The International relations of the Organisation

The presence of EDON in the world left, progressive, democratic youth movement, depends on two basic political directions of the organization. On one hand, on the fight of our people for a peaceful solution of the Cyprus problem, an important element which consists of the correct informing of the public opinion. On the other hand, it depends on international solidarity which derives from our ideological belief that the Left has to be a pioneer in the material support of all struggling people for freedom, independence, social prosperity, progress and socialism.

The period the Organization has entered since its 13^th Congress was marked by two central massive political activities. The first was the 15^th World Festival of Youth and Students, which took place for the first time in an African country, Algeria, in the summer of 2001. The second was the 16^th General Assembly of the World Federation of Democratic Youth which took place in Cuba, in the spring of 2003.

EDON has proceeded with positive evaluations of these two activities. The first affirmed the recovery of the powers of progress and democracy around the world, despite the difficulties which characterize the work of several of our brother organizations and movements and has sent an optimistic message that with collective efforts a lot can be achieved in the anti-imperialist, pro-peace struggle we are conducting. The second, after a positive assessment of the work of WFDY and its member-organizations, it set new goals for the youth movement and affirmed the dedication of WFDY in the struggle for a better future, which will depend on peace and justice.

 We express our satisfaction for the substantial recovery of WFDY, the pioneer power of communist, left, democratic forces of the world, as it is expressed through the daily struggles of its member-organizations against foreign attacks, against imperialism and the so called New World Order. The course of WFDY makes it the genuine expresser of the rights of the youth and shows the weakness and lack of political will to play such a role of other international youth institutions which lean towards social-democracy and neo-conservatism.

EDON participated in an essential way in the 15^th World Festival and formed the drive wheel of the Cyprus National Preparatory Committee. It participated actively in the proceedings of the 16^th General Assembly of WFDY. Our re-election as one of the three District Coordinators of Europe and North America (CENA), along with the Communist Youth of Spain and the Socialist Labor Youth of Germany comprises a confirmation of the appreciation that the Organization enjoys by other organizations and shows that our international relations are on a good way and at the same time it burdens us with the serious duty of intensifying our work and our most effective contribution to the most important work performed by WFDY.

Additionally, important experiences have been gained by members and cadres of the Organization from missions in the occupied Palestinian land, delegation of WFDY and the continuation – with difficulties – of the solidarity campaign with the Cuban people in cooperation with the Socialist Labor Youth of Germany, KNE, UJCE and JCP. The second campaign will be completed and will involve covering the expenses for the renovation of teaching rooms at the University of Matanzas.

The mobilization on a European and global level against the neo-liberal globalization and its expressers, form the new step of actions. The creation of the Cyprus Social Forum, with EDON’s contribution, forms a substantial development. EDON has to contribute actively in the reinforcement of the Forum and its widening, with the essential participation of Turkish-Cypriot youth organizations.

Of course, the work of EDON in international relations has not been without problems. The Bureau did not always operate sufficiently since on most occasions all the work falls in the hands of two – three people. The efforts for decentralization based on the directions of action of the Bureau, although it did not have the expected results due to the several duties of the Bureau members, has to remain the goal of the Organisation.

The two Pancyprian Festivals of Youth and Students which happened since the 13^th Congress have shown the possibilities which exist to make EDON’s festivals an institution on an international level. They also showed that a lot can be done for the materialization of this goal. The objective reality is that a lot of money is needed to bring foreign delegations to Cyprus, and this does not allow for very optimistic assessments. However, the Middle East, the Balcans, and Europe can form the basis of the international presence in these festivals.

We have to note, among other things, the increase in the number of comrades who participated in foreign missions, a fact which is very positive of the wider informing of the members and cadres of the Organisation in relation to our international activities and at the same time it offers important political experiences.

The difficulties we face in informing the vast majority of our members is an issue which preoccupies us. The use of our expressive organ to this direction is a positive one and should continue to function in a similar way. It is positive that the Central Council is regularly informed and the unfailing preparation of reports on our participation in missions abroad is also helpful. In relation to our communication with brother organizations abroad, the internet offers the best form of informing of the activities of the organization and we need to manipulate it ever further. The restructuring of EDON’s website will contribute to this direction as well.

A sector which needs priority is the expansion and deepening of the relations of EDON with brother organizations of Middle East and North Africa. Our course in the European Union demands the systematization of our contacts with the Balkans and Eastern Europe, while it is important to keep and strengthen our relations with Central and Latin America. Without a doubt, our bilateral relations have to expand with exchanges of delegations, especially with organizations which are traditionally friendly toward EDON and Cyprus. At the same time, our material solidarity toward struggling people, such as Cuba, Palestine and West Sahara has to continue with more zeal and tension.

The programmed hospitality of the first General Council by EDON after the General Assembly of WFDY was an important duty toward WFDY, which the members and cadres of EDON materialized successfully.

The active presence of EDON in the Youth Organisation of Cyprus defines our need to expand even further our actions in international affairs and in relation to the possibilities offered by the YOC but also through the Cyprus Committee for International Cooperation (CYCIC).