Statement by Representative Elizabeth Furse (D-OR)

 It is a huge pleasure to see my friends who have been fasting.  I am reminded of my childhood in South Africa, when other friends fasted to free South Africa.  You will prevail.  Your cause is strong, and all of us today should be standing with you in solidarity for Leyla Zana.  It has been many years now that Iíve been aware of her case and tried to bring it forward.  Itís too long weíve fought to change that.  As you know weíve sent this letter to the President.  It has been signed by 156 Members.  Now, that may not sound like much, but let me tell you, in this body, to get 156 of our Colleagues together on an issue that may seem frightening to them [is impressive]. Because they donít know, they havenít been there.  But they take the word of Kathryn [Cameron Porter], of Congressman Porter, of Congressman Esteban Torres.
 I want to say today, that Leyla Zana was put in prison for doing what I am doing.  She stood and spoke about human rights as a duly elected parliamentarian.  I could be arrested today in Turkey for doing what I am doing, which is representing the people who elected me, because they expect me to speak out on issues such as human rights.  I am also completely appalled that this country, the United States, spends millions of dollars supporting Turkey.  We say that Turkey is our ally.  Yes, it is.  We say that Turkey is our friend.  Yes, it has been.  But we should not support a regime to the extent we do, that jails and tortures duly elected parliamentarians.  Throughout the world, it is known that a parliamentarian may speak on issues such as human rights.  That is their duty.  It is something they must do.  And yet Turkey has violated that bond between a constituent and an elected representative.  And we in the United States continue to support that government.  We have got to stop.
 I have spoken to Ambassador Bill Richardson about Ms. Zana and I want to read from his letter to me of October 15.  In it he says, ìMs. Zanaís case is one of four convictions which are being appealed to the European Human Rights Commission, and the Turkish government has stated publicly that it will respect the Commissionís decision.î  I look forward and I continue to hold the Turkish government to that promise.  They cannot be rogues in this world.  They must be held by the legal and human rules that govern all of this planet.  So I look forward to their doing what is right, and I look forward to working with the great Kurdish people who have stood in solidarity with their elected representatives.  I would wish only that my constituents were as strong, as brave.  I think they are the best constituents in the world, but you are an example of standing for the rights of elected people to express their views as we are today.  Thank you for what you do, and we will be there with you.