Military

EUROPE

TURKEY: "D'Alema Will Go, Italy Will Remain"

Fatih Altayli wrote in mass-appeal Hurriyet (11/25): "A recent opinion poll in Italy proves that a majority of Italians thinks the same way we do. According to the poll results, 64 percent of Italians believe that Apo is a terrorist and drug smuggler and only 15 percent support Italy's granting of political asylum to him. If Italians knew more about the murderer of babies, I am sure the percentage would be as high as in Turkish opinion. Once again, we should note the fact that we don't have a problem with Italians; the problem is the D'Alema government itself.... Turkey's reaction should target the government, and not the Italian nation. Burning flags is definitely one of the things not to do."

"President Of The PKK"

Yalcin Dogan argued in mass-appeal Milliyet (11/25): "The Socialist International issued a declaration which cited Ocalan as the 'President of the PKK.' This clearly means that murderer of 30,000 people, one of the cruelest terrorists of the 20th century, can be called 'president' of an organization. This gives him a political identity.... This is not the time to show anger and fury, but to think calmly. This declaration signed by 143 left-wing parties lays bare one fact: Europe does not see the Kurdish issue and terrorism together. Using examples of ethnic groups in other countries, Europe takes on the Kurdish issue and calls for a political dialogue with Turkey to happen first.... These are the signs that the Kurdish issue is becoming an international one, and we should think about that."

"We Are Fooling Ourselves"

Haluk Sahin held in intellectual Radikal (11/25): "Why is Turkey playing with words and doing nothing? If we really want Apo's extradition, then we must immediately abolish capital punishment. There is no other way, because the Italian constitution and prevailing practices are very clear.... Those who criticize Italy for not returning Ocalan to Turkey and, at the same time, object to the abolition of the death penalty are only fooling themselves."

"Turkey Must Face Reality Of Kurdish Problem"

Yasemin Congar wrote in mass-appeal Milliyet (11/23): "Ankara had better focus on social and economic developments in the southeast, now that the PKK leader's military influence has been minimized.... When Turkish officials maintain the usual line, 'we don't have a Kurdish problem, there is only terrorist organization problem,' nobody, including the United States and Europe, believes us. There is a need to 'understand the Kurdish reality,' as President Demirel put it.... The Turkish government should fulfill its commitments on human rights and democracy."

"Apo's Fate And The Saddam Scenario"

Enis Berberoglu commented in mass-appeal Hurriyet (11/23): "According to Mikhail Lazaret, Chairman of the Russian Kurdology Institute, by helping Turkey on the Ocalan case, the United States plans to forestall Turkey's objections to the development of a Kurdish state in northern Iraq.... The United States has established an opposition front, of which the two (northern Iraqi) Kurdish leaders are the main components of the plan... If Saddam is toppled, the establishment of a Kurdish state in northern Iraq becomes almost certain. In the eyes of Washington, there are two obstacles to the realization of this. One is Ankara, and the other is Apo. Therefore, Washington is pleased to see the elimination of the Apo factor. Having said all this, it seems we are looking at the Apo case from the wrong angle. Apo's fate is not linked to the Italian socialists, but to the Saddam operation."

"Hypocrisy"

Oktay Eksi penned this front page editorial in mass-appeal Hurriyet (11/22): "Those who say that Italy is a lawful state are unfortunately fooling themselves. Italian politicians have been claiming that the Ocalan case is a legal matter, not political. They seem to have forgotten that very quickly, as the Italian Justice Ministry asked the court to reject the arrest warrant for Ocalan. And the court made the decision under obvious political pressure in this so-called 'state of law.' There now comes an historic test for Europe's intellectuals and the media regarding their sincerity, as they know quite well that terrorism is a crime against humanity and it is everyone's responsibility to fight against it."

"Warnings"

Hasan Cemal wrote a front page editorial in mass-appeal Milliyet (11/22): "The Italian Justice Ministry asked for the rejection of Ocalan's arrest warrant, and recommended house arrest. The court has followed this recommendation; in other words, the court has set Apo free. A brutal terrorist responsible for thousands of murders, as The Times of London put it, can now enjoy himself in Rome freely. This is a sheer scandal. Both the court's decision, and the Italian government's stance, suffer severely from the lack of law and the lack of humanity. This puts a shameful scar on the people of Italy."

"From The Middle East To Europe"

Cengiz Candar maintained in mass-appeal Sabah (11/22): "The Italian court has freed Ocalan based upon the Italian justice ministry's recommendation. This means Apo has the right to freely circulate in Rome. His status has turned into one of a refugee waiting for a decision about his request for political asylum. Italy is obviously following the procedure on a typical political asylum request case. They may say this is a legal process, but how about Apo being a terrorist? And doesn't he have to be brought to justice in Turkey? If capital punishment is not abolished in Turkey, our file for extradition of Ocalan will not have an affect on Italy.... There are also reports of EU support for Italy as being 'a state of law' after the decision to release Ocalan.... It seems that (the PKK's) platform of violence in the Middle East is now moving to a platform of diplomacy in Europe."

"Would It Have Been Better If Apo Had Stayed In Syria?"

