On developments in Greek-Turkish relations

Joint Statement by the Communist Party of Greece and the Communist Party of Turkey on developments in Greek-Turkish relations.

Joint Statement by the Communist Party of Greece and the Communist Party of Turkey on developments in Greek-Turkish relations

The dangerous developments unfolding in our region – which lies close to and is affected by the front lines of imperialist wars and plans in Ukraine and the Persian Gulf – are triggering a worrying chain reaction in the Eastern Mediterranean, in the Aegean and in Greek-Turkish relations.

This is because these relations, which are currently shaped by the rivalries and strategies of the ruling bourgeois classes of both countries, also involve the interests of other bourgeois classes and imperialist powers, such as the US, NATO and the EU. Against this backdrop, the impact on Greek-Turkish relations of the tensions between the bourgeoisies of Turkey and Israel has recently become increasingly pronounced, as has the strengthening of the political, military and economic ties between the bourgeoisies of Greece and Israel, posing risks to the peoples.

This ‘tangle’ of contradictions reflects how the ruling classes and monopolies will divide up the region’s energy wealth, how they will map out the transport routes for energy and commodities, and how they will strengthen their positions within the global imperialist system.

These rivalries have nothing to do with the working class and the peoples of Greece and Turkey! The workers are not in the same boat with capital! It is the workers in both countries who are suffering the painful consequences of the preparations for war and who risk becoming cannon fodder, in bloody conflicts that may be provoked for foreign interests, for the profits and interests of the bosses, the capitalists and the monopolies.

The Communist Party of Greece and the Communist Party of Turkey, grounded in proletarian internationalism and internationalist solidarity, representing the interests of the working class and the people, are fighting against:

• Military spending and war preparations.

• Nationalism and racism.

• Border violations and the challenge to the international treaties that have established the borders in the region, as well as threats of all kinds.

Furthermore, we condemn attempts to use military force to create a fait accompli in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as the arms race between the two countries, which is laying the groundwork for military confrontation.

We support the position that borders and the treaties defining them must remain unchanged.

We are fighting for the two countries to break free from imperialist schemes, and for the withdrawal of military forces from NATO and other imperialist missions abroad.

We are fighting for the withdrawal of our countries from the imperialist alliances of NATO and the EU, to drive out US and NATO bases from our countries, and against the relations between the two countries and Israel, the state that murders the Palestinian people.

The Communist Parties of Greece and Turkey appeal to the working class and other popular strata, for it is now essential to strengthen the joint struggle of the two peoples against the plans of the bourgeoisie and the imperialist alliances.

We demand that the will of the two neighbouring peoples be respected – their desire and demand to live in peace – and through their joint struggle they can become leading forces, paving the way for the overthrow of the system of exploitation and war, and for a new socialist society.