Sozdar Avesta: PKK represents golden legacy in history 

Following the 12th Congress of the PKK, held from May 5 to 7, Sozdar Avesta delivered a speech in which she gave the following assessment:

“We held the 12th Congress of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party. I commemorate with deep respect, reverence, and gratitude all the martyrs of the peoples’ liberation struggle, especially our martyrs Haki Karer, Mazlum Dogan, Sakine Cansiz, Ali Haydar Kaytan, and Riza Altun. I bow respectfully to their memory. I greet Leader Apo, the founder of this party, who has been the spirit, philosophy, and way of free life from the first congress to this one, with deep respect, reverence, love, and longing. I offer my respects. Our 12th Congress was an exceptional congress, held under extraordinary circumstances. It is the fruit of a 52-year struggle led by Leader Apo and rooted in the great heroism of the martyrs.

The PKK has led many revolutionary campaigns in Kurdish history. First and foremost, it resurrected the Kurds from the brink of death, making them one of the most resistant, liberated, and struggling peoples. The PKK established dignity and launched a fundamental revolution as well as a women's revolution for all of humanity. Its liberation struggle drew its essence from women, and under the leadership of Leader Apo, Kurdish women became some of the most pioneering and resisting women in Kurdistan, the Middle East, and the world. The PKK also enabled the youth of Kurdistan, the Middle East, and the world to realize their dreams. It organized youthful spirit and energy, and developed strong awareness among the Kurds. Thanks to Leader Apo and the PKK, the image of the free, resilient, and struggling Kurd emerged.

With this revolution, these developments, and this great struggle, the PKK reached its 12th Congress. The congress was convened on the foundation and principles of the call for peace and democratic society and on Leader Apo’s perspective. In the congress, the efforts, spirit, and activities of the PKK were explained in a very open and rich way—one that will now belong to history. Although there was sadness in the congress, all its members and delegates knew with certainty that the PKK has broken the mold of classical parties. It embodies the vision of free women, democratic socialism, and communal democratic society, and it seeks to develop this path.

No one has been able to defeat the PKK. Leader Apo emphasized in his call for 'peace and democratic society' that all organizations and communities that cannot be destroyed by force must become part of history and belong to society as a whole. The PKK was not defeated but fulfilled its historical mission through major changes and transformations. Now, it will develop its new duties and responsibilities in the democratic society with historical awareness. The communal, socialist, and democratic society will spread everywhere under the leadership of Kurdish women and youth, internationalist youth, and all liberation forces and individuals. The patriarchal, authoritarian mindset based on war has begun to fade away, making room for democratic politics. The PKK did not bring about this change and struggle just for itself, but for all of humanity, for women, and for all peoples. For this reason, it will be remembered by history with great heroism and golden letters. The PKK has become part of history—it has entered history.

No force can distort this. On this basis, following the Apoist line and surrounding Leader Apo with this great thought, the congress refuted all statements accusing the PKK of terrorism. It exposed the barren mentality behind such claims. Now is the time for a democratic society. Now is the time for peace and unity. It is the time of women and youth. The congress was held successfully and cohesively on this foundation. It convened with one stance, one spirit, one voice, and one thought. This is a great gift to all our people in Kurdistan, to women, to the peoples of the Middle East, and to all humanity. This is something happening for the first time within the PKK—a party that, at 52 years old, has reached this stage through tremendous struggle. The struggle continues and is essentially beginning anew. On this basis, we must elevate the value of this 52-year legacy and continue the struggle with even greater strength. In this regard, we trust in our people, in the spirit that has emerged, in this awareness, and in Leader Apo. I would like to congratulate Leader Apo, women, youth, and all peoples on this process.”

A-H 

ANHA