Here is a copy of a note that I sent to Mr Hunter and his cohort regarding his wildly false statements about Dr. Hawass. I have yet to get a reply and consider the matter to be closed:
Dear Larry and Amargi,
I request that you do post this note to your "Viewer's
Comments" website. I am writing because I am outraged at your false reports
concerning Zahi Hawass. I was just in Giza from March 20 - April 7, 1998 and I spent quite
a bit of time with Dr. Hawass.
Dr. Hawass has always welcomed me into his office, and has always been
completely forthcoming with any questions that I've asked of him. He has toured the Giza
plateau with me extensively, and has shown me the many ongoing projects on and around the
plateau and the Sphinx. He has always allowed me to take ANY photographs that I requested,
and has never barred my access from any place, either on the plateau, or within the
pyramids, tombs or Sphinx. I know a lot about Giza and its many sites, including its local
population, and Dr. Hawass has never hid anything from me or given me answers which were
inconsistent with those of the credible locals. Simply, he knows more about that area than
almost anyone else in Egypt and is always willing to be completely candid when queried.
The rumors of his dismissal as Director General of Giza are simply untrue and ridiculous. I notice that you do not mention the name of the so-called Egyptian "official" who has supposedly ordered his resignation. The fact is that no such resignation has been ordered, and even more ridiculous is your assertion that Dr. Hawass has been moved to the Sound and Light area. Whether you choose to believe it or not, Dr. Hawass is a serious archaeologist who has done a great deal to help to preserve the plateau and the monuments. His work has prevented the progressive deterioration of the tombs, pyramids and Sphinx. His credentials are numerous and extremely impressive. He has dedicated his life to the monuments and the history of the area. I have found that he would be extremely willing to revise his views if any REAL evidence is uncovered in the area. Although he has had a high media profile, the man still remains engaged in active fieldwork, and is still highly respected all over Egypt.
Other officials that I met with only have the greatest respect for Zahi including Dr. Gaballa Ali Gaballa, Farouk Hosni, Dr. El-Beltagui and various other high level Directors and officials.
If you want to learn facts about Dr. Hawass, then do your research in a more responsible way. Have the decency to present BOTH sides of the story. Since your wild accusations are untrue, at least also show the public his real credentials so that they may make a more informed decision about his character, credibility, accomplishments and experience.
Because I personally admire the work and dedication of Dr. Hawass, I have amassed responsible and updated information about him and created a website which features his REAL background and credentials, as well as other relevant information about the man, his competence, his position and his work. This can be seen at:
I have asked Zahi for the info for this site, he has not sought me out for the job, nor do I have any vested interest in his character or his work.
PLEASE, do the decent thing, and if you insist on spreading untrue and actually slanderous accusations, at least also have the decency to print my note and post the URL of the new website that I've just mentioned. This way people can weigh all the information and not just wild rumors, gossip and hearsay. I challenge you to print my note and URL, and I await your reply.
Sincerely,
Andrew Bayuk
Guardian@guardians.net
Guardian's Egypt:
http://guardians.net/egypt/