Shii congratulates new president of Cyprus

   Japanese Communist Party Executive Committee Chair Shii Kazuo on March 1 sent a message of congratulations to Demetris Christofias as he took the office of President of the Republic of Cyprus.

   Christofias, general secretary of the Progressive Party of the Working People of Cyprus (AKEL), on February 24 won in the presidential election with 53.37 percent of the vote.

   The JCP has had relations with the AKEL for years.

   The message read:

   “Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on your assuming the office of President of the Republic of Cyprus.

   I wish you every success in carrying out the mandate as expressed by the popular vote, to improve the living conditions and democratic rights of the people, and to resolve peacefully the Cyprus question through dialogue.

   We hope that our friendly relations of solidarity will be further developed.”

- Akahata, March 3, 2008