Despite ongoing Turkish operations and attacks, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) held its 12th Party Congress on May 5-7 at two locations in the guerrilla-held Medya Defense Zones in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq). In a historic statement on May 12, the PKK announced the decisions taken at the congress, which include, in particular, the end of armed struggle and the dissolution of its organizational structure. The PKK decision followed the historic ‘Call for Peace and Democratic Society’ made by PKK founder Abdullah Öcalan on February 27 this year, after which it declared a unilateral ceasefire on March 1.

Speaking to ANF, Democratic Unity Initiative Co-Spokesperson and DEM Party Van Deputy Gülcan Kaçmaz Sayyiğit said that a new page has been turned in resolving an issue that has been on Turkey's agenda for a century and has caused deep social wounds over the past 53 years.

Gülcan Kaçmaz Sayyiğit stated that the congress was historic, saying: "This is not just a decision to dissolve the party, but actually a new process of construction inviting everyone to democratic change and transformation. A period is coming to an end. The doors to a new and hopeful era have been opened. A new door has been opened for everyone living on this land. The excuse that has been used for years as an obstacle to the resolution of the Kurdish issue has now been removed. It is essential that the relevant parties and individuals do not squander this opportunity. We are aware of our responsibility in this process of change and transformation. We are prepared to do more than our share.”

‘This process concerns everyone’

Sayyiğit continued: “This development opens the door wide for a political solution to the Kurdish issue, which has been bleeding us for years. It is a very important opportunity to build a century together for the peoples. It should be seen as a determination and courage to create a new future. We are now faced with the responsibility of establishing an egalitarian brotherhood based on democratic politics. This process concerns everyone, from the ruling party to the opposition. Everyone living in this land must take their share of this opportunity. This step, taken after 53 years of painful history, is truly the cry of those who want to live together. We are entering an era where words but not weapons will speak. We are faced with the task and historic responsibility of building a democratic republic where law and politics prevail. The greatest responsibility here falls on the Turkish Parliament. The Parliament must fulfill this historic responsibility with dignity.”

‘Everyone must see themselves as part of this process’

Calling upon all civil society organizations and institutions, especially political parties, to embrace this process, the DEM Party MP said: "Each of us can contribute to this process in some way. We can all play a role in this process. Everyone must see themselves as part of this process, act accordingly, and fulfill their responsibility to ensure that the Kurdish issue in Turkey is resolved through peaceful and democratic means."

‘Öcalan’s physical freedom must be secured as soon as possible’

Gülcan Kaçmaz Sağyiğit emphasized that the state and the ruling party must now reveal more concrete plans, adding: "The isolation of Mr. Abdullah Öcalan has not yet ended. Mr. Öcalan must first be able to carry out this process in conditions where he can work and live freely. Therefore, his physical freedom must be secured as soon as possible. From this point forward, responsibility falls on all levels of the state. Everyone must be aware of the responsibilities that fall upon them. Concrete steps must be taken."