Statement of the Cyprus-Cuba Friendship Association on the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Che
This year marks 50 years since the assassination of Ernesto Che Guevara. His figure, values and ideals continue to this day to give courage, support, inspiration and strength to all struggling peoples, big and small, to every person and young people, who want and are fighting for another different world.
50 years onwards, Che continues to live in the hearts and minds, in the dreams and hopes of the humble and oppressed. He continues to be present in the struggles of the peoples, of every restless person, in every corner of the world. Che embodies the will and determination of millions of people not to give in and yield, to turn their rage and indignation into collective and unrelenting action to assert, defend and gain rights for a world of human dignity, solidarity, social progress and culture.
Che does not fit into any mythologies, nor can he be cast in any museum. Even more so his fiery spirit and identity cannot be altered. In addition to his unwavering faith in anti-imperialist struggle and solidarity, Che leaves us, among so many other things, also an exemplary way of life. Che teach us with his humility, endless love and confidence in the common people, his unshakable faith and tenderness that, yes, it is worth devoting one’s strength and life to the struggle for this new world.
Today Che would be present in Cuba, fighting for the defence and updating of socialism, against the continued blockade and new threats issued by the US against the Island of Freedom. He would be at the forefront of the Cuban people in tackling the devastating consequences of the recent hurricane, as well as in the missions of Cuban volunteers to provide practical internationalist assistance to peoples all over the world.
Today Che would be vigorously defending the Bolivarian process and the progressive governments of Latin America, who are fighting to repel the operations aiming at their subversion and destabilization, to defend their progressive achievements and gains and for the continuation of this radical course. Che would be struggling and supporting the unity and rallying of the peoples and countries of Latin America in the fulfillment of his vision, the continuation of the vision and struggle of Simon Bolivar and José Martí, for the unity of the peoples and integration of Latin America against the US plans for their subordination.
Che would be among the first in the frontline of the struggles of all peoples and states to defend their national independence and sovereignty, for the right of every people to decide for themselves its own fate and path of development. Today Che more than ever would be leading the efforts to forge the unity and joint action of all forces fighting for social and economic emancipation, for their national independence and sovereignty.
The Cyprus-Cuba Friendship Association honored and will always honor Che. This year, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary since the foundation of our Association, as well as the 50 years since the assassination of the Internationalist, Communist and Man Ernesto Che Guevara, our Association invited Che’s daughter Dr. Aleida Guevara March to our island. During her 10 day stay we organized numerous events. The Cyprus-Cuba Friendship Association considers that the best way to honor the legendary and visionary Che will be to intensify our own activities on all fronts and our solidarity towards Cuba and its people, Bolivarian Venezuela and the other struggling peoples of Latin America.
The Cypriot people have demonstrated on countless occasions its unreserved solidarity, sincere love and consistent support towards Cuba, its people and its Revolution. This is our own humble pledge to Che, that just as he boldly defended Cyprus’ cause at the United Nations when Turkey bombed the region of Tyllyria, just as Cuba and its people have always stood by and are standing in solidarity with our people’s struggle, so will we, honouring Che, stand as never before on the side of the heroic island of the Revolution.
