ANKARA - Turkish Deputy Chief of General Staff Gen. Ilker Basbug said on Tuesday that Abdullah Ocalan, head of the terrorist organization, could only meet his lawyers within the framework of defense right.
Basbug, in a press briefing today in Ankara, said that Ocalan was sending instructions to the terrorist organization through his lawyers, and noted, ''he will naturally meet his lawyers, but it should be within the framework of defense right. But, it seems it does not happen in this way. He meets his lawyers and conveys his views and directives on the internet and in the press through his lawyers. It is a crime. And, his lawyers are committing this crime.''
19 investigations were launched regarding Ocalan's lawyers on charges of ''aiding and abetting the terrorist organization'', Basbug stated. But, the General said, none of the investigations had been finalized yet.
-SIMULTANEOUS REFERENDA CONFIRM EXISTENCE OF TWO NATIONS IN CYPRUS-
Answering a question, Basbug said that Cyprus was a national cause, and noted, ''TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) still stands as an important matter for Turkey.''
The (April 24th) simultaneous referenda held in TRNC and Greek Cypriot side confirmed that there were two nations in the island, and one did not have the authority to represent the other, Basbug stated.
Noting that TRNC's and Turkey's expectations had not been met after the referenda, Basbug said that Turkey had fulfilled its responsibilities regarding this matter.
(BRC-MS) 02.11.2004