtbnaXiY+3cVSihlDVWjuXeaGAwMCAB93Aq4gZheXzkLMCc5AzzVjNXQLU6rcNBNO0ARCd6rk1E3ZCub9mvh+O9trWOykvzbL8hnmOwv67Qcday1tcQuuapdWmvQzTRQxyhcrFFCoUemABjpioUbrUZzOuNdXupCZ49sj9QeMA+3at4pLYq5D5ly88EUsgkSNsbeQAKqyEdRLaprE9sstxHp9u0nk7o3JUDuccmsXo7kmrplxZ6LqOoaTc6mbvSLBz5IiG0Tv6nIrOV5JPuDRjah4sLG7lSIsbiMwpvUERpuzgcVpCnYSRiaRIjxyQTzPGm4OgUnaD61o0UTayqvbCVJ0dywyAxzgUkgKlulp0nSZun3XHFW7oZZuotKEAZDMrgAKCR+OanUDKw6zIYyxIkGB1zWgGperJ5QLxICBzgEVNwMu4kM6rsRVUfwqODTQFco7E4ydo5IHFMB9rHGTumLquOAO9MBBKQm1QwXoOaQAWDfe54xyKALlrcmL5UHJB52klfcYpMD1HwBYeAJIftnjLxHdR3bqEhiiLc5AOSce/rXLUUnsBr+J7Dwlb209josup3dwo2o8qqY8deo5/M1zLmi9QscdDI0Fl9gvJZ3iZyxjU4X+dbrV3QzRsp9GyLpbKBDCvyRysNjkeuKXv33C5yviHUW1E2dgFt1IzvkiHX0zXRTjbUDKh02UXaRySQlFODk5NW5CNfVEgtzGiiIqgO1AeMnHNTFsCTRtLuBYXOpmBBBEwDjf8zA88VMm72ATU9mpQrdyzFQAAAp+6Ccc0tVsM0/DEmmW9yyfbHlVIjkyAAAkdhUVOZiJLfR/tsU11cXv2iAt+6iL7SG6dMCsnOwHMX0N5pmtbvKMX8IMTZGPzreMoyiI13ublwx89PO/iJbbkVPKgMyXUFilIt0IlQfM+8sB71aiCI7e+uLq4MayFndyTIzHLmq5Uhk6PcX92ukxm4VpGIYIRgkUmklcVyR9L8Q6VIfLjlkSN9wL45A7YqG4MDbnktr4FZ99rHImJASMg1k1bYRp2Gi6HcacLed7rykVlS4yoAfHXjnFYynUi7oDL8K22lWNrewz3xmcY8oOpwffpW1Zyk1YDL8Qppa3kEqeY4DEyBfu9eBzWlO/USNBLm51G2JiXy4nAVPlHyAeualxSGSzvILc25vEEzMN0zqASPw60RWgylc2lrDGptr8TsrfeCbQfXp1q4sCBNRlhRowoW3YeWzuT168Y+tVyoZmXxKWqzoplkaQqpx+WM1Se4F27S500nT5YvK8xFd1IBPOKXxPQRn3zweeHki89DhWY9FNWrjLFpdWkZEkmmhyyhRlsYx6VMr9xCX8lkQ7waVsY8hm5I/E0JjM6OyaWTdOzInXAwTV8wGpoNzJ4X8UQavpxkmhhRtzsNv3gQR+RNNSuBnXEsUl7JdRlVaViw8z5+v1qgL194t1y78OQ+H557Q2MDbowlqisDnrkc0AUBa+fCjs8khwQMnp+tS3YCzopbTrgSW8KTyAf8ALVBIo/A8Vm2I6ay0ebWlk1DVbiGxRx5ZAQAH6AdKxlV5XZILmfeeH5VkzZeRGvPLv1Hrij2y6gQRaPeWcQLSeYsgOP7g/Gn7WMguVJ9GlsxbmVfNSYEqU6E+mauM0xla/wBKxLaRRHEtwWTy+uGyMD3rWMgNUaRqWk3aaTr+l3MayD9zIINx9setJzuroVzK1jw9qthcrF/Z9whZcjzVKfzoU0+oyzB4Y1zEUNtGks8y8RpID+ual1Y9wGjwtr7xCK5eC3bzdphe4VccdetHtY20Aj1PQYLANbPepLOq7mZG3KPoacZOQGC6r3Ukj+L1rUCJjyVCn8quw7DxEccA46ZAqWIfayNA+QFY+pFIDUi1EBCnlI8jA4yMVLQF/R4tQubiIXVm0cW7EbFeOfes5uwjbaOWIvaxyRpsyQuNwzXPcRn3lmHtg92klxKGyMHA+gxVxYGXe3OoRIqvAIoVHyhsAito2GGm393PIGRT8pyCcYz60NAaML6v9qF3ZO5lU8yfwrUO1hkr3BuZUmnVeBjeVxuao0toBuR6g0yBPKMk0cYSL931FY8vURDp9lq7zx3a2cSBZBkvtyB9D/hTcopEtnRa7q0gt1sWn8zepLhWxtX8DWcVrzCSMu6XTJIoorW2TyEH3lxyff1q1zFWMO5uIYC7SwRHKkLlFJB/LpWyuxl3RvFt7baY2itp9t9nlVi+wBSx4wScU/ZdQKGq6y8Zghjit08tDuyoJIOKpR1CxWsjDfqAjiNgxZy6DB+h61T90DQ0qIWOmT3CW8TyyMUU9SB64rJyu7BcwLTUQlx9m1DK27j5to5zWttLoZqWtvY22kzyRLFOZB+7ZnwVHPb8qnW4ir4eijvdSt4VUbZGAdFbqM9KqewM9RtIjcaReaU1hFJbSti2Rxgg+vT+tcN7SuJHkfiC0hsrySG0nIO4jYR09hXfCTe5RFpfh2/vbg74bgRYyzouSB+FEqqRLZujw3DZojvFcLGRnMw4YevNZupcVzO1UxrMEUwYReiKOT+FaRKRhXpmklTzEOCMgAVoM2NGgtxaBxpM13IpxuUEbRWU2u4mbc2paZN87aWY3ChRuVyRj6VHLIBs9s9yDFpmk6i1zJ/q5CmxEGPQijmstWBvXGNburDSoFEXkW/lTMflzJ356Vnt7zAz9S8ODSCmpTyqTC4Hl7g38qFPm0Qytd+MJjdPHLdSypsCKpjGcdAOlaeyW4WCTWdSsIYWkj2MisVbJO5Xxx1ppaiKWnXNvDcyXPkjLRnyyfmyx65zVNOwWMzWL05+0mdpnAwEKAgVURiw6a+qrA1jb75C21gF21Ep8u4HoWg2ltZaK1jcxi3njO5QkhLsx4JyT0rz5Pmloa05NaC69v0XTBZNerOtyPM+fIcA+n61VNcz2LqLTcj0DV4G0qW1hV5pE4ijGAFzwST1oqU7y1M4ysc5rlnP5cj489yw2gtnJ9AK2hJLcJ2Z0nhHwpBp0Uura0sK33ls1tHI4wp91pSq8ztExZm3+o2t5PBdfJJcRpt5X5QQT0qlFrcErGZdQ6fbut/cLI80nGxlGwewqgHXENpbar/oxSRGjDL8uPqKq+gD72W4TS5XECCBhtLNxjNTG1xo5a6gcRJtA3N91sEY/GtkMt6fNIkL20xWRkBYkHNDEdf8PJbWyiuNViuHF2qExb0yAfx6VjV1aQnroWvDOtafLczxeI7T+07W4P77bnf1/h96HFr4Rml4w0LwFqMKjQLjUtPuIYcpbv8AMpPpzRGU1uM8wn0i9tr8RFFYI2Cz8ZrZSTAZeO7XX2IwW8TBvv4wAPwq0wIoLORLvEd3BIOh+U7R+YobYFuC3Qs0TRxs5P31OMCouIuSW97LtS2uFLL8q4dgKltAiORL22t1jn1CNipz5KJkn8cUW8hk9vLeGPyEaUwMuQr8AH2FDSAqre3dvOGljzgYDNk0cqEy/qGoWrBXkt3mGMliduT7UkrhYyY7zS/MLpas27sXOKtJjJtPaP7JIwmjsdzFlCkk4Hahp3Gh2kz3l3eO8lySijq5wCPaoaVgbNNbLVD5jxW07RADawfg8+vao5kKxa0WPV9T019QvbdxZ24VPM2847ClV5Y+6i5arUg1FLCW8L2t5FawgbWjwdx49amN7aozKZsYZYHUiMfMCuBnitLtBYiv9B1CKOCe5xb2bsAORlh3xTjVQyxZXQ09Ps1nvVGOTK33sVLXMrgU9WTz5lk87cjnJL9c571UbJCMzVbU286qZYtu3Pytk1rFjK9oZI7gPGTzjFW9gOitJpmlATCOMc55FYSQjpdV1jQj4XGn22gp/aZYNdX7vvJPoo7VnGMr7hY5S51KW1tHhtIoQZOCxQFvzrZLULFPTrScubmVvIgjYbmI5bnoKcnbQaO40JrjVkk0uxied7kqd7feRFznArkqrl95lqLexXu9Rj0p5LGbT3ZsFMuSOKzUHNXTIKlldapfTollbIY3OAVjA4+tacqitRWDxPf3h0yO1luI96E5AODnpyKqnFXuBzVjp0+p332a3dWlK5wfWuhy5UMu3OhSxRGK4hdW3YA4wTmp9qhNhdWUFtYo11fBcA7I41wQfc0KVxXOfMgDhod6nGMg8mtkiizbeY865YliQSzdqGNHs+geLPC2j6LbafM0uqX0rqZUiAwij3/H9K8+ph5Tm5bF3SPZ9WS3u/CNsljaWMRkC+WsgJZRjJ6d64aj5Akjzm5uFS/TTLbR7q91ffthjVflKg5JJqqKctW9Cl5nQeK/HJuvJ0LUbCGO6s02zbiNu7GDVuLa0MZ6nkS6ZBqeozC4uoY1MrsqQ4GAOnPpXQpWWhBlXdiLSTfDJHiXIYKckDNaRk+oznbq8voLry4pWUoTgjrW6imhlvQNbu9JnadhHMrAhxL3zVSgpLQpHbeH/G1hB4HfQEijtPOnMs8v3jg44FQ4O9zS66Ha6Z4q8PaH4BubrSXv49VdiyySksh9CATjvUO6diJMq+Evij4r8SQy2l7crJEqhvM+zKq/KP4vWirJQVyotMl8S+IPFWp7bue6aKeEYS4hG0Y9MVzKspMT3Md/FGs3SgX2tXc4j2grFwprp577DRd1Lxp4j1a4htIJJI1RdqeVlywXpkChyutQaOV1+fW4r5L++hvTdXdwuZJ4sLtUg4GevWs0oydrhB6nbfGS00nUNM0kaHpCjU22pJKy4zxkn9KwptRk1fQdRPmOr8A/DPwhfaNCmpT3DamEH2hfNIx7gUmnLZlSicL4g8E6JqvibXLHwTJJCNMOzMpZxMw4OCenNPnlTS5tTKzOX1rwPqfh6yE+CzyHc8Y6rmnHExlKwroxL6zt7azC3EIEr/MzbtxzXRCTexLOZ1OVUVY2XcDyoNdMAsS2N3aJB5ca7JDyaJx1BmjqSvJKry+XmRQFXOcdu1ZbBYaJ3trE2Lsi8hgy8dexoWrGYc8To7P5qN/EMVvHYC9ZoPshnuEbBPJxkn0AqWB6mmnXXgvRFv5o7XSjNbhtkjbpZh9K4ZtznY0izpPA2r2V74bkW2iVYZQ4uLmX+8fSsakZQZqmmiv4f8TJ4d+zW0kxltjLsJ6luaEudsGrHoHh2+034g22tW8csFi2nkGNWK7mb1z6cVc6Ol0yba3PHLa61i71+XSfItbeSJzFPcz4Ea8/e/KqVFJXbK52UfG2max4Unmkt/EmlXiSdDbyDdz6Y6VvHlehlJ6mS1nq2p+DhrUdqkcML7ZLh5MM7dyPWr0jIhkPgvxrc6Bc3LXen22q7lCr9p+by+vT860dOMtRGnd+OZ73wzcaVbWH2X7TO0kkowR04UegrJU1F3JZy2mWOoCQASM0cn3yEziqlJdAuTapDcKIovK+VMsxYYzSQEmm3cEtj9kvI1toYDkyr97J5q+VgZeoQzRWyX0sU7W87MsMj/xAHtVoDNe1KW5nWdSG/hHUVSYypHEDKFeTGRkn0qmxmut3Z2lksQjY8/M/941m1dgZ+psszPcRRhYxgDA6cCrSsBNoMNvdTML24CMfljXHHTqaU3ZAT6es1lfgmcLblwJHAyQuecVm3dDNm7nntGW7iDlZG3RsfT1xWSV9BlLXL+Isk9nPueYkze7E1pGAPUpRiHUJIIPs9wu0jzWiH3sn1qm7IRpeJbfS47uEafZi3hUqm1pNzMR1JqI3e4h0G+3u4OGSOWQAHFQ9QOh1G+8rw+biB9khUo8g4wPSsIQ98epwdv8Aub1Js5AIIz3ruVrCOm0+/himN1JlFkGVkZPvn0FYTuxFme8SeNZg3O8Ex4znrUclmBd0fUNStJXu9PVluY0YIQvQMMf1rGUI7MaK1+bOK0hOoNm4K7jGD1PvVRV3oVcwCItVupp5bmC22gBY89AK6opxRLZnXVkzKHWWN0Zto2n2rVTAqPBIrIrNld3p7VdwLUFjF5p82EyBDkKJAuahsCzEtzptyuo/Y2tvmzDJuyAPUU09Bo+gvhNc+Bf+EHuNQfS7vU761j3zyTruXzWUcAelebiYO7dxtJo4kzQS3szXFs8cUgBiRRhUJJPT8qy1exlY4y21JrDVZb3TLRra7tnZvN2/MPcH/PWu+DdrtjRX1LWtW18xR3msTyXTkgtMxIA9K1t1sMxNKE0+q20DzEebOqM2eFGcVpLRaDO9+IvhRvC+owXekTz3EYTMkoTABz09/rXJCtzNpiMOzuZbrUreeN5P9Iby2A459acwsV/ElnLpmt4iJnCvubOCMinCSkgsTD7HdWxujBG9y8uH3rnA9qNVoJjZnttKZ/Li23BTOdmCp7fSqjeQGMupXcGpw6gV+1XAcO28AqwHQGtktBj/ABLqF9rOqzX08KpJMQ7JGNqqMYxgU4qwGz4Ssrd7a7ifTYblp4QBMWz5A9abQMz7SFhq8Gm2k1s+ZNjSqcLz6mologN1PCs41BLNtSsEaJyztC28k56Vg56bCDxARDi5wJ1LGJZdgHT0/OiCbGY2uzLLeQC2t44IfJCserM3qa2imhmPqRc7U8xH552irTEXNKtJ1tg8rOscTbwBUysFjp5tCudU0n7Zp6wK0yK4Bbl+uT7VzuqoysxHMWOj315LIk5dYbaT9+UG4KK3lPsMPEtxYI32LTo/kOP3m3BOKcb7sEZUIuPKMiq+xWAOVq00MvWqsuAFy7YByKGAuuaVcWjPO00bqcMdrZ2+1SpagZaTSB9yn5vWrA7+ws0/4R+2vbmZmlmGNhGQR7+neuWUnzWQmZevjRLIRpbQRi7HDuRkHjtVxuIylv8ATLe1MawvJLIv7xwuPyrWzHYzJWyy71ZEK/KfWqGQtgA4JxQAFWBx+VAFvS55YJxLG5T5SGOO1DAmllM11FBHLJIVOSfTNLZAei+GZDsFrJqphdu5OQT2zXBV7tFIqeJ9MjQSK06yOXClw+BzRTn2GzLuksreza2uZJEHl/u3VcgGto3bIOauIpYpiYw4I6E8V0RYE0Fw5UiZWDFsll7ChgNntgzs7RSyjGRIxxSTuAtvJdQtud3kQgAR7uKGgNjQtNvNRne4jWFY2cAQsR8xHNZymkA2SxVdZkkT9yXbaEVAQDUOegHSw6ZJfNBbWRk+0bm34IVQc9fyrG9twL2r+HSmmLILm3nCtwFI3EkHp64xWcanvWA43V4YfsbCSKdSrckLwa6YaiJfC+p2mmRP5OknUGkXY8Uqgr1oqRv1sBNrcFlLqcZgtksXRsv5XAU1MW+XcCPWrG00m7bUU1Nm8+MPCFHzFsc89qqE3LSwG9uvbnw3YzsCp8vjLZZ8nqaxaSkI57U4JRH/AKTEczEZZTkitYyBGza27nQJVku2jSFSQF6Z+tZyleQyroeqyW8MSApKyxlAXA5yeDmrlG71GYPiZLmK9Vbh49zDd8nOK1ppdBWLnhi31/Wrk2ui213crChaZUI27QKqUUhlbWYryDUVtZraa2mUgsrDBFKNrAX086G0Ti32HLBWQZqXq9AI4EivbyC2nZIwQW2RgZ/D8qUrpAaY0m2tNGsNZvJy0DSFVt2HOQeTWfO5NxQGn4Ut9MivbzxLqDwtp0XyeXdLuLs3RRWdSUmuRbiJovInsWMVtaIs0mQsMf5fSldp6sRh3iiTUJ/OtrZbm2HAkO38q2V3sUU7nW5bNWgkitZJnHBEYO3OM1ooX1HYknv7W3uGgdbS5aeIHeV2iP6e9NQ7COX1y+85vIjYmBBjbnitoxsBlRnAwPwqgJfNIBz0p2A6HwtFDOwNxcMAM/KBWFVtAbF4ltbWLSmVdwfAVRjisdWKxrTNayWFnMl79njyN4GTn2rFp3dx2MXX/t1tGsnnAo/EODjIraFmIqfZNWvrUF52ZCcFQ2dtU7R0GWPEqpa20cUFwpaAAYBOM4Gf1qaavqwKr6hpk2laNepFs1OxuxJOO0yggj+X611KIHZ+IPiJZ6lrcGpfZWQxp8nHCnHFc/sugrEst3b+IPDiauZAb1Hw25vnK/SseVwloMoaragXVrdaW8pCp+8kYgbW7jiqinawWOT8SXczXOGkbeOGI710RirAD6Zcz2IuCkcYZAm5m5PNNNXA57UXWPdatF+8BxvDVqtR2KQyWqhE0crRqyg8N1oYDkeLd84yTUgPEkUZDAZGaTVwOp8MX8jwyB2YMqZQOeAc1zVESSXySm8cy3Cj0aI9aleg7mXO93FdJHDM+W7tz+NaJIAurORrmNJ7jzCw3Esaq9gJIBYxyedKzYjB4UcH0o3dgJE1i3YFFQovfaTg/hUuLGdNcQG4sIYI7eNQPmXK8kn1rmcrMlD4dLv1/eM8Pmp8qrGMEcd6HMVyzaaVqrP9rnvEhgA+ZMdah1IrZBc5nX737Lf/ACSjbIeWUc4rppx01KRlT362kxNrO00ROd2Mba25Ex2L99faXdsXSJi20bQT1bvUctmAy1/sm4mU30Uy/JgeXJg5odwLt7Lpv2N7fS9Kae5IwZ5myAvfHv0oV1rcCxpeiR6ayNJLguuJA3QE+lROTZLNK3Nvpt5C6W6OjnOwtkMKzd2rCsUdc0+x1S7b7JpkhcEljGwwFqoSaWozN1O307TbMJELn998oLsMp6jH1rSLbYIo+Gy663bCNFcRyDls/ma0nohs9Evo9T0myjaeULLGpMAU7gynvXJaLZKZ5XepM968qgLN5m7HWutbFm3a+IJLW3UMzJIc7hnGRUummxWKV54gub4FCXIzhASTtFUqaQWRLaR3MkDOxiiRR1YDNC0YGfbafd3d27pKjFf4mOKrmGdLaX0umZIcZbghO4rnkuZiNbS9Rto3+2vaGSJJcrGeWPvWck7WEauoeKptT1yW+Fl5KLH5flA9Vx/OkoWja5Vjnbu/niQMkMygyZUj+taWT3Ezckis73TI5r+4aJDEWZRjJcetStHoNHNabYtPpE9zG0K3Ty4AdQfk7HOK1lU1sFyKbSNSvrGbzpVijgGQAfvD2pqaTAwksLr7IZPMYAOFUZznrVOaA37fw9FK0SyzKOAWATms3UsI09GisNKuTFZ6pkRyc4XJIrCbc90NIm8Uao2oLtjgSJlJYTx8Fs9qilFJmyasYWpefPYhnxPKkYGS2dozW0Uk2Q3creHZLm3uWESht8bKV79OtXU1Fc3/AA/p0kSSXzvvKHcqls4I9jWE5rZEsivprmbUogsjMrEHe4/ma0hawiCwe3tNUlErxXnlNyQflqmrxFYk8TWMUyfbLe8REBz5I65wKUH0YzGF3PJGIltpUmj6Nnt3rW1hGhE08uny2875t5TnYOeah2TAS1s7CQJb3115AAwMk847UNsLmNe21hb30giuHwFxle9aK7A7L4Y3C/ZtSa6UNZQwFPu85Yjv+FZVeiE9zH0dV0/W5FMZaJrhWXceMVcrtFG7qs9tFqRN6lulu6fI0ZOc1EfILmD4lslmO6w1GR1cA/MuCD9e9XFvqhnIXsbxT4ldncHBJ9RW8QJLK7MWMv35FDQGr9ohFs8sJ4C4YE9TUNAMW51BYmVZMRFcjb6mlZDQqTkWwh2kSrzuLdaQDooZpl+1Xl19nUkKiq+T9aTethFx5kgkQS3D7BwNxzSSYWIZWsjIYmJZW+6/pzTSY0ZN3+5HkW6cDg5q4gGkW32m63OwkjjxuQnmipLQTOzlt7SC1ieG0dYssP8Aez0H4VyXlfUdisNVgSF13FACAULc/hV8gDdC1m8TSf7FeWV4riRXY7SAgFVVgm+YL6FbX9Ms47kixupJSWIGVwDSpy01EY0Ut1YTr5m5thGF96191oaZraVrjyzTT3zmVvLZYlbopqZU10He5c1y7muoLWKK3iVo05YDr9cVnCPKySrJYz3VrOI42n+zpvcoOF4rRbgcrcYLs7cbevtW6sBesYHljjSNVVi2QxPapkwOhvII9KsluI2M1weD6AVgnzMRmxeeLb7bGgXLHgt1+taJWC5CyW9xGJHctdO5JVOgFMZPe3kvkxWG3CAnBx196SV9QL+g/wBq+H5LXWormWPzX2gJ1x3rOpyyvFmkZ8pe1rXp9Sv5rxoxJtUAtKozWUKKirEMdZa2dNubS88jzki+ZYg21fxpunzKwjAEkV9cXAMUryyEycHge1bRjypICW1aWOMGxtVjnBO5gDuA+tD1AaNXT7VvZ2d9u1skjmmqdxWM/Ub43ihtuYwT3zVwjygMsLO4u76O3tYHlnkI2InJJ9K0ukM6HUvCWsWGomDVLF7VvLDsjN2xWfOmCZ3fhLTfB+paHsszHp+tohGZjtQgDOcms5KV9x9T02z1ebVvD1jbabAt1qFvYl5miTaigZUkHvXl16LUrsqUjH8G/aLDVb3xDdaVqmoXKRFbdYn+6SMH6iqi0kogpFXxt4j8Panp1ta6zGLG5ePdIgixKznqzN9acacubmiZPVnAP4NDWEuoweI9Nt4WRigNxmRgOgxXQqnRoDhZmvLCYLHdmVunqK6opSQyCfUZ2EjnZ5hGCxHSq5V0AhjZrzMKRmV+pantuM6fQtBSCBppgkyOdoy2CPwrCVaw7nTaX9oGvaZ4fktvNW4kUBSvGypSU1zJlJXPf9X8CeG4vG2i6XZ3C2Yu9OmlktoCPmI2AfzNZSocxTSN+5+FHhPUIIIL2G6fyWwzCQgn1HFOOHcdmTY5b4keBPCuh+BtSu9G0dTc2sYky8m3cw65NDhqTJ2OC+CfxA8K6bqVy89kYrlrfyoUABVmyeQe3atnScVY6IuMkelS+G9LFsmu+MNSjuJl3TWyyMNkSkghc9ziuT2dndESjyGZpY1bVNVmi8OaVZzWMjhnv5yCyAg/dB9hUxhd2Enfc1tb8J267bjzbq6v5AFZLU7SxPuOgrSVF2sgbZ1XhTwPp+iaO8Nwmy6lBlaMsDnP+0KboWCTujkfil4K0+88FarfW63UN/BApjxJweO9ZukoyuYOJ8oTQ3tvAs6zRuJPlOTuJNdkVcpGHfFDJtunIkzg471utAJYNMkxFMsiBWBOCecU3MC9fWLafIpkvUd8gfQ1lzcwrk2t3EMpCoMYXBbHU4oitRkWh+E9R1myvdTs0T7HYxg3DyyhcZ6Y9aqU1HQCz51hHDGm8zOuNqrzlu3HepakI63X/D3irxTLFq2u36WlokX7s3LBSFA6AVmpKGwXIPB8k2p2Q0O4EkWnwt8zxnaTn1rOsmnzdTSLOztNFl/slLnQdMkvxExigZl3AyfjXFq3roauWhy8VtfW3iK8stdvhpV8tuZZAmU6euK7YytBcpKZg6DKk+qXZv5nuoHB/i61VROysC1Pbfhh8GdM8QeHk1fxFKqWagyLbQp87DH8TVMYVHdomcWc5p/gHRb1r+41u/utC0Sa58nR4GbJmA5LAH1yK0XNy+Zi0zmPG3wy0/SdXkktbvGn7N4kmlUF8dQADTU5PdCVzj/EJtrSWBo9MFtDsyoR8hj6mqSb3GRafruqRW7QWjsinltuKORCaI7y4uleSTUZZUZslVYdfSqjFDM0XkNrayx/urlblBuJzlDjtWthmlLFfXugadp8lzI1tbAyJ3CgnpUNqLbAr3NpbWkCBopxHNn94RwTQncDLkiRLpQrbkIHHTmrQWDUGJdV2kZ6ADNC3GV1tZ0s5JQsjQ7sEtxg1QEenpPLdxLyiq3zFuOKUmgOqul+0MkFvAio4O6Q+mK5r6g2O0OznnvzBe3B8hOCFGQRSlKy0GirdRWTNLCVFu6udu7j6VabAswq1hAYllAAAJ2dDkZ60bhcqMHlZYo7cSyOwIbPSnYRp6zcB47aJChe3jLDI4L+lZxTuAl+1/q2nGzb7NDGmHcpwCBQrJ3Bsgjsba6hTMqDy12gov3qfNZEmhPHbyWMFlZ6e90LYGTaz4C+p/SoTd9RmcsJu2/0FHgVx2ycHvzVX5dxFgLcWWlgLeuWSTr0PSp+JjKQkN5bAXcmZWySxFXbl2ArWFkYGmM5XYGxgLkn3rTnAk127sYDHaWMTNGoDPKRgsaUIgUneB41leQ7ByRitLMZHe3UMxVVQYOO3amkBpaddR3MS2kqARfdUOTgVnNNIR2uhC4t7OWyt7loMqGfa2AeB+fFcstegXJ9Omhmv02zTs0RV2J74NZtaCGePvEdiljd2ulQG1uJU2S/IpL+vPatKMZX12Cx5faR4vI/MZlBOCc813XsijrZtCspGS+sIbjybcAtznc3rXPKpZ2YjT8X+LLy5t0ti29IYV+RuMDHQ1jTo63BGN4bu4hqdrdNHI1sJAHVBwM1tUg+WyGbvjO7sZbp5WEYDALEg56/SsKUZLQTOb06LyNSPmqGgztC+5rolsSyvrNhLE8lxMyyO5wFySacGCZW0+ziSNrq8lXYo4QHHNaXZRmTXO6Z5N+VJwAO46YrRAXklaKEpbJdIWjwQG4P5Um0BFoF6tlemSa3UAAnnnmiSugNZbi6kaaeNREsg3RgHHXjrWTSAxNTF3bGOCWYyFhvAD5ArRJXAhWWSUZUtuQc571Qy01vdta+aIFhRB1I5apuIu+G754bG9aWWNlb93tbr17UmrjNW11Cd9K8iJGjRE8tWVuozWco2YrFa8h1ay0pY45Xh81vmwMB1Pqe9CSuAuieHbQXFpPc6rAkhbJQKTgD17VTn0Bkviq/u74yKrItjE4SPYgG73OKIREjlIpmR1MjMyg84PpWxRc1LUFu7N4FiCoW3dOaVgKFg3k31uXTguMKw6/WhgdtPILuZLeW4WPzmWONI+ik/wBKwYjM1TQriFJXu7yBViPBP3m+lVCSYHLyRmWVkiXONxrYZaury6vrSCCcL5VshVAq4Pvn1oAqhE6gc46ZqgGAkHrkGgCWF2TI+9wQB6UmBZtbhLSZJYxulBydw4pAdV4S1i3t9QkutSijljCkrHj+KuepTutBqxfu71Nc068u7ezZIoZFZmB6Z4rJR5GkN26GJcvqN5+5QL5JOTx2FbxSTES2kr28TXt3a/aF3YG4cHihvsIoTaluvfOMEap1CAYH0qkmBFqeqC++UKIGVQNoHBpqNgKtvdTRuPmyDx0qgLcU9wLiNLWeQbnw23jHqahpdgOhtUQqzX7hVBGOeR/jXPJCKl+lyk0AsZ8LITli5GOSMmqiroDb8M2xnvv7MhuY5p4TuXL4DE9QD+NROOgMytSGszQ3mm/2fkRy7i56gDPeqgorULkmmwy6OV23YAnX96FAJX8aU/eC5FqH2iS5ke1lMlrcna+cFqmGkdRXIPENjZpo1vG0ly8gz5Q28DpnmnCT5rgSaGNVggZJbgNDtVY0Ldz0xVVJJgaOlRvLrT2epSpbWpjYsXHBIHAB7c1m7W0BGDPc3dlbtaiXELkgjruFbKKZRafVbS407TLI2yq0abJZFXB6k03DW5V1Yp6xa36z/aFjXy5X8qFepI9acWkSUbtdQ0K/NnFeXFtOU3P5TlMZ9cVqpJq6A1TNqFltnuCblpQCJZGLE/iahu7AlaWe5ja4d0ZnbaEAGai+ozp/D/gvV4tagvrlILeOIFlyMlgRxxXHWxMWnELGnoGh6LiIasrXlx5zyKhchTnsB9RWE60/s6Esn8X6DYuWslV1tYk81LYDI3+pNKjWluVY4/T7y8huksbeIxrK23LkAJ+Pau1RUndisc7qkktxeS3DEykHb5gOTxXQkgMy5imiAuSwkVvujPJrWNhkU8qz4JiKsOnPSmIrGHDgbjjqfamAj7VbC+vWmgG5OMHoaGBo6F8l2ibjuJJb2FRNXA6rToNPurwRyRyvK77VQHIbiueSaAuSoQhsIgrPGSW3YAUCs79RmNr0slxBHDkHyOchuDzWlOKEZ1nq18qC3tt/7x8Fh6Vq4J6sDZ1OzjVIf7Qfhl3lQRuNYqVmBjPYO0yNBEY42fAye1bqbA6OBNMh0XyZQJCEyzqc4NYS5mwsZVxqMFrLLbwwqjE4BycYNaqLa1GVbqS6SJoBO2GbIKnrVKKAyp2nWXEoZvm5zVpCFuNRuJP3e5lGOmetCirgZztuYk4Jz3NWkMTI96dgsG7NNILAM46ZzSYWJodgUluagR2GkbZNOhYxphhkYPOBXJO9xDUgtzAZS0iMcrg9qSbEVkmjgch5SQw4JHStEhmfqE6PEHEm45xkda0SAglv9mimyIPmCQOG9veqtrcZp+HltLuCEiMmRG+bP8VY1W0DOwikdnaIvKuUBHoPxrkaJKc11fWKSCzjJkz80rEkk+lUknuBpaTqmqXdtI99Iu2KLEce3aCTnn9KmUIp6AcLrUhlu8n95JnnPQV2QWhSKPmzRpIscYk38YArW6GaGnTtZxRtLbr+8zgEgmoYi3d2Ulxb/abdVZT1wMAHsM1KlZ2AvW0OoWCwRX32aIEh1izliPf2qW1IRvbI9Qsft1w6xyyvsSL/AOtWLbQGZqOmSQ3UNrHBLK4GXYvwB+FUpAUria+0uabMLwKMbeSc1aipCObu5riUSSzF8M25Sa2SSQzpfBEVxb2rXUUKSPc/uwz9vWsaruS2dT4oNtIVSxuppZ7cf6th8oHpmsKb7gjkptLFzHFfRyCOdnCyx91Pr9K6FIq43WPBupiTdatHdRjodwBJNEa0VuM5++sb/SpGW6gaCUdO4raM0wKizzzMY5PNk54wtUmmBcsbe6kmC7J4k6kspFRKSEzqLx/sskUkdsGVohtJHXisE7sDGg1Py7sR3hfahyQg61ry3QzVTUIsNdBii44QjJPvUOIhwuZrrT/Ksra5kZmyzEYANTypAPtru+3SpfwqVCcEnmnZPYZreG2C6Y9xK8UYC5eM+hPFZVL30EV9RvNLiu4pGudyY+aFG604RbQx1jd2Qv0l+zDynb5Y3GePwocZWAs6TqVtNPMTEyO37vYFzuGeSaykmtQsQw6ZZWOsSPbfvAW+ZcH5fzpOo5IdrD9VS206zkMMizNOOY5Byv0op3lozW2hl/aYY9RhWK1cWroBKq9Twa15W0S0Nu5Bp15GLNl82UHA6lQeo/KmryWoNWNKyabT7aa6nPlxsCEjdPvE9MCs2k9EJK5lwG5utNk86cI/IXA7ela2UWSzFtTJBcNE0bFXH3sda2dmSWmuUhtJN42SE8bhnNSkAmmreyRSXCuW8zAzjoM02xG3p3ElupLCT+IHkH8KylsAaza2P9qtM0pDIckY4OTRBsDD1mOKWCSSIxBi2RjritYtjNbQXng8NJCZFjt3lzMqn5jjpn86mXxC6mZrFz5uphYgShwRz0FWlZFG4LDTr62EktzJG4XEankFqycmIxNZsdTtIIgspeJznKHPNaQkmM565SfezSROD1+bvWyaa0AmgisJE/0qRozjPyDJzUyYFzSNCu7q6gMCNItydqbuAaylVUU2xXOjPhLxIUXyo02g8qvOMVi8VTRSRduPCmpR6FJNcJuu4yAI1XJI9azWKg5KxSRVm8MzXs1rbaYJpHeHfIJY9uw9/wAK0VdJXYrGBqOj6ily8QtZJGi4yBkE9K3jWi9gJ9L0DU7yfyhCyOBna/AOKmdeMdRMvQeENXuFVpoVBbvu6CsXi4X3EdD4d8BvZ5kaZXnkGEj65rCeLU9gSuTalpN5FcrZ3jpbgIxId/u4HHHvVQqJq6NraHJz6ezTmT7VAdpxnZXUn0IdrmLcapewSnyJJ1QgAl0Xk+lbpXRmT2+sXF3PEs5jLoTj5cfoKiVNJDOhvYxcSJHcSA4iLg+Xgdu/41zReugjEn0i7iWS5xG8aDOO4z0rfnHexkJf3ob/AFjZ6ZxxitLIB8uoyQyTR20pKP8AKzDjI96rkAIbr7LKZPIjlUjPzrmq5UBfg1pTcxzLBEkuByUBUfQVEo6AT3Zi1K5Ys5UheQG+UnrWdrCsVphbxNHCJo1iwNz5zjNUtQsSyPbW/iKRNIkkeziAVZtmCwwMnH1pbLUZrTaU8uh/apJ2ZCGdAiAtwQACc9ax5/esIn0ye0tfD8EkzSzToXIjJHydMZ596monzDMhomlkluCocseCzYP5VpsIbNDPDOyLeQokY2kscj8KqIXMppwl0TFI/oWTjNapDLUEtwGLwzuMrjA/rSaAr2FjNNq6Wv2K4vp5D8kMX3jwatWSA6S0k1XQY5zJoGnxDBVhdhmZOO49ah2YrFKW/njlS8jkhgnQbka3GMd/wpALFeatqMs0t5qlwztgnzHLM4I9eaTaQG9ouh2A1PS5tUv1W3kuFEqBvuqOSTj16UoVOlh3PYPH3jzwzPby2/hq3a0lt4BafaEZUSZOCQAD7Vz11ztWBu55ra39xFBdPPdarZ3Tx5soLYMQx9/UVHIuysIp+ItR8QfYI4tduHe4aHapaEFgvoTirhGF/dEce04swsMcQeQqOT/WuiwEZstQuts8qxxxjg7WGcUXS2GWJYLKSUQtAIreFTvlByXPandiFt762sY/MgCplNoPQ/zpNN7gbvgFptR1s2gtLm6EmY4mjj3gPUTpJo3pxufT/wALvg/4d06ODXvEklxfalztjaYoqLx/COeOf14pxp6DkrHBfGrx/wCH9G+JmnXnhSwufO0hGinnDHYckfIPfANVG5knqF9+0RqF5cxf2bpYfehDiWTAX36Z/WnJ2Rre5qalf33ivwLcDVb+G1hvUaRmiBwo9PU1wup71kRJIofCnwT4Mu/AsVvfaI39tDLmSGNmkwCcHr6AV0Sq3LUbLQ73SrDSNbls5r+xhi0/R9wuvtsm0ueAuEzjIx39qiPvbg5X3LniQw+IVuNP8J6iNP8AtEAjWeIAeUoPJwMeuOlYTkozvExlfoeV/DTVl8I+I7rRT4jvdV1RbkIgd3ZWGecA8A10KUpWbWhvRatZnt/jXX00x9OjieNry8yzoyM2Fxn8PpTlK2wpb6HFeK/EGrT2F7oeps8l/f2heMRWzJEie56dKxnJtXMZNnyTqVubO9lEs7AIWVP4hx6V2U22JGS04Y+fLGpCn5sd615Rm9p9wslhI7bIoeiMx5Bx6VnKKEUNRe8850WQT4PysR0oSSQEMct9PFIJB9045Xp9KvRMZZt7gvZvbJNcIjDMqb8KxHTjv1NJrqwL2mxxwWa6rbOY7mKUGIGMHkA81D3tYQ+68TTXGpm71DOq3ZPypMT5effHAqo01bQD1L4WeAJNe1FdV/tS3v7Zz5t/BaPhYc/wZz2FY1SrNHUarNqVv4mbwh4GuCbWGEysY18xIm9cjp61yNLWUkLmPOjNf6VY6rfahpcuuTXu+G4vZ1ObcKe3rk/yrphyuyuFzkNTm0x7yBdKNxbqQDN5jDAHfHFbJO+o7lkfEPxhaWT6Zp2uTQ2obO1cEn8fStoytoPmYniHx14x8R6fp+jalcrfLZRZtlt0wYxjHJX6UlYVzmJk1u/G+Q3dz5RCAO5bax6AflQ5Ik3tN0LWJbeb7XZTBbcBnMr7dv4Gs3JICCS2t7Bo2gv7eeWQ58uMklfrxU3uI09elPkQXUW29mkixi4YSYPrjtSiwOc06Ce01JZ5YoZCyt8iKMA/StU9B3LEV5cW6yJcz5UZCpgYHr/SpcUwKuoX11c26GWd2jQ/JGSSE+gpqKWwGM94on3Fjkfw1qhkltJdCZJA2Dn5Rj/Ghgatn5l2s0MkoSNctyDgtUt2AZoqicSI93HERnZGQSWNRLRXEaOoajcWMkVpNFGsaJjEan8+e9QknqFir9ov7BlnjJETsCm4jP40cqegzRsQviOK9vL2RIbiLp82d2B7Upe40kMpaRGzxTLPFcTRRr8uzjBB71TEF3GkGlRXq3KJI0pDR7xkelJagVbI3NzfLGkZmBBHBwPeqdlqImk1jyz5SRN5hGGAPFJU7gdN4T1XSZ9P8i4jnt7yAlt8cRkL56VjVpu+jKsiCCOW81aGC9lNvpkj/vSq7XP1OPemmktCWb8lpYefLb2V1Db2MX+qZzlm9wAOa523fULHE+Io7sTSAzL5SH5MZG73rqpWAyEuSzqsrEOhAGTxit7X2GdXDfQXMAt7eORoUGXfGM+vWueUbO4rGTr2nzxWkV69pLBbzErATyGA61dOacrAc+jTCF4UUncc8V0JjGeY+4BiQPbqKYGpHfQRQrFApyAMu+cis3F3Akiubous8dzmT0z2qXFCNLSdYvLa6jLzrHHM21gjAs2D09qznBWANdsLq41TCRyPNMflGctg0qbSegzoNM+Heq/8IiviWZoYwt2IzHKQML3Oabra2Av6/wCJtIsNHNhZ6YIVlQ/PFc8O3qQRSVNSdwPLmneWd1kJO/G4kZ7dq6OVLYDpfCWnXwVZi4+ztl9hk28Dvj8ayqSEJqawpIZw88r7ztjD8D0qYiJNFnMN35lzvM8XzIg9fx60SjdBYqa9fwT38QE2XZd0gY4wfSqjGwWKMFoNRQu2Y7RX+aXJ2nHYVpewzOe7Sz1LzoYYysb/ALsMcj2zmrV7ajLaaxIyyKzKskoYE59fSlyDM6SdlYlTuGMcd6qwGtLrolsYo0hZRHFsxxj1qeXURStrhDbrPEE89mPVeB7YpgWYLi5lmQxwpI8uV+7jHvUNiNfxEbeyhFszmSUAdG4FTFNsDlIUWZ2G9UO45J4x71sM7DSJLKbR0tppUD25z5iHhgT61jJO4irqd9cTlIklMkaHKoeQaFFAUjPOLaZxJCpbA2HIbqOlXawEtp4c1OfRZdVlk8mzH3d5I3n2qeZXsK5g5IbBxkHnFap3KNHSpLaGUTTxmYA5VBzzSabEynrt211qD3xVUBxtUfKBihLuM67wy0dtpgv5HieUKzJuwQjY6kelYz1egGNfvLq9w0rSrI38IHAq4pAZkEfkuRtbc3DY9KtuwDleONAtu5yclsjPemBWlIeRmZlz0BHFAD7axvbhN8VrPIucZVCaG0BFgxuVbqpxjNAEilWkOctnt1xQBchKSsonkWCPOC/fH0qJAdTpR0y3sWRbuaSOT76LwuexPNYTu2CJLI6ZdpcCW6ljZUPlFEJ3N6fSlqUZWo6pKLRLFWZEToWGC1bRQjDmaQEu8bDa3cVqIjZd0nzDBJznNAClZ1ONmUIyCKAEju/LwoOZSMY3YpOwGvp9280RWUyMqncwUZzWbSAbfTxXNuzRPIJAfuYOAPrQkOxQhnltbiC4XlkcEZOCDVtKwmjotY1HUnilVHlRioJRe+a51GKeoipb2utzW0c8kLi2TOdy8mq91aIDrLi0sIbuK9tI47e2+zo8jSzYAYgZUD61y8zkrMhlaK/0qSbdfPFNGhbZGjfKKrkl0GOsdS0+5vJAsMJgwoRgfuH1FJwa3E2Ralc2tyxtbuYwRbflkIPGT1xTguV3RSOY1OC3iusW979rhQ/umJPIrqgUZwmmaYFAG7+1aMDs/DGlfbJ4bq/1MW8Mabw4GdoA6Z/KuecmtEibnLa4VvNWuJ/Olmj34WRzywHetaS90ov3WvNPYpbgAqgCpvGAPpRyW1Ak0uwvbyMXEOAqndweBispyjHRgeu+GfFM/inR7lIkljvLGFYnc4IJ5HBFePiKSpTu+oXKVnDNFFdsJtOhkii2rNcMPkYk5x+VOydvMRjTeKNFtbKFzfm8vIwwkYR8Nxxj2reNCcn2Q0c7pax67qk8VzqFnpYMTSK0zHD+wA6Gu9RcAZWTT7dYSlrqlirDgLyfzNWmwMpo7VNU2yyRXMCAKDHIAM9yK01aAi199PkuS9nZmBQByWzninFNbgY7SZiaMOVVuvvV2AqMQehAqloMkQkjgZxSYiezkMbk5Kqc5PepYHR6FHaTOt60s6rbyKXZHAIBrGdxHS3Fto93qN2ltDcTMjIwYuVJjPXJxiuZuSWrGZGvWNlLPtsIZbeIfKQ8mc/SrpyfURg2uiXd1ctHa4QKfvudorZ1UkM7O9ttH0/wvZQ6np8l5eoGZ5ll6jjA+grmUpSm7PQrl0OckkkkhgnS2MKyk+VjkAD1rqS7kmBOsqbk+1SK2TkBq1SQEAkbznkmLsx55PJouBfS1u3jjmVisRPQ9RUyaA09Q0qUwxujo+0ZLRvuH41EZXYjHGnXd2qy+dCig7W56D1rRSGULmHyZmjDK6j+JehrRDuQHrwMVVxgAc7j0ouK5JEyL15qWApZCMkEL7CpEdh4ebzdLhxHJ+7yvCdjXLPcQt5FmRWTzPLY47VK8hFC9t0tnLvDIRjHzNwDWqfcaIAHkjjikW0SJjw3Q/yqr2GWJdPimtdllbTupYCR8ZHX1pKdtwOw8IWGj6PI4vo5J4J4t5IOxlI7CueopT2K5S3cJb3VyX0aKdIMErFLlnHpzjvUKDT94coIwYV1q7uWS7iS2BO7DAjj/IrR8qRmyfU7u5i0tdPE8UhySCFGR7UoRTdxIwxY3V2m21VHkQ7nAXp9a250ijc8P2pWZnutOhWPaVOcKC2KynO2pLY2XQdMgIaUM9xgnbFIDwelJVGwTHWt/YW2l3GnzKLcMVYGRs5IB7fjVcrvcdy1oEC6vdvc3MaP5kXlROvBDZ4I/KolLl0QEVzapBrI02e5kTYCWUDk/jTu3HmQF64vbu9tYrbTxCbeM4aRgFdsdiepqLJPUQX8lzmN5NOiMbLk5+UMB9acUu4GJrN5pkl0hjtYo8ptWJgW5z7CtY3QzW0qW1lgIWHykgi3FYfvE5HrWc00TYhE8a3cTWsF2FziV3QsACe+BSe2oIs+I9OA1CKfTbdTcRY3YOA4HsTTpydrMoj13VDLvRU8mdgCUyDtPtinCnYZjTS6y1uzmDzHReDKoPH41orLYRmSXt1ZeUZoYfMJzuiAI/StH5AbEd9hA9/cQL5gDKFXGBWUkBU1K8WSTZcXCt5fypzjI/CiEbDMq4gnnBu0RVVf7vQitVuK5q2F5ZGNLeXCuVyNqgkk/WpkmBdw97cLb6fqLpI7hfJA+Udsk1F2lsNGfrNjqa3ptra4huCvymQHgn2pxkrAXRDLbWIBkE5GFmIH3c9qnmTYkZl1pkkt+YoQgyMgv1q1Owx9rpOvCWNbe5Y/METCk9fSk6itqBr29nrei3scjTxwSk4JlcbmHfjNYylGasjRF7xXd2gjhkim8uUgtIDICSe/TrWdKLvqU7MwpLya7e2hbYuw4Ep6VtZIly0sWtV0O+lRrx5JpAq8GPocVMasb2HZvUp3D2n2JLm2do7oHZsKZ+XHXNaJN7hLU2NMjGoad9r1K/aeMfu1jUhnU9uKxqPldok2KetxSQ2UdtGqxpw4CH5se9VTd9xNGRZRG8uxH55j6n5uM4rd6Eslu9OvpuXlieNT/CfmxRzok0gyQiOBIzFsABz6Vne4yO7vrZyH2RrJF0Kk/NVJXCxnpctcyySNIkYfjDd60cbAQ3eiz28RuCkTqxO0l8Hr6ZpJ3GNguLqWP7NHBKUfgqo7im7bsT0L8ekX8YimltbiM9iy5yKnnXcVyWedfsTQhmSRWzz3qVEoypdackR+a0ZQ4IDZ/StYxQyjc373UXkysA68B2PWr5bCLf2W2FogihSWYLkuJN2ai4jvvB0X2SzsZrpnEat8oP8AD+dediG3dIS1O0s28oCQkSW2dxYcHb9a8+aNErFjUHtLuzX+zjOLguNxbpgngA0oc0dzVrQrx3RgmZP3ZlRSrcZOc9DWiTsSRahcieN8NawyR9NqbSfrzzTTYcplXlj/AGlbqfNksCoyZYF5Y+9XGpyeaJaNPR0Gm2YtpyboRkAPuUPn6VjNuUr7CLmo6dqd/c29zFbm3RkPksZ0LYx0PPWqpuMU02UjgtX0rVJUa9nS4RZDsDEl+R1P6iu6FSK91CkypBLYpZMZYWd7U/vGwBuyQOlU+a+5m73OditLbVdLj23MtxdqcMPLwOvrmut3iwM+30e7gnyqH5WPviqdRPcaZu3dtNq7S3F9dfZEggURnZ8zEcYHT86xVo6IRX0WXzra6W8muJSg+Qu2Bx/Oql5AUmuLG+mfzIxGV+VFUYJ9+K0ScdxmXf2a288kSgsN3y8YzWkWBLDYy3jxgnCY5YnGKHICwLGOEF/lbJ2q3rU8zEacunW1jpaXU8jPI5OEXPQisudt2QrlTQbLT31UNqE4FmuC65O4j0HvWkm7aFqx1lzb28wkfQ9Pa2t84hMjAkgD65965uaz95ks56xcNqYXUbZZ0jJDp0GfwNW0raAWNP0yAXDvPM0cEhO2MHIUduKmUgLt7ozRyPsMXlKm4yycAj2HepU7iOY1OFjfeWjCQ4wdowK6IbDRMmiGW0acttMYALdOtHtOUYNYvplql7HN5p34ZR8uRVc99AKkOualZ64ur6bcPa3isDHIGJKY7D861snuCJdR1PX9au5LnVtUm1CWQjc0jZJ9ql2Wwzfn0628lY7S3aPCAsxkzk45/WsHNpisVLJTDK0BbLyAfPgEqPxqZO6uI7DwxJBOU02SCKTc2XmkwCB/kfrXPJSvzXA1det/B2mxXMVje3TXaLlNvKiT0x/Woh7VtNgcdb+KNV025a7URO8SbU81AWH511ezTVgK2p+J7/WWM12ttG7jYfLHYVago6ILGTaC4uCZNiLGj4JbqapgXtRthdZJvvIREyFQEhz6VKsmBz1xPcQuFYu6/wAIrawBJPLOqwvHtBHr0qkhnQ6bqMem6YIbGaSOfpy/C+pGKlxKUrFa41zUrj/j41S9e4A2mQ3Dk7ew69KroJtsak5kLWEEq3Jchyzcc/X8ahrqCPX/AIR+BRe6xp8mrQqY4kMzQxAOW+uP5VyTm22apWPTfFN+PH9ra6foWl6vY6Np0fmRGK32rdnoB9KiS1Ilq7owvC+rXWlaJaX1rb6raa6pIu4Uj25J4GcjFTdLQanfc6i38I+IfE/hqKHXtYuIoprsSLbNhWwTk5457UrSfkDK/wARNFtfCls0tjC6jhGmZ8dPp1/SuSpTlzasloxL74P6abCy1yGyuJta1EiSK5EzKkXGct2rri5xgkwleLMXwV4v1BdYuLO8itbi+0yYxOGkL42nqCeo+taq0VzdzSMnI0viz8Q/EMmiXlzDbC3u4wLdpIpQEQHsFxn9aFyzkRNI+ZGlne4aV4UmfnczLnr1Nda0IK6lA4eRXBb+Er1FaICzJb+W0U0d3OIDyeOM/nQ0A46nI6i3BRVLhifLGScetRyjR0EwM+ixWsCrGWcs2OWPArF6MGc/Ho9w0z+UAFRhvaSTFbc1ybl43PmRfYJpkFoGAcoPmI7496SQG5r2n6TLBbR+G7S7hMce4O5DNJzyW9KE3cDS8OeJtUtbCXw3pEnkNcvvvJLYHJHocDjFTOPcpybPSfgr8P8ATNQvL77drrvZtCftDwSvEqN/d3ZGfpmued5vUuyscH8XvD8PgnX1tdM1BdV0Rz5iQSXBIP1AOcVtRu9zJHBa3qN/rN+kz+XDGEAEcMYVVX0rewyHUba5kgjuYY4kQ/KPnHP4A5qQEtb8Wzh1jQTgBdoB5x7g07XA7p/izqn2Gz0//hHtL09bR45AbaN0Z9ueWyTnOTn60nTQHM634gudRvrnUZAIp7yTzGWNcL9AKnkQh8V9p0NsqeV5d1IvEuenrxU2dxEGjoWV1t4lZpDkGXkr9Kbshlyayv3mit4mxcSZKr90YPvS5hpXMfVhJp1w8N1GwmVsNkgj8CKuPvCasN06MIpnvHbfNINkbHAxjvn8KbApXUQ+3ZZoQXb+FQQPpVXGXY7I3MTyGQ26KO8fLUmxFt7iy03TI4bZgZXQltyDhsn1qbNgc0jXUE4kiUo/3sgdeetadNRm7d3DX8Mb6heq05XCoTk1ny22An0xF+0INSYCEMNy5wSPrUSXYCW+vYjOY7Cxgt7aZtqqnDc+p6mpSdtQJ4dPWO9XTWnmgbBkcIQQFxx3o5na4EOoDR44orezi33EYy+4khye9Eea1wL+sJc6fodvKlkipcRlfOCgc8dO9KKTdhWOIDOZGkDDIORgda60hnT+HtWkgtZX0/ZaSiECV1OGb1zWNSnzbjuaE99arZ2skztdSXH3iHwR7Vj7PXQkzrqeRLLy7e3ZAzH+IEgc496pRT3A0rSw+26H5kuxJeh3dT/hWblZgzk7q2RZmQbsk4+VSR9K6VNWA2vDdzqWhXLLDcxquzcRsHQ9ulRNKS1GmL4s1271j7Ob2YyR2oKxL0HPU8UqVNQ2Hc56OaWB/MXaR6EdK6EILcQ3Uuy4YRDB+YDvTAvR6TYbhi8LQqBuyOW/AVnzMRdsLKOR5XtU+RMDa3SocrCJI00/TriWaVIhM/ChckL79aTvJWGJq19NNILjTLfLsoBbfvbI6n6UlBRWozf0y58ReJDBb63qVwLJCAkSYA474GM0qjjBaAF/4Ui1u8klsL0pI5MVtb7CXcKOuMUlX5ULY4yTTnTUfsmpmaMRLsDqNp3DjBzW0Z8yugOjsriP+zRpqu7soIEjyKuB6Anis5Ru7iMnUYriynjkkiWSNxuCiQED8jVrYY7XCbryryDbEGXaUXJbIHJzTSA56aKVZ/3x8zIyAeoq1YCzc6pKY0gXb5MS4QY4BPtT5dRlCEJIS3l+aykHGOKoB0n3wzqqsTwBTGQzBiSeoHagCxa2xlxEbhcN0Uc1LEXr3To7PyljuDNKw5QAfL/nNSpCNLSAttYDUkx9qVmR0kGBtxUPUDPtYU1TWIxc36WFvKcPOqFgo78DrVrbQZp+NbbwraXZtvC5vJ4EGJbm5YZlb1AA4FNJvcDntPPlXIOW8tffGT78VTQGrq01gTttmfziFYlSMA45FQkxGbaZlmCN8rN0OelU9hnWSvAPDsVk4WSSD1Hr+NYW1uTbU42UKs8igEEMQRW8dihzOInVoicDqTTAfHcWzlRewPKpbAI4wKANFtXtVSRLSNoUIxtC846damwEuk6RLqfm3c/lw2kSAuxcA57cd6luwGlInhzTLFI7Rp7yaVB5kwIRU9VA61KTYGHqs+myzRpaRvDEF5B5Yn61ok0Bn28KyF2MUrxqPmJbiqA6m28QzaBZRRWMk5AXBDNlORjp3rNwu7sDknZpriRxw0kmWzwBmtAHwTPbk/KCc8HrQBoXdxEZUl+1zHMYDI+CM0gNnw9azXGiXd7FC0sMG3IBwMk8fWueclF2YEN9PqMEUTfaMKDwhHzL9KuKuBj3N41wQLlfMkyCrPzitUrATz3Di5DvPE0Z7ImD/OmAsUdncRyEuU+cYGckCpdwJosWk4MUrSIDtVG53A1DbEbmkxothLO9nbLJJKAoMeSFz2rKUncRbS18LXdhdfbLSb+0Sx8to3Kqo7fWhOVxmHpNhZG6ulmuVt44Y/kJydzdgc/Wtk2xlHUY3i1CHzJYXSTaxER4XtVWuB1Olm+v7K4NjfwRygCMiVvm2njI+lc00k9QMzQrGa+1aSCfUVRHJDYcR+YfqTROfKrpCN3W9JOga3HoySxy2IVJZI92SCR03d6xhPnjzW1CxFrejWlvDFqL6WUSSYxKo4wQATwfrTjN7CFg1yb7I1vpumi3hLAP5cYUNx1NDprdisZ2t3F7e28kcEARFQZ4PP0/+tV07JlI5dWcAeYM7T+ddSaGXdLl02O6Sa5hmkUKQUWQKCfyoab2EX7JdAltWmvJr8nJHlwuAMe52+9Zu62FbU5q/ltxcn7KpWHdgA+lax2KI9xK8kYBzjJqgO78OatbfYHlikW1U8S26jMePXGa4a1O7A7zw/dWMGkPdWbxW6XIGxY0CmR8YxivMqxblZgcbb22dXvV152UDIEfmY5J44712N2iuUiQnjX7Ldadb2Vva29oLcE+aWHzjHSroNxbbdykcM1xNHPFJG29lXA4zXoboZpX9rAB5SSj5gGYlcc9xSQGLKPJcLwuTwMVYEUtyxyrE8+pzQBXkJJ9qaYxqgN14NUA9DsPOMfWlYRMhYscIWI/CougOpsPDtwxjfzHlVYPPmjUHCjJxnH0/WsKlZLQFqdmbjSjaTXkjiGR4kwsMZHI6dR3xXE1Juy1LcNDC1GKe8n+2MFhUoSNz7Rx/WtYu2hJOk18yrLaaf56EYwgBpu3UaiUdSm1O+xayTbBGuCHzlR3FVGy2KbaRfW0sU8PvZWl2/mEqI5WjBxnO4e2ePyqXOV7szMy48Haivk3EYSZlxzG+Q/sR61sqyegrlO60y6+fNhDFNuwNxxinzJgmS6IbqO2ubZo45ElOAR83Qnpmpl3QzK1mO5hlOZGQY+XmtIWAzYrq4jjaJJsbhhgB1rVAV5OWzt56ZpgOt7R3jMhU7QMZqrjuE0MbuBG4TPGGGcmpENmtmifDKCQAeORRcZd0zSry8ulhtyCCRnKcKPUmplJR3Eei/2ZLYaTEJIonYDBMI4ce5715sql5EmdrMFlO37xHtYto2IvQmtIt9BnPtJZWvGwgg4BlG79K6I3YCOv2xlbyJSo6GJdtPYC7B4hvNKtGRLSWW3QFP3wDBc8Z+tTyKTGjD1TV573DmSQbRhAWreMUirkMV5cJIpR5N2QCFfkiiSVhXPQvDMV7fTxtJbXdvbhMMWfO7g9+1cNWcY9RMg1trOV2QRxrJFtBJUknmnTbeohmmXotBKXspfnIXdEOf5USVwY643waY0pgZVEn+tdTuzjp/kUrK9hFC41fyAvmWkokZco7p1yOvArRQQBp2lmeSDUNSWJ1UkiJyVzjoaJTa0QXNi11W1Rt1zAhdGzFGnHfisnC4WOeudUSXWPOtbQQyuxUOZGOM9zk10RjyxsM6maxJtYjZXcHyAtI3IG7H6n6Vzp66gjldbTXLuSJ5dQjkijjAXYxwox92umPL2KZRstgvot/mhlHL9RVOwi7NcLY6stxAv7uUbQGYnr3xmpauhWLviHVrqcyf2dfOtuCN6RkgH8KiEEM5281jU5JGSOadsns/Jro5UAqWWpCWOctKjkH+I5qb9hmtJ9vSzZ55kVWA4Y/Mcf/rqElcRkRLfBikFsZQ3O4AnFXpYDSit72EhbuKKQMePMbDfT1rOTQiz5SyESPHAfUEbqjmsBXn/4mV35EYKwK2C23gD6CqT0EZ1xdJpmpsIUBKfcZRjvWqVyrF62tbm/jl1ESuinHfvUydgL+kWF9azhxPG0atlST8x9/WspSQhb6HWJoPJgUMu7dIpYhc/SpTje7BDtFstVk1SMzQRRxxDJ+bnFOco9AGi3u7nXZljvpon52kZwB2pXSQHQX0tlcaLBapcteXkClp5GJB47c1gr8zdtDeLTRzk99h0S5gxH2yvJFdHLpoZyFkureckvbjaw3cLgZFFn1JJJvEetXdqsFnctbwIu0RR8Z9c0KlBO7Wpam7WMqe1vrOKG/uoS8bsVVg/etOZPYHc6zRdFsn0m8vPt9zbnasjExjGM84OfSueU3zLQaTZjahDa2kpnjkuJQ68M/OfwrSLuDRT0c+ZrsZjKHgnBA6dauS0M2a0MIvruSJJzAynhtvf+lZ7EnP3M95FfOjMJHwQMnrW8UmijPaWVwUdGJJ9eKvRAQ2iXCSxSJG6jPpRJpga2qR3s7LLIzvhepB6dqhNXAueE5763Y3lvlTESMuMjJ9qmpZ6EtJl/Ub+7vJz/AGhPMxT7qp3qYxXQdjHitruQS3FpA77BkiRxWiaGVJLa8ncytZrGx524P+NPmQXNXw/oEmsLNJHEB5A+YLxmsqlbk3FcuRaFqVnNFC2nSbZW2ruYVn7eMtbjZ6T4Us7SLTBZXunzNeCQiNkkHyk/jg159WV5XTHE1Yo9b0zda3NrDFEx2sECsWBPfmsZKEtUzS2hdlXw9dPbWF1a3lgBJgmKQZc/UGtIJrVDbNDWPAX9nWSXWjwXf2R2MpadlZmGenBzVOLerGlc4y4+yXmoNb2NvIJI1y27O5TkZpOLgrsbLxgHmxJNKXCAZXHBPvXO32DlLF1Ha+ZE8UsTZ4ZQo498+lSrg4Kxl3rWtwYbdofJmRziQDkjHrW0W46k2sauheMxo9xbWSyRtp8AKyo/zM2euPfjrWkIc2rHyianN8M767e8FtfxpdSn7ZD5zEEAZBB25B3Ba6OViaVz590M3E1/DaRSBUkcA84r1KlrXMkdzeWh06eKCe8jji/upk7ua4VLm2RDKd/bwyt5lpdkxvJjaeowDiqi2hGUIbnUNSWznvIoowcAE4wPU1toldFCf2JBZ65MDe70h5Hl87z6CqVRuOoyae1W6l824heIY+UMcMfaknYC3d6dbW9tDIoMaRx4ceZ8zt9Klyb0BlG3W2uJY4yypzlUYf1qtbAWfE08lwsUUJKLEm3B6E4qIaPUk5zyJpY2KKOMkse2K2TQzQ0K61TDkTOQMKAzcc1nKMWtUM12jWaBZYzl2bkr696xu07CItW8m3eCNJf3mQWy2KqCuwKsbXt9ceXd3qRxr91mPBX0rRRSGWdOt4VRS0ZnZxlm681Lk+oWJblZY5lMaOyu/EON3GaV11ExHgnvoLxF2RRwkEhuzZPGPwpp2A5ae1xf7S6qh+8etdMXdDQ+GBQ7xxZYDJDZoYGxp5usIJF+cj5cntWE7DZev7S5tZoZzPEHkU4SPkjBrNSvoSQJpXiC8VrkCRIyeCx25pqcVoMnaxk8lzJeWwkB6ZyQcVXMLc6XSvhprusxo8UEEoeLerGYY6d6lzUSuV2OIurZdN1eSwurbyZoG8thu4LDvWurVyUzU8mJbdppkEmSdiq3B69ay5ncDJOpXCrJGLWKMqeuM/561qooA0ycXsqWUVusl1KduV55q3dagV9T06e31B7eZ4o3TpnjNKM7hcq3Ft9jkTMqzbkBO08citE7jIxIWlHkRl2PGAKANrw5pkNxNFNqN4tlCZ1UgcN9azlKy0Kjue+eCtS03w/dRQeGDNqdzfKtvI7SkuwLDO0dBXPq+hu7HrK6DfadollBpNzPpdvbR4dG+dm/2fr2p8nc5ptrYyPEWneH00LS18T3V3Bc3YUu8BZfn7Dj1OafsYoSZpeJLaHSdNtbka9JoywQnyri7G/exwAOfYDFV7Nsq7OF8Sw6n4wm0TTLfxBNrI1eYo8iQBUhRActwP8AOayVOSlexSPTNSsYvCnhJbC41HzRbW5CTSMFzgY4PrRKDsKcrnhr+GD5M3iTQre78rVG82QhectycH0rinUn8LJjKx538VGaGaK2eO9s5nBlkNxxubPb1rowqd7sHI4CC5vWaQRO/wA4w4Uda9BdwIrgzXUgE8xURodu6quBBaR3EUjKyyYI4Dng/ShtAdAmnw2+ijUrxonmLBUhVhleOprKUnfQBdAnnmaWNN4dFyhzSkluAzWEhiljid5MnDSEHOSaURFVBb2tzI88bspH7sdOa0uBA99dY2xeZCrcEh+1Owzb0y4sdN0qWSKaUXrkD5X25HoaiSbeg0dloHj6PTvC86TrFI6sY7XTV4VmPWRyPvGhw7BLU4TxDYeJIol1jWNNe1humPlMy4B+gpxcb2RJgtNIF8rzGJK4GT19q1GW1ijkgZYpirqOhNTpcLGv4O8LajrdzLcLeR2NnaZMl1ImQCOQPes51IxdmB3Vh4St28J3ut6xZy6l/aDrDDqrSGKOAjIJx3xisvaXdkScb4o+xaB4n+zabqEGpwwIm2YLgMSOa2iroaIv7Qt720ZruCPzd+5Co5+lLlCw9L59V1dTcqkEKgCUpx0HpScbKyAeztFcveCcbELRwoRyRnrUAZeuT/aYoQ5DrGxYsRySa1joBl39w8qja+FznHpxWiQyXQmZb4FpUibbhSwzgmiQGhqQeG9ZJboyMPldmPQ+1QBnXrwT2yJGcyqTlyc7qpIDT0CCNreaS/uolVUAjTGSxzUVG1sJkniLQYLWFLqBxukAOAOnvWdOs5OwD9JtrG4lRbnUmkncgKNnAFOo5bgdCdJ0dbiQNdyT+SoKE4GTWPNIdjJNpb3n2ue88wbAFTY2M/Wq5mrICK3t7BvDNxeW0kaXNvchRE3LOpHWqu72YjIv9avLq0WykkYxo2VUc4NaxghmKrSNJhAQ2eM9zWwG3/YWr2SLPOiBJo9ykdKhtXsOxEiT7cyLloiCnpU3RJMt9cz3bzfYwDIFQGOPAH0/KkkkB1el22oHTNqxu8q8EHg5PauabSYFUXh08zWwgZZM7irYxmmo3Awrq4uZXmmUMCeGAHGK2VtgGRSpJZPHKR53AjUD88/pT1uMhudOuP3SwiScsMvtXIBqudLcLh/Zc0CGTcHC8kKeRRzXFcRNPmjtxLcFkMrHy0J96OYDQ0i7kgSaKRtrswGB0IxUyVwGX1pI15A95slWX5lSM5496FYEX7eCHTLFb6C4jEk25DEG+ZQeP5Upa6Ax9nq915UEKuI0BIKocEDPXNKVNMpaHT6b4lm0iG7u7K62Tqu23YgblHtXO6N2kxS1OXmu7dkW5vT9s1G4LMQSTtLH+dbxhq7bCsY88MBmK3Ur/uDnYq4yT2P61r0Au3d3ZjSxbwwhCrZGDlsY9aVgsZMbNC5+dmLcYJ6VaQDpZpIpXwgkIXbnGeKpIZmPl3JIC5PSmBNasIJS5bdt4IFADLmZZOSmCO+KAFgWBlAkTfzlj6CgDovD2h2mqTXN1BFLFHEg2bXyN1Z1J8qA0bhLPS4wI4Ea4+4ZJGzknqf5VlGTkSZmq3d5cJFZOoXa/wA5UY+U96uwypqdgLC62ROZoWXcjp0pqQyK80m7tbZb2Y/uWfYpB6nGatSTAqT7JGjwVUBSMAdfrVAQLDIsiyRgMhPJFAGxpdvbtdCG6/dJ97zVHT2qZCZJcqXkle1uAqxjIDc7sVEUBhXM5uLqSbIy5yQOlajJtNtkuC7Tz+TCgJLN3PpQBVa4LxhSCVHQUAT6Xbm8v4bVc75TtGKTdgN3TrZoQ9vKXWEOWdlyc47VDlcCnfWMyQb23GIfc6gGiLArWmlXdzBLPHF+7hALH0FVzAQLKI8hhlQPuZ61QF/SdOfUZhPeXCwwL821sgY9KiUhDPEJ0+TUtunwLHCi5yGzk043tqNFXT7aGe6SO5ufLU9Tt6U2B0ujeG9M1C4e0trp3MTN82374GMYHr1rCdSUQNDQ7HVItO1G009R9nMin5uOVzWFSadmwOd1eWb7U8bgE+oHeuuDutAH6jawjRtNuUlMs8hZZMrgJj3qrgYUyhHIV9y561QDY32t0OT/ADoA09LvVSVklQtIT+7P901EkB1WlyvDbl1lHnIoKqecnPFc8ld6iMXxBdSz3Q85DFcScs3QAVrFK2gGROzxkx7yytya1VhkRGQsMeQD05pgdd4OmnsBbQS2CYd8GbJJKnrXLWV07CZ0xttL06eSS5j2rP8AJBMQPkPqcVy3lJWEcxr142qaq0sMrTzx7VaXP38cDit4Q5FqUeg6inhi48OCxd76LUPlkLSH5d20dPTJz+Vcq5ua/QRhaLpm26li8xXjitmudpb75XjH61cpu34DULkdlqv/ABK5LjV1twpibyIUJye3am4e/wC6Jpo4zUJNNSxt3htiZnYmRt5wM9BXbBMaMZvNMe/yW2kcEr0/GtQL1reJFamJY90jJjB6A+tJoRWvl2RRxzPEMLu/dj+dNDKkeORjfxxzRYDqdA8TwWLSG40q3uIymNm0fnWNWlzbOwHU3E1zqaR/ZLa3sIFgE0QAyyqSfmAri5FD4ncC7pf9gyRRPcS3V25b555o+pHUfTpWFTnT0IaYniTW9Intf7PtdPhnkbdsk8rnpToUpqXM2UcF4i8N3mlNYsZIna7UyIIWyVx2PpXqU5poZnW149trAk1KMzxr95DxmtUBft/smozzTsNsKyYjj7ge1MDF1OCNbl0Q8KxA4oApyBVXHemgIh90mmBb0hYpdTtopsiNnGeKiTsgO8n0q3uLidoIkgQjKAjLDFcbqNJCNTw/dSJdGCSdoY1RFmZx8pUHOP5VjUSepcUXrthMszFFmtWcBJGG3aM+lZX1t1NnqjA8TXlgJbezs1eRg+2R25HJ9K3pRfUiSQg/tPS2t1jnkFk8x3GMYye9U7McXYk1tLGG6jXNwryyL/Fgn14pRcmgkJeT2dtPHDIsluTIAN4+XGep/OmouSuZM9A8MzSeH/8AicvYxpHIn7xVXKhc/fwanlbdiLHLa5NFehruDazzycc4qkraDsZ02iX63u2SyFuUXzSgbqCeoqrqw0ire29ubpWaEmEEkgnp2q9RnNahbQK00qlVIPyrjBxW0GxGYCGwrL+VaAOVj8qg8UAS+Wjtl2C4PBAzSYGjFpttJGsiyMY+F3leQSeaxnNoZ6l4K0KTR4ZJbd45ftMe0GROMY54NebXxHM7CW4urmSM27W4HnBWQoeBn2rODve+xbscfrVrLDeKdSgSSTZkBmI+nSuqEla0SChIYPKMiWkTNGcgkcD25rZN9WIr2+o3f2lN9qIol5HGM+lXoBX1fUVks3sEZwkj73+XrThGzuxozLLSLu9m2QxyH/aUcYq51FHcG7HrHgj4U6dLppudYkmMo5AVscYzmvKr4+SdoCWpq+MNPttIgsrjR5p44GXBSfkMckVlRm6l+c05dDmtYuNOv7URELaTRsN0u3G7/P8AWuumpJiM6wvfs91tEZlgVhvlVcnFaTV0S0R67e+WHhmjkKyPuG4U4xTEUbedrvyIVGFBJ8x+SorRqwicRm91GMTXoFsgx0wD+NK7sAupwxtdGZJ7OMR4C7eOlCk2hle00tJA9zJNCH+8dxwKuUgH3091ekwh9gVcjyxhQKmPLfUpGPp8VxY3ODcSQgHPmNk1pdSA1dM0x9RuXb7dM6vuBbpzWc6ighBr/h+20WW3W8uldi6/6ttxAIpUqrnsA5gxtnWA7Q56smMD1qrvcCjNplpBcxtHKzvu5OeM1fNoBPrMWnugnaeWOVMkbOh9zUxbuOxnWyRXsi26XjSvIQB8vNW20Iuq8ulBreASyEkqeOBU/EA6RTKfNeNWYc8t3pPQQSTTLGr28qq/Rgo4xUpCK0k07RrEkrn5iW28YNWkMy9SsXt7cXNxKzSyNhVPYVcXcaEgu3kj+zmeRABwFPH41fKmM3Ypr5be3nzmNWCrheT3/GsGlsK1zUtbzUpbgNakmU53r5X8qylyrcLFfw7593PdtPcSecJNip3P+HWlO0UrAzd0XQ2k1lvOkeJPKYSA/ePHHP1rGdXQqMblrUtE0+Bkhsne3kdCz7mzxUwqyesjVwS2OZ1SwWaQFJWLKgALDg10RqPqYyNDTNAnk0yWZ761hxyIu7AUnU10QjH04INV+a3CoH2fIeTWk2+UGalza3P9sx6fu8yzdtyo7cJn/wDVWSn7t+pSuzdu7D7HZDTbS5WSR2GSjcAE8rURlzPmZtEwtf1eG6jjsDawjapAmAAOBxitoU+pMmjL0u2tftRlEpUM+FYLkqK1m3bQxZftAqXMyRNuIblsdazle2pJjeI4/s1zb3EoZW3YzntWlN3RRPb3BeDZFhmJG2m0ImunkhWNREkmVyzYxg0tAKhvbnKhcAHjH9KLDuX33xWUquwQMVJI65qb3YHP/Kt0ymWUktwWNapWQGnYTrZoszOVRhtYioauIkm19Ipn8qH7Qh4yRUqnYDf+HMdlPem6n1IWiSHHknp71z4m9rJCtqdhqMlrd6/BYafFdSyOyiKRh1I54HSub2ckuaRZNEk0FzI13Ll4nKuu3btrKXTQLHYxeHb+e0a5juIyixbyWJztx2qYq62KUhvhjR4tWkuLW9FqXgUC0eZ9uM/xZrWMb7MBl1ZeJvDeoLqcN0dRtYBtkSKfcuT7V0rRFJswb+CfMmoNaLa3U24ucldwPIrGq1LQqOpkzmeQKgQpkjcEfrWLSRRp6dbwspd18plPAHORWM3rZDFmNrFqlrdWsCXyxAlo3PGQT1rWDfoJnW6g3hXxJoP7nSLPTbu3X5hsA8xsdv0reDvoGhzcK+G7e3mi/sG+nhRVE86YxG2e31OBWvK77iujx7w7puk2F6lxdXErEZ+QRHAPYZrpqTk48qOW7LniXXLaa6YrauEDZyBnaDWdKk+4kZh1PTniRYjIr79zH1rVQa3KsUr2FbiRprJJHcqQccke9WnbcCpYvNp85llLGTpjuD61pp0BFtodUmj+3T3AjR8shLZJ59KAuUL26mujvlkeVE/i7E1SihkFnNsuDOY3ZQPXpTcQNmO5N9aIsQ/e78EsfvZ7VlKNhFi+W8S18plRFQYbBGOaSdwKWlTxMjwEbgOSy+tOadhm1fNPp9jHFGpwfmA6Bc81jHWQjIiiTVLhpHkwqY3ZrRe6BaiFtK8NrBsBxz5h4HPXNLV7jNnwlfpp0uoTCGK6tlzCrgcKexrOrG+gXGSXf2fd9nmWJSud2eTU2bepJzE813aecvm72lPznrXSkpdBmXM0pUs+RuIrWNkMLZzgnH3e+etNgdBpgvpI0kdNsbjAPfGa55tXBmzMtnbSR7LoPIfmIYcr7VguZ3EZGu6zObloFuXKJ/tcGtqdNdUBhCVWlyXYZPLVvy+Q0b9j4gvNPQi1ubplZcZWUjFTKCZXM9iG61WO5kEl1ZhpMAmSRiWJApchJHcausiAJHsUD7gPej2dhFa3827jl24RdpLN681VrAVrNnjufNtyUMXVlOCe1VbQZcuZ5r+4by4JJZQuTz2qLKLEVHtJIdpuEcErnaT0pp9gJdC1k6dcrNDaxsATlWGc1TimNCRSXmsav5sdsJX3FljUcLRypDR6L4P0u60mSx1T+20ttQ8xVhtfLbcxY4wOPep5rGiufSGsa94wX4etbzWunwXqHELyygmRh3IrOdZImornkurfEP4j+KoD4audIs40hxsZbcs+9D2q1ViQtylrE/xW1yOw0/xTax3Gm2MwmaNxsLkAgAnrSlioRG3qbvgA+MoLeGX+1Lexit7hglhbjJdTk4Ldh0rlnjk37pXOaXiSbxfrmqWtxrllHcaZauJDb7DsJXpvb09ahYm+pNx/i/4neIrPQpE+x6PBZRoEjhswSVHb6UKUaj5WK62PO/G/xH8OeKvAtnaajambWbeFYll25ZWHUk1pGg4zutibI8i0y4ZNUEkkqojAg9siu22hRoa5aRCeM2bhlxnEfzVF+jEV4BLcW5WeQSlmwvAG2mFy1Fpy21i8hkQhyA+OahytoIX+z/ILTi+W3HUAZyRSvfSwyeew+yyxXDTRXq3EeUByDmha6AZmq/aorhori3Ma5BAPParSBGfuIl2Moc5+VTWthjrWznubrYq5Y9SOgqbpAdZ4T0TSTe2+oakmLa3lwU3fNI/XP0rGpUkthXOk+KHjca+8EMdrCYLLC28Q+70x+dZUqbA8y1izubG+YXqIkjDedjhgM9OldqY0aWgiws7Nru7nSR3cYjZe1ZVE5aIZ6LB4g03U7FtG0yNbO1SZTJuZQ7jvgfSuT6u1LmYWuM+MPi6wbwzZeGdL1priyt5PktQB8nuSK1oU5XuyTyO5u5rqbzZZAWGACB0xXWlYZYtoJJmjEbO0hOAMZxUsDYNiPtKkAk7QXOc5NZsTE1EXEWZwqEJwEI5NJaiKYMt5btKsK5H3uen4VWwyhJbOW3EYGR0q0wB5pbRlhCJkkNuZeQOtVuMkuJZr/dIAzPuwT0zxUiFh0PU5bT7UiAbeCD1/Kl7SK0GSeGdkWuRR38LyRAlSoXPPalUd46Adlq72LXCpfDyolAT5QTgZ71xRi1qhWOXvLKS1nNzp5BjJwCeSK6Yy7jI9FWaa+ihupHQlj9aqTVmM6PVpBpmmTW89i5kn/wBWxOAR61hFc0riMGzm0vYsMrNboOXxySa3SYGmthpUvh2S/CgTybliJPP1xUJy5rAcXOpB75HTB5rpTuBs2viC8XQ30iaBZmd12yyOcoo7CpcVe5VzcmRcGJ5FA2qVjUDLZX1/GsJXT0JZa1O9kufD9vFb24tDanDHHLE59KyirS1Ec+L7VbK7WU3E4DYZS2etbRjGQFqPWRdyKGVprg47daUocoF93n+zfNZoXZsFAvTPrWV9RMxL7TT9pLBSSTnao4FbRnYLm1ptxdWOnm4jmWGLBQBFzubGMfrUSSbGZEtxcQL50yHa7Dp35rRJAV9Wvpr+VGhjxtG0AHpVJJAT6fpd5P8AvbmOVLeP5nlA6CiU10FcWaS7gYXelbyqkgM6ZGKSa6hcqm1urhmuZhn++UHHNXzJDEstOFxcwxteeWk3ylueBQ5aDOg02yS3nS11Evc2pRgpRcHI+tZXuBjSTfZL1LqyzFJE24HOfpWi1QE0+qzXtlILyCNpmk3mRVwzdev50WVxGfJKjqoAKMOOTVWAikAjeRWzuByCR1pra4ysszoWfecnjiqAbLKJGyAQTQAIGZ1jiUyMRwMUAaUWmRWyNcapOsKgFhGhyzEdBU3EZmn273lylvGWUSvtHHqe9NtpDPSdC0T+xFv7a6v4BCAOFYEtzzxXBVq89rAcv4pmtxMbO2AjVXLBiclgcYropRdtRWGyXourYyKgE8ahS2QM/StLDNDTLsX+hNoaQQi6Miskh++3P3RWc4a8wyvr2rT37vpcmnSWwtWK+VnARhwSc04xswOZLeVMd2TtOOBW4iwtwsaAYO09hQAJeEgq3I7A0ARxXKR7uHAJ5APWiwrFh2sGjBgi8odOuTmgZDeSN9lERDLG4yOMf56UAUdmOAO3agDX8MzWltevcXUUkhEZEW3ja3Y0mBtaeL+7SSC0EWBk5ZgDWbVmAjTTi0MFxJFMF6BWztPSnbsAW7o0DKt6UlmTYYYh1Ax1pNO4iV7HR9P06S7ki3XDEIis24jPU4pe8Bj6/qE3NpmMRlQAU6mrUQMFWIYhT7VqMsQxNMCokG4L07k1IF7StSmspo2ikeCSMnLA8nNRKKe4HeeEohf+E7/V3nuVEd6kWAcBtyt1/ECuKv7s0h2OV1sCfWhZW4aVhwewB9c10U7JXAz717mDNnuD7WKgA5C+uK2TT1EZtwGQmNsr7e9UAyJnV9yMAw5oA2bZ7C7g/fSyrOi5LIvAOaiVwNSSWCGwaNG2yMAOvJ5rLluxD9YuYZbLa0UT7sbZN+WGB0xVqLQWOZfmTk+wrUY1A5VmUg7TQB2Hg/VLy6lWKSe1hNrCxiabABPp7muerBWA1Y/Ed1bq5vrOOdVbzFZYchv/AK1YKkr6OwjDlkt7zUoLvTIXgbIaZG4UnOa0V0mmFzpdW1GRJb29i0/z5zGjnOdkYIwOKyhTurAc/ZasiCO5ll2XTEqNvACnrmtZUkUnY1tW1jRrvTbC2SBY5IgwmmUfeB6Cs4UpJt3CVmcPqKiW7Ih4jX7oPFdcRE8S3xsDFJcKI16DIzVXAiFpqk9v5sVjI0f/AD0VeuKTmkBUezu9gMtvIFOeWXFCnF6AV2RYkA3fOSeM1SdwLWn2N3fL/owjLFgoQsAWJ9qG7ID17wzFqPhRri51uzRrkwxxpbquWMeOBXl1mp2imIYut+GVsJbZPtwvTIz+QF4DN26cAVjKnVbT6AZOv2tzZ3sIhkZpJE4GMAbh0zW1N33Ayr7QbuxDT6tfNA4QvCTypPXbXTCopOyGcdcs085Zj0zyT1rrWwFcPIpLKzAdRimAbmYlmbJPNAEkcICiaYfJ0600AubPORGcdAKdrgdL4aspdWhhtre0j22+ZDMSAcZ71jU0QG7Imo6drL7bWOMFAElk53D/APXXI+WSsIi1p5obaOeaZds5y21eTg/pSjFaqxpFmra6xDqgEaSBFlCRuWGAuD1qHTcdTZTOf8TWF1Z39zdW7gxo3ynb9/FbU5XVmZS3KVrr93KIrV/73yDPAJrX2cU7iU2bLwzXEoutTDefEy4c4xntWD0WhV7mT47ZG1KONJjM/l7mxxg54rakrLUmReuPEWuPo1pFLesIHXyGiPdauy6ELUuyXU0NuqR2kc0KDdLgfMvuKz5VcqxuvcaRc2kCAS/2gcbHEp4BOcEGs0rFJHJ+KW2iYRXSySiTaoA6HPIrSPmSzEvTJLYr59sSyDHmCtFJIko/Y5FjEgRirgdulVzCuAtlDgtu54GegquYLno3w0+G0njNZksZooWhbEkpfIA9cVy1a7g7IaR29z8Ph4WulVjJfoCCX8r5B9K4p1Jzu2Ox2VlZW8+hLqF/ay+VIjiIRoS+eAOK4OV8xoonI60LKZ5TotrJJfWy4aG7i2nnuAa6FBx0lsPkuZMfh37XaSvJZm9vZsRpk4KsRwBQ6ri/IlwINL+Ft/NY3st5OVvrddxtihODjgVv9Zu1YhpnISeHb6aL7O9vcveFgFP3FQc8c10c6TuwsaOg/DHVNQJnv72KEK23y2Uk9u9RUxijsgaZ6hpPhex8NaYlnebUeZdqShOa4JynVd+glHXUuaE/nX09ilzt8uMDdIMBuPespUr6miL1t4Z/tjS7qC7aS4mimKQwbRtz2w3StIxkvhLXmcP4y+GEM1h9qlk+zTxOA8CSAlTnHOPrW8MROnoDgV9H8KXFpbQacrxqQ+5nC53A9jUyrc0rkezMHxPp6G+Nm9td3E+cM6R4UfjW9Ko7XvYOSxgxfYmLrHavAF48xm4FdN3fVktFC0tPtV15EEwOxWbB5H6VTlyoSRY/sSIRPPeTAyJhsR9PpU+0vshNFTTpEed7fduaRwi7xwM1cnoI0dMZI5DF5yl3+RmC8fSs5XYzQ16xjlEKSxmSJFwCFxmojNgVrC60aWBobIXFm8LcjGS55okpJ66iuY99ZjUbtJY4riQmUZZscgdcVrGXIrDNWV5rpJo7TFtDbHayy4LNx6VKaTKUStHFd6jdl5YY0S3OCNu3dVNqKBqxYuLK1kuxDPYSRwqf9Zu+8MdMUuZrqIqLay2xk1HRbSGWC3Ulm3DfGT04FXfowsYtpd6rqVyIZ5AiFic46etXK0RMuzwxx9SzfyNZ8xJYtozcQy28aZnIyuwd/SpbsrgUjb3CLsaIKSTn1rSMkBkanJv2pI5dh93JraKsVYveDNAl8QeJLXS7aRUmmcKGcgL+NKtU9nBtgfQHhyXwvpHw/k8M6vbbtUtJmljnWMEHb05rzVP2jujSCtudv8L9D8L+LPD8/kWsVrrqqWWXbtLHnp2NCpXTV9R21PGNK0FbLx5dR6xbSII5pUfAxznhvxp1pfu7IpwMPxnbSS6lcXlqXWCDATD9RnvinRaSSE42RNa2F3a2C6r5EkiywnY0hJz+FDmm+UaTtdlIQX94U3yrHJEuY12jGOvNVdQIauypqFhfXyl7VpDc4x5adBVxklqw5STQdD1uLUyb5Ei2puLEYPH9aJ1YtaMmxN5xa+EzNEVQklXBzkZpKPQaJNEV7uW5nRNpZCyhOQDTk1FpI0izntTTS1S4juriVbuFflXbjLd62im0KRb0JobjTYYLd441/wCWh/iJqZ3TuYsi1VkhlBtXkUh8OD0PHWiOqEP1Ke0ubO4hbEjCDcrdQG4pxi0wRzXhuRVuikxIT+HnvW046aAdDdxn7CZGHRQcg/erBPUDKsI2Y/abgN5KN93HftVyCxd1GdJlCJGG3EMGJ6VEUMzXSKW6Keblz0A9fStbtBc3bLSr+70op9hkRc7d+w4/OsnNJiNi38E3UNuGupoorWdSUK8n8ayeIS0QHRaT4L8LWNjZvfQ39xdFGMkscmEJyccflWE8VNvQaVzovBcdjo0ReUqLnzibaaYkeWMDj+dRUq8zuVaxo6rb6Jci4mhd2uJ5D5jFs7/XFZOb0NNLHbeANStNV0o6TNItvcQful3D7w7Zreik3qZ2E8beH9ajlmjjtLefTxAgilGFbOOQK2nSS1Ra0RzuheHfE9nfRWscVtFHKqyYaQ8DHAIx9az5GK5X8e22q/2wJdVZWjEapGQuOfpRKm7al7nPW2yeKX/R2QBflYcnNcU48sikQKwt4WmeYrERjcORnPeizb2G9DbuPDscmkNqlrcSyuGGEhjwCCOlaak8yZyuqXqCzZJY5YZo5BwMg/jVRi0xNkUM141uXiu3W2l4kjwfnI5FX7S2hncTxpp+mTWtxJo0QS3jKxRRO43McfeOO1FGTTtIykjy/UNSuxK1uiRRKFCYQZ3YHevSjHqCGfubayM0xQT8bEI5Y1W5RHHr2o2d6s0cccHBVtoA4IxVezTQFzSmsp2P9pAsshwCpySfrRawmV7tobE3MawqGkJCqz5wtNIDIMiIGXzQF9BWmwyrOkyu0ZSRARnnvTA0NGj8qVJJgzf3cL3xWcgC4muP3sKea+5852kZ9qWiAsaZDqEGy4wsWTwrck/hTk00BratqGoaqBPPIZ1RQjNtAA9KxUUhEWmK6BFKrGrHseD7mnJXGJcxI0jiFVkZedyNxihLQTF0qZotJmsPKCSNIW3MxGT9KU7NgWlRhYJ9odTgbtoTt65qEtQM7aZ5FmOAgz8pPU9q1WgxlqcvKs6x7guVz61otNwMqSORT8ymNs8gmncDeW9htNDiSORpbzeSCuThfSs5RuwKNx5MckhmlJDLnKnJBNNIDMGTlo2Z+e/etEgBpYifmYg+maYB5527FY8+9AD5GkaPJRgvY4OaAFjV2G1eoHWgAEkyNgu6oeDjoaW4ELOoyFP3jwM+9MDpNDaSxtZ7iYrJKyAoiHmsakeZiMu9vru8fcI0iGwZG7rj61UY2CxQLc5k4I71pYaLFneC1YS2ckkcoOC4yB+FDQ9jrPAmp6lqXi2xilmvblw37lIjlt/8OMnjmpaRcHdnvOieH/FeratLG8yX17pr+bLFNcEMeOFHb8K5Z0+Y0mlsdDpfh++1SPTvF9xZ6haalG8u62RkVFUHGTzk9OvFZSi4LQxasWINZ1GOabS5tHklmuSHUxkyN1/i6gcYrNe8OKud3PpthpOh22s31grT7C22ODLD22A5J/xrVUUlqTP3TlG8aXOqx3Gg+F4FtpZF/ef2gmzZn1Xqfp+tU6cbaEKVziPH1jL4Z8MSvfmLxBeyJsWOGzkEQB43FlGAPqa51R/e3Ez508UQaHbxhbWSVbktmTahCEkDIBNehDm2Y0Yss+muNjxzQAREKwIPmPkdfatyjovAIiKzSzXiBv8AVIoiLHn/AOsDWFVPdA2U76wRtSZLclTu5KjGaSvbUkc37qMQgS+Zn5sjI4p2uxmTE93PKyh2JD5JySetXZAaN/fw3UCQtDckwj5ndv0FSlqBWtLaa+kBhimMI4Zh0FU1YYt7pVy9+IrVTNhQGkwAPxNPmAtfafsUP2BZ44dv+sMPzHJ980rNgVk1G4W2e2hjduuGYcn86mwrFJ47toPMdWXPByP0q07bDIp1CIAZFJPOPeqsMfAiSqwkn2gcZZsBaVguX9V08aUbWb7Qb0XEYdfIzxkZwe/FJSQXKDRpM0jNujBIGCOc/WndCHi0ihmEbsS2QOtK4i7LcPps6/ZoZCdv3sY68UtwNXStOmyb29dkSIBhGX5fPQGs5PoBctrK71i6draWK2eM73V8bVXsTUOSiIi1KBrG28yaeJnkfaFj6FcHnGPWnGVwMqG2vJzEbaykldmwAEJA960uO5YtfDV7rGqLbG9t42bJZ3faqgDoTiq5rIQy405NFvYy063hjOSY2+T8+lTuhrU3dJ1W21e4eVrCOMEbFQyHGfUYrmqQaHYg1m3+y3BhsrhQ5bJ2DH5GiDfULGHqEF2JmSeeZi5BJcH5xWys0Bs+HHkivFFxp0vlvyCR8vHfgGs5JPYDatNJk1SU6hev5EABIfy8b8fhWTqtaIdhtvDBrOhwz3MMUrQsYY9zEHHX196P4bEzk9c0lLe7ZAuVxwvvXTTqXQiG+vZpNNsra2gh8yJ8eWqfM319au3UZkyNJb3brPDiXP3SOladAL9ppEl7I7pG0zDJAHGKhytuFyxoksUHnW5tGubxpFEcofAiA6g9j2rKe1wZ1NvbB7mVGfHy73dxtXp29TXO2SZ/jAtqDIlqXmkVQAoX5ePSropxV2A7wV4cvYdZtrhPKZ4k3yJJgAHHTmrqVFYGy1r00tvqL/aSqqRlgByWPpWUFdAc7PfXqzmFYxsJz05FbxSAulxa2aGV42jQhvK3ZyxPWhxAsXbm4Vbp4YhGm1doQDH4etJK24G/pkHhxLV7qPSZRNgeWJpsLnvwBWFSU9ridzF1zXmlNzptnahVzjhyOOv41rTp2s5MEZcs+rPYRJLMIbZc7Ix1x61rpfYZTW8uba3a2jnkWKRgX5OG59utXa5Rp6NJFPdQw2rL5wfIMiAqv1rOpeKuB3vwxt7i3uNbuJ/s19NJbhIGl4SHdnJ5HHFYOadrIDy7XLM6Xqk9p9qguTAw/ewklTkZxnHOK643aAfHeW8tjI1xA3mDARxgAH+tC3AyQd9/GikDcwwSM81b2A1/FkCwyM0kyK0ahdu05YgdelZwbdkBgB1XJZQ2RwPStgGfLg5JyOgoAniuPsyiRARJnjigAu7u4vGDTNkjnFFgGWpmSQGLKMDyc4FKT0Gd1ZWt6NAZ5LiBfNj+ecgnZjtwDzXFNpTsOxw962Lp908s6gbVkbjcM8HnmuyIghjlc7YRI2T0AOM/Wm3YR6B4Y8Mar4faDVbq0Q312qrYRhfM3Fj1OM4OPWuOrXV+XojaELmT49GoWF7PZTNE06yMZriPJ3knoTiroyUlcmas7HL2ttuXBbfIT0A6V03M2RzqYWKvg44zmmBCSCeD0oAI/m5FMDd8OaPBcLJe306QQocKpDZc/gKzk+wmZ2sXX2u93iMRqo2qgzgD8acQRWLxrCVCEMe+elUMSJym1weuO9AFp7plk3I0m3tgnj8qVgGQO25xE8hkJyVweQfwoAfZi7S4WeImLbnllx/OgRbnsrm7jeZZjszufA6n61PNYDIuARKQ7ZYetWMiYYNMCewuGtLpJ40Vip53DIoaQGvBaR6pDHIRGLmRyWUsAoHasndAereAJoLLwZPpoit7l2lDvJwEhI5GSe9ebiYuU7lrYz4bpigvrSwtJ72UmKZeAEBP3hRGDTs2SzzbXE2Xk6EBAjkZB616UHoIyHkJJ689zWqQDIj8w6YNDQWOm02KM6bPJaJAxwONxyeeayb7gQqXZ8yWLox6KW4oVgM+RzDcMpXAzxu/+vVgRsyktyODTAkspEinR5Y98Qb5x6igDWl0q3njmnsL1dylQiMCCMn8qzbaYHQaE97b/wBoWNzqEMG6HywcYVgeuCRn8qxqLW9hGXqcF5JcLNZXEUpIxuUALgfXFEbAW9Tuby+0qNpJctEqxSBVO1hzjJFJJJ7BYxL2FLXyxLEVLDcmOhHetE7jJ1srmW282MxSRhM7TwVGe3qaXMr2Fcp2dst3dBGfbHnLnnj2zVuTSAs6xJZWkH2WzZDIGy7Ek5H40Qu9WCOg+G91ajTb4XFwVkR1aJWkAVh3HWufFJq3KM1NeNx4ntltrcxwN54SKNRlgMcnA7e9c8Jeyd2Tc4/xV4TutGdysrXDJy+B0+ldVHEqfQaMdrbUtKEF3cWU1qJBugllXAPuK6OeMroZ6b4Kvb/WrW8mv74yrHDuNzuO9T6c152IUYW5UIb4stYNETTpYi0t5fW4dnYcjrznPWppNzvfoBzdxrF7bXH2mzSWQ+Xtbz2D4b+8K6Y009xlbxDrOoXumR2NzdeYMiXDKM5x64zWkIRWwGVoOiarrd60Gl23nBeXfO1U9ST0rV1FFasCjeoLe7e286OUr1KHIP0q07gQxBHU7sgscDHXNMCe22rJ80u6MHlSKYDYyklyU3rGpbAJHFDYHa+AtJlivpbqWYqImPlw+Yds3/1q5K9XSxcVc0/Ft3Nd36wqAiW4K7UXI6k4yfrXPSikrjkkZPiK7d9PtLaO2KAJyVHP1rWmrNkXMS1mkkk8hXEarhjuPLEVs9UO5v6tqMD2KRLIZ7to9oEfKqPU+9Yxi07juc7PDHpkqeen79cMysOfatk7iOg027juwLqRx1wVLYOR0rGUWibjzp8TzLqJl88Fyh2nccnpmm5WVgbuTX1hDql1BaaffQs8A82cPIEAOR8oyeTTg2ldlJHQaX4b1Ca+jurCaNnKEsi8grjp6E0SqLZopIqrJaTpM0ym2ngXJLKdrN6Z7GpdytjJ1cNH/Z0yad+7DBgGBzKSec807ppkyR1w8KjV0uri10qKyKgPJC8hUBdvOMiuL29pWuQ0YMWlW7MySMYEVeIz8wcfXFa+1lEmzNPQfD9i+pwXM+kPdabEQLl1f14yPSh1pWtfUqx6Xf6LbeEJluPBlvKthOomlaEl2ywHy1g6jk9WaRijZ8M+MrPxG194e1CyvIbq3ClpZQF3qQB69e+KUoO12U7bHVTaLa6FoJe3+/FtlG9iwxnPBJwKSo31bFFWZwup3+lzeIYtYVkW7eF1MYHLnac5FDjJqz2Nm0crBb+b4bGrDUHF/HdvuSJT8ibjt/TFRJJS5bGctTsvhVp8M5vYWvY5LwqGeVrg72z6gmnFOT0IsaPjfw1JaWUYGoSyhCrMhVSpJcgYOOtaOnyhy6lmTwxrF3YRWCyr8ih8gKpGOcEj2FQqbkVKyWhqWum6lDGtxrsMJgAH2eNUDH8S2OtdFOjYzOW+JNstxpNle2FtZSws7pJLGVUKcnpxSnTUdTaMTM8Fa9r+lxJp+nWEEkUT/vJJSQzcdRxWHtIxBrUsahLbXN3eapLbrFdTNiTyhyxH1/zxXLUqSlJDJtYvFi8Nxf2XG63XDfaWRCN+RhSM04xjfUpK5h66GvJXnv3XT5HGJFgHypgdTzVRl/KNxOP13wdbaXp1nZtq1vcG7UyI2Nu4knjvXZGtd3sZOJyEc9tpbQW93pzWe1f3lxnO/BPSujWWxm0UvEBuTFGYbyVYJSWjQgqCM1cGgtoTWtpcW1t5myNmGDhjhs+tZuab1IYoS5g8sfYJQJDk7Xzz+VNNMRom4vL4Kq3Cw7OE/vtmo0i9gGaGl+84065ngKtPsc7gG+hom1bmSBI2tJ8NPBqF1cNO0iwsdqqvyqTnFYSxCstDRQuZmueGD5s+s3F5Iozv2qm0cVrCv9mxThY0z4Qk8SWZNvqVrabIvPeafK9ugI61McQoS11IscTY6Xr1xdG2tYmnV+A7NgY9cmutygldlcrNXR/DN5ayzxXbReUfvhJvvHn04rOddPYORm74J0RbzULOOHToL21hmZp1NygcKPfINZVp6a6MnluUvFfhy8NxPLaWrCHedq+YDgdqKdZbMlxsUPDNprdh4gtEk0uZPn5JAxTqyhKDsySr4iszN4ivUXzVigLHdggNn0/GqpStFFSSRzmk+HdU1a422to7Y5JK9BzXTPEQhG9yHI9m0bw5oumafYy2tm0N7Au64nLMcnGce1eXVxDqXXcILmZL46McPhdpLhpI1kjPkvGn3jj1zkfjU4ZS5joSsibwd4mvz4K0yz0lJraS2Yq9yG2yFSSfx61vN+zmwTNvX59NmFq9tdXst4w8udJos7mxnO7PvWDk2jS6OL8RW5sTIHtyUmCsyrF7+9Ok+YbjoRSajLJDatLL5dgiFZFYjgD8a1STbXUOhk63fW9jYIul/Y2EjkPMGDOR6YraEb/EZSsV/DrKzs86zsZJMRrE2GNOpa1kNM3tRvL68It57A2oQgLK6tuKgYyScVgopbMbkc/eW8VtBfXAvoHiQYClcE/TmuiN2zNmZpF9K7PHBIm1wAueQADnP6Vo4k81ilqen3GqalLcR26qkK/MSu3d781cZWVgcrjYntLGNlg2/anOTs6AfXPWm02KxYW2GrnykdwuMvtHSocuUlle7sILUPCkjjcORxTUmwRmQaSGctFKIyD1J6VpzjNYWl1JpeHuUww2kgnA/GpTVwRTTR9Qtn3SyIbcngrJkU3ID034f6N50Ml9a2aah5SbNjIGXJ9upP4V59eb+EVzudL01NC065XxJ4Bsrm1uvmjuVt1DRP2BIGVFCd+rGjmE/wCEwigMdtPafY1k8yO32EooJz6VMpU76p3BmnDYHUdWNsoh8x+dqphFOOcfj7Vi20gNDU9C1mxH2eWCFkXCgq2BjGfb1rNwe5cNCu1jcC1eSa3baFzu2dunf/PFZ633BjG8OXojjnsbV5iV3JsJzn2qk5PRiudJ8L7nR7y8vtL8RRvZ6mjlYVYGJyO3JrupU+Ww7HU+N7O+0vT4rfw7qjTRlFG+SZZMMOByenSumTsaJaGNoXirxat+2n6zarNd7FELhDsk256MBjPSri0Q5Gz4qa+1Wxe31Lw9FFOyqYiknmEN68Hj1rV2aBXOf+GNhpUlte/8JNIrMku1TJhADnAAJxXHKjG/YauWNS0mx0LSng/tSF7WZj5dsVjZRjvkf1NT7CK1KdzntO8bzaeY7WSx8yDGUKgbSQSMYqG4x+EhMzrW70zUvFi3+tWH21Hy32a3OMHsO3vWb1Q9y/eX3hWTxNZXYsprG0hiZZrIkfewQO/vTUFYmx4LeatrdpP5tpfXSxFRlVbgHvXeqcbWsZjN13rkUccccCzIDlggDHknJ9TVfAOwp0+3uZ1iMim7KABNuc46/wAqFJ2uIyb/AE9Fuo0kkDAn51UdK1UtAGXA2ltqNHEp+U+tNajM6X/lo78kngk5xVIQyyUPeR7t20MCxHpVjOi1c3uvaj55jS1tgixIWXA4yO3XrWbnYBkulIrxt9o84RttOARUc9xC3KR2zJIuA/UDOcUk7gXNNt0l3F0knmIJJz93NZydgH2Oho6MrI+5+QC2R1qJVbCK19p0FreG3aTczLtIcY29+Pyq4yctRjbSSzieO2gSV33ZLLyKpp7gy5qKRbtssDxSqSd5OMj6VC12EU728mltUdOU5RRjPGfWrihlLRbW7v7nygBsLjLAdBVyaSGbXjvS9K0i6ht9OupZmKgvuTkHH6ippzctxHNnfdb5JHIjXGCeCa0GXooZpREsDAqTheO9KTsA6bTZbOQgMZXY8nt06UoyTEZExMT4AZXDfN06VshjoYHvZo4LeB5pzn5VHOKYFfcYJnxG4ZWwVbsaALEt1I2RKgY+tCBh5qNGFZVUgelADL67llijRn3AdMDpSsA7SIxPebc9uBn+lTJ2GXdUgmjQZldQOCCefyqE7skyWEjHMYBPqTWoyddPn8hJXO4Me3AFFxNmx4Nm0ay8QQS+Ibea505GzLHG+C3Hb8cUMpHVpfjUPF01/wCH4JdC0qeYx2k54aMHg81LdgvY057zXfAiXGp6bqVpdXd3clfNWcvIV7k59felGp3Gqjueu/D7xf4w1Hw3aWFzqIsvtQx9pmUIQp/izwTx6muStUu7Guj3O8sdP1DRtMF34a10XkvnLFd3d0RISpHzFeTU04W1I2Z3N3JMthCIbdbifaAskjbVLEdcdwAScV0yWhM9TlLqz/snVrjVbhtDsp3UNNctH868juB0xWLdiFGx4Z8UtN8XaDqd8lz4wfU9E1FOU8wr8pPCqOgHsKSnGWgmjxPX9BtrDTnuBrkctx5u1LNYyfl9d1dMZt6WBHOzOFtIFSzMcoYl5XbO7HQYra5RLDqV7BEIxOY0Mgc+XHycA96T1A2dOkGqlliinDIPvjr71k0kJlS5iu4VCy73A9F6fWkncCVLJktlu7MSDPDkkcGncLm1oulRXlrJHPcwIxG4kqxJArOU7agZMlnPYytJDJvjR/l3cA/hWkZ8yGhLi6lksHkSNN5cKMA5ximNmdPbSNcIqlQxwSc807iOg8Lr4ehvnXXLi58rYW8xHx83YYqZ3toBjTX8C3dxHFPM9o7khFbBOOhNXFAZsrIAzqXxngHmrAk02JLi/hg2gh5AMsAQOaUtgPS/FOuaZaeGP7LawgW9hIjtLmEBVwByT6k1yqDchHnFxqMkloYvLjZ3YO0jdc10qNhhYmKUETS4Y87iaGgN3S45b+NkXf58KMS7EbVVRnNZvQCAz3SLDdb2kTf855xxRZCNga1cC5aWzaJUuVUSqp3MQBg9alwvuA3WHiudPhlCOhWQhz04qIrlYjKj167tLxhbXky2+Cm3JHBGD9a3UR2KlvqVzE86R3MirLkM3OSKrlHYijuULhJ2fyyemcZ/CpasBa1BJoZorq3MsaMOADgCounowuael3t35awytDPvkU78nKdqiUQNLV7bJaSIqxjGDLngntjNZJ9AIdZ1Boo4I7dNk6jEjngHP0pxWrYi9q2sxT6BYpbyFrxU2FIs8k+xqVD322W2YNpqur6I0hnjba7cxuvIrdwjMljrCK/16/Z4VKysxK7xgADnvS0gA3UWbw/eP5Vws18V4kjxhcjmnH3+mgFK0jGoqWuI1Myjczk8tVSbQGxe30Ee2OBTCzfKVjJxj3rKN3qIXSba3sopLoXJRgvEZyck1Mpt6WAn020/ti5ZU1gh3PKyHaoH1NKT5VewjQsdKgslaGcvLcckyRydBnqPwqOe7uBV0TXRFGbWOMiBXLN5mCWH1FW6fMrgZni3V7bV9STyLNbcRnbtRicj8a1p07IY541uFxbQCEyDEiueRgdvyoejAyTLNDKJIoDmNvvEZHt+taJXAo6jfXl7dGaaV2G7JUAAfpVKNgNC01CXakY8xgFx16GpcVcClLNJKZJgGTBxnb1qrIDStmkutNmaUMfIVcNjoKh2QioBNek7yfLiHyk9KZR1fw2Fvb6rfQrb2812kAeFmPO7IyB71z4lXibUYp3uT/EXS9R03XLbSUe4a4kgWS5O7GGP8PGMVlhppxbYVYqL0OS1nSYtO06JxOJJ5OSFYsQPqa7YVOZ2MTJFzKYxEfurWtgNTRjqFuYZbe1jl+bOTywx3rKpHQDpvEVhryXOoyeVpt3GtsJZZtgyqkdiehHtXPScdB2OO0aygvtKvt8jG6RA0YC9fWupysxGUN+35jk9K0AlVXEQeVgqjoM0AEZcksDweRzQBu+GrKaY3InsWuFZPkZmwAaxqzSRSR6X9gfw78OrBdaXy5LxC6WsQ+Zu65rzed1Kr5To5Eo6nlevxXb3v9oXVm9tE7YijcnjAGR0r0qbVrXOY2fC2r+Rp93BK8UatIsiKVzkjPH60Sg2I6bSrzUbTTE1C3vru58i8RmG8hI93Yc8fhXJVhGTasdVO+hZ+Ji6JpuowtFGtwHUSSxDB3sTkgms8PzSLxFk0cJY3mmR2mqS3WnyTX0rZtvLfZHbj0wOtei47HGzHkaKfLOnI+92zWgiCKOOVX3MUKn5R60AS6WYY9ThknjEiIwJU9DQBoareyTWIEWBCZvkC9c/hUWEZBLHgnJHXIqxjSMsOlCAAMHGOf5UwHwRtLKoAITuT2pAd5odxoel6HNOdP8Atd3LujSZiP3eR/dwaiUWwOVubnzHZiVxnjauMVSAjk1GU2/lA7VPUDuaLIVii8ayyBnkYc5Y98UxjLgRmXEGSg6ZoAjwO68jkUAbmj6LJdWX25b5EwSChyccf/XrKcrAelfDS1efwD4r0+3kiuI1NvNMzgKEGWHFcOIl70Skc9YbrRpGF1LsjO0bUwMfWqbvYlnM6tam6vmihLiJyXOWzmuuDtoBgTKEmfGMZwK2TAUReZyhXj1NO4XLulXcum3bjy/Nyp2qRx9ahq4GudQvokgneQRzjLDPYdqnlAjiFxrNybX7H51zLyDHhefxqloBSl0u5s3f7RbSoNxGWGRxQpJiuUZjvbJULjgCqGXdOF+1m4t7NpITIu6RQSQR+FS7dQLb3NwYk82F40J+Zuc471OgE90l8mj2l60EqWlwWaJiMAjPapur2ELoD6nM1za2ZuXtmUNcCEHoPWlOy1YXNi1S1Us9lGJAVABmTeVPoM1i5PqIh1lb6G1SPI3SSBQh4IzVxae4zNQXOgxRObwpLNksqHIBHrWy1AyJrgzSM0mGLYJbbg5q0rDNLw7eW9vBNCNKW8unI8ty2An4d6zqxv1A7yyt77RtNkksYrSC+ubcSNJ5gLxqD29DXnzjzS94mxgw6HrWrK+vXV+jQIpDNNn5sdq19rCHupDPR9U0G0vfDRlvEilsVjjaBkAYxggFupzXBCrKE/MdmWfhF4attI0zxPcW935qX1uscKbegp1sQ52utgSOR8Z2V1M7ebexzJCqxATyHcoHpnNbUZq1rCOZ03w7qesXZjtLdxzhWORHjuS2K6nXjTiJux0+meFbCwtXOtXWn3Nw0ZZYw4zwemc1yzrym7wWhN2Z3i7WFvLG08O+ElNtDON1zDb9Xf3PcVrQg4vnqMpHHah4duLHShc3UgiuGmMQtsHfx3PpXXGvzPQdy74T0YQeZrWrfuraIMkKBcs749OwFKpVs7IDndSa1a93WZl8vGSZDyTW8b21GQCJ5mwmSw+b5cZ4qgPR/hhcQ3MSpfv5joG2FuSpB4rgxN1qjSG5DJfXcevm3nWKNGldl+U+pxRFLkQ5FOQX8yykeX5saNK7P8rBc4AGep5rSPcg5q4zLliwLr94VtYRfMwSWBLXKIEG4gcmpsJlzVrXSsyyxtJJdEjYxxhvwqY3QFfSraW6822lleAAs4HTsKc2I6XwvCkDQuZTHEm53dwWTcMYPp61jJtvQpIy/F1nYjV2FhqgvzcyBnlhUptz25FaxbSGz2qy8O+BbDwULvw14pubvxDGgH2VrjnPcAYGaxk5PVmsTLn8Dar4i8Fy+LLtjHDauRHbCPG7a2M8DnNSpcqK5bmfH/Z+qX1vZ3ySW80QKyI3yhV4x9K5pc0Y3Q3G7sdv4HsNM1XQ7qyuL5XczGKCITDITv7nnH5Vm4tWaIcSv4i8DW9v4pGn2tzCttLBhZZoTw2M4zWnSxLiJ4Y8I38mqXvh2SZYrVGJMg4Vl+lZSls+oKNzb0rR72LUJLRrry9Phk2BgMhgPTnpUWW9irC3CWvh74h2iy2VxdW2pW7I0/lfeYYx39q6ow5kI6lvFfh7U7WXREeRL6L92fOxx6Y6/pW/s0oeY47nzh4iurzR/E11DaO6INytcOeo78GiMbx1CbOh07VNQl014dNmihtzbb3kmQFmcD1x3Nc0lFPVExldCeFpb5vGttcmCO4eK2PnnbgEHnn1NKdlF2Gnqe2TeINKstMgtdf0+eOK5IMU8jnairg9PwrSlLmVmXYLDTr3xHObnw/4hni017oGRkccqoztB6jtWsbXsiJI7H7Ob10tEnka3CAPIHLEHocE/wBa2SIVzhNZ+F8cOmfZ9LnnliSUywW7EElic4z171z1oSexSTMJNA1SAJHraT6ZE6lFihm2mbBPU+tcEqUoPRDuXry3aCwt7WTTbaGxuDt3SESvtUeo6E5q2tNg5jH12x0TSLGzTSZNU1m4uH+aK2j3JAMjJOB296fs1JFKp0KF1oN0zvLctCIpH2JEUxIc/wBawUeVWL3Rbh8K+GJYbjWra4nm1OKMx2mn3E42JgnOV6iumm3yWZk9ziNZ8EXmrvey6hdwSRxyJHFDbqZFjJOSD34BH51tGryWSHYzfEmh2NlqkGm6fcpepboFlaCB1VGOepOacZNJthYo6lFc2+oRl1kmjwMbiM8H6VnF3RlI3rWz0ubw1qF1FdXcOp+bmEbsjp7dalJ82pBh6Hd3OmuI57sLdqR5bBR8p9+KurDm2WgIju44Ibx9XnspGvYbkSfanJCOx5xgcURu1y30GLD4jv7sXE+QyPICyxqMjmh0ktB8zLnhq8gtp/tGov8AaADgxs/A/AVlVi3ogcmSTeK7d7eb7TFsgDFYwh4xnvVQoOIRZ1XgrWfCM+nS26RlpGXhwfnQn8elNwqfaOiMkGoXVlDDLvEe0A4YqMsPXB6GsXF30LctDK8I2sGmmXUbexuWt5pMSSE8HPtmnVk37rM0jpLTQPtlxdPY61Btf5xDODuY+gzxSvdK5Elcqx29pdyyw6dfx301p/rAnRTj361nJNaWJscv4iu7CC+CziGMNkMGHK/hitacJtEzN7w3b2V1qtjaaffHyruAhpghIVh0X2rOUXb3kQkbV3pdraybL/UtysrJ5cZwR7nuB9KmKub04EeoXNjqPhS60NvMFwEYRzSPuVR6jIrem+R3L0scV4NtDDJbiW5nktIXPmRNwWwe3tTrzVxJHsWjWnhfWtMmnj0bDJJkB5grj5QCQfyrCHvFI8514n+1H02BpbmSEkILjllGexNa8nK7lNnNauiyWNxa3DCaaJWC24IGT9Oprem9biZk6dplmBtUXMbnAKZGFJ/CtJVJGMlZljVLM2lzHtvJJWhkwqqehojJyFcz/EV1Ms0sl3JdqZI8LG8g2k/QjNXTigbM7TIrd7WGa4iacNkbQRxgHtWkr30JuUJdVt0vU8q1KoOBjAxV8ugjVndDc3NyxkFs/MUcj4LfWhLSxSMDU7y2nkQpbxoy/wAKGtYxsDNPRJBHasyyhQzAOuc9T/8AWrGpFNkFLVJUbUxKkDFgdu3nb9acU0gNDTLK7mYRBBD5i5DYyM9qiU0lcZo+GdGW91WGw1m4EVpdPsjuNmVVveh1Owmdpovws0X+0tZ0jUNZlnnskM0TRgKHUjgjr6UpVJW0KSudT8JvDA0yyh1BJSlv5xId8hjjGTxjIrkm7y1FY9d1q/sBchnubtjHHuVQmIncj5WORjNdkacbalxRwevw6lEdT1W9tohBJGI45NwGw45IUcD8MVz1aSew9CteeHP7AuBr6zS6hayIpBtl3MB+uaiNJsmWp2+oWS3fh2K+t47ibdB5kYcAFSRwMYzmt3RXKCMzSkWfRDbaxpeZmTYpk+8nB54rOOGje7Gy9ZT3miaNaR2umxXUqrgEyMmeCe30rojSS6E3MWPR21/x3ql74g0+22wlPISAsrxjtk5H8quVNDcyS90EXyxxxi+hnkky8joXCqvTHJ/WklfQOZnVwRXOl6eVZ4dTdYzsTYFdh6dBStYqK7nE6qvijVrb+0NJFvpu0lRFcyncT2x1HHX8Kz53eyG9DFl8Ka9NpUOntqT3F2HL3MURDxDPTrWc3K+wX0MK78F6tZsLqdylurbWDIGP44qHKaQJtiajpuo6dNGwibc/MZVMkqR6Vg7vcLHPafC8WsS3LzXEczAuACVORgYPpVyleNkFhLq9P2yaA2KuJV3NI75YHI744qlDS5NjzuK7i/sx2V/4gAo7n3ru5HczsR6fqCWkoEUoBb0HIq+W5RLp00UWqXGo7mVUjKh2HGSP/r1P2bCZm24nutS8tFKJvzuHWrukhGlLbWdxcNFezeREEOHHJJHakpPoBBpmgXWp2N3qEVqos7QFnlk4HsB603UUdAKUNpZ28iXEkvy9Cq8ZquZsDdh1qGe2jjMEZChvLXpjpzWMosDN1vUBCsbeZGgdskKcn8acIPqBl2M1tcZkuZSW3ZVRxxWvKFjo9InSJ/IijYpKwy+7GB6GsJwbAvzhYbmSKBzIEXLbD0/GsUu4jmdXWJkRndxI7dC31rphpoMNLgtdPfz5JmeLHITqT6VcrtWAi1i9W91IzJI2GOFUnJFEYWQF2VXWCHTwknmqu4l1wBmoTA3Ybb+ytJExIXJUNtbrnPP6Vk5XlYLmZb2ranqAjZGmlkYLEXbuTV35UBn+LNLOg6zLpkyp5gTJCNuUVrB8yuA7wzcxAQrLKkIX+Ij7pp1FcYzWZhJKWE5mUclunepjEkxXgaVmmQDyycDJ5NboaFguLmxuFltJNkgPUHn8KYypLNNLKWk4YnLY7mgCU7hyTk0ASxQTSA7B9SelFwIZVkiYoygkDtSuBa8OajNo96bmGGJpMEKXXdjIxnH40pRurDRsPDdaxA80jB2yXcgYzis/hYNGJfXESuiwptVQA3HWtEIT7VJcRiNBwnZc07AXtNgt7oBJ2KzuQqgdAOc5qZO2wHSqq29ibaGZnVR8nPCn1rCUncVzLinu7uN42t3kKHG48D861shxR7de/ErRbrwfpuli0SDULWGNAyjjCqBjNYTg3sa6Hf8AwA8U2GvT6haXd5FbIEViJpAu84xgD8DThTfUooftAfEy0g1rTfAfhu0Gp37ks3lP9zKnABH5/hVSj7rbexi73OetL+W10OP+1PPdoAEuYjIXXrkjJ9K8irWnKVkaqKtqcT8YNQsdS01NUmut07PiC3V+EXtxXThlJSdzKSseU2lwDLLI0LSGMABQOnvXpW0JNFZNNv8Ay90ayOnzeVnbx6Vm7oDUsbOwczu6RWEezESDksx/yaj2j6AUNK1G2sWnQOyOCQu5fvGrcXICeK8inSZLxohv+aNkPA+oocGnoFitaPE7E5byxx0wCDSegG1Zm4gs5RbIrJg72UZKqSOawk77gYGsqLaZV2SPv56HAram7oLljTtLa4sGu5biMQo+BGpw5PTpVttCIdTtbaO5AtZHjkPB8zBwapO4yh/ZkmfOBRoy2Gc9qpMCC+SGCNo1CZJz5g9PQU4sDKkky3yqFUDuetWMfASZE3M2CeSOKAOg8S66bjRLbRIEgaOBt/nBPnOe2ahQ1uBz4jyvdUBwWbvxVIBJP9YuTuAOeKYGpDqknzRRsyJIuHUHqPepaAmaKb7KITuELkkjPes20IqvEkQYguBjGR0zTQFu1vpVjFrKrtD1znvinygQbUcBpGKgtjntTTGQhIo7ghJ8qp+8R1qwJgguCBBKpxySwwKTQGvBdiaFYfIO5htBb+lYyVtQJre21rSVeWG2SVHcAb0zjvWV4ydmIsw2jNbuL+8YSSurvHggLzUt9kO50StpX2ELAlvJcbgpaQdfwrCSnzFJCX9vZ2t5EIUt0vGXBKcBT7U1JtaiZzer2Wo292LqV/MkIUlpOgbJGPyFbwlGWhJVfxLe2t1FL5ULGIkZKcNntV+zUhmY0x1NZZjCqljklTgVqkooCK1vzZTRAwfLnOT3p25gLyXdsVt9QkkBlkkcvF/Cq9qzlDohkhvftuo+bCiYHp0AqOTlViS7Hue6gtwmzzG3blXrwal7XA6GfW9Mt7QxOGNwsYTcFycg1h7OTd0IjgWXxBHd3FjGBFZKo8tYgrEdzxWllADA1vTkhhFxHEdzOpLbulbRlcY6ztg8o8nUEJIJdXP3OKsLGPcTGJ5IEl3xt78VVrgZl9KV2eWoxjnBrRDJtIuLrf5aSAc5HHWk0FjqNOnmtUlF+6Qo/GCo+YYrJoRXudftHWSwh/cxSlRI6qOVBpezb1Aiit7WVhBp00srs3AC5OKcnbcZ1Xgez+yS3uoiEtNHakFzgYOev1rjrz5ko3Ki9dChqdxAJpLm7E7XcwzJLJJnOTTint0KfmZvjbWYL7TrK0ijiH2MFQUXGR7+prehTcW33JZxsnG444NdZJe0a9+zSSGSKSdGTYFGflPrUTQ0afi+O50zVxpyPKPMgRmQMTncO9ZU7PUbJtHW+h0G6mW3dHtSFyRgsTTbVwMK8sXtIg92ssbyAsgIxnmtIyvsJovWmlpJodxqJlTzIwMIx5x60pSYWM23j+3XKw+cIsqfmHr2qmB2vhTQtXvba9VblF+zpkKX2+ZXLVqKLRcI3O78WJZ2egaDrN/qqz3CW8cb2cfOR6g1wU03OUUdEkkkeb+O9eS8uoBYxt5Cryr9QxY8/livQoU3Hc5Z73KSWDNdZaTZEy/ece2a09pqSdB8Lba4Orp5oLaaH3SlvmQkdMiubEzSjdbm0JWDxw0rSN9niSSBrgmKYrgn2GaMOxTm5HPQaVei1nvXjCwn+9/EfYV1+0V7GTZz8zAklc5B6VotQHg+YBjAbtimBH84JyrfXFD0A6fwX9omn+xQ2IIlBHmlfuk96wqySV0xMseKfD9rp9mGhfa6nEhb7zN1/rUUavMCOdt7KSSGSWNgVTHXr3/wrpuMZFBEoM1wjNxgbaLgEkwd3EAEKDAUdSaYDBPcLD5ZdgD1ANAEhTzFz/AvXFACBYMAYJPJ6dKAIbgBUBU7iT0HpQBBvIYcg84FACTb0Yq2M9x6UAdBosl5a2KLuQRXLn5evasZ2YHUeH0uRoHiCw01JpVmiiEnlHC5DgjP61zVLXi2NF7xHL5WjJpEemR2V0hVjPI/3hjlcVlTjeV7hochYyRXUtzdi1xPICFRAcCux6aEsoJpktzDPGkCm5Y7gBx5YHXNWppDKMFswnW3+QsG+bafWtLoDQtBFDe7LuNioyAEaluBPO2jNbz+cL3z/wDll84200BnQXEdvcRTxs8bKeSrc0NXQHT3+s2ms5iihEUSRgKm7LO/cn9ayUeUVjPOhROryNMRhSQoU8nsKPaWFcn0XUJ9LjewSzmjM5BYqDkkelJ663C5DqrXS3bWc0EgRucScHmnHTUDsdV8WaUPB+jaBHZRxnTISHeQAl2NYqm3JsZR0/xNcaMqR2NtDYi/tAXkYffXJH64pSpqe4GSfEFzKEhi8sMCcsBjPNV7JAbdta2kl7ceItUvUW3s1yDI27L4+UBe/NTZpWQWOC1e4uNSumu5hxnoOK64xshjbyJILaLORKTnb7dqdwIrcytveE7SvJI7CmB0/gHULvRvFEWqyQrf2wUxTRyHchVhz+PesKkYyVgPTvitBp2o+CLfXPDQabSN2LiCDgwsRjp9a46cHGbbKsXfCFhDc+ELS1Z5o4ZIgXSXggeprz8RJqo2i1qdd4akk0/T/EMVi482S3VbNyAADtHTNZRd7cwJWOE1pJp9Iig1UfaneU+aqquQcdcjtmuiMlz+6S2jk9RuBcYsNLuTCLbO8qxAxjkfpXVGNtZGbSLU9rp91paTvb3MkkGPKaDnd3I5qU5J27kI0tKu9PgH2+1S308HO1mUb93pUThJuz1CzZ53r1zb3kkt19rlN0JCHDnj6ivQpwcUWlZFaK/vrWMzqXZHQhP4gfXitFCNxmBd3Ul1cmWTbwMAKuK2SsBZ0mO4F4k0cZ2cBiQcYqJTQI9UtNCk0fVYzo1ssjXFsH8yY4RWIyRXmupGa95m0YnPeIdQurjxOIbu3RLpJFjzEQQcDGRW8IpQ0FIk1+yEuhSSNJKl8krF3kGAVAGB+dKlL3rBbQwkit7zRWmllWCeHG5UXl+a6G3czZQnvAgCQkqF6k9TWiVxE1hZSuRcpIHBOAh70pJIC/JbOga5Mp3AgOoHRTWbdwNGzll1DS7rT7G8MdugUgM23Lc/0zUOKTTsF7G5YaNoVrbwW8WqSS3F0m1hImQrY7H61lKpO97FR1NbzLPV7XT721tFs5NMxA8cEf7y4JP3mNWpcqt3NkkelSeIb/wmuhaWdaW60LWYszwsoLWzdcZ7fSstJRZstGmyCx8KWl/4y8QywIbhVWOdGeTG5SD0/Kudt2URuKbbPL9M8VaHoOtzvBbzQ3UcrAOT91g1dboycNTG8Ys9n06e+1bQ5b64WW6YorxFEyDXC5/ZFoxLy41/SZjqdlpk1010fmjClto9xUxtJ2YyTwzfz311HqOoq9ukdw0bxuNvOTzj0odlKxQ+4vfsHjdINZ3Xlrdxn7CzfN5ZDHcPyxXbF6XM2ea+NNJig8Vz32irLNdrceYrwg4XHOCBV84jhfFs13qMMZe2C3fnfO27rz1pwsKTujuvC2l3F3oMIuruKxDcrKUJBH9RXJV+O6Ii0dJ4YsNP0E3V9cXjavcOyrAsYwrDbzx7HNZSlzs1sSeP7CHV/Bthrs4ultIbsxOofhFwTnn3GK3oXvoNux1Hwx1aPTPBd5r1g3mWhiKw2zDgt93Pp3FOEXCbcidzb0nxJJf+HLl7CxePWkXKwc7S38q6FVTdkI1dW1e8sbC2iu9Pktry42hWjOUWQjvWjYGR8S7m+e28PNNp8rf2feI8s6DIdCCCOKh2a1QMu6tpfhDVdchuZrl2MMfEKMVUMcY4/P8AOsJcjDoSadZWng/TtQubXUUlgVGmeJmAZVxkgU40mupNrHF67HdeP5bDXdGsp7cgER78xk89SO/1qa0b9B8zMi1j03TfEU8zeQb6xnJLh8+aTzg/nXKuaLNYxua2navrt7o19dR6Raw3rX/m7h91htUYA9wB+VWpxbL5TmtT8T38N7f2t5EsJuVVzGlsqqrZOOceoFEveWgmjgPE1nPca0Ibq68prlV2kcbSe+KulK0TGcTn9IvtQsbmWKRpCkWdp9SPaunSSuYyLP2i0ufMvJrmRZGTcVbAJY+lJxYti/qOq6Zd+H4NLunkhw3mqOpY4xz+VZRpyjPmQyhpenTWcrT28qrDKm1wRxyCfz4pylfcZUUwW9xKFMdwyjO1emaq11qJmVclnQAo2xOgB+8a1ikgF0yDWrW9+3WqBVUlsE8VUpRasxqR3HhqbVtXvIdU19IzagbViUff57flXJW5YpqG5qpXO2sYHQ3MlqDbWxcHyd3pXnykrK+47mnJqtjpEM1/boVkRSdrR5BOKmLlKVmNHnJ8RzzahP8AYI1iWQEvLGCMsScmvQVL3dSWY4Fxq08RE01y2QsjOQADkn+tW7U0zN6naeDbK4a8vrOVhZC3w4ckDnBzt/SuWq1ZMSgdRBosGrCBdEs7y6nIKyzMfvHvg1Cc72N0+VGRrmmy6RdKNRmMASIuULA7vatOV20G11LOgRWlxb/aLy4MljEofyYk+Y55rNq78wVi4b60itpJpHlWzExe3Xfh1GOh/EGhU3cpHE6rrI1G+Btbd/OmJZZN2CF/yK6oQtqxPVnLX0jXHiONFnXzwyoQDncM810RSUWyJPU0te1uLw7rAaW1F0AmQu/GGNTCm5xJkY9trNlcXMl/HazFvvtHuyoNauDSsRcxtZ1e4nvZZfIEuMMquuQua1hFJWBl6zluZbRLiBLaEj72B7EH+dTJak3KF5aQiRsRNNLJwCRwD607hchvtNa4SASTuhRRk81SkguZkOnz+b5kCyTRoxLsV4rRyHct295As7NHEY5VYNlRxioZJ1Wi2sk1xbzPD5rTn77RnFc1SWlguehXSJHpyWzwWqT4ABCc152vNc0SJ/DtjZaTYS29zFDNsYSxBm+61U6rlK4ctzuZru81zTLLU00WVGiBEki8BlA6D2rdTbVkaRSRN4DN5d2c8l1ZvNBkC3jDYxySelTF++EnY2/E1jr2oaW0i3Krb2pVzahRkqCDjcec8V3x2IbsjoIHS902KCbS0kiMYZllXhSR3+tVGNyUzHv9Ou7LRbs2UEiTPE7RQhyFTHGP0pclnZF2ucx4U8Xfb/C1laXKXUF95rxSqhyOGPrS50nZk7HY6vc2cKwS3ES2kUaf6524fp1/I/pVqwWuWLeKC6srVIbvzix85G3AhcdveqVkJRsYfgpmvZ9W1KdEuLuW+YSk4AwDxn0qZyQ+U6PSZJb2aSND9mjEhSORJMqccCs73YJHLfEex8TNPHcGU3FtCu3db/KQepzisqrcdUbJKxw/grVre18Q3KajeTywfZnxFM25QwyQM9qyhN31Ikbps20jV7XWPD/iCGJLmRXu7OWQEFfYZzXTurk2N3/hJY9WmnsLTTZLsAl3COqqe5xnrTTTRS0OGHhTxtc6kdRuYsxB28vE2XjXJwCPpisasU4+6GrOM1WbyNQkRoGeVZSjFiRznB5/z1rm5OgEN94SuZ9ZFysgW3kj/eESZCt161rGdlYXU83g0+WJHx8zbuUK9AK7OYyLGg6X9o1WWeaErGqg+1KU7IDU8VXVtpjW0cFopYqWIIxk9sis6TcnqBz03iF/7MdYYgLh3AZwBwuemK3VO7AzFvS7lJAWOc7T1q0gNbSdSmS1ls7uSb7CpDtCP4iOnFKcOwyW6trG5g/tRoipzxExwBnPSpTktBGVOstoftMAYKcgHqB61QIg1KIzOhdsblzk96aGJpGlJer5ssgjjDYJHU1UpWQFu5njttlnaNuQZDSE81FriRu6HKg8Pz+W0qyO2xS3Oeh4/OsZwvJIGjK1m6tLr91b221oECOSuGY9zVwi4u4JGO00jxLCDgA+tb2Ga/hO1K6nFezSRqtvKj7T1bnpjvWdVvl0Gzr/ABtfC7v7vVZzGssgAWNVwOABiuSDdrGfU5G91gmHYtv8pVckk9fp+NdUaa3KIEvWMKTmcrJGwCYGMGq5Rmjqdl9sSG9h8+VpMLI7joanm5QsZlzpi28Rd2/i+U4p+0uA3+y2S0kna8CxnG1NvLE1SkIzJlltdy+WwHYke9WmCGM4UgqQSOc+9UMYqx5ySSTyaAHtg8ZxmgC3a3vkRmNiXRuox3pNXAdfsJAJFZV3KBtUVNrCKbj5MDGQPzqhlzT9TvY4VgtMB24AAznNS0uoySXQtRjRJrzyYQ7Z2swz1qVOL0QiU20NvPHFHMJM9ccCne4hEu7aG5LbQHizypzk0WGaHhnUtLle6m1y8mtlMf7jyo8jdnpS5Ow4pdTFOp3fmSATs8RkO1TxkZquVBcml1aaebzZHVMAAYHAo5Qudl4P8PDUraQ3E13b3ErKLcop+Ynv9KwqVHDYd2zcuLmz8H+LI9QuoohJAhUTRtmUtjHQ9+TWCUqkWhJWY268VXniy6gtNG0e+lgVhJcxR/MzhiBk46damGFULt7l3bO4+OXw/udO8E2OqaTptpBDaIiywLlppMjBY8VVOHJO76mU5anztbTk6ouV8gM4VsnAAHrXdugRu3MFlDeNLCqkMOGUYBz3rCTdhm8YrZ9IJTHnQqCDjPGcY/WuXmalYGYs+mxXd9G1y4hiOckr3rqjJiKWk6BdXOqG33JHFjIYnAxVupoFy55c1sn2eCLzSHOT7Cl8QGx4d8Rwact3YX1i8xmUcqRx1/8ArVlUouVrDMk6rcXsFzpoeNA/Lb1A2gHIGTVxpqIrFyaye7itsTR2kJXblpBjIHWi7Ar6Z4K8Q6hYXWseQ5tbePzPMwcOPb1qlNbAUJ7W3ittPC6i015OzeZaspVYhngk1pYZiauHFw0LsmEOMo+5cD3qkhFEAkZxx61Qya0tbi8mWK2jZ364FAEn2SZLZpjbyeUhIaTB259M0AMhtjc27SpIgRDjBPJpXAlOnuCjRsWLLnr0pcyAvWGmyu5aS0kUDncykDis3UQrm/babI9jJezzwmJ28uFScYI9a53V1sTcx9etzarFEtzBMp+ZvK6KfStYzuNMaiFkivGUC3B2txgcd60uMqTTyX0rLbwEqCSuOmB3qloBXe3K/wAQYn7208VVxjHRvs3CjBP97mi4G34fuHvVi05iVJYBW/AVFRaXA7fTUuZNRTSJfM8mBWkkYjJJwMfWuCdorm7iMzxBpOZUDCYSM5yxzz6fyqoVFcB+iWtuJkYXVrLLFIp8snk05ybNIs07j+zbd4Lq9uMSxMHTBBwffHasYqT0QmaGs6NPr+hT6ha31s0AkM3z/KzZAzge1OEuSdnuQeYarZyRrlXZwzf3CAfzrvhK4Fezu/7OcA2yucZqtxlS/lkuWV3UdOF96pWA0LbT5YJYRLF50UgUsU/h46VEpWTBs6e38O21tIscoCLM4LNnO1cZ7VyTrNoRr3T2dnbfa7O3jkS1+RWU53VklJ7knJz6t/aOqMTp0VuWbA8tSAOPeupR5UUb+iW13bTzvp8ksTOQJWyANvfis5yWgFK786+vZ0jbcIH3svQFR0pp2VwRiXkMi3EtzMRbJIcou771bQdxmfNGSpjQbmYg561ewCnSrjyzI0TlEGS2OKrmFcpbxGwEJywPUdRTAfcS319td/MkJbaN3Xik2kMuvpsltFm5jUSAA7DweelLmvsBoeGluYNYgFtKI5jk7A23PGeaiburA1c9U0QW0/w6mkie1/tG7LFogw3BR1NeRVjL23kdEIJRuee6fr9vp99d/bdNhvIHDLCZDjax6H3r0fZNxVmTdLc5abazESAhckggcHmumOisZPcjne3muY4YsxxbxvY9gcZqgO31mws5NZsrfw1JG9kojjklOMM561zOTSbZSWpt+NdJW3uHmd7eeQxrm4B3FSBxzXLSqtuxUo2MVJbC506wsD/aP2ss73DouRIc5Uj6Ctm5Jt9Bq1jA8XTtqetRWiXEr29pGEjZ1wSTyQfxrelpG5EtSTw/HaPaX9leExxtAx3d8rg0SbuIyRY2sjxjS7pzIRyrDnAq031Fuex+CdKitfDc2syKstzFFz5hBJPsteRXm5S5TrjSdro09D+y362VndQ2L3EVvulBTocnj61jUUotyWxShzHluu3NpZeKNQD2yJEznykIyFJP8q9OlrBNHNJJOxoa54msY9I/ssQ/aSLc4kWPbhz7+nJohRknzNjbjYvaJdtoGk29zp0YvPs8YluomfHJ4H5ZrOpT9q2mCOQ1/XZdSvVN2jl43ISEthVJrppU4xjaJE2maKa+2iF7TUrSO5MlttRDyEJAIIPrT9nz7EHGzESSOT8u7kV02A29AttDhdJbm4uJ5FRmKgY+bHH64qZXYmJNqqRamksVsjoTuCsBzU8rA6Pw/rsMnmI12lk0EZK7YwcnriuarTY7Gf48uZvtMFyMkXEKsrMPvnoePwp0FboFjm7O7EeRKu4D+EHGa6mgDU7pLidUgQxIAMrnqaaQi3pkkRZYRFkhvnYjtSYEOsw2sGsTRoZGjDfJj0NNAg8y0t40WONwed5JznNMZLd3EL6eqQRqG3ZZh1NAGPO5B2gbe3WgCODBlAdNxPT2oYHUwaJC96szsoRSHdW4LgjtWEqgF+6ntbeLFpaKqHOxM7inqeays2I6DwM0kOj6pfSYhjFoI1iB+aV9wIbHtWdfVpAZWuzy3rWV3cYQM+cyNknFEFYDMvp3SBLi0jMQiO3crY3e/FaxjrqBNp11BJbSyQKytIp3ySNjNNx1AwJ7iOO/kWNAfk5dRwK3S0ArPLIzBlG4H+LPNUlYYx52dcsoP15pgQRp59wkSuibznLHFAGha6ZqSr50cTBQ5Xzdp2moc1sBo6bd3Onst3NeRT/N8qA5P5VDVxHSWo13VSl1bzxLgZBEOCK55OCdhEOv6ZdORdm++1TkbSNpJBohNbWAu2OgeHZbfTJtYvCJVJNzEgJJOeOKfNO7UQ1KniMadd6lLcy3CCOOMxWkCoNwRThc1cVLoUctbu0E3zooweCR61oIkvrC988qEMiv8wwcg96SknqBPpOh6pfjgiLecZcY/nUyqxQNlfxfZ/2bfJA85nfaMvj5eB2q6U+ZXBFHT7iNFlj8tW3LhiTjjrWrGX9Jv71pI4bORbWMOCF2bgT6msnbqB6F4D17W9N1WXTiy3NrcwuZImixG5welctZRlEpO+h6ZeW093p6yaNfRNcugLW7JnYAOe/SvK5Un7yNUrHC+JV1q/jjjvbprUWgLyspK5HpiuilyRempEnYp6l4z0ePR7RUtZJLjAhlHQHGPmzVQw0nJmbMFPEekJeyPBpSF3XDYbOK6vYSstRMmj1IoqLb6p9msEO+RUjO5T6UvZ91qBneKtW0i70q2tdKkklMI+djEQS2OTWtGlNNtgkcZLLuPCjB5+b1rrS01GOS/uoVCowAxwB0p8oF7TbewutLuZHhmN3G+7P8JH0qZX6AdZ4J1NJ1XSZIISTjZkAc565rixENLjRJ4tuyXgSPUHuZQf3iD5Qv0rOiuysVzOxlKsQlUJbp5gIPmk5bP51u79Sbj9d1PWJNNuNOZw0cUgcEpzgj1qoRSK5tDGkkuY7GRQyyI6jlR0Naksx7lmkkMrghsYHy4BrVCL2h/bpHIt0xtIwzcYqZtWA6fUIby60qc210jmCFTcDgdzisOZXGReFNMdTFqM8iIFwyox4Y/SpqT6IiRa16S/jeG6VUi8uUkFWA/wD1VNNX0Y0zrPhnqs82nXhgsHuY4B5tzKXVVj46ZPWprU/eTub05alp/EkPifRr3Q7TSI7cW83mrcByzn/61TycmrZq6nMdrZam+kfDY6jJZxhrf79wsxDv1wuCayjDmq2NE7K54f4T0t/EOr3GpM22EXBYhlyOc8V2Vqipxsck3zM+pvAet6HbeHrXzbpGMUZEsLkoFGMGvMgo3uxw0KWteMNat9ZhFvHazaTNOdsina2zqOe9W5QSNTntT8RXl34qeTSwmZ4juhkUlFx0NYuWnM0Js5mTW9RuL4Pq8oE1nIwi8vpzngV0OV17pEpq1ita/EmbSNc+zyaV9ltIwfPdI98kuev6Gto0U09Seexw3jTXdDvvGYvNJW4Gny8yB02sT3wBW1Ok4xsyZSue56D4t8E6RpNvZ6fol7qohjUqGiLKB361zqC+2KK1OesLw6v8Qk1CGyGk6YxJFvKcFRj26VhWlCMbRNb6nU6w1+ngLUdOuYrc6bMxSIr8zAlvvY/Cs6dRxZdrox/AotrCwj0m7t7i6tHXAgRiMtnIIH4VU6zcjKTtoel6XYX+irkGNGnXfEruA/riinGUZczBeZn2GuWWu+Jmk1FL9DbgBLfBZN49cCumNe7sPmR2mgatb6pb7bdoGKSMsyuQChHb24xW8WpaBY56TQINY8RE2Y/dDDXMm4gghuMevesalK70Ezz34q+HNXX4j+HvDmlXGTrJeSTdltqR8sPyBrZU2otMUmewLZ6vaaQtmWsGWOdVUqu1ggbkfjSjB21FE4z4k+DvDAtpPEBga0uYSZZIVywkbHIwOtZ1KTtoaKR5rpt1rS2yaxpyLb6ZK373zGwUYZ42n6CuP2cVoxKbuZGs+OdT1FJ7MwwSwfekZgu75DkYI7c1p7Lqwc2YXjq7a5TS9SjvII23cEDhVXqM+tVSg4uSsOTuc/d3NiuuzTQv5sbS5HuDWyT5TGRi6/d20GqPbpDE4zlGBzwa2hBtasRseH4xq88unRaeZby4jEVowbowyTWdT3Hfp1BGrFDcaVpSwv5lzKjMtxExwUYcZH51i5KbNVFWMPV9Uht7QG3s8sc5H949smtYQbZEhNHsb28YvPGlvEnzNk8LTnNRVkZtmlcWaPGixXnlIeZTjJ/D8KzjK5KbG+Gra/udZkjt5ZprKM4iduBke1FWUeTzNbnr+m6PAfDw1Z75y4mSJ7cL3LAZz+dcHLd2RadyDX7Sz0aZ44rtJreQcm4bIBI5BNT7O70NEYGswwx2ETWqRW7SIctAu7A9hWtO+zHZHDedPFY+Xp1vI8cZLSyEbScHvXYknuZ2sdRoV7aavoBd7dra5RiZC7H5ugGD+dYVIuMvI0VpGj4c8Vz6LrdtA+oXcttsdvKgIAHynvjijluuYGuUf4u1qwvJvtCWjzTA/vPMlBwtOKdtynNNHXaY8up+GLe38MWVvHIYPMud0ys7HHcZyKlRXUS8iDRLLST4Pin8QaROLt3dA4b5cg1LWujKseV+LyYGmktlUCF9ojDYdVwf8f1rqpR11Ik7HH2JWfUUmWY2rIpO8ZJzXXolaxg5GpZIl7HJHcziUFsmZ1yRWcny7E3uNa3kgf7BpcK7fvM45LDuTRe+5Vi7tY2SRNp2Wb5S+3ORzSvruIzWtvsCBJFeHzGyc9h7VV7iLd1crHFEsG7ylHLsg5qUm2BlzavulnlaKIqshxzWqgFipDqkz2c8OZVZ2yqqAFIPrV2sMs6SlvHEXvIVV5gRHg9xUyu9iGj3D4QeLtK0/wAIX2nX72j3sMLG3ieEEn0AP1xXJOFpNtDjGzIbe90O6vvOv2WO+ePaqtkLu7YxXPKDW2xo5I6LwP4d0rUmKanM8crTAHI+Vs89T1Fc8VdmkVob/je71bQPDF2ml3cEkEDmNIRgFRx+fBr0aUFFBY84h8T3tpZWxV3iVmDMsb8/eGR/n1rnkvebQWudv4tkg8bahodjoF7eWaRzCa+l3lchVJCkd8kY/GuyFVcmpMkdjoniA32oT6HIgjZE2nnOQBx2pRq6kbGp4ht9QNrBHY6go+ZkG9CfMXuP/r1vfqVFnifjPSNa8JxW17eTQS+dqO2GK3JG9WYnJB7VhKnzO4NXOs8bagkekRaRd3DJcXoTyBIPlHHzD9aSk0mCVjmr6yl0hraVtavI7aLlzFnZx2rGVSYzF1GWe0Mi6fdTRW83zSbZCpb3IrCNVvc0R7D8PL7SdW8PpasGSPgLHk7tw988V04ebaszNLU0ZtDfT9eMllrU1vZvEfNtpn8wFm4yM/54rplHmKTscxdfD3S729Nre6kipO5kbysIx289T+NZezsyXqT6J4C8H6hYzR/Y5YmW5ES3LMA749DVpPa5KMzUfh5Npk9zc6Xq0iRW2TCWkGSccrms5QbLMzwte+J7qNoh4kgjEQIkA5cHPSoba0GV7DQdDl1XWptVna7SFNqRk5YuRlmxSkBm6b4c0eXTjeDxEkdso2shRsq5YY4+lFpAePfbLwXbxo9tmUYeVhnj2rXlRgQzaZISmbs7NuQytgYyfxp81wEvpJ7tba2+zCWRVKJIBgt15OacFZ3AxdY0aXTDGWkRty732c4Pp71vCpcDR8IzGylku/7Is7qaRfkkuskR+4GcZ+uaJyi0FzOu726GqS3MkMXny53Fsbf54pxStoBnXGozyELJKGKnAH8FacozWvZWu9OitXYRRxAs3lDgnjrUtWFYztSuVlkSDayxAALuoSA0dHs7iUywWgiRdpLF2GMd+tTJ2GUggQ7BASykjCjOadwGtLNEimSJ4mXlVYcj3xTtcLkVrclHkK/PNKMc/WhqwGvpWkRXUMjTzQo4G5jk/KKyqVOUVyWGwWNw6o80rPhMd/ToaXPdBc3DbMNOkjvnjWZckbm9TnH1rG+uhLONvFWaaWSJ9yghSQp2jj/61dUXoUiay0S9u1821EssaDe/y4Cj1z6VXNYG7Fvw5qx07Ux9oiSWGLkjOQTUSVylqiC9naS3Egz+8clcHrQlYkoM93auJGlZ8dBnIFWgFvL67urTybht2fmzt/rTSAy8ZxjnPSrQy9oWlnU75LZ3eJGI+ZV5PsKmUrIDXuLPRtOlkEc73s6ZBXbwh+uazUm2SYGEBJLADrk962RQ9kuPKDmOUoR94Lxii4Ec52oO/TtQBoaReQ2m2XYruSMZTgVMldAW/FfiSTVI4lmWFXiBVCq44zUQpxgxmCTP5Kuynk9cdR+daXQixa/ZEjZmspXODtIbjNDYrjCJ5x9ni+SM4IwoyDmi4XNe10zTLOzmlvnnluPLJRVQEA4471LYzLtfsodDJC8hz9KroBtvqc0UJ2X1zbvCu6IK5HPoDUco7lWytWv0nur65ZmjXed78tk+/wBar4RnrnwH1/U/AXjGB7m20qGzvYEFxNNOrGOInIYANzjrjFKymaU2jd+N/wAW9LuPEX2vwR4p1G8lmXyrqM237kYGAF3L1981mqd3qZSirngni/Tdd028gm1uykspL2P7REHYFmUnhiB0zW0V0ET6LOzac6yOCxI5Zu1ZzWozoLiV1tRHa3MOZE42v05Gc4FcvLeRLKGlwmXW0F3coyx5ZtxrZ6LQRPdtJLIptUCOz4T5e31zSSAraktyFKMysxzuIGCKuIGdp7COR5HSYueAVaqZQ6YwNE0m3bOzAKzHoKFfoBraTJoj+GLg6h9pudW8zFuEYCJF7570NNsDY1Hxh4l1jSrPRobi2tLC2jEQFuuzKqoHzHv0qVBIVjltA1O90/UruK0jt7mSeJo3aeFZSoPcE5wa2voBmTafdBWzsODxkgU7jKS28oj3P0HUDpTARZCu4qzA/wCzQBv6/ql9Poum2EoFtBCvyRrHsEmedx45z60rAYRuJTImcKiKQFA6nNMDY8MSiTUo4JGVXbB+cYUDPc9qxqLS4WPUV1WGXU1jmignitIm+WA5WQ47npXkum4rfVkNGaPMvSEsrFLe1LbmDONo9eKpXjuSc5bWjX99JbR2zEFmOOiqAepNdnOoq5V9C5d22l2ZS1mvIL58YNuAdqd+o60ozctdhXKVnDazagj3tuhslb5oLdSu5BnINa8ztZFXFls9FkeZ7CzFtbrzHuJNSpNbhcz0is7gyBv3SY2g7T1+uK1UgGWnh69S9j8m5SByvmQs7Y3AHHf6UOqkB1fh3xE+n6k8d1EZ53IQTEgIvuSetc1SlzoZZ8TPqS2jXAuo5VEgdHC8euMisIWvYDlRdQm6dTpiyXTfxCbC/liuuytZsZs6dfu1pK19DY22RtRFC5/xrN01fQBuo3+62CSHy5EQFNpIyP5VUab5hGFPe3+ooim7eRYhwhbhPwBrZKwWMi+LSoM/K/TcP/r1aYyxoSQi/hmuQJIQ2XOcniib00A6JXW4u3F4XjhkbMQVcDr7Vzt9iS5qCw2tuvmm469XOcj25rJXkwuNtbqytLe5S3jMsDEHaxOckdaHFyd2FiPStMXY9+FBxl8Dtg03N7AWX0/V9Rklaxhu7kkB5CiAqoP0oUoxV5BcsXOjQpYxuDHDNz9qDMcnnpxWPtbSGZXjG30o2NpPEPlRdpEeeDk+taUJS5mBnWX2HyyPssrIFz5mMH9TW7bAgieV7viWWO2B3OrEHj6Vd9AsXZDo6IkjqvX7qKNx/KhOQF7TNUgltTZ2ulQrIkm9ZXAzjrUtMDnfFVxINQE73KyTzADHZRngdK1pIZV0bUI4LxJbiIzfNtIBwcZ55pzimmkNM73TNGubnxBdpp25IdhEAIPIPXBrhnUioq5omGi6HpdwJLg2ss4tcJJ5kiqofOPrihzkuonTbOb8eW72eqvpttLZ3CjDf6KQwBI+7mujDtuN3uQ1Y5OS3kt3MTx7GH3h3/SupCOq8IXBTTvJkjht0R9/nSq2704wfesKiKTNvW5rGbSLf+zY5VuOAzDcyyep71yxUoy12KlK6OlutX07SLLTZCk3njThC4NvsXzD7kZOPWsuSU27dy2rGZ4es4kjvZr21Wea7j822MkqgKCcHCjmnWvpy6IIpWMG4gtItA1eOZIlZCNoQZZ8sOO5ArojfmRmzkrWaaK+D2YMRxhQ3+c10WTjqKLsz0TXNT0a8jsZNKmv7eSSEefDL9129gK5OV3OuVbRWOi1Brq20TRdT0YompDeJwvVgoHLD8D2rnSXM1LYUp2SaPM7+TUfEWq3NwLHzbm4JZ22bVXHbniu+HLFWOacrsz7PTtUxIqxvHCM73PTrjFac8STetY55GMUN4pgyqPuYDcM9Oaza8ikzS8Pafpt7Za1ql+bS3lswWjiKsWk9welZyck0kS9TidRuL/VJT8hnG4srqpzt+v0rphZCILKKymuf9OLLGvXaeT7Vo79ANe8/sm2QLp+VRvmbb97GOlRqIf4W0uy1nVrS0S58uWWUAb+Aozzmom3FFJXOx0nTNC1LxP/AMU/NaTSxqVZSrBcg43HI/xrlm5qN2ilG7KXxLTSb8zRWM8k0liAu/y9qKe4BxzTw7a36lzijgoVgh83zWxKuAoMec13p3MSvcsZZ97OA3TAXGKYE8E+BwcZ6nFAEM8bmbeSGyB1OeKAEC7c5AHNADGJz8p4PpQBG8ZOGLd6YFrT/Lju03uVGck4BFTJXA7a7vp7wRXjyKDCgTiP7wHSuTladmBKzafcaFNenzbKU4iV5V3+YxznAA44xUaqVhWItPvRo9uLBr7fHIA5YqR+FElzO6AztVijknR1k2xuDsZlJq46AUL+KJbhrbTHknTHEkny8+wNaq+7A634fwXliha4gsXxuy0+G4I7DNYVnfYRzdv4W1nVp7nU4rSaKzWQeZI0Z24yRxWyqpK3UZH4j/sKxg+yacwubp1AaQvlU9QBgVVPmesgRzn3QpxithiwPGlwjPkoGBJAoA7jSrq1u7IRzX8n2dVYiMfIDn1zmuSpzJ3SJOYk0p21VobCeF1XLLIp4A6+tbKbtqM9B0m8vLrQY9PsnuGdOZpEPGR2H16VxVLKV2SzD1q6u4GESExBCSFTOfrzWsLMZzl/NNJdSXEcz/OBk5wQfpXRGJSJrC7bdI6Wvnt5JDNgttGetNqwzR0TSH1eOWC0jle9yJQxI2hAOR/KsqtVQJZ09t4dvbNLa5ub2GWV5MJbxDecYPUk8Vyuvcm7Y/UrmaFfs9/MxlVVdYOA2AemR0px1EYMmk3Gv6rJfX5mtYBJi3jER+dcn2rV1FBWQ72New8HaXd6qwjuWktTCR8sTEhwR6CsZV5RWxSZVvNF00+Io7WSZ2iFs2/ETR7cZ5wRVKq3G6Qy1omoajE9vbyW9tDawLiGV3ILp3zzTnTjL1C9itH4ruJdfW9G4i3JVEh3AYHqc0OkoxszTmOuj1a1vWInZ7ia4szJJtGApBPHPf8AGuRwlHbuS9TldX04WGiWOptZOYLl3BjkGDkY6f57V0U5802l0KcdDko7B5LiTyoynmcru44rrUlYhonkkmt7C5sRsjY/LJg5LCq5b6isYzSNDwmVJGGx6VqgI5ijEeWAvt60wNDR9F1HUba/uIYWlgtFUuV/hz0/lUSnygVYvPi+RFkiMnBJBFJyQrnU+EtJe9uFMWl3LSqDlxIFGe3U1zVZqK1YGlrFnNeSeU1nFBdW8QTIBG4Dpn3rKnK3UZg6TZ3CaonnSoI1YM2Ccn2FbSldAanxCuBYzfZbSGWJZ8FmcgkrjOOtKhFtXKaSRkeFVuriC6sTHHslid9znlcAnI/KtZ7okxtWuEeaGKI7lhXHTlvWtYpgaOgO104hY3CZOBgZAHr1qagjptQutMtLWa2065DRzoFmMmEO4c1jGDerBGV4UF1Lq6rLGTb7WZfQYBPH5UVLWHubvjK48Py6bciJlkubgp86DATHXArOkpXNbRUTM0e71U+G5NKt1Wy0ydt0jMBulI4zu9K1nyp3M+axuadbXPh59PW2t8mfIkujNhGHTHTtWXMprUqEjpPizLb2Pw8tdLmmMmoz5ndVfIC54PI6U6CvJuxtOWhW8CQJZ/DI3kF2lveJJ5iwBdxkP5+/pWGIlzVLM51c7PyGjWKOS7ANxH++UZQHI56GvPv5G3Qy2Se5KiF41hiIwJZ+ePQGqvYnmK3ivUdT0myh1W6tbeK3bMWVY7m/LpTpxhNtILi6lay6jY+b9nlhspIUk3RqCQ23qG7k5q1JQZMtTy/VkuvD+p/bLO4vI7xX4+0KQSuPcc16VOamrEmMWklmEkiATsxJLjG7PpW4jtrfWfEMul6XZE6dpaWpC74yFmlyf4ucn8q5JxhqF7Hp2jWTXGjjUdSZWs4CTP8AvNskgz2x+Nec3rZD5izd2mmSazb3eg3d7Ho88Y3QXDEhWGOeen4VMqtk11Hzs2ItTTwz4gSS3tUuCYyFmOdoBHasIXTu2Zudi1ruuSeIprAX7NCYZ8qwyu3PHGO1dcsQnGyD2lzr4pNA8J6TLOiL9mgwZZDIJH3NyxwCT1PpmuijCL1uWtzyzU9X/s7xnPrmkX6Lp16gLIcrz0BCkD9RSnUtpEtyNLw9qXiDTpru607WbiNbh94UojKOOeCMisHjLEcxt+DtTk1rx3Ya5rWqxSXllBJFaAQlQC4Ktx7j3AreninJ2YOV0dD4v8ST2/i7TdAghacGcTzSIAdoznBJJ/SuvnSW47pHTeJdUis9Du9T1GzKQ2hZyJEA3AY6Z+9WihzRuUnc8c+LmiS3E1t4v0+OR9H1CFJGgjDkZ/3F4/KuacFsCsc9a2fhy48L3X2bRIjfTZCTMCoj6ZHPtmuFSlGVmwZ5Nr+qMdNGjtawxiCVmSRTnbng9e1ejThze8Q2Vnu9Nmvre7vdsYXZE/kDAIHBPFXyySdhFPxa+mxa7Na25jngQhY5YWyHGAc9Peqp35bsRvfDq5h03WtP1rfNKNOmMjQjgFSpFZ1r7LqLY2LuTwhdtd6jcalqi3lxO7wxI+xFDEZB61g1U0sh8zOk8M6T4aPhe5vH04zQRrl7iXc5z7e9Yz9pz2uS2zJuo9NvzqFvp6zTwrGZVJBBUAdMDr+lXFNWbEznfDulavrjNd6bp73FurhCsci789/l61vJqMbdRpo9S06xj060tJJ4JbaBWCyhwR9eSK8+SlJm0Emd78LE0Ca01PStQtQbJ7jzopZZcgj1x2x6npW9OCvqCVjWj8F6Rdw6vpGlsZ7S5+aF2G5FOOTn0/GtnQ6lo8QvIr3RrtRHbreT28hikbkouDg1hKKTaloTKRwetasbmfUHv7edJXkAhSLaq4PXtXTCntYls0PDnje7srOXTHsbS5tHZVQXKYKY5JyME050IvXYSlY2fEN5Dr2v6TpXhzSfIuLuLDDeqo5xywOen1rKNOybbHKeh1l38JrrSrWGKW+3Xc7KSAhOCOduehFRKb3sEbsmTw5r+gNPfwxGRwAJJkcKoUccVlzX0ZtGxmX3iKe3sXs9Rmh+xxSGWNiTkFuucZzVpOdu5bkcF4rvrWUpeJtMUoyCMru5611U4taM55SKUejLPpxu2ubaKLBeNdvLexardSzsRYy5FGnsXRxKGAG2KUnPtitE1LcC3bSTWkT3/nxQsyDMbncxB9qTs9B3FuNSnvrYvDK8cUYwdhIwfxojBLcRlalqVxeQxxqnmiNSWYk5YVooWQGjb3K67c29nDpKWpChVSDLGQjuQai3LqIzG0J99w08LRMG+QMdoPPvV86C5HqMd5ptoktwkajO0KrZbHqRTTuBUuvtciJcPKTHuOxQeR0q9gNbQbG+urpGe98hiuVC5JPtxWM5pCbO00u78P6eZRqmoXct4B+6ijUn58cZOOma55qb2GtS5o/ivXYLW3vHs1dZZiiFWBx9c9KynQitDWM7F+/tNUXV5H1Z2eK6USL5cpKqSMD0HanKsox0LvcWLSprK7lFzK3MaqqtGGGSc5Bz7dq5pVuZaCd0bOhalqOkTEwpIHkQjOzhh06YodQnUne5a2ma8mknS6Ybg4kI2+xwRUe0begctzrbT4owCw08R2srFV+YbvzPNdUK0o6MeiMXxv4ni8b6zam9SXSLPTg3kTLMHaVjj+HHGCK6HiYpbE8xlSWDa7q9nb3OqzamLZW8ojg9jg4+npXPKq2nYYyfQvFE2lSRWdrftE04WaRslY19cdTRGXVhsdt4Ml0/W9QvtNtbe0mihjCi/kADZxyOfSo9knuO5bs/Cei6frbaJqep3An1CIS2NylxtcNjjaBx/jXVTpNbgT3+k+N2SbT7PUbSWZEVFmubUeZgMCTuBxkj1B/CugC/4j1Pw9ZyWUcmtx3c0CYu7PPfadwG0cc4x/8AWrOU0NFW31nw7CEa1uxFZGJ5hAXO8vg45OM8+9EXcVkXbUhrtrO/1mxitpYBPbwMT5g384P51o0mhXPMvGtpaaF4hGoaXeqPOZllRULAEcdvpXPUfQbTtc1vhZq+j202qRa5cQvdXbB1lnTaqrt57fQVipKbJR0P/COeDmkto1Fiba+LGYJcNsLAFgeOnTtWlyj5budKjIhurWZIlmG7LHk1pzowQ5NRtrEjcgeQcHc2Sf8ACjlcthleXxPNDdTNawW67gAhlQSBB071pGiragjWuNWvLzTba0v4bWW3UhkMdsqE49x1HWs+RRegMsyizhsTJHbxpKV4XJJGfSs7zcrMhnn2sMTeyBeCW6HJrtgrIpEUVu7hmI2qOSx6ZrVNFFq0mcRvK4WYKcBGHBqZIC2L6K8liJgja9dgQqphQB7CoaaFYt3KXdizxF9uOHyeg/Co3Aox3EuwtbAbFbnI6mrAo3guDPmQsNw5poZp2Om2lpBHezs5Y9Dt7H2/ColMm50Fjc2UVlNJAttJcyxlRkHK++PWuad7oZHpFndG4UR3AF2zjajcbR7+lVKS6rQRoXOl6QdSEWra0Npcec0ZLYJ5IFRTk0vdQtyLxBPpaibRtFhCWCyAid1w0mAOv5mtYc3xS3BJm34Yj0+H4dapeXepMJ5W+zrEwx8g+YY7jkUqjfOrDkcJp+mMwk1BLTMIyPmPBrXmtoCZn+dJD5StYyAcYAH3qpMDRi0TUL2Yf6ItupBIDNyMVDqJDIbrSogHWW+GEHTHLY7dKancCLXLaJ/skVpCkC7AN2fvH1q4tgWIpbjRpLbypQZ1IYMpBC80n7wzLvrq2aachWaWU8tmrSEQadYTXk6wIAFxnPUAU27AaE9zdRWSWv8AaJeFTtWAE4wD1NSrsC1bwWE1jKJJxGUiLFhyfpS1TCxz8ioWEcTEJnq3WtVsMu2SwRRgyBZMHvSegCXFypmx5ZdWyFC8YqALVta3k6IYbKQbx8pZeCKTdhNjxpV3LOscG0vuxhTyTjpTUxFLU31PSJpdNuEAfbh8jNXGz1KKAvJzBHHtG3tgVQCqrSSmSUM/sBmk0B0+iWS3qImoFYLVQDhFw7jPPT2rKc2loFzr/A3hjwT4l1u60WW41KKWZysV1JIAsSDkk5NZylNK6LSuUPiX4E0HwvaSSaV4kN0IJdrRyHDPnuMdadKpOW5DTTPOr6+mvple5eQsihELMW2qO3NdCQzT0uAi3A80Sc/xdqzmB0VpPbGw2GTZKBtIX09qwloyWZ19YR29qLqK6YOTkgNzThK+ghb+Z5YEMk7IqhUL9TwKtRGR3xhTRYjFJM1wxPmM7cEZ44qktR2JNGsXeCS+LLIsaANGTjac9RUylZ2BmVdhHuS0o3DOduapMRHJskgWK0g2erHqadxlgaffQ26TSv5Me7AUHk+9DaEOu7+Kyj8u2QrgZZk4Zz65ppXAybi9uLyXq8kjn5UJyatIC+LYRR7dUQPlPlRGxtPqaAMyYopYxMBxjAPSmMfd3U1wUee6lmdUCqWYnaB0FAEEu1QQrB+nTtQBqWOnPJKJJTJ5EaZcqOSKzm9LAdzpOoeffJNo8DCGOIIFYAfXI71wVIWXvsVjeS1n1GG6nSVIQI9ojGFJfHPT3rl0hKzJaOThk1G5ml/0oW8MYCElQM/iOtdmiQrD7u7sNMhnjtLS1u5HAUzOCWBz2pxjJ7gaWi6bqOswySrCsEMMbMDtCrnHTPWonUjAUmQajbWlnol150rm/KhI4kYFR9TRGblLTYEzmmeYabFa/ZyMDLsQeTXUrdC7mzZXH9o2sNug3XUPyhcfw9azno7jKmphJfLWYuDvK7Ae9NX3Ea3hu7aS5TTJn3W/CxxdixI61jUhpdbjNvxFo9sQ7WcESyDPCuOKwhOS+IRxuv3GnrfqiWwt0UlWZlJJP1rspJtXYxfsCT2L3E12GfapUAHmrvZhcj09o5IZoLVFYqFJfq3cYob1A1/CVhp/kTPc2KzSqCCz5O38PWs5yktgOeuJ7VbwQTxqkRfIYDBJNapNoDo9Ru4LCzhuEmWZsDbtbofpWKpvmsIzLzxKmq3CyXcMzlcrsDADH5e1VGjyoLWI01EtO4tbGKJcAESfPx6896fJZagPur+5WJUZgFOQ2AQAKlRVxm/4J129tZT9gkZEACShGJVvQkd6itGNgNnUbizuLG4vYWEsqvtkDR8FvWuOzUkhnOX0qSQ+Vcxkqx3kKu0Z7dK3imFyjquoXN1bR2sMEIZVC7ANu1ff862hFLVsCPT7K7W0ntJTbEyZl7ZG0dM9q0ckIwJ7O63yT+YiLuyATWykguQz+dFIFa8YnbkMpqtGMogTzzBRmSRmGM89KpNRA6/w9o1zBp013f2ohhkGyOWSMMA2R0B9q5KlW7sgOm0/UL3T3GoQyLlVxHD5fzPXLJKWjKTsctLfwiaaG5VkUy7ngC4Jb3NdKi9A5maNrJ4aOhak11YvBqaxgWxXI3E45PP1o5anMlfQqNrHCXcbISzsHYkZJPSuxbmZb0mWS6uFWYefGvy7Sxx19qUkB3MC3cRsohBbw2rH5PLzlR3rz3Z3APG9wNTv2thciO3gASEkZOB61VBcquy3PQyrPUrDTLCMkNc6jHORGWG1AmBjp+NaShzvyEpG14Vluisuotaw3n2hyqAxhlVuvf61nV5U7JlWuYVzHdPJdzz2McMkMmRuTG454Aq1JWWpPLqXbt55dYjsNT2xXke2KMKNqxr+Hepv7t4lM0tbuV06dl00zzoHJ343bM9RmojHm3J1KEWqRz6XftCGjvmmRYAvAK/Nuz+lacjUkGhR1C8vpNMtLW4eNtknl+XGACc85JHXFaRiruwIf4q0OLw01tbzK7XEsCzMqnO3PrVQbmw2KlnqdtBJ5NzHvhIzs9fYmicGS2O1jxBHHbXEUdvBGZoFSJYFCiPjknjJP1pQp67iRyEMcsgZo8nauW44rq0GNiZhJuO3OOu2gC/phhKys8kizBSItg79qmWxSues+DNJk+H+gzaxfohnvU2wO+MAfWvPqT9rLlXQ2jT0uGmQRah4cj0O78hb6/V7iK6VTtHOAo9en61D92XMtkW6elzzzxJ4Xn0SCeXU9QjEwx5UUYyWz3PH0rvp1efY5pKxzmWZst6ZJ9TWxI5WPSgByxSS7SuRn3oAkBHmbJWPXtQBG8LIcrgp1FACsyH+AAn0pgRln/hcqR3oA1dAktZX3ahftEM4WNVzms5p9AOkSyh+1QyyW6S2yne0Jcg+3OfauaTdrdQNZHspbktNbJBAkbMQpDZ4JAzzWDU+4jPvdfT/AIRV7G4sYJGuJAYJiPmjAPPNaxprn5rjOYgiu1zd71jQehBOK6EJmq7311LbRWkxknkbasYwCcDvUWitWCG6p4m1JbGXTr1rgPGxi/1nyjHsPrTjTi3cqxxzKFc7WJOc7h3roESs2WAJ4xQA1SOygc96YGpHpup29st7tieB3wAr89OeKhtCZq6Jd24nklJWAKuNhXB684OKxnHQDotO/tm+ee+0+HybGEjcNwBP07muefKtGBQ8Qzme6BmBRIlxuIzVU7RAq/8ACJzSeF01o3UaW7SsgfBy2D2Fae1tKyC5Q0u51HSJrn+zJFmEyGF/3QbKVpJ3QXOi8M61qXh9hcGBdlx8rhlAIFc9WlGogOiWO71W3u9WtdPit0fmOcTEFCOuBmuVpQtFsWxgeD9Ta0umu7u3ecyI0fmPHuG7Fa1YpR90TOntL6UWlzD5dzbSBS0VwYAUXP16Vg9GtbhGxHoep28FlJFYXUbXiMwkZsqZM96c4NtX2LMm9uLi+1NLea4t45ZISpaNixA9CTW0EkthFDR4Y9M1mWzvg7Q+RIPNLEknacY/HFayd1oNG0YPD+h+CbeOHfLfSXvmSuF52Z6E8HpWN5zkzSysafhuE6j8KLnVFsUSXTdTKJJkg+U2GOcfWoraVEu6EVtQ8PT3FhLetqaPa27mRbcqSF3AdOelRCsou1hqV9Dm9VtrfVdS2rILYQ2332Y4BHoK6Yy5Q3Ocmtmuba4uPNiYwMNqoOWrp57aGbGQ6RcX0yw26hmK5OapVEhXKd3YXNlIqXEDIzD05IqudPYDofDf2OMzFL1oo3jG5ZCRuI7VjVTEaviGHT7u3tpIlLAL8rAelc0OaK1BGtoVxp01+sySPDG8eww7iF3Y61nVUrDJNXllmtpVScgb8mYtjIHYVNNbAco9pFJeoEuNrMf4TjNdiemwFHxJcWst1HGd8sqrzu6AjjHvxWlNPdDM+TUr2ciCOPZLwgKDHB4xV6LcNitqdjJpkkMLt5krjce5qua+wr3NbTr22tLZWmR4xPlWIIyaznFt2AW90yG3tEeQXAjlO+LB4alGQGhYpc6f5QlnRjcW7umHBKjBAHXik1cZzlxd3QfYHOw5BI7VrFJIZt6bhNDEE7eckwOzuVNYzte5J6V4Rf8At7wbbeF9QRJZ42Qwgpghc9z1rkqz5ZXRpFalHxrpF1b/ABLlsY54obeztViIb51AIPGexxitI1LU7vqXM0rNPOXTI7uOZoIGMayomVk/+tXLKe5KOoOrXcdnc6LDDDJazplpJI/mX6GuZ9wucr4lm06yR5L5JWlIURogIBbPOTTpqc2rbCWpk+MtY1E6AiTaTuhkbYjs+Tj6ZrpoU482jNHHQkt55E0ywWzgWZ2jP2iMsR5WMY6mlKmnJ3ZLWlyHxNbeGNXjBudXMl5wECkfJ9a1pe0hstDI81vkSDVHjimkIjYFGJz3r0ldx1A6OK/F7ITDCZLgKMP5YPauecbCOn8M2WsSMdQ1rUJIrKAZZAcZ6Y4rhrTgtIrUls9CtLsX9iv2dmW3BGwjGSPpXmz0eu4rk1+n2kISpO07VYHbtzxn9aiMrEvUjNpcwZVneXIGEYA8/XrVc1yRhj2s0zblLnlep46DmtI1GlZFxuQSus80aiKOQIwyJEyfcH9Kd9L3KudBf3drqaWDaXYxWfkKROIzjJ6Dj86xk0tyZS0Ipo1MRMkP7gIVDA7TntjvURk0yIyY/T7trHULe5t42Z0YFmLk5A9Sa3jXktzZSNHxONT+IemRaBBcGzG1xcSbyUK5yMYr0qWN0sac1ztvh3qNpY6dF4dbIbS4FtjIRuDnr39a3hWU2NbnE+ModDnvYFv7m8s4GupYroRLt525UjisKsFHVAzx7xf4TuV1oNbxC4sHIUEoRnPQmnSxC6mb0OFuPDkEOoTI8rwIgwSpyCa7FVurhcsRNp9hItsBtjWItJIqgufSkrvcRR0LVA2ofZUhyAMIxJ+br1q5QvqOxDMLyHVXkW1W55YCJuQoI7YpaW1A7rxDp7+HfBlpf6Zr0V1FeorT2ETZaJvRhWMWpT95AjnNDvbq716zWHUHtJLh1Q4OAAeMmtZJRjewpH0t8GNHtrXX9ctn8uddLZIllUABiyhy3uea5ox5mrkRWoz44aZqd9YW19JcxJp4ufIiiXh2Zl4ZjgVvKlGMbo6YHNLa+PfAunWtxp0lvfwuNrxTW6snIIHzdT196xjUh1Ezj01jxJbzujHULW8ui7Qx2LtGuf8AdGAa1dRdBXZn3N/4ntNLjtdUtrqCW73bGKEZIOOT9axlyzfMG5z3iJprSKCfUNP2lBtBYFVY9Qc1VPXRMco2F8A6dJr2riP9zG8KvMglcCNhjBHP1q6snCNzNnU/C3TrvQ/Gp1y+iW7s7Quqc7vK4/hrKrWi42Qn0PY/iD4ka40S3udL8p/PRSQzZKg9enSp5otWNk9DkodXvr3wm1va31pI8g/fQuc4HcE1k5JOw0zzLxBdQXiTae2ntG8JwGxxmuinGz5kS5HPHV4rdzBcwR3O1Cm0J936VtyPchiWls1zazP5qw25BOJAeMc9qbsmK5k+bY20MiWsglkb+J14H0rSMbjWpBbXdzd3iwXLs6gAAZAxV6IGaLWE0ts8UbrHGzZO1s8j3FZ86TJGWGjLIkkDvjbzvL4puYGlZ6jqGg6zaXFpsjnChIjjJIPFZuKmhi6k08uqhrp5N2SHRE5qo2Ax30+S/uJHkLRWoOC79TV81hFi3k0q0RIwgmCnJkfjI47UrSYFvTGvr6d20i0aVN23cqfdyRik0krsGzv7/wCE/iLR77QbuS7s42vbmNd3BKMzADP51l7S6egReh10fhRfD+o2ei6zIYxK+FlWIFS5PBzXnzjUk7mijcxPHUGo+GNaXTdQihYzFXiZWyQprRUZONzbZE+mrYvHLLqNy0TlsLtGTkc1zSvskNq50C2bahZzTWxWWW3iB3MQNq7hkrms3FgYXiWGJYmaa+dz5IG4JhEPoOaunzJ2E0c3pkZtnXe0jE+vQgdwc8VvN32M2jZuZrVVjitV8svzuY5yfpWCjIiwy11qbQVmdbs28soPzIeR74HTgnn3rWKbKTOi+HWoeK7/AFswaL4mSC3mbzbt5yGBAHvzXRGSWjQrnTeKrext5rq+v4zDKsW5ZbI7VZsfxDtW3KmjWKuebPqsl9r0erm9Zp7cARPn7ncbc/WpqVnFWJload5J4i16IXrXmoXDi42fu5CjZwOAARnp+lZLEMjmZRfSrn+3bfTNTL2U906/vpjhiOc5I+lDlJlXdj1rxPF4f0HwPYeHr27tbqK7dYjJs+fkjoQMjjNb007aAloTXXwp8IXga8km1OS4SHbG01677R0BGTx9K2TdtyUcT4v+Ht14ehgmjvPtdpJKq7pV5Qtz+NYVIyauWtiay8JaUdButU1w3AjWTylZDnI6DjNckITtoFjUPwwtri4tpbG7mfTim6ZvMxtyvy4HfnFbezqWEfNWlzyyQgSlFhxwPp6V0yjYyL15a6Td2L3EZBn42ovr71EZST8hHLzafNc3BRUDKoC5HQGumMlYpHRf2RfWnh9Jrhkk3ny40XqgPesnNOQnuYth9tnvB5YJWMYYseSat8qQEl9aafZ5nlnaSZs5ixkrzThJsRUSeScLZLtjtnOWzxk+9aDSKl/5VndPawv5qr/GO9WtRlKzuJbe4E0OEf8AhJ7c0NAbdze2ttGC2+e4c7nZzlazcb7AQxMjQfJsjLHJOcZptWAuQWsdyv2gfdiXJJOdzHPT9Khuwia3u1mi+zTMemA2PujnioasFupa06ObSwl1GkZQOGDkZLY7VnL3tBEV/q0sl89zB8l45znpVxpodiFJ1hRZZoy7k5dv9qrtbQCpfahI14W+0BSBkFh3q4xAguNZvLmVUuCjH+HC4FPlA6CfUri4t44CscUC8AKcAkd6hrUDttT12X/hXdlZwJpsqghPMCDzCB+tczS5tQOXvLtpPNuPO42jJDdzTSuI5HV7srJsjbC4GSO5711U46DMue8km8tXZsA/lWiiMcrYTe75wMBQKqwFYYJIPBamBft5ZrKJAGwG4YjrioauBDezRmdpEjCjA4FNIBkcryRlCT83XHSnYByx5O0dSfSmBbks3trcyyghy23bUNiJNOmbKozAgnHPYUNaAbdxq6QTwG2vDsjTb0yQD1/nWXJvcLHPXuor9pmks5nLMTh24rZQVhpFM3k8n+tbfu+8x5NNKwFi3KxYlEKyAjoeMUO4FuG6tPJjjKsHEm52GMY9KhpgbkUa67HDptjHL9o88LEYFO+Unjb/ADrJrld2VY6+f4a63oMkt3qMU9q8alhHFKHlcAf3RWTrX0JcrHmvifU3vbydJkcruAUTLhwB611U1ZBe5z5GWDbTkk5zWgGzpbyMCIoxgAZJH8qibA1rWZIvviMDdk7hyeKweomLd38FypUoobqFC9/WiMQMkBTZ+Vl8u/3ieK1Wgy5aaLdzO4YfuoQrsWbqCM0Sn3A6q0gbUdK8yxhS3tYz5flkffbHXP4VzT03EZ/iCKO22pc6Z5TpEqA9uvWqh6gYDXMy2rx2wU5OeRW9tRlO6vrm5fbeTNtXlEU4AqkkBWuEhlkXYC2E+bnrVICe0vJLa4EkVvEmAVB70wKtzK8jsZHLk9cmgCsTgcHNAAmC5JyB9aAADLNhST3PoKLgbmn3zCyeIu2xuMDrxUNX1A6X4eOTrcVuHVEl684PSuPFK8GxpXO1u00TTLiO7FjtLEqVZzls9CK4Fzz0uKSOb1hbLUJkij3Wdu0h3MqEnd1xXRC8FqZtNEXhvQI/tOZVml2BjubhQAM06lZvQTZJ4k8SYsX0ywKxwbMyMrZJailRd+aQlEPCVjZWNvFqWtXawwuy/JMuSfenVk5aQRT1LGqa9Dd3lzBYW6PaS9GaMA8elOEGkrsLWKkd86XIltrW3gaIA+YABmr5U92NFi6FlfWxRlVrmdiUMYyAAMn8ahXTGcxPBcWE6oJXV3OF9c9q6Iyuh3NLSZ722E22QzyOvVui+pJqJpMCHULi3vZPLlCFpG+8vqaqMWgInkXTJUtplW5j8wjAYjn04rS10BqaZA1m91q0FmtvbGMIqK27Mh6Hn6GsajWz3FYw3uriNrmYX/lSbsmMcZHetVFNIdjKuriGdBgEyjuea3SsMs2TTeUImlQqxBBI5qJaATHTpw7eXu3Z3cCochGh/accVtDBNCrSqMBMYJrO1xFi3sZp7GSaaHydx4Q9enas5TS0GXvCNudFVpxIztcvgRKuTjNTVlz6IDsLy7trGxuZRYBkZADz91q4oxcmVYo3+n/a9Jt50QW5Yg5x8zDBP+FOM+WTQWOSvradppJrcGWWThlU8hV5rti+gmZC6mIWLxWu6QEAsz5+tdChcQ57+1uIJoim2RiMHrj2p8jQWCysLCdvOuJ2JxhEXvjuaG30Av295p9vKjWULRyxD/XNzj1rO0nuBq6hrcg09/MjjvrYr8xHO1vX61gqSvcI7lnUvGejTaPpq6XprwajCQspf7rD/wDXRHDtN3ejNm09jlNfF1aSfbLkbZ7smcMBngnINdMbPRdDMoS3qXNqi3Fw0s75yT2HpWtrCuZd7MjokQVUC53H1PatEBoeDYoZdXjDvtALMdxwuACaiq7IDt9RMNo0MsDSLH5Zc7WyM+1cCV7gzDFzaXkbme5KF25fbyBWyi0Iyzbie4PkI89uuSD3Izitb2Qzd07VvsGjvZ2rSrtGVQdd2axlBSlcalYv3+o6te6cNWvbaGKKPbGzsR8x7fL61mowUuVFp3VzPklZ3uL1tlw7guCw5BPvV+Qmy14ciujoovbt5IrOQkFs9SOKKjXNZE3M+e2tGjMlvMz4dj14OemKqLtuK5VtNA1O5ceWhGzLb2bAT3q/aJCvYyLp72e7la5laWRDtZ3fPA9K1il0He5qeEpY4riS8x5jx8jeNyk+mKVTYRWu9Rc3jXRtoGbfuKPGDk/SpjHzBEGralBdZ2232VmUb9g2g/QVqlbcZjyZCllXgVYG3ogjg00zvJDmQ/Kp5I/Cole5cTorzVZ9V0e1ttWu7qawjz5SIeA3+FczhyycluU5PYjtNWnutZ02OS8W3t7MCKFlXGAT3/OqcFZsFUexzni+WX+2Lq2a6e4jjmJV2bO4Hv8AStqasiJO7MhAuQCT9a0RJZt7VnbBYL/tUMCzD5aDaCJAjYJBoA02vrSKJoo44AXUDeUyVqbMCG6k0+WyKGQl0+6QMZNUBgtkE4zTAZyQc0wFVvnyOCOaVgNrS9ZuFvUW5mBhxggjPbFZSggO98J+H5dfeSx0yaBIUtJZ5XY9lGSPc1w1Jcj1JOVknMubJYWkjRSobZ39q3S6jM9NNuJoC0KS5Z9qjHBrRTS3C5v+GNDNhqFrqN5qUtjLFKAPkyRnisala8XFIDV8e+F7C41RNO0u7inaEGaeduGZmwf8Kyo1mlzSLZxOraGLC1edpG3fdAxxXbCpzEmJsYjdt/HtWoDAcjqDTA6rwi9nLp9zbTQSzS4yjbjhDWFW61QmSXjrZxMVtAskYGRJ39DUp3WoD7PV72V/MmLtjHEfAUemKmUE0BukpdWsV9dQh4ydp4wSKwW9gN25vLSXwlb6I00UdhDIzBdmTyc9am0ue6Ec/PqFhY2fkaXGMJIQZAmOABg+9bQjJvUNzl2lv9RvZIoUa43Hc5/uj1rfRBsa3hLxAtpPJpd9Jttdr8Nzgkdqxq0lPXqPc6fTtQt728jis7Z4LW1yzE42sf8A69cs6Tjv1JcS/e+J4f7MudOl0+KRWTc5fOQcdqzVB3TuFjjH1+JoykFjHaxKwy6Jg5x3Ndfs+7KGyJDLd/aIrgPuUb2TjByM09lqBPcwnS9QiuCxnEmPKLnOM9M0J3VguN1I3NheyPdeRdxRpvYsPkLGjRrQZ6V4MvJrX4b69G9hHLa3BDrHDIM/dXoK5K1udajIdEYarA8aP5JBAfecZXA4xWFV8liWxt1plq7TxanBuhC4LqR8wPA5HvipVVppom7QqWVroul3X2XSIPLjQAb+S+enXvT53UluK9zD1fw9Pd6at1ZTm0uiv+qVxnntxXTCpZ67AjnrTRJLs28d3cTvcQgBww4BPQZrf23LqNuxut4b0MwSyzRvAEXa7xsGw3+RWPt5t6Anc5bWBo1n5EekajqE0kXy4lACgnrXVDme6LOn0kR3yFLRVeSFPmYDIyeK5qqcHcViK90iS71BY766kiigXHy9HIohUSWgHOjSbm63yPeC1SKTahxy2a6eewXIodNhnvZrJyZLiIgljVc3YVy6wsNNETS4DO22VwM7BStKew0Y02oR3F3tDb41f5HxzjNbxjZAihazwNem2vFJjViVYjrzTs7XGa2p6j5wginRxFChVAp+6M9azULAZMN2IrtZYSd20jL+9acoF6e+tQIGe2jKxyK0qZxu55pcrA6vwnb2Gq34nRobGO3YOtux+8O/JrjrScVsTc6rWrl4maeC4SOCLCySW4BYAnjBrkp66NajTM3Tbe1kt71xcXMrXNzu3yHLso6H9TWk5u68h3Z1tvqOp2+gSaHC0P2cQlI8RAurMc5z65rn5ouV2HMVLGy1SLRUjaVp5YVyd3G7HvWU5xc79BcxCt3pczWx1m4jjkLb3hPOPxqlFq6iNJ3KvjG4sxbTxugl8xCbcJ0XvnNaUIyTTOlTVrHn97qzHTvs1jb3QYYaWQEktgYIHtXoKK5rtmUpCReHILzTreeyeRrqdwGQ8bQaHWcW77Gdyr4p8NXPhfVLWLUSZPMHmMhHUYrWnV9pG6A1tK1SyS9F2IfJtymFjRcbuKzqQbRLRuReK72+TyrbSQluG2Dcm7OeMk1yOhGN3J6ktHY6fI2m2Xn30iKFUNheBn6fQ1wzXM9BGmt6buyhuAhCPkAmsORRbTAfC+ESdWkjZvuhj1pb6DSC0YLukn8x9/IZxnB9qctNirWG7IBdFRuznLKDgn1I/Sk27GctC/YojbysuwY3cr79KylIwbbY3U50Gnby0pGccZznsaIbm1JFSxm83couFdDj5PQ9MVpKJrJaF+DUrmO18tJzEowCyjBz3/WnFsSehb0jWzYapBcI6ndOgkXrv6Z/HpXRTqNMtSPUPiJpOi6r4duLy/tVWUQmaCWM8B9pwf0r1nHnhzGq1R8txR6t505muxMoYfKZCABnvXLJRWliXA4zxDbSWjrc3V0sm6fKwxnOFB7120rNWRUoWRS8beIrfW7+SeysU0+PyEiEa98AZOa6YQ5UZ7GJZfaF2qFAEh2qe5PtTlZLUlnZeC9OurfVpImYtcPGThz0ABJ/SuOtK8dBWuS6bba/rep3sOj6dHcupCMdoJ2ineEYrmY7HbeDfh74f0ya6sviDq8Wk3MMYnhZZRkg88UnJzl7uwWZ7d8LdK0axsJD4U1Z9R+0N5s0s5yJAvyg/kOlRGMlKwJK5zvxc1FdR0SfR7a6SC5hukkkmDZIwOgHbrWs6vJozoS0MLxl4/0pvCum6T9raG4iZQ8m/JOO/wDn1rCMefoSjC07xNceLPFei2HnWto1qrIl793HHGfWqdLliSzF+Kmp6zpWvnSb7UrbUiCWV4lyqgn1H50U6aQc1jhfEfiG81KC1g1JPPt0Xasa8ZAJ5/pWtKnGLbW45TuJoklpHDfKtpLFI237LuP3OR1p1b3Wpka1xfahpzxmG7eVgcvBH0PHesXGL3KtZF3SNZ1m9lDT/u1IAMa9APaoqQiloTc3LfUbAn7KJJLaZSN7FeOO1YOEhpnP+JRbQ3U80ULylwOAT09a6KV9mK5ypi+zOsttbsWlJyHGcV1KV0BbEskMUMF0NxOSQDxRYDL1nURLHJbx2UEK8YKLzx71pFeYyHQbeDEklxuPHGeP1om+wmb1vqtlaQmz8gKrIQGXn5j71i4Nu4GZqXm/KsUxKuQSCuCatdAsdVFo39oxPemWOBYIwYxI3zN7CsnPl0AxZryWGaea5nMQfoBy2K0UQaOfk1eAS5dJDDn7obqB3NbciCxHLrcbrIgtUdCMKxHSqUbBYveFtSvbOQrDdSQo3JAOAQOeaiSTWomrnd2fjuG31LT5dUae5S1uEuMhycFSDWHs3Z2A9u8V+N9PvPBNr4is7aXUDfylbdXiz5eDgn8DSUUtGbQZymlWF1458Q3F/wCILqJYbSNAIxwzADpWc6i2iOUjLv8ASJ7PUnElg9nbysTEXbOUz/8AWrlnC2pSdy74dubGDUHS6CsksTKCj9D2/pWVrq4cyRsaxo4svDElzbSTXLpy6Spnf9Krl5pIfMmc5FrMF9aRK0ENuUQBwV6VnKk4u+5VjKvbmBZI1huIpTyQueQc9qtQdrszkie1Zmfz4Ugec/JskTduz1/lU7EpFvSxpllf3V1fNLbeVtUracbye+BWicmkkPl0OqstV8LR+Hb2xvZ7u4W7ZmWRgTsHpWqk7WFHQ5/w3aaRcWM8c+ltPHHgCaOTaRxwSKibbYt2VYtan07UImtrhcRzbgM8MAT1/OhRTG1Yj8R6u3iLxELqbEcgjKIUHCk96rmsg5ir4xur+z+y6VPdrdlYwyup3Yz2z61dKV1cG9LHsfw68YaZe+HLW0vblLS8iURlXJDOcc8+9aQq3ZMUO8VxvcLJY3fiG4upBFvW3QDap/h59hxW05XLehV0rwiLnQYbHX/EE88jKJFt9yrtBPHuelSkugia+8I6HZ6vo+mwC7+yX8jpc4ujj5Yncd/VBWq2Ycp8fWTXE05XdtQnA4yAKcrbmaNqOKLTrcDe0m4/M23AFYuV2JkdtBaXkkv2eeWKNRvY/wB488Vd+UCK2v7+AiCKNWR2xmXk0OCerAc0ksN9IEMeVG5lXue/Slo9gsM1S2juYXu2iKnbwAcc96cXZ2AyLa3nh/eEkg8jPatrjKF4H893cdTWkWBDFLiTIXdniqAfePK53ScAnAFSA57gO8CMCUQjdgUNAbgurSOzdjL5Ckfu4v7x96xauxWG6ERPHPc3KtFaoQpOOWJz/hRPR6FW0NnU7qJbCCBI8Rqo24ydxrCMdbk2JJdDLWRvFjcSCMlcnApe1s7CuZGmG1mlSK8u/s6B/wB9KVJ2j2FbO7WgWuV/ENjYLc+dYXNxNbZ/10i7d34Grg5dUNFARs1sJhIoAPy56mtLjL9leQyWHkzxs7BvkxUOOtxEwm/s+xw6NKRwEFZ2uwKyXJhiK3G6OOYggZ6Cq5RFC92zqTbHKR9QevWtYqw0UUcAMSoqxiIfnPPGaANLS7aC4bzJ2CoDx71DdgK+rTxmcrEoXBO30xmiIFEB25JwOnPerAmhZEHY+1AFyNlYq2SoBzwaGBNqV/Jdzs4DBT2NTygVEfDe3WnYAlZmbIUgUwIZLeUsMRtjrQBJpdolxKwlnMKohPC53HsKLgSFSkYiyzSDOSfrSuBf8PaJquvatDpGnxxmaZgxZiAAOnJ/Gk5JasD2jw54f074a+JNKutQ8b6U9/buZJ7aGISCPIxgkmsJNy2RalY3NX+KXgfSPE51jw9HNq+oTSA3Wo3LEpEpOGWNOnTpRGm2tSGk2ed/GbxX4H8beJ21OyE9tbxwBVNvbKhlkxySCR3rWMOUhRszyWYRxHdCWc9w/HNaFmpozGRWEUYxxuI7Gs5Abyiyhs3me0M9wQBGWb5VOeSRWDu2BlSl45d74IfjIHY1YFi/t7QwxGNmSJADjPJPc0aiHSX0D2zeVcMmwKNvc8VVu4yFtbukWNMyPHGfkQNhc+pFDgrAT3viOXUZd16qlsBdpPT0ojTUdEFijLFvUtE6qvU4PanYCC3097t9zsFVRwetPmsJlbULO3gVfs0rPKeq4Ix+NUncCrslEmzYScYGDnJqhkUzCOTbJncDzx0NAD47iRAwiCZbsVzQBo6Lpk0t7A97bEQkZKsdpPpUTlZaAdxZWGn2mywnt7Z2uFL4UZYDB4z2rhnKb96+wC2fhe0+wXFzDZiN0IUFpM9T1qXiGrK5I3TtDgs71ZmkZjH82VPGfSnKo2irnQvrBSNZb+xt5HRCY3lBIXHeudU7/CwuU9K8W2Z0ple3iLrKWyF4bP1qp4eSluS1czdSaW5nFw0r2tq0efKhY/MxJHP4VUOVaLcm1ina3ml+HylxDam/nYnesq5RSOR1rVqdTRj3KHiXV9W1iNHnC+Vn5Y0UBR7CtKcFDQErEvh23u2nVY4AxI6McYFFVpDbNw6TqF7rUdjbWO/OQWz8rD3PSuf20YRbbJuLf6FqGk3axRzRSTqDlkPCA9aqNWE1caZT1qwspV3G+DyKBls8g96uEmmUZsyzwacllZb5ZGfLZGc1olrdoCnPZXWnolxd2yFNxwA3f6VrF82wF3Stes/JNndWkRSVw4kZMlSfSplB73Gad5e2hcQWkyi3UfM4PBP0NZcr6iOfbR7m/upZYkcoueik8etaqaSC5gSxSfaHCg5Q4PFbqQxYZwm2Qo4IPY84okB2ng+0udUu5FikKbI93zHqK4q8lEQl9fQ2FyyPBbyMvWQLllxngUQXMrgVNOvb3Ur4hJJWUHIDngVcoRjqM6bRriS6luknVY7qKEiFkOATjg8VzVFYaJdIjvrazSLUQ8kUshZ265GazlZv3TRHUzahpq2ohiQSODi3hkYAcDBB71z8kr6hOx55q+n6rBqDLHMkc0zfdif5Rnt+Vd9KcbXZkc5fWZ06VobgfMRv5PNdcJKWwEMSRMwIYAE9O5qmwLDSrazEeS4cgbTnipepJYW3SbYnnMDNn5Y+WA47VF7MZb0S5OmRTJavJMkZ8za8QwGHHP51MlzjKsKQzpLfTOVO7khcDcTxVa7IBuvNa6jqKraNMYYbdQWk4BIHOPaqpppAc8GZDuTHyk4OM1t0AdYTW66gkl5D5yZ+7nANNq60A7PTIW+xG4trK0lgml8tiG+Zf0rknJ9WBf1bUtNiuLS3eyijSIbTmQkEHtWcYNpu4mUPEEFhaQPEyxhpCrqyDIAIzWlO7EZFutu80IS/ES7cFOh6n0rR37DNiGTSIIgTOrSMCCOmD2OayakBGdMi1KFrm61X9xn5YQSQSOnSp5+V6IHKxtzWxgtHhKRxw7AoMZyW/OslK7uwTbE8TJbaTpmn2cVwT5kRkeDqQx5xxVUrzk2zRwaVzkbdpZYpXCvGEwyheMda6bakEN1q+oEmzS6lETgLz1JPaqUI7gSyaDLFg6jKbWDG7duBJ/CjnWwrlfR5oYrhLaObaJSQXIyKtq6HY2dY0g6fbSR6gAs0uJFkHPykZrK+ugHM6hMrwhI4ySB8zEV0IDPAlmwsKSPkgbV7nNMC1BbTxTZkt2UDnDDHIoYzTR3e1jaVm2nooJx+ArLQLkt7DHLbK1mJWMeS+VxgmpTaER6nbG/WxFpbkS+XtlZmHLZ61adgMW5iNtO0L7WIPVTmtEwEikkX7rECmBN/aEy2JswECF95IUZJ+tICvHKwbPXNVYdgzkE7vzpWEEh2tjOR60wHPFiMSjJU+1ICFvai4Gvp8+nvEsVxahGj5Lq33qiV+gHsfwpiiSDSjbRSTnUYLxFVeSo2qDnH1rzq922SzlW03WNLQ3NzBDa73YQrL98ge1XzRlomIr24u4JLeaNxGS3BPQH6Um+YZ0NzPAmoafbzywqtyiySTTjJVu/TpzWUU2m0NIxrrWraDxHcXkdqt8mTGShxuI7/AE4rXkbilew9ijrv2fVrmG9vCkcEaEm3Un5j2HHStKScNAbOS1WRMCFEVEVsjFdcdhGWfvD0qhmloWpz6e7KhXy5f9ZkVEoqQmdPdzC6iFzDbxzbwqyDOSoGO1czTjuKxT1LyHjVrOCSFAPnbOCcVURo02nubywtIbKN12rh1yPmP41PLrcdii13qF/GNKsQJfLcjaRjJq+WK94RYlttRnnMd+0NvFCuzHRcgUc0egggls7PTf8AR72OAu5ExUcuo9KLNsLXOYMsQupXCqdx4YjmtktBl46xqqxfZYLj5WcEBBgtWbgtwOv0CP8AtnSoY1fy7sykTbuuAetctW0GI2fFFvavpq2LTWsKxD98VUBmxgZx+NZUm73sMwryy0vSreGSOaKfzfmLg4O36VqnOTsBmeKLmC41CCXT28yBwM44AIrWnFpWkFiZIoVhN1rrlbWQlLeFD8zsf6U+vujO68Jw6Vo8T3dmbszbVBhkI2cgH1rhq80nZjsal5eS6ib2e6tIbK4CqkMcSgDpySfXmuXlSas7oTHWZEulMl35cjKobOOGI7VL+LQkwtYvLvxB4fuLyK4iiWEgSQt95gvce1dFOKpzSCxzPh26hjsry9trqU3MS/KpUElvzrqmtUAyz8S34t44J7WKR5XDM7NjJGMZGKboJvRgQ614nZ9ZUPAI7ZMfaYYwAHYH1FaU6Fl5lI526kN1I7Rq8cLOSqZzjmt0rAd38OdLubDTNRvpWlgaPa0S78K+T3rjxUlJpIuLsR6vfxRF0inCs7bmeU5P4Uqcb9BSszm9a1t55jpWmPDKpnVluCNuDjp/OuqNO3vMVjoNR/sjSoZ3urqRrq6tFLmIAgN9R9KxjzSa00uEUjzeaeSffALiTynbdye1dsVYGWYFjhsgkEoabB4Ip2JKsdtcSTqPllbA+7zRcZupZyvZBJkKM6lhkBfwrOUtQMZ4xCu98Hkg4NaJ3A2LCzheyhvYoVnkL8RMpboep9qxnPoSdXqNzc2mnwubSENgkLGm3A/nXLZN7i6mjbQ2VtocUP2tPMu0811LjrnpWEm3LRFGtoWo2MkgsoraETBVHmqCFHqc+prKrCVrsTNuKRXcuu1VTO5VHLHpXOyG7GjEGe3w0e3zD0zzWL0Y13OD8XeHp7a8kvba1M9oFG4Z+YA13UK11Z7lpmZqevWn/CLW9qLcsigqWb76VvTpPnuaJ6DtBv7e7tGigtmaCOLACKNxfHT9KdSFnqxRXcr/AGDXTpIuI38qYOfKgCgMCOfxqueF7Mm1mcv4j1XV9VvY5tfaZ2j/AHQJAGMV2U4wirRA3dF0q+1LQxDYaVtEGWa5lbG4e1YVJxg7sk6nwZoGsaSglvjvs2bdw3GfQ1w160Z/CKxo69f2+oSNZQrPmNwxJA2kH3/CsoQcY8wdDf0+SI6YY2jyAQFwM7R0/wAa5Zp8xSsNkJk2xbj5ca7yT1BoWmpMhr3szSpBEPNkyGbnAUd+R0pqCs2Q5GrdS2NxqRn0yzMX7tdz+YW3sAATnt0rKSahZkSZaghDQmN1O1W3depNYSb3RnYparcW8kLQPeRQuuQUOc4HPFbUoNa2OuCOK8P3FvZmWKad3DTFonUD17mu6pFy2QpbnTrcWkcStHJ9oLtggcf55zXNaXUh6Gjp5UxNiJQdw7crzwR6/wD1qi7vqCepqafq+sXV7NaarqUkegeWyOVILk7SMAdhmvQpVrK1zojM5Arolv4E8SxxoXkedP3zDMiLuGDiuhXckxqR5LqmkWlx/qrt2ZSTnYRXTGcl0Icjm4tOuLySSK2ZXEXU9MCul1EtxXLukaVeJqltMZF2wyCTBPBx2rOdRNA2dH4j1S11O/BglmtJRncOmTjnkdqxhT5QNPwv4qvdIuoZtMtYIWjjKcEjzOOpPrUun3C5oWUej6tqz3/jy7eKaYnyI95bKjoOe1XzSStBFN3R3vgXxteaZqkdsLS3sLW2GIIPutKh6E9uRWEm4u9wjoWJZbaHxbNrcltFJFcSAvHndjIwRg1jVr8+hfoXvE9roXimOfT7PRLbzBtcSCMKw5AwT+VJVHB7lqKZ4Z4k8J6vo2pSI0Gy2VyV3ScmuuFeMluZzVi74ftUNhPcTyIk0bfLG/O8emTUVJ3komZzniCO9vGWeGDYyqQqRr90ZNdFOSiWaHgK+jtLxF1mf5ZF2Asm7vxUV1zR90hnd6joUCal9rsVmmUx8sBjGa4FUla0io6opzWcMFoksEphw4yW6lqpSb0YrEdxbvdzRPuildGbeSNvHrVJ2Ar6uge3kRd5fgxkY5x/DVwepJjJaXvleZM8cJJyVAycdK35o3Awb+e2iYI0THDcfIRuraNxkV22yNFls2jLrkAc1aEOgsbmeykxPtIYbVIxx3obHcSG2htkkDYcdznIz7Ur3AuQ2Uf9nxXqtNJLI5CqcAACovqMbdrrVwVijm8xo+Aqc4FNNJXApQabqF3czQtbTzPGMOxH3ap1EkK5Xl02SNRH9kcOOCWHFWpILlyXRGSyF6zRsnA2KMHn2qfaagVZ0b5beGP5ByWHUe1UBGqTqoCgHeduCckUaBc90+Cs2pXGnwWWoa9DaaTabli3xjaWJOep55rjqWvYiMtTbPg/xJo+vnUrADUY5svFLHIBHJyQOPwqZehrc375ItTtbM+IA+k6g2UZG+4euMH3qKkb7FJ3M7xDp+ieH9FZd8cdw3KOyg5A5zz16VmqTZoo6HU+BfE+kX+l2v2yIx+bD/qwpGW6cZq1DWzJW5ifF7RdOGjHWbWS3g2qCwjwC/rwK0VO+iNLnlGnRef4giv9MkjjYhVjLkbd3Qg59azlZLlkRJ21PQYvCGpW+m3upajPa2dxgGFZZBskYn1Fc/JfToQnc5LxNPPo1y1tfeQZSQxFu+4Ee2RW0YX2Nk7G34V0+58Xw/ZtFEEMluNxMjYDd8GsXFqWpDsyFNE11tWmtWtmRk4kEJG1gOpo5kiepzup21pLeGWHcCjAFQMgDnOauLktAeo2zWRlaOOQxRbvmcpnjP51Mn3BRuSo0dpr0ctu0VzFDMGUMud1Nt+zZb0NO81CO/vZlSBoZpz8jRjCqR7CsqadPVMXN2Ot0LV7W38IywazeRNqe9h54yDjJwCc9QK64VU9hNux0Pg9tPv7Ea2kMkw2iMySEkvtzz044roi7smLuWG1XwrdQ22oPfpCyXDKEMgBU7WBAH41rymtj5D0qTy7YtIXjdW6EDGKckc5env5I9sboJopRwp6An9ay5L6iI3upIsrNAiJgAJGcHvyaqwivDb27D7SZDNJngAngU23YZpXt3a2lvDJBEC+zBMZwf8A9dTFNgZNzrsUgEKRSkEMGMhyOT2q1TBCXmp28kEUVv8Au9q/OSOCapQsFjNuVJIVSjb/AParSO4yGJoYbjbKu47SMcda0YFrULX92B5wZiM4HO2s7iKdsTC3+oLk98VUmMtzWc091BEsH38MSRxWd7IDoClvDalLpmuEAA8mPhQfU/nWLk2FzRsdQt44bdbbS43IYAFzk/hms5Rf8wmaTS6w4UWo2RGJiVBXAHfrWVopCONfT55TJJPJHAN5yxYc8+ldiYE1q9rNPLBPOs0UKE4fPJ9gKbT3QynLDBhZXRza4LbUOCeDj9cU031AyIbo+apVWiUtx7fpWrV0M6oR217GxjuokUJuYHJIPpWDTTE0c3fSypujU5UHg1ogKUM8sEhcgMOnPStRkZkDEttxz2FADwu7IIYg+nFAGlbeUbOKEYj2jld33qyb1EyxYaRcai88VrEGWJN7SMcAD60nUsBk3sPlyCIMrEdfTNap3GRrwQQo56mmBNC4A5oAcc59qAEXJbigC6lwi2LQlEaRmxuJ5A9KVgHzsRp6qsjASHk8AYFSIbYwBpYzGfrtGabEO1BHSYBpI2z6ckCle4y9p1xY2tt50i5IUqSh2uc+9S79Bl+xvH1FINO0rw699Nu8xiiMzMPc+lJJrVsDpNL8G+LfF2qQ6IdOsvD0M3Kq8Z3uBzwOpP41Kko63uSpJnnXi/RtR8N+Ir7Qr9Qt1ZzNG5GRnB4IBraMrjv1M62t1lkCTzFA3Gc81TZR1Vnptrp9uZBqEycZCqgwT69a5p1Lu1hDru8slsNsReWZzyScc/Sp1bAo2UyEi3Zfn6o5AwK1sJkSpMlyJGcOucEgZFAFq48g2D5VQ5b6mkMoRae00Rn5CgHrmtL2AqTWlyjoxgdEbO1j/FiqTAdFJKuWO5ufXpRa4FiO/kEOwhkHrmp5RFSbY06oCSvZic1SQWLv2dYYkeK5hMrfwITlfXmmMdYaZZyymW7u4I4wcurN87+2RUSbWwmSHVNP01gbTTrcsG7sTxSSb3Az5tdvp5jOZVjdjjOzIUelVy3GkbXhbUILa4MlnYTare7SZXl4RCfTBrGtT5la9h2NCebV9RluBL5FrE6Dbbple/ufaseSMVoJqxmSTXKzRwymSQrwGMmQPbFaWTV0JHSJmfSPswhnv7h3HMakBRWE/dlzbDL2saVLFp32ez05BJGBGd3UNgE/U81ipq+rIb1J9MilsYla7SP7QkZZ1PPH0qZrmYnqYYls72W4Wd5JJpGJjjjiAXODjp71vZxsPYt2cVpoejW95eR755nb5MbjGAccg1Mm6kmo7C3LfhnSZprZL68Vtn/LMcjIz71nWq2fKgL+p+Lr6OFtN0i1gsbZGw8jje2Mev8ASop4aMnzSYJXOXTVXt5Q87b43YFpOox9K6+S6sirD9X+xyTxSWd9FOH6xxk7vxyBVRTWjKsZ+pSXdowmjby9w+YeZ+nFapXCxPJFHrc0k89z5QRAFiOSBQ3yCJ9W8N21vp0V1ABcB48swwNpHGOuazhW5nYRztrLawuoktc5kBbLEgcH9a3sUbNpr9zFFJaROrJLn5YU5C+5rN0+oieHTNHkabUFuSswba0f8L59u1S5zWgMq3unRLIJoGt402jcCO+KFKQja0G7S30svaqju+Yi5JBHPsKwqR5nqBl6nFb3D3S29vuMSfO5LdTjn3q4OxRkWkc9vqFrOWWaKNg0kYYgEDtW/MmgOmsxFq8c1zDB5DbgE2MBx+eTXNK8HYaNTTr2KyupLW5tOSoZVmPJyOprGUHJXiUgv5dNuGW6TfaJjcssIJy3Tj2qUprTcTRzV7fsNUWWW5knMSHawXofyrqhHsrEmVPHcXMqy7TKe7EdM1vHTQCGG3Mk4iHy5YAZH9KpvS4jZm0mN9SFndAKYsiR1jYDOOlZOYE8bw6FL51pciKcrhXIOQKl3mBlXO944t1wHkZzI4HH5/nWiSWwypO8RxHIpOTnAPH1xWgElwbYKEtopWmI59P5UAI+kvgrdXMNsSm/aW5Y9hRzElaPTbaGNnu5nVwMqFjyOvrmm5jOgn0saJY2t49sk0F6u+Le52nHfANYc/O7dgRj3d5HfbLWWKKDdIP3ijIHNaJW8wZrawi/YYkkFxcbAFDKmMis09REM0LarcR/2VpzQC1gCzyEZUHJ5JxxnNU5qHxDNCy8HNOm67eCYyHEZilVecdT7VjPE2E3YfpUN5Y3qQi2tlGCmSVcN/hSlJSQXKj2UiTSXdzsYliFUTBQp/3eatNPRDVyxYXNudYgnvL1YQ7kNI2P3frgdKHB2sik29ypr91aq7yabqD3m+R0kDR/wqflIOeeK0hGS3Qytot9ZWd3HLdWKsygt865wcHB596pq6sSY120s8jkoCzMTwvP4VadkBKmlX0TrJPA8f8Ac3gqT+dP2kQTFvRdqo864dgBjDsT+XtREDPMkibjvwW6jrWgE2m6hPZTGe2kaOUfdZRSauBHJe3FxO0k9xJKWJJ3N/8AWpgbOnTK0kMFtENw4yzZx74xWTQmWLy41Gy81YvszCcbW+QbmFTZMCZLy00uzcpav9qkh2HecDPc0JOQzkJCzuzOqgk/w1stEMYSFHy1SEMyelUMTOO1NCHAg81ICfQHJNJga2k3UMcHkT2l3NExIYr2NSwJ20uzjt5L2ZrmIOxEEJAyTjvU84FHRLZbzU0g/cCZxtUSN3NE5WiB9C/DGN9P8TeDbCWa2t7W3W6S4kgZVO5kz83HqBXluak5OXkRp1OD8djWW8V38NrO1zaret5AkcsyrntntW8XC2oXRDrdsI7Fb8NdCJQquMAKG/pWcHd6hcytNt11K7NzLIvkdUXcCcenWtpOyBuw/WoZYZI3sIZYUBKvlsBs98UQlfcEzP1JJNM0F4p7qGV5fm2L259a1XvMpM4+R2bqSfriulDHQ72cKoBZjjHpTYHVeF/DVvq1vIJnkgnWYDhs/L34Nc9Wq4kt2Os8K6fbaD4jMZe5u4WjeMZTq7KQMYOO9ctWblDUnmK2tWa6bCoFvHdSNJtaNzhgc8A0oS5hpmHfTpthAiktZV684Gfwroj6lIWPT4LTF1Fcs7g5aMjHP51V76DJ7gtJpwE8ccBLYMm7JfuMVKVmIxbvT7iGdAd6xupO5uePWtVIZWltpYw/mq+RwCw27qaYD7W9+xOlzbtsmQYDOwIzSauKxv8AhvX5dEeW4j2XkzJgsWyF/Cs50VPRgU4dR1rxJqxARmVhhvLhJHJ555o5IQjoMm8QR2sJhgkZTIBt8xn3bQOox2og29hE3hTTLW4tNS1G4ZzFZorjZ6lgMD86KjaKSMXUbuWTUnIZWt0J8vzF5X361pFJIR6z8J55rHRzcyzR3UF8+AzgHYV4wCe34V5uKabt2LRr6w6QzzWluSHuSwluCBtXjjk/j+dciV/eJkjB8T3ltpUVvYmTeJIgDLEnzEg89+a0pQlK7Einb3lpLBC9vYkWrP5ciMjLj3zWkotOzeomZepy22gyyXGl20Fzbbth2tkbz61vBOe71EcxqUkt7IJpIFtifkZkzwR+NdlNJLQNjOuF8tigcygj5mwTzV9ChbWKWaTYrfLkfKSRU6LUDt/C1y8NnJp8ymKK5GFfGQcdq5KrV+ZCuJHosV3NNdXcU13FGCfKibayge9Sp8uiHc5iKyuHvXaO0eG2DkoxG4jngcd66eZJbhcseK5DcCzNw6QyLDhgRhmOeM04b3Ka0OfuIoxHujcFsDPQDk1uSWLuzWC2guIPMyV+Y84JHpRF3AXRbpVuTPOueAYlPygn3olqBpa5qRnkt/Nt1ixkblPBz6VKiBa8DaTpV3fSNqsP2iEjEa79oJyOuOaiq5Je6B0mtX+mXF6g0nT4dKgtYSkcMfzCVh3J/CuazS1dxFXTbe/vPtElxEz20QywBALD0rOUktiS3pyaZqv9nCO4gguLNW3RTIzCQZOMYHJqXzQvpc2pwui/Fp9vY/aYZ7vzGk+YJFGQQw6j8OKwc3KzsTNWN61n03TNLt5b3U5453bESCNjubsCfSueSnN6I52mWjfW8Oo2sbtPK8jZaQ/dUelRyNxbCJm6j4jTTNbmsrxbd7VyQkiknBx0z0raFFyipLc2gY2pXPhK70SCKxwmoRu7XhEZyc8jAziumMaqepbOUt7iysWdftE0SSEScKQ/HoQf84rqacnsSdbPc6Nd6DBqmmatO2pW3zBHc9fU59q44wqRqcsloxdTzLVtSn1W/JunMe5izlTwD64r1YQsi73Ltrql1ZNm2vZZrVT8qO2A3pkCpnTvuiTpU1/X9Y0+azhuEgtXGfKiQ8gDmuV0acXcDq/h/oyXuhR6lOF2K/l7PMIJI9e45rhxVTllYzZ1jQyQZMSJGn8WDkj8eK4XLm3EVy4KsUl8yUk9QML+OKqwNjbeKITspLBlA3snHNNvQgs6fcWUBkQytEEyNoYAn8xUSi2h8pNfahcybUtn8mMKGDMw+b/69TCmvtAlYxNX1aFInie8SC4kATey7ieeefWumFOV72uaJnC395qOnalH5Xl3Nox5MZyp+uK74wjKN2U0d5p+qI9ghmgMe3ByedoPpmuCpT94yL0dw0tsLi1ZZldsDLAYP0yKz5EnYRzPivTL51lnmuShZclI5SAOvYV10qiLTOO0+O8itJrVLp1W5cB3dzwAfeu9tblGcWgkvjaCe4kZSQxJwD6dDVra9gG22q22npPbJHCjS/8ALQ8niqcObcLFjSdQhtbFL27kilc3Gw71+VB1z71MoOUhNXZTvL2K61e6fdATIw2EDjb7AVooNRSZVjbtZtTeyRbm0jWKEbYWVdpYevvWTUUxWKkWmJdai0l7eGCXlgz89Ow5FDnZWSC50FvqGn2RWS61ORjvAjaRhnA45Gf61hKMpLYDSufFOgzTb2mvHjRT5ciWxwH6g5z6isVQmuhaKnh34jQpNcW1+ZZJpCNkwXbjDAjv0rWeEvZo3pSSepp67qqazAZnktgyPghJQWI9cdaiNNwNMRytaHO63ayQWcS/YJUSU5ilkfG4euMVrDVnEcdazvDNJ583llpCF+b8K6+XQZuW4jtL1d8cDRKmT1JJ9f1rJptCJ7nxlqn/AB7xXHkWK4DxoBuf2qFQW/UrZDLeCW7/ANFFwlkZ/mIl3ZA/DNF+XWxLkb2k3FtZW8WnwBJLjyyMuxwT61g05PmexNxmrefHa/Z7qCKOc5YFJCc8A8Y+tXTSbuhmFp9zCN0DCYuwzuGfk7nrXQ431Ag1WZZGExvYnaNwQjqAAAKuKGjGv9aee6JuE8tgNo8leDWqiMl06f7RcxRCWaFpPlbk4x60pCNDS9Fgka5S61Hy4hnb0BYk1Ep22QiO207UXlW0spJrku2yPuOvShyW7Gixq+hajpswWd3hnQjcick/gKmM4yBiT65eWCzxaaGka5T94CpJH5d6cacXqwKU/ijV5EDH7YrABWJQgcfhWipoLIzrrWJ5yy3BLkc/M1UopbBZIgivJpDsWJ8PgABfzqmBpaVpM+oXBtYvJjcn7szhSfzNZyfLqJntPwS1W48P3EWkau6XWkfPviYB1DEn8a4KlVXuEFdj7nx3p2geLiljFcnTraRmMcSnCFmJxzwPwNdK1jfqaNHcaz8RtE1LwzKy2kmo3bANbwkINhz3J59eRSTXXQpRKo0PT/iZ4YFzfSNplyhERORuXPU4z0/Cs+ezsg1Zr+H/AANe6DbJbza9Fc6bGw5CDzST1yRVW5ncnldzT8SeGPDjeGL82GizSXu0x7BIZChzjPPbP0q0Wjye78P694c8R2GoaxojjRNwSd1jwiY7tj8655Q5lpuDZ6vHaaD4isLqDSNSj1NFjDrEjltmR0/CiK5UStzndO8OaT4ttvL1rQZ21Sxfy/MbJDKPoB6UtVsDep02g/D/AEPQWE2iXGqWE8w+b5t0effiq5HPUVi/4S1LR/Ez6lpd5Cpv9OdoZUMXlkgd/XkHP41aorqWc74x8C+FYfDE82l2YtLxJSvmKvC8jqO9DpIViXTfhlBLp8cL3IMzRbt8SgKTwe/1NYyoXEpanN6x4C8SWl35el2dpfQnhpt4BUfTNYSw7Q27lOHwJ4kxNcHw/aRtCcEi4OWI7DnGalwa01BI5/Vbe4tblTqWhy2JRSWL8gt7nOKlQlBWuaXVrGrpvjO+lsRpVvdhoZ4wqxxxDcoGc9K3g5wFFRucXqd5pcGqRaf8/LtJlmO4Hac/SupObVy3uebqYhbZdDJL1wD8ua3scosaL5gluFIOBtTrih7CNCZba5Rzwj7Bztxz6Vm7oDOsbc2pW6LSSYcFEU4Hvmrk7oDX1S1t5IvtMzoZ35WJCQBWak1ogOXubSRVBW0ZTyScHmt1K4ijfRyQkI6sr5zj0FbRZRV3yZATOeoY1QFjy5SQ7IXdiNuKhuwzRWSdv3MkZQAck96lu4hWv4omjiSBdsY5Y96VriRu6GY9QgmuEI3JliOm0dAP51jUfLuDHW9pftp8qx2Q+/nJHNZ8yuhEptpTbKZnjRlUEheuaFJXGUZtWMqJaXASOGIEbl5PNaxp9RGDc3RmR0TOxTxWyVhhpaS7yFY5YHNDGTwzXJU2Vukjuc72I6DBpCBLBUmjWeREA/gAGcVSYzatfCNvqrudD8QQxShgBb3R2F8+mM0nK26AoXGm3Nqj2915akMVB3ZHB5xUc1ybmLPCn2gQ9cn881qpDLkHhq8lQTFFiiPO5j17cYqZVUhm+vhlIYYjJbHLDO8NjP4Vg66eiYrk9xbWkUNq/wBigWULjcqncee9TGTYihr12I9OmWKORS5BO0YXvVwTb1GcjvZ2JYY5xXUMRpBu2imBKnT9KAHbjjFACBsDNADt3PcUASGR5FWNndkXop6UAaGnvFBbu7IdzDCkfwipYmQbozKZZFZx6Z60JDGWqxm6jEsbSRB8sueo9KdgPffg5498EeGrme4utMa2WaFrcRRgv1xg/MfWspU7m0VF6HpvxE1rw14UstG8ajI1KCdWgtlYZkjY8rj0wawjT5WZypKB8pfFLxOfF/jXUtdubOO2N44JRSWKgDH510wVkSYdtaWzxq1vvMi9jgCm3YZr22oSzReRKyg4x9faspQ6iIZoZ7SLztqlGQ53Ln8BQncVzJjv5owAYkOepJxWvKM2dGUXbLGbgwxDltozWc9AsVb62ke4IRgF/hPTI9acXcRU+2zQoYAQPUjvWiBETXkkhG+RmwMKD2qhk1rdQ4PmxluOQPWgCOV43QgofzoAgJUE7I8DHJoAakMkvmOqn5QPmxQBPbxWY2mS5JP8QK4//XQBUutokPyjb2OKAIBjtn8qoCzY311ZBvs0nlFjzjqaloB0N05mZp/Md2PL7jScQOltX0adV+1QlIY3Xequdzjvzms3F9B2Ox0vxHoQhttL0pZIZp5gG53CNPc1yVKEndyYmYviNrvS3E0MkqQ3MjNA7dGxgEj8RRCCkIwtOmuxqnmzebdGRsFQw5zXQ4xsOx0Wk6VN/akEl7a3EcZkyPLYbgB71zzmrOzA6qXw/aRI0DROGlUsoZ9xUn1xXD7d7kMpXL/2VfR2flzOnDRoT8p/Cqj+8jcVjF1WaJby6Sb5GkIdkHcEdvyrppx0GjDvo4ftIjXe8TDgOeRXREpGXc6dLH+8g3M3PI4FaqSGR6ek9wrBztCjjnHNVp0A1LS5060gkhdJ3mkfqTxt/Gs3eQE32xJJI7WGWWPeTuXdS5bagZOo28YkRslE3EN7mrTApiN0jIjndVPYHBIrQDc0H97I1uS8MAU/MVBy1YVNNhM3tO/sDyri01W9nDbtqGIAYOeSawlzaOKAs6XFZqskNpdReSrfJlwC/uambe4i34ct4bLWJWnaDy5VPmbju+mP0rKq24hcoapp67LuQQ+bL5i7SDtUJnritKc9lfQLiaLc6dY6a1pcW5aWd90b5OU+lVOLk9GUhQ1pdXb38yTbkTajmThsf5xU2ltctEk2tWg09LU6V5I2gIyN1GT0/OpVN890yWznbsIkzRxox5JGTnH1reKsIzjcOsu+XcQT0XjIrZIRJpkuyeKXypAkbbjxkk0p7WA6WG+vNWkmgN21tA8hclwBj2zXO0o62AydehjltQ0jRARMFBYkl/etKe4IhP2eWZXiaP5gFG3OAO/WtUxkU1pCl1NglkUZ3Ae9NO4mP0jVIITDCtvu3H97nOSCaJLQLC+JYC17Pc28R8gPiNCSTgfWog+gDtG3X4S1jkCF1O9pQcL+lOo7K4GuVtbmOC2kuJLuO1BXAOAPpntWGvYBINSsokiUW8BiiJLqfvdabhJ9QMnVNYk1CXDIyRjoEGBWkIcoWsdB4L1JLDRry3lkLWMuFnhHBlJb1PXp/Osa8HJqxpCVlYTUrC8TVZ7ezJsLR0DiOXO5k9s1Ka3auyZIpv5cUjxTzNGgUCLKcs1aIgxbyJpb54izjDZcL8praIzO1SJ4rqSL5pFHIUjOSTWkbBc07XbJarvtBBGjAq6oSSfeiTVyrl7Wkm1m4k1Cd4ExEEUBMZxgDisk1HQTZN4Rm0nStTifUCZI4s7zGu5gccH6ZqavNJCMW616e4dpZXdpN7fvDyeTWqhYLGddyeaxPztg9T3rRIZFK5ZVYhVI4wBVICuT1zk0wGKoIzjnrQBatZvIkV9zLt9O9Jq4G/p+rOYdrkncMZUcgdqycRWMvU50YSg5eVhtA9OauKsMzVDH5R29asBJECrjvQBATzjOM1aGFIQc4oAVRnC9yccdaTYG3BDc29rutrpkOMNGoIJqJMC3ZtcIiRGQPMTkOB8wz6VkxXFl8/TLuCWWGNJEJZHK8nnvS0mgO08EXEyMmpXbvIROZECjJYkEcfnXLXVtEIqXmqOl3e6ibWYXsjlULDGwewpxgnZX0EYzX7uiC4mMoxnax4zWqglsFjS0bTkVDJKGBbBVQQFXPrWc5dAZU1+e2tbuT5ElLrgANwPc1pTTsCOfuLS91JGeMKyZwAWAAJ9q3jZFFDVtNfTViV5FkZ1BIXHX04rSLGWtJsB9st2k2skgO7cenvxUybtoJnTxyXFgwaxlZdp+8F3cetcz13EdB4WFhfX0q6hOHd02wkZXD4PNc9VtaxJasMvb3R/DS+TCs8zuj+ZM3JZ+3XtSgp1dWCVzk/MF8VuJoyilsbyvA+tdaVtCi1Hob3lq93b65ZAu3+pbIf8AI1XO10GWWsrOxtRNLP8Aa7xMHC8opH86i7b0Azr7Vr641CKe7BR9pTBX+H6VSikgCG0h1a9a7vpZ47aMbpGXAOOmAKHJrRBcfd/Z7q0Nha2Fvb2xkLrcMB5jD65oSktRDNG0zTrSVpLuWSZCoyGXC7se3pTlKXQbuW9WmTTLS3g0vUly675EgOAOTwaiClJ3kJeZz88014+1YiyxqWdlU+o5rVWTGXrKx1pdGuPs0rrZTFcrz+8bPAqHUhfzHc63wlouh3GmR2mtWQS/zlvmbJH54rnq1ZXvDYq1z0Lw7pO2znvYImt4AxjtYSMheACR27ZzXm1ZNuwWIdRsVuHistSma4tbQeczABWZ+OD7U4yt7y3YSd1Yj1DUFtrg3EWnpIrxlIYnQMobGB1ohBtWbM9mebweINTOv3LTJDCyZXy1gG1T9MV6PsY8o2GrXFvcaZDFLb3Uaby5IRQu+nGLTdgMVYrdreR7idvlJIAPLHtW6uBmH7RLblQAUBJJxzWnqA/RYxNqcMTllBbBOOAPWlN2V0K56nYRXFhaNHLd2t3Z4Yx5UZU+p4rzKjUne2olqctJDrUxVNMldo5SAzBiqknqK3UoL4h3sdlBo62fhS4S+aOOUkKZEO5UOOefWuR1rzXLqK+p5dreh3T3YYX0dwhcqrknHTPNerTnpqrGj2INP8NuRLNfSwm3QEkRtyW7CrlU7E3GXV1M0Ko6kRQqVTPQCqihmRnkkgY7c9KsAVTIUQsWj3d24pMDpdJ0mW1jfUFWTy1PykE4zWM530Fc17MSQ4uh0ZWZdwyRxXNPXQNzq9EsbbUreMwyTfaXf5kZtqtXJUlKMtQirsqzxW/iFpbaCF7Kaxi8pIrfGGfJ5Jq43p79Tqgk9jofB+t+H/CN7bw3+ji9vYQftUkxDKm7j+lRKEp+9fQpqK9Tu0/4RnxfqEF1Nd6Xp9usTKsMTBPmyCCRn27UvYtX0OVpNnmXxDtH07XGsdOuFvI1JIaFeF/EE1pCNtxcqRzq60mpQSWlzCnmEfecfdYdxV+y5XcS0GaNp82kxx6jJaxPLcOQj7uSuPSnKam+VDOX1BtSvtQmk8wu6llUMfpxXXBKMQNkW76ZoKJd+bI9wpHloeF471l8chXOKlQr94FRnqetdqegzQsbhLdw6qJCB/FzUTWgHTQeK0j0m3021tolY5DNtw2T159K53R964HY/DzWtP07T3tJJY0U7mcTSYBJPUV5+LoSk9CGd1a6hb31niCUlSQCqDgD1z+VeY6Ti9RXM5mWS6KpGUK/dP8AXmr2RmyGZcTn7RM6RwqSwyAd3ue9Uu6AZai2hULA25J2z5kgz79cUPme5SJbxZ3gLiaIsD8uOeB7UQtctI4zXp4mk8p7LMufmdmJx+Fd1JPo9Ctjm7j+0ra+jihibyfvLGx2hq7Pda1GdTBfapqs4i1kxW8EaKF8sbRwMDJ6muScYx1jqzNmpLZNbATTPIUC7oxGflYZPUVzqSb0QjOM19d3kkdmGSPZtwwyT3OK35VFXYHKa3p5t78zyvP5bHmNeM/nXXSmpKyLRRubaK/l87TUmjZWIOxMYA9a15rbjKN7YKiR307blWXa8bjrg1opX0A09Y1zQ5Ehgj0y2ZAA21MjnGOc5qIUpJ7jSOXkK3F48ioII2J4TtxXR0GbXhOKO81e3ttQubmO0Y7ZHjkwQPxyKxquy0JZ1C2+kW9wLJ0uGDMVSWRtx2568Yrlk5tE7luG28Mw6sJLlZNSKKV8qU4APY4FQ3UastAsWZddt9Is18uCOGKRiFVY8hRz61MaTlLUpHGXcDatPcXSZ2huCy7c12p8uhaZHpVuFny92YT93POM0qktAbOn8R3erTwW1tNdRzW1uoCyKxJIxjvWUFFO6WornGajZTuZWGWZZBhQOTkV0KQmy5ptpIIZftBljfogPY9elTJ3YjNnuZPtRMJUsrA52ZGc1olpqBuQz61PdtNeTxRbl4kKAA4rG0RFux1xxDHbIbdrgZ/fOgz9KUqYWNi8a9vI4mW4jtp8Bd6yYzgYP8hWKVmVc5i7u5Y7mU3U0iyDKhwcg10x12BsyYoHu9VKcSB25PGWrS9kSaTae66gsE0cttg4KHg4qXMDUSy01IC0luZnCDyyMgg/XvUOTAt2+j/2npuY3khEIY7WkU56UnLlYzHs9OvTdAWqSSOjAAhtu0k8Grcl1A19OivbXUl+3urMyMC6ybiKzlZx0Aybq4tUvNwIUBiGbPJFaxWmoGNrd5d3c0kkCO8OR93p0rWNuoFaGFrgNI0GPL++T6dqHvoBZutTEEKJbx7ZASdw9KaiFilZT7r4S3M7oOpI5NNrQLHZf8JFbJaJZaXE4DyAmeVjuXPWuf2KWrGjv/D1vpTeANS0GW9ivdR+0eeriPghgD1rCcrT5nsUmV/MtreOzs30cQMkfEtsuHkOR1I/GsJPmvZlXuWm1V7O6lSK7aHyuWQk5z2BrGKluNaBoeqDXdUaLULm4t2fnejkDP06Vt70LJA2erW+mT6R4jsZdN1G6nlvBieSVj5b8A8ADrWybsSkdN4gvbzT/D16t9Yh0aTD47KSATzTTNEiDRdN0a1t7q60mC2tJ5o1UyK3GfcD60nqKxm+JNduraC9tHWO11CBVeKSE/64fUUg5TK0XxWphtbqyuL61kkAYq8m+M+uauMuUWxy+sXWt6Z4y1fxnbRG1tr6dIvMik2g4UAnnr0NXOfMtCWj1OPxDpt/ozXE09rLFJb+ZKG4O8BQP8j2pRmnoxqNzZ8M6s9z4YW7hs4InlUHlyPUf4VegLQswWjsZg+GSUqVCtkA9fyqrATvZeY4doMkn7z8DjuB2qWhkWraTbTjy723juY9uTvQEH/H8fapdO4WucgNL8OaXqBvoNMs7aVQUDQwhSBwefSp9iNRszynxv4O0i5+MPh5Y7iH7FqqztMQcbWWJ2/DkCumNO0TXqjwOJYoJJA7uzqcBB0zU2OQbZNc3OoLErEl3C57DJp3sgNdo7iylmtGeOQAkeYf4RWd7iINNLjVVnNwZI0IKr0yaJbDsdF4jk0sSfarGFzMoGPr361zxTbtIRzuo63cTvi7wXVcAjjArqjTS2Cxmm5F5dyyyumSQBnngYrRIZFqS25AS3dXGOoGKqwF+1vW+0wxx2seUQKCfXHWpkBoNprTSw3DPu3n94SeB+FYudhFW8tdPt7xhsa5jA3cHGPanGTaA1dKvFkTyLKy8oEAYC9fqaxnHuBLqxv4UJafYGA5PB98UU7PYSI9Nijt7f7XcTtIRKoCOOGolfZDMPUNON3dyvBKNhOcDg5raM7KzGP0vSIJAIZUk80ZLnOBim52AnjtLe3n+zxQTG4Y7hk8Y9P0qedvUVwu7wuskYRYJFBB28HpiqSsIwBIqzgynBU9c5rVDRNaXDJqUcnm9ZAc+lU9ikdDqFxFKm1k88OBl26L64/GuZrUlox9blsIj5MG2WUgFWQcL7VrTuCLmmaxeR6P5UiKwjzs39amcEyjU0LVmkt7m7luC8sQyqsc4zxwKynR6BY5nU9SuZp2n89mLMcD0rojTSQijeahdXEYWSRii9gatRSAqStnBHQiqAYBzQBKGwPl5oANxPJxQA+NgcGgBWbLZJoAAxAyKADzWbktkAdM0AS+cCMbcEDg0APXcUyr859cUAaWif8AHvdzTRZaNMRhjwSe9JgjX8P3Npeyq3iDVZ4Il+QSSMZNn0FZzi+g27lLxK3hmLzbfR4ZblmYeXdysQSv+7TipdRHOwMyy4z/ABfhVgb96bRBHJC0bMFAIVuS1ZMCheT3Du2dw2joacUBRiKkszoGZc9a1A3dOnW2tCFRBI5GGHpWU1cCneSySXIJIKqMLTSBFK9AxuyM1aAq9Tux3pgBJJOKAFBJ4HWgCVSSSCeKAELMsZHmlRjntmgCLYchtuFA5zQA2RJZWSOFGfBwAO9AEbQyKSNpLKPmx0FAEfUjHarTGhUbnd3zSYMt2rPJuDsuCOnrUiNXw80819H5Ea7M4cjqBWc9tSke5a7o/h/VbfwtpM6bUtbAtJvk2gk5PX615vO020JmHpfhuIXROk2WnxQx4aW487zfXI9qU6+mrETWks2nT3syrC8ZxGhZhnnqQKwm+ZIaYuqzM0EcmnbmnYBZWzkc1lGOvvbEMwbvcsy3tzcLLKF45+7zXVFN6Ikybq3kutSedlaSIAYfscV0weg0ZtxIhnMjuu/naMdMVtG5RUlv7tVKoybJOoq1HUY7wzosup3vz71iTLOVOKVSXKAq6ZaSypM8rxhW4z2FRz9BEcSRR6tJdbXJiI8skcMatO40JLdxQxywyojySPuLDopqkgKS+RcXMcXEZY4zVaoGbNrYWtrGzSStKRzjdWE22xDYTp7TNEgWUP0ZRyP8mk+YB0mk3KHcEJT+DFL2iYXJbK0vmgZ5FZjMfLXn7pHPH5VMpRFcuzxXcWnrCI5Eyyo7buSM1mnF6gOtrKdJGkZ1UCMoryD7v096pyXQoqS6LfCNjHM88CnYrBuM9SP1qlUXUq51tjYJ4h1CHTL2FohBZuYhGACzKMjn8K55S5FzRE2YejeE9Sl1BIr2Fh8+WJ67TVzxMVHQhstR6DBbXDtqCsixEmNcfex2qfbuS90NyGa4tEgNvboHidvm2gZNaJSerHaxm3VodPtxd6nGzQOWMMe7lm7VrF30QI5qSa8uCYJQ20nIRV5HpW9khlnRWubfU4zbJgRfNiQZGaUrNAaV5bTNbT3MtwnmSHLIFwBk1CauBBaQvawGVkjxnIcnk/SnLXQTLVxqbyRrNNkoqFVHAyahQsIp6NeSxOL1o/kMm0Bh25rSSurDLFzdtNduyRiJATggYyKhKwyO2srJbhXSd2BU7vMHGe+KbbAuxR21vH8sBlLDcPQn3qW7iI5ptRuJLWWaCzgtkIKBcKMg9SKLK1gTsafi/wAVNrE9udVaJpIF8uN4cqcYqIUbbFOVzn5pre7Eah5DIkgKuzHOK2USLWIXjuvPIKs+5slhyadwLcaCyAupWWQyAgKTyPwpXuBa01rlrMSSzR267mO6RgFx/jSYyHTLy2l80TzqEDfezgNzSlEq1zV8XaXb6JokM6NavLdyYzG+TtxWdKUpOzKlTtqcLdyohCxjjrzXZFEDYJ41kG/hSeSBVAJcNH5uYzuHqaYEJjYqWXHTgntQAz5go3EkjigAdiQo96ANPS2jt90sqM5AxjNTJARzzjzGkWIHJyc96LAFzPbmJUit9kg53eop2AokFmyw+WmA2S2mS3S4dQI3OAfemmBCepqkAEA4xQMVAyyo4PRgf1qWDOxEtkYo7prpXus/6lRxisZ8wjUe4iIT7RaxWjrg5QAljiuewjLv5EmRVZBI4bIZvT/9dVHQDs4UmbwRFqsVzbh7Kby/KQcknnP6VyN/veVrcLGF4wa1ilhNnfC5aWIPMxPCseorald6NAYmkss8iQxp5xX5mJOB1roaFYv69qqOHtNPR0VJADls7ves4U9bsLFCzsLjUnmkZkXYhG5vXtV83KF7GbNbm3JV5mHc4PFaxYyDTLGTUtR+zszq3O0564HFU5WBmtZW82ltK0kCzMg2jcT8prNyuBtWuroskBZ4GleP94iD7o6YrBwuKxsaALG6161u47e4jt7fMlwQm4dMdawqXUWr6sQapc2M1xLZywR3YmYsBH95V7UQTSTuDK+t2WpSadFcxwiHTUxsU4z6dKulJXa6gmc5J4a1AaJN4htQv2FJfLDSNjJ9hXTzq/KykyzHoOo/Z0uJdStgjRb8K+cH0+tS6q2sDZLYpp9j5dzfStfXAUsyZ4HTihty22FuZ+r34u1doAI4+gUcf/rqoxsOxhTuyQo7biQOQG6Gtkxj1kuX2wySyhC2cZxQwN7S9CjvYluLZmdQSJNx71hKdnYVzqfAdne2urXUttbWz25+UROw+bjkY/CuWvK6HY7G802O+tYVtA9rJu3iDGOc84HpXDzuN7jsZv8AwjMs+pTXU9+sf+wEy3Fae3slYLHQ61qPk2kVhJPIht1XZj5Q3v8AWs4pvVFFHxFqkFpo8txAJ5jIVjYFuN+KdODlKzHJaHGeZq9zpa3QnlJSdSxT+E5GK6rQUrGZQt7G7uHvrppVggiPmPLIcM5+ta8yTSEc/wCIHuor5luLppY2AcKG+UcV00rNWQ7GdHdyMqw4QLuJPHNa8oGlp9/YwLN9rt2Z3XCBTwpz1rKcJPYRu+EhZ6hI6WxMV8ykQkR5B571hV5ovUiV0dfPb2Oi6bHe6jdfaHjYK8HO1z/hXF79RtJEq7OZu/HNzDcbI9HgtY3JYIUIUe4rojhbq97miRkXfiKR7A2qHZbs+6QBjlya3hh0tRozrvUpbq2jtZdqKkm9NvBIxjmt1Gwyib029tLBBGGV+pbsadrgZoF1LG2yOR1GSxwcCr5gFJK4EykYHGaaAt6Fb+bdx3CxGaKOQEqeBkVE5WEeh6lcu2mSATC4QHcyxY2w5HT9K5uoWM3Sozd20vmuPLVCE/KpnKwF/Qr1bKd54BvuIQ3zA8AVnKN9xXsUrjVV0u8ZrmCWJ2G7zEHDmqjT5luaRkVtLvrSfT9YbUH3yS+WcFsMTkn+VOSd4pFOVyxZRSS2s0lpbtGIIt6lgfmH1p3ae5Frh4M8S3NneXX2lY/LlXcBIucsOwqqlNSQiaPSZL2GbVZJRDBHyh4yWrKU0nypEtljXNQ/4kETieCTDhcKfm4A5xUU4WkNHD2T7bppp5HC5LbVPvXc1oM6eaXR7jRXuJJ7w3RcKifwqMdays1LQDmoI7WPVCNQEjwr0CjrW93bQBb5tOL4s45AB97f3ojd7iM+Jj9oYqduOnFXcDstCis3t0uZQLydR5a22OQD/FXDV5mSz1bQDImkxyNCLYRLtCRY+b2Jrx6tubuYtlhU8uUSqRnPIHJrJ9gTIbm1XVDNPDEQWbJJ4B9acXyaA3YtWkCrBEl0Qka5IjHUUnK97DjK5m3Zto7pmjZVRfmX5uSK0imzdPQyNdvbZbNZR5crFyCWXkDHWumlGV7AcPqTI86SC5klnjw0Z6D6V3Rv1A2Y9U/tKE28LJFOF/eDbkE1jKHI9SW7CXOry/6Os8khWNdhUnHShU1d2Fa5k3Wsva6jDehXFuWCuqsfunrit40042KSMbXdUikW6eOeUSeZm3BbJA9DW1OHLYpIp6bdX9vcqCJVWQ/M2cA1cooTL+o3oCNAFKiT1GSTUxSWokzl5QVyxXGSeoxXQmVc09Nt/tEH7lQZeir/AHjUykK5bNjc2BXzv3UhlClG9c1k3cRf1+9uLS4iQuDjaQR24qYQTAdPrwfUo9RSy8xxEqlFbGSqhcn64zQqSSsPQo3FxfX9w6ysIlBDbWbhc+lNJJaDsjRkvbaJFhd1chgAEPHTrUuIGrGbXnzrZkG0swzyayalcCg1/ZiMrOJd4IVVIwSBVqLAZquuW13eh47QI52gA8dBjNVGFkDdyaWeC4dZSuAew9eKlIkhaGx3wxWsUYaQ/P8ALyeaG5CuamtaZJe6O828MsHBXOMCopStIEc34Tksl1Ax3biNCuFkI+61dM07FGnLPcSgzSzrtLERZwN/vWdkkBGLu3nPlSwiSRRy2eKOV9wNCxu7Zb6NYtPt4JFAZJDkYI9alxfcTL3ibWBJ8ypbTM5y8mORx0ohADLhvLWZVhYeWwzgbuKrltsMrQSW8EjLPMRk5ypPbpVWuBGLl55pHhmeEnsDjNHKBSuNRktpk+xygEkhyxyarlAfbWbTyRteIDGzcsaHLsA7Wr+DT0On2SoIQdzHoSSKcE3qwSMm3uLaVt1wkgj/AIgDjJ7Vo0A3y7F2EjeeRnAVadwLNwtvBaIyW6h8nIPJqbiL/grRnvdUsrnUf3dk048zORlc9qyqVEk7EylpoexeJNW8IWetyJoOmwrELXyHZtw3HA+YDueK5OVyjdlxbtqNvfEWmaDDY3o0K6WVoTGk0qEAnA5GfrSjRv1NYnPXup+HL8zTXGlX0+q3XLSB9see3AquSUdnoae72MXTrHUbm53afbvguEIRvmFN1IwWplJ6nYw65f6TA1vqms6tFeQLi3tGOAo6Zz+FQpyltsXfQ6/wT45t5NOeDxHLdX8U7sWlkkyIwVHH6UOb5rCTM7w9f60sWozafqNiunLNujW64IUdMUOaTHzWH61rmv8AixlOn6Zbh4Y9kk0K4U/U0Oa6h7Q3dMttR8P+GRba9Zb4JAxW5hQEqG6VK1kTFts5HxdNHe3mnwpcS3dlAAzQPlQT0zWinaLQ2Yn2TUJCUXVJYrdmJ8hDkAdcfrWTrJdBX7F3Sb2+sL2yERkvY/OCyo8xChSCKpVbkM9t0jwl4eu4UvmheNnXe3k3TYU44wM+tbRm5dSkSWenaxZzSSab4hvIVY7RHcASrz0681pdodiO8h8V31tJFe+KpLW63kZtIQCR9Pyq4yuPVHBePba/0SyFhe+I9QuPtDEv5gUN29PrW0VzDuee6le+D4vEehjzrlkhMouSXJPMbYP51rtoHMeUpBNDCjySBDL8zc5rnMCbTbtLS+EqFH3HaN/T60pK4GuRcXSyXKlPs+7a7AjOfXFZbCG20tjDefZbdJZNnztK64NDTaKLGoOkkbAuqxkZJz0NRGOojmpSi7XKCYKxz6GuhaDKbRTSSSMAsIPK+mK0QDZVRUUrOCc4IFUBLp+pXmnXAkhSEkqwDSDdjI6ihq4E+i6xLBc+dNKzMx+YZ9fasp07oaOu0rT4tYu2a1idcrlnYYB9a5J1PZ6CasaepWVvpGnwXMhliZ3wsXQvjv8ASs4z53ZE7nEeINXu7rUQ7MDEB8i5FdlOmkh2LWn3FzfXEeIWjC45Y/Lj1PpUySBl5XtzMJraKPb0+aTO8jrUJPqBSu9Vu7gtKLSGJU+8wHX2q1BASwanBe2nnbcTgYDDsPrT5AsUYdMmkjklfcct8rA5p81gM/ULQi48mNQXA7GtExlB0eN9rHJ+vetNwNJNZnt0RHhEqKpCAsB1/CpcbjZkSXLGUSlUQZ55qkhFz7e0kbbgCNvQcUWArLPOvmKhMaP78miw7kO4rJ99ixPOe9MQ4SAj0HpQBE75bABoAcCSeB0FADT977xFADzkdeQPQUAOyVx6elACZJOT0xQBIOnWgBhbtgUASoMjpQArF1AGCO+aAJVuJyCvnEL6A9aACWYPCqmQMSCCuOlADI5xGR8g/GgCaCF7ti6KMDk0AXbCONJGllMg2MCvTrUSQBqUkks7SNklueopRQFF9oGBwO9XYCPzXUDa+aYCC4cON2WHtQAjyb+TwOuKAE429aAGA8GgByAkrgj86ALX2eXygyqzc9AKAEurK5i2tNC0e8ZG70pJ3AazRqojLZJHNMC7Z3ENvH+6ULJnBb0FTYRnXFyEikhgYAknccdfxpoCkiSvkqrYHLfLwKq4IYSccZzT3GXtMlitpC0kayEqcZ7VIGlo3iG60tpGtkjQNwSUBzWcoXKTPatcltl8K6BrN2486exGI8fNkknkDpwRXlSTjUcUSzm7fVYNP0t7HS5PLml5l39Dk1XI5u8hGtqRtodHsp7C8hkuZG2zueTjHT0rJQcpNNaFcuhia3fLbXZtdOvAzbQJHGNvv7VcKfMveRLRWnvtJTTftE1t5wQbBtkADN3P0rSMJXsmRYoyagbi2R7eKKKCMl9it3OBjnr0raMbOw0YcVpe3N8JIkJMkmCwHTNbNpIoZe6fML1opGPnKfuEYNNSQFnSdTu9Ngksi20tJlvl5OPelOKlqBsXk0ZuZo/LQknKJnGfwrGMWFjE1a83COV4zGYxtwOhPrW0BmCQ11cEk4DNnPvWydgHG2aG8jDHJzng5xVJ3A63w1ZwtczpewlI0Ukyk8N6VxV5NbCkJFfaTp93MiWcmCpG4rg5pNSl1EXdM1G5nZ4La0aVHG75udg9aiULagdL4atLUz7ruUQI7MsecDB29f6VyVZNfCKxFd6bapNM7zXFyEXCBQcbj3/CnGo9hmbbTQpO9pPciPHXzGyf/rVuk3qhoTT9Xt9MIhkBkjLkkD+dFSm5FHReCNd0vTvEX9oyXEULCFk/fHOCR1P6VnOEuWyEWrzW7/Urc3EuqQtKSVX7PGM7c8ZrOVKztYrlOY1sG+RIXv5EkDHBZe/bgVrTi4a2JtY4q7BiuxEkjEr1fPU13R2AfHczNOBLM9xHH03nIB9s1VkkBY+0TR2rL9m3NI+8uF+YAZ4pWQEL6iZIAIo1hbd82TyaOURUNxLcMIJCQrDJbnNVZDGzLJ5bRosj5J25boKasBRMs5co+8KBxnpV6AaVqt/LbxzkgRJyEIODWcmhGsZY7u33uhiOACFHU1m9AKKxyJqCMgkeFT90+lNy0C5sa3bgW4WE+W0ZBODyRWcZCH6i2mWOnwRSXsc1wzb2RQSVGOhOMUJOTGYKqATdzoZYmJ21stNAKlpCZvOuYA2V7GncDS0eDU7y4eG2maPnhiOoqJyUVdiLWtQLZRPZwRTzXCkh5eMClTd9egHKzJcSs0UjSsFAYpniuhWGEAzbNHLIYy7YVdp6UDuPZbzevmSZjRuM5pDcmWI9JluIGaSRIWC5XIOW9hRz2EVbqzeO3yvPGBniqi7gVERjhScHFUA4xlV+Y8dsNQAo56nigB0SjzA3XB6UAXJHgAJ8o89waQFYzJPIqFjHwT9aYCSKQgG7KkEA0ANVcnDHCjmgCvdszOMsNo6DNAEZOPX8BVAOAzjHIpMDV0m2tLuzmgKFbkDMT9ecjg1nOXKA99GuIYixlCPgnAHJxUe0UgudR4F0dJYxJeQTbXiJ3sCe+Mg1zYir2EGtWsSCG3tlVIImfEp6tnsaIO4rjrDUkjs5LKNSzE7nYjhu1KULyuxjIbCJoLuS8mRY44i6AMNzN6VTk76CMHVdqXTPbQm3iOdqbsn862hqMWxEU86RKXSRyAxznH5VT0A6mxtJdN0y8tPtSMkxBZyCT349a55TbaFuchdTn7TJtjMpX+6OMV0IaCCdpplePZFIoLdDxTYM3XvnkQvcATJLyfL65+lZtCLOl3FlDfLHdabHLHsO9vut0+tZyTtoB0eh3FreWEWmwNJYwXW7yQB94jk5PfpiueacZcwWMKWaOXVoymIWgUqSBjJXPWtIrSwNBdX07aNcWCr5lzEPML5yMdcYqo2UrkrcjsZ01XQIvD8cskbmbzGdiRECTWs7KVyrk0kdxA4064OFhyvykfOf8Km19QObvtNvEi+2geasjEER9vrWqktikRaW9lCXlvo5jhsY9Ke4mNe4t03NFjD/AHd4zinYZq2NvYyA32pXiyPlTHDFjnPX6VMm9hGlZ+LI9LlQx6egRVdFjBAByep9aylS5gsang62uLh5NSkV4fMcmNVJ59x7c1zV5xiuUo6jRoNTS7uLq6vw0sRwoz90Hg8euK5ZtNWSATTI9TvtVlmNyVj8zAdxwfrTbiklYdyvrUN3c+JFuL1UNju2I4bHTgEj8Kqm4qFo7hcwtbDW920C3QlilcNtzn5sc4/KuindoVyhN4lmg0q60q08uEOQrbhyTnrnpV+wXMpMLmHqmqgaYlvAHKx/NIz/AMZrojBJ3EVZpZbyCW6vVTzHGECjAAHHSrS5QuZyWE5QT4I3Hg1TmK5YWJEgLXqMScBWHYZ5qHK7A6TSm1bSfDh1bTrhLSA/IG2gyOCffoOKxnyynaQjnbrV9UnCCe7Zyucbh1NbKEegx9xql1qTQ/bpTIIV8tMD7q+lNQUdgRRuJgGCKgKj1q0hkQZppwzAkZ5/z+NNgdBpGn2M8Ki5gmVy4AkByoPoRWEpMRoa7eRxwCCG4ghSJSmyNQDIfelCLAwtKtbJYXutXjWbzGyg8zGBWsm9kB0dtrEVtoP2W1tLSOCaUtuaP5wBkZzXM6bctWBV0LU4Ldbuxt7eaWC8PzSuvy8Z6U6kbpMq503w/vbbRGuUvtL/ALTtHRssgCkDHbNYV4uWsXYkj0aO31LV72Gz8qBXU7ASDgH1om3GK6ha5ieKb7UyF0q+it5FhbKTRgfNxxyKuhGK95FJFPQbi2+ytH9nEt27nL4zjFaVEI1tQ8YX7aOuhPDD5Mbfu5kTDkHgqfWpjSitS9kRmz/tGSOcQYaQBY0C46e1KUuUhu43SJl+3/2TLLKBK5GxR3pyTtzIlospp2l6dLMlw0c1wrYX5sgntSu5Buc74iNn9o89bB4XclSS3y59a2p36lEUd59n0uWNoAzlh82eg56VVrgVpGiuzDHa2zm4DfO2cgimklqwJl0e8KyyFDti42k4J56Yo9ougi7puhC5vilxKljGRks4OAewqJ1eVXsJneeEPCyWISWSEXd45HlxowwV56+lebXxDei0RjNu51VvN5MzWskCbpCMxo+QvqDXFKDlqRZk9urtPtJIxk4XknjgVm3oNFkTrYqTcuqI2B6kEj0qbc22o7XKd1PsujLLOi26r5auV6jqf5/pVqGlkUo2OZ8Q6VqWoIw00KwVTKCmc4GB27c12UpKO5rFHGst5bIi3UsrMByvIx9c13RcXsNlCRJJL9UnnJCnCjOBitLWWgG/EHs7aK4t7eCNS2HcsctzXO/e3JauXdYh0m+gd4GAnCA7d3B9eaiDnHclLU5HUmhy1gobegz14xiuyF9y0Y8JtJrmOM2r7x1JNbAdtZaVBMn2m4Ee1FBCFuefSuGdVp6EtkOuXuj2cp8uKJ7qLA8soSQaukpSWuw1EyLaDT5nkvdYELbzhIS23bn2ros1sNIgntLeDXpRbXsK28QBDQ8qc44qm3y6jsdDp1/pP9sNJeWsV8iYZA+Qd351zzhJrR2EXdUvNC1x7y3l0CKC+MS+S8blgPfGamKnCz5tBIyZLax0mzNmjrPckBnIX7ue3NWnKeoWMfUVmeWS9t9shIG6PHUDAxWsexRW1eSCTTrfyrE210DksHzn8KpXTGV7BL6/kKLLJ5jcZLGicox3E2alzF9hjSa6uWuJl6ITURlzPQNzS0rxtp1npk1nN4btLieQsRcbuVz26U3Ru73Cxq6Hd2F1oQuJdMhXy5Ox+Zs5rKpBqWjIa1GJNpYuvtSW5CRLlgSNx56CojGezG0YPiXxHJdMwshsgJy67AM1vSoqOrGlYpWBjmgKlIwCxJbHNW9NRmlpt/pUmpxW2sWMyxRRhInXsfUispqVroCbT7WD+1ZoY7Z3s5CSjg9PSplLRX3BkupalZxXCq6uqggHKjAA61cY31BGehebb80ZhdsjaRnHrVfCgJINOuotXYwKJcLtUuh2/XmhyVgH6xbXNvZIN8ckxYl8DAXkcZpRldgZkuozqVYwQoYxgBe+e9acgWJ9PgtZlWS4USSsc4QdBUy0EXbma3kykABiUcbOtSrDMc6W95Os4UiNjtPc8VoppCuV9csIrK2CW9w0vzAt8mNtVGQ0VtNsNQurho7ZfPMY3EIx7U3JBc0tMtr641E+bbBEU/OCM4FS5KwjptUubOG3hSO4uFKttUY+UAdMVzRbbJSuPs9Futa/0uyuVecEKq+aN5P+yKTqcuj2LR12nX2r6xdweH/Et1PJDCTHGsseWRsDjP4VlJpK6NVc0T4IsdMs70a5d3Gn6kFL2ECkMLjAOD7c4p8zewndGJY2066WlvOfKJbLOpwdw75rmqTtMxc9R39hzG4kkJ+0yzptYyNuP4E0LEFKTsW7S3tNMgisbuONmzu4YMB+INS3KWqBMvalY2zyI3mAwsu5Y1OFB9TUQnKw7nVeE9Y1Twxorx3ekC60u5XcwQfOF6HFa03eWpUVcXX/AIiaG+iHRrWzu54pLfYsUuV8skcc16ELWNY2SPPYJRZQmLlmQ4OWyR7ZrlqrUh7ki3aFyp3CQnjYvP51i0FiUHexCK7woSzKeO3r+NSiGaWl6ve2tn5FtfXsIPzJsfhR+NVztO4os17Px54itj5UEyXGAuwSj+eK19u77lqRzfifx7rsWvwav/bLWRUAyRWgGAcnPX3rqpT5iuYi+IPj7QPE+nxzRG7l1BQN0szgYHfAA74FddO/UfMrHlF5Mj3ZkC43EjrWj3MnuZep/bTOrXD/ADOAdo6AVkiQs7Z7yTyoiV2DcSxAAobQzSn8SOmnrYWh2wpkO20YY/5zWSpq92BlW120sxdnyn8WO9W0hl65vFvnEVtDKMjGBnaT+NSkkxFyHRbiSwWSW8jefP8AqI3JKj8sUOdmDZTv7J4ifM5HvyKamIzbe1DtygXJwMDr9Kvn0Gag8PzeWrXSGNT0Ei/41Htb7CvYIdOsBcJHI0JwMjApObGj0n4XRXktkN1vIlrIzAfJuYAH06152LabstxtuxkeKbLW5dbla/spBaCQ/ZmcjG3p096uhOmo6PUkyL3w9N9oVprdhv5TuoHqcdK6FV0AkubaERC1UoR0cgkDHt3qebUCvp9iADe4chQRGueB+FU59Bld4576M28cABLZeVugHpVJ2JKeqWYtoxFAS77sbl4FaRkMnS5ls9KNrE8aAtl3kOWJ9ABS5bsCqtzBApkDfvZFK78d+1VYDM8xJoQZm2bR97HWtEMgeR5AFLgxD7vGKsCsP3cmDhh1HegC2pVx5jKo9QOtAEM7KQD5YBz16GgB9pZ3F1gQQlznPXgUm7AWZtEmihaSaeNf9gcmp50BRit3c+UgG/PfpVgPdPJYoxBI4OKAIoxvfvzQA8swBXpjhjjmgBz4ZDvIJP3e1AEcQHPBoAXkscEUANHXtQBODhSOPrigBktxKVH7zKdhigBqyfPnLZPAzTAc52t0GT1pARuCwJILUAEUjwuTGxBzyP8AJoAma6djzheOuaLADzyScea2O3NADd8mCzORg9sc0AAIH1oAOoPWgBo4696ABmIbjmgBVI25J5+tAD1IoAsw6hLboRHjpQBGbmaZmkkkZye55x7UANP3u5yaALn2WHjz7hFD+/NICe0tdI3tJKWCAcDGS5qW2JkOoagkluLOzVYIyS0mBjI7U43Ax2UDpjn8qu4yWW2dLeKbh1Y4GBjFTzIC/pmlm8Bm3MFRhnPAz6CplNAe4DSLNfDel3bPeSwC1A8yaQ+WWCglVBHPWvIqVG6jQpnm2oTyz3cnlrGiuSM45A7ZFdUPh1Eipqdjcx2f7l2YEjlkIUk+laRmm7F3J7eODT/DzmaZXvpDtVeqop6mlK8pabE7kei6UL5maQTPbE8NjaPrRKfLsJl3xDZQacyx2ckU0O3ja5Yj61NKTl8QkZaahc2cBkspTGwxkEZrZRT3GMk1u/kIZXQ3B5EjKCc/iKv2aQ0WdQtJ9O2T6lbTu0yiRpCwAyfTFLyGNvrm+upUMaxiINlZF4aptYBZ5WWLYT5hDFiCgJp2Aie78qFRFbxRlSHLMoOOvr9aaAwZXe6me4OSxbhsADOfatFoFz0bw+ETQY7q4UTXL/LlgSoH+feuGtrIlom0vTheXMdt5CO5yWPTJJ4rOUuUC0uivp2oeXJDNNNjLKuOF/GodXmQy2bqxgZmuY5poWB2oQAU465H+FY2k9tB2Me71yNmkg09ktrdlCD90ZHHrgmto0bayFYwtQ0uyluDeQSXkULfKZJgMu34gV0xm9mBVS0WGLczSEyD5SvqPpWl7lFq/v1/siSCO0LuygvNJGc4Hp+dEY3YXMWz86QhYpJEJGTsBNatRQ7m9Z6degx3H2hZWYbgd/z4H05rnnKJLY2xsrQwiW7mVirfMC2T+VDk1sS9R1/babZuJYwXlb5kQRfLj0NEZN7jRBaSTzJMz+VDggDb1FXsMrRpFbHNyEdzJ6ZJHvT3AmiFuJIriW9hWNmw8a8Mo9Bmi7QDpI4DBcTJJHbqqkwrnez5/lRzMBtsLWG0RyqTyEY+ZsAHueKbvcRHd6zLKos4AjxRnoo/rQo2ER29yZXVmR8A4IA4H402gOg02a3jeRsCZZ02HPG38RxXNUvsgL3iH7BpczXEqkoqqDsUcnHGazpc0gscKTHO08rRfM5+U9MV3LRDNO0SWzjgednkiZwdhOQPzqZO4Fm81SGS48qK2MXdFjiHzH3NQk1qIih1KEhY97xMh3My/KARVcl9xlXU9VvLm8kdCYY5PmVdxA55q4wsBlW0txHM7gOxYBSVGcj0zWjWgy4zvPI0lwDCMfe2YAPapuIms7NLhjuuVVVbIOSazlJoLk1/dQ2C4jkWWdskSMDhQfSiKcgsc/czyZBkdpd3UmuhIZX3bm6lQfamBJGgY7VcN06jGM0ARsUWQgljjjpxQAhfGSgx27mgAaR8Mudu4AZA6UANQICuXcAcHj9aAJGkO0LG4YZ6MKAETPXBz9aAEKpu3FTn86AF2qOVFABgE9BQBt+HdbXTUlt5bS2khlGDI8YLrz2OMisqkOZAdVA9xND9rt7ZLi2I2RkxDAHfk8/jXJJcuiZNhp1U6aBD9pnVh0jVgV29xScHLoKxHcanHeJ5u0QQCM/IEBLHp1qowsFiHQXtZ72G3RxFCGCs7DJGepP4UTuo3Gbd3pgsJbpoTFdRspUSkc49s1lGbdmTc5zU5A9u1tbWaTSM25pCmGHsDW0NNWUjLkS5g2smFkY5AXbkfjW97jNzUrm3i8M2EVujS6hPLI10w5Kr8oUdPrWMYNzbYGTZbbMMzMpLn5gQDj9K3AZbRosnnxSoshyFBH6elS7pAb8ljDo1rcSu5W8df3bNghfXjkVndt2EZOmWV5rd1LLGFmMS5f5gN30qpTjBajOr0bTnspBqUhLyQpiKOJixiB9u3Nc0pqei6gZ3iGKymto0si0l8025iPU9RVU3K+uwGlpqIsTJDAWubgLHL8v3V/ixipbIZFq18dOS5tILVLeNJMJuQbmPrnmqirtNu4I5W31KeGeVrpQ0zrgFhkA+uPWupRVika2g68lnpk9mtzAkcynzBLGrMxGcAHHHWlKAzDm8mWTYn7xnyzpjAGO+arYYy9SC3sgjpJI+7gbRjFNahczraaNbpAtkoHRlfv8AlTlZgdnb+G4dVsba7WKGzRGwVZj+89xzXHKvyNoDttNSCGRYP7RuAI18uKJYVUHjJIbr29K45yclcCG903T4Z7iaU6g9y6BjJ552Lz9KIzlbWwGRJqPiC2024sdLkHks25TIVbAHXBNbWptpsRhahr95rDTx3EMZ8tUMjoBwVUDgfhWsaMYbDKen3YudftIgbiS1WQfKuM+nFayhZAHiSwkTWpxFD5dvJKQg7j6mnTdogUX0i/lS4kuITHCmPmYdferUloBYNhEbmBZrl/s/AcouR9KlzEbem2Vms9rHKcwtyu9SQPb61jOTkhFa51BoLq9VrK2a23bVBiGcc+tVGN0gMqxuXaOYW3IAJ2ucKK10QC+KIkM+xmtoZPJDkKO/p1pU9ho59cDjPB6cV0IYRQyyuBHht3YmhyQGhZr9mzL50QzkOrLnjuKzchGpOyjS5pdNSd4EYM0jJj5vQVC1e4jm7kEJIZHG7G4AnPNbpFFm1uLm6MME4WVFXAYrwtKQjppNO0o2HmpPeXMnk79iINikHByOtYOTUgHQTCJI4WhaMogMY2gAA561D1EWLBr5gyTXQtkbJSSRSEI+o4P0rOSj0GR3UdnbWzTxSttlwSwPBA7cGmm5PUB2otbvarJGtzLDsyzGMKo+nOTRG99B3I7bTNNVLPUbJ5bZ15kLZwWz/hRKcrtCNDXzaHz760+yPLH5ZQFTknvxjFTT5tmXzF6wglTQP+El8RXiLJN+7sbK3iMZz2c4A4FVJc8uWIkkzixpd9da0/2DdJdFiR85GBjrk10XSVgZt6ZDBqFtAbqGG3kh+V28xiC3qawm3HYm2o34gWNjaJbrbanb3pChisROEz68U6Dbepo4q1zF0VIJYpI3k8wuPmRuAmOhzXQ2zM0NMttOjuFhsxJNMW2vIGzk1jPmAs+NH/sry9PjjkGoSqHmnM2UKtzgDHFTSjza9DRrQq6MYo9Hksmxc3l0wMWDymM9T+NVK6d+hKtY6zw8dWkuAupavb6cbZDh5cKWXIGMiuSpGC1SuZy1IoXtrfxXHBoNu15LK4UXCnALHvzn1pyg3C8thS2PT9D0S70XXIbTxNILdHt2aIqxZSceo71w1aaktEKMRt6lo18ywNHdYGFKDcRj+Qrn5HEvkOT1bU4Z5HsYJ0E7goy7s4z+VdNOnbVk2OUmfXbG8ePTby6GE+YysNoXPI55rsj7KS95FJkWp6g0m2TUpEUuvAYkcf1q4wW0RnOXVzBcz7xJ1wFJ5zW600AZPqN/bpHbQI7K2RtB4pqCe4i/Z/ai0MFuD8y/O7EgAntxUuy0ABYvLcy/aGA8vgN2J+tHP0AZb2ZUtcNDKdh+TgYzn1NJ1LqwyW01HUtNlhuUuI3Tfllk+ZR6ZyMUOEJaCsZXifzL/U5tQR40nnYu6x8LnPp2rWnpHlKMYtMn/LDzncY3E9K3VmBatbO9kJMTqmR82elTKSWgi0mnz+UsyXcW4ffVCd38qhu7AuPeWumMl5bXLS3JUKQVxtwPely8+jApyahNfXv2iUMWVQOR7U1Dl0CxvW2q6FZ6EUa3uTeMCS6gYB/OsvZTcr30GjJsHjkuS81tvBJIY5AxitJX7iZtQahbRRhIpmtgVIIjb9PWsHByeojndcuZb6481nwuSBxyRmumlHlKRjvjJaM8KRwDW4G3YTsNLC7WwWz6Vzy+IQy382WSVGZYUUZPBYYok1ECu8VpBdeW0hn3cgQqefrxVX0At6bo13NcjOUU9Gc4IrOdRCudXo2m6dbairmVbuU/K5cjaMjtXJOpJrQVjW1C8tB/olulsY4zyIYsYPue9RCEnqx2ON1JDNdm2gtYpCzZXcTnNdkXyrUZdtoxa3Bimki8wR4BwNv0HFDdwIWu71yzDf5PAYDPNPkEULjUkkdYgLhYv+WisxwOvOMVcY22GiBYLGS6Kok90i4JCEg/nVDNSW802AxR6dDMh24kWSbd9ccVHLcQNc+UAEtziQ8f7NRYA1rUU8iKK3MiMCSUI4LfSqjDuKxhw/bLvM89wggU9zgn8M1q2O5dn1FLMAWwhl3gbwWIx+tLkuFiOz1G52STllCA58sNmhwAvWV5capdWlrM4aBCCQeB+JP+NRKPKhpHoely6DpBF9pcPk6orAxusgdVx14yR6VwyU5P3tikQeINY1PWdUN1KY/tOC/mIuwMfw700oR3NHIq6le674gjhkvVhE1mpU3HmMZMHHqT6U+aENO5lJ3Ny0tRF4ft5YY7+4lfG6R/uZ9q5JO8m7E+zuQpdrJKLZpmjB/dkxfOxz1wD0NVyNahax1+leBIFaxluNH1GexK7jPG4MmDnkjtzVRcp7BY6jV/AVjZJb3Vpc6lPpbZ88qgkkX5Tj5QMjkjpnoeKfsNB8tzc8HPYa9a3NglpdwR2MTLuvLYxsQFJBAb6f8A6q1pU+XSRcdzyXwjo2veMrrVNV1L7Fa6Jas6l0UEuEz2z7da2qJQ0iUt7HO2OqadeSSWltIF2sQJUUgsvY4NYShJasiTsNtohFuLSvc7GwHzWUpX0J5ri3V1DC/lzNs8z7oI9f5/SiMG9h7k9w7waHJfxhTAD5agNg/lVxhrYaVjirjxPcRSsN0iqTj5eOPwrsjh11A5291CS5lMkhyxORmuiMLbCKMrlmLYGR/d9ataBcMkj5jz3ouK56Q3gu3hnRN6TwvGCJNpAb868x4mXLcfKyW3+Gl6yM9rcWsMM2cFyen+eKiWOS3FytEU/wALzbWm5rmOURncxjHGOneqWO5mJ3OU1vT4rG6itoFjLuRtwv4V0wq8yuwR0+m+EdYmtVke1mCCPKnaAPxrGeIS6gzLvNMv9IiNvcXEEW5vu7ssB78VUakZ6oV7lSF7aa48qNGvJSM4QHAxWl7DGWMdxLdO8EKLKnzLhS2BRKaitWWkas73eo20FhLAWy3zTSAgms+ZL3kJxubmnfDkCaF11bypnIDKId21e5z9Kyli+lhqNjY8RJFaarP9gd0ttOt9sZHWQ45bj1rmg3Ja9QZ55qWtXiyIJLuWaUZKozZ25Oa9CMF0JQ/TdVmurmOxutzbmyxxgn2onTUdUM1by1t7PT5pDtVmHzfvBkD0ArKEm2SYkM8CSxxfamMchOUPat+UZLNtuIUV5XW1Uk4DEAk0loJlK7vbe2RUhVDj7nc/rWkYtgY99drfSxpFCflbBz3NapWGkamo6MyXUMf2yKXCAt5QztJ7VCqO47EP2Kwgt5ioa8nIwNwIEdHM2SZKOQPL2JnGOvFapjM6UFS3ygEHseKsB1tiRwCdoPqaAJ1i866W3jYHccbuooA10LWLfZIVUsVw7ms3qA3VWmWzQIhcsOtKKQjFtjPBIzK209OtajGzOS5DZOeSaAHRkKo2sQfanYAd2kJdjuz6mkAwtz04HFAD1Pyg+3SgBRx0GKAGso696AJAPlAP3c9RQAswErkINqr096AISAGyD0oAQkuckZ9aAJzNlUUIoVeelAFdwd3agBhxyeaoByEgg0hji2QfSkIQPzQA4Mx7UAKMA85oAmuZICiiOBkOMEk5yaAK/TGOaAJFB+tADTkn5uAKAJUHynAPHvQBNbrGQWZ9lADWfc4wM46UAK53gB2Crjk55oAZdT2vlJBDFls7jIxPT0xQBc0HSp7zUbacxq1ssymQFsbgD6VnUmooaO31l9Ft4EigsoTJkYPb3FcSc29RMdp2kx6kvlW9o7LGN4QNlQfU4rOdZwBI7HxBHdWvhbQLe7ZpLGIMqFW4VvpXPFqU5MGjgb9LeJRK0sTSiT5lxyRXXG+wi54s1K71LRbJBDGI1YIpHUZopxUW7gYt/FDC0cbNumVcPk5AFaRd9RmpZandLpMdqbt/s4XIjjIUVnKMW7skii0jW7qNpAiQ23LFiwzin7WCFoZ0VxBYvNbJbtNJMMbwMkfStlrqh3Ibi21GyR5Us3iSMbt8q4Pt1q1NN2GmUhc395JHFe3DT4+UFzkLWjshmjFDBBFGiK6yKck9QfesmwH6gi2+ohftGxZACxU4NUBUlhzyMzRMTkt1ouBBcxPOhijRVCEP8nsapMRafVLxmt7GC4MUOMMGPGe9S6aauM7e30q/0u2jls7mJ5TCHaSJvu8fzrgnKPNZisZ1nc6hLfo8k91dTMcS72IGPaiXLyuwjQvbyyto3AiQSA42sfu54z79azUXIdzLubnT5XU3JDhFJ/dLtHT2xW8YyWwFfTk0vz/tGotJJZrwkJcnFVJTt7oDfFGp2r+XBYQIllGv7tMcqSOee9VShJasZzpbfAYo2cNJxljxiuhaAbugS6RYad594s00gJUrGSMjjvWM1N7AbX/CW2unWwksrBYWQYh3AMwzXOqDb1YHN3wmv184kxFm3ED1710R00Ei5piXEgYSRCWC34LM23OecClJjJ/EemeXYpfbIIiwDKgfOB6mphNN2Ymc7quoXF1deeseJNvSLoMDFdEYpAM0+dRBKk6iV5uAoGWWqdhk3zwssn2eRkjbDjGB9Km6YhIpYXmaKNG/fnIBHC+1HTUZdW0lsY0drdFgBBZmAGalO4hdGt9P1DWP9MuUtLFN0ryYyWAGdo+uMU5N2BFizF7qLJDpcDLbs52qy9VHesqnLDcDW8RacLyS2+0mGMkDcNuAD6c1hSnZuwrmJLD5EkttFCrBJDjjjGBXSpNoBt04nSIeekYgBzEp6mmr3AzJrpoUky0nmA/JtbvWi1GZ4ukW6XdbOyHrjkk1okMN4cO6RvtBwAew7U7gXdCJNzMm4oqKCFBxk1MndAO16/umRrYMI4wwYpjGe1TBCKVlqEkER3HdyRtIyMYq3EZnKzAZbkn1qkA2aTzGHJyOD6UwDOOKAEdm24B2jOeO1MBAeck5oAUMc/eNIBdw6YxQAhOT1p2AVCA2MZpWAkUUAOIZQOvpnFADTnFACxrvcIWC57mgCae2ktWAuOEbjcD2qWwO10y9046XbabZXE0l1KAoUjOCfeuWcHe/QTK19pyRbbK4iMNykmZGHIAPvRzX2Ak1OykW1wjNLiPCEN0FClZiK3h8Gz3M4VnT5mJ9KJu+wGxpcv8Aak2wz5LZBUcA1jJcpLF1GGGwtlFpkuMqSH+9RCTY0YNzBBBb+cZZDKeQoXj6E10RKMqO6cbmXcqgbTgcHPatLBYjLiWVY4s7sfNk1VrDHXK3FvFbrOYwpO4AdaE7iN7RL9brT3sVjSOSTjc2ME+tYyTTugNHSYpLXUH2KipEMmUDG/gdKxnqgOss1uI7ry4FcpcoPOAxh8ciuWVrAch4he5tL1YH2pLHOZMqONp7foK6YK4jW0XVpLcrI6RKlwCkmRliD6ehqZwTJY23jWFLyaSYBFU7lYZIz3NNz1SBGbqk2mpp0UcSW8yhM71GHcknrW8L3KMjTtNS5glimO2bcCgUgkAmtJTsNmjFLaaDLcQyRsLkpsEpweD17VGstgKGp6khmDnE6Rt8oI5NaKNkBu23i20lvIBc+G7QLtCYiQDdnjJz3rOVN23Gjvf7U0hrOK2tY1iS2Vd3mkY/SvMlCSeoznIxPJ4kivGhgNspdlIyAFIIyea10ULLcRsa/wCILCxjt7a3khvLiYYCRHisYUXJu4GDf3mq2dyBeWDQFjlA/ZT1rojTjJaMRj6hoX2v7TfgxwQKPMbawHHocV0RnbQDkJlktbgiBj8p+VhmuiKvuCHtqmoC1MElxuR8ltygnNUoLdDF0m5eJCHuy0fPynnce1DggNrSWiluD9oZgFJLxjpWFSNhM05Lfd4YCpMWupSZIlJA2qT/APWrC/viKsen3lzpFrC1orXHnOTIDnevGBx1x/Wqc1FsZLoNnPpt5KJ9LkulOV8tUI68d6J1E43vYQsvhzVbzUlhlsRGr8BnPzKPel7eKWjDmRrTeDtOjt4bZVSScDDOr8ZrF4uW5Dky2nw50dYXWa/8idRkbTn9aj67Nv3ULnY66tfBHhXTrS5Nj/a077lYvJnJ47fnRGdaq3rYqzkcn4o8VprVqdL0/Qks7bdvUW+c5967KVHkfM3cpKxxjKVniaSCUDGGDDvXWpIo6G1tbifTZb2CwK2kDD96em70NQ5WlYRSjv7pZiIwiAnaVC9QaTA34o5oYFYxBgy7mZv4fwrJ2AnfVIZtLSxvpbtkR18pcZQAnk1lyO94jMS8t41uXSFyYV425P8AKt9eoi9eRXFvssoZHliKq69cLkdKlLuAQLPJtjuL1jCmGMY5AqXZdANCS7trQvJFayXqBQMAYBPbNSlrvYRjatczyxKzPJDvPyI5+6BW8YpIaKtnq11HGU84sc8sBg8+9U0hnYaSNHEEc0UTSQJbgTb34aTuQK5al72EZ2qLa2mnXu2KGSG6ZFznJjxnp6dacG2x3OV1NshBAVj2rt+TjIrrinbUCTSrptMeO8+xNNtYMhYHBI9aJRvuBpapZXV1anUGSFSY/MO1yTyenNSrXDmNn4eaOk8F7qOoalZ2It4gY1mOTJkE8YNRUb2Qjtfgxq3gmz8RTWXi+P7aNRiMSyONyRnIx9M+tZOD3Qmj06Xwd4D8Ia1FHYarD9puXWe2UNvPBzj24FKcHYlnRXumWHip431W+ltFictFAMISSOOQM1LppotbWMV/D8EGmai+mahBa3thkTxr87Ovrg56+1cUqD3LbueX654evYtHi1iSeMmWRiiBQHTHqCM04yWzIaOK1XV5nk+y7PM3pgSLjPUZ5rphTS1JSDUY7OOzjgv3iaRgfLd5Sdgx6CnHmvdDMuxW2S9Bt7QMIB8rNj5z9DWutgEluYrm9crCDKM5ULgKaaTA1NMS0axeaZ4nulHyQltob61lPmvZAWLDUoCbh7yzt7dUIZVXHJ/wpSpy2QzB1PxEbh5MsCn93jAHpW0aVgMrTb2W+mTTJh/o4feDjjitnHlVxnS+JPEUcJtLaLTtNCRoo3LANzY9TWEIO71AgnFrqIeG4tYP3hV1CLtx7CmuZbEsdbvoFlqNtaCNo7d3BkaT+EDrxQ1Nq4WZgeI1C38z6dKBCTwyjAIrantqMz7DR73UInktDE4Q5IMmDWjlyjLdnod25OZ40YnGDms3VFc07HTLC1IN+/mDPz88cVk5X2FuWtXu7SLw+iafdhzKxDRqv3VBz1pxi+a47HJzxyiTfCkgQngEV0Kwy8sdrJYTPPcbJ4wPL+bANHoBjxPtPPzc8+9X0A37GaOeL7DAu35SST3rKSsJnQ+Hda/srTLnRvstpKLg/NLLCrOuPQmuepBz1uAs01ut6Ws0iRxyNigEfWps7aiLluc3cpulu7u5XJMQT5cY9azatsCOd1LXbq6t0gtrUW4jc/dPzH/OK3hTjHcoq219qDkxJv3H7471TUVqI6zS5U0nRvtEtuZLstlXAzgVzybk7IVzndYmlurhiyFApzkjk5rqjFJDGwWIjgMscRmeQfKN/em2Bkahb3FtdD7RbyIqnDbTkGrjIZcsbaa4SQx2oSMYLOTg4odhFa8EMZV4QwdCOvQ0kwLulXr3YO4KSvAyen0pT0AkS1fzXmYHeeefTpU8wFfUY1EDIg3kDp2HerQIwdzzFoo0JcelaXGOkjurOVo2kZTwSuetPcCZL242GJXIBxwKTsFzpPhvqVlpurzS6lpsmoW5hZSobBViOGz7VlUin1GpHY/C2S1v/G1nY3sgeLzhIiSfdK88E/hXPVgkgkz6Y1XwJ4N1a2msbbSrS0nuU+WaEANz/wDX9a51Tv1Kiro43xxJqtufDfhK9vE0GzMxiN0uMSAcAY7VrGjZDbsjf8PfDXS7HTnW5dLq/XLfaimCD6g+lQqLkyYxbJNL8Y6fod1a+FLu9Mk6RM3nMAwHzMSDgdgK6qdHlVkaezMfXvjN4W0i4kh0a9inmZ1EgZTtYFgCfr/hWzpIJJROw1LxHo8dub15IppriExRJEcFiwwOnOOaycVciO5x3iGfUfC3wwuLWCKzJeFlkRV6KeDz1zQo3ZvTSPnaPULe+vo3hVLcRxqgRAAGwAP6UVYuxjJJs2re6mmUxxyMrE7QOACBXFKm+xHLYxfFxBkhd5mIAKlR6+tdFGFlsUcrLfXYRoluJPKJ+6DxXUo21FcqNK5YsTuJ9ea0JIv3gXORTAMc56ZpAPUZTdWYj199NmNsPJvmuDCuBslG1R6V5fPrqjVJmn4f8UaUuiLbX8EqywOYyFYnd3zn8axqUJSldM20sQQ2PizxUTNa2q2+nQuePN5KdvrVNU6XqRyNnT+HfC9jGkUlzZRyTRYGSM49TXJUxD2QnTNqe4uMPbqPMDNhooR0FYJK9zJwZyuo+A7PUrtb/WzJEJG4jRhx78V1QxUqceWIlTZdTw3okVnPb2unSRxj5BLEu0vn3NT7epe7ZpyNkWmWGleHTFbQtEJpjtAIy20+tW6lSorlWsrEEmgXGu63FFZ2D/Z4ATM44Zx7frSVZQjqyY7l42dxBPPamKe3WZ/KUpyQvQ81N1uaNXOP1OApbajcThixPlAJJlio4HHrXTF7JGcosx5PD0KmO6eERSum4KRljjufStVW1sQ0WtD03TobW7uzDm5jbJlY/Ko9veiVRtpCOa8UTxXM+C7vG3VlXFb0U1uI5J90F5GCSqo2Tn0rtSTQ0an9rT6nCYzJDFBEAAqjGalwsFjLuoGJM4clQo2gdKqMgsQ2CyedvAO1Tmruhm1a3qPALWCIRBjyS3zN71i1qBDeSv8AYWiiBAZjvf1pki6ZbC1smnmhQzOCV3joOmRQ5a6FIw5EVg8b8E85xWyEQbFAwOdo4pgPtpWt5BKB0IND2Gb99NbzyxXAYvIyAMqdM4rKwWHXxZ7WIqFDNnKrkkULQLGLfW08GGZc7uevStE7iKRDdTyKpAhCpH0qmMduwAKgQEEkYOBTVhokQbuvakIfnnFADXHegBpyT1xmgBCT6n0oAaT0oAWgBFdjlT0oAVxkZ70AIPvH6ZoABn14xQArAAUAJs5GKAHdOtAC8HHGTQBM0IjUFmAz2oAhzg9c/hQA6MksBQBI67cKcdecUAGSFIBwTQA0k9DQA5CMnBOaAJo4POkjiLYycZPb3pN2A2bfwXqVxLIbGWO5hiTJkHyg1zyxEVowHeHbeew1RrW8ikklkXbEEJODkYNFSakrjOoTwo12E33ywjdl/Pbbge1cbr8qehJuaNdR215c6bpt0gij+UGMffI75rKcbpSaLR3Gmww3PhDS7G5QXEULPvuH6FzzgVzydpNobOQ8S6TpdwkcSwLABI298c1pTqSWpmzO1C80HTbaKFYmkaEg7mHyg9jWsY1JsDnjrVjb6k0vkLdRuCJSwGG9q6YU20Ayy1dtQvEtbKGCGOPb0QfKB6miVKy1EbWuazp00QiW+ceYcSuV2qPUD2rnhTle7RJH4V0iPVdYurzQwHtbRcNPJ93p7/Q1Vao4QXNuM0NT0+21GOe81C881IhiOIPgSHp/Os6c3FpJEnKDRL5dSmkS2AQOM/MMDNdyrJJJmgeIdNfStOgnRnkllOGJOVXBqadRTk0K5zs1y8mWc5OeWrqiii1Y6kARFwyAYwaloTLFzFNGspWQLGU3emaEBmaZYXmoXH+ixqwVdxLNjjvVOVh3PSNJuJI7OO3hO6TIDk+uORXn1o3lcTLNzaxRzI7+bb3AYEYYYYY9ulc8ZX0EcvrDyXGomPyHyrHp6YrqprQCteeVHpcrZUZYJhvvfWteoxi2V/Lau0LweSI9zOzDoB0xRonqMpaep1BWhghuJ5i2BsXiqcuUCLVrG4srry5NomjGSv8AdzVxkpCK1vdSFypG/JxtPTvTaQy7FayfaIpzGTn+E9KltNWAs4na48gs/mSMAFAyM1L7huTJAJrk2s04QJJtYBuOOKiWiA29bSyttMCLGs7bSA7y5CjjtWNNtyEcxp09rZW052h2m4K+grs1YFm31HTrIRSQRQidAMk881LjJhYSe8F+ZYpJdob5m560KNhpFOS6gtpIXsMGSEDcrDOT/k1dgsVdTTU7m5DSliHGdu7gfhR7qET2Gn3byCAYJ2ggL3onUSQXOt8LpcKpNyzwPE20KOOK4qzT0QpM0vFcRm0uOa2lie1WUqZJMAqRWNF2dmtRJHJW1vcvNLILlmG7AKg4rt5kgKGpWbWc8szOGGAFx61rF3GjKNy8rNvAyDxitUijX0vRbqSWKV1McBXzAznG4Vm6qvYV0TWlj5EUstxGiRiQuST1pc1wuUZ7uzSZpYgNzv8Aeqkrginr10t3MkisDGq4Cgd60irDIIIWljHl7WfGdtUBHPaSxxNPI0a47Z5oAqDGSB2HPtQAoIOcHPGc0AJ+FACgE9BkUAJwMZBww4oAAV70AL/KquAmcHjg0mBatkDI7eaAQOnrSAGZmXntQAzPpQAgzxjGM5pMDds5f7QIRoo3PuelZtWAlXR7xb6B7B0V927Kn7tRzpbiNm3iMl+ILyfd5jEM6tnJrOUlbQC/NCVit3trtZIZFIMQHzJgk4rJO4WIIYTM5ihhJMw2HK8qCaG7CJlhg062ltsiF+Qsn/6u9K/PqBkrNLM0aOC7RLhAP51tayApaxbagYfOdyEllwBVwsMqagpt7BLMqvmqwYspyCCK0Gg0GBlnFw21ivY9qJMkdrtx9qlB3ruReFAxxUxGgsUDxo0M6OSMMmORTkxmzcW1/e2Syyp5RMgVQp52AAdKwdoiOi0641Bb5bi3ud8EaLD5RHPGOfpXPJRegrhrttbRedcStvmdhsGeCTRBtiM7S5IrVYzdcIHVt3HrWk4voJot+J72WHTo4EhaKG7yfM2AllBx1qaUNbsEc1FBE0kU7TfuoSPkcY3AV1Io2/Gmtadda1aXGk6SmnAWYTapz5h/vGlGHcroc9qC3EpgnlXCOCzc5LVcdBD9O0W5uFeeNlS1RNztJxgVM5pCuVXigtdRdlnaQAAqVOeapNvcZo6fquoX9zFpkVsPJkkAdlX5ycVE4KPvMZ2tp4ZvBYLHcySxiQsEVjgAe9cUqy5tEKzOc1HTLXQI5dzmS+DDy2HRea1jN1PQZS1LxDf6lbTx3UbvJMoXe79MVtGmovQDKmvLi3RIi7CNhhgDwRWqigJ5cT2M8ySoqKVJOOelVYEjHbMiZXlR3IqwITaSx7WMbIpGQxpcwF7TLiSxnS5gPnvn5omGQaUo8y1A9E8L+IXhuBBqfh/Tt94REDPCQEGBjH51wVoaaMR0GsXJsbWUaTaW8LWyb0lC5G/PQflXItX7zAytL13VNSnTzZybu5Vg6ooGCMc/lmtJ04peQiO4vbxlRY5ZI47l/L8xkOQfY0tPuJRWuT+9c2rqIgdisG5I9apLTUbSL9tLbSW09zJdGFIov3gI4bis5R10Eo3OLh1OyvdSWzjtV2uGSJs/xkjmu9RcI3K5bGfqN7caLq0lmsKRTwnazKetbQ95XDcz7q+lvLYs8MpKtu3AZGM1aVhmxZ3sz+GTZW8oVDPuaNnwW98VLWtxGbqMF1aeXcOmMndkGncZrWWtGXTXSQB5JBtyTyP84qJQvqMg17UZLyGO7SVfMRNjKFxjHSlGNhszHvBsEkuSXGDj1rRIRJp+qtp/miRTcO4AQs33aHC6CxPdXzyyOtvEIXYgnB46VMYoViW11iJsxTh14HPYkVLggLOs2d3DdRNNGruVDctlQp5FKOgEslva2Wh3cUsgcTlWG0fdPsafM2wEtoZbf7HYWLmZ2jLsqcnr3pdW2hGw2m3F/pskVvbEQxq0l5NJgAHHA+vWsbpS1ZaVzkBpLzhvJiIQY+bdmun2lhNm3Dbx6TKInb7U2AAjjjNS5OWxJU1SaSVXmhURQvgPEG5pqPcC78ObTwndeICPGV9LZ2UaEoEGdzdgatptaDOltdG8F3y3Mml6zMbhGfyojEQNoI2nNYTlOLJeh33wouLNdXm0y8vbAIluWhuLxAXJ4yA3bvWbqtgtTV8O/EXStT+KF7pxt0js5iI1uDJkBkH3h6dK0cbR5i0ja+JKReF7+y1DQbiTU9bvj5ghjTd58Y7tjtWbV1uPY443Gu+N9blvxBb2d0223NkylRGwGCee/SsKlk7CbZzHi7wcvhjVjp+sFDiPe0sR+7k8CqjOTTJRwOt6DHHfstte/aEPQ5yBW8J3WwDYoTbSFLpxMCAF28Yqm+YZUvLdpbpjp8Eu5jnk9aalZWYD3mFsYUeFRcRfM4P1otfYC14gksrvUBOHMFuVBQAdTjn9aVNNbgchcMqu4QBgxOMjrXTEY22ujBLhVODwapxuBp3OoLcx+ULUKyHIk3Vmo2ArHUbs/OZJNw4DL2ApqKEP0+3n1C5SNmfzXbA3U20h3GzW93bMUm8xVU49utJOIXLmh2V3PcHy54rfafnZm25qZyVhFqW+nsJHtYfKuWaTG5WznFR7PmQWE1fUzcQ/Z5IUtWjOSOpOfWqjSsCRRtZbJbxXlmcxFcBVXABq2hj5NVWSQJEGI9DU2EZeouk04cDaGHStIgiNoZUj37eMdc1TGy9pG+C9haFiGI5JHAqJCOsiFtfbbiRIlnRvnI+XNc8uwjR0fRP7VnaKEMrNxuUgfrWFWo4K4WNjwdYXmh63PLqKLdWp4LeZz7Vy4ipGpBKL1LjG7NMppiXM15aaPaA+YQC46E1i5TejkVNJGPZeFxNrNy815AjmJpOmBnGcf0rode0UrGbMfULfV7lC9tBNNDGOoHAArop1ILdk6HPRQ3cxn8yN2LHadwxiuhzjoVcis47zS7kBxmJvXtVXUgL0wDKXdn8jPyvjPOBRfWwEi6kx0/7NlDGmCn7rbv57mlYRqNZ6LqmnQXGob7Zk4fyRncPpWTnNO0RGRcJoVjduLQSmPdxuODitUpSWoxuoz213c272s4G5dhCn7vPeny2QyxeaRptojLczvMWwcrkH8alSb2EZk9xZWmVt4QeMAAc1qk2MzRC15IXmU7M8k1V7IC7bJbx/u7WPcSMZIqWxM3/Ccur+HfOa38lFukKu7Rh/lP1rKdpCudx8K/DlpqvitZrqR0hhTBYYDOccAf57VzVpO1h3uevp4Q1qxvY7/TZ5ZDE42QiXL4J6n2rGCmtzWJo+NNEiv/Ckv9oadBeXUlwqwefKS6sTjj0NdsL2Ktc8z1Dxh8RdL1w+H7iG4hZYVi2iMnIxx9eKL8upWx59r17qejXdxeSR3EN66MkjOCSuTz1q6dVSY5SdjNtfCFpD4Oi8X6xq+JrqUi3s41y3Bzlj+FaSqtuyMOZtl7S/FTWk0dzZ3pjuUYbWkO4Y9MVlyyuUtDqdY8aJeaVdQPdljOnzMTwxPX6VcFZmilpoeQHct+ZIZCkZY8Drit3G5m2WPtSl3X7e8YXmPHUmocEK5nzXE0255J2fHAz1pqNhXK2442nvV2EJnHQjigCPc2etADyVK55L/wBKTAmjdfJbjpisxHt8Hgc3ENx5Wp2trLctwkYJCj0rwpYtLdbHVysjPwsmeS3tv7ZW1h275JWGS5yeg+goWYRSu0UqTNiz8K3mnWjW0etkx9EwpDban66p9DRQsb+n3kdlFbWduVmdAFbj5mIPpXPKHNqy7KxZnvNlrPe20UcMgQ4jyA8h+tTGnrZmTijjbjUbjTraN7qBTO7rwz52+orsjBSdkKOh0sGpsZWiimRwUEoQnO0nP6VlKka2uifw9o1hoGuxav4kji1DVLqN3s7XOUC8cj8/85rS9lboYcvc3/tN5f6qhs4DaiQ/vTGNqqoOSOlcko63BQE1147W3aV2TAYqoWT52rOF2y1GxwsN3GdLUXNsmwzmQxogLMPUn1NdtrS0Y3Gy1OS1DxXeaxqpi03TRaKCYQjISSPXOK6o4dQV2zmeuxU11SD9mYO0ZX94I04J45yOnerpambM+0g8JXVklm+vfZL4niEwuwJ9yBgfnWqVRO6V0NIzbjwRq2oXjNFbbox0kTLZ9+K0WIjFFKDL5+G9vZoqTeI9N+0hVDQM2w8jjrU/W+bZD5GV73w+kdvHZMZZJEJDeTH8pHrupqrd32JcTHl0mK3jm/0KaIoMBnlyD+GK0U79RWESztWgaCGGOS4ZeHVuFpuTYWKwkltFaH7O2xeneqvcVh+tSTTx2+9So8vaARg4yT/WnGNgOYuY9lySm6TtwelbJhYkFsTbtI2FOOmeadwsRRkcLjdkY+lMQ6NhG5Jz04HalYDTt9cazicQYkkdcDIBwKVrjKF3qLTw7GBY9yapIRRDZOCOvWmMeoZsICPUDNFwEfIONuRnselIQ0NuztycUAP8zoNvagBwcAjNACnlTg0AMY4ODQAmeOlADM5PPy0AO4YUAIgGPSgBWbbTsAm4enXvRZhYU4pAGe9ACbsUwELZX3osAbyvNVygO3kAjrSsOwgbP+FJiJo1LYUCkA8KFyCCKAHpE0p4VuBnOOKAIuc/eFAD1K5JzQBZtp1iIPXNJgbOn6/d29rJbwhV8wY+g9awnRUnqNE1jq10l5FMwDxg4JAGR+PWplSVtBpnST2tnN9mvYzd/ZLggHzG6nuASa5tVoJ3NaysYZ7KGSwhi0qPJw7vuaQeua5qjalZ6lJHb6NbR33gW9isrspcabGszOxBUFicnj1xWTUnUu9hM5PXPI1LTkgF4BJ5imRg2Cc9K2h7jukJrQ5jxBp9lptm8DNd3N2/zSOzARoB0Hua6KcnJ30IOSuIRLbefErKqAl8Ka6otoLkukQxRrM08jxQqm4KnVz6Gqeoy4tu+rWdsJZ0ggL7dowAvrnvWN+ViOhOqaZY+HrjTYQ9xbRsM+UCgd+QCSRzWLhJzuxHI3GoJLOghiKr3GeAK6VAdjVtri2WFmNzLN82dmdufSo5LAzGvNSnumcSs21jwo6CtYwS1BJFB4ZXc7R8oXkk8VqmUSgoqo4iTg4wh5PvTaAdb3zIzi5UvH05P6VDQM39EgDWxukVxGUOxQmDj6VlOXQRq6RFOjy3KFxs+4AnO49CfauebA1fMVLVb3UrxVaQ4AC5OfWudJ3skBy2rTGfVpTa37YccNjB6V10/djqgKrae7Y2ySyzbSx3jgADk1akhlWT7MZ40M82MfMAvvVbAbcOunTLI2lhbzRw7t3KBSfqRzUOnzO7AyhcStOXuIRK0vJHc1ahbYC5pLWA+03DwNG8Q7rwD2qZ32QFW41q6mnZoVLBjhdsYpxgkBdt737BCftwiiaRflA+Zh+XShq+wIfYxaW1nAlskzF3Yu0jAAk1Em1uBDqF5JZQyWY8lkiYFT97OaILm1AwnhNzHNcZ3fMC5HbmugBn2eKNN2ZDkZ5HancCx9rhihjFtaiRtp3swNFrgZv2913IPlyckEd6rlGbuiyXOoReSB5kuCzFRlgtZVEo6ks63w7bx2Vo7Rv+/OD5jDJQfh0riqSbJZo6hdb5Wnjk8yUoAC4BHvgVlFEmPDq0Mdrc6bep50k028HYQF4HatvZ3fMjS6sUNQ1FY7GS0jmaMSMCEUVcIXd2SY2nwPqM4SSfyrRSQzyPxnvXQ9Nhk002nQ2zw22njjpMwLMfp9aLS3bAu3mt3UWnpbTsYdibUwg3YqFSV7hYxr3UjMEV43VAvG4YJ962ULDK5uLTDkKSdvA96tIZSk8oJ97kjjHrVALpsgjLM7hRt4Y+tAENzLJdKRJMNvJXaKANHRdNRJ0uroCa2A5AzycdKmUugFDVLtLq7Jjgjt4k4RAuMVSAqE4wMYpgWNPga5ufIWSNcj+M/pSlJIDY1LTYo9Bs4IbSVtQ3sZXjXK7O2KxjVTe4GBJG0TmN12uOordNNXAQHPY/WmAbcnv0ouBLCMvt4wBn2pAPCkng5NACJHJLII41LMewoAnubSa1kijmXy2l6A/1qOYDoZdHlOnRWsSWzN/rDcRt1HocGs5S1A2vDQtm0eIzhzdxll+VhtIzxXLWb5tCSO+8y2jaJo42jZ/MEmzBGe2aF3ArR6jDZKAlvuLfKCD0rTk5tRnRWFyjWLXKIFeNMcjk/hXPKOtgKGs4N4lttWJNvmO+R+VXDa4GJei5t2M4Qgk4TA5IraLuBQieS9DQmKVnXlnY/KtaJJCK91bojOS4YoQCFGQfxqhkmm6r5OqwyvbK6A/6vdsB+tNxugNh7GfVdVu7oLGkcYPKHeo9uOtZOXLZAZsNva2962JBFtJ3nB/lVN3A7LR7VWt4zGZGlKZjdfmySfTtXJUdmI2jE2j291AId93FFlnKEZ3c4/Wsfjd2I5e6uba7sIbe7s2+3M7Mr7vlVa6Ixaeg7HOzXo8trchQqkr15b6V0RiMv2OqXF3OIZgzWyLsRWcDbS5EthWHyWNzqCF7VCojyxB4GKXOkLQp3lrqWPtovbR4YlAG5huA54Aq1JPoUS2Ey3cUTz2c00cWARGfvZoa7CE1DUBc3JsZHWxtlbJXIJb2zQoW1Cxl3VszXIS0dGUcLuYVYzoPChNrqpur91twuCMDkt7DvWNZc0bDR13ijxCLXQtwuHnuWfcuBgqvOc/pXFToXlc0TSRkx2j+IrQzybmudob5DkfT61q37J2IbKcmh3tppsdvd2KR7myrnJZgfxrT2qbumSYGqaFNHZzXi5aGFwj/ADZAJraFRXSGY0YcI0a5PpnoRW+jAUpOc7kbaOSQKXMDOymsre+09nsI5mARVxJ3Pt7VzufLuK5Xt/COtSBS9t5Ln/VksMH34NS8TBdQNrQfDWuXU1xa6hIW+yOJFnL5AHQ+vbFYTxEHa3UGdbBpjpataS3Ly2Sv5nmOMZ9ue1cjld3S1IbdzD+zRJr1oNI1W0jdpihiLgFVPvW0XKUbTiUtSfWJIorNbW4kdLkT/u41kUgn1GKUYu90OxjLHFYXJa4khh/dZAZuQfTFbWbWgWIb29XXswveJZW1vEFwFOZjz6VcafJqBgW1l5N7bCOykSTdlH3cMAetaOV1qxHTzwaE62uq6vIkjXUrK4I54rBSqO8IkO/QW61SHT9NvH0vQ4VhXOHwW+Xs2CMUQg3LWQ4xfU4GLz4yuoShDJOd+zAwAa77dCyzfXbXVuiebGB1IJ5H0pJAZ0cn2a4jbcMZ+XIzVNaDNu5ubNZEaaNZ0ZsPsAWs1GwjPntvOgzboXxlnA5K/lVrQEMsbR7gLLDA0mH5yOg9aGxnS/ZhfNM8CxrDbxrlmAznvisG2mSYer6hbtZiyitdgDbvNA5PNapaDLKXkd5uieXgKMF+vApONtgZZu9JuLiKPy5RJE4KBg2Rn06Vn7RIEVtP06503VY5bbzf3cf7xyDnOT0rTnUlYbR1F7b3l5pthZw3rWlvqLN56sp5K9D+tcvPGMnJ9Bq62OcvZ7PQ7k29ixdYjsMp/iPfrW8LzV5EtGXLf3VxNJLI+8MerHn861skBa0qw1C/xmFxCPmbHOamUkhNiavphGoeR9kMJCbm3Ht2PNOMroF5lzTpRDYiC3lQP6DqfxpSV9wO50q2u73To3it4ZViTZIwxnJ9c1x1FZi5bnM32oy2WtwRxwQu+/5lgj5z6fWt1G8dWOx3Vt8Utb0S/g1h7GC4mhtxbhJkwI1B/MGojBPqUmZuv+PdS1PUZdSgjs7eW4HmOLdiGU9OuBSdFA2ZN9d392I21C8ubh5gGkR5CzN6DmkrX9CbmDdW8q28kb29zbS7vkXZw3PrV8yYFW0k86YMcrEijcG9aoDXtLlotOkklZSJQ23y1BaoauwOfuiLiF3igkaRVwWxyRW6QIqvqNq1kkJGx4uB+NaRhco1/BWk2PiPXDaahN9mgWPggDcx9qipPkjcmbsb/jf4cx6CkUsReaGT/Vkc/ge1YQxHNoKMrnM22mxrcuJT8yjJDritXO+xRoWWmR3SIIoQQXAJ6dazlOyEbGs6LPps8QXymcx7ozGQTn8DWSm5biuQ6ffwxQz2Ou2kb+Ym2IGM7lOeuatxe8QKl5pOjLcGN5sZTeWyRtPpVKUmCObuNJmErTWN1bjaSQGlAP4V0RkUjMmhumHmSnJJ5Y81pcCzYQQ/emd8dPkXPNZuVgHR2Aa4/wBeOHwBjk0udAdBeWdpNY7fsQXy/lViMMR7jNZqTuIxJNOTynkEjLED0xya2UrjKkFy8L7EUktwAetNoDpdBs7mcbnt5XG4Z2g4/OuapJLQVyG6TVxLv0yO8CocAoxwD/jSUqe0gTOg0v7Wmi/Z9TneHUiwYKzZJGO461zzUXPTYq5tL9lg0WS7v/PeCcfMccKw7iuflbn7pS1GaZHYvqdvcWOvPNvjx9naJuncEmqqc3L70RM660WGTfC/kwRjg7Bxg8cVwybdjPluc3q15pU1rJZq8MU6A9OrHtXXSjNNMajY43WtPkaHzri7tZNkfMaNz1P61305eQ7DLaVL3QUh8k7IiTGgXljWj+K4hkelyXdqEClboElIiwAIA9avmAatxJapImzZ+7xtxnmhq+4GRdW07g3E2SSuc9KtMZFpW0MreQxJ5yFziiTAt6zc3VzLIF3BFAAyOTxRBoWhl29vfytxHIo67iKtySHc0JsWVjIlwzliMqc1O4iXwy+HaUlUUcAOaU0DNQXUjtKJ7k7duPlGRx0xUKIWOh+HviSLRtfsppXadi4ijjL4ALHG459KzqQvqFj6MRPE/hcyzrLNq9jd/vdkCgyjI4Uc+tZwSRrFmFq/iZ9eeSDTdF1HS4bICe4ur0hRDIvIOM57V0xWhonbc4Cx8a+KrrxlHq95c2ct0Y9pkYDbIg4yAKyrQUkK7NLxI+h+NdWstP1G6tNER4pWmuo23vI4IADKTkVEI8uqBu5PoOveGdG8ES6Je25vlspGTzmtgcg55wRnpmtYQu7maSPFPEM3hiS7drV5FG4urRR/oQcV18g2Zttd2UjeVPIyR4yrd81PLqK5n7yjE+YTh+x6irEw2rIWZT74zSENSUxqRtB/woAhZwxOKAE6DOODSYmGRnpmkMcF3H5RzQ3YC0lnIYWbHTHas3LUR9JW37t7oR/INw4XivmJfCjvibhJMYySfnUfoDXI/jNDntfkkF9qeJG+WNNvPT71dVJLlEzkvD0jnxGgLsQIGI5713VEvZozKMtxOuoMVmkBz2Y+tbxS5ARZ8RXE7avHE08pjyTtLnH5VFH4WJ7kegu5n1FC7bfLXjPHetX0Nona3YCXeiugCt9lPI4PRa5X1Ie52mhEtYTuxJbcBk9cZFcdTcowvHSINchIRcqnBx05q6e4DVJFxuHURkg+lKPwoqtsc34QZpdX1J5WLusTbWY5I4PSumXwHLT2PPfE80zafOGlkIM3OWPPFdtBIxqblPwvbW5jv5DbxF1gyrbBkHI5BreppsOJu+A7q6OuNCbmbytxGzeduPpXNWS5Toid/qVlZy6tbSy2kEkhtwSzRgknPXNcak1azCRS1v8Ac6jcxxfu02L8q8Dp6VrHZGbPP/GXGiSsOGLYJ7muqj8SIexymmjZpwZPlJcgkcV2PYk1tZAGj2rAAMepHU81nD4hHKs7vqT72ZsBQMnOK2QDdZVUgmKqFPHQY71SAoxfdz3xTYBeDEKsOD61SEyK0AadNwzx3piIbgATuAOjUIoYfuE1aEJH3HbigZPbEi5Xk1DERF28q4+Zvv8ArSAd10+MnkmX/GmIYtADl++KAJm6UAQy9aAA9RQAxv8AWUAK336AHH7tAEb9RVoEOT7hoKA1BIdqAD+E/WmgEHQ/WqQDV+8avoNCp1P1qRi9qhiZNATuHNIRaPRfrQBNOzLYfKxHPY0AU1AwOKAGrQBLB94/SgC3p5Oy45/gNTICvJLKunSlZHB3dmNZx+IaOwLu+g+Ho3dmTzG+UnIrKqrN2GdpoHzWunwNzEScxn7p/CvNqt3Zotj0DwVbwIPE0SQRLG1ou5AgAOAcZFEtkZS2PKsAalaIAApukyOx5aumPwsOhpa8A/jS7icBozKgKHkHj0rKH8O/mQdH4qs7SC4sIIbWCOJ48tGkYCt9QOtRSk7kHjXiX5dTuNvGDjivThsi1sSbEXw3ZbVVcs2cDrzTa1YM0NJRPLnTau3bnGOOlYfaA5S44MhHB56V0RKJpiRCnJ5UZq0AzHzsf9ipEJDzFIDyNveqQxLcAhwQOMYqgNCEDfDwPvCoYM6DTXc2lzlmO1TjnpXLU+MRnxO5kALsQZACM+1DEW5HY26IWYruPGeKzj8TEtyhOB9otDgZLc1rHY0ZvaaBmc4H/HtL/wCgms5iOdsET7TEdq5wece9dImP0p2k1GbezNjOMnPelIEUDJI/iQb5HbDkDJzjkVX2RmzcEmBgSSDNyPXg1ERlhSVhtgpIHmDgVLEYGqkm5Uk5PrW0AR2HhUA+E74EAjf0rmxGk0DOYvFXcflH+rPb3reIIoWRPmOOxHI/CrYFu9JFiuOOKADwsqub0OoYC3YgEZwcU2Bl3IH2aQ4GcimgNT4cOyatKysVOxxkHBxiufEbCZ0wkkEMgDsASQeeormjuSTxOwlBDMDtPQ+1ExmTrQHlyvj5vNPPetIbiWxm6iAIWYdcda2iPoE4A8NLgY+fNaR3YEGmsxiYlicKcc9KmXwgZ+pu78szMQvGTmnHYpFbcWV9xJwB1q4gNm+6PwrVAVE4mYDgZ6UgL5VTZMSoJx3FT1A13jjTSpSiKp2joMVTAsp/yKinvv61g/jA5K6AF0QOhfmugCF/9U/1NMDrvB0UTCRmjRmBGCVGRXJiAOo8Tf8AHnb+wbH/AH0a4ab3A881kD+0puB2/lXpUfhQGWSc9T0rYB4J45NABGT69hQBZh6g0AWNAJOoKScneamQF3xb/r4z35NTEDc8KEiWzAJGYnJ/74NYVeoieDi6THGWOaiewh1+zNY325idsuBk9Kz+0gLnlRHwtBJ5ab/MPzbRnoO9X1GO8KM32abk/d9frWVUB2ugSXsm8Bv3R+9z2pU9gNP4pKo0mywoH7legow3xMRwjErplztJGWXOO/NdshlC6Zvtsg3HG0cZpoDKuWYTrhiOfWtY7DO/+HrMPCMhDHLTcnPXg1xYj4iWYcoDNeFgCdx5Na9hLY6CGeZNLs9s0i7bbjDEY+Y1g1qxnTeBpZJtF1mSaR5HwPmdsnt3NZVtJ6CZxtz810hbkhsc/Wt4bDOau+Lx1HAEvA/GuhbDOp0ZE+3w/KvI549qiQHY6CqjTJ8KP9V6fWuKe6M5HF3cUfm3Y8tMBDxj2rsTZSM2UmNv3ZKfIv3eK1GY4+e2kZ/mO/qeacdxjrdm+3IMnABxzVSA0raSSXWoxLI8gAXAY5xzWYI0tUZvtONxxsbjPtWT3GdB4Ed10Z9rsv0Psawr/EBtXhP9jE5OQgwawejEUNKVZfDWorIocBQQGGecVtT+JAjy0nE8mOME9PrXoR2Gb9pzaxk8kkc1DEzprEBYowoABBziuOYjZ0/iZgOPlrmYGzH8mj64U+UhowCOMcCpfxxEzg9durpp2t2uZmh2n92XO3oe3Suuklb5jicppJP28c/8tDXT1KZq2nzTWrtywuRgnqOKm2o2N8XMzT7mYklzkk+9OnsIZ4NkkTWQUdlPlE8HFKstBHZJ/pHhmWWf97IkyhXf5ioyeAT0rkTaYjjvEbuJLSMOwQSnCg8D8K3jo2M1fHEstvYpDBK8UTj5kRiqt9QOtOHxEM4lOQueeK6upSCD/j4I9qoZYtAPtDcDoKb2GLcktCoYkjeOv1qRE2gkg3IBIyjZx34qWBRt5Hzje2M+tIEbFmSYLbJJ5PWqkBT15VMqZUH92D0/3qmn1AXTgDBISATs6n6U2DPQvCAH9r6PHj5PJZtvbPrivPxGxUTlviHPNH4mhCTSKCDnDEZ5NbUfhBmt8NmafxPaLMxlXzDw5yOnvSr/AAgiv8XoYYNUvFhijiHmHhFA7e1a4f4EBydkq/ZZDgZ2+lbyJOlgkkitGMUjocAfKcVy1CV8RS8SySPfuXdmJRQcnORjpV09japsZtsqqqbVC/OOgrZGaPSPC5K+CvE7KcHEXI/Gsay1iNFP4SgN8Q9NdgGbOcnrn1rOt8IM2vijxbauBwP7TcYHp6VjTdpGcTy+T5dS+X5flHSuht2ZR2uoMwgtGDENtQZzz1rCOzJZc1OSRr22VpGZQBwTkdRWUGBz+rxxobooiqfNPIGK6oDRh20kn9nWq722kdM8VoviGJpjMZyCSQVfIzVyGZs6r9tcbRjYeMVpEDU+FPzeM9OB5BuEBz3G6s63wCkfRXxpRDpNopVSvmDjHHSvNp/GQeKeJPladl4Jdckd66ojiWdNJW2ypIOOoqJblMS/Zg6sGIOOoNLoSc/eSSPq1tvdm/e45Oe9bUdmUtix4gAOsyKRlcdO1bQ2F1OY175L7C/KMDgcVYx1mSYpQScbOlDGzptBVV0IuqgNtPIHNc7+ICxpoCzF14bGcjrQ9hGPeyyNdzbpHb5j1aiIGXckqAqkgE5IFdMChdC+bVm3c4Tv9DUzEzprRm/sC7+Y/wCuHf2NcU/jIZ0uiKv9hXQ2jiLjjpxWMn7xPUy7aOP/AITW1OxeYATx14rX/lyakxANrexkZQTAbe3Wsr2aKh1JtAVV8RRbQB8h6D2alV+ATNjxYzLoVztJHyZ4Nc+H+NAjkPA6JJY3ssiK8itwzDJH416FbSxJgSu7Xj5dj856mtIvRFF6wdxBMA7ADOADWj3IZWnurkCyIuJgRIMfOeOaBm1aokl0PMRXyTncM1fQZheKyY4QsfyDf0XiktxIn8KAGwkJGSAMH86qewnua1gqtfxblB+UHkVlLYlkl2SHuACcBuPakho43WCWvPmJPzd66I7Fm/4VRHRdyq3y9xmlUEU/EpMczrGSgyOF4FERkvw7VZPG2mrIodftERwwyPvUq3wMR9y3Dv8AY4DvbKj5eenynpXLE6aZ4p4Ou7q6+KuuW1zczTwNZybo5HLKflPY8V09DSpueWar+7v9OMfyHzgPl44zUsynuejeM7Cxj8SW0kdlbI5VCWWJQc4HfFRExkexx2VnL4Hm820gkzHzujBzwK0huKB8YeMYYotTlWOJEHmEYVQB1NdcSzAlABOABR1AdIBu6UnuSyFiRMMEj5f60gDJ9T96gAHegCVv+PZPrSYmMHSkhotWPQ/59KiQM9B0mGFvDcztFGWBTBKjPWuOf8REvcD/2Q=="/>
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rqa7S3k2qCQrff6kDgVMloVGzPiHx7HYxeK7/8As5AkIlwFXp0G7HXjdu/KuWLa3N5pX0PqLwB8VtPuvAuj6Fa273fi9bTyYtOtbdki3pgL8x4A2AEnPY1vCak7HPJNHrdm8j2UMlzH5M7RqXTOdrdx9K1kIlGGbPGeSB3pAcV8Yb7ULfwtPBZWUUhuTHaNLMm9VErbWwo+YkAk/KCeKLIR5hF4l8M+H/hNHo1vdRad4q0K72wLbttlup0k2+ZJ8ucNknaahz5FZhe+h5J4k1nU9f1mfxJrtlb74iEnW3cITLJGxViCeT6nseK4p+8bU3ynEXNxb28808MG7DFlR+QBzgE9+v6VQXGWs9xbo0S7oDKgEzqONmR29uKYWOt+HelX+vaveaTpMcd3dyxMBGXiHnRb1Tam/hW5BznOM1vSSsS3Y+gfjlrz2Pwq0y10JhbNq1yltdxKoEjyRoUYZXgjcoU46gYp1npqSnzOyMj9nrUNdPiS58LatNBYWZ06O9kexEcfmsCoiDyc8FZM7Rg9OnNFLRDlofSCAIAMksvBUnI6VQrjg43fMuDQMQsVUD+6fyoAdywyCoGTzmkMlLqwyAOPWgAYjoRxkdu/+c0ABXrhR/jQA0oFIIA989vancLDGiGMH5R0FFwsNaFQysM8deOtFxCFUVj905HOKdwEdUJHzY7YoARVG0YIIPc/lQKxG0O4dRjNVcLDfKLEggjtTuITysHGFx3zzxRcLDCmV5GGA79qdxWIiHCglQc9DmncloYUcg/KMD0P5UyQCFiFK9T2oGIFbGRjk9adxj1TCjC47dKTANmPlK5wOuaBCFSD93kGgQY4B28kfpQMVVb0AH1oEPCrnGCDkdqBiMv3juJOMjNIGMdAV++ePSmFiNgoGCT1H40xjuNx2nnINIVhGViu4A4HH1oATDHDbSd36UCNOLeo2jdx3zWBuh672ILAADn1zQxjyfwz14zSAUDG4dT/AEoAcWGcMCM9aABCVHAI4596AFLbkAxgduO/t+lADlL4Ocf40rAPUhjtBPXj6d6QD22hV3ADnIxxQArL8+WHTrxQAuNw/u9sUAMZRgDafw7U7gIYl788cY60ACqGUjoccigBjRBiACwb0zRcBssI253H/H3p3AgaJs4wRz3p3Cwmzg8dPWgLDwMYIxj9M0gJoYyx+8No5YCgCKeEqCVOOcc+tNMCqY2Y4xzng1VybAqjIxzjr3ouFiQREkle59e9FwsV2iIJ6Z755p3ERAbTzwoHPNMByqQxbaMDuO1ADQqqdoBA68dKaATooyTjNIBRgjJ+vpTuAowPukgHk8UgEckjHIyfwpgMG0DOOh54oAaxJfByB7U7CuAw2NxAz2pDHk7HVDj2J6UWASQ5fYwJwcqR34oA8t+IEX9vaR4g1Oxup9Ojj0lob2z48y7nkPyKyt93Cjk8E5HalUXu2Y4WufJniC1mtPFV1ZxSW032WZ4ybY74gASCV9VH9K42kjXd6Hp3wO0YeJPiFp3l6s6R2jNdRSsV8xlhkjCAj1YN/OtKMFe5U2rH17I4dmycZJ56Y5roOc5rxrBrbaZFceH70wXYBgjiJAWWSQhVJJ6beTk1UdmhNXPCdI+IWpLrsWm+KNdu0itvtBF9asJbjzDthIX5dqD7+CRnknPNc7b5gUbakXxR8N6H4O8HxQ3l1cXWvS27/Z1W7EhE0jPuwoXouVPBGTnrU1KacNNy1L3jxXUrW50mQyTSGazWTysGb5mYoGPHqM/hWKj0NXHS5QSCdHhtpP3bT4kXeeCCeCfwzTcbElvCxabcw2AuAZYvLnMnPm4YOMYAwPlHr3qL6oY/wnbXOu3ml+HdPEUV5PqCi2cts/eOABubsAQPzrbXoS0dX4jutc8JeLbuCW8ddR0yBbSbzZtxk+7uRSf4AABgYzg1Mou+oRSTujv/AIJ+HfEmr2NxPIbi08GavMqXMVqESVuQoeFGDYXdty31ropQaQqlpO7Pb1v9Q8HeHPD3hWKz8/U3aK0aTJaKMvNtV5XB+UsuSOMk1orN36Gb00R3ih12rIV8xVwSBgZ74HpmoKRI2yRTu7noR+VIYud3JAJx9aAHITtPzAjbxuHNAAz/ADben86AHAlgc85P1ycUhivtK7DyPY0AC5IXJYAHPH9fyoA4r4p+NofC9mtoiqNQnUSxPOQsCoGAJYkjPXoDmnsrkyZ1Om3kepadbahbh1iuYllQOu1sMARkdvpTBakuHBYnk46A8UIY18gDaMZ6j370xMQIpLZJ54OPWiwXEOGb+LJHSmhDG643MAB1pgNIHLd/XBoAagX3XGST70ICMrnr2/WrM2IoUAbeD19KAAqoA4ySeo70ABUNgNnb2GaBiMBvwFbtQAEoe/14oEIQgJDZDUDHMoxgHr3PegVhEIHIPy+vrQFx6tkggbqQx6suMbRxwuOhFFhibUzxgcdaWoaAQSCQ4wemadwsMYHYRsxn8aBAY8YBJJHvimIsBhnng4rGxrcWKc7tueB3IosO5L5gAAJ244FKw7jTKHPJYY64osFxu8bMHpiiwXH7uP7w9RRYVxfN38dMYFAXJE5UfTnnjr0pDJkkIKjHAHPqaVgJixPOV4xSARCS2AfXoKYCn7wwSvr7UgH4cHcoz7UADbcbiBnsBQAhGCpHfigBGKfeHH09aAFHLE8ewoAjZMNjj35oADEpHQincASBVb1ODmi4Eyqqru9T2HSkMik2DIIyKBFcKNxJY8dcGquAipk5AySev4UwHBMAkAUgEeMEEnlvpx9KaCxVaI7yxAI7fWncmw0R8dOT1zRcBro2eeN3YjpTTCxCUIwNpx0/rVXEJjAAwMD2oAcVyMZHX65/zmgBkowACeT1U96LgNYbgMAkfeOehpgNKsVztGPc80xCZRSXdgEXv/n/ADxQBiaV4w8Paprd1pGn6jDLPb4SQDOVckjaPXAByegpLUVzoU2h4+ep65oKPCPjDe+LbDSdaurbSrMaXPe+ZeyyOFmNwpGFAz8yBSqjA5zWVa3LuXE+dLpLePzLiCeVWFrG4xGV3MxwQPYD1rjTNXoj0r4B+ObbQP7N02w8Mm51i6vVjkukYNLLGWOYwCPl+XGOccV1Qn9kykmz6whuEntYZwfkuYxIOexAIrZkHM+PfG+ieD5rWPXWmjtb6CQGSGMsYcFRuwAT/FxgZoclHUh3vofMmuy+G9V8f2/hzwpeappmlarcrZ3d3KrSGW3+Uj93t3htwOc9c+lc7mpSNovTUv8Ah7xjpPw+k1G00hodYne7klea6Ri6ojOkKLuT5WH339cgcEVo5qOxDV9jm5NNn8SC61Gxjh1a9e6Se5iLpAguJmGU2MwO0NxxxjHNOKT9Sk2tDntQ0+5vvGd3dXVvZWMEN4FuhbIRDbsOGREyTgbWA+lc9aVtEXYo6/PJLcT3HlNDC2Cqqxxkj39uaxggNjwUklnbnXoI4Y2jkFtbNNwqysufP3YxhCE/76FdUI2V2RJ9Dt/jf4r8Maz4x0m+8N2IuLbTl23kzIFW7+bduORnOS3J9qynK5UHbc2fhd8b9M8N6fYQ3+gpG9lZGyt2ifETBvKLSSDGckpnjnk8VqqmliJJ3uY/wnuNY8YfGqzlvLnUlM+orOSs7hJJIZBI+d/92PcQvUcVcXfUbR9iyuXmIQYJ7E9s9f8APrVEmX4i8QadoIsxqDhJL2dLe2VeSzswAHt16niny32FzWNpkIbaxyPTpmpKJFUAD5SufxpDAKVwRkjHQnNADJDxlHwAc4xTAcGONxBzj86LCuCyEsvG4E9u1FgueK/tF+I/B90mnaNqEsd68V9D9rtYoysyQlgzMrnAxgAED1qJSUVYL3PTfBvivwz4lgYeH72OVLSMB4QCpiUDGCCOg9elEZJg9NGbNncW15DHc20qyRSD5XQ/KaoLkrqTjkD0ANMZHIgBzuP0PrTuSNUEdyM+ppgGQMgjPYA0AHGzkdeKLgRkEjgcc9TTAYVCj5hgdD9aq4rDRzgEY+tK4rCEHkgdaYWFCnr056Z5ouNIXpn2P50CY0YA5HXjGaYgO4jceuQfagBCMY9fpQK4cknge1AEZO3ILAY6Y70Ahy4AI4GOwFAxyqM4B6n9aBCMDjJ60ADEnp160APB4ycZ78UCGHhRkHr2rI1BZNrc4JPU07AORxnbnHc5pAOZ+mcfnRYYhfacDjHYcUgFWQhNvANAXJUY8EdPSiwxfMz97PGKAuOSRgWKkZPP60rBccsjffx+AFAFlJPkyR9fcUhkgkVcAY9sdqVgBpiv+zngDsf85oAGmG7dz6UWAN4bnng4zRYBUlXsGA6nJ6UAPVskkMMdSR60gDkJhWAxQAjMoIYAZ7UAM83kFsetACq653BQT2xTsAxiGxnJIz19KAGSEgK3PPTmmAL0DZwM/j3oACTwFwMdzTsA132jAOe/WkAnP8YGcdqYhAMnPftxQApOM/LnnBxQBXeE7iwO7d1x1p3FYZtO4fIM46mmIHUAHDenQ9KQ7A8bbvbsc1VwI2VYyMhvTgd8UXEJsUMOSD2yOuaaYHGeO9bu4vDGujS5vsl/YWjyzpIdjBcHa6t07cY78U3ZK7IZ518JvF9taSLp+j+H2fWtQEE92oufPlkgEQBO/wDhO/OQxAGamE4yCXN0PXNan1ODwte6pZwNa3scDvHDOnmZCnJBVT1wDjB4q2xrY+fPH0+rfEG51C/0OaSx8EOY557rUd0ccU0MWGC5OCxzj1JIrkmud3NInjGt3M9xHDcTAylESJlYnCEZIGBjsKwUVc13R65+zDoeoa3qlhqcZgtrLRdTS5maTO64J3AhR0IVcfia6aVLeTJc1blPplr+ygkitxNFEC5ijTONuByOeeg/lXSzByPNP2jtAvNQ8Lm/E01zDan91aRxcmUghckdcFs4qKkOeNkXG19T5e8TaZJpN69jKl9HLAoNwl2Ru83gsBgDA5HBOetcNmnqa2XQyIo0kH7t2dpdxUKOV9RjsMUNitY77S/DmveFrLwX4t0Jwdbu2luILXZz8j7cP3IYHHXvxXTCN/h3JeuhieJLnULzxFrGr65bvb3RkeS4jRdqLOxOFQdgCe+TXPXvzWY1ocvqUfmRRXjNvkuUIUBuflwvP5VMdHYY211K/TTodNlmeWwiuPtAtmb935jDaT68gAHFa62sK3UntbY3FtMqyoJZJEIiRT8y/NuI9hjv61LjbUDQg8KSzeGpvEYurVLKGY20iu+HMhiZxheuMDrWkI3Q00bPwo8ZQfD7xedVnhTUDBBNCjxO2EdwAWB464xn0JrRKxE7vY9M8d/tIX81uul+B9Pj0+3aL/SLmcGSZnP3tnOFHJ5OT9KTkSot7ndfCnW4NasvCeja5YRT6ZrttNNCbqfz7h7qFmB8wkDbH8p2gd8c1pGTtdD5bHuEcUYjijjULGgAGR2HGP8APpSvcZKASCGHOBnjFJghy7WypxtbrzSGMZlbgDpxmqQmRmRQC+eB1CjNMkw/FPiG28Maa2q6jbSyWUUkcZkhYEqXYIuR7sR0oemo0rnyt8RY9S1bxlJetEtndW9+V86Zv3DyK+9meUnBwWUYAOMYrkqyvqaR0Vh3hO+8XN4xj8KaT4h0+MapFFp0ktuzCFYkLMw3HndlmAznduqqbXQmb5tz640TTLXRdGsdKs41SOziESEL97HUn3Jya6CUaAb96pOCenH60hiAlAW6k9PY+lACKY2Abg5PJHbNAEiwxqMqxAxk+uKLhYaI8k7d2760XCwyVCOCevB5p3FYiZMYPzZ6D/GquIb5RHAOR0Pai4DHUg4BOD+NMLDTkHJzQKwjDr2GM1SExuQQepJouIaMBce/THFMBSwKj5Tj2oAQDouCeKBCkAZ5A5x9aAQbSW6HHfNAx23KgHIx6Uh2F24B4AG3ApiGMMjB4GfxzQAhUg9R14+Xr7UADFQT82QD2NQWQqQWJBOOoIFCAcCoz0JHANFgFJy3H1osABmVQCPx5oAEJzjPAB60ASDd/A1IB6gn2AHUntSAkLqW4HPp60hkiN8vB6jnIoGPEo9QcUgASIxwDgntRYdx8kvTK7gO5FKwXED8bQeQadguKGyCByvY9/rRYVx5J5BfNA7gjEpyCOuOaLBcVZTx6e1KwXBmwDHk80WC4ZwAe2etMBAfXj9MUkDEVsDqfY+vNOwXF3E5ywwB1yaLBcRSxILYB9qAEwxyzdOv0oEMII2jOTjigBVXguQ2RxjtQAYcKRyPWgBFIHzZOOx96AHlsgkYXB5z2oAMBxknkjsMYoAaoDZGMDHTjNAFHWmvoNJurjTbZbm9iiLw2+7AkYDO0ntnpmmhMxfAniaLxL4RttdltWsiyNJLFIc+WA7LnI7EqaprUhHRgKdpx156dPxpJl9DyL9ofWvB48L3Fle6hbnU2T93DGD5vQlfm6AZxnOcjpSk/dJe+h4tZTab4f8AhxZeNrPW7yHX5bd9KsoLLauGKs7tKGGSMOvIxg96xpaRbZtN30RU8LfG3xpoemrpEj22pWshLSzXod5cFcFQdwwB9KXtGZch1WleALmL4df29dXciafrGkPcNFNIWhWaSZWiMaA/L8oyTzxWkYXjoXojxDVjPBcSQTMzJHJmXnGZCCBx16H9ax5bMvoe9fsval4hGnzTR+QNE0uFoJjcAjZJLJvAQL8zHrng9MV1U9FZmE11NH4j/EK507xVNvg0C4ttKhRpLm5SRGMzsGCKoy3mBRjnpk5xSdRKQRg3G5vwfHjwPqXhy7knF/bzhAn2bYWExI5Adcgc98il7VJ6C9453w38Oj4su3vdbt86Ze27XsNzbllU3EoG1CWySEGRkd8kmtHCMvefUtSaPANdsJ9E1O4sZ48XNvLtnBGcMAQQMHmuKUfeaNL3Oi+HXxGbSTDpGvQG506F4ntZY4lM1s0cplXBPVS33u+K2py5TOUeqHfGHU7TXNa/tHSb5b+a+hE155CuIopMBjGpcDOO56elZVmnK4QvbU4aafzLcRx26vMM89QqnnAH51nHc0NvR9Mhksp4723tkeCDzGkknIjVdpxyOr5IwOaU6nKCVzRhv73WdUt7aC1tII78+RGIUChBHGvrxnCAk57mqcuZ2HGPUyfF9hFpsAtUFwJUI8/cUKB0Lo23aTnkdc108lokvc6bwb4bg8WfDnxFNBcxXviRJVme3+VTDbRJvaUHgZY/LgZJx0rSCVncluzKOi+FL5NMkutKgj1aCO3Qancw4MVqWbeEVzgBtqDPocjNTJaaFRTk9D6j+CNjHa6bfeHr3QobSXSWiaG683zJ5UmBkDbx0HPAB71SvETTW56ru4wRhenHakTcePlUDIzj8qQxqPuU9Bk8ev1oAawbONxUHOcDn8/wpgyMxgDIBPYknvmmiTn/ABroVt4r8PXOiS3LRN5iSkBQWLxkOq88YJA59DVWXU0pz5Hc+UfjDp91pfiy60C9a6tLCCG0RLaaZZZEBTc2xhkZLkk49e2K5MSuV6FN31Oh/ZptbHX/ABrE+rC4t1hHn6dGsOYp3Rizbj6r8tKjFJmU9D6vLMcu2N3bntXVYSZi6p4r0fTvElr4eur6NNRu4w8UTA5YltqqMDGThj+FK6vYTZt7nQYGR79aY7i7mBGQCe2O9AEgYkHkc9MHtSsMc5ODx179KQXHKoGM4Jz1oHcZwR0+n0xTEwbGO5x6DFMQ1uSDjPrzQAwhc9OvHFO4EUirgjGeB68U0wGkDAwuTjrmmKyG/wAeBgj1FMVhMdAMUXCwYyR047imIEO4kgYx1oHYUqc8ZPr2pXCwAjBGPekUA5xycY/GmiBhOW47c8GmAhGSOO3Pt70h6DDkjD9B6ioKImQErjkDtimgFGNoVjnnmncAJAZRxn0x0pXAk2+qjpwaAHxjs3J/nSAcg+UllGRxkGi4CkkKMrz0HpSAbwxycgjvjIoAcNw53H8aAJCFB54HX8aAG78gbcMp7jsaABXwRtJwCQMUWHcUseBg4B5oC4/zAAdpzkdaQAGOM9z37UWC48SHIP8ADjOBQMUOeh6YzzzQAu/5xuyOetICRZFClc9fT09aB3AE85IPGc0CF3BgDk8cDnigBBnktz6gii47CZ9eDn060CHDtjHA796ADk5PQ+lK47C7sDnHB+uKYgHDAgZHr1oAjXBHU5PFACsFQe54/GgCEqQoIIBANADslWwDjPXNACs5YuoYqXGAQPX68UwPmL4i/EG/8NeMLjRDb2lvofy2N40cB3yRxuSrY4G/3XsaJO0jNRbPcND+IvgzWtHTUtN8QWrRyZCxSSBZg4GcFDzng/lQNySMXxHo3hD4j6TdQ6e1lc3979mluZEl2loo2OMHuFLEcdxik3dFwkrnyL4mezfVna2i2W8F5M0CL0VTxkjP3sKvtXGrpmknfY5rU3AuXklXdMXDHLZ3evPrVIk9k+E3xrj8J6adH8QaXLq8FpHtsJopcNFD1KFTwe3IxjFdEJ2VjOSd9Dgr7xFB43+KJ1jWJLfTLfUL1JZWZiqQooAALfRfzNJayuVdpHo/xG8dWOrwReCPA+vXd/o06M1y92OWlDlwBIQCVx1PTirrVLolRuzxu8up4NHn07YU+1XCXGxlOGRVYZ/Oubld7s6FpGw3Q7VzrGnxX0Vw9tM6SOIRiR4sjOzIIztzg4q1G7M2fX/hDUfDGgQafYWniDR7G9u4ZVNrfy/6QpMx2FxkYdVyuK7NFozFtXPOfjD4E8PaJeT2ekareDWNQzO8k8iJbvbF0+ZiB98yLkAdayqWm9C4ss+LfgAg8HR6roFxv8Q+VFJ5KyqtsQPlmPzc9i2c/wCFO0UrFcx5p4p11b6zgvreC2sZ5t9veWVlaeXHCUwi/Nk53MCTXDVtKQI4uyjewmQyREsj/KjgqWJ4KnvjGaW5Wwt3eyXrgrIU3NnahIAwOgH0oSsBoJcRxaXZfZbqSO8jlIUDAAbODIW9gR+OamN+Y0bvGx2vj/4leHrzwz4d0Tw/optrrTLKW2muZ0VzO0kXlscqeh3O2T3wa7VUfLYws7nA6Zqkul20sUdtHdR3SCKXdyjxq+RheDncuc59sVHPYHG57J8GfGOn6L4cvfCmp6RcazbajcpJaWkW12jb0YcZXBB9RjrV07uQarY+htB1Z7m80pItKitLXVbbz0lMoDvsiXaNozg7exJwAa2a09CVzPc3tVvbfTNNvNUuifs9pA9xLgc7VGcD8qlK+w2ZPw+8Rp4t8J23iCKEwwXRcRqzZYKG2/N6HOaqSsyU7nQRqVO/C5J5Pr6VDKQqDBwuFyPxpDI7yXyraV1xuUcKcfNzj8qaEeOfFz4s6Vo9lLJpMdw+tabMqMsqEQIGYj73Rwdvb3qak5RVkPlbPAvFnxEuvF3iRfEOoQWovyhijlUlIY08sxsAMnsxP1rjnzN3ZSuijp58U6N4T0nxpZypZ2FjdtZ6ewuCklyxbe4AHJTHU8Dt1rWnFLUJe8rHp2tfGXU/EXgODw5a6TYm/ubNnunMu8AQkFickYyATznitPauTsiI02kY/wCz5oOqeNPHcVxqf2q402wXddyed5aROv8AqtmPvEcce+aqMXe43FLY+ulRIwqgMcAfePOK0JJSCPmycn0oAagBPYcHpSAeyjDErjjj/P5UXHYP+mmT64zQArcbWAUZ/lQDGDOcjp2NMQ1QVyCMg8nmgABDAjI57Z60ICGTIwFx+HaqSATBOFJJx39KYCA4GT0NAWEOSNvHSgA2jpjCg8d6dxWA/e5G4H1pNjEyQT6/TAoAXPzcDtxinYm41QxzvA6np3ouC1F4VMZ5HvQD0Gndxwc4/KmIrKSxzk5xnp1qWWKo2sCwz75zSAcMgDJx9PSgCVgMZCqT6561IEiAH+IfWgAwAeAc9aAHbVwQB/OkMeqjo2APYUDEITqOf0FADHU5A6dsimSMYhge+DQAgI2tuOM9OaYAvHcAZ9KAFPC/ePIoAQMo+Y+vNFgHIwOSCSp6ZpAPU4yRkjpz/n3oAQEd26evegAY+52ilYdwXLDLZU9ueop2C45WIQbuh9eopWC5JvxkE4OM/hRYB3mE7eMHHTrRYLjt7clVP060hiBjgA44HrQACVtxP/66ACF+AMAD+dADySMYGFPWgBsgAIOSDkH5elACsM+mQO46UAM246kgZ69cUADArzkcDAoAZjo2WyTkYPOO1MDyf9oL4e3vizSIL3SBa+bptrIFtihLzuTkBeOuSeSaTgpFJnyhrWj3lh4m+waZpl/DcxXXkR27yB5TIcALleM7sislGV7CaJNW1vxR9qtob64lX7FbmHyom8vy4t5ZlBX/AGiTnmlODhuPluM8M/aNY1GbSdD0OK6nvY4raMNLl1feMMrMQMseD7HpS5b6ILGZc2BXUfscu9JrdpFkUkcMM/L6DkGos4uw0TeFG0rTPiBp6eIhF/ZMN8kWo5/eosYbEhGzO4f7ufxrWIHf/DWw+HniT4j+IrO/0K7u9OnmkfT3snKR2sGX+chiDgAoeRx6V0UlzNoiUmkX9C8O+FbjxPrGnaPa61aWslu40a7kBlZ3P+rLBQCFkICjI6PVOm+wuYyPEmmav4s1iTWNN8OqmqRybr63tUfyreSP5jgMABwrEgZGDisZRZSZ01hDcQ6f4JutJFndXt3EUktogGmJnZ42Jf8AhJUZVei4FTZ9BN9Cj8T/AARrGg6fpfjmXSGvbY3TGSDUGLywqCTHHKQRvDfMSwHoM1vZtX6iSPPdD8balp+vadqkcEU01mkaqt1uuFJU5HDHhc9hwBWDY+U7TWvid4n8Y2ctxrNzDBbrI7yxwFokkULxEo3cgnHA9Otc9ST2HGCbPPFvtRuFt2kdmhm3+WAnI8sg9B7n+VTZIvlsrlrTNJ1rxFrb2Wj6ZdX1yYJJwkkoDBQCWckkDgf5NXThcTfUz7Wz1S4tJL1IkW1tnXzWVgGBcsB8uQT909BxWjp3A6HXLiC28PQb0theSxNC8KfeWIMrxuc8gt83fkEVj7Nxkb865LdTkbyxmhht5rnYsdxF5kTq6txyBnaTjoeDzWyRgz1T4A+DvDHi3Q/Era5qbWV9aW4SxJmCKAynczDBOASvPHWtqcLvUiUrbntvgGy0Xwx4I0geKruJYEt/tNtqNnb5zE7nasrKCxYEYyAAB1rde7sSnYuz/GHwBoOjw6Pok8/iPULGOOCzgtImcy/IAD5u3aO+ec9azb1FzNnJWPj7X/Hb6dJa3mrMl+k8F1Yw2yR2ttcYzEgcglwQkg5PYnitI2SuJXvqfQVlpthpqSrp9uttFK2SiDCAj0HQfhWTdy7E4x5Iw+F70gOX+JXiLUPDGlR6vZ6Q2oLEWE5EqKI12/fIYjdjGcD0NDdkPlb2PPdR8XpdabqmsQXuo+JI7vTWUpb7YIYFiH7/AHq2CBvkCqwzuxxnrS5kScrrnif4c+JvBx0y30ER65bwhYbXaQyCNMgO4wpJwzdT37ms5VLo0hOSep8zXRjJRBuXbI4x2xnIH86gpmlpklr9mFreTeUzbZIrp3dktCCxK+WoOWfaB7VSJZ1uoazpGsadLp2kaI1vBbR+cbuQbrmKNIipRnGFKvK5ySM8j0qW2noF+59MfszTyy/Dyyju5bCCRFI8iJxJJIoP+tYqx5yQOewreN2rszvqergEMTt4PTP6VQEjfKDtbkYzj9aQxU2HJbPBwD60mNIkUYJDc84HFK4xqoF54wPfNAEb8AqMgk9DVIljAeCDxj/9dBIYOc5yDTY2ROXOCMD6U4ghhyVVmXqBVAOCHqc46cUAJtOBt7H9KVwAgEYzknpQAAKflOeRQAEA/LmgBDgjcc+v1pgBIGAe/wCdAtBrA5w30FOwriEHce2O1MQvy55IzQBTDqWx+lKxVxRJkfeHToD3pWC4vmEN8zcAHFFguAbd3GOvrg9/60WHclWX5xkHHrmpaAkScFev5GiwB5gIyuSB+lIBxkBAySOcZoAZkfw88HmiwCyNtbcq/NjjNOwApJ6kE89O1IARCEBGODj1pgDKRlcn3oAVTkduD/n+tIBdikZA7/lTQCAAAnOfX2pgHy8ZAJNJgHzDkHnPU0gBiOQOWB60wA4GCR2pgAYjHoex7ClYBOrBs8DrTAM/Nwcj3oAe0jLLyTz/AIUrAO3qvIB29aVh3E3YXnI+tKwXJNwboeSPXg0WC48MV47YoGPBIIBG0Z574pAM+XPAPI5FMB249FwFPTmgBQMgArjrn0BpANdirhckjPPH+f8AIpiGliH3AAZPB3cmhDMy50LRnvzfzaZaGdoykjmMEkYwAT+NVzNBc8K/a8gimn8OWtotskyW7xqGcIQJG+XB6YGw5+orGrrqxp6nkHwq0101/Ur3fZRzW1g88EN5hvOdVLrtB68rwRVUldg3oanxE8N3s8cvivVdLls1ubVEkQfu4IXRghRA3zHEe04PViewpVItPUaPKjZfx/w7N2B39R7cVlcZ0vww8cv4A1DUb+zsEvpbm3EESzEqmN2W3Y6//WrWnPlJkrnt2lfE3S4Ph7b65Fs1HxHZvA82bQsx8pTgPg8IHJ2njge9aSquS0M1FrczPG3xEOpWkVnfXmmW2nzwtc3v2OZpLl3ZG8uB8kDBdRuCgAKeTWTk2PUy/hD8RHsfizHNbwWUdnrXkWt3HBE4ht5CRjYXJOVPA5xzVRd2Gp9R+JbKLULGa2vXnWMhlaGKTZ5uf4SevpwD2rWDaYX6ngmqfs/2MnjLTLXS7G6GlW9u7apdy3AAkc52KnHBBHP4VT5XZ2LTPLdc+Hup+D9Ws4dRuLSASWn2wtPKu1HRvudTlvu8e9c2Io21RUHqcfdR6VaRXNu17cvMkEXlbDlfNZ/3wHHAwBj6Vyq8jaXKla5b8FP/AGpdnRbkXHk3s0ZQxyKpEmQo6jkfMRjI65roprWxg9D2LQvhFoOta7fWOk2l4YbWe2tp2a4EQSRf9eqnDb88HtgmuzkiTzHFftBx3ln8Q7h57yXUZ0tLQSNchGKbogQuVUDjgdKxqQ10Hcw/hj8P/EXxC1q6tdLsSUYYnmVljjgVs8kngdB2qYx7gz6F8Za38NfCGmQQatq7t4ltNEj0ib+zxneMAncqkenWtlO3oQ3fSx478TPHWpeJPDtxovh+OCy8MDVZJbSzjjK3UmRuzIoJGwHLY9WGaNZLQErs5v4RnTbX4k6Rd+Jtan0WwhLs12OSrKhCgDB6kgdOKzs4vUp2R9ZfCvwJ4F8K2sFzoXiFtVa+dryK5d4yHEWcnKjookIJ9605na1iXJNnpQZWAlUt5ZwQQeAOv9azKHPHldvIUgZzSA4H41+Fb3xjo1no9rHAtsLgyXlzLIFFuhAUuo/ibaXAHvT5U1qaQaS1PAPiH8Jo/CVzLe6Trki+FhEJZb2ScO9yykARLEuA2Hxz7k9qJRjayIbTL3hW20y38LnwldyTRa7d2PkPYT7XhLzODD5ZUD5h5m4hiSOvahQurEpu54h4m082Wv3OlQOlw8MzxsyLxvXhse2QeaymknoaIj8LaNe+J9ftdB0+RPNndnzO+yNQqlmZiewCmiMW9BN2PTNN+GdvH4R1DXtQ12C4TRL6GG8is28yLY6hwqnGHbeVBH1reNKKZNz37wT4o0vwX4A8MWmqadJY6nqbuRYO6iUMxZnlYcbUyPT0Haqe9jNXMDRvip4v8SfEddL0vSfI03conXaSyRbuGO7ABbIz1OOlZN2lyid9z3zyykjggEgcqOlBoOGEBfK4OaBiF+emSw4FFguRyOeG2kjvk9KdiRjkZ5BJJxkUCYxioynGew9aLAAdmYg4xjj1qxjM7QcnA65x3oAeMHIPIzmgBCTyBjGOB3pAJlhx1AOM0wEIyCBnk80AMBztB5PTp1osAu9j93t196aQCfexg4b35oACnB5y3TPqfpRcGNbPGRkjIppk2HbGZcgE8cn+VK47CtExxtAI6c9vei4zE38knAPb/wCvWliB2ecE4Ge1Kwgdhng8fTFAArFAGJIyOaLMCRZWEg+bIx0PrSsFxxmI6YA9/Siw0yVZR5YwBnAOanlKuO3qV9yO9FguPdsDOBjvRYdxgfLAZBx1pWAduIAJYgHqKdgHGRdgxu5OBSAckhVtpdmOevFIB4kXP86LAJvzgEfKehFADm2gjGQaAGDb8u/APfFGoDjjb357UAIT8xX+HPX3pgNwc8k89cUAKq5JJHPI+tACYI6EemO1AAVG0BS3JoAFDZzkcep6mgB+1h8uPl57UgHAZbluDnj1pWAlRV2FdooAeCN2ApIx0oGNaTgMSF49KVguB3AYyNpHemIf8rfPxikND1b5BuGATwR9aTGhWjwCWBCjqBwaLhYjaNcliCuD0z7UXCxneKtd0rwxo02raw00dpEAXkRC+OfQc9/Si4nofP8A+1d4i8Na74f09tH1mK5uthURxupCKxDfMCMhsADqMcisqjuCd3oecfDGa51v4o2WrWsLaxDYyI7fb1RQkQAHKqQoC84A9BRSTbG9EfTXirS9L8c3WteH455FurC0lhBuIjt8yUspkYFcNtBUqVPBzXTdJaiT1sfO/iP4faJ4T8YT2x12LWFstNa8lgtUJLSgBfIk54Dt6c4z0rCryrYtO5x2i/DrWPGVwX8L28V1MbKO6MBnVGmZn8t9m/aAocN17VFPUt2On8N6N8TPDdlrXhD/AIR2a00uCaKXxDNZCFr1YGHMYlLEEbVYgKD71tGLWpDVzHt9K8BXEviA3/im4traBCdIRoy1zcZQlS5CHAGFU9OScVCjFvUm9jovgx8J7vxbe22s6fdTW2lwXgV7+K7UFZIwGLBGAP3uBnpWsYxWrHc6+T4v2ieHrax1n+2UnAeZdSiu7aZjscocoqnaTjA3DPOenNacyTMXF9D0bwi2u+IvD2p69o/iyTVXvEMdp56KkKbcBSAuNrfe3Ejt2o5o3V0OzZu+OfB+n+I9LLyaXbXWpNbNbpLIdpjLgKzqfUDJGe9JNPRl3sfDvjfSv7F8Qahp00bgwzbYmK4LLxg8+oOa5Jq0rFrUsfDa4Fr4t0zVDbLNHa3IklH/ADzUfxEc8DrxTi1GV2Kex9uxat4Q0B72e91WzgkZ0vJ1MmXdWUYYL1O4KOnNdXM5GaZ81a54yl0vU9Yh1HwrZSXc1159xdsfOIWRSypknA+ViMdseorOdSa0RaR0K3CzajLe6rdvoGmzfu9ShsbZraJLWLmFpCmfMeXeABGc4HIpwd9ZBI4K81KXWPCvifSpNBstMlsFt71mZG+1ySZSJ0yxztIO7aBxVpXvcl6Hefs9aZ4cufi/dQ+GtTu7jTLawlkQXSBWlJ8pSCSudpO44wOgovZCZ7N4l+GfgXxbpV6nkLBFqUvnLcWmwBZFJG5TtJ65yO9N1JbMtM5z4Y+Bo7Pw3e2Npps1ugvb6xS8vlHnLbqAInQAAYZlyeOabkkS0j2K33i3jWXYx8v59oONwHOKxY0Soe3mAOMZH8s/pUspFDxHq1loWi3Gq6pJHFaxACViOBkheQf8KEwPk/4ma9rOvX3iC+8IaXaXnhOGD99cRrtZFkZC2A7BkBeMgBVHG4jrmldzFYr6b8SvFeqfDK70ax8NRQzyNElreWUKhgpUhn+bMryMqN84I2jPSqTdhJWZ4zrljqOnSRx6jBJayTRJOivkFkcZVvoRyKyatuaGt4S8YS+F7W7j03S7GW9uozEbu4TfJDGUZSEHQZ3Zyc9BVQk4kSjc6O8+NfimbwSng/TdN0LTNOSMIz21n+/kIGN7OzEbz1LAA56Yqudp3DlDwx4+h0bSrvUb6z/tjxVLIYIbvUmNxFJbOoEiOCd2Rj5SMY3GlGpYOU1vhHrUJ8Zf2tfx65cXj3HnQpYzosIfJzuD54xgDJGAOtTz2d2TJaH2f4Umubrw9Z3N9LFLczDzGMJygY84BzyB0zVhT2NdlQE88huQR29KCyAgEkqF3YGKq5NhjDblypz14PWmIruQEA5yCB7U0AhBB+9jnrTAEUhA3TimwDIOMkAHrmkAMdozu7UxXGl2JDYwegGKLCuNyDxnHenYLjsngH0oFcCq78+px+FIdxeAeDxQO4bcEr2HHpSuMlReg75xSbAkwg5A6Dg8c0rgG/jtz1x/9ekIbxwVw394n0ouBzQzt7cnrXSSBAVQCcc9c/lQA8NwAWGe/rSANgZ8YyRRcVxWAByMAUDEdgvoOKYDgFOe571NxD8sDn096QXF81uR1zwMUWC7FEnzDBP0osO7HJLktz7g0WHcnjKEcYx371LQ07jju6kA8jn3pDHryvCjrnmmwEbjkrjHPFIBS207Tk+9MBuT0JOe+O1IGRiYgcHn3GKom41JPlO0d+cUWFcUyAsF5PGAPWnyjuOSTduBJz06VLQXJf4dwUHHUA0ih4woxzxwKTAlySAdik9etIBfldBg54yMjtQAgKhSo4weoouA4MoBOe+MmlcLjHOQoJwB78nrRcVxVY/w9+TnnNUhiuMryduOmBnvUiE3FSF6j3oQIlRyFGSN2eO+P880WKuSCcKo27eOnFKw7ieZnnDfNznJosFz55/aSsPGlxdx3Wm3Ei6S93DDbxbgD9ocbBgHkgnPPSlKN0JRu7nzdqGlahplrHd3VjNbNfRMYWniO1kJILIT15B57Vg00yzQ0n4heJNJtvEEWlSxWMetQQxXKxxjKrFwCp6jI6+uatSsOXvHqHgT4/eMrrxNfvdDSvIvR9oljnO0RCOLBCMTxu2g4Ock1akZOLPMvEuravqVoviUQv5k9+81zddvPI3Iv4DPHvUS11LiraHU/Di/0rTPivo2qnVHtNDnRJL2fzdv2MupYpnHyr5pwOOh696KW4SPb/GHhN4tAvrjwta22pW+saqNVu53nOxUVSwUDI4OMkn+/iuxa6Mg8L1/wjodn4lt4rWVNRX7N52olZhEFnckbIzgghSyHGDnBrGdky46noGo+OIfh74b0rT/AAho1hf6TLaKL2SdTvnnI2t5gRvkJIPXk1lOrbREWuc78P7HXb2fQdW0nwzpjaeL91lVSHSdmaRgs27OwAjAPoAaqHM1cq9j3zwjD4QutTu9Em0eO31eQzPOqybvN8wBpTvTAIDfLx0xitm3uSnct/EXSdWkaG50HX9Q0lrSxlEdrAgaOUqRydwPOG4+goi7rUbR8f8AxW8JX2geIrtLy4kuI2Tz43mOJZQxyu4f3uefpXPVjyyKicfosht9QiEbuHZtu1e5PTHrWTXMUz1rwp8XrrwbcW9lo3g3TopI4o7Sae4kaR7go5IkLDaAxO729uK6ITaVjNxZwHjrxHJ4r8V6nqixvaQX0xkeHfuUNzg9McDP61M5NlRRn6dqV5YaxZ3MIJlsbpJIE3EqZFYHOM9yq9KlXuDVz6A1e50/xLq2l3V7bPpXiPVoZNSDpKESO4hYxLH0L4YKcjrxxXZGWlmZS0LZ8Y6DaWej+FYtLSz8Sx3DizntYPKWCQzfu0R352MpAy341MqqT1FdtaFnwd400fwh4s1mKPwzawyXs6LawwXizyb8CMxhxwNzhmOSOo9ax9rGTsN3Wx9CWd+LjR4tSaKe2R4w4inTDpnsR6n0q9nYpMstufDKq5zgkHAz6VLZS1HxuApZim9M9un1/wDr0rjMXxvY3ureFrzT9PnW0lkTImeINsAx0H5jPahWA+I5fDXiLWoZzaxzy2EVyzxxDG+XcSMquMkkIT3xUqnJFJJ7B8MvEmu+DfFlzZafodreX9xE2nmC7LRiJASZAWUqRwMH2qruLsyWir8UP7a1uay8UazBDbNqSCG2jhjEdrFHGfLRIzuOVCqOT71M23qxo4Y2qIGkM0IK5wC3EhHXb61ncqwacLU3USXjmK13BpmVdzbQeVA9T0q4ks9K8I6lCvjiTxDoIi8N2dpHNb2U1xa74SrJJhJRg7pXyBkH37VulzakN2Q650TV5pIvB2m6i11aQ36faAJcQGYqoLjcARltw5444rnkruyKbXLc+yvh9oUXhPwhp2hRTb3gjzM+QQZG5OMDpk4HsK25SFob6vkdNmPTvz6UWHcUFWYcAEdB0oC41iG3A4AxTERZ+bdnI7kHrVANcnjgkg/pQAwAdiWHIAzTEw4LBQe+Dg9qdhXF74Ix9KYiNxgZOSB+hoAcQNwwAF6AigBAMwkgE89PSgBxBJ6ZxSHYULkZ24zyR6GgdiTcR8oOWyeoqRjgTgHBx7+lFhXEQOF+b68cYpWGNC9SQQCfzpgKDgDG4gnsOgpWAwdgxkn5s8DNaGQuMHmgYDDn29RT6AAY7A3uTj1pCFPy9OBjr+NAyMjCkkZ9qsYmeT7eg60AP4HLHBoAcDjHv0zUsTFG1cKWx6ikIVQOhyT2oAlRioOCMDrxQNMUSOMg4BzRZD5h/mkrySRSsHMKZTuHQDt70WHzCK54zxg/mKLC5g3kcEcelFguNLDcoIHTnFMTBeWIJNADcnAAPJ70ABLFRg5J9KBEqlx059M0WKTHh+55x37UrD5idXO0FQDmlYpMXecjAFIBMkoM8HPU9KABhxgg5xSATjPJOaYAGDMQGwT0xQA8HjOcgeh6UAJnGB6npmgB+8bhgAgfp1pAK5VjkHaeRwOelIAZyhw2Mbcfh60AZuv6bDqscEdxp8V0izxzMHO0q6ZMbA5HRsHFNeY7ngXxw+H/AIt1DT7K0gtLa403SdOSGGdW+YMN0ku1SckkgDhTx+dROHNqikz57tLGBYZLudZisEpTy8gMTtJXIPYEDNc0roo9B8H+H7298B6vq2mvo11NcXGL+aWLZNp0WzcGjLbVO4KRtXP0raMdLiuYWrXE7+CRb6VNa6hp7XKG5mXTJYmaYK5DPIx25G8rgYHyjg1OttQtrcq+BtSutAmk1jT9KsNWeGN5ngunLKqIQu94ww3AbuM59e1Spa6DZ9SfBfWPF3xF8L3mueI/7It9MuImhs7DTYtiqy5RvMDbmIIwcBh0rqjLQyO8tfC/hm0hsrOLQ9PRbQiRf3QZ8j+Is2WPY8n0pOTLvY+T/i5caNL8T9Tg0G8hGnlZLqbau0Ry4ywQcAjPTg9TiuKvvcSfU57wlrGtWds1vobeVLbLJcmWF5C8ykfMpBym1eTwAeTk1pBvlsEo3PqbwD4gudJtfDln4nhsLMX9qUtDHYyRfMqhsFixGTk8Yz1zW9nYErI6bxb4i02w083Muu2NjA0T7p2lVmQZ6qvc8Dseg4q0iWzw/wCMuteDjDYy6XLp+t6gJIYrqd/nbyo8PkngAkg5wOQTWVdrkKi9Txnwpf22gfETSNQn0+3ubeD/AFsTAYlGW5GTjPoawoTs7sqavsdV4gufh/4r02wl0/XW02fVNQ8y6094SRYoFlA+baAeXGDuwO+a6JTjZsmN+px/huCKW+t9GgvYbX7TK08b3al/NcFkXy1jjY/dBPPH6VgpNmht2fhy48PeI7e20fSbjWNYRpf31yghh+UKdyq+CGQ5JYnHI4renuTIj8S+N/EvjjU3SK1gs3iZpYYrNEgWPZukkfefm/vH73Jqak3J2IUSvp6+HE0u21e+ub+51BbV7mUSqTH9pM2Iw+Bkx7BkkHJY9e1RPaweiO5+EGnabZahZ+NPFN9p76Lc6zJYRxvFIVEiLvEpHRRuKgbvXkVdGNteoSVj1W31bVPHGv2Oi3erxaFDYax/xLUt7MtLqBg3FmYljtjC9Mgbj0ziumVlqjOKvue2kfMSjKCw3YwcdP51zmx5r8X/ABh4q8I3WnPoui2OpWt3KF8pgwkYgchn3BUHXBIPQ5rWME1dCa0M+b4z+GLLVoNO1u5Ni81gtw7mKQmJ2wNjLs5789wKUkomaci/ovxK+GksE+q2OuC6OAZCmmzHyyqgFUHljC4H/wBeodRPQpSsfPv7Q/gTX726ufiAlgttY3spCWkcgmljVULSSSFcquep5747VUpKRa1PGkaFdGkaaeRp1AWKIqSgBJz16cenrWDTuaJKxQlmZyhdEC88KMUWEJZxtLdoqxJKSciNs4fH8PHPPTiqSJZ6jrni3WdL8C2/gK40PRrC2lNvetPHG5ucOodZN28gHDY+7kCtZyaVkQlrcl+CNhear8QrTULCK6vhY3MUjP5ZZGO4f6xjwpPzYz3FZ0o9yqmx9tMCHLY24OcY5HHetzNCqM7WGSOvTmgYueVDAkdMg0AKd20nGfTNACOMRjAwffvQAMPmK9cjnjpVITIS3yjtn1pkCb9zLkdOcgUDD+LO4kelAhQCWwOPXjPH40DFQHrnkjn3oEiZs5znAP60hjcnruGD14osVcRSSMZAz0zSFYRcE9w2ev0qhCk5C4H5VLGkPRgeTxx60ihIydp3c56e9AC8gYzyBQBg9BnPSrMw3jgkgc0CHYCgZ6HjOKaY7gu3djIHpSEAVgAeTu70DHGNiRtBJPGAe9NMYGJ9p3cDoM07gPhgLAc5BqbgkOEC5wT16470rj5R/wBnb5toHB9KLisRmJkGMd+/SncQ1kKrlhz1+lAhcEoMD/61ACbSpODn69qYwAONzZHPakBJj5Rn7tAgBLdOTjPBoAQkBCGJzj86AHbeNvr1zQAFSMjcPUACgYM2flzj3zQAoYZ55we9ADjjOOhxQAqlhkHgdBQMmVskYwD6etKwrighVw2Meh70mi0xUYcsCOeR6miwXDf83U5osFwZjjjI780WC4gchvnBz7U7BcFBOTjHt6Ck0FxYmARiRjJ7jv6UhoV3Kr5j5GOvpQBS1fVbHTrdpb2dUJRnjTd8z45IUdyBzTUW9hOSRZ8xpFSSMFlZdw9WBwaQXMDXfHHhTTJpbTUtcjs5VADK8cisN+cfwnrg0m+XcXMeN/EbR9M8W/Zdf0Zba833E4v1hmQm0EhRVOMcEhP4+hzxWNRxkilIZ8M/DvhTW/hfqNl/aUSRTyRyT2sUw81ruNSiDc2Pkb5TgDHPXrVwtaw+ZGr8Rta8LrFF4Lmv4dB8Ianpyah5tjGHe9m+QCFBghACvPqTROQc12eE+GfCviPxT4kGiaVamSa2jkN1JI4QrEmd2SM4HRR1ySK5oK8i72PUvg34B1Tw74k1dtS/t/SIorWO5tXsXDuqlyTG5wVY4HX2NdyjyIiVmet/tCCK4+GEl1bXoFxBJGLSeG5ETmVmCKSR1GGJI4GDWEpqKdwS5tD47kgmkubi+vXF24O2LOcSBSFLZ/iGcCuSUr6F25dDpfhtp3iya/up/BVtc/b7O2YeTHtf5XyHUg9zzj6VpTjJvQLXPctB8Z62fG3hPTvHa6bps1vps/mwTQGIxylkRCWdiJGKqM7em6utJrcz2O40L4a+HNPkuZYtItJle9N5bs6bkQ9VBHVo13EgdzVueg1ueUfH7+1LjW4/CSXsN9Y2FrFqE0iWyo6biysz46Lg8D0rmxLXLc0im2eDas13ZamVljguJriCMbQufKDYwAOx24/OuWNrA0Zt7ZJlVguI2cyFVZBsUYPcnvVqV9xGhpnhvxD4s8QyWWjWEuoXKYULGynaucA5B6Y54rSmr7DPTrD4beIra41PTNQeGDxJay28WkxPeKQ7tIGYpuOCQoBJ56Hit1CyuTczfiD4AttF8T3cGveIYVS2gk3zbHUzyxIMoABj52dQTz0NZztESOOg1tdEjuLLSr8uhjEbxzpuS43H58qRgj5VIz6VzRlLctK6uQ634i1R4reC0LWtjBGha3RFEfmsvzMwHBYkZHpgV0QbFJJn0z+yZo0kvhzU9Z1p72+vbu7hkW7uTuDqiZQo7fMfvkHtxW2yJsj3vj5kfBPXB6kf5/nUjKuqRNPbFEdYpSy+WzDcAD3wOowTVJ2A8b+InwR8J6haax4n1/WtQF+WkvLu6DqoEa87FU5AGBjvino+gHzz4P8Ahz4v1vSo9QtY4LLQZUkukvLmXEThGIKsV5J4PGOcVPsk9RXXUlt7l/A3ihbrxDp9/HdWkQa3iRUH75znzNsmQAFJxlT0FS6fIyjkfiN4lufFeow6xdtGGEXkoqgKEiThdwAA3McsSOOegpylzBc5Vjlskdsf4VmxmxpOuS2EQ8i1tVk+zNbLKUztViSz4P8Ay05wG7DpVJktENgzXk4s5NjNcNHGJ53wYxuA+8eg9T6UragfRv7M9jpvhOHWPGGuXUU1pFMNK0xo1EnmOC5ZkUAt24bHTNbwTexnKR9NWUqXVqlxtkjZ/wCBlwwzwMjsaGrMaJURAQA3fIOPakBGo+TcTgAcd6YDdhBGSSfp1pgLhGztJPPXvQAuwBS2T19KLgRGNSMkHPfI6HFO4rC+WV5Jztzn6U7hYXYA+/pRcLABF1yACc8jr9KLiaAYIBDMCRkDpigErgVCglm+X69KVx2FQA8BjknjjrRcLBuVVy3Vv50XuGwjKx4XBH60XDcXkk/LznJ4oGLtJcrtPv8A/qpAOYevNACLznDZHt3oAwmGASefpWhmNGQMkYHfJpAOJ3Y6gnOaAJUhznOBnj3oHYsRwrwgxk9PrU8xViUW5HUEc8GlzXHYAjEkqg4ouAbSDhcg/SkAjDBGOD6UwFOdgw2Mn1oAaSo+Ug5/n9KYMhblsDJGRVGbGsBz1DdPp70CAL8uemeelADeSVC9DjFACruUknJGKdxgFYE/KCKQg2dAF6juR6UDFP3Qeh9R0oAUlc5wOKBCqxb5ioH05oGKozyOcnmgCYwnbxgilcrlFMLkcIT9TxkUcyDlHFHBIK9DwaLhykTE44Ax061QgyDt3AY6jHekA44CkBR9aQrisQXK9/x4FMAyf4Tx1OfSgYDnKknGcHmkIoa7q9noultqN9IYreHG9/LZtuSOygnv6etCVyr2Qzw94i0jxFYrf6TeRXEEjEIRkFlBxnB5HNTYOYm1i0028tNuq28U1sgLEvGTsHQnOMjjPIqk2tg9TwC/+KEXhHX9Wmt5dSvjc3cMlil27eVbWzIRu2naT2KjuMc1jOsr2Dkdro3L7wdfePUufFFxqdheTyRtDBCt3kQIjfKzeW+Fc5PGSFHXJoqWlEcGlueK6HYXOoeP7jwzcifSvsiyLfx2BM29og2WLICNvI+Y5AGTXPTp62ZTMe0X/hH/ABja3drtvjZzLcQTThltblYwWxgqCQxXA6VpyuDHuSaXFp2r2Wra1qUV47Nt+zCJ1SOO5dmdkxjheygc45ptX1BO2hc8Faeb3xFeRza9d6JHFZ+c80LFWlCuu5ASyk8Fj3+70NZwaTG9j7C0vVrXxVdaYdNs7xNIk08zreNMIRKPlCIyg78YJJzj9a6VLS5F7ny58Zb7TpPGUlv4e1BJbHTIYlG4EI8kWd5G4/MPcdSOM1x1ZJuyLh7ruafha10XWvE+kslu+iWmnWcF9J5kPnG9LTIBIEB+VfnzszkhamktdS5y5nc+iB9n0/RQuhaNor6ul0zmbZHaRyKjlDMzLyo5OF5Oe2K7kvkZ3PM9eutU1n4mataS+CfDt3f/AGSB41u7xnwpYPuVeAWbcjEZBwvvine2gkzS+I0/jD4V+ExdQ/ESS+t2uIYYLeXT181wT8+w54UAdPTvS03Y3HseXP8AFu31ssuvabbztJGpu7i33LMyxs+2N84DAhgdoJHArmrPmVhwTR5ktzCftMssM03zIYf3u1iobu2MjgYrBlM6LxHDFqd6I9KtZLWxgs0kvgyZRJ0ifdg8/wAWcevWoc1a5dKm5s1fAvilfh34n0LXY4570T6ZGkyJtQRSS5Ow55PybWJHPNaUZJN3CtSaV0eyeOvjHoElhJqmnWmnXsoV7ZZFDGS3HTzNsiqw5bsK6HVSWhgryPnfxr4vm8T39tcX6XdwILZLdmmu2cyPyztkgBdxIOAOMCsZXkUlYzljuNftrbTrTTXE1uiQgQoGklG5tvv1OMirp0m9SnLQ+jPCHwl0DUPB0M/iGK3s410+BJLrylRluAVmBOevyOIz67a6oWh0uRznc+HtbXxLBa6L4b1zT7240BY5L61gBiFyYzjYDgBEAK9OCRilzRbdhLV6nqMnlrC9zc4iCjc/PT647VF9SmYHi/xTpugaPdak7QuLBUmuURGdljJxyFyQTzjPpVJdxX7HB+Gfij4Q8fN4s028Kjw7DDuM9w+wTQqg3oFOGDE56eooWlrEqVnqfKX9tf2P41s7yI6lJotneLcHThM8Yjy/meQA3QZ4JxzzRLV6FtXVz3rxv4Tm+IPhS28W3llDper6pPG13cvcZt9LsViJwem84UsSOctitE9NRRZ8xyzWY8QwotyrWUF2o+2LDu8xFcYfy2x1Azt/OsZWuUVPEFxLdX91dySIwu7hpy3lqrHJIzgfdHtUydwRRhELXGZXZIj/AHUyfypLcGeq+DvA+san4SnsrLTCYdYe2efVLiLbHaRLIOUJAcsGDBtgIxXRCncls+h/2e/hVa+F/D32jxBYR3Os+c3lM8hdIo+QrKo+XLLzzk849qJe7ohdT1mzura+iMttcCaMu37xc4YgkHHtkEUmmtxFjClSVbcOoP8AP3oAQjIG1WXPXINAAMEFSSMcDjGKAEKY6joc4x1ouAx1JUg5HY07gM8oBfmycDp9aYCY4BI5HGM0ACoQnrkgjjvQAjLhxnnuBRcB4A/ixn3obDYCoy2QSc/rxSuFxRu7Lxzz3FFwEKMVxjt9adwDBK5285z1ouAAZGP4u/vQAuOMjGOg/pSAXaRwpPQ9TzSbFcdsYqT0JFFxlI2sQYjJOecHBpqQWIJLaPGTwCfxp8wnEQW21vlPXsO9PmCw9YTyw6DpxQ2FieCDcwLbshvSobKSNERKq9c47VFyrDJEUgjbjHqKYELjocrz6DFAiF1DR9l54471RJGVQ9cg49KaYDWAyfmOB2707gNMYKg42jOeDTuJq5G0b7vl6AU7k2BoiACOTkZx6UXCwpTHcZz0x0ouPlJAm1cbe5596Vw5SEqSnUnHBp3BoaVIYDkDPc0yRSCAQF3DOc+9FwFVSMDcAT1zQA9UAbnpj6ZouOxMmzBIIbB6VDdy7E6sAAFjHTjPWlYCRHypyAMHg4pAG3O3A5IxQBWkjzktwB3q07CaIwu0jI9+nFMloZgtycBD0IpiFK/MwwduMZxQMcoPIwQfUCkAsKgMBtI2jkZ5P+cUho8v8T/EC58N61f2HjC0S3srm1Z9GuY4g0kxB+ZXQnr2B6YBqJ1OQmzOR+F/xn8JaXPe2etRrpdjP/pNs0doQISWP7kBRgLjDDAAyx4rONW7sUotHc+IPEtx4z0aew8E3EixTWsk0V5NHJb+aoByI8qQ4PQnjFbbxbQkm3ZnzJ4g0qW48QWWhapKEvpNEjUzzSbmkmRmwhJPXgJ7AV58uZK56Kpx0icjbQSWGk3l1Z60lvNFOLY20MrLJIrKzF+OCuQAee4rZO6OaUVc6fwD4r0rwlrlxrhWa4uktYoooVmaMSu8ZE25l6qDj5e9QrplO1jfuYtX+KN5Pq1xMz6NpwSBXtYUQ26jaSTHkYUB3x1yRitndq7M1oc1NJfabdalqWjwW9xp6eVatLcojtBJjAkUHhJflOCASKnmbQ7EEk2nX+tlm1V7iKe0E801y5kcSsNzIuAcOWyM4xg1zq/UqSS2NO2+IfibS9K/4RnRNQube1uiiyNwk7Fsbk8wc7MjAHHy1fM0jPk1uY+n2OYp9Vk2TyWsbTGEjdGuGCBSSOvzA8dqxlLojSMbjPDXiG50W+s7kWtu0bTI8LXimRCI3yUwOdhPUegraMNUyWfVGnardeILbxN4QvdN0i9WCOKZDpMLLBcWzqJCWbJ25GNozn25rsj3M3c8x+JvhyHwFqGheKNL8T6zqmpSGLUFS73eYqrtAyx6gD5cHnFZVHGLGkmtD2Lwl4k8MfGrQtQ0y5067iFuIhLaSSYIUncrbl9SD37YNVCYJtbnhHxu+H8Wg+ILiLQdNMFhZoiskZztJjLAux7na59TUVUtzVanlmmQzJps128W+ISiL73VyrMo657VzyiOxpXF3q+m6DcadI0tra6k4dwOdxT0+m4/nWSim79ik5RRnaw0tzp8Oow/aHjtlgF2du2OJwSiKCO5VVx75rWCHOfMih/ad1cxTGOO3ijRctkANINygLnGWPT9TWigZbGholjDdtFczTwu9xvYWynBiCFcsxOAowTgk9sVXKJns3in4xeHDpcUXgbwjp6Xy2EdrBq1xbRreQ7VKEjaDngqBz1J4NN1nHRE2bOF1TxB46s3ubHxLqmsBJFH222nvX8s7gApK7ihwMcY4AxWcm92CgmfSP7N3hVLfRLTxY1zAkk8ctvCltDGiTW67I1kcjkk+XuH+8T1NawSSLkz13UbayvUBntBexphhCSWViDxlc4zkdfaqTa2JPJ/HXgTXbfTtcu7XxlFo9lrEol1cXK+afLCAsEJ+7twVCjtWrlB6AlbU+MruC40vU1+xXAkYyPsYqD/ABYBxzg9/wAq5+e7G1zGhaQ3/inxbAur69Gl1cy83mqO3klFBJ3t1PTaAKadwtY70fEDVPiJB/wivi3xXZ+GNEgVlSGxtGCSv/AhjUE7QOnYVqtSLWMX4l/DWPQNHl8TaDcyXPho3S2lrNdyKLmVtpzJ5agbVLK2M84xxRKnZFppnm7ESRIgY9eWb/PSsBnoOjeHfBMd94WeLxIJ0nntzrpusQi1DEOyRr99gFVssOOR64rVWsJux9Sat8Wfh5PZ3C6TrOmXejWMUEd1GE2jbKXU7FbBJXap4BGWq4SM5M0vHfjm78B/Cm31u9024e5ZUtYnE6ttJiyskjDgEkcAA9qLJu4K9jG+BnxK0TXtM07SBtsrqWNxBZw27k4QjczOBhnYkn5cAYpvW7JV07M9heHADOGXHUHoai5pYjCspKkEEnGKLisOJJO3GRwR7+1NMGMwQhCkHHBPamIUcjIGOe460AI2CeVxtOQKLgNEZP4cc9aLgKsR+/wewx0oAQoCeAM4FIGhh+ViSvr2oEZmpa/pmm3X2e+ukicxeYdw7ZwCW6AZ461VtBOViXTNY07U3kjsb2G4aIjeY23YJGetSHMmX3JznKkAdM9sUDBMuV6k9cE5x70BYNgZODjb6UxjgnOOR3HNIBdh3EZHTr6U7gSKp5w2BjigCIRkp0yB3qC7CSIpABAIxke9O4WEEC9OQw5wKLisAhIbuTnAzRcdiwsWwYAI+hFSAOso468ckUwGeU53HB54Ip3Aa0a8A9ODgCkBHJFyRyvpTuJob5XzYAHHtTuKw3ySASR8o6HFFwsNMTDB29T+VO4ETxt58MWAdxYk+wGad9BD1i3DKscHrRcBVgxtzjjj6UrgO2DHToOaLgN8tByxGO+fSncAMK4DDGDxRcAaACPHJ9Mjmi7Cwnktu5UUczFYcLfrjIGf1ouOw9Ihnoc+tK4yVYlKgDB45NTcaQ4RKQRnB5J5yKLhYesZB5bcep4pXHYimhyQBz0/yadxNEMsG3acDJ9D0+lWpCsQ+W23v8vU07k2Ap83TPHrRcLCqucZwOOvvRcdhwBAOQSCeoGcUrgcJ8UvhxaePZbb7TffZBDbtF5qxB2BJzkA98ZH40nFPcDwP4wfCFPCVtA0ettqkl0jC1tRDiX5No3nkgJ83t261jKCjsUmcd8MvFer+GtfTU4L6V10wMY7C4uZDBIHZYtojHAILl8d8fjVJtA0eo/EbxB4c8Q2mkaTrOn2Nt4uW7CanKLZgNPgWRZDIgHEisrbsBixye9Xo9GK7ueLbdOs7XXNMS2Sa7nxHbXYjYCPMiMPlbkZjDep5xXO2kabm5pngyHWNYlGnx6ZcWqy29jaTi9W2jabAAkZJP3hDHr8o5oTTYnoei+MfBHiOP4S298xa21CF40S0stPRfNjUZLmSI/MOM/OK67JqyIuYei/EBvCekxeC/GnhzTt8U7XV4ditNJ5kTqocDhXQMD3PI6Vl8Og3foeby29jDqlg9szSI9t55jiRdzAZznnHAB5PPtXM7u6NStrm++19rmZYrKO8InQQkSeWmPlHHfA6VFuVBOXM7mx4RuNMt4pIL1pkhn8+BpApZxH5DYGB/tlT7YrKScndG1KSS1OXt7W709ra9maVIpJWt2eIZYLyrjkEAkE4/OuuLsYNX2PaYvH3ibT9flvPDt1aixj0mITtaw+VBPFHFtLMjYLSK2Vzxnb6VMqrRKptnkuvajJc3pd7yZyGLhjJuyM528cAfSpvzahFWNjw34sXQr7Vb+xu9Ss2uTHJDawthLiJZARHI4YFRgdQM1ULxFNXeh3Fv8AHd/+JtNdeEYZZr1gUi+0MI0XyRGu7cpLtgE5PqelXN3Q4LlOBZ7A6VdStbvJPcHMAU5WBgwAGfoT29K5rScjW6sVXi1DV7WRWzMbYYiYZLAFiSfpwetU1Yl3Ky6fcGLZNdvHYvP5crDPliULkEoOpx3xxmtIK5JJdxaHa+E7m0MMra1NNbSxT7ziNNjeamBkddvJ59q22QjnX2iNY4fO86UbXI4B/wBkAHkHg81NxnRfDi21zVfF2k2GhaXHf34nPkW7bAJGxnksQO2eT1ApKOonse3QfB2WbS9Q1rUdXtrOzsIR9snmw4W4jz50XX95t3H5hnJXAqnTTYRkoo6b9ne48V/8Ibo1rbWrWGj6TfN529dsmpiSQsccAqqK+cd8de1apRSsQ22z6Gvrm1srd57y8gtIVO5pJpQox0zyazKujwn4j+LotYg1ZdFaz8TadfwPbLbQ3Wxo0h3mS43chE3FBjq+BjiqbSsRe7PCfEukeBNP8O77LVr3U761WFzHDH5YR5FUvvkIwVR2C7RyST0qJW6G6batY8vZpHO0szHO1QxzjJ7VImdV4F8Q3vgvxjHrElraSXttC9usdxkIm9fLEhCg7goySOprRNks9H+Mfjzwb/wqPT/h74Uvm8QTRTrdXWpmNowXBZioLqGOWcgegA5qpSb3JieT+ILvSH1aa60542VRH5US2xWNx5Y3fe6YI79etZsu4zSbXXvG3im3tLSO71TVrlfLiRMbyqJgc8AAKPyFOKbdhFrR/BXifU9Ul0vSdEub/UYEEkkcK5MI3bfmBwOSRzmtXTadhWO8sdcS/wBe0/wZ421O4bTLF9l8ySyXBaTemVVQPldVHlkjOPmI60arQi3KfU3wn8J+ENGVfEXgNZl0zU4FBkuBIxKAkrs8zBUEkk8VMpaWZS11Nzxj4tstC1O00t1dr7UInNnkFUaRSMR7sYBIyRnqFNEI3QSdjcjkVrn7KHYyrEshBUrgNkKefUhqQJkxjIUpxgnGT6UXGI0eI8k4J6UBYjK4YHgZ7+tO4rD2C8HrngnGP50h2FEeQVyen5e1AWEEORgH5eOgx0oCwzYcnDEDufT2p3E0c38QrbUX8MztpusnSpIwzvc+QZPLAB52jnNaQZLjc+QdQ8fyS6bdaHqV2txHDbzJBLcSys3mZJEmB1YkkAHgZzXK5S5rByWNX4FeIl0rxfoXn3s5a4YQPEI3YsrsFVic8n6DjFKDfORUVtj7ItHWaJZl4V/mXIwcf0rovYqLuiUxhABgYPXAyaLlWFIw24LnuB3ouFgVSMEYznJFK4WHKpDE7s+uP8KVx2HKqkZO7n0FFwsG0AYVhwKQxNiltxO4ntigAI+fapxjr/WgAHmbvmx+OaAHBzgDAJ9+aLAKrqV2j7p6DNIBGbBwVB46n+dAEa7OCOST+uaYCPtySAPm7kcGmA0qpyo9OcDGaAGgngHAPYZzQAm4kn+9zzTEzxb4k/E+30bxF/ZpgMWoaddQplJci5ic4cYBABx2JqHU97lI3Z67pN4t3ptpdGIQfa0DxRH7ygjIBHritGiy0iqMsMnJ5yc0gEKqwOQeTnNMQbSwIC5xRcLCNHzxkH+VCBgc9eCc4wD0piDDEbs4OOlIdwBIyCc496YiQ7sZUkkDj0pMaDGeFbAB4IoC45QfukHpx15qShwIOMjk8H60AK3IJweB6UARYzuHAxwFBpiYxxv5GMAZ5HNMQ1kIOCgwe/pTENXadwIxzkADocUBYCu5w2D0+Xnr7UAOIVuWX5ARjI4NAHB/FLwnHqrReIrVI11HS7djbu7lIwA4kdpCOSoC9B69KGgPjQ6hcR+bcL5UboRHCXRt6vu3llOODkLn8K5JKSKR1fw+1FfE/i2GXxXf211bz2U5vXliMksEUfzPg9QwRcq3fp7VtTJlEvfEHwZdeD9a0e6vbae+s7yN5wJdqziIPjL8/fCFcY4GcdqzqUralqRyE9zpcWo7bSfUJIpLrFvE0SGXyt3DOBxv4AwK5m3fQD2P4QeLNS8T+HdU8CC2lk0+C13s7XbmeRRIobLElo85GFXjgjvXZRk2S0c38Svhz4j+0NaaP4XkubYzTXayyhHvXXauTJKcO2SCQp7VU4vcaZ5j4W8Ka7r+r2um+HpB/aFzDKQvn+WzBQd69c52547isoK7sWZthDc29zPHJAI5IWcfPkMpU4YY+oIqaisBankFrd3EbPHc2+8os46dMttHXJ6Z9DWSWmg3seneEvBNr4qW607wvrMbtbS/2klnJGxIaOMbQx4GGZio78c9K2pQ53djU0lqV/EHgjV28U3ljpt8b6w0mC4ha6dtkLBV8+SIH+JsyNx7Vt9XvsKVS55FfRSrOJDYywxKi7lbPA9fx/Ks+RxEMWFoZAl0jxSuqyRg9kPPQ9iORSaA1L2W6vopBJKzxK6pG7NwqgEKik9BjIxSbaA9G8PNoWnfDgCCI3d3I6vfI5/dPIrsoTjGU2MrH3A9KynU+yi4ktpF4ftfD+qX17qbx6vb3MaW1gr5ikgYMCyg8/IpJGTjPrmqhrEU3Z2IPhl4Kv77xTpms6hYS3WgQ3sd1duxTyhbBm+YhiNwJVgeO1bUlpcylKx1/ivwz4IvNaufIis28i4kmuY9HRQkMcjRrFGzICBxuZuflAOMZreo420Em7XseR6potjY3kdxcRXhtYb7bKYNoYxE5+U/3toJ56cVzxkrl3Oo1uw8P+HfEIn8CeJr3SftEMSQSpKJppElb5iHQDymQAA4OevNbtKxF7jPE+l674Y8dNour3D6ibK++0q7s0schKiUDaT0LHJ9ySa5qk+Rj5dLm9pvjfU9K1Y+JIde1O5ks4HubPT766a5QscLlgTgfeYgAccelYOrKUkVCF0yx4y8W+NtKjsrjxjFqNxpOrP5lnb6hOjxTxptJLbBhuTkDgDjrXXZ2uZuBxNp4gjtNYTVoNPsYJ47lbxYIvkhRAQQCinG1vlPHTmsW3zHRGCSuzb1rwff39jfXHhK+tfEdv5Ul9cvHbvF5MZbPnOZAAc7cDBPKnFdHsrpahGotTy7xHoWp6NFYS6lB9nOo2ovIFZ1JaJ/uHAORkc8460nDlIbubHwu0zw3r/iu20jxJqM+j2kyhVu4BufzR90c55Y4HtTiSzsfjP8JrbwVoS6zpdxrFxAZVjla6tQiKXJAAcdSdvTFdEqceW6Y07nnlwmg2UZiNvqF9cPawMm6RY0jkZMyZGCWAJAHTvmubQGWfh74ouvB/imy1/T0gW6twYwz5wAzDcT6fKCOOxoT1JlG6Pc9e+Kkp+I2p+LvCNn5Wmy6Ulhe3cARpYuWdHCZAZwFB77R16V0Np262Ji5M4Xwj4kGsaV4j0228HQ3Gq3tuZLW6iXdLAwKyysXkJPzBGbg7jz61CdyrH1R4J+IvgrSvhpplzfa7o9m1vYo1zbROFMDbRmNY+q4PGPes5Jtii7Kx4p4k+NXhfxT8QLDWNXvdXstF0Wf7XaWdrCPMluEZAhkOecoZPTAGO9NS6DaZ7T8MdU8Q+JfFV54g1jSdZ0m3mt9kEV1IqxPEHbysQ8sp2ncWJBJOOgFP7Ogr62PSdqunOM9BuGB14qChXQKpQ4wPXp/npTuAww/KNoJyTz1/Ki4C+R7DJ4APFFwJPLyWIBJAwF9qLjBlxy5+UHjA6/54oEKEAQkjeByMjjj/6+aQzg9Z1e50rQfGExltbiXT0kmRbiUEMnlbuQMYXIYY9jW9tiFufAmv3rahez3COrNJl2UKFySc9B6Enr2rlluWdV4C1A6VcM0C2265ljhNxcKElhRWBLI4O5CMknYQSKyb10IlG595eCpUu/DNldK8ZSRdysFYKV5APzc9Bnv1rpvcIaI0NJuYdQsYrq3cNFIoKFejD1BoehRb8pQc8jGfl6mlcAEKF9/PNFwHiJd20g7uhOMUXGKEXDZHf9fT2pXAolmOSR1/CqENLHdnHsKAIndlAJBJx1zTsAKxPXJH6k9f8AGiwXHIN2ByD0A9KAJNpOQCOP0pAKYSxLAncOwouMesGA2QQfbrRcBGhfjltvGfXNFwDZgEY/Pt/n+tIQ4oCCpbkdiOKLgZHjDWrTw3oN1ql0jHyYmdFEbMHIGQpKg7c+pobE3ofIfxG1a68Ua2/jCPTY7q7guWtPsX2VmiMiwlh8y43lCSSTgcDqKzvZ8xKPov4Oa5pXiOzfWRqFzJqMwiiltZJMLbusKhkRc/MOCSwA6+1b8/MtCkejtHEIyoGCT1qLjGSJjAbI5xnvTATy1L5UHkZ4ouAxrf5xzkH0FNMBjRN5nB4I4HancVg8sd8AnA+lFwsBhfIbIwTRcLCbQOM884HrRcLChWwGP3cdqAsDE7QRn1zQAm7G0k5JPQ9PyosFxxJPuDiiwXGt9zqec9uaAG4IUZQYPXmmIcY2UdSec8mlcdgwA23Azj8qBDecDpkKcUxCEddv3Twfc0XHYrX1ol7ZzWbvIscyFHeJsNtI55ppiPDvjP8ACqC20GbW9GMrNpvnajJbFS6tKWTnJOBhEBPrjgUSipDWh8vXdt9nvb2MXDLuklDSIGi+Q8ZwcHBBPHoa55JxehV7npeh/Fy/1Wwh8PXa6Vo0BtTaXWpGBp5ZR69CVB6EAd+tXOq2tSOSx5prk0c8k72EU1tAtyXjiRy4iB4UbuDnj0rnitS0eh/s43erR6u0OnzkGS7he6jSRI5ZbeINI4G4cjIGeRnpzXTT0Jnoe+fHb4gaFo3hrU/DseqQnXZbKTNsscjyDzEKgb1G1GyR1bgdquT0Ertny98LrXVtS+IulWuhWRvrq0k8+ICTYCQMnce65OD7VhTjrc0Op+P5CeO7m0vbe20o29sjQxWFoEWaYgM+9uOzZyc9hSqu8ho4rw9Jay6XqCRpaG/WRXV5jgiMDkp6EY+pzxms+gmz3/4DX+i6Vosdlp3hPULuK6WO41LVpU2/ZcHa3zMMsu4dBxjr3rrp35dDNtnoHivxp8O9GuFsLG900Xdw7XM62yrJC3yhWMhU4J2knaMk8d60g29wbvsfNGt3Fv4v8Q+I/E3ifX00u1FwkMEcUKgzRLwg8lTu2gBMnnr61LWupV+hS8cwafZ6EdP0fTP7Ssrm/W7OtPaywORscJbIJBkIBnpwcU5w0ukNNs89txckNdW6sY42AI64Y8Lx+dczstGUa0mpXT28sXlfZp0XbIY12jaAOCB9Kz5ECFj1e5S7aS4klEskBiJ6l0bg+vbFFrbAyXUb2GfyI7eOW3jjiXhpGkBA5O4H3PQDHNCk0K1w8P6rqOl2l/BZTPCmpxPHMq5EbKevyjjPv2puQ2aWj2Nz4gntfD0Vv5t0Z2VBERvd3VcfN0IGw4HGMk1mlLdC2O18DaF4Z1DwNeQ6taXGm3z3IbT76JhIxiLrGwZRghlZcDOB8+elb+05Y2Ey18V7q21vTk1ZtQj/ALcMggiijD4eFQiCQSgYZvvA5x04yKxm1ZNjv0ODudR0zVdKDppv9mG2sBCgimO67mR1yWbHHyseMcYHWpejVio+ZT8d+N9Q8VG1sbpmg0vTsrp1iXEgtY+PlD7QW+6Otb3ZKVir4aa2S+t5ru0iltp0aJmMTzCLOQMquMsB8wAPpTUbsZ1mjeJfiJH4bt/C+lp/Z0VqvmEpGIbq5ikfYsZDf6xNznAxgZJJrdRZnyo5Pxbomv6Tq1vF4rtb2K4KkmOcgMFBKgBuRjC8dvQUpQa3KVit4d1b+xzcvGLfzC8O0lf3ysj7w0b4OzBAz69KzvYbLfijx54v8TaaLDXfEF/qForh/Klb5SwJIZgByeapu4lGxhnTrs2YujCsMbQNKpdgvmIp2krn7xz2FQ0UXNN0iO7tLiSG9jaSGIzPGsLsyhRkknGAMZ71Kd3YZ1ngPVl8P+BvFtnLpej3i3tlFm6vSEntnfKhYAV3FjznGBxyelbQaTM9TrfFvxI8LWmgSaF4LstUitprVbhHWQwyi+ddsjyOw3MioMBV4O481bk1qG55ze3Wr6S0lleW9tqF3q0cN7508TTSgMHOBnucnPXlRUu8Q5U3cll0HVY7Czv7iWC1MNuk9od8S+Ym8nIG7cWGRxgn6AVhc0asj134XfFYaN4v1PVPFl3ea9qUiRpbOJWlVd0nzlVHyKAp7/3eOtOEm9DGWmqPr2NgduN21l3Y69hz9ee1WWiV2fcMAgE45HX+tAChlxwCTnBA420AKBkhDzhgAGPPagYrHcxxkc9KADkAqQOScEnP4UANU4ZQzkIpyflNAHw3+0ne+JbL4h31h4gtEWzE8r2pg2RvJE7ZXc6g7u33uQM9M1tUVkmtgsePRGdHVfK2tINqg8Zz0+vWuWSuM7DQdW0y20ifQ7jTUuLq4GLe8y2YpNw+RVyFAYjaWPQEntWSve7JZ9YeK/EqWHgqw0fW7WDTQsVtBeNFdusVkZAdgSVQxckKc8cA84rvpx0uZXdjurzxTpfh/SNMfV7yztVuWit4UtVZ4y7nCKm0Z57cAD2qGhqWh1Ss5yWXI/hB4zUGhJGzZCueeh4osAgfgnaM7eGBzzQA75DtJTvkYP8AOkMoLg/KSBkdqsQ5U5z2xnFSAhjAbhTgcDJ/pTuAxYxuzzgjPSi4D0Ur0I25696AJY1IOevTvSGSqhCAbc46HHWpGDMScg5H86EIY5yOGHJyOf8APFUBHtBBJA/+vQIPlDAMSQuevQ0AZHjzUtM03wpfT6le2lrZFNkslzEZIwDwMqPvAk4x05pPTUT2Pg/xz4m1G5uZTp01jp2nG4nkW309PIiDSH5ztGOMfKpPOBisk76MEj3P9nDUPAXhqZLWVLq68U3AxvuGiMcBYDbFCwY5LBh78EGulaLlQ7n0nbO0kYM6tG+eUbBKk9qh6DRM4G1sEk9RxSuFhWULwU6DrRcBhjXKbSRnjrTTEL5Kd+Mn0oGNaIHjqOnuDQAvkhWIGeB065p3AAqgjjpweBSbAcYAQQeB2yKOYLFb7MMNhtwB6HFNSE0M8g9dwOPT/HtTuFh3knJJIx2/Si4WAQHjkle3GTRcLCLHjOxQ2Bgc0AI4O7bz+eKAEkjYj5QQ2c8H/PFBNhjDeQ+OF7+tMENZj02kn6cHigYuHOAMHpjbwfpj0oFYivIraSymgu0Lwzgo8YGd69Me+c/rRcLHz18Vvhxrl3pPinXr3TLNUvrtJbexs4S8sUiuI0Jb0Me4kYxk9KckmhpWPFfBvgbUNT8O61rJsNQWHSQ5E0MQaIOGAcMevCnPFZKF1qNsj0C1l0bxBa6j9nsdaRLUXqwpzBMuPnEgGMOhZenIPIqWuXULmdq97Y2LXz6bJJYX0d1K8JtJHCyRuQNgb7wRQCcMTnmhSuO1z1b4eaj4Gu/g9qdrrltpkPim9FwZLzUbMzTYCnDo5GQRkHIPB5q+eKWpDbTPGvBfiG68H+MLXVtLvZY5IGb94pI3qVIIIzyO/wBQKhS6otq5c8R61quum51LVJ5Li4umQ3DyPlv4gNv4Cs3qxpFSeKzjsZ2tUgnM7KsDtuV4DuyVAH33IxyeAM4oUrOzG0dTpvijxLpOjQiy1OXUtOTTGS6RJpTbwxSsVKOo2jdvJ5OeTXRd20M2iydH8RaP4Z0/VptIi8M2tojyi6UlLq881uAeQ2MrtAGMCtIpqPMydOhlvqlj4h8c3N/OdUvLG5VJbm2EmwrKSm5VHzblBDBQevBPSs/aq92FnY+sILzwPrnw+svETpF/ZkMCGR1QjyVjyGXpxjcRgf3q3VRrVCTsfLPimy0Gy8VavqXhjUTFp094JbWOJQwhiZsLwTyQc4HavOrT5paGidy1pGtaJo3gK80K60/StQvLkyNHdT2ymeGNiwGXwSGyc4zikqr2SCzuefWdwbWUSCKKVMYLOu8AEY5Hr6VoUamkR2cVvL9thZwUAbc5UorD7wI5yp5x3xUO9wPQdP8ADfgo+FtCS68Tx2+qmCWSZ5rZXt4ZDhh5jgfNjgbcGto+ze5Ops2vjbwDo2hWFrpGmae/iC20+NLXUdOh2tLesfL3MzAcAMT07mrclGNkgV76nOa14surGHVNG/sjT40u/s32W5ii2TRRKNw8p8/LuwGPqWya5FNtepco2OX1LU7e8ur2eaY2cmxAMAkPIMlm3DvzWSi2SczBctaTSOUSeOWFoznIHORkfkPyrp5bjDT9F1HUkaaGFdggkn8yRgoKx43n8MitUrgeieC/hV4q17wlcazolk0wW5+z27pN8k/lvtllVgQFVSpGTnOeK2goi3NHUtS+I/gLVnu9W0IaW99CLfdcRkoYjIXyJAS2SSRwcgCtLyeqIcTZ0zxp4atWvfDXj/SrLXZZXS2GpwLvmghWGMBo96lx0J3cHJJ70c/QVnHY8g8dabFpnie4ihtRp6PKXhspH82SFSSAshPIfgHHuKyqaM1TujYu7HQbX4MQzXSt/wAJDd6uWs90/BtAhV2CA4++uCTz0qV8JN9bHKarqE2pLZJMsatbW6WsaooVQijAOB3JySe5NS2WgE8sE1zDYSzLEyrHlTtJ9enqc1HUdj074b/CTxZ4/uLPVJ7G9ewvW2DU7hw0YMe4vu53EZAUfWtYW6mbPSvjbo+m/wBn6XZL9jGuW08MaaJNbxJIqiNmfM3DGDYhAwfTvXRKS5bEI8D1qHWrp4fFc2n/ANnWeoXDLYtGQIhsbAijBOQqk45461zTu9TRGdFIuoaxFHqGqtaQlSsk6plY1Cn5Qo/IAYHNQkNl/wAO6lolnqqXKXOoW8cVruXdGsrzz8AKy8AJkn34rRJIiSurHuvi39oXxY6mTwxo72GiSqltbXd/FmQyRhQ5GDgH25PNU3psEY36nrnwTn1PXzL4qTxLdalZMjWYhuC23cr7vNQE8BgeoA6e1StEOx6mu7eAPmU88jp06+tIBynL7m6gA9OT6UADsFKYGQeAQcf55NAAShILcZ5OOAMUDAuoyQO3Xp+dAj52/bP8Iy6l4fh8Q2VrADZuGu5BGFlKH5R83cA449SK3j70Ldh3Pk/TpYLZOgSZWDrcHJYEZG1PzGSfSuWWiA6vwNoeu6r4utv7J8PSarLbiOWOyHMUrspdRKxPIIBY5Pas46hPsenax4l8T65rEzeLvCCjS/D0Esa2jqr2qTY8vzJnc4bB6EA46AV2WcVqZOLS0LPw10/xB8TviPHqlvcWumWOiSwMloGLxpGWZgEToOAOccZHFYt871BR0sfXAUkgBgx9T/KmaIQ48znG/rtHegBF6hRlSQRz1NAEqkFSW4JGBjvSaGU5I2DKcZBFVcBcccjjjjP60hCbuOQR9aAFY4AXAAOOKdgBjnJBwevXNFgEbd1U44x1osAIzM3HI7ECiwC7to6tzSAXLF8hTgcZ6UAMYyswIBIxQAuMjcc5PGM0wPBPjr48fRLrxH4U1VIxp97aqbWeCPfIpKH5WU8feXr6GoqS6Ge7Pk2TUxHeRymNJYY5AzRdEY7slcdhxisorU0se7/Ba/1XxvoXiGDRfAlteawl009hqYkhiOnmUqFyzbSwQLkYB/CuyNmrsVj6s8LWWpWmh2dvrN9FeagkaieVIvLDvjkkZPOayla+hZrBM8jDL3I7VLAjk+RTjJGOo9+KLgCruUHng4Oe9O4rAVZV5wT+tCBjsjZggYI60WEMjcAnOB3yR0B/z+lKw7iBl3JuAPPTH86pAP4DADhT0BpMEIeFGcjApDFBxk4+n+FMCNuv3vmPOMZx7UCFUqCScsRgHPf+lMBNuFKjlh3x1+tADG2FSAASTxkZp3EMYBeVAH07mgAKfLk4UEYIIpgQvHlt2flHIG7HNAA0e1g0RGT1P8h+tADjztY4Gz5sdOM0AUPEyXdxodzbWFx9mubnESXCgkxbsqZBjqQuSPfFNbgzx34ieBx4P8ETT6BrkOnRCwOnGzkDkXs8jYM/3gFlKkjJBHqeOFJknyRb6VqIuorq3jMyvOLcB3Cliwzjr6DrWEpLY1SudGYNJ1jXtBsrstomnzRq0k0Vs82AcsGKrlm/u5rOnZbjkdRq2m+FHshYWU3iW98TtMbZUncLAqc5fLr93aMbcg4q6k42bIgnOVkjy7VreGO9lieQL+/IUquVC5ODnr39KUJXRUlZ2Kkc0ylrYiQhvkwVOB6HP41bAtKbmCeGeCNIbhDwuPmxj72PcGp0EdBot9d2WnW8N9qYhtCTusnDsjxqzOpZRgOPMY4GcjrT5xNHdeG5/B+vaR9p8b67q19re8Qme4uAEtlkJCmJG+8qgbjyMeldMKsHG0jJpp6HOJc2+k3VxDpOn22o2fmohvCTFuRC4BIIIBZTuPpj1rllyyehpG7NXxh4x1Ow8L23hJWt7KzhjeOKXS7wNFdxb8guFP3sg8kjII4qp80VYlq8rnnglRZ45GuZN0cy7wBwOuOeh5rC1iw1ATkaidNQy2MKQ+czrypwBkE88uTVR8zRtdDNs7q3itZTPaTzh1CoVn2KG5JYjac9uOK1J2DSzuuo5bp3kRWUtGW5dQcEZpS2EdZpNm+p3cenw3yqb2ZYoYmwVRnbC5xxgVgk3JKw7pHT+G/Auq3dzJolrYmG+t5TazvIsZ58zKynncAq7jkDGVAzzXeqT2ZDkij4ynt9Ku7/AMM6jbwX81lci1S/AOVSNiuVxwMgY5OeK4p03GQ73MVYrrUJIjp0Ud1Pe4VbdY8qq5ChSxAAJPcVUKLYrnrvgj4Ha2fAN39s0nSZb3VzGsb3UhEmlrG7eYeAd+QAMD1rtjTS33FzHO+NPh3o3giynDfEgRalqViwjsLOzc/atzndFlTgJ8o+9jmtPZrsHMmQ/B34wa74GsrLSm0BNU0tYprK3jM7xh3kl3k5+ZSQWwcDgH887OxLT3R9ZeJLC18WeGr3Tb3S7TUYbiEiJWAdkbbgMhYDawx6jp1qoq0tRqTPjzxB8P73TPGFxoNpeXi6nazRwWkj2UivfbldpH4yMJjaTkg9acoK1x3PNPEZ1I61d/2xJNNqAmPnTSSbyzDvu79q5mykioXdVCszkD7oPQZ9qm4ySKO5ks3uBA/kIyq0oQkKTyBkDqcdKLAaOk3ltY6ddRSrCyyvG5RlzIdu7GD2Hzc/Soauy4ysmfV/w6+Ovw+0HwTplgH1AR2NvHDJAtise1whLN97DZIJyPX1reKTRg27nieu6hN8TjrviK8vNNGsm7ZrWa41EW729lGCFiEWzaxYN13ZyDxW0bSQ9jzY7njjSRXuFx5dsDNlVIbk+w56VhNM0iluJ5H2i7MFvDGqxxlnTPA2/eOfrUJPqDOw8OfD7xpFokHiWDSEXSrlBIt6ZIyyIrZJVQ25TwTjGTjiuinSctjO9z6/8O/Cnw/afD6Tw5rUVrqJkU/6SkHlhHKhfMQEkq5AGWzyfTpSUmtRxdj0OyhhsraK3tURI4o44QBxwowOPpUBclMq4G05zxg4PFFguOWZNysoJxgcnPpn/JosFwEo3H5iMHsvTnr/AJ9aLBcivbyGzsri8nUCOCFpHPXAUE445PT9aai27Bc8Bvf2mdLaaKGx0dkumYpJb3kpWMneFAEiqQOpYlhgAHvWkoKOjM25b2IP2ofil4f/AOEJvPCNiRe6zdtHHclraRUt48rJlXZVDE4AyvbmpV1qVGVz5MhuIjC0bR7pPMTy5STiIc546HOR+VYtl2NzwV4l1fw7rVvf6NO7zxvvk2k8oG5DexAxx2OKlRbYpK6O61/4ha5461S702W3eS51IAJmUbIIkJfaisoxluTk5PArZqUtCfh1Z7p+zZ4J1/w5p5m1WC2097mQy+YsSyTyIABsdgcKN2SMZz7YFHJy6ErV3R7wsikkZAZj0x0qTQGJxhD29M0AMQrwM5Jx16jtQAABguOQ3XI/T9aAJHZXwoYD1AA5FFhkBwBhTndx065oEK7qcnaMZ55oAapUgH09TQAojUZGMUALiPHUYpgCBFymcnPr3pAPEYH3cY9KBioFJAJGe2O9CBjZAqcgZ/X8qAAlWzye55GKAPCv2i/C/hO9jnvdS1mTT5LWze4kt0Zi1yOQgAztB3YwSCMcVE7dSdmfG8pdwkKv/F5RUMCcsc9u2aSLPoX4M/E+fSZ4/CXhXwZEdQuLhVlkScmNcEKdqsMgfxEZ5NdEW5JJkSb6H0D8NtX1W/1fxGdTuoLxLa6EEc8GViDKoDxorEkAHknuSfSk4qysEbncW1ys6yAbiiMVLY6+o9wOlZtFXHbgw689qVguG5QvHODjmnYLgZFKLlhn370wG7gqndgcd/rQIXO4DJChjnigBBg8kYbHT1oASRiigADA9DxRYBwf5BhQSxzj1pWHcYz4zj179Pyp2ArancLb2csnmBGUA88YGRk1SRLYtvKzwRM5w7ICccfWhoEx5lUkkMMrxzzmlYdyLzSWGF55PXt707BcUytyAnTkfhTsK5We+t1nSCS5jSRwSFdgC30/+tRyi5jgvFvxP0zwjrL2+uM72ct6sNvMItqquAJMnodrHHFO10K7R1/h7xBp2v2bXGk3UF3BGxVnjYMobsM0uWwKdyzDqUE+qSafbyrLJCpNxsbPl9MA/XP6Gny6BzD3vFeF5IgJmiVtoUjlgOn8h+NKw2z54+ItjdXPgS58X+LPEtnfyO8j6XpUlwzwpITgqP7zBenYfjU1LJErVnjHh+xvvEN9Fbafp0Ml+0XmuHYqiNuxu29hggccVxPY6IOxb8XaZq+gfZ9TmhlisxEgiMKmGOWM8KhHB2naeo5qYJw0YTdytqXiMXNn9ohNpa3sdw17HPLvf5dhH2ZSRyBkAZ9KTXvBB8pxOpwRWuqzJHJI1oQsqhhk4ZFIzn3NbQ1Q5pX0NnwRY6drN9LDfy3kD+QxgkWRQrzADYrZ6LgNkj0FW9EShl5a3mbmQSpFOzCKSF8hogq4Ay31xUcytZg0b3jrU7S8VJLKKyNtaMtuht4ERWyuSSQOdxQkfU1hC9xsqafAt3c2NxdRmQGaOGWOFfM2Jxl+ensBXTCDexm2dmvhTW/DWlz6tLpWpS2cs11aXVjAytMnyjYWU5xhXzkZ963hh3cfNb1MXxPeS6toGo6jPpk9i1n9ngn8yFX8tncPw2B5Y2lVwBzVV7voTHQ863Wy2sjeW5DHcSv8PzfKP/r1yJMoLe7nuYzCzYhx87KuNoB4zj6ir5Rl3QLaG6uI0uTb2to84USXDds8kewA5+tKTsUrdS9d+DfEH9mxaxp+nm806aUIkkW0gSFiAhAPXgfmK1UW48xLavodl4N8JPa69f6hceIYtHTT4iPNKxiV7nbkRRBs+43DpxWdOpFq9xTS2Let3N9a62r3hso7mG3S0WW11FhvijUEqAp/eby+WLdSD6VUqztdMhw0KGtXE/ivxXHomhTXEtveWkCLDHaAebJFEN5CL2DBuT1yTVRiqruxJ8qPoX4WfC/w14Q1OOe31i41S9gZlEAbagjZduZIjwvzLkHjJA9K69ErE812epfaY4nVGXZI5YiOM43Ec4H4VnZ2uO55z4y8O2niK6is5dNtdP1G5IjjkfyzcNHhi5hIG7O1jn8+tdcKijuyL2PJvHPh7wfp/i3S/hfb3502xtLj7ZNrDIpnt5ZFG2JTj5QTg+/HpWbqLlsVc1/CfxT8QeEvF9t4O8To1xpFi80F1qyyGV5nyWjkJOcZ4BAz1rCtVhF2uCj1RyXxi+It54k8TgaRqU5sNNQSJcJG0bxq/wApLYI4+cLx2Nc1Stzq0S4Qb1PMtO0G/wDGUEcGgWst9qMUUt1exbCCiBlUFWJ5BBzg9OaqhTcnY0k4pHMapbXemXctheQNBcQuQ8bjDKfQ1dSm4OzEncihlmeE2pvnht13ShGZthcDjCjjcemTWYxbkW/2e2MEUjXBiMlw55Gdxxj224oAVYJ5nRCfL4JHmEhQAN3X+X1qkgNbT9Snn0aLQIjIokuEdFEwSIyEhd0ufQdOeOTWnNZWJtrc9S8Far4VtvDegWviHwzDdTW0s01neW8KPLNMr5WJgR8ybiMluMYpRqJO1iW3fQ801a6t01e7l1K03zvcv50UZKRo2/5gCpwc8/TtRJq7sVZs9D+GPxb1vwfb3FhZ2g1DTpYlcR3VxJLHCo3EqiscKSCF9OOaIy6mbi90fWXw18b6X458NJq1gs8LbVSeGVCNjkA4GeGA9RV8oJvZnS+YNyqxweCMHgUrDHZPGTyc9Bx9aYEZbHCkBivTkcf0oAeWwM5GTzuIxk0AU9ZurG1jht7+W1QXjeVFDMwHnHHK7T976fWnFO+gm7Hxp+1Homo6V408+70XSNItZ4lFmmmxCNCi56gAfNzluOuO1XUi3C6dyk0zjtC8VSa5DB4Y8aaxOdGNx9oe8ZfOuYAExtRmycHaq+1YRnbQOW2xxl2R9olWAOIS2VBPOO2fes3voaHZfCa0sbzVbv7feRWsVvaByjyGOO4y6AozAg52liAOpGK1pbmc3ZWNnSdL1x/GFhrdzZ6tDcPdLI13IgcESNth2Kw5GOPm4P4VoouT5kKVmrH1V8MtWmm8V3+jatBK2r2VuhLxyD7KIgBtYKDjexJJOO1OcdLmUdGdzqGv6fpuoWthf3Kx3d8dttDtJaYgchaz5TVuxqRbtgXkY7d8+makpMUK7N912PQZ7Uhj0aREAVeBye+P880AUTdYP3iR9CeKqxPMKLnrzgDpzRyhzB9pBOByRRYOYQ3OecgZ4o5QuIbrj7vAPHrT5QuAmBB3YOOTzRyhcDdYODjOOSPejlC4q3DAEhs9s+v+f6UcocwC4kIBU9OMk8+hpOIXF+0tI3AJYe3f+lHKHMZGn+KdOvdUutJZ3t9StE82aB0YlYySA+Rxg9u/tTcRcx84ftaaza6trdnaRG6j1CziWKaLEiJKjOeckAMMqPbn2rmqbii22eF3k4iv9N1CTTQ8duYzIiIEWVVORzgjLAHJNKm7M2PRvhh4U1Lx94ln8R+Hpn0gR6oEkkTZ/oqOGkVwq7cbdpHocjpXWo82pO259GzX0Hhbw7b+Co57a0kv4Zba11GWdw0rBlWSZsLhWO5mzu60+W5HMehaRts9LtrVS5EKhQXk3k++7jOevNRJalJl0uoBbgHPpyKmwXGxzKykqSwJ5NFguHmP5uQADjnntTsFxxl/d7lHB79KBirK3QMeBjOeRSsA4EgDacZ9+M0WAAdu5tuPXmmAEFVRgSR6jvSuAgVtvy9OmCf60wPMf2hF1S28KRyaPq4s55rryyuCfMwhJQN0XKjoeuKHKxEjR+D3iaLxN4LsNTubuHzVXylijl3SzSDILMpwwJIPBAxTWquC8z0GO1BX0Y8kN29ealsse1mGb72QGwADjFK4yrqkf2OxnuVVWmjjZ0h8wK0hAPAzTTE0effFVrO51vwnpVsitrk121xaTYEgt1iUlyRuCkYPI3DOOM0OdiGjx3xDqPiqPXr/AMPHR9DuJbyV92oXtvvbbPhkYISfLJwSBzz2BrJ1bO3cuFNy1OX1HWLj4a+KNO8NJu1OLSriWW9azvfs5upmjUvA4Ysu2Mrt6fNz0q1Ua0JcEdJ4U+LdyIj4ftEL3mpzSx29wjKpsokUlSzKo81sFskgDis513Zjp0rysaXwo8PfE46BqWtQ+KRawG1aWCBpYrhLiTDeYeXHlHeuNzDGCcZxWkNUKVNJ2OQ1X4VeMZfBUXie9a3dJDJLNavKzyQEkeWipzkuWX7o7jOKmVNvdlJJIpeF/D+o2Wo3Whah4fvbjVJ0FoXtmAa1nwHjQPkrhk6qT26VEY2Hc3PjpJqEOmX0WsaBBYS3s1skQDgzJFGoHzgZAJPA6dTjgVFZXaKjJJHjmk6hHo3iKHUrq0W4tLa5Vp7RiDuXJXHP1P5VnyuSHB2dzMZyfme1nuhdriL5juZVYYOBnjAxitooJO7Lmi6xp9pp1/bXFvMZjj7PJG+zyDk7m3AFs8KAPrVSTJJry6dNO+e5N009uJLqU/O2S2RuJ/i6c+9Y8t2O5jWUF7cTizs4ZZZpJflgVshyCAox/Ecn+daxhcVz6C+Hnhu+0saXpOkrp91r2r2Ucl1jZHNpMXmYkZyxJZnWTAK8j04rupRUdzCbub/jHxXBaeL10qETadaWyx2t/qFrO92bWZwxZgVQhnxsBB57Y4rVS3sS1fU5n4reDLmyj1LUrCAXmna2sD2d/faosaytFgsxRiCWYngEDG2sq1mvM0izyO10uW60e5v54VaBJY7N5kHyxycsF2j7xIQ815zdnY3iZUcFo41NlubmCyBwqRoR5uWG0EdB0zzmrcmrCZDo1ybOeC8ktluxC3zRTZK9xjHSqYjtNJ1vWr3wPb6BHLHHp1hdu6RxREMZZGyN7jrjBwBWdStyrluCj1JdLuLuOex05AjG5v4oZmdSSACucDgKOx7muJ2d35GsI3aKmvR3Gu6vcNpenx/YU3yqZHWLAijUSIjNjJBIO1c9eldOHg2rPc2xfLd8q0Ot1gjTrPw/4q03R7ldN0wR2smrC98l7xlYsHjUASJkK4yQcgAZr0kklojzT1OX4s/DvQ9UiuvDurae8d3Hu1W5+z3BuZCq/KoBTkknGS2MmtHUjKPvEWa2OW8UfHuS+1OG40Wzjs9Ut0kitwZUngRHwWkkJC5kCqAFGRknk1g6qUWkaKLZ5hN4u1+71e81OTxXrMmohXaG4SdoghYfMFCnKrg4CjiuZ15NGigupnwy3l3dXq3E76o2ow4kuJnZpDIcOzkMclgFYZ54qHVk0DiiLUZ2tb0iW4dmaIeajxEeUdwUZHrgZ56VlJN7j5exV1WSfR9IWKOcu+omaOVyxb91HIQMemSM49hVwXMzZx5Y3RqfA/ULLTvHunvqPiqfQLN5At1IhkCyoCGEbspGFY8ZPArspuzuc1TY2/2mfBzeHvHjaodXtdQt9cV763aNQu1cjCFQT0BGG79a1q+8ubqOFrHnl14T1O38DweLrpoIbC7uWt7VDJ+9lZfvEKBwo9SRWSh7tyubWxkWhCLNIrEsY/KWPn593B6VAzQEd1LrP2fVLm5gAKRzPKhZokGFyV6/KB932xVpPqI7XwVoQF5L4ts9NeTQ9OcxxTXSLIk90FAUFSPu5YPgjAxjOatRuribvoM0HxTqvhPxDeamHW6+zW0lpAilQimYMNyKc45Bbgdq54z6jnT7MwNQ0HxBqelpqwso0sIo5ShaeNWYIA0jFc5z8w5I5zgZqoR5rhsdl8G1v5JZ7LR/hnp3iO9uyRFJd3Q+QJEd2zd8vq2c9SAK0pys7WInFvqfSXwc8XabfaPbaZYeHtTtdTib7HNZ+XIwtY484LzMApUZOP4j6V0Si+pik0z1NwFUOAo6HOM5/wA5rE1sDEsuM7SODjv1xRYVh+1mY7eflI570xjVQrIC248ccdKVwPGv2l/BOoa/aWfiWw1KKyOkglp2l8ow4OQwJYc+gUZJrppyjKPIxNHzVr/inWbrTtUsfEdhPr14NsCalqLSeZZNgZVRnaD8uOeTyaylde6NLsX/AAD4ItPiXmx0PTTp17bgyXc7TlookI+XCYOThDklgSW6cVEFGS1G5Wep57rVpLZ6k9ncxrC9uxhcr3Kkgk8nms6kHF2LResNTfToWW2dYkkyuNu7HP38HjcOcHrWKk0xNXPXdW+MkOt+DdO8HpoxktvKhi1GVJAk06RYICYU7M4x3610xqKKsZWfU+hvhtqENzpttPo2laTDZvEEe6tpEVXZVGVAKqxIPXjHHWrepMWzy/WPivFJ8b7W5tftEum2cTWmY1G5nJyzIOcDIA9xWU6qjoU4t7H0Ro2p2mrafb3+nzmW2nUmNtpB4JB469RimmmUmaCuV64zjqOMEUrDuODgjKqWBHU4yaB3OeV32nPPsOa3sZCeY5+6eT2osAm51P3Pf/61ADjKeF54PNFg1HGRmLEMR6YJosFxA8pOOMdKLBcQyOeBke2P89aVkF2BlYYycA8cU7Id2PDEgnDDPYd6QXYse8ctuAOcY70h6nC/FXwnp+oaXf8AiJb6fRL+3s3825tmKGVFBIV9uCw3Y4z2qZp2Cx80+OdC8da54ffxzqpvbvTEVLWG6nmy6qDycE5C5JGfWuWVNxV2aI8yvbi9LSQSPLHBF0V2OE44HHHOaULMrY9W8F/FAeALm+stP0fw/d282nwWzmCR/JmdSXMrcfM/zkHp0xXS52WhDV0dt8MPHmkeKorm08W6xpiR3souXjuZShg+dgYYgOVXYqnggZPOaunN7kuCWx7Ofif4KilMVrq7X025YoYLSIySTZB5UDqox16VCabsgO1sZXuLOGaW3lt2lQOYpR8yZ6ZHY02x2JjGfQnb2HalcLDvLxuy5LY9OtIdiTy85B3Y9D3/AM5oGKBx2JGCR6UAOIAJZRkj0/z1oADjcR8o5x0oAFxgBjnvwMUrAVL/AFKOzSN3A2FtreoJ6GmkKTseNfHaPRLu21LVrfxawlSwYtpJuRJDcts3KxiYEK4HcYOBmkyW0Tfsqaf4S0/wRd6la3Omz6l5okvJ1wTDmMEBSRkLgt9SGp9NBp9z2HQ9WtNbtxf6ZdxXViR+7mTkSepB9ARik0UmaiblBkUksegI9ajYZxHxgbR4/Dd7Preo/wBnMLTyop4lLSoxcbjHx97GB+Jqr2QnqfE/iTxZqo8Uy3Om61rrQW263tZJr1xOltyCM543LjgVjqwsXvhn8QZdP8a2MurN9qgm1CGeWe8DTMgTcATjlgA3T/ZFHs02my4ycU0j0LVbPwJca/rHizVvtevWt+8slzeaZaO0FqJjId53YxIAUwOeua0UNbiZg+JLXQz43tPEXh7xBYuNRdlgt/s4H2e1KpAC8ZAxIULPzxgeprKrHTUum7O5xel+I9b0eW7u/D2r3s+nJDAl6k0hCyrv/wBQfVDyMDqCaIzsTNXdz0nTPj/qOt+K9J1DxTbQWmg2rsy2ViuFecKArPk/OASOucY9a1uZtM9rtJfBNnP4n1bQLL/hIM2UWqnylAWORIj5RjOAdzDJJBz8vtTa0uM+UPFFx4lt70XmufaZ/wC1cXTm8AmeRG3KrgtkkAA4I6dqxkh2MbxTokdtq62thepeo6o0bIjBpWZQxGDzwcjHtSukUZ2g3esaRdW2qaYJI7iCbZbTRtghypyOvcZq00BmavpupxalcQXNnNFeLK6yxN1Dgndn8Qc1QjQvZkmtljgtkjjSJE8zP3mJY544HA6e1TbUCjpl3cw3kM0V3PBLHLvWWKQq6EdwRyD702B6T4G8RT6NfW2qma78qV4knSKUrPeRLIoYGTO4cN2IzjFZxrOLF7NONz0y78deBZPGuix+HribTvDyXkepanFb2e1WkjBY7wOXIHDHnvXVKvexios858deIf7d8Vz2lrql3qGiXF39ot7edz5cEZlLAomT5WQAOMHBrPET5VoVGJX8UXrSXdyieHzp0Uco8yGA/uBIi43GPPzSffyzZPWuPn5uprZoreEYLW600+dYoUmVzO2CrIFZSGAJwflLcdODWdSVnoyo6lyHQNBis7nXbyYSvFLvtrUooimgUgb3x0/D0qZV5fCO6Q2fVdEnhijs9Ue1i3K0scEYjgj2k7NzAbmY5PPvQlUt7yDmMdrl5LxtG0+9aSZbsSpIg/eNMQFCqT23H9M1ag92Ck9kVbuFbm9uTrst3DDYuI50jYO0TnqVHQMSvJram3GyXUuXNNXfQ3PAFwqWf9nX/iRLC0v7izhuFkgWX/RXz5jCUgmLjIwuM5rsptnNJWMbxLpttBrt9f6XEBo8l5PDZEgugRWwoz34IqaumxS2NTwk/hNW1z/hIdNabWbiymtbKzhhAiguGZVR1A9Bnk9M0oy0uF2jGvIrnTtQugbFWEKBZ94ASPkgcd+cGsYx5tBs9++GPwTiuxYavqN3cCG5kW6hBLRymEIMBSrYCP5h56gIPU11RpRjuSmcF+0hon/CK63e6bdtaxGUJNZiCRmkkilll/15YZZhtPUntU1Kd5KcTaMly2Z5b4W/4R+X7Qnia51EW8ULi3itVDOXyCB8x2qCc880RUepnJsyoiIroSXFqGQDLxGTaPQDI/CknZiNvx4lkv8AZQ0/XbjWl+wxtNLJGVWKQjmJSeSq4HNXJ7CikibU7XX734Y6dq+pXWozaTa3b2NlE2fs8PG5iMnG45xwOg/Cnb3bhpc5iPfC0U8TGNlYOjK2CCDwfYgjNZjPX/CPgvxz4y+G+p6/LOb+xim+1xW6Iss+oTMSH3yL8+9Qc4Ymt6eujIPWviP4t+G+ifBux0KwtjbTXVorRWVioQwXO3cFlIwVJblj1ODmm24XTEnc+eJvDZjiv7i+vrUSWipDJZWrBpmUrl3DHKgKWUZOTkmuflRo5FfQykEk1+be3nWGAxz+fGJADINg4IxkZyD2Iz2rLmfQdrnb/BPSLrW/ibbHSb7UdM2qnmXNq+17ZDgNtVeNpIKHPYk1pTv1Ca0PtO0iitbq4ihZ3lk2vMuemVwCQO5xmtnruZFnOHZWycD7xHGP8ikmAAbskg9Pyp3AWPGBsXO3uef8+tDAzfFMOpy+Hb9NCuUg1Joj9mkc8B+vP5VdOykubYGfGXxg8d+OrvWo9P1HWbqOTTLghtsawwCRT8rqMZPqCc+1XVXI/dCKGfBXXtafWX+0wXGraJNM13rRuUWRPNwT5rMwOMDv161NFtuxNRJanN+MpoPCnimRvAvi27exvI0eWaG4KlixO5HC8Nj39amr7rvEtWktTntSuLq80iO4uWMywk+SQAcKXYtu75LEnms5NtFLTQyLhmRlJYYdc4U5HPas2hnT/DjXP7G1iG/mh0y4S0Z5RFe4xIXXYOnJxncBnAxmnF2ZMkeneHvGK+IvCV74Rt7pfDmmabaNdW/2aQmW6mBAKFumHJJwOuRWympPUi1jz6xstZvL9tLsbO9lmFwfLhh27on43glRgf4CuWcLyNGew/Bz4lXWk6PH4cvtRksnt5fPMt1MZBLCxAEaEZ2sW6Y9TXTSSSsznmne6PqlMlFOcZAwCeaRqtiRdoX5SqgcdaBmTFBwDyD7DH41bkTYm8jgHHHfjmlcLDfIIH3QeafMOwrW+RwmDRzBYBatknGc+wo5w5R32Rj0454B6Uc4con2XMTMD15z3/Clzhyjo7ORjyu7j6fSjnHyjxZyhux7jmlzhyj0tGGAcnnGT/n3pcw7CNYFkaJljZX+VkKgg56gilzBY8V/aZ8K6hb+BhPZ6ncrDhLR7QO3lzjzAyqEHyqRhiWPYYrOr7yGlqfK3jGz+w30mhbC11FMVcxy5UtnGMdDz3rCCZpIl07wNrEnh6w1tYTdC5vXgj0+Fz9rlWMEyMqAE4GCCccV1ctldkF/wlaQnQtZm0oXKavHtbfDONv2QgrLGw4JYlkAK5PPTis3Utoh8tz1X9mnwprtv8SdO1KWM6bJ9na6gRjuEltuKSIxxw3zDAbB4ziqgmrthax9aBdrYJJwcZJqrkjVGDtLEkk8HNMBxXkYU8D86AFaLj5efX2OakAEbAZ5Axz700AEYyPm68n0+lMBhRifmytArClSQQf4Gz1oGYHj7wzD4m0KSwnvdRsRkSebZECQbTkAcHvinGVmKSufGXxGd9K8Q61ZXV7Pe3Yuw32jcYRMvzowZM9SHHJBPHHFYOT5rCSR1nhq3TxdpNjoHhnwMLaKdUmNxa3MbyrAqOGDlwoLlwSMtkDjFbRkmDjc+uPC+mafomjadpFhAbWFY8pb53YOMsB2wD6celKTbZS0NyylDyvGqhli+9IMbSxzkD6f1qGNFPxN4fsdd0+a2vYwyyRPGCT03DGeO4pDPPPF/wAG/D2qtolpZ2FjY6fp135rw/Z1ZXBRg27kbicrjr0qkwPnPxX8Krvwj8RNXfw7PdNHo0MU8UstspVw0YExDN8vy7+O5PA6U4q4me+eCtHn8LeGj4Wt57nVZVsrN7l7krsiy5jChe/A6egrW60uSV9a+H+nXngZdJvvCkEWtTRG1lvjDEyxruXfOrE8AKPlUkYxis3qUfMOofDXV59Ck1fQJo9QWy886lZxqoa0aOXy0BO794zAlhgZAHvWXKO5t+P/AIL+LtGjs206H7V4faSNbWaa7QmMyxozyso+4u4YJx0UZ7VaiIw5NX8WeGvBUY0Q65pNpcQ7r6WK8D21xG7PEsiYUGJSQygZ57U5BY6PwxqOgfEbQrhfGvieLR7zTYYYLJbeFVMsWMbSAMukYQHaDyWPeo06hsVviF4dudE1qOLSbgX0OmQRSRXVrZNATw5+bJLbi2O/NczlEtK55xc2ssY/s+7vH2hg0RYbEQkZyCxHrjnFWmugPQg1NJFe/We8gvXj2CO6W9yVLEs2B1fdnk9vxrRMTAafd3Wn3E48mCC1jRXxKoUkcbiC3zH5hwPWpc7OwWE8O6f59/C1mFmlZ/KRXwilm+VeSfXn+dTKTsLcZcSLBJdQGZpZkGxZFB5O4bsA9vT86laq4PTQ6nwH8OPEfi4XU3h5g8UJAumdvK8kPxgliA2RnhSeBzXRSjzLUVzq/iH8Hrz4f6nH9m1hNTd41mQCJoSzKwzk5K4zuOCc4HuKVeC5bgpanIeKreax8Y6lfvcW87Say8TxCXaJGzuZtoPEfzbeTXHFqUbI2qLUn8N3enatJaaVNqMst3qMsccyFT8jpKQsK8cKykHIOO1KcHHXsbUIwejZnajFPYDxEIbmaM6XO1sIGlYr5bysoVR0AC1pFKVn3JqU1G/kclpqtcXkVvbxHdIwAXcMZz79R7VvY5mTaXqNzpWqQ38cQNxbSh1LAcFWz6eopuN1YadmTRanezWGobV3rK++dypyC7AZyPfFJQRftHZo2Ph9qOn6Y2oy6nZpNmJPIleISBJBIpAKt8uCN3XOK6KUuV3MZX6Hpt34QufFOleHdO8LSXttol3q0p36hbLCUmZFchEQ7pEAGQdoHzCtpLniQnbc1Jvgd4pl0z7Xc6VFYahbQ7ngjuI2+3OWjEcYIb92xAdizdMjqQcYRpRStcu56Hp/wnu9Pk1S5stR01NSurF59QhvbJLi03OdyW6EsCoXHMhJzkcDpVwjGNmJvocbafGPXfCHha30aw8PRTSWLfY7bUJL9riC48sJvJBAZV24IGQAMAVVVxRCT6HkXi/xl4n8Q6vrd5fX9hO+oQLFcMLHf5aBjtERfOw/NtBHODXM6qaNErEeleGvDs3hO9v73xR9g1iO5McFl9gMjTAKpYkhvkwcgZAzUucUtQT1sc/rWim3k0wQOLq/u4VaS3jG8xsexPqeOO3rUqotWy2a0cMn2ez0fVbmKa9eNbe1SSXdHbxs2AuAMAhmJOPxqHVb+HYIq7OYle9sbmPR7qWeWG2uiWs/NLReYDg4AO3JxjIrphK6E42Z08PgHVJdE1/XtTVNJs9MSVtjYdjOrRhYcAjBPmjB56HitVC+pHMtj0bwV8RX+GPw0utE07V9KN/fILy0hiR5Z4Hm2jMki4jGEG7bkkE4Iq1ZLUizbPM5b7R7uwm1nWtYu7rxJM3nQAIzIhVm+WQt1LfKQQcKOvpWUve3LWhirdyv5s8jRvPcctK6BjkdTkjv61ztdCjX0D7HaiHUNVlmvNNe+QXtjBIY2lVRuUFiMY6+p4NOK1DmsfW3wZg8KeHPhtB4206xght7yNndzFGZ7Z2OHVpztJiUjOOoAzXVGKb0M3O71Pn/AMU/F7xzrXiH7LHrpsnaeWBprG+aCCXc2EYtnAVQBg+mTSlLog5ep6zafFXV/BUNl4e1HXI9fuooGurq5WxcDYI9wCSu/wC9Ukbd+B06NmqaSjeSIs/ss7X4Q/Fyz8a3dzBdJa2t7LM/2TT4pPMl8pcDc7YAHQnnHWoTUtgu07M9N4Bd2bGOhPT/APVVFikKepHXPPXrQB4v8evg3J42lgvfDrLbX8twDeefIQjgjHmY/vADt1rZSUocsho+bPAd8vhXxdeabqWpsmlPL9m1BUmdY5kD7W4QHOBkioinTnoTUV1dGp8cW8G6n4v1O68Ota2GnWltHBZQ2dsVjlkULkNwDuIJJJH8PNE4qy1KjJs5LWfCXia28OR67e6VJbadPCtwrh4whRn2KwVTxluxGaycW1cq6OWkfcBkllA+UE9KxKH2jBZRIoDEfdBHU0AdNo2rQWNqz6lp4ubeONtlux2CaUhgpfGCdpO7oemO9Cvcmxa8J+LNRtNOh0tNRvbezRpHSCxDRl5HQ5dmQgtjjrniqu7ia6nr3wq+G2oeIdY0C9v9ORPCFqDcJqCQpDNfAHjeQ3mYyBjPQdhmteUzvofV9tPE6KUYNkd+/p/n2pNDVibdgjhQD0/+v60DK3qABnuTQAuBtIIyQKGMdjPpwaQWCNDwMevP+FK5RIYyVzs5oAPm4DY5/KmA9VQEFm+U+v8ASkBNERgspTPb0/GkwJwYvL+cBeOuecfX86W4Hn1t8TtNOqXCXFjeR6ZBc/Z31Mx4to3A+YOx6YIA/GnYnnOz0nVtK1e3+1adeW93bnJEsEgdc47EUmirmV4r1LTD4Tu9Vae3aK2iM0TyncvmYwn4knGPU0norg2fnhrE9zNrq3moGczSMGMjklnY85JPJOaxT0Gj2nw9q+mXvwVstdWyi0jxH4evTCt3a4iluPl4fjG5n4Vic8KfWtJTfKFjV/ZZ8GWc+stqWpzWU0lxbzBbXYrTW80bJnf3HDZHrinTjdXZT0PoLXNd0/RvGOg6e8MUA1iSYK6ZzJMABjj25yfStUrozctTqt0ZYPnJ6denHH86kZG+OoJwx64/Q/jTQDAUXkZIHJ9qAuPWYF8BTxwBjrSC4NKxYHaB1O3FFgESUhMMQDjHIzTsF0BlLKFYrnHzDHHvRYVx3mRAHc45PTv9KLDuhwlQKcYwBnA78UWFc+DvjZFdJ8R9UGpTC6ujNlLoSlg0b7SgJ/2FODjuDWM1aQos9P8AAmv+HvBGsWGg+F7HTPF+qNcO6y2crs4j8oMyL8vLFt3Unp2rWCKc3tY9Es/EWuWOoatpC61Dd+K9QaN4LBw5ison/iz1VVBBJPBatXFEJnrPhCzOi6DZadPcvczRxKs9xIxZpZP4nyT3Jz+NYy3NEaqyoRuDNkfd3cA/5xSsO5J5gYZypJHPPFKwXMrVdP028trgXVtFNHMoWcynKugbdtxnH/66pAcf4wTSdHsbnULi3SGWa5tYvNEzRoT5isnGeuS3HerRLOy1e5sG0iSe82tbvEcsACGQj5gB0xgZqLO476Hj2n2XhK+0efwxp00NvdSPI+oXFnIySrvVpFlkkG3czYT2wfSrsRzXOY8Z6/qd14b8K6fp3iCTStKkhi0ma8ntIniuTISsm5mJ2lYxnGOpxS2BO4nxQ8P+FD8NH8I+FjcXMcdmPs91FbeY95IjboYFYcNufc3HAGelDd0UmeJeKvhzqen63p8Ph+yuZbyKCNpQWX55OFJUNjJ3BgVGcYqHC47mbf8Ai3XYP9Du5rixd5Y55Zlnyzuq4BGDtOAenY1yukk2i1JrYzLoTXE0lpqFhdXd1O+8fvy7kEfLwMjGMfnSWmwndiW3g61h0a31LVL21shc3H2cbjuaNc4EmwcnkEfhVuq72SGl3JL23020Oq6Hai6uIUZWW8lA8x2UfKixgHaCc98469KN9USyhCdSinSwlhNvJbtuDMpV0fPygZ5HUHjFNxAiublJGluiqRb1ZQFByWyMAn9TS6WQ27nd/Cz4leIvAFpd2zQW2paZcL5hg8wZWTpkPjOCOtbU6iRlOLex6Z8afE3hTxn8P9N8SxeILuy1a42KulmdwpHSTGQFOM/eB5q6i5o7Dj5nhP2JpVS6kcylrcyPJ95VkI4BPY5IB9K49tDZbGfbS3OjX1tqFhIiXVhOZEJAJDBlOf0q2uZWYJ2dyDX9b/tK61G/lhhkuryYySshKrlm3EhfbGB9TVwhypIqdVzvcoWttcpqCx2bebKAjIUfG0nBHPqM4qzMm1Ca3W+aXEMpVwHiRjtPQnnv3FCBi6KLBLmWTVWuEgMDvbrAAQZMjZuz/DnOe/ApiO2n8aaLpNhLoml6HpF6jxi3nvZISZJ2V2KzLu5Q4YAj2q4ycdiGmy/Y/FjX9M8aTeILO7Z3ljMaw3jErY7lUOIVyQgGAqkc4AoVVrcTgdTpfxu1bwnqVwi6ta+LR5CzteTiVc3APC8kbwoIA6CteZPQnka1OQuvij4t17V3/tnxfrNppUiubhNNYRDD54KDAcZ2g5ycVHNrqVymJba9aWMup2cEEGqpOHtobyaNiY0JBaRFJwGIAGT0FZSZVjLtLy1e5GWmMCSB9gAyVHPJPBxjisXEZr+Hs69q6aHp9vOzXD5zBhp55SRnB49DxUezbdwvY0fiRoWueFprKC6tL/StQInO+UhXlj8wCMqVJ6Dr6VrGg0tdUbOzVkcTrupQXcNvawwbGtXJM5OXkJVM5J56gn8acafKOUk1ZI3Pg94OPj3x5aaB9te0Lxy3DTrjcAilhjPcsAPxreETBuxuX+jafp/hbXIdZ8USv4gjuVzo43yNNL5jB9+D0ACtu9WrpcFF2uRe50/wu8LeDrWyvde1+2j1O/dSNI0OMM0slyUJGUX+DgY64GSaahyNMnnu7Hk2uaNewx/bLqIWrySORangxoMEN9DnAPfBrOpF6s0TK+l2E1xbSXcz7LS22swZyjSrvCsEJ4JGckelYKNxtkmi3UkGpgQ2drfmZWjSO5iDopbgMMnAYdj2qU7MLXLM2oazNpU8Mb3aaTHMymFJWMMbvnKgE4JwP8a199rQnlVw8FpoVx4qsovERnh0gv8A6Q0H3wAp6enOAT2qE1fUJXS0Nj4heLrzxG1lE7Zjt4BFCXjzLsGcLvOWYDOPwrapVUlZbExjyn0b+yv8N77RtKbxD4isJba6mJFnE0xVkQ8s0iDHJPQHOB2qFogerPfWbaNzoOoyP0oAe0cTgAhTxwDx/n0ouBFPGMFWOFwR1PBPHX8qalYDwL4ufBzwQcjQ7pdL1uZiYrdJN7XDscKAp6Lkkk+1dKftFqgvY8t+I3wgbwb8P11y/wBSuBqUkqtPYOflj3AfNu7tliMH3qfZxabTGmePS3uqCxexa6u/sjbd0Jlbyxg5GR06/rXK7pWLsjf8G+AfEHieWzm0/TR9kudQNir7vlEoj8zYfT5aIwbE5WO7+JPwi0z4c+ALbWdT19pNdvZUMFmsQKqABvw3qpPWtXBK4lK55F50l/KBJH5kjsqAD77HoAuOpJ/OuZu7K2PX/hL8HfGM/ieGfVbXUNFtIgxhZ4wDIfl3RkEjAZGYHPUZFdEIPdmcnpofRXxF8QS+ENCi8NaBpUlze3NsYLWG0jG2CR1xGuBwOFJA9q0urczIS6HIfs4ePJ77WP8AhCL2RkuI0kkcXNwZJpJhgsoIGABydvbFZczeouVxZ78seVJOc9Rzjmlc0I+E/jyD3NGoAg2gHOTyMGkwJd4BBGcdcCkXcd5oUja2M/gAPSgBHnbnkADnrmiwDWlYH73I59D9KYDDK5bgdO/QflQTcaWkywySM5zmnYLkd1dCOBnaIyqVP7vj5s9AaVgb0Pl/4n60NP1zxB4cuG1LSvDVyXuPsogESSXTCIFEJGJdpIY89+lZzlYhanJaX8TfG2iW0Gn6Uv8AY9pHMty9vaaf+7vogAJJZHGMLtQKSoxyeRU80mi7GHf+N/EkdtqWl294yaffSpOlmJfMVGbkkMRkkBRznjNYuTkuUrlOIj1BJrsSzMZ4ihVDIw3RttIX8ATQo22KLdpeyQwn7PIsZEmWkL4OMEEDjvnNKwG/4J+I/iDwst2thcCYajP5t4jAOHXp7MG4656HpXRCbiiZK5q3fjjWfFWpx6tJdanZz6dzYXFnHm309mcgKT1RCDgkkngda0hJyepHLbY+ufhPA9p4Ls45PEc2v3Mx897qaMxsxYDgI3IXAHPfrWtRdBqx1ZmZTuPQ9yelRYLgJBlMMcL1oENMoyACM4yTmiwAzlckE4GAG+tAXGZdmOThcYBqkgEBb7xJO08Y6+9OwGfqus2Gn3NtDd3tvbNNIEVJJQrSZ/ug8k5x0pqNyXKxoPIwIXBIJAHGR+fFTYbPj79puXz/ABbJqsEcdtbXJ+xxKGG4iP7zbPTI61y1H71rGkI6XOb+FHi59CuhdWHhvT7y6sI3nW8UCCSMY2ht2Tu5PIx09Otbwfu7ESR7X+zT4Y1K+u38falrf2wX0LRsocvsUNgRMWXggqGwD0xxWkNI+ZL0PTdK+ICax4mHhyz06e3x5ourlnIMRRtu1VC4bcOd2cCm6Vldgp3Z28FwkTYXiLnapPPpmsbGlx/2vdG5SVWAU5x0+posFylq1v8AaUTaXdo5EcRjgEA5PHQntmqSE2eM/HH4kSaYFsIYNOuoRIZb63uH2XMAT5Vba3HJbcOOg/GlsQ3zbHF618WTr3wnbw3YQ6xo95DGgvroCSY+QoVVckABTITjqB15OaXMVrscb4c8f+LZ9NsLKwae5axhl8u0VlmaYjP76RcFwFXAxkg46jFTzt6IHFWL9uuqXUGo+G3g0q40uaSOSfUYi4tbCQxjfiXld7jCnNTK5UbC6j8S9V0G2tNN8P3saR2On/ZbZixuTbNucb4ZOF5DAAkHgVnztaDsZd38SXhsbC01K0tNWtNOV0himZi7zFmb7QST8pJOSOc5qFUkwsUvDlrpfjnVLy41KTS9NtdMjlupLWW7S2SbJZ9iccDhRhQaWtyjgvteqaBq8FxY3xtrhW3KYzuKMfT8hVpX3HsbGsLe2yyXOrX1gNROyYCLazrkbwMg4UknkDkHrScUtEDkZEF2RqDXNvPdJID5wx1YgZJzngjk0iTUupmv9S07xFcXkN9qGoXriWG4mJeMIUVHduDtOcD/AHTVO/LqNOxd8TWunRLJaWsX9ouFEpaM7TASxDKyDdk9O44Ga54Sd7vQdzjZXe2ka0YhomJz8vODmupK+oj0Twh4i12x8KaldWmoG5sdOjglNhfWMckETPMsaxgtk4wobjbzWt3YmxzHiDX5Nb1a7vb91E1w7PIIgFRmPPC9AOmAK53F9S0ynfMsSxCW3DFBud5G/ePu9u3WpSBmLfGHzCLaPEPG3eoB9cdfWt4+YhUt5vIdxAz524IUlV54OR+VMCAWxQRh43j3cKzDAPHT9RQBseG7mys7gzXmkxajbkMnlsWGGKlVPynJALBsd8YyKqL1EzsNXv8AQP7Oit4Fs7mznFvJPONP+yyxGMbfs0bDdlud7t34FauxOpn2Xh7S7nSLjUjcO7yx3a2tlDIomDRqpRnBy2G3njAJ2nBqVBMdzIgttRiBhtre5adJArQLAfMEoHTbznoaxvYZJqmkajG89xq8jCVDFDs8vBYtGWVeQMYCijmTGZt7E0E4tQ0SsqbTg7Q3rmhagPltisyxLcIwYp8sZyWyB8vHc56UNoRr+GX1K0vBeaJ9stPEOmzYtGgt2ke4mDkMBn7rBTyoB4XpWkY31E7dT3bwR49vNe0A61q1xZaxBbpIZtM1dYI2AiCnMdwSpDfePEZA6dea7Kaut7GSbiz5p8QXdne67fXdlYixt57h3jtkkLiJSeF3Hrgd65Zu7NzW+Hes+K9M1xofCF3JbanqW20DRohdwSAEDMDtyT2xQr9CZJPcveF/E+t+AvGl9qaQW82sRCWCRrtGk8qUsN5wCMtkEc+9VzNMlxvsLbfEjxnB4k1LxPa6kYtZv4jFPfLApdEbGRGcYj4AHHalzNj5UbHhEeGH8M3HivxjOuvSw3C2p0t77y7ny9uBJHzk4OO2K1jytNy3IbfNZGbNJD4w1ZNC0Rf7F8O2CSXMdvf3yytF93zGViFLM2ARGATx1rKck9EWl1IfClxoXhXx5b397p1t4n0e3mlXyX+QXCDKq5Ug7OeQCKhaMJXex1/xC+KumeI/Ddx4c0/wjZ6Pb+cXt5YJVIhiLAlNixgFjjlgRWrr+7ZEqLvc8pE0aEogPpjG3PPesNzQ9G+B3gu38a+MLa21S5VLQRSM7CZVMcir+7HPUliMKOwNawh1aM5ysfdVisotoknx56RorspxnHf6Zpu1xIepVyxwThsFcYOOuKBjLy6traOL7VeQ2yudsfmOFDHGcDJp2b2BtIbLdW4s3uvP/wBHRSd6jcMAfeo5Xewr6Hma+NvDU/xesYtLn0S5vpdPC3d1JfxrtBf5ERQTvfk5AIwDW20XFshuzudX8SdK8K6haW9/4uDLZ2MouVJckSuAdoKgHd9MHrUU3LaJd0fH/wAeJvCdzdvf+Ctaubyyvrl5ruxktChtZP7xYgcHkBe2M06nvRt1LiznvhZa+Ndd1cWPha6ubcQ3KXckxuDHb2znKiVx0yR8v6VlTUnsKXL1LXxeudXJ0/T9f1Nb/UbJXhcfaTI0Kg9CPupknIA545rWvFR92+ooIb8F/A8njfW57FdYGmS2Vt9rilaDcPlPJ3bhsxwe9c9ON5DnLlPpO9+KWgaHYReH7vXGR7ePcdaaE3JuCVHEWzC7sk5OTtC4rrlBQ95mMbnh3inxFqN5Zw3Wt6tf3UjwLPpt1BGvnSOHYL5jq3BAJ46jpiuSdVzfkbJHvH7PnhdJdN0zxXeR2sdyyy3Mey1aOYmQDl5GOXAAIyAAc9a2vaNjJNtntKsWXvlVyD7+p9O1ZmhAp55x1559utUA4biwBHHpjj6UWAaSQMfMvbPeiwD1BYdDx14qQHxLuON+M9s5/KkxoVY1Vt3GfT3oHYBGSAQx5GScZPelcLCKihyfMwT1JwPT/P407hYr3r29kgkuo5TEScyJEXEeAeTjntTvoJnxv8cVt9ZOp+IbDXLe9il1xoYYTP8A6RCiRNvfZgbVYqo6Z4Fc89xxtY4vw/r2oafoNzYGOWeSe0lSJy7Dy7ZhmQg7ujYAIxzWcpXK5TnIr8LBMHdJjMnlx7gT5ROOV54wBj6GiwzGnx57BQQM4B9fetVsBozWskFrHJMZFjmjDrHuwTzjOPzrO92BXjtr1LN9Qgim+yRyCJp1BCBiMhSR3x/KtVFhc1PDFy1hrduNQtrqW1DpNdWgcx/aIxhip9iO9VFNMTPov4AeLY9d+MOoTahq8s0jQm20fT4Z3khhgwXIDcAhFAHI5JNdKldGVuU+h1mEhaIESYO1gDxnr/kUuUVx5di6rxtxycUWC4pZipHBIyOP8+lArgXHy88DA/8ArGk0O4u8tyfl5xxRYLhGcnknJ6A89v8AP5UDueSftEX3iHRptF1nSJ5Us4WaO6WMISv8QcbgdpAUjd9KpNohrU0/GPxK0PRfBEV1pWu2t9ftaK4RrjfMq7CfM+bG45H41MpJbjfZHzT8cfF934v8Q22oX1uwtBZotsobIVTkFjjgEtzj6Vxynzu6NYxa3NDwTr/hjSPhFrlvq2lWF3rGp30tvaQSptazjaJQZkY9gcceorVVEo2FK9yjpnjOZp7HQPDV1daJpNxdCCdWm85PMkTY8g3DAOMH2Jq6UnzJEOF9z6q+D2h654f8D2mm+JTFLeWrtDDIhBYQZ+RSfoM9T1reXZCWh0V9q9nb38Gm/akS+uldoUAJ3KpwT07ZpKIc3QvbgMkgqu3Ge2MdcdqVguUfEF9BY6Be3V1OqQRQMzu7cLgdc+vNLYD401LUvD9r4+vtYlRNbto7mUEXL70nQqSrNn5iQcdeOK4nUdzRxKOo+ILhdQ1O/h+0xPdyxmWC3fZECCJUZkxgqCFwvTpWftJXGkQaF40utNupruNr5JpJpJ3nhn8lnlYHOGVcqPmIIXg8elV73Rj5TttH8X6FpltDdSaBZzpdxuHigVVVJCrKtxIGP3kbncRk+op0na/MOS7HJeJ7+a+vCAItUtNM8qJJUhQPIqsWC5HqTye+KynLWzYlocxfi8nu2lubdbMXJ81gUG2JGbAbA6AcU1ZLQotC1stOuILb7TMLlTue4jH7oruyH55xgA/jScpMB3i7XtNvYrS4tdJ+zajDNKZbtmyJQxOGIwOeaulFrcbdzn8NcJG0jRujdSMY754/CtHoIlulgdnxMEBUlPM5Bx6Y9qhbgbnh620+O4llu7S5vVt9xhnQN5TruwuFHQkhuScc+1OrGVrIm5QvWu7wz6dbWf2eVLlp52EuN5PAGD6cjv3qYx6sZQsLdtQvZ49QvorAwwTSefcA4dkU7Y+O7EbR9a3hELk+iXWoW0lu1zFJcaa0iGaJnby5FRt4U4PQMc/U0pNoDZuBYrcS+XHbCaNYzbtbRfKE/iBOB0yoLevesHJy3GUfF95aalLbTwwRxSH5CsR4JyOaKUXEDAjULOyTtJ5ahuFXOG5xwTXQgNZdXhiSHT4XeWxX960c8SjL7CAAeuATxzWrlERUvbq71BbS2luf3MajYjSnYrEAM2PUhVz9BWbYHqPwch0MeHtajmsrSS6DhzNeWnmQRwiNlH7wHKsXOenYVtTqKCbtczkm5FGLwlaRyXVuuoaXqyvaSLp58x2KvkNuiVOCw6EH171gqjk9jXlOR1S0vNG1Zhd2clu0J2Mqx+SxPXBx7Ec1Mm2O1iPV9alury4u9PgWyhfbJ5ds5xGQMcknJPqfeiK7ibOz+E2g+IvFWq2b3Nk1xpVutzcCSZW8qaaOBtuSOWbLL/Kt4UHLXoZuSRh+LfDosrTTZLaYXMlxYJPdeVEB5IOCEIHVsMOc9xTqUnT3KU0zk3S2gdhN9silQMwIRTlgRsBGRt9ScmsVqM14J9T8IarHqGja9bS3JBzLBtkXkBnHzDkZwCcckEc1qny6olpPRmVrV1NqV/Pql1drc3krbnJiVA+cDCqvAA6YAxilz3HYp6ldyXU0ZKKkcUQjiCqF+UfQc8k80irGrpeuC28ORaVDp8Czx6iL438eRcjChRGrDoBjcMd6cWS0ewfCzwNpnxa1zVtSnsbnw5pUQZImsgG3zSMNvmsxLE7cknHJ71tpIhy5XZlvxr8JNC8OXkXhjR/E+p3+r/ZpL19OhsVneSRCoRWVcbQcsfmOBj3rVKNrhzIs+CP2cdR1XSL/AFjxlfTaHqDb3itUiQqgxu3MVOMHOMcYxWdk3rqHMkeJa1APDXiKazW5jvI4n2SS2c+EmGOQGA6c/pWFWKTsaLXUzrt7SKZo4yz/AHdsvOOnoaysMjF1CWlWRT0AVkGMAUWEWdEl2avZy3MsQj3AO00QlVFPBJU9cDnHtWsES9j7k+CHhHwxpHgyxk0iLTb+OULONQhjy0r7QpcliWQ8dAeM1s3bYyTuejhAoGB0HX0rMoaofIIGSDgnoT7f59aYXOC+Puni9+GGsSmPe1pA0pQZyDxyCMHjOcdK3oNXaYWueN/B346WumaND4Y8Z6dK9mkJiiniT5BCsYUKydWLFTk571Fne5NnHY8o8R+BdfudZuL/AETR3ms7i4kltFtAX8uLcQjcDgcEA99pqqlOUndGkZJrU7/4G6rqNh411DSPEPiAhpLFF0+9vXeSKIqd4UCT7qt36dPenCMoS1MppfZLPxot9G8G/Cy70e3msdU1PXtS8+W/h2gFVO87Mfw8gYzxmrnLRsuGrOJtfElrpPw50i0vfMCyQMsdlYQ/ZVvACdslxIDulw2CBwOKzpyUY3YrXkzC8D2mhW+q217r+o2gS5S7jmS6snnSGQKFViB958sSCOhArJJXu9i5NpaHqPgfTbS68M6po/gaa4axhjhOra21oQ0zEEvCgOGQHaAeT1FdVLleiMZXMX44X+ha344vItDuLdLXQ7TYpgwY5OU2xxr90EFjnGehNY15LlUWXHTU47SpmtNY0a51C5tYLBZPNyYxOkZYb8MgPJGRkVw6Jmj20PtP4aaloR8I6baaddWjpaW0av5eIwu4Z+Yfwk5ziulO60OeE1bU6yKQSRB4eVYA5GMMPUUGqdx7LGSBtGQfX86m5dgCxrkg9h9KB7DAF+Y8bh1wOvtQSxWKbeDjHH0oEN3qDv2jdnv270WHewjSKPTOMjHWmkHMJ9o3YBZkGce1FguRNOCwLAEEeucU+UXMR3k7SIw8syHGVQnALDO36f59KaQnLQ+Rfin8OPEdl4tvzixt4LxPtiln2wsFJBR5SAN5Jzz15rnlS1uOMklqeONbXUd80SyB3+aJ0Q5TYuS2Dkg8j8etZuyNVqQ3jJdG3/s6za32qo2btzOwDFmHHGfSkhszohPLKBFDI+Tj5ULe351eiEb1vpN/qccs9jYXV0togExVGcxg/wATBRwM8fjRGLlsJsdEL6z0m60Oea8s0nZZp7SaBlHmxg7Qc4wdrHnFbpWVmIbe6tDq1rPNq9ze3Wpx28cFlKoRY4whAG8gfP8AICo78Dmne4j1z9nL4UX/AIitdU1n/hItQ8N6pYzRxRLFFh/LkXcSTkEBlJAx9a1gvZ6sHqj6n8N6Ha6DodtpVkzyRQZBldsvIx5Z2PUk96cp8zuZtJbF9lbBViDznAI6/wBam4hZA+/hjnHJ79adwGoNuNxOQMgDtRcQq8nLAg4z16UDuea+NfiPc+CPHMela5ZI+j3kSyxX3mFDEBw0YHO9s4Prz0p6Eq9zovEE1h4p8PXWnaPqWnakzRkvGtyMqQMpvAJIAbacEc0WHfQ+SvjFZ6lpvi+X7Xpt26OypcSyROySzbdxKlgAM5JAHHTArCvHW5cDnoPD2tarbXGoWyCTT4Y5GBmIjKCMgYIz9/5hhep5x0NYKCUbmly3dRPeRyXc+rWs1zcTCHaGXztyoH3AEjA4C+5OOtZLWRaStc6i70zTfD+hyWV1YWf/AAkFjMbm4luXaN5TKu0Qi2YBmIBU7xwMZruhaDsYOTZ9B+GPFVxa+F9FutYml0yxFgtujX5ImlnCD53JGERcHg8nrxXVJRjvuYSk72Mz4YXlj4z8XXWuXOmTpLZqY4LpFcQ3e0gNICPlILEfKCcbeaTmraDUWtWdv4t1jUdOuobHSrMT3PktdPNLJshihU/vNzc4JAIAx6ntUK3UqSfQ+evjJ8W9YvdPtdK+yNa2FyRO0UrZaeNZDscfKp2njjBHHU1xVajk7FwpvdnnCeItJ1SSBNVsnlee5aa8uAcvsLJlcKB0Ct/317VyyjLWzOuMlsylcNbi3nnE0s8chcpgkgNxjJ74B4GeMVN22Zy30Jf7cew029EdtBOlzZNawtGdyW4kYE464b5D3B5NawvEm1yHTZZYdKuZ2tZIYol+aKI48zI+8Tg8eooktRo6nStHmv8ASbi5srayhhlgMUCws2Yj8rPIzEAFVBOWPQsBS9hf3rlqcVoznfiJY3OnXCX6Kltp+pIDZ24l8zEMZ2qp9eRu/HNTAckjAn1GZQJLj7O5nB2hGDbVGPkYdRxj8qvlT2ILUV1Y3kpumii2xqzbGB2yNgADG7kj2HalZoRFFDbrc2zx2wU+YyIjHJcFScn2B71QyreFSQsI8yRPkAjYSEjPQAZwP8acQOr1V9Rn8HJC/hlrGCyuVFpeySqHWKUMyxlcAy8723c+nFdc9YLQhbmTcafOlpa3s+n3DxNuZbl1KIwGRtBIwTnnIPtXJew7nR6P4F8TeJfAr63oaf2mrXK201oMNcRAZYSYx8qszH+ddlGm5RsRKaT1PUPD/wAAjJ4Z0C7TV5xNdXSf2pGsHBt9xOBk9QVwcdc57VpKlC/K+gudvU8D1mG40zxPe6PJcSIIbp7dpGjAwA2OQegrjq01F2NYu6Kz29zB89tHMYEuGjSZo8Iz+hJ4DYwcVNkVcguGgluPMVZQ4Ul/MOfn749RnNNMCG58gwpwu8KSTzknNAhtukcuEaEL84O7O04OBj0x3q1uB7LonjDRtA0SdF0TWNU029nt4bvUiog8qeHny0wCrEqe5B9q6rx5dDH3rml4F8Wf8I7omq6ILaWC8RXex1B7dnuo7VvmV0hwMAhuHLEEsPSroRgn7zFO/QxvDfh//hZHj27sdS1phM9qb+23skjySBR+7O3ADkLzxkYxilKlCc/IbqOMdTe8MfBKHUvE/iSzl1K7trKwshcwj7KM3BbJRcHqoKkHHX2pyw6jJCVW6IPCPj2D4aQ6dbXKw38aySsYRi3ubYFVEsTr8xG5idu7HC10TUKUeVmdnJ3RR8OXWmHxNq1p9l1WfS9X06SR1VMOvy74JFAyxjyoXnjketKVqs9EPWMVc848U6PdaBrKWuswm7mCq88TZjKF87RnrnjPT2rjq0FTdkbRlzHNXCDZuRGc7sBc/d9veuc0O3+CPhiw8UeL5ba81yLRJ4bZprFpdv76cEBYxuI65Occ1rSSvqROVkJ8ePC+neEPiBNoemrMtvFaQPtkk3lXZAzYOOmSce1XWilZoISbRh2XhyT/AIQm48WnU4YRFeJaw2uMySkglnBzwF47Hr2qYwvG9w5tbHX/AAzT4ltpGq6h4MnvY7Test7cQSBHYJxzz91c56dqumpS1M5KLdmfWvgDwl4etGOrQ6TZQanK2+S9tr97k3A24bdIcZyTyOme1XKTWiJWpJ8WNMl1zQJbOXxRLo2nm2mWaOBQpkbbwZZScLGB1XAz60U1qNs+HNbaON5l1i1l+2MIvJIxEhTaSHKY53Dbjp1zzXNUTUjaL0MOaKQRrIEYRv8AdOM7vXHrUWZRqeH9Nvpb6AWcMiSzSLbxv5JYAllJYDH8PBqYu7siXKx9IfBH4M6bHqV3N4vtWvNSguVntS+5f3SnGZYmGNr5yMnntXa4ciuY8/M7H0Fo2iaTov2kaVZxWSTOHZIT8hfGMhegPGMCs5Sb3HZGl8z4cYZsfKvp7VIylrF1Dp2lahqc2YorO2ed2QAthFJ4z3qoq7SA8C8FfFrSrm11afxNqs0NqkzCW5vIzcNfjgrCoGI42UZwBnPXFdErJ+6ZtSucz8bNfsPFunaDZaXJ4e0PQ7qbymHnxPcRqh+/Jt+4nznC8ZIbmi2jVy4ye55x8M/Heo+FNcjtpZpb7Qbe+S7uoEI3zLGGRBkn7vzZ25xXOm4ysVKFz6X+DmreGPiNaa9bXdjYXrJcYIkCb3gkw+CmMqoJK5yeVNbTqv7JklZ6nn/7U/w18M6FokWuaXexaTtHlx6YVZhO2RnYS3ykDkgDn2ov7SOvQ2R5VfWfhfV/BOm6hL4mks72zsliuororLJLOoG1IkB3JGFzz049amPK46slNp2scP8AbprfyHt55pLe2uPMhLjgPwScc9cdKwbs9DS10fSPwn8aav4ysJ9Ptv8AiTWl3b/Y7+8QxxQW91JvbzI4jzLKyDBJYAFgcVvCXMYP3HqeReNdN0TT/FI0XSCt3Dp7N9omV1d5ecYXYMHaoySe+SaWK5VaxrF3R0PjWPw1J4BbVrbwimmtc3jDT57yWb7TJb8bGjTAR1CrtLAkAmsIQXK2y7nLeCP+EmkF09rd6jp2hkrHqVxaxF0VM8b+QM8Dv0p0ua+hjUSPu7wVBDH4S0lIEKQLbR+UqyeYAu0bfm78fzq5PUmmvdL5kYYySMcilY0uJ5nOMg0WFcZv5Hz47CnZhca0pVST8xx0/pRyhcjeVslgGAPbOKfKK5EZAP4vmxxk559apIVxwYnIY45PJ7CiwXG7wuCFLDqSR0osI8r+LniXxD4IOoajpkGp6hY3FvNOwZl2WpO1QVYfMACc46ZNRVm1awJXZ51r/wAS9T1H4R2en3NkPtmqRFvt0twrlo0Y7wV6gnAGSfWsa9dJJIpU9Tw2XVPseoPC0EdxEWzLHG2FZvm5H/fRrnS5jfYiintYFt7q3KK4O/NxGHVzzkYPbp1qVdMZWUu7sIpG8wjdtj+Vck9MelW2Bp+CfFWq+E9dGoaSyxTsjxybl3xyxspyrKDyM8+xArem+V3Ikroz/FesX+ua5fXt5fyXLXU/2iQsvlqW24yFycYHA9hVN6glZWPaPgD8H9H8XeFf+Eo1ya7xHctHDAuFimQcHnud2a6aaSSb6mc5WPoHwva+E/AOlRaWt3YaTc3kaXNwlxMqvI4UAk5OcDp6DHFOo+aRHOX9J8eeEtX1tdD0zxBYXmoNvzDDJknA3E5AxwM9+1Ra4XudIHkwDwzH5hnoBSC4OJGdSMqOcgHOetABJkp0UngZ/rQBDeyCC2e5KM0aIWfAJIA64+nWmhHmHxOtNE8e6DHqenanpt3pljC13cKyqzH5W2nJ5DcdKvZak+h4F4B8b3/wy8SvdrYm4guoxJPD5gCbGHyncM4xkcdq51VtozXlvqj6W1XStE+LHw3tLlvIMN0guFlhxMIpeMgE9WGNufQmtXqrPYlOx8t/Ez4e6r4Thub46nbSO08kUkcSbRCAVwVJI3Z3dFHHOaxq0eRXLhUUmcvFpk2ua/ImhadOyGISxJyzBUQFm/HBPtWEVJ7Grdjo7q+g1A2Ws6tqF62owjH2x7xbiS4OAVxuG4Y3Aeg2kdaI1OWV2ZvXY1Pij4+1HxxrgjS4NppyAmO3hk+bYAdzSBSV39c+xp1KnOxRglqe4fswaL4k0vw1eTatbXNrps+x9OtZpSWVWUEuq/whjz+FdNO6jqTI6ax8QzS+KNd8KeK10+xWSOOO0k3c3qy7wF/BeMeua2autCU2jk/FfwtgtBpmoWyDWrbTLZ7R7a5G5kheSR12gcEqzqAMdK469JyjeLPQw9aF0pI+Z7rw9q1hqOpRiyZBEJ5BI0GBIuV4XPUYI6djWLg7K4Shduxz2riW3mMMiSwMjZeL7oQkZwB26iqUbGJBp80kcbopIh6uMcE84NFgPRdZ8aeF9W8DjSLDwpFYaukMafa43bdMR94sAADkZ61UtVsQou5xf9p64Yo4rS+na2iR5Et1kPlxnjOV6ZJCk8elZ7KxVja1e4n8RvbyR2ks/kxBHlb5hn+I5J65NZc3JuUc/LZMskkjgzGDkgHgnuPwH8quMxGVCdinJbkYG1uQPatLJgLIXjkBUMVBwpcYI9jTA0LW0ZF2RoqyF929uhGBx/OpbSA9JsPGtsngGHwtf2Gm3c9tG1tDqLQbpY4GblFbPHU89e1bfWFyWsYOHvXMC91aLVNTupRYrb2ZkklSzjJWHacBUVf4QBk9a46krq5oo2Kui3uoafqt1qmmte2NpEu+VIJGVZVUjCHnkcgYPatKdaUEkmNwUtz0m4/aF8ZavFaR7LLT4IT++GnALcyAD+EtuCc85xXbCsk9UZSpu1jx67vIrrVby/vUuJXuWeQ+e+9yzHJZjkZPJNY1HzO5tFWR6Fa6p4GuvhJbWt3Y6jI+mzkzvZ7VnleRR8xLcAArjucVz1JPmUUioo5q5TTb/SLa+0yymjt1jCXCtGBIHBb+JRgjGCSOuaizTsxtHO3ECeZNcKYo4rZMLuUlZWyBtX3wd3PYVvF6EtCaNayat4kttOgYCS6uEiiIXOGYgDA+p6VrCPM0hN2R6x4n+CviLw/o8VxqGtW72bXUkky5ZEiCnaHOeNzAYGAfrW9SiowbTIU02VNN8M3009vcLp76hPqUSIsTXbho4gF6tgAqeOCR0FcMZuTLtobvgEJqPimwtLqbTdFk0uKSCNBMsIceYSuWXnOWIGDyB6V14ev79mc9VaHtHhGC20fU7e+QXdit9C+nrZzQmVZrhWd927JODhyBnDZr0akudWMYXPkbxPpU9xrPiK+u7qKG6tbhneGVj5kjtJt2BefmXknJ4wa4sRbnbbOuOisULLUrq302SK1uJbe/V2aaYXBBljGwRxKO2CCeO30rKFVrRMbinqekeJPFekTaDJfSWFrqF3Jpi2CPqO2W7e6AAa4kwSQNjPtBOQea6faRUL9SEnc8gsQkmox/aY5ZIjKDJHA4jJTPIDHIX644rkvdmprRzyeGNXu1udOtLt1Wa3jEriYQucqHUjgsp5B6Zod0xNXMi7vL3UZ/tV5cy3Em3G+RyzbV4A59hUuVwStsT6fJJwIVt5G3jYkyhtmCDnB4wf1oU+UbR6t8INU11dG8ReFdI0PXLvUb+UebLppQR7DlXibI2opLdR6YrqoTTWq0MKkfevc+lvAniTwx4f8ACFlot/qmmadc6TbR29xCbhT5Tqm4ncODnPX1zWlSnK90tDOMraM8h+NPxNtPHttY+DPA1rLcT6hdQ7rjHl75M42DI5GSCT0471nzqKstzZLqzS0P9nbS4be41zxp4wmlZ4/NuZbcqkScjcDI+cjHGePapS17sFK+x578YdOh8SeJrk+FbCKPw/pibLG6t7lRasqRpuCcAFt2S2MknitKlpU0uw+azOe+Huhaj4r8Trpljq0VkqRFnv3fd9mUZLOBkfMcBa4qUdQmz7D+ESMng2GO5kvZL4Mi3dxOzs0rBAQwZifl27eBwK7K0eV+RlA7Dg/MMFSeNv8AIViWOUhWIOdy5GeQD/8AWpDINTsrXUtLuNNvUkMFwhilVHwVBGCOPyq4ScXdDPiD4hfCrxdozX+3R777Et5I1tulTY0ahiX25yW2qDwOBnNbSp8+sRoq+AviZquhjy7uOx1tCvkLZ3lmJBGGBAZDjJAz9zIycVmpuJPJZ3RxTxtczzX06tZWZl2TyIuGck7mUA8bsc7azk+aTbND2LwBdfD3wf8ADzXPEFjdarq2pJLFZtILw2gm3EsNiA5IUYJ3deeK1haOpg25OzR5P468b+IvFl2G1rWLu+jjctDFJIWSEE9FHQcYFZTnzPQ2jHlOctgZZV3MVjLKHk27toJ5OO+B2rKxVzvZPBX/AAj62GrazZ3F1pN1J5tuwAV76FZAoIGcwhunOTW6p+65GfNfYheK/c6vLopWysnnYGEINkYbJ2ruJIYABcjnArD2qWw2r7noHw6m8Pa34Ylhvpba3ubCAmG1tLVIrm9wSSu8AsyEE7ievSumnJTVjPVOx0fxGOuX03hux1n7Nc6d/bb2s09gojeMAqBDyuI0wwABBPHNayirWQczSbOx8UeFfDfg/wCHjeDY/scFzqmZrq4uJmkaN8/Km1VJdsHavTpWaajdlJXV2eneAdSMvhS3jKeWlpbpHG2zyxKioMME6qOCMH0qGtSFJGlvcrycn+dXYLgXI5J46baLBcZnJJySSf4ecUwH8rn5juP48YoENHAI5DD16CgAOQSOv9f8/wBaAETkA4yVwwP40AJkjDkEgDt656UgbPPfjlcafpfhozR2QutauitvaQrKQxBPB2EENgjuKyrSSVgW9j5e8WaY1l4gk0y3uotyQADCYG7buaPk9QSR7n6157VzpTucbd2RkkNwiERO+FZhtOR1wO/NUnbQtIvabZQzyMJ7cxxsGCz+UxHAxwAOcd/TmrtfYLEGqadf2V1PbGEym3VvPaFGwoG0BmyAV5YDnFCjfURDPaaqLSJ2s5ERlVog3Vw2SGUdccE1SfQRX2yQgT3FgzB4yVMqkB+o3KeOh/lWmqEbHhXxT4m0y4gttL1m4sYEVkjyPNSEMcttU5AJPORVKvKC0ZMqalubnj7xHfeKdPtrq+vo9RaFntgMASxgAMOMZWMZ4OTzmsVUlKV2KNNR2Ox+FKxeHdYsr7w1pdp4j1mEm4Is3dntgUMTRuAPu8h9/TJxXZGXREu59c2LXH2GBr6IRXHlgTRg7gHxyMj3qmtSCxkE5OeOevSlYBcqqdWAGfftQwY1pF2srEbX4PuO9IDw/wAe6P4F8N+MUh1XSbe00q/w0t5HdtELZ+y+Wq4w2BkZ9zitFLRIVmed/Fr4d2tiYdU8OajYXuj3aPHZ29mWaOOJULl2kLEZO04Ixk1yV6aiuZF05a2POvht4p8a6TqbWXgjXLuza44S2JVxJ3PykFQcAknA4qqbb0LlFGxr+peNvGfhaXxDrdpAdPtF2LO0YjMjs4DuueuCADjgZ6c1dTmlDUzjGMXoZ/w+k8UaGkviXSEvraK3BAv0hDRbWBBXcVIJzxiua0ox5kaStsV7y6sLq7S/KX97M1sInlbKRxyk87cLjHbA9Ca522rlJFl4ptNvrnTpdKhu5bmzktrKSyRnDylchk/v/MQDge1EE5Ws+pp8O6PRYvjnrui2trp9l4cubG3Zitqt1qf3VjJDIQyAryMdq9JVUrXRyOm23ZjL/wCJPh/VYLOaPRdQi1Q3RuLy+1GYSOirltqgLjHOAe2BxT+sq/kL2TR6D8M/jKNXgtLPxX5WnPcQvK2oXKmGBWV/lDE8MduOeBntSVSDDlkmdV411Xwdql/oqQXugajfm5WGGcXybIFZRksOc52qAMZz0pqUVuW5TtoeIfGzwXolxo9p4i8N6c6fb7+4S4YK6KDGD+7UOSx+4Tu75xioqpJXCMmcFoVp4Ri8eW0a6deapo73sUQtJAVkmRnX5eOQe3rzUJxb0NL6Gl8Q/BNp4WuNNEeq2stzef6S2miAxvAryOMEZJChVB+bBIIorpRTsyYzuc1eN5DNa2gcW6KyxtHEQoLdQc5Jzg964FruaEmmta2umXQdfOvHk8iFV5WTcvIABGCMg5wc0Si5FrYu3Gkpd6csaT6bE+eWN1veAMc4IHQjGMH1NZuXLIgzv+EYlksLa+zGmAwMQY5YKfmYn+HIyenatfb2dh3MLWluWuHuHtZ0t3ciJ3yRnPQNjn61rCSYB9mvobeR42IjKgElgCw4yAO/bpVXTCw2zllN1BY/66ITAhAvXkenJ+lKSsrgdvpGi2AY3eoK0duEkCyzHbHIBnaAMcE+mevFckpvZFxjcw9TjuEtILiwsLx7dUIkaQeYjNk8kKMKCCPlOfWtYNXsxGTcR3Vsn2geW4ACnbgMpOTjjv1+lb8xO5Y06LT5LRnuLWeeaBgzQiURloxgYxjJOT1FQ276DSKl7bakxCW2n3ttY3dwDBFhirsRgAHHzHFWpLqB2Hh1/s2lnS5ZLa2W1kcyqd2+6+ViAFznBx1/2q5al78yL5/dsamn6Nol/anQbhLLTmaya4t7qS++Qzh1DbyVA3FAwAHpjk1UVK97mkYpR9457R9As5JLbU4dcS1midJEgKM0xYSYGApBHQH15rWVaVN6Iw5eZWPRvGPxO1LxFqPm3yLq2nKRELFC6RPzkFucDHvk1E605abGfsuV3OOv9a0mSwvrAb7aKPYyQ+Zn7rYaMSAnr1BxilFSTuWc9aarPLqn21LQ3Eh3eZG4yxjUfMMgZxtHJwMda6YJp3REldHsGseN/FHiLwHp14vhzTrHS9HujPbWDmbbNhXUMpUhj5Y9+9d1OM5puKOdJJ2Z54mjedB4h1HWp10K9eGK4isrqzaA3YdskRbyW4yDxkkZqJ0JN3ZspW0Rwd3HKt3JawSC6CPhXhU4f0I71z8tjQ3m8TXNt4F07w1PokS+VevfxXrBkklRxtK+4yp5z2xV3stiba3OVjuXhlMqqCc8g9MZqCxIkM8+AR5hHfqx9B3JPTFPVgWlT7NOygsW8tkYOm3DbcEc+hyPwqZKwHY+Gfh/4tvtFi8WafoU01pb3qquBnzNhXcR3KhuDgHv6VrCjzrRkuaT1PXta0u6+HvhnWo7rW9G8O6qjtdW8UeomSe4dpfMVRGcfdDkZwc130eSjTSZhNc8zw0eK9cOm6pZW9xFBZakyG+hhhVFkC42gnBIGRng8nOa4pVpNmqgiPwtcxnxBZzXOuT6NHbnct1BEZZIQT/AoIyefUVEbN3Y5LQ9Z0TxNc+LfBcfgm+8VzaT4TsFkmnv72wYNdLG4K2ylW+Y4KkjOcnHNdN4vVIxS5WUr6/8EalZWUfhnRbjw7dLEV86aUmIMBnzCGJ+dyCoXgDrntWFSrBRsaRi29TitJuv+ER1WOe60u1+3ROl1HJM4yCpJA2gdxxz65rKnUSKq03sfSXwq8R618XLe71DVNQtra2tCIU022Vlh5Ay82HDOSMgLkKOpz0rpjKyuc735T3aBEjRIgvlRouAq9AFxwKzbu9TRD4yCp2hQ3figqwrnjKhQpz+X1/GgDzj40apo1noEau+iTX87fY4Ib68SIJFLxI+SeBgdccV0UeZPXYl67HxZryW+iXDjSNfstQeC9ZoZraBlb5VXDhz/Dk4HupNZVbJ6GiKenaLfeIbW6u7APJLaxeddKwI5LhFwf4mYsOMDp3qFFy2HdLcrP8AbnsZNOhFzDbQMHeEAmNpVXBYngBsA0OL2FZG1daMsPgL+238QaTbLdyhItGt7kS3LAfxSKOUGVJ5/LmkkrXC5L8LdT8K6Pqpu/EmhTamiK+WCiRIty4Vyh4JBzjJxz7UQa6omcZPZnXfFTxrpniXQLCXStLg8NNa/wChx6b5ReWWH7/nPJgKgLYwgBPJOa0nUkotPqEUecaZcGOaRJraSeRUZ8OSFVsjk+o7fjXBLU0PZ/hdd6/a21xrl3psuoW+p2f2KC6inVYNMgyWdn2qwQKduFODnvXZhlyu5jUd3Y3Pg/rWkprU2ga7qVlrf9o6k2pQvdXHkC3cHb82TzKWVW2dT1rZy1dmTPR+R0Hxf1Lwaj3rQ2ksfiGG68qMtKVEr7cA7t2V+/vH+76VMrW94pS6HmuveMrnwjql9oV9qMOpXDyrbNKyRyfZYNuNysjAO/OeR1HJqefl0RPslLWx9cJgcgk8cCtBCfxDBwPfmgBXHyDAOBzQAoB6Db0z9KVwEYYcDa3Tr1zTAMkNyNwI4GKAOZ8f6k+gaTBrkd2IPs1ynmwMyqtxGWwUyeh5yD14pxaJe5srd6drGjefZ3kb2lzlFliccHnOPfOfxFLZjep85fHzwt4nsdSt7kalrWr6dBHI4aaIyeQnUqGHYYOSa5MTFtl0tHqeHX8jzX0TretLNISQ6D7nUYz64A/OuaC6G6LF3FqmlQx2l6032u2mkja1mXcIwyDJx0B/rVNami2L/haDV9anNpbaONQvLcB4Ehwu1eQVVM4ZizrnAzx9a0UHbQls1Ph7qNnpniO//t/SopDPaS2nkXSA7Zdy5Zjg8qRnp2qYVFC9yZJtaGfqLyQTzRSTTx3UTIlo9o4RNr/dcjGR8mQBkdeadKzYraE9t4K1OLUlg1ObbZRCPymkYsDHLuPmjB5C98dzW1aLp6MIO5mxRDT1uA93bx/PtgV1G5TnGD2HHPPYVwynzGmxP4b8O3HinxDaaXpNylu92kkc0rA+SrqrNjgZxtA5963owlJ2FKyR1Hg3xlL4Mt9Bk0+/sobj7NOl+8VsGmQGXAiduQSRGCpIwua7oKzszGWqPqfwO/jGRftniKfTbiyu4Emtfsj/ADRFmYkPkDcdpUccZFVOy2MrWOtSNiSMccc/5/zxUDGA7D97II4yP0oAVhgbV5Y9CV6HNCA8k/aGvLK0Xw8dclCos5mjtba0E0lxLwoC7jg4yeCO9N6oSetj521rXNaOjReEtck1CzsNOd/sMU8SiSOToUk4zwGPGeMiueq5WszSKV7nHeTJa6i1wlrc2wVUkhJO10BUEMSOcHI6eorONzRnUeIPF2r+JfDem6ZBpCWa6TAY7uaDdtuwzqxaXI6llJ54JradWTiSoq9x+i+LrzRdJuvDWg6k9tpl+hW+BQFG9wMHaRnGV61zOcuSw+W7KN9bW+nPbJDqn20SebIJIGAjY8g4zz0OPwNc6bluVsbvgWy1TWlSO21Szt9YluFttPeSQJPZIjM8s3UYABA556Yrvo0LK97EynoYfjrSrmTxVNHcNDczW0SQyC0jCpiMbSR2JJwS3ctUVpcrsFN3VyDSFkS5+y2k063L2hWYlwFICl5A3XjAx+FczcrXNIx5mdh8MtCsfF91YpqGttA63ccE0ACpKISOmcZPzbB3AzXdhqPPFyMZy5ZH0Do/wf0TTPFNlqibriOwgKSi8cytdSnJUg8BdhwQeea25Y2vbUXMzz/x54Q1mz1sWtpceIb7SJFWXT0bMttYTFsySEfxBV3MB6nHaorRTIUu55N4ufSbS4xbTySX0DloLsIqmUcMHJUn59xJ9siuNrklobRfMtTJ0uPWNRt21nVYZr2K4laD7XcksAyoMjJ9AaVW+47JGbdSztJ5UExjjtQwCoPvL1ZsegHNZxXUpEXh3SL7VNWEMMSzxxsHmdGG0KR1+v0q5SUY3KSudV4wsp9C0qwnurd4VmXzfshi2A537WfGC3yhfzrmp+82azoNQucXd3+oWd+UujJlGXfFJznodpHpz0rpVNNGLjYrXepXN9g3DbtnKKvAQegHaqjTUdhEt9c3Gxba5kkXyMERsTwSB0HbjFUo2AboNlNeX6iK4hhHB3SOFC8jnn0zmpnKyKSOolvtVMw03R59QubONFhcGXy0l+bjg8AYxisLJq7L20RN4pu0s/Dk2mxyJdPdagLkXUbktBtQq0TEjnkjp6UQgm7kt2VjlrK+eMoiyBTtA+YcA5ya2cSD0LxLdeHD4k0y7sbxNRWSKIXUMFtuMsqj5gxbBBJ4xmuXkmk0Nmfq+ova3NlBqek2NoZTs8x0BNuu7BcL0U46fSnCF72YJGD9tBnmh0t3+1+ZKkUsRAxbqCMle2VOfwrVR7lPfQztS1W4nUvHdXecjl23dsZz7nJ/GtlGNhXudz8ILmw0eHVtS1WG3lv1h8yzjujuHygktjuSwQCuPFXlZLY68I4JtyOT1+GO11h7iR7m2F3JNcBWjGAm87eM9Dgj2xW8HdGFb4mzLmntvsUkixBGkbI2S8A57r29q1UTE9N+D6aXN4h0zQZ9BsNZc35Y3ckjwhzLCEWFif4VbJwByQa6qULmNSVj1LR9ALeDY/Dl5ofiC0uEu/JkL5a0tELANIpBxtbdn1PevToS5NranPLR3L/x50trfw7ZW+ieC5ZrjavnajDaqwt0iA3ENgkkqDx2FZxba1d/IuDPNY/h74buPB1qunI+s66YWvpksWLYh2AKpP3Qdzcn1UgU1Qg1qh+1dzx/W7GSy1OTT5JVkjtT/rMjO335PPPTPrXn1YOm+VnRF3VzW8P+CpPENtMmj3fn6khUpYbP3s6szZZADwFUZOfWlGCkhOdieLwP4kt9Dh1OPRL8iYMWZoDHtUEgFSTznvxxirVCVroXtEcbcSSsfLdmYITtBOQMnJ/Uk1gzQ7bwj4z8W2Ph9tH8Oa7qlj5cj3FyGvo4rdY8j7inBznk88+lbQbtoZyimx8Xhvxt4q0jUvGl7dzTRLEzzXd3OTJOqkLgZ5Pb8K0p0ZVFe+guaMXYwPDOn6Ze3psNRuZ7R2RthSIymWXH7uFVHQsxAyawSV9S2zp/BvgLVj4jtodc8NaxFbXEgt43a2cIkhYAFhjLAZ6DknFbwpWd5LQznPTQ9I+Jdv8ADXwb4d07TrTUrjxFrdnC9vLazzOkUL8/vGiAwrAn7ue3NW3FRfN8iY3Z4gXn1COWV544YrdAV82VQz5PRAeXOew6Vwxgje9jtvA+japc6ompQeHZvEEjq0tnJqVoBHdCNOm1sgjGTtUk8CuqjSVm7Gc5Nno/w68Rah4O0G3iFrBplxcXsf2nMqra2yy4dRIwBO5wMhQMqorp5Va0lY52m3dM+lvCd09/pK3Ut3FdGV3ZpoUZYMZyBHuAJUA4z3xXLJWNIs0WdSykSY3ZXnrxzx/nvUF3JlK5I+XgEAEcUDueffF/wL/wmejzadp6aba6jcBRLfzQh5o4gSQq9wCepzW0JNK7ZN9TzrSv2YPDyzbtZ1y8uAmBstY1hyu3HJOfm3ZNRJxL5jgNf+Gfi34aeN1n8PDWr7S/lm32UDjzOWCRMR1YcGtYqL1WgpK61Mvxx4Bu9I8P2fjSyuVutAe4himileSfMpT97NKBgAbyRt654olBttBF3R594u0fwrpemW76P4kfWr6SVjPttTBHGgA24B5OSWH0Fc81FIpXK3w98VS+FtaN0bK1vrC4KJe2lxEHWaNTkAEg7T7iohPl1CceYm1fX5vGHjJbnWtRFpbSSsRiHeltH8xVVRcZA6frVSk6mjBLlRv6xp3hrRvh1p15HqlpqWv3lw08kaQsCbWRAFDE8Aq6txzyaHCKiKMm2ZnhC+8W3DSQeH2njN2PJlKNhHViAFI+7jcB+NFPmv7oSS3PpPwn8GzoPg4a9fy2kviYs17PeS/8suNx+ZlO0r83Tg8Gt6bSdmZ6yPnbxnqsn9rvetOz3jgtICxLhs4+fpyQM/jXLWXvmyjZHT+APg34j+IPh2bxPDrGk20e8qBdq++QgdsLg5x704pshzS07H2WwJcAhjgdBXSZABt6DBPFK4Cryu7qPbp1ouAAqDlSAPfGBSAbtXeCOxxmncAKA8Ak85PPGPei4HFePLrS9e8N31rbXwkm09VuZgsH2gxOpzHuT6gnB6ineyIbT1PmLxB4h8ReGL28WyvzFFcXizTFYwYVlyxDAH5VPUgfXrXCqs1Jm8YxktTs/B/x68T6vpk3h/VfDSa+9xE0El0s5gxG/wApL/KVA5HzHA9a3UnNWSBwt1PKfG2janpepOU0WbSopATBbyuZGVeAp3YAbPBDDg54rln7r1NY7aEuh63aX39qNr4FxO6qYvNO1vMVslQcj73IPXrUu/Q0jY6Pxfqmp/adLWxsDa2NsJEtV0yPhkbBKibBZmHAJ7EGuhSk1sZPc4x7+5knupLeK5QztK4QyBmRMklj8vJ9+K5akVcu10SWU91b6pDNJHJeWs6ea8cyFEeRVwoO3Gdo5pxnybCNX4jeObvxJqkcV9Gj29tsijt7dtkKIqjIXg5yQCTnt0q5TnVd2KKszmL1DdWrajMBI+POcZOSN20r7kD+VSo2ditzS8N31xpnhnxBYW1xqFrf3EKJAsLkK0RP7+Nsdcrjp6V2Utn3M5HrP7PXwr0vxf4dbW9WS6tXivvK2LgRyRqFO0gjPXPOe9dUbQim1qZtn1PiNR5MZVYwMKg7jP8AKsW29WSx8nzDaHAUdcDmgRW1e1bUdJntoL5rOeSIiK5VQWR8cMAevJFOLswtcyPC+rpkaBrGoWc3ia1iEl1Bay+a2xsASEAZUEEZGOKqSTd4iWh5r8efh7Jqer6L4o0u/wBRhuYJ3eecI10LVY0MiMkQ4A3IB2HIzTgufQafLqeOa78QV8S2dxoHjbw9BY6vbSSmO/Fs6SLM23dvhyMMccn6cVjVldWZSjbVHntvfTJqccslwVliPm+axySE+7GCQcdMZx6VywetzZnS3mtWl/pWqNJFF9r1cIWaT943+saTpHtUtkEcrwPSumrJOGhmk7mfYTSpoeqarbQWk8Yt4bV/PTa8TSEtujx0OYzk+h964XLobpXInumuI4IQsaCKPDgYZUPByePuk/Tms17ruS0Nvmury4bVr660p7iebe8KOqMwOAAAvIHA4rb2zbJsj0HQ4DL/AGJb+J7WTTNImla2DXdz5A+fdmWPfjfHuGWHYqOea1jT5tZC5uXYx/GHhDS9JhvNI8N6jHrl5ao8z39s4Pnr1KxRqWLDacEgnGGJrOUVz2RrCpaPmZmnGbwx4wATUI1/tM2+ZQmRFHP5cjEZOdwOPyruov2ZjU98+ktW+JsfgjV7XQdTnu9UjtJGt7u7MDeYzkbkAYHZu5zt64pynEw948y+OHxOt/Emp2sHhXUL+CCzh2zRbxFm4LNz15UKMfLxzXNWbexrGNzxGRr+aOGdopJYTK7q2w7c/KCc9OcAfhWFjZaHSf2rfWWjw6H/AGrJPYI8kywFQqAuduQT145z/hWbvIDn764tre9maLYEX7yb/vZGDj1rRLQZasjYRNLcW95NaXVqqyxSR/OZMlVKbV+794ncfQDHNNRTTTC7TOmgu18YePDbvp8aWWn2xMgvGZC0UahcMcZU9fesJR9mtDbncnqcl4tsI7vW3ktGaSNlQtIuZMnAyT/dHbn0q6U9NSajuzmbYFZ9r/LgkHjpW17ozLU6wyXjtuKxueFA6cdc96SkBp6bPBbAWQk/0d5R5kjDqenHtjrzUNXdxply6v7i5hN9b3YjurZhKmRl9wxt2gccY61FujDmaItOtp72CSK4mjknnZiV35ZGJA3Edj1GDROSiJszrmO2tD5DRI84QOZWOdp6gYFaxk2BpeFbR9QdVa3P2YMGupgpbI3dvf2FZ1ZcqA3PGGj2MOj2Nzp9q4N25fZ5u4xAfLnryMg/lWFGo3Jpl20M74eaPLeeJBpqXkFutwBG0zKpchjgoMnjOefbNa152jculHmkkXtcTwtD4rvbe21SU6T9qGYYoA8TALw3XJOSeBj61MZVHBX3KrqKm1Esapeafb6Taajo9vFGtgYkgklnPmswdnZiuME89M4HvURjJyal1MFKzOc1o3OpRve3dzHdC3XyFJcK5BbPC9Tgv6V0QSjohylzbjBBptpo0NqZbiW6nila5ViBCr7x5LKR1OzdkH0966VsZ31Pavgf8LtT1nTbzU/7QnjXTbg20ASArIQVDFsk5UgvkDr7124eUYfEYVbvRHrnjb4i+CvC1s1neax9tv41g3xwIrSOV/hkweG+UZBwaFNRldkOLcdDD8T+O73XtC1PwzpI1SG8ig8sw2ugXEtzLG6rg7W+5nlST6Z71aVNO7C0lZHjOleKPE3gU6l/Z3hu0ht5LZ7eeS5tmEmGB29/kGASFPofeplVaenQv2ae5yr+EPF/jDU5dYFvaTzXIlnWQSLGk3lKGfy1AwcDHTr61jKMqjcmaJqOgzwTcy2t3e6n/wAJAdLXylgmMdxi4lEhIZlUEFgMZxkdhWMXaRUkmdB4s8Uy620dhqmu6rrUMeYbW+mAt5obfapOIQcHJBHJOAM0p4iUXoxKKXQ87n02U3ckcNoxI5yoP/16xVRPVmhsaNdomkW9tbkXRknMTxPbITFKWJXYclmBwMk49KqU2lYm12X9d8beJbjTlWXXjIrO6SWflL+5IRVyfl2jIGAB0xWtOrOKsmL2ST1J/hAkcer3WqxaDf8AiDV7MLLZWVrYST7JQ6sJnKEbQCAOh61pTtfUmpfZHQ/E74veMNdn0bUrhTpN9pck5MMMuQsu4YJiIyhA7NnPtWkpOEbISjfc88vrby/E4l8QXhvbeScSXlxYTrNv3YZ8SDKlhu5HY8Vi027s02Wh1fg7w14U1y3uo73xAkL6VK87RyyLGlzZjafkkchVkJOMYOSa1jGHVkOUj1jVPiL4W8RaDp2oS3eraXa+H9IY6fZS2yBruZxs3BzgELhV+UHOWJxW1Llg7ozfM9GS/CXWfAXh7wjpvjHxXoPiC51m6zJJqtzpskkG5SUjWM48vhdoBHPGKlqTd7hfpY9fuviV4cHgOHxPezvBBcIu20Z0Wdw+MbUznOG6CsuWzDmvoR/Dq6Ouh/F66+l/avF5aKLc26WWD8yck7mxgMxxjb7021ayGjzf4w/FrXvCfxFiZdLnuPDq25+zbd0EV3Lwc+aVO/bjovHPWrSUUJx5tiz+zL8RtP8AEWvaxZ3SxwarfZu3kmuF3zNv4hjBO5lVeeOg7VE5RkrIlRcZXZ0E/wAYbOT4tReDbKzV7VFfdMl1EFkkIyOvYDPQ5J4xVOCirdSm2tT1SG9jYfLOUJ3KocYLHjkA9azcXsNTTPmj9qG5HgwmLw54khaLW2Z9W0qSRJv3gIIm8s5KZOT2GRW3P7vNbVFpJnzrfTaNN4fhWG11M6sjt9pmZ0+zFCfl2qFyp7cnt+XM3damiVjHK/utg69fzrEZo+GovtN+9sby3s9ltM4mkbaCQvK52kkkcAe9XETJp9Mu49DtLn7VbS21y0pjhjmDSqUIB3oOUPOee1U4toWht/DLXbLR/EdrJrdm91pUD/aJ7aGUQvIVDBcN1JBYHA+vanBuLIqK6Pcf2hfixbPoWn+FfDWpRT297aW8l1Nb3KTmJMH9yxXOWxtzyO9ayaUW1uKntqeH33hTV76+sV0uzuLqPUmAinWFvKMhOTHvIALLkZAPGaxUHLU0clY+zvhX4BvPDXgW20e/upGmjt0aJVYlLefZglfbdk5Na89kkczp8zbOxCsvGRn+VO5QCMrgHHXIzSuAEEdBwBTCwEZUj5s55pXAPm3AgZ3c47mmFhtxGzwOqyGJmUgMBnaT3/WjqJo+dbvw5r/gv4lw/ZdX1dtFz9rvyH4aGMDdI5yN33iAgGcetXTVnqSrWsz0nxfa/Dzxrok9i15pkv2hDcCNMNOrqhwwUfNuUE8H1qZRu9Sua2x5n4H+FCap4WvNW8N6o1jb61byxIjw+YYYSysoY9dwK4zRyKK0K5m9znfit4H17QvCkGs3mptOllci3QSStLPJEFAUlvuKgPAUDv1NctWk3qzSM0tjzCwtdLt/HthMyxapYteI1xEzlldA37zJwODz2rOk0naRpqz6X+I3gCy0zwpeTeEtY1zSYJZD5FtaSGWApKB+7VW6qx9Dk59K7mrqyOZyaZ8z+JdG1rw9Pa20yPFqLW2ya3XKmPKkOJM9G5IINea2rtM69loUrmdo7eGRbqRJUjVCiNuCErg47cg81FlcRnxxRWd9E8hiuIo2UusgJQ54wQK0uCdjf8Iappnh/WzLqthHqOnjLNbPGuJRg/LuP3eCf0qozJfkdH4d8QaXbeKNKiSCzaxafE1vPIXSBHRN37zBOGyQcDgA1pTlepzESi1HU980b41eHWu4tI0bwzdm8L75I7Xa0HlqOZA3Bb5RnAXpXa4tysYt2PWr26sbeLzri7hiiG1S5cABiQAPzIH41Fm+gcyLIjLPiM4IHp1pDG+ZAskcLSKWfIAzy2OuPWjzA8G+MOha1oPiHUdR8DeGdVbVbqNHOpWl05+z5bklQeh4UKeOM1tzXj5kxVmbnw3+LtpPbT+HviXJbaFrVoohla5YLFejoSMcBuRkdOeKyknFl7nJ/Hn4e33iDxZbX/hTRbjUY71PMnmhKKkUjP8AM6HjcWGPmOR6USjeOooyPnjV7QWt7dW8YkhkgkkgaOdcyKyk8HHcYrilHlZsncdo3h+XUdEutaguifsE8SPa7SZUV/l3ggYADYHOOtN7D2Or8KeFrXULiW4fVra8hs40u7y1VyjTKAT5ar1ZgAc+5qOVON0CnZ2M/TrK9/tqK2ttNafyJ83b5DBl3KFTOMAFioz71zyate5ryuUtDlWVYoDNJCWKnA3fcBz2I69q3S8zNl/TNV1y5iTThfTi1ikM0NmZCVLspUuAeOhbP1q3JpC5UdRp1rq2n+B7jUbfVjaTTRi2igRMySRZxJtIHypggHkZ/Gs+W3vNk6Xsa+s6BZXHw0tNbtFslu7FEs7iMbxILkuCrk9C2wEbQeBk10xnzU+bsLZ2JNc8K+KYvATa5FrEdxpJmN0NtwSXmIAZlDKSXwCCc5wDSUHONwuupwOraRHpthaXEbrLeyxF7jy5g/lEn5VxgFWx16jkVMpJaFoo39zq1lbDSLlr61XIZ4JQVVGzkED3Bz070mrjFmujc7Wnimk8uMRbh90gA7fyyKjlsMS5sFmSIw3Ilk8kyYVc4J5APPpzRcot2OhX7TW00N3E8kjgyIjgSQlWzznHpnik5qwJHsetaUE0O9huoXOqS2YvL0xx/eYDIUv/ABFmI/GuFzvK1zocdDg9Sv8AStU+z7o00xbhf30wBKh8AcqO2AeAO9XFSjruYORy13okB0y7vUvoNiSpFHuXa02Qx3AE5CjHP1FdMJt9CTKtNlwUgMDzcgsUHz477T26Vo0Jlq78O6vbymKW0aOUTCJIWYGVmb+EDqe2eKhVYsClf2WqWLvFeW80EiH5lYcr9apSjLYCXTb+eCXbvlWGbiTkgk88/maJQTEOvoksbh/tDh5SqOqhslQRnDY74PTtVJDNXwUL6/u5bW0t3uJZUZ9wk2bAMZJboo96wrxTQWuer3ekS6siJbW8drHIpt7SeD95AGiTOx2J4744xn615693W50WVjgrG4fw7f6lPZqiXNrbPG0rjhvMKjKFcEMPX/arrj76V2RTlyu5n+IBpFuC1vLatLd3Zcw2zAi2XAOOpJ+8ADnjBrSHM36DqNGH9m1TyZZbdpTZRy8sPuKzcD2yela3jsZWL3hjVtLt4tQj1TTDd3lyipBO8xVYDkZJUfe6DjNEoN/CLY72yfVfEWnf2BoUtsmhR/PdS3lighj2Jt83dglepwMnms4ycL3Eoo2Wv9Z8NSQaPF44ttQ0mK0+2R2imRIbsMOItwIYjGDn2reFR9BuCZN8Lvhro/ifQpPEV/fXthqDXDC2tbaVAJQFYh8tyMHA69q6aUlN67mUnZ2OT1rxv4ygZ9Sn8R3EWskpaTz28oHnRoSMyFeWPJ/KolWlzcoKCZ0958RvA0eh2FjB4NsLqU2hjmlEYkaadWA84k/MpIDt8wzzXRGrFR1M3CTehhzQX7W0um2k15/oVsJbOW0VlUwuFMn3gCCULnJ4wPSuec5cy1NqcU02zzm8ZLbUZooYCtso3RvKqmTYRuUkrwTyKzmrlC6JdRPcIz273t06EIgk2qPlwQRjJNYzVkMl1y+1E20cof8AcD90H2YDEEn8OCKmEVcRP4TjubnyrHStLa7v2v4LiAIhIwgIKtjnBJFbRg5SLUlFHTWN1o03jm68YXPhY3nhq2KR3lpNMkaG4dNpxjkjeHYAAngV1WSd10MZNs2NM8Q2umfE+y1X4e6peg6owhutM02FlkCfL+6Dy/eY4+/jC4J7VrNxm7ozd7WZS+KNtpfi3xPdXfhhLHw+wQyzadcXkfyS8hsODtJOzJ5yS1KS57K5adkdR4ZPwRtdAQ3upao0tvOf9A1Mu8ce4AyvGIgAXbauAScYGacLR3Jbkzz74s6p4C1MRy+EfBeo6GrOPKmuJ8pNGAQx2cnJYg5z2qZyXLsaRRBcaP4lg8BHV7rwtfWcJvA6aktoYo/LYAeVuI6bhnA45NTF+60K2tyvb+J9a1iy0zwuxvJLCJgs8NtcGMzr5hYFixKKRnAbGBxRzyeguVLU63x54Q8SjRIfF0WlW2h6OrkW1nG5d7ddyrGGOOWYnKtnnBNW4OQo2O70Dwp8QvG/gbUbb/hL717lphJPawwhbSdzhWVpE+842jcegIPU0+Wy1ZKepV+LPwy8U6H4XsLi+8Qy3cOk2DPPd3rBY43dgvkw9WY4OBnj6VUPejuVs9Dyfw7rMNr4vt9a0K1s9MfSbZZUjuGLrcSIgVgR1LSEk4Hr7Vjdc2g2rqzOg8PxaB/Y90useXpHiCeRp7WW5kaBbeNVMvmKACW38Io9a2Ul1IafyPS7n4la/dxaBaXvgS7vra2UzTPbvIXu4WXahLBRkZ57g4GatXjdrqSodDjIvBd58RrmzfTJdM0yW8uL6dba4ZVeBVYYRv4iBwBkdjRUtKN2XF8rsc/8W/hn4k+G9qsNxqSXmlX7IGmtwVieVQSEIPUjLVzSppRumaqSeh53HYT+WJpTEkbRmRN8gDOu7bkDqec/lWHKUdR4D8B+IfFV/Z3VhpjwaTd3q2I1AoTFBKxAy2OTjNaRjfYiUktD1bXvBJ0YWQjuLXQJ9DsWW9d4TLDNcSsy5JycbkTcTjgEZFdsaaaTMXI8audGN34pbTdMea7u7idUtY40x5jP0xwMA5BHtXLViubRmt7R1Pr74ZfA/Q/CXhy4g8R2+ma3f3OPtLNFmIIo+VEz0wep7n6UosnfU73R/CGi2iW8NrpllBZWk/n20KxcRuRguvoTnr7Vcp22JSuddkkDawwG7g8/l2rAsyjn5QFJJGPatjOw5UIIGCR6+lIdhjLx8w7cdqdwsKn3DyPY5zmgBkm0AKDx/D7UCM3xBrmmaHYPd6ndRxIgyQT8zDnOB1OMfpUuSW4iBDpPifQ31CzkgvYbm0eOFxhsow5HB9ev0rRXSBxufG/j3SfEXw+8fX9ql+0c21mW6txjMLgj/gOQcEVyylKMrmsLNWZ03gz4y+LvDsWl29xpsF9peFEcSRCDfg42BgpA4x2Jz9aft31G6fY63xz8WpNX0Z7S70BdHMpRsy7pWjQf3lZFBzkYPuKxqYlyVoon2Ulqzw8XcMd1IdJgijnUzFJ1bgh1wE+bj1/OsVe+p0Reh2mg/ETW4vCB07VfEv2e80qKJdPiaNZt5DMpyP7yrjGT/DXWqraM3BXOe+IWpal4h8WRz6tJJbz3VlFLcylN2/5OGwMckgfjXJ3ZrJWOTjRYwyI6KsLlxI4wWPYYyRQQVZV8q6eQKZWYnAA4PGc1cVdAWtE0nUdUju57bTZrmO0AluCsZYIpGASM9yRW0aTauhOSRDp99DphmlFlBfySoo/0iNlELbj0AIycDGT61UHysGrneeDvFOvazr2mTWumJB/ZEYkuLu2s2mbEcWwNJ/dGFIzwOSea7adSU2YSgkj2jTrrw3rvwlu/Eut6rDbeITaSSxo+oHcCspaNkTeN2dqjOPSnKs4mbiuh6n8JvE+oeLvCceq6hpMunOJ3hVJAVMqr/GAeRz8vU8qfpWLexootbm14k0i21ix+yzyS2ssD+bb3MUhR4XxjeMEduoPBGacZOImrnH/DH4j6R4p1vVPD63Vt9tsHEENw92hk1IJkNKEXGORnAJ4OaclpdAjI+MfwptfFWsW2v20MU00JkNzbuCqzLtGPmXLZyvGAc5pJp7itbY8t+E/ibxlH4+1PR/Cc0VjZxxEW+mahO1xCrJg+SHdlKktu+6O54qovnun0BrS5558UfDnivT/Gd2+u2W2+1iWTUDFYDzk3SO3ygDlTkH3xWFWFjWDRiaSt9aWdzaRNPDDdOpuY1GA+07lDA99w6etcUp2LLWq6Re2l1bvpsMxa3iWaeC3Y+ZAxOSHIHBHHaso1U9zRQvsZenavrMUhXTbmbzLuJgYYyGyu7dkgDttB/DNbRpc7Epcpf062uNNWa31W2n+0wNLG1pOmw2krKAHZWHJxg4PpSqJrQE1uW/CmkG8gk1S1tnu9RiuAsVsSOU2PukxnouF6jHNXGPMhN2Lmu69qGoxTwC5SW7+zq8bJGkaNtKjaEAwAACSe/WsZtt3YRir3ZiWWuT/ZZbYR26oJ1uv3km0vIY9pcDHPRu/eq1ta+hHKdP4E+J2sWQstDkvbaHQoTIZI57fzAoIZjtIw+SeOveumnOUY2E4GRqr2kWtQX9zKNS+3xefOskqRlX3kFRyem0YBzkEcVzyjJl2saGryQXNk+na1NHZz2PmrBazZaQyMd6bgMZbBCdsYpOUk0hXOZvdDuNMgidLuOdnYOUQ8jIYN8vOMBQDzxkVopcxR0F7q0DSS2dlENMttwingjuFea48xyHZHWMBQEABGMfnRKwcxPoobT7eaKawlmE0vlReaoLW+fmBAxySe5xwa46k3LRDT1O20XXGv9Zubdrhrt/OjaWferrGiuS6Nj6464rlkmlc3jUMv4veCR4d0h9fS7ikFyyyrbA/NGT1XPc49B3roo30TCUVZs4PwtaWesG5fUtMmmY28kyETGNfLQ5O3A68evcVtUk4aRZEIczJbXUNEtbJ0stKMUsrNIX80kwA9UOSNoAIGSMk8+1N876mTTM3xFqs0iBn1KGaSJR5flHaylgDkMOW29Mmqpwt0EZsF48stuBaKjBwhYytmfJ4znPStOWwzO1S6u7uYyXTMzx8Y/u/h2rSOwFVS0kp+YlnPfqTTA9a8L26+G/BV39v0nVDqN5avFOkjeVFFHuJRmBXceBuAHByM9q46vvStc0jEo+L3kFlBFpzXc1tA5muJUDCNWdiQ3HA4wMHvWVKN27jk9LGBq2oXGo20lz9tB3TeSVyoZwFHJUdAMAfhW0YqLsZnNLIE1FTJEGAf5k6ZXPI9q6lsB6n8Hjpt7q2prdw20UxQtpFvO3yCQElUVTw7YIHOTWFSHYfNY888QaXfadfyC/tJLZt7K6lcbHUkEY+oxWsdNCb3H6Lq97pyGO3uZYQQd2HPXB9+nPNOUUwOt0eZ9YvNOtfEimPTNPiMsEs+2AvAMN5aZ2lySwxgk46VHI1sK521zcWr6pBc+F/ENtplpqLfY7e0v5gsMKJGQzuxJKgsGA4zz15rOM5R2BxjLU5PXJrC2vDo1nBZas4j+e4t5S0W/J3EFQCy4x3wPekpSvzMLFKO30y2vRfHSY44ZoD9kQP8kUmVXdliSSCCQD2JzVPEvZD5Tmre/uNNujFJJKschbOxiBKGBXkA9Ovy1q3zahbodDeT+F724tUsbG9SOS3VbxljU5ZhhnUkjBBzgZwPSqjUVveIimtzi7UQ21yl3diR0Vz5trGcPwOAW/hyePwNJ6lliO/SS1l8yySWHK5iLkBMZ6fhU8gWG6TrkumG8EcEbC5hMS5dsxDkgrz2Jzz6VvCXLsJq5Xj1K5TYd8cmyEwqJIlZVXBAOOm4ZOD1yc0czCxpaH4g1HQ0hudEk+y3trMZY7tbaPzAWTacuQT0JwvTvRzA1c6X4V2Wo+LtTn8Hz+J9L0LTLzNxe3GoNEPMbcOVLAMz9wgYZx1q1ImVluV/GehTeBvHN14Ze4tNejtWLxgt+4bzEwHKq2FcDBxk4wM5qp+60O99je8cT6T4t/4QnTfDVutgtvarYT3l2/kQLOApaRpTkccn8quc+aCVyI3vqdfp6+HPE/gHVrD4gfGIXU1vciDS1WVpI0kVQzyLEpzIjbioYgdDip5hpJM8y8Lt4esb+e51vTtUjszFJ9leGJo4rqZXXETk5JixyR15pe6mEldHZ/GP4v6zr0A0PToraLQtPvm+zNDZMkUwVSBkP93aG4GOOD6VXNy6xEonpX7IvjrSLTwbc6XrniPSrBorxvs1rO4hKIw3s5kZvmBYnj/ZrN+8TblZ3Xjx/hz4t0W/1K58R6VqunWVnN5dml8kiG42O27hgzycfKmQOK1hNr3R6LU+PNV8N6tpU0ms6dD9rsbd0czoBhVYbl3AE4JXkgE7e9TOPvaF3ud94cvP+EotLHX/ABto9pqOmjUFt7vVLy/aB0iKELCiqvKpy2VHUgGqTvuZtOOx7XZ6Zf2ekTaNZXF54hsJYUazFuVWXSoydqws64aTEbbuxAB45zW1OST1Mmr7HT6V4I+EeuiGyh0jR76606ERypbXDCW3Lc4cqwbcSD97nrWM5TTbNVbqeN/tTeBbjRNGtbrSLzWptGi2q1tcM9xFbOQwDeax+XqFC98n0rS/NB6lxSR8+eF7DUtY8S2OkaYnm3l3IIIlLhQd3UEnoMZye1ci1ZUpW1Z7T4Vg8X/Bi61Gw1G9hjlvkEtrplsi3Rlk2nbKDnKBPXHzdOK6acFuzGXvO6OKPi291mzvYNfjX/Tr2O6utTkTE8lsOCiEkIvAOAq5J46Chzl0Kskafww8G67rnjePXfDK3Gi6TbyNeWt7ettPlLIEwH24d8dunBqOW70FOWlj7Zs5reS0kgu7uG4lt0VbuRCF5AySey+v0pNNO9iYbWPPPiJ8bNB8EX0lhJp099JFz+6nVEJwCOSOeD2z0rR0fd5mxqTvZI8m1T4s/FfxjdDWfDH9n6TpNv8AvILfz4VaYqTyQ+S54xgY61MYaaIHJLc+pBnAIwST6dOazLsJx647ACgBSmd2QOuc5/KgLCLGdjAknjp0x9KBWIdVs5rmwubaznFrPLEVin252Mehx3xxxTTsJrQ+Tvi14l1TUdR/sHXor4TaXDJbXO4KPNIBPm4GAAw7elctZuTRMI6k37MfxO0/w5J/wi2tG3gt7iT9xcFAmHJ/5aOzcADoAK6ac+eNuxo4nsH7QXh3RNW8LC5u44rd0kVrm5jj3TiLYXOPyB/ClJX1ZEnbY8g+FWl6D4o8Pavpuua6YLfT4ImtIpZCiwzuMGTnnO4dBx81SoKUS+ZrU4jxbo+romsRXr3E6adL9kUqhlEcmQVVn6E4BA9MVyey5djX2nMYQhkt9H0yS4ubOCCaVzAhYJICCVMjcdAVIqLe9oW42XMHhu3hlsb/AFa01vT4Z7GMSSWV4wDXxYlT5SnAJVSTzW8Y6EXOgvfElh4o1GyWz0q0sW06xZC16x3S7F3fPtwCfl+mTXPOFkafEzgrsTXFknkbBlmD/Nz7f1q1oyLDLLWGsoms/sI3NIrNvJJGFIIx75reLsJomXxjrdoNSg068Nnbajj7TDbjYmA+8KB2ANaqo0rInluZMbG+uFijiy2wsc4B4yx5/PrUOQ7HYeAvFF74f0nVltbrT7eLUIPIm85RJK3DYAU9AckE9BWsJ8sWROPMaOh3WjHX1uH0j7VBBDbILN38wyOGUyGP0U/Mcdgaxi3KaLjaKdz7m0SOzXTrY2Fk1jaGMukHl7Ngf5jx25JP410yVnYybuc18SPFknhy3tYtPsrjULqaTF1a24LzR22DvlxzwADz+tXTjfVmcn0PLfiF4JsNP07S/EPgSyMeoalrETmaKIiaxQwuSFK8ryFreOsuVi5rK4+7+KniXwBcQ6T4psJdf04tIp1eIGNpeBkLuPKpuALcZrOcVvsNNsb4k0DTfHFppmo+A59NtbGaSWeaCN1EizspRTJg8HOQPfmps7i1W5yRvPiRo/gC+07XZdRvLW7d4szxuZLZYSuVLY6Or4AJHAJ71hW54x2KVm9Dy+We2sjcs0cwa5ug0bqSURDuGwgfxZwQewFeda+hsiGDVtYsl1CeTKJqcLwSt2kQNkkH2I60ckWkl0N43iibRre4tNR0yXw1e3H9rXFnJ8kMJY72d1MYPO393g5681vRck7mc7WNrUotS17UtMt7xY7e41eUte3s8ZMilzuaTJOWRUXhj70q0t2yaMeZ2OZsdWvdOvNQVWRJrkLaySKu0heCcJ3yFFZtaI0mrOxZKwy3aXUqmd7o48tTsJHQDHYdaybdrIgyNRggWJhCVVOC2GBJYDn8ORWsW3uMpR6PNNhjPDHGCoZyp4JAJ574Fa81gJxZTwWzXUbhxAcOIzllBPy9f6UlO7sFitPqWpTXEl5O880srAtNISxY57k9au1wsbeg+L57IXTQw2guJojFHNMm8wqeG2Z4BbJ5qeXl2FYTW9XfUtYtri3tEsbiGBUdkA8t3ByXce4HT2pdNQOhV9Lm8M2xvb77ZqExZmaMMmJC3yqCBg4UD6ZrlldSuloBhWKajpt3byyzSQwBtkrJGX24YFjgEZI689ar3ZDR0vjBJbnw9Y6wPFtxrdsz4nimTabR2BGDydpxjI96IJXslY3e2h0PhLSLYeA9Yt7KO+RpdKkjlvZph5Fu28NsjA678AZHvWdWSUlc3w8OY8y8aWN7LrVxcvpclgS6QtECGzIF2sQR1BZCfxrpptcu5hWj7xgPF9mLpeW29gpUDO0g+ue5rVNdDArQSuACz8x/MoI6+tUBa1K0u7e72XdtLbCZVkXehGQyhlPPYggj2NMCS302K5a7IuUiitxuzIpDOM8Be/NRKVgO71TXmvbnfY7IbS5ghSSB2DJGiAKFc9eFGT3Oa5OXuWpWMHx5qRMi2FvNH5OFkkMWDDK5ycgei/dH0rWjC+rE2Y1nO1t9pvoYhmQbACvK5wWK+nTH41s0Im0/T1upzcloxNLJuitVH8A5Lk9gBnHrihuyA6vUvD8OlGG5h1GKOaC/BO98MRgFGOejEEcD0NYRruT2JY3xdERpgl+2WktvtZDFJOTKkm5ixKdyCeo4GRTg22NHCXEcsc20hFyqkAcjkCuhAauh6Jr2sW81zZ2d3cWtoQJZkjLJGTjAJ6DqKpRbE9Cvrtlq2hajLp2qWlzY3SqDJDMhRwGAYEg88g5/GpdO24DtFvAI3gjjaSWUpHGCcfMT3PpWU43GkepTP4ah8IaRbKgTVd88bsRu2zKGVhx6yMoUd8VxRjNzZ6kFSjStLc4zX/BmtafYrqOskQMIg90koxJAxfYqsp5LcZ4zxzXpxpSSvY8pyVynb22p6E9t9piuUttStpJbLDhHmj2Hy3CddpbOM9ecVM6LktQujub/AOH3iC3+HFzq2q6FfyQ3NmJ7dYbUtNDKuMTTbeFRgG684YVUcM90xwlHW54uGKP+8jzkZA6U2mgGsCED8nNIBu75vb60Ad/4L0DUhos3ittKttY0XTTsu4XfPltMropYccrgN14yvrW9OnzEOXQ5qK9utF1l7vSb77PNbOwiuIWUkdjg8/pSmuV6BvuT6qmvSzSarqsV8JLxixuLnKmb1O5vvdefwqJXerGrdBkc95f2tloNlY2skyzNsmjT97K0nyhSxOMDOB6VUddED0O0v/DFzrmsOdXtNO8Di3NrZJBPbyIhBG0uW9flySTzurdUZtXehPOibxp4Nm07TrGfxF4smXUJfPS2jkjbYUi2rGEzjCtn7x44pyo8q1ZMaieyOe8Wy2+iWsvhuDWLbVURULS2RBtzJncW3ZO9iG2kjH3RUSaUbFrUh8GvqEUN/q1tBpd9PBCVa2vQpJiKndIq5GdoXH4iojdhKxZ8L61eeHNC1O4tYIUvbqOOOG93iGe36hxEDywZWw2O1NXWpLVw1Pxtr2tXtxqE12DeXViLO/uHgjHmR5AGT2yAoz1OKPaNlKJgaXGLzWba1S5htoprlEEsx/dRgsBub/Z7n2FZ3sNrQ+zfgxaXvw7up9L1vTVtdMljQNrUM6taTTjgSH+JC6lRgjqK2a5loYpWdzurjSPhzfL/AMJHFHpJlvm2R6vBP5bs6k/MHB+8vPNSnO5d11PDP2m/Dviey8E2+oy+ObnXtE+1sYoZFHG44jLOoG843cn8K1VmnbRjieNfB74e6v428Rwx2s1xplvIZore/WPKG5SMMIwexwwJ9qwihza2Z7f8RbDRfhX4Av8AQNAvL+48Za+6ROJZVnvGhH3ipADKhCkD61tGy1IXc6H4d/BHwr4dij1/xvPa32oPHGYo50ENrbErwuz+JucfN37VN5S2C5q2fxj+Hek2Wsae89vZ2Wnu8KWkIUNPg8mNRjqSQB7Zq5QaW+pF3fY+dNV+I/ibXPFWstoXivU9D0q+kmeOCe4LBgwO2M4zywAX+tKU1Jrl0sW0ktjLuzqVvPolvrmhQG0Ej4ubsMsVyWCgsZByyqcfTpVtvZoXS9z6W+A/wz0KDwMz614dsLy8nuZwZg3mB4WYbVUjjbjHTms5vllZER967Z7QsQ29ckc8Hj/PFY3NSMxgduehJp3AeobcMI3/ANei4AqHPPUHpknNFwEVW3hQWVemSp4ouB8ffH3WPEa+Kb3RrlYm23L+RGlgVF1EpCiVmOcgnI9Biuee+oo7niltJLa2F8wWNvOZYPmKPtG7ccZBb+HG5cY9eaqLsjRnY+DPGXitrC/0xfErSy36LZCzvY/MBibhissh2x4GOefTiteZuNiHFHTfDC+8I3OuahZa7Mltp0lu4eGJlTzDHL5giEr/ADMZAvAUgktgUqbQWOtnTVvDvhuz0zR7Cy1Ca8hl1y/07V7RluOXKCAKzbmYAtlvlOFJqnHTQS3PGvHwW31RdMhSKOaFpGuShOIWaV98IUkhcE449BXBG922dLa5Ukc1aX02ny3VrDFE8MgaN0ljVwQRwRuB2keowa3i7og6HwHpJ8S3F3p7y2MU8kG77XfXvkJbIjAs2f4yRlcH1ocboLlYxwrfwaYyhrM7Xm8nJ8r7pkcdywUHPbk1krbsbHXei6THrs11p9wZrCGOS7jS5QxebGDlEBzliQcZrSnJN6knJwW9xcs6QwSzOiklUQkgDufatGM6TR9Oh0+0lurwrDfox2xyHJ4KgjAOR1bqO1Y1GC1ITDYho5HSSZ5JMzFlwT83QcnORznAx70otvQeh2GgfD7xNcG4ufD9leaja21utzFe2kTtE3HG0kDeVbIIGeh9K6IwkpXRm2mfbvg99Qn8J6TLq6FL6S1Tz49u3Y2MgY9cH861e5Njl/jJ4Jn8R6UF0u+nsNReeMNcJGZgsSI2fkyA2c4wTjmrhN7ESitzxjVvEXjj4a248BazZRpZyGJdO11T5RtFZ8q7BflJ4Pyk8DOSRWileVxOCO58V2mmeMNGutIGtWev6/bWBtLtdLuY/K8kyq7zhc8HC9AevFNNddhWtsbMvhHwpNoujJZi3utI0fT3JeG5CESA/ud5Qk4Us5OTweT0pKb1sN2Z5t431/xTpNzd6Jq95B4p0zURIEDRC1MoQIDJHIhO4A5AJBB281lWmuS4lHseK6vb273j3cbyx2S3aeRFPIq4RjwBwAxxuyewFeY5K9kddODtdlPxneXWpakgSBUtrfeypbR7hGGfLE4ABGSPQUUopIqc+Zlyy8bX5024t7djBqD3Anl1DdieQjdgR4A8sENyAea2cpJGbVyXw2lwJ11q58S2mmzQ3a2RhuGQyLC6GN3VCckKDggrx1BpOKcL9Sqfuy0Mlp/7NLXV5aC6vnU4ebcskTEKVkJPDfLwAABhs81F+b3Ryvc09P0o3+owXTNJDaw2y3FzcRxNIypjJcJkFh26jtzUxWtmRcp654T1jR47S71PTZ7GW8t3nW3niKGJd+zo3IOBnBya2nHkBEFnNay3CWTxyqFhHz5zng5J9B71lra5bDVo5UlvLWyJe0LogVAdrAnhs9SQRimrbkhaW1xezhLRooHd9u37iqx4CKM8nH5Vd9Royb20tBqTrbPMIEICuY/m6Y5GcZz71aYM6XTfDGt39tLqQhJt2u4o2ku4zbrI8mSF8w/KMqCevQihpMRY8P6beXtv5NpbtckF5mhife0JU8ALk57HPUj2rkqOzKUbkepwx2cdtAJRbT3a75XmGArck+wDAg+1KHvXv0KcbaGVNbuPMN9qCqtxEJSIJAwYkAjdjpx19MYrVS7EnoGgeJXs/D2m+HYtPvZZtVVFdhESSvnEmRQR8ytxjOBweaylR5pXN4VXDYoyWw8aa3OEvSJEtpbiRpIWKx3AdpDD8nOMFjntzxitoU0lYxqTuzD8b+Gl0y4vYkvbDVMQwTRz2j7k3OAWVDn5gvTPr6VTXLZGaZzunW2lrq5eYObUAkRr8zNxyOo7Zptu2gyx4v1U38thLH9pkNtZqks9y4Z3K5VSRzt+UKoBPRRShezuwRmWAu3uY8KDJI6oB1ORyOPwq5WA6O6urVEuEilwWVWL+UNpIXpgcA59c9DXNZsTKX2KLVNQhiawuLdYo/37xkybjztPQbSxIGOetbJ8qAqabZ3MV1bTXCJaxRM5/fPsSRlILRktjnsa2p8smDPaviK/gZ/BDw6dZadFfW95HB9r08rKksHViJF4YZKqDjjn3qq/Ja0TKMpX1OIt7ODVLqbTLzVI7Vb5mntreGD7S4JB+T+H58Kn0BrkhFX1NHqclrJJtP7OmQC6ind5Lhj87q4X5SnQBduc991bpFX0sZLJJDIOY22/MCGA+maoDsPD2rXk+natJPbX9zbxILiKO137Irneux5AgC4wD97jjFa0ra3ImjN+IWua34o1D+3vEFvM2pXjs73Ui7FkiCqqBUwAoUL1BOc0Sba1GlYwIrDUI4o5lhlKO4KEITkgZyOO1ZNF3Ot8Lajo1ho/9qayINVnfVlS40ud2T7RAEZmcspyvzkYI7ioStJFOXuh4t8QaLrOuXd5pOiRafprQrFb2El7LcGHHVw7HJJ568AGt5yujFRMW91OW7vba5Fu6R2QSO2SWR5liROQiknhc54zxmpTdxtaHveh+KPiLr/gbxFpWrSWlz/oNtJYafbgpLLvG8BRGCWG0gkMeePeu+g7Nyscsmk0kz528XaTq2h+ILjSddt5ba9tCsbxSgblXAK9P9kiuOonc61axWdo7u0GwosiSbY7dIySVxncTj8PWshleGOMS7ZeARg84K+/vj0oA6M+JNa03w/d+HdE1y5XQdSkxcWqMB9odQo3MOSM8cA9qqM2hcqM6+1uW4uoZks7a3htQEt4UiXEYHPJI+c55y2T+FNyuCRrX+ueLviDqtja315Pql0u6K2SV1VI85YgDAVelCvLQnSJ3GpeF7b4Xa/pH9q6Smu61cWPmvpqO2yJ5G/dnco3bhtzjHOeK6owjFKXUh3mrdDpddh8VfEqGza4stL0iSe6Nw1rG7pJK8ZCNHKzklHVRkJtzgk1vHmnCxnpBmD8a/Dt/YSO2peHotJmN20kU02omWOSCNQhjjMjbpPmIbgA47YqJ6wKg30PPfFb6Auq7fCtnJLZ2OfMupPmFxyMOYznYoPGCTxiuacov4Uaq9tT2PwB8GJ/F+k+G/Fy3GmR2V+GW7s4oGaO1VQR5jEyDczMB8gwBn0GKtNPVmblfRHYeMv2arW4sXmt/HM9rpljG8scFxbLKE43SNvDKFBAHGPxpOSm0ik7Hz94r8O2GnWiXOma8NStjaRSTs8fkKj5x5C5YiRl4Jxnr2qqlNRbGpXK+k6XbalpjJJZXFncxxmWGTY5+2DhQijgKMhmL5Pp2rlltqDZ9efBrxJbar8HraW4ktta1vSYnmmsJWCPE6btqsvPIXADEHPXrW0E++5mnZtHmnx5s9V8TPa674KurebTF2yXtnYs01vbzggs7naEJJwuMDJB4rp5ZOPLfUScW9Tzfxh4n+LA8CvoXimx1eHRWuVO65sfJjDjLCMfIB15wPT0rH31rY0il0Mr4S6l4tTVNJtLLxHceGtJbUZGi1J7QPBb3Lw7WO4jG4ptGCeMg8dayi+g5JbnTeCfF/h/wj41vvE/iK+1XXvENtcyNbXE0Syi6gKlACWc7Gb7wbkADAHNW1Ylq5P8Yvjnq/jqxWysAmj6bcoPtVjGvnOrK+VPnEAknAPyhQPekpcq03KsW4IvhRr3hF9M0+F9C1ez01J5b+9tyWu5AMuijzMZPUNj1wK0pyTJV1uZv7NC/Df+39QXx8tnDJFGLiwvLm8MKK68GMYwC2SGBznismrPQbfU9q/sLwlBaaJe639kttEMbpdx3l0dqPMI3Rl3tuZcgggH+L2rqdRq6XUxSPdPClvo50CyXQntJNPSIG3e0wYnUf3SCeDxzk1xSbubxtYnEJIz1JPf+VFx2FNtMFOACwHYc0rhYGt5RnaGOB3HHFFwsDQlkDbDnOMZNA7EN8TaW0szukYj+bLHAwB+lGgmj5H+Mvi7w5d3GuTaTpxXV7i5awULIyyqodGfMYwu1sH1JPNRNoyinc8F1+2t7S4WK3u47kFQWeNSArd1OeuKiJuizoepNBoV9YMbdWuAiiQxbnQA7sA9ufxqnKwNFq412G68Sf2vf28MfnMZHitl8gRybcIygdCGANRdjR6V8Ovid4r0aC+1uXSbbxZJLIUK3LtNd2WTkv67HLH8Qa6IVHaxDicj8WPEmj+JvEc2q6Lo8ujsQFmt3Zd7TDgkqAMc5Prkmuea1CKsZeiWN5JqDaqNOsbxorOW6W2ukMgutnyvwCORlmGf7tVBFiQ6PLcnRLe2ML+ZbYUCTyzKwfJOSBgZb3+71qYu7YmxmpaXNpGuzRavIjvLYrcRuGK+Z5sSlQDjk5cZ/wB080ShbRDTEstXt9F1DRFuLCGeO2jkFxuJYShywAIB6AYOOKcI2bY2Ngj0n+z21e61Py9Rk1B1mtoZQ0ksTpuGFA2gBuCc98YrZ8trsjUtxajYaWnntbfbmaNY447gndgDk8YHUmuOS53ZGkHy6lzwbeG58cQtqHh1L2DUpF8qzb5doZyFMZJAA4IyeMZrpw8FdJkVGz7v8I6a+meFNK00WsFo0VuheO3A2I5GWVcdsk1tJrmZGqNKea3hZftc8MLOdke5grMfQZ70txbGFpfiQXfiq58PGzvVkto1mN26AQvk8IG7twfyq5QtqKMrk/jrwpZeNPCt1o2pWyTCQiWN+QVkT7hB6jk/kTUqVimrnxp4j+FHi7w9peveI5NSia0sHaHz4y4+1AsEcqP7vzHOT2NOStqCMj/hLdcNvbNDqclpAbWO1uNPSbYJUUANuXuG4b8aipWb3J5EjvNU8V+Ftd0u40TSba30i2uLGXy7y5vN5tJCHzbxrwI1ZlU+2axqVE1YuCszhvEmrRv4WtdKe3jVntbeJ7gJkwsp7H+L5Ao4/vVxxjeVzsnWXJyo4q71C7S8eOW9kuAFaF2JIEq9vqMgcV0RV1ocpnwzPDdMuzktg8DOMc4z0JrW2gxLkSvPK5MilycJIfmwfX8DSVrAbFpFeapqyQSTNePNsX93y7KkeAAAM9FAzjtUXS1Y9Wei6nqOi6x4d0/T7RZ4dQ0i3ijgeQhn1IliFQBepTn8AKznJykuVBGKs+Y0/iXrnibzbmx8VXE2q3sawQrJNnfZPIiStGn0HDHp1q6sXZXMo7nnlzHbxalc3qXEdwwBjATcqsWXBf25GeeuaxTdrWNUzU0jTbiTw9OgmL3PmIbFRC7GT5ju2nplcFvxFNvqJhYfYY7m90yW1lkumtP3BkQs7S5GeP4c4Jz6Cm72vcRm2iWaSul1axytaRKvlyud2eem3qMnP0BpNuwGzFrFrbeBr6KUXkl7qk8Yilt5Ujt4xExHII3Z2nA56EVcfMpxdrmR/wAJBf6Zf2l3pNjHpPlQeVcGH7k5JJyeThjkcj0olFSVmClbYv6v/wATzVrQtEbSGOMTb2jDSzqNobyz02k5I7YrnivZp9Ryk2U/Gl+t1pkV5ZpIY4iLa4uHjBWaXB6H6Croxd3cNWrjNI1GZPst7r11LqcVxZtHEpvCDGASApVeRgjgHHWupw7C5j1v4Y/DvxbHow8QeGtXj06aGCK6s/s0/FzLIDlmD8cRs0ZHIzXVCjpdmEp3E+Mnhk6hraXela/bXE8Npb2yadIIhMjfxZ24AA5PPQVnWgKE76WPPdB0jTLOW307U7axna/u4d7hC7rEZ4woi7c4PPoxrilN2aR0QV5I5XWtTmh1CWAAQr5z4g2jAO4jkevpVwj2HJWY7wzE2tanb2TTpbZDfO0YIlk7Ak9+evanLQSQupWWq6PqlzZzaZIkwcRrHJGepGVYL3BHIPvQrMGipLcyweQPKnSUkOJUf7wHQg9DyCRj0p8tybFfxBqMV5qQubNJDDGilhOclpMfOx7fM2T71VOPKtSnZmvB4n1jVPCej+E7PR7Jns7mW4guILf9+yYLFG7FV+ZunYelW4pkWJ9B1KzvtQuYroQxR3Tu0ZuGysZADL82OAdpXj1FZ8likN8V2Ws6t4qi0rTdQl8RyNFFHam2jZiV8sHy1X72EyV/CtUrgYN5pkumi382WGU3ILNGjZeMhtpVx2NU4NCuewfBPU/B2n2N3beJ7ltFupUFnC3kSFZwzAl5McYQr09WJrWlPlehEj6A8aar4EvtGBvI/DGoww27xRWxu4xIbcIAoDMQEJIHXpnmrgmr3Fc+cLnSvEXiCz0bRtMgtru2njaHS7k3EY+z7B+/Y4bIRVDAkjnAx1qaiT0Q4s8u1HRb+3hnvYY3udPhmEDXcaHyvMKlguT3wCfoKxcbGhnKWSVNuPzzUgbljBdvoMt6FaaNnMKeUctFtAZi4x0wwA96pCOm8H+Ib/TvDaafoRGnalFdi7nnDNuuVQgqjJyGC44AHfms3XcNCJQTMrxLp3iTxN4gm1DXJ1kvGt40aU7UwERVXcO2FFTPEp6suMbHPxaNdwtczRvDJFEQFeKVW35PQYJ570vaKxR1dr4bVbyJbgW0sUdu07Hym3CTAHlynHO3qQPWsHXutA1exnarLNpUQmh09GQQx2qTzqN0cm0szqo+6TnIPXAraD5kNxa3GaH4d0a88Canq91q4ttYiuoVsLAsP9IiJYSMFxkhcD5ugwa3SRm2d94a1Hwx4JD2lza+GPF11DZzLpz2oj2MZAS8lw7Hqm0BV7g4q1oS1c9U+Ekvh7UPBN94j1D4jTWHiUSRTapfySCK2hIH7qDa42sqjIwta8/ldEpLY4rxN8TLWa6nt73xTc3DQalI8J8N2scX2k7SscwlOSCxO0jqQRWzqRSF7PU8i1bU/F3jHUYtN1C71TU54izQw3DtI6ZIBwPXoDXM5OWhokonrmrfDC1s/gN4d8XW88Gn+JHXzlid1D3MbcbSMdUABye2c1cFfQXme7/DfxR4G8IfC3RrO91/T4I7eyQSp5pkaWTbucoP4ssSePak4S7GaaPGfjJ8eIvFGkLofg8atZXFzI6TPnAmh5CoFXOS+ckY4q4yUPUpRvqZGk6N4B0HQPCXia9eXWksUeXUtOkmEzNK54Pk4/dxqxIJPU4pxSkm2QpSfQzfEyX3ijVLi60/R5otGuIDHpbGDYkFsJCVVBgklsEYXBycVDtKVuhWyO68G/Dvxd4I8N694rvILy6a1tHj05Irk28wQjeZmQE5X/YbnANOFua1w5eY4z4YePo9X1q6l+IXiW7lgtIxNZWkiNJBNcM+BtgTG4jggdAaOdCcLbHqX7TGpQa18DbO40y/sdQUX0TXZjGHjwrjleqfOQDn6VUPtWKp7Hyz4Wt7G9v47TXtafTtHhLTzbVMhYgDKomeXYADP51zI0bsRa3fWs92w0+0S3sUGyBCPmC+pPqaubT2BIzUL78RrvbsoGaxGdfpfhuB9Etb99NvL26e4CKsLrJE4aPcqYHIZQCWHoR0ropxTRm5WZHqGi2mn+GN13BNbat5yuiTBkMkLIGDKMY254BzzmnyJJ3He7PSv2SrP+3PiLK2qWB1aKG2KhpwHFqwIKOCxyPulePWoTdrmc9GkfaFtDb2kC21mkcUES/JGg2qn4D/AOtWe5aVjWzGpKhDnvjtU3NLDA+VyEI6gYHfP+NFwsJv3OVUKcAnnjn6UAMlfKCVV9Oh60CDy0MRIjWQAYCsM9qYHw1+1J4evbf4hXlzaaJdW8d7JuEsVqwFw65MkgbJzjJHGBjFZ294lbnLav4fWbw3Fewww2/hyKeYWV7dzJFczOyphdhIMm1QrYHZqpws7l8xj6b4U0sX9xHd+LdJjtIrae4SZP3jTGMsqR+WCNrPgEAnOCDzS0HcxVtBe2zgwT+coWQHG47WOBuxwOfzzWb0egGnoeo6t4Y1u31nS9RfT9TtoyYpgoZkyMY2sCDwehB60KTBnb+IvAHiXX/Bdj43ttRs722uUl1G6OxI2jK7fMkkkwAzs2cR54wcCtGrK4jlY7TUotPhnt11Bbe3iNxc3FrbuR5coKfM/RVYfLxkZNY8zHzXKFpHFf3hKLc26wWmZPKzIwCnjr0UAjJpXcdgSudvpPhbUPip4i0Oy0hFto47T7Dd3bytceX5CjbNIAF8tWyFVc9upreMW1cDU+Inw8HhT4WWjLbaffajqcoWR7rT3hvLSMNkPuMhGPkx93oxqpaISd2eV/2beaZewQx2lwZ7pV2F4uit/FjGCPf0rBzui7Fa/inuG/fLzbPsODn5SMjjsKUWugme/wDwvtvD3huy0u9n1mO58V3ixSpbxxRyS2FshJEaLufc77sgbQQMngCu6ilFGcm2eweNvjD4X8OWCaqupTyQTor26LYyMl0SP+WcvCFRzlhnGalifkeLfFf4ra38QILG0s/C9ynh55mkTZJtkmuEjOAJVQgFSckLye+KpO2wkm9zqtD+PFhpFvanxF4ce51vSAlj59vdMYp0C4kdSfkDAryOcnvUc2lh2sz1fwd8VdM8Y+JNPtNBt7eeK405ryfy7sPLAQ6r5ciKpAPPQN+HekloO+p1fjjQrXXvC2peHbhmWO+haFjEcMmT1H0IoT1G1ofIfx/+FsvhC1TxjbzWQsYrn7PCZLw+bcKMJFhCOoCknk9M8U52kStDzf4fT6RqN1Lpusa3Do24RmGW5tlaFlAYybnyCpIwFODknqKxVNdSpaK43U9Om0ODfdLFqen/AGmRUCSMIwVIAO4H6EDPNZzp66CjK5TutFudQmt9QK2qW2oF/LPn5EHzlN7+i5BP0FKL5VYsgtNNg0u4ng1H7PdS8CHyX3glkyrcHkc4+tKUnJaAyrLLc3H+kzaa4ZpPLWZs7A44POOSOOKq1gO28KaFHoeoWd9cX9raTtFIYr9XMqqzBlDBeBxnHtnmuapWctEawVndnU2PgZ4vDb+JdcvF0+PTZXWR0k8qe7UFgDAW+Qt8nGAc5PNb0V1Mqis7HHX2tXni3VtNttX1KXZbW8jLIUSSVULFirEBS7Hjk/QU6lR2JSSOx8GeA7cXi+K7xTqmjQyJJJZwAAlNp2chiC2QAyA5GazV+XVFXOZvr67nuXsrxLq5iiZRCB+5S3Y4yVVRkkgEc1ney0ETWGk3aO81laiXUI1NtHaqjec6GJiWwORgEkcZJxzWTnfR7GkE29Ecd4iuZLPUJGgkvYrwxf6ak6CM4I+UKc5IwfauqkrrUUotPUS8lnufDenadZrLcJDPLNcHAKozbVUA9cYXnPerVk22W2uVIu+GEa1RpdQiRLWeZfMlaMyb8clBwQCAM+vNZVfe2Mh82ryajr1tPc3UULxbI4GmUbRGvCggAADtQoWQbjfElrqt1Yx6f/ZUsDJO21Y7Nw8838Qzk8AHPbrW0LJXNNbWLtr4fk0vSfseoagsFxfwwybYYjIqLkMWlbPylemAO9N1OxDR6v4b+K9lY+GPCFlo9nBJcaXi1mtvOBN0CWUAuyZTLtu4B+taKvKKsZSp8zOU8feLp9eln1aCzk02R2YXEULH5pmUhzu6jChV6jIGcCsKtVydgUEjjINQGizy6hJPG15pt3B5EEmV8/I35xnKquxenXdUKPN8zaGmpieL9Wj1qRdUi0+1spd22WO2cbB8q4wud2c7iSepNdUY2QSlfUt+F9Ndtf04Ne7tPBZi9qSGt1wV3OCPlySvU/xCiUdLiT1Ga3rV8zSWE1zcO4cLLLJL5jtsG0fNjOAvAA7VnGK3Bsm1HWdJvLOxgubRgLOwigWTeWkdgGyMbsAAn06GtJO6ViUTeGfCOtf8IPqvi9reGbSbO6it7mzkLJLPkA7hxkAbwffNaRpuSbQnJJ2OZsre+im8+3m8p1bYuJdjYfg4Poc4NKKvoNnTw+FtRW91PQb7T5v7ZsEIito3O7iQM7BduXXZk5H94GrcHsS5WPX/ANkzULPRfF+p2epJZi+ntFl09mZMoVZhIoY8h8dU9ulOENSJytqb/wC1T4G0JNDm8VafZS2d5dXMMMiRxhUnwrY6DCtxnjrXQo88bPdC57HG+MPAuseGI/DuoyRyvoNzOpFxdRrNNGJ0VX3Rj+IDcVAGcgcikoLp0G3oej+J/hvoHxJ8HaTB4V1e3mOlAxy6lPE4l3Kg3I8Z6ZOD7Y4ptq1pChpscRH8JPHPw38ZaPqei39lqcjR+UZJLNmhi3kjy2BJ4OTzx1op0ua7ixykcv4u8O+NtZTUZLrV9IvdGury4vLl7SSOG0ing/dRp5jAAOV4WMMSR2zUVKcrlKaZxmgeHfDOq+EWni1+aPxKk2yPS2tC/wBrLNhEjYHjA5JIPUCsuRWux82pzcM2p287+SHj+zsF2RjCBxxkgcE8fjWUnbQo7HwrpkuoDyrC5todQkfLSXjCJVU8M7O3AXgcd+PWuNpyly9AbINeuxo95p6xeVNeQrJFO8cqlJCJZATnkEMoGD6cin7PdM1urKxL9kml0/TL62gJXUY47a2K2+2OK6MuXiDdDII9mSefm6Ch02lcIpPQ6y6s7Ox8N6jqjSyWGpaWHgYzyYBmkXegHZmZcjB54rkgm5JdGd9OlGnFt7o8w8U6jLq11b3tyEHnW0YMYmJ+dUCmQjAwTjpivQpQ5FZHFVnzu5X0LXdQ0mCWKymW1SbAmlSFWlKd0DEZVTk5C4z3ra9jCwzR7M3niKOzMpsLeabZPIzbBFET82S3t60pSsrgdZ4Jk0LSkj1G48Cah4u+zNJ9s82dks0YSjYQUUhv3Ywd3GW9q0jJNXJPWo9C+H2oa9o2tab/AGRpNzJqVvd6haCSPytPtm274jMHCIy7DggBsntXTy3hfsRz6mF8YtT0bwz8QNL1zwp4ntNeCjcYobtZEggVgUtXaMktyN25myeMj1ltONy3Z6HL2/xW8QS+IdU1jUZPNGo2v2SS2WRYo0hzyoCKCAQW+7tPPWoUhcpU1rxHo62Vr/ZGhaJcXNwZVVGjlmeFThFB81mwepAU9xVuppoSo9zWi0HV5/7Ev5/B+ovqGmp9gvYIpZYLia4VtsKnbHiJvmXAHJ7mla6uO/Q7Dxt4Q8J+DdO0SOXTvK16/gW31XSYdSlcxyEBhNKPmYrk5C8DIBGayqSstC4K+5o/BjxnJp3jGHwr4c/szTvCVvK9xdu6mU52bMNJIRtLFcjOBlsAVNOTZFVcrPpTxta/bvDUkAluEtpwpmNpa/aZmgbh0RegyMjIHAziri7Ma2PhvxK9roPiS4t7V2u20i5a2s5t4tgscbs7KRszv9yc5FRWk3KyLirmFF41j/4RLWNDl0zzrvULpZxqT3DecAG3FHHRweuTyDVwqOKsJxXNdHe/s/8Aw50LxXouoeItXv7aFdIuY53QHe5RWUkOm4AK3IBIOeacEnoZynZ2Por4oeB/C05h1ODwhpl7ctGEeMERebEqMylVUc7WI6DnpnitqOt7g2z5D8GeDNe8Va3LY6BPZxTRWrXJdpNiqrEKUL44ODznpUTh7zKcrHo3gDwDqmm+GLjxXqeor4UexlFvpt3OFaG5B3CRyr8MSPlUjGcCrpx1sRLXQzdMvLr4g6zpmiePdUa206O3nXTpxEkZMjBRH8igFxkA4HoeaUm2+UV+XY+gP2cvhhH4J0+7u70ebeSSZjk8wFGAGBImOgZTjBzioqe7ogXvu7PX2jLM3Jx0YAfe/wA81iWaTNklUXAHJ/XA/wA+tQaivtAynt/+qgBoVMlgBkZ5J7UxBIiOSqDBzgjOcUAIwH3s4AxjHU0AeSfGePwx4k07VNPvSlzdaFYy3aWokeJtzLwwZSC3Q8c+9KWxEj421ab7TmS7nu7q2idhaTSkqowoX5VHcfJ/3yBXOqjbsUlpcwIolS7W3WWW3LIAzqcbjx19/aruUjqNJvNJkvLfRr7UYSk/kwR6kLUxLbr5uP3ygZbGc59+vFUrND2Op8a63ZCSfRrmTTb7ZceVbTadAmyRABiRG/hzhQeprn1UmyWzK8P+LfEWkWFxo0dxNqGlXRkiuNKiVWLwnO9kyCQxPcelawk27AXPGGqwv8PbNbXwzqNnaPAltPcTagpPmqygZhByi5U8EY5yBWkl1JtqcZ4aupLHWbq2tP3cV9atZmUtkJn7z5PbArCWxrF2NvQPGnjP4ZRalpnh7W1SzvpXVpYoUfzHXjKlgcDBB4xWsKt0FSFiprnj278SXtt9svLkmTabqa5YO7uvChQPlRAOAFAJ6mlJtolaFK916S81Vrq9KmCLbEsStg+Spz5ak52jr+dZuF1YS3Ox+C/gpvFHi2K/v1s4PDNtLHc3gvpGjS5jY7WVGGMlQR3wDXRSp2WoNkfxT0iy+Fvimyn+HviOZ5Lq3uGllt5A3lLvZNu4eq9/1rbYR55JdwazNdStMLGKC3H2W0Z5JMgOMIrHOPvE88cUXuCVj6E+HHhLUYvgDDqVvol62pm7lTMbPJLHBMAguIoi2M4bGABkfSrtbRiZ0H7S3h/wnZ/CqzuHsnsr20hRrRIMoPOfbuRkHygnHPcYqHFMTZ8u6VqereFvEUU0TXdlcwlTIh3Rtg4bBwQcHj61KVmUz680nxZq3ir4cW+ow+JLp7i9u4o7/wCxiEXEFkf3TMsZBxl/mzyQCcdK0kkmQ9jyL4x2XjzVtatvAjTPqPh9NXlttMuJYEEshhiyclcZVVZ/qQaHqEVY8qj8Pa1bNFeyW9ykE1qPs168ZEI+TBTcw2nAO3HrWU046l3JZ2EfgAWMd1JJfyX7M9l5DD5CqYk3Z24+XoOeajni1cEtbkVjam3sbeKcRiVo1ZQSwb5iQB6DBOa55Su3YoteJzZumbjUjd39uYIhsQhFiWNgVz6htvtUQbv5D6GXogKOWWJpkWJpSAzEouCSR6cA81o9RE2hag7INMvvMmhV3aOIjGDwSS3Ujjp61M4faW4N3VjY1PV9cvpLC11nU3uLG1tlt0iiAOIW52ZA68nk8impaWJtqVrWC4bN/A4RZXdJm3f6uPsufw7etS5LYaOr1G/8S+BJIbfw1rivEA0j+S4lgaTHzOUfgEHP5UU59xdR9tc7bIahdreR3biEwPMis083DNhc/d28c8dawktbIdjX0zxlaaHf3t4wkhJkt5ZlEZZpGyd67iMDhyOvbis/ZOSsb0avI7nnPiFD4j8Ri9WB3eUfOVBPlKowoIHPCgV10/cjyhUqe0lczNEW6sWlmtnMDyIy7XX5ijDt6Z9etW7MysaXhZxFfW97fwyy28QlRo2GA2QV+U9Mjdn8KmcbrTcqDs7syIsNOgOHa3xJIEQOfLwASM9SB1FWvMR6p41tdc0bwzofiqK9W+0s3f2ozsXEs7umQ7AkgDjb8uOgqIWcrM1lH3bo5nx7azabZwfZ9Y+228tnEJJN+QWcFiuxvmXC7RzitnTSZhcyvBmq6ct/MNRs0kh8vEUcYwPMwSue+OD371E4BHQkRSmnwwXl/Gyxs6iNVwhJ6sxPP51k1roDMCW3uL+6mlnikU+U0kjSE54IwfyKiuiKsrBc6/wgnh+PwHdJr1u/lj7YP3O1JHuhFGLdFI5bGXYgjFdcEuW5LPQPghpFnq/wn8WXV9osdm720NrBeSSOsDquCcAn5nLpnjuAPapqfCLqeT+N9OGnaxutntntpLXKzRpuUjbgnnv/ACNcNOV1Y1aOYWMR3bW0MkCCVBE0kqhwMkZwSPlPuK6ESdBpvi3VtL+H+p+HrXVbXyL+83T2rWQkkKhBh1lI+UZAGBzxWsZuKsiHFN3NH4U+LbDwp4hXVdY0ODWIlABilVcqOT8u4EZzjt0ohPlCab2NbxB8Tlk+Ld9400WzNil75a7Q+XjiCoHUMAMFtvUdvxq1VV7icLqx2Pw+n8P6/wDGnw6fCSXJWdJZ7z7W75t/vu24pjIzt5yc5xWrmr3iZOLtZnYftXaRr+sRi8tLqS+tNLWBJILYfLDI5bMhA5JIAx12gj1q4xXs7LcpOz1ZDp3w/wDiXqnws02zv9ajuFfUfOS3umctAmxvm3ZyRySB6miLUbp7ia6nq/wL+12/hM+HtQsxHPp0zr5sURjjukJyHGep5IP0qcQrSvcVN3PRbi0SaN4cBw6EBiT8qnjOfX0rnUrM1seBNez+DNQ1TTvDPhW8utH0sG5hDW7z200rqCSZHOUYEEk8g1280eW3VmLhK9z5q8V3l4niCfT5dGggsEuFuJLCMkoFJBKiQfNtI4yD9K568nzbG0VoWNYeynca7DbwppsTR2dvZm5LlPLjAIzwxXJPJ5HAriqNy0KRVs9Skt5dPurPyYRNhWikXzI5APvK+TyOB1rOCaBq5k+N9WtdV1Wa5it47PMjZghzsRgSDtzyF9BmtF3Y0tBz+JdX1LRtM0e2EkMekO11AYyzES7txkIJIBGOoHbmtHK8OUaVnc2tb1/UfGDX15MTHZxxQXV7bgqqySxRrCrZ6lmJJOO1cqgqehvOtKe5zNtaJ9vMkrCKFHG9Qc4TPKqT3wTWqkYtkOoPb+aVtlxbBmMYYDcVycBiOpxxViLGnWsy2qanc2Zk0+aVoSzvtVmAzg9+hHT1ovqVyPlueg2nxD0vUNW0RpvB2nNp9vELR9J01pYpJY125LspHmM5H8W7p+NbJq2iMeV9T0LSvhh4k+IjatrWmafb+DfC9/GRFppYK7tFnZvAU/xkk98VtzKyQjttJ+F9hbfCvRfCWt20FxqMEyygID5YczEl5QNuV2ttGT/KnH1Iu07l+w/Z68F2etf2rb2UM9mE/eWcrGXqCHQA9OcEHORUucUrW1Kd2cb8e/hF4f8ADlnaeKPDcL2VrEQWtVuERYmDby+6Rs54wAAee1OFpprqiiz+zn488Pf2d4lvPEWoWcGpSXn2957q9PmXj8spEZ4UrjGVxnj0rJyvoRbU8W8aeIr7xRr154mvbrzr59m1jDt2leVT0OOBnvXNXnzSstjWN1qdH8F/HGnaVcajc+JbJ9S09ZPNNk2A0kyAmMnC4Ygs3B7kelEaip6CmnKV2WfiN8Zdb1ie/ttLutR0vTpQpe0WX5oxx8uRyMH0xVSrOWw1DucPqN7r2o+GR4cupdMj07TIzfwDfGpTeqs4aQDc7tu4BOc8dqcYtlKSWhja94P1XRPCmh+Ib2W1FtrCu1tEsgMgVSOSPQ561s6elyVK5pfC/wCIHiDwFeyXOkCKa1kmje7hkiyk20MFVm6jqSPelCTRE4KTueufE745674ihTQ/D2gSWup3UaQNMZkkdRIM7EZPu5yue4xW8Jcm25Nna7PPfFt9D4LS78N+GNQ1FFv7FINdSXy3UOpDNGhAyMHdnmnO0fUcbvUh8O+JdbvtCS1k1OVV0UPLamcq8ccZQokaRtwzF268kClGbsKSs7lNdV1zwl4mtL+x1i3vJoLWJlchLkJHIoPl4OQCNxBA6Vk273G4qSPqn9mhfG8/huyu/EDQmwmgM0AMg8za7ZVVRQAgHPXJ6Y4pzkrXM4K0tD0qHxjpZutdtwzh9EQtd5bGCFLFR69DzSdNpJ9y3NI6V/tOMgDGfSsjUQeaAQWIYdsdR/SgBwZjuPOT3Azn/wCtQA0M+7GTtPIIFAA5K7y7/KByTx/9agDy3486I17opvdPjlOs+S9tB9jnMc0iysodAo+9lQQOuD6Ch2sS1qfM3xW0zwutrcw6NBrEN8LlV/s25YGa2C43B8EglucYJPHNcT0mapq1jzS1nh1BH853ivfN3LJKfkCn1bruzjtWjuhHqngTwPrmoeF9Q18eH4tRtJ5WuJmFwEadYvmWNF4PLZBAAJyMVfI3EZxmtaXrEE8l3e2N2slpHKrw+SIjbEgBd4UcYLDAPJ4rFx5dASLXwT8Vr4c+I/hy4vEKWlvel1EsK71VwYuHPzbQDnBOOCetddK1yT6E/ac+HPh/UvC+ueMEs4YtVtLRJobq2JBm/eAEyY+9lc8nJAA5qnblJeh8qaFLpM1vc/2g1zHdRxHyFTAR2JwFPsOTx7VzyiaouCJ7/TENxZXEen2UU4icrhi5y2fUjdt+grJvlKs2jnZLK6gntoZIQGP7yEYz3HUjnHvWyd0ZlhLWPVPEwsrAxWSXtwsMYuZNscZOFBZz0XOTmqiroLnR6v4k1PULaw0rWrxbnSNBcWcel2twsaHcu2RkKjLBimSxzjI9a0V0S/eM7VJ9QvdXkTTnY2skexIoJHaNItuTGCQM4AyeMZGarWTDYkjs7Sz8Q6hBY6rBaeVJttpJgHSSSOVSBlQ4ZeOCOuPSqjFXsK7tc+o/2U/FvifxXLrdz4imNxNbrDHDJHarFCVBYEEoANw/u4FVJPlQjpP2k5LQ+Cri1vbvQPsMcUl3cW19KyPK6D5fLRCGLbyo5PU80o26kz3Pj3RBbalfi01fTbm9ubq4jEd5b7lkgjDbpWK7cP8AITyegWly3ZV7I09XN54A8VSaz4bhubjSHeSLTr+SRwZUUsodJExweDSc0nYF7xy+qaxJdR20ovbm4uC5nuLtmcSpI/DJktgjvuABO6k5lJWPfNX8ceCtb+DkGj3S3l5faRYxrb2MsOy1MscYTLSoPmjzlhyCScVSqwsZtO5594u8Ba9oehjxHJp9tFpUzpHBcRzgidSBgpnnBIOMdq5asC0zg9YZJ5l+zSMWcAk7sqcDnv2rOCtuWZfn3TOYJZfLErDzD7fTHHStrIDY8NJNFfSC2m5ZNjKScEHrnAIII4/Gsaj0Gb0+kxCyiu55YnmaUqd7BQAG+bp1zxWCqNuwjXtdKS78PBIbm3W1eQLtM/lb8AlmGTzwcCpTalqNRuRXUyaHp82m2drLB58SyKzY8vy2yCSD1B45xnjii3NJSbE9DP0s2c9/am5tNkMnl+cUZgjrn5io6bsA881UttxD/HFte2+sLePLKs0h8xFlLBlQABT0GBgCnSslYLkOoyXq6ZY3N1cC6aGFtyLIxWNS+4E4PPzN0PGaItXsO5T0zULjTr6BMPGsymO4YyBDIDknOTwOhqnFNAmbGpeILoNNew/2OZpwjeYIw8o8knywgKkLnI6YBxzRFWHe5Ukvb230yx0q71Dz7KaJJYEi+dYndiXY+hBY8HNVvqVbuQalo8+m/bL+weymiglSMxxy75mBUkuFHVOMHnrinGSloDibPivWtS0f4eW+lWjwaj4a1IRz2cp5e0nC/PF6ZBBO3pzTjC8td0O9kYXxBkuLjN5e6vBquqXJEt3PbLmBl8tAhVgBluCGXaApXAzXTKK3ZkUNP0eOXQYbu11S3VzdJC0KhmmVmVjnaBnaSoAxnkjOKOVMLnRXOi28kE1te6hmaCKIGCa1EZ+0OMso+bc21sqeK5m2mkkVoSX/AInvT8RZta8U+H9MtmgR3v8ATPOls1vdpCmPPJ3H5TgcHbXXYgsaHqvg7xJJq015KvhbU3ud2jshYw2++SSSRiVX94wBCDcOmPw15ovcnW51958SPDb/AAUv9L8H2d5oWpq1rHLG18H3nzCztGhJYcA5OFAyO9TNxasJRszyK78TXEmlT6M8Zms2BEZc5dMnJ575IFcqgr3NrnOPMgldWkcRt2BB7cHFaCNiwGjy+F7lm1SSLWEYbLRrNfKuIsjgSKMhh1Oe1OysBnyzR3dwscVtFZIzgfPKWVc4GemccZpAPktmzOivFN9nl8sGE5DjJAK9yDjr70rjsa3w78R654T8TRaxoEii8iVkUGMMGQj5lwR6DqOauMrEyjfQ+nvhT8YNQ1jWrvSvEemWGgGZCbue5t/IEEz8oDvJ3ZQA5fGcV08yaXdHO04v1PZfF19cW/gkanod/Yzw2ipMt1LIFgkRSNzblGMbQ3TipppSlZ9S5Xtoc5pfxz+G/nxW51uFJrmWMK4/1eDxuLdEA98cc0pwd9wU+6Mb4h/tBeENFto30DVU1S83lWtooz5JHcl8fTGOOKIwS1kO7fwnzf4t+MHxK8RaBd6dd6/LHpt5I5MH2aJARvyIw4QNjB9egxWTqKLuikn1INEn+Idnpl5Df3AtPMUyxPctEk/mkDaCzYbYcDCsSuBwKylXsyvZ31RQ8eaHFH5dw2uRvPcfvntIJo5VSaQkyFVjARBkZwO2KftFLVD5bHN6fZ6bp09y8r3t1q9ux+ywxQCSEsDjMjFgeOcAA5PWlcGja0+wh1dr3WdasbWe6ur4i88suHDON+8KMKoJLcD0wBWNSpbRGkEmiNprfS9UvZNDle0klR4BsT/liybXBYnocnOB0HvUwcnH3hTtfQyY55lt7kR4gRIlWQYByGPJGfXHXtV21ICaDMVszTRpFHtfdjGVZu2Bk5wRk0XAm0zw1fX0N9dw2waCygSSR2ZUT5jhRuZgMnk4HJ9K2gnPYFJLcm07RfEus+DZRY+VJpdvqaQpajHnS3Tphdi43OSABgd+1Wqd7sHVsuU6T4b+EvEnh3xroWp3tlqehXiXUcsMt5beTbhBJskMsrf6pcAjJUkkjHWto0zOb0PfvFPx1Fh4m0zRr7WtH02yG+W/l0t/7QJVcBItzqoUt3PUDrVckY+pEW2tD0bwx420Txvppj8M2yzXdzZCYCdEKQnJ2rOY2YIT2QknvjrUK8WO99DY/trSvDnhyW/uI7VI7WUm7NpMZkSQn5zuxn8/XnFJpylYa0R51488e/C7xtpD6bJZ3HimU4WG3toixgkIJ8xgCHVRwGYAgZx3xQnydR3ufPXiTU/DejxN4e07w6bW1GGvzO2+5nuV6OCVBRF3YCjHfIrlqVHL4TTlPPHuZGuDAJc27lXB37QrnkHgds1KXUDRutRj02/W008JdNbTtIb21cOZ8gHgY27QRnOM/lT9nfcFoZ+oajqFvbTxSLNbfb1SRmZcCVeeffPFNQsNyuei/CjxX8MrLwlqGg+MbSZDfbWjuIoPtBVlXBD9MDeNyhQcZOa6Kb5TJrUqfGC50q9gu5Ydcg1C1s3gt9Gh01WNrbwyAuysTgI+B90ZOQfStqk4yQRVjzTS7QXlz5L38VnA3zPJKzbeP9lQSzc8ADvWCKZ2/iPXdAWzl0jwZ4ckSwNrEk8t7I7SmdPv3KKCdmRxzwM9Aa1UuVWJt3PU/g34H8I2sGi6pZTTeKNXv7COLUtLWITQ2rzkCQzMoPlBRuPzcnFOPdil5HM/tD6ZJ4M+I+qxReHIf7K1C1WO2EwOxGKqSyFQAGU84z35qpNuKZXLoeQapNAbopp0EkNmgUAsCGkx/G/JG498celYNjsd/wCG/jd8RNH0OHRLPXI47aNQqSm2jaYIBwm8jOB69fejmsTyJbH0/wDBe18Qaz8P/wC2Nclv57vV/wB75gtwuBtKq7bgNwI5wBg1XtHK1zNQ3PbyUD8nI5xxWZsIM4JZSAfekMZj92Apw3XI7DNMQoICMoAB56+1IZy/xSvp7DwJrN3DZpcubV1eMyBAQUIzuOMAZz+FIUnofEnxB1/xWk1hqsfiy81h7KExLcWm5Us2zjG8dehGT161ndydmVyq1zhbWeK9jDXcrW9+0hZJSDhlCnHPruAGT61ElZjREE+zKxNwpO1i23B3FTxjihCPT/2efHQ8O6lNoXia/ii8P6gjNIZwVEcpwFO5Rux04HHc1tGfQGdf8ZfihZeKZbjw3pOnrFZ3ZMUrCRX+0zGZSsgfghcDOPpWNWpclXb0PCtZmtrvUXuLclHRNh8xch2U4+XHAWlTukrlHtXiXQ/C2s/B7xBqPhaHWbO70aOxE+/U5ZreYsqtJsTJUgZOc9MGupvQnqec/BfwXrvjqbU7Oz1iw0ex0tVu7q5uUXgnIUepztPGQKVk1ctOxXsb6PTb5rS+lm1GzlVY7iOMYd4WcOQmfulsfWuaUVJpspO6PTdek+FH/CGajqXh3R9V0jUNNuIraWC8uSZpFlP91mOQu0E46c1rHltck8d8UGzk8aX+pSaUy6ebuUpDG5jyvJXnqBkg9KcZpg1YzdA0lNWS+ubzVbaw+yoshMqtumLttAQAcnPb3rRaknpfgfwjq2j/AA9fx7DLJiGOYvDzGrQHdEwyyt87b12leyke9bqPLG5DZz3h2wtbW8/tZtJhvdJUhHkmjYqQJA2VBA2/dwScZ3e9KKtqF+h7p8HvirpHhnwy1ne6rZX41K7L6ZaW1v5E0IaUp+92jy4lyN2ck4+tOT5gSsdFYfDyw8a6/f3fjLWI/EcMUca6aq3TR/Z8MTIgCFdwJ2fOw5waJe6gSJdQ+Dmora6bFa62vn2Zex065S1RDbQPvMjPnJk6qoJwePehVLasTieQeJ9Kt59Gi8F2NpdX02h3F9aytdtKLeFTIFikj2kAuSC3GRzg+lYVnZXSCO55JruiafYNM0F1EXtp5I/3rE/aNjY3KoXCg+5rnjNvc1NPwXqFtezXdjPCI0kgaTy1JWNyvzBMLzknAAzjNKdN7oloi8VSeItJlutF1m8vo1tCNljLMWSIkZGE6Dg9BVq7VhJIwbREhtBd4EiqSuzPzKTjtSZZe1c6bNqoFleItukcKiZ48hTtG/Ixk4YkfhSjdLUZ0WjLBqOowvazK0YKPcOsQhjYgMMevAHTjrXPUk4q7KaXQuXOn3WqXbwC/gubKwDyLESEAONu0M3soOM1nGSitrNi8iXUYIrvwPdQ2mkWiwwRpMb24m3SwKFBEccQbjOwgsQeDXRGaTswcXucqfFGrS3a3eqQfalFt9kjwBGqgKQuMdccnmn7KL0Qm7nS6E9vfQzwRNZ2l/HFHKr3UhJHuhGADwBgg8HtWbhyb6kkVvcz3kmzUbOzv7so0Idp3QKOAJWYNg8HGOnHSk5KK0EZCz/Zrue1ht0lgjnC7Q2VkCtwuSPxzRa+oyre6YtzHd3X2gGKFw0uVPIZsYXPH/66tStZDKDQWWxWigl3AHzDK3Dc8bcdOP5VomwLWipI2piOwRViBXcG53bewzycn0pSempSZs373MWr3OpW5M8cjM1wscRWOIMp24J4wCSAOvympVrFK5onw1Z6n4P1wWGomJLW7Se3sJMyEARDe6leAST0q+azBK6MPwt4bvde0+Sw0lGdbaFru/eN8I8fVWO7uuSOKudRJEWMa1drNlntgyBHUgjqSGG3B9c0OQi/4hluYUgvL2N1mnVhGwxgjkZPfnPWs4at2Ec1d3AuFkaYO10Tu81pC2fXOa6BiRzvHEi7sMCCT249qAOm8K6reR3rR6e0Ftd3ELW7SxQqHKMCWHPHPrjPFZTfUpXHeL9Ej8P2mnK6NJJfQs0oDBnibdgrxkZ24IPXmiE+YGrFHX9Qsta1K4vre1EFnDHFHFayFVl2KoQAFQM4xk9z1Na37kmbatG6LAEiiVnwC7H5enf/AD0ouB03iLQrHwp4gfTpJ9K8RCKONle0lYwys6BtuVOTtzzz2qZOw0ZenrHcatCjWyWsc0vlHyYTtU+mB346VLaSGdf4etPhrBFbReIU1GfUJZwRHaExbOQNrMWxznsKz5p9C7LqdDptjH4h1jUNB0HwnDFf290kKS6lqEpjCFyqsSCNxxjOSR1q4N9WZyihR4h8X/Efw3qHhrRL9LDSNE09ZrjSkUYuCkm1vK2jJHOdpPauteRnsN+GWm+BPD8k158RHiguLC5jK6e1m73EqMysHII2+WQQPX0PNaxVtGZyv0KWq6n8Jry71lDZ3NtI8sws7lN+1E3EhwgPzOc7QpwoAHGc0TcHoVFSR5lrd1aS6lcNp0UsdhvP2eGZ9zqnbce7d65ZWvoaGtoL376Ff29xp091BJPDPLPJGzbFXJXkjAB9T+FQ43dyk+hWstQRdbW+uUJd5d8xQ7dyk9B2UYOOKlrSwzrNOgiPxNuoEgSMZutjK2QrYdo+fUMRj1rCU3yXQ5bmPa6kkYureCMllljmkOSXLoMFiSc55bj3qZQcveZN7GHrN5Na6pJaNKgRZdr7Bu3KQM8+lbU43iDKs19M1vIY5ogkqC32EfMEUhgT9T/KteVCBp7U6CgW5uZb9pCjxNHiKOBcFSGz8zFi3GOMe9VZCJdE1m9028S8guWDrGYhuUNwRjoQR0JpxfLsJq56x+z/AKv4L0rXLC/vZki1WHz7uWW6QSIUiU7Yo1Jwrsfm3cHjANbKzREk7noCfHXw5460G78Pav4LN1f3geOOI3iQxSRBjIoaR2Upghc85J6VV7PQNep81azD9h1a4tkffNbTtGCu05wccbSR1B7ms5vW5aOs+GfxIvfClzeWt3Pe3Wj6iyHULe3kEckuw5Xax+7zwcYyM04zs7kuFyxoXjPxxfXl3oPh3VZNOsNQmmme1FxHbxBTktlmwF49+aJS5ndDSsM8Nafez+LpNE0SWW0uPJzJJBckh9qbnBdScgkcAVk4OTHzWPa9A+GfhGTxRb6d4gsXubl5DcSzO0wWWMHIXJwCWIP4A1rCglEiVV3udx4v+CfgrVoIrPS9JsdPmN7DctLBnfJAM7ozzwCAefpTUVa4cxl6z+zn4ai8XWGq+H2exs0dmntWkdiyhfuqSDgc9/0qVaxTdzgPil8APEZm0wWF/Dq8rzJZvMsIhjtYjxHuA6gDgkAniqtGSugWh4v4i8LXnhK5vLDXNJ+VbuW2t9RfzFjZoiQ+1QRkHIIz7e9LlsM5MxkQqVkZ8DLDspzj8agdj6E/Zl+F/hfxd4LvfEniCO5t/wCz9RKS3JujFGYFRWYAY6g5yaqNrkPV2PVvhZ8IPBV/ealrl14L8qyuwP7PjurmST9wy4KsrNwxZS/sHA7VUvd9QWrIX1Pw78HfGetC00EWUmoPa2un2NsPlnTcTvVicEgsQc+3rWzgpQTJbaZ5F8cPHD/EjxXY6XDqoj0uKeKPyjEAY5m3CRiwzuAwBu6c1LcUuVFpvqeK3NvOJdscLNlcnyzvVfqelc0nZ2KR6B8NPB2nX1xPHrWk6pqM01k0llFbYibfgMThyu4bd/T8KqFm9SJto+5vD9lap4Z0K2juLu2isoofJRvvMFUYV89egBp35W7Cpv3TqnyVweScnnj8KgsD8zfNySucbR0/zikM5bx3410fwdHC2oSSF5A0ogiKCR0QDcV3MAcccZ6UXJckifw34s0LxNapNpt/HIzoGEOQJACqnBHcjK5wTinbQdzgPHHxD0Hw54o1Lwx4we4bTNRiWUTB/lt42BUxtjDYbBOQT97nGKCWzxz4heF9V8JaNq1n4U1E2Og6oiTXTTw5sGikDeTFEzB3dsdWGMHHNZ1FZApO9jxa/wBMkGpNaQ28uq30ioIltFLhV6gxhfvflWME5GrTKV9pNzZahcR6hE9jeRP5b2VypilRiA2SrYI//VVO6EmdH4K8Ht4u1eCC7vYLFGt7nM0wAQmOMhdoByxJA59fWqjZPUGTy3Fk3h3RbK/02E31rJJNNe2fErozARQv8q8qAfmyamrLmXuiWhgx6b/aWuzwWyyQQRxuIzIwHG44IGOQOc/iay5uVX6jJdT18rHLpmg3l61jGIxIpm2pK/C7gm75wfcdOwqoRdrsVjDtNVuxNPDI4DXbhXJIRN2flYgYGAST0rePYdj0j4seGtCsbuLUf+E50rU7mW13Xn9mNFIokG1I1QBhkAYzkg8E4qnTiS5a2MO206O9kl1OLUEudHhSLzLmeNUlDv8AJuWIOSSG6g/wjOKzlSaWhfNYwta2i6bbcfaogoKOeRuOc4I68AdaxhETdzV8K+C/Ed/qu6PTr6007yl+13c1qNscDHmRfMwuAASGGOhINdlOLZMmfS3ww0jXLn4O6p4DctqMMcckdtqlxC0doVf97Gqh1DtgnOdu3sCa0shX0OU8VeCpIW0yd9Rijs5Ibq0mtNRme3srXlfLVzGWIVs7gXY5NaWs9TNaIv8Ai6/8H6R8ItM0rThoH9sXmmiwV4rgSqIx853uqkjcQQM4JLdRRpzDb0Ozl8X2Nn8N49VuLJbTxTcRJb/ZIbcRzQMuRGpDldqKyt8xIBGcZzijl94G9DsPh54h1Xxd4Nt73UdOl0y9cvDe20qlWjxlSRkZ+bqMdM9azlDldyk+hp6hpWk/2NFp1j5UMaALGS2fLKEOdzck/dyck5/GpV3uKVraHyX8bPh7beHvDml3CEXGt313cvcBJAY1hT7qhcAhvnXd7561lUiosqL0PH7HTdXsLuO+g8tJradDjkmNwdwyMdiKhzVi0dlr+tNrNtNa6xE+om3klvBeRxICN4XzJWcckbtoxnAHpnFYubexUoNPQr2FpDaX9jqlhK73llIHRnhjMIkVlZCo3EyAjdwy0c9kZlO90qG41cancTW3nXFw8l4zELGj79zErx69AOxpe1exUUJYB7fzoEWKzlkfzhLPlV2Y44xnPP61E1fUctDVtFssXdgwE8lzCoikicsyfOrFwO/Ax+NZyUtGEWVtQskY3c226s7Z4kYSFcvOu7A4JAxjJpxkxNsl8GReG7jWRD4gkvL2wS2YRJbOgKM2SOWIH4Ak9a2c2lewizr2vRarqkU32NSRGEuJTbom/aAE2AdAAMds5zUWk1dsDq/DPhK51/w7f6vCLa1sraGO3JA8vzZGeMlSQu0ABuWJzwaKdCUxXSLviD4IeJNI05BKunXH2y8iR2tbt/lBDFmZWUcY71v7GaVwucteeFrnTrEPG0d1p06iUOh81Y2G4KjY4DkY4J71zzTWrBO5jeIfDqxXVvpMCvawzFZWur5hCjkRglQWIwBzwB/EM9qdGpz6mltLml8PNS0221aC4m0i2vpzeKiNvYSBM7WARfk5ySD6CqnroONhLjxL/ac0lhpUkUFndF5fJmhQiF1LCLJIIULnn6jqTUxi46sq6KvhG8vLM6lp1rHYW8k5xPeXE/lom3PduPm9MdulaVOjFexzBk1Oxs5JbbUJIo5oyN0UgjRwo5Xgjd1IxVqzJtYr2AjktLNmuI2nkkIVRnMfOAuCccnn8aJaEmlqYt7exa2urGaQPI0RupIVJSQA4VGB6HOcZ5HOKiF76BY5m+0e5gjWdl3IVDbkOcbjgZx05rdTWwDdJ0mXUXm/eRwpDGZHaQ4xjsPUknGKHNID0D4V2OjL4itbTW9UgtLdySY5Y1iV2CjbvfIbByDg4BGe9c9WUrXiXG1y1420K3fW30zTbSC5ggkJtpQ7QxS/KMshJx8xPAGelZwqcquwkQL4Pisru4SC2uTqIt5IngdAVU4AYg5J6buevNKWIfyIE1u38HtFa3F3ayyyW7Kt39mXyzICvCoAeApBySAT70QlU6CKGpLZ2F9JeaPolzFp8IjMjGMr5TMAc/MT1Hcnv0q4tyVm9SuSRpaRpkeoXmmK8gs9G1lr1rOQPys8a4G5uNuGK9+n1o2TvuXCKbVzg7a5Rr8tLCHkjAWHzG4UjGC3riunoKT7HqWipJ9vthbXdwurXuim5DSDYElLMCGI+6MLwcelcylJSfqaStY7n4O+E9J+Gni7TtS1bx54bhnksJDdwm8xlHKmPyyQMggHJOORxmvXhH3eZnDOTZ5V8SfHltrPizVdUttG07/Sh5KvcQm4ZVXKhgXOASMc4wMDFZzqa6FxieeTq0aJKd3lMMhsZP8Ahmsea5pYSWB/Iju1MZilZlUeYpfK4zlQcgfMOSOaAOj0nxF4og0a+0P+17tNNvEUXMDP8snlDCLnrgYxgHFO7QrK9zP0QyzTiGK2lnbyyxWNSxCjqxAzwOp9MVlMq9jvvDNxotsms6hq9rc3k7bfsksVyEAlUknzAeqkAYxz0rnuloxN3Zzer2UVvcG8ibKXOXjTbjOVwST7MSPwpwbejAwprO61O3a6i08yG3KW7mJXcpnO0sQNq5HyjnJxXTFdhXNDwd4H1nxbNcpoyQ77YIHWV23OztgBFVST3J4AABOa2jBsmU1HcZ8RfA2teBNYj0rW5LWWWWMSJJayM8fUgrkgfMO47ZFVOm4LUcJqWxzpQeRuDjrgjFYlCRpvwoTczEBFAyWPbFO4GjpuiXeoS3UMYYXdvjNn5MjXEnXdtRVP3QMtnGKpK4mXP7CvJbO/1jSo5pdMspAjTsoDRlm2qrDsx9OvenytiuUdK0y8vroQWNrLdT7GcpEpYqo6scdBjnNJIbaOug+HXi6w1FW1fwzqk9sIw+IYpHWUFcgB41fGcjrirUO5F09j1rSvGvh/4b+CYbjwl4Vij1t2ct/aErC4t3A5LKTyvzYXjkA5rf2fu3Mldyszp9B+IPhHxb4NsR4n1dLPX/s73sl1HMgnSRRsUD5V3bi7fuwDgUU566BJN6M6n4Rxanr3ie31LVdYlv57C0VGuLbcdOmjP3URgFDyKMlmOQCSB0oqNKLQL4j2ZJVZgv8Ay0GWbjGAefy/xrmtoaXRx/ib4leEtF1OLTLzURE9wjSrORmHCnacOM5bOeBnGO1VyWV2PmPEvjf470rXvCUFp4dsI5LeO4luxeXMEYjj27lJXeTvZuTjGcbTiiUrxdgg9T5j1+zuHzq0FgyWEjhFmSIrFv2glQem7HJGayhF2NZNPY6rw/8AEfV4/BNj8O5tROleHHuXkv5Le2E00oZg3OewIxgEZ71pF2M2n0PovR/2nPB1r4citJP7bvL62s9yyS2scKSyKuApw5wSfQEU1GLkSuZbnzR8SfH/AIj8c6hDc6zeGb7NGy26hVBjUnJyVAyc9zzTnU6LYtIxtHjSVjHJL55BX93GxUyKeTyB0+tc1RvoM2rGaea3uSjLFaWrKYrNoFKy/MQ/UEcDrnuRWb03GkmdHo/iHxzLrGjJDPqjSwbW05HiBZNqlFKbl+4BkehrWMZvYzk4panrMGkfFSe2vLq+u72+lk0xLvzZriVXWRlY7FXaQrDn7u3HFbxhK2rMr9j6wB3M3yZHUen+eKyOgRssCAACDyR2oEfO/wC1bo01zPDfpqUSpZWztFYuhYzu55IfB24IUkHggVMkQ1qebeEfiN4l+H/iaCDV75LiCW7ae/it4oNhjY7WKuB8uWUdOMClGp0LtY9a+JMmm/EP4ejW7La+qWk7SRG3nSYqY2P8K5DKQMZIIxzVtomS6njXhnWNV8YWlv4Gsb2T+w3QySaVd3I+0I0cRLOJivyxlxkLxjcABVL3wtpqeqfAHwDp3g/RoNVW8g1rWNU3LAoJtnitivJ2v82OM5xWijylcwvxl8DP4v1a2aRgnkrc39x52EEu0xRrHuRd3fgk8KKynDmQkeH/ABL+HusfDyDyLz7On26dGg8iYuMfN8gJ5woOD65rjndSsy7nnllquq2d9DDFMJEijMSK6ArGh3Hv15Y81bs0Bb093NhPfmcTSQttIOQyh2IUj24P51k97FJHNX5H9ozy2SPFCHJT1Vc8ZrphtZiZLqEr3Upndkd9qg7VCjAGBgD6UJWENkEf2WHyxIP+ehHc57enFNMZBAuyVVl3DBwwx7Yq9RHc/DjwZrPi3VrbSbSG4W0hv41uHYKGhSQ4D479D+Ypwp3dyWz6v8HfCzTvCmow32r6suq3TolnG8wAjeBYyBGYmJBwQGyMEVqrW0Ibs9TrfF/iG08OWmnXs8tqLW6u4IxEZBu8ko2cLn1wBSuDZ8o/GP4kxX8Wo6bZWF1GbtoSplkb9x5U0pXjo5KkD8O9JzvoKMH1PMNP1iKz1hbqxjexiVlzHuMrMPl3A7uDkjdz9KUZNM0cT7F+Ektve+G/A8tlJbXDXtpLNrHmDfLcSryHkYZKlWLEAkdfat29GzN72OquoZtK8X3Gs2U0MUcVuyXouXdYZVG0xhTnClSPvHPXFGko2ZLdmzy/xf8AEOysynivw/HZ6fevI8F7ZM8k321gRvXaOMYGBJxzWVSSh1JjJyZP4q8Z+CdV1XSJ9a8OX2nXthm7W23xC3lLosh3uCecAccc9aylUj1NHfocq3iD4bal4U8Y61ZFtO1CSbzLSyu7lHed3RvMfbjBB3nH932qJuLiXHQ4O6sr+PwJZXC20T2K2LWrSGF4/PEsnmMgJHUEKMjiuWUOV37m3tnblOU1HGnmW7knieWAiGKPzmHmMADvBUjgZHtQry0IOel1O5uxJ5rsVYl2BPc+hroUEgNaPUWu7BBcYlnjkLNPLIWLoFwI9vQAcmokrPQq+hNo1uuqastmIre0t7qcRp5YOI0dsZBzk/jUTfLG4QSckmX9U8MXlheW9h9qDRi2aTzS5MaNvdcZPBOF6DtWcKsXrY0q0+R2Mqy069ROFyc+aJthBQAkAkH1rRzTMkjU1jS5de1rULvw9DNDDueRbVycoi4B+vOaINRVmVK3Q7jwZqvjvw/4BEn2uzXw5c3rLMJRHh5URuNuNxU+WBn6VqqnLsYSimfR+h634zuNFi1LUPC+lXcTW5PkWV+rzcqMYHQKO/Oa3crq4WPFfEfjK9mtI59TtlsGt7oXVraIjPLNgMMlhkDhsAcEYrzcTUlUXIOEbM4f4jR6hbWV3cC/W+Wx1SIwmQGR/wB/b+Yev8I24x6iooJaHdNe4Y8OjzG7RobuESqEkldlwscZw2z8c9fer50tGczTTObIu115nM0SmN35RdiyfNyQB0Gf5V0pqwG7qafbLW3u7a3jtimIkiy26RkA3SOT3YsDk8VinrYTdy9b28um+DBrd74Lt9RsZr1rZL27fZGsgGWVEUg53AnPTiun2btcakcnZbo71NSt7doev2UlPlDZxu+gz+lRJaWZLN3VLPxRcaEl3KkU9nhpZGSdCQyOId+3Oc54HtzShTS1Fcp6clzOUtXgkZbpdoEgUj5QSSN3vk1nNpaoCWxXQ7K4nt9XOoxwmI7Vtgq4YDOGzyTwO460m5SXulRt1On8J+H9H1qS+n1TR7+2mZfMiW9hYB0x+7VcYJOAawq1XCyTRsodTUvxoujalLYatJIbS1t/Og8o73Mo+cY3D5VXG3HrUQvVV1uzPrqcreahfWBk1BbiaRbnCzKvy4jOCAT03cjNbcsX7pLK0thLqEF5dWt4lv8AZYnc7oyWb5CCvHpk8/jTUuVpMIxuzR+I2qW1/wCAtK1TTBLFBeXPkTwlsF2ghRSzc9CScU6FNqbUjtq1IyopJanDnVgqWNgDKljbSPKsYlzhnwGK56Z2iupw6nFcpvJDJd3C2kO2OVvljkIOB2GatLuI7vxD4mtdPmTTNJj89JdJsLf7SCQYmRd8gz3y57+lc8KTTbfctyuck89p/a9tdy2EktqskYkCZbdjGQCf4iM4HSulO25mzp/HNj4O1XxbbweAzcLZXsMTCK6LAQTFfmQu3JJbPTgVM5JIE+5zms6HrUKXaX2nvYpZlfMWYDdnAwBjr97NQpxvuVe5ufBmHwdc6658dSXaWNnAHt4rZEHmvvOQ5xlsZ4A/PArphbqzOba2H64NY8ZeMRql61mlv9mM0ssACRpFFnJdVwDIeOgGSRWNaso6IcUYei3qwzTTW0UioQIzISYyGkByhA5IP6YqJXsMsXt7Ja3UlrHbRv8AuuZCCNrkDkfSs1G4IhknnigVFuYxuyqliHJBJ/PJzVqOuwzQ8J+KrSx0bUfDviC31S80yVXntbK3kWGE3BGEllYYZlUqCByDiuqm1FENalPTTr+k2n/CXLqEulWl/M8H+jT+TNMuRvCKCCBg9SMVon1BxuM8Wzrq2sWsdjZ31np7W4lgjuLk3Ez5+9KxzgM5XoMDgUpy5girGRf6FrFpcvaXGmX0bpsZkMDfIHAKbscAkMOvrUOLKuaOt+H9f8KauuhXi2kV7IYpEaKZJNrHoBIDhTzzyKHFpAaOpf8ACU+E76402WYx38kzG5ktSJmZnGChnTO7cp+6G7+tCTQmeh654t8VaL8PIPCmt+F7WO9vZPttvb28CKII0URhZYVyScLu3Mcjj0reE+VXM1HU574FfDHXvH2oXw0+8bT7W3jC3NyQ21s/8s22kHBGT+HNZre7KlrofSPhPxPqWhfEmTwLqVxFp+m6BpStd3coWMXSrEqiTJwAAc9OuO9bOzgmRZod8ctf+Hum2O/xbaRajJeW/nWEYgO+4cAADKjcqnrkkDmlG/LuD3OU+GOs+E00rxJcat4G0nRL3Rlj8gCJJ/KCxnbhuSxLAk47ZyaOTW6F1sUbz4swj4YaPpui30lnqIQqbBLHfvaNgQyurAojEn19KHJJtgos5cePPGHjG2u9EWSdr+aTynECNHPMzDIiVRgIg25Nc0q0muVIpQs7ieGvBd3r1rp0hWTTDeyPbaepia4QMs5SZZB/yzUAMwPfFZqlOfxspy5Xodrefs0btZt5Y9djNrAqGdJ03rIwY7tvdVKgdfWtVBJXQrtnIftWNp9rBpmi6Pa6bbeGbS4cQLp7Rs24qPMJCnjByBnrXQ0lT8yoaMy/2WfhZoXxFtPEMmvfaHt7FoktlRymXYEliVIJIUDjOOawvZA371jk/Hvg3w5pnjufRtN1u5vLaKKaWaWys/NOVJxEi8ZIAG5s4GDW04JWHc4/TdHtdT1a5s4Ll4EMcj2nnRNI8rLysQEYOXbIHoKxaQ7nd+D/AIT66msaM/iMQ6TY6gvmyrO5SdI1kCldv3lZiMD61UaXMRKdj2j4efADTnu9XudQfTrq2uN/2O1gu5me3PRN5JG4Z6564pSiluieZy2PXW+F+gtq+n6rFbrb3VggMbqS3zgbec9VCkgDpTVXSwOnfQ7Z7W3k3swOQPLYDpjn069+Ki5VmXfMxls4GM+/+cVJYI/y5PAB45zj60xHL/EbRLrWtCnj0tooNQwVWeSRkVVI+Y8A5OOgweaNOon5HyD+0RqXhuW/0+08O6LLoFzDZeTe20tqsYyHO04BPXBOcDORWErc2gJ3PNfDniXXPC9xK2k6n/ZszxspnikYK0RH3SuMMD6EH8KpMpo1NK1WAub3U1Oo3d1avDZLb3HleW+Vw8iocnGMhDwe9XF8pNuh2vwX8USxalc2WveI7a1WWxnZZ72IGeM+UV2RyE7lOQoCKep4rWnUXUTT6FjVvi98QtSmkudEmFxp/wBkkS8sFsPOEEKsU3TFwWQsFBOHxyKiUnfQaWhwmt+KNZ8d3ypNprTardOWkNurv5rEjGyMZCAL6CsJpt3KSsZPi/TLuO6N+9nNbW9ygZCyNyowCR2xmsqemnUaOh8KWdonhS/mnjeS61G5is7NMgEpkFt6E8g7hgjOKctXZGiic/400W803V20+7eEXsL+TMkZA2YGApCjsMfXFKnMUzB0Oze71i1tHuYIlnkMfnSthEA6ljjgYrob0IOp0PR2Gli5KPtE24rI37oKyMEYr3ww64rGVSzsUk2dBe6H4FHgO2hl1LT4PFEOqOt5cJNLNHcQFMqUC5UAE88A8Guykk4pszndM+pfBWp6dd2Mmp+EvC6apLcxwW1zfyt9ktiI41UsruC7AED7q8/UVpJWJem54347uvFl0JbP4g66uo6ppGrxWsFnZkW8JinU4lLqFkYDG3O3jHPesKjtsEFdnFa94e8W+MbKyv8Aw5YanqdtZeVZyWsrpJIJVRtzqo6ocHBPNa8rlHmCyi2jM8f+CdT8NeJbq5ur291W7gubaS28m087lzlEmYkhZB8o2YYE8dKmw79DD0XSZdX8bQ32spbSzT6vFHdaarGGSUudzqoUYQDG09MEgVcY3YXPtz4VeGotAsmht7Sy0pPMc3NpA7M0Z8xnjTJ+8ApIJPJ+lOb6CW9yHxxHf3PhnxJFLHLFZvBPMrSSBhK20COFQh4+6TjvkcZNOLUbPqQ02fM/inSbiafxK2qrpfh+cXZLaYkn+keZKQ4KxjnYsYUE8DOfrXLiVpzBFW1ODXU9YtXl0rUw1xp4IDQiNMnA8wbXwSM8Z59jXO7SWm5okULydYrYfZdO3wsFRmbOFZuccdTn+VKG+rGVLXWNRtbS40+8muxHLGqAZ+6oYNjB46ge9auPMUW0LXg85tMu715ZwqlYm8sr7Fcc47AdqjRdRiromnRNPcq5cGJzBHJuBRs4zkdT1AHfvSdR7CGWOjavmUf2deTKriOWK3gZ3ViDgHA65PTrTckwNrSNN+xPc2zMIltxvbL7ctwCu719jwKwqSuBoXemahLoVpOrQTR2+5SvGF6knkfNwfoMVkpLmY22xb6OK1nS6niLJLDwGkddhZAQxK4B9cc04yvoSXPC/ibUItPuNRsJo7XU2kYPqJkMh8p+DH5bgxjrknrzWjfI7CYy5mjh0i3h1K/kjN1G2oSwOCBOwdgpRVG0BuOeAAGqYylKTaKUTpPhN460/Q9VAsIZ4Iordo2AZnQq4y5fJJ6nAIHQVopzp6y6mbhqWbizgvZra/ttX0/TVup5ZIYEd2Z3Xqu9hkNzjBPSuapFtttFqNjkraFraOJZFEMk87W7LCd2SyNyW5+YhmPtnii7b0NYzsjlPF2vzapq0d5DbItssEcAgRsndGirubHqRkV10aSjHUJz5h2iG0uVsYdSspvJsZmkmuYlAlVCCTGASFwDz83I5q3pdolFzxglrZXs9lY38lzHHJtjkS5EsTL94bW/jGOp7Nx2ogtbsbO/8SeLbe4/Z28L6HLY6al1HctGyK7pcMkXmDzCuMZYnJOeSa6m1ybmNtTzcpdWsdsk11ZW3lrujjmgBIBfd82FIb6EmuNSTKKmqaxNc7gtpaRS3Ezu8tvGiiXc4bbx90A8DGK2jG4WNXRI59XuEvLRyZ42llZsbvLYkheefbGa5avuaFxjdmj8WLWKPxQlho1vNcySIsyxxKZDuC8njqRtOfpWeFfNG5c42eh6N4ouNRv/AAroPl6tHb6w8MaTmTcZN4VTg9g3JGD61wJwVaTtdHS7uCPOfGmmS21/GmpCdYl/dTSht2+TJJ3NkDPfHbiuyhUUl7py1I2ZkanqttDoNtotv5zW4LTmKRgpEjcjIz27c810U4NycmZoytH1ObRNbsLrztyvmV9j48yOQDejc8ZUkZ6jPFbOKkioy5Xci1f7BqVxv0+3i0q2lkZ47eSSR0VckA5O5jwMfgKcU1uOUkzGjsL2ecQ21vJLISFVI1LEn2AGT+VakjFh2rIfOjPlttYBxnP060xG/p3hzWrvTbS7j0rUIoLpgtrdSwNHbTNu28SN8p/CgDstHvLLR/CenW1/Na6fqWo3++G6MG77JBtKO0iY5zxsIB43HINRKN0Bt+C/CM08015p134Y1G1kilYRx3C/aFA6PsYEoDj9a4cRK0SvZ3E1rwfdXk1ja6lbx20FtGHlPmlThx8xJC8n2AIHFYRrOGq6i5WjNu9AskuBo/hwWQR4zFNcXETy/aP3xxEJApK7hj7oHAPNaRrSteZn1Fgn0608Nan/AGxo0X2MK8MMNlIYmW4KK6uo4Ow46n06U0nKaszaC0ueeXms6cfEkd9p2kfZLOMpi3aZpGYBAr7mPUk7j7Zr0eXSzIIbnWnECxop+USICzchGyAM9eM1KhYDHd32Jj+HPI69c1oAsMsgtniVlUPw5z8zDghfpkZpoB1jI0c5YJFI205EygqcDvn07e9UgPoL4O+El13w5p0XhXw9r1hq0lzA154gvLeCWzjTzQxeJXUl2AXbgDAzyapOxmz2fWPCPw88OaFZWfi3xoGntLp7+WR7vE15cFsrI6DO9uAoUgqAMKKtTa2BLzPl7V9B8R+INf1IaT4Q1C50zT1nitreayETwxMWZTJsClpAH3/NkjjtUz12KudZ4V0nxrqWl6D4Sk8S6FB4aN2bi3ubdltoBcRRh2DylQ/mKWUdME554p2siNOh7MIfBHw88HadNaeMNF0rWrSUSXN5E6Xkl5K6BZUO752RyOe6jpiiLvoxpWPPtH/aP0fRNUifRfBgtrMWkqz2kBSKJ52fIYFRkpjJ5GcnvRJpqwOOtzyzxd4g8W/EjxsniiOxaW5u72K1s4LaMSLG4IMcWD16Z+bg80nLSw/Ip/EO68d3Hi69HjAX0uuSRmOVLiBAREoP3FA2quFJBXtzQ+YehU8L+JdQ068tZ9QY3OjgCCW3BeKOYIh2oxiKMfvAnnvznpRzSQnE3dR+K+oGxtbfw9pen+HSkZSZrKBQz/PuTDnLDGB35NJzBR7lHwV8S/GPhTX9T1vSdUtxfaipF1LdQLM0hP8AECRkEEk8YHrmoch8qPUPAPxV8Q2+sWOkeMMz6O0SpHYaZD9nupTIN3yHcpYs5yRnvxgVSrXexDgrG14j+Jmt3PxUfTtD/tLQLC5jWwuLDXFKGMFTuYkeZ5ZPQbc9s05VNkLlS1PIPina2Wj6VaaRbadrFlfiRxqX2gsLeQqSI2iyoLAg53EDr0qnexpDUxfh94/1/wAIRTafY6hdR6Re3Eb6jaRSeWbhBwVDgbkyuQSpBqIuwpRvqjtvAdr4L17xvLrN9qNp4d8NRyXH/Eu+3yQ3bQFMhVlJIbLcbNwzk+tauSlsS7oreIvGvhFfjDZeKPBUFzoekWkkMmwRYd8ACQBAxAJAI4I7Zok42t1CUW4ntX/Ce+E/ij4nJsJ/Eb2OkxHU5oREkTZRo9uMOWcKwJwR3q4SXLbqZzTR7LoXjbw7qWqf2PplyL662OZ0tfnWBgcYkIOVOc8Y7H0rGVNrVlKotjpV1C0MwsvPg+1bBKYRIocDOM464zx9ajlLuSwlyo8qNfnOQSOnqT68mkFy0ykZbOQc4x1+tIsYgVl+UYUDkYxz0oAUY2ln+XjkDAwPegDwj4vfBFvHHiIavDfxaa1wwF0+TLvUFQuwY+XAJzk4zip5Fe5KVjzD9o74P+H/AAjocGqeHbC9eCARxSJFlwGJJaV2YnAIUDA4BNNpIHueESaVd2OlprgdIlklaGBT96TABYj2AYDPrU3LFsdRV7tI5rW3tVkRIFlRCqocj95k5O44yTT2A3tK8QXGjaPd6Xpuous+qoqX+IQFK5JwH64wefXNTzvYTVyhoniCLS9WWWytUt50dWgucndCwADYA+UgjPDZqUrajPU706d4+1C4h0TQ7aCO0tUSQ3140ZkCAKfLUYRFBwSBjofWq5VMSZy3xL8MXfh3WU0KG7Wd7HJtryM8uG6HOeoULjHSsV7rsaptnP3VjB5JvXgvftDIdrOxbzJkcBizHrwc1m5O/kOSMi40ZrS/Fm83mTzxRswJAVGcjgEHsGGT9a0U7oi1jodKh0+/h/4R77Xb2lwdQSOS5mlKRSQKrLjPYb8HPvShG8rluVon0z4Ds9F1v4Lxv4q8N6U9z4du3jtUtYsRzyxqoQqR97cevY854r0FHVHNKWlzu7nxH4cuPCjaGut6HDqL24jlswwc28mOcrHnHPHYUrNSuEmuU+P/AIk6+0fivVr61vL57sCM6bMzYcBlXLEEZIKdAem41hJ3Y6cOVB4Nur+z07Xk0LxNf6D9mubRfsgmEYlZ12SOzE/wlifYGrjNqJVTc3LnTr3Q/Bd3pketxJoF3dPPavlWea8haILLv7A4OOcce1VSk5RvIyvqYUNudP8AHAuNd1K0xPcXN3FeRSMwSaN5FUnywcsZFVgvQ5HY1abuVY9+tfibpPhbXodP8XiWK/1Py3l1G3iX7PexSFljeVcnymAwSvYVpLXREpWPbdPhsp7aRLK6t5UzuVopQwGV+9gH8vwrFtl6Hk/xs8G6Fp/g65vbGbTdK1iW6Et1qV9OBPMCPn+Y5JZgMBR0rOquaNmTJI+Rp9SsjesZ7c7gzxRspyqZOcj1/H1rl5WWiVpZdMsbdVaYmBhKTGoKEjgFs9T1qUlKQyTW9RvvEGjFJby2j021vJ7mCOSBBdlnXcd7Io3DtzwK15uWyQF/Uo3Phu0fS70NHZWguLgI5JO/Yqrj13OR9FrnS953OiUOZe6Yul2V9eanp9qwjd7qIrGpXhCG6f73+NaScYpsy5dbFA6tNaSvHaO9vg7XEcjKXYHO489fpVxjdE7Hd6J4iN9fw2iyCM6gwhlUqpV0ZCq5zyMOFY+tYTjZXNUkzRsk0u31BRqDJBYW8uy78m43M6xrl9gPQttPXj5uKxs2roUEubUoatoE02jWWtZkazurSW+P2eJcxQ+YyLGSSPmHAJ9OK0+GVi5Ufd5kczfajFDo7WvkqTCMqgO0LlsBio6kgDrVxp+9c5zGv9cv7u9hnvc3MkMAhhWRPkC5JK444+Y9O9bxglsac1z0X4N6Pp0um3+paks9usFuRG/nKis2D8y854yMds1x4qWyW5dNLdlP+3bHPkXE8iO1wZ4SoON7LgsfUsMLwevNNU5GUtzGv5ymg2Vtb+ZFHBqE9zIUL+apCIvJHRQB2OTWsUr3Y09LEUeiTapfaPb6VcW011PC08+OFiYMxAYk4zhVP/AgKtzUE7iZm63calBp8sd6/F1O1y6xlTtfou4jjoTxVQs3dCKXhnVrKzvtmsW815YHHmQQyCN3wcjD4JGOTWrjfYaZvaS+jm2M+v6bqV1byRSCy23YB4k+YHvgZX06E1E1LZArXLfi5IJtPs9VtrGK2F9C7WcayvJIkSPsIkJyCxwSMdqiMWuoG74n8GWx+Hthqug3Fi3nxLJqFjDJKkiELjLrJ33KSAOu4EVumkib6mf4a1XTfCk09rEJzp95asbmIEMzThj5QL4Hyj5eOM4JrjxEHVVkXGVivo2q6toOrTaxf2yX84TZaMmCsbFsEfTbv6d6zqUoyiox0QRlZ3Lms3k2oSpfyQXdi8V0sttLKp8zcz8jGdu0Lg5PJIqKVKMdNzV1OYi13U5pdTj07TNQj1P+1bgyiCCMFluWkVVX5uhYDnnFbU6C7EykZ0FjP/bFxpmsWp/t2KRgYZdqLGyleS2cY447VpKLhtsZq7OR1hbiO/8AJntGhMRK7F+YbiecexraDVgaaI2a7jjQtFIoU7EYx/XIHvzVqwF2z0zUGT7db28uxJ0jAyVbcQx4P0BJPak5oR0U+n3dxocL3KaY6QyNFG8KqJmym47mAAI475NQ613YRWgtdYbTNNthfXNzp0mfs1lNcN5LFZPnQYb92OpzxnFUq1nZl8rOam3z3IiZIUeNdhdehxxkt3rS9yS74W1mbSdZtblGOYZRJjPytjsR3HtWc6amrMfM1se3aRr9t4jgubsaov2y7Z5baBo+U+ZcAhTjHLYB9RXl1qKh0KWu5z11beIL63aJL6WysrdfPe6uAIt5DkAqoOOnQZ96lOEXe2pDSuc14y0vVLJZ7a3kkubCGKMzz/dTzdmMDJycZ7etddCcXqaN2VjgJLeW2JF1DcRsRkfJ2PQ13JpmZFw6eWVyxIwRTARySApJ4HpxQBtW48Lf8IvIZZtR/t8NmNEjBt2Xeo2seudu85HsKegjHI3El+QVKjAH6+1NMZ7nqvxu1PUl8PWWlweIhp9npi2uo20NwVaaXgF4/KxtGMccVonYzaOR8d+I4mtmtdL8ISaEjhZr1Lu6muJZJj/y0+c5A+vQn1NXzNRsNRHeCtcv9XnsdBv/ABHcjR5rmS/1CBGWGViEw4M7EZ3BVH3j9KhNg9Cn4um07SrOXQNI1ldd097o3Msv2eRYreXlAil/vELjLAc5ob0BK+pyt7aTxw/bHRkSVj5T+SUEoB5K8fdrO7KSIreJZYpWluEjZVyiMjN5pz93gf1HShAz1D4Q6P4oa8h8Z6dBpukWUN15v2lnjTfIgx5caO3G4SEBtpAPTpVwV3YzZ794n0fwrbX9z4p0S6s9R8TCykgngvbiO6K/cLCXJJY7fkAHQGuiEeZ6kOWh5DefCXX9fGtzJFZEbYbyK7jVre08x3ZZY41IwTnZz0AHHWolHU0i7nO2Hwql0r4lDwp4p1PTLBxD5kE88jfZblym5VEi4wO55HTFZcpVzH8E+EbnxXrr+GmurpobUEW17bwr5Kb5VUOxbBKMMkd6OToKUrHpnxA+EY8D6taX+g+KYUtbXyGmkvHRrhZC2GkRcY2qQtUqTauh3Ra1n4Z+ILm4PiDUfiNa2l5K6TNf3s4j81XRSGRexByvJ9KhxTYLVHl3xS8W63qGn23hnUvEY1oWdwWkl+zR4VkBRNko+Z8r1z3x1xVt2jyhGNjmPBdxoK6jJBrwVIJwsazNHvSMF137gOQCu4bhyKzjpuKd+hd+KUXhq08US2nhC7uZ9KBMiZyIlZuSI88lQMDJ64rSdlsVY5QM2/I6frWNxnWeH5xodxb3+j+KZdPuZ7FvtjpEcRFjjygR97IAPtmrQjr/AIZfEXSfBdhqmpRfa4vE00BS2eJGaNiSW3yEk7myR29fWrTXUhx1LGkfFbxz4l19rS41eRZ9TeKGV7eEI5QHAAKjKqMkkDqTQp6kzVkfbGj6hbmwCnzFEKbSGJ3YA69/156VElqEdjpSnz7VGPqePrntWdzawjL5cuSMcAZPf8P89KLhYZMu6FgreWzJtBbBIbGAT+P8qLhY8y8O6r4y03xPZeHNYudPu45ZJrqW5e2kiMMG4lUyFCM5zjkjpVqzRJ1njrS9N1rwXf2GoyKllLETcOz7QMcnnj9aiSuglsfG03gzTdQsND0+CynhvJ47q7eS4Dxi6XzF8uOEgEFyvTAx6msr30GtjHv/AAPdaNHfNq1hqSWqwoLeO3aOaRHKkIZMN8q7hgntxxRN23GcNfWqXUqparKsx2ptypUk+pJHekpAX4dPj0/w9Pd6haJJLJL5CbLkbw43HdtHIUAe2amUrtK47D7W4k1DV4DLZyLDcP8AJEjtsUvwcucnG4AkfWlfkWjBRNTW/P8A+EovItWlup1tpGzLIWDbl4UqW5IAAwD1FYqV0ax0epffWLd1uLcaoktlbw5zNMEdppNxZ1T0BPO364pKlJq4VGmzn9Thjk8iW3AuXkXYSucDcQVySfTrn2q1poZnN6ssbWNpeRP5UjSy+Ymf9WuRs5/76/KumG9hNaHqHwm8SeGtNSLUfG114s1e0RZUls4z/ozq6bVZd0qliDuyAB2rZVEtCWkeiXfiDwpf+EdTtvBHgj/hHPD08EVtqerzsI7gjfu8tfmKvKcDGWIG4ZI6VTloQ0eD2lpc32p38Fubm5kgSSZSEM7mNBjaSoIBwvXpWLuzRbE9zp99bPdNd2LWuoSFPKSZuu9BgheSxZSOenNZ21FJ3Og1u11PWPBsFvp+j30kEGntcy3ToPLZIGO/yySD9+U5GPTsK61JctkQo63NHUVN14Zi8HaBousW97ZXKw6l9iIltZrpivlyea3zx4AGQcLnpnrTewxvwxurnxsz6D4smm1GxtbhrgRl2V2lKFZJWdBk7FUHLZAwAB81Unzbiemw231/xl4FknsZdIu7cCNzpxkc208Ks77XkMeDJ34ckcCpdZpWYuW+psj/AITz4m+FZJ/EPiPS/FNrYOYrXTvtCW909w8YO9AkYZ9gPIY4OD1rPmKtY8k02K+sNbjtriykmtrS6WO4VVBUYb5l3gEZPIzzWUnHqyj6L1z4eeC4ILPxFf69GfDMv2ee10iGcG5u42++g2lSWywGQQMhulZ+zhH3iHoePajpFhdXF7Hp0sNjYSyyS21vcSHeiknYrMSe23uaxlU12NFZmVBo2q6VqCWMGv6S73DoJIoXecbldSoOE/vY+6T0NacyavY0V47Mk2XGnR213b38ceq2c7XCskbFHBYEMu8fMSSeCMfLUOze2gutzFv9OD3JuCJVZyWlMg24bOWBGeK0UraEMu2UDQ6tZziVWSMqwj+VSpAyBn0B69TUSd0O4t8s17ZT3Ek7Nkl5gicMW24wBgZwaUfddhX1G6Fq+o6ZG+mzSPJYXilJIX4Dw7gzKp/hJI6jvVzipa9Uaxm0rGXfgQ3Mj2sawxSBnSADcYlJOFJbknHeriZssT3C3elxLcXAWG1BECFQHAJBJJA55zjNLZiOx03Rpf8AhFb4yPdPYmwNw7BPkIVlESjgY5yTg9ua5XVTqI6aMHJM5G5CJqyxMxlsrZzHb88HBzjPBwcnntmulL3fMznFKVkan26701CtncKr3Ee3y42Eyxhw28kMCATkVEdTK5l6XbXCeZdyRMLVHQzhmKvLFu5CDv0/CtJWYGja6dFd38xvxbafBd2El7Yq7AFgofYmWP8AEVxzz0qVdWsaKFtzk5oojbRSRy7pCTvj242en1rdMhjBHJJDhI2bahLbR/D6n25qhEmm3t1bXEbwXDRFDkZ+6D64PFJpMDs7jxSlzq+oz65rl9fxyW7RoI13LNLtwpOWGEBGM9cdBWTpq2ghviLxNBqlzazWCWgdeVU2+cYHO5DlW64HUYA6VHs7AS2NjcXNxqD+YIp4lQwpZxBFUMehwPk4PYVlOSVgNTxJqYLWmnafcXLyWi/6Qf8AWbHzzhm+Y9cZP6VlTj1Yzj2sd2uw20Wbi4mlLKkefMQk5HAxlvT3rr57Rux2O4sfClvpX2jVIw86Kn2W8WEmVohLuBdyw+QDABODXNKs5Kw4l4aRYf2W11qtparHGHmKT3sqmLqACEA2k/KQO/HSsfaS5rIbTepU8Nm2m0tbu0s47ix0mb7RcW8Lea2dnzSEOuVzgYOT93pWs+ZOz6hGk5rQxPiJHqceoxW2ryySXy2qTq8k3/LN1yFVQABwRnIzxW1BK2g6lL2aRiWt3D9jTTbP7SYJWaVjPbDJYAquCCTt47d60fczSOvuYbfRLnU4LS6lSO2WKceRKYhv8nyzzjcfnYjAHrmuePv2Lno7I4TVPs1vFcWtne280QlXbMFJkk25wV/ujnn6Cu4RjwqPMbzJWRmBxge3XJ+tUSdx4Hn1KysbnVrW7QQ+b5VvAvzMZWCqRgjk7QDxmuOvZvlYJ2Omsri31fWLLS9Qe6l82dVnSeRUj2ArvUc9wD6e1ckouN5IuKTepn/Hq50bVdasbrw9HJ9mEDQzMYyAsolcBST1JUA810YSPKtTfESi7cp5gBPKjopZxGOgwCP85ru0Ryk+nWM15bSTQBHdJI40hzmWVnyMKO+Mc/WhuwC34+yiSyktI0lRz8xz6Dj0POeaE77DsN0yza5jSFEhSWWcBbiSQgIu05BAyOvOfwpiNyDQ9QudCvFhsAqWU6m5upoXXy2wQkO5QQC5bPzYzgc1aQrnq3gLwHHceAZdf8D+KWk1S3tYpNY0GZtkspjYSSRED5ghKjB7jvzWsUnoZvV2ZneKvippfjS21i11Dw/d2uqXVutrY22mlFiSNFBVHdjkqJNz4C5JIGeKOZJcpSTPLND1fUtD1Cd9LvGsXnhe0mYAHMUnyyJ8wOOO45HasluUz1fwbD42vfhnrfhjQdAXUdKtphmRUDCWSSXKzIJdrHPygcYxz61rBpX0IktTQ+OUej6r4U0VhrjQXOn77Cx0q5SNXtIVVB+82A/MWRifmblhg8USjZXYQZw/g2azOgX7XGpxRxRpHbx20kojlZ5CQWDJ85jXaCRz97pWMRyOn+JfjOzuY30e68OaKtxpwS2sLeC3zGibT8zzfK7FQUwOfmBJrXmSViEnue5/s1ad8MxpEHi7RnNvqccZt9Rlv7rDeZgFiAW2BTnqo9M1Dk2NWueqeKLbR7zRSrW0WpR3p+zQ7B5kbCUgA/LwF6EnNVCTTG1c83+K3hrw/wCIPBUXhldS8K6VcQzQIsWpzBPsyRjawT+LkAkH+LI9q0Urb6oEfLvxA8Na5pHjTUNI8LR6hqmm2ciLbz2NqxSWNSSjkxjDYJYBzk8Hniom+xXKdf8AAXRdY8fXWqTa5qs17psUaW89q5yXBJCbmVlkCq3OBwTUc0tgsc18U/COkaL4wubTStettQmtHRIbWCSQlmwCIo+XbIJAxkcg9KprS5bsYnjbwU+ieAdA8T3U5e61e4lDxh9wQBVIBzzuyTnPQ8VFriWuxf8Agf4Hn8UaxFqKStDZ2N/DHdSeQJsBwSMIVYfwnJYYGRRFXE2db+0NL4Se+0/TbCZ5tStFWyeeV0jijjQkldsa89QCcDkYGa2krLUFsc1quh3+neAbPULXw3BZ2eLa4n1FpGdrmR4yNsfmgZXDZIUEDiskuw07nKaxc2mqWMFlpFpJbQ24UJA85mlmmbAdlGMgfL07ClfoBh3VncW1y1rPBLFPGcPG8ZVge4weQalget/Bf4feM5ruDVbCX+zIJ1Rzcu7L5kDE7lQ7GG8FQe1XBGctUfVWnaWsFqYPtt9dM8W2aaeYl2YDHbheD2xWjEonrILAAbgzYJBHf2rnNTifij4s1Pwbpa68LGK50qBCLsJJiRCSFV1BGCozyM59KLpbibOb8VePYJpIbrQ9as760ltpTaJYyqXeXyy6+YG6KoTJGOd2KG0gR4r8WPE/naHbap4j8VanPqd1dJZ3OmaeFh+yxRowlBHSRi+35ug5A6UXsJ7mx4X8T6jqPhtW+JDRzeGZNNiuTcwTNBdvvm8pDKoY7+VfhecLmqewD/HTfCnXPB1t4hsvPtY7DUbayScFwWVNu5hESGKCMHBwOtZS5VqFyPTviB4J+0P40vvL+0y6j9gstO2BEis+FWRgAehkZyTz27U+aLGePfEKx0xNVm1LRJLVYWy0H2ZGAKMSM84PPJ9s1yc3LKw7mNdxg+D7SK3lglu5LuSOVVXLAbAAc9SDk49xSUvedzVL3SlYK9np7Kt7Z732+ZGoJdCGPHI4PA6dqqeruRzDNU8RX15ZbJQ9xJBOHeVly2cEAZPUY7U4U0noNybRbg/sC58Css+jtJrtzeD7NeeYV8mNF+dXHQg5JHfitr8uhCINAnjgvlgEc8j+Qd6MAPMc8AjORtxWNSLaLTsZmptCkNnf20MsfkyeXJ5m1laUFmBA9MAdvWrgxPY7HSrrTNa0F4Lrw3f3uvXVxLcidGK28kKDdIkUaD5WB547Vq43VyDlr2LxLaafHBJDrEVi0/nRW0qP5O/H3gD/ABcjtVgVfD7apFq8s9jfTadPGri4nRipRH+RhxzzkjFTKfKroZq6vrsl4yT3M19NrEDW6WcztlUWPjkHsAFA+lRG8ncPU+hdT8HaZoHwn8R+IfENpcanPcRRwxz22oeXHeCZlkcxgYxGzuA2OcKa6ErEyaKnww+OngzS/B5h1zQp7K+EvmMtoAizKjDy1BGCdq7FG7k7TVSaewHn/wAZNb1LxYbu7082Wj6fpwFxFpsBEckpm2Rs2VHzucLuGcDFYRq6gtTR+Hmpr8StY1ZPE2vvZXmnWSGzS9uU8p4Yy2Yi74O7LA8e9OceZCaK3hzRJtIjDx6XfaTc3bSS2V/tKQMhj2I4kHVR5js2OoAzXHN1InTRjCStLcwvHVjB4UsdMs1v0ea8ukuNis2FhA4kI92Lc1nScqknfoaYijGnaxi2uomSS0+032xXlEKF4yzRRM2dwH8OMk8VpJO2hyJXdi9rUtlbTthEugjlInKlEAU/LwTjOMeuSaxgm9waszmYruB/Ev2y8jluGkJMYjkKHcckEEdOcGunl93QpM0ZTc3epSOnmIkK4kErZXCqeFx7DiovZag3c1hp8UGktaP5Tz3FxEzKGLyEH5mbA4Cnco/4DWfPd3AreIYp18R3ckMMMLGWRY4mG8skhAIXg574PaqhK8UOxk32miGNQLgQXO3zBEgycZx09apS1E1YrX+v31zHBDc2iyrDEIIvk5EYOeD25OSRWkYIfMXl0aS7nlmubx7KOFEQGXMjScYIUL1A+ooU+iBmJ5llai5L2bXUxI8h5WKmPnklVOM49+K0SbJOptfiDrz+F7rRUit44bgKkrxQY2Q7Qu0AcDnue5PrXO8LBT5zohXcY2RPc6Lp76WmoagJ8TWrTQ4PMk28ISMc4+vpU88lKyJbT3Laade2nhT7fb3lklgiK7WpIe4mc5AYnGcAgcdqtNN6kqNzkvFmkHw/qaRjUI7tXjSQ+W2SAw53Y6dTxW1OXOiZRsZus3M95MJLqaWQRgJbxnkJCPuqD+Jqo6bA3covIu4DZyCfmB6itCQuW4cIeDwQPT0oAWSVGt4MRQB4k25VNrMdxJLH+I9s0AV4lWR/3hKggngdfQUAT2Sn7SrspIGGIXPQHnmpkM9RguYLezt4WtyktzcvLIIxkLt+4uD1wDjn0NedJNyfkGpQlkt2mvdQ+zeddb96L5J2sOBnA4IBHOeMfWnG+iGifwlZaRaavdaxfX0GoyrbeeYI3aGSCUsOrDGe+AD3FaVG+WwM3JtRvrK+v7e7bU7Vri2xDYwHy4znoWbPzHkk1hGOmgkmjH8P+Jn0h/GXh7xNDLMb0p57BhugljkwCx7jJAOPSt/ZqSjKJvTmoXUjC8E+Kr/RTqunaalpImr27W7ecnAHJyD2IGevrWk6XOlcUK3JsaXiPW/C3imOG9m0zULPVmMcJuWug0SxxxhQoGAdxIHPvShCVNWJnU59WZSWw063sp76RiJgxjkZvvoH4A5yMc9epNJ+89DK5V8Vai1usts5gknuQr+YDvdFPzBdxGR15x6VdGHUDnl2MWcyw8fw5IP4V0gXl0eYT25ns5Jo5SFURHc/Khun0NS3YDuvhv4ZbUIrmawSYvZES75IyTGwHKhfVj/6DXBiKlvmUoti+JPB+s6ZcyyRXasuY5GMKsTEZFyquSeDxj606dRNK4+Ro41LO6+0TW1/JJKtmxSVUB2xuASGJ5DDg8966dFqLYtQWC28N7pdxuWdkE8csigBQEEhDHOScEYHrScr6okqWml3lzHZajpmnX8Nqjhbi6C8bg2Swx90KpFU5xWjZcYOQ/xVeR36wQXFuDc2EbWwukwonjVz5bMo/i29T34qoK2w5yVkrGl8OV8LSQPY6rp91d6rcOy2k73awWlucfLJJwWO0gnHQ1pzWMxkl14v1mLWmtdZa+S8vFkvkilCLctHnZIVOCwAzjA7D2qXVUdGBHofh/X7R4NRGtnRWvY5N0u+VXWPGSHEYzhvSoliFHbUVkzD1HQ5n1mXT9Khn1KSLAzHbNGW6chG5HUda1hJz1G1bcpS2N5byCC5tpbZxjMcikP1xwOueKGwOp8Eapa6P4h2eLf7Xk02RVNzb2968LyYGY9xXJwuc49quE0RJdj1i68WfBgWGm2134euPEEOn2skGbK28lJJZDwTJIwkdhjjjgkmtJSuTBNbnhtw4l1uRdPtpraFpm8lOrRgt8oJ9uBWMmr6GjPrTwovg/wl4JufELaZBea1qqtaXyvdtdfvipd2IkyQoXBOO/FLnRmtTofhLo2ma3dJrEEC6Og279KuLKMI0RjRS2doHzFVbC9OhOTTjU5lcSh1Zf1/46ad4d8VyeEI/CeualfB/LgaxiUCbJwFUEDpyM/drRw6lt2PKPjP8SPAOt6ckWpeErs6/wDbVaSyvVaDaoQrvkKnk7eBg9R0rT4dGJI8juPGunW95Bb6JZ30GjLboNQtHviPtcw3/MCPuqC2QvoPesmyz0y7fQtI+HsviD4WahZaHeTxww6nnU/NeVXU4RkPCEEk54IojuM+fdM1G40zVob6CRFmtpg4keMSgODwcHryKl3e4Ho3xO1LxLrPwn8Lavrk+nNBcXdwbWO1gETBQANzAHGSR6euaqOwIx/hr4mttC8IeKoFu9WTVLpYXsYrMsqKU3FpnZegUEe1EWk9RW1OL1XVb3U9Ra9v7iS4uHOS79WPqfWlJtvUdjoR448UXXhG38MXOrXT6RaqVhiCKdgznbk84/GmpNbCSsYlpcR288E0KslzBKZfNyDk5BHB44x+NSM9Bm1jQfEfj+513W9NuhZXyPszJ+8E7KB5pKjBXdk7R0FOTTRD0PefDPii08H+AYE1q+iv4LCQw25skBSVEOwMq9V57t15NKM0hWOr8PePtHu9Igu7nVdLtXlJlMDSgvEpPyq/pgdScCtOZMOY9ukkwhLZHJJ9Ov8A+qsrF3OM+MPh4+LfBF7pcTyPvUYUSbVODkE+wqZK6FLVaHxDbQ6/8OfGnmXsN5a3MOwz+baRzCRQ3IR2BAG3Ayp79axlKWxUfMs+JL231Dw9DqE1+8lzczOsVrI6StawFmkG05LL8zc7uuSahzd7FSS3KWtQ+Mr7RtL1rxI0radZuun2El1GqKiD95jai5IAYNuIJ5FbNsg5/Xry7klvtUjUxRfacbFZpEQYIQB25OB2NRdN2HYzbe+2pHFZ4DNgEyLv5xycYPUn9KdrAdKvibUdRgXS7q2QyQWoty0cAT9xGd3ORkmsakFuFhtrZobCbU7i6T7gWMRg5Vw4xleBwN3T2qOazsaLa5lo9lHNevbRH7MiqqmZtrxknkgDg5weucVrZtGQzSrmOO6eGG3W5MjBsckLt5zgdeMjvTaKubXiO61C+0i8liuY1043hnubZgqvGzYxIqjgZ6cY+lKLV7DtZXKHh2SW0jmvkhScW7hvNMmAFyAowOrE9qVXWyJCSO9vVe3i+xxCWSOaSWbjZgsRyR0AbnHXjrRFpahc9f8A2bG8GaKZdYns3v8AxDajG17gx+UjZEjRoSFI2EZzyewrtptNWRLZ71Z6ZpWh6Vd6/wD2ZFe6kWkEs6As8yrMcbVbpiMKMADp6c1bE2kfJHxR8QaJqPjC6vPCaAabBcy3hlkiUSTXEkm6R2z823JUAdBtPrXNU3Lptp3Ob1ZmvNYa8ttpluAJG6go5YklcHjJ9KypyaRcmnqWPiNqnieZkstS1KO5hjRN0dtIzwwnsvIGGGOg9OtbxqXM0le5meFtGPiWaDSLSWwtL/bPLJNdzsgnVF3Kg4OHONqgYyTzWg2T2slzpugpMRfia4ZoLeRP9Wyow3AN/CASOnWsZU3e62EZ1naIqx3TyFsuyzROfm+vr+eKpTs7MD1xfiCdF0KPR9F8Q3XiDTLbTJbK0W4gWFI1njKsgXIckZwCefwrOrJ82mxOp5pctqmtu93qlxK8lsnlBrtsbQudqDJ7A9D3qVyrY0c29wsnisLJQ8JumlT+JiAmSc7cfe4H4VLXMwLl1fxzW0EafZrmGPJAVmLLk9CSB0555qeSwrFWJLdXW5T90IpVjMyMWIB6Y6DgD1p3drDOqs7G2OptbvBBdIyq0pLhVkdjwdxYEgDnAGPrXLKTsJbnLa3PO/iC+nhnAWHKxeUpUtGpIXIHHOM11UkuVFO1wbUJdQ1D7XdSktvZ1MRAcMcD5iuML1+lDiktAbNbQ9U0O08RW1rqdnN/Z63CC4FvJkyY43bzggYJJ5rOUJtXT1HG19TH8RardWms3Y0u5Bs47iVbdkIAEe4gAfUfnWtOmrajmlfQoa9q0d/pGlafFFh7RZWbEY6yMDjOcnp+FXCFpNicrqxlSPdJbfun/dcAgDH4e9aqxA6GSRofLE0n7xfmCDGemAfX1oaA7q21lTqaXM8sY+0OIUjkwr26iEIcgDAAZcgc9c9a55R0sVcSzuptMjF5pxkVQWUyzxqo2q2/lenzYHPXio3dmJSdznb2WC9VLe7nNraz3JuJXitg0g+XHHIz0+7nHOa3hce5Pqkej3BjTQZ717bYA63SATLgcswTKgZ6cmldrcHYz5NM2F9zE5ULCQMg5xz646jimp3EihLbyW0skU6GKQcFGHIPoa1TBhFZefv2zRR7QMea2MjvRcDd0LwlqWsaU2o213pJVpWi8l7xEnG1d2fLODg9iKlysOxl2Eg0y/YXVsZAEMbx7u5wexolHmQmaF7rs9/5hDm38uJ2B4Uk5U8Y74HH1rNUlEEV01uWB5HF/I5cHzGOSZBngHnp7dKfIguaXhW9+0+K9M1YRW0aRKTFFH+7jEqEBQ5J6ZO4nrjNErJNDR6p8V/ENnd+NLXRba4tLvT7KwLQ3MLCQtKckJu6HBAPrXL7O0WOb7HkmspdLqn9sXZklhu5GaYrzuySCD2Ld66KbVuVdCb3MBpz/Z6WpT5SxdnI53cjb9MVvYQkU9zbhDGzBFfcCPmAb1/ShpAW5dTeaGR2d5btnP7xwCQvcDt171KjYCKCOK5uAs7uysnUgnB4A6DpTvYdhktlcW8rhYGkVSQQvJx+HancVjU8N6laaZqEd/PYpOkStmJmJVyRwDgjipauM9i8OeINT1HS4HxDYCVzP+5c27nrsVAMDbuzks3Q159WEVIabuNu9VuoNXvrmxAluFtYNoSQlEaGN8Bj3BZlPOc89aaslqayObtQmnSxWFlKkcV7D+8UjcDhGySSM5X5uORg0r8/yM2c9qGmxahps9yZmkmhQ3Ejl1UspA2EAnJJXsK2jJxaViStaeOr+30y30qO2h+xxrcLIrDBkE6BWzj0xke9a+xV7mkarirIxNLvGt5m4DMX+VXRWXAOQCCOfetehmxT9pvdRc+W0QkYFzGoC4J68cYz+ApN21EaEZtNN8SxadZMdSt45USTaAFnmICtsYYbZk4GTz1xS1lG47Ggq6Vb+ANSEu638QWGpKESRsM0bhgwwTyRj04rK0nU8jWKiou+5QXxX4m1nW2vI7yKG9k002Mk/lKDJCqj5DwfmO0fMPmz3rdfu1oZzlzbnSaT9q07Rzcz3FlNOI1EciMoeBt2XAMi7zJzyecdq5Zyc5aEGReaPc65qMsumWiXVrasITJIJPMuJXXhyF3EkHJ44/lWkJcq13Gg03w1c6XfG21O9sYbiMOrQyBhtIJAJDJ1OG6juKqVbsJm3o+maFZeI7e7t7fV7hmCiK0t48mU87gQrA4wM8HisVOpKNmCN/wTeadP4hh0vW7DVb6xX91YxWVsGczyE4d0c/NgHBOT0zzVQjqJqx9Q6fFBbyWl3HBAt7ZR+XBNG+MJgBlKg7cHb6fSvQhGKDocz8frbS5rQeOLW3vm1fTrURq9vIybRuJ7EnA3NyBnnrxW9JW0kLc+MdQFzc+I3a+t7iBpbjiOSNmclmHy5cg7uerH8a55t31LPRI/grq2o3cmn2i38OoD5wbyBEjcFhjDRu6jAJzk+gANZcw0c94h+HmoaJLq1hf32iIdJkYzOkm6eY9FX0A9uKiVaztY2jRur3ODdj5hUryvtWpg0dz4xs/D8Hw18LPp/iKbUdSZpftlmrkxWuTuGAQNrcgHGckGqT6AjV+C/gS0+Iltc6LbWktpe21x595qpuG2rbNGRHAIs4YmQEkkdKQr62Nb4+/CaDwlqOkjRdxjubNfOjkmLN5ysFYrnkqSRgfWrteNyjB1n4ejwvoEOvarPpWsadeB4Ldre4lJSfBzkAKMqVwRk/Q1nEEjCMNlJGs91awu13JFLCUucJDErEOjoCWBPQZwR1puRJ6rf+PLW90N9B0a0li09bSSOG3mWLEdsIizqzqSwIOFDDBIXnqaPark5bAodTltW0gWHh3+0rTV7Ca5uIEaGO2ui88nCkqYwuFCDOeeorFIdj1j4K6xoE3hHxW+iaLqy2MFtulWaNS+3yTuVSCdzEhzgnuK1jZGTjqfRvjXVry08NSXeim2vHXaD5lwEAVuCd3IBA9aexTfY4Pwd4zfxTootdFu5bHYjeZFLcxz3h+ZlLoMfMF2kdD1FCaauD12PnXXb/UfifqelaZ5s+pXlvJIjmadwXhPKBuMBgQ27gDoBWFru44+Z5zp2qafaeJQNXxPZh4/tqxEx+YiBQ0aY78Y/Cjl0KZea+1HVNDNhZ3b2ujxSXEyROSU3ugyvAychEHPp2rKU3HcErsqXTXr6TLZokgsEbzzhcq8oUJvHtyaXMrhtoSWdlYrc2l1b2Tsxi8gLcuFUyGPaXyuAAGO4d/WiUytitp8F3G1/cbxNcr8kkgkLbw3Bx65xSlJAyxpzx2k6f2g7/YpJBLKqDDBT1OOxqZLmWgjmrtiQssaYFwWIAX+HOOa6Iq2gWLXhu4msr5ZgSnylCc4KhgQRntwacrWCx08U05t7K9Fs7x2suJMkETkMeACMHA9eK5Xo7XC5V8QalNPIiW4EVtLmUQmXeeuBvIxk56CrhFdRFrWnSOIpaWKv9ktrdLxnyMljwOenPp2FTBdWEYtq5nWsy3Ut1Y+bbQzRsZGud4wCnJ2AsFJIBHOa6YprVCsW/Evje+8U38L32s60A8BjuJHk+WQ7Sqjy0wAuAAa1u7BZBa2ekQ6XYxSafchnjnF5MzkJLIFYwhB2VSAT3NYyepRJf6doGoeMbp7C7Sy0hYIGzMrRs7eWm5Y8AknzC3TtSatEm5V8Qz2yatBJA/lfZXiVWNuV8tUGclTyzDoSfSilqUb/wAO/Cdrrst74h1y4uLHTrZGvPtQiwJz5oVzkdMZLbQMnGBXTG3Uls9B8GaQmu6hoHh+21eGXw2Lh7qKD7JuEcryK0aO0ijlwucDoOtbKzTM9TnPiabS+8a+IGik0QT6YZIZ7tk+zZKkpGvljhnUcZUHPU1z1YKWqFG5xGiW7W8dwR8lvDA3mFIB5jswIwXzwBwfxrjquzNDM8S3bpplvpcJi8mNzL+7UYZu5ZurEn1q6cdbjRofD/xFo9p4mt5Nb0y8ubRUMaraylZVY8ZXtgjII96tx5dRmjpfhyzm1ZLXT5cXRHmNCGZigUEshJwoOB154rnq1WlcNzL1vTrYSRW4miM8eE2xtw7bsDA79f0p0pNgdP4Z8I3+oWuqapcxTWVtYxo1s0pyDgHdzwei8fWs6s7WSOinR5k7lXRtLbWtXi0G10ljc3TiSR7h2jYoqkkcDIBAPP0pNuC5mzOMHKVkctqmoOtxuhKwsuLefYg2MuSQQuM8dCTzkV0QV0TJWditbxNeX9rE0iW6HEbzyoQmc8k4BJHNaNpCR32u6Ho39nWElvPaSraQfZp7RVcy+eQzNINy4xz+Qrk9rIt2scr/AGPBHp5uQCmwAygn53Q7ido6cAY+prWNW7sKyOZ1C4hNyrWEbKrDLBgDXREliectzeKywBS7gfL29elOQjo7STS2KwOEV4OJJZW3Mx3dQp4PUVi02IZ4nvpra4FsL7zongXcQvysp549BRCmrXHYxJ7q9vICY5QltZsZIkbGRuI6ep6VsopalG74A03UdZOoi1uLOJ0j86X7T8okGSNgzxk5J/Csa0ktxWIL+HVbXVpbMvIJQwgAAO0A9F9KcHFoNjG1ix1C2UreBlka4eM5bliAMn2HvWsZJ7AWmslFukEshadcmQx4YAYH5mk3qCKV/pyQysEkEoQHDGPaeDg+v86FK4ysqs7AlQFGMYFVcRrwaO1zPbwwyfaZbsqkSwjG2RsYVs4xyetLmuBe0LQbC31COXWfOmt45zFJCqFAki8lXcggggHpUzlK2gjobjUkGoSXX2KC0g08qdPs4Y9qFiM4LdS2D1PWuZJ2EZvga7szq5h1NiqySfd2AOH56Z6Z3YNXVvbQtMua7FdZvtLtRbrp6zySeVbkGNCCBnd36npUQa0b3EzmLnw65wsV3avI3zBS5DEEDjGOuT2rojUER2unxtM8EtzGBboSGbheOTnvnsKcptAZ9yscdwYYYmV1Ykk9D36VondAQtJNuLgIo+9gDH5YosO50PhPWdJgvrZNX0f7TZIx837KdlwVYEHDHv8AWpkhpnX6v4f0HUUli8JaDrNjLZwme5i1KWOQuoAcAbR8p24PJzWPPZ27j0exyNvqmo3nkWUl2ywxPhFPXnt9KtxRJf1XxJdXVtFptxcwW1irl/LhQqkjKOCxGSSenpmso0Yp3G2xLvUdTkWLULG5hikWKRCLYAOY2UqxwO21sGqjFRYrkOlEasGmkvba1mtoETNyD5ZUBU6YyTgdB6U27OwjP/sazeCV7PWYrsxAFlS1kUsCxBK7h0AAPOOta3KNX4dWFlP4w0dJ33w3d0lu53bRGWbblj9CayqtqLsEd9S14hWHTDZafp8aK816wkuU5JCykJGrfwgAZOD3FZwvK4Tsmc/47nsm8Z6nc6bFPDZm6Ywq5+YYwDz65B710Uk+VXCT10MWZ2mJkdg7sckueTnvmtBXHqZoDGSuArZ47UmriLNzerNKq+UuwMXII4J/Cp5EgNWfxDBB4jW/06GeKBHDrC74H3QOMH1yc1n7J2sxsl0nxFbprdm89t5VvvUzO0hZmAJONxJwCep61Sp9yTb8YajoN/qI+yTW1kkYhe3htruSYvuUmT96cYIJAxjPWm4WWgzYi8Safd6THZ6FYI2tyRpbrc3EzvKrqAqtEiABcZOME5rOEXzaks9i8F6CvwvntdRvL21n0nV3gtbiXMg+yNtJ3HdlnLNx228122aVxGp4s+KvhPTbG9s49WivLplmtyIkZxkjG7I7A9wea1clo2ET5o8Q3MXiWzsE8uO2vmuZBOXmc+eznPmjI+QYA75Jrnq1E25MtHV6P8TvGHg3TJ7D+3DfyqyCBRh4Y1BO7dkZJPHfjFcak5/CGxyfi7xBb6hqt9rN9btJqk1wshGd0LqQ24tnnduOR2GBVxu92WpHF6fdSW15HcJ5bGNwwWQblOOxHcVuiGWtf1Z9V1GW5a0tLMSOX8m1j2RA9yBTbBHqP7PXxV0r4dfbLbUtLkmjvJ1lkuIQDJtVcBMEjjkn8aZLWtzX8V+OPEHjnxBp3iywe3jtrHVvL021kVftKu2GEjrkgxg4X61q9VZDcrI6z413lnc/D+aw0FtM0axgkury9jvV8yS6kdxkQZB2tvDcDB59Knl5RwldHzCJHjmQxZDqedxBBOayYG/4J0m98W+LrLRbd1W4vrgIGJVEB5Jz2xgHipa0C59CeK/hdL4U0d7qPz5X0QWy2lwJFWKaKWRhMmGwA7blznI98VUUXFI8etvHviPwPca54f0fUEt7W8ldLhI0jlAPK8NjHQkZX0oZm1qfSnxN1A+HfFEs1hq8dvYXMqS3f9mGS41LzIgyRqsTgxquXUH/ABq5GJ8/ahcazB4hurvTru3GoG3lZxG8kJs4wFLHIKkynBLLhhkmsUVHRHMDxJ4m8PT3NrpeuX9r50MlpNsGwyRHkphuV+9nsRzRHsWjNOkzp4eg1KCRZi7yLJCozJDt6FgeSCO4zTcWO5Fosty+qRRQeapIZ90SAscIcjn6VE7WKRsajcQXMEUVw86Id25YiAigH7iZI3cEZz0NYKOtx20uaUkI+x2GlWE8ygXG9ZJWAEZb7zMw4ACkA5PrURbbbYc3QNH1bUlm0/TLYXFxeDITyFDqYxu2qAMck4PIyBzmnKCd2CjzOxjWl3ZvDJa328XM8zs+xQcAKdqAn5s5z+laOHYTVtCsRexSGG3SVAvzxKyDj5gfmz9KaaGiTR720uoX+2wK15I+5JAcBef7o6053SKWppw28EbS2+rXKmOHgFV+Qd8k8Z+gzzWD7xIasP0VLWKRjuLu6/6RLLGFji5DIiYz82eeAPT1pyb2Eyxa6rbx+HBJfxTPazXF2slyuC8k3lqIx1/hDd/U4o5HfQ6acko6nn92ktreSI0bxtuyFkHIHUZ/Cu1bHOzqvBdw1xNFZwGztbi4AtxJ5SlmY52sXfiMZIDFRnAzyapK5NzX1/RL7wVr66Xq01y0SXR2tbqSZ2VeGjMgAK5YDIrKULOzGnccYtfl8A3vieTXdGNtJcQ2DWIjWO63Rgsr7FTCgY6hgSc5zTdrWFbU5fVdeudR1Jrm4tku3lQq0O0qpkYHLZXBPJDYzUxgolMm07X7mPQbvTFDeVMiqI1jByA24nd1Xn+7iqauSyv4h8SeINYksjrGoXNz9jiCWoPyLEo4GwKAO3Xqcda0TYJFPTtUu0iu7TNvKt2yPNJcRB5BtYNlXPKk45I6ihsLHcabImtxX1vYxmJ33sXlBBkiBGAqqcE/eyABXHVjZ3FscxqH2GyQosUjzbldTuIEQzyu3PXNVG7GjV0ex0wxCWSNY4Ba+ZNLKCCxyASMZIznA7YyaicpbIY25uUt7S2kieSCyeWaNJI0O4KW+9kn5jt4/SkldgiKaz07+zVvYJJrqK5Z/LjL/vCwAwHUcKec9T6Vam72G7dDpYNakg8P29haRJFFdBXkEoDYlViGUk/d4Vc4/ve9ZTjeVy/aWVi3q2oXWn+O5tVstXQatdsby7nCB4Y3c7lijwCCRwDkCoUU4aopzad0cHrVu73TXL3EDyy3cuQO4znOMcAknHFdMH0M276lzR7K81DUbSSeaFLQnLAnCxxDLc4Hf2yTUzkopkkl7NK+sCJPNlSIgsQWGF6dDjAIPp3qY6oEWdTuNFh1JI7Zrl4kPMiZ8xlBBI5OMZHf15qYxl1LuYmoaxaXQkS5jdVdmZTHGpIPYY6D8K3hB9CWx2j2v2+ISWcUL3ENu0r/AL1YjgZ4GSNxwRwMk+lEm1uFrkmvaZIzW8lvLHNDDGkcjnALOOrADovIAJ9DShU7lcpHrU2iQteJb28LTs0Mdp5LExrDtPmZJwS7MV7YHOMcVS5gZkPZozeXbhjIv8APzDGM5B+tXck1tPe4aRgIHldUaOCHcpKtgDJ29T1rOaVtRnSvM0eqSRXjxXU8IFqUggD7yF2O2SQMjLDOO+etc720C3Qb4v8ADp0iKY+I7Ga5S1lNnJNFcf8ALQplAOg+UKc+tVSm5fCaOk4q7Oj0K4+HGu2N1Yw+EDYXs9uptZEuxHEkpUcMTJ0zzgA+mK195fEyE4pGH4s0LRI4l/sDzorhtu2Kd9x+Y7eCBjsTzjioVV312J5k9jIt9Bl0rWYjqumf2nbIBJJb2lwMsOQF3DJU5H6VaqxktART1W+tVljisIru2EI3SxSsj7XJx8pXHrVpN7jdiJrzT7wxveJqBnadnu5ozuLLgAcbuCMHtzmm9EI7/wAL+EIvGOmpfabf21oyNsiXUpTE1xKFySpUMW6d8DPSuOUpRbTBI4rW7e/XXzfLLDBNbuAkkYPDIeWyBknPOSO9bRaUbAdd4Yv4LDQ7l9Z0+BoLl/3aiRknMhGS3C/c3Zbn6VhKPNLQaZxV5bW0F489pdI0cE2Y5grADjO4ggn9K6otiZXkn07+xJ9tt++Ei+WyMTtXnJ5bLduvTtTs+ZCK0NhbEXHnjyE8keU65yxyMkA+2armsBLaaaLyby7RDHiPJYbpGKgfNwB14FKVTl3A0pPDJ0Gxi1aa8j8+3mikMRkj3lW+YBVBJLZ654FQq3P7qHYr674n1HUmt4rctZxCP94A2Gnc9WYgZOeODwAOKqnTUWBlx2sYtzdSaxZQSkORbkStKWUjAICbRnOR83Y9K1aGO16K2WG1FlLdSJHGNwuFCnLHJ2qGb5evJIPPQUlcGattc6XFMttZwkrFIzRSvkPIHHUDOAQUGOe9Q03uCLQivrKKS9sJWsGjgeSWK4Tl5ckYTcDk85zx3pWvoOxzCteTySXkkpDHIZzwGOM4rayINrTm8u0tbS4dXhkEkpij5csVwoI7cgYrGotdAMzUYI4LLTbl5opco/mLGp4cMOG6EHB6+1VDVtAY8jlgzBvlLH5c9K1AfaFFljeSNJVVwdjD5W9j7UAXT5l9OgdobdZXwi5IQBj2z0AoAjSy8xk8q5hQeYse92+UZONxIHQdTx0pIbBLa6e/FtaxvdTbikf2dGcynPBUdTn6UxFe6V4pTFKrr5eVKuCCpB5GPUGgBIJES4SR4vOjVgWj3Fdw9MjkfhQ0BpTJfXN6dQt9LltEkIaFYEkIAzgbSSSewzmkotAd5o+s3clg+lXKatp97a27XEdxcXMjB51GUQpJlAOeABk0pc1wRxNpZteXMdqILmOZpMZWJjuIHQD1zVO9gNfU57tdXIkj1FpYY9oW6tsFUQKgOOuQMjpxgVMovl1C5Le2lxPPbX13Y3z6a7eXI6x/O6g4AXBHBYgZ9jWK91eYM21Nndtc6bp/hZry7kkhtkefzEWELHwXUELv4cDOayV09XoXTi29Dzd7ae5vRBaW080jt+7jVCXbJ4GB3rsRLWpFdQ3MQxc27wnJUBo9p44I+oxTEQDAJ64oA6HT1n0MRahew3Ea3dq4tQUwsyltpJzwyfKw9cgVUXYTRY8U61a6usNzE1tbI7ndZQpIzxlUVQ7M/wAvzHJwp45rSc+YIqyOZyrqRyD24rEZPY3D2U26KVlyQGIGDQB6VqPjvXvHWmS2Hi/xebHRra3MlvbiBcuyIRGgVQNxzjlj71SY07HmESiXzNzqpCk4zwcelSxH1v8AEPU9R8S6FIuoz6bPdwxTOjQWoVkwC2AwOTllU5PpW2LocqTjsZUpLqfN2oWcVkizXTzXBk3M5IOAxJA57ng1wqTbsjRFJbo3N1C6JmeMu/3vlJPOeRz2q46BY6bSdU87ytZ1O9uBPp7MIY44fmOexPQLn1461U6jtZCZmaXP/Z159ouLFGcRufmk27Fbufrk9OtYTTkrFpjJRcXtzGjKkEAjma1QY5fIY/QHPf0pxtFFJ3L0KmW2g0sW6Y892R5s5ChdzZA6npisnZO5MotGPcy6np1ydTt7l4WVz5UiyYfuOPbrWsWpaMSk1sZ8Utuzoyj5wrblZj97+9ntW1h3OmtvEVtDoUlmzTNe3ExaZnT7kaj5VDHrksTjFc8qT579ClPSweHNRkXUFje3tILWaQO0yQDzsDBOCOccUVfhKg9S345ttRuLd76ztN9og81pgmSYpGzGG7Z/U1nQSW45x6lPzpf7Ehj09fnQGSV35y7Y/I44qmlz6mVhuq6Prdx4Pk1W2spl0KwvNku1M7J5Bk46kjagJPQVvCPVg5WVjno5hLfCeeGaR1A81QxBZcAdTk8g1qlYVz1LUrjT/BMN5DP4V0y6vdWtWFtuuVlFjEYyM4VQVkLBSCT0B9a0tysnc88uPEGsTXdxPqFyb2ZkVBcXIMskQB3ARsSSvPXFS3cajYZG2pateSQ2jyTruMzcBQST8zsOnGTzUOwxLGBtPv7ee6MbqY1uAQM8HocHqcc/jWbfMrIBuo6pCbhP7NhlsXSIo7I3+scjDt7bh26VpBNIb1IL1rhzbvNcwMEhESKh5VR6gd6dxFix0yJtJvdQi1W2t5YVUG3kzvkByeO3amBe8Ga5Pp+qtPDqEkEpikVXjUHapU5AzwBjNY1E7aAaFvcabrGvW0l7EEtopYjIEXG4ZCk+5IrFpxV0VBK+pveJ7vQDDqdjDbXMkkdssFjPJGVL+XGqHI9PvNj3rKmm2mdM5U5JnMqYL6MeXNI/lW5JVhsQMoyQo7dvrWyTRzctyPSt8ki2dusrSkuY4EQn7wAx068dfalJ6XYrFnxJFqFn9l095FMys6smQ67iQGwceopU2neQivLqEscZ0y5KI8OQ7o33gAMAEdelWo9UFht8kL6hLCY82ZcsNqbnVRx1Ht600mloDNPSdYFiscUUFtMXtyqGR9xVV+VRwODjP51lOk5CG3ksE8MsrALLfKHkwckANnv9FoSaAw9RneCaRLJlbC8ll5INawV9x3M2XT7tgszLlWG4gelaqS2ALRpIEaSMlMrlGVMkYOcgfhTeoy1ZapqMtndQKykTIqucDlQeM59zUOmr3DmNAQ2iWqPa2ifaYV+aeYkqDnHA6fnWTbb30FcZPaR2YC+cskkzESOsudzjnHrirUroEaXwtsIrrxzBBf7reIF8y4JWF8HaxAP3QffmpqyShqUtx2uRX/h3WdUsdOW+vE3tHFJ9nwZASW5IyVz1x1pJwnFXYN2Y/wAf64muS29nA1wBLHbzX5uAwcXfl4lPPOMk8dKdOmoao1nV5kkYOhwaja6hF9ji81ncIu0Dg9R16dM5q5yVrswZ1c+y18zz5FvpbaMxyHBdUJGQ2AMMB71yfFtoJaGTdyiIXEoYjLqUUrtDhlJGR68HjNbwXRgc5fLGxDxkhmC4RemRxwfw/WuiLGbPhZbdFmgubQyNJgCUykbD24HXk+tY1bvYDRtdavPD95Y6tZEXQ0y7WSGJ2IVwAQQQOmWqUkwTN3RbGTxV9mttKjghENrIZIJn2BNrZdmkxy7MTgeigdqU/dZVrkd/qFtLo2lWDWsVywgdX8jcpi5OAw7nBGevas1BqTYnocp4vLsTGLVDM8rGeaNccDgKABwABk+9b0kFzngJmdYWVQqLtOBglTz1/Gt2hHVPY2US6ZPp6RMpiaacTSEtuLlAhHTouf8AgVc7b1KaVi4+rrpWmy3GmNZwXJDJlwA0i5wQB3AwfTtWap87tIQ621rRZfDtxJq2nxXU6pJDbKHw3mP9xjjsuT+WKfs3GWmw4ytuc6LJ7tzDO1tb3AlMJMsm1VJ5/DHqa6IskwrgYZsjdzjdnrWoCKZMAq5PHegB7zv8inAUY7UrDuWJ9UupdySTO6scHJ5xS5QuJK75Hlhig+b5j0pgWNMlvrC+hvLQhZUzIrDnIHBqZWa1EUp7uSKQ7MZ3EsSv3ifWqVgKgBkJJA6ngUwLIjRXjEb+YDtI45B70Aatzouqzm6mg025nhsci5miQvHCMkDcRwPu9aAL/grwvf8AinWLXTtKtoJblwWZZbkRgkHJJGOBgds1pCDk7ImUlFXZ6L4p8E6z4YXRdc/4QiMpZwzzX7i/kmjkVcAOfulMclQM1bpuD1CL5loclpHhjxH8QNmnaNb20dpYZkjgaY/u/NyzEsRySVzyarkdTYTko6Mu6d8KLq2+zS+JLu20q0nYRw3gk8yBnyOGYfdyDkE8cVHs2HMenfDC38O6brmueFX8VRreaSzHSbwyhoSjkZJVjtZt204UDoaWwmb/AIp+Hs/iizv59dmsri+ad5H1CLdHGIlTCHYM4xgZyexq3ZrUE2zz7R/iJol6zBrFfMitIi8sNnlHkyvnSAcbQQAB3rOrUSikJxbN/TvHU2qX/l3xsJrFoZZ4ZZbQRTWsRcBSrMSWJ4JB46Vx1sQ7aGlOPQ828R6oJ7u/j0xUvraaQLa3IMieQ6nc7eUeMNnHQDqazitPeLlY63Q77R7XwRrlzpd/cXGuqsV5eX6ELDlZV2qqv/y027qqFPntdbF0qrg3Y841v4jeIH1DUH0+7WyiubYWOyG3SMrboW2D5RgPhjlhjrXYtNiHJvcw/E2vR6zpul20dvLbjToPJRGmMinJLO/PILOzH26UXFcwEJzgc88CpEen+F/BnhG8+G91q/iHxJc6bq9vKqxW5Q48syAfKpHzfLuPB4PWrSYk9TgNXSxGoXS6S08lgkreS8wAdkB4LAdDjFJ6DK1uwXIaIv347f4UgJbgw3F4EtIXjjkYIiu+454/i470WA1/+EN1+PxnF4QntVtdUluBDiVvkUn+IsMjb70gNeDwrp2g3uraV4uMSaiEktrVftLxCGYcCfhCJUyfujk496Vx2O/XxCul3U+l3b2F+s6mIXDDBiHG5mJxjqeg7CtpVnrBnOoq10cj4stjcQRub1bhJwNhUfcCgAD2ArllCzui4s4+8tJIr5ts2ABwyt0x7/hSUu5oWBM0ahWml8uUxmdQeZCMn8ulLRlWJ9Ks1v5rl99tEsCtLsmYgbQMnpnk9KU5WQWKOs3F2t1Fer+4O4vFt4K5pwsCTTudPP4zbV9Ugm1CEtFDAkNtHAQrO4KglvcjNZOhyxdi6k+YzdfNzqkDAxK01u7CUsfmRQcKBjgDGPXmnBKDMTD2P9tjtrqeWKOHBRkUFl5zkevNdCl2KLzan9tknlupr+91KWUYaXayMMbTlcZ3YAxg9qdroQ+RdW+x/ahBNHHG7Ql4424JBzk+uKnkQ7nU+GPGM+m/D6TSLK9vJNRuLsgwNEhgFuIyBksD82TxWcoK5pz6GVrUkdla3Gj2cy7cl2ffuZxwQOBgciohG8uZkXN74YeKfG08qeBfDklrINUgnhKXwDpEJEJkZSBlflX/AGsY6c12x7ES1K03hDw3pngnUdT1zWNRk1V4k/siO2hAguW+QSBmIPCEkEcEjBFDVhJ3WhW07xV4i0b4fXGiafDpkOm6tGYrkxQhrmUCQnczZyGGdvT7p/Gk5N6DschLZXXz5iICDc+7jb/9eockhmrp2iPFZG4mkVJN0a+Vv5KvnAx3PA+maylMCjr08jXMCXLnbbwC3XHUBOACPbpV01pcbbZjmRi5Pr7VoIR3YqFzxQBJAURkZ181Qw3ITjI+tAGjZQX0tv8AbrRPKiybdVDckYLHJPXripbWwGn4Su00u8tb+4ng2szOkQkJkJwQCeMKAR9azqK6shp2NPxBqlrqF+t7KvlQNLtjQMciP+8Qe57nPrWNOHKFzFtNensLu4ltxHskTygoIOFB9cdTjrWzhdFJmpFrVtFdi+tDLujjlG51z5hZj8vsoSspU3sJHTeMdBXwvqtvO02+UgXQnAypVzleMcGsKcnJWEzgruVZbq6aC3kcyACMucbDxk8da64rQSZW1NpopHLIFlPEhQkZbufx9KpWYylbpdRyrN88TLjk8HJqrpoRfMt5NKCsm5wgJ3sePYH8KmyArz3TyrtkQLyT8o+ZmPqfSmkgNSxsrkq7X90sMAhEmYRukYDOAB/M9qzlJIDRnttS0i5tpHkngj8lrdCsQcRxyL82M9Ww5/OlGakikcsYLi3lRjhVR8qW4xj1rZNMVj1HwHPFrs8R1Hyb37LFLcXJCMyeUsZyCvB4JAGOprz8RHk26iUG3oaM1ppMGn3s4itXu5OYIwn7uAnK5K4ynGD3rJTk2uxfKWPDml6SdG1AaZHq8cTvzdeYuLkLxhON+3IbsKmrOd05Gepq6lFarJJMNUhvb7U5Ps8Nw0+10AIBbB4VAN2dxyTjgURUvkgSPJrq0sFhibTLZodvmGe8mmJaQhiBgAjoOwrvi5dRl3V5dIk0q3t3lkbUkIUSQY8t1I4I79MZz3z1pRjJSv0EJaX0Vy0UdrLKv2OL5oclRLtBJz2J4744qXBrfqBz2orPMY0nnefcpYfvMgAAkAk/jW8dCrFiGzli0WS6urCWO2KmK3nSDcJJiQQpJPpnkDtT5lew7aEK27HSvtcBLeW+2UPKMhsE5CjBHAx3psRA2oF4lgjgij/A89eD+dCgB0Hw+vYZJV026iLWlxfRpKFOHTzQYtyt7bs81NSPUaYmmahean4ztrTw8jKttOstvIsWZItmMvgk+gPPoKlxUY3kCV2dN44bUdEubHSbrVYWuH8y4E0L75Ck0jgszbQpyCQQDWNKcal5IuascfpVhaXEF5NJFNKsbBIY1IT5xydxIPAUHp3IraUmjIjW7FlJeQiELHNb7VDfMQBz8vbPXmqUeazYyNLqe0vhZwWllcuELKLqFXILx/Nk/U5HoQK25LCK8mryTWtrZXtpatbwOZB5cQDkdDkjk/n2qeVJ3GZ9jqV/ZNdpayAC7jMUpKBiUJzgEjI/CqQEEhfaVYnBx+FMRJbBCreZy23Cc8DmgBt3ZvGxPnQNjBO1ic/TilcdisYm3KyAkk8YGTmi4jXtvtjwSwSRvHMQf30q7UCHBO7j24x61LauBc0bTdXN/wCZpduL6ONcJcbCI0AP3snGOcVEpxS1YHTy+CNI86e51HW7aVkt5LnyrK5VnnMaZdV+UhcnpnnArBV29EioLmPPPNh+3l7aPZHvzGsh3ED0OOtdiQmT3bISZC4MxYjEa4XHqB2piPQPD3xBjm0+28LXUkOg6VeWtvZavfQLI8kkUW/5gFzywchuDTuBzGn6zH4S8XjUvDt7FeR20jCG48p1DLkjO1iG5GOvrVwnyu6JlFSVmezaF8S08e22rWOt3dtoNydJMdpcMf8ARZHLbXWUE7gCG+XHTBJPrtGq27CS5VY8g0zxFfaEt9Z6feLHIGZDLbMRHcIcKwYggkYHHHc1DqOGiG4p7kZ8RzTWS2t/qWoT2pmYyWyzMflwMLuJ6dAPoazdWQcol74jt0e2fQrW50ySFf3bx3BMinJOWbqT+VHMg5e5s+IPi34317R/7FlvorWyaJYporWPb55AwWckkknvyB7UnIaSWxgeGtZu9Lvo5I5WGyQSorHKBwPlJHcA84rGpBTVmM6TSPEd9BJeW0a3Mt3dx+SoxvaTPPAA/H8q550loBk22rXUl/5V/Nc/Zn3iRJmyxkKEDdj3C/hWyggZS1K10u105uJpLhTkSLdAxjjjCBQfX+LvW8dBGDDDJPciNdm5ufnbAA9STRcYr2o+zSTrImI9u5ScE57j1FAFzQH0yOWM30l8Mzr5n2WNGk8rB3bdxHzdMZ4pAeg6tp+reKvhmuu3XjP7fLY3Jij0eSVEa2t1/i24GWzg/KOlVcS3PPAqJEbTy4RhvMd2HzcDkA+n4dakZ6r8MvFvhLQdG8R6vftCniCWBYrSKeDesqblYgkDG75cdBxQldi6mR4j8c+ApdYtdS8PeEbi3njO+YTyqELnPRF4284weuBWuiHcwtFvdAGs6SZdS1ue0mURapbP+7V03EiFWDfcJCZ6Y5xUS1Bnd+N7tPCWuW2gQaLoaQ22wr9pimupPmwxJkkwWGWI2oF6daixdzM8c6NPctpkllbRzXMwbdjjYd+BuPY4B59K2xFKSqNpaHNB6GW+uxwXTxmSS6EluI8FvlSRgC7f99Z+uK56M+RNNFyV2L4gtI2T7da4USr5rOxDFmx6e3pWNVpSCJzV6GS4aWRxIspxI5XG4dyB/niiJqi9pn2OG6kYK0kE5MKnoVVmxz70p3aNIoTW7Wa3tbm2zC1vaOIyPN3hpDjcV9+OtEXrcHsM8O6ZKdWs9ilWk+Y8fwn3HfFXOatYhK5u3lvcaPb32qWSxtaSyi2jjlwFAZXPC5zlcHn1NYJqVosHHS5z2oXN1DZCzHkKJQkrbAHBPIDZ6ggE1pGOtyUzOMJJWSYRyBcZUvg8nHFbJhY7nwF8YPFnhg21rbGHUYoIPsdrHeb2W3jOAdgBx0HcGtebQmxb+IV3ZDxBYiOzsoFg08LcJaMGRm+YAhgBuOcZNc7dy1G2hx32C6hWHWtUilW2cCNJM4LFVxgD696bdtEJk/h/w1ql5cWt5DcR2WnvdrCNQfJSJ+uOBk/yra7SFudL41nvbjVNUsNcvr/xJd6QPsls2GSO1KsQWKDhhwABms1eWqGzkbXQtb1G6NxDboHT5uygYGePcCm2ktRHQavomp6LaTSQb0EOILlnPzGVl3Nj/ZA6GuVVFJjtfY5/UJrkaha3nmxLKFSaLYnygpjr78VtBaMFoV7+M32pXt7BaPMbhzMQ5yRvJbk9O9aLQbMS4ULJt69xirJFaEAbiOh5HUgUAS/Zd0aGPDF2YKAeRjufSnYDV8KXkmn3E7mGA+ZbvGoniODuBUlfcA5BHcVjVjdDTLcgtdLu3uLWzQ2kwPlGRS0igY6j3IrNe9oSWbdpL8xPBq9vJdyKqIk0BGckAAt90Yp2tuNGHqWlTQytuMGEkKPtfIBBwc+2RWqY7FrSHluNQismI8sFgH2ngAcdOnSpnZK4+p6b8R/EFvrWs3l7aMzW7NEkbyOcw8YJ25xyBjH4159OLT1E2cVe2z2YutQcgK2JIpVYHGe4HY5NdEZXsibmQ0K3VuXhhdpxMHcf8s1XYPX+IkE1stCixqlxcX1wZpnhkuHYNIIIdqgYAUYHFCSWwhzXFobKQXVlIsvmBBJkgKo4ZSvrmpd77gMtzZxy7J0aLzCAMsRle6e3anqB1MlgNHsnuILtorL7OJVlY7G+bB2qAdx5IH5+lc/NzOy3EU9VudQ8PXGl309z5d5PC920kjiUkscA+nQDr3rSFp3S6Gz0SOWu9TN/dyRJFbkT7fNk8oZ+Vs8E9OfTGa3jGyIudz8NLF47jVm0a5AvlZvIa4XbC8YbgNng5OOPauPFyWilsCm47He38Jt9Hj+wIxuJ9OP264iIVYtq4JA7k54+lcEHeXkjovpc8h0nxNqfh2Ox1CwnsWkAk2IwDvhxhiR29j9a9Z0ozdmc7RjS6vfMkEJnn2QqSq+ZwpPUAfjWqppCElnkvg0GYQsEXBLbAAo6dep/MmqUbMRJoTWa3JuJ438rY4RdzKd23+8OnNVYC/B/Zuv3s1t9vsNKtQ09ypuXJ2KTkRg4+ZscZ71lOLWqGacmgrcarEu60eLhVgtDvTygo3Mu05BLZrB1OVDVj1PXfCFqulw+G7N/seyWKPzYiCpgeJGnzyTkuDz/ALNcP1hxndnTOUeRRR5B4r8L3WmTSajpRebQmc+TcMfmVTgfOP4Sc16FGup6Pc5bmBodomqazbxz+YsckyqxjUknnoPc1vKXKrjO11iDTtBlkv8Aw1cXFs806pDHOp3K5Ugls8cEkA47j0rCEpTeo2rHF6LeSwa9EtzLKD9pTzxknOxuh9eRW8ldCTsdd43u3u7TTNbto40nFutrLDtwFCsxXvkk5ByPSuejHlvFg3cg8N/2RcaBp0P2wRXsd7uvDcxYhjjI+Ztw5JJCjHua6pwTptrcjqcxJbiO7upjNA8EUi7oy4UupJPyr9PSlDYpho0mnpcSxX8XmWkmTu2guMBtoB+pGfpWidhGhHDd6/dtZSfZPt5j85JFIjjGcMwJAxwM8VlOXLqMxo7Wae6NikcJkiZgzoM9DgksOop8ySuFzpdF0C21Owjsv9XqK3nkNKJcpKpUkADHBG1vqKznU5dR2KD+FdRe3vru0aGaztnIEgb74zxx645xSVeN0nuSYWDFI29GBxxuXB/Wt1Zgbnh7VJYUMTmSRF8zywq5KEqT+WQMioqK4bl+3RrjQYtTuxADLcyQRSu+Hb5VyNucAAE4bH8VZT0lZAaFxq+h6VYx6dZ2LzWjSxNdziXMkhTJYAgYUE4/KoVOUpczA5611m4hW4tbWWRrQtI0MfJ8repVjxz904PrWzhpcDMuJLeC6lElkuSvyhGKBGxwwx/KtUBPo1re6rdw2un2M2o3LMdtrBCZHfC8njnimB3rfDLxdZ+DbTWJvBsLK0obzJbnMkqSEBQ0angZOM1aiB58tvHpeura6varIsMxW5hEhAGMgjKc8H0qWrAN2QvqYtraZfJebZHKw2DBOATu6D3NICxrTSQahLZ3E1rdPBmEzxyCZW5PIYcH2Ip3AjAnttOkYRoI7oGJnYc4Ug4A7HOOaVgFsNNS506e7OoW0DQ53RzbgXGONmAcnkccVSQXLjaFqVl4YtvEUkC/YLy4kt45cg4ZD1x1/MVLGULtQH3RklgcEhSAfQikBWjchsPIygEEnPP4UWEWtH+yx3UVzc3Fzaxq2VliTcVIBI4yM84poTIXuQJ3lRUBYk42etNsZPpBeeOW3mvY7e2RfNCOSdzDooA7k/SkkBL4q8R6t4gljbV7r7ZLESFldRvxhVAJ7gBRgdq0cm1YDJgYxTLIpAZGDAkdweKzAv6jdSanfy3UVnHAzLvEEGQuQvJUfgTimB3Unwc8VQarptrK9kYL37KzzQzB2t0nOFZkHIxg0+V2FczfEOmwaFrl94P0u0GpTSTxRvLNag3DMMfIncKxI6YPahqwzlr+41P7Hb+H57ZIjYSybUW3CTBifmDMBuOCOh6Urgdj4J8DXPivT1SC3ht5/t8Ect1cXBVmSQbQET+IZBOfbFJMR7z4E+C3h7R/D9xp3imCCa+u7gxxybg+xVBVEQ47hsketbRpuSuiXc44NFJb3BuJHRPLZm2j5zgHA6d+n4162LjzU20c0NzyzUdL1O0uVWZbdPtEkCozckKy7gRx8owOe9fNuWtjuUbknhybRorWaQi8t5wrnfvx821lRRn+Ek5PGaiopMGrDb2zsZXme1vFjSzhG4Sybt5PDBcDk9/p3oin1J1uWLGC9h0CGCd7O305rxZo2+9cSsRxnH8Pfn1qJNc2m5spNRsU9d0+RZru5EMZh8pJHdDuCB1AbJ9c547GrjJPQlrU0NQmFrDBpdtayrY3kYm4fEvB4yRnC98VEPeu30He2hR8X29zHFZmaSyMUR8jbCxDbjhtz55P1qqTTuZtmJGLn7bD9kMcdzGTEuzJDD1Hsc4ra6sCZ0FxfyaVoqWEdvaNNdDyrmaWINLGQc4Un7qnjtnjrWUVeVzRy0Ofj8hbybdFNO7qdgiUAFjnPBzx/St1czZPd6rBeaHBY3CSm4tlEUUit8gi3FiGHXOSMHpijls7hcteGbM2V9ENZuLGx06dt7/bQzAjYCGCx/Pg5GMYyarQGrlyO60W1llninvhbLMzRSLFuV2DAxhEZvlzjLbieOlJ3FsdTo/iDVNa1efUYbjTor4X0Wp3N5cyLEMKMFP3aljk54AxjHNEZciC1zotWj1HVNWt7RW0yUmSSaQI8hYgcOId3VsOBkgDIrglJNtlUoKcrHBCz1W48S3F9eXVyNOk1CS1vL1l3RheBlioxwpGa6oU04KwS92VjPi0fSmsG1TU/EdoNkbJBp8Dt9oc5+U424C45JznmtUmhaG/rXgyz0HwVpviO41SLWLW7fasUPmJFIAjMOWQMR05OO9aONib6nmtjZS3aTzBSUt03y7TjaDwP1IpDNewbU/Dd8SbN476S3falza7laNxgsMnnK96paATQarptxpUdrf2TQXUUbiG5t12sXY5G7sRnC5PbtVN3Eeprpjt4TvY77T9duL7RLdbOG4tfLeDaANuz5csvJOc556VjUimK55dr8onNrbQ3ZvZGAll28lOAMHODkAdKyjHl6DQkeo3tlFbHSomLRRhySN7AAkhhgfLRbW7GjLtE1G4aWeG3uZIpjiULGSrHqcmrckupW50PhptNtpR50NybtgpRZGKRgk8+56YrCtzNaMW+h0/iR4bWWe21AP9n06JJJBZxDyYZ24wcn5yCygnnoa5aab1XUHDlOdu0ibw75qR+bIZGeSYZAZcgbvzzxgVuk+YkyrLUJRIGnkjiy6Fl5wwAI+bv0zWzVykysbl4LkvGkkAmT+AH7pPYE+nvT3QXOkvbcItvAZXjIVImLYwy53ZPJ+bBOcegrn5rsBszNe+LYbDw/cSG3MxeKe8jH7hWxl2Iz0HU1V7U7zG0XdQt7Wa9W3a6uGcNtZ1O1WIQkEFjnaQeB65rNNpXFymEbEalqrWNq8ZcKRECjc9OeAeMZPbGOtdMXZXGVBBa6XbxFrhXmmdvMRYM7FBwOScHPJwKptsR6B8Nta0u3mSLUipia4EvlmJMSAkKEU9d5Y59AvvXHiYNrQuCV9TvvjDp0s3hSxs7OP7Gum6fNfT+SF2k79qocHJLb930ANYYblTTZ6Tp3pux89TQXcVjPbyMkCrHG7JJ95wScbePfJr1E09jy7WM9VeK3SRhGfMYlefmXHUH06irEOaO2kgMkEjLtKq284Lcckc+tMQB5kiSMZXcpUk87hknI9B2/Ci4FdoWEjKw2FOWx9aYGt4d1K5j1FI3IYTfu8k7RzxyR6Zzx6CsakE0B7NLrGtRaNDDLEWv1jH2pTFuM0aFjgDIYkgDuO/FeVyRc2zWEdGzgZfFD6xKEutVEcefNn+2LvR8E7VQKm4DB6E4967o0FHZGT3Od0fWP7I1NruyhhW5LFo5nBOw542joOfat5U+ZWYEuseJ9Xm057SS7eVGkJYOd3VSrD0weD9aI00tinJswLXUJYL83v/AC2O7JXjBIxkD1FaWuI6qbU7HUtJItre4C2zLJKy4WQ5+UnOfywKwVNxle4iK0i03X5Lt5Vkhnt4cW0YYZcDJI6YLfUirk+TYR1/h21i1nQ7nTLPwdZTQG2ljtdRvIJDMJM55eM7Q3OAMHtz1rOU+V3uaxXNpYjtPhLrKafFHqugXlvcXDFbVzOm1327sHgnp2/WpliOw/Zst2Xw9j0ewjTXAu2+uo7WF7JWLJIx+40jkBeBnowrB4l1H7vQUocu5seH/D0GleHp7qzhh+0JHJMJnU7nfeUQBsYK9DkbcH1rGrUlKSM3HW5o+GNPOqrc6BqM7CTSIo7ue+KhizsSAicEnh2696VSTS5o9ehcY8x0WtaSbO0m1SfSpGuLSMGyjt48rNEyZO5QVO8E/wBOaxTWkW9xNJHjHxC0JbprTVI7rzLu5YW4iwcyOuASq84UHjJIzg8V6GHq2vEhHPwouiXd1pEr2tyjtk3ERJP3CMITgY+bnjtXS/fVyinJbWcOmxXqtcSM7skClFJYrgsSoPC84Heq1bsBn3s00hkCeZ9n3bzGR9zsM4q1ZBYaqRw3EYuzJEjY3mPltp6kA+1O4hiGyWRmEcsseTt+YA9OM0asCzHcxxXBntBNBNtAi8hyuCcAgEEHH40IDqPE1h4t03wbYapeTmw0vUVNvDAmoyyG4VQGyyliAoJ6cYPatE9AOIggkkSR41JWJdznso6f1FSwHvG0bKGkjwyBwSe3pSAsXGlajFpsGpPazLZTuUinKHYzDGRn15FOwHQ+KvBx0LwvoWryalZXM2qRyzukFyJPKUNhVYAZB65yTTS0AufDy71fRmvbi30aK9iv9Nmj/wBeI2WMEGRlbnBwMY69adiZK5T8JeILPRrpbuXw/Y3MUdy0jJMXdnUqQEYFipxnIO3NK6GRz3JiuYTq95PGPsyPF9j2SYLIMAgsAOCcjqM9KTaGc9cLNOxuDGwWRyPMZcKT6UgLmoXc2pLbW6w20K26eXHHbxsqtzy5yTlicc+w9Kd7gQro+qFLuRbVwtoF87I5Bb7o+pwfypPQCmCwRgyEMBgY4x9aAI2POcUASKd6gkqAD3yKANXw7rF/4e1e11bTJvKvLWTekn8wR3BGQR70Ae4/s0+KtEs9d8U6vrmt2dncXUaPtlYJGfmYkjdzlc8Y6CqV2zOV7nUa14j0nV/HF7a+GdBh1XVNa8prLV0t5IUtSoAJaRgS2AAcqOpHWtnZJXKbPFPiBpF/a/FC507xXdW1vcSXUkst47O0EqHJXkfNtOMZPPNRUjZlM07eO00i4uLrwtNcahdaCLW/N1aTI9vHGc5BLAEsN4XG08g81zyVgsrGi+nJ4z1DxN4i8S+J5NJv7ZPtFpbQkyDzthIDEYwcoM4A/lSWJ5VYCzrsl9aPa3lqpmsFgkeeFQFkYp15xnGMGvWxE6lOTfQ5oRTRxfiLUdJ1RpnkiaxuJUhbIYsyAD5sD1PFeG+bn5jrhZKxxskcu7zJm3RbgTtOc4x1ra+gGxBciJbpWhWV3VG3q33FP3gB3PIH4VDQ0alv9rvPCcNo+xUS6yiqwDFUHf0xk9azdlK5PNYdZard6jfS3GpSJErRsplihL+aUUFU2dByBz70OKS0LUrl6L7JBb3Y1e8Et1HZqyJGjI0b5H3j0br2pW/lBtdSxDBGml6tGFhhk1GC3NqySFkSMtl1ORkE/LzUvS3kU4aanIag1zpl2ZUbL+X5TdwFxwPyxzWsWpIy2Gw6i18boX6Li4Kn92oVS6LhRgdPrWnKlsUtRLvR7+31SfTEaH7RbkljFJleRkgP3/8Ar00yR9vLHLoN1uEklxGsYj2tt2rzyfUDP60+oFPS4Ir3VYopLaWbeceVE21pDzwD2qgNbw9dX2mPcW1skMMzq0RM0CyMobg7S3Q/TnrUylYDtfAj2/hXxBqWoQR/aooIPsTJ5fzS5+8w55OVJz0wKw9peNiZHP8Aiy9WC5+2W0/2llBClsYAbDFRj05qKcb6MINo5/QdSsYzImprO8CWz+RFFjBmK4UnOeOhPfiuxKwwfSr+1vIbW/Q2ZuIVmRp0LMI3GVwBySeMD3pgdVqWoHQtIuNMS9aaC4gty0dzGQ0kYjwoA5IAJbjjg0czFY5Sws47yNjbhnuJnCLEqnBBPUnt24qb2GN1TUdX1KGFL6cTiKJLaJmALIkY2qgPZearmuBt3viKT/hELfwtq1iiT2Nyyx3cbD5IyCGQqPvcnOc07ia1GaRPrvhjT4L+z1LUbSxvkJVreZkjcY+fIPBI3Y+ualysOyMDyHRpmVEMrqyGViRtB647c5xSuBueFL0afeRXxthLvQogcZ8sYxwOnAPGfWuerHmVi46HeImkRw6VaWt3I2m6k8UV+wkG/EkmWUE8gqAM47Vx3ld83QrRM4mW8vrtt1vKwh0yRo7WZF2vsLsRz3POc11JJa9zNrVmfc61aifdcWBNzHJlJhKWU4z1XoTnnNXGm+gXI7O6s59Vc3l80UZVREzBsDnOCPrTlBpaIQ7Uobi4kfUIP3778+Yi/KB/ePpz2oi7aMEdPNcWP9sPZ2bSSSxAQAFRtcKOoPqSCeenFYSTtcclqPdr2TzL9JVgh2bJTIgZ1xg4Hfp9KhWWgjP8JTaVD4kvJIUd4541jjEoACucFmYnoODj8K0qRk4ICCfWbnRrrUBZXMhsZw8cauv+tGNoJHbHNNUlJK6KWhu+GbzQLXSb1tYmmv8AUVhSPT4bUAJjaxcSv1284wO2avZ3IZQg0V/Es9oLWytoHeKWV0QbVWNGI3e+TkDPtS5+XUuKPUdL8M2Ft8Ofts2nGC5sZWa0uPtgjikyB1B5chucAc8c1lJ80bkt2Zlad41lfQ7uHUrUStq6J5TJbYYCELGqY5+Uqjc+9ZOmt0dUajtucp4k0WwlubmGF4rdrMYLRzLIXzJlBtHT5WbNbQqNJMzlqc74z8G6h4avDFcrGwJYERvu2gcj9K1p1oz2IaOd0Sxe/vHTbMxSN3Xyk3ElRnpn2rob0JsdDpWqanbX+lazcok/2BfLiSVSVKZYspxjOCxJpJXC5qa1H8PnRrO4g1a2uY0nM+oRpuFzORlP3ZOFUMccHoPelaSHdHP6cmnQ+KbdLO7W8tUuAInkiaJmAbhtueD/AI0qibix2u7H0ZqC6X4dvbWeyLzTW8tyJctzLO4HlqevGFNeJaT909JRjTWp4F8V9K03SfG2pWOmErGs+4IG3BAQCBnvgk16+Hk5QTZw1kubQ5PfFKjiUN5isAHzhce4roRixzTzW0sWbdEZVDEMCVk7gnJ5H0oATWdQOqag929rZWhZQDHaW4ijGB2Ud6SGza8O6ha2Ogapbq063048uKWMBlYY4Qjt35rOcW5JoQyKTXtLs/PgVoFSXyWDxgkO6bsgHnlRnOOBiqcU9xHU6D4x8Wy2MOmaXr95FljI1nDIUTcSBwowMHjjNZSgilJo6vwvZ+JZYtb8T3lmI9S069EztcQA5lk2AAZOQVXkemfepkov3UVzHVfEv7Ve6ZomlT6YzNPcPPcE4mRVIAY92z06dM1zU4csmEpXRk+LtXllvksYtQ0+ytY9sUEKEsY0hY+QpA5QbD82cEn6U5Qd9VqQpNl/wu2hapf390sv2+1vN+USPykgITftweTjPB74JrmqqVrF26mre6lqkPgd9Q0uQRSiO2SJRJuG+V9o3HvkcZrGNJSqWnsjWjTvdnl/jTVtEuY0ttbnnTV7LdHcwGMtEzhjlFdSMZ457V3UqU4v3djGpFp2Zy/iCWS/uhcNcR3MISOFBbkMScALGD7DA6dq6o6b7kFLxjpkmlTNatox08nbJGsj7pFUjPze5q6cubW4zD0d0e9gtLhxFBcSqkshB+UE4zx9a0lsBqDTrWOLfc6pItk8pFwsSl3ITpgdOeep4HNRzMGZ+p6aiTzfZ5REsKlhDNw4UkY9i3tWkW2IqSTPLL9pVobd4woVUUjkDr9eOvrVAE1wZmDzh5RySCxOWPU0XAvaBfaRb3lx/amk3F9DLCyxRwXXkmKQ/dfODkD0pq3UCiJInVEeNtqZ2846n/GkBZbULhtHj0tdTuzbRSGVbdnYxqx7qucA+9O7Ap+ZMAAZpNoOQNxxn1pjLsF5cXCvZyTARzSrI7MBncAQDnr0JqbiILyNxdOpm86TJ3OG3cjvmlcdiuC2zcTyT+dMRIsreXhWbAJJG7jP0oAmjvpYLd44ZpVSQjzFViAw7Zx1oA0dF17VtNsbuytHK2+oACZHGVfAIB9yATj0pMLXNzxbqfhyXwNoul2EFpLqKHzXuI12skZUDy3PUsWDE56DGKzhFqTZvKceSyOJkjzKCcBQMHLc1qYE8KhYDOseQOBITwD6AfSgCJyXiUJy+35vzoA634N69NoXiORnv76zsZ4WF2LOOIyyqAflUycL16jnFUhM7PxZJot3f2evvZapepq9hNBp5j1p57iG5RwqvKVGFG0/cXtj1q+hN1bU4Dxxp91Y3iQNA62mD5E0lqIHn/vMeST82eppSv1KTuVvCWtahpKap9hS1KXFsqTLPErqyqwYD5u+Rnjms3qOwW0XiG+jmu7XT9TvI7hyGlgjdkMnPcDGamyC57St9Iq3dtG2Ibi3aCXHUo+AR/Lmvoq9BVVY44z5TzfxxpqWcUJ+ySwi5UlFUA7kViu7J9SD+VfPVY+zm49jpi29Wc1BLHH5pEexw5ECkZYZGBn8KyZpcsTaneedFDKqTrGAcPHkrjknr04oSC5ekRZtLiCMsMXmB5QiDaGHQjucDk5PU1ltIRl6dqdzY3YmjViVMkXnHIKq2ckYPXuOcVq43Q7mtdXCXduzizJhhjIRio3NkfeJB5bvUW5QbJryS/m1qKbUZknRIrcOqow+QKNq49gFzS0tYd7lrX7Of+zLzUbU2z26eVHI27EjlgSdqj+EHjn2rCnP3kmtxtGZ4d8u5s77T7hSUlG9XixlHDDpkj0x+NdMu4LUqz2Uw117eYol7bspaN8EyDjGBnnjkj0qr2VxM2dZ0b7JqC2mnSm61GS+khNugwkeMHAzgnLE+wGKmNS6uwOVjeWyurqxdYBIsjxO2cnJyCM9MVstUI63wRp1u+pWOrT3UgiglWE/ZEBfzWBKD5uOTXNWnaLQNos6pqcxsorSQJPLY6mxEkihmkVmOVbpxweB61nCGt+6Eotq5nQ2Laj9muoDb2kTeaI1bP3EBycAE9cj8a05lHQFuctqtvItw77VUrw8YPKHOCPzroiwY2KAFoS8ioWOVJbABHrVgF1dzy4XziV2hdg4yucgH15NAFqDUJrU27JKZFjUIEx8hHUgjvyf5VDVwZo20c13pyrcTQ2sLkhcjg4ZSQcfNgf0pNWAbLbTx372Fyu4K+5tigNgAnAzxyPajm0A7G+vY9MsptPsNR1KCzRG/wBHdkaPBClhuwMDPtWHtJNiMTS7OPUtSkvrkRLMiC4kijTIJbjkE8kZJ6gDinOdkBHYabJNq0zxKJ7eKUxbWfaHCgnljztwOTgc1LmlFDUrFvVtTaG3t7K7hZYlCtDbxtiQArt3EnOFPUVEYXu0O9xdZFzpfh2406AK2nXSpLE7Lz8pGeR6k/ypxanMRzGqWscotLiPcxmWMEqOBt+U4568VvGVrgRXWk+VqhsmufLVlYxSSIfmXPy/QkZpqpdXGdXFcs2tSWejxtFp9lbyoY3xzHIAWXpy249TWD+G7KtYteFYrqG2u7yaC3hsreXzQuzfIWcY2jnH8HfsTUVWnZENkX2K/TTZJfsk81xOsjyhojhBnK8jA5GSPpSUk2BUXwRq39hXN7JbosKSR4CvveQYJ3humADz71bxEE0ht2Og8N6T4Z0+xhnNuLqa8GIzcZyCpY/IFX5R6k5zjjFZVKs27CuVGvNNb7cLRM6neO25raMgxRYG4AkgDGBj5T35oSk7N7AkUNY0K80qCOSXUYsXB3R7J8uV9TxweMVrGpzdC7WLep3eoz6TbalcRLAtgFXzZCFWRD12oeWYnq3AxUqzfKQyr4y8U67P5P2yWBImn+0WsUa8x5AByeo4H61pRpxtZFJsoWWry3er2q3WxEgRFlT7oITqSx9fX9KqULId7mpr2vS31reWU7K1vLKJ4wrb3VACFAPQZzz9KxjSUWmgvfQ5f7fJpl6s9qs1oskBBeLPRlxjPoQeRXUldaiNu5e1i8E6fqMi6jb6nMsn/LJfIEOSieWd2eSGyD6nFax0JaLniYXviW3g1q4vbZLmKyhaeMyAPJuZxlF5zjZg9AOKubT1EjmbSzW61d4CxZS5UbTnJJwOQPcfjWMpWRSPS4fFl/LoUXhi2021QI/yXbB35jQqpbrkg5yenIrg9ilNzZt7V2PKtc1W6u9QupLgRqZXUyKq5G5RgYrvhFJaGTd9SrptnNe3KCCMyfMFxxjk8d6qTshHT2emTatYiXUnSO2t0McbqFDKiZ/Qc/WsHVs7ILnFXaKk4CFSCAQwPUV0IRGJXVgQ3I6UwOk8DSRX/im0GpajDApODPe5dFAHGc+w4/Ci1wPXdb8LfDvwTdaTqGnSXetXhkWZEmu4ZI5VDE5dVXjOD6Yx3qKkXy2Emzm5PFdxq91JBJd3KI8008vkkYyQNuMDJctkdOBj0rklS5dUO5Nr3jnUDYhobJtMv9JYfZSjMwZXAEu89QxBB7CrhTs9WM5EeKtT1G4Q62JbtfLEbO3J2juR3IqnTX2QN/SvFmmaZf2OqwWd00lurK0iRrmMHKsAucNlT69zXPKjJpq4tT07wzevqel3fkSfaDqeyaCBVA2LHKZWyv0UDArglenPbY6aFTWx418SLW7j8X6nFcqsF3Lcs06HAAY/Px7c16tCV4ak1782prR61qWnafYaZpMmn293G8cIubdAgZiqsxclSSwJUbsgDB471PJGUrsws7nCavqd/ckW14yM1u7jeOS7E8sW/iJ9a6YQS2GVLS7FtzDlXCkbiobn6elaCLM+qMbE2iDeWfcCxOQTjJHOMnHpUcutwM28eWW6kmnZmlkYs7NwSTVgRBj0oAcc9jQAA8HOfw70AEgK/eVgO2RQBJFImNrqc4wuAKAHAgjDKRg8ntQBe025t4JbkPY208c0ZiUTZJjzj51IIww7ZyPakxom1g2Vtd3ENnay7HmYK80gY7O3TGD+dJAZLhDKnQKcZYc4FUIcqRmNiSwP8B6D8aALBCraFowpXgEFuRigC/bWE9wNNe0uUWeSTEas+Nj5HUduxzUNjRf1jS9H0v7RajU5NTk83Be3UKjYGW5JPRuOnNCbY7HLztvONoGD2+lWSamhaJd6x9mt9O07Ubu7mldFEEQZXCqCQpJHzAEk/hVJXEHiLQdY8O3aw6rpl1YtIN0YuE2sy9unFXKnKO6BST2NPTFVrvTb3w1pl+mpwLFMpVg8bSLkucHnnHT60orsDOt8O+OtY8M+HDq8HhvQHuri+KRX93bM04lX5224IXaAAPYnv2tN9UTyps7Lwb4E8M/EPSrvxZ4y129tZS7SPJbzRW9khxuaJVZCw2s2ODz2pxXPuZqo1LlsbH7NGg6TpNtqXikatpht0lkiaSSM7okViqsGPQNwenT8an2abshzbb0NbUUfStU1SDTNHtBCA9zcyB1H2zzSZMHEy5jIPp3qKtNcysNyS3PG9P8AEB1OQ20fmx3EZHHZju9u1bVsdJq6J9kkatzqAmhNrrEEMkkS/JMHKFFOTwOeSTz9a82rXdX3nuy0uxzFnpNtLrk0j+UVhjyImbJztyDnpisnNqJRh31nbW1rHBamW5vZ0ff5Zyu3PIGP90nmtYyb32KIdP8APMUNtGCd7scFjheOW/z6VU2hlmHRLu4nijht3YzyGEID1Yn3qVUQJXMaNrnT7uRImKtGSrDqK3TTC1jZm8UTXE1mLuGNVt0SNmQYZ1Vdo3HrwKz9kugXNWC3j1IWyWLxXP2yQ28KBthD4/iz07frWDvHcpK5F5zoyaVCka3QVUmlWJRhRnjP0xz3prX3hNWZu6Pf6FY/aLTTdclmubxlt3WW0CuYihV9rc/3uAPrTmpb2KTOd1T/AIlsU1tp01zdWlo/7q4xsxI2Mknr2/rTg7vUzaKPhuW3+0q93pdvewTFomEh2qXZSA31BIP4CtnoNHV2t9pOi6ai6XYyC8UYWS5ZDwwJJ+UfeBPGa5qkXN6vQGipZ6XZXifap9Vjw7Rk+a4DLOw3DIwSyhgQelTzuPQG9LE11cPrEct558cT2VqZNSYII9zmYjbEPTDDp6E04xsV00M2/udFgu0t7zckK2bea0ceGnlwdgBPQZ6k1qlIgx9Ttvs1pp1yrxzmaAShCvKYYjBH4ZreI2VYreOUPNIRGwBc7j98k8ADt1ptgh2l3cEE9yht4iXG1Q/8I45B7GpaBlu3aKFxcB9rqxSNQSwTORgt3FTNN6CNIa1Lcambe2dC8q75Js4G4gZA9BipjSbEVrzUtOS8ktwGmtRIeAxKt6/mRTdJgjXvdYTUrKBbFJI5nPMEYO1FI/ujGc4z7AVgqTT12Cw7w9NYw296D+6dYtpnRjgyc4THYHv1xUzTdhFqOclhr7xQR/bSZLUFvMRfKwpOWHNLl+yVZo19DaXU9eQ3FrBciLMr20i7vLjyD8v94kBQO3NZSXLHsaQjzGRq+keIUv7d9VSH7IFkngSFgqKWHZR2yQePStYVYuPuinFxepahtPDt1a2015M+o7jljbAogbq3JwSACMAYzUOVRNpaEJ6lnWJvDNy13daPcTxaha21rHawyN5ZnkBP2jeB1GMAGqipWSZtOSlr1OZi1SKbQJbzTYwt1FKXuY3bOV7ED0HQ1pyWlrsYWKvhXVNa1DV2Fu5e5MTj5s4IIx0/GqqQjFagdfpEmvXHiSyCT6dK06Rxrby3AQyqoO3BPGPbucVzS5OQajdmd4j1TxJ4XSXTUuzb3l5IlwwtXBURgugHAzk7m6HvWtKEZ6l2cNDjDqN6JJjI/wC+ZjDIjjrnOcj2NdPJFEmn4enWa3FnPbFzErSqYxgq2OpPp0rOpG2qBly8trq4byprRUuEcvLvYYKBex9OP6VnGUUiStfaRcXSf2l50BC5CrHNuLYAz9ByOatVEtBjYZ7jRr3zUlhRViV88ENzkrn1B4HvQ7TQzs9elhuPD8dxHYSW32lysy+d8zkBiqlAM5PBJziuSHuztcptWOPt9REMUFpAJLRoBud1GCzkHgH8RXZyX1bJJ7vVtmjX9pa+VdC5uRI3nR5kUZO049SPTPU1UXYGzS0jRdX1iEsqQ2QuoPMaOO0aWWUhiMAfwAk4PQConVSeoJXNvRNF/sG4hN5py26TtEwklKs4lVyybRjgHBBHp3rmnW5loxuDRk65eWdt4b+yo0y3gd1LFfLjdZOQxOAeRnH51UFKUrsTTW5lSeF7OLRoZBbtLe3cJAVrnZHA4cqzHPJwcYH1rdVG35BZpJlDRNO/szUlkF1NxM0Nv5S8vIuMt14GTwTTqS5oiNbxZpd3YaBme5EdwZstbIg2rHuKhyw5Yk5FZUqilLQDmdX8PajaXL6ZiFpIlWdk8orL86ghcEZPHNdUaiauNqxmQ6RcLEZZggUMQY/MAfOM5x1xV8yESQ6Y6wrK5I80t5a7SAcdSD3xRzADifBA7nHWncC5eX017HCZY0txFH5TmDjK9BkDoccZpctgOssdatLu5+1tH5RknzZ28BA3S4VFaQc5H865pwfQRLfLHqkXkRwxXOsNO6yW8bMm+TIKn5VwRjdwD1qU+T0KQ0eGFvbWCytbO+inRkIDXO5HDZMgOFGwkgAAk9KTrrcVzrtF0BfBZgjvJLiG+MFxdWOUMqbGjwwAGDna4GM9awnN1NV8zSDcXdGV8U7TRhe3knifV55dcuEtWtIrW1KxIm1QxdicE7cnArag5NaGlWfO7soaPbaVqWi+KI7e1mWC20036XM0gLmRWVMYH8Lbjx2xTlzKUbsmnDmuefQS2v2F1kQBoQBnbndk81121Mim8TGRQF3BiAAOpqxFOTDMSgJHSgAycAY+lAE0UJbr1PSgC0lkct50iwEKWBl4DY9PekM1W0fTxpKtBPcTanDMTMm3900fBDJ3J55BqXKwC+LNGutG8QHTdYuYTOoTesLZCKyK4IAHTDDgd6um1JXQNWKE+jTrd3UFvb3Dm2BMgZCjKAecqeR9K05WK9iEi9tbWWMJm2Z1SRwuV3DJC59etKzQXNzSNL0O90F4pryW31oXQ8rzGJili2n5QAM7y4A54waEk9BGl4Z8JudD1PWdS0ue4hjjZI3EwjSCXzNmZMg5wf4R2BrJzSfKO5k+Mv7PTU/NtJ4ryeQmW4eODyoNxY/IqD+Efr7URbe4GXaeWz/aJYoyqKxdCMIT0AHPJ5/CqAr29vLqF+0FlGoLBnVGfA2qCx5J54B4p2A2vDdx4f1HWruTxVBcqk1vttl06ILtnBQD5AMEFQwx6nNNID23wZonw91iLUi+g6/qkM0QOm+ZZuZEt4EHmKZAMBgSMkZ7etUoJsSZ4L4ojMOplDYPYpsUxxMrDKdmG7kgjnPvSlGwzd8D+NvF3ha0tzocga2t7t7mKGSAPGZ2TZuI6k47ZxwKcXYTVyz8QPH2o+P7Ow/tuSD7fbSMiGOLy1VGwSW57mtp1ueNnuKMeUzvDvifX/BkGq6RHZwJ9tj2XKz2481QVO0q/wB5euRjisoScHcGrm/4O1jw1feCNT8PazbapJPLeNdWCwuBCtw0YUFmPTp0PWtISi78xLvzKxgJ4nmupfsOoGM2TsGlVLZAS4QKCMAYPyis3K2xdjv/AIceIdP0i+gTSLC7nhvrAwXyzfeBLFpXiUcOuwDgngiri7O5DONfW9T0K91u2s5UEWp2vlMZotz+S65AGDgHDVnKWoShGWrKNtHLFbXUVp5Dtbs000ofDMuQODkZ6ZxXE3fcs3LvUrieBdT02Gf7LHGkUrToMHYq9T6EisVFJ2YStcwmvltdt20CSLcTKFlkydgHP3fXnvW3JfQLEU17bmNgpWNznfMAfmP90AHgfhTUWh9DR0I/6VZWVvNP/pT/AL+2jBJVhnaQPbANRLZ3GWUmiXTm1BYp4GE4UNHKSXYfMSTj73r04qLO/LclNox7G1+1NNqE0EhthIqsV4wCehBHfFb3toiyhrN4t2XjitlQSXBkJX0PQAegrVPQRv8AguK50DUl16OQOlgyPtPIHmDBYcjDBSfx7VjWtKPKaQdnck8WW858XXtlZxiGCOXaWVuH3AEHn1yKzpaQVx1V7zsZGj/ZotU8q9OoCLYyM1lbiVyOhAywAz61u9UZx31O28R32haxdanDpmk31tb2cEccq3oCSLIAF+6GOCcc1yckoWuypJX0OKjtrm3luru0BRIXCs0RP7vDDawJ9xXSpJkDrA3N9fxRsZJJXLbAw5ZmJbcxokrK47XJ9K1Cxs9UuEvLx7aKSBk8yNd580Y7Z4BNTyXV0TYuy3Oo3OjjTbgIba7EM0btzKvlqyqRj5QD5hOPYVNkncpOyMH7dPb3E0bW8e87lwsSlhkDPX6cVvEQ3TTLNqsZsjLJchjtjYZ4wSRnPpmtBEOopH50bRFyCvz7uobPPSpA0rfS761tLe/QQSW90GJLk/Iqk/e6c8Vn7RN8oGPe7ZH3x4BI/hGOO1XECtiZbdmUOY8jJ9+wqwJtlxtjxGpLD5QDkn8KALekXCQy+dPamXaTyvXpj8vpUTV0B3OmaXJd6cvnxrGsjs0aJIAo25wOcnBAJPrxXFKVmSUo7rUpobTS4jDObWOYIJDtCK5PGQc45Jx9KaS3L5jpPDmm6dD5kzy6fJc3IjAWLIFtyCVG7v0yTmsKrk9gTsZXxFn1HWruOWGOPNjbrbFoHCMVReM88jkE471ph+WC1KcuYxfEMemvomnxaQrxtBJKZ0uJcsGBUKR2wR/Kt6afM2xtLluZWkzyxTXAtbpbZZ0ELt3deCeSPVc1rKzIZpXcNusa3T3DS3FwheYnDGQMcAjGOmDnPtis79BMsal4ju7W5S2s7uWAQoItka7BtC4PIz1pRhzasQadqV5pVrHe2NxCs7ScTIA0y4XDY3cBeV5PPWk4KTsyouxDqWrwDw7pNrBHI/lXDSSTTuHQNhVCqAMqOGODySc1cYtSbZTkrWKFvpwvhaQaarXN1MMSxYy6tu42/Xgc9zTc0rtkXN/S7GW1RJ9Oks0vhL5N1byIxAO8KASM49T2rGc099hM27eOVRe3ST2cOoEAhEmR88/Lgn+IsckYwAKwstF0KsrHLy2UsUksl1I0jwKZHVHU43HHP+elb3JKE+rR3t1bRzWwltIXAEIG0y8AYfnpxWkYW1RR1Gs2d8LhY7K5Vr+6kDXKCcsIlYrtTA4AJIGPSsYyj1Lkuxy/iSMQ+ItTi1G4uEvoJSkipEoUSrwRnptyCOmeldEWmtCGmjW0eeFZyZZ5vLNuSdzKzqeMgbecHjv61lURLPV/AM91Z6NfXWp2qG3t5TPBbspKqSON/O58g9M1wVZK6KTsVvHXjHR7y7Ei2MlneRIs9zeIQPJXYU8tBnjqOOeScmtIU21p1NOc4/xuYfFPimLVLFfPtzaW8MtszDJlSLazDBxt4znOea3g+SNgqyUtTn4hdm8vb+G20y4uYSzkXBOFGcHYpIDZ9TmtFayRkZxbWLPULTXfs6y/ZZMLJDHmNfLxxxwQMitrRtYaJJddu59UeVLmeNbtG3hTyCWJwDzxwOKPZqwybxBrV54k8QT6zeQ+TJKsQeW3JEY8uML/ABDOTtBpRgoR5RzlzalXVQ9tKBpd2kymPcyNHskRgMlXyAGP0JBqoLmIMGK7kkfbPJIg3cjrtycnHpVuNgGy3IEMsYblj95upX0ppDKsJaVgcjCn1qhHRaMFi0fULsGc+VbOzKZdsZYkRoQBySC5PJxUNagdN8MLzUobcXKWssmmQeZCpEYXzGdWyMn7xGCfbFcmJgnotxnX2V/J4f1O3tVhT7RG4muvNmbK7+QB6tsIGQMde9cjg5rUkwNU8S3Gu6leTvFePI0bs6wjd5QwqhRnGF2oM9ya3jS5EkVc5GTQ9U1S3tEis0JkWWdJASC4HXr1xt6YrpU1ADT8R6pc6foug6bZaYIGh0Z7a9MgIFw8zlyx2tyOUxnH0pxim2zVytHQ421tLmYyCCHz2wWKrzgDrxW1zIfFHGgQ3UNwIwQCqcMvShu+iESXVnfaiZry2sGW3WTaWC4Rc8jJpKS2AgjtokuIFlleNSQZX2btq5AyF4yev1qrjsR3cX2eYBpTIGG9OzbT93Iz8px2piH2imWZFZ9ozySc7aAPT7bwX4p8O+HYvENnape6dbs8l4IplZCrAEsmMHbtxknkVc8I5xuZqpFuxj6L43jt0lgfSdIEtxGyz6kUlNyS0ZQK2XI2Ln8cCqpcsFYuWpv/AAv1jSdE8Q2mpw6TDqDWdldteyyk7Jl3ZEiZUkHGAAV6k81pGSTuRJX0PNfE+pQ6pq1y9pax2VrLO8q20TEpGT6Z9qipNSlctDvDek3uvaxFDatbxySN9+4JWIkDOMqCefQCsmgbsd1q01z4p0cx6HbRxyWYRDBaKEhUbcFsE7txOTnniuP3ac/e6iOH8Tadp2mfZEs9QnvG8gG6aSMoEl6lUBAO0ZxzznNb025K7KRT1b7fAkNheXHmJbIJFjEm4R7xux9eeatDZnMpNMRe8P6Vquq6rHZ6RbyTXYRpQEONiqCWcnsAM81cU27IDvPgZo/ivxD4ubT9F1m60rfE8U99EQzRJgttBPRWbAI71UU72Jk0jn/izpfiTR/G95p/irUZNR1OMJuuHbJdCuU/DbjinUTW407o9F+B3w7u/F/ge9Rr23tbSefzFL6ekhZ0BXAk3Bhjrjgc1VOFzOVRJ2PO/H3habwZ4huNAvrqN7qGUFvLjO3y2AKsGz156Y4x1pVKfIzRO6Nvw9qlxq8cuva5HpWtvo9ssJttQV0M0QO0PvRhukGRwewpRsxMteK7O+8LaVDqdn4f0aHT9UtljglhnnnG4fMZVyRh8HHORgHiqlHS6FGSZ5yzzRuHZWSQnv3HtWVyzvtE8f8A9h+EjoGjxXMf2iOJ7nzZleAzKc+Yq7Mqeg+9g46U1OwrHN+MPEs3iPX5tWu7ayhnlx5i20WxOBjpnjpUOTYyzMYdOfCQN5CZjnLnGTnI/lXIveRI/Vb2K8sbNYbgtHI7CCH7oUk8kjpyf0qYxsx21MiKOMX7WeoMzRKshco4++AcEZ4xkCtk9NBlGS3n0+dJJUBCSDGTkHHP5VrugNax1a8vPFZ1SK5S2vby4eSUr+7SLdySp7cEgVnNLlsUnqdTf6XrVvNqlnaW9rHb3Lb0JdWnCdlU5zzkZ4zXNzxdmyHuc7Ey297JY6lG6uFMbIF3kHBwAB/tYre11dDK2jkTajHHZ27TTMxVYlXJOOvHtg1dnYaNJ7i0K3plklIujG9moi+8/mDevsMfripdgvqS3622mavPDbX8k07Ax3CSIcRYI43HliOecVmryWqGrkP2SG51GKC2WdkZtzGHKlW78+gHNPmstR21Om1618OaDdahc6frMlxucoscgMju5Y5cvxkYHXHU4rNRlPcckjl54b2YxMqyzyTIsjxBTuGeckfTmrilexmXNMmvLO7tNbtLK1glimb7M05+RimeoPDYAH51q6d42ZSlY5mSyudU1ILFG0lxdSsyxxjd8xySMDp0P4VSaihbnonhKyu18M3WntI0hjtyAY2CoHJz5ZIPzHHPPtXDXkuZMpQbRxWp289pd3DOA89uw3kD5dwzkcfhXTCSaVhNGbFdpHKzS20W6UsSVUgjPpnPqa2QiIq090I4AoMj/uwWwOvH40xHaeGrWW902eG7Lz29qnnXCmXbGoDBAo7clh0965at07odjldR065SD7ZEpNs77EfPJI9vxraE1sIiZfLtE8wkOWJGGztXHfHc/wAqu+oCWkDzk5BXdwrE4Ax/9ahsDTtLI2kclw6iezebyEk34Kngn5fXFQ3fQDR0y+eGGe/RFSBJF3Mzkng84A9RxXPOPQk6nxLpSTaHBq6zl5rssbSJCNxQKCWwOg3HjPoa56c2pcvQ0cUkV7XSX1KFXRILW5ysKpgNJJtHzOf7oyetOVTlfkRYTStU+w3F3pflEW8vyq8R3CYjCgD0Uck+tOUOZXvqMra9pjPr0dvY2zmKYjGQPnwMs544AxxzTpz93UFoc/NHBqGtC1trdYtzqmwnJPQE59c5NdCdo6j3JJlutMW4mt0ZrUmS2SdEyV9cenAovGQNFnSNP/tq+gtYgxaYPukwNvlgZbr/ABConPkVxHo9h4W0XTPC0kUdu9u89rLcl5gWfMcfOT0UZ/OuD2851Nwirs4u0Xw9p0Nuttpk0k6RrP8ANGxy4bKlmbjaRngCu1qctSWmO1HxJeQWd3exRadEtw2+4xOPNYj5cL3Ayc8e3pRGldpMLGSuvadNd2LGJtjReTc7pmb5cEYGeMr1rV0nYZpaVd2d1cXCRX/kQzIsRYR/JFDGQfm9Wyo6dzUTgMzbnUbv7e9hZ3AktXl3JNJEBIxI4JJ6VSgt3uIh+2/boZBfsBfb1jN0zblVWAB3AAk8DtRqnpsO50GnWM2meF9TgsZ3W9NzG0O1NjxhF3sSc5YYUEelZSkpyTLi01c56xM+v6g1slq2qXl5J8kzMTISxLuR/tN05ziupWitQ3Os8F2UOn2OnS6iUtL1ZmWGCWFSkh3ZkGD1x6+1cdeTk7RJkrGj4i8T3NjYyPZXOnRW9tcLGk5BMrAOTgEdR61jTop6tEWLGkeJdbSPUbO/1KxVimIftE0aiSQ/MjKTyRkc+3Bq5UUrWRSdji7EanqEhltXjvbiMlr23iGFjG4KvI6gkjpXQ4qPQCC4t55o7ywvLq1ttsvG+XaqnuB1OKFbRoVzPnsrcxokWrx3EexPtAUFcZPOA33se1bq71sMx7lIoXmtYblJVDkKw+63P3h+GOK0Ga3hydrFoftE58idudpznA6HP1FZ1I3Wgi14ku9OvJ5ZZbcJcLtjzEcIQMgj/wBB59jRTg4qwGH5VmbkGG48td/y7hnyx2ya0ArahA6KrT8s+4gg5DAHkg9DVALG9gfMi8mdMR/KQ44fI5PtjNJjNWZZYrFLC1ssre+WHcvuQ4A2LkdwWyfcj0qVqwOx0DTNR0fT7ZdWs4raS1Z44fNkURzO7ZHQ5OA5ya468k20gJL1bLZcpbwtcTvvN0UywRVzsVD2yB1rON76iON1LUHe3jv7US2RcGJfLbgrnk5654FdcYK1nqBl2Wr3+nyyGOQyCRCjq5JDA8n+VauCYFuHV5bi1t7SRII1hQIHij2u3JJLHPJ5oUbFXNHw9qmmaXrML3UPnW6t+83Fv3oB+XIHT8PSpqQco2Qjc8RzeHrrSJZIFj81rmRoHDsAsOBhMY5fkcn0rCEJqWoWOcutd820FsVGPKihV9m4rGp+516fzNaqnrcQpN1dWdtKqxCGzVVLlQpwSTjnqRmqWg7lCOK2XWZbHTJhcpIxjgkkiC7g3UnJ+WtOgLUNHv10jU7K9j3xXNpciZJowCSAc8qeCapCaO28S/F/V9c0a/0cLFZ2+oOXvpIYhH9p+bIyo4TI6gcE1u6z5eVEKCTuZUlz4Yu9KsNurv5ywPALF4iBasW3F9+MOG3Hg4IrJalHeeAtT8J3/wALfEGjPMh16aCVEBcRpHCAMEMxAHc7QTnj1ramlrczafNc87sdM8EzzwibWNUjiS0826eOBXPm9fKUA+nftXPVul7u5odX4fsND0vTl1iXTI2iS1ceX5hnnKyDKFwmAhxnBJB5rkdaalykvVmXouqSWs07293b2zSxR+S6gq+xycr6khgBSqQUrFnKXFpaSXCeZe+dOxYyGYFcnGeM9z0reLdgO70i38M6Zpeofa7TTbC/KRPbyau7NuDBiJIl2nPOBjkcVioVKjWugtbnBajp9lb21leRaxa6g11F5k8FvkPbvnlGyPx44rrtYY+x1250zSrq10u9vbQXZCXESthJE64J6nnt0pqVthWK+ieItZ8PagdR0PU7mzuCpVnhfaSp6impNO4NXI/FWv6j4m1ubWdWn8+8nCiSTaBnaoUdPZRTlPmeoz1r4W698SNC+HFu3hyXRIrG6nm+yJKhku5ZEOZAqjPyjkliABitaU2kZyim7s8n8R6xqXiHXLjVdTnea6mbdJJjvj+VTVqSm7stKw6wk0620x7hZGfUSxRIpIg0ZjYEE/73SoQNXOouvG+r6joek6RqttE2i2bqWhhOwsoyMbudpxntWjrPl5SVBJ3Ry19Np8txJ5MLwxMTsV33tGv8PPfArFssoOFU/IxP1GOKkCNTtyMUAd/4w057eWYyRqLVj5kTKSzD69gOtcFN/eZxZjGxItra6t5IZJiA6wpklRjALeh7961crPU3US7e6Peza1BYXsEQvGjQeWzDAyuVyQeOtTGouW6Hy62Kmi6dKs4vnUG3hiZjCMZ3Z2456jJz9BWkqllYnlKkqQWsr39g7wtbKEVnU5kOCM9/m59gAKqMu5JLpmuTWyeWbhnNwrxzhx8oDDGQepbHelOmmFhniDSYbW5aXTp8wogbLcMTx04/KlTqaWYjHllmnmM7MZJHb72OSe9bjOs8JawkOkSk3N5DJbF3Z7dAPLG0BW3E5J3dRxwPeuarTuwC9s0vtGvdZ81gse1t7Kd80jHGTycDHriiN4tILsl0y71CPRJNP3W5SWWMBw2Sqt2J6YyRkdauUU9S07ifE+0GleJ5dHm1L7fFabYmkiUBccHA4HvThqrob0Z1PhLSrDxDpV68qvbGW5gnkG473XytwUYGCu4jj07114TDRqRbk9jGs3F6CSWeqxS6pqOoXlnKtpYIltPJGqrtcuVjIIALHBACjtXNVq8suUcE5K5X0qW6/s9Ugt7eynW+/c3ltCI5FOPnWQtncMkcdOK5ak7OxV9DV1S71HRpphpt00sbKpnckYdtwAIGOgPPHtXOkp7lc559dajLqFxdC5jWOWNX8+ZQSGzJnJ9CcgfSu6MbJCvdGfZxNeXcskUEUtzENiQ+UTk/3gPpVN8u4jOcy+b5k6BjuJKYwT6/SquAyVgk7GMc4xycj8Kdrga0Lahq0Jea78+RpNqRlgAgAALnjgdAKmSUdREms6V/ZSQGVpZIpA24ZG0uPT6AiohU5gKzXDWsEM1vawBGBIzkgEgjkZ68ZrS12Amn3Vq92i3kQ2KCFxkAEjA6Z70SWmgHTaPpkttqE1oktzdvYTeafJZQscX8T85Bft6DHSueU1bsK50yw213i4S/X7HcMv2mPePNEoGMNjIPGOmBXJJtdNRSY641k2T3VtD9niimkKG5MTCR0QkEK2Pc9uaIwva5Sehm3k9trWkW11cw+X9+JvKyEI3fLjJOPfFWrwk0hGjbmeDS5LiVmCWk5ikVJATLGQAI1BwQOvNZta2Q2S+G7fz4NSuTos5jjs5IrK3jiyImDITIx9SMjPuO1FSVrK5cU29C/wD8JbIdHuNAs/7b066srWWEx2rR4RIRncZG7liS2BzwBTVN8ynoEm+phN4tmayufs326eA2+E+T77BFD72JzsBBJx1NX7C71M7GFceLb2aa6u1lG45P7yI5Y4GOd3HQVtGhFaDZDqHirWNWhm8y1tikzJLcFIjuleNcBmOSeR1wQOB0roUEkBzWqrHNd3EyDaoAOwdFyc4HtVxGU7cyIwcKWXbz9KsRcmvY1lEcKFI2QRnJBzzkkcDrxWdtAN7Ro2e0u7exmI2shXKfd43fiTt+mKymtbsRuebNcvHc6mLiW7VD5dvDbDbsB4GQeM5Haud+7pECS5tfEdhJ/wAJJ9jeyFwqi3CSYjbcxG5iclt20g9Ka5GuQa0MXwnrqz+MRdeJ7t3tJi63hz82zBHHbI4xW06b9naJpBpPU2PiPpR0230fUdGSU6cbKNpZCQyxTybnMfswUrxU0rO6e5tVgmk4nLaheTa5YQvd3t1dX43l/MXcSeAirzznvwMVqlyvQ5rGKXneRY5pm2w/IinovPI/nWlla4jX0zTJ7iQw2l5bJJJOyAO5UEKMlmboFxwO+aiTXYDGuYJFt1uWkjw5KhQ2W4747DmrSAaOLLZlRk/MN2SfQ4qwFSKOEBnTDY3KyvjHp+X9aTY0P0tLWa6YXs88ahD5bRIGy+RjdkjjrzQJm+jXl3o5tI4Z5LGN/McpGm9mHA2nrjB98ZzU89tBDoPBmuahJAtvaraTzSxRQ291LsllMn3WUY5HvSc0itzS161urJbuw1xDBe29tHaQpBbBVkVWG7zCvOcYOeN1Up3V0Fjn7jQ5GtIb+0h328gbBRH+THUsSMfqaqwi54fsY4L2H+0plhjlj3Qx7DI5yfvKAQB6nr06VnUTtogN9NQZfDpne6uhNcTLJFbyAkmNQM8kehP1zXK6fvbCKEuvWsWlyQQRtBJEwMLIQJnUtyG68Yz0IqlTd0xlOXTrOfSptTsnmDec0VxbyYLozAFGHGNp+fuCMCtLtOzA5qaxnw0iQyMijcxCE7BnHzY6c8VtzILEFxG9vKYWkV8d0OV59KaAkiZJZVR8RrgAkcYH60DRYtgxjWIShYg4/eODtUn1IH+cVLaQMtLoep3WtQ6VbwCa7lG/Ef3ApBbJbthQTzS51a4rmXNcD5F2nzF+VCvNaICureW25fvAg59xQBKJRIrq6q4bnOORigCKdkGArEHjgCgCaW6vdRl8y5lnu5ljC7nJZgijgZ9AP0qgEgg82XYz7Bg4IGcn0FK9gJp9Nkt5MSOsgH9xsg9D1pXAuabqf2C3mt4VfZKQWUdCR/8ArqJRuxWNVraC/vYZLS4YbFA2ucMrgBiFx1GTxSvy7jOhv/C+j6p4Mk1u51iWLxDBOyX1nOqR+WjMqxsqjlxjkkH+tdNOCkrk82tjj9O1jUfD+rpdWrCK7tnVracDJjHHGGzkEY4NT8OhRBZ/Z9QldrjUVtrqR8kzKRG3PJJUcH2x+VS2BqXXg2/ivbO1n1jSI3vIBLbb7hjvBbaqcKdrE9mxx1oSuFy5e/C/xNp99qVnqi2llLp9t9pfzJsiVScKE25ySeB0rT2TtcVzjJ4Jra4eGdGiljO10YYINQ13Ge7/ALPGm+EdJ0N/F2qzahPcXcsmkvEkI8uHzFOTnqflyWPQZregk37xlNu+gvgH4FWfiS81Cy1LUbyzlsZJUR4VXy5xnCMrEZPJ5GB7GnKnbUPaa2OY8XfCaK38Ry6f4X1f+07eCfyJzIu2SJgDuY442/KfyqpYdrYbqJbnK+PfBOs+DtVXT76P7T50ay200ALJNG2NpU4BzzjGOtYVKbhuVGXMrmNqmlXunJbm7VUeaPzCnRk9Affv+NYRkpbFFKPap+YFvTBxiqABJkdAc+tAHrOtwRzadPMgFv5qJayLAp25Rcljn+Jie3p1rjrR5KhMbONzjdOuYtJmuBPHMt8MJbNt2hezFu+RjgetVODnbsaQnY2r7xGzSf2jJZWxvLi4Ym5bHG0LjauOMHv3zWKope70Rr7S7uL4db7LqT3NrcQSXFsrOxZQsWG4P+8SD2705rSzFzWMea2l1bWxa6ai+ZcvJNMu/A3AM5AB6AKMVrB2V2ZK8mVxbaVFDb3bS+cwdWNurgNtI7/pVNybsDNVdUS4uIpLeWNQCwEcqZOGOOc9SRWbhy7isY2q6fJat9i2qGSRmDKfXgfhxWkJ31AzmR7NY5ZI2ALgsN3+tXIOP0rRajsJDPKqnBcws24oCQp7gcVVgNqLxFLcyG3s7KGytBtk+yQbjGCq4LfMSSSMnrUuK3KUrMt/EzxFL4k8Qk+QkMEEaRW8YGG2YB+b1JyaVKPKrBOXM7k3g7X0t21XUNRv5o7xbdINPt4I9yyY+Uq3TChQBxzzTlzJWQnZ7lebWriy0mOxspJEnuLgy3IJO4rx5SrnOMZf8xWfKpO7HsrI3ruK8sYpkkFxbXOl3OyZHO5d4yTn3rnavL1E42Kesa1byyG4nkuZZDcNGXD/ACNAF42r65zVwp2VhaFNvC32i9i1BfPuLVlt5LuCKJkkjWQg9wemRz71ftktGDN7wvpPiTw1p99fWttawLbNOnnzxh5GI2kqF6njpx61lUnCo7Mag2ro4jU7dhc4ZCZZ2BQbuVBJzn61vHbQko6qEW63RL5aFBwT19q1iwsFkJbS6F5A8kTRDhgMFT079aJNPQdjZ0OW8vvt6yhtk0OJJTFuKqCCTknjoOR9KzlFLYViu6W9zOLewBe2WMvuYBWOD1Pp2oTfUDoLXwPixF3rOsJCuQY0tYDIuDtyd5wM5IyKxliLO0UNI6l9L0ew8M2P9j3kmLOVjM1xCEM02885B5UKVGORzXM5tz1CXKtjnoJLF8O0rxiRpHuHMeI4QDlSiZyeMfia0aZCRYidZidO1DyDPLsuDPHnMalSxDDp0x09aTSXvIbRXsr2CW4itA58pz5ELImSST2xwTVuDepSRqa1pQs9d+yaidl5bTLGIVlUtkIOMDjlj1rJPSwpKx1Hw6vPElpq4+xxaY8PmCzuWUELGBKhPzAkFsqO3rXPWcI6s2oS5JXMLxpoQlZ4bGY3dnDeS+bcAKsrMzlmVBn95ycfhW9KrfVhVavoY0zR6zaJpFvZzrFaKzJJJiNgrZLAjuxPGPatVLk95mN0cjLp2oWlvG0kCKTtljaUbSdxKnr1AKkfhXSpxew2rFnT7O/vbiGCzZpZ2XyfKK5Xb9e+WocorcRBrFtJNPOi24i8lVNyUTaikDAAPqSDVRYzLngSNGdtqhVGEMuTnFaJgFvqZgt7m3jigdLlNj74wzDB4KnsfcUnG7DYs+H9ObUZXka+is7OJ8zzyngADO0D+Jj6USsB1elazp2n3rrpczzS+WEgedMYYD723pxge3FclSnKe4EOqwXd3dwXFxJcz2jKUE6oQu4Ddt444Y/rVQtsM5Ryl/qu242wxIpMhRcZReOnqa6VogO/8GeO9Sh1S6tb9477TbgSSS2ciJ5ZlWBkibnhVVtpJHpWM6UWrmqqyWhTsbDQ7lIreGaRbtV2yTg7o5pGQFQg/hwSOc9qxc5/IzbTKmvWE9ktvqd2ZFeYbZHXnETKQpwBwev5VdKpzPlEc/PBGL68m0wSyW9s6H971APAznuT2Fb+pLGXLRfaPPmtIFhAMW2IFVLc4J6nPPX2ppWBE0un291pkE1nK6FbkxSIwG2MHG1t3Ujg544xTuUUpLYtcpYWbGd5CqDaM5fpgevJp3SV2I7fwZ4Kuomm1TUylvaWbKJDOvKyBxxtKkE9QB3rmqYiN7Jks7SbQbTz4v7E06fUry4DXEuIQuxjkLgcKvAztrjdWUpXk7DXmcxq+g3k2ti81TULlYLW7WFbi4lKuwGWQctknG0cYAziuhYi8dAudjY+Dr9tSkubDUrifVpJcSud4jC9ldFzxy3zE1y/XbOzWgORzy6Te6JeNLpmr6Qz2V00qq8/mCNMcja3BbK9C2cHpXsU3zRTEcBqsV3PG2qStbxRPN5LGADDP3IH0Iqmxi2BltdIhneISW8k7ReefmPlj720duRj86xkrsDS1Hw94kg0eySXw7qVu94XW2X7E264ZjuwO5+UcYqVJXsOxD/ZGr2mktpWo6PqdpdyzISJoipc5IQAEZ70pSi3dC2NnT/hp4slkvmGqW1lMo+zywSPJHLJ5gB2tgYwe/UcVm8VBDRXsfh7cWeoXCa+1o1pBCZHe1v4yUAI5OASfTGM5oliU17omTXfgCKxuJYr5ms7WGJHnupMbznLYRfUgKOnGSTUrEtpAbXhzQLDULSGbTEu7PRFYCWY/vpJ5kxnahHy/ePIznpWNWs4vXVkmZ44sk0y5j0mbWLOEzSma+azDK4BO0Rkey9ScDkjtWtCbkr2GYNtJpEPiaXRtHv10/TpY5oxf3L/ADSAocbyOgJAHHrXTFNq8i4q7OHDFlGeMgGtkJ7i8hSTmgQ1ULPjHfjFAF6Gy2shlDLu546kGhgbdlbW1rdeVcSGF1QeX5i9Cf5VDbYFN5rgxvG0vmRjI9QBnP8AhTGZ8qBQuVZeM8/zpgXbeK5a3aONV3SLsC7QxLHHT0OBTsIgS9uVhCmR0Ma7GIfDMp6L9KqLsFjZ8Uz+DorlDoCaheQzWi7/ALWxRrafjdjH3169fam2gMC3uTY3UF3aSK8kTK6kp91lORkHg9BUAbN74ouL/Q3sbq2ge6kvJLt73GJizYyuR24/DNUmkrCsLqni7VNU0nS9PvYrN10tPLt5hFiVlzu2u2fnGelW6rasJRSM3XdTn1vXLjV9UdWmupPMm8obc9BgDtwMVm3couaXq0Gn6jBcR2aTWkMgYW8sjYcA5KsR1B70RbRLVz0L4afF7XvC+tsLeH+0dOmnaRLFE27Wc5ARsEjk4x7VuqsrWIdNN3Ld98UpNE8Z63qPhDQ7u2u9WlHn/wBp/PIku8kqEGABzjGc05VrO5TipGRpVvq/iG3v/EesSakbu5uS8MMaERExqG3v/FsHYL6VxYjFSnKyGrLQ43xFpup2Wr/2fq0c0V0q7lV8lsMNy9frVQacdC3FrcxJEMbbWXBCg9OxqhEWGPSgD2zQNZtruOZrYqu4GLM4wTnn164HHWtcRKnWjeW6MUnE5TxPoqfbLiSIIluiq37n/WEYy5574PPbmvOjKxaZjXd5Fb3Ty2iyKq7Gt34KgKeNw9fp3q0m9zRGr4R1OG7uLsXIk+3TIfJdE3BnPrkgADjsetRVi0tBO5k6xeNYak7pborSICV6BWxjP8z+NVBc0R3aFtjBdQLdG1gI4hCEfIxVeSec96rVCsM0AW1rful1EySTBWR4xygU5IUcDJxjmid5LQpWN600v+3tI1HWN37myVGmLk7vmJAGcc+9c0p+zko9yowurmTd2ov9rxiRniTy1EwCqEC4Xmt4ysySpdaC9lpFvfNdQb7hfMSEyDzCnZsDoOtXGpd2FcueFtLubWeO+uZ5bWCW3d18oZd1wwPzYIUcc57GlOaasguN1W5/tPTkW3s5JJrbjzDnckYXOcA4znr7YoguUko2E2q6dfWt1bsIZMpPEXAwe4yD2rV2ZSdjea3M63suoz+Zd3CrL5uDh335AU+nGK53LXQG7mJrWsXmp6h9oA8plBEhDYLsfvM3ua1jC2oXuaFmkc2mQ3mp3TPFCSiJb8uqgenTv1qJXWxVjstQexPgO4mtLa4jkEIuDL57F1n3rliTwW2jHA4rlXMqmr0FocHrWrXOqLB5rbX8vEcjMQWRSQFPvz2rrhTtsSror2DT3ms20VwY4WdlRH6LkEYz1445q5LlRS3K9zvh1KZRK64OEKnGT0JH1px2uBNe3awQILFmQeVsdXHIz1HHrzQlqA620gfYLfJL3l02IY4mHGem7rjt271Mpak3IF2RygSZbbIQ6xt8u0DAAJ+nJp3uB13hGxunsYZ4II5I4GAPnSkluCTGB6YGenHc1yVpRTsxas6a51+7ZIra2S1tbZblvJt0i2SbuBjPdR1z61zxpLfqFjnNPurY6ZIt1G5e6d40WNQdxKbkxk/LyBnrXRKLT06DHyWl/ptlZ6pbxlWji3PFKo27xkceo6VKkm3EVyj4aWX7ZayJ89zbTrcRrLjaTuUknueR0rScuVD5rHevczC28Rarqti8V0LedIruJN7TXEzHAB7bSzHjFcujaVyoyTepxHgq51EapbaM8u2za7DMHHy7gcBWPoWAzxzXRWpxacuoJXdjqL3SI9LuL+7Ri0mkSzGaUqV3lXwFU44+Y+nQiubmcrR7g4NGX4v1q00/xDZTWz3ERayF3KISmYriTJZCSv3QMcHn3renT5o2CcUkkcrrd2upanJFZyzyxhBkNCd5Tj+EZxjJPpzW8YciJOtiup4/Cv2aNBaalEGjt5E+USxFuQ3BO8eZxggdKydnK/QpbHE6nd3M1qLaaWXy7ZiuxYCw3E4yTnA6da6Y26CKo+znGILjB3Ivzj5iMYzx24q7jIJLS5EXnMymMEk4OSBnpn1oUkK5f1bXdT1bTbDT7yaL7DpURitoo1CiMM24k9yxJ5JqgKuiW7XF46MWeVhiMbc5I5AqZAW49XCzTy3rm4mUFkJY4JYdh25wahQVhmI5kUF3Cn5eo6HmtEhFi1j+0KqvGF3jquRnFEmkB6PaWdnb+EbSC81S3TUZWT7NEoOFQj5ssQBkEgHHvzxXDKXPNtbFcuhheKkgttJ0pXmF0s1oSkm7JXDMvB9mB4962pK7YmjkbLUZrYmKR7g2ryI8sMb7N+3OMnB9T2711WJJbqG4mxfRwslruxH1Iz1OPXrSGb1vZTXmkz3EUUctugVY4yMuMDc7EDtjP5is5OzGW7G41bSNXtbywPnXkCxrAmzdsLDgYAxnDdzQ7NagehWrarpuj6Tc6xe3VxY6w7wXEcbLKUZcAbFIG3k85JHWvOkoybUd0V7J25jifEeqx6e1rJaae5gJd4Zp7lnbIYjbwQBg9a6KcObdmdihpOsa9f6javZTMrW7ef5jRl0VtpyzFs84B/StJU4RTuKxvwX3iK+s4Ypbmd9MjhMkyKu0bD1V2C8nuRzgVhamn5gcZq00v9szvIht41uHHl28m5FBOMAn73TrXbB2QGfHcWbMyGJmy/DkfNtHrV6jO20jw9YazG15qN/qB06WKNS8cSB0AX5YweQcAYOB3rmqVXHRLUdjsvE3imDXU1vw+1zLp014bKbS2VsLbRxghsMRkMw4G0DP51NNPR2NU1axu2zwQWUHh7UdKhvNdMks8StIWksgQu13kyfmKgnjgccVlVi/iCye5seNRZxabLJqFiTKtlb38k4bZJGRJ5TFGz8r4XO3HIPNYU09LGZwvjxdIfVY/FFuizxae6K9tZyDaX4YlmIIYdRxjkda1pqVnHuK3UlixevdQo8aK1vNdtb3UwMKySJkAcAg4CjHr3qNrMBmg62Da6ZoN9dyHfALSVSylSSzEOS3AUAkdOwpTptyckCSueYTaa11Le3dvcAWi3XlZKbSVyfmGOo+Wu9TUUkwe+hb8ReDp7q6jm0hIFRrdV8glldnRV3n5uMnIIGec8UU666iOGA5xgjPaukCXHPGcHrQBKCwCkYx0680ASrcTx48slGByGBwaAHS3LStvdt7NgFjyTilYB9hd26NskjBUZzkcnI+tJody1qnm27wJJAI0EQCMw5IJzznvzUxaY2U1eJlZny3zDcx7itCS1barbS3MP2/T31GKJFiii8/y8oD907RuP8AOmmBQv7aSK5ZJLV7Yn5xG2RhT0680AVHj5AXO0jOaQD0YLwM+lADwQXwgIB9RQA542VcqwYnoAOSfQUrgdbq2gXfhvwlJLefYjd30yxGNj+9jj2hyFBxjkgE+2KyhUU5WQzrPhJqNxpmnap4b1K0ml0nVLdXtGWHMnnFlKvHk4GBnPpjtWsq0aauzOSub3jzWLi+vGt50gguLa2EFtbw7X88rnDu5+8/J6AcmuZ4l1dtgS5UbHw90aDUPCk95qkt8t1EhmuLiNiJIRHvjMQIOdvTt3Nd1HCRmroxlJqR4pIItUvb+5lu9RuPs0afZSW81goYKFdiOAB39cUKCjodLk3udlpuieHPGl1LpHhmKOzksrFLjbqchDzSLzMiuGwBjp8uatJS0Rm20c9rWinUdWt73T7ex0yy1W7aLTrdJgwVgVX5i3Krk9T7+lS42dizntI1G9ikMdmRu8slzt5QdSR74HWsGhtXNW01iLUktbK5jQyAFWc4BkJPFYzpu90Kw7VPDl6RLJaMqWJl25abgHrtGeCeKiNS24FbRdO8yPzLhvLto5TFvTAfIyQT3xwTkegpymWi1NILvSYnEzNNCw/eBSDjPPP4/rU6xYpO5XVmtP8ASrQujCbfESOCFHzH3wcVogM+WRZG88zy/aV4AVeScdc9hk1asgJ01fy9EnsWFx9sYBSS37vYMY+X1681LppyTHfQuLfzz6QJ0nEk2wRSjB3EsT8uPYDqKnkSkFjT0zR7zULG2urlJ7eJ4yomeIbH2kYVO5wM5PtSlLl2DRGj4qvLC+03bpmoL9ktEiDRzKRiWSMeZgDA+9kVlFNO7FJLocaNQvdOiktIZ0RLrmZAAOAeAT17CupRUtSbEGmXNn9rkkvlcDb+7KY+Vu2Qf4acou2gzX8WXBvrzyIXWOF50kEp+UHK8t7DrxWNNWV2CWpS8TWel6XcNbadetfICjC4Kld5xyNp+o/KtKbbWqsXJJPQpaDHDcapBFdS7IJHw3zEdjjp71c7paE3OsvdUk02xEMF1EwtJoplwGI3ZHzHJ5PWuRQTd2I5jVbqK73TW8cscCMPM3vu+Zickema6YJpAVLNIlmU3E+xScj5Tkj2P4Vb2GhJ45jKJIQ7eYxVGPc+n1xijoBcubJrXfHOq7kZfMyQWx6Dn86m4C6Vqn2S4twiQqqTiRZJlLlB0OfYdcUpU7iNBI9IvtXWJLuZJCQYn8rIYjsRxgdKz95IR6B4bvNHsr67sXVklkjmtZSy7R8+c4A6k4PPbtXFVU3ZlKViCC7a81FBdW1hb6dZxvuneIEsCDnGep5GKOV8vmyTj9O11LXXYtWmsYp2hRhFFGBGN33dxAyMiup0uaHLcZ0uj6oviA6pd6i9xBDIjvBC7jYo4+UEjqMCsJ0uRJRRLRkWv2WSC+ksQY7hV2woJssOBks3G0dePU1o01a40mdHpWlNoKxXV7r9r/qisSSfMPnB3bc9WAA5HrWM58+kUM5fWdOK+Xc2UjtFIoWNtxDHHp0weM/jW0JdGC0PQLC9j1/4e38N3Gi6rBOlsUDbTPCELAuTyw3gEjvgVyTtCaa6m3MuR33OL8XaQ2mawySWVvexxpGsTqxG8lclmC9t2RzxxXTSqcy0Zk1qSaT4diXRpLzVo2sZp7iKRJEOAkKsTKwGfmB3KAPaqlW1stRuNkaNnZaHYRPrmovqDxAz+WgyI5pGGEPIB6c8cZFZXlL3Ehw7mWdX0m20dJbm8mub7zWnFuArQwhV/dq5I+Zi2OOw+tbOnNy2Ie5nSym7ex1GKCAXMjSyXCiMMqkj5WK8j17elaqLV0PSxRhv5H0yKPURFMfNEknOHMeOPmHQe1Nx1uiS5qNteXmixSQ2UMUNuSYrZQoYxnPzF/vMeD19Kako7spGdodjJHMpv7qKxinjZVVVDSlv4RjOQC2Mn0zVOXYEZ9rYPe6gkQaFCzlQS20fKMt9OlJysgJ9YSzKzSJarEVJj2xsWGAPvE9+aIOQD7a7u9IsoxBcgPNEjgeV0GSSM+maqcVICaz1I6rH9n1CVMQQ5WR/lC4fOAfcnrWbgo7AXL6OO9s7TRoLaJp9skkcssxbZvYZOc4ycDGemamL6gzkPKcMy7hkEqeeK6QLtvdBhFHcNtWJTt2p972/+uaVgOw+HsdzeR3VmA6hV2LtJAEbZaTp1JWsKz5dS0hZbDVpYiui6c5HzTBwvzEbsbiT6Y49KzVSK+Ihs77w94msLUeG7AWRW30e4M5SRyVidnyzEn7xwpxnpmuaqnJtpm3tFy2Mzx5HpFl4nsNQvdGlk0rUreK4kngLBwZRvOz+ElQOnfNa4aM0rSM5xscb4euoNO1q+2StLp8QaaNJZdo++NgIH8XIyPY1vXimtNyDZ8Va/LL4FtJrkQLqzXbQpFs2+RahFYFQPVmYEknoKyp0FGfkVZct+pzN6+jzWtrNpwmFzNbhr6I5EaS7jkq3oRt/WurYkpzW9kmnC+DgXiXOPKKfIVGCST9e1UncZ674F1DxT400djptpaPdxyi1LQbYoojMNikRryCQD83asZUbu5VziPHEcfh7XZ9KvdRhvp7GwWFpIFIMV0JN5Qn+PawIJ9/atPZtbAma3gjWo49IOuXt5E2oXJJQq6+ekiFlwB3BUA88Vz16UpaIL6B4S1S41XUYjNLcoLeN5Lu8jDSzQsxYENn5R24x71FSny6mbuM8ReJ9SsFl03VS0dy+w2/lopTYWZsv2ZjnPtRCinqho6KeS2uIp9R09p31jyvIilj2SQq7HOx2Y4Zueo6Vz2s7S2C55hr+pala3wvLq5Se9lR/NQ/MAWBB5B7DGK9CnBWshj9F1XT7T4a6rp8bRrrE99FuDLkyWgQkhT2w45781Uqd5pvoUrcrGeF/G9zodzBf5muLuPUI7h0mfMMsITaUYevC4PtTlSi0KNk7nL3rRPdzy2+FjkcsFz93JJxWiVkJu7IhIAwYMwPcimIGlwh2rhieWzkmgCNnJ6k59TTQ0JE7IxI7igC/ohg/te1e7/1Hmgv82Men4ZqZXsI7a48Iax4ksrO60+QXU8sLvFCHJEiq2GKE44BbHPWueM+R2aFc5O2s2e5fTmV0uRJ5bKFzznpgd810ajuLNHcaDqEE8aSRs43xtPAVzhuoDD1Xr9RVK4GtqPjXVdXuYY/FLSarYo7O1sriIkkYB3KM8ZzzVNgYEt47R+RbqEiDbgOp74ye/WoArHdkJt9/xoAu6NawzTO1/M0UMcbFdnLSPj5VA9zjnsM0pDRseBdWtfC+tWuteRBeXcLniVN6xqRj5RnG7ryelZ1IuceUaN2XXdD1nxSt1qt00OmJKJT5kPmOcEEqFHXPqeKxVFxhZbg9Ta8W/E2NtV87wrFPDYLviEN0R93twoxkDpURwulpBJRWxi+DfGGnW+qX2reI31Ga9REOnSQBWh3jOUmRiMqfl6GuqFOMVYhq5c1H4taufC1voGmyraW8CtkiEb5N+SwZs4Iyx7V1wrcqsieRXuebJeyCYNIAyEjzEBIDgHocVm5PcuxHLdyytuDbB2A7VNwGecw2hcYU5HH+eKLgbMFusenXLyTgbwoRdpJPrWDlqkMzpIrhIVm2EIxG1gvGe38jWq1EamlX8scq2d/M725bfk5Yo/qPyFZVI9UFi9f2Ev23ImkcOTIJA2QcnIHPfFZqS6hcym1G4itRZgERli/1JP8A9YVrZMZPDDANKikEhEj75C5bhcEYXkdcE/nSb1GaUdpc2cUxadLiQQFUwu5N7Y3HPQ4B/DNTzJiI4NAW50S61JLrAgG5xICNp9CQMc4PGe1Nzs0guTaR4bnuobiEXUazbRJBAkwBmGD0J4GD2NKVTyNIxujpNOmutf8ADMrancARWVp9leOBQrMQzOu498k5O3sBWE3yS06mcjndAmuLR76zFt51teOIy7DcY3G7aV9DkjrmtZWkkxHPatbTW11NbiRJAj/Myvu+YcHmtoSugE0qGW81C3hjAaZ3Hyk4XHXk/nVSeg7Gnr+p3h1i4NxDa7zuibymBQA/3cHHHqPSs4Q0ESalol3qOnDWYlgCszI0UXAjCICWOfX68nNbKIXKXh2ZrC8S6CBkPDErg+vfFRPVWBGzYy288N5rtxLJLPGVjiV0yHkYnOfoMmueSfwoDD8SXf2q+uUkVJJjcZMwBBOOPyPWt4RsgRmyqxVWOdmMDcelWMtzSC6T7U8+ZS2CMY+UDAI7UgKrIy7WXcqkeuc/jTSAZyoLgsPTH/1qYh0Nw6IxQ4LAAnJzt9KTSA9daT/hJtFt9TgkE7W0MUNxLbjYwlPbB6gY9PWvNcfZzt3EYVnFG9nv1MqLeef93MzAFioyOnTdjqRjire+gzA1SzWe2uJ4rjfKZMgMcZAHOOPcVvF2smBz5M+RGGk+bChd3Xmt9GM9C0y0VtLRLCyUOsZlEa53MFIQseufmyP5VxzbvqVys300meG1jsLtfM1SJB+48rCQADHJBx+JPUVzOeumxKi27Ig0+4gis2hWSN2upAbt/MBVYY0G0kjB5wcgc1rKzNOVI1FdtQW5kgt0uLdpNsaqx2rEeSQoI2k5/iz2rCaUbXZFSPYedb0qzE51JpLK4FpsitbWPcrbcBA7EHADLjtknjipVOT+HUqk49TN+IerfaTpyaa0Vzpxtrd5JVcCdyw/1OzOQM4GNv1rehTtdvcurbozldZki1O7nl1C5+wo9xClzboCxdtjYbGfbHHGTXRTjyLQyvoYTz2cEsSxWSXCFdoE8ZyrhznGDzkY61ulfcnQjexmimQuhijmQuNvdeQfoM8VSsMZc6HeRzFobSQRrD9pK+csm2MnqSP/ANdF0Fje8MwS20a3s9y8AmR4ipB5jwTkeq5BGRWU1fQRLdyWkGlPqVhqepw36tkbI1EZfdz83BAx35570oXvZjKr64bn+z4bGVbKSFZ5Jrl872aQfPyOowMAdeTWlrDcipeWcd/fN/ZtxtsVbIuLjLMwUAFiF5GewxUqfKtSbm+NP0HUdIkvbvVby4vEbyoUYBd6qMKRwSBx068e9YTqzUrW0C5Uh0o2GsGyvFi+zI6G4cLIqFFILYJHUHg/yq3PnjdBuQtPaa1Z3l9qU4hSO42gwj53QdPzzj8KavFpIaRzM0OyyFxHOAWdgYSv3VGMMD0PUjFdKAXU5LQzf8S9pBbtyFc5I+uKBnonw5nE3h7zZGaCzt5PKeViCqSN03EfNt2gkDHXNcWJT6FLVFvVdQQ2a22mSk3V3dIskCPsjZABhj6AEEYJ6GsoU7v3hNIzdMlu723ublzECuReTRtiAoc/Ko7jg896uUVHQnYwY7K1+3Mk1xPLZxZUvH0wB8oAx1NbapCuelad4Q8Jv4Sla2vY7yd082IxxSblVeXRuNowONxwOa5nUqKWo7GX4R0q+vguoXckdvpNmB5ReNQ2C2SCCMtnOPxorVbe6txXM6HSw2s3Dm2ieeMh5xdsgBVyAnC842+/pVOo1HcVmdZr2geD9W8O/wBpTyJpESSm3mv5WMi243/Ku1ASSVJ+bBAwBkU6VSXNymipu1zynWPs2la5cHw1f3L2kUxFrLKoV2XPysR0zxnpXemQdzqFt4YuYIvEV7Df6tqM7kumpvuiRgi/JIkSoc4LFWVsGrWu47lX4f2mneJda0/w8dPTR7No1N3d20mX/dI25/nyOd3IxnimopivYy9GRrPxOYtPnj1Czju0ckuEWZBIACQ+MZHXI6VzYhJICz8QYtKge31G3jaL7X80ca5ZI2TAlAIGCokJAxkYNc9F9OwzLl1rUL8LYmRILqGXzLTLL5TM2M59ScDrWippaiscnqsc91fSy29pcLEduQ3PzBfm5A9Qce1bxsluACx1dY4I/sUqR3RIh3JtEnbgmtE7juRSWhgRknAEnZVYMf070MCsYyq8CkIj7daAEJXeCenamgBRkE0wEbPXFICe3lRJQZFyuMHH9KYG/Zaxo7+GL3Sb+yxP5nm2V1Gn73PTY5yRs74A696pcttSbO9yl4c1BrHUoLqBtk8EySowJGSpBAB7HPOalOw2rnUeK/FGmzawZdK0OKxaEkSO05nedjjO4tlSN24/Lj71bSqxktETGNjmbe+jiv1uHsbK8jVWHlTxnYSwwTgEHgnI57CsWy0U4V8pl3EMAOD1496gCScwKDsZ2Yj7x4FCAjEiADOeAOfegZEZSCQOPemIsRQM9l9rct5CyhHYDpnn+QNAEU0kYm/dcqrcE85oAWS5nO4AnDKF5Pb0oAjKOybvLcA85wecUANeP5N6kuvALAEAEjOKAI8EdaAAjGKAOwn0G7urx7OCNY5DIY/KaTABXtz06GudNAxLnRBJJc28Erm4tQiJCWBDnHzHPoOa1jdiuZsGy1m868tDIpYeXlsDPq2OvY0pX6DOhvp0TT4razjVoBAI1dlKt83zu30HPP0rn5feuxHNXNiPMkjQOUADIq5ZmJOAP5VupWKOv0JLOXXbLTFgSGU28aydG2Y+9weMjkkmueo5WuNsua7lTOmnzyz27F994yAK20fMq46j7vTk5qIPvuQPdEHgCxa2u4hZQXBV5CgjkYjLBcEHJy3c9qptuYGJ4kvLi72XBkS6kfrcABSDzlWA4zz2qqSS0ZVzb0/V03wSNDAiLDHCI05jifAVpG5+ZyB+tRUj0E2YXiEw6N4ovDYX3m/ZiQnmIQGLZHQcA9eaul70VdAjAvbZBGJ0nBOxXQKOCD973GDxzW6KF0SLT5JBcXctxGI1cssIBZzt+Uc9ixwfaqlsIzLtibhn3fe6gHpVLYRrW+rXVvpqWv22OWN1GYwp+QAk4OQMnJPSm9rBYzpJosYjZjxyW4pJAaugx3mtPBZi4lgtLJWnlJf5IwTkkAdz0rKbUdQM24jHmCNCWwSQw5zzVxYyFpJmVVMnKrtx7dcVQEqxtIigYJbsB19vrSuBDMkglCyfKFGBg8YpppiJN2ni1Zgsq3KnA7ow9Tz1o1AikZXAbcQ2AD7n1pgXItQ1GRbW0W6kSKD5IY4/lwT7DqT6moaS1A6yLT73UtOlF5ctFLagK6soXkZwg9Txz9a5XKMJaDsF0um6FLBCytOsUm6YddymMZ4z1zmhc002Oxzuo+RH4oie0YtBHNEy/T5WI/mK6IJ8uoj1ExXFvqVhqc6LFLcTTR21rL8qvBId+QR1wzH6YrllJO6N0XrywsWhisrSWY3aSLbmZlIGcndvJ64ByB1Ncsm78z2FJX1K2j6dNYeN7U65Y34srxlRZoF8yF2UbURgBwM9c4NaX5qd49CI26kVpPHa3Frp9vFtsNORmLSLsd9wG9mB+XdnpjNZ8rlq92VzR2M7xjZ2d5po1Kyk8lrpgvkEhSkaZyx9TxV0ZcsuVmLavoVtC0ie4u7S5uUihtPIduCCzxpyzsB0+uPStJzsmkaKN1dmVfWsUkhe4t0UJI3FopUbOMEt6gmtYz0M2Z1xomqC1Ui0urhQC0RTOVViOXI6E/1q1Uj3AbHJLFpV7FILWIELbqrMC7NuBwD6DnmtENEOgau2jtcRvaWckk8RjzcAvszjkdgapq4yje+TDesn2t7pI8qroSoIzxjPQc9KdxCXvmtaRKZyE5YR54GTj+lJbgNs4pbq4t12LIQfuoo+6OfxolJIR6D4V0u21MT2jadBcWoki3mMeTKnOe/GDz+VcNafK9yepneJL6+S402DTYv7NgePEY85Tgb2wxP8OcjriroxUk29WM56fXtTnItWuJBGwMT5k3BsnJI7D8OtdUYRS2GelX/inwzrXhSMXsNyusqv2RUhQbXjQDBfJ4LHOT2FZOLi7o0urGDqnhvQINIvtf1HYWvIke1tbb5UtZWJ3oerHGBjoDmkqrb5UJWPOru0aMG4jX9w8jRoexIAJH6iupMlnS+BIFtVbUbifbAyOPJbOHYKdvHfuM9qyrJOIrluzu2Fkot0We5MGDE3z+WnOSx7HJFZcuuo0zmZ7a4imcgLDIx4i3YDA+ntW6ktkI2NE1GRYZrF3itYnQOXVd7OSQuPyJP4USinqNHbaXALa/k1fRNXkntRIbKGaYALNGhAYlWHC5B4A5GK4a0re60DI73Rree9t7+z1QziR1SbaWSBGZWKDtyQuTxxUKo1dNDUdLmp4Lg0Wz8UQvNqZjfSy892iQPMzwI6MxJ6CMA/rQ+aUbWKp/ES2fj7wnoypawQyapbrrj3774gN8DlDsIPUqUOO3Nb06MnJSkbzmlFpHnXxL1rTdb8XahrOi2z2NrdzNIkDcmPPb88n2ruOQwYNVvEjRPtEyrjaQrHHoDj6HFAHUeGrzWdTdtL0+5YSPEMgKoZliUsPyAOfX3o5rBYqafqLWOqySm282RX8u5yp3ZJ4AWsakedDLHi3Vls4tPWxMZJjLSJJFzGSfubW5wAByepzWdKm7u4jDuL9pQ94QjbolQ7m+ZG6ggD6Vso9ACTU559HVPtRilGQ6heJASf1FChZ3Azo4PPvxA8zJGG2xh3yfYeg5q9gGLARNtfZuGchW9PQ0wO18K3Xhy70i80xdFhfWjamO0kkJCSk5L78n7wH3SMc1vT5WmnuTqcMsTRSSeYNjJkYJGd3pWTVmUQIEMq+bnaWG7HXFIDSMGkxSgrc3E9qYl3/JsdZCOQDyODnn0qtAKl8bFZkNn5xTy13efjO/HzYx2z0qWBBBA0zbVZR/vNj+dFwGOuxjnB+lMGLEMnkcCkwJYzkkkgetIAc4IZCeaANjQ70RxSJJJHGVUypmLczP0C59MZP4VMhoz38udpp2lG/PA9fwoAW5s7mKBLl0Aibo2QeaoRVUFs45oAkSItGVHJ64oALWAySBF5fJznoABnNMBJiEmIjl8xBwDgjNIBY0kuplhhDs+flVc8+2O9ADXVgNoznd68UAMiYAgODwcGgDrdK8J2t5BFNea7ZWhlt3niQ7mJ2sFCHA+Unn1q4wuhXGCW8tL2KZp7maCST5mWRtpbOWAPcj1FcyfQp6j59ZnW8+1JkPMhcymPDMT0Ix2wP50bCsPtZUu2XSLgLHblmuC5TEmRGflDdAPrRtqUuxY1WL7HpNrcxkG3lgR4yrFijcFgfzHXipTTZNjNMu0mKW7miDxb0fkZOPw4zVJDL2hRQLah3ikguhGBmKQFpA2d5bk9R2rKd09BI3BJpsViunGGZmhuCLbdKNiFyN5YrjJAA78cVklK9wZz2pXSi4gu4dOWS2iBlaIlxBIEIXOM89OTnk1tBaWYrkP9oXGqNPOLRFgkkaURxplUbBJOByOB19Krl5RkmizfbbCa3lTfcuxaFUjbceMs2emBt/nRNW1KSuJ4taWeCG8VjKt5Eks7MhBMgyDz361NLqhGc9uht5WjdcrGpbGTyedtbIdinbzQLBG0YkSZTkuT8h9sYz+tUI0dT1yHVYrC2utM06yhtso72MHlyPkAFnYltzYH09qLWC5Fd2Wlzzv/AGNJePEIwwFyQXU+hIUA/X3ouwsZ1s0cMrGeFpV2lQqvtw2ODn0zTuBfF/fJpf2VUiX92QHReWQ5yGP+cVHIr3AoWiu0m1UkY4JIXsAM1YhYEErEK4Dhf4jjNDYE+mLNFqdtAXSHMyktIxAUDkklckD6c0pWsB0HiSzt5nj/ALJjDabgx/aDlUeYDc5+cAjAIwDzj61hTk1o9x26lXTNAaa3dlngcZVx+9QALg88nn6Z7U3WsIjm0OZtOuJ42jjETBhuAG6MqdrZz3IIx9Kaq62C5X0a3mg1KynhmiiZblQHlTeFOe685A61UpXTQ46s9N8aaL4oe+u75LKOOylLRRqXVDJHHIscbEluCxYE+neuClOnZI1lTe62OSZ7bU7ye9mkjimC+V5cSs2fkGXAA6ADB9zmuj4dDK5e8PadZ2UVxrFqHnaO0m8tZoQzOW+QOhHdeWz2xSlNt8oc1jRv7+9vZ9Le11oX0kUbqkM28EMeOA3YjqcjrUJpJ3RXtDobe/msrKKX/RnkskbckU64lc/eBYnOc9xXPJczB1HYxtFa4svEkWrQ393DpsQeYr9odkLbTguuexPpyQMVpKXucvUmM7PU6qHVdMvLNZ9Lkg1Bm3Flnt9xknKfKCrjJHoOmea5JKcZe8rBJ3Zyvi3R2h1Q218Xj+zYSQztyXPzbY1HBGcjgGuilN20JasznrtdNjv0jCzrYRxobq4UP5jKeTGRgY7AcY+tdCu15jTKdp4jhW6ktriZpLIjZbh2Yqig8DA7evqRWsqTewG7rN5Z3qWzxTzW1wIEW5G1hbIRk72yCWJQKcDmsYwcdx2OT8Sw2csyNYyxN5rZxGGAzyM4YcA9QM10U2+oivrRmuJLYz28UG9AV8vGSOmOvb3q4tDKdx8ylSiRpGAo4BJ75JHWqBGhYX2n28UokjScGIJE0sW/afXrwOT0qWmMSx1C8htETybc2qlkWVIgH+bpk9eozzScUyT03w2badrqy07U53YaPPd7vKWEOyR8YOMqu7uea8+UL6yRdOKk7HM+Ldf0u8u0jtLO1vQdLhhupZA4KXCqd7RDgDBx2IOK6aVJx6jkktjjorS2a9SB5JMOu5WXHfkda6eayMztdNkuNI0gXiaXAtmN6CS5ZPMl4wwwdpbHsDXLJ87tcDXtfFd3HYya4fBmn3+nSSALC8aiKX5WDBiBuYggEYIAwc54qYUoxly31GtDjLnxzDcPG8fgzwvEEXARbSTax75BkrtUfMdzOvPEN/e3s0qQWtpFMApiijAWJSeQoPQc0vZq9yTqNC0pGsbi9WSWMYVSXwBKQw+Uex6Vy1JtOwjK1ea4tQlpNN5MLWzOWSQM0gY8DnkdMYHatacb6gWPC1nbOs9vHB50DRL9okEoMpXOURBz1OAcDOB261tJDPQ9IaXTtIW2LC2hiiOYhFsRSwGOTzngfmc15dZXkO5QVJbPSb7SxEyx3k63cbMAcCNNu4n+EHcc5x2o5rtPsWp2VjiH1mawuE1DTL6QTxGRJlkKusqsQWHH3k4UFWBzXcodGSnYxGNhIdvlziWRt7A8KoIOSMeh9O1apCZmPIsl1HC5hgiDbGkVWPBPLHOSeKsC3qdrDBqFxDaTm5tkcrFcEbfMHY4P4H8aEwYywvL62uYpbSV45VyIyhIPoelDAk1W/kvHa4cstwT87A4LN6mklYChcStNIGdiWIGSeTVCLJ0y8wVERY7FkChgTtPfA+opNoCaKy1AubWWxMRXGXcGPb1wSzHFJNARx2V5Ik720ckvlAvIUYEKg7nBp3AqSRyoC57H17mgCfz5RbwwrPsKOzKFXDKTjJ3AZOcUwLF3ppEcZmcxyy5LGU5I9zjnkHNFwKZ0y+a1+3RWskloZTEsyr8pYAHHPI4I61aV0K5at9NlNlI9wVgiYqd0pxkc/Mo6kZHUUuVjuZktsyjOdx3FePalYZPb2UswyQQo5bI6UIRq6t4Q1rS7C3vtSt0tYLm2juoC8i7pI5CQpUZyehyOoq+RpCuYyRn5hlenUDGakZC6kggHPbIqQLUKRG2zJIFx0G05J+tAGyukxSxm0tYZTeug8sSyqvoSPQn8e9ZuVtWUYt1b3Wm3flXcHlyJgmNyOcjIzg+lUmmtBbDVNxcqyxQyGNTuCxqSF3Hgf4U72ETappOoaXJFHeRrC8iCQL5isQD67ScH2PNCkmMgYhH2vxg80xEkUE9xcJb2kTu0zgRKOrEnAA/OmkA17W4idhJEyujMsikYKFeoIoaAs6XY3d0PNslLyIf4Tgr6Ent9aLAU57lnyGQFicknk5+tAFZSxYY5JPAoYG5qJ1OxmjsryMB4AVjw+4MAT3BxjOelCmFjUfUftUWJ3LOk8e6PbtwoGCc9vTpXPy2dxnSKItH0qeOezgS6DNCsk4Ls6AKRj+6P/r1hK8pDtpcZoU+iSXeqLdWmLm4QrAzqdsPzDdsx1OOmfT3q7uKVidkc/wCJfLhf7OrSMqMdpbguPUj8qqOruJEuk/8ACKXHlS6rqtxAVCuyC3d2fAPyKQMDJ2jJPrV2kUFjPpttqC3FxqdtKAD5aIrgIDj752+nHGeaiUZNWQjV0xtFurm5+16tIlvIRPHCgcKXyMhMgZOcA/SocZJbFWRU8QP9qxNZqBaBTGsbSfMRyNze5wTgUqem5Jh6HLc2d3AYliUTF4wrgEZYbec+x4NdDs0NHY+BrSwg1GS53OZbd5YY9vzRn5SAM+/PtXLWlK1kb07dTJsLOLUINOs7u/eU3F35SKzjEYbkheeBuP8AKtG+S7SMuXU6RtS0nSvCum6frFillqNs8pWZYQy3yFtjI7DlSoLc+uKqL55aM2lZI8zks0LzvDLFFAGYruYnGW4X34I5rdOxzljTH06yvZG1C1lvkCjCQyCMZ+v0piNTxFrmlvpFppGjaYljDEPNmlZjJPLIf4Wc9VHoBUKDvdlXRy0bxmceaz8nkr255NWI29PsluLGW6dmjVWCIWI2ludwz2wMVMnYCPRr1dNu3maGOQ52sknPy5Bx7Zx19KmSclYLGtqMVtqNhHHFbskPmtIz7AGVTyME8ngd+KzV49RE/laUl+t9/Z63EcUOQDcFQQQANxH3n56Cpblawj0r4fRaL4l8A2/h20WGPVV1CbzI2hLLbxSzRZkJPcJFtA68mueq3GSbO2naULHm3ia31Bme/urqKS2uLgr5cXDkLkrlB90AHjOK3pSjsjjejsM0+cw2EF3ObGaGOTc9q75aVMg7W74IGMjpVPV2A6LSJLe60XUvEp/0T+yESS2tLfHy+ZIIyfblvrgVlOLbUe5ajdXQ698R6vfaZp4vNOeKx1CCSG3EEhdpQJjIVxnPJwpPBwKzVOKej1Q3UfLZFWPRbm71r+0l06OxtZ4nlS2WbCKrLlVJJyF6Zyc81cqkUrbmTLXgq5ttE8STXOs6jBATp9xDbwjDrG7oyLxyMA8ilUfNH3UOMjn57p7NoTFqESzOdjMx3sE3HDMxGFz6CrSvuhGfcaj/AGnqlxJMrb7uRYkMe1FJJABx0HWtVBJDPQPCun/Y9I1rTgkX223t3klLOJI4lLqka+b03FmHI7fSuKs+aSl0/roHI5ak+m3Wk+GvDN7LAZGNw4R7sw/cnz8yKST8vUZxUSjKpJX6CMDXtUf+z0aCGOaB40Z7ly/mEKSh25PXdk/X2raENdfuEZtpcw3qXj2X2uS1s7fzWQQlt4JALSY6YJIFbcjQ7GXJdWuqxNapbQW87nKlVyz9BgYGB07+9aqMou40jc0LT9Y0/wAQTyXcaxw2ChnWZc5OAuMdt3SsalSEo2XUpOzLfjWW3juV0Szs4FvPPDzlE4848FAW/hUY4+tRh02uZsHqZmvacthpum3l+PIn8to9gTIcLIw4/wAa1jO7aQpGNEulssa3Mcg+di7bsLt6+mc1tqCKtxFZRbygjeJ1Azkkpkg5z0zjj86pXGS6ZaSagv2WOR2ZjvZFb7wHULgdcc84HFTN8uoHZalZf2TcvZJ5Ctc6XHFvWfeDwH/PjHoK5oy5lcq9jGuNBD6ek7lMO8Sef5wxM8g4xnvkHPoBVKrd2JDTtCubh7g2+mW832VCGZpzjqfmRcjeTjtkc0Sqpbsk7vVfDHhS30b7LrOtyWckwSGO7eyeRA/EjZOcKcYXAxWEK0nK6QjjfEt1pB0ODRdNlbFlHiERgfvP45GdyeST0A6dK6KcZc3MwOQTRL+53LaWUkjJG0kuxs4UAkk55GBXVzIZVineWbNy7ODty3VjtwMfpVAbMGpxxWLQwkP5w+5L8zDk4II6HvWLp3dwMzUb03FrbwmKOMRbvnUfM2SOp/CrjGzuA7w0rXGsW9otxdxefIEQWzbWZz90ZyMc457U5uyuNGrqV9qFrr9xbXrMWtN8EoluGILDcNwPJzyMD2rKMVKN0DOn0qza88OxiXUJEIjM03nMVCgnAHqQdg/Ouab5ZbCOY1LSLy2medLdyu84wR1AyQPw7V0RqJgKmn7rWK4W3aSEOftHz4MZI45xkDg8Yp8/mBg6pbJHdzRpgrkhcNnP41qmxm744YQ+K9RtUHkpbTG3jVeQFX5R+gpJWBmUtrd4TahLueOcY/wouhDHVPtHknkYKsQe9VcCF43MiEL24J9KdwsaWiMi3UzyIZXEe2IGTaFYc59+AeKlq4WLer6lDq0UXmMbSJFLIAhKrJ6ADseOazjHlegWKkd5LYGLY8cyKPmZGI3hvvKw647VdrjNvUNNtYdBg1myuCpuJ2S3hMTOJOTxznBBOBnrisozfNYTOUuDOs/nXO9XcltzLgtzjgVummAjTrLA25Wkl3AiQyEbRjGMd6pAb/hnxrqug6DNo1vHA0EtyLlDJEpKPwCc4zgqMH2NbU6rgmkQ43dxviPxHqGp2ltp15HaiytpZZbcQj7gkbcUBP8ACDnA7VMql1YpRSObSdo5Syd84B6DNZDJDes0ewqF+YsSD1zQBJd6ldXYi+1XU86xRiOISuW2qBwo9APQVfOwHWSz3UypbW5kkyCAi5J7VDaAmuFhhYpKjRSR9gMknPQ/rSuBWMaXDIxdmMh/ebf4fw4oA7bw7qOj2strp91LD9kj2SNLcoZHDgAtgKDySNvPFc8oNmiaRFqPiKG21Ce6t4LSaeTGLgQbZRgkgjHAOMZ47U4waViJGJ/aEUcTrZRmzLgea4Ykuexx2rRRfURTvy2pzQIjwiU9NxC78juc47VSVhiT6VL9p8uWe2t1SPcxaUMd3dQFzzRcGaKSWenpa6toUt7cyWm2S4kkTYlvISAhAHXkd6dJyvdklXxHqF7r+oXet3kkEF1eSea0KQsgmznc68bQARzz1NaylzDKukXd3pk5QFo4p12zKSQGT3/nUoR0et/D/U9M8IR+LbkWyWF00YtlhnSQsGB6854wO3etHTaVyYyucaIE3ghjkdaxLNSz1CK1tlhfT47gn5d7s2QvoMH9alxAkS4W2lvXijMkL5iTzQCwAIIJ96i10NHXyRCLwfb28yWxuINQ3Io5zmP7rEdSSQevGMHmuaXx/IblpYqQWGrWcSapl78NEzjLncm1tp69cei881XtIyfKQY/iC6guHnkmtpbe8Mh/dPkIoGBhR25z71rCNtgRm6Npt1q9/Bp9oskzM3ACk4Hc4rSc1CN2Mu+IvC2q6TdRxyCCUOpIMM6M3vlQSy88cgVFOrGauhJmwllDHoFtZQwSXGtPh44yoHlgfMQ+9RgYyeDiobcpeQ7j/wC31skZLiK1+1iXMwjVWhU5PA2kgrgdjUey5gINRto7nVG1Np4oFfb5Ecah1B7AKOi4/wDr04vlVkC0NLwPsysQRp5kmT/R8gAgK25u3Xgde5qK3c1hdnV+FbT+x73XdY1XSNLtLEWywpDLCJVe5YBxGq8lSAc5PA45qZWnFWZcVZu5T8dWemafbx392xv44rYhUFuQm9+jBT0XcMcjnmlRbvYVQ8mFy0swxGIlZ8qsY/IcV6CVjES4KpI6EbG6MOpBHuKYisUBwQetAEgcIoKgEtwQR2pXAsL9pWHy1aXa/REyQ34d6TaAW7smtYIZLpyJZl3iPGSq84JPYn0pJ32HcmttSmk1NZ7/AFC4VDxKVY5ZQMbePUcUSjpoBYn1KBNWT7OztZKEZYyuAGKgHORzzmpUdAsdj4H8RPoyagsEkchvLq1YmJCZ2jjJckc4GWwDkHNc1anzKzLjNxViO0ksLrXL+81G01JoLltsMKDl34wSCOQPp3pNOMUomT1MfWdCt7bXJbaa63GAHzcHIiOc7M9DjnOK0hUvERa8K2kNzc3unz6rLa2v2dM+R8nmOHVkDHac4OSPpU1ZuKukUm7aHd+OjLomk281vDKsNmzWEctw26Yb1M3mDG0KxDgZP0rkoxc5amsotJXOB1O+kl02K3ukna6JEhMk5cvnOAB0VQAM5ya64xVzKxhyy3J3zy20buW3b5BjIGOFAwPyrdWAvWTpJaPeXEERFujKsSRrg7s4LdzznnPpUtWdkBp+F7u1j1Jbm9ty2nqVLtHAu4OT1G4EZGfSoqRdrLcDd8ESG91HX7eK/ZdKtrG5vriN1B+0LHuMQwRyN5U4x1rOUdEa07amTIyS3jpqsqvm1a4GF2xrMQDjj16Gl090ysQQy6rFDcXS2SXltbSYPmAOkO7sAeAOcgYxkk1Vot2CxDbXOoXpnsLBI7JbrTJonKBlE3lqXycHDOSuMnjnoK3ikhoxvCcVuNe0yWaAi2gkW4uRLIi5VGy4GSOwIC9STWktiorU6rVvFZ1LWbu606Cc2VzPNJJFLLkyZOVLBegTcMD2rk+rqIpWb0OZv31PzPOuXldDL5iyPkkt9epreKSVkIs3N1DdoYxfSTIjSNFvDEjvt+boOtK1tkAxI7FtPt7Z7pTO8bSODkCM5PytxySoHQ45p3dyiBbOwleT9+2Q4CRxjczLjrn7uKq5JoeGdZu/DYum0+xjlS8g+zTSXKhjGCfnKAYI47ipqQU0NDtR1e21GC6v4xZpJFGxEQVkLdFGTnJJ64HHHNRGny6Csei6ZYT+ItIgs4JYINEsooYdQuIbdIgNyNJIyMwycFAvA555Oa5ZWhJvqdMIc0bHF/8ACTxQTxXlvZs8UR2QTZxjCYwUXGCOoPFbKjzaM5WlczdT8T3etRtDPfta2MYJCszs0h6DrnLHPsK0hSUNUKxW0u+s9Ou9kyC60+4tvKz5aeYH2n5huyAwY45HIrVq6GYeo6l5g2RySZKAM7Od2cYYe4NWo2Ap2mN5VslCOMdjVAWvJj3WqOGtfMGTM4JVssRuGBnAH16UMCNvI+1iGebEKnBkVc8fSlcZHDcCCRmhjU8YViDlD6gjoaGriNe51TVNevxqd1D5rW6JHJJFbDaTjC7scFjjqeTipSjDQbZ3Fk9t9n01ri/vdVlnVFECWwTBRxiPLcbcg8jvWFRpvQk2IvFlungvV7O9+zz3k84ks4vLkDIT5m5ixwNw3BeD0WuZ025q2xdzi9M1S5XV5YprOCaS+h8iV5WL7QTzINzfeA6ZrpcFb0JZdvv+ET0jRBBbQXV1qc4BuDeJH5UZRyfkcANg45wea15m0Ceomvt4U1PxnqrX/wBvIut81m1g6orTSEsqyGQEhcsvI6U1cpnLoslvcTW2qMwWDMbjzw5DDjgD73TqODRJdSR+v2Y0zU47WJGQoql3xtYMVBKkAkcZoi2MheHbpyFtrO5YZJzjB6D075p3GRJHsCyu+G37RGOSe2f/AK1FwJ8XENq5CYjZjG6yocKw5GCOhxnrU3TYjU8Habd6vcpBa6VBfNFKGmWQhQ0bEKSWLDueKitJQV2I6260/StA1qytLNbtbiULLFFLNEVUq2d2/t8ynGD0781zQlOqugnqec+JdRh1bVJLtZr2VCp2m5ZWk7nkgDjJPvXdTjyqwzHU4O4cH1qwHoVIPmMfUEc0ASTF3J3OGB6nvQBF5ZHBI56H2oAfbwiSdFZwqZG5u4GeTjv9KANM2elWlufOmlnuxJt8vbhFTAwcjqc9qm7Al03WDp5kCRReZIAgkdCSqegGcDOOtKUeYCpM6zbbqd1jhkl2l9mcYxnAHsapKwEV40A1GSOwnWeAOdkioU3qOh2tyKYAxDIdxbcDkL1HWlYZMPKdshisqAYAOASKQDb26W5mkmkADHptUKPyFUkIokjIwQ3GRx09qAF89s5TIbqSTkE+uKEBINRuUingSVo4bhgZYk4RyOV+Xpxzj0pgSw3yi4ilEe4RcrGT8uevT0zzimBq+LPFR8QR2TXGnW0N3bxGJ54owvnDJOWA79vpVOSasJKxjfbLlhEslxJJHH9yORiVHtj0pcztYDsPC8HgC5itr7WNZutPuorkG4sPsrypPEOT5ciqQrHp83ApxSe5L5uhz/i670W41hn0GxubSxC4RJ5hI7ck5JAAHX0qZct9CltqdM+nTJdXVwmmRNuWUiGQ7mGByw7ZFeep6JXEbPhb7TZW0ssGlW/lvEsivNzgj+Laep+X071nUabtcGzJ8Z3OoWdrbbrxGkeKKQGKIgLycdQBk9eK0opagjA1bTJmvU+zFZj5EckkjSbsuy5OSe+c8V0xlYZTspby0kcW0zxOUKttbBx3qnaW4yGG6kg1CO4jkaHEgYlfmxg9eevrQ4pqwHStrm65/tG2HlzHfCzSDc82/IdmPTdg9BwKycOgiHUGt7xbRNSvhHp8KSxQPHbAN179M/Uk4xShpsMbos2n6dsuRO1/EsjBbdgV2Aj75xwSeRiqnGUlbYo6jw62mafIlxessUq+VMiIvmM6lwxQj+HNc04yaNqSS1Z1fipNb15JLiOzt9JtbiKWa9uJX2wPsH7sgHoxHYdePSpp8tPQdSV2ec6jrdvrMOjvrE93bTQBo57tVL+egZiGC8DjhQBxxzXZGNtjNy5ty4n/AAqmzkVrKTxTqcowAknlxKWPXpk4H505e06ENI4xyrXkpiT77kKHPKj/APUKtaIktDRZLi0EgLGYM28AYCoBnOf89Kh1LMCGWMWENrd2e/5gf3r4yzdwF9B0zVJ3YXNfwyVewkvHMt1PEyrswP3eSduDnoRmsqrd7AzE1cSw3klvKAZVbaSr5A4yBnvxWkLNaAQ3ro0gSGBYYRwgByeABkn1NWNGp4l0W/0pLJLkWwe5tEuFSIglU+bbk+pAz+VJO42rEej61cWsMcZVGt4z84ChS2TwC3XrUTp8wnqW9P1A3epGMPNtaRSoXn5N25snr0qZRUYisbWt39hDdRxtHJ9hjDKY1bDPk/Lg9Seec1hCLa8xENzewm3eZLNRcAq0YLEAYPXA6niq5X1Y1cta3rl74v8AEU+r64xt4bqQNOsQYpGoAzhfoAKXKqasty5zcnqSa3p2pQasbvU7Oa13x/6FE6kp5WDgAdcdeTUQmrWQnfqVEbULXT0VoLeKJ5N8jSQrI+GOPcjp0FWpRZJDJp1uqyReWCWh81maTaFPX8apTuwMl7Wa2gVLgyxoF3ISSQ/+1itL32A6Dw1GkOhXklxdsk9/bt5ez78ZDLxkcYIHQ1hVk+ZWWwXNXQo7e48N3sR0+SS4VgFlmDMzpgk8jjrjgc1jN2mtRalDxBJJpqiGDzpmuLYyXayHALeXtAA7bBj8TWlNOW4zG0ZZTpFxdSTSKlu8UEP8RLHJ/LCnit5NcySKMiWzmvLhYbK3mubueY4RAWYk5PCitUxDbhL60jAZJI1IKkMMZA6g0WuMl/tOS5uEt7qQ21ohZ1VUJPPIUD3PFHLYkt6BHp9xdGTWZZ7OxYHL2ygyhsfdUNwSR3NTJvoBFdpNd3CJbwvDE7kW4kX5mXPUnv8AhVcyQEkNq1vcypFAIREShdjkswIz+HXpU81xlQ35jtpLZVV1lyOVzj5s8HtVIDP2sspZkyQQcHoTVgdfZeIXfSnt7y+u7mS6k82Xn5SUUqqAdMc/lXNKmr3RalZWL/xAeHUo9Ia1ik0/ydItLNgy7RNIkQEhGPUk8+lTTdmxTkpbHH6ho1zZRyvNLFtjCcLKD94ZwB3rdTTZBO0o0zTZrSa0immuVUhmY/u1IyCAOM+/1oXvO4GbYLbPMss0Bk2kHliB+P6VctgJtUkLaoxjsxasrACIMCF9KI7DJY9MvdSt5Li2iZ7aInec8Ic5OB6c9qmU1HcDR8OaBq17qg03RYo76eeEGQJ2B7EtjpUVKqiryBnZz+E7Kzs4dI1SERXU0XmiUBF2EbsgsOCuQR7Yrj+sSbvEkyfC9xbaBcrqFnfw3l21uyQ2qxOIhJlQdxIwcDdgj1rWpeas0NHR3cQttIhu/MV9ZWfy1062k3AHqMeylvxzXLGT5+Xp3Y2jJurfxFPYmaaSGW1RizszKDGcgFGBwQRzzWqlBPzJuchNfPp2oSXVoBKq5TdPHg89ePxrsik1ZjMpJLm6kNrCJJpJn5jQE7iScADr36VpogFtYpPtIikXbsbBQ8H3Bz0p3QF3xGY5rpEtVulVYxs8/GSvUdO2OlNICtDHNE0XmxiZSwwpO7IJx0pPQaOjXSruJbn7Las0WRkSgBm5wVx9QwyKxc1cb0NPwv4e00azY3MzPlbplnidMJHlRhlOfmK5Bx04rGpWaRFzW1S4Xwn4fj0+8jh1WaR381pMtwc53Y74Ix6ZrGmvaz5loBybyzaiL2/0rTraGNYlZordvL2Kh+Ylc5IIx+NdfKlZNjF8ca/pOv6TbXfnXMWtwRxW7RLBiIxBSMBs9Rx25opU3BtdBJWOJDn/ABrpGPjVDnccAe1ADJF2nbnOKAJLYEgKAP6mgAkLCRl/A0ACAnOMUAJJkHG7PagBxy0OWJ4bigCK4jkT/WBl5IwelAFkTW8NgIrfLSy4852XBAHYf40AR3JVFIQggY9ehoAjhVnX5eWHUD0oAsRT28dpKmxjKzKVJAPTrz+VUgKrgEZH41IEecDgd6YDi7+SY8/IxDYx3FO4Ef3falcBwO5sE85pATCKZo/NWJiu7bnHGfSgDvvBnhSWMWGoavY4s53J3b8s4wQF24yDmuKtXWsY7k3ubXi3RNG1LXp54rZbFLeURxpDEZUu+45HC9hWdKrOMbPUqzMe5muv7UuLuEXEvylY8XHETlhwxPG32HWrUVazJNDULy4FxNfTkyzqywJAkhVABweMnjg8d81mo9EMteIDFdx219cwx3UiyFpkjRiFjAwu1W44B/OlTdnZaCWhx2lS6pbm71WCwe8tozhhKPkQj7rOBgEjPSuuXK/duUUNYvLya1t2mtraJZC0qSRRhd+7gg/THTtWkYpBYTTLZJrO5ZthKRjAK9Dnr7fWlOVmMgtBCtwonk8uEvtBUbgoz1x3qndiNXTVj1fTprA5M9kh+yxqnMoLEnexOAfyqGnF3AxGDRw+bbwzLGrbTKVJUn0yBitBm74Ve71PxZpFm0sjSS3cSs0eSSoYHn1AA/SoqWUWx8x3vjK/awutStrMeZaXJaKWG+QyCJ8k/u3zgLwOuTjgVxUveSbJ5jzaWz+1vFJcapFBAzbcncwjXdzhByAPQCu1SArzQW8eqFdJeS7t1J2TPhPMI6sAcbR3APNWtVqB1PhjwhbXVhc6jrGoRJHFFIyRWsgmMjhQQC4yq4yM81z1ari1FGijdXJfDdulzLc3l25VIoy/ku5KPGFIx6kkmoqNq1ibGLZ6bP4i1iaETwgJx8q4VRnAC5wAPritHNU4k2JTpulaZapcnVp5JjK0ZSP5UOB1U45IPrxS55S0sBBc2IcTTF1kilQbJwR8zHAxyM8eo9KpSsBDregzRSLHZSRzxxIyvIzhMuCcgFsZ/CrhUvuBnzabqYnigmOZnwCgbO1cZyWHHTHGeKrm6jOs+H2jWt+NZiljs5YltVW3e4UlvNfKoVAPReWJ9hWFaryWY1azuImlx6LaX91DcRXBhkSJCwwzg5BIHXGR61HPztIi9yxbDRbi0mzqTFioiK/ZWkkUg/fyBgAkjoSaXvRf/BAl0HSI72+eBJojHDbs25nCqGA5JGQce1OpU5VsWmb1ncafNonk2b6bcGPDeaYgjvk/MOcHA+tc0oy5rsUkuhlJqgh1O5lvpop5WwsbBmZIUAwFQ84PTua0lC6VhNtk17H9lE9yUkk1BxudOgj5BUv/AHs/3RzUJt6dCdjB1aPUJ70R3g2ukewLG6oh5PHHAGD09a3jypaDKg0+aCKaa4+SIALgygt64x1/CtOZPQaLWmyWwnNsqbjkLFsXLSBiO1TKL3HYsan4h8RWMMmm+TBFAJHjikwVMePvKBu25weeCaUKMG7jWhzUusajc/u95llZWjyFZ3cMwJB/IYxXQoJAIdRure0ihW4uNsTF2hZiqBum7H97rT5VcCKS11CK6G2Qosag745AMA+hz2z2ppoRJFp80tr5qjzWJJAHz4UdScdB05pcwi/p1hZtHJuhe43vsglUFEJAG7ryMc1nOTuDNDw14Zc30V/d3FuNPtZA135mS20HLLgZJJGRkDFZzxCtbqK56fcaNpeq6PHcy6bBYyyzm4iaCYxpFEPlCleuMgnAx15rgliWnZCkyI+HfD+r6WtpaLCupzzFbUM5O8bWZpSo5ChVJwx61cJz5rvY0px5tDyl9Kl1sXWstPa6XYxOIhhWblVUYCLz0IOTwSTXoKahoJ72KcemC50RpoBOupW8oAi8rCSQEH95k9CpGOfUVo56iNHwxosEFvNqOsqTFCm6ONWU+Yx6Ljv7+2ayqVL6RC5swibVWm8sfaJBErqZWYiLPZQTgHtxWEpcmrEMutMttD1KBrvzJBLaj5XXeEk4O4gfeUDnA70QqOadhlB7WC5iME1o4ujAq28ZDEMScgrgHG7k8461opNMDMv5ptB1SFk0+zDJGVKuN6SDJUk889P0rWPvrcZRm1Q3MRjFhZoDgkrCozg92PPP1q+Wwi1p1/KAbS1MNnvQxkRnCuD1yeeT68VLit2BY0TULrSp7h4bryri8h+zLIpOVDEZPByP61E4861Hc7BJba98MRWDSPKz6l5KJ5ZDCIKctk9yWBIrllFxlzW6C0sYdxNFpl1aRadIt/M+IoZoo2j5DYPJx8w9RxzWqTne4kZ1z4g1VNeuZbXZFO8myNoiWIbgHDsS2fxrVUoctmMt3moauR/aP9lTgkmO7lK7lJIxkY6ZGc9c8VmoQWlxGzpFlYjwvcPOFOo3cRitYZbRmEe4jbkqM72wQu7gVEpPm02C5U0Jj4fjn02yt5J9ZOXScWxU2zOFUg7gGLKobBHQnIzWk/f1b0HYzYfDur2unz681jGtjGN7S3TICSeAwVuWBJ7A1XtoNqCA5fUbue9uTJKIlJULiNAgwPYcV0xVkBq6fFHpmp20+pW8zw+WJocHHmZ+4cc8ZH6dqU07Aa91DNNqEsc9yFkkVpIfLb/WMDtZOvy854rnT7DRfsfFVpa3MEuqQFLq0jCwQxxfIpHIY8885zWbw7ash8qMnxRr1xfw3RN1but5chzDHA4ZAFGWVmyQM8Fc84BranRUNkK1jmrO+ns73zrOZoX5ViDwy+jDv9K2auAXq7zJdyXTyu2DuHc/0prTQRnc0wJhOxjVNsYxnkAZ/OgBjcc9zQA6KV1O5WYcdRQAmec0AODEKwHfrmgBmcjJoAkDp5bKeDjjjNADHbdHgsWPvk00BPa2d3cHFrA8x/uouT+X4UWAhcKwyMZP4UrAS6aRaXsdzKH2rzhcc/XPagAvVtt6C13kFBndxz36UANitJ5Y3aNNyp9715oAltIbV7iGC8k+zQsfnlCFiB6470APvrC2j1GaOwu3uLNW/czPFsaQeu3kjPpQBDbWU807QRRvJIQQiKuWY+mOtDdgO0vPD2i/8IzbxQxXjXarJIZ3VIyZSVHllMFiqgdyOtcvtJKWuwGfZLAlysGpXSW0UTxqFt0D4yclgQduffmrd2roGjsNU8TWWuR2Gm2dvcWEkSeZE6v9/hvvYHzZ9q5YUHGTkynypaHKJraxSBHuJQFuGeMIWwgyMY55/CulU0TcwItUkWRCRlo2BIBOCPStXBAdDZeJDHPJJbyyRT3GR8xyFLfwgnp9awdEDoP7Y0yykvBAYHa3gEbOuJHmZgMsTkqBkkcelY+ybtck5rBfSW2OwlYlizSZV8sf4eg7da3+0MxryO5ixJJGBbqAQAcqCeOPrWyY7lvSbmWO0mc2cLGVCElZyNgHXaB1/Gpkk9yiHXNWOpMjS2/lzhiZXB4k6YOMcU4xsDdzOilVF4Lq2cAqetUIc1zIYBbCWTygd2zPy59cetOwGz4Ot3m1EzxNk26mRkExjLKOMAjnkkDj1rKs7RFY6rUrmG8G/UJBFcQEbIISSJFbOevUgZ59hXLCLi9NhHGXANtJdRRxrMWVkLynDBWIIIHrgfrXXEZRgtS8UhjDyyqM7VU/KM8k/hWgGloutXem2r2itmEq4VSvAL7cn34Ws501Iq+h0VtrGnxaZNpMF9G9vLOJDNLbkOBzwT6DjpWEqbb5hqbtYabjS7IXNraXFzeefIkiLEVj8wDOBzzx16d6OWcrNklYwWWsg3AdbVEIhiti5c59S345qtYaCLej29jf3z2VkJJ5LK38zErYDkMN+AOeM8D2pTbSuwZB4kuLiS4mutrPZCdvKklAUyN1ztH3Rz+FKirLzEijqnh2+0wWz3IMJniWQL5n3kIzuyCeCK0jVTbRTVtzodNeeKeCykkVZooRtIjZmdsgIjDHAwcn9a55q6bJZszafaTrcSareqLi5zDGkajDMAcjcMIp+Xp71hzSXworl0uZ+oJZaXbw6dpdj51/FbolxNkqG3Y4APU571pGTm7t6ElSeaLQ7XSdF3iKe4QT3MzKrFSxOBu5yuMHFXyuo3IDntblz4hvW8pZEEjyY3bQ4A46dOnauilH3EhlvSPEd09zbQW1rDuSXcUONjA7Rg54xkCpnSWrZSNzVbvUIXWO+uQ8jzGWUpwryHjbgdcAdRxXPGEXt0JHX0E00zm4uI9rvvm2bWXef4d2enIOPWnokDDW9Phs4rYRW7zhQCzt90sFycjr6Uqc3Ju4I5q2tb27u0mtDtZY18xl/gxk54+h/KujmSWoXNh9O+0RJd6Nc3Mkqv5s5lRWiTvkk5yeOeMe9ZqpyuzGjkjPcWtw88bhZUk3I6cEHOcjFdSd0BLBeySakbu5txcyFslW6M2cngD1ptDPR4NFvtctLGLU7dYHgmZJIHQRnlfMCtt+6PmOO+K4KtZQbsJnOeLvDh0nUfOi897Z9oIRtpBwDtAPLAZH6VpSr86JuaXg3QrS6vJra7BtkWJSu6YOA5yMsq5x64yOlZV6soq6E2dt8QNQPhnRrHQdN0y3ub6VPOknERIKKTgkdckgn8K46FP20nOT0LdLRMh8V+Io9K0KGLUrkvqc1osluRFlXQ7mG35ccsSTnpirpUHOWmxcqaikefah4mj0q6nl01QTcWktuyh33W+5dm4MeCeSeK9CnR6MSfK2czp3iG80+HNukQfzPM8zbyDjGBXQ6ae5G42e/v53afzW3SfvJvmzznqc9OvShQS0ALq6Z7KCVLoFlchow5yG9cdMUcuoGloXiK5sEW2klwsgKGVl8xwhxwATjqM1E6MZasDp/iDd6W+n+HLexvIL2dtMjN5LhlktpG+8owdrnH5dKyhT5ZNopopaQtxql/aeHtPaQXMyIgkZm3wrkkR8d8nP4YqZ2gudkkOveGbSCxSP+1nn1MP5T23kMTkHkKQP59aKVZt6LQLmZb+G7QzJFcaitokZLXLynBAOCAqDJLAZ9O1bOs7aCubWk6XpNkkcT6XLqF+VEjRzqcKCMxjC9yDu9KxnOctb6DL9hGlxqMOsalZWUksbu8atmONVUjAUKMfLxwc5qJNpcqZLZ0NhdQaVr8N19kijijncPfygOXDfeWNMY4B4J/wrGSc42uBnXnifTXuZfKt4BaLIhl85MFmbIK7VPIB7gVaoOKs3qNIW71GW11nU9PnOmWdnuWYtHaCThSoaNC2cHnP50KN4oDVGsabplgzT2yzAqk+WCBUVmxuAUnONw454rL2cpvTQVjEuZtb8U3Ex0+6mht42EMiRRgGEpGzKWUDJ4RyTW8YxpLVFxjzMv+GfEsOk+HbO10/XkjlubRrq+vni/f8AnDd+7VnHKjC+5zRWpczvY0lLlirHJePNbtdUltn1G9huzF+6zafKwUDOWBHzHPTtWlCk4bGV7nG3VzZSSu1pDtjP3fM6r7e+a7IppagPt75oViliLeajb1YjIBHTg02rgWrZ7e/4WW4N5ISzEAbB6+59ahqwxmq2qpfIsl48ypGu5whAXPYZpRloFyzNY6XI0Z07VIXkkGBHcMIthzjlmwD9aabGU9WtDYSNC7Qs27lUIfHuHHBB9qpMTM6SaXyRaqBtZt2B3x61QhtrF59zHEeC529QPyJoAl1Ox+xzyQux3oxXGQcYOOo4/KmAWtvGSq3SyhHVtpXqeP8A9VIAe3+zvsPy5GQc560APNlM8qrBics2wCPnnOAMUAdJ4Q8OaTdy211rmo28WnzOYpWF0sUkEvUKVbk5APIBXkAmgmTa2Os8b/CXT9N8ODVPDXiGDW3mmlkihDIri1jXc0hGcsRyDt4quVijJvc8mkhMcrRyDayHDDOcGpLHQQeYpIIAXk5YdKAELTW8wCu0eO4OKaYDd7A5xyPWmMkDITl8g9iKkRdtLyOMkrbR7iMNIRkj3GeKTQ0M+3OoCKcAHk4GTS6AJdyrNJE0UYB2gHH8R9cU9gNPQvD+v6wk0+l6fJcRxMI3fcqqGPQZYjnionVjHdiOr8M/D2+tfN1vxFM+i2luPPtmeRfMlIOAcZyo3bee+eK5auKV+WGtwsyu/iKdtHntktLSB5L3zTdohduuDyRweAeOtXyK9yUrMoatZafZWkEwjvEnl/1DSKFjkUDO7pknpnNODk3boUc5dTv5aw/MLmAHEkT7gQT0GOnFbqI2UXuZmSFGYgQJtjwOnJPPqcnrViGiNQq8kt39hQAbGLAICT1oAmQyzSRQKVjDFUCoAo64yfX6mpa0A6/V1tba1WyRZm2wKkQKfeJwQSPfDH8a5Y3buI5zUr+9nh+yMiQQIceWi4Gc557k8da6IpbjKO9wqjduRchRu6fhV2QEJmB2rjp1PWiw7gGTAw5znBGKAH7SCRnK5PTvQgZo+H9ZvNGvGmsmRWkQxszJnCnrUzip6MD0mfR9Lv8AR0mtUZbuRC9s2AodBgcDryW79q872koTt0BxMufR7G0sU/teUrLdRRMGzulRAW3Z28ckDAIJ6dK19pJv3RXOV8TSaPaTiPQpr5mCgTTSOqhsgHaAoBwM9ya6qfNb3gMkTs0So8udowowB1961sBYsrK8vPlggMjkhV5GMn3qXZagSz3Mul3d3Z201vKwYxm6ji+bjqEZhle/IxQtVcdyPSGT7ZFmPMW9RIM4JGRwD2NKewj1HwxCui6nFe22mWgE29ovIjeSV4xgtksxxzxwK86pLnTRLOfe2h169a6S3itppUeaSMNujEYPcAZLMcLWt/Zqw1oV9S8QtdWPl3Wn29ulvB9mhNs7xvGN4OG55wBitIwSdy3K5DpN/p91bSxB7e2uWLMkzecWySOXYsQQAOMDr1qqkWiTqbPWtIsbRLOE2t1unTc8zs8cI2/MyKMcljxnJHNcs6cpamqkrWG/bLLVfEqJJqo23c58ySJSCuAMIMg5b0pcsoQ22M2jL1rw3K2qWTG1aaOe48pE3DJRew9MDvWlKsuVoSIbfwlm5MM8vDGQB0XKrjIwT74AH41p7dFqJk6HoM/9rlLpXSNVLSOmVdBgcg47E+lXOquXQTVjd1XQ7WaAXNreTyRqm4zXPzuckgbQB0wOornjVd7NENlTTtMjvop4bea7jtogG3bgQ0mcnPtirlPl1YrklppV1cTzRz3F1LbRZMgLYKMeCAM5Y9OgxzRKpGJTK8mn3OneXGq3CQSl0JZ8cL3AGOOcZ6c0+ZSET60lzYJZ20dwsSyrtUgttdfRlUcg5HrUxtLV9BkOtaVpqoW85Fm+YtCgACbcAZPXJ69RiqhUlcVzrvBPhXSrvSBqtwkYjRhLCplCLKF6gg8n5hjjHfmuevXnGXKikWrPVJ7iLVLW/srWC183zZpbaQI4IBA3MSTkllBI5wAOBms5RSs76hKVzkdf1DUrHUHluraIkshj3yl3UFSARzjgYPbkCumlCMkSkV/CRvALkrqFxaW9wMymLC4RMnLeozjp1qq0Y9gPQbzX9Ijjt9X1G4OqyWtpLBu+zGNpImicByCccM4yTyc9OK5IwlflSsjWFSz1OT+Id/ZXVtdaXFdNfSvNaT6dJGcrDGYSZIge2GYZHqK66EeU3qTjy2OElhEIjN46KZEJ5OWyOme4J4611o5ShHlSZFTKhuFYZH0qmCCWTYX9HUqRjjB7YoQMhiR35QDj8KYiUTMkbKCo53dOfzpMEaz6ZeW+o6fb3nmKs4idgn8KMeMY6nHP41DkkmUkeoeFoxb67rUkVm1vqf2rEUjjHk4XdtCg4Bwep9K8+u7xXYU0chFZ399q+srNLdfaog08E0UxAR96rhv9k57Ywa6IuKgrbEEF9bJaTKNRSW702dDDDK6sskRXBZl3DB6kdwa0i043Qx91dqmtXN4t+32mNo5Le5kd9zx9MZ65CnHYfKQKmykthm2up6QUl0qyuYNVuJI3+wB7cgNLKw3IQ3OQTwxIHHes1Te7KSOnvLHUrzT7BLmVdOa1mlgu0tIsLHHIoA3YJG4sGGRx0rFcsJNluN0chNpj6ZZy2E1rG86GVVknGTEwYkBeBycAE8+1a8/NqmZvQLOcrpksl80AK5EcLZdmLrgsePmwQSeewxSa973SdyjfSafP4Vja0ZWS3cM+/h3zwwQkcqCFIXk8mrjFqeozK8O+Ltc8N3tzc2syrPcuHlR04bAYcj3DEVvKkpbmkJcjOflupwGjyEVhgAdhVqJDIbpzcT+ZtjjLYyEXaPrj1q0rCGbGVCx/vDBz1oAafOWPhWCHjJXigB0TTQHcjMmR1U9jSYHovhHwfFf+B9T1/Wby406KGIS2+VDtP82PuZyVzxnjFck69qiggPO7klpGZR17CutDYxrieXBkleTagUb2zgDoBTsIIlBBfftxyOM/nTsBuX/iLz/D+naXb6bYW8lm0jfa4odk8m8HKuwYhgMnHANAGGSpAGfwNICe2vLmF8wXE6OqFFKyEHaRgrwehGRigBrFyvzjgdM9qALdrJbWsUzTb5J2VRB5UgAQ7gSWypzxkDBBBoAlcRy25nJdmXJKM/3VyANpbljk5wKALcfiLxQmn29hHrN9FaWsb28MaybQivnegI52nPI6c1XMwMe53LlCEG5iSQB16dakBtoZIWzGFO4FMdeo6UAOmiZGCTLJG/VQ6kZH40AMfBZjnJ9+tO4xrRP02ge5pCNXSdKa7niH7+SKQkH7OgL8LngH+dRKVkB23hT4bm/81rmCdGb57YS3MMaeWp+Z5ATuI7YGK5quIcdioq501z8PNG8O64l1i61IJIJQ1sjRjjGNoO4/eOcnIxXN9alUWmhUoWNnxVoVrosMVroDmGF7Jp7PzHZvNukl+cSHAUnbnBAHNRCpzay7jcElc4tY9R1q0Wx1C5murq0DPOblmkeQ7QMFnJ+Ve3NbtqLuupk2aVn4Uc3Fv5k4gh6BniDWxxk/d4ycHqPxqJVmlohHKazb+GbS8vLG71mbUkQyPFIg2TGTIGNxUgDqT7V005TaTtYZwzyvbK62zDYzgh8YcY9D2rqQFYuZGLvlmJ5NMDRjSSXzooId6L827aMgZHepuA+30+WR5MjYETJyQOvSk5WA0fDuhNqlveX8olS2s0GZFxjf1Cn0zWdSpayC5rareCzWSZlE8kjJHG5Y7T8mCwHXgYHNZRjcRm3d3bbbm2ksiHm5LhgWEgOMg+h6GtUmMw7+CZNitGFUpuQAjO31NbICtCAgZivIHai47FpYrWWJ3bUFiaNBsSZWJc55AIBAx15xQAyW3aJc+YjggHCt0z3xSAYBLtA3bVzz8uQTQB7BvFho+nRS3DfaDbOY3CkN2kbC44znP0FeZL35t9CpPQ4vX5Lyzu2hhmIuJCRKEcSAAgFQT2ODyO1ddK1tTM5wWs32kQfZtzlB05xx1rdNFAlu7wMwRm2knIGafMIfYw36+W9vHOCsgCOOMNQ2gK08UqySs2WKth27FvrRF6AbXg+TTLO+ivNRdyI5dxQDgKBkHjvnisqylJWQGhc+MtQimuZIIo1e9iKQOsh/cozZYKM8E9DmoWHVrMDHs9dvokFtAwid9sZkBOSgPyrj255681c6a3YWOx1GPRdMln0/yZb+W5hCAsoHzYJ3c8g5rlTnPVOwjlIdGmef7OwlaUjGyJcncTgA/jXXzopGt4Z0zT7i8EOqGSVhL5ZQShEhjAOSfU7sDFZVZTS90LGnYLeaZqEpgXTDcZcYSRPlBOMgZwTj05rJ2nFDQ6LUtPvNea61K/ns4YpQIxIxORxxt9MDt1NTyOMPdVxHU6jfWdrZ2ytvnkiG+4UMPMKMzFWx2zgcDkDNYQhJstsx9R1q4lgj06QfZbCWJWtyhyXJwMHH0J59K3jBbilK6NB9JfX9ObUbUO1lprZkt4vvEMTsB7DIB61lzezfqZNHKR2NwfEJs0tGEchfGD82wDnHoOMZ/KuhTXJdscTuPhNKuo3R0dYJl+2wXEMEjBeJCjYBOM53AdT2rlrxu7nTTSbsziNUsE8PeXcXd/Nfy5InhYHajDlFznBU8Ej2rqhP2mlrGMlyuxn2ureIdR122vIpohdfM9sgRVBYnBCjGBwP0rRwjGLFY6G/8OCGS4gaUzi3t3nuLv1AHy4PfO5QR1zWMat9ibGJYxTS67b6bB5lsb5VREdwVUZGBweBu5re65bvoUmdjex6JYztZ6XPZXd5Cv7xboECXJJYZxtPOcHJPArjXM9XsHKjD+z3uuXTx3Ti002KQtDJJGA0mWxtDD72Txx0zWvMoLTcHoV7tbe3gkms5Y1aK4VFgb7xO77oz25yc+9Um5PUR0slpp02hmQazG1zFhJoNmVZgdxCvjaRz264rnblGeiHbqchrsMUUV2GkHkI5lgxwxdsArx1AAJ/CuqlIdznNRN7DZWpuLKWLzkZoXljIMqHHIJ6/WupAQ6fCLueOEssRZwDxnCnqf8A61O4iC8iAmO1yyE/Kce//wBammJiXcTQT+WDwp+8OhouA+3sp9QvY7WwgkubmQ4SOJdxJ+lFxpGnoviXVLGaPynUBIRAiLEv3d24AtjI5xk9ccVnUpqS1KUrHeeAtRvrDS9WtXuFlu9TvoZnuZSWCNtkU8DJbPmZwP7tcldRaSJudB4Ytb6HxTqc1pP9ns4cW8968WUmYlfkGSQATzntiuWrK8Ffck5DxPpl5p3iGcWus3uqy2EYDSGNsQu+SFG7tz16V10p80NVa47HP363iaNDcTr5wuHfymbgq2QCQOvY1srXsgJdKim1rVVtru4FpcGydLZoYQC8iqPKU46ElQNxqnotBo9M8P399q9hay61KDJa2b/a7oSA+YzM23eMYJXgDPpXn15JP3epbk0kcXqmtLHp1s0GrLJNZXZYPIoLOknsRyFK9/Wt4U77ohu5h+OdRl1C6FzdSEXT4LpGgVFGOMAYA69K6KUOXbYEjlzJLInkb38rdu254z649a3Bixws10gSQ5ZuSewHJNDA0LvS7yHTkvZLG4jtnO1ZXiba5PPBxj1qeZXsBUW3JXzpGCqRnKkE455/SquItxpZPGiSzO4C5by1+Yc8gZ49etQ2wNHxNpdtpWqRaf8AaLieFFO5tyMAQSDjBx1A5qIzbWoIZdWtjHZ3EkayiOQKbaSQlWHXPA6jimm27Aek6vc3XhPQdE8a6fAbizvo4rdROwaNzGys0bKRkbgrfga5KcFOTi+h0RXLHmPGtVvVu9SvLm2t0top55JEhQ5ESsxIUH0AOPwr0ErLUxk7soYz3qhCqSMgMRQITJCcDNICWEIUO4dKLgS2sz2s/nQjcV4O4cUAILqTdIwAG8cjGR1oAkdY48Kzg45wpzQBYgka4tzbGNNqsXByATkAY9+3FAG9qlvC2jSX9/Kxv8W4gEKoI2Xac7gO4UJ75JzSQFLQdEbW9Vi01GjjuJwfJWRvLVj2UE9zmhsTdi/418KtpOo3h0uG7udPtWVTPLHhkz/eXqBnIBIHSi4J3KN/q+rTaDpujah5ZtNPEkltuQbz5rBiS3Uj0pjL8fgfUh4dk1WbyoXliS5tUNxHsmt/m3vnd95SFG3rz0rF1VzWBMw9C0q913VrfSrERm4nbbHvbaucZ5P0BrSU1FXYHSeNoNI0K6jsvDerPelFEVyY1IXzFABZT3DcnisablNXkgE0fVZYoRGyXDamNvkSO5IZSwygB65BPFE4q3kXGVj1rV7/AENtfnupWhspzFGLYwneF8srlsZJIyNuD1xXl2qWsjedSLWiOLvdfW5XMlwIJ4tXdY1OWLnA3K3p97I+mK6o0Wl8jmM7V/Gq2uoBbGCFrQ5OZlLb+McggEHdz+Fa08Pde8Kxxeo3V/dRfa3vGZZJGHlq7YTPJ46AHNdUYJAUNsghac+SwTqpcbiPpVgVmPI549B0oAYzktwMd6AOj0pfN1AQ2Ek6QOnzspWMsAM4O446jvUKLYF7SVkk1KK1jga+M+VdfOznHQbugP09KzqrlWoFrUIF0uz1OIRB7GeUCNUkO0uB1IOScA8ZrOMua3cRkssL+UEFzd3Mm1Y06ZJXG0cckHbWoyK8ju7e5MEyRws037xQQCpBHBI6CmtrjQmv6Vc20qTyRukdym+Els7k6D3/ADohJMpqxk7nXcCV2nsR3xjt3rQkjZQHwAshx1UGhiNjw5o9zrV06DciKVXefuhmOAM9hkj86ic1Bajua9poaaRIdQ1e4hRba6EIhPz+bJgntxgYzzWLqcytELnW+Db8ap4ptreGZNW1HZMAkrARyYAIX5sDOFweeRxWNSm1F9Ck11KN9dpe6xPpsMNja3CPLcCBIP3akoC44zk8A5z2NEVyxTvci5jabpbzQXF/M5j01pNsU+CGnYHAXb6e3HWtHUs7LcDNs51tba+tfJM0RuCSFBXswyfUe1aO8rMDGa+ut+5J5AgyI0LZAHpWyVwHPqVxKhWSOMRjkIEwAcYzRygVRM4BjjkcK33xn7319aYEcisnPTFMDr/h9pMh3eJJSpis2KwoWH7ybAx1B4Gc1zV6lrR7gxNW1e5E1u1xtNxb73IPzHzCe56Ht07ClCmgIrDxPeNtjvCs6OQEEjMPcnPYnPWqlRXQaZo+E9HtdR8Tyrf/AGqK0VA0cloVO13Py5POOScd6zrTcIabg2egWFkJvH2l240ez8uGOSSQ7P3ZG3AYnnceMn3ri9p+6buOFpaD/HHhk6j4Bg8V21tZ2M7XccNpEqKu6Elhvdz/ALvGMYp0J8snFmjpJQ5jn9FufCt94wii15ntPsx8h7lHBj2gcMylSWPv79K3lCah7pmmi5q9nbaFObaSzhlglYvby3SBlZcHB+XgZBHYCso801dkNmPrFzf2FwP7Gu7iFbpPKmMU2wMA3RdvX8ia0gov4hG09jBqUL3cN1cQ3FuPIzIcYU7Qu/CKTksT9BWLnyaW0Yy7fSR6XoFrNaXsx1e1lMyTw7YookHyhgPvbmJJyeTioT5p7aGinbYpavpMWpymZAktotlJdASA83DLtTGfvKCBnFaU6nJo9yW7jfAVnpOkawniDcZ308uUhkQk+bsICgKD8u4k+2KdWpN+73HCSUiXxHpMDaTaafo09jIsOhLPfB5gXV9+51AH8bPjnHTGaIz9677m1TlsrHG239o2V9DMZ7WADbG960ZZFQsMlc/M+O+PSuqyktDnNebxBpNv56x3EGoQW2TDKLRlE7sDy+COB0AyKxVKT3GZ1rqV9fXVvZ6jqIhtUmXOC0nlKTnCKCQAB2BrR01FaCKV/qGnwzXVpa2yXEEcrOslxDly5wCTzgdOBz1qlGTSbBHQal4oj1DUoITa2dlp1lGrDylCs7YA6AYPc4ArFULK/VlSZgapeaXqFhJcQTRxXSyeXtkk+bHHzYwODz71rCM4sXQwHOXIDrPtUgM65/LPIroELiNvKjs4lEgX53wA27Jzg9TxQNEFxBMtyWZwgR9jMn8J+gqk1YGI7xlhaCRmhDffLHAPc4xT2Ea+l6/e6f4mttXK2eoXVsVVFlgzFOFXYFYLtJGMe/FJpMpOxmRxS7TdGD90zEBBwnfI+gofYTZ2/gnVtJtdOiVbNUu0PzSvNkBiDllVRkYGB1/GuKvTk3uQy9reqlPDdwwMYtrmJpbZowVG9ZAAQGzgnnPfpzU06fvFIx/iT4ostT1681TQpLyCW8aMlpGKEqIUDKcHnDhvwrpp0uVWNJy5nc5Y3BiSCVJwZ9xOd4LAY647dTW/KjMNPvvJ1GC6eSdykgZipw4Uehx19KUo3Gds/ibR7D7eFtdVt49Qg3Q26uqxYIwrHK8+uR1OawVFStfoNu5yxsLKbXJYZtVTyY1JLuG+ZsgYwBnqSa1vyrQVitfx2k2sGxtIHTYGjRyrO8rDOCRgYyMCiOiuwuV7TSXu1LfaI4Wztw6sAcHHVQRTc0gNzwnDZQXE02oRwyeRGSgchjkEgAqeu44454rGs3bQR0CxXutXUq6ld3pspoWuLaa5lAjh2kAEJyuwdAAO9ZOXItFqJs5/XpNEfwtbPa6nLNrMt/cLdKkPlRtbAL5TgbQBkluM/gK6YqV7stJWMlIl0jUo4760mQhN0kc4OfmXKnHBxgg9at3a0EaE1zFqniDT4bmWOCzG0CVUCkLjPPGTzWaTihGr4fn0K21dn1zU0azudPuERHDP5MpiYx8gZA8zHAHfmlZyLhbqYmpeMdVvvBo8MXaWptRfi+WUAiQN5Qi2DnaEwoPTOa0jTUXcblpY5Y/exnr7VoZhhvb6UASIqk/ODigCfyodi5OHHbHWgDT+3WY077K9rGrhSjNGMEjtn3qOV3uBStfLYRfaGVY92ZWAycfTuapgdTrtj4b1TSRe6Zeadpz2lv5a22QslwinCu3dpmyc8AYAojfqOKuYUtnpUF1LHPcysqWqtGAmGeVlHydwACScnqBTEdf4Y0S3sYrTV7HULPULUlJZFe3zJbuMbhyM5B6bevFZVL2sIzdY3N4jF/pzQ2+nFBLDuV4YXZF3Mn+9kdjyelKDsrdRkV7ZSP8A2Le6RdSR3EwVZJDIItt0G6IxxjA28n86qL7gRQahrWlax52oajqMcV8qi+dJ9zXEbLkhuSG4bIDVbYG5YnTrPxfp17qesW2q20CI6WzW/nIYyvyxPjqQOo7YrnqOTi7CH67b/ZNLutIiu52tIiTpoG8eYhkHmBlJOF4BC8cipg72bBGfbaZAlxaR+H5NRTUDJ5cyTBoyQSf3inC7eCBir5m99hkHi3Sbe28RjTNPtbqwWJUD/bXQupbnLFOCMEYIpxnpdgbnhbTs6mbG1s21SWJA7XEe8lQACxUNgD0Bx3rnqT0uIdrVuEv9ls0tjPpaxyAZ+dgX+6pHXAOetKD011uVcy500TVdYF1f3wsGlclZASWbC5ErZyckjB71queMbIRzHiK3sIbw/YdUN5G6li7RlBnJyB610QbtqgM6S+d7WK32xokeRlBgvk5yx71YFaQlmyeTQA3PbNADiOnP1oA6i2cxDNvGJBKR5TMNuQDjp/nrWalZgaekNcx6yJ7iSKzEbfP8u4IoG0nA784qKslJAXvEGprc21xZlImRU/c5UA7gwGFx3x3PrWMI2dybHN6ZJeQW8ULWYl+YzxBnxtYZGc9R1raVmUbGp3dtb3EI1LRnkhjRxjzgpkkJzvYrnkHjHoBURV9mCZzWp6zcX2pPcso2sw2w7iVUAcCtowSKuMZzdszSRKpLAfIAMGq2AIYjHIHjGZEPQdMex79aLiO+8GTSixkefStsVtDvaMfK95l8qVGOSO7c8CuOta9iJFDWLo65aLbTwQ2k9uruxZwiKgznI6s3v1pwXI7pglYPhbb2r+Jo7iSUQLDEZFPlhhIykkZyCQMe1VXb5dCm2a+p3kFzqOsW9nNCzuN/2lwqShAfmACgcY6+tYxi1FXJRnza5eeHbOXToEs7/TrwrPHdhCHB5BKBuhyD261fs41Hd7oaOVtrxhfzTQkIsitEzsm/aH6kD1966UiihplmLy7ETT+XEhyx2E8fgP51d7IRpSeH2ksvPs7hZGLEhSwwyjq3qMenWo9rZ6iuZUtlNa3QjuVaFlAZgPvLkZHXoatTUldDO38Hv4cjkggIg1DUbhAytLkKsnB8vBAGR0z0PvXHW591sDLF+jaRDqElnausJcJNECAEdQQQDz3Jzj0FKL5rXJRzeuNPJY+YTbBbj96ojI+QHBwMdD6g10Q0dhkXhnwjrOvTRQ2FuZGkOY+p3AckgDJ6U6leNPcqx2llY32gSPooj8u/sf30nmR4BfkL35xkGuOU41Pe6MTRo3Ins7eGNL03szMGMjTFQwAwVJOMLk4x1JrFat6WJSZNqt7dReGZ9BunmaLdFK6SsNqyDeMx9cD5ycGqjG8rxL9o+XlOO1DR00e5ge8E+JSszsEUnyjnBHrnmumNTnWhJnai73DMYhdO275FH3QuAcYHselaRsmBteDT5Rtry5vMSwEm3t0fLMScnJIwOv6VjW7JCbLzmWQ3F3puqpEzDzJIfmfc2SSpxzgAA5OB19KzWyTQG1YzX3iCGaO0trOUosMlzFFIqCR1yBHlyOOSTjjisWlB3bE3Y1tOtrqzsYLdDGb6VnNysjq/2W3R1CqoBIyzFjgZ6Cs5tPXoXZWuYfiXUrmxtvIh0u9a3gyVm8wQByeWyOrHpwfetaVNS1bJQw32p/2PfXK2ljardr5D7DtKOm1eDg8ZYMy+4q1Bcy1LS0MG60LQkN7G/iJ5be1by0uGgkEZk53L0yeR2Het1Uenu7i1Ir5tMk8NXjPLOkrTQBVjOyEKM5O3GW9sdK1gmmWloc9DqTm4tdhJdCyxZ4C5I24wM5B5rVoRS1BzblI4ZmkbqzHIyfQimokk19qF1fXM17OUHnMHZVAADdOnbpSUUhlMsit820bjkN1qxMntBd3cxSzEtw4QgLHHngZ7f1qW0hnW+EdHs/s10b2S0F0sYihjZ25diBwRxuXOTk1y1ZtPQuEbmHqyTLq9xPOo8t2DyCIfJ+VaxatoSya802CG0guraBz9thVFLnndn5ioxjHahTbun0JGW8kemai765pkpbyQ0Ma/JnBBB+hAx+NXbmWjGmQ6nqEU/nfZltxHNtdUiUqYeSdgJ+vXvTUbAbfgDQ11GCaVmEK7/JcyuF4YMV5+qVjWnysfLcztc0vVoNJsNVNuf7MvTI1q6sCMhtrDB+YcgdR3q4Sje3UVjPt47WXc9/HPbxrASpT5jI4HvjAJzzVt22EQXcdn9kj2SMblh86j7ijsMnv+lWmwH6RbG6u1tBNEihGk8xwcYA5HGefSlJ2EzQl0m5eyW6ILxbGUeacHEagkjPbkDFZ8/QEyDVtUnutR+3FUjlVt/A/iIG79R0rRIq5n/b7oauNRjkMdx5m8sDyGPfim1dWEdXDPbR6RbXM2mPe2glYXM0DSRqzFcoCTxwdze9cjXvbjsVI4rjUtRvb3QdPuDFBcfaS7LuKqB91nBxjAOO5rRyiklNiNXwtpPiHXr+NBbyLbxJNMZpgyQxKcMeTwACBgc1lUqUoK7Yr2HeMvAV5De2/2bULS4uJR+/BYxgNgMAufvDDDkDHFKliYtbDZoax8OzPpk+pR+I5L42cEX2h5IWJLfd2R55IGMD2AqFjPes1uLmJT4Ih1rT7BvDTHUYNM/wCPiWf9x8pkLFSTgE4PbPtS+tOLanpcYah8OdCvLqSx0q8dtUmikuLW2gm84NGuWO8nGwhF6Ak06eIn1Wg4rm2OH03w5atfOuoXipCmDEPMAa4bIygX8+eAK63UdtBNNGBfIsd3OmxEIkPyq24Lz0BrVbAQj0AyaYCsGAw3H0oAQZJ6kigBfuofmHJoAkubyaSMxZADBVwBjgdOaAK+zb95RmmA+MfMNzEDvikB1HhnxPc6Tb3FuoFwZkVI2mckQkMDkD8AKicFILF62umt7l7Se5a6trm3kZ4ywOxw3DDsCCO3rUJWBneeBbbQ4dFeyv7ZdcW/uVDxujD7LMRncDjk9to4PrWNSrbQS3MfV/BWpalqc13LbQadaTytJGiyrgBTgooHAIA6E1KxMUrDehveAvA6RyX14Yvs8n2ZVS2C+duZgDgNxhs4BPTk4rnq17tRCKbMLU9Bv7PXXuEmg1G+gjWS7tmJQW++QEYI4bPXg9DW0akeWxXLY5DxJJe3F8t3dXMkMc4Mkcc0jMd3AYAgHHI7+1dNOyViTe+H8F3Ba3N1bxLqkdzCImMseBAwbOCzdzjt2zWNfVpN2EP8Q+ItW06yaC2DmznXEkcbFGDBs8svOOMYNKnSi9WUlbU5jxPJNpy2k1s9wi3lsruHPKMCCyjJzjI610QSenYDnzdJJERIWDgE7h1bPrWtgK27P1piEb60AIVcpkDgdaABVoAeinHPegDtNDME8MhunR7sBpUKnKKqjAyOxLEflXNUi09BMzJNSuYru6/dxG4kHlkKPkHrgA9fc1SgrDRvjStWtrlbS9so7CRoFaHeNyviQBmzk5xyOO9RKUehVixOttpulkzrFJJKXi8wA4bbyc468isk+Z6EM5zW3uWa4YqkcdyyuqRnIAHIwT75roprQDARMMMqcZ9K2KNLSZbWCcz3C72TDRxFcrJzyG74osBcm1GGcMiwsjKS8W1sKhIGFHBOBz3rO1g3PSPBn2ybwFc6vJ5lzJG/k2uMnYB/dHUgZIx3P1rgr6VFHoRNHK+NPCl3p3kXWoXrpcXSM32S4bMgcFflJBwoIOeegFb0q3NougJl3wdZW9tqEs0iwWQKgNE1w2WGNzDOc7COuOvSirNtDMae+u9N1u7iMEMbSqfMlZRkr947Cfu54HrVpKUQRRhuRqFrJdTyIJrVh5MOdylRlsbT1GT+taW5dAMwSiVfNUqMNlgq4xn0rSxSHWk1tHa3XnpcqzRAW6oAFZ8jG/2xnge1MGXfCusppt79okhQyR/6uQlvkPoRnkH0rOrDmQie91aG9vJry7WOWabdv+TkdTx+J79hUxpuKsIs6Zr+nxyRrB4f06OVV+WSOM+aDtxkMxOAMZ4xzzRKm31GZuua3farcyLcTtHHkt5YYhcnqfqeTmnCkohYyBcyecWVI15xkjIxWtgOi0fxVrGm3EQ0e9lgOFTfFlSx78A55/XFYzpRl8SKueiWFvNd+GbHxFJPcGW6laOWQvIQxQAvnJ4+Yj24rz5vlk4LZCa0ubA0bR9Zk26A91ftpemwBhGFH2iWYks2CBhw7D6AVLco79ToUIyh7u6OLv7g2mnvdywXt/phuvKt2uHUiZwoLCQge3AP61uoXdlozmcGtSrF4kmv/s1mmmwtMxWLBi3NLuJ6tnPcAYwAKr2Ci27gbmow2uleB57xfs1vPNcJGkTSFhktIGI7kKF6/Ss43nO3YfLdXMLxBqdo0ttNFpgi2QhhbwqN6RqBh3Yr1ZsE/UVrCm1dNk8tyOLxZcSW96tjLNpcF0ALp49oLjbtIJ6kHnjtR7FK19QsbfhGDULTURez2lv9kgt0R22bNvBIUZI5JGScfjXPXcWuVbky1KsZmtb++CSMNYvGjSzgC7nj3tkkPzg478VaimkuiKUbqxQvflule61S61B5Y2dpGlJLbSOAWzjJ4z7VpGz2VgtqasmuPd3A0VLCOZpHlvJo1zu82Ta8iMScFQIh/KhQsrmjldWMLUNTls/Bd1oepxiS8/tSK8ilU8KnlsCn5sDx61vFJyugTXLZmO1/PPp0lr5GLcyCRstgZUYGB16nHHY1ry9RXM+5kmjkj8uKOJogMNGMFW55z60xEtvZNOEmmlUITueRmJ2k+vf3ouBRvwBezr5sG3oDCp2nHTA9+DTA0tO0xJJfKYM0xXcEfjbgZJPtipbYMsaPqFzavHDbQGcwhwqK7KrnaSSSMHAHPpxUSjzbgaGlXkkFvNbR+S9oknn72TBE+ASoPcDBxis5xW4LQqSeILtrgXEdtb/fkYGSNWWTexOSDxkVcaSQGM2pXAuYJ2uJ3ljcKu88Io4Ax7VooICzqF3NeTSPcsSjJt2k5K4XAAJzimoqKEZc1v8AvUazSd1YAbmxnfjJxjtVXGdV4a1GSFYE/fGz81PNKLuV2UE4OerZJrCpFPUadizoK6pBPPHLdrFZyoZId67lds5VR/dyR9PWom4taBc6PWtJ0uHTo9buSCszsDG2QQSMg46DJzx9Kypzk3ZCscBqen2/nb0mVQyM5UoSUYZ2r05zxg+/NdkZAT+Brq70vxHCwtHmmm/cm28gOzo/GVDAruGeMjrV3XUTVz1HV5rfWfCuo2cIu2Gn3EKwvqFrCJY4ZGKOCYwADv21hVcVLQSicHd+EbqHTHZLS9a/+1FYYSAVeIF1ZvXO4D60KtHuO43w/wCHJUvvOu9PM6xxyLPDJkiNthIb5SD69D2onU00A7fwbqt09/PZ6YbSLSrpB5lsYgquojwDgjvgjGO9cNaOl3uhtvodLo+m29sbe20+SEDzTIYYIm3SA5Kq+3aGUE4we1cc6jd2yNTcXUbyOBb6Yz6faQXD24s541eJshQD5a9WLdOcDNZuKem4JHD+IPFPhzXNWsnnkFh/Z+myWqXFxFtDTmVfnZBuJAycDvivQp0pQhZI3509DB8S+Oon8PyaNpuu3DbC3nsVI+1fMcEnAPIxweOtXSwvvuUkZdTGm+IM/wDYEdnb2FvBN5q+YQD5e1cEfLnk565yK2+qLm5gIdP8c32m+Kzr629m14EmXcYflQyKVOEBA4ycfWtPYrlsXGXK7nOXlw10Gumu4lmRiyxbSoIz/CBxz6VtFW0E3czJIZjl3AAJzz1+tWSRhGGWHQd6AEkYuNxOG9+9ADcjFADc4/nQA4A9QOnNAA75A6GgBobgUAO3EKQOQfegDa8MKG1jToruB7i1e4RXi3DLrnlRzwD/AFqJ7aDPUNQvI9Jt/sXhqG4tY3c+ZFHeh2Vj/u8HgcelcPs23eYktSp4J1qbUNTs9Pnvzpul2bkpJJEskjyE8Bi4OSxJ3cdqc6KSuldsdtTstH1i7v8AXYrWS7vZWvvOJfJhEcaAuGQ4AC44xWFSnyxvbY6KaVyhba7bNfalayiC1MQcYjgG6RY8AncB0BwfrzT9k7Jik1c8rknvNQhEV/cGOW2Ej25aMl35wwJ7gYrvSUdjBlG38S3ml2TaVbutxaAtlHdwjscgPgEcgE1Xsot3YiXRvE89lYTQST3czTwzQyDzmUEOBtORzkMCee1N00O5janqM97HFFcJGXiyBLyXYE9CT2HaqUbAU44t4ADqCPUVVxEskARsMwYUXAi8ve4CKSScAd80ASzWrxIpcjceoHOPai4DYdoY+bFuGfXGKALLoJHZ4owE3YwpwKAOnuIbG2Elqq3S3rlo5AgAQYOOMcnNZtpq6Ei9F4d05X1Ca2u2mt7V123TgbWfK5Xnqckj8Pes3Uaja2oCeDm1XUL1oTA93MjuJEfBCggng/XnA4rOvypdh30NvxN4eht4LG31Gf7PbrJG8jKucZJ389OMnNY0ajbbQR31OKs4ra8lurGCG4usuot3iXcVUE5IH0xXW3ZXZWhmpBbCYRvNcxgn5unyj1I9a1TDQntNKvJdOmv7a3lniiKrIyqSVY9OlS5xi7NiL/8Awj89roU2o37XFrOXVLeCSPBmJBJx3GBjn3qFVTdkK5r/AAuN1Jq81o9/eQxR27mOBHKh5PT26mscXZQuEtUdj4stIpdfivLd4ZIViO1SBIGfbypyOXzxmuOlJqNmQmcd4i0tbLWbRovt8krqskiFCxU5xgD04rrpVOaLKiS60ltd6fZRmOWSa5vJXuH2hGAAOcDsoxjr2NEHysb3MGy0W407UTDNfwWzLFvO4bt3y5xgZz2GK351JCuZeotIkzieFY1d8q0cexXA44HpWkUMrzTloPLB+QHhf61YFZlwq+rDJ5oAWMMzqsWWZ2CgepPFAE9zbXtjIpuoXidl3DIxgZI/pSUk9gK2/c+XLEHk80wCQrvIDZ44pWHc2NCt7W3kivbiRZCpDLEJAMHPG78ulZzb2QjsYNS1S4ksbS81C5tbB4ZZYirlI8Z3HYo6k4xXLKMUm0tQZe0W51fTdS1BNPEelWssAjmabJZ1DAp77s88VMuVqzKjNx2Oc1vXblfDy+HYvIFqL37Y+4kyCXy9hHX7uDnp1ropxTdw5roi8P3NxaK2rJdzfaIkEabHwVUjuaVRX0JYkgu75ra1vbny4kk8uN3fPlgncTgngf40RtHYEVrLW5re6nuJCJoZ42heMKB5iZB2t7EgflV8qasVF2NjSbeDUtAa0tvMklDbysUSmRNzDIY/3RxjHrWNRuErslmhrUuuv9r06aeS7soWaVL2YhHuFC4A689M4FZQUPitqJK5Q1zTriLQYL623JdJt8xY1IdQ2ct24GMfjW1Jrma6FqxFoE0d9HZ2txLcNKisqqqqiAryPnHJ7k5oqKzbQmWdDgTXbzUHiJtbiMtMsSAtuDDDs7E/dA/nSnLkSCxQ1fTYZtBjuUu4MQQqQN37yU5wfyqoTalsDKWkWl4bS4uGt5ZLGOMvLIQCqf4HO0fiK2bEZ1oZLi3dGRI0jXexxzIw6Lz3wTTegC6jPFJCvlAR7hhlAwBjgfiacUBnzKQkUjSISwPyg5K49f6VYD0cI67piwxzyamwHfeBNNGtWEqxFEvfOWKPfAHj2NkFiT05IzXLXlyDSu7Er2dtc+I47aaK5jt9MkENw8ESptBOwyOw6knjI7YqFJqN+4nFp2OP1XUrWOS+t4NKjSNpZBCfNb9yS38PrjGOTXTGLetwMaOVfMV5ATzzWozoZjDLo0IQSCY7nkTKkAD7oGOc465qb6gZML3CSLLbTNE5BUeWcHaRg/1FN2A6vRItvhprGWFLTyjFL9sbLbDvJAIH8RJ/SueSu7oNzauBJOYLa1cIzfNPC7hIkTGchex5zgVhs22KwzxDHY6VHq+m3dy+p3coia1mUnZI/fGeSBggGtKV3Z2sWip4jsA2haPPY3Mc0rxF3SOLDphgCCe/c041PeaZLIW02G2kj1BL6+s2dd8DJEQrZIACk88DJJ4GeKftL3SEdl4LupptOnttU1G0jjnVo5hLGxaSFeVk2n7pJxjHOTmuWq3GV4iuVbnxtrOq6helYUCqR5PkHL4Q4yec5PJ5pukla4zltO0vU9Uu4rjR7m4F04ZpnkYRqckqSo78E1vKagtUK9jq9DGj6BewTXMctwIMpu3bY8j72VxnI4xXPLmmrdxpnba5qF1bwfaLe8gtknSSSNMKeuNsfueOvvXFGEW7W2EcZ4uuri20ePS479HWNFC3MRYMGb5iPwbP5V10YxcuYaRxNleX9jdXumXsMAlktz5cxhRnUqNyFSfXHUeua7XFNXQGNqkFs+m2tzFqKT3JlkSaFkwU+YbWB/iBzz9K2je4GVPEVupYosSqHYDHOQD1/StAOj1e20WSwtZ7aSYXBijjmiYrtMmDuIxyAPes1e5Rz90zuXeVizv95jyasRA0nG0dP50xELMwDAMQuRx2oAYxyMigBEGQRnmgBwCg4NADg2Djr6e1ABld2TyAckUANUAsx6A9qAJE2owyRj0xQBftryTfHJJtkKEDGAMgf/qpNXGacniKSC+jutMt0sXj2tujPzMwHWo5FazBOxmDVJdx3nzEZy5DEjDH+L61XKFzrvB/jZdLtLmeaziubyNUNu0q7gQMqynuMgg/hWVSipaFwnYit9YS7u0/tG6V5Lq0eOcxggRM4xwOMuW2kn2pOFlZCbuVPEWsXEN7bwSLaRzW0Sx7kwQ8ZweTjIY85PpTpxWpBz/iO5trzV5Li2s7SzjIC+VatuiyOCVz2PWtYqysNkUMVs/3p/L+UkKRkk07hYv3Q05tLaSOCETIiRcscu3O5sf561KuBJYJpL6dE00YEnnMsmWOSu3Ixx1yMfjQ79AI9UurHLJZ2CIXIbzJGLOvHT0pxT6iKUN21vkwgRsx5ZR8w+h7U9wIJpTLJjlU9O2aEBft4bNiWmukHIwMctyM89uM0wJ7tLO8vJp7OFbS28w+RFkvz2AJ5P1pN2A6mfSNS1HUJknvZ5ZhceVaXs05XoCxQck55B6gCuNVUkhHHXtzeiKSGWRihbDENnLfX8D+VdMbPUZYXW7qBSbCea0WQbZEgcqGGMYODz36+tPkT3Asw6zqU2jXFq6CSzMqGR2UFlwDhc9QDySB1qXTincCLTdZn05hPaiSAsP3ZjfaBxgnGO9EqaluO5pQXujtok73OlwiYOvlyt8zSNj7vXgd+9ZuE+bRknonw/e407T5IdNsI50uZ0G7KmH7vILZ+ZwCeBXFiEpPVib01OZ1q/udY1qK3hBj+yMRAyoEEYaQfMR07gVtSioRuCRa0bUNL0PWL+e2kie3WJYUMkhY7lxvfAGGZie+OnWpqRlUgkyjpLHxHpl3ostzJLNp8qSSN5SQgxlQBk5BADZJ55NYSoNOwrHAeKfFEt9b2sKBFkJCiaLKOUGNo3Zyepz+FddGgojSLF/qi6d4XtL2O5sku1ecQKUDybScMWz0wemfUmmqfNO3QLHO6pdale6Xa6ldXMcUit5CBflkcoAS2R/v/rW8YqLsgsYk8k1xJmWR32n+NugrVKwFi3sne0Nwkcroufm2HGRjv+IouBDdI0YV5FYB87cnjg88UwOl8M21lEdPvbqGN5FxcLEyho5FDsPmwcqAAOMc47Vz1JMTM/WbmTUImmu72URRFkhiyWycDgc8DnOKqCUdgRiwWrud7hkXoWI4rW4zVfQUWyjvYLlrmJ5DGrRxnaT35OMHOB+NRz62Ah/sm+N7babCqi6mOzy3fbtcEjBJ4/EUOa3GdTDYadpps9T1TWEv7pdqx2UERKo/H3icZwOOBg+tc7k53jFaCZINeuL27vbB7PZLlmVxMPlBIO44447DPVqj2Sik7iM7UYLOQP5cn2m+acJKWXiNQvOT65FaxbW4FTTrZk1eGFJiLWR1WRkJxt78delVJ3iM6W+s7W8N1Pao8VqyMsbGLJlPqfTmuaMnHcRyF5ZyJLPuKxLFj5cdzxx6/WuuErjRveErKfSrKTVJ7o2UtxF5loqy7HuEVju6A4XI74zjisqz5rRtcTNHXdbnvPDmiy2doLQaUt0rXG5dsjyuCAvc4UYzURgot36lcytYwimsapbJcyTOyQoY3ZpVAJzu45Hr7mtlyp2QkV08QXsemxabhUWOUyDk55weR0NP2SbuM6PSIjDHNrFjf3EMhj2hxBsWVmADrwfugkr74rCf8o3psW7/AEGRdK06+s7UtPP5ssnIEUKq4GPQk5OfSs41PeaYOLtcx5LO2ewhLJujMi7XZ1fexHI8sc/e/QVtdkmZ5sUGotAihjseNvm45BGV9D2FbIZTc2zo9vBEcEFiGPMKg5wD3yB6CqQFH7LFK/Mwj6noW/lVcwWNjRtEtvtDTXbs1lCRvmERwdwxtHPJGc/hWM6tthHdaTef8Ir4chP9kyLcSzLIZJZA+1QeCV45yQQPauOcXVnqylo7nF32rahHqUl1JJKZJfmdJmJWRSc4b+8M9q7IxjZeQ29bmHqVybvUZruWGGLzJTIYok2xpk5wq9h7VtFWViW7lZdhxiMIC3DAe/pVCNvSLGOe2vc30cflwu8RZtpduygngFufyrNsZHBqcCw3DW8aWkyOphO0HjCggAADPU5680ONwK8QlWH7bPMlwlzIytGzkuCp+82fwwaq3YaPSPhzapF4zVtRgsriyl0+PUBKxyIxJFtCY7ZPX1xXFitIablpampqkWn2j31lplpHJ9qkEME0GTPby4PMfPAy2OPSuSnOTs5GdzIVbqyvBFdX1rDeW6FVukiDuqoD95ccHgAc962fvbIRL8R7O9fxXfJYMNT0qCGO3R5Ltdok8pHbYAc5yT0HtWlG0Y67mlRJbGzdaklzos5t74pqL2kO6zwXcMhUFw5A5284IHSubk9/bQxsc9ea2mkot5oyJNcx7HuppVBWWXjgLgfMO+M5rojS5tJFJHOWnih0vBcrCnnZU4c5jXnJYJwN3oTnFb+wSVilY0rS/n10mCGESqJQ77pFaR0UEKdxAAABGfU81E4qGrEzqpNQivZDPe3a2wEMjwQQAAKyjAQkEDORnPfNcfJb4UJK5g+JfFNtqeu+b9nEkCRRO6Rvja4X5icjB5PPHXNdFKg4RHY5vWJr3S/EXmXUMMN1BCIoozCCqgptAIPGcHr611QiuWwjDgMG2WOZirBD5WBkbsjA9s461sBb8Laxd6JqMk8EcKtcQvA7SxggK6kEjg4PPBFUnYDOv9rXjtBHKkLN+7DvuP4nAz9cUmMbclB+7G4vnlj0HqKQFdlI5IwKYgkw4yECgngCgBgjcnCqWycYoAWS3liAZ4yoOe/ei4CJDJIOOvvxQAjoVcrkEjjIoAG4GccUANAweOgoAXA/H60AWYgn2QuJsSB8CPB5GOuf6UAV2kPK4oAkvFiidFgnEwMauzAEbSRyvPcdM0xj7aUICCAcjFIRJfXgniiHkrG8eQGXgmlYLi6hrGoalaRWt7MsyQKFjZkG9VAwBu64x2oUUgKkMW9eCSw5x6CmAkmAdo459aSGx0QZ3EYJYnoBzTAshtjiMKQD1Un26+1Ahsjg5DED2zQA69nM0cS/Z7eIIMbo4wpc+rHuaVgJLO2tpLGaeW7WO4jwY4ipO8Z55HGR159KGwH/AGEpJGLhHiVwDnGeD3A70XAuMtpC8EMyRq8E5Dkhh5q5HXHb6VNmwO58W3urSaSbiBEtDFN9n8mMEm4YjLMPwABI68CuCjGHNYm5yd/H/aOnXV/iFXgKt5MEJCJk85AHGPf1rrVotIo5r92UAB5FbgXrS6hsoGEatJIzgsxb5cegGP51LjcCbXmjnnF1b28FvC5GIIWLKi4HP5nv3pRWmoCWGntcqJvKmuIFP72OJgGUDuc+2aUnYGep6DfxXNzBDZT3cFlDHHJHYR/KrqpwEGP7x4JrzasbXciWcZ4wmurHxBcSTwRmJpCkixMVjk77eOoHH5V1UUnEaOZvbt5Wa5iQokzfOFBCbgfuj6cGupRGJ9tnMCQqxVVXaRnrySfrzRyICa0s5rudEXlkQsoeVVJA47n3HFJ6DRnal5kc8sNwql1JUsGyPfB6EVS1AnvNUubuC2EsnzQg4IUDljyTjvwPypcqTAsWFk13EbqRvMkLhdr5VSOm7PfGKUpWETaiLvT90AuJfIkJA2OdjDIz9RkD8qSfMwNLQNBi1e0j1J1nlhgk2zRthd+D0U9SeRxWdSryOwmdbBpcdv4Wur0QLpltKDGF2fvnUOcZGc5Ix37VzOd523Ymzl57nR3huo/MW0jjbMGI8yydwcds9K6IqWg0c/ZTRvLHJdRtc5Ujy9+zBxgMDzyDWzWhS1PS/G+jzadYz6RBNDcx29wUzBHsTzScHjoWzjkVxQn7+o5aOxBayaXJ9kRLi1N5hleUyhPIcbQCueSeG5FJqS9CLXM20ghj8nXIRaal5MmEhKMF8wkgITnJPG76VV38L0Ag066h0LVYL2bTIDK7F5oiPlKsM7fYDgjFNx9pFpMe52elXukzwyX66JYBJWBjjHJdznIYcZxnJ/CuKUZx05iTMPhy2nutTl06V9pULGxAGMsckdeoHb1ArT27suYaNHXogsNppenWzPO0ax7EAJzjGeO5I/WohLeTGzJufCV1quqjTdPaNriKASSKjmQgjGd2QAuM9Oa2jXUVdjSuZV7a6fA1suoPqNu6wrCu0Aq67mJJb+Ed8AVtGTlqkBA+nPavFdx2n22wJZ7fzujRg5G30BOM01NPS+ojNbSrqbT1mM7qgZmMYGEifOD/AErT2iTC5gTRmK5eMvvwcFvWtk7jNvT01aV4IbKWa7RQsxhjcgKRwASR249qiSjbUaPTNE1u4u/h9ZaCLZjqAkkJPmltyM2WyvRQD3PWuCrGKnc0c/d5TF13w5Hpm3/iZW9rd486B2PlsYl+QOvOSSwI49KunWcuhmcZZ6VctqduLWaX7QzhkwPmGD97+vNdftFYm5buLS0s5WO0z38VwjtDOwdJF+82dvBHbr61MZOTv0Ghul2S+J/EF27NHYx4e4kFvEFCLn7qKOMDOMZp1JuEbg2X9XmSKzhtEmeW3gPlvGTt+bkhmH948VlHV3JuXtFM15os1xqsoigiA8qcjfKPmyXAzngkDPToKznbmtApGV4wjtnvLie0uZLyIOqxsTgOm3kr14J5Poc1tRvbUHc5R7OYRMCwaRcAr36ZrpuA5I5oYCHtmAcBkcqeMdcUXAfYyyJKNsPnMwIGRu6jjA9aGBQlV2KjlXBwd3G05/Sn0AsxRCPVmtryWMIsmGdH3IQO4I4IPrQB3fgLX7M6TPY6qtrKCvl2xyFljw2VGe6jJA9M1yYim5WsUpaHTWt9ZapppttJjkOsMXLGOPcQzYG5iPu9Tz6CuP2UoSvLYWlilqWiXGqTQ2ekwXLzyxoZQMBEwfnJGBxwOvWtKc1G7YkQ+ANKMKXy3MM6F5jbLcMAWDbfmCdf5UYid7WJY6ytba01ltQ2X6PDuLS3HMt0TlcKAMKfTPoaTm3Hl0+QGX4oTTLLwzDex6Zf29tqc0xtZ5Zw8kcsRUOCvA6t7nBFb0lNy1exfLZXOKhuo3nikuIFIUDKp8m4D1NddhF3SNVn0y4mm0sNl42jcZ5KHGRn8KmcFJWYHZX8+htYJFc3lxdGIlXeyhDRqxGQCSRznPPsK5YxmpaLQWzOWg0uTePPE8CyoZIi0RIkTkhuOvTtXRzAJILWV1m1Ce4ZUjyEwCzNnpk9venrbQCtePAlx5wRHI/g3bgeBk1SA0DryT6ba6JqUKNaWqSeTJbgbwzBivPcBiOPTNVYDAaO4muvKHmSYJCA9/SmMn0+wury5ksoYHM4RnCAc/KCT+gNK9gsUo4GlkEDSJERk7pGwvFO4WHWEJeQmQSfZ0I8ySNcmMEgZx+IpiLd7baVFczfY7+eeFR+6MkW12PHUdu/rQBX84+UYzlVznHXJoAiG6TiNhkc8kDigBJISI+B81AFfBU7WH60AChicKCaAAEY6c9KALNvhl4C8DgY70AEflyO4dYomYYDOehB6+1MCNzboiiOUvIV+cbeFOT0PcYxSAXMS24YTKZGY7l29B2oAdayRKjvJGsjkYAbsfUU0BVK85LBRnv1oAFZwMIxGfTjikAsjAoE2DIP3u9AD7R5IHDRSMjkFQw64PFAGjZp50zSkqcrwWzgHIz06n2qW7DJbbSLm6jaWABmdsCFT8xHUnHYCpc7BYhvBZLOtosk5Tdhy6hdvPY5NUmxFa28kzLDsPzZBIbj8KYzoILe1u9I8661IpLDiNYiQCF55UnsMcism2nsBifazsiVmOYjxubPOc5HpWgHr3jnS/7H0KbULLVnnljZA8hDJtOMYQehJ/xrysPV55JNGSetjySK+1KS0uLaO5kWOZ984Vjh+/zeuDz9a9TlRoUpVEbqqkHPTtVALHE8twI+fMPQAZJPpQ3pcDX1jT5bG3ilUStbyYV25Cs3B2c46cZ4qIzuwI9GvY7S5lneJd2wiJeoDHv+AzRUjzDsereGUEennUtNKzRrKAbiUlOFAZiW5OAzEDA/nXm11aXKyZI434nLFY6vbIJZbv5PPkWTKqxbngdh0FdOEd43EjiZJWmZuNi7y+wfdBNdpQJklVxlielAF6a4jt9QE09nsVgGWNJc4UgEc/rSKKmoSWssm+2d38zkoU5U+gPenYTGNaPFII5Y3T5VYhwQQDyDQI7Tw1ZQzS3NkNSNyvlOYIXOY1AX73XrliNo9zXNVk1sDMrVNUW78Pw2FxHN9ts3ZVlklOBETxGigYGDyTnnNXGFpXQzt/hpplzdeFVutQt99tcM0dgEYhmkTln+igf/AF648XPlloNx0uR+IrmSK6u9O8q5mjSI+XvIRd4HyEE5woOfTipo2a5kZrU4fxKNJa5T7Egj8mJRIVYsJZAeSPTP9K76XNbUoxIbhYbpJHiEqK2THuKhx6cdq0auNHX+J9ak13xJNPo4uGiu2QQ2qIEEWAuQAOp3A81gqaitSpO7NE+GJrK5sQ6Bma4WK5jyP3e4/d57kZPFYe2umZ36HeQ2s1z4IuNVt4IbOC31M28CwRhwpPRvmHT5gM/rXFKVp66j5Lq5ha3e6FpQ/s+FJZJJT8k1xFgurMBlQ3OABwSRWlOE5PmIszGbXYdO059OghiaaJ2CSxpmQKxBzuztGcAE9a2VLnd2VYS01yWJ4o2D2sL2wllkix+8UnJyMcc8DP5UOluFixe+KtWtWXUdP8q3iY7oZIURJEPplQCx75NJUIy0kMteFPFWt3+pJbaZDFb/AGqTfJDCFtw2AMl5AAXGFOQT3qp0YpWZaZS1u4sHnvp9TvoJZ4YlNui4kRSWUbMHhsKcYH58VVKGlkKxbsxa3mh296tyJxNBtewJKpbkM2BnPzbuu0bQPes6i5ZBJ9hi2oudMuI1EIUrJGjRIdzME3Abe+G/iz2oUrSQKNzj9Us/7KQJdPm6IVijR5K7xknnv2rui77A1YXQDetMbHTzNbrdMA06OY2aMcleCAPUk+lKbSTbA7uX+zImtb4J9oWL/RJREG3MwAIYt1b1IxzmvOXM7+ZmZ/iSR/EKRRPNci6srYQpJIAV8lWOAF42Y3Ek+xrWn7noVe+5zutxapcIJlUvDAiRvNFGBuPuR3II6810U3FDsUkuZrC4dDEUZXVljlHMgDcktxwcYx9a1SuAuj37WuqOlvdW9lFMNjtICY0U9+hzj8aJwvETOhuZNMh1SC3gA1Pzo8TzMyxiQgcfKB8vPPJzXMoytd6CsTvriRaRrFhbwpLNc2htp3Mu7EZKuqxpjAVdnWiMHzJ3LjLluclZ313HpkkcU10UI3PCp+RuRgfln8q6WktxXInDXTDzJI0ZmJIcgAfXjP6UCG6hLBPDa28Uc0U0e5ZXM5dXJbjauPlGKE2gubWjeFdZurmRITGgjgJDNKyL0AB9+aynXiguSar4Ygtlt7x5jMLt9kcaNjnaNzu+DgA54xyB1ojWcm0K5StfDVhdLthuVudihi6MV3ZOFAGM1Uqsl0HcmsfDcEoT/T3s3DuZQLdn8pF6ZPA5x+oo9rfoBTRrlNRnuNFmuLUoN5Qykv055GM//XrRxTWozql8WToIrW23pMYVje+8wDy25ZlwO3JGc/4VzSw6vcaIdB1a9S5S2jm86IzI2YyFdVJyzk4LbsDH0qKlONriauamr+LLD+0be3a6mNuZQXcsSGCucAg9c446YzWdPDySbFY5nxXqzX+jizAkht4LpriGIuCqSOAJCO/zbVOK66UbFc2ljmnijHly7ZI0k6E859x0rdMkntY7g2c93C+2GJhHJg7Sc5wCPfB/KgaJYrmX7H5UU0iIH3vHn5GbHBI9e2aloZt2/iZfsoV4Yraa2t1SGZd2VYMSQACMAg49vxrP2d3cBuo2Av7WLVEjRI7mIyZOMExkhucj0JovyuwjKk0u8nb7DZrHMXXz428sB5B6A9R16e1VzpasRT1nS9S0qQW+pKkcqEqYhKHZcdc46VpGSlsBmKwDZDEEenFUBr6Lq0+lTNcQwxyu2AfMAIIBz3qXFMpSsxupSrPskaPy228rgYoQN3GwXLRKFhJjxnOPfv8AWmySJo3u7ry0zLK5wucAt/hSbsBor4bvkU3F6Ba2ykqZN4OeMgjHXPSs/axewrlHVLU28huYIJIbd/8AVb2DN+NaRdxmfvctlmJqgGOCTu/CgB0ZxyvGO/pQAMyswzkHH50Ab32ezi8H/a5beaO+e7YQXAYGN0VRuQjsQSDnvn2oEZdjYzaneJZ2cTXF1MR5aLjc7E42gdzQMoTxPDK0cqMkiEqysMFSOoNFgBF3Z+YUWAQqwNMBVVnYLjJ6UgHFRkY+bsaABIJdwAQnNAE50+6Vh+6+YYLANnA+vSldAbmj2KbhNPc/ZrZHDYDBjnuMZBz9B3rKcuwzpNKgh0vVmu7h0k02XNuzq5DmNw2xgRnGcD6Gsm+bRbjRyFxpjXcrS2HmXCliNigu69Bz+JroUrbgx1joN75UuoNFm2tZljmIIJBJOMjPHQ0pTWwrGdqCkXGHwwUnAx05q1sIl0+G3uIpmaVUaJDIQw6gemT1pPQGeveP7nUZ5L9HmtDdT5c7pR5cES4x5e49SQfU4PvXmUYRi12Jtrc86s/sTQJJNbFFjdkneGQF5Mg4IVjzzjgV3tspWL08egG9tk0m1u1vlzv89liUAAYY5PHeo98GdH4b8P6ZetNqVtc2ytDsVFjAkaSRRz8xOFyc8n2rnnVlHRiOf8cXdtdS2geGa2mVQktvg7Y2HGTnqxGCcDFbUY8qGjnktoZLzyAed56dwOfywDW99Cj1bwfIz+HbfRxdPcpcWjtAB/q7YZO8dcBjgn1xivPxF783YiR5z4vdbzUnvJb0yNxGRMw3sABzgduP0rsoK0bAjB8zEmI4wxznjp/+qugZ1PhXw1d+LNTjikW10e0Cs0l27bsnaSqKucknHQfWs5S5UUotmPrmiXdrNKbx/mj+V9ozsfnCt+RpxlcGjIubZoNhD7kcZ3qvAPpV3EOkmdypkZmIAGWOTjoKBGp4buZHv4rKS5EMM3yGVif3Qzkke56fjWc1pcGd/YeB7aTw/wCIFjubeTVAIUgtJbhQ8REwLrknGSgx71y/WErXWhUVdXJbDWLXQNXbQbrUT9le0EQmL7hAoHKgHG3c3Jx2ArOdN1Y8y3Em7WOU8X+J/wC27k2sDyRxD5d6/LuAPHy9O9b0KHs1dkpHMzWNys7KckIuSxPAH+TXSpDIbWzkuL2K1j6yEAE9BTYHTeDLW3tfEMUWtW4WEkATO+FiwclsDqTjHJxzmsK0m4e6Fzq/iBLdjUZWMJCHBDgbcEYwU9eMZbpzXHQSaJNzTtV1W+8BPoupXM0CGaKSG4HzSrjKhevAIP5CspxjGpzIrmaVjnNd0d7icJmVDaHy5JLhRnbu+8W9COefWtqdS3zJTOcZx/acsdjbFoZ5PkikT73HTPPGa6V8OpQ77TbG4FuUNpGBiRQq7QQAMY70W0uBe0a2azgl1O4h8+KONTBbSrtS4JOCo+nLHHpSn72iKt1INIuI21aCNi6W8gAZCwQgD6dPWnKPuj2LPiu2S6H9u2ERg06SYW8cYBOCFHIc9c4/WppSs+V7ktmdZalfaTbCCHyQ0jcbcO4A6g+h56daudONTVgdRp8N74htLSziu5UiWUqoReRhOXc9s4/WuaVqbbsF7HLapoN/JG9xPdRzSiMPJmTLD0zmumFVPQVyxoOkWkwaa9v5LMZCQeZIqAnjJ56D61NSpLZajZ2UWlWGi+FZ7xtXt7u6WQyILO48zykIBw0o+VWbnA9q55c0ppWEVWS2v9LuIlcxTsFEDxEM3lhd8i8DsByfekuaMkBgXVhfR+HVjn/cWh/etMT94clTj0/qRW0ZXl5gReKbe0njsGHkCVbfCxR7t7KfunB785q6cmm7gUNL0jToPE9vp3iiebTbOaM+ZP5bboSVyrFcZPbiujmutCktTLsJWgvkDKEjY5WV8qMDPP40NXQmjRt5bZ9TAEomje42sQQCykZ49s8VDjoIs6dp+reUI7a1mtPNT9zN93zACc49fSolKK3YEdv4X1i7UXt3Z3cVupXzZSCNu7oWJ6ZodeC0TA0tQsoJ7ueS0u4rT7MQEtycuduM++eSR9KiMnbUQsV1BLBPJHeSNKrqLeNmLvKw7n0Xnp0qXF3sBN4ai+3/AGlryGe9CvlYmkZUYYJLOEx8vBH1NKo+W1gHaH4fk/ts3tjaJJ50hFpbxS7VRvUk9FHPX0onWXLZsLlOaxN9dardanrMK29qD5ZjcETyHoiDpk88+1aJ2SsguZ17o9/a2/21o3zOg2I7EMinoxPoQOM9RWkaieg7lmz8OW09mov9Ujt53A220LeY5/2m7AfrUyrNfCgubk2i6dooEmm3s8LKodhIVLS8j5WHXGN3vWKqSm9UCucnqt0bnxY12Y44kWUSRxqNqBc5A9gRXTGNo2KO51rQYdQ8C+GtXsYYJL2+ilinWRxhWSRssM8bsFeOuOlcyk4TaewNaHH2mmTzSPa3SpboSFV2Q/I3YD+VbuaSuSR6hpF/c+IGtbKzPnymNNsbYSRyByN2OtVCatcaIW0m9WFI3s5o5A53llbPHBGPYginzob0JW0uZ4ovtAih8jfGSzD5+ckke2cVPOiTat455IbSLSdPS++yRSRvGy+YPmbduA/vYz9KzbWt3Yq+g/V0n0vRTcXLst2zSQxAps8srglQB3569sUoLmlZEnByyS3FwzzSMzyHLOxya60rAPW0U2Ulw8yK6kBYwCWb3+lFwI7fzFBwisCP4hnH0pgXohbzY3M/mLgmNxgEd+f6VLA6TSI7LXGuY7XRdPtmV4nCG4cEIDtYKeeDnJrCcnBXYjrX0vQ/Cyl7rThMPLbIuPlRiOwOMvuI4HFcanOq/dYrGF4g1yyvrSB9V1KX54/Neyt4ljC4cqq4P3uACB2rop0mnohpHL+L9Zhv3gs7FIxZ2sQjSQIQ8vfc/J5ySPpiumnGyuxnPk4YcBuxzWgCyjBKZHB+8OQaAEj5OOBmgBclVO1zt74oAFlcqE3nZnpnjNAE6zS210kttM8bphkkQ4IPqKAG3skl5cvcTy75ZDuduhJ9aaYEMcR53HA9uaG7gLEIt3z7x1yV6+1IABcODtzg9MUAWbKGW5nVIY2LMcABc8+lIaNddGu4S0V/FJZTOSsbzqVDcA7VyPvY9fWpbBoakVy9sbK1kmLnpHgbig+bGPXOCPXFLRBY3bKx/smzgubeC3ur24gaTdPkPEpHPHTj19TWLfM7BY57+0WihSKazaVYiMAykoQDwpHcda25eoEhN3PcNJYKIftEYZ1gJCrnop/Gle24DL25ntYhZTJPE7IsmB8uCCevqMY5oSvqIo2NreavehAJpnJ3O6ISVXu3HoKqT5UDPRdJ8FeE7qzlcX9zJ5EWxXhIdZHI3bie2MhfTjrXHKvUT2Jv3OXtL68jkRLF3vVkif5J03mMD72Aeh5zXQ4p7lE09u+mwjUbAkGd2SBpAC6Ywc+xqVLWzEc9qC39rqX+nrNHcMAzB2OSpHf6itotNaDvc19Avbq3nIS8OnW9w6ExgFwwLBcBf4j1PPpUTinqOxc8UWB/tGcZk3ROqxSSAuZQehbkhcenvWdKWmhKOfmgntrqRJIWSRFGcNngj2roVmUWINav4NPktYwFSXBzghgD1we2cDPrUunFu7ES6BaQ6vqCWt5cx2GFdlmePOW5GD6jP5VM5OCukNkmpeGJNPMiT3isQC9vNGhKXCjj5c4IHXrSjWUloJMi8PW2qXd4ttZTzW7pl0Al2dOvcVpJpK5SZoWXhm+1DUEimu4vOuZ9heR8rvBJ2luck/1rN1UkK50kvwxs0kt4rzxpYguCz28cDkkg8KpOAeo5IAHvXO8W7aRBmbq3w9WK5YQ3bwpuC4cBz3yRyM/WnDF3JTN/S/D+m+E4kmuLyFpZE85ZpYAstucYDA8kL144JrKVaVV2QrkWgaukz/2TMiRTkyPLeJueWUncc4/vAdOfSnOm17yA838QeWbrfEjRg4AiZixUepJHeu2BSM2JiHGPvZrWwGkJRPEI5gydd7qeW4HB/KocbANuJ4jcqY42GCMMGx07UWYHZ6THcazoca22nytHaSlp5cAgn5dse7HoOh6muWdoSuJmz4r1jSbzxwgubJZYLhVWEvJ8oXy8fdGcHce/p2rClTkqenQRkppd3ptwtuBIIfOSSYMDxjpxnvir9opK4HTXlzbm2WFoQFiDibIP71guBGccnvnmuZRabFY5rUCsEImhM80qIrW/7vYLdupReScA49M11R13KRmxafeLp1/eSpE7O5jla5Ad0YgEvznHPA/GteaN0kUiG7lvxp9mHunvLC2wYFkZinXldp7ZqotXZV7osM9vb7ru7jga+kJdlMS4XPcD0xn5RgCk7t2Jvqbvha9l1vQLyG98g2ltgqruAqOQANoPXAB44AA4rnrRUJJrcUixHpE8FxFLpds18p3z2180SxmVFG6UsAScDsfSl7W697Qm9znzqSaTbahEt2u66O+S3gIyMjIBc85BIGAPxrblc7eQ7GfeXKvMFupLowR4YoSRtXA4q1Gw7D9WSRrOGd7mNLZk82OLaAVG7GMcZGR/WnFK47GtY67qR8OfZnWBNMkleR7ZUwJZSu0ZGTuIGCOOM1Moq9uoGpYaXf6joMOoOohw0qKr5UoowzfXIIHTv0rCU1GVkFjL0ybS7nW7eLXNSeWyWXas9wmYY1AJOIgQByFHet4xstBId4SmtLO+ju7+ydZERvOlmlHmXDvu27Aw+Venr069qqb03KMrx6mqanq93rl8sjPPJn5iDntgH0GMenFOlJJWQM57zrooFmu2c7fKy53iJPbPT8K2uI6Hw9pcWq+GpLezgtmvYpgFZh+9l3A8L6Y2nvXNVnyzEbPh+8mnt5FWFo4rTcrXczDzoCwOEUkZwTk4HvWVSyEUvEOr3+qRTzQ3r2lmXK+R55Ut2GcDBx1z2HSqpxjHRoaKl6Gt9Stry4u21C4lRZHjiBU8r8uT19PwrRPSyVgua/gvSlvNZMsDxNOCCbTyQ0M+GGEbJGQTgkVjVnyxFc6u9KaHZ3NlpWm2/wDaM0e6Ty32D5sAoBtxtGD3wM4rngvaNNvQV7nIWd1qQc6W0EsN3ZByyQ3gidX3Dq3QgY4wa6nBbjaKOhWFjdtbaewlu9T1C8xHDH8wjwOO4BJ5HNXJv5IErmh4k1c3FpNHPp0ioriFC0wcoFG0DbnOcce1RTpta3Haxzun6s9qfPR5CpbDyE/OpA4wQM10Sp3QxftXmA6m91v8x/38YjLGLOO7ccgnn2oUbaAZl5PlXhhl85ZcHLIA2B0Gf51okO5oaFqotbACS5lWaGRjax72KRMQCWx0524xiplC+gGhJ4jh84T3NiUmnKSt5aglRnlgT6/hisXR0shLRm54l0yDWfGGqeJvD195GjR3cTRykbJI3ZQyoidQQQwB6cURXJFRZpO1/dI9X1qyntJI7ua8muwXVrmeRTkks2cY4OW5OazUHe/Ql6nN6dqQjmn8/N3O0qvyQ4kwGOGJHTJyR3rdwutCbF3UdUtbE21rp07usv76WWDMBBYcxcenT0pRhf4gtYyNd1H+0poI9uwxR7NqyFtxz94nu2MAnvitIR5RmQCRIuYz1/OtCS1G2CZJZCQOBjsalhYsQQqVJaeNT1UhS5/Eds1LlYDdt9PtLe2Z5II51+1vCjAfNIwA556oB/D71jKTuBswodOilumZNO8xRGLiG0UIrZ6HbjA4rFrndtxbmNrWpajrbWseqakksbLiOd2by4uTgYA449M1tTpRhsho5XXLua4uF8+QSNCgjV9vVR0+tbxQzPViTgKc1Yh4Hr0NADgy4xyPU9aAGMhHOcrk4I6GgBR93GAc0AIoANADmJJG5ieAMmgBevJ6UAAyzZzxQBM0aoqluMjORQA4GMoBg7j1Oe1AE9lMLclVMiuB8rI2Cp9c+tSykWrm6urpT9olnmBcSl5XLnfjBbPvRYG2y7BqrW11ZzqiuYMkAAJtGT0P09azcbqwXN7Sp7PUykEklzmQrGkUdwRtQn5yFxgqO446VhJOJNzP1nS7TT5DaRXUN1JHJ+62W5USxEcSP8xwfatITbVwbPRdF8OW2nQRNeNDcSXYQ29kLNlAjGTuKh+MnoTiuGpWb26C1MXxP4H8PW9lPcy6uI54kUeRCyhnzyRk5APt/Oqp4mbsktB20udPp2n6FYaFImiaHYQztaHLSJvuAHwCWPQnAzjpWUpVJT956FRVzx6VfJ2R2VxfRRhhHNi5wGPpgHgda9JX6k2IL/Srxd93BHdRQxuVIk+8uf5k04zWwGv4YtDc2k8N3OkjxxebCFZWVCwHJP8Ae4Ax61FV2d0NrQx/ElhMbx7ySaS7mmUSySH+8eqn3FXTmthIXw7HfW1zaamrrmOZY4A5BwxPHB6DrzVTaasB0eqSWskM+qXcMSQTB1aNbggSSAYGDgkjOCa5oLXlRJx8MskEfmBI5VkGOeeK6iixd2y+SZ4dzRjorDDleu7aOg5HJojKwHW+GYzPogsorq5vrcobiW3UAbXPyhF6ktznPFc9aVnqJsoapLYtZRi7aRJY5GHkDGIkIGOc8k474ogncaMCaK8sYob2J3SGUFoW9cEj+YroTvoVaxPpGrais8XlXWyeOXzIyRuLyE8EDGN3vScEI7Hwpc3WuPNf3RUy2v8AoxUozFN3KyHjAIYYrkrxVPREsvw61d2up/ZrqRtQvpMxRW+VKB/4XZvX2rH2cZRutEJaiePZzc2/2KYQvLOxe6uWn2xqyKQF2jp3Az69KeHjZgcFB4hkhihaK1MU8UPlq0bcu3ct+BIrv9nfcdinqN8sq7VgjYOik4/hOOQDVKFhiw6PMNOk1CSGZYWQGFljJDHcQcntTctRlaCOfyAixbxJkqM9ce3tTGSJp91PBJLDBLIYhukCRkhVH8R9O1F7COu+Felz3rTpeSiLTZgGTzJvKEj55ZMnllUE1y4maS0WorjtTiWN7K1X7MryQAeYr4VWY8A4HbArODvdsQlpfa1rEkv9p6pIZLUl5CzfO3TaPp1xVSjCHwoGRafe6rqEwECLabW2bmBJdm4bdnJBIz+tDhGIGpc3t0mpRaciWlvbh1klaUgBeOgzyQPTqazjFNXATStTin02ezvpJBDJIZNkYUFyMn5jj0pzg73RaSsVEu9NnMkFtpSmEZJ3ttwMdV79arllvcNEMaGGPw9PE0VrDcvE8nmTMTKVHVQO33evvVJvmGtjldOutUhDvpss6qcBxGuQwB7+1dEoxe5NjuV1e+vPBvmahrDyXszm3WKEAMY+BjjjHNcsoJVFyomxzNpotzJbPNMq26oQqJMceaxOMgfr+FbOoloWi1qMcGnXzWAtRNJDIu6RpNyygKB8oAGQTk5z3pRfMrj2J5bHxLqIklt9Jur5JIFhMi2xcIobOMnheVAznpmnGUF1Hqz0/wAFaQsPgq5vLrU7O9uLLa/2TTwkggdlICyTfhkhfSueu7svlujnDc3t3pFxpT6lPeTzeZstjKA0oxneFzxyOR6DNZ2969jFJvQ4/wDsiLVLnfZGSGBFJLsAikgAED1Oc/lXQqjgtSXozNv9WnbVVlYLI6ReV5hbJJyctnua2jBWHY7fSL+4vNEi0620+zKwwMJ9Q25ljR8hicnBfnA/GuSdoSbbLcla1jmtZt7CS2gjkQrKEb5IIcFFBzvcngk+g7VvCTMzY8Ka3ptsZLC8mjhbeBbSBdgjznLYHc5654rGtSlLVAQ2uqWcVrdWz2QlleZY2AuF3zsdwyDj7o46U5U5PW4EmlWdtea3cRz6Pax2g8xozvLJCAp6H+LkjrRNtR0eoxNVS40q4XUbCO4mheHNwywfcUrtBZ8Y+YZb06URtPSQNGlc6zZrawXVvf3FsEjysca7FyAfkD5yxORzwOKhUtWmgUTK1ax1PUb6Nb6S9ktyFMSxx7yU5GQF56g9TVwagtBGTciymM0cK8qpYecoBV/QYyTn+lapMCKfWodNs45NGeeK+S6QmdpApTYM8IBkDJ657Vag29dhrTUwb+8nubqW4mcu8zlye2T1rZKw27u5HGjqm9iHVwcqD/OmArSIYY44yV5+cduOn170hkJdRxv5poTH9Ik+Q5LHD7OvtQwRq2mn305Fo0RSF5cebLFtKLkAtk9vas3NITZfubKw025S0n1C5QLKRN5Yw+AeGweMnNQpOWo9RdPt9DgkuJLnULiOBkLBWAkkXnovQEkY5NEnLogMqe8hd5mtNNcKHyCJD8o5xkCtErLUC9BcTLprI2lQCJ2B8wxZdAB27jj3o0uBj27tuZ4/IiwcCRmwevBHpV2AbEjzsJG2uQ25grdh1pMLmlPbny4XjtygYliWOQxzxx7ZAqOYZoeGrNUubmU2VxcSQMDGIyME56keg/WsqsnbRkkd5rU9oJbNLaIRLNvCOobZIBgsCO5xVRpp6sLFca/c7obgpHMdp3RzDepY9Tiq9kkNIwSzurrvIXOdueM1qBA80gymc9uRn+dOwEtnbNcyBI2VXbhQxAycdKBDDlJcHOM8j1oAJnUM6Kuxd2cHnH40AJubaBklR0oAQelABjPHpQAjKwOD0oAXcoTaOuc9KABT9cGgB0rfKBkYA7UALGWZRmgCSNmDHpzSGXrWZkTMyxzgDiN84pNBc1EtYL6FbowC2eb93DBHz5rknLYJyFHSs3KzFc6nSZdL0Tw6biTyWvPMz5YAJ2MWyrHqFIxwOfpXNJSnO3QDQ0LWmu7aHbbRbYbUq0pQKJNvGzHfAz3zg1lUhYZY0u9eG7We8W/mn8tUhuGiJSNe0S7eox2PrUyjzKyEc/qGofb9Lvb/AFK3lUS3G6PykwEAOOexPetow5Wkik+hUv7hZZxd22ptGgiY+aZCCjKDhevVuePetYR6ND0WxyDF5Tv8p3ycAhSQp9q6BG1qt9Lb28CQzmKfG6QJcb9revoCePyrKEbshFDT72WCBzDEoZ327ycnJH/6zWko3KLtj4ilt7aWwZbeWCYEP5kQkYZAGQT0I5we1Q6aeoE+n2dnfXEU0F7BpscCEedcbmQy8lVJHQt+Qp6pWHYxZzqF/OttPMzASFQofMasTztxxyfzqkklcVjpU0KzttAWGeWKS6uVCozHYsR3HOAeTjAycdz6Vzuq3LQTOfnnvUi+zLNshKbSQ20SL/UcVurPUDa8Nyw2ukNGb14mkYb1WJSWBbpuPIAxk/lWVVcz2CxY1KEyW0eqW9nLJboWgcyYYF8fI2CMZ2njjt1pQdnYS0MC61OfZBYTPPMlvFgK5xjcd3A9Mmt0tLlXuU2mt3VJHGH3YcKoAC8cj3600B2PgG4udP03UZLRmlE3CxlsAsOhPqQCfpXHiUpNJiZ1NjZZmtvFjo9zqFkXZtPK7IzgAhjI2B0ySOT0rHm0dNbMg5bxJr32yQaTpFv56yHMrCEIZpGGcbT/AHSSB69a6KdK2rKSOSmaDT4Z7OSyBuGXYzXCAtH0+778Hn3rrSuUZUchEmAxC+/QVQjp/D95PLZtptzdTR6TJIJJGBLDcoJVQv1J6VlPyHcuX1ncPqaJHaLYQSQgW5VziLew+Y4PXB6ZqFKyFc0tC0Jo5tQsTfy3MRZoXjEIDMwwybdzdTg9uAKidXRMLjdVuLyS5h0zSNPtLWGFpDI7BM5/iDvgDAyOBxUQs1eTEanhSBbia3Gpa3avapEGe0RQzMwbaqkYwASBz3zWVaTinyoTLutGz0uwMMdqW1RygvZigZgCR93HTaPl5NZU7zd29CEnc4zT9bkl8R/ZL67kisridVkmjiCvsB+UhegJ4/Ou50rRv1NLF7XLW6jv7q3sbOaWFZhuZ13+UBwOvrnNZ037vvbiM7V9C1S0Ny00TOiujTXCjCrnnGM4J6cVpCpFlJmchvXt5njMkdqNsbzbQMA9gcjJ4rXRjOl0HwydT0C78RXd80dnZSCJm2bn3YyF6jqMd+M1jOrySUUtwd0ZaQQsjQWt/G6SRF5goKgbTwCCwzk46Vbk+oXNnQ/C2qS6c+q2t1GrQJlkVSGAwThWzwMA56VjOsk+Vom5oRyQWVpZ+ILnSrhLe4MkaK8uU3jBDDjLJ8x49/as5LmbgmaKL3NTTzLr/ioJ4fgsbudZDOqpAEBUDjA/hH+zn0qfZuMdQ16F/wAeWvxEs0WDxO8yaTKF+zK0hiiyoJxjJz3OD19aIOG0dypSl1KN94hP/CMRabpVzDHFOxll2kD5M4+bGemep61Eabc22S5vY4/Ubv7Kj2FreGOQNiO6TO+ZW427uqqdx9c9K6YK+rRKdiW2uJrDw9Jay25jBcKfKkxtyACc/iOPc0NKUkyXqyle6JqGizra3tgIpZ1CJ5uGAQkEOp6diPzrZS5kauLSNvREvdKs7iGK3iBeAl1MmRjqCSB7HH1rlq8s5ambM/UHhnsXaOzZrlEUvcTMw25HTB7DHH1rSMXffQLGbF4e8Ram5vLXRr++SLb54h+ZuemBycHnoDitueC0bGkyDTpNQ0u++1LpXktFP8r3AG6MqclQxAwR7etEuWatcTR2+q6fqGobnktooS6h2CsHV0GASTkYyW9OtcalGGhN7GTa/wBpW9tPZ3ETxWoTfOJ2Yx5A2ruPPH14rX3XZlJ3MieRdMngsbnWIrmKTmZVt/MjgHB+Rj1P0ArdXkrpAaWuX8z6ba3WmT3kdu4KqGYglEPDFu+T+VZQp2b5gsYd4sltcxCCSRGkQSRsT0Hf8q2Ww7GRdCMFm3iUn+PZgMSfr+taoCuw+faQwxx1/wA4p7hsShWKFlYnHUZxQA+C0lmbEEbswIBCrk5/CjYCd9A1Zjj+zLpDjdmSMoPbrjrUuaQWJ9KsNUeByYJmtrb985GSVB44x2JxSk0wsbmhWOr65fxRwrLHFPBK6TSSbQyxKzMB3P3fzrKbjFalRjzMufE2bStSu7a/065t7i4u7S1MsEQ3eXIIysuW7Hco/wC+qKSdtTSrbocgskIhNr9iWSZjhpZnGEH91ff3rW3UwYy7jgtiv2S4+1qqqWJXCg4xjryB05prUBbnUpZUiMozjqv8Lc9Tng49KOTUCJLi2jtjmEPM0quCDjAGcjGMc5H5VYFieXTZPIeGIxEtmQNJnd7k446dqkZ0dpI2owib5RcRu2ZJGDGRQB8uD0APfvXPJcvoMZqes2FtcRi3tmxIoadopyBIdowvTgA5z6+1KMG1qxFHUb3TbvUoZ5rYWdkyoNkSAnoAT2zn3Nawi4q1xmXeQ2pvTFYys0PRHZduR7jJxVoDOuI2icxk/dPWqQiBsuxb9QKYizaHZOmWVGyMMzbQPegCfVJ4J7lJ4lwNqh0PqOvfvQBQUE5BwAf4vSgDR1SzfTrgwZhnTapDxNuU5AOM+vSgCpbW1xcuFt4ZJCegUZ6nH8+KAI7iGaF9skboQSCCO4oAYhYDIOR3JoAcVySQegoAadwGBn8KAHDO3HNACgkDCjmgCWAMyFnbgHBPWgDotJ0ZZGie4EvlFRIyhOSu7Hr071jOYGxPd2yzMqQi6LRtaWz+Z5YgRRkMCf8Aazx+tZ8rtqOxDdPBGmnTJDDJMy+RKNqiLdjr7tnv7UtdUI0m1a30CEW32RptQt3dJM4SOKaQYz0I3AAio9lKpq3oM5u68Z6oIzBA32Qqux2t52G47s7iQfmPvW6oR6iHN4vkvIGtby3doZMtJtkGS+D8xyOevSkqCTugMbV9St5VNvYQG3tm2s6s24u4BG7OMgc9K1jHuFzM86ReA5A7c1YG9Itv9huonCkRqCp3BWL4688t9KxV73Eijpg828gjeaGJWcDdKMoue5x2rVoo6DSvDMGo213cvr2m2xtXkyJH2l0VSdyg4yDjAHqazlPl6FJHNxzbVZF3bWOT9R7VoQdF4Vjd9Wt5Y2a3ghBkMzHCqwBIJPbOMVjU2aG2XfGus2t/LHqFtIRLtKFjMHkZlIwxHVfb1rOjScVZknKGeR4FwQB93aAO1dLKNbSYop3h+23jG2QFpSo5j64HuSaym9NAudhPfWKxJIhSWIxj5VXzADg7WwemOBXLyyvruQcT4l02/wBPa2u7x0AmjzDGZAZPLHQkdh6V105qWxSKe9rlEEUGJC5HyqMsSelaXsM9D+Hk1s1vaWk8EVpeWcoTdGPmdd2WebPAVc9fYCuHExbehLJ/F2sWt7CkcNylwzX2+IRZkZhwCV7Y4B98VFGm1uKxx2uvc2WqeRfy+Zev5chl3/vIx1wQOhxgY7YrtppNaDRj6rJBd7HgMjnb87ufmY1cdBmcI08xUYFecH1qhm7oz/YZmMwEqNH+6DJnGT97FZz1Bomtbu8t55fJGd7j903OWJyGAqbIVjutE022t7iLW5mjiMRWHZOxIJ4beWOMk5xXFUm2uVCaOf8AHF1KzXkYVorNrgbNsezzm/i46kDHWtsPHRPqCRU0HxJawRQ276dLc3O/A5DFiDmP6YOBitKtHm1TG0dVeaVqMPh6a5vHS0mlk3ywA48oMC2365A+lcimudJaknGvaBdduDp3+lRw/KJTH26bsdu3Ndik+VXHc1/DmpeTfT2k0vmWd2uHiR8IrcKCe+B1rKrBWug3L95p+jX91fyWlzELaJCER5MiYhiOM9zx06A1nGU4pXQNHK6jEi6pHppkVbZGCjy8uAW6sMZzzXVGTtcZ3rM0HgT+wLHTkgs57lLyUzsd3nKAuCDyM8cVxuTdS7Yc2hylr4fm1KOSa6uYIYowV8xSAMjk4X07Z9c+ldDqqOyA0zdxQ+H7vw1Yywzz3U0NzcakgIVUSMgW4UDJO5+Tn1qU7+9JGmiVjv8AyINQ8Gafoo0YXj6ULcWlvG4V7hf3sssgzyvVQfYVyKf7y/c2hJNcp4nsuILGK8tmhj2ACTZNln3E8kDpjHT6V6a1dmc7eouseINav4YYb27mukhJMYeQkDI680RpxE5Nla01GaASeXhGdQjMeeByQKbimFjbu9Rmu0jEEReW5jUl24VQowAv4g/jWShYVjW8EWsV1qsieIdQt7C28psGcty3H8I5JPAHrj2qKqdvcKSIvFcduuhwSWbxm1geVAGf5nYMvCqTnb8xbpjg1VGLvqU72M648TX9w7XI5t3QRtbyOShVRjB7npmr9lFMm5b0jT9b8SQvCbqznvFtvLgiuJwjyhTu2x9mbk8GhtRGtS5e61NHpmmabLZ3emavaSOJHOY2XGfvE9COay9neTaYGF4m1P8AtCdInmkkghBJOQ25jjPTkZPXPpV06fLdk9TrPEa6f4a0pJdF12HU1kiUu8dwCYGIU4I6/ePT/YJrmhGVWT5o2BxMLW77+07a5nd3R5IwzKGMgbpn6epNbwhyMm1jnmhu5oi8UPnIB5Me1Cfmb09+9blI1dPt7pbG4XVLiVRBbqsEAUsy7n5Qf3epNS2m9BmVd+Za30QlDho2ABYZbGMbT/hVrUQwojQ4G4KhZWUg/L0OfTnNO4XFi066LCWa2laORN6PtOHXpnPpRzLuK5WmR7N5FZXDkAYI7H1pp3GS6eZS0Uyq64ZfmUY5PTmhsEdnbR3EdnFcS6zEkUau7JdSE+ZJn5VwCecD14rCU1e1i7aGLpE9jbQTvPdPLcx7pEQH5ZBg5U9upGPpVSTexI9NfvUu1vtNu2tXAaJAuAdhGDj6gn86XIuo1JrYw0eS2uRGrFfMbLsRjI9K13Fcc6x3juck453bc856n0FLYRd1TQdQs4ZCE+0RqFDyW5Dx8qGxuHBPPTtzTUgsYbM7hUbJVc4HpViJk+zpCGlDndxjjK0ASwReRDHc3unN5DyHy8jZ5mByufTpnip32AvW11bzjzULCTO3AbofXpWbQDtVn06PC2/lzYYl5s5D+2O1OKfUZhySs7KNzbcfdzkD6e1aICRZgGAVMehzRYQ8Zurja5Ubs88ADAz/AEosO5HbhIrpGlRWQEEowOCOuKAGXhE1y22MIueFXnApiJo4rLyY90jeYzbWVlwqcjnPfigCK7ihikKxP5hDMCQQRjPHI60ASWt7cWk0UlvKVeJw65GQCPY/SmI1rrVr67vV182VlbrBsXEUflI7jpgA8t3OKV1sFir/AGnFezzteab9olmQLEYpCvlNnO7bj5s9wcfWgZmXXklt8O4ZwSrADB7456UAKuGQKEAcfxZ60ANZMjIyG6UAMAboQ2fcc0AKpA4POaAJYgQ+1Qfm4+tJjRptfzxR4keV2wFwx6e1RyjIf7RDWkUP2Y7lZi7l8h89sUcoi5NrUc1oYZdOTClWRUkKgMFxnGO5xU+z1uDLvjWC6m1RlvHNqtxbx3jREhlTcODx1+9+tENtBnIEJHKyON4BIBU8fhWxI1ZTG24JkZ6HvQAjEsWYJgE5wB0oAWMIQd5YHHy4HU0Ab+sJHutUEYUvGZCm4HaTnv8A0rOG4GVGr7hKoOAfwq2xo04oL6OOeGJiJTGrOE5wp5P86kZQVwSFKDdnlj6VRJs2d4kVvIl5dS3cRXy44TISEz0KjOB3/Os5RbegGG4K78J944O7kj8a0QFqxhlRHcooLYUF17Ejv61MmBtXt/p620OnLaGPypT5nzD5sjnLY556elZRg73Cxft9Z8vRJYrWxjluBD5JfZkfN0OT3XHA96iVL3rsVjkJ472dmaYzOYxsZmYnbjt/9auhWWwzT09pLW2inTTpc7dolHRyQc44x0zUvVjsX/h7aG41ee8u40ntrdWURSzMokc9FwAd2ByQcCorNKNkJmr4gju0aS28hIWMKvGbaBVW33OMAFeny56HvWUGtyUcnq9jCNZeHTb17+NQD9o2ld3AzwfTpXVCWmpRO9zYWdisAt5GuJo1Ls6AKnf5e/PHP1qbNsCSxGlStCLk7Y5D+9kVNzoPYetU0wIdQvYpjDawwLbPE217nedzDoAR2UY6c96FFoZq+GbmGTxNZNFZPI4KoQHz5gReXJI6nGcVlUXuMaOr8V66jXUUFs8G2cMx3JvCybhiMdAD8vX3NclGk7XYjgdYvZ7/AFmQ3d5O83RnLFtox0HtXbTgoqyEZMcjxzo0bMrqwYEdQQc1rYDcu9an1ODUtR1TV5DcMVSG2LOdxbqRk4UAfnmsVTUbJIZa0LxJHa6ZOl5AuoSy5gSPzNrKCM+YeOecAA+lKpRcndCaL3g69hutTtrRbdEuBtjihMe4S8HczA8ds81nWg1FsRrXOio2oCHS5rmeElixgTPHO0rjqDg8VhGpp7wkzmpIl02/hcziR2fcWlXbtxjnPJ657dq6U3JFHRPAW8MRzWt3cziRy0hII4XG5mOe5xx7Cue6U7NBY51pr1rhII7ydVhi3hTJ8igKeo9Bk+/NdKiirGx4Xs4bXVLa8h1D95GUuEjVQDM/HyAZwqg5+Y9fSsasrxasI7PVv7V0LxXp+o2mox/2k8Ekr2ZctGiupTaxB56njHauSlJOLutB6wZwlpoahkspxCu+ITNc+ZxCmDksgH075rt9r1RDdzM1i5gg1FoogHtgAIA9sqZX1wOvTOTWsLtajRq+DbjRNLhl1i8TTb+6+eO102WyE4JI4kbf8iKD2wxPt1qpXehcbLc57Wdc1DV9UF7PcLF5YxElvGsUcYySFRFAVRyelUoJLQTd2SmK5vbpHzJHbEcy+ZvKgHkn2yetC0ArXelan9r+yRpLIOsZY7NyngHBPGcjrTcooTOktfCI0/T5Z9WlU+eHhi8mfCxuo/eDPfGRn61yuvzP3ULU6+Wzt9X0WO5t5Haa3hBXZLiWE4A+bvgn+LsDXM5yhMbb3OQ8Qa1c6jAIdat47q9ihMPno2ZppDwskj87sA45612QXWLHzXKF54evrOO0js5p2u54nnuo1G0QKH2oCc8k9e2MiqVWLuI3fEVrpU8tnpD31vaR2cWy5m3lxk4ZjhQM7fmA9cnpSi3uaO2xFpjQ6R4hKCGPULfDJbnJKPlSvCn72CQe1TJ8yJ2JfD7MAbaKeSySMNNOsfy8jjdn+9zjr3qJN7kXC7n+0X0p05C988yoka45iVd29h/vfyogtNSt0ZV/ql1dQtf3enpdqgKyTvbqpJYY+ZuSzZ7+1apa2TE9SjdLcztHFPAlkWjDsFVVyvABKjpjHfmrWgWNGC5iS0gtzP5oWL93HGrJHleccHI9/rWbi2wsRW2pxCSaKXT7e3nONqqmM4/hyOTkH+VPk8xFSPWVtra7tG0qBQ06u+0YKAZ+UdfU9c1bhcpMkudbtry1jhFhDZ7ncl0CleSSMLgbeuKShYdyCDTLcpNcNA0otkEtwiPgBCccHnuwquZ7CSuRedpkQSOCKSSZUIDlgoUn1HOeO9FmSX5bgWukpFd2UMi3DNLBuQNIq9CA+OhxS6l2sihaW8cdlc3KSGNJgYolbnB4J+b1xT62EPUahNo+o3FtC4gguIVdhJxGXDADHfO0/lVaCLlvp2m3AEMrtbMh2xSAZErehHHHbrWTnJMRFZ20M1vHujUSGV44VaEBN47ls5wM5544puTAm8YHRZ9QU6RLcyAQRhnlOQW2jfsxwBuz9eKVPmS94bMSbQruzMbXhe2jlAZS6HJB9uuPetVO+wiKe0/eSW1rG8uGO2QjbuUdeKq4CxaZqAR/9HDKFBY7h8opcyAoK5WUMOo5BFUMGkb9cmgLk9tPCAFkRZAV2knPU9/rQIWSSESZ/iI6+lIZBg43hgcNjk8/WmIVgzKz4Y8/maAJrOzeQ+ZMGSIDk4z+GKVwLusajHJZW1taIiwQLtZGjU7mPJfp3z15PFTGNncDHjkeMh0kKMOjKcEfSrAbu3Nx0oAnj7e1AHXeD/DUmu2F5e2l0sd/ZBZIbfYGEwzzu9D0x1z7Vz1qvI0nswuc9dCWWeXzkdJEJ80kYwfUitYtAUZUwSVbgHr71YEtlHK7F4t2VPB/Gk2gLV4PMjQqzmQkb1Pr3qRjtL0m/wBSvFt4YiseR5shGFjXPLE+1KdSMVdkt2OyXQtIt/EscF1bTW1kzFILtpN6M6DJJ4GN2PfGe9Yc8nG63LjqZPj6S4ey06+ln3TeVJZyqygkKG3L26bHAH+7WlJFSOLCk84rcgs2kK/ekj3Ljrtzjt/WgQ4yQwsGIR1UjK9iPSgCCVxLJv2gc5A9KANmWKC3u0SQSCJB87dCSR92sottAiJhLbQSwASJE+GCk44JBGfypoBI9Smi1Bp7eMQDOQvUAcY6/SrsMpOruxYAcn+dFwsKkAdc5K46cdfpRcLEoh2gFpGQ8k5HFK4CtNcvp+13keAMQFLcA9c09AK67mjYZJB5bJ60xGvYWeuQaSdVhspn05ZRufBMe4cAtj0JHWspSjezeoEUl7NLBcIJpIg5DPGvKn6/XrTsM3NV8f3Gq+GdK0GXTLa3+wyFnuYuHn+XaqkAcBRkcdc1KoxUnJFuWljE07Wp7Cb5IkktWn85oH+65HABPXGKcoKRB2nhnXpbvS9UntbFcBEJgER2B/n2knknnGBXNUpJNXYuRbnPanodzYafHc3dvIHmYALnHIAJBH1P6GtY1YydkFznL1pnujNJuZicHPb2rdAIMwqcMQCeOw96dx2GIMnkk5PJ6mmI6MtPZaY1xAxtpkmWMeW4Vj8ueF+8RjqenIFY2u9SjG8yaQs0l0SFcP8AvGzubPX371dkhDpfL+zh4GG9gRIF7en9KEFiPSVD6lBbXCAh5QhLttAye59KJ7Csddr3h5NJlvHtLZbq1cLloZRNHDnBIJxyR+FcsK3NuTcy7O0iaz+xRWdrJeSz5Em87kUDoK1bd7tjNuXQYluorj7YjTJ91YDsO3PzAE8njv71i6z7AdxaXNpaeHEupVGkCNsh41LIyjO1AR6Zrhkm6ltyUc1p2m22rXC3l9EJLIRhQ4xvJ6k88AAcfWuiU3TVluWyK9sVtrifS4dVWOyl6efJtTDHhc+3UnvRGd1zNajjqWo/AVsIpTNel/sysPOUr5UnIKtnOSD0A70PFtPRBLTQdotjp9vZSadaWVzf3cjbw0R3CIEYUHbnByDxmlUlKTu9hJmjZ3Vtcrb6zb2RtJ7ZtkipMN0svI2gnJ4Az9TWck03G+g5O6sYd7eRLBPDLootIrlNiur/AD+YHBIJPatoRs1rsTYxIdO8+0mnuZIIYFYZklUs2QDgKePyrfns7IZn6VBaWc/n/wBoR+aFMiMASBgH5SPU1s5MaKEFozaqqxDKySjqvyjJ9OuOablaIrnV3+nalZWF3Z6Wjy2jx4nKR4fYrAnd3IyB7VzQqxb1BMxoWv59PjkS1unnE4eS6Ck7V5G3n0x/nFaysnqDZo3crhovMvVS2iyEjk6RM464J6tgEms4q4EMOtCLUH0yF1VbmRIzeCQKzKWGQWPAXg8n1rT2V1qUixr+k2Onaw0FrqtnqgWSQYtCTuZeQfdc9CMcc0lJ7WE1Y24ZCLwW8MU8aSxqsxjUEAnhn5yzDPPbBrn1sIwdX06bTJzHNfxDDmIxKFbCliTgZ9Rk+mcVtCfPHRBc3bnW4IJre6bUYropbeXByq7PYYBzgVnyOWlrBuczrWpQzW5+zwJFHIgRlWQjd0JLepJGa2hTa3YGTpOrXOmXouYJXWUKw3bsk8YwfbFbSjdWGjVvrw3mnefAAg++0aN93bxubtk9ayUeVjIzqV48B028XzBcTCf94P3gIQ5yeuDjpWqS3AtXUOnXmm2/lLJZ3ZLlbbJYAcEe/TNZOTj6AZs90sMpeUofMG3eOqn1FWtSSjq09vdXe7T7c28flqrAMW3uBy34nnFWlYYlnaebZzMZkSSPBSJwQZM9cdqb0C5qpBdJp5SCaO2ilUrOxbl1znBB61k2mwuZ2oW0VvGqw+YyuocSbxhlzjp9c1pHUNSsl/K+yK8mnnigXbCu7hBkk4+pp8oXNAa5NP4Zm0iS3QhrqOeJ848rahUqB33ZGfpU8iTuUpaWG2F3cxaVdQqFZJZI2kB4bKbsEH/gRoZIwGZWeR3zFw8WemcY4z6ZpCNC/vLtdCSH7WVi2jMe7JfOctjt6VKirgUbe+SGGSK1t4mUMGWSZctgeg6Vbjd6gU76/uLyeR7h2Zm52knA+lUopAMiuLiNAqySDj16CnYCY6jcjewJORzg549qTigM2SXcfuBefTn8aoBpOaAFiXH584oAliijlDkttKjIz1pgNRivAFIC1bTSRKgjA65Y4/nSYFya3uoo4JCrKjqXZAwD4PfHXBFSmmBRu44jOfLP3jkKOcVYE32azIjtwzPI7HMmQAMngDP86VwIbzTri2RJzFIsMhIjYjG7Hce3PWhO4XGRwlgWH3QM9eW+lMDsPh7EDci7iPlzQlRGuedzHAYk8ACuWu9LAa/iDT9LvtPuvOuNNstStbpsiPcTc52hiT0JByeO9ZU5yTXYLHMadoMNyJbeKS6kvEckqIg0ZQZ5yDkH2xXRKbWoC3c9vpE5ls4xPbkgASKFVsHrjOe1CvPcC54U8PnXpbjUdReWCzbcUZOAzjnbk9P/AK1Z1qvs9FuDbOtt9R0XT1js7TTSvH+lyTNwIz0OR1PB47nFcrhObu2Ta55rrupC71KWUSTXVsmUg80nKr0zXoU4WiWiG1vbWWxaxuYCZJnX98cu0eM4K/ngj2q7dQuJdaLqFqPlT7QoyD5QLYAPXpSVRCK7WOrQ2X2021xHascF9uFz/nFHPFuwEFtZXd46iGIlWODI3CD6t0FNySAk1e0hsL5raK8jugmMyx42E99pB5HvTTuh2O88S6Ybx4XUQxyXRBS2iGduSQMn16da4qc7aEI5zV1gSeGxjDM0OVlLgBmf688DpjPauiDurlGXMrI7H04OPWtUwIg+3neSc9MdKBiPO2QqyHaPwzRYVx7T74wCMgdSTkmiw7jZ3+QDOOMketMRErsvRmA+vFAHp3gFor7w+bbzS6Ipaa1jVgJQXAwSDjG7aOnOfauDE3UrkyOO8T6VJYXbxqGUjPmKqkKuD2z19M+1dNOfMNMxPIOEfzOT94Y6VqM3LWxGrXJja8vLl4Is5jh3DaMADk/KBnqfSonPkVwOkstQfw/BbWmlvcASxASpHJhLhjnkjHz4zjBrmkvaasaZY8R393qfh+3j1OxeOS1kaPzMFSgOcBucE8fXmpp01GXuibOcit47rTobeC2BMUjM8wxuYHHyn6Y4rpvYZm6jauknlRNK6KpYq7BgmfT07Vadx2K1iI7aZJ5bRrkKCdm/au7Hy5/nVMksyzXF9NtupF38ngYxxk4qNhlhfDWtNoj6wlk76cjgGdSrBSRkA4OeRzRzq+oWMJsg55B9DWgixZ3YSRTNH5qg7sHvSaA9X8J6g2o6FqEd+1tYWM1tvjQFWYv0A7bSeeAOQK8yvDlaaJmcTqlpPpt6ZHkKiH5nUPjacn5SfXgZ+tdUJ82g0dF4U1ixhvEeaDLPgJP5Ychsc7QfXOOoFY1qbktGU9Tau9S1E6RcxTQwtp0h/cmTAVHYZwccZCsD7Vz+zjzJ9SbEOmWIsr9LbT5i8U6hmff+7C8fwnGTmnKXMrsls0NSW2xNcT7ppw6I0Gzc2cbQAM4XnJrODewrnN6Lq7XN3deXbLaFITD5SxAiRsfICuCOSPzNdU6dkUybS9Vj0G4kt7ySGynt4nEts+d25egb1YmlKm56odihol3Dqcl08dzBZRBT5dtLPvknfj5V44JwTmrlDkXcBdduLyN45ZbSG3kRfLkmP70MxA3E56455+tFOK6FWKOtSrPZhkdpIbVAuRkLI3TdgcD0rSEbMCHTP7Pnhb7TZOW8oRgHIEbZ4f39xRO6ejEdRqE9lbrZoujx3N2ixxQygiJGOMgDA5PQ5PPSuZRlJvXQCjrt1qJsp3jSbO7M6JIUYHuGx97nHX0qqcIp6iG2k1lD4Xu71ruaPUZtlrDYGdjhDuZpB1zjAH1NXKLclpoWkrGbqSyy+E7eQ2sDfapZFOyIeaqwhfm3dRkt+PvWsFaQmtDN02+srO8tp7XS98sKjJuGMysRnJwRgZyOMVpNNrcR0OpavELESweHPIIkkNxNHOn74kDAXC/KoAPAz1rnVPpcZQsrqG9vLma1k8t/9Yu8sQqlemB6HJ7ZqpQ5bXEVrfTpBfLm+RXZTtaRNxclTuIyB396vmVtEBYg0b+0NOvtTtbvzXsVVpIyudkZJBkz0wDgfiKabVilG6uYMVsIHR5Fe4RZVXbuwrnsufervoFje8VaPa6Z4l1HSbpoklhnABRCFTAG4ADOTnjn0rOEm0mOUeV2G6HPb6c05LRzFEyEk+cK3CjKHg4znHPIGactRXKGrXImuF1GBptxXbMXly7sOrE+p61pFAMs9QUDc3lRnaUL45Of6jnmpcBFPU13O0SsWVG4O3oMc4FVELEVrGnkl2yMHAx71YFu0fAEbON3PQ9Mc9fwqJCGXstyYjFMXxuOAzZ4+lEUgK81yJbZluru6MtvCsdrGFDIctkqxyNoAJPAOT+dUMhQwH73mA9tg9v0p3CwhURvtLMpzyPekBqG8txBHHBa98FnbnJ7+lRbULFVp9p2cMijgE525NVYCf8AfTOhm2bFBdfkA4/DtS2CxTceXAJgw5bhQeTVIRWY7nyAee1UAs0gyOcn+KgBtvcm3lLqFbgrhgDjPfmgCMkMd1ACgZ+bBKjg0ADsC2ANvtQA3H1oAepz70AWbY7VUqodlbgN0PPSk1cCzcai092Lu5d0l25Urxg+n0pKKQC2dnJqM8k+1IIyQAQpb5j0A75pOVgKZR4LhY5lGFO4KTxjrVgdVrY1ibwlp11Lcm9022PkKUQAW8jbiIyerHCnB9sUkkCOfsE+03YjxIAem1cnFKTsM7qy09LbTYrpLkQW67TLEi/PK3UAgHkcc1wymnKw0i/5umyRC+uYLe0RLiMSA4HmggFsemT3o5ZW0NFFNHN6teTMl1f6dAI7FrjLxKfuOVwM4xkYBraEbaSM2jG0u8il1C28+K3EMWNytGCpUHJyDwfxrSUdNCTbea4TUU8hktYLyXcFRcKOOPlA4AzWSSaKSK9tfTqQYUWdLhWSR3cfIQOxPYdQKrkEctqEMtnc+XOqsWUMCp4IPeuiOwiCGVY7hJtuQjAlfX2pgdVZa1FFZG5Cl7h5GPlLIVbnplgPrXPKk29AKmoate6jEbYQwx2+4HYB3HOcmqjTUdQKx1qaG2ltAd8bLsQh8bR+HXvVcmtwMsfvFZpZAzjGCx5x6VoB6dLY2Gn6WdQ1K6hbUZJkjSNpfmOCCZCP4Rk9PavNTlJ2S0JOZ1Gzgj1y4vrlJGs/tGPMxgOxyflx1A/WumEvdSRSMG9mVpWVGZ4v4GK7c++K3QyswAwduc9DimBe03RprtBcSv8AZrLLAzPwuQM4+vQCpc0tBMrX9skarLAkqx52/NyCR3zjH4U0wRX2mQ5waoB0UDuc4496AOz8KX6WdpI1/qj2ottjQrE67uDuC7e+SB9K5a0XLZCZueIrVdU1Se/azmOn3caqs04IxJkF5Onbnr61hS9xcvURx9lpkUeZcG4kkdo4YtueMfeOP5e1dbmO5Y8J28sPiMaddxCFZSDMZwVxGOTx78VNR3hdAW9a1C2fV7WOMfZolIRJoo8Er0UhD3PXr3qKcHa71BaEPim6vJLVJJJUaBZDuiD4aQ8/Oy9c+9VTikwW5z9lqeo6apNpcNbCZSCVHUA+/vW3KnuUQQ3c0RfBDbxg7hmnYGKLqRbZ4ixCk7iuep6VVhBBIT5iom4yDaDjJH0qRliCaeJCjCWJVbLLyB6GluO5HGftV0sKICXON+Ome59MUyS79kt7SBpBDLdthlEm3CFhnkDuKhu4Gr4Uvtut2t2kdosk7+Ttb7sRIxu9Pp6elRUppxsNK5v6jZT3bQTTxWpt79d1vFHLu3P0DEkc88k4rnUlHboJq2hzOraTrFtcG2lKfLgMVIBUnsQOh4zit4Tg1cDe8IX8U0v9hTwT3EajdbwA53zYO9ic/KMLnvWFWFlzIDbm1pLW/wBPigiae4DqqxBcJEpPXjqe+faudU+a93oKxcuReTRrcveTWDzyy7lmUbygBw6jqQc4zUxtHzFY5CB006O7OnQXMkpdRHdIp253dzjj/wCtXX8VrjOevoXfUnk1O4l+0M+ZZG+Ylj3PrXRFq1kUi94btbj+2LcWc00IlYp54i5zsOVzj3/WpqyXK7g0bd7p9rFb4uba6ky20iMbQWVBlfYls/nXPGbb0JuzEaVxbzW0ds8EUTqRhSwVuuD2J9z6V0LXVjuWtPbUjeWdjdQXMNnLMXDvFt6/xMccgdcUpuNm1uNM2fEM2mxWNqkQjvfJceb+8Y/MTzzjrwM/WualzOTvoIy52nszEz+VCeHdYoSxxkAKSeNxFbRSYjBm81BLcoNrlwNrv8yqc+3rWy7DL0pa3Vf3yXbqWjjhjk3hB1ycf5NLqBH4enjs9Vjluw/k9ZQny7sfwg+nrTkrrQpDfE1yz6jLBaSzPbp8sGVxwQMgD0604RstQaKVrdXlpJvUrCHG2RQcbh6MOuKtpMlFhLuCa5WR5NyopUJsOOuMj8zUONhmjpr6hZay82l2893aTBVuYlhJSVOCykdlz/IGldW1GiN7Gzt4GmubpTMJDJFb48xgCerEHAOKL30KtYuL4geGa8vLqKO/udRs5Lbe5+eMkAByTnJGBj6mpUB899zHtVgsYhJeCaSZhl4VGCM9mOeO1W02ZGVLKhJKx/KTyp681qkAJEy24lHy46Z6H6UMCRVlnmO9nQEZJwT7ZNLYCMycNFwRnGc44pjLcEcAjEhkA+U8bc59KhgyK6YblnR2Y87xjimhFaWVZFAWHDjOeev4VQxI452UuIXO3kYU0XQrm21pFHZBZjCN5yZl5ctn0zjnP6VjzO47iSCOGKSwa2DR/fEm3lm28GqvfURl2xcEtGqk9CCM4q3sNDrlpZMmUFGwFAHTFJAV1hcSkhSV+uPrVCIp2Ubdrbs9QRTAYSrjO0AUAI4+TocdjQAwY6k0AWbOUJvR03o3UZxzQBs6borajdeVaeUJgpkWGT5S2Bu28nnI6GrjG4m7FXV7SGB1CLLFNj9/DKhVon7r9PQ0mrDM4FYxjipAXzHDBl4X07ZoAv2j2zxtJN5e7hfLIyX9x6UmBrXeov8AZE+xxLbCHCNLFwTjjcQO/IGazSu9QMBnUyOCgcdmAxmtQLVlLOUe284xwMQ7oW+UsvQ49eT+dJuwGhpEtnA6yxcScN5jc45+7/iaxndgblpqFxc5ja4c7CskQCZUjJB+g5xzWPIkNGZqsqwKbeeTfN526UDG1iO2a1ir6ou5Na3j6bhwhWKVN5K85JGDnjoOhocOYTMu0KNqh8mKBElwqq8m4E5GcHjiqfwiNXxC0kyXNyohBsSFcRybs5IBIx7j3FZwVvmD0KNlBLfW8krwx+ReOWhtxk7Cpw3PYjOatuzEYuq2Zh8mVZHlilBKsUIAwcFQe+K1iDKOCDgGqEWIJBHGOcNnI9vegC1BHc3JRYYzuJyGZgqk/U8VDdgJZNEu47lRdyQpvGSyMHGfQ44FSqiewFO7it0lVbeVpUAAZjxk96tN9QPXVnt7GK2l1hYJ+WBRYVRVkbhQcZ3YHJAHGQK8q3N8JJzXiciSziluJ5bi3aYtI27gt6KO3HfFdFJu9ho5a8tYE04XSF1eSRtsRGdqcYJPvk9u1dSbWhZLDpFw80cLF2gDj5xGTsBGS2OuMc0OdhXL2tX1nDpkGn2PloUw52sWY5HOT0zxn2zWcIty5mSc/cXAmHkqC+0/Kc9OvGK3tYYkMUgTeGRUz0Y85+nencdisWYdZOMkY+tNiEjLQyrJEQChDA5HUc0hnZ+GvEiLDMdVM8qYIAXDNK7HLDcTlcnGW5wBgda56lJPVBYlh+1vdSyWlwbSaBH8tlXhQRgn8c4BPJqdIqzJehm6LO0WtG61TfPHGjB3kJHGMAZHPXFXJXjZAVfEN7AdeEtns8q3K+VhcAsMYPU98VdOLUdQQ60vpp4biIJ55kUl/wB2MRjjLFuoGcfn703HW5Virqs8E0sUCReUtvEI8liwbGScDtkkmqSAp2jKshygZe6+tNgOESyS7EYbuuDSuI3dKWC0ZG8mISiZSjcliVB4weOePyrGV3pcC/LI2tx3MYuhC0kiBowCWaPk8D0zzms1+7AzvEelQaNq62tmbgoCCsso/wBdwOijtnj3rSnUc1dhcu6ebiQxyXLH7OrswBUYAPfZjJ60pNbFWJIre3uLQanBF9kg84sih/libOAScYJ9iOKjmcXYkSx0q6GupZi8ut8CNHCA2/YFyMj247USqLkvYGbPiC8t4YvLe1lS7U+XIQGZZDjJY5JIPQYrGmm3dbEmRoenXU73BjvEiuRgbguASTgqXzheDW85JDOkGtW9mbV5haSaq0QjS4c5EQHfn5TxxjFczpc1+wiWDWTdx3Ed9qsh3uoYKC8jjnBBGAqgdh60pU7a2GO0zRbm5s5GfzLeGCUNKsa5RixAAZicDAyeh96mVVJgZ2saTDNql5b2/wBnuIUUmS4hYyBpPXJwB6cY9a1pzaimyoow2mudF1L7RbRljgFXZQ4DY5HTjvzWzSqKzBs1NPuf7R8OyXJLmRJVK7nPzuRglQB0A68k1hOPJJJCsV/IVrK4t7yJrWYgyRyKDmY9AuK1vrpqIzn1bUYpFS7kaaFeSvYDBVTx3/nVqEXqBJcXd8NMXT4IyZYJWO5cY55z7n/Ckoq9yjc8Qx6TeeA9Jv7Gd1v4pGbUC38c7E7MknCgLHngd/zmHMpu+xbS5dDA1mKx0aYWDxyTzzIkjyszKqh0DBcHr1HNaxvLUhprcw/tYgikWLgyjnaQCvpzWijcRFHM6Tn94XTGNx6Gqsho0bqeWcC9hjXzZAWO3nGRjGPzqQZHpmm2d49xLeXklkpjZ4j5e8yv2UHIx9e1HPbYVyvBFBayM8m90Tqp6/8A1+Ke4zc0LWJv7Vs7W2jligmnRZEjYhnXcDt4/D8qj2a6jRn39tGuqyRTSSOFllUnyyu0hyBkVXQGWbu3soIICR5k2cMR369hWabbFcZC1rb2T/aRzJIu0BxkrjkHuOoq9XsCZP8A2Nos1ujnXoROVJ+zrC5JPJxuIxnoODQ5SQMrmG1jJgMTCDdnOMnntnsaWoiO/S3uL97iR1yxwIkXaFxx1HWndgZ10ltHK6FA2wjaQ5+atFcB0X+kY3Ls2pjHQGk9AJZYFMwtxIqKwztb+ZNJOyAsI6WKmKKW3Yyx4kwA3Psx6cY6UlqBElxISXh3FicEscj/AD0oaHYvX8cK28SR3TMoztDDp6niojuOxQuftMll51zLu2kJGxPG3B4z/StVYCnA3kS7o2Bcjknoe/SnuA15JJWdsjdnPXpRYRFK7yg4wCo45x9adguVpG3ckAGmIaHI6UAWbeFp8CNWeTqFUcn1osAy5gaJwGIzkgqeCDnuKAEjABx29zQBZtr+5s7tLmCVllQgo+eVx0pp2E1cn1bWLvVLr7XdvvuWXa8m0AvgY5x1puVxrQoyKvlhg6se4B6VIC2yif5V3Z/iHagCRozblJQFfac7W6e1AEqtIAbiMKc5DJ1GD7UgKX2iRQUVsDuO9MCMyuxwZGA9jQBat5WiQOJVHbbnPBpNAWLPUJrRGWFwoZgx9yOcY7ipcUO5fu54zHa5UyTMCQuOrN349DjiklYZentJmWWLa1xaxZKMPvflU3KSKmmXMtg8OpQ24ilR9sDNzsYfxYOQe/Bp2uSOt76VrW9Ek/z3LL5qmMESKWJPOOPmwaLCZQvb2bTrryNO1GRUQHG3jYWA3Afyz7VSSe4GQ0smcMxbmrsAofnk0CHAA9ce1AF211CWKYOy7gFKqAcYqXG4C/bpZT/pLyMpPzZOc0uSwERjtyWJz6rxVAepeJLC7ayg1LUNUsYlhfJsYwAyZbGNuevB68nFeXTkr8sV8xGdrNrJPYRwXbi0gMzMImgIlKgDHykjHHQ9K1ho9Bmd4sbR7u0uJ9NspbIgKFik7qAqgcd+prWmpJ2bGzmrHUr+2mAti7kqUCgE9eM/X3rolFMQ/Vh5s6blt4pHYHYmcrxjBPtj9aI6DsZqq8b8qRtPJ7VQFkotxJ9oCoPmLEevtikMXU7iC6l3xQLCoAXC9OBTSsSQ2ltbu0nnGZyOI1hX75+tFxipHeM0dpCjgq24Ls/i9aV0B0mmXXiW+iutNhmma+85ZJFkQGZmI7DGcADv0rOcYLVjZn3MyRL/AGZJdo8/nlZ7gElNvHGe4z6URV9UIfJox1PyodI3X92iF5hAvybMgBs+uT09BR7Tl1logO31bw3p2ieH9M0aWG3uL65O69u4Zty5PKouOu3gH3rmjWc5NrYp6HB6x4f1G0uH/wBGnkhU4FwIWWNh6gkYxXTCrGSIJDHa2MMmxra6naLCttJwTjgD+9x1qr3Gafh3SSIbi/vEWOIH/RmbGWfuPoMjJrGpPohSDWPNuGI06H54xmUxLu3Erg9M+/PvSho9RIZoRxpUl28wjmDiEgpu3JjG0DrjHHHTiqmruw7D9Ot/t11I0gnnaEPsLchMdMk9MfzqJPlQmVr10gUot0zo+WHln5VyDuXnv71cdRi+H9Vj2WmnSwyXQWYfudwCheThQOpJIJJ9DTnTb1GlcW0u577XYra3nRsqVkliGDj7zc+nH0qHFRhdg1Y9JayFx4ekl8t7slgfKlx5jS92ABztPv6CuByanYzZkaLa2U9wj+XDbxIHDNKMRxMoGC7DgnPQDvxWk5NIDA1ewjRAJLlJLjfjZGmFA9Bnv1NbU5tlEFgBpWpCWGKGNGKSxiaXBKdRg/zrV+/EZc03xHeKkr3EMlzFlsRM5wc87iP4ucVlKigF1cmS3xZeb9mJ3GINhkdgBllHT8acVbfcSJJbeKXTNPnSZTK5JkVm3MMHBz+AzioUrSaAx5r6Zf8ARLKViIpmkUgEAgj8h0rdJbsLi6rreqBYIZJUuoov3aSp3HoaIU4boYRXNkExJCLdZGUcPudV9cetHK+gJFG+volG63lIkRj25bJPP5Yqox7hYSa1k3NDcK8UiuA/mcfNxkYqrj2GXEV/LMz3bSTgf8tGJIwBgc+nQU010Fe5RntZBJ5aoeFBAVc5z2+tWmA9YHYrb7FjlbA5OMfXNK4F3T7cWzusjFnLchRwD65pN3EyPUNRJVEAyYuI22gYxmlGAWKNpHNdyyIGMjOAT7BR1P0rTRFI3rhLW1sNNu7KKW3mKMHmkcHdID95R1Awe9Z7jehQmuZZtSXMoCZySp5Y9+TRbQW5NJFP580hADCMsqKRnBP86SaAxJRI7cK2AOQB0HbNaJgWNNdPtUZkY8ck0SEWmm2q/wB8sWI6/lx6dKgQy8MuwSFlZV4AToD3FOKGZrBmJwhIzn1rUBwaVEU+Zg54APP+eKAH7t2HeQ7w3BNKwAwSSdWVSOOnrRYDTgX5C2SC4z+lZspA+AhaVlMe3YRuGV4xn60kJl5rG2l8EXmoWsDLa2l9DCzNJukMsiOQB224Q5qtbj6HPrDJvTMcmGIAAXlvpViIJAyO6sCpViCrcHOehoQMiZgvB70xDNylCvJ9MUAIRt4b6GmM0tG1C2tQ8d5afaI2AxtIDKR6Gri0txNFSaSN8nYVJOevSpbuBEGI4GMVIAWJJz1FACkMhy/OemDQA0HBbJA/GgCW3Dou+NirLQA5ZZEyjSEx9MdjQBaScQHAlQxycNhfTpz+NAFK8b96P3iSnH31GM0AQYwc460APBHUj60AKWHmAkZUHOD39qANWzE1zf8A2pxtx8yA9PQflUvQZJG05jDMd+GP8fbH+NSVcg1MyyGO4R1A2Asn909z+NNCKaXF1G4bJZF4KsMj6VViSOTLku2CzEkj3NNDGrAzcKKBCNA6kBVNACmOQdTigB8a8/MfyoAlSCWRxhSTx/Ok3YCXUYPs115JdH8vncp4I9aSdwOo17WYtR0+10uC0uQ6MZLm43GR55T3K+g5wB61zQpqL5riOcmurn7Q3m3E7CNsDeSDx6jt9K6FFW0KR1cculajpvkeRHGdgVpTcMzuw+bODgc4xWDg4u9xpBJdaBFPFHb2jxRY8uXMpAf345HPuadpPqaPltoZ8Ok2s8qRS3UUclyQsb7s+XycFqpTZFjQ/sjS7LRbTVY/39zBcvDfwSPjKhso6c55AIx9Kak27MdtLlG2utIVr+aewU+fC/2eLc2IHJ4Oc5OPfrRJPSwK3UntdIsdWsEEE2xoZQjmSADauxm3FwQMZ4weelDlyha52fhnwl4WufD8VrOsn9u3UJMbKx8vk8EYOM4rlq15qV1sdFKjGS31OC1mLWtO1i/0O1V5EZ/J2LEsjYXBCq2C35EV0wnGUOY55Jp2NDwZp+q2tze6g8F7HebCqloDk9jyxGM/Q9KyrVYuyuQ3YTxVpa+TBLf2/l3kxwzgbVTb0UKMexLHOc0Up3dlsTcveDtWsdGnhtNN0131CUlJpZiuBH3A3A4GMnPHairBzWuxaZN45eZ5LCazmkbTnUOke4kR/NkjJ9x6msaD3UtyLhfCa+tYLS41GS309EM2yMZWRiMYBJ4HA9hVRtF3S1Awbia2sLmKa0VFljJVEMYfCkep+8fc81uryWoF3WdSvruWK+iiQ2/IImVUELrjICjgeg/GojBLR7gYf9tr9pmbbOlvK+6SGKTYW5z970zWypjRnW9/cglPMbbuJGTwue9XYo2U1wWulS21u0s0kuBJJu25Oc/d7j61m6d3dkmPeXksys0oZX9R0I5yK0UbATeG7JL2+RWtTJHuO9gxBAx0HapqSSQHdaLYw6JbGeyVJpZo2jkBjC7QTyMEHjHGa4ak3U0YjS8xLRpo0uny8YLBYtwQsMqo/vEmsmuZITRkaFq1w96bCWaW2slzhiudrnGemPmYj14rWdONr7saNjWIdIjhghuiI5YoWw5BJdz82Se/JwM1lBzbuh2ucbq6i8vJJA7SMRsEhi25AwAcdB9Pxrsg7KwkrE97aw21taSo4VWUu8CyEsQvYn14zTTuVYm0iHS7yxjsDMttcSOzyStk4/iBJz0wMc0p80W2NK5Pp8VxHHmSW4t7GG4RrxjDkw7hhmx1GR+rVnJq/mPlGarDCtk13p9s9vB5jt5TjBCHoDnk49aIN3sybGPNFbOkRluT9mEe/wAsNjB9PqelbpvoFihHZ3GqTRW0CJ9oJKgE7QB6n1q+ZRV2Bp2mhSWV95N+ZTcqV+zxBMb3yODk9qiVS6uhxVy9qFpLp+rXKakn72CU+YmS3zAbsk/Uis1PmjdBJNaMzNZjdS/m3IYyA7WXACDIIGB171pBkGRcXrMiLGSqqCM45J7mtUhkcEzidHLF2Xnmm1oBqS7mtJJYQVZm+f5snp0FZrcDFuQdpZQSB3xwDWyAv+Fr6ys7921KB5raSB4yI2wysRww+hpSRUWVJ7h5gjOrAYwo3cKBRYTJvPUWw8vCbeTjk1PKBq2s7SWk7AsFZFIlY9OcFQO/JFZuOpSRm/MTuJypyHHTIqxDIGSOUmAqFByc/wCJpisJNeb3cLGWd+A2envTURELvIqlUbIKjd04NVZAJFK0RUo5Bxg8DBBpgO1A2xkUWSSiMD7zkbjx7dKAKvzZwRgCkMtpPHhVMWB2x29KGhDrrUZHdMDJQ/eB7Dt+VSojGzXvmRzfJje3yqD0Gf1p2Am095ho98ElkCJJFI0YYgE8rn8Nx5pgUY5WEm8Ehh0PfNIY4puhMsjgEnPqT70xFWUDfhTkDvimIfETGQ4HzCgB0pD7mYHexyTnrQBEQMDaetO47i7d2CW7+lIQjDZkkZ+lAD3jPJB4z1FACLkcE8jpQA3YWY4PNAE9uxA2HjnrnpQBI7NLEVJDEdFC/nQBWVN3yE7CQTyfQUAR7WP+OKAHqgUg9aAJGRiAScg0AI8W0Bt2fX2oAtx3JR4UtpDwoV88AncSf5ik0Br3NsqR+aSfIbI+Xn585PNZJ3ZRSMpHmIApynzcDirsBDbPIyMwZemEGAATninsIpTKyyMHUrIM7wwxg+lUISNmwQpP4UATKCyZZgD2B4zQBNPbkKmHQ/KCQDmpTAhERjZixXA9+tUBq2HlfY5TMfKLLwT6dsfjWUtwMmRmndpGJJ2+nWtNEB11vHfRamPsKETFtiXEZ+YsuSzAfiPyrlUly6iMLWo7EzyvFPeyXG4Blkixuf8AiJJORz7VtBtoCta3NzYyxSoWjdW3rkcj3FW1dFXOgit7bXr2C5g8u3Z2AkiLE56bnye+STj2rCUnTQm7B4psn8PapLb27tc2ykeXcqPlcZyCcdPxpUp+0VwUrlewH2q1aeO2juX8zDI7nfyOSFHb3q3oVc6DS/A+qalo76lGNM8pv3YM9z5e1iucjJGceg6n1qfapOwWFu4Wgso9CS3vNKlWFpHklgMcU5VRng8nJyM/Sp3fNcu/RCafdalDf211exX1tZQQgRCD5fPx8oCkjBFZySaaW5Cm0zodAW41FX1mO7hSzsSDPJfMgZZApPyMADnOKym+VcttWXGbXvM6DS/EGn6zay3Osa2kCnksziORQoJ9DxknHHOa5J0Zxa5UZuPO7nJanPpz6lPfJi+3AW9q0kgdD3Mhx3xniuqEJJcuxPLY4fU9PjWaG6e6a6imj3S+SMmNscBj0B6ZFdsJ9Nhou3/iBntYVtjJEtmqrChIYYxg59T/AEpKkr3G0TQzxzaCFWGaEsoiiYHIwCd4Oeq8jpUtWkKw6w0C5ulu7u9uYQbePciTSbfNwDwB16DoKUqttEIra2Y0sYGQybViVJGlGFLcE7R/WqgrsaMS7Fo8qpbLlDjljzz61sroohvLdoLiQKjBVPY5zVARkbpA5ypI5HSgCfT7OW9v44LYHfIwCBiKmUlFXYj0C1tEgt/sUlxGt5Au26dWG0EnIOB7HBzXDKTeqEaFrcvJaLbRt5EcjPLMzKDvCDK4A5z/APWrJq7uBz+o3xju5biS7bfHNkRMdpJC8YHpnH5V0xjpsOw66uIIbC0uocTibBkjD5dWB5JI6d8VPLrZk21Oh1Q74Z7jUbeOCSTaEikJZ0G0HIPTJ4rCEbbG6hZGRqtvKLuSZpntVeFmaEJgDK4UH64BraEtO5LjqZEtzcw3FhaXKLNcwPhxGoJMZI+UdumfzrZJWuIqpdWlt41lmsrNEtxIxhhnJYKMELn1x1/Cqs3TsxG94g1KKLQJLPRrxXS4KNqcm1v9JY8jO7nIIz2rCnBuacltt5FX0KGp6xLq0lrE0bx7mO9SOCfYY4/GqjSULsmxFfwRKS88RCoAVhVeWY9VHvxn8apSY2ihBNcW179o3SLclgAGXDk9MYI7cVb95WEWG169i8QWF8IhcS2szSJHIm6NscnIPXnJNOMFaw07GVc3tzqety3lzJMJZX3NnuT/ACHSr5VGNkKTu7lzUdgiWB5AAvH9azhuSZMyI7eSCMZGD61tcYj7IW3CNixHygHpRuMsHUomtIIPJKvHu3kdCSSf0GBRy6gZ0splcJtwCeMniqWghHCmUhUC7eODwfehgiVS0qKHlXCcKmOQKQxl3KoKiM4YcnA4BpiJrK4P2cwuTkdOw65z9aTQ7kkgeJCzxkCXkE8gikBFuXyd6sEz0HXJ/wAKAGDCyAgAnOPr+FMBUw1vI6Hbt7HrTAqxSb1K5xjoRTJLQ+baERiDxhRkmkxoSUfeUIvBxz1ouBCScY7UCIyV3Ac4p2GOVogTliaBFzT4opLTUnLSnybZXATOCTIoG725pDRThP3nx8qKScmiwXE8/IAI/LvRYBo5fjge1MQ+QbRx+JoAgL8cc9qaQ7E0SK8fy53DrxRYQ0A9Fb9KQDyMigB0cjBCg4BGCcZoAaFRyPnHPfI60AanhzTftusJZShwHU/dQsVbBKnA56ihCbsauo6BFBFE8rospZ1eJPvjAGw4PYk8fQ07CuZeo6Vc2kqyRxyPbysUSVkwrNjlc9MjOfpQxp3MyW3lEjLtY4PTHSkMjGN4Vm284Oe1ADp2jQhYySO/tQA6SUBFIGcnIB56daAHyTxmPAVfm5PHI9qAK83yy7QeBgg+9AEjXNwY0jaZ9iElVJwBSsh3JBc263UU3lGTCnzI/uqTQBXeWRo/L3nywchc8A07AOgkUMFYZU8MTQIUHa7MACPagCw+1I1Kg5wAc9z3pXCwxHbOd2ce1MBsjsWBOW9M9aALFl9pvLiCxi2brh1iUMcLknA5PTrSfcL2Pq7wF8FfCll4UtofEOi2t9qrRf6TJLK2RIc/KuGGccdP61zc0nrcUU3qeBeH5LeW/j8yd7qaGWWeO3i3Bpdw4G5eQScVFROKGkWItOs7LRXudRnibUCXeCMHO1yepx97GfpkVHPKU7R2FY4/Vd84jnKvjaEBI+vf8a64u2gD7DUBabbd8zQgg9dm3P3gMdz05olC4zrdesprvwlDclZl3yb0i8vEcKkElcnliBt5+tcsZctSxL3MvSNIP9ktKL8xXLAmK3AA34IyDk7geh6HNayqa+Q7mpocb6f4dm1DU/OmuomzCoAATJ+8ST2I4GKynPmmlEdzflm0HUrGyWaSZbk2uyUyzSNsZiDjJPyjnoBUP2kXoF2Y3iu+s9Nl/svTrxLpLSNox5i7kTr93nnBJOeetXSi5e9JAZ2j6lZWWisGDvO3DK0pKspJI+UdOlXOnJyApy39/pchuYhAxuUPmR7A+FOMZyDVqEXoxp2DT7nVNQnhjQxWMJnBllESqE47KBwPpSlGCHe508fhjxLfaRNCNLvrW3ldpovNjEauR/HluxA6Vg60IO7ZXK7bHHahpdxp0ktrPJEssbHeOCMgcgHoetdMJqSuiC/4YiD6dM7Qq8cDpuDE7ZAMswz2ztAqKm4M6U+bLa20aw2q+dI0kWGwWADfLuPYAj8qwW5J53rd5dT38n2l42kjYp+6PyHk8jHB+td0IpLQpFRVmQAxgEhd3HzYHvVDBZJ8HcxbPXI4oAsTzRpZiLy1aR5N+QfurjgfiST+VAFnSbrULKaO407bHN90EYzjvxUTimrMDq7bVY7G4me5eO8nm2jMcYAkA559PfOeRXNOlzaIDH1PxFBqWqxNKZIYUkcu2/7yHkDCgfTitIUHGJJZurOSWEXsVtmDyVlCjnJYcflzUqSTtcdya2tLKeCa/BjsmjkRPKMp37QvzNg8cn+dTJvYCzrOrxSWYmvbx7y+aZVgLL8uxcgnAx6AetKNN320Nea61KV7rD6l++kZFma2MQZUyqqq4wMk8n1/KtI01HYHK5z2malcWRkMYYu/HmFj8v1NbSipbmdzQ0VX1bXYrieyBgeYvMFJVdoGSoIxjp2qZNRVho0FgnTwvHbBkiku7p5WWQYY7QQMD0xkVk5XnfsSak32G3upN0i3EwhQKgQ4WQgAsWGD2+lZq8kWo3Mi+uLlnkulljC220LIuBuYkYI9xzmtoxSB6FcvsddQlfzbguDkkHDHJOfXpT8kSUdQlklkW7g+XYTnC4A68elVHRWAqyTCORpAHZyxK44x9cVdgI7q+mvGaRkVF/8ArYoUbAaUFmi24dJIt4XklgTnsB71MnqBVkayS+EUsh8tQNzAZ69sfnWkEJmfOT5hOSVBwpxzjtn1qrAadjDbXFjMzD/SBgqcEgLnGMfrUO9yklYxVbbuCk43cZHaqRLJbYgMQwO5yArZxt96GMS8h8icoGLLngkdaSBont4V3iOR/LLEfMeg+uKbEaGr6jYHT4LOyspY2QfvZJJN5d+jY44HtUpalN6GKu6QBc9OcGqsTcuwlY0d5Id7lfkYH7p9ffvQBUldQpjjjKKeetAyCFthbCBsjr6U7iLVpMUIUt8zkY9qTAgupDHIVVmJBwWyPxoSAaNzrlic5piHKu7IOOB070ADQYxtPGe9AFmxaSCyv03qPOjSNuOo3hv6CkNFWQkIUBwG7UxEaKdwzxnrQBIp2jqB6Z70rgWXt3ZEbHyk9TRcdiCSEZ2sCM9D6+lFwBT5a4B49cd6YhyEtMpJy2e/FAE9ha3l7fR2ljbSz3ErbUiRdzMaTdgPTdU+Ec2k+HbvWItet7+/tVhcWdgglyWYBgef4c46c1mp3ZVtDzW5tA12TFhQ0nCFMY/X9K1RLLtlFqdvcfaLVJI/LxtlUcDkcE09hHTwPqCtFc3wa4uLvEgfZ8wCFgAD3HGeKOYTR2un6bbXmheXqkqytOQ/zjb5bYxyvGCRjp2xRFczM3c5HVPDWnfaHFrfeYqYW2WWMhsn0bOcfUGrcdbItPTU4LVbKW2uniuFbzN2GXb39M96h6FJjbO2sZVkW4nkhl42YTcPfPOakZDc2jxqGR1kXj7p5yTjGKYCfZrq3dGlglQMMjchGQRkEZpJ3AiIZupOepFMCW5BLZYc46YxRcCuQeuNv1oA2dE8L+IdcnEGj6JqN9IT0ht2I/FsYH51LmkBrXnw28XWl6LOezs1uBC0xjF9GSqjqDg8N7daXOh2Oba3kilaCcGF0bDhhgqfcVVwtY0E08ysluNzOVUKApJJPTAHJqOYBmqaJqOlsseoWV3ZzMu4RTwtG2OxAYZwapSuBQhR5ZUiDfMWwv1pt2EfS/7OXws0yS/g1bWola+t8TRbgTHAQSMNzhnxg47Vx+1dSVlsFmz37XbazjvdPWSya7kWQB5PPMYUZGTgHBrZo1S0PgPSrl9JvgDOAEYM6RkDdjtuqpLmWhEXYXxNq1lf6xJdaZZmyiz8kec7eTnn8amnBxjZjk03odd4T0zTPFOrvYQWs4Q2j/ZpQp/dyRx7mkc9AnHP4VnUcoK4kkc7H4avP7b+yy28ka5Bc7CRkn1qvbLlJPQoLW5j0u3juw10GB8u0UYAA+Xc2M56frXA5Jy0IZzEGr2cSK1/bN50UhCyQqu9Uxgj074B9TXS4PoMzvGKGC2jkeWCCQhcWeTvVcZ+b35rSluOxzFvemOB3be8rOOWb5cAHr+n5V0tDLkTWclrGbosZZGMkhzgbeOFA5yfepaAlnls7e8ncWUiB8mCKOXlB23cHNCTsCIYLqWG4iWYvFsJEgY8kdx7UNaDOi08rq+q3KaLBNFG4LBv+eK9wT/FXPP3FeQtjpNX8Qmz0X+ydOu5TCuAJPVFGGVSfbnANc8afNLmY+d7Hnut3KwC1jinkn3IX/eLjbuwcfX1ruhG4iS01ewtrRnSKcXIiwiKRs83ccswPUbcYHtRKm2Mpa3q02rTrPMNgSNURQx4CjAHtVRpqKsBSSQKAGUEnrkZzVAWpJiInZGjjLDadp+8D1H5fyoAisoJZuRnbkD8aYyfVdKvLKQCWGTOQQApzipUgasWvDiul9FK7GI78EyHahXHzAntx/Opk9ANGHToGmNxcwzfZZyHB8s8ZP8AC3Q4z3rJ1OnUQ1tCht75bjUC4gbL+XgZK9fw7U1UbWg7G3c6xfQ6VBbQXSSRcqFVM7FA5Oe3HH4VgqUZSuxHPSTZiklS2kkEzbEJGVGOeT3PSulRGZskF86pGlq4IGemfqRV+6K5emg+zW0aOfndRvZH45xxU3GMszp8l4to7ywRuwHmYz3HJ9qHe2gGzcapbxWDadFaTzXKN8sqclvm+9x2xgYrFQbfM2WrFXTTfCfy/nW5ncKA0ZLIM5OeOBVSURakv2tX8xi6yb873UZZycjJPGBSSsNE+mWAngMcmwoZPMLsNq+WMg/N3PbiqlIpQuJrflz6kUhVdgIZRFn5l7Y45OMfnShtqTJamZOkUNm4uLwGNZ94i53M2MdO2Mck1otWTYpymzlByJIQcFgfmkl+hxgD+lWIhuIRcW5MSbWVydoHGzAwPwwaLgb2kT6Fp2lRC5j+03sjDzABu8tcMTjPAOdnNZtOTuUrJHLzR+WxaZ8SM2SmOcn19K1RBMHK2uzYATgknnoe1FxkCPIzlYyRuHNMC3b6c8gCLtMhcDO7j6VLlYajcu2WiSyfaMSxpNap5hWR9pcgjhR3POcelS5lcliay0jUtZnLLbXF1N5u1wF+6T349aHNIXLcueMPDMugiBFuY7pnhEzeSjBowez56cg0RlcGrI5SZ1O3aCxYcj3rQkETYBJJmPnoR1ouKxMHgiCtFMTnkrjAFIZDNM8mRtUemB0phci27YsnHI7jGKAEniZPLYEfdBBFICN13b2YZB5570xF3T9OuLq1knV4ooo+rSvtySfur6n2obCxJJo+ponmRWdxNGOTLHC2B7ZxS5gsUpVlZcPkccj396dwHRhlDKUPzAD/APVQBcudJuYIlkuYpISxwFkhZc/nzRcDVsfDkL5jnuY4pmiDqQ6yKnThtpJBPp71Dl2Glc6O00m30OGG/NsR5jhSoCO79fmUsMKoI54zSU7jtY0dP8Dy6l5ciXcVul429YZLaSRlQMV5YDCgjnNTKpbYLGhrvgTRXUSwR6mXupSlrMUYpGoxtUDGThex5NQqjuNqxh3vwj1yQveaeH/s/l3kvIGtjH65VugznHPNaKr0Itcij+G9yIYmkZmLnIaFd6j5hwWzgUc7uUonf+DNK8N6EzPpaRSa3FbbFYuM7mGHDA9DzgCobbeuwcp0vh7V01LxhqkkOmmxisoI/wDR0jB2GNd0jNj+HsB6mm3FbFeh4PPpbya9dIGWO2aV2Qp821T8wGfUA4PvVSqWWhn1O78GeHdJmkI1NLy70phths7Rj5ry5GWYdMDgHkdRWUq/S5Xs+pe8LWzal8SY7vU9NuIdCsJRBb2tzJ5Q2j5doPJI3ZOBnrTdVJWWo3G+h3HibwVN4j8Q6ne6HqM0N5BMXlUg/ZpSq4G3jIIxjmmqvRCcDkNNtbS9v5ZvE1lNJ58f7i6JFvErr8oBcgKh4HDYHPWtYzJ5LlPW/Ckuv+Io4ZdItdEuXdTDbPJveVDj96rAsHzjBKnjvUznYbh2Pa9H8LeFdDWQad4d0iG8jKvti+aWVwOh3j7/ACOB1zUcqluOMe5zVr8Nfhn4lnfWGtorSeUPOLUylGK85Mkecg7gRxSfNFaMfJd6GVpfg34d6/ayS3unSC8sFaHd5xEBC8ADJ57YAOaypyl1Y3T1OTl+H3ww03Vbhtd1eeTkFILNsIM/w8bzkdOvFdC9qJwOvX4XfD/WZ7SGw0e4ilniWaP7VcSkyptXnKDAHPc54NRzTvYVkWdY+FfhnQiJ7HQdDzbIZt8rzzP8uCTtYc9RQ3K2rDlPSl06Ofw6sd9qs1qjRosr2ziI4GBtDfwjpSjGw4qx5/qOkeF7HVprK2026gtIkEn9oCN12Mzbtwfne2Qck8YIqnruU9D57+JWkNP44vLfSVl1OS5l3xtBGzvMTjoAMsfpWy0RE9GfQXwB+FB8PSQ694tt/wDifTrvsrVvvW0YGPmHZvU9uKykub0I3ND44/DRviPq+lNb6ta6TLbI6XTSozySx5+XaOmRjuehqrqJbR45qPwc1Pwl4tsTJq+ny6RJMd1/NIsSRbSD8+TjPIxgmpnJyjawuU79b7x54b1GC68PW2oaulxcebO9pai4t5VyAXBTJUnHfGawowcNy7qx6ppOt2PiKGe+U3Vq9i5+0wXGUkgxzh1B+XgZ57VspXHc+Hr+x8+ZbporkWpIUOyhd3Thf8auMtLGCNrSdNga4uGjS0juIpVt44m+Z5Dt++ASRjHU4rKdRibL1lqDWej3szCWWWQPbxlsxhIuAxUKcHIHeoavJWGmYFzrepNZwpLcTtHF8qYGDjOcZ6n8a2VOKdx3ubnh3xcBBBbRaXPNOpKXE+9pCYWkXK7eg4yM+9Y1cP5hZFjxToRhmZW2xRRyGZkC7XKFshQOvfg1nSq3Juc34hvre6eVZ9On83zQwlaQlwmD8pGMEnjk811U421KRhWqwNIqSFyC/Kp1PsK2b0A0b3Tbuwjjku4HMLJ8hxggdqzjUTFcpFsRST+aVkjKhFYnJFaoZDaLNeXKQrhndgMk/wBfxpPQZ6NZzxeEtEkit7uKae9QqMYIODz7iuCSdeeuyEc9qd1pz2zxiBjcRM21GJVY14x35PLflW0ISWvQLGLcLdX5N1dNmOKNVLqAO3HHrXRdR0AXVrO2hs4Hgmg82QBjEmWfkd26fhQm76gPsdHuHEIdWHmEfLt+6D0ye1TKokBsW2kabdae1qkAhv8AefKuHZ3eQg8IFBCDPXPNZOpJSuBWm8PrbJLGJfN3OqrL91Y+Mknu3GapVrsDMWOOe7t7OykaPAw0sjYDN/e9hWqel2M6DSLC3CSS3+qqCY/3n7rzWbB4Ckkbe3PtWFSb6IerFvYrFXZ4rsTJHJhkiXJdcA/Qc8Z5pJyYia512U2LIqubaBz5EZJO0H/9X6VPs1cRQutThmQy3MjySEKBzmPGOh44NaKFtB3LniDXoV0M6ZbQQ7ZQoMoGMjGTjvjPFTTpPm5mFjm9KnaGdBG6NGzBnUjIHXBPGcc9q6JK4GhdXEcYb7OfmKhN6gkvyM8HpWaXcB3mRm28og7toGR/CM5PHrRbUaRA1oxEcsQU7icoG+ZQemfyp3sOxvaBKNF1B2uYBNC6+U8cTDcQRwd2DjBx+VZz95WNIvlNey0q51iSa9jTyooUIJDc47Ac9SKxc1DRlqDlqh3ie1t9LghgtoIrWNoRKbdm3mLzTwnPJYDk56UU5OWrE1YwdTlma0tk8lxawDYuwYG45JJI4PBx/hW0epMpPRDtOF4klxHG2/zY/lCYJC57dcciiVkiTNudOFvp8l9JArhLkQISS259rMe+Ow9atTu7E2KSzvdXpkut5mkIyxHJ+ntire2gLU2Nc06TSYbaRYmlt5Y9wugDsY8/LnpkYrKMuZlyjyoNM0zT5bWae9a5N/LbmSxt4FDbnLADcSeM5JxjtTcmiVG51dn8M2SWC9vdW0azaHDXAlvVnZHUbvuL64xtNZOu72SK5DnL+PTdRv575pYLeaUKiwRphTnAZwBwpJGcds1pdpWK5UyPVNH07TZ3SLy2ljfD5uAcr2wRx39zRGTYSiolyOGBsSyRQWcLtvSKKXzCDjg9c+ppMSZDHf6LbalDbraX9/GzD7Q3m+WZCTyRgHaOn4U0pNbi5lc3da1zW77TUsPD9rpWnWUBEbeRCokVc8FpGy7Z5ojCKd2U5PocdqkevC9bR5pzeSMuAVfjBGcAnAxzWqatczbZForX+kaxZal5YBUlraSVRsyAVDeh2n+VNu4rDdU02LeJn1SK6ldN8rAc7u9JS6A0Zz6bdL1glCAZyyEZHrVXEV5oCjlUYOB3H0ouIu6NJb2t1HNdWK3qKM+Q7EBj2zik2UjQ+y5ea5nT7NI0m+OMxZGD256Dt07VNx2LottBFrJFeWUj3DR+ZFcRylVUgHKFehycUag0ivosM0csJh0o3gkO1N24BDn1B4NU9RJWNyXxDLK/kX1i1p5MmNm7JDAkE/8A1qnkRXNczri10vVLae5iXzbyThY0/dFG3e5w3FVsSza8GaXoll4dutW8R+HY9WhtJmSRTdvFLGfkCEbCMqSW5HfFS3d2uCXc2DDbeKLFpNNv7yK2iZ5ZbG72zNEuCP8AWYVsZJJzmh6BZGkYdLsfDkUUtrBIJNqzSLFtcKOS4PtwPqajdlWOc1QwW1xb3aWTyxu7SCEzllA3YXr79c0vmJo9P8K69ZRaSftgSHEYyhZWUtgngAY6t+lRJopHWfDnX7WWy8gXlpNDDI7xGSIKYT0DYGONvGaw5lfULXRS8bapeXmk6oj3MnlFXUmPa27A29OwHP5VrCaTG4ng+oT/AGqJIobaeNFXlch1Ldu2RWznYhml4dsGi0iXVUuUi1O1czWyO5DOMDlUIwx9P5VjOfM7LYErmlDr9rcW51eD7U16+fttyCwMpYHhlztGT6CuaUZqVnsJPU7r4ZeF9Lu45be98PMbpoty3Mskrqp4IIChVA5HBY1S97fUrksdlovgDyry1RVsjp8bvJcvHKySSSEfKu1eAoPfJNWqCerKvY1fijfQeEvBcM0kWnTQCXbJALUOXDc7Q/VSAM5reNJRjYF3ZX+Hni/w9feEYmigKTyIv2jZExCsSRy3JO7ryadNLbqJrW5xn7RV7fx+G9Lv/Dly4gn8y1vohCAsiMoI+Vh1G089a0VhapFj4E+G31XQbfVNVKXfkWpg01FG0wIWJLZUA/N75xWN+Z2A6vxbc6JotrFdrPbWk8DBYoJ5CzO4ON+D8xx689KtxNEjhbzx/wCHdP1u6aSQSoIEFvINw3KwyBjPIzkhvfFZyTaLio9Tm7HR31KTVraHxrpek2ZjDlLm2BUs/wAxKNnO8dyPWig7vYiomnocN4o0b+y70wp4hsdURMHz7ZXZMngrkjk9Pzrs5n1MHc6PQfHGvaQdP/sTViyLZKsqSw7k3IDlRuHHGBxWMpJXC56qPEen6taXmqXcAm3RLCzMT5RYkFU5IAznk+1ZOpcuLuUb34iJFAdKt/Dgu4d6kOzHZIeCNuM88euKz9sluPQ7bws134y8OXBubMWbuojbem9QMc49TjiqpT9o3YV7DvCvg3wv8MbCS9it31HU3bbHK5DTybiMRxg9PwHYk9K3Sb+Jk2vqaOnxahNqE+o31jNHc3cRQSeeMQR/wxBQe3JLDkn6Cqb7Dt2OrsLdViigm2O8K7TuHPTt3/OixJ59+01bwD4M6vcRx2xMRjALnBGXAO0dN3P6GtIxLicB+yP4gmuLDVdElvrSAwOk9vFIygvuyH29+No/OpmiFuemXKWFxLJKdXWxdh5lzGJkjMqjjLAjJHBHNZcppY+StAt/Dmox2j6reTXUsRWNYCAqKpYfKozlj16DvWFV1I35UY2LOtLdHxJFNbRQWkZjaK2JQKMD7oHvt496mD9z3h8jM/xBqE/2AicFJtx/1y7cjONoX17n61pCKb0Fy2Oam1OydwYrQQoHBZEHBwOOprojFgbHgLUNPhe4tb0FxPyWWTyx9BjqcjoeOKyrwcloBf8AEmpNYTyItsIXfY6khmOBzj5uxP8AKsqUObUSRyWrait6VdU2SFsyEZ+Y5NdcI8oxulXUdnL9ozEW4Co/Pfk05LmVhnW6JeQX9xPJql3PcWoDy3BUZyu0gKD25IrknHkXuiOKuo9zhmVo0kY7C+egOP6V1xYGlZaTd20a38EsMiAbhhgCw6DGe/t1qJVFswuIbV205prmSLdOcAcl1Ock+gPGB9aL2egFz7FZS20s4lmuLpsHdJ/E2Mso9cdzUuUrgN0fUbOxjnju9P8AOt5Tjy14VSARnHc05RctmOxmlbf7RCITvkC7vlQgg+nvV69QO08LrZ2bXH9uh5o48SfZHbynkzx9TgHNclW8vhFZmJd6pbJq2Y4okiiLBFBYlfcEnqK3hBpalbFO61K7ksbNIwZfJQgng5OTj34GBzTUIpgZ+nMou0EqAR7iXGcE+1aS2Ebv2ia0gaGKKKFvL+XK5fPByR+mPesbJu4ippOlajds06kwgkksw5/IVUppIY3VL650y7MNzYlNqbEBVkVhgfNzye/504JS1QjDimuJQbdGbYzbiucDgdSfpWuwG7dadYp5BunkklljBjCMCpHB4P6cd6xUndlF1NLhSymuE0iQSM4SJJCSUBOM7ev/AOuoc9dWOx6RZ/BfVxosup6/fWmmQqqynzZQjqCMhCv8J/XjpWE8Q1sChJnBahp9qk7wafumeRwI9q7nfnHStITk9WO2thPskVjatG8flORuRwflJGByc007sGZjXsdvKjwuQzIRKzY5J6kfnWiV9wvY6HTby4fTLe2S+nR3IYKbfYB6Hj7w5rGcUnqjSM2luXNQ0rXtVvoZI7KODbyZpEPPQFufp2rONSnHqTKbbLviTwR4g/4R2x1K5kdrIbpJ2jgkZgSPvkEDJPHPpinCvHmaBq6uZHh/w7ehyltNcWRulZo42Rw9xGuQWAVSSmRjPTNazqPsSkyLxb4T1jw3cJb6kVhc4miiEwL/ADcBtucjuORUwrKWwrNbiNpVncr9uS1a3ZVDvCQX2jH58+vrU+0ktLkp6nT+FLO4FummRW1xqMl7GzfZxGWT1Hy+3r2NZzd9TogQPbnS5zo17ZJp9xnKhlKlBnqcjPYVS1V0a+7sYt/aXcVyEaNkEpPzKSS4POfxrWEtDOSaZc8PeEdTurS41S22RPbnMcRDB3XHLLx0pyqJaCszn9SgtdN/tPT9RtRcXEyqsEwZgYGyGJxjk44OelaJ3s0ZNlr4e+C9Z8RSXEtkY40tgN9xM5RAT0QHHLHk4HuaJzsKKbK0+jTQavLYtd2oljk2tI7bFPocntmneyBItzw6bp0ciy6q91ckbT9mAMQ/4EOWH0qbtlXsQavLbC4jFhFcI32VI7g3IBLSYy2zH3R0A74oQrmI1ojMgmldo41IVd33c84HpzzWlxDZrUcxI4Vd2No749KVxMtwaK8jfLcM0RUbjyMH0x7UnIpRuSXUdnY2z21uUefgSP1xnt7mmrsppIq6ffXFjAY4JjDJI2SQikntxkZqmQmazQ3Ecwa8eWWV0+8xLbQTu5rNyvsXsQ30Ul0Lf7LJiDyy4UuDljxn2+hoUrEsgt7y4tbaGBp7wEfKcNt2EE9B6e9XzCuW76QXt9LcsyYdRuJ6sc9ST360nMSM6GFDKCh2qpJHualyE2dLpN+UsRBcWP2uF3AkiGd0g474yBx61k5eYKVja0SWVdN1eCPw5Mz6iqRxSRq2VAYklu5JHFS60U9WHMa95Drc+lWNlHBOUiiAKyoD1yCGU/QfSsXiIXbuUpaGGnhPXLiRmuYtytluW+Yc46VMsXDoJtnQ6f4Vn8iIrdlnxtcFdqglugP/AOqsJ4gIpsy9Xsb+xm1DZNDaqF8tAHOJFzkqCODwO1XTqxaRSTW5p2WneJdXsJRHaXks9wNwudjJCd46DHB6GqdRJp9BqTZseGPC1xaadFf3j3llKBIl1b3X+qmkCnEnIyF54x3FXOa3sNIxtZ8H/Y7C0f8AtWK6mihd2t44y4DBSOGTkDjgH2ohNNu2hPTQ52502fQ9Nh1GO4tLozIrFUYbmGRx5f3srk5zWySm7FKNtWexeCPiPpkuj6TYxfaYrr7TFFNuTKygj5iDkbV6DcfStIU1BaFXT2OivLy18Nw6jevrst5YNM8pgjMZ24yWi3jgDp7g0pTcXsBx3iLU9Y8UfDLxBd3l9pEtjDNFHDHahpZ8sB8obONwXkgD16URq3Wwk7nKfCXVLjQrq3tmV2RIzJdRo+zz1GSqNu4wu7PY1zTqcsm+gutjQ8f+NrXWJLjRlinkgVzKXcptHYDPYZNbqrpcJNI2YfEviDU9BsvCvg2F9MX7Kqy3bRkcIF4QqDtz6/WlGvGKKir6nA618M/FyI929vfX7rFJmaIM4JzkYbHqapYjm6A0+rPR7Hw38PT8G7XxPJoceq6rY6fGt0z3DloZEQYjK7sAJnoRWi9+NrkqPc4zU1sdd0KeSw026kvZpJDDcJKVBQEKoCY+4cjkgd6zpL2crXNJ6nG6zp91Y+INU8O2VrJqE1rdNEmxSQrLwcHGGJwfyrplK61OaSOlh8PyeH30N71IdUa7QMlhHDJmAsDzLwDgZ7GsOTmuwSOr0vUy9l9gvH022g2kzWySoY7rBz5a5BwDkYz82QaqMEi0dpoGl6Q8KwfbLNFkQCOH7YWkI4bKKSDx0yAOQazlh1JjMe4+MWmeCNfutLt7M32mIpYZuRu3nOQOvfrXRSpQgrA2jW+FfjuX4l+KJr+XT4LHTdKi3QW7NvbzGyrMGxwME8cdfSrnZbCck9Eei6lqbWM9mvls1tcz+WsyJlYDyRv9FP8AeIwDilYZoX2pWOn6fLqd/PHHbRIZZZCw2ooU859P8aaBRvsfJ3x/+Jl78RI4LLw9Y30Ph+0f5hJEQ003944yMAHge9W6kY6dSnpGyMX4R6N4q03xPYajaacsDhWRTegxhkYYLAEZI56gVyTxENrmaR6Z8Q/AOu6nr+nX2mXrXySqEvZUmCqAWyyqCM7eTwc04y0LueG6Xp82malp+qZjnjaPz1jVwrIB1/EjOPrRKSknESWpteM9ZjurTT7nSIDC4LFI3YExYAHTk8Huck1hQpuLaka1KidlEwPFV7Pc6Tb2F5EJLuBmd5gcHBI4I7nPeuinFJ3WxjNnLwQxg4n+RdpYep9BW17kWOw8J+FkKQ6pfuJYEha5+yxnBfZ93c2eATjgc4rnqV7e6iox1MvxHr8+raxe3N5FK7TD5FyAEYDAOPQDPFaU6aitAbuYMigTMIVdkwMHb1rVMkm0ixS7v4oJriO0R2+eaQZCD1xQ5WVwsdVbwJounyLJqSPFcRlREsQJMfBy3pzjofWuVv2j2CxArWOqRxy3LRsY/kAI8tI1zwTjr61dnHYdi1DqEkhIs5YYYLbCqAihCMkhsHPfrUuC6hYx9UIE5W5CKDlh5bA89xxWkV2FYz9Qmha6YwuUjH3Vz+lWkMsaftWxwJIQZkO4MAzA84xxkGhgS+H9R0+2cPe6fHcY+4d5XBwcdPfBP0qZxb2YKx1ep+INMuPtcYjglAcIhfBLgDgjuBknp6VzqjJWLbXQ4i/jg+2SuHjVAxCqhOOp9a6o3sQTxypJBJbwTMiqNyruxnHJoaAisrjTrcea6zzSMD+6AAVD2Oc5PehpsQ59WiN014tkBLwYyZCdp3c8Hg/jRyaDshv9q3Rk3p+7b/lmQTlB6A0uRAU7+a4v7hpryd5Zf778mrSS2EVTA5kCqpJJ44zmi4Gnp1tqa3cEyQzM4O1CyEhfzqXKPULn158JdJ0a9+Flkt99ljv7xj5hY5ae4Vso7Y5UDHC9OO9cFZRlszoUTzvxx4c1HTdRwNc/tqCYN5lvFcNjIGSOpwRnvWaq20f3i1W5yb6RZvA1pY+HtRa+kfBuRc4SAqcnBOFAx3JrSNRvVsi66FNEskuLOL7DcX8MEP76KS4BUydQdygfKPTnNVzfIPU2fC3hbQTpc91rEElzdH5YYwdiqM9eOuOPas515XsilBNFmG60y3EdvbWmGQhSxJJJUY4z2qJKUtWx6GxNcX7Ql1RRlBnoW/3fbrXMlHmsJpX0OtTxRp+oeD7y0tdPvLPUL2zW2nztkikZcJuCnO04GeOK6+aEFoWkjCsdY8O6LqNte2ugSG80+L7P5z6jKVKjOTjPzZJHyketPnTIfKjlPEWoXmta5eanfLH9s1PennzjcYIRgkRg8Dpjpnmlz3+RHtFYrXkltbW5e0hHmMFGWJY7e2c/TNTFNvXYxUrsztF8R+ItFvnvLLUbixYxshW3EZIB5/jBA/nXQlFm0anYz9aEov2u7y98+4kYzNIjluvJJP8Ae56VcWVz9Tqlu9B0PRbLUINWbUdWu/mdvLVfsqjICkHIJ25/Oos5PyB1Dj73xT4hvrhxJqt1IqsSirhVUH+EAADHQVsoRS0M3UbIYNHlmkW+1WRjHtDum7DyA56Ht0pc62RNyzo+sazpytBpUssVs0jP9ljUPu6jnPXim2ralKbRTvbCTKsyThpQJGyNoU9wQaFITZWkt5knMEaISQMYYYORnFUhbncp4EWdft9lcSXVtAB9piIJG7aMnI578D2rNtjsc/4r07w5o1tLYKDe6lAVlmmSZljKuMhAuckrkZ/Kt4q+o7WRa07wZmWMzalZ+WyLK7JKGwDispSY7DftOlWmoTb9EF5aE+WiyTsnOceZuQg9KL+Yc1h99D4Tls42ttPuYLj78rLMXDOFwD82T1qXKV9xOSMmWO2ZOY8KeAQAuOpzmjmYuYnu7iOa4DLKnl7jtwm0DGcdOtJNj5x1jas9q8dtbPKJDtEcIJZj1xWcqmuoua4q6Dd3kTuU2ug5DnAHfFL28USatr4ZSWztoEkhZiCSI8sxJOeT+OPwrF4izKR1Nx8N7OyNuZ7i3AbBxEzMx5JweMZx2zWLxbZp7I6XTPDel2Usc17G8cDZTacL9CfTtXFUxEpXsP2RLrsEVqgudOaYqWAHyBQST/D+FTTk5aSE4JIhnkWw0v8AtuVHuCWKosZyy4x82P6d+aq/NLlQRsjkptXvzK0c/wBqinuY3McjR7dmOdv4/Qda6lTitUJjdI/4SXUZpbGzguICQpkkklBjQr1b/wCtRN0oK7Em1sdnL4JsTZNd3t/HcznLBNp24bAbAzxxnpXJ9ZaehXK2WZbZdGCx2aSsjZVdzsEQLznGegA4pRrOb1Yr8rsc7qGveJ9W035bq2msVc+YnGI48nOQeWB6+1dqmkuVlXKh1WKbSZIbM3Z+0jEEsbKCjZwwIAHBySCalQalr0Jsio/gXV5zMN1s+2HO64lBLFlOcevY/Wto4tIfI0d2160PhqHQmdLeeTTpIjbRsArjHDfKMhgBx0681cMTZ36FqNkedeGZPEz+Hb/SLy/mjtHDL5bFct1OSTz07ZrepiY3XKZ3Gad4f1u4iit7KdNKgiQYVdx3tjBb3OKwniFHdXM+eSOq0vwdqlxYKb6yvr9WKxCcKY4x0ycZDHNc8nN6xVhpyZfj0bQrGCZrjTns2j3BlmDs0nI45Jxz9OlZS9q9y/VG54f8cWukaTc6fZ281q6KsZlhRGYZ4z06Ctqcpwt5mqSM/wDtPVrdWivfimYLedwqwG3Ql48DBLYyh79a76dRyiDTPO/GGs2ei3M/hwXJvtHJZs21y0cdw5/jfrk8dKqMJrqU2kjI0TxPc2ujGTStRS3excJDcM4WYoSM/uzkNjJ65q1Cz1J5lynq3g7wb/Y8thrLZuTdqont7g/PL5ihiS3O1gefl+lC97cwtdlr4i2P9g+NNK126u4Ekv3Fq8Yl2osRB2FVwTkAcnvmtraFGP8AGHwxp2keCLDWLawWK/jvAZLiKc/OWyW+RjgAMF5x3NEUIu/DLwdNYzXGuz6gk8z7X+3TGNIHJ5IXGcjnHBGaLt6EqTbOz8PaZLNeXiT3XhzWwSZUh+xBTESD1fGPrkZ5psqxVg0m/sbK2vPhtaaRp8l1h9S8qcPGCQQVMbAn6FSKVg0iVPGc3jbw5ZjUZ5n1xfIeC4MBaNLQkEbxGp+Ye56VLk07lcx5Hoes+JZfCU/h2XxD5NhOpjUPCspXd96MsRkfXJxnis6mJaeiHGXY7f4U+A4okSz1ZZ5bNUEjwP8A89TxgEewHPtXG3KtUKTcVY7LQ9O0az8ZNFbXi+cdqrAGMjoucEMxzwBzjjpXRHD8rB7HdQxi2hWKA+XHxFGvofQev1re1ibM/PyC5drtRMrEj5VBHJP8P5E1q0Zna6dJpukQPJcpBJNOGaOVSHaM5A/POTiuSSlN6dDWMktzlp50a4e8juAUO5drcuxx1I9M10qLW5m3dlPURJIkOE3cBTxk5AGT7CqRJvWni28sEiVIjZ7VEZ8pOsY6KAe3vWXsIt3NI1Gtjn9QuftN19pTO48tnrnua2SsiG7suDUYRZR2iRRo4BeWZmG5zyAAOw54FTyvmuKxnTwsEWWNXKMxAJHcYzzVp6iJz/aWpyW9kzyTrEDHEu0kqD1AwM0vdjqM0o9LnsLO6S4uIkkkKxeTv+YA87m7Y4qOdN3KsZmoPLZSYgkdC6YOG6j0qlruK9hLdZb+JVa4iDA4Clf4fQDuabshE93pUlpfFJmTBONu8Fl5x8wHQ0lJMCCKx8++MSTKIw+3ep46/lTuB2R0Oy/4ReK2fT44biNyHuHuFZnOAcccDjoK5ZTl7S6eg+Uybi2m0vMWn6a5nVPKkl27mZj1A6+oHGKtSUt2J6HOXVtdWsxju7ea3lHVJUKsPwPNdCkmtBEYiaQE7TgexxQMBE+7hSR69qLjOq0jwD4g1DSJr5oY7OKP7n2htjS8ZARcZOe3qawnioQdg5Wx8fgHXY/sy3sBtjL91ZOOD3PpS+tQ6FKDOtsPBugaLA76xcRSzvGNgdW+QlTliBxgHH5VyyxE5v3TRKMdy7o+m6FpkiSvdhzlk2/Zcgr2+909faonUnLQl2NzS5vDbasILXQpLqfd/o6O2ELY57gYz2rD97a7ZKirm5Ya9fw3Pn3tva2se0iWO32u7MQNuW+6pAz3qZJLRM3UkjltTubyGZ4bFlghRWLYGdxJBJOODVRSkveMJVCtbz3OrM9lL5c1oSu0sB6jdlR39/artGnqZORLLapJcXENxBKIlbKlWCjaBtAB6flU89loHMXpkjtruZIWMZjzHCdx2lMdeeeRj86lNtFRnymH5luHIkeFJI2KqS3GcnAx9f5VrqxOpc0xqNvcywq0xWaRlYtIACSMYHoe35VPI1cftNS3L4ksozBidBJG5ywGASCecDoOeKz9lIUp3Me61KK5k8mK0meXLsRxjjkk/wBK1jTa1bMtTJutQ8x40kCRqcgMTllHf8yf0rVQtqAjOyS5e437hhW24CJxg/XIFVa4is8dmt05ZSIgQTGXwWIHX69apcxSuV7qa0F1IViG1mHIcthcYA/+vWiv1KRjEGV95BkXOMdyO59h71onYCW32rGcMyynOAq5wOnJz19qlgPuXmOnxTYyrcY7g5wMihAX9K1bVdP06aLTx5E8r4MioNwX69ecUWjfUpEPiS/v9ZhtrS9eKaWORj9oPLuxxkE/3fSmmlsU5XM1LbyZ4nU+YYuc5BGR6EVXORc65PFN7deE7nR2jljDOnlpE2xTzks5HzFuBSTSZfPocx9ktVlJEY3H7x6nP1/Ok5si5oNumSCAs3lgZXJ4P4flWfNqx3HILq4l+ygqVB+6OmKhtLUncsXHh/UobeKWW7hgifIRi33lHsKSqxeliuRjrfw1qOoxskMcmyBS4CxklsEdM0pV4w3EoM2dI8LRXQLzXC28yOI3gmjIlXJ7IOfzrCpiHHZD5GdnpHhX7HB5OlX/ANnuHwweeIx4BGNozzmuGeI5tZLQag2a1r4Pt2kxd3lukjnJCZbd0B/qOKyeIfRD9k2QQQR6U8NjYX1qXaRjOtrbBi4UgABicDH9TTc3L3maQhym/peltakT6i892ysWUFspDuPGM9TXLUqtuy0L3YamtndajJbsstzJGm+SJgNsYB4z3yecCnGTjG6KRa0hEXVAb9oQkSARKkZwgIGR0xnt61M5JIl26h9l0zfJLHp6QeU++JpTkZxjcFB579elS6j2uJpCahb2N3prRRxW7xu5SSY4wj45yfXp+dEakkxWIrLStM0tT9kgXy9oAxjBbI5/rTdSU3qxqJcuhKbbzjAm9lYKhcLhcdRjk5AJGBVJJlWOW8Q6nbSIgNuRBH8zOThm/D0+tdFKm29CWl1MxbzRLeyd4t80coImSLBZVOB17ZrXkm2JpFHEVq9q8VpLaQeYSYZEw7Jjjd6etaau6buZW10LGq6oFhYQanJEsa/uxEwcAHqMk8HtxShHyKbLmlal9qSYaaJ4ZpLZ0EkahpfNHCk552kmhx5X7wRkzDu9AuYZYJb91SIlEuJDJht2fm+UdMg45reNVX0Ktc2bWO1vTBpmkeI7yztTuSVnZcKuSWLHGQue4rojNX95Byli+tPEOk6wumWOv3+paI+H81n3whtuQFkBznI7+net3WjFWug1R1MunWohtr9L+eEzpvuZopWmlJHbYScqCc9Peqg1NXYWOS1axtxC2p3VrDeou+aWW3JIlx1DKh+XtxjisKytpEtWMjRL3S/EU0kMOmQahdKRjT4rdkcJ0JLeo46kVMsPOK0YOaJ/H3hbTvDfwev73XNEs01jVJ9trIGwbUEqSoOcEgA8+9dtCDtqRvqeD2UccUrNc2zzFQQq5x83YmtparQzPq7QvEcN/wCEdG+2r59/5cSN5Snakqj5gX+6GxwQelZQLSKOuavqB1S+utW0OyW0iVHsL24lH+iIdqEgdHb73TpkVpe42ro1PGENlqvh60s5fEWl3M5IAh3JmWMnlgu7kYyDj3os+gW0JvFz6H/wr2LSoFl+wpGkmI1VAFBHCfiBRHQIxseW3OvHTNWj/s/57W8hkluIVyFk2kDjIzgglTj0pydlqM9g8G6TDpng/UtR0BIbR7yPPmRZWPOM5GewHHFSmyVuZ3gvxPqb6pqOi69G0kUmIg7jeJu5IHp6jnpRKS2HLcpeM7HT28SaXrem2mlxQaak2o3cpYLvWMhAmBxnLZGeuKzcY20GlY6Lwjcs9zHcG5urw6ikZtkcgFVUEswXIODkc0Q0BnG+ORp+heItZ13RdR/s6SSG1kczAiZ5Y5iJBAvRsgqpzxgk1rcTRLNrOuapdXOoWdjqJt9Rh8m3WO8iZY2xjP3vkOTnIz1qGkFz5avbF4r6aUX0cgiwwlC4DH0A/wA9K2TuZkF9qdzNHFBJcF0iVgg2KNu47mxx1z3oUUguQWqtEZZni+TYQN3GSQQMfQ0wJYJmjtVVdickFifmPH8hSsAy9uRczKSM7RgH1FMCwyWy2QMKPuwC+7ufb/Gl1AzNu5lIPfmquI6/w9Dpi2N7NKBughEaC4k2hpGOSQvsB+ornqOV1YaRWsdTtFYyWlpNHdLCVZopPvMenBB6HHA61Tj32Hex0Pg/Sbp4tRvdW8tPMjw/mDGMDI5A4rnq1IxtGJSV1c5XXLdJJJIUiJmjdizsxJZfpiumGxmU5PKhsYvIzDL5mWODlSBkD+VWMsw6mtj5i790zM4lLIGIP4+5NS4JgZ0N7Oso8nCljzx0zxn9a0sI29IvbiwukS8iF9bRuHeGN/lfKnnI6VlON1Yq51RuNRvtSgVtFez0pmEgEu8K3yjo3Vj+Jrl9moJu+pLd2R6X4JGsaxZwX2pPaWUgIurqKAkrhSeNxwxzgfjVLEKKEtTstP8ADnw78OzPG1hqOq/KVZ70Iq5BwdqqeCevPSsKlepL4XYtJLc5qXSdKhvVnt7XyUc70tU5Vc+rHJJ6UKrJqzZLa6G3pWoXME8BijLtLMAy43cDtnHSspJS3ZSmyraR33n3Fze3SFIyNysc538DA9ee3TFNyjZJE+0bOj1BdMvdJhlmkB8oGBSGyAM5K88nr196505xlZCc2ypanQ306Wa48wHBKB3Pz8dQPwxQ/aXsjNtmBJr+mQX6z2trNHdoMRheSDjkj3/CumNKTWrKTZKuvPPNdxPam2DhiYZTkg+ufx/Ok6NrCdyKbUobl4khjeIBsIrZORj1/CmoWI1JIJpNPka4so2e4lDeVjGFHrjv3qXroxXJ5tRuooFnN3vkQ7SvGc564xipUE3YEiC2vJLiNr65lkl6cFQAG78jv3qnC2iKdypesn+kuZopGnO5ZSMspzkkDsetaRErlWORorlNkikqAUbaR83rVtKxRXWdIQ58ksFOA2f1/OmlcLFGW/uPNeWEFmK4/wB0d60UVaw7EElxPcO7LEVRW+Ykc5ppJDLD3u1B5g3Ptx14FJRCw22tJr6FEUneW+XcpJYnAAGKG0gGOiwSPE0205GTt54HvTTuAzy2SIOSn7w7QFPKgetMCa8niUmaC0jXedoWMnCgADODz+tJLuMQseEddxyD8vbFFxE8H2oRsIVOCCG5wSP8moduowZYPJCkZmL8Op4RcHIx3zxRd30C4hjLxfMSzkABgvQdKdxElvbkzJuMgHQ7QAD+NJyAuRWMQ+Z2IJJ4xx+dZ84WLYitFjE0EjCVByHH3mz2x2FTzS6gJp6GO+UzbkD8sNvI7nH60Sd0O5vefa3KKt1YxtJHDtjeaRiy4OThVIGTk8kGsVpsy+ZWMW9nnuDFFHcS26Sy53DcxD7uec8/jWiS3H7Qns4riyvp70alK8ueko5ZR68cc/yqJOMo2sT7VnR3HiS71jUYba3td4iVD8xAXcowD6+pxXN7CME23uPm1Ok061/tG+R5bKcBM7ZI5CVBxyTngew71zSaitzeLubVlp7aUxRV5ZsrwpYkn7oHqcDJrGUubcplTWI9f1DTXvRrVvpqWzBZYBCGfeMHgnj0oi4QduW5F30NPS7aHTrZiJ5J5LtQXnlA3SE9zjt9PauapNyloJNhqOpFIbjy4hJIvO0OAZMnAC/n+lKNNtoory3sWnwk3CiZmUlVMoDkkHgD/D2rRUW3Yq2hhLdXlq5MEls9tdOs0zTFiT/CVUZ64HWur2Snv0JtqUPE/iozSstgTiBiw2A5yOM9vy9qulheT4gcuXY6TUNdGkabbLdziV3QFyeGyRzjOcfSs40ueTsPn0MPXbrTb+N5niea32ojN5vynnpg/jW0IyiZykUbSCwa3d7ewZ5VIjaEOQGU4XP/ANcelW5O+rMZS1KYu0lu0t7y2uX2HaQrdewGSM9MDrV8tldMtTRSkWS9gurSCGePyFzGSA7F+4wBnkD8Kte602xKxa0Ky+x6dDeNeKl1sJeZm3My54XHbp1HPvSqSvKyWhV7bFaS/uLq3WweOe4+0O8mGUjAC54xySccE+oqlFR94XtGbGkaN/p01w6+SPLxtlYfPxkrg9SKxqVdATZYuZ7+1uZTLBJPBiPZbKCOpwMIPr+lJWl11LjJlTW9U1Zb15XuplhRRH5dvGAYzg9Tg+mK1pSXLZDcjq/Cml614lsYNVtdTTT9MuFYNIsKtcTDo7deAcdTzxXbRpy6g5W0O322XhbSbxtA8OpHeXcZK3ctySZnI4LM/IOe2cfnXbCEUQlrc+dPiLc65rum6mfEXiOziudFdJodPLkNMXbDbOcZXg981vF6WKk7nls9zNO5lmd2kYklj37ZqbGTOi8PazNpipPFq88TKGmEQThZQAFI7Enn8qyd9gTOr8QeJrnxXKt412lpG4EcsbyFjhcMCVPUk9No7U17qNW7mTCuv67PB9jczx2cLbpJo8bFYkkYIznk9OlROvGnuRKVjvPAdl4m8UGbRrmGfUZ1jiEMsriKK2jjYEqRxuDDjA55qPb3fui5ia00qSbxlqMttb2ukH7TLbi3ulIS1BIBVCxydzEkYHGaitUe1jWKNiw8TiK3bw//AG4beC2xGsPlmMOR3JYEkcfjRGc0jVRRkr4i1GxaC/l1ZRNHjLfZo38yLrtAAyD75odR9CXE6vwTJ4b8Qx6jNrEphtdQjFqkU8zKVTOWwcjAyM89AKmMpOVmJp2uj1jR4NO0jT/sdrMtwyxSNA0kwZmjPIRGzlgD0OSfeuqKM7M4XxHoWm67dzRyzMY4JVKRoSdxIYlzkeoxwTQ0ym9LGx4R8PWkemT5dbZCGS2jUH5TjG4557UJEbHxdqLWcPhyBEhC3mxAWZ/m6tnavpjHWqSfMSYESv8A6zBABxmtALkFxPcTkSuCCMHPAAHP9KHoIJ0VVd9vzOSFUc5NCaAnsNF1O+SMadZT3s74+SCJnK89OB19qiVWMd2BatNDv5bqfT5FnW6UYWHyCSx7rjrnrQ6sbXuMjutD1O1kKy6VexBMkb4W3HBxnHpnNCqxezEfRHgv4QabpXgAap4t0S61TW7/APeJDZxySTWylRhSBwG7kngVjUcm7R0NLGP4n8KwaEtlfXHhGKztbljBbw3Lr5wwMtI6p94qOeM4rLlm9GylKK3RtJ4Xc6Fpl9pFiLzz4zutHm2rteP77KQCCT0z+FJYdrdhzdEYLeE/CTeIILW+W8eaWBVkkW4R3Eyn5yVU8DtzxXQou2jMmtSj4t+Fmnl47q58QJp1k0pVFa2VZH6YGMgE1MXKOgJM5u58HeDtP8Q6hBqd5rEv2c5aC38h3HoGZWIDdcjGa052gaEjX4e6f5jQ6TeXt89xuihaQ+TBF0HmE8u/fjjpTcn3CyPT9L8SfD23smg0rw+UmiGYRLbqoYjPzSMPmOOvp0rJ8vUXumB418UT69aW8k8oV7KV/LWOLBkU/KCB6YrKbjfQltdDKg8QlNIj0+PT7tp0ZpBLk7UyRkYx1I28VzSpXlzXFdCK1zPuvrtZGUSbWOQeSuTx26UNW0RLbK0JW6/0uWZEVIAxBHzM+44UepxzTtbQdy7bT21pcRSwHUGEPzyrKw+bqSVAPTpUNcw+YyNXuDORcW6RKrMWYFwWBJ6D2xWkI20Yht06m2SEyDy1mLbFkz97GR+dUlqUnYuahdwz6bbwo4LwIwjR2LbVzkKOe2DUxjZiepmXwLSJe3EjSS45ZFChR0AGK0iuiAgvJ1KNI8chlC7Fy38H/wCvNUojsLBczTyw+VFKPL+UDH3iSaHFITgPu55Reugu4rbaxyAT9M9/f86SVlsLlJhqVlbwxC0lV51kPmO4DDGQQR6YNQqbb1BIg/tEmKSzN8hgMhkQdue9VydbBYibY4co4ZM0bCJH2qrO8gwBgMOefrQIheWNgxVQ24Ebc471STQzNnlmWNkhVY2cYY7eT9K0SKGxm7ePa8xkZiCWx+VN2AspbvFcFmaI+WTkghhn+VTe4FiGW5ijRxceW0UmY2TII9xjp1qWkwuRzGe4bfNMrgnHJ/OmrLYB8dtClsZfKD7TgoWyRznOPQf1pc3QYkTp5gdY1jwxwo/nim7gSibcwAQEbeTnB+tTawXFR4BL5ZeRl6kKNxJHv+NFmIGiEwYxsqRRkEsSCT7D3ovYC28TiwCwxSAq2PmGAAf8n86zur7iLjac8Mi74TCqgbzv455HX1qedPYdh13E/los9xHHIY8Kd6425/8A1Uk9dBjGtI4I1V5QS3OE+YE8ckjp60czYrl2wTyw0+x3aAgCQ84PJyPXtUS10Ac18bZoZEt2V0jYtOX4wTjJX8fpSUdLMQ3RZmlW7kS1klViDHOxO0Nz36cnnHtTqEs2LbT4bW5DNcm680bplgQEFyB8pb644FYSm30sOxDZxw21388aQ43uHX/WKRgEc+4NEryQ0ztNIvbuCyjsIppZCAXMm7/XH0GByev5Vxzgm72NY1Uip4g1fU7S3N5DqFsjSZMUgOWUgZzyKqlTjJ7GylfUrfDm0uvHuu3D6he2UGl28fnSW91P5fnz87D6tjGfTpXb9WajaG/fyIcubRGp4jF7b6jb3cd9aTrE2xVt5C6tnIxjH0rkWE5YNMtJIk0i/t9I1nfqMyyTTo0aQKuJlZVJwE75z1qFRco6IpWW7M3X7i2jtY0gtJfNCrI9yU3OrnIKqO2CRnvgVtB33IlVVig5kAtJmd3aJyGnZhs4bJAB42/ShW1MPaMZHcJJJLPDpkpMiAgjAjD57ZOfX6ZqnF2s2NyuQ63Fa6gkc0wmBR9zIjAqAp9SfU0U247E81iCWPFm8Fm0UEIVYgT87TkZOUHfv0qlvdkplm2M9vbWs1lK8iRQlpZEBYM+7gSccY5qZWbaZLZIurT/AGyNU2yI10suxEGWjTj5D/P3pezshJjdSeawugIPtEUwkMpRYh8oIIAZh3xRBKS1HdmeyQR6e9tDEHZpNkSLFvKZGSW98+taLV3Y07lrwrBNa3k1/ewzO4UbS6lSgY4OBx7CorNONomiOlkuNPkIWe/NvNJKPlY5KdRjHb15rFJ9tDaLRk61qB/tURw217cQ2wxJO5CmTGcBSPStIxXLqxOaK/h4XOoaaAHe1kmuTJIXTHmAuc4OCScZrWShGav0CGp3fh3U5dDgMVpphtbRJJPLSJtpYY6uD0Bz0rtjioRVkXynS+B9d1BtKutR1SJtTSK4MccFrGCY1JB+VMcgBuTXbSqKoroho8T/AGsPD6nU7XxJZ6Jf2YmQpcyvZvHG5z8p3EY3Y9PStkJnimnqJ0UFScEgn8qiTMy5JYyJEGfZ5Q4Uc5Jz/n86lSGXtEsYrvU4Y4iryxsCAeQx65rOrLljcZ6aBMJ703dxI4nbMJhQJEzAYY5Ayx3cY9q8xy5krI0Sb3R02kDW9I0oQ6fcwWkKuZjey5ALAcZyO2DwKUMRZ6LU0USjrHjhoPEy6z+4mu/JMP2gFdpfHMgPbBwR7V2xvJXZTSRpazqvhq50O91LxLosNx4nubYGC+cgclcK3Jxx7D0NVTldtDcL63PPvB1+1pdW72zwSKJAlzJIQFZCMAFj0GeMiqqRugjudL5ayQNIlpHdRWjtIGt5AUXJPPPvkc1zWaZo7G74D1zWNSminsdH13U47S4ODaW3nGOLZyjMwAGTjgdq6IprS5lKS2Nmb4g6NLcCOxsryK4I8uWC52o0cign5huOOmPxq3PlZCjcvaL8UvDH2W5jvWktpYxkqyDDjbn5Ofmzk1SloTynzJqGk2mqX8syzXQDAlCkQ2k7jzgfdFKNRxWpzuR0L/DWyuYVubPW7OC28hJNszElTtB5PA59qweMcXZxHcd4c+F1y8i30HiGzihkj+V40Ll1PBGCOO9RUx6WnK7jTOjsfhZoNrcpc63qv2lBlhbqfL3Z6AnO7jHbFc0sxqSVoKxTi0dW8Fvomh2tx4dvbW3thcOZ1tcCS1CADP7z7xbgYqFCc3eo9RcrQt54kji0qS9bddXSMoia+WPG0feO1RnJ6da0VNc1maKKtcqXfi64vwl5HqNtbajcWyRrHDZRmK3TcWKHep3OQe2ByK61yx2WgroSL4q+JorK5tzeXMDsVe3k8uM+Tx8wZdoBJOOTnGK6HVT2RXMnuZa+O73zoZVimk1FoUgN/dkTuVP3giOCiA99qjtRKomiHJGDbeOvEdla3EXnTSh5XO4Rruye5YjOByMDp2qXO6JczOTU9WJa9+0pHOBySoZ2ZjjGevfOKSqEuQzUpNW11rTTri7YRxMbhGYnCnHPJzim63LqxqRW09JYdRlnKK/7pgzMDuZuRk+p5PNKVRuJSLEVrA7q62xD7WjbOeecisuZkuNyZLj7KrgcF0wBgdCOT+dK1yOQqQarbJcAk4weDszim6egOBJd68yu06vw4KkiMZI+nakqStYLJEA1ESF3+zhQRgNyBnrjH41XIBMmsSOI4Y7doYEb5F3ZGcYzn8KTggIHmup5ppBd7N4ALNnkd6OVWBkc0EKy5jZ8Zwqv3PvTuKxIkUqThxPnH91RkGkFi9a/2dL5RclI1jQshOSXH3iM+tQ1JaDRTF557mIAonmFm3HK8Z28YznmtOUZDrl6ImSBIxcSAYbagHPPA74xVxgXaxUh1S8jVDtK7m+RU5JPFU4IViKEz3V4U8uV3YtlOATjkg0thND5VCxhfJzHLyAOMYz1/Ki5JDIsaygddg2Dn/PFMRI1xIynZtRyMFVxjHFTYRNdfu3EbMpUYwqnPXpzUoBkm+PAYMOcFcdKaGgmRGeI+WWyMA5PXPbn6UIZXit5dzYBCjucVVwL0UscVv8AZ3QcNuBwPyNTbW4E1/5dtbWyCTdJt3P7Mf8AAYpR1bJKqXB/dhChXGBwM4quUaI5r12yzNjHoOtCQys1/HHhPLYljjgdKtQuOxo6c9rcyO5mSGLY2xMcg9snrUSi0HK2afhy1Ooa2LPTLA3cwOyPJCJvI5yT0z7+lRNNLUfIegWnhCDQ2trjxJqOlZ8s+VYW4Zm8wr1Z+MY5zWU4ScbxL5A07Tba4inNohjmO4GaRt0a/LuBAx3rkd92WqasUnurS20a7hlMl1Nd7Q01woIiPY4AwTgcemaVpOSa2Rm9DjJWVdUEd1KPLUrtRMB3BP8ADwenX8K7Evd0IHz2u9t4DtHMRtZnzhT2zS5rCNPRY5rPTBIYnkQOTu3jcRjIwD9etZTtJj5bkNuysrypteJUO8D5gCRge/8ASnLTQhpo0PLQwwLHbTLHHGyyF3wATzlR0xggVlfViaILZ7PTTDcz+bIFG1k8wEuxyd/TgdKqSc7pCuV9T1yC7nN1BamRpx5Ii3dNoAycdTTjSaVmxnRaLJJfrBbXc7RGMfvCF2kDOOMYxWE0ottakmFqay3WxpvtbW63DIGZ+DGMBVCr09c+9b02lsa8+liRrA6be23khGkuY5FMeSfJOdoLfXOcU1VutegRZvalHa6ZYxC0cRbV8tbvdhiAQrDpx0zxXOpyk9RPm5iGDUIXvG1GCaO5u7NPLWUbmfk7flyCCcHrVNSty7XKu2Wb2+R4LeSCbLgOsnlKzGRj97dnt1AIrNQabuQ79SpdXs17eNpir5aGMbCmAEGQMnI+uRVKKiuYVyvpcVxp9t9lMhuLmcuUcONkYOQBzg5PWqm1LXogcyTS5ZJTLDMsqRozKXZNodwQv/1/wpTXYhyLcVqTqP2iT5oxH5IjclS2B99eOxz05qHLSw1KxJq0hWG50mxlX7FOQxjijLGQgDAHcDd1z60R6Se4NkUtmkdzYxT4BjhVipPCk8sMr0B9KfM2m0OxPokUn2pbhXY2obdskkzlWHAHbqetKclaxS3Lv9nR2V5NIoEhb51bOCBxwKhzckXYrTS3d8t0bm58tRIp+VF+ZN+Rg44x1/ChJRtYq1ihfN5d47QWUk0sisQyHkA8EE9hz1rWOq1Ymn0HkapFHDFMHMDIzJGuEEaHI7cnjNL3XqhWK/8AwkutWsjGFPJt4tqrGsKgMo4ycjIOO/tV+yhIvmsdHZ6naXN+639z9oE7mNQWxGibeUBXGfr196wcGlojVSuPnj/sy6kn8P3cVlcWsaSJbea7C6BkClSpbnH516GBqSadxSO1+PXh3Utd+Ez2139rfVLd0cJAPkZjncSmMlQO/bNepGRFz4xWWW1LwnKujkEeh6VTVyWWo7+5nURySFlHOD0qeWwjqvDkhtNHe+hCQXBnWNHUhnAwSSB17j8q5K2suUaueiacYLpY7/U71TaWUasZY5CwLn5st0xnpjHXNcE4yWkd2dMbyRPp2rah4m1W6t7GWKW0SFS1vO4BKlsbY1759eeK2jQjTim9zS6Wg7SvBlrZ+LpH8QmRNIeKaSJbN0kAkB2+W7HO316djW6mmrGcr30KfxF0+/03ULK1igikikgYI6yCYGHspJyAQMcjFEbJtlt6GTD4YucwWEEyp5mGXcQw8vuT2XB9eaXt1uOMX0LNvp9zp1qltcXI39Wg8wKzQ5JOO3v9KTmpvQNi58MvHWseEbnU4dMFuUuJleEOM7cnkdeeAOa12akZJK+ptat8RLvUoSB4dsLMXQaRp4o/4ycEk45JAqZcrKWmxxdyunXBtp5tPaOTzQ1wMlQUzwAM+gPNLmd9BNpnIwIriB7a9Fl57hJE3HIUkkn6AAVtscRq+IU0DQ9csDbvcalFHGk8kUz7FbIyq8Zxxg1nBTmncSuQv4m1KS7imsme3RAFZY/9Wg6BRmj2MbWZSNBtc1YSwzzSKXyASvBBwKz9lBbCciOS81bzI3BRVDZAIOD2z7n3ppR2K5x6vcPmTUZZJGAxtBxjr1zSsugua43VLpIGiSFVwsP3EO8hgMn8c+lEYt7jC6luxMl1PAxMyJI3HBG3IGD+FNWAsXDy39qoSF0lI5XIAHbp1z+VLZgjPSyuxbLPPtVdxXJbk+vFNtXsFicPb28TON0hEgTKL1bB5FFmwCGZFiLkSKgILBsZIzjihxb0ZWgsd+qP5sMPzbiQXAI5/rT5O47opXeuSyT7hCzlMgnoCSc5H6VapofMVFvjNJIZIstkn5BnmqtYTkEMQklCzssa9SWHqfak3YlsnvbdFRY7VRMAvBBwCOv+NTGXckp4AUBJIxLISmwOSSeuee1WMsWymaNYcNw4wAecd6TAaCkd+8RIIRuAox2zQ9gLUU/mO/CbnJ2Fm+6eMHNQBcgvYbRriRozcZiIl34Jdu+09j70ctxlGCST+zECtEnOSVyXJPP5CqtqIgeeOOOdYnYhmG9jz09/X2q+UEQzeSk7BbmeR5MZEY5JI4H1oSY0TajpuqeFtcSC+064tbmFI7jY7corYKk46dKpq6sMz7jVLq4vZJ44/wB6/LMoyTk85pKKSsTcmWN4YX+1W7NNKv7nB+7ggkkfTP51LtfQRTm3Rx5YfNuHU/nTWpJYtkPl+e6YIIGaT3AsbmCecwAZDhVA6Y9aVhEck875llOQegA5P/16LDHmUkISrgryoboO9FhDibkuZAqfM3Q9Tn2oGSWdu9xcDzVk2Ab5MLxtXk8/pUydkNXI79Wnma6dsGX5iOmCfSqiwuMWF5T+4VkXqSx7U27CJ5/sdvbtLcFiCcIEOc0km3oUkc/IqTynDyomTgjrz0rfYuzOj1PTdP0nRdLmt0uLm5mQSXDtlY8AsCoH1/lWSnzN3L0SNTRIb65h1K2gaOFPMzDBEjeY3zfNggc4BrGpUSsQ5O+h0lhYanpb3N1cRzyqFBiLylljDcEBSOvAz7VhOtzqzGnLdjrXVmu9FvmhlvVKwI+eFTG4LnjvzWbjyySK9o7FC/giTT4rgXszQSSrjOChbYckD16U09bWMnK5VtdOtWvjdGceYwKmVlPyYQ5x+VW6jtaxm5GhoNrbX+o28AWR1YKkQEuVRsc547n09RWVScoxFzlq5t0ttQaEz7lfdCV28ZXhl9gMVCm2rjVRkmkWWk6Foc90bWYzPMqRHHDt2HPUHPapnUlUlYTk2WXa81mKIyy2YZ4TthCHdwmVHIx+tTaNN6E8xzMukbHxOZ5ZFxuQJ83IyTnsO1dSq32C7ZBdFIW07TMpaiP9/I0a5fMnzD8lxxVJN3kNbHWFIrfT2BmKRzqnzE/MChycn3OK5dbjijnb7XbBL69fe7xSbY41RARhSGznryQK3jRbSKaIn1u6ur2drSAfaZmzLK3RSP7p7dafslFagmkaayXENpDbKFuJpgWRZBkJx978+c1lo9dhc5Xe1W1sDHZW/lSzsDJKJD+665GPUiqU1J66jUyxo15MtokAmLvk4XABABByMc9+lTUs5XsKc7lv7M1r8yuY18wmQk/MQOeD+P6VnzXM2xG+yRXhl3l92D5jHIXjg809Wg1GQXjah/o1o8smHJidORnqc9Kbgo6sLE6tc3csBa52NEScux4OOT+h4+lKySegEkFxfB7YndFDPyuBt5b+I9uvahxRSCWa3s7i8juppblY32qQOoHO73HQ1Nm0mlYsfpksWo6hC0Ujra24E10S4Ac8gKgHqcc05rkjruaRsQy3t3Kl0mkxma8EpKIZNuOecDvxkZoUIqzlsU2o7Dknv2uEs72W2gm2sJUhTLKSSdg/lQ4xWqJvfcuWUe64ks455GuZrdtkEq4KKCOTz6gce9TK61Kk0yzdPIuhI9zviXBCEAFnOPmx6AVMbOWgRZXtbW31O0huoYhLEkCxTpKu2RwNx4xxjOfwFW24OzYctyvqz2WhSPrdhJaMsbfIkMJGAOuM8HqOcVdOEqi5JG0YpI7zSvAt94r8L2GraLcLp2txutwLm4/eIzkZwwHIX2rvo0FH4TOUux2fh3XfFXhp7qT4gCC6UFBHPZqzoo2kHcCMgdO1dUE18QLU+OfibpcC+MdSudMjk+wXF3I8DMuAQWyce3NXGd2TLc5so0UjSKMc8c8Gr5iTZSQW0VtcW4MV45ZyGHAUcA/jzWTsyk7Hpvwv8S6HpN9NZS2dxdf2gsX2uG6CmN5E5VUUe+euK5akZPU1ptM6Wyn8Ja744m8TNpV78gjC2+BGsRjwBt2H0HINRKcopJM0UExJr2fWrzUQmnyQTSyPIZox5aSD5s5xxntwKzk1HqacvQ5bTmuBLZSXsk7xvIYoyQGG70OTx6c1Une6RK0OkuZPtGn3N9GUsVG7zBK3G5snaPrzWS3tuap9iv4i0wXC2OtrcRzme1IeBWzsXhcY796uMmrxMpRe5Rj06zgu7hbW3jFxZzGJGlXGAcEfKeCPam5vS5KRS8RNttWiifeI+UWNQq7VHUepNOL11Im+Uxm1S7vbe2kuLR5g7iKFoYGIJGcKx/HtW6glsTzmVP4ZvVjhN00cMa5b5gQSufXHX8apVUc6Kp8O2pDXjTOkB6EKTuOegJ6//WqvaO1kBuoloY4Fhgd0LBIskku54yB9f5VlaXUtRuehaP8ACvX77Q49YWXTdP8AO+b7PcvgoBnBYLkDOP1puDS1Jcexyur+HfEMF1fSXlu893hdvloSH5AyOOmMY4xUXjsgSXUu/wDCvPFUulm7+zwQkkZtpJkWTpnJGf5n8KrYTRk2Ph+9hluYmtyxtyPPKSK3JGQvB5/CplK60AfLb7llDW9zcXCbSfJiYlOSNvA9v0qFd6oZW26uJ44otHv2Cr0WEqRz1ZiBxWsadyrlHXpNQtLS3ufskssEzlFlj2yBnBOVyPStI0gY6zSKezM2pS3NiqhggFpndjrgg/0p+za2FY1tI8Iy+J7a4m0C6lhit8K51CDy3lPU+Wig5x6kirVJsHsUbvw34l0sFLjTprhAdztGu48EdVHPPSlOmSncG8LeLNRmUx+G76FbljgyIEUZPHU8DpUqDQNketeEda0aJmuYIsK2GW3LSYPuQMfkafKxJ3MprTV53giTTb11HAf7MwGM+pA9+TS5Bmn4g0C80rRjeXV5pyEkM1otxvuF3dMgDGfXk01BvUdjmIZXdyICpK889MU+ULE5uZPkBkAPfAGPpU2EX451t0eFwXZuRkVDjcCOeZvIY4ADKpVscKep7etCQWKF/qQD+XACxPBOMknvxWsYDsenfCpfhvbaI0/jbSNW1DV4GLiGMSAThj8kcaBwDjklmx1rZUk9SuUqfGfTtV0vwtZWMWnva6bcXRuUt4kDLYoFIWPeCST8xJJJ5oUYoNjyuOS6SZJIpPlRMq3pg5/OkxGhbTXN3GqSsXGTtVvUDP8AjWctBE6LPJALWKNRIPvAEBn6nr+JqOoIpyXUkLGPcxRcbIz64FVy3BjsSPKGflgckZ6VLVibFp4Hli8wswAPCgDkZ5zU3sJCLD8q5QDI7tjFMGWntZ1hjneCXyH5DshAwO+aS1GlcesLGHzvOjC/dGTkil1sHKaGjeFtV1WKW/W5htUQ5jSXIeYdCUA7DIzVfILMsXNhLpWiNZXUrJctJtkVgMAAk8A8kZI59jWD+IozYLK5vdQSCGLfPO4UAcc9hgcdq0ukTY6y++G3iLTvDM+qXkBgdBveBgQUUdGJHT6GjW+2g1FlHUfCiWmmxRXVsftUsYEPlMZ98hbnIx8owR78Grje7KsUx4VsraWCzN1Bb3DkNmYMCBnncO2MHpzUvmYWZqTR2CXFhFa30dxMxWDJj+VVyGwvfqTjOM1hOLSbG1oS6RqEsGrf8JDYXcoRFuBAiRgFfmCnnOeR61k3Zcr8iYycRNZ1C9uJ2vXuGitlBWNnO7czLkt9SeP0qYpbdRSm2QafLfTs9hZRTNH9kaKKQDn7wbn0OQ1EnFe8+5DZLY21vYac1o1tJcpcSAT4JJaTJ24PYDviolNzd1oTcmtrC3hWJpldnTc7Ro/zNzjGByO9J1G9iWaV7qkVvbR2ojhFzApe0UyZ2N6H1brx9KzUHJ36CSK1k9wYZ0u7ULJGEMavxlyBu4HX8acrX0BmRbalqF9ftDDd7YLcSJAiAblKJuLDvjOTnpWzhGMbsvZE/he81C9EqSzlIzIjGV1ySDzlTjPT9amtCKJloaEctnYai18GBS7unZ0lJIAznBz7elQrzVuwtznwYBcTzWsisDJI7TOoyRnaTjqO5H4V032TGReZNdOLRY3mSU7dzZVWA7kk9OP0oVlqPYZNDaPrChZzdzqmwNMdql+meONo/wAKrmaiVfQ0PCbNFMYYGlVNpMjoilt7DA6jGM1lWs9SWy9BDe2VubuC78y9bMP38sF6nI6DkYrJtSdraCT1Lukl1uv7Rv5Rc3xjVcbc85xjp6cVFTVcsdgbuELXS3TPLbyyqrjZCvALnIPHpz09KLLoFiK5jhnjL3EiJCiiN8SMCx7gAdBk9etVG6KsW9RnSxufIhl3QJGFcI+URCuTyfr+lOEXLVhysytIEKW63NvLHCu8MxXcu0e3Y5rSd76iasTDUZYYbkWTFYJJQxzGuV5JyxbJGenHFTybXAqWVtf3Mf2nUJkhjjh85Bu5lLdBx0we3vVSlFaRG2UEmeOTMso3OQjOCQNvTAPXgCtLX2Dc0rCO0s/nuJPNXO6N4jkqOuOcc1nK8rJFQNjw/q8Ztp9Tk3ruk3x74wuFHB5z3P8AKsalLVRRqkm9TI1q/isnuLi10xpYZyRI8QDA4YEEc9ee4ranBysmy7JFeC/u7i/8i7Nytvc+ZKtsmGJDgDaW68cdTVSgkrozlZbFe6vLmy0mKxvEE/2c5yQGCHgHBHOcY9qpRUpXQJmvJqlnJqGjQSyfZoGKNI3VdgPOcdOARilTp731NlJctjM+Ld+mp6w9zZrcyXMgCyq0aLGAGO0AJ0wvHrXVRcbCczt/hT8R72C5s9LsoHEkknlQ2MKgw7WwuZCwLLsxng85reNogrNHpXxG8T6RqGqXegaXqKLqS2reXL5g8mMlSCHYng84wATW90zTksrnyTqNxDDrskJ+RiVVwoztYAB8Z7E5NZTj1MJ7lrStDhuru2XzYVJnJAY4LDdnA7E9q551nFMzbLXiCyP2i51KYk3Ms7LEu0HEfPOBwOfyqac+g0x2iaXdH98VMi+VlJc4LsXCjA9cmlOoh8xr2upS2Qla4kXCuYhCUyCoPTjnPXmoa5tjWNSzNyyk1AytFp16JLdEEkUKnkSd1HGfSsm47tG6mbkMNnb6LB/aNyjTXDNIijcEQg8pgDqCfxrJ3b0Li11Mu1vbeSzuLRPPto/Ndm8pQxcD7rAsD71rZxaYcyRctSZljCPN5GEXymVVaQnIJ3D0IU9RU81ieYzprRrHVbeGKETpO7YhDEsoPyszenQnk45puTlG+xnJ2ZFAbCDUb60nnXyYUa3Fox/e55w4I9M8DJ+lD5nFMhu5vaZ421Pw5ZQ6Ldaw86xIHsDDINqEAAKdwyCDj3qlKctURqjjrrUfEOqXKQ6gWmMbEhJ0GFAGcEfh0rpfLEzF/tG9v7W2sL2S2S2gLNHGsYVFyCfuj8efehtW0Eyvp2p29herdHT4pJQp8tpVOEP94DPbtVIdzRn8Wa3JN/ZouJxG2CrIvl5jAHzH2wacqjcR3sR/8Jne2l/LDpc06bUEfmzMGZSc8bj2A6e9RGDauwuZt9rmr3F5Gk955iBS7b/mKnGMn168elXpYOYz7nUr+UPFC+2OJVVCByAvP19KSihXNnRPHureH7O4tdO1WT7ZOVkbKgjp1J68Z6c1cFrewFPUvHmv3tzC322YzKuG2vtBPqe1bqVhmfp2q3avC7sMRFtmCQFfn5sfiaJVEFy/Drt0LMWsePl3OAV4yeuPTufxrCWoXG6H4g1DStfmv7d5UJk3KszlgccjPY1pCpZDTLreJtRgvpLue6uvtROGWNgGcZ6E+mT0rT2raC5vXfj+6TS2MlxcyTth44SuApHGSR1HHOepo9sNWKVj8UfENnpM93PZwJY/avJQQoEkkfbuwCQ3AGM4x94VftIy3GrdSrqnxW8UazA9tbWtjZxMhDkJvOSck5bsBUynATstjk9U1vUr2DyJkR40kKoyKAxJOSSe9DqJrULlYWtrCYvJdpGYETMcbSx5wB6AcE+tYOVxXI1MZugyRh4xy2DyB7++M0ugja+z6cXtz/pBu5ZViB3DaBgdfQdapRdhpXKM4jknsXv7mT7AZ2Mnkgb1G4E4B6nnvSUSrWAtptszz2mZcSs6vPHiQKTwoxwTj6da1j5gbll4pu7O1t7+J1S4YlsSAsSCSOeepFVzJbBzWNaTx9c3+iTW0kKymVXjYStuGGOSF9OPyqXJdRNpmWdE0WawMioYdzP/AKmRjwBuwQ3TkgcVg6jvYRFap4Zts/6DcmUMTktvKrt+9165z7Yod5Alc5wXBluQIlQMp78HPufwq1EVijfmSXUN0IHmk5JxwKtATw3CQy+WzCSTuwGRn0qZRuDRteG0t7jVoPtcssdmx2SmIAuqt/dBPrjntWfK+gWPUb+PQbGyt9RsNEVtNtcRSyTIrjcemTnOeDUODjKz6lqlpc47xL46utQtX0pWjubUW7oGaBQFzkqBjoRxz9a6uSItEcOsT3FtDhyrqSGiUcouOWJrJ6MTO0+G9tq+r3/lWSpGI0NsLyXeEDfeSMkZGeATx0WnKokiomh8V4fF9trAufE+n/aGcCP7Vbx/upDtzlTgex5xWekmOyZJ4K0a1E8Go6hJqu3esp+xxL5kbKMg5J4HSo15rIr2fY9FuPF+j3Hg6/aD7W0s05+33Fxd+YWiI+UcH5WPpjHGK2ne1jRU1bVnn3iPxrpTQWVzpUl4b6KNsMiCNUOSNwOSc4ArJQaFaKOD1OabVb2O+N7K77yzyzvu5xk9Oc9a057KzM5Gtpf2awe1uL6WNm80Sb95P3GJyB2rmk3LSJBsaVe6cbDUBZWjSW9pDLMFOcv5jKMDB7AGsJwbauxNESXt3f2jbNEmS0KYVREdu3OPvHvnmm4Ri9yGjo/DF9KNTNolqY5IYCUVHBBO08njkn+tctaC5dxWHXrXgvreRLUQTQJ5nlq4LIx5UYHTrRFJpisZ/l3t5qN6pbypJcvcz7/uAnkDHUk4qrKKRMkULiO1utSluLadRcKqm3VcMd20Kxc9uM4ArSN1FJ7E7F3SprdxKLlnN5bvhNz5kBIw3sOorOcH02E0ILhLO7ia0t1iEYZHk8sEvuHzAZ6cECqUXJajLU01v/Z7wafAbYrH8uVAG4jhSR1OahRfNeWo7I5rV5b/AFK5Gn38sh2y+aIwOA+0A/QHFdUFGCugulsLJJp1rbw6eCkdxEGWdU+Y5YjJP9KOWT94Vis975iQwx70CEAlo93fjA9cU+TqOxBF51hdm8jVmKSDazr8pBGSGFU9VYbZv6ZE6wSXpJa3SMPIgPTpjr71zTfTqRc1QxYKLm2LNOBsVcnqcqT7nisrdiSobibzpLeOMiSJ9jseAvsPfirsraspEdzfyRw5F+Eld8+ZnCqMHoPx5PtVRpp9NC0Z1u5ksUBlLY6MMhD0ywOM9M9q0ej0BsljDqk3n2gu4shp9+QgUfKFyOuePyoUlfRgpm94X0zSfs01zf2TNLJcKLK13nyocrn5hkZx2zUVKzTsiudGPfi3UmCOF5Q03znOQ6ZzkjsQcVSu3cl9zVs3tV04WM25FkDbYzyeSc89sVjKMubmFZlWGyuL7WIII4DCFhLKZVHyhRjIHfIHHrVylGMbsfKYWsXVrY6n5sVxMYpZCCyADzCuRxj3I/KuinFyjY0SsiCz1M20Bt7eOXDsdy4G8A9cD15NOVO+rDl6ovz3LhpNsV9ZwTZWMNER5m3HXHBJGKXJ3GrkVvtCyXYF4spOFH3GK/xYHpQ09jOWoy2ebVFltULT3K4kI3DG0cnn6Dp3ptcrQ9jqPCXhfTfEemy3k9zNDaWc3lq0SqJDKRgDv8ucfjThFpmkYsxvG9hL4f1+XQtLeaaW1i3ahK6Al3POVI7HI69625EtZFtJHKLf3uk3rxB7iC/WXzFWAkeXJxgn/CqSTWmwk+oySa9uhJeakqtcTyvKZH4LuTxxj+VacyWxXtCO20231Qfb5rr/AEw3EaMM4DKynBH0IGfrWVSrJaGUpHZXWniwKWiwg3OnvJ5arECEIUNknOcdefSuJT5rvozK51PgT4a33ilJtUt9WtopbXYWMcZZZGZA+BnB4zzxWsE56JFxTex1aeDdO0rUNNtvEd7JbSXis0UkW1ISIyGBzycnOenY1ccHI0VN9Ti20rwJq+sTaDpeuGzvDMTbzumYJj1IJPPWtlhnHqU4Fqz+G3jqw1GC80k2l5BjektnLycHn7wBzxWVSldWaJ1RnaxqMkNkI9Sla01Kxlkb7FMuCN5HJHpg5rnVKSdjVS0MrSLWS7vZbWyudoPySXd0G8iAbSTuYA7QcDHHeteXmtchSbYt82o6L893LFInledbzW7sY2UkruBIHQg9cdq0eHT3NFdPUi0N9Zu9Z0z/AIRya5vtUug8Txxx7mBHpuPzDBzninKlF6NaFtmdb2+qaR4l1C11eBrDVon3FJYyXfdzvGeqn1zRUguWy2IWjKWsWUtvqDrJeLdHf5iyPFhiTzuPpURkraIhy7lwRrZ6XazSxyyTXSD7PHvX7h56DkHJJ5rT2bbM7HR+GfB99q95Guo7rWwaMTSSIolkdcZwAM4OB3pcmorG7ca98FNE1FNM1HRtWlmiODKs7lQDz1Dj0Axtrphh01qy1BM4Txr4j8Ivr3n+GfN8mYFZDl3YDoB8/b/Ck8Oo6CUbbiXniTwKun2llZeDbueYRATXkt26PLJ/EdqsQAfTtV+zXcJRTd0YlgwdSkFuYDMWH7wkqiE8DPXpWMhJGs2o3nh9kuNOvo49RDEF/IimjCYG0qXU4OQeeDU03djMzWNc8Sa2zT6nqEUy53FjEilsHI+6ozya250gKaWlx9pljN3HIyAbzGMqnryfyqZO4WLCzJHF5sciO5TGSM4571kIm0wQNqaTaiIrqyjdGmjBMW5MjKqRzmrikw0PQI5/hdLBLc3Gm24hBYQxrLMpUYwAfmyxzyTXTGjHe4+UsfDibwwuvR6joFnMFhtykk9yMQefyW8tm3HGMD16dKcaKvq7hY5T4teONL8RaiDp+iCO4H7oXAkIZyG6FRwRtHSiVOK2CyRyKXm+1wAFCfO6Hnb2rB0waNzw5omr6vbOkHkx2wy0lw6M5AYrwqLnLdMCi1gSNK7+HutQrFc29xFJBnCF42V8ng5UA4PHShp7WEzMv9Cu7XTpL77VDIm/D7HXKjkZI6jmp5ZdhJMfD4R1ITWcEl1Y20k0f2lPOl4CZGC2AQCc9D6VXK30KSI/EtnPHfqt8zXD7fmaJtwOBkHP4/pVWZasjc+H3gXUfFcT3drqGn2jQqfJWV8yEkDkKAfXuaLPogbBvhTrqXV0biXTp0gcrlJ8M7442ggDGSM96LmVzO1zwhrHhG2jv9YvNOUpGsywITI4BOBuGBjP40JNgmZVvdW/nTTMkLicEjAK4PXPAxWc4ajsIL+aSCWFmQwuVVBnlQMn9Sajlsx3sZV1JKCSSSy8kk8ACtIoCqkqzkNgBhkP7g+lUwGatLLKIw0e0HAVRySKIgXfsMAnh2PsXYHO8cj/AOvUOTFc6qy8Qronhu403S44YJtQ2GeVoBI/yMcICegJAJqYt31Gmc7da9feRqENxPJMJnMkmfuq5IyQBx+laNXsy+d2sZNvNJMdkEbybRxgevHb6iraIOnOiT6RoNnquqNKLq7dtluqKfLiGBl+6kknt0rNpv0Cx0aa5rg8LWMdxqZOkWamSxtliUMm6TDFsAdWJxkk4rFz15RczRPP4r1vUoZLLVdZkOjyBXktyVVHIPHAHbHek29rFqY/xP400uy8MXGi6WUmk1GYTXn2dm2ZCkBRnooO3j2renC25fMeYRXSRIwVvLVsF13ffPr6VbEnYLZ0lffKxHmdABkj2qJESmdNoNtd26GWyBQNiFWQnBDj5hnucda5akk3ZmfOQ31j9qlbfHPLItwVc5CKVzjHPO7OKqMrLQtWtudzZ6Fa6Zpt7Zz3+nabvRd0styZHwemAg9etYe9UkmJHP3Gu6YsLabDbrcGzlLW97uby5ZCfvfNzg4PGKt0JKV31HykX/CSatHK/wBihi3oGMbjbhHJGXGM7vxpexi17xm1YjR9T1O5kR323Dg7QihUIAyTnOeuetVGMUrFxszTt9Ka20NdauLq2WK53LBEZHa4MynbnHQKBycnHNKW9kOUSjb3pmsjb6e0clwFYzuyiPdzgbR045FJw1u9jOyILHS9T1E7rdHuH3FfIh++2P8AADr71b5Y6D5TdOl6tCkOn21he3N/cBfLl2M3lZz8hH3cYI5PNZ8vM7vYnkbJdR07U9AhsP7Zgnt7gly3mxjaQo/L/Gote9kJxZzmvau8qYtIPLB2mRlJ+YdiSTkfQVrSpW1YKPcoXC31o9zcGOOUgoC6AsF+XIGSMdP5VfuvQdjV8PzEQ22t6jOl1ZW1wons/O2ySfQDBwPXPapnDoh8pWmnu4WLaesnkSqZhI6feJ+bp6DoM+lJRi17xOnU1vCGq6vYX5mltHv/ALThbiMElmHUAg8cnFY1oQmu1g06F/XLiWwj2aiw86+wIDZTh2t0HVXXt94DnuKinBS1j0Icbmc1xNc/ZVF+CLW2DhssofkhscYyAx9jirUbdASNG/03S7tmvTqNxLDYKCn7vCzAj5QGHbA571mpyjpbcLvYdfXTT2Npq6L5FnJKEW2iYN8o4zn7wyRRGNpcr37hYozzvBdotxKstpHtnZASTgLgAkfxZ/CtFHmWm47DrbUba7tprC1S7k3yAxztgc55ye3FKVNp8zNIpEdvZ/bIvssGYne4YqXJIwMn7x7DqaJT5dSmkyB4Z9B2QQXAlYyL9q9Ngb+E9881akqur+QOJdvL7T4dOuLhZRHciHETptb94ONvPQAE9O9JQk3boTGFjj9C1C6vNfsY0mhVgGEYKqiA4yRzwK7J00ostpim8MeptdQxHYsuHcfxAZLDPTJHSiMVaxUXY9Vi8Wx61aWmmZ/sLRbePymcAfMmCSgxyeSOf1ojyx06m2jWh01k+gnwtHb2N1bm91GNVtod/wC9jUkBQzZLBtpz161bUepnyo53X21DwNqEuk39utxM23ybqeMSQlsbchumFzzkc96HThIVkUpvF+l6ba6Bp13pyiSe0JvS0MZgkaRvvnA45GcY6GrhCNirIz9a1jwzHqFrdt4fFzbXEIiu3tJipaVTxwpAVehxipnTUgcV1Od8UypLrd/qHh/R7qLTYyGkDkuYnxg/N3UnpWailoS0lsYk7WUmrQ3E1xDOZiJGdXIK88Bh0B+lVytRdiWjWur5YGs3tHSBnVQoCAbAM/MTn73eufkvdMhxNrwvI09wpkvjcyrun85ydjDHJb6Ln8a56iSWhnbU7+DxPFoOjaZqOnWoe7vC1tbxxL8hJb5GcjjO3r3612YZcq1OyMVFFrW9G0nS50vtY0618QR3Jzd3nns8Yc8ELyAgAJxg9q607g9TL8ReCPBVy9rd+HtSttLZnAhQyebGjjkFiTkKcYzk9qtpi5DS+HHxUtNM1mTwtrZgtJUmKxzxHfDnnJyx6HAxwaTjYLdDuPir4W0bx54cx5ljc3AjJtrkPgxnHynK9evTp7Vm11Cx8g3NhrGk397pspkBt5GgnKZ2llPQ+3HGaJcq1M3oe1fs+6dopuJtO8TIx860W9tJHmKxEElXVsHBPTg+lc7qKTsEZ3PWLbwL8M9dlkuLfRbNnhmaN3tp5IhuwMkeWwH41ryroau5m/Ezwd4P0vwzLq9vaRrqWn23l2v2m7knKx5wBh2JOC34Up07qwKFzwLVMzX0s1ylvNITsMkUzbZAfTpx2rmULKyZElqcvFFbjV4bm8aeWJnUSmJdxVc/NtBPPFdkZdBJnrN38YNI0Tw9aaZ4R0trOzEn72V1Hmyqpx07k8Hk4FbJxXqVKxxviHUfAXim/n1O9tb23ckNI8WFeY9/lBxmpldPRkuxx2+0TVCNOt5Vg3YTzMeYB25H4VDfcRJDb3coYjaNnzSP1Axz1pXQhnKGOeWRpieSI88elKwG94e0e98RXN89jp8c6WMXmSeawCJnOPxJBAFQ00FzOvYrsNHbXgjillUlIYwMrlu/p7D0xT6FNlGGyurmeSCIbUUbiOhbA6jPvVOVlcm5ca2e2uDaZE0qqFdU5wSe+O+AKj4tRMmtLLUNTEvk2txIYYgVSOM5ZiQB0/GqQrmvp/h3WYbW+tNasoNPtrK1M9xJcOAxDHIjUjJ3t6cV0q1i7kn9rTX+h2ul2x/srS7JSXKx/MUYjcevLH09qOdLYZx93DYRyCDSp7u4aNnkdp41jBGeMAEnOOuahy7hcZJbvcRhr2QNu+fbFwAT6ik59hHYeCNbvLPTp9G0rS3u2CtKxEe9tw7+wHFEZX1Ki1YZrvjzUR4cj0G3vo4LeCR0cW0ZQyk9ZMnnJxW6YNnP6BpSyrHaSzuPtcigx4JbAP8A9ei4jT8RaUunxnTbjVd00E+yQHpGCvK88kgbR+dK4ajNBuI/7SIkhkvIFRgsbk8ttwOnoe1D1Edp4S1ew+H7wOltHLIrS+aAzNNnC/MEIxjnqT2pxkkNNHZ6V438M3gtrm+DWaljORLgM0vVVAHOSP5VVkx2R598X9fsvGupCWO1MIVhbRyNLxgHdkgdeppabImwy1/sfTPB62yataatt3uIIbUskbHAALNtJOevGKylDUdrHm1rLNjzm4VTlhjoc/54rN2JNBbeacStcMvmF1+QnBIIzxgdqm9gC209YrtWnkRUjkwWQ5wAOceo5qZSutBXHanYR28FrcxohSUg+ZvLE8sAAo6D5fxqYy1sO4CzvnvJ7ma0YQWiCWZiCNiMcAkfWqbVgKM08947qsqKBgqh64JHOR7+tWrICeC0lTTJ74sPJLiN+evOTUuSUrDJNAuxp2pLPFCrGI7l/i2ng8A9fxqm7hc+hdK8PaAmg6f4l8UaW99dXUMcm+4uhDbxQvkRBggJJwQW61Kd9Gaezursqa2nhLxFBp0UlnJpNmAqxNCVSN2zwVGCXXPqAck1lUppO8ROklseOeIZLvQ9Qm0fULaS08vc+XXczq2cNzxzVKCepnY4+4nlRzExKljlu3BFboZNYWqTToHwhHzMXPGO1S5WFc7b4e+G4/Er3FvFHaJFbxefJc3lx5MKjcF6gEkk4A461z1L9GTyylsegafBo+ia5baPrN7BKm2NPMsZt6xAHB3kgY57gdBXP7Bt3Zaw/cqeK4NBt/GNjBoaS6pbzbJvLecgs5bO4sOSAM8cVrGCUdS/ZKOhQ8d+H7XTdbOlQauhmuH+TzrUCNNpP3pNxI4bAyOcZpx2JdOxV07wbqerafKNO0OWWC1xJIyLvabIwvlnIGMjNZ87jLV/8Am7RU0jR7WS1w4uLedVe3EbsEUO2c5PXHH4YoqTfQiTGfYZtX8nT9EV55H4PyhVZQCXYnPbBPPalF8r5pGadinaR3up3kWiabcwK0LHJmccljjg9x0wK0k1H3pdS3U01GXht7VZhppYrb8OWJVg4bDY7nk/pSjd25hRfcn0rVLrSfEcUswjSGGdJ/KB44IZckd8dq0jytXNFI9o8HeNLeygt5b+/jgtmilleBIy8j8EqqEnpnknPQAVLcUzZyTR5n8UviBB4ogkspbeQQRlZ4AiY2uSQ+WJ6YPQd6qN7kSmnscJHbSNbH5WbDgbST8340OSuZORsWpuxpdxbzTyPbO+8KGOHeNSqnOOcA4rGTXMQ2JoOl25nnmnhkkjRf3gXsx4xz060qlVpWTJcjpLVby3mlx5kcHkrD98YSNQFGe//wBesHJPUT1M+YW1jbmYtEdzbYpXz8gOOR6ketUk27DSKd3d20enyXybACqW8hCACTHIbHrxzWkYu9i7NmikhvLK1d54oFFo0aGLnMPzE59MtwKya5ZPQORoqNqwh00WN3dyvbxLsESHIK4wFxxnrV+yvLmSBwZcto1k02MQpIIVb5V4B3nhV/MCpatLUcYO5JqM8VjBLb6hamEsAJIyPmUruBzz3PP5U4xbfus15FEx7/WhG4FlAEjjBljUKFVdpzyB16VqqLe5JmtrlzIVilMoVVcxLG207n9f8PerVFIq5v6Pp82r3Cf2nOrNHblzBHxkIMpn1ONw5rGcvZr3SHI5nxLA8kcdtb2pSCNjg7MMof5gGP59TXTR31Zo2kMSxazmhNzFJEkyqUQgKXHQke3Wr5+ZNInmvsbMWirc3MNjpttcXM5lYMp4PGOwzg9s1jz21YK7PQW+HR03wrd3mvWT3W2yYwRWlzzHNtJLSZA4HHyjNEFrdlJMxPhZEsvifREvI0WKOcHYrbiWAyMgDpkD8qUp2Znd3sfSl9p+m6lZyPqEa3ttNbGN0KAqSwOTn1HT8a6lG6ubnmnjb4TW2tadbpoGqLZSoqiNJ4xIhUDAXfjd/OhXTE7ng3jfwZ4k8EyP/aUG+2lHyXVtuaBjnpnAwevUVakmTdmZZ65JJCI7id9rDa6liFZeuDjryKzlDXQR1ur+H/C2reHINQ0d2sr0qVKSkASMNoO3GeMknnnFTCUloykcZ4oF5YPaLdRxnfZwqjqc5AGM/pWkUndhI6rwzqkGnLNNNaxX48xA9xHGWUjk4xwOv8q4K0OZ2vYwktbol1kaqNGjGnXtw9pbzPLHAvCW+7PU56kelXTqpOzLjVdrFzw549vbL4W3Pg2XT7adLyaR4JS21ocAFs9iuB+ea61NXNIzS3OF0eDzLsM1yYYmYcg54Jx09O9XKrYOY6fw74AuNf8AHws9G1a0NlBELye9mJWKGMct0zzngCj2jaBvU9y1TwhrPgrSo28L6/58EieeolUY5HOOOM9qlc1zRM8n0yx8QeJ9fu9TRFMs+ZLnaM+ceeW9Olc9eVtzGo7k3hZNR13xFc6Q+oSWEXl7pAkJLpDEdxwDgYz796zULJMmELnoGoeKdV8M+Elnu4fPhvLjyY5LaUJNHFztlZQCCSB61rC7Onbc811b4k61rohtrv7PdqiNEreViQgnoxHXsa0le2rJ57Iy1uXWOBLhFkkhJRMLjZzk7s+9YvXYzMTTdM1fUnSG0hmleZeekaKOg5JGBXTZImxpt4Tit/EtlpmuatZeZMoVYLE+c6KBwGPCLnk9SaaTcdB6shi0qFBcQrBchmZlVZlMbKB93tg/1qZKQjesvh3cvHb3L63o1sk5wkbXDCR3/u42/Xmlyz7CafQxde8IatbajJbeVuibiNkfMZx/tYGTn2oi2tx6rcq2ejXJu4re63xKygLGw2nn/OamU2K51/h+y1m/8MzaRpDva2a3H2y4li3B3xgKowDnHHA+tKMmtR3My28K3NzsluBdYZyJZBZSyMORjAxy3PfAqvekw3Oo8VW/w08MW7WGj6Xqur63FGu+5uYd8JJOSducAjpjHFbRpr7TGoa6kXhLV9CutQvINEtzp97dW5N3ey58uEnqqL64zjoB+FWoR2RTjHoZ2u6roepa9LDNe6tPaDaAzuqjg/NnHJGPfNNQSBI7bwPrOnPY3V5pfh4RQ6eGSFmlCtccfKTnOTtz34zVWXUHY4i78BNrjrqGozWfhOOdeYZZ2kkY5+9sxgE56Z7jis+V9BWfQ0vB58BeGdSuI20i/wBeePEKTmAyJKcZbIIwnP1o9mnuOyW5W1rxXZy3LwSeCdMtd7CNd9vt2jPTJAx+FL2cBWic74r8Tt/a0LW9kthFbgFFtmdot2AN2xuPSqUI9AWhzltofnKtzHfDdnzFZkwpbPA69c89KGBUlv7y31Y3bTzxXTnJlwVJyMbgfelcR0HgXQbrxdr6aTb30cTSRNJcTzHICjlj9cUXZVmz6S8E/CDwHp1nHd273GoXec/bGuSMN6gIQo74oal1J5H1NPxF4D0F9Gjsjp6XbxRMIpLjLsCedzN1PJ9ahwE46HzZ468Jaf4SlhRPEb3Wp3TnFpbYKrHg7mY5yPTFaK9tRq6Ob1OYX4NvFbx7VSNIyrt8iouOmcEkdTyajmaBspyrBCkapKkYjACIGJJGc/zyaakxXOn8JeFrbxB863kMAck4dumM9frWUoyvoDiyB/Db/wBsHRrbUbaWTaWeRkaNYsD+93GOfc0cr3sCVz2fwt8F/hxDZQ397cX2pmMK0pmuCkTN9FwSMjnJp8snuWoGT4xu/h5pi63c6foraiLHaR5aKIEdnEfDfxY545FONGz1YvZpGX8MvDGreMvCWpGG9gsY538m5JVQpC4wcDGcD8KJU0noNLsct8a/DGleCf7NXw3e3s0d0hWeSVxyw9AOgzz3pRTvqFrHK2P2yXw200v/AB6RyYRVVc+Y3OW79AaUklO5XLc2dA8OrP4bvtb1KcWtnbI212bDSyfwog7mkneVkHLYztbvxa3EMOn3l2bRYVKeZcbs5+YjsOvatbdynJnTeHfG8FsdMsILRPs9ssc00rxL591MH3HLHOBztABHFZyS3Y1OL3M/4s6jqXjHxc3iE6fNZ2TwpaWQcfKWX72D9d3PaiM4rRGc2r6HIjQp41SeVTJE2T5i5bPsaHURnc0Y7FV0ya4gDbeF3Dp37n6Gsef3rE9TqLXVW0nS0tdQih1CO6U3MoZ/mjlUFVIYDKgA/dGAe9QnzN26FxlYwMSLJDqLJshmRY4kUAsEHA4HOMdz3rR1L6Cczo3sImSwXVFunhjBWSSFQWMatxtyccdK5nVd3YydVlbUopDBd2cRuGiW4lKCQZyWIweOuQB+tVGo3Zj9o+pqeVrvgtrRLC/jgTU1zGytklSATlSDjDHGfalCqql79BxqSsSeDJNOtvEtpqfiORrr7PeA/d3K4zjd784607tuyRKd2eueP/FXg7UfB6X9zFp1xdNJkxbcHA6tx/nJ6VvyRkrrc1cY7nnKeN9MPhueO30hwkz7Lh47ZRGygnYDjoQmRkc5NZ2V7Nk3icmstrqcl21tp8kMLnyowshATcR1J5YZ55qJvl6kTZXlt5LCOS3DfOG2ibaVywzk4HapUubUhMlhESzSyBgEZQIC3LRngnH60m3Yd9CXUYIpsKkQIjH7wyOclsdSe3Q9KmLaJTKKGGPUAtwkn2dpNrBTglT1GfwxVu7WhRsWtoqaDLZ7LbZI4w7DHlDdwT9Kycm53J63KxvVS5umnuTOInCpJs2owGQGTpk9arkdkOxFZX95Nd2kcDQrE5DOZEHOAc5/WhwSV2PRDb5bpNORZ7eIiMgOGzuwxO3jtwP1qoWb0Li4kL2Umo6dGzC3ihik27WfBGemBnJ71fOoMttXJ109bOS3tbS9jku7lohGpZhhWOBkA44IOc9jSc3LVrRC5h+ri8s5r6/1qOFplkNt5WCpcrkB1AGCo24z34qYtSsosHK+hFpB+9fyqkiIVOGPBbPTH41U10JciBBaavqV099cNtRv3aRcBySBgdzwKaTglYHJ2MkQQRTzRXMs6YcqkaDn6nPat021oUmW7eyjIkIlgVlAJDNk49AfXpxUuRVzS0m8bTLxDZOkZkjCSkoGEingjB4rGcedaiuQapd2cdgLCGKR2t5maJuApGQdxGPm9AKcFK9xNXOp8MeH/wDhJov7U1pkt7aEwsXlIjeWDDFkQDABBAOR0zVxio6IqELnsvhTU/D+ieH7i90ixit4bndvk80vIcNjdlslhweT+VaRUY7m3Ikee+PfEUWvRXei6c58q1HmtK8mze3fZt4Jxn61nKry6mdSdtDy/S7O/gu4ZEdvm2+WAeZGOBjPpk84pSkpaGSdz6w0/Tr54dFs7Zx5FtHvu2EpUPIANox3UndnOK6ab903i7I3YbKWN5n2hU5beGPLc9PbtV2HcsyW0ZszBMmYygGxsfMMYxzT5bi3PBvin8J/C9+ol0UWml3hR2Mkcp2Pg8llzgDJxwKVnEOQ8B1Hw/4j0a0XU57C4ayYlUu/LJhcexPTPaqTRGxo+KNUtGl0+2tiZUi06BZ/k+V5CCXX6AnH4Vko2uVKV0XfBLazBM+lafM7wXkiSPb7QUYDnJz6f1rmxCg1zS3Rm2+hr3On3kU00GoQNBJOWJkilwj7sn5R0PYYrFTTV4szM690O/sBb2uowpHFL+7ScH5QTz/LHFaxqRlqh3H2qjRrZL2yu3S5tdx83C7vmyBt+maSk6js9mCbbO1+E/jaXRrN7O0j8ye7Ay6xKXCxq2z5m/2iSR3raK5XdnVTit2e6eBrnW9X8H2t3rX2czXEW4oEVW3FicsPpW0ZJ7A7dDzzxb4R0S28Ti4v9Chk0ySEyXDWl1Oly0oOcqqkKQeOO2a0ZLRU8b6BoOoeHtQWw07V7OSx8vC3252G4qC6ncxIwcHBzUJWDZHmus+CvEujqyyLFf2rjMRgmMo254A4z+godmTdmFfQ3GkiOC4hS3nkw+UYE7SMFT6H2NZ8t2xXsMWdQLkK6HKZUuwygweOnzf/AFqhxC52w1jwdpWl/wBo3MEersIlhtbWIExFlAG5ySNzZ74IFdSj3NDnbbWfEHiLxZbW/hzSdI0y6mfy4XS1Xd67mbB6dzWsbLYk9K17SPDPhOT7d4n17UPEXiElHlZyskSkjjah4xwfpTt3CzPL/H3jC01vXrbU9Pt5rc2rCOGB8H5R0Y7TgHPakxLR3NGLxLqOrtFbX97bWqmIyNI8OSsYwMKB1Y4wAepNZWuaPU9e8MeD7Br6ysrrQ3nlmsy/nXcoZBJwdh/i3DIzxgYwM0ez5jKUTtzpzaNp40lXiiihjyZSo2Qk84x3B9zVRgkJGdqHiDT4vD9peD/SI50YjaSEG3pgHls4/Q/japlJHmPhv4nwy6u6JpE8irFLLLJbksECnj7w4Gc5zT5IhZHnnxH8bwzzfY7SJLb7QWmuFhAGck4DYAyev50kkthHM6fqySXUURwtqn39yjlRyQB6mm2M7m8uopNN06HT9cRbWO3YmOFQrA5J29OCM8n2qXJobdird6vZvNDfXt7es6Rho5S3mumMhMAnuep7Y4qVO7sClqd74Q8aw2vh6W0eIXDZD58sBWz94nnPU9TVadStC/4b8Y6fBeS2mraBabmZ5PNdQ/zlhg/N169PrT5VIFFMX4r2EVx4Bg1ic2kd1LLmBlQFZY+gBIxt9cDPbms1H3hShY8z1Twu7hNR8OLFKjoG+zJKxdW4HQAjGT3rRtR3M3oYfxH07xZYWNnJ4o0d7PeoEMu0dPQ4JqVZ7DUkyj8NNcutL1XEblIZxtmZUDPtHJAyQDke9BcZWPovR/Hsll4Mt0MQW9M5MrBFUKpAKDapP8OB9c0Nmi1NHxB4zvrbw4uvXi3SQwpGrwBd3nF8knGRwAR1PXNSpXdhNI+P9SuXubia4kYFpZC5+pP/ANetTFkkU8jIo8wI2MNjrjFQ4gTW0aFN7TohzgbumKLCN66i03TLWFbXWZLy/wCJSkcI8pc9ixOSenahpxGVfOvJZ0uZpXCzMHwDjIzg4x06VKmF7Hpr/Ea9j8PjSNNs5UMilWmlGAEJ6KM1nOoPnTRzVzp+ovpciz6g6Wk8wRYF3YcZDDauPu7s8+tc31h3sTzOxBoeo65oV5JHa3JgUQ4I2FlYEjgD16c1oq10OM7FXxLqGq6tqE7ancebMpBRH6JwOAO1CndaCk7lS11K4s9Jn0eGZHtbmZLiVNgyZFBUHPXgE0PXVhzNCX8F/ewRWzEiFXLpESQBkDmpjUUbsXOya60nRbRQjTSTEOroCQMjnOTzz0pe1qSFzMlT7HBdbZIVkPy7mwNy8HAXt371N21cWrNC/Li0tt0E8YhkZ+TkIBjbxjr1/E1CepCbuLdGK90W3sSJDMq7lSEEAljk5OeOB6d6UW4y5guRai1zNbWFoFh+zkoXjiPUL8o698fnmnG13Iq50em+GfDc8NzJr2pzGRlO2CwywAU5Ys7YGOnAzU+0kldFJpmZeyabaJJBpchMQfYoaMbtvqT7DpSTk3eRm9TY1Ty3tk09SkUWxmC53u5ypIGOnIH61hFPcgzdZujdzrctLcF0jCuqgLlwNozjsMGtKceXQpIyJYLqa4jkvi4lVcM3Jwn+yDWyatoaJIseIY5J4LZrKBmhjUbGGQCq88+/WlTdm7k6Ihg0f+1plRrkpCo37HyAg5JGBnuaJVnBaE81lY6eTWbaHw9PommB4iLYpMgAYsrfeYAcZGOvXFcqg3NTkSl1Oft74PpdpptvZgG2BQzeWFaRmcsC56sQDgeldEoWk5Nltia5bOsz28G7zJCA2SW2Ac4BJznOc0U31ZCNC20yRbW2hjt0Vpx+6ZX+fdzyfTjPFZuorti5iLVYUsIHa6khZGYRqu7L7gcnjsMinBub0GtSi8Xz/brPbceS0QQuSUiJOMn/AIEffFX/AHWM07rTrmG9utOufmuIrOaa4YsQpCLkMnr34NZxkmrruCObaMQnewcxqww2fXn+tdKd9B2NGzvLF8l1YRoFEWGxuI757HrWbjIVia+ma9l+0rCxAG/a7Hng5qYLl0uBnwT2/wBuiSS4W3jeTYC67gozyT7CtbaGkFcnktTa3cFzdTC5hKKymL7xQnOPY4/Wi+lkVLQNSWe5k82WZpbcoUiLP82APuk+wNStNkZsr2EUSWckSrGAG5y+HY47D6VUm73HzWHmzh0648uCOc3DkNnaMKDyMH+tTzue+xLdyOPSgbiSSYo8j7hHKZj1YcE8cY5+pNV7XRWHzEN5FBFJHDHKzTNycL8pI7D14pxbeo02W7aGNdPN5PICIsCQBuULE4BHr1qZN81kF9SjLJHf3USxrJmNmWNR69jnvzVL3VcrmOsiTXhpB0i8v8KyecowANo5K5xnovSsvbK94oFVa2KWjX1w1oEJu/JYSCcFsKRjovoev51dSbHKox+myxXURuW863trV8Rsq/xE/KG9cc1lO606mLepNYxrfa1aSXMwH+kIFlY7c5KgcDoAAaadi47n0L4Z8VWmoQXy6YI1ns5zCkJkJDqhHzD1zu45r0oK0UdCO8015rq2E9vEFiibDDPUf41aApa1c3DQyx2YCNGyM7yZwFJ+bb64GfSmVFHzuF1jX/jdqMfh1nEdlCZhthBj2og+Vtxx8zdcevtUt2RUpW0OyurV/EfgW8tdb1G1063uLNXupmUFQ2SCRnA6jHWp3Jtc8p8SfDWw8N6lpMCaqdViuhzJFGB/CSuOeR7+1c9apJRbMpxfQxtLMdn4oFtaC4SX99EN5wBlWyQOo4ArCd5QuxK8WT32sbp9LsLWAySQW5baWyNxPG7PIwFB/OpjStdvqEktxk+tt4g1H7Nqt3F5u9ZCE4geQfLnPYYHXFWqfJG8UHQoatompveQh4kgW6YiNVcbGwOxH8/enGqkvQi9jV0m0g0bUUu4syPZuskYkBKBy33f9oAYz9azlVlJAqjOzuPiN4ltrC3tpntVaaAuxitxhf7oyCDyBV06nY3jWTR0tr8VdG1zTrfT9X0yZJpUJMkKBhbSY5IfOQAAecV0Kr3K5kzah1SKw0GNZHbWNNacEzC78xlhICh92AdwOMrjv1rSMkwZ0Fn4e0rUvDz2ZupVgkkMkIhl8t7cj0cDK1ZJ5p478NeEZ/EgsNTbU9HupolT7ZdeXJDMecJIcjDHAIbrRYckcT4g+E+saVqEVqs+lMspBGy4chl6fxKCG6+vWk4kcpx2tpp1vALiHTbq1EjiJ2kOWyPvAHoDx2HfFadSyJNTu9LiRbOeEzmAJ5kbcAP8xDHjnoKpOwbDNI0bWtehvtTj1K0ijsQPMluJtuWOSFQYJY8dqG2xPUdoFtpLorXiXMt+skktwJgBGyAfKF7licnmiwI77wFH/bOrz+NtWiEOm2K4slmfBMgXCEDGGwQP51KWo7np/wAN/EU0Gg6lqWqJbIvnJDEYFzvkblieB2PX1ya2srAXtE8Uy+IdW1mbVbqCH+zMqkMeeW+YF+f9kYHSpl3Hypninx11pbrWD/Z7EIhMErrKXL9+ewxQmTLQxPD3iu003wLqOlXBeZp32wxqvAOOe+PSpkx6WPPTCxZBIcsVzgeuaVyDp/D/AIS1rU0SCw0q7mmkxt/dEDJOACWwB35qHInmPV/Cnw3j0ORLDxZcwNeXCqIreBi6IGbHzYxk9PalaUmUk2ejeKPAng7/AIRGWC30iF7q4kWC0KHaySsNof6KDk9RxQoNai5DyzWfhnqOlXzjwlfTyWSQeZM086bmQdSAFzyei1ak+o1dEWk6Nqes6nJq6aBENIhGLePUZfLZ0ZSgYAAkkn5s44xTv2KuX2t7zxn4avXbU4pLXQdlnb26oflAYZOcDr0rOTaaLbuj0X4bz3ei2Fxa3Qt1t0RkV1YkmZsMyqB/CAVGe5pc9xNXPB/2g/EUureIzbmRZIII9qFenJPX3rdO6M7Hn2jzh7iCGQfLGSV5wASetAHrMOpeLXh06y0qwhnW9i8xZbeLy2U7ymXboD8vf61E7I0jOxR+KXiW1vbS00bQjdxvaWwt70rIWimfqTyTkjByw60orqOUjyW4JBSPHK8n61oZDoQ7PgDkdqTYi/bWZceZK4jXGPes3KwjovDGi219JFbwCea/+Y+Vt+VgATx3zgCpk20Va533gPwNBqfia3TxBF5OkrbF2/eFC75wEUjnPPT2rKKbVkNQPTfGXhhvEWn6fYaWLfTbPRy6KTgsVGMqmBkkkdSaU4JeoOFjyPxBDeafqMwurC8iMpHkeewYrtJIzjjvnmsVDTQlI5Z7661C+EN1O0aNMvmyH7p56/hntWsaaS0Ksmeh+KfBHh3wz4bt77VdSvJ7x5i0rQEEENnaMHPHTk9amDbdhNEmg23hKz8BSST2iNqrrIls0VsHuJZOCjYzwB6jirceaWrK5Uaa6LDc+Hjf+KLCKCa4QGNYZsO0ajLSPnnnGOBXHNcr/dk8sbXMTWW8FLCuoWFmZLllWOJXU7EA69/TFTFVNmydDPRdEltYJZNOlieOMvcMzgCRSQBgHgHntzV2neyYrnNXN1e380PkKY0ciJU3gDjgZPb61tGMY7iVkbdnBcufs95NZQSWUYjyG3byOc8DnmsZpR1XUHFFa4uLWa+kk+zRwtuCvIUyGHQjZyOegxQotIhouW9sg0+2lLzeX5rxiIkAcY44GQBnrUuTu0TfoalhaNqmpaVpektFC11Iom39dgYDIOOBgn8TUwWt5Dpw5nqXvjtbpoXiC0stGitre1ulYs6IwZGRtrpk9RjB/Gu1U4JG0opHntvqlxpiXCIzhZiCx2AZCd/X1rOUFMzLMc32mzmiu4BLLIwYPG2WXI4BPp6j2qJLlegMdZA2yoi5EDEo+zOTnAb2FTLW/chmlbpbtb3MFpld8hWMiTOFGMAms5N3uyWW7DSSiu17LBCmCCisC0hK4xkdMdazlU7BcqabZCyt/tDvsMZZwV64OM/hyK0lPmdkDd2Safcb7qSWNCDztLYAXPp70pKyswZovq5htp4N/wDo5bzDJjdhiQBx+FZ+zuxcpS0eGK5Fyj2s0yJD5SRsOEcn7xxjvnirnLl2HsMntrW3gliuiIxF+8WNMjcoz8oA464NOM3LYfUn0tEvUhubi4e1eZGQCIKzmMAMxIPOeOlDvHYpRZk3ukwWWoTR6pO7QTRG5jUD5sEkIG6YPAJArZScorl3G7vYyNUktBJHDGpMcqkKiHOMetawTerGkXpHuYXZ52KiVw6FQf8AV7etQknsSZLXOydlU7gh/iPXvWltC1oWGuWnuZZMltw7cENngDHGMUrCZN5Ua2yyeWGEh2gF+QfU/qahttktjtIZLPVRcrHE0anChuuD3+mM0STlGwPVF+G9murqa5mDBIzkIg/u55x3zj9ay5FFWQrWK97GhfaGEMdzJgtnO3oT+HNUhlVnEYLLMHCJsiDDkj+laLUaKdh5cbIzo4D8EL9c5Iq5AzYM0dnarLY5WcYaRCAdwJPQ9e4496x5W3qTbXUjS9tEGyaF5T5RKRHnDn1PbijkfQdivFcqU+eQ2773dkiycqei89MVXLroOxeaSUaVDNdyByo8tLbJAKbsZJ+vNZ2TlZCSLekXCzXCahKFj+zzAtHGcbk9V/KhprRdS0emeA4bPT54NJ0+eR7q7YzyM3KtnJXnpgDI69a9BN2OiPme0aTFdaZ4bkimuR9okRpLdSw2qcdBgY/DvWsXoO2p4z48n8V6qbI2GrWn2aZkjlDQjgKuWYgg4J5HboKOZFN2WhUlurTwnq0eoaSIoWjspIbpYzgbnI3SDuDwKSaJ6kPws12CbxTdW+pXKyWhbKeft8to3X7pJ/2i36UqkraDvc574v3NvF8RrWfToIreCCBFSVRlcsSc8dcA/kawqxTjZkzOFvZms7q5kUzCWS6/0qVVyoj4wVx6nNYpXSTM3udovwr8UXt9Y2enWwiS8hWZ53fbHvPPznqOCOneiFTm3Ey7e/BXxJDdhruTTLxDgFhdsu33zt6d6pyaVkFmY+q6FfeCpktNaltfLmUussLFlbnHBIBBHp3rOUXPYmUGU7u+t7uWKCxmZoVH7iQRkZYHgn8PX0rJQlHczs0WNVntZMTXsMk/lShF2/IHBxnJHSppp7IF2Irp10mCa2aI3FwSxlWLHyqFABDDrwTTiudpspb6lCx8X65p0bvFckRmNICFRWIQDKgZ6fWuyCSehopHpGk/Eh7Owht7dLXyzEyyWrREIWJ5cuOTnv15rSFRdTRNGna+PP8AhIdYh06906JIAVR0UCRJcZ2lWwDgce+a254tDduhh+OJrXWvFGp3N/pGrfuLXydKNuG2mcZOWOORuxVKaSBs8P8AEeq3Wp3c7zsxDSGTBJHJOScdK0bJuVNOu4zLFbzA/ZwSSFwGZj3J7jFTYdzqzf2el+HY/JMJWYOwXcSwbAGfr6fSqSH0M/w8Ee7hnub1ltnj/wBMkRfuAnO1c9WwPoKFqJHqPiXxBYXHg2KwtYo0tLfy47RCOT0yzccnn8KGkthuxnJ4qGn+GrTT4gJQl8Lh954YhFAH0HPFFxXM5vEmoQaJrbQsI5tTliQ4znlmJAPbqKlsd7I4PW5dRFz/AGY20FSEZd2SWPBP40uZEnSR6B4T0e//ALO1zUr68mt8C4j00IwDAfMoYn2xmlq2M7Dw/rXgqzuLQaD4KJZXJ87UZhLc8DOQoG0c+9J0092NRiy/45+I+pPry3FrKvkW6/u4c8o55yQDjPHY1UUkCsmW9G1K+8VfEK3kLMDFZKxIQKG2dQTk9Sf5VTKT947HxpdCDU9OEEzSxyS7UfjKDuAO3POetZ3YzA1ltQtlk16OcRq6SPleTIgJGAOnXHPpmhSQrNGV428U20dkk8Nzc2832fyY920BFB4GB9TVEs828A+NLnwrJfW4WJ7XU1VZHlViEZSSp459M8U5JNWHCdjtrb4oW19DZWJuWgmjIikkjUojqSMtnORxn9OahU0irpnmvxW1Sw1TxI0GkxHy4/lL/wALgdCPy6nrVR0WplLRnMWNlc3EiiJCWwW69h1o50hXPSPCXjYaNot9pd/FeXMV0eEjl2hMjDt168Ljjjn1qG1JlcyMA61LZXbX2ixvBm3kiUSlWIjddvbv15o5lcnmRzNrYySh52PAyW/Om5ibLEEboW8pRlgBuIyc1PMK5v6bowVYJ57qAuWbzkIPyqR2yOT/ACrOUwujX0ZbTTtbsruLzvMhY42twVKgcY9s5rN1GNSsdvb+LoZxH5UZt4YmLpuRf3bnuPep52ilVR0d1rul6fpctu13dbHlaSMRTYmZTg7WY8Bck9B/KhV+bQftEzE8d+OF8RaeLNNKgVpJRK79SXHTB6AY9Kycle5lKouh59Daw2720lxcxOySbhCy9xjkjoQSKpTb0RKmy94l8WXuo6mZdTkV1nkV3TaBFuU5X5R2znj3oUNNAvctwavO90fEdlFHasCqq4bJX5WywXGAp6Dnjis+XlXI2JNpk9vfmW7Waa5eW8u0kiYk56EZUA/cB6ZHqaUk7W6A22izbW3h64tYdOljvZNYuFZrdoZxHbxbc7E5zkttIyfUVtThdXNYRjY4K2nvZL8yG5k2Wxz5MuSF55z+HetpRilsEkkaryLcadHLsGWcwzMDgEZDDaMcHGRmufZmWzJrlo7K28uztZUZ4VZpXfI2k9OB+HvUK8n7zFfUo6b593eS3cQcyRLvGOAFHJYn2q5NRVht2Ohso7SLT3jSSW5mEhecKTh84JKMf1rnk22jN7mx4AnTTNeiuxIkMK+W+WO4lFYMYwO/6dKmcmkmiouzNT4yx3PiHSLHVtGz9mtS7fvZjI8iMdxOMcY4H0rpp1k3Zm7d0eaabp012kV/cFhbKpd+edoHTHaiU1HRGDktjTWVLS+tzpjzJNJAy3GFAVUIIJ6k/dPWs3eS94OhoR+HLr+zL25knjltrURmUeb8+WzgIv8AFjjPT8ax9vHmSW7BJy1QyxsEt7WOZ4ihKBjHnBKMeOKqU23YhsWyhW4eKC9kCGCVt6KTvc/XoAMc0pS5buI1oJcuJLyzt3Z2hU7twwEXO7PAOW5A6046JsC9NHANNbCsJWk3B92A+eAqqOcjFQm+YmzKEk4Di3XAQpthRFDZ+bq/PXOfWrt1LSOnjvLKO083y/JRQglM6D5yAMFSOeMnNczjJsOS5nXdu+n6vvMEl681qJIA6giKM5YFieM8ZJ961XvRtsW4aHEXes3El5Fe2r7JwWAZeFDHjjHau6FJJcrNYpJaFae6ur85uJHaaOU/a5XPyhTj7o7nr1rTljHYljZ5re1M4tx5yj/Vz7MNs78ZwMijlvuK1yHUL++vYY5kVxbKQFYjjOAMD3wMU4xjF2DYksfMhuC9xGJESMj5f7x6fXqamT0EzTvGtILa2WEyeYcySEkBQSM4JHt296xjzNu5BcsreZZ7lTD5QBQZIzwy5yPc1E5JJAyrdWt5Zt58yKRghuNxx0wfSrjJPQE7k1tG4jlnZD5XlFsDlc9VVjke3SpdthEFxcB7OK2WELNljKWIC9Rjb39ck1SVncdrCafYxzRykq7SnARQMhlwc/hwKJTsFyOEwtCzKqZLDaG646Y6U3cGRCea1fE6rGUy2MHcBmqST2H0LUSxyyKkhKYjVyE7j7wz61N2thXKE3yau8mD5cKLuReMg84zWkfhsX0Ldk6XOWnbbt4Kg5OzDMMD2IGfrUSXLsTsW99ntuLfyX8tF8yEEHcc43bjkZx2pWe5SdjuvBPibTI4bWS6hljnsFG1IcCNhnkkFhzgD8at1JJGqkafi7x9cy332Wzvy1gsazwynG4EqCFUfoTR7ZtWLlOxhXviV10W0feyvdBW2I/IBJAAz245NCqatEuZlWr3uoxX8kvlwveov2hmBI2E5bg9+AKyq1tUTz8xg391Lp9m1laPO6hgsJ3dB2z3xWsJOdmx6mJLqN7LqAF6X2JhTC+RkY4yT6DvW8rW0E2a7WosZpbSOW5nhurc8w4bOcYU5x0YdfSueMr69UTc+g/hV4jvtXgCzqzmKCMTSj7gIQZVSBk9M/Umrpy6GsZp6FXWfGHjuWDWH0fw8kmlQzeXC1wvl3EiY7R98ZznNbSlFaGl9TyfxRv1Pw1BPfvMt4zu08VypVizE42jPCgZ/HFcnM1NroYym2Zmi2irYWRklZnRQ4AT92gzgZPfP9amo3d2MErs6TRdR8Lw2mq6fq0E12bj5I5D8oXPQrzxj6UlTekjojSjuzkrC4n083McSiaMZAd1O4oDwD7HvWk4JswmlcnM8urLZ2VvbW9rHagKbjYASpwU3Y64IIz6Gk7Qu31HdJE4bYXnuLyBZI/9QQcEBicjHTFZPeyQlqZ/hq7/ALO1pXms7qTDmTYjFVbI4Ofriuicm4aMts2m1/xRJcXYgneNE3SusJ3AJ1wxP1IqVKNkUqtkeSrIZ5ArI8kh6BRXqXGMgT9+GXcroc/TFK4Eskjef5sqJMSdzKxIUk/TFA7mxoE9vEIDdWrNaLKzTSA5YoAPlxnA/rRcZq3+u2Mt2jWUbqPL+WMnaqDBHUc5xRcRmQarEIVdVYzBvulRtC59+SelJyAcNZ1N5pCjr+8zuG1QMf0qWwuS+G7C3v75zeAi1Q75mL7SeegPqaFfoCNW61GG2e9TQ7yWDToultLIBvUkbhk8ntj8aq1txlGTxKs1xHKIGj8sBUCHnv8A49qbYDtL1G2vr+EXtxHBbsNuGXjcTySeT6UWBHT3t5Fpev2r2txGtvHFGJJ1Y5Ylf4R/vflUKetmK+p3F3cPeaNDcSX8UawvkBSq5x0yMn5sUpM03OWkGif8I7bXdl9pjjinkndWl+dYlJAyM45IJx7ikmxNmV4h1q31Y21n4W0maa5kUyHdEBs+Y5/nTTtqxPUzPGOnXXh1rAy6vaXsiSCTy4OTGSATzn1ojK4fCzL1LUrrUJLeR7uEzXSMrkx4+beTyfU8c+lK9hObuVbTR9SuruSK2tfPk+9tiTtjJPsPc1EqitchyubEOnzRm5hJhtlMZ8wK2eMcoD1JPoKxlO9mZt3JdQ0+CEW0dvAyyvDvZOSygnGD3zj+dTGcne5KkyG5FubCWICOK7U5IC9cYGOev0ppyvfoBnTROqFE3NJ/E2O/U1fMVc1ra1sobdLcxO9xIQQwzhVB5x6k1jKTbuS2Oa3hu9TWIHy4SGCkLluM44zxk4o5mo3Hc1dP0kpDFNeRbhGoIKc5JP8A9esZVdXYzcjXlQ2+nzLcDecsyRr03DCg447HvWSd5KxN+hzOp2WpCVJriHakzdTjoMdB+VdMZLoaxaNm90a5sLHTb3UbVNQ0lpmVoLJ287aB6jpzj8jTpuMm+5rBRtqYVhaw3MCWF1b21qVcsbqRWacDG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"/>
