62 years since the foundation of EDON Youth Organisation
This year marks the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the United Democratic Youth Organization (EDON), which is "the successor and heir to the militant traditions of the Progressive Youth Organisation AON".
The signing of the Zurich-London agreements finds AKEL, AON and the other mass organizations of the People’s Movement of the Left in illegality. The need to establish a legal organization of progressive youth, which would fight for the completion of Cyprus’ independence, led the militants of the illegal AON Youth Organisation to take the historic decision to establish EDON. On 12th April 1959, more than 1,500 young delegates from all over Cyprus gathered at the "Pallas" cinema for the founding Congress of EDON.
Throughout its 62 years of life and struggle, EDON has developed rich and multifaceted actions, putting its own indelible mark on every gain of the youth movement in Cyprus. Throughout these 62 years, EDON has continued to fight against fascism, nationalism and imperialism’s plans against Cyprus.
The many sacrifices of EDON militants, who gave the most precious property they had, their own lives, in the struggle for freedom is a beacon and acts as a guide in our struggles today. They are a beacon in our struggle for the liberation and reunification of our country and people, in our struggle against fascism, nationalism-chauvinism and in our struggle against imperialism and its plans.
This year, the anniversary of EDON’s foundation, finds the efforts to reach a solution to the Cyprus problem at a critical point due to Turkish intransigence and President of the Republic’s regressions. EDON calls on Mr. Anastasiades to attend the Geneva informal meeting with the sole aim of resuming negotiations based on principles. Only with consistency to achieving the goal of Bizonal, Bicommunal Federation, will we stop Turkey's partitionist plans against Cyprus.
The DISY/Anastasiades government’s anti-social neoliberal policies are being faithfully and fully implemented. The experimentations in Education are turning it into a product for the privileged few, the public health system’s downgrading and the scheming for its dismantling by cutting health expenditure, which led to shortages in equipment, consumables, medical and paramedical staff, the privatization of almost everything and so much more, are all aiming at serving the interests of the plutocracy to the detriment of our people.
No matter how difficult the conditions may be, we call on young people not to give up and surrender. There is the other way, the way of collective and organized struggle. We call on youth to continue to struggle together for freedom, for our right to education and life.
Press Office,
Central Council of EDON,
12th April 2021, Nicosia