Turkish and Greek Cypriot unions held a joint rally on the occasion of May 1 Labor Day in the buffer zone in Lefkoşa (Nicosia) with the slogan “Solidarity-Reunification-Social Justice”.
Turkish and Greek Cypriot leaders were called upon to stay away from malicious intentions and actions that would cause tension and to start the negotiation process for a solution to the Cyprus problem as soon as possible, during the rally . “We will never compromise for Taksim ( partition)”, was emphasized during the rally.
North Cyprus unions gathered in Kuğulu Park ( Nicosia) at 5.30 pm and marched to the buffer zone ahead of the rally. Here they have met with the unions and organisations from South Cyprus who participated in the rally.
The May Day joint declaration of DEV-İŞ, KTAMS, KTÖS, KTOEÖS, BES, KOOP-SEN, DAU-SEN and PEO was read out in two languages by the head of DEV-İŞ Koral Aşam and PEO Secretary General Sotirulla Haralambu.
The event later continued with a performance by Prospectus, Arda Gündüz, Niyal Öztürk and Dimitris Mesimeris.
JOINT STATEMENT
The statement commemorated with respect the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot pioneers of the labour movement of Cyprus, which managed to achieve fundamental gains for the Cypriot working class.
It was noted that the capitalist crisis was getting deeper and deeper and that the only way to protect and secure the rights and interests of the working class is the class struggle.
It was emphasized that increasing armament and military expenditures was not a solution, on the contrary, it endangers world peace. It was noted that workers have an important role in the struggle to make peace prevail in the world.
The statement also emphasized that the two communities will never reconcile with Taksim ( partition). The message was given that joint activities and struggle will continue with the aim of peace prevailing and the reunification of the homeland.
Emphasis was placed on a fair and mutually acceptable solution to the Cyprus problem within the framework of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality, single sovereignty, single citizenship and single international identity, as specified in UN resolutions.
LACK OF DIALOGUE LEADS TO PARTITION
In the statement, it was noted that the negotiations should be resumed as soon as possible from where they were left in Crans Montana for the solution to the Cyprus problem, and it was noted that the absence of dialogue led Cyprus towards the final partition.
It called on the two leaders to stay away from malicious intentions and actions that will cause tensions, and to start the negotiation process as soon as possible.