Ergun Balci wrote in intellectual/opinion-maker Cumhuriyet (11/20): "Turkey has seen the finale in the military struggle by forcing the PKK leader to leave Syria. This is the military part, and it is over with Turkey winning. The political victory will have to take place as well, not in Italy or in Europe, but in Turkey's southeast. Even if Apo had been fully eliminated, the military win alone does not mean a lot, unless it is combined with the economic and social prosperity of the southeast, and the development of a stronger democracy.... It is not as terrible as was anticipated that Apo currently is in Rome, and the PKK is trying to move on to a political platform. It could, however, be very terrible if Turkey's political authorities remain lazy, and if the development plans for the southeast remain unapplied. Turkey's ruling administration, as well as the people of Turkey, should realize that it is impossible to survive in the world's most strategic location without making progress in democracy, as well as in the technology and economy fields."

"Can A Murderer Become A Hero?"

Oktay Eksi wrote a front-page editorial in mass-appeal Hurriyet (11/20): "Italians may try to treat Ocalan like Garibaldi, but it won't change a thing unless they manage to find a way to change reality. The reality is that Apo is a bloody murderer and also the leader of a world-wide drug trafficking network.... Therefore Apo's name has been listed on Interpol.

"Anybody ever saw a hero's name listed in the Interpol bulletin? There are allegations about Apo has been given protection by the Italian mafia, because he was collaborating with the Italian mafia for the European drug market."

"An In-Depth Look"

Yilmaz Oztuna wrote a front-page editorial in the conservative Turkiye (11/19): "In order to undermine Turkey, first there was ASALA terrorism, which was followed by the PKK. The PKK has now realized its failure military-wise, and has decided to move on to a political platform. It is now Italy's business how to cope with the murderer of hundreds of babies, as well as the heroin trafficker who also poisons European youth. It is interesting to watch Italy, which glorifies communism in the 21st century. If Italy still does not know about terrorism, it is hopeless."

"Terrorist Agreements Just A Game For Europe"

Gulay Gokturk wrote in mass-appeal Sabah (11/18): "I wish Europe were honest enough to admit its view that 'terrorism can be acceptable if it wants to achieve a political purpose.' Europe should be able to say that all of the agreements signed denouncing terrorism are just a game."

"Mr. D'Alema"

Hasan Cemal argued in mass-appeal Milliyet (11/18): "Cooperation against terrorism has become one of NATO's duties. If Italy ignores this fact, NATO better think about itself. Italian Prime Minister D'Alema says of the terrorist organization PKK that 'this is a dramatic issue, like the national struggle of a people dispersed in various countries in the Middle East.' What kind of logic is this! This logic caused a bloodbath in Bosnia. Just imagine if it becomes a dominant mentality for the Middle East. Nobody should even think about glorifying violence and terror as if it is a democratic right."

ITALY: "The U.S. Is Convinced, There Is A German Obligation"

Rome's centrist Il Messaggero observed (11/25): "Diplomacy is at work to find a solution to the Ocalan case.... 'The Americans are convinced that there is a Bonn obligation,' Foreign Affairs Under Secretary Umberto Ranieri tells us, who also underlines the importance of this evolution which puts an end to the 'lack of understanding' between Rome and Washington.... Also Foreign Minister Dini reaffirmed that Italy expects an extradition request from Bonn.... And the idea of giving him political asylum becomes more unlikely.... At least for the moment, the hypothesis of a 'different way', such as Apo's expulsion to a third country, i.e., Libya, seems to be ruled out."

"D'Alema, Some Philosophy On An Headache Named Ocalan"

Augusto Minzolini said in centrist, influential La Stampa (11/25): "Perhaps it is because he is relieved by EC President Santer's statements against Turkey. Or it is because the United States made a step toward Italy when they decided...that Ocalan should be brought to justice in Germany or in Italy.... In any case, indeed, D'Alema was smiling again.... As far as Germany is concerned, the prime minister feels optimistic.... In the meantime, he hopes that a final solution of the Ocalan case is found and a wider negotiation on the Kurdish question take place."

"Looking For An Agreement To Extradite Him To Germany"

Leading, business Il Sole 24-Ore said (11/25): "An 'institutional' solution, 'an ad hoc forum'.... This is the path that Italian, German, Turkish and U.S. diplomats are pursuing in order to solve the PKK leader's case.... According to D'Alema, there are three positive signs: Turkey changed its position and Prime Minister Yilmaz begins considering the possibility that Ocalan is extradited to Germany or a third country; the U.S. understood that the Italian position and its friendship with America remain a pillar of our foreign policy; and the EU expressed its support for Italy."

"But We Must Not Talk About Political Asylum"

A front-page editorial by Mario Pirani in left-leaning, influential La Repubblica stated (11/25): "We should not be surprised by the State Department's harsh reactions.... Indeed, those who are evaluating D'Alema's ability as an authoritative leader...are not the Turks or the Kurds, but Washington and Europe.... Having said this, it is now necessary that Italy play a role... and that we do not give Ocalan political asylum because he is the leader of the most bloodthirsty and violent organization of the Kurdish minority."

"Differences In Emphasis Between The U.S. And EU"

Foreign Affairs Under Secretary Umberto Ranieri mused on the front-page of PDS (leading government party) l'Unita' (11/24): "If we talk about the Kurdish case, it is clear that there is a difference in emphasis between the U.S. and European positions on the ways and strategies to solve it. The United States, and we understand this, is worried about any weakening of the Turkish state, since it plays a delicate role in Eastern security and post-Soviet Union space. While sharing this concern, the European community views the situation not only from a security perspective, but also in light of its intention to insert Turkey...into the EU context."

