Subject: Flash Bulletin!!!
From: Internationale Initiative (info@freedom-for-ocalan.com)
Date: Fri Oct 06 2000 - 07:27:53 CDT
International Initiative
Freedom for Ocalan - Peace in Kurdistan
P.O. Box 100511, D-50445 Koeln
Telephone: +49 221 130 15 59
Fax: +49 221 139 30 71
E-Mail: info@freedom-for-ocalan.com
Url: www.freedom-for-ocalan.com
Flash Bulletin 6. October:
www.freedom-for-ocalan.com/bulletin
1. "We will take the Complot into Resolution", The PKK General President Abdullah Ocalan who made statement relating to the anniversary of the 9th October Complot, stated that they were determined on changing the complot into peace and democratic resolution.
2. "Support to the New Strategy of the PKK", In a conference on the resolution to the Kurdish issue, yesterday, in the European Parliament. The speakers present supported the political struggle strategy of the PKK.
3. "PUK: We will conform to the Cease-Fire", The cease-fire call by the PKK that has gone into its third day, in a statement by the PUK (Patriotic Union of Kurdistan) they indicated they will conform to the cease-fire.
4. "Prosecutors charge leaders of pro-Kurdish HADEP", Party leader Ahmet Turan Demir and senior HADEP officials are accused of calling for a separate Kurdish state.
5. "Ankara wants Barzani to continue dialogue with Baghdad", It has been learned that Turkey asked Barzani to continue dialogue with the government in Baghdad and once again reiterated that the problems should be solved with regard for the territorial integrity of Iraq
6. "Ankara accelerates efforts to improve relations with Iraq", As a part of these efforts Turkey decides to upgrade the status of its diplomatic mission in Baghdad, allow medical aid flights and resume rail links between Iraq and Turkey.
7. "Barzani met with MIT officials", Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), Massoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), traveled by land through Habur border gate to Amed (Diyarbakir) the other evening, and from there continued on to Ankara by plane.
8. "Guerillas maintain defense positions", A statement released by the General Headquarters of the People's Defense Forces (HGP) at noon the other day said that the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) had intensified its assaults despite the guerrillas' cease fire and withdrawing to defense positions.
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1. - Ozgur Politika - "We will take the Complot into Resolution":
The PKK General President Abdullah Ocalan who made statement relating to the anniversary of the 9th October Complot, stated that they were determined on changing the complot into peace and democratic resolution.
Ocalan, in a statement through his lawyers, stated that, "Our main desire is to change our lived tragedy to a proud peace and hope of free life". The PKK General President also stated that, "even though it has not reached full success, the Turkish people and friends should know the truth well".
In the statement, Ocalan also mentioning the PUK attacks, he interpreted the attacks as, attempts at firstly by the USA and international forces to further control Turkey and press on the PKK. Ocalan, drew attention to the circles that want and insist on war are still active.
2. - Ozgur Politika - "Support to the New Strategy of the PKK":
In a conference on the resolution to the Kurdish issue, yesterday, in the European Parliament. The speakers present supported the political struggle strategy of the PKK.
Cevdet Amed a PKK spokesperson who also participated in the conference, was shown great interest by the EP members. In the conference there were, European Parliament member Ozan Ceyhun, Feleknas Uca, Baroness Sarah Ludford, French Freedom Foundation President Danielle Mitterand and IHD (Human Rights Association) Vice-President Osman Baydemir.
In the speech of the PKK spokesperson Cevdet Amed; stated that the Kurdish question is not an issue that could be reduced to individual rights. Cendet Amed, stated that, "Turkey is living a transitional period, this an encounter of those who want development and change, and those who are conservatives and reactionaries", and indicated that those who are sincere to the Kurdish Question should be supported.
The Greens member Ozan Ceyhun, stated that, he received many phone calls trying to steer him into not participating in the conference due to there being a PKK representative and showing the participants; "Here, an example of democracy, this conference". Ceyhun, indicated that, "The importance is rather than being a member of the EU, real democracy that will also acknowledge the Kurds".
3. - Ozgur Politika - "PUK: We will conform to the Cease-Fire":
The cease-fire call by the PKK that has gone into its third day, in a statement by the PUK (Patriotic Union of Kurdistan) they indicated they will conform to the cease-fire. The PUK expressed that the war was ceased from yesterday afternoon, and that they will make a meeting regarding the matter. Through the statements of PKK resources the cease-fire was confirmed.
