Current Trends in Capitalism:
Economic, Political and Social Impact:
The Communists’ Alternative
International Meeting of Communist and Workers’ Parties
Athens, 18–20 November 2005
Press statement
Seventy-three communist and workers’ parties from all continents met in Athens from 18 to 20 November 2005 at the International Meeting of Communist and Workers’ Parties with the topic “Current Trends in Capitalism: Economic, Political and Social Impact: The Communists’ Alternative.”
Several parties that could not attend sent greetings and written contributions, which form part of the documents of the conference. Over the three days of the conference there was a creative exchange of views concerning the international situation and experiences on the questions of work in the mass movements, the struggle of the peoples, and the activities of the communist and workers’ parties. Solidarity statements on a broad range of international issues were proposed and adopted by the participants.
The speakers referred to contemporary phenomena and tendencies in capitalism. Imperialist aggressiveness in all spheres and the assault on social and labour rights were noted. Experiences were exchanged concerning the movements and struggles of the peoples in the different conditions of the various countries and the role of communists in them. The discussion emphasised the timeliness of socialism, and views were exchanged on the ways to project and promote this goal in the twenty-first century.
It was noted that it is necessary to develop active political solidarity and support among communist and workers’ parties and more generally among popular movements, and views were exchanged on possible forms of joint action.
Participants expressed the need for similar meetings to continue and multiply at an international and regional level and emphasised the positive effect the specific co-operation between communist and workers’ parties could have on co-ordination and united action with wider democratic, anti-imperialist, anti-monopoly and patriotic forces. The critical importance of the exchange of views and theoretical discussions on the question of socialism today was also noted.
At the meeting a series of initiatives was proposed that can be a positive step in the further development of solidarity and common action between the communist and workers’ parties.
1. A joint campaign for the release of the five Cuban patriots, which may include the organising of a delegation of parliamentary deputies, trade unionists and other public figures to the prisons in the United States.
2. A delegation of international solidarity brigades from members of our parties to Cuba and Venezuela; active support for all the initiatives directed against the Free Trade Area of the Americas; mobilisation for the extradition of Posada Carrilles to Venezuela.
3. Joint action against the anti-communist resolution of the Council of Europe; the issue of a joint resolution, signature campaign and protests in our countries.
4. A campaign on the contemporary relevance of socialism on the occasion of the ninetieth anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution in 2007.
5. For the May Day celebration of 2006 a campaign against poverty, unemployment, firings, liberalisation of working hours and “reform” of social security and for labour rights, against the structural adjustment programmes and the policies of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank and for the cancellation of the foreign debt of the so-called Third World countries.
6. A meeting of communist educators from countries in Europe on the impact of capitalist restructuring and of the Lisbon strategy on education; joint work on issues related to the dissemination of the communist ideology and values among young people, and aspects regarding the use of the internet.
7. A European campaign against the “anti-terrorism” measures of the European Union; support for the activities of the Communist Party of Finland during the EU summit meeting.
8. Systematic monitoring of issues that are related to the persecution of communist parties and other anti-imperialist forces, such as the outlawing of the Communist Party by name, and, where it is illegal, concerning trials and imprisonment, other forms of persecution, and surveillance; the creation of a working group on these questions.
9. Active support for broad participation in the regional meetings of communist parties, such as the meetings in Latin America and other regional meetings of communist parties.
10. Support for the European initiative of the Portuguese Communist Party regarding developments in Europe and the European Union in March 2006.
11. A meeting of the Balkan communist parties and anti-war movements directed against the changes in borders and the imperialist interventions of NATO, the United States, and the European Union.
12. Campaigns for the retreat of the foreign occupation forces from Iraq, against NATO and foreign military bases; support for the initiative of the Communist Party of Canada in Vancouver, June 2006, and other relevant initiatives.
13. Solidarity with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which faces a US-led blockade and threats of imperialist aggression, as well as with the people of all countries facing imperialist threats.
14. Action against the “Greater Middle East” plan; active solidarity with the Iraqi people for the end of the occupation and the restoration of the sovereignty of the country. Also, we express our solidarity with the peoples of Lebanon and Syria in their struggle against the pressure and interference in the internal affairs of their countries. We reject the imperialist threats against Iran, and we express our solidarity with its people in the struggle for peace, progress, democratic rights, and social justice. To intensify solidarity actions with the peace-loving forces in Israel. Establishment of an international day of action against the Israeli racist wall in Palestine and other actions. Joint solidarity delegation from representatives of the communist parties to Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Israel.
15. To multiply solidarity actions with the peoples of Africa against imperialist exploitation and to promote solidarity, co-operation and joint action with the African communist and workers’ parties.
The time, the venue and the topic of the international meeting of 2006 will be decided at the meeting of the working group of the communist and workers’ parties, and a press statement relevant to this will be published in good time. |