Ogata speaks in solidarity in Nicaragua

Japan Press Weekly

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Ogata speaks in solidarity in Nicaragua

Japanese Communist Party Vice Chair Ogata Yasuo on July 20 gave a speech in solidarity with the Nicaraguan people at a discussion forum held at the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua, Managua, to mark the 30th anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution.

Representatives of various political parties took part in the discussion on the theme of the global economic crisis and leftist responses to it.

After the opening speech by the university president, Ogata spoke to an audience of several hundred people, followed by the keynote report from a representative of the Brazilian ruling party.

Ogata emphasized the historical significance of the Nicaraguan revolution that ended an era of a dictatorial regime in 1979 and recovered popular sovereignty.

He pointed out that the political stance of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) respecting the popular will and its experiences have had a great influence on the subsequent efforts in other countries in Latin America in their struggle for democracy and economic independence from the United States.

Ogata also said that since bilateral relations were established when former JCP Chair Fuwa Tetsuzo visited Nicaragua in 1984, the JCP has always been in solidarity with the FSLN.

He concluded his speech by saying, "Despite the geographical distance between Japan and Nicaragua, the JCP hopes to further develop relations with the FSLN."

- Akahata, July 24, 2009