Markomichalis stated that Cyprus has effectively become a potential target because, through the British bases located on the island, it plays a decisive role in military operations in the Middle East and is fully integrated into the strategic plans and ambitions of the United States and NATO in the region. According to him, these plans are part of a broader imperialist confrontation aimed at strengthening the position of the United States against its main rival, China, in the struggle for dominance within the global imperialist system.
He argued that the Cypriot bourgeoisie is also participating in these plans in an effort to assume a more active role and secure a share of the geopolitical and economic spoils, thereby upgrading its position in the region. In the same context, he criticized the Greek government, which has deployed two frigates and four F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus, asserting that this move serves the interests of the ruling class rather than the protection of the Cypriot people, despite official claims to the contrary.
Markomichalis also criticized the Cypriot government for what he described as insufficient preparation to protect the population in the event of military escalation. He pointed to the lack of measures to safeguard workers in the tourism sector and those employed in major and critical workplaces, including the airport, which he warned could become a target at any moment.
In his speech, he emphasized that the struggle for peace is inseparable from the struggle to overthrow the capitalist system and to build a society in which peoples can live peacefully while enjoying the wealth they produce. For this perspective, he concluded, the Communist Party of Greece will continue to dedicate all its forces alongside communists in Cyprus.
He also called on communists to organize and take the lead in the struggle under all conditions, beginning with the demand for immediate measures to protect the people. Through trade unions, he urged the organization of collective action to ensure that no jobs are lost, that every worker’s wages are protected, that labor rights are not further undermined, and that measures are taken to address rising prices in food, fuel and medicines. He also stressed the need to ensure that no student loses an academic year due to the current circumstances.
The mobilization was also supported by the Socialist Party of Cyprus, whose General Secretary Mehmet Birinci addressed the rally.
After the march reached the U.S. Embassy, H. Kourtellaris, Executive Secretary of the Communist Initiative of Cyprus, delivered closing remarks, stating that although the demonstration had concluded, the commitment of the participants remained firm.
“We will not stop struggling until the imperialists and their bases are removed from our country,” he declared. “Until the last butcher leaves our land—American, Israeli or any other. Until the people become the masters of their country and the masters of the wealth they produce.”