Statement by Representative Esteban E. Torres (D-CA)

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, members of the press, colleagues, friends and the courageous persons who have been fasting for the release of Leyla Zana, and other elected Kurdish parliamentarians who are currently under arrest in Turkey, for exercising their rights of free speech on behalf of the Kurdish people.

I am proud to join my colleagues in seeking President Clintonís intervention in this shameful detention of duly elected representatives of the Kurdish people.  I have placed my signature on a letter to President Clinton which asks him to raise the issue of the imprisonment of Leyla Zana with the Turkish authorities.

In solidarity with my colleagues, I am urging President Clinton and his advisors to pay close attention to the issues which motivate those who are fasting and those who are gathering here today.  I ask that President Clinton instruct our Secretary of State to raise Mrs. Zanaís case, and the cases of other imprisoned Kurdish parliamentarians, with the Turkish authorities, and to seek her, and their, release.

I urge also that the Turkish authorities take steps to release the democratically elected representatives of their Kurdish citizens.

I honor the integrity, the conviction, the conscience and the will of those of you who have undertaken this fast, I wish you continued strength in your efforts, and I pray that the eyes and ears of my Colleagues, and of my President, will be opened to your pleas.  I am proud to be part of your efforts to free Leyla Zana and her colleagues.

I thank you.