---------------------------------------------------------------------------- AKIN News - December 1995 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PKK Chair Abdullah Ocalan Declares A Unilateral Cease-Fire On the Kurdish MED-TV programme shown on December 14, 1995, PKK Chair Abdullah Ocalan responded to the European Parliament's appeal for the Turkish government and Kurdish representatives to find a "non-violent and political solution" to the conflict by declaring a unilateral cease-fire. Here we publish the edited text of his speech translated from Turkish. If the approaching elections in Turkey are to have any meaning, if a solution to the Kurdish question, from which all problems originate, is to be found, if we are talking about a role for politics, if politics is to find a sensible solution to problems, if terrorism, and consequently, the PKK is being held responsible for both the economic stagnation and redundancy of politics, we wish to take this opportunity to explain what we want to do about a resolution of the Kurdish question and how we see our responsibilities. We respect the decision taken by the European Parliament yesterday concerning the finding of a political solution through dialogue with the PKK and other concerned bodies. To help put this decision into effect and fulfill our responsibilities, we have also decided to bring about an end to the long conflict between the Kurdish parties in South Kurdistan and declared a unilateral cease-fire and halt our military actions in Turkey. In order to demonstrate that the war waged by Turkey, which has caused such great distress to both the Kurdish and Turkish peoples, cannot resolve these problems, and that it is pointless to continue such a war which closes the door to all developments, we consider it is of crucial importance to take such a step and declare a cease-fire. Conditions Of The Cease-Fire This cease-fire has nothing to do with the fact that it is now winter or with any military weakness. We have accomplished considerable military development in South Kurdistan and we have established firm guerrilla bases in many strategic areas of Kurdistan. We are the strongest guerrilla movement in the south and the only one in the north, there can be no doubt about that. Our decision to declare a cease-fire is not a sign of military weakness and we have not lost strength politically either. As can be seen in the resolution of the European Parliament, we have entered a period of growing strength in which we have developed relations with many countries. We have broken the isolation despite their efforts to prevent this. Turkey, on the other hand, has found itself in a tight corner due to the war it is waging. Anyone with the slightest common sense can see that neither Turkey's domestic or foreign policy is functioning any longer on account of the Kurdish question, human rights, and similar issues. For this reason, we have decided to take this political step which we believe also serves the interests of the Turkish people. At the end of 1995, we could resolve this war with a political solution. If the Turkish army does not attempt to destroy us, we will not undertake military operations in either Kurdistan or Turkey. We will try to implement this unilateral cease-fire as of tomorrow. If the Turkish forces attempt to destroy us, we will defend ourselves and also broaden our use of the right of retaliation. We are particularly well-intentioned on this point. If military operations are curtailed and if this convinces us, then we will be able to intensify this process. I re-iterate, this is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary it is a sign of our confidence in ourselves and of our intention to accelerate the search for a political solution, which is our preference. We hope this point will be well understood in Turkey by the parties involved in the election and the general public. People should realize that if they are deceived and say "they are finished, they are calling a truce because they have been weakened", they will only intensify their predicament. It should be the duty of every Turkish patriot and democrat to oppose this war, which is being promoted by a few generals and governors who do not want to lose their posts and a handful of warmongers who profit from it. The Role Of The Customs Union Turkey has now joined the Customs Union. Therefore the European Parliament is bound to take responsibility for the resolutions it has passed. If the European Parliament does not want war and is sincere on the question of a political solution, it should take steps along the lines of its resolution. It should exert its political and economic weight in particular. It should make its financial aid dependent on democratization. If it cannot do this, it must realize that every penny will be spent on the dirty war. The European Parliament must not allow itself to be used by Turkey. If they cannot ensure that Turkey accepts the cease-fire, their financial gains will be used to slaughter our people. We are aware that Turkey is in a difficult situation. Regardless of whether Turkey wishes to use the excuse of having to negotiate with so-called "terrorists", the decisive question is, as the whole world knows, does Turkey really want a political resolution to the Kurdish question or not. If I am a 'terrorist', or the PKK is 'terrorist', there are other Kurdish circles which are not. If they won't talk to us then let them talk with those Kurds who have nothing to do with 'terror'. What about meeting with these Kurdish circles? Are they terrorists too? The