The Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party released a statement concerning the 12th Congress of the PKK. Titled “A Historic Turning Point: A New Dawn for Peace and Brotherhood,” the statement reads: 

 

“Today, we are witnessing one of the most important and critical turning points in Turkey’s recent history.”

 

The statement continued with the following points:

 

“1. With the historic decisions made at the PKK congress, we are taking one more step from fifty years of conflict toward the horizon of peace. This step marks the resurgence and growth of long-yearned-for peace and democratic politics in our ancient lands. 

 

2. First and foremost, we remember with deep respect all those who lost their lives during the long conflict. Decades of painful experience have shown us that suffering knows no colour, language or identity. Today, the tears of Turks, Kurds, Circassians, Arabs, Alevis, Sunnis, all identities and beliefs, have met in the same sea. We carry our shared sorrow in our hearts; we will cherish the memory of all we have lost as a sacred trust and build our common future.

 

3. Now is the time to place the will for a shared and equal life above all else. It is a time to believe deeply in a democratic society, in free politics, and in universal law—to work and take steps toward democratization. Neither in the mountains nor in the cities no more youth should fall. From now on, in this country, let the voice not be one of denial or weapons, but of politics; not of anger, but of democratic and social reconciliation; not of division, but of living together in equality.

 

4. A new chapter is being opened on the path to an honourable peace and democratic resolution. As the DEM Party, we believe that after this historic turning point, all democratic political institutions, especially the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, must take responsibility for resolving the Kurdish question and truly democratizing Turkey.

 

The voice of democracy and justice must now rise. The historical task before the Parliament to build societal peace is too sacred to be overshadowed by any political calculation. Establishing the legal and institutional framework to transform this historic step into lasting peace is our fundamental responsibility today. 

 

5. In this historic moment, fulfilling the executive branch’s responsibility to help realize Turkey’s democratic future will serve as the guarantee of peace.

 

6. We express our gratitude to Mr. Abdullah Öcalan, who bears historic responsibility in the development of this process; to the peoples of Turkey, who have paid the price for peace with their lives, children, and tears; to Mr. Devlet Bahçeli, who has supported the will for a solution; to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has embraced this will; and to Mr. Özgür Özel, the leader of the main opposition, who has approached the process positively, as well as all opposition leaders who have supported it.

 

For this process to succeed, it is the duty of our political institutions, civil society organizations, and—most importantly—each of our 85 million citizens to protect peace, build it, and secure the future starting today. We hope that peace in Turkey will become a source of hope for the Middle East and an inspiration to the world.

 

7. As the DEM Party, we make a sacred promise to the peoples of Mesopotamia and Anatolia: We will not shy away from confronting the truth or establishing justice; we will not allow any action, statement, or behaviour that would harm the process or offend the spirit of those we have lost. We will be unwavering defenders and carriers of equal citizenship, democratic politics, and peace.

 

8. Today, we bear the weight of both great hope and the deep responsibility history has placed upon us. This is not an end, but a new beginning. We conclude this declaration of will by remembering once again our beloved comrade Sırrı Süreyya Önder, who dedicated his life to peace and the brotherhood of peoples, and whose heart always beat alongside the oppressed.

 

We will surely bring the light of peace and brotherhood to this land.”