-LETTERHEAD- Transmeridian Exploration, Inc. 397 N. Sam Houston Pkwy., E, Suite 300 Houston, TX 77060 January 23, 2003 Mr. H Roger Schwall Securities and Exchange Commission 450 Fifth Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20549 Re: Transmeridian Exploration, Inc.'s Withdrawal of Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed on September 26, 2002, as amended November 18, 2002 File No. 333-100120 Mr. Schwall: Pursuant to Rule 477 under the Securities Act of 1933, Transmeridian Exploration, Inc. (the "Company") hereby respectfully requests the withdrawal of its above-referenced Registration Statement on Form SB-2, together with all exhibits thereto, filed with the SEC on September 26, 2002 and amended on November 18, 2002. No sales of securities were made in connection with this Registration Statement. Very truly yours, Jeff S. Tucker Assistant Secretary