BELARUS: Statements-reactions by Communist and Workers Parties

With statements and declarations Communist and Workers Parties from Europe and across the world have reacted to the situation in Belarus which remains tense since the presidential elections of August 9th. 

Below you can read a collection of statements issued by CPs in face of the developments in Belarus: 

Click here to read the statement by the CC of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE). 

EU and 'Black Ribbon Day': The anti-communist falsification of history shall not pass!

By Nikos Mottas.

Once again the European Union resorts to hideous anti-communism on the occasion of the so-called “European Day of Remembrance for victims of Stalinism and Nazism” (known as "Black Ribbon Day" which is observed annually on August 23rd. 

In a joint statement, the vice-president of the EU Commission Vera Jourova and the EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders reproduce the same old anti-communist slanders about the 1939 Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. Without any respect for history, the EU officials reproduce the blatant lie about the supposed “alliance between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany”. 

WFTU endorses the campaign for the Nobel Peace Prize 2021 to Cuban Medical Brigades

In an open letter addressed to its affiliated organizations, friends and workers in all over the globe, the Secretariat of the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) expresses its endorsement for the campaign to nominate the Cuban "Henry Reeve" International Health Contingent for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize. 

The statement reads:

“Our country does not drop bombs on other peoples, nor does it send thousands of planes to bomb cities. Our country does not possess nuclear weapons, chemical weapons, or biological weapons. Our country’s tens of thousands of scientists and doctors have been educated in the idea of saving lives” - Fidel Castro.

Belarus’ white and red flag: A symbol of Nazi collaborationists and counterrevolution

A characteristic of the recent Belarus protests is the use by the demonstrators of the white-red flag. Shortly after the announcement of the elections’ result on August 9th, the streets of Minsk flooded with opposition-backed protestors waving white-red flags. 

But what is the actual meaning of the Belarusian white-red flag and what’s the history behind it?

It was used for the first time by the short-lived anti-Bolshevik Belarusian National Republic (BNR) between March 1918 and February 1919. During the interwar period, it was occasionally used by political and non-political organizations, including the conservative Belarusian Christian Democracy (1927). 

Austria: The Party of Labour (PdA) to take part in Vienna municipal elections

In a press release, the Austrian Party of Labour (PdA) announced that it will participate in the municipal elections at Vienna-Ottakring district which will take place on October 11, 2020. 

The statement reads:

On 14 August 2020 the Party of Labour of Austria submitted its nomination and list of candidates for the district assembly election in Vienna-Ottakring to the electoral authority. During the recent weeks the necessary number ofendorsement signatures has been collected, despite the difficult circumstances and the bureaucratic procedure that had been maintained by the Social Democratic and Green city governmentregardless of the corona epidemic. Thus, on 11 October 2020 the Party of Labour will be on the ballot for the district assembly of the 16th district of Vienna. 

KKE condemns foreign intervention in Belarus, calls the people to organize their own struggle

In a statement issued on Monday 17 August, the Press Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) condemns the foreign intervention in the internal affairs of Belarus and calls the working people to organize their own independent struggle against capitalist barbarity.

The statement, which was published in 902 portal, reads:

German communists: “Without the Berlin Wall, there would have been war”

In an article published on “Unsere Zeit” portal, the newspaper of the German Communist Party (DKP), General Secretary Patrik Köbele referred to the conditions under which the Berlin Wall was built on August 13, 1961. 

After mentioning that the decision to build the Wall wasn’t an easy decision, Köbele points out: “The state border between the GDR and the “West” was also the border between NATO and the Warsaw Pact, ie the border the two strongest military alliances at the time. NATO always aimed at destroying socialist construction in the Warsaw Pact’s states by all means – arms race, diversion, sabotage and, if necessary, military aggression. It was prevented from doing so due to the security of the GDR state border”.

Russian Communist Workers' Party on Belarus: The "Belarusian Maidan" must be prevented

In a declaration about the elections and the ongoing protests in Belarus, the Political Council of the CC of the Communist Workers’ Party of Russia - Revolutionary Party of Communists (RKRP-CPSU) points out that a possible “Belarusian Maidan” must be prevented. 

The RKPR-CPSU notes that “the opposition did not recognize the results even before they were announced, even long before the elections”, adding that “it does not really matter whether this right-wing opposition is pro-Western or pro-Russian” because “in any case, it is pro-imperialist”. The Belarusian opposition – states the party – is “clearly nationalistic in nature” and “in many respects similar to the Kiev Maidan”. 

KKE: Turkey’s aggression in East Mediterranean is fostered by the U.S, NATO and EU

The situation in eastern Mediterranean and the tensions between Turkey and Greece was one of the major issues discussed during the extraordinary EU Foreign Ministers Council which was concluded on Friday. Earlier, Greece’s Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias met with the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Vienna.  

