Distinguished Members of the Press,
I have a news for you and for our dear citizens. Since 3 am this morning, Abdullah
Öcalan, chief of the separatist terrorist organisation called PKK is in Turkey. We had
stated wherever he might be in the world, our state would be able to capture him. This
promise of the state has now been fulfilled. The promise made to our martyrs’ mothers
has been kept. Öcalan, who has been disowned by the entire world has now found himself in
Turkey’s hands. He now will be held accountable before the independent Turkish
justice for all that he did and for all that he forced others do for him. It is high time
for everybody to realise that in Turkey one can go nowhere through terrorism and that no
one can challenge our state.
This morning, I want to make a call especially to the young ones who
fell in Ocalan’s trap or that of his men and supporters. I want to reach out to those
young ones who have inflicted deep pain to mothers, fathers and to our nation by throwing
themselves into fire in the mountains, in the caves: While you were made accessories to
murders for years, while you were living in misery in mountain caves, the person you
thought was your leader was living in luxury in posh mansions. Some of his collaborators
were also living comfortably in certain European countries.
I call on to those who fell into their trap: You are now at a dead
end. Surrender yourselves to the justice of the state. Then, of course our nation will
make sure that you can benefit from the Act of Repentenence that is now before the
Parliament. Re-unite with your mothers, fathers, and put an end to your separation from
your loved ones. Use your power not to take lives of innocent human beings, but to
increase the prosperity of our people hand in hand with the state. Say “enough”
to those who waste your lives, who throw you right into the fire, who incite you to hunger
strikes or acts of suicide.
Before I conclude, I would like to give you a brief information
about his capture, but I cannot go into the details. I can say this: He was caught without
anyone getting hurt, including himself. He was caught following our silent but intensive
efforts that lasted 12 days in different countries and different continents. There were
only 10 people in Turkey who knew about this operation. There was no leakage. Had there
been the slightest leak, this operation would not have been successful. The operation has
been accomplished thanks to a close and harmonious cooperation between the Turkish
Intelligence Organisation and the Turkish General Staff. I extend my thanks and
appreciation to them. A difficult job has been accomplished. The rest is now in the hands
of the independent judiciary.
May God protect our nation and all humankind from terror and wars.
QUESTION: In which country was he last?
ANSWER : We are not going to go into any detail on this subject. I ask you not to be
inquisitive about it.
QUESTION : Can you give us information as to his present
whereabouts?
ANSWER : He is currently in Turkey, but he did not yet go to the place he will be kept.
When he does, we will announce that too.
QUESTION: Is he in Istanbul?
ANSWER : For the time being, I do not deem it appropriate to disclose any detail.
QUESTION : Is he going to be interrogated by MIT?
ANSWER : No, no. This will be done by the authorised judicial authorities.
Thank you.
Pictures from Ocalan's capture
Apo is in the plane while traveling from Kenya to Turkey.
Apo used this Greek Cyprus passport to enter Kenya.
