People's Democracy

 

 

CPI(M) Greets Twenty-First Congress of AKEL

 

The 21st Congress of AKEL, Cyprus was held in Nicosia on November 25-28, 2010. B V Raghavulu, Polit Bureau member of the CPI(M) represented the Party as a fraternal delegate in the congress. The following is the text of the message of greetings he delivered at the congress.

 

Dear Comrades,

 

ON behalf of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) we greet the 21^st Congress of AKEL and through you all the members of the party. We believe that the 21^st Congress of AKEL will be a significant event in the history of the party – the first Congress organised with the elected president of Cyprus coming from the ranks of AKEL.

 

The CPI (M) cherishes its friendship with AKEL and is inspired by its anti-colonial independence struggle, its struggle against the Greek junta and Turkish occupation. We firmly support the stand of AKEL for a united Cyprus with 'single sovereignty, single citizenship and a single international personality'. We note with appreciation the efforts undertaken by AKEL and president comrade Demetris Christofias for the unification of the country. Imperialism, which is behind the division of Cyprus, is also responsible for the present crisis in Middle East, the failure to find a solution to the Palestinian problem and rein in the expansionist designs of its lackey, Israel.

 

We are watching with earnest hope and appreciation your efforts to use the political power you have won for the benefit of the working people of the country, especially in this period of global economic crisis.

 

Comrades,

 

Your Congress is taking place in the midst of severe global economic crisis. People of many countries have come out on to the streets protesting against the 'austerity' measures. The ruling classes are trying to come out of the crisis by using all the means at their disposal – political, economic and even military. They are indirectly encouraging the growth of right wing parties and groups with a divisive agenda. On the other hand, they are imposing severe restrictions on democratic rights, particularly peoples' right to protest. Communist parties across the world are their first target. This is true for our country too.

 

In India, as you are aware, the Left including the CPI (M) fared badly in the last general elections to the parliament. The ruling classes in our country are trying their best to isolate our party and have launched an all out attack from all directions. In West Bengal, one of the strongest bastions for our party in the country, there is a broad ranging coalition forged against us, by all political forces from the extreme right to the extreme left including Maoists and some NGOs. More than 300 of our comrades have lost their lives in this province alone, killed by the Maoists who were emboldened by this broad alliance. The party is thick in the fight not only resisting all these efforts intended to isolate our party but also in defence of the rights of the toiling people.

 

At the centre, the Congress-led UPA government buoyed by the fact that it no longer depends on the Left for its survival, is implementing the very same neo-liberal policies that in the first place, had led to the global economic crisis. The government is desperate to forge a strategic relationship with the United States. We are in the midst of struggles taking up the issues of the various sections of the society who are reeling under the attacks of the neo-liberal policies pursued by the government at the behest of the imperialist forces.

 

The coming year 2011 is as much important for us as it is for you. Just as you would be facing elections for deputies to parliament, two of the provinces which are governed by the CPI (M) led coalition would be going for elections during the same period. Our entire organisational machinery is gearing up to ensure the victory of Left democratic forces in these elections. Similarly, we wish the AKEL all success in the upcoming electoral battles.

 

Dear Comrades,

The Central Committee of the CPI (M) is fully confident that the 21^st Congress of the AKEL would come out with a correct strategy to lead the people of Cyprus during these difficult times. We are confident that the AKEL, guided by the principles of Marxism-Leninism would lead the march for the establishment of a socialist society. This struggle, though long and arduous is the only way out from the crisis ridden capitalist system. The CPI (M) assures that it would stand by AKEL with full solidarity and support.

 

Once again, we wish the 21^st Congress of the AKEL all success and are confident that the bonds of friendship between CPI(M) and AKEL would further get strengthened in the coming days.

 

Long live Marxism-Leninism

Long live Socialism

Long live the Struggle against Imperialism

 

 

Central Committee

Communist Party of India (Marxist)