The South African Government has noted with concern the decision of the Turkish court to hand down the death sentence to Mr Abdullah Ocalan. South Africa believes, in keeping with its constitutional principles, that the death sentence is not an appropriate form of punishment.
It is noted that there will be a judicial review but irrespective of what the outcome may be, the South African Government calls on the Turkish Government to commute the death sentence.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
PRETORIA
29 JUNE 1999