On 15 November 1998 the SYNASPISMOS Press Office issued a statement saying that Ocalan should not be extradited to Turkey and on the next day SYN MEP A.Alavanos tabled to the GUE/NGL Group a draft motion to be submitted to the EP, asking for the granting of political assylum to the Kurdish leader.

On 18 November 1998 a Synaspismos delegation consisting of N.Bistis, P.Trigazis, A.Papadomihelakis, D.Stoumbos and G.Kakouris visited and expressed solidarity to the Kurdish political refugees on hunger strike at Klathmonos Square in Athens, demanding asylum for Ocalan and an International Conference on the Kurdish Question.

On 19 November 1998 a statement was issued by the GUE/NGL Group rejecting a letter to MEPs from the Turkish co-chairman of the Turkey-EU Joint Parliamentary Commission Mr. B.Akarcali who threatened that "granting political asylum to Ocalan will not only be to the detriment of relations between Turkey and Italy but will also create problems linked with terrorism for Italy, Europe and indeed the world at large". The GUE/NGL Group congratulated the Italian Government for its decision not to extradite Ocalan and called on the E.P. President Mr. Z.Robles to send a letter of protest to the Turkish government for its pressures against Italy and the MEPs.

The new developments in relation with the Kurdish problem create possibilities for it to be dealt with by political and peaceful means. In this direction the responsibility of the EU and its member states increases as Turkey's course towards Europe depends - among other things - on respecting International Law and improving its human rights record.