Situation In Turkey And The Election The early general election in Turkey is being held in winter conditions. In Kurdistan in particular the electoral process will be difficult to accomplish. Another fact is that close to three million Kurdish voters have been forced to leave their constituencies. We have witnessed three elections like this: in 1987, 1991, and now 1995. These dates have been consciously chosen in order to slow down demands for democratization and a peaceful resolution of the Kurdish question. In the past it was forbidden to participate in the elections with a Kurdish identity, but in 1991 some Kurdish deputies entered parliament through various alliances and blocs. As you know, these Kurdish MPs were not allowed to participate in the assembly. Therefore this election, too, is far from being democratic. Yet despite this, we have decided to support the "Labor, Peace, and Freedom Bloc", representing the Kurdish and Turkish peoples' democratic preference, in order to defeat the efforts of the warlords and not leave the field to them. Despite the repression, opinion polls show the Bloc is leading in Kurdistan. It is also clear that in Turkey, workers, Alevis, and public servants are showing interest in this front. We believe that in spite of the lack of preparation, these elections will provide an opportunity for democratic forces to make an impression. There are two fronts in this election. One is the war front, the other is the peace and freedom front. We want everyone in favor of democracy, peace, and freedom to support this front, and for people to expose the war front. Those who have supported it until now, if only unwittingly, must realize the truth and make their preferences known for peace, labor, and freedom on December 24. Will Turkey accept the call for a cease-fire? I do not think the militarist government in Turkey will consider our call for a cease-fire with a cool head. In any case, as I emphasized earlier, our aim is not to invite this government to take up the challenge. If it responds, this will be positive, but if it doesn't, the present deep crisis will deepen further as a result of the election. Our call is aimed more at the public in Turkey, the majority of whom do not trust the political parties and have not yet decided which one to support in the elections. We expect the people of Turkey to realize what is going on. A dirty war is being waged against our peoples. We want the Turkish people to see through the lies that are being propagated by means of the accusations of "terrorism". This is why we are declaring a unilateral cease-fire. It is of the utmost importance to demonstrate clearly that we approach the Kurdish question within the borders of Turkey and also that we wish to achieve a settlement through democratic methods. The Turkish people are being bombarded by psychological propaganda. In the runup to the elections, some of the parties have stated they will adopt a new stance. For example, Mesut Yilmaz has begun to speak like Ozal during in his last period. He says he will resolve the question in four years. Although Yilmaz's track record does not give grounds for such a hope, we cannot just claim he is insincere and ignore him. If he does not take the Kurdish question to a resolution, he will be finished as he was four years ago. Yilmaz should learn from the example of the CHP (Republican People's Party). The CHP has had it because of its hypocritical Kurdish policy. We will expose Erbakan and demonstrate that he will not be able to trick people by misusing the Islamic identity. We have also made this call in order to force people to think in the ten days before the election. May people speak out more courageously and express the need for a political solution. We have made our call so that the people may make their preference in favor of peace, labor, and freedom, not militarism. The Responsibility Of The EU And The European States Europe is a party to the war in Kurdistan. Germany, Britain, and France in particular are providing a considerable amount of military and economic aid to Turkey. In the beginning, the European Parliament tied Turkey's membership (in the Customs Union) to a political resolution of the Kurdish question and democratization in general. However, the MEPs were unable to resist the pressure of their governments and abandoned their initial opposition. I say to them: Turkey is now a member of the Customs Union and it is showing absolutely no regard for human rights and democracy. It doesn't even recognize a people's identity and it is carrying out a war of genocide. Why are you giving such limitless support to the Turkish regime? This is what must be explained. You, too, have now taken the war in Kurdistan under your control. From now on, this conflict will be played out predominantly between ourselves and Europe. Europe should not underestimate us. It must not lay the blame on the PKK in a partial manner as it has up to now. We do not want to be hostile to Europe but Europe must at least not violate its own principles and understanding of democracy. They need Turkey's market but human rights violations should concern Europe as much as economic interests. If this does not materialize then not only Islamic fundamentalism but all the peoples of the Middle East, first and foremost the Kurdish people, will understand your real aims and take initiatives that will really put you in difficulties. This should not be understood as a threat. If you continue to give unlimited support to Turkish militarism, we will have the right to make our own decisions. If this