MESSAGE OF SUPPORT READ BY CDE. MIRIAM MORALES, HEAD OF AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF CUBA INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS DEPARMENT TO THE 54th ELECTIVE CONFERENCE OF THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS (ANC)
On behalf of the Communist Party of Cuba, allow me to convey revolutionary greetings and gratitude from the Cuban people to our South African brothers and sisters for the systematic expressions of solidarity and support to our cause and struggles.
We are confident that you, esteemed delegates, just as we Cubans, attend this Conference having as special motivation to pay homage to the Centennial of Oliver Tambo, a national icon and one of the main founding fathers of South Africa’s liberation and constitutional democracy. His legacy will always be a guide for all who fight for a better world of peace, justice and equality.
The unbreakable bonds of friendship between the Communist Party of Cuba and the ANC were supported by Fidel and Oliver Tambo, men of tested integrity, fighters against injustice and discrimination and true champions of peace and the unity of the peoples. Their ideas and principles should be part of our daily work inspired by the example of both leaders. The relationship between our peoples was forged in the struggle against racism and colonialism. We, Cubans, will never forget the heroism of South African fighters in the struggle for the eradication of apartheid, under the leadership of personalities such as Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Chris Hani, Ahmed Kathrada and many others who dedicated their lives to the struggle for a better world.
The progressive and revolutionary movement is facing big challenges at world level. In Latin America, the imperialist offensive is trying to subvert the processes led by the left and progressive forces; thus the constant attacks against several countries, especially against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to which we express our greatest solidarity.
A similar process is taking place in Africa, particularly in the Southern region, where there have been a permanent subversive offensive against the former National Liberation Movements that have been able to keep the power and work for a better future for their peoples.
In this context, the Communist Party of Cuba aims all its actions to promote the greatest unity among the Latin American and Caribbean revolutionaries in all scenarios. As comrade President Raúl Castro stated: “The construction of unity is the most important task to be undertaken by a true revolution”, and in order to achieve such an important political and strategic objective, I quote again our Army General, “We have to put aside, with modesty, everything that divides and separates us”.
Cuba is facing many challenges. Our Party held its 7th Congress in April last year and the agreements adopted set the guidelines to consolidate progress towards a sovereign, independent, socialist, democratic, prosperous and sustainable nation.
The Communist Party of Cuba reaffirms that our foreign policy will continue to be faithful to the principles historically defended by the Cuban Revolution, champion of the noble and just causes in the world and fully committed to safeguarding the free determination of the peoples and protecting the sovereignty of the states.
We are aware of the challenges that we face and we are fully convinced that in Cuba there will not be a return to capitalism or solutions to problems on the back of the people that may harm their unity around the Party. I would like to reaffirm to our South African brothers and sisters that everything we have done and we are doing is to further strengthen and defend Socialism.
We reaffirm Cuba’s faithfulness to its friends and its commitment with the African people and the Third World.
We wish success to the ANC National Conference.
Long live the friendship between the South African and Cuban peoples!
Long live the ANC!
Long live the Communist Party of Cuba!
Until Victory Forever!