107th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. RES. 133

Calling for the immediate and unconditional release from prison of certain Kurdish members of the Parliament of the Republic of Turkey.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 7, 2001

Mr. FILNER (for himself, Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. KIRK, and Mr. BONIOR) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on International Relations

RESOLUTION

Calling for the immediate and unconditional release from prison of certain Kurdish members of the Parliament of the Republic of Turkey.

Whereas the friendship between the peoples of the United States and the Republic of Turkey is based on a mutual respect and a shared commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law;

Whereas Turkey is now a candidate for membership in the European Union, a community of nations likewise based on shared values of democracy and human rights;

Whereas four former parliamentarians from the now banned Kurdish-based Democracy Party (DEP), Leyla Zana, Hatip Dicle, Orhan Dogan, and Selim Sadak, remain imprisoned at Ankara's Ulucanlar Prison; and

Whereas 153 Members of the United States Congress in 1997 signed a letter to President Clinton calling for Leyla Zana's immediate and unconditional release `so that we may again welcome her to our shores': Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives declares that the immediate and unconditional release from prison in the Republic of Turkey of the parliamentarians Leyla Zana, Hatip Dicle, Orhan Dogan, and Selim Sadak is a vital step in upholding due process in Turkey and facilitating Turkey's integration into the European Union.