Cyprus Communists demand end to Israeli ties after Hezbollah warning
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Cypriot Communists demand that their government end all cooperation with the Israeli occupation in light of the Israeli aggression on Gaza.
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Demonstrators hold banners, condemning the Israeli occupation's genocide in Gaza outside the entrance of RAF Akrotiri, near the southern port city of Limassol, Cyprus, January 14, 2024 (AP)
The Communist Initiative of Cyprus (CIC) issued Thursday a strong statement condemning the Cypriot government's cooperation with the Israeli occupation amid the ongoing war on Gaza.
The statement, titled "Cyprus is directly involved in the Gaza massacre: Every cooperation with Israel must stop," calls for an immediate cessation of all forms of support to the Israeli occupation.
The CIC's statement aligns with recent comments made by Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, who accused the Republic of Cyprus of facilitating Israeli military operations through the use of its airports and bases. The CIC contends that Nasrallah's accusations are valid, reflecting Cyprus' unwavering support for the occupation since the onset of the Gaza war.
"The statements of Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah, against the Republic of Cyprus, are unfortunately not unfounded, nor do they arise from any intolerance," the CIC declared. "On the contrary, it is a result of the position that the Cypriot government has consistently taken, which has been unreservedly and by all means on the side of Israel, since the first day of the war."
The statement strongly criticizes President Nikos Christodoulides and his administration for being "complicit in the crime" against the Palestinian people. It highlights the role of British bases in Cyprus as strategic points against Palestine, Yemen, and other regions targeted by NATO.
The CIC also points to the extensive military collaboration between Cyprus and the Israeli occupation, including the use of Cypriot facilities for Israeli military exercises and the training of Cypriot officers by the IOF.
"President Christodoulides lies shamelessly when, in his attempt to justify the unacceptable attitude of the government, [he] claims that Cyprus is supposedly part of the solution and not the problem," the CIC stated. "The government is staining its hands with blood at the expense of a people suffering from occupation and colonization."
The CIC has a history of protesting against what it describes as the dangerous policies of the Cypriot government. They have organized demonstrations at British bases and the UK High Commission, demanding the removal of NATO forces from Cyprus.
The Communist Initiative went on to call on the Cypriot working class and progressive individuals to "join in the struggle against imperialism and unjust wars." Their goals include the disengagement of Cyprus from the war on Gaza and other imperialist interventions, the dismantling of British bases, and the cessation of all forms of support to the Israeli occupation.
As stated by the CIC, they aim to achieve through their struggle:
The disengagement of Cyprus from the massacre in Palestine and all imperialist interventions.
The closure of foreign military bases and withdrawal of all foreign armies from Cyprus.
An end to the violence in Gaza and other occupied territories, and the recognition of an independent Palestinian state.
"Neither land nor air or water for the murderers of the peoples!" the CIC proclaimed in their concluding remarks, underscoring their commitment to ending what they view as Cyprus' complicity in the war on Gaza.
Cyprus be warned
In a stark statement, Sayyed Nasrallah warned the Cypriot government about allowing its airports and bases to be used by the Israeli occupation. "The Cypriot government should be warned that opening its airports and bases to the enemy to target Lebanon means it has become part of the war."
According to Israeli Ynet, the Cypriot Ambassador to "Israel" Kornelios S. Korneliou expressed that Nicosia would address the speech of Secretary General of Hezbollah Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, citing that "When such a person threatens, we will definitely respond."
The ambassador did not respond to Sayyed Nasrallah, but said "We are working in close coordination with Israel, and I am sure he does not welcome this."
When asked if he was surprised by Sayyed Nasrallah's threats, Cornelia stated "Yes and no. Relations between Israel and Cyprus have never been this strong, and this is all on the surface," adding that the country is trying to "play a modest role in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza in close coordination with Israel."
The ambassador stated that he was "sure Hezbollah does not welcome all of this," citing that there are numerous flights a day between both the occupation and Cyprus, citing "Relations are very strong on the tourism, business and political agenda in Israel."
Cypriot government spokesperson Konstantinos Lympiotis confirmed on Thursday that his country "is not involved" and "will not participate" in any wars, emphasizing that the Republic of Cyprus has excellent relations with Lebanon.
The government spokesperson shared a statement on social media from Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, emphasizing that “no country will be granted permission to conduct military operations through Cyprus.” He indicated that all negotiations with Lebanon will occur at a diplomatic level.
In turn, Israeli Channel 10 reported that there was some panic in Cyprus on Wednesday due to threats from Sayyed Nasrallah.
