Sir, - I have read Ambassador Zezza's letter December 3rd), in response to an article (The Irish Times, December 1st) by Norman Stone, a visiting professor of political science at Bilkent University in Ankara. I must admit that I have no contention with most of the points Ambassador Zezza so eloquently makes in his letter. However, what is really at issue here is what the Italian government has failed, so far, to do. Let me explain.
That the PKK is a terrorist organisation that follows the direct orders of its founder and sole head, Abdullah Ocalan, is no longer news to anyone. As such the PKK has been identified and treated as a terrorist organisation by France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States. Many others have condemned its terrorist acts.
Therefore, as a partner and ally of Turkey and bound by moral and treaty obligations within the framework of the UN, the Council of Europe, the OSCE, NATO, G-7 as well as the EU, Italy, we believe, has the solemn commitment to fight terrorism and bring terrorists to justice.
However, much to the surprise and dismay of the Turkish government and the Turkish people, the Italian government, rather than detaining and treating Ocalan as a terrorist and common criminal, has chosen to extend him hospitality, luxury accommodation, visitation rights and free access to the media as if he were an honoured guest.
Even more surprising were the various statements made by some members of the government on the subject of Ocalan, pointedly lacking any reference to terrorism and Italy's obligation to combat all forms of it. They certainly must have provided comfort and solace to Ocalan and open encouragement to other terrorists.
Although there is no doubt Italy is faced with a difficult situation, we expect our NATO ally to act with a deep sense of responsibility and try to avoid mixing politics with what is fundamentally a legal issue: the detention and extradition of a terrorist and criminal who must be brought to justice for the crimes he has perpetrated. - Yours, etc., Engin Asula,
First Secretary, Embassy of Turkey, Dublin.