Many MPs, Lords and representatives of civil society organisations in Britain have signed a petition calling for the release of Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan. On Öcalan’s 65th birthday, and 15 years after his abduction, some of those who signed the petition spoke to ANF, recalling the words of Nelson Mandela: "only free men can negotiate".
Remember Mandela
Member of the House of Lords, Raymond Hylton, stressed that Öcalan had been unable to see his lawyers for two and a half years, yet despite this peace talks had continued. Hylton said that in order for Öcalan to make a contribution to peace in the Kurdish region he must be released immediately, adding: "remember Mandela".
MP John McDonnell said that if the Turkish government wished for lasting peace with the Kurdish people it should end its illegal detention of Mr Öcalan. McDonnell added that only Öcalan could bring about a lasting peace.
Öcalan's freedom is crucial
International human rights lawyer Margaret Owen said she saw Öcalan as a man of peace, adding that in visits she had made to North Kurdistan, South Kurdistan and Rojava she had observed that Öcalan was seen as a real leader.
Owen recalled Mandela’s words, "only free men can negotiate; prisoners cannot enter into contracts" saying Öcalan should be released immediately.
Note: the text of quotes of MPs, Lords etc from Britain is available from Peace in Kurdistan Campaign
contact: estella24@tiscali.co.uk
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Peace in Kurdistan CampaignCampaign for a political solution of the Kurdish question
Tel: 020 7272 7890
Email: knklondon@gn.apc.org
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