Nicosia, Cyprus—Cuba's National Hero José Martí's 172nd anniversary was commemorated in a solemn ceremony at his monument on Stasinou Avenue, Nicosia.
The President of the Friendship Association, Andreas Chrysanthou highlighted the ongoing struggle against the blockade and Cuba's unjust inclusion in the list of state sponsors of terrorism. During his intervention, he recited a poem inspired by the Ambassador's previous remarks, expressing solidarity with Cuba and denouncing the blockade.
AKEL Central Committee member and Parliamentarian Aristos Damianou emphasized the injustice of the blockade and criticized the U.S. administration's decision to include Cuba in the state sponsors of terrorism list, just six days after the previous administration had removed Cuba from this politically motivated designation. Damianou assured that the Cypriot people will maintain their solidarity with Cuba, noting that progressive forces, the Friendship Association, AKEL, and the Embassy are working together to send another container of humanitarian aid to the Juan Manuel Márquez Pediatric Hospital in Marianao.
Cuban Ambassador Angel Gustavo Suñarez Cordero expressed his personal gratitude and that of the Cuban people for the affection and militant solidarity of the Cypriot people. He emphasized that these are times of unity and of following José Martí's example that "Homeland is Humanity," which is more necessary than ever today.
The ceremony concluded with attendees laying white flowers at the National Hero's Monument in Nicosia.
The event brought together representatives from various organizations including the Cyprus-Cuba Friendship Association, Women's Movement (POGO), Cyprus Workers' Confederation (PEO), United Democratic Youth Organization (EDON), and members of the Central Committee of the Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL) (EmbaCuba Cyprus).