Ocalan requests political asylum in Italy: Med-TV

[ozgurluk at xs4all.nl]

   ANKARA, Nov 13 (AFP) - Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan has  
applied for political asylum in Italy following his arrest there, 
the pro-Kurdish satellite TV channel Med-TV reported Friday, citing 
the leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). 
   "I have come to Rome with the knowledge of the Italian  
government," Ocalan said in a written statement in Turkish read out 
on the air. 
   "The necessary steps are being taken, so that I, with my  
political identity, may remain in this country," the statement 
continued. 
   But it was not clear yet whether his request would be granted,  
Ocalan added. "It is too early to say whether this process will be 
sucessful or not," his statement said. 
   Med-TV announced that Ocalan had accepted an invitation to speak  
on the air with Med-TV by telephone later on Friday. 
   Italian authorities earlier said Ocalan was under arrest in  
Rome. 
   The PKK leader was detained on arrival at Rome airport late  
Thursday, according to Turkey's security chief Necati Bilican. 
  	   	

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