19937 Buhrstone Dr.
							Montgomery Village, MD 20886

							July 12, 1998

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

Dear Committee Members:

	I would like to reiterate the words of Congressman John F. Porter by 
"asking that you give your utmost consideration to the nomination of Leyla 
Zana for the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize, an act that could pave the way for the 
invitation of a dialogue that could bring peace...Such courageous action by the 
committee would serve to light a candle in a part of the world that has been 
kept in darkness for too long."

	I believe that Leyla Zana is well deserving of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize 
for her courageous efforts and that the Kurds are well deserving of peace, 
recognition and world support that could be facilitated by awarding her the 
1997 Nobel Peace Prize.  

	Thank you for your compassion and concern.

						Sincerely,
						
						Ruta L. Bilmanis