cease-fire does not receive a response then Europe will not be able to view Turkey as a market or tourist paradise. It must realize that it will be transformed into a hell. I must state once again that we are able to make comprehensive plans for war just as we can make serious plans for peace. International Dimension There is a definite international dimension to our cease-fire. The USA, Europe, and some other countries have made proposals for a solution. Iran is also a power in the region and is renewing its Kurdish policy. There is also a strong chance of developing our relations with Russia. We have received signals along these lines. We are still deliberately being labeled as terrorists. We wish to demonstrate who is the real terrorist, who wants a political solution and peace and who insists on war and massacre. It is also evident that there is a link between the cease-fire in the north and that in the south. All these developments prove that a new period has begun, during which the balance of forces will change. We have therefore developed a policy accordingly. The cease-fire is not just a short term tactic. It is a tactic to pave the way for the strategy of peace and democracy and a political solution. But we will not accept unconditional surrender. The other side must at least enter into a political dialogue. Why do they refuse talking to us? I only want to put our aims to the people in Turkey. If the people don't accept us, I will honor their decision. Why is this fact ignored? Those who understand democracy should realize this. They should also understand that the repression suffered by the Kurds also affects the Turks. The life and wealth of our peoples should not be sacrificed to the interests of warmongers and bureaucrats. If the European Parliament cannot convince Turkey to end the war, it means that the $3 billion in aid it has provided will constitute a significant war fund and that it will be a partner to the war being waged against our people. Up to now, individual European countries have been financing the war. As of now the European Parliament will be party to the conflict. Since the European Parliament accepted Turkey as a member it must take responsibility for what Turkey does, and it must take action to stop the war. We want peace and political dialogue. Abdullah Ocalan, Chair of the PKK MED-TV, December 14, 1995 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- America Arms Turkey's Repression Turkey lags behind only Israel and Egypt in receipt of American military aid. Washington has approved $7.8 billion in military sales to Turkey in the last decade, and has provided grants or loans to cover most of it. This year, unless dramatic events take place in the current House-Senate conference, Turkey will get $320 million in American credits to finish production - in Turkey - of F16 fighters planes. Washington now provides 85% of Turkey's arms imports and 90% of its military aid. Despite the efforts of Senator Patrick Leahy, Democrat of Vermont, and Rep. John Porter, Republican of Illinois, to curtail aid, Congress has not yet managed to block or place conditions on substantial amounts of Turkish military aid. The New York Times, October 17, 1995 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Award For Leyla Zana Leyla Zana was awarded the annual Bruno-Kreisky Human Rights Award which was received on her behalf by lawyers for the Democracy Party (DEP). In the past year, Leyla Zana has received the Aachen Peace Prize and the Rose Peace Prize. Ozgur Politika, October 1, 1995 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Turkey Protests Turkey said yesterday that the European Parliament's decision to give its 1995 Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought to a jailed Kurdish MP did not do credit to the award. Leyla Zana, awarded the prize in Thursday, is serving a 15-year term for involvement with the Kurdistan Workers Party. The Guardian, November 11, 1995 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Turkey Border Plan U.S. officials announced a joint plan to help Turkey improve security along its border with Iraq. A network of heat sensors and observation posts will be erected to stem the flow of Kurdish rebels from Iraq. Jane's Defence Weekly, November 11, 1995 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- October 26 Demonstration To Free Kani Yilmaz On October 26, the anniversary of his arrest, about 700 Kurds gathered outside No. 10 Downing Street in London to demand the release of ERNK European Representative Kani Yilmaz. John Austin-Walker MP, Nejdet Buldan, member of the Kurdistan Parliament in Exile, and Halkevi chairman Nafiz Bostanci delivered a protest letter from the Kurdish community in London to Prime Minister John Major. Here we also print Kani Yilmaz's message on the occasion of the first anniversary of his arrest: "As you are already familiar with my case you will be aware of the way in which political interests have directed the course of events. The clearest expression of this is the way Britain detained me without any justification and Germany demanded that I be put on trial without any evidence. In the German indictment it clearly states that I have no connection with the incidents mentioned but wants me tried on account of my membership in the PKK and ERNK, something which I am proud of. The brutal Turkish army, police, special forces, and paramilitary gangs have ruined my country. President Abdullah Ocalan and the Kurdistan Workers Party seek peace and have issued calls for dialogue and a political solution in order to prevent