"The U.S. Tries To Mediate"

Leading, business Il Sole 24-Ore held (11/24): "American mediation...offers some ray of hope, following the State Department spokesman's confirmation that contacts with the Turkish, Italian and German governments are underway 'to make sure that Ocalan is brought to justice in a way that meets the domestic and international laws.' And Justice Minister Diliberto...last night rushed to deny that there is any friction with the United States over the Ocalan case."

"The U.S. Mediation Begins"

Centrist, influential La Stampa noted (11/24): "The United States enters the fray over the Ocalan case and, after 11 days of total dark, a possible solution to the case might be foreseen: Extradite the Kurdish leader to Germany in order to try him. This is the indication arrived at yesterday by the U.S. State Department spokesman...who announced that, together with Italy, Germany and Turkey, the American government is trying to see that Ocalan is brought to justice.... Some days ago the spokesman expressed a clear preference for Ocalan's extradition to Turkey. Now it seems that the American attitude is more open and that they're working on the hypothesis of trying him in Germany."

"Difficult To Find A Way Out"

Carlo Rossella opined on the front page of centrist, influential La Stampa (11/22): "The first conciliatory signals have come from Washington...and the State Department has also put a less ferocious face on the case.... Madeleine Albright has finally realized that Italy cannot extradite Ocalan, because of the death penalty in Turkey.... The Italian Foreign Ministry believes that the United States will succeed in calming down the Turks.

"It further hopes that Libya, or some other Mediterranean state far from Turkey, may be willing to become his host should Ocalan be expelled from Rome."

Commenting on the "damage" caused by the Ocalan case to Italy's international image, Rossella criticized Italian Justice Minister Diliberto's "singular" behavior: "After releasing Ocalan, Diliberto decided to take on the United States by asking: 'What does the United States have to do with the Ocalan case?'... Diliberto has a totally wrong idea of the motivations which prompted Washington to side with Turkey. The Clinton administration, which supports human rights all over the world, supports Turkey based only on international anti-terrorism agreements, and not out of sympathy towards its brutal laws.... That must be difficult to understand for the extreme left, which is used to its cliched anti-Americanism.... Improvisers and newcomers always tend to believe that Italy can make it alone on the international scene, independently from alliances.... (In any case) the dialogue with Washington has now become less cold, thanks to Italy's commitment that Ocalan will not be able to carry out political activities in Italy. It is now up to the United States to mediate between Rome and Ankara."

"Going Against The United States?"

A commentary by Lucio Caracciolo on the front page of left-leaning, influential La Repubblica (11/22) was critical of Italian Justice Minister Diliberto's attitude towards the United States: "Diliberto's warning to the United States...reminds us of the most grotesque and tragic moments in our national history. Let's hope that it was just an incident. Otherwise, we would have reason to be concerned about our country's international credibility.... We are feeding a crisis in the relations with our main ally of which one sees neither the need nor the reason.... We should worry about the tension with Washington more than about the Italy-Turkey dispute.... No matter how the Ocalan tragicomedy ends up, the damage suffered by Italy in terms of influence and authority within the Atlantic Alliance is unlikely to be reversed.... Rome's and Washington's interests and perceptions often tend to diverge.... But there is a lot of room for middle-of-the-way positions between servility and adventurism."

"Washington Playing On Two Tables"

Roberto Livi argued in centrist Il Messaggero (11/20): "Is it the American press that matters in correcting the State Department line on the Ocalan case? The Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times yesterday carried editorials against the extradition of Ocalan to Turkey.... This correction, however, is only partially shared by the State Department.... The latter proposes a squaring of the circle--respecting 'Italy's legal framework' while at the same time accepting Ankara's requests--which reveals problems and a certain degree of ambiguity on the part of American diplomacy.... Washington cannot ignore the domestic legal picture in allied nations. Especially in Italy, a nation which, according to U.S. top security officials, 'has played a prominent role in the fight against terrorism.'"

"U.S. Not Intending To Isolate Italy"

Centrist, top-circulation Corriere della Sera carried an interview with State Department official Jeffrey Murray (11/20): "America 'does not intend to isolate Italy' in the Ocalan case, nor to ask it to sign 'a blank check to Turkey' by extraditing the Kurdish leader. But it does not believe that granting political asylum to Ocalan 'is the right solution,' since objective evidence exists of his involvement in 'terrorist and criminal acts.' Extradition could be agreed upon by Rome and Ankara, respecting their mutual interests. This is the opinion of the U.S. State Department, as expressed to our newspaper by Jeffrey Murray, director of State's office of Press and Public Affairs for Western Europe."

"Time-Bomb Comrades"

In a front-page commentary in leading rightist opposition Il Giornale (11/20), Livio Caputo was critical of the Italian government's attitude in the Ocalan case and concerned about possible consequences: "Germany is not going to help us.... Nor is the United States, which, intent as it is on uniting the various Kurdish factions against Saddam, is especially interested in removing communist Ocalan from the scene. And even less likely to help us is Turkey, for which the battle against the PKK is an historical need.... That means that we will have to resolve the problem ourselves. But we will be sorry if we proceed by considering only the 'human rights' of a person who has spent his life ignoring those of others or the sympathetic feelings towards an old comrade on the part of some Italian parliamentarians.... If, on the basis of our constitution, we really cannot extradite Ocalan to Turkey...let's at least try to send him to a third country.... The main thing is not to keep this living time bomb here."

