EXHIBIT 99.1


FOR  IMMEDIATE  RELEASE
-----------------------


                    MERCER ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION OF TRUSTEE

NEW  YORK,  New  York,  December  16,  2003  -  Mercer  International  Inc. (the
"Company") (Nasdaq: MERCS, TSX:MRI.U) announces that R. Ian Rigg has resigned as
a  trustee  of the Company.  The resignation of Mr. Rigg was not the result of a
disagreement  with  the  Company on any matter.  Jimmy S.H. Lee, Chief Executive
Officer  and  President  of  the  Company,  commented:  "I  want  to  express my
appreciation for Ian's contributions to the Company and wish him the best in his
future  endeavours."


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Contact:

     Jimmy  S.H.  Lee/David  M.  Gandossi
     (41)  43  344-7070
          or
     Financial  Dynamics
     Investors:  Eric  Boyriven/Paul  Johnson
     (212)  850-5600

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