The tripartite summit of Turkish ruling coalition decided on January 12 to delay the execution of the death sentence against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan.

The ruling partners reached an agreement to hold the file, sent by the Justice Ministry earlier this month, and to wait for the ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) on the case. The process could take some 18 months.

Analysts here said the decision was made following tough talks, indicating the opinion that the execution could lead to an escalation of separatist terrorism, hurt the process of Turkish full membership in the European Union and worsen the country's economy prevailed.

The agreement was meant to dissolve a potential government crisis which Turkey was expected to face.

Ocalan was captured by Turkish commandos last February in Kenya and condemned to hanging in June by a Turkish court for treason and separatism.

The PKK had been leading a war against government troops for an independent homeland in southeastern Turkey which claimed some 37,000 lives. It announced a cease fire in August, a move interpreted by the government as an attempt to save Ocalan's life.

The European Court has asked Turkey not to carry out the sentence against Ocalan until it reviews the case. Turkey has not executed anybody since 1984.

Since Turkey is eager to join the EU, it has been urged to comply the standards of European countries, which have all abolished the death penalty. (Xinhua)