Statement of the Secretariat of the C.C. of AKEL
16th March 2013, Nicosia
The Secretariat of the Central Committee of AKEL convened this morning and dealt with the results of last night’s Eurogroup. Analyzing the given situation it has reached some initial assessments:
1. We express our anger over the vindictive and neocolonial way the Troika and the IMF have treated the issue of Cyprus. They have attempted and are attempting, based on unsubstantiated accusations, to impose their own policy choices and obsessions on Cyprus, leading our country and people to conditions that are similar to those in other countries of the European south.
2. We also express our strong resentment because at such an important juncture for the Cypriot people, Mr. Anastasiades and his Government have chosen not to listen to any other opinions. We regret to point out that throughout this time, Mr. Anastasiades, did not at any moment feel the need to either consult, or even brief the political parties, at least what concerns AKEL. This means that Mr. Anastasiades and the Government are assuming in full the responsibility for the developments.
3. From a first reading, the conclusions are unfortunately appalling. The government has retreated in chaos and gone back on its election and post-election pledges. Mr. Anastasiades himself at the meeting of the Heads of the political parties on the economy last Saturday said that he was ready to accept privatizations so that the IMF’s demand for a haircut on bank deposits is withdrawn. In the end, he accepted both the catastrophic demands of the creditors, along with other painful measures . Just three weeks ago the Cypriot people entrusted Mr. Anastasiades, on the assertion that he had strong ties to the European Union and would conduct tough negotiations with regards the Memorandum. Instead, within a few days only, he has accepted their catastrophic demands. From the very beginning of his administration, Mr. Anastasiades has proved to be completely lacking consistency. He has taken his first test of resilience and failed.
Regarding the measures that have been agreed, as AKEL we will study them without delay and put forth our own position on each one of them separately and in a detailed comprehensive way. For this purpose, the Political Bureau and the Central Committee of AKEL will meet tomorrow morning to discuss the issue and arrive at decisions.
The Secretariat of the Central Committee that has studied the given situation will propose to the Political Bureau and the Central Committee to vote against the commitments undertaken by Mr. Anastasiades and Government in the House of Representatives.
AKEL will respond to these vindictive pressures and blackmail and will call upon the people of Cyprus to express its calm, organized, collective and political reaction. The situation demands the broadest possible rallying of political and social forces that are opposed to these machinations, so that we unite our forces in order to build a resistance front to confront the policies against the people’ s interests.
16/03/2013
