The PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) held its 12th Extraordinary Congress on May 5-7 at the Medya Defense Zones and shared its historic decision to disband and disarm for the new period with the public on May 12.

Delegate Zilar Stêrk's speech at the congress was as follows:

"Although we have not been able to fully grasp Leader Öcalan’s paradigm, we have made significant progress in our struggle over the past 26 years. There has been comprehensive development in all areas, from the military to the political, diplomatic, social, and ideological spheres. Despite all this, we could have achieved even greater progress. However, from an external perspective, it is clear that the Kurdistan Freedom Struggle cannot be suppressed or eradicated in any way. This 26-year process has proven this fact. An international conspiracy developed, purges took place within the organization in the past, all the advanced technology of NATO was used on the battlefield to crush the organization, and they wanted to destroy the guerrilla and the organization's leadership one by one by implementing all their war strategies. However, it has been proven that this organization cannot be destroyed. Although we have not been able to completely eliminate the enemy—comrade Cemal referred to this as the “stalemate situation”—the PKK remains standing tall despite all attacks. The entire world sees this. International powers see this, and the Turkish state sees this. In other words, those who have imposed a policy of denial and annihilation against us for a century have witnessed this resolve that has emerged.”