AKEL Bulletin - N°36 April 2013

AKEL Bulletin Edited by the International Relations Department C.C. AKEL

No 36 | April 2013

NO to privatizations - NO to “haircut”on deposits Natural gas for the people of Cyprus, not for the monopolies of EU

Troika out of Cyprus!

AKEL demands REFERENDUM! - NO TO MEMORANDUM

The

results of the Eurogroup meeting on 15th March 2013 concerning Cyprus shook the people of Cyprus, but also the whole of Europe, whilst they also had chain-reaction effects on the global economy. The demand of the European Union and the International Monetary Fund for a "haircut" on all bank deposits in the banks of Cyprus represents an unprecedented action in modern world history which violates even the EU´s own regulations. This constitutes a clear theft of the Cypriot people's labour and toil and at the same time is a fatal blow to the Cypriot economy, something which, regardless of developments, will cause unemployment to rise to new levels. AKEL has characterised these demands as neo-colonial policies and in reality they represent a declaration of war against Cyprus. At the same time, this action is part of the inter-imperialist rivalry of the EU and more specifically of Germany with Russia, given that it aimed to damage foreign depositors and companies operating in Cyprus.

However, this is a demand that can be perceived as the culmination of all the Troika's other demands, with whom Cyprus has been in

negotiation with for several months in order to secure the loan demanded for the recapitalisation of two big Cypriot banks. The privatisation of the three profitable Semi-state organisations of Cyprus (ports, electricity and telecommunications) is another of the Troika's demands and finds the Peoples Movement of the Left in complete opposition. In addition, as the overwhelming majority of the Cypriot people now comprehend, the main objective of the Troika and the EU monopolies is to put the enormous reserves of natural gas, which have been discovered recently within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus, under their control.

Furthermore, it is evident that Cyprus´ partners in the EU are exploiting the state of the Cyprus economy to undermine the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus, to impose themselves politically on our country, whilst they simultaneously also have plans related with the solution of the Cyprus problem. Turkey's provocative interventions all this time demonstrate the wider plans that exist.

The fact that as from 24th February 2013 Nicos Anastasiades and the DISY party, who express the dominant ruling class and neoliberal Right of Cyprus, have assumed the Presidency of Cyprus har-

bour even more dangers for the people's interests. The consent of the Cypriot government itself to the unprecedented decision of the Eurogroup is already a painful example. No one should forget that the Troika had stopped its negotiation with the previous government of D. Christofias which was putting up resistance to its demands, in anticipation of the election of the "more willing and cooperative" Mr. Anastasiades.

In view of the new developments, AKEL together with the whole of the People's Movement of the Left in Cyprus, has mobilised the Cypriot people, demanding the rejection of the agreement between the Anastasiades government and the Eurogroup by the House of Representatives. This goal was achieved after an unprecedented rally in numbers and militancy on 19th March 2013, against an atmosphere of fear that had been cultivated by the government and the ruling mass media. The position of the EU and the IMF after the rejection by the Cyprus House of Representatives went far beyond all the pretexts and became a vicious and open blackmail for the fatal destruction of the Cypriot banks and subsequent bankruptcy of the Republic of Cyprus. Subsequently, the Cyprus government didn’t show any willingness to investigate the possibility of securing financial assistance from the Russian Federation. It insisted on the line of trapping Cyprus within the Troika's plans, at the time indeed when the Troika's real intentions had been made known in the most painful way.

On the evening of 24th March 2013 the President of the Republic proceeded to conclude a new agreement with the Eurogroup which, despite being advertised as a success "which saves Cyprus and its banks from a disorderly bankruptcy", will mean in practice enormous sacrifices for our people: unemployment, recession, severe austerity, privatisations, damaging the Providence Funds and mass closures of small and middle businesses. In fact, it's clear that

the measures against the people's interests will not stop here, but will continue.

At the same time, the terrorization of Cypriot society by the ruling mass media, also helped by the Archbishop of Cyprus who was openly intervening in the political and economic affairs of the country, has intensified in order to create a climate that would prevent any thoughts of finding any solutions outside the Troika and at the same time to cover up the government's enormous responsibilities.

In the face of all these developments, AKEL together with the whole of the People's Movement of the Left, is calling almost on a daily basis the working people, the youth and the whole of the Cypriot people to organise militant mobilisations outside the House of Representatives., the offices of the European Union and the Presidential Palace so that the people's reaction to what the future holds for the working class and popular strata of Cyprus is expressed.

At the same time, AKEL is submitting before our people a number of proposals so that Cyprus frees itself from the Troika's demands and for Cyprus to stand up on its own feet, relying on its own forces, or/and with the support of countries who have reasons to do so for mutual benefit. AKEL considers that Cyprus´ application for a bail out from the Stability Mechanism must be withdrawn and that the solution must be found outside the Troika and the framework of the Memorandum. Towards this end and given that the decisions that will be taken affect the lives of all Cypriots in the years to come, AKEL has demanded that the Cypriot people must be given the right to express its view through the holding of a referendum that must be held as soon as possible.

Statement of the Secratariat of the C.C. of AKEL on the Eurogroup Meeting of 25.03.2013

The

agreement reached by the Eurogroup in the morning was the climax of the first phase of the Troika's plans against the Cypriot people.

The agreement not only does not help tackle the problems facing the economy, but only deepens the crisis as it will lead to more painful consequences for our country and people. The result will lead to higher unemployment, the implementation of additional austerity measures, cuts and privatizations, causing huge problems for small and medium businesses forcing them to close down.

In recent days Cyprus’ European "partners" have revealed with cynicism that this was their plan from the very beginning. That is to say, they set out goals and followed a specific course for their implementation.

As AKEL, we had pointed out from the outset that the course followed by the Troika to address the economic crisis was a dead-end.

The attempt to rescue the Euro through the three pillars of austerity, cuts and privatizations simply deepen the recession even more and led the countries and peoples of southern Europe to disaster. Unfortunately, the ruling circles of the European Union stubbornly insist on these dead-end policies which do not lead to development.

Our confinement in these modes of thinking, as the Anastasiades government is acting, does not create any prospect of overcoming problems, but instead burdens working people's shoulders with enormous negative consequences.

tively declare that Mr. Anastasiades had secured the agreement of the political parties before proceeding to accept the agreement last night, I emphasize that this is a complete lie.

Mr Anastasiades informed the political “WE WILL NOT BE SLAVES parties about the OF THE 21st CENTURY” agreement he had concluded. Neither did he ask, nor did he have our support. Besides, all this time we have repeatedly underlined that our position is to seek a solution outside the Troika.

It is our belief that the Anastasiades - Eurogroup agreement is the beginning of new woes for Cyprus and our people. It is the duty of the political parties to project an alternativeto the people and bring back the hope and perspective. We assure the people that this is what AKEL will do by taking initiatives towards both the Government and the political parties to start a dialogue that will lead to the formulation of a proposal for an exit from this crisis.

At the same time we propose and insist on the following:

Our option as a people is to free ourselves from this framework of reasoning, resist the Troika's threats and seek a solution outside this framework.

Mr. Anastasiades during the election campaigned for the vote of the people of Cyprus and took the mandate, promising to improve the agreement in principle of the Memorandum of November 2012. He based his position on his close relations with the German Chancellor A. Merkel and the other European leaders. In the end he found out in the harshest way that the only thing his "friends" were interested in was to serve their own interests rather than support the Republic of Cyprus. When we pointed out this harsh reality during the period of Christofias administration they mocked us. Now it has been proved that the only thing the European "partners" were focused on was to constantly put before him blackmailing dilemmas and he, in turn, is doing the same to the Cypriot people. Unfortunately Mr. Anastasiades in just three weeks has set aside all that he had promised to the Cypriot people.

In all this procedure, we regret to note that he didn't accept to have a real discussion on the proposal for seeking a solution outside the Troika's framework. He merely informed us about the government's handling. Given that leading officials of the DISY party provoca-

1. The holding of a referendum so that the Cypriot people will decide on the Anastasiades-Troika agreement. These decisions will determine our future for many years and the people have every right to say their view.

2. We demand that the procedures to punish those responsible for all the problems besetting the Cyprus economy should be set in motion. For this purpose the Alvarez & Marshall Report should be handed directly to the House of Representatives and the Attorney General.

3. We call on the Governor of the Central Bank to submit to the House of Representatives the names of all those who during the recent period had taken money en masse out of the country from the Cypriot banks and who hold political or state posts.

The investigation must be extended to their family relatives as well.

We address the Cypriot people, declaring that we are facing very difficult times. We went through very difficult times in the past too.

We did not yield or surrender. . Nor will we yield and surrender now. We will not yield but resist, waging the battle and we will win.

AKEL on the agreement reached between the Government and the Troika for a new Memorandum Statement of GS of the C.C. of AKEL, Andros Kyprianou We express our regret because instead of the Government being conscious of the plight and dire straits in which the country has fallen after its agreement with the Eurogroup, it is celebrating that supposedly it has achieved improvements in the Memorandum. It is deliberately hiding all the agreements that have been made and not just the text that was concluded yesterday.

We reiterate that unfortunately we do not have yesterday’s agreed text in our hands so that we can analyze it and make our own assessments. Furthermore, we point out that not enough time was given to us so that we could spell out our own views about the issues under discussion.

However, we are already aware of certain provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding, such as the haircut on bank deposits, the increase in corporate tax and privatizations. In short, given that the government has accepted provisions that will result in the destruction of the Cyprus economy and society, it is

celebrating that the Memorandum it has drawn up with the Troika will be our salvation. Equally absurd is the fact that Mr. Anastasiades was stating on Sunday that there won’t be any reductions in salaries and pensions for us to discover, regardless of the pretext that was used, that in fact there will be. His inconsistency and unreliability have once again been demonstrated.

