People's Democracy

CPI(M) Greets Ninth Congress of

Lao Peoples' Revolutionary Party

The following is the text of the message of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) to the Central Committee of the Lao Peoples' Revolutionary Party sent on the occasion of their ninth congress which was held on March 18-21, 2011. 

Central Committee

Lao Peoples' Revolutionary Party

Dear Comrades,

On behalf of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) we convey our warm fraternal greetings to the ninth congress of the Lao Peoples' Revolutionary Party. We believe that your congress will be a significant milestone in the history of the Lao Peoples' Democratic Republic.

The CPI (M) is confident that with the support of the people of Laos, the party would lead the country to all round rapid development and turn Laos into a prosperous socialist country. We are also confident that the party would further consolidate the gains of socialism and realise its goals.

Comrades,

Your congress is taking place in the midst of a severe global economic crisis, which has once again exposed the severe limitations of the capitalist system. The people of many countries have come out onto the streets protesting against the 'austerity' measures introduced by their respective ruling classes in an effort to shift the burden of the crisis onto the shoulders of the working class and toiling people. The ruling classes are trying to come out of the crisis by using all the means at their disposal – political, economic and even military.

The Middle East is witnessing huge protests that are rattling many dictatorial regimes. The rulers of Tunisia and Egypt were forced to concede their power, bowing to the strong peoples' movements in their countries. Similar protest demonstrations are being witnessed in Libya, Bahrain, Iraq, Oman, Yemen, Morocco and Algeria. These protests are a reflection of the growing popular discontent against the dictatorial regimes that not only curtailed the democratic rights of the people but also heaped severe economic hardships on them. The current global economic crisis, stated as the most severe crisis since the 1930's, accentuated the sufferings of the people of these countries. The rising unemployment, food prices and inequalities forced the people of these countries to protest. The role of US led imperialism and its lackey Israel in this region also contributed to peoples' anger. US, both due to the current economic crisis and also the developments in the Middle East, is gradually witnessing an erosion in its influence.

In India, five important states are going to elections for electing their legislative assemblies. Of these, our party is heading the government in two states – West Bengal and Kerala. The ruling classes in the country are trying their best to ensure the defeat of our party and the Left forces in these elections. They have launched an all out offensive against the party. In West Bengal, one of the strongest bastions for our party in the country, there is a broad ranging coalition forged by all political forces from the extreme right to the extreme left including ultra-Leftists and some NGOs. More than 380 of our comrades have lost their lives in this province alone, killed by the ultra-Leftists who were emboldened by this broad alliance. The party is in the thick of the fight not only resisting all these efforts intended to isolate our party but also in defence of the rights of the toiling people.

Dear Comrades,

The Lao People's Revolutionary Party has a glorious history of fighting against imperialism and in building socialism in Laos. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) cherishes its warm fraternal ties with the Lao Peoples' Revolutionary Party. We are confident that this mutual trust and bonds of friendship will get further strengthened in the days ahead.

The Central Committee of the CPI(M) is fully confident that your ninth congress would come out with a correct strategy to lead the people of Laos during these difficult times. We are confident that guided by the principles of Marxism-Leninism you would lead the march for the consolidation of socialism.

Once again, we wish your congress all the success.

Long live Marxism-Leninism

Long live Socialism

Central Committee

Communist Party of India (Marxist)