4 May 2018, Brussels

The member of the Political Bureau of the C.C. of AKEL and AKEL MEP N. Sylikiotis, had a meeting with the President of the Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB) Luciana Santos in Brussels. The critical situation in Brazil and the general developments in Latin America were discussed during the meeting.

N. Sylikiotis expressed the solidarity of both AKEL and the Group of GUE/NGL in the European Parliament towards the progressive forces of Brazil who are struggling against the undemocratic and political coup d’états which are instigated by foreign powers and backed by capital and domestic reactionary forces. Furthermore, the AKEL Political Bureau member also expressed full support for the right of the Brazilian people to choose their country’s leadership.

The President of the Communist Party of Brazil Luciana Santos briefed N. Sylikiotis on the ongoing political coup d’états in Brazil, which she said are aiming at abolishing the social gains and rights that the Brazilian people had won through struggles, but also at securing full control of Brazil in order to serve Western interests in the region. Luciana Santos also referred to the efforts underway to bring back a left-wing, progressive government so that, inter alia, the welfare state will be strengthened. The President of PCdoB and Federal MP also pointed out that in the event of Lula’s candidacy not being made possible, who even from prison comes first in all the opinion polls conducted, the left and center-left forces in Brazil will attempt to find a joint candidate.

The President of PCdoB Luciana Santos made a special reference to the Communist Party of Brazil’s appreciation towards AKEL and for the important role it plays. Furthermore, she underlined the solidarity of the Communist Party of Brazil with AKEL and the just struggle of the Cypriot people against the occupation and the British military presence in Cyprus, for the liberation and reunification of Cyprus, but also for the prevalence of peace in the wider Mediterranean region.