We reiterate that our evaluation is that the comprehensive agreement of the Government with the Eurogroup will be disastrous for our country and people. It loads the shoulders of the working people with unbearable burdens, increases unemployment and poverty, destroys Cyprus as a financial centre and strangles growth, small and middle businesses, even large enterprises too.

This is why we insist that a collective reflection must begin for another course outside the suocating embrace of the Troika which endangers the perspective of Cyprus becoming a regional energy centre, but also the prospect for a solution of the Cyprus problem.

3.4.2013

Speech of Andros Kyprianou, General Secretary of the C.C. of AKEL, to the plenary of the House of Representatives in the debate on the bill for the haircut on deposits agreed between the Government and the Eurogroup 19.03.2013 Since early Saturday morning, Cyprus is living through critical times. The future of our Homeland and people is at a critical turn in its history. The decisions we are called upon to take today will be very decisive for everyone; for Cyprus, for each and every Cypriot; for the future, but also for the current and future generations. We are called upon to take decisions that go far beyond the borders, but also the limits of our country. Without any trace of ar-

rogance, we believe that our decisions will mark the political developments within the European Union itself.

It is Cyprus that is facing the most brutal face of the European Union. After Greece became the "guinea pig" for sweeping Memoranda, Cyprus is becoming the guinea pig for the haircut on deposits.

To address the crisis, the European Union and International Monetary Fund implemented "shock therapies" that were based on the three pillars of Austerity-Cuts-Privatizations.

AKEL repeatedly stressed that wherever these policies have been implemented they have not only not helped to overcome the consequences of the crisis, but have indeed exacerbated them. We underlined that the ruling circles of the European Union op-

erate based on the laws of the market, as they themselves perceive them and on the maximization of profits.

To serve these two objectives they are willing to subordinate and subjugate everything: the peoples of each member-state, their very sovereignty and prosperity. In our own case, their criteria were also political. We shouldn’t have any doubts that in the minds of some forces and circles plans have been elaborated with regards the Cyprus problem and the control of Cyprus´ natural resources.

Following the agreement of the Eurogroup with the Government of N. Anastasiades for every well-meaning observer, the ideological obssession of the "social market economy", the Lisbon Treaty´s "promise" about allegedly safeguarding the prosperity of the peoples, the supposed hyped up pill of the "solidarity clause" inserted in the Treaty have all proven to be nothing more than methods to legalise the onslaught and attack against the peoples, their gains and ultimately their perspectives.

In the end, developments themselves have proved that dogmatism is elsewhere to be found: dogmatism is the fallacy and illusion about the "big European family." This "obsession" has been exposed very clearly now. At first, the Government justified the acceptance of the agreement by stating that there is no room for negotiation.

Following the reactions and resistance of AKEL, they discovered room for negotiation, but always within the framework of the same philosophy.

All these developments and actions are not of course accidental; nor do they just concern the case of Cyprus itself. What prevailed in every decision of the European Union`s ruling circles , irrespective of which country it concerned, was their ideological and political beliefs and serving, through them, their various interests. Even in the cases where the Summit Meeting was taking decisions advo-

TROIKA-EUROPE-"RALLY" PARTYTHEY WANT THE HAIRCUT AND THE PEOPLE TO PAY THE COST

cating development rather than austerity, these were in practice reversed, not only by a handful of technocrats in Brussels, but also by the political beliefs of the dominant circles of the European Union.

All that was agreed by the Anastasiades Government and the Eurogroup last Friday, in addition to serving ideological and political perceptions but also the multinational interests that dominate the European Union, were also aimed at serving petty-party electoral interests and considerations. Germany is currently in a pre-election period and it was judged that Cyprus could be a useful sacrifice for the sake of the electoral victory.

But for AKEL these cannot be the criteria for the acceptance of measures against the people's interests which destroy any hope for Cyprus’ future and create a dangerous precedent for everybody else. Without exaggerating Cyprus´ economic size and political influence, we consider that a possible rejection of the agreement Mr. Anastasiades concluded with the Eurogroup can deepen the already tense debate about how the consequences of the economic crisis be can be overcome in a different way.

The reason that led Cyprus to submit an applications to the Stability Mechanism was the debt hole of the banks. This is confirmed by the latest developments, but also by several statements made by many EU officials. Of course we had problems in the financial sector, but we all know that these alone could never have led us to the Troika.

Last November we reached an agreement in principle for the Memorandum, which the then government was ready to sign. In fact we are the only country from those that have resorted to the Stability Mechanism to have approved in the House of Representatives all the Memoranda bills before the agreement is signed. Unfortunately,

PEOPLE-RESISTANCE AGAIN / TROIKA-EU ARE STEALING YOU AGAIN

TROIKA-EUROPE ARE CRUSHING THE PEOPLE / THE ANSWER IS CLASS STRUGGLE

the Eurogroup set new demands which for us represented "red lines". Subsequently, the signing of the Memorandum was not made possible. Precisely because we were not prepared to accept these demands, a covert war to undermine and pressure Cyprus began. Unfounded and unsubstantiated allegations were being spread about alleged money laundering, within Cyprus and from abroad. All this was going on despite the fact that "MONEYVAL" (Note: The Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of AntiMoney Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism) in the conclusions of the investigation it conducted regarding the combating of money laundering, had placed Cyprus in a better position than Germany itself.

During the Presidential pre-election campaign an attempt to deceive the people by cultivating false hopes was made. Just a few days before the election, Mr. Anastasiades was saying that he was very close to securing a "bridge-loan" to cover fiscal needs, while at every opportunity he himself, his staff and followers were presenting themselves as the ones who had strong backing from their EU friends and allies and saying that he will renegotiate the Memorandum to correct it. Especially after the European People's Party EPP meeting in Cyprus just before the elections, not a single day went by without Mr. Anastasiades´ staff and election team stressing that his "connections" with the powerful circles of Brussels would help "Cyprus recover its reliability and pride."

In the end, Cyprus and our people did not only fall victim to the false promises and impressions; not only were they fooled by the European partners who were verbally promising solidarity and help. They were also deceived by the pledges given, but never carried out by the Government of the Democratic Rally party DISY and the Democratic Party DIKO. Mr. AnastasiadEs pledged to renegotiate the Memorandum. He said he could definitely do this well, since "when you put down your red lines, they can be accepted as long as you counter-propose something credible, so that the lenders are persuaded that the loan they will grant us will be paid off."

Mr. Anastasiades pledged not to accept the haircut on deposits.

The statement he made on 15th February is quite characteristic.

He stated "in the most clear and unequivocal manner" that he "Nicos Anastasiades will never sign any Memorandum that will contain any provision for a haircut on deposits." Before the election, everybody agreed that a haircut on deposits would be a nightmarish scenario for Cyprus. After the elections, the Finance Minister himself characterised it an "insane" idea that would lead to disaster. Mr. Pissarides (Note: the Cypriot Nobel Prize winner in economics who Mr. Anastasiades has appointed to head the country’s newly formed economic policy council) as a "catastrophic measure" that will "drag with it not only Cyprus, but the entire Eurozone as well." After the elections they were reassuring everyone that the haircut will not be accepted. It is characteristic

AKEL is in the front line of the struggle for the rejection Troika’s demands. The People´s Movement of the Left (class-based trade union of the Pancyprain Federation of Labour PEO, United Democratic Youth organisation of EDON, the progressive women´s organisation of POGO, the Union of Cypriot Farmers EKA, Progressive Student Movement Proodeftiki) are the heart of the huge militant demonstrations that are taking place the last month at the Presidential Palace, the Parliament and the EU Representation Office.

The measures of 15.3.2013 agreed between the Eurogroup leaders and the Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades (of the right-wing “Democratic Rally” party) included among others the taxation of the deposits in all private accounts in Cypriot Banks by 6,75% and 9,9% for accounts between 20,000-100,000 Euros and more than 100,000 Euros, respectively.

The pack of measures has been resoundly rejected by the majority of the House on Tuesday, 19th of March. More specifically, there were 36 votes against: 19 of AKEL, 9 of DIKO (participatig in the government), 5 of socialdemocrat EDEK, 2 of the “European Party” (EVROKO) and 1 of the Green Party.

There were also 19 abstentions of DISI (“Democratic Rally”) party of President Anastasiades who made the agreement... There was not a single vote in favor of the pack.

as well as several other countries, Ireland etc ... The construction industry has been affected! Tourism has been damaged! Only the services remain! You have also damaged the services sector in order to have growing numbers of unemployed so that you can represent Mr. Anastasiades pledged not to accept privatizations. Besides, this them. If you want to be the party of the unemployed, it is your probcommitment was a key pillar of the cooperation forged between lem .. Subsequently, what you must bear in mind is that by proposthe DISY and DIKO Party. Indeed Mr. Anastasiades in order to ing this 1% increase the message you are sending is the instability ease the concerns that existed among a large section of the Cypriot of our country´s tax system. And in people sent on 14th February a letter to the end, besides everything else, you the employees of Semi-state organisawill also destroy the services sector."

“We are convinced that our partners in the Eutions. In that letter signed by Mr. AnasNow, the proposal is for the corporopean Union are not trying to help Cyprus tasiades himself, he wrote the following rate tax rate to be permanently inand the Cypriot economy to address the diffiand I quote: "Our position is quite clear creased from 10% to 12.5% and the culties. On the contrary, they are using the criand recorded with absolute clarity in the DISY-DIKO government did not sis as an excuse to attack our sovereignty and Framework Agreement of the DISYfeel the need to disagree. to impose themselves on us politically. In the DIKO parties, which forms the political background of all this is the Cyprus problem The outcome of last Friday´s Eubasis of the candidacy we both support. and the issue of natural gas.

