Address by Chrystalla Antoniou, Secretary of AKEL District Organisation and member of the Political Bureau at the Local Club of the Left, Athienou Municipality

 

On the 5 years since the death of Fidel Castro

7 December 2021

Dear comrade Ambassador of Cuba,

Dear Vice President of the Cyprus-Cuba Friendship Association,

Dear guests,

Comrades and friends,

Addressing tonight’s event entitled “Fidel Lives”, the Larnaca District Committee of AKEL congratulates the mass Organisations of the Left in the Municipality of Athienou for taking the initiative to organise this meeting.

This is an event that in these conditions, both in Cyprus and in the whole world, sends out the message that Cuba and its heroic people are showing the way.

We stand in solidarity and support the struggles of Cuba; struggles that were waged in the past but today too, facing the multitude of obstacles put by the US and especially the blockade of Cuba due to the imposition of illegal sanctions. Even in the conditions of an ongoing pandemic, the US has further tightened the criminal blockade by depriving the country, for example, of essential supplies and medicines.  On the other hand, we see Cuba’s internationalism in action, where, as Fidel said, “Others send bombs, Cuba sends doctors”.

We shall hear about these issues from our friend the Cuban Ambassador to Cyprus, whom we welcome to our district. We thank him for his presence and express our gratitude, sympathy and appreciation.

Five years after the death of the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, one of the greatest figures of modern history, we as AKEL hold his memory and political legacy in our hearts and minds with honor and pride.

Fidel Castro was and will remain a universal symbol that encapsulates patriotism, internationalism, anti-imperialism and the unshakable belief that socialism is the future of humanity. Future generations, not only in Cuba, but also throughout the world, will learn from the example of Fidel and the Cuban Revolution that socialism is not only just and necessary, but also possible.

That dignity, an unwavering steadfast attitude towards the powerful and mighty of the planet, a tireless struggle for the prosperity of the people is the measure by which history judges.

That true democracy begins where and when the shackles of class inequality end.

Fidel Castro was a consistent friend of Cyprus and a staunch supporter of our people’s struggle.

It is a friendship that began to be built on solid foundations by the two Presidents – Makarios and Fidel.

A friendship that was strengthened within the context of the Non-Aligned Movement of which both were co-founders.

A friendship based on sincere and selfless mutual support at the UN and all international forums through all the difficult times Cyprus was and is going through.

The Cuban Revolution was victorious on 1 January 1959 and the Republic of Cyprus was established the following year. This year marks 61 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, as Cuba was one of the first to recognise the young Republic of Cyprus. This relationship was strengthened by our late comrade Demetris Christofias when he inaugurated the Cypriot embassy in Havana in 2009.  As AKEL we will continue to work tirelessly to strengthen the relations between the two peoples and countries at all levels.

Communists around the world keep the memory of the leader of the Cuban Revolution alive, a legendary figure who marked both the ideology, as well as the history of the world revolutionary movement.

In concluding our address, dear friend and comrade Omar, we reiterate our solidarity, appreciation and admiration for Cuba and its people for all that they have offered and continue to offer to humanity and in the ongoing struggle for socialist construction on the Island of the Revolution.

Cuba is an example for the peoples of the world to adhere to the universal ideals of socialism. We are inspired and draw strength from you. You enable us to feel proud too of the equal opportunities and possibilities that the Cuban people have in the vital areas of education and health.

Fidel lives in the hearts and memory of the peoples of the world and of Cyprus!