Ocalan: I am bearing for the peace

Ozgur Politica

(Ozgur Politica is a pro PKK punblication in Turkish)
(Translated Text)

Jan 7, 2001

PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan described his isolation conditions in a statement as follows:

"My prison conditions are heavier than F-type cells. I had only one hour visiting time in 21
days. I am under surveillance for 24 hour even when I am sleeping. I have one radio having
only one channel. No TV. I can not exchange any publication or material. My conversation
with my lawyers is limited. We have to discuss very important subjects in half an hour.
Therefore, I am not able to send necessary messages expected by the public."

Ocalan said that although there is no physical abuse against him, his existent conditions
burdens great psychological pressure on him. Ocalan said: "Although I have being under
heavy conditions, I did not show this to the people. I could also have done death fast. But I
did not for the sake of peace and brotherhood. I did not to prevent the possible provocation. I
am living under these conditions for two years. This is a self-sacrifice. This should be
understood well both by state and public. I will continue to make sacrifices."

Stating his sadness due to the death of several prisoners during the prison raids, Ocalan said
that the problem had to be solved before this point. Ocalan expressed his condolences to the
families of the victims.

The fundamental principle is democratic union

Giving statement about the attacks in southern Kurdistan, Ocalan said new concepts could
be developed in the region with Bush administration. He said : Alliance problem could come
to the agenda again. This could cause new alliances and searches. Democratic union is the
fundamental principle for the PKK. PKK will behave accordingly. PKK will defend itself
strongly against the attacks aimed at its annihilation." Stating that Turkish army?s entrance
to the southern Kurdistan will not serve the peace and brotherhood, Ocalan stated that this
would endanger the peace in the region. "We are ready to cooperate with any force accepting
democratic union as base. We are supporting to solve the problems peacefully and
democratically without thinking separatism," said Ocalan.

Defining the decision of ECHR to accept the case as positive, Ocalan said that he
specifically found important the acceptance of article 5 by the ECHR. Ocalan said he will
give detail information about this kidnap in the court.

PKK leader celebrated everyone?s new year in his message. Ocalan said: I congratulate
everyone?s eid and new year. I hope in this year democracy and brotherhood will emerge in
this land.?

I gave big importance to Baksi?s friendship

Expressing his sadness due to death Mahmut Baksi, Ocalan offered his condolences to
Baksi?s family and Kurdish people. He said: "I learned Mahmut Baksi?s death with a great
pain. I had found very meaningful our meeting in Rome years later. I gave big importance to
his friendship. He never gave up his struggle even in exile. I offer my condolences to Kurdish
people and his family."
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The Kurdistan Observer
www.kurdistanobserver.com