Following Abdullah Öcalan’s ‘Call for Peace and a Democratic Society’ made public on February 27, the 12th Extraordinary Congress of the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) was held simultaneously and in parallel in two different regions in the Medya Defense Zones in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq) between May 5 and 7.

Speaking at the congress, Sozdar Avesta, member of the KCK (Kurdistan Communities Union) General Presidency Council, said, “Leader Apo [Abdullah Öcalan] implemented socialism, democratization, and equality in line with the PKK's ideology, not only in words but also in practice.”

Sozdar Avesta began her speech by commemorating the martyrs of the Kurdistan Freedom Struggle, and stated the following:

“First of all, I greet Leader Apo, the founder, brain, and soul of the organization for 52 years, one month, and 15 days, with respect, love, and longing. I honor with respect and love all comrades who have fallen as martyrs in the Kurdish people's freedom struggle, including Haki Karer, Mazlum Doğan, Sakine Cansız, Fuat, Rıza, and Besê Mîtra and Gabar, who have fallen in the Medya Defense Zones most recently. I bow before their memories with respect.

Since the armed struggle began, the Freedom Movement has reached its peak with the battle in the tunnels in Medya Defense Zones. Our people took a strong initiative in Kurdistan and abroad to receive news from Leader Apo. As a result of these great struggles, communication was established with Leader Apo. This communication was made possible at a great cost.

We cannot address the events that have taken place in world history, especially in the history of the Kurds and women, solely within an emotional framework. The PKK has achieved great revolutions by accomplishing a first in history. Leader Apo established and developed the Women's Army. In line with the PKK ideology, he put socialism, democratization, and equality into practice, not only in words but also in practice. At the same time, he developed and strengthened the women's struggle as a principle. At that time, all our activities were focused on militarization; it was a great struggle against fascism.

If an armed struggle is to be successful, it must not be like a traditional army, nor like the people's armies in Russia, Vietnam, or China; it must be an army in which women have free will, can take the lead, and can achieve equality and their rights. For this reason, Leader Apo established the Women's Army in 1993. The issue of women's freedom and militarization came to the forefront. This step became the guarantee of the success of the process. “I am living here as a socialist,” Leader Apo said in his first meeting. This was very important. Our 52-year struggle was conducted on this basis. However, achieving results from here onward is only possible through a socialist way of life, communal relations, and a fundamental way of life that can take the lead in society.

The time has come for the great idea to be fully organized. All great ideas spread after a certain period of time. Christianity began with 12 apostles 2,025 years ago and has grown to this day. In the presence of this idea and the martyrs, I say this: I feel ready for this. A comrade on the Apoist march once said in prison, “When Apoism began, I was a child torn from my country.” I say that we, too, were like that during the process of the Apoist idea spreading; we saw Apoism before the PKK, on the walls of our homes.

Being an Apoist means, from that day to this day, being a true, honest, and active comrade; it means being a drop in the ocean on this path. All my efforts and stance will aim to continue this path with even greater commitment in the future. In the presence of my comrades and martyrs, feeling the debt of the martyrs on my shoulders, my attitude and actions will be guided by the principle of walking alongside them as a true comrade. I will put these words into practice in my actions.”