PKK tarafindan ilan edilen ateskes 3. gününe girerken, YNK tarafindan yapilan açiklamada ateskese uyulacagi bildirildi.
4. - Turkish Daily News - "Prosecutors charge leaders of pro-Kurdish HADEP":
Party leader Ahmet Turan Demir and senior HADEP officials are accused of calling for a separate Kurdish state
ANKARA
On Wednesday prosecutors demanded a one to three-year prison sentence for leaders of Turkey's only legal pro-Kurdish party, on charges of making separatist propaganda, according to party officials.
Party leader Ahmet Turan Demir and 16 other senior officials of the People's Democracy Party (HADEP) are accused of calling for a separate Kurdish state in a leaflet in which they urged the authorities to recognize the Kurdish identity. The leaflet was distributed last month on World Peace Day.
No trial date has been set. Under Turkish law prosecutors demand prison or other sentences when they issue their indictment.
Prosecutors accuse HADEP of being a front for the terrorists of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and have asked the Constitutional Court to close the party. Its leaders have stood trial in numerous cases on charges ranging from making separatist propaganda to supporting the PKK.
Three of HADEP's predecessor parties have been closed down by the Constitutional Court.
5. - Turkish Daily News - "Ankara wants Barzani to continue dialogue with Baghdad":
It has been learned that Turkey asked Barzani to continue dialogue with the government in Baghdad and once again reiterated that the problems should be solved with regard for the territorial integrity of Iraq
ANKARA
After last month's visit by Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) leader Jalal Talabani to Turkey, Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Mesoud Barzani arrived in Ankara on Wednesday and met with undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry Faruk Logoglu on Thursday.
Turkey places great importance on its relations with the KDP and the PUK for regional stability. Turkey also provides economic and military assistance for KDP forces in their fight against Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) terrorists in northern Iraq.
It has been learned that Turkey asked Barzani to continue his dialogue with the government in Baghdad and once again reiterated that the problems should be solved with regard for the territorial integrity of Iraq.
Some important topics such as security issues in northern Iraq, the problems between Turkmens and the KDP, difficulties in border trade between Turkey and northern Iraq and sharing customs revenues with the PUK, were reportedly discussed during the two hour meeting.
Speaking after the meeting Barzani told reporters that they had discussed bilateral relations and decided to continue close cooperation with Turkey.
"We discussed all issues and problems during the meeting. We also agreed to solve the Kurdish problem with regard for the territorial integrity of Iraq by democratic and peaceful means," he said.
Meanwhile Faruk Logoglu told the reporters that Turkey and the KDP had reaffirmed their commitment to continue their common fight against the PKK.
Asked whether they had discussed the compensation issue with Barzani, Logoglu said Turkey had agreed to pay money, but as humanitarian aid not as compensation.
After meeting on Wednesday with the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Barzani said Turkey had agreed to pay compensation for an air strike against northern Iraq in August which killed 38 civilians. An inquiry showed that Turkish war planes had mistakenly killed Iraqi Kurdish civilians while pursuing PKK terrorists.
It is not immediately clear how much compensation Turkey would pay for the raid, in which 11 people were wounded.
Logoglu also said they had told Barzani that the KDP and the PUK are equally important to Turkey. He also added during the meeting that they conveyed some concerns to Barzani concerning Turkmens living in northern Iraq.
Barzani is expected to meet Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit today before leaving for Europe.
6 . - Turkish Daily News - "Ankara accelerates efforts to improve relations with Iraq":
As a part of these efforts Turkey decides to upgrade the status of its diplomatic mission in Baghdad, allow medical aid flights and resume rail links between Iraq and Turkey
ANKARA
Amid the tensions between Turkey and the United States, Ankara has accelerated its diplomatic efforts to improve relations with Baghdad.
Despite the foreign minister's statement that these efforts are not related to the resolution recognizing so-called Armenian genocide, it is a fact that these efforts are seen as a retaliatory move against the resolution.
As a part of these efforts, Turkey has decided to upgrade its diplomatic mission in Baghdad's status, allow medical aid flights and resume rail links between Iraq and Turkey.
Ankara had earlier warned that the approval of the non-binding but politically explosive resolution would seriously damage ties between Turkey and the United States.
In a decision taken on Wednesday, Turkey and Iraq agreed to resume railway transportation. Foreign Ministry advisor Selim Karaosmanoglu met with Iraq's Deputy Transportation Minister Sabri Gati to discuss the issue.
