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OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

DON SIEGELMAN

GOVERNOR

STATE CAPITOL

600 DEXTER AVENUE, ROOM N-104

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36130

(334) 242-7100

FAX:  (334) 242-0937

STATE OF ALABAMA

October 24, 2001

Mr. John Bekrakis

400 Lakeshore Drive

Birmingham, AL 35209-6710

Dear John:

Thank you for your recent  letter regarding the two proclamations regarding Turkey that were issued by my office and subsequently retracted. I am pleased to provide the following.

            The proclamation issued from my office August 8, 2001, titled  "Day of Remembrance of the Turkish Tragedy for Liberation to Sovereignty and Independence," and the amended proclamation issued August 28, 2001, titled "Day of Remembrance of the Tragedies of Citizens of Asia Minor and the Independence Day of the Republic of Turkey," were retracted due to historical inaccuracies.

In an attempt to correct the historical inaccuracies of the first proclamation, Nick Sellers, director of my Policy Office, sought advice from individuals considered knowledgeable on these issues. Upon final review of both documents by historians of Balkan history, it has been determined that both documents were historically incorrect. As a result, both were retracted.

Our original intention was to honor Turkish Alabamians for their contribution to our state, showing the respect and honor for all Americans of ethnic descent who have made so many positive contributions to our great country. We regret any pain that may have been caused to Hellenes, Armenians, and Assyrians world-wide due to historical inaccuracies in the proclamations of August 8 and August 28 and the misinformation reported by the Turkish media. 

DS/me/ke

                                                                        Sincerely,

                                                                        (Signed)

                                                                        Don Siegelman

                                                                        Governor

action@hec.greece.org

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