It is now absolutely rogroup includes commitments for Namely that we are unequivocaly clear that any attempt to solve the problems each of these and other issues. For against the privatization of profitable within the framework of the Troika will not many here in Cyprus the severe Semi-state organisations (Cyprus Elecbear fruit. Instead, it will lead us into a vicious coming down to earth with a crush tricity Authority CYTA, Cyprus Ports circle of devastating consequences”. was also the result of the arrogant Authority and Cyprus Telecomunicacommitments undertaken by Mr. tions Authority CYTA) ... we will make Anastasiades and his Government every effort to find other sources of financing the public debt and other ways to make it sustainable so when asserting and assuming power. as to prevent the activation of the provision for privatizations, included in the Memorandum of Understanding which the The result was the worst possible for Cyprus. It's not only the poChristofias goverment contracted with the Troika." Instead of this, litical forces that were against the Anastasiadis-Eurogroup agreethe DISY-DIKO Government in the end accepted privatizations as ment that admit this. The comments made internationally are also characteristic. Russia characterises it as unfair, unprofessional and well. dangerous. The "Financial Times" spoke about a heavy millstone Mr. Anastasiades when heading the opposition, had reacted around Cyprus´ neck instead of a lifejacket. The "Economist" destrongly also to the bill the Christofias government had tabled for scribed the agreement as unfair, short-sighted and self-destructive. a temporary and modest increase in the corporate tax from 10% to 11%. Then, in this very chamber of the House of Represebntatives, The Director of "Open Europe" Mats Persson (Note: an influential Mr. Anastasiades when addressing AKEL had said the following in think tank with offices in London, Berlin and Brussels) refered to an angry tone: "We have competitors ... like Malta, Luxembourg, a great risk in Europe with unforeseen consequences for Italy and that on Thursday, 14th March, the Government Spokesman stated on television that the issue was closed and secured and there is no issue whatosover about any haircut on deposits.

Spain. Mohamed A. El-Erian, CEO and co-CIO of PIMCO (Note: a global investment management firm and one of the world’s largest bond investors) writes in the "Financial Times" about a risky option of the European leaders. Andreas Koutras from the investment "ITC Markets" says in a comment of his that once again the Eurozone proves that it is not mature enough, continuing to surprise negatively. The BBC economics editor/analyst Robert Peston commented that the decision on Cyprus "breaks all the rules." Wolfgang Minchaou of the "Financial Times" reported that the panic of depositors in other European banks is the logical evolution of the decision for depositors in Cyprus. Indeed he said he could not believe it when he heard that the Eurozone Finance Ministers are chasing the small depositors in Cyprus, saying that "if however someone wanted to boost the political climate of insurgency in southern Europe, this is the way to do it."

In fact, according to Decision 2009/14/EC, the Member States compensate the depositors who have deposited up to 100, 000 Euros. The Eurogroup with the agreement it reached with Mr. Anastasiades in reality abolishes this decision. The AnastasiadesEurogroup agreement is in a completely different and opposite spirit; it also violates decisions of the European Union itself.

Public debate has focused entirely on the haircut on the deposits.

As I said previously, the agreement between the DISY-DIKO Government-Eurogroup also includes the privatizations of Semi-state organizations, an increase in the corporate tax and in the interest on deposits from 15% to 20% or 25% tax and the imposition of a 10% solidarity tax. Also included is the participation in the recapitalization of banks of bond holders and the restructuring of the banking sector. In addition, a study on money laundering in Cyprus by "Moneyval" and a private auditing firm is provided for.

The statement of Mr. Schauble that the decision for the haircut on all depositors without exclusion was a decision of the Government of Cyprus, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund raises even more questions. Many questions are also raised by the report of the "Wall Street Journal" that the haircut was accepted from 10 o´clock on Friday evening, while at the same time instructions were given to freeze all the deposits in Cyprus. Half an hour later the Government, without informing the political leadership of our country, contacted senior officials in Cyprus to issue orders for the preparation of the Bill. These actions refute the Government´s claim that Schauble´s statement is not true.

No matter how things have evolved, enormous damage has been done. The public disclosure of the Anastasiades-Eurogroup agreement has brought with it very serious consequences for Cyprus, but also for the rest of the world. There is no doubt that this decision will lead to an exodus of foreign companies operating in Cyprus and of foreign deposits, with huge chain-reaction effects.

The biggest consequence will be the destruction of the financial system and the abolition of the Cyprus economic model which will exacerbate the recession in the economy and will see an explosion

“TROIKA-EUROPE ARE CRUSHING THE PEOPLE NO THE MEMORANDUM AND THE COMPROMISE”

in the number of the unemployed in our country.

In short, after the Anastasiades-Eurogroup agreement we should forget the Cyprus we knew.

Through this agreement an attempt will be made to exercise economic and political control over Cyprus with all that this entails.

Already the three foundations that determine the solvency of our financial system have been damaged: credibility, security and stability.

Yesterday I met with the Association of International Banks. 26 international banks operating in Cyprus. They expressed their strong discomfort with developments that are victimizing their depositors, who come from every corner of the globe. Expressing the belief that their turnover will be drastically reduced, they left the possibility of leaving Cyprus open.

In his proclamation, which was very aggressive, Mr. Anastasiades refered to his agreement with the Eurogroup as a means to avoid a second Memorandum. The example of other countries refutes this claim. Whenever governments retreated from their positions to accept the Troika´s unacceptable demands, the Troika would return with new demands which caused even more devastating conse-

quences for the peoples. If we accept this agreement, there is no guarantee that the consequences will not result in new, more painful measures.

The haircut on the deposits will not be the necessary bitter pill that Cyprus must swallow to start the recovery, simply because after the haircut there won´t be any preconditions to build on for this recovery.

These, in combination with the acceptance of privatizations, will exacerbate the problems even more. The example of Bulgaria speaks for itself. The privatization of the state electricity authority led to the increase in the price of electircity tenfold. As far as the case of Cyprus is concerned, privatizations will mean a defenseless country in view of a national emergency, since vital areas for the national security of a semi-occupied country would fall into the hands of private individuals, with all that this would mean. It will also mean the loss of thousands of jobs, whilst the social role of organizations will be lost too.

Given that today we are discussing critical issues that transcend the boundaries of Cyprus, we feel the need to underline some necessary points.

Throughout last week we expressed our concerns about where developments are leading to. Immediately after the meeting of the leaders of the political parties on 9th March, I sent a letter to Mr. Anastasiades expressing our concerns as a result of the briefing we had. The proposal of AKEL for an exchange of views between the political forces about how we move ahead was dismissed and the meeting was merely informative in character. This led us to the observation that since the DISY-DIKO government insists on negotiating with the Troika without any consultation with the political parties, this therefore means that it also assumes the full responsibility for the end result.

set of his administration, Mr. Anastasiades has proved to be absolutely inconsistent. He gave his first test of resistance to pressure and failed.

In my letter towards the President of the Republic I had indeed sounded the alarm signal about the deep concerns we had about the final content of the bail out due to our previous experiences in the Eurogroup meetings and the deliberate vagueness which appeared would be preserved on the terms of the payment of the bailout, but also with regards the impossible demands for covering a large part of the needs from domestic sources,

With his proclamation, the President appealed to the political parties to support the agreement reached, otherwise they would take responsibility for subsequent developments, he said. Whilst he was making promises about ensuring consultation, he did not consult and now he is trying to put the political leadership and the Cypriot people before a dilemma. Our view is that he should have resisted the pressure. He should have invoked the necessity for consultation with the political parties, since the House of Representations would be called upon to take a position on the agreement in order to win time. This observation acquires double value after various reports, but also statements made by many others, showed how that everything was pre-planned. Everything was pre-planned, both concerning what would be decided in the Eurogroup and when the decision would be taken.

In our letter, but also in our public positions as AKEL we did not forget to state that as a Party we knew the diďŹƒculties President Anastasiades would be confronted with and the pressures that would be exerted on him. This is the reason why we also stated our readiness to support the President and the Government - provided they would remain faithful to their election and post-election commitments. Instead, sadly, the Government chose to go it alone. In the end, it retreated chaotically from its pledges. From the very out-

The very day after the agreement was concluded, the following question arose: did Cyprus have the possibility of conducting more negotiations in the EU? The answer is to be found in the position AKEL had expressed long ago: namely that the case of Cyprus is systemic and provides us with possibilities of waging tough negotiations with the Troika. The eect the Anastasiades - Eurogroup agreement had on the international markets has demonstrated the systemic nature of the problem in the most indisputable way. An-

other fact confirming that there was more room to negotiate is the fact that on Sunday after our Party's strong reaction numerous statements were made by EU officials, saying that they were willing to listen to other proposals as long as they cover an amount equal to the haircut.

The day after, many other things were heard.

Mr. Anastasiades´ defenders said that the President resisted the blackmail. In other words, had he yielded what worse would we have before us today? From the same circles AKEL is accused of populism. If we are populists, then DISY must admit that hundreds of politicians and economic analysts, both within and outside Cyprus, are also populists, who stated their position as described previously. As far as AKEL is concerned, we are not populists. However, those who are desperately trying to convince the Cypriot people about the necessity of the Anastasiades-Eurogroup agreement are unquestionably populists.

