Fed: Violence erupts in protests against Ocalan s arrest

AAP General News (Australia)
02-17-1999
Fed: Violence erupts in protests against Ocalan s arrest

Violence has erupted at the Greek consulate in Melbourne this morning just as pro-Kurdish
protesters ended a nine-hour siege in central Sydney.

The demonstrators -- including women and children -- have been protesting against the
arrest of Kurdish separatist leader ABDULLAH OCALAN (Pron: OH--Chuh-LAHN), and demanding his
relese.

In Melbourne, three protesters have been arrested outside the Greek Consul-General's office
in Albert Park after a melee which began when police seized cans of petrol from a man.

About 50 police are facing about 70 pro-Kurdish protesters, men and police have exchanged
punches and missiles have been flung at police.

A similar protest outside central Sydney's Greek Consulate is breaking up with
demonstrators boarding a police bus.

Earlier this morning protesters armed with Molotov cocktails, clubs and drums of petrol
invaded the Greek consul's office.

Greek Consul-General ROSA IEREMIA (Pron YEH-ra-ME-a) says central Sydney Consulate staff
are safe following the overnight raid.





Deputy Prime Minister TIM FISCHER has condemned the Kurdish demonstrations in Sydney as
un-Australian because they have involved violence.

And Opposition Leader KIM BEAZLEY is urging protesters to ensure their actions are
peaceful.

The Australian protests join a wave of furious Kurdish demonstrations on Greek diplomatic
offices around the world, including 20 cities across Europe.

One Kurd rebel prisoner in Turkey died after setting himself alight.

AAP RTV jn/mcm

KEYWORD: OCALAN AUST WRAP (MELBOURNE)

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