AKEL on the Day of the Anti-fascist victory of the peoples
The 9th May is celebrated as the Day of the Antifascist Victory of the Peoples in the Second World War; as the day on which the cry all over Europe and the whole world went out: “Never again War! Never again fascism!” It is the day that marks the end of the Second World War in Europe, the deadliest war ever known to humanity, which claimed the lives of more than 50 million people. On the occasion of the anniversary, AKEL expresses its deep respect for those who stood up to and resisted the fascist aggression, fighting and sacrificing their lives in the war against fascism and the Nazis.
All the forces that participated in the anti-Hitler coalition contributed towards the victory over Hitler fascism. However, the role of the Soviet Union, which took the brunt of the war and had the biggest share of sacrifices, was both distinct and decisive. The people of Cyprus also made their own contribution to this great victory against Hitler fascism, many of whom sacrificed even their lives for the freedom of the world. Around 20,000 Cypriots, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots enlisted voluntarily to fight the Axis powers, with the expectation that the war would bring freedom to our own country as well. Furthermore, it has been estimated that about 10,000 more Cypriots living abroad enlisted in the armed forces of the countries they were living to fight fascism.
The outstanding moment of the Cypriot people’s anti-fascist struggle was the decision of 16th June 1943 of AKEL in which the Party urged its members to enlist in an organised manner and fight Hitler fascism. Hundreds of cadres and members of AKEL, headed by 11 of the 17 members of the Central Committee responded willingly to the Party’s call. On the occasion of 9th May AKEL addresses a greeting of honour to the Cypriot veterans of the great Anti-fascist war, who with their struggles wrote a glorious page in the history of Cyprus.
69 years since the end of the Second World War this is an anniversary of memory and vigilance. The slogan “Never again war! – Never again fascism!” which marked the anti-fascist victory of the people and the crushing of Hitler fascism remains highly relevant today. One of the most critical lessons from the tragedy of the Second World War is that there must not be any tolerance towards the phenomena of fascism, racism and bigotry and towards the forces expressing them. This is particularly true in times of a deep crisis, like today.
Unfortunately, those nostalgic of Hitler fascism are also active in our country too. This is a blow to Cyprus, since we know from our very own experience what fascism means as a result of the wounds of the double crime committed in 1974 which are still bleeding. The revival of such sickening ideas and ideology is a grave insult to the antifascist struggles and sacrifices of the people of Cyprus.
The task of the democratic forces is to constantly expose fascism and fight against it, whatever form it takes. Having the 9th May as a shining example, AKEL calls on all democratic people to rally their forces in the struggle for a better world, which is not compatible with the new imperialist order and with any fascist ideology, so that neither Cyprus, nor the world will again be threatened by fascism.
