7 December is a day of honour for those who resisted fascism and fought for democracy

 

7 December 2023, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

On 7 December 1974, the Cypriot people welcomed President Makarios back to Cyprus. On the ruins and devastation left by the twin crimes [the coup and Turkish invasion] committed in July 1974, they demonstrated their determination to defend democracy and our homeland with a moving huge rally.

On the ruins caused by the coup d’état and the treachery of the Grivas terrorism of EOKA B, the makeshift tents of refugee camps and the open graves of our dead heroes, the Cypriot people found the strength and courage to declare that imperialism’s illegal plans for the partition of Cyprus will not pass.

December 7 is a day of honour and gratitude to all those who resisted fascism and fought for democracy, freedom and the dignity of Cyprus. All those who fought in the battles at the Presidential Palace, the Archbishopric, in Kaimakli, in Kolossi, in Agios Ioannis in Larnaca, Agios Nikola in Limassol and in every corner of Cyprus where hundreds of anti-fascist resistance fighters ran to defend the democratically elected government and constitutional order, where golden pages of heroism and resistance were written.

AKEL commemorates today’s day with the pledge that it will always remain the defender of the Historical truth, against any attempt to falsify the events. AKEL will remain the political force that works with consistency to prevent the completion of the crime ordered against Cyprus in 1974 by rendering the occupation permanent and the finalisation of partition.

We will continue to struggle together with our Turkish Cypriot compatriots to end the occupation, to reunite our country and people, building our common future on the solid foundations of peace and cooperation.