Press Statement CC Meeting, Venezuela 22-26 August, 2007

The Activities of WFDY by the occasion of the 60^th Anniversary of the Movement of the World Festivals of Youth and Students took place in Caracas, Venezuela, from 23 - 26 August 2007, with the participation of around 1.000 delegates representing more than 70 anti-imperialist youth organizations from 50 countries of the world over.

In the framework of this event 32 member-organizations from all the regions attended a Coordinating Council Meeting of WFDY that took place on August 22^nd also in Caracas.

In compliance with the guidelines of the 17^th Assembly of WFDY, which was held in Hanoi, Vietnam, on March 2007, the Coordinating Council Meeting reviewed the activities carried out since then and adopted the upcoming actions and activities.

It also prepared the International Consultative Meeting on the 17^th World Festival of Youth and Students, which took also place in Caracas, commanding WFDY to continue to develop its work to find the most appropriate host for the 17^th Festival. We reiterate that in the coming period, prior to next Festival, we will continue to struggle and to expand the scope of our actions on many occasions, with ever greater strength and determination. This is, more than anything, what guarantees the success of the 17th WFYS and the continuation of its glorious history.

The Coordinating Council Meeting, reporting on the political and social situation of young people in the world, updated and enriched the analysis of WFDY. During the past five months the reality has proved the accuracy of the evaluations and decisions of the 17^th Assembly of WFDY.

The recent military agreement between US and Israel and the steps done in terms of expanding the US military bases in Eastern Europe highlights the imperialist threats and aggressions against Iraq, Palestine, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Western Sahara, DPR of Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, Syria, Iran, Zimbabwe and Belarus among others.

We strongly salute the brave resistance of all the youth and people in struggle against the imperialist offensives, defending and struggling for their independence and sovereignty, which greatly inspire us in our struggles.

The recent volatility at the stock markets worldwide only comes to prove that even though capitalism has huge resources at its disposal, sophisticated tools to manage crises and a growing subordination of political power structures to its orders, the world economic situation is increasingly unstable, with imbalances and inequalities widening.

While celebrating the 60 years since the end of the British imperialist rule in India we denounce and express deep concerns with the external meddling in East-Timor, which culminated in a coup that excluded the progressive forces (FRETILIN) from the Timorese government. We reaffirm our call for the end of the military intervention in the country hence it is not motivated by any humanitarian cause but only to defend the imperialist interests in the region. The Coordinating Council Meeting also adopted a statement denouncing the hostile policy of Japanese authorities against DPR of Korea and the organization CHONGRYON (General Association of Korean Residents in Japan).

The right-wing won the French and Turkish elections while in Great Britain a face-lift took place with the replacement of Blair by Gordon. Meanwhile in the European Union, now under the presidency of the Portuguese government, there is an operation that aims to impose at any cost a so-called "reformed-treaty" that, among other goals, wants to depth a neo-liberal, federalist and militaristic Europe that run counter to the national sovereignty, youth, workers and people's interests. The attempt of the US and its allies to push the Security Council of UN on the status of Kosovo, aiming its separation from Serbia, clearly reveals the imperialist objectives in the region. The general strike of May 30^th in Portugal that gathered around 1,4 million workers has a special meaning also within this context.

We reaffirm our salute to the youth and people of Sudan for their efforts for peace and human rights within the current peace process in a moment when the United Nations and African Union would send forces to the country. We denounce the new steps done to install a US military command in Africa (USAFRICOM or AFRICOM) by September 2008.

A special salute goes to the Communist Youth of Venezuela (JCV) for the warm welcome to all the delegates and we extend our active solidarity to the revolutionary youth and people of Venezuela towards the consolidation and deepening of the Bolivarian Revolution that faces successive attempted coups by the domestic big bourgeoisie in connection with neo-liberalism and imperialism.

In terms of coming actions we emphasize the WFDY's Solidarity Brigade of Voluntary Work to Lebanon (15 - 23 September 2007), the International solidarity gatherings with the 5 Cuban Heroes imprisoned in USA (12 September - 8 October 2007), and the General Council Meeting of WFDY in Lisboan, Portugal (1 - 3 February 2008).

We salute as well the initiative and work of the Regional Commissions taking also in mind the perspective to hold Regional Meetings in all the regions before the coming General Council Meeting.

The celebration of the 62^nd anniversary of WFDY (November 10^th) is one more opportunity to intensify the promotion and affirmation of its objectives, character, principles, proposals and struggles.

We are sure that the implementation of these decisions is an essential contribution for the reinforcement of WFDY and its organizations and the anti-imperialist youth movement in all fields and levels.

YOUTH UNITE! FORWARD FOR LASTING PEACE!

The Coordinating Council of WFDY
Caracas, 22^nd of August 2007

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