SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance participated in the International Symposium “On the Left and the Contemporary World,” organized by AKEL in Nicosia as part of the events marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Cyprus – AKEL.

The SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance delegation consisted of Rania Svigkou, member of the Political Secretariat and head of the Department of International and European Affairs, and Nikos Karantilion, member of the SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance Political Secretariat, responsible for European policy and social movements, and member of the Executive Board of the European Left Party (EL).

During the visit, SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance, along with the other delegations, attended a briefing by the AKEL General Secretary Stefanos Stefanou at the party’s offices. At the same time, a meeting was held with a delegation from AKEL, which included Christos Tombazos, member of the Political Bureau, and Giorgos Liasis, member of the AKEL Central Committee.

During the meeting, discussions covered developments regarding the Cyprus issue, political developments in Europe, and the potential for further strengthening ties and cooperation between the two parties, both at the political level and through social movements. The SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance delegation reiterated the party’s firm position on the need to resume negotiations from the point where they were interrupted at Crans-Montana, based on UN decisions and resolutions.

The objective is a fair and viable solution, a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, with political equality, a single sovereignty, a single citizenship and a single international personality.

This solution would benefit the entire Cypriot people, both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, and would entail the abolition of the system of guarantees and the withdrawal of occupying forces. It was emphasized that the reunification of Cyprus, based on international law, is an essential prerequisite for peace, security, and stability in the wider region.

The International Symposium was attended by representatives from more than 35 communist, left, and progressive parties from across the globe, as well as political figures, academics, and representatives of the labor movement. The proceedings highlighted the major challenges of our time: the crisis of capitalism, militarization, wars and armed conflicts, the defense of international law, the rise of the far-right and neo-fascism, and the prospects for the Left in the 21st century.

In her intervention during the session on the rise of the far-right and neo-fascism, Rania Svigkou emphasized the need for European left parties to coordinate and formulate an alternative policy proposal to counter the militarization of the economy and austerity policies, with a focus on social needs, peace, and social justice.

On the sidelines of the Symposium, the SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance delegation also met with the President of the Party of the European Left, Walter Baier. The discussion focused on international and European political developments, as well as the need to strengthen cooperation and coordination among Left forces globally, particularly during a period marked by intensifying geopolitical rivalries, armed conflicts, and widening social inequalities.

Finally, the delegation attended a political and cultural event marking the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of Cyprus – AKEL, which took place as part of the International Symposium.