People's Democracy

CPI(M) Greets 8th Congress Of CP Turkey

The following is the full text of the speech delivered by K Varadharajan, member Polit Bureau, Communist Party of India (Marxist) at the 8th Congress of Communist Party of Turkey held in the capital city Istanbul during January 19-21, 2007. He attended the Congress on behalf of the CPI(M). 

DEAR Comrades,

The central committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) conveys its warm fraternal greetings to all the delegates attending the 8th Congress of the Communist Party of Turkey and through them to the entire membership of the Communist Party of Turkey. 

Your Congress is being held at a time when the Left and progressive movement the world over is faced with multi-faceted challenges. We have seen during the past decade, how exploiting the situation arising out of the dismantling of the Soviet Union, the United States has embarked on a quest of hegemony and total domination. The aggressive measures taken by the Bush administration after the September 11 attacks have resulted in blatant onslaughts on the sovereignty of independent countries. It has promoted authoritarian and rightwing attacks on progressive movements and the rights of citizens. The Bush administration finds itself in a quagmire in Iraq. It is widely recognised in the US now that the war in Iraq is lost. The US administration has blatantly supported Israel in its inhuman attacks on Palestine and Lebanon and to inflict untold suffering on the Lebanese people. However, US and Israel efforts have not succeeded due to the steadfast opposition of the patriotic forces. 

Your Congress is also being held at a time when there has been a surge of electoral victories for the Leftist forces in Latin America. The election of president Evo Morales in Bolivia, the re-election of president Lula in the Brazilian elections, the victory of Daniel Ortega in the Nicaraguan elections, the elections in Ecuador that saw Rafael Correa, the Left-wing candidate’s victory and finally the re-election of president Chavez in Venezuela all indicate the growing confidence in the Left and rejection of the neo-liberal policies. In India’s neighbourhood, in Nepal, a popular movement saw the dethroning of the King. 

The communists in Turkey have a history of struggle and sacrifices fighting against the forces of injustice and sectarianism. The Turkish communists have steadfastly stood by secular ideals and remain committed to keeping the people united. The Communist Party of Turkey has an important role to play in leading the working class and other toiling masses of Turkey in the fight against imperialism and all other tendencies which seek to perpetuate exploitation and keep the people divided. 

We are aware that the Kurdish question has assumed added significance in the background of the developments in Iraq. We are also sure that the Communist Party of Turkey will take an appropriate decision on the integration of Turkey with the European Union.

Comrades, 

You are aware that the 2004 elections in India saw the defeat of the right reactionary regime headed by the Bharatiya Janata Party and the ushering in of an alternative secular government which is dependent on the support of the CPI(M) and the Left for its survival. The CPI(M) and the Left played a crucial role in putting this government in office. The CPI(M) has increased its strength from 33 seats in the last elections to 44 seats this time in the Lower House, i.e., People’s House of the Indian parliament. It is the highest ever won by the Party. In a House of 545, the combined Left has a strength of 61. The CPI(M) is the third largest party in the Indian parliament. 

The significance of this lies not only in projecting the growing strength of the Left and its increasing relevance but also the vantage position that it has acquired in Indian politics. 

While the Party has no illusions about the character of this government, the main task before the Party would be to keep the communal and reactionary forces in check. It would however, spare no effort in both defending and advancing the interests of the working class and the common people through strengthening popular struggles. 

Dear Comrades,

Once again, on behalf of the central committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) we convey our warm fraternal greetings to the 8th Congress of the Communist Party of Turkey. We are confident that this Congress will be able to work out the correct tactics to further consolidate and advance the movement in Turkey.