August 3, 1998

The Nobel Peace Prize Committee
Nobelinsintuttet
Drammensvein 19
N-0255 Oslo, Norway

Dear Committee Members:

As a member of the United States Congress, I am well aware of the situation 
of the Kurds in Turkey.  I find it hard to believe that Turkey wages 
international campaigns to be part of the European Union and yet denies the 
most basic rights to a quarter of its population, the Kurds.  15 to 20 million 
Kurds are asked to forgo their history by forced legal assimilation.  This is 
simply unhealthy and the cause of present day war.  We must help Turkey to 
rectify this situation.

For some time now, I have spoken up on behalf of a fellow parliamentarian, 
the imprisoned Kurdish woman, Leyla Zana.  I have asked my government 
to raise her case with the Turkish authorities and demand her immediate 
release from prison.  Last month, I also met her husband, Mehdi Zana, a 
former prisoner of Turkish jails for over sixteen years.  I spoke with Mr. Zana 
extensively.  I expressed my desire to offer my services to cut short the pain 
and the suffering of the Kurds on our own watch.

I am writing to request that you give your utmost consideration to the 
nomination of Leyla Zana for the Nobel Peace Prize.  Here is a woman who 
has been denied a family life and a mandated public life for wanting to 
remain true to her identity.  Turkey needs counsel to reconcile with its 
Kurdish population and recognizing Leyla Zana for this international award 
may indeed lead the way to the elusive peace. 

I thank you for your kindness to my request of peace for the Kurds.

Sincerely,




Bob Filner
Member of Congress