The Kurdish European umbrella organization KCDK-E issued a statement on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the start of the PKK's armed struggle on 15 August.

The association stated: "The 40th anniversary of 15 August is approaching. It is the 40th anniversary of the turning point in the history of the Kurdish people from the struggle for existence or non-existence to a struggle for liberation. We are celebrating the honorable Kurdish freedom struggle, which has shifted the pendulum from annihilation to existence for forty years through relentless resistance against the murderous Turkish state."

"Great achievements have been made"

The statement continued: "The uprising of 15 August brought great progress for the existence of Kurdish identity and freedom. No tear and no sacrifice was in vain, this resistance is and remains the most honorable resistance in the history of humanity. It is a source of inspiration for the world population and the oppressed peoples in the struggle for enlightenment and freedom. The freedom guerrillas around Rêber Apo [Abdullah Öcalan], our self-sacrificing people and the peoples of the world have made this struggle a torch for the liberation of humanity. Our symbol is all the immortal heroes, people like Egîd and Zîlan. For the 41st year of the awakening, we promise all our martyrs: We will liberate Rêber Apo and Kurdistan and continue the great march to victory. We will fulfill our promise to all our martyrs of the month of August through our practical solidarity with their struggle."

"Let us come together stronger around Rêber Apo"

The statement added: "Our people have paid a high price in their struggle against the colonialist states and the Republic of Turkey. The Kurdish people, young people and women have developed the ability to defend themselves based on their own strength. With the paradigm developed by Rêber Apo, a historical pioneering role and the function of a global alternative have been achieved. Today's global level, which the August 15 line started under Rêber Apo has reached, occupies an honorable place in the history of humanity and gives hope to everyone.

Reactionary forces, traitors and international powers are trying to stifle the spirit of the August 15 uprising and its momentum. The fact that traitorous forces are acting so openly these days alongside the genocidal Turkish state against the Kurdish people's struggle for freedom confirms this reality.

The Turkish state is seeking to occupy and annex all of Kurdistan. To this end, it is gathering collaborators and traitors around itself. In contrast, our people will defend their gains by uniting around Rêber Apo and standing firmly together. The Kurdish people, who are united around the freedom guerrillas, will not deviate a single step from the struggle to liberate Kurdistan, they will courageously resist the attacks of occupation and annexation."

The statement said: "On the anniversary of 15 August, we call on our people to mobilize for the struggle by mobilizing for Rêber Apo and against the fascist AKP-MHP coalition, the traitors and all international forces that are complicit in the genocide.

The fascist AKP-MHP regime and its collaborators are facing their end. Let us, together with our friends in all four parts of Kurdistan, stand up even more strongly for the freedom struggle and Rêber Apo, in the hundreds of thousands all over the world. In this way, let us thwart the Turkish state's plans for occupation and annexation."