The terrorist organization PKK has announced its dissolution and declared that it has laid down arms following its recent congress. The group had announced last week that it held its 12th Congress and today released the final declaration of that congress. In the declaration, the PKK announced the termination of its activities under the PKK name, the disbandment of its organizational structure, and the end of its armed struggle.
According to Reuters, the statement also included a call to redesign Turkish-Kurdish relations.
Highlights from the PKK’s Statement:
“The process initiated by Leader Abdullah Öcalan’s statement on February 27, supported by his comprehensive efforts and perspectives, culminated in our successful 12th Party Congress held between May 5-7. Due to security reasons, the congress took place simultaneously in two different locations, with the participation of 232 delegates.”
“The 12th Extraordinary Congress evaluated that the PKK’s struggle has broken the denial and annihilation policies imposed on our people, and brought the Kurdish issue to the point of resolution through democratic politics, thus completing its historical mission.”
“Based on this, the congress decided to dissolve the PKK’s organizational structure and terminate the method of armed struggle, officially ending activities carried out under the name of PKK.”
Background of the PKK’s Struggle
“Our party, PKK, emerged as a freedom movement of our people against the Kurdish denial and annihilation policy rooted in the Treaty of Lausanne and the 1924 Constitution. Influenced by real socialism at its inception, the PKK adopted the principle of self-determination and engaged in an armed struggle. Since 1978, it has led a freedom struggle aimed at gaining recognition for Kurdish existence and asserting the Kurdish issue as a fundamental reality of Turkey.”
“In the 1990s, significant developments occurred during what we call the ‘resurrection revolution.’ Then-President Turgut Özal sought a political solution to the Kurdish issue, and Leader Öcalan responded with a ceasefire on March 17, 1993. However, sabotage by deep-state actors and the assassination of Özal and his team reignited the war, resulting in mass displacements and atrocities.”
Redefining Turkish-Kurdish Relations
“The process took a new turn with the international conspiracy of February 15, 1999. Despite being held in solitary confinement under what we term the ‘Imrali genocide system,’ Leader Öcalan continued his commitment to a democratic and peaceful resolution.”
“He proposed a Democratic Turkey based on a shared homeland, with the Kurdish and Turkish peoples as founding elements, taking inspiration from the period before the Treaty of Lausanne and the 1924 Constitution.”
“Given the regional developments in the Middle East and ongoing global conflicts, a reconfiguration of Turkish-Kurdish relations has become inevitable.”
Call for Democratic Mobilization
“It is of vital importance for our people, especially women and youth, to form grassroots organizations in all areas of life and defend themselves against attacks. We believe that Kurdish political parties, democratic organizations, and community leaders will fulfill their responsibilities to advance Kurdish democracy.”
“With the decisions of the 12th Congress, the legacy of our struggle will now continue through democratic political means, fostering a future based on freedom and equality for our peoples.”
Appeal for Support and Engagement
“The PKK’s dissolution and decision to end the armed struggle create a strong foundation for permanent peace and democratic resolution. Implementing these decisions requires Leader Öcalan to lead and direct the process, the recognition of democratic political rights, and comprehensive legal guarantees.”
“We call on the Grand National Assembly of Turkey to fulfill its historic role. Similarly, we urge all political parties, civil society organizations, faith communities, media, intellectuals, artists, trade unions, and ecological movements to join and support the peace and democratic society process.”
“By embracing this process, Turkey’s socialist and revolutionary movements can take the struggle of the oppressed, women, and all marginalized groups to a new level, achieving the vision of a just and democratic society.”
