The PKK publicly announced the decisions taken at its 12th Congress held between May 5–7. Among the decisions, the PKK's declaration to end armed struggle and dissolve itself sparked widespread debate in Turkey and internationally.

Workers’ Party of Turkey (TIP) chairman Erkan Baş told ANF that the government’s long-standing justification for authoritarian oppression has now been eliminated, and added: "Every step and development that will serve the silencing of arms and the establishment of peace in our country is undoubtedly extremely important and positive. What matters to us is ensuring peace among all peoples of the region, so they can take control of their destinies in fraternity and harmony. The PKK’s decisions officially remove an argument that the government has long used to justify all manner of anti-democratic, repressive, and fascistic practices. And this is, in itself, significant."

We will oppose any argument that targets the Kurdish people

Baş emphasized the need to safeguard the hope of peace, and added: "At this stage, I want to underline that we do not view this issue as a ‘negotiation’ or ‘deal.’ We are entering a period in which all social and political actors must take more serious responsibility to ensure that the growing hope for peace is protected. For us, peace is not negotiable, and democracy, freedoms, and fundamental human rights are not matters of trade. TIP, as always, stands on the side of peace among peoples, and in direct opposition to the palace regime that serves imperialists, fascists, and capitalist bosses. We believe that achieving permanent peace requires securing freedoms and democracy, and for that, all the people’s forces must struggle together. We will intensify our efforts, not only in our country but also across our region, for weapons to fall silent, for imperialist and collaborator plans to be thwarted, and for all anti-democratic practices targeting the Kurdish people in Turkey to be defeated."

We will stand in solidarity with the Kurdish people’s struggle

Baş continued: "I’ll begin with the call: I believe I can respond from the historical perspective of Turkey’s revolutionary movement. The final words of Deniz Gezmiş and his comrades before being executed are not only a manifesto but also a compass for us. For almost all revolutionary forces in our country, the joint struggle of the Turkish and Kurdish peoples for independence, democracy, and socialism is also a fight for peace and fraternity. The history of our country is full of examples of Kurdish and Turkish people defending unity, brotherhood, and peace, even at the cost of their lives. As has been the case until now, no one should doubt that socialists will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Kurdish people in their struggle for rights and freedoms."

Socialism is the only way to justice for all

Baş said that "the denial of the Kurdish people's existence, language, and identity constitutes a central element in the policies of oppression and exploitation targeting all working people in Turkey. The capitalist system is one of exploitation that pits all of humanity against the greed of a wealthy few, and fuels hostility, discrimination, and war among peoples. Its only real alternative is socialism."

He added: "We can evaluate this emphasis in two ways. First, it is a recognition that socialism is the only path toward true and lasting prosperity, comprehensive freedom, and justice for all in these lands and throughout the Middle East. Second, it is a declaration of the will to resist being confined within the boundaries drawn by the imperialist capitalist system."