"Dear members of the Press,

I thank you for attending this press conference which we have organised in order to evaluate the latest Turkish military incursion into south Kurdistan.

Turkish military forces in collaboration with KDP commenced a military offensive against the southern part of our country (northern Iraq) on 14 May 1997 at 3 o'clock in the morning. 60.000 Turkish troops backed by tanks and Sikorsky helicopters, marched into Kurdistan from Silopi at Habur border point and have moved down further towards the areas of Haftanin, Metina, Ciyayi Spi and Brenes mountains. Air bombings and shellings continue as we speak.

The Turkish state, unable to proceed with the incursion without the active support of her western allies and the treacherous KDP, launched its invasion after receiving full support of its western allies, in particular the US, and the KDP.

We are aware, since April this year, that the US, Israel and Turkey together with the KDP have been making plans against our struggle as in 1992 and 1995. We are also aware that the so called Peace Monitoring Force (PMF), which was based near Arbil - an area between the KDP and PUK forces - was set up in order to contribute to their plans in the region. The establishment of the PMF, under the pretext that there are Turcomen in south Kurdistan, aim to create a second Cyprus situation. It is clear that through the armament of this so called Peace Monitoring Force, they attempt to create their own war force. On the other hand, the strategic allegiance between Turkey and Israel will no doubt create new forces of alliance in the region. The US, Israel and Turkey alliance aims to strengthen imperialism, zionism and Kemalism in the region.

Dear members of the Press,

Whatever the different points of views are, the recently emerged forces of alliance and the incursion undoubtedly mean the beginning of a new era in south Kurdistan. The latest developments in the region are not just another simple invasion of Turkish forces and will show its effects in the long term. The US will not only remain as a political target in the region, but will be directly involved in every development.

Thus the current military incursion into southern Kurdistan is not only an assault against the Kurds, Kurdistan or the PKK. The Turkish state is waging a dirty war against our people in NW Kurdistan for the last 14 years without success. As a result of this war, Turkey suffers from a deepening economic, political and social crisis. Considering the economic and political consequences of the war and involvement of the state in drugs at the highest level, Turkey is striving to give the impression that they are `winning the war'. This military offensive is not only an all out attack against the Kurds, Arabs, Persians and other peoples, but it is also an attack against the developing unity of these peoples and their very existence in the region. The scale of the incursion and the reaction of other states proves that the latest development will affect the status quo in the region. This operation, also aimed to force 15.000 Kurdish refugees back to Turkey to weaken the PKK, which has become the only hope of the Kurds living in all parts, and this operation is aimed at stopping our efforts to defeat national treachery. Turkey and her allies intend to place a de facto puppet forces in south Kurdistan and declare their rule in the region.

Dear members of the Press,

Taking opportunity we we would like to clarify several points:

Nevermind that the the territorial integrity of Iraq being violated, innocent civilian people have been targeted, the whole area is bombarded, International Law is breached, and yet it is not the Turkish state but the PKK which is branded as terrorist and its acts as illegitimate. Those who accuse us are the real terrorists and this definition is being used for their narrow imperialist interests.

We ask those who claim "the PKK is finished, we killed hundreds of them, its back bone is broken, it is marginalised", why are you in such a panic? Why send thousands of troops after the PKK? Why do you declare the PKK as your strategic enemy? It is clear that you have been defeated and you will suffer the same defeat in this latest operation.

Why do the European states, who support Turkey under the pretext that the "PKK threatens the territorial integrity of Turkey" and "Turkey has a right to protect its borders and fight against terrorist threat", remain silent when Turkey carries out `cross border operations'. Isn't this a violation of `territorial integrity' of Iraq, isn't Turkey breaching the so called Safe Haven?

The Turkish state who foolishly believes in military solutions gives the impression to its supporters that a military solution is closer than ever, will once more face the reality that a military victory is impossible for Turkey. these incursions have become periodic events for the ARGK (People's Liberation Army of Kurdistan). The ARGK has in the past defeated similar offensives and it will do the same this year.

Those circles, who over the years insisted on the political and peaceful solution of the Kurdish question, must know that Turkey does not favour such a solution and that the recent incursion will complicate things more. Silence of European states, as in the past, encourages Turkey in its official policy.

According to our information sources, on the second day of the operation 8 village guards were killed in Silopi, 2 armoured vehicles were destroyed and 2 military jeeps were hit by our guerrillas in Derkar Passage, 6 soldiers were killed during a clash in Sinaht Passage, 2 soldiers died when they stepped on land mines in Beri Sosen area, 5 soldiers were killed and their weapons confiscated in Dersim area. This information is proof of Turkey's continuing losses leading to another defeat.

Dear members of the Press,

Taking this opportunity I would also like to call on our people and all Kurdish organisations rearding this very historic moment in our struggle:

The Kurds living in exile, our cadres and supporters must take on their responsibility on the theme of all out MOBILISATION. We call on our people to take their position opposing the invasion and treachery, to organise joint protests, meetings and pickets and expose the true face of the forces collaborating with the enemy. At this historic time of our struggle Kurdish people should work 24 hours a day.

We would also like to condemn and warn the KDP and other forces who are in collaboration with Turkey: Unless they change their ranks, their fate will be no different than that of the Turkish State. We warn them, before it is too late, to oppose this ocupation of our country and take their place alongside with the Kurdish people.

Our call to western powers who have economically, politically and militarily contributed to the barbarism and the invasion of the Turkish Army, European countries must oppose this invasion and condemn it and, if they are sincere, should take concrete steps for a political solution to the Kurdish question. they should impose sanctions against Turkey. Silence will conform their approval of this act and their stance on the issue."

16 May 1997