Dear Rahim Baggal Asgari,

Here is the requested letter....

FECO is 20 years old this year. During that time it has grown from a Europe-based organisation to a truly world-wide one. FECO was started by a small group of cartoonists from Belgium, Holland and the UK who saw that cartooning was a universal language that easily crossed borders and the barriers of language. They foresaw that cartoonists should be able to join together through this common language. Together they could promote their art form to the public and raise the profile and esteem of cartoonists in the public's eyes.

Time has proved them to be right. Twenty years later the membership of FECO continues to grow at an increasing rate.

We have chosen the motto "Drawing the world together". There are two meanings of this expression and both apply to FECO. The first meaning is that between us the cartoons we draw cover the problems and pleasures of the world - some with serious intent and others to make fun and amuse. The other meaning is to "draw together", in other words to unite - to unite cartoonists together across the globe through the practice and display of their art.

FECO provides the common point of contact between its members and is the thread of the web that joins us all.

We are very pleased that many excellent Iranian cartoonists are supporting FECO through the FECO Iran. Internationally it is well-known that cartoon art is strong in your country.

FECO welcomes news of up-coming cartoon events which it will include on its website (www.fecoweb.org) and in its 2-monthly electronic newsletter, FECONEWS Bulletin. Twice a year we publish the printed FECONEWS Magazine which includes reports, photographs and cartoons of events that have happened. We review the rules of cartoon contests from the point of view of fairness to cartoonists in the way their artworks and their publication rights are respected. We then give the contests a FECO rules rating. This has had a positive effect on several contest regulations.

I will be ending my term as FECO President General at the end of June 2005, when I hand over the position to the well-known and respected German cartoonist, Marlene Pohle. She will steer FECO through its next four years. I hope you will give Marlene your strong support as she seeks to expand FECO further in the future, as I am sure the cartoonists of Iran have a great deal to contribute to the aims of FECO and to share with fellow members around the world.

I send you my very best wishes.

Roger Penwill FRSA
FECO President General