During the meeting Karaosmanoglu reportedly conveyed the message that Turkey was ready to resume railway transportation with Iraq. As a result of the meeting the two countries agreed to the resumption and it was also decided that a delegation from the Turkish Railway Administration (TCDD) would visit Baghdad within the next few weeks.
Turkey also said on Wednesday it would allow medical aid flights to Iraq and may appoint an ambassador to Baghdad -- moves sure to upset NATO ally the United States.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry said it would allow flights to take medical aid to Iraq, a gesture that would allow Turkish planes to join an increasing number of humanitarian aid flights to Baghdad which are challenging the decade-old sanctions.
Foreign Ministry officials denied that the move was linked to the resolution.
France, Russia and several Arab states have revived humanitarian aid flights to Iraq over the past two weeks in what is seen as a mounting challenge to U.N. sanctions on Iraq.
The United States criticized France and Russia, describing the flights as a "blatant violation" of the embargo.
7. - Kurdish Observer - "Barzani met with MIT officials":
BAHATTIN KARAKUTUK
Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), Massoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), traveled by land through Habur border gate to Amed (Diyarbakir) the other evening, and from there continued on to Ankara by plane.
Barzani was greeted at Esenboga Airport by officials from the Foreign Ministry and National Intelligence Agency (MIT), as well as by officials from the KDP representative office in Ankara and Van deputy Fethullah Erbas of the Fazilet Party (FP). In his first statement made in Ankara on Wednesday, Barzani said that Turkey would pay compensation for those who had lost their lives in the massacre at Qendaxor on August 15.
Barzani's first meeting was with officials from the National Intelligence Agency (MIT) contra-terrorism office and officials from other bureaus dealing with South Kurdistan (Iraqi Kurdistan). No information was available as to the subject matter of the talks between Barzani and MIT officials, although it is assumed that topics such as the presence of the PKK in South Kurdistan and the situation of the Turkmen were on the agenda.
Barzani met with Turkish Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Faruk Logoglu and officials from General Staff on Thursday, while his meeting with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, which was to have been held on Wednesday, was postponed until Friday. Diplomatic sources say, on the other hand, that Barzani's major aim during his visit in Ankara was to seek support for federation with Iraq that he is considering to declare.
Following his meetings with Turkish officials on Wednesday, KDP leader Barzani met with diplomats from the US and British embassies. The US and Britain, which are carrying out a broad-ranging joint policy towards Iraq, were the architects of the Washington Agreement of September 1998. US and British diplomats consulted with Barzani in Ankara to gain information on latest developments in South Kurdistan. Sources in Ankara say that the subjects of regional security, PUK-KDP relations, and the implementation of the UN oil-for-food deal were dealt with in particular during the meetings. The situation of the Iraqi opposition was also laid on the table.
A KDP source, who also participated in the aforementioned meetings, renewed the assertion that Barzani would depart for Western Europe for rest and a health check-up following his contacts in Ankara. The same source stated that the KDP leader's response to the invitation to both Barzani and Talabani to meet in England would become clear in the coming days. The same source stated that the invitation to London had been discussed at meetings earlier that morning with diplomats from the British Embassy, but that an agreement had not been reached.
Barzani is to depart for the Austrian capital Vienna on Saturday morning. Barzani is said to be planning to visit a number of European capitals on his trip, which is to last at least 20 days. Diplomatic sources state that Barzani will be seeking support in these capitals for a federation in northern Iraq and will also be seeking financial assistance for the region. KDP Ankara representative Safeen Dizayee, on the other hand, asserted that Barzani's trip to Western Europe was a personal one, and also asserted that there was no special reason behind Barzani's trip to Ankara.
8. - Kurdish Observer - "Guerillas maintain defense positions":
A statement released by the General Headquarters of the People's Defense Forces (HGP) at noon the other day said that the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) had intensified its assaults despite the guerrillas' cease fire and withdrawing to defense positions.
NEWS CENTER
The People's Defense Forces General Headquarters announced that the guerrillas had ceased fire in accordance with a decision made by party administration, despite the continued assaults of the PUK forces, and had taken up defense positions.
The HGP statement said, "Our guerrilla forces will not use weapons or give any response whatsoever as long as there are no assaults directed against them," but added that forces which came under attack maintain the right of retaliation.
'Historic opportunity'
PKK administration stated that the aim of the latest cease fire decision was a permanent cease fire and reaching a political solution. It added that the cease fire had created a historic opportunity that must be used wisely.
