Nobel Peace Prize Committee
Nobel Institute
Drammensvein 19
N-0255 Oslo
Norway
Dear Sir/Madam:
I hope that your Committee will give consideration to the nomination of Leyla Zana for the 1998 Nobel Peace Prize. You are undoubtedly aware that Leyla Zana is a former Member of the Turkish Parliament from the Kurdish community who was arrested in March 1994 and is currently serving a 15-year sentence for her commitment to the national and cultural rights of the Kurds and for a political solution to the Kurdish conflict.
Leyla Zana accompanied me on my visit to southeast Turkey in October 1993 as a member of the Parliamentary Human Rights Group investigating human rights abuses.
Ms. Zana has always sought a political solution and I believe that the award of the Nobel Peace Prize would draw international attention to the conflict and could stimulate international action for peace. A positive decision by your Committee would not only be a tribute to Leyla Zana's courage and determination but could help to bring an end to the ongoing suffering of the Kurdish people.
Yours sincerely,
John Austin, MP
House of Commons
London, England
Tel: 0171-219-5195
Many thanks to the Kurdistan Solidarity Centre in London