Furthermore, it was also said that their President presented his views in no uncertain terms at the Eurogroup and that they didn’t listen to his views. What counts though is the proposal to the people. In his proclamation, Mr. Anastasiades was clear: either we vote in favour of the agreement or Cyprus is finished. It was a case of take it or leave it. This is what the officials of DISY were telling us all these days.

It was also said that with the haircut on the deposits jobs are guaranteed for 8,000 people. From the foreign companies operating in Cyprus, we had an annual income of 8.5 billion Euros. With the haircut we will get a single lump sum of 3.5 billion Euros. But, we will lose a large part of the revenues we had by simultaneously loosing tens of thousands of jobs.

It was said that either we accept the haircut or we will go to a disorderly bankruptcy. This dilemma is false. The essential thing we must judge in whether to vote for a Bill is not a dilemma between acceptance on the one hand or bankruptcy on the other, but rather an analysis as to whether this acceptance will terminate the possibilities of bankruptcy. We should study the impact that this will have on the economy.

A comprehensive solution must involve two fundamental characteristics: Firstly, it should ensure the trust of depositors in the banking sector so that the banks can accept deposits and lend them. If we do not recognize that this is not fundamental then we cannot find a solution to our problem.

Secondly, a comprehensive solution should ensure to a large degree the stability of the banking system so that the banks themselves can lend to the economy and fulfil their role in the development procedure.

The result of what we have today before us does not guarantee

neither of the two. Depositor's trust in banks is lost. It creates trends for the exodus of deposits and as a result it leads to the already problematic banks requiring further capital needs.

So why should we accept our entry into a vicious circle of uncertainty which for sure in the future will bring us before the same dilemma as before with new, more stringent measures? Why should we accept a measure that has never been imposed any where else?

Taking all of this into account, AKEL proposes the rejection of the agreement by the Government of Mr. Anastasiades with the Eurogroup. But AKEL does not stop here. It also submits a proposal on how the whole situation should be tackled.

We are convinced that our partners in the European Union are not trying to help Cyprus and the Cypriot economy to address the difficulties. On the contrary, they are using the crisis as an excuse to attack our sovereignty and to impose themselves on us politically. In the background of all this is the Cyprus problem and the issue of natural gas. It is now absolutely clear that any attempt to solve the problems within the framework of the Troika will not bear fruit.

Instead, it will lead us into a vicious circle of devastating consequences.

As AKEL, we always had our doubts and reservations about the intentions of our European partners. But as it seemed that the measures would be painful but not catastrophic, we attempted to exhaust all possibilities. However, we are convinced that there is now no such possibilities. Our own proposal is that we withdraw our request for help from the Stability Mechanism and seek other solutions. To this end we have submitted a specific proposal to the President of the Republic and at the same time we have elaborated proposals of economic character which can be implemented without the Troika and within the Eurozone.

As AKEL, we have prepared a package of measures which if the Government's Bill is rejected we will discuss with it and the political parties. The main pillar is the issuing of State Solidarity Bonds of 10-year length. The participation in this Bond and the way it operates will be examined. The revenues from its issue will go towards serving the Cyprus economy's needs.

Regarding the refinancing of the public debt up to 2016 could be met either from a foreign source of financing by borrowing from a third country or foreign banks operating in Cyprus.

We consider as self-evident our demand for the listing of the names of all those who withdrew money from Cypriot banks over the recent period to be made public by the Central Bank. There should also be an investigation whether these people knew about the developments mentioned previously. We also demand that the Report of the Agency "Alvarez & Marshall" should be immediately submitted to the House of Representatives and that those who have committed economic crimes against our country and our people be

punished in an exemplary manner.

The decision we are called upon to take today goes far beyond the boundaries of Cyprus. It concerns the perspective not only of the Cypriot people, but of the peoples of Europe as well. AKEL will react to coercive blackmail pressures to sell-out Cyprus and its people, calling on the Cypriot people to a peaceful, organized, collective and political reaction. We call on the political and social forces of our country to rally their forces in order to build and forge a front of resistance against anti-people's policies.

This is not the first time that as a people we have faced difficulties.

We have lived through difficulties before and we managed to overcome them thanks to the correct policy we followed and diligence and thanks to the hard work and collective spirit that distinguishes us. Now we have another major weapon: our natural wealth and a lot of work was done so that we could have the possibility to utilize it. We can tackle the consequences of the crisis and lead our people to a future of growth, progress and prosperity. Suffice that we rise to the occasion as political forces and correctly guide this effort.

Our people has worked hard for the prosperity of our Homeland.

It struggled for its country, its freedom, dignity and life. We are sure that it can do so again and win the battle. Suffice that it knows that it will make sacrifices for its own values and not for the profits of capital and monopolies of the European Union. It doesn’t deserve to be condemned to an impasse. There are solutions that can bring results. The responsibility lies with us all.

School pupils burst out of their classrooms and are taking to the streets shouting slogans such as "Cyprus belongs to its people!", "The people united will never be defeated!", "Troika go home!", "Hands off Cyprus!"Many students are already outside the Presidential Palace, protesting against the bail out agreement the Government has agreed with the Troika. Tommorow AKEL and the Peoples Movement of the Left are organising a mass protest rally. PEOM, the organised democratic school students movement, has called on school pupils to join the struggle, despite threats isssued against pupils who leave their classes

! s n o i t a z i t a v i r p NO to

The

issue of the privatization of the Semi-govern- leader of the neo-liberal Right Nicos Anastasiades to the Presidency mental organizations in Cyprus (namely, the because, unlike the former President of Cyprus Demetris Electricity Authority of Cyprus (AHK), the Christofias and the candidate supported by AKEL Stavros Malas, Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (ATHK) and the Cyprus Anastasiades would consent to extensive privatizations, as well as Port Authority) became one of the major issues during the election to other demands of the IMF and the EU. campaign since they were at the heart The conversion of public utility compaof the negotiations with the Troika. nies into shareholding ones with no state More than 620 MPs, MEPs, Mayors, control and subsequent privatization of As known, the Christofias government Councilors and leading members of 51 the three profitable Semi-governmental rejected the Troika's demands for the Communist, Workers and progressive organizations of Cyprus was the longprivatization of the Semi-governmenparties from 38 countries (Belgium, standing policy position of the DHSY tal organizations that concern vital Britain, Brazil, Bahrain, Bangladesh, party. However, due to the political presservices and infrastructure. AKEL and Chile, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, sure exerted by AKEL, the great concern the trade union movement have the Egypt, Finland, France, FYROM, Georof the working people themselves in these same clear and long-standing position gia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iraq, organizations and the opposition of the with regards privatisations and the Ireland, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Luxemvast majority of the people to the privaticonversion of public utility companies bourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, zation scenarios, Mr. Anastasiades was into shareholding ones with no state Palestine, Portugal, Russia, Serbia, forced to declare that "we will not pursue control, as well as the presidential canSouth Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, privatizations."

Nevertheless, from the didate backed by the Left, Stavros Sweden, Syria, Ukraine and USA) signed first days of the new government's elecMalas. AKEL points out that privatizathe declaration of solidarity against prition it became evident that the privatization will result in the state loosing sigvatizations. tion of the three profitable nificant resources, thousands of Semi-governmental organizations is conworkers being fired, Cyprus would loose control of the infrastructures and services related to our coun- sidered by the Troika as a given fact. The new finance minister has try´s security and subsequently these would fall into the hands of already urged the Councils of all Semi-governmental organizations to provide figures on the total value of each of these organisations, private business corporations. whilst all the statements of the new government´s officials are in Towards this end, AKEL has launched an initiative calling on agreement that privatizations will begin shortly. elected officials of fraternal and friendly parties for solidarity with the people of Cyprus in its struggle to repel the international presFaced with these machinations for the selling off of the sures for the selling off of our country´s public wealth.

Cypriot people's public property, both AKEL All through the election campaign, the international media, rating agencies, reports submitted by banking giants, statements by officials of foreign states and of the European Central Bank stated clearly and unequivocally that they preferred the election of the

and the class-based trade union movement of PEO (Pancyprian Federation of Labour) have declared they will take the lead in forming a people´s movement of resistance against privatizations.

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS 2013

AKEL has remained a powerful force The elections for the 7th President of the Republic of Cyprus, which took place on the 17th and 24th February 2013, ended with the victory of the President of the rightwing DISY party Mr. Anastasiades. The election of Mr. Anastasiades, who was supported by the main party of the ruling class and the centre-right of Cyprus (DISY, DIKO and EVROKO), signals substantial changes in the approach to the Cyprus problem, socio-economic issues and the international relations of the Republic of Cyprus.

The independent candidate , and former Minister of Health Dr. Stavros Malas, supported by AKEL and some small political movements, received 27% in the first round and 42.5% of the vote in the second round. It should be pointed out that although the leadership of the socialdemocratic EDEK party, whose candidate did not pass into the second round, called on its voters not to support anyone of the two candidates, nonetheless a significant section of them joined forces with us.

In relation to the Cyprus problem, both AKEL and Stavros Malas, highlighted the need to persist in the eorts, so that Greek Cypriots

and Tu r k i s h Cypriots agree to a solution based on the resolutions of the UN and the principles of International Law; a solution that will evolve the Republic of Cyprus into a strong federation, as the two communities have committed themselves towards the international community for 35 years. We strongly rejected both Mr. Anastasiades' dangerous idea for a "loose federation" which will be the cloak of confederation and partition, as well as the maximalist positions calling for the abandonment of a federal solution and the resumption of talks from "scratch". At the same time we insisted on the position that the solution of the Cyprus problem must provide for the termination of the foreign guarantees and for the demilitarisation of Cyprus. Unlike all the other parties and candidates, only AKEL and Stavros Malas opposed both the submitting of an application to join the so-called "Partnership for Peace", as well as the possibility of Cyprus joining NATO. Regarding socio-economic policy, Stavros Malas put forth progressive positions for innovative changes in the Cyprus economy that would utilise research and innovativeness, with the scientific ex-

1st round (17th February 2013)

Nicos Anastasiades was supported by his party DISI (right wing, member of the European People’s Party, 34% at the parliamentary elections of 2011) and DIKO (centrist, 15%).