</g>
</svg>) Each sustainable step that we take today leads to a better future for all of us. The NLB Group is the first bank headquartered in South-Eastern Europe committed to achieve climate neutral financing and investment portfolio by 2050. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 207 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report DMA methodology The basis for the preparation of this Sustainability Statement the conducted DMA, which defined the matters that are material from at least one of the following perspectives: • impact materiality: NLB Group’s operations may have positive or negative impacts on people and the environment. • financial materiality: Sustainability topics may involve risks and opportunities for the Bank’s financial position and performance. The Double Materiality Assessment followed the methodology outlined in ESRS 1 and ESRS 2, guidelines from the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG), and included specifics of the banking sector by using best available tools and data, such as the UNEP FI Impact Materiality Tool. The top-down approach was used with the Sustainability Unit and the established internal subject matter expert group in NLB who took into consideration the entire NLB Group. The internal expert group included sustainability representatives of key competence lines in NLB as a parent bank for the banking stream, and sustainability representatives from the leasing and asset management stream. In the initial stage of the DMA, all NLB Group members were preliminarily assessed for their impact on sustainability and financial performance in line with NLB Group’s business model, governance principles, and value chain. As the most relevant activities in NLB Group are executed by core financial members (NLB and its subsidiaries: banks, asset management, leasing companies), these were deemed to have the highest IROs. An internal expert group identified and assessed IROs bearing in mind the operations of all core financial members, and their stakeholders were engaged via a pool to assess impacts. Non-financial members were considered to have minor IROs, and their operations were assessed indirectly by the internal expert group. Non-core members (e.g. companies in liquidation and those with a small number of employees) were deemed to have negligible or no impact, risk, or opportunity, and were not subject to further DMA stages. Finally, IROs at the NLB Group level were assessed by the NLB Management Board, a member of the NLB Supervisory Board, and investors. DMA process 1. Defining the sustainability context We first scanned various information sources to identify relevant ESG topics for the wider financial sector and specifically for the NLB Group. This "sustainability context analysis" included a review of internal documents, specific regulatory requirements, sector specific standards and materiality assessments, the annual reports of peers, and an analysis of our value chain and portfolios. 2. Preparation of the list of sustainability topics After analyzing the sustainability context, we prepared a long list of topics based on the list of topics and subtopics from paragraph 16 of Annex A to ESRS 1, as well as additional topics specific to the sector and NLB Group. We then excluded all topics that were deemed irrelevant, i.e. they were not detected in the reviewed documentation, and prepared a shortlist of 28 potentially material topics by grouping several sub-topics together. 3. Identification of IROs Based on the shortlist, we performed further analytical work, and organized workshops and stakeholder consultations to identify positive and negative, actual and potential IROs (IROs). We identified the source of each IRO, namely own operations, portfolio, upstream value chain (namely, supply chain), or downstream value chain (excluding portfolio-related impacts). Each impact was assessed to be either short-term, medium- term or long-term, based on the expectation of when it would materialize. We also identified short-, medium- and long-term risks and opportunities. Risks and opportunities either originated from our existing risk management registries derived from specific impacts we identified, or were identified based on additional research and internal expert input. Altogether, 141 unique impacts, 84 unique risks and 46 unique opportunities were identified. 4. Impact materiality assessment Internal NLB experts assessed each impact considering the severity and likelihood on a 1–5 scale (with an individual assessment scale, scope and irremediability within the severity parameter). Impact identification and assessment were further supported by the results of the UNEP FI Impact Assessment, which was used as an input for assessing positive and negative impacts related to our portfolios. The UNEP FI has created an ESRS interoperability package to improve compliance using the analysis tool. This package includes mapping UNEP FI's impact topics to ESRS sustainability topics in Appendix A of ESRS 1, mapping tool outputs to the 'Scale', 'Scope', 'Severity', and 'Irremediable character' parameters required by ESRS 1, and describing how to calibrate and translate these parameters into thresholds to identify the most significant impacts. Following the UNEP FI Impact Assessment Toolkit, we identified impacts of our retail, corporate and investment portfolios for our banking units in Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Kosovo. Consolidated assessments by internal experts were corroborated through the impact assessment within an extensive stakeholder engagement. The final score reflects the assessment of all stakeholders. Impacts, Risk, and Opportunity Management IRO-1 Description of the processes to identify and assess material IROs (Double Materiality Assessment) ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 208 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 5. Financial materiality assessment Internal NLB experts assessed each financial risk and opportunity considering the magnitude of financial effects, defined as positive or negative impact on our profit or reputation and likelihood. A 1–5 scale was used, estimating the approximate financial effect of each risk and opportunity in monetary terms. Throughout the process, we worked to align and integrate our methodology and procedures with already existing risk procedures of NLB Group. Climate-related and environmental risks were already assessed by NLB Group risk materiality following ECB guidelines as outlined in chapter SBM-3 Material climate-related IROs and were not subject to additional assessment. In the coming years, we plan to enhance the integration of the risk identification and assessment procedures utilized in the Double Materiality Assessment into our overarching risk management framework and overall management in the competence lines. 6. Stakeholder engagement We carried out stakeholder consultations using a survey to gather the views of internal and external stakeholders on the IROs that are most material from their point of view. Stakeholder engagement was focused on affected stakeholders, namely employees, clients, and suppliers (and vendors in the case of our leasing activities), who were given the opportunity to assess different ESG topics (based on identified impacts) and also provide their own input on potentially missing impacts. Investors as key users of financial statements were also included in the consultations, and they were asked to assess and validate different ESG topics from the impact, risk, and opportunity perspective. The Management Board and the Supervisory Board member were similarly included, assessing IROs through a survey. The survey was conducted in Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Kosovo. In total, we gathered 2,179 responses from our stakeholders. The results of stakeholder engagement were integrated into the final Double Materiality Assessment. 7. Analysis and selection of material IROs and topics Finally, the materiality for each topic was determined, with the highest assessment of any impact, risk, or opportunity, identified under a specific topic, determining the materiality. A materiality threshold for impact materiality and financial materiality was determined at 50% of the average assessed value, determining 76 IROs and 21 topics as material. The list of material topics is presented in chapter Overview of ESRS and entity-specific topics. The list of material IROs is presented alongside each sustainability topic in Environmental, Social, and Governance information. Decision-making process Double Materiality Assessment (DMA) was conducted by internal subject matter experts from all relevant NLB competence lines and in cooperation with the Management Board. This ensured the assessment was informed and objective. The Sustainability Unit led the entire process, coordinating with various competence lines and NLB Group members to maintain a clear decision-making line. Together with representatives from the Competence Lines, the Sustainability Unit made key decisions on the methodology and process. Internal control was done by the Sustainability Unit, who oversaw the entire DMA process. The final results of the DMA were confirmed by the NLB Management Board and presented to the Supervisory Board. The DMA process, methodology, and key decisions were documented ensuring the replication and upgrade of the process. The Group will also monitor the development of the DMA for financial institutions and adjust the process as needed to improve assessment quality. Since the DMA, in line with CSRD, was conducted for the first time, the Group will report any process changes in future sustainability statements. Key steps in the DMA process Defining the sustainability context Preparation of the list of sustainability topics Identification of IROs Impact materiality assessment Financial materiality assessment Stakeholder engagement Analysis and selection of IROs and material topics 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiIHN0YW5kYWxvbmU9Im5vIj8+CjwhRE9DVFlQRSBzdmcgUFVCTElDICItLy9XM0MvL0RURCBTVkcgMS4xLy9FTiIKImh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnL0dyYXBoaWNzL1NWRy8xLjEvRFREL3N2ZzExLmR0ZCI+Cjxzdmcgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDE4MTggMTI4NiIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIj4KPGRlZnM+CjwvZGVmcz4KPC9zdmc+) Environmental Information The conducted DMA reconfirmed Climate Change as a material sustainability topic for NLB Group. In this section, we unveil our transition plan, ie. the NLB Group Climate (net-zero) strategy, and our climate-related IROs across three material sustainability matters - Climate Change, Energy, and Sustainable Finance. We highlight our policies, targets, metrics, and actions for reducing emissions and managing climate risks, and report on our energy consumption. This showcases our proactive approach to resilience and long-term value creation, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 210 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report E1 Climate Change NLB Group acknowledges the pivotal role it plays in supporting the transition to a net-zero 6 emissions economy by 2050. Thus, NLB Group has committed to managing the impacts, risks, and opportunities stemming from climate change. This includes decarbonizing its financing and investment portfolio, supporting clients in high-impact sectors with credible transition plans, and reducing emissions in its own operations. Transitioning to a net-zero emissions world subsequently implies that all economic actors need to work towards this objective. For financing institutions, including NLB Group, this requires changes in their capital allocation or granting criteria, engagement with clients to navigate their net-zero journeys, managed phaseouts of carbon-intensive economic activities, and a massive re-orientation of capital flows towards "transition" activities and solutions. By acting in an aligned manner, banks can support a consistent best practice approach and drive further efficiency across the whole economy towards a net-zero emissions pathway. Financed emissions (Scope 3, Category 15 under the GHG Protocol) make up more than 99% of NLB Group’s carbon footprint, making them the core focus of the overall NLB Group net-zero transition strategy. Reducing these emissions through targeted measures, client engagement, and climate-positive financing is essential to achieving net-zero commitments and sectoral decarbonization. Following an holistic approach, in addition to the Net-Zero Portfolio Strategy, NLB Group has established an Operational Emissions Net-Zero Strategy, which focuses on emissions from NLB Group’s operational activities. In line with NLB’s commitment to a climate-positive future (i.e. fostering a mindset of proactive positive impact, rather than merely reducing harm) and its net- zero ambition, NLB group officially joined the UNEP FI Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) in May 2022. Thus, NLB Group committed to aligning its financing activities with decarbonization and climate resilience. This commitment is supported by policies such as the Coal Exclusion Policy and active backing for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. The NLB Group is included in the EU benchmarks aligned to the Paris Agreement according to the exclusion criteria of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1818 (the Climate Benchmark Standards Regulation). Alignment with Paris Agreement Net-Zero portfolio targets As the first part of its Net-Zero Portfolio Strategy, NLB Group has set emissions intensity targets for high- emitting sectors, specifically Power Generation and Iron & Steel, while focusing on financing commitments and tracking portfolio intensity progress for Residential and Commercial Real Estate, in line with its NZBA commitment. These targets are benchmarked against science-based sectoral pathways to ensure alignment with a 1.5°C trajectory as per the NZBA target-setting guidelines. NLB's approach is iterative, reflecting the General scope Baselining Net-Zero Strategy Transformation Roadmap Steering and Implementation Reporting and Assurance Targets shall cover lending activities and should cover (on balance sheet) investment activitis 100% coverage to be gradually committed over time Banks shall establish an emission baseline Banks’s targets apply to the bank’s lending and investment activities and shall include their clients‘ Scope 1 Scope 2 (and Scope 3 emissions, where possible Within 18 months of joining, set 2030 targets and 2050 target Further sector targets to be set within 36 months Banks shell use widely accepted science-based decarbonization scenarios Banks’ first 2030 targets will focus on priority sectors where the bank can have the most significant impact (most GHG-intensive) Targets shall be approved by the highest executive level within the bank Intermediary targets to be set every five years from 2030 onwards Annualy publish absolute emissions intensity Banks shall publicity disclose their targets and report annualy on progress Disclose progress against a board-level reviewed transition strategy The targets shall be reviewed at a minimum every five years E1-1 Transition plan for climate change mitigation 6 GFANZ defines net zero as the state when anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere are balanced by anthropogenic removals. Organisations are considered to have reached a state of net zero when they reduce their GHG emissions following scienced-based pathways, with any remaining GHG emissions attributable to that organisation being fully neutralised, either within the value chain or through purchase of valid offset credits. Financial Institution Net-zero Transition Plans ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 211 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report dynamic nature of sectoral decarbonization, data availability, and market developments. To achieve its 2030 NZBA sector targets, NLB does not rely on offsets but instead focuses on sector-specific decarbonization levers, including client engagement, portfolio alignment with credible net-zero pathways, and financing solutions that drive low-carbon transitions. Target development follows a structured governance framework with executive oversight and cross-functional collaboration. Targets are reviewed at least every five years to ensure ongoing alignment with evolving climate science, regulatory developments, and international commitments. Annual disclosures will track progress, while continuous enhancements in data quality, internal monitoring systems, and client engagement strategies will support the Group’s climate transition efforts. The second round of NZBA-aligned sector-specific targets, covering additional carbon intensive sectors such as, is scheduled for public disclosure in Q2 2025, further advancing the Group’s net-zero commitments. Sector-specific scenario selection, decarbonization levers, and risk factors are detailed in the transition plan to ensure credibility and alignment with science-based targets, as outlined in chapter E1-4 Targets related to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Net-Zero targets for own operations Target setting for operational emissions, as part of the Operational Emissions Net-Zero Strategy, is progressing. Given the energy market specifics and complexity in each country where NLB Group operates, along with the impact of carbon reduction measures on OPEX and CAPEX, the finalization of these targets is expected by the end of 2025. Decarbonization levers and key activities NLB Group is committed to accelerating the transition to a low GHG emissions, climate-resilient economy through a comprehensive strategy that focuses on leveraging its capabilities to support high-emitting sectors in the real economy. To drive this transition, the Group is prioritizing key actions such as financing low-carbon technologies, mobilizing transition finance, fostering partnerships, developing innovative financial products, and integrating climate risks into decision-making frameworks. As targets evolve, NLB Group will continually refine its approach to incorporate emerging climate risks and opportunities, ensuring steady progress toward its net- zero and climate resilience objectives. This strategic approach outlined in the NLB Group’s comprehensive Net-Zero Climate Strategy focuses on two core levers: • Net-Zero Portfolio Strategy (Portfolio Strategy)– Aligning financing activities with net-zero objectives by setting science-based targets for priority sectors, steering capital towards sustainable activities, and engaging with clients on their transition pathways. • Operational Emissions Net-Zero Strategy (Operational Strategy)– Reducing the Group’s direct and indirect emissions mainly through energy efficiency measures, zero-emission electricity procurement, and operational optimizations. Operational strategy Portfolio strategy Operational strategy approved (action plans will be prepared in 2025) Scope 3 (financed emissions - category 15 of GHG Protocol) UNEP FI’s NZBA Commitment NLB Group signed the commitment in May 2022 First Net Zero target setting (18 months after NZBA commitment Q4 2023) Second Net Zero target setting (36 months after NZBA commitment Q2 2025) Scope 1 (vehicle fleet, gas combustion for office heating) Scope 2 (vehicle fleet, gas combustion for emissions from purchased electricity and heat) Scope 3 (indirect emissions from the value chain e.g. business travel, waste management, employee commuting) Iterative process Strategy Emission scope Timeline Climate (Net Zero) Strategy Figure 6: The overview of the Net-Zero Climate Strategy ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 212 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Key activities Portfolio strategy The levers and key actions essential for achieving NLB Group's climate targets are further elaborated in the chapter E1-3, where the Group outlines specific steps and resources for climate change mitigation and adaptation, separately for operational and portfolio strategies. Through a baselining exercise, NLB Group has identified key decarbonization levers in carbon-intensive sectors central to its financed emissions baseline, with approximately 95% of emissions concentrated in six sectors. For the initial net-zero targets, further elaborated in the chapter E1-4, the Group has set objectives for four priority sectors—Iron & Steel, Power Generation, Residential Real Estate, and Commercial Real Estate—which together contribute around 50% of financed emissions. Agriculture and Road Freight Transport have been excluded from the initial targets due to data challenges and will be monitored for future disclosures. NLB Group is committed to engaging clients in these sectors to implement decarbonization plans, including expanding renewable energy capacity, adopting low- emission technologies, and financing energy-efficient real estate projects. The Group’s capital allocation strategy supports sector-specific decarbonization objectives and integrates policies such as coal exclusions. Operational strategy In 2024 NLB Group continued to focus on its environmental impact, especially by conducting qualitative assessments of operational emissions and adopting its first Operational Emissions Net- Zero Strategy, which defines the steps and necessary activities in climate change mitigation and adaptation to achieve a net-zero GHG emissions balance at the latest by 2050. Key activities are further elaborated under E1-3 Chapter, whereas among the main important ones are: • Energy efficiency and reduced energy consumption in offices: Emission reduction is closely linked to energy consumption reduction through improvements in energy efficiency. Main anticipated activities are introducing energy-efficient technologies and practices, building renovations, implementing energy management systems, conducting energy audits and educating employees on energy-saving practices. • Transition from fossil fuel driven vehicles to low/ zero emission vehicles: steadily transform NLB Group fleet to be electrified, by installing adequate charging infrastructure, supply the vehicles with zero-emission electricity and explore possibilities of fuel change for special vehicles. • Refrigerants: Cooling systems use refrigerants with high GWP value resulting in difficulties to reduce GHG emissions. As EU adopted legislation to reduce emissions from refrigerants, which NLB Group will follow as well as closely monitor technical quality of cooling systems to prevent any leakage. • Procurement/investment in renewable sources for electricity production: Procuring and installing/ investing in renewable energy sources is vital for reducing GHG emission of NLB Group’s operational activities. Main activities in facilitating the transition to low-carbon economy are installing photovoltaic panels and entering into power purchase agreements with renewable energy providers where markets have this possibility. • Engaging employees: home office and low-emission commuting: During COVID-19 years first positive experiences with work from home stimulated NLB Group to introduce possibility for employees to work from home. After that period NLB is promoting homeoffice work by establishing legal basis for employees with expected results in reducing working area and reducing energy consumption. • Reduced paper and water consumption and waste production. ›› For a detailed list of measures in NLB Group in 2024, please sefer to the chapter E1-3 Actions and resources related to climate change mitigation and adaptation - Operational emissions net-zero strategy. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 213 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Resources for transition plan implementation For timely and effective implementation of the transition plan, both on the portfolio and operational level, the Group utilizes human and financial resources for various activities, including: • Employee training: enhanced skills and knowledge contribute to guaranteeing compliance with the latest regulations, technologies, and best practices, while well-trained employees are more efficient and effective in their role. Consequently, employee retention is higher, indirectly influencing the NLB Group's reputation. • IT infrastructure: essential to providing the NLB Group's internal and external stakeholders with comprehensive, relevant, trustworthy, and timely information on sustainability and ESG matters. • External consulting services: when implementing the transition plan, external expertise is needed, offering an unbiased, third-party perspective on certain aspects. Consequently, this helps internal teams in identifying gaps and improvement opportunities. • Real estate and fleet: investments in energy efficiency measures have lower operating costs and increased market value, while at the same time lowering the environmental impact. Additionally, it helps the Bank to comply with the EU legislation. • Advertising and communication: it is essential in raising awareness about the NLB Group's sustainability initiatives and commitments, which not only builds trust but also attracts sustainable investments and grows the retail business, giving the NLB Group a competitive advantage. Locked-in GHG emissions The progress towards NLB Group’s Net-Zero Portfolio targets is significantly influenced by external factors, particularly the decarbonization of industry and infrastructure. Locked-in emissions, stemming from long-term assets and investments like infrastructure, present a considerable challenge for the Group, as these emissions, embedded in past financing activities, limit flexibility in meeting near-term reduction goals. Each target has been set with an understanding of the sector-specific dependencies on external parties, including the pace of decarbonization in high-emitting sectors. Achieving net-zero requires collaboration between NLB Group, industry stakeholders, and governments. NLB Group will continue to support public policy developments in Slovenia and the region, as these measures are vital to decarbonization at scale. However, NLB Group’s role is limited, as net-zero requires collective action. Clients must take steps towards decarbonization, and governments need to establish frameworks and policies to guide the transition. Decarbonizing the industrial energy mix is crucial, with carbon capture and storage infrastructure playing a key role in sectors like steel production. In Residential and Commercial Real Estate, national energy mixes influence efficiency milestones, especially in regions where fossil fuels still dominate electricity production. For instance, Slovenia’s coal-fired TEŠ power plant is scheduled for decommissioning by 2033. Additionally, homeowner engagement in energy efficiency measures, such as retrofitting and energy- saving investments, is critical. This progress relies on consumer willingness and financial capacity, as well as external factors like energy price volatility, which can affect consumption patterns. Ultimately, joint efforts from all stakeholders are needed for meaningful progress. Although operational GHG emission reduction targets are yet to be finalized, locked-in emissions have been considered. In terms of reducing operational GHG emissions, there will always be a certain number of residual emissions which are not under the Group’s control. The reasons are the following: i) dependency on the technological (under)development/innovation of national utility companies. For example, the Group cannot influence the (state) utility companies’ energy mix providing district heating, upgrade the electricity infrastructure, provide more charging stations for electric vehicles, open the energy market for new supply products, etc., which consequently limits its reduction measures to a certain extent and ii) due to the nature of the banking business and employees’ commute to work, causing emissions from transport. When conducting a qualitative assessment, it is believed that residual emissions can be reduced with the use of carbon removal credits to offset; however, the NLB Group has yet to decide how it will strategically address this and will continue to closely monitor carbon credit market(s). Alignment of transition plan with business strategy and financial planning The inaugural Net-Zero Disclosure Report, aligned with NLB Group’s new business strategy (New Horizons), sets a clear path for the Group’s ambition to become a leader in transition finance and a regional ESG frontrunner. NLB Group has established clear financial metrics and targets to support its broader strategic ambition of contributing to the real-economy transition, through both financing activities and its internal operational goals. These metrics are aligned with the Group's overarching sustainability objectives, including the reduction of emissions in its financing activities and the mobilization of capital for sustainable finance. The financial targets set by the Group reflect its commitment to advancing its transition plan’s strategic ambition, with a focus on key sectors such as renewable energy, green buildings, energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation. NLB Group classifies activities as green using the EU Taxonomy, NLB Green Bond Framework, and MIGA and EBRD standards, where a transaction is considered green if it meets at least one criterion under these frameworks. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 214 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB Group has committed a total of EUR 1.9 billion in transition financing by 2030, with the pledge divided between Retail Banking and Corporate and Investment Banking Green Transition Financing, focusing on renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and energy efficiency projects. In addition, NLB d.d. has committed to financing at least 30% of new production in the most energy-efficient commercial buildings (<50 kg CO₂/m²) and at least 15% of new production in top-rated mortgages (EPC class A & B) in Slovenia by 2030. The Group monitors progress against financial targets quarterly, with planned annual public disclosures against set commitments, which is presented in the table. By the end of 2024, NLB Group had achieved EUR 1,028 million, or 54%, of its total EUR 1.9 billion commitment in green financing by 2030. This includes EUR 701 million (51%) of the EUR 1.37 billion target for Corporate and Investment Banking and EUR 327 million (62%) of the EUR 528 million target for Retail Banking. NLB has exceeded its annual commitments for energy- efficient buildings. As 85% of newly approved loans were allocated to the most energy-efficient commercial buildings (<50 kg CO₂/m²), surpassing the 30% annual commitment. At the same time, 27% of new mortgages fell into the highest energy class (A and B energy performance certificates) in Slovenia, exceeding the 15% annual commitment. Table 10: Green Financing Commitments and Progress (outstanding stock volume) in EUR thousands Segment Description Target 2030 Target coverage FY 2024 FY 2024 Relative to Target Corporate and Investment Banking Green Transition Financing Renewable Energy Projects Solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, bioenergy, and related infrastructure 1,370,000 NLB Group 700,999 51% Green Building Financing EPC A, NZEB, LEED Gold, BREEAM Excellent Energy Efficiency Projects Manufacturing of batteries, electric heat pumps, and other energy-efficient technologies Clean Transportation Projects Rail and low-carbon transport infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Water Treatment Pollution prevention and water treatment projects Sustainable Water and Wastewater Management Projects focused on sustainable water and wastewater management Retail Banking Green Transition Financing Renewable Energy Financing Solar power plants 528,000 NLB Group 327,143 62% Green Building Financing Financing of energy- efficient buildings (EPC A & B, where available). Target: 15% of new production in A & B EPC class by 2030 Energy Efficiency Financing Energy renovations and installation of energy-efficient equipment (e.g. heat pumps, lights) Clean Transportation Financing Zero-emission vehicles powered by electricity (cars and light commercial vehicles) Total NLB Group Green Transition Financing 1,900,000 NLB Group 1,028,142 54% Commitment to Finance Energy- Efficient Commercial buildings Financing at least 30% of new production in most energy efficient commercial buildings (<50kg CO 2 /m 2 ) in Slovenia by 2030 30% NLB 85% 283% Commitment to Finance Energy- Efficient Mortgages Financing at least 15% of new production in top-rated mortgages (A & B EPC class) in Slovenia by 2030 15% NLB 27% 180% ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 215 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report EU Taxonomy regulation NLB Group has developed a structured approach to monitor and progressively increase its share of taxonomy-aligned revenues in line with its sustainability commitments and regulatory disclosure requirements. Overview The EU Taxonomy is a classification system designed to determine the environmental sustainability of economic activities within the European Union. For banks, it serves as a crucial framework for evaluating and disclosing the environmental impact of their investments and lending practices. By adhering to the EU Taxonomy, banks can identify and prioritize investments that contribute to environmental objectives, such as climate change mitigation and adaptation. This taxonomy provides clear criteria and standards, enabling banks to assess the alignment of their portfolios with sustainable goals, mitigate risks associated with environmentally harmful activities, and support the transition to a more sustainable economy. Compliance with the EU Taxonomy is mandated under Article 8 and Article 10 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2020 on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment, amending Regulation (EU) 2019/2088. This legislation establishes the criteria for determining whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable and provides the basis for the EU Taxonomy's implementation across various sectors, including banking and finance. In line with regulation, NLB discloses in this Sustainability Statement for the first time information about Taxonomy alignment for all six environmental objectives as at year- end 2024: 1. Climate change mitigation 2. Climate change adaptation 3. Sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources 4. Transition to a circular economy 5. Pollution prevention and control 6. Protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems Green Asset Ratio The Green Asset Ratio (GAR) within the framework of the EU Taxonomy measures the proportion of a bank's assets that meet the criteria for environmentally sustainable economic activities. This ratio serves as a key metric for stakeholders to assess how much of a bank's portfolio supports environmental sustainability objectives. Banks are required to report their GAR as part of their sustainability reporting obligations, ensuring transparency and accountability in their sustainability efforts. However, while the Green Asset Ratio enhances transparency, it does not fully capture the transition efforts of banks. A substantial portion of the Group’s portfolio is excluded—for example, loans to smaller companies and international non-EU business— meaning the actual number of aligned activities is higher. Furthermore, banks rely on counterparties for data, and since many of these entities are at the early stages of their green transformation, they may struggle to evaluate their own sustainability. Therefore, GAR should be analyzed alongside additional disclosed metrics and other relevant information on NLB Group’s efforts to finance the transition. In the Pillar III report, GAR is disclosed only for the first two climate objectives. Therefore, there is a methodological difference between the calculation of both GARs, although for 2024, there is no difference in result due to low environmentally sustainable exposures from the last four climate objectives. GAR flow The Draft Commission notice issued on 21 December 2023, aims to provide clarity and improve disclosure requirements. Notably, the Green Asset Ratio (GAR) flow disclosure should now include all newly acquired exposures throughout the year, rather than only net changes. Developments As of 31 December 2024, the NLB Group’s GAR stands at 1.34% of total covered assets, reflecting an increase of 0.35 percentage points compared to 31 December 2023. ›› The complete reporting templates, covering disclosure requirements, are presented in the Appendix 1 EU Taxonomy Regulatory Disclosures. These templates are part of the Sustainability Statement and are under limited assurance. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 216 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Transition plan governance Effective governance, strategic oversight, and regular monitoring of NLB Group’s net-zero decarbonization plans are entrusted to the highest executives. A robust sustainability governance structure, which includes the Climate Change Committee, ensures that the net- zero decarbonization plans and sustainable financing are guided by top-level executives and implemented effectively across all sectors. ›› Please refer to the chapter Governance for a detailed description of the Climate Change Committee. The transition plan, focusing on financed emissions from NLB Group’s portfolio and incorporating the end- of-year 2024 figures, was approved by the Climate Change Committee and the NLB Management Board in 2025. NLB Group's portfolio targets have been developed under the supervision of internal risk functions and are approved at the executive level, in line with NZBA guidelines. The Net-Zero strategy is regularly reported at the Management Board of NLB d.d. as well as at the Audit Committee of the Supervisory Board. In addition, content, latest achievements, and plans are reported and discussed at regular sessions of the Sustainability Committee. The Operational Emissions Net-Zero Strategy, which focuses on reducing emissions from NLB Group’s own operations, was adopted in 2024 and confirmed by the NLB Management Board , with regular updates presented at sessions of the Supervisory Board’s Audit Committee. In alignment with NLB Group’s sustainability governance structure, the operational carbon footprint emissions are reported regularly, with interim quarterly reports shared at regular sessions of the Sustainability Committee. Annual results and corresponding action plans are reviewed and approved by the NLB Management Board. Transition plan implementation progress Significant actions have been undertaken to implement NLB Group’s climate strategy, focusing on both the Operational Emissions Net-Zero Strategy and the Net- Zero Portfolio Strategy. Following the publication of NLB Group’s first sector targets in December 2023, to operationalize the bank’s Net-Zero Portfolio Strategy and enhance climate-related governance, policies, and actions these advancements have were made in 2024: • Governance structures have been strengthened through two Climate Change Committee sessions, which track portfolio progress and adjust strategies as needed. The adoption of a sustainability policy, approved by the Management Board, has reinforced the integration of sustainability considerations, including climate-related ones, into business processes and risk management. • Key policies to operationalize the Bank’s Net-Zero Portfolio Strategy were adopted, incorporating targets for emissions-intensive sectors. These policies guide lending, investment, and risk management decisions, aligning operations with decarbonization goals. • NLB Group developed a green financing offer with clear criteria defining green transactions to support climate change mitigation. By the end of 2024, NLB Group had achieved 54% of its EUR 1.9 billion green financing commitment by 2030, with progress in both Corporate and Investment Banking and Retail Banking, further strengthening its decarbonization efforts. • NLB Group developed and approved its Operational Emissions Net-Zero Strategy , marking a significant step towards reducing its operational emissions. Operational emissions interim targets, supported by a detailed action plan outlining the most immediate measures, are scheduled for preparation in 2025. In terms of reducing emissions from our own operations to achieve net-zero by 2050, the Bank has continued to follow the NLB Group Carbon Footprint Measurement and Reporting Polic y, which defines the measurement, management, and reporting of NLB Group’s operational performance in terms of CO 2 emissions. To support the reduction of GHG emissions from our own operations, NLB Group has in place the following three important policies: 1. The NLB Group Real Estate Strategy builds on reducing CO 2 emissions by implementing climate change mitigation measures, mostly focused on energy efficiency and zero-carbon electricity procurement (where possible). 2. The NLB Group Sustainable Fleet and Company car Management Policy provides a framework for the use of cleaner fuels and technologies by transforming the whole car fleet. 3. Since employee commute is one of the categories where the expected share of residual emissions is to be significant, NLB has adopted the Regulation on Work From Home , which outlines conditions, health and safety regulations, and data protection to raise the share of employees working from home. ›› For details, please see the chapter Climate change mitigation and adaptation policies and the chapter Sustainable Finance. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 217 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report In accordance with the Methodology for the Assessment of Environmental Risks in NLB Group, NLB Group classifies climate and environmental risks into three categories: transition risk, physical risk, and other environmental risk. Each category is then broken down into multiple subcategories as presented in the table below. NLB Group has addressed many risk drivers within each category; however, only risk drivers typical for the region where NLB Group operates were addressed in the materiality assessment. Table 11: Classification and materiality of environmental risk Climate risk Materiality Transition risk • Climate policy changes • Technological changes • Behavioural changes (investor and consumer sentiment) All categories of transition risk are assessed as material over the short- and medium-term horizons whereas the climate policy changes are the most significant risk driver within transition risk. Physical risk Acute physical risk: • Floods • Drought • Heat waves • Windstorms • Wildfires • Hailstorms • Freezing rain • Landslides Floods and drought are assessed as material over the short- and medium-term horizons, other hazards are assessed as immaterial. Chronic physical risk: • temperature changes • Reduced water availability • Biodiversity loss Chronic risk is assessed as immaterial over the short- and medium-term horizons. Other environmental risk Ecosystem dependency risk: • Depletion of resources • Ecosystem service disruption • Biodiversity loss • Climate change impact Ecosystem impact risk: • Pollution • Land use • Habitat degradation Other environmental risk is assessed as immaterial risk over the short-term horizon. Over the medium-term horizon the ecosystem impact risk is assessed as material and ecosystem dependency risk as non-material. SBM-3 Material climate-related IROs and their interaction with strategy and business model ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 218 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Resilience analysis The uniform stress-testing programme, which includes internally developed models, stress scenarios, and sensitivity analysis, is regularly revised and complemented. The Group has established an internal ESG stress-testing concept to identify the most relevant financial vulnerabilities stemming from climate risk, which is constantly further enhanced by considering available ESG-related data. The stress testing considers three NGFS II long-term scenarios (orderly, disorderly, hot-house world), encompassing transition, physical, and other climate & environmental risks associated with each scenario. The combined stress test incorporates both transition and physical risks until 2050. This entails a permanent impact from transition risk and projected one-time events of physical risk (flood and drought), while effects of the combined stress materialize after 2030. Nevertheless, the results of the climate stress tests showed no material impacts on the Group’s capital and liquidity position. As a systemically important institution, NLB Group was included into the 2022 ECB Climate Stress test exercise, consisting of three modules. The exercise was conducted in the first half of 2022 and aggregate results were published in July 2022. By performing this exercise the ECB assessed how prepared banks are for dealing with financial and economic shocks stemming from climate risk. The Group’s overall results were within the range of average peer results. IRO-1 Identification and assessment of material climate-related IROs NLB Group has established processes for identifying and assessing material climate-related impacts, risks, and opportunities. The Group employs a comprehensive approach that includes a risk assessment framework integrating climate-related risks into our overall risk management processes (identification and materiality assessment of climate physical and transition risk on the portfolio level, transaction and client due diligence, credit approval process, alignment with climate targets, green finance), stakeholder engagement to understand concerns and expectations, and scenario analysis to assess the potential impacts of different climate-related scenarios on our operations and financial performance. Additionally, the Group’s sustainability governance structure includes dedicated committees and roles responsible for overseeing climate-related risks and opportunities, ensuring that climate considerations are integrated into decision-making processes at all levels of the organization. These processes enable NLB Group to proactively manage climate-related risks and leverage opportunities, contributing to our overall sustainability goals. Climate-related topics were included in the 2024 double materiality assessment, among other sustainability topics. The material topics for NLB Group are Climate Change, Energy, and Sustainable Finance. As part of the DMA, the financial materiality assessment integrated the existing risk management procedures and results of a comprehensive materiality analysis, which NLB Group performs annually within its broader risk management process. ›› Climate-related topics are also predominant in ESG risk management, which was identified as an overall material sustainability topic. For further details, please refer to the section ESG Risk Management. C&E Risk Scenarios (orderly, disorderly, hot house) Transition Risk Physical Risk Other C&E Risk Figure 7: NLB Group's internal ESG stress-testing concept ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 219 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 12: Climate – related impacts, risks, and opportunities (Climate change adaptation and mitigation) Material Sustainability Topic Name of IRO Description of IRO Type of IRO Location in the value chain Time horizon Climate change Climate-related risk Climate-related physical risks, such as extreme weather events, can lead to loan defaults, asset devaluation, and increased insurance claims, thereby undermining a bank’s financial stability and risk exposure. Risk Downstream Short, Medium, Long-Term Climate-related transition risks, driven by shifts to a low-carbon economy through policy changes, technological advancements, or evolving market preferences, can result in stranded assets, increased operational costs, and credit risk for a bank’s borrowers, potentially affecting the bank’s financial performance. Risk Downstream Short, Medium, Long-Term Reducing financed emissions (towards net-zero) as part of Climate (Net-Zero) Strategy Reducing financed emissions as part of a Climate (Net-Zero) Strategy enhances asset value, mitigates risks, opens new revenue streams, and improves regulatory compliance, despite potential initial costs. This approach aligns investment with long-term sustainability goals, positively impacting ROI and shareholder value while building a strong reputation and competitive edge. Opportunity Downstream Short, Medium, Long-Term Operational scope 1 emissions NLB Group's own GHG emissions from electricity use, heating and of own real estate and use of own vehicles contribute to a rise in the GHG concentration in the atmosphere. This leads to changing climate patterns, including droughts, flooding and heatwaves, increase in average temperature and sea level rise. Impact - Actual Negative impact Own operations Short-term Operational scope 2 emissions from purchased electricity and heat and fuel for own vehicles NLB Group's downstream GHG emissions due to production of electricity and heating contribute to a rise in the GHG concentration in the atmosphere. This leads to changing climate patterns, including droughts, flooding and heatwaves, increase in average temperature and sea level rise. Impact - Actual Negative impact Downstream Short-term Operational scope 3 emissions (limited categories) NLB Group's indirect emissions related to employee travel to and from work, and to business travels, contribute to a rise in the GHG concentration in the atmosphere. This leads to changing climate patterns, including droughts, flooding and heatwaves, increase in average temperature and sea level rise. Impact - Actual Negative impact Own operations Short-term Operational scope 3 emissions from bought goods and services (supply chain) NLB Group's indirect emissions related to the carbon footprint of purchased goods and services from the supply chain, contribute to a rise in the GHG concentration in the atmosphere. This leads to changing climate patterns, including droughts, flooding and heatwaves, increase in average temperature and sea level rise. Impact - Actual Negative impact Downstream Short-term Financed emissions from loan activity Financed emissions related to lending to retail clients, governments and corporates contribute to a rise in the GHG concentration in the atmosphere, and form the largest share of NLB Group's total GHG emissions. This leads to changing climate patterns, including droughts, flooding and heatwaves, increase in average temperature and sea level rise. Impact - Actual Negative impact Downstream Short-term Financed emissions of asset and wealth management operations Financed emissions related to asset and wealth management, and related investments, contribute to a rise in the GHG concentration in the atmosphere. This leads to changing climate patterns, including droughts, flooding and heatwaves, increase in average temperature and sea level rise. Impact - Actual Negative impact Downstream Short-term ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 220 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 13: Climate – related impacts, risks, and opportunities (Energy) Material Sustainability Topic Name of IRO Description of IRO Type of IRO Location in the value chain Time horizon Energy Operational use of energy from zero-carbon sources Using energy from zero-carbon sources in operations reduces direct environmental impact and aligns with sustainability goals, while also mitigating risks like future carbon taxes and energy cost fluctuations. This transition enhances green credentials, lowers long-term operational costs, and appeals to stakeholders prioritizing environmental responsibility. Opportunity Own operations Short, Medium, Long-Term Need for green investments in renewables Green investments in renewables drive decarbonization, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and support long-term climate goals. They offer growth potential through clean energy innovations, meet regulatory demands, and align with increasing investor preferences for sustainable, environmentally conscious projects. Opportunity Downstream Short, Medium, Long-Term Need for investments in house renovation and energy efficient buildings Investments in house renovations and energy-efficient buildings lower energy consumption, reduce emissions, and increase property value. They support climate targets, meet evolving regulations, and attract demand from environmentally conscious buyers, while offering long-term savings and enhancing energy resilience. Opportunity Downstream Short, Medium, Long-Term Operational use of zero- carbon own vehicles Utilizing zero-carbon vehicles for operations reduces emissions, lowers operational costs, and enhances corporate sustainability efforts. This transition improves brand reputation, meets regulatory standards, and aligns with the growing consumer preference for environmentally friendly practices, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and responsible business model. Opportunity Own operations Short, Medium, Long-Term Operational energy use for heating and electricty in own real estate By using energy from non-renewable sources the company is contributing to environmental degradation (air pollution due to emission of air pollutants from fossil fuel combustion used for energy production). Impact - Actual Negative impact Own operations Short-term Operational use of energy from zero-carbon sources NLB Group is already purchasing over half of its energy from zero-carbon sources, thus reducing the negative environmental impacts related to combustion of fossil fuels, such as GHG emissions and air pollutant emissions. Impact - Potential Positive impact Own operations Medium-term Financing and leasing of convential vehicles By financing loans and lease of personal vehicles with internal combustion engines NLB Group is indirectly contributing to environmental degradation (air pollution due to emission of air pollutants from fossil fuel combustion). Impact - Actual Negative impact Downstream Short-term ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 221 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 14: Climate – related impacts, risks, and opportunities (Sustainable finance) Material Sustainability Topic Name of IRO Description of IRO Type of IRO Location in the value chain Time horizon Sustainable finance Sustainable lending products for retail banking Sustainable lending products for retail banking promote eco- friendly practices by offering favorable terms for environmentally responsible projects, such as energy-efficient home renovations or electric vehicle purchases. These products enhance customer loyalty, attract a growing segment of environmentally conscious consumers, and align with regulatory expectations, while supporting broader sustainability goals and fostering a positive brand image. Opportunity Downstream Short, Medium, Long-Term Green lending to corporates Green lending to corporates supports environmentally sustainable projects, such as renewable energy initiatives and energy-efficient upgrades. This approach mitigates climate risk, aligns with regulatory demands, and enhances corporate reputation while attracting socially responsible investors and fostering long-term partnerships for sustainable growth. Opportunity Downstream Short, Medium, Long-Term Green lending to corporates NLB Group is providing green lending to corporates and is aiming to significantly increase its volume of green lending to corporates. Green lending is a means to reduce the volume of financed emissions through financing of sustainable activities of corporate clients. Impact - Actual Positive impact Own operations Short-term Green leasing Green leasing structures lease agreements to promote sustainable practices and reduce environmental impacts, enabling the bank to support eco-friendly initiatives and attract conscious tenants. This approach enhances asset value, improves tenant satisfaction, and demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, ultimately contributing to long-term financial performance and a positive market reputation. Opportunity Downstream Short, Medium, Long-Term Sub-funds in investment banking and asset management Sub-funds which promote environmental and social characteristics, targeting companies and projects that prioritize sustainability and ESG criteria. These funds attract a growing base of socially conscious investors, enhance portfolio resilience against climate risks, and align with regulatory demands, ultimately supporting a shift toward sustainable finance and long-term value creation. Opportunity Downstream Short, Medium, Long-Term Sub-funds in investment banking and asset management NLB Group is offering investment opportunities in sub-funds in its asset management portfolios. This increases financing sustainable goals. Once implemeneted, financed activities will have a positive impact on the environment. Impact - Actual Positive impact Downstream Short-term Sustainable lending products for retail banking NLB Group is providing green lending to private individuals and micro companies. Green lending is a means to reduce the volume of financed emissions through financing of sustainable activities and purchases of private clients. Impact - Actual Positive impact Downstream Short-term Issuing of green bonds NLB Group has issued a green bond, raising several hundred million euros for financing sustainable projects. Sustainable projects, once implemented, will have a positive impact on the environment. The issuing of the green bond will have positive signalling effect on other banks and companies in the region. Impact - Actual Positive impact Own operations Short-term Issuing green bonds provides capital for environmentally sustainable projects, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and pollution reduction initiatives. This financing option enhances market reputation, attracts socially responsible investors, and demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, while also meeting growing regulatory expectations and supporting broader climate goals. Opportunity Downstream Short, Medium, Long-Term Financing of energy efficient buildings NLB Group is providing finance for energy efficient buildings and has committed to significantly increase its share of financing of most energy efficient buildings by 2030. Energy efficient buildings require less energy, thus contributing to lower need for energy, and to lower GHG emissions. Impact - Actual Positive impact Downstream Short-term ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 222 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report IRO-1 Identification and assessment of climate-related risks NLB Group conducts a materiality assessment as part of its overall risk identification process to determine the level of transition and physical risk to which NLB Group is exposed. In addition, NLB Group uses all disposable climate and environmental data and studies available for its region (namely those provided by different relevant state institutions) to determine the level of environmental risk to which NLB Group is exposed. In this process, identification of environmental risk factors, relevant transmission channels, and their materiality and impact on the Group’s financial performance in the short-, medium- and long-term period are assessed. NLB Group performs the materiality assessment in the following steps: • In the first step, the climate and other environmental risk drivers relevant for Slovenia and other countries where NLB Group is present are identified. Beside physical and transition risk, NLB Group also considers exposure to other environmental risks, such as ecosystem dependency and impact (including biodiversity risk). • In the next step, NLB Group defines the transmission channels to better understand how the climate and environmental risk drivers translate into traditional financial risk categories. • In the third step, NLB Group assesses the probability and impact of each identified risk driver, using internal and external sources and methodologies. The assessment considers the geographic location and industry (segment) of the counterparty. • Furthermore, NLB Group assesses how other factors (sources of variability) which determine the probability or the size of the impact, so- called amplifiers, mitigants, and geographical heterogeneity, impact its operations. • In the final step, the materiality of the impact is assessed. Considering probability and impact score, final vulnerability score is determined and assigned to each exposure. A heatmap tool is used for representation of vulnerability to each climate and environmental risk driver. In line with the internal risk management rules and procedures, NLB Group uses a 5-level scale for assessing climate-related physical and transition risk drivers and other environmental risk drivers: 1 Low 2 Moderately Low 3 Moderate 4 Moderately High 5 High A detailed assessment of each category is performed separately and will be described in the following chapters. First, an extensive materiality assessment of physical and transition risk was performed during 2023 and updated 2024. The methodology for assessment of other environmental risks was changed in 2024, hence the new materiality assessment was performed as of 30 June 2024 and updated as of 31 December 2024. Real estate plays an important role in the debate on the transition to a carbon-neutral economy. NLB Group’s evaluation process for ESG risk management in collateral is focused on real estate climate transition and physical risks. Identification and materiality of specific ESG risks for real estate in collateral is assessed through NLB Group’s methodology for environmental risks. Climate transition and physical risks are measured through real estate energy performance data and collateral location data. Physical risk Each of the identified physical risk drivers (presented in the previous chapter) is assessed from a probability (likelihood) and impact perspective. The assessment is performed in line with internally developed methodology, which relies on available climate and environmental data (including insurance companies’ loss statistics), vulnerability and climate studies available for the region (provided by different relevant state institutions), and expert judgement. While the probability of a severe physical risk event is evaluated based on the location (NUTS-3 level mapping) of the exposure, the impact of such an event relies more on the industry (segment) of the counterparty. Probability and impact scores are then combined into a vulnerability score. For Residential Mortgages, the Group assesses flood risk by using flood maps, which means that the exact flood risk level is determined based on the micro location (exact geospatial coordinates) of the real estate. Climate scenarios Assessment was performed for the short-term, medium- term, and long-term period. While studies and scenarios mainly project temperature and climate change until 2100 and climate change is a slow and gradual process, the Group has defined the time horizons for assessment of physical risks as follows: • Short term: until 2030 • Mid-term: 2030–2050 • Long-term: 2050–2100. Such assessment is used in the budget, forecast, or stress test process based on the defined time parimeter and maturity of the exposure. In relation to physical risk, the Group considers two different climate scenarios in the long-term period (after 2050), namely pessimistic RCP 8.5 and optimistic RCP 2.6 scenarios. Based on these two scenarios, impact assessments were performed for different physical risks and were used in the materiality assessment. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 223 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report A Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) is a greenhouse gas concentration (not emissions) trajectory adopted by the IPCC. Four pathways were used for climate modelling and research for the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) in 2014. The pathways describe different climate change scenarios, all of which are considered possible depending on the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted in the years to come. The RCPs—originally RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5, RCP 6, and RCP 8.5—are labelled after a possible range of radiative forcing values in the year 2100 (2.6, 4.5, 6, and 8.5 W/m 2 , respectively). The Group decided to use RCP 2.6 scenario, which is a "very stringent" pathway scenario, and RCP 8.5 scenario which assumes emissions will continue to rise throughout the 21 st century. In the short-term period, the use of different climate scenarios for assessment of physical risk was assessed as not material and therefore not considered. Long- term assessment of physical risk, considering both scenarios described, relies on the findings of climate studies performed for our region and different studies performed by the EU Joint Research Centre (JRC) where different climate scenarios were considered. Findings of the materiality assessment of physical risk Key findings on the latest assessment as of 31 December 2024: • Short-term exposure to physical risk is not material; however, it is expected to increase gradually due to climate change. • Over the medium-term horizon, the level of physical risk is assessed as moderately low. • Over the long-term horizon, considering the RCP 2.6 scenario, the level of physical risk is higher, although still at the moderately low level. Considering the RCP 8.5 scenario, the level of physical risk over the long-term is increased and assessed as moderate. • From the materiality perspective we can conclude that floods and drought are currently the only material risk driver in certain industries and regions. Other events are not material from a financial perspective, though they cannot be completely neglected. Chronic risk is also not determined as a material risk in the short- and medium-term. From the perspective of direct corporate exposure, mostly the Agriculture sector in some countries is materially exposed to physical risk (high and moderately high level of drought) in the mid-term horizon. Vulnerability to physical risk in other industries is less material. Within the short- and medium-term horizon, no exposure is allocated to the high-risk bucket. Considering the long-term horizon, 7% of the corporate portfolio is allocated to the high-risk bucket under the RCP 2.6 scenario and 17% under the RCP 8.5 scenario, which remains on the same level as in 2023. The impacts of climate change on physical risk exposure of NLB Group’s credit portfolio and business model (sensitivity) The most relevant natural disasters are drought and floods, while hail- and windstorms are also frequent but less material. However, we can expect that its impact will increase in the long run if no adequate policy changes are implemented in a timely manner. Other events are not material for the region and the Group’s business model. A model for assessing flood risk based on national and EU flood risk zones was developed – determining flood risk on the actual location of the real estate collateral; a model for other countries, where NLB Group is present, is in development. For all collaterals in our portfolio, flood risk based on micro location (high, moderately high, moderate, moderately low, low) is expected to be determined. Based on the analysed data, floods and drought do cause material losses, but they do not have a material effect on the Group’s portfolio. Chronic physical risks in Slovenia are assessed as immaterial to the Bank’s collateral exposure. Some past losses in the region were observed in public infrastructure and agriculture, but such losses were mostly reimbursed by the government (impact on sovereign debt). Further on, as supported by insurance statistics, many losses caused by physical risk are covered by insurance which also limits the impact of these risks on the Bank’s performance. The Group’s credit portfolio is well diversified (from the industry and location perspectives) which reduces the impact of such events. Stress tests performed on the portfolio level reveal that some losses could occur due to physical risk, though with no significant impact on the Group’s performance. The impacts of climate change on physical risk exposure of collateral and real estate These impacts could arise from both an increase of extreme weather events (acute impacts) as well as from gradual global warming (chronic impacts). A model for assessing acute flood risk based on national (Slovenian) flood risk zones and EU flood risk zones (NLB Group members) was developed – determining flood risk on the actual location of the real estate in collateral. For all collaterals in the Slovenian portfolio, flood risk (high, moderately high, moderate, moderately low, low) was determined; flood risk assessment on the micro location of real estate for NLB Group members is still upgrading as countries have different available data. Currently other physical climate risks are assessed through NLB Group methodology for environmental risks as not material to the Bank’s collateral exposure. NLB is in the process of obtaining flood end other physical risk exposure for all the collateral portfolio in NLB and NLB Group. Measures for reducing the climate physical risk of collateral are part of the credit approval process. Transition risk The assessment of transition risk is focused on the mid-time horizon. It is based on the assumption that the transition to a low-carbon economy will materialize by 2050, and that transition risk will peak in the mid- term horizon (2030–2050) as defined by the Group. Afterwards the level of transition risk is expected to decrease. The assessment of transition risk factors is based on the UNEP FI methodology, which was elaborated by NLB Group to a more granular level. The methodology is combined with actual emission data of a counterparty or proxy emissions data. For Residential Mortgages the Group assesses transition risk by using energy performance certificate (EPC) labels, primary energy consumption and CO 2 emissions, and other information derived from the EPC. The methodology assumes full implementation of the Net-Zero 2050 scenario. Other less optimistic scenarios (slower transition) are not considered in the materiality assessment of transition risk, while the level of transition risk is lower in such cases. However, the Group uses different scenarios in the climate stress test, which is described within the resilience analysis. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 224 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Findings of the materiality assessment of transition risk Key findings on the latest assessment as of 31 December 2024: • Transition risk is already recognized as a material risk driver and is expected to reach its peak over the mid- term horizon. • Over the short-term horizon, the level of transition risk is assessed as moderately low. • Over the mid-term horizon, the level of transition risk will increase to moderate level. • Over the long-term horizon, the level of transition risk is expected to start decreasing. • As such, exposure to transition risk over the long-term horizon is less material, therefore the focus of the materiality assessment is the mid-term horizon. Using UNEP-FI methodology for classification of transition risk, only 4% of the corporate portfolio is allocated to the high-risk bucket and 11% to the moderately high risk bucket. 40% of the portfolio is allocated to the low or moderately low risk bucket and the remaining part is allocated to the moderate-risk bucket. • From the industry perspective, above-moderate exposures are in manufacturing, the wholesale and retail trade, and the construction and electricity production sectors in Slovenia and Serbia.Such exposures are less material in Kosovo and other countries. For these sectors, direct and indirect emission cost factors are contributing to the above- average risk score, although many industries will also be heavily impacted by capital expenditure needs (higher, above average, CAPEX risk score). Country-wise, the overall transition risk is the lowest in Slovenia and highest in Serbia, even though the UNEP-FI methodology is not country specific. In countries other than Slovenia (the rest of NLB Group), we expect delayed transition. This means lower short- term risk and faster transition in the mid-term period and hence higher risk in the mid-term period. The impacts of climate change on transition risk exposure of NLB Group’s credit portfolio nd business model (sensitivity) Transition risks already arise in the short term due to the EU’s determination reduce carbon emissions in accordance with its ambitious net-zero by 2050 strategy. With the implementation of NLB Group’s Net-Zero Strategy in 2023 it is expected that the impacts of transition risks will gradually diminish in the long run. Nevertheless, the Group assessed transition risk as more of a material than a physical risk. This can already be observed through higher energy and emission costs. There are certain industries which are directly or indirectly related to fossil fuels and such industries are considered riskier. The level of transition risk does not depend only on the industry itself but also on the companies (ESG awareness, strategy, efficiency, etc.) and their location (outside the EU there is less regulation). On the portfolio level, the Group does not face any large concentration of specific NACE industrial sectors exposed to climate risk, whereby the role of transitional risk is more prevalent. Based on industry segmentation of the portfolio and corresponding emissions, the Group has relatively low exposure to emissions-intensive sectors in its corporate clients’ business. There is some exposure in more emissions-intensive industries, such as energy, transportation, industry, and agriculture; however, exposure to clients with high emissions is rather limited. As part of its strategy, NLB Group does not finance companies that extract fossil fuels or operate coal-fired power plants. In Residential Mortgages the most important input for GHG calculation are the buildings’ energy performance certificates. In its initial round of NZBA targets, NLB Group has focused on fossil-fuel-based and highly energy-intensive sectors, such as Power Generation and Iron and Steel, and other sectors where the Bank has substantial emissions and/or exposure and available data. These include Residential Mortgages and Commercial Real Estate. Defined net-zero targets are regularly followed. Activities are underway for setting the second round of NZBA targets for sectors such as transport and agriculture. The impacts of climate change on transition risk exposure of collateral and real estate NLB Group's Net-Zero Disclosure Report outlines the Group’s commitments regarding real estate, specifically Residential Real Estate (RRE) and Commercial Real Estate (CRE) as they represent an important part of exposure and financed emissions. The Group is dedicated to reducing financed emissions in these sectors as part of its broader goal to achieve net-zero emissions and through that reduce exposure to climate transition risk. Therefore, specific targets are set for reducing emissions from our real estate portfolio, which includes both RRE and CRE. The Group is committed to integrating sustainability criteria into its lending and investment decisions. This approach ensures that the Group’s real estate financing supports the transition to a low-carbon economy and aligns with overall sustainability goals. Energy performance certificates provide banks with relevant information on the energy efficiency of buildings in collateral and exposure to climate transition risk, so an EPC data collection initiative is in force. NLB Group uses different sources and methods to obtain data on EPC of the real estate in collateral as the Group is present on EU and non-EU markets. On the Slovenian market there is the publicly available EPC database from the Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning and the full national base is periodically matched with NLB’s real estate in collateral; proxy EPC were also developed for collateral stock based on the national database. For new production information on EPCs is also collected from the borrower at loan origination and included in the NLB database, and official EPC has been mandatory for new residential mortgage loans for private individuals since the end of 2023 (before that only in cases when EPC was mandatory according to Slovenian law) which will, in time, increase the share of official EPC data. In other non-EU countries multiple difficulties were discovered during the EPC data collection initiative. In some countries EPCs are not established in the local legislation (e.g. Kosovo), while in others EPCs do exist but are not enforced by local law. NLB Group proactively acts on those markets so that official and proxy calculations of EPC and other energy performance documents are obtained where possible. All missing EPCs in the NLB and NLB Group portfolio are periodically modelled based on available characteristics of real estate in collateral (specifically for each country). Additional measures are in development to increase the share of official EPC data on all markets. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 225 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Overview of vulnerability to physical and transition risk by country and by industry The results of the materiality assessment of transition and physical risk over the medium-term horizon, as explained in the previous chapters, are presented in the following two charts. The first chart shows the exposure of the corporate portfolio to physical and transition risk by country, and the second by industry. Other environmental risk In addition to physical and transition risk assessment, NLB Group has conducted an assessment of other environmental risk on the Group level. Besides EBRD methodology, the Bank also uses the ENCORE knowledge database, which provides assessment of other environmental risks from the dependency (depletion of resources, ecosystem service disruption, biodiversity loss, climate change impact) and impact perspective (pollution, land use and habitat degradation). The ENCORE knowledge database provides a mapping tool to link specific economic sectors to their natural capital dependencies and impacts. It also provides a risk matrix that categorizes risks by their risk drivers, severity, and likelihood. Using the ENCORE database we have linked the environmental risks to our credit portfolio to determine the vulnerabilities. For economic activities where ENCORE assessment is not available (e.g. Wholesale and Retail Trade), EBRD methodology is applied. ENCORE does not provide the assessment over the different time horizons and does not consider different climate scenarios. Therefore, the assessment of other environmental risk based on ENCORE and EBRD methodology is defined as mid-term horizon assessment. However, other sources like the Aqueduct Water Risk atlas can be used to surpass this deficiency and to address each specific risk. Combining ENCORE and the Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas, assessment of water stress risk over different time horizons and climate scenarios was performed. 3.2 3.0 2.8 2.6 2.4 2.4 2.0 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 Slovenia Serbia North Macedonia Montenegro Kosovo Bosnia and Herzegovina Other Physical Risk 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 A C G L I B F K H M-S E D BIH Kosovo Montenegro North Macedonia Serbia Slovenia Other Physical Risk Figure 8: NLB Group physical and transition risk by country (as of 31 December 2024) Figure 9: NLB Group physical and transition risk by industry (as of 31 December 2024) Transition Risk Transition Risk A Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing B Minning and Quarring C Manufacturing D Electricity, gas, steam and air condiioning supply E Watter supply, sewerage, waste managment and remedetion activities F Construction G Wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycle H Transportation and storage I Accomodation and food service activities K Financial and insurance activities L Real estate activities Other: J, M-S ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 226 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 5,0 4,0 3,0 2,0 1,0 0.0 0,5 1 1,5 2 2,5 3 3,5 4 4,5 5 Findings of the materiality assessment of other environmental risk NLB Group a performed the materiality assessment of other environmental risk as of 31 December 2024. Key findings were as follows: • Short-term exposure to other environmental risk is not material; however, it is expected to gradually increase and will reach its peak in the mid-term horizon. • Over the medium-term horizon, the level of other environmental risk is assessed as moderately low. • In contrast to transition risk, other environmental risk is not expected to decrease in the long-term. • ENCORE methodology (combined with EBRD methodology) was applied to the corporate portfolio. 17% of the portfolio is allocated to the above-moderate risk level, of which 8% is allocated to the high-risk bucket. 26% of exposure is allocated to the moderate risk level and the remaining 57% is allocated to the low or moderately low risk bucket. The impacts of climate change on other environmental risk exposure of the portfolio Exposure to other environmental risk (dependency on ecosystem services, including biodiversity loss, and impact on the ecosystem), is not material in the short run, though its long-term potential impact is taken into consideration. In the short-term and mid-term horizon risk from the impact perspective prevails while economic activities that cause harm to the environment will be subject to increased regulatory scrutiny. In the long-term horizon dependency perspective should also be considered due to possible nature degradation, also driven by climate change. Considering the impact, dependency, and materiality perspectives, mainly Agriculture is significantly vulnerable to other environmental risks. Other industries are less affected, although there are some specific industries which are either dependent on certain natural assets or are negatively impacting the environment and will be subject to greater regulatory scrutiny. The main exposure in the Agriculture sector is in Serbia; therefore, Serbia is more vulnerable to other environmental risks than other countries in our portfolio. This can be observed from the charts below, which represent the materiality of other environmental risk from the impact and dependency perspectives. Only exposures where impact and dependency assessment is available in the ENCORE database are shown. 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 Other Slovenia Serbia Montenegro North Macedonia Kosovo Dependency Bosnia and Herzegovina Figure 10: NLB Group dependency and impact risk by country (as of 31 December 2024) Impact A Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing C Manufacturing I Real estateactivities B Minning and Quarring E Construction H Financial and insurance activities F Transportation and storage J Other Dependency D Electricity, gas, steam and air condiioning supply G Accomodation and food service activities Figure 11: NLB Group dependency and impact risk by industry (as of 31 December 2024) Impact BIH Kosovo Montenegro North Macedonia Serbia Slovenia Other A Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing B Minning and Quarring C Manufacturing D Electricity, gas, steam and air condiioning supply E Construction F Transportation and storage G Accomodation and food service activities H Financial and insurance activities I Real estate activities Other: J, M-S ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiIHN0YW5kYWxvbmU9Im5vIj8+CjwhRE9DVFlQRSBzdmcgUFVCTElDICItLy9XM0MvL0RURCBTVkcgMS4xLy9FTiIKImh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnL0dyYXBoaWNzL1NWRy8xLjEvRFREL3N2ZzExLmR0ZCI+Cjxzdmcgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDE4MTggMTI4NiIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIj4KPGRlZnM+CjxzdHlsZSB0eXBlPSJ0ZXh0L2NzcyI+PCFbQ0RBVEFbCi5nMF8yMjd7CmZpbGw6ICMyMzAwNzg7Cn0KLmcxXzIyN3sKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjMjMwMDc4OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDMuMDU1OwpzdHJva2UtbGluZWNhcDogcm91bmQ7CnN0cm9rZS1saW5lam9pbjogcm91bmQ7Cn0KLmcyXzIyN3sKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjQTc5OUM5OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDcuNjM4OwpzdHJva2UtbGluZWNhcDogcm91bmQ7Cn0KXV0+PC9zdHlsZT4KPC9kZWZzPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTUwMC42LDExMy43YzM3LjcsMCw2OC4yLC0zMC42LDY4LjIsLTY4LjJjMCwtMzcuNywtMzAuNSwtNjguMSwtNjguMiwtNjguMWMtMzcuNywwLC02OC4yLDMwLjQsLTY4LjIsNjguMWMwLDM3LjYsMzAuNSw2OC4yLDY4LjIsNjguMloiIGNsYXNzPSJnMF8yMjciLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTE1MDAuNiwxMzk5LjljMzcuNywwLDY4LjIsLTMwLjUsNjguMiwtNjguMmMwLC0zNy43LC0zMC41LC02OC4yLC02OC4yLC02OC4yYy0zNy43LDAsLTY4LjIsMzAuNSwtNjguMiw2OC4yYzAsMzcuNywzMC41LDY4LjIsNjguMiw2OC4yWiIgY2xhc3M9ImcwXzIyNyIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTYwNi44LDExNjMuMmwtMTMuNywxMC43djE2LjhjMCwuOCwuMywxLjYsLjksMi4yYy41LC41LDEuMywuOCwyLjEsLjhoMjEuNGMuOCwwLDEuNiwtLjMsMi4yLC0uOGMuNSwtLjYsLjksLTEuNCwuOSwtMi4ydi0xNi44bC0xMy44LC0xMC43Wm0tNC42LDMwLjV2LTE1LjJoOS4ydjE1LjIiIGNsYXNzPSJnMV8yMjciLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTU0OS41LDU0OS41djYyMi45TTEwMDQuMiw5NC44VjExMTEuMyIgY2xhc3M9ImcyXzIyNyIvPgo8L3N2Zz4=) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 227 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report E1-2 Policies related to climate change mitigation and adaptation NLB Group’s transition plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 is underpinned by a comprehensive set of policies that manage emissions-intensive and climate-vulnerable activities. A key implementation is the adoption of policies and internal acts that integrate climate mitigation and adaptation into core financing operations, such as loan origination, underwriting, risk management, and its own operations. These policies ensure that climate-related risks and opportunities are embedded in decision-making processes, guiding the approval of loans and investments in alignment with the Group’s Net-Zero targets. They focus on the phase-out of GHG-intensive assets by: • reducing exposure to high-emission sectors in line with emissions reduction targets, • climate-related lending and investment by integrating climate-related criteria to ensure financed projects contribute to emissions reduction, • portfolio engagement by supporting clients’ transition to a low-carbon economy with climate transition plans and aligned projects, • and safeguards against adverse impacts by ensuring all transactions and investments adhere to environmental and social governance standards to minimize negative environmental consequences. NLB Group has also established a range of policies focusing on reducing emissions in its own operations and enhancing energy efficiency. Climate-related risk management policies The risk management function defines rules about risk appetite, risk strategy, credit risk, and other risk-related topics, which are embedded in policies and other internal acts. Unless stated otherwise, all presented policies in this chapter apply to all NLB Group core financial members, and their management boards are the most senior level responsible for their implementation. At the operational level, employees in various departments in corporate banking, risk management, restructuring, and others have to adhere to rules and procedures. The policies are available to employees in the register of internal acts, while affected clients are informed about their contents through communication in sales procedures, due diligence, and agreements. Risk Appetite and Lending Policy Content and purpose: Integrates sustainable finance and ESG risks into the business strategy, with a focus on phasing out coal industry financing and setting net-zero targets for high-emission sectors. ESG Exclusion List (on the NLB website) Content and purpose: Identifies sectors and risky investments such as coal, oil, and deforestation for exclusion from NLB’s financing portfolio. GHG Emissions Data Collection and Assessment Content and purpose: Mandates data collection for clients with significant exposure, tracking carbon intensity and ensuring progress toward sector-specific emissions reduction targets. Criteria and Procedures for Granting Transactions to Legal and Private Entities in NLB and NLB Group Content and purpose: Defines transaction approval criteria, emphasizing risk assessment, client cooperation, and operational standardization. It applies to legal and private entities but excludes private individuals and treasury transactions. The policy aligns with NLB Group Code of Conduct, Anti- Corruption, AML, ESG Due Diligence frameworks, and EBRD/MIGA standards. Collaboration with clients, regulators, and internal teams ensures compliance. Environmental and Social Transaction Categorization Methodology Framework in NLB and NLB Group Content and purpose: This policy assesses and manages environmental and social risks in transactions, promoting responsible practices among corporate clients of NLB and other banking members, excluding retail financing but covering individuals in business activities. It addresses climate change mitigation, water resource sustainability, circular economy transition, pollution prevention, and biodiversity protection while identifying and managing associated risks. Monitoring includes exclusion list screening, compliance checks, project categorization, ESG risk assessment, and continuous oversight of transactions. NLB and NLB Group Lending Policy for Non-Financial Companies Content and purpose: The policy defines transaction approval principles based on client creditworthiness, industry concentration, ESG factors, and financing purpose, reflecting NLB Group’s risk appetite. It aims to generate value while avoiding speculative transactions. Monitoring includes creditworthiness assessment, ESG compliance, collateral requirements, and ongoing oversight. The policy guides employees on responsible lending practices and governance. Lending Policy for Specific Client Segments in NLB and NLB Group Content and purpose: The policy defines reference frameworks and principles for approving transactions for specific client segments, including municipalities, state-owned enterprises, international corporates, project finance, and farmers. It complements the Lending Policy for Non-Financial Companies by specifying rules for these segments. It addresses risks related to creditworthiness, industry concentration, ESG factors, and financing purposes, ensuring value generation while avoiding speculation. Monitoring includes credit assessments, ESG compliance, collateral requirements, and ongoing oversight. The policy guides employees on governance, sustainability, and compliance. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 228 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report General Methodology for Credit Rating Classification in NLB and NLB Group Content and purpose: The methodology defines credit rating classification of legal entities and entrepreneurs, excluding clients subject to specialized methodologies. It is based on financial and qualitative indicators, risk assessment, and creditworthiness evaluation, integrating ESG factors. Monitoring includes regular rating updates, qualitative assessments, and ESG risk adjustments. The policy guides employees on credit assessment and risk governance. Climate change and energy-related policies NLB Group Carbon Footprint Measurement and Reporting Policy Content and purpose: The policy defines the measurement, management, and reporting of the NLB Group’s operational performance in terms of CO 2 emissions (Scope 1, Scope 2, and limited Scope 3). The policy follows the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Standard, specifically the Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard, prepared by the World Resources Institute/World Business Council for Sustainable Development. Until 2024, the external assurance of the carbon footprint report was done by the Jozef Stefan Institute, and the calculations verification protocol was ISO 14064-3:2019: Greenhouse gases - Part 3: Specification with guidance for the validation and verification of GHG assertions. General objectives of the policy are the following: 1. To reduce CO 2 emissions footprint from own operations and hence contribute to the fight against global warming. 2. To comply with regulatory demands. 3. To set climate-related KPIs. 4. To identify the largest emission sources and take adequate measures for cost-effective reduction. 5. To achieve the ultimate goal of being carbon neutral by no later than 2050. 6. To meet the needs of external and internal stakeholders. 7. To improve corporate reputation and accountability through public disclosure and leadership. NLB Group Real Estate Strategy Content and purpose: The strategy refers to the entire portfolio of NLB Group real estates (RE) and is divided into three main pillars: in-use RE, run-off RE, and development RE. The sustainable emphasis in the document focuses on investments in energy- efficient sources, using energy from renewable sources, and decreasing the amount of waste to reduce the operational carbon footprint. A special sustainability team within the real estate area is to be established with the responsibility of optimizing in-use RE. In addition to the already mentioned priorities, it would focus on upgrading the RE databases with environmental KPIs and predicting measures to reach set targets based on already executed measurements and the targets set in 2025. Further to this, space optimizations (including digitalization and remote work possibilities) and space demands are also incorporated, with all eventual excess space in premises and non-business-related premises to be monetized or used as part of local social responsibility projects. Each NLB Group member is responsible for the implementation of the strategy in its entity. Sustainable Car Fleet Management and Company Car Policy Content and purpose: The policy responds to the NLB Operational Emissions Net-Zero Strategy and supplements the policy on measuring and reporting operational carbon footprint. It defines the assumptions and emission model for achieving the NLB Group's operational net-zero emissions by 2050. The policy’s main goals are oriented towards using cleaner fuels and technologies, electrifying the internal NLB Group fleet, and considering the limitations of the electric car park (efficient charging infrastructure and range). It further sets the foundation for cooperation with external and contracted suppliers. The policy is adopted at the NLB Group level, where NLB is the policy owner and NLB Lease&Go is in the role of a steering function. Each NLB Group member is responsible for the adoption and implementation of the policy in its local entity. Regulation on Work from Home Content and purpose: The regulation outlines prerequisite conditions and regulations for work from different locations (home or abroad). It specifically addresses the relevance, procedures to gain this right, detailed health and safety regulations, data protection, and information infrastructure specifications, and follows all national health and safety regulations. It concerns all employees in NLB whose nature of work allows for work from home. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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"/>
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"/>
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"/>
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"/>
</svg>) For more than a decade, the NLB Youth Sports project has been supporting dozens of sports clubs in many disciplines, taking more than 10,000 young people to sports fields every year, promoting fair play, responsible behaviour and a healthy lifestyle. We help build resilience and strengthen values such as discipline, responsibility and cooperation. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 230 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Net-Zero portfolio strategy Establishing an emissions baseline for target setting and lever identification NLB Group’s net-zero journey aligns with the NZBA 7 Guidelines for Climate Target Setting for Banks , focusing on defining key sectors, levers, and establishing a comprehensive emissions baseline. In establishing the baseline for defining key sectors and levers for the management of portfolio financed emissions, NLB Group aligns its reporting and target-setting processes with distinct regulatory frameworks. The total financed emissions disclosed publicly follow the Pillar III Basel framework , as defined by the European Banking Authority (EBA), focusing primarily on non-financial corporations and exposures in the banking book. This provides transparency on risk and corporate exposure. For target-setting and the establishment of an emissions baseline, NLB Group refers to the broader perimeter of the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) guidelines, which extend to a wider range of counterparties, including general governments, credit institutions, other financial corporations, non-financial corporations, and households. For the 2021 baseline established in the 2023 target setting exercise, the total financed emissions, under the NZBA framework, of NLB Group amount to 2,516 kilotons of CO 2 . This includes Scope 1 and Scope 2 client emissions from the Bank’s lending portfolio, as well as financed emissions from the Bank’s investment portfolio, encompassing both debt and equity investments. The implementation of the CSRD mandates a significant number of clients to report on their emissions. This, in turn, will enable the Bank to progressively incorporate the Scope 3 emissions of its clients into its financed emissions baseline. NLB Group remains committed to evolving its methodologies and refining its commitments in a dynamic process requiring continuous resource allocation and adaptation. Baseline breakdown by asset class Nearly 50% of baseline emissions are linked to sovereign bond exposure. However, significant concern arises from the methodological double-counting in financed emissions, as emissions from clients, previously accounted for in corporate and retail loans, are included redundantly when aggregating at a national level within sovereign bond emissions. For the sovereign bond portfolio, GHG emissions for 2020 were applied, with Scope 1 emissions attributed using GDP adjusted by PPP. The lack of consensus on metrics and methods for calculating country-level emissions presents challenges, particularly in deciding whether to include governmental, territorial, production, or consumption emissions, and whether to account for LULUCF. The time lag in verifying data further complicates the process. As a result, the decarbonization process is expected to unfold indirectly, with limited practical approaches currently available. Emissions are concentrated in Slovenia and Serbia, which together account for nearly 80% of total financed emissions, primarily due to financial exposure rather than carbon intensity. Figure 12: NLB Group baseline 2021, split by asset class and entity, Total 2.516 ktCO 2 49% Sovereign bonds 46% Corporate loans Mortgages 5% Car loans 1% NLB d.d 39% 38% NLB Komercijalna Banka, Beograd NLB Banka, Skopje 8% 5% NLB Banka, Banja Luka 3% NLB Banka, Sarajevo NLB Banka, Prishtina 5% 2% NLB Banka, Podgorica 0% Lease & Go E1-3 Actions and resources related to climate change mitigation and adaptation Figure 13: NLB Group baseline 2021 split by asset class and entity (total=2,516 ktCO 2 ) 7 Guidelines for Climate Target Setting for Banks ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 231 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Figure 14: Split of NLB Group financed emissions by 10 NZBA priority sectors (ktCO 2 ) 564 251 NLB Group Power Commercial Real Estate Iron & Steel Residential Real Estate Agriculture Road Freight Transport Aluminium Oil & Gas 0% Cement 0% Coal 4% 1% 19% 31% 3% 4% 18% 19% 8% 9% 41% 42% Key identified levers Among the 10 carbon-intensive priority sectors eligible under NZBA, approximately 95% of financed emissions are concentrated within six specific sectors: Agriculture, Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Road Freight Transport, Iron & Steel, and Power Generation. In the agricultural sector, there is currently no well- established net-zero pathway. Moreover, the sector exhibits significant heterogeneity, encompassing a diverse range of activities such as crops, livestock, fishing, and forestry. Obtaining client-level data proves challenging due to its limited availability, primarily because a substantial portion of the portfolio is concentrated among smaller companies. In road freight transport, challenges related to data are analogous to those encountered in agriculture. Furthermore, there are no anticipated short-term technological advances in the near future. The progress in these two sectors will be monitored, with specific targets for each sector expected to be disclosed in the second phase of target setting. The Oil & Gas, Cement, Coal, and Aluminium sectors were excluded from the first round of target setting due to their non-material exposure, both in terms of emissions and financial impact within NLB Group's portfolio. Therefore, for the initial set of net-zero targets, NLB Group set objectives for the four sectors considered most significant in terms of emissions, along with the financial exposure to these sectors. The four sectors collectively contribute to approximately 50% of financed emissions within the prioritized sectors identified by the NZBA. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 232 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Key actions Building on the established baseline, NLB Group's decarbonization strategy targets the most carbon- intensive sectors identified in the first round of target setting, namely Power Generation, Iron & Steel, and Commercial & Residential Real Estate. Key actions, outlined below, focus on reducing emissions in these sectors, which represent a significant share of the Group’s financed emissions. • Data Collection – Enhancement of data collection processes to obtain reliable emissions data from clients, with a focus on key emission sources (Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3). • Methodology Improvements – Continuous refinement of calculation and monitoring processes to ensure alignment with evolving regulatory frameworks and industry best practices. • Portfolio Monitoring – The establishment of portfolio monitoring for emissions intensity to track progress and ensure effective steering of commitments in carbon-intensive sectors. • Client Engagement – Engagement with clients across relevant sectors to implement decarbonization plans, ensuring alignment with NLB Group's targets and facilitating the transition to low-carbon alternatives. • Portfolio Steering and Capital Allocation – Focused financing activities in key sectors based on set targets, with a commitment to mobilize EUR 1.9 billion in sustainable and transition financing by 2030. Robust data collection is essential for tracking progress across the portfolio and enabling effective action where reliable data is available to drive measurable impact. Specific actions are tailored to each sector, addressing unique decarbonization challenges. In Power Generation, the focus is on supporting clients' transition through renewable energy projects and plant upgrades. In Iron & Steel, NLB Group will facilitate the adoption of low-emission technologies by financing credible transition plans. For Commercial Real Estate, NLB d.d. prioritizes the financing of energy-efficient new builds and promoting the retrofitting of existing properties. In Residential Real Estate, NLB d.d. aims to support energy-efficient homes and retrofitting efforts through green financing solutions. Sector-specific key actions, levers, and achieved GHG reductions for the transition plan implementation are further elaborated under Disclosure E1-4 , alongside sector-specific targets and disclosures. Operational emissions Net-Zero strategy The operational Emissions Net-Zero Strategy is fully in line with the Paris Agreement (1.5 °C temperature increase) trajectory. Methodologically, the Operational Strategy is built on Greenhouse Gas Protocol and it incorporates the Bank's commitment to become net-zero by 2050 (NZBA), while fulfilling the requirements of the SBTi. Also, relevant EU legislation with an impact to reduce the potential of GHG emissions has been transferred into principles and assumptions of the NLB Group operational emission model and reduction target setting 8 . Establishing an operational emissions baseline Even though NLB Group started to report its operational carbon footprint already in 2021 for the period 2019– 2021, the Operational Emissions Net-zero Strategy has been harmonized with the Portfolio Net-Zero Strategy and sets its baseline year to 2021. The Strategy was prepared according to the internationally recognized carbon footprint corporate reporting standard, the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. For the purpose of calculation of NLB Group’s carbon footprint the Corporate Standard (Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard) and Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting and Reporting Standard were used. In setting the approach for consolidating GHG emissions, NLB Group followed the accounting principles and hence used the financial control approach in terms of setting organizational boundaries. The calculation was made using key principles as introduced by the GHG Protocol: relevance, completeness, consistency, transparency, and accuracy. To provide the highest level of the adoption of key principles, a centralized approach was used for data gathering and calculation, i.e. data were gathered and calculated on the individual group member level and reported to the corporate level, where the total NLB Group GHG emissions were calculated. 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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 233 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Operational emissions model NLB Group’s operational emissions model has been prepared based on the Paris Agreement 1.5°C trajectory, the EU’s climate change mitigation obligations, input data from carbon footprint calculations, assumptions on the level of each emission source, and various already planned emissions reduction activities. The model provides a tool to explore potential changes in net- zero and intermediate targets using potentially stricter emissions targets or requirements. NLB Group’s net-zero emissions baseline GHG emissions account for 35,804 t CO 2 eq in 2021 for all reported scopes (considering the number of NLB Group members at the time). Projected possible reductions have been determined to guide the implementation and operational strategy. Using the NLB Group emissions model and relevant assumptions, along with planned activities and legislative measures, significant reductions in emissions are anticipated by 2050 and 2030 compared to the baseline year 2021. The strategy trajectories follow the EU proposal, which is in -line with the Paris Agreement, to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030 and 90% by 2040 (EU target proposal). The highest emissions reduction is to be achieved in Scope 2.1, electricity usage. NLB Group recognizes the immediate need to start preparing everything necessary to reach demanding net-zero and intermediate targets and start implementing the NLB Group Operational Emissions Net-Zero Strategy. Scope 3.6 Scope 3.7 Transport model Electricity model Refrigerants model Vehicles model Building model NLB Group Emissions model Scope 1.1 Fuels Scope 1.2 Pasenger vehicles - fuels Special vehicles - fuels Scope 1.3 Refrigerants Scope 2.1 Electricity - El. vehicles Electricity offices Pasenger km Pasenger km Scope 2.2 Disctrict heating Scope 3.1 Paper/Water Scope 3.5 Waste Figure 15: Structure of the NLB Group Net-Zero Operational Emissions Model ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 234 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 15: Key energy efficiency and emission reduction measures File of operation Measure category Activities in 2024 in NLB Group Electricity supply Zero-carbon electricity procurement Continuation of zero-emissions supply in Slovenia and Serbia and as of August onwards also North Macedonia. Renewable electricity self-sufficient supply Review of PPA possibilities in the Region Installation of solar power plants where possible according to technical capabilities of the facilities and the possibility of obtaining appropriate approvals Energy consumption Energy efficiency Start of preparations for energy audit visits to all high-consumption locations (Serbia) Energy certification of all RE and adapting renovations according to energy class (Sarajevo) Installation of energy-efficient windows in the renovated branches, Installation of LED lights when renovating facilities and motion sensors for lights Full or partial switching-off of night lighting and illuminated signs at night Adjusting the lighting intensity depending on the number of employees in the room Heating & Cooling Recommended heating and cooling temperatures where possible (maximum heating during winter is 21°C, during summer maximum cooling is 25°C). Installation of BMS / CNS systems where possible and economically justifiable Replacing fossil fuels heating with heat pump heating where possible Reduction of time for ventilation/heating in facilities and, where technically possible, an increase of the percentage of waste air recovery Resources use Water Reduced water consumption by installation of water pipes with sensors Fixing malfunctions in water infrastructure Paper Continuation of achieving set goal in Paperless project Waste Separation and start of activities (in some cases together with utility companies) to provide more exact waste consumption volumes. Waster & Water Raising awareness among employees on waste separation and resources use (reduction) Employee's commute Possibility to work from home Sustainable living Celebrating Earth Day Sustainability Festival with a special emphasis on workshops on Digital Waste Cleaning and Sustainable Mobility Real estate use De-investment Optimization of space-demand Relocation to facilities with optimized areas and more energy efficient facilities Sale of facilities not needed for operations Renovation Renovation of buildings and implementation of energy-efficient materials/devices Sustainable mobility Fleet Fleet replacement for hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles Installation of electric vehicle charging stations Energy consumption and energy efficiency In accordance with the accepted Operational Emissions Net-Zero Strategy, the necessary action plan for individual NLB Group members is being prepared, to achieve the goal of being carbon neutral by 2050 or sooner. Electricity consumption represents over 30% of the contribution to the operational CO 2 footprint; when adding heating and cooling, this is over 50% of all NLB Group CO 2 operational emissions. For this reason, NLB Group places considerable focus on reducing electricity consumption and ensuring that electricity is purchased from zero-emission sources where this is possible and in accordance with local energy legislation and the availability of CO 2 -free sources. To achieve the goal of net-zero by 2050, a comprehensive review of individual buildings that represent the largest consumption of energy and/or are the least energy efficient is being conducted. In addition, a detailed real estate database has been established (iNep) for all NLB Group properties, where various indicators of energy consumption, including calculation of CO 2 e, are visible. Such an approach provides additional information on facilities that need increased attention to energy efficiency. Waste In NLB Group, we strive to separate all waste according to various materials, mainly paper, plastic, organic substances, and glass, which are removed by local utility companies. Hazardous waste, construction waste, and waste electronics are also sorted and disposed of into the appropriate containers or to an appropriate disposal site. We constantly strive to increase awareness among employees to reduce the generation of waste. In some locations we also compress certain waste ourselves, which reduces the need to take waste to the disposal site. Water When renovating buildings, we look into the possibility of installing taps with water flow sensors, as well as the installation of toilet cisterns with the possibility of flushing different amounts of water. We constantly strive to increase awareness among employees regarding the reduction of water consumption. 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 235 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Sustainable mobility Preventing and mitigating the negative impacts of climate change is vital for NLB Group. In 2022, the entire NLB Group adopted the umbrella NLB Group Sustainable Car Fleet Management and Company Car Policy, which all NLB Group members follow in all member countries to achieve the replacement of fossil-powered fleet vehicles with alternative-powered vehicles, according to the plan and in alignment with the possibilities and planned costs of the vehicle replacement. Table 16: Overview of car mix in NLB Group Status Status Plan 2023 2024 2025 Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) 2% 15% 16% Hybrid (HEV) 19% 37% 58% Battery electric vehicle (BEV) 15% 23% 26% Internal combustion engine vehicle (ICE) 64% 25% 0% Note: Summit Leasing Slovenia and Mobil Leasing, Zagreb are not included. In the NLB Group’s Operational Emissions Net-Zero Strategy it is assumed that the NLB Group replacement of fossil-powered fleet vehicles with alternative- powered vehicles will continue to take place in all NLB Group members in the four-year cycle. The second replacement cycle starts in 2025 and will last until 2029. The first important milestone for the NLB Group Fleet will be achieved in 2025 as all vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE) will be replaced with alternative-powered vehicles. In addition, the main emission reduction measure will be vehicle fleet modernization with a strong increase in the share of battery electric vehicles (BEV). Key activities in the electrification of the fleet: • Use of cleaner fuels and technologies. - Efficient vehicle use: raising environmental awareness of drivers and ECO driving. - Respect for the speed limits. - Careful fleet company car selection between BEV, PHEV, and HEV based on Total Rental Costs (TRC). - Usage comparison, and based on operational requirements for each working position or specific use. - Supporting the change in the mindset of company car users. - The FMO (Fleet Management Office) will follow new technologies and organize presentations and training, if needed, to ensure a smooth transition. - Use of electric energy obtained from RES (Renewable Energy Sources) to support own company car charging network. • Limitation of the electric car range risk (selection of cars based on demand and real range). • Efficient charging infrastructure (higher capacity batteries and efficient and faster charging will contribute to better BEV range and usability). Paper use – paperless project NLB Group is actively encouraging the reduction of paper use while enhancing the digitalization of its operations, including digitizing services and client documents, as well as automating and streamlining internal processes across the Group. The goal is to improve user experience, boost operational efficiency, improve employee and operational efficiency and minimize environmental impact.  The Paperless Collaboration project, initiated in 2020, aims to enhance user experience, increase operational efficiency, and reduce environmental impact. The objective is to achieve a 50% reduction in paper prints by 2025 (compared to 2019) through the elimination of paper use wherever possible, supported by optimized digital processes and tools. In 2024, the largest decline was achieved in NLB lowering prints by 18% (by 2.2 million pages compared to 2023). Among all banks in the Group, NLB KB Belgrade has the largest share in paper usage (47%) and the biggest environmental impact by lowering prints by 3 million pages (9% less prints than in 2023). Not all NLB Group members had a reduced paper consumption due to anti-money-laundering requirements, high sales growth, and limited possibility of usage of electronic signature. 130,685 119,272 108,450 89,841 73,433 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 -9% -9% -17% -18% 17% 31% 68.448 48% -7% 44% Figure 16: Paper consumption in NLB Group: number of prints (in thousands) ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 236 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Development of GHG reduction targets Financed emissions, falling under GHG Protocol Scope 3 Category 15, account for 99.9% of total emissions within NLB Group, making them the primary focus of our emissions reduction targets. While the Operational Emissions Net-Zero Strategy is in place, operational emissions targets will be defined and implemented in 2025. This approach highlights the pivotal role of portfolio emissions in achieving NLB Group's long-term climate goals. NLB Group uses science-based scenario pathways to limit global warming to 1.5°C, committing to meet its 2030 sector targets without reliance on offsets. Instead, the Group focuses on monitoring industry standards for offsets as they evolve. Targets, developed under internal risk supervision and executive approval, are aligned with NZBA guidelines and will be reviewed every five years to remain consistent with international agreements or national goals. NLB Group’s Net-Zero Portfolio Strategy, which covers financed emissions (Scope 3, Category 15), addresses lending activities that include clients' Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Initial emissions reduction targets were set within 18 months of joining the NZBA, focusing on the identified priority sectors under the established baseline, including high-emission industries and key areas of financial exposure, as detailed in the chapter E1-3 Decarbonization Actions and Levers, where prioritization is explained. The second round of target setting, encompassing additional relevant sectors, is scheduled for public disclosure in Q2 2025, marking the 36-month milestone of NLB’s Net-Zero NZBA commitment. However, significant gaps remain in Scope 3 data quality, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises in the SEE region. NLB is committed to: • Encouraging client participation in GHG accounting and reporting. • Enhancing proxy calculation methodologies through collaboration with leading data providers. • Continuously refining target-setting approaches to align with international best practices. • Including facilitated emissions from capital market activities in set targets by November 2025. • Integrating Scope 3 client emissions into target setting and the overall target structure by 2026. E1-4 Targets related to climate change mitigation and adaptation Table 17: GHG reduction commitment in the first round of NZBA target setting Sector Details GHG Baseline Performance Target Coverage GHG 2030 Targets Target Coverage Scope(s) included Scenario used Unit of measurement Baseline year Baseline 2023 2023 relative to baselin e 2030 Target Relative to baseline Power Generation 1 and 2 IEA NZE t CO 2 /Mwh 2021 0.232 0.201 -13% 0.165 -29% NLB Group Iron & Steel 1 and 2 IEA NZE t CO 2 /t 2021 0.600 0.839 40% 1.070 / NLB Group Commercial Real Estate 1 and 2 IEA NZE kg CO 2 /m 2 2021 120 57 -53% 39 -68% NLB Residential Real Estate 1 and 2 IEA NZE kg CO 2 /m 2 2021 43 37 -14% 19 -56% NLB Notes: (i) NLB continues its commitment to coal exclusion introduced in 2021, with the existing exposure to be phased out. (ii) The majority of exposure is covered by clients’ decarbonization plans. The increase in intensity stems from missing clients' Scope 2 data in the baseline but remains below the pathway scenario and 2030 target, ensuring alignment with decarbonization goals. (iii) National Energy and Climate Plans do not exist outside the EU, and there are inconsistencies in Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) methodologies within the region. Despite these challenges, NLB is committed to financing at least 30% of new production in the most energy-efficient commercial buildings (<50 kg CO₂/m²) and at least 15% of new production in top-rated mortgages (A & B EPC class) in Slovenia by 2030. (iv) Emission intensity targets are set as gross targets, A location-based approach is used for portfolio monitoring, ensuring transparency and consistency in tracking progress. Compared to the market-based method, which reflects emissions from electricity that companies have purposefully chosen, the location-based approach accounts for the average emissions intensity of the grid where consumption occurs. (v) NLB intends to forgo the utilisation of offsets to achieve its 2030 NZBA sector targets. Instead, the bank will monitor and contribute to the development of industry standards for offsets as they emerge. NLB will also engage with its clients to encourage them to formulate their own net-zero strategies, which may involve utilising carbon credits to offset residual emissions in accordance with scientific guidance. Overview of GHG emissions reduction targets 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 237 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB Group reports on progress for the first time since the disclosure of targets. Due to the reliance on publicly reported emissions data from clients, required for the calculation of sector emissions intensity, reporting on emissions profiles is based on a one-year lag, in comparison to the timeline for financial reporting. Effective data collection and stakeholder engagement are essential for setting emission intensity targets and monitoring progress. Data gathering plays a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and relevance of targets, requiring direct engagement with stakeholders. Scope 1 and 2 emissions data were collected from various sources, including annual disclosures, publicly available information, direct communication with relevant stakeholders, and collections of Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) for individual properties in the Residential Real Estate (RRE) and Commercial Real Estate (CRE) sectors. This comprehensive data collection process ensures that the targets reflect an accurate and thorough understanding of emissions across key sectors. Annual progress reports will track performance, and NLB Group is enhancing internal systems for target monitoring and tracking. Individual sectoral specifics, such as scenario selection and specific decarbonization levers, are further detailed in the sectoral breakdown, providing a comprehensive explanation of the approaches to emission reductions within each sector. Power generation target NLB Group has set the target for its Power Generation portfolio on the Group level, guided by the IEA NZE WEO 22 pathway. In the NZE 2050 scenario, global power generation reaches net-zero emissions by 2040, enabling the global economy to meet its 2050 target. The scenario envisions an average energy efficiency of -0.005 tCO 2 /MWh across our power generation portfolio by 2050 and interim target of 0.165 tCO 2 / MWh by 2030. This target builds on the Group's 2021 commitment to exclude coal financing and phase out existing coal exposures. In 2023, NLB Group achieved a 13% reduction in emissions intensity for Power Generation, lowering it from 0.232 tCO 2 /MWh to 0.201 tCO 2 /MWh compared to the 2021 baseline. This progress is attributed to a focused effort on financing renewable energy sources at the Group level, with key challenges including the need for unified data collection across the Group and the integration of Scope 1 and 2 emissions from all legal entities. NLB Group will achieve its net-zero target through ongoing client engagement, incentivizing the development and implementation of decarbonization plans, including expanding renewable energy capacity, decommissioning fossil-based power production, and upgrading renewable energy plants for improved efficiency. With significant exposure to renewable energy, the Group has committed to further boosting this carbon-neutral sector through targeted financing. Achieving this target will require support from the EU and national-level incentives to develop renewable-energy production facilities, including funding for such projects. Despite NLB Group's significant exposure to renewable energy, progress will be contingent on these external incentives. Target science-based alignment, methodology, and decarbonization levers Figure 17: Power generation Emission Intensity in tCO 2 /MWh 0.495 - 0.395 - 0.295 - 0.195 - 0.095 - -0.005 - 0.232 0.165 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 l l l l l l 0.201 NLB Group baseline 2030 target NLB Group EoY2023 status Decarbonization Pathway IEA NZE WEO 22 NLB Group Progress -29% Emission Intensity -13% 2021-2023 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 238 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Iron & steel target NLB Group’s target scenario for its Iron & Steel portfolio follows the IEA NZE 1.5°C pathway, aligned with global net-zero data from IEA scenarios. This scenario aims for an average energy efficiency of 0.108 tCO 2 /t steel by 2050, with an interim target of 1.070 tCO 2 /t steel by 2030, set at the Group level. NLB Group’s 2021 baseline stands at 0.600 tCO 2 /t steel, already significantly below the 2030 target. The steel industry can achieve net-zero targets by adopting low-emission technologies, using low-carbon feedstock, and advancing existing decarbonization plans. Key actions include supporting clients using low- emission technologies (e.g., electric arc furnaces) and ensuring clients with decarbonization commitments implement their plans. Additionally, decarbonizing the regional industrial energy mix and establishing carbon capture and storage networks will be essential for enabling steel producers to meet net-zero targets. In FY 2023, NLB Group observed an increase in emissions from the baseline of 0.600 tCO 2 /t to 0.839 tCO 2 /t in the Iron & Steel portfolio. This increase is primarily due to the unavailability of some client Scope 2 emissions data at the time of baseline calculation. Additionally, the portfolio's limited exposure to a small number of clients can lead to significant fluctuations in intensity levels from new business. NLB Group’s exposure is largely with clients already progressing in their decarbonization efforts. The majority of our existing clients produce steel via the electric arc furnace (EAF) route using scrap steel, resulting in a current sector portfolio intensity well below the European average of 1.81 tCO 2 /t for integrated steel production, as reported in the JRC Technical Report on Greenhouse Gas Intensities of the EU Steel Industry 10 . For less advanced clients, NLB Group aims to understand their current carbon intensity and strategic targets for 2030 and beyond, positioning itself as a strategic partner. Moving forward, NLB Group aims to facilitate the transition of integrated steel producers to the scrap route based on credible client transition plans. While this may lead to a temporary increase in portfolio emissions, it will have a significant medium- to long-term environmental impact, contributing to the decarbonization of production processes. Commercial real estate commitment The commitment set for the Commercial Real Estate sector is guided by the trajectory scenario aligned with the SBTi 1.5°C pathway and data from IEA global net- zero scenarios, This scenario envisions an average energy efficiency of 0.4 kg CO 2 /m 2 across our CRE portfolio by 2050. This science-based trajectory is established for NLB d.d. in Slovenia, where sufficient official EPC data allows for a robust baseline and target setting. The national green transition targets in Slovenia, supported by legislation, further reinforce this objective. To meet the benchmark, NLB will focus on financing the construction of commercial buildings with the best energy performance certificates and promote green loans for retrofitting and renovating existing commercial properties to enhance energy efficiency, including the installation of heat pumps. In FY 2023, the Commercial Real Estate sector saw a significant reduction in emissions intensity, dropping from the established baseline of 120 kg CO 2 /m² to 57 kg CO 2 /m². This progress was supported by key activities, including the recalculation of the current emissions intensity, factoring in actual EPC data. However, challenges arose due to the new national energy legislation and EPC methodologies in Slovenia. 10 JRC Publications Repository - Greenhouse gas intensities of the EU steel5industry and its trading partners 1.6 - 1.4 - 1.2 - 1 - 0.8 - 0.6 - 0.4 - 0.2 - 0 - 0.6 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 l l l l l l l 0.839 Figure 18: Iron & steel Emission Intensity in tCO 2 /t steel 1.070 NLB Group baseline 2030 target NLB Group EoY2023 status Decarbonization Pathway IEA NZE 1.5 0C NLB Group Progress 150 - 125 - 100 - 75 - 50 - 25 - 0 - 120 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 l l l l l l l 57 NLB Group baseline 2030 target NLB Group EoY2023 status SBTi 1.5 0C Pathway NLB Group Progress Reduction according to SBTi 1.5 0C 39.0 Figure 19: Commercial real estate Emission Intensity in kg CO 2 /m 2 -68% Emission Intensity +40% 2021-2023 Emission Intensity -53% 2021-2023 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 239 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report The small portfolio size means that a single transaction can significantly impact the overall portfolio intensity. Additionally, the 10-year validity of EPCs in Slovenia does not reflect passive decarbonization or efficiency improvements implemented by property owners. The shift from calculated to metered EPCs for commercial premises could also pose challenges, as metered EPCs account for full consumption at metering points, whereas calculated EPCs only account for key building systems defined in the EPC calculation methodology. Currently, we notice in the market only moderate demand for the best energy-efficient buildings, as they have substantially higher construction costs which are not always passed on to tenants. However, NLB d.d. is committed to decarbonizing the Commercial Real Estate sector by ensuring at least 30% of new production volumes in Slovenia is directed toward highly energy efficient buildings (<50 kg CO 2 /m²) by 2030. In FY 2024, this commitment was exceeded, with 85% of new NLB Commercial Real Estate financing allocated to energy-efficient buildings (<50 kg CO 2 /m²), reflecting strong progress toward the set commitment. Residential real estate commitment The benchmark scenario for Residential Real Estate is guided by the SBTi 1.5 °C pathway and data from IEA global net-zero scenarios. This scenario envisions an average energy efficiency of 0.4 kg CO₂/m² across the mortgage portfolio by 2050, with an interim benchmark of 19.0 kg CO₂/m² by 2030. As with Commercial Real Estate, the interim science- based benchmark is set only for NLB d.d., as Slovenia is the only market with sufficient official EPC data to establish a robust baseline. Additionally, as part of the EU, Slovenia has national green transition targets supported by legislation. In FY2023, NLB achieved an emissions intensity of 37 kg CO₂/m², marking a 14% reduction from the 43 kg CO₂/ m² baseline set in 2021. This progress continued efforts to improve the energy efficiency of the mortgage portfolio. Key activities during the reporting year included the recalculation of portfolio emissions intensity and the mandatory requirement for EPCs on all new retail mortgage loans starting in Q4 2023. Despite these advancements, several challenges affected portfolio assessment, including the impact of the new EPC methodology and regulatory changes under the Regulation on the Efficient Use of Energy in Slovenia, as well as the 10-year EPC validity period, which does not account for passive decarbonization or homeowner- initiated energy efficiency improvements. For properties without EPCs, emissions intensity was modelled using available real estate characteristics from collateral data. To emphasize its commitment to energy efficiency, NLB has set a commitment of at least 15% of new mortgage production in Slovenia to be in EPC classes A and B, with plans to increase this share over time. In FY2024, NLB exceeded this target, achieving 27% of new mortgage production in these high-efficiency classes. Additionally, the share of new mortgage production in NLB with official EPC data is steadily increasing, with the figure expected to rise further due to the mandatory EPC requirement for new retail mortgage loans introduced in Q4 2023, enhancing the accuracy of energy performance tracking. Achieving net-zero carbon emissions in the real estate sector requires collaboration among all stakeholders – banks, governments, industry players, energy providers, and homeowners. NLB remains committed to accelerating this transition by prioritizing financing for high-efficiency new homes (EPC A & B) and expanding green loan offerings for retrofits, renovations, and heat pump installations. However, systemic change is essential, including stronger government policies, enhanced subsidies, and a faster transition to renewable energy. While NLB continues to develop innovative financial solutions to support modernization, achieving climate goals ultimately depends on grid decarbonization, regulatory action, and active homeowner participation. NLB advocates for an inclusive approach to energy efficiency, ensuring that financing is accessible to all homeowners, regardless of their property's current energy label. The Bank’s objective is to empower homeowners to make the necessary improvements and will continue to develop innovative products, services, and partnerships to drive progress. -56% 50 - 40 - 30 - 20 - 10 - 0 - 43 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 l l l l l l l 37 19.0 Figure 20: Residential real estate Emission Intensity in kg CO 2 /m 2 NLB Group baseline 2030 target NLB Group EoY2023 status SBTi 1.5 0C Pathway NLB Group Progress Reduction according to SBTi 1.5 0C Emission Intensity -14% 2021-2023 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 240 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Note: The data is not validated by any external source other than the limited assurance provider (for 2024). Share of renewable energy production in NLB Group in 2024 equals the consumption of self-generated non-fuel renewable energy 9 MWh (solar PV). Compared with 2023, the share of fossil fuels used dropped, while the share of renewable sources in total energy consumption was increased. This gives a clear sign that the measures which NLB Group has taken to reach its goal (net zero) are adequate and well on track. ›› For a detailed list of measures related to energy consumption and mix, please see the chapter Key actions - Operational emissions Net-Zero strategy. E1-5 Energy consumption and mix Table 18: Overview of NLB Group energy consumption and mix Energy consumption and mix Unit 2023 2024 1 Fuel consumption from coal and coal products [MWh] - - 2 Fuel consumption from crude oil and petroleum products [MWh] 7,013 7,156 3 Fuel consumption from natural gas [MWh] 3,368 2,980 4 Fuel consumption from other fossil sources [MWh] - - 5 Consumption of purchased or acquired electricity, heat, steam, or cooling from fossil sources [MWh] 24,474 21,379 6 Total fossil energy consumption (calculated as the sum of lines 1 to 5) [MWh] 34,855 31,515 Share of fossil sources in total energy consumption [%] 67% 63% 7 Consumption from nuclear sources [MWh] 10,408 9,917 Share of consumption from nuclear sources in total energy consumption [%] 20% 20% 8 Fuel consumption for renewable sources, including biomass (also comprising industrial and municipal waste of biologic origin, biogas, renewable hydrogen, etc.) [MWh] 54 34 9 Consumption of purchased or acquired electricity, heat, steam, and cooling from renewable sources [MWh] 6,967 8,236 10 The consumption of self-generated non-fuel renewable energy [MWh] 0 9 11 Total renewable energy consumption (calculated as the sum of lines 8 to 10) [MWh] 7,021 8,279 Share of renewable sources in total energy consumption [%] 13% 17% 12 Total energy consumption (calculated as the sum of lines 6, 7 and 11) [MWh] 52,284 49,711 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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 241 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report E1-6 Gross Scopes 1, 2, 3 and total GHG emissions The table presents NLB Group’s gross emissions, encompassing both operational emissions and those arising from financing and investment activities (in alignment with the Pillar III framework). The methodologies used to calculate and disclose these emissions are detailed in the following sections, providing transparency and consistency in the NLB Group emissions reporting approach. Table 19: NLB Group gross GHG emissions (operational and financed) (in tCO 2 eq) Base year Comparative N % N/N-1 2021 2023 2024 Scope 1 GHG emissions Gross Scope 1 GHG emissions 3,703 3,418 3,029 -11.4% Percentage of Scope 1 GHG emissions from regulated emission trading schemes (%) - - - - Scope 2 GHG emissions Gross location-based Scope 2 GHG emissions 32,952 20,320 17,127 -15.7% Gross market-based Scope 2 GHG emissions 28,570 11,822 10,718 -9.3% Significant Scope 3 GHG emissions Total gross indirect (Scope 3) GHG emissions 3,531 11,003,756 11,169,097 1.5% Purchased goods and services 466 341 465 36.4% Capital goods - - - - Fuel and energy-related Activities (not included in Scope1 or Scope 2) 0 0 1,573 - Upstream transportation and distribution - - - - Waste generated in operations 0 20 9 -54.8% Business traveling 0 326 446 36.8% Employee commuting 3,065 3,389 3,608 6.5% Upstream leased assets - - - - Downstream transportation - - - - Processing of sold products - - - - Use of sold products - - - - End-of-life treatment of sold products - - - - Downstream leased assets - - - - Franchises - - - - Investments - 10,999,680 11,162,996 1% Total GHG emissions Total GHG emissions (location-based) 40,186 11,027,494 11,189,253 1.5% Total GHG emissions (market-based) 35,804 11,018,996 11,182,844 1.5% Note: The measurements are not validated by an external body other than a limited assurance provider (for 2024). ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 242 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 20: Operational Carbon footprint of NLB Group (excluding Financed emissions Category 3.15 and including new Category 3.3 in 2024) Name Year Description Unit 2019 Total 2020 Total 2021 Total 2022 Total 2023 Total 2024 Total Scope 1-3 All emissions from all Scopes [tCO 2 eq] 36,935 37,789 35,804 20,627 19,316 19,848 Scope 1-2 Emissions from Scopes 1 and 2 [tCO 2 eq] 31,922 33,948 32,273 16,793 15,240 13,747 Scope 1 Total Scope 1 emissions [tCO 2 eq] 3,680 3,350 3,703 3,648 3,418 3,029 Scope 1.1 Fuel Combustion [tCO 2 eq] 1,472 1,569 960 887 818 704 Scope 1.2 Vehicle fleet [tCO 2 eq] 1,882 1,447 1,720 1,756 1,684 1,788 Scope 1.3 Refrigerant [tCO 2 eq] 326 333 1,023 1,004 916 537 Scope 2 Total Scope 2 emissions [tCO 2 eq] 28,242 30,598 28,570 13,145 11,822 10,718 Scope 2.1 Electricity [tCO 2 eq] 21,992 24,410 21,904 7,542 7,243 6,095 Scope 2.2 District heating and cooling [tCO 2 eq] 6,250 6,188 6,666 5,603 4,579 4,623 Scope 3 Total Scope 3 emissions [tCO 2 eq] 5,013 3,842 3,531 3,834 4,076 6,101 Scope 3.1 Paper and water [tCO 2 eq] - - 466 418 341 465 Scope 3.3 Fuel- and Energy- Related Activities Not Included in Scope 1 or Scope 2 [tCO 2 eq] - - - - - 1,573 Scope 3.5 Waste [tCO 2 eq] - - - 21 20 9 Scope 3.6 Business travel [tCO 2 eq] - - - 185 326 446 Scope 3.7 Employee (work) commute [tCO 2 eq] 5,013 3,842 3,065 3,210 3,389 3,608 Note: The data is not validated by any external source other than the limited assurance provider (for 2024). NLB Group continues to reduce its environmental footprint on Scopes 1 and 2, where the substantial amount of operational emissions comes from. The reduction is a direct consequence of measures taken to improve energy efficiency and change the energy sources to zero emissions, where possible. Within Scope 3, NLB Group improved in category 3.5 (Waste), although a need to improve the quality of data gathering and measurements remains. Generally, the increase in Scope 3 emissions is due to the introduction of the new category (3.3), as well as a moderate increase in business travel and employees commuting (due to the rise in the number of employees). ›› For a detailed list of measures related to reducing operational emissions, please see the chapter Key actions - Operational emissions Net-Zero strategy. Significant changes affecting year-to-year comparability In the GHG emission report for the year 2024, the main changes to previous years are the holistic presentation of emissions, including Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3, and financed emissions. Namely, under the Pillar III framework, NLB Group reported Scope 3, Category 15 financed emissions in 2022, but without inclusion of Scope 3 client emissions. In 2023, the Group began incorporating Scope 3 client emissions, significantly increasing the reported value, as they represent the majority of total financed emissions. The 2024 report marks the first year where year-to-year comparability is possible, as the figure is presented with updated values and a consistent Scope. The calculation methodology relies on both proxies and actual client data, meaning that changes in the reported emissions may result from updates to client data or adjustments in proxies. Changes in reported emissions may also stem from shifts in exposures to individual sectors, defined by NACE codes, from the perspective of lending activity and new business. This approach ensures alignment with regulatory requirements, enhances transparency, and supports risk management under the Pillar III disclosure framework. Further to this, in terms of operational emissions, a new category (3.3 Fuel—and energy-related activities not included in Scope 1 (well to tank—WTT) or Scope 2 (transmission and distribution losses—T&D)) was added for the year 2024, which was not reported in the previous year. The emission calculation for 2024 and previous years has been adapted to entail the greenhouse-gas principle, which results in less than 0.5% of the total tCO 2 eq difference. Table 21: GHG Intensity based on net revenue 2024 Total GHG emissions (market-based) (tCO 2 eq) 11,182,844 Total GHG emissions (location-based) (tCO 2 eq) 11,189,253 Net revenue (EUR thousands) 1,244,810 GHG Intensity-based per net revenue (market-based) (tCO 2 eq/EUR thousands) 8.984 GHG Intensity-based per net revenue (location-based) (tCO 2 eq/EUR thousands) 8.989 Accountancy policy and reconciliation: Net revenue (EUR 1, 244,810 thousands) is reconciliated with the financial statements notes . ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 243 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Methodologies, assumptions, and emissions factors Aiming to report GHG emissions according to internationally recognised and neutral standards, the NLB Group's calculations follow the GHG Protocol guidelines. To calculate NLB Group carbon footprint, the following standards are used: • Corporate standard (Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard) • Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting and Reporting Standard We used the centralized approach to data collection. Data were gathered on an individual level of NLB Group members and reported to the corporate level, where GHG emissions were calculated. In terms of setting organisational boundaries , NLB Group used the financial control approach on a consolidated basis and has thus followed the same principles as those from financial reporting. This means that the Sustainability Statement includes the parent bank NLB and all subsidiaries from when NLB obtains direct or indirect control over the financial and operational management and receives a variable return. The Sustainability Statement covers the financial reporting period from 1 January to 31 December 2024. However, there are certain specifics, namely: • Summit Leasing Slovenija and Mobil Leasing, Zagreb were acquired on 11 September 2024; hence, the reporting period is from 11 September to 31 December 2024. • NLB Car & GO was established on 21 October 2024. Hence, the reporting period is from 21 October to 31 December 2024. • NLB Fondovi Skopje (previously Generali Investments AD Skopje) was acquired on 23 May; hence, the reporting period is from 23 May to 31 December 2024. Key subsidiaries in own operations are NLB as a parent bank and other financial core members: i) banks, ii) leasing companies and iii) asset management companies. The calculation of GHG emissions has been made for operational offices with significant material impact and individuals as per the following Scopes (operational boundaries): Scope 1 – direct emissions • Combustion of fuels • Company-owned vehicle fleet (internal combustion engine) • Company-controlled fleet (internal combustion engine) • Refrigerants (for HVAC systems) Scope 2 – indirect emissions from purchased energy • Electricity consumption (both location and market- based) • Owned vehicle fleet – electric vehicles and PHEV (included in electricity consumption) • District heating S cope 3 – indirect emissions (selected emission categories; for more details, please see exclusion list) • 3.1 Purchased Goods and Services: use of paper and water supply • 3.3 Fuel- and energy-related activities not included in Scope 1 (well to tank - WTT) or Scope 2 (transmission and distribution losses – T&D) • 3.5 Waste Generated in Operations • 3.6 Business Travel • 3.7 Employee Commuting Because some NLB Group entities are located at the premises of another Group member, the reporting is done by the member that owns the premises and has the most accurate data (i.e., a locally consolidated approach). ›› For more details on operational boundaries, please see the table below and the chapter Exclusions. Even though NLB Group started reporting its operational carbon footprint in 2021 for the period 2019-2021, the 2024 GHG Emission Report has been harmonized with the Portfolio Net-Zero Strategy and ESRS demand and reset its baseline year to 2021. Scope 3 category 15 – Investments NLB Group calculates its portfolio (financed) emissions by using the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) Standard. However, disclosures of financed emissions are aligned with the requirements of the Pillar III disclosure framework , ensuring banking sector comparability, regulatory compliance, and year- to-year consistency in reported data. This approach enables transparent and consistent assessment of financed emissions across sectors, supporting risk management and alignment with industry benchmarks. By maintaining methodological consistency, the Group enhances the reliability of its disclosures, ensuring comparability over time while adhering to regulatory requirements. Application of the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) Standard ensures consistency with industry best practices and regulatory expectations. The PCAF methodology was selected due to its wide acceptance among financial institutions, transparency, and alignment with international reporting frameworks such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations. The approach enables a standardized and comparable assessment of financed emissions across asset classes. The Group has recognised greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data as the primary and crucial factor when assessing the level of transition risk. Therefore, obtaining good-quality emission data is a high priority. The priority is the data obtained directly from the clients. While operating in a region where such information is not commonly available, the Group supports the clients with the know-how and motivates them to calculate GHG emissions. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 244 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Due to data limitations, particularly in sectors with scarce primary disclosures, the Group applies proxy data and sectoral benchmarks where necessary. The calculation is based on the following assumptions: • The calculation and disclosure of financed emissions is based on the perimeter defined under Pillar III rules, encompassing exposures in the banking book. This includes the Gross Carrying Amount of loans and advances, debt securities, and equity instruments to non-financial corporations, excluding those held for trading purposes. The financed emissions assessment specifically focuses on non-financial corporations, considering direct and indirect emissions from financial activities such as lending, investing, and financing. Sovereign, sub-sovereign, institutions and supranational exposures are excluded from the calculation while not materially contributing to direct emissions. Emissions related to the retail portfolio (mortgages, vehicle loans) are not subject to Pillar III disclosures. • Where available, actual client data for Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions is used to calculate financed emissions. The data is provided by the clients using questionaries. • Whenever client Scope 1 and Scope 2 emission data are not available , the Group uses proxies provided by the Jožef Stefan Institute (IJS), Energy Efficiency Centre , a leading institute in this area with a proven background. Proxies are calculated at the lowest possible granularity level, considering the available data for each country where NLB Group operates. However, granularity varies across industries and countries depending on the availability of the data. The proxies delivered by IJS express the average economic intensity of each industry and are primarily used for portfolio emissions calculations, as well as for target setting and decision-making purposes. Based on the client’s industry code and revenues, the Group calculates Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions of each client by multiplying the value of a specific proxy with the revenues of a client. • When client Scope 3 emission data is unavailable, NLB uses proxies from the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), selected for their transparency and as the ICE's dataset was also used in the ECB’s economy- wide climate stress test. ICE collects data from public sources, which undergoes statistical treatment and rigorous checks, with verification by ICE’s Quality Assurance team. Data is classified as reported, inferred, or statistically treated, with transparency on the source. Based on the client’s industry code and revenues, the Group calculates the Scope 3 emissions of each client by multiplying the value of a specific Scope 3 proxy with the revenues of a client, as it does for the Scope 1 and Scope 2 calculations. • Attribution methodolog y follows the PCAF’s financial exposure-based attribution model, allocating emissions based on a loan or investment’s proportional contribution to a client’s total balance sheet. The attribution factor is calculated using on-balance-sheet data as Gross Carrying Amount / (Short-term Financial Debt + Long-term Financial Debt + Equity). • Finally, financed emissions are calculated by multiplying the attribution factor with the client’s Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions, which are either obtained from the client or calculated using proxies. ›› Scopes, metrics, emission definitions, emission and conversion factors for operational emissions are detailed in Appendix 2-Methodological outline for operational GHG emissions calculation. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiIHN0YW5kYWxvbmU9Im5vIj8+CjwhRE9DVFlQRSBzdmcgUFVCTElDICItLy9XM0MvL0RURCBTVkcgMS4xLy9FTiIKImh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnL0dyYXBoaWNzL1NWRy8xLjEvRFREL3N2ZzExLmR0ZCI+Cjxzdmcgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDE4MTggMTI4NiIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIj4KPGRlZnM+CjxzdHlsZSB0eXBlPSJ0ZXh0L2NzcyI+PCFbQ0RBVEFbCi5nMF8yNDV7CmZpbGw6ICMyMzAwNzg7Cn0KLmcxXzI0NXsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjMjMwMDc4OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDMuMDU1OwpzdHJva2UtbGluZWNhcDogcm91bmQ7CnN0cm9rZS1saW5lam9pbjogcm91bmQ7Cn0KLmcyXzI0NXsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjQTdBOEFBOwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDAuMzgxOwpzdHJva2UtbWl0ZXJsaW1pdDogMTA7Cn0KLmczXzI0NXsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjMjMwMDc4OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDMuMDU1OwpzdHJva2UtbWl0ZXJsaW1pdDogMTA7Cn0KLmc0XzI0NXsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjMjMwMDc4OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDMuMDU3OwpzdHJva2UtbWl0ZXJsaW1pdDogMTA7Cn0KXV0+PC9zdHlsZT4KPC9kZWZzPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTUwMC42LDExMy43YzM3LjcsMCw2OC4yLC0zMC42LDY4LjIsLTY4LjJjMCwtMzcuNywtMzAuNSwtNjguMSwtNjguMiwtNjguMWMtMzcuNywwLC02OC4yLDMwLjQsLTY4LjIsNjguMWMwLDM3LjYsMzAuNSw2OC4yLDY4LjIsNjguMloiIGNsYXNzPSJnMF8yNDUiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTE1MDAuNiwxMzk5LjljMzcuNywwLDY4LjIsLTMwLjUsNjguMiwtNjguMmMwLC0zNy43LC0zMC41LC02OC4yLC02OC4yLC02OC4yYy0zNy43LDAsLTY4LjIsMzAuNSwtNjguMiw2OC4yYzAsMzcuNywzMC41LDY4LjIsNjguMiw2OC4yWiIgY2xhc3M9ImcwXzI0NSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTYwNi44LDExNjMuMmwtMTMuNywxMC43djE2LjhjMCwuOCwuMywxLjYsLjksMi4yYy41LC41LDEuMywuOCwyLjEsLjhoMjEuNGMuOCwwLDEuNiwtLjMsMi4yLC0uOGMuNSwtLjYsLjksLTEuNCwuOSwtMi4ydi0xNi44bC0xMy44LC0xMC43Wm0tNC42LDMwLjV2LTE1LjJoOS4ydjE1LjJtLTEwLjcsLTEyNS44bC03LjYsLTcuN2w3LjYsLTcuNm0xMC43LDE1LjNsLTcuNiwtNy43bDcuNiwtNy42bTM3LjgsMTUuM2w3LjcsLTcuN2wtNy43LC03LjZtLTEwLjcsMTUuM2w3LjcsLTcuN2wtNy43LC03LjYiIGNsYXNzPSJnMV8yNDUiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksMjQxLjZIMzYzLjhtMTAuOCwwaDEwMzVNOTAuOSwyNzEuOUgzNjMuOG0xMC44LDBoMTAzNSIgY2xhc3M9ImcyXzI0NSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNOTAuOSwyMTEuM0gzNjMuOG0xMC44LDBoMTAzNSIgY2xhc3M9ImczXzI0NSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNOTAuOSwzODMuM0gzNjMuOE05MC45LDQxMy42SDM2My44bTEwLjgsLTMwLjNoMTAzNW0tMTAzNSwzMC4zaDEwMzUiIGNsYXNzPSJnMl8yNDUiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksMzE4LjNIMzYzLjhNOTAuOSwzNTNIMzYzLjhtMTAuOCwtMzQuN2gxMDM1TTM3NC42LDM1M2gxMDM1TTkwLjksNDQzLjlIMzYzLjhNOTAuOSw0NzguNUgzNjMuOG0xMC44LC0zNC42aDEwMzVtLTEwMzUsMzQuNmgxMDM1IiBjbGFzcz0iZzNfMjQ1Ii8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDU5MUgzNjMuOG0xMC44LDBoMTAzNU05MC45LDcwMy41SDM2My44bTEwLjgsMGgxMDM1TTkwLjksNzMzLjhIMzYzLjhtMTAuOCwwaDEwMzVNOTAuOSw3NjQuMUgzNjMuOG0xMC44LDBoMTAzNU05MC45LDc5NC40SDM2My44bTEwLjgsMGgxMDM1TTkwLjksODE4LjVIMzYzLjhtMTAuOCwwaDEwMzVNOTAuOSw4NDguOEgzNjMuOG0xMC44LDBoMTAzNU05MC45LDg3OS4xSDM2My44TTkwLjksOTA5LjVIMzYzLjhNOTAuOSw5MzkuOEgzNjMuOE05MC45LDk3MC4xSDM2My44TTkwLjksMTAwMC40SDM2My44TTkwLjksMTA2Ny41SDM2My44bTEwLjgsMGgxMDM1TTkwLjksMTEwMi4xSDM2My44bTEwLjgsMGgxMDM1bS0xMDM1LC0yMjNoMTAzNW0tMTAzNSwxMjEuM2gxMDM1IiBjbGFzcz0iZzJfMjQ1Ii8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDE3Ni42SDM2My44bTAsMGgxMC44bTAsMGgxMDM1TTkwLjksMTE5NC45SDM2My44bTAsMGgxMC44bTAsMGgxMDM1IiBjbGFzcz0iZzRfMjQ1Ii8+Cjwvc3ZnPg==) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 245 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 22: List of exclusions Scope 1 Exclusion Fuel combustion - Vehicle fleet (ICE) - Refrigerant Included only in following organizations: NLB, NLB Komercijalna Banka, NLB Banka Skopje, NLB Banja Luka and NLB Interfinanz Zurich. For other organizations data not available. Scope 2 Electricity (market-based) - District heating and cooling - Vehicle fleet (Electric, PHEV, Hybrid)) - Scope 3 Purchased goods and services Included use of paper and water. Emissions of Scope 3 categories "3.1 – Purchased goods and services" and "3.2 – Capital goods (assets)", represented by paper and water emissions only, do not reflect actual emissions of these two categories. The cost for these two reported categories reached 115 MEUR in 2023. Paper and water are a small part of these emissions. Therefore, additional emission categories will have to be introduced in carbon footprint reporting in the future to be able to cover a substantial part of Scope 3 operational emissions. Based on 2023 figures non- included Scope 3 category 1 and 2 emissions account for 14.300 t CO 2 eq (using US EPA Supply Chain GHG Emission Factors, Offices of Bank Holding Companies – 130 t CO 2 eq/ MUSD ). The reason for the non-inclusion of these Scope 3 categories is also reflected in the lack of reliable emission factors for emission sources (goods, services and assets). Also, NLB Group has not yet used a supplier engagement approach to stimulate its suppliers to report their product emissions. Capital goods Not included. Emissions of Scope 3 categories "3.1 – Purchased goods and services" and "3.2 – Capital goods (assets)", represented by paper and water emissions only do not reflect actual emissions of these two categories. Cost for these two reported categories reached 115 MEUR in 2023. Asset emissions category will have to be introduced in carbon footprint reporting in the future, to be able to cover substantial part of Scope 3 operational emissions. Based on 2023 figures non-included Scope 3 category 1 and 2 emissions account for 14,300 t CO 2 eq (using US EPA Supply Chain GHG Emission Factors, Offices of Bank Holding Companies – 130 t CO 2 eq/MUSD). Reason for non- inclusion of these Scope 3 categories is reflected also in lack of reliable emission factors for emission sources (goods, services and assets). Also, NLB Group has not yet used supplier engagement approach to stimulate its suppliers to report their product emissions. Fuel- and energy- related activities - Upstream transport and distribution Not included. Waste generated in operations - Business travel - Employee commuting - Upstream leased assets Included in Scope 1 and 2 report. Downstream transport and distribution Not relevant. Processing of sold products Use of sold products End-of-life treatment of sold products Downstream leased assets This category has not been included in the Group's gross emissions reporting for the year 2024. The transport segment, including leasing, along with the corresponding methodology for calculating financed emissions, is scheduled to be evaluated in the second round of target setting and will be included in future reporting. This delay is due to data challenges related to vehicle-specific information, which are being addressed as part of the Group's ongoing efforts to refine and enhance its emissions data collection and reporting processes. Franchises Not relevant. Investments Reported separately. Portfolio (financed) emissions are calculated using the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) Standard; however, disclosures of financed emissions are aligned with the requirements of the Pillar III disclosure framework, ensuring banking sector comparability, regulatory compliance, and year-to-year consistency in reported data. This approach enables transparent and consistent assessment of financed emissions across sectors, supporting risk management and alignment with industry benchmarks. By maintaining methodological consistency, the Group enhances the reliability of its disclosures, ensuring comparability over time while adhering to regulatory requirements. Exclusions ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 246 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Sustainable finance, including transition finance, has a high impact on the environment and society and is recognized as a strategic opportunity for NLB Group. It is firmly embedded in the NLB Group’s new business strategy (New Horizons) as well as its net-zero strategy. Risks related to sustainable finance are managed through ESG risk management in lending and investing. NLB Group offers its clients a diverse range of financing products and solutions to support climate change mitigation and climate adaptation. These include green lending and leasing, sub-funds aligned with EU regulations promoting environmental and social characteristics, issuing green bonds, and investing in ESG-labelled bonds. This chapter outlines NLB Group's key policies, activities, metrics, and progress in delivering sustainable finance solutions to its clients. The organizational units responsible for each product regularly monitor progress against internally set KPIs. They report at least monthly to the management boards of NLB Group members and at least quarterly during Sustainability Committee sessions. Accountancy note and reconciliation: Unless stated otherwise, reported data in the Sustainable Finance section refers to the financial statements note 5.6. Financial assets measured at amortised cost. Green financing for corporate and retail clients Policies As a part of its climate-change-related adaptation and mitigation activities, NLB Group provides financing to various sustainable economic activities that meet the financial and sustainability eligibility criteria of relevant frameworks, such as the EU Taxonomy, MIGA, EBRD, NLB Group Green Bond Framework (following ICMA Green Bond Standards). Financing Rules, and procedures stipulated in lending and ESG risk management policies. ›› For an overview of policies related to green financing, please refer to the section Policies in the chapter Environmental Information. Sustainable Finance Metrics and progress In 2024, total green financing for corporate and retail clients experienced a significant growth, with a 153% increase in new production and a 183% rise in outstanding stock compared to 2023. The total outstanding stock in 2024 represents 54% of the 2030 target. Table 23: NLB Group green financing in EUR thousands (i) Green financing (in EUR millions) 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 Target 2030 Corporate New production volume 308,582 198,203 Outstanding stock volume 700,999 330,837 1,370,000 Retail New production volume 130,064 89,293 Outstanding stock volume 327,143 229,421 528,000 Total (corporate and retail) New production volume 438,646 287,496 Outstanding stock volume (ii), (iii) 1,028,142 560,358 1,900,000 (i) Data refer to NLB and 6 subsidiary banks in the region. Green lending classification refers to the internal methodology of NLB Group, which refers to EBRD, MIGA, Green Bond and EU Taxonomy frameworks. If a loan is mapped to either of these frameworks (and NZBA in case of retail green financing), it is currently considered a green loan. To ensure a robust and standardized overview of green lending, this methodology will be fully aligned with CSRD, ESRS and EU Taxonomy within the regulatory timeframes. (ii) The total target for 2030 is set at EUR 1,900,000 thousands. The discrepancy in the total sum reflects rounding in the budgeting of sub- categories. (iii) Targets were set only for outstanding stock volume. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 247 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Renewable Energy Green Building Energy Efficiency Clean Transportation Pollution Prevention & Control Sustainable Water and Wastewater Management Electricity generation using solar photovoltaic technology Construction of new buildings Manufacture of batteries Passenger interurban rail transport Construction, extension and operation of water collection, treatment and supply systems Production of heat/cool using waste heat Electricity generation using concentrated solar power (CSP) technology Renovation of existing buildings Storage of electricity Freight rail transport Renewal of water collection, treatment and supply systems Collection and transport of non-hazardous waste in source segregated fractions Electricity generation from wind power Acquisition and ownership of buildings Installation and operation of electric heat pumps Urban and suburban transport, road passenger transport Construction, extension and operation of wastewater collection and treatment Material recovery from non-hazardous waste Electricity generation from hydropower Installation, maintenance and repair of energy efficiency equipment Transport by motorbikes, passenger cars and light commercial vehicles Renewal of wastewater collection and treatment Electricity generation from geothermal energy Infrastructure for personal mobility, cycle logistics Electricity generation from bioenergy Infrastructure for rail transport Transmission and distribution of electricity Infrastructure enabling low-carbon road transport and public transport Cogeneration of heat/ cool and power from solar energy Installation, maintenance and repair of renewable energy technologies Table shows a detailed non-exhaustive list of overarching areas that serve as a guide for NLB Group sustainable financing or refinancing, while eligible projects are defined in detail in the aforementioned frameworks and specified in NLB Group internal documents. The list will continue to evolve over time, reflecting changes in classifications of sustainability criteria, stakeholders’ needs and expectations, and regulatory requirements. Table 24: NLB Group sustainable financing and refinancing areas (non-exhaustive list) Key activities ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 248 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Leasing Leasing companies in NLB Group integrate sustainability matters and IRO management ESG into its leasing operations, positioning these elements as important components of the Group’s sustainable financing. Policies Sustainability Policy and Standard Content and purpose: The policy sets out a general framework for sustainability-related activities, being a harmonized version of the NLB Group Sustainability Policy and Standard, adapted to leasing activities. Thus, the policy follows the same sustainability pillars, overarching goals, and principles as the parent bank. Scope: All leasing companies. Summit Leasing Slovenija and Mobil Leasing, Zagreb, which were acquired in September 2024, will harmonize the Policy and Standards in 2025. Most senior level accountable: Management Boards / Board of Directors and Risk department (Coordinator for sustainable development) in leasing companies. Availability: Register of Internal Acts. Domain-specific policies related to sustainability Content and purpose: The implementation of the internal acts related to ESG risks in the process of financing is covered by the Risk department. Several internal acts in NLB Lease&Go frame the process of financing ESG items for legal entities, such as: Lending Policy for Non-Financial Companies, Policy Environmental and Social Transaction Policy Framework in NLB and NLB Group, Methodological Framework for Environmental and Social Categorization of Investments in NLB d.d. and NLB Group, Environmental and Social Categorization by NACE and SKD codes in NLB d.d. and NLB Group. An internal act, the Lending Policy for Non-Financial Companies in NLB d.d. and NLB Group, sets out the full list of cross-sectoral and sector-specific prohibited (exclusion list), restricted, and normal activities from the ESG perspective, including EBRD requirements, that NLB Lease&Go adheres to in its financing decisions and process. Scope: All leasing companies. Summit Leasing Slovenija and Mobil Leasing, Zagreb, which were acquired in September 2024, will harmonize the internal acts in 2025. Most senior level accountable: Senior managers (directors) who are responsible for a specific policy domain. Availability: Register of Internal Acts. Key activities In 2024, Leasing companies in NLB Group financed sustainable vehicles in Slovenia, Serbia, and North Macedonia, which contributed to cleaner transportation. It also financed smaller sustainable projects in the field of renewable energy production, in particular solar power plants. Leasing companies in NLB Group was also actively involved in developing NLB Group’s Operational Emissions Net-Zero Strategy, adopted in 2024. Among other goals, the strategy aims to achieve the net-zero emission vehicle mix by replacing its fossil- powered fleet. In line with the NLB Group Sustainable Car Fleet Management and Company Car Policy, NLB Lease&Go steers the transition process to be followed by all NLB Group members. In 2025 Leasing companies in NLB Group will actively participate in NZBA target setting for the Transport sector; finance green items for the purpose of Clean Transportation and Renewable Energy; and continue with green product development. Table 25: Leasing companies in NLB Group green financing at the end of 2023 and 2024 (in EUR thousands) Year (EOY) New production Outstanding stock Leasing companies in NLB Group green financing 2023 9,763 11,343 Leasing companies in NLB Group 2024 6,441 14,198 Notes: (i) Green lending or financing classification refers to the internal methodology of NLB Group, which refers to EBRD, MIGA, Green Bond and EU Taxonomy frameworks. If a loan or financing is mapped to either of these frameworks, it is currently considered a green loan or financing. To ensure a robust and standardized overview of green lending or financing, this methodology will be fully aligned with CSRD, ESRS and EU Taxonomy within the regulatory timeframes. (ii) Data refers to NLB Lease&Go d.o.o. and subsidiaries NLB Lease&Go Skopje and NLB Lease&Go Leasing d.o.o. Beograd. Data do not include the leasing companies Summit Leasing Slovenija and Mobil Leasing, Zagreb (acquired in September 2024) as they will perform classification of green financing in line with the internal methodology of NLB Group from the fiscal year 2025 onwards. Metrics and progress ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 249 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Asset management Policies NLB Funds, Asset Management, Ltd. (hereinafter: NLB Funds) offers three asset management services: 1. portfolio management 2. mutual investment fund management 3. alternative investment fund management For each of these services, NLB Funds has adopted service-specific internal acts that determine how each service will be performed and how funds will be managed. While portfolio management services are performed in accordance with the Portfolio management general Terms and conditions and do not take sustainability into account, NLB Funds has established two sub-funds which promote environmental and social characteristics and related internal acts. Prospectus of the NLB Skladi umbrella fund including the management rules Content and purpose: This act determines that the sub-fund NLB Funds – Equity Socially Responsible Global Advanced Markets promotes environmental and social characteristics and the sub-fund NLB Funds – Equity Environmental promotes environmental characteristics. How the mentioned two sub-funds achieve environmental and social characteristics, and which activities are excluded for these 2 sub-funds is explained below in the section "Key activities". This act also determines that the company NLB Funds only manages sustainability risks that are required by national and EU law in relation to mutual investment funds. To manage these risks, NLB adopted the Rulebook on Due Diligence of Investments and Tab Keeping and the Mutual Funds Risk Management Plan which determines how sustainability risks are identified and mitigated. Scope: NLB Skladi Most senior level accountable: Head of the Risk Management department Tender document including the Fund Management Rules NLB Funds – Green Transition I, Specialized Investment Fund Content and purpose: This act determines that the fund promotes environmental characteristics (for details see the section "Key activities"). NLB Funds manages sustainability risks that are required by national and EU law in relation to alternative investment funds. How this is performed is determined by the Alternative Investment Fund Due Diligence Policy and the Alternative Investment Funds Risk Management Plan. Scope: NLB Skladi Most senior level accountable: Risk Management department and the ESG coordinator Sustainability Policy of NLB Funds Content and purpose: The Sustainability policy does not apply to assets managed by NLB Funds (assets managed in mutual funds, alternative investment funds and portfolios) and determines that NLB Funds does not currently consider adverse impacts of investment decisions on sustainability factors. NLB Funds plans to review this provision in the Sustainability policy in the future as the environmental regulation evolves. The Sustainability policy also determines how NLB Funds will conduct its business operations sustainably. It determines that NLB Fund will take into account impacts, risks, or opportunities created by its business operations and that NLB Funds will adhere to the NLB Group exclusion list published on NLB web page. Scope: NLB Skladi; NLB Fondovi, Beograd; and NLB Fondovi, Skopje Most senior level accountable: the Supervisory Board to which the NLB Skladi ESG coordinator regularly (half yearly) reports. Availability: publicly available at: NLB Skladi web page. Key activities NLB Funds offers two sub-funds which promote environmental and social characteristics and adhere to Article 8 of Regulation SFDR (EU) 2019/2088, whereas NLB Funds Beograd and Skopje currently do not have any such funds in their offer. The sub-fund NLB Funds – Equity Socially Responsible Global Advanced Markets (introduced in 2018) promotes a combination of environmental and social characteristics but does not invest in sustainable investments. Therefore, this sub-fund invests in issuers with above-average environmental and social awareness in their operations, provided that they respect good governance practices. The reference value for the achievement of the environmental and social characteristics promoted by this sub-fund has been determined as the required minimum allowable weighted average score of the environmental, social, and governance characteristics of all investments of the sub-fund. This sub-fund also promotes environmental and social characteristics in such a way that it eliminates individual activities or sub-activities that it considers controversial. Such controversial activities or sub-activities in which the sub-fund will not invest are aviation and defence, gambling, tobacco, breweries, spirit drinks and wine producers, energy, metals and mining, paper and forest- based industry, and road transport The sub-fund NLB Funds – Equity Environmental (introduced in 2018) promotes a combination of environmental characteristics provided that companies adhere to good governance practices but does not invest in sustainable investments. Therefore, this sub-fund invests in issuers with above-average environmental awareness in their operations, provided that they respect good governance practices. The reference value for the achievement of the environmental characteristics promoted by this sub- fund has been determined as the required minimum allowable weighted average score of the environmental and governance characteristics of all investments of the sub-fund. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 250 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report In 2024, NLB Funds additionally launched an alternative investment fund named the Green Transition I, Specialized Investment Fund . This fund also promotes environmental characteristics by investing in projects that enhance energy efficiency and generate electricity from renewable energy sources and any other projects related to the energy transition, provided that good governance practices are observed. As such this fund also adheres to Article 8 of Regulation SFDR (EU) 2019/2088 but does not invest in sustainable investments. In 2025, NLB Funds will be required to implement ESMA Guidelines on funds' names using ESG or sustainability- related terms as two sub-funds and the alternative investment fund have such terms in their names. As the aforementioned guidelines prohibit investments in companies that perform certain activities, funds to which these guidelines will apply need to form exclusion lists for prohibited investments (e.g. tobacco, controversial weapons, etc). Metrics and progress NLB Skladi aims to maximize the asset value of two sub-funds that promote environmental and social characteristics. In 2024, compared to 2023, the total net asset value of these sub funds has increased by 62%. Green bond Policy NLB Green Bond Framework Content and purpose: The NLB Green Bond Framework (GBF) defines commitments related to green bond issuance(s) and key activities to meet commitments. The most relevant are (i) criteria for selection of the eligible portfolio (use of proceeds), (ii) how the portfolio is managed, and (iii) respective allocation and impact reporting content and dynamic. The GBF follows the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) Green Bond Principles with the following focus areas: renewable energy, energy efficiency, green buildings, clean transportation, sustainable water and wastewater management, and pollution prevention and control. Scope: Under the GBF NLB can only issue any debt security to finance or refinance loans, assets, and projects with positive environmental benefits. The eligible loans, assets, and projects to satisfy the commitments can be contributed by NLB, its seven subsidiary banks, and several companies providing ancillary services (including asset management, real estate management, leasing, etc.). Most senior level accountable: While a Green Bond Working Group was established for the governance of the GBF, the main responsibility for the implementation lies with the NLB Management Board who confirm the GBF as well as the eligible portfolio and reports. Availability: The GBF is publicly available on NLB website: NLB Green Bond Framework Key activities Based on the NLB Green Bond Framework (GBF), NLB issued its inaugural green bond in a benchmark size of EUR 500 million in June 2023. The eligibility criteria, as outlined in the use of proceeds section of the NLB Green Bond Framework, take into account the EU Taxonomy Regulation and the EU Taxonomy Climate Delegated Act, with the intention to apply them on a best-efforts basis. In that respect, the Group will focus on compliance with technical screening criteria for determining substantial contribution to climate change mitigation and, as they enter into law, to sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources, as well as pollution prevention and control. Key activities in 2024 were focused on building up the green bond eligible assets portfolio. This focus will continue to be a priority in 2025. Target and progress With the issuance of the green bond in June 2023, NLB committed to strive to allocate the full amount of the green bond (EUR 500 million) within 36 months after issuance (target amount), i.e. by 26 June 2026. The target amount was set on the outcome of the analysis made by Corporate and Investment Banking Management (for CIB stream) and Customer, Product Management and Digital Services (for retail stream) before green bond issuance. Based on the projections, it was concluded that the target is within reach. The target amount was confirmed by the Management Board. Internally, progress on meeting the allocation targets is followed monthly/quarterly, while progress is regularly reported on at the Sustainability Committee. Table 26: Net Asset Value at the end of 2023 in EUR thousands Sub-fund NLB Funds – Equity Socially Responsible Global Advanced Markets Sub-fund NLB Funds – Equity Environ- mental Tota l Net Asset Value 2023 81,737 11,287 93,024 Net Asset Value 2024 128,539 22,519 151,058 Accountancy policy and reconciliation: The value is a proportion of total net asset value reported in the business report ( Asset management operations ) ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 251 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Externally, progress is reported with the publication of the NLB Green Bond Allocation and Impact Report. Based on the NLB Green Bond Framework, such report has to be prepared annually at least until full allocation. The first Allocation and Impact report was published in June 2024 on data as of 31 March 2024. The report reveals that the portfolio of eligible assets amounted to EUR 341 million, with 943 loans granted. The report underwent a limited assurance review performed by Sustainalytics (Morningstar). The next Allocation and Impact Report will be published in June 2025 and will be accessible on the NLB website. ›› For 2024 disclosures, please refer to NLB Green Bond, June 2024 (English version only) on the NLB website . The document is not subject to external review of Sustainabillity Statement. Table 27: Eligible portfolio - allocation by categories as at 31 March 2024 in EUR thousands Allocated proceeds Unallocated proceeds CMA Green Projects Categories Total amount of proceeds allocated Number of loans New financing Refinancing Renewable Energy 238,470 296 31,971 206,499 158,890 Green Building 77,423 238 0.282 77,141 Clean Transportation 15,083 408 8,119 6,964 Energy Efficiency 10,134 1 - 10,134 Total 341,110 943 40,372 300,730 ESG bonds in the NLB Group’s banking book debt securities portfolio Policy NLB Group Investment Strategy Content and purpose: When managing banking book debt securities, the portfolio reflects different characteristics in order to diminish the risk derived from within. This is described in the NLB Group Investment Strategy: Investment Portfolio Plan – Definition and Monitoring and the Trading and Treasury Framework for Managing Debt Securities. While the former only sets the ESG as a component in the portfolio overview, the latter document includes a definition of ESG component, which constitutes a social, green, or sustainability tag based on the 2021 Social Bond Principles (SBP), the 2021 Green Bond Principles (GBP), and the 2021 Sustainability Bond Guidelines (SBG) published by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA). Scope: The NLB Group Investment Strategy is the highest level document for managing banking book debt securities and all banking members are obliged to comply. Most senior level accountable: Each banking member has its own debt securities portfolio under its supervision and as such reports to the local Assets Liabilities Committee (ALCO). Every quarter an overview of portfolios is reported to the Group ALCO. Availability: Register of Internal Acts. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 252 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Key activities In 2024, the Group was actively present on the ESG- labelled debt securities issuances, whether primary or secondary, following the policy and the target related to the banking book debt securities portfolio. This will continue in 2025. With this approach constant growth of the Group’s ESG awareness in the debt securities portfolio is ensured. Target and progress The Group’s strategy is to invest at least the share of issued ESG debt securities on the primary market in the total issued amount of issuers where the Group has risk appetite, on a yearly basis. At the end of 2024, NLB Group had EUR 670 million invested in ESG-labelled bonds which represents 10.8% of the Group’s banking book debt securities portfolio and marked a 66% growth in compared to 2023 (6.5% share). More than half of the ESG portfolio was invested into government, government-guaranteed, and multilateral bank bonds. In 2024, EUR 373 million of ESG-labelled bonds were added into the debt securities portfolio which is 13% of all new investments in 2024 on the Group level. Table 28: ESG Debt Securities in NLB Group portfolio as of 31 December 2024 (in EUR thousands) Green financing (in EUR millions) Banks & corporate Government and multilat. banks Total Purchased YtD in 2024 Environmental 219,961 171,696 391,657 170,116 Social 41,684 142,301 183,985 155,551 Governance 0 94,532 94,532 47,758 Total ESG 261,645 408,529 670,174 373,424 Total portfolio 1,007,434 5,185,686 6,193,120 2,865,601 % of ESG 25.97% 7.9% 10.8% 13.0% Accountancy policy and reconciliation: Reported values for ESG Bonds in the Group’s banking book debt securities portfolio for refers to the financial statements notes 5.3. Non-trading financial instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss, 5.4. Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income, and 5.6.Financial assets measured at amortised cost. 35% 5% 1% 1% 26% 32% Multilateral bank bonds & GGB's Bank senior unsecured bonds Government bonds Covered bonds Subordinated debt Corporate bonds Figure 21: Distribution of ESG debt securities by asset class ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiIHN0YW5kYWxvbmU9Im5vIj8+CjwhRE9DVFlQRSBzdmcgUFVCTElDICItLy9XM0MvL0RURCBTVkcgMS4xLy9FTiIKImh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnL0dyYXBoaWNzL1NWRy8xLjEvRFREL3N2ZzExLmR0ZCI+Cjxzdmcgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDE4MTggMTI4NiIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIj4KPGRlZnM+CjwvZGVmcz4KPC9zdmc+) Social Information In this section, we report on three material standards: Own Workforce, Affected Communities, and Consumers and End-users. Our employee- related disclosures cover Working conditions and human rights, Diversity, eqiity and inclusion, Talent attraction and development, and Health and Safety, showcasing our commitment to a thriving workforce. We highlight our community impact through financing, regional development, sponsorships, and donations. Finally, we present disclosures on financial health, responsible marketing, service quality, customer satisfaction, and cybersecurity, emphasizing our management of social IROs. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 254 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report GROWING PEOPLE ENCOURAGE ENTREPRENEURSHIP IMPROVING LIVES We are ambitious, curious people who want to learn continuously. We are skilled professionals and effective communicators. • We are honest speakers and active listeners • We acquire and share knowledge • We are persistent in striving for continuous improvement • We support each other to learn and improve • We act together towards common purpose We understand our clients and colleagues, and continuously innovate to enhance their experience. We drive and embrace the changes. • We are looking everything through digital eyes • We are always going one step further • We are respecting our agreements and promises • We are proposing innovative and simplified improvements. • We ask for empowerment and take responsibility We are changing ourselves to improve the quality of life in our home region. • We are advocating and applying sustainable practices • We show interest and understanding for one another • We personally lead the change • We take care of our personal impact on environment • We look for opportunity in every challenge S-1 SBM3 material IROs and their interaction with strategy and the business model At NLB Group, sustainable practices and human resource management are strongly interconnected. Sustainability is firmly embedded in the Group’s values which are key drivers of organizational culture. Sustainability is also one of core foundations of NLB's new 2025–2030 Human Resources Strategy, adopted in December 2024 and set for gradual group-wide implementation. The HR Strategy incorporates and supports Business Strategy 2030 (People and Culture pillar), which focuses on the following key goals: • ensuring adequate skills and capacity across the business initiatives and across the Group, in line with changing business needs, • providing framework for effective and modern people management and development, • and strengthening and streamlining HR processes. The conducted double materiality assessment identified 4 material sustainability topics, which are directly or indirectly connected with the new strategies: Working conditions and human rights of employees; Employee attraction and development; Diversity, equity and inclusion, and Cybersecurity. The Group continuously embeds sustainable principles into human resource management and organization. In this respect, NLB Group members establish respective HR internal documents, rules and procedures, initiatives, and practices which: S1 Own Workforce • respect the human rights and labour rights enshrined in both domestic and international law. • include diversity and inclusion, equal opportunities, and non-discrimination for reasons of gender, ethnicity, age, or any other circumstance. • ensure efficient addressing of diversity, in particular gender equality, in the highest governance bodies and senior positions. • ensure fair pay and remuneration, and reduction of the gender pay gap. • promote and ensure the safety, health, work-life balance, and well-being of employees. • attract and manage talents in order to drive the local and international career development of employees. • promote internal dialogue and communication, and measure employee satisfaction through regular organizational culture and engagement surveys. • maintain high standards of labour management relations and social dialogue. • promote and implement training and other measures to ensure that employees build their sustainability capacities, awareness, and engagement. • build and promote a sustainability culture which is an important driver for successfully steering the sustainability and ESG agenda in NLB Group. Tables on the next page describe the connection of 14 material IROs with overall business model of NLB Group. 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 255 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 29: Own workforce related impacts, risks, and opportunities (Working Conditions) Material Sustainability Topic Name of IRO Description of IRO Type of IRO Location in the value chain Time horizon Working conditions and human rights of employees Work-related health impacts For some employees, office work results in long-term health impact, such as back pain, damaged eyesight and related issues, thus reducing their life quality. Impact - Actual Negative impact Own operations Short-term Enabling healthy work- life balance The Group consistently prioritises imparting knowledge about healthy habits, mental health, employee assistance support programs, and advocates activities that contribute to employees’ well-being and satisfaction. It fosters a healthy work environment conducive to meaningful interpersonal connections and a work-life dynamic. Impact - Actual Positive impact Own operations Short-term Enabling a healthy and safe working environment NLB Group has implemented numerous health-related initiatives aiming to reduce negative impacts of work and promote a healthy lifestyle, which may results in a positive impact on employee health. Health and safety measures are implemented to prevent accidents. No high-risk workplaces were identified during a workplace risk assessment in 2023. Impact - Potential Positive impact Own operations Short-term Enabling low turnover rate and long-term contracts NLB Group implements policies to ensure fair remuneration, adequate working conditions, and social dialogue to promote employee satisfaction and retention. This includes transparent and fair remuneration standards, monitoring working hours to prevent burn-out, and maintaining open communication with employees. Impact - Actual Positive impact Own operations Short-term Fair remuneration of employees Through remuneration policies, NLB Group is ensuring transparent and fair remuneration standards for its employees, fostering fairness and equity. Impact - Actual Positive impact Own operations Short-term Enabling social dialogue NLB Group members are committed to establishing constructive relations among employees and management, maintaining high standards of social dialogue and ensuring timely communication. This also includes open communication on relevant topics and informing employees and their representatives prior to the implementation of significant operational changes that could substantially affect them. Impact - Actual Positive impact Own operations Short-term Enabling collective agreements with employees Employees are covered by a Collective Agreement, which allows for stronger representation and better bargaining position. Impact - Potential Positive impact Own operations Short-term Table 30: Own workforce related impacts, risks, and opportunities (Employee Attraction and Development, DEI, Cybersecurity) Employee attraction and development Enabling trainings and skills development NLB Group is continuously committed to leverage trainings throughout the region and make development of its employees its core value. Investing in training raises career prospects for employees and improved workplace satisfaction. Impact - Actual Positive impact Own operations Short-term Trainings and skills development Training and skills development are crucial for enhancing employee capabilities and fostering innovation within banks. By investing in continuous learning opportunities, banks can improve employee performance, adapt to industry changes, and strengthen workforce engagement, ultimately leading to better service delivery and long-term competitiveness in the financial sector. Opportunity Own operations Short-term Enabling talent management and retention of talent Enabling talent management and retention of talent ensures that the organization can maintain a skilled and motivated workforce with improved career prospects. Impact - Potential Positive impact Own operations Short-term Key talent management and retention of talent Effective talent management and retention strategies are essential for banks to maintain a competitive edge and drive organizational success. By focusing on career development, employee engagement, and a positive workplace culture, banks can attract top talent, reduce turnover, and ensure a skilled workforce that is committed to achieving long-term goals and enhancing service quality. Opportunity Own operations Short-term Diversity, equity and inclusion Gender pay gap in remuneration NLB Group has commited to redue the gender pay gap, which in NLB in 2023. Gender pay gap may negatively impact work satisfaction of female employees and damage the company's reputation. Impact - Actual Negative impact Own operations Short-term Cybersecurity Protection of employee personal data Protection of employee personal data ensures privacy and fosters trust among employees, contributing positively to their sense of security and overall morale. Impact - Actual Positive impact Own operations Short-term Cyber crime Cybersecurity risks, particularly regarding the protection of employee and customer data, can significantly impact a bank's financial performance through potential data breaches that lead to costly remediation efforts, regulatory fines, and litigation, as well as reputational damage that erodes customer trust and confidence, ultimately resulting in loss of business and diminished market value. 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In accordance with ESRS, NLB Group classifies its workforce into two categories: • Employees: Individuals engaged by a contract with any NLB Group member, either full-time or part-time, and identified by an ID number. • Non-Employees: Individual contractors supplying labour to NLB Group members, including self- employed individuals with signed contracts, and workers provided by third-party providers (NACE Code N78), such as HR agencies, institutions, and students. As stipulated in the ESRS requirements, information on non-employees may be excluded in the first year of sustainability reporting (for FY 2024). NLB Group opted to apply this exclusion and plans to report on this employee type in the future, in line with the regulation at the time. Identified IROs, presented in tables on previous page relate to all of NLB Group’s employees and do not differ among particular types of employees. For example, while the impact of office work on employee health is widespread in all countries where NLB Group operates, the Group acknowledges that at the same time, some employee groups may be more exposed to work-related illnesses, security, and injuries (such as front-facing employees and security drivers). Material negative impacts The identified actual material negative impact of office work on employee health is widespread in all countries where NLB Group operates. For example, employees with impairments and older employees may be more exposed to work-related illnesses, and specific group of employees (branch staff, employees in vault, money transporters, etc.) may be more exposed to security issues such as violence or robberies. Material positive impacts Material positive impacts of NLB Group on employees spans across material sustainability topics, which are described in the table of material IROs above. As a parent bank, NLB strives to harmonize related policies, practices, and measures that enhance positive impacts and minimize negative impacts in all NLB Group members so that all NLB Group employees are or could be equally positively affected. These efforts have some limitations due to different legislations and socio- economic environments in non-EU countries and the size of the entities. Material risks and opportunities arising from impacts and dependencies NLB Group relies on a skilled workforce to achieve strategic objectives and deliver complex financial services. Talent development and succession planning are crucial for realizing the opportunities and business goals set in the Group’s strategy. The DMA reveals several material opportunities arising from impacts and dependencies as presented in the table above. Although only identified material risk above the threshold is related to cybersecurity, the Group recognizes other non-material (below the threshold) potential negative impacts and risks, and embeds their mitigation in its policies and procedures. Impact on employees that may arise from transition plans The implementation of NLB Group’s transition plan may have some negative and some positive impacts on employees; however, none of these are deemed to be material. If not appropriately addressed, negative impacts may include increased workload derived from fulfilling new requirements and establishing new work processes. On the other hand, the implementation of the transition plan may have a positive impact and provide opportunities for new job creation, reskilling, and upskilling. These impacts will be adequately addressed in the further development and implementation of the transition plan. 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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 257 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Accounting methodology and reconciliation: For employee characteristic calculation in this chapter, the head count methodology was used as at December 2024. The number of employees is reconciled with the financial statements, note 4.9 Administrative expenses . Compared to the previous year, at the end of 2024 the number of employees in NLB Group members increased by 340 to a total of 8,322 employees . The increase was mainly due to the acquisition of Summit Leasing Slovenija and Mobil Leasing, Zagreb. The share of women was 69%, which is the same as at the end of 2023. Table 33: Number of NLB Group employees by gender and countries (headcount) 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 Country Number Women Men Number Women Men Bosnia and Herzegovina 1,025 74% 26% 990 74% 26% Croatia 41 63% 37% 1 0 100% Germany 0 0% 0% 0 0% 0% Kosovo 478 59% 41% 468 59% 41% Montenegro 410 67% 33% 390 66% 34% North Macedonia 995 65% 35% 962 65% 35% Serbia 2,515 71% 29% 2,480 71% 29% Slovenia 2,856 68% 32% 2,689 68% 32% Switzerland 2 0% 100% 2 0 100% Total 8,322 69% 31% 7,982 69% 31% Note: The measurement of metrics on this page was not validated by an external body other than the assurance provider (for 2024). S1-6 Employee characteristic metrics Table 32: Number of employees in countries with at least 50 employees and 10% of total NLB Group number of employees Country 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1,025 990 Kosovo 478 468 Montenegro 410 390 North Macedonia 995 962 Serbia 2,515 2,480 Slovenia 2,856 2,689 Table 31: Number of NLB Group employees by gender (headcount) Gender 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 Men 2,597 2,503 Women 5,725 5,479 Other 0 0 Not reported 0 0 Total 8,322 7,982 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 258 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 34: Number of NLB Group’s permanent, temporary and non-guaranteed hours employees by gender and by country (headcount) 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 Women Men Other Not reported Women Men Other Not reported Total number of employees 5,725 2,597 0 0 5,479 2,503 0 0 Permanent employees 5,324 2,456 0 0 5,190 2,386 0 0 Temporary employees 401 141 0 0 289 117 0 0 Non-guaranteed hours employees 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Table 35: Number of NLB Group’s permanent, temporary and non-guaranteed hours employees by country (headcount) - 2024 31 Dec 2024 Bosnia and Herzegovina Croatia Kosovo Montenegro North Macedonia Serbia Slovenia Switzerland Total Total number of employees 1,025 41 478 410 995 2,515 2,856 2 8,322 Permanent employees 936 41 322 366 890 2,393 2,830 2 7,780 Temporary employees 89 0 156 44 105 122 26 0 542 Non-guaranteed hours employees 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Table 36: Number of NLB Group’s permanent, temporary and non-guaranteed hours employees by country (headcount) - 2023 31 Dec 2023 Bosnia and Herzegovina Croatia Kosovo Montenegro North Macedonia Serbia Slovenia Switzerland Total Total number of employees 990 1 468 390 962 2,480 2,689 2 7,982 Permanent employees 909 1 335 360 912 2,388 2,669 2 7,576 Temporary employees 81 0 133 30 50 92 20 0 406 Non-guaranteed hours employees 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Note: The measurement of metrics on this page was not validated by an external body other than the assurance provider (for 2024). ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 259 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 37: Total number of employees who have left NLB Group banking members (headcount) 2024 2023 Entity Number Women Men Number Women Men NLB, Ljubljana 256 180 76 221 155 66 NLB Banka, Banja Luka 79 57 22 70 53 17 NLB Banka, Podgorica 41 27 14 29 18 11 NLB Banka, Prishtina 42 24 18 26 12 14 NLB Banka, Sarajevo 75 54 21 117 86 31 NLB Banka, Skopje 106 71 35 68 50 18 NLB Komercijalna banka, Beograd 326 219 107 507 382 125 Total 925 632 293 1,038 756 282 Table 38: Rate of employee turnover in NLB Group banking members 2024 2023 Entity Number Women Men Number Women Men NLB, Ljubljana 10% 70% 30% 8% 70% 30% NLB Banka, Banja Luka 15% 72% 28% 14% 76% 24% NLB Banka, Podgorica 10% 66% 34% 9% 62% 38% NLB Banka, Prishtina 8.8% 57% 43% 7.3% 46% 54% NLB Banka, Sarajevo 15% 72% 28% 23% 74% 26% NLB Banka, Skopje 11% 67% 33% 7% 74% 26% NLB Komercijalna banka, Beograd 14% 67% 33% 19% 75% 25% Total 12% 68% 32% 14% 73% 27% Notes: (i) Turnover number and rate refer to NLB Group banking members, which accounts for 93% (7,725) of the total NLB Group employee headcount (8,322). Data from other NLB Group members were not available for 2024. (ii) The measurement of metrics on this page was not validated by an external body other than the assurance provider (for 2024). ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 260 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report At NLB Group, strong working conditions and human rights commitments are intertwined. The Group manages them through several policies and procedures, and pays a special attention to identified material IROs, which relate to ensuring secure employment and fair remuneration, safe and healthy working environment, work-life balance, enabling social dialogue, equal opportunities for all employees, ensuring cybersecurity (data and privacy), and enabling development of employees. On a high level, the general internal regulation framework related to the Bank’s own employees is set out in the Code of Conduct (described in the chapter Governance information). In addition to the Code of Conduct and Policy on Respecting Human Rights, specific IROs are addressed in domain specific policies, and other internal acts, rules, and procedures. The purpose, content, and availability are described for each relevant policy, while scope and accountability are common to all policies as follows unless stated otherwise in each policy description. Scope: NLB Group has established mechanisms for document and processes harmonization in all NLB Group members. In line with the Guidelines for the adoption of NLB Group documents (policies, strategies, methodologies, criteria, procedures, etc.), internal documents related to employees are first prepared by the human resources competence line and adopted by the competent body in NLB as the parent bank. As a rule, sustainability-related policies and other internal documents are adopted first in the parent bank NLB, whereas Group members are responsible for adapting them and implementing them in their operations according to the guidelines of the parent bank and local legislation. Accordingly, the competence line defines the level of obligation: whether the NLB Group document is mandatory, partially mandatory (mandatory and best practice), or just practice for other NLB Group members. Most senior function accountable: The policies related to employees are in the custody of different departments, mainly human resource departments. The Policy on Respecting Human Rights is in the custody of Sustainability Unit, and policies on protecting personal data are in the custody of legal, the general affairs department, compliance, or IT. Departments are responsible for policy preparation, updates and first-level implementation, as well as for building awareness and training related to the policies. The Management Board or director of each NLB Group member is accountable for oversight of policies, while directors of designated departments are responsible for their operational implementation. Availability: After a NLB Group member adapts and adopts its internal acts, they are published on the intranet site, making them accessible to all its employees. Description of actions, targets, and metrics related to material IROs and sustainability topics are included in the following sections. In general, NLB Group members have established specific action plans for executing activities to achieve the targets and further develop meaningful strategies related to employees. Progress towards achieving targets and the effectiveness of activities are tracked regularly within organizational units or competence lines responsible for specific sustainability topics, and through regular internal reporting to the management bodies of each NLB Group member. Employees or their representatives are included in target setting where applicable, and subject to the type of the target. All work-related activities are regularly discussed and aligned with workers’ representatives, trade unions, and employees’ immediate superiors. Human rights commitments Human rights policy NLB Group members ensure fair treatment and protect the rights of workers while providing a structured framework for employers to manage their workforce effectively in accordance with local labour laws. To this end, the principles and provisions related to human rights are included in employment contracts, which are signed by each employee and are also integrated into domain-specific internal acts. Policy on respect for human rights in NLB d.d. and NLB Group Content and purpose: The purpose of the policy, adopted in 2023, is to set NLB Group’s commitment to respect human rights in accordance with international standards. These include (but are not limited to) the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the UN Guidelines, Performance Standards 2,4,9 as per EBRD Environmental and Social Policy, and the OECD Guidelines. In addition to these, NLB follows the National Action Plan of the Republic of Slovenia for the Respect of Human Rights in Business and meaningfully transposes its directions and recommendations to other regions. The policy lays down principles and commitments related NLB Group’s own operations, financing and investing, or relationships with other stakeholders. It also outlines diligence mechanisms for identifying and preventing any risks or incidents stemming from NLB Group’s value chain. Scope: NLB Group employees. Most senior function accountable: The policy is in the custody of the Sustainability Department (or sustainability coordinators or legal and general affairs departments in smaller companies without established sustainability-related functions), while the highest responsibility lies with the management boards of each NLB Group member. In addition, to steer the human rights policy, NLB has appointed a Human Rights Custodian to monitor and oversee human rights compliance on the Group level, organize training, and coordinate the development of due diligence mechanisms. Availability: The policy is available to all employee in the register of internal acts and publicly on the NLB website. IRO Management 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 261 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report The policy includes the following principles and commitments: • Employees have the right to a suitable and safe working environment. • Employees are encouraged to pursue personal and professional growth and development. • Striving to improve the representation of the under- represented gender in management positions. • Zero tolerance and prohibition of any form of harassment to ensure the dignity of employees and a work environment free from ill-treatment and harassment. • Employees are guaranteed the right to an effective complaint mechanism to express their opinions, complaints, and observations in confidence. • Ensuring equal opportunities for women and men, i.e. equal treatment irrespective of gender. • Ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities by making appropriate adjustments to workplaces and work environments, in accordance with local regulations. • Recognizing the fundamental rights of employees to form and join trade unions or other forms of association, to bargain collectively, and to have the protection of workers' representatives recognized in accordance with labour law. • Considering the safety and health of employees to be of fundamental importance and giving priority to the continuous improvement of working conditions. • The NLB Group supports the elimination of all forms of forced and child and adolescent labour, human trafficking and does not employ minors (under 18 years of age). Rules on the Prevention of Harassment and Mobbing at Work Content and purpose: NLB Group members have adopted the Rules on the Prevention of Harassment and Mobbing at Work or included these principles in corresponding instructions, training and other measures. The aim of this policy is to protect employees in the event of mistreatment and harassment. As employers, NLB Group members are obliged to ensure the dignity of employees and create a working environment in which no employee is exposed to mistreatment or sexual or other means of harassment by subordinates or superiors, colleagues, or anyone else who performs work for the NLB Group member. With this policy, all employees uniformly understand the importance of the prohibition of ill-treatment and harassment, which they all consistently respect in their relations with all stakeholders of the Bank. Scope: NLB Group employees. Most senior function accountable: The management boards and directors of HR departments or similar functions in NLB Group members. Key activities In 2024, NLB Group focused on the following activities related to the overall employee human rights approach: • The NLB Group conducted a gap analysis in 2023 to review its policies, processes, and mechanisms for respecting human rights. The findings from this analysis started to be implemented in 2024 and will continue to be integrated into the development of the human rights due diligence mechanism in 2025 and beyond. • NLB Group banking members conducted a human rights impact risk assessment. Additionally, NLB conducted an employee survey to evaluate the likelihood and severity of specific human rights issues. The survey identified the three most important employee human rights as: (1) equal pay for equal work, (2) good and safe working conditions, and (3) the right to rest and leisure. These rights were included in the Disclosure Management Assessment (DMA) and are reflected in the identified material IROs and sustainability topics: working conditions and human rights of employees, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Other human rights, such as child labour, slavery, and forced labour, were not deemed significant due to high awareness and existing legislation in all NLB Group countries. • Human rights topics were included in mandatory annual training on sustainability, which was completed in all NLB Group core members, contributing to enhancing employee awareness about human rights. • Several grievance mechanisms are in place for all stakeholders, including employees, where human rights violations can also be detected and further addressed according to the severity of the breach. For details, see chapter S1-3. • To ensure realisation of principles and commitments related to human rights NLB Group conducts several on going initiatives for each material sustainability topic which are described in respective sub- chapters in the remaining of Own workforce chapter: Working conditions, Employee attraction and talent development, Diversity, equity and inclusion, Cyber security. S1-17 Incidents, complaints, and severe human rights impacts Table 39: Number of human rights incidents, complaints, and severe human rights impacts related to employees (i) 2024 2023 Total number of confirmed incidents of discrimination, including harassment 0 0 Number of complaints filed through various channels, including grievance mechanisms (ii) 9 5 Total amount of fines, penalties, and compensation for damages as a result of the incidents and complaints 0 0 Total number of severe incidents (forced labour, human trafficking or child labour) 0 0 Total number of fines, penalties, and compensation for damages as a result of severe incidents 0 0 Total 9 5 (i) Data refers to NLB Group banking members. Data from other NLB Group members were not available for 2024. The reports have been processed in accordance with the internal regulations and no incidents, complaints, or severe human rights impacts were confirmed. 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"/>
