AKEL in full solidarity with the people of Ukraine, not with the neo-fascist groups who bear a huge share of responsibility for Ukraine’s drama

 

7 April 2022, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

After the presence of a “fighter” of the neo-fascist “Azov” Battalion during Vl. Zelensky’s speech to the Greek Parliament, AKEL will not attend the plenary of the House of Representatives for the speech of the President of Ukraine. Today’s development is a provocation for every democrat.

We point out that AKEL had expressed from the very beginning its reservations about the President of Ukraine addressing the House of Representatives, taking into account the well-intentioned interests of our country and people. Nonetheless, it would have attended the plenary as a sign of solidarity with the people of Ukraine who are experiencing the consequences of the Russian invasion and geopolitical rivalry between the West and Russia. However, today’s development with the decision to feature neo-fascists in Zelensky’s speech, does not permit us to be present. We are in full solidarity with the people of Ukraine, but not with the neo-fascist groups who bear a huge share of responsibility for Ukraine’s drama.

AKEL denounced the Russian invasion of Ukraine from the very first moment and demanded a ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russian troops. Our guide has always been international law, the peaceful resolution of disputes and the respect for human rights.

We also point out that the Cypriot people, victims of the twin NATO crime that was committed, awaited and still awaits the solidarity of the international community in the face of Turkey’s continuing occupation, which today – in an outrageous reverse of logic – is proclaimed a “peacemaking power” and “guarantor of security”.