Delegates vow to increase efforts against imperialism

More than 80 delegates from 60 parties in 44 countries met in Lebanon this week to strengthen efforts towards both socio-economic and democratic rights, and socialism.

The Beirut declaration argues that imperialism is attempting to fundamentally alter the balance of forces in favour of capital against labour.

This assault on social and political rights has hit women particularly hard, it said, committing parties to challenge the "aggression" because "the struggle for the real equality of women is a vital part in the struggle against capitalism."

The agreed statement adds that the global capitalist offensive is denying "the basic human right to work" and rolling back rights gains made "thanks to the presence of the Soviet Union."

It goes on to condemn the increased imperialist interference in the "New Middle East" project which "aims at redividing the region and its people into ethnic and religious groups constantly fighting each other" to ease the appropriation of natural resources.

The 14th meeting of International Communist and Workers Parties pledged to co-ordinate action on opposing Nato and anti-Communist laws, and renewing the struggle to release the Miami 5.

It expressed solidarity with democratic popular movements in the face of oppressive regimes while rejecting imperialist intervention in the struggles.

In addition, it condemned the "ongoing atrocities" committed by Israel against the Palestinian people, calling for an immediate lifting of the blockade and the right of return.