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"/>
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"/>
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</svg>) We are aware that only a satisfied employee, one who feels the firm’s trust and care for his or her work/life balance and potential, will help us address the opportunities that await us. To nurture an environment of growth and satisfaction, we focus on employee health, work-life balance, stress management and family- friendly benefits with activities such as sports games, healthy lifestyle workshops, stress management, specialised medical examinations, additional days off, etc. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 263 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Working conditions As resulting from the DMA, seven material impacts relate to working conditions and human rights and cover three main aspects: • secure employment: enabling a low turnover rate and long-term contracts, and fair renumeration of employees • health: enabling a healthy and safe working environment, prevention of work-related negative health effects, enabling a healthy work-life balance, raising awareness • labour-management relations: enabling social dialogue, enabling collective agreements with employees. Secure employment and fair remuneration Policy Collective agreements Content and purpose: The general framework for secure employment is set by collective agreements or corresponding internal acts, adopted in line with labour laws in countries of NLB Group operations. For details about the collective agreements, see chapter Enabling social dialogue and collective bargaining. Remuneration Policy of employees in NLB d.d. and in NLB Group Content and purpose: This policy provides guidelines for the prudent remuneration of all employees, excluding management board members, and aligns the performance management system and remuneration across NLB Group. For core financial members, the policy aligns with the principles used by NLB and incorporates local regulations that are binding and applicable at the time for the member. In other non-core members, the principles of the remuneration policies are implemented through the employment contract. The policy defines fixed and variable pay, goal-setting, and performance criteria (KPIs), and outlines conditions for allocating and paying variable remuneration. The policy adheres to EBA and ESMA guidelines, considering proportionality, NLB Group assets, and local labour laws. It ensures equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender, making it gender-neutral. Most senior function accountable: management boards and supervisory boards of NLB Group members. Key activities Secure employment All NLB Group members are committed to providing their employees with long-term employment security by offering indefinite contracts. However, due to specific circumstances such as project-based work or temporary substitutions, fixed-term contracts may be issued. In Kosovo, labour law stipulates that an indefinite contract is automatically granted after 10 years of continuous employment with the bank. Adequate wage All NLB Group members are committed to ensuring equal pay for equal work and setting salaries above the market minimum, so no employee receives less than an adequate wage. For example, NLB conducts annual salary adjustments in accordance with the minimum wage set by the government and the collective agreement. Employee performance assessment Employee performance assessment is essential for ensuring fair remuneration. The foundation of performance evaluation is goal setting, which aligns with NLB Group’s business strategy and the objectives of each organizational unit. This goal-setting process is followed by a performance reviews goal setting meetings between the employee and their manager, who discuss: • key employee goals for achieving the Bank’s business objectives • goals and expected workplace competencies (behaviour) • performance criteria, divided into goals (what, how much) and competencies (how, in what way) Annual, semi-annual, or quarterly goal planning and key competency definition form the basis for performance appraisals and performance-based earnings. The planning, monitoring, and evaluation frequency depends on the tasks performed by employees in the organizational unit. Other ongoing activities related to collective agreements include following the legislation, maintaining a dialogue with employees, trade unions and workers representatives, ensuring employees receive written contracts at the beginning of the working relationship, and enabling social protections coverage in case of major life events related to the employment (such as sickness, parental leave, retirement, unemployment). Activities related to engaging employees and social dialogue in setting collective agreements are described in detail in section S1-3. To ensure proper execution of the remuneration policy, NLB Group members make adjustments based on monitoring the market conditions (market salary benchmark), local legislation, and dialogue with employees and/or trade unions and workers’ representatives. S1-13 Performance review metrics In 2024, it is estimated that 99%-100% of NLB Group eligible employees had a performance review. In line with the remuneration policy eligible employees are all employees excluding long-term absentees (longer than half of the evaluation period), such as employees on parental leave or long-term sick leave, and conducting a performance and career development review is mandatory. Table 40: Performance and career development reviews 2024 Percentage of eligible employees with performance and career development reviews 99%-100% (69% women, 31% men) Notes: (i) Data refers to all NLB Group members and includes all eligible employees for performance and career reviews. The gender breakdown is estimated taking into account a general gender breakdown in NLB Group. (ii) The measurement of the metric was not validated by an external body other than the assurance provider. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 264 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report S-10 Adequate wages metrics The general objective related to secure employment and fair remuneration is to increase the number of employees with long-term or permanent contracts (where applicable and based on employment needs) and to secure adequate and appropriate wages taking into account job context, market conditions, local legislation, and employee satisfaction. Table 41: Adequate wages metrics 2024 Percentage of employees paid an adequate wage 100% Notes: (i) Data refers to all NLB Group members (ii) The measurement of metrics was not validated by an external body other than the assurance provider Safe and healthy working environment Policy Occupational health and safety management system (OHS) Content and purpose: The OHS system in NLB Group is based on legal requirements, which are determined in the laws and regulations on health and safety at work applicable in each member state. On this foundation NLB Group members have established internal documents, such as the Statement on Safety and Risk Assessment or similar rulebooks on health and safety. These regulate the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of employers and employees in connection with the implementation and improvement of safety and health protection of employees at work, as well as general principles of prevention, and a system of rules of safety and health protection at work, the application of which achieves the prevention of injuries at work , occupational diseases, and other diseases related to work, as well as protection of the working environment, and other issues related to safety and health protection at work. Among other topics, special protection is prescribed in order to preserve the mental and physical development of young people, to protect women from risks that could endanger the realization of motherhood, to protect persons with disabilities and occupationally ill persons from further damage to their health and reducing their working capacity, and to preserve the working capacity of older employees within the limits appropriate to their life age. The statement also includes a risk and health assessment for specific job categories. Scope: All NLB Group employees are covered by the undertaking’s health and safety management system based on legal requirements. Most senior function accountable: The Management Board of each NLB Group member. In addition, all members (except those with fewer than three employees) NLB Group members employ professional workers for health and safety at work, who, together with the help of managers, take care of the implementation of measures to ensure safety and health at work or they hire a licensed company to implement occupational health and safety law and to inspect the applicable measures. Key activities Ongoing activities to ensure a safe and healthy environment include risk assessment and incident investigation, health and safety training, and workplace health promotion and initiatives. Their impact and progress are monitored by organizational units in charge of these activities. • Occupational health risk assessments (technical and health risk) are conducted according to specific methodologies and on-site inspections, following health and safety legislation. Measures to reduce occupational emissions, regular safety training, and provision of personal protective equipment are implemented. Injuries are recorded, investigated, and measures are adopted to prevent recurrence. Risk assessment is a foundation for the Safety and Risk Assessment Statement. Employees must report any workplace risks or incidents to their supervisor. If a danger is identified, they must stop working and inform their superior, who will act in line with internal protocol. Employees can only return to work once the danger is eliminated. • Employees take part in regular obligatory (theoretical and practical) training on health and safety , fire protection, first aid, and evacuation. Employees who work in a higher risk position are provided with special or additional training for their specific jobs or tasks (e.g. handling cash and securities, cash transport, debt collection). Training sessions are provided by certified legal entities for OSH and other professional companies. • General periodical medical examinations are mandatory for all NLB Group employees. Other initiatives include improving work organization, encouraging healthy activities, enabling healthy lifestyle choices, and promoting personal development. Specifically, projects like the Health Bank, partnerships with healthcare institutions, and employee memberships in sports associations further support employee health awareness and care. • NLB and several other Group members also offer ergonomic workplace adaptations (such as ergonomic chairs) to maintain employee health. • A special awareness programme, Healthy Bank, was established in NLB, providing webinars on various topics. This programme started in NLB and is being gradually implemented in other NLB Group members. • Recognizing the need for increasing the awareness of sound mental health and appropriate stress management , an employee assistance programme started in Slovenia and Serbia, offering anonymised psychological and other support. • Employees can also take part in several sport events and activities provided by NLB or other Group members (such as membership in internal or external sports associations, NLB sport events and gatherings, etc.) • Employees can suggest improvements or express concerns about occupational health and safety. The Group has various methods for worker participation, consultation, and communication. In some countries, safety committees or trade union representatives help prepare safety declarations and collect employee feedback. Where there are no committees, employees follow guidelines and can send suggestions by email. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiIHN0YW5kYWxvbmU9Im5vIj8+CjwhRE9DVFlQRSBzdmcgUFVCTElDICItLy9XM0MvL0RURCBTVkcgMS4xLy9FTiIKImh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnL0dyYXBoaWNzL1NWRy8xLjEvRFREL3N2ZzExLmR0ZCI+Cjxzdmcgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDE4MTggMTI4NiIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIj4KPGRlZnM+CjxzdHlsZSB0eXBlPSJ0ZXh0L2NzcyI+PCFbQ0RBVEFbCi5nMF8yNjV7CmZpbGw6ICMyMzAwNzg7Cn0KLmcxXzI2NXsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjMjMwMDc4OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDMuMDU1OwpzdHJva2UtbGluZWNhcDogcm91bmQ7CnN0cm9rZS1saW5lam9pbjogcm91bmQ7Cn0KLmcyXzI2NXsKZmlsbDogI0ZGRjsKfQouZzNfMjY1ewpmaWxsOiBub25lOwpzdHJva2U6ICNBN0E4QUE7CnN0cm9rZS13aWR0aDogMC4zODE7CnN0cm9rZS1taXRlcmxpbWl0OiAxMDsKfQouZzRfMjY1ewpmaWxsOiBub25lOwpzdHJva2U6ICMyMzAwNzg7CnN0cm9rZS13aWR0aDogMy4wNTU7CnN0cm9rZS1taXRlcmxpbWl0OiAxMDsKfQouZzVfMjY1ewpmaWxsOiBub25lOwpzdHJva2U6ICNGRkY7CnN0cm9rZS13aWR0aDogOS4xNjY7CnN0cm9rZS1taXRlcmxpbWl0OiAxMDsKfQouZzZfMjY1ewpmaWxsOiBub25lOwpzdHJva2U6ICNGRkY7CnN0cm9rZS13aWR0aDogMy4wNTU7CnN0cm9rZS1taXRlcmxpbWl0OiAxMDsKfQouZzdfMjY1ewpmaWxsOiBub25lOwpzdHJva2U6ICNBNzk5Qzk7CnN0cm9rZS13aWR0aDogNy42Mzg7CnN0cm9rZS1saW5lY2FwOiByb3VuZDsKfQpdXT48L3N0eWxlPgo8L2RlZnM+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xNTAwLjYsMTEzLjdjMzcuNywwLDY4LjIsLTMwLjYsNjguMiwtNjguMmMwLC0zNy43LC0zMC41LC02OC4xLC02OC4yLC02OC4xYy0zNy43LDAsLTY4LjIsMzAuNCwtNjguMiw2OC4xYzAsMzcuNiwzMC41LDY4LjIsNjguMiw2OC4yWiIgY2xhc3M9ImcwXzI2NSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTUwMC42LDEzOTkuOWMzNy43LDAsNjguMiwtMzAuNSw2OC4yLC02OC4yYzAsLTM3LjcsLTMwLjUsLTY4LjIsLTY4LjIsLTY4LjJjLTM3LjcsMCwtNjguMiwzMC41LC02OC4yLDY4LjJjMCwzNy43LDMwLjUsNjguMiw2OC4yLDY4LjJaIiBjbGFzcz0iZzBfMjY1Ii8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xNjA2LjgsMTE2My4ybC0xMy43LDEwLjd2MTYuOGMwLC44LC4zLDEuNiwuOSwyLjJjLjUsLjUsMS4zLC44LDIuMSwuOGgyMS40Yy44LDAsMS42LC0uMywyLjIsLS44Yy41LC0uNiwuOSwtMS40LC45LC0yLjJ2LTE2LjhsLTEzLjgsLTEwLjdabS00LjYsMzAuNXYtMTUuMmg5LjJ2MTUuMm0tMTAuNywtMTI1LjhsLTcuNiwtNy43bDcuNiwtNy42bTEwLjcsMTUuM2wtNy42LC03LjdsNy42LC03LjZtMzcuOCwxNS4zbDcuNywtNy43bC03LjcsLTcuNm0tMTAuNywxNS4zbDcuNywtNy43bC03LjcsLTcuNiIgY2xhc3M9ImcxXzI2NSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNNDI1LDI5OC45aDcyLjV2NDAuNkg0MjVWMjk4LjlabTAsNDAuNmg3Mi41djQ0LjJINDI1VjMzOS41Wm0wLDQ0LjJoNzIuNXY0NC4ySDQyNVYzODMuN1ptMCw0NC4yaDcyLjV2NTIuOEg0MjVWNDI3LjlabTAsNTIuOGg3Mi41djM5LjJINDI1VjQ4MC43WiIgY2xhc3M9ImcyXzI2NSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNOTAuOSwzMzkuNUg0MjAuNE05MC45LDM4My43SDQyMC40TTkwLjksNDI3LjlINDIwLjRNOTAuOSw0ODAuN0g0MjAuNG05LjEsLTE0MS4ySDQ5Nm0tNjYuNSw0NC4ySDQ5Nm0tNjYuNSw0NC4ySDQ5Nm0tNjYuNSw1Mi44SDQ5NiIgY2xhc3M9ImczXzI2NSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNOTAuOSwyNjguNEg0MjUiIGNsYXNzPSJnNF8yNjUiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTQyNSwzMzkuNXYtMzltMCw4My4yVjMzOS41bTAsODguNFYzODMuN20wLDk3VjQyNy45bTAsOTAuNVY0ODAuNyIgY2xhc3M9Imc1XzI2NSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNNDk3LjUsMzM5LjV2LTM5bTAsODMuMlYzMzkuNW0wLDg4LjRWMzgzLjdtMCw5N1Y0MjcuOW0wLDkwLjVWNDgwLjciIGNsYXNzPSJnNl8yNjUiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTQyNSwyNjguNGg3Mi41TTkwLjksMjk4LjlINDI1bTAsMGg3NE05MC45LDUxOS45SDQyNW0wLDBoNzQiIGNsYXNzPSJnNF8yNjUiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTU0Ni42LDM1NS4xVjkxMS4yIiBjbGFzcz0iZzdfMjY1Ii8+Cjwvc3ZnPg==) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 265 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report S1-14 Health and safety metrics The general objective related to health and safety is to ensure working conditions for preventing work-related illness, injuries, excessive stress, and deterioration of mental health. Table 42: Health and safety metrics 2024 Percentage of employees covered by the health and safety NLB Group management system 100% Number of recordable work-related accidents (i) 29 Number of recordable work-related ill health 0 Number of days lost to work-related injuries from work-related accidents or work-related ill health (ii) 769 Number of work-related fatalities 0 (i) Work-related accidents relates to employees (non-employees excluded) and were recorded only in NLB Group banking members, with share ranging from 0.26% to 0.78% of total workforce in each bank. (ii) Data refers to NLB Group banking members, which accounts for 93% (7,725) of the total NLB Group employee headcount (8,322). Data from other NLB Group members were not available for 2024. (iii) The measurement of metrics was not validated by an external body other than the assurance provider. Work-life balance NLB Group consistently prioritizes imparting knowledge about healthy habits and advocates activities that contribute to employees’ well-being and satisfaction. It fosters a healthy work environment conducive to meaningful interpersonal connections and a balanced work-life dynamic. Policy Family-friendly measures, regulation on remote work, and the right to disconnect Content and purpose: The general framework for enhancing awareness and implementing concrete measures on work-life balance is stipulated in NLB Group’s Code of Conduct, the Policy on Respecting Human Rights, and the Sustainability Policy. Some NLB Group members have adopted special regulations and instructions related to work from home (hybrid, remote work), flexible working hours, and working time, or have these principles implemented in other acts defining the employment relationship. Also, some Group members have internal acts defining measures and processes on creating a family-friendly company, while all members strive to follow these principles. In 2024, all NLB Group members operating in Slovenia adopted the Policy of the Right to Disconnect, transposing the EU directive, which ensures that employees have the right to disengage from work- related electronic communications during non-work hours, promoting a better work-life balance and protecting their health and well-being. Most senior function accountable: Directors of HR departments or similar functions in each NLB Group member. Key activities Family-friendly measures at NLB Group address various aspects of the working environment to promote work-life balance. These measures are continuously implemented and developed across all NLB Group members, with NLB and NLB KB holding national certifications from Ekvilib Institute and Balance company CEE. Internal teams, including HR and other department representatives, monitor progress, provide reports, and discuss improvements. • In NLB 27 measures are in place, out of which 11 measures are related to family benefits. See the full list on the NLB Website. • In NLB Komercijalna banka Belgrade 19 measures are in place: team for coordinating work-life balance; external/internal communication; work-life balance training for leaders; Work-life balance survey; scholarships for employees' children; financing for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and prenatal testing; innovations in work processes; panel discussions on work-life balance; family day. • In October 2024, NLB Banka Banja Luka signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations programme to promote family-friendly workplace and joined the Expanding Choices programme . • In countries without a family-friendly certificate, NLB Group members adopt individual measures to support working parents and provide family-related leaves in accordance with the local legislation. Common measures include hybrid work, well-being webinars, days off for significant life events, and limited overtime. • Parental leave is enabled for female and male employees in all countries. In addition, banking members allow both genders additional family- related leaves. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 266 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Enabling social dialogue and collective bargaining NLB Group members are committed to establishing constructive relations between employees and management, maintaining high standards of social dialogue, and ensuring timely communication. This also includes open communication on relevant topics and informing employees and their representatives prior to the implementation of significant operational changes that could substantially affect them. Policy Collective Agreement Content and purpose: The Collective Agreement, being an outcome of social dialogue between employees’ representatives, is a general framework stipulating the rights and obligations of the employer and employees in relation to the employment legal relationship. Collective agreements of NLB Group members follow local labour laws in the countries of their operations and are respected by all NLB Group members. The Collective Agreement regulates all matters of importance for the employment relationship, rights, obligations, and responsibilities, especially the establishment of the employment relationship, its duration, working hours, health and safety at work, professional training, protection against discrimination and abuse at work, and the right to freedom of association. In addition, where applicable NLB Group members adopted rulebooks regulating cooperation between workers’ representatives; for example, in NLB the Workers and Management Act and the Agreement on Cooperation between the Workers’ Council and Employer have been established. Scope: All NLB Group financial members, except NLB Banka Prishtina, NLB Banka Sarajevo, NLB Banka Banja Luka, NLB Lease&Go Srbija and NLB Fondovi Srbija have established collective agreements. In countries where the collective agreements are not adopted, NLB Group members adhere to the local labour laws, ensuring that collective agreement principles are respected. Most senior functions accountable: The Management Board and in some entities also the Supervisory Board. Key activities In NLB Group members with established collective bargaining agreements (CBA), these are promptly renewed. During 2023 and 2024, social dialogue was conducted with established trade unions across all NLB Group members, resulting in renewed collective bargaining agreements: • NLB: Valid for 2 years, from January 2024 to January 2026. • NLB Komercijalna Banka Belgrade: Valid for 3 years, from April 2023 to April 2026. • NLB Banka Skopje: Valid indefinitely from October 2024. • NLB Banka Podgorica: Valid for 5 years, starting December 2023. NLB Banka Banja Luka, NLB Banka Sarajevo, and NLB Banka Prishtina do not have CBAs as in Bosna and Herzegovina and Kosovo there is no general collective agreement or collective agreement for the financial sector, hence workers' rights are regulated by the Labor Law and by-laws. Therefore, these three banks have adopted, in line with local labour law, the internal labour rulebooks and use the NLB Collective agreement as a best practice. NLB Banka Prishtina does not have a representative trade union, while in NLB Banka Sarajevo and NLB Banka Banja Luka those are established. ›› For additional description of key processes, engagement and related activities, please refer to the chapter S1-2. S1-8 Collective bargaining coverage and social dialogue The general objectives related to social dialogue and collective bargaining are to promptly discuss relevant work-related topics and enable employees and their representatives to express opinions or consensus. Table 43: Social dialogue 31 Dec 2024 The percentage of employees covered by collective agreements 94% Notes: The measurement of the metric was not validated by an external body other than the assurance provider. Table 44: Collective bargaining and social dialogue coverage Collective bargaining coverage Social dialogue Coverage rate Employees EEA Employees non-EEA Workplace representation (EEA only) 0-19% 20-39% 40-59% 60-79% 80-100% Slovenia Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro Slovenia Notes: (i) Data refers to NLB Group banking members (in EEA and non- EEA), which accounts for 93% (7,725) of the total NLB Group employee headcount (8,322). Adequate data from other NLB Group members were not available for 2024. NLB Banka Prishtina (Kosovo) does not have collective agreement. (ii) The measurement of metrics was not validated by an external body other than the assurance provider. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 267 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Employee attraction and talent development Policies Human Resources and Organization Development Strategy for NLB Group Content and purpose: A general framework for employee development is set out in the Group’s HR Strategy and the Human Resources and Organization Development Strategy for NLB Group, which defines the basic areas (HR strategy, organization, education) and work activities in NLB Group, which contributes to the performance of individuals, teams, and the entire Group as well as ensure sustainable development and long-term business success. The Policy is complemented with the Standards for the Human Resources Business Line in NLB Group, the aim of which is to set up the standards of operation and harmonization of operations in NLB Group members. Scope: NLB Group employees Key Employees Management Policy in NLB Content and purpose: Key employees are those whose departure from the NLB Group would mean a significant loss, for example because of the rare know-how or experience of such employees. The Policy aims to define all significant factors and measures that contribute to increased and more successful commitment of key employees with the aim of improving their loyalty, efficiency, motivation, responsibility, and creativeness, and in order to retain their employment in the Group. Investing in key employees is a long-term process aimed at retaining the best employees, since this contributes to maintaining their high performance, engagement, and efficiency in the long run. At the same time, this Policy has a positive impact on attracting talent from the labour market and will thus be profitable in the long run. Scope: key NLB employees Policy on mobility within the NLB Group Content and purpose: The Policy defines the frameworks and orientations that make it possible to set uniform starting points for implementing mobility within NLB Group and ensure compliance with the targets, values, culture, and strategy of NLB Group. Its purpose is to enhance agility and development of all employees within the NLB Group on the horizontal as well as the vertical levels with a high potential for assuming complex assignments or positions (in particular managers, talents, key employees, successors) or for reassignment within NLB Group. As the Group is present in different countries in SEE, the Policy reflects the modern approach to employee management, and acknowledges different forms of employment and cooperation as the basic source of competitive advantage and business results of NLB Group. Scope: NLB Group employees Key activities The Group is continuously committed to leverage training throughout the region and make development of its employees its core value. By establishing a broad- based approach to training, NLB Group ensures that the team remains agile and well-versed in both traditional and emerging industry domains. Furthermore, the Group is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where every employee has equal access to learning opportunities. By removing barriers to education and development, mostly with the help of digital channels, the Group ensures that all team members can grow, contribute, and thrive within our organization. In 2024, activities in following areas were conducted in NLB Group members: • NLB received the Top Employer certificate for the 9th consecutive year, and NLB Komercijalna Banka, Belgrade, earned this certification for the first time. • Various training activities provided by the NLB Education Centre. Located in Slovenia, the centre follows trends in the market to predict vital skills and competencies that will have an impact on the Group’s future. It provides learning opportunities to all Group employees, in particular through the Udemy platform, which offers over 7,000 training courses, available to all employees as self-paced learning. • Some Bank members have internal coaches and internal trainers who conducting development activities and training. • All NLB Group members conducted mandatory e-training sessions based on legislation and financial industry specifics (in particular code of conduct, compliance, AML, anti-bribery and corruption, IT security, etc.). • Several NLB Group members executed training sessions for specific employee groups and topics, such as leadership, coaching, and an executive monitoring programme, innovation, sustainability and ESG, and diversity and inclusion. • NLB Group banking members conducted a talent management programme with the same methodology, and three members started the successor programme. ›› Please refer to the business report, section: Human Resources for additional descriptions of activities for the Bank’s own workforce. Targets and metrics In 2024, the annual Employee Engagement Survey was conducted in 10 NLB Group members (core financial members and NLB Digit), confirming a high employee engagement score (improved by 4 p.p. compared to 2023) and high net-promoter score. NLB Group banking members invested 7.7 training days/employee (of which 8 days/woman and 7.2 days/man) , showing YoY improvement by 0.5 days, and exceeding 2030 target by 40%. The average sustainability-related training days per employee stood at 0.3 days, showing improvement by 0.13 days. Table 45: Employee attraction and talent development metrics 2024 2023 Target 2030 Employee engagement (i) 54% 50% >50% Employee net promoter score (i) 26 23 >50 Average training hours per employee (ii) 46.2 43.2 33 Average training days per employee (ii) 7.7 7.2 5.5 (i) Data refers to 10 NLB Group members (NLB and 6 subsidiary banks, NLB Digit, NLB Lease&Go, NLB Skladi) which are included in the regular annual survey. The survey sample included 7,709 employees or 92.6% of the total headcount of NLB Group (8,322). (ii) In line with NLB Group’s internal methodology, 6 hours equal 1 training day. Data refers to NLB Group banking members, which accounts for 93% (7,725) of the total NLB Group employee headcount (8,322). Adequate data from other NLB Group members were not available for 2024. (iii) The measurement of metrics was not validated by an external body other than the assurance provider (for 2024). ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 268 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Diversity, equity, and inclusion Policies HR Strategy, Sustainability Policy Content and purpose: The general framework for diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace is set out in the Sustainability Policy, which set out a commitment to include diversity and inclusion, equal opportunities, and non-discrimination for reasons of gender, ethnicity, age, or any other circumstance, and to ensure efficient addressing of diversity, in particular gender equality, in the highest governance bodies and senior positions. In addition, an inclusive work environment is one of the main strategic directions of the new NLB Group HR Strategy 2025. The Strategy outlines the principles of embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in all elements of key HR processes. It also outlines strategic initiatives to be followed by all NLB Group members, taking into account their local specific and legislation. Scope: NLB Group employees. Most senior function accountable: Management Board and HR directors or similar functions in NLB Group members. Availability: Register of Internal Acts. Key activities Key activities in 2024 were as follows: • The HR department and Sustainability Team raised awareness on DEI group-wide with on- line sessions on topics related to DEI, reporting on the Sustainability Committee and through on-line webinars in the Sustainability Festival. • The Diversity Policy for the Management Board and Supervisory Board was revised. • To enhance the importance of diverse recruitment, this commitment was communicated transparently, both internally and externally, as the said proactive approach not only attracts diverse candidates but also signals to current employees that their unique contributions are valued and integral to the organization’s success. • The gender pay gap analysis was conducted in all strategic members (except leasing companies pending merger) to identify the gaps and differences due to different structures and job positions in NLB Group members. The outcomes will serve as a foundation to prepare measures to reduce gaps. S1-9 Diversity metrics Table 46: Gender distribution at top management as at 31 Dec 2024 Total Women Men NLB Group (all members) – number 226 120 106 NLB Group (all members) – percentage 100% 53% 47% Note: In line with internal methodology, which is harmonized among NLB Group members, top management refers to B-1 directors: managers who directly report to the management board of the particular NLB Group member. The measurement of metrics was not validated by an external body other than the assurance provider. Table 47: Age distribution as at 31 Dec 2024 Total Under 30 30-50 Over 50 NLB Group (all members) – number 8,322 822 5,350 2,150 NLB Group (all members) – percentage 100% 10% 64% 26% Notes: (i) Age distribution for all NLB Group members is estimated. Actual age distribution data included 8,174 employees, of which NLB Group banking members (7,725 employees) and other Group members where adequate data were available (449 employees). For NLB Lease&Go Ljubljana, Skopje, Belgrade, Car and Go, NLB Muza, NLB Fondovi Skopje, Real estate Podgorica, NLB Interfinanz, OL Nekretnine, NLB Srbija, were not available. For the remaining 148 employees, their distribution was estimated by applying the same percentage breakdown derived from the available data and proportionally adding them to the respective categories. (ii) The measurement of the metric was not validated by an external body other than the assurance provider. S1-16 Pay gap and total remuneration metrics At NLB group, we acknowledge that monitoring the gender pay gap and addressing related issues is important for providing an equitable and inclusive workplace. The unadjusted pay gap reflects the composition of the workforce and the spread of each gender in lower or higher-paying roles. As unadjusted pay gap compares the total salaries for men and women respectively, and it may be skewed due to outliers and different circumstances. These may include underrepresentation of women in leadership positions, especially on the executive level, and overrepresentation of women in other, lower-paid positions. For this reasons, NLB Group has reported in previous reports on the adjusted gender pay gap, which measures differences in earnings between men and women holding the same roles or positions, and thus provides additional understanding. It should be pointed out that gender pay is not the same as equal pay. Gender pay looks at the difference in the average pay between all men and all women employes, regardless of their role or seniority. Equal pay, on the other hand, is defined as ensuring that there is no direct or indirect pay discrimination on grounds of sex. This means that men and women should receive equal pay for the same work or work of equal value. The assessment of comparable work is based on criteria such as skills, effort, responsibility, and working conditions, applied in an objective and gender-neutral manner. NLB Group is actively preparing for the new EU "Directive of the European Parliament to strengthen the application of the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value between men and women through pay transparency and enforcement mechanisms" , which states that member states must implement the laws and other regulations necessary to comply with this directive by June 2026 and first reporting on salary gaps will have to be carried out for year 2026 in 2027. According to these requirements, the Group will strengthen its efforts to apply this vision. Current activities are focused on monitoring the data and systems to ensure adequate introduction of those requirements. Table 48: Remuneration and gender pay gap metrics (i) 31 Dec 2024 Average unadjusted gender pay gap of all employees in NLB Group banking members (ii) 27% Annual total remuneration in NLB Group banking members (iii) 1:26 (i) Data refers only to NLB Group banking members, which account for 93% of the employee headcount. Data from other NLB Group members were not available for 2024. (ii) The average unadjusted gender pay gap is calculated per employee as of 31 December 2024 and includes basic salary with seniority bonus. It is calculated as the difference between average gross basic earnings of men and women in NLB Group banking members as a percentage of average gross basic earnings of male employees. (iii) The total annual remuneration ratio is based on remuneration data of all employees who were employed in each individual bank from 1 January 2024 until 31 December 2024, taking into account purchasing power parity in the particular country for 2024. The annual total remuneration is calculated as a ratio between the annual total remuneration for the NLB Group banking member’s highest-paid individual and the median employee annual total remuneration (excluding the highest-paid individual). (iv) The measurement of the metric was not validated by an external body other than the assurance provider. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 269 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Cybersecurity NLB Group pays special attention to assuring the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data, information, and IT systems that support internal processes used by employees, banking services, and products for clients, especially when it comes to topic of cybersecurity, which includes the protection of internet- connected systems from cyberthreats. In 2024, information security governance was enhanced by establishing Group IT Security operations. Also, with the adoption and publication of the new NLB Group Strategy 2030 (New Horizons) and the conclusion of the current IT Strategy, work on the new IT Strategy for the period 2025–2030 is underway, which will address, among other topics, the cybersecurity matters related to the Bank’s own employees. In the remainder of this chapter key policies on NLB Group level related to information security are presented. Policies IROs related to cybersecurity are managed through various policies, guidelines, and instructions. The most overarching policies are described in detail below. The provisions of these internal acts apply to all NLB Group members, taking into account the provisions of local legislation governing the protection of information, persons, and property. The most senior function accountable for implementation of the policies are the management boards of NLB Group members. Policies are available for employees in the Register of Internal Acts. In addition, the key contents are included in the mandatory annual training on information security. NLB Group Information Security Policy Content and purpose: The Policy outlines a comprehensive cyber and information security governance framework, adhering to the three lines of defence model. The aim of this is to ensure robust management and oversight of information security risks across various levels of the organization, encompassing business management, IT Security function, CISO, and internal audit. The Policy emphasizes the importance of integrating information security into everyday operations, aligning with organizational requirements and international standards. Furthermore, it details specific roles, responsibilities, and procedures to safeguard the confidentiality, integrity, availability, and authenticity of data, information assets, and ICT assets, thus enhancing the overall digital operational resilience. The Bank provides information protection in accordance with the laws (the Banking Act, the Personal Data Protection Act, the Companies Act, the Business Secrets Act), other regulations, and the principles of good practice defined in the ISO/IEC 27001:2013 and ISO/IEC 27002:2013 standards. NLB Group IT Security Governance Policy Content and purpose: The purpose of the Policy is to ensure the continuity of critical business processes and to minimize IT security-related risks and damages by preventing and/or minimizing potential malicious events – IT security incidents. To this end, the Policy defines concepts of IT Security organization in NLB Group and responsibility allocation. It places IT security as a skilled specialized organizational unit (hereinafter: IT Security Function) within the Group. The Group IT Security function is established by and responds to the Group CIO (in alignment with IT CL). The local IT Security function is located within the local IT department but has a high level of independence within the local subsidiary. NLB Group IT Security End-User/Employee Protection Content and purpose: The protection of end users, including employees and their devices, is crucial for maintaining the overall security of information systems. The objective of this guideline is to establish comprehensive security practices applicable to all users within the organization, regardless of their specific work settings. This document aims to enhance security awareness and provide strategic measures to mitigate risks associated with the use of organizational IT assets. ›› For details on key activities, initiatives, and progress related to cybersecurity, please refer to the business report, chapter IT and Cyber Security and Compliance and Integrity, subchapter Information Security and Personal Data protection. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 270 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report S1-2 Processes for engaging with employees and workers’ representatives about IROs NLB Group members have established general process for engaging with their employees. The Group is committed to establishing constructive relations between employees and management, maintaining high standards of social dialogue, and ensuring timely communication on various topics, including impacts, risks, and opportunities. Following the conducted DMA, NLB Group will enhance the inclusion of material IROs in the discussions with employees and their representatives. In all countries of operations and entities, NLB Group strives for a high level of consistency by using NLB practice as a guideline and adhering to local legislation. NLB Group members strictly respect and follow national labour laws which stipulate the right for workers to form trade (or labour) unions and to freely associate through them. NLB has two workers’ representative bodies: a representative trade union and a workers’ council. In other banking members a trade (labour) union is also established, except in NLB Banka Prishtina. In leasing companies, asset management and other NLB Group members trade unions have not been established. Therefore, the management boards of companies conduct the social dialogue directly with employees by regular communication channels, such as personal meetings, management sessions, meetings of organizational units, etc. Processes for information, communication, negotiation and complaints to or with representatives is defined in a detailed agreement between the employer and workers’ representative bodies (where they are established) and in local labour law legislation. For example, in NLB, the cooperation with the labour unions and the Workers’ Council is stipulated by collective agreements, the Act of workers and management and the Agreement on Cooperation between the Workers’ Council and the Employer. Representatives in trade or labour unions collect information and questions from employees and take initiatives related to material impacts, such as collective bargaining agreements, employees working conditions, workers' rights and responsibilities, occupational health and safety matters, matter regarding employees with disabilities, other work-related issues, etc. In other NLB Group members employees’ initiatives and requests on the aforementioned topics are gathered via human resources departments, internal communication channels, or in person. The engagement with workers’ representatives takes place frequently, regularly, at all relevant business decisions, and with established monitoring and oversight. For example, in NLB the organizational setting includes: • The NLB representative trade union. Monthly meetings are held with the trade union on open topics. If open negotiation, then meetings are in line with the negotiation process. The main topics of interest are related to social status improvement. • Workers’ Council. Regular monthly meetings are held. The main topics of interest are related to working conditions. • Two representatives on the NLB Supervisory Board of (at the time of the report) who participate in discussion and oversight of IROs relating to employees. • An authorized representative who is assigned to cooperation in labour relations who coordinates and monitors the effectiveness of engagement with the trade unions and the Workers’ Council. In the case of business decisions and circumstances that could have a material impact on employees, workers’ representatives' bodies are promptly informed or sought for opinion. These include decisions such as: • dismissals of employees due to redundancies (economic, technical, organizational reasons) • significant operational or organizational changes • adoption of relevant work regulations (internal acts) • for dismissal of employees who have committed a serious breach of work obligation Deadlines for informing employees and their representatives prior to the implementation of significant operational changes that could substantially affect them range from 8 to 30 days, subject to the nature of the operational change. Operational responsibility for ensuring that social dialogue happens lies with senior managers or directors who are in charge of human resources departments in each NLB Group member or authorised for cooperation in labour relations. They are in on-going communication with management boards. This ensures that engagement results and other topics are promptly addressed and that decisions are incorporated in the operations of particular NLB Group member. In line with the policies on respecting human rights and principles for diversity, equity and inclusion, NLB Group members include in their engagement processes all employees, regardless of their sex, religion, seniority, or any other characteristics or circumstances, as well as employees with disabilities. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 271 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB Group has a process and grievance mechanisms in place to remediate negative impacts and has established channels for its employees to raise concerns and complaints. In all NLB Group core financial members employees have access to different channels through which they can report (even anonymously) any non-ethical, inappropriate business practices or any potential or actual negative impacts on employees or the company, including any employee-related matters, such as harassment or other inappropriate events. These channels are established by NLB Group members themselves and do not involve third-party mechanisms. NLB Group employees can raise concerns through established grievance mechanisms Employees may report: • electronically and anonymously via the Whistler web application • via e-mail to a dedicated e-mail address • in person or by telephone to authorized persons for reporting and confidants under the local whistleblower protection acts • through other channels in place for employees to express comments, questions, and concerns, such as e-mail, HR department, authorized representatives in trade unions, etc. NLB Group core financial members support the availability of these channels and increase trust in these channels and mechanisms in several ways: • by regular and transparent internal communication on their intranet sites • by including a description of how to raise concerns in each specific internal policy • by conducting training which raises awareness on speak-up culture The channels are estimated to be effective as there are some anonymous cases reported every year and there have been no complaints or breach of data identified or reported. All reports are examined in line with internal procedures, which are applied in a harmonized manner to all NLB Group members to ensure consistency. Accordingly, each NLB Group member tracks the outcome, i.e. number of reported and remediated cases, and takes appropriate remediation measures. ›› For details on grievance mechanisms please refer to the Chapter Whistleblower protection . S1-3 Processes to remediate negative impacts and channels to raise concerns ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 272 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report As a financial institution, NLB Group fulfils four main roles: employer, lender and investment service provider, procurer of goods and services, and facilitator of financial support and mentorship programmes to society. Through these roles the Group directly and indirectly affects the lives of many people, specific groups, and various communities in the region, including their economic, social, cultural, and other components of human rights. In addition, understanding community perceptions, needs and concerns (through engagement, dialogue, polls and research) informs and contributes to the NLB Group's daily business activities, strategy and business model. As the Group’s operations are centred around financial transaction and services, it does not have physical operations or supply chains that would affect communities through production, logistics, or distribution or would represent material dependencies. Hence, the Group considers its indirect impacts on communities and related risks through its environmental and social risk assessment (ESMS) in lending and investment decisions by identifying and evaluating the impacts and risks of the potential or actual client’s operations on the communities and by providing clients with green and transition financing. The DMA confirmed that the Group’s largest, though indirect, impact on affected communities is through its financing activities which are at the core of NLB Group’s business model. These impacts stem from green lending and investment, which are presented in detail in the chapter Sustainable finance , and from financing community and economic development in a broader sense, which is presented in this chapter. The Group also has an important social impact that goes beyond lending and investing. We actively support communities through sponsorships and donations, which are at the heart of Contribution to Society, the third pillar of the NLB Group Sustainability Policy. Through this, various segments of local communities are positively affected, either directly or indirectly. Material impacts and opportunities are embedded in the NLB Group’s strategy and business model as presented in the table below. S3 Affected Communities SBM-3 Material impacts, risks, and opportunities, and their interaction with strategy and business model Table 49: NLB Group’s material actual and potential impacts on its communities mapped to material sustainability topics Material Sustainability Topic Name of IRO Description of IRO Type of IRO Location in the value chain Time horizon Financing community and economic development Supporting housing development in the region By financing private or corporate real estate projects, NLB Group is contributing to new housing developments, a key social need. Impact – Actual Positive impact Downstream Short-term Supporting systemic financial stability NLB Group is a key player in the regional monetary system; with prudent risk management and financial stability it is contributing to macroeconomic stability in the region. Impact – Actual Positive impact Downstream Short-term Supporting regional economic development Supporting regional economic development allows banks to strengthen local economies, create jobs, and foster community resilience. By financing infrastructure projects, small businesses, and sustainable initiatives, banks can enhance their reputation as community partners while driving long-term growth and stability, ultimately benefiting both the region and the Group. Opportunity Downstream Short-term Sponsorships and donations Sponsorships and donations NLB Group is supporting environmental and social initiatives through sponsorship and donations programmes. Impact – Actual Positive impact Downstream Short-term Supporting humanitarian organizations Supporting humanitarian organizations through enabling financing and donations. 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Human rights commitments relevant for communities that are affected by NLB Group’s financing, sponsorships, and donations programmes are stipulated in the Policy on Respect for Human Rights in NLB d.d. and NLB Group (presented generally in the chapter Own workforce, while principles related to affected communities are explained below in the section Key policies. NLB Group is committed to respecting and preventing violations of human rights in its own operations and its value chain as well as acting on any detected violations. This chapter outlines the approach to respecting human rights that NLB Group has established as a financing provider and contributor to society. The human rights commitment and policies do not particularly address impacts on indigenous people, as such groups are not formally recognised in the markets where NLB Group operates. NLB Group is committed to considering all ethnic groups equally and in line with its internal acts. ›› For additional information on respecting human rights in employee relations and procurement, please see the chapter S1-Own workforce and Sustainable supply chain, respectively. Policies related to financing community and economic development Content and purpose: The key internal documents related to communities affected by the Group’s financing are the NLB Group Lending Policy and the Environmental and Social Transaction Policy Framework in NLB and NLB Group. As described in detail in the chapter E1 - Climate Change, the Environmental and Social Transaction Policy Framework sets out the ESMS (Environmental and Social Factors/Risk Management System), which stipulates the process of assessing and managing ESG risks and impacts associated with transactions, i.e. financing NLB Group clients. By this, NLB Group identifies and assesses environmental, social, including human rights, matters connected with its clients. Scope: NLB Group banking members. The policies are binding for all NLB Group banking members. Most senior level accountable: Directors of risk and sales departments in each NLB Group member. Availability: For employees in the Internal Acts Register, while some financing principles are included in the Sustainability Policy publicly available on the NLB website. NLB Group’s approach to human rights as financing provider As stipulated in the Policy on respect for human rights and followed in daily operations, NLB Group indirectly contribute to respecting human rights related to communities by not directly financing activities that are known to contain elements of human rights abuses and/ or where such abuses exist. However, if human rights abuses are identified in existing clients operations, NLB Group members cooperate with clients to adopt appropriate measures to end such practices and prevent further abuses in the future. NLB Group expects its clients to comply with all applicable human rights laws and standards and strive to uphold them as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and, where local legislation does not meet these standards, at minimum: - identify and manage human rights risks. - review potential human rights impacts. - avoid causing or contributing to human rights violations. - assess potential human rights risks in their supply chains and use their influence to address human rights violations by their suppliers and clients. - engage with their stakeholders and provide access to remedy where necessary. To this end, respect for human rights is part of the due diligence process before signing a contract with a client. Human rights considerations are included in NLB Group’s ESMS system and ESG questionnaires that serve as a data-gathering and assessment tool for clients with larger and high environmental or social risk. Beside environmental and governance data, clients must provide social and human rights data: an explanation of whether a client has put in place policies and measures relating to the social aspects of operations in the areas of human rights, equal opportunities / non-discriminatory practice, encouragement of staff diversity, health and safety at work, child labour illegal work, and modern slavery prevention, ethical business conduct, employee relations / labour standards, whistle-blowing mechanisms, the company’s impact on the community/ society, programmes to support local communities, information on social aspects in the client’s supply chain, mitigation of social and human rights risks, etc. In addition, NLB Group in the document Manual Environmental & Social Industry Categorization by NACE and SKD Codes in NLB d.d. and NLB Group describes risk assessment that was prepared to better understand clients' environmental and social risks. 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For details on that please refer to the S4 – End users and Consumer chapter. Policy Sponsorships and Donations Policy in NLB d.d. and NLB Group Content and purpose: This Policy defines the framework for sponsorships and donations in NLB Group members. Its purpose is to ensure that all activities in this area are aligned with the Group’s business objectives, values, and socially responsible approach. The aim of this Policy is to promote positive changes in the community and to strengthen the Group’s reputation. It defines rules and procedures for managing sponsorships, donations, and relations with NLB Group's stakeholders across 6 pillars: Increasing financial literacy and mentoring; Environmental responsibility; Sustainable entrepreneurship; Supporting professional, youth, and para sports; Humanitarian activities; Culture and protection of cultural heritage. Scope: NLB Group banking members Most senior level accountable: Directors of marketing, brand, and communication departments in each NLB Group member. Availability: For employees in the Internal Acts Register, while financing principles are included in the Sustainability Policy publicly available on the NLB website. NLB Group’s approach to human rights as a sponsorship and donation provider: NLB Group actively monitors the operations of the organizations it supports by tracking their activities, maintaining an open dialogue, and observing their media presence. The Group’s sponsorees and beneficiaries are contractually obligated to align with the Sustainability Pillars (ESG) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). Sponsorship applications are managed by the Social Responsibility and Corporate Communication department, and after an initial review, promising proposals are forwarded to the Sponsorship Committee for a final decision. In contract negotiations, the Group strives to adapt to the needs of its stakeholders, actively listening and working together to achieve mutual goals, ensuring that both our objectives and those of our partners are met. In 2025, NLB Group will enhance its formal due diligence process, incorporating human rights compliance checks to assess the suitability of donation and sponsorship recipients. In general, NLB Group members engage in several ways with communities that are affected in respect of human rights by its financing and sponsorships. The Group provides the open door and speak up policy through various communication channels, and grievance mechanisms are in place that enable affected communities to offer opinions, ideas, or raise concerns, which are described in detail in the chapter Governance . The Group also strives to increase the understanding of human rights topics in employee training and promote them in relationships with clients and applicants for sponsorships and donations. In addition to due diligence mechanisms, the Group monitors human-rights-related impacts, risks, and opportunities that could stem from financing, sponsorships, and donations in public debates and in the media. If deviations or opportunities are detected, we engage with the clients and relevant institutions and organizations in the community to address them appropriately. In 2024, NLB Group identified one potential human rights violation related to working conditions among its clients. No concerns or incidents were detected or reported that could impact communities through sponsorships and donations. NLB Group engages with all stakeholders and offers access to remedies for potential negative human rights impacts: these processes will be further integrated into our due diligence processes for sponsorships and donations. As presented in this chapter, NLB Group identifies human rights incidents through due diligence on corporate clients during procurement and, to some extent, among recipients of sponsorships and donations. Additionally, in alignment with its Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS), NLB Group has implemented an Early Warning System (EWS), managed by Credit Risk, to detect environmental or social incidents, including human rights violations such as modern slavery, child labour, worker fatalities, and labour inspections. In 2024, NLB Group did not detect any severe human rights issues or incidents involving affected communities, employees, or procurement activities. Table 50: Human rights incidents related to financing, sponsorships, and donations 2024 2023 Human rights incidents detected – clients 1 4 Human rights incidents detected – applicants/sponsorships and donations 0 0 Human rights violations confirmed 0 0 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 275 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report S3-2 Processes for engaging with affected communities about impacts NLB Group engages with affected communities on multiple levels. When financing local communities, such as municipalities, the engagement is conducted indirectly through the clients’ legitimate representatives. For other financing, especially projects that impact the community and are classified as Type A or D (based on environmental and social impact according to EBRD classification), additional due diligence and special criteria are applied. According to internal policies, all financing undergoes a thorough due diligence process to ensure that environmental and social criteria are fully met. These criteria must be satisfied by all candidates seeking funding. The bank’s final approval of funding is based on a comprehensive review of all documentation and analysis. The most senior roles responsible for ensuring this engagement are the heads and directors of sales departments within NLB Group members. In sponsorships and donations, cooperation is maintained through legitimate representatives of the partners, i.e. the recipients of such financing. This cooperation occurs regularly, with some interactions happening daily and at least monthly. The most senior role responsible for ensuring this engagement is the Head of Brand and Communication at NLB. Sponsorships are evaluated, and based on the results, we determine further actions. At the same time, the Group listens to all partners and tries to assist in implementing their activities, if possible. Significant examples include: • Organizing expert lectures at the NLB Sports Academy for clubs that are part of NLB Sport for Youth across the region and all clubs in Slovenia under disciplines supported by NLB at the national level. • Providing free NLB premises for press conferences or internal needs. • Assisting in organizing the NLB Wheel League, including developing the league in areas where NLB operates. NLB Group is committed to respecting human rights and treating all its clients and communities equally, in accordance with internal policies and generally accepted principles such as Policy on Respect for Human Rights in NLB d.d. and the NLB Group or NLB Group Code of Conduct. However, it pays special attention to ensuring that the needs of the most vulnerable within the community are not overlooked. For example, NLB Group supports the Special Olympics, NLB Wheel, and Sitting Volleyball, which are designed for people with disabilities. NLB Group strives for active engagement and dialogue with communities that are indirectly affected either by its financing or sponsorships and donations. To this end, the Group’s representatives in all markets monitor the economic and social situation and conduct occasional meetings with clients, local governments and municipalities, and organizations and institutions in local communities to discuss the needs, impacts, risks, and opportunities. The Group will proceed with the activities that are already in place, continue and improve the dialogue and collaboration practices, and consider upgrading and formalizing the engagement processes in the future. S3-3 Processes to remediate negative impacts and channels for affected communities to raise concerns The DMA found no material negative impacts or risks on communities from financing. However, NLB Group acknowledges that some financed activities may pose environmental, social, and governance risks. Similarly, no material negative impacts were found fromsponsorships and donations, but stakeholders or the wider community may still have concerns. To this end, NLB Group banking members have established several channels for all stakeholders, including affected communities, to raise concerns. The overall approach, including availability of these channels and mechanisms for identifying and investigating, is described in the chapter G1-Business Conduct . In 2024, the Group did not record any complaints regarding negative impacts on the communities of its financing activities or its sponsorship and donation activities or any other sustainability matters through the grievance mechanism or any other channels. S3-4 / S3-5 Key actions and targets The DMA did not identify any material negative impacts stemming from NLB Group’s financing, sponsorships, and donations. The general description of the Group’s due diligence approach and mechanisms to address potential and actual risks, negative impacts, and provide remedies are described in previous sections of this chapter. On the other hand, NLB Group’s financing, sponsorships, and donations have several material positive impacts. Actions, initiatives, and related targets that NLB Group has developed and implemented to provide and enhance its positive impacts are summarized below. NLB Group members do not have special measures in place to engage directly with affected communities in setting targets, tracking performance, or identifying lessons or improvements as result of the Group’s financing, sponsorships, and donations. This engagement is performed indirectly through relationship with clients, and institutions and organizations that NLB Group directly collaborates with. The effectiveness of actions regarding financing community and economic activities is tracked regularly and reported monthly to the Management Board and quarterly to the Sustainability Committee. Sponsorship and donation activities are regularly monitored, and for all key implemented sponsorships and donations, reports and project evaluations are prepared in the marketing or communication departments. The overall breakdown by UN SDGs is reported annually at the Sustainability Committee sessions. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 276 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Financing community and economic development The general objective is to provide financing for the community and economic development in line with annual plans and opportunities. In 2024, NLB Group banking members financed community and economic development through various projects. Significant projects exceeding EUR 5 million amounted to EUR 138,350 million, including green financing. For example, such projects include financing electricity generation from wind power and renewable energy projects – investments in electrodistribution grids. Sponsorships and donations In relation to sponsorships and donations NLB Group has set the following general objectives: • To provide financial contributions in line with annual plans, needs, and opportunities, and in compliance with the sponsorships and donations policy. • To ensure that annually each CSR activity contributes to at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal. • To leverage the indirect positive impact by including a special sustainability clause in each sponsorship contract by the end of 2025. The clause will require specific and mutually agreed actions of applicants to enhance their positive impact on society and the environment. At the end of 2024, the majority of all sponsorship contracts concluded by NLB Group members included the special sustainability clause. Donations are typically received by communities facing a crisis (for example, the floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2024) or institutions addressing a significant, possibly long-term, social issue (for example: Association of Interpreters for Slovenian Sign Language Institute, Red Cross Slovenia) and cultural heritage (Institute for Cultural Heritage – MUZA). Sponsorships are directed toward communities where we can promote growth and development across various fields (sport - Sport for Youth, culture - Festival Ljubljana, entrepreneurship – Help Frame, health – Supporting Healthy Recreation – self-service bicycles rental, education – AmCham Hero) and targeting specific groups, for example youth. ›› For additional information on the most significant projects, see the chapter Overview of significant sponsorships and donations by type. Table 51: General objectives and progress related to sponsorships and donations 2024 2023 Donations (in EUR thousands) 2,187 12,008 In 2023 several donations were made for flood relief after catastrophic floods in Slovenia (above the regular donation plan) Number of projects 436 300 Increasing financial literacy and mentoring, Environmental responsibilit, Sustainable entrepreneurship, Supporting professional, youth and para sports, Humanitarian activities, Culture and protection of cultural heritage Share of projects contributing to at least one UN SDG 99.7% 97% Notes: (i) Data refers to all NLB Group members. (ii) Accountancy policy and reconciliation: Reported values for donations refers to the financial statements notes 4.8 Other operating income and expenses – Donations. Table 52: Sponsorship and donations in NLB Group banking members – breakdown by contribution to UN SDGs, N= 436 UN SDG Share of projects contributing to the particular 1 UN SDG 3 GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING Good health and well-being 63.68% 11 SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES Sustainable cities and communities 11.49% 13 CLIMATE ACTION Climate action 6.52% 17 PARTNERSHIP FOR THE GOALS Partnerships for the goals 5.73% 4 QUALITY EDUCATION Quality education 4.27% 15 LIFE ON LAND Life on land 2.47% 10 REDUCED INEQUALITIES Reduced inequalities 1.46% 8 DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH Decent work and economic growth 1.36% 5 GENDER EQUALITY Gender equality 0.92% 2 ZERO HUNGER Zero hunger 0.68% Not supporting any UN SDG 0.32% 16 PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS Peace, justice, and strong institutions 0.31% 1 NO POVERTY No poverty 0.25% 6 CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION Clean water and sanitation 0.24% 7 AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY Affordable and clean energy 0.17% 14 LIFE BELOW WATER Life below water 0.12% Total 100% ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 277 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Environmental responsibility We continue to create and support a variety of initiatives that aim to reduce carbon footprint, combat climate change, and increase positive impacts on the environment. We also empower our stakeholders to raise their awareness and engage them in such initiatives. Goal 13 – Climate action Goal 15 – Life on land NLB, Ljubljana • The Bank continued the partnership as a Green Partner of the GLWF (Green Light World Flight) project, led by Slovenian aviator and climate change researcher Matevž Lenarčič and Prof. Dr. Griša Močnik. Thus, we support and enable measurements of black carbon, in addition to carbon dioxide, The combined measurements serve as input and validation data for regional models of climate change and the dispersion of pollutants. • We continued with renovation of Kredarica hut on Triglav, the highest mountain in Slovenia. Complete renovation of the solar power plant in 2023 was followed by the energy renovation of the roof in 2024. • The Bank continued the long-lasting partnership encouraging sustainable mobility in the second largest Slovenian city, which enlarged the network to 230 city bikes. • The Bank supports the Beekeeping Association with general sponsorship and with a significant donation towards the revival of the Anton Janša Beekeeping School. • In cooperation with Beekeeping Association, NLB planted 2,500 trees in the region. NLB Banka, Banja Luka • The bank supported the Balkan Solar Summit, which is dedicated to the promotion and development of renewable energy in the region. NLB Banka, Sarajevo • The Bank supported the Festival of Ecology and Peace in Zenica. Over 300 people (children and their parents) were present at the Festival. NLB Komercijalna banka, Beograd • Forests of Food – The Bank financed the planting of three permaculture orchards in agriculture schools in Serbia where current and future generations of students can learn about sustainable agriculture. Overview of significant sponsorships and donations by type 13 CLIMATE ACTION 15 LIFE ON LAND Increasing financial literacy and mentoring At NLB Group, we are dedicated to counselling in the field of financial literacy for various stakeholders, reducing inequalities and improving education. Goal 4 – Quality education Goal 10 – Reducing inequalities NLB, Ljubljana • NLB Muza, the banking museum of Slovenia, which is also a financial literacy centre, had 8,131 visitors in 2024. The museum includes walking through six stages of personal finance management, visitors can play digital games and take quizzes, and learn or check their financial literacy in a fun way. The centre is widely accepted and enjoyed by school groups (2,688 pupils have visited it). • NLB Muza organized the temporary exhibition "Money and Crime". The topic was banking crime throughout history, with an emphasis on how to protect oneself from cybercrime. The exhibition was viewed by 2,000 visitors. • The Bank continued the Minicity initiative, which has made significant strides in promoting financial literacy throughout 2024. Besides playful education in finance in which 80,000 have children participated, the Bank empowered prenatal families with crucial financial knowledge at three special education events. • Partnering with Simbioza, NLB delivered four digital financial literacy workshops specifically designed for retirees, ensuring they navigate the financial landscape with confidence. NLB Banka, Podgorica • The Bank educated 100 children from clubs that are supported through the NLB Sports for Youth project about communication and teamwork skills within the project Pobjednički koraci". • The Bank also held financial literacy workshops, which were attended by about 500 children. NLB Banka, Skopje • The Bank donated funds for refurbishing a reading room within the library in National and University Library Sv Kliment Ohridski. 4 QUALITY EDUCATION 10 REDUCED INEQUALITIES ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 278 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Sustainable entrepreneurship We create and support several initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, innovative thinking, economic growth, and inclusiveness Goal 10 – Reduced inequalities Goal 2 – Zero hunger NLB Banka, Banja Luka • In cooperation with the National Theater of the Republic of Srpska, the Bank enabled the purchase of equipment that will enable blind, visually impaired, and hearing-impaired citizens to watch certain performances in the theatre repertoire. NLB Komercijalna banka, Beograd • Cepora donation – The Bank supported a project which includes six months of education for young people (school of business skills, school of personal development, peer education for high school students, recycling for young people and/or the tour of the play "Missed Chance" which gives an opportunity to young people without parental care to indicate their position in society in an inclusive and positive way. It directly affected. • NLB supported the creation of a cafe (Zvuci srca cafe) in Pančevo, a place where people with developmental disabilities work and can be more included in society. The café opened in September and provided jobs for 10 people with developmental disabilities. Additionally, an estimated 100,000 citizens can visit the cafe, interact with its workers, and learn more about the pressing issues people with developmental disabilities face every day. Supporting professional, youth, and para sports We promote positive values of sport, through support of various sports associations, clubs, and young athletes, whose talent and sportsmanship are an inspiration for all of society, and contribute in particular to good health and well-being. Goal 3 – Good health and well-being Goal 5 – Gender equality Goal 10 – Reduced inequalities NLB, Ljubljana • In the 2024/2025 season the Bank is supporting 69 sport clubs within the NLB Sport for Youth programme. More than 11,000 children aged from 6 to 14 years have participated. • Within the traditional NLB Sports Academy project, the Bank carried out 4 academies with more than 100 participants from Sport for Youth club representatives. • As part of the NLB Wheel project, the Bank donated two sports wheelchairs for disabled athletes – basketball players. • NLB helped the organization Special Olympics – a worldwide programme defined as a special sports and cultural programme for people with intellectual disabilities. The result is the preservation of psychophysical abilities and general socialization of persons with intellectual disabilities. NLB Banka, Sarajevo • The Bank supported various sports activities via sports clubs. In addition, the Bank sponsored a basketball camp, which promoted healthy living, transferring the knowledge of professionals to young generations (over 130 children). NLB Banka, Skopje • The Bank executed the Grassroot Sports Activities project (over 1000 children), and implemented the Special Olympics Macedonia "Young Athletes" programme for the cities of Kumanovo and Makedonski Brod. The programme is intended for children with and without intellectual disabilities, aiming to enable the development of children’s motor and social skills through sport and sports activities. The Bank also sponsored the Macedonian delegation in this competition. NLB Komercijalna banka, Beograd • The bank supported 4 sports clubs (over 370 youngsters) in the region. NLB Banka, Prishtina • The Bank supported different sport clubs around Kosovo. The largest initiatives are sponsorship of Handball Federation of Kosovo, the women’s league with 61 teams, and of the country’s most successful women’s handball club KHF Istog. NLB Banka, Podgorica • The Bank supported the campaign "Prava priča" and celebrated Pink October – 111 female colleagues underwent a preventive breast examination. 3 GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING 5 GENDER EQUALITY 10 REDUCED INEQUALITIES Humanitarian activities We contribute to society through philanthropy, charity, and volunteerism. These initiatives are particularly aimed at socially disadvantaged groups of citizens or people in need due to various reasons and circumstances. Goal 3 – Good health and well-being Goal 5 – Gender equality Goal 10 – Reduced inequalities Goal 13 – Climate action NLB Group • Donations with a total value of EUR 1 million in all markets of our operations in the home region. Our donation helped with flood relief in Bosnia. NLB, Ljubljana • Donation to the Red Cross with the aim of supporting the implementation of a camp for young leaders and assistance in training young promoters of blood donation. NLB Banka, Banja Luka • The Bank supported the Brave Hearts with Love organization, which helps people suffering from various diseases and disabilities. The organization has a a solidarity fund, which provides financial support for children who need medical treatment abroad. NLB Banka, Prishtina • The Bank continued to cover the costs of education and summer camp for vulnerable children, including children without parental care or at risk of abandonment, in the Pristina region. • The Bank also supported the humanitarian event Let's Dance for more than 130 mothers and children. The mission of this initiative is to help mothers and children who need support, and ensuring access to quality healthcare for mothers and children in Kosovo. NLB Banka, Skopje • The Bank contributed to the procurement of a medical device for an interclinic transport system for respiratory therapy for newborns for PHI University Clinic for Gynaecology and Obstetrics. 13 CLIMATE ACTION 3 GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING 5 GENDER EQUALITY 10 REDUCED INEQUALITIES 10 REDUCED INEQUALITIES 2 ZERO HUNGER ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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"/>
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"/>
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</svg>) Through digitalisation and innovation, clients can access our products and services anytime and anywhere, with the added benefit of 24/7 personal support from our experts in the NLB Contact Centre, who have been providing knowledge and advice for more than 30 years. We put our clients first in every way. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 280 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report The relationship with clients 11 and maintaining their trust is at the heart of NLB Group's business model. With more than 2.9 million clients, NLB Group is one of the leading financial groups in the SEE region. NLB Group prioritizes a client-centric approach, focusing on providing quality financial products and services enhancing customer experience, efficient delivery, and regulatory compliance. Regulatory adherence fosters trust, safeguards the financial system, and reinforces NLB Group's reputation. As stipulated in the Sustainability Policy, NLB Group’s relations with clients are underlined with the following: • offer products adapted to clients’ needs, with marketing policies reviewed by specific committees, i.e. the committee for new and existing products in NLB and equivalent committees in other NLB Group members • ensure that the marketing and sale of products and related communications are performed regularly, in compliance with all applicable regulations, standards, and best practice in the financial industry • deliver quality and value to clients, consistently and reliably, to promote excellence in service quality, and optimizing the client experience, measured by NPS (Net Promotor Score) • improve client experience and business performance by comprehensive implementation of complaint management into the overall client experience process • protect the confidentiality and privacy of client data and use them in a responsible manner • provide information to clients in compliance with regulations so that it is considered impartial, clear, and never misleading, by using the appropriate communication channels to clients • implement digital products and channels which enable better access to banking services and promoting financial inclusion • improve physical and technological accessibility to the services of all NLB Group members for all people, focusing on people with disabilities • uphold the highest standards of cyber- and physical security and therefore promote practices that maximize the security of its products and services • provide channels to clients which enable them to raise questions and concerns and receive a timely and qualitative response • provide client education on sustainability matters The overarching internal acts defining general framework and main principles for managing IROs related to the Group clients are Code of Conduct, and Sustainability Policy. In addition, the Group has established specific policies, processes and actions that address material IROs and related sustainability topics, which are presented in the following chapters. The Group measures the effectiveness and progress of its material sustainability-related policies, processes and actions within departments that are responsible for particular sustainability topic or IRO which report to the management boards of NLB Group members at least once a year or whenever important topic should be addressed or decision taken and at least quarterly at the Sustainability Committee session. Disclosures and underlying DMA span across five sustainability topics (see the detailed overview of IROs in the table on the next page). Unless specified otherwise, they relate to all clients, including private individuals, micro, SME and large corporate clients using the Group’s financing and investments products. Several material positive (actual and potential) impacts were identified across the downstream value chain and in the Group's own operations. The only potential negative impact arises from situations where inadequate or inaccurate information might be provided to a client, regardless of the client group. Actual and potential cyberattacks represent a significant risk in the whole financial industry, including NLB Group. The organizational units responsible for managing IROs, have set specific targets (where applicable) and KPIs, which are used for internal monitoring purposes. Clients are included in target setting indirectly, through expressing their general opinions in research, pools, and in direct communications, informing target setting and overall business strategy alongside inputs from market and other relevant research. Human rights commitments related to clients NLB Group policies regarding clients are embedded in the overarching NLB Group Policy on Respect of Human rights, which follows the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other internationally recognized frameworks (see the policy description in the S1 chapter as it refers also to clients). As stipulated in the policy, NLB Group members do not offer products and services that could have a negative impact on human rights. This is ensured through due diligence assessment and monitoring process in the Group’s lending policy and throughout the product life- cycle or during the timeframe of a contract. In addition, NLB Group’s policies related to client relations are intertwined with human rights commitments that we follow in client relationships. For example, we consider that the client’s right for inclusion and access to financial services, non-discrimination, providing accurate and timely information, financial health and literacy, personal safety and privacy are strongly connected with client’s human rights. In 2024, no cases of non-compliance with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, or OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises or human rights incidents related to clients were reported. S4 Consumers and End-users SBM3 Material impacts, risks, and opportunities, and their interaction with strategy and business model 11 NLB Group defines ESRS-term consumers and end users as clients or customers. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 281 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 53: NLB Group’s material actual and potential impacts on its communities mapped to material sustainability topics Material Sustainability Topic Name of IRO Description of IRO Type of IRO Location in the value chain Time horizon Digitalization and innovation Innovative tools and solutions enabling sustainable consumer behaviour Introducing new products and services that allow for monitoring of financial data, sustainable finance options, tracking personal carbon footprint, energy saving tips, etc. Impact – Potential Positive impact Downstream Short-term Digital solutions for easier access to banking services Digital solutions for easier access to banking services enhance customer convenience and streamline transactions. By implementing online platforms and mobile applications, banks can improve user experience, reduce operational costs, and reach a broader audience, ultimately driving customer engagement and satisfaction while adapting to evolving consumer preferences. Opportunity Downstream Short-, Medium-, Long-Term Cybersecurity Cybersecurity risks Cybersecurity risks, particularly regarding the protection of employee and customer data, can significantly impact a Group's financial performance through potential data breaches that lead to costly remediation efforts, regulatory fines, and litigation, as well as reputational damage that erodes customer trust and confidence, ultimately resulting in loss of business and diminished market value. Risk Downstream Short-, Medium-, Long-Term Protection of client data Protection of client data is essential for maintaining the privacy and trust of customers and clients. Ensuring that client data is secure helps to prevent unauthorized access and potential misuse, which could lead to financial loss. Impact – Actual Positive impact Downstream Short-term Financial health and inclusion Contributing to financial health of customers Through various banking services and information, NLB Group is contributing to the financial health of customers, which positively impacts their stability and well-being by providing them with the necessary tools and support to manage their finances effectively. Impact – Actual Positive impact Downstream Short-term Enabling digital solutions for easier access to banking services Enabling digital solutions for easier access to banking services improves convenience and accessibility for all customers, fostering greater financial inclusion and user satisfaction. Impact – Actual Positive impact Downstream Short-term Maintaining a network of physical banking offices Maintaining a network of physical banking offices ensures that customers, especially those who may not be comfortable with or have access to digital banking, can still access banking services, improving overall service accessibility. Impact – Actual Positive impact Downstream Short-term Service quality and customer satisfaction Ensuring quality of services and client satisfaction Ensuring quality of services and client satisfaction leads to positive outcomes by enhancing customer loyalty, trust, and overall satisfaction with the Group's offerings. Impact – Actual Positive impact Downstream Short-term Responsible marketing and communication Promoting financial literacy Promoting financial literacy enhances customers' financial understanding and decision-making, empowering them to manage their finances better. Impact – Actual Positive impact Downstream Short-term Provision of quality information to clients Provision of quality information to clients ensures that they have access to accurate, timely, and useful information, leading to better financial decisions and enhanced trust in the Group. Impact – Actual Positive impact Downstream Short-term Providing inadequate or inaccurate information to clients Providing inadequate or inaccurate information to clients can lead to misunderstandings and poor financial decisions, damaging the trust between the Bank and its customers. Impact – Potential Negative impact Downstream Medium- term Ensuring responsible marketing practices Ensuring responsible marketing practices has a positive impact by promoting truthful and ethical communication with consumers, building trust and safeguarding their interests. Impact – Actual Positive impact Downstream Short-term ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 282 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Digitalization and Innovation Digitalization is a key strategic priority for NLB Group, driving growth by streamlining processes, enhancing scalability, and boosting efficiency. In recent years, NLB has been a pioneer of banking innovation in Slovenia and introduced various advanced digital services and channels, including 24/7 opening of personal accounts and the full digital signing of documents in digital bank, videocall functionalities with multichannel 24/7 support, fully E2E digital loan capabilities for consumers & SMEs, sending PINs for cards via SMS, implementing Flik P2M (Person to Merchant) at all POS (Point of Sale), the NLB Smart POS solution on mobile phone to merchants, card management functionalities and biometric recognition, and issuing digital-only debit cards. The Group continues to prioritize digital innovation, by enhancing its technological infrastructure to deliver excellent client experience and maintain a competitive edge. By rapidly expanding digital channels across the region the Group reduces branch activities for routine tasks, enhances client satisfaction, streamlines internal processes, and supports paper usage reduction. Therefore, NLB Group is committed to growth by leveraging digital marketing channels and enhancing connectivity, and developing innovative tools, while maintaining adequate personal interaction with clients. In addition to banks, digital channels are integrated into the operations of asset management companies (within the NLB Klik application) and leasing companies (almost 80% of all leasing contracts are concluded with the NLB Lease&Go application). Policies Digital transition is firmly embedded in the new NLB Group Horizon 2030 Strategy. The strategy focuses on growth across three pillars: Retail, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Payments, supported by operating platform enhancement initiatives. Transitioning to a fully digital business model is a key focus, including offering users advanced digital solutions (Klik, NLB Pay), modernizing digital processes in the Bank, and setting up a central IT hub. The policies related to digital solutions for clients are included in overarching product development and cybersecurity policies, which are described in detail in respective chapters. In addition, specific instructions and guidelines have been established for each digital channel, providing regulatory compliance, efficient internal processes, and delivery to the clients. Key activities and progress In 2024, NLB Group banking members saw the following improvements: • launched in 2023, NLB’s new digital banking platform (NLB Klik) was recognized in 2024 as the Best Digital Banking Solution in Slovenia by an independent research agency. Itsimplementation across all NLB Group markets is underway and will be concluded in the coming years • new digital bank launch in NLB Banka Sarajevo, NLB Banka Banja Luka, NLB Banka Podgorica • launch of digital sales processes in NLB (savings accounts, deposits, account overdraft, credit card limit, ordering a new credit card); NLB Banka Prishtina (consumer loan), NLB Banka Skopje (consumer loan) • strong focus on digitalizing clients across all markets and ongoing best practice sharing among NLB Group members to enhance digital penetration and channel utilization • several awareness-raising activities among clients in under-digitalized clients, in particular the elderly. See the chapter Sponsorships and donations for details. • in asset management (NLB Skladi): - introduction of the electronic confirmation of invoices and application for online monitoring of the realization of daily activities in an individual process (according to delimitations and carriers) - the overview of customer transactions within the asset management company has been further extended within the NLB Klik application (including umbrella fund investors and clients engaged in portfolio management) • In leasing companies: NLB Lease&Go continued its journey towards digitalization and creating the core for changing the business model towards more a customer-centric and service-driven focus around mobility. The most important milestone was acquiring the platform doberavto.si portal. The acquisition is in line with NLB's strategic ambition and is needed to safeguard its market position in an increasingly digital car market. The platform integrates value- added services such as financing options, vehicle insurance, and inspection services, offering users a one-stop platform for all their automotive needs. Going forward, the Group will intensify its focus on digitalizing banking processes and clients, and further enhance digital accessibility solutions. Additionally, the Group will prioritize digital security and fraud prevention by implementing advanced security measures to ensure the highest levels of protection and client satisfaction. Impacts, risks, and opportunity management ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 283 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Targets and metrics In alignment with its strategic objectives and the UNEP FI Principles for Responsible Banking, NLB Group set a digital penetration target in 2021 to achieve 55% active digital banking adoption (web or mobile) among private individuals by 2025, and 80% by 2030. The 2025 target was surpassed in 2024 by 1.4 percentage points. In 2024, the Group increased the previously set digital penetration target from 70% to 80% and the additional goals were set related to digital penetration and acquisition as detailed in the table below. The target setting relied on market and client research and was embedded in the process of the development of NLB Group New Horizons 2030 strategy. Cybersecurity and personal data protection As in any financial institution, cybersecurity risks, if not mitigated well, particularly regarding the protection of customer personal data, can significantly impact the Group's financial performance through potential data breaches that may lead to costly remediation efforts, regulatory fines, and litigation, as well as reputational damage that erodes customer trust and confidence, ultimately resulting in loss of business and diminished market value. Protection of client data is therefore essential for maintaining the privacy and trust of clients. NLB Group has a positive impact on clients as it has established policies and mechanisms to ensure that client data is secure by preventing unauthorized access and potential misuse, which could lead to financial loss. Moreover, collecting and processing some personal data allows the Group to adapt clients’ needs, to provide more effective communication and a better user experience. While information and cybersecurity policies are presented in the chapter S1-Own workforc e, this chapter focuses on the data protection policy. Policies Rules on the Protection of Personal Data Content and purpose: The Rules regulate the area of personal data protection, including organizational structure and allocation of tasks and the basic rules of personal data. The purpose of the Rules is to define the fundamental principles and rules in relation to the processing of personal data and the rights of the data subjects with the aim of ensuring compliance with the legislation applicable in the area of personal data protection. These include European legislation on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Slovenian legislation applicable in the area of personal data protection – Personal Data Protection Act (ZVOP-2). In line with the Policy, the provisions are integrated into the Group’s processes and systems, including those related to client data. Scope: NLB and other NLB Group members who are subject to the GDPR and their local legislation related to data protection. Most senior function accountable: the Management Board and appointed Data Protection Officer who professionally and independently assists the management in ensuring that the processing of personal data complies with the Rules Availability: Employees access the Rules in the Internal Act Register, while general information is available for external stakeholders in branches and on the websites, for example: General Information on Personal Data Protection Informacija o vastvu osebnih podatkov - NLB Skladi NLB Lease&Go - Varstvo osebnih podatkov Key activities and progress The Group is focused on implementing measures to increase the Group’s cyber resilience and strengthen its digital capabilities. In 2024, key activities included enhancing cyber threat intelligence, improving situational awareness, and conducting penetration tests to assess and bolster the resilience of information systems. The Group also adheres to GDPR requirements in its daily operations. In line with the Data Protection Policy, several ongoing measures and activities are in place and were also conducted in 2024: • The DPO was responsible for monitoring compliance with GDPR legislation and carrying out regular risk assessments to identify and minimize personal data breaches and compliance risk. The DPO reports to the Operational Risk Committee and to the Management Board in the scope of quarterly reporting. • Policies, rules, standards, and procedures for personal data and information protection (e.g. business secrets) are used in the Group’s everyday operations in the area of data protection. Thus, the Group ensures compliance with the relevant regulatory provisions that can differ significantly from one country to another. • Preventive measures and thorough control within the Group and in relation to outsourced providers and suppliers help prevent the loss or abuse of data and the violation of data protection regulations, including the protection of personal data. • Information on protecting client privacy was provided on the Bank’s website. The information includes reasons for collecting the data and their usage, clients’ rights and how to enforce them, contact details of the Data Protection Officer to report any violations. • Mandatory training on personal data protection was conducted for all employees (it constitutes a work obligation). ›› For a detailed description of activities and progress, please see the Business Report, chapter IT and Cybersecurity, and the chapter Compliance and Integrity, sub-chapters Information security and personal data protection. Table 54: Digital banking usage in NLB Group banking members 2021 Baseline 2023 2024 Target 2025 Target 2030 Digital penetration (i) 29.5% 50.4% 56.4% 55% 80 % Digital core product sales 2-6% >50% Digital acquisition <1% >30% (i) The digital penetration is calculated as number of active digital banking users – private individuals divided by the total number of private individuals. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 284 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Financial health and inclusion Policies On a high level, the principles of financial health and inclusion are included in the Sustainability Policy, and indirectly in all policies and other internal acts on client- related products, services, and relationships. For NLB Group, financial inclusion is about ensuring access to financial products and services and "leaving no-one behind". Although there is no specific policy in place addressing financial health and inclusion exclusively, these are embedded in the Group’s business model and process by following the Group’s core value of improving lives and the central principles of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular two SDGs: • 8 – Decent work and economic growth (Strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions to encourage and expand access to banking, insurance, and financial services for all), and • 10 – reduce inequality (By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status). In addition, guided by the UNEP FI Principles for Responsible Banking, NLB Group promotes universal financial inclusion and in particular supports the financial health and inclusion of its private individual clients. These considerations are firmly embedded in the NLB Group Policy on Respect for Human Rights, as well as in policies and manuals and procedures that define the sales process. In terms of accessibility to banking services, which was deemed as material impact in DMA, the Group strategically balances the benefits and optimization of its branch network. While branches remain central, their role is evolving due to market changes and digitalization, resulting in fewer in-branch transactions. However, direct client contact in branches remains crucial particularly for comprehensive services or vulnerable groups. To mitigate potential negative impacts, the Group continuously enhances both physical and technological accessibility through our extensive branch and ATM network, digital products and channels, contact centres, email, website, and social media. This includes accommodating people with disabilities and promoting financial inclusion and literacy. The Group also places great importance on managing potential negative impacts, for example due to strategic optimization of physical banking network in some areas (not deemed as material in the conducted DMA). The approach includes maintaining an adequate physical network and appropriate communication about branch closures with affected local communities and directly with concerned clients via established communication channels. White Book for Branches Content and purpose: The document describes the critical role of branches in providing adequate levels of physical accessibility and client experience. It defines the standards and roles of branch offices to ensure a modern, professional, and friendly client experience. The aim is to increase sales and the advisory role of the bank, improve client experience, and support clients in transitioning to digital channels and efficiency. Scope: Distribution network, product and segment managers, real estate managers in NLB Group. The most senior function accountable: Director of Customer, Product Management and Digital Services or similar functions in NLB Group members. In addition, the Group has established policies and procedures to ensure employees, clients, and other visitors in branches a high level of security and measures to mitigate any security risks. Availability: Register of Internal Acts. Key activities and progress NLB Group has implemented several activities to enhance financial health and inclusion, financial literacy, and accessibility to financial services, in particular to vulnerable groups (impaired persons, women, older persons, etc.). The most significant activities in 2024 were: • Hearing loop devices in all NLB branches to enhance communication and facilitate financial services for hearing-impaired customers by transmitting sound directly to their hearing aids. • A mobile branch – a specially adapted vehicle, NLB Bank&Go, that enables clients access to banking services has been available to clients in smaller Slovenian towns where there have been no bank branches since 2020. In 2024, NLB Bank&Go regularly visited 30 different locations. • NLB continued its cooperation with the Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired of Slovenia. 58 ATMs throughout Slovenia have been installed to assist blind and partially sighted persons with banking operations. With the help of voice instructions through headphones, blind and visually impaired persons can withdraw cash or check their account balance. • In North Macedonia, NLB Banka Skopje upgraded the mClick mobile banking application with "built-in voice reader" functionality, which clients should install on their mobile phones. In this way, visually impaired clients can have insight into all their accounts, perform all banking transactions, or apply for a mobile loan by using the voice guide, enabling them to access financial services independently. • In Kosovo, NLB Banka Prishtina and in Montenegro, NLB Bank Podgorica run the Women in Business programme in partnership with the EBRD. The programme offers financial support and financial education to women-led businesses. • In Bosnia and Herzegovina, NLB Sarajevo introduced the NLB Package for Financial Inclusion, in accordance with the Decision on Measures to Strengthen Financial Inclusion and Sustainable Bank Operations adopted by the Agency for Banking in the Federation of BiH. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 285 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report • Various sponsorships and donations programmes to increase financial literacy were held in NLB (financial literacy centre in the banking museum MUZA, Money and Crime exhibition, financial literacy initiative for families and children in Minicity, financial literacy workshops for the elderly), and NLB Banka Skopje (financial literacy workshops for children). See the chapter Affected communities for details.With the aim of promoting financial literacy, especially to youth, NLB Funds organized several motivational- educational events, published expert publications, used social media, especially Instagram, and participated in financial education events for youth, organized by the national newspaper Finance. In 2025, NLB Group will continue its initiatives, focusing on implementing new Slovenian legislation transposing the EU directive on digital accessibility effective June 2025. This will enhance accessibility and user experience in NLB's digital banking channels for people with disabilities (visual, motor, hearing, etc.). In Serbia, NLB Komercijalna banka priority will be with developing additional social/inclusion criteria in loan origination, which will be followed by developing monitoring and KPIs connected to social or inclusion loans. Targets and metrics In 2024, NLB Group reaffirmed its commitment to financial literacy and inclusion by enhancing target setting and further developing relevant initiatives. In line with UNEP – FI methodology NLB, as the parent bank, defined the baseline and set two concrete goals to be achieved by 2030 for the impact area Financial Health & Inclusion , which focuses on savings and investment plans as a key priority area: • By 2030 NLB will increase by 15% the percentage of young clients (18–27 years) with products related to long-term savings and/or investment plans. • By 2030 NLB will increase by 15% the percentage of clients aged 27+ up to retirement with products related to long-term savings and/or investment plans. Targets for other banks in the region will be developed in the future. Also, the NLB Group will gradually develop additional specific and meaningful targets for key financial health and inclusion initiatives. Table 55: Financial Health and Inclusion for NLB 2024 Baseline Target 2030 Number of young clients (18–27 years) with products related to long-term savings and/or investment plans 29% +15% Number of clients aged 27+ up to retired with products related to long-term savings and/or investment plans 39% +15% Accountancy Policy and reconciliation: The percentage (share) is calculated as the number of clients with at least 1 product related to a long-term savings and/or investment plan in a particular age group divided by the total number of customers. The number of such clients represents a portion of 728,350, which is the total number of NLB clients and represents a segment of total client base of NLB Group of 2.9 million, as detailed in the Business Report. (see Business Report, page 4) . Personal savings are crucial for long-term income stability, especially for young clients. The foundations for developing the targets were mostly the Slovenian government’s 2017 Strategy for a Long-Lived Society and data from the Pension and Disability Insurance Institute of Slovenia (ZPIZ). The Strategy underscores the importance of early pension savings to ensure financial security in old age. Slovenia is experiencing significant demographic changes, with the elderly population expected to nearly double by 2060, from 17.3% in 2013 to 29.4%. This shift, coupled with a shrinking working- age population, will strain the national pension system, with expenditures projected to rise from 11.8% to 15.3% of GDP by 2060. The ratio of contributors to pensioners will worsen, threatening the system's financial sustainability. Currently, many pensioners receive between EUR 700 and 800, below the poverty risk threshold of EUR 827, indicating financial instability for nearly half of retirees. Therefore, young Slovenians must prioritize personal savings for retirement, as the national pension scheme alone may not provide sufficient income. Service quality and client satisfaction NLB Group develops and delivers quality financial products and value to clients. Responsible product development, marketing, and communication significantly contribute to excellence in product and service quality and enhances client experience and satisfaction. Responsible product development Policies NLB Group members execute product development, marketing activities, and provide information to clients in compliance with regulations and local legislation related to customer rights, guidelines, and codes of professional associations. The general framework related to products and services for clients is set at the high level in the Code of Conduct and the Sustainability Policy which is applied in all core financial members (banks, asset management, and leasing companies). In addition, various specific policies and guidelines have been established, the most significant being related to product development, data protection (see details in the chapter Cybersecurity and personal data protection), and marketing communication activities. Other internal acts define specific areas, such as segmentation and appropriate treatment of clients, the format and the frequency of contacting clients, or receiving and processing interactions in the contact centre. NLB Group is bound to only offer products and services that create value for our clients and shareholders, and meet the client’s needs. The processes for approving new products comprise a preliminary review required for achieving these goals. NLB Group wishes to ensure that clients can have full confidence in the products offered to them. The procedures for approving products and services apply to all new product offers, as well as various existing products. The key control functions must be involved in the process of product development and monitoring, including the compliance function, since it is important that every product is compliant with regulatory requirements, particularly in the areas of consumer protection, personal data protection, and prevention of money laundering and financing of terrorism. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 286 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Policy for the Introduction of New Products and Substantial Changes to Existing Products Content and purpose: The Policy describes NLB Group’s general approach to responsible product development and defines the Bank's framework for introducing new and significant changes to existing products for private individuals and legal entities and products for financial markets. It is based on Slovenian and European legislation, including the Banking Law, EBA, and ESMA guidelines on product governance requirements. The Policy also follows applicable national regulations related to client loans, client protection, electronic business and communication, and protection of personal data. The purpose of the policy is to define: 1. the principles of introducing new products and substantial changes to existing products 2. assessment factors for the introduction of new products and significant changes to existing products (before launching new or modified products, NLB Group members analyse financial, non-financial, compliance, legal, and capital/ liquidity impacts. Non-financial risk assessments include evaluating ESG risks, defining mitigations, and specifying ESG-related product features). 3. minimum standards of the organization when introducing new products and significant changes of existing products, 4. product discontinuation process 5. regulation of the area at the level of NLB Group banks with the aim of taking into account the interests, goals, and characteristics of consumers in order to prevent in advance damage for the bank and any damage that could occur to the consumer and other customers of the Bank, as a result of the behaviour and the conduct of the Bank's employees, due to the composition of the product, its marketing, or other procedures related to the product offer, and to prevent a negative impact on the Bank's reputation. Scope: NLB Group banking members, mandatory for all employees involved in product development. Most senior function accountable: The Management Board of each banking member oversees decisions on new and existing products, delegating this to the New and Existing Products Committee which is established in each bank. This Committee reviews new products and marketing policies before offering them, to ensure that clients can have full confidence in them. The highest level of accountability for policy implementation are Directors of Customer Services, Product Management, and Digital Services in each NLB Group banking member. Availability: Register of Internal Acts. Key activities and progress In 2024, NLB Group banking members introduced 46 new or substantially changed products and services, while New and Existing Products Committees in NLB have had 12 sessions, additional sessions were held in other NLB Group members. In addition, sales process and front-line staff support was enhanced. ESG application API connection was integrated into to loan origination process, which enables entering green loan criteria into the core system and transferring to DWH. A comprehensive sales guideline related to green loans for private individuals for front-line workers was introduced. They also participated in green financing training, thus enhancing their knowledge and skills, contributing to higher client awareness and engagement for green products. Going forward, NLB Group will focus on refining its offerings, enhancing customer experience, further streamlining internal processes and automatization of the credit process, efficiently implementing sales tools, and providing continuous training for front-line workers. Responsible communication Policies NLB Group manages material positive impacts related to the provision of quality information to clients and ensuring responsible marketing practices, as well as potential negative impacts, i.e. provision of quality information to clients on its policies, procedures, and activities as described in this chapter. Instructions for Implementing Marketing Communication Activities of NLB Group Content and purpose: The Instructions outline all stages of the internal marketing and communication process, aiming to standardize procedures and eliminate inconsistencies or legal issues within NLB Group's marketing and communication activities. It is grounded in national legal, ethical, and communication guidelines, as well as best practice in marketing communication and public relations. The Instructions emphasize compliance with legislation, particularly the Consumer Protection Act, Code of Advertising Practice, Advertising Law and Media Law, and the Ethical Code of Designers to ensure that activities within marketing plans consider their impact on clients. The Instructions also stipulate transparency and fairness and full communication to the client by adhering to this instruction, NLB Group aims to prevent and mitigate the risk of unfair commercial practices in product marketing. As the parent bank, NLB is a signatory to the commitment to implement sustainability standards in advertising (Slovenian Advertising Chamber) by 2030 or sooner. These standards are gradually being implemented in policies and procedures in all NLB Group members. Scope: NLB Group banking members. Most senior function accountable: Directors of Communication or similar functions in each NLB Group banking member, while provisions apply to all employees who are responsible for marketing communication and external partners in these processes. Availability: Register of Internal Acts. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 287 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Key activities and progress NLB Group members execute the following key activities in their daily operations related to mitigating potential negative impacts and to managing actual positive impacts in relation to communication with clients: • The Group offers clients financial products in accordance with their needs and income profile, and educate them about all of the aspects of a product, including potential negative consequences and risks. • By using a variety of communication channels, Group members provide clients with impartial, transparent, clear, and correct information, including clear and ethical advertising industry. • Communication complies with regulations related to consumer rights, consumer protection in the marketing and contracting of financial services, and consumer protection against unfair commercial practices, and guidelines and codes in the communication and advertising industry. • The Group’s direct communication enhances financial literacy. For example, before approving a loan, in communication with clients, NLB Group emphasizes responsible lending practices, such as keeping monthly obligations manageable and being aware of the risk of variable interest rates. In addition, several NLB Group members provide clients and the general public with professional advice on their websites (e.g. in NLB, such as how to manage personal finances in various life events, how to improve saving habits or establish a contingency fund, and other aspects of financial literacy. For additional information on how NLB Group promotes financial literacy, see the chapter Affected communities. These activities align with our business strategy, informed by market and client research, and client feedback comments, opinions expressed in direct communication in daily operations and through other communication channels. If a potential negative impact related to communication becomes actual, clients can access complaint or grievance mechanisms as detailed in the chapter Processes to remediate negative impacts – complaint management. Targets and metrics To gain deeper insight into retail customer satisfaction NLB Group conducts annual Net Promoter Score (NPS) survey, which measures brand NPS, a widely used metric for assessing customer loyalty and satisfaction. It reflects the general recommendation of NLB, using a representative sample from each market where NLB Group operates. NPS has been constantly increasing throughout the years as a result of continuous service development, enhancement of the existing and development of the new products and digital solutions. In 2024, NPS experienced a slight decline due to various market conditions, though the overall trend since 2019 remains positive. As a key performance indicator and integral part of NLB's strategy, the NPS results were thoroughly analysed, and an action plan was developed to enhance customer satisfaction moving forward. NPS is measured in accordance with the standard methodology, which gauges customer sentiment and identify areas for improvement. It is calculated based on responses to a single question: "How likely are you to recommend NLB to a friend or colleague?" Respondents rate their likelihood on a scale from 0 to 10. Based on their scores, customers are categorized into three groups: Promoters (9-10), Passives (7-8), and Detractors (0-6). The NPS is then calculated by subtracting the percentage of Detractors from the percentage of Promoters. The resulting score ranges from -100 to +100, with higher scores indicating greater customer loyalty and satisfaction. Table 56: Client satisfaction NPS - NLB Group banking members 2022 2023 2024 Target 2030 Average NPS 31 36 32 >50% Notes: (i) Accountancy policy: NPS is calculated as a difference between satisfied (promoters) and dissatisfied (detractors) customers. The result for the NLB group banking members is calculated as a simple mean of individual banking members. The result for a single year is calculated as a moving average, meaning that the result for a year includes the average of two measurements conducted in that year and is calculated as a mean of these two measurements. This represents a change in the calculation and reporting before 2024, where only the last measurement in a year was considered, and the NPS values were as follows: 28 in 2022 and 36 in 2023. S4-3 Processes to remediate negative impacts – complaint management All NLB Group members strive to ensure a constructive dialogue with their clients and to resolve any disagreements, misunderstandings, or errors which may occur in daily operations. If, however, clients are dissatisfied with the products and services, NLB Group members provide channels which enable them to raise questions, complaints, and concerns and receive a timely and qualitative response. Moreover, clients’ feedback, including complaints, is considered an opportunity to improve services, processes, and customer relationships. Therefore, the Group embeds complaint management into the overall client experience process and conducts regular employee training to improve the overall customer experience. To this end, NLB Group has established grievance and complaints channels, which are communicated and available to clients in branches and on the websites of NLB and other subsidiary banks in line with local legislation. ›› For details on the grievance mechanisms please refer to the chapter G1-Business Conduct, sub-chapter Managing concerns about unlawful or harmful conducts . ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 288 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Policies Instructions for Handling Complaints Content and purpose: The Instructions set the general framework for complaint management, defines types of complaints, and the two-level internal complaints process. It describes the two- tier customer complaint resolution system and selected institutions responsible for extra-judicial settlement of customer claims (IRPS), and provides clarifications about the methods and procedures to solve complaints. Moreover, the Instructions define the minimum standards or general objectives which are being harmonized group-wide and include: - fast, efficient, and professional complaint settlement at all levels of the process, and settlement of satisfactory reimbursement requests in a unified way. - registration of complaints so as to enable content analysis with the purpose of improving products, processes, and customer experience (transparency, quality, customer relations, etc.). - the formation of proposals for improvements with the purpose of preventing a larger number of similar mistakes and consequences of a negative customer experience. Scope: All employees involved in the complaint management and resolutions. Most senior function accountable: Directors of sales departments and head of branches with direct business relationship with clients. Availability: For employees in the Register of Internal Acts, while the rules and procedures related to complaints are available to clients in branches and on the websites of NLB and other subsidiary banks in line with local legislation. Key activities and progress In 2024, the focus was on harmonization of the complaint management process across the Group. Regular monthly meetings were organized to align the mechanisms and methodology, to monitor and coordinate activities in the group, and to share our practice. NLB Group banking members have made progress in harmonizing the complaint management system, enabling consolidated reporting. Mandatory e-learning was conducted for all employees involved in the complaint process. KPIs were regularly assessed and reported quarterly to the Operational Risk Committee. Targets and metrics KPIs set to monitor efficiency and risks related to complaints management includes number and share of complaints, average resolution time, and other indicators. The average share of all banking customers who complained annually complaint was 2%. Similarly to the banking system in the region, card services account for the largest share in the total number of complaints, whereas the share of complaints in relation to the total number of card transactions was low, below 0.1%). To mitigate risk of card abuse which represent the large share of credit card-related complaints, the Group has a system in place to detect and prevent card abuse and raising client awareness of the dangers of online commerce and shopping, thereby contributing to risk management in this area. The average resolution time (card complaints excluded) of all banking members was approximately 6 days. In the parent bank NLB, 92% of all received complaints in NLB were resolved positively, which is an increase of 2 percentage points compared to 2023. Table 57: Complaints in NLB Group banking members 2024 Share of customers who have complained annually 2.0% Number of complaints 83,259 (i) The percentage (share) is calculated as a number of complaints divided by a total number of all NLB Group clients (active+other) in NLB Group banking members. At the asset management company level (NLB Funds, asset management), investor complaints remain extremely low, with only 0.0094% of investors submitting a complaint in 2024. The company approaches the potential gap in customers' financial product knowledge with great understanding, always striving to uphold the highest standards of customer interest and satisfaction. Leasing companies have established general internal procedures related to complaint management, which will be enhanced in the future by monitoring mechanisms. S4-2 Processes for engaging with clients and end-users about impacts NLB Group prioritizes engagement with corporate and retail clients to maintain their trust and transparency in the relationship with them. Therefore, the Group interacts regularly with clients directly through daily business processes, which relate to both physical and digital channels. Physical channels include regular personal communication with their customer relationship officer or branch employees, and contact centres, providing information and assistance via the website, phone, or a videocall (subject to each entity). The operational responsibility for conducting such engagement lies with sales, marketing, or communication directors in each NLB Group member. Daily engagement involves communicating the characteristics and impacts of the Group’s financial products and services, ensuring that clients are well- informed and confident in their financial decisions and maintain good relationship with the Group. In addition, clients’ feedback is collected through daily interactions, complaint management system and satisfaction surveys. Their feedback informs the business strategy of NLB Group and is taken into account in decision-making. To manage the positive impacts of its products and services on the financial health of our clients, NLB Group financial members conduct regular desk-top and direct client research to gain information about their needs and preferences, which inform the Group’s product development and communication strategies. ›› For additional information, please see the chapters Responsible communication and Client satisfaction metrics. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiIHN0YW5kYWxvbmU9Im5vIj8+CjwhRE9DVFlQRSBzdmcgUFVCTElDICItLy9XM0MvL0RURCBTVkcgMS4xLy9FTiIKImh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnL0dyYXBoaWNzL1NWRy8xLjEvRFREL3N2ZzExLmR0ZCI+Cjxzdmcgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDE4MTggMTI4NiIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIj4KPGRlZnM+CjwvZGVmcz4KPC9zdmc+) Governance Information Several topics related to Business Conduct were identified as material, underscoring the critical importance of governance, compliance, and integrity at NLB Group. In this section, we disclose information on corporate culture, regulatory compliance and governance, whistleblower protection, prevention of corruption and bribery, and prevention of money laundering and financing of terrorism. We also present ESG risk management, tax transparency, and our participation in associations and policy discussions. Financial performance and stability (being thoroughly disclosed in other parts of the business report and in financial statements) are recognized as a material sustainability topic and are essential for effectively managing the Group’s IROs. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 290 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report G1 Business Conduct GOV-1 Role of administrative, supervisory, and management bodies related to business conduct All NLB Group employees, including members of the management bodies (management board members, supervisory boards, executive directors) are expected to act in a fair, responsible, and ethical manner, in adherence with the Bank’s compliance standards. The overarching framework defining NLB Group’s policy on responsible business conduct and the framework for organizational culture, respecting values, and ensuring integrity is the NLB Group Code of Conduct, with other internal acts defining in detail the rules and procedures for specific areas of business conduct. For more details, please refer to the chapter Policies. In line with corporate governance principles, the management body discusses and adopts decisions, rules, and procedure regarding business conduct in managing impacts, risks, and opportunities in this area. Managers at various levels of NLB Group set the tone from the top as to what good and responsible business conduct should be. They have specific roles and responsibilities in promoting responsible business conduct: • Discussing the Code with team members to ensure everyone understands it, thus promoting the ethical culture in the NLB Group • Ensuring the fundamental principles and rules of conduct are implemented and complied with • Striving to achieve the values of the Group in accordance with the set principles and rules of conduct • Encouraging open, fair, and honest relationships among employees, free from fear and vindictiveness • Promoting open discussions about all questions addressed by the Code • Setting an example through conduct and behaviour that embodies the values and meets the basic principles of NLB Group • Reacting swiftly to any perceived ethical problems in the environment • Avoiding demanding any conduct from employees that would be contrary to legislation, prescribed rules, or the Code The management body and senior management members must demonstrate a high level of personal integrity and act in accordance with the NLB Group Code of Conduct. Integrity represents the expected actions and responsibilities of individuals and organizations in preventing and eliminating risks associated with the misuse of authority, functions, or other decision-making powers contrary to the law, legally permissible goals, and the guidelines defined in the NLB Group Code of Conduct. The knowledge and expertise of management bodies regarding organizational culture and business conduct are critical components of corporate governance. Accordingly, board members of banking members regularly discuss on internal culture and compliance, and complete annual training on topics related to business conduct, including anti-bribery and corruption, conflicts of interests, ethics, and code of conduct. Furthermore, adherence to NLB Group values, which supports corporate culture and responsible business conduct, is a specific target included in the remuneration criteria for NLB Management Board members. In alignment with the NLB Group Governance Policy, board members across other NLB Group entities have instituted similar procedures, training programmes, and targets. IRO-1 Description of processes to identify and assess material impacts, risks, and opportunities At NLB Group, we recognize that business conduct and organizational culture are complex and multi- dimensional. These aspects extend beyond the prevention of corruption, bribery, and other harmful incidents, as well as whistleblowing mechanisms derived from the ESRS. They encompass various other aspects critical for responsible business conduct in financial institutions, such as ethical governance, integrity, regulatory compliance, anti-money laundry system, tax management, etc. Consequently, in addition to ESRS- related topics, we have identified several entity-specific material sustainability topics and IROs, as detailed in the table below. Although the DMA did not identify any material risks related to business conduct (i.e. above the set threshold), NLB Group acknowledges the inherent risks and potential negative impacts associated with its operations. Therefore, the mechanisms and policies outlined in the following chapters also address these risks. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 291 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 58: Impacts, risks, and opportunities related to Business Conduct (Corporate Culture) Material Sustainability Topic Name of IRO Description of IRO Type of IRO Location in the value chain Time horizon Corporate culture, regulatory compliance, and governance Ethical and transparent corporate culture An ethical and transparent corporate culture fosters trust, accountability, and integrity within the Ban. By promoting open communication, adhering to ethical practices, and encouraging employee feedback, the BGroup can enhance employee morale, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and build a positive reputation, ultimately contributing to long-term success and sustainability. Opportunity Own operations Short-, Medium-, Long-Term High standards of corporate governance, integrity, and transparency High standards of corporate governance, integrity, and transparency are essential for the BGroup to build trust with stakeholders and ensure accountability in its operations. By adhering to these principles, the BGroup can enhance its reputation, mitigate risks, and foster a culture of ethical behaviour, ultimately supporting long-term success and stability in the financial sector. Opportunity Own operations Short-, Medium-, Long-Term Enabling an ethical and transparent corporate culture Enabling an ethical and transparent corporate culture promotes trust and integrity within the organization, enhances employee morale, and ensures compliance with regulations, ultimately leading to sustainable business success. Impact – Actual Positive impact Own operations Short-term Ensuring high standards of corporate governance, integrity, and transparency Ensuring high standards of corporate governance, integrity, and transparency enhances corporate reputation, ensures compliance with laws, and builds stakeholder trust. Impact – Actual Positive impact Own operations Short-term Integrating principles of ethical banking Integrating the UNEP FI principles of ethical banking promotes fairness and responsibility, improves customer trust, and supports long-term financial stability. Impact – Actual Positive impact Own operations Short-term Ensuring regulatory compliance Ensuring regulatory compliance helps maintain corporate integrity, avoid legal penalties, and builds stakeholder trust. Impact – Actual Positive impact Own operations Short-term Table 59: Impacts, risks, and opportunities related to Business Conduct (other topics) Prevention of corruption and bribery Preventing corruption and bribery Preventing corruption and bribery is essential for maintaining the integrity and reputation of the Bank. By implementing robust compliance programmes, conducting regular training, and promoting a culture of transparency, the Group can safeguard its operations, build trust with stakeholders, and ensure adherence to ethical standards, ultimately contributing to long-term sustainability and success. Opportunity Own operations Short-, Medium-, Long-Term Preventing corruption and bribery Preventing corruption and bribery fosters an ethical business environment, enhances corporate reputation, and ensures compliance with laws. Impact – Actual Positive impact Own operations Short-term Prevention of money laundering and financing of terrorism Preventing money laundering and financing of terrorism Preventing money laundering is essential for maintaining the integrity and reputation of the Bank. By implementing robust compliance programmes, conducting regular training, and promoting a culture of transparency, the BGroup can safeguard its operations, build trust with stakeholders, and ensure adherence to ethical standards, ultimately contributing to long-term sustainability and success. Opportunity Own operations Short-, Medium-, Long-Term Prevention of anti- money laundering and financing of terrorism Prevention of anti-money laundering and financing of terrorism ensures compliance with legal regulations and fosters trust and integrity within the financial system. Impact – Actual Positive impact Own operations Short-term Whistleblower protection Enabling the protection of whistleblowers Enabling the protection of whistleblowers fosters an organizational culture of transparency and accountability, encouraging employees to report unethical practices without fear of retaliation. Impact – Actual Positive impact Own operations Short-term ESG risk management Management of ESG risks Effective management of ESG risks is crucial for the Group to identify, assess, and mitigate potential environmental, social, and governance challenges that could impact its operations and reputation. By proactively addressing these risks, the BGroup can enhance resilience, improve decision-making, and attract socially responsible investors, ultimately contributing to long-term sustainability and financial performance. Opportunity Own operations Short-, Medium-, Long-Term Adequate management of ESG risks Adequate management of ESG risks ensures a strategic approach to environmental, social, and governance issues, reducing potential risks and enhancing long-term sustainability. Impact – Actual Positive impact Own operations Short-term Tax Transparency Ensuring regular tax payments Ensuring regular tax payments demonstrates corporate responsibility, supports public services, and enhances the company's reputation with stakeholders. Impact – Actual Positive impact Own operations Short-term Participation in associations and policy discussions Advocating for sustainable development through professional associations Advocating for sustainable development through professional associations demonstrates the company's commitment to sustainability, enhances its reputation, and contributes to broader industry and societal change. Impact – Actual Positive impact Own operations Short-term Financial performance Ensuring sustainable financial performance of the company Ensuring sustainable financial performance of the company supports long-term growth, stability, and shareholder value. Impact – Actual Positive impact Own operations Short-term Sustainable financial performance of the company Sustainable financial performance of the bank, which is achieved through responsible resource management, ethical practices, and a commitment to long-term value creation. 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"/>
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"/>
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"/>
</svg>) By supporting regional culture and the arts, we inspire a sense of community that transcends borders. Our NLB MUZA programme combines banking museum and educational programmes, as well as art gallery activities and buying works of art in all the markets of our operations. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 293 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report G1-1 Corporate culture, ethical governance and integrity, and regulatory compliance The Group is committed to ensuring an ethical organizational culture, compliance, and integrity across all NLB Group members and in the markets where the Group operates. The foundation for managing material IROs related to business conduct and to establish, develop, promote, and evaluate the corporate culture is laid down in the NLB Group Code of Conduct. The Code is binding for all the Group’s employees and stipulates the fundamental principles and rules of conduct on which the operations and actions of the NLB Group are based. These include: • acting ethically and responsibly and comply with the rules of the Code • respecting colleagues and maintain a pleasant working environment • respecting customers • avoiding conflicts of interest • preventing unacceptable practices • adhering to the rules and comply with regulation • prudent and ethical handling of assets and property • being socially responsible For each principle, the Code provides employees with practical guidelines for daily conduct, helping them understand what is expected from each employee and other stakeholders within the NLB Group. Ethical governance, integrity, and compliance are deeply intertwined with the rules of conduct and are detailed in the Integrity and Compliance Policy. NLB Group operates in sectors that are highly regulated because of the urgency to ensure financial stability and prevent system risks. Hence, the Group’s employees are aware that compliance is the foundation of its business. They understand that responsible business conduct extends beyond merely adhering to applicable laws, regulations, and standards. It also encompasses a robust compliance programme. Compliance is therefore integrated into the Group’s daily operations, contributing to a strong internal control environment and effective management of compliance risks. The NLB Group members are obliged to regularly (at least once a year) carry out the training of all employees in the field of the Code. They also regularly and actively promote it, raise awareness, and train, and informemployees about the contents of the Code, as well as providing explanations regarding their use in specific situations faced by the employees. In addition, NLB Group members provide specific training on anti- corruption, anti-money laundering, and other business conduct-related topics. Policies Key internal documents such as the Code of Conduct and the Integrity and Compliance Policy are detailed below. In addition, the Group has established policies addressing specific topics related to fundamental principles of responsible business conduct. All these policies are adopted by each core financial member, i.e. banks, asset management, and leasing companies. If certain policies need to be aligned with local laws, they are updated at the local level to ensure full compliance. The implementation of policies is the responsibility of designated compliance officers within each subsidiary. They assess, monitor, and evaluate corporate culture through specific indicators and surveys on ethics and integrity. Consistency across all core financial members is ensured by using standardized evaluation methods and regular reviews. Furthermore, the compliance function is integrated into the Group’s daily operations, thereby contributing to a strong internal control environment and ensuring the effective management of compliance risks. In non-financial core members and non-core members of NLB Group the implementation of the policies is subject to the principle of proportionality, based on the size and the core business of the specific member. Nevertheless, all members are required to adjust their work procedures, organization, monitoring, and reporting. The competence line responsible for Compliance monitors and exercises constant supervision of the meeting of requirements by setting clear communication on the expectations, ensuring regular training (or providing training materials), conducting regular reviews, and monitoring the activities of specific areas to address any compliance issues. Oversight is performed by the person in charge of Compliance and Integrity and focuses on areas based on the principle of risk. NLB Group Code of Conduct Content and purpose: The Code describes the values, basic principles, and rules of ethical business conduct that the Group respects and promotes. Operating with integrity and responsibility is key to the Group’s corporate culture. The Code demands that every employee, regardless of their job or place of work, and every other stakeholder of the Group comply with the highest standards of integrity. It also reflects the standards that we expect in our relationship with the rest of our stakeholders. NLB Group expects that all business partners and other stakeholders apply standards at least equal to those written in this Code, including their attitude towards employees. ›› TThe summary is publicly available also in the NLB website (not subject to external review). Integrity and Compliance Policy of NLB and NLB Group Content and purpose: The Policy sets a strong strategic framework of the Bank’s comprehensive programme of compliance operations to meet the following goals: (1) Ensure compliance and integrity by meeting requirements, preventing violations, and fostering a compliance culture; (2) Limit losses from violations, including business losses, sanctions, and reputational damage, (3) Enhance legal protection for the Group and its responsible persons against liability for violations, (4) Strengthen NLB Group’s brand reputation and meet stakeholder expectations through integrity and compliance, (5) Boost NLB Group’s competitive position by adhering to high compliance and ethical standards, enhancing corporate culture and employee commitment. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 294 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Scope: Both internal documents are binding for all employees in NLB Group across all markets, including the management and supervisory bodies of each NLB Group member. In addition, the internal documents apply indirectly to suppliers and clients in the parts related to their required behaviour. Exclusions include activities that are not directly related to NLB Group’s operations or where the Group has limited influence. Most senior level accountable: The management boards of each NLB Group member. Availability: The Code of Conduct and the Policy are published in the Register of Internal Acts, and each year internal meetings and workshops are held to explain the policy and its implications are organized. A summary of the Code with contents that are relevant for external stakeholders is publicly available on the NLB Group website, while the Policy is communicated through relationships with stakeholders. Key activities and progress Respecting the Code of Conduct and the Policy is an on- going activity in daily operations. ›› For an overview of key activities in 2024, please refer to the chapter Compliance and Integrity in the Business Report. Managing concerns about unlawful or harmful conducts NLB Group has established procedures to promptly, independently and objectively investigate business conduct incidents, including incidents of corruption and bribery. The procedures include a strong mechanism for identifying, reporting, and investigating suspicions of harmful behaviour to report concerns about unlawful behaviour or behaviour in contradiction of internal acts, including bribery and corruption. This mechanism allows the Group to identify potential compliance risks and take appropriate action in a timely manner. One of the notable highlights of the Group’s compliance programme is the emphasis on creating a speak-up culture. NLB and other financial core members have established rules regarding fraud investigations, case handling, and protection of whistleblowers (or similar internal acts). In line with internal rules, the prevention of fraud, abuse, and other harmful conduct is the responsibility of all employees. Harmful conduct is any conduct committed by a specific person which could incur property or non-property damage for the Bank, or unlawful conduct from the aspect of cogent regulations as well as general principles, or contrary to good practice. Every important suspected violation or act of misconduct (such as abuse or fraud, including suspected bribery or any form of corruption) must be reported and dealt with. The Group fosters an environment that encourages employees to set questions and discuss them with their managers or other employees in the Group, including the experts in compliance, money-laundering prevention, or the fight against bribery and corruption, lawyers, or HR managers. The Group’s commitment to the highest standards of corporate culture and the procedure for reporting suspected harmful activities are also communicated transparently to all employees via newsletters and other notifications and at mandatory training sessions. Employees have the option to submit a report directly to their supervisor, who then files the report with the Compliance department using the prescribed form. Alternatively, employees can also submit a report themselves through various channels. The Group’s financial core members have established various channels to report potentially non-compliant, non- ethical, or inappropriate business practices (including anonymously), such as electronically via the Whistler web application (internal and external stakeholders), via e-mail to the dedicated e-mail address, in person, by regular mail to the dedicated postal address or post box (internal and external stakeholders), or by telephone. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of every employee to take all necessary steps to prevent all harmful conduct, including that which results from negligence. Upon receiving a report, the process is followed by preliminary testing. If all circumstances of the case are clarified during the preliminary testing, the case is closed at this stage. Otherwise, further investigation follows, as described in the chapter Managing concerns about unlawful or harmful conduct. The investigation is conducted efficiently, impartially, professionally, prudently, and conscientiously, with the confidentiality of the investigation and the collected data and information ensured at every stage of the process. The investigation must run continuously and without unnecessary delays. Any suspension of the investigation and the reasons therefore must be properly documented in the report. The objectives of the investigation are as follows: • To confirm or dismiss the suspicion of harmful practices and to protect evidence • To establish any potential damage to the Group or the client and determine the amount of damage caused • To identify the alleged perpetrators (Group employees or other individuals allegedly involved in the harmful practices) • To identify potential risks and weaknesses in individual processes and provide proposals/ recommendations for their elimination • To conduct a compliance risk assessment Depending on the findings of the investigation, subsequent actions may include notifying the whistleblower about the closure of the case, informing the HR department and the supervising director, filing a criminal complaint, and other relevant steps. In addition, at NLB Group members, the internal audit and the compliance functions (where separately established) check and control the respect of the basic principles in regular internal audit procedures and compliance review procedures as well as randomly. In the scope of its regular tasks, the compliance function of each NLB Group member performs regular activities to investigate suspected corrupt practices and bribery. Each NLB Group member ensures that accounting and other internal controls are established as part of the internal control mechanisms, by means of which corrupt practices are prevented (e.g. no black funds for bribery or facilitation payments, etc.). The Group also regularly assesses conflict of interest and corruption risks in accordance with the applicable methodology for the general assessment of the integrity and compliance risks. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 295 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report G1-3 Prevention of corruption and bribery Policy At NLB Group, we acknowledge that all employees may encounter situations that constitute or could constitute a conflict of interest. NLB Group strongly condemns bribery and corruption, and has a policy of zero tolerance for such practices, deeming them unfair, illegal, and harmful to societies and countries with corrupt practices. We expect the same commitment from our customers, business partners, and third parties. To ensure integrity, all NLB Group employees are subject to restrictions on accepting and giving gifts, hospitality, and other influences on their conduct, with concrete measures in place to manage associated risks. Rules, guidelines, and procedures are set out in a comprehensive anti-corruption and bribery policy. The Policy on the Prevention of Corruption and Bribery and on the Management of Conflicts of Interest Content, purpose: The Policy establishes a baseline for behaviour in situations with identified corruption risks. The Policy outlines specific measures to manage these risks, aligning with international standards in the fight against corruption. The Policy is aligned with the Code of Corporate Governance for listed companies, the Slovenian Banking Act, EBA Guidelines on Internal Governance and the Regulation on Internal Governance Arrangements, the Management Body and the Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process for Banks and Savings banks. The Policy adheres to the principles of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in terms of its core points and substance, although it does not directly reference the Convention. These standards cover various aspects, including engagement with agents and intermediaries, hiring services of (former) civil servants, interactions with high (state) representatives, preventing nepotism, averting accelerated payments, and ensuring transparency in NLB Group operations. Scope: NLB Group members, whereby the level of implementation is subject to the principle of proportionality, based on the size and the core business of the specific member. Most senior level accountable: The management boards of each NLB Group member. Availability: Employees may access the policy in the Register of Internal Acts. A summary of the policy is publicly available at: NLB Group anti-corruption and anti-bribery policy. System and activities to prevent and detect, investigate, and respond to allegations or incidents relating to corruption and bribery As part of the fight against corruption and bribery, and in line with internal policies, NLB Group carries out several activities to manage related risks: • Ensuring specific terms in written agreements and/or general terms and conditions with third parties define anti-corruption and anti-bribery standards as a minimum requirement for investment and purchasing. • Internal control mechanisms, including accounting controls, are in place for the anti-bribery and anti- corruption area. • Regular, at minimum annual review, identification, and assessment of risks of conflicts of interest and corruption in the case of external contractors and suppliers and other contractual partners of NLB and NLB Group through due diligence processes. • The compliance functions have strengthened the approach to managing these risks in day-to-day operations, through obligatory e-training for all employees in core financial members, awareness- raising activities in the field of prevention of corruption and bribery, by implementing an assessment of conflict of interest and corruption risk in relations with suppliers, including the topic in the monthly newsletter, and classroom and online presentations and discussions. • All employees are included in yearly training and awareness-raising activities. In NLB Group various (whistleblowing) channels are established for reporting suspicions of harmful conduct (internally and publicly available), including suspicion of corrupt conduct. • All employees are responsible for rejecting any form of corruption and bribery with zero tolerance, and to immediately report any identified suspected misconduct through the established channels for reporting suspected misconduct, proactively disclose any conflict of interests, and adopt measures for the appropriate management of such conflicts. • The executives (members of the senior management) shall ensure that employees act in accordance and are familiar with the rules of the policies on anti- corruption and bribery, and that these rules are implemented in the scope of their duties and powers. ›› Responding to allegations and incidents relating to corruption and bribery is determined within the procedures, which are detailed in the chapter Managing concerns about unlawful or harmful conduct. The investigation teams in NLB Group banking members are separate from the chain of management involved in the reported matter. In line with the harmonization principles, in NLB Group banking members the investigating function has been established for years and operates within the Compliance department. The organization differs in other members, with some members placing this function within a dedicated unit depending on the size and organization of the member. Investigators handling suspicions of harmful actions constitute an independent investigation and provide objective findings, that are verifiable with the collected evidence. They prepare a report on the findings, serving as the basis for follow-up measures. Among other harmful actions, investigators are responsible also for independent investigation of cases of suspected corruption or bribery. In NLB the investigation team handles suspected misconduct, represents the Group in court in criminal proceedings, provides coordination and support to the Group, and performs other tasks in accordance with the Whistleblower Protection Act. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 296 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report In NLB, the Director of Compliance and Integrity reports at his discretion (based on the risk assessment) on all measures imposed on perpetrators and on other activities directly to the Management Board. Immediate informing is on a case-by-case basis, while all the cases investigated are reported in regular quarterly reports. In the case of an investigation into members of the Management Board, the Director of Compliance and Integrity directly informs the Chair of the Audit Committee acting on the Bank's Supervisory Board. In other NLB Group banking members Compliance directly informs the Bank's Management Board about all measures and activities undertaken as a result of the investigation. The compliance function of a NLB Group member regularly performs activities to raise awareness and, at least once annually, organizes training on preventing corruption and bribery, which that is mandatory for all employees (including the members of the management body). We consider that all employees are considered as "function at risk" with different levels of exposures to such risks. In 2024, the members of Supervisory Board and Management Board in the majority of core financial members also participated in classroom training; in others such training will be performed in 2025 and onwards. During 2024, 7,056 employees in NLB and other financial core members (84.8% of all NLB Group employees) completed anti-corruption training. Metrics and progress In relation to harmful actions, NLB Group has established a standard of zero tolerance for illegal and unethical actions and disrespect for the Group’s values. Zero tolerance refers to all intentional actions of employees that represent harmful conduct for the NLB Group member and are as such defined by legal or implementing acts, internal legal acts, good business practice, and other generally known good business practice. Zero tolerance also applies to actions of employees committed with gross negligence – circumstances when employees should be aware of the possibility that their actions might cause damage to NLB or the NLB Group member, but failed to prevent them. G1-4 Incidents of corruption or bribery In 2024, there were no cases of convictions for violation of anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws and no fines issued for these matters in the entire NLB Group. Table 60: NLB Group Incidents of corruption or bribery 2024 Cases of convictions for violation of anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws 0 Fines issued for convictions for violation of anti- corruption and anti-bribery laws (EUR thousands) 0 Prevention of AML and financing of terrorism Policy Anti-Money-Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Policy Content and purpose: By this Policy NLB Group manages impacts and risks related to AML and CFT. The Policy lays down the key elements of the AML/CFT system, and the content and the scope of the tasks to be established and performed by NLB Group, its members, and their employees. Key aims of the Policy are: implementation of the legislative requirements of the ZPPDFT-2 and guidelines of the supervisory bodies in the procedures and framework of banking operations and operations of other members, definition of the control environment elements of the members and NLB Group, efficient implementation of the AML/CFT system, establishing an efficient system of policies, procedures, and internal controls at the level of individual members and the level of the NLB Group in order to efficiently combat all identified MLTF risks. By implementing the requirements from the Policy and therefore establishing the control environment, members and therefore NLB Group as whole reduce the risks to an acceptable level. Scope: NLB Group members. Most senior level accountable: The management board in each NLB Group member. Availability: for employees in the Register of Internal Acts, for external stakeholders summarized in the publicly available Code of Conduct. Key activities and progress ›› For a detailed description of key activities, please refer to the Business Report, chapter Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, and Financial Sanctions Compliance . ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 297 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Whistleblower protection At NLB Group, we understand the importance of whistleblower protection, which was identified in the DMA as a material sustainability topic. In the Republic of Slovenia, the Whistleblower Protection Act (ZZPri) came into force in 2023, transposing EU Directive 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and the Council. The mechanisms and measures described in this chapter also refer to the Bank’s own workers who are whistleblowers in accordance with the applicable law transposing EU Directive 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and of the Council. Other countries where NLB Group members operate have their own local legal requirements regarding whistleblower protection. All NLB Group members based in the Republic of Slovenia who are mandated by the national law The Whistleblower Protection Act (ZZPri), which transposes the above-mentioned EU directive, comply with its requirements. Members based outside Slovenia, who are subject to local legal requirements regarding the protection of whistleblowers, adhere to their respective local laws. Years ago the Group has established the whistleblowing system for internal and external stakeholders with a strict procedure for whistle-blower protection against retaliation measures and assurance of anonymity, if the whistle-blower chooses not to reveal their identity.. The integral part of the system, or one of the reporting channels is also the Whistler – an application for reporting (suspected) violations, accessible also on the public websites of NLB Group banking members. It allows whistleblowers to submit signed or anonymous reports and also enables two-way communication between the whistleblower and the investigator, even in case of anonymity. When receiving, processing, investigating and archiving individual reports, the investigators ensure that the information in the report and thus the personal data of the whistleblower are strictly protected. All NLB Group banking members use the Whistler in their local languages. Both, the Whistler application and other reporting channels are available 24/7 and allow reports to be submitted from outside the Groups’ IT systems or premises. Policies NLB Group has a long history related to whistleblower protection. NLB has established more reporting channels than required by local whistleblowing protection law, with a more detailed procedure for investigations, and in addition to the law, the Bank also provides protection to the whistleblower. Namely, NLB issued the Commitment to Protect Whistleblowers of Harmful Conduct as early as 2014, several years prior to the implementation of the Whistleblower Protection Act in 2023. Since then, the principles and regulation of whistleblower protection have been systematically embedded in other NLB core financial members, unless otherwise required by local legislation Rules of Procedure – Regulation regarding fraud investigations, case handling, and protection of whistleblowers Content, purpose, and regulatory framework: These rules establish the framework for NLB standards for investigations of harmful conduct by NLB employees or external perpetrators, where in both cases material and non-material damage is caused or could be caused to the Bank. The Regulation defines the tasks of Compliance and Integrity in the investigation procedure, the tasks and authorizations of the head of the investigation and their deputies and other persons performing investigations under the authorisation of the Director of Compliance and Integrity, the methods to report violations, the procedure for investigation of harmful conduct, an action plan, measures to encourage reporting and remunerate informants, mechanisms to protect internal reporters, measures to eliminate the consequences of the damage, and reporting to Compliance and Integrity and informing the public. Scope: NLB Group members (adopted in NLB, and transposed to NLB Group members via standards). Most senior level accountable: The management board in each NLB Group member. Availability: for employees in the Register of Internal Acts, for all stakeholders summarized at: NLB Whistler Activities NLB performs the following activities and measures to protect whistleblowers against retaliation: • The identity, if disclosed and the individual requests protection, is stored separately (secured) from the report file. • The whistleblower is referred to in all documents by a unique identification number (the identity is sealed in a special envelope and stored in a metal cabinet, accessible only to authorized investigators). • The identity, if disclosed in the Whistler reporting application, is strictly protected (external server) and access is restricted to authorized investigators only. • In the event the Group initiates further procedures (legal, criminal), we always adhere to the principle of never disclosing that it is the result of an individual’s report. NLB employees are informed (through newsletters, website, training) about the possibility of submitting reports under the Whistleblower Protection Act (ZZPri) and the protection options provided by the law. NLB Group banking members also conduct training on fraud prevention, which includes presenting cases and channels for submitting reports. This is achieved through training sessions tailored to different target groups of employees and through regular e-learning programmes available to all employees. Some banking members prepare newsletters, competitions, and other engagement activities. Specialized training for internal fraud investigations is not formally required; however, investigators participate in training programmes offered by external institutions (Transparency International, ACFE, the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption, universities, etc.). Additionally, NLB as the parent bank, on average once per quarter, organizes workshops or meetings for investigators in NLB Group banking members to address current topics in the field of fraud investigation. In-person training for investigators in NLB Group is also provided upon request. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 298 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report ESG Risk management Material impacts, risks, and opportunities related to ESG Risk management Having in mind NLB Group’s overall operations, we define ESG risks as any actual or potential negative impact that arises from environmental, social (including human rights) and governance factors related to NLB Group itself or to any of our key stakeholders. In the realm of financing activities (lending and investments), we define as ESG risks the risks of any negative financial impact on NLB Group stemming from the current or prospective impacts of ESG 12 factors on NLB Group’s counterparties or invested assets. Given the global importance of climate change, NLB Group primarily focuses on developing and implementing a strong climate-related and environmental risk (CER) management framework for its portfolio and investments. Moreover, in recent years the Group has systematically upgraded the social and governance risk management, which will remain the strategic direction in the future. Integration of ESG risk management in the business model, strategy, and processes At NLB Group, ESG risks do not represent a new risk category, but rather one of the risk drivers of the existing type of risks, such as credit, liquidity, market, operational, and reputation risk. Therefore, the Group integrates and manages ESG risks within the established risk management framework in the area of the aforementioned type of risks, business strategy, and internal governance arrangements. In this respect, we are focused on setting out efficient processes to manage ESG risks comprehensively in all respective business areas and all three sustainability pillars: sustainable operations, sustainable finance, and contribution to society. ESG risk management follows ECB and EBA guidelines with the tendency of their comprehensive integration into all relevant processes in NLB Group. In addition, NLB Group adheres to the national and EU regulatory framework, recommendations, and guidelines, as well as voluntary commitments and initiatives that NLB Group has joined in recent years, such as the UNEP FI PRB and the UNEP FI NZBA. NLB Group is also a signatory of the Framework Agreements with the EBRD and the Contract of Guarantees with MIGA. All the above-mentioned regulations, recommendations, and guidelines are integrated in the internal regulatory framework of NLB Group. In terms of social risk management, NLB Group also follows international frameworks in the area of respect for human rights, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Labour Organization (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, and OECD Guidelines. NLB Group is committed to further developing processes and policies in order to upgrade mitigating social as well as governance risks in its internal operations, as well as in relations with its counterparties. The risk management function defines the rules about risk appetite, risk strategy, and other risk policies and guidelines. They are established in the risk management framework of the existing type of risks, such as credit, liquidity, market, operational, and reputation risk. Besides that, risk monitoring and proactive management in the area of ESG are established. The mandate of the risk management function is to provide and increased focus on holistic risk management and cross-risk oversight to further enhance risk steering and mitigation within the whole Group. 12 Definition in the EBA report on management and supervision of ESG risks for credit institutions and investment firms, EBA, 2021 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 299 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report ESG risks in credit risk management NLB Group has implemented tools for the identification, measurement, and management of ESG risks within its overall credit risk management framework. This includes the credit approval process, credit portfolio management, and collateral evaluation process A comprehensive risk assessment and monitoring mechanism in NLB Group is the Environmental and Social Risk Management System (ESMS), whose main objectives are to identify and manage NLB Group’s exposure to the ESG risks of its clients and to promote their good environmental and social business practices. The system is fully embedded in NLB Group’s loan origination and monitoring processes and is regularly updated with any material factors or procedures in line with ESG-related developments and requirements. The credit ratings of clients that are materially important to NLB Group and the issuing of credit risk opinions are centralized via the NLB Credit Committee. The process follows the co-decision principle, in which the credit committee of the respective group member first approves their decision, following which the NLB Credit Committee gives its opinion. • ESG data collection is integrated into our KYC (know your client) procedures. We collect different ESG data through questionnaires and direct communication with clients based on ESG initial risk of transaction, type of transaction, and value of transaction. ESG data collection is also an integral part of monitoring procedures of transactions and clients and is raising awareness on ESG risks among our clients. • Once it is confirmed that the transaction is not on the exclusion list, a Regulatory Compliance Check is conducted. This check ensures that the client complies with relevant laws, regulations, and standards, including environmental and health and safety regulations, planning permissions, operating licences, and permits. For transactions identified as having high environmental or social risk, an enhanced risk assessment is carried out • during the annual review of the client, provided the exposure and ESG risk level thresholds are met, and when a new transaction proposal is made, under the following conditions: • New loans are related to project finance with a total project value exceeding EUR 10 million. • Financing applications pertain to secondary market transactions or syndicated loans where the bank's participation is below 25% of the total loan value. • A new loan exceeds EUR 3 million, has a maturity of at least 36 months, and the client meets the ESG review threshold at the annual review. • Throughout the project's duration, ESG risk monitoring is established to evaluate the impact of each risk and develop mitigation strategies. This ensures that risks are adequately managed and that any changes or new risks are promptly identified and addressed. • If a client fails to comply with the ESG requirements of the investment, we assess the situation to determine the best course of action. This may involve exiting the investment or implementing measures to mitigate the risk of non-compliance. We consider potential financial losses, legal consequences, and reputational damage, as well as our overall ESG strategy and how exiting the investment might affect our ESG goals. ESMS system is embedded in loan origination and monitoring Exclusion List Engagement of RMs in collecting ESG data Regulatory Compliance Check B ESG Industry Categorization by NACE LOW MEDIUM HIGH ESG Enhanced Risk Assessment C Transaction Characteristics Decision (approving / declining transaction) E ESG Risk monitoring Exiting the Investment F Category A Projects Conduct a Site Visit A D Figure 22: Key steps of the transaction approval process: ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 300 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report ESG risks in NLB Group’s own operations In addition to ESG risk management in the aforementioned processes, NLB Group has established a framework for comprehensive mitigation of environmental, social, and governance risks that are related to NLB Group’s operations. Namely, ESG risks may occur in all key business areas and operations, therefore identifying risks in key competence lines’ areas of work and the early warning system are essential steps of the planning phase of the sustainability management process. Moreover, competence lines define Key Risk Indicators (KRIs), monitoring procedures, and indicative scenarios for action in case such situations materialize, in accordance with the rules and procedures stipulated in internal risk operational documents. In particular, physical risks, as part of ESG risks in the area of operational risk, are addressed in the Group’s business continuity management (BCM) and business continuity plans. These plans are prepared for use in the event of natural disasters, IT disasters, and undesired effects of the environment, to mitigate their consequences. Additionally, ESG risk screening in the supply chain is part of the Group’s supplier selection and regular assessment process. Tax transparency The DMA has confirmed the positive impact of NLB Group’s responsible tax practices and transparency, which demonstrate corporate responsibility, support public services, and enhance the Group's reputation with stakeholders. Policies Tax Policy of NLB Group Content, purpose, and regulatory framework: The Policy stipulates the general principles of conduct in the tax field to which all units handling taxes adhere and are described in detail above. NLB Group conducts its tax operations in line with the purpose and the requirements of the relevant legislation and in accordance with the international standards if applicable, e.g. OECD guidelines. As the parent bank, NLB defines the Tax Policy of NLB Group and controls the implementation of the tax function in the Group, while NLB Group members inform NLB about their tax position. Each member is responsible for fulfilling its tax obligations in accordance with their respective legislation. The members are independent and entirely responsible for their own tax compliance. Scope: Applicable and mandatory for all NLB Group members. Banks have included the provisions of Tax Policy in their internal acts. The main strategic members declared compliance with the Tax Policy. Most senior level accountable: Financial Accounting and Administration director in NLB and managers ion similar positions in NLB Group banking members. Availability: to employees in the Register of Internal Acts. In NLB, the tax expert unit Financial Accounting and Administration reports to the Chief Financial Officer, with important tax issues discussed and decided by the Management Board. Subsidiary-level tax functions are similarly managed under local CFOs. Each NLB Group member is taxed according to local legislation, with income tax rates ranging from 9% to 32%. General principles of the Policy: • NLB Group members conduct their tax operations in line with the purpose and the requirements of the relevant legislation and in accordance with the international standards if applicable, e.g. OECD guidelines. • The attitude of members towards the Financial Administration is respectful, transparent, and professional. • When determining tax obligations, members comply with the legally permitted reliefs and exemptions from the tax base. • Members cooperate with the Financial Administration to obtain the relevant explanations and information for the provision of tax bases on a regular basis or wherever possible. • When establishing tax positions, members strive to achieve certainty and implement a conservative policy of assuming tax risks. We optimize taxes only in legally permitted ways. • Members do not use the structures for the purpose of tax avoidance or aggressive tax planning. Members do not use structures that are not in line with the purpose of the legislation or the use of which would subordinate its business motives to tax motives. • The reasons for a member’s presence in a certain country are purely business- and not tax-motivated. Members do not do business in tax havens or use them for tax avoidance and do not divert profits to tax heavens and jurisdictions with low taxation. • Members do not enable or support tax-motivated arrangements of their clients and act preventively. • Members strive to ensure that the appropriate part of its taxable profit is considered in those members of NLB Group where the value is generated. As a rule, our operations with related persons are carried out at comparable market prices and in the case of any deviations, such fact is considered in the tax reports. 