The HGP statement warned against abuse of the cease fire decision, and continued: "Our selfless guerrilla forces, which are completely tied to this decision, have demonstrated once again that they have the strength and capacity to implement every type of party decision and to overcome assaults aimed at them. Our desire is that everyone properly understand this truth and approach the Kurdish problem correctly, without making mistakes, and seek a democratic solution."
28 guerrillas have fallen
The HPG statement said that a total of 28 guerrillas, excepting those lost in the assault at Karadag and raids in central Suleymaniya, had lost their lives in assaults by the PUK since October 14 and that 45 guerrillas had been wounded.
The statement also said that 35 PUK peshmergas had been captured during clashes and that a large number of peshmergas had been killed or injured.
The statement said that the following materiel had been taken from the PUK during fighting: 152 rifles, 20 BKC mid-automatic rifles, 47 B-7 missile launchers, 3 Karnas assassination rifles, 9 Dochkas, 2 missiles, 6 large wireless communications equipment, and 3 vehicles.
Blow to PUK at Aliyeresh
It was also announced that PUK forces, which have intensified their assaults, were dealt a serious blow during the clash near Aliyeresh. The Peoples' Defense Forces stated that military assaults had intensified at Karadag on September 14 and that no word had yet been received of 48 of the 55 persons in that region.
The statement had the following to say concerning the assaults at Karadag: "PUK organs announced that they had taken 33 PKK members captive. It had also been reported that 15 people working amongst the people for the party were gunned down by the PUK. Following that, a large pressure and arrest campaign was begun against our party in metropolitan Suleymaniya."
The HPG statement recalled that the PUK had paid no heed to the initiative of the Inter-Kurdish Peace Committee, nor to the de facto cease fire and calls for peace of the week before. "Our party declared a unilateral cease fire for one week, made a call to all who love peace, and worked towards a cease fire that would stop the conflicts and arrive at a political solution. The PUK did not come to the meetings, despite the cease fire, but, on the contrary, continued its assaults." The statement likewise recalled that numerous intense clashes had occurred along a broad front since the end of the de facto cease fire on September 28. Noting that the PUK was continuing assaults in its role in the international conspiracy, the HPG statement said that the PUK had been dealt a serious blow during the aforementioned clashes and that the guerrilla forces had assured security at their positions.
PUK continues assaults
The PUK, meanwhile, responded to the PKK's unilateral declaration of a cease fire with renewed assaults the other night. PKK sources state that PUK peshmergas began assault at Kanicenge and Karox with heavy weapons support, and that over 10 peshmergas had been killed in the clashes which continued throughout the day. According to a statement released by the PKK Press Bureau, PUK peshmergas intensified assaults at Kanicenge and Karox but that they had not made advances in the assaults which continued on Wednesday also.
The PKK Press Bureau stated that peshmergas who were experiencing difficulties deserted the battle field and that peshmerga commander Abdullah Bor had been sent to the site in order to prevent desertions. The statement said that 2 guerrillas had lost their lives in the assault supported by missiles and Katyushas.
The PKK statement also called for sensitive circles to take action to stop the conflicts and, noting that the unilateral cease fire was still valid, called on sensitive circles, and especially the Kurdish public, to put pressure on the PUK.
On the other hand, the PUK continues its pressures in central Suleymaniya. The PKK Press Bureau stated that pressure continued against persons known to be close to the PKK and that hundreds of people had been taken into custody.
Stop the clashes
Kurdish deputies in the Iranian Parliament called for an end to the clashes. The Kurdish Fraction of the Iranian Parliament called for an end to clashes in South Kurdistan in a written statement the other day and condemned that fraternal fights between the Kurdish organizations.
The statement said that the fight between brothers was harming the interests of the Kurds while serving the interests of the enemy, and called on the Kurdish organizations to give a chance to dialogue. The deputies said: "The leaders of the Kurdish organizations must heed the demands of the people, declare a cease fire, and come together for a peace conference."
Prisoners denounce the PUK
PKK inmates in the prisons of Turkey and Kurdistan issued a joint statement denouncing the assaults by the PUK. The statement also called on the PUK to think about the future, act with common sense and end the assaults. The statement, which was made in the name of all PKK prisoners, was signed by Sabri Ok, Ali Sapan, Sait Korkmaz, Fatma Bektas, Nurettin Demirtas, Ali Oruc, Rojbin Perisan, Emanet Cesme, Musa Gundogan, Samil Batmaz, Mustafa Sarikaya, and Bayram Altun.
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