During the closing ceremony of the 52nd KNE Youth "Odigitis" Festival in Athens, solidarity with Cuba was reaffirmed, as was support for the struggle its people are waging against the criminal and genocidal economic, commercial, financial, and energy blockade, as well as against new threats and acts of aggression by imperialism.
The event, attended by thousands, opened with remarks from Thodoris Kotsantis, Secretary of the KNE Central Council. He highlighted the importance of the Festival—which featured activities held across Greece—and reaffirmed the solidarity of Greek youth with the struggle of the Cuban people.
The closing address was delivered by Dimitris Koutsoumbas, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE). Among his observations and reflections, he highlighted the massive turnout of the public, who—as in previous editions—actively participated in the various activities characteristic of these gatherings.
After welcoming youth delegations from around the world, Koutsoumbas stated: "We express our solidarity with the people of Cuba, who are facing imperialist brutality and an attempt at strangulation by the United States. This has a single objective: to undo the achievements of decades of socialist construction so that Cuba ceases to be a shining example for the peoples of the world."
He went on to recall "the words of the great revolutionary Fidel Castro, whose centenary we celebrate this year. The fighting slogan 'Socialism or Death'—uttered under similarly difficult circumstances—remains today the only guide for those who wish to continue the struggle against capitalist barbarism and prevent a regression."
Koutsoumbas also expressed solidarity with the heroic Palestinian people, affirming their ongoing struggle to secure their own free homeland. The festival of the Communist Youth of Greece (KNE) took place at Tritsis Park in Athens between September 23 and 26.