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 301 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Key activities To assure effective management of tax risk, the control framework, and awareness of the importance of the tax function, a number of processes and on-going activities are in place such as: • Ensuring that tax risks throughout the organization are identified, evaluated, managed, and communicated. • Maintaining a strong control environment and tax risk framework to ensure compliance with tax laws. • Tax risks are managed yearly by tax questionnaires and detailed lists of controls for different types of tax. • Detailed written instructions are prepared for different taxes, together with internal controls which have to be exercised. • Reviewing the tax treatment of every new product or business decision before its implementation. • Handling tax-related topics by in-house qualified tax experts who are provided with ongoing training. • In-house tax experts of NLB regularly attend yearly tax conferences and education on actual tax topics (for instance at the Slovenian Audit Institute and Slovenian Bankers Association). Employees involved in performing tax function undertake continuous training to enhance tax risk understanding provided by internal tax experts (FATCA/CRS, DA6, Tax - dealing with securities). For the tax topics important to a wide range of employees, e-learning is also prepared. There was a total of 530 participants from NLB in the internal tax training (majority of employees in branches, new employees). • Monitoring of updates to changes in tax laws and their impacts on NLB and industry. • Discussing important tax issues related to the banking industry within the Banking Association, preparing comments on tax legislation proposals, initiatives for changes of tax legislation, and questions for tax opinions whenever possible or relevant at the local level. Comments, initiatives, and questions are professionally reasoned, coordinated with members of the Group Association, and, where appropriate, take into account the impact on the local community. Execution of the activities stipulated in the Tax Policy in banks is monitored yearly via tax questionnaires by tax experts/Financial Accounting and Administration of the parent bank. In banks and strategic members Internal Audit reviews the tax in accordance with the annual plan based on risk assessment. Financial strategic members can be also reviewed by Compliance in line with the annual plan. Metrics and progress NLB Group strives to prevent important tax risks through internal controls. The Financial Administration of the Republic of Slovenia has granted NLB a special tax status which is based on cooperation, transparency, understanding, voluntary payment of taxes, and mutual trust. The goal of NLB is to maintain that status. Other jurisdictions where NLB Group banking members operate so far do not have legislation that would allow them to obtain the special tax status. Table 61: Country by Country Reporting (CBCR) for 2024 (in EUR thousands) Number of employees Revenues from third-party sales Revenues from intra-group transactions with other tax jurisdictions Profit/loss before tax Tangible assets other than cash and cash equivalents Corporate income tax paid on a cash basis Corporate income tax accrued on profit/loss Slovenia 2,856 617,297 18,656 302,283 146,484 41,978 27,395 North Macedonia 995 105,436 -2,776 77,081 35,838 6,669 6,178 Serbia 2,515 299,252 3,018 160,113 127,239 26,659 19,107 Montenegro 410 56,720 -360 33,557 26,376 5,569 5,148 Croatia 41 3,039 -1,367 277 1,987 46 186 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1,025 100,789 -2,275 47,807 38,481 4,768 4,236 Kosovo 478 61,800 -2,040 40,785 12,161 4,427 4,529 Germany 0 29 0 -160 66 0 0 Switzerland 2 530 -49 926 877 37 31 Notes: (i) The table includes all NLB Group entities (banks and non-banking members). There are only non-banking members in Croatia, Germany and Switzerland. (ii) Number of employees is the number of employees as at 31 December 2024. (iii) The columns Revenues from third-party sales and Revenues from intra-group transactions with other tax jurisdictions includes net interest income, dividend income from non-Constituent Entities, net fee and commission income, the net effect of financial instruments, foreign exchange translation, the effect on the derecognition of assets, net operating income, and gain less losses from non-current assets held for sale. (iv) Accountancy policy and reconciliation: The reasons for the difference between income tax accrued and the tax due if the statutory rate is applied to profit before tax are disclosed in the Annual Reports of NLB Group members in the notes to Income Tax Disclosure. The reported data refers to the financial statement note 4.15 Income tax and note 2.29. A table is prepared by CBCR rules, i.e. corporate income tax accrued on profit/loss includes only current tax, but no deferred tax and because of this there is a difference to the amount of income tax in 4.15. (v) In accordance with OECD Guidance on the Implementation of Country-by-Country Reporting, dividends from Constituent Entities are not included in the column Profit/loss before tax and income tax paid or income tax accrued with respect to dividends from Constituent Entities are not included in the columns Corporate income tax paid on a cash basis and Corporate income tax accrued on profit/loss. The income tax paid with respect to dividends from Constituent Entities in Slovenia amounts to EUR 10,065 thousand. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 302 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Participation in associations and policy discussion To strengthen and manifest our commitment to the sustainable, green, and just transition, NLB Group has voluntarily decided over the years to join and adhere to key international initiatives, principles, recommendations, and associations in sustainability-related areas. Furthermore, the Group members in the region frequently take part in local institutions and initiatives as active members, supporters, or participants in expert discussion groups, meetings, and webinars. Through these activities, the Group is actively engaged in strategic discussions about the role and benefits of sustainability. Most importantly, such collaborations strengthen capacities for NLB Group’s green transition, enhance knowledge and experience sharing, which we embed in our daily operation, and co-create future activities to achieve local, regional and global sustainability goals. Financial performance In the conducted DMA, the financial performance (stability) of the NLB Group was identified as a crucial prerequisite that enables effective management of significant impacts, risks, and opportunities. Details on financial performance are included in the Financial Report . G1-5 Political influence and lobbying activities NLB Group is politically neutral, and giving financial contributions to political parties, political representatives or political campaigns is strictly prohibited in NLB Group as the Sponsorships and Donations Policy stipulates that members shall not pay any political contributions – neither direct nor indirect. NLB and other members of NLB Group are committed to ensuring an apolitical reputation in their business dealings, avoiding any perception that their decisions are influenced by politics. In 2024, no political contributions of any kind (either financial or in-kind) were made in NLB or any of NLB Group members. Table 62: NLB Group political contributions (in EUR thousands) 2024 Political contributions (financial) 0 Political contributions (in-kind) 0 EBRD Women in Business Programme Greenhouse Gas Protocol Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency Sustainable Business Network Slovenia Bled School of Management Chapter Zero Slovenia Figure 23: Key memberships and collaborations UN Sustainable Development Goals UNEP FI Principles for Responsible Banking UNEP FI Net-Zero Banking Alliance European Banking Federation – Sustainable Finance Expert Group Slovenian Banking Association – Sustainable Finance Working Group AmCham Slovenia – Commission for Sustainable Growth ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 303 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report In the double materiality assessment, management of the relationship with suppliers was not assessed as material. However, NLB Group opted to disclose information on an informative basis to a similar extent, which was also included in previous reporting to provide Group stakeholders with a comprehensive overview over time. Procurement portfolio overview In 2024, the banking members of the NLB Group cooperated with a total of 6,098 suppliers from 37 different countries, of which 5,627 (92%) were local suppliers, covering 90% of the procurement spend, which is a similar breakdown as in 2023. Since the procurement process is not applicable for various spend categories (e.g. taxes payable to municipalities, ministries, central bank, donations, sponsorships, etc.), cooperation based on procurement process covered 2,267 suppliers, of which 2,056 were local suppliers with 93% of the procurement spend. Table 63: Suppliers by markets Location of suppliers Number of suppliers (i) in 2024 Share in total supplier spend (i) in 2024 Local markets (6 countries) 2,056 93% European Union (19 countries) 945 49% Europe (29 countries) 2,237 99.8% Non-European countries 4 0.2% (i) Based on the procurement process Table 64: Suppliers by activity Activity Number of suppliers (i) in 2024 Share in total supplier spend (i) in 2024 Information and Communication 302 36.94% Professional, Scientific and Technical 333 16.31% Administrative and Support Services 160 9.94% Wholesale and Retail trade, and Repair of Motor Vehicles 405 9.21% Financial and Insurance 40 6.48% Other activities 824 16.27% Data not available 203 4.85% (i) Based on the procurement process Complementary information related to business conduct Sustainable supply chain \* \*This chapter provides complementary information and is not subject to external review. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 304 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Procurement management Management of the procurement process for NLB Group banking members is established by the Standard – Procurement in NLB Group Members and other procurement-related internal documents, which consider principles related to suppliers defined in NLB Group Code of Conduct. The purpose of the Standard is to ensure a uniform and transparent procurement procedure for goods and servicesneeded for performing business activities in NLB Group. To manage sustainability-related impacts, risks, and opportunities efficiently and in a harmonized way, a synergy approach was established, whereby in the majority of cases, NLB, as the parent bank, assesses and integrates the needs of several NLB Group members, predominately banks, and makes RFPs and purchases at the level of the NLB Group. The rules and procedures defined in the Standard are fully implemented in NLB Group banking members, while in other members its harmonization is underway. The most senior function responsible for implementing the Standard are the directors of procurement departments or similar function in each NLB Group member. The standard applies key principles and guidelines, including fair dealing and good governance. Accordingly, as a rule, NLB Group members must ensure that the procurement process is fair, indiscriminatory, and offers opportunities and equal treatment for all suppliers in procedures. It defines clear terms of cooperation between NLB Group, bidders, suppliers, and external contractors, which must be respected by all parties. NLB Group members have regular engagements with legal representatives of suppliers, aiming to ensure appropriate business relationships and suppliers’ understanding and respect of sustainability-related requirements. The Group is committed to supporting local economies and local communities’ welfare; therefore, it aims to cooperate with local suppliers whenever this is justified in line with its targets and policies. Local suppliers are defined as those who are registered in the countries where NLB Group operates (Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo). Partnering with local suppliers also reduces transport costs and contributes to reducing emissions. The standard requires the procurement process to follow good governance principles, including respecting contractual payment dates and avoiding payments to sanctioned individuals. For banking members, the standard payment term is 60 days from the invoice date, with shorter terms (45, 30, 15 days) possible if agreed upon. These terms apply to all suppliers, including SMEs, across countries. The company has a system to review and verify invoices, ensuring payments are made on time. In 2024, there were no legal proceedings related to payment delays. Sustainability due diligence In line with procurement standards, all procurement procedures require suppliers to operate ethically and responsibly. Suppliers and their subcontractors must prevent harmful practices, including corruption, bribery, and discrimination, and adhere to NLB Group sustainability-related requirements. Sustainability and related due diligence are integrated in the procurement procedures as follows: • The supplier selection process starts with the request for proposal specification of the services/goods that will be the subject of purchase, which also includes sustainability-related requirements, such as green electricity, office paper with an FSC certificate, electric cars, etc. • All bidders must complete a questionnaire, which is a formal tool for data gathering on environmental, social, and human rights, as well as governance practices of bidders and suppliers. For bidders to become suppliers, they must meet legal, financial, and non-financial criteria, including those related to sustainability, and comply with predefined standards. In addition to questionnaires, procurement officers perform other monitoring activities, such as media coverage on bidders and suppliers. If these criteria and standards are not met, the bidder is not selected. • Sustainability matters are also included in the general provisions of the agreement (GPA), which are signed by the majority of suppliers together with the purchase contract. Thus, the supplier commits to performing its contractual obligations, by adhering to a comprehensive list of required environmental, social, and governance practices, including protecting human rights in its operations and its own supply chain. In addition, the GPA stipulates that the supplier's employees or its subcontractors can report cases of non-compliance of the supplier's commitments to the NLB grievance mechanism, whereby NLB ensures discretion and protection of the whistleblower’s identity in accordance with its internal policy. Suppliers with significant levels of engagement and procurement value undergo an annual extended assessment of their relationship with the NLB Group member, including their sustainability practices. In 2024, the threshold was set at EUR 100,000. Suppliers with low scores must prepare improvement measures and their implementation is monitored by respective procurement officers. In addition, comprehensive due diligence is preformed every three years, which includes the majority of suppliers with an annual spend above a predetermined threshold (ranging from EUR 10,000 to EUR 35,000, subject to the size of the NLB Group banking member). Based on the review of the completed questionnaires and due diligence, NLB Group banking members identify if there are any potential or actual regulations, violations, and risks in suppliers’ operations. If these are identified, correction measures are agreed and the supplier must resolve them within the agreed time frame. If a potential or existing supplier fails to ensure respect for sustainability matters, including human rights, or does not follow the correction measures, the NLB Group banking member does not start to collaborate with such companies or it terminates the contract, respectively. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 305 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Human rights The procurement procedures described above apply also for human-rights related matters, including workers’ rights. NLB Group banking members evaluate whether potential or existing suppliers respect and uphold human rights, including workers’ rights, and if there are any risks associated with these matters. The general approach is stipulated in the Group’s human rights policy as well as the Standard for the procurement. Since adoption of the policies in NLB, they have been already implemented and harmonized in all banking members, while in other members the harmonization process is underway. NLB Group members expect their suppliers to comply not only with the financial but also non-financial and ESG requirements, including: • acting in compliance with the regulation on environment and energy saving, health, security, safety at work, social security, and respecting labour law (and collective agreements). • ensuring compliance with at least the following in its operations (including along its own supply chain): the right to free choice of employment, prohibition of exploiting child labour, prohibition of discrimination, prohibition of illegal work, the right to appropriate payment, the right to appropriate working hours, the right to organize and join trade unions and collective bargaining, the right to respect one’s personality and dignity, the right to health and safety, and the right to diversity. • when performing its business activities or business activities of its subcontractors on any market, the suppliers must operate in an ethical and socially responsible manner and provide measures not to use child labour, forced labour or slavery-like working conditions, and not to abuse any human rights in any way. These requirements are included in due diligence questionnaires that each bidder must complete at the beginning of procurement process and confirm that, among other ESG requirements, those related to human rights are also met. In addition, suppliers must confirm that they are acting in accordance with the general terms and conditions of the contract, the NLB Group Code of Conduct, and other internal regulations governing responsible business practices. If these requirements are not met, the bidder is not selected. Due diligence reviews are executed prior to signing a contract and in case non-compliance with legal and sustainability-related requirements is identified during the validity of the contract. If the suppliers do not respect human rights or cannot guarantee this for any reason, they cannot collaborate with NLB Group banking members. In addition, NLB Group banking members conduct supplier reviews at least every three years. As part of this process, suppliers provide information on whether they respect human rights, the prohibition of child labour, forced or compulsory labour, and other social impacts. In 2025, we began monitoring for possible human trafficking. As part of the due diligence process, NLB Group assesses whether suppliers have implemented effective mechanisms for the anonymous reporting and handling of labour law violations, significant negative impacts on workers in the value chain, other irregularities, and breaches of regulations, along with ensuring corrective measures. Before signing the contract, each potential supplier must provide information on their established mechanisms for anonymous reporting and addressing these issues. If a supplier cannot provide this assurance, they must submit additional clarification. If, after reviewing the additional clarification, it is determined that the supplier lacks an adequate reporting channel, a reporting channel managed by a NLB Group member is included in the supplier contract. The supplier must provide proof that all employees have been informed about this reporting channel. If this requirement cannot be fulfilled, the potential supplier is disqualified. Suppliers’ employees can also report violations via the internet at NLB Whistler , a channel that provides full anonymity and is widely accessible. ›› For a detailed description of the whistleblowing mechanism, please refer to the chapter Whistleblower protection. Additionally, some banking addresses for reporting irregularities. They regularly review and address such reports, which can be made anonymously or with personal data. Progress NLB Group has set a goal to have a zero tolerance for suppliers’ harmful practices, including corruption, bribery, and discrimination, and not adhering to the sustainability-related requirements posed by NLB Group and described in previous chapters. Annual due diligence conducted in 2024 included most of the Bank’s suppliers with an annual spend above a predetermined threshold (ranging from EUR 10,000 to EUR 35,000, subject to the size of the NLB Group banking member) and all new suppliers with contracts signed in 2024 (2023). NLB Group executed 393 (212 in 2023) due diligence reviews which represents 56.8% (31% in 2023) of spend based on the procurement process. In 2024, NLB Group regular reviews and due diligence of supplier operations found no harmful practices, environmental or social impacts, human rights breaches, or cases of child or forced labour. Consequently, no supplier relationships within NLB Group were terminated. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiIHN0YW5kYWxvbmU9Im5vIj8+CjwhRE9DVFlQRSBzdmcgUFVCTElDICItLy9XM0MvL0RURCBTVkcgMS4xLy9FTiIKImh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnL0dyYXBoaWNzL1NWRy8xLjEvRFREL3N2ZzExLmR0ZCI+Cjxzdmcgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDE4MTggMTI4NiIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIj4KPGRlZnM+CjwvZGVmcz4KPC9zdmc+) Appendices ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiIHN0YW5kYWxvbmU9Im5vIj8+CjwhRE9DVFlQRSBzdmcgUFVCTElDICItLy9XM0MvL0RURCBTVkcgMS4xLy9FTiIKImh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnL0dyYXBoaWNzL1NWRy8xLjEvRFREL3N2ZzExLmR0ZCI+Cjxzdmcgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDE4MTggMTI4NiIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIj4KPGRlZnM+CjxzdHlsZSB0eXBlPSJ0ZXh0L2NzcyI+PCFbQ0RBVEFbCi5nMF8zMDd7CmZpbGw6ICMyMzAwNzg7Cn0KLmcxXzMwN3sKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjMjMwMDc4OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDMuMDU1OwpzdHJva2UtbGluZWNhcDogcm91bmQ7CnN0cm9rZS1saW5lam9pbjogcm91bmQ7Cn0KXV0+PC9zdHlsZT4KPC9kZWZzPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTUwMC42LDExMy43YzM3LjcsMCw2OC4yLC0zMC42LDY4LjIsLTY4LjJjMCwtMzcuNywtMzAuNSwtNjguMSwtNjguMiwtNjguMWMtMzcuNywwLC02OC4yLDMwLjQsLTY4LjIsNjguMWMwLDM3LjYsMzAuNSw2OC4yLDY4LjIsNjguMloiIGNsYXNzPSJnMF8zMDciLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTE1MDAuNiwxMzk5LjljMzcuNywwLDY4LjIsLTMwLjUsNjguMiwtNjguMmMwLC0zNy43LC0zMC41LC02OC4yLC02OC4yLC02OC4yYy0zNy43LDAsLTY4LjIsMzAuNSwtNjguMiw2OC4yYzAsMzcuNywzMC41LDY4LjIsNjguMiw2OC4yWiIgY2xhc3M9ImcwXzMwNyIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTYwNi44LDExNjMuMmwtMTMuNywxMC43djE2LjhjMCwuOCwuMywxLjYsLjksMi4yYy41LC41LDEuMywuOCwyLjEsLjhoMjEuNGMuOCwwLDEuNiwtLjMsMi4yLC0uOGMuNSwtLjYsLjksLTEuNCwuOSwtMi4ydi0xNi44bC0xMy44LC0xMC43Wm0tNC42LDMwLjV2LTE1LjJoOS4ydjE1LjJtLTEwLjcsLTEyNS44bC03LjYsLTcuN2w3LjYsLTcuNm0xMC43LDE1LjNsLTcuNiwtNy43bDcuNiwtNy42bTM3LjgsMTUuM2w3LjcsLTcuN2wtNy43LC03LjZtLTEwLjcsMTUuM2w3LjcsLTcuN2wtNy43LC03LjYiIGNsYXNzPSJnMV8zMDciLz4KPC9zdmc+) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 307 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report The EU Taxonomy is a classification system designed to determine the environmental sustainability of economic activities within the European Union. For banks, it serves as a crucial framework for evaluating and disclosing the environmental impact of their investments and lending practices. By adhering to the EU Taxonomy, banks can identify and prioritize investments that contribute to environmental objectives, such as climate change mitigation and adaptation. This taxonomy provides clear criteria and standards, enabling banks to assess the alignment of their portfolios with sustainable goals, mitigate risks associated with environmentally harmful activities, and support the transition to a more sustainable economy. Compliance with the EU Taxonomy is mandated under Article 8 and Article 10 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2020 on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment, amending Regulation (EU) 2019/2088. This legislation establishes the criteria for determining whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable and provides the basis for the EU Taxonomy's implementation across various sectors, including banking and finance. Green Asset Ratio (GAR) The Green Asset Ratio (GAR) within the framework of the EU Taxonomy measures the proportion of a bank's assets that meet the criteria for environmentally sustainable economic activities. This ratio serves as a key metric for stakeholders to assess how much of a bank's portfolio supports environmental sustainability objectives. Banks are required to report their GAR as part of their sustainability reporting obligations, ensuring transparency and accountability in their sustainability efforts. However, while the Green Asset Ratio enhances transparency, it does not fully capture the transition efforts of banks. A substantial portion of our portfolio is excluded—for example, loans to smaller companies and international non-EU business—meaning the actual number of aligned activities is higher. Furthermore, banks rely on counterparties for data, and since many of these entities are at the early stages of their green transformation, they may struggle to evaluate their own sustainability. Therefore, GAR should be analyzed alongside additional disclosed metrics and other relevant information on banks’ efforts to finance the transition. Mandatory Disclosures For the first time, NLB discloses information about Taxonomy alignment for all six environmental objectives in the 2024 financial year. The Draft Commission notice issued on December 21, 2023, aims to provide clarity and improve disclosure requirements. Notably, the Green Asset Ratio (GAR) flow disclosure should now include all newly acquired exposures throughout the year, rather than only net changes. Our Calculation Approach The Green Asset Ratio (GAR) is calculated as identified taxonomy-aligned assets (numerator) divided by total assets covered by the KPI (denominator). Data as of the cut-off date 31.12.2023 was used. Exposures towards central banks, central governments, supranational entities, and the bank’s trading portfolio are excluded from both the numerator and denominator, as they are not covered by the KPI. Exposures to regional and local public authorities and state-controlled entities, where the use of proceeds is unknown, are also excluded from both the numerator and denominator. We have disclosed information related to all six environmental objectives where actual data directly published by counterparties is available. To assess Taxonomy-related KPIs for non-financial undertakings (NFRD corporates, i.e., corporates subject to non-financial reporting requirements, including taxonomy reporting), we use publicly available information on the percentage of eligibility and alignment of counterparties’ turnover-based (turnover) and capital expenditure-based (CAPEX) metrics. Explanations of the nature and objectives of Taxonomy- aligned economic activities and the evolution of the Taxonomy-aligned economic activities over time, starting from the second year of implementation, distinguishing between business-related and methodological and data-related elements. To determine household eligibility for KPIs, we consider the entire portfolio of mortgage loans, with assets subject to energy efficiency rules. For alignment KPIs on the household portfolio, we focus on the "Purchase and Ownership of Buildings" category under Delegated Regulation 2021/2139, excluding the "Renovation" category and "Motor vehicles" due to the lack of specific information to identify green loans. We also include the information on the purchases of electric vehicles for households as taxonomy -aligned asset. Regulatory disclosure requirement in accordance with Article 8 of the EU taxonomy regulation Appendix 1: EU Taxonomy 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 308 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 65: Summary of KPIs to be disclosed by credit institutions under Article 8 Taxonomy Regulation Total environmentally sustainable assets (Turnover) (in 000 EUR) KPI (Turnover - based) (ii) KPI (Capex - based) (iii) % coverage (over total assets) (i) % of assets excluded from the numerator of the GAR (Article 7(2) and (3) and Section 1.1.2. of Annex V) % of assets excluded from the denominator of the GAR (Article 7(1) and Section 1.2.4 of Annex V) Main KPI Green asset ratio (GAR) stock 258,974 1.34% 1.25% 69.15% 43.46% 30.85% Total environmentally sustainable activities (Turnover)(in 000 EUR) KPI (Turnover - based) (ii) KPI (Capex - based) % coverage (over total assets) % of assets excluded from the numerator of the GAR (Article 7(2) and (3) and Section 1.1.2. of Annex V) % of assets excluded from the denominator of the GAR (Article 7(1) and Section 1.2.4 of Annex V) Additional KPIs GAR (flow) 68,481 1.22% 0.84% 60.79% 28.51% 39.21% Trading book - - - Financial guarantees 3,233 4.15% 13.21% Assets under management - - - Fees and commissions income (ii) - - - Notes: (i) Share (%) of assets covered by the KPI, over total assets. (ii) based on the Turnover KPI of the counterparty (iii) based on the CapEx KPI of the counterparty, except for lending activities where for general lending Turnover KPI is used The KPIs related to Trading book and Fees and commissions income are due for reporting from year 2026. Criteria for Buildings: For buildings built before December 31, 2020: The building must have at least an energy performance class A. Alternatively, it must be within the upper 15% of the national or regional building stock in terms of operational primary energy demand, demonstrated by appropriate evidence comparing the asset’s performance to national or regional benchmarks for buildings constructed before December 31, 2020. This distinction applies separately to residential and non- residential buildings. For buildings constructed after December 31, 2020: The building must meet the criteria set out in Section 7.1 of this Annex, applicable at the time of purchase. For large non-residential buildings (with a rated thermal input for heating systems, combined space heating and ventilation systems, air-conditioning systems, or combined air-conditioning and ventilation systems above 290 kW), the building must be subject to energy performance monitoring and assessment. Description of the compliance with Regulation (EU) 2020/852 in the financial undertaking’s business strategy, product design processes and engagement with clients and counterparties NLB Group as financial institution, Regulation (EU) 2020/852 includes in Business strategy, service providing and engagement with clients through different approaches, for example through due diligence of clients as well issuing for example Green Bond. More detailed description can be found in Sustainability Statement (Chapters Sustainable Finance, Transition Plan and S3 - Affected Communities. Qualitative information on the alignment of trading portfolios with Regulation (EU) 2020/852 NLB Group is not required to disclose quantitative information on trading exposures, qualitative information that demonstrates how our trading portfolios align with Regulation (EU) 2020/852 are disclosed in Sustainability Statement chapter ESG Bonds in the Group’s banking book debt securities portfolio. Additional or complementary information in support of the financial undertaking’s strategies NLB Group approach toward financing of Taxonomy aligned economic activities are described in the Sustainability Statement, chapter E1 – Climate change . ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 309 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 66: 1. Assets for the calculation of GAR (TURNOVER)\_1/8 Disclosure reference date T (in 000 EUR) Climate Change Mitigation (CCM) Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) Sustainable Use and Protection of Water and Marine Resources (SST) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Total [gross] carrying amount Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling GAR - Covered assets in both numerator and denominator 7,158,131 4,163,554 252,932 100,151 640 14,495 5,967 5,967 - 437 - - - - 1 Loans and advances, debt securities and equity instruments not HfT eligible for GAR calculation 7,112,482 4,163,554 252,932 100,151 640 14,495 5,967 5,967 - 437 - - - - 2 Financial undertakings 2,208,690 250,162 20,702 - - - - - - - - - - - 3 Credit institutions 1,805,874 250,162 20,702 - - - - - - - - - - - 4 Loans and advances 450,707 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 Debt securities, including UoP 1,355,167 250,162 20,702 - - - - - 6 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - 7 Other financial corporations 402,816 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 8 of which investment firms - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 9 Loans and advances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 10 Debt securities, including UoP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - 12 of which management companies 10,954 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 13 Loans and advances 4,433 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 14 Debt securities, including UoP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 15 Equity instruments 6,521 - - - - - - - - - - 16 of which insurance undertakings 11,492 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 17 Loans and advances 3,490 - - - - - - - - - 18 Debt securities, including UoP 7,694 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 19 Equity instruments 308 - - - - - - - - - - 20 Non-financial undertakings 841,530 194,094 132,079 - 640 14,495 5,967 5,967 - 437 - - - - 21 Loans and advances 772,855 193,978 132,079 - 640 14,495 5,967 5,967 - 437 - - - 22 Debt securities, including UoP 68,675 116 - - - - - - - - - 23 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - - 24 Households 3,850,031 3,719,298 100,151 100,151 - - - - - - 25 of which loans collateralised by residential immovable property 3,717,814 3,717,814 98,667 98,667 - - - - - - 26 of which building renovation loans - - - - - - - - - - 27 of which motor vehicle loans 132,217 1,484 1,484 1,484 - - 28 Local governments financing 212,231 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 29 Housing financing - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30 Other local government financing 212,231 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31 Collateral obtained by taking possession: residential and commercial immovable properties 45,649 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 32 Assets excluded from the numerator for GAR calculation (covered in the denominator) 12,110,723 - - - - - - - - - - - - - ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 310 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Disclosure reference date T (in 000 EUR) Climate Change Mitigation (CCM) Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) Sustainable Use and Protection of Water and Marine Resources (SST) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Total [gross] carrying amount Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling 33 Financial and Non- financial undertakings 6,076,799 34 SMEs and NFCs (other than SMEs) not subject to NFRD disclosure obligations 2,597,922 35 Loans and advances 2,597,905 36 of which loans collateralised by commercial immovable property - 37 of which building renovation loans - 38 Debt securities 39 Equity instruments 17 40 Non-EU country counterparties not subject to NFRD disclosure obligations 3,478,877 41 Loans and advances 3,467,330 42 Debt securities 9,135 43 Equity instruments 2,412 44 Derivatives 71,418 45 On demand interbank loans - 46 Cash and cash-related assets 540,282 47 Other categories of assets (e.g. Goodwill, commodities etc.) 5,422,224 48 Total GAR assets 19,268,854 4,163,554 252,932 100,151 640 14,495 5,967 5,967 - 437 - - - - 49 Assets not covered for GAR calculation 8,596,041 50 Central governments and Supranational issuers 4,999,206 51 Central banks exposure 3,577,239 52 Trading book 19,596 53 Total assets 27,864,895 - - - - - - - - - - - - - Off-balance sheet exposures - Undertakings subject to NFRD disclosure obligations 54 Financial guarantees 77,904 669 42 - - - 3,191 3,191 234 - 55 Assets under management - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 56 Of which debt securities - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 57 Of which equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Table 67: 1. Assets for the calculation of GAR (TURNOVER)\_2/8 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 311 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Disclosure reference date T (in 000 EUR) Transition to a Circular Economy (CE) Pollution Prevention and Control (PC) Protection and Restoration of Biodiversity and Ecosystems (Ecos) TOTAL Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy- eligible) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling GAR - Covered assets in both numerator and denominator 302 75 - - 11 - - - - - - - 4,169,834 258,974 100,151 640 14,932 1 Loans and advances, debt securities and equity instruments not HfT eligible for GAR calculation 302 75 - - 11 - - - - - - - 4,169,834 258,974 100,151 640 14,932 2 Financial undertakings - - - - - - - - - - - - 250,162 20,702 - - - 3 Credit institutions - - - - - - - - - - - - 250,162 20,702 - - - 4 Loans and advances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 Debt securities, including UoP - - - 250,162 20,702 - - - 6 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - - 7 Other financial corporations - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 8 of which investment firms - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 9 Loans and advances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 10 Debt securities, including UoP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - - 12 of which management companies - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 13 Loans and advances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 14 Debt securities, including UoP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 15 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - - 16 of which insurance undertakings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 17 Loans and advances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 18 Debt securities, including UoP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 19 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - - 20 Non-financial undertakings 302 75 - - 11 - - - - - - - 200,374 138,121 - 640 14,932 21 Loans and advances 302 75 - - 11 - - - - - 200,258 138,121 - 640 14,932 22 Debt securities, including UoP - - - - - - - - - - 116 - - - - 23 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 24 Households - - - 3,719,298 100,151 100,151 - - 25 of which loans collateralised by residential immovable property - 3,717,814 98,667 98,667 - - 26 of which building renovation loans - - - - - - - - - 27 of which motor vehicle loans 1,484 1,484 1,484 - - 28 Local governments financing - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 29 Housing financing - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30 Other local government financing - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31 Collateral obtained by taking possession: residential and commercial immovable properties - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 32 Assets excluded from the numerator for GAR calculation (covered in the denominator) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Table 68: 1. Assets for the calculation of GAR (TURNOVER)\_3/8 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 312 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Disclosure reference date T (in 000 EUR) Transition to a Circular Economy (CE) Pollution Prevention and Control (PC) Protection and Restoration of Biodiversity and Ecosystems (Ecos) TOTAL Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy- eligible) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling 33 Financial and Non- financial undertakings 34 SMEs and NFCs (other than SMEs) not subject to NFRD disclosure obligations 35 Loans and advances 36 of which loans collateralised by commercial immovable property 37 of which building renovation loans 38 Debt securities 39 Equity instruments 40 Non-EU country counterparties not subject to NFRD disclosure obligations 41 Loans and advances 42 Debt securities 43 Equity instruments 44 Derivatives 45 On demand interbank loans 46 Cash and cash-related assets 47 Other categories of assets (e.g. Goodwill, commodities etc.) 48 Total GAR assets 302 75 - 11 4,169,834 258,974 100,151 640 14,932 49 Assets not covered for GAR calculation 50 Central governments and Supranational issuers 51 Central banks exposure 52 Trading book 53 Total assets - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Off-balance sheet exposures - Undertakings subject to NFRD disclosure obligations 54 Financial guarantees - - - - - 70 - - - - - - 3,930 3,233 - - 234 55 Assets under management - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 56 Of which debt securities - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 57 Of which equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Table 69: 1. Assets for the calculation of GAR (TURNOVER)\_4/8 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 313 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 70: 1. Assets for the calculation of GAR (TURNOVER)\_5/8 Disclosure reference date T - 1 (in 000 EUR) Climate Change Mitigation (CCM) Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) Sustainable Use and Protection of Water and Marine Resources (SST) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Total [gross] carrying amount Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling GAR - Covered assets in both numerator and denominator 10,413,876 3,476,162 157,973 84,175 601 14,495 - - - - - - - - 1 Loans and advances, debt securities and equity instruments not HfT eligible for GAR calculation 10,353,396 3,476,162 157,973 84,175 601 14,495 - - - - - - - - 2 Financial undertakings 1,474,013 235,243 16,877 - - - - - - - - - - - 3 Credit institutions 1,274,660 235,243 16,877 - - - - - - - - - - - 4 Loans and advances 297,166 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 Debt securities, including UoP 977,494 235,243 16,877 - - - - - - - - 6 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - 7 Other financial corporations 199,353 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 8 of which investment firms - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 9 Loans and advances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 10 Debt securities, including UoP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - 12 of which management companies 5,446 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 13 Loans and advances 2,889 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 14 Debt securities, including UoP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 15 Equity instruments 2,557 - - - - - - - - - 16 of which insurance undertakings 3,243 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 17 Loans and advances 3,033 - - - - - - - - - - - - 18 Debt securities, including UoP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 19 Equity instruments 210 - - - - - - - - - 20 Non-financial undertakings 957,104 72,674 56,921 - 601 14,495 - - - - - - - - 21 Loans and advances 878,220 66,580 51,144 - 601 14,495 - - - - - - - 22 Debt securities, including UoP 78,884 6,094 5,777 - - - - - - - - - - 23 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - 24 Households 7,672,026 3,168,245 84,175 84,175 - - - - - 25 of which loans collateralised by residential immovable property 3,168,245 3,168,245 84,175 84,175 - - - - - - 26 of which building renovation loans - - - - - - - - - - 27 of which motor vehicle loans - - - - - - 28 Local governments financing 189,773 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 29 Housing financing - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30 Other local government financing 189,773 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31 Collateral obtained by taking possession: residential and commercial immovable properties 60,480 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 32 Assets excluded from the numerator for GAR calculation (covered in the denominator) 5,604,189 - - - - - - - - - - - - - ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 314 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Disclosure reference date T - 1 (in 000 EUR) Climate Change Mitigation (CCM) Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) Sustainable Use and Protection of Water and Marine Resources (SST) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Total [gross] carrying amount Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling 33 Financial and Non- financial undertakings 5,092,352 34 SMEs and NFCs (other than SMEs) not subject to NFRD disclosure obligations 2,090,316 35 Loans and advances 2,088,998 36 of which loans collateralised by commercial immovable property 881,788 37 of which building renovation loans - 38 Debt securities 1,318 39 Equity instruments - 40 Non-EU country counterparties not subject to NFRD disclosure obligations 3,002,036 41 Loans and advances 2,989,817 42 Debt securities 9,807 43 Equity instruments 2,412 44 Derivatives 37,407 45 On demand interbank loans - 46 Cash and cash-related assets 470,901 47 Other categories of assets (e.g. Goodwill, commodities etc.) 3,529 48 Total GAR assets 15,957,585 3,476,162 157,973 84,175 601 14,495 - - - - - - - - 49 Assets not covered for GAR calculation 9,775,289 50 Central governments and Supranational issuers 3,996,027 51 Central banks exposure 5,763,444 52 Trading book 15,818 53 Total assets 25,732,874 - - - - - - - - - - - - - Off-balance sheet exposures - Undertakings subject to NFRD disclosure obligations 54 Financial guarantees 91,625 1,074 815 12 39 - - - - - 1,074 - 55 Assets under management - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 56 Of which debt securities - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 57 Of which equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Table 71: 1. Assets for the calculation of GAR (TURNOVER)\_6/8 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 315 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Disclosure reference date T - 1 (in 000 EUR) Transition to a Circular Economy (CE) Pollution Prevention and Control (PC) Protection and Restoration of Biodiversity and Ecosystems (Ecos) TOTAL Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy- eligible) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling GAR - Covered assets in both numerator and denominator - - - - - - - - - - 3,476,162 157,973 84,175 601 14,495 1 Loans and advances, debt securities and equity instruments not HfT eligible for GAR calculation - - - - - - - - - - 3,476,162 157,973 84,175 601 14,495 2 Financial undertakings - - - - - - - - - - - - 235,243 16,877 - - - 3 Credit institutions - - - - - - - - - - - - 235,243 16,877 - - - 4 Loans and advances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 Debt securities, including UoP - - - 235,243 16,877 - - - 6 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - - 7 Other financial corporations - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 8 of which investment firms - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 9 Loans and advances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 10 Debt securities, including UoP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - - 12 of which management companies - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 13 Loans and advances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 14 Debt securities, including UoP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 15 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - - 16 of which insurance undertakings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 17 Loans and advances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 18 Debt securities, including UoP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 19 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - - 20 Non-financial undertakings - - - - - - - - - - - - 72,674 56,921 - 601 14,495 21 Loans and advances - - - - - - - - - - 66,580 51,144 - 601 14,495 22 Debt securities, including UoP - - - - - - - - - - - - 6,094 5,777 - - - 23 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - - 24 Households - - - 3,168,245 84,175 - - - 25 of which loans collateralised by residential immovable property - 3,168,245 84,175 84,175 - - 26 of which building renovation loans - - - - - - - - - 27 of which motor vehicle loans - - - - - 28 Local governments financing - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 29 Housing financing - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30 Other local government financing - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31 Collateral obtained by taking possession: residential and commercial immovable properties - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 32 Assets excluded from the numerator for GAR calculation (covered in the denominator) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Table 72: 1. Assets for the calculation of GAR (TURNOVER)\_7/8 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 316 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Disclosure reference date T - 1 (in 000 EUR) Transition to a Circular Economy (CE) Pollution Prevention and Control (PC) Protection and Restoration of Biodiversity and Ecosystems (Ecos) TOTAL Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy- eligible) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling 33 Financial and Non- financial undertakings 34 SMEs and NFCs (other than SMEs) not subject to NFRD disclosure obligations 35 Loans and advances 36 of which loans collateralised by commercial immovable property 37 of which building renovation loans 38 Debt securities 39 Equity instruments 40 Non-EU country counterparties not subject to NFRD disclosure obligations 41 Loans and advances 42 Debt securities 43 Equity instruments 44 Derivatives 45 On demand interbank loans 46 Cash and cash-related assets 47 Other categories of assets (e,g, Goodwill, commodities etc,) 48 Total GAR assets - - - - - - - - - - - - 3,476,162 157,973 84,175 601 14,495 49 Assets not covered for GAR calculation 50 Central governments and Supranational issuers 51 Central banks exposure 52 Trading book 53 Total assets - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Off-balance sheet exposures - Undertakings subject to NFRD disclosure obligations 54 Financial guarantees - - - - 25 - - - - - - - 2,173 815 12 39 - 55 Assets under management - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 56 Of which debt securities - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 57 Of which equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Table 73: 1.Assets for the calculation of GAR (TURNOVER)\_8/8 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 317 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 74: 2. GAR sector information (TURNOVER) \_1/2 (in 000 EUR) Climate Change Mitigation (CCM) Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) Sustainable Use and Protection of Water and Marine Resources (SST) Non-Financial corporates (Subject to NFRD) SMEs and other NFC not subject to NFRD Non-Financial corporates (Subject to NFRD) SMEs and other NFC not subject to NFRD Non-Financial corporates (Subject to NFRD) SMEs and other NFC not subject to NFRD [Gross] carrying amount [Gross] carrying amount [Gross] carrying amount [Gross] carrying amount [Gross] carrying amount [Gross] carrying amount Of which environ- mentally sustainable (CCM) Of which environ- mentally sustainable (CCM) Of which environ- mentally sustainable (CCA) Of which environ- mentally sustainable (CCA) Of which environ- mentally sustainable (SST) Of which environ- mentally sustainable (SST) Breakdown by sector - NACE 4 digits level (code and label) 1 02.10 Silviculture and other forestry activities 1 - - - - - 2 20.16 Manufacture of plastics in primary forms 10,064 - - - - - 3 21.20 Manufacture of pharmaceutical preparations - - - - - - 4 24.42 Aluminium production 4,880 1,124 - - - - 5 25.50 Forging and shaping metal and powder metallurgy 33,358 53 - - - - 6 33.17 Maintenance and repair of other transport equipment 1 - - - - - 7 35.11 Production of electricity from non-renewable sources - - - - - - 8 35.12 Transmission of electricity 59,111 - - - - - 9 35.13 Distribution of electricity 121,597 89,070 - - - - 10 35.14 Trade of electricity - - 47,063 5,967 - - 11 35.30 Steam and air conditioning supply 55,716 25,245 - - - - 12 36.00 Water collection, treatment, and supply 9,491 - - - - - 13 42.12 Construction of railways and underground railways 77 41 - - - - 14 47.30 Retail sale of automotive fuel in specialized stores 69,859 1,355 - - - - 15 49.20 Freight rail transport 26,986 14,437 - - - - 16 49.31 Urban and suburban passenger land transport 6 3 - - - - 17 49.50 Pipeline transport 21,129 - - - - - 18 52.10 Cargo handling - - - - - - 19 52.21 Supporting service activities in land transport 168,404 - - - - - 20 52.23 Supporting service activities in air transport 7,045 - - - - - 21 52.29 Logistics services 6,658 - - - - - 22 53.10 Universal postal service activities 1,305 697 - - - - 23 55.10 Hotels and similar accommodation activities 7,673 - - - - - 24 61.10 Wired telecommunications activities 74,202 7 - - - - 25 64.20 Activities of holding companies 1 - - - - - 26 70.10 Activities of head offices 10,489 45 - - - - 27 71.12 Other engineering activities and related technical consultancy 1 - - - - - ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 318 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report (in 000 EUR) Transition to a Circular Economy (CE) Pollution Prevention and Control (PC) Protection and Restoration of Biodiversity and Ecosystems (Ecos) TOTAL Non-Financial corporates (Subject to NFRD) SMEs and other NFC not subject to NFRD Non-Financial corporates (Subject to NFRD) SMEs and other NFC not subject to NFRD Non-Financial corporates (Subject to NFRD) SMEs and other NFC not subject to NFRD Non-Financial corporates (Subject to NFRD) SMEs and other NFC not subject to NFRD [Gross] carrying amount [Gross] carrying amount [Gross] carrying amount [Gross] carrying amount [Gross] carrying amount [Gross] carrying amount [Gross] carrying amount [Gross] carrying amount Of which environ- mentally sustainable (CE) Of which environ- mentally sustainable (CE) Of which environ- mentally sustainable (PC) Of which environ- mentally sustainable (PC) Of which environ- mentally sustainable (Ecos) Of which environ- mentally sustainable (Ecos) Of which environ- mentally sustainable Of which environ- mentally sustainable Breakdown by sector - NACE 4 digits level (code and label) 1 02.10 Silviculture and other forestry activities - - - - - - 1 - 2 20.16 Manufacture of plastics in primary forms - - - - - - 10,064 - 3 21.20 Manufacture of pharmaceutical preparations - - 11 - - - 11 - 4 24.42 Aluminium production - - - - - - 4,880 1,124 5 25.50 Forging and shaping metal and powder metallurgy - - - - - - 33,358 53 6 33.17 Maintenance and repair of other transport equipment - - - - - - 1 - 7 35.11 Production of electricity from non-renewable sources - - - - - - - - 8 35.12 Transmission of electricity - - - - - - 59,111 - 9 35.13 Distribution of electricity - - - - - - 121,597 89,070 10 35.14 Trade of electricity - - - - - - 47,063 5,967 11 35.30 Steam and air conditioning supply - - - - - - 55,716 25,245 12 36.00 Water collection, treatment, and supply - - - - - - 9,491 - 13 42.12 Construction of railways and underground railways - - - - - - 77 41 14 47.30 Retail sale of automotive fuel in specialized stores - - - - - - 69,859 1,355 15 49.20 Freight rail transport - - - - - - 26,986 14,437 16 49.31 Urban and suburban passenger land transport - - - - - - 6 3 17 49.50 Pipeline transport - - - - - - 21,129 - 18 52.10 Cargo handling 37,728 75 - - - - 37,728 75 19 52.21 Supporting service activities in land transport - - - - - - 168,404 - 20 52.23 Supporting service activities in air transport - - - - - - 7,045 - 21 52.29 Logistics services - - - - - - 6,658 - 22 53.10 Universal postal service activities - - - - - - 1,305 697 23 55.10 Hotels and similar accommodation activities - - - - - - 7,673 - 24 61.10 Wired telecommunications activities - - - - - - 74,202 7 25 64.20 Activities of holding companies - - - - - - 1 - 26 70.10 Activities of head offices - - - - - - 10,489 45 27 71.12 Other engineering activities and related technical consultancy - - - - - - 1 - Table 75: 2. GAR sector information (TURNOVER) \_2/2 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 319 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 76: 3. GAR KPI stock (TURNOVER) \_1/6 Disclosure reference date T % (compared to total covered assets in the denominator) Climate Change Mitigation (CCM) Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) Sustainable Use and Protection of Water and Marine Resources (SST) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling GAR - Covered assets in both numerator and denominator 1 Loans and advances. debt securities and equity instruments not HfT eligible for GAR calculation 21,61% 1,31% 0.52% 0.00% 0.08% 0.03% 0.03% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 2 Financial undertakings 1,30% 0,11% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 3 Credit institutions 1,30% 0,11% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 4 Loans and advances 0,00% 0,00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 5 Debt securities. including UoP 1,30% 0,11% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 7 Other financial corporations 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 8 of which investment firms 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 9 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 10 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 11 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 12 of which management companies 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 13 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 14 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 15 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 16 of which insurance undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 17 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 18 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 19 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 20 Non-financial undertakings 1.01% 0.69% 0.00% 0.00% 0.08% 0.03% 0.03% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 21 Loans and advances 1.01% 0.69% 0.00% 0.00% 0.08% 0.03% 0.03% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 22 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 23 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 24 Households 19.30% 0.52% 0.52% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 25 of which loans collateralised by residential immovable property 19.29% 0.51% 0.51% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 26 of which building renovation loans 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 27 of which motor vehicle loans 0.01% 0.01% 0.01% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 28 Local governments financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 29 Housing financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 30 Other local government financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 31 Collateral obtained by taking possession: residential and commercial immovable properties 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 32 Total GAR assets 21.61% 1.31% 0.52% 0.00% 0.08% 0.03% 0.03% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 320 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Disclosure reference date T % (compared to total covered assets in the denominator) Transition to a Circular Economy (CE) Pollution Prevention and Control (PC) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling GAR - Covered assets in both numerator and denominator 1 Loans and advances. debt securities and equity instruments not HfT eligible for GAR calculation 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 2 Financial undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 3 Credit institutions 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 4 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 5 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 7 Other financial corporations 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 8 of which investment firms 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 9 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 10 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 11 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 12 of which management companies 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 13 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 14 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 15 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 16 of which insurance undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 17 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 18 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 19 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 20 Non-financial undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 21 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 22 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 23 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 24 Households 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 25 of which loans collateralised by residential immovable property 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 26 of which building renovation loans 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 27 of which motor vehicle loans 28 Local governments financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 29 Housing financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 30 Other local government financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 31 Collateral obtained by taking possession: residential and commercial immovable properties 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 32 Total GAR assets 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% Table 77: 3. GAR KPI stock (TURNOVER) \_2/6 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 321 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Disclosure reference date T % (compared to total covered assets in the denominator) Protection and Restoration of Biodiversity and Ecosystems (Ecos) TOTAL Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total assets covered Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling GAR - Covered assets in both numerator and denominator 1 Loans and advances. debt securities and equity instruments not HfT eligible for GAR calculation 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 21.64% 1.34% 0.52% 0.00% 0.08% 25.52% 2 Financial undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.30% 0.11% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 7.93% 3 Credit institutions 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.30% 0.11% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6.48% 4 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.62% 5 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.30% 0.11% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 4.86% 6 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 7 Other financial corporations 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.45% 8 of which investment firms 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 9 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 10 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 11 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 12 of which management companies 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.04% 13 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.02% 14 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 15 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.02% 16 of which insurance undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.04% 17 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.01% 18 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.03% 19 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 20 Non-financial undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.04% 0.72% 0.00% 0.00% 0.08% 3.02% 21 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.04% 0.72% 0.00% 0.00% 0.08% 2.77% 22 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.25% 23 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 24 Households 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 19.30% 0.52% 0.52% 0.00% 0.00% 13.82% 25 of which loans collateralised by residential immovable property 19.29% 0.51% 0.51% 0.00% 0.00% 13.34% 26 of which building renovation loans 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 27 of which motor vehicle loans 0.01% 0.01% 0.01% 0.00% 0.00% 0.47% 28 Local governments financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.76% 29 Housing financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 30 Other local government financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.76% 31 Collateral obtained by taking possession: residential and commercial immovable properties 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.16% 32 Total GAR assets 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 21.64% 1.34% 0.52% 0.00% 0.08% 69.15% Table 78: 3. GAR KPI stock (TURNOVER) \_3/6 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 322 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 79: 3. GAR KPI stock (TURNOVER) \_4/6 Disclosure reference date T -1 % (compared to total covered assets in the denominator) Climate Change Mitigation (CCM) Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) Sustainable Use and Protection of Water and Marine Resources (SST) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling GAR - Covered assets in both numerator and denominator 1 Loans and advances. debt securities and equity instruments not HfT eligible for GAR calculation 21.78% 0.99% 0.53% 0.00% 0.09% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 2 Financial undertakings 1.47% 0.11% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 3 Credit institutions 1.47% 0.11% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 4 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 5 Debt securities. including UoP 1.47% 0.11% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 7 Other financial corporations 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 8 of which investment firms 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 9 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 10 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 11 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 12 of which management companies 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 13 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 14 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 15 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 16 of which insurance undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 17 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 18 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 19 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 20 Non-financial undertakings 0.46% 0.36% 0.00% 0.00% 0.09% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 21 Loans and advances 0.42% 0.32% 0.00% 0.00% 0.09% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 22 Debt securities. including UoP 0.04% 0.04% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 23 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 24 Households 19.85% 0.53% 0.53% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 25 of which loans collateralised by residential immovable property 19.85% 0.53% 0.53% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 26 of which building renovation loans 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 27 of which motor vehicle loans 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 28 Local governments financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 29 Housing financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 30 Other local government financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 31 Collateral obtained by taking possession: residential and commercial immovable properties 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 32 Total GAR assets 18.04% 0.82% 0.44% 0.00% 0.08% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 323 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Disclosure reference date T -1 % (compared to total covered assets in the denominator) Transition to a Circular Economy (CE) Pollution Prevention and Control (PC) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling GAR - Covered assets in both numerator and denominator 1 Loans and advances. debt securities and equity instruments not HfT eligible for GAR calculation 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 2 Financial undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 3 Credit institutions 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 4 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 5 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 7 Other financial corporations 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 8 of which investment firms 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 9 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 10 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 11 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 12 of which management companies 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 13 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 14 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 15 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 16 of which insurance undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 17 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 18 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 19 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 20 Non-financial undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 21 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 22 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 23 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 24 Households 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 25 of which loans collateralised by residential immovable property 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 26 of which building renovation loans 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 27 of which motor vehicle loans 28 Local governments financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 29 Housing financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 30 Other local government financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 31 Collateral obtained by taking possession: residential and commercial immovable properties 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 32 Total GAR assets 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% Table 80: 3. GAR KPI stock (TURNOVER) \_5/6 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 324 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Disclosure reference date T -1 % (compared to total covered assets in the denominator) Protection and Restoration of Biodiversity and Ecosystems (Ecos) TOTAL Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total assets covered Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling GAR - Covered assets in both numerator and denominator 1 Loans and advances. debt securities and equity instruments not HfT eligible for GAR calculation 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 21.78% 0.99% 0.53% 0.00% 0.09% 21.78% 2 Financial undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.47% 0.11% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.47% 3 Credit institutions 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.47% 0.11% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.47% 4 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 5 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.47% 0.11% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.47% 6 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 7 Other financial corporations 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 8 of which investment firms 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 9 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 10 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 11 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 12 of which management companies 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 13 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 14 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 15 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 16 of which insurance undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 17 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 18 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 19 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 20 Non-financial undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.46% 0.36% 0.00% 0.00% 0.09% 0.46% 21 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.42% 0.32% 0.00% 0.00% 0.09% 0.42% 22 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.04% 0.04% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.04% 23 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 24 Households 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 19.85% 0.53% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 19.85% 25 of which loans collateralised by residential immovable property 19.85% 0.53% 0.53% 0.00% 0.00% 19.85% 26 of which building renovation loans 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 27 of which motor vehicle loans 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 28 Local governments financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 29 Housing financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 30 Other local government financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 31 Collateral obtained by taking possession: residential and commercial immovable properties 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 32 Total GAR assets 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 18.04% 0.82% 0.44% 0.00% 0.08% 18.04% Table 81: 3. GAR KPI stock (TURNOVER) \_6/6 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 325 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 82: 4. KPIs FlowT \_1/3 % (compared to flow of total eligible assets) Climate Change Mitigation (CCM) Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) Sustainable Use and Protection of Water and Marine Resources (SST) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling GAR - Covered assets in both numerator and denominator 1 Loans and advances. debt securities and equity instruments not HfT eligible for GAR calculation 41.67% 3.80% 0.92% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 2 Financial undertakings 7.55% 0.59% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 3 Credit institutions 9.54% 0.74% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 4 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 5 Debt securities. including UoP 13.38% 1.04% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 7 Other financial corporations 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 8 of which investment firms 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 9 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 10 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 11 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 12 of which management companies 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 13 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 14 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 15 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 16 of which insurance undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 17 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 18 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 19 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 20 Non-financial undertakings 52.28% 52.12% 0.00% 0.05% 0.02% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 21 Loans and advances 55.11% 55.08% 0.00% 0.05% 0.02% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 22 Debt securities. including UoP 2.44% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 23 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 24 Households 90.59% 2.38% 2.38% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 25 of which loans collateralised by residential immovable property 100.00% 2.53% 2.53% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 26 of which building renovation loans 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 27 of which motor vehicle loans 0.89% 0.89% 0.89% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 28 Local governments financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 29 Housing financing 30 Other local government financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 31 Collateral obtained by taking possession: residential and commercial immovable properties 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 32 Total GAR assets 13.42% 1.22% 0.30% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 326 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 83: 4. GAR KPIs FlowT \_2/3 % (compared to flow of total eligible assets) Transition to a Circular Economy (CE) Pollution Prevention and Control (PC) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling GAR - Covered assets in both numerator and denominator 1 Loans and advances. debt securities and equity instruments not HfT eligible for GAR calculation 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 2 Financial undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 3 Credit institutions 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 4 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 5 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 7 Other financial corporations 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 8 of which investment firms 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 9 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 10 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 11 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 12 of which management companies 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 13 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 14 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 15 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 16 of which insurance undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 17 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 18 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 19 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 20 Non-financial undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 21 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 22 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 23 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 24 Households 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 25 of which loans collateralised by residential immovable property 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 26 of which building renovation loans 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 27 of which motor vehicle loans 28 Local governments financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 29 Housing financing 30 Other local government financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 31 Collateral obtained by taking possession: residential and commercial immovable properties 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 32 Total GAR assets 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 327 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 84: 4. GAR KPIs FlowT \_3/3 % (compared to flow of total eligible assets) Protection and Restoration of Biodiversity and Ecosystems (Ecos) TOTAL Proportion of total assets covered Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling GAR - Covered assets in both numerator and denominator 1 Loans and advances. debt securities and equity instruments not HfT eligible for GAR calculation 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 41.67% 3.80% 0.92% 0.00% 0.00% 19.58% 2 Financial undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 7.55% 0.59% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 10.51% 3 Credit institutions 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 9.54% 0.74% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 8.31% 4 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 2.38% 5 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 13.38% 1.04% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 5.93% 6 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 7 Other financial corporations 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 2.20% 8 of which investment firms 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 9 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 10 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 11 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 12 of which management companies 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.01% 13 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.01% 14 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 15 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 16 of which insurance undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.09% 17 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.01% 18 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.08% 19 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 20 Non-financial undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 52.29% 52.12% 0.00% 0.05% 0.02% 0.96% 21 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 55.11% 55.08% 0.00% 0.05% 0.02% 0.91% 22 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 2.44% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.05% 23 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 24 Households 90.59% 2.38% 2.38% 0.00% 0.00% 7.57% 25 of which loans collateralised by residential immovable property 100.00% 2.53% 2.53% 0.00% 0.00% 6.85% 26 of which building renovation loans 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 27 of which motor vehicle loans 0.89% 0.89% 0.89% 0.00% 0.00% 0.72% 28 Local governments financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.52% 29 Housing financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 30 Other local government financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.52% 31 Collateral obtained by taking possession: residential and commercial immovable properties 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.01% 32 Total GAR assets 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 13.42% 1.22% 0.30% 0.00% 0.00% 60.79% ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 328 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report % (compared to total eligible off-balance sheet assets) Climate Change Mitigation (CCM) Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) Sustainable Use and Protection of Water and Marine Resources (SST) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling 1 Financial guarantees (FinGuar KPI) 0.859% 0.054% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 4.096% 4.096% 0.000% 0.300% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 2 Assets under management (AuM KPI) 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% Of which debt securities 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% Of which equity instruments 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% Table 85: 5. FingGar, AuM KPIs stockT\_1/3 % (compared to total eligible off-balance sheet assets) TOTAL Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which environmentally s ustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling 1 Financial guarantees (FinGuar KPI) 5.045% 4.150% 0.000% 0.000% 0.300% 2 Assets under management (AuM KPI) 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% Of which debt securities 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% Of which equity instruments 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% % (compared to total eligible off-balance sheet assets) Transition to a Circular Economy (CE) Pollution Prevention and Control (PC) Protection and Restoration of Biodiversity and Ecosystems (Ecos) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling 1 Financial guarantees (FinGuar KPI) 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.090% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 2 Assets under management (AuM KPI) 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% Of which debt securities 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% Of which equity instruments 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% Table 86: 5.KPI off-balance sheet exposures (CAPEX) \_2/3 Table 87: 5.KPI off-balance sheet exposures (CAPEX) \_3/3 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 329 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 88: 1. Assets for the calculation of GAR (CAPEX)\_1/8 Disclosure reference date T (in 000 EUR) Climate Change Mitigation (CCM) Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) Sustainable Use and Protection of Water and Marine Resources (SST) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Total [gross] carrying amount Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling GAR - Covered assets in both numerator and denominator 7,158,131 4,103,099 218,652 100,151 2,610 3,682 21,015 21,015 - 14 - - - - 1 Loans and advances, debt securities and equity instruments not HfT eligible for GAR calculation 7,112,482 4,103,099 218,652 100,151 2,610 3,682 21,015 21,015 - 14 - - - - 2 Financial undertakings 2,208,690 228,905 19,501 - - - - - - - - - - - 3 Credit institutions 1,805,874 228,905 19,501 - - - - - - - - - - - 4 Loans and advances 450,707 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 Debt securities, including UoP 1,355,167 228,905 19,501 - - - - - 6 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - 7 Other financial corporations 402,816 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 8 of which investment firms - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 9 Loans and advances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 10 Debt securities, including UoP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - 12 of which management companies 10,954 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 13 Loans and advances 4,433 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 14 Debt securities, including UoP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 15 Equity instruments 6,521 - - - - - - - - - - 16 of which insurance undertakings 11,492 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 17 Loans and advances 3,490 - - - - - - - - - 18 Debt securities, including UoP 7,694 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 19 Equity instruments 308 - - - - - - - - - - 20 Non-financial undertakings 841,530 154,896 99,000 - 2,610 3,682 21,015 21,015 - 14 - - - - 21 Loans and advances 772,855 154,098 99,000 - 2,610 3,682 20,504 20,504 - 14 - - - 22 Debt securities, including UoP 68,675 798 - - 511 511 - - - - - - 23 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - 24 Households 3,850,031 3,719,298 100,151 100,151 - - - - - - 25 of which loans collateralised by residential immovable property 3,717,814 3,717,814 98,667 98,667 - - - - - - 26 of which building renovation loans - - - - - - - - - - 27 of which motor vehicle loans 132,217 1,484 1,484 1,484 - - 28 Local governments financing 212,231 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 29 Housing financing - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30 Other local government financing 212,231 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31 Collateral obtained by taking possession: residential and commercial immovable properties 45,649 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 32 Assets excluded from the numerator for GAR calculation (covered in the denominator) 12,110,723 - - - - - - - - - - - - - ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 330 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Disclosure reference date T (in 000 EUR) Climate Change Mitigation (CCM) Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) Sustainable Use and Protection of Water and Marine Resources (SST) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Total [gross] carrying amount Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling 33 Financial and Non- financial undertakings 6,076,799 34 SMEs and NFCs (other than SMEs) not subject to NFRD disclosure obligations 2,597,922 35 Loans and advances 2,597,905 36 of which loans collateralised by commercial immovable property 37 of which building renovation loans - 38 Debt securities 39 Equity instruments 17 40 Non-EU country counterparties not subject to NFRD disclosure obligations 3,478,877 41 Loans and advances 3,467,330 42 Debt securities 9,135 43 Equity instruments 2,412 44 Derivatives 71,418 45 On demand interbank loans - 46 Cash and cash-related assets 540,282 47 Other categories of assets (e,g, Goodwill, commodities etc,) 5,422,224 48 Total GAR assets 19,268,854 4,103,099 218,652 100,151 2,610 3,682 21,015 21,015 - 14 - - - - 49 Assets not covered for GAR calculation 8,596,041 50 Central governments and Supranational issuers 4,999,206 51 Central banks exposure 3,577,239 52 Trading book 19,596 53 Total assets 27,864,895 - - - - - - - - - - - - - Off-balance sheet exposures - Undertakings subject to NFRD disclosure obligations 54 Financial guarantees 77,904 4,183 44 - 10,247 10,247 8 - 55 Assets under management - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 56 Of which debt securities - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 57 Of which equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Table 89: 1. Assets for the calculation of GAR (CAPEX)\_2/8 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 331 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Disclosure reference date T (in 000 EUR) Transition to a Circular Economy (CE) Pollution Prevention and Control (PC) Protection and Restoration of Biodiversity and Ecosystems (Ecos) TOTAL Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy- eligible) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling GAR - Covered assets in both numerator and denominator 943 905 - - 7 - - - - - - - 4,125,064 240,572 100,151 2,610 3,696 1 Loans and advances, debt securities and equity instruments not HfT eligible for GAR calculation 943 905 - - 7 - - - - - - - 4,125,064 240,572 100,151 2,610 3,696 2 Financial undertakings - - - - - - - - - - - - 228,905 19,501 - - - 3 Credit institutions - - - - - - - - - - - - 228,905 19,501 - - - 4 Loans and advances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 Debt securities, including UoP - - - - - - - - - - 228,905 19,501 - - - 6 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - 7 Other financial corporations - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 8 of which investment firms - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 9 Loans and advances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 10 Debt securities, including UoP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - 12 of which management companies - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 13 Loans and advances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 14 Debt securities, including UoP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 15 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - 16 of which insurance undertakings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 17 Loans and advances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 18 Debt securities, including UoP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 19 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - 20 Non-financial undertakings 943 905 - - 7 - - - - - - - 176,861 120,920 - 2,610 3,696 21 Loans and advances 943 905 - 7 - - - - - 175,552 120,409 - 2,610 3,696 22 Debt securities, including UoP - - - - - - - - - - 1,309 511 - - - 23 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - - - 24 Households - - - - 3,719,298 100,151 100,151 - - 25 of which loans collateralised by residential immovable property - - - - 3,717,814 98,667 98,667 - - 26 of which building renovation loans - - - - - - - - - 27 of which motor vehicle loans 1,484 1,484 1,484 - - 28 Local governments financing - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 29 Housing financing - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30 Other local government financing - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31 Collateral obtained by taking possession: residential and commercial immovable properties - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 32 Assets excluded from the numerator for GAR calculation (covered in the denominator) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Table 90: 1. Assets for the calculation of GAR (CAPEX)\_3/8 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 332 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Disclosure reference date T (in 000 EUR) Transition to a Circular Economy (CE) Pollution Prevention and Control (PC) Protection and Restoration of Biodiversity and Ecosystems (Ecos) TOTAL Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy- eligible) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling 33 Financial and Non- financial undertakings 34 SMEs and NFCs (other than SMEs) not subject to NFRD disclosure obligations 35 Loans and advances 36 of which loans collateralised by commercial immovable property 37 of which building renovation loans 38 Debt securities 39 Equity instruments 40 Non-EU country counterparties not subject to NFRD disclosure obligations 41 Loans and advances 42 Debt securities 43 Equity instruments 44 Derivatives 45 On demand interbank loans 46 Cash and cash-related assets 47 Other categories of assets (e,g, Goodwill, commodities etc,) 48 Total GAR assets 943 905 7 4,125,064 240,572 100,151 2,610 3,696 49 Assets not covered for GAR calculation 50 Central governments and Supranational issuers 51 Central banks exposure 52 Trading book 53 Total assets Off-balance sheet exposures - Undertakings subject to NFRD disclosure obligations 54 Financial guarantees - - - - 46 - - - - - - - 14,476 10,291 - - 8 55 Assets under management - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 56 Of which debt securities - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 57 Of which equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Table 91: 1. Assets for the calculation of GAR (CAPEX)\_4/8 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 333 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 92: 1. Assets for the calculation of GAR (CAPEX)\_5/8 Disclosure reference date T - 1 (in 000 EUR) Climate Change Mitigation (CCM) Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) Sustainable Use and Protection of Water and Marine Resources (SST) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Total [gross] carrying amount Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling GAR - Covered assets in both numerator and denominator 10,413,876 3,549,016 202,449 84,175 2,610 3,682 20,504 20,504 - 52 - - - - 1 Loans and advances, debt securities and equity instruments not HfT eligible for GAR calculation 10,353,396 3,549,016 202,449 84,175 2,610 3,682 20,504 20,504 - 52 - - - - 2 Financial undertakings 1,474,013 226,557 19,274 - - - - - - - - - - - 3 Credit institutions 1,274,660 226,557 19,274 - - - - - - - - - - - 4 Loans and advances 297,166 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 Debt securities, including UoP 977,494 226,557 19,274 - - - - - 6 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - 7 Other financial corporations 199,353 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 8 of which investment firms - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 9 Loans and advances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 10 Debt securities, including UoP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - 12 of which management companies 5,446 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 13 Loans and advances 2,889 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 14 Debt securities, including UoP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 15 Equity instruments 2,557 - - - - - - - - - - 16 of which insurance undertakings 3,243 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 17 Loans and advances 3,033 - - - - - - - - - 18 Debt securities, including UoP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 19 Equity instruments 210 - - - - - - - - - - 20 Non-financial undertakings 957,104 154,214 99,000 - 2,610 3,682 20,504 20,504 - 52 - - - - 21 Loans and advances 878,220 154,098 99,000 - 2,610 3,682 20,504 20,504 - 52 - - - 22 Debt securities, including UoP 78,884 116 - - - - - - - - 23 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - 24 Households 7,672,026 3,168,245 84,175 84,175 - - - - - - 25 of which loans collateralised by residential immovable property 3,168,245 3,168,245 84,175 84,175 - - - 26 of which building renovation loans - - - - - - - - - - 27 of which motor vehicle loans - - - - - - 28 Local governments financing 189,773 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 29 Housing financing - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30 Other local government financing 189,773 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31 Collateral obtained by taking possession: residential and commercial immovable properties 60,480 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 32 Assets excluded from the numerator for GAR calculation (covered in the denominator) 5,604,189 - - - - - - - - - - - - - ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 334 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Disclosure reference date T - 1 (in 000 EUR) Climate Change Mitigation (CCM) Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) Sustainable Use and Protection of Water and Marine Resources (SST) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Total [gross] carrying amount Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling 33 Financial and Non- financial undertakings 5,092,352 34 SMEs and NFCs (other than SMEs) not subject to NFRD disclosure obligations 2,090,316 35 Loans and advances 2,088,998 36 of which loans collateralised by commercial immovable property 881,788 37 of which building renovation loans - 38 Debt securities 1,318 39 Equity instruments - 40 Non-EU country counterparties not subject to NFRD disclosure obligations 3,002,036 41 Loans and advances 2,989,817 42 Debt securities 9,807 43 Equity instruments 2,412 44 Derivatives 37,407 45 On demand interbank loans - 46 Cash and cash-related assets 470,901 47 Other categories of assets (e,g, Goodwill, commodities etc,) 3,529 48 Total GAR assets 15,957,585 3,549,016 202,449 84,175 2,610 3,682 20,504 20,504 - 52 - - - - 49 Assets not covered for GAR calculation 9,775,289 50 Central governments and Supranational issuers 3,996,027 51 Central banks exposure 5,763,444 52 Trading book 15,818 53 Total assets 25,732,874 - - - - - - - - - - - - - Off-balance sheet exposures - Undertakings subject to NFRD disclosure obligations 54 Financial guarantees 91,625 4,183 44 - 10,247 7 - - 55 Assets under management - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 56 Of which debt securities - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 57 Of which equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Table 93: 1.Assets for the calculation of GAR (CAPEX)\_6/8 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 335 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Disclosure reference date T - 1 (in 000 EUR) Transition to a Circular Economy (CE) Pollution Prevention and Control (PC) Protection and Restoration of Biodiversity and Ecosystems (Ecos) TOTAL Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy- eligible) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling GAR - Covered assets in both numerator and denominator 3,569,520 222,953 84,175 2,610 3,734 1 Loans and advances, debt securities and equity instruments not HfT eligible for GAR calculation 943 905 - - 7 - - - - - - - 3,569,520 222,953 84,175 2,610 3,734 2 Financial undertakings - - - - - - - - - - - - 226,557 19,274 - - - 3 Credit institutions - - - - - - - - - - - - 226,557 19,274 - - - 4 Loans and advances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 Debt securities, including UoP - - - - - - - - - - - 226,557 19,274 - - - 6 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7 Other financial corporations - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 8 of which investment firms - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 9 Loans and advances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 10 Debt securities, including UoP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - 12 of which management companies - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 13 Loans and advances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 14 Debt securities, including UoP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 15 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - 16 of which insurance undertakings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 17 Loans and advances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 18 Debt securities, including UoP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 19 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - 20 Non-financial undertakings - - - - - - - - - - - - 174,718 119,504 - 2,610 3,734 21 Loans and advances - - - - - - - - - 174,602 119,504 - 2,610 3,734 22 Debt securities, including UoP - - - - - - - - - - 116 - - - - 23 Equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - - - 24 Households - - - - 3,168,245 84,175 84,175 - - 25 of which loans collateralised by residential immovable property - - - - 3,168,245 84,175 84,175 - - 26 of which building renovation loans - - - - - - - - - 27 of which motor vehicle loans - - - - - 28 Local governments financing - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 29 Housing financing - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30 Other local government financing - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31 Collateral obtained by taking possession: residential and commercial immovable properties - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 32 Assets excluded from the numerator for GAR calculation (covered in the denominator) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Table 94: 1.Assets for the calculation of GAR (CAPEX)\_7/8 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 336 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Disclosure reference date T - 1 (in 000 EUR) Transition to a Circular Economy (CE) Pollution Prevention and Control (PC) Protection and Restoration of Biodiversity and Ecosystems (Ecos) TOTAL Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy- eligible) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy- aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling 33 Financial and Non- financial undertakings 34 SMEs and NFCs (other than SMEs) not subject to NFRD disclosure obligations 35 Loans and advances 36 of which loans collateralised by commercial immovable property 37 of which building renovation loans 38 Debt securities 39 Equity instruments 40 Non-EU country counterparties not subject to NFRD disclosure obligations 41 Loans and advances 42 Debt securities 43 Equity instruments 44 Derivatives 45 On demand interbank loans 46 Cash and cash-related assets 47 Other categories of assets (e,g, Goodwill, commodities etc,) 48 Total GAR assets 943 905 - - 7 - - - - - - - 3,569,520 222,953 84,175 2,610 3,734 49 Assets not covered for GAR calculation 50 Central governments and Supranational issuers 51 Central banks exposure 52 Trading book 53 Total assets - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Off-balance sheet exposures - Undertakings subject to NFRD disclosure obligations 54 Financial guarantees - - - - - 24.888 - - - - - - 14.430 24.939 - - - 55 Assets under management - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 56 Of which debt securities - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 57 Of which equity instruments - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Table 95: 1.Assets for the calculation of GAR (CAPEX)\_8/8 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 337 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 96: 2.GAR sector information (CAPEX) \_1/2 (in 000 EUR) Climate Change Mitigation (CCM) Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) Sustainable Use and Protection of Water and Marine Resources (SST) Non-Financial corporates (Subject to NFRD) SMEs and other NFC not subject to NFRD Non-Financial corporates (Subject to NFRD) SMEs and other NFC not subject to NFRD Non-Financial corporates (Subject to NFRD) SMEs and other NFC not subject to NFRD [Gross] carrying amount [Gross] carrying amount [Gross] carrying amount [Gross] carrying amount [Gross] carrying amount [Gross] carrying amount Of which environ- mentally sustainable (CCM) Of which environ- mentally sustainable (CCM) Of which environ- mentally sustainable (CCA) Of which environ- mentally sustainable (CCA) Of which environ- mentally sustainable (SST) Of which environ- mentally sustainable (SST) Breakdown by sector - NACE 4 digits level (code and label) 1 02.10 Silviculture and other forestry activities 1 - - - - - 2 20.16 Manufacture of plastics in primary forms 10,064 - - - - - 3 21.20 Manufacture of pharmaceutical preparations - - - - - - 4 24.42 Aluminium production 4,880 3,214 - - - - 5 25.50 Forging and shaping metal and powder metallurgy 33,358 1,204 - - - - 6 33.17 Maintenance and repair of other transport equipment 1 - - - - - 7 35.11 Production of electricity from non-renewable sources - - - - - - 8 35.12 Transmission of electricity 59,111 - - - - - 9 35.13 Distribution of electricity 121,597 37,626 - - - - 10 35.14 Trade of electricity - - 47,063 19,157 - - 11 35.30 Steam and air conditioning supply 55,716 37,931 - - - - 12 36.00 Water collection, treatment, and supply 9,491 - - - - - 13 42.12 Construction of railways and underground railways 77 49 - - - - 14 47.30 Retail sale of automotive fuel in specialized stores 69,859 1,432 - - - - 15 49.20 Freight rail transport 26,986 17,136 - - - - 16 49.31 Urban and suburban passenger land transport 6 4 - - - - 17 49.50 Pipeline transport 21,129 - - - - - 18 52.10 Cargo handling - - - - - - 19 52.21 Supporting service activities in land transport - - 168,404 1,347 - - 20 52.23 Supporting service activities in air transport 7,045 - - - - - 21 52.29 Logistics services 6,658 - - - - - 22 53.10 Universal postal service activities 1,305 42 - - - - 23 55.10 Hotels and similar accommodation activities 7,673 318 - - - - 24 61.10 Wired telecommunications activities 74,202 15 - - - - 25 64.20 Activities of holding companies 1 - - - - - 26 70.10 Activities of head offices 10,489 29 - - - - 27 71.12 Other engineering activities and related technical consultancy 1 - - - - - ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 338 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report (in 000 EUR) Transition to a Circular Economy (CE) Pollution Prevention and Control (PC) Protection and Restoration of Biodiversity and Ecosystems (Ecos) TOTAL Non-Financial corporates (Subject to NFRD) SMEs and other NFC not subject to NFRD Non-Financial corporates (Subject to NFRD) SMEs and other NFC not subject to NFRD Non-Financial corporates (Subject to NFRD) SMEs and other NFC not subject to NFRD Non-Financial corporates (Subject to NFRD) SMEs and other NFC not subject to NFRD [Gross] carrying amount [Gross] carrying amount [Gross] carrying amount [Gross] carrying amount [Gross] carrying amount [Gross] carrying amount [Gross] carrying amount [Gross] carrying amount Of which environ- mentally sustainable (CE) Of which environ- mentally sustainable (CE) Of which environ- mentally sustainable (PC) Of which environ- mentally sustainable (PC) Of which environ- mentally sustainable (Ecos) Of which environ- mentally sustainable (Ecos) Of which environ- mentally sustainable Of which environ- mentally sustainable Breakdown by sector - NACE 4 digits level (code and label) 1 02.10 Silviculture and other forestry activities - - - - - - 1 - 2 20.16 Manufacture of plastics in primary forms - - - - - - 10,064 - 3 21.20 Manufacture of pharmaceutical preparations - - 11 - - - 11 - 4 24.42 Aluminium production - - - - - - 4,880 3,214 5 25.50 Forging and shaping metal and powder metallurgy - - - - - - 33,358 1,204 6 33.17 Maintenance and repair of other transport equipment - - - - - - 1 - 7 35.11 Production of electricity from non-renewable sources - - - - - - - - 8 35.12 Transmission of electricity - - - - - - 59,111 - 9 35.13 Distribution of electricity - - - - - - 121,597 37,626 10 35.14 Trade of electricity - - - - - - 47,063 19,157 11 35.30 Steam and air conditioning supply - - - - - - 55,716 37,931 12 36.00 Water collection, treatment, and supply - - - - - - 9,491 - 13 42.12 Construction of railways and underground railways - - - - - - 77 49 14 47.30 Retail sale of automotive fuel in specialized stores - - - - - - 69,859 1,432 15 49.20 Freight rail transport - - - - - - 26,986 17,136 16 49.31 Urban and suburban passenger land transport - - - - - - 6 4 17 49.50 Pipeline transport - - - - - - 21,129 - 18 52.10 Cargo handling 37,728 905 - - - - 37,728 905 19 52.21 Supporting service activities in land transport - - - - - - 168,404 1,347 20 52.23 Supporting service activities in air transport - - - - - - 7,045 - 21 52.29 Logistics services - - - - - - 6,658 - 22 53.10 Universal postal service activities - - - - - - 1,305 42 23 55.10 Hotels and similar accommodation activities - - - - - - 7,673 318 24 61.10 Wired telecommunications activities - - - - - - 74,202 15 25 64.20 Activities of holding companies - - - - - - 1 - 26 70.10 Activities of head offices - - - - - - 10,489 29 27 71.12 Other engineering activities and related technical consultancy - - - - - - 1 - Table 97: 2. GAR sector information (CAPEX) \_2/2 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 339 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 98: 3. GAR KPI stock (CAPEX) \_1/6 Disclosure reference date T % (compared to total covered assets in the denominator) Climate Change Mitigation (CCM) Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) Sustainable Use and Protection of Water and Marine Resources (SST) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling GAR - Covered assets in both numerator and denominator 1 Loans and advances. debt securities and equity instruments not HfT eligible for GAR calculation 21.29% 1.13% 0.52% 0.01% 0.02% 0.11% 0.11% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 2 Financial undertakings 1.19% 0.10% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 3 Credit institutions 1.19% 0.10% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 4 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 5 Debt securities. including UoP 1.19% 0.10% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 7 Other financial corporations 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 8 of which investment firms 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 9 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 10 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 11 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 12 of which management companies 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 13 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 14 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 15 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 16 of which insurance undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 17 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 18 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 19 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 20 Non-financial undertakings 0.80% 0.51% 0.00% 0.01% 0.02% 0.11% 0.11% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 21 Loans and advances 0.80% 0.51% 0.00% 0.01% 0.02% 0.11% 0.11% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 22 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 23 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 24 Households 19.30% 0.52% 0.52% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 25 of which loans collateralised by residential immovable property 19.29% 0.51% 0.51% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 26 of which building renovation loans 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 27 of which motor vehicle loans 0.01% 0.01% 0.01% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 28 Local governments financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 29 Housing financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 30 Other local government financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 31 Collateral obtained by taking possession: residential and commercial immovable properties 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 32 Total GAR assets 21.29% 1.13% 0.52% 0.01% 0.02% 0.11% 0.11% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 340 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Disclosure reference date T % (compared to total covered assets in the denominator) Transition to a Circular Economy (CE) Pollution Prevention and Control (PC) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling GAR - Covered assets in both numerator and denominator 1 Loans and advances. debt securities and equity instruments not HfT eligible for GAR calculation 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 2 Financial undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 3 Credit institutions 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 4 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 5 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 7 Other financial corporations 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 8 of which investment firms 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 9 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 10 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 11 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 12 of which management companies 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 13 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 14 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 15 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 16 of which insurance undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 17 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 18 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 19 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 20 Non-financial undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 21 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 22 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 23 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 24 Households 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 25 of which loans collateralised by residential immovable property 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 26 of which building renovation loans 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 27 of which motor vehicle loans 28 Local governments financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 29 Housing financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 30 Other local government financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 31 Collateral obtained by taking possession: residential and commercial immovable properties 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 32 Total GAR assets 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% Table 99: 3. GAR KPI stock (CAPEX) \_2/6 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 341 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Disclosure reference date T % (compared to total covered assets in the denominator) Protection and Restoration of Biodiversity and Ecosystems (Ecos) TOTAL (CCM) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total assets covered Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling GAR - Covered assets in both numerator and denominator 1 Loans and advances. debt securities and equity instruments not HfT eligible for GAR calculation 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 21.41% 1.25% 0.52% 0.01% 0.02% 25.52% 2 Financial undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.19% 0.10% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 7.93% 3 Credit institutions 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.19% 0.10% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6.48% 4 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.62% 5 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.19% 0.10% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 4.86% 6 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 7 Other financial corporations 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.45% 8 of which investment firms 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 9 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 10 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 11 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 12 of which management companies 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.04% 13 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.02% 14 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 15 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.02% 16 of which insurance undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.04% 17 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.01% 18 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.03% 19 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 20 Non-financial undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.92% 0.63% 0.00% 0.01% 0.02% 3.02% 21 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.91% 0.62% 0.00% 0.01% 0.02% 2.77% 22 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.01% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.25% 23 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 24 Households 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 19.30% 0.52% 0.52% 0.00% 0.00% 13.82% 25 of which loans collateralised by residential immovable property 19.29% 0.51% 0.51% 0.00% 0.00% 13.34% 26 of which building renovation loans 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 27 of which motor vehicle loans 0.01% 0.01% 0.01% 0.00% 0.00% 0.47% 28 Local governments financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.76% 29 Housing financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 30 Other local government financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.76% 31 Collateral obtained by taking possession: residential and commercial immovable properties 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.16% 32 Total GAR assets 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 21.41% 1.25% 0.52% 0.01% 0.02% 69.15% Table 100: 3. GAR KPI stock (CAPEX) \_3/6 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 342 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 101: 3. GAR KPI stock (CAPEX) \_4/6 Disclosure reference date T -1 % (compared to total covered assets in the denominator) Climate Change Mitigation (CCM) Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) Sustainable Use and Protection of Water and Marine Resources (SST) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling GAR - Covered assets in both numerator and denominator 1 Loans and advances. debt securities and equity instruments not HfT eligible for GAR calculation 22.24% 1.27% 0.53% 0.02% 0.02% 0.13% 0.13% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 2 Financial undertakings 1.42% 0.12% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 3 Credit institutions 1.42% 0.12% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 4 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 5 Debt securities. including UoP 1.42% 0.12% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 7 Other financial corporations 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 8 of which investment firms 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 9 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 10 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 11 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 12 of which management companies 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 13 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 14 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 15 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 16 of which insurance undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 17 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 18 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 19 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 20 Non-financial undertakings 0.97% 0.62% 0.00% 0.02% 0.02% 0.13% 0.13% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 21 Loans and advances 0.97% 0.62% 0.00% 0.02% 0.02% 0.13% 0.13% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 22 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 23 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 24 Households 19.85% 0.53% 0.53% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 25 of which loans collateralised by residential immovable property 19.85% 0.53% 0.53% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 26 of which building renovation loans 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 27 of which motor vehicle loans 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 28 Local governments financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 29 Housing financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 30 Other local government financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 31 Collateral obtained by taking possession: residential and commercial immovable properties 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 32 Total GAR assets 22.24% 5.70% 2.37% 0.07% 0.10% 0.58% 0.58% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 343 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Disclosure reference date T -1 % (compared to total covered assets in the denominator) Transition to a Circular Economy (CE) Pollution Prevention and Control (PC) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling GAR - Covered assets in both numerator and denominator 1 Loans and advances. debt securities and equity instruments not HfT eligible for GAR calculation 0.01% 0.01% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 2 Financial undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 3 Credit institutions 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 4 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 5 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 7 Other financial corporations 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 8 of which investment firms 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 9 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 10 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 11 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 12 of which management companies 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 13 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 14 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 15 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 16 of which insurance undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 17 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 18 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 19 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 20 Non-financial undertakings 0.01% 0.01% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 21 Loans and advances 0.01% 0.01% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 22 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 23 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 24 Households 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 25 of which loans collateralised by residential immovable property 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 26 of which building renovation loans 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 27 of which motor vehicle loans 28 Local governments financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 29 Housing financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 30 Other local government financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 31 Collateral obtained by taking possession: residential and commercial immovable properties 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 32 Total GAR assets 0.03% 0.03% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% Table 102: 3. GAR KPI stock (CAPEX) \_5/6 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 344 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Disclosure reference date T -1 % (compared to total covered assets in the denominator) Protection and Restoration of Biodiversity and Ecosystems (Ecos) TOTAL (CCM) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total assets covered Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling GAR - Covered assets in both numerator and denominator 1 Loans and advances. debt securities and equity instruments not HfT eligible for GAR calculation 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 22.37% 1.40% 0.53% 0.02% 0.02% 22.37% 2 Financial undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.42% 0.12% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.42% 3 Credit institutions 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.42% 0.12% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.42% 4 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 5 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.42% 0.12% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.42% 6 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 7 Other financial corporations 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 8 of which investment firms 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 9 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 10 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 11 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 12 of which management companies 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 13 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 14 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 15 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 16 of which insurance undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 17 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 18 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 19 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 20 Non-financial undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.10% 0.75% 0.00% 0.02% 0.02% 1.10% 21 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.10% 0.75% 0.00% 0.02% 0.02% 1.10% 22 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 23 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 24 Households 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 19.85% 0.53% 0.53% 0.00% 0.00% 19.85% 25 of which loans collateralised by residential immovable property 19.85% 0.53% 0.53% 0.00% 0.00% 19.85% 26 of which building renovation loans 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 27 of which motor vehicle loans 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 28 Local governments financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 29 Housing financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 30 Other local government financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 31 Collateral obtained by taking possession: residential and commercial immovable properties 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 32 Total GAR assets 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 100.60% 6.31% 2.37% 0.07% 0.11% 22.84% Table 103: 3. GAR KPI stock (CAPEX) \_6/6 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 345 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 104: 4.GAR KPIs FlowC \_1/3 % (compared to flow of total eligible assets) Climate Change Mitigation (CCM) Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) Sustainable Use and Protection of Water and Marine Resources (SST) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling GAR - Covered assets in both numerator and denominator 1 Loans and advances. debt securities and equity instruments not HfT eligible for GAR calculation 41.13% 2.62% 0.92% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 2 Financial undertakings 6.19% 0.50% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 3 Credit institutions 7.83% 0.63% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 4 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 5 Debt securities. including UoP 10.97% 0.88% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 7 Other financial corporations 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 8 of which investment firms 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 9 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 10 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 11 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 12 of which management companies 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 13 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 14 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 15 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 16 of which insurance undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 17 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 18 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 19 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 20 Non-financial undertakings 56.01% 29.07% 0.00% 0.03% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 21 Loans and advances 58.24% 30.72% 0.00% 0.03% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 22 Debt securities. including UoP 16.76% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 23 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 24 Households 90.59% 2.38% 2.38% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 25 of which loans collateralised by residential immovable property 100.00% 2.53% 2.53% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 26 of which building renovation loans 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 27 of which motor vehicle loans 0.89% 0.89% 0.89% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 28 Local governments financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 29 Housing financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 30 Other local government financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 31 Collateral obtained by taking possession: residential and commercial immovable properties 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 32 Total GAR assets 13.24% 0.84% 0.30% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 346 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 105: 4.GAR KPIs FlowC \_2/3 % (compared to flow of total eligible assets) Transition to a Circular Economy (CE) Pollution Prevention and Control (PC) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling GAR - Covered assets in both numerator and denominator 1 Loans and advances. debt securities and equity instruments not HfT eligible for GAR calculation 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 2 Financial undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 3 Credit institutions 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 4 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 5 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 7 Other financial corporations 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 8 of which investment firms 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 9 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 10 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 11 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 12 of which management companies 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 13 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 14 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 15 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 16 of which insurance undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 17 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 18 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 19 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 20 Non-financial undertakings 0.01% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 21 Loans and advances 0.01% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 22 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 23 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 24 Households 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 25 of which loans collateralised by residential immovable property 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 26 of which building renovation loans 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 27 of which motor vehicle loans 28 Local governments financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 29 Housing financing 30 Other local government financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 31 Collateral obtained by taking possession: residential and commercial immovable properties 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 32 Total GAR assets 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 347 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 106: 4.GAR KPIs FlowC \_3/3 % (compared to flow of total eligible assets) Protection and Restoration of Biodiversity and Ecosystems (Ecos) TOTAL Proportion of total assets covered Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Proportion of total covered assets funding taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling GAR - Covered assets in both numerator and denominator 1 Loans and advances. debt securities and equity instruments not HfT eligible for GAR calculation 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 41.13% 2.62% 0.92% 0.00% 0.00% 19.58% 2 Financial undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6.19% 0.50% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 10.51% 3 Credit institutions 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 7.83% 0.63% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 8.31% 4 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 2.38% 5 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 10.97% 0.88% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 5.93% 6 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 7 Other financial corporations 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 2.20% 8 of which investment firms 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 9 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 10 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 11 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 12 of which management companies 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.01% 13 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.01% 14 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 15 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 16 of which insurance undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.09% 17 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.01% 18 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.08% 19 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 20 Non-financial undertakings 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 56.02% 29.07% 0.00% 0.03% 0.00% 0.96% 21 Loans and advances 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 58.25% 30.72% 0.00% 0.03% 0.00% 0.91% 22 Debt securities. including UoP 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 16.76% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.05% 23 Equity instruments 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 24 Households 90.59% 2.38% 2.38% 0.00% 0.00% 7.57% 25 of which loans collateralised by residential immovable property 100.00% 2.53% 2.53% 0.00% 0.00% 6.85% 26 of which building renovation loans 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 27 of which motor vehicle loans 0.89% 0.89% 0.89% 0.00% 0.00% 0.72% 28 Local governments financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.52% 29 Housing financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 30 Other local government financing 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.52% 31 Collateral obtained by taking possession: residential and commercial immovable properties 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.01% 32 Total GAR assets 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 13.24% 0.84% 0.30% 0.00% 0.00% 60.79% ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 348 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report % (compared to total eligible off-balance sheet assets) Climate Change Mitigation (CCM) Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) Sustainable Use and Protection of Water and Marine Resources (SST) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling 1 Financial guarantees (FinGuar KPI) 5.369% 0.056% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 13.153% 13.153% 0.000% 0.010% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 2 Assets under management (AuM KPI) 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% Of which debt securities 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% Of which equity instruments 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% Table 107: 5.KPI off-balance sheet exposures (CAPEX)\_1/3 % (compared to total eligible off-balance sheet assets) TOTAL Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which environmentally s ustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling 1 Financial guarantees (FinGuar KPI) 18.582% 13.210% 0.000% 0.000% 0.010% 2 Assets under management (AuM KPI) 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% Of which debt securities 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% Of which equity instruments 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% % (compared to total eligible off-balance sheet assets) Transition to a Circular Economy (CE) Pollution Prevention and Control (PC) Protection and Restoration of Biodiversity and Ecosystems (Ecos) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which towards taxonomy relevant sectors (Taxonomy-eligible) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which environmentally sustainable (Taxonomy-aligned) Of which Use of Proceeds Of which transitional Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling Of which Use of Proceeds Of which enabling 1 Financial guarantees (FinGuar KPI) 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.059% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 2 Assets under management (AuM KPI) 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% Of which debt securities 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% Of which equity instruments 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% Table 108: 5.KPI off-balance sheet exposures (CAPEX) \_2/3 Table 109: 5.KPI off-balance sheet exposures (CAPEX) \_3/3 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 349 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Nuclear and fossil gas reporting In accordance with Article 8(6), (7) and (8) of the amended Disclosures Delegated Act NLB prepared the exposure to nuclear energy and fossil gas energy sectors i. The latter act outlines technical screening criteria and conditions under which activities in energy sector are qualified as sustainable under the EU Taxonomy. To calculate KPI’s, data available for this year's disclosure from NFRD undertakings has been used. Limited data availability for this year resulted from providing complete and accurate representation of exposures to these activities. With ongoing advancements in regulatory reporting practices and continual efforts to improve data collection, we anticipate a progressive enhancement in the quality of available data. This improvement trajectory will facilitate more precise and thorough analyses of exposures related to nuclear energy and fossil gas activities. Nuclear energy related activities 1. The undertaking carries out, funds or has exposures to research, development, demonstration and deployment of innovative electricity generation facilities that produce energy from nuclear processes with minimal waste from the fuel cycle. NO 2. The undertaking carries out, funds or has exposures to construction and safe operation of new nuclear installations to produce electricity or process heat, including for the purposes of district heating or industrial processes such as hydrogen production, as well as their safety upgrades, using best available technologies. NO 3. The undertaking carries out, funds or has exposures to safe operation of existing nuclear installations that produce electricity or process heat, including for the purposes of district heating or industrial processes such as hydrogen production from nuclear energy, as well as their safety upgrades. NO Fossil gas related activities 4. The undertaking carries out, funds or has exposures to construction or operation of electricity generation facilities that produce electricity using fossil gaseous fuels. NO 5. The undertaking carries out, funds or has exposures to construction, refurbishment, and operation of combined heat/ cool and power generation facilities using fossil gaseous fuels. NO 6. The undertaking carries out, funds or has exposures to construction, refurbishment and operation of heat generation facilities that produce heat/cool using fossil gaseous fuels. NO Table 110: Template 1 Nuclear and fossil gas related activities, turnover- and CapEx-based ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 350 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 111: Template 2 Taxonomy-aligned economic activities (denominator) TURNOVER Amount and proportion (the information is to be presented in monetary amounts and as percentages) (in 000 EUR) TOTAL Climate change mitigation (CCM) Climate change adaptation (CCA) Economic activities Amount % Amount % Amount % 1. Amount and proportion of taxonomyaligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.26 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.00% 2. Amount and proportion of taxonomyaligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.27 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.00% 3. Amount and proportion of taxonomyaligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.28 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.00% 4. Amount and proportion of taxonomyaligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.29 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.00% 5. Amount and proportion of taxonomyaligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.30 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.00% 6. Amount and proportion of taxonomyaligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.31 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.00% 7. Amount and proportion of other taxonomy-aligned economic activities not referred to in rows 1 to 6 above in the denominator of the applicable KPI 258,974 100.00% 252,932 100.00% 5,967 100.00% 8. Total applicable KP 258,974 100.00% 252,932 100.00% 5,967 100.00% CAPEX Amount and proportion (the information is to be presented in monetary amounts and as percentages) (in 000 EUR) TOTAL Climate change mitigation (CCM) Climate change adaptation (CCA) Economic activities Amount % Amount % Amount % 1. Amount and proportion of taxonomyaligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.26 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.00% 2. Amount and proportion of taxonomyaligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.27 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.00% 3. Amount and proportion of taxonomyaligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.28 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.00% 4. Amount and proportion of taxonomyaligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.29 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.00% 5. Amount and proportion of taxonomyaligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.30 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.00% 6. Amount and proportion of taxonomyaligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.31 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.00% 7. Amount and proportion of other taxonomy-aligned economic activities not referred to in rows 1 to 6 above in the denominator of the applicable KPI 240,572 100.00% 218,652 100.00% 21,015 100.00% 8. Total applicable KP 240,572 100.00% 218,652 100.00% 21,015 100.00% ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 351 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report TURNOVER Amount and proportion (the information is to be presented in monetary amounts and as percentages) (in 000 EUR) TOTAL Climate change mitigation (CCM) Climate change adaptation (CCA) Economic activities Amount % Amount % Amount % 1. Amount and proportion of taxonomyaligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.26 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the nominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00 0.00% 0 0.00% 2. Amount and proportion of taxonomyaligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.27 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the nominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00 0.00% 0 0.00% 3. Amount and proportion of taxonomyaligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.28 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the nominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00 0.00% 0 0.00% 4. Amount and proportion of taxonomyaligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.29 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the nominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00 0.00% 0 0.00% 5. Amount and proportion of taxonomyaligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.30 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the nominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00 0.00% 0 0.00% 6. Amount and proportion of taxonomyaligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.31 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the nominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00 0.00% 0 0.00% 7. Amount and proportion of other taxonomy-aligned economic activities not referred to in rows 1 to 6 above in the nominator of the applicable KPI 258,974 100.00% 252,932 100.00% 5,967 100.00% 8. Total amount and proportion of taxonomy-aligned economic activities in the numerator of the applicable KPI 258,974 100.00% 252,932 100.00% 5,967 100.00% Table 112: Template 3 Taxonomy-aligned economic activities (numerator) CAPEX Amount and proportion (the information is to be presented in monetary amounts and as percentages) (in 000 EUR) TOTAL Climate change mitigation (CCM) Climate change adaptation (CCA) Economic activities Amount % Amount % Amount % 1. Amount and proportion of taxonomyaligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.26 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the nominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00 0.00% 0 0.00% 2. Amount and proportion of taxonomyaligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.27 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the nominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00 0.00% 0 0.00% 3. Amount and proportion of taxonomyaligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.28 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the nominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00 0.00% 0 0.00% 4. Amount and proportion of taxonomyaligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.29 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the nominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00 0.00% 0 0.00% 5. Amount and proportion of taxonomyaligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.30 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the nominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00 0.00% 0 0.00% 6. Amount and proportion of taxonomyaligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.31 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the nominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00 0.00% 0 0.00% 7. Amount and proportion of other taxonomy-aligned economic activities not referred to in rows 1 to 6 above in the nominator of the applicable KPI 240,572 100.00% 218,652 100.00% 21,015 100.00% 8. Total amount and proportion of taxonomy-aligned economic activities in the numerator of the applicable KPI 240,572 100.00% 218,652 100.00% 21,015 100.00% ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 352 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report TURNOVER Amount and proportion (the information is to be presented in monetary amounts and as percentages) (in 000 EUR) TOTAL Climate change mitigation (CCM) Climate change adaptation (CCA) Economic activities Amount % Amount % Amount % 1. Amount and proportion of taxonomyaxonomyeligible but not taxonomy-aligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.26 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00 0.00% 0 0.00% 2. Amount and proportion of taxonomyeligible but not taxonomy-aligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.27 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00 0.00% 0 0.00% 3. Amount and proportion of taxonomyeligible but not taxonomy-aligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.28 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00 0.00% 0 0.00% 4. Amount and proportion of taxonomyeligible but not taxonomy-aligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.29 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00 0.00% 0 0.00% 5. Amount and proportion of taxonomyeligible but not taxonomy-aligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.30 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00 0.00% 0 0.00% 6. Amount and proportion of taxonomyeligible but not taxonomy-aligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.31 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00 0.00% 0 0.00% 7. Amount and proportion of other taxonomy eligible but not taxonomy-aligned economic activities not referred to in rows 1 to 6 above in the denominator of the applicable KPI 3,910,860 100.00% 3,910,622 100.00% 0 100.00% 8. Total amount and proportion of taxonomy eligible but not taxonomyaligned economic activities in the denominator of the applicable KPI 3,910,860 100.00% 3,910,622 100.00% 0 100.00% CAPEX Amount and proportion (the information is to be presented in monetary amounts and as percentages) (in 000 EUR) TOTAL Climate change mitigation (CCM) Climate change adaptation (CCA) Economic activities Amount % Amount % Amount % 1. Amount and proportion of taxonomyaxonomyeligible but not taxonomy-aligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.26 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00 0.00% 0 0.00% 2. Amount and proportion of taxonomyeligible but not taxonomy-aligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.27 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00 0.00% 0 0.00% 3. Amount and proportion of taxonomyeligible but not taxonomy-aligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.28 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00 0.00% 0 0.00% 4. Amount and proportion of taxonomyeligible but not taxonomy-aligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.29 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00 0.00% 0 0.00% 5. Amount and proportion of taxonomyeligible but not taxonomy-aligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.30 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00 0.00% 0 0.00% 6. Amount and proportion of taxonomyeligible but not taxonomy-aligned economic activity referred to in Section 4.31 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0.00 0.00% 0 0.00% 7. Amount and proportion of other taxonomy eligible but not taxonomy-aligned economic activities not referred to in rows 1 to 6 above in the denominator of the applicable KPI 3,884,492 100.00% 3,884,447 100.00% 0 100.00% 8. Total amount and proportion of taxonomy eligible but not taxonomyaligned economic activities in the denominator of the applicable KPI 3,884,492 100.00% 3,884,447 100.00% 0 100.00% Table 113: Template 4 Taxonomy-eligible but not taxonomy-aligned economic activities ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 353 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report TURNOVER CAPEX Economic activities Amount % Amount % 1. "Amount and proportion of economic activity referred to in row 1 of Template 1 that is taxonomy-non-eligible in accordance with Section 4.26 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI" 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 2. "Amount and proportion of economic activity referred to in row 2 of Template 1 that is taxonomy-non-eligible in accordance with Section 4.27 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI" 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 3. Amount and proportion of economic activity referred to in row 3 of Template 1 that is taxonomy-non-eligible in accordance with Section 4.28 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 4. Amount and proportion of economic activity referred to in row 4 of Template 1 that is taxonomy-non-eligible in accordance with Section 4.29 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 5. Amount and proportion of economic activity referred to in row 5 of Template 1 that is taxonomy-non-eligible in accordance with Section 4.30 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 6. Amount and proportion of economic activity referred to in row 6 of Template 1 that is taxonomy-non-eligible in accordance with Section 4.31 of Annexes I and II to Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 in the denominator of the applicable KPI 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 7. Amount and proportion of other taxonomy-non-eligible economic activities not referred to in rows 1 to 6 above in the denominator of the applicable KPI 15,099,020 100.00% 15,143,790 100.00% 8. Total amount and proportion of taxonomy-non-eligible economic activities in the denominator of the applicable KPI’ 15,099,020 100.00% 15,143,790 100.00% Table 114: Template 5 Taxonomy non-eligible economic activities ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 354 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Appendix 2: Methodological outline for operational GHG emissions calculation Table 115: Methodological outline for operational GHG emission calculation Scope Reported metrics Definition Measure-ment units Reporting units Methodology and emission factors Scope 1 - 1.1.1 Fuel Combustion [pellets, biomass] Carbon emissions related to consumption of natural gas m 3 , kWh-GCV, MWh-GCV, conversion factor from GCV to NCV is 0.9, conversion factor from m 3 to kWh is 9.47 kWh/m 3 t CO 2 eq Consumption data is obtained in the following accuracy and priority manner: 1. Consumption data as provided by invoicing from the relevant utility company. 2. In cases, where the NLB Group member does not utilize the whole floor, consumption data were provided either i) by the building manager based on a meter reading or ii) the renting provider based on a meter reading and proportional sharing principle. 3. In cases where data were not available or costs were fixed per m 2 , a location benchmark is created [m 3 /m 2 ] by dividing the location's consumption [m 3 ] in the same period but a different year by the occupied floor area [m 2 ]. Each entity's calculation spreadsheet includes information on how energy consumption data has been attributed for each branch. Emission factors for this category are presented below (Scope 1). Scope 1 - 1.2 Fuel Combustion [heating oil] Carbon emissions related to consumption of heating oil l, km t CO 2 eq Consumption data is provided by invoicing from the relevant heating oil Provider. Each entity's calculation spreadsheet includes information on how energy consumption data has been attributed for each branch. Emission factors for this category are presented below (Scope 1). Scope 1 - 1.3 Fuel Combustion [liquid petroleum gas] Carbon emissions related to consumption of liquid petroleum gas Sm 3 t CO 2 eq Consumption data is obtained by invoicing from the relevant utility companyIf another unit used, the calculation is made in m 3 (=Sm 3 ). Each entity's calculation spreadsheet includes information on how energy consumption data has been attributed for each branch. Emission factors for this category are presented below (Scope 1). Scope 1 - 1.1.4 Fuel Combustion [pellets, biomass] Zero-emission source kg t CO 2 eq Consumption data is provided by invoicing from the relevant pellet provider. Emission factors for this category are presented below (Scope 1). Scope 1 - 1.2 Vehicle Fleet (Mobile combustion) [gasoline, diesel] Carbon emissions related to NLB Group's own fleet travel l, km t CO 2 eq Data is obtained in the following accuracy and priority manner: 1. Information on the distance [km] as provided by the fleet managers. 2. Consumption data [l] as provided by the invoices from the fuel companies per relevant vehicles (reg. plate). 3. Consumption data [l/km] as provided by the fleet managers. Emission factors for this category are presented below (Scope 1) . Scope 1 - 1.3 Refrigerants GHG emissions related to consumption of gases intended for cooling purposes kg t CO 2 eq Consumption data is obtained in the following accuracy and priority manner: 1. Consumption data as provided from invoices for maintenance of added refrigerant. 2. Refrigerant quantity data from HVAC system, 10% of yearly leakage. Emissions factors based on IPCC, Assessment report AR5. Emissions factors for this category are presented below (Scope 1) . Scope 2- 2.1 Electricity (market-based) Carbon emissions related to purchased electricity consumed by NLB Group kWh t CO 2 eq Consumption data is obtained in the following accuracy and priority manner: 1. Consumption data as provided by invoicing from the relevant utility company. 2. In cases, where NLB Group member does not utilize the whole floor, consumption data were provided either i) by the building manager based on a meter reading or ii) the renting provider based on a meter reading and proportional sharing principle. 3. In cases where data were not available or costs were fixed per m2, a location benchmark is created [kWh/m 2 ] by dividing the location's consumption [kWh] in the same period but a different year by the occupied floor area [m 2 ]. Energy mix data with regard to electric energy production sources is obtained in the following accuracy and priority manner: 1. Data as provided by the electricity suppliers. 2. Where electricity suppliers have not provided this data, national electricity energy mix data is used. In the case of electric vehicles, an location-based emissions factor is used as there is no data on electricity source for EV charging. Emissions factors for market-based emissions are used based on Guarantees of Origin or RES and nuclear electricity, otherwise residual mix obtained from national or international databases (Slovene Energy Agency, AIB for other countries and Electricity Map for Kosovo and North Macedonia). 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Emissions factors for this category are presented below (Scope 2). Scope 2- 2.2 District heating (location-based) Carbon emissions related to consumption of heat from district heating km t CO 2 eq Consumption data is obtained in the following accuracy and priority manner: 1. Consumption data as provided by invoicing from the relevant utility company. 2. In cases, where NLB Group member does not utilize the whole floor, consumption data were provided either i) by the building manager based on a meter reading or ii) the renting provider based on a meter reading and proportional sharing principle. 3. In cases where data were not available or costs were fixed per m 2 , a location benchmark is created [kWh/m 2 ] by dividing the location's consumption [kWh] in the same period but a different year by the occupied floor area [m 2 ]. Each entity's calculation spreadsheet includes information on how energy consumption data has been attributed for each branch. Market based emission factors are used from DH producers, where data are known, otherwise location based emission factor is used. For location-based emission factor for Slovenia is used for all countries, due to regional similarities,as acknowledged by GHG Protocol (in absence of market- based emissions factors, location-based factors can be used for market-based calculations). Emissions factors for this category are presented below (Scope 2). Scope 3 – Cat. 1 Purchase of goods and services Carbon emissions related to production/supply of paper and water km, type of transport t CO 2 eq Water consumption data was used either from invoices or estimated. No estimation method is prescribed by the methodology. Paper data are supplied by each entity using data on paper monitoring in the Paperless Office project. For all countries, data from the UK Government, Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (former DEFRA), https://assets.publishing. service.gov.uk/media/6722567487df31a87d8c497e/ghg-conversion-factors-2024-full\_set\_\_for\_advanced\_users\_\_v1\_1.xlsx. Emissions factors for this category are presented below (Scope 3). Scope 3 – Cat. 5 Waste in operations Carbon emissions related to waste generated in offices t CO 2 eq For all countries data from UK UK Government, Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (former DEFRA), https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6722567487df31a87d8c497e/ ghg-conversion-factors-2024-full\_set\_\_for\_advanced\_users\_\_v1\_1.xlsx. Emission factors for this category are presented below (Scope 3). Scope 3 – Cat. 6 Business travel Carbon emissions caused by business travel t CO 2 eq Data from the company’s IT database on business travel in km and type of transport. In the case of public transport, for all countries data from the UK Government, Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (former DEFRA), https://assets.publishing. service.gov.uk/media/6722567487df31a87d8c497e/ghg-conversion-factors-2024-full\_set\_\_for\_advanced\_users\_\_v1\_1.xlsx. In the case of airplane emissions, data from airline tickets is used or the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) calculator is used: https://www.icao.int/ENVIRONMENTAL-PROTECTION/CarbonOffset/Pages/default.aspx. If data on the business trip is not in a format appropriate for calculation with the ICAO method, data from the UK Government, Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (former DEFRA) is used.https://assets.publishing.service.gov. uk/media/6722567487df31a87d8c497e/ghg-conversion-factors-2024-full\_set\_\_for\_advanced\_users\_\_v1\_1.xlsx. Emission factors for this category are presented below (scope 3). Scope 3 – Cat. 7 Employees commuting to and from work Carbon emissions caused by employees’ commute to and from work Anonymized data is obtained from internal HR databases. Selected based on data estimation of driving type. The emissions factors source for Slovenia is the Jozef Stefan Institute, Energy Efficiency Centre; for other countries data from the UK Government, Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (former DEFRA), https://assets.publishing.service. gov.uk/media/6722567487df31a87d8c497e/ghg-conversion-factors-2024-full\_set\_\_for\_advanced\_users\_\_v1\_1.xlsx. Emission factors for this category are presented below (scope 3). Scope Reported metrics Definition Measure-ment units Reporting units Methodology and emission factors ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 356 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Table 116: GHG Emission Factors Scope 1 Emission source Country EF Source 2024 Unit Energy source Heating oil All countries IJS-CEU based on National inventory report, ARSO, Conversion to GHG with GWP AR5 0.268 kgCO 2 eq/kWh LPG All countries IJS-CEU based on National inventory report, ARSO, Conversion to GHG with GWP AR5 0.228 kgCO 2 eq/kWh Natural gas All countries IJS-CEU based on National inventory report, ARSO, Conversion to GHG with GWP AR5 0.204 kgCO 2 eq/kWh Gasoline All countries IJS-CEU based on National inventory report, ARSO, Conversion to GHG with GWP AR5 0.251 kgCO 2 eq/kWh Diesel All countries IJS-CEU based on National inventory report, ARSO, Conversion to GHG with GWP AR5 0.269 kgCO 2 eq/kWh Biomass All countries IJS-CEU based on National inventory report, ARSO, Conversion to GHG with GWP AR5 0.034 kgCO 2 eq/kWh Refrigerant R410A All countries UK Defra 1,924 kgCO 2 eq/kg (AR5) R417A All countries UK Defra 2,127 kgCO 2 eq/kg (AR5) R422D All countries UK Defra 2,473 kgCO 2 eq/kg (AR5) R134A All countries UK Defra 1,300 kgCO 2 eq/kg (AR5) R1234f All countries UK Defra 1 kgCO 2 eq/kg (AR5) R407C All countries UK Defra 1,624 kgCO 2 eq/kg (AR5) R22 All countries UK Defra 1,760 kgCO 2 eq/kg (AR5) R32 All countries UK Defra 677 kgCO 2 eq/kg (AR5) R422A All countries UK Defra 2,847 kgCO 2 eq/kg (AR5) Scope 2 Emission source Country EF Source 2024 Unit Market based Electricity Slovenia Agencija RS 0.459 kgCO 2 /kWh Electricity Slovenia TR3 Agencija RS 0.000 kgCO 2 /kWh Electricity BIH Banja Luka AIB, Residual mix 0.720 kgCO 2 /kWh Electricity BIH Sarajevo AIB, Residual mix 0.720 kgCO 2 /kWh Electricity Črna Gora Podgorica AIB, Residual mix 0.748 kgCO 2 /kWh Electricity Srbija Beograd AIB, Residual mix 0.967 kgCO 2 /kWh Electricity Srbija Beograd KB AIB, Residual mix 0.967 kgCO 2 /kWh Electricity Makedonija Skopje Electricity Map, Production mix 0.543 kgCO 2 eq/kWh Electricity Kosovo Prishtina Electricity Map, Production mix 0.820 kgCO 2 eq/kWh Electricity Croatia AIB, Residual mix 0.550 kgCO 2 /kWh Electricity Slovenia - Petrol d.d. Petrol 0.390 kgCO 2 /kWh Electricity Slovenia - Energija Plus Energija Plus 0.405 kgCO 2 /kWh Electricity Slovenia - E3 E3 0.433 kgCO 2 /kWh Electricity Slovenia - Elektro Energija Elektro Energija 0.000 kgCO 2 /kWh Electricity Makedonija Skopje 2024 IJS-CEUI considering contract mix 0.158 kgCO 2 eq/kWh Market-based District heating Slovenia - Energetika LJ Energetika LJ 0.47 kgCO 2 /kWh District heating Slovenia - KP Velenje KP Velenje 0.28 kgCO 2 /kWh Location-based Electricity Slovenia IJS-CEU 0.234 kgCO 2 eq/kWh Electricity BIH AIB, Production mix 0.701 kgCO 2 /kWh ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 357 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Electricity Montenegro AIB, Production mix 0.467 kgCO 2 /kWh Electricity Serbia AIB, Production mix 0.767 kgCO 2 /kWh Electricity North Macedonia Electricity Map, Production mix 0.543 kgCO 2 eq/kWh Electricity Kosovo Electricity Map, Production mix 0.820 kgCO 2 eq/kWh Electricity Croatia AIB, Production mix 0.177 kgCO 2 /kWh Location-Based District heating Slovenia IJS-CEU 0.269 kgCO 2 eq/kWh District heating BIH-BA IJS-CEU 0.269 kgCO 2 eq/kWh District heating Biomasa IJS-CEU based on ARSO data 0.034 kgCO 2 eq/kWh District heating Other Countries IJS-CEU 0.269 kgCO 2 eq/kWh District heating Slovenia NLB Lease&go IJS-CEU based on ARSO data 0.204 kgCO 2 eq/kWh District heating Biomass See Scope 1 above 0.034 kgCO 2 eq/kWh District heating Natural gas See Scope 1 above 0.204 kgCO 2 eq/kWh District heating Heating oil See Scope 1 above 0.268 kgCO 2 eq/kWh Vehicles Electricity\_EV Slovenia Location-based EF 0.234 kgCO 2 eq/kWh Electricity\_EV BIH Location-based EF 0.701 kgCO 2 /kWh Electricity\_EV Montenegro Location-based EF 0.467 kgCO 2 /kWh Electricity\_EV Serbia Location-based EF 0.767 kgCO 2 /kWh Electricity\_EV North Macedonia Location-based EF 0.543 kgCO 2 eq/kWh Electricity\_EV Kosovo Location-based EF 0.820 kgCO 2 eq/kWh Electricity\_EV Croatia Location-based EF 0.177 kgCO 2 /kWh Emissions source Country EF Source 2024 Unit Scope 3 Emission source Country EF Source 2024 Unit 3.1 Purchased goods Water All countries UK Defra (Water supply) 0.153 kgCO 2 eq/m 3 Paper All countries UK Defra (Material use; Paper) 1.339 kgCO 2 eq/kg 3.3 WTT WTT-Heating oil All countries UK Defra, WTT fuels, Gas oil, Net NCV 0.063 [kgCO 2 eq/kWh] WTT-LPG All countries UK Defra, WTT fuels, NET NCV 0.027 [kgCO 2 eq/kWh] WTT-Natural gas All countries UK Defra, WTT fuels, NET NCV 0.033 [kgCO 2 eq/kWh] WTT-Gasoline All countries UK Defra, WTT fuels, Average biofuel blend, NET NCV 0.065 [kgCO 2 eq/kWh] WTT-Diesel All countries UK Defra, WTT fuels, Average biofuel blend, NET NCV 0.062 [kgCO 2 eq/kWh] WTT-Other heating All countries UK Defra, WTT bioenergy, Wood pellets 0.037 [kgCO 2 eq/kWh] 3.5 Waste Waste All countries UK Defra (Plastics: average plastics) 0.009 kgCO 2 eq/kg 3.6 Work commute and 3.7 Business travel public transport Slovenia IJS 0.079 [kgCO 2 eq/pkm] on foot Slovenia 0 [kgCO 2 eq/pkm] personal car Slovenia IJS 0.138 [kgCO 2 eq/pkm] Scope 2 Emission source Country EF Source 2024 Unit ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 358 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report company car Included in scope 1 [kgCO 2 eq/pkm] electric car Slovenia UK Defra 0.0442 [kgCO 2 eq/pkm] bicycle Slovenia IJS 0 [kgCO 2 eq/pkm] electric scooter Slovenia IJS 0.03 [kgCO 2 eq/pkm] motorcycle / moped Slovenia UK Defra 0.1009 [kgCO 2 eq/pkm] bus Slovenia IJS 0.079 [kgCO 2 eq/pkm] train Slovenia IJS 0.048 [kgCO 2 eq/pkm] electric bike Slovenia UK Defra 0.014 [kgCO 2 eq/pkm] taxi Slovenia IJS 0.089 [kgCO 2 eq/pkm] airplane Slovenia UK Defra, International, average passenger, Without RF 0.1029 [kgCO 2 eq/pkm] 3.6 Work commute and 3.7 Business travel public transport Other countries UK Defra 0.10846 [kgCO 2 eq/pkm] on foot Other countries 0 [kgCO 2 eq/pkm] personal car Other countries UK Defra 0.16691 [kgCO 2 eq/pkm] company car Included in scope 1 [kgCO 2 eq/pkm] electric car Other countries UK Defra 0.0442 [kgCO 2 eq/pkm] bicycle Other countries UK Defra 0 [kgCO 2 eq/pkm] electric scooter Other countries UK Defra 0.03 [kgCO 2 eq/pkm] motorcycle / moped Other countries UK Defra 0.1009 [kgCO 2 eq/pkm] bus Other countries UK Defra 0.10846 [kgCO 2 eq/pkm] train Other countries UK Defra 0.03546 [kgCO 2 eq/pkm] electric bike Other countries UK Defra 0.014 [kgCO 2 eq/pkm] taxi Other countries UK Defra 0.14861 [kgCO 2 eq/pkm] airplane Other countries UK Defra, International, average passenger, Without RF 0.1029 [kgCO 2 eq/pkm] Scope 3 Emission source Country EF Source 2024 Unit 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M1OSIvPgo8L3N2Zz4=) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 359 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Appendix 3: IRO-2 Disclosure requirements in ESRS covered in the Sustainability Statement List of material disclosure requirements Page number (TBD) ESRS 2 General Disclosures 178 BP-1 General basis for preparation of the Sustainability Statement 178 BP-2 Disclosures in relation to specific circumstances 179 GOV-1 The role of administrative, supervisory and management bodies 181 GOV-2 Information provided to and sustainability matters addressed by the administrative, supervisory and management bodies 190 GOV-3 Integration of sustainability-related performance in incentive schemes 190 GOV-4 Statement on due diligence 196 GOV-5 Risk management and internal controls over sustainability reporting 196 SBM-1 Strategy, business model and value chain 197 SBM-2 Interests and views of stakeholders 203 SBM-3 Material IROs and their interaction with strategy and business model 204 IRO-1 Description of the processes to identify and assess material IROs 207 E1 Climate change 210 GOV-3 Integration of sustainability-related performance in incentive schemes 190 E1-1 Transition plan for climate change mitigation 210 SBM-3 Material climate-related IROs and their interaction with strategy and business model 217 IRO-1 Identification and assessment of material climate-related IROs 218 IRO- 1 Identification and assessment of climate-related physical and transitional risks 222 E1-2 Policies related to climate change mitigation and adaptation 227 E1-3 Actions and resources related to climate change mitigation and adaptation 230 E1-4 Targets related to climate change mitigation and adaptation 236 E1-5 Energy consumption and mix 240 E1-6 Gross Scopes 1, 2, 3 and total GHG emissions 241 S1 Own workforce 254 SBM-2 Interests and views of stakeholders 203 SBM-3 material IROs and their interaction with strategy and business model 254 S1-1 Policies 260, 261, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269 S1-2 Processes for engaging with employees and workers’ representatives about IROs 270 S1-3 Processes to remediate negative impacts and channels to raise concerns 271 S1-4 Key activities 261, 263 , 264 , 265 , 266 , 267 , 268 S1-5 Metrics 267 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I4LjciIGNsYXNzPSJnNF8zNjAiLz4KPC9zdmc+) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 360 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report List of material disclosure requirements Page number (TBD) S1 Own workforce (contonued) S1-6 Employees Characteristic Metrics 257 S1-8 Enabling social dialogue and collective bargaining 266 S1-9 Diversity metrics 268 S1-10 Adequate wages 264 S1-13 Performance review metrics 263 S1-14 Health and safety metrics 265 S1-16 Pay gap and total remuneration metrics 268 S1-17 Incidents, complaints and severe human rights impacts 261 S3 Affected communities 272 SBM-2 Interests and views of stakeholders 203 SBM-3 Material impacts, risks and opportunities and their interaction with strategy and business model 272 S3-1 Policies related to affected communities about impacts 273 S3-2 Processes for engaging with affected communities about impacts 275 S3-3 Processes to remediate negative impacts and channels for affected communities to raise concerns 275 S3-4 Key actions and targets 275 S3-5 Key actions and targets 275 S4 Consumers and end-users 280 SBM-2 Interests and views of stakeholders 203 SBM-3 Material impacts, risks and opportunities and their interaction with strategy and business model 280 S4-1 Policies 282 , 283 , 284 , 285 , 286 , 288 S4-2 Processes for engaging with clients and end-users about impacts 288 S4-3 Processes to remediate negative impacts - complaint management 287 S4-4 Key activities and progress 282 , 283 , 284 , 286 , 287 , 288 S4-5 Targets and metrics 283 , 285 , 287 , 288 G1 Business conduct 290 GOV-1 Role of administrative, supervisory and management bodies related to business conduct 290 IRO-1 Description of processes to identify and assess material impacts, risks and opportunities 290 G1-1 Corporate culture, ethical governance and integrity, and regulatory compliance 293 G1-3 Prevention of corruption and bribery 295 G1-4 Incidents of corruption or bribery 296 G1-5 Political influence and lobbying activities 302 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 361 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Appendix 4: List of datapoints that derive from other EU legislation (ESRS 2 appendix B) List of datapoints in cross-cutting and topical standards that derive from other EU legislation Disclosure Requirement adn related datapoint SFDR reference Pillar 3 reference Benchmark Regulation reference EU Climate Law reference Material / Not material Page number (TBD) ESRS 2 GOV-1 Board's gender diversity paragraph 21 (d) Indicator number 13 of Table #1 of Annex 1 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1816(5), Annex II Material 182 ESRS 2 GOV-1 Percentage of board members who are independent paragraph 21 (e) Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1816, Annex II Material 181 ESRS 2 GOV-4 Statement on due diligence paragraph 30 Indicator number 10 Table #3 of Annex 1 Material 196 ESRS 2 SBM-1 Involvement in activities related to fossil fuel activities paragraph 40 (d) i Indicators number 4 Table #1 of Annex 1 Article 449a Regulation (EU) No 575/2013; Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2453(6) Table 1: Qualitative information on Environmental risk and Table 2: Qualitative information on Social risk Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1816, Annex II Material 227, 249, 250 ESRS 2 SBM-1 Involvement in activities related to chemical production paragraph 40 (d) ii Indicator number 9 Table #2 of Annex 1 Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1816, Annex II Material 227, 249, 250 ESRS 2 SBM-1 Involvement in activities related to controversial weapons paragraph 40 (d) iii Indicator number 14 Table #1 of Annex 1 Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1818(7), Article 12(1) Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1816, Annex II Material 227, 249, 250 ESRS 2 SBM-1 Involvement in activities related to cultivation and production of tobacco paragraph 40 (d) iv Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1818, Article 12(1) Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1816, Annex II Material 227, 249, 250 ESRS E1-1 Transition plan to reach climate neutrality by 2050 paragraph 14 Regulation (EU) 2021/1119, Article 2(1) Material 210 ESRS E1-1 Undertakings excluded from Paris- aligned Benchmarks paragraph 16 (g) Article 449a Regulation (EU) No 575/2013; Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2453 Template 1: Banking book-Climate Change transition risk: Credit quality of exposures by sector, emissions and residual maturity Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1818, Article12.1 (d) to (g), and Article 12.2 Material 210 ESRS E1-4 GHG emission reduction targets paragraph 34 Indicator number 4 Table #2 of Annex 1 Article 449a Regulation (EU) No 575/2013; Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2453 Template 3: Banking book – Climate change transition risk: alignment metrics Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1818, Article 6 Material 236 ESRS E1-5 Energy consumption from fossil sources disaggregated by sources (only high climate impact sectors) paragraph 38 Indicator number 5 Table #1 and Indicator n. 5 Table #2 of Annex 1 Not Material - 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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 362 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report ESRS E1-5 Energy consumption and mix paragraph 37 Indicator number 5 Table #1 of Annex 1 Material 240 ESRS E1-5 Energy intensity associated with activities in high climate impact sectors paragraphs 40 to 43 Indicator number 6 Table #1 of Annex 1 Not Material - ESRS E1-6 Gross Scope 1, 2, 3 and Total GHG emissions paragraph 44 Indicators number 1 and 2 Table #1 of Annex 1 Article 449a; Regulation (EU) No 575/2013; Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2453 Template 1: Banking book – Climate change transition risk: Credit quality of exposures by sector, emissions and residual maturity Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1818, Article 5(1), 6 and 8(1) Material 241 ESRS E1-6 Gross GHG emissions intensity paragraphs 53 to 55 Indicators number 3 Table #1 of Annex 1 Article 449a Regulation (EU) No 575/2013; Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2453 Template 3: Banking book – Climate change transition risk: alignment metrics Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1818, Article 8(1) Material 242 ESRS E1-7 GHG removals and carbon credits paragraph 56 Regulation (EU) 2021/1119, Article 2(1) Not Material - ESRS E1-9 Exposure of the benchmark portfolio to climate-related physical risks paragraph 66 Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1818, Annex II Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1816, Annex II Material, subject to phase in - ESRS E1-9 Disaggregation of monetary amounts by acute and chronic physical risk paragraph 66 (a) ESRS E1-9 Location of significant assets at material physical risk paragraph 66 (c). Article 449a Regulation (EU) No 575/2013; Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2453 paragraphs 46 and 47; Template 5: Banking book - Climate change physical risk: Exposures subject to physical risk. Material, subject to phase in - ESRS E1-9 Breakdown of the carrying value of its real estate assets by energy- efficiency classes paragraph 67 (c). Article 449a Regulation (EU) No 575/2013; Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2453 paragraph 34; Template 2:Banking book -Climate change transition risk: Loans collateralised by immovable property - Energy efficiency of the collateral Material, subject to phase in - ESRS E1-9 Degree of exposure of the portfolio to climate- related opportunities paragraph 69 Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1818, Annex II Material, subject to phase in - ESRS E2-4 Amount of each pollutant listed in Annex II of the E-PRTR Regulation (European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register) emitted to air, water and soil, paragraph 28 Indicator number 8 Table #1 of Annex 1 Indicator number 2 Table #2 of Annex 1 Indicator number 1 Table #2 of Annex 1 Indicator number 3 Table #2 of Annex 1 Not Material - ESRS E3-1 Water and marine resources paragraph 9 Indicator number 7 Table #2 of Annex 1 Not Material - ESRS E3-1 Dedicated policy paragraph 13 Indicator number 8 Table 2 of Annex 1 Not Material - ESRS E3-1 Sustainable oceans and seas paragraph 14 Indicator number 12 Table #2 of Annex 1 Not Material - ESRS E3-4 Total water recycled and reused paragraph 28 (c) Indicator number 6.2 Table #2 of Annex 1 Not Material - ESRS E3-4 Total water consumption in m3 per net revenue on own operations paragraph 29 Indicator number 6.1 Table #2 of Annex 1 Not Material - ESRS 2- IRO 1 - E4 paragraph 16 (a) i Indicator number 7 Table #1 of Annex 1 Not Material - ESRS 2- IRO 1 - E4 paragraph 16 (b) Indicator number 10 Table #2 of Annex 1 Not Material - ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 363 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report ESRS 2- IRO 1 - E4 paragraph 16 (c) Indicator number 14 Table #2 of Annex 1 Not Material - ESRS E4-2 Sustainable land / agriculture practices or policies paragraph 24 (b) Indicator number 11 Table #2 of Annex 1 Not Material - ESRS E4-2 Sustainable oceans / seas practices or policies paragraph 24 © Indicator number 12 Table #2 of Annex 1 Not Material - ESRS E4-2 Policies to address deforestation paragraph 24 (d) Indicator number 15 Table #2 of Annex 1 Not Material - ESRS E5-5 Non-recycled waste paragraph 37 (d) Indicator number 13 Table #2 of Annex 1 Not Material - ESRS E5-5 Hazardous waste and radioactive waste paragraph 39 Indicator number 9 Table #1 of Annex 1 Not Material - ESRS 2- SBM3 - S1 Risk of incidents of forced labour paragraph 14 (f) Indicator number 13 Table #3 of Annex I Not Material, but disclosed 256, 261 ESRS 2- SBM3 - S1 Risk of incidents of child labour paragraph 14 (g) Indicator number 12 Table #3 of Annex I Not Material, but disclosed 256, 261 ESRS S1-1 Human rights policy commitments paragraph 20 Indicator number 9 Table #3 and Indicator number 11 Table #1 of Annex I Material 260 ESRS S1-1 Due diligence policies on issues addressed by the fundamental International Labor Organisation Conventions 1 to 8, paragraph 21 Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1816, Annex II Material 261 ESRS S1-1 processes and measures for preventing trafficking in human beings paragraph 22 Indicator number 11 Table #3 of Annex I Material 261 ESRS S1-1 workplace accident prevention policy or management system paragraph 23 Indicator number 1 Table #3 of Annex I Material 264 ESRS S1-3 grievance/complaints handling mechanisms paragraph 32 (c) Indicator number 5 Table #3 of Annex I Material 271 ESRS S1-14 Number of fatalities and number and rate of work- related accidents paragraph 88 (b) and (c) Indicator number 2 Table #3 of Annex I Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1816, Annex II Material 265 ESRS S1-14 Number of days lost to injuries, accidents, fatalities or illness paragraph 88 (e) Indicator number 3 Table #3 of Annex I Material 265 ESRS S1-16 Unadjusted gender pay gap paragraph 97 (a) Indicator number 12 Table #1 of Annex I Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1816, Annex II Material 268 ESRS S1-16 Excessive CEO pay ratio paragraph 97 (b) Indicator number 8 Table #3 of Annex I Material 268 ESRS S1-17 Incidents of discrimination paragraph 103 (a) Indicator number 7 Table #3 of Annex I Material 261 ESRS S1-17 Non-respect of UNGPs on Business and Human Rights and OECD paragraph 104 (a) Indicator number 10 Table #1 and Indicator n. 14 Table #3 of Annex I Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1816, Annex II Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1818 Art 12 (1) Material 261 ESRS 2- SBM3 – S2 Significant risk of child labour or forced labour in the value chain paragraph 11 (b) Indicators number 12 and n. 13 Table #3 of Annex I Not Material - 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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 365 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Appendix 5: Responsible banking progress statement for PRB Signatories \* Principle 1: Alignment NLB Group aligns its business strategy to be consistent with and contribute to individuals’ needs and society’s goals, as expressed in the UN SDGs, Paris Climate Agreement, United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and relevant national and regional frameworks such as the Sofia Declaration on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, and national energy and climate plans. Through successful acquisitions of Generali Investments AD Skopje and the SLS Group, NLB Group has also expanded its operations to the Croatian market. Principle 2: Impact & Target Setting NLB Group is amplifying its positive impacts while minimizing negative impacts in key areas: climate, healthy and inclusive economies, and human rights within its own workforce. In 2024, NLB Group conducted a Double Materiality Analysis aligned with ESRS standards, leveraging the UNEP FI Impact Analysis tool. Furthermore, in 2024, NLB Group set new target in the area of healthy and inclusive economies, while targets related to climate and resource efficiency are further being developed. Principle 3: Clients & Customers The relationship with consumers and end users is at the heart of NLB Group's business model. With more than 2.9 million clients, NLB Group is one of the leading financial groups in the SEE region. Summary template NLB Group 2024 Links & references For detailed information please refer to: ›› NLB Group at Glance ›› This is where our community thrives ›› Strategy ›› Incorporating ESG risks, p. 107, p. 222, p. 298 Links & references For detailed information please refer to: ›› SBM-3 Material IROs and their interaction with the strategy and business model p. 204, p. 207 ›› Targets related to climate change mitigation and adaptation, p. 214, p. 234 ›› Financial health and inclusion targets Links & references For detailed information please refer to: ›› S-4 Consumers and end-users ›› E1 Climate Change ›› Appendix 1: Taxonomy \*Not subject to external assurance. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 366 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Principle 4: Stakeholders NLB Group continually engages with a wide range of stakeholders to provide them with relevant information on various topics, to consider their views, concerns and aspirations in business decisions, and to enhance trust and partnerships. Principle 5: Governance & Culture NLB Group constantly strives to improve its governance structures in the area of sustainability. In 2024, it adopted a revised Sustainability Policy, and in addition to the existing sustainability committee, it established a climate committee. Furthermore, NLB Group employees are obliged to take sustainability training at least once a year. With this, the Group is strengthening its commitment to the set goals and responding to the needs arising from the daily operations of various stakeholders. Principle 6: Transparency & Accountability NLB Group reports on sustainability in line with the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). Third-party limited assurance has been obtained by KPMG. PRB Targets overview Target 2024 Target value Target year Paper consumption (number in thousand) 68,448 65,343 2025 Share of electricity from zero-carbon sources 69% 75% 2030 Digital penetration (% of active digital users in total number of clients) 56,4 55 80 2025 2030 Green lending to corporates (large, SME) - outstanding stock in EUR million 701 1,370 2030 Green lending to micro and private individuals - outstanding stock in EUR million 327 528 2030 Number of young clients (18-27 years) with products related to long-term savings and/or investment plans 29% +15% 2030 Number of age 27+ up to retired clients with products related to long-term savings and/or investment plans 39% +15% 2030 Links & references For detailed information please refer to: ›› Interests and views of stakeholders Links & references For detailed information please refer to: ›› Governance information Links & references For detailed information please refer to: ›› Limited Assurance Statement ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 367 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Appendix 6: TCFD Index Table \* As an issuer on the London Stock Exchange, NLB discloses climate-related financial information related to NLB Group for the third time in reference to the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations regarding (1) governance, (2) business strategy, (3) risk management, (4) metrics and targets. NLB acknowledges that this framework is fully incorporated in the IFRS S1 (General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information) and IFRS S2 (Climate-related Disclosures) as of year-end 2023. For fiscal year 2024, NLB prepared the Sustainability Statement in accordance with the Corporate Social Responsibility Directive (CSRD) and ESRS (European Sustainability Reporting Standards), which also incorporates elements of TCFD framework. In addition, NLB Group has published the Pillar III Disclosures, which is available on the NLB Group website. This content index provides to stakeholders the relevant information on TCFD disclosure location in the NLB Group Sustainability Statement 2024 and NLB Group Pillar III Disclosures for the 2024. RECOMMENDATIONS Disclosure location I.GOVERNANCE a) The Board’s oversight of climate- related risks and opportunities b) Management’s role in assessing and managing climate-related risks and opportunities Sustainability Statement: • Governance, pages 181 – 197 • Information provided to and sustainability matters addressed by the administrative, supervisory, and management bodies, page 190 • Integration of sustainability-related performance in incentive schemes, pages 190 - 194 II. STRATEGY a) Describe the climate-related risks and opportunities the organization has identified over the short, medium, and long term. b) Describe the impact of climate-related risks and opportunities on the organization’s businesses, strategy, and financial planning. c) Describe the resilience of the organization’s strategy, taking into consideration different climate-related scenarios, including a 2 °C or lower scenario. Sustainability Statement: • Transition plan for climate change mitigation, page 210 - 2017 • Material climate-related impacts, risks and opportunities and their interaction with strategy and business model, page 217 • Resilience analysis, page 218 • Sustainable finance, page 246 - 251 d) Banks should describe significant concentrations of credit exposure to carbon-related assets. • Pillar III Disclosures for the 2024: Exposures to top 20 carbon-intensive firms, page 127 \*Not subject to external assurance. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 368 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report RECOMMENDATIONS Disclosure location e) Additionally, banks should consider disclosing their climate- related risks (transition and physical) in their lending and other financial intermediary business activities. Sustainability Statement: • Material climate-related impacts, risks and opportunities and their interaction with strategy and business model, page 217 • Pillar III Disclosures: Exposures subject to physical risk, pages 128-129 III. RISK MANAGEMENT a) The organization’s processes for identifying and assessing climate-related risks Sustainability Statement: • Material climate-related IROs and their interaction with strategy and business model, page 217 • Identification and assessment of material climate-related IROs, page 218 - 221 • Identification and assessment of material climate-related risks, page 222 - 226 • ESG Risk management, page 298 - 300 b) The organization’s processes for managing climate-related risks c) How processes for identifying, assessing, and managing climate-related risks are integrated into the organization’s overall risk management d) Banks should consider characterizing their climate- related risks in the context of traditional banking industry risk categories such as credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk, and operational risk. Banks should also consider describing any risk classification frameworks used (e.g., the Enhanced Disclosure Task Force’s framework for defining “Top and Emerging Risks”) IV. METRICS a) Disclose the metrics used by the organization to assess climate-related risks and opportunities in line with its strategy and risk management process Sustainability Statement: • Identification and assessment of material climate-related risks, page 222 - 226 • EU Taxonomy regulation, page 215 and Appendix 1, page 307 - 353 b) Disclose Scope 1, Scope 2 and, if appropriate, Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the related risks Sustainability Statement: • Gross Scopes 1, 2, 3 and total GHG emissions, page 241 c) Describe the targets used by the organization to manage climate-related risks and opportunities and performances against targets. Sustainability Statement: • Targets related to climate change mitigation and adaptation, page 236 d) Banks should disclose GHG emissions for their lending and other financial intermediary business activities where data and methodologies allow. These emissions should be calculated in line with the Global GHG Accounting and Reporting Standard for the Financial Industry developed by the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF Standard) or a comparable methodology. • Pillar III Disclosures: Credit Quality of Exposures, page 120 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 369 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report FINANCIAL REPORT Transparency and accuracy are the cornerstones of our integrity. This chapter provides comprehensive explanations of financial data, additional disclosures, detailed notes to the financial statements, and supplementary information, offering deeper insights into NLB Group’s financial performance and operations. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 370 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Contents Independent Auditor’s Report 372 Statement of Management’s Responsibility 377 Income Statement for the Annual Period ended 31 December 378 Statement of Other Comprehensive Income for the Annual Period ended 31 December 379 Statement of Financial Position as at 31 December 380 Statement of Changes in Equity for the Annual Period ended 31 December 382 Statement of Cash Flows for the Annual Period ended 31 December 384 Notes to the Financial Statements 386 1. General Information on Reporting Entity 386 2. Summary of Material Accounting Policy Information 386 2.1. Statement of compliance 386 2.2. Basis for preparation the financial statements 386 2.3. Functional and presentation currency 386 2.4. Comparative amounts 386 2.5. Consolidation 387 2.6. Business combinations, goodwill, and bargain purchases 387 2.7. Investments in subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures 388 2.8. A combination of entities or businesses under common control 388 2.9. Foreign currency translation 388 2.10. Interest income and expenses 389 2.11. Fee and commission income and expenses 389 2.12. Dividend income 389 2.13. Financial instruments 389 2.14. Allowances for financial assets 392 2.15. Forborne loans 397 2.16. Repossessed assets 397 2.17. Offsetting 397 2.18. Sale and repurchase agreements 398 2.19. Property and equipment 398 2.20. Intangible assets 398 2.21. Investment properties 398 2.22. Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale 398 2.23. Accounting for leases 399 2.24. Cash and cash equivalents 399 2.25. Borrowings, deposits, and issued debt securities with characteristics of debt 399 2.26. Other issued financial instruments with characteristics of equity 400 2.27. Provisions 400 2.28. Contingent liabilities and commitments 400 2.29. Taxes 400 2.30. Fiduciary activities 401 2.31. Employee benefits 401 2.32. Share-based payment transactions 402 2.33. Share capital 402 2.34. Segment reporting 402 2.35. Critical accounting estimates and judgments in applying accounting policies 402 2.36. Implementation of the new and revised International Financial Reporting Standards 405 3. Changes in the Composition of the NLB Group 406 4. Notes to the Income Statement 408 4.1. Interest income and expenses 408 4.2. Dividend income 409 4.3. Fee and commission income and expenses 409 4.4. Gains less losses from financial assets and liabilities not measured at fair value through profit or loss 412 4.5. Gains less losses from financial assets and liabilities held for trading 412 4.6. Gains less losses from non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss 413 4.7. Foreign exchange translation gains less losses 413 4.8. Other operating income and expenses 414 4.9. Administrative expenses 415 4.10. Cash contributions to resolution funds and deposit guarantee schemes 416 4.11. Depreciation and amortisation 417 4.12. Gains less losses from modification of financial assets 417 4.13. Provisions 417 4.14. Impairment charge 418 4.15. Income tax 419 4.16. Earnings per share 421 5. Notes to the Statement of Financial Position 421 5.1. Cash, cash balances at central banks, and other demand deposits at banks 421 5.2. Financial instruments held for trading 422 5.3. Non-trading financial instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss 423 5.4. Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income 424 5.5. Derivatives for hedging purposes 426 5.6. Financial assets measured at amortised cost 430 5.7. Non-current assets held for sale 432 5.8. Property and equipment 433 5.9. Investment property 435 5.10. Intangible assets 436 5.11. Leases 437 5.12. Investments in subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures 440 5.13. Other assets 450 5.14. Movements in allowance for the impairment of financial assets 450 5.15. Financial liabilities, measured at amortised cost 460 5.16. Provisions 463 5.17. Deferred income tax 469 5.18. Income tax relating to components of other comprehensive income 472 5.19. Other liabilities 472 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 371 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 5.20. Share capital 473 5.21. Other equity instruments issued 473 5.22. Accumulated other comprehensive income and reserves 474 5.23. Capital adequacy ratios 475 5.24. Off-balance sheet liabilities 478 5.25. Funds managed on behalf of third parties 480 6. Risk Management 481 6.1. Credit risk management 484 6.2. Market risk 507 6.3. Liquidity risk 514 6.4. Management of non-financial risks 528 6.5. Fair value hierarchy of financial and non-financial assets and liabilities 529 6.6. Environmental and climate-related risks 539 6.7. Offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities 539 7. Analysis by Segment for NLB Group 541 8. Related-Party Transactions 545 9. Events After the Reporting Date 554 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 372 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Independent Auditor’s Report KPMG SLOVENIJA, podjetje za revidiranje, d.o.o. Telefon: +386 (0) 1 420 11 60 Železna cesta 8a Internet: http://www.kpmg.si SI- 1000 Ljubljana Slovenija © 2025 KPMG SLOVENIJA, podjetje za revidiranje, d.o.o., slovenska vpis v sodni register: Okrožno sodišče v Ljubljani družba z omejeno odgovornostjo in članica globalne organizacije št. reg. vl.: 061/12062100 neodvisnih članic, ki so povezane s KPMG International Limited, osnovni kapital: 54.892,00 EUR zasebno angleško družbo z omejeno odgovornostjo. Vse pravice ID za DDV: SI20437145 pridržane. matična št.: 5648556000 Independent Auditor's Report To the shareholders of NOVA LJUBLJANSKA BANKA D.D., LJUBLJANA Report on the Audit of the Separate and Consolidated Financial Statements Opinion We have audited the separate financial statements of NOVA LJUBLJANSKA BANKA D.D., LJUBLJANA (the “Bank”) and the consolidated financial statements of the Bank and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Group”), which comprise: • the separate and consolidated statements of financial position as at 31 December 2024; and, for the period from 1 January to 31 December 2024: • the separate and consolidated statements of profit or loss; • the separate and consolidated statements of other comprehensive income; • the separate and consolidated statements of changes in equity; • the separate and consolidated statements of cash flows; and • notes, comprising material accounting policies and other explanatory information. In our opinion, the accompanying separate and consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the unconsolidated and consolidated financial position, respectively, of the Bank and the Group as at 31 December 2024, and of their respective unconsolidated and consolidated financial performance and unconsolidated and consolidated cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (“IFRS EU”). Basis for Opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) and Regulation (EU) No 537/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 on specific requirements regarding statutory audit of public - interest entities (OJ L 158, 27 May 2014, p. 77 -112 - Regulation (EU) No 537/2014). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Separate and Consolidated Financial Statements section of our report. We are independent of the Bank and the Group in accordance with International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) (IESBA Code) together with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the separate and consolidated financial statements in Slovenia and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements and the IESBA Code. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 2 Key Audit Matters Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the separate and consolidated financial statements of the current period. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the separate and consolidated financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. We have determined the following key audit matters: Impairment of loans and receivables from customers As at 31 December 2024, the gross carrying amount of loans and advances to customers of the Bank and the Group, respectively: EUR 8,811,061 thousand and EUR 16,721,410 thousand; related impairment allowance of the Bank and the Group, respectively: EUR 157,713 thousand and EUR 357,761 thousand and related impairment loss recognised in the income statement in the year then ended, for the Bank and the Group, respectively: EUR 41,348 thousand and EUR 31,431 thousand (31 December 2023: the gross carrying amount of loans and advances to customers of the Bank and the Group, respectively: EUR 7,267,851 thousand and EUR 14,063,228 thousand; related impairment allowance of the Bank and the Group, respectively: EUR 119,568 thousand and EUR 328,627 thousand and related impairment loss/(reversal) recognised in the income statement for the Bank and the Group, respectively: EUR 11,435 thousand and EUR (3,764) thousand). Refer to the Note 2.14. Allowances for financial assets, Note 2.35. Critical accounting estimates and judgments in applying accounting policies, Note 4.14 Impairment charge, Note 5.6. Financial assets measured at amortised cost, Note 5.14. Movements in allowance for the impairment of financial assets and Note 6.1. Credit risk management. Key audit matter Our response Allowances for impairment represent the Management Board’s best estimate of the expected credit losses (“ECLs”) within loans and advances to customers (“loans”, “exposures”) measured at amortized cost at the reporting date. We focused on this area as the measurement of allowances for impairment requires the Management Board to make complex and subjective assumptions and judgements. The Bank and the Group calculate allowances for credit losses in accordance with IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, based on the ECL model under the general approach, based on which the impairment allowance is measured as either 12 - month expected credit losses or lifetime expected credit losses, depending on whether or not there has been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition. ECLs for performing exposures (Stage 1 and Stage 2 in the IFRS 9 Financial instruments hierarchy) and for non - performing (Stage 3) exposures not exceeding EUR 0.5 million for corporate exposures and EUR 0.1 million for retail exposures, are determined by modelling techniques relying on key parameters such as the probability of default (PD), exposure at default (EAD), credit conversion factor (CCF) and Our audit procedures in this area, performed, where applicable, with the assistance of our own financial risk management (FRM) and information technology (IT) audit specialists, included, among others:  Inspecting the Bank’s and the Group’s ECL impairment provisioning methods and models, and assessing their compliance with the requirements of the relevant regulatory and financial reporting frameworks;  Making relevant inquiries of the Bank’s and the Group’s risk management and information technology (IT) personnel to gain an understanding of the loan impairment process, IT applications used therein, as well as key data sources and assumptions in the ECL model. Also, testing of IT control environment for data security and access, assisted by our own IT specialists;  Testing the design, implementation and operating effectiveness of selected controls in the process of approval, recording and monitoring of loans, including, but not limited to, those relating to the credit rating classification, calculation of days past d ue, collateral valuations and estimation of ECLs; ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 373 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 3 loss given default (LGD), taking into account historical experience, identification of exposures with a significant increase in credit risk (SICR), forward - looking information and management judgment (together “collective impairment allowance”). ECLs for Stage 3 loans whose amounts exceed EUR 0.5 million for corporate exposures and EUR 0.1 million for retail exposures, are determined on an individual basis by means of a discounted cash flows analysis. The process involves subjectivity and reliance on a number of significant assumptions, including those in respect of the expected proceeds from the sale of the related collaterals and minimum period for collateral disposal. Due to the above factors, including the significantly higher estimation uncertainty stemming from the current volatile economic outlook, slowing economic growth and rising interest rates we considered allowance for impairment of loans and advances to customers to be associated with a significant risk of material misstatement in the consolidated and separate financial statements. Therefore, the area required our increased attention in the audit and as such was determined to be a key audit matter.  Challenging the appropriateness of the Bank’s and the Group’s application of the significant increase in credit risk assumption and definition of default; and classification of exposures into performing and non - performing. For collective impairment allowance:  Obtaining an understanding of the key internal rating models for loans, and assessing the relevance and reliability of the key data used therein;  Obtaining the forward - looking information and key macroeconomic forecasted variables used in the ECL assessment. Independently assessing the information by reference to publicly available data and corroborating inquiries of the Management Board;  Assisted by our own financial risk management specialist, challenging selected key parameters within the collective ECL model, such as PD and LGD by reference to, among other things, our own analysis of the Bank’s and the Group’s data on past default occurrence and realised losses on those defaults;  Evaluating key overlays applied to the ECL model, by reference to our knowledge of the industry and our understanding of the current macro - economic situation;  For a risk - based sample of exposures critically assessing the existence of any triggers for classification to Stage 2 or Stage 3, by reference to the underlying evidence (loan files), through inquiries of the loan officers and credit risk management personnel and by considering business operations of the respective customers as well as market conditions and historical debt service. For impairment allowances calculated individually, for a risk - based sample of Stage 3 loans:  challenging the Bank’s and the Group’s cash flow projections and key assumptions used, by reference to our knowledge of the relevant industry and of the borrower.  challenging the collateral valuations by inspecting the underlying valuation reports obtained by the Bank and the Group, and also by reference to publicly available data; 4 For all impairment allowances:  Critically assessing the overall reasonableness of the allowances for impairment, including the loans provision coverage, by benchmarking them against publicly available industry data;  Examining whether the Bank’s and Group’s loan impairment and credit risk - related disclosures in the separate and consolidated financial statements appropriately address the relevant quantitative and qualitative requirements of the applicable financial reporting framework. Business combinations As at 31 December 2024 the fair value of net assets acquired in material business combinations during the year amounted to EUR 124,078 thousand resulting in a goodwill in the amount of EUR 3,138 thousand, which is recognised in the statement of financial position under Intangible assets. Refer to: Note 2.6. Business Combinations, goodwill, and bargain purchases, Note 3. Changes in the composition of the NLB Group and Note 5.12.c) Investments in subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures, Acquisition of SLS HOLDCO d.o.o., Ljubljana. Key audit matter Our response As disclosed in the Note 5.12.c) Investments in subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures - Acquisition of SLS HOLDCO d.o.o., Ljubljana, during 2024, the Group concluded a share purchase agreement for acquisition of controlling stake in SLS HOLDCO d.o.o., the parent company of Summit Leasing Slovenija d.o.o., Ljubljana, and its subsidiary Mobil Leasing d.o.o., Zagreb. The total purchase price amounted to EUR 127,216 thousand. With respect to business acquisitions, IFRS 3 Business combinations imposes a number of requirements, including those relevant to assessment of control over the acquired entity, determination of the acquisition consideration, identification of assets and liabilities acquired, and measurement and recognition of identifiable assets and liabilities at their acquisition - date fair values. Complying with the above requirements in the context of the acquisitions required significant judgement and complex assumptions, in particular as regards the following: Our audit procedures performed in this area included:  evaluating, based on analysis of the purchase agreements as well as the criteria defined in IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements , the assessment made by management with regard to the control over entities acquired;  assessing the completeness of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as a result of the acquisitions, based on inspection of the share purchase agreements, our understanding of the acquirees’ operations and inspection of the acquirees’ accounting records;  assisted by our own valuation specialists, we challenged the recognized acquisition - date fair values of significant assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisitions, which included: o assessment of the methods and models applied to fair valuations of specific assets and liabilities, by reference to the relevant requirements of the financial reporting standards and market practice; 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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 374 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 5  Identification of all of the assets acquired, with main focus on intangible assets (primarily distribution agreements), and  Measurement of distribution agreements acquired with respect to which the Group applied the multi - period excess earnings method under the income approach to determine fair value, with key assumptions such as discount rates, churn rates, useful lifetime, growth rates and terminal growth rate. As a result, the Group recognized total assets of EUR 964,159 thousand, including distribution agreement of EUR 21,959 thousand and goodwill of EUR 3,138 thousand. Due to the above factors, the business combination and valuation of the distribution agreement, was associated with an increased risk of material misstatement to the consolidated financial statements and required our increased attention in the course of the audit, and was considered by us to be a key audit matter. o testing the integrity of the model for fair value measurement of distribution agreement, including mathematical accuracy, and evaluating the key assumptions applied (such as discount rates, churn rates, useful lifetime, growth rates and terminal growth rate) for reasonableness compared to both externally derived data and historical financial performance;  assessing the accuracy, completeness and relevance of the disclosures on the acquisitions made in the notes in the consolidated financial statements against the relevant requirements of the financial reporting standards. Other Information Management is responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the “Overview” , the “Business Report”, the “NLB Group Directory” and the “Definitions and Glossary of Selected Terms” included in the Annual Report but does not include the separate and consolidated financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the separate and consolidated financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. With regard to the Sustainability Statement, which constitutes a separate part of the Business Report, we performed a limited assurance engagement, the results of which were presented in a separate assurance report with an unmodified conclusion. In connection with our audit of the separate and consolidated financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information identified above and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the separate and consolidated financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Other Reporting Responsibilities Related to Other Information – Business Report In addition, with respect to the Business Report, we are required to report on its consistency with the separate and consolidated financial statements and on whether the Business Report includes the disclosures required by the Companies Act dated 4 May 2006 (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia no. 42/2006 with amendments - hereafter referred to as »the applicable legal requirements«) excluding the requirements relevant for Sustainability Statement. Based solely on the work required to be undertaken in the course of the audit of the separate and consolidated financial statements and the procedures above, in our opinion: 6 • the information given in the Business Report for the financial year for which the separate and consolidated financial statements are prepared is consistent, in all material respects, with the separate and consolidated financial statements; and • the Business Report has been prepared in accordance with the applicable legal requirements. In addition, in light of the knowledge and understanding of the Bank and its environment obtained in the course of our audit we are required to report if we have identified material misstatements in the Business Report. We have nothing to report in this regard. Responsibilities of Management and Those Charged with Governance for the Separate and Consolidated Financial Statements Management is responsible for the preparation of the separate and consolidated financial statements that give a true and fair view in accordance with IFRS EU, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of separate and consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the separate and consolidated financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Bank’s and the Group's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the Bank or the Group or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so. Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Bank’s and the Group’s financial reporting process. Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Separate and Consolidated Financial Statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the separate and consolidated financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs and EU Regulation (EU) No 537/2014 will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these separate and consolidated financial statements. As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs and EU Regulation (EU) No 537/2014, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also: • Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the separate and consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control; • Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Bank’s and the Group's internal control; • Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management; • Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Bank’s and the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the separate and consolidated 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 375 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 7 financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Bank or the Group to cease to continue as a going concern; • Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the separate and consolidated financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the separate and consolidated financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation; • plan and perform the group audit to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business units within the Group as a basis for forming an opinion on the G roup financial statements. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and review of the audit work performed for purposes of the group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion. We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit. We also provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, and communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, actions taken to eliminate threats or safeguards applied. From the matters communicated with those charged with governance, we determine those matters that were of most significance in the audit of the separate and consolidated financial statements of the current period and are therefore the key audit matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s report unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter should not be communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of doing so would reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication. Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements We were appointed by the shareholders of the Bank on the shareholders meeting dated 20 June 2022 to audit the Bank’s and the Group’s respective separate and consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Our total uninterrupted period of engagement is 2 years. We confirm that: • our audit opinion is consistent with the additional report presented to the Audit Committee of the Bank dated 9 April 2025; • we have not provided any prohibited non - audit services (NASs) referred in Article 5 of EU Regulation (EU) No 537/2014. We also remained independent of the Bank and the Group in conducting the audit. For the period to which our statutory audit relates, we and other KPMG network firms have not provided any other services to the Bank and its controlled related entities which are not disclosed in the Business Report or in the separate and consolidated financial statements. Independent Auditor's Report on the Compliance of the Electronic Separate and Consolidated Financial Statements with the Delegated Regulation 2019/815 on a Single Electronic Reporting Format We have conducted an engagement to provide reasonable assurance as to whether the audited separate and consolidated financial statements of the Bank and the Group for the financial year ended 31 December 2024 (respectively, “Audited Separate Financial Statements” and “Audited Consolidated Financial Statements” and, collectively, “Audited Separate and Consolidated Financial Statements”) 8 have been prepared in accordance with requirements of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/815 of 17 December 2018 on supplementing the Directive 2004/109/EC of the European Parliament and the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards for establishing a single electronic reporting format applicable for the year 2024 (»Delegated Regulation«). Responsibilities of Management and Those Charged with Governance Management is responsible for the preparation and presentation of the Audited Separate and Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with the Delegated Regulation, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of the Audited Separate and Consolidated Financial Statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the preparation of the Audited Separate and Consolidated Financial Statements in compliance with requirements of the Delegated Regulation. Auditor’s Responsibilities Our responsibility is to express an opinion on whether the Audited Separate and Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with requirements of the Delegated Regulation. We conducted our assurance engagement in accordance with the International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3000 Revised, Assurance Engagements Other than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial Information issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board. That standard requires that we plan and perform our procedures to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the separate and consolidated financial statements in the ESEF format are properly prepared and presented in accordance with the requirements of the Delegated Regulation, in all material respects. We have acted in accordance with the independence and ethical requirements of the EU Regulation 537/2014 and the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) issued by the International Ethics Standards Board of Accountants (IESBA Code), together with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our assurance engagements in Slovenia. The Code is based on the fundamental principles of integrity, objectivity, professional competence and due care, confidentiality and professional conduct. Our firm applies International Standard on Quality Management (ISQM) 1, Quality Management for Firms that Perform Audits or Reviews of Financial Statements, or Other Assurance or Related Services Engagements, issued by the IAASB , which requires the firm to design, implement and operate a system of quality management including policies or procedures regarding compliance with ethical requirements, professional standards and applicable legal and regulatory requirements. 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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 376 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 9 • obtained reasonable assurance that the values and disclosures in the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in XHTML format are correctly marked and in Inline XBRL (iXBRL) technology and that their machine reading provides complete and accurate information contained in the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements; and • obtained reasonable assurance that notes to the consolidated financial statements are correctly block - tagged. We believe that the evidence obtained provides a sufficient and appropriate basis for our opinion. Opinion Based on the procedures performed and the evidence obtained, the Audited Separate and Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bank and the Group for the financial year ended 31 December 2024 are in our opinion prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the requirements of the Delegated Regulation. On behalf of audit firm KPMG SLOVENIJA, podjetje za revidiranje, d.o.o. Domagoj Vuković, FCCA Certified Auditor Partner Ljubljana, 9 April 2025 ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 377 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Statement of Management’s Responsibility The Management Board hereby confirms its responsibility for preparing the consolidated financial statements of NLB Group and the financial statements of NLB for the year ending on 31 December 2024, and for the accompanying accounting policies and notes to the financial statements. The Management Board is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union, and with the requirements of the Slovenian Companies Act and the Banking Act so as to give a true and fair view of the financial position of NLB Group and NLB as at 31 December 2024, and their financial results and cash flows for the year then ended. The Management Board also confirms that the appropriate accounting policies were consistently applied, and that the accounting estimates were prepared according to the principles of prudence and good management. The Management Board further confirms that the financial statements of NLB Group and NLB, together with the accompanying notes, have been prepared on a going-concern basis for NLB Group and NLB, and in line with valid legislation and the International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union. The Management Board is also responsible for appropriate accounting practices, the adoption of appropriate measures for safeguarding assets, and the prevention and identification of fraud and other irregularities or illegal acts. Management Board of NLB Hedvika Usenik Andrej Lasič Archibald Kremser Peter Andreas Burkhardt Antonio Argir Blaž Brodnjak Member Member Member Member Member Chief Executive Officer ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 378 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Income Statement for the Annual Period ended 31 December in EUR thousands NLB Group NLB Notes 2024 2023 2024 2023 Interest income calculated using the effective interest method 1,112,288 952,875 602,004 477,154 Other interest and similar income 95,350 40,530 44,926 21,184 Interest and similar income 4.1. 1,207,638 993,405 646,930 498,338 Interest expenses calculated using the effective interest method (232,863) (148,034) (174,429) (115,779) Other interest and similar expenses (40,614) (12,037) (40,621) (9,993) Interest and similar expenses 4.1. (273,477) (160,071) (215,050) (125,772) Net interest income 934,161 833,334 431,880 372,566 Dividend income 4.2. 116 169 223,579 145,258 Fee and commission income 4.3. 435,284 398,741 191,911 170,981 Fee and commission expenses 4.3. (122,360) (120,780) (47,222) (42,432) Net fee and commission income 312,924 277,961 144,689 128,549 Gains less losses from financial assets and liabilities not measured at fair value through profit or loss 4.4. (160) (742) 2,503 (834) Gains less losses from financial assets and liabilities held for trading 4.5. 33,229 32,187 9,979 (408) Gains less losses from non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss 4.6. 3,263 1,784 3,848 2,445 Gains less losses from financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss (2,903) (799) (1,572) (382) Fair value adjustments in hedge accounting 5.5.a) (1,411) 3,899 (1,403) 3,588 Foreign exchange translation gains less losses 4.7. (3,644) (2,778) (3,547) 3,003 Net gains or losses on derecognition of investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures 5.12.d,e) - (766) - (105) Gains less losses on derecognition of non-financial assets 3,032 3,200 (213) 49 Other operating income 4.8. 21,849 17,408 14,574 10,376 Other operating expenses 4.8. (11,829) (22,100) (3,908) (14,382) Administrative expenses 4.9. (543,995) (452,623) (288,442) (218,407) Cash contributions to resolution funds and deposit guarantee schemes 4.10. (40,213) (39,093) (10,793) (11,383) Depreciation and amortisation 4.11. (58,217) (49,232) (24,016) (19,457) Gains less losses from modification of financial assets 4.12. (4,280) (16,271) - - Provisions for credit losses 4.13. 10,728 5,055 8,701 3,074 Provisions for other liabilities and charges 4.13. (12,847) (25,925) (7,149) (14,422) Impairment of financial assets 4.14. (31,306) 6,717 (40,690) (7,668) Impairment of non-financial assets 4.14. (4,014) 53 53,524 97,114 Share of profit from investments in associates and joint ventures (accounted for using the equity method) 5.12.h) 2,990 1,072 - - Gains less losses from non-current assets held for sale 676 5,903 446 172 Profit before income tax 608,149 578,413 511,990 478,746 Income tax 4.15. (77,916) (15,090) (33,829) 35,541 Profit for the year 530,233 563,323 478,161 514,287 Attributable to owners of the parent 514,552 550,700 478,161 514,287 Attributable to non-controlling interests 15,681 12,623 - - Earnings per share (in EUR per share) 4.16. 25.7 27.5 23.9 25.7 Diluted earnings per share (in EUR per share) 4.16. 25.7 27.5 23.9 25.7 The notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 379 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Statement of Other Comprehensive Income for the Annual Period ended 31 December in EUR thousands NLB Group NLB Notes 2024 2023 2024 2023 Net profit for the year after tax 530,233 563,323 478,161 514,287 Other comprehensive income after tax 56,704 84,952 25,968 48,078 Items that will not be reclassified to income statement Actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit pensions plans 5.16.c) (1,307) (444) (860) 588 Fair value changes of equity instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income 5.4.c) 9,423 6,796 2,162 2,284 Share of other comprehensive income/(losses) of entities accounted for using the equity method 18 45 - - Income tax relating to components of other comprehensive income 5.18. 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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 380 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Statement of Financial Position as at 31 December in EUR thousands NLB Group NLB Notes 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 Cash, cash balances at central banks, and other demand deposits at banks 5.1. 4,039,581 6,103,561 1,973,113 4,318,032 Financial assets held for trading 5.2.a) 18,338 15,718 21,073 17,957 Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss 5.3.a) 17,429 14,175 19,135 16,643 Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income 5.4. 2,563,516 2,251,556 1,665,019 1,023,012 Financial assets measured at amortised cost - debt securities 5.6.a) 3,725,195 2,522,229 2,846,779 1,966,169 - loans and advances to banks 5.6.b) 458,921 547,640 193,172 149,011 - loans and advances to customers 5.6.c) 16,363,649 13,734,601 8,653,348 7,148,283 - other financial assets 5.6.d) 136,854 165,962 81,518 101,596 Derivatives - hedge accounting 5.5.b) 77,771 47,614 77,771 47,614 Fair value changes of the hedged items in portfolio hedge of interest rate risk 5.5.c) (6,353) (10,207) (8,761) (12,514) Investments in subsidiaries 5.12.a) - - 1,179,757 975,757 Investments in associates and joint ventures 5.12.g) 14,661 12,519 4,823 4,823 Tangible assets Property and equipment 5.8. 310,017 278,034 91,320 85,970 Investment property 5.9. 26,132 31,116 5,599 7,640 Intangible assets 5.10. 100,496 62,117 44,424 37,379 Current income tax assets 604 42 - - Deferred income tax assets 5.17. 120,701 111,305 106,327 109,449 Other assets 5.13. 56,819 49,154 17,825 13,907 Non-current assets held for sale 5.7. 11,036 4,849 2,849 4,048 Total assets 28,035,367 25,941,985 16,975,091 16,014,776 Financial liabilities held for trading 5.2.b) 6,995 13,217 9,977 17,510 Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss 5.3.b) 9,633 4,482 5,597 3,210 Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost - deposits from banks and central banks 5.15.a) 136,000 95,283 220,120 147,002 - borrowings from banks and central banks 5.15.b) 120,612 140,419 51,106 82,797 - due to customers 5.15.a) 22,206,310 20,732,722 12,293,708 11,881,563 - borrowings from other customers 5.15.b) 104,519 99,718 - - - debt securities issued 5.15.c) 1,608,939 1,338,235 1,608,939 1,338,235 - other financial liabilities 5.15.d) 296,725 357,116 145,802 198,020 Derivatives - hedge accounting 5.5.b) 3,592 3,540 1,261 1,420 Provisions 5.16. 104,388 113,305 41,646 48,456 Current income tax liabilities 18,026 35,879 4,328 14,762 Deferred income tax liabilities 5.17. 17,694 1,426 - - Other liabilities 5.19. 103,889 58,653 66,998 32,350 Total liabilities 24,737,322 22,993,995 14,449,482 13,765,325 Equity and reserves attributable to owners of the parent Share capital 5.20. 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 Share premium 5.22.a) 871,378 871,378 871,378 871,378 Other equity instruments 5.21. 84,184 84,178 84,184 84,178 Accumulated other comprehensive income 5.22.b) (19,642) (76,118) (10,348) (36,316) Profit reserves 5.22.a) 186,332 13,522 186,332 13,522 Retained earnings 1,903,708 1,789,890 1,194,063 1,116,689 3,225,960 2,882,850 2,525,609 2,249,451 Non-controlling interests 72,085 65,140 - - Total equity 3,298,045 2,947,990 2,525,609 2,249,451 Total liabilities and equity 28,035,367 25,941,985 16,975,091 16,014,776 The notes are an integral part of these financial statements. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 381 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report The Management Board of NLB has authorised for issue the financial statements and the accompanying notes. Management Board of NLB Hedvika Usenik Andrej Lasič Archibald Kremser Peter Andreas Burkhardt Antonio Argir Blaž Brodnjak Member Member Member Member Member Chief Executive Officer Ljubljana, 9 April 2025 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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 382 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Statement of Changes in Equity for the Annual Period ended 31 December in EUR thousands Accumulated other comprehensive income NLB Group Share capital Share premium Other equity instruments Fair value reserve of financial assets measured at FVOCI Foreign currency translation reserve Other Profit reserves Retained earnings Equity attributable to owners of the parent Equity attributable to non- controlling interests Total equity Notes 5.20. 5.22.a) 5.21. 5.22.b) 5.22.b) 5.22.b) 5.22.a) Balance as at 1 January 2024 200,000 871,378 84,178 (60,019) (14,588) (1,511) 13,522 1,789,890 2,882,850 65,140 2,947,990 - Net profit for the year - - - - - - - 514,552 514,552 15,681 530,233 - Other comprehensive income - - - 54,541 3,222 (1,234) - - 56,529 175 56,704 Total comprehensive income after tax - - - 54,541 3,222 (1,234) - 514,552 571,081 15,856 586,937 Dividends - - - - - - - (220,000) (220,000) (8,911) (228,911) Transfer to profit reserves - - - - - - 172,810 (172,810) - - - Transfer of fair values reserve - - - (58) - 5 - 53 - - - Other - - 6 - - - - (7,977) (7,971) - (7,971) Balance as at 31 December 2024 200,000 871,378 84,184 (5,536) (11,366) (2,740) 186,332 1,903,708 3,225,960 72,085 3,298,045 in EUR thousands Accumulated other comprehensive income NLB Group Share capital Share premium Other equity instruments Fair value reserve of financial assets measured at FVOCI Foreign currency translation reserve Other Profit reserves Retained earnings Equity attributable to owners of the parent Equity attributable to non- controlling interests Total equity Notes 5.20. 5.22.a) 5.21. 5.22.b) 5.22.b) 5.22.b) 5.22.a) Balance as at 1 January 2023 200,000 871,378 84,184 (142,909) (16,485) (1,194) 13,522 1,357,089 2,365,585 56,740 2,422,325 - Net profit for the year - - - - - - - 550,700 550,700 12,623 563,323 - Other comprehensive income - - - 82,953 1,897 (317) - - 84,533 419 84,952 Total comprehensive income after tax - - - 82,953 1,897 (317) - 550,700 635,233 13,042 648,275 Dividends - - - - - - - (110,000) (110,000) (4,634) (114,634) Transactions with non-controlling interests (note 3.) - - - - - - - 8 8 (8) - Transfer of fair values reserve - - - (63) - - - 63 - - - Other - - (6) - - - - (7,970) (7,976) - (7,976) Balance as at 31 December 2023 200,000 871,378 84,178 (60,019) (14,588) (1,511) 13,522 1,789,890 2,882,850 65,140 2,947,990 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NLB Group Annual Report 2024 383 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report in EUR thousands Accumulated other comprehensive income NLB Share capital Share premium Other equity instruments Fair value reserve of financial assets measured at FVOCI Other Profit reserves Retained earnings Total equity Notes 5.20. 5.22.a) 5.21. 5.22.b) 5.22.b) 5.22.a) 5.20. Balance as at 1 January 2024 200,000 871,378 84,178 (35,111) (1,205) 13,522 1,116,689 2,249,451 - Net profit for the year - - - - - - 478,161 478,161 - Other comprehensive income - - - 26,828 (860) - - 25,968 Total comprehensive income after tax - - - 26,828 (860) - 478,161 504,129 Dividends - - - - - - (220,000) (220,000) Transfer to profit reserves - - - - - 172,810 (172,810) - Other - - 6 - - - (7,977) (7,971) Balance as at 31 December 2024 200,000 871,378 84,184 (8,283) (2,065) 186,332 1,194,063 2,525,609 in EUR thousands Accumulated other comprehensive income NLB Share capital Share premium Other equity instruments Fair value reserve of financial assets measured at FVOCI Other Profit reserves Retained earnings Total equity Notes 5.20. 5.22.a) 5.21. 5.22.b) 5.22.b) 5.22.a) 5.20. 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</svg>) 384 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Statement of Cash Flows for the Annual Period ended 31 December | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | Notes | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | | Interest received | | 1,176,909 | 997,912 | 625,877 | 494,577 | | Interest paid | | (237,651) | (135,715) | (197,468) | (110,439) | | Dividends received | | 963 | 417 | 213,425 | 138,327 | | Fee and commission receipts | | 434,272 | 397,366 | 186,775 | 164,611 | | Fee and commission payments | | (123,432) | (120,892) | (47,382) | (41,809) | | Realised gains from financial assets and financial liabilities not at fair value through profit or loss | | 455 | 94 | - | 2 | | Net gains/(losses) from financial assets and liabilities held for trading | | 33,491 | 29,374 | 8,783 | 4,287 | | Payments to employees and suppliers | | (502,249) | (467,937) | (243,299) | (216,407) | | Other receipts | | 17,878 | 16,913 | 12,295 | 11,141 | | Other payments | | (63,387) | (63,413) | (15,448) | (24,090) | | Income tax (paid)/received | | (88,128) | (33,404) | (36,790) | (7,750) | | Cash flows from operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities | | 649,121 | 620,715 | 506,768 | 412,450 | | (Increases)/decreases in operating assets | | (2,824,264) | (74,575) | (2,148,023) | (14,214) | | Net (increase)/decrease in trading assets | | (9,138) | 200 | (9,138) | 200 | | Net (increase)/decrease in non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss | | 1,191 | 6,416 | 998 | 648 | | Net (increase)/decrease in financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income | | (240,602) | 733,788 | (595,088) | 400,123 | | Net (increase)/decrease in loans and receivables measured at amortised cost | | (2,562,328) | (818,626) | (1,542,445) | (414,239) | | Net (increase)/decrease in other assets | | (13,387) | 3,647 | (2,350) | (946) | | Increases/(decreases) in operating liabilities | | 1,380,011 | 854,231 | 373,482 | 280,488 | | Net increase/(decrease) in deposits and borrowings measured at amortised cost | | 1,378,653 | 847,289 | 371,637 | 274,363 | | Net increase/(decrease) in other liabilities | | 1,358 | 6,942 | 1,845 | 6,125 | | Net cash flows from operating activities | | (795,132) | 1,400,371 | (1,267,773) | 678,724 | | CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | | Receipts from investing activities | | 739,185 | 445,345 | 159,890 | 196,331 | | Proceeds from sale of property, equipment, and investment property | | 16,310 | 11,314 | 2,510 | 224 | | Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries, net of cash and cash equivalents | 5.12.d, e) | - | 12,776 | - | 20,068 | | Proceeds from non-current assets held for sale | | 2,045 | 16,786 | 1,893 | 944 | | Proceeds from maturity/disposals of debt securities measured at amortised cost | | 720,830 | 404,469 | 155,487 | 175,095 | | Payments from investing activities | | (2,077,402) | (1,083,639) | (1,184,301) | (551,632) | | Purchase of property, equipment, and investment property | | (43,452) | (42,681) | (14,920) | (10,152) | | Purchase of intangible assets | | (29,122) | (19,305) | (19,620) | (12,587) | | Purchase of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired and increase in subsidiaries‘ equity | 3., 5.12.b, c) | (103,926) | - | (130,545) | - | | Purchase of debt securities measured at amortised cost | | (1,900,902) | (1,021,653) | (1,019,216) | (528,893) | | Net cash flows from investing activities | | (1,338,217) | (638,294) | (1,024,411) | (355,301) | | CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | | Proceeds from financing activities | | 795,958 | 497,708 | 795,958 | 497,708 | | Issuance of subordinated bonds | 5.15.c) | 298,611 | - | 298,611 | - | | Issuance of senior preferred notes | 5.15.c) | 497,347 | 497,708 | 497,347 | 497,708 | | Payments from financing activities | | (807,886) | (122,273) | (812,061) | (111,264) | | Dividends paid | | (228,679) | (114,749) | (220,000) | (110,000) | | Repayments of subordinated debt | 5.15.c) | (270,659) | - | (270,659) | - | | Repayment of senior preferred notes | 5.15.c) | (300,000) | - | (300,000) | - | | Other payments related to financing activities | | - | - | (19,930) | - | | Lease payments | | (8,548) | (7,524) | (1,472) | (1,264) | | Net cash flows from financing activities | | (11,928) | 375,435 | (16,103) | 386,444 | | Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | | 6,788 | (595) | (1,904) | 1,039 | | Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | | (2,145,277) | 1,137,512 | (2,308,287) | 709,867 | | Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | | 6,637,139 | 5,500,222 | 4,323,499 | 3,494,435 | | Cash and cash equivalents of merged bank at the date of the merger | | - | - | - | 118,158 | | Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | | 4,498,650 | 6,637,139 | 2,013,308 | 4,323,499 | The notes are an integral part of these financial statements. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiIHN0YW5kYWxvbmU9Im5vIj8+CjwhRE9DVFlQRSBzdmcgUFVCTElDICItLy9XM0MvL0RURCBTVkcgMS4xLy9FTiIKImh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnL0dyYXBoaWNzL1NWRy8xLjEvRFREL3N2ZzExLmR0ZCI+Cjxzdmcgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDE4MTggMTI4NiIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIj4KPGRlZnM+CjxzdHlsZSB0eXBlPSJ0ZXh0L2NzcyI+PCFbQ0RBVEFbCi5nMF8zODV7CmZpbGw6ICMyMzAwNzg7Cn0KLmcxXzM4NXsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjMjMwMDc4OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDMuMDU1OwpzdHJva2UtbGluZWNhcDogcm91bmQ7CnN0cm9rZS1saW5lam9pbjogcm91bmQ7Cn0KLmcyXzM4NXsKZmlsbDogI0U5RTlFQTsKfQouZzNfMzg1ewpmaWxsOiBub25lOwpzdHJva2U6ICMyMzAwNzg7CnN0cm9rZS13aWR0aDogMy4wNTU7CnN0cm9rZS1taXRlcmxpbWl0OiAxMDsKfQouZzRfMzg1ewpmaWxsOiBub25lOwpzdHJva2U6ICNBN0E4QUE7CnN0cm9rZS13aWR0aDogMC4zODE7CnN0cm9rZS1taXRlcmxpbWl0OiAxMDsKfQouZzVfMzg1ewpmaWxsOiBub25lOwpzdHJva2U6ICMyMzAwNzg7CnN0cm9rZS13aWR0aDogMC43NjM7CnN0cm9rZS1taXRlcmxpbWl0OiAxMDsKfQouZzZfMzg1ewpmaWxsOiBub25lOwpzdHJva2U6ICMyMzAwNzg7CnN0cm9rZS13aWR0aDogMy4wNTc7CnN0cm9rZS1taXRlcmxpbWl0OiAxMDsKfQpdXT48L3N0eWxlPgo8L2RlZnM+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xNTAwLjYsMTEzLjdjMzcuNywwLDY4LjIsLTMwLjYsNjguMiwtNjguMmMwLC0zNy43LC0zMC41LC02OC4xLC02OC4yLC02OC4xYy0zNy43LDAsLTY4LjIsMzAuNCwtNjguMiw2OC4xYzAsMzcuNiwzMC41LDY4LjIsNjguMiw2OC4yWiIgY2xhc3M9ImcwXzM4NSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTUwMC42LDEzOTkuOWMzNy43LDAsNjguMiwtMzAuNSw2OC4yLC02OC4yYzAsLTM3LjcsLTMwLjUsLTY4LjIsLTY4LjIsLTY4LjJjLTM3LjcsMCwtNjguMiwzMC41LC02OC4yLDY4LjJjMCwzNy43LDMwLjUsNjguMiw2OC4yLDY4LjJaIiBjbGFzcz0iZzBfMzg1Ii8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xNjA2LjgsMTE2My4ybC0xMy43LDEwLjd2MTYuOGMwLC44LC4zLDEuNiwuOSwyLjJjLjUsLjUsMS4zLC44LDIuMSwuOGgyMS40Yy44LDAsMS42LC0uMywyLjIsLS44Yy41LC0uNiwuOSwtMS40LC45LC0yLjJ2LTE2LjhsLTEzLjgsLTEwLjdabS00LjYsMzAuNXYtMTUuMmg5LjJ2MTUuMm0tMTAuNywtMTI1LjhsLTcuNiwtNy43bDcuNiwtNy42bTEwLjcsMTUuM2wtNy42LC03LjdsNy42LC03LjZtMzcuOCwxNS4zbDcuNywtNy43bC03LjcsLTcuNm0tMTAuNywxNS4zbDcuNywtNy43bC03LjcsLTcuNiIgY2xhc3M9ImcxXzM4NSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNODgzLjUsMTM0LjhoMTI5Ljl2MjEuN0g4ODMuNVYxMzQuOFptMjY2LjMsMGgxMjkuOXYyMS43SDExNDkuOFYxMzQuOFpNODgzLjUsMTU2LjVoMTI5Ljl2MjEuN0g4ODMuNVYxNTYuNVptMjY2LjMsMGgxMjkuOXYyMS43SDExNDkuOFYxNTYuNVpNODgzLjUsMTc4LjJoMTI5Ljl2MjEuN0g4ODMuNVYxNzguMlptMjY2LjMsMGgxMjkuOXYyMS43SDExNDkuOFYxNzguMlpNODgzLjUsMTk5LjloMTI5Ljl2MjEuOEg4ODMuNVYxOTkuOVptMjY2LjMsMGgxMjkuOXYyMS44SDExNDkuOFYxOTkuOVpNODgzLjUsMjIxLjdoMTI5Ljl2MzYuOEg4ODMuNVYyMjEuN1ptMjY2LjMsMGgxMjkuOXYzNi44SDExNDkuOFYyMjEuN1pNODgzLjUsMjU4LjVoMTI5Ljl2MjEuN0g4ODMuNVYyNTguNVptMjY2LjMsMGgxMjkuOXYyMS43SDExNDkuOFYyNTguNVoiIGNsYXNzPSJnMl8zODUiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksMTM0LjhINzQwLjZtNi40LDBIODc3bTYuNSwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOW02LjUsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnM18zODUiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksMTc4LjJINzQwLjZtNi40LDBIODc3bTYuNSwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOW02LjUsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjlNOTAuOSwxOTkuOUg3NDAuNm02LjQsMEg4NzdtNi41LDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTYuNSwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOU05MC45LDIyMS43SDc0MC42bTYuNCwwSDg3N202LjUsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltNi41LDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzRfMzg1Ii8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDkxLjNINzQwLjZtMCwwSDc0N20wLDBIODc3bTAsMGg2LjVtMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoNi41bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnNV8zODUiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksMTEzLjFINzQwLjZtMCwwSDc0N20wLDBIODc3bTAsMGg2LjVtMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoNi41bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjlNOTAuOSwxNTYuNUg3NDAuNm02LjQsMEg4NzdtNi41LDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTYuNSwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOSIgY2xhc3M9ImczXzM4NSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNOTAuOSwyNTguNUg3NDAuNm02LjQsMEg4NzdtNi41LDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTYuNSwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOSIgY2xhc3M9Imc0XzM4NSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNOTAuOSwyODAuMkg3NDAuNm0wLDBINzQ3bTAsMEg4NzdtMCwwaDYuNW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGg2LjVtMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOSIgY2xhc3M9Imc2XzM4NSIvPgo8L3N2Zz4=) 385 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | Notes | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Cash and cash equivalents comprise: | | | | | | | Cash, cash balances at central banks, and other demand deposits at banks | 5.1. | 4,040,816 | 6,104,851 | 1,973,308 | 4,318,499 | | Loans and advances to banks with original maturity up to three months | | 431,997 | 506,266 | 40,000 | 5,000 | | Debt securities measured at fair value through other comprehensive | | | | | | | income with original maturity up to three months | | 25,837 | 26,022 | - | - | | Total | | 4,498,650 | 6,637,139 | 2,013,308 | 4,323,499 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 386 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Notes to the Financial Statements 1 . General Information on Reporting Entity Nova Ljubljanska banka d.d. Ljubljana (hereinafter: ‘NLB’ or ‘the Bank’) is a Slovenian joint-stock entity providing universal banking services. NLB Group consists of NLB and its subsidiaries located in nine countries, mainly in Slovenia and the SEE market. Information on NLB Group’s structure is disclosed in note 5.12. Information on other related party relationships of NLB Group is provided in note 8. NLB is incorporated and domiciled in Slovenia. The address of its registered office is Trg Republike 2, 1000 Ljubljana. NLB’s shares are listed on the Ljubljana Stock Exchange, and the global depositary receipts (‘GDR’) representing ordinary shares of NLB, are listed on the London Stock Exchange. Five GDRs represent one share of NLB. As at 31 December 2024 and as at 31 December 2023, the largest shareholder of NLB with significant influence is the Republic of Slovenia, owning 25.00% plus one share. 2 . Summary of Material Accounting Policy Information The material accounting policy information adopted for the preparation of the separate and consolidated financial statements are set out below. The policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, except for changes in accounting policies resulting from the application of new standards or changes to standards. 2 . 1 . Statement of compliance The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of the separate and consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with the International Financial Accounting Standards (hereinafter: ‘the IFRS’) as adopted by the European Union (hereinafter: ‘EU’). Additional requirements under the national legislation are included where appropriate. The separate and consolidated financial statements are comprised of the income statement and statement of other comprehensive income, the statement of financial position, the statement of changes in equity, the statement of cash flows, material accounting policy information, and the notes. 2 . 2 . Basis for preparation the financial statements The financial statements have been prepared on a going-concern basis, under the historical cost convention, except for the following items, which are measured at fair value: financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income, financial assets, and financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, including all derivative contracts, hedged items in fair value hedge accounting relationships, non-current assets held for sale, liabilities for cash-settled share-based payment arrangements, and investment property. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with the IFRS requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities on the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and activities, actual results may ultimately differ from those estimates. Accounting estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions of accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised. Critical accounting estimates and judgements in applying accounting policies are disclosed in note 2.35. This document contains both the separate financial statements of NLB, and the consolidated financial statements of NLB Group. The presented accounting policies apply to both sets of financial statements, with the exception of policies described in notes 2.5. and 2.6., which only apply to the consolidated financial statements and policies described in note 2.7., where differences in the accounting treatment for investments in subsidiaries, and associates, and joint ventures between separate and consolidated financial statements are described. Data relating to separate financial statements is marked ‘NLB,’ while data relating to consolidated financial statements is marked ‘NLB Group.’ 2 . 3 . Functional and presentation currency These consolidated financial statements are presented in euro, which is Bank’s functional currency. All amounts have been rounded to the nearest thousand, except when otherwise indicated. 2 . 4 . Comparative amounts Except when a standard or an interpretation permits or requires otherwise, all amounts are reported or disclosed with comparative amounts. Where IAS 8 applies, comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to the changes in presentation in the current year. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 387 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 2 . 5 . Consolidation In the consolidated financial statements (NLB Group), subsidiaries which are directly or indirectly controlled by NLB have been fully consolidated. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which effective control is transferred to NLB Group. NLB controls an entity when all three elements of control are met: - it has power over the entity; - it is exposed or has rights to variable returns from its involvement with the entity; and - it has the ability to use its power over the entity to affect the amount of the entity’s returns. NLB reassesses whether it controls an entity if facts and circumstances indicate there are changes to one or more of the three elements of control. If the loss of control of a subsidiary occurs, the subsidiary is no longer consolidated from the date that the control ceases. Where necessary, the accounting policies of subsidiaries have been amended to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by NLB. The financial statements of consolidated subsidiaries are prepared as at the parent entity’s reporting date. Non-controlling interests are disclosed in the consolidated statement of changes in equity. Non-controlling interest is that part of the net results, and of the equity of a subsidiary, attributable to interests which NLB does not own, either directly or indirectly. NLB Group measures non-controlling interest on a transaction-by-transaction basis, either at fair value, or by the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of net assets of the acquiree. Inter-company transactions, balances, and unrealised gains on transactions between NLB Group entities are eliminated. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of impairment of the asset transferred. NLB Group treats transactions with non-controlling interests as transactions with equity owners of NLB Group. For purchases of subsidiaries from non- controlling interests, the difference between any consideration paid and the relevant share acquired of the carrying value of net assets of the subsidiary is deducted from the equity. For sales to non-controlling interests, the differences between any proceeds received and the relevant share of non-controlling interests are also recorded in the equity. All effects are presented in the line item ‘Equity Attributable to Non- controlling Interest.’ 2 . 6 . Business combinations, goodwill, and bargain purchases NLB Group accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method when the acquired set of activities and assets meets the definition of a business, and control is transferred to the Group. In determining whether a particular set of activities and assets is a business, the Group assesses whether the set of assets and activities acquired includes, at a minimum, an input and substantive process, and whether the acquired set has the ability to produce outputs. The acquired process is considered substantive if it is critical to the ability to continue producing outputs; and the inputs acquired include an organised workforce with the necessary skills, knowledge, or experience to perform that process or it significantly contributes to the ability to continue producing outputs and is considered unique or scarce or cannot be replaced without significant cost, effort, or delay in the ability to continue producing outputs. The consideration transferred is measured at the fair value of the assets transferred, equity interest issued, liabilities incurred or assumed, including the fair value of assets or liabilities from contingent consideration arrangements and fair value of any pre-existing equity interest in the subsidiary. However, this excludes amounts related to the settlement of pre- existing relationships which are recognised in profit or loss. Acquisition-related costs such as advisory, legal, valuation, and similar professional services are recognised in profit or loss as well. Transaction costs incurred for issuing equity instruments are deducted from the equity, and all other transaction costs associated with the acquisition are expensed. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are, with limited exceptions, measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. A contingent consideration classified as equity is not re- measured and its subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity. A contingent consideration classified as an asset or liability that is a financial instrument and within the scope of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments is measured at fair value at each reporting date, and changes in fair value are recognised in the statement of profit or loss in accordance with IFRS 9. Other contingent considerations that are not within the scope of IFRS 9 are measured at fair value at each reporting date, and changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss. For each business combination, NLB Group elects whether to measure the non-controlling interests in the acquiree at fair value or at the present ownership instruments’ proportionate share in the recognised amounts of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets at the date of acquisition. All other components of non-controlling interests are measured at their acquisition-date fair values, unless another measurement basis is required by IFRSs. Goodwill is measured as the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred measured at fair value, the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree, and the fair value of an interest in the acquiree held immediately before the acquisition date over the net amounts of the identifiable assets acquired, as well as the liabilities assumed less any accumulated impairment losses. Any negative amount, a gain on a bargain purchase, is recognised in profit or loss after management reassesses whether it has identified all the assets acquired and all the liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed, and reviews the appropriateness of their measurement. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment. For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill arising from a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to the Group’s cash-generating units (CGUs) or groups of CGUs that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. Where goodwill has been allocated to a cash-generating unit (CGU) and part of the operation within that unit is disposed of, the goodwill associated with the disposed operation is included in the carrying amount of the operation when determining the gain or loss on disposal. Goodwill ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 388 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report disposed in these circumstances is measured based on the relative values of the disposed operation and the portion of the cash-generating unit retained. The goodwill of associates and joint ventures is included in the carrying value of investments. In a business combination achieved in stages, NLB Group remeasures its previously held equity interest in the acquiree at its acquisition-date fair value, and recognises the resulting gain or loss, if any, in profit or loss. 2 . 7 . Investments in subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures In the separate financial statements (NLB), investments in subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures are accounted for with the cost method. Dividends from subsidiaries, joint ventures, or associates are recognised in the income statement when NLB’s right to receive the dividend has been established. In the consolidated financial statements, investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. These are generally undertakings in which NLB Group holds between 20% and 50% of the voting rights, and over which NLB Group exercises significant influence, but does not have control. Joint ventures are entities over whose activities NLB Group has joint control, established by contractual agreement. In the consolidated financial statements, investments in joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. NLB Group’s share of its associates and joint ventures post-acquisition profits or losses is recognised in the consolidated income statement, and its share of other comprehensive income is recognised in other comprehensive income. The cumulative post- acquisition movements are adjusted against the carrying amount of the investment. When NLB Group’s share of losses in an associate and joint venture equals or exceeds its interest in the associate and joint venture, including any other unsecured receivables, NLB Group does not recognise further losses unless it has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate and joint venture. NLB Group resumes recognising its share of those profits only after its share of the profits equals the share of losses not recognised (note 5.12.g). NLB Group’s subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures are presented in note 5.12. 2 . 8 . A combination of entities or businesses under common control A merger of entities within NLB Group is a business combination involving entities under common control. For such mergers, members of NLB Group apply merger accounting principles, and use the book value accounting at the date of merger of merged entities as reported in the consolidated financial statements. Mergers of entities within NLB Group do not affect the consolidated financial statements. When accounting for a merger in separate financial statements (the merger of a parent company and its subsidiary) if a surviving entity is the parent company, NLB applies an accounting policy to recognise the difference between: (1) the amounts assigned to the assets and liabilities in the parent’s separate financial statements after the merger; and (2) the carrying amounts of the investments in the merged subsidiary before the merger, directly in equity. In such a case, the acquired assets and assumed liabilities are recognised at the carrying amounts from the consolidated financial statements of merged subsidiary as at the date of the merger, including any recognised goodwill and fair value adjustments related to merged subsidiary’s assets and liabilities. The comparative amounts in separate financial statements are not restated. 2 . 9 . Foreign currency translation Functional and presentation currency The items included in the financial statements of each of NLB Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (i.e., the functional currency). The financial statements are presented in euros, which is NLB Group’s presentation currency. Transactions and balances Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing on the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the income statement, except when deferred in other comprehensive income as qualifying cash flow hedges. Translation differences resulting from changes in the amortised cost of monetary items denominated in a foreign currency and classified as financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income are recognised in the income statement. Translation differences on non-monetary items, such as equity instruments at fair value through profit or loss, are reported as part of the fair value gain or loss in the income statement. Translation differences on non-monetary items, such as equity instruments classified as financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income, are included together with valuation reserves in the valuation (losses)/gains taken to other comprehensive income and accumulated in the equity. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency purchases and sales for trading purposes are included in the income statement as gains less losses from financial assets and liabilities held for trading. NLB Group entities The financial statements of all NLB Group entities that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows: - assets and liabilities for each statement of financial position presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of statement of financial position; - income and expenses for each income statement are translated at average annual exchange rates; and - components of equity are translated at the historical rate. Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising from the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 389 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report and liabilities of the foreign entity and translated at the closing rate. In the consolidated financial statements, exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign operations are recognised in other comprehensive income. When control over a foreign operation is lost, the previously recognised exchange differences on translations to a different presentation currency are reclassified from other comprehensive income to profit and loss for the year. On the partial disposal of a subsidiary without loss of control, the related portion of accumulated currency translation differences is reclassified as a non- controlling interest within the equity. 2 . 10 . Interest income and expenses Interest income and expenses for all financial instruments measured at amortised cost, and financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income are recognised in the income statement for all interest-bearing instruments on an accrual basis using the effective interest method. Interest income on all trading assets and financial assets mandatorily required to be measured at fair value through profit or loss is recognised using the contractual interest rate. The effective interest method is used to calculate the amortised cost of a financial asset or financial liability, and to allocate the interest income or interest expenses over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments or receipts over the expected life of the financial instrument, or a shorter period (when appropriate) to the gross carrying amount of the financial asset, or to the amortised cost of a financial liability. Interest income includes coupons earned on fixed-yield investments and trading securities, and accrued discounts and premiums on securities. The calculation of the effective interest rate includes all fees and points paid or received by parties to the contract and all transaction costs, but excludes future credit risk losses. Interest income is calculated by applying the effective interest rate to the gross carrying amount of financial assets other than credit-impaired assets. When a financial asset becomes credit-impaired and is, therefore, classified in Stage 3, interest income is calculated by applying the effective interest rate to the net amortised cost of the financial asset. If the financial asset cures and is no longer credit-impaired, interest income is again calculated on a gross basis. In the case of purchased or originated credit-impaired financial assets (POCI), the credit-adjusted effective interest rate is applied to the amortised cost of the financial asset from initial recognition. The credit- adjusted effective interest rate is the interest rate that, at initial recognition, discounts the estimated future cash flows (including credit losses) to the amortised cost of the purchased or originated credit-impaired financial asset. At the NLB Group level, most POCI exposures relate to the initial recognition of non-performing exposures in the case of a business combination. 2 . 11 . Fee and commission income and expenses Fees and commission income and expenses mainly include those related to credit cards and ATMs, customer transaction accounts, payment services, investment funds, and commissions from guarantees. Fee and commission income are recognised at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the NLB Group expects to be entitled, in exchange for providing the services. The performance obligations, as well as the timing of their satisfaction, are identified and determined at the inception of the contract. The Group’s revenue contracts do not include multiple performance obligations. When the NLB Group provides a service to its customers, the consideration is invoiced and generally due immediately upon satisfaction of a service provided at a point in time. When the service is provided over time, the consideration is invoiced and due in line with the contractual provisions. NLB Group has generally concluded that it is the principal in its revenue arrangements because it typically controls the services before transferring them to the customer. Fees and commissions that are integral to the effective interest rate of financial assets and liabilities are presented within interest income or expenses. 2 . 12 . Dividend income Dividends are recognised in the income statement within the line item ‘Dividend income’ when NLB Group’s right to receive payment has been established and an inflow of economic benefits is probable. In the consolidated financial statements, dividends received from associates, and joint ventures reduce the carrying value of the investment. 2 . 13 . Financial instruments a) Classification and measurement Financial instruments are initially measured at fair value plus or minus, in the case of a financial instrument not measured at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of the financial instrument. Subsequent measurement depends on the classification of the instrument. Financial assets All debt financial assets need to be assessed based on a combination of the Group’s business model for managing the assets and the instruments’ contractual cash flow characteristics. The measurement categories of financial assets are as follows: - Financial assets, measured at amortised costs (AC); - Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI); - Financial assets held for trading (FVTPL); and - Non-trading financial assets, mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL). Financial assets are measured at AC if they are held within a business model for the purpose of collecting contractual cash flows (‘held to collect’), and if cash flows are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding. After initial recognition, they are measured at the amortised cost using the effective interest method and are subject to impairment. Interest income calculated using the effective interest method, foreign exchange gains and losses, and impairment are recognised in profit or loss. Each of them is presented as a separate line item in the income statement. Any gain or loss on derecognition is recognised in profit or loss in line item ‘Gains less losses ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 390 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report from financial assets and liabilities not measured at fair value through profit or loss.’ Debt financial instruments are measured at FVOCI if they are held within a business model for the purpose of both collecting contractual cash flows and selling (‘held to collect and sell’), and if cash flows are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding. FVOCI results in the debt instruments being recognised at fair value in the statement of financial position and at the AC in the income statement. Interest income is calculated using the effective interest method, foreign exchange gains and losses, and impairments are recognised separately in the income statement. Other net gains and losses are recognised in other comprehensive income, until the instrument is derecognised. At derecognition of the debt financial instrument, the cumulative gains and losses previously recognised in other comprehensive income are reclassified to the income statement under the line item ‘Gains less losses from financial assets and liabilities not classified at fair value through profit or loss.’ Equity instruments that are not held for trading may be irrevocably designated as FVOCI, with no subsequent reclassification of gains or losses to the income statement. Dividends are recognised as income in profit or loss unless the dividend clearly represents a recovery of part of the cost of the investment, in which case, such gains are recorded in other comprehensive income. Other net gains and losses are recognised in other comprehensive income and are never reclassified to profit or loss. In NLB Group, the most material equity instrument irrevocably designated as FVOCI is the investment in the National Resolution Fund (note 5.4.a). NLB Group decided to use this presentation alternative because the fund was established based on the law, and it has a highly regulated investment strategy in order to ensure safety, low risk, and the high liquidity of the fund. All other financial assets are mandatorily measured at FVTPL, including financial assets within other business models such as financial assets managed at fair value or those held for trading and financial assets with contractual cash flows that are not solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding. Net gains and losses, including any interest or dividend income, are recognised in profit or loss. Financial liabilities Financial liabilities are subsequently measured at the amortised cost or at fair value through profit or loss, when they are held for trading, derivative instruments, or the fair value designation is applied. Upon initial recognition, financial liability may be irrevocably designated as measured at fair value through profit or loss if that eliminates or significantly reduces a measurement or recognition inconsistency that would otherwise arise from measuring assets or liabilities or recognising the gains or losses on them on different bases, or if the liabilities are part of a group of financial instruments which are managed and their performance evaluated on a fair value basis in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy. Changes in the fair value of financial liabilities designated as measured at fair value through profit or loss are recognised in profit or loss, with the exception of movement in the fair value due to changes of NLB Group’s own credit risk. Such changes are presented in other comprehensive income with no subsequent reclassification to the income statement. Other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Interest expenses and foreign exchange gains and losses are recognised in profit or loss. Any gain or loss on the derecognition of a financial liability is recognised in profit or loss. In the event of derecognition of a financial liability measured at amortised cost, the gains and losses are recognised in the line item ‘Gains less losses from financial assets and liabilities not measured at fair value through profit or loss.’ Gains and losses on disposals of financial liabilities designated as measured at fair value through profit or loss are also presented separately from those held for trading. Assessment of NLB Group’s business model NLB Group has determined its business model separately for each reporting unit within NLB Group, and is based on observable factors for different portfolios that best reflect how the Group manages groups of financial assets to achieve its business objective, such as: - how the performance of the business model and the financial assets held within that business model are evaluated and reported to key management personnel; - the risks that affect the performance of the business model and, in particular, the way those risks are managed; - how the managers of the business are compensated (e.g., whether the compensation is based on the fair value of the assets or on collection of contractual cash flows); and - the expected frequency, value, and timing of sales. The business model assessment is based on reasonably expected scenarios without taking worst- case and stress case scenarios into consideration. In general, the business model assessment of the Group can be summarised as follows: - Loans and deposits given are included in a business model ‘held to collect’ since the primary objective of NLB Group for the loan portfolio is to collect the contractual cash flows; - Debt securities are divided into three business models: • the first group of debt securities presents the ‘held for trading’ category; • debt securities in the second group are held under a business model ‘held to collect and sell’ with the intention of collecting the contractual cash flows and sale of financial assets, and forms part of the Group’s liquidity reserves; • the third part of debt securities is held within the business model for holding them with the objective to collect contractual cash flows. With regard to debt securities within the ‘held to collect’ business model, the sales which are related to the increase of the issuers’ credit risk, sales made close to the final maturity, or sales in order to meet liquidity needs in a stress case scenario are permitted. Other sales, which are not due to an increase in credit risk may still be consistent with a held to collect business model if such sales are incidental to the overall business model, and: - are insignificant in value both individually and in aggregate, even when such sales are frequent; - are infrequent even when they are significant in value. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 391 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report A review of instruments’ contractual cash flow characteristics (the SPPI test – solely payment of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding) The second step in the classification of the financial assets in portfolios being ‘held to collect’ and ‘held to collect and sell’ relates to the assessment of whether the contractual cash flows are consistent with the SPPI test. The principal amount reflects the fair value at initial recognition less any subsequent changes, e.g. due to repayment. The interest must represent only the consideration for the time value of money, credit risk, other basic lending risks, and a profit margin consistent with basic lending features. If the cash flows introduce more than de minimis exposure to risk or volatility that is not consistent with basic lending features, the financial asset is mandatorily measured at fair value through profit or loss. NLB Group reviews the portfolio within ‘held to collect’ and ‘held to collect and sell’ for standardised products on a level of a product and for non-standardised products on a single exposure level. The Group has established a procedure for SPPI identification as part of regular investment process with defined responsibilities for primary and secondary controls. Special emphasis is put on new and non-standardised characteristics of loan agreements. Accounting policy for modified financial assets When contractual cash flows of a financial asset are modified, NLB Group assesses whether the cash flows of modified asset are substantialy different to the extent that it becomes a new financial asset. The following factors are, amongst others, considered when making such assessment: - reason for modification of cash flows; - change in currency of the loan; - introduction of an equity feature; - replacement of initially agreed debtor with a new debtor that is not related party to initial debtor; and - if the modification changes the result of the SPPI test. If the modification results in derecognition of a financial asset, the new financial asset is initially recognised at fair value, with the difference recognised as a derecognition gain or loss, to the extent that an impairment loss has not already been recorded. If the modification does not result in cash flows that are substantially different, the modification does not result in derecognition. In such cases, NLB Group recalculates the gross carrying amount of the financial asset and recognises modification gain or loss in the income statement. The gross carrying amount is recalculated as the present value of the renegotiated or modified contractual cash flows that are discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate (or credit-adjusted effective interest rate for purchased or originated credit-impaired financial assets). b) Reclassification Financial assets can be reclassified when and only when NLB Group’s business model for managing those assets changes. The reclassification takes place from the start of the reporting period following the change. Such changes are expected to be very infrequent, and none occurred during the presented periods. Financial liabilities shall not be reclassified. c) Day one gains or losses The best evidence of fair value at initial recognition is the transaction price (i.e., the fair value of the consideration given or received), unless the fair value of that instrument is evidenced by a comparison with other observable current market transactions in the same instrument (i.e., without modification or repackaging), or based on a valuation technique whose variables only include data from observable markets. If the transaction price on a non-active market is different than the fair value from other observable current market transactions in the same instrument, or is based on a valuation technique whose variables only include data from observable markets, the difference between the transaction price and fair value is recognised immediately in the income statement (‘day one gains or losses’). In cases where the data used for valuation are not fully observable in financial markets, day one gains or losses are not recognised immediately in the income statement. The timing of recognition of deferred day one gains or losses is determined individually. It is either amortised over the life of the transaction, deferred until the instrument’s fair value can be determined using market observable inputs, or realised through settlement. d) Derecognition A financial asset is derecognised when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire, or when the financial asset is transferred, and the transfer qualifies for derecognition. A financial liability is derecognised only when it is extinguished, i.e., when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled, or expires. e) Write-offs NLB Group writes off financial assets in their entirety or a portion thereof when it has no reasonable expectations of recovery. Criteria indicating that there is no reasonable expectation of recovery include default period, quality of collateral, and different stages of enforcement procedures. NLB Group may write off financial assets that are still subject to enforcement activities, but this does not affect its rights in the enforcement procedures. NLB Group still seeks to recover all amounts it is legally entitled to in full. A write-off reduces the gross carrying amount of a financial asset and allowance for the impairment. Any subsequent recoveries are credited to credit loss expenses. Write-offs and recoveries are disclosed in note 5.14.a and b). f) Fair value measurement principles The fair value of financial instruments traded on active markets is based on the price that would be received to sell the assets or transfer liability (the exit price) being measured at the reporting date, excluding transaction costs. If there is no active market, the fair value of the instruments is estimated using discounted cash flow techniques or pricing models. If discounted cash flow techniques are used, estimated future cash flows are based on management’s best estimates; and the discount rate is a market-based rate at the reporting date for an instrument with similar terms and conditions. If pricing models are used, inputs are based on market-based measurements at the reporting date. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 392 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report g) Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting Derivative financial instruments – including forward and futures contracts, swaps, and options – are initially recognised in the statement of financial position at fair value. Derivative financial instruments are subsequently re-measured at their fair value. Fair values are obtained from quoted market prices, discounted cash flow models, or pricing models, as appropriate. All derivatives are carried at their fair value within assets when the derivative position is favourable to NLB Group, and within liabilities when the derivative position is unfavourable to NLB Group. The method of recognising the resulting fair value gain or loss depends on whether the derivative is designated as a hedging instrument and, if so, the nature of the item being hedged. NLB Group designates certain derivatives as either: - hedges of the fair value of recognised assets or liabilities or firm commitments (fair value hedge); - hedges of highly probable future cash flows attributable to a recognised asset or liability, or a highly probable forecasted transaction (cash flow hedge); or - hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation (net investment hedge). Hedge accounting is used when certain criteria are met. NLB Group and NLB have exercised the option to continue applying the existing IAS 39 hedge accounting requirements in accordance with the policy choice permitted under IFRS 9. However, disclosures that are required by the IFRS 9-related amendments to IFRS 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’ are implemented. At the inception of the transaction, NLB Group documents the relationship between hedged items and hedging instruments, as well as its risk management objective, valuation methodology, and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. NLB Group also documents its assessment, both at the hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, of whether the derivatives used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. The actual results of a hedge must always fall within a range of 80–125%. Fair value hedge Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recognised in the income statement together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk. Effective changes in the fair value of hedging instruments and related hedged items are reflected in ‘Fair Value Adjustments in Hedge Accounting’ in the income statement. Any ineffectiveness from derivatives is recognised immediately in the income statement, recorded in the same line as change in fair value of hedging instruments and hedged item if they are different. If a hedge no longer meets the hedge accounting criteria, the adjustment to the carrying amount of the hedged item for which the effective interest method is used is amortised to profit or loss over the remaining period to maturity. The adjustment to the carrying amount of a hedged equity security is included in the income statement upon disposal of the equity security. Cash flow hedge The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recognised in other comprehensive income. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is immediately recognised in the income statement. Amounts accumulated in equity are recycled as a reclassification from other comprehensive income to the income statement in the periods when the hedged item affects the profit or loss. When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when a hedge no longer meets hedge accounting criteria, any cumulative gain or loss existing in other comprehensive income and previously accumulated in equity at that time remains in other comprehensive income and in equity, and is recognised in profit or loss only when the forecasted transaction is ultimately recognised in the income statement. When a forecasted transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was reported in other comprehensive income is immediately transferred to the income statement. Hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation Hedges of net investments in foreign operations are accounted for in consolidated financial statements similar to cash flow hedges. Any gain or loss on the hedging instrument relating to the effective portion of the hedge is recognised directly in equity. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the consolidated income statement in ‘Gains Less Losses on Financial Assets and Liabilities Held for Trading.’ Gains and losses accumulated in other comprehensive income are included in the consolidated income statement when the foreign operation is disposed of as part of the gain or loss on the disposal. 2 . 14 . Allowances for financial assets a) Expected credit losses for collective allowances IFRS 9 applies an expected loss model that provides an unbiased and probability-weighted estimate of credit losses by evaluating a range of possible outcomes that incorporates forecasts of future economic conditions. The expected loss model requires NLB Group to recognise not only credit losses that have already occurred, but also losses that are expected to occur in the future. An allowance for expected credit losses (ECL) is required for all loans and other debt financial assets not measured at FVTPL, together with loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts. In the general model, the allowance is based on the expected credit losses associated with the probability of default in the next 12 months unless there has been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, in which case, the allowance is based on the probability of default over the life of the financial asset (LECL). When determining whether the risk of default has increased significantly since initial recognition, the Group considers reasonable and supportable information that is relevant and available without undue cost or effort. This includes both quantitative and qualitative information and analysis, based on the Group’s historical data, experience, expert credit assessment, and incorporation of forward- looking information. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 393 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Classification into stages NLB Group prepared a methodology for ECL defining the criteria for classification into stages, transition criteria between stages, models for risk indicators calculation, forward-looking scenarios, and the validation of models. The Group classifies financial instruments into Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3, based on the applied ECL allowance methodology as described below: - Stage 1 – A performing portfolio: no significant increase of credit risk since initial recognition, NLB Group recognises an allowance based on 12-month period; - Stage 2 – An underperforming portfolio: significant increase in credit risk (SICR) since initial recognition, NLB Group recognises an allowance for lifetime period; and - Stage 3 – An impaired portfolio: NLB Group recognises lifetime allowances for these defaulted financial assets. The Bank has aligned its definition of credit impaired assets under IFRS 9 to the European Banking Authority (EBA) definition of non-performing loans (NPLs). The Bank uses a unified definition of past due and default exposures; defaulted clients are rated D, DF, or E based on the internal rating system and contain the clients with material delays over 90 days, as well as the clients that were assessed as unlikely to pay. All facilities of retail clients obtain a unified credit rating. A significant increase in credit risk is assumed: - when a credit rating significantly deteriorates at the reporting date in comparison to the credit rating at initial recognition a significant deterioration is a 3-notch rating decrease taking into consideration the NLB Group’s long rating scale (with nine performing rating classes) or deterioration from invest/invest with care to speculative investment rating grade on the short rating scale (with only three performing rating groups), - when a threefold increase of LPD since initial recognition is detected (comparing the LPD assessed using the PD curve calculated at instrument origination and the last available PD curve), - when a financial asset has material delays over 30 days with a healing period of three months and the materiality limit aligned with the one used as a default trigger (the materiality limit is aligned with the regulatory limit for default definition, the holding period of three months is applied), - if NLB Group grants a forbearance to the borrower where the rules of forbearance expiry are aligned with the ECB Guidelines, - if the legal entity is placed on the watch list or intensive care list, - if a retail client is placed on the watch list based on features which lead to increased credit risk (such as spending habits, decreased employment security, political risk, etc.). The methodology of credit rating for banks and sovereign classification depends on the existence or non-existence of a rating from international credit rating agencies – Fitch, Moody’s, or the S&P. Ratings are set on a basis of the average international credit rating. If there are no international credit ratings available, the credit rating classification is based on the internal Methodology Rating Classification for Financial Markets clients’ segments in NLB d.d. and NLB Group. For banks without an international credit rating, we obtain information from Bureau van Dijk, a Moody’s Analytics Company, using the modules BankScore and BankFocus. Additionally, information is obtained by an analyst from the annual reports with the assistance of the central relationship manager. The classification into stages is based on the facility level. Nevertheless, occurring delays on one facility may trigger the stage deterioration of other facilities of the same client. When the SICR criteria no longer exist, the facility may be transferred to a more favourable stage subject to the prescribed cure period of three months. The ECL for Stage 1 financial assets is calculated based on 12-month PDs or shorter period PDs, if the remaining maturity of the financial asset is shorter than one year. The 12-month PD already includes the macroeconomic impact effect. Allowances in Stage 1 are designed to reflect expected credit losses that had been incurred in the performing portfolio but have not been identified. The ECL for Stage 2 financial assets is calculated based on lifetime PDs (LPD) because their credit risk has increased significantly since their initial recognition. This calculation is also based on a forward-looking assessment that considers several economic scenarios in order to recognise the probability of losses associated with the predicted macro-economic forecasts. For financial instruments in Stage 3, the same treatment is applied as for those considered to be credit impaired. Exposures below the materiality threshold obtain collective allowances using a PD of 100%. Financial instruments will be transferred out of Stage 3 if they no longer meet the criteria of being credit-impaired after a probation period. Special treatment applies for purchased or originated credit-impaired financial instruments (POCI), where only the cumulative changes in lifetime expected losses since the initial recognition are recognised as a loss allowance. The calculation of collective allowances is performed by multiplying the EAD (exposure at default) at the end of each month with an appropriate PD and LGD (loss-given default). The obtained result for each month is discounted to the present time using the original effective interest rate of the facility. For Stage 1 exposures, the ECL only takes a 12-month period into account, while for Stage 2 or 3 all potential losses until the maturity date are included. Risk parameters are calculated separately for each of the three possible scenarios. The final ECL for each facility is calculated as a weighted average ECL for each scenario. The EAD represents the anticipated outstanding amount owed by the obligor, which is determined as the sum of on-balance exposure and expected future drawings of the off-balance exposure. The drawings are assessed by applying the CCF (credit conversion factor) based on the Bank’s historic experience with similar types of facilities. The PD is the estimation of the likelihood of default over a given time horizon. The estimation is performed separately for each unique segment (corporate clients by size, institutions, or central government), or by product group (mortgage, consumer loans, and other retail products). Through the cycle, the PD is supplemented with the forward-looking aspect using three possible scenarios. Risk parameter calculations are based on the data from each subsidiary, while the calculations and modelling are performed centrally. In the case where ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiIHN0YW5kYWxvbmU9Im5vIj8+CjwhRE9DVFlQRSBzdmcgUFVCTElDICItLy9XM0MvL0RURCBTVkcgMS4xLy9FTiIKImh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnL0dyYXBoaWNzL1NWRy8xLjEvRFREL3N2ZzExLmR0ZCI+Cjxzdmcgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDE4MTggMTI4NiIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIj4KPGRlZnM+CjxzdHlsZSB0eXBlPSJ0ZXh0L2NzcyI+PCFbQ0RBVEFbCi5nMF8zOTR7CmZpbGw6ICMyMzAwNzg7Cn0KLmcxXzM5NHsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjMjMwMDc4OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDMuMDU1OwpzdHJva2UtbGluZWNhcDogcm91bmQ7CnN0cm9rZS1saW5lam9pbjogcm91bmQ7Cn0KXV0+PC9zdHlsZT4KPC9kZWZzPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTUwMC42LDExMy43YzM3LjcsMCw2OC4yLC0zMC42LDY4LjIsLTY4LjJjMCwtMzcuNywtMzAuNSwtNjguMSwtNjguMiwtNjguMWMtMzcuNywwLC02OC4yLDMwLjQsLTY4LjIsNjguMWMwLDM3LjYsMzAuNSw2OC4yLDY4LjIsNjguMloiIGNsYXNzPSJnMF8zOTQiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTE1MDAuNiwxMzk5LjljMzcuNywwLDY4LjIsLTMwLjUsNjguMiwtNjguMmMwLC0zNy43LC0zMC41LC02OC4yLC02OC4yLC02OC4yYy0zNy43LDAsLTY4LjIsMzAuNSwtNjguMiw2OC4yYzAsMzcuNywzMC41LDY4LjIsNjguMiw2OC4yWiIgY2xhc3M9ImcwXzM5NCIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTYwNi44LDExNjMuMmwtMTMuNywxMC43djE2LjhjMCwuOCwuMywxLjYsLjksMi4yYy41LC41LDEuMywuOCwyLjEsLjhoMjEuNGMuOCwwLDEuNiwtLjMsMi4yLC0uOGMuNSwtLjYsLjksLTEuNCwuOSwtMi4ydi0xNi44bC0xMy44LC0xMC43Wm0tNC42LDMwLjV2LTE1LjJoOS4ydjE1LjJtLTEwLjcsLTEyNS44bC03LjYsLTcuN2w3LjYsLTcuNm0xMC43LDE1LjNsLTcuNiwtNy43bDcuNiwtNy42bTM3LjgsMTUuM2w3LjcsLTcuN2wtNy43LC03LjZtLTEwLjcsMTUuM2w3LjcsLTcuN2wtNy43LC03LjYiIGNsYXNzPSJnMV8zOTQiLz4KPC9zdmc+) 394 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report the data samples are not sufficiently large, hurdle rates are applied based on the regulatory or other benchmarks. Expected Life When measuring ECL, NLB Group must consider the maximum contractual period over which the Group is exposed to credit risk. For certain revolving credit facilities that do not have a fixed maturity, the expected life is estimated based on the period over which the NLB Group is exposed to credit risk and where the credit losses would not be mitigated by management actions. Forward-looking information During 2024, NLB Group reviewed the IFRS 9 provisioning by testing the relevant macroeconomic scenarios to accurately reflect the current circumstances and their future impacts. NLB Group established multiple scenarios (i.e., baseline, optimistic, and severe) for the ECL calculation, aiming to create a unified projection of macroeconomic and financial variables for the Group, aligned with the Bank’s consolidated view of the future of economic development in the SEE. The Group formed three probable scenarios with an associated probability of occurrence for forward-looking assessment of risk provisioning in the context of the IFRS 9. These IFRS 9 macroeconomic scenarios incorporate the forward- looking and probability-weighted aspects of the ECL impairment calculation. Both features may change when material changes in the future development of the economy are recognised and not embedded in previous forecasts. The baseline scenario presents an expected forecast macroeconomic view for all the countries of the Group. This scenario is based on recent official and professional forecasts, with specific adjustments for individual countries of the Group. Key characteristics include decreasing inflation as an energy-related impact on goods and services prices abate, a slightly less tight labour market, GDP growth supported by declining interest rates and strong private consumption due to real wage growth, resilient labour market and positive expectations, industry and export activity pick-up, and limited spillover effects of financial system issues/major trading partners growth slowdown on the real economy. The alternative scenarios are based on plausible drivers of economic development for the next three years. The optimistic alternative scenario demonstrates supply-driven positive developments. Supply chains adapt swiftly and support optimistic economic stance – this keeps a lid on inflation pressures. Labour skill mismatches are addressed through targeted training programs. Automation and technology adoption create new job opportunities, offsetting any displacement. In the short-term, financing conditions ease, and business confidence rebounds. Consumer spending picks up, contributing to overall growth. The ECB considers both demand and supply factors when setting interest rates. In this scenario, the ECB maintains a dovish stance, easing aggressively until the inflation rebound towards the ECB target. The severe alternative scenario paints a picture of bleak economic developments, where supply constraints, geopolitical tensions, technological shifts, and labour market disruption hinder economic recovery. Moreover, high public debt diverts funds from productive investments. Policymakers must navigate these challenges to ensure stability and sustainable growth. This adverse scenario results in a prolonged global recession, with growth falling well below the levels needed to achieve sustainable development goals in the mid-term. The ECB carefully considers both supply and demand factors when setting interest rates to prevent abrupt economy shifts. All of the above scenarios are included in the calculation of expected credit losses in accordance with IFRS 9. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 395 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Macroeconomic scenarios for explanatory variables, developed for each country in the NLB Group used in 2024 (in %): | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | Optimistic scenario | | | Baseline scenario | | | Severe scenario | | | | | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | | Slovenia | | | | | | | | | | | Real GDP | 2.9 | 3.3 | 3.8 | 1.9 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 2.4 | | Unemployment rate | 4.0 | 3.8 | 3.6 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.7 | 6.2 | 6.6 | | EURIBOR (6 months) | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 2.9 | 2.6 | 2.6 | 3.9 | 3.6 | 3.7 | | Bosnia and Herzegovina | | | | | | | | | | | Real GDP | 3.1 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 2.6 | | Unemployment rate | 12.0 | 10.6 | 10.1 | 12.5 | 12.0 | 11.5 | 13.2 | 14.5 | 14.6 | | EURIBOR (6 months) | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 2.9 | 2.6 | 2.6 | 3.9 | 3.6 | 3.7 | | Montenegro | | | | | | | | | | | Real GDP | 5.4 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 3.3 | 3.2 | 3.3 | 1.5 | (0.7) | 2.5 | | Unemployment rate | 12.5 | 11.3 | 11.1 | 13.0 | 12.7 | 12.5 | 13.7 | 15.2 | 15.6 | | EURIBOR (6 months) | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 2.9 | 2.6 | 2.6 | 3.9 | 3.6 | 3.7 | | North Macedonia | | | | | | | | | | | Real GDP | 3.8 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 2.6 | 3.2 | 3.2 | 1.4 | 0.7 | 2.6 | | Unemployment rate | 12.2 | 10.9 | 10.7 | 12.7 | 12.4 | 12.2 | 14.4 | 18.2 | 19.2 | | EURIBOR (6 months) | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 2.9 | 2.6 | 2.6 | 3.9 | 3.6 | 3.7 | | Serbia | | | | | | | | | | | Real GDP | 3.8 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 2.9 | 3.4 | 3.4 | 2.1 | 1.7 | 3.0 | | Unemployment rate | 8.7 | 7.9 | 7.7 | 9.0 | 8.8 | 8.6 | 9.7 | 12.2 | 13.0 | | EURIBOR (6 months) | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 2.9 | 2.6 | 2.6 | 3.9 | 3.6 | 3.7 | | Kosovo | | | | | | | | | | | Real GDP | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 3.7 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 2.8 | 2.1 | 3.5 | | Unemployment rate | 10.0 | 8.6 | 8.1 | 10.5 | 10.0 | 9.5 | 11.2 | 12.5 | 12.6 | | EURIBOR (6 months) | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 2.9 | 2.6 | 2.6 | 3.9 | 3.6 | 3.7 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 396 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Macroeconomic scenarios for explanatory variables, developed for each country in the NLB Group used in 2023 (in %): | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | Optimistic scenario | | | Baseline scenario | | | Severe scenario | | | | | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | | Slovenia | | | | | | | | | | | Real GDP | 2.4 | 3.4 | 2.5 | 0.6 | 2.2 | 2.5 | (0.6) | 0.4 | 0.7 | | Unemployment rate | 3.9 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 5.3 | | EURIBOR (6 months) | 2.4 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 2.7 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.6 | | Bosnia and Herzegovina | | | | | | | | | | | Real GDP | 2.3 | 2.9 | 2.4 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 2.3 | 0.3 | 0.9 | 1.2 | | Unemployment rate | 15.0 | 14.0 | 14.2 | 15.2 | 15.1 | 14.8 | 15.9 | 16.2 | 16.2 | | EURIBOR (6 months) | 2.4 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 2.7 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.6 | | Montenegro | | | | | | | | | | | Real GDP | 6.0 | 5.5 | 3.4 | 2.6 | 3.2 | 3.2 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.1 | | Unemployment rate | 13.5 | 12.2 | 12.3 | 13.7 | 13.3 | 12.9 | 14.4 | 14.4 | 14.3 | | EURIBOR (6 months) | 2.4 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 2.7 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.6 | | North Macedonia | | | | | | | | | | | Real GDP | 3.6 | 4.3 | 3.3 | 1.6 | 3.0 | 3.3 | 0.3 | 1.1 | 1.4 | | Unemployment rate | 13.7 | 12.7 | 12.8 | 13.9 | 13.7 | 13.4 | 15.3 | 16.0 | 16.3 | | EURIBOR (6 months) | 2.4 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 2.7 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.6 | | Serbia | | | | | | | | | | | Real GDP | 3.3 | 4.2 | 3.6 | 1.8 | 3.1 | 3.4 | 1.1 | 2.0 | 2.3 | | Unemployment rate | 9.4 | 8.6 | 8.7 | 9.5 | 9.2 | 9.0 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.6 | | EURIBOR (6 months) | 2.4 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 2.7 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.6 | | Kosovo | | | | | | | | | | | Real GDP | 4.1 | 4.6 | 3.8 | 2.4 | 3.5 | 3.8 | 1.4 | 2.0 | 2.3 | | Unemployment rate | 16.3 | 14.9 | 14.6 | 16.5 | 16.0 | 15.2 | 17.2 | 17.1 | 16.6 | | EURIBOR (6 months) | 2.4 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 2.7 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.6 | NLB Group formed three probable scenarios with an associated probability of occurrence for forward- looking assessment of risk provisioning in the context of IFRS 9. IFRS 9 macroeconomic scenarios incorporate the forward-looking and probability-weighted aspects of ECL impairment calculation. Both features may change when material changes in the future development of the economy are recognised and not embedded in previous forecasts. On this basis, for the year 2024, NLB Group assigned weights of 20%–60%– 20% (alternative scenarios receiving 20% each, and the baseline scenario 60%). Effects of changed risk parameters The effects of the changed risk parameters on the amount of expected credit losses are disclosed in notes 5.14. and 5.16.b). b) Individual assessment of allowances for impaired financial assets NLB Group assesses impairments of financial assets separately for all individually significant assets classified in Stage 3. The materiality threshold is set at a EUR 0.5 million exposure for legal entities, and EUR 0.1 million for private persons on the level of NLB, while the Group members apply lower thresholds applicable to their portfolio size. All other financial assets obtain collective allowances. The amount of loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, which are discounted to the estimation date. The scenario of expected cash flows can be based on the ‘going concern’ assumption, where the cash flow from operations is considered along with the sale of collateral that is not crucial for future business. In the case of the ‘gone concern’ principle, the repayments are based on expected cash flows from the sale of collateral. The expected payment from the collateral is calculated from the appraised market value of the collateral, the haircut is used as defined in the Haircut Methodology, and discounted. Off-balance sheet liabilities are also assessed individually and, where necessary, related allowances are recognised as liabilities. The carrying amount of financial assets measured at amortised cost is reduced through an allowance account and the loss is recognised in the income statement line item ‘Impairment of financial assets.’ If the number of allowances for ECL decreases subsequently due to an event occurring after the ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 397 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report impairment was recognised (e.g., repayment in the collection process exceeds the assessed expected payment from collateral), the reversal of the loss is recognised as a reduction in the allowance account, and the gain is recognised in the same income statement item. For off-balance exposures, the amount of ECL is recognised in the statement of financial position in the line item ‘Provisions’ and in the income statement in the line item ‘Provisions for credit losses.’ The ECLs for debt instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income do not reduce the carrying amount of these financial assets in the statement of financial position, which remains at fair value. Instead, an amount equal to the allowance that would arise if the assets were measured at amortised cost is recognised in other comprehensive income as an accumulated impairment amount, with a corresponding charge to profit or loss. The accumulated loss recognised in other comprehensive income is recycled to the profit or loss upon derecognition of the assets, or when the amount of allowances for ECL decreases due to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised. 2 . 15 . Forborne loans A forborne loan (or restructured financial asset) arises as a result of a debtor’s inability to repay a debt under the originally agreed terms, either by modifying the terms of the original contract (via an annex) or by signing a new contract under which the contracting parties agree the partial or total repayment of the original debt. When receivables from the client receive restructuring status, the debtor must be classified in the rating grade C or lower. The definitions of forborne loans closely follow definitions that were developed by the European Banking Authority (EBA). These definitions aim to achieve comprehensive coverage of exposures to which forbearance measures have been extended. The accounting treatment of forborne loans depends on the type of restructuring. When NLB Group embarks on a forborne loan via the modified terms of repayment proceeding from extending the deadline for the repayment of the principal and/or interest, and/or a forbearance of the repayment of the principal, and/ or interest or a reduction in the interest rate, and/or other expenses, it adjusts the carrying amount of the forborne loan on the basis of the discounted value of the estimated future cash flows under the modified terms, and recognises the resulting effect in profit or loss. In the event of the reduction of a claim against the debtor via the reduction in the amount of the claims as a result of a contractually agreed debt waiver and ownership restructuring or debt to equity swap, NLB Group derecognises the claim in the part relating to the write-down or the contractually agreed upon debt waiver. The new estimate of the future cash flows for the residual claim, not yet written down, is based on an updated estimate of the probability of loss. NLB Group considers the debtor’s modified position, the economic expectations, and the collateral of the forborne loan. When NLB Group is embarking on the forborne loan by taking possession of other assets (i.e., property, plant, and equipment; securities; and other financial assets), including investments in the equity of debtors obtained via debt-to-equity swaps, it recognises the acquired assets in the statement of financial position at fair value, recognising the difference between the fair value of the asset and the carrying amount of the eliminated claim in profit or loss. Forborne exposures may be identified in both the performing and non-performing parts of the portfolio. Where the forborne loan is classified in the non- performing part of the portfolio, it can be reclassified to the performing part when exposure is no longer considered as impaired or defaulted, when determined amounts were repaid, when one year has passed from the latest of the events defined (introduction of forbearance, classification in the non-performing part, repayment of the last overdue amount, end of the grace period), and after the introduction of forbearance there have been no overdue amounts or doubts concerning the repayment of the entire exposure, under the terms and conditions after the forbearance. The absence of doubt is confirmed by analysis of the financial situation of the debtor. The forborne status is withdrawn when: - at least a 2-year probation period has passed since the latest of: • the moment of extending the restructuring measures, or • the forborne exposure was deemed performing; - regular payments of the principal or interest were made, in a substantial total amount, during at least half the probation period; - no exposure, in the probation period, is more than 30 days in default of more than EUR 100; - the client fulfils determined financial indicators. In the case of a deferral of payment approved due to the COVID-19 crisis, the probation period is extended for the period of deferral. 2 . 16 . Repossessed assets In certain circumstances, assets are repossessed following the foreclosure on loans that are in default. Repossessed assets are initially recognised in the financial statements at their fair value and classified in the appropriate category according to their purpose and are sold as soon as it is feasible in order to reduce exposure (note 6.1.l). After initial recognition, the repossessed assets are measured and accounted for in accordance with the policies applicable to the relevant asset categories. Non-financial repossessed assets mainly represent items of real estate that NLB Group classifies within investment properties measured in accordance with an IAS 40 Investment property (note 2.21.), and other assets measured in accordance with IAS 2 Inventories. Real estate obtained as collateral from the foreclosure of loans and receivables, classified as other assets are initially recognised at fair value less costs to sell (realisable value), wherein only the direct costs of sales can be considered, but up to the amount of gross carrying amount of foreclosed loan. At subsequent measurement, the realisable value is verified at least annually. Valuations of the fair value of real estate are performed by certified real estate appraisers. The real estate is impaired when the carrying value exceeds the realisable value. The effect of impairment is recognised as the impairment of other assets, and the reversal of impairment as income from the reversal of the impairment of other assets. 2 . 17 . Offsetting Financial assets and liabilities are offset, and the net amount reported in the statement of financial position ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 398 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognised amounts, and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. 2 . 18 . Sale and repurchase agreements Securities sold under sale and repurchase agreements (repos) are retained in the financial statements, and the counterparty liability is recognised in financial liabilities measured at an amortised cost. Securities sold subject to sale and repurchase agreements are reclassified in the financial statements as pledged assets when the transferee has the right by contract or custom to sell or re-pledge the collateral. Securities purchased under agreements to resell (reverse repos) are presented as loans to other banks or customers, as appropriate. In financial statements, the difference between the sale and repurchase price is treated as interest and accrued over the life of the repo agreements using the effective interest method. 2 . 19 . Property and equipment All items of property and equipment are initially recognised at cost. They are subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment loss. Each year, NLB Group assesses whether there are indications that property and equipment may be impaired. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amounts are estimated. The recoverable amount is the higher of the fair value less costs to sell and value in use. If the recoverable amount exceeds the carrying value, the assets are not impaired. If the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount, the difference is recognised as an impairment loss in the income statement. Items of a largely independent property and equipment which do not generate cash flows are included in the cash-generating unit and later tested for possible impairment. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the assets’ estimated useful lives. The following annual depreciation rates were applied: | | | | --- | --- | | | | | NLB Group and NLB | in % | | Buildings | 2 – 5 | | Leasehold improvements | 5 – 25 | | Computers | 12.5 – 50 | | Furniture and equipment | 10 – 33.3 | | Motor vehicles | 10 – 25 | Depreciation does not begin until the assets are available for use. The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed and adjusted if appropriate on each reporting date. Gains and losses on the disposal of items of property and equipment are determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and their carrying amount, and are recognised in the income statement. Maintenance and repairs are charged to the income statement during the financial period in which they are incurred. Subsequent costs that increase future economic benefits are recognised in the carrying amount of an asset, and the replaced part, if any, is derecognised. 2 . 20 . Intangible assets Intangible assets include software licenses, goodwill (note 2.6.), and identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination. Intangible assets other than goodwill, have a finite useful life and are in the statement of financial position stated at cost, less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Amortisation is calculated on a straight-line basis at rates designed to write-down the cost of an intangible asset over its estimated useful life. The core banking system is amortised over a period of 10 years, and other software over a period of three to five years. Amortisation does not begin until the assets are available for use. The identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination and recognised separately from goodwill, are recorded at fair value on the acquisition date if the intangible asset is separable or arises from contractual or other legal rights. After initial recognition, intangible assets acquired in a business combination are measured in accordance with IAS 38 Intangible Assets. Other intangible assets acquired in a business combination (note 5.10.) relate to core deposits and trade name. Their useful life is assessed to be five years. Amortisation of a trade name is calculated on a straight-line basis, while for core deposits accelerated amortisation is applied, since it better reflects the pattern of the asset’s consumption. 2 . 21 . Investment properties Investment properties include properties held to earn rentals, or to increase the value of a long-term investment, rather than to be used by NLB Group. Investment properties are carried at fair value determined by a certified appraiser. Fair value is based on current market prices. Any gain or loss arising from a change in the fair value is recognised in the income statement. 2 . 22 . Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale Non-current assets and disposal groups are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. This condition is deemed to be met only when the sale is highly probable, and the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition. Management must be committed to the sale, which should be expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year from the date of classification. Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of the assets’ previous carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. In the case of business combinations, NLB Group measures an acquired non-current asset (or disposal group) that is classified as held for sale at the acquisition date in accordance with IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations at fair value less costs to sell. During subsequent measurement, certain assets and liabilities of a disposal group that are outside the scope of IFRS 5 measurement requirements are measured in accordance with the applicable standards (e.g., ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 399 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report deferred tax assets, assets arising from employee benefits, financial instruments, investment property measured at fair value, and contractual rights under insurance contracts). Tangible and intangible assets are not depreciated. The effects of sale and valuation are included in the income statement as a gain or loss from non-current assets held for sale. Liabilities directly associated with disposal groups are reclassified and presented separately in the statement of financial position. 2 . 23 . Accounting for leases A lease is a contract, or part of a contract which creates enforceable rights and obligations and conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for a consideration. Thus, IFRS 16 requires determination whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. NLB Group as a lessee NLB Group recognises a liability to make lease payments and an asset representing the right to use the underlying asset (i.e., the right-of-use asset) during the lease term for all leases, except for short-term leases and leases of low-value. Short-term leases are defined as those which at the commencement date have a lease term of 12 months or less without the option to purchase the underlying asset. Leases of underlying assets with a value, when new, lower, or equal to EUR 5 thousand are defined as low value leases, and are thus recognised as expenses on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Right-of-use assets At the commencement date, NLB Group measures the right-of-use asset at cost. The cost of right-of- use assets consists of the amount of lease liabilities recognised, the initial direct costs incurred, an estimate of costs to be incurred by the lessee in dismantling and removing the underlying asset to the condition required by the terms and conditions of the lease and lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received. After the commencement date, NLB Group measures the right-of-use asset using a cost model (the asset is measured at cost, reduced by any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, and adjusted for any remeasurement of lease liabilities) and recognises depreciation of the right-of-use assets on a straight- line basis over the lease term, and (separately) interest on the lease liabilities. In the statement of financial position, right-of-use assets are presented in the line item ‘Property and equipment.’ Lease liabilities At the commencement date, NLB Group measures the lease liability at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at that date. The lease payments consist of fixed payments, variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, amounts expected to be paid under residual value guarantees, the exercise price of a purchase option if there exists a reasonable certainty for it to be exercised, and payments of penalties for terminating the lease if the lease term suggests reflects exercising the option to terminate. Subsequently (after the commencement date), NLB Group measures the lease liability by: - increasing the carrying amount to reflect interest on the lease liability; - reducing the carrying amount to reflect the lease payments made; - remeasuring the carrying amount to reflect any reassessment or lease modifications. In the statement of financial position, lease liabilities are presented in the line item ‘Other financial liabilities.’ NLB Group as a lessor Payments under operating leases are recognised as income on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease. Assets leased under operating leases are presented in the statement of financial position as investment property or as property and equipment. NLB Group classifies a lease as a finance lease when the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of a leased asset lie with the lessee. When assets are leased under a finance lease, the present value of the lease payments is recognised as a receivable. Income from finance lease transactions is amortised over the lifetime of the lease using the interest rate implicit in the lease. Finance lease receivables are recognised at an amount equal to the net investment in the lease, /including the unguaranteed residual value and any initial direct costs of the lessor. Sale-and-leaseback transactions NLB Group also enters into sale-and-leaseback transactions (in which NLB Group is primarily a lessor) under which the leased assets are purchased from, and then leased back to the lessee. These contracts are classified as finance leases or operating leases, depending on the contractual terms of the leaseback agreement. Leases recognised in a business combination In most leases acquired in business combinations, the acquiree is the lessee. For such leases, NLB Group applies the IFRS 16 initial measurement provisions (with exceptions for leases with remaining term of 12 months or less and low value leases), and recognises the acquired lease liability as if the lease contract was a new lease at the acquisition date. The right-of-use asset is measured at an amount equal to the recognised liability. There are no favourable or unfavourable terms of the leases relative to market terms, which would require the adjustment of the right-of-use assets. 2 . 24 . Cash and cash equivalents For the purpose of the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash and balances with central banks, and other demand deposits at banks, loans to banks, and debt securities not held for trading with an original maturity of up to three months. Cash and cash equivalents are disclosed under the cash flow statement. 2 . 25 . Borrowings, deposits, and issued debt securities with characteristics of debt Loans and deposits received and issued debt securities are initially recognised at fair value. Borrowings are subsequently measured at the amortised cost. The difference between the value at initial recognition and the final value is recognised in the income statement as interest expenses, applying the effective interest rate. Repurchased own debt is disclosed as a reduction of liabilities in the statement of financial position. The difference between the book value and the price at which own debt was repurchased is disclosed in the income statement. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 400 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 2 . 26 . Other issued financial instruments with characteristics of equity Upon initial recognition, other issued financial instruments are classified in part or in full as equity instruments if the contractual characteristics of the instruments are such that NLB Group must classify them as equity instruments in accordance with IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation. An issued financial instrument is only considered an equity instrument if that instrument does not represent a contractual obligation for payment. Issued financial instruments with characteristics of equity are recognised in equity in the statement of financial position. Transaction costs incurred for issuing such instruments are deducted from retained earnings. The corresponding interest is recognised directly in retained earnings. The carrying value of an issued financial instrument with characteristics of equity is presented in the statement of changes in equity in the line item ‘Other Equity Instruments.’ 2 . 27 . Provisions Provisions are recognised when NLB Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, and it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate of the amount of the obligation can be made. They are recognised in the amount that is the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation at the end of the reporting period. The provision assessment considers: - the likelihood of demonstrating compliance with information duties, - the potential outcomes of ongoing court cases, - the uncertainty surrounding the final resolution and timing of disputes, - the estimation of legal costs, and the statute of limitations on claims. When the effect of the time value of money is material, NLB Group determines the level of provisions by discounting the expected cash flows at a pre-tax rate reflecting the current rates specific to the liability. 2 . 28 . Contingent liabilities and commitments Financial and non-financial guarantees Financial guarantees are contracts that require the issuer to make specific payments to reimburse the holder for a loss it incurs because a specific debtor fails to make payments when due, in accordance with the terms of debt instruments. Such financial guarantees are given to banks, financial institutions, and other bodies on behalf of the customer to secure loans, overdrafts, and other banking facilities. The issued guarantees covering non-financial obligations of the clients represent the obligation of the Bank (guarantor) to pay if the client fails to perform certain works in accordance with the terms of the commercial contract. Financial and non-financial guarantees are initially recognised at fair value, which is usually evidenced by the fees received. The fees are amortised to the income statement over the contract term using the straight-line method. NLB Group’s liabilities under guarantees are subsequently measured at the greater of: - the initial measurement, less amortisation calculated to recognise fee income over the period of guarantee; or - ECL provisions as set out in note 2.14. Documentary letters of credit Documentary (and standby) letters of credit constitute a written and irrevocable commitment of the issuing (opening) bank on behalf of the issuer (importer) to pay the beneficiary (exporter) the value set out in the documents by a defined deadline: - if the letter of credit is payable on sight; and - if the letter of credit is payable for deferred payment, the bank will pay according to the contractual agreement when and if the beneficiary (exporter) presents the bank with documents that are in line with the conditions and deadlines set out in the letter of credit. A commitment may also take the form of a letter of credit confirmation, which is usually done at the request or authorisation of the issuing (opening) bank and constitutes a firm commitment by the confirming bank, in addition to that of the issuing bank, which independently assumes a commitment to the beneficiary under certain conditions. Other contingent liabilities and commitments Other contingent liabilities and commitments represent undrawn loan commitments to extend credit, uncovered letters of credit, and other commitments. The nominal contractual values of guarantees, letters of credit, and undrawn loan commitments where the loan agreed to be provided is on market terms, are not recognised in the statement of financial position. Contingent liabilities recognised in a business combination A contingent liability recognised in a business combination is initially measured at its fair value and is recognised in the statement of financial position in the line item ‘Provisions.’ After initial recognition, it is measured at the higher of: - the amount that would be recognised in accordance with IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities, and Contingent Assets; or - the amount initially recognised less, if appropriate, the cumulative amount of income recognised in accordance with the principles of IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This requirement does not apply to contracts accounted for in accordance with IFRS 9. 2 . 29 . Taxes Income tax expenses are comprised of current and deferred income tax. Current corporate income tax in NLB Group is calculated on taxable profits at the applicable tax rate in the respective jurisdiction. Income tax rates within NLB Group ranges from 9 to 32%. The corporate income tax rate for 2024 in Slovenia was 22% (2023: 19%). According to the Reconstruction, Development and Provision of the Financial Resources Act, the corporate income tax rate is increased to 22% from 2024 to 2028. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 401 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Current and deferred taxes are recognised in profit or loss, except to the extent that they relate to a business combination or taxes related to effects recognised directly in equity (deferred tax related to the fair value re-measurement of financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income, cash flow hedges, and actuarial gains and losses on defined benefit pension plans is charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income). Deferred income tax is calculated using the balance sheet liability method for temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities, and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes. Deferred tax assets are recognised if it is probable that future taxable profit will be available in the foreseeable future against which the temporary differences can be utilised. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realised, or the liability is settled. At each reporting date, NLB Group reviews the carrying amount of deferred tax assets and assesses future taxable profits against which temporary taxable differences can be utilised. Deferred tax assets for temporary differences arising from impairments of investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that: - the temporary differences will be reversed in the foreseeable future; and - taxable profit will be available. NLB Group recognises a deferred tax liability for all taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries to the extent that NLB is able to control the timing of reversal of the temporary differences, and that it is probable that the temporary differences will reverse in the foreseeable future. As NLB controls the dividend policy of its subsidiaries, NLB Group recognised the deferred tax liability on withholding tax payable on future planned dividend pay-out. In the case of business combination, deferred tax balances are recognised if related to temporary differences and carry-forwards of an acquiree that exist at the acquisition date, or if they arise as a result of the acquisition. Income taxes are measured in accordance with IAS 12 Income Taxes. In accordance with the amendment to Slovenian corporate income tax law effective from January 1, 2025, tax losses can be carried forward to subsequent periods for a maximum of five years after the period in which they occurred. Based on the transitional provision, accumulated unused old tax losses, incurred before the entry into force, expire in the in five years (until 2029). Prior to 2025, Slovenian legislation did not set deadlines by which uncovered tax losses expire. A tax on financial services is a tax on fees, paid for prescribed financial services rendered (financial services, exempt from value-added tax (with the exception of securities transactions) and the services of insurance brokers and agents), paid in Slovenia. The tax rate is 8.5% (2023: 8.5%) and the tax is paid monthly. Given that the tax on financial services is classified as a sales tax, it reduces accrued revenues in the financial statements. For the years 2024-2028 tax on banks’ balance sheets was introduced in Slovenia. The tax is recognised in other general and administrative expenses. 2 . 30 . Fiduciary activities NLB Group provides asset management services to its clients. Assets held in a fiduciary capacity are not reported in NLB Group’s financial statements as they do not represent assets of NLB Group. Fee and commission income and expenses relating to fiduciary activities are generally recognised in the income statement when the service has been provided (see also note 2.11.). Fee and commission income charged for this type of service is broken down by items in note 4.3.b). Further details on transactions managed on behalf of third parties are disclosed in note 5.25. Based on the requirements of Slovenian legislation, NLB Group has, in note 5.25., additionally disclosed the assets and liabilities on accounts used to manage financial assets from fiduciary activities, i.e., information related to the receipt, processing, and execution of orders and related custody activities. 2 . 31 . Employee benefits Employee benefits include: - short-term employee benefits (such as salary, compensations, annual holiday allowance, separation allowance, and non-monetary benefits); - reimbursement of commuting costs, meal allowance, compensation for use of own resources; - retirement indemnity bonuses (post-employment benefits); - other employment benefits (jubilee long-service benefits, voluntary supplementary pension insurance); - variable remuneration. Short-term employee benefits are recognised in the period to which they relate and included in the income statement line item ‘Administrative expenses.’ Among others, they include the payment of contributions for pension and disability insurance, which according to Slovenian local legislation (for employer) amount to 8.85% of the gross salaries. According to legislation, employees retire after they fulfil certain conditions and are entitled to a lump-sum severance payment. Employees are also entitled to a long-service bonus for every 10 years of continuous service in NLB and its predecessor companies. These obligations are measured at the present value of future cash outflows considering future salary increases and other conditions, and then apportioned to past and future employee service based on the benefit plan’s terms and conditions. Service costs are included in the income statement in the line item ‘Administrative expenses’ as defined benefit costs, while interest expenses on the defined benefit liability are recognised in the line item ‘Interest and similar expenses.’ These interest expenses represent the change during the period in the defined benefit liability that arises from the passage of time. For post-employment benefits, actuarial gains and losses from the effect of changes in actuarial assumptions and experience adjustments (differences between ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 402 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report the realised and expected payments) are recognised in other comprehensive income under the line item ‘Actuarial Gains/(Losses) on Defined Benefit Pensions Plans,’ and will not be recycled to the income statement. Actuarial gains and losses that relate to other employment benefits are recognised in the income statement as defined benefit costs. In the statement of financial position, liabilities for short-term employee benefits are included in the line item ‘Other liabilities,’ while liabilities for post-employment benefits and other employment benefits (jubilee long-service benefits) are included in the line item ‘Provisions.’ In the case of a business combination, employee benefits are recognised and measured in accordance with IAS 19 Employee Benefits, i.e., not at fair value. 2 . 32 . Share-based payment transactions Cash-settled share-based payment transactions If certain conditions are met, members of the Management Board and employees performing special work (i.e., those who can significantly impact the risk profile of the Group in the scope of their tasks and activities) receive part of their variable remuneration in the form of financial instruments, whose value is linked to the value of NLB share. Upon expiration of the legally prescribed period (up to five years), beneficiaries receive cash payments depending on the value of a NLB share. The first contracts, including share-based payment transactions, were concluded in the second quarter of 2022. In the statement of financial position, a liability is recognised in the line item ‘Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss.’ Its fair value is measured initially and at each reporting date up to and including the settlement date, with changes in fair value recognised in the income statement line item ‘Gains less losses from financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss.’ Equity-settled share-based payment transactions NLB Group does not have any equity-settled share- based payment transactions. 2 . 33 . Share capital Dividends on ordinary shares Dividends on ordinary shares are recognised in equity in the period in which they are approved by NLB’s shareholders. Treasury shares If NLB or another member of NLB Group purchases NLB shares, the consideration paid is deducted from the total shareholders’ equity as treasury shares. If such shares are subsequently sold, any consideration received is included in equity. If NLB shares are purchased by NLB itself or other NLB Group entities, NLB creates reserves for treasury shares in equity. Share issue costs Costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares are recognised in equity as a reduction in the share premium account. 2 . 34 . Segment reporting Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with internal reporting to the Management Board of the Bank, which is the executive body that makes decisions regarding the allocation of resources and assesses the performance of a specific segment. Transactions between organisational units (OUs) are managed under normal operating conditions. Interest income among individual OUs in the parent bank (NLB) is allocated using a fund transfer pricing method and shown within the net interest income of each OU. Net non-interest income is allocated to the OU that actually provides the service that generates income. Direct costs are attributed to the segment that is directly related to the provided service, and indirect costs (costs which service centres provide for profit centres) are attributed to the segment for which the service is provided, whereas overhead costs are allocated according to general keys. External net income is the net income of NLB Group from the consolidated income statement. Income tax is not allocated between segments. Analysis by segment for NLB Group is presented in note 7. In accordance with IFRS 8, NLB Group has the following reportable segments: Retail Banking in Slovenia, Corporate and Investment Banking in Slovenia, Strategic Foreign Markets, Financial Markets in Slovenia, Non-core members, and Other Activities. 2 . 35 . Critical accounting estimates and judgments in applying accounting policies NLB Group’s financial statements are influenced by accounting policies, assumptions, estimates, and management’s judgment. NLB Group makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year. All estimates and assumptions required in conformity with the IFRS are best estimates undertaken in accordance with the applicable standard. Estimates and judgments are evaluated on a continuing basis, and are based on past experience and other factors, including expectations with regard to future events. a) Allowances for expected credit losses on loans and advances NLB Group monitors and checks the quality of the loan portfolio at the individual and portfolio levels to continuously estimate the necessary allowances for ECL. NLB Group creates individual allowances for individually significant financial assets attributed to Stage 3. Such an assignment is based on information regarding the fulfilment of contractual obligations or other financial difficulties of the debtor, and other important facts. Individual assessments are based on the expected discounted cash flows from operations and/or the assessed expected payment from collateral. Allowances are assessed collectively for financial assets assigned to Stage 1 or 2, or for financial assets in Stage 3 with exposure below the materiality threshold. Disclosure regarding allowances by stages are disclosed in notes 5.14., 5.16. and 6.1.j). The ECL in this group of assets are estimated based on expected value of risk parameters combining the historic movements with the future macroeconomic predictions for three separate scenarios. The models used to estimate future risk parameters are validated and back-tested on a regular basis to make the loss estimations as realistic as possible. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 403 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB Group applies three different macroeconomic scenarios to collectively assess the allowances for credit risk: optimistic, baseline, and severe scenario. The key features of each scenario are described in note 2.14.a) Forward-looking information. Recognised allowances represent a weighted average of the results of the three scenarios. In terms of credit risk parameters, the scenarios differ in the level of default rates (transfer of assets from performing to non-performing status) and loss rates (the % of exposure that will not be repaid in case of default occurrence). Applying a 100% probability on each of the scenario provides an overview of severity or optimism reflected in the two remaining scenarios. The results for NLB Group show the following deviations of the severe and optimistic scenario from the baseline as at 31 December 2024 and 31 December 2023: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | NLB Group | | | | | | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | 31 Dec 2024 | | | | | | | 31 Dec 2023 | | | | | | | | | | Of which | Collective allowances | | | | | | Of which | Collective allowances | | | | | | | Gross | Gross | | | | | Individual | Gross | Gross | | | | | Individual | | | Loans | Loans with | Optimistic | Baseline | Severe | Weighted | allowances | Loans | Loans with | Optimistic | Baseline | Severe | Weighted | allowances | | | | collective | scenario | scenario | scenario | average | | | collective | scenario | scenario | scenario | average | | | | | allowances | | | | | | | allowances | | | | | | | Companies | 7,320,791 | 7,183,783 | (70,386) | (79,386) | (103,604) | (82,439) | (92,667) | 6,343,920 | 6,198,141 | (59,740) | (72,321) | (109,972) | (80,209) | (93,739) | | Individuals | 8,734,989 | 8,713,898 | (154,935) | (164,266) | (185,229) | (166,654) | (10,630) | 7,235,314 | 7,212,398 | (121,473) | (130,512) | (159,304) | (137,304) | (11,195) | The result shows that for collective allowances, the optimistic scenario would result in 92% of the baseline provisions (89% as at 31.12.2023), while the severe scenario and its conservative assumptions lead to an increase of 119% compared to the baseline (133% as at 31.12.2023). b) Fair value of financial instruments The fair values of financial investments traded on the active market are based on current bid prices (financial assets) or offer prices (financial liabilities). The fair values of financial instruments that are not traded on the active market are determined by using valuation models. These include a comparison with recent transaction prices, the use of a discounted cash flow model, valuation based on comparable entities, and other frequently used valuation models. These valuation models at their best estimate reflect current market conditions at the measurement date, which may not be representative of market conditions either before or after the measurement date. Management reviewed all applied models as at the reporting date to ensure they appropriately reflect current market conditions, including the relative liquidity of the market and the applied credit spread. Changes in assumptions regarding these factors could affect the reported fair values of financial instruments held for trading, and financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income. The fair values of derivative financial instruments are determined on the basis of market data (mark-to- market), in accordance with NLB Group’s methodology for the valuation of financial instruments. The market exchange rates, interest rates, yield, and volatility curves used in valuations are based on the market snapshot principle. Market data are saved daily at 4 p.m., and later used for the calculation of the fair values (market value, NPV) of financial instruments. NLB Group applies market yield curves for valuation, and fair values are additionally adjusted for credit risk of the counterparty. The fair value hierarchy of financial instruments is disclosed in note 6.5. c) Impairment of investments in subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures The process of identifying and assessing the impairment of investments in subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures is inherently uncertain, as the forecasting of cash flows requires the significant use of estimates, which themselves are sensitive to the assumptions used. The review of impairment represents management’s best estimate of the facts and assumptions such as: - Future cash flows from individual investments present the estimated cash flow for periods for which adopted business plans are available. For core members, estimated cash flows are based on a five-year business plan. For non-core members, estimated cash flows are based on a period in line with the strategy of divestment. The business plans of individual entities are based on an assessment of future economic conditions that will impact an individual member’s business and the quality of the credit portfolio; - The growth rate for cash flows in perpetuity, following the period of the adopted business plan, ranges between 2.5 and 3.7%; - The target capital adequacy ratio of an individual bank is between 15 and 18%; - The discount rate derived from the capital asset pricing model that is used to discount future cash flows is based on the cost of equity allocated to an individual investment. The discount rate reflects the impact of a range of financial and economic variables, including the risk-free rate and risk premium. The value of variables used is subject to fluctuations outside management’s control. The pre-tax discount rate is between 10.6 and 18.35% (31 December 2023: between 10.2 and 20.25%). 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) 404 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report d) Employee benefits Liabilities for certain employee benefits are calculated by an independent actuary. The main assumptions included in the actuarial calculation are as follows: | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Actuarial assumptions | | | | | | Discount factor | 3.0% - 6.4% | 3.6% - 8.0% | 3.0% | 4.0% | | Wage growth based on inflation, promotions, and wage growth based on past years of service | 2.4% - 5.7% | 2.4% - 13.4% | 2.5% - 3.7% | 2.4% - 8.0% | | Other assumptions | | | | | | Number of employees eligible for benefits | 7,306 | 7,177 | 2,475 | 2,519 | A sensitivity analysis of significant actuarial assumptions for post-employment benefit: | | | | --- | --- | | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | Discount rate | | Future salary increases | | Discount rate | | Future salary increases | | | | +0.5 p.p. | -0.5 p.p. | +0.5 p.p. | -0.5 p.p. | +0.5 p.p. | -0.5 p.p. | +0.5 p.p. | -0.5 p.p. | | Impact on provisions for employee benefits | | | | | | | | | | - post-employment benefits (in %) | (4.6) | 4.9 | 5.0 | (4.6) | (4.2) | 4.5 | 4.5 | (4.2) | | | | | --- | --- | | | | | 31 Dec 2023 | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | Discount rate | | Future salary increases | | Discount rate | | Future salary increases | | | | +0.5 p.p. | -0.5 p.p. | +0.5 p.p. | -0.5 p.p. | +0.5 p.p. | -0.5 p.p. | +0.5 p.p. | -0.5 p.p. | | Impact on provisions for employee benefits | | | | | | | | | | - post-employment benefits (in %) | (4.4) | 4.8 | 4.8 | (4.5) | (4.2) | 4.5 | 4.5 | (4.2) | Individual analysis is done by changing one assumption for +/- 0.5 percentage points, while all other assumptions stay the same. The breakdown of actuarial gains and losses for post- employment benefit by causes: | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Actuarial gains and losses due to changed financial assumptions | (1,765) | (470) | (973) | 614 | | Actuarial gains and losses due to changes in demographic assumptions | 834 | 141 | 832 | - | | Actuarial gains and losses due to experience | (376) | (115) | (719) | (26) | | Total actuarial gains and losses for the year | (1,307) | (444) | (860) | 588 | The weighted average duration of liabilities in years: | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Post-employment benefit | 9.4 - 20.5 | 9.6 - 20.9 | 10.2 | 10.9 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 405 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report e) Taxes NLB Group operates in countries governed by different laws. The deferred tax assets recognised as at 31 December 2024 are based on profit forecasts and take the expected manner of recovery of the assets into account. Changes in assumptions regarding the likely manner of recovering assets or changes in profit forecasts can lead to the recognition of currently unrecognised deferred tax assets or derecognition of previously created deferred tax assets. If profit projections used for estimation of the amount of deferred tax assets which are expected to be reversed in the foreseeable future (i.e., within five years) change by 10%, the estimated amount of deferred tax assets would change by approximately EUR 11 million (notes 4.15. and 5.17.). 2 . 36 . Implementation of the new and revised International Financial Reporting Standards During the current year, NLB Group adopted all new and revised standards and interpretations issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (hereinafter: ‘the IASB’) and the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (hereinafter: ‘the IFRIC’), and that are endorsed by the EU that are effective for annual accounting periods beginning on 1 January 2024. Accounting standards and amendments to existing standards effective for annual periods beginning on 1 January 2024 that were endorsed by the EU and adopted by NLB Group - IAS 1 (amendment and deferral of effective date) – Presentation of Financial Statements: Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2024. The amendments clarify that liabilities are classified as either current or non-current, depending on the rights that exist at the end of the reporting period. Classification is unaffected by the expectations of the entity or events after the reporting date. The amendment also clarifies what IAS 1 means when it refers to the ‘settlement’ of a liability. The changes had no impact on the financial statements. - IAS 1 (amendment) – Presentation of Financial Statements: Non-current Liabilities with Covenants is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2024. The amendments improved the information an entity provides when its right to defer settlement of a liability for at least 12 months is subject to compliance with covenants. The amendments also responded to stakeholders’ concerns about the classification of such a liability as current or non-current. The changes had no impact on the financial statements. - IFRS 16 (amendment) – Leases: Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2024. The amendments affect only the subsequent measurement of lease liabilities arising from a sale and leaseback transaction with variable lease payments, which occurred from the date of initial application of IFRS 16 and for which the seller-lessee’s accounting policy differs from the requirements specified in these amendments. The changes had no impact on the financial statements. - IAS 7 (amendment) – Statement of Cash Flows and IFRS 7 (amendment) – Financial Instruments: Disclosures: Supplier Finance Arrangements is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2024. The amendments add a disclosure objective to IAS 7 stating that an entity is required to disclose information about its supplier finance arrangements that enables users of financial statements to assess the effects of those arrangements on the entity’s liabilities and cash flows, and the entity’s exposure to liquidity risk. Supplier finance arrangements are characterised by one or more finance providers offering to pay amounts an entity owes its suppliers and the entity agreeing to pay according to the terms and conditions of the arrangements at the same date as, or a date later than, suppliers are paid. The amendments note that arrangements that are solely credit enhancements for the entity or instruments used by the entity to settle directly with a supplier the amounts owed are not supplier finance arrangements. Meanwhile, the amendments to IFRS 7 require from an entity to disclose a description of how it manages the liquidity risk resulting from financial liabilities. The amendments include as an additional factor whether the entity has accessed, or has access to, supplier finance arrangements that provide the entity with extended payment terms or the entity’s suppliers with early payment terms. The changes had no impact on the financial statements. Accounting standards and amendments to existing standards that were endorsed by the EU, but not adopted early by NLB Group New and revised accounting standards and interpretations endorsed by the EU that are not mandatory for annual accounting periods beginning on 1 January 2024, were not adopted early by NLB Group. These standards and amendments are not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of NLB Group in the future reporting periods and on foreseeable future transactions. NLB Group plans to adopt the accounting standards and amendments listed below for reporting periods commencing on or after the effective date. - IAS 21 (amendment) – The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates: Lack of Exchangeability is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2025. The amendments clarify how an entity should assess whether a currency is exchangeable, and how it should determine a spot exchange rate when exchangeability is lacking. A currency is exchangeable when an entity is able to exchange that currency for another currency through market or exchange mechanisms that create enforceable rights and obligations without undue delay at the measurement date and for a specified purpose. If a currency is not exchangeable at the measurement date, the entity is required to estimate the spot exchange rate as the rate that would have applied to an orderly exchange transaction between market participants at the measurement date under prevailing economic conditions, and disclose expected affects to the entity’s financial statements. NLB Group does not expect there to be an impact on the financial statements. Accounting standards and amendments to existing standards, but not endorsed by the EU - IFRS 9 and IFRS 7 (amendment) – Amendments to the Classification and Measurement of Financial Instruments is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2026. The Amendments mainly respond to a request from stakeholders to clarify some aspects of the application guidance for assessing the contractual cash flow characteristics ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 406 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report of financial assets and accounting for the settlement of financial liabilities through electronic payment systems. NLB Group does not expect there to be an impact on the financial statements. - IFRS 18 (new standard) – Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2027. IFRS 18 replaces IAS 1, carrying forward many of the requirements in IAS 1 unchanged and complementing them with new requirements. IFRS 18 introduces new requirements to: • present specified categories and defined subtotals in the statement of profit or loss; • provide disclosures on management-defined performance measures (MPMs) in the notes to the financial statements; • improve aggregation and disaggregation. NLB Group expects an impact only on the presentation of financial statements. - IFRS 19 (new standard) – Subsidiaries without Public Accountability: Disclosures is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2027. IFRS 19 permits an eligible subsidiary to provide reduced disclosures when applying IFRS Accounting Standards in its financial statements. A subsidiary is eligible for the reduced disclosures if it does not have public accountability, and its ultimate or any intermediate parent produces consolidated financial statements available for public use that comply with IFRS Accounting Standards. IFRS 19 is optional for subsidiaries that are eligible and sets out the disclosure requirements for subsidiaries that elect to apply it. NLB Group does not expect there to be an impact on the financial statements. - Annual Improvements Volume 11 (amendment) – amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2026. The amendments bring small improvements to existing standards. NLB Group does not expect there to be an impact on the financial statements. - IFRS 9 and IFRS 7 (amendment) - Contracts Referencing Nature-dependent Electricity . Amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2026. Amendments help companies to better report the financial effects of nature-dependent electricity contracts, which are often structured as power purchase agreements (PPAs). The amount of electricity generated under these contracts can vary based on uncontrollable factors such as weather conditions. To allow companies to better reflect these contracts in the financial statements, the amendments include: • clarifying the application of the ‘own-use’ requirements; • permitting hedge accounting if these contracts are used as hedging instruments; and • adding new disclosure requirements to enable investors to understand the effect of these contracts on a company’s financial performance and cash flows. NLB Group does not expect there to be an impact on the financial statements. 3 . Changes in the Composition of the NLB Group Changes in 2024 Capital changes: - In May 2024, NLB Skladi d.o.o., Ljubljana became an owner of 100% of financial company Generali Investments a.d. Skopje. The purchase price for the company was EUR 2,515 thousand and was fully paid in cash (note 5.12.b). In August 2024, the company was renamed ‘NLB Fondovi a.d. Skopje’. - In September 2024, NLB d.d., Ljubljana completed the acquisition of a 100% stake in the company SLS HOLDCO d.o.o., the parent company of Summit Leasing Slovenija d.o.o., Ljubljana and its subsidiary Mobil Leasing d.o.o., Zagreb. The purchase price was EUR 127,216 thousand and was fully paid in cash (note 5.12.c). - In October 2024, NLB d.d. Ljubljana increased share capital in the form of a cash contribution in the amount of EUR 3,329 thousand in company NLB Lease&Go, leasing, d.o.o., Ljubljana. - In October 2024, NLB Komercijalna banka a.d. Beograd and NLB Lease&Go, leasing, d.o.o., Ljubljana increased share capital in the form of a cash contribution in the company NLB Lease&Go Leasing d.o.o. Beograd in the total amount of EUR 5,831 thousand. After that, NLB Lease&Go, leasing, d.o.o., Ljubljana ownership of NLB Lease&Go leasing d.o.o. Beograd increased to 50.89%, and NLB Komercijalna banka a.d. Beograd to 48.91%. - In December 2024, NLB Lease&Go, leasing, d.o.o., Ljubljana and NLB Banka a.d., Skopje increased share capital in the form of a cash contribution in the total amount of EUR 684 thousand in the company NLB Lease&Go, d.o.o. Skopje. Other changes: - In January 2024, according to the new NLB Group Governance Policy, three real estate companies S-REAM d.o.o., Ljubljana, REAM d.o.o., Beograd and REAM d.o.o., Podgorica were transferred from non- core members to core members. - In May 2024, company S-REAM d.o.o., Ljubljana was renamed ‘NLB Real Estate d.o.o., Ljubljana,’ company REAM d.o.o., Podgorica was renamed ‘NLB Real Estate d.o.o., Podgorica,’ and company REAM d.o.o., Beograd was renamed ‘NLB Real Estate d.o.o., Beograd.’ - On 1 July 2024, after merging with NLB Lease&Go, leasing, d.o.o., Ljubljana, subsidiary NLB Leasing d.o.o. Ljubljana – v likvidaciji ceased to exist. All its assets and liabilities were transferred to NLB Lease&Go, leasing, d.o.o., Ljubljana which became its universal legal successor after the merger. - On 1 July 2024, after merging with NLB Real Estate d.o.o., Ljubljana, subsidiary Privatinvest d.o.o., Ljubljana ceased to exist. All its assets and liabilities were transferred to NLB Real Estate d.o.o., Ljubljana which became after merger its universal legal successor after the merger. - In September 2024, NLB Komercijalna banka a.d. Beograd completed the sale of its subsidiary KomBank Invest a.d. Beograd to NLB Skladi, upravljanje premoženja, d.o.o. Ljubljana. In October 2024, the company KomBank Invest a.d. Beograd was renamed ‘NLB Fondovi a.d. Beograd.’ - In October 2024, NLB Lease&Go, leasing, d.o.o., Ljubljana established a new non-financial company for digital business NLB Car&Go, upravljanje spletnih platform, d.o.o. - In November 2024, NLB Zavod za upravljanje kulturne dediščine was renamed ‘NLB MUZA Zavod za upravljanje kulturne dediščine, Ljubljana.’ Changes in 2023 Capital changes: - In January 2023, NLB Lease&Go, leasing, d.o.o., Ljubljana increased its share capital in the form ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 407 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report of a cash contribution in the amount of EUR 2,100 thousand in the company Zastava Istrabenz Lizing, d.o.o., Beograd. The ownership interest increased from 95.20% to 99%. In January 2023, the company was renamed to ‘NLB Lease&Go leasing d.o.o. Beograd.’ - In June 2023, NLB Lease&Go, leasing, d.o.o., Ljubljana increased its share capital in the form of a cash contribution in the amount of EUR 1,195 thousand in the company NLB Lease&Go leasing d.o.o. Beograd. Ownership interest increased from 99% to 99.30%. - In September 2023, NLB Komercijalna banka a.d. Beograd increased its share capital in the form of a cash contribution in the amount of EUR 767 thousand in the company KomBank Invest a.d. Beograd. - In September 2023, NLB Lease&Go, leasing, d.o.o., Ljubljana and NLB Banka a.d., Skopje increased its share capital in the form of a cash contribution in the total amount of EUR 1,571 thousand in the company NLB Lease&Go, d.o.o. Skopje. - In December 2023, NLB Komercijalna banka a.d. Beograd increased its share capital in the form of a cash contribution in the amount of EUR 3,804 thousand in the company NLB Lease&Go leasing d.o.o. Beograd. After that, NLB Lease&Go, leasing, d.o.o., Ljubljana ownership of NLB Lease&Go leasing d.o.o. Beograd is 50.73%, meanwhile, NLB Komercijalna banka a.d. Beograd ownership of NLB Lease&Go leasing d.o.o. Beograd is 48.91%. Other changes: - In April 2023, after merging with REAM d.o.o., Beograd, subsidiary SPV 2 d.o.o., Beograd ceased to exist. All of its assets and liabilities were transferred to REAM d.o.o., Beograd, which became its universal legal successor after the merger. - In May 2023, NLB Group sold its subsidiary Tara Hotel d.o.o. Budva (note 5.12.e). - In July 2023, a purchase agreement was signed for the sale of NLB Group’s subsidiary Optima Leasing d.o.o., Zagreb – u likvidaciji. The transfer of the ownership was entered into the Register of Companies on 13 September 2023 (note 5.12.d). - In August 2023, NLB received an authorisation of the ECB for the merger of the N Banka. On 1 September 2023, with entry of the merger in the Register of Companies, the process of the legal merger of N Banka with NLB was closed. As at the date of the merger, N Banka ceased to exist as an independent legal entity, and NLB as a universal successor, took over all of its rights and obligations (note 5.12.f). - In September 2023, NLB Leasing d.o.o., Beograd – u likvidaciji was liquidated. In accordance with the court order, the company was removed from the court register. - In September 2023, after cross-border merging with S-REAM d.o.o., Ljubljana, subsidiary REAM d.o.o, Zagreb ceased to exist. All its assets and liabilities were transferred to S-REAM d.o.o., Ljubljana, which became its universal legal successor after the merger. - On 30 November 2023, NLB concluded a purchase agreement for the acquisition of a 100% stake in the company SLS HOLDCO d.o.o., the parent company of Summit Leasing Slovenija d.o.o. and its subsidiaries from funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, Inc. and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The purchase price for the mentioned deal is equal to the book value of Summit Leasing with an additional small mark-up. Completion of the transaction depends on obtaining regulatory approvals and approvals from competent authorities/institutions for the protection of competition and is expected in the second half of 2024. 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408 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 4 . Notes to the Income Statement 4 . 1 . Interest income and expenses Analysis by type of assets and liabilities | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Interest and similar income | | | | | | Interest income calculated using the effective interest method | 1,112,288 | 952,875 | 602,004 | 477,154 | | Financial assets measured at fair value through | | | | | | other comprehensive income | 54,463 | 38,645 | 25,289 | 9,184 | | Securities measured at amortised cost | 85,320 | 36,886 | 54,016 | 24,237 | | Deposits with banks and central banks | 121,456 | 130,829 | 115,927 | 122,807 | | Loans and advances to banks measured at amortised cost | 17,271 | 21,616 | 11,142 | 9,584 | | Loans and advances to customers measured at amortised cost | 833,778 | 724,899 | 395,630 | 311,342 | | Other interest and similar income | 95,350 | 40,530 | 44,926 | 21,184 | | Financial assets held for trading | 5,939 | 6,213 | 6,444 | 6,459 | | Non-trading financial assets mandatorily | | | | | | at fair value through profit or loss | 19 | 48 | 412 | 417 | | Derivatives - hedge accounting | 38,474 | 14,529 | 38,070 | 14,308 | | Finance leases | 50,913 | 18,959 | - | - | | Other | 5 | 781 | - | - | | Total | 1,207,638 | 993,405 | 646,930 | 498,338 | | | | | | | | Interest and similar expenses | | | | | | Interest expenses calculated using the effective interest method | 232,863 | 148,034 | 174,429 | 115,779 | | Deposits from banks and central banks | 3,543 | 3,372 | 9,068 | 6,914 | | Borrowings from banks and central banks | 3,871 | 1,880 | 2,220 | 712 | | Due to customers | 115,578 | 68,784 | 56,353 | 36,266 | | Borrowings from other customers | 2,187 | 1,515 | - | - | | Subordinated liabilities | 46,302 | 35,155 | 46,302 | 35,155 | | Debt securities issued | 60,306 | 36,579 | 60,306 | 36,579 | | Lease liabilities (note 5.11.a) | 1,076 | 728 | 180 | 132 | | Negative interest | - | 21 | - | 21 | | Other interest and similar expenses | 40,614 | 12,037 | 40,621 | 9,993 | | Derivatives - hedge accounting | 34,164 | 4,470 | 34,164 | 4,444 | | Financial liabilities held for trading | 5,546 | 5,595 | 6,020 | 5,191 | | Interest expenses on defined employee benefits (note 2.31., 5.16.c) | 768 | 668 | 409 | 330 | | Other | 136 | 1,304 | 28 | 28 | | Total | 273,477 | 160,071 | 215,050 | 125,772 | | Net interest income | 934,161 | 833,334 | 431,880 | 372,566 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) 409 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 4 . 2 . Dividend income | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Financial assets measured at fair value through | | | | | | other comprehensive income | 55 | 116 | - | - | | - related to investments held at the end of reporting period | 55 | 116 | - | - | | Investments in subsidiaries | - | - | 222,652 | 144,930 | | Investments in associates and joint ventures | - | - | 866 | 275 | | Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss | 61 | 53 | 61 | 53 | | Total | 116 | 169 | 223,579 | 145,258 | 4 . 3 . Fee and commission income and expenses a) Fee and commission income and expenses relating to activities of NLB Group and NLB | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Fee and commission income | | | | | | Fee and commission income relating to financial | | | | | | instruments not at fair value through profit or loss | | | | | | Credit cards and ATMs | 138,680 | 130,460 | 56,164 | 50,094 | | Customer transaction accounts | 100,204 | 93,527 | 57,184 | 53,355 | | Other fee and commission income | | | | | | Payments | 90,399 | 88,334 | 25,992 | 24,977 | | Investment funds | 42,812 | 32,994 | 14,104 | 9,916 | | Agency of insurance products | 18,621 | 13,425 | 11,880 | 9,679 | | Other services | 10,505 | 10,381 | 3,862 | 3,816 | | Total fee and commission income from contracts with customers | 401,221 | 369,121 | 169,186 | 151,837 | | Guarantees | 19,141 | 17,954 | 11,048 | 9,577 | | Total | 420,362 | 387,075 | 180,234 | 161,414 | | Fee and commission expenses | | | | | | Fee and commission expenses relating to financial | | | | | | instruments not at fair value through profit or loss | | | | | | Credit cards and ATMs | 90,454 | 91,543 | 36,654 | 33,387 | | Other fee and commission expenses | | | | | | Payments | 13,168 | 13,169 | 1,678 | 1,351 | | Insurance for holders of personal accounts and gold cards | 1,412 | 1,516 | 1,039 | 888 | | Investment banking | 6,287 | 4,627 | 820 | 679 | | Guarantees | 1,685 | 1,691 | 1,643 | 1,598 | | Other services | 4,873 | 4,314 | 904 | 606 | | Total | 117,879 | 116,860 | 42,738 | 38,509 | | Net fee and commission income related to banking activities | 302,483 | 270,215 | 137,496 | 122,905 | 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) 410 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report b) Fee and commission income and expenses relating to fiduciary activities | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Fee and commission income related to fiduciary activities | | | | | | Receipt, processing, and execution of orders | 2,695 | 1,661 | 2,244 | 1,546 | | Management of financial instruments portfolio | 2,439 | 1,724 | - | - | | Initial or subsequent underwriting and/or placing of financial | | | | | | instruments without a firm commitment basis | 579 | 228 | 579 | 228 | | Custody and similar services | 6,640 | 6,027 | 6,498 | 5,842 | | Management of clients‘ account of non-materialised securities | 2,291 | 1,942 | 2,291 | 1,942 | | Safe-keeping of clients‘ financial instruments | 213 | 75 | - | - | | Advice to companies on capital structure, business | | | | | | strategy, and related matters and advice, and services | 65 | 9 | 65 | 9 | | relating to mergers and acquisitions of companies | | | | | | Total | 14,922 | 11,666 | 11,677 | 9,567 | | | | | | | | Fee and commission expenses related to fiduciary activities | | | | | | Fee and commission related to Central Securities | | | | | | Clearing Corporation and similar organisations | 4,379 | 3,844 | 4,382 | 3,847 | | Fee and commission related to stock exchange and similar organisations | 102 | 76 | 102 | 76 | | Total | 4,481 | 3,920 | 4,484 | 3,923 | | Net fee income related to fiduciary activities | 10,441 | 7,746 | 7,193 | 5,644 | | Total fee and commission income a) and b) | 435,284 | 398,741 | 191,911 | 170,981 | | Total fee and commission expenses a) and b) | 122,360 | 120,780 | 47,222 | 42,432 | | Total net fee and commission a) and b) | 312,924 | 277,961 | 144,689 | 128,549 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 411 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report c) Analysis of fee and commission income and expenses by type and by segments | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | | NLB Group | | | | | | | | | 2024 | | Corporate and | Strategic | Financial | Non-Core | Other | Intercompany | Total | | | Retail Banking | Investment | Foreign | Markets in | Members | activities | relations | | | | in Slovenia | Banking in | Markets | Slovenia | | | | | | | | Slovenia | | | | | | | | Fee and commission income | | | | | | | | | | Fee and commission income relating to financial | | | | | | | | | | instruments not at fair value through profit or loss | 89,681 | 23,602 | 125,601 | 63 | - | 2 | (65) | 238,884 | | Credit cards and ATMs | 35,051 | 21,104 | 82,521 | 8 | - | 1 | (5) | 138,680 | | Customer transaction accounts | 54,630 | 2,498 | 43,080 | 55 | - | 1 | (60) | 100,204 | | Other fee and commission | 87,587 | 25,011 | 78,701 | 514 | 39 | 2,980 | (17,573) | 177,259 | | Payments | 13,919 | 11,711 | 64,326 | 76 | - | 2,957 | (2,590) | 90,399 | | Investment funds | 55,994 | 44 | 993 | - | - | - | (14,219) | 42,812 | | Agency of insurance products | 11,877 | 2 | 6,741 | - | - | 1 | - | 18,621 | | Other services | 5,797 | 13,254 | 6,641 | 438 | 39 | 22 | (764) | 25,427 | | Total fee and commission income from contracts with customers | | | | | | | | | | Guarantees | 110 | 10,893 | 8,423 | 45 | - | - | (330) | 19,141 | | Total | 177,378 | 59,506 | 212,725 | 622 | 39 | 2,982 | (17,968) | 435,284 | | | | | | | | | | | | Fee and commission expenses | (47,296) | (18,421) | (70,670) | (2,666) | (41) | (1,234) | 17,968 | (122,360) | | Total | (47,296) | (18,421) | (70,670) | (2,666) | (41) | (1,234) | 17,968 | (122,360) | | Net fee and commission income | 130,082 | 41,085 | 142,055 | (2,044) | (2) | 1,748 | - | 312,924 | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | NLB Group | | | | | | | | | 2023 | Retail Banking | Corporate and | Strategic | Financial | Non-Core | Other | Intercompany | Total | | | in Slovenia | Investment | Foreign | Markets in | Members | activities | relations | | | | | Banking in | Markets | Slovenia | | | | | | | | Slovenia | | | | | | | | Fee and commission income | | | | | | | | | | Fee and commission income relating to financial | | | | | | | | | | instruments not at fair value through profit or loss | 84,170 | 22,043 | 117,756 | 125 | - | 14 | (121) | 223,987 | | Credit cards and ATMs | 31,771 | 19,679 | 79,002 | 5 | - | 8 | (5) | 130,460 | | Customer transaction accounts | 52,399 | 2,364 | 38,754 | 120 | - | 6 | (116) | 93,527 | | Other fee and commission | 71,260 | 23,400 | 71,358 | 493 | 46 | 2,763 | (12,520) | 156,800 | | Payments | 13,704 | 11,146 | 62,574 | 152 | - | 2,748 | (1,990) | 88,334 | | Investment funds | 42,663 | 47 | 233 | - | - | - | (9,949) | 32,994 | | Agency of insurance products | 10,124 | 1 | 3,294 | 4 | - | 2 | - | 13,425 | | Other services | 4,769 | 12,206 | 5,257 | 337 | 46 | 13 | (581) | 22,047 | | Total fee and commission income from contracts with customers | | | | | | | | | | Guarantees | 120 | 10,361 | 7,545 | 35 | - | 13 | (120) | 17,954 | | Total | 155,550 | 55,804 | 196,659 | 653 | 46 | 2,790 | (12,761) | 398,741 | | Fee and commission expenses | (41,434) | (15,593) | (72,547) | (2,727) | (122) | (1,118) | 12,761 | (120,780) | | Total | (41,434) | (15,593) | (72,547) | (2,727) | (122) | (1,118) | 12,761 | (120,780) | | Net fee and commission income | 114,116 | 40,211 | 124,112 | (2,074) | (76) | 1,672 | - | 277,961 | 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) 412 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 4 . 4 . Gains less losses from financial assets and liabilities not measured at fair value through profit or loss | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Debt instruments measured at fair value through | | | | | | other comprehensive income | | | | | | - gains | 160 | 94 | - | 2 | | - losses | (3,328) | (836) | (210) | (836) | | Financial assets measured at amortised cost | | | | | | - gains | 169 | - | - | - | | Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost | | | | | | - gains | 2,839 | - | 2,713 | - | | Total | (160) | (742) | 2,503 | (834) | 4 . 5 . Gains less losses from financial assets and liabilities held for trading | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Foreign exchange trading | | | | | | - gains | 40,675 | 35,774 | 14,037 | 12,308 | | - losses | (8,833) | (7,394) | (7,792) | (7,299) | | Debt instruments | | | | | | - gains | 583 | 188 | 580 | 134 | | - losses | (340) | (28) | (340) | (28) | | Derivatives | | | | | | - currency | 1,192 | 2,462 | 3,567 | (1,512) | | - interest rate | (51) | 1,182 | (76) | (4,014) | | - securities | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | | Total | 33,229 | 32,187 | 9,979 | (408) | Interest income from financial assets held for trading is included in the income statement line item ‘Interest and similar income’ and interest expenses from financial liabilities held for trading in line item ‘Interest and similar expenses’ (note 4.1.). ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 413 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 4 . 6 . Gains less losses from non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Equity securities | | | | | | - gains | 4,076 | 2,667 | 4,045 | 1,901 | | - losses | (863) | (985) | (855) | (712) | | Debt securities | | | | | | - gains | 54 | 122 | - | - | | - losses | (4) | (44) | - | - | | Loans and advances to customers | | | | | | - gains | - | 24 | 658 | 1,256 | | Total | 3,263 | 1,784 | 3,848 | 2,445 | Interest income from non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss is included in the income statement line item ‘Interest and similar income’ (note 4.1.). 4 . 7 . Foreign exchange translation gains less losses | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Financial assets and liabilities not measured as | | | | | | at fair value through profit or loss | (3,867) | (2,549) | (3,770) | 3,232 | | Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss | 167 | (7) | 167 | (7) | | Other | 56 | (222) | 56 | (222) | | Total | (3,644) | (2,778) | (3,547) | 3,003 | 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414 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 4 . 8 . Other operating income and expenses | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Other operating income | | | | | | Income from non-banking services | 8,360 | 7,933 | 7,029 | 6,862 | | - cash transportation | 3,279 | 3,455 | 3,279 | 3,481 | | - operating leases of movable property | 2,491 | 2,133 | 527 | 485 | | - IT services | 316 | 221 | 1,486 | 1,249 | | - other | 2,274 | 2,124 | 1,737 | 1,647 | | Rental income from investment property | 1,348 | 1,755 | 293 | 359 | | Revaluation of investment property to fair value (note 5.9.) | 1,714 | 617 | 221 | 223 | | Sale of investment property | 816 | 427 | 258 | 17 | | Other operating income | 9,611 | 6,676 | 6,773 | 2,915 | | Total | 21,849 | 17,408 | 14,574 | 10,376 | | Other operating expenses | | | | | | Donations | 2,187 | 12,008 | 1,541 | 11,564 | | Expenses related to issued service guarantees | 3 | 545 | 3 | 545 | | Revaluation of investment property to fair value (note 5.9.) | 1,228 | 1,734 | 35 | 41 | | Other operating expenses | 8,411 | 7,813 | 2,329 | 2,232 | | Total | 11,829 | 22,100 | 3,908 | 14,382 | The line item ‘Donations,’ classified under the ‘Other operating expenses’ in year 2023 also include donations of NLB for floods mitigation in Slovenia to municipalities in the total amount of EUR 4,000 thousand, and to the Budget of the Republic of Slovenia to a particular budget line to raise funds to recover the consequences of the August floods in the amount of EUR 5,000 thousand. 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</svg>) 415 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 4 . 9 . Administrative expenses | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Employee costs | | | | | | Gross salaries, compensations, and other short-term benefits | 288,583 | 252,731 | 144,109 | 118,962 | | Defined contribution scheme | 18,591 | 17,424 | 9,055 | 8,225 | | Social security contributions | 14,198 | 12,612 | 7,544 | 6,864 | | Defined benefit expenses (note 5.16.c) | 780 | (602) | 501 | (279) | | Post-employment benefits | (26) | (1,134) | (187) | (452) | | Other employee benefits | 806 | 532 | 688 | 173 | | Total | 322,152 | 282,165 | 161,209 | 133,772 | | Other general and administrative expenses | | | | | | Material | 6,994 | 6,672 | 1,746 | 1,624 | | Services | 58,476 | 46,735 | 33,146 | 26,824 | | Intellectual services | 22,218 | 18,385 | 12,810 | 9,768 | | Costs of supervision | 7,136 | 4,942 | 4,384 | 2,806 | | Costs of other services | 29,122 | 23,408 | 15,952 | 14,250 | | Tax expenses | 37,915 | 4,454 | 34,507 | 1,040 | | Tax on balance sheet | 33,204 | - | 33,204 | - | | Other tax expenses | 4,711 | 4,454 | 1,303 | 1,040 | | Membership fees and similar | 994 | 903 | 363 | 359 | | Business travel | 2,172 | 1,684 | 787 | 561 | | Marketing | 20,502 | 17,373 | 10,439 | 9,213 | | Buildings and equipment | 32,591 | 32,680 | 16,091 | 15,290 | | Electricity | 7,481 | 8,285 | 3,714 | 4,307 | | Rents and leases | 2,423 | 3,012 | 400 | 526 | | Maintenance costs | 10,135 | 9,370 | 5,333 | 4,977 | | Costs of security | 6,371 | 5,952 | 2,582 | 2,203 | | Insurance for tangible assets | 810 | 656 | 293 | 152 | | Other costs related to buildings and equipment | 5,371 | 5,405 | 3,769 | 3,125 | | Technology | 43,558 | 43,093 | 22,692 | 23,100 | | Maintenance of software and hardware | 21,695 | 22,527 | 8,996 | 10,232 | | Licences | 13,959 | 12,612 | 9,707 | 8,829 | | Data assets and subscription costs | 3,359 | 3,267 | 2,342 | 2,157 | | Other technology costs | 4,545 | 4,687 | 1,647 | 1,882 | | Communications | 12,150 | 12,490 | 4,498 | 4,567 | | Postal services | 4,697 | 4,868 | 2,828 | 2,814 | | Telecommunication and internet | 4,996 | 5,141 | 521 | 558 | | Other communication costs | 2,457 | 2,481 | 1,149 | 1,195 | | Other general and administrative costs | 6,491 | 4,374 | 2,964 | 2,057 | | Total | 221,843 | 170,458 | 127,233 | 84,635 | | Total administrative expenses | 543,995 | 452,623 | 288,442 | 218,407 | | Number of employees | 8,322 | 7,982 | 2,523 | 2,554 | Costs of other services include insurance costs, costs for cash transport, archiving costs, costs for certification agency and e-business, meeting fees of members of the Supervisory Board. 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416 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report In the table below are presented expenses related to the services of the statutory auditor: | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Statutory audit fees | | | | | | Cost of statutory audit | 1,307 | 944 | 526 | 333 | | Audit overruns due to additional scope | 90 | - | 53 | - | | Total | 1,397 | 944 | 579 | 333 | | Other audit fees | | | | | | Other assurance services | 225 | 28 | 210 | 28 | | Non assurance services | 34 | - | 15 | - | | Total | 259 | 28 | 225 | 28 | | Total audit fees | 1,656 | 972 | 804 | 361 | The contractual amount of the auditor’s remuneration for auditing the annual report (excluding VAT, predefined costs and inflation, if it exceeds 3% in an individual member state of the NLB Group) amounted to EUR 915 thousand in 2024 at the NLB Group (2023: EUR 757 thousand), and EUR 302 thousand at NLB (2023: EUR 341 thousand). For other audit assurance services, the contractual values (excluding VAT and additional costs) for the NLB Group amount to EUR 180 thousand (2023: EUR 17 thousand), and EUR 163 thousand at NLB (2023: EUR 8 thousand), and relate to the sustainability report and other audit services. For other audit services, excluding assurance, the contractual values for the NLB Group amount to EUR 24 thousand (2023: EUR 15 thousand), and in NLB amounted to EUR 7 thousand (2023: EUR 7 thousand). In addition to the services included in the paragraph above, the statutory auditor also performed certain non-audit services in 2024 in the amount of EUR 159 thousand (2023: EUR 75 thousand) and other assurance services in 2023 in the amount of EUR 260 thousand, both related to the issuance of bonds. Amounts are presented without VAT. The payment was included in the calculation of the effective interest rate on the instrument issued. 4 . 10 . Cash contributions to resolution funds and deposit guarantee schemes | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Cash contributions to deposit guarantee schemes | 39,968 | 36,946 | 10,793 | 9,686 | | Cash contributions to resolution funds | 245 | 2,147 | - | 1,697 | | Total | 40,213 | 39,093 | 10,793 | 11,383 | In February 2024, Bank of Slovenia announced Single Resolution Board decision that no regular annual contributions to Single Resolution Fund will be collected in 2024 since the target level of at least 1% of covered deposits held in the member states participating in the Single Resolution Mechanism was reached. Accordingly, NLB was not obligated to contribute its regular contribution to resolution funds for the year 2024. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 417 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 4 . 11 . Depreciation and amortisation | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Amortisation of intangible assets (note 5.10.) | 20,775 | 16,402 | 11,625 | 7,528 | | Depreciation of property and equipment: | | | | | | - own property and equipment (note 5.8.b) | 29,561 | 24,832 | 10,838 | 10,508 | | - right-of-use assets (note 5.11.a) | 7,881 | 7,998 | 1,553 | 1,421 | | Total | 58,217 | 49,232 | 24,016 | 19,457 | 4 . 12 . Gains less losses from modification of financial assets | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | 2024 | | | | 2023 | | | | | | 12-month | Lifetime ECL | Lifetime | | 12-month | Lifetime ECL | Lifetime | | | NLB Group | expected | not credit - | ECL credit- | Total | expected | not credit - | ECL credit- | Total | | | credit losses | impaired | impaired | | credit losses | impaired | impaired | | | Financial assets modified during the period | | | | | | | | | | Amortised cost before modification | 515,034 | 16,401 | 2,083 | 533,518 | 510,682 | 4,141 | 4,145 | 518,968 | | Net modification gains/(losses) | (4,113) | (143) | (24) | (4,280) | (16,043) | (123) | (105) | (16,271) | The majority of modification loss of financial assets in 2024 and 2023 refers to the Decision on temporary measures for banks in relation to housing loans to natural persons, which limited the interest rates of housing loans in Serbia. The loss represents the difference between the balance of the loan on the modification date and the discounted value of the cash flows of the modified repayment plans using the original effective interest rate. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Financial assets modified since initial recognition | | | | Gross carrying amount of financial assets for which loss allowance has | | | | changed to 12-month measurement during the period | - | 775 | 4 . 13 . Provisions | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Provision for credit losses | (10,728) | (5,055) | (8,701) | (3,074) | | Guarantees and commitments (note 5.16.b) | (10,728) | (5,055) | (8,701) | (3,074) | | Provision for other liabilities and charges | 12,847 | 25,925 | 7,149 | 14,422 | | Restructuring provisions (note 5.16.d) | 3,919 | 3,654 | 2,500 | 3,800 | | Provisions for legal risks (note 5.16.e) | 8,928 | 7,280 | 4,649 | (2,678) | | Other provisions (note 5.16.f) | - | 14,991 | - | 13,300 | | Total | 2,119 | 20,870 | (1,552) | 11,348 | 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418 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 4 . 14 . Impairment charge | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Impairment of financial assets | | | | | | Cash balances at central banks, and other demand deposits at banks | (53) | (504) | (272) | 110 | | Loans and advances to banks measured at amortised cost (note 5.14.a) | (79) | 23 | 36 | (80) | | Loans and advances to individuals measured at amortised cost (note 5.14.a) | 39,711 | 37,632 | 23,535 | 15,689 | | Loans and advances to other customers measured | | | | | | at amortised cost (note 5.14.a) | (8,280) | (41,396) | 17,813 | (4,254) | | Debt securities measured at fair value through | | | | | | other comprehensive income (note 5.14.b) | (1,535) | (7,054) | 198 | (5,058) | | Debt securities measured at amortised cost (note 5.14.b) | 1,923 | 1,749 | 723 | 672 | | Other financial assets measured at amortised cost (note 5.14.a) | (381) | 2,833 | (1,343) | 589 | | Total impairment of financial assets | 31,306 | (6,717) | 40,690 | 7,668 | | Impairment of investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures | | | | | | Investments in subsidiaries | - | - | (53,525) | (96,876) | | Investments in associates and joint ventures | - | - | - | (241) | | Total | - | - | (53,525) | (97,117) | | Impairment of other assets | | | | | | Property and equipment (note 5.8.b) | 3,667 | 47 | - | - | | Other assets | 347 | (100) | 1 | 3 | | Total | 4,014 | (53) | 1 | 3 | | Total impairment of non-financial assets | 4,014 | (53) | (53,524) | (97,114) | | Total impairment | 35,320 | (6,770) | (12,834) | (89,446) | In 2024, NLB released impairments related to equity investments in subsidiaries in total amount of EUR 53,705 thousand (2023: EUR 97,847 thousand). Release of impartments in subsidiaries was due to increase in their estimated recoverable amounts. The recoverable amounts have been calculated based on value in use, determined by discounting the future cash flows expected to be generated from holding the investments. The values assigned to the key assumptions represent management’s assessment of future trends in the relevant sectors and have been based on historical data from both internal and external sources (discount rate from 10.6% to 18.35%; growth rate from 2.5% to 3.7%; target capital adequacy ratio between 15% and 18%). Details of the assumptions used in the estimates are presented in note 2.35.c). In 2024, NLB impaired equity investment in non-core subsidiary in amount of EUR 180 thousand (2023: EUR 730 thousand), which is included in the amount in the line item ‘Investments in subsidiaries.’ In 2024, impairment of financial assets includes EUR 1,661 thousand of 12-month expected credit losses for Stage 1 financial assets measured at amortised cost, acquired through a business combination (note 5.12.c). ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) 419 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 4 . 15 . Income tax | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Current income tax | 76,432 | 66,072 | 34,423 | 25,210 | | Global minimum tax | 6,037 | - | 3,851 | - | | Deferred income tax (note 5.17.) | (4,553) | (50,982) | (4,445) | (60,751) | | Total | 77,916 | 15,090 | 33,829 | (35,541) | Reconciliations of differences from the amount of tax determined by applying the Slovenian statutory tax rate and reconciliation of effects: | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2024 | | 2023 | | | Profit before tax | 608,149 | | 578,413 | | 511,990 | | 478,746 | | | Tax calculated at prescribed rate of 22% (in 2023: 19%) | 133,793 | 22.0% | 109,898 | 19.0% | 112,638 | 22.0% | 90,962 | 19.0% | | Tax effect of: | | | | | | | | | | Income not subject to tax | (14,855) | -2.4% | (13,180) | -2.2% | (58,988) | -11.5% | (45,966) | -9.6% | | Non-deductible expenses | 10,385 | 1.7% | 10,572 | 1.7% | 1,239 | 0.2% | 3,130 | 0.7% | | Utilization of previously non-deductible expenses | - | - | (16,034) | -2.6% | - | - | (2,578) | -0.5% | | Tax reliefs | (4,840) | -0.8% | (3,324) | -0.5% | (3,273) | -0.6% | (3,301) | -0.7% | | Use of previously unrecognised tax losses | (27,689) | -4.6% | (22,266) | -3.7% | (27,079) | -5.3% | (21,898) | -4.6% | | Unrecognised deferred tax assets on current period tax losses | 1,107 | 0.1% | 14,218 | 2.3% | - | - | - | - | | Recognition of previously unrecognised deferred tax on tax losses | (6,920) | -1.1% | (46,697) | -7.7% | (5,501) | -1.1% | (46,697) | -9.8% | | Recognition of previously unrecognised deferred | | | | | | | | | | tax on deductible temporary differences | - | - | (1,918) | -0.3% | - | - | (1,918) | -0.4% | | Changes in deferred taxes due to the increase of tax rate | - | - | (13,491) | -2.2% | - | - | (13,544) | -2.8% | | Effect of different tax rates in other countries | (29,794) | -4.9% | (18,636) | -3.1% | - | - | - | - | | Withholding tax for which no tax credit was available | 10,197 | 1.7% | 6,920 | 1.1% | 10,197 | 2.0% | 6,920 | 1.4% | | Deferred tax liability on undistributed profits | 840 | 0.1% | 9,626 | 1.6% | - | - | - | - | | Adjustment to tax in respect of prior years | (670) | -0.1% | 50 | - | 420 | - | (3) | - | | Global minimum tax | 6,037 | 1.0% | - | - | 3,851 | 0.8% | - | - | | Other | 325 | 0.1% | (648) | -0.1% | 325 | 0.1% | (648) | -0.1% | | Total | 77,916 | 12.8% | 15,090 | 2.6% | 33,829 | 6.6% | (35,541) | -7.4% | Each member of NLB Group (disclosed in note 5.12.a) is taxable as required by local tax legislation. Income tax rates within NLB Group ranges from 9 to 32%. A tax rate of 22% was applied in Slovenia in 2024 (2023: 19%). For the years 2024 – 2028, the rate in Slovenia will be 22%. The effect of income not subject to tax of NLB in 2024, related to: - dividends in 2024 amounted EUR 46,728 thousand (2023: EUR 26,219 thousand). They are based on non-taxable dividend income in 2024 which amounts to EUR 212,400 thousand (2023: EUR 137,994 thousand); - release of impairments of equity investments in 2024 amounted to EUR 11,815 thousand (2023: EUR 18,591 thousand). They are based on non-taxable income from release of impairments of equity investments in 2024 in amount of EUR 53,705 thousand (2023: EUR 97,847 thousand). NLB recognised deferred tax assets accrued on the basis of temporary differences in an amount that, given future profit estimates, is expected to be reversed in the foreseeable future (i.e., within five years). Due to some uncertainties regarding external factors (regulatory environment, market situation, etc.), a lower range of ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 420 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report expected outcomes was considered for the purposes of deferred tax assets calculation. NLB recognised deferred tax assets on all temporary differences. The deferred tax assets for tax losses are recognised in the amount that takes into account other deferred tax assets, reaches the total amount of deferred tax assets, for which a reversal is expected within five years. The deferred tax assets with respect to which simultaneously deferred tax liabilities are recognised are excluded from this calculation (e.g., deferred tax assets for temporary non-deductible expenses for impairment of debt securities measured at fair value through other comprehensive income and deferred tax assets related to fair value hedge accounting). NLB Group members did not recognise deferred tax assets for tax losses if there was uncertainty about whether the tax losses could be utilised, because it is not probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the deferred tax assets can be utilised. The majority of the impact of unrecognised deferred tax assets on current period tax losses for 2023 relates to the tax loss of a subsidiary that realised tax loss due to the utilisation of previously tax non-deductible expenses for impairments in the subsidiary, which was divested in 2023. Deferred tax liability related to undistributed profits includes withholding tax which shall be paid in the year 2025 on projected dividends. The tax authorities may audit operations of NLB Group entities. In general, tax inspection, which may result in the emergence of additional tax liability, default interest, and penalties, may be initiated at any time within four to six years from the date of tax statement or from the year in which tax should have been assessed. NLB is not aware of any circumstances that could give rise to a potential material tax liability in this respect. NLB has a special tax status at the Financial Administration of the Republic of Slovenia (FURS). The purpose of the status is to establish cooperation between FURS and the taxpayers, with the aim of encouraging voluntary compliance and reduce administrative burdens on financial supervision. FURS cooperates with NLB and responds quickly to resolve NLB’s tax compliance issues, which reduces NLB’s tax risks and uncertain tax positions. Global minimum tax NLB Group became subject to global minimum top-up tax from 1 January 2024 and is liable to pay the top-up- tax for the group members in the jurisdictions, where effective tax rate, calculated by the rules related to global minimum top-up-tax, is below 15%. NLB as the parent company recognised the global minimum top- up-tax in the amount of EUR 3,851 thousand related to subsidiaries in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, where the statutory corporate income tax rate is 10%. North Macedonia, where a 10% statutory corporate income tax also applies, introduced a domestic top- up-tax, therefore NLB Banka Skopje recognised a EUR 2,186 thousand top-up-tax. The NLB Group applied a mandatory temporary exception from the requirements of IAS 12, according to which information on deferred tax assets and liabilities related to Global minimum tax are not recognised or disclosed. 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421 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 4 . 16 . Earnings per share Earnings per share are calculated by dividing the net profit by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue, less treasury shares. Diluted earnings per share are the same as basic earnings per share for NLB Group and NLB, since subordinated bonds and other issued debt securities have no future conversion options, and consequently there are no dilutive potential ordinary shares. | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Net profit attributable to the owners of | | | | | | the parent (in EUR thousands) | 514,552 | 550,700 | 478,161 | 514,287 | | Weighted average number of ordinary shares (in thousands) | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | | Basic earnings per share (in EUR per share) | 25.7 | 27.5 | 23.9 | 25.7 | | Diluted earnings per share (in EUR per share) | 25.7 | 27.5 | 23.9 | 25.7 | 5 . Notes to the Statement of Financial Position 5 . 1 . Cash, cash balances at central banks, and other demand deposits at banks | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Balances and obligatory reserves with central banks | 3,322,029 | 5,435,460 | 1,708,488 | 4,077,399 | | Cash | 540,283 | 470,902 | 214,637 | 181,735 | | Demand deposits at banks | 178,504 | 198,489 | 50,183 | 59,365 | | | 4,040,816 | 6,104,851 | 1,973,308 | 4,318,499 | | Allowance for impairment | (1,235) | (1,290) | (195) | (467) | | Total | 4,039,581 | 6,103,561 | 1,973,113 | 4,318,032 | Slovenian banks are required to maintain a compulsory reserve with the Bank of Slovenia relative to the volume and structure of their customer deposits. Other banks in NLB Group maintain a compulsory reserve in accordance with local legislation. 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</svg>) 422 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 5 . 2 . Financial instruments held for trading a) Financial assets held for trading | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Derivatives, excluding hedging instruments | | | | | | Swap contracts | 7,649 | 13,867 | 10,393 | 16,135 | | - currency swaps | 1,598 | 3,687 | 1,919 | 3,712 | | - interest rate swaps | 6,051 | 10,180 | 8,474 | 12,423 | | Options | 486 | 1,249 | 486 | 1,249 | | - interest rate options | 463 | 1,229 | 463 | 1,229 | | - securities options | 23 | 20 | 23 | 20 | | Forward contracts | 779 | 602 | 770 | 573 | | - currency forward | 779 | 602 | 770 | 573 | | Total derivatives | 8,914 | 15,718 | 11,649 | 17,957 | | Securities | | | | | | Bonds | 9,424 | - | 9,424 | - | | - other EU members | 2,036 | - | 2,036 | - | | - other non-EU members | 7,388 | - | 7,388 | - | | Total securities | 9,424 | - | 9,424 | - | | Total | 18,338 | 15,718 | 21,073 | 17,957 | | - quoted securities | 9,424 | - | 9,424 | - | | of these debt instruments | 9,424 | - | 9,424 | - | The notional amounts of derivative financial instruments are disclosed in note 5.24.b). b) Financial liabilities held for trading | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Derivatives, excluding hedging instruments | | | | | | Swap contracts | 5,496 | 11,139 | 8,478 | 15,440 | | - currency swaps | 660 | 2,035 | 1,311 | 4,216 | | - interest rate swaps | 4,836 | 9,104 | 7,167 | 11,224 | | Options | 595 | 1,573 | 595 | 1,573 | | - interest rate options | 595 | 1,573 | 595 | 1,573 | | Forward contracts | 904 | 505 | 904 | 497 | | - currency forward | 904 | 505 | 904 | 497 | | Total | 6,995 | 13,217 | 9,977 | 17,510 | The notional amounts of derivative financial instruments are disclosed in note 5.24.b). 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423 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 5 . 3 . Non-trading financial instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss a) Financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Assets | | | | | | Shares | 8,650 | 6,300 | 8,650 | 6,300 | | Investment funds | 7,779 | 2,658 | 6,521 | 2,558 | | Bonds | 1,000 | 5,217 | - | - | | Loans and advances to companies | - | - | 3,964 | 7,785 | | Total | 17,429 | 14,175 | 19,135 | 16,643 | | - quoted securities | 1,000 | 5,217 | - | - | | of these debt instruments | 1,000 | 5,217 | - | - | | - unquoted securities | 16,429 | 8,958 | 15,171 | 8,858 | | of these equity instruments | 16,429 | 8,958 | 15,171 | 8,858 | As at 31 December 2024 and 2023, NLB Group and NLB did not have any assets received by taking possession of collateral and included in financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss. b) Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Liabilities | | | | | | Loans and advances to companies | - | - | 637 | 1,234 | | Other financial liabilities (note 2.32.) | 9,633 | 4,482 | 4,960 | 1,976 | | Total | 9,633 | 4,482 | 5,597 | 3,210 | 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424 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 5 . 4 . Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income a) Analysis by type of financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Bonds | 2,262,669 | 1,836,604 | 1,601,875 | 962,084 | | - governments | 1,707,776 | 1,398,036 | 1,046,982 | 523,516 | | - Republic of Slovenia | 385,768 | 246,155 | 365,517 | 210,509 | | - other EU members | 636,688 | 200,914 | 564,737 | 194,599 | | - Republic of Serbia | 347,103 | 579,333 | 4,701 | 4,482 | | - other non-EU members | 338,217 | 371,634 | 112,027 | 113,926 | | - banks | 459,750 | 413,926 | 459,750 | 413,926 | | - other issuers | 95,143 | 24,642 | 95,143 | 24,642 | | Shares | 33,819 | 26,467 | 370 | 303 | | National Resolution Fund | 62,774 | 60,625 | 62,774 | 60,625 | | Treasury bills | 173,614 | 301,838 | - | - | | - Republic of Slovenia | - | 19,902 | - | - | | - other EU members | 140,774 | 247,827 | - | - | | - other non-EU members | 32,840 | 34,109 | - | - | | Commercial bills | 30,640 | 26,022 | - | - | | Total | 2,563,516 | 2,251,556 | 1,665,019 | 1,023,012 | | of these debt securities | 2,466,923 | 2,164,464 | 1,601,875 | 962,084 | | of these equity securities | 96,593 | 87,092 | 63,144 | 60,928 | | Allowance for impairment (note 5.14.b) | (5,793) | (7,329) | (2,647) | (2,448) | | - quoted securities | 2,392,486 | 1,997,126 | 1,601,875 | 962,084 | | of these debt instruments | 2,363,268 | 1,992,263 | 1,601,875 | 962,084 | | of these equity instruments | 29,218 | 4,863 | - | - | | - unquoted securities | 171,030 | 254,430 | 63,144 | 60,928 | | of these debt instruments | 103,655 | 172,201 | - | - | | of these equity instruments | 67,375 | 82,229 | 63,144 | 60,928 | The credit quality analysis for financial assets and contingent liabilities is disclosed in note 6.1.j) and movements in allowance for the impairment of debt securities in note 5.14.b). ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) 425 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report b) Movements of financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2024 | | 2023 | | | | Debt securities | Equity | Debt securities | Equity | Debt securities | Equity | Debt securities | Equity | | | securities | securities | securities | securities | | Balance as at 1 January | 2,164,464 | 87,092 | 2,838,796 | 80,407 | 962,084 | 60,928 | 1,291,277 | 42,784 | | Effects of translation of foreign operations | | | | | | | | | | to presentation currency | 2,433 | 103 | (293) | (34) | - | - | - | - | | Additions | 2,433,207 | 54 | 1,446,746 | - | 836,368 | 54 | 59,345 | - | | Derecognition | (2,253,476) | (87) | (2,249,943) | (82) | (260,979) | - | (479,962) | - | | Net interest income | 54,462 | - | 38,624 | - | 25,289 | - | 9,163 | - | | Exchange differences on monetary assets | 4,177 | - | 1,901 | - | 1,427 | - | (766) | - | | Changes in fair values | 61,656 | 9,431 | 88,633 | 6,801 | 37,686 | 2,162 | 49,410 | 2,284 | | Merger of subsidiary (note 5.12.f) | - | - | - | - | - | - | 33,617 | 15,860 | | Balance as at 31 December | 2,466,923 | 96,593 | 2,164,464 | 87,092 | 1,601,875 | 63,144 | 962,084 | 60,928 | As at 31 December 2024, and as at 31 December 2023, NLB Group and NLB do not have any equity instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income obtained by taking possession of collateral in the statement of financial position (note 6.1.l). c) Accumulated other comprehensive income related to financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2024 | | 2023 | | | | Debt securities | Equity | Debt securities | Equity | Debt securities | Equity | Debt securities | Equity | | | securities | securities | securities | securities | | Balance as at 1 January | (66,934) | 7,011 | (144,578) | 1,332 | (35,255) | 144 | (78,283) | (1,460) | | Effects of translation of foreign operations | | | | | | | | | | to presentation currency | (14) | (8) | (31) | (5) | - | - | - | - | | Net gains/(losses) from changes in fair value | 55,795 | 9,431 | 77,269 | 6,801 | 31,825 | 2,162 | 38,046 | 2,284 | | Gains/losses transferred to net profit on disposal (note 4.4.) | 3,168 | - | 742 | - | 210 | - | 834 | - | | Impairment (note 4.14.) | (1,535) | - | (7,054) | - | 198 | - | (5,058) | - | | Transfer of gains/losses to retained earnings | - | (58) | - | (63) | - | - | - | - | | Deferred income tax (note 5.17.) | (10,589) | (1,484) | 6,718 | (1,054) | (7,091) | (476) | 11,849 | (434) | | Merger of subsidiary | - | - | - | - | - | - | (2,643) | (246) | | Balance as at 31 December | (20,109) | 14,892 | (66,934) | 7,011 | (10,113) | 1,830 | (35,255) | 144 | 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) 426 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 5 . 5 . Derivatives for hedging purposes NLB Group entities measure exposure to interest rate risk using repricing gap analysis and by calculating the sensitivity of the statement of financial position and off- balance-sheet items in terms of the economic value of equity. The portfolio duration is used as a measure of risk in the management of securities in the banking book. NLB Group entities use interest rate swaps (IRS) to close open positions in an individual maturity bucket. Micro and macro fair value hedges are used for that purpose, i.e., the swapping of a fixed interest rate on a hedged item for a variable interest rate. Micro cash flow hedges are also occasionally used, i.e. the swapping of a variable interest rate on a hedged item for a fixed interest rate. All fair value hedges are made on assets and liability items. Hedge accounting principles (i.e., fair value and cash flow hedging) were applied in the hedging of interest rate risk using interest rate swaps. These hedge relationships are designated in such a way that the characteristics of the hedging instrument and those of the hedged item match (i.e., the principal terms match), while the dollar-offset method is used to regularly measure hedge effectiveness retrospectively. Efficiency is considered when total difference is within range 80%–125% or within materiality threshold defined at origination of hedge. Prospective testing of hedge effectiveness is carried out regularly for macro hedges where the characteristics of both items in the hedge relationship do not fully match by comparing the change in the fair value of both items to the shift in the yield curve. Sources of hedge ineffectiveness may arise from the difference of discount rates used for valuation of hedged and hedging instruments, notional and timing differences, as well differences in the amortisation plan between hedged items and the hedging instrument. Hedge effectiveness is assessed monthly, by comparing changes in the fair value of the hedged item that are attributable to a hedged risk with changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument. a) Fair value adjustment in hedge accounting recognised in profit or loss | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Fair value hedge from assets items | (231) | 2,735 | (223) | 2,424 | | Net effects from hedging instruments | (10,840) | (24,799) | (10,731) | (22,803) | | - interest rate swap for micro hedge | (7,098) | (15,677) | (6,989) | (13,681) | | - interest rate swap for macro hedge | (3,742) | (9,122) | (3,742) | (9,122) | | Net effects from hedged items | 10,609 | 27,534 | 10,508 | 25,227 | | - loans measured at amortised cost - micro hedge | - | (3) | - | (3) | | - bonds measured at amortised cost - micro hedge | 894 | 2,684 | 894 | 2,684 | | - bonds measured at fair value through OCI - micro hedge | 5,861 | 11,293 | 5,861 | 11,293 | | - loans measured at amortised cost- macro hedge | 3,854 | 13,560 | 3,753 | 11,253 | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Fair value hedge from liability items | (1,180) | 1,164 | (1,180) | 1,164 | | Net effects from hedging instruments | 25,204 | 6,505 | 25,204 | 6,505 | | - interest rate swap for micro hedge | 25,204 | 6,505 | 25,204 | 6,505 | | Net effects from hedged items | (26,384) | (5,341) | (26,384) | (5,341) | | - debt securities issued | (26,384) | (5,341) | (26,384) | (5,341) | In both years presented, all fair value hedges were effective, with actual results of the hedge ratio within a range of 80–125% (or within the materiality of change), therefore, no discontinuation of the hedge accounting was required. As at 31 December 2024 and 2023, NLB Group and NLB had no relationships designated for cash flow hedge accounting or for hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. NLB Group applied a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation in years 2011 and 2012, and at that time recognised a EUR 754 thousand gain on the hedging instrument in other comprehensive income (note 5.22.b). This gain will be included in the consolidated income statement when the foreign operation is disposed of as a part of the gain or loss on the disposal. 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AsMEg2MjMuNm0wLDBINzMxLjltMCwwSDkwNS4xbTAsMGg2LjVtMCwwaDEwOC4zbTAsMGgxMDguMm0wLDBoMTA4LjNtMCwwaDE3My4yIiBjbGFzcz0iZzZfNDI3Ii8+Cjwvc3ZnPg==) 427 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report b) Notional amounts of interest rate swaps | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | | Fair value | | Change in fair value | | Fair value | | Change in fair value | | Fair value hedge of assets items | Notional | | | of hedging instrument | Notional | | | of hedging instrument | | | amount | Asset | Liability | used for calculating | amount | Asset | Liability | used for calculating | | | | | | hedge ineffectiveness | | | | hedge ineffectiveness | | 31 Dec 2024 | 589,141 | 26,815 | 3,592 | (10,802) | 529,141 | 26,815 | 1,261 | (10,583) | | 31 Dec 2023 | 633,798 | 38,738 | 3,540 | 19,708 | 573,798 | 38,738 | 1,420 | 17,843 | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | | Fair value | | Change in fair value | | Fair value | | Change in fair value | | Fair value hedge of liability items | Notional | Asset | Liability | of hedging instrument | Notional | Asset | Liability | of hedging instrument | | | amount | | | used for calculating | amount | | | used for calculating | | | | | | hedge ineffectiveness | | | | hedge ineffectiveness | | 31 Dec 2024 | 1,520,000 | 50,956 | - | 41,997 | 1,520,000 | 50,956 | - | 41,997 | | 31 Dec 2023 | 450,000 | 8,876 | - | 8,774 | 450,000 | 8,876 | - | 8,774 | The hedging instrument is included in the statement of financial position in the line item ‘Derivatives – hedge accounting.’ ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 428 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report c) Accumulated fair value adjustments arising from the corresponding continuing hedge relationships The table below presents accumulated fair value adjustments arising from the corresponding continuing hedge relationships, irrespective of whether there has been a change in the hedge designation during the year. The accumulated fair value adjustment is presented in the same line of statement of financial position as a hedged item, except for macro fair value hedges. In such relationships, hedged items are presented in the line item ‘Financial assets measured at amortised cost,’ while the accumulated fair value adjustment is presented in a separate line item ‘Fair value changes of the hedged items in portfolio hedge of interest rate risk.’ | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2024 | | 2023 | | | | | Accumulated | | Accumulated | | Accumulated | | Accumulated | | | Carrying | amount of FV | Carrying | amount of FV | Carrying | amount of FV | Carrying | amount of FV | | | amount of | adjustments | amount of | adjustments | amount of | adjustments | amount of | adjustments | | | hedged items | on the hedged | hedged items | on the hedged | hedged items | on the hedged | hedged items | on the hedged | | | | item | | item | | item | | item | | Micro fair value hedges | | | | | | | | | | Fixed rate bonds measured at AC | 114,743 | (3,768) | 108,494 | (4,349) | 114,743 | (3,768) | 108,494 | (4,349) | | Fixed rate bonds measured at FVOCI | 213,207 | (9,980) | 242,347 | (15,841) | 213,207 | (9,980) | 242,347 | (15,841) | | Fixed rate issued bonds | 1,096,577 | 31,725 | 464,393 | 5,341 | 1,096,577 | 31,725 | 464,393 | 5,341 | | Macro fair value hedges | | | | | | | | | | Fixed rate retail loans | 257,465 | (6,353) | 267,908 | (10,207) | 194,962 | (8,761) | 205,601 | (12,514) | The change in fair value of the hedge item used as the basis for recognising hedge ineffectiveness: | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Micro fair value hedges | (38,270) | 3,591 | (38,270) | 3,591 | | Macro fair value hedges | 3,560 | 10,577 | 3,364 | 8,540 | d) IBOR reform NLB Group continuously monitors the development of Benchmark Interest Rate Reform and is actively preparing for the changes imposed by the regulation. In 2018, NLB formed a special working group which deals with the preparation for the discontinuation of some important reference interest rates and reports on this to the NLB Group ALCO. NLB Group no longer offers new products that would be tied to reference rates in termination. With regard to the reference rates, the NLB Group offers only products related to EURIBOR, which is not scheduled for discontinuation. Therefore, NLB Group’s attention in the past few years has been focused on the modification of new contractual relationships with customers in which EURIBOR occurs. EURIBOR’s possible discontinuation Due to the timely transition to the new hybrid EURIBOR methodology which meet the BMR requirements, EURIBOR can continue to be used in new and legacy contracts for the foreseeable future. EU-supervised entities are bound to include robust fallback clauses into contractual documentation with the clients. In November 2019, the Euro risk- free rates (RFR) Working Group published high level recommendations for fallback provisions for products referencing EURIBOR. The inclusion of robust fallback language is a requirement in contracts subject to the EU Benchmark Regulation. The Bank already incorporated the generic fallback clause into all new EURIBOR (both retail and corporate) contracts. In May 2021, the Euro RFR Working Group produced its recommendations on EURIBOR fallback trigger events and €STR-based EURIBOR fallback rates. NLB's mid-term activities are expected to undertake on the implementation of more precise fallback provisioning, based on these recommendations. NLB identified potential €STR-based fallbacks for EURIBOR, in line with the current market consensus on those fallbacks and intends to proceed with the activities for inclusion on EURIBOR fallbacks into all new EURIBOR-based 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429 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report contracts. In the next step, the Bank is also expected to include fallback provisions in legacy contracts. The exact timing depends on the regulatory/market development and best practice. NLB as a supervised entity, is required to comply with the Benchmark regulation and, as a user of benchmarks, must produce and maintain a robust written plan setting out the actions NLB would take in the event that a benchmark materially changes or ceases to be provided. NLB has prepared a plan, which sets out an inexhaustive/summary action list, and will continue to closely follow market standards to identify alternative benchmarks that could be referenced in substitute of existing benchmarks. LIBOR discontinuation Since many LIBOR settings ceased to exist at the beginning of 2022, the Bank finished the process of winding-down the exposures in a most efficient way. Incremental LIBOR transactions were not allowed unconditionally. NLB Group activities for implementation of LIBOR transition were as follows: - review of outstanding LIBOR referencing loans, - identification of alternative reference rate to be used for loan portfolio, - analysis of how the alternative reference rate will be calculated and how to calculate any economic difference between LIBORs and the selected alternative reference rates, - consideration of IT system accommodation with alternative reference rates, - documentation of the transition of the loans. The tables indicate the notional amount and weighted average maturity of derivatives on the NLB Group level and separately NLB d.d. sole in hedging relationships that will be affected by the IBOR reform, analysed on an interest rate basis. The derivative hedging instruments provide a close approximation to the extent of the risk exposure NLB Group manages through hedging relationships. | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | 2024 | | 2023 | | | | Notional amount | Weighted | Notional amount | Weighted | | NLB Group | (in EUR | average | (in EUR | average | | | thousands) | maturity (years) | thousands) | maturity (years) | | Interest rate swaps (assets) | | | | | | EURIBOR (3 months) | 310,250 | 8.05 | 318,509 | 8.94 | | EURIBOR (6 months) | 272,189 | 5.47 | 315,289 | 5.68 | | USD LIBOR (6 months) | 6,702 | 8.93 | - | - | | Interest rate swaps (liabilities) | | | | | | EURIBOR (3 months) | 800,000 | 2.53 | 350,000 | 2.49 | | EURIBOR (6 months) | 720,000 | 3.87 | 100,000 | 2.49 | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | 2024 | | 2023 | | | | Notional amount | Weighted | Notional amount | Weighted | | NLB | (in EUR | average | (in EUR | average | | | thousands) | maturity (years) | thousands) | maturity (years) | | Interest rate swaps (assets) | | | | | | EURIBOR (3 months) | 250,250 | 8.88 | 258,509 | 9.72 | | EURIBOR (6 months) | 272,189 | 5.47 | 315,289 | 5.68 | | USD LIBOR (6 months) | 6,702 | 8.93 | - | - | | Interest rate swaps (liabilities) | | | | | | EURIBOR (3 months) | 800,000 | 2.53 | 350,000 | 2.49 | | EURIBOR (6 months) | 720,000 | 3.87 | 100,000 | 2.49 | As can be seen from the table, the majority of long- term derivatives in hedging relationships are exposed to EURIBOR, therefore, the uncertainty arising from interest rate benchmark reform derives mainly from derivatives with longer maturities, when a change of EURIBOR could be expected. 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</svg>) 430 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 5 . 6 . Financial assets measured at amortised cost Analysis by type | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Debt securities | 3,725,195 | 2,522,229 | 2,846,779 | 1,966,169 | | Loans and advances to banks | 458,921 | 547,640 | 193,172 | 149,011 | | Loans and advances to customers | 16,363,649 | 13,734,601 | 8,653,348 | 7,148,283 | | Other financial assets | 136,854 | 165,962 | 81,518 | 101,596 | | Total | 20,684,619 | 16,970,432 | 11,774,817 | 9,365,059 | The credit quality analysis for financial assets and contingent liabilities is disclosed in note 6.1.j). a) Debt securities | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Governments | 2,707,448 | 1,898,725 | 1,832,344 | 1,347,161 | | Companies | 75,923 | 79,679 | 68,674 | 72,458 | | Banks | 882,616 | 536,096 | 882,616 | 536,096 | | Financial organisations | 66,675 | 13,251 | 66,675 | 13,251 | | | 3,732,662 | 2,527,751 | 2,850,309 | 1,968,966 | | Allowance for impairment (note 5.14.b) | (7,467) | (5,522) | (3,530) | (2,797) | | Total | 3,725,195 | 2,522,229 | 2,846,779 | 1,966,169 | b) Loans and advances to banks | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Loans | 456 | 623 | 131,794 | 119,914 | | Time deposits | 229,591 | 249,765 | 61,684 | 25,865 | | Reverse sale and repurchase agreements | 229,049 | 294,069 | - | - | | Purchased receivables | - | 3,482 | - | 3,482 | | Finance lease receivables (note 5.11.b) | 65 | - | - | - | | | 459,161 | 547,939 | 193,478 | 149,261 | | Allowance for impairment (note 5.14.a) | (240) | (299) | (306) | (250) | | Total | 458,921 | 547,640 | 193,172 | 149,011 | c) Loans and advances to customers | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Loans | 14,817,888 | 13,117,311 | 8,440,471 | 6,946,199 | | Overdrafts | 507,933 | 449,145 | 276,421 | 236,792 | | Finance lease receivables (note 5.11.b) | 1,227,783 | 337,610 | - | - | | Credit card business | 158,702 | 154,664 | 87,211 | 82,457 | | Called guarantees | 9,104 | 4,498 | 6,958 | 2,403 | | | 16,721,410 | 14,063,228 | 8,811,061 | 7,267,851 | | Allowance for impairment (note 5.14.a) | (357,761) | (328,627) | (157,713) | (119,568) | | Total | 16,363,649 | 13,734,601 | 8,653,348 | 7,148,283 | 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431 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Analysis of loans and advances to customers by sector | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Governments | 511,129 | 386,291 | 209,228 | 118,220 | | Financial organisations | 149,132 | 91,523 | 1,326,073 | 384,995 | | Companies | 7,145,683 | 6,169,972 | 3,235,837 | 3,101,465 | | Individuals | 8,557,705 | 7,086,815 | 3,882,210 | 3,543,603 | | Total | 16,363,649 | 13,734,601 | 8,653,348 | 7,148,283 | d) Other financial assets Analysis by type of other financial assets | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Receivables in the course of settlement | 43,265 | 43,608 | 25,701 | 20,207 | | and other temporary accounts | | Credit card receivables | 26,108 | 54,748 | 13,881 | 42,753 | | Debtors | 14,181 | 9,265 | 3,437 | 2,013 | | Fees and commissions | 7,974 | 9,734 | 3,405 | 2,924 | | Accrued income | 15,081 | 7,171 | 7,451 | 6,247 | | Prepayments | 5,183 | 2,176 | - | - | | Other financial assets | 34,055 | 50,065 | 28,856 | 29,066 | | | 145,847 | 176,767 | 82,731 | 103,210 | | Allowance for impairment (note 5.14.a) | (8,993) | (10,805) | (1,213) | (1,614) | | Total | 136,854 | 165,962 | 81,518 | 101,596 | Receivables in the course of settlement are temporary balances which will be transferred to the appropriate item in the days following their occurrence. Other financial assets in the amount of EUR 23,975 thousand (31 December 2023: EUR 22,745 thousand) relate to a receivable recognised in accordance with the ‘Act for Value Protection of Republic of Slovenia’s Capital Investment in Nova Ljubljanska banka d.d., Ljubljana’ (note 5.16.a). The remaining balance includes claims for fees and legal costs, and claims from refunds. 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Analysis of other financial assets by sector | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Banks | 42,218 | 51,020 | 10,114 | 19,779 | | Government | 26,315 | 44,233 | 26,000 | 25,756 | | Financial organisations | 21,126 | 30,715 | 11,932 | 23,554 | | Companies | 9,385 | 5,062 | 824 | 723 | | Individuals | 37,810 | 34,932 | 32,648 | 31,784 | | Total | 136,854 | 165,962 | 81,518 | 101,596 | e) Movement of called non-financial guarantees | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Balance as at 1 January | 984 | 397 | 60 | 90 | | Effects of translation of foreign | - | (1) | - | - | | operations to presentation currency | | | | | | Called guarantees | 1,599 | 1,184 | 1,300 | - | | Paid guarantees | (1,722) | (534) | (1,144) | - | | Merger of subsidiary | - | - | - | 32 | | Write-offs | (357) | (62) | (176) | (62) | | Balance as at 31 December | 504 | 984 | 40 | 60 | 5 . 