Stavros Malas was supported by AKEL (32%).

Giorgos Lillikas was supported by the socialdemocrat party EDEK (9%).

ploitation of the natural gas reserves to the benefit of the people, and proposals to curb unemployment. Particular emphasis was given to the problems aecting young people and women with relevant separate programmatic positions submitted. AKEL and Stavros Malas also opposed the positions of the other candidates for the conversion of public utility companies into shareholding ones with no state control and the privatisation of the three semistate organisations (ports, electricity and telecommunications), as well as opposing the neoliberal positions of the Right (e.g. the imposition of fees in the public universities).

Despite the unprecedented and relentless attack by the entire mass media, but also through the foreign interventions in support of the candidate of the DISY party, who was considered and is in fact more open to the Troika's demands, the candidate supported by AKEL registered positive results under the circumstances. The attempts of the ruling and conservative forces to blame AKEL and the outgoing Christofias government for the consequences of the capitalist crisis as they were manifested in Cyprus (the need for the recapitalisation of banks and the recourse to the Stability Mechanism) and subsequently to shift these "responsibilities" on Stavros

2nd round (24th February 2013)

Nicos Anastasiades was supported by his party DISI, DIKO and EVROKO (right wing, 4%).

Stavros Malas was supported by AKEL (32%).

Giorgos Lillikas and the socialdemocrat party EDEK called on their supporters to vote none of the two candidates.

Malas were evident. The operation to weaken and discredit AKEL did not achieve its objective. AKEL has remained a powerful force.

Firstly, AKEL is already conducting an assessment of the preelection work and election result in a critical and self-critical spirit. A discussion will take place on AKEL's stand towards the government and its relations with the parties. Secondly, an evaluation will be made of the rich work carried out by the Christofias government, but also of the mistakes, omissions and shortcomings so that we can draw lessons. Thirdly, AKEL with the setting up of a specialised committee on the economy will elaborate specific proposals to tackle the consequences of the crisis.

O T A N o t O N

O T A N e th to s ru p y C f o n o si NO to the acce ” e c a e P r fo ip h rs e n rt a P “ e programm

The

accession of Cyprus to the "Partnership for Peace"(Pf P) has been for the last few years one of the main issues of contention between the political forces of the island.

AKEL had and still has a clear position against the possibility of Cyprus´ accession to the "Partnership for Peace" or NATO. The same position was followed by all previous governments of Cyprus and of course the previous government of Demetris Christofias. In contrast, the pro-imperialist Right wing party of Cyprus, the Democratic Rally (DISY) has always supported the development of relations with and accession to NATO. However, the decade DISY was in government (1993-2003) there was no attempt for rapprochement with NATO since it understood that the majority of the people had a negative opinion of NATO, mainly due to the role that NATO had played in the tragedy of 1974.

Intense political pressure has been exerted in particular over the past 5 years on the Christofias government to consent to Cyprus´ accession to the "Partnership for Peace" programme, which is in reality the ‘entryway’ of NATO, on the grounds that it is a "pillar of European security" and that the Republic of Cyprus is the only EU country that is not a member of either NATO or the Pf P. Consequently it is argued, Cyprus is not participating equally in the CFSP and causing obstacles to NATO-EU dialogue. All political parties,

except AKEL, have supported this position. Indeed, in February 2011, all parties except AKEL endorsed a Resolution of the House of Representatives calling on the government to proceed immediately to submit an application for accession to the Partnership. This, of course was rejected by the Christofias government since the executive and not the legislative branch is responsible for foreign policy. AKEL, the Cyprus Peace Council, PEO and youth, women's and farmers organisations of the Peoples Movement of the Left in response, held a mass mobilization outside Parliament.

In the recent presidential elections, the leader of the Democratic Rally (supported by the Democratic Party) Nikos Anastasiades and the candidate supported by the Social Democrats EDEK George Lillikas, strongly supported Cyprus' accession to Pf P. Mr. Anastasiades elaborated his position by arguing that we should also discuss in a "non-dogmatic" way Cyprus' accession to NATO. In contrast, the candidate backed by AKEL was the only candidate who spoke clearly against NATO and the Pf P saying that "Cypriot mothers know very well what NATO is and do not want to send their children to kill and be killed in Iraq and Afghanistan’’.

In a special press conference called on the issue of NATO (01/16/2013) Andros Kyprianou, the General Secretary of AKEL invited the other political forces to admit that the Pf P is a NATO programme and secondly, stated that «the establishment of the PfP

was an initiative undertaken by the U.S. government and it was and remains an "entryway" for accession to NATO».

At the same time, AKEL raised a series of questions to the supporters of NATO and its programmes: - How do they think that Cyprus' possible application for membership to the Partnership or/and NATO and the definite veto Turkey will exercise for Cyprus´ accession will expose Turkey internationally? Turkey has been vetoing Cyprus´ membership to other international organizations as well for years without this causing it any problems whatsoever.

- Do they endorse the obligations and commitments undertaken by each state with its participation in the "Partnership for Peace", as set out in the "Pf P Framework Document"? Do they subsequently accept the joint participation in NATO operations? Many member-states of the "Partnership" have already been involved in military operations of dubious legality. Why do they want to drag Cyprus into such operations?

- Why do they claim that in any way the accession of Cyprus to the "Partnership" will provide it with security? A document of the Bureau of Public Affairs of the United States Department of State also notes that the Pf P "enables PFP members to consult with NATO when faced with a direct threat to its security but does not extend NATO security guarantees."

- Doesn’t it concern Mr. Anastasiades and Mr. Lillikas that they will provide NATO - consequently to Turkey - with information about the defence budgets and plans of the Republic of Cyprus?

- Are they so willing to endorse the Agreement signed by the Member States of the "Partnership" relating to the Status of the Armed Forces which is subordinated exclusively under the control of the US government? This provides for the deployment of foreign troops on the territory of a sovereign state, if this is deemed to be in NATO´s interest. It also foresees that the troops would not be subject to passport control, nor will they need a visa.

- Doesn’t it concern them that officers and soldiers of the National Guard of the Republic of Cyprus would be sent to the Pf P Training Centre in Ankara, which is run and commanded by a Colonel of the Turkish Army? This particular Colonel served in the 28th Mobile Infantry Division in the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" as

the Head of Information and Political Affairs ".

- Have they ever studied what Cyprus´ participation in NATO and the "Partnership for Peace" programme would mean for Cyprus also from an economic point of view?

- Why is Mr. Anastasiades shedding hypocritical tears about cuts in social benefits at the same time when if elected he is willing "nondogmatically" to give millions of Euros taken from the Cypriot people as Cyprus´ contribution to NATO´s expenditures? Wasn’t he informed about the fact that although its people have been driven into poverty, Greece continues to contribute 22 to 28 million Euros towards NATO´s Budget?

- Does Mr. Anastasiades agree with the new strategy of NATO, which obliges its members to confront and manage crises also "beyond the borders of NATO"? In other words, does he agree fully with overt blood-stained NATO operations in every corner of the world?

- On what precise basis does Mr. Anastasiades uphold his position that there is scope in NATO for the forging of alliances that will give an impetus to the solution of the Cyprus problem? We recall the statement made by the NATO Secretary-General in his reply to a question put to him regarding the Cyprus problem, where he didn't express any position whatsoever on the issue. On the contrary in that very same reference the NATO chief defended Turkey's request for a special relationship with the European Defence Agency.

- We recall the statement made by the NATO Secretary-General on 4th December 2012 in which he expressed NATO´s support of

and strong solidarity with Turkey. Furthermore, we recall that he also expressed his determination to defend in his own words Turkey and the Turkish people, even sending a message to those who want to attack Turkey "not to even think about it." Let's see what is happening in Greece, which is a member of NATO. In view of the continuous violations of its airspace and borders by Turkey, the questioning of Greek sovereignty in the Aegean, the questioning of the Greek character of islands in the Aegean Sea, NATO does not defend either the law, or the interests or the security of Greece too.

- Finally, the advocates of Cyprus' accession to the Pf P and NATO must answer another question that is raised: Is there perhaps anyone who wants Cypriot soldiers as well to participate in the next war to be waged by America and NATO, as Cyprus´ contribution to the "Partnership for Peace" and NATO?

relationships with NATO’’.

AKEL quickly responded that «The first political action by Mr. Anastasiades unfortunately reveals that he remains consistent to his dogmatic obsessions to surrender Cyprus to the American NATO suffocating embrace. At the same time, Mr. Anastasiades´ hastiness signals the abandonment of the multifaceted foreign policy, which far from any ideological obsessions has led to the forging of a powerful web of alliances to the benefit of Cyprus. Τhe first political act of Mr. Anastasiades leads to the conclusion that we are turning back to a one-sided narrow foreign policy that was imposed in the harsh years of the ten year old administration of the Democratic Rally DISY party, when all hopes were pinned on the British and American factor. Such a development will be extremely negative for our national interests, given that there will be a danger of alienating steadfast and consistent allies of Cyprus on the international arena, who are at the same time also our major economic partners."

NATO and its branches are not some charity organization, nor a peace loving association.