"Europe, Make Your Voice Heard"

Paolo Garimberti had this commentary on the front page of left-leaning, influential La Repubblica (11/19): "Italy is...destined to remain alone in handling a crisis.... Italy's isolation in Europe certainly does not help the Italian government. Nor does the attitude of the United States, which considers Ocalan simply a terrorist, and not also a fighter for the freedom of his people.... [The United States] should refrain from giving lessons to an allied country when the latter limits itself to following the procedures called for by its constitution.... If signals of total closure continue to come from Ankara, the Italian government would have no choice but to continue along the road it has taken since Ocalan was arrested, i.e., the road of a state of law and not a police state. There are times when respect for human rights is more important than diplomatic interests."

"Ocalan Case Becomes Dramatic"

Provocative, classical liberal Il Foglio observed (11/19): "The U.S. Department of State sank hopes for a soft conclusion of the Ocalan case: The United States stands with Turkey...and Italy should keep that in mind.... The problem is how to emerge from this complicated situation. Massimo D'Alema yesterday reiterated that Ankara's request for extradition is 'unacceptable.' The Italian Prime Minister appeared irritated by the international isolation he is facing. 'The Ocalan case is not just an Italian-Turkish issue. We will not [hand over] anybody to anyone. We are a state of law, we are awaiting for a decision from the judiciary,' this is how D'Alema replied to the requests coming from the Americans."

"Adventure And Right"

Prominent foreign affairs commentator Franco Venturini wrote in centrist, top-circulation Corriere della Sera (11/19): "America urged us with tough language not to grant political asylum to a terrorist.... And yesterday's offensive words by Turkish Prime Minister Yilmaz confirm that delivering Ocalan to Turkey is impracticable for ethical and political, as well as legal reasons.... What shall we do, then? Granting Ocalan political asylum after obtaining from a him a commitment to behave well? Monitoring?... Italy has a right to ask America to use more respectful language, to remind Germany about its own warrant of arrest and to remind EU fellow members that the Ocalan case should be considered a European case if we really want to move beyond monetary union."

GERMANY: "Ocalan Should Be Tried In Germany"

Centrist Leipziger Volkszeitung judged (11/25): "Ocalan cannot be extradited to Turkey, because he will not face a trial that will take place according to the rule of law.

"In view of Ocalan's terrorist crimes, it should also be out of the question that Italy grants him political asylum. This is why Ocalan should be tried in Germany on the basis of the crimes of which he is accused here.... Without this trial, the political solution to the Kurdish question would become...more difficult.... National cowardice on the basis of possible foreign terrorist attacks can by no means be accepted by a democratic state. Toughness and not delaying tactics are now necessary."

"Looking Beyond Current Crisis"

Right-of-center Darmstaedter Echo said (11/25): "Ocalan is responsible for several crimes. He has blood on his hands. To give up plans to put him on trial would be interpreted as yielding to terrorist blackmail. Should Ocalan, since Turkey cannot be considered the right place for a fair trial, then not be called to account anywhere? This would be unsatisfactory.... But the future is more important than the past. A political solution to the Kurdish conflict must be the main goal and Ocalan as an integral figure in an Italian exile can contribute more to the Kurdish striving for self-determination than a martyr Ocalan in a maximum-prison cell in Germany."

"Germany And The Rule Of Law"

Centrist Abendzeitung of Munich argued (11/25): "Turkey's moves in the Ocalan affair are not without slyness. Germany, which likes to play the role of a teacher towards Turkey as far as the rule of law is concerned, should now prove how serious it is about the rule of law and how serious it is about arrest warrants.... The bickering about the PKK leader has only one reason--the continued Turkish suppression policy towards the Kurds."

"Keep Ocalan Out"

P. Quay commented on national radio station Deutschlandfunk of Cologne (11/24): "If Ocalan is tried before a German court, this would shake up the FRG as a whole. This is why it is a duty for German politicians to keep Ocalan outside of Germany's borders. However, it was not very smart from the German side to issue an international arrest warrant against Ocalan.... But there is also the principle according to which the prosecution of a crime is discretionary for the state, and this requires Germany not to get Ocalan to Germany. Those who know that thousands of people will take to the streets to protest in favor or against Ocalan must be wise and use all diplomatic ruses to avoid chaos in the streets."

"Ball Back In Germany's Court"

Right-of-center Hamburger Morgenpost opined (11/24): "What do you do with an internationally wanted terrorist who was caught all of a sudden? The British have the problem with Chile's ex-dictator Augusto Pinochet. And the Italians have Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan. Now the Rome government is saying: We have arrested Ocalan only because Germany issued an arrest warrant against him. Last week, the Bonn government thought that it was no longer involved in the affair, since the Turkish arrest warrant had greater priority, and this is why Germany kept back its arrest warrant. But obviously, nobody expected Turkey's chutzpah: In a magnanimous way it has now given up its plan to see Ocalan extradited to Turkey if Bonn puts him on trial in Germany. Thus the ball is back in the German court. And Germany is in a delicate situation. 2.1 million Turks, of whom 500,000 are Kurds, live in Germany. As long as Turkey has not resolved the Kurdish question, Germany will be in trouble whatever it does."

"A German Extradition Request?"