7 . Non-current assets held for sale The line item ‘Non-current assets held for sale’ includes business premises and assets received as collateral that are in the process of being sold. As at 31 December 2024, the value of assets received by taking possession of collateral and included in non-current assets held for sale by NLB Group amounted to EUR 7,191 thousand (31 December 2023: EUR 474 thousand). As at 31 December 2024, and as at 31 December 2023, NLB did not have any non-current assets obtained by taking possession of collateral and included in non-current assets held for sale (note 6.1.l). Analysis of movements of non-current assets held for sale | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Balance as at 1 January | 4,849 | 15,436 | 4,048 | 4,235 | | Effects of translation of foreign | | | | | | operations to presentation currency | 6 | 11 | - | - | | Transfer from/(to) property and | | | | | | equipment (note 5.8.) | 7,681 | 584 | 240 | 584 | | Transfer from/(to) other assets | 8 | - | 8 | - | | Transfer from/(to) investment property (note 5.9.) | 81 | - | - | - | | Disposals | (1,286) | (10,861) | (1,136) | (655) | | Valuation | (303) | (321) | (311) | (116) | | Balance as at 31 December | 11,036 | 4,849 | 2,849 | 4,048 | 432 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) 433 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 5 . 8 . Property and equipment a) Analysis by type | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Own property and equipment | 274,683 | 249,920 | 85,677 | 80,240 | | Right-of-use assets (note 5.11.) | 35,334 | 28,114 | 5,643 | 5,730 | | Total | 310,017 | 278,034 | 91,320 | 85,970 | b) Movement wof own property and equipment | | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | | | NLB Group | | | | | NLB | | | | | | | Land & | Computers | Other equipment | | Total | Land & | Computers | Other equipment | | Total | | | Buildings | Buildings | | | | | | in | | | | | in | | | | | | for own use | operating | | | | for own use | operating | | | | | | | lease | | | | | lease | | | Cost | | | | | | | | | | | | Balance as at 1 January 2024 | 357,527 | 93,968 | 104,612 | 15,004 | 571,111 | 202,080 | 46,552 | 44,866 | 4,202 | 297,700 | | Effects of translation of foreign operations | | | | | | | | | | | | to presentation currency | 233 | 66 | 61 | 1 | 361 | - | - | - | - | - | | Acquisition of subsidiary (note 5.12.b, c) | - | 302 | 627 | 20,777 | 21,706 | - | - | - | - | - | | Additions | 14,155 | 11,067 | 16,355 | 20,791 | 62,368 | 7,825 | 5,962 | 2,439 | 395 | 16,621 | | Disposals | (1,529) | (9,358) | (8,830) | (10,596) | (30,313) | (93) | (2,312) | (3,007) | (1) | (5,413) | | Transfer from/to property and equipment | 385 | - | (547) | 162 | - | 385 | - | (385) | - | - | | Transfer to/from investment property (note 5.9.) | 1,106 | - | - | - | 1,106 | - | - | - | - | - | | Transfer to/from non-current assets held for sale (note 5.7.) | (10,436) | - | - | - | (10,436) | (2,123) | - | - | - | (2,123) | | Other | - | - | - | (7,793) | (7,793) | - | - | - | - | - | | Balance as at 31 December 2024 | 361,441 | 96,045 | 112,278 | 38,346 | 608,110 | 208,074 | 50,202 | 43,913 | 4,596 | 306,785 | | Depreciation and impairment | | | | | | | | | | | | Balance as at 1 January 2024 | 183,334 | 58,823 | 73,838 | 5,196 | 321,191 | 141,780 | 33,419 | 38,690 | 3,571 | 217,460 | | Effects of translation of foreign operations | | | | | | | | | | | | to presentation currency | 34 | 20 | 16 | 1 | 71 | - | - | - | - | - | | Disposals | (664) | (8,808) | (7,513) | (123) | (17,108) | - | (2,307) | (2,999) | (1) | (5,307) | | Depreciation (note 4.11.) | 9,665 | 9,348 | 7,710 | 2,838 | 29,561 | 3,880 | 4,710 | 2,004 | 244 | 10,838 | | Impairment (note 4.14.) | 3,667 | - | - | - | 3,667 | - | - | - | - | - | | Transfer from/to property and equipment | 47 | - | (88) | 41 | - | 47 | - | (47) | - | - | | Transfer to/from investment property (note 5.9.) | (8) | - | - | - | (8) | - | - | - | - | - | | Transfer to/from non-current assets held for sale (note 5.7.) | (2,755) | - | - | - | (2,755) | (1,883) | - | - | - | (1,883) | | Other | - | - | - | (1,192) | (1,192) | - | - | - | - | - | | Balance as at 31 December 2024 | 193,320 | 59,383 | 73,963 | 6,761 | 333,427 | 143,824 | 35,822 | 37,648 | 3,814 | 221,108 | | Net carrying value | | | | | | | | | | | | Balance as at 31 December 2024 | 168,121 | 36,662 | 38,315 | 31,585 | 274,683 | 64,250 | 14,380 | 6,265 | 782 | 85,677 | | Balance as at 1 January 2024 | 174,193 | 35,145 | 30,774 | 9,808 | 249,920 | 60,300 | 13,133 | 6,176 | 631 | 80,240 | As at 31 December 2024, the value of assets received by taking possession of collateral and included in property and equipment by NLB Group amounted to EUR 1,644 thousand (31 December 2023: EUR 11,641 thousand). As at 31 December 2024 and as at 31 December 2023, NLB did not have any assets received by taking possession of collateral and included in property and equipment (note 6.1.l). 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AsMGg4Ni42bTAsMGg4Ni42bTYuNSwwaDg2LjZtMCwwaDg2LjZtMCwwaDg2LjZtMCwwSDEzMjNtMCwwaDg2LjZNOTAuOSw3MzEuOEg1MzAuNW02LjUsMGg4Ni42bTAsMGg4Ni42bTAsMGg4Ni43bTAsMGg4Ni42bTAsMGg4Ni42bTYuNSwwaDg2LjZtMCwwaDg2LjZtMCwwaDg2LjZtMCwwSDEzMjNtMCwwaDg2LjZNOTAuOSw3NTMuNUg1MzAuNW02LjUsMGg4Ni42bTAsMGg4Ni42bTAsMGg4Ni43bTAsMGg4Ni42bTAsMGg4Ni42bTYuNSwwaDg2LjZtMCwwaDg2LjZtMCwwaDg2LjZtMCwwSDEzMjNtMCwwaDg2LjZNOTAuOSw3NzUuMkg1MzAuNW02LjUsMGg4Ni42bTAsMGg4Ni42bTAsMGg4Ni43bTAsMGg4Ni42bTAsMGg4Ni42bTYuNSwwaDg2LjZtMCwwaDg2LjZtMCwwaDg2LjZtMCwwSDEzMjNtMCwwaDg2LjYiIGNsYXNzPSJnM180MzQiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksOTEuM0g1MzAuNW0wLDBINTM3bTAsMGg4Ni42bTAsMGg4Ni42bTAsMGg4Ni43bTAsMGg4Ni42bTAsMGg4Ni42bTAsMGg2LjVtMCwwaDg2LjZtMCwwaDg2LjZtMCwwaDg2LjZtMCwwSDEzMjNtMCwwaDg2LjYiIGNsYXNzPSJnNF80MzQiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTUzNywzNDcuM2g4Ni42IiBjbGFzcz0iZzNfNDM0Ii8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDExMy4xSDUzMC41bTAsMEg1MzdtMCwwaDg2LjZtMCwwaDg2LjZtMCwwaDg2LjdtMCwwaDg2LjZtMCwwaDg2LjZtMCwwaDYuNW0wLDBoODYuNm0wLDBoODYuNm0wLDBoODYuNm0wLDBIMTMyM20wLDBoODYuNk05MC45LDIyMy42SDUzMC41bTYuNSwwaDg2LjZtMCwwaDg2LjZtMCwwaDg2LjdtMCwwaDg2LjZtMCwwaDg2LjZtNi41LDBoODYuNm0wLDBoODYuNm0wLDBoODYuNm0wLDBIMTMyM20wLDBoODYuNiIgY2xhc3M9ImcyXzQzNCIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNOTAuOSwyNDUuM0g1MzAuNW02LjUsMGg4Ni42bTAsMGg4Ni42bTAsMGg4Ni43bTAsMGg4Ni42bTAsMGg4Ni42bTYuNSwwaDg2LjZtMCwwaDg2LjZtMCwwaDg2LjZtMCwwSDEzMjNtMCwwaDg2LjZNOTAuOSwyNjdINTMwLjVtNi41LDBoODYuNm0wLDBoODYuNm0wLDBoODYuN20wLDBoODYuNm0wLDBoODYuNm02LjUsMGg4Ni42bTAsMGg4Ni42bTAsMGg4Ni42bTAsMEgxMzIzbTAsMGg4Ni42TTkwLjksNzk2LjlINTMwLjVtNi41LDBoODYuNm0wLDBoODYuNm0wLDBoODYuN20wLDBoODYuNm0wLDBoODYuNm02LjUsMGg4Ni42bTAsMGg4Ni42bTAsMGg4Ni42bTAsMEgxMzIzbTAsMGg4Ni42IiBjbGFzcz0iZzNfNDM0Ii8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDgxOC43SDUzMC41bTAsMEg1MzdtMCwwaDg2LjZtMCwwaDg2LjZtMCwwaDg2LjdtMCwwaDg2LjZtMCwwaDg2LjZtMCwwaDYuNW0wLDBoODYuNm0wLDBoODYuNm0wLDBoODYuNm0wLDBIMTMyM20wLDBoODYuNiIgY2xhc3M9Imc1XzQzNCIvPgo8L3N2Zz4=) 434 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report | | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | | | NLB Group | | | | | NLB | | | | | | | Land & | Computers | Other equipment | | Total | Land & | Computers | Other equipment | | Total | | | Buildings | Buildings | | | | | | in | | | | | in | | | | | | for own use | operating | | | | for own use | operating | | | | | | | lease | | | | | lease | | | Cost | | | | | | | | | | | | Balance as at 1 January 2023 | 347,252 | 84,875 | 95,075 | 9,304 | 536,506 | 195,685 | 42,180 | 43,783 | 3,722 | 285,370 | | Effects of translation of foreign operations | | | | | | | | | | | | to presentation currency | (68) | (20) | (3) | - | (91) | - | - | - | - | - | | Additions | 16,827 | 14,104 | 15,217 | 7,604 | 53,752 | 3,527 | 4,737 | 2,829 | 482 | 11,575 | | Disposals | (5,519) | (4,969) | (5,627) | (1,904) | (18,019) | - | (1,357) | (2,403) | (2) | (3,762) | | Transfer to/from investment property (note 5.9.) | 86 | - | - | - | 86 | - | - | - | - | - | | Transfer to/from non-current assets held for sale (note 5.7.) | (1,051) | - | - | - | (1,051) | (1,051) | - | - | - | (1,051) | | Merger of subsidiary (note 5.12.f) | - | - | - | - | - | 3,919 | 992 | 657 | - | 5,568 | | Disposal of subsidiaries (note 5.12.d, e) | - | (22) | (50) | - | (72) | - | - | - | - | - | | Balance as at 31 December 2023 | 357,527 | 93,968 | 104,612 | 15,004 | 571,111 | 202,080 | 46,552 | 44,866 | 4,202 | 297,700 | | Depreciation and impairment | | | | | | | | | | | | Balance as at 1 January 2023 | 177,896 | 53,340 | 72,310 | 4,016 | 307,562 | 138,264 | 29,619 | 38,891 | 3,334 | 210,108 | | Effects of translation of foreign operations | | | | | | | | | | | | to presentation currency | (10) | (3) | 11 | - | (2) | - | - | - | - | - | | Disposals | (914) | (4,615) | (4,845) | (335) | (10,709) | - | (1,350) | (2,359) | (2) | (3,711) | | Depreciation (note 4.11.) | 6,782 | 10,123 | 6,412 | 1,515 | 24,832 | 3,750 | 4,635 | 1,884 | 239 | 10,508 | | Impairment (note 4.14.) | 47 | - | - | - | 47 | - | - | - | - | - | | Transfer to/from non-current assets held for sale (note 5.7.) | (467) | - | - | - | (467) | (467) | - | - | - | (467) | | Merger of subsidiary (note 5.12.f) | - | - | - | - | - | 233 | 515 | 274 | - | 1,022 | | Disposal of subsidiaries (note 5.12.d, e) | - | (22) | (50) | - | (72) | - | - | - | - | - | | Balance as at 31 December 2023 | 183,334 | 58,823 | 73,838 | 5,196 | 321,191 | 141,780 | 33,419 | 38,690 | 3,571 | 217,460 | | Net carrying value | | | | | | | | | | | | Balance as at 31 December 2023 | 174,193 | 35,145 | 30,774 | 9,808 | 249,920 | 60,300 | 13,133 | 6,176 | 631 | 80,240 | | Balance as at 1 January 2023 | 169,356 | 31,535 | 22,765 | 5,288 | 228,944 | 57,421 | 12,561 | 4,892 | 388 | 75,262 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 435 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 5 . 9 . Investment property | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Balance as at 1 January | 31,116 | 35,639 | 7,640 | 6,753 | | Effects of translation of foreign operations | | | | | | to presentation currency | 65 | (14) | - | - | | Disposals | (4,340) | (3,392) | (2,227) | (79) | | Transfer from/(to) property and equipment (note 5.8.) | (1,114) | (86) | - | - | | Transfer from/(to) non-current assets held for sale (note 5.7.) | (81) | - | - | - | | Transfer from/(to) other assets | - | 86 | - | - | | Net valuation to fair value (note 4.8.) | 486 | (1,117) | 186 | 182 | | Merger of subsidiary (note 5.12.f) | - | - | - | 784 | | Balance as at 31 December | 26,132 | 31,116 | 5,599 | 7,640 | As at 31 December 2024, the value of assets received by taking possession of collateral and included in investment property by NLB Group amounted to EUR 17,844 thousand (31 December 2023: EUR 21,253 thousand), and in NLB amounted to EUR 619 thousand (31 December 2023: EUR 2,263 thousand) (note 6.1.l). Operating expenses arising from investment properties: | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Leased to others | 529 | 1,986 | 333 | 373 | | Not leased to others | 476 | 459 | 342 | 298 | | Total | 1,005 | 2,445 | 675 | 671 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 436 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 5 . 10 . Intangible assets | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | Software licenses | Other | Goodwill | Total | Software licenses | | | | intangible assets | | | | | Cost | | | | | | | Balance as at 1 January 2024 | 272,445 | 13,214 | 32,336 | 317,995 | 218,179 | | Effects of translation of foreign operations | | | | | | | to presentation currency | 68 | 51 | (1) | 118 | - | | Acquisition of subsidiaries (note 5.12.b, c) | 1,590 | 21,959 | 4,541 | 28,090 | - | | Additions | 31,023 | - | - | 31,023 | 18,670 | | Write-offs | (3,946) | - | - | (3,946) | (3,250) | | Balance as at 31 December 2024 | 301,180 | 35,224 | 36,876 | 373,280 | 233,599 | | Amortisation and impairment | | | | | | | Balance as at 1 January 2024 | 217,335 | 9,736 | 28,807 | 255,878 | 180,800 | | Effects of translation of foreign operations | | | | | | | to presentation currency | 39 | 38 | - | 77 | - | | Amortisation (note 4.11.) | 18,147 | 2,628 | - | 20,775 | 11,625 | | Write-offs | (3,946) | - | - | (3,946) | (3,250) | | Balance as at 31 December 2024 | 231,575 | 12,402 | 28,807 | 272,784 | 189,175 | | Net carrying value | | | | | | | Balance as at 31 December 2024 | 69,605 | 22,822 | 8,069 | 100,496 | 44,424 | | Balance as at 1 January 2024 | 55,110 | 3,478 | 3,529 | 62,117 | 37,379 | Other intangible assets represent additionally identified intangible assets in a business combination, namely core deposits, trade name and intangible assets related to the distribution agreements. The newly identified intangible assets related to the distribution agreements recognised at the acquisition date were measured by referring to the fair value which amounted to EUR 21,959 thousand. Useful life is assessed to be 10 years. This fair value was estimated by applying an income approach. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 437 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | Software licenses | Other | Goodwill | Total | Software licenses | | | | intangible assets | | | | | Cost | | | | | | | Balance as at 1 January 2023 | 259,684 | 13,227 | 32,336 | 305,247 | 207,769 | | Effects of translation of foreign operations | | | | | | | to presentation currency | (25) | (13) | - | (38) | - | | Merger of subsidiary (note 5.12.f) | - | - | - | - | 979 | | Additions | 20,697 | - | - | 20,697 | 13,797 | | Disposals | (4) | - | - | (4) | - | | Write-offs | (7,740) | - | - | (7,740) | (4,366) | | Disposal of subsidiary (note 5.12.d) | (167) | - | - | (167) | - | | Balance as at 31 December 2023 | 272,445 | 13,214 | 32,336 | 317,995 | 218,179 | | Amortisation and impairment | | | | | | | Balance as at 1 January 2023 | 210,821 | 7,384 | 28,807 | 247,012 | 177,344 | | Effects of translation of foreign operations | | | | | | | to presentation currency | (16) | (13) | - | (29) | - | | Merger of subsidiary (note 5.12.f) | - | - | - | - | 294 | | Disposals | (4) | - | - | (4) | - | | Amortisation (note 4.11.) | 14,037 | 2,365 | - | 16,402 | 7,528 | | Write-offs | (7,336) | - | - | (7,336) | (4,366) | | Disposal of subsidiary (note 5.12.d) | (167) | - | - | (167) | - | | Balance as at 31 December 2023 | 217,335 | 9,736 | 28,807 | 255,878 | 180,800 | | Net carrying value | | | | | | | Balance as at 31 December 2023 | 55,110 | 3,478 | 3,529 | 62,117 | 37,379 | | Balance as at 1 January 2023 | 48,863 | 5,843 | 3,529 | 58,235 | 30,425 | 5 . 11 . Leases a) NLB Group as a lessee | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Right-of-use assets | | | | | | Land and buildings | 31,802 | 24,541 | 3,103 | 2,794 | | Vehicles | 85 | 92 | 2,377 | 2,681 | | Computers | 375 | 395 | 163 | 255 | | Furniture and equipment | 3,072 | 3,086 | - | - | | Total | 35,334 | 28,114 | 5,643 | 5,730 | | Lease liabilities | 35,935 | 28,944 | 5,775 | 5,793 | In the statement of financial position, right-of-use assets are included in the line item ‘Property and equipment’ and lease liabilities are included in the line item ‘Other financial liabilities.’ Additions to the right-of-use assets during 2024 in NLB Group amounted to EUR 17,305 thousand (2023: EUR 19,149 thousand), and in NLB EUR 2,675 thousand (2023: EUR 4,656 thousand). Due to the acquisition of subsidiaries in 2024, the right-of-use assets in NLB Group increased by EUR 1,894 thousand (note 5.12.c). 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M4Ii8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDU5My44aDQxOG0wLDBoNi41bTAsMEg2MjMuNm0wLDBINzMxLjltMCwwaDYuNW0wLDBIODQ2LjdtMCwwSDk1NC45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzZfNDM4Ii8+Cjwvc3ZnPg==) 438 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report The income statement shows the following amounts relating to leases: | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Depreciation of right-of-use assets (note 4.11.) | | | | | | Land and buildings | 6,653 | 6,519 | 684 | 692 | | Vehicles | 81 | 160 | 821 | 705 | | Computers | 91 | 61 | 48 | 24 | | Furniture and equipment | 1,056 | 1,258 | - | - | | Total | 7,881 | 7,998 | 1,553 | 1,421 | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Interest expenses on lease liabilities (note 4.1.) | (1,076) | (728) | (180) | (132) | | Expenses relating to short-term leases | (929) | (1,554) | (269) | (403) | | (included in administrative expenses) | | | | | | Expenses relating to leases of low-value assets | | | | | | that are not shown above as short-term leases | (1,393) | (1,237) | (138) | (182) | | (included in administrative expenses) | | | | | | Income from sub-leasing right-of-use assets | | | | | | (included in other operating income) | 112 | 140 | - | - | The total cash outflow for leases in 2024 in NLB Group was EUR 9,433 thousand (2023: EUR 8,242 thousand), and in NLB EUR 1,646 thousand (2023: EUR 1,386 thousand). NLB Group leases various offices, branches, vehicles, and other equipment used in its business. Rental contracts for offices and branches generally have lease terms between 5 to 20 years, while some contracts are made for indefinite periods. Contracts for indefinite periods are included in the measurement of the liability in accordance with planning projections. Normally, a lease term of five years is assumed, with the exemption of business premises on strategic locations where management assesses a different (longer) lease term. Vehicles and other equipment generally have lease terms between 1 and 5 years. There are several lease contracts that include extension and termination options. These options are negotiated by management to align with the Group’s business needs. Lease payments to be made under reasonably certain extension options are included in measurement of the liability. Lease terms are negotiated on an individual basis and contain a range of different terms and conditions. The lease agreements do not impose any covenants other than the security interests in the leased assets that are held by the lessor. Leased assets may not be used as security for borrowing purposes. NLB Group also has certain leases of other equipment with a lease term of 12 months or less, and equipment with low value. For these leases, NLB Group applies the short-term lease and the lease of low-value assets recognition exemptions. Lease payments on short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognised as expenses on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For calculation of the net present value of the future lease payments, NLB Group applies the internal transfer price as a discount rate. NLB Group and NLB do not have expenses relating to variable payments and gains or losses arising from a sale and leaseback transactions. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 439 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report The following table sets out a maturity analysis of undiscounted lease liabilities. | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Up to 1 Month | 641 | 518 | 143 | 163 | | 1 Month to 3 Months | 1,291 | 1,016 | 283 | 285 | | 3 Months to 1 Year | 5,732 | 3,952 | 1,245 | 1,298 | | 1 Year to 5 Years | 24,005 | 18,155 | 3,734 | 3,835 | | Over 5 Years | 8,607 | 7,719 | 794 | 640 | | Total | 40,276 | 31,359 | 6,199 | 6,221 | b) NLB Group as a lessor Finance and operating leases of motor vehicles and operating leases of business premises and POS terminals represent the majority of agreements in which NLB Group acts as a lessor. Most of the lease agreements entered into by NLB Group as lessor contracts are finance lease agreements. Most of the finance lease agreements are concluded for a non-cancellable period of between 48 and 60 months. By paying the last instalment at the end of the contract, the leasing object becomes the lessee’s property. The financial leasing receivables are secured by the object of financing. NLB Group does not have finance lease contracts with variable payments not included in the measurement of the net investment in the lease. The investment properties are leased to the lessee under operating leases with rentals payable monthly. There are no variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate. The investment properties generally have lease terms between 2 and 10 years. Some contracts are made for an indefinite period. Finance leases Loans and advances to customers in NLB Group include finance lease receivables. The following table sets out a maturity analysis of lease receivables, showing the undiscounted lease payments to be received after the reporting date. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | 2024 | 2023 | | Less than 1 year | 242,013 | 115,449 | | 1 to 2 years | 191,168 | 89,047 | | 2 to 3 years | 204,981 | 76,876 | | 3 to 4 years | 198,055 | 62,091 | | 4 to 5 years | 184,840 | 31,172 | | More than 5 years | 397,203 | 20,787 | | Total undiscounted | | | | lease receivable | 1,418,260 | 395,422 | | Unearned finance income | (190,412) | (57,812) | | Net investment in the lease | 1,227,848 | 337,610 | During 2024, NLB Group recognised interest income on lease receivables in the amount of EUR 50,913 thousand (2023: EUR 18,959 thousand). Operating lease A maturity analysis of lease payments, showing the undiscounted lease payments to be received after the reporting date. | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Less than | 7,376 | 5,590 | 910 | 899 | | 1 year | | | | | | 1 to 2 years | 2,778 | 3,516 | 907 | 893 | | 2 to 3 years | 2,674 | 2,271 | 861 | 864 | | 3 to 4 years | 2,382 | 2,005 | 793 | 825 | | 4 to 5 years | 1,494 | 1,573 | 723 | 749 | | More than | 3,838 | 3,490 | 3,616 | 3,393 | | 5 years | | | | | | Total | 20,542 | 18,445 | 7,810 | 7,623 | NLB Group realised rental income arising from: investment properties in the amount of EUR 1,348 thousand (2023: EUR 1,755 thousand); and movable property in the amount of EUR 2,491 thousand (2023: EUR 2,133 thousand). NLB realised rental income arising from: investment properties in the amount of EUR 293 thousand (2023: EUR 359 thousand); and movable property in the amount of EUR 527 thousand (2023: EUR 485 thousand) (note 4.8.). ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 440 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 5 . 12 . Investments in subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures a) Analysis by type of investment in subsidiaries | | | | | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Banks | 975,400 | 901,765 | | Other financial organisations | 160,952 | 30,407 | | Enterprises | 43,405 | 43,585 | | Total | 1,179,757 | 975,757 | Data of subsidiaries as included in the consolidated financial statements of NLB Group as at 31 December 2024: | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | Equity as at | Profit/(loss) | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | Nature of | Country of | 31 Dec 2024 | for 2024 | Shareholding | Voting rights | Shareholding | Voting rights | | | Business | Incorporation | (in EUR | (in EUR | (in %) | (in %) | (in %) | (in %) | | | | | thousands) | thousands) | | | | | | Core members | | | | | | | | | | NLB Banka a.d., Skopje | Banking | North Macedonia | 322,944 | 67,838 | 86.97 | 86.97 | 86.97 | 86.97 | | NLB Banka a.d., Podgorica | Banking | Montenegro | 119,729 | 27,714 | 99.87 | 99.87 | 99.87 | 99.87 | | NLB Banka a.d., Banja Luka | Banking | Bosnia and | | | | | | | | | | Herzegovina | 130,314 | 29,510 | 99.85 | 99.85 | 99.85 | 99.85 | | NLB Banka sh.a., Prishtina | Banking | Kosovo | 173,827 | 37,028 | 82.38 | 82.38 | 82.38 | 82.38 | | NLB Banka d.d., Sarajevo | Banking | Bosnia and | | | | | | | | | | Herzegovina | 107,662 | 14,384 | 97.34 | 97.35 | 97.34 | 97.35 | | NLB Komercijalna banka a.d. Beograd | Banking | Serbia | 865,365 | 140,482 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | | NLB Skladi d.o.o., Ljubljana | Finance | Slovenia | 22,971 | 12,113 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | | NLB Fondovi a.d., Beograd | Finance | Serbia | 401 | (355) | 100 | 100 | - | - | | NLB Fondovi a.d. Skopje | Finance | North Macedonia | 1,130 | 17 | 100 | 100 | - | - | | NLB Lease&Go, leasing, d.o.o., Ljubljana | Finance | Slovenia | 29,551 | 3,251 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | | NLB Lease&Go, d.o.o. Skopje (i) | Finance | North Macedonia | 1,497 | (677) | 100 | 100 | - | - | | NLB Lease&Go leasing d.o.o. Beograd (ii) | Finance | Serbia | 13,204 | 226 | 99.80 | 99.80 | - | - | | NLB Car&Go, upravljanje spletnih platform, d.o.o. | Web portal | Slovenia | (26) | (33) | 100 | 100 | - | - | | Summit Leasing Slovenija d.o.o., Ljubljana (iii) | Finance | Slovenia | 102,906 | (1,009) | 100 | 100 | - | - | | Mobil Leasing d.o.o., Zagreb | Finance | Croatia | 24,659 | (2) | 100 | 100 | - | - | | NLB MUZA Zavod za upravljanje | Cultural heritage | | | | | | | | | kulturne dediščine, Ljubljana | management | Slovenia | 3,613 | 113 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | | NLB DigIT d.o.o., Beograd | IT services | Serbia | 2,823 | 243 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | | NLB Real Estate d.o.o., Podgorica | Real estate | Montenegro | 2,642 | 486 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | | NLB Real Estate d.o.o., Beograd | Real estate | Serbia | 1,085 | (964) | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | | NLB Real Estate d.o.o., Ljubljana | Real estate | Slovenia | 22,675 | 113 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | | Non-core members | | | | | | | | | | NLB Crna Gora d.o.o., Podgorica | Finance | Montenegro | 4,011 | 368 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | | NLB InterFinanz AG, Zürich in Liquidation | Finance | Switzerland | 10,483 | 895 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | | NLB InterFinanz d.o.o., Beograd - u likvidaciji | Finance | Serbia | 3 | 2 | 100 | 100 | - | - | | LHB AG, Frankfurt | Finance | Germany | 524 | (160) | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | | PRO-REM d.o.o., Ljubljana - v likvidaciji (iv) | Real estate | Slovenia | 19,984 | 175 | 100 | 100 | - | - | | OL Nekretnine d.o.o., Zagreb - u likvidaciji | Real estate | Croatia | 567 | (73) | 100 | 100 | - | - | | NLB Srbija d.o.o., Beograd | Real estate | Serbia | 18,768 | 444 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | | SLS HOLDCO, holdinška družba, d.o.o. Ljubljana | Finance | Slovenia | 104,150 | (2,113) | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | (i)51% ownership of NLB Lease&Go, leasing, d.o.o., Ljubljana and 49% ownership of NLB Banka a.d., Skopje. (ii)50.89% ownership of NLB Lease&Go, leasing, d.o.o., Ljubljana and 48.91% NLB Komercijalna banka a.d. Beograd. (iii)100% ownership of SLS HOLDCO, holdinška družba, d.o.o. Ljubljana. (iv)100% ownership of NLB Real Estate d.o.o., Ljubljana. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 441 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Data of subsidiaries as included in the consolidated financial statements of NLB Group as at 31 December 2023: | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | Equity as at | Profit/(loss) | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | Nature of | Country of | 31 Dec 2023 | for 2023 | Shareholding | Voting rights | Shareholding | Voting rights | | | Business | Incorporation | (in EUR | (in EUR | (in %) | (in %) | (in %) | (in %) | | | | | thousands) | thousands) | | | | | | Core members | | | | | | | | | | NLB Banka a.d., Skopje | Banking | North Macedonia | 279,987 | 44,517 | 86.97 | 86.97 | 86.97 | 86.97 | | NLB Banka a.d., Podgorica | | Montenegro | 120,390 | 26,658 | 99.87 | 99.87 | 99.87 | 99.87 | | | Banking | Bosnia and | | | | | | | | NLB Banka a.d., Banja Luka | Banking | Herzegovina | 107,270 | 24,269 | 99.85 | 99.85 | 99.85 | 99.85 | | NLB Banka sh.a., Prishtina | Banking | Kosovo | 149,669 | 35,968 | 82.38 | 82.38 | 82.38 | 82.38 | | | | Bosnia and | | | | | | | | NLB Banka d.d., Sarajevo | Banking | Herzegovina | 95,980 | 12,819 | 97.34 | 97.35 | 97.34 | 97.35 | | NLB Komercijalna banka a.d. Beograd | Banking | Serbia | 827,575 | 132,313 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | | KomBank Invest a.d. Beograd | Finance | Serbia | 769 | (1,201) | 100 | 100 | - | - | | NLB Skladi d.o.o., Ljubljana | Finance | Slovenia | 13,707 | 9,498 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | | NLB Lease&Go, leasing, d.o.o., Ljubljana | Finance | Slovenia | 21,251 | 1,664 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | | NLB Lease&Go, d.o.o. Skopje (ii) | Finance | North Macedonia | 1,493 | (605) | 100 | 100 | - | - | | NLB Lease&Go leasing d.o.o. Beograd (iii) | Finance | Serbia | 7,115 | (736) | 99.64 | 99.64 | - | - | | | Cultural | | | | | | | | | NLB Zavod za upravljanje | heritage | Slovenia | 3,500 | 86 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | | kulturne dediščine, Ljubljana | management | | | | | | | | | NLB DigIT d.o.o., Beograd | IT services | Serbia | 2,569 | 204 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | | Non-core members | | | | | | | | | | NLB Leasing d.o.o., Ljubljana - v likvidaciji (i) | Finance | Slovenia | 2,021 | 1,487 | 100 | 100 | - | - | | NLB Crna Gora d.o.o., Podgorica | Finance | Montenegro | 3,643 | 348 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | | NLB InterFinanz AG, Zürich in Liquidation | Finance | Switzerland | 9,762 | (2,321) | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | | NLB InterFinanz d.o.o., Beograd - u likvidaciji | Finance | Serbia | 3 | 1 | 100 | 100 | - | - | | LHB AG, Frankfurt | Finance | Germany | 684 | (402) | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | | REAM d.o.o., Podgorica | Real estate | Montenegro | 2,156 | 389 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | | REAM d.o.o., Beograd - Novi Beograd | Real estate | Serbia | 2,042 | (576) | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | | S-REAM d.o.o., Ljubljana | Real estate | Slovenia | 22,452 | (384) | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | | PRO-REM d.o.o., Ljubljana - v likvidaciji | Real estate | Slovenia | 20,447 | 635 | 100 | 100 | - | - | | OL Nekretnine d.o.o., Zagreb - u likvidaciji | Real estate | Croatia | 1,153 | (314) | 100 | 100 | - | - | | NLB Srbija d.o.o., Beograd | Real estate | Serbia | 18,252 | (603) | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | | Privatinvest d.o.o., Ljubljana | Real estate | Slovenia | 110 | (11) | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | (i)100% ownership of NLB Lease&Go, leasing, d.o.o., Ljubljana. (ii)51% ownership of NLB Lease&Go, leasing, d.o.o., Ljubljana and 49% ownership of NLB Banka a.d., Skopje. (iii)50.73% ownership of NLB Lease&Go, leasing, d.o.o., Ljubljana and 48.91% NLB Komercijalna banka a.d. Beograd. Changes in ownership interest in the subsidiaries of NLB Group in 2024 and 2023 are presented in note 3 . ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 442 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Data of subsidiaries with significant non-controlling interests, before intercompany eliminations: | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Banka, | | NLB Banka, | | | | Skopje | | Prishtina | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Non-controlling interest in equity (in %) | 13.03 | 13.03 | 17.62 | 17.62 | | Non-controlling interest‘s voting rights (in %) | 13.03 | 13.03 | 17.62 | 17.62 | | Income statement and statement of comprehensive income | | | | | | Revenues | 125,449 | 111,640 | 78,654 | 68,468 | | Profit/(loss) for the year | 67,838 | 44,517 | 37,028 | 35,968 | | Attributable to non-controlling interest | 8,839 | 5,801 | 6,525 | 6,339 | | Other comprehensive income | 1,768 | 3,363 | (154) | (141) | | Total comprehensive income | 69,606 | 47,880 | 36,874 | 35,827 | | Attributable to non-controlling interest | 9,070 | 6,239 | 6,498 | 6,314 | | Paid dividends to non-controlling interest | 4,765 | 4,391 | 3,997 | - | | Statement of financial position | | | | | | Current assets | 991,343 | 867,333 | 713,084 | 716,000 | | Non-current assets | 1,167,424 | 1,034,922 | 713,778 | 513,757 | | Current liabilities | 1,568,345 | 1,393,480 | 963,407 | 856,340 | | Non-current liabilities | 267,478 | 228,788 | 289,628 | 223,748 | | Equity | 322,944 | 279,987 | 173,827 | 149,669 | | Attributable to non-controlling interest | 42,080 | 36,482 | 30,634 | 26,376 | 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443 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report b) Acquisition of Generali Investment, Skopje In May 2024, NLB Skladi d.o.o., Ljubljana become an owner of 100% of financial company Generali Investments a.d. Skopje. Generali Investments a.d. Skopje is the third largest asset manager on the Macedonian market with an 18% market share. As at 30 June 2024, the company managed approximately EUR 53 million of client assets in different investment funds and portfolios. In August 2024, Generali Investments a.d. Skopje was renamed to NLB Fondovi a.d. Skopje. The purchase price for the company was EUR 2,515 thousand and was fully paid in cash. There are no contingent consideration arrangements. At the acquisition date, cash in acquired entities amounted to EUR 173 thousand. The net outflow of cash amounted to EUR 2,342 thousand (included in the statement of cash flows within payments from investing activities). The assets and liabilities recognised in the NLB Group financial statements as a result of the acquisition are as follows: | | | | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | Cash, cash balances at central banks and other demand deposits at banks | 173 | | Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss | 857 | | Financial assets measured at amortised cost | | | - other financial assets | 2 | | Tangible assets | | | Property and equipment | 4 | | Intangible assets | 34 | | Current income tax assets | 15 | | Other assets | 83 | | Total assets | 1,168 | | Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost | | | - other financial liabilities | 39 | | Other liabilities | 17 | | Total liabilities | 56 | | Net identifiable assets acquired | 1,112 | | Consideration given | 2,515 | | Goodwill | 1,403 | The acquisition of NLB Fondovi a.d. Skopje, resulted in a goodwill in the amount of EUR 1,403 thousand, which is recognised in the statement of financial position under the line, ‘Intangible assets.’ The main factors that make up the goodwill are the synergies within the NLB Group, the existing distribution channels and the presence on the strategically important market of the NLB Group. Acquisition-related costs were immaterial. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 444 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report c) Acquisition of SLS HOLDCO d.o.o., Ljubljana On 11 September 2024, NLB completed the acquisition of a 100% stake in the company SLS HOLDCO d.o.o., Ljubljana, the parent company of Summit Leasing Slovenija d.o.o., Ljubljana, and its subsidiary Mobil Leasing d.o.o., Zagreb. The purchase price for the company was EUR 127,216 thousand and was fully paid in cash. There are no contingent consideration arrangements. At the acquisition date, cash in acquired entities amounted to EUR 25,632 thousand. The net outflow of cash amounted to EUR 101,584 thousand (included in the statement of cash flows within payments from investing activities). The assets and liabilities recognised in the NLB Group financial statements as a result of the acquisition are as follows: | | | | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | Cash, cash balances at central banks and other demand deposits at banks | 25,632 | | Financial assets measured at amortised cost | | | - loans and advances to banks | 69 | | - loans and advances to customers | 874,816 | | - other financial assets | 3,877 | | Tangible assets | | | Property and equipment | 23,596 | | Intangible assets | 23,515 | | Current income tax assets | 522 | | Deferred income tax assets | 3,726 | | Other assets | 8,406 | | Total assets | 964,159 | | Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost | | | - borrowings from banks and central banks | 809,939 | | - other financial liabilities | 16,036 | | Provisions | 2,002 | | Deferred income tax liabilities | 3,155 | | Other liabilities | 8,949 | | Total liabilities | 840,081 | | Net identifiable assets acquired | 124,078 | | Consideration given | 127,216 | | Goodwill | 3,138 | The acquisition of SLS HOLDCO d.o.o., Ljubljana, resulted in a goodwill in the amount of EUR 3,138 thousand, which is recognised in the statement of financial position under the line, ‘Intangible assets. Goodwill consists of the fair value of expected synergies and other benefits from combining the acquirer and acquiree’s net assets and businesses. The goodwill will not be deductible for income tax purposes. In 2024, acquisition-related costs amounted to EUR 1,900 thousand and are included within administrative expenses (2023: EUR 1,100 thousand). As a result of the acquisition, NLB Group’s off-balance sheet liabilities increased by EUR 1,868 thousand. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 445 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report The valuation techniques used for measuring the fair value of material assets and liabilities acquired were as follows: | | | | --- | --- | | Assets acquired | Valuation technique | | Performing loans | For the performing loans portfolio, fair value was determined by using the discounted cash | | flow method, whereby future cash flows were discounted to their present value at current | | market interest rates. Contractual cash flows were adjusted for historical prepayment | | rate. In the absence of publicly available market interest rate for financial leases, market | | interest rates were estimated based on the weighted average interest rate of the financial | | leases issued in the last three months by Summit Leasing Slovenija and Mobil Leasing. | | Non-performing loans | The market value of non-performing loans was determined on the market value of the | | underlying collateral. Financial leases are secured by the assets under lease. The market value is | | recovered as profit for sale as underlying assets on average reduced for the appropriate haircut. | | Consumer loans are secured by insurance, and 100% of the exposure can be recovered. | | Distribution agreements | For valuation of distribution agreements multi-period excess earnings method (MEEM) under the | | income approach was applied. This method is based on the principle that the value of intangible | | assets is equal to the present value of the excess earnings attributable only to the subject intangible | | asset after deducting contributory assets charges like fixed assets and assembled workforce. | The fair value of acquired loans and advances to customers is EUR 874,816 thousand, of which EUR 848,638 thousand relates to performing portfolio and EUR 26,178 thousand to non-performing portfolio. The latter was recognised as purchased or originated credit impaired financial assets (POCI). The gross contractual amount for performing loans and advances to customers is EUR 857,488 thousand, and for this exposure 12-month expected credit losses in the amount of EUR 1,596 thousand were recognised through the income statement. The gross contractual amount for non-performing loans and advances to customers is EUR 38,952 thousand, and it is expected that approximately EUR 6 million of the contractual cash flows will not be collected. Since the transaction was completed on 11 September 2024, a loss of EUR 1,821 thousand was included in the income statement for 2024, 12-month expected credit losses for financial assets in Group 1 of EUR 1,661 thousand, and related deferred taxes of EUR 358 thousand were recognized. If the acquisition had occurred on 1 January 2024, management estimates that consolidated revenues would have been approximately EUR 53 million, higher. Consolidated profit for the period would not have changed materially. NLB obtained all the necessary information for measuring fair values, therefore no amounts were measured and recognised on a provisional basis. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 446 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report d) Disposal of subsidiary Optima Leasing d.o.o., Zagreb – u likvidaciji In September 2023, NLB Group sold its subsidiary Optima Leasing d.o.o., Zagreb – u likvidaciji. The assets and liabilities derecognised from NLB Group financial statements as a result of disposal are as follows: | | | | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | Cash, cash balances at central banks and other demand deposits at banks | 713 | | Financial assets measured at amortised cost | | | - other financial assets | 4 | | Other assets | 104 | | Total assets | 821 | | Provisions | 30 | | Other liabilities | 22 | | Total liabilities | 52 | | Net assets of subsidiary | 769 | | Total disposal consideration | 470 | | Cash and cash equivalents in subsidiary sold | (713) | | Cash outflow on disposal | (243) | | Consideration for disposal of the subsidiary | 470 | | Carrying amount of net assets disposed of | 769 | | Loss from disposal of subsidiary in consolidated financial statements | (299) | At sale of subsidiary Optima Leasing d.o.o., Zagreb – u likvidaciji, NLB Group realised a loss in the amount of EUR 299 thousand. e) Disposal of subsidiary Tara Hotel d.o.o., Budva In May 2023, NLB Group sold its subsidiary Tara Hotel d.o.o., Budva. The assets and liabilities derecognised from NLB Group financial statements as a result of disposal are as follows: | | | | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | Cash, cash balances at central banks and other demand deposits at banks | 2 | | Financial assets measured at amortised cost | | | - other financial assets | 19 | | Other assets | 13,938 | | Total assets | 13,959 | | Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost | | | - borrowings from banks and central banks | 178 | | - other financial liabilities | 20 | | Deferred income tax liabilities | 193 | | Other liabilities | 82 | | Total liabilities | 473 | | Net assets of subsidiary | 13,486 | | Total disposal consideration | 13,019 | | Cash inflow on disposal | 13,019 | | Consideration for disposal of the subsidiary | 13,019 | | Carrying amount of net assets disposed of | 13,486 | | Loss from disposal of subsidiary in consolidated financial statements | (467) | At sale of Tara Hotel d.o.o., Budva NLB Group realised a loss in the amount of EUR 467 thousand and NLB in the amount of EUR 105 thousand. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 447 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report f) Merger of N Banka d.d., Ljubljana On 1 September 2023, with entry of the merger in the Register of Companies, the process of the legal merger of N Banka d.d. with NLB d.d. was closed. As at the date of the merger, N Banka ceased to exist as an independent legal entity, and NLB, as a universal legal successor, took over all of its rights and obligations. The merger was accounted for using merger accounting principles, due to the fact that such a merger is considered to be a business combination involving entities under common control. NLB has applied for the merger the following accounting policy: - As at 1 September 2023, all assets, liabilities, and off- balance sheet items of N Banka were recognised as they were reported for the purposes of NLB Group financial statements as at 31 August 2023 in relevant line items of assets, liabilities, and off-balance sheet items of merged bank; and - As at 1 September 2023, all income and expenses of N Banka were recognised as they were reported for the purposes of NLB Group financial statements as at 31 August 2023 directly into retained earnings. Therefore, only income and expenses from 1 September 2023 onwards were recognised in the income statement of the merged bank. As at the day of the merger, NLB also took over control of the company Privatinvest d.o.o., which was 100% owned by N Banka and whose assets consist only of repossessed real estate. N Banka also had an investment in Bankart d.o.o., Ljubljana, which was on the day of the merger transferred to NLB. Items of the statement of financial position at the day of the merger were as follows: | | | | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | Cash, cash balances at central banks and other demand deposits at banks | 118,158 | | Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income | 49,477 | | Financial assets measured at amortised cost | | | - debt securities | 13,044 | | - loans and advances to banks | 3 | | - loans and advances to customers | 765,552 | | - other financial assets | 2,664 | | Investments in associates and joint ventures | 134 | | Tangible assets | | | Property and equipment | 4,884 | | - own property and equipment | 4,546 | | - right-of-use assets | 338 | | Investment property | 784 | | Intangible assets | 685 | | Deferred income tax assets | 2,426 | | Other assets | 68 | | Total assets | 957,879 | | Financial liabilities held for trading | 189 | | Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost | | | - deposits from banks and central banks | 131,070 | | - borrowings from banks and central banks | 40,084 | | - due to customers | 574,747 | | - other financial liabilities | 2,193 | | Provisions | 7,881 | | Current income tax liabilities | 1,026 | | Other liabilities | 943 | | Total liabilities | 758,133 | | Equity | 199,746 | | Total liabilities and equity | 957,879 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 448 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report As a result of the merger, NLB’s off-balance sheet liabilities increased by EUR 200,933 thousand: | | | | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | Guarantees | 108,673 | | Commitments to extend credit | 92,260 | | Total | 200,933 | Items of the N Banka income statement for the period 1 January – 31 August 2023 as they were reported for the purposes of NLB Group financial statements: | | | | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | Net interest income | 27,822 | | Net fee and commission income | 6,016 | | Profit for the year | 13,389 | g) Analysis by type of investment in associates, and joint ventures | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Carrying amount of the NLB Group‘s interest | | | | | | Other financial organisations | 14,661 | 12,519 | 4,293 | 4,293 | | Enterprises | - | - | 530 | 530 | | Total | 14,661 | 12,519 | 4,823 | 4,823 | NLB Group’s associates | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in % | | | | | | | | | | 2024 | | 2023 | | | | Nature of | Country of | Shareholding | Voting rights | Shareholding | Voting rights | | | Business | Incorporation | | | | | | Bankart d.o.o., Ljubljana | Card | Slovenia | 46.03 | 46.03 | 46.03 | 46.03 | | | processing | | | | | | | ARG - Nepremičnine d.o.o., | | | | | | | | Horjul | Real estate | Slovenia | 75.00 | 75.00 | 75.00 | 75.00 | By contractual agreement between the shareholders, NLB does not control ARG-Nepremičnine, Horjul, but does have a significant influence. Therefore, the entity is accounted as an associate. 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449 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report The carrying amount of interests in associates included in the consolidated financial statements of NLB Group: | | | | | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | 2024 | 2023 | | Carrying amount of the NLB Group‘s interest | 14,661 | 12,519 | | NLB Group‘s share of: | | | | - Profit for the year | 2,990 | 1,072 | | - Other comprehensive income | 18 | 45 | | - Total comprehensive income | 3,008 | 1,117 | In previous years, NLB Group’s interest in an associate was reduced to zero. Consequently, NLB Group did not recognise a share of profit in the amount of EUR 37 thousand in 2024 (2023: EUR 347 thousand). The cumulative unrecognised share of losses of an associate as at 31 December 2024 amounted to EUR 1,705 thousand (31 December 2023: EUR 1,742 thousand). NLB Group’s joint ventures | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in % | | | | | | | | 2024 | 2023 | | | Nature of | Country of | | | | | Business | Incorporation | Voting rights | Voting rights | | Prvi Faktor Group, Ljubljana | Finance | Slovenia | 50 | 50 | In previous years, NLB Group’s interest in a joint venture was reduced to zero. Consequently, NLB Group did not recognise a share of profit in the amount of EUR 485 thousand in 2024 (2023: EUR 751 thousand). The cumulative unrecognised share of losses of a joint venture as at 31 December 2024 amounted to EUR 13,160 thousand (31 December 2023: EUR 13,645 thousand). h) Movements of investments in associates | | | | | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | 2024 | 2023 | | Balance as at 1 January | 12,519 | 11,677 | | Share of result before tax | 3,408 | 1,394 | | Share of tax | (418) | (322) | | Net gains/(losses) recognised in other comprehensive income | 18 | 45 | | Dividends received | (866) | (275) | | Balance as at 31 December | 14,661 | 12,519 | 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450 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 5 . 13 . Other assets | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Assets, received as collateral (note 6.1.l) | 20,598 | 27,637 | 1,468 | 3,129 | | Deferred expenses | 17,131 | 12,313 | 10,383 | 6,915 | | Inventories | 11,938 | 5,825 | 4,807 | 2,943 | | Claim for taxes and other dues | 5,180 | 1,599 | 586 | 531 | | Prepayments | 1,972 | 1,780 | 581 | 389 | | Total | 56,819 | 49,154 | 17,825 | 13,907 | Assets, received as collateral on NLB Group in the amount of EUR 18,976 thousand (31 December 2023: EUR 27,122 thousand), and on NLB in the amount of EUR 1,468 thousand (31 December 2023: EUR 3,129 thousand) consist of real estate (note 6.1.l). 5 . 14 . Movements in allowance for the impairment of financial assets a) Movements in allowance for the impairment of loans and receivables measured at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | | | Effects of | | | | | Foreign | | | | NLB Group | | translation | | Increases/ | Write-offs | Changes in | exchange | Balance as at | Repayments | | | Balance as at | of foreign | | (Decreases) | | models/risk | differences | 31 Dec 2024 | of written-off | | | 1 Jan 2024 | operations to | Transfers | | | parameters | and other | | receivables | | | | presentation | | | | | movements | | | | | | currency | | | | | | | | | Notes | | | | 4.14. | | 4.14. | | 5.6.b, c, d) | 4.14. | | 12-month expected credit losses | | | | | | | | | | | Loans and advances to banks | 213 | 2 | - | (108) | - | (1) | (2) | 104 | - | | Loans and advances to individuals | 39,668 | 31 | 37,441 | (20,732) | (120) | (11,206) | 1 | 45,083 | - | | Loans and advances to other customers | 51,087 | 61 | 4,088 | 6,013 | (2) | (17,737) | (6) | 43,504 | - | | Other financial assets | 624 | (1) | (56) | 135 | (55) | (85) | 10 | 572 | - | | Lifetime ECL not credit-impaired | | | | | | | | | | | Loans and advances to individuals | 25,051 | 4 | (30,636) | 35,412 | (26) | 5,165 | (11) | 34,959 | - | | Loans and advances to other customers | 19,778 | 17 | (6,647) | 10,534 | (31) | 5,283 | (6) | 28,928 | - | | Other financial assets | 40 | 1 | (22) | 56 | (17) | (2) | (2) | 54 | - | | Lifetime ECL credit-impaired | | | | | | | | | | | Loans and advances to banks | 86 | - | - | 2 | - | 28 | 20 | 136 | - | | Loans and advances to individuals | 83,780 | 32 | (6,805) | 36,596 | (28,683) | 7,923 | 4,399 | 97,242 | 13,447 | | Loans and advances to other customers | 109,263 | (142) | 2,559 | (2,604) | (21,203) | 729 | 19,443 | 108,045 | 10,498 | | Other financial assets | 10,141 | 10 | 78 | 305 | (5,527) | 129 | 3,231 | 8,367 | 919 | | Of which: Purchased or | | | | | | | | | | | originated credit-impaired | | | | | | | | | | | Loans and advances to individuals | 1,024 | (2) | - | 1,443 | (506) | (197) | 1,147 | 2,909 | 493 | | Loans and advances to other customers | 5,985 | - | - | (12,719) | (607) | 7 | 11,700 | 4,366 | 927 | | Other financial assets | 1,231 | 4 | - | (831) | (1,165) | - | 777 | 16 | - | Column Increases/(Decreases) for year 2024 also includes 12-month expected credit losses recognised at the acquisition of SLS HOLDCO in the amount of EUR 472 thousand for Loans and advances to individuals, in the amount of EUR 1,124 thousand for Loans and advances to other customers, and in the amount of EUR 65 thousand for Other financial assets (notes 4.14. and 5.12.c). ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) 451 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report | | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | | | | Effects of | | | | | | | | | | | | translation | | | | | Foreign | | | | | | | of foreign | | | | | exchange | | | | | | Balance as at | operations to | | Increases/ | | Changes in | differences | Disposal of | Balance as at | Repayments | | NLB Group | 1 Jan 2023 | presentation | Transfers | (Decreases) | Write-offs | models/risk | and other | subsidiary | 31 Dec 2023 | of written-off | | | | currency | | | | parameters | movements | | | receivables | | Notes | | | | 4.14. | | 4.14. | | 5.12.d, e) | 5.6.b, c, d) | 4.14. | | 12-month expected credit losses | | | | | | | | | | | | Loans and advances to banks | 161 | - | - | 49 | - | - | 3 | - | 213 | - | | Loans and advances to individuals | 31,385 | (13) | 31,614 | (22,681) | (221) | (419) | 3 | - | 39,668 | - | | Loans and advances to other customers | 59,840 | (17) | (1,229) | 5,634 | - | (13,134) | (7) | - | 51,087 | - | | Other financial assets | 1,246 | - | (17) | (201) | (42) | (117) | (225) | (20) | 624 | - | | Lifetime ECL not credit-impaired | | | | | | | | | | | | Loans and advances to individuals | 14,582 | (5) | (28,704) | 34,051 | (18) | 5,121 | 24 | - | 25,051 | - | | Loans and advances to other customers | 31,230 | 1 | (1,988) | (9,837) | (8) | 156 | 224 | - | 19,778 | - | | Other financial assets | 38 | - | (36) | 82 | (17) | (26) | (1) | - | 40 | - | | Lifetime ECL credit-impaired | | | | | | | | | | | | Loans and advances to banks | 108 | - | - | (26) | - | - | 4 | - | 86 | - | | Loans and advances to individuals | 75,807 | (5) | (2,910) | 29,543 | (23,445) | 720 | 4,070 | - | 83,780 | 8,703 | | Loans and advances to other customers | 111,154 | 645 | 3,217 | (8,614) | (19,399) | (364) | 22,624 | - | 109,263 | 15,237 | | Other financial assets | 7,750 | - | 53 | 3,374 | (764) | (18) | 17 | (271) | 10,141 | 261 | | Of which: Purchased or | | | | | | | | | | | | originated credit-impaired | | | | | | | | | | | | Loans and advances to individuals | (499) | - | - | (414) | (456) | - | 2,393 | - | 1,024 | 1,377 | | Loans and advances to other customers | (3,134) | (6) | - | (4,817) | (1,026) | - | 14,968 | - | 5,985 | 2,012 | | Other financial assets | 185 | (2) | - | 185 | - | - | 863 | - | 1,231 | - | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | NLB | Balance as at | Transfers | Increases/ | Write-offs | Changes in | Foreign | Balance as at | Repayments | | | 1 Jan 2024 | | (Decreases) | | models/risk | exchange | 31 Dec 2024 | of written-off | | | | | | | parameters | differences | | receivables | | | | | | | | and other | | | | | | | | | | movements | | | | Notes | | | 4.14. | | 4.14. | | 5.6.b, c, d) | 4.14. | | 12-month expected credit losses | | | | | | | | | | Loans and advances to banks | 164 | - | 6 | - | - | - | 170 | - | | Loans and advances to individuals | 8,073 | 19,915 | (15,710) | (115) | (2,733) | - | 9,430 | - | | Loans and advances to other customers | 13,482 | (569) | 772 | (2) | (1,423) | (6) | 12,254 | - | | Other financial assets | 98 | 8 | 32 | (8) | (16) | 1 | 115 | - | | Lifetime ECL not credit-impaired | | | | | | | | | | Loans and advances to individuals | 11,489 | (13,058) | 16,507 | (22) | 3,393 | (12) | 18,297 | - | | Loans and advances to other customers | 2,553 | 1,733 | 6,912 | (31) | 2,871 | - | 14,038 | - | | Other financial assets | 2 | 14 | (12) | (1) | (1) | - | 2 | - | | Lifetime ECL credit-impaired | | | | | | | | | | Loans and advances to banks | 86 | - | 2 | - | 28 | 20 | 136 | - | | Loans and advances to individuals | 45,663 | (6,857) | 18,562 | (10,029) | 6,720 | 1,193 | 55,252 | 3,204 | | Loans and advances to other customers | 38,308 | (1,164) | 9,947 | (4,040) | 213 | 5,178 | 48,442 | 1,479 | | Other financial assets | 1,514 | (22) | (926) | (332) | (7) | 869 | 1,096 | 413 | | Of which: Purchased or | | | | | | | | | | originated credit-impaired | | | | | | | | | | Loans and advances to individuals | 1,755 | - | (123) | (501) | (196) | 184 | 1,119 | 154 | | Loans and advances to other customers | 5,678 | - | (2,757) | (524) | - | 4,075 | 6,472 | 200 | | Other financial assets | 2 | - | (842) | - | - | 858 | 18 | - | 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E1LjNtMCwwSDgzMW0wLDBIOTQ2LjdtMCwwaDExNS44bTAsMGgxMTUuN20wLDBoMTE1LjdtMCwwaDExNS43TTkwLjksMjE3SDM2MS42bTYuNSwwSDQ4My44bTAsMEg1OTkuNm0wLDBINzE1LjNtMCwwSDgzMW0wLDBIOTQ2LjdtMCwwaDExNS44bTAsMGgxMTUuN20wLDBoMTE1LjdtMCwwaDExNS43IiBjbGFzcz0iZzJfNDUyIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDYyMy4ySDM2MS42bTAsMGg2LjVtMCwwSDQ4My44bTAsMEg1OTkuNm0wLDBINzE1LjNtMCwwSDgzMW0wLDBIOTQ2LjdtMCwwaDExNS44bTAsMGgxMTUuN20wLDBoMTE1LjdtMCwwaDExNS43IiBjbGFzcz0iZzZfNDUyIi8+Cjwvc3ZnPg==) 452 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Foreign | | | | | | | | | | Changes in | exchange | | | Repayments | | NLB | Balance as at | Transfers | Increases/ | Write-offs | models/risk | differences | Merger of | Balance as at | of written-off | | | 1 Jan 2023 | | (Decreases) | | parameters | and other | subsidiary | 31 Dec 2023 | receivables | | | | | | | | movements | | | | | Notes | | | 4.14. | | 4.14. | | 5.12.f) | 5.6.b, c, d) | 4.14. | | 12-month expected credit losses | | | | | | | | | | | Loans and advances to banks | 216 | - | (54) | - | 2 | - | - | 164 | - | | Loans and advances to individuals | 6,161 | 15,744 | (14,192) | (189) | (603) | 1 | 1,151 | 8,073 | - | | Loans and advances to other customers | 14,880 | (1,199) | (2,541) | - | (3,622) | 25 | 5,939 | 13,482 | - | | Other financial assets | 203 | (193) | (92) | (7) | (34) | (1) | 222 | 98 | - | | Lifetime ECL not credit-impaired | | | | | | | | | | | Loans and advances to individuals | 7,385 | (14,921) | 15,949 | (10) | 2,127 | 24 | 935 | 11,489 | - | | Loans and advances to other customers | 800 | 1,344 | (2,647) | (1) | (444) | - | 3,501 | 2,553 | - | | Other financial assets | 2 | (6) | 7 | (1) | - | - | - | 2 | - | | Lifetime ECL credit-impaired | | | | | | | | | | | Loans and advances to banks | - | - | (28) | - | - | 4 | 110 | 86 | - | | Loans and advances to individuals | 34,286 | (823) | 15,358 | (5,797) | 17 | 819 | 1,803 | 45,663 | 2,967 | | Loans and advances to other customers | 29,900 | (145) | 11,822 | (7,292) | (29) | 1,677 | 2,375 | 38,308 | 6,793 | | Other financial assets | 808 | 199 | 785 | (296) | - | (8) | 26 | 1,514 | 77 | | Of which: Purchased or | | | | | | | | | | | originated credit-impaired | | | | | | | | | | | Loans and advances to individuals | - | - | 1,672 | (20) | - | 88 | 15 | 1,755 | - | | Loans and advances to other customers | 638 | - | 4,661 | (247) | - | 626 | - | 5,678 | - | | Other financial assets | 1 | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | 2 | - | Other movements relate mainly to expenses due to initial recognition of non-performing exposure at fair value. The contractual amount outstanding on financial assets that were written off during the year ending 31 December 2024 and that are still subject to enforcement activity for NLB Group amounted to EUR 39,408 thousand (31 December 2023: EUR 43,080 thousand), and for NLB amounted to EUR 11,576 thousand (31 December 2023: EUR 15,715 thousand), of which EUR 2,590 thousand in NLB Group (31 December 2023: EUR 2,962 thousand) and EUR 1,122 thousand in NLB (31 December 2023: EUR 1,904 thousand) represent interest receivables that have not been recognised in the income statement prior to the write-off. 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g0OTguM20wLDBINjI4LjVtMCwwSDc1OC43bTAsMEg4ODguOW0wLDBoMTMwLjJtMCwwaDEzMC4ybTAsMGgxMzAuMm0wLDBoMTMwLjFNOTAuOSw2OTIuOUgzNjEuNm02LjUsMEg0OTguM20wLDBINjI4LjVtMCwwSDc1OC43bTAsMEg4ODguOW0wLDBoMTMwLjJtMCwwaDEzMC4ybTAsMGgxMzAuMm0wLDBoMTMwLjEiIGNsYXNzPSJnMl80NTMiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksODgzLjdIMzYxLjZtNi41LDBINDk4LjNtMCwwSDYyOC41bTAsMEg3NTguN20wLDBIODg4LjltMCwwaDEzMC4ybTAsMGgxMzAuMm0wLDBoMTMwLjJtMCwwaDEzMC4xTTkwLjksOTA1LjRIMzYxLjZtNi41LDBINDk4LjNtMCwwSDYyOC41bTAsMEg3NTguN20wLDBIODg4LjltMCwwaDEzMC4ybTAsMGgxMzAuMm0wLDBoMTMwLjJtMCwwaDEzMC4xIiBjbGFzcz0iZzRfNDUzIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDk0Mi4zSDM2MS42bTYuNSwwSDQ5OC4zbTAsMEg2MjguNW0wLDBINzU4LjdtMCwwSDg4OC45bTAsMGgxMzAuMm0wLDBoMTMwLjJtMCwwaDEzMC4ybTAsMGgxMzAuMSIgY2xhc3M9Imc2XzQ1MyIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMzYxLjYsOTQyLjNoNi41IiBjbGFzcz0iZzdfNDUzIi8+Cjwvc3ZnPg==) 453 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report b) Movements in allowance for the impairment of debt securities | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | Effects of | | | | | | | | | translation | | | | Foreign | | | | | of foreign | | | | exchange | | | NLB Group | Balance as at | operations to | | Increases/ | Changes in models/ | differences | Balance as at | | | 1 Jan 2024 | currency | Transfers | (Decreases) | risk parameters | and other | 31 Dec 2024 | | | | presentation | | | | movements | | | Notes | | | | 4.14. | 4.14. | | 5.4.a), 5.6.a) | | 12-month expected credit losses | | | | | | | | | Debt securities measured at amortised cost | 4,946 | 2 | (4) | 2,047 | (92) | 14 | 6,913 | | Debt securities measured at fair value through other comprehensive income | 6,475 | - | - | (1,273) | (243) | - | 4,959 | | Lifetime ECL not credit-impaired | | | | | | | | | Debt securities measured at amortised cost | 576 | 2 | 4 | 153 | (185) | 4 | 554 | | Debt securities measured at fair value through other comprehensive income | 56 | - | - | (11) | (8) | (1) | 36 | | Lifetime ECL credit-impaired | | | | | | | | | through other comprehensive income Debt securities measured at fair value | 798 | - | - | - | - | - | 798 | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | | Effects of | | | | | | | | | | translation | | | | | Foreign | | | | | of foreign | | Increases/ | | Changes in | exchange | | | NLB Group | Balance as at | operations to | Transfers | (Decreases) | Write-offs | models/risk | differences | Balance as at | | | 1 Jan 2023 | presentation | | | | parameters | and other | 31 Dec 2023 | | | | currency | | | | | movements | | | Notes | | | | 4.14. | | 4.14. | | 5.4.a), 5.6.a) | | 12-month expected credit losses | | | | | | | | | | at amortised cost Debt securities measured | 3,519 | 2 | (52) | 1,478 | - | 9 | (10) | 4,946 | | Debt securities measured at fair value through other comprehensive income | 9,029 | 4 | - | (2,470) | - | (87) | (1) | 6,475 | | Lifetime ECL not credit-impaired | | | | | | | | | | Debt securities measured at amortised cost | 265 | (1) | 52 | (253) | - | 515 | (2) | 576 | | Debt securities measured at fair value through other comprehensive income | 70 | - | - | (13) | - | (1) | - | 56 | | Lifetime ECL credit-impaired | | | | | | | | | | through other comprehensive income Debt securities measured at fair value | 6,777 | - | - | (4,483) | (1,537) | - | 41 | 798 | Release of lifetime ECL credit-impaired debt securities measured at fair value through other comprehensive income relates to impairment of Russian sovereign debt, which was sold in February 2023. 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02LjUsMEg0OTguM20wLDBINjI4LjVtMCwwSDc1OC43bTAsMEg4ODguOW0wLDBoMTMwLjJtMCwwaDEzMC4ybTAsMGgxMzAuMm0wLDBoMTMwLjEiIGNsYXNzPSJnMl80NTQiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksODE4LjZIMzYxLjZtMCwwaDYuNW0wLDBINDk4LjNtMCwwSDYyOC41bTAsMEg3NTguN20wLDBIODg4LjltMCwwaDEzMC4ybTAsMGgxMzAuMm0wLDBoMTMwLjJtMCwwaDEzMC4xIiBjbGFzcz0iZzZfNDU0Ii8+Cjwvc3ZnPg==) 454 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | | | Foreign | | | | | | | | exchange | | | NLB | Balance as at | Transfers | Increases/ | Changes in models/ | differences | Balance as at | | | 1 Jan 2024 | | (Decreases) | risk parameters | and other | 31 Dec 2024 | | | | | | | movements | | | Notes | | | 4.14. | 4.14. | | 5.4.a), 5.6.a) | | 12-month expected credit losses | | | | | | | | Debt securities measured | | | | | | | | at amortised cost | 2,624 | (4) | 858 | (34) | 6 | 3,450 | | Debt securities measured at fair value | | | | | | | | through other comprehensive income | 1,650 | - | 206 | (8) | 1 | 1,849 | | Lifetime ECL not credit-impaired | | | | | | | | Debt securities measured | | | | | | | | at amortised cost | 173 | 4 | (101) | - | 4 | 80 | | Lifetime ECL credit-impaired | | | | | | | | Debt securities measured at fair value | | | | | | | | through other comprehensive income | 798 | - | - | - | - | 798 | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Foreign | | | | | | | | Changes in | | exchange | | | NLB | Balance as at | Transfers | Increases/ | Write-offs | models/risk | Merger of | differences | Balance as at | | | 1 Jan 2023 | | (Decreases) | | parameters | subsidiary | and other | 31 Dec 2023 | | | | | | | | | movements | | | Notes | | | 4.14. | | 4.14. | 5.12.f) | | 5.4.a), 5.6.a) | | 12-month expected credit losses | | | | | | | | | | Debt securities measured | | | | | | | | | | at amortised cost | 1,990 | (52) | 585 | - | (36) | 140 | (3) | 2,624 | | Debt securities measured at fair value | | | | | | | | | | through other comprehensive income | 2,022 | - | (554) | - | (21) | 204 | (1) | 1,650 | | Lifetime ECL not credit-impaired | | | | | | | | | | Debt securities measured | | | | | | | | | | at amortised cost | - | 52 | 123 | - | - | | (2) | 173 | | Lifetime ECL credit-impaired | | | | | | | | | | Debt securities measured at fair value | | | | | | | | | | through other comprehensive income | 6,777 | - | (4,483) | (1,537) | - | | 41 | 798 | Release of lifetime ECL credit-impaired debt securities measured at fair value through other comprehensive income relates to impairment of Russian sovereign debt, which was sold in February 2023. 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UzLjVtMCwwSDg2MS44bTAsMEg5NzAuMW02LjUsMGgxMDguMm0wLDBoMTA4LjNtMCwwaDEwOC4zbTAsMGgxMDguMiIgY2xhc3M9ImczXzQ1NSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNOTAuOSw0MTkuMkg1MzAuNW0wLDBINTM3bTAsMEg2NDUuM20wLDBINzUzLjVtMCwwSDg2MS44bTAsMEg5NzAuMW0wLDBoNi41bTAsMGgxMDguMm0wLDBoMTA4LjNtMCwwaDEwOC4zbTAsMGgxMDguMiIgY2xhc3M9Imc2XzQ1NSIvPgo8L3N2Zz4=) 455 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report c) Explanation of how significant changes in the gross carrying amount of financial instruments contributed to changes in the loss allowance Movement of gross carrying amount of loans to banks | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2024 | | 2023 | | | | 12-month | Lifetime | 12-month | Lifetime | 12-month | Lifetime | 12-month | Lifetime | | | expected | ECL credit- | expected | ECL credit- | expected | ECL credit- | expected | ECL credit- | | | credit losses | impaired | credit losses | impaired | credit losses | impaired | credit losses | impaired | | Balance as at 1 January | 547,826 | 113 | 223,126 | 108 | 149,148 | 113 | 350,841 | - | | Effects of translation of foreign operations to presentation currency | 1,003 | - | (105) | - | - | - | - | - | | Acquisition of subsidiaries (note 5.12.c) | 69 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | | Increases/(Decreases) | (91,570) | 23 | 322,034 | 5 | 44,176 | 23 | (202,175) | - | | Exchange differences on monetary assets | 1,697 | - | 2,771 | - | 18 | - | 482 | - | | Merger of subsidiary (note 5.12.f) | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 113 | | Balance as at 31 December | 459,025 | 136 | 547,826 | 113 | 193,342 | 136 | 149,148 | 113 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 456 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Movement of gross carrying amount of loans and advances to individuals | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | 12-month | Lifetime ECL | Lifetime | | 12-month | Lifetime ECL | Lifetime | | | Individuals | expected | not credit - | ECL credit- | Total | expected | not credit - | ECL credit- | Total | | | credit losses | impaired | impaired | | credit losses | impaired | impaired | | | Balance as at 1 January 2024 | 6,854,725 | 248,424 | 132,165 | 7,235,314 | 3,379,513 | 152,261 | 77,054 | 3,608,828 | | Effects of translation of foreign operations | | | | | | | | | | to presentation currency | 5,063 | 81 | 62 | 5,206 | - | - | - | - | | Acquisition of subsidiaries (note 5.12.c) | 549,397 | - | 25,902 | 575,299 | - | - | - | - | | Transfers | (220,285) | 185,613 | 34,672 | - | (112,291) | 101,857 | 10,434 | - | | Increases/(Decreases) | 992,732 | (24,689) | (15,525) | 952,518 | 366,370 | (3,516) | 4,536 | 367,390 | | Write-offs | (120) | (26) | (28,683) | (28,829) | (115) | (22) | (10,029) | (10,166) | | Exchange differences on monetary assets | 293 | (21) | (868) | (596) | - | - | (863) | (863) | | Modification losses (note 4.12.) | (3,793) | (106) | (24) | (3,923) | - | - | - | - | | Balance as at 31 December 2024 | 8,178,012 | 409,276 | 147,701 | 8,734,989 | 3,633,477 | 250,580 | 81,132 | 3,965,189 | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | 12-month | Lifetime ECL | Lifetime | | 12-month | Lifetime ECL | Lifetime | | | Individuals | expected | not credit - | ECL credit- | Total | expected | not credit - | ECL credit- | Total | | | credit losses | impaired | impaired | | credit losses | impaired | impaired | | | Balance as at 1 January 2023 | 6,422,877 | 190,121 | 130,446 | 6,743,444 | 2,922,907 | 101,744 | 59,680 | 3,084,331 | | Effects of translation of foreign operations to presentation currency | (1,606) | (24) | (12) | (1,642) | - | - | - | - | | Transfers | (103,434) | 70,870 | 32,564 | - | (48,707) | 34,682 | 14,025 | - | | Increases/(Decreases) | 551,995 | (12,564) | (7,469) | 531,962 | 204,972 | 5,439 | (346) | 210,065 | | Write-offs | (221) | (18) | (23,445) | (23,684) | (189) | (10) | (5,797) | (5,996) | | Exchange differences on monetary assets | 783 | 124 | 186 | 1,093 | 1,914 | 127 | 189 | 2,230 | | Modification losses (note 4.12.) | (15,669) | (85) | (105) | (15,859) | - | - | - | - | | Merger of subsidiary (note 5.12.f) | - | - | - | - | 298,616 | 10,279 | 9,303 | 318,198 | | Balance as at 31 December 2023 | 6,854,725 | 248,424 | 132,165 | 7,235,314 | 3,379,513 | 152,261 | 77,054 | 3,608,828 | In year 2024, the loss allowance for loans and advances to individuals increased by EUR 28,785 thousand at the NLB Group level, while at the NLB level it increased by EUR 17,754 thousand. At the NLB Group level, the gross carrying amount increased by EUR 1,499,675 thousand, mainly due to increased exposure and the acquisition of subsidiaries, while at the NLB level it increased by EUR 356,361 thousand. In year 2023, the loss allowance for loans and advances to individuals increased by EUR 26,725 thousand at the NLB Group level, while at the NLB level it increased by EUR 17,393 thousand. The reasons for increases are also changed risk parameters, which increased the loss allowance by EUR 5,422 thousand at the NLB Group level, and by EUR 1,541 thousand at NLB level. At the NLB level, it also increased due to the merger of N Banka by EUR 3,889 thousand. At the NLB Group level, the gross carrying amount increased by EUR 491,870 thousand, mainly due to increased exposure, while at the NLB level it increased by EUR 524,497 thousand due to increased exposure and the merger of N Banka (EUR 318,198 thousand). ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 457 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Movement of gross carrying amount of loans and advances to other customers | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | 12-month | Lifetime ECL | Lifetime | | 12-month | Lifetime ECL | Lifetime | | | Other customers | expected | not credit - | ECL credit- | Total | expected | not credit - | ECL credit- | Total | | | credit losses | impaired | impaired | | credit losses | impaired | impaired | | | Balance as at 1 January 2024 | 6,207,653 | 451,154 | 169,107 | 6,827,914 | 3,434,833 | 162,976 | 61,214 | 3,659,023 | | Effects of translation of foreign operations | | | | | | | | | | to presentation currency | 6,100 | 525 | (217) | 6,408 | - | - | - | - | | Acquisition of subsidiaries (note 5.12.c) | 287,202 | - | 12,315 | 299,517 | - | - | - | - | | Transfers | (245,302) | 198,802 | 46,500 | - | (162,091) | 147,783 | 14,308 | - | | Increases/(Decreases) | 922,294 | (27,899) | (20,310) | 874,085 | 1,180,061 | 14,321 | (4,840) | 1,189,542 | | Write-offs | (2) | (31) | (21,203) | (21,236) | (2) | (31) | (4,040) | (4,073) | | Exchange differences on monetary assets | (1,330) | (151) | 1,571 | 90 | (139) | - | 1,519 | 1,380 | | Modification losses (note 4.12.) | (320) | (37) | - | (357) | - | - | - | - | | Balance as at 31 December 2024 | 7,176,295 | 622,363 | 187,763 | 7,986,421 | 4,452,662 | 325,049 | 68,161 | 4,845,872 | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | 12-month | Lifetime ECL | Lifetime | | 12-month | Lifetime ECL | Lifetime | | | Other customers | expected | not credit - | ECL credit- | Total | expected | not credit - | ECL credit- | Total | | | credit losses | impaired | impaired | | credit losses | impaired | impaired | | | Balance as at 1 January 2023 | 6,028,285 | 423,671 | 201,584 | 6,653,540 | 2,960,455 | 51,906 | 51,133 | 3,063,494 | | Effects of translation of foreign operations | | | | | | | | | | to presentation currency | (1,887) | (128) | 960 | (1,055) | - | - | - | - | | Transfers | (94,306) | 80,889 | 13,417 | - | (41,456) | 36,860 | 4,596 | - | | Increases/(Decreases) | 277,557 | (53,135) | (27,449) | 196,973 | 115,612 | 26,546 | (2,303) | 139,855 | | Write-offs | - | (8) | (19,399) | (19,407) | - | (1) | (7,292) | (7,293) | | Exchange differences on monetary assets | (1,622) | (97) | (6) | (1,725) | (91) | - | - | (91) | | Modification losses (note 4.12.) | (374) | (38) | - | (412) | - | - | - | - | | Merger of subsidiary (note 5.12.f) | - | - | - | - | 400,313 | 47,665 | 15,080 | 463,058 | | Balance as at 31 December 2023 | 6,207,653 | 451,154 | 169,107 | 6,827,914 | 3,434,833 | 162,976 | 61,214 | 3,659,023 | In 2024, the gross carrying amount of loans and advances to other customers increased by EUR 1,158,507 thousand at the NLB Group level and EUR 1,186,849 thousand at the NLB level, mostly in Stage 1 due to the acquisition of subsidiaries and the increased exposure. The loss allowance increased by EUR 349 thousand at the NLB Group level and EUR 20,391 thousand at the NLB level. The main reason for the small increase in allowance compared to the increased exposure were write-offs in the amount of EUR 21,236 thousand at the NLB Group level and EUR 4,073 thousand at the NLB level. In 2023, the gross carrying amount of loans and advances to other customers increased by EUR 174,374 thousand at the NLB Group level mostly in Stage 1 due to the increased exposure. Irrespective of that, the loss allowance decreased by EUR 22,096 thousand. The main reason for the decrease were write-offs in the amount of EUR 19,407 thousand. Also, in 2023, the gross carrying amount of loans and advances to other customers increased by EUR 595,529 thousand at the NLB level, mostly due to merger of N Bank (EUR 463,058 thousand). The loss allowance increased by EUR 8,925 thousand, the main reason was the merger of N Banka (EUR 11,815 thousand). ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 458 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Movement of gross carrying amount of other financial assets The gross carrying amount of other financial assets in 2024 decreased (by EUR 30,920 thousand at the NLB Group level and EUR 20,479 thousand at the NLB level), with the majority of these decreases relating to receivables for credit cards. As these receivables are by their nature short-term, they did not contribute significantly to the decrease of the loss allowance. The loss allowance for other financial assets in year 2024 on the NLB Group level decreased by EUR 1,812 thousand, while at the NLB level by EUR 401 thousand. The main reason for these decreases are write-offs (EUR 5,599 thousand at the NLB Group level and EUR 341 thousand at the NLB level). The gross carrying amount of other financial assets in 2023 decreased (by EUR 10,090 thousand at the NLB Group level and EUR 12,202 thousand at the NLB level), with the majority of these decreases relating to receivables for the sale of securities. As these receivables are by their nature short-term, they did not contribute significantly to the decrease of the loss allowance. Therefore, the loss allowance for other financial assets in year 2023 on the NLB Group level increased only by EUR 1,771 thousand, while at the NLB level by EUR 601 thousand. The main reason for this moderate increase at the NLB Group level and on the NLB level are write-offs (EUR 823 thousand at the NLB Group level and EUR 304 thousand at the NLB level). Movement of gross carrying amount of debt securities measured at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2024 | | 2023 | | | | 12-month | Lifetime ECL | 12-month | Lifetime ECL | 12-month | Lifetime ECL | 12-month | Lifetime ECL | | | expected | not credit - | expected | not credit - | expected | not credit - | expected | not credit - | | | credit losses | impaired | credit losses | impaired | credit losses | impaired | credit losses | impaired | | Balance as at 1 January | 2,515,430 | 12,321 | 1,914,170 | 7,229 | 1,963,866 | 5,100 | 1,599,438 | - | | Effects of translation of foreign operations | | | | | | | | | | to presentation currency | 746 | 28 | (344) | (8) | - | - | - | - | | Additions | 1,881,834 | - | 1,023,233 | - | 1,024,531 | - | 531,650 | - | | Derecognition | (762,104) | (8,415) | (453,836) | (24) | (194,214) | (8,415) | (200,534) | (24) | | Net interest income | 85,111 | 210 | 36,750 | 136 | 53,806 | 210 | 24,101 | 136 | | Exchange differences on monetary assets | 6,581 | 25 | (2,234) | (5) | 4,505 | 25 | (1,664) | (5) | | Other | 895 | - | 2,684 | - | 895 | - | 2,684 | - | | Merger of subsidiary (note 5.12.f) | - | - | - | - | - | - | 13,184 | - | | Transfers | (8,198) | 8,198 | (4,993) | 4,993 | (8,198) | 8,198 | (4,993) | 4,993 | | Balance as at 31 December | 3,720,295 | 12,367 | 2,515,430 | 12,321 | 2,845,191 | 5,118 | 1,963,866 | 5,100 | 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459 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Movement of gross carrying amount of debt securities measured at fair value through other comprehensive income | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | 12-month | Lifetime ECL | Lifetime | | 12-month | Lifetime ECL | Lifetime | | | | expected | not credit - | ECL credit- | Total | expected | not credit - | ECL credit- | Total | | | credit losses | impaired | impaired | | credit losses | impaired | impaired | | | Balance as at 1 January 2024 | 2,252,797 | 144 | 798 | 2,253,739 | 1,008,933 | - | 798 | 1,009,731 | | Effects of translation of foreign operations | | | | | | | | | | to presentation currency | 2,447 | - | - | 2,447 | - | - | - | - | | Additions | 2,433,207 | - | - | 2,433,207 | 836,368 | - | - | 836,368 | | Derecognition | (2,250,764) | (21) | - | (2,250,785) | (255,327) | - | - | (255,327) | | Net interest income | 54,462 | - | - | 54,462 | 25,289 | - | - | 25,289 | | Exchange differences on monetary assets | 4,177 | - | - | 4,177 | 1,427 | - | - | 1,427 | | Balance as at 31 December 2024 | 2,496,326 | 123 | 798 | 2,497,247 | 1,616,690 | - | 798 | 1,617,488 | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | 12-month | Lifetime ECL | Lifetime | | 12-month | Lifetime ECL | Lifetime | | | | expected | not credit - | ECL credit- | Total | expected | not credit - | ECL credit- | Total | | | credit losses | impaired | impaired | | credit losses | impaired | impaired | | | Balance as at 1 January 2023 | 2,999,030 | 165 | 8,337 | 3,007,532 | 1,367,496 | - | 8,337 | 1,375,833 | | Effects of translation of foreign operations | | | | | | | | | | to presentation currency | (262) | - | - | (262) | - | - | - | - | | Additions | 1,446,746 | - | - | 1,446,746 | 59,345 | - | - | 59,345 | | Derecognition | (2,233,255) | (21) | (7,526) | (2,240,802) | (463,403) | - | (7,526) | (470,929) | | Net interest income | 38,624 | - | - | 38,624 | 9,163 | - | - | 9,163 | | Exchange differences on monetary assets | 1,914 | - | (13) | 1,901 | (753) | - | (13) | (766) | | Merger of subsidiary (note 5.12.f) | - | - | - | - | 37,085 | - | - | 37,085 | | Balance as at 31 December 2023 | 2,252,797 | 144 | 798 | 2,253,739 | 1,008,933 | - | 798 | 1,009,731 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) 460 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 5 . 15 . Financial liabilities, measured at amortised cost Analysis by type of financial liabilities, measured at the amortised cost | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Deposits from banks and central banks | 136,000 | 95,283 | 220,120 | 147,002 | | Borrowings from banks and central banks | 120,612 | 140,419 | 51,106 | 82,797 | | Due to customers | 22,206,310 | 20,732,722 | 12,293,708 | 11,881,563 | | Borrowings from other customers | 104,519 | 99,718 | - | - | | Debt securities issued | 1,608,939 | 1,338,235 | 1,608,939 | 1,338,235 | | Other financial liabilities | 296,725 | 357,116 | 145,802 | 198,020 | | Total | 24,473,105 | 22,763,493 | 14,319,675 | 13,647,617 | a) Deposits from banks and central banks and amounts due to customers | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Deposit on demand | | | | | | - banks and central banks | 115,897 | 75,756 | 210,872 | 127,726 | | - other customers | 18,260,144 | 17,454,515 | 10,927,307 | 10,674,541 | | - governments | 339,454 | 351,313 | 38,803 | 64,406 | | - financial organisations | 212,487 | 285,540 | 187,123 | 225,295 | | - companies | 4,922,384 | 4,639,997 | 2,601,847 | 2,543,280 | | - individuals | 12,785,819 | 12,177,665 | 8,099,534 | 7,841,560 | | Other deposits | | | | | | - banks and central banks | 20,103 | 19,527 | 9,248 | 19,276 | | - other customers | 3,946,166 | 3,278,207 | 1,366,401 | 1,207,022 | | - governments | 50,245 | 61,880 | 31,520 | 35,813 | | - financial organisations | 279,888 | 215,457 | 56,119 | 90,590 | | - companies | 889,837 | 718,230 | 412,897 | 378,340 | | - individuals | 2,726,196 | 2,282,640 | 865,865 | 702,279 | | Total | 22,342,310 | 20,828,005 | 12,513,828 | 12,028,565 | b) Borrowings from banks and central banks and other customers | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Loans | | | | | | - banks and central banks | 120,612 | 140,419 | 51,106 | 82,797 | | - other customers | 104,519 | 99,718 | - | - | | - governments | 17,911 | 20,357 | - | - | | - financial organisations | 86,608 | 79,361 | - | - | | Total | 225,131 | 240,137 | 51,106 | 82,797 | As at 31 December 2024, NLB Group and NLB had EUR 97,874 thousand in undrawn borrowings (31 December 2023: EUR 95,249 thousand). 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461 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report c) Debt securities issued | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | NLB Group and NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | | 31 Dec 2023 | | | | | | | Carrying | Nominal | Carrying | Nominal | | | Currency | Due date | Interest rate | amount | value | amount | value | | Subordinated bonds | | | | | | | | | | EUR | 06.05.2029 (ii) | 4.20% to 06.05.2024, thereafter 5Y MS + 4.159% p.a. | - | - | 45,980 | 45,000 | | | EUR | 19.11.2029 (i) | 3.65% to 19.11.2024, thereafter 5Y MS + 3.833% p.a. | - | - | 119,781 | 120,000 | | | EUR | 05.02.2030 (i) | 3.40% to 05.02.2025, thereafter 5Y MS + 3.658% p.a. | 10,785 | 10,500 | 123,176 | 120,000 | | | EUR | 28.11.2032 | 10.75% to 28.11.2027, thereafter 5Y MS + 8.298% p.a. | 224,960 | 225,000 | 220,458 | 225,000 | | | EUR | 24.01.2034 | 6.875% to 24.01.2029, thereafter 5Y MS + 4.230% p.a. | 324,398 | 300,000 | - | - | | Total Subordinated bonds | | | | 560,143 | 535,500 | 509,395 | 510,000 | | | | | | | | | | | Senior Preferred notes | | | | | | | | | | EUR | 19.07.2025 (iii) | 6% to 19.07.2024, thereafter 1Y MS + 4.835% p.a. | - | - | 307,507 | 300,000 | | | EUR | 27.06.2027 | 7.125% to 27.07.2026, thereafter 1Y MS + 3.606% p.a. | 524,638 | 500,000 | 521,333 | 500,000 | | | EUR | 29.05.2030 | 4.50% to 29.05.2029, thereafter 1Y MS + 1.650% p.a | 524,158 | 500,000 | - | - | | Total Senior Preferred notes | | | | 1,048,796 | 1,000,000 | 828,840 | 800,000 | | | | | | | | | | | Total Debt securities issued | | | | 1,608,939 | 1,535,500 | 1,338,235 | 1,310,000 | (i)In January 2024, NLB conducted a liability management exercise where it repurchased its two outstanding subordinated Tier 2 notes in the total nominal value EUR 219,600 thousand with approaching call dates (ISIN code XS2080776607 and XS2113139195). (ii)NLB has, based on the obtained permission of the European Central Bank, redeem its subordinated notes in the aggregate nominal amount of EUR 45,000 thousand, issued on 6 May 2019 and with maturity on 6 May 2029 (ISIN code SI0022103855), before their maturity. Pursuant to the terms and condition of the notes the early repayment of principal and accrued and unpaid interest was made on the fifth anniversary from the issuance, 6 May 2024. (iii)NLB has, based on the obtained permission of the Single Resolution Board, redeem its senior preferred notes in the aggregate nominal amount of EUR 300,000 thousand, issued on 19 July 2022 and with maturity on 19 July 2025 (ISIN code XS2498964209), before their maturity. Pursuant to the terms and condition of the notes the early repayment of principal and accrued and unpaid interest was made on the second anniversary of the issuance, being 19 July 2024. All of the above-mentioned subordinated bonds represent non-convertible Tier 2 instruments (note 5.23.). In the event of bankruptcy or liquidation of the issuer, claims arising from Tier 2 instruments shall be repaid: a) after repayment of all unsubordinated claims of the Issuer, as well as at all other subordinated claims (if any), except claims arising from Tier 2 instruments and Additional Tier 1 instruments; b) with the same priority ( pari passu ) as, and proportionally with the claims arising from other instruments which qualify as Tier 2 instruments; c) in priority to the claims arising from shares or other instruments which qualify as Additional Tier 1 instruments and claims arising from Common Equity Tier 1 capital instruments. 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) 462 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Movement of debt securities issued | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | NLB Group and NLB | Subordinated bonds | | Senior Preferred notes | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Balance as at 1 January | 509,395 | 508,778 | 828,840 | 307,212 | | Cash flow items: | (3,211) | (34,538) | 143,722 | 479,708 | | - new issued | 298,611 | - | 497,347 | 497,708 | | - repayment | (270,659) | - | (300,000) | - | | - repayments of interest | (31,163) | (34,538) | (53,625) | (18,000) | | Non-Cash flow items: | 53,959 | 35,155 | 76,234 | 41,920 | | - accrued interest | 46,322 | 35,155 | 60,201 | 36,579 | | - other | 7,637 | - | 16,033 | 5,341 | | Balance as at 31 December | 560,143 | 509,395 | 1,048,796 | 828,840 | d) Other financial liabilities | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Items in the course of settlement | 78,192 | 93,425 | 13,878 | 17,957 | | Debit or credit card payables | 37,169 | 113,398 | 33,874 | 90,495 | | Suppliers | 30,470 | 22,872 | 18,208 | 16,614 | | Lease liabilities (note 5.11.a) | 35,935 | 28,944 | 5,775 | 5,793 | | Accrued expenses | 54,337 | 35,628 | 29,631 | 17,065 | | Fees and commissions | 935 | 1,242 | 800 | 1,133 | | Liabilities to brokerage firms and others for securities purchase and custody services | 228 | 288 | 224 | 268 | | Other financial liabilities | 59,459 | 61,319 | 43,412 | 48,695 | | Total | 296,725 | 357,116 | 145,802 | 198,020 | Other financial liabilities in the amount of EUR 25,255 thousand (31 December 2023: EUR 24,025 thousand) relate to a liability recognised in accordance with the ‘Act for Value Protection of Republic of Slovenia’s Capital Investment in Nova Ljubljanska banka d.d., Ljubljana’ (note 5.16.a). The remaining balance also includes liabilities to insurance companies, liabilities for received EIB financial initiatives, that can be used for specified purposes, and received warranties. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 463 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 5 . 16 . Provisions a) Analysis by type of provisions | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Provisions for guarantees and commitments (note 5.24.a) | 21,850 | 32,548 | 9,240 | 17,941 | | Stage 1 | 11,953 | 18,429 | 3,851 | 7,653 | | Stage 2 | 2,306 | 1,655 | 834 | 319 | | Stage 3 | 7,591 | 12,464 | 4,555 | 9,969 | | Employee benefit provisions | 20,903 | 17,892 | 13,296 | 11,795 | | Restructuring provisions | 10,366 | 12,592 | 5,309 | 7,198 | | Provisions for legal risks | 46,913 | 44,833 | 10,125 | 6,219 | | Other provisions | 4,356 | 5,440 | 3,676 | 5,303 | | Total | 104,388 | 113,305 | 41,646 | 48,456 | Provisions for guarantees and commitments represent expected credit losses in accordance with IFRS 9, employee benefits are recognised in accordance with IAS 19, while all other provisions are recognised according to IAS 37. Legal risks Provisions for legal risks are formed based on expectations regarding the probable outcome of legal disputes. As at 31 December 2024, NLB Group was involved in 40 (31 December 2023: 41) legal disputes with material claims against Group members in the total amount of EUR 463,087 thousand, excluding accrued interest (31 December 2023: EUR 463,122 thousand). As at 31 December 2024, NLB was involved in 23 (31 December 2023: 21) legal disputes with material monetary claims against NLB. The total amount of these claims, excluding accrued interest, was EUR 243,599 thousand (31 December 2023: EUR 236,727 thousand). In connection with legal risks, the largest amount of material monetary claims relates to civil claims filed by Privredna banka Zagreb (the PBZ) and Zagrebačka banka (the ZaBa) against NLB, referring to the old savings of LB Branch Zagreb savers, which were transferred to these two banks in a principal amount of approximately EUR 174.75 million (as per 31 December 2024). Due to the fact the proceedings had been pending for such a long time, the penalty interest already exceeds the principal amount. As NLB is not liable for the old foreign currency savings, based on numerous process and content-related reasons, NLB has all along objected to these claims. Two key reasons NLB is not liable for the old foreign currency savings are that it was only founded on the basis of the Constitutional Act on 27 July 1994 (at the time the savings were deposited with LB Branch Zagreb, NLB did not yet exist), and NLB did not assume any such obligations. Moreover, this is a former Yugoslavia succession matter, as the governments of the Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of Croatia agreed in a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2013 whose intent was to find a solution to the transferred foreign currency savings of Ljubljanska banka in Croatia (LB) on the basis of the Agreement on Succession Issues. The Memorandum also said that the Republic of Croatia would ensure the stay of all the proceedings commenced by the PBZ and the ZaBa in relation to the transferred foreign currency savings until the issue was finally resolved. Despite the agreement in the Memorandum of Understanding to stay all of the proceedings commenced, the Court of Appeal, the County Court of Zagreb, ruled in six claims (as explained below in detail) in favour of the plaintiff. In six of those cases, NLB filed a constitutional suit after an extraordinary legal measure of NLB with the Supreme Court of the Republic of Croatia was not successful. In two of the six cases mentioned, the plaintiff was fully repaid and therefore there are no further liabilities for NLB in this regard. Contrary to the decisions of the court described above in another case, a claim filed by the PBZ was refused and the judgment became final in favour of NLB. The extraordinary legal measure with the Supreme Court of the Republic of Croatia, filed by the plaintiff, was dismissed by the Supreme Court on 16 June 2015. In the other cases, with respect to which court procedures described above are pending, final court decisions have not yet been issued. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 464 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report The table below summarises the amounts according to final court decisions (not including penalty interest) and which have not yet been recovered from NLB: | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | Principal amount | Costs of the proceedings | Measures taken by NLB | | Date of the ruling | Plaintiff | in thousands of currency | in thousands of currency | | | | | | | Constitutional suit against the court decisions (including the decision of the Supreme Court of | | | | | | the Republic of Croatia in the revision proceeding), as NLB found the court decision contrary to | | April 2018 | PBZ | EUR 222 | EUR 34 | the legislation in force and constitutional principles, and as well contrary to the Memorandum | | | | | | concluded between the Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of Croatia. Constitutional Court | | | | | | of the Republic of Croatia rejected the constitutional appeal of NLB d.d. on 5 October 2021. | | | | | | NLB challenged the judgments with the extraordinary legal measure (revision) on the Supreme | | November 2017 | PBZ | EUR 220 | EUR 91 | Count of the Republic of Croatia, which rejected NLB‘s revision on 22 November 2023 (judgment received on 5 January 2024). NLB challenged the judgment in question with a constitutional | | | | | | lawsuit before the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Croatia on 2 February 2024. | | | | | | Constitutional suit against the court decisions (including the decision of the Supreme Court of | | | | | | the Republic of Croatia in the revision proceeding), as NLB found the court decision contrary to | | December 2018 | PBZ | SEK 3,855 | EUR 90 | the legislation in force and constitutional principles and as well contrary to the Memorandum | | | | | | concluded between the Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of Croatia. Constitutional Court | | | | | | of the Republic of Croatia rejected the constitutional appeal of NLB d.d. on 3 October 2023 | | | | | | NLB challenged the judgment with the extraordinary legal measure (revision) on the Supreme | | March 2019 | PBZ | USD 9,185 | EUR 425 | Count of the Republic of Croatia which rejected NLB‘s revision. NLB challenged the judgment in | | | | | | question with a constitutional lawsuit before the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Croatia | The NLB Shareholders’ Meeting provided the Management Board of NLB with instructions how to act in the event of existing or potential new final decisions by Croatian courts against LB and NLB regarding the transferred foreign currency deposits, especially not to voluntarily settle the adjudicated amounts, and also gave some additional instructions on the usage of legal remedies and regarding the management of the property from that perspective. On 19 July 2018, the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia passed the ‘Act for Value Protection of Republic of Slovenia’s Capital Investment in Nova Ljubljanska banka d.d., Ljubljana’ (Zakon za zaščito vrednosti kapitalske naložbe Republike Slovenije v Novi Ljubljanski banki d.d., Ljubljana, hereinafter: ‘the ZVKNNLB’) which entered into force on 14 August 2018. In accordance with the ZVKNNLB, the Succession Fund of the Republic of Slovenia (Sklad Republike Slovenije za nasledstvo, javni sklad, hereinafter: ‘the Fund’), shall compensate NLB for the sums recovered from NLB by enforcement of final judgements delivered by Croatian courts with regard to the transferred foreign currency deposits, that is the principle amount, accrued interest, expenses of court, attorney’s expenses, and other expenses of the plaintiff, and expenses related to enforcement with the accrued interest, and shall not compensate NLB for its own costs or for the difference between the book value of its assets sold in enforcement proceedings and the price obtained for such assets in enforcement proceedings. There shall be no compensation for any voluntarily made payments by NLB. In accordance with the ZVKNNLB and pursuant to the agreement between NLB and the Fund, as envisaged by the ZVKNNLB (which was concluded on 14 August 2018), NLB has to contest the claims made against it in court proceedings in relation to transferred foreign currency deposits, and use against court decisions that are disadvantageous for NLB, all reasonable legal remedies and to continue to actively challenge the judicial decisions of the courts of the Republic of Croatia in relation to transferred foreign currency deposits on the basis of which enforcement took place, leading, on the basis of ZVKNNLB, to the compensation of the sums recovered from NLB by enforcement. In the aforementioned case from May 2015, the Succession Fund of the Republic of Slovenia has already compensated the sums recovered from NLB by enforcement. Provisions for legal risks for existing claims filed by PBZ and ZaBa are not formed, since NLB believes that based on the factual and legal evaluation there are greater prospects for the court proceedings to end in favour of NLB than the opposite. Regardless of the negative outcomes for claims for which the final ruling was issued, in the financial statements NLB Group did not recognise the negative impact on profit and loss due to protection provided by the ZVKNNLB. For final judgements, NLB Group recognised the liabilities and related assets, which are included within other financial assets (note 5.6.d) and other financial liabilities (note 5.15.d). 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) 465 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report b) Provisions for guarantees and commitments Movements in provisions for guarantees and commitments | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | | | Effects of | | | | | | | | | | translation of | | | | Changes in | Foreign exchange | | | NLB Group | Balance as at | foreign operations | Acquisition of | Transfers | Increases/ | models/risk | differences and | Balance as at | | | 1 Jan 2024 | to presentation | subsidiaries | | (Decreases) | parameters | other movements | 31 Dec 2024 | | | | currency | | | | | | | | Notes | | | 5.12.c) | | 4.13. | 4.13. | | 5.16.a) | | 12-month expected credit losses | 18,429 | 9 | 1 | 1,417 | (834) | (7,089) | 20 | 11,953 | | Lifetime ECL not credit-impaired | 1,655 | 2 | - | 489 | (9) | 168 | 1 | 2,306 | | Lifetime ECL credit-impaired | 12,464 | 4 | - | (1,906) | (3,521) | 557 | (7) | 7,591 | | Of which: Purchased or | | | | | | | | | | originated credit-impaired | 3,095 | 1 | - | - | (2,674) | - | (160) | 262 | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | | Effects of | | | | | | | | | translation of | | Increases/ | Changes in | Foreign exchange | | | NLB Group | Balance as at | foreign operations | Transfers | (Decreases) | models/risk | differences and | Balance as at | | | 1 Jan 2023 | to presentation | | | parameters | other movements | 31 Dec 2023 | | | | currency | | | | | | | Notes | | | | 4.13. | 4.13. | | 5.16.a) | | 12-month expected credit losses | 18,826 | (3) | 583 | 2,609 | (3,587) | 1 | 18,429 | | Lifetime ECL not credit-impaired | 1,953 | - | (263) | (873) | 837 | 1 | 1,655 | | Lifetime ECL credit-impaired | 16,830 | - | (320) | (4,039) | (2) | (5) | 12,464 | | Of which: Purchased or | | | | | | | | | originated credit-impaired | 4,095 | 1 | - | (1,015) | - | 14 | 3,095 | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | | Increases/ | Changes in models/ | Foreign exchange | | | NLB | Balance as at | Transfers | (Decreases) | risk parameters | differences and | Balance as at | | | 1 Jan 2024 | | | | other movements | 31 Dec 2024 | | Notes | | | 4.13. | 4.13. | | 5.16.a) | | 12-month expected credit losses | 7,653 | 646 | (1,608) | (2,841) | 1 | 3,851 | | Lifetime ECL not credit-impaired | 319 | 1,146 | (806) | 175 | - | 834 | | Lifetime ECL credit-impaired | 9,969 | (1,792) | (4,014) | 393 | (1) | 4,555 | | Of which: Purchased or | | | | | | | | originated credit-impaired | 2,935 | - | (2,673) | - | - | 262 | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | NLB | Balance as at | Transfers | Increases/ | Changes in models/ | Merger of | Balance as at | | | 1 Jan 2023 | | (Decreases) | risk parameters | subsidiary | 31 Dec 2023 | | Notes | | | 4.13. | 4.13. | 5.12.f) | 5.16.a) | | 12-month expected credit losses | 8,156 | 158 | (146) | (1,142) | 627 | 7,653 | | Lifetime ECL not credit-impaired | 378 | 147 | (616) | 387 | 23 | 319 | | Lifetime ECL credit-impaired | 11,765 | (305) | (1,589) | 32 | 66 | 9,969 | | Of which: Purchased or | | | | | | | | originated credit-impaired | 2,876 | - | (3) | - | 62 | 2,935 | 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) 466 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Movement of contractual amounts of guarantees and commitments in off-balance sheet | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | 12-month | | | | 12-month | | | | | | expected | Lifetime ECL not | Lifetime ECL | Total | expected | Lifetime ECL not | Lifetime ECL | Total | | | credit losses | credit - impaired | credit-impaired | | credit losses | credit - impaired | credit-impaired | | | Balance as at 1 January 2024 | 4,032,559 | 106,616 | 20,917 | 4,160,092 | 2,783,977 | 66,619 | 13,978 | 2,864,574 | | Effects of translation of foreign | | | | | | | | | | operations to presentation currency | 2,539 | 110 | 13 | 2,662 | - | - | - | - | | Acquisition of subsidiaries (note 5.12.c) | 1,868 | - | - | 1,868 | - | - | - | - | | Increases/(Decreases) | 333,795 | 14,058 | (9,522) | 338,331 | 232,852 | (9,697) | (7,463) | 215,692 | | Foreign exchange differences | 417 | - | - | 417 | 33 | - | - | 33 | | Transfers | (14,379) | 13,601 | 778 | - | (15,703) | 15,244 | 459 | - | | Balance as at 31 December 2024 | 4,356,799 | 134,385 | 12,186 | 4,503,370 | 3,001,159 | 72,166 | 6,974 | 3,080,299 | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | 12-month | | | | 12-month | | | | | | expected | Lifetime ECL not | Lifetime ECL | | expected | Lifetime ECL not | Lifetime ECL | | | | credit losses | credit - impaired | credit-impaired | Total | credit losses | credit - impaired | credit-impaired | Total | | Balance as at 1 January 2023 | 3,843,293 | 83,270 | 26,897 | 3,953,460 | 2,397,742 | 35,243 | 15,019 | 2,448,004 | | Effects of translation of foreign | | | | | | | | | | operations to presentation currency | (837) | (28) | (2) | (867) | - | - | - | - | | Increases/(Decreases) | 224,499 | (9,271) | (7,960) | 207,268 | 216,455 | 1,071 | (2,041) | 215,485 | | Foreign exchange differences | 231 | - | - | 231 | 152 | - | - | 152 | | Transfers | (34,627) | 32,645 | 1,982 | - | (28,955) | 28,362 | 593 | - | | Disposal of subsidiary | - | - | - | - | 198,583 | 1,943 | 407 | 200,933 | | Balance as at 31 December 2023 | 4,032,559 | 106,616 | 20,917 | 4,160,092 | 2,783,977 | 66,619 | 13,978 | 2,864,574 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 467 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report c) Movements in employee benefit provisions Post-employment benefits | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Balance as at 1 January | 15,468 | 16,021 | 10,369 | 10,672 | | Effects of translation of foreign | | | | | | operations to presentation currency | 16 | (3) | - | - | | Acquisition of subsidiaries (note 5.12.c) | 623 | - | - | - | | Merger of subsidiary (note 5.12.f) | - | - | - | 531 | | Additional provisions (note 4.9.) | 934 | 227 | 641 | 587 | | Provisions released (note 4.9.) | (960) | (1,361) | (828) | (1,039) | | Interest expenses (note 4.1.) | 660 | 587 | 355 | 297 | | Utilised during year (payments) | (329) | (447) | (138) | (91) | | Actuarial gains and losses | 1,307 | 444 | 860 | (588) | | Balance as at 31 December | 17,719 | 15,468 | 11,259 | 10,369 | Other employee benefits | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Balance as at 1 January | 2,424 | 2,005 | 1,426 | 1,204 | | Effects of translation of foreign | | | | | | operations to presentation currency | 4 | (1) | - | - | | Acquisition of subsidiary (note 5.12.c) | 73 | - | - | - | | Merger of subsidiary (note 5.12.f) | - | - | - | 79 | | Additional provisions (note 4.9.) | 885 | 636 | 688 | 173 | | Provisions released (note 4.9.) | (79) | (104) | - | - | | Interest expenses (note 4.1.) | 108 | 81 | 54 | 33 | | Utilised during year | (231) | (193) | (131) | (63) | | Balance as at 31 December | 3,184 | 2,424 | 2,037 | 1,426 | Other employee benefits include NLB Group’s obligations for jubilee long-service benefits. d) Movements in restructuring provisions | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Balance as at 1 January | 12,592 | 21,036 | 7,198 | 7,288 | | Effects of translation of foreign | | | | | | operations to presentation currency | 18 | (1) | - | - | | Additional provisions (note 4.13.) | 3,919 | 4,006 | 2,500 | 3,800 | | Provisions released (note 4.13.) | - | (352) | - | - | | Utilised during year | (6,163) | (12,097) | (4,389) | (3,890) | | Balance as at 31 December | 10,366 | 12,592 | 5,309 | 7,198 | Additional restructuring provisions recognised during the year 2024 and 2023 relate mainly to NLB for the purpose of continuing the reorganisation, optimisation of work processes/business in individual segments, and HR restructuring (restructuring of workforce in accordance with business demands) and the related reduction in the number of employees. 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) 468 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report e) Movements in provisions for legal risks | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Balance as at 1 January | 44,833 | 43,209 | 6,219 | 3,584 | | Effects of translation of foreign | | | | | | operations to presentation currency | 98 | 8 | - | - | | Acquisition of subsidiary (note 5.12.c) | 761 | - | - | - | | Disposal of subsidiaries (note 5.12.d) | - | (30) | - | - | | Merger of subsidiary (note 5.12.f) | - | - | - | 5,382 | | Additional provisions (note 4.13.) | 11,730 | 16,354 | 4,660 | 899 | | Provisions released (note 4.13.) | (2,802) | (9,074) | (11) | (3,577) | | Utilised during year | (7,707) | (5,634) | (743) | (69) | | Balance as at 31 December | 46,913 | 44,833 | 10,125 | 6,219 | f) Movements in other provisions | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Balance as at 1 January | 5,440 | 2,772 | 5,303 | 2,169 | | Effects of translation of foreign | | | | | | operations to presentation currency | - | 1 | - | - | | Acquisition of subsidiary (note 5.12.c) | 544 | - | - | - | | Merger of subsidiary (note 5.12.f) | - | - | - | 1,173 | | Additional provisions (note 4.13.) | - | 15,019 | - | 13,300 | | Provisions released (note 4.13.) | - | (28) | - | - | | Utilised during year | (1,628) | (12,324) | (1,627) | (11,339) | | Balance as at 31 December | 4,356 | 5,440 | 3,676 | 5,303 | Other provisions in the NLB Group and NLB relate mainly to liability in relation to reimbursement of fees in case of early loan repayment. 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) 469 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 5 . 17 . Deferred income tax a) Analysis by type of deferred income taxes | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | | 2024 | | 31 Dec 2024 | | 2024 | | | | | | Included | Included | | | Included | Included | | | Deferred income | Deferred income | in the | in other | Deferred income | Deferred income | in the | in other | | | tax assets | tax liabilities | income | comprehensive | tax assets | tax liabilities | income | comprehensive | | | | | statement | income | | | statement | income | | Valuation of financial instruments | | | | | | | | | | and capital investments | 50,852 | 10,345 | 279 | (12,192) | 48,892 | 5,219 | (346) | (7,523) | | Impairment of financial assets | 15,182 | 5,159 | 336 | 119 | 1,358 | 582 | 205 | (44) | | Provisions for liabilities and charges | 8,559 | - | (743) | 51 | 1,529 | - | (327) | - | | Depreciation and valuation | | | | | | | | | | of non-financial assets | 3,720 | 1,206 | (336) | - | 129 | 139 | 35 | - | | Fair value adjustments of financial | | | | | | | | | | assets measured at amortised cost | 3,116 | 8,004 | (1,722) | - | 788 | - | (624) | - | | Tax losses | 60,989 | - | 6,920 | - | 59,571 | - | 5,502 | - | | Undistributed profit of subsidiaries | - | 10,466 | (840) | - | - | - | - | - | | Other | 576 | 4,807 | 659 | - | - | - | - | - | | Total | 142,994 | 39,987 | 4,553 | (12,022) | 112,267 | 5,940 | 4,445 | (7,567) | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | 31 Dec 2023 | | 2023 | | 31 Dec 2023 | | 2023 | | | | | | Included | Included | | | Included | Included | | | Deferred income | Deferred income | in the | in other | Deferred income | Deferred income | in the | in other | | | tax assets | tax liabilities | income | comprehensive | tax assets | tax liabilities | income | comprehensive | | | | | statement | income | | | statement | income | | Valuation of financial instruments | | | | | | | | | | and capital investments | 59,640 | 7,218 | 8,055 | 4,322 | 55,098 | 3,556 | 7,517 | 10,244 | | Impairment of financial assets | 9,704 | 3,589 | 801 | 1,342 | 1,153 | 538 | (961) | 1,171 | | Provisions for liabilities and charges | 9,047 | - | (928) | 81 | 1,856 | - | 23 | (31) | | Depreciation and valuation | | | | | | | | | | of non-financial assets | 4,141 | 1,304 | (452) | - | 123 | 168 | 9 | - | | Fair value adjustments of financial | | | | | | | | | | assets measured at amortised cost | 1,940 | 6,651 | (1,398) | - | 1,412 | - | 94 | - | | Tax losses | 54,069 | - | 54,069 | - | 54,069 | - | 54,069 | - | | Undistributed profit of subsidiaries | - | 9,626 | (9,626) | - | - | - | - | - | | Other | 248 | 522 | 461 | - | - | - | - | - | | Total | 138,789 | 28,910 | 50,982 | 5,745 | 113,711 | 4,262 | 60,751 | 11,384 | The table above does not include the effects of the merger of N Banka. The tax loss on which NLB did not recognise deferred tax assets, as at 31 December 2024 amounts to EUR 430,086 thousand (31 December 2023: EUR 580,388 thousand). In accordance with the amendment to Slovenian corporate income tax law effective from January 1, 2025, tax losses can be carried forward to subsequent periods for a maximum of five years after the period in which they occurred. Based on the transitional provision, accumulated unused old tax losses, incurred before the entry into force, can be claimed in the five years (until 2029). By Slovenian tax law, use of tax loss is limited to 50% of the actual tax base. Other banking members have no tax losses. NLB did not recognise deferred tax assets on temporary differences arising from the impairments of investments in subsidiaries and associates where it is not probable that the temporary difference will reverse in the foreseeable future. These temporary differences amount to EUR 137,277 thousand as at 31 December 2024 (31 December 2023: EUR 189,311 thousand). 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) 470 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report b) Movements in deferred income taxes Deferred income tax assets | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | | | Valuation | | | | Fair value | | | | | Provisions for | of financial | Depreciation | Impairment of | Tax losses | adjustments of | Other | Total | | NLB Group | liabilities and | instruments | and valuation | financial assets | | financial assets | | | | | charges | and capital | of non-financial | | | measured at | | | | | | investments | assets | | | amortised cost | | | | Balance as at 1 January 2023 | 9,899 | 48,415 | 4,737 | 9,480 | - | 2,046 | 141 | 74,718 | | Effects of translation of | | | | | | | | | | foreign operations to | (5) | 1 | - | (8) | - | 2 | - | (10) | | presentation currency | | | | | | | | | | (Charged)/credited to | | | | | | | | | | profit and loss | (928) | 7,490 | (596) | 232 | 54,069 | (108) | 107 | 60,266 | | (Charged)/credited to other | | | | | | | | | | comprehensive income | 81 | 3,734 | - | - | - | - | - | 3,815 | | Balance as at 31 December 2023 | 9,047 | 59,640 | 4,141 | 9,704 | 54,069 | 1,940 | 248 | 138,789 | | Effects of translation of | | | | | | | | | | foreign operations to | 18 | 12 | 14 | 27 | - | - | - | 71 | | presentation currency | | | | | | | | | | (Charged)/credited to | | | | | | | | | | profit and loss | (743) | (346) | (435) | 2,023 | 6,920 | (394) | 216 | 7,241 | | (Charged)/credited to other | | | | | | | | | | comprehensive income | 51 | (8,454) | - | - | - | - | - | (8,403) | | Acquisition of subsidiaries | | | | | | | | | | (note 5.12.c) | 186 | - | - | 3,428 | - | 1,570 | 112 | 5,296 | | Balance as at 31 December 2024 | 8,559 | 50,852 | 3,720 | 15,182 | 60,989 | 3,116 | 576 | 142,994 | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | | Valuation | Depreciation | | | Fair value | | | | Provisions for | of financial | and valuation | Impairment of | | adjustments of | | | NLB | liabilities and | instruments | of non-financial | financial assets | Tax losses | financial assets | Total | | | charges | and capital | assets | | | measured at | | | | | investments | | | | amortised cost | | | Balance as at 1 January 2023 | 1,819 | 38,028 | 109 | 2,050 | - | - | 42,006 | | (Charged)/credited to | | | | | | | | | profit and loss | 23 | 7,517 | 14 | (961) | 54,069 | 94 | 60,756 | | (Charged)/credited to other | | | | | | | | | comprehensive income | (31) | 8,517 | - | - | - | - | 8,486 | | Merger of subsidiary (note 5.12.f) | 45 | 1,036 | - | 64 | - | 1,318 | 2,463 | | Balance as at 31 December 2023 | 1,856 | 55,098 | 123 | 1,153 | 54,069 | 1,412 | 113,711 | | (Charged)/credited to | (327) | (346) | 6 | 205 | 5,502 | (624) | 4,416 | | profit and loss | | | | | | | | | (Charged)/credited to other | | | | | | | | | comprehensive income | - | (5,860) | - | - | - | - | (5,860) | | Balance as at 31 December 2024 | 1,529 | 48,892 | 129 | 1,358 | 59,571 | 788 | 112,267 | 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o8L3N2Zz4=) 471 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Deferred income tax liabilities | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | | Valuation | | | Fair value | | | | | | of financial | Depreciation and | Undistributed | adjustments of | | | | NLB Group | Impairment of | instruments | valuation of | profit of | financial assets | Other | Total | | | financial assets | and capital | non-financial | subsidiaries | measured at | | | | | | investments | assets | | amortised cost | | | | Balance as at 1 January 2023 | 5,501 | 8,375 | 1,641 | - | 5,366 | 877 | 21,760 | | Effects of translation of foreign operations | | | | | | | | | to presentation currency | (1) | (4) | - | - | (5) | (1) | (11) | | Charged/(credited) to profit and loss | (569) | (565) | (144) | 9,626 | 1,290 | (354) | 9,284 | | Charged/(credited) to other comprehensive income | (1,342) | (588) | - | - | - | - | (1,930) | | Disposal of subsidiaries | - | - | (193) | - | - | - | (193) | | Balance as at 31 December 2023 | 3,589 | 7,218 | 1,304 | 9,626 | 6,651 | 522 | 28,910 | | Effects of translation of foreign operations | | | | | | | | | to presentation currency | 2 | 14 | 1 | - | 25 | 3 | 45 | | Charged/(credited) to profit and loss | 1,687 | (625) | (99) | 840 | 1,328 | (443) | 2,688 | | Charged/(credited)to other comprehensive income | (119) | 3,738 | - | - | - | - | 3,619 | | Acquisition of subsidiaries (note 5.12.c) | - | - | - | - | - | 4,725 | 4,725 | | Balance as at 31 December 2024 | 5,159 | 10,345 | 1,206 | 10,466 | 8,004 | 4,807 | 39,987 | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | Valuation | Depreciation and | | | | | of financial | valuation of | | | | Impairment of | instruments | non-financial | Total | | NLB | financial assets | and capital | assets | | | | | investments | | | | Balance as at 1 January 2023 | 1,672 | 5,283 | 163 | 7,118 | | Charged/(credited) to profit and loss | - | - | 5 | 5 | | Charged/(credited) to other comprehensive income | (1,171) | (1,727) | - | (2,898) | | Merger of subsidiary (note 5.12.f) | 37 | - | - | 37 | | Balance as at 31 December 2023 | 538 | 3,556 | 168 | 4,262 | | Charged/(credited) to profit and loss | - | - | (29) | (29) | | Charged/(credited) to other comprehensive income | 44 | 1,663 | - | 1,707 | | Balance as at 31 December 2024 | 582 | 5,219 | 139 | 5,940 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiIHN0YW5kYWxvbmU9Im5vIj8+CjwhRE9DVFlQRSBzdmcgUFVCTElDICItLy9XM0MvL0RURCBTVkcgMS4xLy9FTiIKImh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnL0dyYXBoaWNzL1NWRy8xLjEvRFREL3N2ZzExLmR0ZCI+Cjxzdmcgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDE4MTggMTI4NiIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIj4KPGRlZnM+CjxzdHlsZSB0eXBlPSJ0ZXh0L2NzcyI+PCFbQ0RBVEFbCi5nMF80NzJ7CmZpbGw6ICMyMzAwNzg7Cn0KLmcxXzQ3MnsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjMjMwMDc4OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDMuMDU1OwpzdHJva2UtbGluZWNhcDogcm91bmQ7CnN0cm9rZS1saW5lam9pbjogcm91bmQ7Cn0KLmcyXzQ3MnsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjMjMwMDc4OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDMuMDU1OwpzdHJva2UtbWl0ZXJsaW1pdDogMTA7Cn0KLmczXzQ3MnsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjQTdBOEFBOwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDAuMzgxOwpzdHJva2UtbWl0ZXJsaW1pdDogMTA7Cn0KLmc0XzQ3MnsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjMjMwMDc4OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDAuNzYzOwpzdHJva2UtbWl0ZXJsaW1pdDogMTA7Cn0KLmc1XzQ3MnsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjMjMwMDc4OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDMuMDU3OwpzdHJva2UtbWl0ZXJsaW1pdDogMTA7Cn0KLmc2XzQ3MnsKZmlsbDogI0U5RTlFQTsKfQpdXT48L3N0eWxlPgo8L2RlZnM+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xNTAwLjYsMTEzLjdjMzcuNywwLDY4LjIsLTMwLjYsNjguMiwtNjguMmMwLC0zNy43LC0zMC41LC02OC4xLC02OC4yLC02OC4xYy0zNy43LDAsLTY4LjIsMzAuNCwtNjguMiw2OC4xYzAsMzcuNiwzMC41LDY4LjIsNjguMiw2OC4yWiIgY2xhc3M9ImcwXzQ3MiIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTUwMC42LDEzOTkuOWMzNy43LDAsNjguMiwtMzAuNSw2OC4yLC02OC4yYzAsLTM3LjcsLTMwLjUsLTY4LjIsLTY4LjIsLTY4LjJjLTM3LjcsMCwtNjguMiwzMC41LC02OC4yLDY4LjJjMCwzNy43LDMwLjUsNjguMiw2OC4yLDY4LjJaIiBjbGFzcz0iZzBfNDcyIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xNjA2LjgsMTE2My4ybC0xMy43LDEwLjd2MTYuOGMwLC44LC4zLDEuNiwuOSwyLjJjLjUsLjUsMS4zLC44LDIuMSwuOGgyMS40Yy44LDAsMS42LC0uMywyLjIsLS44Yy41LC0uNiwuOSwtMS40LC45LC0yLjJ2LTE2LjhsLTEzLjgsLTEwLjdabS00LjYsMzAuNXYtMTUuMmg5LjJ2MTUuMm0tMTAuNywtMTI1LjhsLTcuNiwtNy43bDcuNiwtNy42bTEwLjcsMTUuM2wtNy42LC03LjdsNy42LC03LjZtMzcuOCwxNS4zbDcuNywtNy43bC03LjcsLTcuNm0tMTAuNywxNS4zbDcuNywtNy43bC03LjcsLTcuNiIgY2xhc3M9ImcxXzQ3MiIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNOTAuOSwxNzEuM0g2MTcuMW02LjUsMEg3NTMuNW0wLDBoMTMwbTAsMGgxMjkuOW02LjUsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzJfNDcyIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDIxNC44SDYxNy4xbTYuNSwwSDc1My41bTAsMGgxMzBtMCwwaDEyOS45bTYuNSwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjlNOTAuOSwyMzYuNUg2MTcuMW02LjUsMEg3NTMuNW0wLDBoMTMwbTAsMGgxMjkuOW02LjUsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzNfNDcyIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDEyNy45SDYxNy4xbTAsMGg2LjVtMCwwSDc1My41bTAsMGgxMzBtMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGg2LjVtMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnNF80NzIiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksMTQ5LjZINjE3LjFtMCwwaDYuNW0wLDBINzUzLjVtMCwwaDEzMG0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDYuNW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOU05MC45LDE5M0g2MTcuMW02LjUsMEg3NTMuNW0wLDBoMTMwbTAsMGgxMjkuOW02LjUsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzJfNDcyIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDI1OC4ySDYxNy4xbTYuNSwwSDc1My41bTAsMGgxMzBtMCwwaDEyOS45bTYuNSwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnM180NzIiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksMjc5LjlINjE3LjFtMCwwaDYuNW0wLDBINzUzLjVtMCwwaDEzMG0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDYuNW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOSIgY2xhc3M9Imc1XzQ3MiIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNOTAuOSwzNzQuMkg2MTcuMW02LjUsMEg3NTMuNW0wLDBoMTMwbTAsMGgxMjkuOW02LjUsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzJfNDcyIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDQxNy42SDYxNy4xbTYuNSwwSDc1My41bTAsMGgxMzBtMCwwaDEyOS45bTYuNSwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjlNOTAuOSw0MzkuNEg2MTcuMW02LjUsMEg3NTMuNW0wLDBoMTMwbTAsMGgxMjkuOW02LjUsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzNfNDcyIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDMzMC43SDYxNy4xbTAsMGg2LjVtMCwwSDc1My41bTAsMGgxMzBtMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGg2LjVtMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnNF80NzIiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksMzUyLjVINjE3LjFtMCwwaDYuNW0wLDBINzUzLjVtMCwwaDEzMG0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDYuNW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOU05MC45LDM5NS45SDYxNy4xbTYuNSwwSDc1My41bTAsMGgxMzBtMCwwaDEyOS45bTYuNSwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnMl80NzIiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksNDYxLjFINjE3LjFtNi41LDBINzUzLjVtMCwwaDEzMG0wLDBoMTI5LjltNi41LDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOSIgY2xhc3M9ImczXzQ3MiIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNOTAuOSw0ODIuOEg2MTcuMW0wLDBoNi41bTAsMEg3NTMuNW0wLDBoMTMwbTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoNi41bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzVfNDcyIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik01MTUuNCw1ODhINjIzLjZ2MjEuOEg1MTUuNFY1ODhabTIyMywwSDg0Ni43djIxLjhINzM4LjRWNTg4Wm0tMjIzLDIxLjhINjIzLjZ2MjEuN0g1MTUuNFY2MDkuOFptMjIzLDBIODQ2Ljd2MjEuN0g3MzguNFY2MDkuOFptLTIyMywyMS43SDYyMy42djIxLjdINTE1LjRWNjMxLjVabTIyMywwSDg0Ni43djIxLjdINzM4LjRWNjMxLjVabS0yMjMsMjEuN0g2MjMuNnYyMS43SDUxNS40VjY1My4yWm0yMjMsMEg4NDYuN3YyMS43SDczOC40VjY1My4yWm0tMjIzLDIxLjdINjIzLjZ2MjEuN0g1MTUuNFY2NzQuOVptMjIzLDBIODQ2Ljd2MjEuN0g3MzguNFY2NzQuOVptLTIyMywyMS43SDYyMy42djIxLjhINTE1LjRWNjk2LjZabTIyMywwSDg0Ni43djIxLjhINzM4LjRWNjk2LjZabS0yMjMsMjEuOEg2MjMuNnYyMS43SDUxNS40VjcxOC40Wm0yMjMsMEg4NDYuN3YyMS43SDczOC40VjcxOC40WiIgY2xhc3M9Imc2XzQ3MiIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNOTAuOSw1ODhoNDE4bTYuNSwwSDYyMy42bTAsMEg3MzEuOW02LjUsMEg4NDYuN20wLDBIOTU0LjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnMl80NzIiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksNjMxLjVoNDE4bTYuNSwwSDYyMy42bTAsMEg3MzEuOW02LjUsMEg4NDYuN20wLDBIOTU0LjltLTg2NCwyMS43aDQxOG02LjUsMEg2MjMuNm0wLDBINzMxLjltNi41LDBIODQ2LjdtMCwwSDk1NC45bS04NjQsMjEuN2g0MThtNi41LDBINjIzLjZtMCwwSDczMS45bTYuNSwwSDg0Ni43bTAsMEg5NTQuOW0tODY0LDIxLjdoNDE4bTYuNSwwSDYyMy42bTAsMEg3MzEuOW02LjUsMEg4NDYuN20wLDBIOTU0LjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnM180NzIiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksNTQ0LjZoNDE4bTAsMGg2LjVtMCwwSDYyMy42bTAsMEg3MzEuOW0wLDBoNi41bTAsMEg4NDYuN20wLDBIOTU0LjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnNF80NzIiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksNTY2LjNoNDE4bTAsMGg2LjVtMCwwSDYyMy42bTAsMEg3MzEuOW0wLDBoNi41bTAsMEg4NDYuN20wLDBIOTU0LjltLTg2NCw0My41aDQxOG02LjUsMEg2MjMuNm0wLDBINzMxLjltNi41LDBIODQ2LjdtMCwwSDk1NC45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzJfNDcyIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDcxOC40aDQxOG02LjUsMEg2MjMuNm0wLDBINzMxLjltNi41LDBIODQ2LjdtMCwwSDk1NC45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzNfNDcyIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDc0MC4xaDQxOG0wLDBoNi41bTAsMEg2MjMuNm0wLDBINzMxLjltMCwwaDYuNW0wLDBIODQ2LjdtMCwwSDk1NC45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzVfNDcyIi8+Cjwvc3ZnPg==) 472 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 5 . 18 . Income tax relating to components of other comprehensive income | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | 2024 | NLB Group | | | NLB | | | | | Before tax | Tax expense | Net of tax | Before tax | Tax expense | Net of tax | | Actuarial gains and losses | (1,307) | 51 | (1,256) | (860) | - | (860) | | Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income | 66,837 | (12,073) | 54,764 | 34,395 | (7,567) | 26,828 | | Share of associates and joint ventures | 18 | - | 18 | - | - | - | | Total | 65,548 | (12,022) | 53,526 | 33,535 | (7,567) | 25,968 | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | 2023 | NLB Group | | | NLB | | | | | Before tax | Tax expense | Net of tax | Before tax | Tax expense | Net of tax | | Actuarial gains and losses | (444) | 81 | (363) | 588 | (31) | 557 | | Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income | 77,722 | 5,664 | 83,386 | 36,106 | 11,415 | 47,521 | | Share of associates and joint ventures | 45 | - | 45 | - | - | - | | Total | 77,323 | 5,745 | 83,068 | 36,694 | 11,384 | 48,078 | 5 . 19 . Other liabilities | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Accrued salaries | 34,445 | 28,228 | 24,388 | 19,461 | | Unused annual leave | 8,362 | 7,657 | 3,106 | 2,761 | | Deferred income | 8,941 | 11,376 | 734 | 4,376 | | Taxes payable | 41,350 | 7,015 | 38,367 | 4,895 | | Payments received in advance | 10,791 | 4,377 | 403 | 857 | | Total | 103,889 | 58,653 | 66,998 | 32,350 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 473 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 5 . 20 . Share capital The share capital of NLB amounts to EUR 200,000 thousand and did not change in 2024. It is comprised of 20,000,000 no-par-value ordinary registered shares, with the corresponding value of EUR 10.0 for one share. All issued shares are fully paid and there are no un- issued authorised shares. As at 31 December 2024, the major shareholder of NLB with significant influence is the Republic of Slovenia, who owns 25.00% plus one share. The book value of a NLB share on a consolidated level as at 31 December 2024 was EUR 157.1 (31 December 2023: EUR 139.9), and on a solo level was EUR 122.1 (31 December 2023: EUR 108.3). It is calculated as the ratio of net assets’ book value excluding other equity instruments issued and the number of shares. Distributable profit as at 31 December 2024 amounts to EUR 1,194,063 thousand (31 December 2023: EUR 1,116,689 thousand) and consists of NLB net profit for 2024 in the amount of EUR 478,161 thousand (2023: EUR 514,287 thousand), and retained earnings from previous years in the amount of EUR 1,116,689 thousand, reduced for the transfer of profit to reserves in the amount of EUR 172,810 thousand, for the payment of dividends in the amount of EUR 220,000 thousand, and for the interests of subordinated bonds, which are considered instruments of additional basic capital in the amount of EUR 7,977 thousand. Its allocation will be subject to a decision by the Bank’s General Assembly. The proposal for the General Assembly will be prepared by the Management and the Supervisory Board, considering restrictions imposed by the regulators, the Group’s risk appetite, the target capital adequacy at the Group’s level, and actual prevailing capital position at the time of the proposal. The shares give to their holders the right to vote at the NLB’s meeting of shareholders where, as a rule, each share entitles its holder to one vote. Nevertheless, a shareholder who acquires shares which, together with the shares already held by such shareholder or by a third person on behalf of such shareholder, represent more than 25% of the NLB’s share capital, may only exercise its voting rights under such shares if NLB’s Supervisory Board approves such an acquisition. The Supervisory Board’s approval may only be rejected if, following such an acquisition, such a person would hold shares representing more than 25% of NLB’s issued share capital plus one share. The approval shall be considered given if not expressly rejected in 20 days. No such approval is necessary with respect to the shares acquired by a person on behalf of third persons provided that such a person is not entitled to exercise the voting rights arising out of such shares at its own discretion, and undertakes to NLB that it will not exercise the voting rights based on voting instructions unless such voting instructions are accompanied with a confirmation that the person giving such instructions is the beneficial owner of the shares with respect to which votes are to be exercised and does not hold in the aggregate, directly or indirectly 25% or more NLB shares with voting rights. The shares also give their holders the right to be informed, as well as the pre-emptive right to subscribe for new shares on a pro rata basis in the case of a share capital increase, the right to a pro-rata share of remaining assets in the case of bankruptcy or liquidation or NLB, and the right to receive a dividend. In 2024, NLB paid dividends for the previous year in the amount of EUR 11.00 per share (2023: EUR 5.5 per share), which decreased retained earnings by EUR 220,000 thousand (2023: EUR 110,000 thousand). As at 31 December 2024 and 31 December 2023, NLB holds no own shares. In June 2019, the General Assembly of NLB authorised the Management Board that in the period of 36 months from the adoption of the shareholders’ resolution, it can buy own shares of the Bank for the payment of variable remuneration to certain employees as required by the Banking Act and other relevant regulations. NLB did not buy any own shares based on this authorisation. 5 . 21 . Other equity instruments issued On 23 September 2022, NLB issued subordinated notes intended to qualify as Additional Tier 1 Instruments in the aggregate nominal amount of EUR 82 million. The notes have no scheduled maturity date. The issuer has the option for early redemption of the notes in the period between 23 September 2027 and 23 March 2028, and on each distribution payment date after 23 March 2028. Until 23 March 2028, the interest on the principal of the notes will accrue at the interest rate of 9.721% per annum, and for each subsequent 5-year period, will accrue at the applicable interest rate, which shall be reset prior to the commencement of each such period (5Y MS + 7.20% per annum). The coupon payments are discretionary and non-cumulative. The notes terms provide for a temporary write-down in the event that the Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of NLB Group and/or NLB drop(s) below 5.125%. The issue price was equal to 100% of the nominal amount of the notes. The ISIN code of the notes is SI0022104275. The carrying amount as at 31 December 2024 is EUR 84,184 thousand (31 December 2023: EUR 84,178 thousand). ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiIHN0YW5kYWxvbmU9Im5vIj8+CjwhRE9DVFlQRSBzdmcgUFVCTElDICItLy9XM0MvL0RURCBTVkcgMS4xLy9FTiIKImh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnL0dyYXBoaWNzL1NWRy8xLjEvRFREL3N2ZzExLmR0ZCI+Cjxzdmcgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDE4MTggMTI4NiIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIj4KPGRlZnM+CjxzdHlsZSB0eXBlPSJ0ZXh0L2NzcyI+PCFbQ0RBVEFbCi5nMF80NzR7CmZpbGw6ICMyMzAwNzg7Cn0KLmcxXzQ3NHsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjMjMwMDc4OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDMuMDU1OwpzdHJva2UtbGluZWNhcDogcm91bmQ7CnN0cm9rZS1saW5lam9pbjogcm91bmQ7Cn0KLmcyXzQ3NHsKZmlsbDogI0U5RTlFQTsKfQouZzNfNDc0ewpmaWxsOiBub25lOwpzdHJva2U6ICMyMzAwNzg7CnN0cm9rZS13aWR0aDogMy4wNTU7CnN0cm9rZS1taXRlcmxpbWl0OiAxMDsKfQouZzRfNDc0ewpmaWxsOiBub25lOwpzdHJva2U6ICNBN0E4QUE7CnN0cm9rZS13aWR0aDogMC4zODE7CnN0cm9rZS1taXRlcmxpbWl0OiAxMDsKfQouZzVfNDc0ewpmaWxsOiBub25lOwpzdHJva2U6ICMyMzAwNzg7CnN0cm9rZS13aWR0aDogMC43NjM7CnN0cm9rZS1taXRlcmxpbWl0OiAxMDsKfQouZzZfNDc0ewpmaWxsOiBub25lOwpzdHJva2U6ICMyMzAwNzg7CnN0cm9rZS13aWR0aDogMy4wNTc7CnN0cm9rZS1taXRlcmxpbWl0OiAxMDsKfQpdXT48L3N0eWxlPgo8L2RlZnM+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xNTAwLjYsMTEzLjdjMzcuNywwLDY4LjIsLTMwLjYsNjguMiwtNjguMmMwLC0zNy43LC0zMC41LC02OC4xLC02OC4yLC02OC4xYy0zNy43LDAsLTY4LjIsMzAuNCwtNjguMiw2OC4xYzAsMzcuNiwzMC41LDY4LjIsNjguMiw2OC4yWiIgY2xhc3M9ImcwXzQ3NCIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTUwMC42LDEzOTkuOWMzNy43LDAsNjguMiwtMzAuNSw2OC4yLC02OC4yYzAsLTM3LjcsLTMwLjUsLTY4LjIsLTY4LjIsLTY4LjJjLTM3LjcsMCwtNjguMiwzMC41LC02OC4yLDY4LjJjMCwzNy43LDMwLjUsNjguMiw2OC4yLDY4LjJaIiBjbGFzcz0iZzBfNDc0Ii8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xNjA2LjgsMTE2My4ybC0xMy43LDEwLjd2MTYuOGMwLC44LC4zLDEuNiwuOSwyLjJjLjUsLjUsMS4zLC44LDIuMSwuOGgyMS40Yy44LDAsMS42LC0uMywyLjIsLS44Yy41LC0uNiwuOSwtMS40LC45LC0yLjJ2LTE2LjhsLTEzLjgsLTEwLjdabS00LjYsMzAuNXYtMTUuMmg5LjJ2MTUuMm0tMTAuNywtMTI1LjhsLTcuNiwtNy43bDcuNiwtNy42bTEwLjcsMTUuM2wtNy42LC03LjdsNy42LC03LjZtMzcuOCwxNS4zbDcuNywtNy43bC03LjcsLTcuNm0tMTAuNywxNS4zbDcuNywtNy43bC03LjcsLTcuNiIgY2xhc3M9ImcxXzQ3NCIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNNTE1LjQsNzI1LjlINjIzLjZ2MjEuN0g1MTUuNFY3MjUuOVptMjIzLDBIODQ2Ljd2MjEuN0g3MzguNFY3MjUuOVptLTIyMywyMS43SDYyMy42djM2LjlINTE1LjRWNzQ3LjZabTIyMywwSDg0Ni43djM2LjlINzM4LjRWNzQ3LjZabS0yMjMsMzYuOUg2MjMuNnYzNi44SDUxNS40Vjc4NC41Wm0yMjMsMEg4NDYuN3YzNi44SDczOC40Vjc4NC41Wm0tMjIzLDM2LjhINjIzLjZ2MjEuOEg1MTUuNFY4MjEuM1ptMjIzLDBIODQ2Ljd2MjEuOEg3MzguNFY4MjEuM1ptLTIyMywyMS44SDYyMy42djIxLjdINTE1LjRWODQzLjFabTIyMywwSDg0Ni43djIxLjdINzM4LjRWODQzLjFabS0yMjMsMjEuN0g2MjMuNnYyMS43SDUxNS40Vjg2NC44Wm0yMjMsMEg4NDYuN3YyMS43SDczOC40Vjg2NC44Wm0tMjIzLDIxLjdINjIzLjZ2MjEuN0g1MTUuNFY4ODYuNVptMjIzLDBIODQ2Ljd2MjEuN0g3MzguNFY4ODYuNVoiIGNsYXNzPSJnMl80NzQiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksNzI1LjloNDE4bTYuNSwwSDYyMy42bTAsMEg3MzEuOW02LjUsMEg4NDYuN20wLDBIOTU0LjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnM180NzQiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksNzg0LjVoNDE4bTYuNSwwSDYyMy42bTAsMEg3MzEuOW02LjUsMEg4NDYuN20wLDBIOTU0LjltLTg2NCwzNi44aDQxOG02LjUsMEg2MjMuNm0wLDBINzMxLjltNi41LDBIODQ2LjdtMCwwSDk1NC45bS04NjQsMjEuOGg0MThtNi41LDBINjIzLjZtMCwwSDczMS45bTYuNSwwSDg0Ni43bTAsMEg5NTQuOW0tODY0LDIxLjdoNDE4bTYuNSwwSDYyMy42bTAsMEg3MzEuOW02LjUsMEg4NDYuN20wLDBIOTU0LjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnNF80NzQiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksNjgyLjVoNDE4bTAsMGg2LjVtMCwwSDYyMy42bTAsMEg3MzEuOW0wLDBoNi41bTAsMEg4NDYuN20wLDBIOTU0LjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnNV80NzQiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksNzA0LjJoNDE4bTAsMGg2LjVtMCwwSDYyMy42bTAsMEg3MzEuOW0wLDBoNi41bTAsMEg4NDYuN20wLDBIOTU0LjltLTg2NCw0My40aDQxOG02LjUsMEg2MjMuNm0wLDBINzMxLjltNi41LDBIODQ2LjdtMCwwSDk1NC45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzNfNDc0Ii8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDg4Ni41aDQxOG02LjUsMEg2MjMuNm0wLDBINzMxLjltNi41LDBIODQ2LjdtMCwwSDk1NC45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzRfNDc0Ii8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDkwOC4yaDQxOG0wLDBoNi41bTAsMEg2MjMuNm0wLDBINzMxLjltMCwwaDYuNW0wLDBIODQ2LjdtMCwwSDk1NC45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzZfNDc0Ii8+Cjwvc3ZnPg==) 474 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 5 . 22 . Accumulated other comprehensive income and reserves a) Reserves The share premium account as at 31 December 2024 and 31 December 2023 comprises paid-up premiums in the amount of EUR 822,173 thousand and the revaluation of share capital from previous years in the amount of EUR 49,205 thousand. Profit reserves as of 31 December 2024 amount to EUR 186,332 thousand and consist of EUR 13,522 thousand of legal reserves and EUR 172,810 thousand of other reserves, which were formed based on the Resolution of the Bank’s General Meeting. As at 31 December 2023, profit reserves in the amount of EUR 13,522 thousand relate entirely to legal reserves in accordance with the Companies Act. In 2024, NLB recorded a net profit in the amount of EUR 478,161 thousand (2023: net profit EUR 514,287 thousand) which is included in the retained earnings as at 31 December 2024. b) Accumulated other comprehensive income | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Financial assets measured at fair value through | (19,978) | (66,666) | (10,113) | (35,255) | | other comprehensive income - debt securities | | Financial assets measured at fair value through | 14,442 | 6,647 | 1,830 | 144 | | other comprehensive income - equity securities | | Actuarial defined benefit pension plans | (3,494) | (2,265) | (2,065) | (1,205) | | Foreign currency translation | (11,366) | (14,588) | - | - | | Hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation | 754 | 754 | - | - | | Total | (19,642) | (76,118) | (10,348) | (36,316) | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 475 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 5 . 23 . Capital adequacy ratios | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Paid up capital instruments | 200,000 | 200,000 | 200,000 | 200,000 | | Share premium | 871,378 | 871,378 | 871,378 | 871,378 | | Retained earnings - from previous years | 1,385,040 | 1,235,363 | 715,902 | 602,402 | | Profit eligible - from current year | 256,973 | 327,398 | 220,905 | 159,833 | | Accumulated other comprehensive income | (19,197) | (75,662) | (10,348) | (36,316) | | Other reserves | 186,332 | 13,522 | 186,332 | 13,522 | | Minority interest | 38,480 | 28,798 | - | - | | Prudential filters: Additional Valuation Adjustments (AVA) | (2,606) | (2,295) | (1,711) | (1,067) | | (-) Goodwill | (8,069) | (3,529) | - | - | | (-) Other intangible assets | (65,420) | (37,153) | (23,959) | (20,846) | | (-) Deferred tax assets | (51,667) | (47,002) | (56,419) | (54,069) | | (-) Insufficient coverage for non-performing exposures | (5,426) | (907) | (706) | (246) | | COMMON EQUITY TIER 1 CAPITAL (CET1) | 2,785,818 | 2,509,911 | 2,101,374 | 1,734,591 | | Capital instruments eligible as AT1 Capital | 82,000 | 82,000 | 82,000 | 82,000 | | Minority interest | 4,534 | 5,907 | - | - | | Additional Tier 1 capital | 86,534 | 87,907 | 82,000 | 82,000 | | TIER 1 CAPITAL | 2,872,352 | 2,597,818 | 2,183,374 | 1,816,591 | | Capital instruments and subordinated loans eligible as Tier 2 capital | 533,421 | 507,516 | 533,421 | 507,516 | | Minority interest | 5,485 | 3,874 | - | - | | TIER 2 CAPITAL | 538,906 | 511,390 | 533,421 | 507,516 | | TOTAL CAPITAL | 3,411,258 | 3,109,208 | 2,716,795 | 2,324,107 | | RWA for credit risk | 14,508,398 | 12,168,121 | 9,105,028 | 7,449,829 | | RWA for market risks | 1,505,108 | 1,447,713 | 859,088 | 818,113 | | RWA for credit valuation adjustment risk | 16,613 | 14,200 | 17,425 | 15,613 | | RWA for operational risk | 2,185,986 | 1,707,128 | 1,171,163 | 923,943 | | TOTAL RISK EXPOSURE AMOUNT (RWA) | 18,216,105 | 15,337,162 | 11,152,704 | 9,207,498 | | Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio | 15.3% | 16.4% | 18.8% | 18.8% | | Tier 1 Ratio | 15.8% | 16.9% | 19.6% | 19.7% | | Total Capital Ratio | 18.7% | 20.3% | 24.4% | 25.2% | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 476 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Overall capital requirements of NLB Group on consolidated level: | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | SREP requirement | | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | | | CET1 | 4.5% | 4.5% | 4.5% | | Pillar 1 (P1R) | AT1 | 1.5% | 1.5% | 1.5% | | | T2 | 2.0% | 2.0% | 2.0% | | | CET1 | 1.19% | 1.35% | 1.46% | | Pillar 2 (P2R) | Tier 1 | 1.59% | 1.80% | 1.95% | | | Total Capital | 2.12% | 2.40% | 2.60% | | | CET1 | 5.69% | 5.85% | 5.96% | | Total SREP Capital Requirement (TSCR) | Tier 1 | 7.59% | 7.80% | 7.95% | | | Total Capital | 10.12% | 10.40% | 10.60% | | Capital Conservation buffer | CET1 | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | | O-SII buffer | CET1 | 1.25% | 1.25% | 1.00% | | Systemic risk buffer | CET1 | 0.11% | 0.10% | 0.00% | | Countercyclical buffer | CET1 | 0.52% | 0.26% | 0.00% | | Combined buffer requirement (CBR) | CET1 | 4.38% | 4.11% | 3.50% | | | CET1 | 10.07% | 9.96% | 9.46% | | Overall capital requirement (OCR) = MDA threshold | Tier 1 | 11.97% | 11.91% | 11.45% | | | Total Capital | 14.50% | 14.51% | 14.10% | | Pillar 2 Guidance (P2G) | CET1 | 1.0% | 1.0% | 1.0% | | | CET1 | 11.07% | 10.96% | 10.46% | | OCR + P2G | Tier 1 | 12.97% | 12.91% | 12.45% | | | Total Capital | 15.50% | 15.51% | 15.10% | As at 31 December 2024, the Group’s Overall Capital Requirement (OCR) on a consolidated basis was 14.50%, which is slightly lower (by 0.01 percentage point, hereinafter: p.p.) than at the end of 2023. However, the reduction in the SREP requirement by 0.28 p.p. was offset by an increase in the Countercyclical buffer by 0.26 p.p. The OCR comprises: - The Total SREP Capital Requirement (TSCR) is 10.12%, including 8.00% Pillar 1 and 2.12% Pillar 2 Requirements. As at 1 January 2024, the Pillar 2 Requirement decreased by 0.28 p.p. to 2.12% due to a better overall SREP assessment. - The second component is the Combined Buffer Requirement (CBR), which is 4.38%, and includes a 2.50% Capital Conservation Buffer, a 1.25% O-SII Buffer, a 0.52% Countercyclical Buffer, and a 0.11% Systemic risk buffer. In addition to the above requirements, the Pillar 2 Guidance (P2G) is 1.0% of Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1). Effective 1 January 2025, changes to capital buffer rates in Slovenia will be implemented: - The CCYB rate for exposures in Slovenia will increase from 0.5% to 1.0%. - The sectoral systemic risk buffer for retail exposures to natural persons secured by residential real estate will be reduced from 1.0% to 0.5%. In addition, the CCYB for the Group is expected to be higher due to the introduced CCYB in the Group members (NLB Banka, Skopje, NLB Banka, Podgorica). The Bank and NLB Group’s capital covers all the current and announced regulatory capital requirements, including capital buffers and other currently known requirements, as well as the P2G. As at 31 December 2024, NLB Group capital ratios on a consolidated basis stand at: - 15.3% CET1 ratio, - 15.8% Tier 1 ratio, - 18.7% Total Capital ratio. In the scope of regulatory risks, which include credit risk, operational risk, and market risk, NLB Group uses a standardised approach for credit and market risks, while the calculation of capital requirement for operational risks is made according to a basic indicator approach. The same approaches are used for calculating the capital requirements for NLB on a standalone basis, except for the calculation of the capital requirement for operational risks where the standardised approach is used. As at 31 December 2024, the Group’s TCR stood at 18.7% (or 1.5 p.p. decrease YoY), and the CET1 ratio stood at 15.3% (or 1.1 p.p. decrease YoY), which is well above requirements. The lower total capital adequacy derives from higher RWA (EUR 2,878.9 million YoY), although capital increased by EUR 302.1 million YoY. The Group increased its capital by partially including 2024 profit (EUR 257.3 million) and revaluation adjustments (EUR 56.5 million). In 2024 (YoY), the Group’s RWA for credit risk increased by EUR 2,340.3 million due to lending activity in the ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 477 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report corporate and retail segments, of which the acquisition of Summit Leasing companies contributed to a higher RWA by EUR 698.0 million. The RWA for high-risk exposures increased due to new project financing loans and the withdrawal of previously approved project finance loans. Furthermore, higher RWA for liquidity assets resulted from EUR-denominated placements with central banks and liquidity surpluses placed at commercial banks. The increase in the Group’s RWAs for market risks and Credit Value Adjustments (CVA) by EUR 59.8 million YoY was driven by a higher RWA for FX risk of EUR 58.6 million (mainly the result of more open positions in domestic currencies of non-euro subsidiary banks – mostly RSD), and a slightly higher RWA for CVA risk of EUR 2.4 million (calculating exposure value for derivative transactions subject to CRR risk based on the OEM method). The increase in the Group’s RWA for operational risks (EUR 478.9 million YoY) derived from the higher net interest and net fee and commission income, mainly from the NLB, NLB Komercijalna banka, Beograd, and Summit Leasing. This resulted in a higher three-year average of relevant income. The other components used in the calculations did not significantly differ from previous years. The most important goal of internal capital adequacy assessment process (ICAAP) in NLB Group, set up in accordance with ECB Guidelines, is ensuring adequate capital and sustainability on an ongoing basis. The purpose of this process is to have in place sound, effective, and comprehensive strategies and processes to assess and maintain capital on an ongoing basis, as well as the adequate distribution of internal capital for covering the nature and level of the risks to which NLB Group is or might be exposed. In addition, NLB Group places strong emphasis on its integration into the overall risk management system in order to ensure proactive support for informed decision-making. From an economic perspective, NLB Group manages its capital adequacy by ensuring that all its risks are adequately covered by internal capital. A normative perspective is a multiyear forward-looking assessment of NLB Group which shows its ability to fulfil all of its capital-related regulatory and supervisory requirements and risk appetite of NLB Group. Within these capital constraints, NLB Group defines its management buffers in the Risk appetite above the regulatory and supervisory requirements, and the internal capital needs that allow it to sustainably follow its business strategy. A normative perspective includes several stress scenarios which are integrated into NLB Group’s annual business plan review and budgeting process. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 478 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 5 . 24 . Off-balance sheet liabilities a) Contractual amounts of off-balance sheet financial instruments | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Short-term guarantees | 349,733 | 369,849 | 197,356 | 205,731 | | - financial | 159,847 | 154,769 | 84,865 | 88,373 | | - non-financial | 189,886 | 215,080 | 112,491 | 117,358 | | Long-term guarantees | 1,455,838 | 1,261,764 | 925,219 | 817,646 | | - financial | 534,861 | 513,523 | 299,008 | 309,909 | | - non-financial | 920,977 | 748,241 | 626,211 | 507,737 | | Loan commitments | 2,640,323 | 2,469,800 | 1,940,563 | 1,822,847 | | Letters of credit | 34,577 | 41,026 | 670 | 10,446 | | Other | 22,899 | 17,653 | 16,491 | 7,904 | | | 4,503,370 | 4,160,092 | 3,080,299 | 2,864,574 | | Provisions (note 5.16.b) | (21,850) | (32,548) | (9,240) | (17,941) | | Total | 4,481,520 | 4,127,544 | 3,071,059 | 2,846,633 | Fee income from issued non-financial guarantees amounted to EUR 10,239 thousand (2023: EUR 8,628 thousand) in NLB Group, and to EUR 6,743 thousand (2023: EUR 5,552 thousand) in NLB. In addition to the instruments presented in the table above, NLB Group and NLB have also some low- risk off-balance sheet items, for which a 0% credit conversion factor is applied in accordance with the Capital Requirements Regulation (credit and other lines which can be irrevocably cancelled by a bank). As at 31 December 2024, these items at the NLB Group level amount to EUR 1,097,316 thousand (31 December 2023: EUR 915,450 thousand), and at the NLB level EUR 433,363 thousand (31 December 2023: EUR 412,330 thousand). 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479 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report b) Analysis of derivative financial instruments by notional amounts | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | | 31 Dec 2023 | | 31 Dec 2024 | | 31 Dec 2023 | | | | Short-term | Long-term | Short-term | Long-term | Short-term | Long-term | Short-term | Long-term | | Swaps | 419,642 | 2,330,260 | 486,874 | 1,526,962 | 556,373 | 2,390,260 | 715,173 | 1,586,962 | | - currency swaps | 328,259 | - | 482,463 | 10,799 | 464,990 | - | 710,762 | 10,799 | | - interest rate swaps | 91,383 | 2,330,260 | 4,411 | 1,516,163 | 91,383 | 2,390,260 | 4,411 | 1,576,163 | | Options | - | 37,382 | - | 45,924 | - | 37,382 | - | 45,924 | | - interest rate options | - | 16,696 | - | 30,189 | - | 16,696 | - | 30,189 | | - securities options | - | 20,686 | - | 15,735 | - | 20,686 | - | 15,735 | | Forward contracts | 44,783 | 241 | 74,351 | 6,640 | 43,367 | 241 | 72,120 | 6,640 | | - currency forward | 44,783 | 241 | 74,351 | 6,640 | 43,367 | 241 | 72,120 | 6,640 | | Total | 464,425 | 2,367,883 | 561,225 | 1,579,526 | 599,740 | 2,427,883 | 787,293 | 1,639,526 | | | 2,832,308 | | 2,140,751 | | 3,027,623 | | 2,426,819 | | As at 31 December 2024, the NLB Group held interest rate swaps intended as fair value hedges of assets with a total nominal value of EUR 589,141 thousand (31 December 2023: EUR 633,798 thousand) and intended to hedge the fair value of bonds issued in 2024 with a total nominal value of EUR 1,520,000 thousand (31 December 2023: EUR 450,000 thousand) (note 5.5.b). As at 31 December 2024, the NLB held interest rate swaps intended as fair value hedges of assets with a total nominal value of EUR 529,141 thousand (31 December 2023: EUR 573,798 thousand) and intended to hedge the fair value of bonds issued in 2024 with a total contractual value of EUR 1,520,000 thousand (31 December 2023: EUR 450,000 thousand) (note 5.5.b). Derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting are used to hedge interest rate risk. The fair values of derivative financial instruments are disclosed in notes 5.2. and 5.5. c) Capital commitments | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Capital commitments for purchase of: | | | | | | - property and equipment | 7,733 | 3,131 | 7,189 | 3,022 | | - intangible assets | 3,278 | 2,901 | 3,066 | 2,470 | | Total | 11,011 | 6,032 | 10,255 | 5,492 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) 480 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 5 . 25 . Funds managed on behalf of third parties Funds managed on behalf of third parties are accounted separately from NLB Group’s funds. Income and expenses arising with respect to these funds are charged to the respective fund, and no liability falls on NLB Group in connection with these transactions. NLB Group charges fees for its services. Funds managed on behalf of third parties | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Fiduciary activities | 26,083,756 | 30,241,726 | 23,873,013 | 28,278,498 | | Settlement and other services | 1,043,073 | 1,085,213 | 943,592 | 1,010,624 | | Total | 27,126,829 | 31,326,939 | 24,816,605 | 29,289,122 | Fiduciary activities | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Assets | | | | | | Clearing or transaction account claims for client assets | 26,032,877 | 30,196,860 | 23,830,528 | 28,243,725 | | From financial instruments | 26,030,300 | 30,196,322 | 23,827,995 | 28,243,237 | | - receipt, processing, and execution of orders | 12,426,559 | 11,217,662 | 11,593,690 | 10,407,489 | | - management of financial instruments portfolio | 654,510 | 573,177 | - | - | | - custody services | 12,949,231 | 18,405,483 | 12,234,305 | 17,835,748 | | To Central Securities Clearing Corporation or bank settlement account for sold financial instrument | 130 | 128 | 86 | 78 | | To other settlement systems and institutions for bought financial instrument (debtors) | 2,447 | 410 | 2,447 | 410 | | Clients‘ money | 50,879 | 44,866 | 42,485 | 34,773 | | - at settlement account for client assets | 28,073 | 27,082 | 28,059 | 16,989 | | - at bank transaction accounts | 22,806 | 17,784 | 14,426 | 17,784 | | | | | | | | Liabilities | | | | | | Clearing or transaction liabilities for client assets | 26,083,756 | 30,241,726 | 23,873,013 | 28,278,498 | | To clients from cash and financial instruments | 26,077,151 | 30,238,652 | 23,867,594 | 28,275,954 | | - receipt, processing, and execution of orders | 12,450,080 | 11,233,595 | 11,617,211 | 10,423,422 | | - management of financial instruments portfolio | 661,762 | 582,790 | - | - | | - custody services | 12,965,309 | 18,422,267 | 12,250,383 | 17,852,532 | | To Central Securities Clearing Corporation or bank settlement account for bought financial instrument | 225 | 138 | 225 | 138 | | To other settlement systems and institutions for bought financial instrument (creditors) | 6,038 | 2,532 | 4,852 | 2,002 | | To bank or settlement bank account for fees and costs, etc. | 342 | 404 | 342 | 404 | Fee income for funds managed on behalf of third parties | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Fiduciary activities (note 4.3.b) | 14,922 | 11,666 | 11,677 | 9,567 | | Settlement and other services | 641 | 912 | 638 | 806 | | Total | 15,563 | 12,578 | 12,315 | 10,373 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 481 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 6 . Risk Management Risk management in NLB Group is implemented in accordance with the set strategic guidelines, established internal policies, and procedures which take into account European banking regulations, the regulations adopted by the Bank of Slovenia, current EBA guidelines, and relevant good banking practices. In addition, the Group is constantly enhancing and complementing the existing approaches, methodologies, and processes in all risk management segments with the aim to proactively support decision-making. Managing risks and capital efficiently is crucial for NLB Group sustained long-term profitable operations. A robust Risk Management framework is comprehensively integrated into decision-making, steering, and mitigation processes within the Group. NLB Group gives high importance to the risk culture and awareness of all relevant risks within the entire Group. NLB Group’s Risk management framework supports business decision-making on strategic and operating levels, comprehensive steering, proactive risk management, and mitigation by incorporating: - risk appetite statement and risk strategy orientations; - yearly review of strategic business goals, budgeting, and the capital planning process; - internal capital adequacy assessment process (ICAAP) and internal liquidity adequacy assessment process (ILAAP); - recovery plan activities; - other internal stress-testing capabilities, early warning systems, and regular risk analysis; - regulatory and internal management reporting. NLB Group uses the ‘three lines of defence framework’ as an important element of its internal governance, whereby the Risk management function acts as a second line of defence. Set governance and different risk management tools enable adequate oversight of the Group’s risk profile. Moreover, they support business operations and enable efficient risk management by incorporating escalation procedures and different mitigation measures when necessary. a) Risk management strategies and processes The key goal of NLB Group’s Risk Management is to proactively manage, assess, and monitor risks within the Group. Sound and holistic understanding of risk management is embedded into the entire organisation, focusing on risk identification at a very early stage, efficient risk management, and mitigation of them with the aim of ensuring the prudent use of its capital and adequate liquidity structure to support the financial resilience of the Group. Key strategic risk management principles of NLB Group are defined by its Risk Appetite and Risk Strategy, designed in accordance with the Group’s business model, integrating a forward-looking perspective. The Strategy of NLB Group, the Risk Appetite, Risk Strategy, and the key internal policies of NLB Group – which are approved by the Management and Supervisory Boards – specify the strategic goals, risk appetite guidelines, approaches, and methodologies for monitoring, measuring, and managing all types of risk in order to meet internal strategic objectives and fulfil all external requirements. The main strategic risk guidelines are comprehensively integrated into decision-making, including the business plan review and budgeting process. NLB Group plans a prudent risk profile and optimal capital usage, representing an important element of its business strategy and related mid-term financial targets. The management of credit risk, which is the most important risk category in NLB Group, concentrates on taking moderate risks – a diversified credit portfolio, adequate credit portfolio quality, the sustainable costs of risk, and ensuring an optimal return considering the risks assumed. As regards liquidity risk, the tolerance is low, while the activities are geared towards ensuring an adequate liquidity position on an ongoing basis. The Group limited exposure to credit spread risk, arising from the valuation risk of debt securities portfolio servicing as liquidity reserves, to a medium level. The fundamental orientation in the management of interest rate risk is to limit unexpected negative effects on revenues and capital, therefore, a medium tolerance for this risk is stated. When assuming operational risk, the Group pursues the orientation that such a risk must not significantly impact its operations. On this basis, changes of control activities, processes, and/or organisation are performed when necessary. Besides, the Group also focuses on proactive mitigation, prevention, and minimisation of potential damage. The conclusion of transactions with derivative financial instruments at NLB is primarily limited to servicing customers and hedging Bank’s own positions. In the area of currency risk, NLB Group pursues the goals of low to moderate exposure. The tolerance for other risk types is low and focuses on minimising their possible impacts on NLB Group’s entire operations. Risk management focuses on managing and mitigating risks in line with the Group’s Risk Appetite and Risk Strategy. Within these frameworks, the Group monitors a range of risk metrics, including internal capital allocation in order to assure the Group’s risk profile is in line with its risk appetite. The usage of risk limits and potential deviations from limits and target values are regularly reported to the respective committees and/or the Management Board of the Bank and the Supervisory Board. The banking subsidiaries within NLB Group adapted a corresponding approach to monitor and manage their target risk profiles. NLB Group established a comprehensive stress- testing framework and other early warning systems in different risk areas with the intention to strengthen the existing internal controls and timely response when necessary. A robust and uniform stress-testing programme includes all material types of risk and relevant stress scenario analysis, according to the vulnerability of the Group’s business model. The Group established an internal ESG stress-testing concept to identify the most relevant financial vulnerabilities stemming from climate risk, which is constantly further enhanced by considering disposable ESG-related data. Stress testing is integrated into the risk appetite, ICAAP, ILAAP, Recovery Plan, and budgeting process to support proactive management of the Group’s risk profile, namely the capital and liquidity positions in a forward-looking perspective. In addition, the Group also performs reverse stress tests with the aim to test its maximum recovery capacity. Other partial risk assessments are covered by other risk analysis, based on relevant risk parameters, and integrated into the process of setting a risk management limit system. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 482 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report For the purpose of an efficient risk mitigation process, NLB Group applies a single set of standards to retail and corporate loan collateral, representing a secondary source of repayment with the aim of efficient credit risk management and optimal capital consumption. The Group has a system for monitoring and reporting collateral at fair (market) value in accordance with the International Valuation Standards (IVS). The eligibility of collateral, by types and ratios referring to prudent lending criteria, is set within internal lending guidelines. Credit risk mitigation principles and rules in NLB Group are described in more relevant details in the section ‘Credit risk management.’ When hedging market risks, namely interest rate risk and foreign exchange risk, in line with the set risk appetite, NLB Group follows the principle of natural hedge or using derivatives in line with hedge accounting principles. b) Risk management structure and organisation NLB Group’s corporate governance framework is based on the principles of sound and responsible governance, in accordance with the applicable legislation of the Republic of Slovenia, particularly the provisions of the Companies Act (ZGD-1M) and the Banking Act (ZBan-3), the Regulation on Internal Governance Arrangements, the Management Body, and the Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process for Banks and Savings Banks, the EBA Guidelines on internal governance, the EBA Guidelines on the assessment of the suitability of members of the management body, and key function holders, as well as the EBA Guidelines on remuneration practices. Several layers of management provide cohesive risk management governance in NLB Group. NLB Group established the three lines of a defence framework with the aim of managing risks effectively. The three lines of defence concept provides a clear division of activities and defines roles and responsibilities for risk management at different levels within the Group. Risk management in the Group acts as a second line of defence, accountable for appropriate managing, assessing, monitoring, and reporting of risks in the Bank as the main entity in Slovenia, and as the competence centre in charge of group banking and leasing members, and other non- core subsidiaries which are in a controlled wind-out. Overall, the organisation and delineation of competencies in NLB Group’s risk management structure is designed to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure a transparent and documented decision- making process, subject to an appropriate upward and downward flow of information. Risk management in NLB Group is managed within the Risk management competence line, which is a specialised competence line encompassing several professional areas for which the Global Risk Department, the Credit Risk – Corporate Department, the Credit Risk – Retail Department and the Evaluation and Control Department are responsible within NLB, and which reports to the Management Board, Assets and Liabilities Committee (ALCO), Risk Committee (RICO) and Credit Committee of the Management Board and the Risk Committee of the Supervisory Board. The risk management competence line is in charge of formulating and controlling the risk management policies of NLB Group, setting limits, establishing methodologies, overseeing the harmonisation of risk management policies within the NLB Group, monitoring NLB Group’s risk exposures, and preparing external and internal reports. All members of NLB Group that are included in the financial statements of NLB Group, report their exposure to risks to the competent organisational units within the Risk management competence line. These organisational units then report all relevant risk information to the Management Board and its respective Committees and the Supervisory Board and its respective Committees, where the appropriate measures are adopted. The credit ratings of clients that are materially important to NLB Group and the issuing of credit risk opinions are centralised via the Credit Committee of NLB. The process follows the co-decision principle, in which the credit committee of the respective Group member first approves their decision, following which the Credit Committee of NLB gives their opinion. The resolution of the Credit Committee of NLB is made on the basis of all available documentation, including a non-binding rating opinion prepared by the underwriting department of NLB. Risk monitoring in NLB Group members is operating within an independent and/or separate organisational unit. This enables uniform risk monitoring on standardised risk management approaches. Such monitoring provides a comprehensive overview of the Group’s and of each member’s risk profile. In compliance with the risk appetite, risk management strategy, and policies of NLB Group, risk monitoring in each NLB Group member is separated from its management and/or business function to maintain the objectivity required when assessing business decisions (three lines of defence concept). The organisational unit for managing risks directly reports to the Management Board and its committees (Credit Committee, ALCO, RICO and the Operational Risk Committee) and to the Supervisory Board. c) Risk measurement and reporting systems As a systemic banking group, NLB Group is subject to the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM), which is supervised by the Joint Supervisory Team (JST) of the ECB and the Bank of Slovenia. The Group member complies with the ECB regulation, while NLB Group subsidiaries operating outside Slovenia are also compliant with the rules set by the local regulators. A third-party equivalent was approved in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia, resulting in alignment of local regulation with CRR rules. With regards to capital adequacy, based on the provisions of the Directive (CRD), Decision (CRR), NLB Group applies a standardised approach to credit and market risk, and the basic approach (a simplified approach with less data granularity) to operational risks, with the exception of NLB which applies the standardised approach. Across the Group, risks are assessed, monitored, managed, or mitigated in a uniform manner, as defined in the Group’s Risk management standards, and consider also the specifics of the markets in which individual NLB Group members operate. For the purposes of measuring exposure to credit risk, liquidity risk, interest rate, and credit spread risk in the banking book, operational risk, market risk, ESG, and non- financial risks, in addition to the prescribed regulations, NLB Group uses internal methodologies and approaches that enable more detailed monitoring and management of risks. These internal methodologies are aligned with ECB, EBA, and Basel guidelines, as well as best practices in banking methodologies. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 483 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report As for risk reporting, NLB Group’s internal guidelines reflect, in addition to internal requirements, the substance and frequency of reporting required by the Bank of Slovenia and the ECB. In addition, each member of NLB Group also complies with the requirements of its local regulations. Risk reporting is carried out in the form of standardised reports, pursuant to risk management policies based on common methodologies for measuring exposure to risks, a uniform database structure within Data Warehouse (DWH), comprehensive data quality assurance, and automated report preparation, which ensures the quality of reports and reduces the possibility of errors. d) Data and IT system Risk data are calculated and stored in NLB Group DWH and collected from NLB and other Group member’s DWH. The established process provides an integrated information in common reference structure where business users can access in a consistent and subject- oriented format. Data are regularly checked and validated. Data used for internal risk assessment, management, and reporting are the same as data which NLB Group uses for regulatory reporting. The Group has established a strong and robust data governance program that aligns with the goals and objectives of the Group’s risk management function. NLB Group data governance and data quality framework consists of identifying risks, developing policies and controls on data confidentiality, integrity, accuracy, and availability, and by executing the second line of defence controls by an independent validation unit under the responsibility of Group Data Governance Officer. This framework covers the agreed upon service level standards for both in-house and outsourced data- related processes. By that, the Group complies with BCBS 239 principles and ECB Guide on effective risk data aggregation and risk reporting. e) Main emphasis of risk management in 2024 Efficient managing of risks and capital remains crucial for NLB Group to sustain long-term profitable operations. The Group further enhanced the robustness of its risk management system in all respective risk categories in order to manage them proactively, comprehensively, and prudently. Risk identification in a very early stage, its efficient managing, and the corresponding mitigation processes represent essential steps in such a system. The business and operating environment relevant for NLB Group operations is changing with trends, such as sustainability, social responsibility, governance, changing customer behaviours, emerging new technologies and competitors, as well as increasing new regulatory requirements. Respectfully, the risk management framework is regularly adapted with the aim of detecting and managing new potential emerging risks. The NLB Group gives special focus on the inclusion of risk analysis into the decision-making process on strategic and operating levels, diversification in order to avoid a large concentration, optimal usage of internal capital, appropriate risk-adjusted pricing, regular education/trainings at all levels of management, and the assurance of overall compliance with internal policies/rules and relevant regulations. During 2024, the Group’s credit portfolio remained high-quality and well-diversified, with a stable rating structure and lower NPLs level. There was no large concentration in any selected industry sector. The latter is particularly important as geopolitical tensions, a green transition, and other macro developments could materially impact on specific industry sectors. The Group monitored the macroeconomic and geopolitical circumstances closely, remaining very prudent in identifying any increase in credit risk at a very early stage, and proactive in NPL management. Furthermore, unfavourable trends in the German automotive industry did not severely influence the Slovenian export-oriented industry. With that in mind, the bank downgraded some selected clients in stage 2 and formed additional impairments. The cost of risk remained at relatively low level. The established impairments derive from portfolio development, new financing and any portfolio deterioration. In contrast, the successful collection of previously written- off receivables and changes in risk parameters contributed positively to a low total net impact. The Group stayed well capitalised and above the risk appetite at both the Group and banking member levels. The liquidity position of the Group also remained solid, with liquidity indicators high above the regulatory requirements, indicating its low tolerance for this risk. Even if a highly unfavourable liquidity scenario would materialise, the Group holds a sufficient level of high-quality liquidity reserves. Significant attention was put into the structure and concentration of liquidity reserves, while at the same time considering the potential adverse negative market movements. Investment activity continued with a balanced approach to finding attractive market opportunities while pursuing well-managed credit spread and interest rate risk, as well as capital consumption. Interest rate risk exposure remained moderate and stayed well within the risk appetite tolerance. The management of ESG risks follows ECB and EBA guidelines, focusing on their comprehensive integration into all relevant processes. It addresses the Group’s overall credit approval process, collateral management and related credit portfolio management. Sustainable ESG financing in accordance with Environmental and Social Management System is integrated into the Group’s Risk Appetite Statement. Additionally, publicly disclosed its Net-Zero commitments are addressed in the Group’s Risk appetite. In its initial round of NZBA targets, NLB Group has focused on fossil fuel-based and highly energy-intensive sectors, such as power generation and iron and steel, and other sectors where the Bank has substantial emissions and/or exposure and available data. These include residential mortgages and commercial real estate. Defined Net Zero targets are regularly followed. Activities for setting second round of NZBA targets, for sectors such as transport and agriculture, are underway. Moreover, NLB’s ESG Risk Rating assigned by Morningstar Sustainalytics further improved in 2024, reflecting a low risk of material financial impacts from ESG factors. As a systemically important institution, the Group is included in the EBA EU-wide and ECB SSM Stress Test exercise. This EU-wide stress test is designed to assess the resilience of the European banking sector in the current uncertain and changing macroeconomic environment, namely the aggravation of geopolitical tensions leading to a severe decline in GDP. The exercise results are expected to be published at the beginning of August 2025. Besides, in 2024, the Group was also included in ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 484 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report two ECB Stress test exercises: the 2024 EBA Fit-for-55 climate risk scenario analysis and the 2024 ECB Cyber Resilience Stress Test Exercise. By performing these exercises, the ECB assessed how banks are prepared to deal with financial and economic shocks from climate and cyber risk. Starting on 1.1.2025 the calculation of Risk weighted assets for credit risk is based on CRR3 regulation. NLB Group is using Standardized approach, therefore no materially significant changes in the calculated volumes are expected. Nevertheless, the cumulative result of the new regulation will lead to the increase of RWA, primarily due to increased credit conversion factor (CCF) for unused credit lines and introduction of foreign exchange (FX) lending multiplier for lending to private individuals in non-domestic currency. Partially the increases will be compensated by more favourable risk weights for residential real-estate collateral. 6.1. Credit risk management a) Introduction In its operations, NLB Group is exposed to credit risk, or the risk of losses due to the failure of a debtor to settle its liabilities to NLB Group. For that reason, it proactively and comprehensively monitors and assesses the aforementioned risk. In that process, NLB Group follows the International Financial Reporting Standards, regulations issued by the European Central Bank or Bank of Slovenia, and the EBA guidelines. This area is governed in greater detail by the internal methodologies and procedures set out in internal acts. Through regular reviews of the business practices and the credit portfolios of NLB entities, NLB ensures that the credit risk management of those entities function in accordance with NLB Group’s risk management standards to enable meaningfully uniform procedures at the consolidated level. NLB Group manages credit risk using different approaches: - Risk Assessment and Monitoring: At the level of the individual customer/group of customers, appropriate procedures are followed in various phases of the relationship with a customer prior to, during, and after the conclusion of an agreement. Prior to concluding an agreement, a customer’s performance, financial position, and past cooperation with NLB are assessed. To objectively assess a client’s operation, internal scoring models for particular client segments or product types have been developed. It is also important to secure high-quality collateral even though it does not affect a customer’s credit rating. This is followed by various forms of monitoring a customer, in particular an assessment of its ability to generate sufficient cash flows for the regular settlement of its liabilities and contractual obligations. In this part of the credit process, regular monitoring of clients within the Early Warning System (EWS) is important. In the case of client default, restructuring or work-out is initiated depending on the severity of the client’s position. - Performance Measurement and Reporting: The quality and trends in the credit portfolio, including on-balance and off-balance sheet exposures, are actively monitored and analysed at the level of the overall portfolio of NLB Group and single banking entities. Comprehensive analyses are regularly performed to assure monitoring of the portfolio quality through time and to identify any breach of limits or targets. Great emphasis is placed on the evolution of portfolio structure in terms of client segmentation, credit rating structure, structure by stages (based on IFRS 9), and NPL ratios. Furthermore, the coverage of NPL is an important indicator of potential future losses that is closely monitored. - Stress-testing and Scenario Analysis: Regular stress-testing and scenario analyses are conducted to assess the resilience of credit portfolio under different economic conditions. These exercises help in identifying vulnerabilities and formulating contingency plans. Beside default risk, portfolio management is also focused on monitoring single name and industry concentration, migration, FX lending, and the Environmental and climate risks of the credit portfolio. Capital requirements for credit risk at NLB Group level within the first pillar are calculated according to the Standardised approach, while within the second pillar an internal IRB approach is used to estimate the RWA for default, migration, and FX lending risk. In addition, a single name concentration add-on is based on the Granularity adjustment methodology, and an industry concentration add-on is estimated based on the HHI concentration indexes. NLB and other NLB Group members assess the level of credit risk losses on an individual basis for material claims, and at the collective level for the rest of the portfolio. An individual review is performed for material Stage 3 financial assets which have been rated as non- performing based on the information regarding significant financial problems encountered by a customer, actual breaches of contractual obligations such as arrears in the settlement of liabilities, whether financial assets will be restructured for economic or legal reasons, and the likelihood that a customer will enter bankruptcy or a financial reorganisation. Expected future cash flows (from ordinary operations and possible redemption of collateral) are assessed following an individual review. If their discounted value differs from the book value of the financial asset in question, impairment must be recognised. Collective ECL allowances are made for the remainder of the portfolio, which is not assessed on an individual basis. Based on IFRS 9 requirements, financial assets measured at amortised cost or at fair value through other comprehensive income are attributed to the appropriate stage based on the estimated increase of credit risk of a single exposure since initial recognition. The stage of financial assets determines whether a 12-month or lifetime ECL must be considered. The ECL calculation is based on the forward-looking probability of default (PD) and loss given default (LGD), which are calculated using historic data and statistical modelling, as well as predicted macroeconomic parameters for different scenarios. For off-balance financial assets, the probability of the redemption of guarantees is considered when creating collective provisions. The models used to estimate future risk parameters are validated and backtested on a regular basis to make loss estimations as realistic as possible. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 485 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report The management of ESG risks is incorporated in the Group’s overall credit approval process and related credit portfolio management. Sustainable financing is addressed in the basic documentary framework: - Lending Policy for Non-Financial Companies in NLB d.d. and NLB Group where in the special sub- chapter Environmental, Social and Governance Framework three categories are defined (prohibited, restricted, normal activities); - The Environmental and Social Transaction Policy Framework in NLB d.d. and NLB Group applies to certain transactions with the greatest potential for significant E&S impact (exclusion list, regulatory and performance standards compliance check, project categorisation); - The Environmental and Social Transaction Categorisation Methodology Framework in NLB d.d. and NLB Group provides a guide to the typical level of inherent environmental and social risk according to NACE codes. Beside addressing ESG risks in all relevant stages of the credit-granting process, relevant ESG criteria were also considered in the collateral evaluation process. On the portfolio level, the Group does not face any large concentration towards specific NACE industrial sectors exposed to climate risk, whereby the role of transitional risk is more prevailing. The availability of ESG data in the region where NLB Group operates is still lacking, nevertheless the Group has made material progress in this respect in 2024 and has ambitious plans for the following year. b) Main emphasis in 2024 In the process of constantly complementing and enhancing credit risk management, NLB Group focuses on taking moderate risks, and at the same time ensuring an optimal return considering the risks assumed. Preserving high credit portfolio quality represents the most important key aim, with a focus on the quality of new placements leading to a diversified portfolio of customers. The Group is actively present on the market in the region, financing existing and new creditworthy clients. To further enhance existing risk management tools, the Group is constantly developing a wide range of advanced approaches supported by mathematical and statistical models in credit risk assessment in line with best banking practises, while at the same time enabling faster responsiveness towards clients. Lending growth, which was modest in 2023 due to increasing interest rate trends, picked up in 2024. In the retail segment, the lending in fixed interest rates was prevailing, especially in the housing loan market. In the Corporate segment, the Bank seized opportunities to finance some of the top corporate clients in the region while keeping the focus on SME as its key segment. The credit portfolio remains well-diversified, and there is no large concentration in any specific industry or client segment. The share of retail portfolio in the whole credit portfolio is quite substantial, with still prevailing segment of mortgage loans. In 2024, the Group’s credit portfolio quality remained solid with a stable rating structure and diversified portfolio. Great emphasis was placed on intensive and proactive handling of problematic customers and customers active in the industries that are less stable under the current economic circumstances. The bank established an early warning system for detecting increased credit risk at a very early stage. The stock of NPE volume increased, primarily as a result of SLS Group acquisition. As at 31 December 2024, the share of non-performing exposure by EBA methodology in NLB Group was 1.1% (the same as at the end of 2023). Moreover, the coverage ratio remains high at 62.7%, which is above the EU average published by the EBA (41.6% in 3Q 2024). ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 486 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report c) Maximum exposure to credit risk | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Cash, cash balances at central banks, and other demand deposits at banks | 4,039,581 | 6,103,561 | 1,973,113 | 4,318,032 | | Financial assets held for trading | 18,338 | 15,718 | 21,073 | 17,957 | | Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss | 1,000 | 5,217 | 3,964 | 7,785 | | Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income | 2,466,923 | 2,164,464 | 1,601,875 | 962,084 | | Financial assets at amortised cost | | | | | | Debt securities | 3,725,195 | 2,522,229 | 2,846,779 | 1,966,169 | | Loans to governments | 511,129 | 386,291 | 209,228 | 118,220 | | Loans to banks | 458,921 | 547,640 | 193,172 | 149,011 | | Loans to financial organisations | 149,132 | 91,523 | 1,326,073 | 384,995 | | Loans to individuals | 8,557,705 | 7,086,815 | 3,882,210 | 3,543,603 | | Loans to companies | 7,145,683 | 6,169,972 | 3,235,837 | 3,101,465 | | Other financial assets | 136,854 | 165,962 | 81,518 | 101,596 | | Derivatives - hedge accounting | 77,771 | 47,614 | 77,771 | 47,614 | | Total net financial assets | 27,288,232 | 25,307,006 | 15,452,613 | 14,718,531 | | Guarantees | 1,805,571 | 1,631,613 | 1,122,575 | 1,023,377 | | Financial guarantees | 694,708 | 668,292 | 383,873 | 398,282 | | Non-financial guarantees | 1,110,863 | 963,321 | 738,702 | 625,095 | | Loan commitments | 2,640,323 | 2,469,800 | 1,940,563 | 1,822,847 | | Other potential liabilities | 57,476 | 58,679 | 17,161 | 18,350 | | Total contingent liabilities | 4,503,370 | 4,160,092 | 3,080,299 | 2,864,574 | | Total maximum exposure to credit risk | 31,791,602 | 29,467,098 | 18,532,912 | 17,583,105 | Maximum exposure to credit risk is a presentation of NLB Group’s exposure to credit risk separately by individual types of financial assets and contingent liabilities. Exposures stated in the above table are shown for the balance sheet items in their net book value as reported in the statement of financial position, and for off-balance sheet items in the amount of their nominal value. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 487 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report d) Collaterals from financial assets measured at amortised cost Collaterals from credit impaired financial assets measured at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | 31 Dec 2024 | NLB Group | | | | | | | | Fully/over collateralised financial assets | | | Financial assets not or not fully covered with collateral | | | | | Gross value of | Net value of | Fair value of | Gross value of | Net value of | Fair value | | | financial assets | financial assets | collateral | financial assets | financial assets | of collateral | | Financial assets at amortised cost | | | | | | | | Loans to banks | - | - | - | 136 | - | - | | Loans to individuals | 47,477 | 27,871 | 128,687 | 99,187 | 21,244 | 7,319 | | Loans to other customers | 97,394 | 48,781 | 308,698 | 86,255 | 25,333 | 31,754 | | Other financial assets | 65 | 30 | 3,503 | 8,847 | 515 | 53 | | Total | 144,936 | 76,682 | 440,888 | 194,425 | 47,092 | 39,126 | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | 31 Dec 2023 | NLB Group | | | | | | | | Fully/over collateralised financial assets | | | Financial assets not or not fully covered with collateral | | | | | Gross value of | Net value of | Fair value of | Gross value of | Net value of | Fair value | | | financial assets | financial assets | collateral | financial assets | financial assets | of collateral | | Financial assets at amortised cost | | | | | | | | Loans to banks | - | - | - | 113 | 27 | - | | Loans to individuals | 47,586 | 28,634 | 133,472 | 83,423 | 17,964 | 4,511 | | Loans to other customers | 102,763 | 47,238 | 343,157 | 66,332 | 12,606 | 20,506 | | Other financial assets | 119 | 57 | 4,507 | 10,484 | 405 | 54 | | Total | 150,468 | 75,929 | 481,136 | 160,352 | 31,002 | 25,071 | 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488 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | 31 Dec 2024 | NLB | | | | | | | | Fully/over collateralised financial assets | | | Financial assets not or not fully covered with collateral | | | | | Gross value of | Net value of | Fair value of | Gross value of | Net value of | Fair value | | | financial assets | financial assets | collateral | financial assets | financial assets | of collateral | | Financial assets at amortised cost | | | | | | | | Loans to banks | - | - | - | 136 | - | - | | Loans to individuals | 29,840 | 15,986 | 73,399 | 50,299 | 8,594 | 2,489 | | Loans to other customers | 27,961 | 10,648 | 98,625 | 39,882 | 8,591 | 11,609 | | Other financial assets | 2 | 1 | 5 | 1,144 | 49 | 5 | | Total | 57,803 | 26,635 | 172,029 | 91,461 | 17,234 | 14,103 | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | 31 Dec 2023 | NLB | | | | | | | | Fully/over collateralised financial assets | | | Financial assets not or not fully covered with collateral | | | | | Gross value of | Net value of | Fair value of | Gross value of | Net value of | Fair value | | | financial assets | financial assets | collateral | financial assets | financial assets | of collateral | | Financial assets at amortised cost | | | | | | | | Loans to banks | - | - | - | 113 | 27 | - | | Loans to individuals | 32,400 | 20,097 | 76,149 | 43,943 | 10,579 | 3,189 | | Loans to other customers | 41,759 | 18,968 | 145,806 | 19,456 | 3,938 | 4,028 | | Other financial assets | 7 | 2 | 355 | 1,655 | 146 | 10 | | Total | 74,166 | 39,067 | 222,310 | 65,167 | 14,690 | 7,227 | 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BtMCwwaDE3My4ybTAsMGgxNzMuMm0wLDBoMTczLjIiIGNsYXNzPSJnNV80ODkiLz4KPC9zdmc+) 489 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Collaterals from financial assets measured at amortised cost classified into Stage 1 and 2 | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | 31 Dec 2024 | NLB Group | | | | | | | | Fully/over collateralised financial assets | | | Financial assets not or not fully covered with collateral | | | | | Gross value of | Net value of | Fair value | Gross value of | Net value of | Fair value of | | | financial assets | financial assets | of collateral | financial assets | financial assets | collateral | | Financial assets at amortised cost | | | | | | | | Debt securities | 156,568 | 156,493 | 156,355 | 3,576,094 | 3,568,702 | - | | Loans to banks | 194 | 194 | 195 | 458,831 | 458,727 | 37 | | Loans to individuals | 3,999,354 | 3,981,774 | 8,539,514 | 4,588,971 | 4,526,816 | 418,328 | | Loans to other customers | 2,968,522 | 2,944,379 | 7,647,688 | 4,834,250 | 4,787,451 | 843,348 | | Other financial assets | 1,851 | 1,845 | 4,891 | 135,084 | 134,464 | 723 | | Total | 7,126,489 | 7,084,685 | 16,348,643 | 13,593,230 | 13,476,160 | 1,262,436 | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | 31 Dec 2023 | NLB Group | | | | | | | | Fully/over collateralised financial assets | | | Financial assets not or not fully covered with collateral | | | | | Gross value of | Net value of | Fair value | Gross value of | Net value of | Fair value of | | | financial assets | financial assets | of collateral | financial assets | financial assets | collateral | | Financial assets at amortised cost | | | | | | | | Debt securities | 113,822 | 113,724 | 113,161 | 2,413,929 | 2,408,505 | - | | Loans to banks | 216 | 216 | 1,037 | 547,610 | 547,397 | - | | Loans to individuals | 3,358,508 | 3,351,490 | 7,084,152 | 3,745,797 | 3,688,727 | 184,220 | | Loans to other customers | 2,489,620 | 2,466,593 | 5,645,989 | 4,169,199 | 4,121,349 | 620,595 | | Other financial assets | 1,440 | 1,436 | 3,296 | 164,724 | 164,064 | 487 | | Total | 5,963,606 | 5,933,459 | 12,847,635 | 11,041,259 | 10,930,042 | 805,302 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 490 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | 31 Dec 2024 | NLB | | | | | | | | Fully/over collateralised financial assets | | | Financial assets not or not fully covered with collateral | | | | | Gross value of | Net value of | Fair value | Gross value of | Net value of | Fair value of | | | financial assets | financial assets | of collateral | financial assets | financial assets | collateral | | Financial assets at amortised cost | | | | | | | | Debt securities | 156,568 | 156,493 | 156,355 | 2,693,741 | 2,690,286 | - | | Loans to banks | - | - | - | 193,342 | 193,172 | - | | Loans to individuals | 2,059,295 | 2,051,482 | 4,411,879 | 1,825,755 | 1,806,148 | 31,114 | | Loans to other customers | 1,062,028 | 1,059,346 | 2,390,689 | 3,716,001 | 3,692,553 | 361,951 | | Other financial assets | 20 | 20 | 77 | 81,565 | 81,448 | 15 | | Total | 3,277,911 | 3,267,341 | 6,959,000 | 8,510,404 | 8,463,607 | 393,080 | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | 31 Dec 2023 | NLB | | | | | | | | Fully/over collateralised financial assets | | | Financial assets not or not fully covered with collateral | | | | | Gross value of | Net value of | Fair value | Gross value of | Net value of | Fair value of | | | financial assets | financial assets | of collateral | financial assets | financial assets | collateral | | Financial assets at amortised cost | | | | | | | | Debt securities | 113,822 | 113,724 | 113,161 | 1,855,144 | 1,852,445 | - | | Loans to banks | - | - | - | 149,148 | 148,984 | - | | Loans to individuals | 1,902,110 | 1,900,201 | 4,027,602 | 1,630,374 | 1,612,726 | 38,207 | | Loans to other customers | 1,024,057 | 1,025,532 | 2,437,145 | 2,573,752 | 2,556,242 | 311,166 | | Other financial assets | 44 | 44 | 130 | 101,504 | 101,404 | 18 | | Total | 3,040,033 | 3,039,501 | 6,578,038 | 6,309,922 | 6,271,801 | 349,391 | e) Collateral from loans mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | 31 Dec 2024 | | | | 31 Dec 2023 | | | | | | Fully/over collateralised loans | | Loans not or not fully covered with | | Fully/over collateralised loans | | Loans not or not fully covered with | | | NLB | | | collateral | | | | collateral | | | | Fair value | Fair value | Fair value | Fair value of | Fair value | Fair value of | Fair value | Fair value of | | | of loans | of collateral | of loans | collateral | of loans | collateral | of loans | collateral | | Loans mandatorily at fair value | 76 | 149 | 3,888 | 2,030 | 70 | 149 | 7,715 | 5,800 | | through profit or loss | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 491 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report f) Credit protection policy NLB Group applies a single set of standards to retail and corporate loan collateral, as developed by NLB Group members in accordance with regulatory requirements. The master document regulating loan collateral in the NLB Group is the Loan Collateral Policy in NLB d.d. and NLB Group. The Policy has been adopted by the Management Board of NLB Group. The Policy represents the basic principles that NLB Group’s employees must take into account when signing, evaluating, monitoring, and reporting collateral, with the aim of reducing credit risk. In line with the policy, the primary source of loan repayment is the debtor’s solvency, and the accepted collateral is a secondary source of repayment in case the debtor ceases to repay the contractual obligations. NLB Group primarily accepts collateral complying with the Basel II requirements with the aim of improving credit risk management and consuming capital economically. In accordance with Basel II, collateral may consist of pledged deposits, government guarantees, bank guarantees, debt securities issued by central governments and central banks, bank debt securities, and real-estate mortgages (the real estate must be, beside other criteria, located in the European Economic Area or in country recognised in EBA’s third party equivalent list for the effect on capital to be recognised). Loans made to companies and sole proprietors may be secured by other forms of collateral, as well (e.g., a lien on movable property, a pledge of an equity stake, investment coupons, collateral by pledged/assigned receivables, etc.) if it is assessed that the collateral could generate a cash flow if it were needed as a secondary source of payment. If there is a lower probability that this type of collateral would generate a cash flow, NLB Group takes a conservative approach and accepts the collateral while reporting its value as zero. From spring 2024 onwards, NLB Group has been intensively preparing for the introduction of the amended Basel III standards. The amended regulation came into force on 1 January 2025 and brings changes in particular in the area of mortgaged real estate. The aim of the NLB Group’s adaptation is to establish such collateral and monitoring in the application support in order to be able to fully exploit the regulatory opportunities to realise capital savings. g) The processes for valuing collateral In compliance with relevant regulations, NLB Group has established a system for monitoring and reporting collateral at fair (market) value. The market value of real estate used as collateral is obtained from valuation reports of licensed appraisers. The market value of movable property is obtained from valuation reports of licensed appraisers or from sales agreements. Both, valuation reports and sales agreements must not be older than one year. In NLB and members of NLB Group, most reports of external real estate appraisers are controlled. The controls are performed by internal appraisers. The subject of control is the content, value, scope, and format of the report, its compliance with international valuation standards, and the estimated value. If they notice deviations, they estimate the needed correction of the value of the external valuation (in %) and correct the value of the external valuation. The value adjustment can only be negative and can be applied only in a limited range. For the purposes of business decisions and the calculation of the necessary impairments and provisions, additional deductions (haircuts) are applied to the eventual adjusted market value, depending on the type of collateral. These haircuts for purpose of liquidation value are for real estate in the range of 30 to 70%, depending on the type of real estate and location, and for movables they range between 50 and 100%, depending on the type of movable. The market value of financial instruments held by NLB Group is obtained from the organised market – such as the stock exchange, for listed financial instruments or determined in accordance with the internal methodology for unlisted financial instruments (such collateral is used exceptionally and on a small scale in loans granted to companies and sole proprietors). NLB has compiled a reference list of licensed real estate appraisers for real estate. All appraisals must be made for the purpose of secured lending and in accordance with the international valuation standards (IVS, EVS, and RICS). Appraisals related to retail loans are generally ordered only from appraisers with whom the NLB has a contract for real-estate valuations. For corporate loans, appraisals are usually submitted by clients. If a client submits an appraisal that is not made by an appraiser included on NLB’s reference list, NLB’s expert department which employs certified real estate appraisers in construction with licences granted by the Slovenian Ministry of Justice, and certified real-estate value appraisers with licences granted by the Slovenian Institute of Auditors, will verify the appraisal. The expert department is also responsible for reviewing valuations of real estate serving as collateral for large loans. Other NLB Group members obtain valuations from in-house appraisers and outsourced appraisers, all possessing the necessary licences. NLB Group has compiled a reference list of appraisers for valuations of real estate located outside the Republic of Slovenia. Appraisals must be made in accordance with the international valuation standards, and for larger exposures, real-estate evaluations must also be reviewed by an internal licensed appraiser with knowledge of the local real-estate market. If the appraisal does not correspond to the international valuation standards or if the value adjustment is greater than certain limit, the appraisal is rejected as inadequate. When assuring collateral, NLB Group follows the internal regulations which define the minimum security or pledge ratios. NLB Group strives to obtain collateral with a higher value than the underlying exposure (depending on the borrower’s rating, loan maturity, etc.) with the aim of reducing negative consequences resulting from any major swings in market prices of the assets used as collateral. If real estate, movable property, and financial instruments serve as collateral, NLB Group’s lien on such assets should be top ranking. Exceptionally, where the value of the mortgaged real estate is large enough, the lien can have a different priority order. NLB Group monitors the value of collateral during the loan repayment period in accordance with the mandatory periods and internal instructions. For example, the value of collateral using mortgaged real estate is monitored annually, either by preparing individual assessments or by using the internal methodology for preparing an own value appraisal ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 492 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report of real estate, based either on public records and indexes of real-estate value published by the relevant government authorities (the Surveying and Mapping Authority in the Republic of Slovenia) or on analyses carried out. The value of pledged movable property is monitored once a year (in NLB automated, with a straight-line depreciation over the period of the remaining useful life). h) The main types of collateral taken by the NLB Group NLB Group accepts different forms of material and personal security as loan collateral. Material loan collateral gives the right in the case of a debtor (borrower) defaulting on their contractual obligations to sell a specific property to recover claims, keep specific non-cash property or cash, or reduce or offset the amount of exposure against the counterparty’s debt to the Bank. NLB Group accepts the following material types of loan collateral: - Collateral in the form of business and residential real estate: land, buildings, and individual parts of buildings in a storeyed property intended for living in or performing a business activity, such as land in the area foreseen for construction, apartments, residential buildings, garages and holiday homes, business premises, industrial buildings, offices, shops, hotels, branches and warehouses, forests, parking spaces, etc. The objects can be completed or under construction. Priority is given to property where the pledge right of the Bank is entered in the first place and real estate is already owned by the debtor and/ or the pledger. For real estate, there must be a market, and it must be redeemable within a reasonable time; - Collateral in the form of movable property: priority is given to the types of movable property, that are highly likely to be sold in the event of execution, and the funds received are used to repay the collateralised claims (their market value must be estimated with considerable reliability). Among the appropriate types of movable property, the Bank includes motor vehicles, agricultural machinery, construction machinery, production lines, and series-produced machines, and some custom-made production machines; - Collateral by a pledge of financial assets (bank deposits or cash-like instruments, debt securities of different issuers, investment fund units, equity securities, or convertible bonds): • Cash receivable collateral: bank deposits and savings with Bank are appropriate in domestic and foreign currency; • Debt and equity securities: bonds and shares which, according to the Bank’s assessment, are suitable for securing investments and are traded on a regulated market (marketable securities of higher-quality Slovenian and foreign issuers); • The pledge of investment coupons of mutual funds managed by management companies (a priority company NLB Skladi) and are, according to the Bank’s assessment, suitable for insurance of investments. - A pledge of an equity stake: non-marketable capital shares with a credit rating of at least B are adequate; - A pledge or assignment of receivables as collateral: cash receivables must have longer maturities than the maturity of the investment and they must not be due and not be paid; - Other material forms of loan collateral (e.g., life insurance policies pledged to NLB): The Bank accepts products of Vita, life insurance company d.d. Ljubljana – a pledge of an investment life insurance policy and a life insurance policy with a guaranteed return that includes saving, in addition to insurance. Personal loan collateral is a method for reducing credit risk whereby a third party undertakes to pay the debt in case of the primary debtor (borrower) defaulting. NLB Group accepts the following types of personal loan collateral: - Joint and several guarantees by retail and corporate clients: for the collateralisation of private individuals’ loans, employees, or pensioners are adequate guarantors. They must not be in the process of personal bankruptcy. They are responsible for fulfilling the debtor’s obligations for loans with a repayment period not exceeding 60 months. For the collateralisation of legal entities investments, legal entities, individuals, or private individuals are adequate guarantors; - Bank guarantees; - Government guarantees (e.g., of the Republic of Slovenia); - Guarantees by national and regional development agencies with which the Bank has a contract on the acceptance of guarantees (e.g. the Slovenian Enterprise Fund); - Other types of personal loan collateral. Loans are very often secured by a combination of collateral types. The general recommendations on loan collateral are specified in the internal instructions and include the elements specified below. The decision on the type of collateral and the coverage of loan by collateral depends on the client’s creditworthiness (credit rating), loan maturity, and varies depending on whether the loan is granted to retail or a corporate client. NLB has also created, in the area of real-estate loan collateral, an ‘online’ connection with the Surveying and Mapping Authority in the Republic of Slovenia, which allows direct and immediate verification of the existence of property. NLB Group strives to ensure the best possible collateral for long-term loans, in particular mortgages where possible. As a result, the mortgaging of real estate is the most frequent form of loan collateral of corporate and retail clients. In corporate exposures, the next most frequent forms of collateral are government and corporate guarantees, while in retail loans, it is guarantors. i) Risks, deriving from valuation of received collateral Client/counterparty credit risk is the key decision parameter when approving exposures. Collateral is a secondary source of repayment, and therefore decisions on the approvals of exposures should not primarily be based on the provided collateral. However, collateral is an important comfort element in the approval process and, depending on the credit rating of the client, a prerequisite. NLB Group has prescribed the minimum ratios between the value of collateral and the loan amount, depending on the type of collateral, loan maturity, and the client rating. The ratios are based on experience and regulatory guidelines. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 493 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB Group pays particular attention to closely monitoring the fair value of collateral, and to receiving regular and independent revaluations by applying the International Valuation Standards. Through a detailed examination of all collateral received, NLB has ensured that only collateral from which payment can be realistically expected if it is liquidated, is considered. NLB Group has the largest concentration of collaterals arising from mortgages on real-estate, which is a relatively reliable and quality type of collateral. Due to the possible decrease of real-estate market prices, the Group closely monitors the real-estate collateral values and, where required, establishes higher amounts of impairments and provisions for non-performing loans secured by real-estate, based on estimated discounts of the real-estate value, which are expected to be achieved in a sale (expected payment from collateral). Priority is given to property where the pledge right of the Group is entered in the first place and the real- estate is already owned by the debtor and/or the pledger. For real-estate, there must be a market, and it must be redeemable within a reasonable time. Collateral consisting of securities entails market risk, specifically the risk of changes in the prices of securities on capital markets. To limit such risks and restrict the possibility of the value of instruments received as collateral falling below approved limits, the Rules determine minimum pledge ratios for securing loans based on pledged securities and equity shares in NLB. Deviations from the Rules are subject to the prior approval of the respective decision bodies of the Bank. The ratio between the loan amount and the securities’ value is determined regarding the rating of the issuer, the securities’ liquidity, maturity, and correlation with changes in market indexes, i.e., by considering the key features reflecting the level of volatility of market prices, and the ability to sell the securities at the market price. Collateral consisting of the sureties of corporate clients, sureties of private individuals, and bank guarantees entail the credit risk of the provider of the collateral. NLB Group includes the amount of the guarantees received in the exposure of the guarantor, and guarantees are only taken into account as collateral if the guarantor has sufficient overall creditworthiness. Loan Collateral Policy in NLB d.d. and NLB Group regulate which forms of collateral are acceptable, and which preconditions a type of collateral needs to fulfil to be able to be considered. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) 494 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report j) Credit quality analysis for financial assets and contingent liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | | | | NLB | | | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Purchased | | 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Purchased | | | expected | ECL not | ECL credit- | credit- | | expected | ECL not | ECL credit- | credit- | | | credit | credit - | impaired | impaired | Total | credit | credit - | impaired | impaired | Total | | losses | impaired | | financial | | losses | impaired | | financial | | | | | | assets | | | | | assets | | | Debt securities at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | | | | A | 2,714,402 | - | - | - | 2,714,402 | 2,419,414 | - | - | - | 2,419,414 | | B | 1,005,893 | - | - | - | 1,005,893 | 425,777 | - | - | - | 425,777 | | C | - | 12,367 | - | - | 12,367 | - | 5,118 | - | - | 5,118 | | Loss allowance | (6,913) | (554) | - | - | (7,467) | (3,450) | (80) | - | - | (3,530) | | Carrying amount | 3,713,382 | 11,813 | - | - | 3,725,195 | 2,841,741 | 5,038 | - | - | 2,846,779 | | Loans and advances to banks at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | | | | A | 161,030 | - | - | - | 161,030 | 193,342 | - | - | - | 193,342 | | B | 297,995 | - | - | - | 297,995 | - | - | - | - | - | | D and E | - | - | 136 | - | 136 | - | - | 136 | - | 136 | | Loss allowance | (104) | - | (136) | - | (240) | (170) | - | (136) | - | (306) | | Carrying amount | 458,921 | - | - | - | 458,921 | 193,172 | - | - | - | 193,172 | | Loans and advances to individuals at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | | | | A | 7,213,612 | 113,659 | - | 567 | 7,327,838 | 2,762,800 | 37,680 | - | 553 | 2,801,033 | | B | 901,722 | 131,949 | - | 186 | 1,033,857 | 810,920 | 99,668 | - | 186 | 910,774 | | C | 62,678 | 163,668 | - | 284 | 226,630 | 59,757 | 113,232 | - | 254 | 173,243 | | D and E | - | - | 135,383 | 11,281 | 146,664 | - | - | 78,441 | 1,698 | 80,139 | | Loss allowance | (45,083) | (34,959) | (94,333) | (2,909) | (177,284) | (9,430) | (18,297) | (54,133) | (1,119) | (82,979) | | Carrying amount | 8,132,929 | 374,317 | 41,050 | 9,409 | 8,557,705 | 3,624,047 | 232,283 | 24,308 | 1,572 | 3,882,210 | | Loans and advances to other customers at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | | | | A | 1,577,298 | 2,304 | - | 122 | 1,579,724 | 2,162,169 | 555 | - | - | 2,162,724 | | B | 5,384,507 | 204,865 | - | 1,284 | 5,590,656 | 2,225,505 | 73,908 | - | 138 | 2,299,551 | | C | 214,490 | 415,194 | - | 2,708 | 632,392 | 64,988 | 250,586 | - | 180 | 315,754 | | D and E | - | - | 161,660 | 21,989 | 183,649 | - | - | 57,690 | 10,153 | 67,843 | | Loss allowance | (43,504) | (28,928) | (103,679) | (4,366) | (180,477) | (12,254) | (14,038) | (41,970) | (6,472) | (74,734) | | Carrying amount | 7,132,791 | 593,435 | 57,981 | 21,737 | 7,805,944 | 4,440,408 | 311,011 | 15,720 | 3,999 | 4,771,138 | | Other financial assets at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | | | | A | 124,420 | 127 | - | - | 124,547 | 76,951 | 1 | - | - | 76,952 | | B | 10,022 | 224 | - | - | 10,246 | 4,271 | 50 | - | - | 4,321 | | C | 1,120 | 1,022 | - | - | 2,142 | 200 | 112 | - | - | 312 | | D and E | - | - | 8,863 | 49 | 8,912 | - | - | 1,127 | 19 | 1,146 | | Loss allowance | (572) | (54) | (8,351) | (16) | (8,993) | (115) | (2) | (1,078) | (18) | (1,213) | | Carrying amount | 134,990 | 1,319 | 512 | 33 | 136,854 | 81,307 | 161 | 49 | 1 | 81,518 | | Debt instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income | | | | | | | | | | | | A | 1,795,347 | - | - | - | 1,795,347 | 1,489,490 | - | - | - | 1,489,490 | | B | 700,979 | - | - | - | 700,979 | 127,200 | - | - | - | 127,200 | | C | - | 123 | - | - | 123 | - | - | - | - | - | | D and E | - | - | 798 | - | 798 | - | - | 798 | - | 798 | | Loss allowance | (4,959) | (36) | (798) | - | (5,793) | (1,849) | - | (798) | - | (2,647) | | Contingent liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | A | 1,920,809 | 4,505 | - | 3 | 1,925,317 | 1,518,483 | 2,518 | - | 3 | 1,521,004 | | B | 2,390,472 | 49,399 | - | 255 | 2,440,126 | 1,454,857 | 13,252 | - | 255 | 1,468,364 | | C | 45,518 | 80,481 | - | 7 | 126,006 | 27,819 | 56,396 | - | 7 | 84,222 | | D and E | - | - | 11,642 | 279 | 11,921 | - | - | 6,430 | 279 | 6,709 | | Loss allowance | (11,953) | (2,306) | (7,329) | (262) | (21,850) | (3,851) | (834) | (4,293) | (262) | (9,240) | | Carrying amount | 4,344,846 | 132,079 | 4,313 | 282 | 4,481,520 | 2,997,308 | 71,332 | 2,137 | 282 | 3,071,059 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) 495 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report | | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | | | | NLB | | | | | | | | | | Purchased | | 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | Purchased | | | 31 Dec 2023 | 12-month | Lifetime | Lifetime | credit- | | expected | ECL not | ECL credit- | credit- | | | expected | ECL not | ECL credit- | impaired | Total | credit | credit - | impaired | impaired | Total | | credit | credit - | impaired | financial | losses | impaired | | financial | | losses | impaired | | assets | | | | | assets | | | Debt securities at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | | | | A | 1,779,525 | - | - | - | 1,779,525 | 1,590,676 | - | - | - | 1,590,676 | | B | 735,905 | - | - | - | 735,905 | 373,190 | - | - | - | 373,190 | | C | - | 12,321 | - | - | 12,321 | - | 5,100 | - | - | 5,100 | | Loss allowance | (4,946) | (576) | - | - | (5,522) | (2,624) | (173) | - | - | (2,797) | | Carrying amount | 2,510,484 | 11,745 | - | - | 2,522,229 | 1,961,242 | 4,927 | - | - | 1,966,169 | | Loans and advances to banks at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | | | | A | 166,615 | - | - | - | 166,615 | 145,666 | - | - | - | 145,666 | | B | 381,211 | - | - | - | 381,211 | 3,482 | - | - | - | 3,482 | | D and E | - | - | 113 | - | 113 | - | - | 113 | - | 113 | | Loss allowance | (213) | - | (86) | - | (299) | (164) | - | (86) | - | (250) | | Carrying amount | 547,613 | - | 27 | - | 547,640 | 148,984 | - | 27 | - | 149,011 | | Loans and advances to individuals at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | | | | A | 6,787,523 | 111,211 | - | 632 | 6,899,366 | 3,373,404 | 77,225 | - | 313 | 3,450,942 | | B | 64,863 | 55,590 | - | 10 | 120,463 | 6,109 | 31,221 | - | 8 | 37,338 | | C | 2,339 | 81,623 | - | 514 | 84,476 | - | 43,815 | - | 389 | 44,204 | | D and E | - | - | 126,743 | 4,266 | 131,009 | - | - | 72,822 | 3,521 | 76,343 | | Loss allowance | (39,668) | (25,051) | (82,756) | (1,024) | (148,499) | (8,072) | (11,489) | (43,908) | (1,755) | (65,224) | | Carrying amount | 6,815,057 | 223,373 | 43,987 | 4,398 | 7,086,815 | 3,371,441 | 140,772 | 28,914 | 2,476 | 3,543,603 | | Loans and advances to other customers at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | | | | A | 1,344,256 | 3,758 | - | - | 1,348,014 | 1,167,563 | 1,961 | - | - | 1,169,524 | | B | 4,724,560 | 158,829 | - | 12 | 4,883,401 | 2,182,739 | 59,001 | - | - | 2,241,740 | | C | 138,837 | 288,567 | - | - | 427,404 | 84,531 | 102,014 | - | - | 186,545 | | D and E | - | - | 152,759 | 16,336 | 169,095 | - | - | 49,049 | 12,166 | 61,215 | | Loss allowance | (51,087) | (19,778) | (103,278) | (5,985) | (180,128) | (13,482) | (2,553) | (32,631) | (5,678) | (54,344) | | Carrying amount | 6,156,566 | 431,376 | 49,481 | 10,363 | 6,647,786 | 3,421,351 | 160,423 | 16,418 | 6,488 | 3,604,680 | | Other financial assets at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | | | | A | 125,514 | 77 | - | - | 125,591 | 83,727 | 25 | - | - | 83,752 | | B | 39,042 | 156 | - | - | 39,198 | 17,580 | 50 | - | - | 17,630 | | C | 819 | 556 | - | - | 1,375 | 122 | 44 | - | - | 166 | | D and E | - | - | 9,346 | 1,257 | 10,603 | - | - | 1,658 | 4 | 1,662 | | Loss allowance | (624) | (40) | (8,910) | (1,231) | (10,805) | (98) | (2) | (1,512) | (2) | (1,614) | | Carrying amount | 164,751 | 749 | 436 | 26 | 165,962 | 101,331 | 117 | 146 | 2 | 101,596 | | Debt instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income | | | | | | | | | | | | A | 1,221,592 | - | - | - | 1,221,592 | 854,472 | - | - | - | 854,472 | | B | 1,031,205 | - | - | - | 1,031,205 | 154,461 | - | - | - | 154,461 | | C | - | 144 | - | - | 144 | - | - | - | - | - | | D and E | - | - | 798 | - | 798 | - | - | - | 798 | 798 | | Loss allowance | (6,475) | (56) | (798) | - | (7,329) | (1,650) | - | - | (798) | (2,448) | | Contingent liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | A | 1,691,834 | 26,522 | - | 37 | 1,718,393 | 1,358,079 | 25,286 | - | 10 | 1,383,375 | | B | 2,286,997 | 33,489 | - | 11 | 2,320,497 | 1,383,937 | 25,497 | - | 1 | 1,409,435 | | C | 53,728 | 46,605 | - | 170 | 100,503 | 41,961 | 15,836 | - | 56 | 57,853 | | D and E | - | - | 17,221 | 3,478 | 20,699 | - | - | 10,613 | 3,298 | 13,911 | | Loss allowance | (18,429) | (1,655) | (9,369) | (3,095) | (32,548) | (7,653) | (319) | (7,034) | (2,935) | (17,941) | | Carrying amount | 4,014,130 | 104,961 | 7,852 | 601 | 4,127,544 | 2,776,324 | 66,300 | 3,579 | 430 | 2,846,633 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 496 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB Group’s client credit rating classification is based on an internally developed methodologies, drawing from internal statistical analyses, good banking practices, as well as Bank of Slovenia regulations, and ECB and EBA guidelines and requirements. The rating methodologies are used across the entire NLB Group. They include a uniform credit grade scale of 12 rating classes, out of which nine represent performing clients and three non-performing clients. Rating Group A (AAA to A rating classes) includes the best clients with a low degree of default probability, characterised by high coverage of financial liabilities with free cash flow. The Rating Group A is considered as investment grade classification. Rating Group B (BBB to B rating classes) includes clients with a low credit risk, starting one notch higher than at ‘A’ rating group clients. These clients show stable performance, acceptable financial ratios, and qualitative elements, and have sufficient cash flow to settle their obligations, but may be more sensitive to changes in the industry or the economy. The Rating Group B classification is an investment grade for BBB, and an ‘invest with care’ for BB and B rating classes. Rating Group C (CCC to C rating classes) includes clients who are exposed to a higher and above-average level of credit risk. CCC-rated clients are financed by the Bank only in the case when such support brings more positive effects for the Bank; however, Rating Group C is overall considered as a substantial risk. The Bank reasonably restricts cooperation with such clients and decreases its exposure to them. Rating Groups D (D and DF rating classes) and E represent non-performing clients that are treated as defaulted. D, DF, and E rating classified clients are ordinarily transferred to the specialised units for restructuring (which performs business and financial restructuring with a goal of minimising losses and restoring the client to a performing status) or workout and legal support (with the goal of minimising losses due to default). The NLB Group ratings in the master scale are mapped to the following PD structure: | | | | --- | --- | | Rating class | Average PD in % | | AAA | 0.05 | | AA | 0.15 | | A | 0.30 | | BBB | 0.60 | | BB | 1.20 | | B | 2.40 | | CCC | 4.80 | | CC | 9.60 | | C | 19.20 | | D | 100 | | DF | 100 | | E | 100 | NLB Group applies the default definition based on the EBA guidelines, where the materiality threshold for delays is determined in absolute and relative terms (EUR 100 for retail and EUR 500 for the non-retail segment and 1% of the total on-balance exposure on the client level). In 2023, a scoring model for private individual clients came into effect in NLB d.d., while the models in banking subsidiaries were deployed in 2024, which will enable higher degree of differentiation among the clients as it introduces nine performing rating classes (instead of the previous three). A general corporate rating methodology, with the prescribed set of parameters (qualitative and quantitative) applies to all the NLB Group entities. Groups of connected clients are treated as materially important for the NLB Group whenever exposure exceeds EUR 7 million for NLB Group members with total assets lower than EUR 1.5 billion, EUR 15 million for NLB Group members with total assets between EUR 1.5 billion and EUR 4.0 billion, or EUR 20 million for NLB Group members with total assets above EUR 4.0 billion. Materially important clients are ordinary under authority of the NLB Credit Committee. NLB regularly reviews the business practices and credit portfolios of NLB Group entities to make sure they are operating in accordance with the minimum risk management standards of NLB Group. This ensures appropriate standard processes for managing and reporting credit risks at the consolidated level. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 497 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report k) Forborne loans and advances | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Collateral | | | | | | | Impairment, provisions and value | | and financial | | | All forborne exposures | | | | adjustments | | guarantees | | 31 Dec 2024 | Gross | | | | Performing | Non-performing | received on | | carrying | Performing | Non - performing | | forborne | forborne | forborne | | amount | Impaired | Defaulted | exposures | exposures | exposures | | Loans and advances (including at | 220,566 | 104,419 | 116,147 | 116,147 | (10,089) | (79,861) | 98,496 | | amortised cost and fair value) | | Governments | 544 | 247 | 297 | 297 | (7) | (297) | - | | Other financial organisations | 457 | - | 457 | 457 | - | (457) | - | | Non-financial organisations | 128,446 | 54,637 | 73,809 | 73,809 | (2,062) | (52,107) | 67,158 | | Households | 91,119 | 49,535 | 41,584 | 41,584 | (8,020) | (27,000) | 31,338 | | Loan commitments given | 1,018 | 866 | 152 | 152 | (2) | (47) | 906 | | Total exposures with forbearance measures | 221,584 | 105,285 | 116,299 | 116,299 | (10,091) | (79,908) | 99,402 | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Collateral | | | | | | | Impairment, provisions and value | | and financial | | | All forborne exposures | | | | adjustments | | guarantees | | 31 Dec 2023 | Gross | | | | Performing | Non-performing | received on | | carrying | Performing | Non - performing | | forborne | forborne | forborne | | amount | Impaired | Defaulted | exposures | exposures | exposures | | Loans and advances (including at | 246,402 | 116,477 | 129,874 | 129,925 | (7,883) | (81,121) | 92,352 | | amortised cost and fair value) | | Governments | 624 | 419 | 205 | 205 | (22) | (205) | - | | Other financial organisations | 1,388 | - | 1,388 | 1,388 | - | (1,388) | - | | Non-financial organisations | 168,726 | 77,709 | 90,966 | 91,017 | (3,857) | (59,606) | 58,611 | | Households | 75,664 | 38,349 | 37,315 | 37,315 | (4,004) | (19,922) | 33,741 | | Loan commitments given | 434 | 84 | 350 | 350 | (1) | (27) | 352 | | Total exposures with forbearance measures | 246,836 | 116,561 | 130,224 | 130,275 | (7,884) | (81,148) | 92,704 | 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43bTYuNSwwSDYxNy4xbTAsMEg3NDdtMCwwSDg3N20wLDBoMTI5LjltNi41LDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTYuNSwwaDEyOS45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzNfNDk4Ii8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDczNi40SDQ4MC43bTAsMGg2LjVtMCwwSDYxNy4xbTAsMEg3NDdtMCwwSDg3N20wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDYuNW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGg2LjVtMCwwaDEyOS45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzVfNDk4Ii8+Cjwvc3ZnPg==) 498 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Collateral | | | | | | | Impairment, provisions and value | | and financial | | | All forborne exposures | | | | adjustments | | guarantees | | | Gross | | | | Performing | Non-performing | received on | | 31 Dec 2024 | carrying | Performing | Non - performing | | forborne | forborne | forborne | | | amount | Impaired | Defaulted | exposures | exposures | exposures | | Loans and advances (including at | 129,624 | 67,114 | 62,510 | 62,510 | (7,997) | (46,847) | 51,358 | | amortised cost and fair value) | | Governments | 125 | - | 125 | 125 | - | (125) | - | | Other financial organisations | 457 | - | 457 | 457 | - | (457) | - | | Non-financial organisations | 51,956 | 25,233 | 26,723 | 26,723 | (502) | (22,733) | 26,650 | | Households | 77,086 | 41,881 | 35,205 | 35,205 | (7,495) | (23,532) | 24,708 | | Loan commitments given | 313 | 169 | 144 | 144 | (2) | (42) | 209 | | Total exposures with forbearance measures | 129,937 | 67,283 | 62,654 | 62,654 | (7,999) | (46,889) | 51,567 | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Collateral | | | | | | | Impairment, provisions and value | | and financial | | | | | | | adjustments | | guarantees | | 31 Dec 2023 | Gross | All forborne exposures | | | Performing | Non-performing | received on | | carrying | Performing | Non - performing | | forborne | forborne | forborne | | amount | Impaired | Defaulted | exposures | exposures | exposures | | Loans and advances (including at | 110,905 | 42,584 | 68,270 | 68,321 | (3,718) | (41,050) | 53,937 | | amortised cost and fair value) | | Other financial organisations | 1,388 | - | 1,388 | 1,388 | - | (1,388) | - | | Non-financial organisations | 50,979 | 15,166 | 35,762 | 35,813 | (70) | (23,142) | 27,232 | | Households | 58,538 | 27,418 | 31,120 | 31,120 | (3,648) | (16,520) | 26,705 | | Loan commitments given | 434 | 84 | 350 | 350 | (1) | (27) | 352 | | Total exposures with forbearance measures | 111,339 | 42,668 | 68,620 | 68,671 | (3,719) | (41,077) | 54,289 | 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499 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Forborne exposures of loans and advances by periods of forbearance | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | Up to 3 months | 3 to 6 months | 6 to 12 months | Over 12 months | | Performing exposures | 28,990 | 5,151 | 16,141 | 44,048 | | Non-performing exposures | 3,210 | 1,891 | 3,515 | 27,669 | | Total exposures with forbearance measures | 32,200 | 7,042 | 19,656 | 71,717 | | 31 Dec 2023 | | | | | | Performing exposures | 7,519 | 1,813 | 8,140 | 91,122 | | Non-performing exposures | 1,569 | 6,838 | 5,071 | 35,275 | | Total exposures with forbearance measures | 9,088 | 8,651 | 13,211 | 126,397 | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB | | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | Up to 3 months | 3 to 6 months | 6 to 12 months | Over 12 months | | Performing exposures | 14,634 | 4,078 | 14,046 | 26,359 | | Non-performing exposures | 2,038 | 1,522 | 2,155 | 9,948 | | Total exposures with forbearance measures | 16,672 | 5,600 | 16,201 | 36,307 | | 31 Dec 2023 | | | | | | Performing exposures | 7,059 | 1,690 | 2,880 | 27,237 | | Non-performing exposures | 1,312 | 6,634 | 2,455 | 16,819 | | Total exposures with forbearance measures | 8,371 | 8,324 | 5,335 | 44,056 | The main forbearance measurements used by NLB Group and NLB are: deferral of payment, reduction of interest rates, acquisition of collateral for partial repayment of claims, and others, either as a single forbearance measurement or as a combination of those. l) Repossessed assets NLB Group and NLB received the following assets by taking possession of collateral held as security and held them at the reporting date: | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | Net value | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Nature of assets | | | | | | Investment property (note 5.9.) | 17,844 | 21,253 | 619 | 2,263 | | Property and equipment (note 5.8.) | 1,644 | 11,641 | - | - | | Investments in subsidiaries and associates | - | - | 530 | 530 | | Real estates (note 5.13.) | 18,976 | 27,122 | 1,468 | 3,129 | | Other assets (note 5.13.) | 1,622 | 515 | - | - | | Non-current assets held for sale (note 5.7.) | 7,191 | 474 | - | - | | Total | 47,277 | 61,005 | 2,617 | 5,922 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) 500 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report m) Analysis of loans and advances by industry sectors | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | NLB Group | 31 Dec 2024 | | | | 31 Dec 2023 | | | | | Industry sector | Gross loans | Impairment | Net loans | (%) | Gross loans | Impairment | Net loans | (%) | | | provisions | | | | provisions | | | | Banks | 459,161 | (240) | 458,921 | 2.71 | 547,939 | (299) | 547,640 | 3.79 | | Finance | 228,729 | (1,759) | 226,970 | 1.34 | 154,385 | (2,321) | 152,064 | 1.05 | | Electricity, gas, and water | 682,054 | (6,781) | 675,273 | 3.98 | 599,988 | (9,284) | 590,704 | 4.09 | | Construction industry | 731,917 | (18,724) | 713,193 | 4.21 | 535,444 | (23,798) | 511,646 | 3.54 | | Heavy industry | 1,719,369 | (44,177) | 1,675,192 | 9.88 | 1,487,769 | (29,619) | 1,458,150 | 10.09 | | Education | 22,247 | (564) | 21,683 | 0.13 | 14,278 | (481) | 13,797 | 0.10 | | Agriculture, forestry, and fishing | 132,097 | (3,973) | 128,124 | 0.76 | 108,204 | (3,536) | 104,668 | 0.72 | | Public sector | 429,321 | (3,558) | 425,763 | 2.51 | 390,522 | (4,234) | 386,288 | 2.67 | | Individuals | 8,734,987 | (177,282) | 8,557,705 | 50.46 | 7,235,314 | (148,499) | 7,086,815 | 49.05 | | Mining | 42,036 | (842) | 41,194 | 0.24 | 45,801 | (1,733) | 44,068 | 0.31 | | Entrepreneurs | 485,774 | (7,785) | 477,989 | 2.82 | 388,668 | (7,604) | 381,064 | 2.64 | | Services | 1,180,787 | (34,029) | 1,146,758 | 6.76 | 929,438 | (34,385) | 895,053 | 6.19 | | Transport and communications | 826,287 | (21,530) | 804,757 | 4.75 | 884,162 | (20,676) | 863,486 | 5.98 | | Trade industry | 1,462,654 | (36,306) | 1,426,348 | 8.41 | 1,254,749 | (41,550) | 1,213,199 | 8.40 | | Health care and social security | 43,151 | (451) | 42,700 | 0.25 | 34,506 | (907) | 33,599 | 0.23 | | Other financial assets | 145,847 | (8,993) | 136,854 | 0.81 | 176,767 | (10,805) | 165,962 | 1.15 | | Total | 17,326,418 | (366,994) | 16,959,424 | 100.00 | 14,787,934 | (339,731) | 14,448,203 | 100.00 | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | NLB | 31 Dec 2024 | | | | 31 Dec 2023 | | | | | Industry sector | Gross loans | Impairment | Net loans | (%) | Gross loans | Impairment | Net loans | (%) | | | provisions | | | | provisions | | | | Banks | 193,478 | (306) | 193,172 | 2.16 | 149,261 | (250) | 149,011 | 2.01 | | Finance | 1,397,781 | (4,142) | 1,393,639 | 15.60 | 440,080 | (2,914) | 437,166 | 5.90 | | Electricity, gas, and water | 466,900 | (2,863) | 464,037 | 5.20 | 429,569 | (2,577) | 426,992 | 5.76 | | Construction industry | 191,539 | (8,229) | 183,310 | 2.05 | 131,462 | (8,652) | 122,810 | 1.66 | | Heavy industry | 936,494 | (23,615) | 912,879 | 10.22 | 847,052 | (11,135) | 835,917 | 11.29 | | Education | 8,671 | (423) | 8,248 | 0.09 | 3,509 | (63) | 3,446 | 0.05 | | Agriculture, forestry, and fishing | 18,775 | (111) | 18,664 | 0.21 | 14,566 | (65) | 14,501 | 0.20 | | Public sector | 125,747 | (485) | 125,262 | 1.40 | 116,388 | (824) | 115,564 | 1.56 | | Individuals | 3,965,189 | (82,979) | 3,882,210 | 43.46 | 3,608,827 | (65,224) | 3,543,603 | 47.84 | | Mining | 18,475 | (16) | 18,459 | 0.21 | 19,996 | (71) | 19,925 | 0.27 | | Entrepreneurs | 89,796 | (2,848) | 86,948 | 0.97 | 83,802 | (2,753) | 81,049 | 1.09 | | Services | 700,644 | (17,287) | 683,357 | 7.65 | 607,989 | (15,368) | 592,621 | 8.00 | | Transport and communications | 489,078 | (3,608) | 485,470 | 5.44 | 580,244 | (3,814) | 576,430 | 7.78 | | Trade industry | 379,557 | (10,957) | 368,600 | 4.13 | 370,514 | (5,521) | 364,993 | 4.93 | | Health care and social security | 26,379 | (150) | 26,229 | 0.29 | 21,638 | (587) | 21,051 | 0.28 | | Other financial assets | 82,731 | (1,213) | 81,518 | 0.91 | 103,210 | (1,614) | 101,596 | 1.37 | | Total | 9,091,234 | (159,232) | 8,932,002 | 100.00 | 7,528,107 | (121,432) | 7,406,675 | 100.00 | 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501 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report n) Analysis of net loans and advances by geographical sectors | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | Country | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Slovenia | 7,969,478 | 6,705,660 | 8,006,737 | 6,701,924 | | Other European Union members | 720,158 | 414,732 | 375,666 | 222,556 | | Serbia | 3,755,300 | 3,306,766 | 225,207 | 193,376 | | Other countries | 4,514,488 | 4,021,045 | 324,392 | 288,819 | | Total | 16,959,424 | 14,448,203 | 8,932,002 | 7,406,675 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) 502 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report o) Analysis of debt securities and derivative financial instruments by geographical sectors | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | 31 Dec 2024 | NLB Group | | | | | NLB | | | | | Country | | | Financial assets | Non-trading | | | | Financial assets | | | | Financial assets | Financial | measured | financial assets | Derivative | Financial assets | Financial | measured | Derivative | | | measured at | assets held | at fair value | mandatorily at | financial | measured at | assets held | at fair value | financial | | | amortised cost | for trading | through OCI | FV through | instruments | amortised cost | for trading | through OCI | instruments | | | | | | profit or loss | | | | | | | Slovenia | 525,678 | - | 402,577 | 107 | 390 | 511,251 | - | 377,523 | 390 | | Other members of European Union | 2,342,901 | 2,036 | 1,267,941 | 893 | 85,264 | 2,125,674 | 2,036 | 1,055,216 | 85,264 | | - Austria | 168,320 | - | 103,179 | - | - | 137,890 | - | 61,437 | - | | - Belgium | 328,701 | - | 308,327 | - | 13,311 | 256,430 | - | 265,469 | 13,311 | | - Bulgaria | 46,205 | - | - | - | - | 46,205 | - | - | - | | - Cyprus | 23,191 | - | 1,529 | - | - | 23,191 | - | 1,529 | - | | - Denmark | 36,232 | - | 4,369 | - | - | 36,232 | - | 4,369 | - | | - Estonia | 13,834 | - | - | - | - | 13,834 | - | - | - | | - Finland | 115,999 | - | 99,633 | - | - | 86,118 | - | 87,227 | - | | - France | 360,058 | - | 213,353 | - | 18,437 | 323,246 | - | 152,646 | 18,437 | | - Germany | 204,034 | 2,036 | 166,371 | 893 | 34,374 | 180,109 | 2,036 | 131,702 | 34,374 | | - Hungary | 49,125 | - | 5,769 | - | - | 49,125 | - | 5,769 | - | | - Ireland | 73,921 | - | 18,630 | - | 17,387 | 73,921 | - | 18,630 | 17,387 | | - Italy | 70,985 | - | 9,231 | - | - | 70,985 | - | 9,231 | - | | - Latvia | 30,324 | - | - | - | - | 30,324 | - | - | - | | - Lithuania | 27,701 | - | - | - | - | 27,701 | - | - | - | | - Luxembourg | 153,457 | - | 124,075 | - | - | 153,457 | - | 124,075 | - | | - Malta | 41,281 | - | - | - | - | 41,281 | - | - | - | | - Netherlands | 168,307 | - | 79,593 | - | 1,755 | 144,399 | - | 59,250 | 1,755 | | - Poland | 58,091 | - | 4,073 | - | - | 58,091 | - | 4,073 | - | | - Portugal | 47,147 | - | 16,470 | - | - | 47,147 | - | 16,470 | - | | - Romania | 60,950 | - | 5,066 | - | - | 60,950 | - | 5,066 | - | | - Slovakia | 91,839 | - | 4,950 | - | - | 91,839 | - | 4,950 | - | | - Spain | 120,383 | - | 65,491 | - | - | 120,383 | - | 65,491 | - | | - Sweden | 50,784 | - | 37,832 | - | - | 50,784 | - | 37,832 | - | | - Other | 2,032 | - | - | - | - | 2,032 | - | - | - | | United States of America | 84,268 | 7,388 | 77,416 | - | - | 28,204 | 7,388 | 13,608 | - | | Other countries | 772,348 | - | 718,989 | - | 1,031 | 181,650 | - | 155,528 | 3,766 | | - Bosnia and Herzegovina | 90,442 | - | 108,057 | - | - | 4,074 | - | 3,095 | - | | - Kosovo | - | - | 30,355 | - | 23 | - | - | - | 23 | | - Montenegro | 25,942 | - | 19,203 | - | - | 6,787 | - | 3,057 | 2,423 | | - North Macedonia | 206,379 | - | 116,933 | - | 9 | 13,107 | - | 47,339 | - | | - Serbia | 299,661 | - | 347,105 | - | 989 | 14,941 | - | 4,701 | 1,310 | | - Albania | - | - | 28,339 | - | - | - | - | 28,339 | - | | - Canada | 55,418 | - | 7,557 | - | - | 55,418 | - | 7,557 | - | | - Great Britain | 21,239 | - | 35,875 | - | 10 | 14,056 | - | 35,875 | 10 | | - Iceland | 10,669 | - | 8,497 | - | - | 10,669 | - | 8,497 | - | | - Israel | 7,839 | - | 9,392 | - | - | 7,839 | - | 9,392 | - | | - Kazakhstan | - | - | 7,676 | - | - | - | - | 7,676 | - | | - Mexico | 10,505 | - | - | - | - | 10,505 | - | - | - | | - Norway | 21,264 | - | - | - | - | 21,264 | - | - | - | | - Other | 22,990 | - | - | - | - | 22,990 | - | - | - | | Total | 3,725,195 | 9,424 | 2,466,923 | 1,000 | 86,685 | 2,846,779 | 9,424 | 1,601,875 | 89,420 | Other members of the European Union included in the line item ‘Other’ is Greece. Other members of the ‘Other countries’ in the line item ‘Other’ are Chile, South Korea, Egypt, Brazil, and Oman. 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) 503 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | 31 Dec 2023 | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | | Non-trading | | | | | | | Financial assets | Financial assets | financial assets | Derivative | Financial assets | Financial assets | Derivative | | Country | measured at | measured at fair | mandatorily at | financial | measured at | measured at fair | financial | | | amortised cost | value through OCI | FV through | instruments | amortised cost | value through OCI | instruments | | | | | profit or loss | | | | | | Slovenia | 428,163 | 274,855 | - | 1,092 | 416,679 | 219,307 | 1,092 | | Other members of European Union | 1,567,873 | 805,334 | 5,217 | 35,121 | 1,440,075 | 551,192 | 35,121 | | - Austria | 113,531 | 77,472 | 707 | - | 105,552 | 46,541 | - | | - Belgium | 173,326 | 84,471 | 706 | 7,819 | 156,407 | 34,407 | 7,819 | | - Bulgaria | 34,226 | 1,002 | - | - | 34,226 | 1,002 | - | | - Czech Republic | 12,975 | - | - | - | 12,975 | - | - | | - Cyprus | 18,172 | 1,550 | - | - | 18,172 | 1,550 | - | | - Denmark | 16,662 | 8,187 | - | - | 16,662 | 8,187 | - | | - Estonia | 5,640 | - | - | - | 5,640 | - | - | | - Finland | 67,257 | 90,419 | 707 | - | 59,293 | 57,919 | - | | - France | 239,395 | 136,115 | - | 9,227 | 211,895 | 92,483 | 9,227 | | - Germany | 167,538 | 107,278 | 505 | 12,301 | 136,969 | 54,500 | 12,301 | | - Hungary | 45,211 | 5,639 | - | - | 45,211 | 5,639 | - | | - Ireland | 58,793 | 31,191 | - | 2,677 | 52,634 | 29,141 | 2,677 | | - Italy | 51,566 | 5,989 | 100 | - | 51,566 | 5,989 | - | | - Latvia | 23,276 | - | - | - | 23,276 | - | - | | - Lithuania | 20,596 | - | - | - | 20,596 | - | - | | - Luxembourg | 69,567 | 7,337 | - | - | 69,567 | 7,337 | - | | - Malta | 27,442 | - | - | - | 27,442 | - | - | | - Netherlands | 117,309 | 112,840 | 2,492 | 3,097 | 91,519 | 70,653 | 3,097 | | - Poland | 35,024 | 7,126 | - | - | 35,024 | 7,126 | - | | - Portugal | 42,677 | 16,574 | - | - | 42,677 | 16,574 | - | | - Romania | 53,190 | 5,013 | - | - | 53,190 | 5,013 | - | | - Slovakia | 63,406 | 18,900 | - | - | 58,488 | 18,900 | - | | - Spain | 67,471 | 40,190 | - | - | 67,471 | 40,190 | - | | - Sweden | 41,597 | 48,041 | - | - | 41,597 | 48,041 | - | | - Other | 2,026 | - | - | - | 2,026 | - | - | | United States of America | 37,158 | 58,889 | - | - | 6,831 | 7,427 | - | | Other countries | 489,035 | 1,025,385 | - | 27,119 | 102,584 | 184,158 | 29,358 | | - Bosnia and Herzegovina | 59,073 | 132,027 | - | - | 4,064 | 2,917 | - | | - Kosovo | - | 48,614 | - | 20 | - | - | 20 | | - Montenegro | 60,109 | 22,665 | - | - | 6,760 | 3,008 | 2,243 | | - North Macedonia | 154,398 | 115,535 | - | 29 | 13,129 | 46,539 | 7 | | - Serbia | 140,796 | 579,332 | - | 821 | 3,972 | 4,482 | 839 | | - Albania | - | 27,819 | - | - | - | 27,819 | - | | - Canada | 26,681 | 12,133 | - | - | 26,681 | 12,133 | - | | - Great Britain | 1,638 | 51,436 | - | 26,249 | 1,638 | 51,436 | 26,249 | | - Iceland | 7,737 | 8,205 | - | - | 7,737 | 8,205 | - | | - Israel | 7,408 | 9,062 | - | - | 7,408 | 9,062 | - | | - Kazakhstan | - | 7,507 | - | - | - | 7,507 | - | | - Norway | 19,303 | 6,465 | - | - | 19,303 | 6,465 | - | | - Other | 11,892 | 4,585 | - | - | 11,892 | 4,585 | - | | Total | 2,522,229 | 2,164,463 | 5,217 | 63,332 | 1,966,169 | 962,084 | 65,571 | Other members of the European Union included in the line item ‘Other’ is Greece. Other members of the ‘Other countries’ in the line item ‘Other’ are Egypt, Uzbekistan, South Korea, and Oman. 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) 504 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report p) Internal rating of derivatives counterparties | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in % | | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | A | 94.34 | 92.94 | 94.72 | 93.80 | | B | 5.58 | 6.91 | 5.20 | 6.06 | | C | 0.04 | 0.08 | 0.04 | 0.07 | | D and E | 0.04 | 0.08 | 0.04 | 0.07 | | Total | 100.00 | 100.00 | 100.00 | 100.00 | All derivatives in the banking book are entered into with counterparties with an external investment-grade rating. When derivatives are entered into on behalf of NLB Group’s customers, such customers usually do not have an external rating, but all such transactions are covered through back-to-back transactions involving third parties with an external investment-grade rating. r) Debt financial instruments in NLB Group’s and NLB’s portfolio that represent subordinated liabilities for the issuer | | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | NLB Group | | | | | NLB | | | | | | Internal rating | A | B | C | D | Total | A | B | C | D | Total | | Financial assets measured at fair value | | | | | | | | | | | | through other comprehensive income | 25,162 | 2,491 | - | - | 27,653 | 25,162 | 2,491 | - | - | 27,653 | | Financial assets measured at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | | | | - debt securities | 34,494 | 5,927 | - | - | 40,421 | 34,494 | 5,927 | - | - | 40,421 | | - loans and advances to banks | - | - | - | - | - | 114,702 | - | - | - | 114,702 | | - loans and advances to customers | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 7,124 | - | 7,124 | | Total | 59,656 | 8,418 | - | - | 68,074 | 174,358 | 8,418 | 7,124 | - | 189,900 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | | | | 31 Dec 2023 | NLB Group | | | | | NLB | | | | | | Internal rating | A | B | C | D | Total | A | B | C | D | Total | | Financial assets measured at fair value | | | | | | | | | | | | through other comprehensive income | 28,421 | - | - | - | 28,421 | 28,421 | - | - | - | 28,421 | | Financial assets measured at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | | | | - debt securities | 9,484 | - | - | - | 9,484 | 9,484 | - | - | - | 9,484 | | - loans and advances to banks | - | - | - | - | - | 90,153 | - | - | - | 90,153 | | - loans and advances to customers | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 7,050 | - | 7,050 | | Total | 37,905 | - | - | - | 37,905 | 128,058 | - | 7,050 | - | 135,108 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 505 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report s) Presentation of net financial instruments by measurement category | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | | | | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | | Non-trading financial | Financial assets | Financial assets | | | | | | Financial assets | assets mandatorily | measured at FV | amortised cost | Financial | Derivatives for | | | | held for trading | at FV through P&L | through OCI | measured at | leases | hedge accounting | Total | | Cash and obligatory reserves | | | | | | | | | with central banks, and other | - | - | - | 4,039,581 | - | - | 4,039,581 | | demand deposits at banks | | | | | | | | | Securities | 9,424 | 17,429 | 2,563,516 | 3,725,195 | - | - | 6,315,564 | | - Bonds | 9,424 | 1,000 | 2,262,669 | 3,725,195 | - | - | 5,998,288 | | - Shares | - | 8,650 | 96,593 | - | - | - | 105,243 | | - Commercial bills | - | - | 30,640 | - | - | - | 30,640 | | - Treasury bills | - | - | 173,614 | - | - | - | 173,614 | | - Investment funds | - | 7,779 | - | - | - | - | 7,779 | | Derivatives | 8,914 | - | - | - | - | 77,771 | 86,685 | | Loans and receivables | - | - | - | 15,603,331 | 1,219,239 | - | 16,822,570 | | - Loans to governments | - | - | - | 510,872 | 257 | - | 511,129 | | - Loans to banks | - | - | - | 458,856 | 65 | - | 458,921 | | - Loans to financial organisations | - | - | - | 148,364 | 768 | - | 149,132 | | - Loans to individuals | - | - | - | 7,942,741 | 614,964 | - | 8,557,705 | | - Loans to other customers | - | - | - | 6,542,499 | 603,184 | - | 7,145,683 | | Other financial assets | - | - | - | 136,854 | - | - | 136,854 | | Total financial assets | 18,338 | 17,429 | 2,563,516 | 23,504,961 | 1,219,239 | 77,771 | 27,401,254 | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | | | | | | | | | Non-trading financial | Financial assets | Financial assets | | | | | 31 Dec 2023 | Financial assets | assets mandatorily | measured at FV | measured at | Financial | Derivatives for | | | held for trading | at FV through P&L | through OCI | amortised cost | leases | hedge accounting | Total | | Cash and obligatory reserves | | | | | | | | | with central banks, and other | - | - | - | 6,103,561 | - | - | 6,103,561 | | demand deposits at banks | | | | | | | | | Securities | - | 14,175 | 2,251,556 | 2,522,229 | - | - | 4,787,960 | | - Bonds | - | 5,217 | 1,836,604 | 2,522,229 | - | - | 4,364,050 | | - Shares | - | 6,300 | 87,092 | - | - | - | 93,392 | | - Commercial bills | - | - | 26,022 | - | - | - | 26,022 | | - Treasury bills | - | - | 301,838 | - | - | - | 301,838 | | - Investment funds | - | 2,658 | - | - | - | - | 2,658 | | Derivatives | 15,718 | - | - | - | - | 47,614 | 63,332 | | Loans and receivables | - | - | - | 13,945,973 | 336,268 | - | 14,282,241 | | - Loans to governments | - | - | - | 386,059 | 232 | - | 386,291 | | - Loans to banks | - | - | - | 547,640 | - | - | 547,640 | | - Loans to financial organisations | - | - | - | 91,460 | 63 | - | 91,523 | | - Loans to individuals | - | - | - | 6,986,045 | 100,770 | - | 7,086,815 | | - Loans to other customers | - | - | - | 5,934,769 | 235,203 | - | 6,169,972 | | Other financial assets | - | - | - | 165,962 | - | - | 165,962 | | Total financial assets | 15,718 | 14,175 | 2,251,556 | 22,737,725 | 336,268 | 47,614 | 25,403,056 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 506 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB | | | | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | Financial assets | Non-trading financial | Financial assets | Financial assets | | | | | held for trading | assets mandatorily | measured at FV | amortised cost | Derivatives for | | | | | at FV through P&L | through OCI | measured at | hedge accounting | Total | | Cash and obligatory reserves with central banks, | - | - | - | 1,973,113 | - | 1,973,113 | | and other demand deposits at banks | | Securities | 9,424 | 15,171 | 1,665,019 | 2,846,779 | - | 4,536,393 | | - Bonds | 9,424 | - | 1,601,875 | 2,846,779 | - | 4,458,078 | | - Shares | - | 8,650 | 63,144 | - | - | 71,794 | | - Investment funds | - | 6,521 | - | - | - | 6,521 | | Derivatives | 11,649 | - | - | - | 77,771 | 89,420 | | Loans and receivables | - | 3,964 | - | 8,846,520 | - | 8,850,484 | | - Loans to governments | - | - | - | 209,228 | - | 209,228 | | - Loans to banks | - | - | - | 193,172 | - | 193,172 | | - Loans to financial organisations | - | - | - | 1,326,073 | - | 1,326,073 | | - Loans to individuals | - | - | - | 3,882,210 | - | 3,882,210 | | - Loans to other customers | - | 3,964 | - | 3,235,837 | - | 3,239,801 | | Other financial assets | - | - | - | 81,518 | - | 81,518 | | Total financial assets | 21,073 | 19,135 | 1,665,019 | 13,747,930 | 77,771 | 15,530,928 | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB | | | | | | | 31 Dec 2023 | | Non-trading financial | Financial assets | Financial assets | | | | | Financial assets | assets mandatorily | measured at FV | amortised cost | Derivatives for | | | | held for trading | at FV through P&L | through OCI | measured at | hedge accounting | Total | | Cash and obligatory reserves with central banks, | - | - | - | 4,318,032 | - | 4,318,032 | | and other demand deposits at banks | | Securities | - | 8,858 | 1,023,012 | 1,966,169 | - | 2,998,039 | | - Bonds | - | - | 962,084 | 1,966,169 | - | 2,928,253 | | - Shares | - | 6,300 | 60,928 | - | - | 67,228 | | - Investment funds | - | 2,558 | - | - | - | 2,558 | | Derivatives | 17,957 | - | - | - | 47,614 | 65,571 | | Loans and receivables | - | 7,785 | - | 7,297,294 | - | 7,305,079 | | - Loans to governments | - | - | - | 118,220 | - | 118,220 | | - Loans to banks | - | - | - | 149,011 | - | 149,011 | | - Loans to financial organisations | - | - | - | 384,995 | - | 384,995 | | - Loans to individuals | - | - | - | 3,543,603 | - | 3,543,603 | | - Loans to other customers | - | 7,785 | - | 3,101,465 | - | 3,109,250 | | Other financial assets | - | - | - | 101,596 | - | 101,596 | | Total financial assets | 17,957 | 16,643 | 1,023,012 | 13,683,091 | 47,614 | 14,788,317 | As at 31 December 2024 and 31 December 2023, all of NLB Group’s financial liabilities, except for derivatives designated as hedging instruments, trading liabilities, and financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss, were carried at amortised cost. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 507 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 6 . 2 . Market risk NLB Group defines market risk as the risk of potential financial losses due to changes in rates and/or market prices (exchange rates, credit spreads, and equity prices), or in parameters that affect prices (volatilities and correlations). Losses may impact profit or loss directly, for example in the case of trading book positions. However, for the banking book positions they are reflected in the revaluation reserve. The exposure to market risk is to a certain degree integrated into the banking industry and offers an opportunity to create financial results and value. The Global Risk Department of NLB is independent from the trading activities and reports to the Bank’s Assets and Liabilities Committee (ALCO). Global Risk also monitors and manages exposure to market risks separately for the banking and trading books. Exposures and limits are monitored daily and reported to the ALCO committee on a regular basis. The Bank uses a wide selection of quantitative and qualitative tools for measuring, managing, and reporting market risks such as value-at-risk (VaR), sensitivity analysis, stress-testing, backtesting, scenarios, other market risk mitigants (concentration of exposures, gap limits, stop-loss limits, etc.), net interest income sensitivity, economic value of equity, and economic capital. Stress- testing provides an indication of the potential losses that could occur in severe market conditions. In the area of currency risk, NLB Group pursues the goal of low to medium exposure. NLB monitors the open position of NLB Group on an ongoing basis. The orientation of NLB Group in interest rate risk management is to prevent negative effects on the net interest income and economic value of equity arising from changed market interest rates. The conclusion of transactions involving derivatives at NLB is limited to the servicing of the clients’ and hedging of the Group’s own open positions. In accordance with the provisions of the Strategy on trading with financial instruments in NLB Group, the trading activities in other NLB Group members are very restricted. For monitoring and managing NLB Group’s exposure to market risks, uniform guidelines and exposure limits for each type of risk are set for individual NLB Group entities. The methodologies are in line with regulatory requirements on individual and consolidated levels, while reporting to the regulator on the consolidated level is carried out using the standardised approach. Pursuant to the relevant policies, NLB Group entities must monitor and manage exposure to market risks and report to NLB accordingly. The exposure of an individual NLB Group entity is regularly monitored and reported to the Assets and Liabilities Committee of NLB Group (NLB Group ALCO). 6 . 2 . 1 . Currency risk (FX) Foreign currency risk (FX) is a risk of the potential losses from the open FX positions due to the changes of the foreign currency rates. The exposures of NLB to the movement of the FX rates have an impact on the financial position and cash flows of the Bank. The Bank measures and manages the FX risk by using a of combination of sensitivity analysis, VaR, scenarios, and stress-testing. In the trading book, similar to the other market risks, risk is managed on the basis of VaR limits that are approved by the Management Board of the Bank and in accordance with the adopted policy of managing market risk in the trading book of NLB. The trading FX risk is managed on an integrated basis at a portfolio level. NLB monitors and manages FX risk in the banking book according to the policy of managing FX risk in NLB. The policy is primarily composed to protect Common Equity Tier 1 against the negative effects of the volatility of the FX rates, whilst limiting the volatility in the income statement. FX exposures in banking book result from core banking business activities. Each member is responsible for its own currency risk policy, which also includes a limit system and is in line with the parent Bank’s guidelines and standards, as well as local regulatory requirements. Policies are confirmed by either the local Management Board or Supervisory Board. NLB monitors and manages NLB Group currency risk exposure on a monthly basis for each member and on the consolidated level. NLB Group banks follow the guidelines for managing FX lending in NLB Group. The guidelines’ goal is to address risks stemming from the potential excessive growth of FX lending, to identify hidden risks, and tail-event risks related to FX lending, to mitigate the respective risk, to internalise the respective costs, and to hold adequate capital with respect to FX lending. The positions of all currencies in the statement of financial position of NLB, for which a daily limit is set, are monitored daily. FX positions are managed at the currency level so that they are always within the limits. Regarding structural FX positions on a consolidation level, assets, and liabilities held in foreign operations are translated into euro at the closing FX rate on the reporting date. Foreign exchange differences of non-euro assets and liabilities against the euro are recognised in OCI, and therefore affect shareholder’s equity and CET1 capital. NLB Group ALM employs strategies to manage this foreign currency exposure, including matched funding of assets and liabilities. Exposure to currency risks is discussed at daily liquidity meetings and monthly meetings of the ALCO committee of the NLB Group, and quarterly on the consolidated level. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 508 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report a) Analysis of financial instruments by currency exposure | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | | | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | EUR | RSD | USD | CHF | Other | Total | | Financial assets | | | | | | | | Cash, cash balances at central banks, and other demand deposits at banks | 2,862,691 | 577,522 | 30,194 | 36,606 | 532,568 | 4,039,581 | | Financial assets held for trading | 10,950 | - | 7,388 | - | - | 18,338 | | Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss | 7,931 | - | 8,650 | - | 848 | 17,429 | | Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income | 2,133,137 | 241,315 | 119,170 | - | 69,894 | 2,563,516 | | Financial assets measured at amortised cost | | | | | | | | - debt securities | 3,037,241 | 265,376 | 137,879 | 5,383 | 279,316 | 3,725,195 | | - loans and advances to banks | 166,871 | 229,524 | 36,524 | 17,313 | 8,689 | 458,921 | | - loans and advances to customers | 13,152,456 | 1,401,937 | 37,987 | 73,186 | 1,698,083 | 16,363,649 | | - other financial assets | 86,171 | 16,195 | 24,494 | 45 | 9,949 | 136,854 | | Derivatives - hedge accounting | 77,771 | - | - | - | - | 77,771 | | Fair value changes of the hedged items in portfolio hedge of interest rate risk | (6,353) | - | - | - | - | (6,353) | | Total financial assets | 21,528,866 | 2,731,869 | 402,286 | 132,533 | 2,599,347 | 27,394,901 | | Financial liabilities | | | | | | | | Financial liabilities held for trading | 6,992 | 3 | - | - | - | 6,995 | | Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss | 6,670 | 1,129 | - | - | 1,834 | 9,633 | | Derivatives - hedge accounting | 3,592 | - | - | - | - | 3,592 | | Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost | | | | | | | | - deposits from banks and central banks | 97,980 | 1,150 | 15,351 | 10,480 | 11,039 | 136,000 | | - borrowings from banks and central banks | 106,632 | - | 13,980 | - | - | 120,612 | | - due to customers | 17,720,288 | 1,816,332 | 360,291 | 203,175 | 2,106,224 | 22,206,310 | | - borrowings from other customers | 104,519 | - | - | - | - | 104,519 | | - debt securities issued | 1,608,939 | - | - | - | - | 1,608,939 | | - other financial liabilities | 199,241 | 42,028 | 27,155 | 3,364 | 24,937 | 296,725 | | Total financial liabilities | 19,854,853 | 1,860,642 | 416,777 | 217,019 | 2,144,034 | 24,493,325 | | Net on-balance sheet financial position | 1,674,013 | 871,227 | (14,491) | (84,486) | 455,313 | 2,901,576 | | Derivative financial instruments | (188,260) | 12,828 | 17,817 | 93,905 | 41,523 | (22,187) | | Net financial position | 1,485,753 | 884,055 | 3,326 | 9,419 | 496,836 | 2,879,389 | | 31 Dec 2023 | | | | | | | | Total financial assets | 20,405,012 | 2,338,709 | 362,174 | 114,750 | 2,172,204 | 25,392,849 | | Total financial liabilities | 18,858,907 | 1,474,262 | 414,604 | 220,268 | 1,816,691 | 22,784,732 | | Net on-balance sheet financial position | 1,546,105 | 864,447 | (52,430) | (105,518) | 355,513 | 2,608,117 | | Derivative financial instruments | (233,578) | (25,498) | 55,204 | 123,650 | 59,879 | (20,343) | | Net financial position | 1,312,527 | 838,949 | 2,774 | 18,132 | 415,392 | 2,587,774 | ‘Other’ mostly relates to exposures in currency MKD and BAM. 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509 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB | | | | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | EUR | RSD | USD | CHF | Other | Total | | Financial assets | | | | | | | | Cash, cash balances at central banks, and other demand deposits at banks | 1,945,093 | 342 | 4,403 | 6,603 | 16,672 | 1,973,113 | | Financial assets held for trading | 13,685 | - | 7,388 | - | - | 21,073 | | Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss | 10,485 | - | 8,650 | - | - | 19,135 | | Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income | 1,640,292 | - | 23,386 | - | 1,341 | 1,665,019 | | Financial assets measured at amortised cost | | | | | | | | - debt securities | 2,741,307 | - | 81,816 | 5,383 | 18,273 | 2,846,779 | | - loans and advances to banks | 193,172 | - | - | - | - | 193,172 | | - loans and advances to customers | 8,547,034 | - | 30,565 | 75,749 | - | 8,653,348 | | - other financial assets | 57,071 | 3 | 24,412 | 1 | 31 | 81,518 | | Derivatives - hedge accounting | 77,771 | - | - | - | - | 77,771 | | Fair value changes of the hedged items in portfolio hedge of interest rate risk | (8,761) | - | - | - | - | (8,761) | | Total financial assets | 15,217,149 | 345 | 180,620 | 87,736 | 36,317 | 15,522,167 | | Financial liabilities | | | | | | | | Financial liabilities held for trading | 9,977 | - | - | - | - | 9,977 | | Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss | 5,597 | - | - | - | - | 5,597 | | Derivatives - hedge accounting | 1,261 | - | - | - | - | 1,261 | | Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost | | | | | | | | - deposits from banks and central banks | 170,798 | 52 | 13,985 | 18,834 | 16,451 | 220,120 | | - borrowings from banks and central banks | 37,126 | - | 13,980 | - | - | 51,106 | | - due to customers | 12,037,455 | 11 | 131,979 | 75,831 | 48,432 | 12,293,708 | | - debt securities issued | 1,608,939 | - | - | - | - | 1,608,939 | | - other financial liabilities | 121,744 | 3 | 23,367 | 175 | 513 | 145,802 | | Total financial liabilities | 13,992,897 | 66 | 183,311 | 94,840 | 65,396 | 14,336,510 | | Net on-balance sheet financial position | 1,224,252 | 279 | (2,691) | (7,104) | (29,079) | 1,185,657 | | Derivative financial instruments | (64,061) | - | 3,208 | 6,677 | 32,605 | (21,571) | | Net financial position | 1,160,191 | 279 | 517 | (427) | 3,526 | 1,164,086 | | 31 Dec 2023 | | | | | | | | Total financial assets | 14,542,589 | 547 | 137,918 | 57,960 | 36,789 | 14,775,803 | | Total financial liabilities | 13,310,922 | 103 | 192,177 | 96,385 | 70,170 | 13,669,757 | | Net on-balance sheet financial position | 1,231,667 | 444 | (54,259) | (38,425) | (33,381) | 1,106,046 | | Derivative financial instruments | (157,517) | 5 | 55,204 | 39,957 | 40,143 | (22,208) | | Net financial position | 1,074,150 | 449 | 945 | 1,532 | 6,762 | 1,083,838 | ‘Other’ mostly relates to exposures in currency GBP, CAD, and JPY. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) 510 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report b) FX sensitivity analysis | | | | | --- | --- | --- | | | | in % | | | NLB Group and NLB | | | Scenarios | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | USD | +/-6.49 | +/-13.32 | | CHF | +/-8.93 | +/-9.67 | | CZK | +/-6.14 | +/-7.10 | | RSD | +/-0.43 | +/-0.55 | | MKD | +/-2.50 | +/-1.82 | | JPY | +/-23.19 | +/-19.69 | | AUD | +/-10.02 | +/-9.20 | | HUF | +/-7.48 | +/-20.39 | | BAM | +/-6.49 | +/-0 | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | 31 Dec 2024 | | | | 31 Dec 2023 | | | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | Effects on income statement | Effects on other comprehensive income | Effects on income statement | Effects on other comprehensive income | Effects on income statement | Effects on other comprehensive income | Effects on income statement | Effects on other comprehensive income | | Appreciation of | | | | | | | | | | USD | (22) | - | (15) | 53 | (342) | - | (294) | 248 | | CHF | (746) | 1,127 | (14) | - | (730) | 1,330 | 53 | - | | CZK | 40 | - | 40 | - | - | - | - | - | | RSD | 68 | 3,845 | 1 | - | (125) | 4,775 | 2 | - | | MKD | 5 | 8,051 | 5 | - | 4 | 5,234 | 4 | - | | Other | 99 | 176 | 91 | - | 100 | 93 | 102 | - | | Effects on comprehensive income | (556) | 13,199 | 108 | 53 | (1,093) | 11,432 | (133) | 248 | | Depreciation of | | | | | | | | | | USD | 20 | - | 13 | (47) | 262 | - | 225 | (190) | | CHF | 624 | (942) | 12 | - | 601 | (1,096) | (44) | - | | CZK | (35) | - | (36) | - | - | - | - | - | | RSD | (68) | (3,813) | (1) | - | 124 | (4,724) | (2) | - | | MKD | (5) | (7,659) | (5) | - | (4) | (5,047) | (4) | - | | Other | (83) | (176) | (76) | - | (70) | (93) | (71) | - | | Effects on comprehensive income | 453 | (12,590) | (93) | (47) | 913 | (10,960) | 104 | (190) | The effect on the other comprehensive income statement of NLB Group has increased due to the higher translation positions in MKD currency, and because of the higher volatility growths’ scenario for MKD currency. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 511 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 6 . 2 . 2 . Managing market risks in the trading book Market risk exposure in the trading book arises mostly as a result of the changes in interest rates, credit spreads, FX rates, and equity prices. The Management Board determines low total risk appetite and limits by the risk type. The limits are monitored daily by the Global Risk Department. NLB uses an internal VaR model based on the variance- covariance method for other market risks. The daily calculation of the VAR value is adjusted to Basel standards (99% confidence interval, a monitored period of 250 business days, a 10-day holding position period). 6 . 2 . 3 . Interest rate risk Interest rate risk is the risk to NLB Group’s capital and profit or loss arising from changes in market interest rates. Interest rate risk management of NLB Group includes all interest rate-sensitive on- and off-balance sheet assets and liabilities which are divided into the trading and banking book according to regulatory standards. It takes into account the positions in each currency. Interest rate risk management in NLB Group is adopted in accordance with the risk appetite and risk strategy, based on general Basel standards on interest rate management in the banking book (IRRBB; hereinafter: ‘Standards’) and European Banking Authority guidelines. In the trading book, interest rate risk is measured on the basis of the VaR method and BPV method, in accordance with the adopted policy for managing market risk in the trading book of NLB. The interest rate risk in the banking book is measured and monitored within a framework of interest rate risk management policy that establishes consistent methodologies, models, and limit systems. NLB Group manages interest rate risk exposure through application of two main measures: - Economic value sensitivity – using BPV method (Basis Point Value), which measures the extent to which the economic value of the banking book would change if interest rates change according to the scenario; - Sensitivity of net interest income – which measures the impact of the interest rate change on future net interest income over a one-year period, assuming constant balance sheet volume and structure. NLB Group regularly measures interest rate risk exposure in the banking book under various standardised and additional scenarios of changes in the level and shape of interest rate yield curve, including all significant sources of risk, taking into account behavioural and modelling assumptions. Part of non-maturing deposits, which is considered as a core part is allocated long-term by using a replicating portfolio approach. Optionality risk is mainly derived from behavioural options, and is reflected in prepayments and withdrawals, and embedded options such as caps and floors. Moreover, considering expected cash flows, non-performing exposures, as well as off-balance sheet items are considered when measuring interest rate risk exposure. The interest rate risk is closely measured, monitored, and managed within approved risk limits and controls. The Group manages interest rate positions and stabilises its interest rate margin primarily with the pricing policy and a fund transfer pricing policy. An important part of the interest rate risk management is presented by the banking book securities portfolio, whose primary purpose is to maintain adequate liquidity reserves, while it also contributes to the stability of the interest rate margin. NLB Group also manages interest rates risk by using plain vanilla derivative financial instruments (interest rate swaps, overnight index swaps, cross currency swaps, and forward rate agreements), most of which are treated according to hedge accounting rules. Each member of NLB Group is responsible for its own interest rate risk policy, which includes the limit system and is in line with the parent Bank’s guidelines and standards, as well as with the local regulatory requirements. NLB regularly monitors the interest rate risk exposure of each individual member of NLB Group in accordance with the Standards for Risk Management in NLB Group. The document comprises guidelines for uniform and effective interest rate risk management within individual NLB Group members. Interest rate risk in the banking book is measured, monitored, and reported by the Global Risk Department (weekly in the case of NLB and monthly on Group level), while positions are managed by Financial Markets. Exposure to interest rate risk is discussed on ALCO monthly on NLB’s individual level and quarterly on the consolidated level. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 512 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report a) Analysis of financial instruments according to the exposure to interest rate risk The following table presents open net interest rate risk positions by the most important currencies of NLB Group. Financial instruments without maturity such as sight deposits are presented in the first gap irrespective of their behavioural characteristics and the NLB Group’s expectations. | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | 31 Dec 2024 | NLB Group | | | | | Currency | 1 - 3 years | 3 - 5 years | 5 - 10 years | Over 10 Years | | EUR | (3,828,183) | 2,408,757 | 2,706,607 | 1,548,118 | | RSD | 285,895 | 280,810 | 275,857 | (33) | | MKD | 198,485 | 110,367 | 16,844 | (20,024) | | Other | (316,582) | 195,638 | 140,147 | 14,937 | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | 31 Dec 2023 | NLB Group | | | | | Currency | 1 - 3 years | 3 - 5 years | 5 - 10 years | Over 10 Years | | EUR | (2,109,587) | 1,278,722 | 1,519,103 | 756,545 | | RSD | 573,943 | 195,097 | 69,386 | 5 | | MKD | 253,734 | 25,929 | (5,110) | 5,960 | | Other | (206,743) | 130,171 | 87,324 | 3,970 | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | 31 Dec 2024 | NLB | | | | | Currency | 1 - 3 years | 3 - 5 years | 5 - 10 years | Over 10 Years | | EUR | (3,233,482) | 1,883,525 | 2,183,790 | 1,462,043 | | Other | (100,720) | 21,856 | 33,753 | 7,337 | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | 31 Dec 2023 | NLB | | | | | Currency | 1 - 3 years | 3 - 5 years | 5 - 10 years | Over 10 Years | | EUR | (1,772,291) | 1,004,157 | 1,436,836 | 645,084 | | Other | (176,222) | 19,729 | 20,418 | - | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiIHN0YW5kYWxvbmU9Im5vIj8+CjwhRE9DVFlQRSBzdmcgUFVCTElDICItLy9XM0MvL0RURCBTVkcgMS4xLy9FTiIKImh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnL0dyYXBoaWNzL1NWRy8xLjEvRFREL3N2ZzExLmR0ZCI+Cjxzdmcgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDE4MTggMTI4NiIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIj4KPGRlZnM+CjxzdHlsZSB0eXBlPSJ0ZXh0L2NzcyI+PCFbQ0RBVEFbCi5nMF81MTN7CmZpbGw6ICMyMzAwNzg7Cn0KLmcxXzUxM3sKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjMjMwMDc4OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDMuMDU1OwpzdHJva2UtbGluZWNhcDogcm91bmQ7CnN0cm9rZS1saW5lam9pbjogcm91bmQ7Cn0KLmcyXzUxM3sKZmlsbDogI0U5RTlFQTsKfQouZzNfNTEzewpmaWxsOiBub25lOwpzdHJva2U6ICMyMzAwNzg7CnN0cm9rZS13aWR0aDogMy4wNTU7CnN0cm9rZS1taXRlcmxpbWl0OiAxMDsKfQouZzRfNTEzewpmaWxsOiBub25lOwpzdHJva2U6ICMyMzAwNzg7CnN0cm9rZS13aWR0aDogMC43NjM7CnN0cm9rZS1taXRlcmxpbWl0OiAxMDsKfQouZzVfNTEzewpmaWxsOiBub25lOwpzdHJva2U6ICNBN0E4QUE7CnN0cm9rZS13aWR0aDogMC4zODE7CnN0cm9rZS1taXRlcmxpbWl0OiAxMDsKfQouZzZfNTEzewpmaWxsOiBub25lOwpzdHJva2U6ICMyMzAwNzg7CnN0cm9rZS13aWR0aDogMy4wNTc7CnN0cm9rZS1taXRlcmxpbWl0OiAxMDsKfQpdXT48L3N0eWxlPgo8L2RlZnM+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xNTAwLjYsMTEzLjdjMzcuNywwLDY4LjIsLTMwLjYsNjguMiwtNjguMmMwLC0zNy43LC0zMC41LC02OC4xLC02OC4yLC02OC4xYy0zNy43LDAsLTY4LjIsMzAuNCwtNjguMiw2OC4xYzAsMzcuNiwzMC41LDY4LjIsNjguMiw2OC4yWiIgY2xhc3M9ImcwXzUxMyIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTUwMC42LDEzOTkuOWMzNy43LDAsNjguMiwtMzAuNSw2OC4yLC02OC4yYzAsLTM3LjcsLTMwLjUsLTY4LjIsLTY4LjIsLTY4LjJjLTM3LjcsMCwtNjguMiwzMC41LC02OC4yLDY4LjJjMCwzNy43LDMwLjUsNjguMiw2OC4yLDY4LjJaIiBjbGFzcz0iZzBfNTEzIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xNjA2LjgsMTE2My4ybC0xMy43LDEwLjd2MTYuOGMwLC44LC4zLDEuNiwuOSwyLjJjLjUsLjUsMS4zLC44LDIuMSwuOGgyMS40Yy44LDAsMS42LC0uMywyLjIsLS44Yy41LC0uNiwuOSwtMS40LC45LC0yLjJ2LTE2LjhsLTEzLjgsLTEwLjdabS00LjYsMzAuNXYtMTUuMmg5LjJ2MTUuMm0tMTAuNywtMTI1LjhsLTcuNiwtNy43bDcuNiwtNy42bTEwLjcsMTUuM2wtNy42LC03LjdsNy42LC03LjZtMzcuOCwxNS4zbDcuNywtNy43bC03LjcsLTcuNm0tMTAuNywxNS4zbDcuNywtNy43bC03LjcsLTcuNiIgY2xhc3M9ImcxXzUxMyIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNNTE1LjQsMzM4LjdINjIzLjZ2MjEuOEg1MTUuNFYzMzguN1ptMjIzLDBIODQ2Ljd2MjEuOEg3MzguNFYzMzguN1ptLTIyMywyMS44SDYyMy42djIxLjdINTE1LjRWMzYwLjVabTIyMywwSDg0Ni43djIxLjdINzM4LjRWMzYwLjVabS0yMjMsMjEuN0g2MjMuNnYyMS43SDUxNS40VjM4Mi4yWm0yMjMsMEg4NDYuN3YyMS43SDczOC40VjM4Mi4yWiIgY2xhc3M9ImcyXzUxMyIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNOTAuOSwzMzguN2g0MThtNi41LDBINjIzLjZtMCwwSDczMS45bTYuNSwwSDg0Ni43bTAsMEg5NTQuOSIgY2xhc3M9ImczXzUxMyIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNOTAuOSwyOTUuM2g0MThtMCwwaDYuNW0wLDBINjIzLjZtMCwwSDczMS45bTAsMGg2LjVtMCwwSDg0Ni43bTAsMEg5NTQuOSIgY2xhc3M9Imc0XzUxMyIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNOTAuOSwzMTdoNDE4bTAsMGg2LjVtMCwwSDYyMy42bTAsMEg3MzEuOW0wLDBoNi41bTAsMEg4NDYuN20wLDBIOTU0LjltLTg2NCw0My41aDQxOG02LjUsMEg2MjMuNm0wLDBINzMxLjltNi41LDBIODQ2LjdtMCwwSDk1NC45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzNfNTEzIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDM4Mi4yaDQxOG02LjUsMEg2MjMuNm0wLDBINzMxLjltNi41LDBIODQ2LjdtMCwwSDk1NC45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzVfNTEzIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDQwMy45aDQxOG0wLDBoNi41bTAsMEg2MjMuNm0wLDBINzMxLjltMCwwaDYuNW0wLDBIODQ2LjdtMCwwSDk1NC45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzZfNTEzIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik01MTUuNCw2NjguNUg2MjMuNnYyMS43SDUxNS40VjY2OC41Wm0yMjMsMEg4NDYuN3YyMS43SDczOC40VjY2OC41Wm0tMjIzLDIxLjdINjIzLjZWNzEySDUxNS40VjY5MC4yWm0yMjMsMEg4NDYuN1Y3MTJINzM4LjRWNjkwLjJaTTUxNS40LDcxMkg2MjMuNnYyMS43SDUxNS40VjcxMlptMjIzLDBIODQ2Ljd2MjEuN0g3MzguNFY3MTJaIiBjbGFzcz0iZzJfNTEzIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDY2OC41aDQxOG02LjUsMEg2MjMuNm0wLDBINzMxLjltNi41LDBIODQ2LjdtMCwwSDk1NC45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzNfNTEzIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDYyNS4xaDQxOG0wLDBoNi41bTAsMEg2MjMuNm0wLDBINzMxLjltMCwwaDYuNW0wLDBIODQ2LjdtMCwwSDk1NC45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzRfNTEzIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDY0Ni44aDQxOG0wLDBoNi41bTAsMEg2MjMuNm0wLDBINzMxLjltMCwwaDYuNW0wLDBIODQ2LjdtMCwwSDk1NC45bS04NjQsNDMuNGg0MThtNi41LDBINjIzLjZtMCwwSDczMS45bTYuNSwwSDg0Ni43bTAsMEg5NTQuOSIgY2xhc3M9ImczXzUxMyIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNOTAuOSw3MTJoNDE4bTYuNSwwSDYyMy42bTAsMEg3MzEuOW02LjUsMEg4NDYuN20wLDBIOTU0LjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnNV81MTMiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksNzMzLjdoNDE4bTAsMGg2LjVtMCwwSDYyMy42bTAsMEg3MzEuOW0wLDBoNi41bTAsMEg4NDYuN20wLDBIOTU0LjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnNl81MTMiLz4KPC9zdmc+) 513 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report b) Net interest income sensitivity analysis and an economic view of interest rate risk in the banking book The analysis of interest income sensitivity for the horizon of the next 12 months assumes a sudden parallel interest rate shock down by 50 basis points for EUR or 100 basis points for other currencies. The analysis assumes that the positions used remain unchanged. The assessment of the impact of a change in interest rates of 50/100 basis points on the amount of net interest income of the banking book position: | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Net interest income sensitivity | | 38,643 | 57,595 | 19,626 | 33,281 | | Net interest income sensitivity - as % of Equity | | 1.35% | 2.22% | 0.90% | 1.84% | The ‘EVE’ (Economic Value of Equity) method is a measure of the sensitivity of changes in market interest rates on the economic value of financial instruments. The EVE represents the present value of net future cash flows and provides a comprehensive view of the possible long-term effects of changing interest rates at least under the six prescribed standardised interest rate shock scenarios or more if necessary, according to the situation on financial markets. Calculations are considering behavioural and automatic options, as well as the allocation of non-maturing deposits. The assessment of the impact of a change in interest rates of 200 basis points on the economic value of the banking book position: | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Interest risk in banking book - EVE | 144,400 | 108,489 | 97,643 | 60,747 | | Interest risk in banking book - EVE as % of Equity | 5.04% | 4.19% | 4.47% | 3.36% | The applied sudden parallel interest rate shock up is by 200 basis points, which represents a "worst case" scenario for NLB Group. The calculation takes into the account allocation of the core part of non-maturing deposits and other behavioural assumptions. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiIHN0YW5kYWxvbmU9Im5vIj8+CjwhRE9DVFlQRSBzdmcgUFVCTElDICItLy9XM0MvL0RURCBTVkcgMS4xLy9FTiIKImh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnL0dyYXBoaWNzL1NWRy8xLjEvRFREL3N2ZzExLmR0ZCI+Cjxzdmcgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDE4MTggMTI4NiIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIj4KPGRlZnM+CjxzdHlsZSB0eXBlPSJ0ZXh0L2NzcyI+PCFbQ0RBVEFbCi5nMF81MTR7CmZpbGw6ICMyMzAwNzg7Cn0KLmcxXzUxNHsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjMjMwMDc4OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDMuMDU1OwpzdHJva2UtbGluZWNhcDogcm91bmQ7CnN0cm9rZS1saW5lam9pbjogcm91bmQ7Cn0KXV0+PC9zdHlsZT4KPC9kZWZzPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTUwMC42LDExMy43YzM3LjcsMCw2OC4yLC0zMC42LDY4LjIsLTY4LjJjMCwtMzcuNywtMzAuNSwtNjguMSwtNjguMiwtNjguMWMtMzcuNywwLC02OC4yLDMwLjQsLTY4LjIsNjguMWMwLDM3LjYsMzAuNSw2OC4yLDY4LjIsNjguMloiIGNsYXNzPSJnMF81MTQiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTE1MDAuNiwxMzk5LjljMzcuNywwLDY4LjIsLTMwLjUsNjguMiwtNjguMmMwLC0zNy43LC0zMC41LC02OC4yLC02OC4yLC02OC4yYy0zNy43LDAsLTY4LjIsMzAuNSwtNjguMiw2OC4yYzAsMzcuNywzMC41LDY4LjIsNjguMiw2OC4yWiIgY2xhc3M9ImcwXzUxNCIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTYwNi44LDExNjMuMmwtMTMuNywxMC43djE2LjhjMCwuOCwuMywxLjYsLjksMi4yYy41LC41LDEuMywuOCwyLjEsLjhoMjEuNGMuOCwwLDEuNiwtLjMsMi4yLC0uOGMuNSwtLjYsLjksLTEuNCwuOSwtMi4ydi0xNi44bC0xMy44LC0xMC43Wm0tNC42LDMwLjV2LTE1LjJoOS4ydjE1LjJtLTEwLjcsLTEyNS44bC03LjYsLTcuN2w3LjYsLTcuNm0xMC43LDE1LjNsLTcuNiwtNy43bDcuNiwtNy42bTM3LjgsMTUuM2w3LjcsLTcuN2wtNy43LC03LjZtLTEwLjcsMTUuM2w3LjcsLTcuN2wtNy43LC03LjYiIGNsYXNzPSJnMV81MTQiLz4KPC9zdmc+) 514 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 6 . 3 . Liquidity risk Liquidity risk is the risk of the NLB Group being unable to fulfil current or future expected and unexpected cash requirements, across all time horizons. The risk may stem from the reduction in funding sources or a reduction in the liquidity of certain assets. Liquidity risk is related to funding liquidity risk (the NLB Group’s liquidity on the liabilities-side) and market liquidity risk (counterbalancing capacity on the assets- side). From a liabilities perspective, liquidity risk can result in a loss if the Bank is unable to settle all its liabilities or when the Bank, because of its incapacity to provide sufficient funds to settle its obligations, is forced to raise the necessary funds at a cost which significantly exceeds the normal cost. From an assets perspective, the liquidity risk is related to the market value of counterbalancing capacity and arises in case of significant reduction of market value of an individual financial instrument and may result in insufficient value of counterbalancing capacity to cover the NLB Group’s liquidity needs. Intraday liquidity risk is the capacity required during the business day to enable financial institutions to make payments and settle obligations. In the risk identification process, first the reasons for the realisation of each identified material risk are analysed and grouped together in short risk descriptions. Material risks are then classified into three groups based on what part of liquidity is affected by the realisation of the material risks: liabilities, assets, and intraday liquidity risk. The origin of each risk is determined as being internal, external, or a combination of internal and external (internal shock, meaning it originates within the Bank, or external shock; meaning it comes from outside the Bank – e.g., a major macroeconomic event, physical or transition event, ESG rating downgrade). Based on the identified material risks, key liquidity risk drivers are defined. Key risk drivers of the liquidity position are factors that are expected to trigger a substantial deterioration of the Group’s liquidity position. This deterioration may take place in the form of an increase in outflows, a decrease in inflows, or a decrease in the liquidity value of the counterbalancing capacity. Liquidity risk is defined as an important risk type for NLB Group, and one which must be managed carefully. NLB Group has a liquidity risk management framework in place that enables maintaining a low risk tolerance for liquidity risk. NLB Group formulated a set of liquidity risk metrics and limits to manage liquidity position within the requirements set by the regulator. By maintaining a smooth long-term maturity profile, limiting dependence on wholesale funding, and holding a solid liquidity reserve, the NLB Group maintains a sound and robust liquidity position, even under severely adverse conditions. The Management Board approves the Liquidity Risk Management Policy, which outlines the key principles for the Bank’s liquidity management. ALCO receives a regular report on the liquidity position and the performance against approved limits and targets. ALCO oversees the development of the Bank’s funding and liquidity position and decides on liquidity risk- related issues in NLB Group. Risk tolerance for liquidity risk is low, therefore NLB Group must be able to provide sufficient funds for settling its liabilities at all times, even if a specific stress scenario is realised. NLB Group measures and manages its liquidity in two stages: - Static view (current exposure), - Forward-looking and stress-testing. The objectives of monitoring and managing liquidity risk in NLB Group are as follows: - ensuring a sufficient amount of liquidity for the settlement of all NLB Group’s liabilities; - minimising the costs of maintaining liquidity; - determining an adequate amount of counterbalancing capacity and optimal liquidity management; - ensuring adequate control environment; - ensuring an appropriate level of liquidity for different situations and stress scenarios; - anticipating emergencies or crisis conditions, and implementing contingency plans in the event of extraordinary circumstances; - ensuring regular projections of future cash flows and stress-testing of liquidity risk; - preparing proposals for establishing additional financial assets as collateral for sources of funding; - to ensure that climate-related and environmental risks which could have a material impact on net cash outflows or liquidity reserves, are incorporate into liquidity risk management and liquidity reserves calibration. Overall assessment of the liquidity position of NLB Group is assessed in the Internal Liquidity Adequacy Assessment Process (ILAAP) at least once per year for NLB Group, and it includes a clear formal statement on liquidity adequacy, supported by an analysis of ILAAP outcomes. The ILAAP process is integral to risk management frameworks and is aligned with the NLB Group’s risk appetite which is consistent with the business model and approved by the management board. Based on the Risk Appetite, the NLB Group prepares a business plan and financial forecasts which are crucial for defining internal capital needs (the ICAAP process) and an internal liquidity assessment (ILAAP process). Both processes are conducted from the normative and economic perspectives and supplemented by the stress-testing programme. NLB Group performs stress tests on a regular basis for a variety of bank-specific and market-wide stress scenarios (individually and in combination) to identify sources of potential liquidity strain and to ensure that current exposures remain in accordance with the NLB Group’s established liquidity risk tolerance. Stress test outcomes are used to adjust its liquidity risk management strategies, policies, and positions, define minimum amount of counterbalancing capacity, and to develop effective contingency plans. NLB Group has a formal liquidity contingency plan (LCP) that clearly sets out the procedures for addressing liquidity shortfalls in stressed situations. The plan outlines procedures to manage a range of stress environments, establish clear lines of responsibility, include clear invocation and escalation procedures, and is regularly tested and updated to ensure that it is operationally robust. NLB Group maintains a sufficient amount of liquidity reserves in the form of high credit quality debt securities that are eligible for refinancing via the ECB/central bank or on the market. In the current situation, NLB Group also strives to follow as closely ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 515 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report as possible the long-term trend of diversification on both the liability and asset sides of the balance sheet. NLB Group regularly performs stress tests with the aim of testing the liquidity stability and the availability of liquidity reserves in various stress situations. In addition, special attention is given to the fulfilment of the liquidity regulation (CRR/CRD), with monitoring and reporting of the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) according to the Delegated Act and net stable funding ratio (NSFR). This also includes monitoring and reporting of Additional Liquidity Monitoring Metrics (ALMM) on solo and consolidated levels. In accordance with the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU), NLB Group regularly monitors and issues quarterly reports on asset encumbrance. The Group manages its liquidity position (liquidity within one day) daily, for a period of several days or weeks in advance, based on the planning and monitoring of cash flows. Each NLB Group member is responsible for its own liquidity position and carries out the following activities: - managing intraday liquidity; - planning and monitoring cash flows; - monitoring and complying with the liquidity regulations of the central bank; - adopting business decisions; - forming and managing liquidity reserves; and - performing a liquidity stress test to define the liquidity reserves for smooth functioning of the payment system in stressed circumstances. NLB Group members actively manage liquidity over the course of a day, taking into account the characteristics of payment settlements to ensure the timely settlement of liabilities in normal and stressed circumstances. Liquidity risk management in NLB Group is under strict monitoring by NLB as a parent bank. Reporting to NLB by all Group members is performed daily. Global Risk gives guidelines and defines minimal standards for Group members regarding liquidity risk management in NLB Group Risk Management Standards. Each Group member is responsible for ensuring adequate liquidity via the necessary sources of funding and their appropriate diversification and maturity, and by managing liquidity reserves and fulfilling the requirements of regulations governing liquidity. The exposure of an individual NLB Group member towards liquidity risk is regularly monitored and reported to ALCO, and to local Assets and Liabilities Committees. a) Managing NLB Group’s liquidity reserves NLB Group has liquidity reserves available to cover liabilities that fall or may become due. Liquidity reserves must become available on short notice. Liquidity reserves are comprised of cash, the settlement account at the central bank above reserve requirement, debt securities valued at market value, and loans eligible as collateral for the Eurosystem’s liquidity providing operations on the basis of which the Bank may generate the requisite liquidity at any time. The available liquidity reserves are liquidity reserves decreased by the required balances for the continuous performance of payment transactions, encumbered securities, and/or credit claims for different purposes (secured funding). The structure of liquidity reserves is shown in the following table. | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Liquidity reserves | | | | | | Cash, cash balances at central banks (i) | 2,764,196 | 4,958,969 | 1,801,602 | 4,142,013 | | Trading book securities (ii) | 9,424 | - | 9,424 | - | | Banking book securities (ii) | 6,133,196 | 4,569,721 | 4,368,400 | 2,810,064 | | ECB eligible loans | 380,678 | 678,445 | 380,678 | 678,445 | | Total available liquidity reserves | 9,287,494 | 10,207,135 | 6,560,104 | 7,630,522 | | Encumbered liquidity reserves | 41,685 | 41,502 | 41,685 | 41,502 | (i) above reserve requirement (ii) market value As at 31 December 2024, 72.0% (31 December 2023: 79.5%) of debt securities in the banking book of NLB Group were government securities (including government guaranteed bonds – GGB), and 11.3% (31 December 2023: 11.9%) were bank senior unsecured bonds. The purpose of banking book securities is to provide liquidity, along with stabilisation of the interest margin and the interest rate risk management, simultaneously. When managing the portfolio, NLB Group uses conservative principles, particularly with respect to the portfolio’s structure in terms of issuers’ ratings and asset class. The general rules and principles for managing the banking book securities are laid in the NLB Group Investment Strategy: Investment Portfolio Plan – definition and monitoring and Trading and Treasury Framework for Managing Debt Securities. The ECB-eligible credit claims comprise loans which fulfil the high eligibility criteria set by the ECB itself and for domestic loans are specified in the General terms about execution of monetary policy framework (Part 4) adopted by the Bank of Slovenia. NLB is the only member of NLB Group that classifies as an eligible counterparty to the Eurosystem. As such, these ECB credit claims are included among liquidity reserves. Members of NLB Group manage their liquid assets on a decentralised basis in compliance with the local liquidity regulation and valid policies and standards of NLB Group. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 516 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report b) Encumbered/unencumbered assets | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | Carrying amount | Fair value of | Carrying amount | Fair value of | Carrying amount | Fair value of | Carrying amount | Fair value of | | of encumbered | encumbered | of unencumbered | unencumbered | of encumbered | encumbered | of unencumbered | unencumbered | | assets | securities | assets | securities | assets | securities | assets | securities | | Loans on demand | 1,330,862 | - | 2,168,436 | - | 126,192 | - | 1,632,284 | - | | Equity instruments | 1,210 | 1,210 | 111,812 | 111,812 | - | - | 78,315 | 78,315 | | Debt securities | 42,357 | 41,685 | 6,160,185 | 6,142,628 | 42,357 | 41,685 | 4,415,721 | 4,377,825 | | Loans and advances other | 8,254 | - | 16,951,170 | - | 104 | - | 8,931,898 | - | | than loans on demand | | Other assets | - | - | 1,261,081 | - | - | - | 1,748,220 | - | | Total | 1,382,683 | | 26,652,684 | | 168,653 | | 16,806,438 | | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | Carrying amount | Fair value of | Carrying amount | Fair value of | Carrying amount | Fair value of | Carrying amount | Fair value of | | 31 Dec 2023 | of encumbered | encumbered | of unencumbered | unencumbered | of encumbered | encumbered | of unencumbered | unencumbered | | | assets | securities | assets | securities | assets | securities | assets | securities | | Loans on demand | 1,241,906 | - | 4,390,753 | - | 118,356 | - | 4,017,941 | - | | Equity instruments | 1,002 | 1,002 | 95,048 | 95,048 | - | - | 69,786 | 69,786 | | Debt securities | 42,739 | 41,502 | 4,649,171 | 4,568,776 | 42,739 | 41,502 | 2,885,514 | 2,810,064 | | Loans and advances other | 15,171 | - | 14,433,032 | - | 8,067 | - | 7,398,608 | - | | than loans on demand | | Other assets | - | - | 1,073,163 | - | - | - | 1,473,765 | - | | Total | 1,300,818 | | 24,641,167 | | 169,162 | | 15,845,614 | | c) Collateral received – unencumbered The table below shows the nominal value of collateral received and own debt securities issued not available for encumbrance. | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Equity instruments | 267,819 | 293,343 | 197,925 | 265,757 | | Loans and advances other | 163,534 | 175,307 | 44,352 | 51,190 | | than loans on demand | | Other assets | 17,670,493 | 13,599,848 | 6,877,572 | 6,408,890 | | Total | 18,101,846 | 14,068,498 | 7,119,849 | 6,725,837 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 517 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report d) Sources of encumbrance | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | | 31 Dec 2023 | | 31 Dec 2024 | | 31 Dec 2023 | | | | Collateralised | Assets given as | Collateralised | Assets given as | Collateralised | Assets given as | Collateralised | Assets given as | | | liability | collateral | liability | collateral | liability | collateral | liability | collateral | | Derivatives | 1,119 | 4,862 | 2,486 | 9,638 | 1,119 | 4,862 | 2,486 | 9,638 | | Other sources of encumbrance | 3,435 | 1,377,821 | 2,861 | 1,291,179 | - | 163,791 | - | 159,523 | | Total | 4,554 | 1,382,683 | 5,347 | 1,300,817 | 1,119 | 168,653 | 2,486 | 169,161 | As at 31 December 2024, NLB Group and NLB had a large share of unencumbered assets. Other sources of encumbrance mostly relate to the obligatory reserve. On the NLB Group level, the amount of encumbered assets equalled EUR 1,383 million (31 December 2023: EUR 1,301 million). ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 518 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report e) Non-derivative cash flows The tables below illustrate the cash flows from non- derivative financial instruments by residual maturities at the end of the year. The amounts disclosed in the table are the undiscounted contractual cash flows determined on the basis of spot rates at the end of the reporting period. | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | | | | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | Carrying amount | Total | Up to | 1 Month | 3 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years | | | | | 1 Month | to 3 Months | to 1 Year | to 5 Years | Over | | Cash, cash balances at central banks, and | 4,039,581 | 4,039,581 | 4,039,581 | - | - | - | - | | other demand deposits at banks | | Financial assets held for trading | 9,424 | 13,141 | - | 40 | 174 | 1,395 | 11,532 | | Non-trading financial assets mandatorily | | at fair value through profit or loss | 17,429 | 17,429 | 847 | - | 16,475 | 107 | - | | Financial assets measured at fair value | | through other comprehensive income | 2,563,516 | 2,725,607 | 134,287 | 125,895 | 540,803 | 1,726,575 | 198,047 | | Financial assets measured at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | - debt securities | 3,725,195 | 4,459,687 | 174,388 | 107,314 | 332,185 | 1,892,931 | 1,952,869 | | - loans and advances to banks | 458,921 | 458,929 | 448,107 | 8,769 | 1,979 | 74 | - | | - loans and advances to customers | 16,363,649 | 19,736,359 | 768,137 | 854,857 | 3,520,519 | 8,571,720 | 6,021,126 | | - other financial assets | 136,854 | 136,854 | 75,114 | 607 | 28,313 | 7,119 | 25,701 | | Total financial assets | 27,314,569 | 31,587,587 | 5,640,461 | 1,097,482 | 4,440,448 | 12,199,921 | 8,209,275 | | Financial liabilities measured at fair | 9,633 | 9,633 | - | - | 2,850 | 6,028 | 755 | | value through profit or loss | | Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | - deposits from banks and central banks | 136,000 | 136,259 | 131,570 | - | 4,470 | 218 | 1 | | - borrowings from banks and central banks | 120,612 | 126,208 | 1,732 | 2,079 | 18,731 | 51,342 | 52,324 | | - due to customers | 22,206,310 | 22,328,118 | 18,830,640 | 544,091 | 1,930,638 | 970,629 | 52,120 | | - borrowings from other customers | 104,519 | 118,640 | 994 | 1,645 | 6,909 | 51,035 | 58,057 | | - debt securities issued | 1,608,939 | 2,231,966 | 20,629 | 357 | 82,220 | 849,107 | 1,279,653 | | - other financial liabilities | 296,725 | 301,066 | 204,928 | 9,133 | 13,551 | 32,251 | 41,203 | | Credit risk related commitments | 3,392,507 | 3,392,507 | 3,392,507 | - | - | - | - | | Non-financial guarantees | 1,110,863 | 1,110,863 | 62,646 | 113,859 | 317,075 | 538,658 | 78,625 | | Total financial liabilities and credit-related commitments | 28,986,108 | 29,755,260 | 22,645,646 | 671,164 | 2,376,444 | 2,499,268 | 1,562,738 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiIHN0YW5kYWxvbmU9Im5vIj8+CjwhRE9DVFlQRSBzdmcgUFVCTElDICItLy9XM0MvL0RURCBTVkcgMS4xLy9FTiIKImh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnL0dyYXBoaWNzL1NWRy8xLjEvRFREL3N2ZzExLmR0ZCI+Cjxzdmcgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDE4MTggMTI4NiIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIj4KPGRlZnM+CjxzdHlsZSB0eXBlPSJ0ZXh0L2NzcyI+PCFbQ0RBVEFbCi5nMF81MTl7CmZpbGw6ICMyMzAwNzg7Cn0KLmcxXzUxOXsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjMjMwMDc4OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDMuMDU1OwpzdHJva2UtbGluZWNhcDogcm91bmQ7CnN0cm9rZS1saW5lam9pbjogcm91bmQ7Cn0KLmcyXzUxOXsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjMjMwMDc4OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDMuMDU1OwpzdHJva2UtbWl0ZXJsaW1pdDogMTA7Cn0KLmczXzUxOXsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjQTdBOEFBOwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDAuMzgxOwpzdHJva2UtbWl0ZXJsaW1pdDogMTA7Cn0KLmc0XzUxOXsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjMjMwMDc4OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDAuNzYzOwpzdHJva2UtbWl0ZXJsaW1pdDogMTA7Cn0KLmc1XzUxOXsKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjMjMwMDc4OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDMuMDU3OwpzdHJva2UtbWl0ZXJsaW1pdDogMTA7Cn0KXV0+PC9zdHlsZT4KPC9kZWZzPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTUwMC42LDExMy43YzM3LjcsMCw2OC4yLC0zMC42LDY4LjIsLTY4LjJjMCwtMzcuNywtMzAuNSwtNjguMSwtNjguMiwtNjguMWMtMzcuNywwLC02OC4yLDMwLjQsLTY4LjIsNjguMWMwLDM3LjYsMzAuNSw2OC4yLDY4LjIsNjguMloiIGNsYXNzPSJnMF81MTkiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTE1MDAuNiwxMzk5LjljMzcuNywwLDY4LjIsLTMwLjUsNjguMiwtNjguMmMwLC0zNy43LC0zMC41LC02OC4yLC02OC4yLC02OC4yYy0zNy43LDAsLTY4LjIsMzAuNSwtNjguMiw2OC4yYzAsMzcuNywzMC41LDY4LjIsNjguMiw2OC4yWiIgY2xhc3M9ImcwXzUxOSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTYwNi44LDExNjMuMmwtMTMuNywxMC43djE2LjhjMCwuOCwuMywxLjYsLjksMi4yYy41LC41LDEuMywuOCwyLjEsLjhoMjEuNGMuOCwwLDEuNiwtLjMsMi4yLC0uOGMuNSwtLjYsLjksLTEuNCwuOSwtMi4ydi0xNi44bC0xMy44LC0xMC43Wm0tNC42LDMwLjV2LTE1LjJoOS4ydjE1LjJtLTEwLjcsLTEyNS44bC03LjYsLTcuN2w3LjYsLTcuNm0xMC43LDE1LjNsLTcuNiwtNy43bDcuNiwtNy42bTM3LjgsMTUuM2w3LjcsLTcuN2wtNy43LC03LjZtLTEwLjcsMTUuM2w3LjcsLTcuN2wtNy43LC03LjYiIGNsYXNzPSJnMV81MTkiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksMTM0LjhINDg3LjJtNi41LDBINjIzLjZtNi41LDBINzYwbTAsMEg4OTBtMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzJfNTE5Ii8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDIwOC41SDQ4Ny4ybTYuNSwwSDYyMy42bTYuNSwwSDc2MG0wLDBIODkwbTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOU05MC45LDI0NS4zSDQ4Ny4ybTYuNSwwSDYyMy42bTYuNSwwSDc2MG0wLDBIODkwbTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOU05MC45LDI4Mi4ySDQ4Ny4ybTYuNSwwSDYyMy42bTYuNSwwSDc2MG0wLDBIODkwbTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOU05MC45LDMwMy45SDQ4Ny4ybTYuNSwwSDYyMy42bTYuNSwwSDc2MG0wLDBIODkwbTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOU05MC45LDMyNS42SDQ4Ny4ybTYuNSwwSDYyMy42bTYuNSwwSDc2MG0wLDBIODkwbTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOU05MC45LDM0Ny4zSDQ4Ny4ybTYuNSwwSDYyMy42bTYuNSwwSDc2MG0wLDBIODkwbTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOU05MC45LDM2OS4xSDQ4Ny4ybTYuNSwwSDYyMy42bTYuNSwwSDc2MG0wLDBIODkwbTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOU05MC45LDM5MC44SDQ4Ny4ybTYuNSwwSDYyMy42bTYuNSwwSDc2MG0wLDBIODkwbTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOU05MC45LDQxMi41SDQ4Ny4ybTYuNSwwSDYyMy42bTYuNSwwSDc2MG0wLDBIODkwbTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOU05MC45LDQzNC4ySDQ4Ny4ybTYuNSwwSDYyMy42bTYuNSwwSDc2MG0wLDBIODkwbTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOU05MC45LDQ3MS4xSDQ4Ny4ybTYuNSwwSDYyMy42bTYuNSwwSDc2MG0wLDBIODkwbTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOU05MC45LDQ5Mi44SDQ4Ny4ybTYuNSwwSDYyMy42bTYuNSwwSDc2MG0wLDBIODkwbTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOU05MC45LDUxNC41SDQ4Ny4ybTYuNSwwSDYyMy42bTYuNSwwSDc2MG0wLDBIODkwbTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOU05MC45LDUzNi4zSDQ4Ny4ybTYuNSwwSDYyMy42bTYuNSwwSDc2MG0wLDBIODkwbTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOU05MC45LDU1OEg0ODcuMm02LjUsMEg2MjMuNm02LjUsMEg3NjBtMCwwSDg5MG0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjlNOTAuOSw1NzkuN0g0ODcuMm02LjUsMEg2MjMuNm02LjUsMEg3NjBtMCwwSDg5MG0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjlNOTAuOSw2MDEuNEg0ODcuMm02LjUsMEg2MjMuNm02LjUsMEg3NjBtMCwwSDg5MG0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjlNOTAuOSw2MjMuMkg0ODcuMm02LjUsMEg2MjMuNm02LjUsMEg3NjBtMCwwSDg5MG0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjlNOTAuOSw2NDQuOUg0ODcuMm02LjUsMEg2MjMuNm02LjUsMEg3NjBtMCwwSDg5MG0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnM181MTkiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksOTEuM0g0ODcuMm0wLDBoNi41bTAsMEg2MjMuNm0wLDBoNi41bTAsMEg3NjBtMCwwSDg5MG0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnNF81MTkiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksMTEzLjFINDg3LjJtMCwwaDYuNW0wLDBINjIzLjZtMCwwaDYuNW0wLDBINzYwbTAsMEg4OTBtMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45TTkwLjksMTcxLjZINDg3LjJtNi41LDBINjIzLjZtNi41LDBINzYwbTAsMEg4OTBtMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzJfNTE5Ii8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDY2Ni42SDQ4Ny4ybTYuNSwwSDYyMy42bTYuNSwwSDc2MG0wLDBIODkwbTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOSIgY2xhc3M9ImczXzUxOSIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNOTAuOSw2ODguM0g0ODcuMm02LjUsMEg2MjMuNm02LjUsMEg3NjBtMCwwSDg5MG0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltLTkyMi40LDBoNi41bTEyOS45LDBoNi41IiBjbGFzcz0iZzVfNTE5Ii8+Cjwvc3ZnPg==) 519 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | | | | | | | 31 Dec 2023 | Carrying amount | Total | Up to | 1 Month | 3 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years | | | | | 1 Month | to 3 Months | to 1 Year | to 5 Years | Over | | Cash, cash balances at central banks, and | 6,103,561 | 6,103,561 | 6,103,561 | - | - | - | - | | other demand deposits at banks | | Non-trading financial assets mandatorily | 14,175 | 14,175 | 1,009 | 707 | 11,586 | 873 | - | | at fair value through profit or loss | | Financial assets measured at fair value | 2,251,556 | 2,408,707 | 283,269 | 222,258 | 434,430 | 1,212,748 | 256,002 | | through other comprehensive income | | Financial assets measured at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | - debt securities | 2,522,229 | 2,825,397 | 64,238 | 115,969 | 273,677 | 1,310,387 | 1,061,126 | | - loans and advances to banks | 547,640 | 547,646 | 500,739 | 43,829 | 1,572 | 1,502 | 4 | | - loans and advances to customers | 13,734,601 | 16,818,381 | 691,501 | 622,566 | 3,068,830 | 7,109,179 | 5,326,305 | | - other financial assets | 165,962 | 165,962 | 132,368 | 1,150 | 1,732 | 6,705 | 24,007 | | Total financial assets | 25,339,724 | 28,883,829 | 7,776,685 | 1,006,479 | 3,791,827 | 9,641,394 | 6,667,444 | | Financial liabilities measured at fair | 4,482 | 4,482 | - | - | - | 4,144 | 338 | | value through profit or loss | | Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | - deposits from banks and central banks | 95,283 | 95,726 | 75,818 | - | 15,330 | 4,332 | 246 | | - borrowings from banks and central banks | 140,419 | 147,519 | 1,198 | 1,417 | 11,311 | 16,181 | 117,412 | | - due to customers | 20,732,722 | 20,857,070 | 17,921,304 | 258,812 | 1,661,298 | 928,654 | 87,002 | | - borrowings from other customers | 99,718 | 114,387 | 1,101 | 1,835 | 8,261 | 9,021 | 94,169 | | - debt securities issued | 1,338,235 | 1,852,163 | - | 4,079 | 84,166 | 871,459 | 892,459 | | - other financial liabilities | 357,116 | 357,116 | 274,348 | 6,915 | 9,111 | 26,557 | 40,185 | | Credit risk related commitments | 3,196,771 | 3,196,771 | 3,196,771 | - | - | - | - | | Non-financial guarantees | 963,321 | 963,321 | 76,594 | 97,262 | 338,287 | 380,994 | 70,184 | | Total financial liabilities and credit-related commitments | 26,928,067 | 27,588,555 | 21,547,134 | 370,320 | 2,127,764 | 2,241,342 | 1,301,995 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 520 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB | | | | | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | Carrying amount | Total | Up to | 1 Month | 3 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years | | | | | 1 Month | to 3 Months | to 1 Year | to 5 Years | Over | | Cash, cash balances at central banks, and | 1,973,113 | 1,973,113 | 1,973,113 | - | - | - | - | | other demand deposits at banks | | Financial assets held for trading | 9,424 | 13,141 | - | 40 | 174 | 1,395 | 11,532 | | Non-trading financial assets mandatorily | 19,135 | 19,529 | - | 11 | 15,364 | 4,154 | - | | at fair value through profit or loss | | Financial assets measured at fair value | 1,665,019 | 1,778,178 | 26,960 | 34,083 | 211,135 | 1,378,866 | 127,134 | | through other comprehensive income | | Financial assets measured at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | - debt securities | 2,846,779 | 3,436,842 | 16,043 | 36,398 | 271,024 | 1,411,754 | 1,701,623 | | - loans and advances to banks | 193,172 | 276,377 | 40,930 | 2,641 | 16,175 | 91,930 | 124,701 | | - loans and advances to customers | 8,653,348 | 10,113,955 | 430,462 | 327,451 | 1,511,475 | 4,603,080 | 3,241,487 | | - other financial assets | 81,518 | 81,518 | 23,598 | 504 | 27,720 | 5,368 | 24,328 | | Total financial assets | 15,441,508 | 17,692,653 | 2,511,106 | 401,128 | 2,053,067 | 7,496,547 | 5,230,805 | | Financial liabilities measured at fair | 5,597 | 5,597 | 637 | - | 1,699 | 3,261 | - | | value through profit or loss | | Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | - deposits from banks and central banks | 220,120 | 220,389 | 215,921 | - | 4,468 | - | - | | - borrowings from banks and central banks | 51,106 | 51,258 | - | - | 1,473 | 5,816 | 43,969 | | - due to customers | 12,293,708 | 12,326,162 | 11,253,264 | 226,523 | 612,041 | 227,619 | 6,715 | | - debt securities issued | 1,608,939 | 2,231,966 | 20,629 | 357 | 82,220 | 849,107 | 1,279,653 | | - other financial liabilities | 145,802 | 146,226 | 97,353 | 7,131 | 7,882 | 6,258 | 27,602 | | Credit risk related commitments | 2,341,597 | 2,341,597 | 2,341,597 | - | - | - | - | | Non-financial guarantees | 738,702 | 738,702 | 35,939 | 74,545 | 184,329 | 373,653 | 70,236 | | Total financial liabilities and credit-related commitments | 17,405,571 | 18,061,897 | 13,965,340 | 308,556 | 894,112 | 1,465,714 | 1,428,175 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 521 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB | | | | | | | | 31 Dec 2023 | Carrying amount | Total | Up to | 1 Month | 3 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years | | | | | 1 Month | to 3 Months | to 1 Year | to 5 Years | Over | | Cash, cash balances at central banks, and | 4,318,032 | 4,318,032 | 4,318,032 | - | - | - | - | | other demand deposits at banks | | Non-trading financial assets mandatorily | 16,643 | 17,515 | 4 | 43 | 12,714 | 154 | 4,600 | | at fair value through profit or loss | | Financial assets measured at fair value | 1,023,012 | 1,063,468 | 11,640 | 38,854 | 241,365 | 632,002 | 139,607 | | through other comprehensive income | | Financial assets measured at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | - debt securities | 1,966,169 | 2,202,821 | 6,764 | 30,167 | 154,110 | 1,057,182 | 954,598 | | - loans and advances to banks | 149,011 | 201,826 | 5,933 | 6,719 | 15,928 | 42,789 | 130,457 | | - loans and advances to customers | 7,148,283 | 8,487,918 | 405,580 | 212,509 | 1,284,363 | 3,621,788 | 2,963,678 | | - other financial assets | 101,596 | 101,597 | 70,972 | 1,131 | 1,583 | 5,035 | 22,876 | | Total financial assets | 14,722,746 | 16,393,177 | 4,818,925 | 289,423 | 1,710,063 | 5,358,950 | 4,215,816 | | Financial liabilities measured at fair | 3,210 | 3,210 | 1,234 | - | - | 1,976 | - | | value through profit or loss | | Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | - deposits from banks and central banks | 147,002 | 147,442 | 127,726 | - | 15,330 | 4,142 | 244 | | - borrowings from banks and central banks | 82,797 | 83,851 | - | - | 1,654 | 1,967 | 80,230 | | - due to customers | 11,881,563 | 11,919,187 | 10,985,068 | 97,176 | 540,607 | 278,051 | 18,285 | | - debt securities issued | 1,338,235 | 1,852,163 | - | 4,079 | 84,166 | 871,459 | 892,459 | | - other financial liabilities | 198,020 | 198,020 | 149,601 | 6,481 | 6,871 | 9,902 | 25,165 | | Credit risk related commitments | 2,239,479 | 2,239,479 | 2,239,479 | - | - | - | - | | Non-financial guarantees | 625,095 | 625,095 | 29,712 | 68,768 | 196,286 | 265,632 | 64,697 | | Total financial liabilities and credit-related commitments | 16,515,401 | 17,068,447 | 13,532,820 | 176,504 | 844,914 | 1,433,129 | 1,081,080 | When determining the gap between the financial liabilities and financial assets in the maturity bucket of up to one month, it is necessary to be aware of the fact that financial liabilities include total demand deposits, although from an economic perspective, they are stable and present long term funding source. 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0wLDBoMTI5LjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnM181MjIiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksNzU3LjFINjIzLjZtMCwwaDYuNW0wLDBINzYwbTAsMEg4OTBtMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzVfNTIyIi8+Cjwvc3ZnPg==) 522 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report f) An analysis of the statement of financial position by residual contractual maturity | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | | | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | Up to | 1 Month to | 3 Months to | 1 Year to | 5 Years | | | | 1 Month | 3 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years | Over | Total | | Cash, cash balances at central banks, and other demand deposits at banks | 4,039,581 | - | - | - | - | 4,039,581 | | Financial assets held for trading | 8,914 | - | - | - | 9,424 | 18,338 | | Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss | 847 | - | 16,475 | 107 | - | 17,429 | | Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income | 128,419 | 110,383 | 512,080 | 1,632,016 | 180,618 | 2,563,516 | | Financial assets measured at amortised cost | | | | | | | | - debt securities | 165,058 | 86,544 | 259,565 | 1,550,966 | 1,663,062 | 3,725,195 | | - loans and advances to banks | 448,106 | 8,768 | 1,976 | 71 | - | 458,921 | | - loans and advances to customers | 714,525 | 734,669 | 3,003,291 | 7,045,144 | 4,866,020 | 16,363,649 | | - other financial assets | 75,114 | 607 | 28,313 | 7,119 | 25,701 | 136,854 | | Derivatives - hedge accounting | 77,771 | - | - | - | - | 77,771 | | Fair value changes of the hedged items in portfolio hedge of interest rate risk | (6,353) | - | - | - | - | (6,353) | | Total financial assets | 5,651,982 | 940,971 | 3,821,700 | 10,235,423 | 6,744,825 | 27,394,901 | | Financial liabilities held for trading | 6,995 | - | - | - | - | 6,995 | | Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss | - | - | 2,850 | 6,028 | 755 | 9,633 | | Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost | | | | | | | | - deposits from banks and central banks | 131,555 | - | 4,226 | 218 | 1 | 136,000 | | - borrowings from banks and central banks | 1,688 | 1,857 | 16,663 | 48,258 | 52,146 | 120,612 | | - due to customers | 18,821,506 | 530,206 | 1,874,878 | 931,456 | 48,264 | 22,206,310 | | - borrowings from other customers | 917 | 1,468 | 6,016 | 43,185 | 52,933 | 104,519 | | - debt securities issued | - | - | - | 524,638 | 1,084,301 | 1,608,939 | | - other financial liabilities | 204,834 | 8,949 | 12,726 | 29,561 | 40,655 | 296,725 | | Derivatives - hedge accounting | 3,592 | - | - | - | - | 3,592 | | Credit risk related commitments | 3,392,507 | - | - | - | - | 3,392,507 | | Non-financial guarantees | 62,646 | 113,859 | 317,075 | 538,658 | 78,625 | 1,110,863 | | Total financial liabilities and credit-related commitments | 22,626,240 | 656,339 | 2,234,434 | 2,122,002 | 1,357,680 | 28,996,695 | 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ltMCwwaDEyOS45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzNfNTIzIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDczNi40SDYyMy42bTAsMGg2LjVtMCwwSDc2MG0wLDBIODkwbTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOSIgY2xhc3M9Imc1XzUyMyIvPgo8L3N2Zz4=) 523 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | | | | | | 31 Dec 2023 | Up to | 1 Month to | 3 Months to | 1 Year to | 5 Years | | | | 1 Month | 3 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years | Over | Total | | Cash, cash balances at central banks, and other demand deposits at banks | 6,103,561 | - | - | - | - | 6,103,561 | | Financial assets held for trading | 15,718 | - | - | - | - | 15,718 | | Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss | 1,009 | 707 | 11,586 | 873 | - | 14,175 | | Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income | 273,593 | 213,671 | 416,536 | 1,202,599 | 145,157 | 2,251,556 | | Financial assets measured at amortised cost | | | | | | | | - debt securities | 61,505 | 108,615 | 236,639 | 1,279,633 | 835,837 | 2,522,229 | | - loans and advances to banks | 500,738 | 43,828 | 1,568 | 1,502 | 4 | 547,640 | | - loans and advances to customers | 646,236 | 537,884 | 2,594,804 | 6,883,875 | 3,071,802 | 13,734,601 | | - other financial assets | 132,368 | 1,150 | 1,732 | 6,705 | 24,007 | 165,962 | | Derivatives - hedge accounting | 47,614 | - | - | - | - | 47,614 | | Fair value changes of the hedged items in portfolio hedge of interest rate risk | (10,207) | - | - | - | - | (10,207) | | Total financial assets | 7,772,135 | 905,855 | 3,262,865 | 9,375,187 | 4,076,807 | 25,392,849 | | Financial liabilities held for trading | 13,217 | - | - | - | - | 13,217 | | Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss | - | - | - | 4,144 | 338 | 4,482 | | Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost | | | | | | | | - deposits from banks and central banks | 75,815 | - | 15,134 | 4,332 | 2 | 95,283 | | - borrowings from banks and central banks | 1,065 | 1,210 | 9,820 | 15,602 | 112,722 | 140,419 | | - due to customers | 17,916,339 | 252,769 | 1,602,706 | 926,396 | 34,512 | 20,732,722 | | - borrowings from other customers | 940 | 1,456 | 6,229 | 8,260 | 82,833 | 99,718 | | - debt securities issued | - | - | - | 828,840 | 509,395 | 1,338,235 | | - other financial liabilities | 280,669 | 6,498 | 7,318 | 21,482 | 41,149 | 357,116 | | Derivatives - hedge accounting | 3,540 | - | - | - | - | 3,540 | | Credit risk related commitments | 3,196,771 | - | - | - | - | 3,196,771 | | Non-financial guarantees | 76,594 | 97,262 | 338,287 | 380,994 | 70,184 | 963,321 | | Total financial liabilities and credit-related commitments | 21,564,950 | 359,195 | 1,979,494 | 2,190,050 | 851,135 | 26,944,824 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 524 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB | | | | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | Up to | 1 Month to | 3 Months to | 1 Year to | 5 Years | | | | 1 Month | 3 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years | Over | Total | | Cash, cash balances at central banks, and other demand deposits at banks | 1,973,113 | - | - | - | - | 1,973,113 | | Financial assets held for trading | 11,649 | - | - | - | 9,424 | 21,073 | | Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss | - | - | 15,247 | 3,888 | - | 19,135 | | Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income | 25,238 | 21,639 | 194,082 | 1,308,678 | 115,382 | 1,665,019 | | Financial assets measured at amortised cost | | | | | | | | - debt securities | 10,091 | 21,104 | 218,825 | 1,154,075 | 1,442,685 | 2,846,779 | | - loans and advances to banks | 40,908 | 2,386 | 7,252 | 52,747 | 89,879 | 193,172 | | - loans and advances to customers | 411,030 | 283,321 | 1,295,486 | 3,942,796 | 2,720,715 | 8,653,348 | | - other financial assets | 23,598 | 504 | 27,720 | 5,368 | 24,328 | 81,518 | | Derivatives - hedge accounting | 77,771 | - | - | - | - | 77,771 | | Fair value changes of the hedged items in portfolio hedge of interest rate risk | (8,761) | - | - | - | - | (8,761) | | Total financial assets | 2,564,637 | 328,954 | 1,758,612 | 6,467,552 | 4,402,413 | 15,522,167 | | Financial liabilities held for trading | 9,977 | - | - | - | - | 9,977 | | Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss | 637 | - | 1,699 | 3,261 | - | 5,597 | | Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost | | | | | | | | - deposits from banks and central banks | 215,896 | - | 4,224 | - | - | 220,120 | | - borrowings from banks and central banks | - | - | 1,429 | 5,714 | 43,963 | 51,106 | | - due to customers | 11,250,468 | 220,898 | 596,360 | 220,960 | 5,022 | 12,293,708 | | - debt securities issued | - | - | - | 524,638 | 1,084,301 | 1,608,939 | | - other financial liabilities | 97,210 | 6,855 | 6,660 | 5,873 | 29,204 | 145,802 | | Derivatives - hedge accounting | 1,261 | - | - | - | - | 1,261 | | Credit risk related commitments | 2,341,597 | - | - | - | - | 2,341,597 | | Non-financial guarantees | 35,939 | 74,545 | 184,329 | 373,653 | 70,236 | 738,702 | | Total financial liabilities and credit-related commitments | 13,952,985 | 302,298 | 794,701 | 1,134,099 | 1,232,726 | 17,416,809 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 525 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB | | | | | | | 31 Dec 2023 | Up to | 1 Month to | 3 Months to | 1 Year to | 5 Years | | | | 1 Month | 3 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years | Over | Total | | Cash, cash balances at central banks, and other demand deposits at banks | 4,318,032 | - | - | - | - | 4,318,032 | | Financial assets held for trading | 17,957 | - | - | - | - | 17,957 | | Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss | - | - | 3,579 | 138 | 12,926 | 16,643 | | Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income | 11,142 | 36,942 | 235,185 | 630,105 | 109,638 | 1,023,012 | | Financial assets measured at amortised cost | | | | | | | | - debt securities | 5,003 | 24,216 | 125,394 | 1,033,656 | 777,900 | 1,966,169 | | - loans and advances to banks | 5,912 | 6,409 | 8,999 | 35,329 | 92,362 | 149,011 | | - loans and advances to customers | 389,935 | 185,727 | 1,076,136 | 3,519,655 | 1,976,830 | 7,148,283 | | - other financial assets | 70,971 | 1,131 | 1,583 | 5,035 | 22,876 | 101,596 | | Derivatives - hedge accounting | 47,614 | - | - | - | - | 47,614 | | Fair value changes of the hedged items in portfolio hedge of interest rate risk | (12,514) | - | - | - | - | (12,514) | | Total financial assets | 4,854,052 | 254,425 | 1,450,876 | 5,223,918 | 2,992,532 | 14,775,803 | | Financial liabilities held for trading | 17,510 | - | - | - | - | 17,510 | | Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss | 1,234 | - | - | 1,976 | - | 3,210 | | Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost | | | | | | | | - deposits from banks and central banks | 127,726 | - | 15,134 | 4,142 | - | 147,002 | | - borrowings from banks and central banks | - | - | 1,430 | 1,945 | 79,422 | 82,797 | | - due to customers | 10,983,368 | 95,065 | 521,103 | 277,829 | 4,198 | 11,881,563 | | - debt securities issued | - | - | - | 828,840 | 509,395 | 1,338,235 | | - other financial liabilities | 149,456 | 6,224 | 5,736 | 10,078 | 26,526 | 198,020 | | Derivatives - hedge accounting | 1,420 | - | - | - | - | 1,420 | | Credit risk related commitments | 2,239,479 | - | - | - | - | 2,239,479 | | Non-financial guarantees | 29,712 | 68,768 | 196,286 | 265,632 | 64,697 | 625,095 | | Total financial liabilities and credit-related commitments | 13,549,905 | 170,057 | 739,689 | 1,390,442 | 684,238 | 16,534,331 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 526 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report g) Derivative cash flows The table below illustrates cash flows from derivatives, broken down into the relevant maturity buckets based on residual maturities. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows prepared on the basis of spot rates on the reporting date. | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | | | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | Up to | 1 Month to | 3 Months to | 1 Year to | 5 Years | | | Foreign exchange derivatives | 1 Month | 3 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years | Over | Total | | - Forwards | | | | | | | | - Outflow | (16,067) | (16,933) | (11,967) | - | - | (44,967) | | - Inflow | 16,083 | 16,951 | 11,991 | - | - | 45,025 | | - Swaps | | | | | | | | - Outflow | (205,990) | (61,926) | (40,455) | - | - | (308,371) | | - Inflow | 226,748 | 61,369 | 40,136 | - | - | 328,253 | | Interest rate derivatives | | | | | | | | - Interest rate swaps and cross-currency swaps | | | | | | | | - Outflow | (3,671) | (6,379) | (40,775) | (103,678) | (20,035) | (174,538) | | - Inflow | 9,411 | 3,741 | 49,102 | 161,730 | 31,048 | 255,032 | | - Caps and floors | | | | | | | | - Outflow | (84) | (35) | (195) | (296) | (2) | (612) | | - Inflow | 97 | 17 | 172 | 185 | 2 | 473 | | Total outflow | (225,812) | (85,273) | (93,392) | (103,974) | (20,037) | (528,488) | | Total inflow | 252,339 | 82,078 | 101,401 | 161,915 | 31,050 | 628,783 | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | | | | | | 31 Dec 2023 | Up to | 1 Month to | 3 Months to | 1 Year to | Over | | | | 1 Month | 3 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years | 5 Years | Total | | Foreign exchange derivatives | | | | | | | | - Forwards | | | | | | | | - Outflow | (52,767) | (12,024) | (15,874) | (250) | - | (80,915) | | - Inflow | 52,821 | 12,035 | 15,890 | 250 | - | 80,996 | | - Swaps | | | | | | | | - Outflow | (264,488) | (150,003) | (77,229) | - | - | (491,720) | | - Inflow | 264,597 | 150,432 | 78,250 | - | - | 493,279 | | Interest rate derivatives | | | | | | | | - Interest rate swaps and cross-currency swaps | | | | | | | | - Outflow | (1,000) | (5,613) | (27,240) | (51,905) | (22,798) | (108,556) | | - Inflow | 3,250 | 4,043 | 34,172 | 79,633 | 37,296 | 158,394 | | - Caps and floors | | | | | | | | - Outflow | (211) | (51) | (768) | (586) | (6) | (1,622) | | - Inflow | 179 | 37 | 629 | 416 | 3 | 1,264 | | Total outflow | (318,466) | (167,691) | (121,111) | (52,741) | (22,804) | (682,813) | | Total inflow | 320,847 | 166,547 | 128,941 | 80,299 | 37,299 | 733,933 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 527 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB | | | | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | Up to | 1 Month to | 3 Months to | 1 Year to | 5 Years | | | Foreign exchange derivatives | 1 Month | 3 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years | Over | Total | | - Forwards | | | | | | | | - Outflow | (15,131) | (16,840) | (11,583) | - | - | (43,554) | | - Inflow | 15,147 | 16,857 | 11,604 | - | - | 43,608 | | - Swaps | | | | | | | | - Outflow | (293,177) | (102,241) | (69,072) | - | - | (464,490) | | - Inflow | 293,653 | 102,183 | 69,154 | - | - | 464,990 | | Interest rate derivatives | | | | | | | | - Interest rate swaps and cross-currency swaps | | | | | | | | - Outflow | (3,749) | (6,724) | (41,751) | (107,834) | (20,606) | (180,664) | | - Inflow | 9,486 | 4,133 | 50,525 | 167,836 | 31,725 | 263,705 | | - Caps and floors | | | | | | | | - Outflow | (84) | (35) | (195) | (296) | (2) | (612) | | - Inflow | 97 | 17 | 172 | 185 | 2 | 473 | | Total outflow | (312,141) | (125,840) | (122,601) | (108,130) | (20,608) | (689,320) | | Total inflow | 318,383 | 123,190 | 131,455 | 168,021 | 31,727 | 772,776 | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB | | | | | | | 31 Dec 2023 | Up to | 1 Month to | 3 Months to | 1 Year to | 5 Years | | | Foreign exchange derivatives | 1 Month | 3 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years | Over | Total | | - Forwards | | | | | | | | - Outflow | (50,861) | (11,715) | (15,874) | (250) | - | (78,700) | | - Inflow | 50,894 | 11,726 | 15,890 | 250 | - | 78,760 | | - Swaps | | | | | | | | - Outflow | (310,781) | (279,104) | (131,949) | - | - | (721,834) | | - Inflow | 310,647 | 278,819 | 132,095 | - | - | 721,561 | | Interest rate derivatives | | | | | | | | - Interest rate swaps and cross-currency swaps | | | | | | | | - Outflow | (1,455) | (5,763) | (29,050) | (57,044) | (23,651) | (116,963) | | - Inflow | 3,605 | 4,162 | 35,869 | 87,326 | 38,276 | 169,238 | | - Caps and floors | | | | | | | | - Outflow | (211) | (51) | (768) | (586) | (6) | (1,622) | | - Inflow | 179 | 37 | 629 | 416 | 3 | 1,264 | | Total outflow | (363,308) | (296,633) | (177,641) | (57,880) | (23,657) | (919,119) | | Total inflow | 365,325 | 294,744 | 184,483 | 87,992 | 38,279 | 970,823 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 528 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 6 . 4 . Management of non-financial risks a) Operational risk When assuming operational risks, NLB Group follows the guideline that such risks may not materially impact its operations and, therefore, the risk appetite for operational risks is low to moderate. The risk is also gradually decreasing due to the reduced complexity of operations in NLB Group, with the disinvestment process of non-core activities and optimisation of internal processes. NLB Group has set up a system of collecting loss events, identification, assessment, and management of operational risks, all with the aim of ensuring quality management of operational risks. This is particularly valid in strategic banking members. All NLB Group banking members monitor risk appetite limits for operational risk. The upper tolerance limit is defined as the limit amount of net loss that an individual member still allows in its operations. If the sum of net loss exceeds the tolerance limit, a special treatment of major loss events is required and, if necessary, takes additional measures for the prevention or mitigation of the same or similar loss events are taken. The warning and critical limit of loss events are also defined, which in case of exceeding require escalation procedures an acceptance of possible additional risk management measures. In addition, the Bank does not allow certain risks in its business – for them a so-called ‘zero tolerance’ was defined. For monitoring, some specific more important key risk indicators that could show a possible increase of an operational risk, the Bank developed a specific methodology as an early warning system. Such risks are periodically monitored in different business areas, and the results are discussed at the Operational Risk Committee. The latter was named as the highest decision-making authority in the area of operational risk management. Relevant operational risk committees were also appointed at other NLB Group banks. The Management Board serves in this role at other subsidiaries. The main task of the aforementioned bodies is to discuss the most significant operational risks and loss events, and to monitor and support the effective management of operational risks including their mitigation within an individual entity. All NLB Group entities, which are included in the consolidation, have adopted relevant documents that are in line with NLB Group standards. In banking members, these documents are in line with the development of operational risk management and regularly updated. The whole NLB Group uses uniform software support, which is also regularly upgraded. In NLB Group, the reported incurred net loss arising from loss events in 2024 was lower than in the previous year and remained within the set tolerance limits for operational risk. Certain litigation costs mainly occurred due to systemic issues such as litigation risk (e.g., cases related to loan processing fees and loan insurance premiums in Serbia). For other realised operational losses, banking members of the Group performed a comprehensive analysis and defined adequate mitigation measures to prevent or minimise such events in the future. In general, considerable attention is paid to reporting loss events, their mitigation measures, and defining operational risks in all segments. To treat major loss events appropriately and as soon as possible, the Bank introduced an escalation scale for reporting bigger or more important loss events to the top levels of decision- making at NLB and the Supervisory Board of NLB. Additional attention is paid to the reporting of potential loss events in order to improve the internal controls, and thus minimise those and similar events. Furthermore, the methodology to monitor, analyse, and report key risk indicators is established, servicing as an early warning system. The aim is to improve business and supporting processes, as well enabling prompt response. Through comprehensive identification of operational risks, possible future losses are identified, estimated, and appropriately managed. Each year, special emphasis is placed on current risks as a result of the risk identification process, including ESG risks. For the later key risk indicators (KRIs) have been also addressed for ESG risks, serving as an early warning system. The major operational risks are actively managed with the measures taken to reduce them. An operational risk profile is prepared once a year based on the operational risk identification. Special emphasis is put on the most topical risks, among which in particular are those with a low probability of occurrence and very high potential financial influence. For this purpose, the Bank has developed the methodology of stress-testing for operational risk. The methodology is a combination of modelling loss event data and scenario analysis for exceptional, but plausible events. Scenario analyses are made based on experience and knowledge of experts from various critical areas. The most significant loss could be derived from the following potential events: possible difficulties operating electronic banking channels, anti-money laundering, cyber-attacks, and legal risks. For these scenarios, existent controls were additionally revised, while for identifying potential deficiencies, mitigation measures were defined. The capital requirement for operational risk is calculated using the basic indicator approach at the NLB Group level and using the standardised approach at the NLB level. b) Business Continuity Management (BCM) In NLB Group, business continuity management is carried out to protect lives, goods, and reputation. Business continuity plans are prepared to be used in the event of natural disasters, IT disasters, epidemic/pandemic, and the undesired effects of the environment to mitigate their consequences. The concept of the action plan that is prepared each year is such that the activities contribute to the upgrading or improvement of the Business Continuity Management System. In 2024, Business Continuity Management was upgraded and optimised – implementation of DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act) requirements in the Business Impact Analysis (hereinafter: ‘BIA’). The basis for modernising the business continuity plans is the regular annual Business Impact Analysis (BIA). On its basis, the adequacy of the plans for Organisational Unit Plans (merged office buildings and HR plans) and IT plans are checked. The best indicator of the adequacy of the business continuity plans is testing. In 2024, NLB tested Manual Procedures, backup locations, and the IT Disaster Recovery Plan and external. No major deviations were identified. In NLB Group, know-how and methodologies are transferred to its members. The members have adopted appropriate documents which are in line with ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 529 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report the standards of NLB and revised in accordance with the development of business continuity management. The activity of the members is monitored throughout the year, and expert assistance is provided if necessary. For more efficient functioning of the business continuity management system in NLB Group, training courses and visits to individual banking members are also provided. All preventive and response measures with regard to business continuity are regularly sent to the members with the purpose to help and act in the uniform way. With regards to natural disasters (floods) and IT failures, the Bank successfully used the business continuity plans and instructions for manual procedures, and thus also ensured business operations in emergency situations. c) Management of other types of non-financial risks – strategic risks, reputation risk, and profitability risk Risks not included in the regulatory capital requirements (standardised approach) but have or might have an important influence on the risk profile of NLB Group, are regularly assessed, monitored, and managed. In addition, they are integrated into the internal capital adequacy assessment process (ICAAP). NLB Group established internal methodologies for identifying and assessing specific types of risk, referring to the Group’s business model or arising from other external circumstances. If a certain risk is assessed as a materially important risk, relevant disposable preventive and mitigation measures are applied, including regular monitoring of their effectiveness. On this basis, internal capital is considered, and its consumption regularly monitored. 6 . 5 . Fair value hierarchy of financial and non-financial assets and liabilities Fair value is the price that would be received when selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. NLB Group uses various valuation techniques to determine fair value. IFRS 13 specifies a fair value hierarchy with respect to the inputs and assumptions used to measure financial and non-financial assets and liabilities at fair value. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the assumptions of NLB Group. This hierarchy gives the highest priority to observable market data when available, and the lowest priority to unobservable market data. NLB Group considers relevant and observable market prices in its valuations, where possible. The fair value hierarchy comprises the following levels: - Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) on active markets. This level includes listed equities, debt instruments, gold, derivatives, units of investment funds, and other unadjusted market prices of assets and liabilities. When an asset or liability may be exchanged in multiple active markets, the principal market for the asset or liability must be determined. In the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability must be determined. - Level 2 – A valuation technique where inputs are observable, either directly (i.e., prices) or indirectly (i.e., derived from prices). Level 2 includes prices quoted for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and prices quoted for identical or similar assets, and liabilities in markets that are not active. The sources of input parameters for financial instruments, such as yield curves, credit spreads, foreign exchange rates, and the volatility of interest rates and foreign exchange rates, is Bloomberg. - Level 3 – A valuation technique where inputs are not based on observable market data. Unobservable inputs are used to the extent that relevant observable inputs are not available. Unobservable inputs must reflect the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability. This level includes non-tradable shares and bonds, and derivatives associated with these investments and other assets and liabilities for which fair value cannot be determined with observable market inputs. Wherever possible, fair value is determined as an observable market price in an active market for an identical asset or liability. An active market is a market in which transactions for an asset or liability are executed with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value in active markets are determined as the market price of a unit (e.g., a share) at the measurement date, multiplied by the quantity of units owned by NLB Group. The fair value of assets and liabilities whose market is not active is determined using valuation techniques. These techniques bear a different intensity level of estimates and assumptions, depending on the availability of observable market inputs associated with the asset or liability that is the subject of the valuation. Unobservable inputs shall reflect the estimates and assumptions that other market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. For non-financial assets measured at fair value and not classified at Level 1, fair value is determined based on valuation reports provided by certified valuators. Valuations are prepared in accordance with the International Valuation Standards (IVS). ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 530 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report a) Financial and non-financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the financial statements | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | 31 Dec 2024 | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | | | | Total | | | | Total | | Financial assets | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | fair value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | fair value | | Financial instruments held for trading | 9,424 | 8,891 | 23 | 18,338 | 9,424 | 11,626 | 23 | 21,073 | | Debt instruments | 9,424 | - | - | 9,424 | 9,424 | - | - | 9,424 | | Derivatives | - | 8,891 | 23 | 8,914 | - | 11,626 | 23 | 11,649 | | Derivatives - hedge accounting | - | 77,771 | - | 77,771 | - | 77,771 | - | 77,771 | | Financial assets measured at fair value | 2,004,786 | 557,464 | 1,266 | 2,563,516 | 1,598,780 | 65,869 | 370 | 1,665,019 | | through other comprehensive income | | Debt instruments | 2,004,463 | 462,460 | - | 2,466,923 | 1,598,780 | 3,095 | - | 1,601,875 | | Equity instruments | 323 | 95,004 | 1,266 | 96,593 | - | 62,774 | 370 | 63,144 | | Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at | 2,258 | - | 15,171 | 17,429 | - | - | 19,135 | 19,135 | | fair value through profit and loss | | Debt instruments | 1,000 | - | - | 1,000 | - | - | - | - | | Equity instruments | 1,258 | - | 15,171 | 16,429 | - | - | 15,171 | 15,171 | | Loans | - | - | - | - | - | - | 3,964 | 3,964 | | Financial liabilities | | | | | | | | | | Financial instruments held for trading | - | 6,995 | - | 6,995 | - | 9,977 | - | 9,977 | | Derivatives | - | 6,995 | - | 6,995 | - | 9,977 | - | 9,977 | | Derivatives - hedge accounting | - | 3,592 | - | 3,592 | - | 1,261 | - | 1,261 | | Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss | - | 9,633 | - | 9,633 | - | 4,960 | 637 | 5,597 | | Non-financial assets | | | | | | | | | | Investment properties | - | 6,918 | 19,214 | 26,132 | - | 5,599 | - | 5,599 | | Non-current assets held for sale | - | 2,849 | 8,187 | 11,036 | - | 2,849 | - | 2,849 | | Non-financial assets impaired during the year | | | | | | | | | | Recoverable amount of property and equipment | - | - | 10,491 | 10,491 | - | - | - | - | | Recoverable amount of investments in | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1,466 | 1,466 | | subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures | 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) 531 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | 31 Dec 2023 | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | | | | | | fair value | | | | fair value | | Financial assets | | | | | | | | | | Financial instruments held for trading | - | 15,698 | 20 | 15,718 | - | 17,937 | 20 | 17,957 | | Derivatives | - | 15,698 | 20 | 15,718 | - | 17,937 | 20 | 17,957 | | Derivatives - hedge accounting | - | 47,614 | - | 47,614 | - | 47,614 | - | 47,614 | | Financial assets measured at fair value | 1,452,046 | 798,154 | 1,356 | 2,251,556 | 955,638 | 67,071 | 303 | 1,023,012 | | through other comprehensive income | | Debt instruments | 1,451,824 | 712,570 | 70 | 2,164,464 | 955,638 | 6,446 | - | 962,084 | | Equity instruments | 222 | 85,584 | 1,286 | 87,092 | - | 60,625 | 303 | 60,928 | | Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at | 5,317 | - | 8,858 | 14,175 | - | - | 16,643 | 16,643 | | fair value through profit and loss | | Debt instruments | 5,217 | - | - | 5,217 | - | - | - | - | | Equity instruments | 100 | - | 8,858 | 8,958 | - | - | 8,858 | 8,858 | | Loans | - | - | - | - | - | - | 7,785 | 7,785 | | Financial liabilities | | | | | | | | | | Financial instruments held for trading | - | 13,217 | - | 13,217 | - | 17,510 | - | 17,510 | | Derivatives | - | 13,217 | - | 13,217 | - | 17,510 | - | 17,510 | | Derivatives - hedge accounting | - | 3,540 | - | 3,540 | - | 1,420 | - | 1,420 | | Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss | - | 4,482 | - | 4,482 | - | 1,976 | 1,234 | 3,210 | | Non-financial assets | | | | | | | | | | Investment properties | - | 10,927 | 20,189 | 31,116 | - | 7,640 | - | 7,640 | | Non-current assets held for sale | - | 4,048 | 801 | 4,849 | - | 4,048 | - | 4,048 | | Non-financial assets impaired during the year | | | | | | | | | | Recoverable amount of property and equipment | - | - | 89 | 89 | - | - | - | - | | Recoverable amount of investments in | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1,646 | 1,646 | | subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures | 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A5NWg0MThtNi41LDBINjIzLjZtMCwwSDczMS45bTYuNSwwSDg0Ni43bTAsMEg5NTQuOSIgY2xhc3M9ImcyXzUzMiIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNOTAuOSwxMTU0LjhoNDE4bTYuNSwwSDYyMy42bTAsMEg3MzEuOW0wLDBoNi41bTAsMEg4NDYuN20wLDBIOTU0LjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnM181MzIiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksMTE3Ni41aDQxOG0wLDBoNi41bTAsMEg2MjMuNm0wLDBINzMxLjltMCwwaDYuNW0wLDBIODQ2LjdtMCwwSDk1NC45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzZfNTMyIi8+Cjwvc3ZnPg==) 532 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report b) Significant transfers of financial instruments between levels of valuation NLB Group’s policy of transfers of financial instruments between levels of valuation is illustrated in the table below. | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Fair value | Equities | Equity stake | Gold | Funds | Debt securities | Loans | Derivatives | | | | hierarchy | Equities | Currency | Interest | | | | | | official price by | | | | | | | 1 | market value from | | market value from | fund management | market value from | | | | | | exchange market | | spot market | company | exchange market | | | | | | | | | | | | | valuation model | valuation model | valuation model | | 2 | | | | | valuation model | | (underlying | | | | | | | | | | | in level 1) | | | | | | | | | | | valuation model | | | | | | | | | | | (underlying | | | | 3 | valuation model | valuation model | | valuation model | valuation model/ | valuation model | instrument | | | | | | | | | purchase price | | in level 3) | | | | Transfers | | | | | | | | | | | | from level 1 to 3 | | | from level 1 to 3 | from level 1 to 2 | | from level 2 to 3 | | | | | equity excluded | | | fund management | | | underlying | | | | | from exchange | | | company stops | debt securities | | instrument | | | | | market | | | publishing regular | excluded from | | excluded from | | | | | | | | valuation | exchange market | | exchange market | | | | | from level 1 to 3 | | | from level 3 to 1 | from level 1 to 2 | | from level 3 to 2 | | | | | companies | | | fund management | debt securities not | | underlying | | | | | in insolvency | | | company starts | liquid (not trading | | instrument | | | | | proceedings | | | publishing regular | for 6 months) | | included in | | | | | | | | valuation | | | exchange market | | | | | from level 1 to 3 | | | | from level 1 to 3 | | | | | | | | | | | and from 2 to 3 | | | | | | | equity not liquid | | | | companies | | | | | | | (not trading for | | | | in insolvency | | | | | | | 2 months) | | | | proceedings | | | | | | | | | | | from level 2 to 1 | | | | | | | from level 3 to 1 | | | | and from 3 to 1 | | | | | | | equity included in | | | | start trading with | | | | | | | exchange market | | | | debt securities on | | | | | | | | | | | exchange market | | | | | | | | | | | from level 3 to 2 | | | | | | | | | | | until valuation | | | | | | | | | | | parameters are | | | | | | | | | | | confirmed on | | | | | | | | | | | ALCO (at least on | | | | | | | | | | | quarterly basis) | | | | | Transfers between levels of valuation of financial instruments measured at fair value in financial statements: | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | 31 Dec 2024 | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | From 1. level | To 2. level | From 1. level | To 2. level | | Transfer of assets and liabilities between levels of valuation | | | | | | Financial assets measured at fair value | | | | | | through other comprehensive income | | | | | | Debt instruments | (43,080) | 43,080 | (3,091) | 3,091 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 533 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report c) Financial and non-financial assets and liabilities at Level 2 regarding the fair value hierarchy Financial instruments on Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy at NLB Group and NLB include: - debt securities: mostly bonds not quoted on active markets and valuated by a valuation model; - derivatives: derivatives except forward derivatives and options on equity instruments that are not quoted on active markets; and - the National Resolution Fund. Non-financial assets on Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy at NLB Group and NLB include investment properties and non-current assets held for sale. When valuing bonds classified on Level 2, NLB Group primarily uses the income approach based on an estimation of future cash flows discounted to the present value. The input parameters used in the income approach are the risk-free yield curve and the spread over the yield curve (i.e., credit, liquidity, country). Fair values for derivatives are determined using a discounted cash flow model based on the risk-free yield curve. Fair values for options are determined using valuation models for options (the Garman and Kohlhagen model, the binomial model, and the Black- Scholes model). At least one of the three valuation methods are used for the valuation of investment property. The majority of investment property is valued using the income approach where the present value of future expected returns is assessed. When valuing an investment property, average rents at similar locations and capitalisation ratios such as: the risk-free yield, risk premium, and the risk premium to account for capital preservation are used. Rents at similar locations are generated from various sources, like data from lessors and lessees, web databases, and own databases. NLB Group has observable data for all investment property at its disposal. If observable data for similar locations are not available, NLB Group uses data from wider locations and adjusts it appropriately. d) Financial and non-financial assets and liabilities at Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy Financial instruments on Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy in NLB Group and NLB include: - equities: mainly financial equities that are not quoted on active markets; - debt instruments: bonds not quoted on active markets and valuated by valuation model with inputs which are not based on observable market data; - derivative financial instruments: forward derivatives and options on equity instruments that are not quoted on an active organised market. Fair values for forward derivatives are determined using the discounted cash flow model. Fair values for equity options are determined using valuation models for options (the Garman and Kohlhagen model, the binomial model, and Black-Scholes model). Unobservable inputs include the fair values of underlying instruments determined using valuation models. The source of observable market inputs is the Bloomberg information system; - loans measured at fair value, which according to IFRS 9 do not pass the SPPI test. Fair value is calculated on the basis of the discounted expected future cash flows with the required rate of return. In defining the expected cash flows for loans, the value of collateral and other pay off estimates can be used. Non-financial assets on Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy at NLB Group include investment properties and non-current assets held for sale. NLB Group uses three valuation methods for the valuation of equity financial assets mentioned in the first bullet: income, market, and cost approaches. NLB Group selects valuation model and values of unobservable input data within a reasonable possible range, but uses model and input data that other market participants would use. At least one of the three valuation methods are used for the valuation of investment property. The majority of investment property is valued using the income approach where the present value of future expected returns is assessed. When valuing an investment property, average rents at similar locations and capitalisation ratios such as: the risk-free yield, risk premium, and the risk premium to account for capital preservation are used. Rents at similar locations are generated from various sources, like data from lessors and lessees, web databases, and own databases. NLB Group has observable data for all investment property at its disposal. If observable data for similar locations are not available, NLB Group uses data from wider locations and adjusts it appropriately. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 534 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Movements of financial assets and liabilities at Level 3 | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | Non-trading | | | | | Financial assets | | financial assets | | | | Financial instruments | measured at fair value | | mandatorily at fair value | Total financial | | | held for trading | through OCI | | through profit or loss | assets | | NLB Group | Derivatives | Debt instruments | Equity instruments | Equity instruments | | | Balance as at 1 January 2023 | 17 | 2,236 | 1,256 | 7,519 | 11,028 | | Valuation: | | | | | | | - through profit or loss | 3 | - | - | 1,362 | 1,365 | | - recognised in other comprehensive income | - | 5,768 | 49 | - | 5,817 | | Foreign exchange differences | - | 21 | - | (173) | (152) | | Increases | - | - | - | 150 | 150 | | Decreases | - | (6,418) | (19) | - | (6,437) | | Write-offs | - | (1,537) | - | - | (1,537) | | Balance as at 31 December 2023 | 20 | 70 | 1,286 | 8,858 | 10,234 | | Valuation: | | | | | | | - through profit or loss | 3 | - | - | 3,043 | 3,046 | | - recognised in other comprehensive income | - | - | (45) | - | (45) | | Increases | - | - | 54 | 3,270 | 3,324 | | Decreases | - | (70) | (29) | - | (99) | | Balance as at 31 December 2024 | 23 | - | 1,266 | 15,171 | 16,460 | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | | | Financial liabilities | | | Financial | Financial assets | | Non-trading financial assets | | | measured at fair | | | instruments | measured at fair value | | mandatorily at fair value through profit | | Total financial | value through | | | held for trading | through OCI | | or loss | | assets | profit or loss | | NLB | | | | | Loans and other | | Loans and other | | | Derivatives | Debt instruments | Equity instruments | Equity instruments | financial assets | | financial liabilities | | Balance as at 1 January 2023 | 17 | 2,026 | 269 | 7,519 | 7,892 | 17,723 | 1,786 | | Valuation: | | | | | | | | | - through profit or loss | 3 | - | - | 1,362 | 705 | 2,070 | (552) | | - recognised in other comprehensive income | - | 5,768 | 19 | - | - | 5,787 | - | | Foreign exchange differences | - | 21 | - | (173) | - | (152) | - | | Increases | - | - | - | 150 | 492 | 642 | - | | Decreases | - | (6,278) | - | - | (1,304) | (7,582) | - | | Write-offs | - | (1,537) | - | - | - | (1,537) | - | | Merger of subsidiary | - | - | 15 | - | - | 15 | - | | Balance as at 31 December 2023 | 20 | - | 303 | 8,858 | 7,785 | 16,966 | 1,234 | | Valuation: | | | | | | | | | - through profit or loss | 3 | - | - | 3,043 | 60 | 3,106 | (597) | | - recognised in other comprehensive income | - | - | 13 | - | - | 13 | - | | Increases | - | - | 54 | 3,270 | 423 | 3,747 | - | | Decreases | - | - | - | - | (4,304) | (4,304) | - | | Balance as at 31 December 2024 | 23 | - | 370 | 15,171 | 3,964 | 19,528 | 637 | 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535 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB Group and NLB recognise the effects from valuation of trading instruments in income statement line item ‘Gains less losses from financial assets and liabilities held for trading,’ the effects from valuation of non-trading equity instruments and loans mandatorily measured at fair value through profit or loss in the income statement line item ‘Gains less losses from non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss,’ and the effects from valuation of financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income in the accumulated other comprehensive income line item ‘Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income.’ In 2024 and in 2023, NLB Group and NLB recognised the following unrealised gains or losses for financial instruments that were at Level 3 as at 31 December: | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | Non-trading financial assets | | NLB Group | Financial assets | Financial assets measured at fair | mandatorily at fair value through | | held for trading | value through OCI | profit or loss | | 2024 | Derivatives | Equity instruments | Equity instruments | | Items of Income statement | | | | | Gains less losses from financial assets and liabilities held for trading | 3 | - | - | | Gains less losses from non-trading assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss | - | - | 3,043 | | Item of Other comprehensive income | | | | | Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income | - | 21 | - | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | Non-trading financial assets | | NLB Group | Financial assets | Financial assets measured at fair | mandatorily at fair value through | | held for trading | value through OCI | profit or loss | | 2023 | Derivatives | Equity instruments | Equity instruments | | Items of Income statement | | | | | Gains less losses from financial assets and liabilities held for trading | 3 | - | - | | Gains less losses from non-trading assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss | - | - | 1,362 | | Foreign exchange translation gains less losses | - | - | (173) | | Item of Other comprehensive income | | | | | Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income | - | 49 | - | 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) 536 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | | Financial assets | | | Financial liabilities | | | Financial assets held for | measured at fair value | Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair | | measured at fair value | | NLB | trading | through OCI | value through profit or loss | | through profit or loss | | | | | | Loans and other | Loans and other | | 2024 | Derivatives | Equity instruments | Equity instruments | financial assets | financial liabilities | | Items of Income statement | | | | | | | Gains less losses from financial assets | 3 | - | - | - | - | | and liabilities held for trading | | Gains less losses from non-trading assets | - | - | 3,043 | 60 | 597 | | mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss | | Item of Other comprehensive income | | | | | | | Financial assets measured at fair value | - | 13 | - | - | - | | through other comprehensive income | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | | Financial assets | | | Financial liabilities | | NLB | Financial assets held for | measured at fair value | Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair | | measured at fair value | | trading | through OCI | value through profit or loss | | through profit or loss | | | | | | Loans and other | Loans and other | | 2023 | Derivatives | Equity instruments | Equity instruments | financial assets | financial liabilities | | Items of Income statement | | | | | | | Gains less losses from financial assets | 3 | - | - | - | - | | and liabilities held for trading | | Gains less losses from non-trading assets | - | - | 1,362 | 705 | 552 | | mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss | | Foreign exchange translation gains less losses | - | - | (173) | - | - | | Item of Other comprehensive income | | | | | | | Financial assets measured at fair value | - | 19 | - | - | - | | through other comprehensive income | Movements of non-financial assets at Level 3 | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | Investment property | | Non-current assets | | | | | | held for sale | | | NLB Group | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Balance as at 1 January | 20,189 | 23,447 | 801 | 11,201 | | Effects of translation of foreign operations to presentation currency | 65 | (14) | 6 | 11 | | Disposals | (1,329) | (1,954) | (150) | (10,206) | | Transfer from/(to) property and equipment | 70 | (86) | 7,441 | - | | Transfer from/(to) non-current assets held for sale | (81) | - | - | - | | Transfer from/(to) other assets | - | 86 | - | - | | Transfer from/(to) investment property | - | - | 81 | - | | Net valuation to fair value | 300 | (1,290) | 8 | (205) | | Balance as at 31 December | 19,214 | 20,189 | 8,187 | 801 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 537 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report e) Fair value of financial instruments not measured at fair value in financial statements Financial instruments not measured at fair value in financial statements are not managed on a fair value basis. For respective instruments, fair values are calculated for disclosure purposes only and do not impact NLB Group statement of financial position or income statement. The table below shows estimated fair values of financial instruments not measured at fair value in the statement of financial position. | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | | 31 Dec 2023 | | 31 Dec 2024 | | 31 Dec 2023 | | | | Carrying value | Fair value | Carrying value | Fair value | Carrying value | Fair value | Carrying value | Fair value | | Financial assets measured | | | | | | | | | | at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | | - debt securities | 3,725,195 | 3,706,958 | 2,522,229 | 2,440,596 | 2,846,779 | 2,808,210 | 1,966,169 | 1,889,481 | | - loans and advances to banks | 458,921 | 458,651 | 547,640 | 547,555 | 193,172 | 185,768 | 149,011 | 149,011 | | - loans and advances to customers | 16,363,649 | 15,697,133 | 13,734,601 | 13,256,192 | 8,653,348 | 8,242,067 | 7,148,283 | 6,895,232 | | - other financial assets | 136,854 | 136,854 | 165,962 | 165,962 | 81,518 | 81,518 | 101,596 | 101,596 | | Financial liabilities measured | | | | | | | | | | at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | | - deposits from banks | 136,000 | 135,957 | 95,283 | 95,657 | 220,120 | 220,096 | 147,002 | 147,379 | | and central banks | | - borrowings from banks | 120,612 | 120,065 | 140,419 | 134,020 | 51,106 | 50,813 | 82,797 | 75,152 | | and central banks | | - due to customers | 22,206,310 | 22,194,577 | 20,732,722 | 20,746,603 | 12,293,708 | 12,292,632 | 11,881,563 | 11,892,641 | | - borrowings from other customers | 104,519 | 106,912 | 99,718 | 101,649 | - | - | - | - | | - debt securities issued | 1,608,939 | 1,699,477 | 1,338,235 | 1,363,301 | 1,608,939 | 1,699,477 | 1,338,235 | 1,363,301 | | - other financial liabilities | 296,725 | 296,725 | 357,116 | 357,116 | 145,802 | 145,802 | 198,020 | 198,020 | Loans and advances to banks The estimated fair value of deposits is based on discounted cash flows using prevailing market interest rates for instruments with similar credit risk and residual maturities. The fair value of overnight deposits equals their carrying value. Loans and advances to customers The estimated fair value of loans and advances represents the discounted amount of estimated future cash flows expected to be received. Expected cash flows are discounted at current market rates for debts with similar credit risk and residual maturities to determine their fair value. Deposits and borrowings The fair value of sight deposits and overnight deposits equals their carrying value. However, their actual value for NLB Group depends on the timing and amounts of cash flows, current market rates, and the credit risk of the depository institution itself. A portion of sight deposits is stable, similar to term deposits. Therefore, their economic value for NLB Group differs from the carrying amount. The estimated fair value of other deposits and borrowings from customers is based on discounted cash flows using interest rates for new deposits with similar residual maturities. Debt securities measured at amortised cost and debt securities issued The fair value of debt securities measured at amortised cost and debt securities issued is based on their quoted market price or value calculated by using a discounted cash flow method and the prevailing money market interest rates. Loan commitments For credit facilities that are drawn soon after the NLB Group grants loans (drawn at market rates) and loan commitments to those clients that are not impaired, the fair value is close to zero. For loan commitments to clients that are impaired, fair value represents the amount of the recognised provisions. Other financial assets and liabilities The carrying amount of other financial assets and liabilities is a reasonable approximation of their fair value as they mainly relate to short-term receivables and payables. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 538 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Fair value hierarchy of financial instruments not measured at fair value in financial statements | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | 31 Dec 2024 | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total fair value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total fair value | | Financial assets measured | | | | | | | | | | at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | | - debt securities | 3,067,440 | 632,269 | 7,249 | 3,706,958 | 2,692,742 | 115,468 | - | 2,808,210 | | - loans and advances to banks | - | 458,651 | - | 458,651 | - | 185,768 | - | 185,768 | | - loans and advances to customers | - | - | 15,697,133 | 15,697,133 | - | - | 8,242,067 | 8,242,067 | | - other financial assets | - | - | 136,854 | 136,854 | - | - | 81,518 | 81,518 | | Financial liabilities measured | | | | | | | | | | at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | | - and central banks | - | 135,957 | - | 135,957 | - | 220,096 | - | 220,096 | | deposits from banks | | - borrowings from banks | - | 120,065 | - | 120,065 | - | 50,813 | - | 50,813 | | and central banks | | - due to customers | - | 22,194,577 | - | 22,194,577 | - | 12,292,632 | - | 12,292,632 | | - borrowings from other customers | - | - | 106,912 | 106,912 | - | - | - | - | | - debt securities issued | 1,699,477 | - | - | 1,699,477 | 1,699,477 | - | - | 1,699,477 | | - other financial liabilities | - | - | 296,725 | 296,725 | - | - | 145,802 | 145,802 | | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | 31 Dec 2023 | NLB Group | | | | NLB | | | | | | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total fair value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total fair value | | Financial assets measured | | | | | | | | | | at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | | - debt securities | 2,030,120 | 403,255 | 7,221 | 2,440,596 | 1,779,995 | 109,486 | - | 1,889,481 | | - loans and advances to banks | - | 547,555 | - | 547,555 | - | 149,011 | - | 149,011 | | - loans and advances to customers | - | - | 13,256,192 | 13,256,192 | - | - | 6,895,232 | 6,895,232 | | - other financial assets | - | - | 165,962 | 165,962 | - | - | 101,596 | 101,596 | | Financial liabilities measured | | | | | | | | | | at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | | - and central banks | - | 95,657 | - | 95,657 | - | 147,379 | - | 147,379 | | deposits from banks | | - borrowings from banks | - | 134,020 | - | 134,020 | - | 75,152 | - | 75,152 | | and central banks | | - due to customers | - | 20,746,603 | - | 20,746,603 | - | 11,892,641 | - | 11,892,641 | | - borrowings from other customers | - | - | 101,649 | 101,649 | - | - | - | - | | - debt securities issued | 1,363,301 | - | - | 1,363,301 | 1,363,301 | - | - | 1,363,301 | | - other financial liabilities | - | - | 357,116 | 357,116 | - | - | 198,020 | 198,020 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 539 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 6 . 6 . Environmental and climate-related risks The NLB Group is engaged in contributing to sustainable finance by incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks into its business strategies, risk management framework, and internal governance arrangements. With the adoption of the NLB Group Sustainability programme, NLB Group implemented sustainability elements into its business model. Thus, sustainable finance integrates ESG criteria into the Group’s business and investment decisions for the lasting benefit of the Group’s clients and society. The NLB Group Sustainability Committee oversees the integration of the ESG factors to the NLB Group business model. ESG risks represent one of the risk drivers of the existing type of risks. The Group integrates and manages them within the established risk management framework in the areas of credit, liquidity, market, and operational risk. The management of ESG risks follows ECB and EBA guidelines, following the tendency of their comprehensive integration into all relevant processes. The management of ESG risks is incorporated into the Group’s overall credit approval process, collateral management and the related credit portfolio management. Sustainable financing is implemented in accordance with the Group’s Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS). In addition to addressing ESG risks in all relevant stages of the credit-granting process, relevant ESG criteria were also considered in the collateral evaluation process. NLB Group conducts a materiality assessment as part of its overall risk identification process to determine the level of transitional and physical risk to which the Group is exposed. In this process, the identification of environmental risk factors, relevant transmission channels, and their materiality and impact on the Group’s financial performance in short-, mid- and long-term periods are assessed. From the perspective of physical risk, the most relevant natural disasters are floods, landslides, and drought, while hail and windstorms are also frequent, but less material. Despite this, the Group can expect its impact to increase in the long run if no adequate policy changes are implemented in a timely manner. Chronic risk is not determined as a material risk. On the portfolio level, the Group does not face any large concentration towards specific NACE industrial sectors exposed to climate risk, with the role of transitional risk being more prevalent. Based on the industry segmentation of the portfolio and corresponding emissions, the Group has a relatively low exposure to emission-intensive sectors in its corporate clients’ businesses. The Group does not finance companies that extract fossil fuels or operate coal-fired power plants as part of its strategy. Moreover, as a UN Net-Zero Banking Alliance member, the Bank pledged to align its lending and investment portfolio with net-zero emissions by 2050. In its initial round of NZBA targets, NLB Group has focused on fossil fuel-based and highly energy-intensive sectors (power generation and iron and steel) and other sectors where the Bank has substantial emissions and/or exposure and available data. These include residential mortgages and commercial real estate. Activities for setting a second round of NZBA targets for sectors such as transport and agriculture are underway. An internal ESG stress-testing concept to identify the most relevant financial vulnerabilities stemming from transitional and physical climate risks was established, which was further revised and enhanced by considering disposable ESG-related data. The results of the climate stress tests showed no material impacts on the Group’s capital and liquidity positions. Besides, in 2024, the Group was also included in the ECB Stress test exercise – the 2024 EBA Fit-for-55 climate risk scenario analysis. By performing this exercise, the ECB assessed how banks are prepared to deal with financial and economic shocks from climate risk. 6 . 7 . Offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities NLB Group has entered into bilateral foreign exchange netting arrangements with certain banks and corporates. Cash flows from such transactions that are due on the same day in the same currency, are settled on a net basis, i.e., a single cash flow for each currency. The settlement of all interest rates derivatives is also carried out by netting of both legs of transaction. Assets and liabilities related to these netting arrangements are not presented in a net amount in the statement of financial position because netting rules apply to cash flows and not to the entire financial instrument. NLB Group also holds certain standardised derivatives (some interest rate swaps) with a clearing house or central counterparty. A system of daily margins assures the mitigation and collateralisation of exposures, as well as the daily settlement of cash flows for each currency. All derivatives are conducted under the conditions of signed Master Agreements (MA), with international banks. The ISDA MA is in place along with CSA annex and for corporates domestic MA is in place, which enable daily evaluation and exchange of margining. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 540 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | Amounts not set off in the statement of financial position | | | | | Financial assets/liabilities | Gross amounts | | | | | of recognised | Impact of | Financial | | | financial assets/ | master netting | instruments | Net amount | | liabilities | agreements | collateral | | | Derivatives - assets | 86,653 | 5,359 | 79,335 | 1,958 | | Derivatives - liabilities | 10,583 | 5,014 | 518 | 5,051 | | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | | | | 31 Dec 2023 | Amounts not set off in the statement of financial position | | | | | Financial assets/liabilities | Gross amounts | | | | | of recognised | Impact of | Financial | | | financial assets/ | master netting | instruments | Net amount | | liabilities | agreements | collateral | | | Derivatives - assets | 63,283 | 4,992 | 52,103 | 6,188 | | Derivatives - liabilities | 16,714 | 4,992 | 1,563 | 10,159 | | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB | | | | | 31 Dec 2024 | Amounts not set off in the statement of financial position | | | | | Financial assets/liabilities | Gross amounts | | | | | of recognised | Impact of | Financial | | | financial assets/ | master netting | instruments | Net amount | | liabilities | agreements | collateral | | | Derivatives - assets | 89,397 | 5,681 | 79,335 | 4,381 | | Derivatives - liabilities | 11,238 | 5,336 | 518 | 5,384 | | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB | | | | | 31 Dec 2023 | Amounts not set off in the statement of financial position | | | | | Financial assets/liabilities | Gross amounts | | | | | of recognised | Impact of | Financial | | | financial assets/ | master netting | instruments | Net amount | | liabilities | agreements | collateral | | | Derivatives - assets | 65,551 | 5,013 | 54,346 | 6,192 | | Derivatives - liabilities | 18,929 | 5,013 | 1,563 | 12,353 | NLB Group and NLB have no financial assets/liabilities set off in the statement of financial position. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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541 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 7 . Analysis by Segment for NLB Group a) Segments | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | | | | | | | | 2024 | | Corporate and | Strategic | Financial | | | | | | | Retail Banking | Investment Banking | Foreign | Markets in | Non-Core | Other | | | | | in Slovenia | in Slovenia | Markets | Slovenia | Members | activities | Unallocated | Total | | Total net income | 448,318 | 178,806 | 619,035 | (823) | 1,282 | 10,917 | - | 1,257,535 | | Net income from external customers | 275,938 | 222,584 | 627,179 | 105,582 | 565 | 12,962 | - | 1,244,810 | | Intersegment net income | 172,380 | (43,778) | (8,144) | (106,405) | 717 | (2,045) | - | 12,725 | | Net interest income | 325,249 | 131,729 | 483,131 | (4,064) | 924 | (2,808) | - | 934,161 | | Net interest income from external customers | 157,483 | 180,490 | 492,294 | 104,083 | 407 | (596) | - | 934,161 | | Intersegment net interest income | 167,766 | (48,761) | (9,163) | (108,147) | 517 | (2,212) | - | - | | Administrative expenses | (160,250) | (69,651) | (252,733) | (12,043) | (7,355) | (53,417) | - | (555,449) | | Depreciation and amortisation | (15,600) | (6,397) | (32,417) | (818) | (237) | (4,019) | - | (59,488) | | Reportable segment profit/(loss) before impairment and provision charge | 272,468 | 102,758 | 333,885 | (13,684) | (6,310) | (46,519) | - | 642,598 | | Other net gains/(losses) from equity investments in associates and joint ventures | 2,990 | - | - | - | - | - | | 2,990 | | Impairment and provisions charge | (28,118) | (7,576) | 4,073 | (706) | 2,174 | (7,286) | - | (37,439) | | Profit/(loss) before income tax | 247,340 | 95,182 | 337,958 | (14,390) | (4,136) | (53,805) | - | 608,149 | | Owners of the parent | 247,340 | 95,182 | 322,277 | (14,390) | (4,136) | (53,805) | - | 592,468 | | Non-controlling interests | - | - | 15,681 | - | - | - | - | 15,681 | | Income tax | | | | | | | (77,916) | (77,916) | | Profit for the year | | | | | | | | 514,552 | | Reportable segment assets | 4,748,021 | 3,911,138 | 12,454,973 | 6,390,862 | 28,658 | 487,054 | - | 28,020,706 | | Investments in associates and joint ventures | 14,661 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 14,661 | | Reportable segment liabilities | 9,879,695 | 2,428,556 | 10,407,559 | 1,789,151 | 2,312 | 230,049 | - | 24,737,322 | | Additions to non-current assets | 35,099 | 11,939 | 41,496 | 807 | 2 | 4,048 | - | 93,391 | 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542 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | | | | | | | | 2023 | | Corporate and | Strategic | Financial | | | | | | | Retail Banking | Investment Banking | Foreign | Markets in | Non-Core | Other | | | | | in Slovenia | in Slovenia | Markets | Slovenia | Members | activities | Unallocated | Total | | Total net income | 366,988 | 149,184 | 541,624 | 40,437 | (131) | 5,574 | - | 1,103,676 | | Net income from external customers | 246,811 | 204,868 | 541,098 | 95,748 | (578) | 5,349 | - | 1,093,296 | | Intersegment net income | 120,177 | (55,684) | 526 | (55,311) | 447 | 225 | - | 10,380 | | Net interest income | 264,707 | 106,462 | 423,249 | 37,752 | 1,540 | (376) | - | 833,334 | | Net interest income from external customers | 147,803 | 161,103 | 429,464 | 94,023 | 1,444 | (503) | - | 833,334 | | Intersegment net interest income | 116,904 | (54,641) | (6,215) | (56,271) | 96 | 127 | - | - | | Administrative expenses | (141,132) | (63,955) | (223,239) | (9,202) | (13,230) | (12,740) | - | (463,498) | | Depreciation and amortisation | (12,675) | (6,240) | (27,990) | (689) | (508) | (635) | - | (48,737) | | Reportable segment profit/(loss) before | 213,181 | 78,989 | 290,395 | 30,546 | (13,869) | (7,801) | - | 591,441 | | impairment and provision charge | | Other net gains/(losses) from equity | 1,072 | - | - | - | - | - | | 1,072 | | investments in associates and joint ventures | | Impairment and provisions charge | (32,592) | 7,909 | 1,124 | 4,757 | 3,729 | 973 | - | (14,100) | | Profit/(loss) before income tax | 181,661 | 86,898 | 291,519 | 35,303 | (10,140) | (6,828) | - | 578,413 | | Owners of the parent | 181,661 | 86,898 | 278,896 | 35,303 | (10,140) | (6,828) | - | 565,790 | | Non-controlling interests | - | - | 12,623 | - | - | - | - | 12,623 | | Income tax | | | | | | | (15,090) | (15,090) | | Profit for the year | | | | | | | | 550,700 | | Reportable segment assets | 3,778,767 | 3,376,370 | 11,058,835 | 7,232,457 | 47,097 | 435,940 | - | 25,929,466 | | Investments in associates and joint ventures | 12,519 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12,519 | | Reportable segment liabilities | 9,381,016 | 2,512,801 | 9,329,079 | 1,540,000 | 3,419 | 227,680 | - | 22,993,995 | | Additions to non-current assets | 19,775 | 9,826 | 40,239 | 505 | 4 | 4,099 | - | 74,448 | Segment reporting is presented in accordance with the strategy on the basis of the organisational structure used in management reporting of NLB Group’s results. NLB Group’s segments are business units that focus on different customers and markets. They are managed separately because each business unit requires different strategies and service levels. The business activities of the parent bank (NLB) are divided into several segments. Interest income and expenses are reallocated between segments on the basis of fund transfer prices (FTP). Other NLB Group members are, based on their business activity, included in only one segment except NLB Lease&Go, leasing, Ljubljana and Summit Leasing Slovenija, which are according to their business activities divided into two segments. N Banka is included as an independent legal entity in segment analysis for the year 2023 until 1 September 2023, when the legal and operational merger between N Banka and NLB was successfully completed. The segments of NLB Group are divided into core and non-core segments. The core segments are the following: • Retail Banking in Slovenia covers individuals and micro companies, asset management (NLB Skladi, Ljubljana), and the part of NLB Lease&Go, leasing, Ljubljana and Summit Leasing Slovenija, Ljubljana operating with retail clients, as well as the part of the result of the associated company Bankart. • Corporate and Investment Banking in Slovenia covers Key Corporate Clients, SMEs, Cross-Border Corporate Financing, Investment Banking and Custody, Trade finance, Restructuring and Workout, and the part of NLB Lease&Go, leasing, Ljubljana, and Summit Leasing Slovenija, Ljubljana operating with corporate clients. • Strategic Foreign Markets consist of strategic banks in the Group operating in the strategic markets (Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Montenegro), as well as the investment companies NLB Fondovi, Skopje and NLB Fondovi, Beograd, NLB DigIT, Beograd, and leasing companies NLB Lease&Go Skopje, NLB Lease&Go leasing Beograd, and Mobil Leasing, Zagreb. • Financial Markets in Slovenia include treasury activities and trading with financial instruments, while also presenting the results of asset and liability management (ALM). • Other activities include categories whose operating results cannot be allocated to specific segments, as well as NLB Cultural Heritage Management Institute, Real Estate entities from 2024 (the latter were previously in the non-core segment) and newly established company NLB Car&Go, Ljubljana. Non-Core Members include the operations of non-core NLB Group members, i.e. entities in liquidation, LHB, NLB Srbija, NLB Crna Gora, and SLS HOLDCO, Ljubljana. NLB Group is primarily a financial group, and net interest income represents the majority of its net revenues. NLB Group’s main indicator of a segment’s efficiency is net profit before tax. No revenues were generated from transactions with a single external customer that would amount to 10% or more of NLB Group’s revenues. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) 543 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report b) Geographical information Geographical analysis includes a breakdown of items with respect to the country in which individual NLB Group entities are located. | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | Revenues | | Net income | | Profit/(loss) before income tax | | Income tax | | | NLB Group | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Slovenia | 872,734 | 729,170 | 617,297 | 556,854 | 250,734 | 275,533 | (35,689) | 19,447 | | South East Europe | 770,095 | 663,042 | 626,954 | 538,752 | 356,653 | 305,507 | (42,196) | (34,525) | | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 119,925 | 104,460 | 100,789 | 85,158 | 47,928 | 40,677 | (3,913) | (3,467) | | Croatia | 2,914 | - | 3,039 | (557) | 189 | (527) | (336) | - | | Kosovo | 78,396 | 68,279 | 61,730 | 56,374 | 40,786 | 39,797 | (3,924) | (3,995) | | Montenegro | 68,936 | 62,625 | 56,720 | 51,658 | 33,562 | 32,032 | (4,989) | (5,502) | | North Macedonia | 126,627 | 111,599 | 105,436 | 90,233 | 76,479 | 49,895 | (9,903) | (4,910) | | Serbia | 373,297 | 316,079 | 299,240 | 255,886 | 157,709 | 143,633 | (19,131) | (16,651) | | Western Europe | 209 | 103 | 559 | (2,310) | 762 | (2,627) | (31) | (12) | | Germany | - | - | 29 | 51 | (160) | (402) | - | - | | Switzerland | 209 | 103 | 530 | (2,361) | 922 | (2,225) | (31) | (12) | | Total | 1,643,038 | 1,392,315 | 1,244,810 | 1,093,296 | 608,149 | 578,413 | (77,916) | (15,090) | The column ‘Revenues’ includes interest and similar income, dividend income, and fee and commission income. The column ‘Net Income’ includes net interest income, dividend income, net fee and commission income, the net effect of financial instruments, foreign exchange translation, the effect on the derecognition of assets, net operating income, cash contribution to resolution funds and deposit guarantee schemes, gains less losses from modification of financial assets, and gain less losses from non-current assets held for sale. | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | Non-current assets | | Total assets | | Number of employees | | | NLB Group | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 | | Slovenia | 212,961 | 160,574 | 15,554,251 | 14,851,067 | 2,856 | 2,689 | | South East Europe | 238,335 | 223,185 | 12,462,052 | 11,072,317 | 5,464 | 5,291 | | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 40,195 | 38,861 | 2,156,231 | 1,934,891 | 1,025 | 990 | | Croatia | 4,490 | - | 125,708 | 1,194 | 41 | 1 | | Kosovo | 13,571 | 13,810 | 1,426,811 | 1,229,426 | 478 | 468 | | Montenegro | 24,522 | 23,163 | 956,080 | 928,913 | 410 | 390 | | North Macedonia | 36,567 | 34,276 | 2,168,629 | 1,895,297 | 995 | 962 | | Serbia | 118,990 | 113,075 | 5,628,593 | 5,082,596 | 2,515 | 2,480 | | Western Europe | 10 | 27 | 19,064 | 18,601 | 2 | 2 | | Germany | 10 | 27 | 516 | 552 | - | - | | Switzerland | - | - | 18,548 | 18,049 | 2 | 2 | | Total | 451,306 | 383,786 | 28,035,367 | 25,941,985 | 8,322 | 7,982 | 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544 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report The table below presents data on NLB Group members before intercompany eliminations and consolidation journals: | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | Profit/(loss) before | | | | | | Revenues | | Net income | | income tax | | Income tax | | | NLB Group | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Slovenia | 1,155,998 | 909,550 | 860,643 | 704,971 | 525,573 | 511,693 | (34,802) | 28,958 | | South East Europe | 780,300 | 670,510 | 621,072 | 542,776 | 359,168 | 308,129 | (42,497) | (34,879) | | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 121,307 | 105,503 | 98,514 | 83,567 | 47,807 | 40,555 | (3,913) | (3,467) | | Croatia | 2,914 | - | 1,672 | (385) | 277 | (366) | (352) | - | | Kosovo | 78,654 | 68,468 | 59,608 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</svg>) 545 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 8 . Related-Party Transactions A related party is a person or entity that is related to NLB Group in such a manner that it has control or joint control, has a significant influence, or is a member of the key management personnel of the reporting entity. Related parties of NLB Group and NLB include: key management personnel (Management Board, other key management personnel and their family members); the Supervisory Board; companies in which members of the Management Board, key management personnel, or their family members have control, joint control, or a significant influence; or a major shareholder of NLB with significant influence, subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures. Related-party transactions with Management Board and other key management personnel, their family members and companies these related parties have control, joint control, or significant influence A number of banking transactions are entered into with related parties within regular course of business. The volume of related-party transactions and the outstanding balances are as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | Companies in which members | | | | | NLB Group | Management Board and other | | Family members of the | | of the Management Board, key | | | | | | Key management personnel | | Management Board and other | | management personnel or their | | Supervisory Board | | | | | | key management personnel | | family members have control, joint | | | | | | | | | | control, or a significant influence | | | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Loans issued | | | | | | | | | | Balance at 1 January | 1,855 | 2,173 | 444 | 469 | - | - | 24 | 54 | | Increase | 1,663 | 1,214 | 326 | 307 | - | - | 88 | 46 | | Decrease | (1,456) | (1,532) | (273) | (332) | - | - | (83) | (76) | | Balance at 31 December | 2,062 | 1,855 | 497 | 444 | - | - | 29 | 24 | | Interest income | 65 | 57 | 18 | 17 | - | - | 1 | 1 | | Deposits received | | | | | | | | | | Balance at 1 January | 2,367 | 2,556 | 1,153 | 926 | 272 | 218 | 417 | 348 | | Increase | 4,742 | 2,617 | 1,036 | 1,440 | 539 | 496 | 1,081 | 407 | | Decrease | (4,476) | (2,806) | (1,132) | (1,213) | (335) | (442) | (1,232) | (338) | | Balance at 31 December | 2,633 | 2,367 | 1,057 | 1,153 | 476 | 272 | 266 | 417 | | Interest expenses | (33) | (33) | (7) | (6) | - | - | (4) | (5) | | Other financial assets | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | | Other financial liabilities | 1 | 1 | - | - | 6 | 12 | - | - | | Other financial liabilities | | | | | | | | | | measured at fair value through | 4,960 | 2,075 | - | - | - | - | - | - | | profit or loss (note 2.32.) | | | | | | | | | | Other operating liabilities | 15,028 | 11,066 | - | - | - | - | - | - | | Guarantees issued and loan commitments | 302 | 287 | 79 | 64 | - | - | 23 | 14 | | Fee income | 22 | 19 | 9 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | | Other income | 21 | 16 | - | - | - | - | - | - | | Other expenses | - | - | - | - | (122) | (94) | (1) | (1) | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?>
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</svg>) 546 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | | | | | Companies in which members | | | | | NLB | Management Board and other Key | | Family members of the Management | | of the Management Board, key | | | | | | management personnel | | Board and other key management | | management personnel or their | | | | | | | | personnel | | family members have control, joint | | Supervisory Board | | | | | | | | control or a significant influence | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Loans issued | | | | | | | | | | Balance at 1 January | 1,854 | 2,172 | 444 | 469 | - | - | 24 | 54 | | Increase | 1,648 | 1,203 | 326 | 307 | - | - | 88 | 46 | | Decrease | (1,440) | (1,521) | (273) | (332) | - | - | (83) | (76) | | Balance at 31 December | 2,062 | 1,854 | 497 | 444 | - | - | 29 | 24 | | Interest income | 65 | 57 | 18 | 17 | - | - | 1 | 1 | | Deposits received | | | | | | | | | | Balance at 1 January | 2,357 | 2,536 | 1,153 | 926 | 272 | 218 | 417 | 348 | | Increase | 4,672 | 2,555 | 1,036 | 1,440 | 539 | 496 | 1,081 | 407 | | Decrease | (4,396) | (2,734) | (1,132) | (1,213) | (335) | (442) | (1,232) | (338) | | Balance at 31 December | 2,633 | 2,357 | 1,057 | 1,153 | 476 | 272 | 266 | 417 | | Interest expenses | (33) | (33) | (7) | (6) | - | - | (4) | (5) | | Other financial assets | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | | Other financial liabilities | 1 | 1 | - | - | 6 | 12 | - | - | | Other financial liabilities | | | | | | | | | | measured at fair value through | 4,960 | 1,975 | - | - | - | - | - | - | | profit or loss (note 2.32.) | | | | | | | | | | Other operating liabilities | 15,014 | 11,080 | - | - | - | - | - | - | | Guarantees issued and | | | | | | | | | | loan commitments | 295 | 279 | 79 | 64 | - | - | 23 | 14 | | Fee income | 22 | 19 | 9 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | | Other income | 21 | 16 | - | - | - | - | - | - | | Other expenses | - | - | - | - | (122) | (94) | (1) | (1) | Key management compensation The remuneration for the 2024 for the members of the Supervisory Board of NLB d.d. and the Management Board of NLB d.d. is regulated in Remuneration Policy for the Members of the Supervisory Board of NLB d.d. and the Members of the Management Board of NLB d.d. The remuneration for the identified employees and other employees is regulated in Remuneration Policy for employees of NLB d.d. and NLB Group. In the Remuneration Policy and based thereon and in accordance with Commission Delegated regulation (EU) 2021/923, the Bank designates identified employees. In designating identified employees, the internal organisation and the nature, scope, and complexity of the Bank’s activities are taken into account. The criteria fully take into account the risks that the Bank or the NLB Group is or could be exposed to its given risk profile and risk appetite. As identified employees under the Remuneration Policy are identified members of the Bank’s Supervisory Board, members of the Bank’s Management Board, senior management, and other identified employees identified as identified employees on the basis of the Bank’s annual self-assessment. Members of the Supervisory Board may, in relation to their function of a member of the Supervisory Board, receive only remuneration that is compliant with the relevant resolutions of the Bank’s General Meeting. The Supervisory Board members are entitled to a remuneration for performing their function for their membership in the Supervisory Board of the Bank and the committees of the Supervisory Board of the Bank, which are determined in accordance with respective applicable resolution by the General Meeting of the Bank, and to reimbursement of travel expenses and accommodation costs up to the amount provided by the regulations governing reimbursement of costs related to work and other income not included in the tax base. The Bank’s General Meeting may determine and change the remuneration of the members of the Supervisory Board independently from the Remuneration Policy, and may change, repeal, or replace any of its resolutions in relation to the remuneration of the Supervisory Board members at any time, or adopt a new resolution in relation to the remuneration of the Supervisory Board members. The last changes of the remuneration of members of the Supervisory Board were adopted at the General Meeting of NLB d.d. 19 June 2023. The performance of Management Board Members is defined by financial and non-financial criteria. In addition to the salary determined in their employment contract, other income and reimbursement of costs and other benefits, they are also entitled to a Performance Bonus which is divided into a short-term incentive (hereinafter: ‘STI’) and a long-term incentive (hereinafter: ‘LTI’). The Short-term Performance Criteria for STI and LTI consists of the financial goals of NLB ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 547 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Group, the goals in the areas covered by the individual Management Board Member, and the personal goals. To determine the performance of and individual member of the Management Board during the Subsequent Performance Period (LTI), the following targets are used: a) relative total shareholder return (RTSR); and b) goals that derive from the Bank’s long term strategy and that are related to the sustainability and development of the Bank and are linked to the promotion of organisational culture, employee development and customer relations (only for the chief risk officer the cost of risk are included in the targets). The objectives and performance assessment criteria for STI and LTI of each member of the Management Board shall be determined each year by the Supervisory Board NLB d.d. at the time of adoption of the Bank’s annual business plan. Also, the Supervisory Board of NLB d.d. confirms the objectives of the heads of control or supervisory functions and financial targets of NLB d.d. The objectives and performance assessment criteria for the identified employees are determined by the Management Board. Management Board members are entitled to a STI in the amount of a maximum of nine average gross monthly salaries of each member of the Management Board, and LTI for a single accrual period, which can amount to a maximum of three average gross monthly salaries of each member of the Management Board. Other identified employees are entitled to a variable part of remuneration according to the category of employee in the maximum amount of three to six salaries. Key management shall be entitled to a variable part of the performance benefit only in proportional part to the actual period of employment (duration of the term of office) of the Bank during the period to which the variable part of the performance benefit relates. The non-deferred part of variable remuneration is paid no later than three months after the adoption of the Annual Report of NLB Group for the business year to which the variable remuneration relates. Variable remuneration part of payment of an identified employee is awarded and paid in cash without deferral, provided that the amount does not exceed EUR 50 thousand or/and is higher than one-third of his/her total remuneration for each financial year, and if this is permissible in accordance with the relevant regulation. If the variable remuneration part of payment of an identified employee exceeds EUR 50 thousand or/and is higher than one-third of his/her total remuneration for each financial year and if this is permissible in accordance with the relevant regulation, then at least 50% of the variable remuneration must consist of instruments. The part of the variable remuneration of an identified employee consisting of instruments shall be awarded and paid under the terms and conditions in the valid Remuneration Policy in instruments whose value is based on the value of the share of NLB d.d. The instrument gives its holder yields equal to the dividends the NLB d.d.’s share gives its holder. The deferred part of the variable part of the salary must be deferred for a period of at least five years of the day on which the non-deferred part of such variable remuneration is paid, and it is paid in proportional shares (in fifths), according to the relevant legislation. The table below shows payments in presented periods: | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | NLB Group and NLB | Management Board | | Other key management | | Supervisory Board | | | | | | personnel | | | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Short-term benefits | 3,678 | 3,076 | 7,550 | 6,604 | 775 | 728 | | Cost refunds | 9 | 9 | 115 | 112 | 89 | 104 | | Long-term bonuses: | | | | | | | | - severance pay | - | - | 189 | 120 | - | - | | - other benefits | 17 | 53 | 178 | 163 | - | - | | - variable part of payments | 901 | 299 | 2,346 | 1,252 | - | - | | Total | 4,605 | 3,437 | 10,378 | 8,251 | 864 | 832 | Short-term benefits include: - monetary benefits (gross salaries, supplementary insurance, holiday allowances, and other bonuses); - non-monetary benefits (company cars, health care, residential facilities, etc.). The reimbursement of cost comprises food allowances, travel expenses, and use of own resources. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 548 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Payments to individual members of the Management Board | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | in EUR | | Member/Mandate | | 2024 | 2023 | | Blaž Brodnjak | Short-term benefits: | | | | 01.12.2012 | - gross salary and holiday allowance | 753,098 | 662,159 | | | - benefits and other short-term bonuses | 14,405 | 9,040 | | | Costs refunds | 1,452 | 1,490 | | | Long-term bonuses: | | | | | - other benefits | 2,904 | 2,904 | | | - variable part of payments | 241,055 | 92,854 | | | Total | 1,012,914 | 768,447 | | Peter Andreas Burkhardt | Short-term benefits: | | | | 18.09.2013 | - gross salary and holiday allowance | 678,405 | 552,167 | | | - benefits and other short-term bonuses | 48,283 | 46,318 | | | Costs refunds | 1,504 | 1,540 | | | Long-term bonuses: | | | | | - other benefits | 2,904 | 3,364 | | | - variable part of payments | 210,292 | 83,480 | | | Total | 941,387 | 686,869 | | Archibald Kremser | Short-term benefits: | | | | 31.07.2013 | - gross salary and holiday allowance | 718,973 | 632,159 | | | - benefits and other short-term bonuses | 35,699 | 33,364 | | | Costs refunds | 1,434 | 1,324 | | | Long-term bonuses: | | | | | - other benefits | 2,904 | 3,364 | | | - variable part of payments | 229,865 | 88,539 | | | Total | 988,875 | 758,750 | | Antonio Argir | Short-term benefits: | | | | 28.04.2022 | - gross salary and holiday allowance | 453,128 | 352,909 | | | - benefits and other short-term bonuses | 56,206 | 64,854 | | | Costs refunds | 1,431 | 1,515 | | | Long-term bonuses: | | | | | - other benefits | 2,904 | 37,140 | | | - variable part of payments | 73,114 | 34,047 | | | Total | 586,783 | 490,465 | | Andrej Lasič | Short-term benefits: | | | | 28.04.2022 | - gross salary and holiday allowance | 453,128 | 352,909 | | | - benefits and other short-term bonuses | 1,364 | 3,756 | | | Costs refunds | 1,387 | 1,469 | | | Long-term bonuses: | | | | | - other benefits | 2,904 | 3,364 | | | - variable part of payments | 73,114 | 34,047 | | | Total | 531,897 | 395,545 | | Hedvika Usenik | Short-term benefits: | | | | 28.04.2022 | - gross salary and holiday allowance | 453,128 | 352,909 | | | - benefits and other short-term bonuses | 12,336 | 13,234 | | | Costs refunds | 1,325 | 1,507 | | | Long-term bonuses: | | | | | - other benefits | 2,904 | 2,904 | | | - variable part of payments | 73,114 | 34,047 | | | Total | 542,807 | 404,601 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 549 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Payments to individual members of the Supervisory Board | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | | | in EUR | | Member/Mandate | | 2024 | 2023 | | Primož Karpe | Annual compensation | 110,400 | 103,680 | | 11.02.2016 | Other bonuses - benefit | 292 | 279 | | | Costs refunds | 12,364 | 9,300 | | David Eric Simon | Annual compensation | 43,211 | 87,480 | | 04.08.2016 - 17.06.2024 | Other bonuses - benefit | - | 279 | | | Costs refunds | 9,534 | 13,162 | | Shrenik Dhirajlal Davda | Annual compensation | 103,500 | 83,683 | | 10.06.2019 | Other bonuses - benefit | 292 | 279 | | | Costs refunds | 13,300 | 19,444 | | Mark William Lane Richards | Annual compensation | 93,150 | 87,480 | | 10.06.2019 | Other bonuses - benefit | 292 | 279 | | | Costs refunds | 11,984 | 18,141 | | Verica Trstenjak | Annual compensation | 38,410 | 73,254 | | 15.06.2020 - 17.06.2024 | Other bonuses - benefit | - | 279 | | | Costs refunds | 1,048 | 3,490 | | Sergeja Kočar | Annual compensation | 34,572 | 23,659 | | 17.06.2020 | Other bonuses - benefit | 292 | 279 | | | Costs refunds | 4,115 | 1,017 | | Islam Osama Bahgat Zekry | Annual compensation | 82,800 | 77,760 | | 14.06.2021 | Other bonuses - benefit | 292 | 279 | | | Costs refunds | 10,621 | 17,656 | | Tadeja Žbontar Rems | Annual compensation | 54,265 | 44,774 | | 22.01.2021 | Other bonuses - benefit | 292 | 279 | | | Costs refunds | 1,292 | 309 | | Cvetka Selšek | Annual compensation | 86,020 | 30,102 | | 15.08.2023 | Other bonuses - benefit | 292 | 279 | | | Costs refunds | 2,431 | 2,580 | | André Marc Richard Prudent Toccanier | Annual compensation | 93,150 | 33,063 | | 15.08.2023 | Other bonuses - benefit | 292 | 279 | | | Costs refunds | 11,126 | 6,773 | | Luka Vesnaver | Annual compensation | 20,930 | - | | 30.09.2024 | Other bonuses - benefit | 292 | - | | | Costs refunds | 1,463 | - | | Natalia Olegovna Ansell | Annual compensation | 12,190 | - | | 08.11.2024 | Other bonuses - benefit | - | - | | | Costs refunds | 9,660 | - | | Gregor Rok Kastelic | Annual compensation | - | 38,025 | | 10.06.2019 - 19.06.2023 | Other bonuses - benefit | - | - | | | Costs refunds | - | 4,527 | | Andreas Klingen | Annual compensation | - | 42,250 | | 22.06.2015 - 19.06.2023 | Other bonuses - benefit | - | - | | | Costs refunds | - | 7,917 | 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550 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Related-party transactions with subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | NLB Group | Associates | | Joint ventures | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Loans issued | | | | | | Balance at 1 January | 10 | 1,057 | - | 201 | | Increase | 119 | 1,161 | - | 2 | | Decrease | (117) | (2,208) | - | (203) | | Balance at 31 December | 12 | 10 | - | - | | Interest income | - | 63 | - | 1 | | Impairment | - | 825 | - | 6 | | Deposits received | | | | | | Balance at 1 January | 6,168 | 5,375 | 1,451 | 3,071 | | Effects of translation of foreign operations to presentation currency | - | - | 4 | (3) | | Increase | 6,753 | 10,378 | 3,338 | 6,902 | | Decrease | (2,588) | (9,585) 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</svg>) 551 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | NLB | Subsidiaries | | Associates | | Joint ventures | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Loans issued | | | | | | | | Balance at 1 January | 458,684 | 337,900 | 10 | 982 | - | 201 | | Increase | 1,466,812 | 660,088 | 119 | 1,161 | - | 2 | | Decrease | (575,225) | (539,304) | (117) | (2,133) | - | (203) | | Balance at 31 December | 1,350,271 | 458,684 | 12 | 10 | - | - | | of which at amortised cost | 1,345,680 | 450,213 | 12 | 10 | - | - | | of which at fair value through profit or loss | 4,591 | 8,471 | - | - | - | - | | Interest income | 38,472 | 19,938 | - | 63 | - | 1 | | Impairment | (1,651) | 11 | - | 861 | - | 6 | | Valuation | 658 | 1,231 | - | - | - | - | | Deposits | | | | | | | | Balance at 1 January | 21,762 | 223,492 | - | - | - | - | | Increase | 1,646,007 | 1,120,256 | - | - | - | - | | Decrease | (1,605,441) | (1,321,986) | - | - | - | - | | Balance at 31 December | 62,328 | 21,762 | - | - | - | - | | Interest income | 1,337 | 985 | - | - | - | - | | Impairment | - | 43 | - | - | - | - | | Other equity instruments | | | | | | | | Balance at 1 January | - | - | - | - | - | - | | Increase | 19,930 | - | - | - | - | - | | Balance at 31 December | 19,930 | - | - | - | - | - | | Loans received | | | | | | | | Balance at 1 January | - | 13,001 | - | - | - | - | | Increase | 330,057 | 36,887 | - | - | - | - | | Decrease | (330,057) | (49,888) | - | - | - | - | | Balance at 31 December | - | - | - | - | - | - | | Interest expenses | (1,924) | (24) | - | - | - | - | | Deposits received | | | | | | | | Balance at 1 January | 104,949 | 165,778 | 6,168 | 5,375 | 395 | 40 | | Increase | 93,033,722 | 87,107,211 | 6,753 | 10,378 | 94 | 418 | | Decrease | (92,978,089) | (87,168,040) | (2,588) | (9,585) | (56) | (63) | | Balance at 31 December | 160,582 | 104,949 | 10,333 | 6,168 | 433 | 395 | | Interest expenses | (6,136) | (5,205) | - | - | - | - | | Derivatives | | | | | | | | Fair value | 2,090 | 54 | - | - | - | - | | Contractual amount | 206,739 | 298,290 | - | - | - | - | | Interest income | 101 | 25 | - | - | - | - | | Interest expenses | (474) | (208) | - | - | - | - | | Other financial assets | 3,092 | 2,058 | 7 | 7 | - | - | | Impairment | - | 3 | - | - | - | - | | Other financial liabilities | 4,545 | 4,615 | 1,394 | 1,340 | - | - | | Guarantees issued and loan commitments | 100,348 | 87,094 | 28 | 30 | - | - | | Income/(expenses) provisions for guaranties and commitments | 120 | (76) | - | 2 | - | - | | Received loan commitments and financial guarantees | 11,103 | 10,741 | - | - | - | - | | Fee income | 15,309 | 10,632 | 8 | 8 | - | - | | Fee expenses | (4) | (5) | (15,240) | (12,698) | - | - | | Other income | 2,366 | 1,959 | 42 | 43 | 2 | 2 | | Other expenses | (6,352) | (5,087) | (820) | (1,137) | - | - | | Gains less losses from financial assets and liabilities held for trading | 2,811 | (1,898) | - | - | - | - | 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) 552 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Related-party transactions with major shareholder with significant influence The volumes of related party transactions with major shareholder are as follows: | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | | NLB Group | | NLB | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Loans issued | | | | | | Balance at 1 January | 13,384 | 17,595 | 13,384 | 17,595 | | Increase | 2,670 | 2,731 | 2,670 | 2,731 | | Decrease | (1,941) | (6,942) | (1,941) | (6,942) | | Balance at 31 December | 14,113 | 13,384 | 14,113 | 13,384 | | Interest income | - | 713 | - | 713 | | Investments in securities | | | | | | Balance at 1 January | 577,529 | 564,287 | 516,926 | 473,389 | | Exchange difference on opening balance | 103 | (27) | - | - | | Acquisition of subsidiaries | - | - | - | 33,617 | | Increase | 448,959 | 550,561 | 393,686 | 409,682 | | Decrease | (287,713) | (548,065) | (209,996) | (410,346) | | Valuation | 9,583 | 10,773 | 8,341 | 10,584 | | Balance at 31 December | 748,456 | 577,529 | 708,957 | 516,926 | | Interest income | 12,825 | 7,131 | 11,543 | 5,692 | | Interest expenses | - | (21) | - | (21) | | Other financial assets | 113 | 65 | 113 | 65 | | Other financial liabilities | 60 | 20 | 60 | 20 | | Guarantees issued and loan commitments | 1,681 | 1,466 | 1,681 | 1,466 | | Fee income | 1,174 | 574 | 1,174 | 574 | | Fee expenses | (27) | (28) | (27) | (28) | | Other income | 250 | 272 | 250 | 272 | | Other expenses | (5) | (5,009) | (5) | (5,009) | | Gains less losses from financial assets and liabilities not measured at fair value through profit or loss | - | (656) | - | (656) | | Gains less losses from financial assets and liabilities held for trading | 19 | - | 19 | - | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiIHN0YW5kYWxvbmU9Im5vIj8+CjwhRE9DVFlQRSBzdmcgUFVCTElDICItLy9XM0MvL0RURCBTVkcgMS4xLy9FTiIKImh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnL0dyYXBoaWNzL1NWRy8xLjEvRFREL3N2ZzExLmR0ZCI+Cjxzdmcgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDE4MTggMTI4NiIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIj4KPGRlZnM+CjxzdHlsZSB0eXBlPSJ0ZXh0L2NzcyI+PCFbQ0RBVEFbCi5nMF81NTN7CmZpbGw6ICMyMzAwNzg7Cn0KLmcxXzU1M3sKZmlsbDogbm9uZTsKc3Ryb2tlOiAjMjMwMDc4OwpzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg6IDMuMDU1OwpzdHJva2UtbGluZWNhcDogcm91bmQ7CnN0cm9rZS1saW5lam9pbjogcm91bmQ7Cn0KLmcyXzU1M3sKZmlsbDogI0U5RTlFQTsKfQouZzNfNTUzewpmaWxsOiBub25lOwpzdHJva2U6ICMyMzAwNzg7CnN0cm9rZS13aWR0aDogMC43NjM7CnN0cm9rZS1taXRlcmxpbWl0OiAxMDsKfQouZzRfNTUzewpmaWxsOiBub25lOwpzdHJva2U6ICMyMzAwNzg7CnN0cm9rZS13aWR0aDogMy4wNTU7CnN0cm9rZS1taXRlcmxpbWl0OiAxMDsKfQouZzVfNTUzewpmaWxsOiBub25lOwpzdHJva2U6ICMyMzAwNzg7CnN0cm9rZS13aWR0aDogMy4wNTc7CnN0cm9rZS1taXRlcmxpbWl0OiAxMDsKfQouZzZfNTUzewpmaWxsOiBub25lOwpzdHJva2U6ICNBN0E4QUE7CnN0cm9rZS13aWR0aDogMC4zODE7CnN0cm9rZS1taXRlcmxpbWl0OiAxMDsKfQpdXT48L3N0eWxlPgo8L2RlZnM+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xNTAwLjYsMTEzLjdjMzcuNywwLDY4LjIsLTMwLjYsNjguMiwtNjguMmMwLC0zNy43LC0zMC41LC02OC4xLC02OC4yLC02OC4xYy0zNy43LDAsLTY4LjIsMzAuNCwtNjguMiw2OC4xYzAsMzcuNiwzMC41LDY4LjIsNjguMiw2OC4yWiIgY2xhc3M9ImcwXzU1MyIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMTUwMC42LDEzOTkuOWMzNy43LDAsNjguMiwtMzAuNSw2OC4yLC02OC4yYzAsLTM3LjcsLTMwLjUsLTY4LjIsLTY4LjIsLTY4LjJjLTM3LjcsMCwtNjguMiwzMC41LC02OC4yLDY4LjJjMCwzNy43LDMwLjUsNjguMiw2OC4yLDY4LjJaIiBjbGFzcz0iZzBfNTUzIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xNjA2LjgsMTE2My4ybC0xMy43LDEwLjd2MTYuOGMwLC44LC4zLDEuNiwuOSwyLjJjLjUsLjUsMS4zLC44LDIuMSwuOGgyMS40Yy44LDAsMS42LC0uMywyLjIsLS44Yy41LC0uNiwuOSwtMS40LC45LC0yLjJ2LTE2LjhsLTEzLjgsLTEwLjdabS00LjYsMzAuNXYtMTUuMmg5LjJ2MTUuMm0tMTAuNywtMTI1LjhsLTcuNiwtNy43bDcuNiwtNy42bTEwLjcsMTUuM2wtNy42LC03LjdsNy42LC03LjZtMzcuOCwxNS4zbDcuNywtNy43bC03LjcsLTcuNm0tMTAuNywxNS4zbDcuNywtNy43bC03LjcsLTcuNiIgY2xhc3M9ImcxXzU1MyIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNODgzLjUsMzA4aDEyOS45djIxLjdIODgzLjVWMzA4Wm0wLDIxLjhoMTI5Ljl2MjEuN0g4ODMuNVYzMjkuOFoiIGNsYXNzPSJnMl81NTMiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTExNDkuOCwzMDhoMTI5Ljl2MjEuN0gxMTQ5LjhWMzA4Wm0wLDIxLjhoMTI5Ljl2MjEuN0gxMTQ5LjhWMzI5LjhaIiBjbGFzcz0iZzJfNTUzIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDI0OS41SDg3N20wLDBoNi41bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDYuNW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzNfNTUzIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDI3MS4ySDg3N20wLDBoNi41bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDYuNW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45TTkwLjksMzA4SDg3N202LjUsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjltNi41LDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45TTkwLjksMzI5LjhIODc3bTYuNSwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOW02LjUsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnNF81NTMiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksMzUxLjVIODc3bTAsMGg2LjVtMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoNi41bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnNV81NTMiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTg4My41LDQ2MC45aDEyOS45djIxLjdIODgzLjVWNDYwLjlabTI2Ni4zLDBoMTI5Ljl2MjEuN0gxMTQ5LjhWNDYwLjlaTTg4My41LDQ4Mi42aDEyOS45djIxLjdIODgzLjVWNDgyLjZabTI2Ni4zLDBoMTI5Ljl2MjEuN0gxMTQ5LjhWNDgyLjZaTTg4My41LDUwNC4zaDEyOS45VjUyNkg4ODMuNVY1MDQuM1ptMjY2LjMsMGgxMjkuOVY1MjZIMTE0OS44VjUwNC4zWk04ODMuNSw1MjZoMTI5Ljl2MjEuOEg4ODMuNVY1MjZabTI2Ni4zLDBoMTI5Ljl2MjEuOEgxMTQ5LjhWNTI2Wk04ODMuNSw1NDcuOGgxMjkuOXYyMS43SDg4My41VjU0Ny44Wm0yNjYuMywwaDEyOS45djIxLjdIMTE0OS44VjU0Ny44WiIgY2xhc3M9ImcyXzU1MyIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNOTAuOSw0NjAuOUg4NzdtNi41LDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTYuNSwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOSIgY2xhc3M9Imc0XzU1MyIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNOTAuOSw1MDQuM0g4NzdtNi41LDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTYuNSwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOU05MC45LDUyNkg4NzdtNi41LDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTYuNSwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOSIgY2xhc3M9Imc2XzU1MyIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNOTAuOSw0ODIuNkg4NzdtNi41LDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTYuNSwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOSIgY2xhc3M9Imc0XzU1MyIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNOTAuOSw1NDcuOEg4NzdtNi41LDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTYuNSwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOSIgY2xhc3M9Imc2XzU1MyIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNOTAuOSw0MDIuM0g4NzdtMCwwaDYuNW0wLDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGg2LjVtMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOSIgY2xhc3M9ImczXzU1MyIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNOTAuOSw0MjRIODc3bTAsMGg2LjVtMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoNi41bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnNF81NTMiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksNTY5LjVIODc3bTAsMGg2LjVtMCwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoNi41bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnNV81NTMiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTExNDkuOCw2NzguOWgxMjkuOXYyMS43SDExNDkuOFY2NzguOVptMCwyMS43aDEyOS45djIxLjdIMTE0OS44VjcwMC42Wm0wLDIxLjdoMTI5LjlWNzQ0SDExNDkuOFY3MjIuM1ptMCwyMS43aDEyOS45djIxLjhIMTE0OS44Vjc0NFoiIGNsYXNzPSJnMl81NTMiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksNjc4LjlIMTE0My4zbTYuNSwwaDEyOS45bTAsMGgxMjkuOSIgY2xhc3M9Imc0XzU1MyIvPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNOTAuOSw3MjIuM0gxMTQzLjNtNi41LDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzZfNTUzIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDYyMC4zSDExNDMuM20wLDBoNi41bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnM181NTMiLz4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTkwLjksNjQySDExNDMuM20wLDBoNi41bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjlNOTAuOSw3MDAuNkgxMTQzLjNtNi41LDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzRfNTUzIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDc0NEgxMTQzLjNtNi41LDBoMTI5LjltMCwwaDEyOS45IiBjbGFzcz0iZzZfNTUzIi8+CjxwYXRoIGQ9Ik05MC45LDc2NS44SDExNDMuM20wLDBoNi41bTAsMGgxMjkuOW0wLDBoMTI5LjkiIGNsYXNzPSJnNV81NTMiLz4KPC9zdmc+) 553 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB Group and NLB disclose all transactions with the major shareholder with significant influence. For transactions with other government-related entities, NLB Group discloses individually significant transactions with exposure above EUR 40 million and their business accounts balances. | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | NLB Group and NLB | Amount of significant transactions | | Number of significant transactions | | | concluded during the year | | concluded during the year | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Guarantees issued and loan commitments | - | 50,000 | - | 1 | | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | NLB Group and NLB | Year-end balance of all | | Number of significant transactions | | | significant transactions | | at year-end | | | | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | | Loans | 386,762 | 406,005 | 6 | 10 | | Debt securities measured at amortised cost | 63,912 | 64,132 | 1 | 1 | | Borrowings, deposits and business accounts | 40,159 | 30,399 | 1 | 3 | | Guarantees issued and loan commitments | 105,546 | 152,500 | 3 | 2 | | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | | in EUR thousands | | NLB Group and NLB | Effects in income statement | | | during the year | | | | 2024 | 2023 | | Interest income from loans | 16,364 | 18,489 | | Fees and commissions income | 55 | 51 | | Interest income from debt securities measured at amortised cost and net valuation effects from hedge accounting | 2,151 | 2,411 | ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) 554 NLB Group Annual Report 2024 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report 9 . Events After the Reporting Date Senior Preferred Bonds On January 21, 2025, NLB issued senior preferred bonds in a total nominal value of EUR 500 million, 4NC3 tenor, and ISIN code XS2972971399. Subordinated Bonds On February 5, 2025, NLB conducted a tender offer for the repurchase of outstanding Tier 2 subordinated bonds, with approaching call dates and ISIN code XS2113139195, in the amount of EUR 10.5 million. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 555 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB Group Directory Nova Ljubljanska banka d.d., Ljubljana Trg republike 2 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Tel: +386 1 476 39 00, +386 1 477 20 00 E-mail: info@nlb.si www.nlb.si Slovenian network Area Branch Ljubljana Trg republike 2 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Area Branch Northwest and Central Slovenia Ljubljanska cesta 62 1230 Domžale, Slovenia Area Branch East Slovenia Titova cesta 2 2000 Maribor, Slovenia Area Branch Northeast Slovenia Rudarska cesta 3 3320 Velenje, Slovenia Area Branch Southeast Slovenia Seidlova cesta 3 8000 Novo mesto, Slovenia Area Branch Southwest Slovenia Cesta Zore Perello - Godina 7 6000 Koper, Slovenia Private Banking Trg republike 2 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Micro Enterprises Trg republike 2 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Mobile Banking Trg republike 2 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Small and Mid-Corporates Central Slovenia Trg republike 2 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Northwest region Ljubljanska cesta 62 1230 Domžale, Slovenia Primorsko-Goriška region Cesta Zore Perello - Godina 7 6000 Koper, Slovenia Podravsko-Pomurska region Titova cesta 2 2000 Maribor, Slovenia Savinjsko-Koroška region Kocenova 1 3000 Celje, Slovenia Dolenjsko-Posavska region Seidlova cesta 3 8000 Novo mesto, Slovenia CSA & Cross-Border Financing Trg republike 2 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Large Corporates Institutional Investors Trg republike 2 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Large Corporates Trg republike 2 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Investment Banking and Custody Trg republike 2 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Trade Finance Services Trg republike 2 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Members of NLB Group NLB Komercijalna Banka AD Beograd Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 165v 11070 New Belgrade, Serbia E-mail: kontakt.centar@nlbkb.rs www. nlbkb.rs NLB Banka AD Skopje Vodnjanska 1 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia E-mail: info@nlb.mk www.nlb.mk NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka Milana Tepića 4 78000 Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina E-mail: nlbinfo@nlb-rs.ba www.nlb-rs.ba ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 556 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB Banka d.d., Sarajevo Ul. Koševo br. 3 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina E-mail: info@nlb.ba www.nlb.ba NLB Banka sh.a., Prishtina Rr. Ukshin Hoti nr. 124 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo E-mail: qendrakontaktuese@nlb-kos.com www.nlb-kos.com NLB Banka a.d., Podgorica Bulevar Ivana Crnojevića 171 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro E-mail: info@nlb.me www.nlb.me NLB DigIT d.o.o., Beograd Omladinskih brigada 90b 11070 New Belgrade, Serbia E-mail: office@nlbdigit.rs www.nlbdigit.rs NLB Lease&Go, leasing, d.o.o., Ljubljana Šlandrova ulica 2 1231 Ljubljana - Črnuče, Slovenia E-mail: info@nlbleasego.si www.nlbleasego.si NLB Lease&Go, d.o.o., Skopje Vodnjanska 1 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia E-mail: info@nlbleasego.mk www.nlbleasego.mk NLB Lease&Go Leasing d.o.o. Beograd Mihajla Pupina 165v (prvi sprat) 11070 New Belgrade, Serbia E-mail: office@nlbleasego.rs www.nlbleasego.rs NLB Car&Go d.o.o., Ljubljana Šlandrova ulica 2 1231 Ljubljana - Črnuče, Slovenia SLS HOLDCO, d.o.o., Ljubljana Flajšmanova ulica 3 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Summit Leasing Slovenija d.o.o., Ljubljana Flajšmanova ulica 3 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia E-mail: info@summit-leasing.si www.summit-leasing.si Mobil Leasing d.o.o. Kovinska ulica 5 10000 Zagreb, Croatia E-mail: info@mobil-leasing.hr www.mobil-leasing.hr NLB MUZA Cultural Heritage Management Institute, Ljubljana Čopova ulica 3 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia www.nlb-muza.si Prvi faktor d.o.o., v likvidaciji, Ljubljana Slovenska cesta 17 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Prvi faktor – faktoring d.o.o., Beograd – u likvidaciji Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 165v 11070 New Belgrade, Serbia Prvi faktor d.o.o. u likvidaciji, Zagreb Miramarska cesta 24 10000 Zagreb, Croatia E-mail: info@prvifaktor.hr NLB InterFinanz AG in Liquidation, Zürich Beethovenstrasse 48 8002 Zürich, Switzerland E-mail: info@nlbinterfinanz.ch NLB InterFinanz d.o.o., Beograd – u likvidaciji Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 165v 11070 New Belgrade, Serbia NLB Skladi, upravljanje premoženja, d.o.o., Ljubljana Tivolska cesta 48 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia E-mail: info@nlbskladi.si www.nlbskladi.si NLB Fondovi a.d., Beograd Svetogorska 42 11000 Belgrade, Serbia E-mail: info@nlbfondovi.rs www.nlbfondovi.rs NLB Fondovi AD Skopje Blvd. Partizanski odredi 14A-1/2 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia E-mail: info@nlbfondovi.mk www.nlbfondovi.mk Bankart d.o.o., Ljubljana Celovška cesta 150 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia E-mail: info@bankart.si www.bankart.si LHB Aktiengesellschaft, Frankfurt am Main Silberbornstrasse 14 D-60320 Frankfurt, Germany PRO-REM d.o.o., Ljubljana – v likvidaciji Čopova 3 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia E-mail: info@prorem.si www.nlbrealestate.com NLB REAL ESTATE d.o.o., Podgorica Bul. Džordža Vašingtona br. 102, I. sprat/20 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro E-mail: info@nlb-re.com www.nlbrealestate.com OL Nekretnine d.o.o. u likvidaciji, Zagreb Miramarska 24/6 10000 Zagreb, Croatia ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 557 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB REAL ESTATE d.o.o., Beograd Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 165v 11070 New Belgrade, Serbia E-mail: office@nlbre.rs www.nlbrealestate.com NLB Srbija d.o.o., Beograd Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 165v 11070 New Belgrade, Serbia E-mail: office@nlbsrbija.co.rs www.nlbsrbija.co.rs NLB Crna Gora d.o.o., Podgorica Bulevar Džordža Vašingtona 102, II sprat/38 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro NLB REAL ESTATE d.o.o., Ljubljana Čopova 3 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia E-mail: info@nlb-re.com www.nlbrealestate.com ARG – Nepremičnine d.o.o. Vrhniška cesta 30 1354 Horjul, Slovenia Branches and Representative Offices of NLB Group members outside their country of residence NLB InterFinanz AG in Liquidation Ljubljana Branch in liquidation Puharjeva ulica 3 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 558 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report Definitions and Glossary of Selected Terms AC Amortised Costs AIB Associations of Issuing Bodies AJPES Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Public Legal Records and Related Services ALCO Asset and Liability Committee ALM Asset and Liability Management ALMM Additional Liquidity Monitoring Metrics AML/CTF Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing AMLD Anti-Money Laundering Directive Articles of Association Articles of Association of the NLB d.d. ARSO Slovenian Environmental Agency AT1 Additional Tier 1 capital AuM Assets under Management AVA Additional Valuation Adjustments BAM Bosnian Convertible Mark BCM Business Continuity Management BCP Business Continuity Plans BEV Battery electric vehicles BIA Business Impact Analysis BiH Bosnia and Herzegovina BMR Benchmarks Regulation BoS Bank of Slovenia bps Basis Points BPV Basis Point Value BSCC British-Slovenian Chamber of Commerce CAPEX Capital Expenditure CB Central Bank CBA Collective bargaining agreements CBCR Country-by-Country Reporting CBR Combined Buffer Requirement CCF Credit Conversion Factor CCYB Countercyclical Capital Buffer CEE Central Eastern Europe CEO Chief Executive Officer CER Sustainable Business Network of Slovenia CET1 Common Equity Tier 1 capital CEU Energy efficiency centre CFO Chief Financial Officer CGU Cash-Generating Units CGPO Chief Group Governance, Payments and Innovations Officer CIR Cost-to-Income Ratio CISO Chief Information Security Officer CMO Chief Marketing Officer CoR Cost of Risk ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 559 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report CRD Capital Requirements Directive CRE Commercial Real Estate CRM Customer Relationship Management CRO Chief Risk Officer CRR Capital Requirements Regulation CSA Credit Support Annex DSCR Debt Service Coverage Ratio CSD Central Security Depository CSR Corporate Social Responsibility CSRD Corporate Sustainable Reporting Directive CTO Chief Transformation Officer CVA Credit Value Adjustments DAC 6 EU Council Directive 2011/16 DEFRA Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs - UK DEI Diversity, equity and inclusion DGS Deposit Guarantee Scheme DMA Double Materiality Assessment DORA Digital Operational Resilience Act DPO Data Protection Officer DT Deferred Tax DTA Deferred Tax Asset DWH Data Warehouse EAD Exposure at Default EAF Electric Arc Furnaces EaR Earnings at Risk EBA European Banking Authority EBRD European Bank for Reconstruction and Development ECB European Central Bank ECL Expected Credit Losses ECRA Enterprise Compliance Risk Assessment eDMS electronic Document Management System EEA European Economic Area EF Emission factor EFRAG European Financial Reporting Advisory Group EIB European Investment Bank EPC Energy Performance Certificate EPS Earnings Per Share ESEF European Single Electronic Format E&S Environmental and Social ESG Environmental, Social and Governance ESMS Environmental and Social Management System ESRS European Sustainability Reporting Standards EU European Union EURIBOR Euro Interbank Offered Rate EU Taxonomy Regulation (EU) 2020/852 EV Electric vehicle EVE Economic Value of Equity EVS European Valuation Standards ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 560 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report EWS Early Warning System EYKA Education Camp for Financial Literacy FATCA Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act FCA Financial Conduct Authority FDI Foreign Direct Investment FTE Full Time Equivalent FTP Fund Transfer Pricing FURS Financial Administration of the Republic of Slovenia FVOCI Fair Value Through Other Comprehensive Income FVTPL Fair Value Through Profit or Loss FX Foreign Exchange FY Financial Year GAR Green Asset Ratio GBF Green Bond Framework GDP Gross Domestic Product GDPR General Data Protection Regulation GDR Global Depositary Receipts GenAI Generative Artificial Intelligence General Meeting General Meeting of Shareholders of NLB d.d. GFANZ Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero GGB Government Guaranteed Bonds GHG Greenhouse gases GLWF Green Light World Flight GPA General Provisions of the Agreement GRI Global Reporting Initiative – Sustainability Reporting Standards GWP AR5 Global warming potential – Fifth Assessment Report HEV Hybrid electric vehicles HHI Herfindahl-Hirschman Index HR Human Resources HQ Headquarters HQLA High-quality liquid assets HVAC Heating, ventilation and airconditioning IAS International Accounting Standard IASB International Accounting Standards Board IBOR Interbank Offered Rate ICAAP Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process ICAO The International Civil Aviation Organization ICE Internal Combustion Engine Vehicle ICMA International Capital Market Association ICT Information and Communication Technology IEA International Energy Agency IFRIC International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee IFRS International Financial Reporting Standard IJS Institute Jožef Stefan ILAAP Internal Liquidity Adequacy Assessment Process ILO International Labour Organization IPCC The Intergovnmental Panel on Climante Change IRB Internal ratings-based ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 561 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report IRRBB Interest Rate Risks for Banking Book IRO Impacts, risks and opportunities IRS Interest Rate Swaps ISDA International Swaps and Derivatives Association ISIN International Securities Identification Number IVS International Valuation Standards JST Joint Supervisory Team KB Komercijalna Banka KDD Central Securities Clearing Corporation KPI Key Performance Indicator KRI Key Risk Indicators KYC Know Your Client LCP Liquidity Contingency Plan LCR Liquidity Coverage Ratio LECL Lifetime Expected Credit Losses LGD Loss Given Default LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate LJSE Ljubljana Stock Exchange LPD Lifetime Probability of a Default LRE Leverage Ratio Exposure LSE London Stock Exchange LTD Loan-to-Deposit Ratio LTI Long-Term Incentive LTV Loan-to-Value LULUCF The Regulation on land, land use change and forestry (EU) 2018/841 M&A Mergers and Acquisitions MA Master Agreements Management Board or MB Management Body of NLB d.d. MDA Maximum Distributable Amount MEEM Multi-Period Excess Earnings Method MiFID II Markets in Financial Instruments Directive MIGA Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency MPM Management-Defined Performance Measures MREL Minimum Requirement of Own Funds and Eligible Liabilities MS Mid-swap NACE Statistical Classification of Economic Activities in the European Community NBRNM National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia NCV Net caloric value NFC Non-Financial Corporation NFRD Non-Financial Reporting Directive (2014/95/EU) NGW Negative Goodwill, i.e. Gains from Bargain Purchase NII Net Interest Income NLB or the Bank NLB d.d. NLB Group The Group or Group NPE Non-Performing Exposures NPL Non-Performing Loans NPS Net Promoter Score ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 562 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NPV Net Present Value NSFR Net stable funding ratio NZBA Net-Zero Banking Alliance NZE Net zero emissions OBM Operational Business Margin OCI Other Comprehensive Income OCR Overall Capital Requirement OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development OECD CRS OECD Common Reporting Standards OEM Original Exposure Method OHS Occupational health and safety management system OPEX Operational Expenditure O-SII Other Systemically Important Institutions OU Organisational Units PACI Partnering Against Corruption Inititave PCAF Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials PHEV Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle p.p. 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</svg>) NLB Group Annual Report 2024 564 Overview MB Statement SB Statement Key Highlights Business Report Strategy Risk Factors & Outlook Performance Overview Segment Analysis NLB Group Key Members Risk Management Sustainability Statement Financial Report NLB d.d., Ljubljana nlb.si NLB d.d. Production: Saatchi & Saatchi Ljubljana Photographs: Barbara Zajc, Iztok Lazar, Matko Mioč, iStock Archive of NLB and Archives of Sports Associations and Clubs All rights reserved: NLB d. d., Ljubljana Ljubljana, April 2025 NLB Group is committed to safeguarding the environment and to reducing printing and paper usage in our every process. Leading by example, this report is prepared in digital form only. We invite our stakeholders to join us in our safeguarding efforts and not print any copy of this report.