AKEL also noted that «The Cypriot They are seeking to impose their political and people are living through even today the military "guardianship", especially with retragic consequences of the US-NATO gards their relations with small states. NATO conspiracy against Cyprus. Our people does not take into account International Law also know very well that NATO and its when promoting its imperialist designs. This branches such as the "Partnership for was demonstrated in the case of Yugoslavia, Peace" anything but peace do they proAfghanistan, Iraq and most recently Libya. mote. On the contrary, as developments NATO´s interventions completely lacking themselves prove, NATO is responsible for any legitimacy are baptized as "peacekeepunjust wars, juntas, dictatorships, ing" or "humanitarian intervendeath and bloodshed all over the tions" and flagrantly violate the world».

Charter of the United Nations.

These interventions resulted in At the same time, Mr. Anastasiattacks against civilian targets, ades committed himself to a colthe destruction of the soverlective management of the eignty of independent states, Cyprus problem in the National the occupation and division of As AKEL had foreseen, the new President of ReCouncil (Note: a advisory body States in violation of Internapublic of Cyprus, leader of the Cypriot Right to the President of the Republic tional Law. Nicos Anastasiades announced on the first day of composed of all parliamentary parties, former Presidents on the Wasn’t the crime committed his election that his primary goal will be Cyprus´ Republic of Cyprus, established against Cyprus in 1974 also application to join the NATO programme "Partafter the 1974 coup d'état, Turkish the work of NATO itself? » nership for Peace" while in his first speech to the invasion and occupation by the Cypriot parliament he stated that he aims to late President Makarios) noting As AKEL had foreseen, the "build relationships with NATO’’. that decisions will not be taken if new President of Republic of the parties representing 75% of Cyprus, leader of the Cypriot the people do not agree with Right Nicos Anastasiades anthem. nounced on the first day of his election that his primary goal will be Cyprus´ application to join the NATO programme "Partnership for Peace" while in his first The issue of accession to the "Partnership for Peace" directly affects speech to the Cypriot parliament he stated that he aims to "build the handling of our national issue on two levels. Firstly, a possible

“Cyprus delivered into the NATO tentacles”

The demonstration outside the British intelligence base at the highest peak of the Troodos mountain range, organised every year by EDON (AKEL's youth branch) and progressive Turkishcypriot youth organisations, was attended by hundreds of young people from all over Cyprus. This year's slogan was “Forward, for reunification Against NATO/Death” Sunday, 10th of March 2013

AKEL condemns the installation of the "PATRIOT" missiles in Turkey AKEL condemns NATO's decision to install the "PATRIOT" missile shield system in Turkey, which was used in all the wars waged by the NATO alliance, pointing in the direction of Syria.

The recent decision by NATO, which according to statements made by the Secretary-General of the Organisation Mr. Rasmussen that it "supports Turkey in a strong spirit of solidarity", will bring further suffering and pain to the region, with the thunder of the sounds of war once again growing.

AKEL calls on the people to be aware that the forces who if elected in the upcoming presidential elections in

Cyprus, as they themselves have declared, would apply for Cyprus to become a member of the "Partnership for Peace" and NATO itself, will make our country an accomplice in future wars waged in our region. This development would lead Cyprus into the embrace of militaristic governments who would give us instructions on how to sacrifice our own children. Subsequently, they would seek to "solve" the Cyprus problem this time from within - to serve their own interests.

AKEL calls on the people to be vigilant against the plans of those forces and circles seeking to turn Cyprus once more into a bridgehead for NATO. The response of the Cypriot people and the peace-loving and progressive forces must again be powerful and decisive.

11th December 2012 Press Office of the C.C. of AKEL

application for accession automatically abolishes the long-standing timeless position of the Greek Cypriot side for demilitarization after the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Secondly, this takes the pressure off Turkey for a solution of the Cyprus problem so that the problems Ankara is causing to EUNATO relations will be overcome. By putting forth the argument that it is the non-participation of Cyprus in the NATO programme that is causing problems in the relations between the EU and NATO, we are literally damaging our very own cause by transferring the pressure exerted on Turkey on to Cyprus.

Consequently, the minimum that should be done is that this important issue with serious political implications affecting both the Cyprus problem, but also the orientation of our foreign policy, should have been discussed in the National Council before Mr. Anastasiades proceeded to make any public declarations in order to please the Americans and NATO.

Construction workers strike

Our strength lies in our class unity and mass struggle

In

January, Cypriot society was shaken to its roots by the militant and mass strike of the construction workers which lasted for twenty days. The leading guiding force of this great strike was the Construction Workers Union of the class-based trade union movement in Cyprus, afffiliated to the Pancyprian Fedeartion of Labour PEO.

For some time, the employers in the construction industry in Cyprus, citing the economic crisis and the industry´s difficulties as a pretext, began their attacks on the working class, by systematically dismissing large numbers of workers and replacing them with cheap labor. This led to growing unemployment and impoverishment of thousands of worker´s families.

The construction workers indefinite strike begun because the Building Contractors Federation for almost two years kept on delaying the renewal of collective agreements and rejected important issues posed by working people. The strike´s aim was to stop the violations of labour laws and collective agreements, and to curb unemployment and safeguard the workers of the sector by finally issuing them the right to acquire the professional card for their occupation, hence safeguarding that they would maintain their specific work. On the other hand, the Federation of Building Contractors enjoying the full support of the Federation of Employers and

Industrialists and the Democratic Rally party, the party of the neoliberal Right and big business, adopted a highly provocative position, believing that the conditions were favourable for an all-out attack in order to settle scores with the working people. They considered that because of the despair created among building workers due to the large number of unemployed workers, they would be able to exploit the whole situation to impose their own demands.

The Construction Workers Union of PEO, which was the leading force in this struggle, had first and foremost the task of uniting working people around common goals, encouraging and giving them the necessary support to withstand the attacks and overcome

this very tough test. Moreover, it had to ensure that this struggle would not deviate from its goals because of the peculiarities characterizing it; that it should be turned into a struggle that would divide workers themselves on the basis of ethnic and racial origin as some forces sought to do so by seeking to exploit the presence of thousands of fellow immigrant workers in the sector. The moving images of Greek Cypriot, Turkish Cypriot and immigrant construction workers demonstrating together as class brothers in the streets with placards in their own language was living proof that PEO achieved the maximum possible unity in the construction industry.

The construction worker's General Assemblies in all districts, which guided the strikers and marshalled the effective guarding of the worksites when confronting sporadic cases of employers attempting to break the strike, ensured the mass participation of the construction workers in the strike.

Turkish Cypriot construction workers with pickets in turkish take part in the demonstration along with their Greek Cypriot colleagues

The Ministry of Labour of the Christofias government had submitted four mediation proposals which were rejected by the employers.

Eventually they were forced to accept the proposal of the Ministry as put before the two sides on 13/2/2013, with which ended the strike.

The wave of solidarity expressed with the striking construction workers was stirring and crucial for the financial backing of the strike fund, which contributed to the strike´s endurance and duration. The World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) also expressed its full support and solidarity with the struggle of the construction workers. Messages of solidarity from other trade unions of Cyprus and organizations affiliated to the International Union of Construction Workers (UITBB) were also received. Contributions were made to the strike fund. Hundreds of young people marched in solidarity with the striking construction workers.

At the same time, the strike was another opportunity to stress the class nature and character of the political forces and media in Cyprus. Only AKEL stood firmly from the very outset on the side of the strikers and wholeheartedly supported the demands and struggle of the worker´s strike. On the contrary, whilst the ruling mass media were waging a campaign to slander the strike, only the newspaper "HARAVGI", "Astra" radio station and other progressive media exposed the truth about the employers stand in the construction industry.

Immigrant construction workers -mainly from East Europetake part with their trade union -PEO- in the demonstration.

Assemblies of the strikers taking place all over Cyprus were deciding on the course of the strike.

The strike of the construction workers of Cyprus is an important legacy for our labour movement.

After the election of the leader of the DISY party to the Presidency of the Republic, who will now conduct the negotiations with the Troika, it is obvious that the working people must be vigilent and ready to struggle to defend their rights and gains.

GS of C.C. of AKEL at the worksites with the striking workers

Decision of Christofias Government to restore the memory of the militants of the Left in the period 1956-1958

AKEL

welcomes the decision by the Council of Ministers restoring the memory of the militants of the Left who were murdered during the period 1956-58 falsely accused of treason. Another election pledge of Demetris Christofias is being fulfilled.

At last, after half a century, the state restores the moral order and the historical truth. The decades-long struggles of the People's Movement of the Left and of the relatives of the murdered Left militants are vindicated. The murdered militants of the Left did not lose their lives because they were supposedly traitors, but fell victims of the intolerance of Grivas who with their murders aimed to completely weaken AKEL and provoke a civil war.

AKEL wants to believe that the days of intolerance and fanaticism leading to acts of terror and the murder of innocent people are gone forever. The duty of all is to uphold democracy, democratic institutions and political culture and not allow the revival of similar phenomena. AKEL will always stand as a bulwark to any attempts to revive bigotry and fanaticism and will continue to work for unity and consensus.

AKEL addresses a greeting of honour to the relatives of the unjustly lost militants of the Left, who for decades have suffered indignities and humiliations but always defended their honour and memory. We congratulate the relatives of the murdered and their Association for the final vindication of their struggles. We regret that many family members and other relatives died without witnessing this vindication.

Finally, AKEL expresses its unreserved honour and respect to those honest patriots, regardless of ideological outlook, who fought and many of them sacrificing their lives in the anti-colonial struggle of the Cypriot people.

