October 3, 2001

STATEMENT BY THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR DON SIEGELMAN REGARDING TURKISH PROCLAMATIONS ISSUED IN AUGUST

As has been recently stated, the proclamation issued from the Office of the Governor on August 8^th, 2001, entitled ‘Day of Remembrance of the Turkish Tragedy for Liberation to Sovereignty and Independence,’ and the amended proclamation issued August 28^th 2001, entitled ‘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, the Policy Director of the Office of the Governor sought advice from some individuals considered knowledgeable on these issues. Upon final review of both documents by historians of Balkan history of the time period referenced in the proclamations, it has been determined by the Policy Director of the Office of the Governor that both documents are historically incorrect, and therefore were retracted.

The original intention was to honor Turkish Alabamians for their contribution to our state showing the respect and honor for all Americans of ethnic descent that have made positive contributions to our great country.

The Governor’s Office regrets any pain that may have been caused to Hellenes, Armenians, and Assyrians world-wide due to historical inaccuracies in the proclamations of August 8^th and August 28^th, and due to the misinformation reported by the Turkish media.  The Governor’s Office’s considers its involvement in this matter to be over.