Referring to his meeting with Pompeo, Dendias expressed his satisfaction for the “clear stance of the State Department” against Turkey’s provocations, thanking the U.S. Secretary of State on behalf of the Greek government. He also expressed satisfaction for the EU partners’ “support to Greece and Cyprus”. 

Nobel Peace Prize 2021 to Cuban doctors: Joint statement by Greek and Turkish friends of Cuba

While the bourgeois classes of Turkey and Greece, alongside their imperialist "allies" U.S-NATO-EU, have turned East Mediterranean into a region of continuous conflict for the interests of their monopolies, the friends and supporters of Cuba in both sides of the Aegean Sea send a message of solidarity and co-operation. 

In a joint statement, on the occasion of Fidel Castro's 94th birth anniversary on August 13th, the Greek Team for the Nobel Peace Prize to Cuban Doctors and the Jose Marti Cuba-Turkey Friendship Association point out that the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize must be awarded to the "Henry Reeve" Medical Brigade for its long-time internationalist activity as well as during its significant contribution to the fight against the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. 

Alternativa Popular Revolucionaria: Venezuela's new anti-imperialist and socialist alliance

The Communist Party of Venezuela (PCV), alongside seven other left and socialist-oriented political organizations, announced the formation of an anti-imperialist and socialist alliance under the name "Popular Revolutionary Alternative" (Alternative Popular Revolucionaria- APR). 

The communique for the formation of APR reads:

With a great effort of collective political construction, the below signed organisations have constituted the Popular Revolutionary Alternative (APR), an anti-imperialist and truly socialist alliance which points towards offering a new left-wing reference point for Venezuelans.

Belarus under the threat of a "color revolution"?

The landslide victory (with 80.23% of the votes) of incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko in Belarus’ presidential elections on Sunday sparked violent protests by supporters of the opposition in Minsk and other cities. A protester was killed and dozens were injured following clashes with police forces. 

Opposition leader  Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who received 9.9% of the votes, refused to accept the results, stating that they were rigged. 

“I consider myself the winner of this election” Tikhanovskaya said in a statement before leaving the country for Lithuania.

Meet Christopher Helali: The Communist from Vermont who runs for U.S. Congress

For the first time since 1984 a Communist Party candidate will participate in a major U.S. election. The last time was 36 years ago when Gus Hall and Angela Davis ran for U.S. President and Vice President respectively. 

His name is Christopher Helali and he joins the electoral battle for Vermont’s at-large congressional district for the November 3rd elections. Helali is officially supported by the Party of Communists, USA (PCUSA). 

Christopher was born in Worcester, Massachusetts to immigrant parents. His mother was born in Canada of Greek parents who fled after the Greek Civil War and the subsequent persecution of Communists by the right wing government. His father was born in Iran, to ethnic Lur and Kurdish parents, and left his homeland in 1979 in the midst of the Iranian Revolution.

Lebanese Communist Party (LCP) leader Hanna Gharib comments on government's resignation

Lebanon's government stepped down on Monday night, less than a week after a massive explosion in Beirut killed more than 160 people and sparked days of mass protests. 

In a press statement about the developments the General Secretary of the Lebanese Communist Party (LCP) Hanna Gharib points out the following: 

First, LCP condemns the burning of the Martyrs’ monument that happened in the southern Village of Zraryeh. This incident which occurred at late night of Sunday August 9 reveals bad intentions against the Lebanese National Resistance Front, and against the party who was the backbone of this Front. 

Netanyahu resign! Thousands of demonstrators attend anti-governmental rallies in Israel

Hadash and Communist Party of Israel activists participated in the
demonstration at Jerusalem’s Paris Square. The Arabic and Hebrew banner
reads, “We are the Revolution.” (Photo: Zu Haderech).

Protests against Israel's far-right Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued nationwide on Saturday evening, August 8, with tens of thousands of people gathering outside the Prime Minister’s Residence on Balfour Street in Jerusalem. 

In addition, approximately 1,000 demonstrators stationed themselves at a main intersection exiting Caesarea, site of Netanyahu’s private residence, to assure that he would have to pass them as he was driven back to Jerusalem on Saturday night. 

Among the protestors in Jerusalem was Joint List MK Ofer Cassif (Hadash) and numerous activists from Hadash, the Communist Party of Israel, and members of the Young Communist League.

Turkey's communists at the forefront of the struggle for women's rights, against femicides

Thousands of women took the streets in more than 16 cities in Turkey, on August 5, demonstrating under the slogan "We are not giving up our rights, implement the Istanbul Convention". 

In Istanbul's Kadıköy district, women carried placards with the name of 350 murdered women and the slogan "She would be alive if the Istanbul Convention was implemented". 