Right-of-center Frankfurter Allgemeine judged (11/23): "We can understand why Justice Minister Daeubler-Gmelin does not want Ocalan in Germany.... However, the danger for Germany's internal security is only one side of the coin.

"The other side is the arrest warrant which German authorities issued years ago.... Italy's Foreign Minister Dini pointed out that Ocalan was arrested in Italy because of this German arrest warrant. His argument that Italy is now expecting a German extradition request is logical. This is all the more so because Europe is supposed to develop into a common European legal area, something which the Germans in particular have demanded."

"Bad Game"

Klaus-Dieter Frankenberger argued in right-of-center Frankfurter Allgemeine (11/23): "Turkey's Premier Yilmaz has been attacking the Europeans for weeks, and the Americans are telling the Europeans: Now you can see what will happen if you do not accept Turkey into the EU. It would be useful if the American friends of Turkey [looked at the Ocalan case] not only from a geo-political angle, but also in terms of Turkey's internal political culture.... The Kurdish question is more than a terrorist problem by the name of PKK and Ocalan.... As long as this fundamental misunderstanding between the rule of law and human rights exists [in Ankara], Turkey can at best dream about an accession to the EU, and the United States can interpret this dream in a benevolent manner--but it will not come true."

"Political Thunderstorm Over The Mediterranean"

Centrist Sueddeutsche Zeitung of Munich warned (11/23): "A new crisis is developing in the Mediterranean. The arguments between Italy and Turkey about PKK leader Ocalan have reached an alarming high.... Moderation is now necessary.... Turkey should accept that...Italy and the whole EU have a different judgment on the Kurdish problem than they do. No [European] official...considers the criminal Ocalan to be the legitimate leader of the Kurdish people. But Turkey should not pretend that there is no Kurdish question and that the Turkish authorities are not responsible for the many people killed.... The situation is complicated because of the contradictory views of the Turks, Kurds, Italians, Germans and Americans, and these differences could become even more complicated with harsh words and possibly deeds."

"Bonn Equivocates"

Regional radio station Norddeutscher Rundfunk of Hamburg aired this commentary by L. Venohr (11/22): "Instead of showing political courage, we see hesitancy. Instead of showing legal consistency, we see delaying tactics and evading explanations.... We all know that Italy would like to get rid of Ocalan by sending him to Germany. If it is up to the prosecutor-general to decide, the affair would look different.... But extraditions are political decisions, and the Bonn government has not made up its mind, instead preferring to dodge a decision. The maxim is to wait and see, to avoid a clinch with Turkey and not to contradict the United States which supports an extradition to Turkey."

"Bonn's Wait-And-See Attitude"

Right-of-center Offenburger Tageblatt opined (11/23): "Concerning the row about Turkey's accession to the EU and the current bickering about Abdullah Ocalan, the same problem is playing a role: the respect for human rights. Ankara had to realize this a few months ago, and the same situation is happening today. Bonn's wait-and-see attitude aims at gaining time and offers the NATO partner in Turkey the chance to rethink its own role in the world."

"Washington And Ocalan"

Nikolaus Blome said in right-of-center Die Welt of Berlin (11/20): "Fortunately, the United States is a global cop.... But this global cop is not needed when a functioning West European state must pass a judgment on a complicated issue and when the United States obviously focuses on their national interests alone.

"The controversy about the extradition of Kurdish leader Ocalan is such a case. Washington wants to see him in Ankara, but we do not need this advice, and the clear U.S. interest in this case is turning into a nuisance. The Europeans should in a self-confident manner oppose the U.S. view.... They should...not extradite him because it would destroy the credibility of the Europeans towards Turkey. The EU is trying to establish clear relations with Turkey. It defines itself as (a Union) that heeds democracy, market economy, and is based on Christian values, the rule of law and tolerance. In Turkey, [by contrast], jurisprudence does not deserve its name if politics is involved. To extradite the Kurdish leader to such a system would mean to give up something which differentiates Turkey from the EU. This is something that the United States must finally understand."

"Not Acceptable"

Wolfgang Guenter Lerch claimed in right-of-center Frankfurter Allgemeine (11/20): "We can understand that Turkey wants to get hold of Ocalan. However, it is disgusting how Ankara is pursuing this goal.... A letter to the European parliament from a Turkish parliamentarian, according to which the non-extradition to Turkey means a 'terror problem for Italy, for Europe, and even the whole world,' can be interpreted only as a threat of Turkish terror directed against Europe. The appeal of Turkey's Premier Yilmaz to all Turks living in Europe to take to the streets, allows justified doubts about whether Turkish politicians have ever understood what the rule of law means."

"Rome's Refusal To Extradite Ocalan Legitimizes PKK Fight"

Right-of-center Nuernberger Zeitung argued (11/20): "The Rome government is ignoring the fact that Ocalan himself is the problem. The 'freedom fight' which is supported by only a minority of Kurds, is Ocalan's invention and the PKK his own creature. Ocalan's private war cost the lives of 30,000 people, and the traces of this bloody war go to Germany, too.... Those who, against this background, refuse to extradite Ocalan to Ankara, are thus legitimizing the fight of the PKK against Turkey and are driving a large wedge into the front against international terrorism."

