(23 Jun 1999) Turkish/Nat
Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan made his final statements on Wednesday before a Turkish court trying him for treason.
He argued that he must be spared the gallows for there to be peace in Turkey.
Ocalan said the rebellion that he led was justified due to Turkey's refusal to recognise Kurdish cultural rights, but he added that he is ready to stop the armed struggle.
Turks almost universally blame Ocalan and his Kurdistan Workers Party, the P-K-K, for the 37-thousand deaths during 15 years of fighting.
He is widely expected to be sentenced to death on charges of treason and separatism.
Ocalan also warned the court not to ignore his calls for peace.
The hearing was adjourned until Thursday when defence lawyers are scheduled to continue their plea.
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