AKEL honors veterans with 50 years of party membership

The political party AKEL recently held award ceremonies in Limassol and Paphos to honor veteran members who have completed 50 years of continuous party membership. In Limassol, 47 members were recognized, while 37 were honored in Paphos. Many of the recipients joined the party in 1976 following the 1974 events in Cyprus, including the coup and the Turkish invasion, and many are refugees from occupied areas such as Famagusta, Kyrenia, and Morphou. General Secretary Stefanos Stefanou attended the events, emphasizing the party's historical commitment to the working class and its focus on future parliamentary elections scheduled for May 24. Stefanou stated that these veteran members represent the party's legacy and its responsibility to future generations. Provincial Secretary Andreas Fakontis also spoke in Paphos, framing the awards as a significant political act rather than a mere ceremonial event. The speakers highlighted the veterans' contributions to rebuilding the Cypriot economy and supporting displaced persons after the conflict. The party aims to use the upcoming electoral process to strengthen its political position.