(29 Jun 1999) English/Nat
Fearing an outbreak of violence following the death sentence handed down to Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan, the U-S State Department has issued a warning to its citizens.
State Department Spokesman James Rubin, who also said the U-S is pleased with the way the trial has been carried out, called on Turkey to find a political solution to the problem of the Kurds.
Many Kurds accuse the United States of having helped brought Ocalan to trial.
Human Rights organisations and the Kurdish community have expressed concern throughout Ocalan's trial but the U-S announced on Tuesday that they were happy with the way the trial had been carried out.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Nonetheless, there have been some concerns about the trial. We had some as well. These concerns include the initial nine days of incommunicado detention imposed on Ocalan and the limited access of Ocalan's lawyers to private consultations with their client and to written material included in the prosecution's case."
SUPER CAPTION: James Rubin, State Department Spokesman
Thirty-seven people have died during the 15 year war between the Kurdish community and the Turkish government.
Most Turks hold Ocalan responsible.
U-S State Department Spokesman, James Rubin says the solution to the ongoing war lies in a democratic and political negotiation.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"We do not believe there is a purely military solution to Kurdish issues in Turkey. The vast majority of Kurds in Turkey do not support the use of violence. Any enduring solution lies in the expansion of democracy, including full democratic political participation by all of Turkey's citizens in protection of their human rights."
SUPER CAPTION: James Rubin, State Department Spokesman
Rubin says U-S embassies throughout Europe have tightened security since Ocalan's verdict was announced.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Our diplomatic missions in Europe have been operating at a heightened state of alert since Ocalan's arrest. They continue to operate at this level."
SUPER CAPTION: Jamie Rubin, spokesman for the State Department
Turkish parliament must pass a law to approve the hanging and the process could take months.
No one has been executed in Turkey for 15 years but there is strong public pressure within the country to hang Ocalan.
Security will be particularly high around U-S diplomatic missions in countries with large Kurdish populations, because many Kurds believe the United States helped Turkey abduct Ocalan four months ago.
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