The 12th Congress of the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) was held between May 5 and 7. Speaking after the congress, Sozdar Avesta, a member of the KCK (Kurdistan Communities Union) General Presidency Council, said that the PKK would go down in history as great valour and be remembered in golden letters.

Sozdar Avesta stated that the PKK raised the Kurds from the brink of death to where they are today, and made the following assessment: "We have held the 12th Congress of the PKK. I remember with respect, reverence, and gratitude all the martyrs of the freedom struggle, especially our martyrs Heval Haki Karer, Mazlum Doğan, Sakine Cansız, Ali Haydar Kaytan, and Rıza Altun. I bow before their memories. I greet Rêber Apo (Leader Abdullah Öcalan), the founder of this party, who has been a spirit, philosophy, and pioneer of free life from the first congress to the last, with respect, reverence, love, and longing. I offer my respects.

'The PKK has made a fundamental revolution for humanity'

Our 12th congress was an extraordinary congress. It took place under unusual circumstances. The PKK has been waging a struggle for 52 years under the leadership of Rêber Apo, who has been imprisoned on Imrali for 26 years. As he himself has stated, he is in a place like a coffin, crucified, under severe isolation, and has once again initiated the transformation of the PKK. The congress, which was realized through great efforts, is the result of Rêber Apo's 52-year struggle. The PKK has made many revolutionary moves in Kurdish history. Above all, it raised the Kurds from the brink of death, turning them into the most resilient, freedom-loving, and militant people. The Kurdish people became seekers of truth.

The PKK has made a fundamental revolution for humanity; it has developed the women's struggle and the women's revolution. The PKK draws its essence from the struggle for women's freedom. Women, who have been deprived of all human values, are now leading the way in Kurdistan, the Middle East, and around the world in the struggle for women's freedom, guided by the ideology of women's liberation and the perspective of Jineology, thanks to the 52-year struggle of Rêber Apo, who has been at the forefront of the PKK's 47-year struggle. Kurdish women are the most resilient and pioneering women.

'The struggle of the PKK and Rêber Apo has created a free Kurdish people'

The PKK has enabled young people in Kurdistan, the Middle East, and around the world to achieve their dreams and has involved them in a great struggle. It has also created great awareness among the Kurds, who had never been able to unite for their own rights and had been divided. The struggle of the PKK and Rêber Apo has created a free Kurdish people. It created a Kurdish people who resist and act together, becoming an example for all peoples in Kurdistan. Following these great developments and revolutions, the PKK held its 12th Congress. This time, the congress was held under the banner of peace and a democratic society, based on Rêber Apo's perspectives and calls. At the congress, evaluations were made to ensure that the PKK revolution, the efforts made by the PKK, the spirit it created, and the work it carried out are enshrined in history.

Although there was some emotion at the congress, every congress member broke with the PKK's traditional party mold and the traditional mold of real socialism. The PKK will develop its perspective of free women, democratic socialism, communal society, and democratic society. No one has been able to defeat the PKK, and this is the most important thing. This was emphasized at the congress.

'The PKK has become part of history'

Rêber Apo also stated in his ‘Call for Peace and a Democratic Society’ that such organizations and parties cannot be forcibly eliminated. The PKK has not been defeated; it has fulfilled its historical role within the framework of a major change and transformation. It will now develop its new tasks and responsibilities with hard work and historical awareness in a democratic society. Under the leadership of Kurdish women, Kurdish youth, internationalist youth, and all freedom-seeking forces, this struggle will grow even further in all areas. This struggle will put an end to the male-dominated, occupying mentality and pave the way for democratic politics, a democratic society, communal life, the unity of peoples, and peace. The PKK did not undertake this change and transformation solely for itself; it did not wage this struggle solely for itself, but for all humanity, for women, and for peoples. This will be remembered in history as great valour, inscribed in golden letters. The PKK has now become part of history and has made its mark on history.

'Our 12th Congress has made historic decisions'

This congress, held at the call of Rêber Apo, has once again revealed the emptiness of the unjust “terrorism” rhetoric that has been directed at the people of Kurdistan to date. The time has come for a democratic society, for peace and unity. It is time for women and young people. The congress was successfully held on this basis. All delegates gathered around Rêber Apo and the martyrs as one stance, one spirit, and one voice. This is a great gift for all the people of Kurdistan, for women, for the people of the Middle East, and for all humanity. This is happening for the first time in history with the PKK. A party that has been in existence for 52 years has brought itself to this point through a great struggle. Our 12th Congress has made historic decisions and will continue to wage a great struggle from now on.

'The struggle and resistance continue in a more conscious manner'

No one should be sad about this; the PKK has not been defeated. Our people already know about the black propaganda and attacks that will be carried out. The struggle and resistance continue in a more conscious manner. This struggle must be elevated even further on the basis of the legacy created by 52 years of struggle. We trust our people, the spirit that has been created, Rêber Apo, and his philosophy of freedom. We know very well where we started and where we stand today. This move is first and foremost a celebration for Rêber Apo, the architect of this move and the one who brought us to this level, for the women, the youth, and all the people.”