Personal request

["Ibrahim Barham" <ibrahim_barham@safad.com>]

Dear Board,

During the last several days I have been closely watching the Board and
PITA mailing list discussions that are talking place regarding the issue of
the
accusations of corrupt procurement of IT products within the PNA.  I was
extremely disturbed to find the name of HP, a PITA member, being accused
of wrong doing without any justification.

I have three points regarding this issue:

1.  I find it unfortunate that a PITA member can so easily be accused of
such
a serious wrongdoing without any sound arguments.  More over, the mere
fact that, we as local firms, who market international brands are being
questioned by our fellow members for the accused actions of our brand
manufacture is a dangerous precedent.  Worst of all, our fellow member HP
has been put on trial, not by our legal system, but rather by the PITA
mailing
list.  This is unfair and premature.

2.  Given my position as President of PITA and given that my firm
distributes
HP products, and thus may be confused by some of being the same HP
entity that was mentioned in the PITA mailing list, I would like to be
excluded
from any Board discussions regarding this issue.  Based on our by-laws, and
in the spirit of total transparency and accountability,  I do would rather
leave
this specific issue to the PITA Board to manage.   I am fully confident that
the PITA Board will provide the guidance necessary to secure the rights of
all
members as well as take action on any member that violates our by-laws.  I
will continue to fully execute my role as President and, with your
permission,
will only excuse myself from any discussions regarding this issue.

3.  Having stated the above, I would like to note that if any member, or
non-
member for that matter, is proved to be involved in any corrupt practices I
will
be the first to denounce them and do all in my power to make sure they are
stopped.

I hope the above pro-active approach to this sensitive issue will lead to a
speedy remedy to this unfortunate incident.  Lastly, please feel free to
share
this letter with our members so everyone is aware of the professionalism of
PITA and its Board.

Best regards,

Ibrahim Barham, President
PITA