21 Communist and Worker parties' Sign declaration

Communist parties' declaration

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) general Secretary Aleka Papariga on Monday presented a joint declaration signed by 21 communist and labor parties in European Union member-states, following a relevant meeting here.

In a press conference in Athens, Papariga stated that this is the first time that a joint declaration is signed by communist and labor parties ahead of European Parliament elections, adding that these parties expressed their common position as regards the character of the EU.

Papariga also described the withdrawal of the Hungarian Socialist Workers' Party (MSZMP) from the European Left Party as very important development.

She underlined that the main points of the declaration highlight the EU capitalist role, clarify the parties' stance as regards the Maastricht Treaty, and refer to the socialization of production means and the peoples' right to decide on their own model of development. Papariga also stated that abstention from the European Parliament elections will "in essence operate in favor of the existing policy."

MSZMP President Gyula Thrmer speaking in the press conference stated that his party's withdrawal from the European Left Party was a major decision considering that it was one of its founders. "We want to fight against capitalism whereas they want to reconcile with capitalism," he said.

Carmelo Suarez, general secretary of the Communist Party of the People's of Spain, stated that the declaration signed is very important adding that his party's proposal is disengagement and withdrawal from the EU.