The statement was preceded by the reading of an appeal by Mr Ismael, a member of the Kurdish community in Switzerland. A copy of this (in French only) is available on request.

Statement by World Council of Churches:

At around 1400hrs this afternoon, Friday 19 February, members of the Kurdish community in Switzerland came to the World Council of Churches at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva.

Leaders of the group met the WCC General Secretary, Rev. Dr Konrad Raiser, and presented him with an appeal concerning Abdullah Ocalan.

The group expressed its concern over the arrest and detention of their leader Abdullah Ocalan by the Turkish authorities and called on the WCC to intervene in this matter.

The WCC has followed the issue of the Kurdish people over the years. Given the WCC’s stated commitment to human rights and self-determination, the WCC calls on its member churches in Europe to seize this opportunity and urge their respective governments to seek a peaceful political solution to the plight of the Kurdish people.

The Kurdish community has expressed concerns about the physical safety and security of Abdullah Ocalan. The WCC appeals to the Turkish government to ensure Mr Ocalan’s safety and that he can receive visits from his lawyers. The WCC further appeals to the Turkish authorities to ensure Mr Ocalan receives a fair trial in accordance with international norms and procedures of the Rule of Law.