Dr Makram Khoury-Machool

Dr.makramkhoury@gmail.com
Trumpington, Cambridge CB2

Mr David Pickard
Director
BBC Proms
URGENT
By email: david.pickard@bbc.co.uk

31.07.2018

Dear Mr Pickard,

Re: An illegal flag by ‘Syrian children’ in the BBC Proms

It came to my attention that the BBC is running a promo within the framework of the BBC
Proms focusing on the ‘Syrian refugee children’ apparently performing a poem they have
written to be performed at this year’s BBC performance, which is “part of a project by the
literary charity English PEN, called Brave New Voices.”

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/entertainment-arts-44980425/bbc-proms-i-m-making-my-
dreams-real

It is of grave concern that in the above-mentioned promo, one of the children covers himself
with an illegal flag used (normally in the last seven years of war on Syria) by separatist and
terrorist groups. In a later/second shot in the promo, the illegal flag appears to have been
hanging at full length on the lectern, which is on the podium in the main Royal Albert Hall.

May I kindly bring to your attention the following:

1) The Syrian Arab Republic has been an original member state of the UN since 1945.
2) The Syrian Arab Republic has its legally designated and recognised flag, which is not
the one presented in your promo.
3) The Syrian Arab Republic holds sovereign rights equal to all other members.
4) Although the British embassy in Damascus and the Syrian one in London are
temporarily closed, the relationship has never been severed nor has the UK recognised
any other party but the legitimate current Syrian government.
5) The flag of the Syrian Arab Republic has been displayed on the London-based Syrian
embassy throughout and until this very moment.

1
 Dr Makram Khoury-Machool
Dr.makramkhoury@gmail.com
Trumpington, Cambridge CB2

The BBC and BCC Proms are therefore requested to:

a) Stop immediately showing the promo in its current edition/version (in all
languages) with immediate effect.

b) Make sure to cancel any plans that would allow the band to perform in the presence
of the fake flag. Such act would be an illegal misrepresentation of reality and would
be an infringement of international law.

c) Showing and displaying the fake flag in the promo and/or performing live under the
fake flag would not only be illegal but also would most probably foster extremism,
generate incitement and radicalisation as it is the flag, which has been held also by
extremist violent organisations who have been branded as terrorists’ organisations
by the UN.

I kindly expect your acknowledgment of this letter and request your response to the
issues raised above by no later than Friday 03rd August 2018.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Makram Khoury-Machool