12th December 2012 Press Office of the C.C. of AKEL

“Grivas, a sworn and fanatical anti-communist, had from the outset excluded the participation of the Left in the anti-colonial struggle. On 17th April 19555 he wrote in his diary that he had issued a warning to AKEL not to intervene in the struggle of EOKA "otherwise blood will be shed." Of course it was not just Grivas´ anti-communism that dictated the exclusion of AKEL. Both Grivas and the leadership of the Right at the time knew very well that the day after the anti-colonial struggle the question of power would arise. The liberation of Cyprus from colonialism would leave a "vacuum of power" which for sure certain forces were not willing to allow the Left to contest.

They were determined to abolish the influence of AKEL, the biggest mass and organized political party of the country so it wouldn't have a say and a role in the political affairs of Cyprus. In striving to pursue this objective, Grivas and his followers were in total alignment with the British colonialists” ...”The stain of the label "Leftist traitor" was simply the argument necessary so that the masked and hooded men could carry out the Grivas´ orders which aimed at weakening AKEL. In 1958, the year when the orgy of political assassinations reached its peak, Grivas in a letter to Makarios wrote the following, "I will mercilessly attack the communist traitors as well and will begin an open war against them ..." Subsequently, this is what happened”... extracts from the speech of the G.S. of the C.C. of AKEL Andros Kyprianou, at the mass meeting in memory of the murdered comrades of the Left, held on 25th of June 2012 in Larnaca

h c r a M f o h t 8 l a n o i t a n r e Int y a D s ’ n e m Wo Press Conference of Andros Kyprianou, G.S. of the C.C. of AKEL on the occasion of International Women's Day

On

the occasion of 8th March International Women's Day, AKEL addresses warm greetings to all the women of Cyprus, Greek Cypriot, Turkish Cypriot, Maronite, Latin and Armenian. AKEL conveys a warm greeting to every woman worker, unemployed, mother, young woman, farmer, intellectual and woman pensioner.

We also address a greeting to the thousands of immigrant women in Cyprus.

The People's Movement of the Left in Cyprus is filled with particular pride on 8th March. This is because the first women who broke the chains of prejudice and male-domination within the closed Cypriot society at the beginning of the last century were the women of the Left of Cyprus. Within the ranks of the Left arose great female figures such as Cleo Ioannidou, Katina Toumazou Nicholas and many others who were true revolutionaries of their time. Through the struggles of the organized women's movement of the Left, women's issues gained real meaning and a class content and subsequently many important rights were gained for Cypriot women.

For these and many other reasons on such a day the People's Movement of the Left of Cyprus feels it has a special obligation: to never stop fighting for women, together with them, until the eradication of all discrimination and for parity so as to ensure that women attain the position really worthy of them in society. This is why we have noted with disappointment the absence of any women in the first Ministerial Council of the Anastasiades Government. For sure, this absence cannot be covered by the promise that was spread that that there would be some female presence in Vice-ministries which might be set up. If we really want society to progress, women must not be confined to playing a "secondary" role, but a leading role. (Note: After just one month in office and the resigation of the Finance Minister as a result of a minor reshuffle, the President appointed the first woman Minister in his Cabinet.)

Especially in conditions where socio-economic problems such as the present are exacerbating, it is obvious that women are the most vulnerable and easy victims. As AKEL, we affirm that we will stand on their side. We support the women's movement and its demands for the upgrading of targeted programmes which provide for curbing unemployment among women; the elaboration of a National Action Plan to Combat Violence against Women and the full implementation of the National Action Plan for Gender Equality 2007-2013; the implementation of the Charter for Gender Equality in local self-government; the speeding up of the implementation of the National Strategy to tackle cancer; the elaboration of a new study and setting up of a new Ministerial working committee to lift the injustice against refugees from the maternal side. Furthermore, we support the women movement's demands for the immediate introduction of a code of conduct for the mass media in connection with the images being reproduced on women through television programmes and commercials, as well as the operation of a call centre and website for information and guidance on women's rights in all areas.

Today women have the right to study, work and vote. However, women are still suffering from a double exploitation and oppression; exploitation and oppression as a woman and working woman, as a tool to gain profit in every corner of the world. We address this woman today, the female victim of labour relations reminiscent of the Middle Ages; the victim of sexual harassment and domestic violence. AKEL assures that we will not stop struggling to break their chains.

On the occasion of International Women's Day AKEL has decided that instead of distributing red carnations will shall give 1,000 Euros to support financially the centre of hospitality for battered women.

Rapprochement meeting organised

by AKEL Famagusta District and Republican Turkish Party (CTP)

“Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots must turn the page, building the Cyprus of the future!”

“W

e have never for a single moment stopped showing the way to achieve peace and reunification.

We have never stopped reiterating that the Turkish Cypriots are not our enemies, that the Turkish Cypriots are our brothers. AKEL and the PTK know this well: the enemy of the people of Cyprus is called nationalism. When imperialism sought to determine the future of our people, it put on the mask of nationalism, trying to impose its control over our country from within. The uncompromising opponent of nationalism is the genuine and true patriotism of the progressive forces of the two communities, who fought for the independence of Cyprus and peace.

For us, the soil of Cyprus belonged and belongs to all its children, to the whole of its people

AKEL has always marched together with the Turkish Cypriot community, not one community next to the other but together. This is why today we reiterate once again that we must not stop fighting for the common homeland, for federation and for the safeguarding of the human rights of our people. Together, we can raise our voices for justice and the right of our cause, to assert the obvious and self-evident. That is to say, a peaceful and secure future for our children and our grandchildren. Our goal is common. It is clear and is worth all the sacrifices: a just solution to end the occupation and reunite our Homeland and our people.

This is the duty that we must fulfil in order to vindicate the common struggle of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots which was forged in the mines of the 1948 strike battles, in the brotherhood and friendship born in the strikes of construction workers and builders, in the neighbourhoods, cities and villages in the years when peace prevailed. We shall honour the blood of our first comrades, who sacrificed their own lives for their ideology and in the belief and conviction for a free Cyprus, the mother Cyprus for all her children.” extracts from the speech of the G.S. of the C.C. of AKEL Andros Kyprianou November 2012

AKEL on the desecration on a mosque in Denia village AKEL condemns the cowardly enemies of Cyprus who acting under the cover of darkness desecrated a Turkish Cypriot religious site in the village of Denia. The nationalists are once again trying to separate rather than unite. The local community of Denia and the whole of Cyprus have condemned them for the hatred of their rhetoric, but also their actions. These actions and rhetoric give an excuse to nationalist circles in Turkey and within the Turkish Cypriot community to project their actions as supposedly proof that our people, Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, cannot live together in a free, independent and united homeland.

AKEL again sounds the alarm about the chauvinist and fascist dan-

ger, since the well-known circles are trying through empty slogans to attract a section of the youth, unemployed and the poor. We must never allow intolerance and fascism to raise its head again in our country.

AKEL calls on the political parties to denounce the moral instigators of these actions. They should remove from their political practice any actions and proposals which foster and nurture blind fanaticism. We call upon the mass media to play a constructive role in this necessity.

We assure that AKEL will intensify its efforts to ensure that the chauvinistic fascist elements are isolated.

Democracy Day “Today Cyprus is honouring Democracy Day, the day when Archbishop Makarios returned to Cyprus in 1974, five months after the coup d'état of the Greek junta and EOKA B that paved the way for the subsequent Turkish invasion. In honouring Democracy Day we honour all those who fought fascism and the Turkish invader; all who showed real heroism when they rushed to defend Democracy and Cyprus, even though they had few means at their disposal, though they knew they were marching into a battle that was from the beginning betrayed.

No matter how many years go by, AKEL will continue to talk about the betrayal which sold out Cyprus to Turkey. Since tomorrow we may see various comments written about AKEL "inciting passions", "clinging to the past" and so on, we reiterate the following: today no one seeks revenge. What we must do is not to forget how we arrived at the occupation. We are not clinging on to the past because it's not necessary. We all are living the consequences of the occupation daily. We must remember history so that the memories of 1974 are engrained in our consciousness. We must not forget that at that time, a minority decided to impose its will through the force of arms. Its supposed patriotism ultimately served only American

Photograph from the mass demontrations which took place in Cyprus after the return of Archbishop Makarios, who left on the 15th of July 1974 following the junta/fascist coup against him.

- NATO imperialism and Turkey. Grivas, the Junta of Greece, EOKA B and P. Giorkatziis, who are all named in the Finding of the House of Representatives on the File of Cyprus, managed in the end to fully serve NATO and Turkey's goals. They led Cyprus to the brink of destruction and opened the door to the Turkish invader.

39 years after July 1974, we are experiencing at first hand the tragic results of treason. The wounds remain open. The barbed wire divides our country and our people cannot live in freedom and united on the land that gave birth to the Cypriot people”.

Press Statement, 7th December 2013

AKEL on the annual service in memory of Grivas The Democratic Rally party (DISY) through its leading official Demetris Taliadorou and the presence of a large number of other leading members of Mr. Anastasiade´s party are once again provoking in an offensive way the feelings of our country's democratic citizens, by paying homage and honouring the devastator/ruiner of Cyprus, Georgios Grivas.

At the same time when in a number of other countries participants in coup d'états are wanted, tried and convicted, even people in their old age too, for their fascist activity and the crimes they caused or committed, in Cyprus there hasn’t even been any admission of a mistake for the criminal activities of EOKA B and its leader Grivas.

Mr. Anastasiade´s DHSY party and the extreme-right wing organized groups persist in glorifying the founder and leader of EOKA B George Grivas, in so doing endorsing his fascist, intolerant and putschist subversive activity.

On the contrary, instead of a remorse and repentance, the DHSY party provided political shelter to the putschists of the coup d'état and even to this day is attempting by all means to offer cover and achieve the vindication of the crime committed and of its protagonists.