further bloodshed. Turkey's response has been to destroy villages, depopulate the country, and resort to killing and torture. I am being held in the most restrictive conditions and I expect this situation to come to an end even if it costs me my life. I shall continue to defend the legitimate demand for freedom of my people, who are experiencing such pain. You are friends of my people and humanity, I hope you will step up your efforts on our behalf." Kurdistan Information Centre, October 26, 1995 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Turkish human rights monitors and lawyers slam changes to Article 8 Turkish human rights monitors and lawyers have slammed changes to the restrictive law on freedom of expression, Article 8, charging the reforms will not stop people from going to jail for things they say or write. "This is just a trick, a type of cosmetic change that will not protect us from being punished for our thoughts," said Akin Birdal, head of the independent Human Rights Association (IHD) in Turkey. "The changes are nonsense, a joke, it's like make-up that doesn't fit," said Mehmet Ali Birand, host of an influential public affairs television program. The changes also will not affect the estimated 100 additional people human rights groups say are in prison for stating their views, such as Turkish sociologist Ismail Besikci, sentenced to a total of 103 years in prison for books and articles on the Kurds. Reuters, October 29, 1995 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Kurdistan Parliament In Exile Met In Moscow The Kurdistan Parliament in Exile met in Moscow for a three-day session organized by a Russian parliamentary committee, its third session since its inauguration on April 12, 1995. "We are guests of the Russian parliament," Darwich Hasso, a KPE member, said. A committee of the state Duma (Russian lower house) had organized the session at their request. "No one can exercise pressure on us here. In addition, Russians and Kurds have historically been very close," Hasso said. The parliament last met for a four-day session in Vienna, Austria, in August. The elected 65-seat assembly draws its members from all exiled Kurds. Turkey protested to Russia about the meeting. "This development has cast a shadow over Turkish-Russian relations and we see this as something injurious," foreign ministry spokesman Omer Akbel said in a statement. Reuters, October 31, 1995 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deserter Substantiates Allegations Against Turkey New evidence has arisen which suggests that German weapons are being used by Turkey in its fight against the Kurds: a Kurdish asylum-seeker in Bremen claims he was in a special unit of the Turkish army in 1991/92 and that he rode in a former East German panzer when deployed against Kurds. The federal government has denied that panzers supplied as part of a military agreement with Turkey were ever used against Kurds. Hans-Eberhard Schultz, lawyer for the 28-year-old Kurd, said in an interview with the Frankfurter Rundschau that his client was a soldier stationed in Mardin at the time. With an East German BTR-60 panzer, he fired at the mountains when shots from alleged rebels were heard. He said BTR-60 panzers were also used during attacks on Kurdish villages. In 1992, the man deserted from the army while on vacation so that he would no longer have to fire upon his own people. Frankfurter Rundschau, September 22, 1995 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Turkish Human Rights Activist Honored The German Judges' Union (DRB) sharply criticized mistreatment and torture in Turkish prisons as well as the suppression of freedom of expression in Turkey while handing out its 1995 Human Rights Award. Union chief Rainer Voss criticized the excessive use of charges of "separatism" and "separatist propaganda" by state security courts in Turkey. This year's DRB Human Rights Award was given to Turkish lawyer Husnu Ondul. Ondul is a lawyer in Ankara and was one of the founders of the Human Rights Association (IHD) and the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey, which operates centers for victims of torture. A total of seven political indictments have been filed against Ondul; during one visit to the Kurdish regions, his delegation was even fired upon. In his acceptance speech, Ondul mentioned his murdered colleagues: Metin Can, head of the Human Rights Association in Elazig, and Sevket Epozdemir, head of the Human Rights Association in Tatvan. He accepted the prize in the name of all those people in prison in Turkey because of their work on behalf of the Human Rights Association. Suddeutsche Zeitung, September 26, 1995 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Solidarity Committee with Kurdish Political Prisoners" Founded In Germany A committee aiming to provide solidarity, visits, legal assistance, and other needs to Kurdish political prisoners in Germany has been set up in Stuttgart. The committee issued a press release stating that in the last two years close to 100 Kurds had been remanded in custody, 41 still being in prison, 7 of whom have been charged under Paragraph 129(a) of the German Penal Code for alleged membership of a terrorist organization. Ozgur Politika, December 6, 1995 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- American Kurdish Information Network (AKIN) 2309 Calvert Street NW #3 Washington, DC 20008-2603 Tel: (202) 483-6444 Fax: (202) 483-6476 E-mail: akin@kurdish.org Web: http://burn.ucsd.edu/~akin ----------------------------------------------------------------------------