"Ocalan's Odyssey"

Edgar Auth held in left-of-center Frankfurter Rundschau (11/19): "PKK leader Ocalan did not come as a disguised asylum seeker to Rome but deliberately chose this destination. This move offers not only for him, but also for Turkey and Europe, the chance to initiate a political solution to the Kurdish problem.... It would now be easier for the Ankara government to enter into talks with the most important Kurdish faction without fearing a loss of face.... But the state of the current Turkish government does not create hopes for such a development.... With his presence in Rome, Ocalan has now put the Kurdish question into the hands of the Europeans.... It is now the task of the Bonn government to exert soft pressure on Ankara to enter into a dialogue to bring about a solution.... To offer Turkey a respected place in the waiting room of the EU...in return for a rejection of the violent course and the respect of human and minority rights seems to be worth all European diplomatic efforts."

"Italy's Political Decision"

Left-of-center Nuernberger Nachrichten argued (11/19): "There is no doubt that Ocalan is politically persecuted in Turkey, but...too much blood is on his hands. Ocalan cannot be accepted as a non-violent victim of political persecution.... There is no way around it: Italy would make a highly political decision if it granted political asylum to the PKK leader. He would thus legitimize the Kurdish fight for independence. And all of a sudden, the PKK would no longer be a mere terrorist group, but a political player with a quasi-martyr at the helm."

BRITAIN: "D'Alema's Dilemma"

The conservative Times of London had this lead editorial (11/20): "Abdullah Ocalan...is a brutal terrorist, responsible for thousands of deaths, widespread intimidation and the political deception of millions of fellow Kurds. His reported renunciation of violence in Rome this week is a transparent attempt to evade extradition to Turkey.... Nonplussed by the Turkish anger, [Italy's] reaction has been...naive and inept.... D'Alema's dilemma is that he can ill-afford to alienate a country as strategically vital as Turkey--which also happens to be an important trading partner.... Bonn is loath to stir up mayhem among its two million Turks and Kurds. But political courage and ethical consistency demand that it hand an extradition request to Rome."

RUSSIA: "Great Publicity"

Aleksandr Reutov wrote in centrist Nezavisimaya Gazeta (11/24): "The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has hardly had a better chance for publicity in the 20 years of its existence. The Turks, counting on U.S. support, have taken too long to realize that European countries, Italy included, are serious about human rights."

BELGIUM: "Ocalan Negotiations"

Pierre Lefevre observed in independent Le Soir (11/25): "In the Ocalan case, one sees the Turkish nationalist feeling take fire, repression of the Kurds' moderate representatives intensify, an embargo be set up and the possibility of any political settlement fade away. This is unacceptable, but the Ankara government seems incapable of resisting popular emotion.... Discreet negotiations seems to have begun, under the American aegis, between Washington, Rome, Bonn and Ankara to find a solution to this crisis. Much imagination will be required to reconcile legality, ethics and political appropriateness."

"Diplomatic Quagmire"

In independent Le Soir, Pierre Lefevre concluded (11/21): "Massimo D'Alema is cornered: threat of a boycott of Italian products in Turkey, the heavy U.S. pressure for Ocalan's extradition, failure of his meeting attempt with Turkish Prime Minister Yilmaz, the uproar from his domestic opposition. The Italian premier looks for a way out in European solidarity. But the Fifteen are lending a deaf ear. The potato is too hot.... Yesterday, Belgian Foreign Minister Derycke made a measured gesture toward Rome. He emphasized that it is up to the Italian authorities to make their decision on the asylum with full objectivity...according to the existing legislation.... He also reproached the United States for seeking to dictate policy to Italy."

"Italy Shouldn't Have To Cope Alone With Ocalan"

In conservative Catholic La Libre Belgique Christophe Lamfalussy commented (11/19): "Europe cannot let Italy cope alone with Ocalan, under the fallacious pretext that he landed in Rome.... The influx of Kurdish refugees in Europe demonstrates that the problem, once again, is European. Ocalan's arrest is perhaps an opportunity to be seized to initiate the beginning of a settlement of the Kurdish issue, and at the same time, a rapprochement with Turkey which, otherwise, will end up definitively turning its back on Europe."

"The Ocalan Hot Potato"

Marc Van de Weyer held in conservative Catholic Het Belang van Limburg (11/19): "The Western governments have ignored the fate of the Kurds for many years. Today, they would probably prefer to shove the Ocalan problem away like a hot potato. However, looking in another direction is not possible.

"New initiatives and more forceful West European action are needed to make it clear to the Kurds and the Turks that violence will not bring the required solution."

"Turkey Should Handle Problem In Adult Manner"

Guido Boodts judged in independent Catholic De Standaard (11/19): "As long as Turkey does not handle the Kurdish problem in an adult manner, Turkey's becomes a member of the EU will be out of the question."

BULGARIA: "The Oil Game And Kurdish Autonomy"

Center-left Sega observed (11/24): "Ankara should acclaim the announcement by Ocalan that the PKK would abstain from terrorist activity, because the moderation of the Kurds would make the [proposed Caspian oil] route through Turkey more attractive. Yet Turkey is irritated because it feels pressured to negotiate on the key issue of its domestic policy--Kurdish autonomy. The Kurds [may] turn out to be an important pawn in the geopolitical game for the Caspian and Central Asian natural resources. Unfortunately, Turkey is not willing to give up its century-long assimilation policy and, by aggravating the problem, demonstrates its willingness even to sacrifice one of its most important energy projects."

DENMARK: "An Equal Partner?"