In Izmir, protesters faced with police's violent response and 16 women werre detained. 

Greece-Egypt EEZ agreement: KKE expresses "deep concern" over regional developments

In a joint press conference held in Cairo on Tuesday, the Foreign Ministers of Egypt and Greece, Sameh Shoukry and Nikos Dendias, announced that the two countries signed an agreement on setting up an exclusive economic zone (EEZ). 

The Greek-Egyptian agreement comes in a period of increased tension between the governments of Turkey and Greece over gas fields in Eastern Mediterranean. The situation has been particularly tense after Turkey issued an illegal NAVTEX on July 21st, blocking an extended area south east of the Greek island of Kastelorizo in order to carry out seismic surveys. You can read here a joint declaration of the Communist Parties of Greece and Turkey (KKE and TKP) on the latest dangerous developments.

Hiroshima-Nagasaki: Statement of the KKE for the 75 years since the nuclear holocaust

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary since the dropping of the atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the U.S. military, the Press Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) issued a statement.

The statement, published in 902 portal, is as follows:

"Seventy-five years have passed since the United States committed one of the most barbaric crimes against humanity – on August 6th in Hiroshima and a few days later, on August 9th in Nagasaki – by dropping for the first time the atomic bomb resulting to hundreds of thousands victims and many more in the following years due to the radioactivity effects. 

Beirut explosion: Solidarity messages by the Communist Parties of Greece, Cyprus, Turkey

At least 100 people were killed and 4,000 were wounded after the massive blast that rocked Beirut on Tuesday. The whole city was shaken by the explosion and a mushroom cloud could be seen spreading over the port area. 

The Lebanese Communist Party (LCP) declared the 5th of August as a day of humanitarian solidarity and requested a prompt investigation for the incident. 

Statements of condolences and solidarity towards the people of Lebanon were issued by the Communist Parties of Greece (KKE), Cyprus (AKEL) and Turkey (TKP):

Beirut explosion: Lebanese Communist Party requests a prompt investigation

A massive explosion rocked Lebanon's capital city, Beirut, on Tuesday, killing dozens of people, injuring thousands and blowing out windows in buildings across the city. According to reports, the was felt in the neighboring island of Cyprus, around 240 kilometers away.

In a statement, the Lebanese Communist Party (LCP) expresses its condolences to the families of the victims and requests a prompt investigation to reveal the responsibilities. 

The statement reads:

Spanish communists slam Juan Carlos, call for an end to the institution of the monarchy

In a statement published on its website, the Communist Party of the Workers of Spain (PCTE) commented on the decision of the embattled ex-King Juan Carlos to leave the country amid investigations for corruption scandals. 

The royal parasite, whose full name is Juan Carlos Alfonso Víctor María de Borbón, reigned as King of Spain from November 1975 until his abdication in June 2014.

In the statement, the PCTE points out: 

Free Simon Trinidad! Joint statement by the Communist Parties of the USA and Colombia

Joint statement by the Communist Party, USA (CPUSA) and the Communist Party of Colombia (Partido Comunista Colombiano) for the release of political prisoner and former FARC-EP combatant, Simón Trinidad (real name Ricardo Palmera):

On the occasion of his 70th birthday, the Communist Party USA, together with Communist and Workers’ parties, and with other political organizations, calls upon the U.S. government to release political prisoner Simón Trinidad.  

FESTA DO AVANTE and KNE-ODIGITIS FESTIVAL: Europe’s largest communist festivals to be held in September

The posters of this year's festivals in Portugal and Greece:
Festa do Avante! and the 46th KNE-Odigitis Festival.

Despite pressure and efforts by reactionary bourgeois political forces to postpone this year’s “Festa do Avante” due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) has decided to proceed to the organisation of the festival, ensuring that all the necessary health measures will be taken. 

In a statement, the PCP provide solid answers to its critics about the festival’s organisation. The governmental decree on summer festivals and similar activities stresses out that they can be carried out as long as they comply with the necessary health rules and obligations. “The attack on the party is just an expression of the reactionary forces’ long-standing objective: to question the exercise of political rights and more particularly the activity of the PCP and unions”, points out an article of the Party titled “Why we organize the Avante Festival”. 

Nikos Zachariadis: 47 years since the death of the Greek communist leader

Today, August 1, 2020, marks the 47th anniversary of the death of Nikos Zachariadis, General Secretary of the CC of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) from 1931 to 1956, one of the most significant figures of the european and international communist movement in the 20th century. 

He was born to ethnic Greek parents in Ottoman Empire's Edirne (Andrianoupolis) in 1903. At the age of 16, Nikos moved to Istanbul where he worked in various jobs, including as a dockworker and sailor. It was there when he started having his first organised relationship with the working-class movement.