On Friday, the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) announced that the 12th congress of the party was successfully held in the Medya Defense Zones in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq) between 5 and 7 May. The congress was conducted in two different areas with delegates representing all branches of the party. The PKK said that they would publish the results and decisions in the near future.

Following the PKK’s announcement, President Tayyip Erdoğan of the AKP made his first statement on Saturday.

Erdoğan said they would not fall for the games aimed at plunging the region into bloodshed, chaos, tears, and instability, adding, “By embracing each other, we will respond to those who seek to divide us. 86 million people will unite in heart, strengthening and elevating our love and unity. We will build the Turkey of the century, rooted in democracy, development, peace, and justice, together. You may and will receive good news at any moment.”