The Polytechnic lives not only as a historical memory, but in today’s struggles. AKEL on the 1973 Polytechnic uprising anniversary
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 16th November 2016, Nicosia
AKEL pays homage to the heroic uprising of the Athens Polytechnic in 1973. Forty-three years later, the young men and women who proceeded to occupy the Athens Polytechnic, but also the thousands of people who participated in the three days of continuous mobilizations, show the path of struggle for democracy, independence and dignity. The Polytechnic uprising was not an accident; it was the culmination of the resistance to the Junta’s fascism and an expression of the Greek people’s need for “Bread-Education-Freedom” and National Independence.
AKEL honors the heroic dead of Polytechnic uprising who watered with their blood the tree of freedom, democracy and progress. The Polytechnic, despite the bloody suppression of the uprising, was the beginning of the end of the seven-year junta. Unfortunately, the price of this development was heavy. The final collapse of the junta came after it managed to elaborate and later commit, together with EOKA B, the heinous crime against Cyprus and its people.
Forty-three years later, the messages of the Polytechnic continue to be as topical as ever before. The Polytechnic lives not only as a historical memory, but also as a necessity in today’s struggles for freedom, peace, democracy and social justice. It is a monument of antifascist struggle and a constant reminder to us all that freedom, democracy, progress and prosperity is gained through the struggles of the peoples.
The 1973 Polytechnic reminds us of the crime and treason committed against Cyprus carried out by the junta in Athens together with its representatives here, namely EOKA B and Grivas. It reminds us of the role of NATO and imperialism. Forgetfulness will allow the descendants of the Greek junta and fascism to return with a vengeance and AKEL will never permit such as development.
We address a warm militant greeting to the Greek people and express our support and solidarity with its struggles. Let be the heroic uprising of the Polytechnic and its ideals be an inspiration for the people of Cyprus.
