The following is a statement from Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) president Abdullah Ocalan, which was released via his lawyers from Imrali Prison on March 18, 1999.

To the members of the media:

Following discussions with our client, Abdullah Ocalan, on the island prison of Imrali, we would like to release a statement to the media and the public. We are convinced that careful consideration should be given to this statement in the interest of the inner peace of the country.

Sincerely, Ahmet Zeki Okcuoglu M. Selim Okcuoglu Irfan Dundar Niyazi Bulgan

Statement From PKK Leader Abdullah Ocalan

It is a very serious matter, the fact that all my statements are distributed in press and media organs with great distortions and misunderstandings. Because we are presently in a phase when everyone is called upon to act in a responsible manner. The media reports concerning my condition are not correct. I especially object to those statements and actions which could lead to a Turkish versus Kurdish conflict. So I would like to make clear my actual situation and position:

a) The line which was followed since the ceasefire in September 1993 was given a further expression in the ceasefire announced on September 1, 1998. I have a duty to stand behind the statements and points expressed during this phase. During my time in custody, I have made it clear to the authorities that this will be the basis of my defense in court. It is of the utmost importance that these points be objectively reported in the media, commentaries, discussions, and other press reports. This has nothing to do with my imprisonment or freedom. This is a concrete expression of the PKK's understanding of a democratic-peaceful political process. This understanding, which is implicitly directed at the state, must become the core of all political and diplomatic activities. It is not acceptable that these are being ignored. I believe that this approach is still correct and valid, at least until the end of Turkey's elections. For this reason, I would like to stress that it is very important that the elections on April 18th take place in a free and democratic atmosphere.

b) The basis of the ceasefire of September 1st must be considered by all involved parties.

c) A broad struggle for brotherhood and sisterhood, peace, and democracy must be the foundation of all activities inside and outside the country. We want a real peace and a real democracy in Turkey. My struggle is a struggle for a strong peace and democracy; it is a struggle between those who seek peace and democracy in Turkey, and those who do not want this.

d) If Turkey takes a positive attitude towards the protection of legal securities and takes steps towards a legal and political solution, this would create historic opportunities.

e) Against this background, I call on all the nations of Europe, and the civilized world and democratic public opinion, to realize their historical responsibility and make concrete the decisions passed by the European Parliament on February 25, 1999.

A solution based on the unity and independence of Turkey, which would guarantee peace and real democracy and create conditions for the peaceful coexistence of all peoples in peace, is also our innermost wish.

Sincerely, I make this statement to the public and the press.

Abdullah Ocalan, Imrali Prison

(Source: Solidariteitsgroep Turkije-Kurdistan ; Translated by Arm The Spirit)