Their provocative stand continues to perpetuate division among our people at a time when unity is necessary more than ever before.

Moreover, the DHSY party and Mr. Anastasiades are continuing their attempts to revise and distort our country's recent history, voting against the parliamentary finding on the File of Cyprus, by paying tribute to the eight-day "president" of the government of the coup d'état Nikos Sampson and to the commando troops who attacked the Presidential Palace and by the "reinstatement" the 62 (Note: this refers to the first political decision taken by the Clerides DHSY administration to reinstate 62 public servants back to their former posts after their dismissal because of their participation in the coup d'état against the constitutional order).

Mr. Anastasiades, himself a counsellor defendant of EOKA B members, is staunchly leading the efforts to conceal and vindicate the most hideous crime committed in our country's modern history.

We do not expect another "mea culpa" to be issued by Mr. Anastasiades on this question, since all his other "mea culpa" were insincere and hypocritical and were made for election-vote purposes. In this specific case it doesn't serve the purpose of fishing for votes, simply because Mr. Anastasiades and his party continue to embrace a large section of the extreme right politically and for votes.

28 January 2013

AKEL salutes the approval of the resolution of the UN General Assembly on Palestine The Central Committee of AKEL salutes the approval of the resolution at the UN General Assembly which upgrades the status of the Palestinian Authority to an observer-state. This development constitutes a significant decision which has been supported by a majority of 138 states.

We denounce the hypocritical stance of some powers that voted against the proposal, highlighting the untenable position that this issue is a matter that should be agreed by the Israelis and Palestinians.

This policy of double standards, which aims to the undermine the character of the International Law and at the same time perpetuates the occupation as if nothing is going on, is what permits the perpetuation of unjust problems.

We express our solidarity and support to the struggle of the Palestinian people for liberation, peace and justice.

30.11.2012

Photos from the visit to Ramallah (October 2012) by the GS of the CC of AKEL Andros Kyprianou and his meeting with the President of the Palestinian National Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, and the General Secretary of the Palestinian People’s Party(PPP) Bassam as-Salhi.

Christofias government upgrades the status of the Palestinian Diplomatic Delegation in Cyprus to that of embassy Christofia’s government decided to upgrade the status of the diplomatic delegation of Palestine in Cyprus from that of diplomatic mission of Palestine to that of the embassy of the state of Palestine. It decided also to include the Palestinian ambassador in the Diplomatic Corps list in Cyprus.

This decision is in line with the resolution of the Cypriot Council of Ministers in 1988 for the recognition of the state of Palestine.

The same practice has been followed by seven other EU members (Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic and Malta) who recognised the state of Palestine in 1988.

The announcement of the upgrading was made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus Ms. Erato Kozakou Markoulli on the 9th February 2013. Palestine Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Rial al Malki was present in the announcement of the resolution as part of his official visit in Cpyrus.

Ms. Markoulli expressed the support of her government in the solution of the Palestinian conflict on the basis of a two state solution, where Israel will coexist peacefully with a viable Palestin-

ian state with East Jerusalem as its capital city. Ms. Markoulli condemned the settlment in the West Bank by the Israeli government. She said that the construction of settlements violates the international law and also burdens the peace process. Miss Markoulli called for reconciliation between the various Palestinian factions under President Abbas.

Palestinian Foreign Affairs Minister thanked Cyprus for this “historic decision” and also said that he expects other EU member states to follow. He also thanked Cyprus for its positive vote in the UN general assembly, for the upgrading of the status of Palestine to that of observer state.

Mr Al Maliki stated again Palestine’s support for the reunification of Cyprus on the basis of the UN Security Council resolutions, in the context of a UN peace process. He thanked Cyprus for the support it gives to Palestine in the form of scholarships and educational programs and also for the help it provides, as EU member state, concerning the financial support of the Palestinian people.

Message of the Central Committee of AKEL on the Anniversary of the victory of the Cuban Revolution Nicosia, 2nd of January, 2013 c. Raúl Modesto Castro Ruz First Secretary of the Central Committee of the CP of Cuba

choose the path of their future. The struggle of the Cuban people for socialism must be respected and any effort to the contrary is for us condemnable.

On behalf of the Central Committee of AKEL, and myself personally, I convey to you and through you to the Government, the Communist Party of Cuba and the Cuban people, our warmest congratulations on the occasion of the 54th Anniversary of the victory of the Cuban Revolution.

At the same time we reaffirm our condemnation of the American embargo against Cuba and the continuing imprisonment of the 5 Cuban Heroes by the US authorities. We support the progressive integration, which is followed by the majority of the Latin American and Caribbean countries, and where Cuba is in the core of these developments.

Your 54th Anniversary is celebrated in conditions of an unprecedented crisis of the capitalist system where the working class around the world is striving to safeguard its historical conquests and gains when at the same time the imperialist aggression is further escalating. These severe conditions set the socialist perspective, which the Cuban people have chosen, timely more than ever.

As AKEL, we reiterate our full solidarity towards your struggle for a world of peace and social progress. We confirm our position that everyone should respect the right of all the peoples around the world to

We would also like to express our appreciation for the solidarity and support that Cuba is constantly providing to our Party and the Cypriot people in our long-term struggle for the reunification of Cyprus and liberation from the Turkish occupation. We have to note as well the fraternal relations existing between our two Parties that have been established throughout the years and express our will for the further enhancement of these relations.

Accept once again my warmest congratulations on the Anniversary of the Cuban Revolution and my best wishes for the year 2013.

160th anniversary of the birth

of the poet and national hero of Cuba José Martí

“I would also like to express the boundless appreciation of the members and cadres of AKEL and of the People's Movement of the Left to Cuba and it's heroic and unconquerable people. The friendship and cooperation between our two peoples, Cuban and Cypriot, have strong roots, hence the Monument of Cuba's National Hero Jose Marti erected here in Nicosia and the statue of Archbishop Makarios in Havana was and will be an eternal symbol of the ties between our struggling peoples; ties of friendship and cooperation which the current government consciously sought to strengthen further, launching the operation for 2 years

now of our own Embassy in Cuba” (...)

Jose Marti as a human being devoted his life to the independence of his country, and with his liberationalist and internationalist thought, strengthened the flame of unity and solidarity of the peoples of Latin America. As a poet he opened up new roads in poetry. As an intellectual he grappled with all kinds of writing.

His writings are inspired by deep political reflection, humaneness and sensitivity towards the crowning social events of his era.

Among these events is the first bloody May Day of 1886 in Chicago. José Martí was killed in 1895 in a guerrilla war against the Spanish colonizers without being able to experience the liberation of his homeland.

He therefore belongs in the pantheon of those fighters who compliment with words and deeds, their lives, and which History needs in its outstanding moments, to find a way to express in words the greatness of the peoples when they take their fate into their own hands and rewrite history from the beginning”.

Extracts of the speech by Christos Alekou, Member of the Political Bureau of the C.C. of AKEL at the event organised by the Embassy of Cuba in Cyprus

36th Congress of the French Communist Party

15th Congress of the Communist Party of Russian Federation Skevi Koukouma, member of the C.C., MP and Vice-President of WIDF (Women’s International Democratic Federation) represented AKEL at the 15th Congress of CP of Russian Federation held on 23-24 of February, in Moscow.

Vera Polycarpou, member of the C.C. and the International Relations and European Affairs Bureau of the C.C. of AKEL, represented AKEL at the 36th Congress of PCF, which took place on 710 February 2013, in Paris

100th anniversary of the foundation of the Communist Party of Chile On 5-8 December 2012 the Communist Party of Chile brought the celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of its foundation to a culmination with two major forward looking events evidencing the creative and militant spirit of the party and its youth: An international seminar on “Building Ideas for the Chile that we Want” organized in cooperation with the Institute of Sciences Alejandro Lipschutz, ICAL, with guests from Latin and Central America as well as Europe. And a Popular Concert, held in the Estadio Nacional for the first time after the 1973 fascist coup d’état. Under the motto “Let’s go, a new Chile is possible” and with the participation of a large number of artists that in one or other way have linked their work and lives with the struggles of the Chilean people, the concert gathered tens of thousands of people in memory of all those who lost their lives in defending democracy, and in building confidence in the struggle for a new Chile.

Sharing the bitter experience of a foreign orchestrated military coup d’état held just 10 months following the one against President Alliente and Unidad Popular, AKEL was represented in both events. Vera Polycarpou, member of the C.C. and the International Relations and European Affairs Bureau of the C.C. of AKEL, represented AKEL.

19th Congress of Portuguese Communist Party Yiannakis Thoma, member of the P.B. of the C.C. represented AKEL at the 19th Congress of the Portuguese CP, held on 30 of November 2013 in Lisbon.

14th International Meeting of Communist and Workers’ Parties Costas Christodoulides, member of the C.C. and Head of the International Relations and European Affairs Bureau of C.C. and Elias Demetriou, member of the International Relations Department participated in the delegation of AKEL at the 14th International Meeting of Communist and Workers’ Parties held in Beirut, Lebanon between 22 and 25 of November 2012, under the title: “Strengthen the struggles against escalating imperialist aggressiveness, for satisfying peoples’ socio-economic-democratic rights and aspirations, for socialism”.

International Relations Department of C.C .of AKEL Tel: 00357-22817346 |

Fax: 00357-22589503

International Department: interbureau@akel.org.cy | Costas Christodoulides: cchristodoulides@cytanet.com.cy Elias Demetriou: edemetriou@akel.org.cy

| Giorgos Koukoumas: giorgos.koukoumas@cytanet.com.cy