Re: “Risky business,” by Trevor Howell, Cover, July 17-23, 2008.

You published an article, “Risky business,” discussing Talisman Energy’s investment in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq. While this article attempts to be a balanced piece of journalism, it is unfortunate the cover image used for the issue detracts from your readers’ understanding of the facts. It is not clear to me why you felt you needed to bring attention to what is a widely read weekly paper in such a substandard way.

It is clear the artist who designed your cover didn’t read the article to which it refers. The article details the relative stability of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) as well as accolades from independent observers regarding Talisman’s commitment to corporate responsibility in its operations worldwide. These are the same principles applied to our activities in KRG and which work to ensure our business is conducted in a safe, ethically, socially and environmentally responsible manner.

Talisman’s agreement with the KRG, the region’s recognized local authority, includes commitments to transparency and human rights. The transaction also includes $220 million capacity building payments to be used for sorely needed social infrastructure in the region, like schools and hospitals.

Talisman is proud of our record on corporate and social responsibility. We are a participant in the United Nations Global Compact and are included in the Dow Jones Sustainability (North America) Index. Talisman is the first Canadian company to join the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights Plenary Group.

Teri Keyser,

Media Relations

Talisman Energy Inc.