AKEL’s New Year message for 2017
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 1st January 2017, Nicosia
On the occasion of the New Year, AKEL wishes to the Cypriot people as a whole, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins, happiness, progress and prosperity.
AKEL also extends its warm wishes to all the foreign workers and immigrants who are living and working in Cyprus. On such festive days their thoughts go to their own country and beloved ones.
In welcoming the New Year our thoughts continue to be with the thousands of poor and unemployed people, the vulnerable groups of the population, with those experiencing job uncertainty and suffering from the negative consequences of the dramatic reduction in their salaries, with the young people who are worried about their future and in general with all those who are going through hard times. Unfortunately, the numbers of these people are increasing due to the austerity policies being imposed and the dismantling of the welfare state pursued by the government.
We wish from the bottom of our hears that 2017 will be the year of achieving the solution to the Cyprus problem; a solution that will bring the liberation of our country and the reunification of our people within the framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as described in the relevant UN resolutions; a solution that will provide for one state with a single sovereignty, a single citizenship, a single international personality and that will safeguard the human rights and basic freedoms of our people.
We are in the midst of the most critical phase of the Cyprus problem in recent years, which under certain preconditions can lead to a positive outcome. The path of pursuing an overall solution remains difficult and demands commitment to positions of principle, determination and a sincere desire to find an honorable compromise. It is this last parameter in particular where Turkey’s consistency to words and actions will be judged. Turkey must demonstrate in practice its will for a solution.
As AKEL, we assure that we will continue to struggle with consistency and be at the forefront of the effort for a solution based on principles. We assure that we shall continue working to enhance the rapprochement between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. We remain consistently committed to a solution that will render Cypriots the masters of their own homeland; a homeland without armies and divisive barbed wires and a country that will provide lasting peace and security to its citizens.
AKEL assures that it will remain the powerful pole of opposition to the government’s dead-end socio-economic policy. It will continue the struggle to end these government policies that increase inequality, poverty and destitution.
AKEL will continue its efforts to enhance its relations with citizens and society in order to strengthen society’s common struggles and demands. What matters for AKEL, besides defending society and working people’s rights, is to create a more just productive model that can take our country and people forward into the future.
At the same time, AKEL expresses its solidarity with all the peoples and workers of the world who are struggling against imperialism and neoliberalism, for democratic and labour rights, for social gains, for peace and social progress and justice.
Happy new year to everyone!