Center-right Jyllands-Posten opined (11/25): "Western Europe, which is primarily led by green Communists...and old Social Democrats, now proves to be the soft underbelly of the democratic world. A place where you can hammer your fist in and get away with it. Ocalan only represents a small minority of the Turkish Kurds and is despised by Kurds in Iran and Iraq. He is neither a hero nor a patriot, but a Middle-East gangster, who, supported by the Syrians, declared war on a strategically extremely important NATO country, which must begin to ask itself what it stands to gain from its orientation towards the West.... The Western world might want to consider the consequences of a change in Turkish leadership. After all, Turkey does not have to accept being at the bottom of the heap in Europe. It can also choose to be the leading nation in the Muslim world."

"Ocalan Case Demonstrates Turkey's Legal Shortcomings"

Center-right Berlingske Tidende argued (11/24): "[With the Ocalan case], Turkey again demonstrates that the country is not yet sufficiently mature to have its application for EU membership taken seriously. Threats by members of the Turkish government to exclude Italian businesses from arms contracts and prohibit Italian programs on Turkish TV are neither dignified nor constructive. The same can be said for the authorities' more or less open support of the consumer boycott of Italian products. The fact that Turkey seems unable to keep its demands for extradition of the PKK leader within the framework of international legal agreements on combatting terrorism says a good deal about the country's own view of itself as a state governed by law and order--and it's not a pretty view."

"Ocalan Should Not Be Handed Over To Turkey"

Center-left Aktuelt concluded (11/21): "One thing is certain: Ocalan, who is detained in Italy, should not be handed over to the Turkish authorities.... If Turkey's government, instead of persecuting a fleeing terrorist, reached out to its own Kurdish people, then those European politicians who do not want to see Turkey being approached [for EU membership] would have fewer arguments."

"Turkey's Violent Outburst"

Center-left Politiken editorialized (11/23): "Turkey's violent outburst against Italy, because it will not hand over the Kurdish terrorist Ocalan, is unfortunately a sign that the country does not respect international law. It is completely unacceptable that Turkey has threatened Italy.... There is no doubt that Ocalan is a terrorist of the worst variety. It would be good if Germany demands his extradition, so that he takes responsibility for his actions.... Ocalan ought to disassociate himself from terrorism and encourage a peaceful dialogue with the Turkish government.... This could pave the way for a solution to the dirty war which has, during the last 14 years, cost 30,000 lives."

"What Turkey Needs To Do"

Center-right Jyllands-Posten's editorial held (11/19): "Turkey should repeal the death penalty. It should also allow its Kurd provinces autonomy. A declaration that Turkey recognizes a variety of cultures would bring the country a big step near EU membership."

GREECE: "The U.S. And The Ocalan Affair"

Influential pro-government Kathimerini carried an article by its Washington correspondent Athanasios Ellis (11/22): "Ms. Albright and the State Department spokesman appeared not to [appreciate] the legal obstacles raised by the Italian legal system in their direct statement that the leader of PKK must be extradited to Turkey. They even encouraged Rome to seek ways that would allow it to proceed with the extradition without violating Italian law.... Instead of pressuring Italy to extradite Ocalan to Turkey, the United States should be pressuring Ankara to respect the rights of its citizens, and particularly the Kurdish minority.... It is at least irrational, if not provocative, that Washington condemns Saddam Hussein for the exploitation of the Kurdish population and...at the same time has difficulty exercising greater pressure on Ankara. If the United States really believes that a solution must be found to the Kurdish issue and if it really wants to help its friend and ally to become more democratic and move closer to the EU, it must exploit the opportunity that presents itself today. It must encourage Ankara to abolish capital punishment and [find] a political solution of the Kurdish issue."

"Ocalan To Europe: 'Pressure Ankara To Accept Kurds'"

Influential, pro-government To Vima carried this special report (11/22): "Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan--indirectly--told its reporters V. Moulopoulos and D. Nicolacopoulos that he...believes that the Italian Court decision to place him on restriction at home is the first step for the granting of political asylum. As to whether he intends to suspend the PKK's military operations, Ocalan said that this is dependent upon Turkey's willingness to accept political dialogue. He also believes that his request for political asylum from Rome constitutes a substantial step toward the internationalization of the Kurdish issue. He said: 'Europe must realize that it must find a solution to the Kurdish issue, and pressure Ankara to accept that we Kurds exist and to have a dialogue with us.'"

"EU Must Solve Kurdish Issue"

Socialist, pro-government Eleftherotypia said in its lead editorial (11/22): "Europe does not have many choices with regard to the request of Massimo D'Alema and the Kurdish people. It must undertake an initiative for the solution of the Kurdish issue by political means. A first move must be to secure U.S. participation in the initiative, since there are indications of a change of attitude on the part of Washington.... Turkey's provocativeness to the degree of hysteria toward Italy over Ocalan does not justify the EU's distancing itself [from the affair] with the excuse that it is between Turkey and Italy. Turkey directly provokes all of the EU, not only Italy."

"As Long As Ocalan Is In Italy, Turkey's Accession To EU Impossible"

Sensationalist, pro-government Avriani said in its lead editorial (11/22): "Turkey is preparing for the abduction or assassination of Abdullah Ocalan. Turkey realizes that, as long as Ocalan is in Italy, Turkey's accession to the EU is impossible.... By statements [such as that by Turkish President Demirel that Turkey will not be divided even by war], it is becoming obvious that Turkey is determined to keep a whole people hostage."

