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p The international communist movement, the most powerful and numerically largest movement of our times, is the leading force of the revolutionary struggle of the working class.

p The strength of the Communists lies, first and foremost, in the objective course of history itself, in the inevitable progress of mankind towards the socialist future, of the progress which they champion and lead. Armed with Marxist-Leninist theory, they are the spokesmen of social development, whole-heartedly serving the most advanced class, the proletariat, and, in return, enjoy its trust and support. During stern trials and grim battles, in defeat and in victory, the Communists remain true sons of their class, of their people, of the whole of progressive mankind. Being people in the loftiest and noblest sense of the word, they live, work, struggle and, when necessary, die for the sake of the working people.

p No political movement in history has had to experience so many stern trials as the communist movement. Neither tsarist exile and prison, nor nazi torture-chambers and concentration camps, nor brutal murder could break the will of the Communists, their indomitable belief in the righteousness of their cause and their unflinching determination to fight for this cause. At the same time, no political movement in history has grown, broadened out and gone from one superb victory to another so doggedly as the communist movement.

p A little more than a century ago, the founders of scientific communism set up the world’s first organisation of Communists. It consisted of a small group of people. Today the Communist Parties, of which there are 88, unite nearly 50,000,000 of the best, most courageous and finest sons and daughters of the working people. The world communist movement Has become the most influential force of modern times, and its influence continues to grow in length and breadth.

p Communist Parties operate in the most diverse conditions and are faced with the most diverse tasks.

p In the socialist countries the Communist Parties are at 102 the helm of state, conducting extensive creative work, tackling challenging problems connected with economic development, the establishment of new, socialist relations and the communist education of the people, ensuring the defence of socialism’s gains and thereby helping the peoples of the non-socialist world in their revolutionary struggle. Under their leadership, the people have put an end to capitalist oppression and today are engaged in building socialism and communism. The creative work of the Communists of the socialist countries is of historic significance: it strengthens the international position of socialism and enhances the attractive force of its ideas throughout the world.

p In the capitalist countries the Communist Parties operate in face of enormous difficulties created by the imperialist regimes. Many of them have been forced underground. They are persecuted, terrorised and, frequently, physically decimated by bourgeois reaction. They have still to lead the peoples of their countries to victory over capitalism, to the socialist revolution and the dictatorship of the proletariat. Heading the struggle of the masses against the monopolies, they are forming the political army of the revolution in fierce class battles, working to extend their influence over the masses, for the interests of the proletariat and all working people. The Communists are the most active fighters for the unity of the working class. They come out against the treacherous policies of the Rightist leaders of the Social-Democratic Parties aimed at upholding capitalism and preserving the split in the working-class movement.

p In Asia, Africa and Latin America the Communist Parties, born in the fire of the national liberation revolutions, are gaining strength, winning increasing influence and actively participating in the struggle against colonialism and neo-colonialism. Their principal goal is successfully to complete the national liberation revolutions, consolidate national independence and lead their peoples towards progress, socialism and peace.

Despite the diversity of specific aims and tasks, the Communist Parties are promoting a single cause, directing the development of modern mankind from capitalism to socialism.