 According to Paul White, in April 2002, the PKK changed its name to the "Kurdistan Freedom and Democracy Congress (KADEK)" and proclaimed a commitment to nonviolent activities.A PKK/KADEK spokesman stated that its armed wing, the HPG, would not disband or surrender its weapons for reasons of self-defense.This statement by the PKK/KADEK avowing it would not lay down its arms underscores that the organization maintained its capability to carry out armed operations.