"Ocalan Free, Turkey Screaming"

Influential, pro-government Kathimerini (11/21) carried a piece by diplomatic editor Michalis Catsigeras in which, referring to a statement by the Austrian EU President that the Ocalan dispute is a Turkish-Italian affair, he criticized the EU for its "inability...to form a uniform policy on the Ocalan affair."

"Granting Of Asylum To Ocalan Serves Long-Term U.S. Interests"

Pro-government Ta Nea carried this dispatch by its Washington correspondent Notis Papadopoulos (11/21): "The United States believes that Turkey has the right to defend itself against terrorism. But, at the same time, it believes, as do many Turks, that there cannot be a military solution to the Kurdish issue. Granting Ocalan asylum and recognizing him as chief of a Kurdish independence movement constitute steps in the right direction.... The Washington Post, which generally has close ties with Washington's bureaucracy, said that [although] Ocalan played the role of a terrorist in Damascus, he can now [serve as] a peaceful mediator for his people. This change demands a substantial transformation on his part. And it puts substantial pressure on Turkey's domestic affairs. It is obvious that realistic Americans--despite what they say in public--do remember well that both Yasser Arafat and Jerry Adams were [once] called...terrorists."

"U.S. Covers For Turkey's State-Sponsored Terrorism"

Opposition Eleftheros Typos had this lead commentary by the paper's director George Kyrtsos (11/20): "The United States describes Ocalan as a terrorist, asks for his extradition to Turkey and covers for Ankara's state-sponsored terrorism completely. U.S. reaction to the Ocalan issue does not bring to mind a democracy, but a problematic political system, where interests dominate."

"Ocalan Politicizes, Expands Kurdish Issue"

Diplomatic editor Ino Afendouli argued in pro-government Exoussia (11/20): "PKK leader Ocalan will now play the role played by Mr. Arafat on behalf of the PLO cause. Mr. Ocalan chose to abandon the armed struggle and politicize the Kurdish issue--which thus ceases to be an issue of 'terrorism' and...an internal affair for Turkey."

THE NETHERLANDS: "Opportunities"

Influential liberal De Volkskrant had this editorial view (11/25): "Last year...Turkey was told that it was not sufficiently observing human rights. The affair with PKK leader Ocalan has become more complicated because of the large number of Kurdish and Turkish minorities all over Europe. Turkey is reaping the fruits of its own policy.... Ankara has consistently refused to find any but a military solution for the Kurdish problem. Nevertheless, the situation is not yet totally hopeless.... Rome could use its influence to force Ocalan to renounce violence against Turkey. The Turkish government should then be prepared to discuss limited autonomy for the Kurds. This would be a chance to end the long conflict between the Turks and the Kurds that has cost at least 30,000 lives.

"Should Ankara persist in following its course of confrontation, it will become even further away from EU membership."

SPAIN: "Europe And Turkey"

Barcelona's centrist La Vanguardia noted (11/24): "Kurdish leader Ocalan, under house arrest in Rome, has become a point of friction that threatens to distance Turkey even more from the EU.... Turkey regards Ocalan as a terrorist, while Europe...not only condemns terrorism but also rejects Turkish repression of its civilian population and its use of torture. The only blue sky that Turkey has been able to find amidst all these clouds is represented by the position of its great ally, the United States. Washington maintains that...Ocalan, who has been accused of terrorism, should be extradited to face justice. This is hardly the first time that the United States and Europe disagree with regard to their policies on Turkey."

"The Kurdish Question"

Liberal El Pais noted (11/19): "With the arrest in Italy of Kurdish Workers' Party leader, Abdullah Ocalan, who seeks to create an autonomous Kurdish state within Turkey by means of an armed rebellion, one of the hottest political potatoes of the day has landed in the hands of Italian Prime Minister D'Alema.... Turkey...has announced it will take reprisals if Rome does not turn Ocalan over to Ankara which, together with the United States, considers him to be a terrorist and responsible for thousands of deaths during 14 years of conflict.... Perhaps the time has come--as both D'Alema and [German Foreign Minister] Fischer have suggested...for Europe to propose a political solution to the unresolved Kurdish question."

EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC

CHINA: "Italy, Turkey At Loggerheads Over Ocalan"

Jin Li commented in Beijing Youth Daily (Beijing Qingnianbao, 11/23): "In the Ocalan case, Italy is backed by the EU, while Turkey is supported by the United States.... It is for its own interests that the United States sided with Turkey. The Ocalan case will not only endanger the Italian-Turkish relationship, but also complicate the relationship between Turkey and the EU, as well as that between the EU and the United States."

SOUTH ASIA

INDIA: "Turkey Forced To Hit Back At Italy"

The centrist Hindu had this analysis by Batuk Gathani (11/25): "The chasm between Turkey and Italy is widening following Rome's decision to release...Abdullah Ocalan.... Turkey, as a retaliatory measure, is imposing economic sanctions against Italy.... Analysts point out that Yilmaz can cash in on the Ocalan affair, because this is a national issue on which all Turks are resolutely united.... The Italian authorities are in a dilemma--on the one hand, granting asylum to Ocalan would evoke the wrath of Turkey, and on the other, sending him back to Turkey would unleash a wave of terrorist violence by resident Kurdish communities, particularly in Germany.... Either way, Italy has a serious problem. As a European diplomat put it: Italy has a choice [between] cholera and plague."

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11/25/98

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